🏠 New housing development: A 72-home residential project has been proposed near the Dayton International Airport.
🎈Things to do: A variety of events are scheduled throughout the Dayton area this weekend.
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Updated Ohio law requires cell phone classroom ban
In what lawmakers say is the final phase-in of a cell phone ban, Ohio schools will now be required to have a policy limiting cell phone use in the classroom.
• Deadline: Schools will have to have the policy in place by January.
• Exceptions: The law allows phone use for learning and students who have health concerns that need monitoring and .
• Being proactive: Several local public school districts already limit or ban cell phones in the classroom, requiring students to turn them in to a teacher or administrator at the beginning of the day or keep them in lockers or backpacks.
• What Gov. Mike DeWine is saying: DeWine said that the schools who banned cell phones had noisy lunch rooms, more socialization and better communication between students and teachers: “I think the jury has really returned on this issue."
Developer plans 72-home development on Vandalia site near Dayton Int’l Airport
A developer in Vandalia wants to construct a new housing development, to be named Riverdale, on a vacant site south of the Dayton International Airport.
• Rezoning: National homebuilder D.R. Horton is asking the city of Vandalia to reclassify a long-vacant, 14-acre site situated at the south end of Corporate Center Drive to facilitate construction on the currently tree-filled site.
• Plans: Homes proposed for the development would be a “narrower townhome-style design,” with minimal side yards. A small “tot lot,” or neighborhood common area typically designed for young children to play, has also been proposed at the north end of the development site.
• Next steps: Vandalia city council will consider the project during its Monday study session, with a vote scheduled during the Aug. 18 regular meeting.
What to know today
• One big takeaway: The data center boom in Central Ohio is driving massive new demand for power and will require billions of dollars in new investments in the electric grid. Find out who will pay for it.
• Tip of the day: How to support the House of Bread, which serves a hot, nutritious lunch to those who are hungry.
• Personal Journey: As a child growing up in Cleveland, Abigael Kaszar had an accident that would change her life forever.
• Big move of the day: Spintech Holdings, which moved from Xenia to a larger facility in Miamisburg in 2021, is preparing to expand again.
• Dayton Food & Dining: Since opening in October, Taylor’s Coffee & Creamery in Waynesville has added several new items to their menu including the viral 34-ounce coffee buckets.
• Schools: Dayton Public Schools is hosting a free back-to-school event for families, students and staff on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Welcome Stadium. This is the first time the district is offering the event.
• Inside Ohio Politics: A township trustee in Preble County is facing criminal charges after he reportedly filmed a juvenile in a bathroom.
• Community Gem: Libby Ballengee founded Venus Child Productions 10 years ago but never set out to become a key figure in Dayton’s live music scene. Do you know someone like this in your community? Follow this link to nominate them.
• Athlete of the week: Aidan Pendleton. This Northmont High School incoming senior led the Western Ohio Conference in hitting (.451) and stolen bases (24); and earned first-team GWOC and Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association honors.
• Thing to do: This weekend, there will be many events taking place across the Dayton area including festivals, nature walks and even an adults-only spelling bee.
• Cincinnati Reds: Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona recently earned his 2,000th win.