Highland County Mortgage Rates Decline

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported a decline in mortgage interest rates this past week The first drop in rates in the past five weeks. Rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69 percent, down from last week's 6.71 percent.

A drop in interest rates is always good news for Highland County home buyers, but it is especially good news during the spring/summer selling season when inventories are at their highest levels of the year and when the majority of buyers are looking to buy.

Thinking of buying a home? You can get a list of Highland County homes for sale as they hit the market. Simply, click here!

What others say about: Buyers, Dickey Group, Purchasing a Home, Sellers


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Hillsboro High School All-Class Reunion

The Hillsboro High School All-Class Reunion will begin in June 30th at 2 p.m. with an alumni gathering at the high school. Registration will take place as well as tours of the current high school building with former classmates and family members. At 7 p.m. that evening, there will be an all-class program at Richards Memorial Field. This will include recognition of alumni and teachers, a brief update on the current schools, and Hillsboro Bicentennial information. The evening will end with light music and refreshments and a dance. Other events during the reunion and bicentennial festival will be the opening of a 175-year-old time capsule. In addition, a new time capsule will be buried.

For a complete list of events for the All-Class Reunion and Hillsboro Bicentennial visit their Web site at www.hillsboroohio.net/bicentennial.htm.

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Busy Summer Season Upon Us

With the arrival of summer, comes the fun outdoor activities that all of us enjoy: fishing, sailing, camping, swimming, boating, and picnicking. All of these activities can be enjoyed right here in Highland County....at Rocky Fork Lake State Park. The park offers a myriad of warm weather pastimes.

There are so many things to do at the lake... Many improvements have been made to the campgrounds. Cornhole is now available. Many hiking trails provide for numerous bird-watching opportunities. The park offers much much more for campers as well as the public! All are invited to enjoy the park!

What others say about: Community, Dickey Group, Rocky Fork Lake, Vacation


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Tribute to a Hero

Whether one agrees or disagrees with our country's current military engagement in Iraq, we must support those individuals who fight for our country. Many people have given their lives during service in the armed forces. Locally, we have seen many involved in one way or another with military service. Only a little over a month ago, Hillsboro saw its very own Zachary Gullett die while serving in Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

A week ago today was Flag Day, a national holiday officially designated by President Truman. This day reminds us of the importance national symbols have to the citizens of our country. These symbols represent the basic freedoms and rights we have in our country. The very freedoms for which our men and women in uniform are fighting.

We thank each and every man and woman that has served or is serving our country in the military!

What others say about: Community, Dickey Group, Holiday


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Highland County Water Company Enters New Facility

A new 13, 525-square-foot building, next door to the old building is now being used by the Highland County Water Company (HCWC). This move will improve the overall operations of the water company as there was no space remaining in the old building.

Funding from the USDA Rural Development program helped make it possible for this new facility to be built. It has 8,800 square feet of office space room, a water meter room, and a lot of storage. Everyone at the HCWC is looking forward to working in the new facility in order to provide better service to their customers.

We are excited for the HCWC to grow and be better able to help the residents of Highland County.

Click here to read more!

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Dante Jackson Performs Well During State Championships

Earlier this month, McClain High School's Dante Jackson defended his state championship title in the 110 hurdles. This race set the pace for the rest of the competition. Jackson fell short during the 300 hurdle event taking the runner up position, even after beating his own personal best record.

This final competition for Jackson's high school career brings his total placings at the state level to seven. Jackson is headed to Xavier University in the fall on a basketball scholarship.

Congratulations to Dante Jackson and continued success in future endeavors! The Dickey Group wishes you well!

To read more, click here!

What others say about: Community, Dickey Group, Schools, Sports, Team, Youth


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Old West Theme Park

Plans have been set into motion to build a new Western-themed family establishment. Entitled Old West Festival, the park will be a tribute to the old Wild West days from out of American history. Visitors will be able to enjoy food and drinks at the local saloon, duck for cover during the staged gun fights, and shop for crafts from the times. The park will be open for four weekends a year from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The goal is to completely recreate the look and feel of an old early 1900s western town. The park's debut is expected to be May 24, 2008.

We are excited to see a new business being developed in the local area. Good luck to Drew Diemling as he pursues his Wild West dream!

To read more, click here!

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New Turf for Old Field

The Hillsboro City School Board has plans to rejuvenate Hillsboro High School's Richards Memorial Field. They plan to have new turf in place for football season this fall. The goal is to get the field back into better playing condition so that they can possibly attract playoff games again. Recommendations for the new turf come from the Athletics Director Duane Earley. School representatives have met with experts in the field to make the best decisions. Current problems with the field have been attributed to the fact that in the past, several different people have had different opionions about how to manage and care for the field. The new plan calls for a return to Kentucky bluegrass. Resources within the district will be used to rebuild and resod the field. Financial support is being offered by the Athletic Boosters as well as any indiviudals interested in supporting the funding of part of this project.

Click here to read more!

What others say about: Community, Football, Schools, Youth


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Post Secondary Enrollment Option Available for High Schoolers

The Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program allows high school students (grades 9-12) to earn college and high school credits simultaneously by successfully completing college courses. All five school districts in Highland County utilize this program to assist those dedicated students who know what career they want to pursue. This opportunity gives kids a chance to experience college life and it is free! The Ohio Department of Education redirects funds from the public school to the college in order to pay for tuition and books. Enrollment in this program includes a small percentage of the total enrollment at the public schools, which means that the cost to the locals schools is manageable. The PSEO program has allowed several students to earn Associate's degrees by the time they graduate from high school.

This program is not for everyone: challenges are present. Students and parents are encourage to speak with the principal and guidance counselor at their school to find out more information!

Click here to read more!

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Paint Creek State Park - Something for Everyone

Located in Highland County, Paint Creek State Park has made some improvements to its facilities to offer more summer fun for visitors! There are a few new surprises, too!

As in the past, swimming at the 1000 foot beach, and camping are offered with cleaner restrooms and changing houses available. New pontoon boats and deep-bottom boats are also available for those wishing to fish. Hunting is also permitted at the park - license required. Campsites have been updated and provide options for pets! Four long walking trails, over 25 miles of bridle trails, and mountain bike trails invite everyone to enjoy the scenic park lands. A nature center shares a wealth of information with visitors. New to the park this year is a miniature golf course and coming soon - a playground!

On a related topic, those visiting the park are reminded to be safe and cautious with any outdoor activities. One activity that several have been injured from is cliff diving. In an effort to maintain safety at the park, Paint Creek has officially banned cliff diving. This risky behavior is not encouraged or allowed at the park. Fines and unspecified prison time could result. Kite tubing (inflatable devices designed to become airborne when pulled behind high-speed boats) has also been banned at the park. Officials encourage park visitors to engage in fun and safe activities for the summer season!

The Dickey Group encourages everyone to visit and enjoy the local parks! These natural resources provide many fun opportunites for adults and children of all ages!

To read more about Paint Creek, click here or visit this website.

What others say about: Community, Dickey Group, Vacation, Youth


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