Episode 64 - Dillion Blevins - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

Episode 70 - Brenda Woodward - Bethel America 250 Celebrations

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 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/] Newsletter [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter] If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate]

Episode 69 - Ian Schwartz - Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives

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 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!  Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/] Newsletter [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter] If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate]

Episode 68 - Fr. Thomas McCarthy - Holy Family Parish Pastor

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 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/] Newsletter [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter] If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate]

Episode 67 - Joe Loving - Co-Owner of Mean Beard

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 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/] Newsletter [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter] If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate]

Episode 66 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council

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 Follow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter. Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Lets-Talk-Clermont-Podcast-61575113991187/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/letstalkclermont/] Newsletter [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/newsletter] If the show brings you value, consider supporting us! Donate [https://www.letstalkclermont.com/custompage/donate]