Hospital to Establish Bowman Scholarship

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, based in Coudersport, has established the Douglas F. Bowman, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Dr. Bowman served the hospital and the community in numerous roles including CCMH medical director and board member. The scholarship will be awarded to a Smethport area student pursuing a health care related career with preference given to those seeking a nursing or medical degree. Recipients will also be chosen based on…

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Planet Smethport Marks 10th Anniversary

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Ten years ago, Ross Porter undertook the formidable task of chronicling the early history of Smethport and surrounding communities as an ongoing project sponsored by the Smethport Area School District. The project was first announced at the fall 1998 Annual Meeting of the McKean County Historical Society. With the help of numerous students and volunteers, the online archive known as Planet Smethport now…

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Smethport Obtains $25K grant for Combined Heat Power Project

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Smethport has taken the first step on the road to achieving energy independence. Ross Porter, co-chairman of Smethport Woody Biomass Leadership Team (SWBLT) announced that the Borough has received a commiment of funds from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. The grant in the amount of $25,000 will be used for developing a feasibility analysis for the Combined Heat Power (CHP) project planned…

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Fog Reveals Different Side of Hamlin Lake Park

Fog rolled into Smethport on Saturday, as it did through much of the region. Mild, moist air clung over Hamlin Lake until mid-afternoon, cloaking the park in a white cloud that allowed only the barest glimpse of features taken for granted on a clear day. Within the misty shroud, time seemed to stand still. The sound of rushing water, muted. Befuddled geese and ducks on the water’s edge had…

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Timber Ghost Taxidermy Draws Hunters Throughout Region

Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller When two Smethport High School buddies pursued their interest in taxidermy years ago they dreamed of one day opening their own business. Three months ago, Bryan Burdick (class of 2001) and Sergio Herrera (class of 2002) finally opened the doors to their joint venture, Timber Ghost Taxidermy, on Route 59 across from the Smethport Country Club. View the Big Buck Contest, displays, and…

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All in Good Taste: The Cottage House Boasts a World Class Chef

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller Smethport residents who appreciate fine dining or a change of pace on special occasions have been accustomed to traveling far to sate their appetites: The Bistro in Olean, New York and The Westline Inn in Northwestern Pennsylvania, as well as The PennHills Club and The Glendorn in Bradford. Add to that impressive list – The Cottage House in Smethport. A few months ago,…

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McART Nite Draws Crowd in Smethport

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller McART Nite drew over 100 attendees to the Courthouse on Saturday night. The event, sponsored by the McKean County Historical Society, featured an exhibit by Holgate Toys based in Bradford, the maker of wooden toys since 1789. In the 1920s and ‘30s, Jarvis Rockwell – the brother of illustrator Norman Rockwell – was Holgate’s chief toy designer. As attendees strolled through three floors…

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Korean War veterans honored during Veterans Day Dinner in Smethport

The Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Korean War veterans were recognized Saturday during the annual Veterans Day Dinner at the Smethport American Legion, Bucktail Post #138. Six local veterans of the war, which ranged from 1950-53, were among the approximately 80 veterans and guests who attended the dinner. They were George and Deborah Tufts, Don Ross, Ralph Mayer, Bob Cradduck and Russ Johnson. The evening’s program included…

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Smethport Looks at Using Woody Biomass Technology – Part II

The Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey Smethport Mayor Ross Porter believes the use of wood resources from the area is natural as the town looks to become a leader in biomass technology. “There is nothing new about using wood resources in this region,” Porter said. “It’s our roots. It’s our heritage. The wood industry is what made Smethport grow and propser.” In the 19th Century, a huge…

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Smethport Could Be Leader in Biomass Technology – Part I

The Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey Not only can alternative energy in the form of woody biomass lead to lower electric and heating bills for Smethport, but it could make the town a national leader in this technology. The use of fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas are not part of this technology. To generate energy, woody biomass technology burns chips from low value trees, logging…

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