November 2015

Cheer our veterans Nov. 11 in Batavia

The week of Nov. 8-14 is filled with events to honor veterans in Clermont County, with the biggest celebration, the Veterans Day Parade, set for Nov. 11 in the Village of Batavia. Lineup begins at 6 p.m. at the U.S. Post Office, 575 West Main St., Batavia, and the parade starts at 7 p.m.

Commissioner Bob Proud will speak at the event, which will feature bands from six local high schools. Those who want to join the parade can look for a sign for their community at the post office, said parade organizer Steve Foster of the American Legion. Please show up to cheer our veterans!

Information about other veterans events throughout the county can be found here.

Tomorrow is Election Day

Have you checked out your local races? Are you familiar with the state and local issues on the ballot? Tomorrow is Election Day.

Today, Monday, the Clermont County Board of Elections, 76 S. Riverside Drive, Batavia, will be open for early voting from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tomorrow, you must vote at your local precinct.

Remember: Every vote counts!

More information can be found on the Board of Elections website.
Commissioner Uible on why voting YES for aggregation makes sense

Still time to enjoy the bike trail!

UC students Evan Barge, left, and Brookelynne Frizzell enjoy
the trail shortly after it opened.

On Oct.15, an absolutely perfect fall day, the latest segment of the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike-Bike Trail opened. Celebrating were many of the partners who made this possible: Chris Clingman, Director, Clermont Park District; Julianne Nesbit, County Health Commissioner; James Zehringer, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources; as well representatives from Williamsburg and Batavia Township and many others. The trail, which will be 15 miles long when completed, now runs from the East Fork State Park campground to Zagar Road in Batavia Township. A grant from Interact for Health helped fund the latest expansion. Read more about the bike trail on our website.

What to do if you strike a deer

In one of our recent #FAQFridays, Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg talks about how you can best avoid deer strikes on the rural roads of Clermont County. And if you do hit a deer, he offers tips on what to do. Our #FAQFridays post Thursday night and Friday on our Facebook page -- be sure to check them out.

Sponsor a child for Community Toy Chest

Clermont County Domestic Relations Court staff sponsored siblings last year.

Each year, 300 or more children under the protection of Clermont County's Children's Protective Services have a brighter and happier holiday thanks to the generosity of businesses, families and individuals who contribute to our Community Toy Chest. Every child in foster care draws up their own holiday wish list, and that wish list -- along with the child's clothes size -- is fulfilled by a generous donor. Maybe you or your office or family will be that donor this year.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Sanna Gast at sanna.gast@jfs.ohio.gov, or call her at 513-732-7264. Our kids range from birth to 18. Cash donations are very welcome too, as they allow CPS some flexibility in buying gifts, especially for older youth.

We will also be posting wish lists of children on Facebook and Twitter later this month.

How we did last year

Do you have an emergency plan?

There is no timetable for when an emergency or disaster might occur; what's important is that you are prepared for one. Emergency plans should be personalized for each individual household. For example:

If English is not your primary language, you may need to identify where you will go to receive emergency alerts that are in your native tongue.
Families without sources of transportation may need to make arrangements with a neighbor or friend.
Households with children should be familiar with their child's school safety plan(s). Where will the child be taken for reunification during an emergency situation, for example?
Individuals who take prescription medication should keep an adequate supply on hand in case of emergency.
Families with pets will need to plan accordingly, ensuring that pet food and pet medications are in the family emergency supply kit.

Find out more about emergency plans at ready.gov.

News from around the county

Handmade quilt block donated to Clermont Park District

This beautiful Lavender Log Cabin quilt block, designed by Log Cabin Herb Society member Lois Sandker and created by John Stadtmiller of Laurel Barn Quilts, was recently donated to Clermont County Park District.The 6-by-6 wood block will be mounted on the barn at the Hartman Log Cabin on U.S. 50 just outside of Owensville. The Clermont County Historical Society has been working for the past year to locate existing barn quilt blocks throughout the county, hoping to create a Barn Quilt Trail.

If you know of any existing quilt blocks on any building in Clermont County, please contact Ron Hill at the Historical Society at 513-753-8672. (Above, Chris Clingman, Clermont County Park District; Ron Hill; Lois Sandker, and John Stadtmiller.)

Ohio barn quilt map

CHIEF LEAHY WINS AWARD: Congratulations to Chief Deputy Steve Leahy of the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, who will receive the 2015 Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership's Champion Award. Leahy was honored for his work to promote policies to reduce unintentional overdose deaths in Clermont County. "Your sheriff's department has been an active participant in the Opiate Task Force and education presentations and town hall meetings," the committe said. "Your office has displayed exceptional leadership by installing a permanent drug drop box, participating with drug take back days, and implementing new policies which required deputies to carry Narcan."

Recipe of the month

Hot jobs at OMJ Clermont

County Commissioners' meetings