Focus on saving churches
By JUDITH O. ETZEL Contributing writer How to save historic churches, beset by diminished membership and declining financial wherewithal, has sparked a move to bring…
Articles by VenangoExtra.com
Storms sweep southern US, Midwest as death toll rises to 11
HOUSTON (AP) — Severe storms sweeping across southern portions of the U.S. and up into the Midwest were blamed Saturday in the deaths of at…
Former Steelers coach Cowher elected to Pro Football HOF
NEW YORK (AP) — The Chin is in. Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a…
Jimmy Fallon heads to prime-time with celeb musical series
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Jimmy Fallon is adding his first prime-time series to his his late-night empire. He’ll host “That’s My Jam,” a comedy-variety event…
Contract awarded for multi-year roadway project on Route 8
From staff reports The northwest region of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has awarded a contract worth more than $32 million for reconstruction work on…
Cole McMahon honoree named
From staff reports Holden Stahl, a junior at Oil City High School, has been named the recipient of the annual Cole McMahon “Heart of Gold”…
Pelosi to send impeachment to Senate for historic trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House will take steps next week to transmit the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, ending…
McCann scores in OT, Penguins beat Avalanche 4-3
DENVER (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins have dealt with plenty of adversity this season, so a couple of unfortunate bounces weren’t going to bother them….
Neil Peart, drummer for Rush, dead at 67
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) — Neil Peart, the renowned drummer and lyricist from the influential Canadian band Rush, has died. He was 67. His representative,…
Recent Deaths 1/11/20
Betty Joan (Head) Hall, 89, of Titusville, formerly of Tionesta, died Jan. 10, 2020. Rose A. Nosko, 90, formerly of Titusville, died Jan. 10, 2020….
Pigskin Potatoes
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 44 minutes Servings: 8 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) Dynamic Duo or Terrific Trio Little Potatoes 6 ounces plain…
Pet of the Day 01-10-20
Nala is a fun, happy girl who is all wiggles and wags! She is super playful and has loads of energy. She would love to…
Former Trails to Ales employee held in theft case
By SARAH TITLEY Staff writer A Franklin woman was held for court Wednesday on nearly 30 charges related to fraudulent checks written using bank information…
Historical Society photo show set Jan. 18-19
From staff reports The Venango County Historical Society will be hosting Venango County Photographs: Past and Present on Saturday, Jan. 18 and Sunday, Jan. 19….
Iran denies downing plane, says West should share evidence
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran on Friday denied Western allegations that one of its own missiles downed a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed outside Tehran, and…
Guillermo Heredia agrees to deal with Pirates
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Outfielder Guillermo Heredia agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Heredia, who turns 29 on Jan. 31, hit .225…
‘The Incredible Hulk’ actor to become deputy in New Mexico
SOCORRO, N.M. (AP) — Lou Ferrigno, the actor in the CBS television series “The Incredible Hulk,” is slated to become a sheriff’s deputy in New…
Recent Deaths 1/10/20
Betty E. Smith McCall, 92, of Petrolia, died Jan. 8, 2020. Margaret Shirley English Lowers, 83, of Oil City, died Jan. 7, 2020. Sandra K….
Frenchcreek Twp. crash
How to Make Snowball Cookies
(Family Features) When it’s cold outside and snow blankets the ground, try heating up the oven and whipping up a batch of Snowball Cookies. These…
Sugarcreek police report scam
Franklin man held for court on charges from crash, capture
From staff reports A Franklin man facing several felony charges stemming from a one-vehicle crash in November and his subsequent apprehension in December was held…
Cranberry schedules kindergarten registration
From staff reports Cranberry Area School District has scheduled kindergarten registration for March 25-26. A child must be age 5 on or before Aug. 1…
Iran sends mixed signals as tensions with US ease
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran sent mixed signals Thursday as tensions with the U.S. appeared to ease, with President Hassan Rouhani warning of a “very…
Trebek: ‘Jeopardy!’ retirement isn’t imminent despite cancer
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — The brief farewell that Alex Trebek says will close his final “Jeopardy!” episode isn’t on the horizon. “I don’t foresee that…
Recent Deaths 1/9/20
Mary Elizabeth (Gladd) Ramsey, 75, of Emlenton, died Jan. 7, 2020. Claire Fontaine, 93, of Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, and Franklin, died Jan. 6, 2020….
Spanakopita Puffs
Recipe adapted from Milk Means More 1 package puff pastry sheets 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 small onion, diced 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed…
Pet of the Day 01-08-20
Blue, a Domestic Medium Hair, is a 6 year old neutered male. He has a gold and white coat, green eyes, a pink nose, and…
Attracting birds to the garden
As the sun peers over the horizon a wren is happily singing away, already on the hunt for a mate, the days are getting longer….
Sugarcreek elects leaders, swears in new members
By SARAH TITLEY Staff writer Sugarcreek Borough Council appointed leaders and swore in two new members at the panel’s reorganization meeting Monday. The meeting kicked…
BackPack program expanding at Central Elementary School
From staff reports Students in Franklin will have additional resources to help tide them over their weekends, as the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest…
Iran strikes back at US with missile attack at bases in Iraq
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran struck back at the United States early on Wednesday for killing its most powerful military commander, firing a barrage of…
Kahun, Jarry lead Penguins past Vegas 4-3
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins had a season-low 16 shots on goal against the Vegas Golden Knights, and that was enough to get…
Celebs donate millions to help Australia wildfire efforts
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Elton John and Chris Hemsworth are among the celebrities donating big bucks for relief efforts as wildfires engulf Australia. Hemsworth, the…
Recent Deaths 1/8/20
Joseph L. Kennedy, 86, of Oil City, died Jan. 7, 2020. Mary Alice Reisinger, 61, of Franklin, died Jan. 4, 2020. Joan F. Garbacz, 88,…
Bigger, Better Breakfast Bites
(Culinary.net) If you need an on-the-go breakfast option, wake up your morning with bacon, eggs and a biscuit in these simple, tasty Breakfast Sandwiches. Find…
Pet of the Day 01-07-20
Iris, a Domestic Short Hair, is a 6 month old spayed female. She has a black and grey tiger coat with contrasting white, green eyes,…
OC mayor, councilmen, police chief sworn in
By JUDITH O. ETZEL Contributing writer The Oil City mayor, two city council members and the city police chief took their oaths of office Monday…
Free tax preparation services available
From staff reports The Senior Volunteer Program of Venango County, in conjunction with the AARP Tax-Aide Program, will offer free tax preparation services. Tax counselors…
US prepares for possible Iranian reprisal after drone strike
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials braced for Iran to respond to the killing of its most powerful general, noting heightened military readiness in the country…
NFL wild-card games draw biggest audience since 2016
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The NFL wild-card playoff games were the most watched opening weekend in four years. The four games averaged 30.5 million viewers,…
Recent Deaths 1/7/20
Joan F. Garbacz, 88, of Oil City, died Jan. 5, 2020. Gary Don Jackson, 77, of Franklin, died Jan. 6, 2020. Wilda E. “Willie” Yard,…
A Classic, Slow-Cooked Meal
(Culinary.net) Whether you’re looking for a family meal or a dish to feed a different type of crowd, taking advantage of kitchen tools like your…
Pet of the Day 01-06-20
Aurora is a bundle of energy! She can also be affectionate, but she does love to explore and check out all the smells and toys….
Vet Center is here to help veterans and families
Congress established Vet Centers in 1979 because a significant number of Vietnam combat and era veterans were not accessing VA services at the same levels…
Sandycreek Twp. crash
Criminal mischief
Fire at AWP causes estimated $3M in damages
From staff reports A fire that broke out Saturday morning at Allegheny Wood Products in Marble Township, Clarion County caused an estimated $3 million in…
Trump returns to Washington to face a pair of challenges
WASHINGTON (AP) — His 17-day holiday stay at his Florida resort over, President Donald Trump has returned to the White House facing twin challenges: the…
Panthers top Penguins 4-1 for rare win in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Joel Quenneville insisted when he agreed to coach the Florida Panthers last spring the perpetually struggling club was close to figuring it…