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Thunder over Franklin concludes weeklong 250 celebration

7/5/2026

Franklin's weeklong-plus Libertyfest celebration concluded Saturday night, 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with its annual July 4 fireworks over the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River.

The forecasted storms that could have possibly ruined this celebration for the community steered clear of Riverfront Park. Other than a little damp grass the evening appeared to be enjoyed by the folks perched on the hillside to watch the spectacular.

See more photos from the evening below.

One more from "the edges" below. (The edges is a term used by photographer Bryan Moss who describes those moments that are not front and center of an event that are often as interesting, or more interesting, than what everyone else pays attention to.)

PHOTOS: Libertyfest parade kicks off a week of activities

6/28/2026

Franklin held its annual Libertyfest parade Saturday, a week before the Fourth of July. Franklin has a full schedule of events this week including a pet show Monday at 6 p.m at Bandstand Park, the first week of Taste of Talent Jr. at 7 p.m. Wednesday, "Mostly Marches" by the Silver Cornet Band on Thursday at 7 p.m., and Thunder over Franklin on July 4th with music starting a 6 p.m at Riverfront Park followed by fireworks a dusk.

Blues in Franklin rock the bandstand

6/21/2026

The annual Blues and Barbecue in Franklin got in with minimal rain showers that popped in an out of the area on Saturday only. The little rain at one point even produced a slight rainbow as the music continued on.
The festival's objective, in part is to raise money for music education in Venango County. This year they gave Franklin High School Band a check for $6,500 to be used for scholarships and band needs. The money given was a result of last year's festival earnings from sales of drinks, shirts and donations.

Franklin band director Steve Johnston said that two scholarships were going to be awarded from these funds to two students pursuing music education majors in college. Alex Johnston and Travis Shingledecker, seen below with the check mock up from the committee.

PHOTOS: Franklin's Juneteenth celebration

6/19/2026

Hundreds were drawn to Franklin's Juneteenth celebration if Bandstand Park host by Together We Can of Venango County.

Why Juneteenth is important to be showcased in Franklin

6/14/2026

Franklin’s Bandstand Park will be one of the many centers of this Friday’s Junetenth celebrations held across the country to commemorates the day in 1865 when the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

“It is both a historical milestone and an opportunity for reflection, education, and unity,” said one of Franklin’s organizers Michelle Jones of Together We Can of Venango County. “Our theme is ‘Understanding the Past, Shaping the Future.’ Through this event, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our community stronger.”

The event, from noon to 4 p.m. Friday June 19, will feature: cultural dance performances, poetry readings, spoken word presentations, historical exhibits and artifacts, live music and entertainment, food vendors, children's activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and a book nook story time and book giveaways for children.

“The celebration encourages acceptance, respect, and understanding regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or background,” Jones reiterated.

It is one of the many events of Together We Can of Venango County. According to Jones, throughout the year, the organization works to foster understanding and meaningful dialogue through community engagement, educational initiatives, monthly TED Talk-style discussions, and partnerships with local schools, particularly at the elementary level to help promote inclusivity, cultural awareness, and respect from an early age.

“We believe this celebration is more than an event; it is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn from one another, reflect on our shared history, and embrace the values that unite us.”

Bridge deadline extended to June 15

6/3/2026

The organizers of the Bridge Lit Journal, a now annual publication featuring work from primarily local artists and writers, have extend the submission deadline to June 15 according to one of the group’s organizer Phil Terman. He said they have had a decent upsurge of entries late, especially poetry and artworks, but would like to see more prose and short play entries.

The publication, which had several bi-annual publications up to 2016 took a brief hiatus that was extended by COVID-19.

The group that puts out the journal, Bridge Literary Arts Center, has become very active again in recent years with workshops, readings and alternative events combining art, music and readings.

This journal, last published a year ago featured many regional artists and writers including then 14-year-old Meadville artist Leah Hyatt who had three of her mix media pieces accepted.

The group is made up of mostly writers so they put out an open call for artists in particular, though they welcome new writers as well.

Submissions are open to everyone, though the organizers are particularly interested in Northwest Pennsylvania creators. And they will still accept art and poetry entries.

“Given our mission, we encourage writers and artists from or with a connection to Clarion, Venango, Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Warren, Forest, Lawrence, Jefferson and Mercer counties,” according to the group posting on their website.

Though last year several enteries from outside the region were accepted.

Guidelines allow for prose and plays under 2,000 words per piece and individuals can submit up to two pieces in these categories. For poetry, writers may send up to three individual poems.

Visual artists can also submit up to three pieces in photography, painting, drawing, collage, graphic design, typography, calligraphy, and other media.

Individuals are permitted to submit in more than one category.

Entries should be emailed to [email protected].

Work should also be accompanied by a brief bio of less than 150 words.

There is no fee for applying and artists/writers retain all rights to their work. Accepted artists/writers will receive one free copy of the journal.

The 2026 Bridge Literary Arts Journal is expected to be published in September with a launch during the second annual Allegheny River Music & Art Festival and Bridge LitFest in Oil City on September 12.

For more information visit: www.bridgeliteraryartscenter.org/journal.

New age for local vocal competition

5/29/2026

Prior to this year you had to be 16 years of age or older to enter the annual Taste of Talent vocal completion held over a half dozen weeks each summer in Franklin’s Bandstand Park.

In a twist, this year you can’t be over 16.

The organizers of the Taste of Talent competition, which began in 2010, have decided to try something new this year making it a junior competition where all performers will be 12-16.

The competition runs over several weeks beginning July 1 running every Wednesday, weather permitting, until the finale weekend when it moves to Saturday night and Sunday afternoon August 1 and 2.

Auditions are June 2 and 3 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre’s Little Theatre beginning at 6 p.m. Those interested should enter through the #10 alley door on the right side of the building off Liberty street.

Vocalists should prepare a 90-second audition to an accompanying track (a bluetooth speaker will be available to connect your device) or an accompanist.
All must be accompanied by an adult.

Up to 12 contestants will be chosen.

Those picked will be expected to attend all performances at Bandstand Park that begin at 7 p.m. except for the final Sunday which begins at 4 p.m. The performers will be required to be at the performances at least an hour and 45 minutes prior to the start.

A grand prize of $1,000 will be awarded to one singer. Three finalists will receive $100 cash and a $100 Franklin Retail Association gift card that can be used in numerous downtown Franklin businesses.

The winners will be selected by cumulative audience vote.

More information: Visit the Taste of Talent section at https://franklinpa.gov/events

Northwest Pennsylvania construction season kicked off in Franklin

4/9/2026

With a major roadway project set to begin in downtown Franklin, PennDOT officially kicked off its construction season with a press event in Fountain Park.

The Franklin project is the result of a long-time effort to improve Liberty Street's safety and accessibility stemming from discussions and studies from as far back as 2010, according to Mayor Doug Baker who mentioned the many studies done by the city to make downtown a safer place for its residents and visitors.
The roadway project, which is expected to be completed this year sans the new traffic lights and updated line painting which will be completed in 2027.

The bulk of project will kick off April 13 with tree trimming and removal along 15th Street near the intersection with Liberty Street. The project this year will consist of paving, drainage improvements, sidewalks and curbs upgrades as needed, preliminary traffic signal work, and roadway painting and intersection upgrades on Route 62/322 from the intersection of Liberty Street and Eighth Street in the City of Franklin to the intersection of Route 8 and Route 62 in Sandycreek Township.

The work currently underway on Liberty near Trails to Ales is part of the citywide water and sewage project .

The Route 62/322/8 project also includes sidewalk and curb ramp updates as needed and improvements at eight intersections, including the following:

Eighth Street – Updated signals, intersection widening.
Ninth Street – Updated signals.
Washington Crossing – Updated signals.
11th Street – Updated signals.
12th Street – Improvements to the roadway geometry, addition of left turning lanes on Liberty Street, updated traffic and pedestrian signals, shorter pedestrian crosswalks, pedestrian bump outs, and ADA compliant curb ramps.
13th Street – Addition of left turning lanes on Liberty Street, updated traffic and pedestrian signals, and ADA compliant curb ramps.
14th Street – Updated signals.
15th Street – Minor roadway widening to accommodate truck turning radius and updated flashing signal.

Throughout the project, drivers should be alert for temporary lane restrictions with traffic controlled by flaggers and anticipate travel delays, according to a PennDOT press release.

With the cooperation of the city, some work will be completed during nighttime hours to help speed up the project's duration, increase work zone safety and prevent some traffic tie ups.

Work at the 12th Street intersection will require lane closures and will limit turning options between streets at times. To complete a full reconstruction of the roadway near the intersection of Liberty Street and 15th Street, the roadway will be closed from 14th Street to Chestnut Street for a five-day stretch. The date of the closure will be announced prior to implementation of the detour.

The contractor is Lindy Paving, Inc., of New Galilee, PA. The contract cost is $16,919,145 which is to be paid through a combination of state and federal funds, including a $1,681,748 Transportation Alterative Set-Aside grant awarded to the City of Franklin.

Thursday's kickoff press conference also included announcing the over 100 projects totalling over 300 million dollars in the northwest region of the state including Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. This investment includes reconstructing and resurfacing more than 130 miles of highways and repairing or replacing 41 bridges.

“PennDOT has a robust construction program for 2026. The District 1 team plans to award 76 contracts this year. That work, combined with the 34 projects that were carried over from 2025, tackles a wide range of transportation needs including large-scale improvements to the region’s interstate system and notable investments into the state and local bridge network in all six counties,” said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty.

Projects that will see active work in 2026 are:

Venango County

Route 62/322 – Paving and other improvements on 3.28 miles of Route 62 and Route 322 (15th and Liberty streets) in the City of Franklin and Sandy Creek Township; $17 million. Work to be completed in 2027.
Route 257 – Paving 1.97 miles of Route 257 in Cranberry Township. $2.3 million.
Petroleum Center Bridge – Preserving the historic bridge that carries Petroleum Center Road (Route 1004) over Oil Creek in Cornplanter Township. Expected bid opening June 18, 2026.

Crawford County

Route 6 Bridge – Replacement of the bridge that carries Route 6 over French Creek in Hayfield and Woodcock townships; $6.9 million. Second of two truss bridge replacements.
Dunham Road Bridge – Replacement of the bridge that carries Dunham Road (Route 2039) bridge over Cussewago Creek in Vernon Township; $5.8 million.
Route 408 – Replacement of the bridge that carries Route 408 (Church Street) over Mohawk Run in Rockdale Township; approximately $991,000.
Group paving – Paving 6.63 miles of Route 98 in Vernon and Hayfield townships; and 3.59 miles of Route 18 in Summit and Summerhill townships, and the Conneautville Borough; $4.1 million.
Route 285 – Paving 7.94 miles of Route 285 from Route 19 to Route 173 in Greenwood and Fairfield townships. Expected bid opening on April 9, 2026.

Erie County

Bayfront Parkway Project – Multifaceted project with pedestrian improvements, including a bridge, two roundabouts and a grade separated intersection, missing trail connections, and improved lighting; $121 million. Started in 2023. Work to be completed in 2027.
Route 832 – Paving 1.25 miles and traffic signal upgrades and permanent speed tables on Route 832 in Millcreek Township; $6.3 million. Started in 2025.
Corry Paving – Paving Route 77, Route 426, W. Washington Street (Route 2020) and S. Center Street (Route 2029) in the City of Corry. $9.8 million. Work expected to be completed in 2027.
Interstate 90 – Paving I-90 from mile marker 18 to mile marker 23, and mechanized patching from mile marker 23 to mile marker 35 in Greene, Harborcreek, McKean, Millcreek, and Summit townships; $19 million. This project started in 2025 with repairs on I-79.
I-79 – Paving 13 miles of I-79 from mile marker 165 to mile marker 178 in McKean and Summit townships; $37 million.
Route 5 – Paving 5.21 miles of Route 5 in Fairview and Millcreek townships. Expected bid opening on April 9, 2026.
Route 20 – Paving 5.08 miles of Route 20 in the City of Erie. Expected bid opening on May 21, 2026.
Route 5 Bridge – Replacing the upper portion of the bridge that carries Route 5 over Six Mile Creek in Harborcreek Township. Expected bid opening on May 21, 2026.
I-79 Dual Bridges – Repairs to two bridges on I-79 over CSX & Norfolk Southern Railroads, Irwin Drive, Rudolph Avenue, and West 16th Street in the City of Erie. Expected bid opening in fall 2026. Work to be completed in 2027.
Erie Bike Loop – Roadway paint and signs to create a bike lane on French Street from E. Ninth Street to E. 26th Street in the City of Erie; approximately $129,000.

Forest County

River Road Bridge – Repairs to the bridge that carries River Road (Route 2002) over Coleman Run in Barnett Township; $1.1 million.

Mercer County

I-80 – Reconstructing I-80 from the Ohio state line to mile marker 5 and replacing or repairing seven bridges in Shenango Township; $115.7 million. Work started in 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Route 18 and Route 58 Improvements – Intersection improvements and paving near Thiel College in Greenville Borough. Started in 2024. Work to be completed in 2026.
Service Avenue Bridge – Replacing the bridge that carries Service Avenue over Pine Run in the City of Sharon; $1.4 million. This bridge is owned by Mercer County.
I-79 – Paving 13.63 miles of I-79 from mile marker 110 to mile marker 118 and mile marker 120 to mile marker 126 as well as preserving eight bridges in Liberty, Springfield, Findley, Jackson, and Lake townships; $21 million. Work is to be completed in 2027.
Old Mercer Road Bridge – Replacing the bridge that carries Old Mercer Road over Neshannock Creek in East Lackawannock Township. $2.4 million.
Route 62 – Paving 10.43 miles of Route 62 in Mercer Borough, the City of Hermitage, and Jefferson, Lackawannock and East Lackawannock townships; $1.5 million.
Route 58 – Paving 10.76 miles of Route 58 in Findley and Pine townships, and Grove City and Mercer boroughs; $4.5 million.
Route 518 – Intersection improvements at Route 518 and Mercer Avenue (Route 3025) in Sharpsville Borough. Expected bid opening June 18, 2026.
Group Paving – Paving 5.89 miles of Route 173 in Grove City Borough, and Pine and Springfield townships and 2.06 miles of Route 58 in Pine Township. Expected bid opening April 23, 2026.

Warren County

Brokenstraw Bridge – Replacing the bridge that carries Kane Road/Cole Hill Road (Route 3014) over Brokenstraw Creek in Pittsfield Township; $2.1 million.
Page Hollow Road - Paving 7.71 miles of Page Hollow Road (Route 4009) in Pittsfield, Freehold, and Sugar Grove townships; $2 million.
Davey Hill Road – Two slide corrections on Davey Hill Road (Route 3007) in Deerfield Township. Expected bid opening May 7, 2026.
Route 62 – Paving 4.04 miles of Route 62 in Limestone Township; $2.6 million.
Group Paving – Paving 2.42 miles of Route 6, 2.09 miles of resurfacing on Route 666, and 0.65 miles of Horton Avenue (Route 2004) in Sheffield Township. Expected bid opening June 18, 2026. Work to be completed in 2027.
Tidioute Paving - Paving 2.74 miles of Route 127, Main Street (Route 3007), and Elm Street (Route 3009) in Tidioute Borough. Expected bid opening June 18, 2026.

A complete list of more than 100 District 1 projects is available in the 2026 Construction Book located online under the Public Resources section at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1.

Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict1. Or follow them on X or Facebook.

Drivers can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

PennDOT urges drivers to be alert for changing conditions, avoid distractions, and drive responsibly in work zones. Other tips to stay safe in work zones include:

Drive the posted speed limit.
Maintain a safe distance around vehicles and do not tailgate.
Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly.
Always wear a seat belt.
Turn on your headlights.

PHOTOS and COLUMN: Locals join in national "No Kings" movement.

3/28/2026

Meadville's Diamond Park had roughly 400 "No Kings" protestors Saturday morning while Franklin saw around 250 on all four corners of Liberty and 12th Streets in front of the Venango County Courthouse.

Meadville's 11 a.m. rally was cold with some snow in the air. They had speakers, music and dozens of signs around the gazebo.

In Franklin the protestors pointed their signs out toward Liberty Street with many cars honking horns and a few flipping the bird out their windows.

Overall no major issues were reported and these communities added their totals to the millions nationwide taking part in the protests.

Below are more photos from both events and an editorial column.

Column

Seldom do two people think exactly alike. But we all tend to gravitate toward like-minded people. We go to the church with people most closely aligned with our spiritual beliefs, we join political parties based on whether we fancy ourselves more conservative or more progressive and we join friend groups based on common interests and senses of humor.

Currently in this country, in large-part due to the constant influx of media in our lives from addictive electronic devises and constant connectivity, we understand those groups and opposing view points more strongly than ever. It's truly volatile at times.

Earlier today I learned of an old friend and colleague, who I couldn't be further apart from politically, was having heart issues recently. It put a lump in my throat reading about what he is going through.This is a dude, even though I think his ideas are full of you know what that I care deeply for and always will.

We disagree. So what!

We share being human, having philosophies, sometimes the same air and we converse as civilized people do giving each other our thoughts. Yes occasionally we shake our heads at each other and I'm sure we would raise our voices to the point of shouting at times, but we still would help each other out in a bar fight and we support each other having an opinion.

At least we have one and are not afraid to express it.

Sounds like the United States of America to me.

Our founding fathers didn't want us to agree on everything. That's why they gave us the right to disagree, the right to express ourselves freely and the right to believe how we wished to believe.

We should disagree. That is how we find out that we are sometimes full of you know what. My friend has opened my eyes at times, though he probably does think he has, just as I don't think I've really opened his eyes to my point of view. Doesn't keep us from trying.

I have covered rallies and protests on all sorts of issues from people I tend to agree with and those I do not. I do my very best to cover them the same - tell a story about what is taking place in front of me.

I covered a kkk rally in Meadville years ago. As I covered the event I truly couldn't believe me ears, but I documented it even though I got incredibly sad for the human race.

As a journalist it is not my job to have emotional reactions that sway the way I do my work.

Is that 100% possible. No, but there are ways to still be fair. Covering these events are important to let more people know how others think. That other viewpoints are out there within our community.

During COVID I covered anti-mask rallies and I've covered Trump rallies where I listened and documented trying to show the passion of the people, who were among others of like-mind trying to get their voices heard. I was there to listen even if I didn't agree with what I heard.

Today I felt the same, it didn't matter if I agreed or not with a sign or sang along with a song, it was about those there doing what they were doing.

Standing there I really got to thinking about the importance of local journalism, not just because of the local coverage of these events, but because of the forum for viewpoints from all sides. I saw several people today who I know write letters to the editor or write columns to share their opinions.

With newspapers fading and some even dying, it is a loss of a truly educated forum where the letters are spell checked and vetted for a level of accuracy behind the opinions before they are printed. Social media does not do this and therefore chaos often reins in the comment section.

As I thought about this I was happy to see Jamie Hunt at the rally today in Franklin and Shannon Roae in Meadville. The Tribune is still printing five days a week and have increased their coverage of Venango sports and events to give a print option still to their neighboring county. The Derrick has moved entirely online and is still producing a digital newspaper as well as continuing as a website. I didn't see Explore there, but I wouldn't surprised to find they were there.

It appears the area is still being covered and for now, still producing forums for ideologies to have a voice and our times documented for historical purposes. It is important that we find a way to make sure this continues.

Back to these rallies, both rallies were better attended than the last "No Kings" rallies in both locations. And it was pretty cold out there, especially the morning event in Meadville where snow was falling at the beginning. So that is encouraging that people were taking part.

It was uplifting seeing people using their voices, and even their finger at times, to stand up for their beliefs. It was uplifting seeing my colleagues in news there covering the events in order that tomorrow they can help create further discussions and rally people's emotions enough to at least think about where they might stand on the issues before us.

It is how we become more intelligent, better informed and better qualified to speak our minds with others.

It is how we know we are Americans.

Covington, Barton leave big shoes to fill at Barrow

3/2/2026

If you ask Zachary Covington about his time leading the Barrow-Civic Theatre, the outgoing executive director is quick with his response.

“Stewardship,” he says without hesitation. “The word stewardship is how I (summarize it).” It’s the essential of the position, he says, good stewardship of the historic building, donations, relationships within the theatre, community partnerships, and expanding offerings.

After 10½ years as the head steward at the theatre, Covington is transitioning back into teaching.

“When they hired me, I agreed to three years,” Covington said with a smile on Sunday. He started as director of the theater June 8, 2015.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this historic organization and the beautiful oil region community that surrounds it,” Covington said in a farewell letter printed in the theatre’s newsletter. “During my time here, we have celebrated a decade of producing theatre; we weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic; we have expanded youth and educational programming, welcomed nationally and internationally recognized artist, strengthened community partnerships, and continued important preservation efforts to ensure that the Barrow remains the heart of Liberty Street for generations to come.”

When pressed to give his favorite example of accomplishments on the stage during his tenure, Covington pointed to a musical. “I’m most proud of the work they did on ‘Mary Poppins’,” he said. “That’s doesn’t minimize the other ones. We’ve never done a bad one.”

“Mary Poppins” is a great instance of the visual transformation of stage productions over the past decade, he said. “Visually, they (the shows) have been improving and improving.”
Covington announced his departure to the theatre’s executive board near the start of the year and has since been transitioning toward teaching while finishing projects, like the marquee update, and passing on management knowledge.

“I certainly wasn’t going to say, ‘here’s my two-week's,’ I have too much invested here,” he said. So, he plans to be around part-time through April, at which time he will move full time into Covington Performing Arts Studio.

Started in 2002, Covington had been running the studio part-time since. Last year, he and his partner Ian Doran, started visualizing what the studio could be if he had more time for teaching. When Doran passed away unexpectedly, Covington decided it was time to put the plan into action.

Through the Covington Performing Arts Studio, he is offering lessons in voice, guitar and piano. In the near future, he will also be offering piano tuning and trip organizing for groups, especially choirs and bands. He is also available for work with local high school productions and concerts, as well as substitute music teaching.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude for his (Covington’s) dedication and contributions to FCOA’s Barrow-Civic Theatre during his tenure. We wish him the very best in all his future endeavors,” Franklin Civic Operetta Association board chairman Stephen Teig said in a post on the theatre’s Facebook page.

For succession planning, Covington had three pieces of advice.

“Be patient – there are so many personalities in the arts.
“Never stop learning – we have the arts side and we have the business said… and they have to go together.
“Stay involved in the community (outside the theatre).”

Until a successor is named, general manager Kristy Ference is handling the day-to-day operations.

“As we look toward the next chapter, we have every confidence in our general manager, Kristy Ference, to help guide us through a smooth transition and to manage daily operations, ensuring that our services and commitments remain uninterrupted,” Teig said.

Covington said he looks back at his time at the Barrow-Civic Theatre with a lot of fondness.

“It’s a happy place to work,” he said.

Convington’s resignation is not the only staffing change at the popular community theatre.
After nearly 20 years of service, box office supervisor and coordinator Gary Barton retired in February.
“Gary has been a steady and familiar presence at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, first as a volunteer and later as a valued member of (the) staff,” an announcement of his retirement said last month.

On Sunday, he was present during the theatre’s annual volunteer dinner.

“He trained me how to sell tickets in the box office,” Covington recalled during the award presentation. “He’s been a great friend. So many of the projects have happened because of (Gary).”
Barton may be known to many as “the man behind the grill at Applefest and Light Up Night” and has long organized the Christmas Tree Extravaganza.

“Gary’s dedication to BCT goes far beyond a single role. His reliability and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a lasting impact on our theatre family and our community.”

“We thank you for your 20 years of service at the Barrow,” Ference said.

Barton declined to make many remarks in return. “I gave you enough hassle over the years,” he said in jest.
Ference noted that Barton was the most seasoned employee on the staff. Matching his nearly 20 years and Covington’s more than 10 years means the theatre is losing nearly three decades of experience.

“While leadership transitions are a natural part of any organization’s journey, the mission of the Barrow remains strong,” Covington wrote in his goodbye letter. “I have full confidence in the board and the team of staff as they guide the theatre into its next chapter.”

(This story was updated to correct a misspelled name.)

Story by Jill Harry

Folks brave frigid temps in Franklin for winter festival

2/8/2026

Franklin on Ice lived up to its name this weekend as the festival carried on despite the subzero wind chills.

"It's just slow and steady," Franklin events coordinator James Shreffler said of attendance Saturday afternoon.

Shreffler admitted the crowd sizes were smaller than other years but still surpassed temperature-adjusted expectations.

With the lingering cold weather, Glacial Ice Works, this year's carving company, has seen decreased attendance at other recent events.

Franklin on Ice was the best crowd they have seen in a few weeks, Shreffler reported.

He credited that to the festival's strong history, the supporting events around town and maybe a little cabin fever.

"It's definitely nice to get out of the house," he said.

While no crowd numbers are available to the come-and-go winter gathering, the ice blocks were easy to track.

Ninety-two blocks to make a total of 32 sculptures of various sizes.

Among the temporary statues was a patriotic display featuring two eagles in flight, the Liberty Bell and the number 250.

"That's our premier sculpture. It's 15 blocks," Shreffler said.

The annual slide for kids was also built on the picnic table patio as well as the throne near the Egbert Fountain.

All built and carved by Glacial Ice Works, the name for recently sold DiMartino Ice Company.

Shreffler said the company was purchased by a DiMartino family member and many of the employees stayed with the company, so new name but familiar faces in Fountain Park carving the ice on Friday and Saturday.

The festival also included an array of indoor options to help visitors warm up and make a day of it.

This included annual Franklin Retail Association and Franklin Fine Arts Council chili cook-off fundraiser at the Grumpy Goat Distillery.

Jamie Woods was voted the top cook out of 10 entries.

The Franklin Elks Lodge won the business category.

At the Barrow-Civic Theatre, the 10th annual Nature Art Showcase and Sale was held. More than 50 artists had various works on display, all inspired by the natural beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania.

There was also a magic show, Holey Jeans performance, storytime and crafts at the Franklin Public Library, and free hot chocolate and snacks at many of the downtown stores.

With cold weather remaining in the forecast for at least a few more days, the sculptures will remain in the park for a little while longer.

But don't wait too long, it could hit the 30s on a Tuesday.

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Familiar faces, new roles at Franklin Chamber

1/29/2026

Change is good. Sometimes change is necessary. Change is inevitable.

For the 500-member Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce change is in the air for executive director position and Applefest coordinator - at least in part.

Late last year, executive director Jodi Baker Lewis announced she was stepping down, not retiring, but ready for a change. Her duties included organizing the annual three-day festival with the Core Committee on top of the everyday tasks of running the chamber office.

Chamber board president Josh Jolley said at the time of Lewis' announcement back in November that she was leaving behind huge shoes to fill and didn't want to rush. They took applications and conducted interviews.

In the end, their choice was just a desk away. Ryan Rudegeair, who was working shared positions between the chamber and the Franklin Business and Retail Association, has been named the next director.

And Lewis will stay on for a year as the Applefest coordinator and to help Rudegeair in the transition.

Rudegeair grew up in Franklin and has been a familiar face around town in various capacities.

Over the years, besides his recent work with the retail association, he has served in Franklin City Council, owned Buffalo Street Lanes with his wife Jessica, volunteered as president of the chamber board and is a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge.

"It is something I've been working towards, whether I knew it or not," he said about his recent promotion.

He said he has quite a bit to learn in his new position, including hiring a replacement for his combined position, and is excited for another opportunity to continue to make Franklin even better.

His work with the retail association will come in handy as he takes on a role with an organization with larger number and larger variety of members. He said one of his main objectives will be to continue working with businesses to help them thrive and connect with one another.

As for Lewis, when she decided to leave the chamber she would miss "The Best Three Days," her description of Applefest, the most. So she is pleased with the turn of events. "I'm so happy. Beside my kids (and family), it is my favorite thing... and cold coffee," she said with a smile. "The (Applefest) vendors are my family. Each October it is a huge family reunion."

Lewis intends to have an office at the chamber, but her focus will be on Applefest and growing the ideas of its improvements and efficiency. While the festival physically doesn't have much room to grow given it fills up the two parks and closes streets already, the event’s identity and reach can grow, which will be her concentration.

"It's a good move forward for Applefest, there is tons of potential," she said of the dedicated position. "I didn't create Applefest, but (it is) my baby. There is so much community pride in Applefest. There are so many people involved. There are (246) days to 'The Best Three Days,' I am grateful for this year to be able to focus just on that."

Rumor has it they were singin' in the rain at the Borrow

1/19/2026

Long time Barrow -Civic Theatre's master of all theater trades Nicholas Hess was the first ever recipient of a Barry.

His portrayal of Ken Gorman in the Neil Simon play "Rumors" earned him Best Performance by a Lead Actor in Play which kicked off the first Barry Awards last Saturday.

The ceremony showcased an evening of typical award ceremony shenanigans from light-hearted heckles, encore performances from select shows from 2025 and a ton of laughs.

There was also a red carpet area for plenty of photo memories with people dressed to the nines in gowns, tuxes and other formal wear.

As with many big time award shows, a few stood out during the evening's awardees. Singin' in the Rain took home most of the honors winning eight Barry's.

Frozen Jr. featuring an all youth cast and Rumors each won four awards and Spamalot won there including then open people's choice award given to Gary Collins portrayal of Prince Herbert in Love which garnered the most votes from the 391 respondents.

Terri Gilmore won for her one woman show Who's Holiday where she portrayed an aging Cindi Lou Who grew up not as sweet as she was as a wee child.

In its first year 79 votes were cast out of 200 polled for the other categories. The Barrow has also announced next year's Barry's will be held January 16

The winners from each category were:

Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Play: Nicholas Hess - Ken Gorman in Neil Simon's Rumors

Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Play: Terri Gilmore as Cindy-Lou Who in Who' Holiday

Best Choreography: Kelly Zerbe for Singin’ in the Rain and Monty Python's Spamalot

Best Performance by a Lead Youth Actor in a Musical: Magnus Stock as Kristoff in Disney's Frozen Jr.

Best Performance by a Featured Performer in a Play: Josh Devlin as Ernie Cusack in Neil Simon's Rumors

Best Performance by a Lead Youth Actress in a Musical: Olivia Clinton as Anna in Disney's Frozen Jr.

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical: Chelsea Armstrong as Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain

Best Music Direction: Jodi Hoover for Singin’ in the Rain

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical: Andrew Ritsig as Patsy in Monty Python's Spamalot

Best Costume Design: Maria Koman for Disney's Frozen Jr.

Biggest Laugh of the Season: Gary Collins as Prince Herbert in Love in Monty Python's Spamalot

Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical: Natalee Cardy as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain

Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical: Mike Krzmarzick as Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain

Best Ensemble in a Musical: Singin' in the Rain

Best Director of a Play: Tami Shilling for Neil Simon's Rumors

Best Director of a Musical: Hannah Faraone for Singin’ in the Rain

Best Youth Musical: Disney's Frozen Jr.

Best Play: Neil Simon's Rumors

Best Musical: Singin’ in the Rain

Orioles outshine Cardinals in dominating win

1/9/2026

In a blink of an eye it was 10-2. The Rocky Grove Orioles soared ahead stealing and scoring at will.

The Groves Noah Baughman and Aiden Focht seemed to have everything they threw up drop. Connor Ritchie even drilled one from a bit behind the arc as they took a 26-8 lead after the first stanza.

They scored even more in the second quarter and set up the running clock for the entire second half.

It was the most points the Orioles have scored all season besting by one their win against Cambridge Springs with an 87-50 trouncing.

Baughman led with 29 points. Landen Carter, this season's leading scorer had 14 and Focht dropped 12.

This team seems for real, now 4-0 in Region 2 and 8-4 overall. Cochranton drops to 1-2 in the region 4-5 overall.

We're a hearty bunch, but Jack Frost came out swinging on First Night

1/1/2026

Inside was the place to be Wednesday night and the organizers of the annual First Night Oil City had plenty of places for folks to stay warm.

Getting there, however, was another story.

The crowds were understandably small. The snow covered roads and sidewalks were no fun to traverse. But the smell of sauerkraut upon entering Trinity United Methodist Church immediately warmed you up. And there was plenty to do even if that was the only place you went.

Clowns making balloon hats and painting faces, magic and storytelling as well as the popular family bluegrass band Echo Valley were all under one roof along with some pretty good-looking pies and the traditional kraut mixed with pulled pork and sides of nacho chips and cheese sauce.

But for those willing to brave the winds and snowflakes and venture out for more, there was a variety of music to be enjoyed on both sides of town.

The evening started at the National Transit building with HOLeY Jeans singing in the stairwell after the weather drove them inside. Families could make festive hats and later venture to the Great Room for music from Noah Grice Band or into the former Graffiti Gallery space for a drum circle.

Just down the street, the St. Stephen's School robotics club gave demonstrations at Wye Bridge Hobbies.

The fireworks were shortened due to the blowing wind but still provided a colorful start to the evening festivities.

The Southside had acts in Baked Goods from Heaven, the YWCA, Christ Episcopal and Calvary churches and Woods & River Coffee.

This all to help attendees say goodbye to 2025 as we gear up for our nation's 250th year celebration of declared independence in 2026.

Happy New Year everybody!

‘We can be bound together even if we are different’

12/24/2025

Wednesday night was hopping at the First Baptist Church in Franklin as three congregations representing three Protestant denominations celebrated Christmas under the same slated roof.

Since the fall, parishioners of the Baptist parish, Christ Church of Franklin (formerly the Christ United Methodist Church) and the more recently formed Redeemer Anglican Church currently all call 1041 Liberty Street home.

Christmas Eve was no different.

Rev. Randy Powell of the Baptist Church and Darrell Greenawalt of the Christ Church joined together to lead services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

In between, Rev. Eric Phillips led the Redeemer congregation in a more formal service in Clark Hall.

“Darrell, Randy and I have been working together, have been friends, meeting together but also helping each other with different ministry needs and stuff like that,” Phillips said. “We already had a relationship and friendship as pastors, so it’s been kind of neat having all three of our congregations here.”

Phillips came to Franklin about four years ago seeking to start an Anglican congregation and approached Powell about his knowledge of available spaces that could be used for worship.

Powell offered him room in the century-old Baptist church.

Greenawalt and Christ Church came to Powell, as well as a few other local churches, seeking temporary digs as his congregation split from the United Methodist denomination in October. Powell again laid out the welcome mat.

It is the second time the Christ congregation has set up shop at the Baptist church. The first was in the 1980s after the Christ U.M. building on Buffalo Street burnt down.

“The board and the (Baptist) congregation didn’t bat an eye,” Powell said of the requests to share.
“It’s kind of a juggling act,” Powell said of the new routine between the three groups. “I’m happy to have them.”

The churches are in distinct positions as far as membership size.

Christ Church regularly has more than 200 congregants on Sunday mornings, down from more than 400 before COVID.

Redeemer has been steadily growing over the last few years, drawing about 80 attendees each week, including more than 30 college students from Grove City.

The Baptist church has been declining over the years with only about 30 regulars.

“We used to have three services over there (Buffalo Street) and now we are doing one, but the congregation loves it because they are experiencing greater community,” Greenawalt said of their current schedule.

Many of his members, who formerly gathered in a modern building, also enjoy the opportunity to worship in the Baptist’s historic building with vaulted ceilings.

The three churches have different worship styles and some theological variations. But Powell, Greenawalt and Phillips say the divergences are smaller than their similarities.

“Our congregations, worship style aside, are not much different,” Powell said. “We are in the same evangelical space … it just looks different.”

On Wednesday night, Powell had a chance to introduce on of the Franklin Baptist Church’s longtime Christmas traditions – moving out the pews to make a figure eight through the sanctuary to pass the candlelight while listening to a recording of former member Lois Ann Schaeffer (deceased) belt out “O, Holy Night.”

It presented a visual of community that was also evident when earlier Powell followed up Greenawalt’s homily with remarks of his own, joking that those in attendance got the holiday surprise of two sermons in one night.

Two preaching styles and two messages inspired by the same passage from the Bible. An unplanned but welcome turn of events for the pastors.

“What I do love is our congregations … represent the spectrum of expressions of Protestant Christianity,” Phillips said. “We are all three very different expressions … (yet) we work together and are close friends and worship in the same place, it’s kind of a cool story to tell. We can be bound together even if we are different.”

Zen Dads inspire community through Christmas Bash

12/17/2025

More than 300 people gathered at the Rocky Grove fire hall Saturday for the inaugural Zen Dads’ Christmas Bash. The event was designed as a place for families to have fun, share some cookies and hot chocolate, visit with Santa and the Grinch, dance, make crafts and, most importantly, share some holiday spirit as a community.

The party was an add-on to a toy drive conceived by Andrew Shipwash, Tim Tobin and CJ Hellem, who created Zen Dads in October after Shipwash came upon a large number of Halloween costumes that he and Tobin gave away.

The effort was a huge success and got them thinking about what they could do next.

“I wanted to do a toy drive for Christmas and Shipwash was all in," said Tobin, whose calm temperament as a parent inspired the Zen Dad name.

To get started, the trio put donation boxes in area stores and spread the word through Facebook.

They also asked around to find families in Venango County who could use a little help providing gifts for their kids.

“We thought we’d help five to 10 families,” Shipwash said. “We got over 1,500 donations and were able to help 33 families and over 70 children.”

Then they wanted to do a little more, so they decided to plan a party opened to anyone who wanted to attend.

More than 300 people took them up on that invitation.

“We had the idea, but this wasn’t just a Zen Dads’ event; this was a community event,” said Shipwash. “It’s been a beautiful thing. In just four weeks, we got 1,500 items. That was the community, not us. This community really showed up.”

The event is the latest in the recovery journey for the single dads, who have similar troubled pasts that they have inspired them to now focus on service to others.

“We’re positive people. We just push each other to do better,” said Tobin.

“Andrew helped me. We’re super close. It’s amazing where we’re at,” Hellem added.

Shipwash said his daughter was eight-months old when he found himself in jail.

“I said something has got to change. I don’t want to be this person that is locked up away from my daughter,” he said. “And then a my probation officer said something to me that really stuck - 'you know if you don’t get your life in order some other man is going to be raising your daughter.’ That broke me."

"I got out (of jail) and I have been clean ever since," Shipwash shared. "That was 12 and a half years ago. I have learned a lot of life lessons that I want to now share with people through the Zen Dads.”

The first year success has the group looking forward, including the task of seeking non-profit status and and maybe starting an LLC to expand their idea further. For now their focus is on Venango County, but they see the potential for greater reach.

Their main message - by supporting each other we can provide people the opportunity to rise above their struggles and know they are not alone. "You can do anything and that’s what I want to convey to people,” Shipwash said.

“We want this to blow up across the country. We want to share as much knowledge as we’ve gained and pass it on to others. We want to show families the importance of being present in their kids' (lives) and to support their friends' families, their neighbors' families and anyone else that needs help," he explained.

The three Zen Dads emphasized they've had a lot of help so far and will need more to grow their idea. In other words, the idea of community can be contagious. Community builds community.

“If you stay positive, everybody else around you just wants to be positive and they want to pitch in and do what you’re doing. People want to have a purpose, and this gives the community purpose,” Shipwash said.
“Life’s great today and it’s only going to get better.”

Franklin's Old Fashioned Christmas brought family shopping downtown

12/14/2025

Franklin Retail Association once again hosted the annual Old Fashioned Christmas Saturday draw 100s downtown for some fun and games while shopping local for the holidays.

Santa was on hand to listen to children and adults wishes for this holiday season, lots of hot chocolate was handed out, songs filled the area and inside businesses, kids took home their own homemade crafts and the streets were abuzz with activity.

A walk in any shop and people were having conversations and wishing each other Marry Christmas and good cheer.

Franklin Retail Associate gift cards are still available at The Chamber office. The gift cards can be used at several downtown restaurants and shops year round and are a great gift to give to support Franklin's businesses and thriving downtown.

Editor's note: Eight & 322 does maintain a business relationship with the retail association by sharing resources and advertising.

A Touch of Grey Karma

12/4/2025

Billy's Karma Concert Series, a winter fundraiser for the Lyric Theatre project that has raised of $50,000 in it's nine years, kicked off its December lineup with the Meadville based Touch of Grey Thursday.
This holiday shortened month will also feature Gary Bickerstaff, a former singer for the popular Lawyers, Guns and Money on December 11 and Braincloud on the 18th.
All shows are $5 and begin at 7 p.m.

Barrow-Civic Theatre introduces first ever Barry Awards

11/26/2025

It's been an eventful year at the Barrow-Civic Theatre with a busy schedule of plays, musicals and special acts.

To honor the standout performances from community members, the theater has created the Barry Awards.

Not named after anyone named Barry, rather it's a fun play on the Barrow. This is the first of what the organizers are hoping becomes a yearly event.

Similar to the Emmys and Oscars there are multiple categories with nominees picked by a committee.

The categories include Lead Actor and Actress for both plays and musicals, Featured Performers in plays and musicals, Youth Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical, Best Play, Best Musical, Best Youth Musical, Best Costume Design, Best Choreography, Best Director for both plays and musicals, Best Music Direction and Best Musical Ensemble. (See graphics for the list of nominees.)

The winners will be determined by a voting committee of audience members who attended all the shows nominated based on box office ticket records kept by the theater.

The awards will be announced during a Red Carpet & Black Tie fundraiser at 7 p.m. on January 17, 2026 at the theatre.

August Babington will serve as the host for the event, which will also include performances and a sneak peek at next year's schedule.

Tickets are $30 and on sale now.

We aren't on the voting committee, but we were lucky to take in all the shows. Well except "Who's Holiday", which is on our list for next month.

So many memorable moments and performances that we could mention, but don't want to influence any judges decisions.

So if seeing this awards announcement has got you feeling reminiscen and you're looking for a remindert, we've got you covered.

Below are links to our coverage of all the 2025 shows, listed in the order in which they were performed throughout the year.

And if you are struggling to think about a certain show, there are tons of photos to help you remember and relive the great performances and productions.

Enjoy!

Space Cadets

An original youth musical by Emilee Weaver and Aiofe Salusky.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/the-courage-to-create-is-out-of-this-world

The Mixed Up Fantasy Musical

A celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Franklin Civic Operetta's Youth Theatre.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/twenty-five-years-of-youth-theater-fun-and-memories

Rumors

A full length comedy play on the Main Stage.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/rumors-have-it-a-new-barrow-production-opens-friday

Montey Python's SPAMALOT

A humorous full length musical based on the popular movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
www.8and322.com/arts/opening-up-a-can-of-spamalot

Doubt

A small cast play that was performed in the Little Theatre.
www.8and322.com/arts/dont-doubt-this-work-of-art-at-the-barrow-civiclittle-theatre

Footloose

A jukebox musical featuring hit songs and a predominately young adult cast.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/gotta-gotta-cut-loose-footloose

Rabbit Hole

An emotion journey through grief that was performed on the Little Theatre stage.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/rabbit-hole-when-art-helps-us-know-who-we-are

Singin' in the Rain

This year's Applefest show was a step back in time to the dawn of "Talkies."
www.8and322.com/eight--322/fnd-yourself-singin-the-last-few-rainy-days-no-why-not-visit-the-barrow-civic-theatre-starting-tonight-to-see-why-you-should

Disney's Frozen Jr.

A youth theatre musical rendition of the hit animated movie.
www.8and322.com/eight--322/frozen-is-a-heartwarming-tale-about-what-love-really-means

Who's Holiday offers reimagined Cindy Lou and her twisted humor

Cindy Lou Who is all grown up, a little rough around the edges, and ready to spill the eggnog-soaked tea about what really went down after that fateful Christmas with the Grinch.

Equal parts festive and wildly fun. Who's Holiday is the twisted adult comedy you never knew you needed - where holiday cheer comes with a dash of sass, a splash of booze and a lot of heart.

Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 12 and 13; and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14. Some performances will be in the Little Theatre and others on the Main Stage.

Tickets on sale now.