BATAVIA, OHIO (April 21, 2025) – Clermont County Municipal Court Judge Anita Bechmann is receiving the 2025 Champions of Hope award from Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) at a gala benefit this Friday, April 25.
The nonprofit gives the award to community leaders whose vision and commitment help improve opportunities and outcomes for those who struggle with mental illness, substance use disorder and homelessness.
Bechmann serves as the administrative judge of the Clermont County Municipal Court and presides over both its specialized docket of cases involving mental health issues and violations for operating a vehicle while impaired. She started the mental health docket in 2023.
Those sentenced as part of Bechmann’s specialized dockets receive help from GCBHS’ service teams and clinical leaders.
“Judge Bechmann brings a vision and personal passion to the work,” said Alicia Fine, chief program officer and senior vice president for GCBHS in Clermont County. “She challenged us to come together with new strategies to build a new approach.”
Bechmann was appointed to the bench by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in July 2022, becoming the first female judge in Clermont County Municipal Court history. She was elected to the balance of the unexpired term in 2023.
Bechmann received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1992 and her undergraduate degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph, now Mount Saint Joseph University.
Bechmann started her career as an associate for a local attorney and then established her own private practice representing clients in criminal and civil matters for 10 years. In addition to state courts, she practiced before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She also represented children as their guardian ad litem in juvenile court and worked part time as an assistant public defender for Clermont County.
She accepted a full-time position as an assistant public defender in 2003 and served in the county’s juvenile and municipal courts. Later she was appointed as magistrate, overseeing criminal and civil matters in municipal court.
Bechmann is a member of the Clermont County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Judicial College, and the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio.
Bechmann has been active in the legal community for many years. She is a member of the Clermont County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections.
She is a past member of the Ohio Association of Magistrates and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense attorneys.
Bechmann also has served as a board member for CASA for Clermont Kids and Willow Center for Grieving Children.
Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy appointed Bechmann as a member of the Supreme Court of Ohio Advisory Committee of Language Services. In addition, Bechmann participates in Ohio’s Project ECHO for Adult Courts, which focuses on opioid and substance abuse disorders and interventions.
About Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services
Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) works to ensure people with mental illness, addiction, and related challenges lead healthy and productive lives. As the region’s largest behavioral healthcare organization, GCBHS seeks to make life better for more than 30,000 people every year by offering comprehensive mental and behavioral health services.
Clermont County Recognizes ‘Two Lights for Tomorrow’ Initiative Commemorating Key Historic Event
Artists to Share Designs for America 250 Mural and Grant Memorial Sculpture for Bethel Historical Museum
BATAVIA, OHIO (April 16, 2025) – At midnight this Friday, April 18, Clermont County will join communities across the United States by lighting two lanterns at its courthouse along Main Street to recognize the significance of Paul Revere’s historic 1775 ride that warned patriots of the pending British invasion.
“These lanterns symbolize Paul Revere’s refrain ‘one if by land, two if by sea’ as he rode through the countryside that fateful night before the battles of Lexington and Concord,” David Painter, president of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners, told the public during the board’s weekly meeting today. “This national initiative commemorates the start of the American Revolution.”
Jeff Blom, president of the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau and co-chair of the Clermont County America 250 Committee, added: ““This is an exciting way to begin America 250 celebrations in Clermont County.”
The public is invited to participate in the commemoration by lighting two candles or lanterns at your home or business the evening of Friday, April 18, and to share your participation on social media with the hashtag #TwoLightsForTomorrow.
In addition to the lantern display, the Bethel Historical Society is unveiling designs for two significant works of art at a fundraiser tonight – one for America’s 250th birthday and the other honoring Clermont County native son President Ulysses S. Grant.
Traveling artist Ben Harrison will show designs for his America 250 mural with guests at the Grant Career Center in Bethel and Cincinnati sculptor Tom Tsuchiya will share a model of his statue depicting Grant, 19th century Commissioner of Indian Affairs Ely Parker and abolitionist and statesman Frederick Douglass.
Once completed, Bethel’s mural will be one of seven that will be on display on buildings in Clermont County during 2026 in Milford, Loveland, New Richmond, Williamsburg, and Miami and Union townships.
See images of Miami Township’s mural design unveiled late last year.
The Grant Memorial Sculpture will be installed next spring in front of the Bethel Historical Museum, 235 W. Plane St., Bethel, OH 45106.
Officials from Clermont County’s respective cities, villages and townships plan to hold ribbon cuttings as murals are completed later this spring, summer and fall. More details will be shared closer to the dates for each ribbon cutting.
Learn more about other America 250 events and activities across Ohio.
NEW RICHMOND, OHIO (April 11, 2025) – Clermont County Commissioner David Painter and New Richmond Village Administrator Kathryn Bailey held a news conference Friday, April 11, 2025, to discuss cleanup efforts and community resources for those affected by the recent flood. View a recording of the news conference via the link below.
NEW RICHMOND, OHIO (April 12, 2025) – Connect Clermont is accepting financial donations for those affected by the recent flood.
Donations can be made via cash or check to Connect Clermont c/o Disaster Relief Fund at any Park National Bank location or by U.S. Postal Service mail. Send your donation to Connect Clermont, 2400 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 100, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
Donations will be used to provide recovery assistance to survivors of the floods affecting Clermont County residents. Assistance may include home repairs, temporary and long-term housing, debris cleanup and insurance deductibles.
Connect Clermont is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit victims.
Resources:
Please note: The American Red Cross shelter is now closed.
If you are affected by the recent flood and aren’t sure which agency to contact for assistance, please call Clermont County’s Emergency Management Hotline: (513) 735-8000. Please leave a voicemail if you are calling after hours. Someone will get back to you on the next business day.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE
BATAVIA, OHIO (April 10, 2025) – Homes and businesses whose utilities have been turned off must be inspected before gas or electric can be reconnected. However, residents no longer need to complete an application or call Permit Central to initiate the process.
Clermont County’s Building Division has a list all affected properties and is going door to door with the New Richmond Fire Department to perform inspections. Duke Energy is on site to restore gas and electric as inspections are completed.
If residents or businesses would like to schedule their inspection, please call Permit Central to arrange a date and time: (513) 732-732-7213, option 9.
Inspectors will continue visiting properties through Saturday.
As a reminder, there is no cost for flood-related permits.
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NEW RICHMOND, OHIO (April 8, 2025) – The Clermont County Emergency Management Agency and local response teams are accepting donations for those affected by the recent Ohio River flood at the First Baptist Church of New Richmond between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
The church is located at 213 Western Ave, New Richmond, OH 45157. To help with traffic control, the public is asked to enter via Walnut Street to Center Street to Western Avenue, or via Augusta Street.
BATAVIA, OHIO (April 8, 2025) – Homes and businesses whose utilities have been turned off must be inspected before gas or electric can be reconnected.
This means residents and businesses will need to apply for and obtain appropriate building permits. There is no cost for flood-related permits.
Once you have completed the attached permit, there are several ways to return it:
If you have questions, please call (513) 732-7213, option 9, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
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Following are details shared in the April 9 letter from the Clermont County Permit Central & Building Inspections:
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FLOODING
Building Permits Required for Power & Gas Service Restoration
Dear Resident,
We understand that the recent flooding has brought significant challenges to you and your family. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and their properties, we want to make you aware of an important requirement:
Before power and/or gas services can be safely restored to your property, you must first apply for and obtain the appropriate building permits. There will be no cost for flood-related permits.
Floodwaters can cause serious damage to electrical and gas systems. These systems must be inspected and verified for safety before utilities can be reconnected.
What You Need to Do:
Need Help? If you have questions about the process or need help navigating the paperwork, please call us: 513-732-7213
Buildings & Inspections
2275 Bauer Rd Batavia, Ohio 45103
Email: permitcentral@clermontcountyohio.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Let’s work together to make sure your home is safe, secure, and ready to have services restored.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Crase, Chief Building Official
Flood waters cover Rose Vesper Park in the Village of New Richmond, April 8, 2025.
Flood waters on Walnut at Market streets on April 8, 2025.
NEW RICHMOND, OHIO (April 7, 2025) – Connect Clermont is accepting financial donations for flood victims.
Donations can be made via cash or check to Connect Clermont c/o Disaster Relief Fund at any Park National Bank location or by U.S. Postal Service mail. Send your donation to Connect Clermont, 2400 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 100, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
Donations will be used to provide recovery assistance to survivors of the floods affecting Clermont County residents. Assistance may include home repairs, temporary and long-term housing, debris cleanup and insurance deductibles.
Connect Clermont is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit victims.
Resources:
Please note: The American Red Cross shelter is now closed.
If you are affected by the recent flood and aren’t sure who to call for assistance, please call Clermont County’s Emergency Management Hotline: (513) 735-8000. If you are calling after hours, please leave a voicemail. We will get back to you on the next business day.
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NEW RICHMOND, OHIO (April 7, 2025) – Emergency responders worked overnight Sunday to assist residents in the areas where flooding has occurred.
The Ohio River reached 60.45 feet as of Monday at 9:00 a.m. after heavy rainfall since Wednesday, April 2. It is expected to crest later today.
The American Red Cross shelter is open to the public at 1135 Bethel-New Richmond Road in the lower level of the New Richmond schools administration building.
For help with recovery resources or questions, please call (513) 735-8500 or visit: https://ema.clermontcountyohio.gov/disaster-recovery/.
The following roads in Clermont County remain closed due to flooding as of 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 7:
New Richmond
Pierce Township
Ohio Township
Moscow/Pt. Pleasant/Monroe Township
Neville
Washington Township
Franklin Township
In addition, all on and off ramps to U.S. 52 at I-275 are closed in eastern Hamilton County.
The following roads in Clermont County have reopened:
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