Pike County • April 17, 2025
Good morning, Pike County. Investing in the future takes many forms across our region this week. Homeland Credit Union is putting their money where their mission is by awarding 23 students with innovative $2,000 scholarships—half in cash and half as certificates of deposit that will grow alongside their education. This financial boost now extends to trade school students too, recognizing that excellence deserves support across all educational paths.
Meanwhile, a chapter in local higher education history is turning as OU-Chillicothe Dean Roberta Milliken announces her retirement after three decades of academic service. Her legacy includes revitalized campus spaces and expanded community access to education. At the same time, local high school athletes are making their own mark at Waverly's Raidiger Invitational, where Unioto's Cameron Jones and Southeastern's Ruckel siblings demonstrated that Pike County's future is as bright on the track as it is in the classroom.
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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🎓 Homeland Credit Union rewards 23 students with $2,000 scholarships. The financial institution is distributing $1,000 cash awards plus $1,000 in certificates of deposit earning 4.07% APY for 18 months. This year's program expanded eligibility to include not only students attending two or four-year colleges but also those entering trade schools. Recipients come from various high schools across the region including Chillicothe, Circleville, Logan Elm, and Unioto. The scholarships recognize students' past achievements and future educational goals within Homeland Credit Union's membership area.
🎓 Dean Roberta Milliken retires after transforming OU-Chillicothe campus. The higher education veteran will step down June 30, 2025, concluding nearly 30 years of academic service. During her four-and-a-half-year tenure as dean, Milliken orchestrated the campus's 75th anniversary celebration, revitalized student spaces including the new Coffee Hub and Café, and strengthened vital community partnerships. She leaves behind a legacy of expanded enrollment, new scholarship opportunities, and innovative community education programs that have made the campus more accessible to the public.
🏃♀️ Local athletes soar, sprint, and throw at Waverly's Raidiger Invitational. The track and field competition took place on April 15, 2025, at Raider Field in Waverly, Ohio. Standout performances included Unioto's Cameron Jones in the long jump and Southeastern's Rowan and Reese Ruckel in shot put events. The meet featured exciting relay races with Zane Trace and Piketon athletes showcasing their speed and teamwork during baton exchanges. Photographer Ty Wright captured the action for the Chillicothe Gazette as high school competitors from across the region displayed their athletic talents.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Piketon (4-5) | ||
vs Wellston | L 6-3 |
Piketon's Redstreaks edged out the Adena Warriors 9-8 in a nail-biter that pushed their season record to an impressive 9-1. The see-saw battle featured plenty of offense, with Piketon doing just enough to hold off Adena, who'll look to bounce back from their third loss when they host Southeastern next. The Redstreaks continue to look like Scioto Valley contenders as they prepare for their showdown with Huntington on Wednesday.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
Piketon (9-1) | ||
vs Adena | W 9-8 | |
Eastern (6-3) | ||
vs Glenwood | W 27-0 |
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Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
-Ephesians 4:2
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