The Progress News 2025 Year in Review - Part 3

June 2025:

– In Chicora, Hundreds gathered together to celebrate, and honor our fallen soldiers. This is what small town America is all about. Thanks to the efforts of many involved, Chicora’s annual Memorial Day program and parade was held on May 26, 2025, reflected community spirit.

– Cora Elizabeth Weigle, was named the Valedictorian for the A-C Valley Class of 2025.

– Andrew Stevenson of Nickleville celebrated earning the rank of Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor held at Grace E.C. Church in Nineveh on May 31.

– Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) announced its 2025 Good Neighbor Scholarship winners. Selection was based on each candidate’s merit for non-paid service to the community and school. Ten students of cooperative members each received a $3,000 scholarship

– ART in CC Celebrates the completion of the Richey Run Bridge on the Bike Trail between Foxburg and Emlenton. The renovations to the Richey Run Bridge and the surrounding area turned out to be top notch. There’s plenty of parking, there’s easy access to the bike trail, a park bench, and the area is as nice as it has ever been.

– The Clarion Hospital Foundation, a charitable arm of Independence Health System, awarded $1,000 scholarships to twelve area high school graduates from across Clarion County who plan to pursue careers in the healthcare field. Recipients were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and their expressed interest in pursuing a career in the medical profession.

Caption: Governor Shapiro tees off for the “Longest Drive” contest at the Governors Cup, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. His Drive was 101 yards, using a Hickory Stick Club and using a sand tee..

– Governor’s Cup was revived at Foxburg Country Club. The Foxburg Country Club made history on June 10, 2025, when Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, reinstated the Governor’s Cup, a golfing match between special guests.

– The Wolf’s Corners Fair held its Annual Fair on Sunday June 29, 2025 and it ran through July 5th. Wolf’s Corners Fair is the biggest little fair in northern Clarion County with a rich heritage spanning back over 75 years. It’s always held over the week of the 4th of July.

July 2025:

– Pickleball Courts are dedicated in Brady’s Bend, and recognized as the William “Bill” Markel Pickleball Courts. This court stands as a lasting tribute to a life well lived and a spirit that will never be forgotten.

– Clintonville Borough Sewer & Water Authority held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24, 2025. The authority celebrated the completion of the newly constructed water tower with an onsite ribbon cutting ceremony, just off of Church Street, in Clintonville, PA.

– On June 23rd, Luke Pentz, of Emlenton was formally recognized for his successful completion of all requirements necessary to earn the Major General William “Billy” Mitchell Award. The ceremony took place at his regularly scheduled Civil Air Patrol meeting in Franklin, where he was promoted to the rank of C/2nd Lieutenant.

– Bridge Builders Community Foundations announced the recipients of scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Community Foundation awarded a total of $375,180.96 from 77 scholarship funds. 174 scholarships were awarded to 103 local students.

– “I Believe – 7/20” — “I BELIEVE” was community event being hosted by representatives from; K.C. High School, The Karns City High School Believers in Christ Club, local churches and other caring members of the community. In a show of appreciation to the community, Denny Martin spoke to the public about his faith based journey with his son, Mason. The event took place on Sunday, July 20th at Diehl Stadium at the Karns City High School.

– PennDOT announced a bridge replacement of the Pilgrimham Bridge on Route 208 in Salem Township, Clarion County. July 22 through 31, the Pilgrimham Bridge was closed for the replacement of the existing structure that carries Route 208 over Turkey Run.

– Brantley and Keegan Rumbaugh, local youth, competed in the Region 2 Jr. Olympic regional championship through the USATF YOUTH COMPETITION on July 12th and 13th.

– Emlenton Borough Council President, Barry Louise and Borough Council Member, Amy Whitehill were recognized and honored during the Annual Firemen’s Summer Festival parade on Saturday, July 12, 2025. Honoring Louise and Whitehill were State Senator Scott Hutchinson and State Representative R. Lee James.

– Jamey LeVier, a former banking executive with over three decades of leadership experience, announced the release of his new book, “The Miracle of Emotional Intelligence.” This profound book reveals emotional intelligence (EI) as a cornerstone for personal transformation, deeper relationships, and a life of purpose. Jamey is a graduate of A-C Valley H.S.

– The Emlenton Fire Department UAS/Drone Team reveals the new team within the Emlenton Fire Department. The team has existed for a little over a year. The team has seven members, six of whom are certified by the FAA to legally operate the department’s drone.