'It is with deep sadness that I learned today of the passing of former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Frank Celebrezze. During his 14 years on the Ohio Supreme Court, Chief Justice Celebrezze brought to the court a high degree of compassion for Ohioans of all walks of life, as well as effective leadership for his fellow justices.'

With an unemployment rate that exceeds 19 percent, the people of Highland County are facing trying times. Area individuals and families are coping with massive job loss, area government is functioning on diminished dollars, and everyone is trying to do more with less. According to Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward, his office is no exception. A review of the department's 2009 year to date statistics shows the crime that most often resulted in criminal arrest was domestic violence, with 118 incidents. The second highest was theft, with 57 incidents, followed by assault at 50 incidents.

On March 15 at 10:59 p.m., the Hillsboro Police Department responded to an alarm call on McDowell Street. Upon officer's arrival, it was found that someone had cut a hole in the fence belonging to AEP. Someone also tried to gain entry into the building. This report remains under investigation. $200 worth of property was damaged.

Highland County commissioners and the legal counsel for Hangar 6 remained at an impasse Wednesday over property taxes levied against the business. Hangar 6 attorney Brian Sullivan of the Cincinnati firm of Dinsmore and Shohl, LLP, told commissioners he was "disappointed" over a March 15 letter, in which commissioners closed by saying "We cannot ask the taxpayers of Highland County to pay the taxes for {Hangar 6 owner George Matthews}, nor was that agreed to in the lease."

GREENFIELD – The father of two Greenfield children killed in a structure fire a week ago appeared in Highland County/Madison Township Court Monday. Wesley Coonrod, 42, whose two young children were killed in a fire March 7, is being held on $1 million bond at the Highland County Justice Center.

Commissioners received more bad news from Highland County Children Services Executive Director Wendy Jacobs at their Wednesday board meeting. Jacobs and HCCS caseworker Jeff Rulon provided an update on the Children Services staffing level and fiscal issues.

GREENFIELD – After working for many months to secure revolving loan funding for C-Mold in Greenfield, Highland County commissioners’ efforts reached fruition this week.
   Despite a potential last-minute funding obstacle regarding previous loans on existing equipment, commissioners agreed Wednesday to move forward with the loan.

GREENFIELD – After working for many months to secure revolving loan funding for C-Mold in Greenfield, Highland County commissioners’ efforts reached fruition this week.
   Despite a potential last-minute funding obstacle regarding previous loans on existing equipment, commissioners agreed Wednesday to move forward with the loan.