Your monthly news & updates
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Water mains, water tanks & sewer improvements
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The Clermont County Water Resources Department’s 5-year capital improvement plan (2020-2024) calls for many improvements to water mains, water tanks and sewers.
Lyle Bloom, the department’s director, explained the plan to the Board of County Commissioners in their May 20 meeting. Official approval is planned within the next several weeks.
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Responsible RestartOhio brings gradual change
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As Ohio moves to responsibly reopen its economy, Clermont County government continues to make adjustments to hours and services. Keep up to date with these changes on
clermontcountyohio.gov.
We thank those who have pulled together during the pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help each other through these challenging times.
#InThisTogetherClermontCounty
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Food pantry serves seniors
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Clermont Senior Services is operating an emergency pantry for older adults in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any Clermont County resident over the age of 60, can call the intake department at 724-1255 with requests.
The pantry has been generously stocked by community members and civic organizations, like the Rotary Club of Cincinnati-East Side. Items available include: non-perishable food items, household cleaning products, personal care products, and items to occupy time, like coloring books and crossword books.
In an effort to reduce the need for seniors to leave their homes, Clermont Senior Services is offering delivery to those in need.
Donations are still being accepted 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Lois Brown Dale Welcome Center, 2085 James E Sauls Sr. Drive, Batavia, OH 45103. Financial contributions are always welcome and may be made by visiting:
www.clermontseniors.com/donate
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Gail Joerger Koford and Heather Davish-Frye of Cincinnati-East Side Rotary visit the pantry
Online opportunities for seniors
Due to the forced closure of Lifelong Learning Centers, Clermont Senior Services is offering virtual opportunities for learning and socialization.
Most opportunities are being conducted via the Zoom platform, but there will also be pre-recorded opportunities as well. SilverSneakers classes include a strength and balance class.
Other classes include, chair yoga stretch, self-defense, and Tai Chi. Class offerings can be found on the Clermont Senior Services website calendar at:
http://clermontseniors.com/events/ or by following the agency on Facebook.
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Ohio River Sweep scheduled for August
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ORANSCO's Ohio River Sweep 2020, the annual volunteer cleanup that extends the along the entire river, has been postponed until 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 15. The event includes cleanups in New Richmond, Neville and Moscow. (Note: ORANSCO is the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission.)
"This is a great volunteering opportunity to give back to communities and create a healthier environment for people and wildlife along the fabulous Ohio River," said Penny Greenler, Clermont County coordinator.
Volunteers receive gloves, trash bags and t-shirts supplied by sponsors.
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Alternative sentencing center helps 200-plus
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The Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC) accepted 237 people into its program last year, the Board of County Commissioners learned on May 13.
Alicia Fine, vice president of employment and recovery services, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services, gave the 2019 CASC Annual Report during the Commissioners’ session.
Karen Scherra, executive director of the Clermont County Mental Health & Recovery Board, noted that CASC provides comprehensive services for community members who are struggling with substance use disorders and are connected to the Clermont County Municipal Court system. The program is located on the same campus as the Clermont County Jail facility.
Of those who were served, 61 percent of the men were diagnosed primarily with alcohol use disorder and 44 percent of women with opioid use disorder. Thirty percent of men and 59 percent of women had a co-occurring mental health diagnosis.
All but 7 percent of men and 6 percent of women successfully completed the program.
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New Richmond sophomore wins design contest
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New Richmond High School sophomore Ellie Arkus won this year's annual Clermont County Spring Litter Clean-Up Logo Design Contest.
Clermont County Board of County Commissioners President David Painter presented Ellie and teacher Amy Hauserman each with certificates virtually during the May 13 Commissioners meeting.
Event sponsors are: Clermont County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Duke Energy Foundation, and the Southern Ohio Association of Realtors. The event is also supported with a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention.
Event partners are: Clermont County Soil and Water Conservation District, Clermont Office of Environmental Quality, Clermont County Park District, OSU Extension - Clermont County, Ohio Department of Natural Resources State Parks and Division of Watercraft, Highland SWCD, Brown SWCD, Clinton SWCD and many others.
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Child abuse reports decline during pandemic
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Reports of child abuse and neglect in Clermont County have dropped off significantly during the pandemic. Please keep an eye out for -- and report -- abuse and neglect you see. Call 732-STOP.
Jan 2019: 294 reports to 932-STOP
Feb 2019: 287
March 2019: 306
April 2019: 368
Total: 1255
Jan 2020: 349
Feb 2020: 249
March 2020: 204
April 2020: 194
Total: 996
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Child Support resumes genetic testing
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Clermont County Child Support on May 13 conducted genetic paternity testing at a tent in its parking lot, while following Responsible Protocols for Getting Ohio Back to Work,
Investigators (from left) Peggy Hickman and Beverly D'Andrea and case manager Jan Watson wore protective gear while obtaining samples from parents and children. Tests involve swabs on the inside cheeks of the participants and taking their photos. Testing is assisted by a phlebotomist.
Genetic testing normally takes place two Wednesdays per month in a conference room. Testing had been on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 20 tests took place today.
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Still time to complete your Census
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Thank you to those who have completed their Census form. Ohio ranks 7th in the country with a 64% response rate -- and Clermont County's rate is 69.2%.
If you haven't yet, there's still time.
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Foster care: A support to families, not a substitute for parents
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May was National Foster Care Month 2020, with the theme
Foster Care as a Support to Families, Not a Substitute for Parents. Tina Pocock, assistant director, of Clermont County Job and Family Services, listened recently as Commissioner David Painter read a proclamation for Foster Care Recognition and Recruitment Month in Clermont County.
Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services is fortunate to have more than 70 dedicated foster families that help provide care to more than 70 children who find themselves in agency custody due to abuse and neglect issues.
Here are stories about three of the families:
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Growth in e-commerce increases need for recycled cardboard
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Demand for recycled cardboard has grown due to increased e-commerce, but it’s important that the cardboard is broken down and emptied of all material (recyclable or not).
• Check boxes you’re going to recycle to make sure they’re clean and empty before you put them in the recycling bin.
• The recycling rate for cardboard boxes has exceeded 82% for the past 10 years.
• Corrugated boxes can be recycled and turned into new products. Make sure yours go in the recycling bin.
• Corrugated packaging arriving on our doorsteps is recyclable, so it is important we properly recycle the cardboard in our homes and offices at every opportunity.
• Every ton of paper that is recovered saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space. Make sure your e-commerce boxes end up in the recycling bin.
• Pizza boxes are okay to recycle! Remove all food from your box and place it in the recycling bin.
• Remember to remove all non-paper items before recycling your corrugated box. Keep them dry and keep them clean.
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Older Americans Month presents opportunity to highlight services
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Bill DeHass, director of community services at Clermont Senior Services, received a proclamation from Commissioner David Painter, designating May as Older Americans Month in Clermont County.
Clermont County includes more than 40,000 citizens 60 years of age and older.
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Public library starts curbside pickup
The Clermont County Public Library now offers curbside pickup. This is a contact-free opportunity to enjoy library materials.
You may ask to:
• Pick up item(s) from the hold shelf
• Print up to 10 pages of blank tax forms or local government documents. The library cannot print, scan or fax personal documents at this time
• Request an additional 10 items
You may call the library to place a curbside pickup order or fill out the online form. Visit
clermontlibrary.org for more details and to fill out the form. If you call, the library staff member will schedule a time for you to pick up the items ordered. If you fill out the online form, a library staff member will call or email you to schedule a pickup time.
Once the library is accepting returns, please place them in the outside return bins/slots. It cannot accept returns at the curbside pickup table. The library is unable to accept donations right now.
At this time, no one will be allowed into the library, including the vestibule. Please watch the library’s website and Facebook page for the latest updates.
To take advantage of the curbside pickup, any fines on your card must be below $25. Unfortunately, curbside pickup will not available when it rains.
Also, please watch the website and social media for details about the online Summer Reading program that starts June 1.
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Extension office continues teleworking
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Ohio State University Extension will continue operating via its teleworking plan for all employees and keep physical OSU Extension offices closed to the public until further notice.
Extension activities planned through July 6 will continue to be held virtually or cancelled.
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Calling all stay-at-home campers
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Ohio 4-H staff miss summer camp as much as you do, and we want to do what we can to bring elements of camp to your home! On June 9-11, you are invited to join us for Ohio 4-H Camp…ish! It is open to any youth ages 8-18 across the state of Ohio. Friends who are not in 4-H are welcome to register, too! There is no cost for attending, although some activities will require the use of basic art supplies, household items, or things found outdoors. Please visit
go.osu.edu/campish to register by June 7! Activities will be hosted at the following times each day: 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m., 4-5 p.m. Campers are not required to attend all sessions, so sign up and come for the times you can enjoy Camp…ish activities brought to you by Ohio 4-H Camp…ish Directors!
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Extension office offers pressure canner testing
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A pressure canner is a very important piece of equipment when it comes to home food preservation. Making sure it is working properly is a precaution that should be taken seriously.
To avoid any issues with the proper function of your pressure canner, the USDA recommends having gauges tested annually. OSU Extension Clermont County offers testing of your pressure canner gauges and inspection of the seals and safety plugs for $5.
Call 513-732-7070 or email jenkins.188@osu.edu to schedule an appointment.
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Clermont County | 101 E. Main Street | Batavia OH 45103 | 513.732.7300 |
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