The Official Newsletter of the Village of Cleves, OHIO-January 5-9, 2026

250 Years of the United States- Our Future Depends on Us

It’s Time to Believe in Cleves 

Honoring Our Democratic Roots 

The principle of representative government has always been central to America’s vision. Our founding citizens believed that government should reflect the will of the people and safeguard their liberties, a belief that shaped communities across the young nation.

When the Village of Cleves was established in 1818, its founders embraced these democratic values, creating a local government that gave residents a voice in decisions affecting their daily lives. 

By instituting elected leadership and community-driven governance, Cleves mirrored the broader American commitment to self-rule, ensuring that even in a small village, representation and civic participation remained cornerstones of public life. As your mayor and as a former American Government and history teacher, I affirm that this principle continues to guide us today, shaping every decision to uphold your voice and trust.

Looking Ahead: Homecoming & Our Nation’s 250th Birthday 

As we prepare for our Village’s Homecoming Celebration on June 25–26, 2026, marking our nation’s 250th birthday, we must also confront the challenges before us. 

• Rising Service Costs: Even with the passage of our Safety Levy last November, contracted services from Miami Township Fire and EMS and protection from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department will increase to $381,600 and $227,375 this year.

• While the Safety Levy provides one year of relief from drawing on our general fund, difficult decisions remain, and we need your input to make the right choices. 

Your Voice Matters 

I encourage every citizen to be actively involved in their governance. Attend a council or committee meeting this year.

• Edgefield Drive Repairs: We were unsuccessful in securing a grant or loan to replace Edgefield Drive last year. That road has had a crater—not just potholes—for at least four years, and anyone who has driven it knows the urgency. The estimated cost for repair is $70,000, and the council must decide how to fund it. 

• Stormwater Management: We also face costs for Ohio EPA-mandated MS4 stormwater management and maintenance, which have been paid from our general fund but should not be. What should be done about our failing detention ponds? 

• Zoning Code Update: This year, we must enact legislation to replace our outdated zoning code. 

These decisions, and many others, will directly impact the quality of life and finances of our Village. 

Bright Spots for 2026 

Even with our known challenges, there are many positives ahead for Cleves: 

• $30,000 Planning Grant for the Revitalization District on South Miami Avenue, laying a strong foundation for growth. 

• Opportunities to expand our tax base without increasing property taxes. 

• Partnerships with developers to bring new businesses to South Miami. 
• 
  
• Construction of the replacement Miami Township Branch Library will begin in 2026.

• Plans are in progress for the eventual creation of a DORA District in our downtown to enhance community engagement and vibrancy. 

Join Us in Building Cleves’ Future 

Our slogan for 2026 is: “It’s Time to Believe in Cleves!” Our focus is to make our Village what it can, and should, be. I invite you to join us in rebuilding and designing our future. Together, we can honor our history while shaping a thriving tomorrow. 

Village of Cleves – Planning Commission Vacancy (2026)

The Village of Cleves Planning Commission is a three‑member citizen board that volunteers its time to review and approve building plans for both current and prospective businesses in our community. Members are appointed to one‑year terms and serve alongside the Mayor, who participates in discussions but does not vote.

A vacancy exists for the 2026 term. This is an unpaid, volunteer position, ideal for residents who want to contribute to responsible growth and help shape the future of Cleves.

Village Website & Email Update Coming February 1, 2026

Beginning February 1, 2026, the Village of Cleves will transition to our new official government domain: clevesoh.gov.

This upgrade places Cleves among the growing number of local governments using the .gov domain, an address recognized nationwide for its enhanced security, credibility, and protection against impersonation. Unlike .org, .us, or .com domains, .gov addresses are reserved exclusively for verified government entities.

As part of this transition:

• Our Village website will move to clevesoh.gov

• All Village staff email addresses will also switch to the new .gov format

To receive approval for a .gov domain, the Village completed a rigorous federal verification process confirming our identity as a legitimate unit of government. This ensures residents can trust that communications from the Village truly come from us.

We’re excited to bring this upgrade to our community. It strengthens security, improves transparency, and reflects the professionalism our residents deserve.

Cleves Is An America 250–OH Community

The Village of Cleves is proud to be a recognized member of the America 250–OH community. As part of this statewide initiative, your Village Committee is planning monthly events throughout 2026 to honor our nation’s 250th birthday and celebrate the people and stories that shaped our community.

Residents across the Three Rivers Valley are warmly invited to take part in these celebrations.

One of the year’s highlights will be our Homecoming Celebration on June 25–26. We welcome both current and former residents to return to Cleves for a weekend of connection, reflection, and hometown pride as we commemorate the founding of the United States.

More details will be shared as each event approaches, and we look forward to celebrating this historic milestone together.

Residents can find our Village's Public Meetings Notifications at the following locations:

• Village Website: https://www.clevesoh.gov/
• This Week in the Village- Emailed weekly to registered subscribers
• Merrillees Hardware
• Miami Township Branch Library Bulletin Board
• Front Door of the Cleves Municipal Building
• Cleves US Post Office Bulletin Board
• Front Door- Cleves Waterworks Department

Village of Cleves Service Department Update

The Service Department is back in action this week and will be very busy over the next three weeks as we work to balance the needs of our residents and the Village as a whole. We continue to collaborate with our neighboring villages, Addyston and North Bend, whenever it benefits all communities.

This week, we are removing Christmas decorations from poles and Village buildings. We will also assist the part-time Addyston department by providing our lift truck to help remove their decorations. Both villages will need to store these decorations for next year. Our Mayor has asked us to support Addyston whenever possible, especially given the significant personnel cutbacks they have experienced due to the closing of INEOS.

While we remain committed to helping our neighbors, our primary responsibility is to the Village of Cleves. We will limit work outside the Village as needed to ensure we meet our local obligations first.

Additionally, I met this morning with Village Administrator Justin Habig to review the scope of repairs required at the Municipal Building, including areas occupied by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. A more complete update will be provided in the coming days and next week as we address the building’s needs to keep it functional and continue serving our citizens.

Commodore John Manley: An Unsung Hero of the Revolution

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we often remember famous names like Hamilton, Gates, the Green Mountain Boys, and John Paul Jones. But one of the Revolution’s most important and overlooked figures is Commodore John Manley.

Boston, Winter 1776

Boston was under British occupation, and the Royal Navy blockade was choking off supplies. Washington’s army was cold, undersupplied, and facing a harsh winter. The soldiers endured bitter temperatures in makeshift camps, desperately needing firewood to keep warm. The blockade made it difficult to obtain enough fuel, and many troops suffered from exposure and illness. Rations were meager—bread, meat, and other staples ran low, and hunger became a constant threat. These hardships tested the resolve of the Continental Army, making the capture of British supply ships even more critical.

Manley’s Bold Capture

John Manley, a former Royal Navy sailor, commanded the schooner Lee. Using his knowledge of British signals, he captured the supply ship Nancy in November 1775. The prize was enormous: muskets, bayonets, ammunition, tools, 100,000 nails, transport wagons, and much-needed supplies—everything Washington desperately needed to sustain the siege of Boston and keep his army alive through the winter.

Manley’s success earned him recognition from John Adams and an appointment as commodore of Washington’s fleet.

Why He Matters

Manley’s daring actions helped keep the Continental Army alive at a critical moment. His story reminds us that the Revolution was won not only by famous leaders, but by everyday patriots who took extraordinary risks.



Learn More

To explore this era further, check out:

• The PBS six‑part series on the American Revolution by Ken Burns
• Rick Atkinson’s The British Are Coming at the Miami Township Library

Miami Township Library-

Register by clicking Permalink below