Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / August 29, 2025

🏍️ River thunder rolls

Scioto County • August 29, 2025

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Good morning, Scioto County. Riding the Ohio River on a motorcycle might not be possible, but the roar of engines certainly echoed across our waterways last week. Thunder on the River brought an impressive 10,000-15,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to Ironton, drawing visitors from as far as England and Australia. The five-day rally's success has already sparked plans for a 2026 event, cementing its place on our regional calendar.

In less thunderous news, state auditors have demanded $1.3 million back from local addiction services provider HopeSource after identifying improper Medicaid billing practices. Meanwhile, the tri-state dining scene continues its evolution with Kel's Tavern preparing to replace Sergio's on Charleston's West Side, promising "elevated cuisine at affordable prices." Foodies will need to act quickly to enjoy Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill, which announced the closure of both restaurant locations to focus on mobile operations.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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💊 State demands $1.3 million back from Ohio addiction services provider. Auditors found HopeSource in Scioto County improperly billed Medicaid for mental health and addiction services over three years. The state is seeking repayment of nearly $1.5 million including interest after identifying documentation issues, unauthorized services, and unbillable activities. HopeSource, which received about $9.9 million for 102,000 substance use disorder services, disputed some of the audit findings. The Ohio Department of Medicaid or Attorney General's Office will work to recoup the inappropriate payments.

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🏍️ Thousands roar into Ironton for Thunder on the River rally. The five-day motorcycle event drew an estimated 10,000-15,000 visitors to the Ohio River town, including international attendees from as far as England and Australia. Organizer Donnie Roberts called the bike rally a success, crediting strong community support for the event's positive outcome. Visitors included YouTubers who rode from California specifically for the gathering. Roberts confirmed plans to make Thunder on the River an annual event, with the 2026 rally already in the works.

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🍔 Charleston's restaurant scene buzzes with changes and closures. Kel's Tavern is set to replace Sergio's Cucina Italiana on the West Side, promising "elevated cuisine at affordable prices" with dishes like bourbon-glazed salmon and Buffalo chicken empanadas. Meanwhile, Bar 101 and Ichiban Pan-Asian Cuisine properties are now listed for sale in downtown Charleston. Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill announced it's closing both restaurant locations to focus on food trucks, catering, and retail products after facing economic challenges and family health issues.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Secluded woodland retreat with perks: $330,000 buys a unique home on 5+ wooded acres with multiple outdoor spaces including decks, gazebo, fire pit, koi pond, and a modernized interior featuring updated baths, 3-4 bedrooms, finished basement, plus three-car garage with woodshop.
Real estate listing image Fixer with outdoor amenities: Priced at $127,000, this charming 3-bedroom fixer-upper offers 1,293 sq. ft. of living space with an attached garage, screened porch, and covered patio, but requires some TLC to unlock its full potential.
Real estate listing image Versatile family home needs you: This 4-bedroom home with 2.5 baths is on the market for $178,000, featuring spacious living areas, a formal dining room, and an en suite with sunroom, plus potential attic space and detached garage.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🌊 Aug. 29 - River Days Festival: Dive into Portsmouth's cherished River Days tradition August 29-31 at 712 4th St! Join the lively parade and savor delicious treats from food trucks during this beloved community celebration.
🎸 Aug. 29 - Boneyfiddle at River Days: Boneyfiddle Project rocks River Days with The Adam Crank Band, Rob McNurlin & the Beatnik Cowboys, and Shelby Lore! Join the musical celebration on August 29 at OSCO Industries in Portsmouth.
👻 Aug. 30 - Spooky Campfire Stories Night: Gather 'round for "Slightly Scary Campfire Stories" at Scioto County Public Library on August 30! Craft lanterns, make friendship bracelets, play games, and enjoy some spine-tingling tales perfect for the whole family.
🦞 Aug. 30 - Portsmouth River Days Festival: Dive into Portsmouth River Days at 401 Washington St! Savor their signature Lobster Rolls from 12-10:30pm on August 30-31. Order at the truck or via their Mobile App for a delicious summer treat.
🌊 Aug. 30 - Hope Fest Community Celebration: Ride the wave of hope at Yoctangee Park! Hope Fest brings family fun, free food, music, and community resources to Chillicothe on August 30. #HopeFest2025
🪕 Aug. 30 - SamJam Bluegrass Festival: Toe-tapping tunes take over Pike County Fairgrounds at the SamJam Bluegrass Festival 2025! Join bluegrass legends for a five-day musical celebration leading up to Labor Day on August 30 in Piketon.
🎸 Aug. 30 - Pure Prairie League: Saddle up for country rock legends Pure Prairie League as they bring their signature sound to SamJam Bluegrass Festival. Catch these iconic performers at Samjam on August 30 at 7:00 PM.
🎷 Aug. 31 - Reunion Big Band Concert: Swing into summer as the Reunion Big Band celebrates 37 years of toe-tapping tunes at Tracy Park's bandstand! Enjoy this FREE two-hour concert featuring 19 talented musicians on August 31.

💰 Financial Friday

Review your monthly subscriptions and eliminate any that you no longer use or need; this small step can free up extra cash each month and help you redirect those funds toward your savings or debt repayment goals.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

-Psalm 31:24

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