Ep. 52 — Off-Grid Texting, Mesh Networks, and Cincy Mesh 


We're closing in on one year of Let’s Talk Clermont! 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. 


Then talk with Hunter Thornsberry from Cincy Mesh to talk Meshtastic—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.  


Interview — Hunter Thornsberry (Cincy Mesh) 
Hunter talks about: 

• LoRa + line-of-sight basics and why height matters
• What “mesh” actually means (hops, repeaters, routers)
• Real-world uses: hiking, travel, storms, privacy-minded comms, GPS sharing
• Starter hardware recommendations (cheap nodes vs. nicer keyboard devices)
• Why some folks love/hate MQTT (bridging traffic over the internet)
• How to plug into the local community and help the Cincinnati mesh grow

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.

https://www.cincymesh.org/

In the News 

• Batavia Township Fire/EMS levy info: a new site + Facebook page from producer Brandon Hicks with details ahead of the vote
• Milford: council approved steps toward acquiring multiple downtown parcels (including the Fountain Specialist and Gun Haven Armory buildings) to increase control and make redevelopment easier
• New Richmond / Liberty Landing: retaining wall work advancing; utilities work coming up
• Clermont Northeastern Schools: kindergarten registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year (eligibility: age 5 by Aug. 13)
• Fish fry season is here (St. Louis in Owensville gets a big recommendation)

 If you're looking for more info on the Batavia Fire Levy, check out the website and Facebook page Producer Brandon Hicks made

Website: https://www.cincymesh.org/
Facebook: Batavia Township Fire and EMS Levy

Producer shoutout 

• Thanks to the anonymous producers who came in under $50—appreciate you supporting the show!

Events roundup

• Homeschool Discovery Day: Sap to Syrup — Feb 20 (1–2 PM), Pattison Park
• Maple Sugaring Hikes — Feb 21 (1 PM / 2 PM / 3 PM), Cincinnati Nature Center (registration required)
• Saturday Play Date — Feb 21 (10:30 AM), library program (ages ~0–8)
• Foraged Tea Time + Hike (Maple Tea) — Feb 21 (1–2 PM), Clingman Park (registration required)
• Hiking for Lichen — Feb 22 (11 AM–12 PM), Pattison Park (free)
• Young Innovators: Ohio Food Innovations — Feb 23 (4:30 PM), New Richmond Branch Library
• Feelin’ Froggy Fiber Arts — Feb 23 (6 PM), Goshen Branch Library (adults)
• Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)
• Maple Murder Mystery — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)
• Appalachian Music (Dulcimers) — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library
• Raptor Rampage — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free)

Next week

Mike Desmond from the Milford Amateur Radio Club (the folks behind Cincinnati Hamfest) joins the show.

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