🎓 Honor roll vibes

Good morning, Scioto County. Talk about a brain trust! With over 450 students landing academic honors at Ashland Community College, our region's intellectual firepower is lighting up brighter than Times Square on New Year's Eve. From perfect 4.0s to stellar theatrical performances, these students aren't just hitting the books – they're writing their own success stories.

Meanwhile, in a plot twist that sounds like science fiction becoming science fact, Shawnee State and Airable Lab are cooking up something revolutionary in their academic kitchen. They're turning soybeans into plastics, proving that sometimes the future of manufacturing might just be growing in our own backyard. And speaking of domination, the Ironton Fighting Tigers just turned the OVC wrestling tournament into their own highlight reel, with victories that had everyone else tapping out.

🌤 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

📚 Over 450 students earn academic honors at Ashland Community College. The Kentucky college recognized 208 students on its Dean's List and 257 on its President's List for fall 2024 semester achievements. Students on the Dean's List maintained at least a 3.5 GPA while completing 12 or more credits, while President's List honorees earned perfect 4.0 GPAs. Notable recognition went to students from multiple Lawrence County communities, including Chesapeake, Ironton, and South Point. Additionally, South Point student Anna Brewer was featured in the college's production of "Radium Girls," a historical drama about workplace safety.

🌱 Shawnee State and Airable Lab join forces to revolutionize soybean-based plastics. The $1 million partnership will transform SSU's Advanced Manufacturing Center, focusing on developing sustainable polymers from soybeans by Fall 2026. The initiative capitalizes on Ohio's $6 billion soybean industry, with South Central Ohio producing 14% of the state's total yield. The collaboration, led by SSU alumnus Barry McGraw's Airable Research Lab, aims to create an innovation ecosystem while providing students hands-on experience in sustainable manufacturing. The project aligns with industry needs while supporting regional economic growth through workforce development.

🤼 Ironton Fighting Tigers dominate OVC wrestling tournament with perfect record. The powerhouse squad won all four team matchups, defeating South Point, Fairland, Chesapeake, and Gallia Academy in convincing fashion. Three Ironton wrestlers captured individual titles: Liam Almekinder (113-pound), Nate Sloan (132-pound), and Barkley Litton (175-pound). Fairland's C.J. Graham and Will Callicoat earned MVP honors in lower and upper weight classes respectively. Head Coach Chip Linville was named Coach of the Year for leading his team to victory.

New home with spacious lot: This brand new home near Wheelersburg is listed at $219,000, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open-concept layout with modern finishes, all on a spacious 3/4 acre lot. Enjoy wooded views from the deck and a large primary suite with an ensuite bath.

Tranquil remodeled retreat on acreage: This newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Scioto County, Ohio, on 10 acres offers tranquility at the end of a dead-end road while being just 8 miles from Wheelersburg, priced at $215,000. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking country living.

Stylish 4-bedroom home with retreat: This beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath home listed at $265,000 offers nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of stylish living space, complete with a charming front porch, multiple living areas, and a relaxing backyard retreat.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

💪 Feb. 25 - Women's Power Network Night: Join fellow businesswomen for an empowering evening of connection at The Happy Pot on February 25th. Build your support network while creating something beautiful at 522 2nd St, Portsmouth.

🎨 Feb. 25 - Pizza & Paint Party: Unleash your inner artist while satisfying your appetite at the Wheelersburg Library! Teens can enjoy free pizza and painting supplies while creating colorful canvases and crafts on February 25th.

🌱 Feb. 25 - Spring Garden Kickoff Workshop: Ready to dig into spring? Master gardener Kane Lewis shares essential tips for post-winter planting at Portsmouth's Scioto County Library. Join the free workshop on February 25, 5:30-7:30pm.

🧠 Feb. 27 - Teen Trivia Challenge: Calling all trivia buffs! Challenge your friends and show off your smarts at Teen Trivia, February 27 at 2:30pm in the Scioto County Public Library's meeting room. Awesome prizes await the winners.

🎲 Feb. 27 - Family Board Game Night: Roll the dice and join fellow gamers at Scioto County Public Library for a lively board game night! Bring friends and family to this all-ages gathering on February 27 at 1220 Gallia Street, Portsmouth.

💼 Feb. 27 - 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 February 27th at 80 E Water Street in Chillicothe.

🙏 Mar. 01 - Gather 25 Watch Party: Join an inspiring nationwide gathering as Gather 25 comes to Portsmouth! Experience this powerful livestream event alongside thousands of others at 1211 Grandview Ave on March 1st.

🎵 Mar. 01 - Karen Peck Gospel Night: Get ready for soul-stirring gospel as six-time Grammy nominee Karen Peck & New River bring their heavenly harmonies to Rubyville Community Church on March 1st. A spirit-lifting evening you won't want to miss!

🙏 In Remembrance

Joy Marlene Irwin

Joy Marlene Irwin, 63, of New Boston, passed away on February 20, 2025. Born on September 29, 1961, she was the daughter of Charles and Betty Foster and a graduate of West Portsmouth High School. A devoted homemaker and member of Grace Chapel Church, Joy cherished her grandchildren, affectionately known as "Honey." She is survived by her children, several grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on February 26, 2025, at Roger W. Davis Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Scioto Burial Park.

Norma Kaltenbach

Norma Jean Kaltenbach, 97, of Kettering, passed away on February 20, 2025, in Dayton. Born on March 5, 1927, she graduated from South Webster High School in 1945 and worked as a bank employee in Portsmouth and Dayton. She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur, an infant daughter, and several family members. Norma Jean is survived by her son Tyler, daughter Lecia, and granddaughters Sydney and Jordyn. A funeral service is scheduled for February 24, 2025, at D.W. Swick Funeral Home, with interment at South Webster Cemetery.