As difficult as 2009 has been for many county departments, the beginning of the new year isn’t necessarily a harbinger of better times. In a letter dated Nov. 4, Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin advised all general fund department heads that new budget revisions will be needed in order to reflect the most recent estimated revenues for 2010.

Adena Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology Foundation's ACTION Registry Gold Performance Achievement Award for 2009 ­ one of only 121 hospitals nationwide to do so. The award recognizes Adena's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.

On November 3, 2009, the Highland County Grand Jury issued an indictment against Dennis L. Butler, age 68, of Hillsboro.  The indictment was the result of an investigation by detectives with the Highland County Sheriff's Office into allegations that Dennis Butler was embezzling money from a Concord Township church where he had been serving as treasurer for a number of years.

On Nov. 3, 2009, the Highland County Grand Jury issued a two count indictment against a local business operating at the Highland County Airport, as well as a two count indictment against the business owner.