Pink Elephant a Smethport Institution

Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr For 50 years, the Pink Elephant Resale Shop at 420 W. Main St. has been a Smethport staple. The volunteer-run institution has been busy this year — serving, adapting to change and giving back. The resale shop has been a familiar stop for generations of people looking for affordable finds, and for locals to pass along items they no longer need. The community…

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Smethport Area High School Students Earn Seven State Qualifications

Bradford Era – SAHS Smethport Area High School returned from the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) District 1 Conference with seven state qualifiers. From left are Wyatt Hungiville, Cali Dart, Mara Ours, Lelah Lane, Olivia Rounsville, Chloe Conn and Andrew Benson. Smethport sent 45 competitors to the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) District 1 Conference this week and returned with seven state qualifiers. Gold medalists included Lelah…

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Warnick Retires, Seipp Named Chief

Bradford Era – Chief Patrick Warnick has retired from Smethport Borough Police Department, and borough council appointed Officer Kevin Seipp as chief. Warnick has been in law enforcement for well over 25 years and has been with Smethport since 2006. In 2013 he was appointed chief. Warnick is a graduate of Port Allegany High school, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a graduate of the IUP police academy….

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Make a Splash at Arts on the Island

Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr Arts on the Island returns to Hamlin Lake Park for its eighth year on Sept. 6 to 7. Hosted by the McKean County Historical Society, the event is two days of art, live music, food and family fun. This year, organizers hope to make a splash with the newly added cardboard boat race. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each…

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Mara Ours Named McKean County Fair Queen

Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr The new McKean County Fair queen was chosen Friday night at the fairgrounds. She is Mara Ours, who hails from Smethport and is the daughter of Marty and Laura Ours. She participates in many activities, including DECA, mock trial, National Honor Society, Envirothon and show choir. She is the current student council co-president and a member of the basketball, track and field, and…

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Smethport Rotary Places Peace Pole

Bradford Era – In a world too often divided by conflict and misunderstanding, a quiet but powerful symbol of hope now stands in Smethport. Sponsored by the Smethport Rotary Club, the newly installed Peace Pole at Hamlin Memorial Library is a visible reminder of shared humanity and a longing for harmony, representatives said. Smethport Rotary Club members Tony Herzog, Joy Ammerman, Holy McCrary and Sue McClelland pose with the…

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Hubbers Graduate 57 with Class of ’25

Bradford Era – Smethport Area High School graduated 57 students Friday evening with the Hubbers’ Class of 2025. Superintendent Brice Benson offered his congratulations to the class before class secretary Emily Snyder introduced salutatorian Emma Thomas. Valedictorian Haydn Riekofsky addresses the Smethport Area High School Class of 2025. “We’ve learned the value of sticking it out, the importance of caring for others and the strength of community,” Thomas said….

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What’s Old is New Again

Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr The McKean County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum is undergoing some big changes. Staff are currently remodeling the former sheriff’s apartment upstairs, redoing displays and finalizing work on the fire tower outside, in addition to other surprises. Original floors, from 1875, have been restored to their former glory in the former sheriff’s apartment at the Old Jail and wallpaper is going up. “Right…

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Smethport Elementary Exceeds Read-A-Thon Goal, Raises More Than $10,000

by Smethport Area Elementary PTO Students at Smethport Elementary School proved this week that the power of reading knows no bounds. This year’s annual Read-A-Thon, sponsored by Smethport Area Elementary PTO, was a resounding success, with students, teachers and families coming together to surpass the school’s ambitious goal of raising $10,000. A total of $10,427 was raised with a whopping 40,648 minutes read by these motivated students. The Read-A-Thon,…

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Goodwill to All and to All a Great Bargain

Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr These days, money is tight for many. Bargain shoppers will be excited to know a Goodwill store is coming to Smethport. The store, which is set for a soft opening next week, is located at 86 Marvin St. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Photo: Assistant Manager Jessika Platko helps prepare the new Goodwill store in Smethport, set…

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