The Highland County Republican Party will hold its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the First United Methodist Church, 133 East Walnut St. in Hillsboro.

State Representative Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) was named “Legislator of the Year” by the club, “American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE)” at their annual legislative seminar.

After voting to approve the 2012 budget, the Hillsboro City Council passed a resolution officially objecting to the Ohio Public Utilities Commission for allowing "deferred costs" to be charged in 2012 to AEP customers, resulting in "unconscionable" bills, and requesting a reversal of its decisions.
 The legislation also allows for Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings to take "all legal action necessary" to make the city's position known.

The Hillsboro City Council has voted to authorize Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings to enter into an agreement with area townships for fire and EMS coverage at $27 per person. The trustees must still consider and approve the contract before it is finalized.
 During Monday's regular February meeting, when the resolution was presented, Council President Lee Koogler asked if there were any questions or discussion on the part of council. Council did not respond, and Koogler asked for a vote.

Lt. Col. Dr. Brad Wenstrup will be the guest speaker of the Highland County TEA Party at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13. The event will be at the Hi-TEC Center on North High Street in Hillsboro. Wenstrup is a Republican candidate for Ohio's Second Congressional District.

Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 crews continue efforts Saturday to clear state and federal highways of snow and ice.

Because of everything they have gone through, Heather Gibson, said they were grateful for the trip. It not only allowed Lauryn the opportunity to live out a dream, but it was a trip that her younger sisters could enjoy as well. 'Everyone was so friendly. The hotel staff members always remembered the girls’ names. It was 85 degrees the entire time, and they got to feed sting rays and sea turtles by hand.'

Because of everything they have gone through, Heather Gibson, said they were grateful for the trip. It not only allowed Lauryn the opportunity to live out a dream, but it was a trip that her younger sisters could enjoy as well. 'Everyone was so friendly. The hotel staff members always remembered the girls’ names. It was 85 degrees the entire time, and they got to feed sting rays and sea turtles by hand.'

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today announced that it will soon address the significant impacts that AEP rate changes are having on General Service 2 customers who are primarily small businesses, school districts and local governments.

The village of Lynchburg has sworn in a new chief of police, who may be a familiar face to village residents.
   Tim Heizer was hired in January to replace outgoing chief Brandon Wooten, who left the office effective Feb. 1.

Nationwide Auctions & Realty, LLC, has announced the opening of its new office at 1939 U.S. 62 south, across the highway from the popular Old Y Restaurant.

In split votes, the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve an increase in technology fees beginning spring quarter and an increase in tuition for the fall semester, which will go toward offsetting an estimated $900,000 projected deficit. 

The average increase in cost between the two years is 3.6 percent.

The board also voted to increase the fees for their truck driving academy, which has been operating under a deficit, despite an estimated 17 percent in cuts to the program's budget.

In an economy that has has already been difficult for small businesses, a major unexpected expense can have a devastating effect.

Brent Huffman, owner of Beech Street On Main, said his electric bill went up 150 percent between the months of December and January, with a more than doubled kilowatt usage.