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;