Episode 66 - Deidre Hazelbaker - Loveland City Council

Ep. 66 — Deidre Hazelbaker on Loveland City Council, Local Government, and Staying Connected to Residents We start this week with news from around Clermont County and Ohio, including a reported Bigfoot “flap” in Portage County, the Clermont County Genealogical Society’s young writers competition, Batavia’s proposed local business matching grant program, several Batavia development updates, Loveland’s tabled city-property ordinance, Loveland’s PFAS treatment planning, New Richmond Schools’ new artificial intelligence guidelines, and a Liberty Landing update from the Village of New Richmond. Interview — Deidre Hazelbaker, Loveland City Council Member Deidre Hazelbaker returns to the show for a check-in after joining Loveland City Council. We talk about what it has been like moving from candidate and engaged resident to elected council member, including the weight of voting, the workload behind council packets, and the adjustment from being a “doer” to helping set direction for the city. We also get into how Loveland City Council works behind the scenes, from packet review and resident outreach to collaboration with city staff and other council members. Deidre shares what has surprised her, what has exceeded expectations, and why she has gained an even deeper appreciation for Loveland’s city staff. The conversation also covers major Loveland issues, including PFAS planning, communication with residents, sidewalks, traffic, Loveland-Madeira Road, economic development, downtown business ideas, community events, and the importance of residents showing up, speaking at meetings, and staying involved in local government. News  Ohio sees an uptick in reported Bigfoot sightings near Portage County  Clermont County Genealogical Society launches its 2026 young writers competition  Batavia CIC moves toward a local business matching grant program  Maddox Industrial Transformer expands into Batavia  River Point apartments remain delayed while water approval issues are worked through  Harvest Meadows continues moving forward  Streamside townhomes could begin construction this summer  Casey’s development site is cleared for new construction  Batavia’s Foundry sidewalk project advances  Batavia continues America 250 planning, including fireworks and a mural  ODOT approves the Red Barn sign permit  Batavia reports continued high zoning and permit activity  Loveland tables a controversial city-property ordinance  Loveland shares an update on PFAS treatment design, funding, and settlements  New Richmond Schools adds artificial intelligence guidelines to the student handbook  New Richmond shares a Liberty Landing construction update Events Spring Native Plant Sale at Cincinnati Nature Center  Clermont County Student Art Show commemorating America 250  Milford Citywide Yard Sale  Foraged Flower Crowns at Clingman Park  Music Under the Moon at Cincinnati Nature Center  Spring Litter Cleanup across Clermont County  Roar on the River New Richmond Lions Car and Bike Show Fundraiser  May We Grow Old 5K Fundraiser at Sycamore Park  Art in the Park: Creek Glass Jewelry at Clingman Park  US 52 Roundabout Project Open House in New Richmond  RiverDays 2026 in New Richmond  Free Yard Sale Weekend in New Richmond  Hike with Park Staff at Sycamore ParkFollow on Facebook & Instagram, and signup for the Thursday newsletter.FacebookInstagramNewsletterIf the show brings you value, consider supporting us!Donate