Let's Talk Clermont

<p>&nbsp;<strong>Ep. 46 — Clermont County Reorg and Everything 4-H<br /></strong>&nbsp;<br />It’s a light first-week-of-the-year news cycle, so we hit a few local updates, then spend most of the episode with <strong>Carlie Newman</strong>, Clermont County’s <strong>4-H Youth Development Educator</strong> with <strong>OSU Extension</strong>. <br /><br /><strong>Interview — Carlie Newman<br /></strong><br />&nbsp;Carlie talks about what 4-H actually looks like today. It’s the largest youth organization in the country, with around <strong>6 million</strong> youth involved nationwide, and a goal of reaching <strong>10 million</strong> by 2030. We talk Cloverbuds for the youngest kids, how clubs work, how enrollment works, and how 4-H builds confidence by letting kids chase real projects and real responsibility. <br /><br />We also get into the stuff most people never associate with 4-H. Rockets. Personal finance. Sewing. Genealogy. Dogs. Camp. Shooting sports. Plus how OSU Extension supports the community beyond 4-H, from pressure canner testing to soil sampling to parenting education and youth driver safety programs. <br /><br /><br /><strong>News<br /></strong><br />Clermont County Commissioners held their annual reorganization meeting on <strong>January 5</strong> and selected new leadership for the year.<br /><br /> Goshen Board of Education holds its organizational meeting on <strong>Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 PM</strong> at Goshen High School. <br /> <br />Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a> &nbsp;</p>

Ep. 45 — Batavia’s Fire District Move, Zoning Updates and A Literacy Wake-Up Call&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />We start with a quick set of local updates, including a Batavia Township resolution that signals the township is taking the idea of forming its own fire department seriously. We also preview two Batavia Township zoning commission hearings focused on how the township handles previously approved planned developments and proposed updates to the SR 125 special overlay district. After that, we head to Loveland for a positive one, with applications open for Loveland U, the city’s citizen leadership academy.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Interview — Cassie Carter of Letters 2 Literacy&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Cassie Carter, founder and executive director of Letters to Literacy in Batavia, joins the show to talk about what she calls a looming literacy crisis and why so many kids need reading support outside of school. Cassie explains how Letters 2 Literacy grew from a single Facebook post into a center now serving more than 200 kids per week. We get into the “science of reading,” why explicit phonics instruction matters, how gaps in early reading skills can snowball into confidence and behavior issues, and why some students can make it to high school without a strong foundation. Cassie also walks through what sessions look like at the center, how tutoring works, and how families can get started.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />News<br /><br />Batavia Township fire district: Trustees approve a resolution creating a township fire department funding district. This is a signal in the ongoing tension around the joint fire and EMS arrangement with the Village of Batavia.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Batavia Township zoning, Article 46: Zoning commission continues a public hearing on a proposed Article 46 focused on administration of previously approved planned developments. The goal is to preserve enforceability of PD approvals made before Article 36 was repealed by voters and clarify procedures for permits, amendments, and compliance.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Batavia Township zoning, SR 125 overlay: Another hearing continues work on updates to Article 34, with special attention on the SR 125 special overlay district. Draft changes aim to modernize and clarify development standards, design requirements, and review procedures for the corridor.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Loveland U: The City of Loveland opens applications for Loveland U, a 10-session citizen leadership academy running February through May on Wednesday evenings. It includes behind-the-scenes stops with city departments and partner organizations. Cost is $99 and dinner is included.<br /><br /><br />Events <br /><br />Clermont County History &amp; Museum Day, America 250 Open House at Promont House, Sip &amp; Paint at Promont House, Holiday Cryptids &amp; Hot Chocolate, Jump (Van Halen tribute) at Little Miami Brewing, Clermont County Winter Bird Count, Maplefest at Cincinnati Nature Center, and a DIY artist charcoal workshop at Clingman Park. <br /><br />Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;

Ep. 44 — Airport Annexation Vote, Union Township $5 License Tax + Gardening, Volunteerism, and a New Clermont Museum Passport<br /><br />We start with county and local updates: the commissioners’ vote on a Batavia Village annexation near the Clermont County Airport (and why multiple speakers warned about development inside the runway protection zone), plus a proposal borrowed from Columbus aimed at stopping Type 2 annexations. Then we hit a quick run of township, city, and school news across Union Township, Milford, and New Richmond, before turning to today’s interview.<br /><br />Interview — Liz Betemps of the Williamsburg Garden Club (and Harmony Hill Museum)<br /><br />Liz Betemps joins the show to talk about why the Williamsburg Garden Club has grown into one of the largest garden clubs in Ohio and what the group actually does beyond “garden meetings.” We get into native plants, pollinator gardens that work even in small spaces, how to fight invasives like honeysuckle, and why raised beds can be a game-changer if you want more control over soil and moisture. Liz also explains the Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer program and what it takes to earn that title.<br /><br />From there, the conversation shifts into local history and community projects. Liz shares what’s happening at Harmony Hill Museum in Williamsburg, including work to recreate William Lytle’s land office experience, hands-on Pioneer Days for students, and a new Clermont County Museum Passport tied to America 250 that connects museums across the county with coordinated open-house days.<br /><br />News<br /><br />Batavia airport-area annexation: Commissioners approve a Type 2 annexation of roughly 30 acres near Taylor Road into the Village of Batavia after public warnings about building inside the airport runway protection zone. Multiple commissioners say they oppose annexation in general, but argue state law leaves them little discretion if criteria are met.<br /><br />“No more Type 2” idea: A resident points to a Columbus-area style agreement where local governments commit to avoiding Type 2 annexations and stick to Type 1 annexations where public input carries more weight.<br /><br />Union Township $5 license tax: Trustees approve a new $5 annual vehicle license tax pitched as a user fee to support road resurfacing as costs rise. The vote passes 2–1.<br /><br />Milford Schools superintendent: Milford selects Dr. Bobby Fiori as the next superintendent, pending board approval.<br /><br />Milford utility rate increases: Milford residents should expect an average increase of about $9 per month starting in 2026 across water, sewer, stormwater, and trash following a utility rate study and planned multi-year adjustments.<br /><br />New Richmond Schools fiscal plan: After the district is placed on fiscal precaution and the levy fails, a new plan outlines major cuts leading into 2027–2029, including staffing reductions, potential building reconfiguration, and higher pay-to-play.<br /><br />Events (roundup at the end of the show)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>Winter Solstice Celebration — Dec. 19, 5PM at Sycamore Park</li><li>Natural Wreath-Making Workshop — Dec. 20, 1–2PM at Klingman Park (registration required)</li><li>Milford Community Fire Department Santa Sunday — Dec. 21, 1–6PM (neighborhood tour)</li><li>Union Township Santa Neighborhood Tour — Dec. 23 (daytime route through neighborhoods)</li><li>Live music: The Great Blur — Dec. 27, 7:30PM at Little Miami Brewing</li></ul>Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;<br />Ep. 43 — Christmas with Santa Claus, Clermont Holiday News and Events <br /><br /><br />We skip the usual opener and jumps straight into a talk with <strong>Santa Claus</strong> himself, then we close the show with Clermont County news, value-for-value holiday details, and an event roundup.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Interview — Santa Claus<br />Santa talks Christmas spirit, how to stay off the naughty list, and why most kids are much better than they think. He explains:&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>How elves “run on adrenaline,” why all the reindeer who pull the sleigh are actually girls, and what it takes to prep all year for one night of deliveries.</li><li>Why kids’ “hyperfocus” is more superpower than flaw, and how parents can reframe forgetfulness, growing independence, and the shift from parent–child to adult–adult relationships.</li><li>The five ways we show love at Christmas (gifts, words, service, time, and touch) and why the real gift is in our hearts, not under the tree.</li><li>Santa’s true favorite cookie (oatmeal raisin), his very honest policy on “any cookie within arm’s reach,” and a plea for Jungle Jim’s to start stocking reindeer milk.</li><li>Stories from the sleigh: low-altitude flights under radar, riding polar winds, the one year jingle pox almost sidelined him, and how Mrs. Claus secretly saved Christmas.</li></ul>News quick hits<br /><ul><li><strong>Animal shelter upgrades</strong>: Interior and exterior work at the Clermont County Animal Shelter is on track, with a new covered outdoor kennel area that will more than double outdoor runs.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Juvenile court expansion</strong>: Clermont County will dedicate its newly expanded juvenile court complex on Dec. 12, adding courtrooms, shared security, and connected space to the detention center.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Avian influenza in Pierce Township</strong>: About 70 black vultures were found dead near St. Bernadette School. Early tests point to highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5). Risk to the public is low, but residents are urged not to handle sick or dead birds and to protect backyard flocks.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Miami Township zoning</strong>: Jan. 8 meeting at the Civic Center to consider rezoning land behind 1804 SR 131 from planned industrial park to residential. If you live nearby or along 131, it’s one to watch.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Pierce Township CPR training</strong>: Feb. 7 class at fire headquarters, $30 per person. Patrick makes a strong push for CPR training as a life-saving skill.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>Union Township pinball tournament</strong>: The 7th annual Cincinnati Pinball Tournament at the Eastgate Holiday Inn drew about 140 competitors and thousands of visitors, including a Stern Pro Circuit event.<br /><br /></li><li><strong>New Richmond updates</strong>: Finance/safety/council meetings shifted to Dec. 15, and the Rose Vesper Park lighting project is complete with new photos on the village site.</li></ul>Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp;Ep. 42 — Snow, Budgets, Annexations + Beds for Clermont County Kids<br /><br />We start with some county news: a look at Clermont’s projected 2026 operating budget, a red flag in the capital fund, and a new annexation fight that has the airport sounding alarms. After that, we look at township and village updates across Batavia, Tate, Union Township, Loveland, and New Richmond.<br /><br /><br />Interview — Ron Dunn of Sleep in Heavenly Peace<br /><br />Ron Dunn, co-president of the Clermont County chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace and a Bethel village councilman, joins the show to talk about a need most of us never think about: kids sleeping without beds. He explains how SHP started in Idaho and grew to 400+ chapters, why 2–3% of kids nationwide are estimated to sleep without a bed, and what a $250 “sponsored bed” actually covers from lumber to “bed in a bag.” Ron walks through build days with volunteers, how deliveries work, and the look on a kid’s face the first night they get their own bed. Then the conversation shifts to Bethel’s challenges and strengths: aging housing stock, small-town budgets, utilities and police costs, economic development, and why “darn good Chevy” might be the most honest slogan a village can have.<br />News quick hits<br /><ul><li>County budget: Commissioners review the projected 2026 general fund — about $88.6M in operating revenue, just over $87M in appropriations, and roughly 67% of spending going to criminal justice and courts. We look at the 35% reserve policy, the projected $54M cash balance, and what “$24M in excess reserves” really means.<br /><br /></li><li>Capital fund hole: The capital fund is over-committed by about $11.5M, with another $7.6M in requests waiting in the wings. Commissioners are staring at a choice: move millions from the general fund or scale back/delay projects.<br /><br /></li><li>Airport annexation fight: A 29.884-acre Taylor Road parcel near Clermont County Airport heads for type-II annexation into the Village of Batavia. We hear from Sporty’s president Chuck Gallagher, who outlines why the airport opposes the move: the land sits in the FAA-defined Runway Protection Zone (RPZ), they’ve taken FAA grant money, aircraft incidents have already happened on those parcels, and moving zoning authority to the village could invite “incompatible development” and undercut the new airport master plan.<br /><br /></li><li>Batavia Township zoning: Zoning commission continues work on case B-10-25-Z, updating the SR 125 special overlay district and cleaning up Article 34 after Article 36 (PDs) was repealed by voters.<br /><br /></li><li>Tate Township: Special meeting held with fire union reps to discuss a new contract; Patrick flags it as one to watch.<br /><br /></li><li>Union Township: Two public hearings coming up on a proposed additional $5 annual license tax on motor vehicles. If you drive in UT and have opinions, mark your calendar.<br /><br /></li><li>Loveland: A new city flag is coming for the 150th anniversary — “The Heartland,” designed by Ariana Wilson, inspired by the bike trail and Little Miami River.<br /><br /></li><li>New Richmond: Plumbing issues from the Indian Ridge water main break appear resolved, no boil advisory in place; the village consolidates December meetings to December 15, pauses shade tree and planning commission meetings for winter, and sets up a Christmas light recycling box at Village Hall through February 1.</li></ul><br />Events (roundup at the end of the show)<br /><ul><li>Miami Township Community Tree Lighting at Miami Meadows Park.<br /><br /></li><li>Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk on Main Street.<br /><br /></li><li>Winter wellness sound bath and hike and heritage wrapping-paper printing at Clingman Park.<br /><br /></li><li>Batavia “Christmas in the Village” on Main Street.<br /><br /></li><li>New Richmond’s River Village Christmas and Santa Paws pet parade.<br /><br /></li><li>Old Milford Christmas golf cart parade (with Santa and Elvis on an antique fire truck).<br /><br /></li><li>Trinity Milford live nativity, Clermont Chorale “Christmas Traditions” concerts, Candyland Christmas at Batavia Library, Christmas in Loveland, DIY stained-glass ornaments for kids, and more.</li></ul>Follow on Facebook &amp; Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/" target="_blank">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter" target="_blank">Newsletter</a><br /><br />If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate" target="_blank">Donate</a>&nbsp;