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By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Stories Inspired From "The Story of Portsmouth" by Elmer Sword In our fourth edition of “Did You Know?” with local tales from our county’s history, we are heading back in time to “The Canal Comes to Portsmouth.” In December of 1832 the opening ceremony of the canal was happening down in Portsmouth. The canal cost approximately five million dollars and it was 306 miles long. The building team consisted of 2,000 laborers and 3,000 teams. The Canal Brings Business The canal brought new business to the area. Produce was brought to Portsmouth through the canal where it was then transferred to the steamboats. This was the liveliest that Portsmouth had ever been. A Flimsy Bridge Around 1832 a private company had built the first bridge across the Scioto River. This bridge was kept as a toll bridge. After a few months of operation, the area saw a rise in the river and the bridge fell into the river. After the bridge had fallen, many people went back to using ferries for several years until someone came along and attempted building a new bridge. The First Fire Department In 1833 a group of volunteers came together to form the first fire department. This department consisted of one small hose engine that they called “Neptune”. This was organized after the first great fire in Portsmouth. This fire destroyed all property on the present day site of Union Mission at Front and Market Streets and extended over to several other buildings. The Third Jail In December of 1834 the third jail was completed with a cost of $3,500. It was a stone structure facing Sixth street and sitting on the southeast corner of the lot that the present day court house stands. This jail was used for 26 years until it was feasible to build another. A New Courthouse The new courthouse was completed in November of 1837 at a cost of around $13,000. It was a two story building that sat on the grounds of the current courthouse. This building was 68 feet long and 45 feet wide. It consisted of six polished stone columns with an octagon cupola (dome) on the roof. This courthouse was used for 90 years. The First Public School The first public school was built in 1839 at a cost of $6,600. Prior to this the schools were all privately owned. It was known as the Fourth street school because it sat at Fourth and Court street. This school was three stories high with six rooms and could accommodate 800 students. There were three grades and the boys and girls were taught separately in each grade. Anyone from age 4 through 21 could attend. Join us next week as we head back in time to "The Civil War Period".

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Stories inspired from "The Story of Portsmouth" by Elmer Sword In our third edition of “Did You Know?” with local tales from our county’s history, we are heading to “Pioneer Life.” Most of the early settlers came down the Ohio river by flatboats and keelboats. What was so incredible about our early pioneers is that the boats were often dismantled and used to build the settler’s homes. These boats often carried livestock, household goods, and entire families. The settlers would stop at a place called Oldtown, finding it a convenient place to stay until they could determine their final destination. This was a good place to stop because of the extensive clearing done by the Native Americans. After moving through Oldtown, they would move on to places such as Alexandria, Portsmouth, and even Union Mills which is known today as West Portsmouth. The Pioneer Family The pioneers faced hardship during their times of settlement. Because of the forests and swamps, there were unforeseen dangers. Each family needed to be able to survive on their own. The women were the “true pioneers”, as Elmer called them. The women would have nearly a dozen children, most of them dying at young ages. They would feed the family, raise the children, and prepare food for the winter. They would aso make all of the family’s clothing as well as work in the fields. As a result of working from sunup until long after sundown, these women often died at a young age. It was not uncommon for a man to be buried next to multiple wives who had preceded him in death. Early Mail There used to be a postmaster named Doctor Waller. He would make deliveries two days a week by horseback. The dangers in carrying mail required high rates. It would be 8c for 40 miles, 12 ½c for 150 miles. And 25c for more than 500 miles. Communication The only forms of communication during these times were by word of mouth, newspapers, or mail. In the case of emergencies, one would often have to run, ride horseback, or in a wagon to bring a doctor back to their homes. With obituaries, these were only published in the papers as long as someone could get the death notice before the paper went out. If they were from a wealthy family, a notice of death along with time and place of the funeral was printed on a card with a black border and carried to relatives and friends. Early Medicine Little was known about medicine during this time and surgery was a fear of the patient and doctor. Before the discovery of ether in 1864, a sedative was given for surgical practices. This practice was nowhere near the anesthesia we have today. Broken bones were handled by means of amputation and childbirth was handled by midwives. How the Settlers Came to Portsmouth Most of the early settlers who came to Portsmouth were Scottish-Irish and German Quakers from the valley of Virginia and the state of Pennsylvania. They would travel in covered wagons until they reached Pittsburg and they would then sell those wagons for boats and travel down the Ohio river. These trips were often very dangerous as they were often encountered by Native Americans who did not want white settlers to move in on their land. He Was Easy to Recognize One of the easiest men to recognize in Portsmouth was Mayor John Belli. He was an old school man who hadn't changed his wardrobe since the Revolution. While he lived among the backwoodsman, he was always seen wearing his wig, a cocked hat, a coat with facings, a waistcoat, knee breeches, stockings, and shoe buckles. His queue was braided and tied back with a ribbon. Join us again next week as we take a look at, “The Canal Comes to Portsmouth”.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Stories inspired from "The Story of Portsmouth" by Elmer Sword In this second edition of “Did You Know?” with local tales from our county’s history, we fast forward to “Portsmouth Begins to Grow.” In 1851, Portsmouth became a city. It had met the requirement of 5,000 residents. Whippings at the First Jail The first county jail was built in 1805 on the west side of Market street between Front street and Second street. The jail itself was not very big. Being 18 feet square, it had a log floor foundation with 8 feet high log ceilings. This jail used whippings as part of its punishments. Between 1805 and 1807, a man and wife awaited trial for stealing clothing. They were tried, convicted, and sentenced to a whipping. The husband received 39 whippings while his wife received 18. These whippings were administered by the sheriff on their bare backs. Kinney House Oldest In the City The Aaron Kinney house, known as the 1810 house, sits at Waller street and Kinney’s lane. This is the oldest house still standing in the city. It was built by brick in the summer of 1812 by one of the earliest residents, Aaron Kinney. Mr. Kinney left Pennsylvania in 1804 and travelled here with his family of four in a horse wagon. Before building his home, he set up a tannery and went to work selling hides to the Chillicothe area. He began building his home in 1810. Even though the home has been updated and modernized, its original foundation is still standing. Mr. Kinney owned over 200 acres of land in the hill-top area and 178 cres east of Waller street. He had purchased most of these for only $10 per acre. Overseers of the Poor In 1809, Aaron Kennedy and William Lawson were elected Overseers of the Poor. This was an esteemed office during this time. There was no shelter, or help center, for them to go to. The overseers job was to warn all objectionable people out of the township to prevent them from becoming township charges. This position was often abused, however. If someone did not like his neighbor and they could convince the overseer that this said person was objectionable, they could have him warned out of the township. The War of 1812 Though there are very few records to show Portsmouth’s part in this war, Portsmouth did have a Company of 42 men serving in the First Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. These men served under Captain David Roop from May 1, 1812 to May 7, 1813. It is unknown whether or not they were in any battles, but they were part of the 2,000 men who unnecessarily surrendered at Detroit by General William Hull on August 16, 1812. These men were paroled and returned home. Next week we will take a look at the pioneer life in our county!

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Story's inspired from "The Story of Portsmouth" by Elmer Sword. This new blog series dives deep into the rich history that surrounds Portsmouth. From the beginning in 1799 to the Atomic Boom of 1952, this series will give you the history of our area that you may have never known. So what mysterious history surrounds us? Follow along our “Did You Know” series every Monday! Our information comes from Elmer Sword in his book, “The Story of Portsmouth”. Mr. Sword was born in Scioto County where he attended both Portsmouth and Clay schools. He was a proud United States Air Force veteran. He served during the Korean conflict from 1951 to 1961. Mr. Sword was married to the love of his life, Marilyn M Bayless, who was also a native of Portsmouth. Together, they have a beautiful son and daughter. Mr. Sword dedicated this book to his wife and so that we all may understand a bit more about our county’s history. In the beginning of Portsmouth’s history, there were recorded inhabitants back before Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. These inhabitants were called “Mound Builders”. They are responsible for the mound located in Mound Park. This particular mound was in the form of a giant horseshoe and can still be seen on the west side of the park to this very day. This particular set of mounds were known as The Citadel. It is believed that the large mounds were foundations of some sort of building and the smaller mounds were sentry boxes to prevent unwanted visitors. Soon after the Mound Builders all dissipated, the Wyandot Indians came to claim the land. They named the (Scioto) river the “o-he-uh” river which gives us the name, Ohio. The Wyandots came to our land around 1650. Today, the tribe now lives in Oklahoma on a reservation. When the Wyandots left, the Shawnee Indians displaced them. This was around 1745 and shortly after, they renamed the river Scioto. They also named the Ohio River “Kiskepila Sepe”, or Eagle River, because of the American Eagles that were often seen along the banks. These Shawnee Indians were a little more hostile than the Wyandots. They were warriors and were determined to keep the “white man” from ever settling into this area. They fought many battles until one day, they were defeated. They also now live on reservations out in Oklahoma. Fast-forwarding to 1609, Ohio was once a part of the colony of Virginia. A charter issued by King James that extended the colony’s boundaries from the Atlantic ocean west to the Pacific ocean. This included all of southern Ohio. In 1769, a new county, Botetourt, was created. Botetourt included what is present day Scioto County. This remained a part of Virginia until March of 1784 when Virginia deeded the land to the government that was set up under the Articles of Confederation. The future site of the city of Portsmouth became a part of Washington county in July of 1788. Portsmouth remained in Washington county until July 10, 1797 when Adams county was formed. Portsmouth remained a part of Adams county until May 1, 1802 when Scioto County was founded.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Our community has so many wonderful resource centers that few people are aware of. These can range from financial assistance, to rehabilitation services, and even religious counseling. One of our recent discoveries is CRADLE. CRADLE stands for Christ-centered Resources to Assist in Difficult Life Experiences. CRADLE is a non-profit that was organized in 1996 exclusively to share the good news of Jesus Christ through Christ centered provision of crisis pregnancy intervention and related help. The center is mainly staffed by volunteers from local churches. They are located in the Carousel Center in Portsmouth on Gallia Street in Portsmouth! CRADLE provides many wonderful services to our community such as parenting education, post abortion counseling, abstinence education and information on STDs, biblical counseling, and so much more! They even cater to men. They offer resources to fathers who are in need of supplies, or even those who may just be struggling. They have male staff available to service anyone. All services provided by CRADLE are free and confidential. The only requirement to earn CRADLE resources is to be pregnant or have custody of a child. Their clients vary in age, social and economic status and religious beliefs. Some clients are young teenagers while others are married with several children. CRADLE does not discriminate in providing services on the basis of a client’s race, creed, national origin, religion, age, or marital status. CRADLE offers free pregnancy tests, the ability to earn infant and toddler clothing sizes, coats, shoes, diapers, wipes, new cribs (and mattresses), new car seats, new high chairs, strollers, playpens, bouncy seats, and SO MUCH MORE! These guys are amazing. They are committed to providing clients with accurate and complete information about pregnancy and prenatal development. They also have information on aortion procedures, possible risks and complications, as well as, alternatives to abortion including adoption! CRADLE is run by a local board that consists of different supporting churches that oversee CRADLE. They have many wonderful volunteers from many different churches that give so much of their time to counsel, teach parenting education, pack diapers, clean, along with many various tasks. They told me just how blessed they are to have such caring people who have hearts to serve God as well as those in need. If you are interested in volunteering at CRADLE, let them know! There are many different ways to volunteer and you can be flexible with your schedule. Volunteers can help with bible studies, counseling, office work, etc.. Due to COVID, CRADLE had to get creative on how they conduct their day to day services. They are open for their normal hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-4pm) but only staff and volunteers are allowed into the building. All appointments are being conducted by phone. From there, a counselor will schedule the rest with you! They are offering “door pick ups” where clients can pick up their requested materials right from the center. They are all very anxious to open back up once it is deemed safe to do so! CRADLE is gearing up for their Christmas Card Campaign which starts at the beginning of December. Any donations sent to CRADLE will be greatly appreciated and will go towards helping this much-need ministry continue to serve those in need. Donations are tax-deductible! Looking to next year, CRADLE plans to hold a Diaper/Wipe Drive in the Spring. All donations whether they are great or small, monetary or material, are a huge blessing to to them, their clients and their families! For more information, find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CradlePregnancyCareCenter/photos/?ref=page_internal

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Mylee’s Missions is a community based organization with a focus on helping our local area as well as many parts in Southern Ohio. Their main goal is getting the Gospel out to our community throughout several routes such as, community events, gospel tracts, and speaking events. Their main event of the year takes place on the first Saturday in December every year. This event takes place at Portsmouth High School and the 2nd Presbyterian Church. The first event was in December of 2010, which makes this year their 10th year of hosting this event. Mylee’s Missions takes great pride in spreading the Gospel as a first priority. They told me that without the Gospel, everything else is valueless. Other than the Gospel, they also give out tangible items: toys, coats, sweatshirts, kid bags, blessing boxes (for kids and adults), bibles, baby supplies, groceries, hams, and family pictures. Their list is endless and they find creative ways to make sure everyone’s needs are met to the best of their abilities. Mylee’s Missions is supported by over 30 churches in Southern Ohio. These churches come together to support in various ways. Some churches support financial means throughout the year (or by one annual check). Other churches send volunteers to help during this enormous event. These volunteers do various things from wrapping toys, putting together grocery bags or kid bags, and they also help during the setup/teardown days. This year’s Mylee’s Missions Christmas event will take place on Saturday, December 5th from 11am to 1:30pm. They will be accepting vehicles and people until 11:30 and then closing down the lot. Once the presentation is finished and the parking lot is cleared, they will have a second and final group around 12:30pm. As you can imagine, COVID has taken an effect on this year’s planning. They have lost that intimate interaction with the community that they look forward to and cherish every year. During normal times, they are able to spend time with the groups that come in and are able to learn about everyone as well as their struggles and hardships. This has always given them the ability to minister to them in a very close way. This year is going to be a lot different. Their presentation will be outdoors accompanied with a walk through line and a drive through line for items to be passed out. Even though COVID has put some regulations on the way we can do things, there are still ways that you can help support Mylee’s Missions. Their top need, as they told me, would be financial support. Each and every item that is passed out to each family are brand new items. They do this to ensure that every child and family are on an equal term as far as what they are receiving. Another way to give back is if you attend a local church that participates in filling the Blessing Boxes and Bag groceries, to help them get those filled. To them, the most valuable thing that they are asking for is your time in prayer for the event and mainly the families that come through this event who are in need. Checks or money can be mailed to Mylee’s Missions at 640 2nd Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mylees-Missions-117781621589559

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings This time of year is often filled with shopping, lots of cooking, and time spent with family and friends. However, this time of the year is stressful and worrisome for some families in our community. Some families this time of year, especially with the chaos of COVID-19, struggle to find ways to make the holidays special for their families. Our county really comes together this time of year to make sure that these families can have wonderful holiday memories without all of the stresses. This is something that we should all be extremely proud of and thankful for. One of our favorite organizations is the Hands of Grace Food Pantry through the Grace Community Church here in Portsmouth. Throughout the year, and even more throughout the holidays, the Hands of Grace Food Pantry serves families in our community with basic groceries and hygiene products. Their mission is to assist our community in ways that some struggle to provide for themselves. This is a benevolent ministry that serves as an extension of their congregation. These items come from the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati. Their mission is to improve lives by eliminating hunger in partnership with our community, and our vision is to create a hunger free, healthy, and thriving community. To achieve this vision, our objectives are to provide nutritious food, connect to support services, and offer a pathway from crisis to stability. On average, they serve 40 families a month since the pandemic started, but serve quite a bit more during normal times. The current managers for the pantry are Kenny and Melissa sparks. They have run the pantry for the last two years. After the first of the year, the torch will be handed off to Brady and Natalie Carter. Recently the Grace Community Church’s homeschool program, Classical Conversations of Portsmouth, came in to help package some of the food for this month’s day of giving. For more information, please contact them on Facebook or call 740-354-2323.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Down the backroads of Wheelersburg there is a farm that has been providing our community with fresh, locally grown produce since 1958. Furhmann Orchard has always been a staple in our community. This family venture was started by accident. Pete and Susan Fuhrmann got married on Pete’s way to spring training with the Cleveland Indians. Soon after, Pete suffered from a shoulder injury that ended his baseball career. Pete and Susan returned to Ohio to live in a home that was located on his parent’s hobby farm. This was a sweet escape from the city with a lot of potential for the family to grow. Soon Pete and Susan started planting fruit trees and vegetables and thus, Fuhrmann Orchards began. This led Pete and Susan to become full time farmers and starting a family legacy with their two sons. Today. Paul and Leanne Fuhrmann and their family are the ones who are keeping this family venture alive. They are growing and selling apples, peaches, nectarines, melons, vegetables (of all kinds), cut flowers, and pumpkins. They provide the community with events or experiences to make memories with friends and family. Everything they sell is grown right on their own farm. They handpick every pepper, tomato, flower, apple, pumpkin, and vegetable! You can find their fresh produce at farmer’s markets around the county. Fuhrmann’s 2020 season started long before COVID-19, but still took its toll on their business. They had to delay the start of their participation in the Original Portsmouth Farmers Market. This led them to open at the orchard on Saturdays for curbside service. When talking with them, they told me, “Our customers are what keeps our business and our family afloat. Unfortunately we lost the entire peach and nectarine crop in 2020 due to cold temperatures in the spring, which was a major financial setback. We had a large amount of support in the middle of the pandemic at the orchard and are super thankful to continue to have this support at the orchard this fall. We will be open until December 19th, and it is imperative that our community members continue to visit the orchard in Wheelersburg weekly! It is a blessing to be able to provide the entire tri-state area with 28 different varieties of apples, 12 varieties of peaches, melons, a large selection of vegetables, pumpkins, winter squash and more! We have the best customers who drive as close as 2 minutes away to 2 hours away! Nothing tastes better than locally grown fruits and vegetables.” Don't wait! Visit them today to take advantage of their 2020 season.

By Randy Trevino | Local Happenings This past year, Scioto County ranked number one in the state for overdose deaths. As nearly every family in our area knows all too well, the solution is not one that is easily found. Hopesource, a local mental health and substance abuse treatment provider, is helping individuals and families heal and learn a new way of life. This is a gift that most of them never thought was possible. These people are often cast off by society and left to their own devices. Our community decided to take a stand. Within our great city of Portsmouth, places like Hopesource are helping real members of our community break free from addiction and beat the odds. Hopesource is staffed with wonderful caring people who ensure that they are providing the best care for each person just as if they were someone from their own family. Each story below is from a person who is truly thankful for the people, care and a new hope that they have been given. Ihely "My name is Ihley. I am an addict. I lived the street life for 30 years abusing and selling drugs. I've been to multiple treatment centers, but it wasn't until I found Hopesource that I really found a new meaning to life. Hopesource didn't just give me a packet and say fill it out like most places do. Hopesource put counselors around me to challenge the way I think. They understand a man like me, and knew it would be hard to reverse my thinking. I can proudly sit here and say Hopesource gave my mom a son back. Hopesource gave 7 kids a father back, and Hopesource changed my life. I celebrate 6 months of sobriety today, and I manage a restaurant because Hopesource helped me understand what love is. Hopesource didn't give up on me when I failed, but encouraged me to keep trying. The way counseling is set up in the men's house with Katie, Bobby, Sean, and Chuck is great. The R.A. staff that spent time with me when I was going through personal issues can never be forgotten. Hopesource saved my life all because Jay Hash answered his calling." Crystal "They helped save my life. They have helped me get my family back, starting me on the path to get my adult diploma, and my STNA. They are helping me to transition back into society. They have helped me love myself. Without Hopesource and their staff, I would not be who I am today. I love the person I am now." Jennifer "When I went into Hopesource I was broken and lost. Since I’ve been a client of Hopesource they have taught me that I could love myself. They have loved me when I couldn’t love myself. I have been a client of Hopesource since 2015. They never gave up on me. This time when coming into treatment, I came in on November 6, 2019. Before that I was in jail. I am still in their transitional program where they have helped me get a job and given me an opportunity to rebuild relationships with my family. Now I get to be a sister to my brothers and sister, and a daughter to my father when my mom died. I don’t know where I would be without them. I know I would still be a lost broken junkie. Without the help of Hopesource I could possibly be dead. Today I can say I have over a year sober all thanks God and to Hopesource." Jessica "Here's what I have to say about Hopesource; they have allowed me the time and safe place to grieve and heal from the passing of my mother in a steady, healthy, and productive manner. I'm able to experience this healing right beside my sister in the transitional living program. They provide a home, food, and all the sober support that I need. Several different forms of counseling, recovery meetings, and peer support are available to me whenever I need them. I'm given the opportunity to obtain employment wherever possible with Hopesource supporting me and having my back. Last but not least, I am given another chance to repair relationships with my children and my family while maintaining my sobriety and being held accountable by people who care. The staff that work for Hopesource don't act as if this is just their job. I can genuinely see and feel the compassion, love, and concern that they continuously show each and every lady that comes through this program. Hopesource helped save my life and I can't ever thank them enough." Mindy "Let me start by saying I thought I was going to die with a needle in my arm. Actually I would say a silent prayer hoping my next shot would be the one that took me out and took me out of my misery. I was a poor excuse for a daughter, a sister, and my son only called me mom because society says that's what you are "supposed to do". Nothing or nobody meant anything to me unless you had my next "fix". After twenty years of being completely hopeless and living in the depths of my addiction, I was arrested for the “umpteenth” time. This time my family had written me off and told me I'd never see me son again if I didn't get help. I laid in the Scioto County Jail contemplating jumping off the top tier to kill myself because I was so dope sick and just couldn't take it anymore. It was then that Hopesource came to see me to ask me some questions about if I was ready to change my life. I remember telling her if they weren't there the next day to get me to just leave me there and I'd do my time. They came four days later and I ran out of that metal door for what would be the last time. Hopesource took a chance on me. They were understanding and genuinely cared about my recovery. I found a friendship and a sisterhood with the ladies I was housed with that I had never had before with other females. My counselors were also in recovery and gave me the raw truth of what I had to do in order to recover. I had a mental health counselor that helped me get my racing thoughts slowed down, and coping skills that I continue to use daily. So when I say Hopesource helps save lives, I'm speaking from a personal experience. I would not be on this remarkable journey and working a program of recovery if they didn't take a chance on me and see something in me that I never knew existed." It's plain to see that Hopesource truly consists of a team of dedicated professionals providing the standard of care we would wish for our dearest relatives. The reasons we have as a community to be thankful for Hopesource are innumerable. As of this writing, Hopesource is caring for some of my dearest relatives. Jay Hash, and the team of professionals at Hopesource, have changed the lives of people and families through love and compassion with a level of care that is second to none. If you or a family member would like to learn more about Hopesource, visit their website http://www.hopesourcetreatment.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hopesource-1090002171011164

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Are you looking for that forever home? The home to raise your family in? The home to start your marriage in? Look no further than Rutman Burnside Realty Group (RBRG). This brother sister duo, Maddie Burnside and Nick Rutman are here to make your dreams come true. RBRG is a real estate company that works with home buyers and sellers. Maddie is co-owner and a broker while Nick is co-owner and a realtor. Their business is located at 1118 Hutchins Street in downtown Portsmouth. This building used to be the old Calvary Baptist Church. The church was built in the late 1800’s. If you remember from last week, we talked about Burnside Law. Maddie and her husband, Jeremy, purchased the church in June of 2014. When undergoing renovations, they created a space that would allow both of them to have offices in. This brother and sister duo come from a long line of self-employed family members. It is in their nature to be independent and self-employed, and that is what they set out to do. They took a risk and have never looked back. Nick and Maddie began selling real estate in 2010 but came together and opened their own brokerage in October of 2014. Working with family has its challenges, but these two definitely make it work-and have so much fun while doing it. COVID is still very much prevalent in our world today. When talking with them, I asked how the pandemic had affected their business. They told me that, “COVID certainly affected us this past spring as most people were leery to list their home and open their doors to home buyers, and the opposite of that is also true. Virtual tours were a must to accommodate our clients. The best thing about our community is the way we band together during tough times and this weird COVID season has been no different. Luckily, the real estate market has bounced back with interest rates being very low!” If you are on the market for a new home, look no further than Rutman Burnside Realty Group. Check them out on Facebook @rutmanburnsiderealtygroup Local Sponsors

By Randy Trevino | Local Happenings The history of our great city of Portsmouth is a rich filled one. Each home and each building has a history of its very own. Over the years homes and businesses have been repurposed into numerous different things. What would you do if you found out your dream house was formally a funeral parlor? That's exactly what this couple says happened to their family. Mark and Julie wouldn't disclose the location of the Portsmouth home that they no longer reside in. They say shortly after moving into their dream home, they were soon living a nightmare. The couple moved to the area in the late 90s and fell in love with a newly remodeled home built just before the turn of the century. Julie said she remembers the first day and the excitement that came along with moving. "All the kids were running everywhere, trying to pick bedrooms. Our oldest boy was fascinated by the tall ceilings. The two younger boys couldn't believe that the house had two staircases. That day was so much fun!" As the rest of the family settled into their home, Mark says he never really felt like they were alone. "I don't know...It's hard to explain that feeling when you're in your own house but you feel like someone is watching." The first unsettling incident occurred in the master bedroom. The couple had just turned in for the night. The next morning they saw that the bed had moved itself to the middle of the room. Confused, Julie woke first and demanded to know why her husband would do such a thing. Mark denied moving the bed and was baffled. Soon after the children often heard what sounded like large carts being rolled upstairs. A bell could sometimes be heard urgently ringing, but never located. Towels would often be found wet and piled in the bathtub upon the family returning from a night out. Julie reported hearing the frequent crying of a woman from the upstairs bathroom. Mark explained to me the incident that had totally convinced him of the haunting. "I was pulling in from work and I noticed an older gentleman standing in the window. He was holding a red or brown book, and he looked right at me. I had no clue who it could be but when I came in my wife had no idea what I was talking about." Two of the boys often reported being woken up to the sounds of singing. The oldest said that it reminded him of the choir on Sunday, but that he never could discern what song it was. The family reported that doors began slamming throughout the night. As a prevention, they would make sure to shut all the doors at night. This seemed to worsen the problem. Julie had had enough. "The boys started sleeping in the same room. I knew they were scared. They tried not to show it but it hurt to see them scared. That's when I knew we had to move." The family moved from the house before selling. Neither Mark or Julie wished to elaborate on what came of the house, but they say it wasn't until years later they found out that it had been used as a funeral parlor in the past. Mark said at least for him, it answered a lot of questions. Would you stay the night in a funeral home. Do you live in one? Share if you dare!

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Here at Local Happenings, we are all about locally owned and operated businesses. We find that it is one of the most unique parts about Scioto County. That is why this week we thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to tell you all about Burnside Law. Burnside Law has offices in Portsmouth, Ashland, and Huntington with satellite offices in Waverly, Ironton, and Cleveland! Burnside Law is a personal injury law firm that handles all kinds of cases. These cases include motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and slip and fall. So who owns this business? Local attorney, Jeremy Burnside, is the proud owner of this law firm. Burnside started in January 2010. His goal was to provide high quality and compassionate legal care to personal injury and wrongful death clients in the tri-state area so that the injured people and their families receive a valuable peace of mind and access to our civil justice system. Burnside Law is located at 1118 Hutchins Street. It used to be the former Calvary Baptist Church. Hutchins street was named after Wells Hutchins. Hutchins voted for the 13th Amendment; which abolished slavery. My favorite part about their building is their mock trial room. This room is used for attorneys to prepare cases set for trial. Burnside Law has spread far and wide since opening in 2010. They have represented over 2,000 clients in the tri-state area. Jeremy Burnside prides himself on making sure he gives back to his community. Burnside Law has participated in Plant Portsmouth, downtown cleanups, giving “blessing bags” to our veterans, and so much more. One of my favorites was when they filled up gas tanks for the frontline healthcare workers during COVID. Burnside says that they are very honored to support the many wonderful people (and initiatives) in our community. COVID is still rampant in our community, so I talked with them about how it has affected their law firm. They told me, “Like many businesses, we had to adapt and overcome challenges the pandemic brought our way. We continue to follow strict COVID-19 protocol to keep our clients and staff safe. Our firm can operate entirely online. We are actively meeting clients virtually as well as sending and signing documents electronically. Having community support during these times of uncertainty is a true blessing. We love seeing the unity and support happening right here in our community despite the pandemic.” If you are ever in need of a personal injury attorney, look no further than Burnside Law! You can check them out on Facebook @burnsidelaw or on their website. Local Sponsors