📚 Reading ripples

Good morning, Scioto County. The ripple effects of kindness are immeasurable in our community. For 40 years, Safe Harbor has provided shelter to over 20,000 domestic violence survivors, and on March 27th, they'll honor five champions who've strengthened this vital safety net. At a time when the shelter is housing twice as many women and children as in previous years, these Cornerstone Awards recognize those who've turned compassion into concrete support for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Economic waves are also making a splash as Sunrush Water invests $100,000 to expand operations in nearby Wellston, creating new jobs and keeping manufacturing local. Meanwhile, the joy of reading flowed through Dawson-Bryant Elementary as 40 community members—from local officials to the regional director of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library—shared beloved Dr. Seuss stories with students during their annual Read Across America celebration, nurturing the next generation of lifelong readers.

🌤 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

🏠 Safe Harbor to honor community champions at annual fundraising luncheon. The domestic violence shelter will host its 14th annual Cornerstone Awards on March 27, 2025, at Bellefonte Country Club. Five honorees—including Steve Gilmore, Jesse & Tina Hunt, and the Kentucky Bar Foundation—will be recognized for their dedication to Safe Harbor's mission. The organization, which has sheltered over 20,000 people in its 40-year history, serves domestic violence victims across five Kentucky counties and is currently housing double the number of women and children compared to previous years. Funds raised will support substance abuse education, children's programs, and campus renovations.

💧 Sunrush Water splashes into expansion with $100,000 investment in Wellston. The bottled water company will create three new jobs in Jackson County, Ohio while establishing a plastic bottle manufacturing line. This expansion, supported by a $50,000 JobsOhio Small Business Grant, follows a previous growth phase that doubled the company's revenue. Owner Michael Blum says the investment will allow Sunrush to provide regional bottling companies with products they would typically source from outside the area. Since arriving in Jackson County in 2020, the company has continued its growth trajectory, strengthening the local economy.

📚 Dawson-Bryant Elementary celebrates reading with 40 community guest readers. The annual Read Across America event brought local officials, high school students, and professionals to share Dr. Seuss books with excited elementary students. Each guest was paired with student guides dressed as Seuss characters who escorted them to classrooms. Jamie Lima, now West Virginia director for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, returned to her alma mater to participate in the literacy celebration. The Imagination Library program provides free monthly books to children from birth to age five across the Tri-State region.

Spacious riverside retreat near everything: Listed at $275,900, this spacious Wheelersburg home offers 3 bedrooms, multiple living areas, and a finished basement, plus outdoor amenities including an above-ground pool with composite deck just minutes from schools and downtown.

Updated home near major highway: For $189,000, this cozy 3-bedroom home offers updated kitchen and bathrooms, a fenced yard with covered patio, and convenient location near US-23 and SOMC. The basement features fresh epoxy floors and a 1-car garage adds practicality.

Cozy countryside home ready now: Priced at $195,000, this move-in ready one-floor home on 1.3 acres in Wheelersburg offers 2 beds, 2 baths, open-concept kitchen, family room with fireplace, and sits on a quiet street.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Mar. 14 - Family Story Time Fun: Spark your little one's imagination at Family Story Time! Join us March 14 at New Boston Library (3850 Rhodes Ave) where children will develop a love of reading through engaging stories and fun activities.

📚 Mar. 14 - Family Storytime & Play: Little ones under six can wiggle and wonder at Family Story time-Sensory Play! Join the South Webster Library on March 14 at 11am for an hour of reading, playing, and crafting adventures.

👭 Mar. 15 - Women's Circle: Join the Women's Circle at Serendipity in Minford for connection and community on March 15. Gather with local women in a warm, supportive space at 9040 OH-139 for meaningful conversation and friendship.

🌱 Mar. 15 - Apple Tree Grafting Workshop: Become a tree-growing guru at the Apple Tree Grafting Workshop on March 15 at Mt Hope Bible Camp in Otway. Learn this ancient horticultural art in a hands-on, friendly environment. Register online!

🍀 Mar. 15 - St. Patrick's Reuben Special: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the return of German Rye Reuben's at 429 2nd St in Portsmouth! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 15 and satisfy your festive sandwich cravings.

🎵 Mar. 16 - Riley Clemmons Live: Chart-topping Christian artist Riley Clemmons lights up the Vern Riffe Center stage with her powerful vocals and uplifting melodies. Catch this inspiring performance on March 16 at 7:00 PM in Portsmouth.

🙏 Mar. 16 - Jerry Moyer at Refuge: Join renowned preacher Jerry Moyer at Refuge Southern OH this Sunday evening! Everyone's welcome to experience his inspiring message at 6:30PM on March 16th at 404 Ohio Ave, New Boston.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an emergency fund that covers three to six months' worth of living expenses; this financial safety net can provide peace of mind and help you navigate unexpected situations without derailing your long-term plans.

🙏 In Remembrance

Barbara Ann Byrne

Barbara Ann Byrne, 68, of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. She was the widow of Robert Charles Byrne and had worked as a nurse at Altercare of Bucyrus for 32 years before retiring in 2004. No public services will be held for Mrs. Byrne. Phillips Funeral Home of Ironton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fannie Lou Orrell

Fannie Lou Orrell, 78, of Portsmouth, passed away on March 8, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. Born in Pikeville, KY in 1946, she was a 1964 graduate of Belfry High School who treasured time with her family. Following the death of her husband Eddie in 2021 after 54 years of marriage, Fannie is survived by two sons, a brother, a sister, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, two brothers, and four sisters, with funeral services scheduled for March 11, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home.

Darlene Bayes Moore

Darlene Bayes Melvin Moore, 93, of Minford, Ohio passed away on March 7, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. Born in 1932, she was a graduate of Minford High School and Ohio University who served as a primary school teacher for 27 years. She is survived by her husband Emanuel "Bob" Moore, three children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A devoted member of Candy Run United Baptist Church since 1952, Darlene was also active in educational organizations including the Ohio Retired Teachers Association and Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority.

Janice Kay Spires

Janice Kay Spires, 83, of Stout, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, while at SOMC Hospice. She was in her early eighties at the time of her death. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about services or surviving family members were provided in the brief notice.

Jeffrey Lawrence Mosley

Jeffrey Lawrence Mosley, 63, of Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on March 8, 2025, at Edgewood Manor. Born on December 18, 1961, to the late William and Vivian Throckmorton Mosley, he is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey and Chad, along with four grandchildren and numerous siblings, in-laws, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda, his parents, and five siblings. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with arrangements by Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Otway.