As March approaches following the snowiest February on record, fears of the Ohio River reaching flood stage are beginning to surface. Beth Nevel of the Ohio Emergency Management Association has been working with the National Weather Service to find good information about the possibility of flooding for the area.

The Village Association of Batavia has announced that it is offering three matching restoration grants up to $1,000 each. The grants must be used for restoration of the exterior facade of commercial properties within the village. To receive the grants, commercial property owners must provide a one-to-one match.

A number of replacement levies will be on the ballot for the May 4 primary election. Clermont County Developmental Disabilities is asking for voters to approve a .9 mill replacement levy. The levy, which was first passed in 1982, currently costs homeowners $5.91 per year on a $100,000 home.

When Amelia Council members held a special meeting Wednesday, Feb. 17, they voted to approve running two police levy renewals. Council members adopted resolutions to place two replacement levies on the May 4 ballot. Currently, the Amelia Police Department is funded by two levies, which total 10 mills.

The results of a new study compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute were recently issued and each county in Ohio was ranked according to health outcomes and factors. The rankings were based upon several health factors including health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.

Late Monday, Feb. 22 Christopher Evans, 39, formerly of Bethel, was found dead in a vehicle parked at the visitor center parking lot at East Fork Lake State Park. A deputy with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office discovered the body. Evans Monday pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual battery and sexual contact with a minor.

The Village of Bethel has undergone some major financial setbacks over the past few years and an audit released by Auditor of State Mary Taylor Feb. 18 describes in detail a shortfall of $481,396. Poor accounting practices and mismanagement of funds dating back to 2006 have put the village’s general fund in the red.

Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy a taste of the fine arts at UC Clermont College Saturday, Feb. 20. The college participated in the Fine Arts Fund Sampler Weekend, and was host to a variety of performances and workshops. The day of free events began with a performance by the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The Clermont County Chess Club will be hosting a simultaneous exhibition match at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Hans Multhopp, who has earned the title of “Life Master” from the United States Chess Federation, will be playing up to 16 opponents simultaneously.

The snow is flying, the fire is dying, but we will weather the storm. What do we care if icicles form? Cabin Fever will keep us warm! This year’s Cabin Fever Arts Festival will feature more than 41 artisans. In addition to returning guild members and guests, several new faces will share their skills and products.