Ridgway Record
Gobbler’s Knob ready to welcome visitors on Groundhog Day
YOUNG TWP. — The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle has been busy preparing for Phil’s big day. Marcy Galando, Groundhog Club executive director, said that they’ve never had much trouble getting people to The Knob but getting them back down is...
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Helayna Hollobaugh crowned 2026 Youth Ambassador for PADHMA at PA Farm Show
KERSEY - Helayna Hollobaugh, age 18 of Kersey was crowned Youth Ambassador for the Pennsylvania Draft Horse and Mule Association (PADHMA) last week at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. She will hold that title for a year and will travel...
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Fatal structure fire claims three lives in James City
JAMES CITY — A devastating structure fire broke out in James City early Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of three community members. Highland Township Fire Chief Leo Geibel reported that the blaze, located on Massachusetts Avenue, was...
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Small team, big flavor: Chris’s Catering serves hundreds at firefighter banquet
The scrumptious meals served at the Ridgway Fire Dept. Annual Awards Banquet were prepared by Chris's Catering. Owned by Chris Lenze, Chris's Catering made enough food to feed hundreds of people. With fewer than a dozen staff on site, Chris's Catering...
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Students from Elk County Catholic High School tour Kreckel Enterprises Inc.
On Thursday students from Elk County Catholic High School toured Kreckel Enterprises Inc located in the Elk Haven Industrial Park in St. Marys. Accompanied by Mr. Greg Snelick, and Mr. Craig Feldbauer were Martina Mawn, Bailey Thorwart, Sofia Elmquist,...
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Crusaders hold Grade School Appreciation Night
ST. MARYS – The Elk County Catholic Crusader basketball team held its annual Grade School Appreciation Night earlier this month at the team’s first home game of 2026 against the Ridgway Elkers. During the occasion, grade school basketball players from...
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Garrity calls for a 'Rural Health Care Emergency' following Warren General's maternity closure
PENNSYLVANIA – Warren General Hospital recently announced the closure of its maternity ward and the end of labor and delivery services, a decision that has sparked a sharp response from Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. In a statement addressing...
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Chief Clerk Pat Straub gives performance review for the Elk County Retirement Plan
RIDGWAY - The Elk County Retirement Board, comprised of commissioners Fritz Lecker, Matt Quesenberry, and Greg Gebauer, Treasurer Matt Frey, and Chief Clerk Pat Straub, met on Jan. 8 following the commissioners meeting. Straub presented a review of...
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Commissioners approve several contract renewals for the new year
RIDGWAY - At the Jan. 8 meeting of the Elk County Commissioners, a request from the Information Technology (IT) Department was approved for a renewal contract between Barracuda Cloud Archiving Service for a subscription from Jan. 13, 2026 through Jan....
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First Return Day of 2026
Ridgway – Cold but clear weather welcomed January's Return Day on the first Monday of the year. The Hon. Shawn T. McMahon presided as District Attorney Beau Grove presented the defendants' pleas. Steven Anders, 41 of Ridgway, was sentenced after...
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New Councilor takes seat on Borough Council
Ridgway – Yesterday at 6 p.m. the Ridgway Borough Council held their Organization Meeting in the Municipal Building on 108 Main St. Offices were dispersed and committees were consolidated. Mayor Ray Imhof led the meeting at the beginning. Lauren...
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Ridgway and Johnsonburg ring in new year with snowy weather
To ring in 2026, Ridgway and Johnsonburg, Pa. , experienced a transition from heavy snow and wind on New Year's Eve to frigid, clearing conditions on New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, a fast-moving clipper system brought significant winter weather to...
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Rosa Aiello shares cooking knowledge on National Spaghetti Day
Jan. 4 is National Spaghetti Day. Longtime chef Rosa Aiello shares her lifelong passion that has brought good meals to Ridgway for almost 60 years. “It makes me very happy when I'm in the kitchen,” Aiello says. “I love to cook all Italian food.”...
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Recycling center saw continued growth in 2025
ST. MARYS – 2025 is about to come to a close, and as Elk County Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator Bekki Titchner reflected on the year, she remarked that, overall, things went well at the Elk County Community Recycling Center. “We saw more new...
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Township Zoning Board hears solar array testimony
The Ridgway Township Zoning Hearing Board held a hearing last evening on the application of SolAmerica Energy belonging to the property of Andrew Buehler at 2051 Montmorenci Rd., Ridgway, Pa. About a dozen residents braved the hazardous winter weather...
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Guineans vote in first election since 2021 coup with junta leader likely to win
CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Guineans voted on Sunday to choose a new president in the country's first election since a 2021 coup, as analysts say a weakened opposition will result in a likely win for junta leader Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya. Sunday's election...
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Ridgway High School Alumni Association
The Ridgway High School Alumni Association (RHSAA) was established as a community group for the alumni members of the Ridgway Area High School, providing a multi-class reunion each year for their alums and continuing to provide mentoring and...
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Historic Homes decorated for Christmas
While the Ridgway Heritage Council is hosting the Dr. Guillermo Udarbe Christmas Spirit Contest, many of the historic homes of Ridgway are decorated for the holiday season, too. The Mrs. Wiiliam H. Hyde Residence at 344 Main St. is a...
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Dog tethering law reminder
With winter upon us, here is a reminder of the Commonwealth's dog tethering laws. In 2017, Pa. passed more stringent regulations in Libre's Law. Libre is a Boston Terrier after whom the law is named. He was badly neglected in Cumberland County at...
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Commissioners present citation to Elk County Recycling Coordinator for 26 years of service
RIDGWAY - At their meeting on Dec. 18, the commissioners honored Elk County Recycling Coordinator Becki Titchner on the occasion of her upcoming retirement on Dec. 31, 2025. Titchner commented, “I became Recycling Coordinator in Sept. of 1999 after...
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2025 Big Buck Contest Winners
Last night The Ridgway Record, The Daily Press, and The Kane Republican sponsored the 21st Annual Big Buck Contest at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall. Here are the firstplace prize winners. Brady Bouch won the adult contest. Bouch is 22 years old and...
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Milly Bowers honored after 40 years serving Twp., extends applications for Zoning Board alternates
Longtime Ridgway Township Supervisor Milly Bowers was honored for her 40 years of service to the Township (Twp.) at Tuesday’s meeting. Chairman Chris Klase, Vice-Chairman Carl Shilk, and Solicitor John Thomas presented Bowers with an appreciative...
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Retired State Trooper James Brem credited with laying the foundation for Project Gifts for Elk County
ST. MARYS - What began in Erie and in other areas of Pennsylvania as an effort by the Pennsylvania State Police to provide Christmas toys for children who might not otherwise have any, was established locally by Trooper James Brem at the invitation of...
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St. Leo students perform “Glad Tidings of Emmanuel”
The social hall of St. Leo Magnus Church was crowded Friday night as St. Leo School students performed “Glad Tidings of Emmanuel.” The play tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The name “Emmanuel” means “God with us” and is another name for...
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New York is the 8th state found to have improperly issued commercial driver's licenses to immigrants
New York is the eighth state found to routinely issue commercial driver's licenses to immigrants that are valid long after they are no longer legally authorized to be in the country, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Friday, and he...
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Sally Stanisch turns 104
Lifelong St. Marys resident Marcella “Sally” Stanisch turns 104 today, Dec. 12. She and her family celebrated her birthday at the Ridgway Fire Hall bingo game on Tuesday night. When asked what the secret to her longevity was, she replied, “Keeping...
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St. Leo Jingle Bell Jog
The St. Leo School "You Go Girl!" group held their annual Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Sandy Beach. Runners of all ages braved the cold and came out for this festive fun run. Runners were each given a bell for their shoes and snacks, hot cocoa,...
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Johnsonburg thanks longtime Borough Councilors for service, increases millage
The Johnsonburg Borough Council held a busy meeting on the cold Monday evening. The Borough approved a liquor license transfer, a redevelopment grant, and the 2026 budget. Before hearing the reports, Councilman James DeAngelo handed certificates of...
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76th Lucia Festival set for December 14th
Valkommen! On Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m., the 76th annual Lucia Festival will be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgway. The Lucia Tradition is celebrated in nearly every area of Sweden and is known as “The Festival of Lights.” The...
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Ridgway Fire Hall and YMCA host breakfast with Santa
The Ridgway YMCA and Fire Dept. organized a breakfast with Santa at the North Broad Fire Hall Saturday morning. With the help of numerous community volunteers to cook, serve, and clean up, Santa arrived to ask what the boys and girls wanted for...
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Johnsonburg sixth-graders present to School Board
The Johnsonburg Area School District's (JASD) received a presentation from delegates of the sixth grade class and teacher Tim Raubenstrauch Thursday night. Student Landon Clopp started off by talking about the Elk County bell colored by every student...
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Cheer Tour tonight!
The Ridgway Chamber of Commerce is proud to coordinate tonight’s Holiday Cheer Tour from 5 to 9 p.m. About 12 businesses in Ridgway are participating. Tickets for the Cheer Tour can be purchased at the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce, where a list of...
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Concert Choir ushers in Christmas season
The Concert Choir of Elk County sang their 2025 Christmas Concert “O Come and Sing of Christmas” at St. Leo Magnus Church in Ridgway Tuesday night. The Rev. Justin Pino welcomed guests to the church, providing a beautiful backdrop to the holiday...
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Cleaver’s Christmas Village opens this weekend
Jack Cleaver's Christmas Village (“Jack's Trains” in the Community Calendar) returns this weekend to be viewed by all. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14, visitors are welcomed into Cleaver's home to view the magnificent Christmas decorations he...
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Busy streets on Shop Small Saturday
Ridgway shops were teeming with life on Saturday for Shop Small Saturday. There was barely any parking to be found on Main St. as shoppers took advantage of the local deals. Shop Small Saturday provides an opportunity for customers to support local...
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Santa comes to town for Light Up Night
Ridgway was lit up with Christmas lights last night to welcome Santa Clause to Light Up Night. Families lined the sidewalk a little before 6 p.m. in preparation for Santa's arrival. On the hour, the Ridgway Fire Dept. paraded Santa up and down Main...
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First Annual Christmas Spirit Contest
The Ridgway Heritage Council is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Christmas Spirit Contest! In honor of the late Dr. Guillermo Udarbe and his hometown pride – especially during the holiday season – we are running a Christmas light decorating contest....
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First annual Community Christmas Dinner to honor memory of Joshua Reynolds
RIDGWAY, PA – This Christmas, the Ridgway community is invited to gather for a special meal born out of love and remembrance. The family of the late Joshua Reynolds, a former resident of Ridgway, has announced they will be hosting the First Annual...
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Johnsonburg Community Trust hosts annual Christmas Open House
A full day of holiday markets, art, and community spirit — plus a look ahead to exciting 2026 events! The Johnsonburg Community Trust (JCT) invited the public to celebrate the season at its annual Christmas Open House at the HeritageEducation &...
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Ridgway students debut in "Matilda JR."
Ridgway Middle School students presented "Matilda JR." Thursday night at the High School auditorium. Jason Phipps directs. The play features a large cast. Karralena Wonderly plays Matilda. Thursday night, Marley Hall played Miss Honey, but she shares...
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Elk County answers the call
RIDGWAY – When there is a need in Elk County, PA, whether it is for food, money or just plain love and support, these folks show up to assist no matter what the need. That is just what happened, Sunday in Ridgway. A call went out and the community...
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Ridgway veteran Dr. Vernon Ordiway
Dr. Vernon Ordiway served in the Air Force from 1956 to 1976. Throughout the Cold War, Dr. Ordiway served in places such as London, U.K., and the Philippines. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Ordiway served and attended medical school at the...
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Elk and Cameron County District Attorneys announce investigations into local Fuel On gas stations
Elk and Cameron Counties – Elk District Attorney Beau M. Grove and Cameron County District Attorney Paul J. Malizia announced that local law enforcement authorities have opened an investigation into the Fuel On gas Station and convenience stores...
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Students paint legacy in Bells Across PA
Yesterday morning the Elk County Commissioners were joined by State Senator Cris Dush in unveiling a painted fiberglass bell in front of the Elk County Courthouse. Elk County’s bell is named “The United Colors of Liberty” and was painted by all of Elk...
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Trump pressures GOP senators to end the government shutdown, now the longest ever
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at Senate Republicans to end the government shutdown, now the longest ever, blaming the recordbreaking impasse for the party's defeat in closely-watched elections while Democrats emboldened...
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ATTENTION ALL HUNTERS
SPRING CREEK TWP - Twenty years ago, 57 year old Charles Russell Beltz, of Pitcairn, PA went missing in the woods of Spring Creek Township, never to be seen or heard from since June 5, 2005, when his wife said good-bye to him, as he left Pitcairn, PA...
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Tire flies off truck near St. Leo Magnus parking lot
Also at 11:25 yesterday morning, a front-right tire of a 2022 Volvo tractor trailer flew off the vehicle and struck the rear of a 2009 Kia Borrego operated by Kelly Martin of Ridgway, inflicting minor damage. The blue tractor trailer was operated by...
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Joseph Piccirillo Inducted into Pennsylvania Newspaper Hall of Fame
HERSHEY, Pa. — Joseph Piccirillo, a lifelong newspaperman of Ridgway, whose career has spanned more than six decades, has been inducted into the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) Hall of Fame. Piccirillo will be recognized during the PNA's 100th...
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Footlighters to perform “Don’t Talk to the Actors”
Next week the Footlighters of Elk County will perform the comedy “Don't Talk to the Actors” by Tom Dudzick at the Footlighters Playhouse in the St. Marys Moose Lodge. The play's description reads, “The best laid plans go awry when the cast and crew of...
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Business Trick-or-Treat on Main Street
Business Trick-orTreat was held yesterday in Ridgway from 3 to 5 p.m. Hundreds of families dressed up their children and toughed out the rainy weather to collect candy from Ridgway's businesses. In addition, a Trunk-or-Treat was held in the parking lot...
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Penn Highlands Community Pharmacy – St. Marys and Penn Highlands Eye Center update
(October 29, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – St. Marys Pharmacy is on track to open in its new location with a new name this December. When the pharmacy opens, it will be rebranded as Penn Highlands Community Pharmacy – St. Marys. It will be conveniently...
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Leadership Elk Cameron Program explores Cameron County’s economic, environment, & tourism sectors
The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on economic development, environment & tourism in Cameron County. The day started at Embassy Powdered Metals with a tour of the facility. After Embassy,...
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Keller’s Spooky Saturday featured hay rides, cider sampling, children’s activities, and more
KERSEY - Keller's Greenhouse and Produce, located at 769 Brandy Camp Road in Kersey, was a busy place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as hundreds of people enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of fall. The sights included a giant inflated pumpkin...
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Watercolor painting class held at Johnsonburg Heritage-Education & Welcome Center
JOHNSONBURG A dozen individuals came together at the Johnsonburg HeritageEducation & Welcome Center recently to try their hand at painting fall leaves with watercolors under the direction of local artist Janet Lenze VanEerden. A portion of the fees...
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3rd Graders explore “Into the Woods!”
Third grade students from FSG Elementary, Johnsonburg Area Elementary, Fox Township Elementary, St. Marys Catholic Elementary, and St. Leo’s Elementary schools recently took part in the Into the Woods program — a hands-on educational event focused on...
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St. Boniface Then and Now Event honors Golden Grads
held there was in of Elvis. Tours of the 1985 on the occasion of school were available the 100th anniversary all evening. The Kersey of the founding of the Knights of Columbus school. generously helped with Tables were decorated some funding, and also...
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Creating jobs in Elk County: Shapiro administration secures nearly $4.7 million investment from Nichols Portland, Inc. to expand operations, create 42 new jobs
ST. MARYS — On Monday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth has secured a nearly $4.7 million investment from metal forming technology company Nichols Portland, Inc. (NPI) to help expand its manufacturing operations in Elk County — a...
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First Presbyterian Church of Ridgway celebrates 150 years
On Sunday afternoon it was difficult to find parking by the First Presbyterian Church of Ridgway as visitors from as far as Tennessee came to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The Rev. Dave Caylor from Beechwood Sugar Hill Presbyterian Church led the...
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Halloween Safety Message
Halloween will soon be upon us. It is one of the most popular events celebrated by children and adults. Before trick or treating have a conversation with your kids and review some tips to keep them safe. Children are more than twice as likely to be...
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Commissioners hear of serious consequences for local organizations as budget impasse continues
RIDGWAY- The Elk County Commissioners heard comments from Dickinson Center Inc. along with three other organizations at their meeting on Oct. 16. After more than 100 days of the Pennsylvania’s budget impasse, local organizations are facing staff...
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Students recognized by School Board
Tuesday – The Ridgway Area School District (RASD) recognized Kyler Delia and Layken Pierce as the Francis S. Grandinetti (FSG) Elementary School students of the month. Delia's favorite subject is math and he wants to be a doctor. He was nominated by...
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Jenna Johnson at Flaming Foliage Festival
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new round of layoffs at the Education Department is depleting an agency that was hit hard in the Trump administration’s previous mass firings, threatening new disruption to the nation’s students and schools in areas from special...
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Not in my backyard!
BROCKWAY - They came in droves to the Brockwayville Depot, almost 300 of them, Thursday evening, October 9 at 5 PM, to ask the PA Department of Environmental Services (DEP) to deny the permit for NOBLE Environmental Inc, a environmental services...
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Ridgway Borough plants tree for Tree City USA
RIDGWAY – Yesterday morning the Ridgway Borough planted a Frans Fontaine hornbeam tree in front of the Bogert House on Main St. Ridgway is one of 3,587 communities participating in the Tree City USA program. The Arbor Day Foundation began the Tree...
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Presbyterian Church to celebrate 150 years
The First Presbyterian Church of Ridgway will celebrate their 150th anniversary on Oct. 19, 2025. They are planning a service in the church at 3:30 p.m. with music, a history of the church, pictures, and a “Presbyterian” cake. All who would like to...
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Prison Board airs comments about feasibility study to review potential for a regional jail
RIDGWAY - The Elk County Commissioners held a special Prison Board meeting on Sept. 11. The only item on the agenda was a discussion about an invitation to participate in a multicounty study to explore ways to improve incarceration in the region. The...
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Ghastly Ghouls at Sandy Beach
The Horror Franchise Classics Haunted Trail Walk opened at the Sandy Beach park over the weekend to terrify unsuspecting families as they strolled through the moonlit horrors. Volunteers donned their best Halloween attire to creep around the park....
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Ridgway Alumni tailgate party before Homecoming
The Ridgway High School Alumni Association hosted a tailgate party before Friday night's big homecoming game. Hot dogs, fudge, cookies, cupcakes, and lemonade were there for anyone who came. The tailgate party was held at "the circle" beside the high...
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Commissioners proclaim October as National Disability Employment Awareness month
RIDGWAY- At their Oct. 2 meeting, the Elk County Commissioners welcomed Director of Employment Support Services at Dickinson Center, Inc. Marsha Dippold. She serves Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties. Dippold noted that this year marks the 80th...
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New book aims to draw attention to unsolved homicides from Pa. Wilds
ST. MARYS – Local author James T. Baumgratz just released his latest book, “Unsolved Cold Cases from The Pennsylvania Wilds,” though it is not actually the book he initially intended to have spent the past several months working on. Baumgratz was in...
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Commissioners recognize Suicide Prevention Month
RIDGWAY - Two members of the Cameron/Elk County Suicide Prevention Task Force, Chi Catalone from Penn State Extension, and Sierra Himes, from the Dickinson Center Inc., attended the Sept. 18 meeting of the Elk County Commissioners to raise awareness of...
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Ridgway Borough Council sets official trick- or - treat night
Community trickor-treat will be held on Oct. 25 (the Sat. before Halloween) from 5 to 7 p.m. by porch light invitation only, the Ridgway Borough Council decided at their meeting Monday. Councilman Zack Pontious asked fellow councilors to consider...
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Ridgway Lions Club honors Dr. Warren Riegel and PDG Dave Amacher
The Ridgway Lions Club memorialized Dr. Warren (Doc) Riegel, O.D. and Past District Governor (PDG) Dave Amacher at Sandy Beach Park on the sunny afternoon of Sept. 15. Riegel was honored for his many years of dedication to vision. Reigel donated large...
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Cravin’ Waves set to open entertainment lineup at Fall Fest
ST. MARYS – A variety of musical entertainment is set to entertain attendees during this upcoming weekend’s Fall Fest at Shawmut Park in downtown St. Marys, with the first band scheduled to take to the stage from 4-6 p.m. on Friday being Cravin’...
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