📺 Young media makers

Good morning, Scioto County. The next generation of media storytellers is already making waves in our backyard. At Ohio University Southern's EMPixx competition, high school students from eight regional schools showcased remarkable talent across podcasts, photography, and video production. With industry professionals from MyTown TV offering inspiration, these young creators demonstrated the bright future of media in our region—proving creativity thrives well before graduation day.

Meanwhile, career opportunities are expanding through two notable programs: PRISM's eight-week retail training initiative offers professional credentials and workplace skills for just 10 lucky participants, while the Ashland Independent Board of Education seeks qualified candidates for a vacant seat lasting until 2026. If you're at least 24 with a high school diploma and passionate about education, this could be your chance to shape district policy and budgets for years to come.

🌤 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

🏫 Ashland school board seeks to fill vacant seat until 2026. The Ashland Independent Board of Education is accepting applications for a position that will remain appointed until the November 2026 election. Qualified candidates must be at least 24 years old, Kentucky citizens for three years, registered voters in the district, and have completed 12th grade or hold a GED. Board responsibilities include setting district policy, hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, and managing the budget and taxes. Applications can be found online at the district website and should be submitted to the Superintendent's office.

🎬 Young storytellers shine at Ohio University's EMPixx media competition. High school students from eight regional schools gathered at Ohio University Southern for the 2025 EMPixx Awards, celebrating excellence in student media production. The event featured 101 entries across categories including podcasts, photography, and video storytelling. Industry professionals from MyTown TV, themselves alumni of the program, inspired students with stories of their career journeys, emphasizing passion and adaptability in the evolving media landscape. The day culminated in an awards ceremony where winners were celebrated for their creativity, showcasing the promising future of the next generation of media creators.

🛍️ Free training program launches to boost retail career opportunities. Ohio University Southern and Scioto County Aspire have created PRISM, an eight-week program offering professional skills in retail, customer service, and logistics. Running from April to June 2025, participants will earn three industry-recognized credentials from the National Retail Federation while developing essential workplace abilities. The blended learning format combines online coursework with weekly in-person sessions, providing hands-on experience, resume assistance, and job placement guidance. Only 10 spots are available for this free program designed to meet Ohio's growing demand for skilled workers.

Spacious home outdoor extras: $134,900 buys you an airy one-level home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, new flooring, and a new AC unit. The property includes covered parking, a storage building, and an oversized deck.

Risky foreclosure below market value: This $80,000 foreclosure auction in New Boston, Ohio features a 3-bedroom home with no interior access available before closing. The court-ordered minimum bid is well below the $145,800 Zestimate, but it's a cash-only sale with no contingencies.

Affordable ranch with outdoor perks: Listed at $204,900, this ranch-style home in Wheelersburg offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a spacious kitchen and living room, plus a covered deck and fenced backyard for outdoor enjoyment.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

📚 Mar. 27 - CTE Educator Essentials: Calling new CTE educators! Dive into quality measures, work-based learning, and more at Scioto County Career Technical Center on March 27. Perfect for fresh faces in career and technical education.

👶 Mar. 27 - Roly Poly Storytime: Wiggle and giggle at Roly Poly Storytime with Miss Stefanie at Scioto County Public Library on March 27! Your little ones will thrive with music, dancing, and stories designed for early development.

👻 Mar. 28 - The Addams Family Musical: They're creepy, kooky, and coming to Minford High School! Catch "The Addams Family Musical" March 28-29 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditeria. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets available at the high school.

🐄 Mar. 28 - CSG Open Barn Sale: Step into CSG's annual Open Barn Sale on March 28th at 5:00pm! Browse unique offerings at 929 Coriell Rd in Portsmouth, but don't dawdle—everything's available on a first-come basis.

📚 Mar. 28 - Sensory Story Fun Time: Wiggle and giggle at Sensory Story Time! Little ones ages 3-8 can enjoy stories, songs, movement and play in a sensory-friendly environment at Lucasville Library on March 28th at 4pm.

🌱 Mar. 29 - Spring Seed Starting Party: Plant seeds and friendships at our lively Seed Starting Party! Dig into herb and flower planting while enjoying delicious food and community vibes on March 29 at 429 2nd St, Portsmouth.

👻 Mar. 29 - The Addams Family Musical: They're creepy and they're kooky! Join Minford High School for "The Addams Family Musical" at their Auditeria on March 29th at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets available at the school.

❤️ Mar. 29 - Bid Your Heart Out: "Bid Your Heart Out" transforms Marting's into a charitable paradise on March 29! Support Notre Dame Schools by bidding on class baskets and student artwork at this heartwarming community fundraiser. 515 Chillicothe St, Portsmouth.

🙏 In Remembrance

Paulette M. Pack

Paulette M. Smith Pack, 60, of New Boston, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at Buckeye Forrest at Rosemount Pavilion. A talented pianist and singer, Paulette worked various jobs throughout her life, including providing daycare services, serving as head bank teller, and working as front desk manager at Shawnee Lodge. She is survived by her parents, four daughters, three sisters, and six grandchildren, having been preceded in death by her grandson Jacob Dylan Rhea. A memorial service will be held on March 29, 2025, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.