Let's Talk Clermont

Ep. 73 — Holly Brians Ragusa on Lit Cincy, Poetry, Memoir, Writing, Healing, and Cincinnati’s Literary Community 


We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the groundbreaking for a new Veterans Village, brownfield cleanup funding for New Richmond, Clermont County’s new Facade Improvement Pilot Program, safety improvements at the State Route 32 and Herold Road intersection, Milford’s 2027 tax budget hearing, and a detailed look at Milford’s PFAS water treatment options. 


Interview — Holly Brians Ragusa 


Holly Brians Ragusa joins the show to talk about writing, poetry, memoir, literary community, and the work of connecting writers, readers, bookstores, libraries, open mics, workshops, and arts organizations across Greater Cincinnati. 


Holly is a writer, poet, speaker, community activist, founder of Lit Cincy, and president of the Ohio Poetry Association. The conversation covers her path as a writer, the value of good editors and workshops, the difficulty of creative work, and why literary communities matter for both new and experienced writers. 


We also talk about Lit Cincy, a grassroots effort to serve as connective tissue for the region’s literary life. Holly explains how the idea came together, why Cincinnati needed a stronger literary hub, and how Lit Cincy hopes to highlight local writers, literary events, independent bookstores, publishers, editors, libraries, and community partners. 


The conversation also gets into poetry, open mics, the Ohio Poetry Association, and how people who feel intimidated by poetry can begin reading, listening, writing, and joining the community. Holly shares why poetry and writing can be powerful tools for healing, reflection, and connection. 
A major part of the interview focuses on Holly’s memoir, Met the End, which tells the story of her father’s murder by serial killer Donald Harvey. Holly discusses the process of reclaiming that story from sensational true-crime framing and writing instead about survivorship, trauma, family, healing, and the humanity of victims and their families. 


We also discuss local history, America’s River Roots, the Riverwalk Cincy app, the Freedom Journey app, and why understanding the history of Cincinnati, Clermont County, the Ohio River, and the Underground Railroad can help communities better understand themselves. 
Links from this episode 

• Holly Brians Ragusa — Official Website
• Lit Cincy
• Met the End
• Ohio Poetry Association

News

•  Clermont County breaks ground on a new Veterans Village to support homeless veterans in the Tri-State 
•  The more than $10 million Veterans Village project will include 19 homes and wraparound support services 
•  Ohio awards $15.5 million in brownfield cleanup and assessment grants across 35 counties 
•  Clermont County receives $400,000 for cleanup of the former New Richmond bus garage site 
•  The Clermont County Port Authority launches a new Facade Improvement Pilot Program 
•  Eligible commercial and mixed-use properties may receive up to $20,000 for exterior improvements 
•  Batavia and ODOT begin safety improvements at State Route 32 and Herold Road 
•  Milford City Council holds a public hearing on the city’s 2027 tax budget 
•  Milford officials discuss future park levy questions and the unfinished vision for Five Points Park 
•  AECOM presents Milford City Council with options for removing PFAS from the city’s drinking water 
•  Milford considers granular activated carbon and ion exchange treatment options for PFAS removal 
•  City officials discuss funding options, settlement money, possible regionalization, and the long-term future of Milford’s water utility 

Events

•  Union Township Farmers Market 
•  Bethel America 250 Celebration Kick-Off Picnic and Worship in the Park 
•  Ralph Shepherd Concert Series in New Richmond 
•  Summer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature Preserve 
•  Front Street Flea Pop-Up Flea Market 
•  Milford Farmers Market 
•  Second Saturday in Haussermann Park 
•  Clermont County History and Museum Day 
•  Elvis Tribute Concert in Miami Township 
•  New Richmond Farmers Market 
•  Astronauts of Ohio at the Miami Township Library 
•  Oregon Trail Adventure at the Bethel Library 
•  Sunset River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34 Park 
•  Red, White and Bloom into Independence 
•  Hoots and Hops at Cincinnati Nature Center 
•  Union Township Summer Concert with the Marty Connor Band 
•  Annual Butterfly Count 
•  Goshen Branch Plant Club 
•  Native American Artifact Evaluation with the Clermont County Historical Society

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Ep. 72 — Jack and Samantha Graff on Paradise Brewing, Local Beer, Family Business, Homebrewing, and Building a Community Taproom

We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the 2028 Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championship coming to East Fork State Park, a Union Township rezoning proposal near Clough Pike and Ridge Point Drive, a proposed public safety levy in Union Township, Lonza USA considering a major Williamsburg Township facility, a Pierce Township data security issue, Loveland’s new downtown trail-crossing traffic signal, the ongoing Batavia dissolution debate, and West Clermont’s transportation and budget changes.

Interview — Jack and Samantha Graff of Paradise Brewing

Jack and Samantha Graff join the show to talk about Paradise Brewing, the family-run brewery and taproom in Anderson Township. The conversation covers the history of the business, from its roots in homebrewing supplies to the taproom that opened in 2012, and how the Graff family has built a loyal local following around fresh beer, regulars, events, and a true neighborhood feel.

We talk about what it takes to run a brewery, how Paradise has shifted its focus over the years, and why the business moved away from selling homebrewing supplies to focus more directly on brewing and the taproom. Jack also shares how his background as a chef connects with brewing through fermentation, flavor, sanitation, experimentation, and the work that goes into making beer at scale.

The conversation gets into beer styles, brewing equipment, sours, lagers, fruit beers, ciders, wines, carbonation, contamination, and what happens when a batch just does not turn out right. Jack and Samantha also talk about Paradise Brewing’s mug club, rotating tap list, food trucks, local partnerships, and the work of refreshing the taproom while keeping the family-business character that regulars already love.

We also discuss upcoming Paradise Brewing events, including National Independent Beer Run Day, Fourth of July parade-day festivities, Ponytails and Pints, Anything But a Cup Night, Paint and Sip, food trucks, and other community events designed to bring new faces into the taproom while keeping longtime regulars connected.

News

• Clermont County will host the 2028 Big Ten Women’s Rowing Championship at East Fork State Park
• The rowing championship is expected to bring about 550 student-athletes and families to the area
• Local officials project more than $700,000 in economic impact from the Big Ten rowing event
• Union Township Zoning Commission recommends approval of a proposed 60-lot subdivision near Clough Pike and Ridge Point Drive
• Union Township Trustees schedule a July 9 special meeting on a proposed public safety levy for fire and police operations
• Lonza USA is considering a major Williamsburg Township facility that could bring hundreds of jobs to Clermont County
• Ohio officials approve a job creation tax credit tied to the potential Lonza project
• Pierce Township approves legal, forensic, and professional services connected to a data security matter
• Pierce Township schedules a July 14 hearing on its 2027 budget
• Loveland plans a new traffic signal where the Little Miami Scenic Trail crosses West Loveland Avenue
• Railroad Avenue in Loveland will become one-way as part of downtown traffic circulation changes
• Batavia’s possible village dissolution effort continues, with debate over taxes, development, employee retention, and local control
• Batavia Council approves an emergency ordinance tied to employee retention if the village is dissolved
• Batavia Council discusses TIF ordinances connected to the Trowbridge and BRMI properties near Taylor Road
• West Clermont Schools plans transportation changes, including fewer bus routes, more neighborhood and cluster stops, and impractical transportation notices for some students
• West Clermont officials say budget pressure is tied to lower projected revenue, rising costs, and efforts to protect classroom services

Events

• Freedom Fest in New Richmond
• Milford Sparks in the Park
• Front Street Flea Pop-Up Flea Market
• Pierce Township Fourth of July Bike Parade
• New Richmond Cardboard Boat Regatta
• Goshen Fourth of July Parade
• New Richmond Farmers Market
• Campfire Stories at Shore Park
• Crawdad Creek Crawl
• Union Township Farmers Market
• Bethel America 250 Celebration Kickoff Picnic and Worship in the Park
• Ralph Shepard Concert Series in New Richmond
• Summer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature Preserve
• Second Saturday in Haussermann Park
• Clermont County History and Museum Day
• Elvis Tribute Concert in Miami Township
• Paradise Brewing’s National Independent Beer Run Day
• Paradise Brewing’s Ponytails and Pints
• Paradise Brewing’s Anything But a Cup Night
• Paradise Brewing’s Paint and Sip

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Ep. 71 — Teresa Youngstrom on Dementia Care, Memory Loss, Caregiver Stress, and A Better Approach to Memory Care


We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the former Beckjord coal plant site being listed for sale amid coal ash concerns, Clermont County’s 2027 tax budget hearing, Loveland’s zoning code rewrite, Milford Schools’ latest financial update, Bethel’s possible beekeeping zoning changes, and New Richmond’s Liberty Landing construction update.


Interview — Teresa Youngstrom, Registered Nurse, Dementia Specialist, and Founder of A Better Approach to Memory Care


Teresa Youngstrom joins the show to talk about caring for people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of memory loss. Teresa is a seasoned registered nurse and dementia specialist whose work was shaped by her own experience caring for her mother during a decade of decline.
The conversation covers how families can better understand dementia, why dementia is not one single diagnosis, and how symptoms can vary from person to person. Teresa explains why caregivers often need to change their approach instead of trying to argue, correct, or force someone with memory loss into compliance.


We also talk about practical caregiving tools, including validating emotions, de-escalating tense moments, redirecting with compassion, building routines, identifying “happy places,” avoiding yes-or-no questions, and looking for pain or discomfort when a loved one becomes agitated.


Teresa also shares advice for families planning long-term care, bringing in outside help, preparing a “Plan B,” evaluating memory care options, and protecting caregivers from burnout. It is a thoughtful conversation about dignity, patience, flexibility, and how families can better care for loved ones during a difficult season of life.
News

• Former Beckjord coal plant site near New Richmond listed for $13.5 million amid ongoing coal ash concerns
• Clermont County officials continue warning about possible risks to public water infrastructure near the Ohio River
• Clermont County holds its 2027 tax budget hearing
• County officials flag rising costs, capital needs, Child Protective Services funding pressure, and mental health funding concerns
• Loveland Parks and Recreation updates several capital projects, including Nisbeth Park, Phillips Park, Shoemaker property planning, and pickleball court resurfacing
• Loveland City Council moves forward with a broad zoning code rewrite and sets a public hearing for July 28
• Milford Schools reports a stronger-than-expected financial position
• Milford School Board approves policy, budget, transportation, textbook, HVAC, and online learning plan items
• Bethel considers zoning changes that could make it easier for residents to keep bees inside village limits
• New Richmond seeks seasonal summer help
• Liberty Landing construction begins near River Hills Bank, with riverfront access restrictions during construction

Events

• New Richmond Tavern Grand Opening
• Union Township Farmers Market
• America 250 Flag Dedication Ceremony in Batavia Township
• Front Street Flea Pop-Up Flea Market
• River Sweep 2026 in New Richmond
• Madcap Puppets: Monkey See, Monkey Do
• New Richmond Farmers Market
• Concert in the Park: Steve Free
• Batavia America 250 Celebration
• Miami Township America 250 Opening Ceremony
• New Richmond Freedom Fest
• Milford Sparks in the Park
• Pierce Township Fourth of July Bike Parade
• New Richmond Cardboard Boat Regatta
• Goshen Fourth of July Parade

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 Ep. 70 — Brenda Woodward on Bethel’s America 250 Celebration, Small-Town Pride, Local History, and Community Life


We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the county’s five-year water and wastewater capital improvement plans, possible federal legal action over water quality concerns tied to the former Beckjord coal plant site, and Loveland’s ongoing review of its downtown noise ordinance.


Interview — Brenda Woodward, Bethel Village Council Member and Bethel America 250 Committee Member


Brenda Woodward joins the show to talk about Bethel’s upcoming America 250 celebration. Brenda serves on Bethel Village Council and is also helping lead the food vendor side of the event. She walks us through the full celebration, including the parade, historical reenactors, Native American presentations, free children’s activities, live music, food vendors, market vendors, car cruise-in, pickleball tournament, fireworks, and more.


The conversation also gets into the planning behind a major community event, the volunteers and sponsors helping make it happen, and the logistics that most people never see, from parking and shuttle service to cooling stations, accessibility, public safety, and food vendor setup.


We also talk more broadly about Bethel itself, including its small-town feel, local businesses, churches, schools, village infrastructure, Burke Park, the Grant Memorial Building, the Burke Trust, local history, ghost tour potential, farmers markets, restaurants, and why Brenda believes Bethel still has a strong sense of community.


News

• Clermont County Water Resources presents a major five-year water and wastewater infrastructure plan
• The county’s water plan includes 62 projects totaling nearly $120 million
• The county’s wastewater plan includes 53 projects totaling nearly $247 million
• Clermont County faces funding gaps in both water and wastewater capital plans
• Growth along State Route 32 and Afton is driving some sewer capacity work
• Commissioners approve revisions to the five-year waterworks and wastewater capital improvement plans
• Clermont County prepares possible federal legal action over water quality concerns tied to the former Beckjord coal plant site
• County officials raise concerns about coal ash, groundwater, and public drinking water infrastructure
• Loveland officials review the city’s noise ordinance after downtown amplified music complaints
• Loveland’s Law and Ordinance Committee tables the issue for more review and public input

Events

• Union Township Summer Concert: Kevin McCoy Band
• Summer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature Preserve
• Ralph Shepard Concert Series: Sycamore Band
• Family Adventure Day: Creek Romp Expedition
• New Richmond Summer Concert Series: Mitchell Reed
• June in Old Williamsburg: America 250 Celebration and Festival

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Ep. 69 — Ian Schwartz on Ohio House District 62, Affordability, Public Education, and Community-Focused Campaigning

We start this week with news from around Clermont County and Ohio, including the growing data center debate at the Statehouse, Governor DeWine’s pause on new data center tax exemption requests, Ohio’s latest property tax reform changes, odor complaints near the Zimmer Landfill in Washington Township, and a Liberty Landing construction update from New Richmond.

Interview — Ian Schwartz, Candidate for Ohio House District 62

Ian Schwartz joins the show to talk about his campaign for Ohio House District 62. A veteran, husband, and father, Ian lays out the three main themes of his campaign: protecting people’s wallets, health, and families. We discuss affordability, grocery prices, healthcare costs, prescription drug affordability, and the role state government can play in addressing everyday pressure on Ohio families.

The conversation also gets into public education, Ohio’s school funding system, the Fair School Funding Plan, property tax reform, local levies, and Ian’s view on proposals to eliminate property taxes altogether. Ian also shares ideas around veterans issues, including his proposal to eliminate property taxes for disabled veterans with a VA rating.

We also cover responsible development, Community Reinvestment Areas, zoning, solar, data centers, campaign strategy, partisanship, and the importance of focusing on issues that affect communities across party lines. And because no good conversation stays perfectly on script, we take a few detours into philosophy, military service, nuclear weapons, Heidegger, Kant, and how those experiences shape Ian’s approach to public service.

News

• Ohio’s data center debate continues at the Statehouse
• Governor DeWine pauses new data center tax exemption requests
• CoLogix data center project moves forward under previously approved incentives
• Loveland City Council hears a property tax reform update from Warren County Auditor Matt Nolan
• Ohio property tax reforms change inside millage, the 20 mill floor, rollback credits, county auditor valuation review, and County Budget Commission oversight
• Washington Township residents continue raising odor and health complaints near the Zimmer Landfill
• Ohio EPA discusses hydrogen sulfide concerns and coal combustion residual waste at the Zimmer Landfill
• New Richmond shares a Liberty Landing construction update
• Let’s Talk Clermont receives its first executive producer credit
  
  

Events

• Union Township Farmers Market
• River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34
• Ralph Shepard Concert Series: P&G Big Band
• Union Township Summer Concert: Audio Graffiti
• Milford Farmers Market
• National Trails Day at Sycamore Park
• New Richmond Farmers Market
• Loveland Farmers Market
• Clermont Chamber Safety Council: Stop the Bleed
• New Richmond Summer Concert Series: Too Tricky
• Union Township Summer Concert: Kevin McCoy Band
• Summer Bird Walk at Crooked Run Nature Preserve
• Ralph Shepard Concert Series: Sycamore Band
  
  

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Ep. 68 — Father Thomas McCarthy on Catholicism, Faith, and Life as a Priest in Clermont County


We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including an update on county road and bridge conditions, Milford Schools’ financial report and performance audit recommendations, Milford City Council’s vote on a proposed Management Essentials contract, Milford’s community reinvestment area updates, and Batavia Township’s upcoming public hearing on its proposed 2027 tax budget.


Interview — Father Thomas McCarthy, Pastor of Holy Family Parish


Father Thomas McCarthy joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about Catholicism, Christianity, and what it means to serve as a priest in Clermont County. Father McCarthy is the pastor of Holy Family Parish, which includes Saint Philomena, Saint Ann, Holy Trinity, and Saint Louis.


We talk about the foundations of the Catholic faith, including the role of the Church, the pope, the sacraments, the Eucharist, confession, Mary, the saints, and how Catholic teaching connects to ancient Judaism and Christian tradition. Father McCarthy also shares his thoughts on faith, discipline, responsibility, and why he believes religion shapes the way people understand the world and their place in it.


The conversation also covers Father McCarthy’s personal path to the priesthood, what seminary was like, what he enjoys about being a priest, and the role Holy Family Parish and Saint Louis School play in the local community. It is the first interview in what we hope will become a larger series featuring religious leaders from around Clermont County.


News

• Clermont County Engineer Jeremy Evans reports improved road ratings, shorter paving cycles, bridge work, and culvert repairs
• Clermont County plans a smaller but active 2026 road resurfacing program
• Milford Schools reports stronger-than-expected finances through April
• Milford Schools reviews athletic spending as part of its performance audit recommendations
• Milford City Council rejects a proposed Management Essentials professional services contract
• Milford City Council approves updates to the city’s community reinvestment areas
• Residents raise concerns about tax abatements, development, and future CRA use in Milford
• Batavia Township schedules a public hearing on its proposed 2027 tax budget

Events

• Frontier Days Festival in Downtown Milford
• Frontier Days Parade in Milford
• Pond Dipping at Crooked Run Nature Preserve
• Storytime at East Fork State Park
• Writer Showcase at Union Township Library
• Family Catch and Release at Clepper Park Pond
• Milford Farmers Market
• New Richmond Farmers Market
• Concert in the Park with Harmonics in Loveland
• Family Adventure Day: Wilderness Survival at Clingman Park
• New Richmond Summer Concert Series with Chuck and James Acoustic Heroes
• Art in the Park: Flower Pounding Prints at Shor Park
• Union Township Farmers Market
• River Paddle at Chilo Lock 34
• Ralph Shepherd Concert Series featuring the P&G Big Band
• Union Township Summer Concert with Audio Graffiti
• National Trails Day at Sycamore Park

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Ep. 67 — Joe Loving on Mean Beard, Strongman Training, and Building Confidence Through Fitness 


We start this week with news from around Clermont County, including the county’s long-range economic development strategic plan, Maddox Industrial Transformer’s Batavia expansion, Central Joint Fire-EMS service cuts after failed levies, Loveland’s mural approval and zoning code updates, West Clermont’s budget concerns, New Richmond’s Roar on the River fundraiser, proposed US 52 roundabouts, and River Days traffic updates. 


Interview — Joe Loving, Co-Owner of Mean Beard 


Joe Loving joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, beard care, weightlifting, strongman training, and the role fitness can play in helping people rebuild confidence. Joe talks about his path from a twenty-year corporate career with Coca-Cola to becoming co-owner of Mean Beard, a Batavia-based beard care brand that ships products around the world. 


We get into the story behind Mean Beard, including how Joe’s beard journey began as an advocacy effort for his son, how the company developed its beard oils, balms, and beard enhancers, and what makes a quality beard care product different from the stuff on a store shelf. Joe also shares some practical beard care tips, a few beard safety warnings, and the story of a painful run-in between his beard and a drain snake. 


The conversation also turns to lifting, gym culture, strongman training, consistency, programming, and Joe’s work with Urban Outreach and City Gospel Mission. Joe explains how the gym can help people build more than physical strength, especially for men working through recovery, homelessness, and major life challenges. 


News 

•  Clermont County Commissioners review the county’s economic development strategic plan 
•  Maddox Industrial Transformer expands into Batavia 
•  Central Joint Fire-EMS announces service cuts after failed funding levies 
•  Loveland approves a new mural for Coulter Studio 
•  Loveland continues reviewing zoning code updates, including short-term rental rules 
•  Pierce Township schedules a special meeting on economic budget numbers 
•  West Clermont Citizens Advisory Committee warns of major funding challenges 
•  New Richmond Schools hosts Roar on the River to support student activities 
•  New Richmond considers four proposed US 52 roundabouts 
•  New Richmond Police issue River Days and graduation traffic updates 

Events

•  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250 
•  River Days 2026 in New Richmond 
•  Free Yard Sale Weekend in New Richmond 
•  Hike with Park Staff at Sycamore Park 
•  Summer Bird Walk at Cincinnati Nature Center 
•  CPR Class at Union Township Civic Center 
•  Milford Farmers Market 
•  Milford Memorial Day Parade 
•  Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park 
•  Ancient Oceans with Clermont County Parks 
•  NewSoul Glassworks Mobile Hot Shop Visit 
•  Frontier Days Festival in Milford 
•  Frontier Days Parade 
•  Writer’s Showcase at Union Township Library 
•  New Richmond Farmers Market

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Ep. 66 — Deidre Hazelbaker on Loveland City Council, Local Government, and Staying Connected to Residents 


We start this week with news from around Clermont County and Ohio, including a reported Bigfoot “flap” in Portage County, the Clermont County Genealogical Society’s young writers competition, Batavia’s proposed local business matching grant program, several Batavia development updates, Loveland’s tabled city-property ordinance, Loveland’s PFAS treatment planning, New Richmond Schools’ new artificial intelligence guidelines, and a Liberty Landing update from the Village of New Richmond. 


Interview — Deidre Hazelbaker, Loveland City Council Member 


Deidre Hazelbaker returns to the show for a check-in after joining Loveland City Council. We talk about what it has been like moving from candidate and engaged resident to elected council member, including the weight of voting, the workload behind council packets, and the adjustment from being a “doer” to helping set direction for the city. 


We also get into how Loveland City Council works behind the scenes, from packet review and resident outreach to collaboration with city staff and other council members. Deidre shares what has surprised her, what has exceeded expectations, and why she has gained an even deeper appreciation for Loveland’s city staff. 


The conversation also covers major Loveland issues, including PFAS planning, communication with residents, sidewalks, traffic, Loveland-Madeira Road, economic development, downtown business ideas, community events, and the importance of residents showing up, speaking at meetings, and staying involved in local government. 


News 

•  Ohio sees an uptick in reported Bigfoot sightings near Portage County 
•  Clermont County Genealogical Society launches its 2026 young writers competition 
•  Batavia CIC moves toward a local business matching grant program 
•  Maddox Industrial Transformer expands into Batavia 
•  River Point apartments remain delayed while water approval issues are worked through 
•  Harvest Meadows continues moving forward 
•  Streamside townhomes could begin construction this summer 
•  Casey’s development site is cleared for new construction 
•  Batavia’s Foundry sidewalk project advances 
•  Batavia continues America 250 planning, including fireworks and a mural 
•  ODOT approves the Red Barn sign permit 
•  Batavia reports continued high zoning and permit activity 
•  Loveland tables a controversial city-property ordinance 
•  Loveland shares an update on PFAS treatment design, funding, and settlements 
•  New Richmond Schools adds artificial intelligence guidelines to the student handbook 
•  New Richmond shares a Liberty Landing construction update 

Events

•  Spring Native Plant Sale at Cincinnati Nature Center 
•  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250 
•  Milford Citywide Yard Sale 
•  Foraged Flower Crowns at Clingman Park 
•  Music Under the Moon at Cincinnati Nature Center 
•  Spring Litter Cleanup across Clermont County 
•  Roar on the River New Richmond Lions Car and Bike Show Fundraiser 
•  May We Grow Old 5K Fundraiser at Sycamore Park 
•  Art in the Park: Creek Glass Jewelry at Clingman Park 
•  US 52 Roundabout Project Open House in New Richmond 
•  RiverDays 2026 in New Richmond 
•  Free Yard Sale Weekend in New Richmond 
•  Hike with Park Staff at Sycamore Park

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 Ep. 65 — Rick Mahan on the New Richmond Military Museum, Local Veterans, and Clermont County Primary Results 


We start this week with Clermont County’s unofficial May 5 primary election results, including outcomes for local school, park, senior services, children’s services, developmental disabilities, fire and EMS, safety services, cemetery, and liquor option issues. We also look at several candidate races, including Clermont County Commissioner, County Auditor, Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, Ohio House Districts 62 and 63, and the 12th District Court of Appeals. 


Interview — Rick Mahan, New Richmond Military Museum 


Rick Mahan joins us to talk about the New Richmond Military Museum, his work as curator, and the local veterans whose stories are preserved there. Rick shares how the museum grew out of a promise to Ralph Shepherd, a longtime New Richmond veteran advocate, and how the museum now houses artifacts, uniforms, photos, medals, and personal items connected mostly to local service members. 


We also talk about some of the stories behind the museum’s collection, including Clermont County’s deep military history, General Ulysses S. Grant, General Henry Clark Corbin, a 48-star flag tied to Judge Houserman and the Philippines, a Korean War soldier whose remains were identified decades later, POW/MIA remembrance, New Richmond connections to Iwo Jima, uniforms from two local Marines killed in the Beirut bombing, and even a Space Force uniform from a New Richmond graduate. 


Rick also discusses his work with the VFW, American Legion, local veterans groups, youth programs, community service, fish fries, and the importance of keeping local military history alive for future generations. 
News 

•  Unofficial Clermont County May 5 primary election results 
•  New Richmond School District operating levy fails 
•  Clermont County Park District renewal levy passes 
•  Clermont County Senior Services renewal levy passes 
•  Clermont County Children’s Services levy fails 
•  Clermont County Developmental Disabilities levy fails 
•  Batavia Township Fire and EMS levy fails 
•  Miami Township safety services levy passes 
•  Franklin Township cemetery renewal levy passes 
•  Batavia Township local liquor option passes 
•  Clermont County Commissioner and Auditor primary results 
•  Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District and Ohio House District 62 and 63 primary results 

Events

•  Cincinnati Nature Center Spring Native Plant Sale 
•  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250 
•  Kids Fishing Derby at Patterson Park 
•  55th Annual Appalachian Festival in New Richmond 
•  Creative Calm Women’s Sip and Paint Social 
•  Astronauts of Ohio at Batavia Library 
•  Conservation Civics at Cincinnati Nature Center 
•  Springtime Terrarium Garden at Felicity Library 
•  Milford Citywide Yard Sale Weekend 
•  Clermont County Spring Litter Cleanup 
•  Roar on the River New Richmond Lions Car and Bike Show Fundraiser

  
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Ep. 64 — Dillon Blevins on the Ohio House District 62 Race, Property Taxes, Development, and the May Primary


We start this episode with a rundown of the May 5 primary election issues appearing on Clermont County ballots, including countywide levies for the Park District, Senior Services, Children’s Protective Services, and the Board of Developmental Disabilities. We also cover local issues in Batavia Township, Miami Township, New Richmond Exempted Village School District, Franklin Township, and the Batavia Township Aldi Sunday liquor sales option.


Interview — Dillon Blevins, Candidate for Ohio House District 62 


Dillon Blevins joins us to talk about his campaign for Ohio House District 62, his background growing up in Clermont County, his work as a local construction business owner, and his service in the U.S. Army Reserve. We talk about why he decided to run, what he learned from past campaigns, and why he believes this race matters for voters in Clermont County. 


The conversation covers several of the issues Dillon is campaigning on, including property tax relief for senior homeowners, cutting the state income tax, reviewing state spending, and his concerns about public construction costs, school funding, and government bidding requirements. He also shares his views on development, tax abatements, data centers, public pensions, abortion legislation, online gambling, marijuana policy, and the role of state government in local communities. 


We also talk about the tone of the race, campaign ads, political division, primary voter turnout, and why Dillon believes more residents should pay attention to contested races before the general election. 


May 5 Primary Election Issues 

•  Clermont County Park District renewal levy 
•  Clermont County Senior Services renewal levy 
•  Clermont County Children’s Services renewal with an increase 
•  Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities additional levy 
•  Batavia Township Fire and EMS levy 
•  Miami Township police, fire, and EMS safety services levy 
•  New Richmond Exempted Village School District operating levy 
•  Franklin Township cemetery levy 
•  Batavia Township Aldi Sunday liquor sales option

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