Good morning, Fayette County. Mark your calendars, sports fans! Highland County is about to experience a whirlwind week of athletic competition, with local teams hitting the baseball diamonds, softball fields, tennis courts, and tracks. The special matchups at VA Memorial Stadium and Xavier University offer unique venues for our talented young athletes to showcase their skills, continuing the Highland County Press's 25-year tradition of keeping our community connected through local sports coverage.
Beyond the playing fields, serious health concerns are commanding attention as the Highland County Health Department campaigns for a crucial replacement levy. Despite removing 43 tons of trash and reaching over 5,200 people through health programs last year, the department now faces measles concerns while local sexual assault victims struggle with inadequate care options. The Alternatives to Violence Center's advocacy during Sexual Assault Awareness Month highlights the ongoing need for improved support services throughout our region.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏆 Highland County gears up for action-packed sports week. The local sports schedule from April 14-19 features numerous varsity matchups across baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field. Hillsboro, McClain, Fairfield, Whiteoak, and Lynchburg-Clay will compete against various opponents throughout the week. Special events include Fairfield facing Williamsburg at VA Memorial Stadium on Monday and Hillsboro playing Williamsburg at Xavier University on Saturday. The Highland County Press has provided this comprehensive schedule as part of its 25-year commitment to free community news.
🏥 Highland County Health Department fights for crucial levy amid measles concerns. Health Commissioner Jared Warner presented the department's 2024 report highlighting impressive community impact, including 43 tons of trash removed through Dumpster Days and over 5,200 people reached through health awareness events. The HCHD is seeking voter approval for a replacement levy that would actually decrease property taxes while ensuring continued public health services. Warner emphasized the importance of vaccines as measles outbreaks emerge elsewhere in Ohio, noting a concerning rise in anti-vaccine sentiment. The department will continue offering monthly health services throughout 2025, including free screenings and a mobile dental program.
🚨 Sexual assault victims face barriers to proper care in Highland County. Highland County commissioners proclaimed April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month during their recent meeting with Alternatives to Violence Center staff. Director Dara Gullette revealed that while reported assaults are at historic lows, this likely reflects reporting problems rather than actual decreases in violence. Local hospitals lack properly trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, forcing victims to travel hours away for rape kits—a process so burdensome many abandon seeking help. The AVC provides 24-hour crisis intervention, shelter, and support services while advocating for better local healthcare response.
⚾ Baseball Scoreboard
The Miami Trace Panthers remained perfect at 5-0 after fending off the previously unbeaten Westfall Mustangs 6-2 in Saturday's non-league showdown. The Panthers' victory puts them on a collision course with Hillsboro next, while Westfall (6-1) must quickly regroup before facing a struggling Southeastern squad that's fresh off a shutout loss. Sometimes the Trace leaves the Mustangs in the dust.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Miami Trace (5-0) | ||
vs Westfall | W 6-2 |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Spacious Cooper with grand staircase: Priced at $335,990, The Cooper new construction home features an open concept first floor, large foyer, and a wide turned staircase with optional upgrades like a first floor bedroom or fireplace, plus a spacious kitchen with a walk-in pantry.
Modern ranch with flex space: This Bradford ranch floorplan, listed at $279,990, offers 1,611 square feet with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an optional second-floor bonus room, featuring an open layout with a flex room and private primary suite.
Beautiful Home Many Upgrades: Priced at $299,000, this move-in ready home offers vaulted ceilings, a renovated kitchen with granite countertops, updated bathrooms, and extensive improvements including new HVAC, foundation work, and outdoor features like a gazebo and retractable awning.🙏 In Remembrance
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