Sharon Higgins honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

An overflow crowd packed the Highland County Board of Commissioners' office Wednesday, as longtime Lynchburg volunteer firefighter and paramedic Sharon Higgins was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the commissioners.

Commissioners Tom Horst and Jeff Duncan presented a proclamation to Ms. Higgins' brother, Lynchburg Fire Captain Dave Higgins, who accepted the award on her behalf.

Chief Dave Manning, Jim Lyle and many Lynchburg area firefighters and paramedics attended the ceremony, as did former Highland County Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer of Dodson Township.

The Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District serves approximately 5,100 residents of Dodson, Hamer, Salem, the western half of Union Townships and the Village of Lynchburg, encompassing approximately 87 square miles.

"This is a great turnout. We are very impressed with the crowd here today," Horst said.

Chief Manning explained that due to health issues, Sharon was unable to attend.

"We want to thank the commissioners for recognizing her longtime service to the community," Manning said.

Sharon received her EMT Basic certification in 1985, her EMT Intermediate in 1986, her Paramedic certification in 1987 and has been a volunteer firefighter since 1987, having completed a course by Jim Lyle. "She is the first woman to be certified as a firefighter in Highland County," Lyle said.

Sharon has volunteered with the Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District for many years and is also a communications specialist for UC Air Care. She has been a member of the Lynchburg Area Joint Ambulance District since its founding.

Commissioners acknowledged her extraordinary service for many years.

For more information on the district, go to: http://lynchburgfire.org/

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4-H Week is March 1-7

• Commissioners also proclaimed the week of March 1-7 as Highland County 4-H Week.

Ohio State University Extension educator Kathy Bruynis, along with junior leadership members Wyatt Harris, Julie Arnett, Johnny Lewis and Ryan Matthews accepted the proclamation.

Commissioner Horst read the proclamation which noted 4-H members' positive impact and community service and also the 4-H Pledge:

I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country and my world.

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• In other business, commissioners announced additional storm damage was reported by Sheriff Donnie Barrera at the Highland County Justice Center due to Tuesday night's rain.

A section of the LEADS computer system was temporarily disabled. Commissioners said they are working toward roof repairs at the Justice Center.

Commissioners also were informed by Highland County Community Action that the condo fees at the North High Business Center will be increasing by 50 cents per square foot due to increases in utilities, snow removal, etc.

• Commissioners reported that the bids from Jurgensen for all three phases of the Carl Smith-Hobart Drive project came in 13 percent under state estimate. Commissioners and Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Todd Wilkin said Wednesday they are hopeful the project will get under way in April.

• Commissioners passed a resolution by a 2-0 vote for additional appropriation to the Rocky Fork Lake Sewer Capital Improvement, Other Expense account in the amount of $3,055.

• Commissioners passed a resolution by a 2-0 vote for additional appropriation to the RFL Capital Improvement Other Expense in the amount of $47,136,89.

Commission President Shane Wilkin was absent due to a scheduling conflict.