• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Sunday, August 3
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    Ohio House Bill 247

    🐶 Dog Drama Sparks Big Bite Debate! Ohio House Bill 247

    👊 BROTHERS BRAWL IN THE BURG! ONE HAULED OFF TO JAIL 🚓 

    Two toddlers. Two apartments. Two terrifying wake-up calls. What’s going on behind closed doors? 

    Sheriff night 1

    💥DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHOCKER: MAN LEFT BLOODY, WIFE BUSTED AFTER BEDROOM ATTACK!🚓 

    🚨CRISIS CALLS: First Responders Save Lives in Two Close Calls 🚨 

    Deadly Crash 2 SCDN

    Tragedy on Local Road: Woman and 6-Year-Old Killed in Horrific Head-On Crash

    Teen Plots to Drag Friend into Woods and Stab Him 

    handcuffs jail arrest

    🚨Warrant Wonderland! Man Nabbed with FOUR Outstanding Warrants After Traffic Stop in Wheelersburg🚔 

    oopsie

    Bad Decision: Woman Tries to Hide Drugs During Warrant Arrest 

    Mental Health

    Text Message Saves Man After Suicide Attempt at Franklin Furnace Gas Station

    Celsius ASTRO VIBE

    🚨 SPIKED ENERGY ALERT! 🚨 That Energy Drink You’re Sipping Might Be Straight Vodka

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 08/01/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    Children in Danger

    Toddler Hospitalized After Getting Hold of Marijuana Vape 

    “I’ll Just Let Myself In”: Welfare Check Leads to Oversleeping Discovery 

    Police lights in rear view 2

    🚨 TRAFFIC STOP TURNS INTO JAIL DROP: MOM BUSTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES 🚗👶 

    Jimmy Wombles

    🚨 CAPTURED! Accused Rapist Who Escaped Scioto County Facility Now in Custody 🚨 

    Jimmy Wombles

    🚨 RAPIST ON THE RUN: Inmate Escapes From Scioto County Lockdown Facility 🚨

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 07/31/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    Homeless Task Force

    Nowhere to Go: Homeless Woman Pleads for Help, Winds Up in Jail—Then Back on the Streets 

    Sunset Bowling

    🚨 BRICKS, BATS & BOWLING ALLEY BRAWLS! STREET CHAOS ROCKS THE AFTERNOON 💥 

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    We Don’t Do Roads!: Scioto Commissioners Clarify Who’s Really in Charge of Road Repairs 

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

    Merit Smith

    Merit Smith Chosen to Fill Late Commissioner Cathy Coleman’s Seat 

    Scottie Powell

    “Run on Vision, Not Attacks”: Powell Offers Advice to Candidates Vying for Cathy Coleman’s Seat 

    🌿 Bamboo Gets Fast-Tracked at City Hall — But the Homeless Crisis? Still Stuck in Neutral 

    Who Will Carry Cathy’s Torch? GOP to Choose Coleman’s Replacement July 29 

    Cathy Coleman

    Commissioners Back Senior Housing Project Championed by Late Commissioner Cathy Coleman 

    “Bad and Quirky” Lucasville House Targeted for Demolition as County Cracks Down on Blighted Properties 

    ‘A Great Addition to Heaven’: Commissioners Honor Cathy Coleman, Reflect on Her Legacy and Who Might Carry It Forward 

    Cathy Coleman

    Scioto County Mourns Commissioner Cathy Coleman 

    🚨TRIAL TWIST! Horton Corruption Case on Ice—For Now 

    Cathy Coleman

    Remembering Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman

    somc 2

    🏥 Scioto County Approves Hospital Tax to Keep Medicaid Dollars Local 

    No Kings

    Scioto Dems Snort at “Well-Funded” No Kings Protest Claim

    Cathy Coleman

    Cathy Coleman Still Fighting: Family Shuts Down Hospice Rumors, Says Recovery Still Underway

    County May Tap Opioid Settlement Funds to Finish MARCS Tower Project 

    Cathy Coleman

    ‘Small Steps, Big Faith’: Commissioner Cathy Coleman Edges Closer to Recovery 

    Cathy Coleman

    ‘Praise God!’: Commissioner Cathy Coleman Shows Remarkable Progress After Harrowing Weeks

    Cathy Coleman

    Cautious Hope and Harsh Realities: New Details Emerge on Commissioner Cathy Coleman’s Condition 

    Scioto County Commissioners Cancel This Week’s Meeting 

  • Feel Good
    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 

    Portsmouth Flood Wall Stars

    Meet the New Flood Wall Stars! 

    A bearded man is sitting on the floor and comforting his dog in a wheelchair. The dog has his ears pinned back.

    Training Tips To Help Your Dog Get Used to Their Wheelchair

    U.S. housing market

    Tips for Making Your New House Feel Like a Home

    The Best Freshwater Fish To Catch This Summer

    The Best Freshwater Fish To Catch This Summer

    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

  • Obituaries
    Paul Alva Winn

    Paul Alva Winn, 46 of Lucasville

    Pamela Lykins Jenkins

    Pamela Lykins Jenkins, 69 of Portsmouth

    Sophia and Olivia Boggs

    Andrea Gail Walters 43 of Wheelersburg

    Patricia Ann Bennett

    Patricia Ann Bennett, 85 of Minford

    Brian Richards

    Brian Richards of Upper Twin Creek

    Ann Thomas, 89 of Scottsboro

    Barbara Williams

    Marion Emma Wickersham, 80 of Otway

    Sheila Ann Puckett-Free

    Sheila Ann Puckett-Free, 50, of Rarden

    Gail Lynn Harris

    Gail Lynn Harris 70 of sciotoville

    Erik Lael Bryant

    Erik Lael Bryant, aged 54 of Wurtland

    Wanda F. Bender

    Wanda F. Bender, 94 of Portsmouth

    David Gershon McFadden, 84 of Wheelersburg

    Leroy Slusher

    Leroy Slusher, 89 of Minford

    Joseph Michael Ober

    Joseph Michael Ober 53 of Oberling

    Helen E. Brown, 89, of McDermott

    Dannette Ann Lowery

    Dannette Ann Lowery, 55 of Mentor, Ohio

    Kathryn Jane Zaayer

    Kathryn Jane Zaayer, 87 of Otway

    Kyle E. Redoutey

    Kyle E. Redoutey, 30

    Myrtle Maxine Carver Boggs

    Myrtle Maxine Carver Boggs, 85 of South Portsmouth

  • 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

Rehab Housing Boom Sparks Outrage in Scioto County: Residents Demand Answers 

Cyn Mackley by Cyn Mackley
4 months ago
in Politics
ShareTweetEmail

Scioto County is at a boiling point over the explosion of rehab facilities in residential neighborhoods. At the latest County Commissioners meeting, frustrated citizens voiced concerns about how Portsmouth has become a magnet for addiction recovery housing—and how some of those leaving treatment end up homeless, adding to an already growing crisis. 

“Why Are We the Dumping Ground?” 

Longtime resident Joe Brook was the first to speak out. 

“I’ve been part of this community all my life,” Brook said. “How did it come about that Scioto County seems to be a deposit for drug addicts? I know they need help, but it’s not helping the community. The other day, I was talking to a widow trying to find a house to rent—good luck when rehab facilities are gobbling up all the properties. Who started this? How did it happen?” 

RELATED POSTS

🐶 Dog Drama Sparks Big Bite Debate! Ohio House Bill 247

👊 BROTHERS BRAWL IN THE BURG! ONE HAULED OFF TO JAIL 🚓 

Two toddlers. Two apartments. Two terrifying wake-up calls. What’s going on behind closed doors? 

Commissioner Scottie Powell provided some insight. 

“Scioto County was ground zero for the opioid epidemic. It started here, and by default, we built up a treatment infrastructure. Then those industries started marketing to other counties, telling judges, ‘Send your people here; we have the facilities,’” Powell explained. “The problem? The rest of Ohio hasn’t built up its own treatment centers, so they keep shipping people to us.” 

A County Overrun by Recovery Centers 

Powell revealed that, thanks to a new law requiring rehab facilities to register, officials recently discovered Scioto County has over 110 recovery houses—the same number as Franklin County, which has a population of 1.2 million compared to Scioto County’s 72,000. 

“This is completely out of balance,” Powell said. “Legitimate recovery facilities support new legislation to regulate the industry because the bad actors are ruining their reputation.” 

That legislation—House Bill 58—would increase standards for rehab centers and limit how many can operate within a ZIP code based on population. Powell, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, and Prosecutor Shane Tieman have all testified in Columbus in favor of the bill. 

Citizens: “They’re Getting a Free Ride” 

For residents like Brook, the imbalance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about fairness. 

“Housing is paid for. Counseling is paid for. There are privileges they have that my friends can’t afford,” Brook said. “They get to hang out at the park playing basketball. Why aren’t they picking up trash? Where’s their skin in the game? If there’s no lasting benefit, it’s a poor investment. I know that sounds harsh, but this is a burden on our community.” 

Commissioner Bryan Davis confirmed the concerns. 

“When I first took office, there were only two providers. Now? Rehab centers are buying up every available property, leaving families with nowhere to go,” Davis said. “And the worst part? Other counties are shipping their problems here. Their overdose rates are dropping because they’re sending their addicts here while ours keep rising.” 

Davis also pointed out a disturbing financial reality: 

“It’s immoral and unethical that the State of Ohio is spending more on recovery patients than on veterans or senior citizens in nursing homes. We’re paying more for addiction treatment than for those who fought for our country. That’s flat-out wrong.” 

Not Everyone Sees It the Same Way 

Josh Lawson, a recovery professional and former candidate for County Commissioner, warned against scapegoating recovery patients. 

“We can’t pit one part of our community against another,” Lawson said. “Many in recovery are veterans. Yes, the system needs fixing, but we need leaders who tackle this issue without feeding ignorance and stigma. Many people in recovery do contribute positively to our community.” 

No Easy Answers—But a Fight Ahead 

Commissioners made one thing clear: The county’s hands are tied. 

“There is nothing in the Ohio Revised Code that gives us power to control this issue,” Davis said. “People say we’re funding recovery facilities—that’s false. But we’re fighting to fix the system.” 

And according to Commissioner Cathy Coleman, the problem isn’t just rehab centers—it’s what happens after treatment. 

“The homeless population is growing,” Coleman said. “They come here for rehab, get released, and stay here with nowhere to go. Years ago, we did research and found that the number of out-of-county people in our shelters far outnumbered local residents. It’s heartbreaking, and something has to change.” 

What’s Next? 

While everyone agrees addiction treatment is necessary, Scioto County leaders are demanding a solution that works for everyone—not just the rehab industry. 

Please Support This Local Business

“We’ve been screaming for help,” Davis said. “And now, we’re finally getting attention. But this has to stop. It’s unsustainable.” 

For Davis, the real solution goes beyond policy. 

“I’ll say it out loud: The answer is Jesus.” 

With a system struggling to keep up, a community frustrated by the burden, and state leaders only now beginning to listen, Scioto County finds itself at a crossroads. The battle over rehab housing is far from over—but residents are making it clear: It’s time for real change. 

Tags: Bryan DavisCathy ColemanCounty CommissionersDavid ThoroughmanFeaturedLawNewsletterOhioPortsmouthScioto CountyScioto County Sheriff David ThoroughmanScottie PowellShane TiemanSheriffVeterans
Please Support This Local Business
Please login to join discussion

TRENDING NOW

Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 08/01/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

August 1, 2025

Andrea Gail Walters 43 of Wheelersburg

July 31, 2025
Deadly Crash 2 SCDN

Tragedy on Local Road: Woman and 6-Year-Old Killed in Horrific Head-On Crash

August 1, 2025

Sophia and Olivia Boggs

July 31, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 07/31/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

July 31, 2025

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.