Blog Archives - Eight & 322/Eight & 27

Today's Online Front Page: Oil City's First Night; Annual frigid splash returns; Pictures of the year; Holiday b-ball tournaments; Franklin mourns tragic loss; Knights retire number 50

12/31/2022

Happy New Year!

First Night says so-long to 2022, hello to 2023

Oil City said so long to 2022 with some last night "First Night" entertainment on both sides of the river. See more photos from the night at http://www.8and322.com/eight--322/photos-first-night-oil-city.

Littlest city makes a big cold splash

An old tradition returned to Parker. A few hundred folks decided the best way to bring in the New Year was to jump in the cold waters of the Allegheny River, perhaps to wash away 2022 and start anew.

See several more photos here.

Billingsley honored before tourney final

Former Franklin High School standout Jody Billingsley's number was retired finally by the district with her family and coach in attendence.

Click the graphic for a look back on 2022 with some of our favorite photos and important moments.

The Franklin school district continues to mourn the loss of 15-year-old Madison Johnson, who passed away after a car crash. The community rallied to help the family, students and 4-Hers struggling with this tragedy.

Holiday tournaments culminated in a buzzer beater in Franklin

Franklin's tourney ended with a final second shot.

Harbor Creek wins the Cranberry tournament.

See lots of sports photos at http://www.8and322.com/sports

Today's Online Front Page: Future of The Movies up in the air; Slow moving train of weather; Taco Bell construction; Runaway deer

12/26/2022

Will Venango lose its only movie theater?

On Friday, The Movies at Cranberry put out on Facebook that it will be closing its doors at the mall unless there is a big enough influx of holiday movie goers over the next couple weeks.

The post said the lease is coming due and the decision whether to renew or not must be made. "So like a great movie, we are searching for a Christmas miracle."

Since opening at the Cranberry Mall in 2007, the theater has showed more than 600 films on five screens, according to the post. "It has been an honor to be a gathering place for (Venango) county ...," the posts states.

If the owners choose to close the doors, it will leave the county without a place to see newly released films. The county at one time had several theaters in Oil City, such as the Latonia and Col. Drake, and Franklin, including the Kayton and Orpheum.

Should the Cranberry theater close, moviegoers will have to add a little gas mileage on to their night out to get up to Cochranton's Motzing Center, The Movies at Meadville in Vernon Township or the AMC at the Clarion Mall.

Currently, The Movies at Cranberry is advertising hours for seven days a week through January 2, 2023. For what is showing and times you can visit themoviesat.com.

"We hope to see you over the holidays to say farewell… or maybe not? We will leave that to you and your ability to spread the word."

The full statement posted on The Movies at Cranberry Facebook page:

Patrons:

It has been a true privilege and pleasure serving you for the past 15 years. When we first opened in 2007, we worked hard to create the best and most comfortable small town theater in America. We have shown over 600 different movies and watched a whole generation of kids grow up to be adults. It has been an honor to be a gathering place for Venago county (sic) and the communities of Oil City and Franklin.

The pandemic was difficult for us through restrictions, closures, and simultaneous film releases to the home. However, through it all, we have made it to the end of our lease. Our hope in getting to this day was that our loyal customers would come back and give us the opportunity to stay, but business levels have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and at this point we do not have the visits needed to keep the doors open.

We are hoping that people come out in droves over the next two weeks to have the finances to POSSIBLY extend our lease into 2023 and beyond. So like a great movie, we are searching for a Christmas miracle. We hope to see you over the holidays to say farewell…or maybe not? We will leave that to you and your ability to spread the word.

Sincerely,
The Team at The Movies at Cranberry

Inching closer to tacos in Titusville

Even though Christmas was being observed with an extra day off Monday, framers were hard at work in the cold constructing walls for the future Taco Bell in Titusville.

We happened upon some deer along the road and slowly inched up closer. And grabbed a few shots along the way. Click on photo to see more pictures.

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Warm up is on the way

The National Weather Service seven-day forecast indicates temperatures are on the rise. Tuesday is expected to peak near 30 degrees and it is expected to just get warmer from there. Wednesday should get into the 40s and may get as high as 50 by Friday.

Today's Online Front Page: Festive activites; Lots of sports contests and annoucements; Community remembers passing of impactful members

12/22/2022

Our "The Nature of Things" columnist had some fun making a few animal holiday dress-up photos with her favorite subjects - her pets. Check out all the fun, including a goat with a Santa hat and more here.

Happy Christmas

Was Santa in Franklin for a candlelight service on Christmas Eve before heading out on his annual route to deliver toys around the world? Check out our documenting of the First United Methodist Church's annual traditional candlelight service here.

This was a very full week

Saullo is Elf on a Shelf

The Valley Grove Elementary School principal surprised his students by dressing up as the Elf on a Shelf for their last day before the holiday break.

The school also held its annual fun school-wide obstacle course. Let's just say it wasn't a quiet day out in Sugarcreek. See a lot more photos by clicking here.

Jones named Citizen of the Year

The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce named Franklin resident and Oil City grad Denise Jones its 2023 Citizen of the year.

Click here to read about her many accomplishments the led to this honor.

CAUTION on the roadways this season

A wicked cold blast came roaring in providing this area with a white but freezing Christmas causing state officials to issue travel speed restrictions and urge caution.

Click here for several tips to travel safely on the roadways this winter. Also, get links to a means to make your traveling smoother year round.

Lyric Theatre fundraiser announces January lineup.

Click poster for more.

Franklin School board heard several announcements

At Franklin Area School District's final board meeting of the year, they were updated on the Honorable Knights program, a partnership with the YMCA towards a healthier staff and how one educator might help shape the future of education as part of Governor-elect Josh Shapiro's transition team.

Byham lands PAC 12 job

Former Franklin and Pitt football star Nate Byham learned this week that he got the tight end coaching job at Stanford University. Our friends at Route 8 Rivalry and YDL D9 and 10 sports reported it early, so we linked to their coverage as we also announced.

Read more about Byham's career and job at the links provided here.

FHS junior placekicker gets invited to national camp

Nate Pfennigwerth's skills were impressive enough to get invited to kickers' camp in Florida next month.

See more photos here as well as a link to a story on Route 8 Rivalry page.

Franklin's art effort raises a little over a grand

The Franklin Area High School art department is trying to establish a legacy art culture. They held a sale before the senior high holiday to raise money to purchase a work of art for its permanent collection.

Their goal is to have $2,000 to put toward the purchase and they raised a little more than half. Learn how you can enter a piece or help the department raise more funds by clicking this link.

SPORTS

Franklin and Titusville boys basketball teams head into the holidays with big wins. Titusville swimming split a tight one at home. Check out many photos from each by clicking on the pictures above over visit our sports section in the main menu.

Eight & 322 Remembers

We wrote about losing two from our community this week that have touched us at Eight & 322. You can read the column we wrote here about two of our losses.

Since then we also lost a former local newspaper editor and consulate historian. Caralee Michener has been a fixture at the Venango County Historical Society for many years. Her knowledge of the area and interest in research made her one of the county's greatest assets for information. She will be missed.

Rocky Grove and Franklin held holiday concerts

Click on photos above for more even photos from each show.

Today's Online Front Page: Sounds of the Season - Hallelujah, County chorus festival, Titusville sing-a-long; Trail expansion update; State park e-bike usage policies; Weekend basketball coverage

12/18/2022

If music is what gets you into the holiday spirit, then you had your pick of events this weekend.

The Barrow-Civic Theatre held two performances of The Messiah (above), complete with a chamber orchestra and several soloists.

Saturday's performance was capped off by the Venango County Christmas choral festival (right) by area high school students.

Up Route 8, the Titusville teachers organized a districtwide sing-a-long in Scheide Park. Despite Saturday afternoon's chilly temperatures, a small crowd gathered to sing holiday classics.

Click on blue words above to read complete stories.

Many of the Venango County high schools had to reschedule their concerts due to last week's wintry weather. Find out details on community events on our Calendar page.

Weekend Sports Coverage

The Titusville girls basketball team put up an improved fight against Oil City but still ended with a 53-20 loss on Saturday.

The Orioles held on for a 43-35 win over the Sailors in a non-region contest Friday night at The Nest. See more pictures in the Sports section.

Trail group proposed pathway by O'Rourke Field

The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail effort hopes to tackle the "simpler part" of the Hydetown to Titusville connection first in order to move the project along.

The proposed plan, created by Steffey Trail Connections on behalf of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance, would build a trail from Garden Street to Kerr Mill Road by way of the O'Rourke Field area.

Read more about the overall plan under the Eight & 27 tab.

State parks release
e-bike guidelines

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has implemented guidelines for the usage of electric bicycles in state parks and forests.

"(The DCNR) will now move forward allowing e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on the lands managed by the department, as long as users follow some guidelines," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Read more about the policies under News From You.

Today's Online Front Page: Traffic lights on the fritz; Titusville wrestlers dominate at home; Weather, travel warnings issued; Nature of ice

12/14/2022

Caution at Coefields

The traffic signals at the five road inspection known locally as Coefields Corners in Franklin has "experienced a catastrophic failure." The City of Franklin issued a warning via social media Tuesday that the intersection of 13th Street, Grant Street, Meadville Pike, Rocky Grove Avenue and Second Avenue will be blinking in all directions until a new traffic controller is replaced.
"This will take time to receive and install," the social media post stated. "Until then, the flashing red lights will remain. We ask the driving public to be cautious and courteous and obey the traffic laws regarding who has the right of way at the stop signs. (If you don't know, the driver to your right has the right of way if you are stopped at the same time.)"

Takedown

The Rockets dominated Seneca Wednesday night as the two teams met for a league contest in Titusville.

Brock Covell scored a victory in one of the evening's most dramatic moments. More photos in Sports.

Ready for a little winter? Caution urged

The area is likely to see some slippery conditions late December 14 into December 15.
The National Weather Service website calls for the likelihood of freezing rain after 4 a.m. with a low around 30. Thursday morning, freezing rain is expected before 10 a.m. with a daytime high near 37 degrees. A hazardous weather condition advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. December 14 to 7 p.m. December 15.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Additionally, the agencies will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.

PennDOT and PTC crews are actively pre-treating roadways where necessary ahead of the storm. "However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form without warning," the advisory stated.

Restrictions on I-79 and 80 locally will go into affect after 1 a.m. Restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for personalized alerts on the website. Users can also see plow truck statuses and travel alerts along a specific route using the "Check My Route" tool.

Ice, ice baby

The Nature of Things columnist Anna Applegate gave herself a little "Brain Freeze" looking up the science behind ice after finding some very interesting formations on her neighbor's pond. Read all about it and learn some science by clicking here.

Today's Online Front Page: No tax increase in Titusville's 2023 budget; Knights tame the Bulldogs; Nature art show offers free registration

12/13/2022

It was a close battle between Franklin and Meadville in the Castle Tuesday night. The Knights, who led for the majority of the game, held on for the 59-53 win. More pictures from the game in the Sports section.

'In a nutshell:
No tax increase'

Titusville Council approved the 2023 budget with no changes to the tax rates. The $10,578,439 spending plan provides funding for the first year of the new part-time ambulance service at the fire department, renovations at the city hall building, updates to the parking meters and upgrades to a municipal parking lot.

Read more about Monday's meeting under the Eight & 27 tab.

In Case You Missed It...

Titusville met up with Franklin on the basketball court Monday night. See more pictures in the Sports section.

Two Mile Run County Park continued its year of new events with a Christmas Craft workshop for kids Friday and Saturday. See the story under Eight & 322.

Entries Wanted for the 7th annual Nature Art Showcase & Sale

The Council on Greenways and Trails, in coordination with the Penn Soil RC&D Council, is accepting artist registrations for the seventh annual Nature Art Showcase & Sale, scheduled to take place in February at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin.

The show and sale will be held in connection with the annual Franklin on Ice festival. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. February 3. The main show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 4. Admission to both is free. Attendees will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece to be named the People's Choice winner.
Read more here.

Today's Online Front Page: Holiday concert season underway; Franklin fireworks ordinance; Winter clothing swap; Photos available for purchase

12/9/2022

Sounds of the season

It's high school holiday concert season. Titusville High School (pictured above) showed off its musical talent Thursday night. Rocky Grove will hold its combined junior-senior high effort at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15. Franklin's senior holiday concert will include an art auction and sale on the evening of December 21. More pictures and information on Titusville's show can be found under the Eight & 27 tab.

New fireworks ordinance

Franklin has followed up on what the state passed earlier this year with its own fireworks ordinance geared toward safety in their neighborhoods.

Read about the whens and the wheres as well as the possible fees/fines included in the new rules under the Eight & 322 tab.

Photos for sale

Many of the sports pictures posted on this site and more can be viewed and purchased through our Zenfolio account found online at https://sayerrich.zenfolio.com/p549770615.

Winter clothing swap

The Benson Memorial Library will hold a winter clothing swap during regular business hours on December 14, 15, 16 and 17.

To participate, simply visit the library and check out the items and bring some items to leave, if you have them.

Today's Online Front Page: Season of sunsets; Local basketball action; Ishman honored; Barrow-Civic has busy January planned

12/7/2022

Colorful consolation

Nature of Things columnist Anna Applegate shares photos of the colors of the season with stunning sunsets captured with her camera and through her crystal ball.

Check out all her pictures and information on the Winter Solstice under the Nature of Things tab.

Area hoop action: Franklin girls, Titusville boys log wins

The Franklin Knights girls basketball team came out strong in the second half to defeat Slippery Rock 42-38 Tuesday night. The Knights improved to 2-1 on the season and play again tonight (Dec. 8) when they host Grove City. See more pictures from the Tuesday game under Sports.

The Titusville boys played hard Tuesday taking down the Saegertown Panthers in a 86-79 shootout. They will now take their 2-1 record north to face Girard on Friday. The girls will also be away Friday against Sharon. See pictures from both teams' tip-off tournament efforts under Sports.

Busy January at the Barrow

The Barrow-Civic Theatre is offering lots of ways to get involved in January. Check out the News from You section for information on all the shows.

Ishman honored for service

Canon Martha Ishman was recognized with a proclamation in connection with her forthcoming retirement and her years of service to Titusville and St. James Memorial Episcopal Church, including the restoration of the church's organ.

To celebrate her career and accomplishments, the public is invited to an organ recital by Logan Hamilton and reception at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Today's Online Front Page: Indoor Christmas display; Taco Bell gets the go-ahead; TASD re-elects presidents; Democrats, union sponsor meal

12/5/2022

The Barrow-Civic Theatre's Christmas Tree Extravaganza is open through December 22. Stop down anytime the Franklin theatre is open to check out about 50 trees decorated by businesses, non-profits, schools and other groups. Admission is free. Donations are accepted. All attendees are invited to vote for their favorite tree. Find out about more holiday happenings on our community calendar.

Titusville Council gives approval to Taco Bell construction

The Titusville City Council gave the final approval needed for Charter Foods to build a new Taco Bell at the site of the former Perkins Restaurant and Bakery on East Central Avenue.

"All aspects of the plans comply with all zoning codes and all planning codes and all recommendations set forth by the Titusville Planning Commission," Skip Welling said.

Read more about the vote here.

Re-elected

Lynn Cressman was re-elected Titusville Area School Board president at Monday's meeting.

Venango Democrats, union offering free Christmas dinners

The Venango County Democratic Party and the Venango-Clarion Chapter of the NWPA Area Labor Federation will be providing free Christmas dinners to area residents. Up to 500 meals will be delivered by volunteers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.

"The meals are ideal for those who cannot be with their families this holiday, residents of housing developments such as those operated by area housing authorities, and anyone else in the county who needs them," the Venango County Democrats said through a press release.

Find out more about the dinner and how to volunteer to help under the News From You tab.

Today's Online Front Page: Titusville budget includes renovations, ambulance; Live Nativity is work of art; Rocky Grove, Oil City take tip-off titles; Abramovic named advisor; Bike race wins business contest

12/5/2022

Titusville 2023 budget includes updates, holds line on taxes

Titusville City Council's proposed 2023 budget includes some major items meant to improve city operations and services without raising taxes - renovations to Titusville City Hall, updates to the neighboring parking lot and meters, and the purchase of an ambulance for the fire department.

Find out more about the proposal under the Eight & 27 tab.

Nativity display is a living piece of art

Grace Fellowship Church's Live Nativity combined the Biblical story with European art to recreate the story of the First Noel. The popular event drew a crowd of thousands to drive through the reenactment which included several animals, more than 160 actors and one breathtaking angel. See more pictures here.

Rocky Grove boys, OC girls take titles in Sanner tournament

D'Andre Whitman had a monster 41 points in two games, including a game high 26 in the championships, to help the Rocky Grove Orioles to take first place in their home tip-off tournament. The two-day effort also earned him player of the tournament honors.

Find more information and pictures from Saturday's game here.

The Titusville girls team came in second, falling to Oil City in the title game. Click here for pictures from Friday's win against Rocky Grove.

Abramovic named advisor
to CMU robotics program

Venango County Commissioner Albert "Chip" Abramovic joined Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute Summer Scholars program as a special advisor. "One thing I strongly believe in is continuing education. Whether that is higher education or the trades, we need to work together to create opportunities to help strengthen and grow the future of Pennsylvania's workforce," he said. Read more about the appointment here.

Titusville bike race wins contest

Adam Diem of Oil Valley Gravel, LLC. was awarded first place and $10,000 from the Oil Region Alliance Outdoor Recreation Business Plan Contest. He will use it to expand the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix bike race based in Titusville over Memorial Day weekend.