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The Weekly Recorder, PO Box 123, Strabane, PA (2026)

04/25/2026

Kenny Klase has been hired as athletic director at Canon-McMillan School District, bringing experience from Seton LaSalle High School, where he served as athletic director and boys basketball coach. A Bethel Park High School graduate and former college basketball player at Waynesburg University, Klase will replace retiring AD Frank Vulcano

04/07/2026

Nurses for Bartolotta Coalition Launch in Washington County

CANONSBURG, Pa. – On Wednesday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) will join local nurses and healthcare professionals to officially launch the Nurses for Bartolotta coalition in support of her re-election campaign. The event will be held at 135 Technology Drive, Suite 204, in Canonsburg, Washington County.
Nurses for Bartolotta is a new coalition of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, healthcare professionals, and advocates from across the region who back Senator Bartolotta’s re-election because of her leadership and strong record of advocating for frontline healthcare workers. The event will highlight their support for the senator and her continued work to improve healthcare policy in the Commonwealth.
At 10:00 am, attendees will participate in a brief roundtable discussion focused on Senator Bartolotta’s healthcare priorities, including her support for full practice authority for nurse practitioners—an issue that is critical to expanding access to care, particularly in rural communities.
The event is open to members of the media. Senator Bartolotta will be available for interviews at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the roundtable discussion.

03/22/2026

Large Crowd Attends Brian Smith Farm Equipment Auction

A strong turnout of more than 500 attendees gathered for the Brian Smith farm equipment dispersal auction, held by KIKO Auctioneers, marking the end of a longtime local corn and soybean farming operation in Mt. Pleasant township.

The auction featured approximately 200 lots of equipment from the farm, drawing bidders and spectators from across the region. Items sold included multiple tractors, a combine, tilling implements, and crop wagons, with steady bidding seen throughout the event.

The size of the crowd reflected both the quality of the equipment and the significance of the sale within the local agricultural community. Many attendees noted the rarity of such a large, well-maintained collection of farm machinery coming to market at one time.

The auction follows the recent sale of the farm’s 100 acres, which sold for $1.5 million, signaling a major transition for the property and its future use.

For many in attendance, the event marked the closing of a chapter for the Brian Smith farm, a familiar presence in local corn and soybean production for years.

KIKO Auctioneers reported strong participation and competitive bidding across the board, underscoring continued demand for quality used agricultural equipment.

03/14/2026

Cumberland Farms Deal Brings New Ownership Structure for Coen Markets

Residents across Washington County have long been familiar with the green-and-white signs of Coen Markets — a regional brand that has served Southwestern Pennsylvania for more than a century. Now the company is entering a new phase as part of a larger national transaction involving Cumberland Farms and its parent organization, EG Group.

The deal centers on Cumberland Farms’ acquisition activity within EG Group’s portfolio, which includes Coen Markets. Through the transaction, the well-known Pennsylvania chain becomes part of a broader convenience retail network that spans the United States and Europe.

For customers in Washington County and the surrounding region, the change is largely behind the scenes. Coen locations are expected to continue operating as convenience stores and fuel stations, maintaining service to the communities they have served for decades.

Founded in 1923 by the Coen family, the company began as a small fuel distributor before growing into one of the most recognizable regional convenience store brands in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Over the years the company expanded beyond fuel service into modern convenience retail, offering prepared foods, coffee programs and updated store designs.

The inclusion of Coen Markets in the broader Cumberland Farms and EG Group structure reflects a larger trend within the convenience store industry. National and international operators have increasingly consolidated regional chains in order to expand scale, streamline fuel distribution and strengthen food-service offerings.

Industry analysts say the convenience retail sector has been undergoing rapid consolidation in recent years as companies compete on fuel pricing, food programs and store modernization.

For many local residents, however, Coen Markets represents more than just a business transaction. The brand has been part of daily life for generations — a quick stop for gas, coffee on the way to work, or a familiar neighborhood meeting place.

While ownership structures may evolve, the stores themselves remain a visible reminder of a company that started locally and grew into a regional presence.

As the convenience retail landscape continues to change, Coen Markets now moves forward as part of a larger national network — marking a new chapter for one of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s longest-standing retail brands.

03/11/2026

Canon McMillan girls defeated Alderdice 49-37 to advance in the PIAA State Tournament.

03/09/2026

The excavator from Adamo Construction has been extracted. Crews worked into the evening at Court House Square in Washington, a timeline to continue the demolishing has not yet been established.

03/08/2026

Canon-McMillan Graduate Valarie Solorio Wins National Championship at Iowa

CORALVILLE, Iowa — Canon-McMillan wrestling added another chapter to its storied legacy this weekend as former Big Mac standout Valarie Solorio captured a national championship for the University of Iowa women’s wrestling team at the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships.

Solorio, a sophomore at Iowa and a graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, claimed the 103-pound national title, delivering a dominant performance throughout the tournament. In the championship match, Solorio secured the crown with a 13-1 technical fall victory over Rayana Sahagun of Grand Valley State, capping a remarkable run through the bracket.

The title marked Solorio’s first collegiate national championship and helped lead the Hawkeyes to a second-place team finish at the national tournament, which was held in Coralville, Iowa. Iowa crowned three individual champions during the event and finished just behind team champion McKendree in the overall standings.

For Canon-McMillan wrestling fans, Solorio’s victory came as little surprise. During her high school career with the Big Macs, she established herself as one of the top female wrestlers in the country. Solorio won back-to-back Pennsylvania state championships in 2023 and 2024, adding to an already decorated résumé that included national-level competition and international experience.

At Canon-McMillan, Solorio helped elevate the program’s girls wrestling presence while continuing the tradition of excellence long associated with Big Mac wrestling — one of Pennsylvania’s most historic high-school programs.

Now wrestling for one of the most prestigious programs in the country, Solorio continues that tradition on the national stage. The University of Iowa Hawkeyes have long been synonymous with wrestling success, boasting dozens of national titles and producing many of the sport’s greatest athletes.

With her national championship performance, Solorio has quickly become one of the rising stars of collegiate women’s wrestling. And for Canon-McMillan, her victory is another reminder that the Big Macs’ wrestling pipeline continues to produce champions — from the mats in Canonsburg all the way to the top of the collegiate wrestling world.

03/08/2026

Canon-McMillan wrestlers bring home state medals from PIAA Championships

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Canon-McMillan wrestling program once again showed why it remains one of Pennsylvania’s premier programs, bringing home a state championship and several medals from the 2026 PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships held March 5-7 at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Leading the way for the Big Macs was junior Marlee Solomon, who captured her second consecutive PIAA girls state championship. Competing at 118 pounds, Solomon dominated the finals with a 16-1 technical fall victory over Olivia Kearns of Shippensburg, capping another undefeated run through the tournament.

Solomon’s title highlighted a strong showing for the Canon-McMillan girls team, which finished fourth in the state team standings with 55 points.

The Big Macs had four girls earn medals at the tournament:

Marlee Solomon – 1st place (118 pounds)

Yunuen Ayala – 6th place (124 pounds)

Malia Ramos – 8th place (106 pounds)

Audrey Calgaro – 8th place (170 pounds)

Solomon’s performance continued her rise as one of the top high school wrestlers in the state and nation. Coaches say her leadership extends beyond competition, as she also works with the youth program and helps develop the next generation of Big Mac wrestlers.

On the boys side, Lee Dreshman delivered a standout performance for Canon-McMillan in the Class 3A tournament. Wrestling at 107 pounds, Dreshman battled his way to the state finals, ultimately finishing as the PIAA runner-up after falling to Sun Valley’s Jacob Carr in the championship match.

Several other Canon-McMillan wrestlers competed deep into the brackets against some of the toughest competition in the country, Collier Hartman placed fourth and Brayden Collins finished 5th, continuing the program’s tradition of producing state-level talent.

With a state champion, a state runner-up, and multiple medalists, the Big Macs once again left Hershey with hardware and reinforced Canon-McMillan’s reputation as one of the most respected wrestling programs in Pennsylvania.

For a program that has long been synonymous with wrestling excellence in Western Pennsylvania, the results at the 2026 PIAA Championships were another reminder that Canon-McMillan remains a force on the state’s biggest stage.

03/01/2026

Canon-McMillan School District Delivers a Weekend for the Ages

It was a weekend that will forever live in Big Mac history.

From the brink of despair to the doorstep of a championship, from dominant wrestling performances to breakthrough moments on the hardwood, Canon-McMillan delivered one of the most historic stretches the school has ever seen.

Cannon-McMillan went from the edge of heartbreak to champions.

The top-seeded Big Macs built a commanding 19-point lead, watched it nearly disappear, and then finished the job, defeating No. 2 Norwin, 50-38, in the WPIAL Girls Basketball Championships Class 6A title game Saturday night at the Petersen Events Center.

It was the first WPIAL championship in program history.

In a game defined by runs, Cannon-McMillan (21-4) looked nothing like a finals newcomer. The senior-led Big Macs led 13-7 after one quarter and carried a 27-15 advantage into halftime.

“We have seasoned veterans,” coach John Fontana said. “This is their eighth playoff game together. When we arrived here, they had no nerves. I saw a team ready to play.”

Early in the third quarter, Cannon-McMillan used a 12-0 run to extend the lead to 34-15, appearing to have the game firmly in control. But Norwin (18-5), making its third straight finals appearance, responded with a furious 15-0 run fueled by 3-point shooting, trimming the lead to 34-30 late in the third.

Suddenly, a blowout turned into a battle.

Fontana leaned on experience — and free throws.

The Big Macs went 12-of-18 from the line in the fourth quarter to keep Norwin at bay and secure the 50-38 victory.

Senior Madison Clair led the way with 15 points. Senior Sam Miller added 12 points and 11 rebounds, hitting four first-half 3-pointers to ignite the offense.

“I was confident, not cocky,” Miller said. “I didn’t think about it too much. I just played.”

Senior Lauren Borella, a West Liberty commit, scored 10 points and went 10-of-14 from the free-throw line — most coming in the fourth quarter — while adding four assists and four steals.

“We started from the bottom,” Borella said. “We had one section win when we started.”

Canon-McMillan dominated the glass, outrebounding Norwin 45-30. The Knights, who shot 14-of-50 from the field and 6-of-25 from three, did not have a double-digit scorer. Senior Ava Christopher led Norwin with nine points.

When the final buzzer sounded, decades of program building culminated in celebration.

“When I came here, I said they win in every other sport,” Fontana said. “Why not the basketball team? I bought a shirt that said ‘Be The Change.’ This is so significant.”

The Big Macs will open the PIAA Girls Basketball Tournament at home Friday.

While the basketball team was cutting down nets, the wrestling program was making history of its own.

The Canon-McMillan boys wrestling team captured the PIAA AAA West Region Team Championship, advancing seven wrestlers to the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, set for Thursday through Saturday in Hershey.

Leading the charge was West Region champion Lee Dreshman at 107 pounds, who claimed the individual title and will enter states with momentum.

Pennsylvania remains one of the toughest wrestling states in the nation, and qualifying seven wrestlers for Hershey reinforces Canon McMillan Wrestling's position as a perennial powerhouse.

The girls wrestling team added yet another banner to the weekend celebration.

Canon-McMillan claimed the team championship with 105.5 points, sending six wrestlers to the PIAA State Tournament next week.

Marlee Solomon captured the 118-pound championship, remaining undefeated as she continues a remarkable season.

The girls’ dominance underscores the rapid growth of the program and the school’s continued investment in developing one of the strongest wrestling cultures in Pennsylvania.

A Defining Moment for the Big Macs

Three programs. Multiple championships. Thirteen state qualifiers between boys and girls wrestling. A historic first WPIAL basketball title.

In one unforgettable weekend, Canon-McMillan showcased what happens when culture, leadership, and preparation align.

From the mats to the hardwood, the Big Macs didn’t just compete.

They made history.

02/27/2026

McGuffey Graduate Jeremy Hunter Named Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Illinois

A proud moment for the McGuffey Highlanders community is now being celebrated on a national stage.
McGuffey High School graduate Jeremy Hunter has been named head wrestling coach at the University of Illinois, taking the reins of one of the premier programs in the powerful Big Ten Conference.
For a small-town wrestler who built his foundation in Washington County, the appointment represents not only personal achievement but also a testament to the strength of local wrestling roots that continue to shape leaders in the sport.
From Claysville to the Big Ten
Hunter, a graduate of McGuffey High School, has long been recognized for his discipline, toughness, and deep understanding of wrestling fundamentals. At McGuffey, he developed the grit and work ethic that would define his career — qualities that carried him beyond the mats of Western Pennsylvania and onto the national stage.
Western Pennsylvania has historically been fertile ground for wrestling excellence, and Hunter’s rise further cements the region’s reputation as a pipeline for high-level talent and coaching leadership.
Leading the Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini wrestling program competes at the highest level of collegiate wrestling, facing elite competition throughout the Big Ten and the NCAA landscape. The conference is widely regarded as the most competitive in college wrestling, routinely producing national champions and Olympic-caliber athletes.
Hunter now steps into a role that demands recruiting acumen, technical expertise, and the ability to mentor student-athletes both on and off the mat. His appointment signals a new chapter for Illinois wrestling, with expectations of maintaining and elevating the program’s competitive edge.
A Source of Local Pride
For the McGuffey community, Hunter’s achievement is a powerful reminder of what is possible for student-athletes coming from rural school districts. Coaches and wrestling supporters throughout Washington County have long emphasized that success in wrestling mirrors success in life — discipline, preparation, and perseverance.
Hunter’s journey embodies those principles.
As he begins his tenure in Champaign, he carries with him the lessons learned in Claysville gyms and Western Pennsylvania tournaments. For current McGuffey wrestlers and young athletes throughout the region, his story serves as inspiration: the path from a local high school mat can lead to the helm of a nationally recognized Division I program.
The Weekly Recorder joins the community in congratulating Jeremy Hunter on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes him continued success as he leads Illinois wrestling into its next era.

01/11/2026

Big Macs Bring Home State Title — Canon-McMillan Spirit Team Crowned PIAA 3A Champions in Johnstown

The Canon‑McMillan Spirit Team delivered a championship performance this weekend, capturing the PIAA Competitive Spirit State Championship in the Class 3A division at the state finals held in Johnstown.
Competing against the top programs from across Pennsylvania, the Big Macs earned the state title with an impressive final score of 92.2, securing first place and bringing home a prestigious championship for the Canon-McMillan community.
The PIAA championships featured more than 100 teams statewide, with squads advancing through preliminary rounds and semifinals before reaching the finals. Canon-McMillan’s routine stood out for its clean ex*****on, synchronized tumbling, strong stunting, and high-energy choreography, culminating in a near-flawless performance on the state’s biggest stage.
The championship marks a major achievement for the spirit program and reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork. From early-season practices to postseason competition, the Big Macs consistently demonstrated focus and precision, peaking at exactly the right moment in Johnstown.
The victory was celebrated throughout the school district and community, with students, families, and supporters rallying around the team as they returned home as state champions. The win adds to Canon-McMillan’s strong tradition of athletic and extracurricular excellence and highlights the growing prominence of competitive spirit as a premier high school sport.
With the season now complete, the Canon-McMillan Spirit Team closes the year on top of Pennsylvania, setting a new standard for future Big Macs to follow.
Canon-McMillan — 2026 PIAA Class 3A Competitive Spirit State Champions
Final Score: 92.2

12/13/2025

Washington County Statement on Opioid Trust Grant Reporting
In response to the article published in the Observer-Reporter on Friday morning, Washington County would like to clarify several key points regarding the recent Opioid Trust grant review.

The Opioid Trust met on December 4 to evaluate the grant reports submitted by counties statewide this fall. Washington County sent 28 grants for review, twice as many as any other county. Of those submissions, 11 programs were approved, nine were returned with requests for additional information (a routine action that occurs annually for nearly every
county), and eight were deemed non-compliant based on the information provided in the initial reports meaning there was not sufficient evidence in the report to the trust showing the programs fall under the allowed uses. The County has yet to be notified of these decisions as the Trust’s formal notification will not be issued until December 22, after which the County will have 30 days to respond.

Washington County fully intends to discuss and appeal the non-compliant determinations. During the appeal process, the County and the providers of those programs will have the
opportunity to present and supply additional detail and documentation demonstrating that these programs do in fact fall under the Trust’s approved uses. Following the approval, two board members acknowledged the learning curve associated with the reporting process and recommended that the newly approved CCAP liaison for all counties start with Washington County to ensure future submissions include all information the Trust requires. At no point did the board characterize Washington County
as “problematic,” nor did it state that county tax dollars would be required to reimburse any programs should an appeal not succeed.

Washington County is working closely with its Opioid Trust representative to understand what additional information is needed and to prepare for the appeal process. The representative made clear that even if an appeal is unsuccessful, the County will continue to receive opioid settlement funds, provided it does not continue to use those funds in the
future for any program formally deemed non-compliant.
Washington County remains committed to transparency, responsible stewardship of
opioid settlement funds, and supporting programs that address the impacts of the opioid
epidemic in our community.

You can find a direct transcription of the conversation between the board members following Washington County’s approval process from the December 4th meeting below.

Board Chair: “Any questions concerning Washington County?

Chair: “I do want to make one note. This will be one of the first counties that we do ask the liaison position that we approved for CCAP to be dealing with. We take no pleasure in disapproving any programs nor having to go back for further information. But to the extent that information is not properly provided to us and we just can’t tell how it’s done. There has
to be something done differently in the reporting process. So, we will have our new liaison officer and, in the meantime, have Bri reach out to Washington County to see what we can do to better and help them out with their reporting process and or their decision-making process in going ahead with programs. It’s not often I say that about any county, but this is just an abnormal number deemed non-compliant and also going back for additional questions. Anyone want to add anything else to that?”

Board Member: “I just read a news article today that they are planning a task force to review these programs again, I just read that this morning. Hopefully, they are getting the
picture that they need to do a little better at getting it out there.”

Chair: “I think one of the commissioners had requested that, commissioner or former
commissioner. I think it’s good that they are doing that.”

Board Member: “I mean we ran into this with another county, and they did much better
later on so I think it's just a matter of a learning curve.”

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