His Erie-based biofuels empire is being sold. His debt keeps growing

Erie entrepreneur Samuel P. "Pat" Black III broke ground in 2006 for the Hero BX plant on East Lake Road, which became the center of his biofuels empire . The phrase "fuel for humanity" was incorporated into the Hero BX logo. Twenty years later, Black is selling his biofuels facilities to fuel a court-approved financial plan to help pay off a personally guaranteed loan of about $13.5 million. But even as Black's Lake Erie Biofuels, which does business as Hero BX, unloads more of the facilities, the debt has continued to grow, according to the latest court filing related to the collapse of the 84-year-old Black's financial holdings. A failure to satisfy the $13.5 million debt would put Black's personal assets at risk. Black has blamed much of his financial decline on his daughter, Sumi James-Black, 51, whom he adopted in 2019, when he was 77 and she was 44 . But Black's $200 million federal lawsuit against her has stalled as he awaits a ruling from a federal appeals court. Black's forced sale of his Hero BX facilities is the result of another federal lawsuit. Connecticut-based Siena Lending Group sued in federal court in Erie in May 2025 after

Ohio counties respond to salt mine closure

WARREN, Ohio — It’s been more than a week since the Morton Salt mine in Fairport Harbor discovered enough water in the mine to force its closure and the layoff of workers. Multiple counties around the state have orders of salt from that mine and are watching closely in case they can no longer count on their delivery.

141-acre family-owned farm up for auction in Northeast Ohio

A massive farm in Northeast Ohio that has been owned by the same family for nearly a century will head to auction next week.

UPMC committed to serving Shenango Valley after Sharon Regional closure

UPMC says it's committed to providing care across Mercer and Lawrence counties and plans to keep investing in local services, following the closure of Sharon Regional Medical Center.

Scott Mitchell retires after four decades with Erie Zoo

After 40 years at the Erie Zoo , former CEO and recent Director of Development Scott Mitchell has retired. Erie Zoo officials said in a Facebook post Nov. 10 that, "Forty years of service to one organization is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are sincerely grateful to Scott for the time, energy, and commitment he has given to the Zoo. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him the very best in the future." Mitchell confirmed in a phone call with the Times-News that Nov. 10 would be his last day on the job. .oembed-frame { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; border: 0; } How Scott Mitchell has helped the Erie Zoo During those 40 years at the zoo, Mitchell has played roles in advancing the zoo's mission while building relationships with donors, businesses, community partners and supporters. Mitchell served as the zoo's CEO from 2007 until 2022. He then served as the director of development, with Melissa "Roo" Kojancie as the current CEO. In his most recent role, Mitchell was tasked with raising money for the zoo, interacting with donors and stakeholders, and meeting with political leaders. Zoo officials said, "His work and longstanding presence in

Pack Up For This Ohio Town Where Rent Under $750 Still Buys A Great Small-Town Life

A water-powered mill from the 1840s still grinds corn, wheat, and buckwheat here, and you can buy the flour. That alone made me curious. Then I learned the same city has a free art museum with more than 22,000 pieces. Now add the rent. Studio apartments here often average well...

Cleveland Clinic officially acquires Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates

The Cleveland Clinic, according to a news release, has officially acquired Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates, or YOA. The announcement that the facility would become a part of the Cleveland Clinic was reported in October. The move was completed on November 1, and no service disruptions were planned for patients who wished to remain a part of YOA.

Children's Place files for bankruptcy. What we know about Erie store

The Children's Place , a presence at the Millcreek Mall since 1998, appears to be making plans to turn off the lights. Signs outside the retailer, located in the Boscov's concourse next to Gracylane, announce 30% to 60% off and a headline on the company website says: "All stores closing." But the 57-year-old New Jersey company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 8, seems to be leaving itself some wiggle room. Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides the company with an opportunity to reorganize. The retailer, which operates more than 500 stores, hopes to do just that. The company said it hopes to substantially sell all of its assets "to secure the highest or otherwise best bid, with the goal of continuing the business." There's no guarantee that will happen. Management of the publicly traded company said: "While the Company pursues a buyer through the chapter 11 process, it must prepare for the possibility that a sale to continue the business cannot be achieved." The bottom line is simply unclear. According to its statement: "The Children’s Place has been evaluating its operational footprint to invest its resources in its strongest locations moving forward. The Company has determined that certain

Allegheny Health Network looking to bring in Sharon Regional employees with hiring events

GROVE CITY, Pa. (WKBN) – A Mercer County hospital hosted a job fair for several different open positions across the facility. It comes after Tenor Health shut down Sharon Regional Medical Center’s operations late last week, laying off its employees. The Allegheny Health Network is working to fill...

Thrift Room: A Vintage Haven in Sharon, Pennsylvania

In the heart of Sharon, Pennsylvania, a small vintage shop is making a big impression. Thrift Room, located at 155 E State St, is more than just a store; it's a nostalgic journey curated by Demetria Holden. Visitors stepping inside are greeted not only by racks of meticulously selected clothing but also by the warmth and passion of Demetria and her staff, who have turned this boutique into a local haven for vintage enthusiasts.

Update on EDDC Construction

Work continues at Flagship City Commons, part of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation on North Park Row in downtown Erie. The space will include a large atrium, a breezeway from Perry Square to the parking garage and retail and office spaces.

Additional Funds Sought for Shotspotter

This Pennsylvania Vintage Shop Has Clothes Dating Back to the 1800s

A vintage clothing shop in Grove City, Pennsylvania, carries pieces dating as far back as the 1800s. Three Rivers Vintage has everything from Edwardian-era clothing and mid-century outfits to bold styles from the 1970s and 1980s. The store originally operated in Pittsburgh before moving to South Broad Street. Owner Scott...

Natural gas users in Mercer County expecting bigger bills

HARRISBURG - Bigger bills will be on the way for more than 214,000 homes and businesses that heat with natural gas in Mercer County and other parts of northwestern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has authorized National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation to implement new delivery rates. The $10.4 million...

Howard Industries Is Transitioning Ownership

Howard Industries (Erie, PA) has announced a transition in ownership to Pittsburgh-based Two Step Ventures led by Dan Kelly, who will serve as Howard Industries’ new chief executive officer — according to a press release. Howard Industries will continue operating from its longtime home in Erie, PA, with...

Letter to Editor: Investing in teachers is investing in the Valley

“It was the greatest professional experience of my career.”. That’s how Josh MacMillan, a Hubbard art teacher with 23 years of experience, described his visit this summer to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. Take that in for a moment — after more than two decades in the classroom,...

Ellwood Invests in Advanced Forging Technology

ELLWOOD CITY, PA — Ellwood, a leading American- and family-owned manufacturer of specialty metals, forgings, and engineered and finished components, today announced a major strategic investment in its closed-die forging operations. Central to this initiative is the installation of a new 30,000-ton hydraulic closed-die forging press, complemented by significant investments in advanced manufacturing equipment, infrastructure, and supporting technologies.

DEP Cites Six Violations Following Warren Oil Spill

WARREN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection documented six violations following Thursday’s crude oil spill near Warren’s Department of Public Works garage, according to a Nov. 5 inspection report. Inspectors also observed an oil sheen as far downstream as Starbrick, according to the report. The...

UPMC committed to serving Shenango Valley after Sharon Regional closure

UPMC says it's committed to providing care across Mercer and Lawrence counties and plans to keep investing in local services, following the closure of Sharon Regional Medical Center.

Details released in Timber Creek Structures settlement

GIRARD - Last month, 21 News reported that a settlement had been reached in a case against Girard-based shed manufacturer Timber Creek Structures. Now, 21 News has obtained the details of that settlement. According to court documents, Timber Creek Structures was ordered to pay the Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer...