🏆 Local heroes shine

Good morning, Scioto County. March 27th will mark a celebration of local heroes as Safe Harbor presents its 14th annual Cornerstone Awards, honoring the pillars who've built and sustained the domestic violence shelter for four decades. From the late Steve Gilmore to organizations like the Pallottine Foundation, these honorees represent the often unsung champions whose compassion has created refuge for countless individuals during their darkest hours.

The spirit of connection runs through our community this week. At Camp Landing, legendary sportswriter Jerry Tipton shared tales from his four-decade career covering Kentucky basketball, transforming from a self-described "shy" journalist to a respected fixture in sports media. Meanwhile, Russell students are teaching us all about genuine inclusion through their UNIFIED Club, where barriers between students with and without disabilities dissolve into friendship and understanding – proving that sometimes our greatest lessons come not from textbooks, but from each other.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

33°

50°

Wheelersberg

33°

50°

New Boston

33°

50°

Minford

33°

50°

South Webster

33°

51°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏆 Safe Harbor to honor community pillars at annual fundraising luncheon. The domestic violence shelter will present its 14th annual Cornerstone Awards on March 27 at Bellefonte Country Club. Dr. Candy Boykin will host the event, which recognizes individuals instrumental in the organization's 40-year growth. Honorees include the late Steve Gilmore, Jesse and Tina Hunt, the Kentucky Bar Foundation, Lori Mansbach Moore, and the Pallottine Foundation. The luncheon is part of Safe Harbor's 1,000 Women (and Men) fundraising campaign supporting its shelter and outreach services.

🏀 Legendary sportswriter Jerry Tipton shares four decades of Kentucky basketball stories. The Lexington Herald-Leader veteran visited Tap That Sports in Camp Landing to sign copies of his book "Deja Blue" and chat with fans about his illustrious career. Tipton, who belongs to three halls of fame, covered UK basketball from 1981 to 2022, spanning six head coaches including John Calipari and three national championships. Before joining the Herald-Leader, Tipton worked at The Herald-Dispatch while finishing his journalism degree at Marshall University. Despite describing himself as once "introverted and shy," Tipton earned respect from coaches and players alike for asking tough questions and providing fair coverage.

🤝 Russell students bridge differences through UNIFIED Club. The club brings together students with and without disabilities to foster inclusivity and friendship. Through activities and shared experiences, participants learn valuable social skills while breaking down barriers between different student groups. The UNIFIED Club is part of a broader social initiative promoting understanding and acceptance within the school community. It aligns with Special Olympics programs that emphasize equal participation and dignity for all students regardless of ability.

Cozy Updated Ohio Home: For $214,900, this Wheelersburg, Ohio home offers 3 bedrooms and 1 bath with numerous updates including a metal roof, LVP flooring, and a heated breezeway laundry area. The property includes a basement, storage building, and attached garage.

Vacant Ohio home free: This single-family home in Portsmouth, OH is available for the low price of $0. Located at 1638 7th St, it's a steal of a deal for anyone looking to put down roots in southern Ohio.

Quiet farmhouse near schools: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is listed for $280,000. Located on a quiet dead-end street with a fenced yard, 30x30 barn, and multiple heat sources, it sits close to Valley, Clay and Minford schools.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Mar. 7 - OMEA District Music Contest: Young musicians take center stage at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on March 7! Come support local high school and junior high bands and choirs at the OMEA District 17 Large Group Event.

📚 Mar. 7 - Family Story Time Fun: Spark your little one's imagination at Family Story Time! Join us March 7 at New Boston Library (3850 Rhodes Ave) where children will develop reading skills through engaging stories and fun motor activities.

🚶 Mar. 7 - Walk for Awareness: Step up for change at the Walk for Awareness, starting at Ross County Courthouse on March 7. Join fellow community members in this meaningful stroll through Chillicothe to support an important cause.

📚 Mar. 7 - Family Storytime & Play: Wiggle, giggle, and grow at Family Story time-Sensory Play! Little ones 6 and under can enjoy stories, crafts, and playtime at South Webster Library on March 7 at 11am. Perfect for curious minds!

🍽️ Mar. 8 - Dinner & Laughs Show: Laugh while you dine at The Portsmouth Brewing Co.'s Dinner and Comedy Show on March 8! Savor delicious food and side-splitting comedy for an unforgettable night out at 224 2nd St.

🔮 Mar. 8 - Sand Scrying Workshop: Unlock the ancient art of sand scrying at Serendipity in Minford on March 8! This beginner-friendly workshop provides all starter materials for your journey into divination. Perfect for curious mystics.

🫧 Mar. 8 - Bubble Painting Shamrock Plates: Create bubbly art at The Happy Pot! Pop by 522 2nd St, Portsmouth on Saturday, March 8 at 1pm to craft a shamrock salad plate using bubbles for just $17 plus tax. No reservation needed!

🎬 Mar. 8 - Neon Pool Movie Matinee: Dive into winter fun at Scioto County Public Library's Movie Matinee! Lounge on vibrant pool floats in their indoor "neon pool" while enjoying a captivating film on March 8.

💰 Financial Friday

Explore the benefits of diversifying your investment portfolio; by spreading your money across different asset classes, you can reduce risk and increase your potential for returns, which is essential for long-term financial stability.

🙏 In Remembrance

William P. Holmes

William Patrick Holmes, age 69, passed away on February 24, 2025, at The James Cancer Hospital. A graduate of Notre Dame High School and Hiram College, he retired from DuPont Research Institute and Goodyear Atomic Corporation, and was a devoted preacher at Pleasant Green Baptist Church. William was passionate about his faith, family, music, sports, and especially cherished time with his grandchildren, taking them on nature walks and attending their activities. In 2012, he relocated to Canal Winchester with his wife Lorrie, with whom he enjoyed traveling, and he leaves behind a loving family including his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and many relatives who will celebrate his life on March 8, 2025.

Charles Alfred Thompson

Charles Alfred Thompson, 79, of Portsmouth, Ohio, formerly of Ashland and Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away on February 28, 2025, at Hillview Retirement Center. Born in 1945, Thompson was a 1963 graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School, served 19 years in military reserves, and retired from Armco/AK Steel Corp after 43 years. He was a member of several veterans and fraternal organizations and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1980. Thompson is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy, two sisters, and many other family members and friends.

Barbara Phyllis Baker

Barbara Phyllis Baker, 85, of Lucasville, passed away on March 3, 2025, at SOMC ER. Born on January 11, 1940, she was among the first graduates of Northwest High School, worked at Williams Shoe Factory, and cared for many children as a babysitter. She was active in the Rush Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and attended Lombardsville Community Church. Barbara is survived by her son Brian, three grandchildren, four great-grandsons, and several other family members, with a celebration of life scheduled for March 8, 2025, at Lucasville Giovanni's.

Jayne Lynn Hamilton

Jayne Lynn Hamilton, aged 69, of West Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about her life, survivors, or services were provided in this brief announcement. The funeral home will likely be the point of contact for those seeking more information about memorial services.