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.

Marine Corps Pfc. Joshua S. Kreal, son of Cheryl R. Hatfield of Sinking Spring, Ohio and Seng H. Kreal of West Chester, Ohio, recently completed 12 weeks of basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S. C. designed to challenge new Marine recruits both physically and mentally.

The Blanchester Downtown Development Committee will kick off its first event of 2010 by ROASTING one of Blanchester’s long-serving public servants, Donald Walker. Walker, who has worn many hats during a lifelong career with the village including stints with the Life Squad, the Blanchester Board of Public Affairs and the Blanchester Fire Department, is currently Blanchester’s Fire Chief. It is fitting and proper that Blanchester citizens have this opportunity to bestow their affection and a little bit of chicanery upon a gentleman who needs no introduction but deserves recognition. The event will take place in the Municipal Cafeteria on Cherry Street beginning with registration at 5.30 and dinner at 6:00 PM on Saturday March 6.

The December 2009 session of the Highland County Grand Jury handed down indictments on Cledus D. Lamb, 48, of Lynchburg for two counts of rape and one count each of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and kidnapping.

Domestic violence survivor Marala Scott will discuss her memoir, “In Our House: Perception vs. Reality,” 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium on Southern State Community College’s Central Campus, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro. The event is free and open to the public.

Domestic violence survivor Marala Scott will discuss her memoir, “In Our House: Perception vs. Reality,” 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, in the Edward K. Daniels Auditorium on Southern State Community College’s Central Campus, 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro. The event is free and open to the public.

State Rep. David Daniels has been awarded Watchdog of the Treasury Award for the 127th General Assembly. The award recognizes key legislators every year who work tirelessly to restore responsible limited government, lower taxes, encourage free enterprise and regulatory relief, and promote personal freedom. This is the third time David Daniels has been honored with this award.

On Feb. 23 at 7:33 p.m., the Hillsboro Police Department was called to the 100 block of S. East Street on the complaint of an accident involving a pedestrian.

Ohio Department of Transportation crews have been dispatched in Adams, Brown and Highland Counties to patrol routes and treat as needed.