"We need government to get out of the way and quit treating business like they're the problem. It's similar to a comment by (former presidential candidate) Tim Pawlenty, when he said about President Obama, 'You can’t be pro-job and anti-business. That’s like being pro-egg and anti-chicken.’" – Dr. Brad Wenstrup, 2012 Second District congressional candidate

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report for Dec. 17-18.

Ohio's unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in November, down from 9.0 in October, according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report as of Dec. 16, 2011.

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report for Dec. 14-15, 2011.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Highland County Humane Society will host an event at Tractor Supply Company in Hillsboro from 2-6 p.m. Amber Pulse of Impulse Photography will take photos of guests with their pets and Santa Claus. A 4x6 photo costs $5, with the funds raised from the photos benefiting the Highland County Humane Society.

The Highland County Health Department is investigating a complaint regarding the existing septic sewerage system at the old Belfast school building in Jackson Township. A letter from Kyle Arn, director of environmental health, has been sent to Jackson Township trustees Carey Michael, Chad Frazer and Brad Hart and fiscal officer Chris Michael. The township oversees the former school building.

On Thursday, Dec. 15 at approximately 7:17 a.m., the Hillsboro Police Department received a report of a suspicious person lying in a yard on East North Street.

Ohio House lawmakers have agreed to a revised congressional map that, if approved, would place Highland County in the Second Congressional District. State lawmakers also have a tentative agreement for one 2012 primary election, to be held March 6.

After months of partisan wrangling, Ohio Speaker William Batchelder has announced a plan to consolidate Ohio's two primary elections in 2012. Batchelder said he hopes state lawmakers approve the plan before the end of the 2011 legislative calendar in order to avoid having two primaries.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and New Mexico Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Gorden E. Eden, Jr. have signed an agreement that permits reciprocity between their states for citizens who have valid concealed carry permits.

The Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting has released a comprehensive transparency report on Ohio's redistricting process. The independent group graded state officials a D minus on transparency. The report, entitled "The Elephant in the Room," documents a number of backroom activities which had not been publicly disclosed.

The following is the Hillsboro Police Report for Dec. 10.

The Portsmouth City School District pays its employees more than comparable districts do, according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. Potential cost savings of more than $1.8 million were identified in the audit.

Rick O’Dell, branch manager for Raymond James’ Hillsboro office, is proud to announce the addition of Alan Carroll as a financial adviser.