Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are embracing the idea of seating lawmakers without regard to party for this month’s State of the Union address.

Highland County Children Services would like to express our sincerest gratitude and warmest thanks to all of the individuals, clubs, organizations, and businesses for their generous donations and sponsorship to the foster children and families of Highland County during this Christmas holiday season.

Well, the Republicans are in charge of the House of Representatives, and what a wonderful job the did on their first day. They read the Constitution and made it one of the most boring and unwatchable events ever presented on TV.

It’s that time of year again when my county treasurer sends me that semiannual reminder that they do exist and that they have a job to do. Of course, what I’m talking about is the fact that my property taxes are due.

I want to thank the people of Highland County for giving me the chance to work for them. I have worked with the Highland County Extension office for over 23 years and I couldn’t have asked to have had a better career.

A deficit is what occurs when you spend money you don’t have. For example, giving tax breaks without paying for them. Another would be starting two wars without paying for them.

We need thoughtful leadership to put the country back on solid financial footing, not representatives reacting to an angry, ignorant mob.

During the past several weeks, I have reflected on many people – staff and clients. Two wonderful people stand out, John and Jean Carson. Both were instrumental in starting and maintaining mental services in Highland County.

In response to Mr. Rentz’ letter to the editor “GOP needs a name change,” I would like to point out the errors in his thoughts.

I wonder what might your greatest wish be this Christmas? This is the one time of year where we are allowed to indulge in our dreaming, why even our Christmas cartoons tell our children this is the time of year, a special time, where dreams can and do come true. They say that if we can dream it, it can happen.  
 Many of us have spent the last several weeks listening to our children telling us what they wish for this Christmas.

If I were to meet someone on the street today in some brief encounter, it's certain that I would wish them "Merry Christmas." Not "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" or anything else. It would be "Merry Christmas."

In response to a letter last week by Mr. Ken Rentz who wrote, "The super-rich have had lower taxes for 10 years now...",  I ask that you please print some information from the irs.gov website.

When asked by Lesley Stahl in an interview of John Boehner on 60 minutes why the Republican Party, supposedly dedicated to reducing government spending and balancing the budget, would support an agreement that would add nearly a trillion dollars to the nation's debt Mr. Boehner took time out from crying to say that deficits are caused by government spending, not by reductions in government income.

Can people afford to leave Hillsboro to try to find work or hold a job? Draw your own conclusions.

To the editor:
 As Highland County and surrounding counties mourn the loss of one of our  faithful and wise friends, colleague, professor, mentor, and example, Bill Horne, I am pleased to take the time out and write to you all about how he inspired my  life, and others.