3 Franklin teachers to receive grants
From staff reports Three Franklin Area School District teachers will receive grants to enhance their classrooms. The grants were announced at the district’s school board…
2021
White House offering more aid for winter heat, utility bills
The Associated Press The Biden administration is taking steps to help distribute several billion dollars in aid for winter heating and utility bills, an unprecedented…
Red Sox owners in talks to buy NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins
BOSTON (AP) — The owners of the Boston Red Sox are in talks to buy the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. Red Sox President Sam Kennedy confirmed…
Review: Too many old ghosts mar ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’
The Associated Press “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” — the direct cinematic follow-up to the 1984 classic — is haunted, of course. But not in a good way. Director…
Recent Deaths 11/18/21
Lepha C. Beveridge, 88, of Sligo, died Nov. 16, 2021. Ronald A. Beveridge, 87, of Sligo, died Nov. 15, 2021. Jacqueline R. (Fox) Toombs, 86,…
Pet of the Day 11/17/21
Sapphire came to us as a stray. She can be a bit of a wild woman but she is super friendly and just needs plenty…
Turkey and Bean Tostadas
(Family Features) Taking time to nurture your health and well-being starts with building healthier habits. As the seasons change, challenge yourself to make small yet…
Journaling in the New Decade
Have you ever kept a Garden Journal? A garden journal can be whatever you want it to be. It’s a notebook or binder where you…
Valley Grove board handles several business items
By STACEY GROSS Staff writer Valley Grove School Board approved a number of items at its combined work session and regular meeting Monday. Two benches…
House votes to halt PennDOT plan to toll bridges for repairs
HARRISBURG (AP) — A plan to add tolls on nine bridges suffered a setback Tuesday when the Pennsylvania state House passed a bill to void…
Mask mandate must expire Dec. 4, judge rules in latest twist
HARRISBURG (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge on Tuesday said an order that requires masks inside K-12 schools and child care facilities to contain the coronavirus…
Tokarski’s 45 saves help Sabres hold off Penguins 2-1
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Dustin Tokarski came through when the Buffalo Sabres needed it the most, stopping a career-high 45 shots as the Buffalo Sabres beat…
Review: Tennis comes 2nd in inspirational ‘King Richard’
The Associated Press “King Richard” is exactly what you think it will be, which isn’t a bad thing. This is the story of the father…
Recent Deaths 11/17/21
Cindy S. Neiswonger, 68, of Mayport, died Nov. 13, 2021. Colonel John K. Schroeder, Jr. (Ken), 92, died Nov. 6, 2021. James F. Maxton, 50,…
Pet of the Day 11/16/21
Alexander is a tough little guy. He wants to be loved, but he doesn’t want to lose his “tough guy” exterior. He can be a…
Tuna Pasta Casserole
(Family Features) Taking time to nurture your health and well-being starts with building healthier habits. As the seasons change, challenge yourself to make small yet…
OC man accused of stealing $15,725 from Country Fair store
From staff reports An Oil City man is facing charges that accuse him of stealing more than $15,700 in cash and goods from his employer…
Vatican court upholds merger of 2 Catholic parishes in Oil City
From staff reports The Diocese of Erie has been notified that the first level of appeal that was presented for multiple parishioners of the former…
Trump ally Bannon talks tough after court appearance
WASHINGTON (AP) — Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon appeared before a judge to face criminal contempt charges for defying a subpoena from Congress’ Jan. 6…
What next? Steelers’ defense struggling with consistency
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have very little margin for error, no matter who is at quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, halfway through the…
Holiday TV brings new movies, specials — and Charlie Brown
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Supply-chain woes are this year’s Grinch, threatening to steal gifts and good cheer. But TV is overstocked with holiday specials and…
Recent Deaths 11/16/21
Herman R. “Chief Smitty” Smith, 93, of Polk, died Nov. 14, 2021. Harry L. (Lenny) Surrena, of Butler, formerly of Jefferson Township, died Nov. 8,…
White House Announces VA Action for Toxic Exposure Presumptive Conditions
On Veterans Day, the Biden Administration announced a series of actions, that has been years in the making, that VA will take to address the…
Pet of the Day 11/15/21
Goofball Alert! Hutch is young, he’s adorable, and he’s ready to be your long-lost pal! This boy has personality for days and will give you…
Bell-Issimo Brie Melt
(Family Features) Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering…
Junior Schubert Club officers installed
From left, Amber Shay Nicholson, Junior Schubert Club counselor, stands with Emma Fleming, president; Hannah Nicholson, vice-president; Miles Jenny, secretary; and Calvin Jenny, treasurer, on…
Biden’s $1T infrastructure bill historic, not transformative
WASHINGTON (AP) — The $1 trillion infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signs into law represents a historic achievement at a time of deeply fractured…
Comedy of errors as Steelers, Lions slog to 16-16 tie
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Detroit’s long losing streak is over. The threat of a winless season still remains. For now, the Lions will take it, no…
Capitals rout Penguins 6-1 in Crosby’s return
WASHINGTON (AP) — With three of their top offensive players out, the Washington Capitals are still right there atop the Metropolitan Division. Even Sidney Crosby’s…
Disney’s ‘Eternals’ tops domestic box office for 2nd weekend
The Associated Press Disney and Marvel’s “Eternals” took a steep drop in its second weekend in theaters, but it’s still hanging on to first place…
Recent Deaths 11/15/21
Patricia L. “Pat” Carbaugh, 86, of Seneca, died Nov. 12, 2021. Charlotte M. Morrow, 87, of Victory Heights, died Nov. 13, 2021. Glenn Alan Davis,…
Artists excited about relocation here from Florida
By LAURA O’NEIL Staff writer Oil City is welcoming two new artists to the city’s art scene. Rafi Perez and Klee Angelie made the move…
Proposed Venango budget approved, no tax hike in plan
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer Venango County commissioners unanimously approved a tentative 2022 county budget Tuesday that doesn’t include a tax increase. The tax rate…
Nations compromise on coal to strike UN climate agreement
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Almost 200 nations accepted a compromise deal Saturday aimed at keeping a key global warming target alive, but it contained a…
Steelers not getting ahead of themselves against 0-8 Lions
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger’s absence from Sunday’s game against Detroit could be a tonic for what ails the winless Lions. The Steelers announced Saturday…
Batherson scores twice, Senators beat Penguins 6-3
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Drake Batherson had two goals and two assists, and the Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 Saturday night to end…
Man charged for threatening mother, making explosive devices
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer A Kennerdell man has been charged with threatening his mother and making two homemade explosive devices. Franklin state police said…
Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes will be collected at area churches
From staff reports Local churches are collecting shoeboxes full of gifts for children around the world for the annual Operation Christmas Child program. Samaritan’s Purse…
Federal court declines to lift stay on vaccine mandate
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers….
Bannon indicted on contempt charges for defying 1/6 subpoena
WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, has been indicted on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress after…
Britney freed: Judge dissolves Spears’ conservatorship
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears is free. A Los Angeles judge on Friday ended the conservatorship that has controlled the pop singer’s life and…
Recent Deaths 11/13/21
Robert Joseph Venturella, 71, died Oct. 31, 2021. Pennie A. Lawrence, 75, of Oil City, died Nov. 7, 2021. Earl K. Lawrence, 79, of Oil…
Pet of the Day 11/12/21
Stella is a very sweet kitty. She doesn’t always like other cats, but it seems to depend on the cat and their temperament. She is…
Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider
(Family Features) Entertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering…
Coming Together to Make Change
In the last column, I mentioned the creation of a regional coalition of redevelopment partners. I threw out some soundbites like “innovation ecosystem” and “regional…
Sugarcreek crash
United Way will offer walk-in vaccine clinics
From staff reports The United Way of Venango County will hold two walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics next week. The first will be held from 9…
Franklin to hold Light-Up Night
From staff reports Franklin will hold its annual holiday Light-Up Night on Saturday, Nov. 20. The event features a parade, fireworks, music, and more. The…
COVID-19 hot spots offer sign of what could be ahead for US
The Associated Press The contagious delta variant is driving up COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Mountain West and fueling disruptive outbreaks in the North, a worrisome…
Carter, Jarry lead Penguins to shootout win vs Panthers
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry is well aware he’s struggled in shootouts this season. Jarry took a significant step forward against the Florida…