🐾 Shelter overload

Good morning, Scioto County. The Lawrence County Animal Shelter has reached a critical tipping point, with kennels filled to capacity and furry faces like Monty the hugger and long-timer Scooby desperately waiting for their forever homes. With adoption fees as low as $10 for barn cats, there's never been a more affordable time to add a four-legged family member—or two, in the case of bonded boxer mixes Jekyll and Hyde.

While shelter pets seek loving arms, the Paramount Arts Center is throwing it back to the days of big hair and power ballads with "Rock of Ages" hitting the stage this weekend. The musical featuring hits from Journey and Foreigner brings the 1980s Sunset Strip to life just a short drive away in Ashland. Against this backdrop of cultural nostalgia and animal advocacy, the community also acknowledges sobering news as justice was served in a Lawrence County courtroom with a 36-year-old Ironton man receiving a 38-year sentence for serious crimes.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

73°

94°

Wheelersberg

73°

94°

New Boston

73°

94°

Minford

73°

94°

South Webster

73°

93°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐾 Lawrence County Animal Shelter bursting with adoptable furry friends. The shelter is currently at maximum capacity with numerous dogs and cats seeking forever homes. Among the featured residents are Monty, a four-year-old pit mix who loves hugs, and Scooby, the shelter's longest resident with high energy. Also available are Jekyll and Hyde, a bonded pair of boxer mixes, and Sheba, a six-month-old pup rescued from abandonment. Adoption fees range from $60 for dogs to as little as $10 for barn cats, with the shelter open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

🎸 "Rock of Ages" brings hair band nostalgia to Kentucky stage this weekend. The Paramount Players will perform the popular musical at Ashland's Paramount Arts Center on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Featuring hits from 1980s rock bands like Journey and Foreigner, the show tells the story of small-town girl Sherrie and aspiring musician Drew as they navigate romance and dreams on the Sunset Strip. The production uniquely includes a live backing band on stage and stars Tatum Rooker and Matt Hammond in the lead roles. Tickets range from $8 to $37.05 and are available at the box office or online.

⚖️ Ironton man gets 38 years for raping a child. Samuel Conley, 36, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and was sentenced in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court. The case resulted from a June 2024 investigation by the sheriff's office and was prosecuted with support from a newly created sexual assault investigator position. As a Tier III sex offender, Conley must register his address with authorities for life. Prosecutor Brigham Anderson praised the multi-agency collaboration that led to justice for the teenage victim.

Vast secluded Ohio hunting haven: For $748,000, this 213-acre wooded property in Scioto County offers prime hunting land, wildlife habitat, and complete seclusion off Millers Buck Run Road—a rare opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts seeking privacy in Southern Ohio.

Secluded country oasis with pool: This secluded log home on 8.5 acres offers natural beauty and modern amenities for $299,900, featuring a wrap-around porch, vaulted ceilings, and a saltwater pool for those seeking a private country retreat.

Creek Paradise Forest Retreat Awaits: Listed at $199,000, this serene 3.20-acre property boasts a creek-side backyard, spacious rooms, one-car garage with additional carport, and proximity to Shawnee state forest and park.

🙏 In Remembrance

Noah Hall

Noah Hall, a 54-year-old Lucasville resident and widower of Andrea (née Crabtree) Hall, passed away on June 12, 2025. He was an active and proud member of Union Local #83. His family will hold a private celebration of his life at their convenience. Those wishing to share memories or condolences are invited to do so on the Daehlermortuary website.

Deborah Sue Dingus

Deborah Sue Dingus, 74, of Portsmouth, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC). The Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth is handling her funeral arrangements, which have not yet been finalized. No further details about her life or services were provided in the brief announcement. Additional information may become available on the funeral home's website at RalphFScott.com.

James Arthur Williams

James Arthur Williams, a 93-year-old resident of Portsmouth, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Hillview Retirement Center. The Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about his life or services were provided in the brief obituary notice.

Willa Mae Ivory

Willa Mae Parker Ivory, age 91, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Portsmouth. The Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth will be handling her funeral arrangements. Details regarding her services have not yet been finalized and are listed as pending. Further information may be found on the funeral home's website, RalphFScott.com.

Venieca Lynn James

Venieca Lynn James, 65, of Portsmouth, passed away on May 29, 2025, at SOMC. A 1977 Portsmouth High School graduate and former nurse's aide, she enjoyed visiting friends and spending time with family, particularly her niece Jennifer's children. Venieca was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, and her brother Mark. She is survived by two brothers and eight nieces and nephews, with a Memorial Service scheduled for June 26, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home.

Joan Marie Clark

Joan Marie Clark, a 91-year-old resident of Portsmouth, passed away on February 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Born in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, Joan was a teacher who taught at Happy Hearts School and instructed others in quilting, knitting, and cross stitch. She was actively involved in her community through Garden and Quilt Clubs, PTA, and her churches, and took pride in her Native American Sault Chippewa heritage. Joan is survived by her five children, one sister, two sisters-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, having been preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and three sisters.

Patricia Louise Coburn

Patricia Louise Coburn, a 99-year-old resident of McDermott, passed away on June 19, 2025. She was the widow of Howard David Coburn. Patricia was a devoted member of Calvary Chapel Church and an enthusiastic Ohio State University fan. Those wishing to share memories or condolences with her family can do so on the F.C. Daehler Mortuary website.

Carolyn Sue Reeder

Carolyn Sue Reeder, 75, of Portsmouth, died on Friday, June 20, 2025, while at the SOMC Hospice Center. The Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth is handling her funeral arrangements, which are still pending at this time. Further information about services can be found at RalphFScott.com.

Andrew L. "Andy" Barber

Andrew "Andy" L. Barber, 63, of Portsmouth, passed away on June 11, 2025, and is survived by his partner, Janet Clark. Cremation arrangements have been made, with a celebration of life planned in the coming weeks. The specific details of the service will be announced once they are finalized. Those wishing to share memories or condolences with Andy's family can do so at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

-Philippians 4:8

{% if subscriber.rh_reflink != blank %}

Share with friends, get cool stuff, grow local!

Have friends who'd love our newsletter too? Give them your unique referral link (below) and get an awesome local reward when they subscribe.

PS: You have referred {{subscriber.rh_totref}} people so far

{% endif %}

Instagram

Interested in advertising? Get in touch.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here

← Previous

🚧 Road trip challenges