The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has announced that as many as 155,000 eligible unemployed workers in Ohio will again receive federal extended unemployment benefits, after President Obama signed legislation last week extending deadlines for the program from May 29 to November 27.

Ohio first lady Frances Strickland will be the featured speaker for the annual Highland County Democratic Party picnic Sunday, Aug. 1 from 4-7 p.m. at the Amvets Park, 11539 North Shore Road (Rocky Fork Lake area), Hillsboro, in their air-conditioned meeting room.

A Clay Township firefighter has been indicted on drug related charges, according to the Highland County Sheriff's Office.
 Joel R. Harris, 26, was indicted by a grand jury in Highland County Common Pleas Court on charges related to corrupting another with drugs.

Gary Schluep of Greenfield is set to be the newest member of the Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, Executive Director Juni Frey told commissioners this week. The board has a total of five openings, with three positions expected to be filled this year and two next year, Frey said.  “Gary has expressed interest in serving on the board, and I think he would be good,” Frey said.

Gary Schluep of Greenfield is set to be the newest member of the Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, Executive Director Juni Frey told commissioners this week. The board has a total of five openings, with three positions expected to be filled this year and two next year, Frey said.  “Gary has expressed interest in serving on the board, and I think he would be good,” Frey said.

Earlier this spring, the Fling family welcomed The Smokin' Mirrors to the stage at the Barn at the Fling Family Farm. They are making a return appearance Saturday evening, July 31.

A new report by The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions shows a majority of Ohio's registered voters surveyed prefer reductions in government spending to higher taxes. The survey, conducted by Magellan Data and Mapping Strategies, is available online at www.buckeyeinstitute.org (click on Reports).

Part-time firefighters hired earlier this year by the city of Hillsboro in an effort to reduce overtime and provide costs savings to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue have resulted in higher costs over the year’s second quarter, according to payroll and expense reports.

The city of Hillsboro is accepting sealed bids for the old safety building - which formerly housed the Hillsboro police and fire departments. Bids will be accepted until Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. when the city's safety and service director will open and read the bids out loud.

A sentencing hearing has been postponed for a former Highland County man who pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and other charges, in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati.
 According to the clerk of courts, the sentencing hearing for David K. Bliss had been scheduled for July 26 before Judge Arthur Spiegel, but has been moved to Oct. 12.

Highland County Habitat for Humanity is launching a new endeavor geared toward helping an area family secure a new home, while boosting the values of existing neighborhoods.
       Terry Collins, president of the area Habitat for Humanity said that instead of building an entirely new construction, the organization bought a foreclosed home to renovate.
       "The area is just littered with foreclosed homes," Collins said. "By buying and rehabbing one, it helps the family, it helps the city and it helps the neighborhood."

With more than two decades in the automotive sales industry under his belt, Roger Williams says he is looking forward to relocating his business to the site of a former Ford dealership. After purchasing the former Hillsboro Ford property through the Ford Motor Company Leasing Development branch, Williams will be moving his business, Roger Williams Auto Sales, just east of its present location on Harry Sauner Road in Hillsboro.

With more than two decades in the automotive sales industry under his belt, Roger Williams says he is looking forward to relocating his business to the site of a former Ford dealership. After purchasing the former Hillsboro Ford property through the Ford Motor Company Leasing Development branch, Williams will be moving his business, Roger Williams Auto Sales, just east of its present location on Harry Sauner Road in Hillsboro.