Earley resigns from Hillsboro City Council; Hapner appointed as replacement

Jo Sanborn Earley has resigned as an at-large member of Hillsboro City Council, with the Hillsboro representatives of the Highland County Republican Central Committee voting to appoint Kathryn Hapner as her replacement.

According to Highland County Republican Party Executive Chair Paulette Donley, Earley announced her resignation Oct. 21 — four days after the most recent city council meeting — after accepting a new “position that requires travel.

“I believe I will not be able to fulfill my role to the full extent, as I won’t be able to attend all of the meetings,” Earley wrote in her resignation letter. “I appreciate all of the knowledge and experience I have gained.”

Earley was appointed to Hillsboro City Council in December 2022, replacing Patty Day, who had been appointed city auditor. The term ends Dec. 31, 2025.

“The Central Committee thanks Jo for her service and wishes her well in her new employment,” Donley said.

According to Donley, the Committee voted Nov. 7 to appoint Hapner as Sanborn’s replacement, now the third individual to fill this term on council. The Republican Central Committee’s five Hillsboro members include Tracy Aranyos, Dick Donley, Roger Huffman, Jan Vosper and Charlie Walker.

Hapner was born and raised in Hillsboro, where she has practiced law since 1996. She is a graduate of Hillsboro High School and Baylor University School of Law.

Hapner formerly worked as a deputy law director for the City of Hillsboro as well as Wilmington’s law director.

In addition to operating her own law practice, Hapner is magistrate for the village of New Holland and a former Highland County assistant prosecutor.

A mother of four sons, Hapner is an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Hillsboro and has served as president of the Highland County Bar Association, president of the Highland County Republican Women’s Club, president of the Clinton County Women’s Republican Club, president of the Hillsboro Rotary Club, vice president and secretary of the Highland County Swim Organization and secretary of the Highland County Community Improvement Corporation.

Hillsboro City Council is next scheduled to meet Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.