The gap between the promises states have made for public employees’ retirement benefits and the money they have set aside grew to at least $1.38 trillion in fiscal year 2010, resulting in a nine percent increase in one year, according to a report released this week by the Pew Center on the States.

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report for June 20-21.

Carl W. Shye Jr., 57, of New Albany, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court this week to one count of embezzlement from a program receiving federal funds, admitting that he illegally took $472,579.90 in federal funds between 2005 and 2011 while serving as treasurer for four community schools in Ohio.

Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced that while statewide preparations are well under way for the 2012 General Election in November, voters in 36 Ohio counties will be heading to the polls on August 7 to weigh in on 62 local issues. Military and overseas voting for the August Special Election will begin this Saturday, June 23, 2012.

Highland County Department of Job and Family Services has received funding for a TANF Summer Youth Employment Program. The purpose of this program is to enable low-income, TANF-eligible youth to gain valuable work experience while earning a paycheck to help meet basic needs.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced the start of a mediation program to resolve disputes between local governments and persons requesting public records. The Ohio Attorney General’s Public Records Mediation Program will be available to governments and requesters starting this week.

Highland County Veterans Service Commission Board President Ray Alexander made one thing perfectly clear during the commission's June 19 board meeting: "We will not change the budget," he said. With approximately 30 people – mostly U.S. Armed Forces veterans – in attendance at the Veterans Service office on North High Street in Hillsboro, Director Robin Brown conducted a town-hall meeting to address the VSC's 2013 budget as submitted to the Highland County Board of Commissioners.

Highland County Veterans Service Commission Board President Ray Alexander made one thing perfectly clear during the commission's June 19 board meeting: "We will not change the budget," he said. With approximately 30 people – mostly U.S. Armed Forces veterans – in attendance at the Veterans Service office on North High Street in Hillsboro, Director Robin Brown conducted a town-hall meeting to address the VSC's 2013 budget as submitted to the Highland County Board of Commissioners.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is among many state and local marine patrol agencies participating in a nationwide crackdown on alcohol-impaired boating known as Operation Dry Water from June 22-24. This is the fourth year of the special marine enforcement effort initiated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Can a country boy from rural Ohio succeed in the highly competitive and sophisticated world of engine design and engineering? Come to the library on Wednesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and find out. Local resident Jack Hope will offer some intriguing insights from his new book, "High Hopes: The Adventures of an Engineer."

Highland County Department of Job and Family Services has received funding for a TANF Summer Youth Employment Program.

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report for June 16.

State Senator Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) and State Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) announced they will be holding office hours for residents of the 17th Senate District and 86th House District.

Ohio's unemployment rate was 7.3 percent in May, down from 7.4 percent in April, according to data released this week by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Anna's Army made a $15,000 check presentation to the Boomer Esiason Foundation June 16 at the Highland County Courthouse in support of the two organizations' ongoing efforts to combat cystic fibrosis.