Let's Talk Clermont

Patrick Venturella
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio

  1. Episode 66 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council

    5D AGO

    Episode 66 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council

    Ep. 66 — Deidre Hazelbaker on Loveland City Council, Local Government, and Staying Connected to Residents  We start this week with news from around Clermont County and Ohio, including a reported Bigfoot “flap” in Portage County, the Clermont County Genealogical Society’s young writers competition, Batavia’s proposed local business matching grant program, several Batavia development updates, Loveland’s tabled city-property ordinance, Loveland’s PFAS treatment planning, New Richmond Schools’ new artificial intelligence guidelines, and a Liberty Landing update from the Village of New Richmond.  Interview — Deidre Hazelbaker, Loveland City Council Member  Deidre Hazelbaker returns to the show for a check-in after joining Loveland City Council. We talk about what it has been like moving from candidate and engaged resident to elected council member, including the weight of voting, the workload behind council packets, and the adjustment from being a “doer” to helping set direction for the city.  We also get into how Loveland City Council works behind the scenes, from packet review and resident outreach to collaboration with city staff and other council members. Deidre shares what has surprised her, what has exceeded expectations, and why she has gained an even deeper appreciation for Loveland’s city staff.  The conversation also covers major Loveland issues, including PFAS planning, communication with residents, sidewalks, traffic, Loveland-Madeira Road, economic development, downtown business ideas, community events, and the importance of residents showing up, speaking at meetings, and staying involved in local government.  News   Ohio sees an uptick in reported Bigfoot sightings near Portage County  Clermont County Genealogical Society launches its 2026 young writers competition  Batavia CIC moves toward a local business matching grant program  Maddox Industrial Transformer expands into Batavia  River Point apartments remain delayed while water approval issues are worked through  Harvest Meadows continues moving forward  Streamside townhomes could begin construction this summer  Casey’s development site is cleared for new construction  Batavia’s Foundry sidewalk project advances  Batavia continues America 250 planning, including fireworks and a mural  ODOT approves the Red Barn sign permit  Batavia reports continued high zoning and permit activity  Loveland tables a controversial city-property ordinance  Loveland shares an update on PFAS treatment design, funding, and settlements  New Richmond Schools adds artificial intelligence guidelines to the student handbook  New Richmond shares a Liberty Landing construction update Events  Spring Native Plant Sale at Cincinnati Nature Center  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250  Milford Citywide Yard Sale  Foraged Flower Crowns at Clingman Park  Music Under the Moon at Cincinnati Nature Center  Spring Litter Cleanup across Clermont County  Roar on the River New Richmond Lions Car and Bike Show Fundraiser  May We Grow Old 5K Fundraiser at Sycamore Park  Art in the Park: Creek Glass Jewelry at Clingman Park  US 52 Roundabout Project Open House in New Richmond  RiverDays 2026 in New Richmond  Free Yard Sale Weekend in New Richmond  Hike with Park Staff at Sycamore ParkFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 21m
  2. Episode 65 - Rick Mahan - New Richmond Military Museum

    MAY 7

    Episode 65 - Rick Mahan - New Richmond Military Museum

    Ep. 65 — Rick Mahan on the New Richmond Military Museum, Local Veterans, and Clermont County Primary Results  We start this week with Clermont County’s unofficial May 5 primary election results, including outcomes for local school, park, senior services, children’s services, developmental disabilities, fire and EMS, safety services, cemetery, and liquor option issues. We also look at several candidate races, including Clermont County Commissioner, County Auditor, Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, Ohio House Districts 62 and 63, and the 12th District Court of Appeals.  Interview — Rick Mahan, New Richmond Military Museum  Rick Mahan joins us to talk about the New Richmond Military Museum, his work as curator, and the local veterans whose stories are preserved there. Rick shares how the museum grew out of a promise to Ralph Shepherd, a longtime New Richmond veteran advocate, and how the museum now houses artifacts, uniforms, photos, medals, and personal items connected mostly to local service members.  We also talk about some of the stories behind the museum’s collection, including Clermont County’s deep military history, General Ulysses S. Grant, General Henry Clark Corbin, a 48-star flag tied to Judge Houserman and the Philippines, a Korean War soldier whose remains were identified decades later, POW/MIA remembrance, New Richmond connections to Iwo Jima, uniforms from two local Marines killed in the Beirut bombing, and even a Space Force uniform from a New Richmond graduate.  Rick also discusses his work with the VFW, American Legion, local veterans groups, youth programs, community service, fish fries, and the importance of keeping local military history alive for future generations.  News   Unofficial Clermont County May 5 primary election results  New Richmond School District operating levy fails  Clermont County Park District renewal levy passes  Clermont County Senior Services renewal levy passes  Clermont County Children’s Services levy fails  Clermont County Developmental Disabilities levy fails  Batavia Township Fire and EMS levy fails  Miami Township safety services levy passes  Franklin Township cemetery renewal levy passes  Batavia Township local liquor option passes  Clermont County Commissioner and Auditor primary results  Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District and Ohio House District 62 and 63 primary results Events  Cincinnati Nature Center Spring Native Plant Sale  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250  Kids Fishing Derby at Patterson Park  55th Annual Appalachian Festival in New Richmond  Creative Calm Women’s Sip and Paint Social  Astronauts of Ohio at Batavia Library  Conservation Civics at Cincinnati Nature Center  Springtime Terrarium Garden at Felicity Library  Milford Citywide Yard Sale Weekend  Clermont County Spring Litter Cleanup  Roar on the River New Richmond Lions Car and Bike Show Fundraiser   Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    56 min
  3. Episode 64 - Dillion Blevins - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

    MAY 1

    Episode 64 - Dillion Blevins - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

    Ep. 64 — Dillon Blevins on the Ohio House District 62 Race, Property Taxes, Development, and the May Primary We start this episode with a rundown of the May 5 primary election issues appearing on Clermont County ballots, including countywide levies for the Park District, Senior Services, Children’s Protective Services, and the Board of Developmental Disabilities. We also cover local issues in Batavia Township, Miami Township, New Richmond Exempted Village School District, Franklin Township, and the Batavia Township Aldi Sunday liquor sales option. Interview — Dillon Blevins, Candidate for Ohio House District 62  Dillon Blevins joins us to talk about his campaign for Ohio House District 62, his background growing up in Clermont County, his work as a local construction business owner, and his service in the U.S. Army Reserve. We talk about why he decided to run, what he learned from past campaigns, and why he believes this race matters for voters in Clermont County.  The conversation covers several of the issues Dillon is campaigning on, including property tax relief for senior homeowners, cutting the state income tax, reviewing state spending, and his concerns about public construction costs, school funding, and government bidding requirements. He also shares his views on development, tax abatements, data centers, public pensions, abortion legislation, online gambling, marijuana policy, and the role of state government in local communities.  We also talk about the tone of the race, campaign ads, political division, primary voter turnout, and why Dillon believes more residents should pay attention to contested races before the general election.  May 5 Primary Election Issues   Clermont County Park District renewal levy  Clermont County Senior Services renewal levy  Clermont County Children’s Services renewal with an increase  Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities additional levy  Batavia Township Fire and EMS levy  Miami Township police, fire, and EMS safety services levy  New Richmond Exempted Village School District operating levy  Franklin Township cemetery levy  Batavia Township Aldi Sunday liquor sales option Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 5m
  4. Episode 63 - Dotty Meier & Anne Gross - Child Protective Services Levy

    APR 30

    Episode 63 - Dotty Meier & Anne Gross - Child Protective Services Levy

    Ep. 63 — Anne Gross and Dotty Meier on Clermont County Children’s Protective Services, Child Safety, and the May Levy We start this week with news from around Clermont County and the region, including a lawsuit over a proposed Amazon Web Services data center in Wilmington, Clermont County Public Health’s new three-year Community Health Improvement Plan, a 911/Public Safety Services update, tuition-free kindergarten coming to Milford Schools, Batavia Township’s proposed coordinated development district, Bethel’s America 250 patriotic decorating contest, and a New Richmond reminder about garbage can rules.  Interview — Anne Gross and Dotty Meier, Clermont County Children’s Protective Services and Clermont County Job and Family Services  Anne Gross and Dotty Meier join us to talk about the Clermont County Children’s Protective Services levy on the May ballot and why the agency is again asking voters for support after the levy failed by a narrow margin in November. We talk about what changed in their outreach effort, why they see the campaign as an education effort, and how they are working to explain what CPS does and where levy dollars go.  We also get into the day-to-day work of Children’s Protective Services, including how reports of abuse and neglect are handled, how the agency works to preserve families when it is safe to do so, and why removing a child from the home is treated as a last resort. Anne and Dotty explain the role of kinship care, foster care, parent education, case management, supervised visitation, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, transportation, independent living services, and other supports that help children and families stabilize.  A major focus of the conversation is the rising cost of child placement. Anne and Dotty explain how placement costs have increased over the current levy cycle, why those costs are difficult to control, and how a lack of preventive services can create a cycle that leads to more removals and higher long-term costs. They also discuss the broader impact on schools, law enforcement, courts, and the community when families do not get support early enough.  We also talk through the details of the levy, including the proposed 0.2-mill increase, the estimated additional cost of $6.99 per year per $100,000 of home value, and why they believe the funding is needed to keep services running without draining reserves. The conversation also covers ballot language, issue-only voting, and how residents can learn more or get involved with the Keep Clermont Kids Safe campaign.  News   Wilmington residents sue over zoning changes tied to a proposed Amazon Web Services data center  Clermont County Public Health releases its 2026–2028 Community Health Improvement Plan  Clermont County Public Safety Services shares staffing, call volume, technology, and 2026 goal updates  Milford Schools announces tuition-free kindergarten beginning next school year  Batavia Township continues discussion on a proposed coordinated development district zoning amendment  Tate Township promotes the Bethel Area patriotic decorating contest for America 250  New Richmond reminds residents about garbage can placement and pickup rules Events  Spring Native Plant Sale at Cincinnati Nature Center  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Wild Blackberry Blooms at Clingman Park  Spring Migration Bird Walk at Chilo Lock 34 Park  Mother’s Day Sun Catcher Workshop at Sycamore Park  JFB Truck Pull Event at the Clermont County Fairgrounds  Plainsight HC at Jester’s Cards and Games  Michelle Robinson Band at Little Miami Brewing Company  Loveland Farmers Market Opening Day  Escape Into Calm Teen Nature Challenge at Pattison Park  Williamsburg Garden Club Annual Plant Auction  DIY Scented Candles at Clingman Park  Steve Newman Worldwalker Audio Trail Dedication at East Fork State Park  Birds and Blooms at Shor Park  Kids Fishing Derby at Pattison Park  55th Annual Appalachian Festival in New Richmond  Creative Calm Women’s Sip and Paint Social at Hartman Log CabinFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 35m
  5. Episode 62 - Paul Daniels - New Richmond Schools Levy

    APR 29

    Episode 62 - Paul Daniels - New Richmond Schools Levy

    Ep. 62 — Paul Daniels on New Richmond Schools, District Finances, and the May Levy  This special midweek episode is part of Let’s Talk Clermont’s election week coverage ahead of the May 5 primary. We get into the adjusted release schedule, preview the rest of the week’s election-focused interviews, and then we focus on New Richmond Exempted Village School District and the financial challenges behind its upcoming levy.  Interview — Paul Daniels, Superintendent of New Richmond Exempted Village School District  Paul Daniels joins the show to talk about his background in education, how he came to New Richmond, and what he stepped into during his first year as superintendent. The conversation covers the district’s size, structure, and geography, along with the lasting financial impact of the Beckjord and Zimmer plant closures and what that has meant for a district that now depends much more heavily on local homeowners and farmers for revenue.  We also talk about the district’s budget reality in practical terms. We discuss staffing reductions, transportation pressures, class size targets, rising operating costs, and the challenge of maintaining student services while trying to stretch limited dollars further. Paul explains how the district has been making internal cuts and finding efficiencies rather than simply asking voters for more money without changes on its own side.  The episode also breaks down the May 5 levy itself, including why the district moved away from the earned income tax approach that failed in November and came back with a more traditional five-year property tax levy. Paul explains what the levy would support, why the board says it reflects community feedback, and what is at stake for New Richmond Schools if the district cannot stabilize its finances in the next few years.  We also look at the rest of the week’s election coverage, including an upcoming conversation on the CPS levy and an interview with Ohio House District 62 Republican primary candidate Dillon Blevins. Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    50 min
  6. Episode 61 - Bill DeHass - Clermont County Senior Services Levy

    APR 23

    Episode 61 - Bill DeHass - Clermont County Senior Services Levy

    Ep. 61 — Bill DeHaas on Clermont Senior Services, Aging in Clermont County, and the May Levy We start this week with news from around Clermont County and beyond, including opposition to a proposed data center in Trenton, new chronic wasting disease cases in Indiana near the Ohio line, Clermont County Public Library’s 2026 short story winners, Habitat for Humanity homeownership opportunities in Batavia, Milford’s call for Farmers Market vendors, Goshen Township’s future land use plan, Loveland’s 150th anniversary celebration, a push to make the Loveland Frog Ohio’s official state cryptid, redevelopment updates in Union Township, a Claremont Northeastern reunification drill, and several community updates out of New Richmond. Interview — Bill DeHaas, CEO of Clermont Senior Services Bill DeHaas joins us to talk about what Clermont Senior Services does and why so many county residents may know the buses without realizing how much more the organization offers. We get into transportation, home-delivered meals, home care, respite, adult day services, lifelong learning centers, case management, home repair, volunteer support, and Adult Protective Services, along with how those programs help older adults stay independent and remain in their homes as long as possible. We also talk about the bigger aging picture in Clermont County, including caregiver strain, isolation, dementia-related needs, rising demand for services, and the county’s growing senior population. Bill also shares how he got started in this work, why he stayed, and what it means to lead an organization built around what Clermont Senior Services calls “service with heart.” We also spend time on the upcoming Clermont Senior Services levy. Bill explains what the 1.3-mill renewal would mean, why it is a renewal rather than an increase, how levy dollars are used, what kind of value taxpayers get from keeping seniors in their homes, and why these services matter even for families who do not need them yet. News   Opposition grows around a proposed data center project in Trenton  Indiana confirms new chronic wasting disease cases near the Ohio border  Clermont County Public Library announces 2026 short story competition winners  Habitat for Humanity opens Batavia homeownership applications  Milford begins accepting 2026 Farmers Market vendor applications  Goshen Township releases its 2026 future land use plan  Loveland announces its 150th anniversary celebration weekend  Ohio lawmakers introduce a bill to make the Loveland Frog the state cryptid  Union Township shares updates on a new community authority, a larger UDF, and Eastgate-area redevelopment  Clermont Northeastern schedules a full reunification safety drill  New Richmond shares updates on Liberty Landing, utility payments, grass-cutting season, and pet waste enforcement Events mentioned at the end of the show  Amphibian Amble at Clingman Park  Wonderful Worms at Batavia Library  Hike with CCPD Park Staff at Turkey Trace Trail  2026 Spring Litter Cleanup  Soothe by Sound Outdoor Sound Bath at Sycamore Park  Pet Friendly Plant Workshop at Clingman Park  Framed Decoupage Monogram at Batavia Library  STEAM: Hopping Around — All About Frogs at Union Township Library  Toddler Time at Miami Township Library  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Wild Blackberry Blooms at Clingman Park  Spring Migration Bird Walk at Chilo Lock 34 Park  Mother’s Day Sun Catcher Workshop at Sycamore ParkFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 41m
  7. Episode 60 - Josh Torbeck - Clermont County Park District Levy

    APR 16

    Episode 60 - Josh Torbeck - Clermont County Park District Levy

    Ep. 60 — Josh Torbeck on Clermont County Parks, Trails, and the May Levy We start this week with news from around the county including a Clermont County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting, an open seat on the Clermont County Park District Board, the return of the Loveland Farmers Market, an open council seat in Bethel, and business and community reminders out of New Richmond. Interview — Josh Torbeck, Executive Director of the Clermont County Park District Josh Torbeck joins us to talk about what the Clermont County Park District does, how he came into the role, and what makes the county’s parks system special. We get into the Park District’s balance of small-team community feel and countywide impact, along with the growing demand for better hiking trails, river access, and more ways for residents to connect with nature. We also talk through several recent and upcoming projects across the park system, including the new riverfront sundeck at Sycamore Park, the suspension bridge into Wilson Nature Preserve, trail work and a boardwalk at Clingman Park, and the long-term vision for Grailville. Josh shares how the district approaches park design, conservation, trails, public feedback, and the challenge of making every dollar stretch. We also spend time on the upcoming Parks levy. Josh explains the history of the district’s first levy in 2016, what that funding has made possible over the past decade, why the current request is a renewal rather than an increase, and what could happen to staffing, programming, maintenance, and future projects if the levy does not pass. We also discuss the Park District’s community grant program and how it helps other local communities build out their own park amenities. News   Clermont County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting at Miami Township Library  Open seat on the Clermont County Park District Board  Batavia Village council vacancy update  Loveland schools earn high marks on the state report card  Loveland Farmers Market returns for its sixteenth season  Bethel seeks applicants for an open council seat  New Richmond shares business, dumpster day, and yard sale updates Events mentioned at the end of the show  Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets at Clingman Park  Growing Fungi Workshop at Clingman Park  Amphibian Amble at Clingman Park  Hike with CCPD Park Staff at Turkey Trace Trail  2026 Spring Litter Cleanup  Soothe by Sound Outdoor Sound Bath at Sycamore Park  Pet Friendly Plant Workshop at Clingman Park  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 41m
  8. Episode 59 - Dan Ottke - Board of Developmental Disabilities Levy

    APR 9

    Episode 59 - Dan Ottke - Board of Developmental Disabilities Levy

    Ep. 59 — Dan Ottke on Developmental Disabilities, Local Services, and the May Levy   We start this week with some news from around the county including Mike Gardner’s guilty plea and the new Batavia Village council vacancy, the Olivewood Park development in Batavia Township, a proposed new coordinated development district to replace the old planned development framework, major redevelopment concepts in Milford, electric aggregation changes and zoning debates in Loveland, a zoning commission opening in Pierce Township, transportation changes in West Clermont, and a handful of updates out of New Richmond.  Interview — Dan Ottke, Superintendent of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities Dan Ottke joins us to talk about what the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities does, who it serves, and why those services matter across the county. We discuss everything from early intervention for children ages birth to three, to school-age programming at Wildey School, to adult services, employment support, family assistance, Medicaid waivers, and the county’s broader provider network.  We also talk about the Board’s levy request and the financial pressure behind it. Dan explains how the DD system is funded, why fixed levies gradually lose ground over time, how Medicaid waiver match costs have climbed, and what the proposed 0.75 mill additional levy would mean for county residents. We also talk about workforce shortages, increasing service demand, the importance of local support for families navigating developmental disabilities, and why the Board says this levy is about maintaining service levels and planning responsibly for the future.  News   Mike Gardner pleads guilty to disorderly conduct and Batavia Village posts a council vacancy notice  Construction begins on Olivewood Park in Batavia Township  Batavia Township advances a proposed new Article 50 coordinated development district  Milford unveils early downtown and riverfront redevelopment concepts  Loveland pauses its electric aggregation program and continues debate over short-term rentals and infill rules  Pierce Township seeks a volunteer for its zoning commission  West Clermont discusses transportation changes and ongoing financial pressure  New Richmond shares utility, park, and dumpster-day updates Events mentioned at the end of the show  Used Book Sale at the Goshen Branch Library  Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34  Museum Opening Day at Chilo Lock 34 Park and River History Museum  Dig It Garden Club at the Union Township Library  Earth Month Family Tree Planting  Fossils Are Fantastic at the Miami Township Library  Birds and Blooms Hike at Keehley Nature Preserve  Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park  Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets  Growing Fungi Workshop at Klingman Park Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 29m
See All (66)

About

News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Venturella
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Clermont

You Might Also Like