The Progress News 2025 Year in Review - part 5

October 2025

– A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Clintonville Borough to replace their wastewater treatment plant. PALO Construction of Clarion was awarded the contract to replace the old site.

– The Plaza Restaurant in Emlenton held their annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser to support the Emlenton VFD.

November 2025

– ACV Falcon Youth Football Earned a third straight appearance in the Youth Super Bowl Championship.

– ARCA members celebrated the 20th Anniversary of ARCA’s first theatre organ concert in the fall of 2006 with a performance from Theatre Organ Legend, Jonas Nordwall, on Sunday, November 9 on the newly restored McKissick Mighty Wurlitzer in Foxburg’s Lincoln Hall.

– The Perry Township Historical Society honored, William P. Snyder, as its “Citizen Of The Past” at Perry Township’s Fall Festival in September 2025.

– WVU Health System and Independence Health System announced plan for Independence Health System to join WVU Medicine. This involves 5 hospitals – Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals – along with its affiliated physician groups, and other subsidiaries to join the WVU Health System in the fall of 2026 and operate under the WVU Medicine brand.

– A-C Valley holds their annual Book Blast. A-C Valley Elementary celebrated their 4th Book Blast! Over $12,000 was collected through family and friends.

December 2025

– Primary Health Network (PHN) has earned a prestigious spot among the Top 3 Inspiring Workplaces Globally for 2025, as announced by the Inspiring Workplaces Group in partnership with Employera.

In addition, PHN was also named 1st place in the Large Business category in North America, securing Best-in-Class honors for Leadership, Culture and Purpose, Wellbeing, Employee Voice, and Employee Experience.

– Martha Bell Smith Donaldson was honored on December 21, 2025, for turning 100 years old. Congratulations Martha.

– Beckley Jones, a 5 year old kindergarten student at Chicora Elementary wanted to help make this holiday season extra special to anyone she could help. She has put together a blanket drive for cancer patients that were deliver to ACMH Oncology on December 23.

– Erie Bishop, Lawrence T. Persico, celebrated his 75th birthday in November. In accordance with canon law, Bishop Persico has submitted his letter of resignation to the Holy Father and will continue to serve until Pope Leo XIV appoints his successor.

– The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announced Warren Thomas as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, recognizing a lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the Venango County community. His commitment to agriculture, civic engagement, and community development, exemplifies the values this honor represents.

– This concludes the Progress News year in review.