Scioto County • January 23, 2025
Good morning, Scioto County. When it comes to explosive growth stories, Atomic Credit Union is going nuclear. The financial institution that started serving just 20,000 members in 2007 is now bursting at the seams with 80,000, prompting a dramatic five-story expansion that would make any architect's heart skip a beat. With 87 student-run branches already under their belt, they're not just banking on the future - they're helping write it.
Meanwhile, Ironton's Fighting Tigers showed they know a thing or two about growth themselves, flexing their defensive muscles in a dominant 69-44 victory over Portsmouth. And speaking of the future, our region is already warming up its patriotic spirit for America's 250th birthday bash in 2026 - though we might need a few practice rounds to nail the pronunciation of "Semiquincentennial."
🌤 Sky Skoop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
🏦 Ohio credit union doubles down with massive five-story expansion project. Atomic Credit Union is adding a 40,000-square-foot building to its Piketon headquarters, connected to the existing structure by a glass walkway. The expansion comes as the credit union has seen explosive growth, jumping from 20,000 to 80,000 members since 2007, with staff numbers tripling in that time. The new addition, set to complete in summer 2026, will accommodate over 300 workstations and consolidate previously scattered administrative departments. As southern Ohio's largest employer in the sector, Atomic continues to grow its footprint, including an impressive network of 87 student-run branches that form the nation's largest student credit union program.
🏀 Ironton's defense suffocates Portsmouth in dominant 69-44 victory. The Fighting Tigers held their opponents to just 38% shooting from the floor while forcing 17 turnovers in Tuesday's Ohio Valley Conference matchup. Braden Schreck led the offensive charge with 26 points, while adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Portsmouth struggled consistently throughout the game, scoring exactly 11 points in each quarter and failing to attempt a single free throw. The win improves Ironton's record to 6-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
🎉 Jackson County gears up for America's massive 250th birthday bash in 2026. As part of Ohio's statewide celebration of the nation's Semiquincentennial, Jackson County will play a special role in commemorating this historic milestone. A 29-member Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial has been established to coordinate the state's participation in the nationwide festivities. The initiative aims to highlight Ohio's unique contributions to American culture and heritage throughout the country's quarter-millennium celebration. While specific plans are still under development, the commission is working to ensure Ohio's rich history and cultural impact will be prominently featured in the national commemoration.
The South Webster Jeeps remain perfect at 11-0 after steamrolling Valley 75-49, while Minford flexed their muscles in a 67-34 drubbing of Waverly. Meanwhile, Wheelersburg found their groove against Portsmouth West, cruising to a 62-27 victory that has the Southern Ohio III conference looking like a three-team race heading into Friday's crucial matchups.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Clay (0-11) | ||
| vs Green | L 77-48 | |
| Green (6-7) | ||
| @ Clay | W 77-48 | |
| Minford (10-1) | ||
| @ Waverly | W 67-34 | |
| Portsmouth (6-8) | ||
| vs Ironton | L 69-44 | |
| Portsmouth West (8-4) | ||
| @ Wheelersburg | L 62-27 | |
| South Webster (11-0) | ||
| @ Valley | W 75-49 | |
| Wheelersburg (6-5) | ||
| vs Portsmouth West | W 62-27 |
|
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
-Joshua 1:9