Good morning, Scioto County. Major decisions loom large in Ashland as commissioners wrestle with a $35 million question: where exactly should the new conference center stand? With $600,000 already invested in preliminary designs, the debate between the Paramount Arts Center and Delta Hotel locations has transformed into a high-stakes community conversation. Commissioner Gute calls the theater-adjacent site a "no-brainer," but parking concerns and space limitations have officials requesting additional designs before seeking more public input.
Meanwhile, new leadership has arrived in neighboring Peebles, where veteran officer George Baker begins his "fourth quarter" as Police Chief after discovering the opportunity on LinkedIn. Despite the rural setting where "everybody knows everybody," Baker notes the universal challenges of policing remain consistent. Across the river, Boyd County teachers face difficult news as budget shortfalls have led to a salary freeze amid rising living costs—a stark reminder of the financial pressures facing our region's education systems.
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88%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏢 Ashland's $35 million conference center location remains undecided. The Board of Commissioners is torn between building next to the Paramount Arts Center or by the Delta Hotel, with over $600,000 already spent on preliminary designs. Commissioner Gute favors the Paramount site, calling it a "no brainer" after the city purchased the theater for $3 million, while Commissioner Renfroe leans toward the hotel location. Concerns about parking, impacts on the Paramount, and space limitations at the hotel site have prompted commissioners to request additional designs for the hotel option before gathering more public input.
👮 Small-town policing gets new veteran leader in Peebles. George Baker took over as Chief of Police for the Village of Peebles on February 10, bringing over 20 years of experience from his time in Mount Orab. The seasoned officer, who described himself as in "the fourth quarter" of his career, discovered the opportunity on LinkedIn and was drawn to the chance to try something different. Baker has been warmly welcomed by the tight-knit community, where he appreciates that "everybody knows everybody." Despite the rural setting, he notes that core policing challenges like drugs, mental health, and poverty remain consistent across all communities.
💰 Boyd County teachers face salary freeze amid budget crisis. The school district announced the decision as part of broader cost-cutting measures to address financial shortfalls. Teachers expressed frustration at the freeze, which comes despite rising costs of living and inflation pressures. School officials cited declining enrollment and reduced state funding as primary factors necessitating the difficult decision. The freeze is expected to remain in place until the district's budget stabilizes.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Cheap home unhappy neighbors soon: This $42,000 property features a one-story home with 2-3 bedrooms and one full bath. The city owns the neighboring house and plans to demolish it.
Country dream awaits modern living: Priced at $185,000, this country charmer sits on 2.3 acres just minutes from downtown, featuring a massive covered deck, updated kitchen, three bedrooms, and multiple outbuildings with a brand new 2023 roof.
Bank Owned Auction Opportunity: This foreclosed property, listed at $0, is available exclusively through Auction.com, where investors can bid on this neighborhood opportunity alongside thousands of other bank-owned properties nationwide using their secure platform.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla
🙏 In Remembrance
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
-Matthew 6:33
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