Page 5 - Patrick Keck News Today

PORTSMOUTH- In his presentation before Portsmouth City Council Monday night, Kris Ruggles of Strand Associates, Inc. shared a common phrase he has heard th

Dunne ‘outraged’ by Lenco Medcat purchase reattempt By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Conversations surrounding the purchase of an armored vehicle for the Portsmouth Police Department again proved to be a contested matter during Monday night’s city council session. Once again making it to council’s agenda despite objections from 1st Ward Councilman Sean Dunne, the funding and necessity for the Lenco Medcat– a tactical automobile suited for SWAT or EMS teams wi...

Sen. Johnson, Rep. Baldridge backing firework legislation By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com COLUMBUS — With the Fourth of July less than two months away, Ohioans wishing to light fireworks in their backyards may be granted that ability depending on votes from the statehouse. Current state law permits the purchase, but not the use of consumer-grade fireworks for residents 18 and older within the state. Instead, they must be transported out of the state within 48 hours following the p...

Ten ballots remaining in 3rd Ward Primary PORTSMOUTH -The results from Tuesday’s 3rd Ward primary answered one question, but left one unanswered. What is known at this point is that Andy Cole will be moving on to the November General Election. He took 143 of the 290 tallied votes, good for nearly half of the votes. “Thank you (so) much for all your help,” he said in a Facebook post after the results were released from the Scioto County Board of Elections just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday. “...

Extra lifeguards, $50,000 going to McKinley Pool By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest PORTSMOUTH — Low lifeguard numbers and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to last year’s delayed reopening of the McKinley Pool. Now at least the former should not be an issue as the pool is set to open its doors on Memorial Day. In addition to two investments totaling $50,000, $30,000 through the Capital Investment Budget Program and $20,000 from an anonymous donor, the lifeguard shortages that have pla...

PCHD says local demand low for COVID-19 vaccines By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available, local health departments said they have been long prepared to distribute doses to Scioto County residents. What now presents a considerable challenge to that effort Portsmouth City Health Commissioner Chris Smith says is low demand with vaccines available to all Ohioans above the age of 16. Over the past month, Smith said a shift from high dem...

Local woman continues fight for answers in brother’s death By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Last week’s arraignment of a former Scioto County Sheriff’s corrections officer initiated the court proceedings of the alleged 2020 murder of one county jail inmate. It is also the beginning of what one area woman hopes to be justice. Since June, Karen Skaggs has been asking why, how, and who caused her brother to die following the May 26 altercation. Now with charges read...

‘Save our building’: Local non-profit in need of funding By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com The Autism Project of Southern Ohio hosted its Easter egg hunt this year, but is need in need of donations to keep its Waller Street building operating. PORTSMOUTH- After a successful Autism Awareness month, one area non-profit is asking for help to keep its operation running. The Autism Project of Southern Ohio took to Facebook in April to share its financial situation. President Mike Bell...

Commissioners say work is needed on courthouse 6th Street ramp By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com SCIOTO — The Scioto County Commissioners held their first session permitting media in-person attendance this year on Thursday, reviewing and passing all 17 items on their agenda. “We encourage the press to attend our meetings,” Commissioner Bryan Davis said. “We’re hoping in the near future to include the general public.” Grant and contract agreements were the primary focus of ...

Lenco Medcat back on council agenda By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — One piece of legislation will be making its way back to first reading on May 10, just four months after Portsmouth City Council failed to pass it. With grant funding being the issue last time, City Manager Sam Sutherland said on Monday that he and the Portsmouth Police Department sorted through city finances and came out with a potential solution. “It was discussed heavily that council would like to...