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December 2019
Your monthly news & updates
Award represents more than a decade of planning and intentional investment in a critical corridor for the movement of people, goods and services throughout our entire region.
ODOT approves funding for State Route 32 improvements

Major work on the State Route 32 corridor will continue, thanks to funding awarded through the highly competitive Transportation Review Advisory Committee (TRAC) process. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced TRAC funding on Nov. 6.

Clermont County Engineer Jeremy Evans said the $61.2 million in TRAC funding, combined with $11.5 million in ODOT safety funds and a $10.04 million local contribution, will pay for:

  • A new interchange near Bach-Buxton Road and SR 32
  • A partial interchange at Glen Este-Withamsville Road
  • An additional lane on westbound SR 32

FC Cincinnati opens $35-million training facility, youth academy
Welcome FC Cincinnati to Clermont County and the City of Milford!

Clermont County Commissioners on Nov. 6 joined in the celebration of the grand opening of the soccer team's $35-million Mercy Health Training Center.

"We are already seeing new investment come to our community with new hotels being announced nearby, and we know more development will follow over time," said David Painter, president of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners name new DJFS director
Timothy Dick, 48, of Union Township has been promoted to director of the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS). The Clermont County Board of Commissioners appointed Dick to the position on Nov. 4. He had served as interim director of DJFS for five months.

Drug crisis causes more probation cases
To handle a rapidly expanding caseload caused primarily by the drug crisis, the Clermont County Common Pleas Court Adult Probation Department has added both space and staff.

On Oct. 23, the Board of County Commissioners authorized the lease of additional office space at 322 E. Main St. in Batavia. Meantime, the department has hired four employees this year to bring its size to 34. Another may be hired next year.

Clermont County works together to handle elder abuse, neglect
Referrals for elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in Clermont County have almost doubled since 2016 for a number of reasons.

Abuse, neglect and exploitation cases also have become more complex, said Cindy Gramke, executive director of Clermont Senior Services.(Pictured, to right.)

Gramke said the complexity requires an interdisciplinary response from Senior Services, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health and Recovery, Sheriff’s Office and township law enforcement, Probate Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Mercy Health – Clermont Hospital Geriatric Behavioral Health, and others. 

Advisory council seeks ideas
Give your thoughts about improving Ohio’s foster care and children services system. 

➡️ Southwest Region forum -- 6-8 p.m., Dec. 17, Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center.

➡️ To sign up or give online testimony: https://governor.ohio.gov/fostercareforums

No need for excessive stress

Happy Holidays! Tis’ the Season for parties, activities galore, gatherings with family and friends, gift giving, and…stress! While the holidays are meant to bring feelings of joy and cheer, they often end up creating stress.

While positive stress (or esters) is necessary for our survival and zest for life, too much stress has a negative impact on our mental and physical health. Here are some practical tips from Clermont Mental Health and Recovery to minimize stress.

Crystal Brittain (center) hears from Judge James A. Shriver while her daughter looks on

Program helps mother
break heroin addiction
Just two years ago, life appeared bleak for Crystal Brittain, 50.

In July of 2017, her ex-husband (the father of her youngest daughter) died of an overdose.

A month later, she suffered a stroke.

Two months after that, she overdosed — and Children’s Protective Services removed her youngest daughter.

“My daughter tried to revive me,” said Crystal, who was addicted to heroin and alcohol for more than 15 years. “I woke up in an ambulance. A day or two later, the Quick Response Team came to see me at my house. That’s what got me to Clermont County Family Recovery Court.”

And the road to a much better life.

Tips for staying abstinent during holidays
candy-cane-sm.jpg
Holidays can be difficult for recovering alcoholics and addicts. Jessica Johnson, clinical supervisor for the Outreach Team and R-DIP, Clermont Recovery Center, a division of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health, offers these tips for staying abstinent during holidays:
- Always drive, if possible, to events and family gatherings so you can leave when you feel uncomfortable
- Always keep a drink in your hand (if alcohol is your drug of choice) so no one is tempted to ask if you want something to drink or pressure you into getting something to drink
- Bring a recovery-supportive friend to holiday gatherings to help hold yourself accountable and not be alone
- Come late and leave early if necessary
- Plan to attend a community support group meeting right before or after the holiday gathering
- Utilize your support group, sponsor, recovery coach! Call or text before, during, or after if necessary
- Take moments from the holiday event to step outside or step away to the bathroom to breathe and collect yourself if uncomfortable
- When you feel restless, irritable or discontent, take that as a sign to leave and breathe
- There are many 12 step-related events that occur during the holiday months, see flyers
Clermont County hiring for variety of positions
Looking for meaningful work? Full-time. Good benefits. We're hiring. Check out our latest job openings.
Seven complete specialized OVI program
The Clermont County Municipal OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) Court Specialized Docket held its 31st graduation ceremony on Nov. 14. The event, presided over by OVI Court Judge Jason E. Nagel, featured seven participants who successfully completed the program. 

OVI Court Specialized Docket is dedicated to rehabilitating high-risk multiple OVI offenders through a combination of intensive community control supervision, frequent judicial monitoring, and specialized substance abuse treatment at the Clermont Recovery Center.

The specialized docket started in 2005. The Clermont County OVI Court is certified by the Specialized Docket section of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Anyone interested in learning more about the Clermont County OVI Court, please contact Brian Dixon at 513-732-8142. 
At our parks in December

Walk in a Winter Wonderland 
5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Pattison Park Lodge
Get in the holiday spirit with a stroll through the forest on our luminary path and a visit with Santa Claus. Warm up inside with hot chocolate, cookie decorating and crafts. Grassy Run Historical Arts Society offers festive pioneer demonstrations. (EVENT RESERVATIONS FULL. To be placed on our waiting list, please email rgreen@clermontcountyohio.gov)

Pop-Up Naturalist: Fossil Collecting
Location and timing will be announced on Facebook prior to the event. Visit our Facebook page regularly to find out when Naturalist Robin Green will pop-up at different parks in December. Drop by anytime during the program hour to learn about fossils you can find in Clermont County and sort through rocks to discover your own fossil to take home. Sessions at Sycamore Park, Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail, Pattison Park, Kelley Nature Preserve, Chilo Lock 34 Park, and Shor Park.

Hikes with Tykes: Wonders of Winter
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, Pattison Park Lodge
Explore the wonders of our changing forests and find out where animal friends hide in the winter; then come inside to relax with a winter craft and snack. Recommended for ages 1 to 5.

Earth Rocks!
Session 1: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, Sycamore Park
Session 2: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Sycamore Park
Join us to journey back in time and find evidence of animals that once roamed Clermont County. We will collect fossils along the East Fork Little Miami River, explore soil and soil life, discover how our land has changed and examine rock layers beneath out feet. Great for homeschoolers and recommended for ages 6 to 12. Registration required: Write rgreen@clermontcountyohio.gov 

Discovery Days: Winter Solstice
2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, Shor Park
Get outside on the shortest day of the year to appreciate this celestial event and celebrate the beginning of lengthening days. We’ll have hands-on activities and a hike to explore why the days became shorter and how our plants and animals handle the winter. Recommended for ages 6 to 14.


At our libraries in December

The Clermont County Public Library offers many great activities to enjoy this holiday season.

• Used Book Sale, Union Township, Nov. 22 to Nov. 26

• Elder Abuse Awareness, Amelia, Nov. 25, 6:30 p.m.

• The Library will be closed Nov. 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving.

• QPR Gatekeeper Training, Bethel, Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Holiday Open House, Owensville, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

• Mental Health First Aid Training, Union Township, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m.

• Holiday Open House, Williamsburg, Dec. 6, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Make a keepsake ornament, Bethel, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.

• Make a keepsake ornament, Goshen, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

• North Pole Party, Felicity, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Marimo Gardening, Amelia, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.

• Family Holiday Open House, Batavia, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• It’s a Holiday Party at the Amelia Library, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. or 6 p.m.

• Holiday Globe Reverse Decoupage, Goshen, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.

• Holiday Open House, Union Township, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Winterfest, New Richmond, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Library will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25

Clermont County | 101 E. Main Street | Batavia OH 45103 | 513.732.7300 |
Office of Public Information | 513.732.7597 | mboehmer@clermontcountyohio.gov