🚧 Midnight makeover

Good morning, Scioto County. Mark your calendars and adjust your commute times—downtown Ashland is getting a midnight makeover starting Monday. The $2.29 million nighttime paving project will transform Greenup and Winchester Avenues between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., allowing contractors to work their magic while most of us are tucked in bed. Remember to move those parked vehicles unless you're prepared for an unexpected towing adventure!

From fresh asphalt to fresh-baked goodness, summer traditions continue as the Lawrence County Museum's beloved annual pie contest returns July 12. Both amateur and professional bakers will showcase their flaky, fruity creations before everyone gets to sample the delicious entries. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Geneva Mullins, whose 78 years of life created a legacy of warmth and hospitality that extended far beyond her restaurant career to touch countless lives throughout New Boston.

🌤 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

🚧 Downtown Ashland nighttime paving starts Monday, affecting major avenues. Contractors will work from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Greenup Avenue and Winchester Avenue to minimize traffic disruption during busy daytime hours. The project will unfold in two phases, first tackling Greenup Avenue between 7th and 33rd Streets, then moving to Winchester Avenue at two separate locations. No parking will be permitted in construction areas during working hours, with vehicles subject to towing. Mountain Enterprises is handling the $2.29 million Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project.

🥧 Lawrence County Museum's annual pie contest returns July 12. The event welcomes both amateur and business bakers to enter their homemade creations by 2 p.m. After judges announce winners, all attendees will have the opportunity to sample the delicious pies. The Pie Contest/Pie Social has become a beloved summer tradition in Lawrence County. For additional information, interested participants can message the museum through their Facebook page.

🕊️ Geneva Mullins leaves behind a legacy of love at 78. The beloved New Boston resident passed away on June 26, 2025, after a life dedicated to family and community. Born in South Carolina, Geneva balanced a successful restaurant career while nurturing a warm home environment that welcomed everyone. She is survived by her husband Larry, three daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held on June 30 at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens, with the family suggesting donations to SOMC Hospice House in lieu of flowers.

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🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎆 Jul. 4 - Light Up the Sky: Celebrate Independence Day at Spartan Municipal Stadium with live music from three bands starting at 5pm, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:15pm. Gates open at 5pm on James Street.

🐾 Jul. 5 - Red, Woof & Blue Fair: 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 as PJ Davis appears in full 8th Pennsylvania Fort Laurens uniform to celebrate Independence Day! Join the festivities July 5 at Roy Rogers Esplanade in Portsmouth.

📚 Jul. 5 - Meet Author: Deadly Reach: Get your thriller fix at Wheatberry Books as the author of DEADLY REACH signs copies and shares writing insights. Stop by 9 W 2nd St in Chillicothe on July 5 from 1-3pm for this free event!

⚾ Jul. 6 - Paints vs. Catfish Showdown: Catch the summer heat as the Chillicothe Paints take on the Cape Catfish at VA Memorial Stadium on July 6, 2025! Come cheer on your hometown heroes at 17273 St. Rt. 104.

🎆 Jul. 6 - Independence Day Fireworks: Light up the night at McDermott's Annual Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, family fun, and delicious food on July 6 at 2473 Pollock Rd. Just $8 per person for all the patriotic excitement.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings account each month; this simple habit can help you build your savings effortlessly while keeping your spending in check, making financial goals more achievable over time.

🙏 In Remembrance

Ann Truitt

Ann Bartlett Truitt, 92, passed away on June 28, 2025, at her home in Bristol Village after living many years in Portsmouth. She retired as manager of the Scioto County Bureau of Employment Services, was a dedicated Christian, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Ann is survived by her son Craig, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, while preceded in death by her husband Ted after 57 years of marriage, her son Warren, and three siblings. Private services will be held under the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home, with memorial contributions directed to Christ's Community Church.

"Bill" FentonWillard

Willard "Bill" Fenton, 86, of South Webster, passed away on June 26, 2025, at SOMC Hospice Center. After graduating as salutatorian from South Webster High School in 1957, he served in the Army and worked various jobs, including his favorite role running Fenton's Ginseng. Bill was an avid sports fan who particularly loved the Jeeps, Ohio State Football, and golf, where he achieved multiple holes-in-one. He is survived by his wife Sarah, two daughters, siblings, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, having been preceded in death by his son Jim and several siblings.

Cornel Cave

Cornel Cave, 69, of Portsmouth, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025. Funeral services will be held at Beulah Baptist Church on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at noon, with the family receiving visitors at the church one hour before the service. The Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth is handling the arrangements. Those wishing to express condolences can do so online at RalphFScott.com.

Denver Eugene Raike

Denver Eugene Raike, an 87-year-old resident of Wheelersburg, Ohio, died on Saturday, June 28, 2025. His passing occurred at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. The D.W. Swick Funeral Home in Wheelersburg is handling the funeral arrangements. No additional details about services or survivors were provided in the notice.

Roy "Harold" Cunningham

Roy "Harold" Cunningham, 82, of Portsmouth, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was entrusted to Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville for funeral arrangements. Additional information about services can be found on the funeral home's website at www.brantfuneralservice.com. The brief obituary indicates he was a person of faith, noting that he "went to be with Jesus."

Mahala Dawn Pelfrey

Mahala Dawn Pelfrey, 49, passed away on June 26, 2025. She was the daughter of Mary Louise Rice and Michael Pelfrey. A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m., followed immediately by funeral services at FC Daehler's Funeral Home in Portsmouth, OH, with burial at Wheelersburg Cemetery. The family requests donations to FC Daehler Mortuary for final arrangements in lieu of flowers, and invites visitors to leave condolences online.

Geneva M. Mullins

Geneva M. Mullins, aged 78, passed away on June 26, 2025, after a life that began on January 15, 1947. She is remembered as a devoted spouse and a loving mother and grandmother. A graveside service will be held in her honor on Monday, June 30, 2025, at noon at Bellefonte Memorial Gardens in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Well-wishers are invited to share memories or condolences for her family on the funeral home's website.

Patricia Ann Thurman

Patricia Ann Thurman, 65, of West Portsmouth, passed away on June 30, 2025, at the Ohio State University Hospital. A valedictorian and AAA professional for over 40 years, Patricia was deeply committed to animal welfare, serving as both a board member and volunteer at Sierra's Haven. She was known for her love of cats, especially her companion Pollyanna, and maintained an active membership at the Columbus Museum of Art. Patricia is survived by two brothers and numerous extended family members who will cherish the memory of this devoted aunt and animal lover.