Smethport man reports close call with bull elk

The Bradford Era — by Wade Robertson … Father and son were still talking about the football game when it happened. Scott Ambler was driving the speed limit, keeping an eye open for deer, when the headlights suddenly revealed a flash of tan and ivory on the side of the road. Instinctively he slammed on the brakes when, to his amazement, a set of giant antlers and a huge…

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Smethport Observes Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks

The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Smethport observed the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America with a Patriot Day Memorial Remembrance Service Thursday on the steps of the McKean County Courthouse. Members of the Bucktail Post 138, Smethport American Legion and McKean County Post 2497, Veterans of Foreign Wars planned and conducted the ceremony that paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 firemen, rescue, law enforcement,…

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Plan Discussed for Hamlin Lake Park

A community meeting was held today at the firehouse to discuss plans for Hamlin Lake Park. Leading the discussion was Borough Councilmember Patricia Witchen and Carrie Stewart, a civil designer with Hughes Engineering in Clearfield (above). The Borough hired the firm, funded with a matching grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), to develop a master site plan for the park with input from Smethport residents….

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Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Races Coming Soon!

It’s coming again! Smethport’s great 53 Mile 7 Circuit “Wheel Around the Hub Cycling Races” will be held Saturday, September 20, 2008 in the scenic McKean County Seat. The historic race were first held during the 1890s but faded away following the advent of the automobile at the turn of the century. Commencing in front of the McKean County Courthouse on US Route 6 the cyclists today follow the…

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Derrick Wright Performs Church Pipe Organ Recital

Once called the “King of Instruments” by Mozart himself, the pipe organ is widely acknowledged as more difficult to learn than most other instruments. With its tiers of keys, numerous buttons and foot controls, the pipe organ can be quite intimidating even for today’s most accomplished pop music artists. With determination and a love for the music, however, it is possible to learn and become proficient with the instrument….

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Sights and Sounds of McKean County Fair – 2008

The annual McKean County Fair came to a successful conclusion on Saturday, August 16th. In addition to rides, games, shows and exhibits, the fair featured a demolition derby, fireworks display, and music. Here are some of the sights and sounds of the fair. It’s your call whether the “Screamer” or the “Fire Ball” was the scariest ride.

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Smethport Specialty Co. to be Acquired by Patch Products

Patch Products Inc. — a Beloit, Wisconsin manufacturer of games, puzzles and toys — has announced that it has agreed to buy Smethport Specialty Co., the maker of Lauri brand toys and specialty products. The acquisition is expected to expand Patch Products‘ offerings of specialty products. Smethport Specialty’s products include educational games and activity sets, including the classic toy Wooly Willy. The company has been in operation since 1923.

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Elderberry Kitchen Band Plays at Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival

The annual Swedish Festival in Mt. Jewett drew crowds from all over the region. Among the many activities during the three-day event was a smorgasbord at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, dancing, art and quilt shows, and a car and bike show. There was also a parade down Main Street. The Smethport Elderberry Kitchen Band provided some of the entertainment. Doris Nourse introduced the band and the musical selections. Here…

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Local Radio Station Changes Hands

Smethport’s local radio station WQRM has been acquired by Colonial Radio Group in Mainesburg, operator of WLMI “Hometown Country” 103.9 FM in Kane. The transition will become official when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves the transaction, which can take up to 60 days. The radio frequencies of WQRM used for simulcast on 106.3 FM in Smethport and 99.3 FM in Bradford will now carry the WLMI program lineup…

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