🦌 Nature's rockstars

Good morning, Scioto County. Seven days is all it took for a group of young musicians to transform from strangers into rock stars at the Paramount Arts Center. These talented performers, ranging from elementary schoolers to teens, mastered classics from The Beatles to Black Sabbath through the "Let Them Rock" program, earning a standing ovation that echoed through the historic venue. Their journey from first introductions to final bow demonstrates how quickly passion and dedication can create harmony—both musical and personal.

Nature's delicate balance takes center stage as Ohio launches controlled deer hunts across 22 counties to protect native ecosystems from overpopulation. While conservation efforts unfold in our preserves, community connections flourish closer to home at ACTC's upcoming Party on the Lawn. This August 21st gathering offers everything from petting zoos to inflatables, requiring only a small donation to the Pathfinder Pantry for admission—a perfect opportunity to enjoy summer's final days together.

🌤 Sky Skoop

Portsmouth

63°

85°

Wheelersberg

63°

85°

New Boston

63°

85°

Minford

63°

85°

South Webster

64°

84°

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🎸 Young musicians rock the Paramount stage after just one week together. Seven students, ranging from 10-17 years old, performed a nine-song rock concert at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky on July 25. The performance was part of the "Let Them Rock" program, a nonprofit founded by Art and Jamie Lima that teaches music skills in a performance setting. Despite having different experience levels and not knowing each other before the week-long summer camp, the students mastered classics from The Beatles, White Stripes, and Black Sabbath. The show earned a standing ovation from the audience, demonstrating the program's success in cultivating young musical talent.

🦌 Ohio launches special deer hunts to protect native plants. The ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will hold controlled hunts in 22 counties where high deer populations threaten ecosystems. Permits will be awarded through a lottery system requiring hunters to attend mandatory meetings and purchase $5 tickets. Participants must have valid 2025-2026 hunting licenses, with some preserves offering archery, gun, and muzzleloader opportunities. Several locations will focus on harvesting antlerless deer first to effectively manage populations and preserve Ohio's natural heritage.

🎪 ACTC's Party on the Lawn invites community for family fun. The annual event, hosted by Ashland Community and Technical College's Student Government Association, will take place August 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the College Drive Campus. Attendees can enjoy a petting zoo, inflatables for children, informational tables from college programs and community partners, plus food, games, and music. The festivities are open to ACTC faculty, staff, students, their families, and community members. Admission requires only a donation of a non-perishable food item or toiletry to support the Pathfinder Pantry.

Fenced potential outside and in: Priced at $219,000, this charming home boasts vinyl siding, fenced backyard, spacious rooms including a kitchenette upstairs, and a full basement with plenty of potential for additional living space.

Hilltop Dream Double Kitchen Luxury: Portsmouth Hilltop home available for $355,000 featuring extensive updates throughout, open concept living with wood-burning fireplace, dual kitchens, and multiple outdoor spaces including a hot tub sunroom.

Spacious brick home needs TLC: Priced at $212,000, this brick Portsmouth home boasts 4-5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, finished basement with kitchenette, multiple garages, and a fenced backyard patio requiring minimal TLC to realize its full potential.