Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / March 5, 2025

🎹 Mayor hits sour notes

Scioto County • March 5, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. Headlines can turn a sleepy town into the talk of the state overnight, as Coal Grove's mayor has discovered. Andy Holmes now faces multiple charges after an alleged drunken hit-and-run incident that escalated dramatically when officers arrived at his home. The situation serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with upholding community standards aren't immune to serious lapses in judgment.

In brighter news, the cultural calendar is filling with extraordinary opportunities. Jazz aficionados will soon welcome Russ Kassoff, whose fingers have danced across piano keys for legends like Sinatra and Minnelli, to Ohio University Southern. Meanwhile, educators looking to better serve neurodivergent students can mark their calendars for a free virtual conference next March. From troubling local governance to world-class entertainment and educational advancement, our small corner of Ohio continues to connect with larger currents of American life.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🍺 Coal Grove mayor arrested after drunken hit-and-run crash. Andy Holmes faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, felony resisting arrest, and felony assault after allegedly crashing his GMC Yukon and fleeing the scene. According to police, Holmes fought with officers at his home, was stunned three times with a Taser before being handcuffed, and later admitted to drinking at the Moose Lodge before hitting something with his vehicle. The mayor reportedly tried to order a Coal Grove officer to arrest the Ironton officers and shoved one officer before attempting to flee. Holmes is scheduled to appear in Ironton Municipal Court on Thursday.

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🎹 Jazz legend Russ Kassoff brings piano mastery to small-town Ohio. The renowned pianist, who performed with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli, will play at Ohio University Southern on May 10. Hosted by the Ironton Rotary Club in partnership with local arts organizations, the concert promises an immersive experience filled with stories from Kassoff's illustrious career. Tickets cost $20, with proceeds supporting community projects including Bobcat Academy, an affordable summer camp for local youth. This performance continues the tradition of bringing world-class artists to Ironton, following last year's appearance by actress Rita Moreno.

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🧠 Free virtual conference empowers educators to support neurodivergent students. Ohio University Southern will host the 2025 Virtual Envision Access Conference on March 7, featuring two sessions focused on strength-based learning approaches. Expert presenters include educators and advocates with firsthand neurodivergent experience who will share practical strategies for creating inclusive educational environments. The conference will cover topics like rejection sensitivity dysphoria and masking, offering research-backed methods to better support students with diverse learning needs. Registration is free and open to educators, administrators, parents, and policymakers interested in fostering more inclusive learning spaces.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Secluded wooded paradise awaits buildable: For $36,500, this wooded lot beckons outdoor enthusiasts with mature hardwoods, visible deer activity, and a peaceful country setting ideal for building, hunting, or escaping urban life. Utilities accessible at roadside.
Real estate listing image Prime Investment Cluster Opportunity: For $272,900, investors can snag a portfolio of 5 rental homes on the same street near downtown, offering easy management and a strategic opportunity to expand rental operations.
Real estate listing image Rustic homestead with garage shop: Opportunity knocks at $210,000: This 1.5-story home on 1.43 acres features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a partially finished basement with fireplace, and a separate garage-turned-detail-shop.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏠 Mar. 5 - Virtual Property Tour: Explore the comforts of retirement living at Minford Retirement Center during their all-day Virtual Tour on March 5. Get a glimpse of amenities and features from 9am-7pm at 9641 OH-335, Minford.
🎵 Mar. 7 - OMEA District Music Festival: Young musicians take the spotlight at OMEA District 17's High School and Junior High Large Group Event! Catch talented bands and choirs performing at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on March 7.
🎭 Mar. 8 - Dinner & Comedy Night: Laugh while you dine at The Portsmouth Brewing Co.'s Dinner and Comedy Show on March 8! Treat yourself to delicious food and side-splitting comedy at this perfect night out. 224 2nd St, Portsmouth.
🎬 Mar. 8 - Neon Pool Movie Matinee: Dive into a neon winter wonderland at Scioto County Public Library's Movie Matinee! Lounge on vibrant pool floats while enjoying a captivating film in our indoor "pool" on March 8.
🏍️ Mar. 8 - Motorcycle Instructor Open House: Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts! Rev up your teaching skills at the Motorcycle Ohio Instructor Open House on March 8 at SSU Kricker Innovation Hub in Portsmouth. Open to all riders interested in becoming instructors.
🫧 Mar. 8 - Bubble Painting Shamrock Plates: Bubble up your creativity at The Happy Pot! Create a shamrock salad plate using bubbles for just $17 plus tax on Saturday, March 8 at 1pm. No reservation needed—just pop in!
🔮 Mar. 8 - Sand Scrying Workshop: Unlock the ancient art of sand scrying at Serendipity on March 8! This beginner-friendly workshop provides all starter materials for your journey into this mystical practice. Perfect for curious minds.
🙏 Mar. 9 - Beech Fork Revival: Experience spiritual renewal at Beech Fork Church's revival with Brian Baer on March 9. Join the community at 1847 OH-348 in Otway for an uplifting evening of faith and fellowship.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28

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