Year in Review

The Highland County Press

As 2012 comes to its conclusion – and the world hasn't ended – The Highland County Press is taking a look back at some of the year's bigger stories.

The year started off with a major Main Street fire in the city of Hillsboro that destroyed the former Highland Enterprise Lumber Company property. Much of the other news of 2012 also centered around fire-related issues, as area townships began looking elsewhere for their fire and EMS coverage.

Like all years, 2012 brought the unfortunate and sometimes unexpected news of the deaths of prominent citizens and community leaders.

With just a few days left on this year's calendar, let's take a month-by-month look at some of the year's headlines.

JANUARY

Crews secure scene of 'suspicious' fire
at former Highland Enterprise property

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue called the fire at the former Highland Enterprise Lumber Company "suspicious," and the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office began an investigation into the January 2012 blaze that took departments from three counties to extinguish.

The fire broke out just after 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 in the 200 block of West Main Street and quickly spread through the structures on the property. It was reported that the smoke could be seen from areas as far away as Greenfield, Buford, Winchester and Owensville.

Capt. Jeff Martin, of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, said that most of the flames had been knocked down by 7 p.m. and that crews began returning to their respective stations at that time. "It is suspicious," Martin said. "We have eyewitness accounts. The state fire marshal's office is investigating."

Witness at the scene reported that individuals in their late teens or early 20s were seen running from the area of the lumber yard just minutes before smoke began showing in the structures.

There were no major injuries reported from the incident, although there was concern when a wall collapsed onto a firefighter. He escaped injury. However, another firefighter was treated at the scene by a squad after he apparently became overheated, according to Martin.

Speedway turned off their gas pumps as a safety precaution out of fear the heat or stray embers could spark. Community Markets (Great Scot), located across the street from Highland Enterprise, sustained some minor damage to the roof.

All Highland County fire stations – from Hillsboro, Greenfield, Leesburg, Lynchburg, Mowrystown, Marshall and Brushcreek – responded to the scene or with station coverage, and departments from Adams County and Clinton County also provided assistance. The Highland County Emergency Management Agency provided lights and other equipment assistance.

* * *

Excavation begins on veterans memorial

Ford Excavating began work in January 2012 on the new Highland County Veterans Memorial, dedicated to the men women who have served in the United States' Armed Forces. Ground was broken for the monument by members of VFW Post 9094 and the Highland County Board of Commissioners on Memorial Day in 2011.

* * *

Local historians deserve praise
for Greenfield pictorial history

A pictorial history of the city of Greenfield entitled "Greenfield," which is in the Images of America series published by Arcadia Publishing was released in January.

Arcadia credits "The Historical Society of Greenfield, established in 1949, (which) has shared some of the best images from its extensive photographic collection."

The Historical Society members also shared photographs from their personal collections.

The Greenfield Historical Society held a publishing reception on Jan. 23 to celebrate the release of the book.

* * *

Former Highland County treasurer dies

Longtime Highland County treasurer Ann Fenner Williams died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at the age of 62. A graduate of Hillsboro High School, Williams began working for Highland County Treasurer Hershel Creed in 1968 and succeeded him in the position in 1980.

She served as Highland County treasurer until her retirement on Sept. 30, 2006.

Williams was a member of the Highland County Democratic Party and was active in local government and politics, as well as social and religious groups, for many years.

Highland County Democratic Party Chairperson Dinah Phillips said that Williams was a friend who will be missed, and that the two worked together when they were first starting out. "Ann was not only a friend and colleague, but we worked for many years together when we were both young and starting out."

Phillips said that Williams was dedicated to her office, and persevered in the job even when it became difficult for her. "She had about 40 years of service to our county. During that time, you could always find her in the office," Phillips said. "She took very few vacations, and was just a really dedicated public servant."

* * *

Senior Center welcomes
new director Mechell Frost

The Rosalie Morgan-N. James Bodenhamer Senior Center welcomed a new director in January 2012. Mechell Frost was hired by the center's board of directors and began her work during the first week in January.

Frost grew up in Peebles and is a 2000 graduate of Peebles High School. She previously lived in Hillsboro for approximately seven years before moving to Adams County but said that she is currently looking to move back to Highland County. She has a master's degree in special education and received her bachelor's in communication studies from Wright State University.

* * *

FEBRUARY

Longtime high school basketball
coach Dave Young dies

A longtime North Adams High School boys varsity basketball coach, Coach Young passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at his residence, after a long illness. He was 57.

Coach Young led the North Adams Green Devils to the Ohio High School State Final Four in 1996, only missing an opportunity to play for the state championship on a controversial, last-second call.

Young spent 27 years as a varsity boys coach, 24 of which were at North Adams High School and coached his final season during the 2010-11 campaign.

* * *

Hillsboro City Council authorizes
contracts with townships

The Hillsboro City Council passed an emergency resolution in February 2012 to authorize Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings to enter into a contract with area townships for EMS and fire services, at $22 per person for one year.

The city and townships are currently discussing the formation of a joint fire and ambulance district, with the hopes that it would be operational within the coming year.

Hastings said Tuesday that he is optimistic about the future of the proposed district, although there still is a lot of work ahead.

"We're not going to have fire problems after this year, one way or another," Hastings said.

* * *

Donley, Grandey honored
at Lincoln Day Dinner

The Highland County Republican Party honored former office holders Paulette Donley and Jim Grandey during the annual Lincoln Day Dinner in February 2012.

Donley and Grandey, former Highland County Clerk of Courts and Highland County Prosecutor, respectively, each retired in 2011. They were awarded plaques, and thanked for their years of service.

* * *

McClain mourns loss of
Coach Shawn Jackson

McClain High School, and people across Highland County, mourned the loss of a man who is credited with taking McClain soccer "to the next level."

Coach Shawn Jackson died unexpectedly on Feb. 16, 2012 at the age of 38.

"Shawn was one of the most easygoing guys I've ever been around," McClain AD Pat Stevens said. "That shouldn't fool you, though, because he was extremely competitive. He was always cheerful, always had a smile and was always encouraging. He was a great role model for our kids. He did a great job of teaching our kids about life. Not only about soccer, but about life."

* * *

Lynchburg hires
new police chief

The village of Lynchburg welcomed a new chief of police in 2012, as Tim Heizer was hired to replace outgoing chief Brandon Wooten, who left the office effective Feb. 1.

Heizer, a former auxiliary officer with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, was the LPD chief in the 1980s.

Lynchburg Mayor Robbie Williams told The Highland County Press that Heizer's experience level and leadership is something the village needs. "He has served as chief of Lynchburg in the past, has worked for the sheriff's office, and for the state of Ohio. He lives in town, and has a personal interest in the town. He has many years of law enforcement experience," Williams said.

* * *

'Rebranding' project
under way at SSCC

With the planned construction of two new campuses and a fall conversion from quarters to semesters, Southern State Community College unveiled a new look to reflect all the coming changes.

SSCC Director of Public Relations Kris Cross said the college had been considering a “facelift” for its logo and color scheme for some time, but the coming changes in 2012 gave them an opportunity to move the rebranding project forward.

“The timing is right, because we have a lot of changes coming up,” Cross said. “With the semester conversion in the fall, we have to re-do all of our printed pieces, the catalogues, the brochures. We can piggyback the rebranding on the work we have to do already.”

* * *

SSCC board approves
increases in tuition, technology fees

In split votes, the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve an increase in technology fees beginning spring quarter and an increase in tuition for the fall semester, which will go toward offsetting an estimated $900,000 projected deficit.

The average increase in cost between the two years is 3.6 percent.

The board also voted to increase the fees for their truck driving academy, which had been operating under a deficit, despite an estimated 17 percent in cuts to the program's budget.

* * *

MARCH

Telethon raises $143,110

With ringing bells and a cheering crowd of Rotarians, the newly titled Ernie Blankenship Telethon to benefit the Highland County Society for Children and Adults raised $143,110 in March 2012, money that will stay locally to benefit people in the Highland County community.

Sponsored by the Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs, the 40th annual telethon is the major fundraiser of the year for the society, which helps provide services for families and individuals trying to pay for medical expenses.

* * *

Mustard, Wilkin win primaries

Republican incumbent Shane Wilkin defeated fellow GOP challenger Steve Cowdrey, while Paint Township Trustee Randy Mustard won over fellow Democrat Josh Patton Tuesday in the March 2012 primary race for candidates for the Highland County Board of Commissioners.

According to unofficial results from the Highland County Board of Elections, Wilkin, who is seeking his second term in office, received 3,435 votes, while Cowdrey received 1,862.

Mustard had 873 votes, and Patton received 462 votes, unofficially.

* * *

Biggert files lawsuit
on Board of DD

The former superintendent of the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities filed a lawsuit against the board and Hills and Dales Training Center in Highland County Common Pleas Court, asking for a jury trial, and that he be awarded more than $25,000 in damages.

He also claimed that he is “entitled to reinstatement to his position as superintendent for at least one additional year.”

Chuck Biggert’s employment contract was terminated in a 5-0 vote by the board in October following allegations that he bullied and intimidated employees.

* * *

Paint Township officially joins
Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District

The Board of Trustees of the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District voted unanimously to allow Paint Township to join the district, during a special meeting held in March 2012.

"This is good for Paint Township, and this is most definitely good for the district," said board member William Redenbaugh. "We will give them as good a coverage as they've seen, and we'll work to improve everything in Paint Township and in the rest of the district. I think this is a plus."

* * *

The Rev. Wiley Perkins
celebrates 80th birthday;
40 years at Samantha Freewill Baptist

With nearly his entire 80 years spend being dedicated to God, the church, and his family, a Highland County pastor celebrated his 80th birthday on March 10, 2012.

The Rev. Wiley Perkins also celebrated that more than half his life he has been doing the Lord's work as a pastor, with 40 years spent at the Samantha Freewill Baptist Church.

"I believe The Lord led me here," Perkins told The Highland County Press. "God had called me to be a pastor, and I had not been satisfied being an evangelist. I had been praying for a church, and I know God really wanted me to come here."

He had been preaching at a church in Springfield in Clark County in the early 1970s when he did a few revivals at the Samantha Freewill Baptist Church, located near the intersection of U.S. 62 and state Route 72 in Samantha.

"I felt called to preach as a kid," Perkins said. "Then I felt He called me to pastor later in life. If God calls you, he'll be with you. That's the only reason I would have done it. Pastoring is not the easiest thing in the world, but you have to go the way The Lord leads you."

* * *

Hillsboro Auditor's Office
will not be relocated

Proposed changes in the location of the offices of the Hillsboro mayor and auditor will not be going forward, as it has been determined such a move would be "cost prohibitive."

Hillsboro Auditor Gary Lewis said in March that it had been proposed he and his staff of three move their offices to the Hillsboro fire station, located on North East Street. They are currently located in the Hillsboro City Building on North High Street, along with the mayor's office, utilities office and the tax office.

Lewis said his office will remain where it is. "There had been discussion, but we will not be moving," Lewis said.

* * *

APRIL

Greenfield Area Christian Center
breaks ground on new facility

Volunteers with the Greenfield Area Christian Center broke ground on a new facility in April that will allow the expansion of their food and support ministries that have served the Greenfield community for nearly 30 years.

The board members of the Greenfield Area Christian Center were joined by volunteers, family and community members at their 912 N. 5th Street in Greenfield, as they commemorated the organization's new beginning.

Board chairperson Lanny Bryant thanked the group for their support of the ministry and their expansion. "We're truly grateful to you for coming out today, as we start our new chapter," Bryant said. "Thank you to those who pray for us. We now have an opportunity to break ground on our new building."

* * *

Hillsboro contracts with law firm
for representation in PUCO proceeding

The city of Hillsboro contracted in April with an outside law firm to represent them in the proceedings with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, regarding AEP rates.

According to the contract, the city will pay $15,000 for the legal representation from the law firm Ice Miller, LLP.

Hillsboro Auditor Gary Lewis said that the contract with Ice Miller will be paid through funds from the general fund, the sewer plant and the water plant funds.

"They have been retained and a letter of intent was sent," Lewis said. "The water plant is a big user of electricity, and the sewer plant is also a big user. (The cost of the contract) will be divided evenly between all three funds, the sewer fund, the water fund and the general fund."

* * *

Former Children Services director files
wrongful termination suit against county

The former executive director of Highland County Children Services filed a lawsuit against the Highland County Board of Commissioners and Highland County's Department of Job and Family Services/Child Support Enforcement and Child Protective Agency for wrongful termination in April 2012.

The suit was filed in the Highland County Clerk of Courts Office by an attorney for Wendy Jacobs, alleging that she was wrongfully discharged by the county from her job at Highland County's Department of Job and Family Services/Child Support Enforcement and Child Protective Agency.

Commission President Shane Wilkin said the board would have no comment on the pending litigation.

Jacobs alleged that the defendants "were willful, wanton and malicious in nature."

She is asking for full reinstatement and damages to be determined at trial, including: "Lost pay and benefits resulting from the termination of Plaintiff's employment; compensatory damages; punitive damages; pre-and post-judgment interest at the rate allowed by law; attorney fees, costs and expenses incurred in the investigation and prosecution of this action; and any further relief which the Court deems just, proper and equitable under the circumstances."

* * *

City of Hillsboro's general
fund at 10-year low

Officials for the city of Hillsboro say they will continue to monitor the city's financial situation after the general fund fell below $100,000 for the first time in more than a decade during the month of March.

According to the year-to-date fund report submitted April 9 to the Hillsboro City Council by Hillsboro Auditor Gary Lewis, the unencumbered balance was $99,707.49 for the end of March. The general fund was at $426,218.67 at this time in 2011.

"This is not a very healthy number to be at, and it will take some managing to get to a more stable number," Lewis said. "Fortunately, April and May are heavy tax collection months. So, we should do OK, but I am watching virtually every general fund expenditure with a lot of scrutiny."

* * *

SSCC selects architect
for campus expansion

Selection of an architect for the Brown County campus expansion project was a primary topic during the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees' April 2012 meeting.

The college hired the architecture firm BHDP, which has locations in Cincinnati and Columbus. BHDP had recently designed a campus at a private college in Lima that was almost the exact same square footage on the almost exact same budget.

Board president Dr. Vicki Wilson said that she told the architects that she was after a "wow" factor, so that when people travel underneath the overpass on state Route 32, the campus has the type of architecture that says, "We are here."

* * *

HUBA, GOBA gear up

The Hillsboro Uptown Business Association announced that it was teaming up with the organizers of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure in preparation for more than 6,000 cyclists to pedal their way through Hillsboro starting June 16.

Hillsboro was the first stop and the last stop during GOBA’s 2012 adventure, with the theme “Summer of Love.”

* * *

Colony Theatre
may seek liquor license

In order to help raise some additional funds for preserving an uptown Hillsboro landmark, the Board of Trustees of The Colony Theatre said it was exploring alternative options to bring in revenue, which includes investigating the process of obtaining a liquor license.

Colony board member Bob Lambert said the board has begun renting out the Colony space for private events, and they are looking for ways to increase the funds the concerts and other programming bring in.

* * *

MAY

Veterans Services,
county at odds

The former president of the Highland County Veterans Service Commission requested to the Highland County Board of Commissioners and the Highland County prosecutor that a special legal counsel be appointed, and a hearing be scheduled regarding an alleged budget dispute.

Richard Kisamore submitted his letter of resignation in May, saying:

"The budget in question was a lawful, appropriated budget. The Ohio Department of Veterans Service, as well as Gov. (John) Kasich have publicly commented that county Veterans Service Commissions need to utilize all available resources to improve the delivery of benefits and services to veterans as mandated by R.C. Chapter 5901.

"The (Highland) county commissioners have taken a position which places that office squarely adverse to the position, as well as the philosophy, of the Veterans Service Commission – which is that there is not enough being done to assist Highland County veterans."

Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin said he was surprised by Mr. Kisamore's letter, particularly so because the county commissioners had not begun the 2013 budget process in earnest.

* * *

PAS announces
$4 million facility expansion

PAS Technologies in Hillsboro announced in May that it was in the midst of a $4 million facilities expansion project that will allow the manufacturing facility to grow with business demand and bring in the potential for future jobs.

Dan Boggs, general manager of the PAS facility in Hillsboro, met with members of the media, Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin and Tom Horst, Highland County Chamber of Commerce President Katy Farber, Kevin Hoggatt of Sen. Rob Portman's office and Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings.

PAS is a a global leader in the manufacturing and repair of aviation propulsion components and surface enhancement technologies.

Boggs said the company is always working toward "continuous improvement and growth. The speed PAS is growing has changed drastically, on the good side. A lot of good things are going on. Our customer base is growing."

Of seven major projects going on in 2013, he said, five of them are going to be going to Hillsboro, with the remaining two projects going to the facilities in Kansas City and Ireland.

* * *

Chief Jerry Powell
submits resignation

Before approximately 70 firefighters, their family members, township trustees and Hillsboro residents, Hillsboro fire chief Jerry Powell submitted a check for $210 and his resignation to the Hillsboro city council in May 2012.

The chief said the ongoing negotiations with area townships for EMS/ fire services, along with the Hillsboro administration's reduction of his department to 12 members, led him to submit his notice to retire. Powell, who was wearing his bunker gear, said that he had just come from a fire on the south side Hillsboro, and former Hillsboro Fire and Rescue volunteers who are now working for other departments turned out on mutual aid to assist those in the "brotherhood."

Powell has been a firefighter for more than 20 years and a chief for 13. His resignation was effective May 28.

"It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the city of Hillsboro and Highland County," Powell said. "I have been fortunate to serve with some of the best firefighters and EMTs in the nation, and am grateful to them for allowing me to serve the county. I have told the firefighters for years, the years that I've been chief, that they should do what is best for them and their families. I am doing the same for my family, who have stood by me, and I thank them."

* * *

Jenkins guilty on all counts;
sentenced to 14 years in prison

A Greenfield man accused of using his 2-year-old child to block law enforcement from finding a one-pot meth lab he had in his pocket was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

It took the jury approximately 25 minutes to reach the verdicts in Highland County Common Pleas Court to convict Christopher Jenkins of one count of first-degree felony illegal manufacture of drugs in the vicinity of a juvenile; first-degree felony illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs; fourth-degree felony assault on a peace officer; and third-degree felony endangering children.

Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss said, "If this doesn't meet the Legislature's definition of the worst form of the offense, then I don't know what does. I can't imagine anything worse than walking around with a meth lab in your pocket with a 2-year-old child in your arms."

* * *

Jack Hope releases
his autobiography

For the past eight decades, Jack I. Hope has had his eyes turned toward the sky, and his heart set on filling two lifelong goals.

The Highland County native’s history, and story are told in his new autobiography “High Hopes: The Adventures of an Engineer.”

“I’ve been working on this for about three or four years," Hope said, "and my editor said it’s really three books in one. From the time I grew up, I have had two goals in life. One: I wanted to live in my hometown area. I used to go to reunions in Fort Hill, and I would walk the hills and say, ‘I’m going to have a farm down there.’ And now I do. I have hills and I have runways, but no airplane.

“My second goal was to work in aviation,” Hope said. “And I did. I went on to be an aeronautical engineer.”

Hope grew up building model airplanes, and when he was 14 years old, he began flying airplanes.

* * *

Greenfield mourns loss of
civic leader Danny Thompson

From his days rounding the bases with the famous "Buttermilk Boys," to his time spent on the Greenfield City Council, Daniel Thompson was a role model to Greenfield residents as an elected official, sports official and loyal McClain Tigers fan.

Mr. Thompson died in May at Hearth and Care in Greenfield at the age of 86.

He had served as a member of the Republican Central Committee for 40 years, was a recipient of the Highland County Mr. Republican Award and was a member of the Greenfield City Council and McClain School Board.

Former state senator and director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture David Daniels said that he knew Thompson his entire life, and he was a respected member of the Greenfield community.

"Danny was a great guy," Daniels said. "He was one of those guys who had been around Greenfield who I knew my entire life. His kids and my family, my brothers and sisters, were around the same age. I had a tremendous amount of respect for Danny."

* * *

Court denies judicial release
to former Lynchburg treasurer

The former Treasurer of Lynchburg, who was sentenced to serve four years in prison and ordered to pay back $97,000 she stole from the village of Lynchburg, was denied judicial release from prison in Highland County Common Pleas Court.

Angelique Balon pleaded guilty in December 2010 to two counts of theft in office, felonies of the third- and fourth-degree. As a result of the plea, a third count of theft in office was dismissed.

Balon resigned from her elected position as treasurer in January 2009. A report filed by the state auditor's office for the time period of Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2007 showed 12 findings of material noncompliance, weakness and deficiency. The court ordered her to pay $97,387.72 in restitution to the village.

* * *

JUNE

Liberty Township votes to
join Paint Creek fire district

In a 2-1 vote on June 29, the Liberty Township Trustees voted to join the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District, despite a last-minute suggestion from the city of Hillsboro that the trustees hold off on a decision until next week.

There was no electricity in the township building on Moore Road as the trustees held the special session. The trustees reviewed financial data from the Paint Creek district, and was considering the purchase of a squad, and property to build a substation in Paint Township.

Hillsboro City Council member Pete Pence was in attendance at the meeting, and said that he was there to let the trustees know that the city was going be having "labor talks" with the union of Hillsboro Fire and Rescue next week. Depending on what "concessions" were reached at those meetings, Pence said, there may be a chance that the city would consider a contracting situation with the townships.

"We have to make a decision," said Liberty Trustee Jerry Williams. "You wait until the day of the meeting and then tell us this? We haven't heard from the city in six weeks. It's the same thing that happened (prior to the May township meeting held at Hills and Dales when Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings) called me the night before. I'm sorry, that's not good enough."

* * *

Storm leaves thousands
without power, water

More 7,000 Highland County residents were without power after winds estimated between 60-70 mph rolled through the county with a severe thunderstorm in late June.

Three power companies reported that 7,152 people were without electricity. South Central Power reported the most outages at 5,452, following by Dayton Power and Light with 1,095, and AEP with 610.

Emergency crews responded to several incidents related to the high winds and thunderstorms, but according to Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward, there were no serious injuries reported.

* * *

Miss Ohio to attend Festival

Miss Ohio Audrey Bolte announced she would participate in the 2012 Festival of the Bells.

Bolte, who was second runner-up in the Miss USA Pageant, is the daughter of former Highland County residents Bill Bolte and Shelly (Johns) Bolte. Her aunt, Mary Bolte Stanforth, is the administrator of St. Mary's Catholic School in Hillsboro.

* * *

Hastings recommends city
contract with Paint Creek district

Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings recommended to the Hillsboro City Council that the city contract with the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District at $600,000 per year for three years, with the option to extend for one year.

Hastings said that the agreement would save the city an estimated $1,540,000, "compared to continuing operation of the fire department with an estimated $899,648 deficit and a capital costs/benefits/administration (CBA) deficit of $450,000," for a total deficit of $1,348,648.

It was proposed that the agreement become effective in October.

* * *

From 'Miracle on the Hudson,'
to Highland County's Hangar 6

The CFM56-5B engines from US Airways Flight 1549 – which made an emergency landing in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009 after taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport for a flight to Charlotte – left Hangar 6 at the Highland County Airport en route to a North Carolina aviation museum.

Hangar 6 owner George Matthews told The Highland County Press the engines were transported to Hangar 6 for storage through an arrangement with the insurance company, Chartis, Inc. According to Matthews, the engines were to be transported to the Carolinas Aviation Museum on the grounds of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, N.C.

Hangar 6 had been prohibited through its agreement with AIG and Chartis from discussing the engines’ location prior to the move.

* * *

Fairfield graduate
Dr. Cary Pigman
seeks Florida House seat

Former Highland County resident Lt. Col. Dr. Cary Pigman announced his 2012 candidacy for the Florida state Legislature.

Dr. Pigman was the Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives, 55th District, representing Highlands, Glades, Okeechobee and the western portion of St. Lucie counties.

Dr. Pigman is a 1976 graduate of Fairfield High School in Leesburg, where he and Karen Adams represented the class as valedictorians. He has lived in Highlands County, Florida since 1995.

* * *

JULY

HPD, GPD Joint Special Response Team
executes simultaneous warrants

The Hillsboro and Greenfield police departments Special Response Team (SRT) executed two simultaneous search warrants in Hillsboro early Wednesday morning on July 25.

With the nine-member SRT and supporting officers and K-9 units, search warrants were executed at a residence in the 400 block of North High Street and the 500 block of North East Street at approximately 12:30 a.m.

Highland County Assistant Prosecutor Molly Bolek and Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Rick Giroux accompanied officers. A paramedic was on standby.

Hillsboro Police Sgt. Steve Browder and Officer Aaron Reynolds briefed officers prior to the searches around midnight from the HPD.

Browder explained that they were searching for specific individuals at each location. The SRTs were divided into two teams. They were given advance instructions on security, including potential weapons, possible children in the respective homes, evidence, containment and additional support from officers on patrol.

* * *

Highland County to receive
first revenues from new casinos

Highland and Ohio's other 87 counties haven't exactly hit the jackpot, but they will be receiving new revenues from Ohio's two casinos in operation. The Ohio Department of Taxation notified the Highland County Board of Commissioners of the county's first payment related to casino revenue distribution.

Effective July 31, Highland County will receive a payment of $37,912.96. This is with two casinos in operation in the state of Ohio.

Commission President Shane Wilkin said the revenue is considerably less than the more than $1 million annually the county expected to receive. Since the payments are quarterly, Highland County's annual revenues from the first two casinos will be approximately $151,600.

The state originally estimated Ohio counties would share close to $650 million in new revenues. However, that figure was later reduced to $355 million.

* * *

Liberty, New Market townships
officially join Paint Creek fire district

The board of trustees of the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District unanimously voted on July 10 to allow Liberty and New Market townships to join the district, effective Oct. 1.

Board member William Redenbaugh, said the district had two resolutions before them, one from New Market and one from Liberty township, requesting to join the district.

Redenbaugh made a motion to accept the townships into the district, effective Oct. 1, and the resolution was passed 5-0.

* * *

Lewis: Deficit pending
by end of 2013

The city of Hillsboro is facing a projected negative balance of $670,572 by the end of 2013, leading into a negative starting balance of $420,572, if drastic cuts are not made in the city budget, Hillsboro Auditor Gary Lewis announced in July.

Lewis said that the fiscally responsible option for the Hillsboro City Council to take is to contract with the Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District for services. However, even if the city enters into such a service agreement, a 15-percent cut in general fund departments would still be necessary for the city to have a balanced, functional budget.

Approximately $1 million will be needed to make up the losses in sub-fund of the fire department, Lewis said, after the loss in revenue from contracting with area townships, as well as the revenue loss of soft billing EMS patients.

* * *

Hunter Hayes rocks
Festival stage

Scorching temperatures in excess of 100 degrees did not diminish the concert crowds during the 2012 Festival of the Bells.

Festival entertainment committee chairman Rick Williams said that while the 2007 Taylor Swift concert may long hold the record for a Friday night crowd, he thinks the James Wesley and Kip Moore lineup may be a contender for the second largest.

An estimated attendance number wasn't immediately available, but Williams expected a large crowd of Hunter Hayes fans. Hayes will be the opening act later this year on more than 50 dates, opening for Carrie Underwood's Blown Away tour.

"Hunter Hayes is really on fire," Williams said. "That's one of the reasons we chose him. He has gotten really popular."

* * *

AUGUST

Curliss resigns as
Deputy Law Director

It was announced on Saturday, Aug. 4, that Deputy Law Director Laura Curliss has resigned her position with the City of Hillsboro.

In her letter to Law Director Fred Beery, Curliss stated that “In light of the fiscal crisis that faces Hillsboro and the city’s need for the services of labor counsel, I resign as Deputy Law Director effective at midnight today to allow the remaining funds in the budget for this position to be put toward the services of labor counsel.”

* * *

Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District
to locate substation at former
Hillsboro city building

The Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District board voted in August to place a substation for Liberty Township in the former Hillsboro city building and longtime fire station in uptown Hillsboro.

According to Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District board president Dan Mathews, a tentative agreement was reached at the district's board meeting.

"We promised the people of Liberty Township we would be there by Oct. 1," Mathews said.

* * *

Judge denies county's request in
former Children Services director litigation

Visiting Judge Dale A. Crawford denied a motion for judgment by the defense in the case (No. 12CV158) of Wendy Jacobs vs. Highland County Board of Commissioners, et. al.

According to the case record from Highland County Common Pleas Court, the defendant's motion for judgment on the pleadings were pursuant to Civ. R.12 (c) and the defendants claim that "assuming everything set for in plaintiff's complaint is true, there is no issue of material fact and defendants are entitled to judgment as a matter of law."

The court disagreed.

Jacobs, the former director of Highland County Children Services, filed her complaint on April 20, 2012 against the Highland County Board of Commissioners and the Highland County Department of Job and Family Services/Child Support Enforcement and Child Protective Services Agency, alleging that her August 2011 termination from her position of Social Services Supervisor violated a 'well-established public policy' against such termination.

Commission President Shane Wilkin has said the board would have no comment on the pending litigation.

* * *

Bond set at $500,000 for murder suspect;
Ward: 'Someone failed this child'

A bond was set at $500,000 for murder suspect Matthew Kaleb Pierson during his arraignment Aug. 14 in Hillsboro Municipal Court.

The Honorable Judge David H. McKenna, on multiple occasions, asked the defendant if he understood the proceedings. Each time, Pierson responded, "Yes, sir."

Pierson entered the courtroom wearing a "suicide smock" as a precautionary measure, according to Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward.

The state, represented by Highland County Prosecuting Attorney Anneka Collins, had requested the $500,000 bond, stating the defendant had no ties to the community.

Ward said the preliminary investigation shows the victim, a 5-year-old Belfast-area girl, died as a result of multiple blunt force trauma to the head and neck areas. Ward said the preliminary investigation indicates the murder weapon was a hand tool, a scythe, recovered at the scene.

Pierson, 18, was charged with murder in the Aug. 12 death of his 5-year-old niece at a Flat Run Road home in Jackson Township.

* * *

Help Me Grow to
serve Clinton County

Help Me Grow director Heather Gibson informed county commissioners on the new fiscal year budget and plans for an additional hire, as the program seeks to expand into Clinton County.

Gibson said the local program has been asked to take over home visits in Clinton County for up to 25 families. The program provides in-home care for first-time mothers, children in situations with abuse or neglect, and military families.

* * *

Judge rules against Enchanted
Hills Community Association

With Judge Steven P. Beathard presiding, the Highland County Common Pleas Court ruled in favor of several plaintiffs in their recent litigation against the Enchanted Hills Community Association at Rocky Fork Lake.

Fourteen residents of the Enchanted Hills Community Association had filed a civil suit in Highland County Common Pleas Court against the subdivision, regarding the collection and use of membership dues.

The 14 plaintiffs – Judy and James Keltz, Donald and Rhonda Brandenburg, Curtis and Anita Brewer, David Clark, George and Jean Geiger, Janet Lederer, Herbert Owens, Donald and Marjorie Ray, and Willis Grove Inc. – were represented by Hillsboro attorney Lee Koogler.

The suit was filed against the Enchanted Hills Association and Margaret Brunner, the association’s statutory agent.

The court ruled that plaintiffs were entitled to a judgment against the defendant in the amount each has paid in excess of the annual payment of $25 for an initial lot and $5 for each subsequent lot from the year referenced in each claim.

* * *

Council eyes more cuts;
considers outside legal services

The Hillsboro City Council Finance Committee agreed on an additional $35,000 in proposed cuts to the 2012 budget, and a 2-1 vote was passed to recommend the city continue its contract with the law firm of Blaugrund, Herbert, Kessler, Miller, Myers and Postalakis.

During its Aug. 13 meeting, the finance committee met at the Hillsboro Firehouse before the regularly scheduled council meeting to reconsider Hillsboro Law Director Fred Beery's recommendation to hire a labor attorney and revisions to the city's 2012 budget.

The finance committee first considered the recommendation to hire labor counsel.

Beery explained his position, stating that his position as law director puts him at a conflict of interest as he "deals with [the unions] on a personal level."

"This is beyond the scope of what I do as law director," Beery said.

* * *

SEPTEMBER

Quick-thinking Subway worker
performs Heimlich maneuver
on choking customer

A Sunday evening in August was not business as usual for a local Subway employee, as she rescued a customer who was choking.

Danielle Sink, who works at the Hillsboro Subway restaurant on North High Street, said that she was nearing the end of her shift Sunday evening when she and her coworker, Stephanie, heard a senior citizen customer coughing.

Sink said that the man approached the counter, motioning for help, and the two workers realized he was turning purple.

Sink said that they called 911, but her coworker told her that they were going to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver in order to rescue the man.

The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique for preventing suffocation when a person's airway (windpipe) becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object.

Sink, who said she had no first aid training, managed to successfully perform the Heimlich maneuver, and in the process, saved the man's life.

* * *

Greenfield long-distance runner
Carol Grate wins Women's 5K race
at 16th annual Air Force Marathon

Greenfield long-distance runner Carol Grate was the winner of the Women's 5K race during Wright-Patterson's 16th annual Air Force Marathon in September.

Grate, 61, who works at the Hillsboro Frisch's restaurant, completed her race in a times of 21:25. Grate also participated in the Boston Marathon in 2001 and 2006.

* * *

Rocky Fork Thunder
held Sept. 15-16

American Power Boat Association representative and Rocky Fork Thunder race director David Archiable invited the community to the 2012 Rocky Fork Thunder hydroplane races set for Sept. 15-16 at Rocky Fork Lake.

The 2012 event marked the Thunder's 24th year, with the races being cut last year due to financial issues. With top speeds on the water of close to 150 mph, event chairman Dean Armstrong said the hydroplane races are popular for drivers and fans alike.

"Drivers love to race on Rocky Fork Lake," Armstrong told The Highland County Press. "We've had 18 official world records at Rocky Fork Lake, with another six to eight records that weren't reported because those drivers didn't win their races – even though they did break the record."

* * *

Highland County Chamber of Commerce 
President Katy Farber resigns

Highland County Chamber of Commerce President Katy Farber informed the board of her resignation, effective Sept. 28.

Farber has accepted a position with the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth.

Melissa Elmore was named the new chamber president.

* * *

County commissioner
seeks Greenfield manager post

Highland County Commissioner Jeremy Shaffer was among several possible candidates for the position of Greenfield city manager.

Current city manager Betty Bishop had announced her plans to retire at the end of this year, and Shaffer, who was elected county commissioner in the 2010 general election, said he was interested in pursuing the vacancy.

Shaffer said Greenfield had a number of applicants for the position.

When asked if there were any potential conflicts of interest in serving as both village manager and county commissioner, Shaffer said he had contacted the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio (CCAO) and the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

"I did reach the CCAO director," Shaffer said. "He said the two positions did not conflict. I also talked to the Attorney General's Office."

* * *

More than $1 million in funding
approved for Greenfield railroad

The village of Greenfield received positive news with word that an Economic Development Administration grant for rail line improvements has been approved.

"We are elated!" Greenfield City Manager Betty Bishop told The Highland County Press.

"Greenfield has 29 miles of railroad in Highland and Clinton counties, encompassing villages of Greenfield, Leesburg and New Vienna. This supports businesses like Johnson Controls, Candle-lite, Huhtamaki, driving economic development and job growth of utmost importance to Greenfield and southern Ohio's businesses, industries and families," Bishop said. "I believe our families are the most important of the three. This is vital to our transportation and infrastructure needs."

"The railroad is crucial to hundreds of jobs in the area," Bishop added.

The EDA Investment Amount is $2,262,787, The Total Project Cost is $3,751,125. This is expected to create 72 jobs, save 812 jobs, and leverage $8.8 million in private investment.

“The Greenfield Rail Line is essential to the economic future of Greenfield and all of Highland County, including supporting both the existing jobs and job growth at local businesses like Johnson Controls, Huhtamaki, and Candle-lite," Sen. Rob Portman said.

* * *

OCTOBER

First State Bank
breaks ground in Hillsboro

On a cool and rainy morning, First State Bank held a ground-breaking ceremony at its new location at 730 Harry Sauner Road in Hillsboro on Monday, Oct. 29.

Welcoming those in attendance was First State Bank President and CEO Mike Pell and other bank representatives. Construction plans for the new First State Bank location are already under way, and the bank plans to open its doors to the community in the spring of 2013.

The new banking center will offer customers a full range of deposit and loan products for businesses and individuals. The new location will be locally managed and staffed and will include a drive-up ATM.

* * *

Candidates exchange ideas,
opinions at 2012 AAUW forum

Candidates exchanged a few barbs and a few out-and-out differences of opinion Monday evening at the 2012 AAUW Candidates Forum.

Held each year on Columbus Day at Southern State Community College, the forum is presented by the Hillsboro Area Branch of the American Association of University Women, in conjunction with WVNU-FM and The Highland County Press.

Candidates participating included: Peter Pence (91st House District race), Cliff Rosenberger (91st House District race), Tom Horst (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 3 term), Randy Mustard (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 3 term), Brenda Losey (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 2 term), Shane Wilkin (Highland County Commissioner race, Jan. 2 term), Gary Heaton (Highland County Treasurer race), Vickie Warnock (Highland County Treasurer race), Larry Burns (Highland County Recorder race), Chad McConnaughey (Highland County Recorder race), Anneka Collins (Highland County Prosecutor race) and Kimberly McGuire-Haines (Highland County Prosecutor race).

* * *

Report cards reflect
well on area schools

One Highland County school district and one individual school were given the highest possible rating by the Ohio Department of Education on its preliminary state test report card, as Fairfield Local Schools and Greenfield Elementary School both earned “excellent with distinction” honors.

The Ohio Department of Education announced the unofficial district, traditional school, community school and STEM school results on Ohio’s 2011-12 state tests on Oct. 17. According to the ODE, these results are not final, and the finalized reports will be published after investigations are complete.

District and school ratings are based on state indicators, performance index, adequate yearly progress (AYP) and value-added measure.

* * *

Hillsboro City Schools
roll out new lunch menus

Due to changes in national standards based on an initiative to help children make healthier choices, school lunch menus for the Hillsboro City School District have been completely revamped for the 2012-13 school year.

According to Hillsboro City Schools Food Service Director Tracy Mathews, the school district follows the national school lunch program, which has implemented major changes recently. Mathews joined the Hillsboro City Schools staff this year, having previously worked for the East Clinton school district. Mathews has worked in food services for six years.

The school district is limited on the number of calories per serving based on grade level.

In order to determine each student’s allotment of calories, the grades are classified in groups of kindergarten through sixth grade; seventh and eighth grade; and ninth through 12th grades.

Mathews said one of the primary changes to the program is vegetables.

* * *

NOVEMBER

Safety/Service Director
guilty of OVI charge

Hillsboro Safety and Service Director Richard Giroux pleaded guilty to his Nov. 25 charge of operating a vehicle while impaired.

According to Hillsboro Municipal Court, Giroux was fined $650 and will have his driver's license suspended from Nov. 25, 2012-May 25, 2013. He will have driving privileges with proof of insurance. Giroux also must complete a driver intervention program within six months and obtain counseling.

Giroux was arrested on a charge of OVI late Sunday evening by the Hillsboro Police Department. Giroux, 51, of Westover Drive, Hillsboro, also was charged with failing to obey a traffic device, according to Hillsboro Municipal Court records.

According to court records, Giroux tested .188 on a DUI Breathalizer test.

Giroux was appointed safety and service director in January 2012 by Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings. Hastings later terminated Giroux's employment.

* * *

Courthouse flag lowered in
honor of Sgt. Donnie Walker

The Highland County Board of Commissioners, Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer, commended Sgt. Donnie Walker for his 22 years of service with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, his previous service with the Hillsboro Police Department as an auxiliary officer and his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Highland County.

In Sgt. Walker's memory and honor, the Highland County Courthouse flag was lowered to half-staff on the date of his interment.

"Sgt. Walker has worked devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the people of this county, regardless of the peril or hazard to himself, and by his patriotic service and his dedicated efforts, has earned the gratitude of Highland County," commissioners said.

"The heroism and bravery of this officer is recognized and appreciated by the citizens of Highland County."

Sgt. Walker passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 2.

* * *

Community honors
Capt. Cumberland

Friends, family and members of the community turned out to honor Captain Wilbert Kenneth Cumberland at a November retirement party at Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.

Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson spoke about Cumberland's service, serving in the Vietnam War after high school, then becoming a police officer. According to Thompson, Cumberland joined the Hillsboro Police Department in 1970, working for four years before becoming a full-time police officer. He was later promoted to sergeant and then captain.

Chief Thompson presented Cumberland with a clock commemorating his service, a captain's shield and a distinguished service award, "in recognition and sincere appreciation of [Cumberland's] distinguished service, guidance and devotion" to the department and to Highland County.

* * *

Hillsboro presents leanest
budget in decades

The smallest city budget in nearly three decades was presented to Hillsboro City Council Tuesday night during their November meeting.

An ordinance to make appropriations from the city of Hillsboro's General Fund "to provide for the current expenses and other expenditures … during the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2013" was presented for a first reading. The ordinance reflects a balanced 2013 budget.

As previously reported in The Highland County Press, the city of Hillsboro faced a 2013 year-end deficit of as much as $670,000 earlier this year.

The ordinance includes $1,603,000 appropriated for general governmental services; $2,245,520 for security of persons and property; $14,000 for public health services; $2,000 for social services; and $5,000 for community environment, for a subtotal of $3,869,520.

* * *

SSCC honors Stevetta Grooms

Southern State Community College executive assistant to the president Stevetta Grooms was honored at the Wednesday, Nov. 14 Board of Trustees' meeting for her many years of exemplary service to the college.

Stevetta has announced her plans to retire at the end of this year, after working in the college administration through the tenures of four presidents.

Past and present board members expressed their appreciation for Stevetta following the regularly scheduled board meeting. SSCC President Dr. Kevin Boys and former President Dr. Larry Dukes also thanked Stevetta for her service.

* * *

DECEMBER

Commissioners approve
$8.8 million budget for 2013

Highland County commissioners voted, 3-0, to approve the county’s projected 2013 budget of $8,818,000.

Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley met with commissioners for any last-minute questions on the coming year’s budget.

“Department heads did very well managing their budgets this year,” Fawley told Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer.

“The (departmental) budgets looked good to me,” Horst said. “People were really tight on what they asked for.”

Prior to the motion and vote, Wilkin asked if everyone was OK with the $8.8 million number. Commissioners said they were comfortable with that amount, which is slightly under the 2012 budget of approximately $9 million.

Fawley said the county will begin 2013 with a carry-over balance of $445,000.

* * *

Rocky Fork Lake area residents
to see 16-percent increase
in sewerage system fees

Highland County residents using the Rocky Fork Lake sewerage system will be seeing an increase in the cost of services beginning next year.

The Highland County Board of Commissioners voted, 3-0, at their Wednesday, Dec. 5 meeting to raise the sewerage fees from $29 per month to $33.50 per month, a 16-percent increase.

According to commission president Shane Wilkin, Frank Leone of Environmental Engineering Services in Lebanon, had initially proposed an increase of $8.50 per month or a 29-percent rate hike. That figure was later lowered to $7.50.

"We looked at ways to reduce this," Wilkin said. "We think we can save $1 off the $7.50 by re-allocating our reserves. We think we can save another $2 off by working with the prosecutor's office. We think we can reduce it to a $4.50 increase."

* * *

Commissioners sign off on
Scott House property transfer

The Highland County Board of Commissioners completed their portion of the Scott House transfer at the board’s Wednesday, Dec. 5 meeting.

The property is being transferred from Hillsboro City Schools to the Highland County Historical Society after pass-throughs from the county commissioners and the Highland County Community Improvement Corporation.

Hillsboro City Law Director Fred Beery collected the commissioners’ deed signatures, which were witnessed by Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins and Hillsboro City Auditor Gary Lewis.

Commissioners had received a legal opinion last month from Collins regarding the property transfer.

“It’s all yours,” commissioner Tom Horst told Bob Lambert, who was present for the Historical Society.

“Thank you,” Lambert said.

* * *

Greenfield holds reception
for Betty Bishop

Dozens of city employees, citizens, community leaders, and local, county and state public officials filed into the Grain and Hay Building and greeted retiring city manager Betty Bishop with a smile and a hug.

State Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, who represents Highland County in the Ohio House of Representatives, read his final proclamation in the 129th General Assembly, written in honor of the city manager.

“If there was a Hall of Fame for public officials in Highland County, Betty would be the first person inducted,” Rosenberger said. “There is no harder worker or better advocate for the city of Greenfield.