Pastor Frank Eppley Delivers Memorial Day Address in Smethport

Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey Pastor Frank Eppley, a decorated Vietnam veteran, posed a question during Monday’s Memorial Day services on the courthouse steps in Smethport. “How do we put into words the feelings that we all share on Memorial Day and every day for the men and women who are not only fallen soldiers of our wars, but also the husbands and wives who we say…

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Smethport Artist’s Works on Display at Elk County Council on the Arts

Courier Express – by Matthew Guerry Smethport artist Julie Mader started a series of works inspired by the fairy tale Snow White two winters ago. That series is now being exhibited at the Elk County Council on the Arts, and will have its opening reception tonight. “Snow White Awoke,” Mader said, evolved from the experimenting she did with acrylic gels while reading from a used copy of the book….

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Service Awards Presented to Smethport Lions Club Members

Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller The Smethport Lions Club held its semi-monthly meeting and dinner at the Corner Bistro and Pizza Company on Monday. The featured guests at the event were Janet Mitchell, Lions Club District Governor, and her husband Bob Mitchell, Past District Governor. Left to right: Ron Willis, current Smethport Lions Club President; Jack Pierotti recipient of the 10 year Smethport Lions Club service award; Chuck…

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McKean County Judge John Pavlock Newsmaker of the Year for 2017

Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey The Bradford Era has named McKean County President Judge John Pavlock as the 2017 Newsmaker of the Year in recognition of his efforts to keep local history alive, streamline the county court system and actively support the 3G, CASA and Boondocs programs. Over the past several years, Pavlock has had active roles in some McKean County Historical Society presentations, the latest being…

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Christmas Tree Farm Keeps Owner Active and Customers Happy

Bradford Era – by Kate Day Sager It was a cold, damp morning last week when Donald “Corky” Hull jumped out of his full-size pickup truck and took a brisk walk up the hill to look over Christmas trees on his Smethport farm. It’s an act the 88-year-old has likely done thousands of times over the past four decades — and hopes to continue for more holiday seasons to…

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Eight Year Match Story from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Smethport Web — by Annie Wolfe Justice and Sharon began their match when Justice was just seven years old. This November the pair is celebrating their eight-year match anniversary. They see themselves continuing to be involved with The Guidance Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program until Justice ‘graduates’ at age eighteen. While reflecting on their introductory meeting at the start of their relationship, Sharon stated, “I loved Justice as…

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Local Veterans Honored During Ceremonies in Smethport

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey State Rep. Martin Causer, who spoke Saturday night at the Veterans Day program at the Bucktail Post #138, Smethport American Legion, told the veterans that it was an honor to be with them because “your bravery, dedication and selfless sacrifice — and your willingness to put your lives on the line for your fellow Americans and our principles — are nothing short…

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Smethport Grad Ryan Stratton Named to Good Works Team

Smethport Web — Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches association have announced the 22 college football players and honorary head coach named to the 2017 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Edinboro University’s Ryan Stratton, a graduate of Smethport Area High School, was one of the 22 honorees, the first time an Edinboro player has received the prestigious award. This award spotlights the…

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Old Newspaper Details the Start of Electric Service in Smethport

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Jim Herzog has donated to Smethport Borough two complete and original editions of the McKean County Miner from 1921 that document electricity coming to the county seat during the Roaring Twenties, a decade that saw much change and prosperity before the stock market crash in 1929. “The newspapers came from the estate of Mary Backus, a local woman who died at the…

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SASD Superintendent David London Discusses Progress at Smethport Schools

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Since becoming superintendent of the Smethport Area school District last year, David London, a strong advocate for small and rural schools, has been guided by the maxim: “Support the Child — Develop the Student,” a theme that is included in the district’s Comprehensive Plan. A school and community committee developed the plan during the 2015-16 school year and was approved by the…

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