🏛️ Memorial moments

Good morning, Scioto County. Brick by brick, a powerful testament to sacrifice is taking shape in Ashland as workers prepare the World War II memorial wall for its June 6 ceremony. American flags already flutter in the breeze at the site, a fitting prelude to an event that will honor the Greatest Generation's courage during humanity's darkest hours. This dedication comes as our region celebrates another WWII hero—100-year-old Navy veteran Charles Emerson Wiseman, who served aboard the USS Puffer submarine and was named honorary grand marshal of the historic 157th Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade.

Amid these celebrations of valor, our community also mourns a heartbreaking loss. A devastating fire on Ringo Street claimed the lives of 42-year-old Elizabeth Staten and 16-month-old Daelin Baer early Friday. While one resident escaped to the roof and was rescued by firefighters, the blaze spread rapidly through the home. As investigators work to determine the cause, our thoughts remain with the families affected by this tragedy.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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Wheelersberg

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South Webster

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎖️ Ashland prepares for special World War II wall ceremony on June 6. The memorial, located at the corner of 17th Street and Carter Avenue, honors those who served in the global conflict. Construction efforts were visible Friday as workers Larry Miller and Willie Moon laid bricks at the site. American flags already fly proudly in front of the wall, setting a patriotic tone for the upcoming event. The ceremony will provide the community an opportunity to remember and honor the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.

🇺🇸 100-year-old WWII veteran honored in historic Memorial Day parade. Charles Emerson Wiseman was named honorary grand marshal of the 157th Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, alongside grand marshal Ray Jones, a retired deputy and paramedic. During Tuesday's dinner honoring the parade leaders, Wiseman reflected on his Navy service aboard the USS Puffer submarine in the Pacific during World War II. Jones, who has served on the parade committee for years, received a traditional walking stick carved with a white country church representing this year's theme "God's Grace for America." The parade, commanded by Lou Pyles, celebrates those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

🔥 Tragic house fire claims lives of woman and toddler. The early-morning blaze at 363 Ringo Street in Ashland left Elizabeth Staten, 42, and 16-month-old Daelin Baer dead on Friday. One resident escaped to the roof and was rescued by firefighters using a ladder, later receiving hospital treatment. Fire Chief Steve Alley reported that flames quickly erupted throughout the home, with the fire starting on the first floor before rapidly spreading up the stairwell to the second floor. Authorities are investigating the cause but don't believe it was intentional.

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🙏 In Remembrance

John Alan Chesmar

John Alan Chesmar, a 77-year-old resident of South Webster, died on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at his home. The D. W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster is handling the arrangements for his services. No additional details about his life, family members, or cause of death were provided in the announcement. Funeral service information and other arrangements will presumably be forthcoming from the funeral home.

Kenneth Edward Days

Kenneth Edward Days, a 77-year-old resident of South Webster, died on Wednesday, May 13, 2025, at the SOMC Emergency Room. His funeral arrangements are being handled by D.W. Swick Funeral Home in South Webster. No additional details about his life, family, or services were provided in the notice. The brief obituary serves as a basic death announcement with funeral home information.

James Paul Riggs

James Paul Riggs, 89, of Ironton, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, and is survived by his wife Patricia Riley Riggs. He was a U.S. Veteran who served in the Army National Guard and retired from Dow Chemical in 1992 after 32 years. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church in Ironton on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at noon, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Buckeye Cemetery.

Vickie Elaine Chaffin

Vickie Elaine (Swords) Chaffin, 73, of West Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on May 19, 2025. She resided on Odle Creek Road. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling her funeral arrangements. No additional details about her life or services were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Catherine Helen Noles

Catherine Helen Noles, 72, of Portsmouth, passed away on May 23, 2025, at Buckeye Forest at Rosemount Pavilion. Born in Portsmouth in 1952, she attended Rubyville Community Church, worked at Star Workshop, and enjoyed activities like bingo and arts & crafts at Buckeye Forest. She was married to Gary Mitchell Noles for 18 years until his death in 2007. Catherine is survived by three siblings and numerous extended family members, while her funeral will be held on May 28, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home with interment at Siloam Cemetery.

Elbert Grooms Jr

Elbert Grooms Jr., 92, of Latham, Ohio passed away on May 23, 2025, at his residence. Born in 1933, he was married to Naomi R. Anderson for 66 years until her death in 2016. He is survived by five children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Grooms worked primarily as a lumber sawyer and briefly as a Pike County Deputy Sheriff, while also serving as First Elder at McKibban Chapel for many years. Funeral services will be held on May 27, 2025, at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home with burial at East Cemetery.

Esther Frances Wells

Esther Frances Wells, 88, of Portsmouth, previously from Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on April 28, 2025. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m. at FC Daehler Mortuary in Portsmouth, Ohio. A small service will follow immediately after the gathering. Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on the funeral home's website at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Karen Sue Roberts

Karen Sue Roberts, 78, of McDermott, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. No additional details about her life, family, or funeral arrangements were provided in the brief obituary notice. For more information, interested parties are directed to visit the Brant Funeral Service website at www.brantfuneralservice.com.

Larry Vincent "Vinnie" Miller

Larry Vincent "Vinnie" Miller, a 64-year-old Portsmouth native and 1978 Notre Dame High School graduate, passed away at home on May 12, 2025. A music lover who worked as a disc jockey, Vinnie attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and is survived by his two brothers, Beverly and Terrell Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Malinda Chapman and Ronall Miller. A Memorial Service with Facebook Live Stream will be held on May 24, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home with Deacon Brady Womack officiating.

Lana Carr

Lana Carr, a 71-year-old resident of New Boston, died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice center. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by Swick Bentley Funeral Home in New Boston. No additional details about memorial services or surviving family members were provided in the announcement. The brief obituary did not include information about Carr's personal life, career, or cause of death.

Edward Albert Hendrick III

Edward Albert Hedrick III passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2025, at his home. Born in Columbus, Ohio in 1968, Edward graduated from Northwest High School and Shawnee State University, working in retail before starting his own dog walking business. He was passionate about sports, music, art, and had a deep love for animals and nature. Edward is survived by his parents, sister, niece, extended family, and many friends, with a Mass of Christian Burial scheduled for May 27 at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Deborah Stumbo

Deborah Stumbo, age 62 and from Jackson, died on Friday, May 16, 2025. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by D.W. Swick Funeral Home located in South Webster. No information about her cause of death or surviving family members was provided in the brief announcement. The obituary gives minimal details about her life or any memorial services planned.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:31

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