🌊 Waterworld vibes

Good morning, Scioto County. Mother Nature seems determined to remind us who's boss, with the Ohio River flexing its muscles toward flood stage levels we haven't seen in years. As the waters inch toward the 54-foot mark in Ashland and Ironton officials keep their eyes glued to the gauges, it's starting to feel like we're living in our own version of Waterworld – minus Kevin Costner and his gill mutations.

Meanwhile, on the hardwood, there's a different kind of flood brewing as Dawson-Bryant's Hornets prepare to face their nemesis. After two years of watching Ironton's Braden Schreck rain buckets on their parade, they're hoping Friday night finally brings their drought against the Fighting Tigers to an end. With both teams riding winning streaks, this showdown has all the makings of a classic that'll have people talking long after the final buzzer.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

16°

25°

Wheelersberg

16°

25°

New Boston

16°

25°

Minford

16°

25°

South Webster

16°

25°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏀 Winless against Ironton since 2021, Dawson-Bryant seeks revenge Friday night. The Hornets (10-12) will challenge the Fighting Tigers (14-7) after both teams secured victories in their previous matchups. Ironton's star player Braden Schreck has been unstoppable, scoring 26 points in their last encounter and dominating three straight games. The Hornets are showing promise with wins in three of their last four games, but they'll need to contain Schreck, who crushed them with a 63-39 defeat in their previous meeting.

🚨 Ashland Fire Department releases weekly emergency response report. The report, covering February 7-13, 2025, details various fire and safety incidents across the Ashland area. No major casualties or significant property damage were reported during this period. The department continues to emphasize the importance of working smoke detectors and fire safety systems in homes and businesses. The report also highlights ongoing public safety initiatives and emergency response protocols in the community.

🌊 Ohio River surges toward dangerous levels, threatening Tri-State communities. The river is expected to crest Tuesday afternoon in Ashland, Kentucky at 54.5 feet, exceeding the 52-foot flood stage threshold. In nearby Ironton, officials closely monitored water levels reaching 49.5 feet on Monday evening. City street superintendent Mike Pemberton is assessing the situation, weighing whether to deploy the city's flood wall. The rising waters come after days of heavy rain and snowmelt in the region.

Team	Opponent	Score
Wheelersburg (10-11)
	vs Waverly	W 53-46

🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Girls)

In a nail-biter, Portsmouth West squeaked past Eastern 44-41, while across town Portsmouth's Trojans continued their dominant season by dismantling Piketon 62-42 to improve to a stellar 22-1 record. Both Portsmouth squads will look to keep their momentum rolling in Saturday's non-league matchups, where West faces Federal Hocking and the Trojans take on Alexander.

Team	Opponent	Score
Portsmouth West (14-10)
	@ Eastern*	W 44-41
Portsmouth (22-1)
	vs Piketon*	W 62-42

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Cozy home with rental potential: Discover this cozy 1.5-story home at an attractive list price of $159,900, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a bonus apartment for rental income or guests above a 2-car garage. This property offers comfortable living with great investment potential, conveniently located near shopping and Shawnee State University.

Modern farmhouse on 2 acres: This newly built modern farmhouse offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 acres of picturesque country living for $225,000. It features an open concept design, stylish finishes, and a lovely back porch.

Secluded paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: Discover a secluded paradise with this 23-acre tract listed at $105,000, perfect for building multiple homes, camping, or hunting. Enjoy privacy with mature timber and easy access from county roads.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

✊ Feb. 20 - Black History Illuminated: Uncover hidden gems of Black history with storyteller Marcia Harris at Scioto County Public Library. This illuminating journey through Black culture and heritage happens February 20 at 1220 Gallia Street, Portsmouth.

❄️ Feb. 20 - Indoor Winter Wonderland Play: Experience winter magic without the chill at Scioto County Library's Indoor Snow Day! Join us February 20 for snow games, sensory play, and cozy stories at our Portsmouth branch.

🎸 Feb. 21 - Columbia Music Arena Live: Rock out at the historic Columbia Music Arena in Portsmouth! Local and touring bands take the stage February 21 at this beloved Ohio venue. Find tickets through Sonicbids.

🚀 Feb. 21 - Portsmouth Startup Weekend: Turn your business dreams into reality at Startup Weekend: Portsmouth! Join aspiring entrepreneurs for an immersive collaboration experience at SSU Kricker Innovation Hub (221 Chillicothe St) on February 21.

🍹 Feb. 22 - Paint & Sip Margarita: Shake up your Saturday at The Happy Pot's Margarita Day celebration! Paint your own margarita glass for $20 while supplies last at 522 2nd St, Portsmouth from 11-7 on February 22.

❤️ Feb. 23 - Love Your Heart Month: Celebrate Heart Month with a heartwarming community gathering at Marting's in Portsmouth! Join neighbors for health-focused activities and wellness tips on February 23rd at 515 Chillicothe Street.

🙏 In Remembrance

Eva Maria Adkins

Eva Maria Adkins, 56, of West Portsmouth, passed away on February 14, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born on January 14, 1969, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Rosemary Hobbs Adkins and had a long career at Boland's Mini Mart. Eva is survived by her son Jonathon Plummer, daughter Nicole Rollins, two brothers, a sister, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on February 21, 2025, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM. Condolences can be sent online, and arrangements for flowers or tree planting in her memory are available.

Peggy Ruth Lester

Peggy Ruth Lester, 92, of Piketon, Ohio, passed away on February 16, 2025, at the Pavilion at Piketon. Born on April 25, 1932, in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Wooten and Susan Damron Jones. Peggy is survived by her son David, daughter Susan Slagle, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and her brother William Wooten. She was preceded in death by her son Charles, daughter Debbie, and brother Elmer. Funeral arrangements are handled by Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly.

Timothy Allen Shonkwiler

Timothy Allen Shonkwiler, 71, of Minford, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at Ohio State University, surrounded by family. A Minford High School graduate of the Class of 1972, he worked in the medical field for over 19 years at Southern Ohio Medical Center and spent time caring for his aging parents. Known for his upbeat attitude and compassionate care, Timothy was a kind-hearted individual passionate about old cars and flower gardening. He is survived by a brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews, and he was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers. Funeral services will be held at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home on February 18, 2025.