Thousands of PA students request mask exemptions
The Associated Press Thousands of students have requested to go mask-free in Pennsylvania schools, claiming a medical exemption amid fierce local opposition to the state’s…
September 2021
State Democrats sue over GOP election ‘investigation’
HARRISBURG (AP) — Democrats in Pennsylvania’s state Senate sued Friday evening in a state court to block a Republican-approved subpoena seeking voter information and to…
Crowe’s five solid innings lead Pirates over Marlins
MIAMI (AP) — Wil Crowe won for the first time since July 30 and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Miami Marlins 2-1 on Friday night….
Recent Deaths 9/18/21
Marian Jean Oliphant, 93, of Kennerdell, died Sept. 13, 2021. For complete obituaries, pick up a copy of The Derrick for this day or…
Pet of the Day 9/17/21
Little Miss Olive is a heart stealer. She loves to cuddle and rub against you, whether it be your hand or your forehead if she…
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
(Culinary.net) If you ever find yourself craving something healthy and easy to make, you’re not alone. Maybe you are constantly on the go, chasing after…
Live2Lead conference to feature business leaders
From staff reports An upcoming conference titled “Live2Lead NOW!” will offer local businesses, organizations, and community leaders the opportunity to be inspired by people who…
Organizer of Saturday rally looks to rewrite Jan. 6 history
WASHINGTON (AP) — The architect of a Washington protest planned for Saturday that aims to rewrite history about the violent January assault on the U.S….
Mahle, Reds avoid sweep, edge Pirates 1-0
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cincinnati Reds reliever Mychal Givens has been around long enough to understand the rhythms of a season. Funks happen. What defines a…
‘Jeopardy!’ hosts: Bialik, Ken Jennings will finish 2021
NEW YORK (AP) — Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings will split “Jeopardy!” hosting duties for the remainder of 2021. Sony Pictures Television announced the plan…
Recent Deaths 9/17/21
Janet C. Baldwin, 87, of Franklin, died Sept. 15, 2021. Teresa R. Reddinger, 77, of Distant, died Sept. 15, 2021. Sylvester R. “Bob” Becker, Jr.,…
Pet of the Day 9/16/21
Meet Tater Tot! This playful little man is looking for his forever home to run around and entertain his family. He loves to play, especially…
Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups
(Culinary.net) The same bowl of cereal can get boring after eating it for breakfast day in and day out. You may find yourself looking for…
Franklin begins search for Christmas tree
From staff reports The city of Franklin is once again looking for a Christmas tree. A well-proportioned, 35-to-40-foot tree is desired for the sidewalk outside…
Venango County 4-H kids advance to state competition
From staff reports Several Venango County 4-H kids have advanced to the state competition after competing in the Pleasure and Games classes of the District…
GOP lawmakers vote for subpoena seeking voter information
HARRISBURG (AP) — Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate prepared Wednesday to test how far they can go in pursuing what the GOP calls a “forensic…
Difo scores winning run in ninth, Pirates keep Reds slumping
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Wilmer Difo scored on a groundout from Colin Moran with one out in the ninth inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates handed the…
Review: Drag queen dreams in ‘Talking About Jamie’
The Associated Press “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” a predictable and glossy “Billy Elliot”-like musical of British working-class aspiration that’s nevertheless a joy, is the kind of…
Recent Deaths 9/16/21
Timothy “Tim” Allen Keck, 64, of Summerville, died Sept. 11, 2021. Patrick E. Craig, 53, of Oil City, died Sept. 14, 2021. Emily Lynn Tucker,…
Quinoa, Cauliflower and Grape Salad
(Family Features) The importance of health and wellness is top of mind for many people. There are many contributing factors to wellness such as diet,…
Pet of the Day 9/15/21
Seneca is a spunky little kitten who is looking for her forever home. She does great with other cats and does well with her foster…
Saving Seeds from Your Garden
Saving seeds at the end of the gardening season is economical and can ensure access to your favorite plant varieties. Here are steps to help…
Venango leaders hear updates on election, recycling center
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer Venango County chief clerk Sabrina Backer gave an update on preparations for the November general election during Tuesday’s county commissioners…
CASA agency looking for volunteers
From staff reports CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Crawford, McKean, Venango, Warren, and Forest Counties will be holding two virtual information sessions for community…
Justice Department seeks order against Texas abortion law
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has asked a federal court in Texas to stop the enforcement of a new state law that bans most…
Miley struggles, Reds’ skid continues with 6-5 loss to Bucs
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Wade Miley surrendered six runs on 10 hits and the Cincinnati Reds lost for the sixth time in eight games, 6-5 to…
Norm Macdonald remembered as hilarious and unique
NEW YORK (AP) — Reactions to the death of Norm Macdonald, who died of cancer Tuesday at age 61. “I am absolutely devastated about Norm…
Recent Deaths 9/15/21
Sue Riddle Frey, 87, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, formerly of Franklin, died Sept. 8, 2021. Edward A. “Ed” Stevens, 82, of Rimersburg, died Sept. 13,…
Heart Smart Grape and Peanut Butter Smoothie
(Family Features) The importance of health and wellness is top of mind for many people. There are many contributing factors to wellness such as diet,…
Pet of the Day 9/14/21
Jax is a very sweet high-energy boy looking for a new home! His previous owner said he is good with other dogs and kids. If…
State releases data on ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases
The Associated Press Pennsylvania residents who are unvaccinated against the coronavirus were far more likely to contract COVID-19, become hospitalized and die than those who…
Franklin council plans to use CDBG funds on repaving projects
By DILLON PROVENZA Staff writer Allocation of the City of Franklin’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds was discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Franklin…
OCFD accepting donations for Coats for Kids drive
From staff reports The Oil City Fire Department is accepting donations for its annual Coats for Kids drive. The goal of the Oil City and…
Ex-cops accused of violating Floyd’s rights face arraignment
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Four former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights are scheduled to be arraigned in federal court Tuesday at…
Nicholas, now tropical storm, dumps rain along Gulf Coast
HOUSTON (AP) — Tropical Storm Nicholas hit the Texas coast early Tuesday as a hurricane and dumped more than a foot (30.5 centimeters) of rain…
Free rides take $104M toll on Pennsylvania Turnpike finances
CARLISLE (AP) — More than $104 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went uncollected last year as the agency fully converted to all-electronic tolling, with the…
‘The Price Is Right’ celebrates its 50th season
NEW YORK (AP) — If you can remember the price of a 30-ounce jar of mayonnaise, what an Armani purse goes for and how much…
Recent Deaths 9/14/21
George Weston Hamilton, 75, of Harrisville, died Sept. 12, 2021. Doris Evelyn McNaughton, 92, of Clarion, died Sept. 12, 2021. Charles R. “Dick” Shreffler, 82,…
Halloween Happenings in the Works in Emlenton
Over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at the impact of partnerships and cooperation – or the lack thereof – on community redevelopment efforts. When…
Pet of the Day 9/13/21
Noir is a super sweet and loving kitty! She loves head rubs and chin scratches, and she is the most affectionate girl. She loves to…
No-Bake Energy Bites
(Family Features) The importance of health and wellness is top of mind for many people. There are many contributing factors to wellness such as diet,…
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
This Friday, Sept. 17 is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The nation sets aside the third Friday in September to remember our former POWs and our…
PetFest returns to Franklin
By LUKA KRNETA News editor Franklin’s Bandstand Park looked more like an animal sanctuary rather than a public park on Saturday, as Precious Paws Animal…
Music in Oil Country returns
The ten high school bands at Music in Oil Country join together to perform Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” to mark the 20th anniversary…
Tropical Storm Nicholas threatens Gulf Coast with heavy rain
HOUSTON (AP) — Tropical Storm Nicholas strengthened just off the Gulf Coast and could blow ashore in Texas as a hurricane Monday as it brings…
Steelers rally to beat Bills 23-16 to open season
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Knowing it was going to take the Steelers’ new-look offense time to find its footing, Ben Roethlisberger was counting on…
Lil Nas X, Justin Bieber top star-packed MTV VMAs
The Associated Press Lil Nas X won video of the year at Sunday’s MTV VMAs on a night that Justin Bieber triumphantly returned to the…
Recent Deaths 9/13/21
LaRue O’Neil, 86, of Knox, died Sept. 10, 2021. Thomas Bernard Kelly, 68, of Oil City, died Sept. 8, 2021. Thomas J. Hartle, Jr., 71,…
Franklin man facing strangulation, assault charges
By DILLON PROVENZA Staff writer A Franklin man is facing strangulation and assault charges as a result of an incident in Sugarcreek on Friday. Franklin…
Polk State Center under budget due to vacancies
By STACEY GROSS Staff writer Polk State Center is almost $5 million under budget compared with last year, mostly due to the low number of…