As the nation celebrates its 242nd birthday, and as the city of Hillsboro celebrates its annual Festival of the Bells, there is cause for just a bit more celebration this week. On July 3, Hillsboro City Council member and council president pro tempore Justin Harsha informed me of his decision to run for mayor of Hillsboro in 2019.

For the past decade, I’ve seen Shane Wilkin on more Wednesday mornings than I care to – or probably can – remember. From my perspective – with absolutely no entangling alliances – Shane has been a hard-working county commissioner. As president of the Board of Commissioners since 2009, he has been forged in fiscal fire on many occasions.

On Memorial Day, Judy McCray has often read “The Symbols for the Folds of the Flag” at the Highland County Courthouse ceremony. The first three folds are as follows: “The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life; the second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life; and the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.” On Memorial Day 2018, let us not forget that third fold.

On Memorial Day, Judy McCray has often read “The Symbols for the Folds of the Flag” at the Highland County Courthouse ceremony. The first three folds are as follows: “The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life; the second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life; and the third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.” On Memorial Day 2018, let us not forget that third fold.

The next check I’m writing will be to Brian Baldridge, not only because he is an honorable man, but also because this particular tactic in politics is particularly annoying. Cleveland political action committees have no clue about southern Ohio’s 90th House District. They also have no place here. My family will be voting for Brian Baldridge in the May 8 primary.

One of my favorite U.S. presidents – for many reasons – is George Washington. Unlike today’s wannabe-statesmen, Washington knew the difference between a political swamp and a lobbyist hot tub. By the way, the Father of our Country also loved dogs. No kidding.

The city auditor canceled the $33,100 purchase order for the mayor’s property on March 26 and informed The Highland County Press on March 27, following a request from the newspaper. To his credit, Lewis initially questioned the ethics related to a sitting mayor taking advantage of public funds for his personal property.

One of my lasting memories and messages from the late Ernie B. Blankenship was a simple one: “You have to give back.” And the time to give back is now. The Hillsboro and Greenfield Rotary Clubs will host the 46th annual Ernie Blankenship Radio-Telethon for the benefit of the Highland County Society for Children and Adults on Wednesday, March 28.

The Highland County Press enjoyed recent visits from two newcomers to the southern Ohio political scene. This past week, Highland County commissioner candidate John D. Knauff of Carmel and Ohio House of Representatives candidate Beth Ellis talked about their reasons for running and respective qualifications.

The Highland County Press enjoyed recent visits from two newcomers to the southern Ohio political scene. This past week, Highland County commissioner candidate John D. Knauff of Carmel and Ohio House of Representatives candidate Beth Ellis talked about their reasons for running and respective qualifications.

“It's impossible to put into words what John Wend has done for Greenfield. Whether it was coaching, announcing or just supporting our students, John touched so many lives. We were truly blessed to have such a great supporter of Tiger Nation for so many years. He wore his purple with pride whether win or lose. He always was a positive voice for our town. We really did lose a great man." – McClain High School Principal Jason Potts

“It's impossible to put into words what John Wend has done for Greenfield. Whether it was coaching, announcing or just supporting our students, John touched so many lives. We were truly blessed to have such a great supporter of Tiger Nation for so many years. He wore his purple with pride whether win or lose. He always was a positive voice for our town. We really did lose a great man." – McClain High School Principal Jason Potts

“It's impossible to put into words what John Wend has done for Greenfield. Whether it was coaching, announcing or just supporting our students, John touched so many lives. We were truly blessed to have such a great supporter of Tiger Nation for so many years. He wore his purple with pride whether win or lose. He always was a positive voice for our town. We really did lose a great man." – McClain High School Principal Jason Potts

“It's impossible to put into words what John Wend has done for Greenfield. Whether it was coaching, announcing or just supporting our students, John touched so many lives. We were truly blessed to have such a great supporter of Tiger Nation for so many years. He wore his purple with pride whether win or lose. He always was a positive voice for our town. We really did lose a great man." – McClain High School Principal Jason Potts

Aunt Patty helped Pam and me get through the births of our three children at HDH and the death of my father. All nurses – and doctors – could learn from Patty. She was the best. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her. I cannot imagine a better ambassador for Highland District Hospital.