As noted on several reader's comments on this Web site, in lieu of Rory Ryan's apparent inaccuracy in the weather forecast in his most recent column, The Highland County Press offers this MARCH SPECIAL: The first person who walks into the HCP Main Street office in March wearing a Cabana Shirt gets one free Classified Ad, up to 20 words. If the word "snow" appears in the ad, the deal is off.

Please be advised that Southern State Community College is closed as of 4 p.m.

Despite what Rory Ryan says in this week's column, occasional snow showers and areas of blowing snow are expected this evening, as another storm system works its way through the Ohio Valley.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has announced that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Alan Schriber informed his office that the PUCO will move to restore the all-electric homeowner rate discount at its commission meeting next week.

Navy Seaman Recruit Brandon S. Murray, son of Tina M. and stepson of Kieth A. Raypole of Bainbridge, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

On Feb. 12, 2010 the Highland County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation into an incident that occurred in Liberty Township involving a Hillsboro City Schools Transportation Bus.

Fiscal concerns at the Highland County Airport were discussed at length at Wednesday’s meeting of the Highland County Board of Commissioners. Airport representatives Dr. Paul Terrell, Dan Cowdrey, Virginia Hope and Tom Hudson met with commissioners Shane Wilkin and Tom Horst regarding concerns over airport funding. Commissioner Gary Heaton was not in attendance at the meeting.

Veteran newspaper editor and reporter Brandy Chandler has been named managing editor and editor of online content creation and development for The Highland County Press.

With “regrets,” the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of trustee Don Gephart at Wednesday night’s board meeting held at the central campus. Gephart, who was appointed by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, served from July 2008 until his resignation, submitted to the college earlier this month. Gephart cited re-occurring health issues for his resignation.

Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst was the guest speaker Thursday afternoon at the monthly meeting of the Highland County Board of Realtors. Horst gave a presentation on county government, budgets, levies, and other governmental issues. Horst explained the various county government offices, their responsibilities, and their funding.

Contractors for the Ohio Department of Transportation will undertake a bridge replacement project on County Road 24 (Tri-County Highway) in Mt. Orab, requiring partial closure of the route early next month.

Wilmington College's leadership in helping to build a national culture of service and civic engagement was recognized by inclusion in the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Vickie Kirk and Sheila Brockman were the Carroll Shelbys of this year’s Heartland Chili Challenge Wednesday afternoon at Heartland of Hillsboro. Kirk’s chili recipe won the “Hot” category, and Brockman’s recipe was the favorite of the judges in the “Mild” division. Darlene Roades and Meshell Strong earned second-place honors. Heartland of Hillsboro, Kroger, NCB, Hillsboro Ponderosa Steak House,
Wilkin-Wilkin Insurance, Buckeye Country 105.5 FM, and The Highland County Press sponsored the sixth annual event, which is held in conjunction with a chili supper and dessert auction Thursday, March 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Old Ponderosa Banquet Center in Hillsboro.

Vickie Kirk and Sheila Brockman were the Carroll Shelbys of this year’s Heartland Chili Challenge Wednesday afternoon at Heartland of Hillsboro. Kirk’s chili recipe won the “Hot” category, and Brockman’s recipe was the favorite of the judges in the “Mild” division. Darlene Roades and Meshell Strong earned second-place honors. Heartland of Hillsboro, Kroger, NCB, Hillsboro Ponderosa Steak House,
Wilkin-Wilkin Insurance, Buckeye Country 105.5 FM, and The Highland County Press sponsored the sixth annual event, which is held in conjunction with a chili supper and dessert auction Thursday, March 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Old Ponderosa Banquet Center in Hillsboro.