Let's Talk Clermont

Patrick Venturella

News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio

  1. Episode 71 - Teresa Youngstrom - Memory Care Specialist

    5d ago

    Episode 71 - Teresa Youngstrom - Memory Care Specialist

    Ep. 71 — Teresa Youngstrom on Dementia Care, Memory Loss, Caregiver Stress, and A Better Approach to Memory Care We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the former Beckjord coal plant site being listed for sale amid coal ash concerns, Clermont County’s 2027 tax budget hearing, Loveland’s zoning code rewrite, Milford Schools’ latest financial update, Bethel’s possible beekeeping zoning changes, and New Richmond’s Liberty Landing construction update. Interview — Teresa Youngstrom, Registered Nurse, Dementia Specialist, and Founder of A Better Approach to Memory Care Teresa Youngstrom joins the show to talk about caring for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of memory loss. Teresa is a seasoned registered nurse and dementia specialist whose work was shaped by her own experience caring for her mother during a decade of decline. The conversation covers how families can better understand dementia, why dementia is not one single diagnosis, and how symptoms can vary from person to person. Teresa explains why caregivers often need to change their approach instead of trying to argue, correct, or force someone with memory loss into compliance. We also talk about practical caregiving tools, including validating emotions, de-escalating tense moments, redirecting with compassion, building routines, identifying “happy places,” avoiding yes-or-no questions, and looking for pain or discomfort when a loved one becomes agitated. Teresa also shares advice for families planning long-term care, bringing in outside help, preparing a “Plan B,” evaluating memory care options, and protecting caregivers from burnout. It is a thoughtful conversation about dignity, patience, flexibility, and how families can better care for loved ones during a difficult season of life. News Former Beckjord coal plant site near New Richmond listed for $13.5 million amid ongoing coal ash concernsClermont County officials continue warning about possible risks to public water infrastructure near the Ohio RiverClermont County holds its 2027 tax budget hearingCounty officials flag rising costs, capital needs, Child Protective Services funding pressure, and mental health funding concernsLoveland Parks and Recreation updates several capital projects, including Nisbeth Park, Phillips Park, Shoemaker property planning, and pickleball court resurfacingLoveland City Council moves forward with a broad zoning code rewrite and sets a public hearing for July 28Milford Schools reports a stronger-than-expected financial positionMilford School Board approves policy, budget, transportation, textbook, HVAC, and online learning plan itemsBethel considers zoning changes that could make it easier for residents to keep bees inside village limitsNew Richmond seeks seasonal summer helpLiberty Landing construction begins near River Hills Bank, with riverfront access restrictions during constructionEvents New Richmond Tavern Grand OpeningUnion Township Farmers MarketAmerica 250 Flag Dedication Ceremony in Batavia TownshipFront Street Flea Pop-Up Flea MarketRiver Sweep 2026 in New RichmondMadcap Puppets: Monkey See, Monkey DoNew Richmond Farmers MarketConcert in the Park: Steve FreeBatavia America 250 CelebrationMiami Township America 250 Opening CeremonyNew Richmond Freedom FestMilford Sparks in the ParkPierce Township Fourth of July Bike ParadeNew Richmond Cardboard Boat RegattaGoshen Fourth of July Parade Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    2h 2m
  2. Episode 70 - Brenda Woodward - Bethel America 250 Celebrations

    Jun 11

    Episode 70 - Brenda Woodward - Bethel America 250 Celebrations

    Ep. 70 — Brenda Woodward on Bethel’s America 250 Celebration, Small-Town Pride, Local History, and Community Life We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the county’s five-year water and wastewater capital improvement plans, possible federal legal action over water quality concerns tied to the former Beckjord coal plant site, and Loveland’s ongoing review of its downtown noise ordinance. Interview — Brenda Woodward, Bethel Village Council Member and Bethel America 250 Committee Member Brenda Woodward joins the show to talk about Bethel’s upcoming America 250 celebration. Brenda serves on Bethel Village Council and is also helping lead the food vendor side of the event. She walks us through the full celebration, including the parade, historical reenactors, Native American presentations, free children’s activities, live music, food vendors, market vendors, car cruise-in, pickleball tournament, fireworks, and more. The conversation also gets into the planning behind a major community event, the volunteers and sponsors helping make it happen, and the logistics that most people never see, from parking and shuttle service to cooling stations, accessibility, public safety, and food vendor setup. We also talk more broadly about Bethel itself, including its small-town feel, local businesses, churches, schools, village infrastructure, Burke Park, the Grant Memorial Building, the Burke Trust, local history, ghost tour potential, farmers markets, restaurants, and why Brenda believes Bethel still has a strong sense of community. News Clermont County Water Resources presents a major five-year water and wastewater infrastructure planThe county’s water plan includes 62 projects totaling nearly $120 millionThe county’s wastewater plan includes 53 projects totaling nearly $247 millionClermont County faces funding gaps in both water and wastewater capital plansGrowth along State Route 32 and Afton is driving some sewer capacity workCommissioners approve revisions to the five-year waterworks and wastewater capital improvement plansClermont County prepares possible federal legal action over water quality concerns tied to the former Beckjord coal plant siteCounty officials raise concerns about coal ash, groundwater, and public drinking water infrastructureLoveland officials review the city’s noise ordinance after downtown amplified music complaintsLoveland’s Law and Ordinance Committee tables the issue for more review and public inputEvents Union Township Summer Concert: Kevin McCoy BandSummer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature PreserveRalph Shepard Concert Series: Sycamore BandFamily Adventure Day: Creek Romp ExpeditionNew Richmond Summer Concert Series: Mitchell ReedJune in Old Williamsburg: America 250 Celebration and FestivalFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    2h 23m
  3. Episode 69 - Ian Schwartz - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

    Jun 4

    Episode 69 - Ian Schwartz - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

    Ep. 69 — Ian Schwartz on Ohio House District 62, Affordability, Public Education, and Community-Focused Campaigning We start this week with news from around Clermont County and Ohio, including the growing data center debate at the Statehouse, Governor DeWine’s pause on new data center tax exemption requests, Ohio’s latest property tax reform changes, odor complaints near the Zimmer Landfill in Washington Township, and a Liberty Landing construction update from New Richmond. Interview — Ian Schwartz, Candidate for Ohio House District 62 Ian Schwartz joins the show to talk about his campaign for Ohio House District 62. A veteran, husband, and father, Ian lays out the three main themes of his campaign: protecting people’s wallets, health, and families. We discuss affordability, grocery prices, healthcare costs, prescription drug affordability, and the role state government can play in addressing everyday pressure on Ohio families. The conversation also gets into public education, Ohio’s school funding system, the Fair School Funding Plan, property tax reform, local levies, and Ian’s view on proposals to eliminate property taxes altogether. Ian also shares ideas around veterans issues, including his proposal to eliminate property taxes for disabled veterans with a VA rating. We also cover responsible development, Community Reinvestment Areas, zoning, solar, data centers, campaign strategy, partisanship, and the importance of focusing on issues that affect communities across party lines. And because no good conversation stays perfectly on script, we take a few detours into philosophy, military service, nuclear weapons, Heidegger, Kant, and how those experiences shape Ian’s approach to public service. News Ohio’s data center debate continues at the StatehouseGovernor DeWine pauses new data center tax exemption requestsCoLogix data center project moves forward under previously approved incentivesLoveland City Council hears a property tax reform update from Warren County Auditor Matt NolanOhio property tax reforms change inside millage, the 20 mill floor, rollback credits, county auditor valuation review, and County Budget Commission oversightWashington Township residents continue raising odor and health complaints near the Zimmer LandfillOhio EPA discusses hydrogen sulfide concerns and coal combustion residual waste at the Zimmer LandfillNew Richmond shares a Liberty Landing construction updateLet’s Talk Clermont receives its first executive producer credit Events Union Township Farmers MarketRiver Paddle at Chilo Lock 34Ralph Shepard Concert Series: P&G Big BandUnion Township Summer Concert: Audio GraffitiMilford Farmers MarketNational Trails Day at Sycamore ParkNew Richmond Farmers MarketLoveland Farmers MarketClermont Chamber Safety Council: Stop the BleedNew Richmond Summer Concert Series: Too TrickyUnion Township Summer Concert: Kevin McCoy BandSummer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature PreserveRalph Shepard Concert Series: Sycamore Band Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    2h 5m
  4. Episode 68 - Fr. Thomas McCarthy - Holy Family Parish Pastor

    May 28

    Episode 68 - Fr. Thomas McCarthy - Holy Family Parish Pastor

    Ep. 68 — Father Thomas McCarthy on Catholicism, Faith, and Life as a Priest in Clermont County We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including an update on county road and bridge conditions, Milford Schools’ financial report and performance audit recommendations, Milford City Council’s vote on a proposed Management Essentials contract, Milford’s community reinvestment area updates, and Batavia Township’s upcoming public hearing on its proposed 2027 tax budget. Interview — Father Thomas McCarthy, Pastor of Holy Family Parish Father Thomas McCarthy joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about Catholicism, Christianity, and what it means to serve as a priest in Clermont County. Father McCarthy is the pastor of Holy Family Parish, which includes Saint Philomena, Saint Ann, Holy Trinity, and Saint Louis. We talk about the foundations of the Catholic faith, including the role of the Church, the pope, the sacraments, the Eucharist, confession, Mary, the saints, and how Catholic teaching connects to ancient Judaism and Christian tradition. Father McCarthy also shares his thoughts on faith, discipline, responsibility, and why he believes religion shapes the way people understand the world and their place in it. The conversation also covers Father McCarthy’s personal path to the priesthood, what seminary was like, what he enjoys about being a priest, and the role Holy Family Parish and Saint Louis School play in the local community. It is the first interview in what we hope will become a larger series featuring religious leaders from around Clermont County. News Clermont County Engineer Jeremy Evans reports improved road ratings, shorter paving cycles, bridge work, and culvert repairsClermont County plans a smaller but active 2026 road resurfacing programMilford Schools reports stronger-than-expected finances through AprilMilford Schools reviews athletic spending as part of its performance audit recommendationsMilford City Council rejects a proposed Management Essentials professional services contractMilford City Council approves updates to the city’s community reinvestment areasResidents raise concerns about tax abatements, development, and future CRA use in MilfordBatavia Township schedules a public hearing on its proposed 2027 tax budgetEvents Frontier Days Festival in Downtown MilfordFrontier Days Parade in MilfordPond Dipping at Crooked Run Nature PreserveStorytime at East Fork State ParkWriter Showcase at Union Township LibraryFamily Catch and Release at Clepper Park PondMilford Farmers MarketNew Richmond Farmers MarketConcert in the Park with Harmonics in LovelandFamily Adventure Day: Wilderness Survival at Clingman ParkNew Richmond Summer Concert Series with Chuck and James Acoustic HeroesArt in the Park: Flower Pounding Prints at Shor ParkUnion Township Farmers MarketRiver Paddle at Chilo Lock 34Ralph Shepherd Concert Series featuring the P&G Big BandUnion Township Summer Concert with Audio GraffitiNational Trails Day 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

    2h 22m
  5. Episode 67 - Joe Loving - Co-Owner of Mean Beard

    May 21

    Episode 67 - Joe Loving - Co-Owner of Mean Beard

    Ep. 67 — Joe Loving on Mean Beard, Strongman Training, and Building Confidence Through Fitness  We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the county’s long-range economic development strategic plan, Maddox Industrial Transformer’s Batavia expansion, Central Joint Fire-EMS service cuts after failed levies, Loveland’s mural approval and zoning code updates, West Clermont’s budget concerns, New Richmond’s Roar on the River fundraiser, proposed US 52 roundabouts, and River Days traffic updates.  Interview — Joe Loving, Co-Owner of Mean Beard  Joe Loving joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, beard care, weightlifting, strongman training, and the role fitness can play in helping people rebuild confidence. Joe talks about his path from a twenty-year corporate career with Coca-Cola to becoming co-owner of Mean Beard, a Batavia-based beard care brand that ships products around the world.  We get into the story behind Mean Beard, including how Joe’s beard journey began as an advocacy effort for his son, how the company developed its beard oils, balms, and beard enhancers, and what makes a quality beard care product different from the stuff on a store shelf. Joe also shares some practical beard care tips, a few beard safety warnings, and the story of a painful run-in between his beard and a drain snake.  The conversation also turns to lifting, gym culture, strongman training, consistency, programming, and Joe’s work with Urban Outreach and City Gospel Mission. Joe explains how the gym can help people build more than physical strength, especially for men working through recovery, homelessness, and major life challenges.  News   Clermont County Commissioners review the county’s economic development strategic plan  Maddox Industrial Transformer expands into Batavia  Central Joint Fire-EMS announces service cuts after failed funding levies  Loveland approves a new mural for Coulter Studio  Loveland continues reviewing zoning code updates, including short-term rental rules  Pierce Township schedules a special meeting on economic budget numbers  West Clermont Citizens Advisory Committee warns of major funding challenges  New Richmond Schools hosts Roar on the River to support student activities  New Richmond considers four proposed US 52 roundabouts  New Richmond Police issue River Days and graduation traffic updates Events  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250  River Days 2026 in New Richmond  Free Yard Sale Weekend in New Richmond  Hike with Park Staff at Sycamore Park  Summer Bird Walk at Cincinnati Nature Center  CPR Class at Union Township Civic Center  Milford Farmers Market  Milford Memorial Day Parade  Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park  Ancient Oceans with Clermont County Parks  NewSoul Glassworks Mobile Hot Shop Visit  Frontier Days Festival in Milford  Frontier Days Parade  Writer’s Showcase at Union Township Library  New Richmond Farmers MarketFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    2h 5m
  6. Episode 66 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council

    May 14

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio