Top aide says Trump’s criticism of black lawmaker not racist
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House aide defends President Donald Trump’s disparaging tweets about an influential black Democratic congressman and his Baltimore district as a justified…
American King beats Efimova in 50 breast at world swim meet
GWANGJU, South Korea (AP) — Lilly King won the 50-meter breaststroke at the world swimming championships, giving the American two victories over Russian rival Yuliya…
Franklin DUI
Venango County issues statement on available aid for flood victims
Venango County officials are working to compile a listing of flood-related damages resulting from the heavy rains last Friday and Saturday. Tim Dunkle, director of…
Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Iran faces key test
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran is at a crossroads. His administration is trying to decide whether to risk stoking international tensions…
Pirates’ woes continue
NEW YORK (AP) – Trade candidate Zack Wheeler showed off a live arm in his return from the injured list, Jeff McNeil hit the first…
An ‘Outsiders’ movie site in Sperry set to be restored
Recent Deaths 7/27/19
Betty M. McCain, 90, of Titusville went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 24, 2019. Timothy “Tim” Ivan McClelland, 53, of Franklin,…
Death investigation
Local Artists to be Awarded for Outstanding Work
By AMBER HOLT Student contributor Wednesday, July 24, marked the grand opening of the 2019 Oil Heritage Festival Art Show. Many gathered to get a…
Pet of the day 7/26/19
Bran is a sweet male kitten. He is current on vaccines and neutered. Bran can be found at Tri-County Animal Rescue Center.
Pasta Salad with Pesto
Servings: 8-10 Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled 1 pound farfalle Salt and pepper 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3…
Fires break out Thursday at two Emlenton homes
From staff reports Separate fires broke out Thursday at two Emlenton residences, and no one was injured in either fire. An unoccupied home at 905…
Caution urged on river near cables
From staff reports Boaters on the Allegheny River are being urged to use caution when traveling on the waterway near the railroad bridge at Siverly….
Resumed federal executions raise death penalty’s 2020 stakes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The question to Michael Dukakis, the Democratic presidential candidate in 1988, was brutally personal. “If Kitty Dukakis were raped and murdered, would…
Men At Work: Steelers ditch flash as training camp opens
LATROBE (AP) — No helicopter swooping in for a wind-swept landing. No Rolls Royce wrapped in black-and-gold complete with a chauffeur in full uniform. No…
Hollywood coming to Middletown for “Hillbilly Elegy” filming
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (AP) — The Ron Howard-directed movie “Hillbilly Elegy” will film for a few days in the Ohio city where most of the book…
Recent Deaths 7/26/19
Deborah Jo “Debby” Lewis, 71, formerly of Sligo, died July 14, 2019. Stanley A. Montgomery, 91, of Franklin, died July 24, 2019. Edward L. Betz,…
Pet of the day 7/25/19
Mason appears to be a male, adult, Lab mix brought to the rescue as a stray. Sadly, no one has claimed Mason so he is…
Spaghettini with Shrimp
Servings: 6-8 Start to finish: 30 minutes 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 pounds large shrimp (26 to 30 per pound), peeled, deveined, and halved…
Coroner IDs woman found dead in Franklin
From staff reports Venango County Coroner Christina Rugh confirmed Wednesday that a woman’s body was found Tuesday morning near Franklin Industries. Rugh identified the woman…
Officials hope to save troubled park
By RANDY BARTLEY Staff writer A financially troubled industrial park in Butler County may have implications for Venango and Clarion counties as well. The Allegheny…
What comes after Mueller? Investigations, lawsuits and more
WASHINGTON (AP) — After months of anticipation, Congress finally heard testimony from former special counsel Robert Mueller. So what now? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said…
DeJong’s 3 homers lead Cardinals over Pirates 14-8
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul DeJong, Paul Goldschmidt and the St. Louis Cardinals are powering toward the top of the NL Central. DeJong hit a career-high…
HBO chief: Sorry, fans, no ‘Game of Thrones’ do-over
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The clamor from “Game of Thrones” fans for a do-over of the drama’s final season has been in vain. HBO…
Recent Deaths 7/25/19
Jessica Lee Bodien, 22, of Venus, died July 19, 2019. Karen S. Platt, 65, of Franklin, died July 23, 2019. James “Jim” A. Lichtenberger, 73,…
Finding the right rail trail for you
You might never convince her. A cousin of mine loves to explore the outdoors. It’s a passion that’s grown in recent years especially, and taken…
Pet of the day 7/24/19
Name: Ricky Breed: Domestic Shorthair Mix Age: 2 months Gender: Male Size: Small Color: Orange/ White Declawed: No House-trained: Unknown Ricky can be found at…
Spanish Potato and Onion Omelet
(Family Features) A filling yet nutritious breakfast is a productive way to start any day, especially one loaded with flavor. Spanish Potato and Onion Omelets…
Man arrested for trying to lure child
From staff reports Titusville police arrested a Syracuse, New York, man Tuesday on charges that include luring and stalking. Police said the incident occurred Friday…
Back to School Hair Affair event scheduled Aug. 19
From staff reports The United Way of Venango County will partner with area hair stylists and PA 2-1-1 to hold the inaugural Back to School…
FTC fines Facebook $5B, adds oversight for privacy mishaps
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators have fined Facebook $5 billion for privacy violations and are instituting new oversight and restrictions on its business. But they…
Goldschmidt homers again, surging Cardinals nip Pirates 4-3
PITTSBURGH (AP) — With the bases loaded with no outs in a one-run game and Pittsburgh All-Star first baseman Josh Bell walking into the batter’s…
Frenchman to try flying across Channel on his flyboard
SAINT INGLEVERT, France (AP) — The man who wowed the crowd on Bastille Day, whirling over France’s invited leaders on his flyboard, is undertaking final…
Recent Deaths 7/24/19
Gretta J. Kitchen, 79, of Sligo, died July 23, 2019. David B. Sabat, 60, of Warren, died July 21, 2019. Alice Jane (Collett) Ferguson, 94,…
Scrubgrass Twp. burglary
Franklin theft
The Last Weekend: Part Three
By HUNTER REDFIELD – Student Contributor Once again, alarms at 5:30 went off in the cabin, but water dripping onto the new tin roof allowed…
Pet of the day 7/23/19
Nat is a 1 year old, female, Boxer/Beagle mix brought to the rescue when her owner passed due to a tragic accident. They report Nat…
Grilled Tuna Steaks with Vinaigrette
Servings: 6 Start to finish: 25 minutes We prefer our tuna served rare or medium-rare. If you like your tuna cooked medium, observe the timing…
Officials probing death of woman found at hotel
From staff reports Oil City police and the Venango County coroner’s office are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found Friday at…
Bridge Builders sets up donation funds
From staff reports Bridge Builders Community Foundations has established two funds for anyone who would like to assist those affected by the weekend’s heavy rains…
Trump expands fast-track deportation authority across US
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Trump administration announced Monday that it will vastly extend the authority of immigration officers to deport migrants without allowing them…
Goldschmidt’s grand slam in 10th lifts Cards by Pirates 6-5
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals spent the opening months of the season sputtering in tight situations. Now, they’re soaring, keeping their chances in…
Lil Nas X ties Billboard record set by Mariah, ‘Despacito’
NEW YORK (AP) — Lil Nas X has taken his horse to the old town road and ridden it to the top of the Billboard…
Recent Deaths 7/23/19
Alice L. Pack, 67, of Marienville, died July 20, 2019. Floyd Cecil “Butch” Frazier, Jr., 77, of Strattanville, died July 21, 2019. Gary Allen Stromyer,…
Richland Twp. accident
VFW National Convention Returns to Orlando
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie will be joining more than 10,000 members of the VFW and its auxiliary at…
Pet of the day 7/22/19
Kitchi is an active, playful, female kitten. She is current on vaccines and will be spayed. Kitchi can be found at Tri-County Animal Rescue Center.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in Kids
(Family Features) As a parent, instilling healthy eating habits in your children at an early age can aid in proper growth and development. Eating well…