Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / April 7, 2025

👮 Officer rescue drama

Scioto County • April 7, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. In a stark reminder of community safety concerns, 18-year-old Kaleb Ruth faces multiple felony charges after allegedly attacking a New Boston police officer in the department's parking lot. The officer, who was attempting to prevent a vehicle theft, received treatment after being punched repeatedly in the face and head. A brave bystander stepped in to assist until backup arrived—highlighting how quickly ordinary moments can transform into extraordinary acts of courage.

Meanwhile, South Point Village is making strategic financial moves with the creation of two new funds. The council secured an impressive $646,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant, significantly reducing costs for sewer repairs from $1.2 million to $251,000. They've also addressed police staffing challenges and signed a lease for a new fire truck expected within weeks—tangible progress for community infrastructure that affects daily life throughout the village.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚨 Ashland man faces rape and burglary charges after home invasion. Johnathan Harris, 36, has been indicted for allegedly entering a home in November 2023 and raping a victim. The Lawrence County court has charged him with first-degree felony rape and second-degree felony burglary. A court date has not yet been scheduled for Harris. The article also lists numerous other individuals recently indicted in Lawrence County on various charges including drug trafficking, weapons violations, and domestic violence.

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🏛️ South Point Village Council creates two funds for community projects. The first fund will support a new lift station on Collin Avenue, while the second will allocate $1,300 from an opioid settlement for related initiatives. Mayor Jeff Gaskin announced the village secured a $646,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, reducing costs for sewer department repairs from $1.2 million to $251,000. The council also addressed police staffing concerns after the school district switched to using county sheriff's officers, leaving the department understaffed with five officers. Additionally, they signed a lease agreement for a new fire truck expected to arrive within a month.

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👊 Teen attacks officer in police station parking lot. Kaleb Ruth, 18, was arrested after allegedly assaulting a New Boston police officer who tried to stop him from stealing a vehicle. The officer was treated and released from Southern Ohio Medical Center after being punched multiple times in the face and head. Ruth also allegedly attacked a bystander who helped the officer until backup arrived. The Wheelersburg teen faces multiple felony charges including assault on an officer, robbery, and grand theft auto.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Country home with income potential: This $149,000 Wheelersburg home features three bedrooms on over half an acre with rental income potential, plus a metal storage building/garage, spacious lot and the possibility for future development.
Real estate listing image Mobile home needs relocation: This 1996 Chariot Eagle mobile home is available for $28,500 and must be relocated from its current site. It features a two-year-old metal roof and functioning AC unit, but remember—you're buying just the structure, not the land.
Real estate listing image Bargain home needs final touches: For $38,000, this fixer-upper with major upgrades offers equity potential in a 3-bedroom home. New drywall, electrical, plumbing, and fixtures already installed—just add final touches to make it your own.

🙏 In Remembrance

Kevin Lute

Kevin Lute, 58, of McDermott, Ohio, passed away on March 20, 2025. The brief announcement does not provide details about his life, family, or cause of death. Those wishing to share memories or offer condolences to his family can do so through the F.C. Daehler Mortuary website at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com. No information about funeral services was included in the notice.

Lisa Sparks

A Celebration of Life service for Lisa Sparks, referred to as "our Queen," will be held on Friday, April 11th at Christ's Community Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. The memorial service will begin at 4 p.m., with visitation one hour prior starting at 3 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear colorful attire and "best bling" to honor Lisa's vibrant personality. The celebration will include sharing memories, stories, laughter, and pictures as a way to commemorate her precious life.

Lisa Sparks

Debra Conley

Debra Conley, 68, of Portsmouth, passed away on March 29, 2025. A memorial service will be held at South Portsmouth Community Church on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1 p.m. The church is located at 587 Beattyville Rd, South Portsmouth, KY 41174. FC Daehler Mortuary is providing assistance to the family during this time. Additional information can be found on the mortuary's website at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Harold Douglas Watters

Harold Douglas Watters, 95, passed away on April 3, 2025, at Piketon Nursing Center. Born in 1930 in Portsmouth, Ohio, he was married to June Evaline Watters for 68 years until her death in 2019. Harold is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother Dana. A retired construction worker who enjoyed mowing his lawn and spending time with family, Harold's funeral will be held on April 7, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home with burial at Evergreen Union Cemetery.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

-Ephesians 4:2

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