Let's Talk Clermont

<strong>&nbsp;Episode 55 — Malini Vijayan — Clermont County Public Health&nbsp;<br /></strong><br /><br />We start with a few regional updates, then we sit down with <strong>Maalini Vijayan</strong>, Assistant Health Commissioner of Community Health Services at <strong>Clermont County Public Health</strong>, 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.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Interview — Malini Vijayan (Clermont County Public Health)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>What Clermont County Public Health does and how the department is structured (including why operations run out of two buildings)</li><li>Community Health Services highlights: WIC, immunizations, communicable disease work, complex medical help, injury prevention, and harm reduction</li><li>Environmental Health Services overview: food licensing and inspections, plumbing, water and waste, and how the permitting side fits in</li><li>Public health partnerships across the county and why “health” includes things like housing and transportation</li><li>Data and trend tracking, including youth mental health and substance use indicators</li><li>Avian flu and what to do (and not do) if you encounter dead wildlife</li><li>What COVID was like from the public health side, what changed, and what the agency is still seeing today</li></ul>In the News<br /><ul><li>Cincinnati’s budget shortfall and the possibility of department cuts</li><li>Brown County’s petition effort to restrict large data centers via a constitutional amendment</li><li>Williamsburg’s summer street resurfacing schedule</li><li>Batavia’s DECA “Dog Den” earning national recognition as a school-based enterprise</li></ul>Events roundup<br /><ul><li><strong>Wizard of Oz</strong> — Mar 13 (7:30 PM), Loveland Stage Company</li><li><strong>Pancakes in the Park</strong> — Mar 14 (9 AM–12 PM), Pattison Park Lodge</li><li><strong>Wild Pokémon Creations</strong> — Mar 14 (10 AM), Amelia Branch Library</li><li><strong>Celebrate Pi Day</strong> — Mar 14 (2 PM), Miami Township Branch Library</li><li><strong>Art à la Carte</strong> — Mar 16 (5 PM), New Richmond Branch Library (ages 12+)</li><li><strong>Spring Wreath</strong> — Mar 17 (5 PM), Batavia Branch Library (registration / wait list)</li><li><strong>Virtual: Lunch &amp; Learn Native Plantings</strong> — Mar 18 (12 PM)</li><li><strong>Homeschool Discovery Days: Animal Folklore</strong> — Mar 20 (1 PM), Hartman Log Cabin (preregistration)</li><li><strong>Meet Frog and Toad</strong> — Mar 21 (2 PM), Union Township Branch Library</li><li><strong>Spring Equinox Women’s Camping Retreat</strong> — weekend program, Chilo Lock 34</li></ul>&nbsp;<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;<br /><br /><br />

&nbsp;<strong>Episode 54 — Rep. Adam Bird — Ohio State Representative District 63 </strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />Interview — Rep. Adam Bird (Ohio House, District 63)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li>What a state representative actually does and how Ohio’s process differs from DC</li><li>Clermont’s “character” and the tension between growth and keeping an Appalachian and agricultural feel</li><li>HB 113 and why “Type 2” annexations keep blowing up locally</li><li>The airport-area development fights in Batavia and why the county wants a bigger say</li><li>Property taxes, why people are furious, and what happens if Ohio ever tries to eliminate them entirely</li><li>School funding, EdChoice, and why comparing outcomes is harder than most people think</li></ul>Want to reach Rep. Bird? <strong>[email protected]<br /></strong><br /><br /><strong>In the News&nbsp;</strong><br /><ul><li><strong>Clermont County building permits set another record</strong> in 2025 with growth across single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects</li><li><strong>Dainty Foods is coming to Batavia Township</strong> with a major investment and job creation plans</li><li>A <strong>terrifying SR-222 crash ends in a rescue</strong> thanks to Apple Watch crash detection, dispatchers, and first responders</li><li><strong>Union Township notices:</strong> Special Improvement District annual meeting and Jungle Jim’s Eastgate annual meeting (March 20)</li><li><strong>Loveland secures grant funding</strong> to preserve a riverfront property for conservation and passive use</li><li><strong>New Richmond updates:</strong> Hamilton Street sidewalk project issues, Liberty Landing public meeting (March 10), and a US 52 roundabouts open house (March 24)</li><li>Cat are taking over NKU!</li></ul>&nbsp;<br /><strong>Events roundup&nbsp;</strong><br /><ul><li>Clermont County Genealogical Society Program — <strong>Mar 7, 1 PM</strong> (Batavia Library)</li><li>Art in the Park: Bamboo Paintbrushes — <strong>Mar 7, 11 AM–12 PM</strong> (Clingman Park, registration required, ages 12+)</li><li>King Records &amp; Herzog Studios — <strong>Mar 7, 2–3 PM</strong> (New Richmond Library)</li><li>Very Hungry Caterpillar Open House — <strong>Mar 9, 4 PM</strong> (Batavia Library)</li><li>D&amp;D at the Library (Adults) — <strong>Mar 9, 5:30 PM</strong> (Bethel Library)</li><li>Feelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts — <strong>Mar 9, 6 PM</strong> (Goshen Library)</li><li>Cincinnati in the Civil War — <strong>Mar 10, 6 PM</strong> (Felicity Library)</li><li>Radio Waves — <strong>Mar 10, 6:30 PM</strong> (Owensville Library)</li><li>Owl Prowl — <strong>Mar 11, 8–9 PM</strong> (Sycamore Park &amp; Wilson Nature Preserve)</li><li>Woodcock Walk — <strong>Mar 12, 7:30–8:30 PM</strong> (Shore Park)</li><li>Wizard of Oz (Loveland Stage Company) — <strong>Mar 13, 7:30 PM</strong></li><li>Pancakes in the Park — <strong>Mar 14, 9 AM–12 PM</strong> (Pattison Park Lodge)</li><li>Wild Pokémon Creations — <strong>Mar 14, 10 AM</strong> (Amelia Library)</li><li>Celebrate Pi Day — <strong>Mar 14, 2 PM</strong> (Miami Township Library)</li></ul>&nbsp;<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;

<strong>Episode 53 — Mike Desmond — Milford Amateur Radio Club <br /></strong><br />We start with a few local updates, then I sit down with <strong>Mike Desmond (W8BEI)</strong> from the <strong>Milford Amateur Radio Club</strong>, the folks behind <strong>Cincinnati Hamfest</strong>, to talk ham radio, why it still matters, and why it’s one of the most reliable ways to communicate when cell service goes down.&nbsp;<br /><br />Interview — Mike Desmond (Milford Amateur Radio Club)&nbsp;<br /><ul><li><strong>Ham radio 101</strong>: where it came from, what it’s used for, and why call signs matter</li><li><strong>How contacts work</strong> (CQ, DX, nets, and why you can’t “call” a country like it’s a phone)</li><li><strong>Licensing tiers</strong> (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) and what it takes to get started</li><li><strong>Emergency comms</strong>: what ham operators can do during disasters when cell towers and lines are down</li><li><strong>Radio etiquette + enforcement</strong> (including “fox hunting” and how bad actors can get found)</li><li><strong>QSL cards</strong>, special event stations, and the collecting side of the hobby</li><li>The community side of ham radio, plus how <strong>Cincinnati Hamfest</strong> helps fund the club and keeps the hobby growing</li></ul>Want to learn more? The Milford Amateur Radio Club meets <strong>the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM</strong> at the <strong>Miami Township Civic Center</strong>.<br /> Cincinnati Hamfest is listed for <strong>August 15, 2026</strong>.&nbsp;<br /><br />In the News<br /><ul><li><strong>Clermont County AEDs:</strong> local law enforcement agencies are set to receive new automated external defibrillators through <strong>Project Heart Restart</strong>.</li><li><strong>Moscow:</strong> the 2025 annual financial report is available for public inspection, plus notice of recently passed ordinances and resolutions (by appointment).</li><li><strong>Loveland:</strong> the police department is hiring a full-time police officer.</li><li><strong>Loveland utility bills:</strong> some January water meter reads may have been delayed due to extreme weather, so March billing may reflect an estimate vs. an actual read.</li></ul>Events roundup<br /><ul><li><strong>Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio</strong> — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)</li><li><strong>Maple Murder Mystery</strong> — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)</li><li><strong>Appalachian Music (Dulcimers)</strong> — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library (all ages)</li><li><strong>Raptor Rampage</strong> — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free, all ages)</li><li><strong>Bug Bonanza</strong> — Mar 3 (4:30 PM), Bethel Branch Library (all ages)</li><li><strong>Bee Hotel</strong> — Mar 3 (6–7 PM), Bethel Branch Library (registration required)</li><li><strong>Writer’s Group</strong> — Mar 3 (6 PM), Batavia Branch Library (adults)</li><li><strong>Teen Craftapalooza</strong> — Mar 3 (6:30 PM), Goshen Branch Library (ages 12–18)</li><li><strong>Virtual: Intro to Spring Wildflowers</strong> — Mar 4 (6–7 PM), Zoom</li><li><strong>SCAT Tracks &amp; Animal Signs Hike</strong> — Mar 5 (5–6:30 PM), Clingman Park (free, preregistration required)</li><li><strong>Art in the Park: Bamboo Paintbrushes</strong> — Mar 7 (11 AM–12 PM), Clingman Park (ages 12+, registration required)</li><li><strong>King Records &amp; Herzog Studios</strong> — Mar 7 (2–3 PM), New Richmond Branch Library</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;

Ep. 52 — Off-Grid Texting, Mesh Networks, and Cincy Mesh&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />We're closing in on one year of <em>Let’s Talk Clermont!</em> We start with some local updates, including Batavia Township’s upcoming fire/EMS levy effort, Milford’s move to acquire key downtown parcels, and progress at New Richmond’s Liberty Landing.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />Then talk with Hunter Thornsberry from <strong>Cincy Mesh</strong> to talk <strong>Meshtastic</strong>—a LoRa-based, off-grid text messaging system that can hop device-to-device without cell service. We cover what it is, why people use it, what gear to buy first, and how the mesh is growing around Greater Cincinnati. &nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><strong>Interview — Hunter Thornsberry (Cincy Mesh)&nbsp;</strong><br />Hunter talks about:&nbsp;<br /><ul><li><strong>LoRa + line-of-sight</strong> basics and why height matters</li><li>What “<strong>mesh</strong>” actually means (hops, repeaters, routers)</li><li>Real-world uses: hiking, travel, storms, privacy-minded comms, GPS sharing</li><li>Starter hardware recommendations (cheap nodes vs. nicer keyboard devices)</li><li>Why some folks love/hate <strong>MQTT</strong> (bridging traffic over the internet)</li><li>How to plug into the local community and help the Cincinnati mesh grow</li></ul><br />Want to learn more? Cincy Mesh is friendly, active, and always looking for more nodes—especially in higher-elevation spots. Check out their website to learn more.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.cincymesh.org/" target="_blank">https://www.cincymesh.org/</a><br /> <br /><strong>In the News&nbsp;</strong><br /><ul><li><strong>Batavia Township Fire/EMS levy info</strong>: a new site + Facebook page from producer Brandon Hicks with details ahead of the vote</li><li><strong>Milford</strong>: council approved steps toward acquiring multiple downtown parcels (including the Fountain Specialist and Gun Haven Armory buildings) to increase control and make redevelopment easier</li><li><strong>New Richmond / Liberty Landing</strong>: retaining wall work advancing; utilities work coming up</li><li><strong>Clermont Northeastern Schools</strong>: kindergarten registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year (eligibility: age 5 by Aug. 13)</li><li><strong>Fish fry season</strong> is here (St. Louis in Owensville gets a big recommendation)</li></ul>&nbsp;If you're looking for more info on the Batavia Fire Levy, check out the website and Facebook page Producer Brandon Hicks made<br /><br />Website: <a href="https://www.cincymesh.org/" target="_blank">https://www.cincymesh.org/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3VwNnN2L/" target="_blank">Batavia Township Fire and EMS Levy</a><br /><br /><strong>Producer shoutout&nbsp;</strong><br /><ul><li>Thanks to the anonymous producers who came in under $50—appreciate you supporting the show!</li></ul><strong>Events roundup</strong><br /><ul><li><strong>Homeschool Discovery Day: Sap to Syrup</strong> — Feb 20 (1–2 PM), Pattison Park</li><li><strong>Maple Sugaring Hikes</strong> — Feb 21 (1 PM / 2 PM / 3 PM), Cincinnati Nature Center (registration required)</li><li><strong>Saturday Play Date</strong> — Feb 21 (10:30 AM), library program (ages ~0–8)</li><li><strong>Foraged Tea Time + Hike (Maple Tea)</strong> — Feb 21 (1–2 PM), Clingman Park (registration required)</li><li><strong>Hiking for Lichen</strong> — Feb 22 (11 AM–12 PM), Pattison Park (free)</li><li><strong>Young Innovators: Ohio Food Innovations</strong> — Feb 23 (4:30 PM), New Richmond Branch Library</li><li><strong>Feelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts</strong> — Feb 23 (6 PM), Goshen Branch Library (adults)</li><li><strong>Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio</strong> — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)</li><li><strong>Maple Murder Mystery</strong> — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)</li><li><strong>Appalachian Music (Dulcimers)</strong> — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library</li><li><strong>Raptor Rampage</strong> — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free)</li></ul><strong>Next week</strong><br /> <br />Mike Desmond from the <strong>Milford Amateur Radio Club</strong> (the folks behind <strong>Cincinnati Hamfest</strong>) joins the show.<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;<br />&nbsp;

<strong>&nbsp;Ep. 51 — Brown County Mega Site, Daring Horse Rescue, and an Interview with Greg Roberts.</strong><br /> <br />We start with a developing story in <strong>Mt. Orab</strong> and Brown County, where residents are demanding answers about a <strong>1,000+ acre “mega site”</strong> that many suspect is tied to a data center project. NDAs, unclear ownership, and visible site activity have only added fuel to the fire. From there, we zoom out to <strong>Ohio House Bill 646</strong>, which would create a temporary state commission to study data centers and their impacts on the grid, water, noise/light, and more.&nbsp;<br />Other headlines include:&nbsp;<br /><ul><li><strong>Bethel-Tate Schools</strong> placing a <strong>replacement operating levy</strong> on the <strong>May 5, 2026</strong> ballot</li><li>A <strong>Monroe Township</strong> rescue that feels extremely on-brand for Clermont County: firefighters pulling a <strong>horse out of an icy pool</strong></li><li>A progress update on <strong>Loveland’s PFAS (“forever chemicals”) treatment project</strong>, including a clip from <strong>Chris Wojnicz</strong> on the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@chuckgibson9949" target="_blank"> Loveland Beacon podcast</a> as the city hits a major design milestone</li></ul>Then I sit down (again) with <strong>Greg Roberts</strong>—part-time <strong>Moscow Village Administrator</strong>, longtime steward of the <strong>U.S. Grant Birthplace</strong>, and a founder of the <strong>Ohio River National Freedom Corridor</strong>. We talk about Moscow as a river community, flood realities, the legacy of the 2012 tornado, and what it takes to keep small-town government moving. From there we head into history and civics: <strong>Grant’s presidency</strong>, Reconstruction-era tensions that still echo today, why <strong>Juneteenth</strong> matters, and why local government is where the real-world decisions land.<br /> <br />We wrap with events from around the county, including <strong>Hearts Afire Weekend</strong> in Loveland, <strong>maple sugaring hikes</strong>, live music in Milford, library programs, a home buying seminar, tree care, and (my personal favorite name of the week) <strong>“Hiking for Lichen.”</strong><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;<br /><br /><br />