<p><strong>Episode 49: Utopia, Floods, and Clermont’s Hidden History</strong> <br /><br />Snowpocalypse is here, but we’re still recording. In this episode, we run through a few timely local updates, including a tax update from the Clermont County Treasurer as second half tax bills get recalculated and a reminder that first half real estate taxes are due <strong>Friday, February 13, 2026</strong>. We also preview two Batavia Township public hearings on <strong>Tuesday, February 3 at 6 PM</strong> covering proposed State Route 125 overlay updates and a new process for administering previously approved planned developments. Plus, a quick look at New Richmond Schools’ fiscal caution plan and the next steps toward a May levy, and an invitation to weigh in on Pierce Township’s proposed improvements to the White Oak and SR 125 intersection. <br /><br />Then it’s time for history. We sit down with <strong>Cindy Johnson of the Clermont County Historical Society</strong> for a wild ride through the real story of <strong>Utopia, Ohio</strong>. You’ll hear about three different attempts at building a “perfect” community on the river, a Fourierist-style commune that fizzled fast, a spiritualist settlement with a tragic flood collapse, and the later Utopia experiment built on barter and big ideas. Cindy also shares what the Historical Society is working on now, including digitization efforts and a massive project to identify Revolutionary War veterans buried across Clermont County, with some of their pension stories still preserved in local records. <br /><br />We wrap with a packed events rundown, from library book sales and job fairs to maple syrup demos and a Don Quixote story time with live ballet. <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>