Loveland Magazine

Before we Continue... here's the Collection Plate

Where else you gonna get this much local news and useful information about your community?

How ya gonna feel if you never knew about the feature film "Hamill" and your friends start talking about it?

OK, enough preaching...here's the collection plate where you can join the other Loveland Magazine Readers who appreciate how Loveland Magazine enriches their lives.

It’s Better To Receive Than To Give

How being vulnerable allows us to give more than we could ever get

Hear Beth Bauer at Epiphany on Oct. 11

by David Miller

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – I have heard Beth Bauer speak and will promise, she has an inspiring message as she teaches how to prepare for and cope with receiving the worst possible news of you life. What will you do when a doctor tells you your child has an unimaginable and possibly fatal disease?

Bauer shares the many ways grace entered her life when everything was falling to pieces. Her triumphant and remarkable story of hope and gratitude will change the way you view misfortune, tragedy and even death itself. She asks you to answer the question, “How often do you turn down help because you don’t want to bother anyone, even though you are usually the first person to come to someone else’s rescue?

Bauer asks, “How many unlikely gifts are offered when we realize that ‘sometimes it’s better to receive than to give.”

Thought provoking, Bauer shares the many ways grace appeared, when her life fell into the world of the unknown. Her triumphant and remarkable story of hope and gratitude will change the way you view misfortune, tragedy and even death itself.

Bauer also offers practical answers when you ask yourself,  "Can I be the face of grace when MY best friend is in need?"

Due to a tragic coincidence, Bauer possessed unprecedented clarity and resolve on the day her ten-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Bauer now shares her hard won experience. She is a consultant and parent advocate who, in addition to her inspiring work with churches and civic organizations also offers crisis-management strategies to families through health care professionals across the country.

Bauer is a member of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of StarShine Hospice and Palliative Care. She lives in Loveland, Ohio with her husband and son and the memory of her beloved daughter.

Bauer will be telling her deeply personal story of survival to the St. Stevens Ministers at Epiphany United Methodist Church on Sunday evening, October 11 at 6:30 PM. Sometimes... It's Better to  Receive/ than to Give.

Bauer’s advice comes from her heart and at the same time is the most practical and useful advice to be found.

“Excellent” - Reverend Lisa Kerwin, Epiphany United Methodist Church

“Pertinent information with a very essential message.” - Pam Byer, L.I.S.W., Children’s Medical Center – Dayton, Ohio

The program is free and open to the public, but a donation will be appreciated.

Directions

Proof of Residency to be Required to Drive

New Rule Impacts Issuance Of Driver Licenses and Identification Cards

 

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO - Effective Oct. 8, 2009, those applying for a new or first time driver license or state identification (ID) card, replacing a lost license or ID card, or making an address change on a license or ID card will need to provide documents that establish the applicant’s current Ohio residential street address.
 
This impacts customers obtaining Temporary Permits, Driver Licenses, Commercial Driver Licenses, Motorcycle Endorsements and State of Ohio ID cards. A document proving current street address must be shown in addition to the primary and secondary documents required to prove name, date of birth and Social Security Number if those documents do not prove the current street address. If the primary or secondary documents shown prove the customer’s current residential street address, no additional proof of residency is required.
 
A list of acceptable primary and secondary documents can be found at http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv2424.pdf.

A list of acceptable documents to prove residency will be added to this list online by Oct. 8. Examples from the list include:

• Current and valid automobile liability, premises liability or life insurance policy
• Checking or savings account statement within the last 60 days
• Major credit card bill issued within the last 60 days
• Paycheck stub issued within the last 60 days
• Utility bill from an electric, telephone, water, sewer, cable, satellite, heating oil or propane provider issued within the last 60 days.

 
This rule change occurred as part of the BMV’s continuous review of operations and will increase the security and reliability of the documents issued by the BMV.
 
For more information, log onto www.bmv.ohio.gov

Ohio’s Child Passenger Safety Law Changing

Every child younger than 8 or less than 4 feet 9 inches must use booster seats effective Oct. 7

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO  – Area roadways are about to become safer for children.

Effective Oct. 7, children younger than 8, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, must use a booster seat. This new law – combined with existing law requiring children younger than 4 years and less than 40 pounds to use a child safety seat; and children 8 to 15 to use a safety seat or seat belt – will make traveling safer for Ohio’s children, said Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.

“Seat belts were designed for adults – not children,” he said. “Now, children in vehicles will be better protected from the hazards of the road.”

At least 34 Ohio children between 4 and 7 died in motor vehicle traffic crashes between 1999 and 2006 and traffic is the leading cause of death for this age group. And, in 2007, only 18 percent of Ohio children ages 4 to 8 used a booster, according to Partners for Child Passenger Safety.

Law enforcement will issue warnings only beginning Oct. 7. Full enforcement will begin April 7, 2010, with fines ranging from $25 to $75 per violation.

“This has helped Ohio take a significant step toward ensuring all of our young motor vehicle passengers are safe on our roads,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Cathy Collins-Taylor. “The six-month warning period is a critical time for education regarding this new law and we are encouraging all of our safety partners to help educate the public about the law, where to purchase a booster seat and what to do if you are unsure.”

“Don’t wait for a warning or a ticket,” Jackson said. “Help protect your children today by buying a booster seat.”

NOTE: The Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (OBB) program provides child safety seats to eligible low-income Ohioans and has distributed more than 20,000 child safety and booster seats in the past five years. Call 1-800-755-GROW (4769) to find the OBB program nearest you. In October, some 2,300 high-back, belt-positioning booster seats will be available for distribution to eligible low-income families.

Ohio’s child restraint law is defined in Ohio Revised Code 4511.81  http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.81.

How to Install Your Child's Car Seat or Booster Seat

Greater Cincinnati Health Council Area Hospitals to Begin Restricting Visitation

Precautionary Measure Implemented to

Limit Spread of Respiratory Illnesses,

Including H1N1

by David Miller

Prompted by the presence of the H1N1 virus and an increase in flu-like illnesses throughout the Tristate, most Greater Cincinnati hospitals in southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and southeast Indiana have begun visitor restrictions. "The limited visitation policies serve as a precautionary measure, designed to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses that may include the H1N1 virus to hospital patients and health care workers."

TriHealth Hospitals including Bethesda North have joined other area hospitals in enacting visitation restrictions.

For the hospitals that are limiting visitation, most are initiating the following restrictions:

• No visitation by anyone who is ill with any respiratory symptoms including coughing or fever, etc.
• No visitation by anyone under age 14

“We normally see an increase in flu-like illnesses a bit later in the season,” said Tonda Francis, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council.  “However, the flu season is starting earlier this year, and hospitals want to do everything they can to keep their patients safe.  In order to limit their potential exposure to flu-like illnesses, we are taking this precautionary step at this time,” she said.

In addition, due to the unique vulnerability of the pediatric population to the H1N1 virus, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center will implement restrictions that further limit visitation to parents and guardians only. Click here for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center information.

Hospitals’ decisions about visiting restrictions vary with the types of patients they serve and the specific services provided.  For example, those hospitals serving special patient populations such as burn, transplant or ICU patients may institute even more restrictive visitation policies. 

"Area hospitals have been working to protect their patients as much as possible from being exposed to respiratory illnesses including H1N1.  The hospitals will provide both seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines (when it becomes available) to hospital staff."

In addition, hospitals have put “respiratory etiquette” practices in place including making alcohol hand gel, tissues and face-masks available to patients and visitors in the emergency department and waiting rooms, and in some cases, separating an area in the emergency department waiting room for those with respiratory symptoms.

 “If you are sick, please use good common sense to prevent the spread of germs that may make others sick,” Francis said.  “If you have a fever, cough or other respiratory illness, don’t visit patients in hospitals or nursing homes.  In fact, the best precaution is to just stay home.  If you must go out, remember to cover your cough and wash your hands frequently,” Francis added. 

To keep from spreading respiratory illnesses including H1N1 to others, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends careful hand-washing, coughing and sneezing into a sleeve or a tissue, and staying home from work or school at least 24 hours after fever free.  

For more information on flu prevention, visit www.flu.gov.

L M Recogonized for Excellent Financial Accountability

MORROW, OHIO - Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor has presented the Little Miami Local School District with the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award for the fiscal year 2008 audit. This is the second consecutive year Little Miami has been recognized by the state for excellent financial accountability. Fewer than five percent of all Ohio government agencies are eligible for this award.

"It is an honor to recognize Little Miami Local School District officials for their commitment to strong financial accountability," said Ms. Taylor. "The community should be proud of the district's commitment to making sure that each tax dollar is spent appropriately. Keep up the good work."

Certain criteria must be met to receive the "Making Your Tax Dollars Count" award. Standards include:

• The school district must complete and submit a Comprehensive Annual Financial Review (CAFR).
• There must be no findings or issues present in the audit report.
• There must be no other financial concerns involving the entity.

Treasurer Shaun Bevan accepted the award September 15 on behalf of the district.

"It is a tremendous testimony to the district's efforts at fiscal accountability to receive this award two years in a row," said Mr. Bevan. "Little Miami has earned an 'Excellent' rating from the state for both our academics and our finances. We are among the top districts in the state academically, our spending is below the state average, and the State Auditor recognizes our hard work to vigilantly protect the community's investment in its schools."

New Clermont Counts Web site Provides 2010 Census Information

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Clermont County now has a Web site available for citizens to obtain information about the 2010 Census.  The site, www.2010.ClermontCountyOhio.gov provides answers to commonly asked questioned about the census and explains how the data is used to distribute more than $400 billion annually to state and local governments to fund critical community services.

2010 Census questionnaires will be delivered or mailed to homes in March 2010; more than 4.5 million Ohioans will receive the questionnaires.  There are only 10 questions to answer and is expected to take 10 minutes or less to complete.

"Census information is utilized to draw federal, state, and local legislation districts.  The statistics are used to attract new businesses, forecast future transportation needs, plan for hospitals, draw school district boundaries, and design public safety strategies.  Information collected is also utilized to determine the need for additional social services, block grants, and other grant programs essential to many communities."

Creating Personal and Social Change

Grailville Retreat and Program Center invites you to attend the third weekend retreat in Grailville’s 2009 Living an Integral Life Series: Creating Personal & Social Change: A Weeklong Inquiry into Transformative Action held Wednesday through Sunday, October 7-11.

Are you working toward your own transformation or toward the transformation of society? How is it going? Are you able to generate the transformative outcomes that you so deeply desire?

This 5 day inquiry is designed to improve your effectiveness in generating results that matter to you and to the world. Participants will walk away with:

• An understanding of integral theory and an ability to apply it to your life and work.
• A deeper awareness of yourself—body, mind, persona and spirit—the filters through which you experience life, the habituated patterns of perception, thinking, being and relating that limit your effectiveness.
• An understanding of your shadow and how it invites you into transformation.
• Ways to perceive and overcome your personality’s immunity to change and that of your organization or culture.
• An increased capacity to relate to others across the spectrum of consciousness and so co-create with others who hold different values to your own.
• An increased capacity to dwell within the field of being, to be present to that which is more than self and so access a vaster creativity than your own body-mind.

The workshop will be an exploration in experience. It is designed to bring you results in enacting transformation. It will be facilitated by a team of Integral practitioners: Australian Caresse Cranwell; Leslie Hershberger, Quanita Mundy; Loree Hollander. Co-sponsored by the Grail’s Women’s Institute for Social Transformation.

Creating Personal & Social Change: A Weeklong Inquiry into Transformative Action is held Wednesday through Sunday, October 7-11, at Grailville, 932 O’Bannonville Road. Tuition (with meals) is $500 Single Occupancy/ $400 Double Occupancy/$300 Commuter. Multiple reservation discounts and scholarships are available. Contact 513-683-2340 or www.grailville.org for more information

Grailville is a center of The Grail, an international movement of women committed to spiritual search, social actions, ecological sustainability and the release of women’s creative energy throughout the world. Located on 300 acres of woodlands, pastures and organic gardens jist outside of Loveland, Ohio, Grailville “is a diverse community offering spiritual, cultural and educational opportunities for the public, as well as providing guest facilities for meetings, lodging and dining.”

A one-night seminar on “How to Budget

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - A one-night seminar on “How to Budget” will be offered on Sunday evening, Oct 11th, 6:30 PM at Epiphany United Methodist Church. Dick Orcutt, will be leading the seminar.

Charles (Dick) Orcutt, is a founding Partner Orcutt & Co. CPA's, Ltd., a full service tax, accounting, and payroll business. He started Orcutt & Company in 1989 after 25 years in a variety of corporate and public accounting and financial positions. He holds an accounting degree from University of Cincinnati and a Masters degree from University of Oklahoma. He is a CPA licensed in the State of Ohio.

The seminar is open to the public, but please make a reservation by sending an e-mail.

Driving directions.

Tigers Claw Back To Over .500

by Chris Shoals

After an 0-2 start, it was hard to find daylight in the dark hole that is the high school football season. But, the Loveland Tigers football team has taken their flashlights, and hard hats, and fought their way back to a 3-2 record. The Tigers defeated Wilmington on Friday night by a score of 30-13.

Loveland was ready go from the blow of the whistle and jumped out to a fast start on defense, not allowing Wilmington to score a point until the second half. Andrew Newbold had the opening points for Loveland catching a 28 yard pass from Adam Engel that put Loveland up 7-0.

Loveland was 5/12 on third down conversions, leading them to long, sustained drives that kept the ball away from Wilmington’s playmakers. Loveland held the ball for 6 more minutes than the Hurricane, winning the time of possession battle 26:28, to 21:32.

Loveland also found a passing game this week with Adam Engel completing 6 of his 9 passes for 85 yards, and a touchdown. If you remember, Loveland only attempted 1 pass against Kings last week.

Engel once again led the team in rushing with 123 yards, but there were also strong showings from Isaac Spence, and Randy Mullins. Spence had 68 yards, on 20 carries, as well as cashing in 2 touchdowns. Mullins had 15 yards to add to the Tigers total of 232.

Loveland also had 21 first downs to the Hurricanes 11.

The Tigers will now head into the FAVC Buckeye play, one of the toughest divisions in the area, with an impressive 3-2 record. Coach Andrew Marlatt is looking towards the challenge. “Winning the last three games is a wonderful feeling for our team. However, we all understand the difficult road ahead in the FAVC Buckeye division.” Marlatt went on to say “The last five games are all tough and we just need to stay focused and keep chopping. I ask each player on our team to become a master of his craft.” Marlatt also feels the Tigers have a chance to achieve a huge goal. “If each Loveland Tiger will buy into this philosophy then I truly think we have a chance to reach our ultimate goal of winning the conference and making the Division 1 playoffs.”

Marlatt said that staying healthy will also be a challenge. “The coaching staff is committed to a year round strength program which absolutely pays dividends in the staying healthy department. We also will modify practice drills and practice length as the season progresses. The players need to do their part and get plenty of rest and good food.”

Randy Mullins now leads the FAVC with 4.5 sacks per game. He was credited with 1-1/2 sacks Friday against Wilmington.

Loveland next takes on Glen Este for the annual homecoming game at 7:30 PM on Friday. The game will take place at Tiger Stadium. The Trojans are 3-2 as well, with wins over Lakota East, Amelia, and Northwest while falling to GMC opponents Princeton, and Sycamore.

Looking at season stats, this will be a close game. Loveland has a slight lead over Glen Este producing 303 vs. 289 yds. per-game. Loveland also leads the two teams in scoring, but only by 25.2 vs. 23.4 pts. per-game. Glen Este has given up fewer pts. per-game, 14.8 vs. 19.4 for Loveland.

Glen Este's Austin Duncanson is averaging 128 yds. per-game with 642 total. He averages 6.7 yds. per-carry. Engel has totaled 582 yds. and averages 8.8 per carry. His average rushing per-game is 116 yds.

The Homecoming Court will be presented at half-time on Friday, and the Homecoming Queen will be announced.

Loveland's Homecoming Parade begins in Historic Downtown on Thursday at 6:30 PM.  The parade route will proceed west on West Loveland Avenue to Rich Road, ending at Loveland High School. 

Matt Hamill Subject of Movie

"The movie, 'Hamill' tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat."

LOVELAND, OHIO - "I read the script and cried through most of it," Matt Hamill's mother, Janet told Loveland Magazine.

Matt Hamill was born deaf, so his grandfather signed him up for the elementary school wrestling team to raise his self-esteem and help him fit in the hearing world.

It worked. In fact, Hamill's career has been so compelling that a production company was on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology Tuesday filming scenes for a movie about his life.

Hamill, who grew up in Loveland, Ohio, won three NCAA Division III national wrestling championships as a student at RIT. Now he's a professional fighter in the UFC — Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Hamill is being portrayed by deaf actor Russell Harvard, who played the role of H.W. Plainview as an adult in the movie There Will be Blood.  Read the full article by Bennett J. Loudon of The Democrat and Chronicle.com...

"Hamill" is a coming of age drama depicting the struggles and successes

of what it takes to become a champion.

Our story begins at a doctor’s office in Loveland, Ohio, where single mother, Janet, and grandfather, Stanley, learn that 8-month-old, Matt, was born deaf. She and her father are left to ponder a very difficult decision: follow the doctor’s advice and send Matt away to a specialized school for the deaf, or keep him in Loveland and preserve the family unit. Read the full movie synopsis here...

Susan Gibney (Crossing Jordan) has joined the cast to play Matt's Mother, Janet. Janet Rich teaches Health at Loveland High School. Rich said that she just found out from Loveland Magazine that Gibney was portraying her in the movie, and she thinks it is fantastic. She thinks the movie is going to be great. Rich was invited to go to Rochester to watch the filming, but couldn't go due to work and Homecoming at Loveland High School.  "Matt is one in a million and a true Blessing from God."

Matt's grandfather, Loveland's legendary Stan McCoy, will be played by Raymond J. Barry (Training Day, Walk Hard, Dead Man Walking). Rich said, "I miss Dad so much and he was such a big part of Matt's life, and the movie script brings that out."

"I am very proud and can't wait to see the final production," Rich told Loveland Magazine.

We’re introducing a new genre to Hollywood: THE DEAF FOREIGN FILM. Hamill has been created by the hearing and deaf, for the hearing and deaf, in hopes to bridge the gap between these two communities. Hamill will fully capture the colorful visuals of American Sign Language and the intricate layers of Deaf Culture and put them up on the Silver Screen for everyone to see in unison, deaf and hearing. Shot in the same vein as Million Dollar Baby but with a Rudy ending, and inspired by the life of deaf Ultimate Fighter Matt Hamill, Hamill tells the story of what it takes to be a champion, on and off the mat. After three years of development this production team is looking to propel this narrative film into Hollywood’s limelight. We need your help! It’s time to GET INVOLVED in the Matt Hamill Movie and help us create THE BUZZ…

The Matt Hamill Awareness Fund is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts organization. This project has been set up to help raise development funds for the feature film currently entitled Hamill.

Contributions to the Matt Hamill Awareness Fund may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All funds will be applied to the development costs of this project and will help us in reaching physical production. Contributions can be made online with a credit card.

Councilman Mark Fitzgerald appointed as interim City Administrator of North College Hill

The City of North College Hill has issued the following press release:

As I am sure you know, Jerry Thamann has accepted a position with the City of Springdale and will be leaving us on September 16, 2009. Jerry has served the city and this Administration with the highest quality of professionalism and dedication and we all will miss his presence. I am sure I speak for all citizens in thanking him and wishing him well.

The business of the City, obviously, must continue. To that end, it is imperative that we have continuity in service to our citizens, management of our departments and relationships with multiple county, state and federal agencies. This obviously calls for a person with experience and familiarity with North College Hill. While it is my first inclination to appoint a permanent replacement for Jerry, I have come to the conclusion that it would neither be prudent nor fair to do so at this time. This position is vitally important and should not be rushed. Secondarily, as this is an election year, I feel it would not be fair to force upon the incoming Council, a person whom I selected without their input.

Therefore, I have decided to appoint Mr. Mark Fitzgerald as the interim City Administrator. Mark has extensive experience as City Manager having served in that capacity in both the Village of Lockland and most recently in the city of Loveland.

During the past two years, he has worked closely with Jerry Thamann in his capacity with LSR Consultants and has become familiar with our system, our staff and our citizens. I feel Mark is the perfect person to insure our stability and continued progress until a permanent City Administrator is selected.

It is my intention to continue to interview perspective candidates until after the November 3, 2009 election. At that time, once the incoming Council is settled, I will then meet with that body and present my top three candidates for the purpose of interviews, after which I will consider counsel’s advice and input. I wish to make the final selection by December 1, 2009. This will give the person selected a full month to become acclimated to North College Hill as well as giving his/her employer reasonable notice before assuming their duties as North College Hill Administrator on January 1, 2010.

As Mark is a partner in LSR, our current economic development consulting firm, this will be considered as an extension of their contracted duties. This “outsourcing” of the interim city administrative duties is not unique. Deerfield Township has done the same thing in the last month while they search for their permanent Administrator. This arraignment will save the city nearly $2500.00 per month during the next 3 1/2 months.

Finally, let me make one thing very clear. While Mark may be an “interim” Administrator, he has the full authority to take whatever action necessary to insure the primary goals and policies of the Administration and Council namely, the preservation of the life, safety and welfare of our citizens, the efficient and effective management of all departments, and the continued progress in the development of our city.

Dan Brooks, Mayor
City of North College Hill

State News

Income drops, poverty rises in latest census release

Ohio had the third largest increase in poverty rate among the states this decade and the third-highest decline in median household income, new 2008 data released by the Census Bureau show. Read on...

Bill seeks one-year delay of all-day kindergarten | The Columbus Dispatch.

The chairman of the Senate Education Committee is pushing to delay Gov. Ted Strickland's requirement that districts offer all-day kindergarten starting next school year.

Under the two-year budget passed in July, all school districts, regardless of statewide ratings, must offer all-day kindergarten beginning in fall 2010, unless they get a waiver from the Ohio Department of Education.

Sen. Gary Cates, R-West Chester, wants to delay that requirement for one year. Read on...

State to slash lawyers' pay from crime-victims fund

Victims' advocates and some attorneys say a reduction in the amount the state reimburses lawyers for work in abuse cases will make it more difficult for victims to get protection orders, especially in rural areas. Read on...

Many born, left in hospitals

A young woman conceals her pregnancy, gives birth alone and then feels desperate.

The image of a panicked new mother on the verge of abandoning or killing her baby is often invoked by those who support safe-haven laws as a way to save infants from harm.

 But in Ohio and elsewhere, it appears to be just as likely -- and possibly more so -- that laws designed to permit the anonymous, legal abandonment of infants are being used by women who deliver in hospitals and leave without their children.

Some say that's OK because the babies remain safe, but others worry that the practice is short on safeguards and rife with potential consequences.  Read on...

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathryn Lehr talks with Kirstin Eismin of the YWCA about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and how you can reach out for help if you're currently involved in an abusive relationship.

Fall Back In Time: Riverboat Tour

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathryn Lehr talks with Keith Robinson and Wayne McClain (Clermont Park District) about the upcoming Fall Back in Time event, where you can meet some historical figures and take a BB Riverboats cruise to Augusta, Kentucky.

Health Care Can't Wait

Parents express thanks after embryo mix-up

TOLEDO (AP) -- A Sylvania woman who gave birth to a boy after a fertility clinic implanted her with the wrong embryo is a "guardian angel," the boy's biological parents said last week.

Paul and Shannon Morell of suburban Detroit said in a statement Saturday that they will be "eternally grateful" to Carolyn Savage for her decision to give birth to their child despite the clinic's mistake.  Read on...

Conflicting Reports about Miami U. Student Death

Hingham teen dies in Ohio after a battle against H1N1

Fears surrounding the swine flu virus struck close to home Saturday when a local teenager, described as healthy and full of life by his family, died three weeks after contracting the disease.

Another person connected to Miami University died last week. Kimberly Young, 22, graduated in December 2008. She died Wednesday, but tests have not concluded whether she died from the virus, Wagner said. Young and Healey did not appear to have known each other.  Read on...

Miami unable to confirm if freshman died from H1N1

OXFORD — Miami University officials tonight are unable to confirm whether a freshman who died this weekend passed away due to the H1N1 virus. Read on...

The Business District of Historic Milford, Ohio Features Four Celebrated Original Places

Milford, Ohio is one of the older more established neighborhoods in the area of Greater Cincinnati. It’s historic downtown area is filled with stores that have been there for a long time. Some of these stores include Allen’s which sells vacuum parts and vacuum pumps, Enchanted Moments and a store that repairs shoes.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of new businesses that have established themselves here and are creating a lot of buzz. Not only are these companies successful, they are also breathing new life into this historic part of town. Four of these businesses include 20 Brix, Padrino, Sugar and the Bridge Cafe.  Read on...

At The Library This Week

Symmes Township Branch Library

Baby Rhyme & sign

Nursery rhymes, activities & sign language for baby!
Ages 6-18 months
September 30, 2009. 11:30 a.m.

Stories, Shakin' & Songs

Children/Music & Movement Storytime
Music, movement & stories!
Ages 1-4
September 30, 2009. 10:30 a.m.

Tom Sawyer Workshop Children/The Big Read

Join ArtReach: A Division of the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati for a
workshop about "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". Presented as part of The
Big Read. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for
the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library
Services and Arts Midwest.
October 1, 2009. 7:00 p.m.

Get Energy Smart!

Hands-on activities & demonstrations for the whole family. Learn about
energy and energy efficiency with Michelle White from Crystal Clear
Science. Sponsored by a grant from Scholastic, Inc. and Duke Energy.
All ages welcome.
Symmes Township Branch Library
October 3, 2009. 1:00 p.m.

Loveland Branch Library

Preschool Storytime

Children/Preschool Storytimes
Ages 3-5
September 28, 2009. 10:00 a.m.

Preschool Storytime

Children/Preschool Storytimes
Ages 18-36 months

September 28, 2009. 11:00 a.m.

Who Needs Libraries in the Digital Age?

Apparently more people than ever need our Library, which is why usage is
breaking all records! Read how the free services at your Library changed
the lives of these Library fans.  Read on...

State News

BMV fees to take a bigger bite soon

Vanity plates to rise from $15 to $50; vision test also more

Starting Thursday, it will cost you a little more to buy a vanity license plate or temporary tag, and to get your vision checked when you renew your driver's license. Read on...

Ohio woman implanted with wrong embryo gives birth

Wrong-embryo baby's parents laud 'guardian angel'

An Ohio woman who gave birth to a baby boy after a fertility clinic implanted her with the wrong embryo is a "guardian angel," the boy's biological parents said Saturday.  Read on...

Diabetes drug can help fight lethal cancer complications.

A drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes can help fight lethal complications accompanying cancer, say researchers.esearchers from Ohio State University have found that drug rosiglitazone can help combat muscle wasting and severe fat loss among cancer patients.  Read on...

Credit Ratings Firm Sees Negative Ohio Outlook

A major credit ratings agency says Ohio’s credit standing is at risk, saying the state was counting too much on gambling dollars that are now in doubt.  Read on...

Milford, Ohio - Embracing the Trail Town Concept

View Trail Junction park Master Plan

The sycamore leaves were twirling on a lazy breeze, and the rain which had fallen all week backed off to at least a trickle, as the Citizens for a Better Milford hosted the 4th Annual Trail Junction Festival. A town crier rang his bell and Mayor Charlene Hinners presented certificates of appreciation to several members of the Citizens Group.

Milford has a plan which, if brought to fruition, will set the bar very high for trail towns. In keeping with the theme, they hope to build a Trail Junction Park. This area along the Little Miami River includes everything from an elevated road crossing to safely bring hikers and cyclists across a busy highway to a hotel! Two camping areas are also included in the park, and a large conservatory for botanical displays.  Read on...