Latest news with #OhioUniversitySouthern
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
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Culture & Heritage Festival returns to OUS Saturday
Jun. 13—Ohio University Southern is having its third annual Culture & Heritage Festival Saturday and the community is invited to come together in celebration of the region's history, creativity and cultural diversity. The festival, held in the Shafer Courtyard, serves as a lead-up to Juneteenth and offers a full afternoon of music, art, and community connection. "The Culture and Heritage Festival is a way to bring the community together to celebrate the history and cultures that make up this Appalachian region," said Robert Pleasant, director of student services. "It's not just a day of entertainment — it's an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and create meaningful connections that strengthen our community." The festival begins at 11:45 a.m. with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from campus leaders and a musical tribute by Portsmouth High School Band director Tony McKrimmon, who will perform the National Anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Musical acts throughout the day will include Ironton-based band What's Up Betsy, Kentucky singer-songwriter Shelby Lore, and Charleston's 4YLP, whose energetic blend of pop, funk, and R&B will close out the stage performances. More than a dozen local and regional vendors will take part, offering handmade crafts, cultural art, wellness items, and more. Among them are Double Luck Herbothecary & Fermatory, Brown Butterfly Books, and Appalachian Barrel & Wood Crafts. Refreshments will be available from Fetty's Food Truck, Keeney's Kitchen, and T&C Lemonade. Creative children's activities will be provided by Third and Center, an Ironton-based nonprofit arts organization. "This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, welcoming all to explore the creative offerings from local history displays, music, Kids Zone activities, food trucks, and the many other vendors selling goods," Pleasant said. In addition to celebrating culture and creativity, the event offers a space for education and reflection. Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached the last enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. While Juneteenth has long been honored in the African American community, its history is still unfamiliar to many. Since officially recognizing the holiday in 2021, Ohio University has expanded its commitment to hosting programs that deepen public understanding of this important moment in American history. "The festival not only provides entertainment but also highlights our region's story, one shaped by resilience, freedom, and shared heritage," said Pleasant. "We hope people leave feeling inspired, more connected, and proud of where they're from." The Culture & Heritage Festival is presented as part of the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative. Funding is made possible through a POWER Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, in partnership with the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and a network of partners spanning nine counties across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. For more information, visit You Might Like News IPD Allison promoted to sergeant Education Area students named to OU's Spring 2025 Provost's List Lifestyles Corky's missing guitar News Withrow chosen for council seat
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Looking for Revolutionary soldiers
Mar. 16—America 250 group is trying to locate graves of 20 soldiers On Tuesday, the Lawrence County commissioners heard from Rich Donohue, who is heading up some of the America 250 projects in the county for next year's celebration of America's 250th birthday. Part of that project includes find the graves of Revolutionary soldiers whose location has been lost over the past two centuries. He brought them up to date on several things the group has put together, including a history book by retired Ohio University Southern professor Bob Leith, updating the county map with historical places around the county, updating a book on the judicial side of county government that was done by Ray Dutey years ago, fireworks, a homecoming and planting Oak trees among many other things. One of particular note is that the State of Ohio is trying to locate the graves of Revolutionary soldiers. "They estimate there are 7,000 veterans in the state," Donahue said, adding they put together a report that there are "roughly 36 in Lawrence County we have to locate, of which, we knew where about 16 are." One is the fourth great-grandfather of Common Pleas Judge Andy Ballard. "He does not have a grave marker and it is our plan to apply for one," Donahue said. He said a book published for the country's Bicentennial only had the site of three Revolutionary soldiers. "I think it is about time we represent Lawrence County and those veterans." He added that they have secured funding for fireworks in Ironton on the Fourth of July 2026. There will be more details about the America 250 events in an upcoming article. After the meeting, the commissioners checked out Lawrence County EMS's newest ambulance which will be stationed in Chesapeake. The commissioners meet at 10 a.m. Tuesdays on the third floor of the Lawrence County Courthouse.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Sport
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Rock Hill wins county Quiz Bowl tournament
Mar. 15—Ten teams faced off on Thursday for the Ironmaster Quiz Bowl tournament at Ohio University Southern. The event, organized by the Lawrence County ESC is a double elimination tournament among the county's high school's. Rock Hill High School emerged as the winner, having gone undefeated throughout the day. The team, coached by Tamela Reed, consisted of Isaiah Fuhr, Macy Workman, Orlando Long, Zach O'Bryant and Liam Yancy. Coming in second place was Dawson-Bryant, followed by Chesapeake and St. Joseph. St. Joseph High School was the senior winner for the school year, for individual school-to-school matches, Gretta Taylor, student services coordinator for the ESC, said.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
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Ramaswamy, GOP event moved again
Mar. 14—The location for this year's Lawrence County Republican Party Lincoln Day dinner has been changed again. The dinner, set for 6 p.m. on March 31, will now take place at Stone Creek Farms in Ironton. It is the second venue change with it originally slated for South Point High School, where it has taken place for the past 18 years, but was then moved to Ohio University Southern. This year's event will feature Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy as keynote speaker and is sold out. Stone Creek is located at 279 Private Rd 1228 in Ironton.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OUS seeks nominations for 2025 Dr. Dan Evans Alumni Leadership Award
Mar. 7—Ohio University Southern is accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. Dan Evans Ohio University Southern Alumni Leadership Award, which honors graduates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to their community. Nominations are open through March 17 and may be submitted by faculty, staff, alumni and community members. The recipient will be recognized at the Spring Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in Shafer Courtyard. The award is named in honor of Dr. Dan Evans, a Lawrence County native, first-generation college graduate and former dean of Ohio University Southern. Evans dedicated his career to expanding educational access in Appalachian Ohio, understanding firsthand the impact higher education can have on individuals and communities. A graduate of Ohio University and Morehead State University, he began his journey as a student at Ohio University Southern before earning degrees in English, counseling and higher education administration. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to strengthening the university's role in the community and ensuring others had access to the same opportunities that shaped his life. Last year's recipient, Jeremy Clay, exemplifies the leadership and innovation the award seeks to recognize. As a key member of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, Clay has played a pivotal role in job creation and economic growth in the region. His expertise in engineering, design-build construction and economic development has garnered statewide recognition, and his leadership has made a lasting impact on Lawrence County's infrastructure and industry. After earning his degree from Ohio University Southern, Clay applied his skills to create innovative solutions in site development, earning the respect of professionals across Ohio. His work continues to shape the region, proving that OUS alumni are driving progress and opportunity in their communities. To submit a nomination, visit
