Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Scioto County / January 23, 2025

🏦 Credit Union Boom

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

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏦 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.

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🏀 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.

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🎉 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.

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🏀 Basketball Scoreboard (Boys)

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

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎨 Jan. 27 - Mommy & Me Art Adventure: Little artists and their grown-ups will delight in a morning of creative exploration at Mighty Children's Museum's Mommy and Me Art Crawl. Join the fun January 27 at 21 E 4th Street, Chillicothe.
🐝 Jan. 28 - The Bee Visits Northside: Buzz by the Bee! While Northside Branch undergoes renovations, this mobile library brings books and smiles to the community outside Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library on January 28.
🍪 Jan. 30 - Valentine's Cookie Love Workshop: Add some love to your baking skills at Porter Township Community Center's Valentine's cookie decorating class! Create six French-inspired sweet treats while learning professional techniques on January 30.
💼 Jan. 30 - Ohio Business Overview: Get the inside scoop on Ohio's business landscape at Dock At Water in downtown Chillicothe. Join local entrepreneurs and leaders for this informative overview session on January 30th at 80 E Water St.
🌱 Jan. 30 - Kids Garden Discovery Time: Jump into a world of wonder at Discovery Garden, where kids explore through play, stories, art, and music! Join the fun January 30 at Chillicothe Library, thanks to their partnership with Easterseals.
☕ Jan. 31 - Paint & Sip Cocoa Day: Warm up your creativity at The Happy Pot! Sip complimentary hot chocolate while painting your own cookie and milk cup for $20 plus tax on Friday, January 31st from 11-7 at 522 2nd Street.
🐝 Jan. 31 - Bee at Northside: Buzz on over to the traveling Bee exhibit while Northside Branch undergoes its makeover! Find this special display at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library's main location on January 31.
🌾 Feb. 01 - Chillicothe Winter Market: Fresh local flavors await at the Chillicothe Winter Farmers Market! Stop by the Ross County Service Center parking lot every Saturday from 10AM-noon to stock up on seasonal produce and handcrafted goods.
⛄ Feb. 01 - Craft a Cozy Snowman: Craft your own cozy winter friend at Ohio University Chillicothe's needle felting workshop! Learn to transform hand-dyed wool into an adorable snowman with expert guidance from Cassandra on February 1.
⚽ Feb. 01 - Southern Ohio Futsal Classic: Kick off February with fast-paced indoor soccer action at the Southern Ohio Futsal Classic! Join the excitement at OU Chillicothe's Health & Wellness Center for this high-energy tournament on February 1st.

🙏 In Remembrance

Billie Dale PinionBillie Dale Pinion

Billie Dale Pinion, 69, of Piketon, passed away at her home on January 21, 2025. Born on July 22, 1955, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Howard and Eloise Bias. She was married to Kenneth Wayne Pinion, who predeceased her. Billie is survived by her son, Jeremiah Pinion, grandchildren Shianna and Alexander Pinion, and her sisters, Debra, Sandra, and Wednesday Bias. She was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings, and the family requests donations to the funeral home in lieu of flowers.

Billie Dale PinionBillie Dale Pinion

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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

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