The Hillsboro Times-Gazette: 5 Shocking Changes And 200 Years Of Local News That Define Highland County, Ohio

The Times-Gazette in Hillsboro, Ohio, is not just a newspaper; it is a vital, living record of Highland County's history, dating back over two centuries. As of December 2025, the landscape of local journalism in the region has undergone a massive, yet strategic, transformation, ensuring that the paper’s legacy continues while adapting to the modern media environment.

This deep dive into the venerable institution explores its shocking recent operational changes, its deep roots in Ohio history, and the key people and entities that keep the presses—or at least the digital feeds—running today. From its founding in 1818 to its current role as a cornerstone of local news, the *Times-Gazette* remains essential for understanding the pulse of Hillsboro and the surrounding communities.

The Times-Gazette: A 200-Year Chronicle and Corporate Profile

The history of *The Times-Gazette* is a fascinating journey that parallels the development of Hillsboro itself. The paper’s lineage is one of the longest in Ohio, establishing its topical authority as the voice of Highland County.

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• Original Founding: The newspaper’s roots trace back to June 18, 1818, with the premiere edition of the *Hillsborough Gazette and Highland Advertiser*.
• Founder: The original publisher was Moses Carothers, a native of the Old Dominion.
• Historical Titles: The publication has operated under a succession of names, including the *Hillsboro Gazette*, the *Highland Democrat*, and the *Hillsboro Press Gazette*.
• Daily Publication: It began publishing as a daily newspaper on October 1, 1973.
• Current Location: Hillsboro, Ohio, which serves as the county seat for Highland County.
• Current Owner: AIM Media Midwest, a regional subsidiary of the larger AIM Media.
• Former Owner: The paper was previously owned by Civitas Media.

The Team and Leadership Defining Local Coverage

The operational leadership of the newspaper is crucial to its function, especially during periods of change and consolidation. The team at AIM Media Midwest oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of *The Times-Gazette*.

• Current Editor: Jacob Clary currently serves as the Editor, guiding the editorial content and local reporting.
• Regional Leadership: Lane Moon is the Vice President of AIM Media Midwest, overseeing the regional strategy.
• Sales Direction: Sharon Hughes manages the advertising and subscription revenue as the Media Sales Director.

The 5 Most Significant Recent Changes to the Times-Gazette

In the last few years, the local news landscape has seen rapid evolution. *The Times-Gazette* has adapted through several major operational and structural shifts to ensure its long-term viability and to continue serving its readership in Hillsboro and Highland County.

1. The Creation of ‘The Connector’ Print Product

The most significant and recent change for subscribers is the consolidation of the print product. In a strategic move announced in August 2025, *The Times-Gazette* (Hillsboro) merged its physical newspaper with two other regional publications under a new banner: "The Connector."

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This new print product combines the content from the *Wilmington News Journal* and the *Washington Court House Record-Herald* with the Hillsboro paper. The merger is designed to streamline printing and distribution costs while still delivering essential local news from all three communities to subscribers.

2. Digital Presence Remains Distinct

While the print editions have been combined into "The Connector," the digital presence of the Hillsboro paper remains separate. The *Times-Gazette* website continues to operate independently, providing unique, dedicated online coverage for the Highland County area, distinct from its sister papers.

3. Operational Changes in Printing and Distribution

The newspaper announced changes to its printing and distribution process, which began in February (year unspecified in the snippet, but part of a recent update). This shift affects how subscribers receive their printed newspaper and digital access, reflecting a broader industry trend toward optimizing logistics.

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4. Focus on Critical Local Government and Financial Reporting

Recent top stories from the paper highlight a strong focus on local government accountability and fiscal health. For example, recent coverage has detailed the Hillsboro City Council's actions, including reports from Hillsboro Auditor Dawson Barreras, who described the city’s financials as "very strong."

Other key local issues covered include the approval of BDSRGP match requirements and the ongoing process for land bank cleanup funding, particularly at a former gas station site on E. Main St.

5. Highlighting Key Community Events and Court News

In late 2025, the paper's front-page coverage showcased major community events and judicial outcomes, demonstrating its role as a community calendar and watchdog. Recent headlines included reports on the successful Hillsboro parade, which featured a new staging area and large crowds, as well as updates on court proceedings, such as individuals sentenced to community control.

Highland County Entities and News Topics Driving Authority

To fully understand *The Times-Gazette* is to understand the region it serves. The paper builds topical authority by consistently covering the key entities and unique aspects of Highland County, Ohio.

Local Government and Civic Life

• Hillsboro City Council: The paper provides regular, detailed coverage of council meetings and legislative actions, ensuring transparency in local governance.
• Highland County Courthouse: Judicial and legal news, including court sentencing and law enforcement reports (Hillsboro P.D. Reports), are a consistent feature, connecting residents to the justice system.
• Community Control: Reporting on court-mandated community control and other judicial outcomes is a regular feature.

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

The *Times-Gazette* frequently features stories that connect the present to the past, leveraging the area’s rich history.

• Fort Hill State Park: Located southeast of Hillsboro, this park is famous for its ancient Native American earthworks, a significant cultural entity often highlighted in local historical features.
• National Register of Historic Places: The paper covers the numerous properties and districts in Highland County listed on the National Register, preserving the region's heritage.
• Historic Figures: Features on Revolutionary War Veterans like John Crawford ensure that local history is not forgotten.

Regional Education and Business

• Southern State Community College (SSCC): The newspaper covers local educational achievements, such as SSCC students being inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
• Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA): Coverage of regional economic drivers includes ODA announcements, such as grant funding for farm projects.

The strategic shift to "The Connector" for print, combined with a strong, dedicated digital presence, positions *The Times-Gazette* to continue its 200-year mission. It remains the essential source for local news, from the latest Hillsboro City Council decision to the historical significance of Fort Hill, cementing its role as the definitive voice of Highland County, Ohio.