Good morning, Scioto County. In a chilling reminder that every flirtation doesn't lead to a rom-com ending, Portsmouth's holiday season was jarred by a brazen ambush that saw 36 rounds fired at a local housing complex. Thanks to 18 hours of relentless detective work, all five suspects are now in custody - proving that while crime may occasionally visit our community, justice isn't far behind.
Meanwhile, the spirit of new beginnings took center stage at Ashland's Highlands Museum, where tiny revelers traded midnight champagne for noon sparkling grape juice at their "New Year's Noon" celebration. As these young party-goers crafted resolutions and danced into 2024, across the river, a community bid farewell to beloved grandmother Delores Baker, whose legacy of love lives on through four generations of family - a touching reminder that every ending contains the seeds of new beginnings.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🔫 Five shooters ambush car in Portsmouth housing complex, firing 36 rounds. The December 28th incident began when two juveniles followed girls home from a gas station after some flirting, only to face a deadly trap. Security footage revealed that five suspects - three adults and two juveniles - opened fire on the victims' vehicle, contradicting the initial story given to police. Detectives worked 18 hours straight to arrest all suspects, recovering two firearms and impounding a getaway vehicle. The suspects face multiple felony charges including assault and weapons violations, with Sheriff Thoroughman noting that additional charges may be forthcoming.
🕊️ Beloved Kentucky mother and grandmother Delores Baker passes away at 80. Born in Greenup, Kentucky, Mrs. Baker spent her final days at River Run Healthcare in Ironton, Ohio, where she passed on December 5, 2024. She leaves behind a loving legacy that includes four children, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. A private memorial service will be held at a later date through Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore, Kentucky. Her life was preceded in death by her husband Philip Barker, her parents Bert and Jessie Wolfe, and her brother Roger Wolfe.
🎉 Kids ring in 2024 with daytime New Year's bash at noon. The Highlands Museum and Discovery Center in Ashland hosted its third annual "New Year's Noon" celebration, giving families a kid-friendly alternative to midnight festivities. Children explored the newly opened Clark Family Discovery Center, participated in dance parties, and crafted New Year's resolutions tucked into fortune cookies. The celebration culminated in a festive balloon drop, complete with sparkling grape juice toasts. The museum's executive director Kim Jenkins reported perfect attendance numbers, with families particularly excited to experience the venue's recent facility updates.
🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Boys)
| Team | Opponent | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
 Clay Panthers | ||
| @ Notre Dame | 1/3 @ 6:00pm | |
| vs Whiteoak | 1/4 @ 2:30pm | |
| vs Green | 1/7 @ 7:00pm | |
 Glenwood Tigers | ||
| vs St. Joseph Central | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Notre Dame | 1/7 @ 6:00pm | |
 Green Bobcats | ||
| vs East | 1/3 @ 7:30pm | |
| vs Manchester | 1/4 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ Clay | 1/7 @ 7:00pm | |
 Minford Falcons | ||
| @ Valley | 1/3 @ 7:15pm | |
| vs North Adams | 1/4 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ South Webster | 1/7 @ 7:30pm | |
 Portsmouth Trojans | ||
| @ Rock Hill | 1/2 @ 7:30pm | |
| vs RCCA | 1/4 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ Fairland | 1/6 @ 7:30pm | |
 Northwest Mohawks | ||
| vs South Gallia | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
| @ Symmes Valley | 1/7 @ 7:15pm | |
 East Tartans | ||
| @ Green | 1/3 @ 7:30pm | |
| @ St. Joseph Central | 1/7 @ 7:15pm | |
 Portsmouth West Senators | ||
| @ Waverly | 1/3 @ 6:00pm | |
| vs Valley | 1/7 @ 7:30pm | |
 South Webster Jeeps | ||
| @ Wheelersburg | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Minford | 1/7 @ 7:30pm | |
 Wheelersburg Pirates | ||
| vs South Webster | 1/3 @ 7:00pm | |
| vs Waverly | 1/7 @ 6:00pm |
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Updated home with modern amenities
This updated home, listed at $249,900, features new appliances in the kitchen, a brand-new roof, and a recent installation of fiber optic internet. With beautiful vaulted ceilings, a finished basement, and a two-level rear deck, this property is move-in ready in one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods, available due to the owners needing more space.
Cozy cottage with modern updates
This charming open-concept cottage is listed at $140,000 and features two bedrooms, a spacious covered front porch, and a large partially fenced backyard. The home boasts hardwood floors, a cozy gas insert fireplace, and modern updates including vinyl windows and appliances, making it a delightful retreat just minutes from local medical centers.
Delightful country retreat with space
A motivated seller is offering a delightful 5.2-acre escape at a list price of $139,900, featuring a well-maintained 2000 Bluegrass Arlington manufactured home. This charming 1040 sq ft residence boasts a spacious living room, an eat-in kitchen with appliances, three bedrooms, two baths, and an oversized master suite, all complemented by a large wooden deck that overlooks the expansive backyard—perfect for entertaining and even target practice for gun enthusiasts.
🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
-Ephesians 4:2