Clermont County honored the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a meaningful event in Batavia.

Thanks to the Clermont Northeastern Marching Rockets, Boy Scout Troop 135, Col. Brad Wenstrup, Sheriff Steve Leahy, Rev. Ross Norris, Batavia Police Chief Jim Young, vocalist Sherry Long, Pierce Township Fire Chief Craig Wright, retired paramedic Jennifer Haley, wreath carriers Darla Goff, Presley Meadows and Emaline Livesay and the Board of County Commissioners and numerous local officials for contributing to this special day.

To see more photos, visit the Clermont County Facebook page.

First responders and veteran's representatives were on hand as the Board of County Commissioners designated Sept. 11 as National Patriot Day in Clermont County.

"As we mark this solemn anniversary, we call upon all of our citizens to express their patriotism and their gratitude for the blessings of liberty," the proclamation states. "By flying the flag, supporting military families, and teaching young people about our country’s founding principles, we honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001."

With this special table, the Board of County Commissioners honored those in the U.S. military who lost their lives helping with the evacuation of Afghanistan.

Commissioners thanked those who made the ultimate sacrifice and offered condolences to all who grieve their loss.

Clermont County Commissioner David Painter has been named to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors. He also was appointed Vice Chair of NACO’s Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee.

NACO President Larry Johnson said Painter was “chosen because my goal is to build a talented and committed leadership team.”

“Emerging from the last year of challenges, uncertainty and, in many cases, tragedy, we are ready to thrive,” Johnson said. “My presidential initiative will highlight your service and the important work of your committees in these realms: Technology, Health, Readiness, Infrastructure, Vulnerable Populations and Economic Opportunities. I am counting on you to advance my initiative to make life better for all those we serve.”

Painter said: “It’s a true honor to serve in these important positions. NACo is a great organization that supports counties as they provide vital services that impact the daily lives of all citizens. I feel fortunate to be a part of NACo’s leadership team.”

Every year, Clermont County Children’s Protective Services strives to ensure that our children in care have a wonderful Christmas. Last year, Christmas Day was made brighter with gifts for about 300 children due to wonderful sponsors like you.

As the holidays approach, please consider sponsoring one or more of our children. You can also sponsor one or more families. They accept sponsors of all types: individuals, company sponsors, groups, and organizations, etc. There is no limit on the number of gifts or cost; however if there is a sibling group being sponsored we will indicate that so the sponsors can try and keep the gifts even in number.

HOW TO SPONSOR A CHILD: If you are interested in sponsoring a child or family, please e-mail Sanna Gast at sanna.gast@jfs.ohio.gov

The ages of children available for sponsorship range from birth to 21 years of age. A number is assigned to each child (only first names are given due to confidentiality) and their ages, sizes, what they want or need. After the list of sponsors is developed, the child and/or family wishes will be e-mailed to you so you can shop for the gifts.

GETTING THE GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN: In order to facilitate this, please wrap each gift and attach the child’s name along with the ID number.

Gifts need to be delivered to the agency by the due date indicated on the sponsor sheet.

If you need pick up, please inform the coordinator via sanna.gast@jfs.ohio.gov so that arrangements can be made.

Drive-through for free groceries and fun giveaways at the Clermont County Family Health and Wellness Day presented by Family and Children First and IPM Food Pantry. The event takes place 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 9 at 2400 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia.

Other agencies scheduled to attend include Beech Acres, Child Focus, Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention, Clermont County Children's Protective Services, Clermont County Public Assistance, Clermont County Public Library, Clermont County Public Health/WIC, Costars by the Children's Home (HIPPY and Every Child Succeeds), Drug Free Coalition of Clermont County, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health and Clermont Recovery Center OhioMeansJobs, OSU Extension Clermont County, Prism Marching Band, Pressley Ridge and Mercy Health -- Clermont Hospital.

Call 513-561-3932 with any questions.

Everything from board of education positions to village council posts to township trustee races appear on the Nov. 2 ballot. There also are a number of local questions and issues ranging from charter amendments to tax levy renewals. To learn more, visit the Board of Elections website.

The Clermont County Veterans Service Commission held its 2021 Youth Fishing Tourney on Sept. 11 at Washington Township Park in Moscow.

Face painting, clowns, balloon art food and ice cream highlighted the event. Participants ages 5 to 18 received a free T-shirt, fishing pole and tackle. Community sponsors included Norton Outdoor and Midwestern Plumbing.

Awards were given for the largest fish caught and the most fish caught for each age category. Winners were Ellie Dillenburger (ages 5-7), Nicky Sizemore (not pictured) and Juan Hedges (ages 8-12), Nathan Berlage (ages 13-18), and Brantlee Lewis who won most fish caught (two).

For veterans benefits contact: www.clermontcountyveterans.com 513-732-7363

Clermont County is hiring for a variety of positions in areas such as Water Resources, Animal Shelter, Job and Family Services and more.

These are great jobs in the public retirement systems with good benefits and the opportunity for growth.

To see what's available, click here

You may have seen some messages from Rumpke recently about battery disposal. Find out what you are supposed to do with your spent batteries in Clermont County or Adams County, regardless of what trash service you use.

Alkaline batteries are ok to throw away in the trash.

NEVER place lithium or rechargeable batteries in the trash or recycling.

Even as the economy continues its recovery from the devastating impact of the pandemic, some face deep rental debt and fear evictions and the loss of basic housing security.

COVID-19 has exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and that has exacerbated deep disparities that threaten the strength of an economic recovery that must work for everyone.

To meet this need, the Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities.

This program can assist local landlords who are being financially impacted by tenants who are not paying their rent.

➡️ To apply, email support@cccsi.org. Clermont County Community Services will then assign a caseworker and provide you with the application.

The Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 15 authorized Engineer Jeremy Evans to submit applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission for financial assistance for five bridge replacement and five landslide repair projects with a total cost of $2.7 million.

Projects include:

• 2022 Bridge Replacement (Goshen Road, between Old SR 28 and E. Huntley Road, in Goshen Township, Price Road at Waljo Trace in Miami Township and Moore Road in Tate Township)

• East Loveland Bridge Replacement

• 2022 Landslide Repairs (Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road in Miami Township, Old SR #1 in Goshen Township, Old SR #2 in Goshen Township, Redbird in Miami Township, Sugar Camp Road in Miami Township.

Clermont County Animal Shelter, 4025 Filager Rd, Batavia, will host an adoption event, noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16. The event will feature games, prizes, a dog costume contest and some great adoptable animals.

The Clermont County Veterans Service Commission is hosting a Hoxworth Blood Drive 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1. The Hoxworth Mobile Unit will be on-site in Downtown Batavia at 101 East Main St. Appointments are recommended.

To sign up, go to www.hoxworth.org/groups/clermontveterans or call 513-451-0910. Every donor will receive lunch from the Chili Hut food truck, compliments of the Clermont County VSO.

For more information about veterans benefits and the services offered for veterans visit https://clermontcountyveterans.com/

A new 10-digit dialing procedure is coming -- and you will need to dial the area code for all local calls starting Oct. 24.

According to Cincinnati Bell, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.

In order for 988 to work in your area code, mandatory 10-digit local dialing will be implemented. If your area code is 513 or 859, you will need to dial the area code for all local calls starting on Oct. 24, 2021.

Have a preschooler? Stop by Knee-High Naturalists for a spider storytime, craft, and mini-adventure.

Homeschooling and looking to get outside? Visit Nature Play Days and Group Games and Play at Sycamore Park.

Want to enjoy that beautiful fall color? Come by any of Clermont County's parks to enjoy that autumn splendor, then learn more at Wildlife Wednesday at the Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center in Loveland.

Check out Clermont County Parks' schedule at https://clermontparks.org/naturalist-programs/.