I-79 going back to two lanes, PennDOT offers update on project

(WJET/WFXP)– Interstate 79 will be going back to two lanes in both directions across Erie County, with PennDOT removing the long-term lane closures Thursday until next year as other work continues on the two-year project. PennDOT said the northbound and southbound closures in Washington, Franklin, McKean, and Summit townships were slated for removal Thursday as […]

Tractor trailer crash halts traffic on Interstate 79, 90 interchange

Traffic was backed up along the I-79 and I-90 interchange Thursday afternoon after a tractor-trailer rollover. That accident happened just before 2 pm Thursday afternoon. The accident reportedly led to a diesel spill after the rig went off the roadway along the I-79 northbound ramp after exiting I-90 eastbound. No word on whether or not […]

Demolition Planned for Conneaut (OH) Property to Clear Way for Fire Station

CONNEAUT — Two legacy industrial properties in the city should soon start a new chapter, as the stage is set for demolition. The former General Electric plant and Astatic property were once major centers of production and factory work. The GE plant first opened in 1942, operating for decades...

Erie Preparatory Academy to Close Due to Lack of Funding

Erie News Now has learned that Erie Preparatory Academy, the boarding school on Oliver Road that focuses on international students and athletics, will close as early as November 23 because of a lack of funding. A letter sent to staff, students and families says the school does not have sufficient...

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

This Pennsylvania Tavern Serves Goat Balls Inside a Former Bank

A Pennsylvania tavern has a taxidermy skunk on display, an old bank vault used for private dining, and an appetizer called Goat Balls. The Skunk and Goat Tavern sits on Main Street in North East, a small Erie County town near Lake Erie. Its unusual name is only part of the story.

Millcreek Planning Commission Recommends Against Proposed Rezoning

A proposed change could reshape the future of a piece of land in Millcreek Township, but not everyone living nearby is on board. For some Millcreek residents, the possibility of commercial development owned by Scott Enterprises just steps from their backyards is something they don't want to see become reality. A proposed rezoning has sparked strong pushback from neighbors, bringing a packed crowd to tonight's meeting. After hearing from the community, the planning commission recommended against the change.

First Snowflakes of the Season Likely for Erie, Coudersport, Wellsboro, and the Laurel Highlands Friday and Saturday as Colder Air Follows Rainy Storm

ERIE, Pa. — Many parts of Pennsylvania are set to see the first snowflakes of the season later this week. A low-pressure system will bring widespread rain on Thursday, followed by colder air on its back side. That cold air could turn rain into snow or a rain-snow mix on Friday and Saturday. Forecasters stress that no major snowstorm is expected, despite some exaggerated snow totals circulating online.

City Looking to Replace Damaged Trees

District 10 soccer teams go 3-0 during PIAA tournament openers

Lorenzo Baker’s Nov. 10 performance was instant history for the Mercyhurst Prep’s boys soccer program. The Laker who shut out Winchester Thurston over 110 minutes of regulation and overtime action was the same Laker whose goal ended the teams’ PIAA Class 1A tournament opener at Mercyhurst University’s Saxon Stadium. Coach Jake Gamble sent out Baker, his goalkeeper, as the team's fifth shooter for the shootout format that determined the victor. The senior lined up for his 12-yard attempt against the Bears’ Ian Leaman, the other reason for the scoreless match. Baker, who also kicks for Mercyhurst’s football team, won the rare goalie vs. goalie matchup. Leaman guessed wrong when he dove to his right on a shot that went left. The scenario wasn’t unique according to Baker, who was mobbed by teammates after his goal clinched their 5-3 shootout and the Lakers’ berth the state quarterfinals. “I knew (the shootout) was coming after a while,” Baker said, “and I told the guys, ‘Everybody get your minds right.’ This (tournament) was stapled on our bulletin board throughout this season. Not just this (match), but going for the (title).” Mercyhurst, District 10’s champion, will take a 15-5-1 record into its Nov. 14

Cochranton advances, Cathedral Prep falls in PIAA girls volleyball

Avonworth was a big problem for District 10 during the 2025 postseason as the Antelopes knocked out Cathedral Prep and Corry on their way to the PIAA Class 2A title. The Lopes (19-4) continued to be a nuisance on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as they held off Cathedral Prep (14-2) 25-20, 21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 15-9 in the PIAA Class 3A first round. More: Cochranton beats Erie First for the D-10 1A girls volleyball title More: Cathedral Prep girls volleyball ends 41-year drought, wins District 10 3A title All-state star and Rice commit Avery Cernich had a big match for the Lopes in a battle against Canisius recruit Colette Speros for Prep. Kamryn Resurreccion led the Ramblers with 38 assists and 14 digs, while Speros had 19 kills, 16 digs and five aces, Kharys Nickson had eight kills and five blocks, Nora Marsh had 11 kills, 10 digs, Taylor Benacci had six kills, Ellen Hutchinson had seven digs and Paige Patsy had 22 digs. Cardinals sweep WPIAL powerhouse COCHRANTON – Riley Gibbons had 17 digs as Cochranton rolled to a 25-19, 25-21, 25-17 win over Aquinas Academy in the PIAA Class 1A girls volleyball first round on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Cochranton

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

Collegiate Academy students sign to play sports at next level

A pair of Collegiate Academy students have made their college choices official at a signing day ceremony Wednesday morning. Taking their next steps towards the future, Ava McMannus has signed to play softball at Edinboro and Elizabeth Borczon will compete in tennis at Shippensburg.

PIAA State Playoff Soccer Action

On the ladies' side, Cathedral Prep took down South Park 4-1 while McDowell fell 8-0 to North Allegheny. And on the boys' side, Fairview beat Avonworth 4-1.

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.

Local Vietnam Veteran Receives a Brand-New Roof at No Cost

One local veteran is getting a brand-new roof at no cost, thanks to an annual tradition honoring those who served our country. Angelo’s Roofing has selected its sixth “Roof a Vet” recipient, and I was there as the crew began work on his home. For Gary Askins,...

Flag Raising Ceremony at Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Warriors Take First Loss Against Fighting Scots

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — ESU took its first loss of the season in a conference dual against the Edinboro Fighting Scots, falling 33-10 on Tuesday night. The Warriors fall to 1-1 on the season. HOW IT HAPPENED. Two wrestlers picked up wins for East Stroudsburg for the night. Olivia...

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

Erie’s Local TV Leaders Discuss the Future of Local News

Erie’s local TV leaders came together this morning to discuss the future of local news.