The Daily Press
Retired FBI agent shares 9/11 experience
Annie Kirkland served as a Special Agent on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. She shares here memory of the event here. I grew up in Hallton (13 miles west of Ridgway) and relocated here in January 2023,...
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Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund awards $15,500 to support community projects
ST. MARYS – The Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund, administered by the Elk County Community Foundation, recently awarded $15,500 in grants to four organizations through its July 2026 grant cycle. The grants will support projects that...
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‘Super’ vision: A discussion with the team leading the St. Marys Area School District into the future
Photo by Becky Polaski
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The Elk County Community Fund awards $18,000 to local organizations
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Community Fund continues to invest in the organizations, volunteers and projects that make a difference in Elk County every day. During its most recent grant cycle, The Elk County Community Fund awarded $18,000 to three local...
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SMAHS graduates continuing involvement with music in college
ST. MARYS – Three of the St. Marys Area High School Music Department’s recent 2026 Graduates are attending music school this fall! Each one completed a successful application and audition to each of their schools last school year and recently moved to...
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Eagle Scout Project benefited Elkland Search and Rescue
ST. MARYS – When it came time for Evan Luckenbill to complete his Eagle Scout Project, he knew he wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact. Ultimately, he chose a project that would aid members of Elkland Search and Rescue. “My project...
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Annual fundraiser continues to spread awareness about brain aneurysms
FOX TWP. – Kristy’s Krystal Klean Kars in Fox Township will be holding its 4th Annual Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday to raise for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, and the hope is that community support will help the business reach its $10,000...
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Bishop Persico presides over Mass celebrating 150th anniversary of Sacred Heart Church
ST. MARYS – A special Mass held in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Sacred Heart Church was held on Sunday afternoon, and The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L., Bishop of Erie, was on hand for the occasion. “I’m delighted to be with you...
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SSMSES had a wonderful first day of school
The 2026-2027 school year officially got underway on Thursday, and South St. Marys Street Elementary School had a wonderful first day of school, according to Principal Pamela Yeager. “It was exciting to welcome our students back into the building and...
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Children’s book fostering endeavor going well at library
ST. MARYS – The endeavor to nd “foster homes” for the St. Marys Public Library’s collection of children’s books got underway on Monday, and St. Marys Public Library Director Leslie Swope estimated that, as of early Thursday afternoon, roughly half of...
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Fr. Eric Vogt Memorial Fund Supports Local Special Olympics Following Annual Golf Tournament
The family of Fr. Eric Vogt is continuing his legacy of caring for others through the annual Fr. Eric Vogt Memorial Golf Tournament. This year proceeds from the tournament helped provide a $500 grant to Special Olympics of Elk and Cameron Counties...
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St. Marys Community Pool had a successful summer season
ST. MARYS – It was the summer season that almost did not happen. Following a community effort after plans were initially unveiled to not open the St. Marys Community Pool this summer, repairs and improvements were made and the pool was able to of -...
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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 aviation-related 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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Mural removed as part of effort to revitalize downtown area
ST. MARYS – Those passing through downtown St. Marys may have noticed that the area of the bell tower has looked a bit different recently. On Monday, Aug. 10, through an endeavor spearheaded by members of the St. Marys Heritage Preservation Group, the...
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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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Kersey man survives medical ordeal, now reaches out to help others
KERSEY- David Hollobaugh Jr., of Kersey, has fought his way back to health against seemingly impossible odds, and now sees his purpose in life as reaching out to help others in their life journey. He said, “Sometimes the things that seem like the...
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Elk County Humane Society participates in Animal Days at Tractor Supply
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Humane Society had a busy weekend, which included taking part in a two-hour “Animal Days” event at Tractor Supply on Saturday. Elk County Humane Society Fundraising Chairperson June Glass described “Animal Days” as being a...
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Another successful Elk County Fair is in the books
Photo by Becky Polaski Photo by Justin Felgar
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Elk County Fair Offers Food, Rides and Racing for Fairgoers
Photos by Ben Pfingstler
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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 – Selfdescribed 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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Elk County Fair royalty crowned
KERSEY – The newest Elk County Fair royalty was crowned on Tuesday evening during the opening ceremony for this year’s event, which took place at the George A. Swanson Memorial Stage. The 2026 Elk County Fair Queen is Jaiden Mattivi, the Junior Queen...
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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 re on Vernon Avenue, just below the Powell Avenue intersection, regarding a dwelling which was on re with ames...
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Library receives emergency grant from Stackpole-Hall Foundation
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Public Library learned on Thursday evening that they will be receiving an emergency grant from the StackpoleHall Foundation to help cover the cost of repairs from ooding that occurred in July. St. Marys Public Library...
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Search for answers into Extortion 17 crash continues in release of second edition of book co-authored by Steven Leuschel
ST. MARYS – The second edition of the book “Relentless: A Gold Star Father’s Pursuit of Truth” was of cially released on Wednesday, and Steven Leuschel of Ridgway served as a coauthor of the work alongside Charles Strange. As the synopsis of the book...
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A Legacy of Giving Lives On: St. Marys Native’s Planning Will Benefit Organizations for Years to Come
Sometimes the greatest gifts are those that continue helping others long after they are given. Although Gustave W. “Gus” Wolf spent much of his life away from St. Marys, he never forgot the community that helped shape him. Through careful planning, he...
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SMASD Board updated on status of major district projects
ST. MARYS – Work on projects across the St. Marys Area School District’s buildings continues to progress, and members of the St. Marys Area School District’s Board of Directors heard an update from St. Marys Area School District Supervisor of Building...
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Annual Snake Show draws a crowd to St. Marys Eagles Club
ST. MARYS – A family-friendly event offering the opportunity to see and handle a variety of snakes was held at the St. Marys Eagles Club on Sunday afternoon, drawing a crowd of all ages to the business. Alan “T-Bone” Hillebrand, a certi ed timber...
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SMASD wraps up another successful Summer Institute
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Area School District’s fth annual Summer Institute wrapped up on Thursday afternoon with Superintendent Dr. Harley Ramsey, Superintendent Elect Chrissy Kuhar, and Assistant Superintendent Matthew Kephart all declaring that the...
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Millions from state lands could be redirected to rural Pennsylvania to help make up for tax-exempt property
BELLEFONTE — Counties, municipalities, and school districts would get a share of the revenue generated by Pennsylvania’s stateowned land under proposed bipartisan legislation. The bill would boost the budgets of rural communities that host tax-exempt...
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Relics of Padre Pio on display at St. Mary’s Church
ST. MARYS – Relics of Padre Pio, who was canonized a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002, were on display at St. Mary’s Church, with veneration taking place from 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday, with the visit sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas...
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KECA’s Elk Tag Raffle raises nearly $390,000
BENEZETTE – The Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) held the drawing for its annual Elk Tag Raf e on Sunday afternoon at the end of this year’s Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette. Through the sale of...
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Punxsutawney Phil steals the show at Elk Expo
BENEZETTE – The event may be called the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo, but for a few hours on Sunday, a certain famous groundhog stole the show. Accompanied by two members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, Punxsutawney Phil...
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Relics of Padre Pio coming to St. Mary’s Church Detail holds annual ceremony to dispose of unserviceable American flags
ST. MARYS – Sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Marys #95, relics of Padre Pio will be coming to St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday, July 29. Veneration will take place from 2-9 p.m., with the Rosary prayed every hour on the...
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SMAHS rising senior Madelyn Nedimyer participates in NASA internship
ST. MARYS – Madelyn Nedimyer, a rising senior at St. Marys Area High School, recently returned from participating in the prestigious NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Sciences (SEES) Summer Internship at The University of Texas at Austin Center...
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Community celebration for National Night Out planned for Tuesday, Aug.4
ST. MARYS – Members of the St. Marys community should mark their calendars for Aug. 4 because this year’s National Night Out celebration is less than two weeks away. This year, National Night Out will be celebrated in St. Marys on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from...
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Fox Township Schools Reunion held at the Red Fern
KERSEY - The 41st annual reunion of attendees of Fox Township schools was held on July 11 at the Red Fern in Kersey with 55 people in attendance. The reunions have been held every other year from 1985 through 2021 at the Royal Inn, with the exception...
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First responders honored during special event
ST. MARYS – First responders from throughout the community were honored during a special event held at Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday evening. The St. Marys First Responders Appreciation Night was the rst of three that Krise Family Funeral Homes...
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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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Haze covers Elk County area as smoke from Canadian wildfires covers US Midwest to parts of the East Coast; statewide Code Purple Air Quality alert issued for Friday
Many areas in the U.S. Midwest and East Coast, including Elk County, experienced a haze of smoke from the wildres raging in Canada. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red, upgrading to a Code Purple, Air Quality Alert...
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Local youth serve others through Catholic Heart Workcamp Mission Trip
Shown are members of the group who attended the mission trip. CUMBERLAND, Md. – Eleven area students and three adult chaperones recently returned from a lifechanging mission trip with Catholic Heart Workcamp in Cumberland, Maryland, held July 5–10,...
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ECC seniors gearing up for fundraiser to benefit class trip
ST. MARYS – The 2026-2027 school year has yet to begin, but members of the senior class at Elk County Catholic High School are already planning for the end of it. Fundraising efforts are underway for the annual senior class trip, and arguably their...
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$1.50
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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