Kathryn Hapner: A great choice for Highland County Common Pleas Court

By Rory Ryan
Publisher & Owner
The Highland County Press

Throughout this Republican primary election season in Highland County, I have maintained that I would not be endorsing anyone in any race. And I meant it.

Things change, though. And as always, I reserve the right to change my mind. I have.

After having a few folks share with me the personal and professional attacks on social media aimed at judicial candidate Kathryn Hapner, I am wholeheartedly endorsing her for Common Pleas Court judge as is The Highland County Press.

Yes, I understand that Kathryn – like every other lawyer, judge and candidate for public office – has made enemies through the years. So has just about every newspaper publisher I've known. That does not justify the online vitriol and abusive language directed at any public figure.

I have known Kathryn Hapner for decades. She learned her trade at Hapner & Hapner Law Office. Her father, Jim Hapner, and her uncle, Jon Hapner, were both respected lawyers and judges serving Highland County. Kathryn has continued the law firm in similar vein, representing clients – including this one – to the best of her ability. Her mother, Louise Hapner, was an early director (possibly the first) of Leadership Highland, and educated many of today's local business owners.

If elected, Kathryn will serve Highland County with honor and distinction.

For those who cast unfounded aspersions on social media platforms, intelligent voters can only consider the source and move on.

I have known judges in Highland, Adams and Scioto counties through four decades in the newspaper business. I have heard "stories" about most of them, often from disgruntled offenders who may not have liked the outcome of their respective case. The difference 10, 20, 30 or 40 years ago from 2026 is this: Bloody social media.

I make this statement not from being a purveyor of such content (I have no social media account; probably wouldn't get any "friends" anyway), but our readers often share some of the nonsense with The Highland County Press.

It begs the question just why anyone would seek public office for any elected position, realizing that he or she may be subject to such public humiliation without means of defense.

This reminds me of what former Adams County Commissioner and Ohio Senate President Doug White told me in my office a quarter of a century ago: "Do not get in the mud and wrestle with a pig. Remember, the pig enjoys it."

Such is the unfortunate state of politics today.

Kathryn Hapner is more than competent to serve as Common Pleas Court judge. She has the experience, integrity and commitment to seeking justice that the office demands. She is most familiar with the court system, and has no doubt added to that considerable experience – even if by osmosis and the absorption of jurisprudence – through years of litigating before Honorable Judges like Kevin L. Greer and Rocky A. Coss.

Without reservation, I encourage voters to support Kathryn Hapner in the May 5 primary election. Early voting is ongoing, if you can't make it on May 5.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press, Highland County's only locally owned and operated newspaper.