📍 Transforming history

Good morning, Scioto County. Just 15 miles across the river, a remarkable transformation is taking place in Ashland, Kentucky. What started as a humble social media page during those locked-down pandemic days has blossomed into the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center & Black History Museum, where living history speaks through the voices of those who lived it. Through Bernice Henry's firsthand accounts of school integration, the past isn't just preserved – it's breathing.

Meanwhile, love is in the air at Oak Hill High School, where nine hopeful candidates are vying for the Sweethearts Queen crown. And speaking of heartwarming traditions, just up the road in Jackson, a local church is serving up more than just breakfast – they're dishing out gratitude to our military heroes one pancake at a time. Some traditions are worth keeping, and others are worth starting.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

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Wheelersberg

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New Boston

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Minford

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South Webster

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏛️ Kentucky museum preserves Black history as elders' stories fade away. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center & Black History Museum, which opened in 2023 in Ashland, Kentucky, emerged from a simple social media page during COVID lockdowns. Co-founders Darrell Smith and his aunt Bernice Henry created the space to preserve disappearing local Black history, including memories from the historic Booker T. Washington School. Henry, who experienced school integration firsthand, shares her personal journey with visiting students, making history come alive through interactive experiences. The museum serves as a vital archive for Black history across the entire Tri-State region.

👑 Oak Hill High School announces nine students vying for Sweethearts Queen. The 2025 Sweethearts Court includes representatives from all grade levels, with four senior attendants leading the prestigious group. Freshmen Emaree Lusk and Kyndall Floyd, sophomores Brandi Smittle and Chloe Coon, juniors Macy Swann and Emma Figgins, and seniors Reagan Adkins, Isabella Lunsford, and Audrey Vernon make up this year's court. The Queen will be crowned during the Boys Varsity basketball game on Valentine's Day.

🎖️ Local church serves up free monthly breakfast to honor military heroes. The Jackson First Church of the Nazarene in Michigan welcomes veterans, active military personnel, and their families to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in their gymnasium. The next gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 15 at 9 a.m. Located at 251 Powell Drive, the church has committed to hosting these special breakfasts on the third Saturday of every month. This heartwarming initiative helps strengthen community bonds while showing appreciation for service members.

Spacious home with finished basement: This spacious single-family home is listed at $80,000 and features a finished basement and attic, along with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this agent-owned gem.

Unique auction investment opportunity: This foreclosure property is available through Auction.com, presenting a unique investment opportunity in the neighborhood. Interested buyers can save the listing to receive updates on its auction status and details.

Pleasant Ave home agent-owned bargain: A single-family home on Pleasant Ave is listed for $86,000. This charming property, updated in 2020, is currently occupied and comes with the disclosure that it is agent-owned.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎸 Feb. 13 - Simon & Garfunkel Tribute: Relive the magic of America's beloved musical duo as Forever Simon & Garfunkel brings pitch-perfect harmonies to the Vern Riffe Center on February 13. Sean Altman and Jack Skuller capture the legendary sound.

🧩 Feb. 13 - Fun Family Trivia Night: Put your thinking cap on and join the battle of wits at Scioto County Public Library's Trivia Night! Challenge friends and neighbors on February 13 at 6pm in the Meeting Room. Ages 13+.

🦎 Feb. 13 - Salamander & Sips Social: Sip craft brews while getting an exclusive first look at the new Salamander collection at Mighty Children's Museum! Join us February 13th for this creative evening of drinks, snacks and previews.

💝 Feb. 14 - Valentine's Lodge Dinner: Spark romance at Shawnee Lodge's intimate Valentine's dinner, where magnificent views complement a special meal for two. Reserve your table for February 14 or 15, 5-9pm at this scenic West Portsmouth destination.

🎵 Feb. 14 - Columbia Music Arena Live: Rock out this Valentine's Day at the historic Columbia Music Arena in Portsmouth! Local and touring bands take the stage at 832 Gallia St, connecting music lovers through Sonicbids' dynamic platform.

🏀 Feb. 14 - Pirates vs Senators Battle: Crosstown rivals clash as the Wheelersburg Pirates take on the Portsmouth West Senators in a thrilling varsity basketball showdown at Portsmouth West High School. Catch the action February 14th at 7:30 am.

🎭 Feb. 15 - Comedy Night at Oddfellows: Laugh the night away as comedians Michael Cheselka and Val Werner bring their stand-up magic to Oddfellows. Join the fun February 15 at 526 2nd Street in Portsmouth for an evening of non-stop hilarity.

📚 Feb. 15 - Novel Idea Book Club: Book lovers unite at The Loft Coffee Company for the monthly Novel Idea Book Group! Join fellow readers for engaging literary discussion and coffee in downtown Portsmouth. Free admission. Call 740-354-5688 for details.

🙏 In Remembrance

Irene Aina Bushman

Irene Bushman, 85, of Portsmouth, passed away on February 9, 2025. Born in Riga, Latvia, on October 15, 1939, she dedicated her career to teaching at Greenup County Schools and enjoyed gardening in her spare time. Irene is survived by her daughter, Diana Ulsh, grandson David Merrill, and three great-grandchildren, among others. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Byron. Funeral services will be held on February 14, 2025, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, with donations requested for the Animal Welfare League in her memory.

Louann Ridout

Louann Ridout, 71, of West Portsmouth, passed away on February 10, 2025, at Kings Daughters Medical Center. Born on September 21, 1953, in Bryon, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret Buckley and served as a bus driver for Washington-Nile Local Schools for 32 years. Louann is survived by her husband Ernie, two daughters, two sisters, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home.

Marsha Lynn Tomlison

Marsha Lynn Hart Tomlison, 64, of Waverly, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025. Born on July 10, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, she was adopted by John and Jeanetta Conkle Hart, who preceded her in death. Marsha is survived by her husband, Robert Tomlison, son Roscoe Tomlison, daughter Glenna Bland, and four grandchildren, along with two great-grandchildren. A 1990 graduate of Hocking Technical College, she worked as an LPN for over thirty years. Graveside services will be held at Mound Cemetery in Piketon on February 14, 2025.