Most of us have developed a very close personal relationship with our mobile devices: we carry them with us throughout the day, check them frequently, and even sleep with them nearby at night. Although mobile devices allow us to instantly connect with friends and family, to access the internet, get directions and make purchases, this increased convenience also comes at an increased risk. Many of these online activities require us to provide personal information, such as name, email address, account number and credit card information. This puts us at risk of having this information compromised by cyber criminals. It’s important to understand how to protect yourself when connecting on the go.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Identity theft is a serious problem affecting millions of people each year. It involves acquiring key pieces of someone’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number and mother’s maiden name, in order to impersonate them. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, stolen mail, a data breach, computer virus, “phishing” scams, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business. Because of the nature of the crime, victims often do not realize their identity has been stolen until they are denied credit, turned down for a job or sent a bill for purchases they did not make. Remember that cyber security is a shared responsibility!

Heartland Bank has deep ties to Ohio’s farming community. Visionary bank founder Tiney McComb championed the cause of the agriculture industry and made growth and success a reality for central Ohio’s farmers and producers. When your livelihood depends upon changing weather, changing technology and changing commodity prices, you expect and deserve a stable financial partner. A partner that will to help you grow your income and net worth. A partner that will weather the cyclical nature of the markets. A partner like Heartland Bank.

If you're an adult in your 20s, you are entering an exciting stage of life. Whether you've just graduated from college or are starting a new career, you will encounter many opportunities and challenges as you create a life of your own.

The Victory Ministries Center for Hope, a new social services hub that offers low-income families a food pantry, a free clothing shop, counseling, medical care and children’s tutoring, opened with great fanfare in Whitehall last week. Following the purchase of a former shopping center in 2013, Executive Director Lloyd Craycroft began the arduous task of fundraising to pay for renovations, programming and debt repayment. The new 1500 sf facility, at 3964 E. Main Street, replaces their former center on Switzer Road in east Columbus.