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Smethport Gears Up for ‘Wheel Around the Hub’ Bicycle Race

July 31, 2010

Smethport Web

Cyclists far and wide will once again gather in Smethport for the historic Wheel Around the Hub bicycle race to be held on Saturday, September 18. The 53-mile, seven-lap race starts at noon on Main Street in front of the McKean County Courthouse. Proceeds will benefit the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Police.

The route takes cyclists through Smethport’s quaint business district, past the McKean County fairgrounds and scenic farmlands, over the Galico Bridge, through forests, past Hamlin Lake, and back onto Main Street past Victorian homes. Read more

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Mystery of the Missing Bees Solved in Smethport

July 4, 2010

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

Scientists, farmers and beekeepers have been expressing alarm in recent years over the apparent disappearance of bee colonies across North America. The situation goes far beyond a few bees here and there and threatens the pollination of fruits, grains, and vegetables.

According to news reports, at issue is American agriculture itself. Most orchards, fields of grain, and vegetable crops are pollinated by honeybees. And both milk and meat come from cows that munch on grain. If honeybee populations continue to disappear in such large numbers, it could have a devastating effect on crop yields — ultimately leaving every dinner plate in America empty.   Read more

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Smethport Through the Eyes of a Vagabond Resident

July 4, 2010

Smethport Web — by Matt Muller

A Chinese student, a talented English major from a university in Hunan, China, asked me to describe my hometown. This is what I wrote:

Smethport is very different from Chenzhou. It is like a dream that I’m afraid will seem unreal or too abstract for you to realize. Words alone are not enough to describe the beauty, wonder, and charm of my home town. But I will try.

Right now it is a very special time of the year in which we celebrate the birth of our country, the Declaration of Independence and like your country, a revolution against Imperial tyranny. Now the weather is much like Kunming in the autumn, winter or spring: everything is blue sky and very sunny. The people ride their bikes, fish, boat, swim, garden, walk their dogs, tend their lawns and the upkeep of their homes, or just go for a country drive to enjoy the scenery. Depending on the time of day you will smell fresh cut grass, sweet fresh air born upon a northerly breeze or the cooking smells of backyard barbecues that make your stomach growl.   Read more

Filed Under News, Residents  

Smethport Resident named Executive Director of Kane Area Development Center

July 3, 2010

Smethport Web

Melanie Clabaugh, a recent arrival to Smethport with her husband Phil, has been named executive director of the Kane Area Development Center. Her duties span the Chamber of Commerce, Kane Area Industrial Development Corp., and the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise.

Melanie has a BA and M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. She was the marketing and outreach coordinator for the Oakland Business Improvement District responsible for planning, developing and implementing promotions and events designed to steer commerce to Oakland’s business district.   Read more

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