🏈 Tackling excellence

Good morning, Scioto County. From the gridiron to the boardroom, Nick Sites is carrying forward his family's football legacy. The Ironton linebacker, fresh off helping the Fighting Tigers secure the Division 5 state championship, has signed with the University of Pikeville where faith and friendship factored into his decision. While Sites tackles his future in business administration, his 74 total tackles this season prove he's already mastered the art of making an impact both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, excellence is being celebrated throughout our region. Ohio University Southern is seeking nominations for the 2025 Dr. Dan Evans Alumni Leadership Award, honoring graduates who transform our communities through exceptional leadership. Just up the road, Morning Pointe of Russell's leadership team is basking in the glow of prestigious healthcare ratings, cementing their reputation for outstanding senior care. From promising young athletes to distinguished community leaders, Scioto County continues to nurture excellence at every stage of life.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

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70°

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

🏈 Ironton linebacker Nick Sites signs with University of Pikeville. The senior standout switched from wide receiver to outside linebacker this season, helping the Fighting Tigers win the Division 5 state championship. Sites recorded 74 total tackles while also catching 11 passes for 224 yards on offense. His decision to attend UPike was influenced by faith and friends already at the school. Sites, whose father was a key player on the 1999 state runner-up team, plans to major in business administration while continuing his family's football legacy.

🎓 Ohio University Southern seeks to honor alumni leadership excellence. The university is accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. Dan Evans Alumni Leadership Award through March 17, recognizing graduates who demonstrate outstanding community leadership. Named after a Lawrence County native and former dean who expanded educational access in Appalachian Ohio, the award celebrates Evans' legacy of creating opportunities for others. Last year's recipient was Jeremy Clay, whose economic development work has significantly impacted regional job creation. Nominations can be submitted by faculty, staff, alumni, and community members at ohio.edu/southern/alumni/leadership.

🏆 Morning Pointe of Russell celebrates prestigious healthcare rating achievement. The senior living facility's leadership team has earned high marks for their quality of care and service. While specific details about the rating were not provided in the article, this recognition positions Morning Pointe as a standout healthcare provider in the Russell community. The achievement reflects the facility's commitment to excellence in senior care services.

Gateway Lots With Development Potential: A trio of parcels priced at $30,000 await on Gallia St./Rt. 52 at the Portsmouth entrance from New Boston. These strategically positioned properties offer potential for development in this gateway location.

Pond view pool paradise home: A spacious 3-bedroom retreat priced at $450,000 features a first-floor primary suite, great room with pond views, pool with pool house, and Generac generator for year-round comfort and security.

Luxurious lakeside family paradise: Priced at $334,998, this meticulously maintained lakefront property offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms on 2.04 acres with multiple garages, recent upgrades, and original charming details throughout its spacious interior.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🍀 Mar. 13 - Celtic Angels Ireland: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day early with Celtic Angels Ireland at the Vern Riffe Center on March 13! Experience award-winning Irish singers, dancers, and musicians direct from Ireland in this dazzling performance.

🧠 Mar. 13 - Green Trivia Night: Test your green knowledge at Old Capitol Brewing's St. Patrick's-themed trivia night! Grab a pint and join the fun on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 PM at 79 N Paint St, Chillicothe.

📚 Mar. 14 - Family Story Time Fun: Spark your little one's imagination at Family Story Time! Join us March 14 at New Boston Library where children will discover the joy of reading through engaging stories and fun motor skill activities.

👩‍👧‍👧 Mar. 15 - Women's Circle Gathering: Join the Women's Circle at Serendipity in Minford on March 15 for connection and community. Gather with local women in this welcoming space to share stories and build meaningful relationships.

🌱 Mar. 15 - Apple Tree Grafting Workshop: Become a grafting guru at Mt Hope Bible Camp's Apple Tree Workshop! Learn this time-honored technique on March 15 at 3162 Mt Hope Rd in Otway, OH. Register online to secure your spot.

🥪 Mar. 15 - St. Patrick's Reuben Day: Craving a taste of St. Patrick's Day? German Rye Reuben's is bringing back their famous Reubens on Saturday, March 15 at 429 2nd St in Portsmouth. Mark your calendar for this delicious tradition!

☘️ Mar. 15 - St Patrick's Day Celebration: Paint the town green at The Happy Pot this March 15! Wear your St. Patrick's Day best from 11-7 and score 20% off your entire purchase at 522 2nd St, Portsmouth.

🎵 Mar. 16 - Riley Clemmons Live: Chart-topping Christian artist Riley Clemmons brings her soulful sounds to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on March 16. Catch her captivating performance at 7:00 PM in Portsmouth. Get your tickets now!

🙏 In Remembrance

Fannie Lou Orrell

Fannie Lou Orrell, 78, passed away on March 8, 2025, in Columbus after being born in Pikeville, KY in 1946. She was a high school graduate who cherished spending time with her family and was married to Boyd Edward "Eddie" Orrell for 54 years until his death in 2021. Fannie is survived by her two sons, a brother, a sister, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, while she was preceded in death by a son, two brothers, and four sisters. Funeral services will be held on March 11, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

Jeffrey Lawrence Mosley

Jeffrey Lawrence Mosley, 63, of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on March 8, 2025, at Edgewood Manor. Born in 1961 to William and Vivian Mosley, he is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey and Chad, four grandchildren, and numerous siblings, in-laws, and extended family members. Jeffrey was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rhonda, and five of his siblings. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with arrangements handled by Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.

William James Grooms

William "BJ" Grooms, 39, of Portsmouth, passed away on March 2, 2025. Born on September 7, 1985, BJ worked in lawn care and was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan who took pride in his appearance. He is survived by his son Braden, his mother April, grandmother Shirley, brother Michael, and several half-siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 11, 2025, at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home with visitation preceding the service.

Jack Dean McClanahan

Jack Dean McClanahan, 69, of Seaman, passed away on March 8, 2025, at Hospice of Hope in Adams County Regional Medical Center. Born on December 22, 1955, in Peebles, he is survived by his wife Beverly, whom he married in 1982, along with his daughters Claire Fisher and Susan Johnson, four grandchildren, and numerous siblings. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Evelyn McClanahan, and three siblings. Funeral services will be held on March 12, 2025, at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home with burial at Evergreen Union Cemetery.