The Daily Press
Elk County Catholic Celebrates Golden Grads with Special Recognition of the Class of 1976
ST. MARYS, PA – It was a day lled with memories, laughter, and cherished friendships as Elk County Catholic High School welcomed alumni back for its annual Golden Grads Mass and Luncheon on Sunday, October 11. This year’s celebration was especially...
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Raising pheasants a months-long learning experience for local teen
ST. MARYS – A project requirement for a high school class resulted in a months-long venture of raising pheasants for a local teen. St. Marys Area High School sophomore Kaylee Zore was taking an animal science class as part of the school’s new ag...
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City Transfer Trucking’s Haunted Trailer returning for Business Trick-or-Treat
ST. MARYS – Those planning to attend Friday’s Business Trick-orTreat in downtown St. Marys can once again look forward to venturing through City Transfer Trucking, Inc.’s Haunted Trailer, which will be located adjacent to the St. Marys Area Chamber of...
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Over 90 businesses set to participate in Business Trick-or-Treat
ST. MARYS – The countdown is on to Friday’s Boo in the Park, which will include a Business Trick-orTreat in downtown St. Marys from 4-8 p.m. On Monday, the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce posted the Boo in the Park map on their Facebook page...
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Installation of ‘Thumbs Down to Bullying’ graffiti mural celebrated
ST. MARYS – When students returned to St. Marys Area High School for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, they likely noticed some new artwork in the hallway near the library. The creative and colorful piece, which measures 16 feet long and four...
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Rain does not dampen Team Renaissance’s Family Friendly Night; Haunted Forest continues tonight from 8-11 p.m.
ST. MARYS – Umbrellas became costume props and easy-up canopies became part of the décor at St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Country Stadium on Friday evening as Team Renaissance held their rst Family Fun Night ahead of the rst day of their Haunted...
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Commissioners honor recently retired Fox Township Fire Chief Surra for 31 years of service
RIDGWAY – At their meeting on Oct. 15, the Elk County Commissioners presented a citation to Fox Township third-generation re ghter Scott Surra in recognition of his 31 years of volunteer service, including 20 years and 115 days as chief. Commissioner...
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Elk County Commissioners take part in pheasant release
ELK COUNTY — Elk County Commissioners Fritz Lecker and Greg Gebauer joined staff from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and members of Pheasants Forever for a pheasant release on State Game Lands No. 44, highlighting the importance of wildlife...
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Far more than jewelry: Phillips Jewelers leaves a lasting legacy
ST. MARYS – After 78 years of service to generations of devoted patrons, Phillips Jewelers is set to close its doors on Oct. 31. To many in the St. Marys area, the loss of this beloved institution marks the end of an era and the closing of a...
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Rainy weather does not dampen KECA’s Pioneer Day
BENEZETTE – The remnants of Hurricane Isaias passed through the area on Sunday, bringing steady rainfall throughout the morning and early afternoon. However, the inclement weather did not put a damper on the Keystone Elk Country Alliance’s Pioneer Day...
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Crystal Fire Department welcomes families to Fire Prevention Week Open House
ST MARYS – Thursday night local St. Marys residents were invited to Crystal Fire Department for an evening of excitement and education during their annual Fire Prevention Week Open House. On the street the Department lot was packed with a myriad of...
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Fox Township Supervisors host conditional use hearing for proposed solar project
KERSEY – On Oct. 7, 2026, a conditional use hearing for a proposed solar project took place at the Municipal Building in Fox Township. The hearing was of cially recorded by a court reporter, and witnesses were sworn in before testimony began. The...
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SMAMS students showing improvement in math
ST. MARYS – Efforts to improve students’ scores in math at the St. Marys Area Middle School are paying off, according to St. Marys Area Middle School Principal Warren Beck. Beck provided members of the St. Marys Area School District’s Board of...
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Stream improvement project underway at Benzinger Park
ST. MARYS – A habitat improvement project is currently underway on a portion of Iron Run that runs through Benzinger Park. The project was organized by the Jim Zwald Chapter of Trout Unlimited in cooperation with the Elk County Conservation District...
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Jason Tanner edges Brandon Nussbaum to win inaugural Fireman’s 5K Run/Walk
ST. MARYS – The inaugural Fireman’s 5K Run/Walk was held on Sunday morning, beginning at Shawmut Park and ending at the Crystal Fire Department on Erie Avenue. Jason Tanner and Brandon Nussbaum were neck-and-neck throughout the race, and Tanner edged...
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State Game Warden presents update from Pennsylvania Game Commission
RIDGWAY – At their meeting on Oct. 1, the Elk County Commissioners heard a presentation from Pennsylvania State Game Warden Jack Lucas, who retired ten years ago as a lieutenant in the Southwest region and then continued his studies to earn a doctorate...
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‘Pillars’ monument dedicated at SMAHS
ST. MARYS – “Pillars: A Monument Honoring Our Local Carbon and Powdered Metal Industries” was dedicated during a special ceremony held in the parking lot of St. Marys Area High School on Wednesday afternoon. The monument, which is located between the...
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Hometown Heroes initiative expands and applies for non-profit status
Photo submitted
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Local Vietnam Veterans honored during special ceremony
ST. MARYS – Several local Vietnam Veterans were honored during a special program held on Friday afternoon at the St. Marys Methodist Church Pavilion. Michael Groll, veterans employment representative for Pennsylvania CareerLink and St. Marys...
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Matthew Gilmore named 2026 St. Marys Post 103 Senior Legion Baseball MVP
ST. MARYS – On Sunday, Sept. 27, members of the St. Marys Post 103 Legion and coaches and managers from St. Marys Senior Legion Baseball Program presented Matthew Gilmore with an MVP award for the 2026 season. St. Marys Post 103 Senior Legion Baseball...
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SMASD installs new lamppost banners
JOHNSONBURG – State Rep. Mike Armanini held a concealed carry learning session at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall Wednesday evening. District Attorney Beau Grove, Elk County Sheriff Todd Caltagarone, Game Commission Warden Peyton Edwards, State Police Cpt....
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‘From the Street’
ELK COUNTY — On Saturday, Sept 19, community members, agricultural organizations, safety professionals, and local youth, including the St. Marys Chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), gathered at the Elk County Fairgrounds for a day of...
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Over $4,500 raised for PIT Foundation’s safe house project
ST. MARYS – Attendees at the Bavarian Fall Fest in downtown St. Marys throughout Saturday morning and afternoon likely noticed activity happening at the PIT Foundation booth as Tom Lavella completed ve hours of ring muscle ups and Collin Reitz joined...
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St. Marys Methodist Women named Organization of Year
ST. MARYS – The St. Marys Methodist Women were named to Organization of the Year during the opening ceremony for the Bavarian Fall Fest, which was held on Friday evening at Shawmut Park in downtown St. Marys. John Salter, president/GM of Salter...
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Lemonade stand raises over $11,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
ST. MARYS – Drum roll please! The results are in, and Kaylie Bennett’s 10th lemonade stand raised over $11,000 to bene t St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bennett held her lemonade stand July 24 and 25 and recently received the nal check toward...
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Pool repairs a hot topic at SMASD board meeting
ST. MARYS – Ongoing repairs to the pool at St. Marys Area High School were a topic of discussion during Monday’s regular monthly meeting of the district’s Board of Directors. While the board was provided with an update on the ongoing repairs and...
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North Central PA Walk for Apraxia supports children finding their voices
ST. MARYS – Early morning rain gave way to sunshine and blue skies on Sunday just in time for the North Central PA Walk for Apraxia, which was held at St. Marys Area High School’s Dutch Country Stadium. The two-hour event got underway at 10 a.m. with a...
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SMCES students recognize and thank first responders
ST. MARYS – Across the nation on Friday, Sept. 11, individuals across the nation paused to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and sacri ce of the rst responders who answered the call that day. The Elk County...
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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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