The Daily Press
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Photo by Aimee Coder Pictured is a view of the blaze from North Broad Street. Photo by Dan Swanson Pictured are the two homes destroyed by fire early Sunday morning on North Rock St. from Florence St. view.
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Elk County Salvation Army becomes part of My Work Initiative
For The Elk County Salvation Army became part of the My Work initiative this year through the collaboration of Elcam and the Of ce of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)DuBois. The My Work initiative empowers youth, builds communities and allows the...
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St. Marys Farmers and Artisans Market begins July 11
ST. MARYS – The opening bell for this year’s St. Marys Farmers and Artisans Market will sound at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, ushering in another summer season of fresh produce, baked goods, and a variety of other items being sold in the municipal...
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ECC’s Matthew Gilmore earns all-state baseball honors
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Catholic Crusader baseball team had a banner year, reaching the PIAA 1A Western Final and nishing with a 20-4 record. A big part of the team’s run was junior pitcher/ shortstop Matthew Gilmore, and Gilmore was recently...
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Storm causes noteworthy flooding in downtown St. Marys
ST. MARYS – Heavy rain impacted the St. Marys area just after 6:30 p.m. Monday evening, resulting in ooding and a variety of other storm damage throughout the community and surrounding area. According to local historian Ray Beimel, who was out...
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“Celebrate Our Freedom” event held at Fox Towship Park on Friday celebrating 250 Years of the USA
There was plenty of fun activities and yummy food to be had on Friday at the Fox Township Park during the “Celebrate Our Freedom” event to celebrate the 250 of the United States of America.
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Elk County Tool and Die celebrates 30 years in business
Photo by Becky Polaski Photo by Becky Polaski
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Youngsters beat the heat at Inner Park Day
ST. MARYS – The Crystal Fire Department helped local youngsters beat the heat during Inner Park Day on Wednesday morning, bringing an engine and tanker to Benzinger Park to cool off participants. According to City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation...
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Summer Elk Camp offers fun learning experience for youngsters
BENEZETTE – Gathered around a table in the Parker Outdoor Classroom at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette on Tuesday morning, a group of youngsters munched on apple slices and beef jerky while looking at a black bear skull and discussing the...
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St. Marys celebrates America’s independence
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Fireworks Celebration on Saturday evening, with festivities taking place at Shawmut Park in downtown St. Marys followed by a reworks display that was set off from Kaulmont Park. The...
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Sunshine Brigade unveils new mural
ST. MARYS – Members of the Sunshine Brigade’s Brushes of Compassion program unveiled their new mural at the Penn Highlands Adult Day Center on Friday afternoon. The Sunshine Brigade is held through the St. Marys Public Library and is under the...
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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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Community invited to opening reception for Group Art Exhibition at Gallery 29 on Friday
ST. MARYS – The opening reception for the Group Art Exhibition featuring the work of seven area artists is set to be held on Friday evening at Gallery 29 in downtown St. Marys, and the community is invited and encouraged to attend. The opening...
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‘A DDCC Showcase’ taking place tonight at SMAHS
ST. MARYS – DDCC, the April School of Dance competition team, will be holding their Season 15 showcase, “A DDCC Showcase,” tonight at St. Marys Area High School’s Carpin Auditorium. Community members are encouraged to attend the free performance. Doors...
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Peyton Wendel finishes atop podium in Freshman Boys’ Javelin Throw at New Balance Outdoor Nationals
PHILADELPHIA – While Peyton Wendel recently wrapped up his freshman year at St. Marys Area High School, his nal sporting event as a freshman took place over the weekend when he competed in the Freshman Boys’ Javelin Throw at the New Balance Outdoor...
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Greyson Meyer helps Pennsylvania Blue win Men’s Freestyle Championship at 2026 USA Wrestling 16U National Duals
FARMINGTON, UTAH – Last weekend was a monumental one for local wrestler Greyson Meyer, who will be entering his sophomore year at St. Marys Area High School this fall. Meyer competed as a member of the Pennsylvania Blue team in the Men’s Freestyle...
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Plenty of opportunities available this summer for community members to learn about pickleball
ST. MARYS – In conjunction with the City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department, the St. Marys Pickleball Association is offering a variety of opportunities for individuals of all ages to grow their love of the sport this summer. On Mondays,...
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St. Marys City Council passes resolution accepting the resignation of City Manager Joe Fleming, Mayor Garner recognizes his service to the city
ST. MARYS- The St. Marys City Council passed resolution No.26-14, accepting the resignation of City Manager Joe Fleming and approving his separation agreement at Monday’s council meeting. Fleming said he has had the distinct honor of serving as the...
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ECCOTA Summer Theater Camp brings magic of ‘Seussical, Jr.’ to the stage
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Council on the Arts’ Summer Theater Camp performed “Seussical, Jr.” on Friday evening at St. Marys Area High School’s Carpin Auditorium, drawing in a sizable crowd for the show. The performance wrapped up the weeklong camp...
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SMAHS Music Department held annual awards night
ST. MARYS – Prior to the end of the school year, the SMAHS Music Department held their Annual Music Department Banquet and Awards Night. During this event, the department honored students in grades 6-12 who were members of the Marching Band, Indoor...
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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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Community holds 181st Annual Corpus Christi Procession
ST. MARYS – St. Marys held its 181st Annual Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday afternoon, with warm temperatures and abundant sunshine prevailing for the event. St. Marys was founded in 1842, and the rst Corpus Christi process was held just three...
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Joseph Geci served as Cadet Class Speaker as he joined PSP ranks
MANHEIM – Last month, the Pennsylvania State Police held a graduation ceremony for 69 new troopers who were members of the 175th Cadet Class at LCBC Manheim. As part of that ceremony, the graduates chose a speaker from amongst their ranks to represent...
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The U.S. Flag Coin celebrates 250 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Photo by Becky Polaski
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April School of Dance ‘Taking It Back To The 80’s’ Friday and Saturday
ST. MARYS – April School of Dance is “Taking It Back To The 80’s” this weekend with their annual show at St. Marys Area High School’s Carpin Auditorium. Performances will be held on Friday and Saturday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the curtain at 7...
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SMAHS students recognized for accomplishments, post-graduation pathways
ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area High School Assistant Principal Amanda Vollmer addressed members of the Class of 2026 during their Commencement Program on Friday evening at St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Country Stadium, recognizing students for what...
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Library holds Summer Reading Program Kickoff
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Public Library held its Summer Reading Program Kickoff on Saturday, offering activities for all ages from 9:30 a.m. until noon. R. E. Kurz, author of “The Fall of Linda Waters” was on hand for the event, and there were also...
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Dangerous Hunts: Elk county native’s experience hunting turkeys, other game worldwide
Elk County native Scott Gnan has had a proli c experience in the hunting world, harvesting game in a wide variety of places world wide, some in less than safe circumstances. Gnan said he has Elk county roots, growing up in Johnsonburg, his father...
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Arson charges filed in relation to Cameron County fire
CAMERON COUNTY – Arson charges have been led in relation to a cabin re that occurred in Cameron County earlier this month. According to a criminal complaint led at the of ce of Magisterial District Judge Barry D. Brown in Emporium, Michael David Post,...
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Pope Leo XIV receives Saint Vincent College leaders at the Vatican
LATROBE – Saint Vincent College President Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’91, PhD, and Saint Vincent Seminary Rector Very Rev. Edward Mazich, O.S.B., S’98, were personally received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on May 13, 2026, at the Vatican. The...
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Honorees recognized during Memorial Day Program
ST. MARYS – The Grand Marshal, Honorary Grand Marshal, and Of cer of the Day for Monday’s Memorial Day Program held at Shawmut Park in St. Marys all received special recognition from Stephen Bagley, who served as master of ceremonies for the...
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Elk County Catholic High School celebrates Class of 2026
ST. MARYS – Elk County Catholic High School celebrated the 41 members of its senior class on Sunday afternoon, with a Baccalaureate Mass and followed by a graduation ceremony. Elk County Catholic School System President Ted Hanes welcomed attendees to...
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LOOK FOR MORE INSIDE
State Sen. Cris Dush hosted local students at Pennsylvania Capitol
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Memorial Day plans finalized
ST. MARYS – The American Legion Post 103 Memorial Day Committee has announced completed plans for the annual observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. The day’s activities will begin with graveside services by St. Marys American Legion Post...
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SMAHS holds Senior Class Award Ceremony
ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area High School held its annual Senior Class Award Ceremony on Monday evening, recognizing students who received scholarships or awards as they wrap up their high school careers and head off to post-secondary education. St....
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Eric Wolfe honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area School District Superintendent Dr. Harley Ramsey described the resume of Eric Wolfe as being a “How to become an Elk County legend” starter course during the St. Marys Area School District’s Community Impact Awards, where...
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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 on Friday for a service commemorating their dedication in the line of duty. Peace Of cers Memorial Day occurs every May 15 during National Police Week....
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Elk County Junior Envirothon provides a learning experience for middle school students
BENEZETTE – The Elk County Junior Envirothon was held at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette on Wednesday with six teams made up of roughly 30 middle school students from St. Marys Area and ECC participating in the 12th annual event. Elk...
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ECCSS students hold Spring Band Concert
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Catholic School System held its Spring Band Concert on Wednesday evening in the Elk County Catholic High School auditorium, with members of both the Elementary Concert Band and HS/ MS Concert Band showcasing their...
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SMASD support staff honored with Golden Key Award
ST. MARYS – Members of the St. Marys Area School District’s support staff were honored with the Golden Key Award during the district’s Community Impact Awards. St. Marys Area School District Assistant Superintendent Chrissy Kuhar presented the award to...
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Elementary Art Show highlights students’ work
ST. MARYS – Over 100 students in third through fth grade at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School had their artwork featured in the St. Marys Catholic Elementary Art Show, which was held at Gallery 29 in downtown St. Marys on Thursday evening. St....
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Community partners celebrated through Stronger Together Education Award
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Area School District’s second annual Community Impact Awards celebrated individuals and entities from throughout the community that have a positive impact on the St. Marys Area School District. The second award presented...
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SMASD Music Departments hold A Spring Choral Celebration
Photo by Becky Polaski St. Marys Area High School Choir member Jacob Pociask is shown performing “The Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera” during A Spring Choral Celebration on Wednesday evening. By Becky Polaski Staff Writer ST. MARYS –...
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SMASD Board hears about Dutch Sports Performance during short workshop meeting
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Area School District’s Board of Directors held a brief workshop meeting on Tuesday evening, with the bulk of the time being taken up by a presentation by Mike Kunes on the Dutch Sports Performance program he wants the district...
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All-state honors a worthy accolade for ECC junior Chase Simbeck
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Catholic Crusaders ended their 2025-2026 campaign in the PIAA Class 1A Western Final with a loss to District 7 champion The Neighborhood Academy. A big part of ECC’s 27-3 run was junior Chase Simbeck, and he was recently...
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SMA dance team adds another banner to collection
ST. MARYS – The sound of sirens and honking horns lled the area around 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening as members of St. Marys Area’s dance team, drumline, and color guard were welcomed home with a parade from area emergency responders to celebrate the dance...
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Diabetic senior cat seeking new home
ST. MARYS – While Bootsie, a 12-year-old tortoiseshell cat, has not been at the Elk County Humane Society as long as some of the other animals that currently call the shelter home, she has special health needs that make her harder to place than her...
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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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SMA drumline making use of “The Do Over Button”
ST. MARYS – “The Do Over Button” is the name of the St. Marys Area drumline’s 2026 routine, and it has made for a fun and creative concept for members of the team to consider. “It is based on the idea that we all have times that we wish we could go...
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SMA color guard living in a Barbie world
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Area color guard is living in a Barbie world this season with their “Hi Barbie” routine. “My inspiration came from a song called ‘Barbie World,’” said St. Marys Area color guard director Autumn Brouse. “I rst heard this song...
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SMA Dance Team Red ready to ‘Drop the Puck’
ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area Dance Team Red is ready to “Drop the Puck” at the 54th TIA Atlantic Coast Championships in Wildwood, NJ later this week with speci c goals on their to-do list. “We are aiming to break a score of 90 and defend our title as...
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ECCHS inducts 11 students into National Honor Society
ST. MARYS – Elk County Catholic High School recently inducted 11 students into the National Honor Society during a ceremony celebrating scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Students are evaluated through an application process that includes...
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DDCC Wins Big At Starquest
DDCC, the competitive company of April School of Dance in St. Mary’s attended their third regional of season 15, StarQuest, in Buffalo April 10-12. Twenty ve dancers raging from ages 6 to 18 from St. Mary’s, Ridgway, Wilcox, and Kane comprise the...
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Annual cleanup helps beautify downtown St. Marys on Earth Day
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Heritage Preservation Group held its annual Downtown Cleanup on Wednesday morning, with individuals from throughout the community joining in to help make the event another success. Volunteers gathered in the municipal parking...
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St. Marys Police Chief K. Michael Shaffer announces officer promotions at City Council meeting
ST.MARYS-St. Marys Police Chief K.Michael Shaffer announced several of cer promotions at Monday night’s city council meeting. Chief Shaffer the goal of the police department is to be a force of positive growth in the community, making it a place...
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Fishing Derby draws young anglers to Benzinger Park
ST. MARYS – The City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department held its 3rd Annual Fishing Derby at Benzinger Park on Sunday morning. While temperatures dropped into the 30s and 40s for the event, the sh were biting and numerous youngsters were on...
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SMAHS holds annual participatory budgeting election
Staff Writer ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area High School’s Student Government held their annual participatory budgeting election on Friday, with Elk County Director of Elections and Voter Registration Kimberly Frey once again on hand to assist with the...
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SMAHS hosts FFA CDE Competition
ST. MARYS – St. Marys Area High School hosted the area FFA CDE Competition on Thursday, with FFA students from St. Marys Area, Brockway, and Redbank Valley competing in a variety of events. St. Marys Area FFA Advisor Gage McCabe explained that it was...
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Community volunteers help clean up Jackson Road
Over twenty participants helped clean up Jackson Road and a portion of West Creek Road in St. Marys on April 11. The group was represented by students from both St. Marys Area Schools and Elk County Catholic Schools, parents, friends of Jackson Road,...
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SMAHS students hear about Thumbs Down to Bullying endeavor
ST. MARYS – Freshmen and sophomores at St. Marys Area High School heard about the Thumbs Down to Bullying initiative on Tuesday morning during a presentation by local author and artist John Schlimm, the Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron...
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St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail holds annual banquet
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail held their annual banquet on Sunday evening at Dream View in St. Marys. St. Marys Servicement’s Detail Honorary President Thomas Jesberger acted as the master of ceremonies for the evening and noted that...
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SMAMS eighth graders learn about career opportunities
ST. MARYS – Eighth graders at St. Marys Area Middle School learned about potential career opportunities in their areas of interest during the school’s annual career day event on Thursday afternoon. St. Marys Area Middle School guidance counselor Molly...
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Straub Brewery’s Trout Tagging Program still going strong
ST. MARYS – With shing season underway, as anglers take to area waterways, they once again have the opportunity to reel in more than just a nice sh. Straub Brewery’s Trout Tagging Program has returned for another year, giving anglers age 21 or older a...
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$1.50 St. Marys Area’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie” was well attended
Photo by Becky Polaski Photo by Becky Polaski
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SMCES students take community Walking with Jesus
ST. MARYS – In the leadup to Easter, students in third through fth grade at St. Marys Catholic Elementary School invited the community to Queen of the World Church for a presentation of Walking with Jesus, an event that consisted of Stations of the...
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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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Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania and St. Marys Chamber of Commerce hold ribbon cutting for Mobile Pa Careerlink
ST. MARYS - Workforce Solutions for North Central Pennsylvania and the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting today for the Mobile Pa Careerlink Unit on Wednesday at the Red Fern in St. Marys. Pam Streich, Executive Director for...
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Mini THON exceeds $30,000 fundraising goal
ST. MARYS – The results are in, and St. Marys Area Middle School students surpassed their $30,000 fundraising goal at Tuesday’s Mini THON, raising a total of $36,635.45 for Four Diamonds to support the ght against pediatric cancer. St. Marys Area...
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Inaugural Community Night Kick-Off draws a crowd to St. Marys Area Middle School
ST. MARYS – The inaugural Community Night Kick-Off for St. Marys Area Middle School’s Mini THON was well attended on Monday evening, drawing in a sizable crowd of community members to see more about what Mini THON is all about. St. Marys Area Middle...
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PGC details plans for elk management in Benezette area
BENEZETTE – State Representative Mike Armanini hosted a public meeting related to the elk population in the Benezette area on Thursday evening in the Clemens Outdoor Classroom at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. The meeting drew well over a...
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Mini-THON Community Kick-Off happening Monday at SMAMS
ST. MARYS – While Mini-THON has taken place at St. Marys Area Middle School for several years to support the ght against childhood cancer, a new event will be held in conjunction with this year’s fundraiser. On Monday, March 30, St. Marys Area Middle...
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‘Bye Bye Birdie’ opens tonight at SMAHS
ST. MARYS – The cast and crew of St. Marys Area High School’s spring musical, “Bye Bye Birdie,” are set to transport audiences back to the late 1950s during a series of performances that open tonight and will continue through Saturday in the St. Marys...
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‘Thumbs Down to Bullying’ tour kicks off
ST. MARYS – Tuesday morning was the kickoff of the “Thumbs Down to Bullying” tour, which is the latest collaborative effort between students in St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Manufacturing Program, local artist and author John Schlimm, and the...
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