Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / April 9, 2025

🚢 Hometown sailor spotlight

Scioto County • April 9, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. The wheels of justice turned again this week as the January term grand jury handed down ten indictments, advancing these cases through our local criminal justice system. While the courthouse handles serious matters, elsewhere in our region, artistic excellence shines brightly—Ashland's remarkable riverfront mural has earned prestigious recognition in the 2025 Tour of Honor, placing our area's cultural contributions on the national map alongside celebrated landmarks across America.

From river walls to aircraft carriers, local talent continues making waves far beyond our shores. Portsmouth High School graduate Christopher Bender has found his place aboard the USS John C. Stennis, one of the world's largest warships. The 2010 alum recently added a digital photography degree to his impressive resume while serving on a vessel so massive it functions as a floating military base—a testament to how far Scioto County roots can reach.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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⚖️ Ten indictments handed down by Scioto County Grand Jury. Prosecutor Shane Tieman announced the indictments returned on March 21, including charges against Chandra Ross of Huntington, WV. The January term grand jury met to review evidence and determine formal charges against multiple defendants. While specific details of most cases weren't provided in the article, the indictments appear to include serious criminal matters typical of grand jury proceedings. The indictments represent the first step in the criminal justice process for these defendants.

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🎨 Ashland mural honored in prestigious 2025 Tour of Honor. The striking artwork can be viewed on the flood wall at the Ashland Riverfront. This recognition places the mural among select sites featured in the national tour program. The Tour of Honor celebrates significant cultural and historical landmarks across America. Local residents and visitors alike now have the opportunity to experience this acclaimed artistic contribution to the community.

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🚢 Portsmouth native serves aboard one of world's largest warships. Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bender is stationed on the USS John C. Stennis, a massive aircraft carrier operating from Newport News, Virginia. The 2010 Portsmouth High School graduate recently earned his degree in digital photography from The University of Southern New Hampshire in 2024. Aircraft carriers like the Stennis represent some of the most impressive naval technology in the U.S. fleet, serving as mobile military bases at sea.

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⚾ Baseball Scoreboard

TeamOpponentScore
Portsmouth (3-3)
@ Dawson-Bryant
W 15-1

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Affordable family home countryside ready: $135,000 gets you a charming 3-bed, 1-bath home in Wheelersburg School District with a fenced backyard and storage shed. The move-in ready property offers comfort in a welcoming neighborhood.
Real estate listing image Modern home nature's doorstep: $230,000 buys you a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,725 sq ft of living space, featuring open layout, modern kitchen with island, master suite, 2-car garage, and proximity to schools amid peaceful wooded scenery.
Real estate listing image Mystery House Needs Detective Work: This property is on the market for $279,000. The listing provides no description, so potential buyers will need to contact the agent for details about this mystery home.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎨 Apr. 11 - Easter Cross Painting Fellowship: Get Easter-ready at The Happy Pot's Cross Painting Event! Express your creativity while making new friends in this heartwarming fellowship gathering on April 11 at 522 2nd St, Portsmouth.
🙏 Apr. 11 - Teen Worship Night: Teens, join the night of praise and worship at 227 Maple St! Dive into devotions while enjoying good food and fun activities on April 11. A spirit-lifting evening for all youth!
🎸 Apr. 11 - Captain Chucke & Cadillac South: Groove to the soulful sounds of Captain Chucke & the Cadillac South with local talent Ethan Monroe at The Landing In Portsmouth on April 11. Head to 603 2nd St for this foot-stomping musical showcase!
🌸 Apr. 12 - Spring Bazaar & Vendors: Discover treasures at the Spring Bazaar! Browse handcrafted goods from local vendors at The Gathering Place in Wheelersburg on April 12, from 10am-3pm. Perfect for unique spring shopping!
🍞 Apr. 12 - Advanced Sourdough Techniques: Knead your skills to perfection at Sourdough 2.0! Join fellow bakers on April 12 at 429 2nd St in Portsmouth to master advanced techniques and explore exciting new flavors.
🙏 Apr. 12 - Christstock Worship at Lake: Dust off those bell bottoms and Bibles for Christstock '25! Worship and celebrate freedom in Christ at Big Bear Lake Family Resort on April 12. A groovy gathering for Jesus people of all ages.
📣 Apr. 12 - Cancer Victims Town Hall: Join concerned families at Piketon High School for a televised town hall meeting about cancer concerns in Pike and Scioto counties. Local activist group and WKRC's Duane Pohlman host this important community gathering on April 12.
🎸 Apr. 12 - Andy Shaw Band Live: Groove to the soulful sounds of Andy Shaw Band at Pump House Center For the Arts on April 12! Catch this captivating performance at 3:00 PM in historic Chillicothe. Tickets available now.

🙏 In Remembrance

Joshua Lee Maxie

Joshua Lee Maxie, 48, of Portsmouth, died on April 2, 2025, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. He was an Ironworker from local #769 in Ashland, KY, who enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, and collecting guns. Josh, who was known for his friendly nature, was preceded in death by his father Terry Maxie, sister Christina Maxie, and his paternal grandparents. He is survived by his two sons, Andrew and Tyler, his mother Tami, three brothers, one sister, and many other family members who will miss him dearly.

Joshua Lee Maxie

Beth Ann Eldridge

Beth Ann Eldridge, 60, of Portsmouth, passed away on March 19, 2025. Born in New Jersey in 1964, she enjoyed crocheting, watching TV, and admiring the colors and designs of butterflies. Beth was predeceased by her parents and a daughter, Dalicia Rush. She is survived by three children, a sister, three grandchildren, and a close friend. Private services will be handled by Melcher Hammer Funeral Home.

Beth Ann Eldridge

Orville Glenn "Jack" Keller

Orville Glenn "Jack" Keller, 87, of Portsmouth, passed away on April 5, 2025, surrounded by family. A member of Rubyville Community Church, he was a Gideon, Kentucky Colonel, and gospel quartet bass singer, as well as a retired Empire Detroit Steel Foreman who co-owned Keller Construction with his wife. He is survived by three daughters, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a sister, and a brother. Keller was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Ann, who passed in 2021, as well as a great-great-grandson and a sister.

Orville Glenn Jack Keller

Forrest Leroy Spires

Forrest Leroy Spires, 86, of Stout, passed away on April 5, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. A retired employee of Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, Forrest was an active member of Friendship United Methodist Church and Rome Masonic Lodge #535, where he previously served as secretary. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Janice, a son, Tim, and two brothers. Forrest is survived by his daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews, including his caregiver Teresa Maynard.

Forrest Leroy Spires

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

-Philippians 4:13

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