👑 Crown comes home

Good morning, Scioto County. The crown has come home! Lawrence County native Olivia Fosson has been named Miss Ohio 2025, bringing pride to our region with what commissioners described as her intelligence, talent, and beauty "inside and out." As the granddaughter of local Christmas tree farm owner Keith Dickess, Fosson's roots run deep in our community as she prepares to represent Ohio on the national stage.

Meanwhile, summer creativity is blooming across the Tri-State area with the Paramount Arts Center's youth camps transforming young performers into Winnie the Pooh characters and jazz musicians. On a more sobering note, veterinarian MJ Wixsom's recent volunteer work in Saipan highlights a stark reality many of us take for granted—the privilege of accessible veterinary care for our beloved pets. Her experience serves as a reminder to appreciate our local resources while supporting underserved communities.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

👑 Lawrence County native Olivia Fosson crowned Miss Ohio 2025. County Commissioners praised Fosson during their Tuesday meeting, highlighting her intelligence, talent, and beauty both "inside and out." Commissioner DeAnna Holliday noted Fosson is the granddaughter of Keith Dickess, known locally for his Christmas tree farm. The commissioners expressed excitement for her upcoming national competition, with Commissioner Mike Finley adding, "We are well represented." In other business, the commission celebrated Lawrence County EMS's successful basic EMT training program, which has already resulted in five new hires.

🎭 Summer comes alive with arts at Paramount's youth camps. The Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky kicked off its annual summer arts camps, offering theater, music, and creative programs for Tri-State youth. Week one featured a "Winnie the Pooh" musical production and a Jazz Honor Band preparing for a concert with Big Blitz Jazz Band. After a brief break, weeks two and three will include yoga, art, prop building for "Peter Pan," and a unique "Let Them Rock" performance-based music program. Enrollment remains open for upcoming sessions, with final performances scheduled throughout July.

🐾 Saipan's pets face crisis with no permanent veterinarian for years. Veterinarian MJ Wixsom recently volunteered on the Pacific island, where hundreds of animals and their owners have nowhere to turn when illness strikes. While there, Wixsom received devastating news of her husband's death, creating a poignant parallel between personal loss and the island's lack of essential services. The stark contrast between Saipan's situation and the readily available veterinary care in the U.S. highlights a privilege many pet owners take for granted. Wixsom urges readers to appreciate local veterinary access while supporting organizations working to bridge care gaps in underserved communities.

Woodland retreat with pool tub: Priced at $379,000, this 3 bed/2 bath home offers an open concept first floor, energy-efficient geothermal system, multiple outdoor amenities including a hot tub and pool, all on nearly 8 wooded acres.

Hilltop estate with income potential: Priced at $789,900, this fairytale-like hilltop home offers 4,000 sqft of living space on 8.9 private acres with dual master suites, a gourmet kitchen, and a separate apartment perfect for an in-law suite or potential B&B.

Ranch Paradise Pool Five Bedrooms: For $349,900, this ranch home features first-level living with two bedrooms and baths, plus a lower level with three more bedrooms and an in-ground pool with pool house in a privacy-fenced yard.

🙏 In Remembrance

Walter R. Kidd

Walter R. Kidd, a resident of Xenia, died at the age of 89 on Monday, June 23, 2025, at his home. No additional details about his life, family, or funeral arrangements were provided in the brief obituary notice. Further information about Walter may be available through RalphFScott.com, which appears to be the funeral home's website. Those interested in learning more about his life or services would need to visit this website for complete details.

James Meade

James Meade of Stout, Ohio, who was born on April 5, 1975, passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2025, just days after his 50th birthday. A Celebration of Life service will be held in his memory on July 5, 2025. The memorial service will take place from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Nile Township Community Center in Stout, Ohio. All who wish to honor his memory are invited to attend the celebration.

Geneva M. Mullins

Geneva M. Mullins passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 78. A graveside service will be held on June 30, 2025, at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Her family has expressed gratitude to Heritage Assisted Living, Westwood Christian Church, and SOMC Hospital and Hospice for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations to SOMC Hospice House are requested, and condolences can be shared online at www.fcdaehlermortuary.com.

Earl Emmitt Osborne

Earl Emmitt Osborne, a retired Pepsi and RC Cola delivery driver, died on June 23, 2025, at the age of 88 at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born in West Portsmouth in 1937, Earl was a member of Community Bible Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, both of his wives, one son, four brothers, and six sisters. Earl is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, with services scheduled for June 30 at Community Bible Church, followed by burial at Scioto Burial Park.

Robin Gail Ramsey

Robin Gail Ramsey, 63, of West Portsmouth, passed away on June 27, 2025, at SOMC Hospice. She dedicated her life to being a loving mother and grandmother, while also working as a cook at Hillview Retirement Center. Robin was an avid Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes fan and is survived by her significant other, three children, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, siblings, and numerous other family members. A funeral service will be held on July 2, 2025, with the family requesting donations to SOMC Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Braxton Spears Jr.

Braxton Spears Jr., 76, of South Shore, KY, passed away on June 24, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. Born on October 14, 1948, to the late Braxton Moses and Lula Spears, he worked as a truck driver but found his true passion in raising cattle and farming. He was predeceased by his son Joshua, two sisters, and four brothers. Braxton is survived by his daughter Rena Beasley, three sisters, grandchildren, and extended family, with funeral services scheduled for June 28, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home.

Richard Lewis

Richard Lewis, a dedicated member of the transportation industry, passed away on June 26, 2025, at age 75. After graduating from Portsmouth West High School in 1969, he worked for Reinhart Trucking before establishing his own company, Lewis Trucking, and later working as an independent contractor with Bowling Transportation until retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, brother Ronald, and sister-in-law Patricia. Richard is survived by his three daughters, two brothers, a sister-in-law, seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, with funeral services scheduled for July 1, 2025.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

-Galatians 5:22-23

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