Omicron spreads global gloom over New Year’s celebrations
BRUSSELS (AP) — After struggling with the coronavirus for far too long, the world understands all too well Belgium’s word of the year, “knaldrang!” —…
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Steelers dumped 36-10 by Chiefs as playoff hopes fade
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday with their playoff hopes beginning to fade. Then, they played like…
‘Spider-Man’ surpasses $1B globally in second weekend
The Associated Press Peter Parker’s good fortune continued over the holiday weekend as Hollywood prepares to close the books on a turbulent 2021. Even with…
Recent Deaths 12/27/21
Rowenna K. “Renny” Reagle Mansfield, 77, of Franklin, died Dec. 25, 2021. Pauline A. Master, 96, of Clarion, died Dec. 23, 2021. Don David Lewis,…
Panel OKs more funds for 100 Seneca project
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer Members of the Venango County Economic Development Authority discussed funding and other matters related to the 100 Seneca project at…
Local churches collect relief supplies for Kentucky
By LAURA O’NEIL Staff writer On Dec. 10, people across the country watched in horror as a tornado ripped through western Kentucky, destroying homes, lives…
Space telescope launched on daring quest
The Associated Press The world’s largest and most powerful space telescope rocketed away Saturday on a high-stakes quest to behold light from the first stars…
Flight cancellations snarl holiday plans for thousands
NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of…
Putin to mull options if West refuses guarantees on Ukraine
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for…
PA fire departments facing volunteerism emergency
SUNBURY (AP) — The state of volunteer firefighting is in a crisis. That is the assessment of Acting Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and…
Polenta Bites
(Family Features) Whipping up family favorites all winter long is a perfect activity to keep loved ones warm in the kitchen while avoiding the bitter…
Pet of the Day 12/24/21
Carter recently came to us as a stray. If you are looking for a nice, middle-aged, well-behaved boy, look no further! We are not sure…
Oil City gearing up for First Night festivities
From staff reports Oil City is gearing up for its First Night festivities on New Year’s Eve. Following a hiatus of one year due to…
Community performs Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Community members performed selections from Handel’s “Messiah” at the Belles Lettres Club on Saturday and Sunday. The group was directed by Francis Nesta and accompanied…
Yes, there is a Santa Claus. No, COVID-19 won’t stop him
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AP) — Rest assured, kids of all ages: Santa’s coming this Christmas Eve, and a second holiday with COVID-19 won’t…
Steelers head to KC for game with AFC playoff implications
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce the “best in the business.” He talked about about how…
New Year’s Eve in Times Square still on, with smaller crowd
NEW YORK (AP) — Revelers will still ring in the new year in New York’s Times Square next week, there just won’t be as many…
Recent Deaths 12/24/21
Bennie Lee Loud, 66, of Oil City, died Dec. 15, 2021. Mona L. Noziglia, 88, of Oil City, died Dec. 20, 2021. Michael A. Reitz,…
Baked Tomato Goat Cheese Dip
(Family Features) Whipping up family favorites all winter long is a perfect activity to keep loved ones warm in the kitchen while avoiding the bitter…
Pet of the Day 12/23/21
This sweet girl came in as a stray so we don’t have any history for her. She was pretty timid at first but has come…
Man facing charge in second trespass case
From staff reports An Oil City man who is already facing charges for entering a residence he had been evicted from is now facing an…
New vendor sought to handle recycling collections for county
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer The Venango County Economic Development Authority was updated on the county’s recycling center at the panel’s monthly meeting Tuesday. Jason…
Biden and Dems scramble to salvage social, climate package
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, along with progressive and moderate Democrats, appears determined to return to the negotiating table with Sen. Joe Manchin, the…
First things first: Steelers searching for early momentum
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The answer to the biggest problem facing the Pittsburgh Steelers is easy. “We’ve got to score points,” coach Mike Tomlin said. More…
Review: Penélope Cruz delivers in ‘Parallel Mothers’
The Associated Press Two women meet in a maternity ward and their lives become inextricably linked in Pedro Almodóvar’s gentle but penetrating “ Parallel Mothers.” It’s…
Recent Deaths 12/23/21
Marjorie Grace Rodgers, 97, of Franklin, died Dec. 21, 2021. Tobias Frazier, 26, of Polk, died Dec. 20, 2021. Robert Lee Neely, 63, of Franklin,…
Pet of the Day 12/22/21
Oakley has a big voice and he loves to use it! This senior boy would thrive in a quiet home with lots of love and…
Poppy Chow
(Family Features) No matter the occasion, nearly every gathering of loved ones is better with snacks. One opportunity to celebrate this winter, National Popcorn Day…
Grinch arrested at local school
Police continue investigation into Rockland homicide
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer Franklin state police are continuing their investigation of a homicide that occurred earlier this month in Rockland Township. Peter Bernardo…
Cranberry economic panel eyes new housing development project
By STACEY GROSS Contributing writer The Cranberry Township Economic and Development Committee heard updates Tuesday on the Cranberry Mall, an upcoming outdoor expo, and the…
AP sources: NHL to withdraw from Olympics after COVID surge
The Associated Press The NHL is not sending players to the Beijing Olympics over concerns that the pandemic will disrupt the league’s ability to complete…
Secret Service: Nearly $100B stolen in pandemic relief funds
The Associated Press Nearly $100 billion at minimum has been stolen from COVID-19 relief programs set up to help businesses and people who lost their…
Review: ‘Matrix Resurrections’ rewrites its programming
The Associated Press How deep does the rabbit hole go? Deep enough, it turns out, to accommodate at least four movies, several videogames, a comic,…
Recent Deaths 12/22/21
Cornelius G.W. Stover, 86, of Knox, died Dec. 20, 2021. Robert N. “Bob” Botts, 80, of Oil City, died Dec. 20, 2021. Elaine R. Adam,…
Pet of the Day 12/21/21
Leo is a very sweet boy who needs a patient loving home. He got into some trouble with paint in his last home. Leo is…
Chocolate Dipped Candied Orange Peels
Consider these tips from the entertaining experts at Sunkist and food blogger, podcaster, and TV host Brandi Milloy for a fresh spin on your festivities….
Man killed in Irwin Township crash
From staff reports One person was killed in a one-vehicle crash in Irwin Township that apparently occurred overnight Sunday, according to Venango County 911. The…
Franklin names home decorating competition winners
From staff reports Franklin has announced the winners of its “Get Lit” Christmas home decorating competition. The first-place winner is Michael Fulmer of 726 Grant…
Biden to pledge 500M free COVID-19 tests to counter omicron
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the omicron variant on the march, President Joe Biden plans to announce 500 million free rapid tests for Americans, increased support…
NHL shuts down Wednesday through Saturday; 5 games postponed
The Associated Press The NHL is beginning a leaguewide shutdown Wednesday amid a rise in positive COVID-19 test results among players, and with 10 of…
Smoke and mirror Steelers somehow still alive in AFC North
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t make any sense. They can’t run the ball. They can’t stop the run. They can’t score a ton…
Blanchett, del Toro on the femme fatale of ‘Nightmare Alley’
NEW YORK (AP) — With a touch of Barbara Stanwyck, a sumptuous Art Deco office, and a deadly shade of crimson lipstick, Cate Blanchett plays…
Recent Deaths 12/21/21
Winifred A. Black, 85, of Franklin, died Dec. 16, 2021. Cornelius G.W. Stover, 86, of Knox, died Dec. 20, 2021. Scott A. Salser, 59, of…
Pet of the Day 12/20/21
Poplar is a cuddlebug. She loves attention and head rubs. She can be playful, but often you’ll find her curled up for a nap on…
Baked Camembert Wreath with Navel Orange and Cranberry
(Family Features) Despite a busy holiday schedule, you can take the stress out of entertaining and cooking by planning ahead and simplifying your menu. Consider…
Congress Passes FY 2022 NDAA
The House and Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (NDAA). This includes a 2.7 percent pay raise for service members;…
St. Joseph Church renovations
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Oil City is undergoing extensive renovations. The renovations to the sanctuary include painting and…
Manchin upends Biden’s agenda, won’t back $2 trillion bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin all but delivered a death blow to President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic initiative, throwing his party’s agenda…
Spidey nets 3rd best opening of all time with $253 million
The Associated Press Never underestimate your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, even with a mutating virus afoot. Despite rising concerns over the omicron variant, “Spider-Man: No Way…