Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / December 23, 2024

🎁 Holiday cheer ahead

Scioto County • December 23, 2024

Good morning, Scioto County. While Whoville had the Grinch trying to steal Christmas, our region is proving that holiday spirit is alive and well. Kentucky's Winter Wonderland has just landed among the nation's top holiday displays, and right here in Pike County, a remarkable charity effort is ensuring 666 local children will wake up to presents under their trees this season - no income restrictions, just pure Christmas magic.

Behind these heartwarming headlines, our community continues to grapple with serious challenges, including a troubling case of child neglect that reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect our most vulnerable. Yet it's inspiring to see how our region consistently rises to balance hardship with hope, especially during this season of giving.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎄 Kentucky's Winter Wonderland earns spot among nation's top holiday displays. Unfortunately, I cannot create a more detailed summary as the provided article text appears to be fragmented and doesn't contain enough specific information about the Winter Wonderland display. The article title suggests this is a positive story about a local holiday attraction receiving national recognition, but the body of the article seems to be mixed with various other unrelated content including obituaries, advertisements, and other local news snippets. Without more details about the Winter Wonderland story specifically, I cannot provide additional accurate supporting sentences for the summary.

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💔 Parents face charges for deliberately starving their infant child. A grand jury in Kentucky has indicted a couple on criminal abuse charges for allegedly withholding proper nutrition from their baby. While specific details about the child's condition were not disclosed in the report, the charges suggest severe neglect that put the infant's life at risk. The case has drawn attention from local child welfare advocates and law enforcement officials in the region. The parents are now facing serious legal consequences that could result in significant prison time if convicted.

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🎁 Small town charity spreads Christmas joy to hundreds of Pike County kids. The Pike County Children's Christmas Fund, running strong for 37 years, ensures local children in need receive holiday presents without any income restrictions. In 2023, the program served a record-breaking 744 children from 311 families, providing each child with roughly $50 worth of toys plus stocking stuffers. The entirely donation-funded initiative is currently preparing to help 666 children from 283 families this holiday season. Run by a dedicated group of children's services and community action workers, the program only requires recipients to have custody of their children and reside in Pike County.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

TeamOpponentScore
Clay Panthers Logo Clay Panthers
@ Northwest
L 57-8
Glenwood Tigers Logo Glenwood Tigers
@ Manchester
L 59-47
@ St. Joseph Central**
L 66-53
@ Dawson-Bryant**
L 78-70
Green Bobcats Logo Green Bobcats
vs West Union
W 66-58
@ Oak Hill
L 59-42
Minford Falcons Logo Minford Falcons
vs Hilliard Davidson
W 63-59
@ Symmes Valley
W 85-42
@ Ironton**
W 79-68
Northwest Mohawks Logo Northwest Mohawks
vs Waverly
L 42-37
vs Clay
W 57-8
Portsmouth Trojans Logo Portsmouth Trojans
vs Spring Valley
L 72-44
East Tartans Logo East Tartans
vs Rose Hill Christian
W 66-17
@ Symmes Valley
L 76-38
Portsmouth West Senators Logo Portsmouth West Senators
@ Eastern
L 49-48
Wheelersburg Pirates Logo Wheelersburg Pirates
vs Harvest Prep
L 80-65
@ Western
W 75-64
vs Monroe Central
L 65-46
South Webster Jeeps Logo South Webster Jeeps
@ Oak Hill
W 47-44
vs Federal Hocking
W 72-39
vs Expression Prep Academy**
W 73-54

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Updated one-story move-in ready

This stunning one-story home is listed at $192,500 and is both well-maintained and updated, making it move-in ready. Offering three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a cozy living room with a fireplace, an eat-in kitchen, and a laundry room, this property features modern appliances and finishes that are just two years old.

Desirable home with versatile spaces

This charming home is listed at $305,000 and is situated in the desirable Wheelersburg School District. Featuring three bedrooms and three full baths, the property boasts a custom kitchen and a primary suite with an ensuite bath. The living area, which overlooks the deck, is perfect for gatherings, while a fenced yard enhances outdoor enjoyment. A spacious bonus room with a gas fireplace adds versatility for hosting friends or creating a game room.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

❄️ Dec. 23 - Portsmouth Holiday Magic: Experience the magic of Portsmouth's Hallmark-worthy Winterfest! This enchanting holiday celebration transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with festive displays and activities through New Year's Day.
🏀 Dec. 23 - Blazers vs. Wheelersburg Freshmen: Hoops action heats up as the Blazer Boys freshman squad from Ashland takes on Wheelersburg Pirates in an exciting non-conference matchup. Catch the action Monday at 6 p.m. at Wheelersburg High School.
👕 Dec. 24 - Kids' Clothing Bank: Help local kids stay warm this winter! The Children's Clothing Bank at 140 S Paint St offers free clothing for infants through teens on December 24 at the Main Library Annex.
❄️ Dec. 25 - Portsmouth Holiday Magic: Experience the magic of Portsmouth's Hallmark-worthy Winterfest! This enchanting holiday celebration transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland with festive displays and activities through New Year's Day.
🎸 Dec. 27 - Faye Live at Lievita: Rising indie artist Faye brings their captivating sound to Lievita's intimate downtown venue. Catch this promising performer live at 85 N Paint St, Chillicothe on December 27 at 6:00 PM.
❄️ Dec. 27 - Portsmouth Holiday Magic: Experience the magic of Hallmark's favorite hometown Christmas celebration at Portsmouth Winterfest, where twinkling lights and holiday cheer transform downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland through New Year's Day.
🌾 Dec. 28 - Chillicothe Winter Market: Fresh winter produce and local goods await at the Chillicothe Farmers Market! Stop by the Ross County Service Center parking lot this Saturday from 10AM-12PM for the best seasonal offerings from area farmers.
⚡ Dec. 28 - Thunderstruck Rocks Columbia Theatre: Rock out to the electrifying AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck as they help relaunch the historic Columbia Theatre! Catch all the high-voltage action on December 28 at 832 Gallia Street in Portsmouth.
🎵 Dec. 28 - Faye Live at Page: Rising indie artist Faye brings their soulful sounds to The Page in downtown Chillicothe for an intimate evening performance. Catch the magic December 28 at 7:00 PM at 47 S Paint St.
❄️ Dec. 29 - Portsmouth Holiday Magic: Experience the magic of Portsmouth's Hallmark-worthy Winterfest! This enchanting holiday celebration transforms downtown Portsmouth into a winter wonderland through New Year's, featuring dazzling lights, festive activities, and small-town charm.

🙏 In Remembrance

Shirley Ann Adkins

Shirley Ann Adkins, 85, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at Fairhope Hospice. Born on September 17, 1939, in Lucasville, Ohio, she was raised by her grandparents and married Troy Jay Adkins Sr. in 1957, with whom she built a successful business career and a loving family. Shirley was passionate about real estate, enjoyed country music, and cherished spending time with her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is remembered for her strong work ethic and devotion to her loved ones, surviving by her children and many descendants. A visitation will be held on December 22, followed by her funeral on December 23.

Shirley Ann Adkins

Mari Grace Smith

Mari Grace Smith, 44, of Wheelersburg, passed away on December 18, 2024, after a 16-year battle with cancer. Born on April 28, 1980, she was a dedicated educator, having taught at Wheelersburg Elementary for 22 years and receiving the Ohio Outstanding Elementary Mathematics Teacher Award in 2006. Mari Grace was a beloved wife to Nathan Smith and a mother to Kaylee and Addison, with a late daughter, Hannah. Known for her love of family activities, singing, and community service at All Saints Episcopal Church, she is survived by her sister, nieces, and many relatives. A memorial service will take place on December 28, 2024, at All Saints Episcopal Church.

Mari Grace Smith

Sharee Jones

Sharee Jones, a former Licensed Practical Nurse, passed away on December 18 in Huntington. A memorial service will be held on December 22 at 2 p.m. at R.E. Rogers Funeral Home in Belfry, KY, with visitation starting two hours prior to the service. Further details can be found at www.rerogersfh.com.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

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