I want to be a stat nerd for a few moments, but I’m not talking about stats in the typical sense of who has scored the most points or gained the most rebounds. I went on a quest to find the hidden numbers that didn’t appear in the game stories.

As the schools in the South Central Ohio Athletic League prepared for the 1968 football season, league coaches were picking McClain and Washington as the top threats to win the big trophy – perhaps, the gold football, which was symbolic of an undefeated (league) season.

I find it hard to believe that not only have we started a new year but a new decade as well. If you take time to reflect on all of the changes that have taken place over the past decade, it is really pretty amazing. Here are a few to think about: Hillsboro lost its old high school, but gained a Wal-Mart; airline travel became more complicated thanks to 9/11; Ohio State won a college football national championship; the Bengals won their division twice; terms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are commonly used (at least with the younger generation!); and my oldest daughter is now in college.

Hillsboro Christian Academy performs – The Hillsboro Christian Academy held its dinner theater production, ‘Christmas at Uncle Phil's Diner,’ Dec. 18-19 at the Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene.

I have never had much luck at losing weight and keeping it off. I read something about how increasing my metabolism might help. What are some ways I can do this?

Bill McTague, chairman of the 2009 Lynchburg Village Christmas, reports that despite the failing economy, this year’s Village Christmas was a huge success. McTague credits its success to the generosity of local businesses who came forward to make this year’s event a great one. For instance, the free carriage rides were sponsored by Terry’s Grocery, Lynchburg and Hillsboro Fifth Third Bank, Tom Pitzer Trucking, Davis-Turner Funeral Home, and Higgins Supply.

Bill McTague, chairman of the 2009 Lynchburg Village Christmas, reports that despite the failing economy, this year’s Village Christmas was a huge success. McTague credits its success to the generosity of local businesses who came forward to make this year’s event a great one. For instance, the free carriage rides were sponsored by Terry’s Grocery, Lynchburg and Hillsboro Fifth Third Bank, Tom Pitzer Trucking, Davis-Turner Funeral Home, and Higgins Supply.

The Highland County commissioners will hold their annual organizational meeting on Monday, Jan. 11, at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Office at 119 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro.

The Hillsboro Fire Department of Highland County will receive a 1986 Chevrolet one-ton four-wheel drive pickup truck through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. The equipment, which has an original value of $16,902, is provided at no charge to the fire department through the U.S. Department of Defense Fire Fighter Property (FFP) Program.