🐰 Future farmers

Good morning, Scioto County. The next generation of agricultural stewards is blossoming at the Lawrence County Fair, where young rabbit enthusiasts like Rebekah Dome and Harper Meadows demonstrated impressive animal husbandry skills at this week's competition. These moments of achievement, marked by proud family embraces and careful attention to their animals, showcase the continuing tradition of 4-H and FFA excellence that remains a cornerstone of our rural communities.

A powerful legacy lives on through the newly established Charles L. Queen Memorial Scholarship, honoring a true water industry pioneer who dedicated half a century to environmental stewardship. Queen's remarkable 50-year career and extensive community service will now inspire South Webster High School seniors pursuing environmental sciences and water management, ensuring his impact continues flowing through future generations of Scioto County's environmental leaders.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

70°

86°

89%

Wheelersberg

70°

86°

89%

New Boston

70°

86°

89%

Minford

70°

86°

89%

South Webster

70°

84°

81%

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🐰 Young rabbit enthusiasts shine at Lawrence County Fair competition. Rebekah Dome claimed senior showman honors while Marlie Wilson took the junior showman title during Wednesday's 4-H and FFA Rabbit Showmanship event. The breeding rabbits competition saw Harper Meadows crowned grand champion with Jordynn Myers earning reserve champion recognition. Family support was evident throughout the event, captured in touching moments like Rebekah being embraced by her sister Kirsten after her win. Both Meadows and Myers, students at Symmes Valley Elementary School, demonstrated exceptional rabbit-raising skills at the county fair.

🎓 A scholarship honors water industry legend Charles Queen's legacy. The Scioto Foundation established the Charles L. Queen Memorial Scholarship for South Webster High School seniors pursuing environmental sciences, engineering, or water management. Queen, who died in April 2025 at age 70, dedicated 50 years to the water industry and earned Ohio's highest water treatment license. The beloved community leader also served 40+ years on the Bloom-Vernon school board and was active in scouting, church, and fire rescue. His family created the scholarship to empower future leaders in environmental sustainability and water resource management.

🚗 Pike County man sentenced to life for killing four in crash. Gage Smith, 24, received a 60-year life sentence after being found guilty on murder charges stemming from a May 2024 collision in Scioto County. Smith was driving with his girlfriend and three children when he lost control at high speeds, crashing into an oncoming truck. Investigation revealed Smith had disconnected a brake line, was driving without a license, and had multiple drugs in his system. He also possessed nearly 100 illegal pills and was involved in drug trafficking prior to the crash.

Historic Spacious Near Everything: Priced at $195,000, this spacious two-story home in the Historic Boneyfiddle District offers 3-4 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a semi-finished attic, and two-car garage within walking distance to SSU and shopping.

Budget-friendly updated corner ranch: Priced at $169,900, this cozy 3-bedroom ranch on a quiet Lucasville corner lot features a new roof, updated electric, newer furnace and windows, with bonus storage and included appliances.

Secluded 32-acre river valley oasis: For $179,000, this 32-acre retreat in the Scioto River Valley offers seclusion, wildlife, and two building sites with septic, water, and electric hookups, all minutes from Downtown Portsmouth and neighboring Shawnee State Forest Park.