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Hits and misses

3 min read
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A quick look at some of the key issues making headlines recently in the Observer-Reporter

HIT: We are encouraged by progress being made locally in combating the opioid epidemic. At this week’s quarterly meeting of the Washington Opioid Overdose Coalition, Dr. Lynn Mirigian, director of the Overdose Prevention Research Program at the University of Pittsburgh, commended the group for the reduction in fatalities from 2016 to 2017, but was quick to add that the county’s rate of overdose deaths remains higher than the state average. “You’re doing awesome work in decreasing overdoses, but there’s still a long way to go.” At least we are moving in the right direction.

HIT: The announcement of a Chicago real estate investment firm’s plans to repurpose the former Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg is welcome news. The company said this week that it will rent out space in the building to businesses to store their inventory for local distribution. Anixter, the first to sign on, is an Illinois electronics and security company that is interested in expanding into the Pittsburgh market. “Dozens, if not hundreds,” could eventually be employed there, according to Jeff Brown, CEO of investment company T2 Capital Management.

MISS: We were disappointed by California University of Pennsylvania’s response to our request for information about changes facing area libraries in the internet era. Spokeswoman Christine Kindl said she didn’t have anyone available to speak to the topic, and “was not aware of any obligation to provide interview subjects.” Cal U. is part of the state System of Higher Education and is supported by taxpayer dollars. The public deserves to know how the university library is being operated and what measures are being taken to remain current and competitive in the digital era.

HIT: Washington School Board is to be commended for recognizing the needs of its students and moving the start of the school day back a half-hour. Beginning this fall, high school students will start their day at 8:20 a.m., and start times for other grades will be adjusted, as well. Superintendent James Konrad said the decision was based on research that shows youngsters are not getting enough sleep, which is hindering their ability to think and retain information.

HIT: Kudos to “Katrina’s Kubs” for their resilience in the wake of the theft of nearly $4,500 from the Washington Cub Scout pack’s coffers. Melanie White, the pack’s current leader, is continuing the legacy of former Cub Scoutmaster Katrina Wilk, who reorganized the group four years ago and grew it from six to 36 members. Following her death last year, it was discovered that the former treasurer, Tonia Casterline, had nearly depleted the pack’s bank account. “We persevere knowing that her (Casterline) actions will neither define our pack or destroy Katrina’s legacy,” White said this week.

HIT: High schoolers are learning alongside preschoolers in Burgettstown, thanks to Sharon Baillie, family and consumer sciences teacher. Baillie received a $5,000 grant from the National Education Association Foundation to purchase computer programming and coding toys and games. The students in her child development class learn how to use the equipment before teaching it to the preschoolers, who attend class three days a week. It’s a win-win learning experience for all.

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