Highland County Historical Society Hall of Fame inductee Leslie Ramsey: A familiar voice — and a familiar face
By Steve Roush
HCP columnist
NOTE: This is Part 4 of a series leading up to the Highland County Historical Society's induction of five new members into its Hall of Fame on Aug. 16. This week, we profile Leslie Ramsey.
Ladies and gentlemen, Leslie Ann Ludwick Ramsey is a lifelong Highland County resident whose familiar voice — and familiar face — has been woven into the fabric of the community for decades. Through her work in broadcasting and countless volunteer efforts, Leslie has become one of the county's most recognizable and respected public servants.
Leslie began her broadcasting career in 1967 when she was hired by WSRW Radio as a part-time secretary. As is often the case at small-town radio stations, her responsibilities quickly expanded. During her career, she served as an account executive and commercial manager while also working on-air, writing and producing commercials, and handling sales. She truly wore many hats.
From 1983-85, Leslie served as Highland County deputy registrar under Gov. Dick Celeste. Soon afterward, she returned to broadcasting, becoming the trusted voice behind WSRW's popular Community Bulletin Board, keeping listeners informed about events and activities throughout Highland County.
More recently, Leslie filled a similar role at WVNU in Greenfield. As one of the area's most popular radio personalities, she was frequently asked to emcee community events, speak to civic organizations, and participate in job fairs. During the winter quarter of 1990, she also taught "Radio Communications" as part of Southern State Community College's Adult Continuing Education Program.
A 1960 graduate of Hillsboro High School, Leslie was a licensed FCC broadcast operator for nearly 50 years. In 1996, readers recognized her outstanding work by voting her "Best Radio Personality" in the Readers' Choice Awards. She also taught business and management classes at Southern State Community College.
Her commitment to the community extends far beyond broadcasting. Leslie was inducted into the Highland County Women's Hall of Fame in 1994 and was named Patriotic Citizen of the Year by Highland County veterans in 2000.
She has also devoted countless hours to preserving local history as a trustee and former secretary of the Highland County Historical Society. In addition, she has been a frequent volunteer at the Highland House Museum and for numerous historical society events.
Leslie is the mother of two children, Nick and Alison, and has several grandchildren. Despite an already full schedule, she has remained deeply involved in civic and charitable organizations throughout her life. She is a member and past president of Hillsboro Emblem Club No. 277; a member and past president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 129; a past president of the Highland County Senior Citizens Board of Directors; a past president of the Hillsboro Women's Bowling Association; and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.
In addition to Leslie Ramsey, this year's Hall of Fame inductees include Dr. Brad D. Nelson, Ph.D., Dinah Phillips, Dr. Robert T. "Rob" Sharp and the late Paul Turner.
The inductees will be honored during a ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hillsboro. A reception and social hour will immediately follow at the Highland House Museum. The Highland County Historical Society cordially invites the public to attend and help recognize this outstanding group of honorees.
For more information about the Highland County Historical Society or the Hall of Fame ceremony, call (937) 393-3392 or email hchistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
Steve Roush is president of the Highland County Historical Society and has served as both chairman and vice chairman of the HCHS Board of Trustees. He is also a board member of the Highland District Hospital Foundation, vice president of an international media company, and a columnist and contributing writer for The Highland County Press. He can be reached at roush_steve@msn.com.