After being told for weeks that Highland County consumers are the only AEP customers voicing complaints about their huge rate increases, a suburban Columbus school district has joined the fray.

Jay S. Willis of Portsmouth has been appointed to serve as Judge of the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife, 152 black bear sightings were reported in Ohio last year. Of that number, state wildlife personnel confirmed 60 sightings, which is a slight decrease compared to the 64 confirmed sightings in 2010.

Local businesses dealing with increased utility costs through a recent AEP hike are getting support from a strong and dedicated source: Their community.
  Hillsboro resident Christy Kerley has started a "cash mob" initiative where area customers "shop local" in an intense way, focusing on one business a day and lending their spending support.

McClain High School, and people across Highland County, are mourning the loss of a man who is credited with taking McClain soccer "to the next level."

State Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) joined by Representative John Adams (R-Sidney) with members of the 129TH Ohio General Assembly hosted Israeli Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom and Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Region, Daniel Kutner at the Statehouse this week.

Voters in Liberty Township will decide during the March 6 primary election if they want to support a 1.8-mill fire protection levy, which will go toward providing fire and EMS to township residents.

Gov. John R. Kasich has announced the appointment of Sen. David Daniels (R-Greenfield) to serve as director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Daniels has represented Ohio's 17th Senate District since January 2011 and will submit his resignation to the Ohio Senate on Wednesday. He is expected to be sworn in and begin his duties as ODA director on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Three members of the Highland County Fair Board expressed serious concerns with the board's most recent AEP electric bill during the Feb. 15 meeting of the Highland County Board of  Commissioners. Fair Board members Jon Holbrook, Nathan Cook and Mark Baldwin presented the board's most recent AEP invoice for the Highland County Fairgrounds. Previous charges had totaled $3,473.08 and were paid on Jan. 24. The latest statement, with a due date of March 2, reflects a total amount due of $15,616.48.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting Ohio Gov. John Kasich has appointed Ohio 17th District Sen. Dave Daniels as director of the Department of Agriculture.
  Daniels did not immediately return called placed by The Highland County Press seeking comment.