By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

It may have come too late to help Sixth Ward Councilman Jeff Kleha, but Portsmouth City Council will discuss several charter amendments proposed by First Ward Councilman Kevin W. Johnson Monday night, and chief among them is an amendment to assure that voters will only be able to vote for one candidate at a time.

The controversy arose during the May primary in which three people were running for the Sixth Ward council seat. The ballot language allowed voters in that ward to “vote for not more than two,” and Shawn Stratton and Tom Lowe came away as the two who will face off in November and Kleha, the incumbent, was the odd man out. However, city officials, including City Manager Derek Allen called to the attention of the Scioto County Board of Elections that no one had ever been allowed to vote for more than one candidate ever in the past.

Now comes a proposed charter amendment that addresses that issue. Among the language is the line – “Should three or more candidates file in any particular ward the field of candidates shall be lessened to two in the primary election with the two candidates receiving the most votes being on the ballot in the general election. In such a primary the ballot language shall be, ‘vote for not more than 1.’”

Several officials, including Allen, lamented that in future primary elections there could be protests by candidates that a precedence was set in the May 2015 primary. However, if the charter amendment passes at the polls, there will most likely be no controversy.

Johnson is proposing five charter amendments be placed on the ballot. In addition to the “one vote” measure, another amendment would call for Council to appoint a charter review committee not less than every 10 years commencing in 2016, for the purpose of reviewing and/or recommending amendments to the charter.

Another amendment deals with a quorum of city council members and calls for ordinances to be passed by a majority of those council members in attendance as long as a quorum (four) is present instead of the current language that calls for the affirmative vote of the members elected to council. In the absence of a quorum all city council can do is adjourn.

An amendment changing the wording under the title – “Establishment of Departments,” to read – “There shall be a Department of Law, a Department of Finance and such other departments and officers as may be established by ordinance.” The amendment would remove the designation “and audits” from the reference – “Department of Finance and Audits.”

The final proposed amendment deals with candidates to succeed a recalled member of council.

“The question of recalling any number of elective officers may be submitted at the same election, but as to each officer whose removal is sought a separate petition shall be filed and provision shall be made for an entirely separate ballot. If, however, an election is held for the recall for more than four or more members of Council, candidates to succeed them for their unexpired terms shall be voted upon at the same election and shall be nominated without primary election, by petitions signed, dates and verified in the manner required for petitions presenting names of candidates for nomination at a primary election, and similar in form to such petitions, but signed by qualified electors equal in number to that provided for an original primary nomination for each office…”

Johnson said if one to three council members are being recalled, each must be done on its own petition. However, if four members of council are up for recall it can all be on one petition. In addition, candidates to fill the unexpired term or terms would be on the same ballot in case the “yes” vote prevails.

“You can also vote ‘no’ and still vote for a replacement candidate of your choice in case the recall is successful,” Johnson said. “It is Section 153 – ‘Candidates to succeed Councilman Recalled.’ so it is simply for Council,” Johnson said. “So if you wanted to recall someone else it’s a separate petition and under a separate ordinance.”

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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Submitted photo The winner of the May 2015 Raffle Contest first prize winner. Harmon purchased his ticket fromFrom left to right: Ralph Clay, past Master of Trinity Lodge, Bill Harmon first place prize winner of raffle contest, Miles Shipp, second place prize winner, and Jerry Woodson, The winner of the Raffle Contest second prize was Miles Shipp, Jerry Woodson, past Master of Trinity Lodge.

By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Two residents of Portsmouth are the 2015 Prince Hall Raffle Contest winners, Bill Harmon and Miles Shipp.

“Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio was founded in 1981, and to date they has awarded over $825,000 in first time scholarship awards to graduating high school students in the State of Ohio, and Continuing Education awards to full time college students enrolled in four year universities across the USA,” Gary Hairston, treasurer of the Portsmouth Trinity Lodge 9, said.

The Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio was founded by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio Free & Accepted Masons, is a charitable foundation certified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation in 1990.

“This is the first time, since I have been a Mason, that Portsmouth was the first and second prize winners,” he said. “We have never received them both at the second time.”

The winner of the May 2015 Raffle Contest first prize is $3000, of which Bill Harmon was the recipient. Harmon purchased his ticket from Ralph Clay, Past Master of Trinity Lodge. The winner of the Raffle Contest second prize was Miles Shipp, who received $1,750. Shipp purchased his ticket from his grandfather, Jerry Woodson, Past Master of Trinity Lodge.

Proceeds from the annual Scholarship Raffle Ticket Contests fund the awarding of scholarships by the Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio. As an affiliate of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, Portsmouth’s Trinity Lodge No. 9 annually supports the Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation by selling the Foundation’s Raffle Tickets.

“The funds for the scholarships come from the selling of raffle tickets,” Hairston said. “They do this every year, they start in the spring and usually they are drawn in the middle of May, in which this year I believe it was May 18th.”

He said the Portsmouth Trinity Lodge 9 is very glad to be a part of such a productive effort that is instrumental in helping students in their educational pursuits.

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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Submitted photo The winner of the May 2015 Raffle Contest first prize winner. Harmon purchased his ticket fromFrom left to right: Ralph Clay, past Master of Trinity Lodge, Bill Harmon first place prize winner of raffle contest, Miles Shipp, second place prize winner, and Jerry Woodson, The winner of the Raffle Contest second prize was Miles Shipp, Jerry Woodson, past Master of Trinity Lodge.

By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Two residents of Portsmouth are the 2015 Prince Hall Raffle Contest winners, Bill Harmon and Miles Shipp.

“Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio was founded in 1981, and to date they has awarded over $825,000 in first time scholarship awards to graduating high school students in the State of Ohio, and Continuing Education awards to full time college students enrolled in four year universities across the USA,” Gary Hairston, treasurer of the Portsmouth Trinity Lodge 9, said.

The Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio was founded by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio Free & Accepted Masons, is a charitable foundation certified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation in 1990.

“This is the first time, since I have been a Mason, that Portsmouth was the first and second prize winners,” he said. “We have never received them both at the second time.”

The winner of the May 2015 Raffle Contest first prize is $3000, of which Bill Harmon was the recipient. Harmon purchased his ticket from Ralph Clay, Past Master of Trinity Lodge. The winner of the Raffle Contest second prize was Miles Shipp, who received $1,750. Shipp purchased his ticket from his grandfather, Jerry Woodson, Past Master of Trinity Lodge.

Proceeds from the annual Scholarship Raffle Ticket Contests fund the awarding of scholarships by the Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation of Ohio. As an affiliate of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, Portsmouth’s Trinity Lodge No. 9 annually supports the Prince Hall Scholarship Foundation by selling the Foundation’s Raffle Tickets.

“The funds for the scholarships come from the selling of raffle tickets,” Hairston said. “They do this every year, they start in the spring and usually they are drawn in the middle of May, in which this year I believe it was May 18th.”

He said the Portsmouth Trinity Lodge 9 is very glad to be a part of such a productive effort that is instrumental in helping students in their educational pursuits.

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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Photo by Frank Lewis | Daily Times Nursing home veterans and their caregivers enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, beans and more during the annual Nursing Home Veterans Picnic Wednesday at the Shawnee Boat Club in Portsmouth.

By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

Despite suffering from an illness, Jim Saddler of James Dickey Post 23 of the American Legion, was in attendance at the annual Nursing Home Veterans Picnic at the Shawnee Boat Club located at the Court Street Landing in Portsmouth Wednesday afternoon.

“Look at all the people,” Saddler beamed. He was right. Veterans from nursing homes and their caregivers converged on the riverfront to enjoy a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, beans and cornbread, and fruit.

“It’s a culmination of a lot of different organizations,” Rich Saddler of the Sons of the American Legion said. “Mainly the Bikers For Charity. They go out and do the road blocks once a year and all that money is donated for the picnic and, of course, SOCF (Southern Ohio Correctional Facility) is a big benefactor in this and our Christmas Party. Our local Shrine Hillbillies, Clan 1 Outhouse 3, they’re a big part of it and the Shawnee Boat Club. It’s just so many organizations coming together for a common cause and that’s to support our veterans, especially the ones who are in the nursing homes.”

Rich Saddler said the picnic and the Christmas party are important to the nursing home veterans.

“They’re not able to get out in society like we are and able to do things,” Saddler said. “So twice a year we try to get them out for our picnic and our Christmas party to show them a big thank you.”

When the rains began to fall Wednesday morning the picnic was in doubt for a while, but those involved in the organizing of the event took their case higher.

“We were really kind of scared this morning with the rain,” Saddler said. “The good Lord looked down on us and saw what we were doing and at about 11 o’clock (a.m.) the rain started subsiding and it’s nice now.”

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

This time of year a nice hot sunny day can turn to a thunderstorm, flood or tornado in the blink of an eye or even a fire. What may follow is a loss of power and even a loss of the use of a floor of your home or even your home. Disasters can strike quickly and without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.

“The most common (disaster) we see in our area is, by far, fire,” Debbie Smith, community executive with the local Red Cross chapter said. “That’s probably a good 95 percent of our disasters.”

Smith said, while the local chapter now consists of six counties, in three of those counties in the last year, the Red Cross responded to 371 fires and provided assistance.

“Sometimes we’ll see some flooding and sometimes small tornadoes might touch down or just high winds which can do damage too,” Smith said.

What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? You need a plan which means the time to prepare is now while things are normal. The American Red Cross has a three-step plan which is available at the Red Cross office at 1801 Robinson Ave., in Portsmouth.

Step one is to get a kit and each week add more items, take additional steps each week and organize action steps. In week one put in the kit a gallon of water or water pouches, a jar of peanut butter, a six-pack of 6 ounce juice, canned meat such as chicken and or tuna, a hand-operated can opener, two permanent markers or pens, duct tape, two flashlights with batteries and extra batteries and a battery powered radio with extra batteries.

Additionally the Red Cross suggests pet food, diapers, baby food, and a leash or carrier.

They recommend you date perishable items with the marker, notify out-of-area contact to coordinate information for scattered family members using the Family Accountability System Card and to sign up for first aid and CPR classes at your local Red Cross.

The Red Cross office has a list of items needed for each additional week.

Step two is to make a plan in which you discuss with your family the disasters that can happen where you live, establish responsibilities for each member so you work as a team, designate alternatives in case someone is absent. Choose two places to meet after a disaster. Learn how and when to turn off utilities. Additionally ask your local fire department to show you how to use a fire extinguisher and make copies of emergency information for each to carry and stage drills.

Step three is to be informed, to learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and identify how local authorities will notify you during a disaster and how to get information and be trained in life-saving methods, which can be done through the Red Cross.

In the summer months, Smith said people need to be aware of the dangers of high temperatures.

“We see a lot of death caused by excessive heat and extreme weather,” Smith said. “We also want to remind people about staying safe in the summer heat, not overdoing it and don’t spend too much time in the sun. You’ve also got to be very careful of hot cars. They can be deadly. Temperatures rise in hot cars much quicker. Staying hydrated and those types of things are extremely important.”

She said it is important in hot weather to regularly check on family and friends as well as neighbors. Another thing to be concerned about is exposure to heat by pets.

“People can come here (Red Cross office) and we can give them information about starting an emergency kit and having a disaster plan for their family,” Smith said. “We also have some great information about fire safety and things like that.”

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

By Wayne Allen

[email protected]

Volunteers with the Scioto County Historical Society have opened the 1810 House for tours, and has placed an emphasis on donations from residents of Hill View Retirement Center.

This home of Mary Clingman and Aaron Kinney showcases many items dating before 1946. Isabel Kinney who is now deceased, was the last person to live at the home. The homestead was occupied by three generations of Kinneys. The house stood amidst more than 700 acres of forest, farmland and ponds. Aaron Kinney operated a tannery with 12 children.

Dorothy Justus, a volunteer at the 1810 House said each year the organization emphasizes different things related to the house. This season gifts from Hill View Residents are being emphasized.

“This year our showcase corner is featuring the gifts that folks from Hill View Retirement Center have given the past two years,” Justus said.

She said gifts include a 1920’s dresser, an Indian relic and an 1800’s odd chair that was purchased from the Hill View Vintage Store from Don Baker.

Dr. Richard Brunner donated a 1920’s dining room chair along with a 1920’s kitchen chair. Betty Covert donated a 1900’s program from the Portsmouth Opera House and a baby dress that had been her great grandmothers.

Eloise Egbert donated a wire baby stocking stretcher, a 1920’s cloths hanger, 1925 fuse pliers, 44 1911-12 post cards with one cent stamps, a railroad message loop along with a number of other items.

Ann Hossman donated a dress she wore to school on her very first day. Pat and John Reinhardt donated a hall chair.

Justus said Bob Miller and Attorney Howard Harcha II also donated time to the organization.

The house plays important role in the history of Scioto County, Justus said.

“How many people drive up and down Kinneys Lane and don’t know that it was the lane to the Kinney house? The oldest Kinney boy married Portsmouth’s first doctor, Dr. Waller. The street that runs in front of the 1810 House is Waller Street,” Justus said.

The 1810 House is open on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment by calling the Scioto County Welcome Center at 740-353-1116. For more information visit www.1810house.org.

Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT

By Joseph Pratt

[email protected]

Small business has boomed in downtown Portsmouth, with many offerings from comic books to photography studios. In fact, the sprouting of small business has picked up so much steam in the comic book world that Portsmouth Jaycees plans on hosting the first, of what could be annual, Jaycees Comic Convention.

The convention is being called J-Con and is being planned around the idea of getting a larger population interested in local comic shops, as well as bringing the four Portsmouth has together for a celebration of comic books, fantasy, anime, and science fiction. Jaycees has also reached out to other various vendors of the geek niche in locations like Chillicothe, Ashland, Ironton and Huntington, which they hope will add more variety to the event.

The four local shops to join in on the bandwagon of a comic con includes Dungeon Dwellers, Castle Comics, Awesome Town, and Sorta My Comics.

Kevin Doss, lifetime lover of comics and all things geek chic, is the owner and operator of Dungeon Dwellers, a comic and game shop that sits on the Portsmouth esplanade, which is on the corner of Gallia and Chillicothe streets.

“I believe this will be a great opportunity for the people of Portsmouth,” Doss said. “Jaycees is putting in a lot of effort to give attendees some of the geeky goodness that is comics.”

Doss said that he will be showcasing gold and silver age comics that are harder to find, unless one frequents comic shows and major events.

The event is being organized by Shane Marcum, who is a newer member of Portsmouth Area Jaycees.

“I was asked to organize the event and I am very happy to do so,” Marcum said. “The idea behind the planning is that we can get the names of these shops out in the public and give the community a chance to check them all out in one place, all while raising awareness of Jaycees and raising money for the organizations we benefit.”

Marcum has booked a special guest for the event, Amber Lee Connors — a voice actress who has voiced Android 18, from Dragon Ball Z, for YouTube group Team Four Star. She also voices Lilith Kishimoto for Holy Knight and has appeared in video games.

The organization will also have a game room set up with various gaming platforms.

During the event, there will be a Magic the Gathering card tournament and tables for other freestyle card games.

The Jaycees Comic Con will be held at the Portsmouth Jaycees location at 2209 Gallia St on June 27. Price of admission is $5 per person. Doors open to the public at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. For more information call 740-357-8192.

Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.

By Joseph Pratt

[email protected]

Small business has boomed in downtown Portsmouth, with many offerings from comic books to photography studios. In fact, the sprouting of small business has picked up so much steam in the comic book world that Portsmouth Jaycees plans on hosting the first, of what could be annual, Jaycees Comic Convention.

The convention is being called J-Con and is being planned around the idea of getting a larger population interested in local comic shops, as well as bringing the four Portsmouth has together for a celebration of comic books, fantasy, anime, and science fiction. Jaycees has also reached out to other various vendors of the geek niche in locations like Chillicothe, Ashland, Ironton and Huntington, which they hope will add more variety to the event.

The four local shops to join in on the bandwagon of a comic con includes Dungeon Dwellers, Castle Comics, Awesome Town, and Sorta My Comics.

Kevin Doss, lifetime lover of comics and all things geek chic, is the owner and operator of Dungeon Dwellers, a comic and game shop that sits on the Portsmouth esplanade, which is on the corner of Gallia and Chillicothe streets.

“I believe this will be a great opportunity for the people of Portsmouth,” Doss said. “Jaycees is putting in a lot of effort to give attendees some of the geeky goodness that is comics.”

Doss said that he will be showcasing gold and silver age comics that are harder to find, unless one frequents comic shows and major events.

The event is being organized by Shane Marcum, who is a newer member of Portsmouth Area Jaycees.

“I was asked to organize the event and I am very happy to do so,” Marcum said. “The idea behind the planning is that we can get the names of these shops out in the public and give the community a chance to check them all out in one place, all while raising awareness of Jaycees and raising money for the organizations we benefit.”

Marcum has booked a special guest for the event, Amber Lee Connors — a voice actress who has voiced Android 18, from Dragon Ball Z, for YouTube group Team Four Star. She also voices Lilith Kishimoto for Holy Knight and has appeared in video games.

The organization will also have a game room set up with various gaming platforms.

During the event, there will be a Magic the Gathering card tournament and tables for other freestyle card games.

The Jaycees Comic Con will be held at the Portsmouth Jaycees location at 2209 Gallia St. Price of admission is $5 per person. Doors open to the public at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. For more information call 740-357-8192.

Reach Joseph Pratt at 740-353-3101, ext. 1932, or by Twitter @JosephPratt03.

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Wayne Allen | Daily Times Some of the records being stored on the fourth floor of the Scioto County Courthouse.

By Wayne Allen

[email protected]

At one point in the not so distant past, the Scioto County Commissioners were scrambling to find enough space for offices, inside and outside the courthouse. Now the commissioners find themselves with unused space, and they are looking to use the space strategically to meet long-term need of the county.

With the recent purchase of the courthouse annex, some additional space has opened up. The county’s purchase price was $956,022. As a part of the purchase agreement the previous owner of the annex, agreed to replace the roof and gutters on the building.

Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis said the county had a safety audit done on the building. He said the audit pointed out some things that could be done to enhance the building. Davis said things identified in the audit will need to be taken care of before the commissioners would consider relocating a county office to the annex.

County offices currently housed in the annex include Scioto County Prosecutor, Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matt McFarland and Scioto County Veterans Services. Davis said there is one full suite and a half of a suite available.

“We plan to have those filled, but right now we plan to take care of some of these issues first before we put someone in there,” Davis said.

He acknowledged the commissioners are sitting on that space as well as some space in courthouse.

“Everybody wants more space, everybody wants to expand. We have to be smart in how we do that,” Davis said. “We just want to be smart about it because, we have to plan ahead. We could allow someone to take that space, when in long run that space could have been better utilized by someone else.”

Davis said the commissioners have to look beyond temporary needs of offices to meet the long-term needs of the county.

In 2013 the remains of the former Scioto County Jail was removed from the fourth floor of the Scioto County Courthouse. Since the removal of 300,000 pounds of steel, the fourth floor has become a storage space for records and documents. If the commissioners were to attempt to utilize the space they would have to find additional space to store the records.

“With the issues with record keeping and some of the offices are looking for more space, we need to the strategic in what we do and taking more time when we make decisions on moves,” Davis said.

Davis said the long-term goal of the commissioners would be to renovate the fourth floor and make it available to use.

Portsmouth Municipal Judges have expressed interest in moving from the Portsmouth Municipal Building to the Scioto County Courthouse.

“We are missing out on a huge opportunity, by not utilizing the fourth floor. That is real estate we already own. As soon we can we need to renovate that space,” Davis said.

Davis said the commissioners are currently seeking money to renovate the space. He said even if grant money is not available, the county needs to develop a plan to do it on their own.

The former offices of Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Matt McFarland, currently sit empty after his move to the annex. Davis said Scioto County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jerry Buckler has made a request to use that space

“The Board of Elections needs to expand, we’re talking to the (Scioto) county engineer (Craig Opperman) about what we can do there. He (Opperman) has looked at some spaces and is trying to figure out if the space would meet the needs of his office.”

Davis said the needs of each of the offices are being considered by the commissioners.

“We’re looking at everything, trying to figure out the best path forward to make sure we don’t make a bad decision,” Davis said.

Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT