Let's Talk Clermont

APR 23, 2026

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  <ul><li> Opposition grows around a proposed data center project in Trenton </li><li> Indiana confirms new chronic wasting disease cases near the Ohio border </li><li> Clermont County Public Library announces 2026 short story competition winners </li><li> Habitat for Humanity opens Batavia homeownership applications </li><li> Milford begins accepting 2026 Farmers Market vendor applications </li><li> Goshen Township releases its 2026 future land use plan </li><li> Loveland announces its 150th anniversary celebration weekend </li><li> Ohio lawmakers introduce a bill to make the Loveland Frog the state cryptid </li><li> Union Township shares updates on a new community authority, a larger UDF, and Eastgate-area redevelopment </li><li> Clermont Northeastern schedules a full reunification safety drill </li><li> New Richmond shares updates on Liberty Landing, utility payments, grass-cutting season, and pet waste enforcement </li></ul>Events mentioned at the end of the show <ul><li> Amphibian Amble at Clingman Park </li><li> Wonderful Worms at Batavia Library </li><li> Hike with CCPD Park Staff at Turkey Trace Trail </li><li> 2026 Spring Litter Cleanup </li><li> Soothe by Sound Outdoor Sound Bath at Sycamore Park </li><li> Pet Friendly Plant Workshop at Clingman Park </li><li> Framed Decoupage Monogram at Batavia Library </li><li> STEAM: Hopping Around — All About Frogs at Union Township Library </li><li> Toddler Time at Miami Township Library </li><li> Forage Tea Time and Hike: Wild Blackberry Blooms at Clingman Park </li><li> Spring Migration Bird Walk at Chilo Lock 34 Park </li><li> Mother’s Day Sun Catcher Workshop at Sycamore Park</li></ul>Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>

101 MIN

APR 16, 2026

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  <ul><li> Clermont County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting at Miami Township Library </li><li> Open seat on the Clermont County Park District Board </li><li> Batavia Village council vacancy update </li><li> Loveland schools earn high marks on the state report card </li><li> Loveland Farmers Market returns for its sixteenth season </li><li> Bethel seeks applicants for an open council seat </li><li> New Richmond shares business, dumpster day, and yard sale updates </li></ul>Events mentioned at the end of the show <ul><li> Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park </li><li> Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets at Clingman Park </li><li> Growing Fungi Workshop at Clingman Park </li><li> Amphibian Amble at Clingman Park </li><li> Hike with CCPD Park Staff at Turkey Trace Trail </li><li> 2026 Spring Litter Cleanup </li><li> Soothe by Sound Outdoor Sound Bath at Sycamore Park </li><li> Pet Friendly Plant Workshop at Clingman Park </li></ul> Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>

101 MIN

APR 9, 2026

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  <ul><li> Mike Gardner pleads guilty to disorderly conduct and Batavia Village posts a council vacancy notice </li><li> Construction begins on Olivewood Park in Batavia Township </li><li> Batavia Township advances a proposed new Article 50 coordinated development district </li><li> Milford unveils early downtown and riverfront redevelopment concepts </li><li> Loveland pauses its electric aggregation program and continues debate over short-term rentals and infill rules </li><li> Pierce Township seeks a volunteer for its zoning commission </li><li> West Clermont discusses transportation changes and ongoing financial pressure </li><li> New Richmond shares utility, park, and dumpster-day updates </li></ul>Events mentioned at the end of the show <ul><li> Used Book Sale at the Goshen Branch Library </li><li> Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 </li><li> Museum Opening Day at Chilo Lock 34 Park and River History Museum </li><li> Dig It Garden Club at the Union Township Library </li><li> Earth Month Family Tree Planting </li><li> Fossils Are Fantastic at the Miami Township Library </li><li> Birds and Blooms Hike at Keehley Nature Preserve </li><li> Homeschool Discovery Days: Ancient Oceans at Sycamore Park </li><li> Forage Tea Time and Hike: Common Blue Violets </li><li> Growing Fungi Workshop at Klingman Park </li></ul>Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>

88 MIN

APR 2, 2026

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  <ul><li> Clermont County property appraisers are out collecting data as part of the regular assessment process </li><li> St. Bernadette teacher Jennifer Duffy was named Gold Star Chili Teacher of the Year </li><li> Batavia Village will hold an April 13 hearing on possible punishment or expulsion of Councilman Mike Gardner </li><li> Union Township will hold a May 12 public hearing on changes to JEDD #1 with the City of Milford </li><li> New Richmond’s Lions Against Litter and Dumpster Days continue through April 10, along with monthly brush collection through October </li></ul>Events mentioned at the end of the show <ul><li> Play and Learn at the Amelia Branch Library </li><li> Family Frog Walk </li><li> Art in the Park: Nature Stenciling </li><li> Clermont County Genealogical Society program at the Batavia Library </li><li> CPR class at the Union Township Civic Center </li><li> Easter Family Sing Along Brunch </li><li> Spring Clothing Swap with Glam </li><li> Amphibian Ambler </li><li> Spring River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 </li></ul>Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>

77 MIN

MAR 26, 2026

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  <ul><li> Ohio House Bills 186 and 129 and what they could mean for school funding and property taxes </li><li> Batavia Village revisits the airport annexation issue </li><li> Assault charge filed after a tense Batavia Village meeting tied to fire levy debate </li><li> Loveland Madeira Road Phase 2 delayed to 2028 </li><li> Loveland officials push back on Duke Energy’s proposed rate increase </li><li> Loveland’s annual city report highlights strong revenues, infrastructure progress, and a lean staff </li><li> Debate continues over traffic and the future of downtown Loveland </li><li> West Clermont officials warn of future financial pressure and possible reductions </li><li> Milford faces criticism over charging for its State of the City event </li><li> More local updates from around Clermont County </li></ul>Events mentioned at the end of the show <ul><li> Suzanne Klingman Memorial Walk </li><li> Wildflower Seed Bombs at Klingman Park </li><li> Toddler Time at the Miami Township Library </li><li> Handmade Easter Lilies at the New Richmond Library </li><li> Art in the Park </li><li> Clermont County Genealogical Society program at the Batavia Library</li></ul>Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! <a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>

136 MIN

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