SEBRING — By mid-January, Highlands County is likely to become the third county in the state to give county residents serving in the military in combat zones a monthly stipend. The proposed stipend being considered is $75 per month of combat duty. The idea has been pending before the Highlands County commissioners since early November, but is likely to move quickly now that Joseph Dionne, the county's veterans services officer, is ready to make a recommendation. Dionne said Thursday he plans to send to county Attorney Ross Macbeth a proposal for the county to award the $75-per-month stipend to all full-time Highlands County residents currently serving in the military and deployed in what the federal government classifies as combat zones. ...more

December 21, 2007

SEBRING — While the person giving the invocation to start the Highlands County Board of Commissioners meetings changes every week, one thing stays constant. Every meeting begins with expressions of gratitude to and prayers for the men and women serving in the military. At Tuesday's meeting, the commissioners will discuss a proposal to provide up to $900 per year in financial aid to military personnel from Highlands County serving in combat zones in the war on terrorism. Highlands County is likely to become the 14th county in the state to offer such aid through an exemption on property taxes or a stipend to help with expenses. ...more

November 10, 2007

SEBRING — In honor of the county's veterans, the School Board of Highlands County unanimously approved naming its new elementary school "Memorial Elementary." The school is under construction on the west side of Memorial Drive, just north of Lakeview Memorial Gardens. The school district has a preference for naming schools with a geographic element in the name, Superintendent Wally Cox said at Tuesday's school board meeting. ...more

October 25, 2007

SEBRING — Could bus service be launched in Highlands County, with connections to surrounding counties? What about a dial-a-ride program? Or organzed car- and van-pooling? Those and other transportation issues will be discussed at Monday's monthly meeting of the Highlands County Homeowners Assocation. ...more

September 8, 2007