Kane Republican
Former Spirit reporter takes over as editor in Ridgway and St. Marys
Justin Felgar, formerly of Clearfield County, has recently settled into the role of managing editor of the St. Marys Daily Press and Ridgway Record. Felgar was a reporter and assistant editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit and editor/reporter of the...
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North Central PA students shine at 9th Annual “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” Video Contest
KERSEY, Pa. – Workforce Solutions for North Central PA proudly hosted the 9th Annual “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” (WSCM) Video Contest on March 26, 2026, at the Red Fern Conference Center in Kersey. The event brought together students,...
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Effective this June, drivers convicted under Paul Miller’s Law will pay a fine
Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding Pennsylvanians to put down the phone while driving or they will be forced to pay a fine starting June 5, 2026. In 2024, Governor...
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The future of Evergreen Park and pickleball
KANE, Pa. – Summer is right around the corner, which means the Borough of Kane will soon be setting up the pickleball nets at the Evergreen Park tennis courts. This space appears to see heavy usage, with locals keeping those courts packed and busy all...
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US stocks drop in another shaky day as oil prices keep climbing
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are sinking again Monday as oil prices keep climbing because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran could end. The S&P 500 fell 0.7% and deepened its losses since the war began to pull 9.3% below its record set early...
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MJ2KB Trail Club outlines upcoming projects at monthly meeting
The MJ2KB Trail Club recently held its monthly meeting to coordinate spring trail maintenance and discuss upcoming community events. Trail maintenance remains a primary focus as the weather warms. Volunteers have already cleared a fallen tree and...
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Unregulated Knox Energy gas rates soared, surprising local households
KANE, Pa. — While natural gas prices for most Pennsylvanians have remained steady this winter, residents in a small pocket of the state were hit with unannounced rate spikes that are not a comfortable situation for fixedincome households. Over a...
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A joyful visit: Girl Scouts meet baby lambs at Big Maple Farm
Members of Girl Scout Troop 30663 recently enjoyed a special visit to Big Maple Family Farm in Ridgway, where they participated in the farm's new “Adopt a Lamb” program. The girls have been receiving weekly email updates and photos about their adopted...
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Dush leads new bipartisan Anti-human Trdfficking Cducus in Hdrrisburg
HARRISBURG, Pa. — State lawmakers announced the formation of a new bipartisan, bicameral group within the state legislature Tuesday aimed at combating human trafficking, with Sen. Cris Dush, R-25, serving as the caucus chairman. The newly formed...
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Community creativity at the Friends’ Memorial Library
KANE Pa. — The spirit of collaboration was on full display Saturday, March 21, as the Friends' Memorial Library hosted a vibrant "Crayon Month" celebration for local families. The afternoon began with a reading of "The Day the Crayon Made Friends," a...
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Kane VFW Post 1132 unearths veteran’s stored shadow box
KANE, Pa. — For Kate Kennedy, granddaughter of the late George C. Kennedy, a sudden text message brought a rush of excitement and memories. This was made possible by the dedicated preservation efforts at Kane VFW Post 1132, where leadership has taken...
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Mckean County Commissioners unveil proposed solar and battery regulations
SMETHPORT, Pa. — As utility-scale solar and battery storage projects rapidly expand across the region, Mckean County is drawing a line in the sand to protect its residents, roads, and natural resources. In a retroactive move to balance renewable...
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Kane borough identifies streets for 2026 slurry seal project
KANE, Pa.— The Kane Borough has identified sections of local roadways as candidates for its upcoming slurry application project, according to a recently released street list. The borough evaluates streets based on current wear and traffic volume to...
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Mount Jewett Scouts invite Kane troop on Philmont journey
For several years, Mount Jewett Boy Scout Troop #410 has gone biannually to Philmont Scout Ranch. For their return in 2027, they graciously invited members of Kane Boy Scout Troop #427 to join the adventure. The group will travel to Philmont Scout...
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Faith-based archery initiative gives local youth a positive alternative
KANE, Pa. — In an effort to give children a positive alternative to the streets, James City residents Rod and Joni Kempf, along with Derek Dangelo, launched a faith-based indoor archery program at the Kane Community Methodist Church in October, the...
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Kane Borough Council announces paving plans, discusses new facility, and lot sales
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Borough Council convened Wednesday to outline a significant pavement preservation project, finalize plans to sell borough-owned properties, and provide updates on the newly operational municipal facility. The meeting, which opened...
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RWE addresses concerns over Sergeant Township solar project
SERGEANT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — As development progresses on a proposed utilityscale solar installation in Sergeant Township, RWE Clean Energy is moving to address pointed community questions regarding the project's environmental footprint, emergency...
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Mckean County commissioners approve grants, contracts, and hear solar farm concerns
The Mckean County Commissioners addressed a packed agenda during their regular meeting, approving several major grants, reviewing community projects and hearing public concerns regarding a proposed solar farm in Sergeant Township. Chair Thomas Kreiner...
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UPMC Kane honored as 2025 Business of the Year during celebration gala
KANE, Pa. – UPMC Kane was honored as the 2025 Business of the Year during a celebration gala held Saturday at the Wilds Sonshine Factory. Mark Papalia, president of UPMC Kane, accepted the award on behalf of the hospital, expressing gratitude to the...
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Kane Food Pantry leader Debbie Wensel honored as 2025 Citizen of the Year
KANE, Pa. – Debbie Wensel, who helps run the Kane Food Pantry alongside her husband Craig, was honored as the 2025 Citizen of the Year during a celebration gala held Saturday at The Wilds Sonshine Factory. Speaking on Sunday about the recognition,...
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Daylight Saving Time offers the advantage of an additional hour of evening daylight
MCKEAN COUNTY — Residents of Mckean County will be preparing for a sudden shift when Daylight Saving Time officially returns in March. The transition occurs precisely at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when clocks will advance to 3 a.m. For many, the...
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The high cost of an empty chair at township meetings
SERGEANT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Tensions boiled over at the Clermont Fire Hall as residents confronted Sergeant Township supervisors regarding a massive industrial solar project they claim caught them entirely off guard. Dozens of residents expressed shock...
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Borough council shoots down EADS Group demand to restrict sewer plant access
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — The Mount Jewett Borough Council voted March 2 to reject a demand from the EADS Group that would have barred anyone from the council from entering the borough-owned sewer plant without an EADS escort. The restrictive letter of...
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Mount Jewett Fire Chief demands councilman's removal amid funding discussions and hypocrisy claims
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — A routine financial report quickly devolved into political theater at the recent Mount Jewett Borough meeting, exposing deep divisions, glaring double standards, and a stark lack of official policy among local leadership. The fire...
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From high school to the Air Force
SHEFFIELD, Pa. One young lady has made a big step in her life as she goes from just graduating from Sheffield High School in 2025 to joining the U.S. Air Force. This young lady is Emily Davidson, 19, of Sheffield, Pa. Davidson is the daughter of Dan...
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First-graders explore science with hands-on 'oobleck' workshop
KANE, Pa. — Firstgrade students recently got their hands messy in the name of science during an interactive workshop hosted by Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The session introduced the young learners to "oobleck," a...
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Mckean County PA to welcome giants: Troll sculpture phenomenon to enchant the Allegheny National Forest region
MCKEAN COUNTY, Pa. — Something massive is stirring in the woods of our local trail systems, promising to reshape how visitors and residents alike experience the Pennsylvania Wilds. In September 2027, the forests of Mckean County will become the first...
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Commissioners vow to fight Bradford Hospital closure, citing ongoing talks with the state
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Mckean County Commissioners are urging residents not to lose hope following the Feb. 17 announcement that Bradford Regional Medical Center is slated to close, emphasizing that efforts to save the region's healthcare system are actively...
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Kane Elementary School's read-a-tkon kicks off witk Eook giveaway
KANE, Pa. – The Kane Elementary School's Read-a-thon is officially underway, giving families and friends the opportunity to support Kane Area School District students in their reading journey from now through March 7. To jump-start this popular...
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Cole All-star Circus performs at Kane Area School District
KANE, Pa. – Billy Martin and his team brought the Cole Allstar Circus to the Kane Area School District for a performance on Saturday. "I remember coming to Kane in 1977," Martin said, noting that was the year he officially joined the circus. He said...
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DA outlines how loss of Bradford emergency services affects criminal justice
BRADFORD, Pa. — Mckean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-shaffer stated the planned closure of inpatient and emergency services at Bradford Regional Medical Center will have a severe impact on the local criminal justice system, law...
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Rep. Causer hosts Kane open house, promotes 'No Wrong Door' service for residents
KANE, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Rep. Martin Causer recently hosted a legislative open house, continuing a longstanding tradition of connecting rural constituents with state government resources. This event is an integral component of an ongoing...
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History and upcoming magic: Experience it at Friends' Memorial Public Library
KANE, Pa. — This month, visitors to the Friends' Memorial Library will embark on a journey through time, potentially experiencing a suspension of disbelief, as the institution introduces a new historical initiative in conjunction with an upcoming...
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Local musicians celebrate Valentine’s Day with library performance
KANE, Pa. – The Friends' Memorial Public Library was filled to capacity Saturday as the Kane Guitar Band took the stage for a Valentine's Day concert titled "Songs of Love." The performance drew a large crowd that occupied every available chair, with...
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KASD Board hears budget updates, approves facility upgrades
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Area School District Board of Directors convened Thursday to conduct regular business, receiving a series of announcements and updates from Superintendent Jeannine Kloss. Kloss announced that the governor's education funding...
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Kane Borough advances municipal projects and real estate appraisals
KANE, Pa. — The Kane Borough Council on Wednesday approved a resolution to restrict funds for its new municipal office project and moved to begin the appraisal process for several borough-owned lots, including a site targeted for a potential coffee...
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Local resident captures national symbols ahead of 250th anniversary
GIFFORD Pa. — While many Mckean County residents stick to the beaten path, Tom Huntoon is in the woods every day documenting a side of the region that few ever witness. Speaking on Tuesday about his recent findings, the Droney Road resident noted he...
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Huntoon captures patriotic locomotive honoring U.S. 250th anniversary
GIFFORD, Pa. — A local photographer is documenting a piece of moving history as railroad companies begin celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Tom Huntoon, a resident of Droney Road, has spent recent months capturing images...
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Lutheran Home at Kane hosts Super Bowl LX celebration for residents
KANE, Pa. — The Seattle Seahawks claimed their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history Sunday night, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. While the action unfolded in California, the spirit of the game was felt deeply in...
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A birthday celebration for Ludlow’s oldest resident, Joyce Kasaback
LUDLOW, Pa. – Family and friends gathered at The Barn this past Saturday to celebrate Joyce Kasaback. It was a momentous occasion: Joyce was celebrating her birthday and her newly honored status as Ludlow’s oldest living resident. The celebration...
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Mount Jewett sees rapid transformation through transparency and action
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa. — In Mount Jewett, the sound of a backhoe clearing snow at 3:23 p.m in Feb. is more than just winter maintenance—it is the sound of a "sleeping giant finally waking up,” stated Councilman John Hayduk. Driven by a new era of...
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Regional Suicide Prevention Task Force honored at State Capitol for life-saving work
HARRISBURG — The Cameron Elk Suicide Prevention Task Force was honored Monday at the state capitol after being named the "Rural Health Program of the Year" by the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. State Rep. Martin Causer (R-cameron/ Mckean/potter)...
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Kane VFW Post 1132 provided free document shredding service for local veterans and residents
KANE Pa. – Members of the King David VFW Post 1132 recently gathered to provide a valuable service to the Kane community by hosting a professional document shredding day. According to Quartermaster Dave Swanson, the event was designed as a community...
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Mount Jewett council discusses spending, public records, and potential cost cutting measures
MOUNT JEWETT, Pa.— Mount Jewett officials discussed fiscal transparency and municipal costs this month as the Borough Council blocked a proposed wage increase for maintenance workers by Councilman Jesse Wagner and a move to amend public records by...
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Six more weeks of winter: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow on Groundhog Day
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Those seeking relief from the subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall that have typified the last month of winter in Pennsylvania got some bad news from Punxsutawney Phil at the crack of dawn Monday, as the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator...
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Punxsutawney Phil prepares to issue his Groundhog Day weather verdict from Gobbler's Knob
Punxsutawney Phil is set to deliver his annual weather forecast and predict either six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Tens of thousands are expected to be at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania for the event shortly after sunrise Monday. Last...
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From the sidelines to the national stage: Emily Gilmore’s cheerleading journey
KANE, Pa. — For many athletes, a sport is merely a hobby; for former Kane resident Emily Gilmore, it has been a lifelong journey of rediscovery, resilience, and national recognition—a story she recently shared from Greenville, PA. The daughter of...
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Local students celebrate 100 days of learning
KANE, Pa. — Students within the Kane Area School District have officially completed their 100th day of the academic year. To celebrate the milestone, district officials took to social media Thursday, Jan. 29, releasing a small gallery of photos...
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Road to 2026: America250pa tour celebrates Mckean County's role in the 'American story'
SMETHPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania is often called the "Keystone State," but as America’s 250th anniversary approaches, that title is taking on a fresh, local meaning. Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250pa, stopped at the Mckean County...
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Kane VFW receives donation to Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund
KANE, Pa. – On Wednesday, January 21, the Kane VFW King David Post #1132 received a generous donation of over $3,000 from Pennsylvania National Guard Sgt. Mariah Britton, RRNCO. This donation was the result of a fundraiser Britton led with the...
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Friends’ Memorial Public Library to showcase vinyl, vintage cookbooks in weeklong event
KANE, Pa. — The Friends' Memorial Public Library will host a weeklong vintage media and cookbook event beginning Sunday, Feb. 1, transforming the library into a center for local nostalgia. The event kicks from 1 to 4 p.m. at the library, where...
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Sewer permit expiration sparks inquiry from Mount Jewett official
MOUNT JEWETT Pa. — Recently, a newly elected Mount Jewett Borough Council member and certified waste water treatment operator John Hayduk is raising questions over the status of the borough's wastewater discharge permit, citing years of alleged...
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Kane Chamber names Debbie Wensel, UPMC Kane Hospital as 2025 Citizen and Business of the Year
KANE, Pa. – The Kane Area Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the recipients of its most prestigious annual honors, naming Debbie Wensel as the 2025 Citizen of the Year and UPMC Kane Hospital as the 2025 Business of the Year. The awards serve...
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Local infrastructure receives $2.2 million in state funding
HARRISBURG — Local lawmakers announced Tuesday that over $2.2 million in state grants have been greenlit for vital infrastructure projects across Cameron, Mckean, and Potter counties, bringing much-needed relief to municipal budgets and local...
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Fatal structure fire claims three lives in James City
JAMES CITY — A devastating structure fire broke out in James City early Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of three community members. Highland Township Fire Chief Leo Geibel reported that the blaze, located on Massachusetts Avenue, was...
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From history to harvest: 1,000-pound butter sculpture transformed into renewable energy
Harrisburg, Pa. (January 18, 2026) – With the closing of the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show, the 35th butter sculpture, “A Toast to Our Nation's 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers,” will be deconstructed, and the butter will be...
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Art in the Wilds opens its call for artists
Art in the Wilds, Kane's award-winning summer art show, has issued its invitation to artists and artisans to apply to participate in this year's show. This year will mark the 20th anniversary for the show which last year was named The Pennsylvania...
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Kaffe Sol preserves heritage in the heart of the PA Wilds
MOUNT JEWETT — In an era where life moves at the breakneck speed of a fiberoptic cable, the borough of Mount Jewett offers a rare commodity: a place where time actually slows down. For locals and weary travelers alike, stepping into Kaffe Sol feels...
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Garrity calls for a 'Rural Health Care Emergency' following Warren General's maternity closure
PENNSYLVANIA – Warren General Hospital recently announced the closure of its maternity ward and the end of labor and delivery services, a decision that has sparked a sharp response from Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. In a statement addressing...
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Mckean County Students shine among regional peers at Ideas Innovations Fair
ST. MARYS – Students in second through eighth grade from schools throughout the IU9 showed off their creativity on Thursday morning at St. Marys Area High School during this year’s Ideas Innovations Fair. St. Marys Area Gifted-support Teacher Jamie...
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The Little Black Egg: Where the past is reimagined
KANE – In an effort to bring the vibrant stories of our community back into the spotlight, The Little Black Egg, a local fixture, proves that even a familiar storefront can hold a world of surprises. Located at 14 Greeves Street, the shop has been a...
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Mount Jewett Council discusses ethics warnings and volunteer shortages
MOUNT JEWETT – The January 5, Mount Jewett Borough Council meeting opened with a sharp warning regarding potential ethics violations, followed by an urgent mayoral plea for community volunteerism. Council member John Hayduk issued a formal statement...
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Kushequa Union Church boosts Kane VFD radio fund with $1,000 donation
KANE — The Kushequa Union Church has stepped forward to support local first responders with a recent $1,000 donation to the Kane Volunteer Fire Department. The funds are designated to help the department overcome a critical equipment shortage as they...
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Trump says U.S. ‘will run’ Venezuela during transition after capture of President Maduro
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States will “run the country” of Venezuela until “a proper transition can take place,” following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a strike against the South American...
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Mckean County adopts 2026 budget with no tax increase
The Mckean County Commissioners, including Chair Thomas Kreiner, Marty Wilder, and Carol Duffy, recently convened for their biweekly meeting to conduct official business. During the session, the board approved several agenda items, most notably a...
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A new beginning for Mount Jewett: Mayor Kelly Barr Hughes takes office
SMETHPORT – On Monday, the halls of the Mckean County Courthouse echoed with the solemn promises of public service as Kelly Barr Hughes officially took the oath of office to become the Mayor of Mount Jewett Borough. Hughes was among approximately 40...
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Mckean County officials take oaths of office; Judge Pavlock emphasizes value of service
SMETHPORT – In a ceremony steeped in tradition and civic duty, President Judge John H. Pavlock presided over the swearing-in of approximately 40 newly elected and re-elected officials on Monday, marking a formal "new beginning" for local...
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Bumble brings big smiles and hugs to Lutheran Home at Kane
KANE – The Abominable Snow Monster usually has a reputation for being a bit "chilly," but for the residents of the Lutheran Home at Kane, a recent visit from the holiday character brought nothing but warmth and laughter. Local resident Shawn Beimel...
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Kane Area United Fund holds 8th annual Christmas Crawl
KANE – Last Saturday, the Kane Area United Fund (KAUF) hosted its 8th annual "Christmas Crawl with Santa" throughout the Kane Business District. This event offered many local residents the opportunity to travel throughout Kane for a fun night of...
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Santa's Reindeer Receive Clean Bill of Health for Special Deliveries Across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve
Hershey, PA – Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg, and Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger joined Santa Claus and his magical team of nine reindeer at Hersheypark to...
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Kane Elementary hosts Christmas Open House and Kindergarten Concert
Kane – The Kane Elementary School hosted its Winter Open House and Kindergarten Concert on Wednesday, December 17, with the open house in the elementary school hallways and the Kindergarten Christmas Concert in the Kane Elementary/middle School...
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Kane VFW Post 1132 honors local veterans with annual Christmas visit
Members of the King David Post 1132 Kane VFW continued a heartfelt holiday tradition this past Sunday with a visit to the veterans at the Lu- theran Home at Kane. The group arrived with Christmas presents in hand, but their primary mission was to...
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2025 Big Buck Contest Winners
Thursday night, The Ridgway Record, The Daily Press, and The Kane Republican sponsored the 21st Annual Big Buck Contest at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall. Here are the firstplace prize winners. Brady Bouch won the adult contest. Bouch is 22 years old and...
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