Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: ohio

Strengthening Our Schools Through Collaboration: Reflections from the Community Advisory Team

by Brad Goldie

Dear Loveland Community,

It has been my honor to work with Community Advisory Team (CAT) this year and to represent them as I have presented their feedback to the local school board. Working alongside a group of passionate and dedicated community members to support the continued success of our students and schools. This team, which includes numerous volunteers from throughout the community, has been a cornerstone of the district’s commitment to authentic community engagement, and our discussions have brought fresh perspectives to key issues facing our schools.

Our first meeting focused on the well-being and academic success of our students. The CAT was given the opportunity to learn about district efforts to address student mental health, and various intervention programs for both gifted students and students facing various challenges including students for whom English is not their primary language. One of the most significant pieces of feedback shared by our group was the growing concern about student fatigue. I presented this feedback to the school board, emphasizing the need for changes to better support students’ mental health. I was heartened to see their thoughtful consideration of our input. As a result, the district is planning to implement a later high school start time beginning with the 2025-26 school year, a decision rooted in research on the benefits of better sleep for teenagers.

In our second meeting, we turned our attention to school finance. Treasurer John Espy provided an in-depth look at the district’s finances, sparking engaging conversations about how to make this information clearer and more accessible to the public. The creation of the “Finance Fridays” video series is a direct response to the input from our team, offering a new way for the community to better understand the district’s funding and expenditures.

Looking ahead, our team will tackle discussions on the Loveland Tiger Pathways program and district facilities. I am confident these conversations will yield actionable ideas to further strengthen our schools and ensure we are meeting the needs of all students.

Throughout this process, I have been consistently impressed by the district leadership’s openness and responsiveness. Superintendent Mike Broadwater and the school board have not only welcomed our input but acted on it, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a true partnership with the community. This collaborative approach underscores the spirit of the #beLOVEland initiative and highlights why our district continues to excel on so many levels.

I would like to encourage everyone in our community to get involved in whatever way you can—whether by attending Town Halls, completing district surveys, or even joining the CAT in the future. Your voice matters, and together we can ensure that Loveland schools remain a source of pride and opportunity for our entire community.

On behalf of the Community Advisory Team, I want to thank Superintendent Broadwater, the school board, and all of the district staff for their hard work and dedication to our students. Together, we are creating a district that listens, grows, and continues to thrive.

Sincerely,
Brad Goldie
Community Advisory Team Member

Brad Goldie lives in the Symmes Creek neighborhood in Symmes Township. He is a professor at Miami University.

Jan 30, 2025
Trump order prioritizes school choice and vouchers, which Ohio has been expanding for decades

Getty Images

By: Susan Tebben – Ohio Capital Journal

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump directs an emphasis on school choice and private school voucher programs when it comes to education funding, something that’s been happening in Ohio for several decades now.

While it’s unclear how much power the executive order will have with spending decisions decided by Congress, the executive order directs to the U.S. Department of Education to prioritize “school choice” programs in grant funding, and requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to guide states on block grants that can be used for private schools.

The executive order also directs the U.S. Department of Education to release guidance on using federal funding formulas for private school scholarship programs, and for military families in particular to be given information on scholarships.

It’s not yet clear how this will affect individual states, but Ohio has already vastly expanded its private school voucher programs over the last two decades, and recently passed near-universal levels eligibility.

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman began 2025 by saying the six-year phase-in of the public school funding model in Ohio was “unsustainable,” which received massive pushback from public school supporters, especially after the lawmakers poured nearly $1 billion into private school scholarships last year.

Huffman called the future of the current funding model – also called the Fair School Funding Plan or the Cupp-Patterson plan – a “fantasy,” but has seemingly softened his stance for now after hearing from members of his own party.

A spokesperson for Huffman and the House Majority Caucus did not respond to a request for comment on the executive order.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

The president and CEO of EdChoice, Ohio’s private voucher program, praised the order in a statement, saying prioritizing and expanding such programs “is a crucial step toward empowering families and giving them greater control over their children’s education.”

“This initiative reflects a commitment to funding students not systems and to ensuring the proper role of the federal government in education,” EdChoice President and CEO Robert Enlow said in the Wednesday statement. “It recognizes both the appropriate role of the federal government on education and the fact that education is primarily a state function.”

Public school advocates feel the same way about a federal push for private school funding expansion as they do about state-level funding increases, for which a lawsuit was filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to eliminate the private school voucher program.

The lawsuit argues that funding for private schools is coming out of the coffers of the public school system, something the state is constitutionally obligated to fund properly.

“Diverting public money to unaccountable and ineffective private schools is a failed strategy that runs counter to public opinion,” Ohio Federation of Teachers head Melissa Cropper told the Capital Journal.

A 2024 survey done by All4Ed, Lake Research Partners and the Tarrance Group, found a majority of American voters support public education, and an increase in funding to improve public schools. This included 58% of Republicans surveyed. Only 34% of GOP voters polled said funding for voucher programs should be increased.

“Voters view public schools, including their local public school, more favorably than charter, private or religious schools,” the study stated.

Cropper called the move by the Trump administration “a strategy straight of Project 2025,” the playbook written and supported by right-wing Heritage Foundation members, some of whom have become players in the Trump administration, including the White House budget office.

“Regardless of what politicians do, Ohio educators and school staff will continue fighting for the resources that our students deserve,” Cropper said.

YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.

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Susan Tebben

Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow (KY) Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

MORE FROM AUTHOR

Jan 30, 2025
Council rejects rezoning for 12 homes on bank of State and National Scenic Little Miami River

Loveland, Ohio – With a unanimous vote, City Council voted on Tuesday, January 28 to accept the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to not proceed with a proposed Special Planning District (SPD) which would have allowed 12 new homes in the West Loveland Historic District on the bank of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.

You can view the meeting at this LINK.

Members of the public spoke and encouraged Council to not go forward with the SPD request. You can watch their comments at the 55:56 mark of the video.

You can watch Council debate and take votes at the 1:59:12 minute mark of the video.

BACKGROUND

Planning and Zoning Commission reverses course on SPD for 12 homes on Riverside Drive

[VIDEO] Planning Commission discusses reversal of course on SPD for 12 homes on Riverside Drive

Jan 30, 2025
Mark Murphy speaks with raw honesty about losing his daughter Lizzie to fentanyl poisoning

Loveland, Ohio – Watch as Mark Murphy, a member of the Board of the Jack Quehl Foundation speaks with raw honesty about losing his daughter Lizzie to fentanyl poisoning.

Jan 28, 2025
1 ,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023, according to new Ohio Department of Health report

(Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline.)

By: Megan Henry – Ohio Capital Journal

This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call, text or chat the 988 Lifeline.

More than 1,700 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

The number of Ohioans who died by suicide decreased 1% in 2023, according to ODH’s 2023 Suicide Report.

“Every death by suicide is a tragedy that deeply affects so many,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff. “This is a sobering fact, and it is why, even though we take some encouragement from this slight decline, we are committed to continuing to work hard to drive those numbers down further.”

This is the first time in three years there has been a decrease. 1 ,777 Ohioans died by suicide in 2023 — 20 fewer than 2022.

“While this decrease in suicide deaths is certainly a step in the right direction, we must continue to make improvements in suicide prevention and mental health,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Depression and suicide remain a serious threat – especially to our kids. If anything, our progress should inspire us to further advance our commitment to this life-saving work, because the life of every Ohioan is precious.”

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

Nearly five Ohioans died by suicide each day — including one person ages 10-24 every 36 hours, according to the report.

“These are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, neighbors, co-workers and all of these losses are truly a human tragedy and a reminder that we have to do more,” said LeeAnne Cornyn, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We want all Ohioans to be well, get well and stay well, so that they can live up to their full God given potential every single day.”

Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall in Ohio and was the second-leading cause of death among Ohioans ages 10-14 and 20-34, according to the report.

Nearly 70% of Ohio suicide deaths were white-non-Hispanic males and Ohioans ages 45-54 was the age group with the highest rate of suicide deaths, according to the report.

Firearms were used in more than half of all Ohio suicide deaths and and the use of drug poisoning increased by 11% in 2023, according to the report.

Black non-Hispanic females and white non-Hispanic females saw the largest decrease in rate of suicide deaths, both by 6%, according to the report.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in July 2022 and Ohio’s 19 call centers have responded to more than 440,000 calls, chats and texts.

“Every single Ohioan plays a role in reducing suicides, and that’s why we have also worked to equip thousands and thousands of Ohioans with the skills that they need to recognize mental illness or substance use disorder and have the skills that they need to talk to their peers, to talk to their family members and help connect them to care,” Cornyn said.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.

Megan Henry

Megan Henry is a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal and has spent the past five years reporting in Ohio on various topics including education, healthcare, business and crime. She previously worked at The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA Today Network.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

MORE FROM AUTHOR

Jan 28, 2025
City Council may lend support to Loveland Bike Trail becoming part of National Scenic Trail

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – After being notified by Loveland Magazine and being encouraged to lend support to an initiative of the National Park Service that the Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail, Loveland City Council is considering sending this resolution to the Park Service.

BACKGROUND

Loveland Bike Trail could become part of National Scenic Trail – The Buckeye Trail runs through Loveland

The resolution will be voted on at their next meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

We encourage all Loveland Area residents to read the background story and send comments to the National Park Service applauding their initiative.

Jan 25, 2025
Loveland High School Students receive many regional scholastic art awards

The “Gold Key” painting by Loveland Junior Ronan Wolfer

Loveland, Ohio – Congratulations to the following LHS Art Students for their record amount of awards in the 2025 Scholastic Art Awards. All Gold Key Awarded artwork will now be judged at the National level.

Receiving Gold Key Awards: Piper Schaeffer (Portfolio), Ronan Wolfer, David Lorek, Bella Rogers, Jackson Manly, and Andrew Sichak.

Receiving Silver Key Awards: Andrew Sichak (Portfolio), David Lorek, Harrison Hentz, Sohani Gauniyal, Madeline Spencer, Jackson Manly, Logan Shiverski, and Ronan Wolfer.

Receiving Honorable Mention: Cameran Cook, Chase Dahlke, Brooke Freytag, Harrison Hentz, Luke Jacobs, David Lorek, Jackson Manly, Cass McKnight, Brooke Morris, Bella Rogers, Norah Schmidt, Logan Shiverski, Andrew Sichak, Madeline Spencer, and Ronan Wolfer.

The annual Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running recognition initiative for creative students (grades 7-12) and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is producing the Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana on their urban campus in historic Over-the-Rhine.

CLICK to view a slide show of the student’s art.

The Exhibition Opening is Friday, February 7th from 5PM until – 8PM. The Exhibit is open to the public and continues thru February 16th, 9AM until 9PM at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson Street in Cincinnati.

Jan 25, 2025
New Episode: The Queen City Sports Podcast by Chris Ball & Mark Raines

by Chris Ball

Loveland, Ohio – Is it time to panic for Bearcat basketball fans? After the loss against Texas Tech this past week, Mark explains exactly why there is still plenty to be positive about for Cincinnati. Make no mistake though, this next stretch of winnable games for the team could very well could decide whether they end up becoming a promising NCAA Tournament team, or whether their season is effectively over. Chris and Mark also give their reactions to Ohio State winning the National Championship and the reflection the Irish defense’s performance had on Bengals fans perceptions of their new hire in defensive coordinator Al Golden. Chris also discusses the Wolverine basketball team’s grueling overtime win against Northwestern and their big matchup with top 15 Purdue on Friday.

Have a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!

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Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

Feel free to share with an email to lovelandmagazinesports@gmail.com!

We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

Also, don’t forget to follow us at The Loveland Sports Desk at the below links:

For Facebook, click here.

For X, click here.

For Instagram, click here.

Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

Jan 23, 2025
Why should you put caps back on plastic bottles before recycling?

Loveland, Ohio – The Recycle by City website explains:

Recycling Tip: Bottle Caps

Caps are usually made of a different type of plastic than their bottles, so it used to be standard procedure to recycle them separately. But because of their small size, many caps wouldn’t make it through the sorting process and would wind up at the landfill instead.

Modern times, modern methods

In recent years, plastic recyclers have developed a process to separate the different plastics so both bottle and cap can be salvaged.

The process, called sink float, involves grinding capped plastic bottles into flakes and pouring them into a mechanical tub filled with water. The flakes will float at different depths based on their density. The plastic bottles, made of PET, sink, and the caps, made of PP, float! Then the individual plastic types can be harvested, prepped, and sold to manufacturers to make new plastic items, like toys, planters, and benches.

Here’s a simplified version of the processes used to separate the plastic caps from the plastic bottles.

Cap recycling adds up!

Caps might seem too small to matter – until you discover 1,000,000 plastic bottles (and caps) are consumed every minute. Gulp.

Pro Tip: To ensure caps don’t pop off during the recycling process, squeeze a little air out of the bottle before putting caps back on.

BTW, today’s a great day to stop buying bottled water. Water filters are less expensive than bottled water, and they cut out the environmental tolls of producing excess plastic.

Jan 23, 2025
Natural Wonderings/Wanderings by Elizabeth (Schickel) Robinson

I believe snowy days are a gift from heaven to joyfully catapult us out of our routine into something unexpected, plopping us down in the blessed, peaceful quiet of a new born world, whitened, muffled and slowed.

The children, as children naturally do, lead by example in their open-hearted joy and wonder at snowfall.

This past week in our little corner of the Ohio Valley, we received a thumper of a snowstorm, a foot and several inches more a few days later. We have not seen snow like this in years!

Imagining now and remembering from my own children. . . shouts of “It’s snowing! it’s snowing!!” as they run from window to window, “It’s snowing everywhere!!! Their parents, as adults do. . . quickly find and stuff them into jackets, hats, mittens and boots, sending them trundling out and, if they are lucky kids, parents trailing behind to catch the wonder.

Tongues out, faces up, eyes wide open, children shout and squeal for joy, catching snowflakes on their tongues and eyelashes.

Adults, many years older, smile and remember even if from a chair at the window. They too share in the wonder.

This past Saturday, as the big snowfall was really getting into gear, my husband and I pulled on our boots and enjoyed a long walk through woods and over fields. This was a sifting snow, not so great for snowmen and snowball fights, but gratefully easier for walking. As we headed out into the snow, about 4 inches deep and falling fast, a world transforming and so very beautiful, familiar landmarks softened and beginning to disappear.

An appearing gift of fresh snow is the ability to see more clearly the tracks left by animals. My husband is expert at this! The concise hoof prints of deer, the occasional paw print of a domestic cat, and the feathery markings of birds and field mice. Our footfalls following for a distance the three point tracks of a rabbit till it veered off into the brush. At the little creek the distinctive paw print of a raccoon was clearly visible. It is a treasured glimpse into a secretive and mostly hidden world.

That evening we were generally making the first human footfalls in the snow, but we did see at points evidence of human companionship. “Look, they have a dog with them and from the look of the tracks not too far ahead!” I knew from looking back at our tracks someone coming behind would see a larger and smaller set of bootprints and, if they were noticing, the imprint of my trusty walking stick…though with snow falling fast, evidence that we ever passed that way would soon begin fading.

As the clouds parted, revealing the paler colors of a winter setting sun, we headed for home with our shadows casting long, invigorated by fresh cold air and restored by beauty.

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Elizabeth (Schickel) Robinson has always lived in Loveland, married and raised a family here.Family, faith, service, community and creativity are most important to her. She is an artist driven to notice and bring beauty to others including creating commissioned works of art for hospitals and churches. She cares about our culture and wants to build opportunities for community and connection to God, each other and creation. She recently retired as a Registered Nurse at Cincinnati Children’s where she was privileged to care for patients and their families. She strives to live with her eyes wide open, seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary in life and nature that surrounds her.

Jan 23, 2025