🚢 River revival

Good morning, Scioto County. The mighty Ohio River is reclaiming its historic role as a commercial lifeline, with expanded port operations breathing new economic life into our tri-state region. Fresh grants and equipment upgrades at Riverport facilities are strengthening the natural trade networks that have connected our communities since the days of flatboats and steamers, proving that sometimes the oldest highways remain the most valuable.

In other local highlights, the Ironton Farmers Market stands as a testament to grassroots vision, evolving from a modest 2012 experiment in a bank parking lot to the bustling community hub at Depot Square where "Produce Lady" Tammy Hanshaw and others now serve customers from across three states. Meanwhile, congratulations are due to both Rogers Scholars from Carter County—East Carter's Kara Mabry and West Carter's Nico DeBord—as they prepare to represent our region in this prestigious program.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

41°

67°

Wheelersberg

38°

67°

New Boston

43°

68°

Minford

38°

67°

South Webster

41°

65°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚢 Ohio River revitalizes shipping industry in Ashland region. The waterway is experiencing a resurgence in maritime transport, connecting Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia communities through expanded port operations. Local officials have secured new grants and equipment for Riverport facilities, enhancing the area's commercial shipping capabilities. This development represents a significant economic opportunity for Ashland and neighboring cities including Huntington and Charleston. The initiative aims to strengthen regional trade networks while utilizing the river's natural transportation advantages.

📚 Newspaper corrects oversight in Rogers Scholar recognition. The publication mistakenly reported that only East Carter High School's Kara Mabry was selected from Carter County for the prestigious 2025 Rogers Scholars program. West Carter High School student Nico DeBord was also chosen but overlooked in the original article. The newspaper offered a sincere apology to Nico and acknowledged his additional achievements with the Academic Team and award-winning Community Problem Solving Group. Both students will represent Carter County in the respected program developed by the Center for Rural Development.

🌽 Ironton Farmers Market thrives after humble beginnings in a bank lot. What started as an experiment by Ironton aLive in 2012 has become a community staple where vendors like Tammy Hanshaw, the "Produce Lady," sell locally grown goods. The market found its permanent home at Depot Square, where customers from across the Tri-State gather on Fridays and Saturdays to purchase everything from tomatoes and beans to flowers and plants. Ironton in Bloom also participates, using proceeds from their annual Mother's Day flower sale to fund beautification projects throughout the city, maintaining over 150 flower pots from Park Avenue to Callihan's Restaurant.

Spacious rural retreat wood details: Priced at $245,000, this charming 1.5-story home on 4.58 acres offers 4 bedrooms, updated kitchen, custom wood accents, multiple outdoor spaces, and bonus outbuildings for the nature-loving homeowner seeking rustic comfort.

Fixer-upper with good bones: Priced at $107,000, this 2-bedroom Sciotoville home offers hardwood floors and spacious bedrooms, though the upstairs bathroom needs repair from pipe damage—ideal for buyers willing to invest some TLC.

Country acreage two garages: For $275,000, this home offers cozy country living with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on 1.42 acres. Property includes two 2-car detached garages, a chicken house, and large garden area on level ground.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎭 May 9 - West High's Anastasia Musical: Journey to imperial Russia as Portsmouth West High School brings "Anastasia" to life on stage! Don't miss this enchanting production on May 9 at the school auditorium (15332 US-52, West Portsmouth).

🎸 May 10 - Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show: Experience the electrifying sounds of Fleetwood Mac at Vern Riffe Center on May 10 when Fleetwood Gold takes the stage! This red-hot tribute band has been winning hearts since bursting onto the scene.

🚲 May 10 - Safety Town Bike Path: Step into Safety Town at the historic Otway Covered Bridge! Kids can explore bike safety and fun activities along the picturesque Otway Bike Path on May 10th, 2025.

🍷 May 10 - Wine Tasting for Mom: Raise a glass to Mom at "Celebrate Her With a Sip" wine tasting at Oddfellows on May 10! Just $20 gets you a delightful evening of fine wines and light bites in downtown Portsmouth.

👜 May 10 - Designer Purse Bingo Night: Strike it lucky at Miss East 2025 Purse Bingo Night! Join the community at Sciotoville East High School on May 10 for your chance to win designer handbags while supporting a great cause.

🏍️ May 10 - Memorial Ride for Kids: Rev up for a good cause at the 858's Annual Brian Waller Memorial Ride for Kids on May 10 at The Complex in West Portsmouth. Registration begins at 11 a.m., with kickstands up shortly after!

⛳ May 10 - SSU Athletics Golf Scramble: Tee up for a good cause at the SSU Athletics Golf Scramble! Join fellow sports enthusiasts on May 10 at Elks Country Club in McDermott for a day of friendly competition and community spirit.

🎭 May 11 - West High's Anastasia Musical: Journey to imperial Russia as Portsmouth West High School brings "Anastasia" to life on May 11! Don't miss this captivating student production at 15332 US-52, West Portsmouth, OH.

🙏 In Remembrance

Amy Nichole Scarberry

Amy Nichole Scarberry, a 17-year-old resident of New Boston, died on May 2, 2025. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by Swick Bentley Funeral Home, located in New Boston. No additional details about the cause of death or surviving family members were provided in the notice. The brief obituary does not include information about services or memorial arrangements.

Emily Gulker

Emily Gulker, aged 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Buckeye Forest Nursing Home in Jackson, Ohio. She was a resident of Portsmouth at the time of her death. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. No further details about services or survivors were provided in the notice.

Darrell Edwin Pauley

Darrell Edwin Pauley, a 78-year-old resident of Portsmouth, died on May 3, 2025, while at SOMC Hospice. His funeral arrangements are being handled by Swick Bentley Funeral Home, which is located in New Boston. No information about his life, family, or services was provided in the brief announcement.

Charles Miller Jr.

Charles Miller Jr., 63, a resident of Ironton, died on Monday, April 28, 2025, at King's Daughters Medical Center. The D. W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about his life or surviving family members were provided in the brief notice. The obituary did not specify the cause of death or mention any scheduled memorial services.

Charles Robert "Bob" Seymore

Charles Robert "Bob" Seymore, 79, of Portsmouth, passed away on May 1, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. A Vietnam War era Air Force veteran and retired Orkin technician, Bob had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, being a Life Member of the Portsmouth Motorcycle Club for over 60 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon in 2023, with whom he enjoyed riding his Harley. Bob is survived by his niece/caregiver Angela Sortman, great nephews, a great-great niece, and his "chosen family" from the Portsmouth Motorcycle Club.

Matthew Rickey

Matthew Ryan Rickey, 42, of Springfield, Ohio, died on May 4, 2025, after a brief battle with colon cancer. A graduate of Lucasville Valley High School and Wright State University, Matt worked for over 20 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he was a Senior Electronics Engineer and Manager. He was an Eagle Scout and remained active in scouting as an adult, serving as a den leader with Cub Scout Pack 36. Matt is survived by his wife Lisa, son Jack, parents, brother, grandparents, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for May 9 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home.

Gary Herbert Little

Gary Herbert Little, 78, of Goshen, Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. Known affectionately as "The Cart," Gary was a skilled guitarist who had a lifelong love for music and was a faithful member of Brush Creek Baptist Church in Otway. He is survived by his daughter Heather, brother Thomas, daughter-in-law Jamie, and many nieces and nephews, while being preceded in death by his parents, stepdad, sister, son, and wife Ruth. Gary will be remembered for his quiet nature, musical talent, and steady presence in the lives of those who knew him.

Walter William Tackett

Walter William Tackett, a US Marine Veteran, passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 86. The family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made directly to FC Daehler Mortuary in Portsmouth, OH. Well-wishers can also visit the mortuary's website to leave special memories or condolences for the family. No additional details about Walter's life or surviving family members were provided in the obituary.

Kimberly Jean Garthee

Kimberly Jean Day Garthee, a 64-year-old resident of West Portsmouth, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at her home. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. No additional information about her life or surviving family members was provided in the brief notice. The obituary does not mention the cause of death or any scheduled memorial services.

Matthew Ryan Rickey

Matthew Ryan Rickey, 42, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a brief battle with colon cancer. A graduate of Lucasville Valley High School and Wright State University, Matt earned his Professional Engineer license in 2023 and worked for over 20 years at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where he was a Senior Electronics Engineer and Manager. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout rank and serving as a den leader. Matt is survived by his wife Lisa, son Jack, parents, brother, grandparents, in-laws, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for May 9, 2025.

Wilma Jean Whitaker

Wilma Jean Whitaker, 84, of South Webster, passed away on May 3, 2025, at her home after a long illness. Born in Portsmouth on June 4, 1940, she was a valedictorian at South Webster High School and earned a Bachelor of Education Degree from Rio Grande College. She dedicated over 30 years to teaching in the public school system and was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Red Hat Society, and the Over 55 Club. Wilma is survived by her two sons, their spouses, her sister, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Betty "Pupper" Bauer

Betty "Pupper" Bauer, 94, of Portsmouth, passed away on April 28, 2025, at Hillview Retirement Center in Portsmouth. Her funeral arrangements were handled by Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. No further details about her life, surviving family members, or memorial services were provided in the obituary. The brief notice simply confirmed her age, place of residence, date of death, and the funeral home managing her services.

Martha Melissa Staker

Martha Melissa Staker, a 90-year-old Portsmouth native and longtime Columbus resident, passed away on May 4, 2025. After graduating from Portsmouth High School in 1952 and attending White Cross School of Nursing, she worked as the head nurse of Labor and Delivery for over 40 years. Martha was an active member of Maize Manor United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, played piano, and sang in the choir. She enjoyed knitting, cats, traveling, and spending time with family, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Michael T. Staggs Sr.

Michael T. "Baby Hugey" Staggs Sr., age 58 from Portsmouth, passed away on May 5, 2025. A gathering in his memory will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Co. from noon to 1 p.m. Following the ceremony, burial will take place at Scioto Burial Park in Portsmouth, Ohio. Those wishing to share memories or condolences with the family are invited to do so at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.