🏏 Underdog magic

Good morning, Scioto County. The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd signaled an upset in the making as Ironton's pitching tandem of Ian Ginger and Jacob Hughes stunned conference favorite Portsmouth with a masterful three-hitter. The Fighting Tigers' 4-3 victory showcased both early offensive fireworks and late-inning composure, proving that in baseball—as in life—sometimes the underdog has the perfect game plan.

Athletic excellence continues to be a theme across our region as Shawnee State's women's track team shattered six personal records at the Cherry Blossom Invitational. While Jaina Bailey outperformed Division I competitors with her impressive hammer throw, the Paramount Arts Center received its own extension in Ashland, with city commissioners voting to continue current management through year-end while they contemplate the historic theater's long-term future.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

39°

49°

Wheelersberg

39°

49°

New Boston

39°

49°

Minford

39°

49°

South Webster

39°

49°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

⚾ Ironton's dynamic pitching duo stuns conference favorite Portsmouth. Ian Ginger and Jacob Hughes combined for a masterful 3-hitter as the Fighting Tigers edged the Trojans 4-3 on Wednesday. Ginger struck out 11 over five innings before Hughes closed the door with three strikeouts in two perfect frames. Ironton jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, with Portsmouth quickly tying it up before the Tigers scored the winning run in the third. Coach John Hunt praised his team's maturity and ability to handle adversity in the important conference victory.

🏃‍♀️ Shawnee State women's track team shatters six personal records. Jaina Bailey led the charge at the Cherry Blossom Invitational with an impressive hammer throw of 146 feet, outperforming 10 NCAA Division I competitors. Distance runners Jessica Elick, Sydney Reed, Kirsten Evans, Amanda Salmons, and Natalie Brammer all set new personal bests in their respective events. Coach Flynn expressed pride in his team's continued growth throughout the season, noting how well they competed against strong fields. The team will next compete at the two-day Lee University Fast Break Athletics Invitational in Tennessee.

🎭 Ashland extends Paramount Arts Center's management through year-end. The city commissioners voted to allow the current PAC operators to continue managing the historic theater until December 31, amending a previous agreement that set a June 30 deadline. This extension comes as the city reviews proposals from companies interested in operating the theater long-term, following last October's $3 million purchase agreement that transferred ownership to the city. Commissioner Sonny Martin urged discussions begin soon on selecting the future operator, as the city has had the proposals "for a while." Mayor Charles indicated these conversations would take place in upcoming meetings.

Team	Opponent	Score
Minford (4-1)
	vs South Webster	W 6-1
Portsmouth (3-4)
	vs Ironton	L 4-3
Portsmouth West (0-5)
	vs Wheelersburg	L 11-1
East (1-0)
	vs Glenwood	W 16-0
Wheelersburg (3-2)
	@ Portsmouth West	W 11-1

🥎 Softball Scoreboard

South Webster's Jeeps tamed the Minford Falcons 7-1 in Wednesday's non-league showdown, extending the Falcons' winless start to an uncomfortable 0-7. Meanwhile, the Ironton Fighting Tigers clawed their way to an 8-5 victory over Portsmouth's Trojans in league action, improving to a formidable 7-1 while leaving the Trojans licking their wounds at 2-6.

Team	Opponent	Score
Minford (0-7)
	vs South Webster	L 7-1
Northwest (5-2)
	vs Western	W 12-1
Portsmouth (2-6)
	vs Ironton	L 8-5
Portsmouth West (3-4)
	vs Wheelersburg	L 13-0
East (1-1)
	vs Glenwood	W 23-9
Wheelersburg (5-0)
	@ Portsmouth West	W 13-0

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Solid corner home stays dry: For $139,900, this city home on a corner lot boasts a large main-floor addition, oversized detached garage, multiple updates including roof and HVAC, and the owner claims the basement stays dry despite heavy rain.

Renovated Craftsman corner steal: Priced at $150,000, this beautifully renovated Craftsman-style corner lot home boasts new siding, roof, windows, flooring, plus updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and two remodeled bathrooms with upscale features.

Suburban dream suite with upgrades: This suburban dream home, with a list price of $369,900, features a lavish main-level master suite with heated floors, along with an open floor plan and finished basement complete with wet bar and extra rooms.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🙏 Apr. 11 - Teen Worship & Fun: Teens, join a night of praise, worship and devotions at 227 Maple St! Fill your spirit and your stomach with food and fun activities on April 11 at this uplifting Teen Youth Service.

🎸 Apr. 11 - Captain Chucke @ The Landing: Groove to the soulful sounds of Captain Chucke & the Cadillac South with local talent Ethan Monroe at The Landing in Portsmouth on April 11. Don't miss this electric night at 603 2nd Street!

🍞 Apr. 12 - Advanced Sourdough Techniques: Take your bread skills to the next level at Sourdough 2.0! Join fellow bakers at 429 2nd St in Portsmouth on April 12 to master advanced techniques and exciting flavor combinations.

🌸 Apr. 12 - Spring Bazaar Shopping Extravaganza: Browse handcrafted treasures at the Spring Bazaar! Shop jewelry, treats, custom creations and more at The Gathering Place in Wheelersburg on April 12, from 10am-3pm. Support local artisans!

🍷 Apr. 12 - West Coast Wines Tour: Savor the finest West Coast vintages at The Mirage Champagne Bar's wine tasting event! Sample California, Oregon, and Washington wines on Saturday, April 12th at 6pm in the charming Selby 100 Mile House & Gardens.

🐰 Apr. 12 - Hoppy Tails Easter Photos: Pamper your pooch at Hoppy Tails Picture Day! Snap adorable Easter photos and treat your furry friend to nail trims for just $5 each. All proceeds help shelter dogs at 95 Arrowhead North Rd on April 12.

🐰 Apr. 12 - Easter Wine & Canvas: Unleash your inner artist at the Easter Wine and Canvas night! Sip your favorite drink while painting an adorable bunny on April 12 at 522 2nd St, Portsmouth. Just bring your beverage—all supplies provided.

🎂 Apr. 12 - Dray's Venom Birthday Bash: Venom-themed fun awaits at Dray's 7th birthday bash! Join the celebration at Glendale Elementary School (51 Hayes St, Minford) on April 12 - this superhero party is sure to be venomously exciting.

💰 Financial Friday

Diversify your investment portfolio by including a mix of asset types, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate; this strategy helps spread risk and can lead to more stable returns over the long term.

🙏 In Remembrance

Matthew Grant Fox

Matthew Grant Fox, a 55-year-old resident of Greensboro, NC, passed away on March 31, 2025. His funeral service and memorial will be held privately. Instead of flowers, the family requests that people honor his memory by passionately supporting a favorite sports team, regardless of their performance record. Those wishing to share memories of Matt or offer condolences to his family may do so at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Forrest Leroy Spires

Forrest Leroy Spires passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. He was a resident of Stout. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling all funeral arrangements. No additional information about his life or funeral services was provided in the brief obituary.

Henrietta H. Cunningham

Henrietta H. Cunningham, née Smith, of Portsmouth, passed away on April 3, 2025, at the age of 99. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Cunningham. A private graveside service will be held at the family's convenience, with interment at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, Ohio. Those wishing to honor her memory may make donations to either Second Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth or Otway Community Church in Otway, Ohio. Additional information can be found on the F.C. Daehler Mortuary website.

David Ray Williams

David Ray Williams, 77, of West Portsmouth, passed away on April 7, 2025, at his home. A truck driver for 27 years, he retired from Reinhardt Trucking after 17 years and then spent 10 years as an owner-operator hauling steel. David enjoyed OSU football, coaching Pee Wee Football, boating, fishing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Linda, their two sons, brother, in-laws, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

Charles Leroy Queen

Charles Leroy Queen, 70, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed away on April 5th, survived by his wife Nina, two sons, three grandchildren, and numerous extended family members. During his 50-year career in water filtration and distribution, he achieved the highest state license level and received multiple Operator of the Year awards. Charlie dedicated over 40 years to the Bloom-Vernon Local School District Board of Education, serving as president and vice president. Known for his kindness, humor, and brilliant intellect, he was deeply committed to community service through various organizations including the United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts of America, and Vernon Township Fire and Rescue Department.

Berlin Lee Swords

Berlyn Lee Swords, 77, of West Portsmouth, died on April 6, 2025. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and worked as an Iron worker with Local 172 in Columbus. Swords is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Moore Swords, three children, one sister, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Graveside services with military honors will be held on April 19, 2025, at Lucasville Cemetery, arranged by Roger W. Davis Funeral Home.

Larry Lee Lowder

Larry Lee Lowder, 70, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center after a life characterized by his passion for the outdoors, dirt track racing, hunting, fishing, and attending auctions. A graduate of Glenwood High School in New Boston, Larry is survived by his wife Carley Riley, his daughter Michelle, three stepchildren, three sisters, two grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, three brothers, a sister, and a nephew. A visitation and funeral service will be held on April 11, 2025, at the Swick Bentley Funeral Home in New Boston.

Kenneth Franklin Lewis Jr.

Kenneth Franklin Lewis Jr., 68, of Vincennes, Indiana, and formerly of Sciotoville, Ohio, passed away on March 15, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held on his birthday, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Christ Global Church in Sciotoville, Ohio. The family invites all to join them in honoring his memory at this service. Instead of flowers, donations may be directed to The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Donna Lee Vargo

Donna Lee Vargo, born February 25, 1944, in Logan, West Virginia, passed away on January 24, 2025, in Portsmouth, Ohio. She and her husband Bill owned Flowerama in the Huntington Mall for ten years before she worked at Roman J Claprood Wholesale Florist until her retirement in 2008. After retiring, the couple moved to Minford, Ohio to be near their daughter Kristen and grandchildren. Donna is survived by her husband, daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren, and two siblings, while a memorial service will be held on May 2, 2025, at West Logan Missionary Baptist Church.