Let's Talk Clermont

Patrick Venturella
  • 5.0 (3)
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News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio

  1. Episode 61 - Bill DeHass - Clermont County Senior Services Levy

    18H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Episode 58 - Jennifer Haley - Batavia Fire Levy

    APR 2

    Episode 58 - Jennifer Haley - Batavia Fire Levy

    Ep. 58 — Jennifer Haley on the Batavia Township Fire Levy, plus local news and spring events  We open this week with a local news roundup from around Clermont County before turning to a detailed conversation on one of the bigger ballot issues facing Batavia Township. We cover county property appraisals, a local teacher earning a major honor, a pending Batavia Village hearing involving Councilman Mike Gardner, an upcoming Union Township JEDD hearing, and cleanup updates out of New Richmond.  Interview — Jennifer Haley, Fiscal Officer for Batavia Township  Jennifer Haley joins the show to explain what the Batavia Township fire levy would do, why township officials are pursuing a new structure for fire and EMS service, and how the proposed change would affect the current Central Joint Fire-EMS District. She also walks through the history of CJFED, how township finance and millage work, why equipment and staffing costs have climbed so sharply, and what the levy could mean for staffing, future stations, response times, and residents’ tax bills.  From there, the conversation gets into the nuts and bolts of the proposal. We talk about the failed November levy, the six firefighter-paramedics tied to a federal SAFER grant, the township’s argument that it now carries the overwhelming share of the fire district tax base, and the case for moving to a Batavia Township Fire Department that would still serve the village through a contract arrangement. Jennifer also explains how older equipment, development pressure, slower response times in the eastern end of the township, and TIF-related revenue issues all factor into the debate.  News   Clermont County property appraisers are out collecting data as part of the regular assessment process  St. Bernadette teacher Jennifer Duffy was named Gold Star Chili Teacher of the Year  Batavia Village will hold an April 13 hearing on possible punishment or expulsion of Councilman Mike Gardner  Union Township will hold a May 12 public hearing on changes to JEDD #1 with the City of Milford  New Richmond’s Lions Against Litter and Dumpster Days continue through April 10, along with monthly brush collection through October Events mentioned at the end of the show  Play and Learn at the Amelia Branch Library  Family Frog Walk  Art in the Park: Nature Stenciling  Clermont County Genealogical Society program at the Batavia Library  CPR class at the Union Township Civic Center  Easter Family Sing Along Brunch  Spring Clothing Swap with Glam  Amphibian Ambler  Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 17m
  5. Episode 57 - Kim Georgeton - Candidate for Ohio State Lt. Governor

    MAR 26

    Episode 57 - Kim Georgeton - Candidate for Ohio State Lt. Governor

    Ep. 57 — One Year In and Kim Georgeton on Data Centers, H-1B Reform, and Ohio Politics  We kick off our one-year anniversary episode with a quick thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, supported, and helped Let’s Talk Clermont grow over the last year.  Then we get into a packed news roundup. We look at two Ohio property tax bills and why they matter for school funding before turning to local stories across the county, including Batavia’s airport annexation fight, fallout from a heated Batavia Village meeting over fire funding, updates out of Loveland, financial concerns in West Clermont, controversy around Milford’s upcoming State of the City event, and more from around the region.  Interview — Kim Georgeton, candidate for Ohio Lieutenant Governor  Kim Georgeton joins us to talk about her background in tech, startups, and digital transformation, how she ended up running statewide with Casey Putsch, and what she thinks the Lieutenant Governor role should actually look like in practice.  From there, the conversation turns to some of the biggest issues in the race. We talk about hyperscale data centers and the questions surrounding water use, groundwater contamination, energy demand, noise, tax abatements, and local control. We also get into H-1B visa reform, manufacturing, property taxes, housing affordability, school funding, and what an Ohio-first agenda could look like.  News quick hits   Ohio House Bills 186 and 129 and what they could mean for school funding and property taxes  Batavia Village revisits the airport annexation issue  Assault charge filed after a tense Batavia Village meeting tied to fire levy debate  Loveland Madeira Road Phase 2 delayed to 2028  Loveland officials push back on Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase  Loveland’s annual city report highlights strong revenues, infrastructure progress, and a lean staff  Debate continues over traffic and the future of downtown Loveland  West Clermont officials warn of future financial pressure and possible reductions  Milford faces criticism over charging for its State of the City event  More local updates from around Clermont County Events mentioned at the end of the show  Suzanne Klingman Memorial Walk  Wildflower Seed Bombs at Klingman Park  Toddler Time at the Miami Township Library  Handmade Easter Lilies at the New Richmond Library  Art in the Park  Clermont County Genealogical Society program at the Batavia LibraryFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    2h 17m
  6. Episode 56 - Gary Knepp - Clermont County Historian

    MAR 19

    Episode 56 - Gary Knepp - Clermont County Historian

    Episode 56 — Gary Knepp — True Crime in Clermont County   We start with a couple of school-focused local updates, then Gary Knepp returns to the show for a talk about true crime in Clermont County, including gambling, murder cases, lynchings, and the county’s stranger legal history. We also talk about Gary’s upcoming book on Camp Dennison and why it remains such an important part of local Civil War history.  Interview — Gary Knepp (local historian, author, and retired attorney)  Gary’s return to the show and how his work in Clermont County history led him into local true crime researchEarly punishment in the county, including whipping posts, stocks, and how justice worked on the frontierGambling in Clermont County during the 1920s and 1930s, including the Arrowhead Club, the Silver Ranch, and mob tiesThe story of James Dalhover and the Depression-era crime gang tied to stolen World War I machine guns from Felicity and MoscowThe infamous Dovey Dean case, her confession, and why it still raises questionsMore capital murder history from Clermont County, including the Michael Webb case and how death penalty cases played out locallyA lynching in New Richmond and what it reveals about vigilante justice and public opinion at the timeGary’s upcoming book on Camp Dennison, the Civil War training camp, hospital, and discharge center that served tens of thousands of soldiersWhat Camp Dennison was actually like day to day, from medical treatment and disease to military training and profiles of the men who passed through itIn the News Milford Schools rolls out new districtwide school safety tools, including crisis alert and visitor management systemsBatavia Local Schools announces upcoming leadership changes, including Cindy Jacobs’ retirement and staffing moves pending board approvalEvents roundup Homeschool Discovery Days: Animal Folklore — Mar 20, Hartman Log CabinMeet the Characters from Frog and Toad — Mar 21, Union Township Branch LibrarySpring Equinox Women’s Camping Retreat — Mar 21–22, Chilo Lock 34DIY Bird’s Nest — Mar 23, Williamsburg Branch LibraryFeelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts — Mar 23, Goshen Branch LibraryLittle House on the Prairie Cooking Class — Mar 24, Batavia Branch LibraryBirds and Blooms Hike — Mar 25, Sycamore Park and Wilson Nature PreserveAmphibian Amble — Mar 26, Clingman ParkSusan Klingman Memorial Walk — Mar 27, Crooked Run Nature PreserveClermont County Museum Day — Mar 28, multiple museums across the county Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 35m
  7. Episode 55 - Maalinii Vijayan - Assistant Health Commissioner Clermont Public Health Department

    MAR 12

    Episode 55 - Maalinii Vijayan - Assistant Health Commissioner Clermont Public Health Department

    Episode 55 — Malini Vijayan — Clermont County Public Health  We start with a few regional updates, then we sit down with Maalini Vijayan, Assistant Health Commissioner of Community Health Services at Clermont County Public Health, to talk about what the health department actually does day to day, how local public health works with the state, and what trends they’re watching right now.  Interview — Malini Vijayan (Clermont County Public Health)  What Clermont County Public Health does and how the department is structured (including why operations run out of two buildings)Community Health Services highlights: WIC, immunizations, communicable disease work, complex medical help, injury prevention, and harm reductionEnvironmental Health Services overview: food licensing and inspections, plumbing, water and waste, and how the permitting side fits inPublic health partnerships across the county and why “health” includes things like housing and transportationData and trend tracking, including youth mental health and substance use indicatorsAvian flu and what to do (and not do) if you encounter dead wildlifeWhat COVID was like from the public health side, what changed, and what the agency is still seeing todayIn the News Cincinnati’s budget shortfall and the possibility of department cutsBrown County’s petition effort to restrict large data centers via a constitutional amendmentWilliamsburg’s summer street resurfacing scheduleBatavia’s DECA “Dog Den” earning national recognition as a school-based enterpriseEvents roundup Wizard of Oz — Mar 13 (7:30 PM), Loveland Stage CompanyPancakes in the Park — Mar 14 (9 AM–12 PM), Pattison Park LodgeWild Pokémon Creations — Mar 14 (10 AM), Amelia Branch LibraryCelebrate Pi Day — Mar 14 (2 PM), Miami Township Branch LibraryArt à la Carte — Mar 16 (5 PM), New Richmond Branch Library (ages 12+)Spring Wreath — Mar 17 (5 PM), Batavia Branch Library (registration / wait list)Virtual: Lunch & Learn Native Plantings — Mar 18 (12 PM)Homeschool Discovery Days: Animal Folklore — Mar 20 (1 PM), Hartman Log Cabin (preregistration)Meet Frog and Toad — Mar 21 (2 PM), Union Township Branch LibrarySpring Equinox Women’s Camping Retreat — weekend program, Chilo Lock 34  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1 hr
  8. Episode 54 - Rep. Adam Bird - Ohio State Representative District 63

    MAR 5

    Episode 54 - Rep. Adam Bird - Ohio State Representative District 63

    Episode 54 — Rep. Adam Bird — Ohio State Representative District 63 In this episode, we look at some local headlines, then sit down with State Rep. Adam Bird to talk development pressure, annexation battles, property taxes, and what “fair” school funding even means in Ohio. Interview — Rep. Adam Bird (Ohio House, District 63)  What a state representative actually does and how Ohio’s process differs from DCClermont’s “character” and the tension between growth and keeping an Appalachian and agricultural feelHB 113 and why “Type 2” annexations keep blowing up locallyThe airport-area development fights in Batavia and why the county wants a bigger sayProperty taxes, why people are furious, and what happens if Ohio ever tries to eliminate them entirelySchool funding, EdChoice, and why comparing outcomes is harder than most people thinkWant to reach Rep. Bird? rep63@ohiohouse.gov In the News  Clermont County building permits set another record in 2025 with growth across single-family, multi-family, and commercial projectsDainty Foods is coming to Batavia Township with a major investment and job creation plansA terrifying SR-222 crash ends in a rescue thanks to Apple Watch crash detection, dispatchers, and first respondersUnion Township notices: Special Improvement District annual meeting and Jungle Jim’s Eastgate annual meeting (March 20)Loveland secures grant funding to preserve a riverfront property for conservation and passive useNew Richmond updates: Hamilton Street sidewalk project issues, Liberty Landing public meeting (March 10), and a US 52 roundabouts open house (March 24)Cat are taking over NKU!  Events roundup  Clermont County Genealogical Society Program — Mar 7, 1 PM (Batavia Library)Art in the Park: Bamboo Paintbrushes — Mar 7, 11 AM–12 PM (Clingman Park, registration required, ages 12+)King Records & Herzog Studios — Mar 7, 2–3 PM (New Richmond Library)Very Hungry Caterpillar Open House — Mar 9, 4 PM (Batavia Library)D&D at the Library (Adults) — Mar 9, 5:30 PM (Bethel Library)Feelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts — Mar 9, 6 PM (Goshen Library)Cincinnati in the Civil War — Mar 10, 6 PM (Felicity Library)Radio Waves — Mar 10, 6:30 PM (Owensville Library)Owl Prowl — Mar 11, 8–9 PM (Sycamore Park & Wilson Nature Preserve)Woodcock Walk — Mar 12, 7:30–8:30 PM (Shore Park)Wizard of Oz (Loveland Stage Company) — Mar 13, 7:30 PMPancakes in the Park — Mar 14, 9 AM–12 PM (Pattison Park Lodge)Wild Pokémon Creations — Mar 14, 10 AM (Amelia Library)Celebrate Pi Day — Mar 14, 2 PM (Miami Township Library)  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook Instagram Newsletter If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate

    1h 13m
See All (61)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

News and Views for Clermont County, Ohio

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Venturella
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Clermont

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