Good morning, Pike County. Fiscal responsibility takes center stage this week after a township audit revealed over $1,300 in taxpayer money vanished into the black hole of late fees and penalties. Former Scioto Township fiscal officer Lissa Warrens now faces the music alongside her bonding company, as auditors delivered the sobering reminder that these charges "would have been avoided" with timely payments—words that might resonate with anyone who's ever scrambled to pay a bill before deadline.
Meanwhile, our community mourns two significant losses. Waverly's Kathy Sturgell leaves behind a 27-year legacy of compassionate healthcare service, while neighboring Scioto County grieves Commissioner Cathy Coleman, whose recovery battle ended July 4th following May's tragic accident. Coleman's reputation for both fiscal prudence and personal generosity—from purchasing prom dresses to supporting struggling businesses—earned her the fitting tribute of flags lowered throughout the county she served so faithfully.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
💰 Township fiscal officer stuck taxpayers with $1,338 in late fees. Lissa Warrens, former fiscal officer for Scioto Township in Jackson County, failed to submit state payroll taxes and pension system withholdings on time, according to a new audit. Her negligence resulted in $678.41 in tax penalties, $460.55 in pension late fees, and a $200 late fee for a debt payment. Auditors noted these charges "would have been avoided had the funds been remitted by the required due dates." Warrens and her bonding company are jointly liable for repaying the full $1,338.96 to the township.
🕊️ Retired nurse Kathy Sturgell passes away at 70 in Waverly. The longtime healthcare worker died on July 7, 2025, at Bristol Village after serving 27 years with National Churches Residences. Born in Portsmouth in 1954, Sturgell is survived by two daughters, Rachel Avery and Alice Mayo, along with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, a sister, and a granddaughter. Memorial services will be arranged at a later date under the direction of Roger W. Davis Funeral Home.
💔 Beloved commissioner Cathy Coleman dies after two-month recovery battle. The Scioto County leader, known affectionately as "Nana," sustained severe injuries in a May 1 car crash that also claimed her dog Packer's life. Before her July 4 passing, Coleman was recognized for her fiscal responsibility, advocacy for children's services, and countless personal acts of generosity—from buying prom dresses for teens to providing crucial support for struggling local businesses. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered flags flown at half-staff throughout Scioto County to honor Coleman, who had followed her late husband Doug into public service after his death in 2016.
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