Local News

When you see news in the making, contact News Director Tim Shaw by email or phone (814) 676-8254.

Municipal Primaries Are Scheduled For Tuesday

Voters go to the polls across the state Tuesday (May 21) in the 2013 municipal election year’s primaries. In Venango County, the most closely-watched race has been in the Republican primary for District Attorney where assistant D.A. Brenda Servidio is squaring off against attorneys Michael Hadley and Shawn White.  The rivalry has been fueled by accusations…

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State Unemployment Rate Falls To 7.6 Percent

The state Department of Labor and Industry says Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.6 percent in April. The number marks a three-tenths of a percentage point decrease from March unemployment, tallied at 7.9 percent, and compares to the national jobless rate for April which stood at 7.5 percent. The Pennsylvania numbers show that employment opportunities in…

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Franklin School Board To Vote On Proposed Budget With Tax Hike

The Franklin Area School Board will take their first vote Monday night on a proposed 2013-2014 budget that will include a real estate tax increase. As of last Monday night’s work session, the spending plan totaled a little more than $30.2 million dollars, and included a deficit of over $155,000.  That version of the budget…

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PennDOT’s YouTube Channel Is Up And Running

PennDOT announced Monday that its new YouTube channel has begun functioning. Initially, the channel’s features include educational and safety videos, features on PennDOT operations and initiatives, and time lapse video from the recent Interstate 81 tanker fire.  Eventually, the department will add videos featuring their highway safety efforts and their maintenance operations. PennDOT Secretary Barry…

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Sandy Lake Man Dies In Car Rollover Near Greenville

A Sandy Lake man died early Saturday morning when his car left a Mercer County road and rolled over several times. State Police troopers at the Mercer station in Jackson Center say 21 year-old Cody Lawrence was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash shortly after 3:30 AM Saturday. Accident investigators say Lawrence’s car…

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Guys Mills Man Dies In ATV Crash

A Guys Mills man died late Friday night when his all-terrain vehicle crashed near Meadville. State Police troopers at the Meadville station say 43 year-old Timothy Waddingham lost control of his ATV on a curve on Hinkson Road in East Mead Township.  The vehicle rolled several times. Troopers say Waddingham had not been wearing a…

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Mercer Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Death Of Former Fire Chief

A Mercer woman has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a former Lawrence County fire chief whose motorcycle was struck by a car. The incident occurred May 7 in Scott Township, the hometown of the accident victim, Daniel Gallatin. Accident investigators claim 42 year-old Laura Gargiulo was texting when her car slammed…

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New Bethlehem Man Charged In Clarion Arson

A New Bethlehem man has been charged with arson and other counts in connection with a fire that destroyed a $30,000 home on River Hill in Clarion in May, 2012. Reports show that 24 year-old James McCauley already faces charges in connection with an arson fire that destroyed a barn on Route 66 in Paint Township…

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Powerball Jackpot Winner Sold In Florida, Two PA. Tickets Win One Million Dollars

Powerball Lottery officials say one ticket, sold in Florida, has matched all of the numbers drawn in Saturday night’s Powerball game, and is worth, in annuity value terms, more than $590-million. Powerball officials had earlier estimated the jackpot would reach $600-million. It was confirmed on Sunday morning that the grand prize winner, representing the richest…

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Seat Belt Enforcement Effort Begins

A national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign begins Monday, May 20, and will continue through June 9. Seat belt checks will be conducted on several streets and roads in the Oil Region and elsewhere.  The Pennsylvania State Police and more than 600 municipal law enforcement agencies will be participating. PennDOT says seat…

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