File photo from August 12, 2021. 

Residents, businesses owners, commuters, regular visitors and anyone with a vested interest in the future of Venango County should attend one of the four open house meetings that will be held at the following dates and places: 

• 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, 737 Elk St. in Franklin.
• 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, Great Room, National Transit Building, 206 Seneca St. in Oil City.
• 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, Cherrytree Township municipal building, 1311 Cherrytree Road.
• 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, Clintonville fire hall, 501 Emlenton St.

The county is looking for feedback and suggestions on a variety of topics. "The plan must address the protection of natural and historic resources and include a plan for the reliable supply of water," Buchanan said. "In addition, the plan will include implementation strategies and possible funding sources used to accomplish the stated goals."

​Among the items they will be looking at include the location, type and timing of future development, land use, housing needs, transportation, community facilities and utilities. "The plan covers the needs of the entire county, down to the local government level. Items such as education, recreation, municipal buildings, fire and police stations, libraries, hospitals, water supply and distribution, sewerage and waste treatment, solid waste management, storm drainage, and flood plain management, utility corridors and associated facilities, and other similar facilities or uses are addressed," she said.

"We believe poetry can lead to change," poet Debbie Allen said. A group of poets gathered Saturday at the Franklin Public Library to share original works and poems published by others which address the topics of bigotry and hate. A crowd of roughly 30 people attended the event by "Poets Against Racism USA," an organization created by Debbie Allen of Youngstown and Patricia Thrushart (bottom right picture) of the Cook Forest area.

​Prior to the event, Thrushart said “We hope to have an audience that comes with open minds and hearts ready to join us in denouncing racism and hate.” It appeared that's what they got. A couple even came to read their own poetry in the open mic portion of the day.

The group was joined by several poets from the Bridge Literary Arts Group based in Venango and Clarion counties.

The Poets Against Racism USA’s website explains who they are as “… a network of primarily US-based poets who challenge, discuss, and confront racism, bigotry, and hate through the power of poetry." The group is affiliated with the Poets Against Racism movement launched in the UK in 2017. PAR USA was formed in 2021. "We wish to promote love, peace, and positivity toward all, regardless of color, ethnicity, place of origin, creed, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, appearance, or physical or mental ability. We encourage others from around the country to join our movement so that we can spread the message of zero tolerance for racism, bigotry, and hate.”

To learn more about the group, visit their website here.

A shorter quicker (supposedly) game of HORSE was the impetus behind last weekends mini-fundraiser for the rocky Grove girls and boys basketball programs. The event drew dozens of "shooters" to the gymnasium to see who had the best game overall when it mattered.
Four bracket eliminations were played over a couple hours with four champs crowned - their photos holding their trophies can be found at the end of this post.

There were all sorts of shots attempted.

And some gave it there all/

Others were just having fun.

Some wondered if they still had it.

Others weren't ready to pass the torch.

They all tried (at least to have fun.)

Or grow.

For the organizers -  they are doing it for their kids and the future of Oriole hoops.

It may be a PIG tournament, but the results are meant to bring community awareness to the programs and the kids these programs help.

They were joined by senior cheerleader Kayleigh Schommer, who was recognized for her years of cheering on wrestlers and football players at Franklin.

​See photos from the wrestling matches here.

Cranberry took a pause between basketball games Tuesday night to honor an athlete from last year's graduating class.

Sylas Fox participated in multiple sports while attending Cranberry High School - cross country, basketball and track. It is for his achievements in the latter that he was recognized. Fox was the 2022 District 9 800-meter champion with a time of 2:00.54. A banner with his name on it will join other Cranberry greats on the Berries' gym wall.

The banner was presented to him by assistant boys track coach Logan McMahon, cross country coach Keith Siverling, and head track coach Mick Wachob. 

Ice chunks from Oil City and Franklin were floating passed the brave souls who decided the best way to kick off the New Year was by cleansing away 2022 with some freezing cold water.

Parker, which considers itself the "Smallest City in the USA", brought back its New Year's day Polar Plunge tradition of having a few hundred people invade in order to jump in the frigid Allegheny River.

Thanks to the local volunteer fire departments and their river rescue experts, everyone had a safe experience, even the dudes who went all Yukon Cornelius and rode a chuck of ice for fun and a selfie video.