Erie Man Convicted of Homicide in Child’s Death
Erie – 19-year-old Abdullah Ismael of Erie was convicted Friday of homicide in the first degree and other crimes for the death of a 7-year-old child in 2022. Ismael was the triggerman in a gang-related drive-by shooting that took the life of Antonio Yarger in April of that year. While on the stand Ismael himself, who was 17, called the incident the worst day of his life. Ismael faces life in prison from the homicide conviction alone and was also convicted of several other felonies; he will be sentenced later this year.

WWII Vets Receive French Honors
Mercer – Two 101-year-old veterans of the Second World War who live in Western Pennsylvania received France’s highest honors on Friday. William Alfonsi of Hermitage and Dominick Aluisia of New Castle were both decorated with France’s Legion of Honor in the order of the Chevalier, or Knight William ‘Bill’ Alfonsi enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served in the signal corpse, he was snuck into Nazi-Occupied France before the battle of Normandy to aid the French Resistance. Dominick Alusia joined the Army in 1943 and served with an Anti-Aircraft battery in Cherbourg protecting the port from German bombers. Both men were honored at a ceremony at the Mercer County Courthouse where they received their medals.

Crawford Gives Last Day
Meadville – At press time, Crawford Gives has raised nearly $600,000 from almost 5,000 gifts offered by generous donors. Crawford Gives is an annual fundraiser held in late August by the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation; it raises money for more than 100 area non-profits and charities. This year’s Crawford Gives is nearly finished, but you have until midnight tonight if you would like to make a donation. Visit CrawfordGives.org for more information.

Remember Driver Safety for Students
NWPA – As children and teenagers return to school it is time for drivers to become more aware of the road.  Please obey the speed limits in posted school zones and watch for students crossing the streets and roads. Remember that all motorists traveling toward a school bus must stop at least 10 feet away from any bus that has its stop sign extended and red lights flashing, this includes motorists approaching from the opposite lane. The only exception to this rule is if there is a physical barrier such as a grass median or concrete fence between the lanes.