Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / December 30, 2024

🏀 Heart over hustle

Scioto County • December 30, 2024

Good morning, Scioto County. From the hardwood to the pulpit, our community's stories this week showcase the profound impact of dedication and perseverance. As Ironton's basketball squad adapts to an unusual season with eight players fresh off their state football championship, they're proving that success isn't just about practice time - it's about heart, jumping from 40 to 70 points per game despite minimal prep.

That same spirit of determination echoes in the story of Reverend Jim Cremeans, whose 85th birthday celebration honors four decades of transforming lives at City Mission Church. While his congregation grew to 500 strong and his shelter provided hope to countless souls, recent events remind us that our community faces ongoing challenges - including a troubling shooting incident that has law enforcement working to keep our streets safe.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth Weather Icon
43°
47°
rain 0%
Wheelersberg Weather Icon
43°
47°
rain 0%
New Boston Weather Icon
43°
47°
rain 0%
Minford Weather Icon
43°
47°
rain 0%
South Webster Weather Icon
42°
48°
rain 0%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏀 Late-starting Ironton basketball team banks on deep roster for success. Head coach Chris Barnes will rely heavily on senior guard Braden Schreck while rotating through 8-9 other players based on performance and matchups. The team faces unique challenges with 8 of 12 players just joining from the state championship football squad, giving them minimal practice time together. Their offensive output has jumped impressively from 40 to 70 points per game compared to last year, though Barnes notes they're still "in scrimmage mode" during games that count. A demanding schedule awaits, including multiple three-game weeks and tough non-league matchups that will test the team's depth and adaptability.

Read more

🙏 Beloved 85-year-old pastor celebrated for decades of transforming lives in Ironton. The Reverend Jim Cremeans, who led the City Mission Church for nearly 40 years, was honored by family and community members at a heartfelt birthday celebration. Under his leadership from 1967-2005, the church flourished with attendance reaching 500 people and established a 15-bed shelter for those in need. Though he stepped down from his official role, Cremeans continued preaching and conducting funerals until health issues slowed him down two years ago. His son Jeff, who now leads the church, praised his father as a "pastor's pastor" who remains deeply invested in the mission's work while serving on its board of directors.

Read more

🔫 Five people ambushed a car and fired 36 shots in Ohio. Three men and two juveniles were charged after allegedly orchestrating a setup at a Scioto County apartment complex, using two women to lure victims from a gas station. The incident began when the victims followed the women hoping to get a phone number, only to be met with gunfire from the waiting suspects. Several apartments and vehicles were struck by bullets during the early morning attack, though no injuries were reported. All suspects face multiple felony charges including assault and weapons violations, with authorities suggesting possible connections to other crimes in the Portsmouth area.

Read more

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

Team Opponent Score
Minford Falcons Logo Minford Falcons
@ NHCA
W 69-59
Northwest Mohawks Logo Northwest Mohawks
@ Wheelersburg
L 74-52
Portsmouth Trojans Logo Portsmouth Trojans
@ Lawrence County
L 71-60
@ Notre Dame
W 64-63
Portsmouth West Senators Logo Portsmouth West Senators
@ Rock Hill
L 37-30
@ Nelsonville-York
W 60-40
South Webster Jeeps Logo South Webster Jeeps
@ Vinton County
W 76-44
Wheelersburg Pirates Logo Wheelersburg Pirates
vs Northwest
W 74-52

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Brick beauty with pool oasis

Discover this charming brick one-story home in Feurt Hill Estates, listed at $389,900. With a welcoming entry foyer, a great room that flows into an eat-in kitchen, and a custom sunroom overlooking a lovely inground pool, this property features all bedrooms conveniently located together and a versatile bonus room that can be tailored to your needs, plus a relaxing rear deck for enjoying the outdoors.

Welcoming home with spacious backyard

This welcoming home, listed at $249,900, is ideal for singles, couples, families, and pet owners, complete with great curb appeal and a spacious backyard. Highlights include a newer metal roof, fresh LVP flooring, a revamped floor plan for a third bedroom, and a clean, unfinished basement, making it a fantastic option for those seeking comfort and convenience.

Cozy home on spacious lot

This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, listed at $174,000, sits on a generous 1-acre lot with a metal fenced yard, ensuring privacy and security. Built in 2006, the 1,152 square foot residence features a detached garage, a wrap-around covered porch for outdoor relaxation, and modern amenities like updated lighting and essential appliances, all conveniently located just minutes from schools and 15 miles from Shawnee State College.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

❄️ Dec. 30 - Portsmouth Holiday Magic: Experience the magic of Portsmouth's Hallmark-worthy Winterfest! This enchanting holiday celebration transforms downtown Portsmouth into a twinkling winter wonderland through New Year's Day, with festive activities for the whole family.
🐱 Dec. 31 - Cocoa with Coraline Photos: Cozy up with Coraline at Fifty West Brewing Company! Snag a magical 20-minute photo session with everyone's favorite feline friend, plus a refreshing drink, at this New Year's Eve meet-and-greet in Chillicothe.
👕 Dec. 31 - Kids' Clothing Bank: Help local kids stay warm and stylish at the Children's Clothing Bank, serving infants through teens at the Main Library Annex. Visit 140 S Paint St on December 31st to donate or receive clothing.

🙏 In Remembrance

Virginia Rickey

Virginia Rickey, 87, of Lucasville, passed away at her home on December 25, 2024. Born on June 6, 1937, she was a devoted homemaker and mother who cherished caring for children. Married to Lawrence Bryson Rickey for 68 years, she is survived by her husband, two sons, a daughter, four sisters, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by a son and four siblings. Funeral services will be held on December 30, 2024, with interment at Memorial Burial Park, and the family requests donations to SOMC Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Virginia Rickey

Freddie Kay Johnson

Freddie Kay Green Johnson, 66, of Jefferson City, TN, and formerly of Portsmouth, passed away at home on December 23. A graveside service will be held on December 27 at Scioto Burial Park. Arrangements are entrusted to Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

Bonnie Eilene Judy

Bonnie Eilene Johnson Mundhenk Judy, 77, of Portsmouth, passed away at home on December 24. Her memorial arrangements are being handled by Roger Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

Mindy Lynn James

Mindy Lynn (Crawford) James, 45, of West Portsmouth, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Columbus, OH. A Portsmouth East High School graduate, she worked as a Residential Aid at a Forward Health treatment facility and was deeply connected to her Recovery Community. Mindy is survived by her two sons, Dylan Crawford and Alex Mehring, her sister Tiffani Wollard, and several nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on January 4, 2025, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, followed by burial and a gathering for family and friends.

Mindy Lynn James

Velma Joyce Parker

Velma Joyce Parker, 86, of Brunswick, Ohio, passed away on December 26, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on May 18, 1938, in Portsmouth, Ohio, she is survived by her children, grandchildren, and siblings, along with many nieces and nephews. Velma was predeceased by her husband, Andy, and her sisters. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Funeral services will be held on December 30, 2024, with interment following, and contributions can be made to Heartland Community Church in lieu of flowers.

Velma Joyce Parker

Jeffrey Neil Hubbard

Jeffrey Neil Hubbard, 61, of Portsmouth, passed away at his home on December 27, 2024. Born on October 20, 1963, in Sandusky, Ohio, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran and retired from the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility after 15 years. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jeff is survived by his wife, Penny, and their children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on December 30, 2024, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

Jeffrey Neil Hubbard

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

-1 Corinthians 15:58

← Previous
🌱 Legacy and transitions
Next →
⚽ Multi-sport magic