• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Monday, October 6
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety

    ‘Tweaking’ or Troubled? Always Check on Drivers in Distress 

    drug crisis

    Overdoses, False Alarms, and Needle Sightings: Drug Crisis Keeps Portsmouth Police Busy 

    Hot iPhone Drama: SOMC Theft Leads Cops Straight to Summit Street Bust 

    FROM REHAB TO RANSACK: MAN TURNS MICKEY D’s LOT INTO MADHOUSE 

    Wayne hills

    Wanted Men Nabbed in Wayne Hills: Warrants Catch Up With Harr and Hummel 

    Good Kids CPS

    Kids Caught Walking on US 23: Deputies Step In Before Tragedy 

    Woodbine Apartments

    Late-Night Disturbance at Woodbine Apartments Raises Concerns for Kids in the Home 

    Family Dollar

    Family Dollar Employee Foils Shoplifters  

    Southern Ohio Human Trafficking

    Another Arrest Tied to Southern Ohio’s Ongoing Human Trafficking Crackdown 

    Pit Bull Bites Baby’s Face & Other Cases Highlights Strain on Animal Control 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Man on Dating App Does the Right Thing — Calls Deputies After Suspecting Teen Contact 

    SCDN File Photo

    Mound Park Complaints Pile Up: Fights, Threats, and False Alarms 

    Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    12 New Scioto County Grand Jury Indictments

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 10/03/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    handcuffs jail arrest

    Two Wanted Men Nabbed at Portsmouth Homeless Shelter in Back-to-Back Weeks 

    HEROES KICK DOWN DOOR TO SAVE ELDERLY MAN 

    woman arrested handcuffs

    Two-for-One Arrest in West Portsmouth 

    Man Reported Hiding in Bushes, Peeking in Windows at Portsmouth Apartments 

    Grand Jury

    Lucasville Pair Indicted on Child Sex-Related Charges 

    Union Township EMS

    Union Township Cuts Off EMS to Rarden – Here’s Why 

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    Democrats Blast Bryan Davis: “Quit Collecting a Paycheck You’re Not Earning” 

    Robert Horton

    Update in Robert Horton Corruption Case 

    Davis Commish

    No Updates, Just an Empty Seat: Powell and Smith Say Davis Drama is Out of Their Hands

    weird strange absurd

    Parking, Murals, and an Indicted Commissioner: Sparks Fly at Portsmouth City Manager’s Conference 

    Bryan Davis Due Back In Court October 21 

    Sean Dunne Next Mayor of Portsmouth?

    Dunne: “It’s Time for Portsmouth to Speak Up” on Davis Resignation 

    confused woman

    Portsmouth Council Weighs Asking Davis to Resign 

    Turning Point USA

    Student Democrats Deny Role in Petition to Ban Turning Point USA at SSU 

    Turning Point USA

    Portsmouth Politics Escalate: SSU Students Petition to Ban Turning Point USA

    Recorder Gary Jenkins

    Scioto County Recorder’s Office Increases Fees 

    Scottie Powell

    Commissioner Powell Responds to Conflict of Interest Questions 

    FOP Endorses Malone, Neff in Portsmouth City Election 

    Bryan Davis

    Where’s Bryan Davis? GOP Says Step Down — Court Says Suspended

    SCDN File Photo

    Where’s Bryan Davis? After Two Missed Meetings, GOP Says It’s Time to Step Down 

    This bench is a different bench located near Jim Dandy's

    Exclusive: The Bench Is Back — But the Political Drama Isn’t Over 

    crisis question

    Where’s Bryan Davis? Commissioners, Citizens Ask the Same Question 

    Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis

    Bryan Davis Arraignment Set, New Judge Assigned 

    Bryan Davis

    Why Commissioner Davis Staying in Office Raises Big Problems 

    Scottie Powell

    Powell Calls on Commissioner Davis to Resign 

    Scioto County Bryan Davis Scandal

    🗓 Timeline of a Scandal: How Scioto County’s Economic Development Crisis Unfolded 

  • Feel Good
    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    A sleek blue sedan parked on concrete. Behind the vehicle is a view of the sky with a setting sun over a body of water.

    How To Make Your Daily Driver Feel Like a Sports Car

    A person's hand is holding a miniature wooden house with a green roof and a budding plant on top against a green background.

    How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    A man sitting in a vehicle is handing over an ID card to a female police officer standing by his window.

    Tips for Staying Calm During Police Encounters

    Cyn Mackley

    Cyn Mackley Channels Haunted Appalachia

    A group of friends stand around a table, smiling, laughing, and drinking. There are plates of food on the table.

    Creative Ways To Host Outdoor Events This Summer

    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

    The Day the Streak Ended: Lakers’ 1987 Record Broken

    An angler standing at the edge of a lake just after sunset with three fishing rods resting on the ground next to him.

    Night Fishing: Who Is It for and How Do You Start?

    good cops

    Cops Rescue Lost Man 

    good cops

    Kid Misses Bus, Deputy to the Rescue 

    A group of people stands outside with their arms in the air. They hold their hands together, making a pyramid shape.

    Hidden Gems: Community Strategies for Mental Wellness

    good cops

    Man Says He’s Trapped in Armory 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Good Neighbor and Officer to the Rescue 

  • Obituaries
    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway

    Patricia Aileen (White) Attaway of Georgia

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger

    Bonnie Lafrida Riddlebarger, 88 of New Boston

    Fontella Munn

    Fontella Munn, 87 of Lucasville

    Beverly Jane Kessinger

    Beverly Jane Kessinger, 82 of Friendship

    Barbara Williams

    Beth Ann Fite, 68 of Wheelersburg

    Barbara Williams

    Linda Kay Percell, 77 of Wheelersburg,

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr

    William Emanuel Redoutey Sr., 80 of Portsmouth

    R. Eugene O. Collins

    R. Eugene O. Collins, 93 of West Portsmouth

    James E. Armstrong

    James E. Armstrong, 81 of Russell

    Leander Workman, Sr.

    Leander Workman, Sr., age 90, of South Portsmouth

    Phyllis Ann Murphy Picklesimer

    Phyllis Ann Murphy Picklesimer, 70 formerly of Lafollette

    Barbara Williams

    Deborah Sue Arnett, 73 of Wheelersburg

    Barbara Williams

    Phyllis Jean Porter, 81 of Wheelersburg

    James Taylor

    James Franklin Taylor, 94 of Wheelersburg

    Brian Keith Cogar, 68 of South Webster

    Patricia Salmons Smith 78 of McDermott

    Billy Ray White

    Billy Ray White, 66 of Portsmouth

    Leatha S. Queen

    Leatha S. Queen, 67 of Rosemount

    Timothy Eugene Coldiron

    Timothy Eugene Coldiron, 55 of Wheelersburg

    Penny Sue (Scaggs) Henthorn

    Penny Sue Henthorn

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

“I’m Not Here to Replace Cathy”: New Commissioner Merit Smith Says He’ll Lead with Life Experience 

Scioto County’s newest commissioner vows to honor Coleman’s legacy while bringing decades of public service to the role 

Cyn Mackley by Cyn Mackley
2 months ago
in Politics
ShareTweetEmail

Newly appointed Scioto County Commissioner Merit Smith knows he’s stepping into big shoes—but he’s not trying to fill them. Instead, he says, he hopes to honor the legacy of the late Commissioner Cathy Coleman by continuing the work she cared deeply about while using his own extensive life experience to serve the people of Scioto County. 

“I’m not here to replace Cathy,” Smith said. “Cathy was a great person. She was beloved by the staff here. She was beloved by the county. There’s no way you could ever replace that.” 

Smith, who was appointed by the Scioto County Republican Central Committee on July 29, spoke with sincerity and humility during his first week on the job. He expressed gratitude to county staff for helping him get up to speed and emphasized his desire to continue Coleman’s efforts. 

RELATED POSTS

Overdoses, False Alarms, and Needle Sightings: Drug Crisis Keeps Portsmouth Police Busy 

Top Weird Things People Buy at Walmart in Ohio (Southern Edition) 

Hot iPhone Drama: SOMC Theft Leads Cops Straight to Summit Street Bust 

“I want to say to her family, I hope I can at least be part of the things she was working on. The staff has been great to me coming in here to get me on my feet and running—but they also miss Cathy. I hope we can continue to build her memory through the things we do in this office.” 

Decades of Real-World Experience 

While he’s new to the commissioners’ table, Merit Smith brings decades of hands-on experience in fields that touch nearly every corner of public life. He’s worked in: 

  • Retail management 
  • Juvenile court, as chief probation officer 
  • Education, as director of attendance for the South Central Ohio ESC 
  • Facilities management, overseeing maintenance after retiring 
  • Pastoral ministry, leading churches for more than 40 years 
  • Emergency services, as a firefighter and EMT for four decades 

“There’s a lot of life experiences that I can draw from,” Smith said. “I’ve worked at the courthouse for 12 years. I understand somewhat how the budgeting system works in the county—and if you’ve ever been around government accounting, it’s a whole lot different from the rest of the world. If you don’t have a little understanding of how it works, then you don’t understand it. I have just enough there to be dangerous.” 

Ready to Roll Up His Sleeves 

Smith wasted no time putting that experience to work. During recent discussions about the MARCS emergency radio towers, he offered firsthand insight as a longtime first responder. 

“I understand that need because there are dead spots in the county where we don’t have access to the radio,” he said. 

He also weighed in on ongoing air conditioning issues at the Sheriff’s Office, drawing from his time in maintenance management. 

A Promise of Integrity 

Though he made no sweeping promises, Smith offered one clear commitment: 

Please Support This Local Business

“What I will promise is that I will always try to do the right thing for the citizens of Scioto County. I’m only one vote on this board, but I will do my part.” 

Commissioners Bryan Davis and Scottie Powell welcomed Smith to the board, which now returns to full strength following Coleman’s passing on July 4. Her memory, Smith said, will remain a guiding force. 

“Cathy cared about kids. She cared about disabled people. She cared about this county. I hope I can be half the commissioner that she was.” 

Merit Smith may not be replacing Cathy Coleman—but with a career of service behind him and a heart for the county ahead, he’s ready to serve in her honor. 

Tags: Bryan DavisCathy ColemandifferentEducationFamilygovernmentMerit SmithNewsletterOhioScioto CountyScottie PowellSheriff
Please Support This Local Business

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.