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A noise complaint turned into a parenting reality check after police discovered children home alone at an apartment—and it raised a question many families quietly wrestle with.  Just before 7 p.m., officers with the Portsmouth Police Department were called to a 14th Street apartment after a neighbor reported screaming and banging coming from inside.  What Officers Found  When officers arrived,...

A hit-and-skip crash that shut down a roadway ended hours later with a surprise twist: the suspected driver walked into the police station on her own. But by then, no one was in handcuffs—and that’s raising questions.  🚨 Crash Sends Truck Disabled, Airbags Deployed  Just after 7:30 a.m., officers with the Portsmouth Police Department responded to a hit-skip crash at Kinneys Lane and...

A late-night traffic stop tied to a felony theft investigation ended without an arrest—but with a clear warning from police that charges are still on the table.  Just after midnight, officers with the Portsmouth Police Department stopped a vehicle on Young Street after developing reasonable suspicion that a felony theft suspect was inside.  Stop Leads to Admission  After the...

Two recent calls involving missing persons and local shelters have left families frustrated and confused, asking the same question: Why won’t these places give out information—even to police?  The answer lies in a complicated mix of privacy laws, safety policies, and liability fears that often leave shelters saying nothing at all.   Call One: Homeless Shelter Won’t Confirm...

A frantic call about a stolen Camaro led to a quick recovery—but no criminal charges—after what appears to have been a case of blurred boundaries, fuzzy memories, and an exasperated boyfriend.  The Timeline  At 5:30 p.m. Monday, Portsmouth Police were contacted by a man reporting that his Camaro had been stolen by his...

It started with a knock meant to help someone in trouble — and spiraled into fear, destruction, and a barefoot escape for safety.  According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a domestic violence call after a woman fled her home during a violent outburst by...

There was a death at the Scioto County Jail on Jan 11th, 2026. When a person dies on government property, the public deserves more than a paragraph. We deserve more than silence. This isn’t about speculation or outrage. It’s about responsibility. The Scioto County Jail officials initially described it as...

Boost your backyard barbecues with these proven tips to elevate your grilling skills. From marinating to mastering heat, take your cooking to perfection.

If you’ve driven through Scioto County lately, you’ve probably noticed it: fresh builds going up, lots being cleared, roads getting adjusted, and new projects slowly taking shape. From residential neighborhoods to commercial spaces, things are moving. What most people don’t think about, though, is what happens before the walls go...

For generations, buying a home in Scioto County meant something fairly simple: find a place you could afford, settle in, and build a life around it. Houses were practical, neighborhoods were familiar, and ownership was seen as a long-term commitment—often for life. Today, that picture has changed. Homeownership still matters...

For many homeowners in Scioto County, the word equity gets mentioned a lot—but not always explained clearly. People hear it from banks, real estate agents, or financial advisors, and it often sounds like something abstract or distant.  What’s rarely mentioned is that home equity can look very different from state...

For many people in Scioto County and across southern Ohio, road trips are a regular part of life. Whether it’s visiting family, relocating for work, or heading somewhere warmer for a few months, Ohio drivers often find themselves crossing state lines. Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arizona are among...

Life in Scioto County has always been shaped by strong communities, close-knit families, and a sense of familiarity that makes people feel rooted. There’s comfort in knowing your neighbors, recognizing familiar faces at school events, and growing up in a place where people look out for each other. But like...

The Scioto County Jail is currently housing 176 inmates. An arrest is not a conviction. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty. David E Barrett Arrest Date: 01/15/2026 Charges: Menacing by Stalking Jeremiah J Bellar Arrest Date: 01/15/2026 Charges: Having Weapons While Under Disability Basil J Branham Arrest Date:...

Communities don’t thrive because a few people hope they will. They thrive because organizations—formal and informal, nonprofit and civic, government-linked and volunteer-driven—do the everyday work of solving problems, allocating resources, and connecting people to services they could never access on their own.  In Ohio, and in places like Scioto County,...

A late-night disturbance at a church parking lot prompted a police response after a caller reported possible gunshots, moving vehicles, and suspicious activity.  Deputies were called to Pleasant Hill Church around 1 a.m. after a resident told dispatch she heard what she believed were gunshots. She reported that there was one vehicle in the lot when she heard the noises—but about 10...

A call about an out-of-control 11-year-old brought sheriff’s deputies and an ambulance to a home this week, renewing a familiar debate about who should respond when family situations spiral into crisis.  According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to assist after reports that a child was acting out of control. When a deputy...

After Repeat Violence Calls, Should This Suspect Still Be Walking Free?  Another domestic violence call. Another arrest. Another release.  And it’s prompting a growing question in the community: at what point does “release on recognizance” stop making sense?  Domestic Call With Child Present  Officers with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office were called to Lucasville after a report...

For the second week in a row, a standing-room-only crowd packed the Scioto County Commissioners meeting to weigh in on a proposed data center project tied to a potential tax abatement in northern Scioto County.  The January 15 meeting followed last week’s heated discussion over whether the county should offer tax incentives...

What began as a quiet evening outside turned into terror when a woman was suddenly surrounded and attacked by multiple dogs.  According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to investigate an animal complaint after a woman was bitten multiple times and transported to the hospital. ...