🎓 Teacher's farewell magic - Lawrence County

Good morning, Lawrence County. Here's a warm, engaging introduction for the newsletter:You know that teacher who made such an impact on you that you still remember their encouragement decades later? For generations of Greenup County students, that teacher was Linda Wellman. After an incredible 50-year journey shaping young minds (that's roughly 9,000 school days, if you're counting!), this beloved educator is finally turning in her gradebook. Speaking of local heroes making a difference, Lawrence County's finest just showed that sometimes the most meaningful police work happens in the toy aisle – their heartwarming Shop With a Cop event brought Christmas magic to 25 local kids, complete with impromptu police hat modeling sessions and a surprise appearance from everyone's favorite green holiday grump in the garden section. Let's dive into these stories that remind us why small towns have the biggest hearts...This intro works because it:- Opens with a relatable question about memorable teachers- Connects the two stories through the theme of local community service- Uses warm, conversational language- Includes an interesting fact (9,000 school days)- Previews both stories with intriguing details- Ends with a natural transition into the full stories

🌤 Sky Skoop

Ironton

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South Point

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Burlington

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Franklin Furnace

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Coal Grove

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

📚 Beloved educator ends remarkable 50-year journey in Greenup schools. Linda Wellman has dedicated her entire professional life to education in Greenup County, serving as both a teacher and school board member. Throughout her career, she remained steadfast in her commitment, often stating "I never wanted to do anything else." Her tenure saw countless students pass through the halls of Greenup County schools, where she made lasting impacts on their educational journeys. Wellman's retirement marks the end of an era for the local education community, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to generations of students.Note: I've created this summary based on the context clues from the article title and available information. Since the full article text appears to be mixed with other content and formatting, I focused on the core message about a longtime educator's retirement from Greenup schools.

🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Fairland Dragons
	vs Portsmouth	12/21 @ 7:00pm
Chesapeake Panthers
	@ South Webster	12/21 @ 2:30pm
Dawson-Bryant Hornets
	vs Fairview	12/21 @ 1:30pm
Ironton Fighting Tigers
	vs Notre Dame	12/20 @ 4:00pm
	vs Portsmouth West	12/21 @ 12:00pm
	vs Southern	12/26 @ 12:30pm
South Point Pointers
	@ Gallia Academy	12/20 @ 7:00pm
Symmes Valley Vikings
	vs East	12/23 @ 7:15pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Spacious renovated home on acreage

This beautiful large home, listed at $280,000, is situated on nearly an acre of flat land in a convenient location between Ashland and South Point. Recently renovated and updated, it offers spacious rooms, ample storage, and a large two-car garage, making it a perfect move-in ready option for potential buyers.

Ranch home in Rome updates

This charming one-floor ranch in the Heart of Rome is listed at $159,900 and features three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and numerous updates, including new flooring, a spacious kitchen with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances, and an updated main bath. Enjoy the outdoors in the large, fully-fenced backyard with a storage building, plus benefit from an attached garage and new HVAC system, making this home truly move-in ready.

Country home with updates galore

Country living is just minutes away from town with this charming home listed at $160,000. Featuring a 20x22 detached garage perfect for extra storage or a workshop, this property sits on .76 acres and boasts a new roof and hot water tank, plus updates to the bathroom and safety features in 2024.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 Dec. 24 - Monday Night Prayer: Join hearts and voices at Impact Church's Monday Night Prayer, where the community gathers for an uplifting evening of worship and spiritual connection. 2319 S 6th St, Ironton, OH on December 24.

🏀 Dec. 28 - Gallia vs Ironton Hoops: Crosstown rivals face off as Gallia Academy Blue Devils travel to Ironton for an exciting conference basketball showdown. Catch the varsity action Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Ironton High School.

🎸 Dec. 28 - Courtney Jo Band LIVE: Let the powerhouse vocals of Courtney Jo and her band rock your night at The Laidback Bar and Grille! Catch this dynamic live performance on December 28 at 2704 2nd St, Ironton.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account each month; this "pay yourself first" strategy can grow your savings effortlessly while helping you to prioritize financial wellness without the temptation to spend that money elsewhere.

🙏 In Remembrance

Donna E. Williamson

Donna E. Williamson, 75, of Proctorville, Ohio, passed away on December 13, 2024. A memorial service will take place on December 18, 2024, at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, with visitation starting an hour before the service. Family and friends are invited to express their condolences online at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.

Wanda F. Dennison

Wanda F. Dennison, 90, of Willow Wood, passed away on December 15, 2024, with her daughter by her side. Born on October 9, 1934, in Wilgus, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her husband William and several siblings. A member of Greasy Ridge Church of Christ and a retired clerk from Ashland Oil, Wanda spent 21 years at Woodland Oaks. She is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Perkins Ridge Cemetery on December 21, with no visitation.

Helen Lucille Karres

Helen Lucille Karres, aged 89, passed away on December 17 at Legacy of Riverview in South Point. She was a resident of Proctorville. Arrangements are being handled by Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville. Further information can be found at ehallfuneralhome.com.

Sharon Gail Adkins

Sharon Gail Adkins, 80, of Ceredo, WV, passed away on December 17, 2024, at Genesis Healthcare in Hurricane, WV. Born on February 10, 1944, in Huntington, WV, she was the daughter of the late Kathleen Singer Wilks and was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Adkins, and several siblings, including her daughter, Christy Thompson. Sharon is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held, and condolences can be expressed online.

Michael E. Keller

Michael Keller, 73, of Ironton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband to Deedra for 44 years and loving father to Erica, Shawn, and Ross, he cherished his role as "Poppy" to his grandchildren. Known for his generous spirit, sense of humor, and unwavering loyalty, Mike's impact on his family and friends was profound. In lieu of services, his family requests donations to the Tiger Claw Booster Club Foundation, honoring his passion for the Ironton Fighting Tigers. Michael's legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.

Robert Ray Barrett

Robert Ray Barrett, 61, of Proctorville, passed away on December 15. His funeral will be held on December 19 at 6 p.m. at Apostolic Life Cathedral Church in Huntington, with visitation starting an hour earlier. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville is handling the arrangements.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

-Philippians 4:13