Kane Republican
Rolling tribute: Annual dice run honors legacy of SSG Ken Vangiesen
KANE, Pa. — Fifteen years after Staff Sgt. Ken Vangiesen gave his life in service to his country, his legacy continues to mobilize his hometown. Recently, the rumble of motorcycles once again filled the community as Kinzua ABATE of Mckean County...
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TAMED celebrates completion of 23-mile Knox & Kane Rail Trail section
KANE, Pa.— The Trail Association of the Mckean/elk Divide, known locally as TAMED, celebrated the completion of its 23-mile section of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The completed section provides direct,...
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Local couple showcases rebuilt 1931 Chevy coupe at recent Rocks of Art car show
KANE, Pa. — The recent Rocks of Art event at Evergreen Park brought the community together for a variety of activities, with the car show drawing in automotive enthusiasts from across the region. Among the attendees were Frank and Sandra Blum of...
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Mckean County Commissioners approve all agenda items at bi-weekly meeting
SMETHPORT, Pa. — The Mckean County Board of Commissioners met for their bi-weekly meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at the Mckean County Courthouse in Smethport. Chair Thomas Kreiner, Marty Wilder and Carol Duffy approved all items presented on the...
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UPMC Kane highlights local healthcare efforts during annual public meeting
KANE, Pa. — UPMC Kane leadership shared progress reports, local financial contributions, and system updates during its annual public meeting on July 20. Hospital President Mark Papalia addressed attendees regarding ongoing operations and efforts to...
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Kane Greenhouse's Bob Barron shares late-summer secrets
KANE, Pa. — Local gardeners facing the dog days of summer received a masterclass in resilience this week, courtesy of Bob Barron from Kane Greenhouse. Speaking to a lively local garden club, Barron shared organic pest solutions, strategies for beating...
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The Borough of Kane launches new citizen notification mobile app
KANE, Pa. — The Borough of Kane is pleased to announce the launch of Kane Connect, a new citizen notification mobile application powered by GOGOV. The app is designed to keep residents informed and connected with timely updates directly from the...
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Former NSA spy feels honored carrying Zippo's massive flag
BRADFORD, Pa. — U.S. Air Force Veteran Michael Dennis stood shoulder-toshoulder with fellow servicemen, gripping the folds of a towering symbol of freedom as Zippo Manufacturing Co. hosted the America250pa Mckean County Celebration at the Zippo/case...
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Thompson introduces 2 bipartisan bills to support grandfamilies, kinship caregivers, children
WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-PA., introduced two bipartisan bills that would provide support, resources and safeguards to grandfamilies, kinship caregivers and the children under their guardianship. Thompson introduced the...
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St. Marys Monuments expands to Kane
KANE, Pa. — A longstanding Elk County memorial business has opened a new shop in Mckean County, bringing its gravestone services and a new community partnership to Kane's downtown district. St. Marys Monuments recently celebrated the opening of its...
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The most beautiful ugly thing you will ever see
KANE, Pa. — Thirteen cars rolled in, but only one drove away with the grand title at the Rocks of Art event held at Evergreen Park on Sunday, July 19. Jimmy Hahn took home the 195-dollar cash prize, though he admitted he was completely...
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Rocks of Art brings family fun to Evergreen Park this Sunday
KANE, Pa. — The annual Rocks of Art event, established in 2024, returns this Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Evergreen Park. Organized by founder David Kozerski, co-organizer Ray Cromer and organizer Kaylee Lombardo, the free-to-enter event...
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Kane resident wins custom chainsaw eagle carving at Squatchfest
KANE, Pa. — One of the most anticipated moments of Saturday's Squatchfest Music Festival at the Kane Family Drive-in was the drawing for a custom, patriotic chainsaw carving. Every attendee had a chance to take home the massive wooden sculpture at no...
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Thimblena Quilters present check to Kane VFW Post 1132
Thimblena Quilters Bonnie Phillips and Betsey Zeigler present a check for $1,300 to VFW Commander Ken Beers. The quilters created various projects using patriotic fabrics to honor our country’s 250th birthday. A basket of projects was assembled, and...
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First-time attendee and 7-year-old win annual Squatchfest calling competitions
KANE, Pa. — The search for Bigfoot got loud at the Kane Family Drive-in on Saturday as participants faced off in the annual Squatchfest calling competition. The event pitted youths against youths and adults against adults in a contest to see who could...
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Squatchfest delivers massive music lineup and patriotic fireworks
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Family Drive-in transformed into an explosive celebration of live music and patriotism Saturday as roughly 1,300 people gathered for the highly anticipated Squatchfest Music Festival. Celebrating America's 250th birthday, the event...
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Zippo Manufacturing hosts Mckean County America 250 celebration
BRADFORD, Pa. — Recently, Zippo Manufacturing Co. hosted the America250pa Mckean County Celebration at the Zippo/case Museum grounds. The event was highlighted by a 6 p.m. ceremony to raise a massive 30-by-60foot American flag on a 150-foot flagpole...
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Kane borough council moves forward on nearly $400,000 paving project
KANE, Pa. — Kane Borough Council is moving forward with a major paving project costing $398,177.50, alongside ongoing efforts to repair infrastructure damaged by recent severe storms. During its latest meeting, the council reviewed the targeted paving...
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Bucktail American Legion Auxiliary hosts 250th celebration parade in Smethport
SMETHPORT, Pa. — The American 250th celebration kept the community hopping from one town to the next, with residents eager to take part in the ongoing regional festivities. To mark the occasion, the Bucktail American Legion Post 138 in Smethport...
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Unexecuted EADS termination and Sunshine Act questions spark concern at Mount Jewett council
Mayor Kelly Barr Hughes urges the board to abide by majority decisions following disputes over banking signatures and missing project documents. MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — Recent Mount Jewett Borough Council meetings have involved discussions over delays in...
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Kane Hardwood Division hosts interactive Safety Day
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Hardwood Division of Collins Pine Company recently held an interactive safety day featuring a variety of educational activity stations designed to reinforce workplace and personal protection practices. The event included hands-on...
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Golden anniversary and a queen: Class of 1976 celebrates 50 years
KANE, Pa. — Alumni weekend brought a wave of nostalgia and celebration to the area last week as multiple classes gathered at their designated meeting places to catch up and reminisce. Among the most anticipated gatherings was the Kane High School Class...
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Kane Lions Club installs new officers for upcoming year
The Kane Lions Club officially installed its leadership team for the 2026-27 year during a recent ceremony. Mark Batista was installed as the club's new president to lead the organization for the upcoming annual term. During the event, Lion Carl...
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PEWWY Officer 1sw Class Vicwor Mechanye honors Mckean Counwy service Pepbers
SMETHPORT, Pa. — A military veteran urged community members to look beyond the speakers at the podium and find the deeper meaning of a newly unveiled public artwork during a dedication ceremony in Smethport. Petty Officer 1st Class Victor Mechanye...
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Smethport dedicates veterans mural in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Presented by Mckean County E-sales, the Smethport community gathered on the evening of June 26 at 6:26 p.m. to celebrate America's 250th anniversary through the dedication of a new veterans mural. The ceremony, held at the mural site,...
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Last hours to vote in Mckean County's Best of the Best contest
Time is officially ticking down for the annual Mckean County's Best of the Best contest, and the final deadline to support local community favorites is fast approaching. Area residents have until exactly 11:59 p.m. tonight to cast their final ballots...
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Knox & Kane Rail Trail connection completed from Forest County Line to Kinzua Bridge
KANE, Pa. — A longenvisioned goal for trail advocates in the Pennsylvania Wilds has become a reality with the completion of the final section of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail corridor from the Forest County line to the Kinzua Bridge State Park, creating a...
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'It's going to take time': Mckean commissioners urge patience on solar ordinance
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Mckean County commissioners addressed growing local tension over "green energy" infrastructure during their Tuesday morning meeting, following a public protest at the courthouse the previous day. Officials used the session to clarify...
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How Mckean County navigates evolving marijuana and gun laws
SMETHPORT, Pa. — A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court is changing the landscape of the national legal system, but locally, the reality of enforcing marijuana, gun, and traffic laws remains anchored in state statutes and practical discretion. Last...
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Bradford hosts grand celebration parade for America's 250th anniversary
BRADFORD, Pa. — Red, white, and blue lined Main Street on Saturday morning as downtown Bradford became the vibrant heart of the region's historical celebrations. A vast crowd of spectators packed the sidewalks to witness the America250pa-mckean County...
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U.S. Army Old Guard to headline Mckean County’s largest America250 Celebration
What: Mckean County Grand Celebration Parade, a signature America250 event featuring more than 100 participating units and a special appearance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. When: Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 am Where: Main...
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Building a 'Third Place': Kane Area Children's Museum opens doors for sneak peek
Inside the halls of the Chestnut Street Center, a quiet transformation is underway. Where students once studied and gathered, a new generation is getting ready to take ownership. The Kane Area Children's Museum is working to turn the space into a...
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Convicted Congress Street murderer Frederick Camejo
MCKEAN COUNTY, Pa. (June 16, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburgshaffer announces that the Bradford man convicted of murdering another man on Congress Street has had his latest appeal attempts denied. By order dated May 27th, the Pennsylvania...
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Miss Bradford Claire Storer prepares for county stage, champions community service and agriculture
BRADFORD, Pa. — Bradford Area High School senior Claire Storer, 17, is gearing up for a busy summer of service and agriculture after recently being crowned Miss Bradford. As she prepares to represent her town at the upcoming Mckean County Fair Queen...
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Kane Area Eagles present Helen Lathrop Memorial Scholarship to local students
KANE, Pa. — Kane Area School District Superintendent Jeannine Kloss addressed the Board of Directors Thursday evening, highlighting the recent approval of the district budget and recognizing community contributions. Kloss thanked the board for its...
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Paving project, new app, highlight Kane council meeting
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Borough Council covered several updates during its latest meeting, including a change to a paving project, the introduction of a new assistant police chief, and plans for a digital citizen reporting portal. The borough's paving...
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Supreme Court denies convicted murderer’s request for additional appeal
Editor’s Note: The reports contain both redundant and novel information, necessitating the inclusion of all documents. MCKEAN COUNTY, Pa. — June 10 : District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has denied...
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Refurbished Route 6 signs welcome travelers to the borough
Travelers driving along Route 6 this summer may have noticed the two beautifully refurbished “Welcome To Mount Jewett” signs as they entered the borough. The newly restored signs were donated by the family of the late Edward F. and Patricia Kocjancic....
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Zook Motors presented Ford Community Heroes Award to Kane Community Hospital Foundation's Sunshine Fund
KANE, Pa. — Around the world, there are unsung local heroes who are actively working to build and sustain their communities. Ford Motor Company wants to recognize those unsung heroes. Community Heroes: Honoring the Ones Who Make a Difference is part...
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Data centers face growing regulatory scrutiny in Pennsylvania despite low resource impact, report shows
Data center operations are drawing significant attention from Pennsylvania policymakers, regulators and local officials as billions of dollars in technology investments pour into the state. According to an educational infographic published by the...
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Project Graduation activities
Graduates take a minute and relax with a game of UNO Graduates enjoy playing video games in the cafeteria and listening to DJ Mike Kreckel Graduates having a recreational game of volleyball during the evening
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Project Graduation brings to close Class of 2026
KANE, Pa. - Another school year has come and gone, and the Kane Area High School Class of 2026 took part in the longstanding tradition of the Project Graduation event following commencements on May 29. Graduates were able to come together for the...
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Welcome to the Alumni Family, Class of 2026!
KANE, Pa. — Local organizations and scholarship recipients met at Kane High School on Thursday evening for a ceremonial announcement of this year's scholarship awards. The event featured students coming on stage to shake hands, and often hug, the...
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Kane Manor wins 2026 PA Wilds Business of the Year
The PA Wilds Center is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards. The 2026 Champions are: • Artisan of the Year: Marie Lewis of Pine Springs Pottery, Clarion County • Best Brand Ambassador: Pine Creek Seed Farm...
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Kane community gathers with local VFW to honor the fallen on Memorial Day
KANE, Pa. — On Monday, the King David Post 1132 Kane VFW observed Memorial Day at the Memorial Point with a solemn ceremony following the town parade. The presentation of colors marked the beginning of the gathering, which served as a time of...
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Eventful weekend at Wildcat Park
Editor's Note: We are pleased to present an article by Charlie Swanson, a scout and Kane resident, detailing his recent visit to Wildcat Park. This special contribution to The Republican offers a comprehensive overview of the weekend's events. By...
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Smethport community honors fallen heroes at annual Memorial Day ceremony
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Community members, local officials, and veterans gathered at the historic Mckean County Courthouse on Monday morning for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the service and ultimate sacrifices made by those who defended the nation's...
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The Barn revealed: Historic Ludlow venue prepares to open its doors to the community
LUDLOW, Pa. — What was once a local biker bar is finding new life as a family-friendly gathering place. John Archer, along with his fiancée Claudia, purchased the building known as The Barn about a year ago with a vision to preserve local history and...
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Mount Jewett breaks ground on a new downtown stage and public space, also known as 'Pocket Park'
and community members—including residents Diana Sprague Rankin, Lois Niver, and others—gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new stage and public gathering space in the heart of Mount Jewett's business district, turning a long-held community...
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Kane vfw post 1132 adopts highway for day of service
KANE, Pa. — On Saturday, members of King David Post 1132 and the Post 1132 Auxiliary gathered to clean up a section of Route 6, marking a new milestone for the local organization. Scott Colson, a member of the post, noted that this event served a dual...
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Unofficial results for Mckean County primary election
Mckean County voters headed to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 general primary, with unofficial results showing low turnout across the county. According to the summary report at 10:20 p.m., 2,821 ballots were cast out of 21,443 registered voters,...
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Community events support local causes across Mckean County
MCKEAN COUNTY, Pa. — Residents across Mckean County enjoyed three free community events Saturday. The events highlighted local causes ranging from public art to animal rescue and law enforcement support. Whether people wanted to support adoptable...
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Wilds Sonshine Factory anchors launch of expansive 15-county Lumber Heritage geocaching trail
KANE, Pa. — In an effort to draw modernday treasure hunters deep into the forests of north-central Pennsylvania, the Lumber Heritage Region partnered with The Wilds Sonshine Factory on Friday to officially launch a massive 23stop, 15-county geocaching...
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Pedaling through time: Old friends, new trails, and the spirit of Kane
KANE, Pa. – There's something timeless about riding a bike with old friends. For a group of 1970s college friends, their annual cycling getaway has become more than just a reunion—it's a journey through memories, landscapes, and escapes to small-town...
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Local scouts and veterans place flags at area cemeteries
KANE, Pa. — Boy Scout Troop 427, Girl Scout Troop 36504, and members of King David Post 1132 Kane VFW gathered for their annual tradition of placing American flags on the graves of veterans at Forest Lawn, Mount Tabor, and Saint Callistus...
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Owl pellets offer inside look at food chain for Kane middle schoolers
KANE, Pa. — Science took a hands-on turn this week at Kane Area Middle School as eighth-grade students in Jodell Barner's and Hannah Morgan's classes traded textbooks for tweezers to dissect owl pellets. The investigation allowed students to step into...
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NPRC celebrated graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremony
KANE, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. at The Wilds Sonshine Factory Inc. in Kane. The ceremony recognized 35 students for completing their degree programs or...
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Volunweers Wurn ouw for KA5E for Kane cleanup efforws
KANE, Pa. — Volunteers across the Kane area gathered early Friday morning to sweep, scrape, trim and mulch during the annual KARE for Kane cleanup, an effort organized as part of the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise, known locally as KARE. Work...
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State clears Clermont solar project to restart amid lawsuit; muddy water dispute continues
CLERMONT, Pa. — Heavy machinery is moving dirt again at the Clermont Solar project. The company is now fighting a $2 million legal battle against the state and arguing with locals over claims of ongoing pollution. State environmental officials...
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Kane students complete “Kids of STEEL” Marathon Challenge
KANE, Pa. — For the third year in a row, Kane area youth have successfully wrapped up a spring season of fitness and healthy living through the “Kids of STEEL” (KOS) program, a free running and movement initiative for children in grades K–6. The...
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Kane Area Children’s Museum runners raise over $11,000 at Pittsburgh Marathon weekend
Local participants compete across multiple events through charity initiative. KANE, Pa. — The Kane Area Children's Museum celebrated a successful weekend of racing and fundraising as community members and friends of the museum participated in events...
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The consequences of Mount Jewett’s municipal secrecy
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — A 2025 Borough Council decision to restrict public and council access to municipal facilities preceded a formal state environmental violation and the public disclosure of a "quid pro quo" scheme involving previous local...
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Kinzua Valley Trail Association holds ceremony for new footbridge, details expanded route
WESTLINE, Pa. – The Kinzua Valley Trail Association held a ceremony Thursday to celebrate the opening of a new footbridge over Kinzua Creek, an addition that officially connects the eastern and western portions of the regional trail system. Hosted by...
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Route 6 left off state’s four-year plan; residents have 30 days to request action
LUDLOW, Pa. — For motorists dodging potholes and navigating crumbling shoulders on U.S. Route 6 between Ludlow and Kane, long-term relief is officially not on the horizon. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PENNDOT)...
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Mckean County commissioner recognizes local Eagle Scouts
SMETHPORT, Pa. – During the commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, Mckean County Commissioner Thomas Kreiner announced the achievements of two local Boy Scouts who recently earned their Eagle Scout awards. Kreiner shared that he attended the Eagle...
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Knox & Kane Rail Trail final link underway
Construction of the final section of the local rail trail has begun, linking Kane and points south to Kinzua Bridge State Park. Work is now beginning on one of the most anticipated remaining links of the Knox & Kane Rail Trail—a final section that...
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Community turns out for Kane Garden Club’s Earth Day basket party
KANE, Pa. — To celebrate the arrival of spring and honor Earth Day, the Kane Garden Club invited community members to the Kane Greenhouse, located at 46 Birch St., this past Saturday for a hands-on hanging basket party to officially kick off the local...
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Film crew brings 'Give Up the Ghost' production to Mount Jewett
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — A Los Angelesbased film crew set up production at Nebo Lutheran Chapel and Cemetery on Thursday to shoot scenes for the upcoming movie "Give Up the Ghost." The production, drawn to the area by the family roots of screenwriter Jules...
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Adopted 2-mile stretch of Route 6 cleared by Rotary and Scouts
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — Members of the Mount Jewett Rotary Club and local volunteers recently took to the roadside to continue a decades-long tradition of community service along a scenic stretch of Mckean County highway. The club, led by President Will...
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Sean Storer honored as Eagle Scout, prepares for Navy service
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. – Surrounded by supporters at the Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial Club on Sunday, Sean Storer, 18, of Bradford, was honored for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. While he officially earned the rank on Jan. 14, Sunday's ceremony marked...
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Proposed solar ordinance sparks community divide, legal threats in Mckean County
SMETHPORT, Pa.— Residents, local officials, property owners, and corporate representatives packed the Grange Building at the Mckean County Fairgrounds at 6 p.m. Monday to debate a proposed countywide solar ordinance, highlighting a deep community...
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Eagle Court of Honor celebrated Joe Rostan joining scouting’s elite rank
KANE, Pa. – Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is rarely a simple path; it is a rigorous, yearslong journey defined by perseverance, responsibility, and an unyielding commitment to serving others. For local Scout Joseph Rostan, countless hours of hard...
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Christian Beck returns to Ridgway Rendezvous for second year
GERMANY – Christian Beck's journey into chainsaw carving began as a happy accident while chopping firewood. After complaining about the lack of a backrest on the tree stump he was sitting on, his brother-in-law suggested he carve one himself using his...
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Kane Community Hospital Foundation's second annual purse bingo event draws community support
KANE, Pa. – The Kane Community Hospital Foundation recently held its Second Annual Purse Bingo, an event marked by significant local participation. John Papalia, executive director of the Kane Community Hospital Foundation, issued a statement...
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Unregulated gas rates, bureaucratic red tape push local safety nets to the breaking point
KANE, Pa.— An unregulated spike in natural gas costs from Knox Energy, compounded by strict bureaucratic red tape, has left the region facing a severe economic crisis that is overwhelming residents and rapidly depleting the charities trying to assist...
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