Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / July 3, 2025

🏆 Farewell and firsts

Scioto County • July 3, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. Our community bids farewell to two beloved residents whose legacies of service and love touch many local hearts. Marine veteran James "Uncle Jimmy" Hicks Jr. has completed his final mission at age 71, leaving behind memories of military honor and family devotion, while Portsmouth's Sonya Lee Stapleton—known for her legendary pumpkin rolls and unwavering dedication to her grandchildren—has passed at 66, reminding us how life's simple pleasures often create the most profound impacts.

Amid these solemn moments, a bright new chapter unfolds on the greens as Waverly's Saylor Crace makes history as the first female golf champion in our region. Her groundbreaking Southern Ohio Conference Player of the Year honors and subsequent signing with Shawnee State University represent not just personal achievement but a powerful milestone for women's athletics in our community—proving that in Scioto County, we honor our past while celebrating trailblazers of our future.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🪖 Marine veteran James Hicks Jr. leaves behind a legacy of service. The 71-year-old Portsmouth resident passed away at home on June 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Following in his father's footsteps, James served honorably in the Marines from 1974 to 1976 before working many years at Save A Lot in Portsmouth. Known affectionately as "Uncle Jimmy," he cherished family gatherings and found peace during beach vacations in California and Florida. A private gravesite gathering with military honors will celebrate his life and service.

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🕊️ Portsmouth mourns beloved grandmother Sonya Lee Stapleton at age 66. The lifelong Ohio resident, known for her warm spirit and famous pumpkin rolls, passed away on June 28, 2025. Sonya dedicated herself to family as a devoted housewife who cherished caring for her grandchildren and supporting their sports activities. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures—bowling with friends, sipping Diet Dew, and smoking Marlboro Lights. She leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law, grandsons, great-grandchildren, siblings, and her cat Abby, with a celebration of life planned for a later date.

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⛳ Waverly's Saylor Crace makes history as first female golf champion. The talented golfer recently signed with Shawnee State University after earning Southern Ohio Conference Player of the Year honors with a combined score of 89. Crace secured the historic title by winning a playoff hole against Minford's Ava Flaig when they tied for the top spot. Her impressive season continued as she qualified for the Southeast District tournament and earned Second Team Division II recognition from the Southeast Ohio Golf Coaches Association. She'll join a young SSU team that competes in both fall and spring seasons as the university prepares to transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Renovated split-level spacious lot: Priced at $259,900, this recently remodeled split-level home in Countryside Village offers 1,100+ square feet of living space with new flooring, granite counters, and a spacious back deck on a 0.43-acre lot.
Real estate listing image Renovated gem with bonus attic: Priced at $159,000, this renovated 2-story home offers 3 bedrooms, new kitchen with appliances, finished basement, and attic space that could become a 4th bedroom or office.
Real estate listing image Colonial Perfection All Inclusive Package: For $499,900, this colonial two-story offers a formal living room, family room with fireplace, granite kitchen, sunroom, four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, finished basement, two garages, and landscaped outdoor living spaces in move-in condition.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🤝 Jul. 3 - Family Resource Fair: Connect with vital community resources at the SCOJFS Family Resource Fair on July 3 at Chillicothe Library. Local providers offer housing assistance, utility help, and more during this monthly community-sponsored event.
🎆 Jul. 3 - 4th of July Storytime & STEAM: Celebrate Independence Day early with stories and hands-on fun! Join the Chillicothe Library on July 3 for a special Fourth of July-themed storytime paired with exciting STEAM activities for curious young minds.
📚 Jul. 3 - Story Time with Holly: Join us for Story Time with Holly at 200 E 2nd St in Piketon! Little ones will be captivated by enchanting tales and imagination on July 3rd. A perfect summer morning adventure!
🎆 Jul. 4 - Light Up the Sky Celebration: Celebrate Independence Day at Spartan Municipal Stadium with live music from three fantastic bands starting at 5pm, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Portsmouth sky at 10:15pm.
🐾 Jul. 5 - RED, WOOF, & BLUE!: Wag your way to the Second Annual RED, WOOF, and BLUE! Adoption Event & Vendor Fair at Buckeye Forest's Rosemount Pavilion on July 5. Support small businesses and meet adorable adoptable pups!
🇺🇸 Jul. 5 - Independence Day Farmers Market: Step back in time at the MSPIB Farmers Market's Independence Day Celebration! Meet PJ Davis in authentic 8th Pennsylvania Fort Laurens Detachment uniform on July 5 at Roy Rogers Esplanade in Portsmouth.
📚 Jul. 5 - Book Signing: DEADLY REACH: Dive into the world of "DEADLY REACH" at Wheatberry Books! Chat with the author, snag a signed copy, and discover the story behind the thriller on Saturday, July 5 from 1-3pm in downtown Chillicothe.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28

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