Cheers & jeers
Cheers: Cheers to Waynesburg Central senior wrestler Jake Stephenson for returning strong from a concussion to win his first WPIAL gold medal with a 7-1 decision over Nezumiiro Green of Central Catholic in the 189-pound division of the Class 3A championships this past weekend. Stephenson, who is coached by his father, Bob Stephenson, rang up seven points with an escape and a pair of takedowns in the third period after the match was tied 0-0 after two. Stephenson, who missed approximately two-and-a-half months due to the concussion, improved to 16-0 this season heading into this weekend’s PIAA Western Regional at Canon-McMillan High School. He’ll be joined there by teammates Brock Evans and Roan Tustin. Stephenson was also an outstanding football player for Waynesburg this past season when he rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards in leading the Raiders into the playoffs for the second year in a row under now former head coach Aaron Giorgi.
Cheers: It is encouraging to hear that the number of people dying from drug overdoses in Greene County appears to have “stabilized” last year; however, more attention needs to be paid to fighting addiction. Coroner records show that 11 people died from overdoses in 2024, which is up slightly compared to 2023, when 10 suffered fatal overdoses. The outlook is optimistic, however, as more people are learning about services available to fight drug addiction. “The overdose task force has helped to consolidate many agencies of the county,” said Marty Yoskovich, deputy coroner and chairman of the Greene County Drug Overdose Task Force. “There are systems in place, there are contacts in place. … The word needs to get out there that there are lots of services in place if they want them.” In addition, a recovery house with 10 beds is expected to open this summer in Carmichaels.
Cheers: Congratulations to several local educators who have been selected as semifinalists for the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The annual award recognizes teachers who demonstrate dedication, innovation and impact in the classroom. Among the two dozen finalists, selected by the state Department of Education, are Stacie Doman, kindergarten teacher, and Chelsea Geist, high school zoology and environmental science teacher, Canon-McMillan School District; Kathleen Foster, world languages teacher, Bethel Park School District; Jennifer Nesser, Laurel Highlands School District; Madeline Loring, elementary math teacher, Jefferson-Morgan School District; Rebecca Showalter, elementary music teacher, Mt. Lebanon School District; and Karlie Wright, agriculture education teacher, West Greene School District. The winner will be announced in December.