🎨 Riverfront revival - Scioto County

Good morning, Scioto County. The brushstrokes of community transformation are vividly on display this week, with Annika McCown leaving her colorful mark on Ironton's riverfront. This talented Eagle Scout—only the second female to achieve the rank in her troop—created a stunning floodwall mural while simultaneously graduating at the top of her class and pursuing her pilot's license. Talk about soaring to new heights!

Historic renewal continues as the Ro-Na Cultural Center embarks on a $2.7 million renovation after a half-century of silence. The 1949 theater's transformation into a flexible community space echoes the spirit of changemakers like transplants Liz and Amanda Pratt, who've quickly become catalysts for Portsmouth's renaissance through their businesses and volunteer efforts. From riverfront cleanups to entrepreneurship programs, these newcomers prove that fresh perspectives can help write a community's next chapter.

🌤 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

🦅 Talented Eagle Scout leaves her mark on Ironton's riverfront. Annika McCown, a 2025 Ironton High School graduate, created a colorful Scout-themed mural on the city's floodwall as part of her Eagle Scout project. McCown, who became the troop's 104th Eagle Scout and only its second female to achieve the rank, designed the artwork to include an American flag, diverse hand symbols, a tree representing camping, and an Ironton furnace. Beyond scouting, she graduated at the top of her class with numerous scholarships and will attend Miami University to study kinesiology while pursuing her private pilot's license this summer.

🎭 Historic Ironton theater begins $2.7 million renovation after 50-year closure. The Ro-Na Cultural Center, which operated from 1949 to 1973, will be transformed into a flexible community space with funding from Ohio's Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative. Renovation plans include extending the stage, installing new walls and ceilings, and creating a 1920s-inspired design that will accommodate approximately 500 seated guests. The project aims to be completed by November for the WizardFest event, with architect Jake Henderson noting, "The magic is already here and we want the building to reflect that." The renovation is part of a larger $500 million investment in Ohio's Appalachian region.

🌱 Transplants Liz and Amanda Pratt fuel Portsmouth's community renaissance. The couple moved to the Ohio town in 2021 and quickly established themselves as local changemakers. Amanda runs Roots of Recovery Herbs while participating in community markets, and Liz recently left a 13-year automotive career to launch DJ Geek Techneek. Their commitment to service was highlighted when Liz organized a riverfront cleanup that attracted 57 volunteers who collected over 100 bags of trash. Both are currently developing their businesses through Shawnee State University's Ignite Entrepreneur Program while embracing their new community.

🙏 In Remembrance

Christine Marie Matthews

Christine Marie Matthews, 78, of Hillview, passed away on June 2, 2025, following the death of her husband, Paul Matthews. A celebration of her life will be held at Sciotodale Freewill Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Ohio on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend the service at 1866 Shela Blvd in the Sciotoville area. Well-wishers can share memories or condolences for her family through the funeral home's website at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Barbara Hannah

Barbara Hannah, 78, of West Portsmouth, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Doctors Hospital in Columbus surrounded by loved ones. A 1965 graduate of Portsmouth West High School, Barbara was a devoted foster mother and caretaker to hundreds of children throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, an infant child, a son, a daughter, five brothers, and a sister. Barbara is survived by two sons, two daughters, a brother, a brother-in-law and his wife, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jean Powell

Jean Powell, 83, of Lucasville, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. Further information about Jean's life and funeral arrangements can be found at www.brantfuneralservice.com.

Leon Ernest Blackburn

Leon Ernest Blackburn, 84, of Minford, passed away on June 13, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. Born in 1941, he was a 1959 Minford High School graduate who excelled in basketball and later served in the US Army during Vietnam. Leon was an entrepreneur who owned Skyline Family Restaurant and Hometown Pizza. He is survived by his wife Tammy, three children, nine grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother, while being preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

Marguerite "Peggy" Lute

Marguerite "Peggy" Lute passed away on December 12, 2024, at the age of 95. Her funeral arrangements are being handled by McKinley Funeral Home in Lucasville. No details about her life or surviving family members were provided in the brief notice. Those seeking additional information about services can visit the funeral home's website at www.mckinleyfh.com.

Roy Harold Arthur

Roy Harold Arthur, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. He was a resident of Friendship. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling the funeral arrangements. No further details about services or survivors were provided in the obituary.

Jerome Tomasheski

Jerome Tomasheski, a 65-year-old resident of McDermott, passed away on June 9, 2025, and is survived by his wife Michelle. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Fortunas in Independence, Ohio. Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations to local charities supporting outdoor activities for children. Well-wishers can share memories and condolences on the Fortunas Daehlermortuary website.

James Scott Smith

James Scott Smith, a prominent attorney and civic leader from Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away on June 12, 2025, at age 70. After graduating from Portsmouth High School, Ohio State University, and Ohio Northern College of Law, he served his hometown community as a practicing attorney from 1979 until his death, holding numerous legal and public service positions. Beyond his distinguished legal career, Smith was an entrepreneur and former car dealership owner. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Robyn, their three daughters, his brother, in-laws, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Charles "Todd" Blanton

Charles "Todd" Blanton, 60, of Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025. He was a resident of Portsmouth until his death. His funeral arrangements are being handled by McKinley Funeral Home in Lucasville. More information about services can be found on the funeral home's website at www.mckinleyfh.com.

Douglas John "Doug" Skaff Jr.

Douglas John Skaff Jr., a 48-year-old South Charleston native, passed away on June 10, 2025. He was a devoted family man, successful businessman, and dedicated public servant who served multiple terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, including as House Minority Leader. Skaff founded the Mountaineer Maniacs at WVU and was involved in numerous community and charitable initiatives throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Marisa, three sons, his parents, siblings, and extended family, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, community service, and unwavering love for West Virginia.

Wanda Sue Copley

Wanda Sue Copley, 82, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, in Piketon, Ohio, after a life defined by her profound Christian faith. As a devoted wife to the late Leon Copley, she cherished her family, including her four children who all served in the military, reflecting the values she instilled in them. Her kindness and compassion touched everyone who knew her, creating a home filled with warmth and love. Wanda is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister, with the family requesting contributions to Adena Health Foundation in lieu of flowers.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

-2 Corinthians 5:17

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