Ridgway Record
Johnsonburg students complete first day of school
Johnsonburg students completed their first day of school yesterday. "It was a great day," Elementary Principal Dr. Ray Kelly said. "The day was good," said High School Principal Rachelle Kastner, "I'm excited to start the next adventure." Teachers...
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Tuesday Crew Spotlight: John McAlee
JOHNSONBURGJohn McAlee found a way to help the Johnsonburg Community after his retirement by joining the Tuesday Crew, specifically the paint crew. McAlee said he retired from being a plant manager in oil recycling, also previously working at the...
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American Spirit Aviation Festival draws a crowd to St. Marys Municipal Airport
ST. MARYS – Sunshine and blue skies made for a beautiful day for all things aviationrelated on Saturday, drawing a crowd to the St. Marys Municipal Airport for this year’s American Spirit Aviation Festival. Seth Hall, St. Marys Airport Authority...
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American Spirit Aviation Festival taking place Saturday
ST. MARYS – The American Spirit Aviation Festival will take place at St. Marys Municipal Airport on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a variety of things to see and do for attendees of all ages. The day's lineup of activities includes the Elk...
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Sun comes out and crowd gathers for Library Summer Concert
Though it rained for the better part of the day, by the time the Ridgway Public Library's Summer Concert started at 6 p.m., the sun was shining. A large crowd gathered to hear Dr. Paul Fehrenbach on the violin, Ed Schwer on the clarinet, and Rita...
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Jane Bryndel: A Life Well Built
The Ridgway High School Alumni Association will hold its annual celebration bash at the Ridgway Fire Hall on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. There, they will award the Distinguished Alumni Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. Jane Bryndel is this year's winner of...
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Ridgway High School Alumni Association 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring Diane Colgan
The Ridgway High School Alumni Association will hold its annual celebration bash at the Ridgway Fire Hall on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. There, they will award the Distinguished Alumni Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. Diane Colgan is the winner of this...
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Another successful Elk County Fair is in the books
KERSEY – And just like that, the Elk County Fair is over for another year. “It is hard to believe that the week has gone by,” said Elk County Fair President Jeremy Dorsey on Sunday morning. Sunday was pickup day for those who had exhibits at this...
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Elk County Fair Offers Food, Rides and Racing for Fairgoers
RIDGWAY — The Elk County Fair brought plenty of activity to the fairgrounds Thursday evening, with fairgoers enjoying rides, food, racing and the many sights and sounds that come with the annual event. The fair offered something for just about every...
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Equine Muscle Mania puts horse teams’ pulling abilities to the test
KERSEY – The Elk County Fair brought back Equine Muscle Mania for the second straight year, showcasing the pulling talents of horse teams from the local area and beyond during Wednesday evening's event at Al Dietz Track. There were both lightweight...
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Elk County Conservation District uses fair booth to educate about pollinators
KERSEY – Self-described by staff members as “the most fun tent at the Elk County Fair,” the Elk County Conservation District’s booth “Creatures of the Sun & Shadows” provides a fun learning opportunity for fair attendees of all ages. Elk County...
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Tuesday Crew Spotlight: Vern Konen
JOHNSONBURGThere is one crucial element to any construction project: logistical support. For the Tuesday Crew, this service is provided by Vern Konen. Konen said he organizes tools and equipment for the Tuesday Crew. He said he has being going through...
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Ridgway Fire Department responds to Sunday morning structure fire
RIDGWAY – An ECHO call went out to members of the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD), at 9:23 am Sunday morning, Aug.9, for a structure fire on Vernon Avenue, just below the Powell Avenue intersection, regarding a dwelling which was on fire with...
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Last week’s Battle of the Barrel raised $150 for Shop with a Hero
The funds go to Shop with a Hero, where police officers and firefighters buy Christmas gifts for children at Walmart.
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Firemen’s Carnival holds Special Olympics
Ridgway – The Firemen's Carnival continued yesterday with the Special Olympics from 1-3 p.m. The carnival's Special Olympics are not a sports competition. Rather, Penn Valley Shows opens the rides for people with disabilities free of charge. They,...
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Firemen's Carnival stays hot for third day
RIDGWAY - The Firemen's Carnival continued on its third day yesterday. Hot weather continued through the evening. People of all ages came to enjoy the food, rides, and try their luck at the raffles. Today, the Special Olympics will run from 1-3 p.m.,...
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Elk County Conservation District, Johnsonburg Little League team up to restore Knothole Park stream bank
JOHNSONBURGThe stream bank at the Johnsonburg Knothole Park has been getting some tlc lately thanks to the efforts of The Elk County Conservation District and Johnsonburg Little League. Elk County Conservation District Manager Kate Wehler said that...
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FirefigKters, Police, and BorougK duNe it out in Battle oI tKe Barrel
RIDGWAY – On Saturday, the Fire Dept., Police, and Borough Council donned helmets and visors for a Battle of the Barrel on Main St. Despite the best efforts of the police and a strong showing by the Borough Council, the Ridgway Fire Dept.,...
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DICkInson CEntEr RECoGnIzEs StAff SErvICE
ST. MARYS—Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), and their parent company Journey Health System, hosted an annual staff service awards celebration on July 30 at their main building in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. DCI's Executive Director Jim Prosper, was pleased to...
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Local Community Shakes Up Science at Ridgway Public Library Ice Cream Pop-Up
Who knew that three basic ingredients and five minutes of enthusiastic shaking were all it took to turn liquid cream into a delicious frozen dessert? Over 40 community members gathered this afternoon at the Ridgway Public Library for a special...
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What Wood Industry Changes Mean for Wildlife
FOX TOWNSHIPWildlife in North Central PA benefits from well-planned, sustainable wood harvests for society. But that wood harvest that is so important for our wildlife is highly dependent upon regional and global markets for the wood products grown...
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Heart of the Community: Community Heart and Soul Project seeking stories from community members to help Ridgway and Johnsonburg Communities
JOHNSONBURGCommunity members in Ridgway and Johnsonburg have the opportunity to tell their story and share their input on how to best help their communities via the Community Heart and Soul Project. Kylee Mader, Community Economic Development...
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American Ninja Warrior Jared Greer visits Ridgway for Glory Bound Festival
inspired by his appearances on American Ninja Warrior. They were a big hit with both youth and adults. One onlooker was amazed to see a boy run all the way to the top of a 14-ft. ramp.
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Forster sworn in as police officer
RIDGWAY- Darren Forster fulfilled his lifelong ambition to become a police officer yesterday afternoon. Reciting the oath with Mayor Ray Imhof, Forster was sworn in as a part-time officer in the Municipal Building. Forster will also serve as a...
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Local Teens Dive into Anatomy at Ridgway Public Library’s Science Seminar
RIDGWAY — Ten local teenagers recently gained hands-on medical experience during a free, two-day Teen Dissection Seminar in the Ridgway Public Library (RPL) ballroom. Led by Professor Orin James of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the...
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Ridgway TWP chooses new logos
RIDGWAY – After the vote at the America 250 celebration at Sandy Beach, the Township unveiled its new logos. Out of a total of 94 votes cast, logo 1 was chosen as the Township's main logo. Logo 3, however, will be used on the Township trucks because...
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Ridgway Farmer's Market enters third week; Music provided by J.B. Unplugged Disability and Senior Resource Expo has
ST. MARYS – The cafeteria at Elk County Catholic High School was a busy place on Tuesday morning as Rep. Mike Armanini and LIFT teamed up to host this year's Disability and Senior Resource Expo. The free event was held from 9 a.m. until noon, and it...
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Summer Parks Program a big hit with youth
RIDGWAY – The Summer Parks Program, a co-op among the Ridgway Area School District, Ridgway Borough, and Ridgway Township, concluded on July 9. The program runs each year after school lets out for summer break. This year, 300 children registered for...
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Retired K9 Nando receives final sendoff
ST. MARYS – A procession of emergency response vehicles silently made its way from the City of St. Marys Police Department in downtown St. Marys to the Elk County Veterinary Clinic in Fox Township just before 3 p.m. on Friday in honor of retired K9...
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Children hunt bugs at Library
Ridgway Public Library hosted a bug hunt yesterday afternoon. Under the instruction of Sarah Lyle, children learned about the different types of insects and arachnids they encounter in everyday life. In addition, Lyle brought her friend Frank, a...
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ECCOTA paints marbled fans after hours
RIDGWAY – The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) is holding free “Art After Hours” programs at the 237 Main St. Gallery every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Yesterday Katie DeCarli taught visitors how to paint marbled fans or flags. Two out of state...
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Kids Day at Farmer's Market
RIDGWAY - The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) Farmer's Market put the spotlight on youth talent yesterday. In addition to special children's activities and music for kids by Adam Brooks, youth vendors were given the chance to shine. Frankee...
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RFD responds to two alarm structure fire
RIDGWAY – Early Sunday morning, July 12, around 4 a.m., the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD), was called to the report of a structure fire in the 500 block of North Rock Street in the Borough, with flames showing. Upon arrival, it was noted two...
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Clarion River Outdoors opens for business
JOHNSONBURG – The remarkable work of the Tuesday Crew has brought another business to the Armstrong Brick Block. Clarion River Outdoors was “tied in” to the business community on Friday morning in a ceremony welcoming members of the Tuesday Crew, other...
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Elk County Commissioners receive update from 911 Department on Monday’s weather event
RIDGWAY- The Elk County Commissioners received an update from 911 Director Rose Anna Ehrensberger and QA Supervisor Terrie Covert on the extreme weather event in the county. Ehrensberger said at 2 p.m. on Monday afternoon, the National Weather service...
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Telephone display featured at the Elk County Historical Society
RIDGWAY – While the Elk County Historical Society is showcasing military uniforms and memorabilia until Veterans Day to celebrate America 250, their other displays remain up as usual. One of these is a collection of old telephones from throughout the...
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Johnsonburg Community Trust gearing up for the Brick Block Arts and Heritage Festival this weekend
residents will be treated to a weekend of music, arts, crafts, great food, and good times via the Johnsonburg Community Trust's Brick Block Arts and Heritage Festival. Johnsonburg Heritage Education and Welcome Center Curator Stephanie Distler said...
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RFD called out for mutual aid for flooding in the area, Elkland Search and Rescue called to help with flooded homes and roads.
RIDGWAY -At 8:52pm. Monday July 6, the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) was called out again for Mutual Aid to assist Crystal Fire Department with the serious flooding problem in their area. Also called to action to assist with the flooding...
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Copella remembers Letters From Home
RIDGWAY – At the Veterans Affairs Office in the Courthouse Annex, there is a display showing the awards Elk County received for its crucial role in starting the Letters From Home Program for deployed soldiers. Letters From Home ran from 2003-2012....
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Anchors Away! Ridgway Public Library's Lego club builds boats!
The Ridgway Public Library's LEGO Club found their sea legs on Wednesday by engaging in the LEGO Boat Challenge! The girls' party boat came out the winner, holding 100 gems. Every one had a great time staying cool in the Monsoon pool. The club will...
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Johnsonburg Girl Scouts engage in fun at Delgrosso's Amusement Park
Fireflies in the Forest Night Walk Friday July 3 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Celebrate America 250 with nature's natural firework display – fireflies! Learn about firefly species in PA, how they create that notable flash, and how you can support their...
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Elk County's America 250 Celebration a success at Sandy Beach Touch-A-Truck at Sandy Beach a success
County held a special celebration for America's 250th on Saturday at Sandy Beach, with residents treated to a wide variety of food and entertainment. The Great American Duck Race was a smash success, with Mindy Gasbarre having the first place duck...
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Elk County Ecumenical welcomes Allegheny Harmonizers to Ice Cream Social
RIDGWAY – The sun shone bright on Ridgway for the Elk County Ecumenical Ice Cream Social yesterday evening. The event took place on the Courthouse yard, with the Allegheny Harmonizers taking a prominent position on the steps to be seen and heard by all...
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‘Working, A Musical’ debuts tonight at SMAHS
ST. MARYS – Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) Summer Theater Camp participants have been busy throughout the week preparing for the production of “Working, A Musical,” which is set to take place tonight at 7 p.m. at St. Marys Area High School’s...
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Historical Society displays uniforms for America 250
RIDGWAY – The Elk County Historical Society is gearing up for America 250 with a summer display of uniforms and other war memorabilia. With items stretching back to the Civil War, the collection shows artifacts from each conflict since then. While...
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Swanson sworn in as police officer
RIDGWAY – Yesterday morning at the Municipal Building Erica Swanson was sworn in as a full-time police officer in the Ridgway Police Dept. She recently graduated from Indian University of Pa. Sworn in by Mayor Ray Imhof, Swanson recited the oath,...
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French, Indians, and Fawns: a day at Cook Forest
Editor's note: Enjoy this story from the Ridgway Record's Douglas Martonik on his adventures in Cook Forest. COOK FOREST – On June 13, Alexis Morris and I went to Cook Forest to watch the French and Indian War reenactment. Every year dozens of...
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Mighty Magic: Ridgway Teens participate in cooperative story telling with Ridgway Public Library’s Dungeons and Dragons club
RIDGWAY-Ever wanted to be a knight in shining armor? Or a dashing rogue slinking through the shadows? Perhaps a wizard with total command of the elements? Well, Ridgway area teens are afforded this very opportunity with the Ridgway Public Library’s...
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The Cell Phone ban: Nothing new at St. Leo School
RIDGWAY-The Pennsylvania House recently approved a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools across the state, the latest in a string of developments pointing to growing concerns about the impact that educational technology—particularly screens—is...
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Johnsonburg Community Center, Community Trust receive a visit from “The Energy Doctor”
JOHNSONBURGOn Monday and Tuesday, the Johnsonburg Community Center and the Johnsonburg Community Trust received a visit from “The Energy Doctor” Rhett Major, who provided education on energy efficiency. Joel Morrison, West Penn Energy Fund, said he...
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Strong storms ravage Elk County on Sunday
RIDGWAY - Not only did strong straightline winds toss trees around like tooth picks, but heavy rains cased some local creeks to flood and in one area a road was completely washed away. While Elk County was hit hard, so was Jefferson and Clearfield...
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Senior Junction celebrates birthdays
There will be a test session on Saturday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hallton Church, Evergreen Drive, in Ridgway. There is no charge, bring two forms of ID, one being a photo ID. All license classes will be given. The public is invited to come to...
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ECCOTA Summer Theater Camp performing ‘Seussical, JR.’ tonight
ST. MARYS – Imagine having one week to make an entire theatrical production come together. That is the challenge participants in the Elk County Council on the Arts' (ECCOTA) Summer Theater Camp faced this week, and all of their hard work culminates...
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RFD trains at Carnival Grounds
RIDGWAY – President and Captain Kevin Anstrom and firefighter Mike Assalone have put together a training schedule for the Ridgway Fire Department (RFD). Yesterday at the Carnival Grounds, the firefighters practiced rural water movement, using a...
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April School of Dance show shares 1980s’ nostalgia
ST. MARYS – Dancers took audiences on a journey back to the 1980s during April School of Dance’s show “Taking It Back To The 80’s,” which took place on Friday and Saturday in St. Marys Area High School’s Carpin Auditorium. With the two-day production...
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Legion vets share D-Day memorabilia
RIDGWAY – Today marks 82 years since DDay, June 6, 1944, when Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe from the grips of Nazi tyranny. “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade,” General Dwight D. Eisenhower told the...
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Great weather for Chamber Golf Scramble
The Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce held the 2026 Chamber Golf Scramble yesterday afternoon at the Ridgway Country Club. A total of 14 teams representing local commercial enterprises took to the green in bright sunshine and 80 degree...
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Summer with the Saints
School may be out for the summer, but students at St. Leo School are continuing to learn and grow in their Faith this June with a new summer camp: Celebrating with the Summer Saints! During the school year, St. Leo students learn about many Saints and...
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Tough spring for Ridgway’s blossoming trees
RIDGWAY – When Dr. Guillermo Udarbe was mayor, he planted many cherry blossom trees around Ridgway to beautify the town. The cherry blossoms and other blooming trees have had a tough spring. Cold temperatures, damp weather, and limited sunlight have...
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Ridgway Class of 2026 Graduates
RIDGWAY - Yesterday evening the Ridgway High School Class of 2026 graduated. Pleasant weather permitted the ceremony to be held outside in the football field above the High School. The 49 graduates donned their maroon and white gowns for the special...
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DDCC wins big at Legacy Dance Competition
DDCC, the competitive company of April School of Dance in St. Marys, attended their fourth and final regional of season 15, Legacy Dance Championships, in Youngstown, OH, April 25-26. Twenty-five dancers ranging from ages 6 to 18 from St. Marys,...
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St. Leo's Athletes Shine on Sports Day
On Tuesday, St. Leo School held their annual Sports Day. Students in Kindergarten through eighth grades participated in an end-of-the-year favorite where they played in many games and activities, had a tasty Walking Taco lunch put on by our fabulous...
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The Annual: A group of Johnsonburg friends celebrate 50 years of camaraderie
JOHNSONBURG- A group of friends and classmates from Johnsonburg have reached a milestone on May 16: celebrating 50 years of a little get-together they have out in the sticks that they have dubbed “The Annual”. Acording to Mark “Maya” Breakey, the...
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Could the Service have been any better?
WILCOX – The overcast sky on Memorial Day morning, opened up to a sunny bright blue, to help the people of Wilcox and neighboring communities not only celebrate, but to honor those who served their county on this the 250th anniversary of America. The...
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St.Leo's holds Preschool and Kindergarten graduation
St. Leo School celebrated their preschool graduation on Wednesday, May 20. The students received their diplomas in front of the audience, which consisted of their families, friends, and teachers. They began their program with the Pledge of Allegiance...
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Straub Brewery to host America 250 Keg Tapping Ceremony on June 4, county and PuniciSal officials invited
RIDGWAY- At Thursday’s meeting, the Elk County Commissioners heard from Catherine Lenze, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Public Relations, on Straub Brewery’s Keg Tapping Ceremony for their American Ale for the America 250 celebrations. The...
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Tim Thomas Rocket Launch held at FSG
RIDGWAY-Students at the Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary School held the Tim Thomas Rocket Launch Tuesday morning. Before the science project could begin, teacher Marcia Raubenstrauch welcomed everyone with a speech: “Welcome to our second annual Tim...
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Elinski promoted to Captain in the US Army
The Johnsonburg Area School District (JASD) Board of Education made arrangements for graduation and other preparations for the new school year at their meeting on May 13. The High School Graduation will be at 6 p.m. on May 29 at the High School,...
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Footlighters honor Cleaver for 51 years of involvement
ST. MARYS – At Thursday night’s showing of “Run for Your Wife,” The Footlighters of Elk County awarded a plaque to Jack Cleaver, President of the Board of Directors, for his 51 years of service and dedication to community theater. Footlighters Vice...
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Police honored at Awakening Alliance Church, local law enforcement observe National Police Week
RIDGWAY – The State and town police departments of Elk County gathered at Awakening Alliance Church yesterday morning for a service commemorating their dedication in the line of duty. Peace Officers Memorial Day occurs every May 15 during National...
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Honoring a Township Secretary who gave her all
JONES TOWNSHIP - Thirty-nine years ago, a young woman, Laurie Storrar, took the position as SecretaryTreasurer with Jones Township. Little did she or anyone else know at that time, she would hold that position for those many years, nor that she would...
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School Board passes budget, wraps up spring activities
The Ridgway Area School District (RASD) Board of Directors met Tuesday evening for their regular meeting. There they passed the 2026-2027 final budget, wrapped up May activities, and prepared for summer programs. The 2026-2027 budget is the same as...
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Fun activities happening at Senior Junction
In the 1950s, a WKBI radio program called 'StrikeIn/Strike Out' started and ended by MC Alan Streich. Senior Junction members were in awe recently as they gathered to enjoy the musical artistry of Mike Streich, Alan's cousin and husband of Diana,...
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St. Leo Fishing Derby attracts over 200 fishermen
RIDGWAY - Over 200 fishermen attended The St. Leo's School Fishing Derby on Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the 200 adults, 60 children particiapted in the derby. With 250 tagged fish to catch, and prize money ranging from $20 to $1,500, the derby...
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Red Cross collects 30 units at blood drive
RIDGWAY - The Red Cross collected 30 units of blood at the Fire Hall on N. Broad St. yesterday. A unit of blood is about a pint, with a slight variance depending on the weight of the donor and the type of donation. The Red Cross collected three types...
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May Return Day
RIDGWAY-The court went through a long list of defendants on the May 4 Return Day. The Hon. Shawn T. McMahon presided as District Attorney Beau Grove presented the defendants' pleas. William Cribb, 46, plead guilty to Possession with the Intent to...
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