Page 6 - Patrick Keck News Today

Council tables lease agreement with musuem again By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — A local museum group will have to wait at least two more weeks for a lease agreement following a Portsmouth City Council vote Monday evening. The first of seven legislation items discussed, the council decided to again table the measure which would have struck a deal between the city and the Scioto County Heritage Museum. Addressing council in the first meeting open to public attendance i...

Council back to public attendance on Monday By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth City Council will convene on Monday, taking a look at seven items on its agenda primarily in first reading. For the first time in more than a year, the council and the City Managers session following its conclusion will be open to the public. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee State University Ballroom, all attendees are expected to wear masks and to practice social distancing. Procl...

Work needed on courthouse skyroof system By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com SCIOTO — During its Thursday session, the Scioto County Commissioners reviewed and passed all 12 items on its agenda. Among the dozen, the commissioners authorized the clerk to advertise a bidding notice for the skyroof system replacement at the county courthouse. Commissioner Bryan Davis described that situation as a “continued problem,” which covers the rotunda and law library. It is separate from the o...

Early voting underway at courthouse By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com SCIOTO — Those wishing to participate in the 2021 election have fewer items on their ballots than last year’s election, but still possess a chance to participate in the civic duty. Since April 6, voters have been afforded the opportunity to beat the crowds by voting early at the Scioto County Board of Elections office. Among those that have voted early is 3rd Ward candidate Andy Cole, who shared his experience w...

Thompson pleads not guilty By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com Attorney Joel King represented the State of Ohio in the Tuesday afternoon arraignment. Billy Thompson, a former Scioto County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer, received a sign-on bond of $100,000 during Tuesday’s arraignment from presiding Judge Howard Harcha. PORTSMOUTH — As a result of Tuesday’s arraignment, a former Scioto County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer pleaded not guilty and had his bond set ...

Sen. Johnson introduces abortion bill By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com COLUMBUS — Two Ohio Senators introduced legislation last week at the statehouse that would order doctors to operate on fetuses in failed abortion attempts. At the center of the legislation is Scioto County’s own Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott and Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, who both work as licensed physicians. Senate Bill 157 would define an instance where the doctor “purposely fail to take the measur...

Roads, Police, and Fire make-up majority of C.I. budget By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Coming next Monday, Portsmouth City Council will give a first reading to approve a 2021 budget item for varying city departments. With a vote in favor during the council’s next session, $1.7 million would be set aside for Capital Improvement Budget Funds 301, 606, 622 and 623. Road work, identified as a pressing need during the city organizational meeting in February, makes up th...

Why the mayor won’t endorse a 3rd Ward candidate By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — In politics, it all comes down to who has your back. Having someone’s back can mean anything from a vote to also publicly proclaiming support through front-yard signs or Facebook posts. Endorsements of candidates are commonplace during any political season, regardless of what level. While the Scioto County Republican and Democrat parties backed the Trump-Pence or Biden-Harris ticket r...

Gary Jenkins, high school student continues active 3rd Ward campaign By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Most people his age have their attention set on their homework assignments, prom, and the epic highs and lows of the high school experience. Gary Jenkins does that as well, plus considerations for what will make Portsmouth a better place to live. Improving the city’s infrastructure, promoting economic development, and advocating for zoning and code enforcement upgrad...

Jerry Skiver seeks 3rd Ward seat By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — The student became the master and now the former master could regain his previous role. If you replace master with Portsmouth 3rd Ward Councilman that pretty much describes what could be a post-Nov. 2 future. With Mayor Kevin Johnson not seeking reelection, his former McKinley Middle School science teacher could be his replacement depending first on how voters place their ballots following the May 4 prim...