📍 Hoops and Hydration - Scioto County

Good morning, Scioto County. Move over March Madness - February's bringing its own brand of basketball drama to southern Ohio. The Ironton Fighting Tigers just wrote another thrilling chapter in their season, outgunning Wheelersburg 67-60 in a showdown that had more strategic moves than a chess championship. With Braden Schreck dropping 18 points and clutch three-pointers falling like rain, this wasn't just a game - it was basketball poetry in motion.

While Ironton's making waves on the hardwood, South Point's making moves to keep the water flowing. The Village Council just greenlit $75,000 for a crucial well project that's more anticipated than the next season of Ted Lasso. Between new filters, EPA partnerships, and water meter upgrades, they're proving that sometimes the biggest victories happen far from the scoreboard.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

28°

42°

Wheelersberg

28°

42°

New Boston

28°

42°

Minford

28°

42°

South Webster

27°

41°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏀 Ironton Fighting Tigers outgun Pirates in thrilling 67-60 victory. Led by Braden Schreck's 18 points, Ironton overcame Wheelersburg's challenging zone defense despite missing key player Ashton Layne. The Fighting Tigers took control in the second quarter and maintained their lead through clutch three-point shooting from multiple players. Braylon Rucker's 22-point performance for Wheelersburg wasn't enough to overcome Ironton's balanced attack. Strong free-throw shooting in the final minutes sealed the win for Ironton, improving their record to 12-8.

🚰 South Point votes to spend $75,000 on crucial water well plan. The Village Council approved funding for their engineer to draft an EPA-required plan for a new water well's contaminant filter. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to provide the filter for the well they mandated and funded last year. Once the filter is secured, the village can activate both the new well and a previously shut-down one. The project includes upcoming changes to water billing, with customers temporarily paying base rates until new meters are fully operational.

📣 Small-town cheerleader dreams big at Peebles High School. Chloe Wesley, daughter of John and Andrea Wesley, has made her mark as a dedicated member of the Peebles High School cheerleading squad. Her most treasured memory is making the team alongside her best friend Gracie. Beyond sports, Chloe enjoys English class and binge-watching Bridgerton, while her future aspirations include pursuing a degree in Speech Language Pathology. When not cheering, you'll find this Frank Ocean fan dreaming of visiting Greece or grabbing a bite at Chipotle.

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Auction home on corner lot: A public real estate auction offers a 1.5 story home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath on a corner lot, selling as is with unknown interior condition. Bidding starts at 10% down upon sale completion, with online options available.

Spacious New Boston investment gem: This spacious two-story home in New Boston, priced at $68,000, features three bedrooms, one bath, and a partial basement with laundry facilities, offering great potential for rental or investment opportunities.

Spacious modern home with upgrades: This spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home boasts 3,500 square feet, a cozy family room with a fireplace, and a finished basement with potential for a 5th bedroom, all for $385,000. Plus, energy-efficient solar panels and countless upgrades make this property stand out.

🙏 In Remembrance

Michael Lee Meeker

Michael Lee Meeker, 74, of West Portsmouth, passed away on February 5, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Backus Meeker. His life and legacy will be fondly remembered by family and friends. Details regarding memorial services have yet to be announced.

Lisa Shively Sparks

Lisa Shively Sparks, 59, of Sciotoville, OH, passed away on February 3, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Sparks. Her legacy will be remembered by those who knew and loved her. Further details about her life and contributions are not provided.

Ray Shonkwiler

Ray Shonkweiler, 64, of Portsmouth, passed away on February 5, 2025, at his home. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. He is remembered by his family and friends. Further details regarding memorial services may be announced later.

Rick Adkins

Rick Adkins, 68, of Portsmouth, passed away on February 2, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Born on August 21, 1956, he was the son of Monnie and Junior Adkins and is survived by his brother Ron, his sons Brandon and Lance, and granddaughters Amelia and Jayla. A Portsmouth High School graduate and member of the 1974 American Legion Ohio State Championship baseball team, Rick had a long career at Liebert Corporation and Kenworth. His love for family, friends, and teammates will be cherished, and a memorial service will be announced later. The family appreciates the support during this difficult time.

Leslie Miles Allen

Leslie Miles Allen, 84, passed away on January 14, 2025, in Kingwood, Texas. Born in New Boston, OH, he graduated from Glenwood High School in 1958 and served in the U.S. Navy before working at Liebert Corporation in Columbus. Leslie was an active member of Unity Baptist Church after moving to Texas in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Katrina, two daughters, grandsons, and a great-granddaughter, along with other family members. A memorial service was held on February 1, and he will be interred at Green Summit Cemetery in Ohio.

Anthony Witherel

Anthony "Tony" Witherel, 45, of Ironton, passed away on February 3, 2025. No services will be held, and Phillips Funeral Home is assisting the Witherel family. Online condolences can be shared at www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

Mary Ockerman-Lemaster

Mary Ockerman-Lemaster, 85, of Sciotoville, passed away on January 29, 2025. She is survived by her husband, John Lemaster. Funeral services can be found at www.brantfuneralservice.com.

Orinna "Dee" McDaniel

Orinna "Dee" McDaniel, 47, of Ironton, passed away on February 2, 2025. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025, at Noon at Phillips Funeral Home, followed by burial at Sugar Creek Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will take place on the same day from 10:30 a.m. until the service begins. Online condolences can be offered at www.phillipsfuneralhome.

Charlotte Mae Toppins

Charlotte Mae Toppins, 72, of Wheelersburg, OH, passed away on February 4, 2025, at SOMC Hospice Center, surrounded by family. Born on April 11, 1952, she was the daughter of Robert Paris and Anna Loretta Andrews Fairchild, and was married to Thomas Carl Toppings until his passing in 1986. A dedicated mother and grandmother, she enjoyed traveling, country music, and playing cards. Charlotte was a longtime sales associate at Big Lots and actively participated in her community as a Christian and former Girl Scout leader. She is survived by her children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with other family members, and will be remembered at her funeral service on February 8, 2025.

Sharon K. Riley

Sharon Kay (Bragg) Riley, 85, of Ironton, passed away on February 3, 2025. Her burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery on February 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. Phillips Funeral Home in Ironton is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be offered through their website.

Genevieve Louella Fultz

Genevieve Louella "Genie" Fultz, aged 101, passed away on February 4, 2025. A private funeral service and interment will take place at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, OH. Family and friends are encouraged to come together to celebrate her life and honor her memory. Condolences and special memories can be shared at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Roy Edward Horsley

Roy Edward Horsley, 78, of Stout, Ohio, passed away on February 4, 2025, at Hospice of Hope in Maysville, Kentucky. His passing is mourned by family and friends. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

-Colossians 3:12

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