Tag: ohio

Paul Craft will be Ohio’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction

The Ohio Department of Education in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

BY: MEGAN HENRY – Ohio Capital Journal

The Ohio State Board of Education appointed Paul Craft to be the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction during Tuesday’s monthly meeting.

Paul Craft (Buckeye Valley Local Schools Photo)

Craft’s first day as superintendent will be Jan. 1 and his annual salary will be $190,000, according to the state board resolution.

“Ohio is home to outstanding educators and school personnel, and I’m excited to lead the work to ensure we have an excellent education workforce ready to make a difference for students,” Craft said in a statement.

He is currently the superintendent of Buckeye Valley Local Schools, a role he has served in since August 2022. He was also the superintendent of Delaware City Schools for nine years and previously worked in Upper Arlington City Schools, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He was also the CEO of Metropolitan Educational Technology Association (META) Solutions for three years and previously served in the Ohio Army National Guard for over 30 years, according to his LinkedIn.

Craft received his undergraduate degree in secondary education and leadership from the University of Montana and his masters in educational leadership from Ohio State University.

“We want to make sure Ohio is a national leader when it comes to our teaching workforce, and Paul Craft will position us to advance the work focused on having excellent educators in our classrooms,” Paul LaRue, president of the State Board of Education of Ohio, said in a statement.

The other finalists for state superintendent were Jeffrey Greenley, the superintendent of Belpre City Schools, and Julia Simmerer, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Senior Executive Director for the Center for Teaching, Leading, and Learning.

The vote came down to Craft and Greenley. Fifteen members voted for Craft while board members Michelle Newman and Christina Collins voted for Greenley after coming out of executive session.

“We received a lot of wonderful letters in support of Mr. Greenley and his qualifications, so I really wanted to proudly put his name forward, but I will proudly vote in support of this resolution,” Newman said before voting to appoint Craft.

All board members voted in favor of the resolution to appoint Craft as superintendent.

Chris Woolard is currently the interim state Superintendent of Public Instruction and search firm Ray & Associates helped the board find superintendent candidates.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

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.

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December 14, 2023
OHSAA Studying Expansion of Tournament Divisions in Several Sports

A press release from the Ohio High School Athletic Association

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors and staff have been discussing expanding tournament divisions in several sports, Executive Director Doug Ute has announced. The OHSAA will hold statewide meetings in January to present data and gather feedback on the topic, which seeks to address the wide enrollment differences from the top to bottom of the current divisional structure. Changes could mirror the OHSAA’s current football model, which puts a smaller number of the state’s largest schools in Division I.

Of note, the proposal does not add any additional tournament games and would be expected to be a revenue neutral expansion. The Board of Directors could act on a proposal as soon as early 2024. The sports currently being discussed include the sports of girls volleyball, girls and boys soccer, girls and boys basketball, softball and baseball.

Currently, more than 200 schools enter the postseason tournament in some divisions to compete for a state championship.

“Almost since day one when I became executive director (in September 2020), many administrators and coaches have expressed interest in expanding tournament divisions in several of our sports,” Ute said. “As everyone knows, we have seven tournament divisions in the sport of football, so why not give student-athletes, schools and their communities the same, or at least comparable, opportunities to compete for a state championship in some of our other sports.

“The Board of Directors has been very supportive when discussing this, and I have been pleased that we seem to be on the same page and could possibly have a proposal in front of the Board in the very near future,” Ute said. He added that the OHSAA will discuss adding tournament divisions in other sports in the future.

While the OHSAA Board of Directors has not recently been asked to act on formal proposals specifically on expansion, the Board has heard proposals that addressed the enrollment disparity between the schools at the top to the bottom of Division I in both 2006 and 2019. The only modification the OHSAA currently has in place addressing that issue is in football, where Division I is comprised of the top 10 percent of schools based on enrollment and the other six divisions are divided as evenly as possible. Currently in the sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and girls volleyball, the enrollment difference from the top to the bottom of schools in Division I is an average of 939 students, with highs of 955 in boys soccer (an enrollment range of 346 to 1,301); 954 in boys basketball (346 to 1,300); 944 in baseball (356 to 1,300) and 940 in girls volleyball (319 to 1,249).

The OHSAA has studied the number of tournament divisions and formats in other states and has found that several states, including many that have fewer schools, have more tournament divisions than Ohio. Other than football, the OHSAA has not expanded divisions in team sports since the 1980s. Ute also said that as many schools throughout the state have lost enrollment, the trend has been for those schools to leave their conferences or leagues and join ones that more closely resemble them from an enrollment standpoint. Placing schools into tournament divisions with those that have similar enrollments is one of the key elements that would be addressed by expansion.

“Our No. 1 goal is to do what’s best for the student-athletes,” Ute said. “We believe our member schools and their participants would support this. From a financial standpoint, we would not be playing more contests overall, we simply would be putting the same number of teams into more divisions. So, our initial thought is this would not have an impact on the OHSAA financially one way or the other.”

School administrators will be sent information on the statewide meetings in January, and the OHSAA will also continue to collect input from the various state coaches associations.

Any proposed changes in the number of tournament divisions would need to be approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors, as those guidelines are part of the OHSAA General Sports Regulations, not the OHSAA Constitution or Bylaws. Any changes to the OHSAA Constitution or Bylaws would require a vote of the membership.

December 13, 2023
View Loveland, Ohio’s 2024 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program

Loveland, Ohio – Using this online user-friendly website will allow you to view where the money comes from, how the City is spending your money, and the Capital Improvement projects in the pipeline.

The “Budget Book” begins with the City Manager’s Executive Overview.

December 13, 2023
2nd annual Frogman Festival comes to Miami Township/Loveland

Miami Township/Loveland, Ohio – The 2nd annual Frogman Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2, at Oasis Conference Center. Doors open at 9:30 AM and activities go on until 6 PM.

There will be over 50 unique vendors selling their arts, crafts, and merchandise in the large ballroom. Speakers will be presenting their research in a separate room.

At noon, the Pied Piper of Loveland will lead a parade of costumed participants that is open to anyone interested. Wander the Oasis to find the circus sideshows providing entertainment.

Food and drink including beer will be available a la carte. Visit frogmanfestival.org for more details.

Purchase Tickets

BECOME A SPONSOR

Loveland Magazine is a sponsor of the Frogman Festival!

December 13, 2023
Ho Ho Ho! Deck the Halls and Join the Christmas Decoration Contest!
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that festive time of year again, when the air is filled with the aroma of gingerbread and pine, and twinkling lights adorn homes and businesses. To capture the magic of the season, we’re thrilled to announce our Christmas Decoration Contest!

Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, we encourage everyone to unleash their creativity and transform their spaces into winter wonderlands.

Grand Prize

The Grand Prize will be a $50 gift certificate that can be used to purchase any of the thousands of items that Apex Imprinted Specialties offers such as the finest imprinted and embroidered items, custom tees, custom apparel, caps and hats, outdoor accessories, sports equipment and accessories, golf accessories, bar accessories, and coolers.

Apex Imprinted Specialties is a full-service promotional specialty company, located in Loveland.

Your photo will become the cover photo of Loveland Magazine.

2nd Place Prize

A Gift certificate for Better Blend – Loveland

They make healthy better with smoothies, smoothie bowls, and healthy snacks that taste like your favorite indulgences, but without the guilt!

3rd Place Prize

Entrance to the 2nd annual Frogman Festival

The 2nd annual Frogman Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, Ohio. There will be over 50 unique vendors selling their art, crafts, and merchandise in the large ballroom. Speakers will be presenting their research in a separate room. At noon, the Pied Piper of Loveland will lead a parade of costumed participants that is open to anyone interested. Wander the Oasis to find the circus sideshows providing entertainment. Food and drink including beer will be available a la carte.

Honorable Mention Prizes

A Loveland Tiger Beanie custom embroidered by Apex Imprinted Specialties.

Official Frogman Festival Tee Shirt

Official Frogman Festival Poster

____________________

Here’s how to participate:
1. Decorate your home or business with festive flair. You can use anything from traditional ornaments and lights to unique homemade decorations.
2. Take photos of your decorated space. Make sure to capture the overall theme and creativity of your display.
3. Submit your photos by December 27.
Business windows and decorations too!

Judging and Prizes:

A panel of judges will evaluate all submissions based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and originality
- Overall theme and design
- Use of lights and decorations
- Overall festive spirit
The winners will be announced on New Year’s Eve and will receive amazing prizes!

The Judges will be looking for:
- The classic Christmas look with timeless decorations.
- Most Whimsical: For the playful and imaginative displays.
- The most dazzling and eye-catching use of lights.
- Best Homemade Decorations: For the most creative and unique decorations made from scratch.
- People’s Choice Award: This award will be voted on by the community through our website or social media.
Get creative and have fun!

We can’t wait to see your amazing Christmas displays! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and share the joy of the season with your community.

Spread the word!

Share this announcement with your friends, family, and neighbors so they can join in the festive fun!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Cassie and David
December 12, 2023
Recreational marijuana is legal in Ohio, but bills are trying to change the law
BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio — AUGUST 17: Workers remove lower leaves from marijuana plants to increase the growth above in a flowering room, August 17, 2023, at PharmaCann, Inc.’s cultivation and processing facility in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal)

BY: MEGAN HENRY – Ohio Capital Journal

Marijuana is now legal in Ohio, but lawmakers are continuing to try and tinker with the law.

The Ohio Senate passed a bill Wednesday night with major changes to the law that the Ohio House could bring to the floor for a vote next week.

Meanwhile, the Ohio House has a bill in committee that adds clarifications to the current law under Issue 2 — which Ohioans passed with 57% of the vote.

What’s in the bill the Senate passed?

The Ohio Senate passed a bill Wednesday night that would change home grow, up the tax rate, alter how the revenue is distributed and add automatic expungement. It would also speed up when Ohioans can purchase adult-use marijuana at dispensaries.

Sen. Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, added changes to the state’s marijuana law that were later modified to House Bill 86 — a bill that previously had nothing to do with cannabis. HB 86 was introduced earlier this year by rep. Jeff LaRe, R-Violet Twp., that would revise the state’s liquor control laws.

Under the changes made to HB 86, the marijuana tax rate would go up to 15% — an increase from Issue 2’s 10% tax at the point of sale for each transaction. The bill would also allow for local governments and local counties to levy an additional tax on top of the marijuana excise tax of 3%.

HB 86 would limit home grow to six plants per household instead of Issue 2’s six plants per person with 12 plants per residence.

“What the Senate passed (Wednesday) night is not what the voters supported,” said Tom Haren, a spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Alcohol Like Marijuana.

“The Senate’s bill completely repeals Issue 2,” he said. “We think the best course of action is to not rush through any changes and to respect the will of the people.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine supports the bill, saying it helps stamp out the black market.

Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio, D-Lakewood, said during Wednesday’s Senate Session that she hopes her colleagues in the House understand all that has gone into this bill.

“If they can make it better, that’s great,” she said.

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, told reporters on Wednesday she expects there to be lots of conversation on the marijuana law before next week’s House session.

“I definitely think there’s some room to navigate some clarity on specific issues, but I think there is … still a ways to go,” she said.

What’s happening in the Ohio House?

State Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, introduced a bill earlier this week that clarified some of Issue 2’s language.

House Bill 354 would keep home grow the same under Issue 2 — six marijuana plants per individual and 12 per household, clarifying home grow must take place at a residential address.

“HB 354 does not aim to change the intent of Issue 2 or override the will of the voters,” Callender said in his testimony Wednesday. “Instead, it aims to add clarification for the departments who will be tasked with administering and regulating adult use cannabis in Ohio.”

This is how the tax revenue would be distributed under HB 354:
- 36% to the host community cannabis fund.
- 36% to the cannabis social equity and jobs fund.
- 12.5% of the substance abuse and addiction fund would go into Ohio’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline fund to administer the 988 system.
- 10% of the substance abuse and addiction fund would provide mental health and addiction services in county jails.
- 3% to the operations of the Division of Marijuana Control and Department of Taxation.
- 2.5% to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop the state’s mental health workforce.
The bill also adds an additional 10% wholesale tax that would go toward the adult use cannabis local jail fund, adult use cannabis county sheriff fund, adult use cannabis law enforcement training fund and adult use cannabis crime victims assistance fund.

Russo said Callender’s bill is a good place to start.

“If I were to compare what the Senate is coming forward with, I would rank certainly the bill that’s before the House at the moment as probably more in line with the will of the voters,” she said.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Twitter.

rec pot

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.

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December 12, 2023
Maximizing snow & ice treatments by using additives in Miami Township

An explanation of how winter roads will be treated by John Musselman, the Director of the Service Department in Miami Township.

Miami Township, Ohio – The Township Service Department uses various tactics to reduce waste and treat streets for snow and ice. Road crews mix a solution composed of tap water and road salt, that when sprayed on traditional road salt, will make it stick to the pavement better and activate on contact. The addition of the salt brine process for winter weather events is a cost-saving measure according to the Township that enhances the Township’s ability to help keep streets clear in the winter, while conserving the salt stockpile for more major storm events. The Township maintains its own brine making equipment.

PROCESS – Above 20 Degrees

The strategy is to keep road salt from hitting the pavement and simply bouncing into the grass. When temperatures are above 20 degrees, the salt brine will be mixed with the salt inside the auger of the truck or sprayed onto the salt at the spinner before it’s spread onto the road. This helps keep the salt on the treated areas and helps reduce the overall salt application.

ICE B’GONE MAGIC LIQUID – Under 20 Degrees

Salt Brine is most useful for treating roads when the temperature reaches at least 20 degrees. Temperatures below this threshold require a much different solution according to John Musselman the Service Director. In the past, calcium chloride was the only treatment, which caused harm to plants and increased the corrosion rate for roads and sidewalks. “There is now a much safer, more effective de-icing treatment solution called “Ice B’Gone Magic Liquid” which Miami Township road crews use in a mix of 80% salt brine
with 20% Ice B’Gone.”

IBG Magic Liquid is a “highly effective” liquid de-icing agent made from a patented blend of magnesium chloride combined with an agricultural by-product of the distilling process (i.e. grain and/or sugar based). The formula is non-toxic, bio-degradable and has a corrosion index lower than distilled water. IBG Magic Liquid can be sprayed onto regular rock salt transforming it into IBG Magic Solid, a highly effective ice melting product. IBG Magic Solid is safe to use on concrete, is non-corrosive, does not harm curbside grassed areas, or plants, and continues to melt ice to below -35F.

ADVANTAGES

Using brine/IBG Magic Liquid for prewetting:
• Rock salt can be spread more uniformly and less is wasted on shoulders and ditches. This reduces the impact to the environment.
• Materials adhere to the surface because the salt & brine mixture has a thicker consistency. The slurry-like mixture tends to “plop” onto the roadway and better stay where it lands.
• Melting begins faster since a liquid has been introduced to the salt. (Salt must find moisture before it can begin to work).
• Roads are safer sooner – Spreading speeds can be increased because more material stays on the roadway.
• Since the brine begins working and diluting as it hits the surface, it will dry much more rapidly, returning the roadway to normal winter driving conditions much sooner.
• Residual salt may remain on the road that will immediately begin working with the next storm.
• When dry materials are pre-wet with brine, the application rate can be cut back because more of the material remains on the roadway. In addition, the additional brine adds some quick melting action.

December 12, 2023
Better Blend: Smoothie Shop is Local Dietician Approved

Registered and Licensed Dietitian Emily Mobley of Gray Nutrition

Promoted Post

Loveland, Ohio – In case you missed it, healthy smoothie shop, Better Blend, opened its doors to the Loveland community this past August. Located in historic downtown Loveland on the bike trail, Better Blend serves up low-calorie, low-sugar, high-protein smoothies that boast clean ingredients and flavors that will remind you of your favorite ice cream.

Better Blend’s mission is to make the world a healthier and happier place by making it easy to eat healthy. The progress they’ve made is hard to ignore: since opening the first location in 2018, Better Blend has added two corporate-owned locations and franchised four more, with another four set to open in 2024.

Through this growth spurt, Better Blend caught the attention of local Loveland dietician, Emily Mobley of Gray Nutrition. A Cincinnati native and a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Emily has transformed thousands of lives through her Gray Method, which was born out of her dieting journey, after years of Slim Fast, tons of cardio, and counting points. Emily is passionate about simplifying nutrition, debunking myths, and focusing on the system needed for weight loss, making her a pivotal asset in transforming people’s relationships with food and, more importantly, their relationship with themselves.

Recognizing that they shared the same goals, Better Blend and Emily teamed up. Emily was particularly drawn to the protein content of Better Blend’s smoothies. “Protein is an essential nutrient that can support your weight management goals and overall health when incorporated into a balanced diet,” says Emily. “Better Blend smoothies are packed with protein, making them a perfect choice to kickstart your day so you can regulate your blood sugar, support your metabolism, and feel fullness until you can get to that next meal or snack!”

Emily’s expertise and passion for easy-to-digest nutrition advice made her a perfect fit on the Better Blend team as their in-house dietician. As featured on Better Blend’s Dietician Tuesday series, Emily provides Better Blend customers with helpful nutrition tips and further information about the benefits of Better Blend products. “Having Emily as a part of the team is just another way we’re doing our best to support our community and crush the confusing and intimidating barriers to healthy eating,” says Better Blend founder and CEO, Isaac Hamlin.

For those looking for further guidance along the path of healthy eating, Emily also takes on clients through her private practice, Gray Nutrition. As a bonus, scheduling a coaching call with her will land you a $50 Better Blend gift card.

Catch Better Blend’s Dietician Tuesday series and holiday deals by following them on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about Emily Mobley and Gray Nutrition, visit her website at graynutrition.com

December 9, 2023

BREAKING: The very latest about Christmas in Loveland!

Promoted Post

Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is pleased to share that the City of Loveland will once again be transformed into a beautiful wonderland for the Christmas holiday.

On December 16 visitors can enjoy horse carriage rides, a live nativity, farm animals from Branch Hill Estates to interact with, a children’s train ride, and a trolley ride around town.

At the heart of the event you will find the main stage with live entertainment all evening, vendors row for local businesses, Christmas shopping at the Holiday Market, and food trucks to include Moma Bears Mac, Funnel Vision, and The Chef Model.

Entertainment, vendors & shopping can be found in the center of town next to the live nativity scene near Fleet Feet. North Pole magic can be found at BF Realty & Bond Furniture and Design where kids can do crafts with Mrs. Claus and visit Santa (map coming soon)! Bring your pup along for the best dressed pet costume contest hosted by Pet Wants and all entries receive a gift card! Looking to adopt a pet this Christmas? League for Animal Welfare will be on site with many of their cats & dogs for adoption!

Lacey Sullivan, CeeCee Collins, and Meredith Taylor.

CeeCee Collins, President of the chamber shared that “there will be so many fun activities such as train rides, caroling and Santa’s Wonderland, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited in downtown. They truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope they will return to enjoy all of the Loveland area. There will be many samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!

Main Stage Entertainment

4:00 – 4:30	Girl Scouts of Loveland Caroling
4:30 – 5:00	Showboat Cloggers
5:00 – 5:30	Cincity Shakers
5:30 – 6:00	Dog Costume Contest hosted by Pet Wants
6:00 – 6:30	Dance Etc.Performing
6:30 – 7:00	Loveland HS Jazz Ensemble
7:00 – 7:30	Christian Arellano on Guitar
7:30 – 8:00	Mrs. Clause & Elves leads sing a long

Event details:

The event takes place from 4-8 PM, December 16th
The train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a trolley will take guests from Downtown Loveland to the museum
Maps of all the activities will be placed inside the businesses and available by the clock tower.
Line for the Horse Drawn Carriages will be on Railroad Avenue-across from the Wicked Pickle Restaurant. Carriages will cost $2 per person.
A Holiday Trolley will transport people to the Loveland History Museum from Harrison Avenue at no charge.
Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
A shuttle bus will take folks from the Loveland Early Childhood Center at 6740 Loveland-Miamiville Rd. and drop off near the Fire Department at 100 E. Loveland Ave. The Shuttle will run the entire time.
The event is free for all, thanks to our presenting sponsors: Besl, Baden, Jones with exp Realty, Bassett Services, and The Works, Loveland Pediatric Dentistry, Union Savings Bank, McCluskey Chevrolet, Ace Hardware, College Hunks, John Hill Construction, Day Heights Auto, Mike’s Car Wash, Loveland Historical Society, Bath Inspirations, Mercy Health, GE Credit Union, Tano Bistro, and Cindy’s Friendly Tavern.
Still accepting vendors apply here: www.lmrchamberalliance.org

This event will be held rain, snow or shine.

For ALL of the information visit the chamber website, www.lmrchamberalliance.org .

Lacey Sullivan

Event Coordinator

Little Miami River Chamber Alliance

Office hours Thursday 9am – 5pm

514 W. Loveland Ave. | Loveland, OH | 45140

o: 513.683.1544

Learn More: www.lmrchamberalliance.org

December 9, 2023

[Photo Album] Big basketball doubleheader tonight at Loveland High School

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Varsity basketball teams play in a rare doubleheader tonight. The Women’s team tips off at 6 PM and the Men’s game will begin at 7:30 when the Turpin Spartans travel to the Tiger fieldhouse.

Go HERE to review the stats for how both Loveland teams are scoring so far in the young season.

Here are photos from recent competition.

Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2023

December 8, 2023