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By Randy Trevino | Local Happenings On an ordinary Portsmouth street sits a house built in the early 1900’s. From an outsider’s view the house looks no different than any of the other homes on 17th street, but this house is said to be much different than its neighbors. Some would say this house has permanent residents of the spooky kind. The Harris family moved into the spacious home a number of years ago. With a growing family, they had finally found the house they had been waiting for; one they could make a home. The new home jitters were quickly replaced with an ominous feeling that they were not alone. The family said that an entity with evil intentions made his presence known soon after they had moved in. The top of the staircase became the first place of activity. Family members reported feeling pushed backwards once they reached the top of the stairs. This became so frequent that the children were not allowed on the steps alone out of fear from the force they were often met with. The children were said to often encounter more friendly spirits, or “shadow people,” as the kids referred to them. One frequent visitor of the children was a boy and his dog. Ms. Harris recounted her strangest occurrence. “When I was in my room doing my makeup, you would hear my bed creak, and a corner of the bed would be slightly tilted down, as if someone were sitting there watching me. Then at night sometimes, you could hear what sounded like a conversation between a few people. But it was always hushed, I could never pick out discernible words.” Once while the children were playing with a kitten, it suddenly appeared to be sliding backward. Then the cat tried to run, but it was as if something was holding its tail. Ms. Harris believes she heard a separate voice giggle when the cat finally got away. Shortly after the fifth child was born, the eldest son reported seeing a tall shadow man watching the mother and infant sleep. The son reported seeing the shadow man pick up the baby. Fear began to grow at the house and the children refused to sleep upstairs. Eerie footsteps drummed the ceiling from above, even when the upstairs was empty. Humming and music echoed down the stairs. After five long years in the house on 17th Street, the family was excited to move on to what was hopefully something more pleasant and not so sinister. The next family was said to have moved in and out with haste. Are you living with a Haunting? Have you encountered The Haunting of 17th Street? Share if you dare👻

By Del Duduit This month of October means lots of pumpkins, fall foliage, and warm hot chocolate by a fire. But it also means high school football playoffs. It’s a time when memories are made that will last a lifetime. There is nothing more rewarding for a player, coach, or parent than to watch their son or daughter make a big play when it counts the most. When the game is on the line. When they come through in the clutch. No one plans for that instant. It’s the result of years of practice and preparation. It’s something they will never forget. It’s something they will talk about for years to come, or they will wear out the replay button on their laptop or phone reliving the moment. And they should. The stories will live on at Christmas gatherings or at class reunions. There is a thrill, mixed in with some pride, that comes with making that play that is unique. I have pictures on my walls at home of when my oldest son hit a game-winning shot in basketball. The moment he released the ball is captured forever on film and is framed for me to gaze at when I stroll through the room. It’s special because I know what happened three seconds later. There is also a photo of my youngest son being picked up by his teammates after knocking in the game-winning run against a rival high school baseball team. The look of joy and surprise on the faces is priceless. The picture told the story of triumph. There is just something special about those moments. I guess it’s because it doesn’t happen all the time. Or maybe it’s because the player involved demonstrated strength and rose to the occasion under pressure. I was fortunate enough to have experienced a couple of fantastic moments when I played, and then got to witness my sons coming through in the clutch too. I wish every player could experience that feeling. Zane Gilley has had that feeling. The 5'9" junior from Northwest picked off the fourth-down pass, his second of the night, at the five-yard line from Portsmouth quarterback, Drew Roe, and galloped 56 yards with 1:35 to play in the game to seal Northwest’s 21-20 win over the Trojans in the first round of the Division V Region 19 high school playoffs on Saturday at Roy Rogers Field. “We knew they were going to throw it deep,” Gilley said. “(Roe) threw it up there and my eyes got really big because I saw it coming my way. I jumped up and grabbed it by the goal line. Man, what a great feeling.” His interception secured the first-ever playoff win in Mohawk history. And his teammate, Hunter Townsend got to experience that feeling the play before the interception. Roe was leading the Trojans to a potential game-winning drive with time winding down in the fourth quarter. PHS was in the red zone when Roe scrambled to his right on third down. Townsend, a 5-10 senior was on the prowl and closed in on the quarterback. He made the big play and sacked Roe for a seven-yard loss at the Northwest 22 to force the fourth down. “He was fast all night long,” Townsend said of Roe. “But he was scrambling, and I was chasing him, and the second he slowed down I knew I had him.” Northwest Head Coach Bill Crabtree knew the magnitude of that play. “That was a huge sack at the best time possible,” said Northwest Head Coach Bill Crabtree. “That put Townsend on top of the world.” What a feeling. After PHS was flagged for two penalties, it was Gilley’s time to shine. Everyone on the team contributed to the win. But those two plays, the sack followed by the interception, will live in the memories of Gilley, Townsend, Crabtree and those close to them forever. No one, or no circumstance can ever take those memories away. I am glad I was there to witness the plays. If you can ever remember one thing in life -- It's that God loves you. And don't ever forget that or let anyone tell you anything different. It's yours. Keep it close. What a feeling. Del Duduit is an award-winning writer and author who lives in Lucasville, Ohio with his wife, Angie. They attend Rubyville Community Church. Follow his blog at delduduit.com/blog and his Twitter @delduduit. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Everyone has had that favorite piece of jewelry that doesn't shine like it used to or has been broken by everyday life accidents. Maybe you received a ring that just didn't fit right. I know I have! The Golden Gavel Jewelry Repair and Design can help solve all of your problems. They provide fast, fair, professional jewelry repair and custom design work that is done in house! Dr. Jeffrey Miller is the owner of this amazing business. He is set up inside of the Trinity Building located at 613 Chillicothe Street in downtown Portsmouth. Dr. Miller started his business in April of 2018. He told me that he enjoys working with his hands. His dear friend Keith Bowling, who passed away, convinced him to apprentice and attend schooling for jewelry repair and design down in Florida. Dr. Miller is running solo in his business focusing on quality repair or design. Within this business he is able to minister to the homeless and addicted members of our community. He told me that he loves nothing more than to be a blessing to others. Within this job, every appointment is different. Dr. Miller gives every possible option to the customer before he begins his work so that they know what the cost will be and if he foresees any difficulties. He promises to be honest and upfront with you for every job you bring to him. Recently I went to Dr. Miller when I needed to get my rings cleaned and resized. I had to make an appointment due to the building’s new COVID regulations. I talked with him about how COVID has affected his business and he told me, “Due to Covid, I am working by appointment so that individuals are protected from crowds and other individuals, as best as I can. COVID has slowed my business but, I am blessed to have the community support that I have. THANK YOU for supporting LOCAL business!! STAY BLESSED AND SAFE, folks!!” Get all of your jewelry repair and design needs done with The Golden Gavel Jewelry Repair and Design. Message him on Facebook to set up your appointment, TODAY! Facebook: @Goldengaveljewelry Local Sponsors

By Randy Trevino For this segment we decided to bring you a few small excerpts from The Haunted Portsmouth: Tales of the Boneyfiddle District by Samantha Meadows and Ryan Snyder starting with Lorenzo Dow McKinny, former Portsmouth resident, who hosted an odd yearly occurrence. ------ In 1895 he was 80 years old. Mr. McKinny eerily celebrated the fifth anniversary of his funeral in an unusual but spectacular way. It's said that about 5,000 people assembled in a grove to attend this more than strange event. Lorenzo sat on a raised platform and watched as the funeral was conducted in a regular manner. The Man of the Hour was quoted saying, “It was useless for a man to postpone his funeral services until after he was dead, thus missing all the fun and good things his neighbors say about him.” ------ ‘WOW HAVE YOU SEEN THAT UNCANNY GHOST” Was the strange headline that the Portsmouth Tribune ran on September 26, 1905. Mrs. Alice Wymer lived on East Ninth Street. She was convinced a “ghost” of spiteful origin was hauntedly harassing her home. Along with unearthly noises from the haunt, the ghost would send boards violently careening against the rear end of her house, often with enough force to wake the neighbors. ------- “WOMAN IN BLACK IS AGAIN VISIBLE” Touted the headline on June 4,1910. According to the story, Mr. and Mrs. George Turvey of 71 East Fourth street, saw a woman in black, suspended in the air outside their home on Thursday night. She re-appeared on Friday and almost scared Mrs. Williams and her daughter, Laura, out of their wits. The following evening, a large crowd gathered in suspense to see if the lady in black would make an appearance. The crowd began to disperse around 9pm in disappointment. Fifteen minutes later, Mrs. Turvey, Mrs. Williams, and Laura were standing in the rear of the Turvey residence when they claimed to see the mysterious lady appear suspended in the air above Mrs. Gertrude Carter’s house. Mrs. Williams gave a loud shriek and Laura went into hysterics. The Neighborhood was said to be “greatly stirred” following the event. Mrs. Turvey spent much time in prayer due to the fear that it was a warning of a terrible event to come. --------- THE SONS OF MALTA Before the Civil war erupted in our nation, a Secret society existed in Portsmouth. It was a regular occurrence to see this tightly knit brotherhood parade through the streets of Portsmouth. They were known as the “Sons of Malta”. At midnight, dressed in full black gowns complete with black masks and pointed hats, they marched in sync through the streets. During this strange procession they carried a coffin. These intimidating seemingly mock funerals sparked fear amongst the city dwellers. The mysterious group claimed that it was purely a social gathering and that the regular and strange funeral procession was simply to arouse curiosity. ---- These are just a few of the Local Happenings and spooky things that have occurred in our Historic city's storied past. Perhaps with ongoing renovations in the downtown historic Boneyfiddle area, some friends of Portsmouth’s past will, in some way, give us a new headline to scream about. Do The Sons of Malta still linger in the shadows of Portsmouth? Has something from the otherside spooked you in town? Share it with us, if you dare.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Have you ever seen those yards with the awesome signs for different life celebrations? If so, have you wondered where they came from? I’ve seen them all over Facebook and just had to see what was going on. Three Sisters Sign Company is the mastermind behind these awesome yard designs. They offer personal yard greetings for any occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries, sporting events, holidays, and more! Anyone in Scioto, Adams, and Pike counties can get their hands on these personalized celebratory signs! But just who are the people behind this? You might have seen them dressed as the Sanderson sisters, but they are three real-life sisters! Christy Irwin, Heather Howard, and Sheena Preston are the brains behind this unique and exciting company. These sisters started their business in July of 2020. They had the intention of spending quality time with one another while helping others celebrate life's achievements. Since starting, they have found themselves more busy than they ever anticipated. The outpouring of local support means the world to them. In fact, they said that it is the very thing that keeps them in business. When talking with them they told me, “We are so appreciative of everyone’s business and will continue to support our fellow small business owners.” If you are in need of a unique and creative yard greeting, check out Three Sisters Sign Company! If you follow their Facebook page you can message them with any requests that you may have. They will work to accommodate your needs. Facebook: @threesisterssignco Local Sponsors

By Randy Trevino | Local Happenings This story is inspired by The Haunted Portsmouth: Tales of the Boneyfiddle District by Samantha Meadows and Ryan Snyder The building that today houses Market Street Cafe is a staple on the historic strip in the  Boneyfiddle district. A nighttime walk amongst the towering aged buildings feels like you’re taking a trip back in time. Today, from inside the Cafe, you may never guess the building holds a colored, if not haunted, past. You may not know that in the 1900s, 212-214 Market Street was a frequent stop in "Little Chicago". This was a rightfully earned nickname for the once booming river town. Market Street Cafe was home to a popular saloon and brothel. Beer and a full service bath were both popular menu items more than a century ago. While visiting, we took a tour of the upstairs. Ascending the oversized and aging stairs you get a sense of intrigue knowing you have stepped back a century into the past. A peer down from the old windows gives the feeling of looking through a window in time. The upper floors remain unrenovated which allow the rich history of the building to be felt and heard as you walk the creaking floorboards. Room numbers can still be found on some of the doors used for guests. Legend has it that a regular patron of the brothel still makes his presence known today. It's said that he was a mean and controlling man who liked to treat the women as his personal property. As the story goes, fed up with his abuse, the women poisoned the man. With his cries for help left unanswered and feeling the effects of the deadly toxicant, the man stumbled into the hall where it is said he succumbed to death in a small closet. Another more friendly spirit also roams at 212-214 Market Street. The spirit of one of the working girls from the brothel is also said to remain. Sometimes called the spirit of the yellow room, she occupies room number seven. She even makes herself known in the kitchen. It's thought that she lived much of her life at the saloon and we can only wonder if she may have poisoned the abusive patron. Today, Market Street Cafe has a reputation of its' own. Delicious food and friendly service mark this place as a must stop in Boneyfiddle. Current employees say that spooky things are most likely to happen in the mornings and at night, but if you're lucky, you might just get a spook you weren't expecting, completely free of charge! Local Sponsors

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Have you ever wondered what that big white building became on Chillicothe Street? Usually you will see a professionally dressed man walking in with a cup of coffee from The Lofts and a big notepad in his hand. But what is he actually doing? The Shawnee State University Kricker Innovation Hub is undergoing a nearly $4 million renovation. Upon completion, it will offer business incubation space, coworking space, a technology makerspace, and offer business assistance to the community. The building that they are occupying has been an essential part of our community. Being built in the late 1890’s, it was a flagship store for a clothing manufacturer. This tells me that this building was meant for bringing new economic development, and has been doing so for over 100 years! David Kilroy is one of the great minds behind the Hub. He started working for the project back in 2017. He believes that we need entrepreneurship to create new and well-paying jobs in our community. Recently, the Hub partnered with the Center on Rural Innovation to bring three free foundational online courses to our community in Digital Marketing, Front-end Development, and Business Analytics. These courses are self paced, but must be completed in four weeks after starting. To read more visit, https://ssuinnovation.com/news Since COVID is still very prevalent in our world, I talked with David about how this pandemic has affected his day-to-day operations. This fall, everything will be offered virtually. David Kilroy, and the Kricker Innovation Hub, have been a major support system for us here at Local Happenings. We definitely wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for David’s help. If you are an entrepreneur, or wanting to start your own business, we highly recommend you to check them out. They are a resource to our entire community and will welcome you with open arms. Coming up they have an exciting event called, "The Future of Craft Beer in Southeastern Ohio". This event is inviting all regional craft brewers to join and talk about their innovative brewing techniques, adaptation to COVID-19, and the outlook for the regional industry going forward. For more information, check out their Facebook page. Check them out! Facebook: @ssuinnovation Instagram: @ssuinnovation

Randy Trevino | Local Happenings This story is an excerpt from The Haunted Portsmouth: Tales of the Boneyfiddle District by Samantha Meadows and Ryan Snyder Located at 224 Second Street in Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Brewing Company originally opened in 1842 as The Portsmouth Brewery. In 1889, the brewery was purchased by Julius Esslebom. Esslebom was a German brewer. He was able to make the brewery a huge success. He expanded its operations to include the production of fresh ice. This idea was welcomed by the city as the only previous available ice was frozen river water. Alas, in the age of prohibition, the family was forced to sell the brewery. Since then, the brewery has been many things. From being a lumber and roofing yard, car dealership, auto parts store, beer distributor, leather shop, beauty salon, costume shop, and bus stop, there is so much rich history to be explored! The brewery restoration began in 1976, and today we know it as a local favorite, The Portsmouth Brewing Company. The brewery is also known for being a local stop on The Underground Railroad. Tunnels lead from the river to the basement at 224 second street. With a building that has so much history, it is no surprise that lore and legends are surrounding the brewery. Visitors and employees alike have reported many unexplained events. It's said that one evening, after a day of renovations, a man was at the brewery alone, after the work day was over. The man says that he began to hear noises in the stairs, leading into the basement. Upon arriving at the stairs to investigate, he reports seeing a full body apparition that made its way down the steps and into the basement. The man says he left very quickly. Two former male employees reported that while feeling generally uneasy on a night with just the two of them there, they were hurrying to close and leave. In their rush, they noticed a chair that appeared to be vibrating, moving left and then right. They said that suddenly, the chair was lifted up several inches and slammed back on the ground. The pair left immediately. The longest running story, which has been reported by many, states that a man in late 1800s clothing and a fedora has been seen walking the bricks of the old alleyway. Have you seen him? So, if you're looking for a spooky place this week, check out the Portsmouth Brewing Company. You are sure to get great food and great beer, but if you're lucky, you might get to feel your chair being lifted like you're some sort of royalty! Facebook: @PortsmouthBrewPub

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Have you been in downtown Portsmouth and witnessed a group of people running around? For me, it usually happens when I’m eating something not-so-healthy, and I usually end up not finishing whatever it is that I’m eating. This group of people probably belongs to PSKC CrossFit. If you have seen these people, you can tell just how hard they work. On sunny days, rainy days, and even cold days, they are always hard at work. Dale King is a proud veteran who came back to his hometown of Portsmouth to chase his next dream; improving our community. He has been providing fitness classes, stress reduction, nutrition advice, and accountability to our community since August of 2010. Through PSKC CrossFit, there have been many great things developed, such as other businesses and life-long friendships. PSKC CrossFit has impacted the lives of so many people in this community. His most recent, and very notable accomplishment, would be the Kettlebell project. He, and a team from Rogue and OSCO, forged, machined, powder-coated, packaged, and transported kettlebells. This was after King had learned about the Kettlebell shortage during 2020. Doc Spartan is another very notable company that has come out of PSKC. Doc Spartan is a company that provides creams, essential oils, powders, apparel, and more. You will experience the best ingredients while also supporting local all at the same time. Talking with them about COVID and how it has affected their business, they told me that they had to shut down for several weeks. During that time, however, they said that they had never felt more supported by their members and our community. If you are looking into changing your lifestyle, check out PSKC CrossFit, located at 549 3rd St in Portsmouth! You can also check them out on Facebook (@PortsmouthSpartanKettlebellClub) and Instagram (@pskc_crossfit) For more information on Doc Spartan products, check them out on Facebook @docspartanproducts Local Sponsors

By Del Duduit | Local Happenings Does it take hours, weeks, and even months to build? How hard do you work at making yourself spiritually stronger? My friend Liz Brisker, from Minford, knows a little something about becoming more powerful. I have watched and noticed her change over the past two years at the same gym we attend. She also graduated high school with my youngest son. The 25-year-old respiratory therapist used a wounded heart to catapult her desire to be a bodybuilder. “It was always within me, I think, and when I brought it up to my partner, he didn’t see or appreciate the sport and the competition and didn’t support me,” she said. "It kind of ended right there." She called off the engagement and turned her focus on herself. “I liked looking strong, especially after the relationship ended,” she said. “And it was the turning point in my life. I developed the strength not to care anymore about that.” Liz hired a coach and her aspirations to turn pro are coming closer each week. She recently returned from the NPC (National Physique Committee) North American Championships in Pittsburgh where she earned sixth place in the wellness division. In mid-October, she is heading to Charleston, South Carolina to the NPC Universe where she has hopes of winning a card to turn professional. Liz has a strict work ethic but admitted at times she is harder on herself than some of her critics. “It’s kind of a double-edge sword,” she said, “people who don’t understand will say things. I’ve heard that I look like a man – I guess I need to smile more. It bothers me some days, especially when you get feedback you don’t want to hear, and someone says something negative.” The gym is her refuge and where she goes to find confidence. “I can turn negatives into positives here,” she said. “I come here by myself and it’s kind of like a spiritual place for me.” Her journey to become a professional bodybuilder describes the essence of faith. People who are pessimists, will try to make fun of or tear down someone for having convictions. They don’t understand it because they don't exercise or build up their own strength. And at times, those who do have faith need it in times of trial and confusion. They seek it more when they are hurt and need to find shelter. A hiding place for people of faith can be found in the Bible, or at church. There you can find peace and seek a safe place from naysayers. You can strengthen your faith – but it must be your choice. You must possess the desire. Liz is a bodybuilder because she wants to become stronger and compete. Her attitude is what is needed by the person of faith who might be wounded and needs encouragement. Someone might say something negative to you and hurt your feelings. Don’t let that stop you. And just like everything else in life, there are scammers in bodybuilding. “Some girls do this because they have a low self-esteem need to watch out for coaches and photographers who have other intentions,” she said. “It’s everywhere.” You can build up your faith. You can become stronger. Trust: This is the hardest part. Believe in your heart that God will take care of you. Not knowing is difficult, especially when questions go unanswered. Trust anyway. Pray: Talk to your Heavenly Father and seek His guidance. Liz has chats with her coach and does what he says. You need to do the same thing. Obey the Lord and his regiment for you. Read: Find comfort in the Scriptures. Even if it’s a few verses, read His words. Attend: Go to church and Sunday School and be around like-minded people. Liz must go to the gym if she wants to turn pro. You are less likely to grow as a Christian at home. Examine: Look in the mirror daily and see where you can improve. Bodybuilders must examine areas they need to enhance by looking in the mirror. You won’t see your deficiencies unless you study yourself. Be aware: Just like scammers, the devil wants to take advantage of your emotions when you are down, and tell you lies. Don’t listen. These are just suggestions, but good advice to develop a routine of hope. Work hard and strengthen your faith. And go get your card Liz. Del Duduit is an award-winning writer and author who lives in Lucasville, Ohio with his wife, Angie. They attend Rubyville Community Church. Follow his blog at delduduit.com/blog and his Twitter @delduduit. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency.

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings This week’s story holds a special place in my heart. Many of you know this shop and have made amazing memories inside their walls. I know that I have. The Happy Pot is located at 522 2nd Street right here in Portsmouth. Tim and Cinamon Wellington are the proud owners. Tim and Cinamon started the business in 2015. They wanted to give our community a safe and fun environment to create art and memories. Local activities are important to them. They don’t want families to have to travel to do fun things. The Happy Pot paints with individuals from ages 2 to 102! When you walk in, you wash your hands,pick out your pottery and your paint, and sit down to start working. If you don't think you have what it takes to be an artist, don’t worry, they are there to help you every step of the way! Cinamon believes that everyone is an artist, and she is very rarely wrong. Once you're finished, you leave your pottery with them. Tim then glazes the piece and fires it in the kiln. In approximately one week, your pottery will be available for pickup! They also offer pottery painting classes on Saturday’s and monthly wine and canvas nights. Tim and Cinamon feel very honored and blessed to serve our community. This shows through their work outside of the shop. You can see them participating in community cleanup days, Guinness World Record attempts, and Winterfest! They believe in this community and the goodness that it has. COVID, like many other businesses, hit them hard this year. When talking to Cinamon, she told me, “During the Covid pandemic we have not been able to be open. We also have had construction done to the outside of our building. We have continuously tried to ensure the safety of our building for our community.  We are now reopened and are ready to paint with our community.  We are so thankful for the support and loyalty from our patrons.  We could never be living our dream without the support from our customers.  We are so honored and appreciative to serve the community we love.” The Happy Pot has unique pottery pieces for every age and gender.  These pieces make amazing gifts for friends and family. Shop local this holiday season and make memories that will last a lifetime! You won't regret it. Make sure to go check them out on social media Facebook: @thehappypotstudio Instagram: @thehappypotstudio Local Sponsors

By Audrey Stratton | Local Happenings Are you looking for a safe and local place to take your fur babies while you’re away? Are you looking for accessories for your fur babies to keep them stylish while supporting a local business? Look no further than Skeens Pet Boarding and Spa! Located in Wheelersburg on Ohio River Road, they are here to provide your four legged loved ones grooming, boarding, daycare services, and a variety of pet products. Skeens opened in November of 2019. They envisioned having a cozy, home-like alternative to traditional kenneling. Owners Tammy and Dave, Brennan and Elaine, and Tate and Lexie are the ones taking care of your animals. When starting the business, they wanted to take care of the local community by providing a loving, peace-of-mind experience for the pets and family. While you are away they communicate open and honestly with the families. They also teach the animals valuable skills to help them grow and become happy and successful. They got this idea whenever one of their pets was boarded in a place out of town. Their pup came back with skills such as: dog-meet-dog etiquette and bite inhibition (which is acceptable bite force during play) During COVID, they were shut down for three months, but are now open and ready to meet your four legged family members. The next time that you are going away for a trip, or want to treat your pet to a special day, check out Skeens Pet Boarding and Spa! Facebook: @SkeensPBandS Check out our local sponsors!