🚧 Road symphony

Good morning, Scioto County. The sound of bulldozers and gospel harmonies will create an interesting soundtrack across our region this month. Starting May 19, Lawrence County drivers will navigate a maze of detours and single-lane passages as multiple road projects kick off simultaneously, with State Route 775 closing completely for slide repairs and the Chesapeake Bypass construction continuing to reshape local travel patterns.

Meanwhile, the fairgrounds in Lucasville are preparing for a joyful noise of a different kind as the 27th annual Spring Jubilee brings nationally-known gospel groups to the covered pavilion all week long. The free event, hosted by Evangelistic Outreach, begins Monday with performances each evening. And speaking of local talent, Peebles High senior Alexavier Scott continues balancing multiple sports while dreaming of a future in mechanics—though he admits if he could trade places with anyone for a day, Ryan Reynolds would top his list.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Wheelersberg

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New Boston

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Minford

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🚧 Lawrence County road projects will disrupt travel beginning May 19. Multiple construction and maintenance projects are set to affect highways throughout Lawrence County in the coming weeks. State Route 775 will close for a slide repair project, with traffic detoured via alternate routes until summer. The Chesapeake Bypass Phase 2 construction continues, with County Road 68 closed indefinitely. Several other projects, including bridge replacements and resurfacing work, will maintain at least one lane of traffic with flaggers or temporary signals.

🎵 Gospel music fans prepare for a week-long celebration in Lucasville. The 27th annual Spring Jubilee, hosted by Evangelistic Outreach, kicks off Monday at the Scioto County Fairgrounds. Nationally-known Gospel groups will perform each night, including 11th Hour, Karen Peck & New River, and others, with a volunteer choir opening at 6:30 p.m. The free event takes place in the fairgrounds' covered pavilion and brings together multiple churches for what Dr. Calvin Ray Evans, the ministry's director, calls "a special thing." Evangelistic Outreach, founded in the 1950s, broadcasts globally from its New Boston headquarters.

⚽ Peebles High senior Alexavier Scott dreams of becoming a mechanic. The soccer enthusiast participates in multiple sports at his school including cross-country and track, though he admits running is his least favorite aspect. Scott cherishes the bus rides home after games and counts scoring against Northwest as his most memorable sports moment. When not on the field, he enjoys hanging out with friends, watching Supernatural, and would trade places with Ryan Reynolds for a day before heading to tech school.

Country dream near schools: Listed at $249,900, this country home boasts 5 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a 1-car garage on 3 acres with a stocked pond and horse barn, all within walking distance to South Webster schools.

Modern farm with outbuildings: Priced at $395,000, this newly renovated country home offers 3 beds, 2.5 baths, modern updates throughout, and multiple outbuildings including a pole barn and stable—perfect for those seeking a peaceful hobby farm with modern amenities.

Wooded acres with building potential: Priced at $120,000, this 24-acre wooded property in Scioto County offers recreational opportunities and a building spot, with a concrete structure already in place, abundant wildlife, and all mineral rights included.

🙏 In Remembrance

Carolyn Lou Ruth

Carolyn Lou Brooks Ruth, 81, of Batavia, Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She was a retired Registered Nurse from Southern Ohio Medical Center who worked with the Parish Nursing Program and initiated a program giving teddy bears to children during hospital visits. Carolyn was an active church member at First Christian Church in South Shore, Kentucky, and attended Glen Este Church of Christ in Batavia. She is survived by three daughters, a sister, a brother, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with funeral services scheduled for May 10, 2025.

Gilbert L. "Gil" Bauer Jr.

Gilbert "Gil" L. Bauer Jr., a retired B.F. Goodrich employee and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, passed away from Lewy Body Dementia on April 19, 2025, at the age of 77. A graduate of Ohio University with a journalism degree, Gil was known for his communication skills, loyalty, and stoic demeanor. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, active in recovery communities, and a member of both the American Legion and St. Christopher Catholic Church. Gil is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laura Lynn, his children, grandchildren, and extended family, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength and unwavering devotion.

Cheri Lynn Payton

Cheri Lynn Payton, 56, of Portsmouth, passed away at her home on May 7, 2025. She died peacefully while surrounded by her family members. Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling her funeral arrangements. No additional details about services or survivors were provided in the brief notice.

Lilly Mae Cremeans

Lilly Mae Cremeans, aged 89 and from Portsmouth, died on May 6, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by D. W. Swick Funeral Home located in Wheelersburg. No additional details about her life or surviving family members were provided in the obituary notice. No information was given regarding funeral or memorial services. The brief announcement serves as a basic notification of her passing.

Dolores I. Monk

Dolores I. "Dody" Monk passed away on April 18, 2025, at age 95 in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Throughout her life, she worked in banking, real estate, furniture sales, and managed a hotel gift shop until age 81, known for her ethical standards and compassionate nature. Dody was preceded in death by her husband Fred and is survived by her children Mike and Laura, their spouses, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. An active church member with a gift for making people feel valued, Dody's memorial service will be held May 10 in Orlando, Florida.

Willard Wilford Clay

Willard Wilford Clay of West Portsmouth passed away at the age of 98 on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, while at SOMC Hospice. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about services or survivors were provided in the notice. Mr. Clay lived a long life of nearly 99 years.

Elva Williams

Elva Williams, a 77-year-old resident of Franklin Furnace, died at home on May 7, 2025. The D. W. Swick Funeral Home in Sciotoville is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about Williams' life, family, or cause of death were provided in the brief announcement. The funeral home will likely be the point of contact for those seeking information about services or memorials.