Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / August 15, 2025

🚣 River renaissance

Scioto County • August 15, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. The Ohio River beckons this Saturday as Portsmouth's Paddlefest returns for its third year, inviting adventurers of all skill levels to discover natural beauty from a fresh perspective. This free community gathering does more than celebrate our waterways—it builds bridges between people while showcasing the river's remarkable ecological comeback, perfectly aligning with Portsmouth's ambitious $34 million riverfront expansion vision.

Meanwhile, healing takes root in unexpected places as TPC Wellness transforms mental health care through their community garden initiative. What began as a simple plot in Ironton has blossomed into a therapeutic success story where clients and staff alike find stress relief while tending tomatoes and sunflowers. The garden's impact has been so profound that CEO Elizabeth Cremeans plans to expand the green therapy approach across all Ohio locations by 2026—proving sometimes the most effective medicine grows straight from the soil.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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🚣‍♀️ Portsmouth's Paddlefest brings paddlers together on the Ohio River this Saturday. The free community event, now in its third year, invites locals and visitors to explore the waterway's natural beauty from Burnside Kayak Launch. Co-organizers Sean Dunne and Todd Eichenlaub emphasize how paddling creates connections between people from all backgrounds while showcasing the river's improving ecosystem. Participants will paddle from Portsmouth to Shawnee State Marina, with kayak rentals available through MoonDoggie LIVERee. The event aligns with Portsmouth's vision for its riverfront, including an upcoming $34 million expansion project.

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⚖️ Kim Davis returns to the spotlight in same-sex marriage controversy. The former Kentucky county clerk, who famously refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015, is back in the news. Her case appears to be heading to the Supreme Court of the United States after years of legal battles. Davis became a polarizing figure in the debate over religious freedom versus LGBTQ rights following the landmark Obergefell decision. Her reemergence signals ongoing tensions between religious liberty claims and marriage equality in American society.

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🌱 Community garden transforms mental health care at TPC Wellness. Staff and clients at the Ironton facility cultivated vegetables, flowers, and healing connections throughout the summer months. The garden provides therapeutic benefits that align with the company's trauma-responsive care mission, helping people "physically, spiritually and mentally." Participants experienced reduced stress, social connections, and new skills while tending to tomatoes, zucchini, sunflowers and other plants. CEO Elizabeth Cremeans plans to expand the successful project to all TPC Wellness locations across Ohio in 2026.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Affordable house investment potential: This charming 2-story, 4-bedroom home is on the market for $99,900, offering a spacious corner lot, updated features, and investment potential with a detached garage and inviting porch.
Real estate listing image Peaceful retreat near local amenities: Nestled in an attractive neighborhood, this property is available for $299,000. The quiet location offers convenient access to local amenities while providing a peaceful retreat from city life.
Real estate listing image Affordable remodel with potential upside: Priced at $85,500, this cozy one-bedroom home features updated finishes, a remodeled bathroom, and a versatile living space that could easily convert back to a two-bedroom to increase property value.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎵 Aug. 15 - Classics & Hymns Tour: The Collingsworth Family brings their soul-stirring FALL '25 CLASSICS & HYMNS TOUR to Vern Riffe Center on August 15 at 7:00 PM. Experience uplifting music in this not-to-be-missed Portsmouth performance!
🎨 Aug. 15 - Kids' Paint Palooza Extravaganza: Let your little artists get messy at Paint Palooza! Kids will explore bubble painting, paint wheels and more at Wheelersburg Library on August 15. Creative fun awaits at 10745 Gallia Pike!
❤️ Aug. 15 - Free Heart Health Screenings: Protect your ticker at the free "OH, My Heart" screenings at UK King's Daughters Cardiology Portsmouth! Stop by on August 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for essential heart health checks.
🔥 Aug. 16 - Dawg Days Summer Competition: Crossfit enthusiasts unite at Dawg Days IV! Teams of two battle it out at Crossfit Alpha Pack on August 16, competing for summer glory in Portsmouth's hottest fitness showdown.
🙏 Aug. 16 - Taylor Brothers Gospel Revival: Raise your spirits at the Taylor Brothers Gospel Music Tent Revival! Join this uplifting "Healing for America" event at Scioto County Fairgrounds on August 16. Visit www.sendtherain.org for details.
🥗 Aug. 16 - Healthy Living Market: Join us for Healthy Living Day at the MSPIB Farmers Market on August 16! Discover local resources for your wellness journey, including Portsmouth Connex representatives, at Roy Rogers Esplanade on Chillicothe and Gallia Streets.
🛶 Aug. 16 - Portsmouth Paddlefest: Paddle into summer fun at the 3rd Annual Portsmouth Paddlefest! Grab your canoe and join the community for splashing good times on August 16 at 110 Scioto St in Portsmouth, OH.
🍷 Aug. 16 - Southern French Wine Tasting: Sip and savor Southern French wines at The Mirage Champagne Bar on August 16th! Join importer Jon Offredo for an elegant evening of five exquisite wines perfectly paired with five delicious courses. 6PM at Selby Gardens.

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up a separate savings account specifically for your financial goals, whether it's for a vacation, a new gadget, or an emergency fund; this visual distinction can help you stay motivated and organized in your saving efforts.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

-Ephesians 4:29

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