Loveland Magazine

Loveland Women vs Withthrow

LOVELAND, OHIO - This video is highlights fom the January 27 contest between the Loveland Tigers Womens Basketball game against the Withthow Tigers.

 

Dr. Lee Ann Watson and Virginia Dennis Talk About Suicide Prevention

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathy Lehr talked with Dr. Lee Ann Watson, Mental Health and Recovery Board and Virginia Dennis, Suicide Prevention Coalition, about measures their organizations are taking to reduce the number of teen suicides locally.

(Editor's Note: This video has previously been published in Loveland Magazine, and the Town Hall meeting talked about in the video has already taken place. Never-the-less, important information about the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clermont County is discussed here.)

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis:
Help is available! The Clermont Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours with trained mental health professionals. Call 528-SAVE. For more information on the signs of suicide:
www.ohiospf.org. The Clermont Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets weekly on Mondays at 6:00 at The Mental Health and Recovery Board. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clermont County is actively involved in providing the community with education in the hopes of preventing more suicides. For more information on the Suicide Prevention Coalition, contact Lee Ann Watson at (513) 732-5406.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds, and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.  In 2009, six youth committed suicide in Clermont County.

A sucide prevention and awareness group is forming at Epiphany United Methodist Church in Miami Township. Participants are all ages including teens. For more information contact Pastor Lisa Kerwin at 677-9866 or via e-mail.

 

Four Tips for Sticking with Tough Challenges

by Fran Hendirck

The New Year, like a fresh unspoiled snow, invites new beginnings.  But it’s amazing how quickly a beautiful blanket of snow becomes dingy and the weather begins to feel just plain cold!  The same thing can happen to your hopes for the new year, if you don’t know how to keep the energy sparkling in your intentions.

In this post, you’ll find insights and tips to help you move forward in bringing your wishes for the new year into reality.

So – hang on to your optimism, and let’s get started!  Read on...

Catholic Schools Week

Heroin Abuse Has Big Impact on Local Child Abuse Cases

51 percent increase

Many Children Removed From Mothers at the Hospital

Number of Physical Abuse Cases up 50%

308 Children Currently in County Custody

"Clermont County is critically in need of foster parents," said Tim Dick.  In 2010, the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services’ (DJFS) Children’s Protective Services (CPS) division removed 235 children from homes, because of abuse or neglect; that is a 51 percent increase over 2009.  “Heroin abuse has had a big impact on this situation,” said CPS Deputy Director Tim Dick.  “Too many times law enforcement has called our staff to the scene where a parent has overdosed and the child was there to see it, living in filthy conditions.  There have even been cases where the child has pricked himself with a heroin needle he picked up at his home or ingested prescription drugs that had been obtained illegally.  It is sad.”

  DJFS Director Mike Pride added that many of the children in CPS custody were removed from their mothers at the hospital, shortly after they were born.  “Many of these children are born addicted to drugs, including heroin,” said Pride.  “These children face numerous physical and developmental difficulties because their parents made bad choices.”

“While we strive to keep children with other members of the family, we are finding that in some cases, they too are addicted to drugs,” added Dick.  He said the number of physical abuse cases among children locally is also up.  “In 2008, we had 208 cases.  Last year, we had 427 cases,” he said, adding that drug abuse by the parents had a significant impact on the numbers.

“We encourage the community to contact us if they witness or suspect a child is being abused,” said Pride.  “We will not reveal your name to the families we investigate.”  He is also asking that citizens consider becoming a foster parent to ensure children-in-need receive a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.  Call (513) 732-7173 or visit the website www.ClermontSupportsKids.org for more information on child abuse or becoming a foster parent.

While it is too early to tell whether the number of drug-abuse/children-abuse cases will increase in 2011, Dick is concerned.  There are 308 children currently in county custody.  “This behavior has got to stop,” he said.  “These people have got to start thinking about how their behavior is hurting, even destroying their children.”

Pictured above: CPS Deputy Director Tim Dick and DJFS Director Mike Pride look over a recent report on local child abuse cases.

In Hamilton County call 241-KIDS or go to HCJFS Children’s Services Division.

In  Warren County call: Call your local children services agency or local law enforcement agency to make a report about the abuse. In Warren County, Warren County Children Services can be contacted Monday through Friday,8:00am-5:00pm at (513)695-1546. During evenings, weekends, and holidays, call (513)695-1600. In the event of an immediate emergency, call 911. Child Advocacy Center of Warren County.

Ohio University students not fans of fees going for sports

By Jim Phillips

FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Less than 6 percent of OU students responding to the survey named athletics as their top choice to get money from student fees.

ATHENS, Ohio - A new survey suggests that many Ohio University students would like to see less of their student fees going to support varsity sports.   Read on...

Healthy Living Curriculum at Children's Meetinghouse Montessori School

by Bonnie McNett

 Children's Meetinghouse Montessori School has implemented a new Healthy Living curriculum.  Teachers read about several scientific studies showing that students who exercised as part of their daily routine performed better in the classroom than those students who did not exercise.  The faculty also wanted to help students make good diet and exercise choices to help avoid later health problems that are associated with lack of exercise and a poor diet.

The first through sixth graders spend at least 15 minutes walking, jogging, skipping,
or running on the circular drive every morning.  Teacher John Phenix said, "The goal is to get kids up and moving and feeling good.  After our morning exercise, I see my students' energy focused on their work.  They have greater attention spans, have higher concentration levels, and are doing better than before we implemented the exercise plan."

The school has also started a running club on Thursdays after school.  The program begins with stretching and warm up walking.  Students then run, jog or walk for nearly an hour.  The students also play games or run relays to help increase their endurance.  "We encourage kids to set their own goals.  A student might try to run one more lap than last time or to work toward doing a 5K." said program co-leader and teacher Karen Whitlock.

In addition to increasing activity levels, elementary students enjoy fruit and vegetables every day. First through third grades have 'Fruit Sharing' in the afternoon, where students wash, slice, and distribute fruit to their classmates.  The activity fosters good eating habits, as well as the motor skills required to carefully prepare the fruit.  The older children have a fruit and vegetable tray every morning.  Fifth grader Jacob Eicher said, "It is great!  Kids really like carrots, grapes, watermelon, cucumbers, and pomegranates.  We even had star fruit and cactus pears!"

Montessori Students learn about Pioneer Life

by Bonnie McNett

The students at Children's Meeting House Montessori School took a step back in time when they visited the historical site at Shawnee Lookout.  First the students visited a log cabin and heard a period interpreter describe how early people made soap, cooked their meals over an open fire, and turned wool into yarn and then into cloth.  The students learned that settlers planted three crops together: corn, beans, and squash, which were known as 'the three sisters'.  The tall corn acted as a lattice for the vining pole beans to climb and the squash wound itself directly on the ground.  Next, the children saw an outdoor fire site and learned how early people used charcoal and flint to make a fire.  They saw skins from skunk, fox, beaver, deer, rabbits, and other local animals and learned how these pelts were traded with Native Americans to acquire goods.  Finally, they toured the one room school house and were surprised to learn that students had to answer questions with a "yes, ma'am" or "yes, sir".  The students were even more surprised to learn that school was predominantly for boys, as the girls were often home doing chores, such as washing, weaving, cooking, or carrying water.  For more information about Shawnee Lookout visit:  http://www.greatparks.org/parks/shawnee.htm

In the photo: A period interpreter helps Marissa Handler put on the clothing a child would have worn two hundred years ago.  The students were surprised to learn that the small log cabin was home to a family with nine children.

Candy Drive for U.S. troops

by Bonnie McNett

Students from Children's Meeting House Montessori School held a candy drive for U.S. troops stationed overseas to help boost morale and to make them feel appreciated this holiday season. The drive collected 300 pounds of candy for the Yellow Ribbon Support Center (YRSC) in Batavia, Ohio. After the delivery, the students were given an informative tour of the center by Keith Maupin and learned about scholarships the YRSC offers in memory of fallen soldiers and other work preformed by the center. The Yellow Ribbon Support Center, which was started in 2004, has sent almost seven thousand care packages to troops stationed overseas.

In the photo above: Ryan Eicher, Matthew Weinstein, David Weinstein, Alex Eicher, Racheal Weinstein, Michael Weinstein, and Jacob Eicher pose with Keith Maupin during their tour of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Batavia, Ohio.

Loveland Music Academy adds two to Staff

Ingrid Keller, pianist, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She received her Bachelor of Music degree, magna cum laude, from Northwestern University. While there, she was nominated by the faculty as one of their most outstanding pianists to participate in the 2002 Thaivu-Isaac Competition, which she won.
 
Keller earned a Master of Music degree and a Performer Diploma, both with high distinction, at Indiana University’s prestigious Jacobs School of Music, under the tutelage of Menahem Pressler. She has received numerous prizes and honors including first place in the MTNA East Central Division in 2004.
 
In 2008, she participated in the Kennedy Center’s Conservatory Project representing the IU Jacobs School of Music. Keller has been the resident coach/accompanist for Indianapolis Opera’s Young Artist Program and was a Piano Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in the 2009 season. There she appeared as a soloist with the Mark Morris Dance Group, critics describing her performance as “Superbly performed, Keller bringing richness and transparency to the challenging score.” Ms. Keller is currently an active recitalist, collaborative artist, and teacher and is a doctoral candidate at Indiana University.

Elaine Whitaker is a new Piano, Guitar and Adaptive Lessons Teacher at Loveland Music Academy. Whitaker graduated with a degree in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton in May 2009. She finished her internship at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee, FL in May 2010 and passed the CBMT board exam in early September 2010. She has completed practicum semesters in nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, high school special education classrooms, early intervention preschool classrooms, and hospice wings in hospitals.

Whitaker has been playing piano since age 7 and guitar for the past 5 years. Classically trained, she also has taken three years of jazz piano. She has been singing "as long as she can remember" and has sung in school choirs, school musicals, and in a Sweet Adeline barbershop chorus. Whitaker also cantors in church and has competed in barbershop quartet competitions for 4 years. Her present barbershop quartet won the regional competition this year and will move on to  Internationals in the Fall.  Whitaker played flute in her grade school band and played recorder and other historical instruments as part of a medieval and Renaissance ensemble in college. She also took percussion lessons in college as part of her degree. Her newest ambitions are the ukulele and the violin. 

Whitaker started teaching piano lessons her freshmen year of high school in 2001 at the Music Station in Loveland and now gives private lessons in the home. She has been giving private guitar lessons since 2009.

Her dream is to make it possible for anybody to learn to play an instrument, no matter what difficulties they are facing. Her motto can be anybody's motto, "If I can't play it yet, I will soon."

Grailville Hosts Poetry Workshop/Weekend with George Ella Lyon

Grailville Retreat and Program Center invites men and women to Write with the Voice You Have: A Poetry Weekend with George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel held February 12-13, which includes a daylong workshop for men and women with the option of an overnight retreat for women only.

About her writing workshops, George Ella said, “My approach is always that writing comes from abundance. We all have a wealth of feelings and experiences to write from and we all have a voice we can trust in putting words on paper.”

Saturday, February 12 10-4 pm

Poetry Workshop: Men and women are invited to explore their creativity through poetry in this one day workshop with George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel. There will be opportunities for writing and receiving feedback from other poets. Lunch is included. $60

Saturday, February 12, 10 am –Sunday, February 13, noon.

Poetry Retreat. (Women Only) Delve deeper into poetry through a weekend of writing, reflection and community. Saturday evening and Sunday morning sessions led by George Ella and/or Pauletta will focus on poetry as a spiritual practice.

$150 Double Occupancy, $175 Single, $125 commuter

George Ella Lyon’s most recent collection of poems is Back, from Wind Publications. She is an author of books for children and young adults, as well as a novelist, memoirist and editor. George Ella’s work is featured in the PBS series, "The United States of Poetry;" she travels throughout the country leading programs for writers, teachers and children. Pauletta Hansel, MFA is a poet, teacher and author of Divining and First Person. She leads Grailville’s Practice of Poetry programs for women and men.

George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel will read at Thomas More College’s Outloud Festival, Sunday, February 13 2:00-5:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For information call 859-344-3375.

Visit www.grailville.org for more information.

Calling all Dancers

 arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati

announces auditions for

Lord of the Jungle

 Saturday February 12th and Sunday February 13th

CINCINNATI, OHIO -  arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati, formerly ballet tech cincinnati invites dancers, tumblers and gymnasts of all ages and dance genres to audition for its 10th Season Series Leaping for Literacy production, the World Premiere of Lord of the Jungle on Friday and Saturday, April 15-16.

Lord of the Jungle will feature community and pre-professional dancers and gymnasts from age 5-60+, a great soundtrack, stunning sets and costumes and original choreography. Join the arts innovation movement and be a part of this Family Friendly show that highlights the Tarzan Stories by Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Auditions will be on Saturday and Sunday, February 12-13th  from 2-6PM.  February 12th, 2-3:30PM Auditions for dancers, tumblers and gymnasts age 5-10 and 4-6PM for age 11 and up; and on Sunday, February 13th, 2-3:30PM Auditions for dancers, tumblers and gymnasts age 5-10 and 4-6PM for age 11 and up. 3:30PM Cast/Parent meeting each day to answer questions and provide show information. 

All auditions will be held at the arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati, World Headquarters and Community Arts Center in Kennedy Heights, 6543 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213. Dancers should bring ballet, jazz, tap or pointe shoes, if qualified.

Rehearsals will start in late February with weekend rehearsals up to the April 15th Premiere.

The performances will be at the Aronoff Center on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 10AM for SchoolTime Performance and 8PM and Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 2PM and 8PM.

20th Annual Habitat “Souper” Bowl Bean Soup Sale

MILFORD, OHIO - J. O’Neal Johnston said, "Delicious homemade bean soup will be available as carryout orders." The 20th Annual Habitat “Souper” Bowl Bean Soup Sale will be on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 from 10 AM until 4 PM and Sunday, February 6, from 10 AM until 12:30 PM, at Milford First United Methodist Church Welcome Center, 541 Main Street, Milford, OH 45150 for a minimum donation of $4.00/quart. 

Soup crew leader, Johnston, said “The bean soup fund raising project was conceived by Anna Campbell, an original Board Member of the Clermont County Habitat for Humanity Chapter, in 1991 to draw attention of the need to eliminate sub-standard housing in our community as a contrarian focus to the hoopla associated with the Super Bowl Football Championship.”  In recent years, a Habitat for Humanity House has been built during Super Bowl week in the host city by football players and fans. 

Johnston said, "Anna, who had worked as a food manager in the Milford Schools, prepared the wonderful bean and ham soup recipe that could be prepared in 60 quart volume for community churches to use as a fund raising effort to support Habitat house construction in Clermont County." 

Toomey Natural Foods has donated 150 pounds of great northern beans and Placon, Inc. provided quart food containers. Over the years almost 7,500 quarts of Souper Bowl Bean Soup have been prepared which provided funds to purchase construction materials for each of 36 Habitat houses built in Clermont County according to Johnston.

A Habitat Partner family will be helping prepare the soup as part of their pre-construction “sweat equity” hours to qualify for the housing program. Their new home will be build on property from a bank-donated, foreclosed, abandoned house. 

Johnston said, "The new Habitat house will remove a community eyesore and provide unique opportunity for a family to achieve a life-long dream. Habitat not only builds homes but builds lives and community – one family at a time."

TriState Habitat for Humanity builds "affordable, simple housing" for working low-income families in Clermont County and seven other counties in the tri-state area. The families perform 500 hours of sweat equity on Habitat projects as part of their down payment. Habitat Families purchase these homes with zero interest loans at cost, which is further reduced by volunteer labor and donated materials. Their mortgage payments to Habitat are applied to the construction of additional homes.  "Thus, a gift to Habitat works in perpetuity, reinforcing the cycle of community responsibility and improvement," said Johnston.

TriState Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200 Habitat house in their 8-county service area and tithed funds to support construction of over 200 International Habitat Houses. For more information contact:  TriState Habitat office at 513-942-9211; or www.habitat-tristate.org.

Colonel David Volkman Featured in Army News Report

ZAIDON, IRAQ - Lt. Colonel David Volkman is on military leave as a Loveland High School government teacher and has been serving in Iraq. He is featured in this news report about the re-opening of the Zaidon Milk Factory in Zaidon Iraq. Volkman previously served a tour of duty in Afganistan.

 

Tax Forms & Free Tax Help @ Your Public Library

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County offers a wide range of resources that can help you this tax season. Pick up copies of current tax forms or access them online at any of the Library’s 41 locations across Hamilton County. And, beginning Friday, January 28, volunteers from the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) will be at the Main Library to help people prepare their 2010 taxes.

Free Tax Assistance at the Main Library, 800 Vine Street, Downtown
AARP | American Association for Retired Persons

Who: Taxpayers age 50 and up
When: Fridays: January 28 – April 8, 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Where: Main Library, 800 Vine St. - Room 2A
How: Service available by appointment only. Call 369-6900 to schedule. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

More Tax Resources at Your Public Library

The Main Library’s Information and Reference Department has an extensive  collection of current copies of most federal individual tax forms, either for free distribution or for photocopying. In addition to federal forms, the department distributes Ohio tax forms, and City of Cincinnati forms are available for customers to photocopy. Most of the Library’s tax forms are for individuals only, but selected forms for corporations, small businesses, and non-profit organizations are also available.

During tax season, selected copies of current tax forms are available for both reproduction and free distribution at all branch libraries.

Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Maurer - Senior Airman Joseph A. Farrell : Promoted

Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Maurer has been promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Maurer, an air transportation specialist with 21 years of military service, is assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He is the son of Michael and Pam Maurer of Wards-Corner Road, Loveland, Ohio, and graduated in 1989 from Loveland High School.

Joseph A. Farrell has been promoted to the rank of Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Farrell, an electrician warfare technician with one year of military service, is assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Kathleen Farrell of Waynoka Drive, Sardina, Ohio, and graduated in 2008 from Milford High School.

Little Miami goes for 8th levy attempt

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 8:27 PM Thursday, January 27, 2011

HAMILTON TWP. — Little Miami voters will decide in May on the district’s eighth attempt to increase school revenue and emerge from insolvency.

The state-appointed commission overseeing the district’s finances and operations while it remains in fiscal emergency approved resolutions Thursday to put a five-year levy on the May 3 ballot. Read on...

 

Blacks ask Senate to reject Kasich's all-white cabinet

By Jim Siegel THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Black state lawmakers blasted Gov. John Kasich yesterday over the absence of racial diversity in his cabinet and called on the Senate to reject his appointments until he takes steps to add minorities to his leadership team.

"Today in 2011 it feels more like 1811 in the state of Ohio under a governor who just does not get it," said Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland.  Read on...

Bells of the World at Loveland Historical Society

LOVELAND, OHIO - A collection of bells from around the world by bell collector Marilyn Grismere of Miamiville will be the 2011 opening display at the Greater Loveland Historical Society Museum, beginning February 5.
 
Grismere has been collecting bells from around the world since 2004.  Many of them are antiques and quite unique.  "Not only is she a collector, but also the editor of The Bell Tower, the official publication of the American Bell Association International, Inc.," said Janis Fogle.
 
In her spare time, Ms. Grismere teaches three computer classes at Raymond Walters and an Ocher Lifelong Learning Institute class for students 55 or older.  She spends a lot of time researching bells and where to find them on the Internet and travels to various bell conventions and shows around the country.
 
Bells made of brass, porcelain, crystal, silver and copper are included in the collection.  It includes hotel bells, wedding bells, toy bells, Christmas bells, plus bells collected from many famous companies, including Fenton Glass, Pairpoint, Wedgewood, Murano, Meissen and Dresden.
 
Visit the Greater Loveland Historical Society and Museum located at 201 Riverside Drive.  Museum hours are Saturday and Sunday 1 until 4:30 PM and by appointment, by calling 683-5692.

The Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Now?

By Ronnie Cummins
Organic Consumers Association

 

"The policy set for GE alfalfa will most likely guide policies for other GE crops as well. True coexistence is a must."   -  Whole Foods Market, Jan. 21, 2011

In the wake of a 12-year battle to keep Monsanto's Genetically Engineered (GE) crops from contaminating the nation's 25,000 organic farms and ranches, America's organic consumers and producers are facing betrayal. A self-appointed cabal of the Organic Elite, spearheaded by Whole Foods Market, Organic Valley, and Stonyfield Farm, has decided it's time to surrender to Monsanto. Top executives from these companies have publicly admitted that they no longer oppose the mass commercialization of GE crops, such as Monsanto's controversial Roundup Ready alfalfa, and are prepared to sit down and cut a deal for "coexistence" with Monsanto and USDA biotech cheerleader Tom Vilsack.   Read on...

Hundreds of Yankton, South Dakota Birds Poisoned by USDA

KTIV Newschannel 4 - IA, Jan 18, 2011

It's happened in places like Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky. Hundreds of birds mysteriously found dead.

Folks in Yankton, South Dakota, thought they were being added to the list after hundreds of dead birds were found there on Monday.  Turns out the unpleasant feathered discovery has a solid explanation.  They were poisoned.

Some had thought 200 starlings found dead in Yankton's Riverside park had frozen to death. But they were actually poisoned on purpose, by the US Department of Agriculture.

Many of the European Starlings discovered by a passerby, were lying on the ground or frozen in trees. Officials first thought the birds were late to migrate and froze to death during the recent cold spell.

But that theory changed after Yankton police received a phone call from a USDA official who said the birds had been poisoned.

"They say that they had poisoned the birds about ten miles south of Yankton and they were surprised they came to Yankton like they did and died in our park," says Yankton Animal Control Officer Lisa Brasel.  Watch News Clip from KTIV.com

 

Kids Night Out Clay Adventure

LOVELAND, OHIO - Kids get a night out while parents take some time out at the Whistle Stop Clay Works on Thursday, February 3 if you sign up for their KNO clay adventure. Kay Bolin O'Grady says to, “Drop the kids off for a fun and creative KNO clay adventure.” The February's KNO will focus on creating a Valentine Delight. “Parents get time to peruse local shops, enjoy time on the bike trail or dine at one of Loveland's great eateries,” said Bolin O'Grady.

The class is on Thursday, February 3 from 6 until 8 PM, and the cost is $30.00 per child which includes all materials and firings. Bolin O'Grady said that space is limited, so pre-registration is required.    

Finished work will be ready for pick-up on February 12th.  A minimum of 4 is required for event to make.

The Whistle Stop Clay Works is at 119 Harrison Avenue in Loveland. Phone: 683-CLAY

Sloppy first responder records focus of Widmer trial today

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 7:59 AM Thursday, January 27, 2011

LEBANON — Ryan Widmer’s defense is expected today during testimony to highlight sloppy first responder records following Sarah Widmer’s death.  Read on at Western Star...

Intoxicated Widmer admitted killing wife, witness will say

Defense says Iowa woman made up confession; cites addiction, criminal record

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 8:14 AM Thursday, January 27, 2011

LEBANON — The former manager of an Iowa gentlemen’s club was revealed Wednesday as the mystery witness who will testify that Ryan Widmer admitted to her that he killed his wife, a prosecutor told a jury on the first day of Widmer’s third trial.

Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Travis Vieux, in his opening statement, said Widmer, now 30, was intoxicated one night and admitted to Jennifer Crew that he killed Sarah Widmer, 24, because she was going to leave him after four months of marriage.  Read on at Western Star...

New Grant Funding O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail Improvements

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Clermont County General Health District, in collaboration with the Goshen Local School District, has received a $25,000 grant to make improvements to the O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail in Goshen Township.  Access to the trail is near the Marr Education Center at Cook Farm, located southeast of the High School on Goshen Road; the grant will enable a handicapped portion of the trail to be constructed.

“Clermont County was one of only two Ohio projects selected for funding, through Hamilton County Public Health as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Strategic Alliance for Health program,” said Clermont General Health District Assistant Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit.  The grant was a result of collaborative efforts with the Clermont Coalition for Activity and Nutrition also known as Clermont CAN. Clermont Can’s mission is to create opportunities and promote action through member organizations to support the coalition’s vision to “Be Active, Eat Smart.”  According to Davey Brown, Goshen High School science teacher, “The trail will not only be used as a place for physical activity but also as an outdoor laboratory.  Goshen students have the opportunity to become active learners and students with disabilities will soon be able to take advantage of the area along with their peers.”

Grant funds can be utilized for materials, but not for actual construction of the trail. The project will involve making improvements to all existing trails including grading and drainage, placement of signs and mile markers, and making a portion of the trail handicapped accessible.  Goshen Schools needs volunteers to help with the actual construction of the trail as the grant can only pay for materials. Improvements are expected to be completed by August 2011.

The O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail is open to the community and is currently used for Goshen schools athletics and other outdoor activities.  Parking for those interested in walking the trail is available at Goshen High School.

Pictured above: This trail will soon become a handicapped-accessible portion of the O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail

Loveland's a Rat Race! - on April 16

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the Rat Race, and it is promised that 2011 will be a special one for you.

April 16

5:30 PM

Historic Downtown Loveland

5K Run or Walk or 10K Run with a party afterwards

Proceeds from the Rat Race will benefit Cancer-Free Kids and Hospice of Cincinnati. The goal is to raise $20,000 in support of these two charities. See more details here.

 Post Party in Nisbet Park

Family and friends are welcome to cheer participants along the course. Kid’s activities will be available before and during the race, so feel free to bring the kids along.

Immediately following the race will be a post-event party with refreshments, beer, food, live music, and a Health Expo featuring Fleet Feet Sports.

Pre-registered participants are eligible to win door prizes, but you must be present to win.

Non-race attendees may purchase entry into the post-race party ($20 for adults and $5 for children under 10).

A driver’s license will be required to drink beer for all party attendees, so be sure to bring your ID.

Visit www.cinciratrace.org for more details, training programs for either the 5K or the 10K and to register.

Clermont County Tapped to Host National Underground Railroad Conference

The annual National Underground Railroad Conference will be held in Clermont County from June 15-18.  The four-day conference that will be held at the Holiday Inn-Eastgate, brings together scholars, archivists, community researchers, student artists, and enthusiasts from across the nation and will include educational workshops and tours of local museums and historic sites.  This year’s theme is Pathways to Freedom:  Presenting the Underground Railroad through Education, Interpretation, and Heritage Tourism.

“We are pleased that the conference will be held in Clermont County,” said Clermont Board of Commissioners President Ed Humphrey.  “The conference is a great fit for Clermont County,” added Clermont Convention and Visitors Bureau Director June Creager.  “We have 33 identified Underground Railroad and abolitionist sites in the county and we invite the conference participants and the entire community to tour the Freedom Trail locations here.”  For more information about the Freedom Trail sites in Clermont County, visit the website www.VisitClermontOhio.com and click on Attractions and Events.

According to a press release issued by the County, "This year’s National Underground Railroad Conference will explore modern efforts to disseminate the inspiring history of the Underground Railroad, looking at ways scholars, site stewards, educators, and others balance the need for accuracy, authenticity, and respect while telling an engaging story of the quest for freedom."

The annual conference is sponsored by the National Park Service, National Underground Railroad, and the Network to Freedom Program (NTF), working in partnership with the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a nation-wide planning committee.

A news conference and reception will be held on Thursday, January 27, to announce further details of the conference.

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One

Sensory Sundays are private interactive playgroups, offered twice a month for Jewish families with children 18 months and younger at the Gymboree in Mason.

These playgroups are free and feature, "The popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun."

Sensory Sundays are offered on the first and third Sunday of every month and begin on February 6 and include a snack and take place from 2-3 PM at Gymboree in Mason, Ohio. RSVP by February 4th at  www.myshalomfamily.org.  Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families in the Jewish Community with children ten and under.

Twelve Angry Women at Loveland High Starts February 3

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland High School Drama will present the American classic drama, Twelve Angry Women.  Performances are February 3, 4, 5, at 7 PM and February 6 at 2:30 PM.  Tickets are $8.00 for students and senior citizens, and $10.00 for adults.  Tickets:  [email protected] or 774-9320, Alice.

This drama  examines how personal experiences and social background affects how  jurors vote in determining the fate of a nineteen year old boy charged with murder.

A 19-year-old man has just stood trail for the fatal stabbing of his father.  "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as he leads the jurors off to deliberate.  It looks like an open-and-shut case - until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts.  "This is a remarkable thing about democracy," says the foreign-born juror, "that we are notified by mail to come down to this place - and decide on the guilt or innocence of a man; of a man we have not known before.  We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict.  We should not make it a personal thing."  But personal it does become, with each juror revealing her own character as the various testimonies are-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before your eyes.  Tempers get short, arguments grow heated and the jurors become 12 angry women.  The final verdict and how it is reached -- in tense scenes that will electrify audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats--add  up to an exceptional piece of dramatic literature.
 

Twelve Angry Women was rehearsed during an Actors Workshop designed for students who were not involved in other activities after school during the month of January.  During the intense five week workshop, the actors  used journaling, researching, acting and ensemble building exercises, and discussions to develop their characters and  to examine the social/political message of the show.   They  also worked on acting techniques and learned how important it is to develop and use  an acting journal.  This journal became their professional diary that they used as a tool in self-improvement, as a working notebook, and mirror.

Mason schools to make nearly $6 million in cuts

MASON — Mason school officials plan to cut staffing, implement pay-to-play fees and consolidate bus stops as part of an effort to cut the district’s budget by nearly $6 million.  Read on at Western Star...

 

Little Miami teachers will be laid off; courses limited

HAMILTON TWP. — Little Miami officials are planning to make additional cuts to the budget, following recommendations by the state oversight commission.

The cuts could impact students’ options for foreign language and advanced courses and how the district manages its at-risk students.  Read on at Western Star...

Mystery witness revealed in Widmer bathtub murder trial

LEBANON — Jennifer Crew, a former manager at an Iowa gentlemen’s club, is the mystery witness in the third Ryan Widmer bathtub murder trial.  Read on at Western Star...

St. Columban Puttin’ on the Ritz

 

 

St.  Columban Parish is Puttin’ on the Ritz for its annual fundraising event February 26th.   The Receptions Conference Center in Loveland will be transformed into the glitz and glam of NYC!

The evening will feature cocktails and an amazing dinner, spectacular items in the Live and Silent Auctions, and a Balloon Pop featuring great prizes.   Entertainment by the fabulous Paul Otten Band.

One of the highlights of the evening is the raffling of a beautiful and unique white gold, diamond pendant donated by Jim and Laura Wolf of James Wolf Jewelers.  
 

Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Party Party events!  These themed parties bring parishioners and friends together throughout the spring and summer.

The year St. Columban also debuts a new Online Auction to complement the event.   

Visit St. Cbay from February 13-18th to bid on many fun and exciting items that will not be at the event on the 26th.  You may also preview the items that will be auctioned LIVE  at the St. Cbay site as well.  
http://auctions.readysetauction.com/stcolumban/

A $50 raffle ticket will allow you the chance to win ANY of the Live Auction items.  

You need not be present to win.   For event and raffle ticket information or questions, please contact Cathy at [email protected] or visit http://www.stcolumban.org/GrandAffair.aspx

 

Leeper Gets Votes for Loveland Council Seat

LOVELAND, OHIO - Out of a field of eight candidates, Paulette Leeper got the four votes she needed Tuesday night and was appointed to serve on City Council for the remainder of 2011. The term became open when Paul Elliott resigned last month. Voting for Leeper's appointment was David Bednar, Mark Fitzgerald, Rob Weisgerber, and Brent Zuch. No votes were Linda Cox and Todd Osborne.

Barry Kuhn and Kip Ping were also nominated, but the roll call on Leeper was held first. After she received four votes, no other voting took place. She is expected to take the oath of office at the next council meeting on February 8.

Souper Bowl Of Caring at Epiphany - You “CAN” Help

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO -Pastor Scott Russ says, "Ain't nuthin' like a belly full 'o chili before the big game."

The public is invited to attend the Souper Bowl Of Caring at Epiphany United Methodist Church. For Super Bowl weekend the church wants to stock Loveland and Milford food pantries and you “CAN” help - and eat a Chili Meal.

On Saturday, February 5 at 6 PM and Sunday, February 6 at 11:30 AM, the church youth group will be hosting the first Epiphany UMC Chili Cook-off. Russ said, "We will have three highly qualified judges rate the chili's before everyone digs in." 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded before everyone eats.

There are two ways you “CAN” get involved:

1) Sign up if you “CAN” and want to make and enter your chili.

2) Bring your vat of chili along with your recipe and the church will make copies so your chili secrets “CAN” be shared.

"We are doing this as a SouperBowl of Caring event," said Russ. "This event is a nationwide event among United Methodist youth groups to help raise awareness and food for their local food pantries."

If you would like to eat at the first annual Chili Cook-off, you will need to bring a minimum of 3 “CANS” of soup or a bag of soup mix that will be given to  the local food pantries. Any financial donations will also go towards the local food pantries.

Also if you “CAN” you are encouraged to wear the team gear or colors of your favorite team.

This fund raiser is open to the community. Russ asks that you e-mail him if you are bring chili to share.

Little Miami Kindergarten Registration for 2011-2012

MORROW, OHIO - Kindergarten registration for the 2011-2012 school year will be held:

Valentine’s Concert

MONTGOMERY, OHIO - On Sunday, February 13, the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will present Romanian violinist Aurelian Oprea playing 2 movements of Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto, William Perry’s concerto Six Title Themes in Search of a Movie, Jeffrey Mumford's verdant and shimmering air: four views of a reflected forest - plus soprano vocalist Blythe Walker with a mixture of arias and Broadway melodies chosen for Valentine's Day.  

The 7 PM concert will take place at the Church of the Saviour, 8005 Pfeiffer Road in Montgomery.

Come Learn About Loveland Farmers Market

LOVELAND, OHIO - Plans are currently underway for an open-air market at a location in Historic Loveland.  Kicking off in June, the Market will be open once a week through October.

One of the organizers, Donna Bednar said, “The Loveland Farmers Market will enrich and strengthen our community by providing a venue where locally grown and produced items are regularly available.” Another benefit according to Bednar is that customers can meet the farmers that grow the food placed on their tables and learn sustainable and alternative ways of living and consuming locally.

Bednar said that they are currently contracting with the, “Best local producers in the area.”  All items must be grown and/or produced within one hundred miles of Loveland, Ohio, and sold solely by the grower or producer of the products. “In addition, there will be educational emphasis and entertainment at the market as well.”

An informational meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Loveland City Hall,  120 West Loveland Avenue, on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 PM. The meeting will inform guests about the market and volunteer opportunities.

You can follow the market on Facebook: Loveland Farmers’ Market

Bednar said, “Although not required, please e-mail us if you plan to attend the meeting.

Snow Daze

I was on the radio Wednesday -- 89.7 FM WNKU (and on February 1st 105.9 FM and 104.1 FM) -- and I was doing some of the chores you do when you are on the radio. One of those is reading the weather forecast. This particular forecast included a winter storm warning from the national weather service for Thursday morning through Friday morning.

Let's be honest, reading the weather forecast is important. You want to hear what's going to be happening weather-wise -- especially when there is a winter storm on the way. But, when you have to read the same thing a couple of times an hour over a three hour period -- well -- your mind tends to wander a little bit.

This particular time my mind wandered over to a principal's or superintendent's office at 'any school' Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky. What must be going through their mind when they hear the news that 3 to 6 inches of snow is on the way but it won't start until after daybreak?

On the air, I mused about what a rock and a hard place these school officials find themselves in a situation like this. If they put their trust in the weather forecasters they certainly have to think about cancelling classes for a day because getting the kids home in a raging snowstorm is not a pretty picture.

But, "DopplerSonarSuperMagic" radar notwithstanding -- weather forecasters can be wrong. Call school off when not a flake has fallen, and then not getting any snow to speak of, and you've got parents who have changed their entire schedule -- including taking off work -- for nothing.

Before I clipped my microphone and played the next tune, I basically said -- better them than me to make that kind of decision.

Minutes later, the studio phone rang and it was a principal at a local elementary school calling to say thank you. This gentlemen told me that these kind of situations are absolutely lose-lose for school administrators -- unless we really do get the big storm.

If they go ahead with school and the snow starts flying, parents start showing up at school early causing traffic snarls and all sorts of disruptions. And, that's on top of the nail-biting process of trying to get kids home safely by bus.

If the snow doesn't fall, the phone doesn't stop ringing with complaint after complaint about lost work days and major inconveniences caused by closing schools BEFORE there's any snow. 

Interesting to note that the fickleness of nature never gets the blame here.

As I write this, my own school district of Loveland has cancelled classes for another day after the big storm that DID come. Just like the day before, there's no snow falling. But, I'm not going to question why they cancelled. The back roads must be pretty slick after temperatures dipped to the teens overnight. That's what I figure. Probably the smart move with the safety of all those students hanging in the balance.

But, what I'm really thinking is -- I'm glad they have to make that call and not me.

Loveland School Operating Levy on for May 3

LOVELAND, OHIO - Voters will be asked to approve a 3.5 mill operating levy on May 3 to support the Loveland City School District.

Treasurer, Brett Griffith said the levy request will raise approximately $2.7 million per-year and cost property owners about $107 per $100,000 of valuation.

Read the announcement from the District HERE, that was released following the January 18 vote of the Board.

LYSA Soccer Season Registration

One More Throws Hat Into Loveland Council Selection

LOVELAND, OHIO - Steven Gallagher has joined seven other Loveland residents who would like to serve the remaining twelve months of the City Council seat vacated by Paul Elliott. You can read Gallager's resume here: Download Steven Gallagher

Read background story and read the other resumes HERE.

 

Wozniak on Rose Bowl

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland Magazine Sports Reporter Ricky Mulvey caught up with Wisconsion Badger, and former Loveland High School graduate, Brian Wozniak and asked him about his recent appearance in the Rose Bowl.

Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO:

 

Elliott on Loveland's Downtown Development

LOVELAND, OHIO - In his exclusive exit interview with Loveland Magazine, former Loveland Councilman Paul Elliott talked about the City's plans to redevelop downtown Loveland. This portion of the interview is now published for the first time.

Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO:

 

Szpak Promoted to Police Sergeant

LOVELAND, OHIO: Police Officer Michael Szpak was promoted to Police Sergeant on December 28. He was formally sworn in on January 11, at the City Council meeting.

Szpak was promoted into the position that was open after the promotion of Captain Sean Rahe. Szpak placed first on the civil service examination that included an assessment center, critical incident table top exercise and a structured panel interview. “I am pleased to promote Sergeant Szpak into this key position in the Division. He is a very dedicated and energetic person,” said Loveland Police Chief Tim Sabransky.

Szpak joined the Loveland Police Division as a part time officer in 1996 and was hired full time in 1998. He attended the University of Cincinnati. He is a field training officer, firearms instructor, Master Taser instructor and a member of the Child Abduction Response Team (CART). Szpak is also an instructor with the Butler Tech Police Academy and is also certified to teach the Ohio concealed carry certification course.

Szpak is not the only family member in law enforcement. His brother is an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation currently assigned to the Philadelphia region.

“I am excited and humbled to serve the community and the Police Division in this capacity”, said Szpak. “I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that will face the Police Division in the years ahead.”

Loveland: "Experiencing numerous thefts from vehicles

LOVELAND, OHIO - Below is a January 9, post on the web site of the Loveland Police Department:

Recently, the Loveland Police Division along  with other adjacent agencies have been experiencing numerous thefts from vehicles. Items have been stolen from both locked and unlocked vehicles.  Please remember to remove valuables from your vehicle(s) and park inside the garage if possible. The thefts have occurred during the early morning hours.  Should you observe any suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood, please contact Northeast Communication Center at 677-7000.  Should you have any information pertaining to these incidents, please contact  the Investigations Division at the Loveland Police Department at 583-3000.

Zidron on OHSAA Competitive Balance Concerns

Possible Changes on How Schools are Placed Into Tournament Divisions

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland High School Athletic Director, Jeff Zidron said, "This is a much more complex calculation then the current classification system which simply uses base enrollment." The new proposal involves 4 major factors - enrollment, district boundary policies, socio-economic consideration and a factor to review traditional results of a program according to Zidron. "Due to this complexity we do not know how this will effect Loveland within the sports the proposed calculation system will be used in. Zidron said that his Department looks forward to looking though the numbers once the OHSAA posts examples of the proposed procedure.

Loveland's main concern regarding the entire placement of schools into respective classes centers on the inequities of what is now Division 1. Zidron said, "Football is a good example." With 550 boys, Loveland is at the low end of Division 1 having to compete with schools up to 3 times its size. "In fact, we are much closer in size to the smallest school in the state then we are to schools in our own division. Let me repeat that, we are closer in size to the smallest school that play football then we are to almost half the schools in our own division." He continued, "If the new proposal and its factors helps eliminate this type of inequity we would be very supportive."

Below is the press release issued by the Ohio High School Athletic Association:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Acting on a recommendation from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Competitive Balance Committee, the OHSAA Board of Directors today unanimously placed a new bylaw up for vote of the OHSAA membership that would be the first step toward possible changes on how schools are assigned to tournament divisions. The proposed new bylaw, which will be voted upon by

OHSAA member schools during the annual referendum voting process in May, states that “each school shall be placed into tournament divisions based on its sport-by-sport athletic count.” Schools would not be separated into tournaments for public schools and non-public schools, nor would a “multiplier” be applied to non-public schools to increase their enrollment, which a few other states utilize. Rather, the enrollment numbers for all schools (both public and non-public) would be entered into a three-part formula to establish their “athletic count.”

The proposed bylaw goes on to say that the formula for determining “athletic counts” and to which sports the athletic counts shall be applied will be determined every other year by the Board of Directors and will be listed in the OHSAA’s General Sports Regulations. If approved, implementation of the new formula would begin no later than the 2013-14 school year. In addition, a standing committee would be formed to monitor the effectiveness of the athletic count formula and to recommend to the Board of Directors any changes in the weight to be given to any one or more of the factors in the formula. At the present time, all schools are placed into tournament divisions based strictly on enrollmentfigures that the schools submit to the Ohio Department of Education. The proposed three-part formula to establish athletic counts would require the OHSAA to also include a school boundary factor (how
students are obtained – non-public schools with no boundaries; non-public schools with limited boundaries; public schools with statewide open enrollment; public schools with adjacent open enrollment, and public schools with no open enrollment), a socioeconomic factor (the number of free lunch participants) and a tradition factor (state championship game appearances, state tournament appearances and regional finals appearances). The school boundary and tradition factors could increase a school’s enrollment while the socioeconomic factor could decrease a school’s enrollment. The tradition factor is the only one of the three that would be implemented on a sport-by-sport basis. Once all three factors are applied to the enrollment count, each school will have a sport-by-sport “athletic count” for purposes of tournament division assignments.

“The issue of competitive balance has been discussed for years not only in Ohio but also in other states,” said OHSAA Commissioner Daniel B. Ross, Ph. D. “Ohio is unique in that our public schools have the option to approve open enrollment policies, but, at the same time, there’s no question that most nonpublic schools in the state have no geographical boundaries in which they can secure students and the
result has been a disproportionate number of championships won by those schools. “The meetings we have conducted with the Competitive Balance Committee have been both productive and professional, and I believe the proposal from the group is fair and equitable and we will see some leveling of the playing field.

“Competitive balance is a complex issue,” Ross continued. “The formula recommended by the committee is not as complex as it sounds, nor is it as complex as any of the viable alternatives and the unintended consequences of those alternatives.” The Board’s current plan is to propose that athletic counts only be utilized in the sports of football, soccer and volleyball in the fall; basketball in the winter, and baseball and softball in the spring.

Consideration will be given to add other sports in the future.

The OHSAA Competitive Balance Committee was formed in January 2010 in response to concerns raised by a group of school administrators in northeast Ohio who conducted a study that showed that 43 percent (146 of 340) of the state championships in selected team sports between 1999 and 2010 have been won by non-public schools, even though non-public schools make up only 17 percent of the total membership of the OHSAA. The OHSAA Competitive Balance Committee met numerous times throughout 2010 in an attempt to identify competitive balance factors and to propose changes that would bring the competitive inequities into balance. The Committee was comprised of 29 school administrators and coaches from across the state from public and non-public schools both large and small along with members of the OHSAA Board of Directors and administrative staff and representatives from both the state superintendents and state principals associations.

In the near future, the OHSAA will place on its website examples of how the athletic count formula could look when applied.

Loveland's Health First Physicians Practice Joins TriHealth

LOVELAND, OHIO - TriHealth has announced that Health First Physicians joined
the TriHealth system of care, effective January 1, 2011. The medical group includes nine primary care physicians and one nurse practitioner in offices located in Loveland, Mariemont and Mason.

Health First patients will continue to see their same physicians and staff, but will have the added benefit of being connected to TriHealth’s integrated team of medical caregivers and services at Bethesda North and Good Samaritan hospitals according to a press release issued by TriHealth. Office locations and phone numbers will remain the same.

Health First’s physicians are board certified in family medicine. Their practice includesl treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, health care for the aging, women’s health issues and heart disease (including cardiac testing). The practice boasts several physicians who have been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for outstanding patient care in diabetes treatment and also in heart and stroke treatment.

Physicians in the practice include: Susan L. Fremont MD, Jodi M. Harvey MD, PhD, Brian D. Hoffman MD, William Klein MD, Martin P. Lehenbauer MD, Richard T. Morman MD, Greg Noble MD, Betsy Peerless MD and Douglas Puterbaugh MD. The group’s nurse practitioner is Nicole R. Puterbaugh RN, MSN, FNP-BC.

Health First Physicians is the fourth group practice in the division of TriHealth known as TriHealth Physician Enterprise. The division currently employs about 230 Greater Cincinnati physicians who belong to Health First, Group Health Associates, Queen City Physicians and TriHealth Physician Practices which includes Bethesda Group Practice, Blue Ash Family Physicians, Deerfield Family Practice, Internal Medicine Associates, Loveland Family Medicine, Madeira Family Practice, Montgomery Family Medicine, Moreira & Robles Internal Medicine Associates, Pavilion Medical Associates, Physician Associates of Good Samaritan Hospital, Queen City Medical Group, Rudemiller Family Medicine, R.N. Shenai MD, Trinity Family Medicine, West Chester Medical Group, Western Family Physicians, and White Oak Family Practice.

Mark Trout on New Eastern Cincinnati Conference

MILFORD, OHIO - In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO, Milford High School Athletic Director, Mark Trout shares his thoughts about Milford and six other school leaving the Fort Ancient Valley Athletic Conference to form the new Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) in the fall of 2012.

Forming the ECC are: Anderson, Glen Este, Kings, Milford, Turpin, Walnut Hills, and Loveland. All are current members of the FAVC. In total, 13 schools announced their leaving. The FAVC is in its thirty-ninth year. Read BACKGROUND of the break-up.

 

 

Ten Ohioans have died in seven house fires from January 1st through 18th

STATE FIRE MARSHAL ISSUES CALL FOR WORKING SMOKE ALARMS TO PROTECT ALL RESIDENTS

Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper is asking all residents of Ohio to install, maintain and test their smoke detectors today. This plea comes in the wake of 10 fire-related fatalities in the first 11 days of 2011 throughout the state.  

Ten people have died in seven house fires from January 1st through January 18th, 2011. Investigators confirmed smoke alarms were not present and functioning in any of those fires.

In 2010, 149 people died in fires throughout Ohio compared to 151 in 2009 and 188 in 2008. Despite the declining number of fire-related fatalities, one statistic has remained consistent. Approximately 86% of all fatal fires since 2008 have occurred in homes where no smoke alarms were present and functioning, or where no smoke alarms could be confirmed. 

“No single device has the potential to save more lives in homes than smoke alarms, especially when you are sleeping,” said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper. “There should be a functioning smoke alarm protecting every single person in Ohio – whether in a home, mobile home, apartment or dormitory.”

Marshal Cooper added that, during the winter months, there is greater opportunity for fires in homes because of heating devices, cooking and, in general, the increased time spent indoors. If a fire does occur in your home, research indicates working smoke alarms can double your chances of escaping.

Many fire departments distribute and install smoke alarms upon request. Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number for information about their smoke alarms programs.

Marshal Cooper offers the following tips regarding smoke detectors:

- Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home and inside each bedroom.

- Check your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.

- Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detectors.

- Never remove batteries to put in other appliances, such as games or electronic devices.

- If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Wave a towel, open a window, or turn on the range fan to clear the smoke.

- Smoke alarms wear out over time.  Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years.

- Keep smoke alarms clean.  Dust and debris can interfere with their operation.  Vacuum over and around your smoke detector regularly.

- Interconnected, hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-ups should be considered.  When one smoke alarm goes off, the others alert you to fire, too.

Consider using dual sensor smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric technology in one unit. Or, use alarms of each type throughout your home per the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal protection.

Office Seekers Reaches Seven

LOVELAND, OHIO - Angela Settell has thrown her hat into the mix, making seven residents who have applied to sit on Loveland City Council for the next twelve months. The seat is now vacant after Paul Elliott's sudden resignation last month.

Here is Settell's cover letter and the resume she submitted to the city: Download [email protected]_20110119_134947

Go HERE to read background and view the other office seeker's resumes. Go HERE to view Loveland Magazine's exclusive video Exit Interview with Elliott.

Mystery witness in Widmer trial referred to as Jane Doe

Mystery witness in Widmer trial likely a woman

LEBANON — The mystery witness expected to testify in the third Ryan Widmer murder trial is likely a woman and could be a former stripper.

That revelation and other sordid background was released Wednesday during jury selection. A jury of six women and six men was seated for the trial following two days of questioning.

  Read on at Western Star...