🐾 Hope's new chapter - Scioto County

Good morning, Scioto County. In a testament to the transformative power of compassion, a Kentucky dog named Hope traded nine years of chain-link solitude for a story worthy of her name. Found living in deplorable conditions with only a tattered blanket for comfort, she became the first adoption of 2025 thanks to the big hearts at Ashland Animal Rescue Fund - proving that sometimes the best new beginnings come with four paws and a wagging tail.

While Hope found her happy ending, our community bid farewell to a different kind of local legend. Bob Hallmark's passing marks the end of an era colored by restored S-10 trucks, shared bowls of popcorn, and the kind of love that spreads across generations. Meanwhile, Spring Valley's basketball squad kept their perfect record intact with a dominant weekend at the Ironton Classic, adding their own chapter to our region's ongoing story.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

22°

37°

84%

Wheelersberg

22°

37°

84%

New Boston

22°

37°

84%

Minford

22°

37°

84%

South Webster

22°

37°

82%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐕 After nine years chained to a tree, Hope finally found freedom. The Kentucky dog was discovered living in a doorless, floorless doghouse with only a blanket for shelter and minimal human contact. Despite being at capacity, the Ashland Animal Rescue Fund couldn't ignore her tear-filled eyes and stepped in to save her. The community rallied around Hope with an outpouring of love and support, showing her more affection in 24 hours than she'd experienced in years. In a heartwarming conclusion, Hope became the shelter's first adoption of 2025, finding her forever home with a loving family.

🏀 Basketball Schedule Slam (Girls)

Team	Opponent	Date/Time
Clay Panthers
	@ Fairfield**	1/4 @ 4:15pm
	vs Notre Dame	1/6 @ 6:00pm
	@ Green	1/9 @ 6:00pm
Glenwood Tigers
	@ Notre Dame	1/9 @ 6:00pm
Green Bobcats
	vs Grace Christian	1/4 @ 11:45am
	@ East	1/6 @ 7:00pm
	vs Clay	1/9 @ 6:00pm
Minford Falcons
	vs Blazer	1/4 @ 8:30pm
	vs Valley	1/6 @ 7:00pm
	@ Symmes Valley	1/8 @ 6:00pm
	vs South Webster	1/9 @ 7:15pm
Northwest Mohawks
	vs South Gallia	1/6 @ 6:00pm
	@ Symmes Valley	1/9 @ 7:30pm
Portsmouth Trojans
	vs Gallia Academy	1/3 @ 7:00pm
	@ Chesapeake	1/7 @ 7:30pm
East Tartans
	vs Green	1/6 @ 7:00pm
	vs Notre Dame	1/8 @ 6:00pm
Wheelersburg Pirates
	vs Ironton	1/4 @ 7:00pm
	@ South Webster	1/6 @ 7:30pm
	@ Waverly	1/9 @ 6:00pm
South Webster Jeeps
	vs St. Joseph Central	1/4 @ 3:15pm
	vs Wheelersburg	1/6 @ 7:30pm
	@ Minford	1/9 @ 7:15pm

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Ranch home with expansive potential

This quaint ranch-style home, listed at $235,000, rests on over 2 acres of level land just outside Haverhill, offering convenient access to Ironton, Wheelersburg, and Ashland. The property features 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, and includes a remodeled 1920 sq ft office building and a spacious 2460 sq ft block garage, with separate electric services and newer HVAC units for added comfort.

Cozy cottage near medical centers

This charming open-concept cottage, listed at $140,000, features two bedrooms, a welcoming 24'x8' covered front porch, and a spacious partially fenced backyard. Inside, enjoy a cozy living room with hardwood floors and a gas insert fireplace, complemented by wood trim and crown molding, while practical updates include a mudroom/laundry area, a new metal roof, and 2022 appliances, all just minutes from KDMC and SOMC.

Expansive retreat with breathtaking views

This stunning 70-acre property in Scioto County, Ohio, is listed at $325,000 and offers breathtaking views and serene natural beauty for those looking for a tranquil escape. With a spacious horse barn ideal for equestrian enthusiasts and a well-appointed pole barn that serves as the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment, this property has something for everyone.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Jan. 08 - Red Panda Reading Club: Calling all young bookworms! Join the Red Panda Book Club at Chillicothe Library's Northside Branch for an afternoon of graphic novels, snacks, games, and creative fun on January 8.

💼 Jan. 09 - Ohio Business Overview: Join local entrepreneurs and business leaders for an insightful community gathering at Dock At Water in downtown Chillicothe. Network and learn about Ohio's business landscape on January 9th.

💻 Jan. 09 - ProgressBook Help Session: Need help mastering ProgressBook? Drop by META Solutions in Piketon where experts Gary and Melissa are ready to answer all your questions in the Training Room from 9-11:30 AM on January 9th.

🎸 Jan. 10 - Columbia Music Arena Live: Rock out at the historic Columbia Music Arena in Portsmouth! Local and touring bands take the stage on January 10th, bringing fresh sounds and high energy to this beloved Ohio venue.

🎂 Jan. 10 - Letty's 2nd Birthday Bash: Join the fun as little Letty celebrates her second trip around the sun! Everyone's welcome at 7106 Big Bear Creek Rd, Lucasville, OH for this heartwarming birthday bash - no gifts required.

🧘 Jan. 10 - Teacher Wellness Workshop: Recharge your teaching spirit! Join Project BEAR for an enlightening workshop on combating compassion fatigue with speaker Brandi Lust at 1130 2nd St, Portsmouth. January 10, 9am-12pm.

🍕 Jan. 11 - Little Chefs Pizza Party: Little chefs, roll up those sleeves! Kids can knead, top and create their very own pizzas at this hands-on cooking class happening January 11 at 429 2nd Street in Portsmouth.

🎨 Jan. 11 - Beginner Watercolor Workshop: Unleash your inner artist at Bennett Hall's beginner watercolor class! Create your own masterpiece in this welcoming two-hour workshop at Ohio University Chillicothe on January 11.

🏃 Jan. 11 - Ninja Multi-Distance Race: Channel your inner ninja at Yoctangee Park Annex for US Road Running's exhilarating race series! Choose your challenge - 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, or Half Marathon on January 11th in Chillicothe.

🌿 Jan. 11 - Frontier Garden Tour: Step back in time at Adena Mansion & Gardens to explore Thomas Worthington's frontier gardening legacy. Join this fascinating historical journey through early Ohio horticulture on January 11 at 847 Adena Rd, Chillicothe.

💰 Financial Friday

Explore the benefits of tracking your spending habits with a personal finance app; this can help you gain insights into where your money is going and make informed decisions to enhance your financial health.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carol Roseanna Boehm

Carol Roseanna Boehm (nee Williams) passed away on December 10 in Portsmouth. She is remembered by her loved ones, though no services are scheduled at this time. For more information, visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

David Lee Rawlins

David Lee Rawlins, 69, of Portsmouth, passed away on December 18 at SOMC Hospice. No services are scheduled for him at this time. Further information can be found at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Jennifer Rebecca Weaver

Jennifer Rebecca Weaver, 51, of Portsmouth, passed away on December 28, 2024, at Bridgeport Health and Rehab. Born on February 17, 1973, she was the daughter of the late Robert Gee and Pamela Furnier. Jennifer cherished her family, enjoyed playing scratch-off tickets, and had a passion for shopping, especially for shoes and purses. A dedicated member of her recovery community, she is survived by her husband Larry, four daughters, a son, two brothers, and eight beloved grandchildren. Funeral services will be private, handled by Melcher hammer Funeral Home.

Barney Warren Phillips

Barney Warren Phillips, 76, of Otway, Ohio, passed away on December 31, 2024, at home. Born on April 6, 1948, in Sand Hill, Kentucky, he was preceded in death by his parents, Barney Warren Phillips and Gloria Jean Hacker Geyer. He is survived by his son, Barney Phillips, daughter Leann Johnson, grandchildren Kaylee, Bella, and Greyson, as well as two brothers and three sisters. Funeral services are pending at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.

KammerCharles

Charles Kammer passed away on December 25 at his home. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home located in West Portsmouth. Further details regarding his life and services are not provided.

Allen Underwood

Allen Underwood, a 70-year-old resident of Lucasville, OH, passed away on December 18th. His family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences through the funeral home website.

Clarence Faulknerm

Clarence Faulkner, 80, of South Webster, passed away on December 28. Funeral services are being arranged by D.W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster. Further details regarding his life and contributions may be provided by the funeral home.

Jeffrey Neil Hubbard

Jeffrey Neil Hubbard, 61, of Portsmouth, passed away at home on December 27. His funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

-Matthew 5:16