Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Mihaela Manova

  • Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Seth Mitchell Hero 5K starts October 1st

    Loveland, Ohio – The 2020 Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K originally scheduled for October 10  is now be a VIRTUAL event taking place throughout the month of October and throughout the world. 

    Our local team of Damien Cook, Marisa Sobb, Mollie Schrichten and Greg Carpinello (recently moved to Portland, OR) have developed an event that should be fun for all. Additionally they have a new website and link to the event.

    To review the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K please link to: www.sethmitchellhero5k.org.

    Register Now

    All proceeds benefit the Capt. Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship through Loveland Schools Foundation.

    Meet the 2020 Scholarship Winners

    Jordan Collins (above left) is the 2020 recipient and she has a spirit similar to Seth. She was/is involved in many theatrical and musical productions, is a National Honor Society member, volunteers through Mom’s Hope and works part time. Jordan will be paying a large part of her college costs. She has a “do something” attitude, a strong work ethic and knows no stranger, being kind to all. She is not afraid to fail in the pursuit of her dreams and is strong in the face of adversity. She hopes to pursue her theatrical dreams at Syracuse University.

    Caroline Ginder (above right) is the 2020 recipient of the Memorial Scholarship. Caroline was described by one of her references a “being self motivated and goal oriented…and a fine example of caring more about their teammate than herself”. She participated in many school events such as Tiger’s Inc., soccer, NEST and is a National Honor Society member. Caroline will attend Ohio State University where she will pursue medicine. She hopes to someday be a part of Doctors Without Borders. Like Jordan, Caroline is paying a share of her college costs.

    About Seth Mitchell

    Captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009.  Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers.  He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.

    In other words, Seth was a hero for all.

    We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive.  We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship.  As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.

  • Loveland City Schools COVID-19 Updates

    Loveland City Schools COVID-19 Updates

    What Loveland community members need to know about Loveland City Schools’ COVID numbers as they begin week four of hybrid learning

    by Hannah Roberts Gwynne

    • As reported Friday September 18 on the LCS database, one bus driver was confirmed to have tested positive with one close student-contact reported. Additionally, there are two “community cases” reported on their site. These cases include Loveland residents who have reported a positive case to LCS. Students and staff who are isolated or quarantined will also be considered “community cases,” according to Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “If isolation or quarantine has ended and individuals have returned to school, they will no longer be reported as a community case,” says Crouse.
    • In August, two unnamed Loveland High School student athletes tested positive for COVID-19 resulting in 136 people self-quarantining, according to Dr. Crouse. An official report of this incident was never sent out to the public. The two teams were the high school men’s football and women’s soccer teams. A total 23 staff members and 113 students were involved and required to quarantine. This data was made available on the Loveland City Schools (LCS) page around two months later in September right before Labor Day weekend. The school alerted the families involved at the time of the reported cases. Since classes were not in session in August, LCS only sent the information to the people who needed it, according to Crouse.
    • The amount of time that students and staff must quarantine depends on whether they have tested positive or just had exposure to a sick person, according to new health protocols listed on the Loveland Schools site. If a positive case were reported to an administrator at LCS, the required self-quarantine would only be 10 days, according to the protocols. However, if a person had been confirmed to be in contact (within six feet for 15 minutes or more), they must self-quarantine for 14 days. “Those are Hamilton County rules,” said Dr. Amy Crouse. “It’s not my decision, but it’s my understanding that it can take up to 14 days to show symptoms if you’re in close contact. Those are protocols developed by Hamilton County.” These rules correspond with CDC guidelines.
    • LCS plans on returning to full-capacity schooling in October. Students will return to five days a week.
    • In order to find the school’s COVID-19 data, go to Loveland City Schools home page, click the tab “Reopening Plan.” On the left-hand side, it will say “COVID-19 Data Update.” Click there. At the very bottom of that page, click the link to their document that tracks the numbers.
  • Loveland’s Fall Leaf Collection schedule

    Loveland’s Fall Leaf Collection schedule

    Loveland, Ohio – The City’s Fall Leaf Collection schedule will begin on October 12 this year. Leaf collection during this period will be done by a City crew using mechanical equipment similar to a vacuum cleaner. Residents are instructed to rake leaves to a place near the street or curb. Do not place leaf piles on the sidewalk, gutters, ditches, roads, or blocking fire hydrants.

    You can print the schedule to hang on your refrigerator or bulletin board using this .pdf: Fall Leaf Collection Schedule

  • “Thank you Ryan, for your generous heart!”

    “Thank you Ryan, for your generous heart!”

    Loveland, Ohio – After watching The Pursuit of Happyness with his dad, Ryan found $200 worth of change around the house. Ryan decided he wanted to use it shop for food for the L.I.F.E. food pantry to help those in need, especially those who are homeless.
       The pantry and also the Loveland Magazine staff say. “Thank you Ryan, for your generous heart!”
       Photos and story from the FaceBook page of the L.I.F.E. food pantry –

    Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE.

    .

  • Trick or Treat’s a go in Loveland

    Trick or Treat’s a go in Loveland

    -This story has been corrected to reflect that Halloween is on Saturday October 31.

    Loveland Police Chief Sean Rahe

    Loveland, Ohio – City Manager Dave Kennedy announced at last night’s council meeting that Halloween Trick or Treating in Loveland is a go. He said that Police Chief Sean Rahe is reviewing an advisory that was issued by the Ohio Department of health and the City will issue a statement after it has been reviewed.

    Kennedy said, “We hope to move forward full steam and certainly encourage people to follow the rules. We are not going to mess with changing times or dates.”

    Photo by Olivia Smith © 2020

    Although not announced at the meeting, Trick or Treating hours in Loveland have been between 6 and 8 PM for many consecutive years.

    Halloween is on Saturday October 31.

    DeWine recommends children wear masks on Halloween!

    In Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement of the health department orders he reminded parents that Halloween activities will be different this year than in years past. He encouraged, “parents and children to wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid large groups, and to stay home if sick.” Dewine also said, “Final decisions on whether to hold or participate in trick-or-treating or other events should be made by local communities, individuals, and parents.”

    The state has developed guidance for Halloween and it can be found at coronavirus.ohio.gov.

    Celebrating Halloween at Re-Start Ohio

    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to use caution and plan ahead for Halloween festivities. Decisions on whether to participate should be made by local communities, individuals, and parents/ guardians.

    Always follow current state public health orders and rules/regulations established by your local community, and check the Ohio Public Health Advisory System to determine COVID-19 risk levels in your county before making decisions about Halloween activities. Some communities may choose to cancel Halloween events, so check with local sources before making plans.

    This guidance is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19. It will be reassessed and updated as the situation evolves and we learn more in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

    Recommended Best Practices

    General Guidance

    • It is strongly recommended that hayrides and haunted houses be canceled/avoided.

    • It is strongly recommended that Ohioans exercise caution when deciding to participate in trick-or-treating and events that put them in close contact with people outside their households. To lower risk, consider safer, socially distant ways to celebrate, such as:

    • Holding a drive-through or drive-in trick-or-treat event, with children in costume and face coverings staying in cars and collecting treats from individuals spaced at least 6 feet apart.

    • Holding drive-by costume or car-decorating contests with judges who are physically distanced.

    • Leaving treats for friends and neighbors.

    • Decorating your home and hide treats as an alternative to trick-or-treating.

    • Holding costume parties or pumpkin carving events or contests online, such as by video conference.

    • Do not hold large in-person Halloween parties. If holding smaller parties, limit attendance to 10 or fewer people and hold the event in an outdoor area where social distancing is possible. Avoid activities, such as bobbing for apples, that foster the spread of infection.

    • Always wear a face covering and stay 6 feet away from people who are not from your household, whether trick-or- treating, passing out treats, or attending attractions or events. Stay home if you are sick. (NOTE: Face coverings should never be placed on children younger than 2 or anyone who cannot easily remove them.)

    • Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.

    • Select events/attractions that are held outdoors and allow attendees to stay in their cars (such as drive-through event with displays) or socially distance. Avoid events that involve being crowded in a small area or coming into contact with/being touched by others.

    • Consider the people in your household who may be at greater risk of complications if COVID-19 is brought into the home, such as those with certain health conditions, women who are pregnant, or older family members.

    For Parents/ Guardians

    • If taking your children trick-or-treating, limit the number of houses you visit and ask your children to stay as far from treat-givers as possible. For small children, consider holding the bag for them.

    • Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes when you arrive home. (NOTE: Never wipe unpackaged food with wipes.) • Allow children to eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid homemade treats made by strangers.

    • If your child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before allowing participation in Halloween activities.

    For Community Members

    • For trick-or-treating, reach out to neighbors to discuss ways to ensure 6-foot social distancing, how candy can most safely be distributed, and the need for face coverings.
    • Refrain from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container or set up a hand-sanitizing station. Consider placing treats on porch steps or a table in the driveway with a sign asking children to take only one. Or use other creative ways to distribute treats, such as using a candy “slide” made of PVC pipe, or hanging treats from a wall or fence.

  • Board approves schedule for 5-day full capacity learning

    Board approves schedule for 5-day full capacity learning

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Board of Education approved a resolution Tuesday night with a schedule for 5-day full capacity learning.

    The vote was Board President Dr. Kathy Lorenz, Vice President Michele Pettit, and Dr. Eric Schwetschenau voting to make the change and members Kevin Dougherty andEileen Washburn voting, “No”.

    PreK through 4th grade will begin 5-day full capacity on October 5.

    Grades 5 through 8 will begin 5-day full capacity on October 12.

    Loveland High School will begin 5-day full capacity on October 26.

    Currently, the schools are on a combination of a blended attendance model for in-person learning and many students attending the District’s Remote Online Academy.*

    The decision the Board made on Tuesday does not affect the Remote Online Academy students.

    Here is the “Full Capacity Evaluation” document the Board used in their deliberations: BOE Full Capacity Presentation 9-22-2020 (1)

    In the video below you can watch the Board discussion on the resolution beginning at the 1:10:48 minute mark. The Board paused the discussion and resumed at the 4:25:18 Minute mark. The District may not allow this video to play here on Loveland Magazine, so if this video does not play, go HERE to watch it.

    *The plans the Loveland Schools are currently operating under:

  • Community pharmacy group says CVS, other bigs are unfairly steering patients

    Community pharmacy group says CVS, other bigs are unfairly steering patients

    A group representing small pharmacists says large chains, especially CVS, are moving patients’ prescriptions to their own stores without consent. CVS adamantly denies that. Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.
    –
    By Marty Schladen – Ohio Capital Journal – September 22, 2020

    –

    A huge majority of community pharmacists have lost patients in the last six months due to unfair practices by much larger competitors, an industry group that represents small pharmacists said last week.

    They accuse CVS Health — which operates as an insurer, claims administrator and pharmacy retailer — as being the company responsible for the most abuses. CVS denies the claim.

    The National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA) said that between Sept. 8-11, it collected 412 responses to a survey about a practice known as “patient steering.” 

    In addition to being the nation’s largest pharmacy retailer, CVS is now also the largest pharmacy benefit manager, which charges insurers, pays pharmacists, decides which drugs get favorable treatment and collects rebates from manufacturers. The company has said it maintains a strict firewall between the businesses, but critics have accused the company of using one business to advantage the others.

    For example, in the fall of 2017, Ohio community pharmacists complained Medicaid reimbursements from CVS’s pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, had dropped so low that they were having a hard time staying in business. At the same time the pharmacists they were receiving letters from from another arm of CVS acknowledging that reimbursements were low and that CVS was willing to buy out the community pharmacists.

    That made pharmacists suspicious that the part of the corporation that acquires pharmacies was using CVS Caremark’s reimbursement data to determine which independent pharmacies were most likely to be struggling and vulnerable to a buyout offer. CVS denied that.

    Some observers feared such concerns would only get worse when a federal judge last year allowed CVS to merge with Aetna, the country’s third-largest health insurer.

    Now the NCPA, the group representing small pharmacists, says things are getting worse.

    One method of patient steering is to transfer their prescriptions to another pharmacy without their knowledge, much less their consent. 

    According to the NCPA survey, 79% of community pharmacists said that had happened with one or more of their patients in the past six months. Almost 78% of respondents said some of the patients thus steered saw their prescriptions moved to CVS.

    “That’s a big red flag,” NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey said in a statement. “The pharmacy sector is very competitive, and most big chains have aggressive marketing schemes aimed at taking patients from rivals. CVS Health not only owns brick-and-mortar stores, but it also owns its own insurance companies, Aetna and Caremark. That information allows it to eavesdrop on when and where patients are getting their prescriptions and, as the survey reported, coerce unknowing patients into CVS stores.”

    In an email, CVS Senior Director of Corporate Communications Michael DeAngelis said the NCPA claims were patently false.

    “Our pharmacies only initiate prescription transfers when requested by a patient,” he said. “Also, CVS Caremark members have access to our broad network of more than 60,000 pharmacies, including most independent pharmacies and chain pharmacies, in addition to CVS Pharmacy. In fact, more than 40% of the pharmacies in our network are independently owned. If a plan sponsor chooses a particular network design that includes specific pharmacies, their members are notified in advance.”

    DeAngelis also panned the process behind the NCPA survey.

    “The ‘survey’ conducted by the business trade association, NCPA, of its own members has no basis in fact and is nothing but a self-serving attempt to disparage CVS Health,” he said. “Accusations that we transferred patients’ prescriptions to our own pharmacies without their knowledge or consent are simply not true.”

    One Ohio pharmacist said he doesn’t know why he’s losing patients, but he knows he’s been losing them.

    “We’re down 300 or 400 patients a month” compared to last year, said Barry Klein, owner of Klein’s Pharmacy in Cuyahoga Falls. “It’s hard to say what was the cause of it, but definitely our patient count is down.”

    Marty Schladen

    Marty Schladen has been a reporter for decades, working in Indiana, Texas and other places before returning to his native Ohio to work at The Columbus Dispatch in 2017. He’s won state and national journalism awards for investigations into utility regulation, public corruption, the environment, prescription drug spending and other matters.
  • Loveland Board of Education meets tonight

    Loveland Board of Education meets tonight

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District meets tonight in the Loveland Middle/Intermediate Cafeteria at 6 PM

    The meeting will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/IIcFcJDK8Us

    1. Opening Items
    1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda

    1.2 Welcoming of Guests

    1.3 Pledge of Allegiance

    1.4 Hearing of the Public (In person or send email to Board at board@lovelandschools.org by 4:00 p.m.)
    2. Board Reports
    2.4 Business Manager Report

    2.5 Principal Reports
    3. Committee Updates
    3.1 District Policy Committee Updates – None this month; Next meeting 10/8/20

    3.2 District Facilities Committee Updates – None this month; Next meeting 11/10/20

    3.3 District Finance Committee Updates – Meetings held September 3 and September 17; Next meeting 10/13/20

    3.4 District Student Experience Committee Updates – None this month; Next meeting 10/6/20
    4. Discussion Topics
    4.2 Evaluation of the Return to Full Capacity

    4.4 First Reading of Policies

    1530 – EVALUATION OF PRINCIPALS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATORS

    2270 – RELIGION IN THE CURRICULUM

    2431 – INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

    4162 – DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OF CDL LICENSE HOLDERS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES WHO PERFORM SAFETY SENSITIVE FUNCTIONS

    5200 – ATTENDANCE

    5610 – REMOVAL, SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, AND PERMANENT EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS

    5611 – DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

    6107 – AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AND DISTRIBUTE ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND TO USE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES

    6144 – INVESTMENTS

    6152 – STUDENT FEES, FINES, AND CHARGES

    6152.01 – WAIVER OF SCHOOL FEES FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

    6325 – PROCUREMENT – FEDERAL GRANTS/FUNDS

    6424 – PROCUREMENT CARDS

    8800 – RELIGIOUS/PATRIOTIC CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES

    1530 – Evaluation of Principals and Other Administrators.pdf (185 KB)
    2270 – Religion in the Curriculum.pdf (102 KB)
    2431 – Interscholastic Athletics.pdf (165 KB)
    4162 – Drug and Alcohol Testing of CDL License Holders and Other Employees.pdf (429 KB)
    5200 – Attendance.pdf (438 KB)
    5610 – Removal, Suspension, Expulsion, and Permanent Exclusion of Students.pdf (365 KB)
    5611 – Due Process Rights.pdf (203 KB)
    6107 – Authorization to Accept and Distribute Electronic Records and to Use Electronic Signatures (1).pdf (101 KB)
    6144 – Investments.pdf (157 KB)
    6152 – Student Fees, Fines and Charges.pdf (278 KB)
    6152.01 – Waiver of School Fees for Instructional Materials.pdf (112 KB)
    6325 – Procurement – Federal Grants-Funds.pdf (494 KB)
    6424 – Procurement Cards.pdf (96 KB)
    8800 – Religious-Patriotic Ceremonies and Observances.pdf (136 KB)
    4.5 Board Planning Commission Update
    5. Superintendent Resolutions
    5.1 Approve Student Representatives to the Board for 2020-2021

    5.2 Approve Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in District Programs or Activities

    5.3 Approve resolution to reaffirm the 2020-2021 Academic Plans and Options of the Loveland City School District
    6. Treasurer Resolutions
    6.1 Approval of 9/1/20 Board of Education Minutes

    6.2 Approve financial reports, payment of invoices, board member expenses, transfers, investment of funds, and appropriation adjustments

    6.3 Approve the Official Certificate of Estimated Resources, Permanent Appropriations and Total Amount from all Sources

    6.4 Approve removal of equipment by gift, sale or destruction

    6.5 Approval of Treasurer Items 6.1 – 6.4
    7. Director of Human Resources
    7.1 Status of Communications Position

    7.2 Resignations and employment of certified, classified, homebound, substitute and supplemental positions for the 2020-2021 school year.

    7.3 Approve Resolution to Initiate Procedures under Ohio Law for the Retirement and Reemployment of John Ames as the Business Manager for LCSD

    7.4 Approve a Memorandum of Understanding amending Article 35 of the LEA agreement
    8. Executive Session
    8.1 Enter into Executive Session to review negotiations with public employees concerning compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment and to consider the employment, demotion or dismissal of a public employee or official.
  • Clermont County expands availability of small business grants

    Clermont County expands availability of small business grants

    Clermont County, Ohio – Clermont County has broadened the guidelines and extended the deadline for Coronavirus Relief Act (CARES Act) grants for $2,500 (for 1-10 employees) or $5,000 (for 11-50 employees). The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to businesses that demonstrate the impact of the pandemic on their operations.

    The deadline has been extended until 4:30 PM Oct 1.

    Changes include that businesses:

    • Have been operational since January of 2020 (instead of 2019).
    • have less than $2 million in gross revenue/receipts (instead of $1 million).
    • Have eligible expenses that have not been paid by another federal assistance program or initiative for lost revenue or expenses from the pandemic, such as Paycheck Protection Initiative, Emergency Disaster Loan, etc. (Previously, had prohibited those who had received any federal assistance for COVID-19 related expenses.)

    To apply, visit https://clermontcountyohio.gov/community-development/ for an online application, or for a form to download, print and fax to 513-732-7366, or personally deliver to the Clermont County Department of Community & Economic Development, 3rd Floor, 101 E. Main St., Batavia, OH 45103.

    The Board of County Commissioners approved the program at their Aug. 19 meeting and expanded availability on Sept. 16. Clermont County has about $200,000 available to distribute.

  • Tell Us: How is remote learning going in the Loveland District

    Tell Us: How is remote learning going in the Loveland District

    Hannah Roberts Gwynne

    by Hannah Roberts Gwynne

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine is interested in hearing from parents, students, and teachers to find out about their experience so far with attending or teaching in the Loveland City School District’s Remote Online Academy.

    If you are a remote Online Academy teacher, student, or parent or guardian, please tell us about the experience after the first three weeks.

    You can send us an email or your video or audio response to lovelandmagazine@cinci.rr.com. Please use the subject line “Remote Online Academy”.

    Loveland Magazine will respect your desire to keep your response anonymous.

    • As a teacher, has the District supported your technology needs? Are they quick to fix your broken technology? Have they provided you with adequate hardware to teach effectively? Is the computer supplied by the district adequate?
    • As a parent/guardian or student, do you have adequate technology in your home, and is the district doing enough to meet your needs? Is the district responding well to help your child with connectivity problems?
    • Teachers, we would be interested to know how much you have spent of your personal money supplying your virtual classroom for a satisfactory learning experience for teaching. Have you purchased learning materials, microphones, webcams, monitors, etc? (Send us photos of your remote classroom)
    • How about class size?
    • Do your students or child with an IEP, ect., currently, have adequate support to be successful?
    • Teachers – Do all of your students have adequate support at home to succeed in a remote learning environment?
    • In what ways could the community help you as a teacher, parent/guardian, or student have a successful Remote Online Academy experience?