Gary Jenkins, high school student continues active 3rd Ward campaign
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
PORTSMOUTH Most people his age have their attention set on their homework assignments, prom, and the epic highs and lows of the high school experience. Gary Jenkins does that as well, plus considerations for what will make Portsmouth a better place to live.
Improving the city’s infrastructure, promoting economic development, and advocating for zoning and code enforcement upgrades are the central tenants of his 3rd Ward candidacy. If elected, the Portsmouth West High School senior would be what City Clerk Diana Ratliff says would be the youngest council member since at least 1980.
Council share vision on Market Square pavilion
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth City Council took an early step Monday night in its ambitious Master Plan following extensive public comment and deliberation among city government officials.
At the request of Community Development Director Tracy Shearer, the council went ahead with authorizing the submittal of a grant application due June 1 and accepting that grant and obligations if funded. Council first toiled with the notion of tabling the resolution before all six council members voted in favor.
With this vote, the city could receive up to $40,782 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Grant, money of which would go to the Market Square Pavilion.
Portsmouth 2021 and beyond: Digital needs, interns in demand from city departments
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
1st Ward Councilman Sean Dunne (right) and fellow Portsmouth City Council members listened to reports from varying city departments during Saturday’s organizational meeting. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH City departments discussed their work, plans, and needs during Saturday’s organizational meeting held at Shawnee State University. The work ranged from public health missions to infrastructure, but common themes did emerge in terms of their wants in the new year.
Many departments took the opportunity to explain their needs to boost its digital capabilities, the potential hiring of interns to assist in data collection and increasing their physical office space.
Court security, code enforcement in Council’s final 2020 session
By Patrick Keck
Portsmouth City Council will close out its 2020 meetings on Monday at the Shawnee State University Ballroom. Photo by Patrick Keck.
PORTSMOUTH- Monday’s Portsmouth City Council will conclude 2020, a year marked by the nomination of three new Council members, passed measures, and the occasional fervent debate.
This meeting, held at the Shawnee State University Ballroom, will be 6th Ward Councilman Dennis Packard’s first since his Dec. 14 nomination and focus on seven legislation items.
Council will start with a 3rd reading of a code enforcement spreadsheet, an ordinance that has tabled and failed to surpass the three-reading rule previously. With its passage, City Manager Sam Sutherland would be authorized to enter an agreement with SSU to create monthly digital visualizations of complaints and citations related to code enforcement.
Competing visions of Rebel flag shared at City Managers
By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com
Gerald Cadogan of the Portsmouth Unity Project feels that its Band Together mural s message, pictured here off of Market Street, is challenged by the Confederate flag s presence on city property. Photo by Patrick Keck
PORTSMOUTH Earlier this week, conversation surrounding confederate flags during a prior Portsmouth City Managers’ session caught the attention of a national organization dedicated to its descendants and proponents of its history.
John Anson, Ohio Division Commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, addressed the matter of banning its presence on city properties in a letter sent to City Clerk Diana Ratliff where he urged no action to be taken.