🎻 Orchestral offerings

Good morning, Scioto County. April 5 marks a date for your calendar as classical masterpieces will fill the air at Ohio University Southern's Riffe Rotunda. The Ohio University Symphony Orchestra, under Dr. Jose Rocha's direction, brings the stirring compositions of Sibelius, Borodin, and Tchaikovsky to conclude the Ironton Council for the Arts season. While adults pay $15, students and children can experience this cultural treasure completely free—a perfect opportunity to introduce young minds to the power of orchestral music.

In stark contrast to these uplifting notes, a troubling case unfolds as Portsmouth authorities have arrested a 31-year-old man on multiple felony charges related to sharing explicit material involving minors. On a more hopeful note, across the river in Eastern Kentucky, Jack Van Vlack's 9 Bulldogs Farm represents a growing agricultural movement, cultivating not just vegetables but a deeper connection to Appalachian land and traditions through sustainable farming practices.

🌤 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

🎻 Ohio University Symphony Orchestra brings classical masterpieces to Ironton. The ensemble will perform the final concert of the Ironton Council for the Arts 2024-25 series on April 5 at Ohio University Southern's Riffe Rotunda. Directed by Dr. Jose Rocha, the orchestra will play works by Sibelius, Borodin, and Tchaikovsky. Tickets cost $15 for adults, while students and children can attend free of charge. The performance is made possible through generous support from the Foundation for the Tri-State Community and grants from the Ohio Arts Council.

🚨 Portsmouth man arrested for sharing child sexual assault material online. Brady McClurg, 31, faces 17 counts of pandering obscenity involving minors following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Police executed a search warrant at his Summit Street residence, seizing numerous electronic devices connected to videos showing minors in sexual situations. The alleged crimes occurred between June and August 2024, with all charges classified as second-degree felonies. McClurg was booked into Scioto County Jail and scheduled for arraignment on April 11.

🌱 Eastern Kentucky farmer sows seeds of regional pride. Jack Van Vlack operates 9 Bulldogs Farm, where he grows various vegetables including carrots in high tunnels. His agricultural venture represents a commitment to local food production and sustainable farming practices in the region. Van Vlack's farm showcases the potential for agricultural development in Eastern Kentucky, contributing to the area's economic diversity beyond traditional industries. Through his farming efforts, he cultivates not just crops but also a deeper connection to the land and community.

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Estate auction Zero starting bid: Real estate auction for estate settlement listed at $0. Subject to probate court approval with 5% buyer's premium added to final bid and 10% down payment due at auction close.

Bargain mansion needs work: This fixer-upper priced at $63,000 offers five bedrooms and two bathrooms across 1,876 square feet, featuring an updated kitchen, upgraded electrical system, and bonus room in a convenient neighborhood near amenities.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏛️ Apr. 4 - Hopewell Historic Park Trip: Step back in time at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park on April 4! Join the History Geeks Club for a FREE exploration of ancient Native American mounds and artifacts in Chillicothe.

🍞 Apr. 5 - Master Sourdough Baking Class: Knead your baking skills to life at Sourdough 1.0 Class! Master the art of delicious bread from scratch on April 5 at 429 2nd St, Portsmouth. Your next culinary adventure awaits!

🍽️ Apr. 5 - April Meeting & Dinner: Join us for the April Meeting at Spriggs Claim on April 5th at 5pm! Everyone's welcome to enjoy dinner together at 13267 OH-104, Lucasville. Come connect with neighbors and share a meal.

🎸 Apr. 5 - Ekoostik Hookah: Groove to the legendary jams of Ekoostik Hookah as they light up Columbia Music Arena on April 5! Catch this beloved psychedelic rock outfit at 832 Gallia St, Portsmouth, OH for a night of musical magic.

⚾ Apr. 5 - Baseball Doubleheader @ East: Batter up! Catch the excitement as our local team takes on Sciotoville East in a doubleheader baseball showdown on April 5 at Sciotoville East High School, 224 Marshall St, Portsmouth.

🧩 Apr. 5 - Autism Acceptance Celebration: Celebrate neurodiversity at Adam's Flying Pig Coffee House during their fourth annual Autism Acceptance Month gathering! Grab a coffee and connect with the community on April 5th from 1-3PM in Wheelersburg.

📚 Apr. 5 - Local Author Fair: Meet fantasy author Adam Days at the Local Author Fair! Discover "The Battle For Airamaris" at Chillicothe Library on April 5th from 11AM-2PM. Perfect for fellow fantasy enthusiasts looking for their next adventure.

👜 Apr. 6 - Designer Purse Bingo: Win designer purses while enjoying bingo fun at Scioto County Fairgrounds! Join the excitement on April 6 in Lucasville for a chance to snag stylish accessories while playing your favorite game.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account every payday; this "pay yourself first" strategy ensures that you consistently contribute to your savings without having to think about it.

🙏 In Remembrance

Barbara Louise Dingus

Barbara Louise Dingus, a 71-year-old resident of Wheelersburg, died on March 28, 2025. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by D.W. Swick Funeral Home, located in Wheelersburg. No additional information about her life or the cause of death was provided in the obituary. Details about services or surviving family members were not mentioned. The brief announcement serves as a formal notification of her passing.

Marjorie K. Hancock

Marjorie Katherine Hancock, a registered nurse born in Buena Vista, Virginia on August 11, 1924, passed away peacefully at age 100 on Thursday at the SOMC Hospice Center. She was preceded in death by her husband Eldon, her parents William and Ida, and her siblings John, Henry, William, Pauline, Bernice, and Irene. After graduating from Lewis Gale Hospital of Nursing and attending the University of Cincinnati, Marjorie held various nursing and teaching positions, retiring in 1982 from Scioto Memorial Hospital as Infection Control supervisor. She is survived by several nephews, a great-niece, and other extended family members, with a graveside service scheduled for April 2nd at Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista, Virginia.

Brenda E. Risner

Brenda E. Risner, a 55-year-old resident of Wheelersburg, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. No cause of death was specified in the brief notice. The obituary did not include details about her family, career, or personal life. No information was provided regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services. Those wishing to honor her memory or offer condolences would need to seek additional information.

Carol Thompson Cooper

Carol Thompson Cooper, 63, of Lucasville, passed away on March 27, 2025, at Riverside Methodist Hospital due to a brain aneurysm. She was a resident of Lucasville at the time of her death. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. No additional details about her life or surviving family members were provided in the notice.

Roger Dale Lewis

Roger Dale Lewis, a 75-year-old resident of Wheelersburg, died on March 29, 2025. D.W. Swick Funeral Home in Wheelersburg is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about Lewis's life or the cause of death were provided in the brief obituary notice. Information about any memorial services, survivors, or funeral proceedings were also not included in the announcement.

Patricia A. Thompson

Patricia Ann "Patty" Flannery Thompson, 72, of West Portsmouth, passed away on March 28, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born on April 4, 1952, she was passionate about reading, genealogy, and visiting Civil War Battlefields, and was actively involved in the choir at Mabert Road Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband Ron Thompson, daughter Elizabeth, two brothers, one sister, and her chosen family including three sons, three sisters, and many other relatives. Funeral services will be held on April 3, 2025, with visitation at Roger W. Davis Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at Memorial Burial Park.

Phillip Albert Zaayer

Phillip Albert Zaayer, 93, of Otway passed away on March 29, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Born on July 25, 1931, in Carroll to Jesse and Dorothy Zaayer, he was married to Kathryn Griffith Zaayer for over 70 years. Phillip is survived by his wife, four children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service with military honors will be held on April 12, 2025, at Oswego Cemetery in Otway.