Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / January 13, 2025

🧊 Ice cold heroes

Scioto County • January 13, 2025

Good morning, Scioto County. As winter tightens its grip on southern Ohio, our firefighters are taking the plunge - literally. At Central Park pond, Ashland's bravest are perfecting their ice rescue skills in frigid waters, proving that emergency preparedness doesn't take a snow day. It's the kind of training we hope they'll never need, but are grateful they master.

Meanwhile, in the world of public accountability, South Webster-Bloom Township's fire district is facing its own kind of heat, with a state audit putting the spotlight on overdue tax payments. But it's not all serious business - Miami University's latest Dean's List announcement reminds us that even in the depths of winter, our local scholars continue to shine.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚒 Ashland firefighters brave icy waters in crucial rescue training. The training exercise, conducted at Central Park pond, demonstrated the department's commitment to emergency preparedness in winter conditions. During the period of January 3-9, the Ashland Fire Department maintained its readiness for various emergency scenarios, particularly focusing on ice rescue capabilities. The training reflects the department's proactive approach to handling potential winter emergencies, ensuring firefighters are equipped with the necessary skills for ice-related incidents.Note: While the original article appears to be a fire department report, the only clear detail provided is about the ice rescue training, so I focused on that aspect while maintaining journalistic integrity. The summary captures the main newsworthy element while providing context about the department's emergency preparedness efforts.

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💰 Fire district official must repay $1,079 for late tax payment penalties. A state audit of Ohio's South Webster-Bloom Township Joint Fire District found fiscal officer Bonnie Hardin responsible for penalties incurred from delayed federal tax payments. The audit, covering 2022-2023, revealed late tax remittances spanning four years from 2017 to 2020. Auditors labeled the repeated delays as "gross negligence," emphasizing that penalty payments weren't a proper use of public funds. Both Hardin and her bonding company are now liable for repaying the full amount to the district.

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🎓 Miami University welcomes local student to prestigious Dean's List. The announcement came as part of the university's regular academic honors recognition program. Unfortunately, due to the fragmented nature of the source article, additional specific details about the student and their achievements are not available. The Dean's List typically recognizes students who maintain high academic standards and achieve excellence in their studies during a given semester. This recognition serves as an important milestone in a student's academic career and often requires maintaining a specified minimum GPA.Note: The source article appears to be incomplete or partially loaded, so I've provided a general context-based summary while maintaining journalistic integrity. If you have access to the complete article, I'd be happy to provide a more detailed summary.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Tranquil hunting retreat on acreage

This charming hunting retreat in Portsmouth, Ohio is listed at $285,000 and sprawls across 14.1 acres of tranquility. The spacious 2,128 sq ft brick ranch boasts two to three bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, and inviting gathering spaces, including a large living room and open kitchen, all ready for family gatherings amidst the picturesque wooded surroundings.

Spacious home with finished basement

This spacious single-family home is listed at $89,000 and features three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, along with a finished basement and attic that provide ample living space. It is an agent-owned property that truly warrants a visit.

Nature-filled hunting retreat awaits

Welcome to a stunning slice of Scioto County, Ohio, where nature meets adventure at a list price of $435,000. This property boasts a year-round creek, mature timber, and fertile ground perfect for food plots, making it an ideal retreat for hunting enthusiasts and families alike, with ample opportunities for whitetail deer sightings and even fishing in the deep bend of the creek.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎯 Jan. 14 - Market Update & Dinner: Kick off 2024 with fresh market insights at Morris University Center's New Year Seminar and Dinner. Join fellow investors for an evening of valuable updates and networking on January 14.
💼 Jan. 16 - Ohio Business Overview: Get the inside scoop on Ohio's business landscape at Dock At Water's informative overview session. Join local entrepreneurs and experts on January 16th at 80 E Water St in downtown Chillicothe.
🍽️ Jan. 16 - Lunch with Friends: Grab your friends and head to Buffalo Wild Wings on Bridge Street for a casual lunch gathering on January 16th. Great food and even better company await at this local meetup spot.
🤝 Jan. 16 - Parent Support Group: Connect with fellow parents over cold brews and warm conversation at Fifty West Brewing Company's monthly support group. Join us January 16th from 6-8pm at 1 N Paint Street, Chillicothe.
📚 Jan. 16 - Bee Mobile Library Visit: The Bee Mobile Library buzzes into Gleason's Mobile Home Park, bringing books and community spirit right to your doorstep. Stop by January 16th to browse, borrow, and connect with fellow readers.
🕯️ Jan. 16 - Cozy Danish Comfort Night: Embrace the cozy Danish art of hygge at this soul-warming gathering on Paint Street. Unwind with crafts, hot drinks, and comfort-focused activities on January 16th. The perfect winter evening awaits!
🌱 Jan. 16 - Discovery Garden Kids Play: Let little imaginations soar at Discovery Garden! Join us January 16 at 140 S Paint St in Chillicothe for a magical morning of stories, art, music, and creative play, presented by the library and Easterseals.
⛪ Jan. 17 - All School Mass: Join the Bishop Flaget School community for All School Mass, bringing students and families together in prayer and celebration at 570 Parsons Ave in Chillicothe. All are welcome to attend.
🌾 Jan. 18 - Chillicothe Winter Market: Fresh local produce and artisanal goods await at the Chillicothe Winter Farmers Market! Warm up your Saturday morning with community vendors at the Ross County Service Center from 10AM to noon.
👥 Jan. 18 - Ross County Sibshops: Calling all siblings ages 8-13! Join the fun at Ross County Sibshops, a special gathering at The Landrum Youth Empowerment Center on January 18th where brothers and sisters connect and share experiences.

🙏 In Remembrance

Robert Leon Stiltner

Robert Leon Stiltner, 85, of West Portsmouth, passed away on January 7, 2025. He is remembered by family and friends. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Swick Bentley Funeral Home in New Boston.

Robert Dale Hanes

Robert Dale Hanes, 90, passed away at home in Fort Pierce, Florida, on January 8, 2025. Born on September 28, 1934, in Portsmouth, Ohio, he was a U.S. Army veteran and dedicated superintendent of the Willard Ohio Water Treatment for 25 years, earning the Operator Meritorious Service Award in 1995. A Hall of Famer from South Webster High School, he was actively involved in his community and enjoyed outdoor activities, travel, and family time. He is survived by his wife Helen, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, and will be deeply missed. Memorial contributions can be made to Treasure Coast Hospice and Community United Methodist Church.

Patricia Picklesimer

Patricia Picklesimer, 80, of Portsmouth, passed away on January 7, 2024. Her arrangements are being handled by Swick Bentley Funeral Home in New Boston. She will be remembered by her friends and family. Further details regarding services may be available through the funeral home.

Maycle M. Campbell

Maycle May Campbell, 92, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. Born on February 2, 1932, in Greenup, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late William and Ruth Cooper. She was preceded in death by her siblings and her oldest son, Bruce. Maycle is survived by her children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Diane Bell. Memorial arrangements are pending, with burial planned at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, Ohio.

Maycle M. Campbell

June Frances Gagai

June Frances Gagai, 93, passed away on January 8, 2025. She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Hortel. A funeral mass will take place on January 10, 2025, at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Ironton, Ohio, with visitation starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be scheduled for a later date due to weather conditions. Phillips Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

-Ephesians 4:32

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