The trial of a Hillsboro man facing attempted murder charges has been continued following an unexpected death in the family of his attorney.
 The case has been continued to Aug. 31, according to the court.

A Hillsboro man was sentenced to four years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges that he assaulted a New Vienna man in front of three young juveniles, leaving the man with serious injuries.

The Supreme Court of the State of Ohio is reviewing if there is a conflict of interest if Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss presides over a local criminal case in which Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin was one of the victims.
 According to an affidavit for disqualification filed with the Supreme Court June 29 by attorney Susan Zurface Daniels on behalf of her client Casey Patton, because the Highland County Board of Commissioners decide budgetary matters for the court, there could be an appearance of bias.

A Highland County man was sentenced to four years in prison Monday after he pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property and selling it as scrap metal, and to vandalizing the Highland County Justice Center while he was in custody.
  Kyle Smallwood was arrested in June after he allegedly stole a metal grain cart, a generator, a Caterpillar trailer and other items from five individuals who live in Highland County. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to a bill of information on charges including five counts of receiving stolen property, felonies of the fifth degree, and vandalism.

The Hillsboro City Council has had the first reading of an ordinance that, if passed, will increase sewer rates 15 percent over three years.
  During council's regular meeting Monday, utilities committee members Dave Shoemaker, chairperson, and Bonnie Parr told council that they were at an impasse on making a recommendation on that matter.

The Highland County Board of Commissioners are awaiting an opinion from the office of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine regarding the next appointment to the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Award-winning blues-rocker Matt O'Ree will bring his high-energy, high-voltage band to the Fling Barn this week in a rare Friday night concert. Dr. Bill Fling, owner of The Barn, located just south of Hillsboro at 8205 W. Berrysville Road, invites the community to see and hear this entertainer who's won two recent Asbury Music Awards for best blues band and best guitarist.

A multi-vehicle crash caused a semi truck to burst into flames on state Route 41 three miles north of Greenfield Friday at approximately 6 p.m.

According to a witness at the scene, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, and fire crews from Washington C.H. area, along with the Paint Creek Joint Fire/EMS Department out of Greenfield responded to the scene. 

"I can't understand from looking at the facts and figures how (Holt) came up with $40," Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins said. "I don't understand where that figure came from. We aren't agreeing to that. It's going to be back and forth (negotiations) from here. I hope it doesn't become a lot of back and forth because that takes too long if things don't get resolved."