Wayne Pearson Featured in ‘Rural Telecom’ Magazine

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller In the July-August 2010 issue of Rural Telecom magazine, former Smethport Chamber president Wayne Pearson shares his insights on the question of, “Can Broadband Save Rural America?” According to the magazine’s cover story, written by NTCA economist Rick Schadelbauer, proponents of rural America have long cited the numerous advantages to living in less populous areas: lower housing costs, lower crime rates, less traffic,…

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Mystery of the Missing Bees Solved in Smethport

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….

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Smethport Through the Eyes of a Vagabond Resident

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…

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Smethport Resident named Executive Director of Kane Area Development Center

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller 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…

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Lesley Willis Turns in Perfect Score on ‘Discover Smethport’ Quiz

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Lesley Willis of Smethport won the ‘Discover Smethport’ quiz written by Wooly Willy inventor Jim Herzog. Her perfect score earned her a $125 gift certificate from The Country Porch. The 11-question quiz is sponsored by the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce and is a featured event of Wooly Willy Wonderdaze. It tests a person’s in-depth knowledge of Borough history. To find the right…

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The People and Organizations Behind ‘Wonderdaze’

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Holding the five-day Wooly Willy Wonderdaze event requires the involvement of many people and organizations working behind the scenes, giving generously of their time and energy to help make our community a very special place. We are indebted to the Borough’s utility crew who installed new poles to display the Wooly Willy Wonderdaze banner across Main Street after it had blown down twice…

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Window Art Contest Winners Announced

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller The Chamber of Commerce encouraged business owners and individuals to paint Smethport’s storefront windows for the 2010 Wooly Willy Wonderdaze. The theme this year was, “Wooly Willy’s Impact on Main Street.” Prizes for the contest, donated by The Hamlin Bank & Trust Company, are:  

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McClelland Financial Management Opens Smethport Office

Smethport Web — by Les Jordan, Jr. McClelland Financial Management has a new office in downtown Smethport. Irons Hollow resident, Sue McClelland, operates the business, which is located at 601 West Main Street, Suite 2, on the basement level of the Masonic Temple across from the McKean County Courthouse. Sue has been in the financial services industry for 13 years and offers professional, honest and confidential services to her…

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Auto Show Roars in Smethport

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Despite uncertain weather, Saturday’s Wooly Willy Wonderdaze auto show on Hamlin Lake drew some unusual cars from as far away as Florida and Toronto, Canada. The event was punctuated by drawings for high-end prizes, a karaoke contest, and a full-rev engine demonstration that was heard throughout the Borough.  

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Mr. Potato Head a No-Show at Wooly Willy Celebration

Smethport Web — By Ross Porter The opening day ceremony for Wooly Willy Wonderdaze held yesterday on the steps of the McKean County Courthouse on US Route 6 in Smethport, Pennsylvania honored classic toy great Wooly Willy (Patch Products, Inc). Known worldwide as one of the 20th Century Toy Super-stars, Wooly Willy was born and raised in Smethport. Wooly received early fame in his career, racing to #1 in…

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