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.

SATH (Supplementary Assistance to the Handicapped) is having their 2nd Annual "Souper Bowl" Chili Cook Off and Cake Walk on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 5-8 p.m. at the old Hillsboro High School Cafeteria. All are welcome to come and taste the chili and judge the winners. Bring your change and vote for your favorites, 25 cents per vote.

A new 22-bed hospice unit opening on January 27 at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown will give more Ohio Veterans access to quality, end-of-life care. The Georgetown home is the first Veterans Home in the country offering hospice services in a designated, in-house unit.

Lowell and Janet Dickey will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at an open house on Sunday, Feb. 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Fairfax United Methodist Church.

A Focus Paul Mitchell Salon of Hillsboro welcomes Kristen Sawin to the team of stylists.

Cholesterol 101: The good, the bad and the basic
    Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in every cell in the human body. It helps to produce cell membranes, hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that allow your body to digest fat. Cholesterol also helps in the formation of memories and is vital for neurological function. In many ways, cholesterol is a good thing, but as with all good things, too much of it can be a bad thing.

Highland County students have made an effort to give back to their community with initiatives that benefit the Highland County Homeless Shelter.

On Tuesday, January 25th, the Whiteoak High School will hold a Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction to benefit the Kevin and Kelly Walker family. This event is in conjunction with the high school boys' basketball game vs. Fayetteville.

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Jan. 20 presentation by the Brown County Master Gardeners at Southern State Community College has been rescheduled for Jan. 27.

Wilmington College will present a unique ensemble of seasoned Mexican folk musicians and educators known as Sones de México Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hugh G. Heiland Theatre.

Wilmington College will present a unique ensemble of seasoned Mexican folk musicians and educators known as Sones de México Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m., in the Hugh G. Heiland Theatre.