Aqua continues to operate Venango Water
By MAKAYLA KEATING Staff writer More than six months have passed since a Petro Erie wastewater spill contaminated Bellows Spring, which serves as the source…
House Republicans announce bill that provides more military aid to Israel but leaves out Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans will move forward with a $17.6 billion package that provides military aid to Israel and replenish U.S. weapons, but leaves…
After new US strikes hitting Yemen, Iran issues a warning about suspected spy ships in the Mideast
JERUSALEM (AP) — Iran issued a warning Sunday to the U.S. over potentially targeting two cargo ships in the Mideast long suspected of serving as…
Cancer Society Daffodil Days orders due by Feb. 13
From staff reports Orders and payments for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days in Venango County are due by Tuesday, Feb. 13. Items available for…
Several programs on tap at Tionesta library
From staff reports The Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library in Tionesta is expanding its programs and offering more opportunities for the public. Here is a…
Iranian-backed militia official downplays the US strikes in Iraq, hints at deescalation
BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi militia official on Saturday hinted at a desire to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East following retaliatory strikes launched by…
Carl Weathers, who starred in ‘Rocky’ movies and ‘The Mandalorian,’ dies
NEW YORK (AP) — Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the…
Recent Deaths 2/3/24
Nancy Louise Cochran, 74, of Oil City, died Feb. 2, 2024. Dennis Luttenauer, 72, of Marienville, died Jan. 29, 2024. Mary Jane Lockett, 92, of…
Pet of the Day 2/2/24
Ruby Tuesday is a very friendly and affectionate two-year-old short hair looking for a new address! This lovely girl is missing some hair due to…
Tart Cherry Brownie Bites
(Family Features) For many, enjoying a small indulgence can serve as a reward for a job well done or a mood-boosting pick-me-up. In fact, mindful…
Public and Private Sectors Join to Benefit Redevelopment
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative endeavors between government or public entities and private-sector entities. Over the past few decades, PPPs have gained considerable traction as…
Franklin man accused of inappropriate contact with minor
From staff reports A Franklin man is facing charges for inappropriately touching a juvenile girl as well as exposing himself in front of her. Franklin…
Senate is headed for a crucial test vote on new border policies and Ukraine aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will hold a crucial test vote next week on legislation that would pair new policies at the southern border with…
Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring at Groundhog Day festivities
PUNXSUTAWNEY (AP) — Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring Friday at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania, the scene of the largest and best-known Groundhog Day celebration…
Recent Deaths 2/2/24
Twila Maxine (George) Walters died Feb. 1, 2024. Frank E. Carlson, 94, died Jan. 23, 2024. For complete obituaries, pick up a copy of…
Pet of the Day 2/1/24
Meet Pebbles, the gorgeous 2-year-old dilute tortie! Pebbles recently came to us as a stray and we are still getting to know her. One thing…
Tart Cherry Superfood Banana Splits
(Family Features) For many, enjoying a small indulgence can serve as a reward for a job well done or a mood-boosting pick-me-up. In fact, mindful…
Lyric Theatre goal closer
From staff reports A lot of headway was made in 2023 to secure funding needed for rehabilitation of the historic Lyric Theatre in Oil City….
OC Meals on Wheels still serving community, asks for volunteers
From staff reports The Oil City Meals on Wheels program has undergone some recent changes but is still serving the community. The organization has also…
Deal on wartime aid and border security stalls in Congress as time runs short to bolster Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — With time slipping to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, Senate negotiators struggled Wednesday to finalize a bipartisan deal that would pair policy changes at…
Meta, TikTok, other social media CEOs testify in Senate hearing on child exploitation
The Associated Press Sexual predators. Addictive features. Suicide and eating disorders. Unrealistic beauty standards. Bullying. These are just some of the issues young people are…
Review: ‘Argylle’ won’t blow your socks off
The Associated Press A checkered mesh of mysteries have accompanied the release of Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle.” There is the promoted one: Who is the “real” Agent Argylle?…
Recent Deaths 2/1/24
William Dale “Bill” Kriebel, Sr., 76, of New Bethlehem, died Jan. 30, 2024. Irma Jean Wolfe, 90, of Banks, AR, died Jan. 28, 2024. David…
Pruning Apples and Pears
Generally, fruit trees are pruned to develop a desired tree shape, to improve fruit quality, and to improve air circulation within the tree, which will…
Pet of the Day 1/31/24
Tomato came to us with her mom and two of her siblings. She has spent her time at the shelter growing and playing, and she…
Lemon Garlic Tuna-Stuffed Roasted Mini Sweet Peppers
(Family Features) Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed…
Oil City pair facing forgery, identity theft charges
By AUSTIN GRAY Staff writer An Oil City man and woman are facing charges that include forgery and identity theft for having credit cards and…
Grove City College receives $5M grant to remodel Rockwell
From staff reports The Allegheny Foundation has committed $5 million to Grove City College for the renovation of an iconic campus building. The grant from…
Iran threatens to respond to any US strikes as Biden weighs how to react to a base attack in Jordan
JERUSALEM (AP) — Iran threatened Wednesday to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic following President Joe Biden’s linking of Tehran to…
Grammys 2024: From how to watch to who’s nominated, here’s what to know
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 2024 Grammy Awards are fast approaching — and it is never too early to plan your viewing experience. The 66th…
Recent Deaths 1/31/24
Richard W. Peterson, 90, of Franklin, died Jan. 29, 2024. Shirley M. Heller, formerly of Franklin and Windsor, died Jan. 26, 2024. Eugene C. “Gene”…
Set Back For Toxic Exposures Fund
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated VA’s initial spending plan for toxic exposures and found that a number of expenditures did…
Pet of the Day 1/30/24
Meet Tiny Tina, the little pittie with a heart of gold! Tina was surrendered to us in the midst of a medical emergency, but we…
Everything Bagel Salmon Brown Rice Bowl
(Family Features) Achieving your goals each day starts with your own health and well-being, both physically and mentally. To ensure you’ve got the energy needed…
Ohio man gets life sentence in Venango court on sex charges
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer A Warren, Ohio, man was sentenced last week in Venango County Court to a life prison term for sexual offenses…
Annual Shrove Tuesday meals planned at Good Hope
From staff reports The annual Shrove Tuesday pancake meal coordinated by the Good Hope and Zion Lutheran churches in Oil City will be served Tuesday,…
Illinois election board will consider whether to boot Trump from ballot over insurrection amendment
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois’ election board on Tuesday is scheduled to consider whether to keep Donald Trump on the state’s primary ballot after a recommendation…
State high court revives case challenging limits on Medicaid coverage for abortions
HARRISBURG (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court said Monday that a lower court must hear a challenge to the constitutionality of a decades-old state law that…
‘Expats,’ starring Nicole Kidman, was filmed in Hong Kong, but you can’t watch it there
HONG KONG (AP) — Nicole Kidman’s latest project is set in Hong Kong, but people who live there are blocked from seeing it, prompting speculation…
Recent Deaths 1/30/24
Gregory L. Holtz, 73, of Pleasantville, died Jan. 25, 2024. Eugene “Gene” Heckathorn, 86, of Oil City, died Jan. 29, 2024. Ruth Ann Haylett, 80,…
Pet of the Day 1/29/24
What’s better than one big, lovable, handsome and friendly cat? Two of course! Bo and Titan are a bonded pair of 7 year olds who…
Grilled Apple Portobello “Burgers”
(Family Features) If you’re in search of a meatless meal – whether you’re observing Lent or simply adhering to your own dietary restrictions – remember…
Friends of OC Library to hold bake sale Friday
From staff reports The Oil City Library’s Friends of the Library group will hold its annual Groundhog Day bake sale from 9 a.m. to 4…
Biden says US ‘shall respond’ after drone strike by Iran-backed group kills 3 US troops in Jordan
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the U.S. “shall respond” after three American troops were killed and dozens more were injured…
The Super Bowl is set: Mahomes and the Chiefs will face Purdy and the 49ers
The Associated Press Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Las Vegas with a chance for a rare repeat while…
Quiet weekend at the box office, with ‘The Beekeeper’ on top and some Oscar boosts
The Associated Press Movie theaters and audiences settled for seconds this weekend. With no new wide releases on the schedule, a mob of holdovers sustained…
Recent Deaths 1/29/24
Nancy (Nelson) Williams, 80, of Newark, died Jan. 24, 2024. Benjamin Eugene Beichner, 70, of Shippenville, died Jan. 27, 2024. Kathleen A. “Kathy” Kristek, 76,…
Millions awarded to help fund 3 Venango County projects
From staff reports The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded nearly $11 million in grant and low-interest loan funding to two sewer projects and…
Decision expected soon on Venango Catholic future
By MAKAYLA KEATING Staff writer A decision is expected probably within the next couple of weeks about whether Venango Catholic High School in Oil City…
COVID-era program is awash in fraud. Congress aims to wind it down and expand the child tax credit
WASHINGTON (AP) — When IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel met privately with senators recently, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee asked for his assessment of…