Housing slump likely to worsen

The problems in housing have been a serious drag on the overall economy - slashing more than a full percentage point off growth in some quarters. This major slump began in late 2005, and isn't expected to get better for another year or so.

The Joint Economic Committee estimates there will be 1.3 million foreclosures from mid-2007 through 2009 in sub prime mortgages. These loans are provided to borrowers with weak credit histories. Those foreclosures will wipe out an estimated $71 billion in housing wealth directly and another $32 billion indirectly....

To read the full article, click HERE..

Fate of venerable school will be discussed again

There is a committee exploring possibilities for the Hillsboro middle and high school buildings. The original high school buildings were built in 1935, and the middle school is in them now. Many people, including Marilyn Hiestand, a member of the committee, say the buildings are a symbol of their memories of their lives in Hillsboro. A lot of people are dreading the thought of the possibility of seeing the structures destroyed.

The committee is open to the public. It holds monthly meetings to discuss suggestions for possible uses of the buildings once students move into the new high school and middle school. Although the students aren't scheduled to be into the new schools until 2009-10, the decisions for what will happen to the old buildings will be made much sooner.

To read the full article, click HERE.

Another Step Forward for Hobart Drive/S.R. 73 connector

The Highland County Board of Commissioners announced this funding has been approved to begin the first phase in building a link between U.S. 62 and state Route 73.

Briefly discussed during the meeting was a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that will enable the county to move forward on plans to extend Hobart Drive to reach state Route 73.

To read the full article, click HERE.

Changes to Sewage Disposal Rules

We are always asked about the rules and requirements associated with sewage disposal systems. It seems there is always new information about this topic to share with the public. On that note, the following link will provide readers with a copy of the letter sent to local boards of health regarding the repeal of the Department of Health’s home sewage disposal rules which were effective on Jan. 1, 2007.

To view the letter click here.

This should answer any questions about the most recent activity regarding home sewage disposal rules. If you have further questions, please contact the local Board of Health at 937-393-1941 or our office at 937-393-7222.

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Home expo coming up Oct. 13 at SSCC

Do you have questions about the home buying process? If so, then don't miss out on the Home Expo, which is geared toward helping the general public in the home buying process. It is being held at SSCC and is free for anyone to attend. There will be popcorn and soft drinks provided at the seminars. There are several people from other counties also expected to be in attendence.

In addition to seminars, there will be several realtors available to answer any questions about home buying or selling. There are also door prizes that will be given to people who enter a drawing.

Click here for the date and times of the Home Expo.

If you are unable to attend, and you have any questions about the home buying and selling process, then don't hesitate to ask us. You can contact us at Jeff@TheDickeyGroup.com.

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County Increase in Foreclosures

A recent article published in The Times Gazette addressed a very real concern for a lot of families in Highland County: foreclosure. This article reported that the number of homes in foreclosure has and continues to increase across the nation, state and within our county. The Highland County Clerk of Courts office reports that over the past two years, the number of foreclosures has gone up and a large number reported up to mid-August may indicate another increase.

This increase in foreclosures is attributed to two main reasons according to Paulette Donley, the Cleark of Courts: 1. Appraisals for the property were made at a higher cost than what the property is actually worth in order to get the loan. Payments on the home cannot be made and when foreclosure happens, the property value isn't even enough to cover the loan. 2. Most families rely on two incomes to make payments. When a major life change occurs (illness, job loss, divorce), it puts a major strain on the family's financial situation.

The midwest, including Ohio, was hit hard by heavy job losses, especially in manufacturing. This, along with problems with subprime mortgages, Ohio's foreclosure rate and late payment rate is more than twice the national average.

To read this article, click here.

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A Treasure in Our Backyard

I am always encouraged to learn about fascinating people and places in Highland County! Just the other day I was reading about Fort Salem, an earthwork believed to be constructed by the Hopewell or Adena Indians perhaps as early as 100 B.C. It is a circular enclosure about 450 feet in diameter that surrounds a conjoined mound. It is believed to have been used primarily as burial ground and an enclosed sacred space and ritual area. This area is owned and managed by The Archaelogical Conservancy and is open to the public.

To find out more about this neat place and the individuals who work tirelessly to keep it available to the public, click here.

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Local School Newsletter

I recently received the Bright Local School District newsletter "Bright Lights." This newsletter keeps the community up to speed with what's going on at the schools. I commend the district on distributing an informative publication. It is great to hear that Bright Local Schools is an Effective District. This rating proves that hard work and dedication have their rewards. Congratulations!

We at The Dickey Group like to support the local schools by providing information at one of the websites that we host - www.HighlandCountySchools.com . This website includes the Bright Local Schools district newsletter as well as links to each of the districts in Highland County. Check it out!

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New Shoe Store in Town

Last weekend saw the addition of a new business in town - Shoe Sensation opened its doors! With over 6,500 sq. ft., more than 10,000 pairs of shoes and a partnership with Factory Connection, area residents can now shop for a variety of shoes and clothing! The local store offers names brands at lower-than-department-store prices and is located in the Hillsboro Plaza Shopping Center.

We welcome a new business to town!

To read more, click here.

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Hillsboro Housing Project Receives $400,000 Tax Credit

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) has awarded nearly $400,000 to the Hillsboro Senior Apartments project. This project calls for a development to be built on State Route 73 just north of Pea Ridge Road. This project is sponsored by Frontier Community Services and will be built by Leatherwood and Associates. This project is expected to be well received by the public. The same company developed the Pants Factory Apartments which have been full since their beginning.

To learn more, click here.

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10 Ways to Make Your House in Highland County, OH More Saleable

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells! Even if you think you house does not have smells, spring for a good carpet and drape cleaning to eliminate any possible cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Keep the windows open when possible (if road noise is not an issue).

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters. Remove any debris that has accumulated on the roof.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers. Remember, the door is the first part of the home potential buyers see!

To learn more about buying or selling a home in Highland County, OH please call me at 937-393-7222 or visit my Web site at www.TheDickeyGroup.com. I would love to help make your home more saleable!

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Summer Fun in Highland County

Summer is in full swing and as the novelty of being out of school begins to wear off, most parents are bracing themselves for the inevitable “I’m booooored” that is just bound to come out of their children’s mouths soon.

Below is a link to information about community events and fun things to do with your children this summer to get them outside and enjoying this beautiful time of year in Highland County:

Highland County Community

For more information about real estate and living in Highland County, OH please call me at 937-393-7222 or visit my Web site at www.TheDickeyGroup.com. Happy trails, and here’s to an exciting second half of the summer!

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Special Olympics Summer Games

The 38th Annual Special Olympics of Ohio State Summer Games were held June 22-24 at Ohio State University. The Special Olympics Ohio programs reach more than 17,000 athletes - including several from Hills and Dales. Our local Special Olympics team enjoyed a successful trip to the games this year. Seventeen athletes won honors with many placings in a variety of events! With more than 2,700 participants involved in the weekend program - we are very proud of our local team!

To read more, click here!

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Festival of the Bells

The Festival of the Bells will once again provide three great nights of entertainment for Highland Countians to enjoy. Todd Agnew will perform Thursday, July 5th at 9:00 p.m. On Friday, Taylor Swift will sing at 7:30 p.m. and Emerson Drive at 9:30 p.m. Neal McCoy will be on stage on Saturday, July 7th at 9:00 p.m.

Rick Williams, a festival committee member, has helped provide some wonderful entertainment over the years. With help from a booking agent, several big names in country music have performed in Hillsboro. As the festival grows from year to year, the performers are sure to get better and better.

The Festival of the Bells is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great music, support your community and visit with friends and neighbors! Hope to see you there!

Click here to read more!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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