It's hard to imagine going your whole life and never visiting a dentist; the results could be detrimental and could lead to problems including gum disease and cavities. Petland says that the same applies to pets. Our furry friends need routine dental care to keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape.

Current recommendations are that every woman over the age of 40 receives an annual mammogram to assist in detecting breast cancer early. Thanks to a generous grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Mercy Hospitals, women in the Highland County area now have the opportunity to receive a mammogram at no cost. On Friday, March 11, Mercy Hospital's mobile unit will be providing mammogram screenings at the Highland County Health Department from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Laurels of Hillsboro recently hosted the first annual jackpot bingo at their facility on Jan. 27. They invited local nursing homes and assisted living facilities to play bingo for a jackpot of $345 in cash and gift cards. Heartland of Hillsboro and Highland House guests gladly accepted the invitation. Various volunteers and family members from the community helped with the event.

Dr. Stephanie Dunson will be guest speaker at the Black History Month program on Feb. 19 at the Hillsboro Public Library.

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Cale M. Garman graduated from the Utilities Systems Apprentice Course at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas.

The 2010 tobacco year was not one that will go down in our memory as a good year.  The marketing of the crop was by far the hardest year for producers in the post-buyout era.  We have seen some increase in the tobacco being accepted at the local receiving station after the opening week, which was a nightmare for producers in most instances.  I am sure most people have heard stories about how unpredictable the market has been at the receiving station with tobacco being turned away one day and sold at a good price just a few days later.

Valentine’s Dance
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 12, 5-9 p.m. for our first Saturday night bash of the year. Following a delicious dinner, you can dance to the music of the New Sunshine Band, join the Euchre game, shoot some pool or try your hand at corn hole. Tickets are $5 in advance, $6 at the door. For all of our Saturday Night Supper Parties, you may make your reservation in person or by phone and pick up your tickets at the door at advance ticket price. Call 937-393-4745 for reservations.

"You do not want to miss this powerful concert by one of the most sought-after groups in southern gospel music," said Good Shepherd Curch Music Director Lanny Bryant. "They are claiming 2011 as their 'Miracle Tour.' Please try and make it out for this great concert, you will be glad you did."

The opportunities and support offered by HCCAO includes programs for the very young children through Early Head Start, to those in their golden years through Meals on Wheels and Senior Nutrition, and all ages in between.

Shawnee State University will be hosting several events in honor of Black History Month in the month of February.

The 2011 Writer of Promise award at Shawnee State University will be presented to Matthew McGuire, of Chillicothe, at the Second Annual SSU Intro Series Reading.

Theater students at Shawnee State University will present a light-hearted musical, "The boy Friend," that will be featured in the first dinner-theater production at the university on Valentine's Day, Monday, Feb. 14.

President of the Highland County Board of Commissioners Shane Wilkin attended a recent meeting of the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and gave the oath of office to Sam Snyder, a new board member; and to Deb Tissot, who has renewed her term.

Shirley Conley, an 18-year volunteer who just chalked up 5,000 volunteer hours at Highland  District Hospital, has been recognized by HDH.

The Business Technology class at Hillsboro Middle School was challenged by their teacher, Mrs. Miles, and they responded. Of the six classes that Mrs. Miles teaches, the eighth-period class responded with the most canned goods and was treated to a pizza party and a visit by Highland County Homeless Shelter Executive Director Michael Ballentine. In total, all the students brought in and donated over 160 cans of food.