The Clermont County Mental Health Alliance honored individuals last week for their work in either promoting or improving the study of mental health, or for working to overcome the effects of a mental illness. The second annual Celebration of Hope and Heroes ceremony honored three individuals with the hope award for overcoming mental health problems, as well as 13 individuals who have contributed to the eradication of mental health issues among the population.

Felicity-Franklin sixth grade special education teacher and soldier Toby Lewin was welcomed home from Iraq with a surprise homecoming parade and celebration on the school’s campuses May 23. The 1,200 students of the Felicity-Franklin School District, along with the school district’s staff and administration, took time during the day to welcome him home, greet him, and thank him for his service in fighting to secure and protect our freedoms.

Moler Raceway Park in Sterling Township (right outside Williamsburg) officially opened its gates over the Memorial Day weekend. After a couple of postponements due to weather and permit issues, Moler Raceway Park welcomed hundreds to its grand opening May 25.

What took years to grow was gone in seconds. 2007 Williamsburg High School graduates Sarah Banzhaf, Ashley Fox, Ashley Childs, and mother Lissa Childs, gathered together and, in an instant, felt the pull and cut from a pair of scissors as their flowing locks were severed.

What is believed to have started as a motorcycle stunt on state Route 32 Sunday resulted in the death of a Wheelersburg man. Jared Roe, 23, died after an apparent stunt he performed on his motorcycle resulted in a crash in Batavia.

A recent meeting of key individuals in the Clermont County community has helped spur progress on the new Clermont County Homeless Shelter. Billie Kuntz, executive director of community action, said that the meeting, held last week, included several key members of the community in a communication and strategy discussion designed to map out a plan of action.

A few weeks ago I wrote a tongue-in-cheek column about bed mites. Bed mites are creepy little creatures that live in our beds, but they