🛒 Trading neighbors

Good morning, Scioto County. More than 1,000 people flocked to the inaugural Lawrence County Trade Day earlier this month, transforming the fairgrounds into a bustling marketplace with everything from livestock to homemade treats. The wildly successful event has already funded new turkey pens for the upcoming county fair, with organizer Montana Runnels announcing a second Trade Day planned for August. Between the wood carving demonstrations, petting zoo, and 70+ vendors, it seems our neighbors have discovered a winning formula for community engagement.

Just across the state line, the spirit of Kentucky shines bright in the aftermath of recent tornadoes. What began as one woman's compassionate impulse in Carter County quickly snowballed into an extraordinary relief effort, with neighbors uniting to fill three vans with supplies and deliver over 600 meals to displaced families. As organizer MaKaylen Genung put it so perfectly: "Kentucky is Kentucky, and I know they'd do the same for us." That's the heartland spirit in action.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

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Wheelersberg

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New Boston

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Minford

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South Webster

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🛒 Lawrence County Trade Day draws over 1,000 to fairgrounds. The successful inaugural event on May 17 featured more than 70 vendors selling everything from livestock to food to yard sale items. Organizer Montana Runnels announced a second Trade Day planned for August 30, with proceeds supporting fairground upgrades for 4-H programs. The first event already met its fundraising goal for turkey pens needed for a new competition at the upcoming Lawrence County Fair. Attractions included a petting zoo, live wood carver, and food trucks, creating what Runnels described as "something for everyone."

❤️ Small-town Kentucky rallies to aid tornado survivors with extraordinary compassion. What began as one woman's donation drive quickly grew into a county-wide mission, uniting businesses and neighbors throughout Carter County. Within just four days, the community raised nearly $4,000 and collected supplies to fill three vans "to the brim" with essential items for those affected in Laurel County. The team ultimately delivered over 600 meals to displaced families and first responders in one of the hardest-hit areas. As organizer MaKaylen Genung explained, "Kentucky is Kentucky, and I know they'd do the same for us."

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 May 30 - Boneyfiddle Music Night: Groove to the rhythm at "May is for Music" during Final Friday in Boneyfiddle! Join 190 music lovers at Three Bridges Concert Venue on May 30, 2025 for Portsmouth's liveliest spring celebration.

🍖 May 30 - Pork in the Park: Feast and fun at Pork in the Park! Savor a delicious meal while Jason Burton entertains at the Historic Otway Covered Bridge on May 30. Proceeds support grounds maintenance and equipment costs.

🐖 May 30 - Swine & Stogies 2025: Indulge in succulent pork and premium cigars at Swine & Stogies 2025! Join fellow enthusiasts on May 30 at Creekside Occasions in Chillicothe for this mouthwatering celebration of flavor and relaxation.

🎯 May 30 - Cornhole Tourney at Fifty West: Toss your way to victory at Fifty West's Cornhole Tournament! For just $5 cash, compete for top prizes and bragging rights on Friday, May 30th at 1 N Paint St, Chillicothe.

🌸 May 31 - Spring in the 'Burg: Spring into fun at Spring in the 'Burg! Browse unique vendor booths, sample amazing products, and grab a delicious bite from food trucks on May 31st at 9101 Ohio River Rd, Wheelersburg.

👑 May 31 - Princess Day Royal Fundraiser: Join the royal festivities at Princess Day, a magical fundraiser for Miss Notre Dame at Market Street Cafe! Enjoy regal fun on Saturday, May 31st from 9AM-1PM in downtown Portsmouth.

🎨 May 31 - Landscape Drawing Workshop: Unleash your creativity with artist Rod Bouc at the scenic Tremper Mound and Works! Bring your favorite art supplies for a day of outdoor landscape drawing on May 31 at 20178 OH-73, McDermott.

🏛️ Jun. 1 - Historic Camp Sherman Tour: Step back in time on the Camp Sherman/Chillicothe VA Historical Tour! Cruise through Chillicothe's rich history, World Heritage Site Mound City, and former Camp Sherman on June 1 at VA Memorial Stadium.

💰 Financial Friday

Before making any large purchases, take a moment to pause and ask yourself if it aligns with your long-term financial goals; this simple habit can help you prioritize what truly matters to you and prevent impulse spending.

🙏 In Remembrance

Helen Catherine Noles

Helen Catherine "Cathy" Noles, 72, of Portsmouth, passed away on May 23, 2025, at Buckeye Forest at Rosemount Pavilion. Born on July 24, 1952, she was a member of Rubyville Community Church, worked at Star Workshop, and enjoyed activities like bingo, arts & crafts, and Elvis Presley's music. Cathy was preceded in death by her husband Gary Mitchell Noles, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage until his passing in 2007. She is survived by three siblings, extended family members, and was preceded in death by her parents and three additional siblings.

Chad David McHenry

Chad David McHenry, 47, of Minford, died on May 24, 2025 at SOMC ER. A 1996 Minford High School graduate who later earned degrees from Ohio University and Akron School of Law, Chad was a member of the Scioto County Bar Association and President of Minford Youth Soccer League. He was devoted to his community, passionate about soccer, and deeply committed to his family, including his wife Sara and three children Walker, Lily, and Cambell. Funeral services will be held May 30, 2025 at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home, with the family requesting donations to the McHenry kids educational fund at Atomic Credit Union in lieu of flowers.

Bessie A. Hobstetter

Bessie Ann "Betty" Hill Hobstetter of Portsmouth passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at Hill View Health Care, having been born in Otway on October 29, 1934. She worked for many years at Security Central Bank and later performed secretarial duties for various businesses, including her husband Gene's company, from whom she was widowed in 2017 after 62 years of marriage. Betty was deeply religious, enjoyed singing, playing piano, sewing, cooking, reading, and writing, and was known for her leadership in a local book club. She is survived by her nephew Dr. Jeffrey Hill and two nieces, with private funeral services to be held under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home.

Mary Esther Cowgill

Mary Esther Cowgill, age 86, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at The Courtyard at Wheelersburg. She was a resident of Wheelersburg. The D.W. Swick Funeral Home in Wheelersburg is handling her funeral arrangements. No additional details about her life or services were provided in the brief announcement.

Walter Frese "Bud" Applegate

Walter "Bud" Applegate, 82, passed away on May 27, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Rubyville. A 1960 graduate of Portsmouth High School, Bud retired after 30 years with the Ohio Department of Transportation and later worked as a private consultant. He is survived by his daughter Lisa, son Buck, three grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Bud was active in various organizations, including labor unions and church activities, and he was an ordained minister of the International Deliverance Church.

Cathleen Marie Meyers

Cathleen Marie Meyers, 84, of Portsmouth, passed away on March 9, 2025 at SOMC Hospice after retiring from SOMC with 34 years of service. Born on December 28, 1940, she was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mary Lynch, her husband Ronald Dale Meyers, two brothers, and a sister-in-law. Though she and Ron had no children, Cathleen is survived by numerous nephews, friends, and neighbors, many of whom she met during her education at Holy Redeemer and Notre Dame schools. Private services were held at Greenlawn Cemetery under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, with special thanks extended to SOMC Hospice.

Anita Carol Pollock

Anita Carol Pollock, 83, of Portsmouth, passed away on May 23, 2025. A gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a service at 7 p.m. at FC Daehler Mortuary in Portsmouth. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Rock Church in Wheelersburg in Anita's memory. Those wishing to share memories or condolences can visit the FC Daehler Mortuary website.

Jacqueline Marie McDermott

Jacqueline Marie McDermott, 81, of Friendship, passed away on May 25, 2025, after having been married to her late husband Roger for 46 years until his death in 2012. Family was Jackie's priority, and she enjoyed hosting gatherings, gardening, and creating scrapbooks for future generations. She was active in her community as a scout leader, church member, and garden club participant, while also working as a bookkeeper throughout her career. Jackie is survived by her two children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with a celebration of her life scheduled for May 29, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home.

Angelica Marie "Jelli" Short

Angelica Marie "Jelli" Short, 28, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on May 20, 2025. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at FC Daehler Mortuary in Portsmouth, OH. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to various payment platforms to cover funeral costs, with extra funds benefiting her sons. Condolences may be left for her family on the mortuary's website.

Michael Gilpin

Michael Gilpin, an 80-year-old resident of Portsmouth and husband of Eliza "Lisa" Gilpin, passed away on May 22, 2025. He was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Well-wishers can share memories or condolences for his family on the funeral home's website. Details for a Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced in the coming months.

Bryan Douglas Timberlake

Bryan "Boo" Douglas Timberlake, aged 65, passed away on May 22, 2025, in South Shore, Kentucky. He dedicated 25 years of service as a perioperative assistant at SOMC. A private celebration of Timberlake's life will be arranged at an unspecified future date. Those wishing to share memories or condolences with his family can do so through the F.C. Daehler Mortuary website.

Richard Robinson

Arnold Richard Robinson, 89, of Rarden, Ohio, passed away on May 27, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center. A McKell High School graduate raised on a dairy farm in Frost, Kentucky, Richard was a lifelong farmer who took joy in his work. He is survived by his seven children, twelve grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, while being preceded in death by his parents, a son, two brothers, two granddaughters, and the mother of his children. Funeral services will be held on June 2, 2025, at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home with burial at Twin Township Cemetery.