Ridgway Record
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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Contentious public hearing held at Jone Township regarding solar ordinance
JONES TWP.-On Tuesday, May 5th at 7 p.m., a Public Hearing was held at the Jones Township Community Center. The purpose of this hearing was to hear questions and concerns from Township taxpayers regarding the Large Scale Solar Electric Facility...
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“Legacy of Corruption” to be filmed in Johnsonburg
JOHNSONBURG“Legacy of Corruption” will begin filming in September, and it will be filmed right here in Johnsonburg. The film, directed by Cody Knotts, is based off of the events surrounding and leading up to the murders of Fredrick Brilla and Martin...
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St.Leo's holds May Crowning
St. Leo School held its annual May Crowning on Friday, May 1. The May Crowning, held at St. Leo Magnus Church during their 8:30am Mass, has been a tradition at SLS for decades and honors the Blessed Mother during the month of May, which in the Catholic...
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From Troia to Ridgway: A Journey Across Generations
Ridgway has long been shaped by the Italian immigrants who arrived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By 1920 over 4 million had immigrated to America primarily from Southern Italy and Sicily seeking economic opportunity and escaping poverty, political...
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St. Marys Area team wins 23rd Annual Elk County Envirothon
BENEZETTE – Over 50 high school students from throughout the county descended upon the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette on Wednesday for the 23rd Annual Elk County Envirothon. Students from three out of the four area high schools made up the 11...
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Ridgway TWP passes data center amendment
RIDGWAY – The Ridgway Township Supervisors met Tuesday for their monthly meeting. At the meeting they passed Resolution No. 5-2026, a curative amendment regarding data center applications. While the Township continues to research and draft an...
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"Legacy of Corruption" holding casting call in Johnsonburg
Local talent is being sought for the upcoming feature film, Legacy of Corruption! Join us for an open casting call on May 4 at the Johnsonburg Community Trust. Inspired by Washington County's most infamous murder of the past quarter center, the Prices...
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One last look at the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous
BROCKWAY-The job training program, provided at no cost to students, included seven weeks of classroom learning and clinical laboratory rotations with Penn Highlands Healthcare locations throughout the region. Students enrolled in the Accelerated...
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Carvers get creative in the rain
Chainsaw Jenna Whiting and husband Ben Whiting pose behind one of Chainsaw Jenna’s carvings. Chainsaw Jenna is the daughter of carvers Tom and Dawna Ceriani of T & D Carvings in Brockport. Chainsaw Jenna has carved to promote exciting movies such as...
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Chainsaw Rendezvous attracts large crowd
RIDGWAY, Pa. – The Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous continues at the Ridgway Mills Campground. The event had to resort to street parking from the large number of visitors. With temperatures as high as 78 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes necessary for...
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Rendezvous opens in warm sunshine
RIDGWAY – The Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous opened Wednesday to sunshine and highs of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. 130 carvers and numerous vendors are hard at work at the Ridgway Mills Campground, producing fine craftwork to be admired by the expected 30,000...
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Community Trust, Brick Block Businesses hold Earth Day activities
JOHNSONBURGThe Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) and the businesses at the Brick Block are holding numerous Earth Day activities throughout the month as part of their rejuvenation efforts. Inspired by the West Penn Energy Fund's mission to promote...
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Carvers set up at Ridgway Mills
RIDGWAY – The Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous starts Wednesday at 10 a.m., at the Ridgway Mills Campground. With 30,000 visitors expected over the four-day event, preparations are well underway at the Campground. Ridgway Mills will host about 130...
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CHAInsAw CArvErs REnDEzvous to wElComE 30,000 vIsItors to RIDGwAy
RIDGWAY – The Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous will soon draw an expected 30,000 tourists to Ridgway. Over 130 carvers from around the world will rev up their chainsaws at the Ridgway Mills Campground. Carvers from more than 22 countries have come to the...
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Helping Hands Food Pantry prepares for April distribution
JOHNSONBURG – The Helping Hands Food Pantry prepared boxes of food weighing 45 pounds for this month’s food bank. Every third Thursday of the month, Helping Hands volunteers gather the tons of food they receive from grocery stores, individuals,...
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Matt Frank joins School Board
RIDGWAY-Matt Frank was elected a member of the Ridgway Area School District (RASD) Board of Directors at the regular meeting Tuesday evening. This followed the resignation of Johna Holtz, who was recognized for her 18 years as a board member. The...
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Sam’s Shopping Spree
RIDGWAY - Yesterday Sam and Carol Plyler filled up two carts in their Shopping Spree at Elk County Foods. Sam Plyler won the drawing last week held by the Ridgway Rotary Club. He grabbed $1,297.30 worth of groceries for only the price of the Rotary...
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Wild game, wild growth: The Sherry Family Charitable Association gives back $22,000 to the community
Sometimes, the organizations making the biggest impact in our communities are the ones flying just under the radar. For the Sherry Family Charitable Association, a deep commitment to Elk County and a unique annual tradition have quietly transformed a...
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Bike trail groundbreaking held at Sandy Beach
HARRISBURG- – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh today announced the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season has been extended from April 10 to May 8. As of late March, LIHEAP has helped...
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DDCC Rocks The Stage At Encore DCS
DDCC, the competitive company of April School of Dance in St. Mary’s attended their second regional of season 15, Encore DCS, in Lancaster March 20-22. Twenty five dancers raging from ages 6 to 18 from St. Mary’s, Ridgway, Wilcox, and Kane comprise the...
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25 Years Strong: Looking Back, Moving Forward
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). CAPSEA (Citizens Against Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse) is honoring 25 years of supporting survivors, raising awareness, and inspiring action to prevent sexual assault. This year's theme is 25...
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Elk County Commissioners proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention month, honor CYS Fiscal Technician Supervisor on her retirement after 33 years
RIDGWAY – At the last commissioners meeting, the Elk County Commissioners honored longtime CYS Fiscal Technician Supervisor Helen Marzella on her retirement, while also proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Commissioner M. Fritz Lecker...
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Good Friday Cross Walk
Yesterday all the churches in Ridgway hosted a Cross Walk to commemorate the Passion of Jesus. Good Friday marks the anniversary of Jesus’s crucifixion. Christians honor Jesus’s sacrifice by carrying a cross around town, stopping occasionally to...
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Former Spirit reporter takes over as editor in Ridgway and St. Marys
ST. MARYS — The Punxsutawney Spirit bided farewell to their Brookville reporter, Justin Felgar, last week as he has accepted the position as the managing editor of the Ridgway Record and St. Mary’s Daily Press and began work there this week. The...
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Community Cross Walk
Tomorrow, Good Friday, the Community Cross Walk will start at 10:30 a.m. It will begin and end in the St. Leo’s Church parking lot. The walk through town will remember the journey of Jesus to the cross.
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Perfect weather for egg hunt
The Easter Egg Hunt at the Johnsonburg Community Center attracted almost 100 children aged 0-12. The free Sunday event occurred at 11 a.m. The children found 3,000 eggs filled with candy.
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Know Your Neighbor: Mel Correll
Mel Correll is plugged into the Ridgway community in a variety of ways. Having spent his life in communications, Correll finds no difficulty speaking in front of people. From church ministry to community theater, Correll knows how to capture an...
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Hop and Shop today
Today Ridgway businesses will feature “eggcellent” specials and “eggciting” menus for the Easter holiday. While shops and restaurants sell Easter-themed items, Awakening Alliance Church is holding an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. at the Fireman's lot,...
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Library starts Peep-les Choice Award
The peep dioramas have been handed into the Ridgway Public Library. Children put together marshmallow peep dioramas of stories they have read to be voted on in the Library from now until Thursday, April 2. You can view the dioramas in the Library and...
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The Treatment Plant keeping the Clarion alive
Just south of the old Holy Cross Church in Brandy Camp is a treatment plant that keeps the Clarion River alive. The L. Eugene Smith Blue Valley Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Plant and Fish Culture Station is the result of over 50 years of work to revive...
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“Hadestown” dedicated to the cast of “Spamalot”
Last week Ridgway High School (RHS) presented “Hadestown” from March 19 – 22. One of the biggest productions directed by Jason Phipps, “Hadestown” consisted of 35 cast and crew, six or seven adult volunteers, and a large set using a smoke machine, a...
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Trash Train Company Takes New Unwelcome Approach RHS performs "Hadestown"
over yet, folks! Nobel Environmental subsidiary, Lampwrights, is now seeking a new way to transport garbage/ trash to the Greentree Landfill in Kersey, Fox Township, Elk County according to a news story presented by a WJCA TV anchor, during the evening...
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