Shows
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 51 - Greg Roberts - Moscow Village Administrator and Clermont Historian Ep. 50 — Brown County Mega Site, Daring Horse Rescue, and an Interview with Greg Roberts. We start with a developing story in Mt. Orab and Brown County, where residents are demanding answers about a 1,000+ acre “mega site” 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 Ohio House Bill 646, which would create a temporary state commission to study data centers and their impacts on the grid, water, noise/light, and more. Other headlines include: Bethel-Tate Schools placing a...
2026-02-123h 07
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 50 - Christopher 'Kit' Houston - Zoning and Real Estate Lawyer Taft LawEp. 50 — May Levies + Zoning Explained We kick off this milestone 50th episode with a quick thank you to the listeners and producers who’ve helped carry the show to almost a full year. Then we hit the latest Clermont County news, including three levies headed for the May ballot, a quick note on the Mt. Orab megasite NDA controversy, and a defense manufacturing contract tied to L3Harris. We also flag Tate Township’s 2026 cleanup dates so you can get them on the calendar early. Interview — Kit Houston, zoning and real estate attorney (Taft Law)...
2026-02-051h 18
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 49 - Cindy Johnson - Clermont County Historical SocietyEpisode 49: Utopia, Floods, and Clermont’s Hidden History 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 Friday, February 13, 2026. We also preview two Batavia Township public hearings on Tuesday, February 3 at 6 PM 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 ne...
2026-01-291h 37
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 48 - Doug Gilbert - Love Our LandEpisode 48: Snowpocalypse, local levy talk, and why biodiversity matters with Doug Gilbert It’s snow storm watch in Southwest Ohio, so we kick things off with a little “snowpocalypse” news and how some places have exploding tree warnings. Then we look at some local news.News A 1.3 mil Senior Services levy is headed to the May 5 ballot. We listen to a clip from the County Commissioners presentation and why the levy matters as Clermont’s older adult population grows.Batavia Village has a newly sworn-in council, a search for a new council m...
2026-01-221h 27
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 47 - Dan Griffin and Rod Sabo - Stonelick Ridge Developers Ep. 47 — Inside Stonelick Ridge: A Developer’s Vision, PUD Politics and What “Responsible Growth” Looks Like It’s a quiet January week in Clermont County, so we skip the news segment and jump straight into the main event. We also give a quick Value for Value update, thanks recent supporters, and put out the call for more boots-on-the-ground reports from around the county. Interview — Dan Griffin and Rod Sabo (Stonelick Ridge) Dan Griffin, the developer behind the proposed Stonelick Ridge project off Ross Road near Lexington Run, joins the show with architect...
2026-01-151h 38
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 46 - Carlie Newman - 4-H Youth Development Educator Ep. 46 — Clermont County Reorg and Everything 4-H 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 Carlie Newman, Clermont County’s 4-H Youth Development Educator with OSU Extension. Interview — Carlie Newman Carlie talks about what 4-H actually looks like today. It’s the largest youth organization in the country, with around 6 million youth involved nationwide, and a goal of reaching 10 million by 2030. We talk Cloverbuds for the youngest kids, how clubs work, how enrollment works, and how 4-H builds confidence by letting kids...
2026-01-082h 00
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 45 - Cassie Carter - Letters 2 LiteracyEp. 45 — Batavia’s Fire District Move, Zoning Updates and A Literacy Wake-Up Call 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. Interview — Cassie Carter of...
2026-01-011h 48
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 44 - Liz Betemps - Williamsburg Garden ClubEp. 44 — Airport Annexation Vote, Union Township $5 License Tax + Gardening, Volunteerism, and a New Clermont Museum PassportWe 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.Interview — Liz Betemps of the Williamsburg Garden Club (and Harmony Hill Museum)
2025-12-182h 07
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 43 - Santa ClausEp. 43 — Christmas with Santa Claus, Clermont Holiday News and Events We skip the usual opener and jumps straight into a talk with Santa Claus himself, then we close the show with Clermont County news, value-for-value holiday details, and an event roundup. Interview — Santa ClausSanta talks Christmas spirit, how to stay off the naughty list, and why most kids are much better than they think. He explains: 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 ni...
2025-12-111h 16
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 42 - Ron Dunn - Sleep In Heavenly PeaceEp. 42 — Snow, Budgets, Annexations + Beds for Clermont County KidsWe 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.Interview — Ron Dunn of Sleep in Heavenly PeaceRon 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 o...
2025-12-041h 47
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 41 - Taylor Johannigman - Dry-Land Dog MusherEp. 41 — Thanksgiving Thanks, Beckjord Water Worries and World-Class Dry-Land Dog Mushing We start off our Thanksgiving episode with heartfelt gratitude for everyone who’s been listening since May, then get into some county-wide news: Clermont County Animal Shelter’s interior and exterior upgrades are nearly complete, Christmas Nights of Lights at the fairgrounds gets delayed after a freak lightning strike, and local leaders raise alarms over coal ash at the former Beckjord plant and what it could mean for our drinking water. From there, it’s back to Batavia Township, where trustees used an emergency...
2025-11-272h 06
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 40 - Dave Caraway - Owner of Sons of Toil BreweryEp. 40 — Northern Lights, Zoning Shake-Ups and an interview with Dave Caraway, owner of Sons of ToilWe start with a countywide news rundown: new space for the Public Defender’s Office, auroras over Clermont, volunteer openings in Loveland, zoning changes in Pierce and Batavia, and what’s next for Union Township’s Eastgate corridor. Then it’s out to Mount Orab for a sit-down with Sons of Toil Brewing on beer, business, and doing things the hard way. Interview — Dave Carraway of Sons of Toil Brewing Dave walks through the Sons of Toil origin story, from kit...
2025-11-201h 25
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 39 - Terry Casey - The Goshen GrindEp. 39 — Post-Election Updates, Batavia Growth Debate and Coffee Nerd Out with Goshen GrindWe start with where things stand after Election Day, including Loveland’s automatic recount timeline, then we look at what’s next in Batavia Township, two large subdivisions approved (Arborside and Stonelick Ridge), annexation chatter with the Village, the PD repeal (Article 36), and a fresh look at planned-development rules. We also hit a quick holiday note with Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at the Clermont County Fairgrounds before getting into today’s interview. With Terry Casey, the owner of Goshen Grind.Terry share...
2025-11-132h 06
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 38 - Steven M. Newman - The WorldwalkerEp. 38 — Post-Election Wrap + “World Walker” Steve NewmanWe're back to regular programming! We start with a run through of Clermont County’s contested races and ballot issues using the unofficial Board of Elections numbers as of Wednesday. We look at Loveland’s razor-thin council race (likely recount), Milford and Batavia council results, township trustee winners across the county, and every levy or zoning question, what passed and what failed. There's also a new holiday donation special. In the second half, we talk with Bethel native Steve Newman who actually walked around the world, solo, in the 1980s. Steve ta...
2025-11-062h 44
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 37 - Chief Roy Short - CJFED LevyEp. 37 — Clermont County Ballot Rundown and CJFED Levy with Chief Roy ShortWe start with a brief refresher on mills and levy types, then walk through every countywide and major local ballot issue, from CPS and the Mental Health & Recovery Board to New Richmond’s earned-income tax, Milford’s charter revisions, and the Batavia Township zoning referendum and PD initiative.In the second half, CJFED Fire Chief Roy Short explains the district’s 4.9-mill Fire/EMS levy, why response times on the west side top 10 minutes, how calls grew from 3,720 (2010) to 6,362 (2024), and what the levy would fund (st...
2025-10-301h 46
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 36 - Lauri Zagar, Randy Dorsey, Tom Smith, and Mike Gardner - Batavia Village Council CandidatesEpisode 36 — HB 186 & HB 335 plus an interview with Batavia Village Council CandidatesWe start the episode off with a look at Ohio property-tax mechanics (mills, inside vs. outside, HB 920) and two House-passed bills now headed to the Senate: HB 186, aimed at offsetting school-floor hikes after inflationary reappraisals, and HB 335, which would peg inside-millage growth to inflation by trimming rates after reappraisal. One published estimate says the bills combined could save homeowners nearly $2B over five years.Then, a roundtable with Lauri Zagar, Mike Gardner, and Randy Dorsey (Batavia Village Council candidates) on growth, CRAs, finances, transparency, an...
2025-10-291h 47
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 35 - Dr. Lee Ann Watson - Mental Health and Recovery Board LevyEpisode 35 — Millage explained and Clermont Mental Health and Recovery Board levy renewalWe start the episode with a light refresher and explanation on Ohio property taxes. What a “mill” actually is, inside vs. outside millage, the HB 920 reduction factors, the 20-mill school floor, and how levy types (additional / renewal / replacement) really hit your bill.Then, a conversation with Lee Ann Watson, Executive Director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board, on what the Board funds, why the renewal is on the ballot, and a look ahead to a 24/7 crisis receiving center.High...
2025-10-281h 29
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 34 - Michael Kinner- Candidate for Batavia Village CouncilEpisode 34 — Batavia’s Growth & CRAs, and a Village Council CandidateWe open with a quick local news rundown:Loveland’s new Otto Huber Fire Station: ~$5.4M via USDA Community Facility Loan, 10k+ sq ft with pull-through bays and full living/training space.Eastgate’s big health update: Cincinnati Children’s opens Nov 3 at 4315 Ivy Pointe—111k sq ft, ~600 patients/day, 250 staff, and expanded specialty/urgent care close to home.New Richmond: Oct 28 village-council candidate meet-and-greet, plus a brief update on the mystery odor (crews say an issue was found; fix in progress).Then, an interview with Michael Kinner, cand...
2025-10-232h 26
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 33 - Rex Parsons- Incumbent Candidate for Batavia Township TrusteeEpisode 33 - HB 331, Village Dissolution, and a Conversation with Rex ParsonsWe open with a look at Ohio HB 331 (now enacted) and what it changes about village dissolution, from petition rules (now limited to even-numbered years) to the new “lack of services/candidates” trigger after each census. We also talk about what actually happens if a village dissolves (debt, taxes, assets, and who takes over services). Then, we talk with Rex Parsons, incumbent candidate for Batavia Township Trustee.We get into:Township–village relations and how to lower the temperatureCRAs, annexa...
2025-10-221h 04
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 32 - Dotty Meier & Anne Gross - Child Protective Services LevyWe're keeping the election train rolling. We start with a look at Ohio House Bill 28 and a review of how levies are classified in Ohio. Then we sits down with Dotty Meier (Director, Job & Family Services) and Anne Gross (Assistant Director, CPS).Episode OverviewHB 28: Why Ohio has different levy types (additional, renewal, renewal + inc/dec, replacement), how HB 920 set the stage, and what HB 28 would do (eliminate replacement levies). Status check and a reminder to contact Sen. Terry Johnson if you’ve got a view.Context for CPS: What CPS actually does (screening, investigations, fa...
2025-10-211h 55
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 31 - Danielle Wessel - Batavia Township Trustee CandidateEpisode 31We start with some news from around the county. The Clermont County Animal Shelter is remodeling, $141,000 for expanded outdoor kennels (including a $20,000 Nestlé Purina gift), plus ~$78,920 for a commercial dishwasher with plumbing/electrical/drywall work and a $60,000 private donation. Volunteer training is Oct 18. New Richmond trims council to one meeting a month Dec–Mar (third Tuesdays, 7 PM) and posts committee times for Nov 3 and Nov 18. Union Township ESID holds its annual meeting Mon, Nov 3, 9:30 AM at the UT Civic Center. Pierce Township seeks a Board of Zoning Appeals alternate (2-year term; residents only; send letter/resumé and q...
2025-10-161h 27
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 30 - Bob Raub - Kiwanis Club of East Fork RegionEpisode 30 We start with a refresher on Ohio House Bill 124, what a sales assessment ratio study is, why it matters for your property taxes, and how the bill would shift sales-data control to county auditors. It passed the House 93–0 on June 4 and now sits in the Senate Local Government Committee. If you’ve got a view, reach out to Sen. Terry Johnson.https://ohiosenate.gov/members/terry-johnson/contactThen, a conversation with Bob Raub of the Kiwanis Club of East Fork Region on what Kiwanis does locally (little libraries, youth service clubs, food packs, clea...
2025-10-151h 16
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 29 - Jim Daumeyer - Loveland City Council CandidateWe’re on an accelerated release run through November 4. Today, we start with a quick refresher on Ohio House Bill 113. What annexation is, how expedited Type 1–3 petitions work, and what HB 113 would change (a benefit/detriment test, tighter Type 2 limits, stronger school-district notice/approval, and expanded ethics disclosures). Then we sit down with Jim Daumeyer, candidate for Loveland City Council, for a practical conversation about growth, parks, and getting around town.In this episode:HB 113, simplified: why contiguity and acreage caps matter, and how a “merits” review could slow rubber-stamped annexations.Parks & trails: volunteer-built paths, invasive honeysuc...
2025-10-141h 45
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 28 - Rich Glisson - West Clermont School Board CandidateWe start off with quick county news on the M/I Homes referendum fight headed to the Ohio Supreme Court, then we talk with West Clermont School Board candidate Rich Glisson to discuss school funding, pensions, and how to rebuild trust with voters.You’ll hear:-A brief primer on Ohio’s five public pension systems and how “pickup” arrangements work, especially STRS “pickup on the pickup.”-Why Rich favors an earned income tax approach (and how it could track growth) alongside sunsetting certain property taxes.-A candid look at entry-level teacher pay...
2025-10-091h 35
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 27 - John Harper - Batavia Township Trustee CandidateEpisode 26 of Let's Talk Clermont. We start with a quick look at news from around the county. Clermont Sun’s 2025–26 resource guide, a mystery odor in New Richmond, a Pierce Township BZA notice (Oct 15), and a major Batavia Township hearing (Oct 9) to rezone ~425 acres near Lexington Run. Then we sit down with John Harper, a lifelong Batavia resident, pharmacy lead tech, and Air Force vet running for township trustee. Harper talks slow-growth instincts, recording and publishing meetings, and annexation/CRA tensions with the Village. We also touch family, faith, and why “property rights” and “pacing growth” don’t have to be opposite...
2025-10-021h 45
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 26 - Karen Swartz & Taylor Corbett - Batavia Township: CRAs, Growth, Fire FundingEpisode 26 of Let's Talk Clermont. We start off with some news from around the county. Invasive box tree moth alerts, rain-garden classes at Pattison Park, a Tate Township BZA hearing, and Eastgate Mall’s ongoing shake-up. Then an in-depth interview with Batavia Township Administrator Karen Swartz and Planning & Zoning Director Taylor Corbett on the Baumann airport-area development, how CRAs work, and fire/EMS funding. We wrap some events roundup and a teaser for next week’s candidate interview. Like what you hear? Consider donating to the show! Any dollar amount is appreciated and helps us keep doing what we d...
2025-09-251h 57
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 25 -Denise Harrison & Jamaica Sturgill - Plane Street Coffee House and CaféEpisode 25 of Let's Talk Clermont. We start with quick county updates Tate Twp land-use survey & a Sept 22 zoning session, New Richmond’s America 250 mural & Liberty Landing work, Bethel-Tate school ratings, and Loveland’s new assistance hub. Then we sit down with Denise Harrison and Jamaica Sturgill from The Plane Street Coffee House & Café in Bethel to talk restaurant life, small-town revival, and their push to lower athletic fees so more kids can play. Like what you hear? Consider donating to the show! Any dollar amount is appreciated and helps us keep doing what we do.Donat
2025-09-181h 22
Let's Talk ClermontEpisode 24 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council CandidateEpisode 24 of Let's Talk Clermont. We start with a quick roundup of Clermont County news. ODNR’s call to report EHD in deer, Goshen’s proposed redevelopment of Eagles Nest, and Milford’s Oakwood Apartments trash problems. Then we sit down with Deidre Hazelbaker, candidate for Loveland City Council. We talk about thoughtful growth, river and greenspace protection, traffic, better city communications, PFAS/water concerns, and how schools and the city can work together. Plus, why a balanced business mix matters, and what campaigning really takes. Like what you hear? Consider donating to the show! Any dollar amount...
2025-09-111h 51