January 2016

Upgraded water meters coming to homes

County will start with a pilot project in January

Clermont County's Water Resources Department (WRD) will soon begin to replace customers' water meters with meters that will allow wireless transmission of water usage data. Beginning in January 2016, about 500 meters will be installed throughout the county, said WRD Director Lyle Bloom. The county will make sure these meters are operating correctly before beginning to install the rest of the meters.

It is expected to take until September 2017 for all 41,000 meters to be replaced. Read more about the project here.

Where to treecycle in Clermont County

Many townships, villages and cities in Clermont County will recycle your Christmas tree. 'Treecyling' is better for the environment; the chipped trees are often used for mulch. Find out where and how to treecycle here.

Jan. 31 deadline for dog tags

Now that the holidays are over, no more stalling! If you have not yet purchased your tag for your dog for 2016, you have until Jan. 31 to do that without incurring any late fees or fines.

Remember, a tagged dog is one that will be quickly reunited with you should your dog wander away. If you love your dog, license your dog!

The County Auditor's website has more information, including where to buy the tags, which are $16 when purchased at the Auditor's Office. Vendors throughout Clermont County also offer the tags for sale (at slightly higher prices).

(P.S.: The tag fees help support Clermont to the Rescue Animal Shelter.)

Are we good for salt, just in case?

We've had a mild winter, but will our luck continue? Our #FAQFriday video featuring Woody Woodmansee of the Engineer's Office sheds light on our salt situation.

Bike trail fundraiser Jan. 23

Do you love Clermont County's Williamburg to Batavia Hike Bike Trail? You can support it and have a fun time as well at the third annual Rock & Roast Bike Trail Fundraiser, which will be held 6-9 p.m. Jan. 23 at Williamsburg High School, 500 S. 5th St., Williamsburg.

In October, the latest stretch of the bike trail opened to Zagar Road, completing 6 miles. When finished, the trail will be 15 miles long, providing spectacular views through the heart of Clermont County. Read more here about the fundraiser.

Low-cost rabies clinic offered

Clermont County Public Health, in partnership with Clermont to the Rescue Animal Shelter and

Dr. Gwendolyn Steffen from Henehan Animal Hospital in Milford, is hosting a low-cost rabies clinic from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Live Oaks Campus, 5956 Buckwheat Road, Milford. The cost is $5, cash only.

All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Animals with proper documentation of current vaccination status can receive a three-year vaccination. All other animals will receive a one-year vaccination.

In addition to the vaccinations, Clermont to the Rescue will be selling 2016 dog licenses. The cost for each license is $16.75 and is payable by cash or check only. Checks for licenses can be made out to CTTR. For more information on the clinic, call 513-732-7499.

Weather spotter training offered

Are you interested in becoming a weather spotter for the National Weather Service? Meteorologists will provide training from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Krueger Auditorium in the Edith-Peter Jones Building at UC Clermont College, 4200 Clermont College Drive. You will learn how to safely observe storms, identify important features of storms, look for visual clues that may precede tornado development, and how to make accurate and timely reports.

Storm spotters play an important role in identifying and relaying storm-related information to the County Emergency Management Agency, local public safety officials, and the National Weather Service. The workshop is free; to register, email clermontema@clermontcountyohio.gov, or call 513-732-7661.

Resolve to pack that emergency food kit!

So your New Year's resolution was to finally assemble that emergency supply kit "just in case." What types of food should you put in it?

A few things to remember:

Long shelf life -- choose items that have a shelf life of six months to a year and check your emergency supply kit annually to rotate out any food past its expiration date.
Electricity -- don't count on having electricity during an emergency. Keep a can opener in your supply kit and avoid foods that require cooking prior to consumption, or that need refrigeration.

A good supply of water and peanut butter are among the suggestions from Real Simple magazine. Other tips can be found here. And even more information can always be found at ready.gov.

News from around the county

PLANNING COMMISSION OPENING: Applications are now being accepted to fill a vacant position on the Clermont County Planning Commission. The duties of this commission include the development, updates, application, and enforcement of the Clermont County Subdivision Regulations, recommendations to various township zoning authorities (pertaining to changes in their local zoning regulations), and other land use planning initiatives. Clermont County Planning Commission Members are appointed by the Board of Clermont County Commissioners (BCC) for a term of three years and no members are permitted to serve for more than two consecutive terms. The commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. The BCC invites interested citizens to apply by submitting an

online application at: www.bcc.ClermontCountyOhio.gov/Application.aspx

or by calling (513)732-7300 for more information. This position will remain open until filled.

SPRING LITTER CLEAN-UP CONTEST: K-12 students are invited to enter a T-shirt design contest to celebrate the 2016 Spring Litter Clean-Up. Any K-12 student attending a school located in Clermont County, or within the East Fork watershed, may register to compete. Home-schooled students living within the county and/or watershed are also invited to participate. T-shirt designs should emphasize litter clean-up and prevention. Deadline for the contest is Jan. 15. Read more here.

WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY: Clermont County Public Library has lots of activities planned for the new year. Here are a few and for more information, visit clermontlibrary.org.

* Jan. 25, Union Township Branch, discover new brunch recipes and more.

* Feb. 2, Bethel Branch, create a nifty new coffee mug using Sharpie markers.

* Feb. 13, Milford Branch, learn about and taste brats, metts and Goetta, presented by Dave Giler of Giler's Meats.

* Feb. 27, Goshen Branch, learn the history of Cincinnati-style chili, presented by the Cincinnati Museum Center.

* Feb. 27, Milford Branch, make your own beer at home, presented by Rick Franckhauser of Cincinnati Malt Infusers.

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