Commissioners approved a raise on Sept. 27 that will go into effect immediately, and raises the daily pay for poll workers from $105 to $120. Commissioners also approved an increase in compensation for training and for mileage. Poll workers, who work a long day on Election Day, have not had a raise since 2008.

Read more here 

In this odd-year election, voters select city and village council members, township trustees, and school board members -- all non-partisan races. Two state issues will also be on the ballot.

Early, in-person voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The Board of Elections website is full of information on the election, including dates and times for early voting.

The SWCD honors the Cooperator of the Year for the person's -- or family's -- dedication to conservation practices in farming. The Hatfields, who farm about 1,000 no-till acres in the Felicity area, practice conservation crop rotation and have placed a special focus on cover crops. 
 

Join naturalists for a guided canoe trip through Crooked Run Nature Preserve. The journey will begin and end from the boat ramp of Chilo Lock #34 Park. Contact Jana Marshall-Westhoven at 513.240.2615 or jmarshall@clermontcountyohio.gov to reserve your spot. Participants must be at least 7 years of age.

Above or Beneath the Snow: 10-11 a.m. Oct. 11, Little Miami Scenic River & Trail Center
Days are getting shorter, nights are getting longer, and weather is getting cooler. Learn how nature adapts to these changes, who hibernates and who braves the cold.

Chilo Chili Cook Off & Fall Fest: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Chilo Lock #34 Park

Live music, chili, and games are all part of the Clermont County Park District's second annual Chilo Chili Cook Off & Fall Fest. This fundraising event brings local restaurants and breweries together for a little friendly competition and YOU get to be the judge!

Tickets are $5 in advance; kids 6 and under are free. Same day tickets are $8. Tickets are available at Chilo Lock #34 River Museum, Chilo Dairy Bar and Pattison Park. 

Information: Jana Marshall-Westhoven at 513.240.2615 or Jim Setty at jsetty@clermontcountyohio.gov. 

Halloween Campfire Stories: 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Chilo Lock #34 Park

Join the Dreamweavers and naturalists from the Park District to find out what goes bump in the night on a guided night hike, then relax by the fire as we share spooky-fun stories! RSVP to jmarshall@clermontcountyohio.gov or 513.240.2615.

Clermont County Park District

Commissioner David Uible, left, Darren Long, Woody Wooldridge, Commissioners David Painter and Ed Humphrey.

On Sept. 20 at Session, Commissioners proclaimed October as "Disability Awareness Employment Month" in Clermont County. It's a reminder that "we must all think 'ability' not 'disability,' and encourage others to do the same," as the proclamation says.

We were so pleased to have Woody Wooldridge accept the proclamation.

Woody, a 2009 graduate of Williamsburg High School, works as a bagger at the Mount Carmel Kroger. He greets every customer with a smile on his face, and he flashed that same smile during the presentation. With him was the program manager of Employment Services at the Mount Carmel Kroger, Darren Long.

You'll see Woody's face on billboards throughout the county in October as Clermont DD continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Clermont DD

We hope that you all follow Clermont County on our awesome Facebook page and through Twitter, YouTube and Instagram (clermont_county)! Now, we are building a LinkedIn page, where we will post job openings and share information about working for the county.

Please follow us!

4-H WEEK: It's National 4-H Week! And Clermont County 4-H will celebrate it with a Facebook photo contest ( https://www.facebook.com/osuextensionclermont/). Share a different photo(s) each day of the week with #Clermont4-H for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Themes are as follows:

* Monday, Oct. 2 - 4-H Families
* Tuesday, Oct. 3 - Leadership
* Wednesday, Oct. 4 - 4-H Projects
* Thursday, Oct. 5 - 4-H Camp/Trips
* Friday, Oct. 6 - Clermont County Fair

A winner will be chosen each day and winning photos will be on display at Tractor Supply Co. Eastgate on Oct. 7 so that customers can vote on the grand prize winner.

To learn more about 4-H or to find a club in your area and adviser contact information, please visit clermont.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development, or contact Kelly Royalty, County Extension Director & 4-H Youth Development Educator, at 513.732.7070 or email royalty.9@osu.edu.

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 28. There are multiple places in Clermont County to turn in old, expired, or unused prescription drugs. Read more here.

AT THE LIBRARY: The Clermont County Public Library offers lots of great programs in October. And don't forget the large online selection of books, audiobooks, music, movies and more.

* Learn more about Ruth Lyons, the first lady of broadcasting, 7 p.m. Oct. 3, Milford-Miami Township Library.
* Learn more about the paranormal, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Milford-Miami Township Library.
* See some Cool Critters, 2 p.m. Oct. 14, New Richmond Library.
* Visit with a penguin, 6 p.m. Oct. 17, Bethel Library.
* Madcap Puppets will perform at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21, Amelia Library.
* Make a perfect pie crust, 6 p.m. Bethel Library.
* Learn about historical cameras, 7 p.m. Oct. 24, Union Township Library.
* Used Book Sale, Oct. 26-Oct. 28, Milford-Miami Township Library.
* Librari*Con, 6 p.m. Nov. 4, Union Township Library.

EARLY LEARNING FESTIVAL: The Clermont County Early Childhood Coordinating Committee will hold an Early Learning Fun Festival from 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 6 at Batavia Township Center, 1535 Clough Pike. Entertainment will include a magician, puppet show, live music and games. Cincinnati Children's Hospital will be offering free child safety seat checks.