Derby
Derby, OH · Education
NewsForce 24/7
The Repository
USA TODAY
Pike County News Watchman
Western Local Schools educator receives two prestigious honors in 2026
LATHAM, OHIO – Western Local Schools is proud to celebrate Jennifer Buckler, K–6 STEAM and Career Development educator, for receiving two distinguished honors recognizing her dedication to innovative education, rural student opportunities, and community-connected learning. Buckler was named 2026 Educator of the Year by Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), recognizing her commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences and career pathways for students in rural Appalachian Ohio. As part of the 2026 Community Career Connected Learning Summit: Investing in Our Talent Ecosystem, Buckler also served as a panelist, sharing her experiences and advocating for stronger partnerships between schools, local businesses, industries, and community organizations. During the discussion, Buckler emphasized the importance of introducing rural learners to career possibilities at an early age, particularly in communities where geographic isolation, economic barriers, and limited access to industry experiences can restrict students' exposure to future opportunities. "You don't know what you don't know," Buckler often says. "Our students cannot dream about careers they have never heard of or imagine futures they have never been exposed to. When we bring our community into our classrooms and take learning beyond the school walls, we open doors that many of our students never knew existed."
USA TODAY
Ohio high school football playoff win erased after unusual ineligible-player scheme
An unusual situation in Ohio has led to one high school football program having to forfeit its opening playoff win and the losing team getting another opportunity in the postseason. According to a report from Josh Weir of The Canton Repository — part of the USA TODAY Network — Liberty (Youngstown, OH) has been removed from the playoffs after the team used an ineligible player in the team's 26-16 opening round win over Canton Central Catholic. 19News received further information, learning that the disqualification stems from an ineligible player swapping jerseys with an eligible player and playing in the game. The report noted that Canton Central Catholic head coach Jeff Lindesmith was told that a fan of Liberty informed a Canton Central Catholic staff member of the swap. Liberty's athletic director Todd Smith was informed of the situation by that staff member shortly after. Smith later reported the situation to the OHSAA, leading to Liberty's disqualification. The Panthers entered the game with a 10-1 record and with the win, had advanced to a highly-anticipated second-round meeting with unbeaten Perry (OH). Now they'll have to look towards the 2027 season. Meanwhile, Canton Central Catholic (7-4) now gets a new life in
NewsForce 24/7
cwcolumbus.com
Ohio State suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon after party results in medical intervention
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio State University has placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension after a weekend incident left people needing medical care, a university spokesperson said. University spokesperson Ben Johnson described the incident as “extremely concerning.” He did not say how many people received medical...