Man Solicits Children by Middle School
North East – The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the alleged attempted abduction of a North East Middle School Student. The assistant principal of the middle school contacted the State Police on Tuesday, September 10th to report that a student told them that at about 8 p.m. on the 9th a man with receding brown hair, a beard, and a skull tattoo on their right arm attempted to lure them into a dented and rusty utility van and go to McDonald’s. The incident happened near the Middle School. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Kylene Cotton at (814)898-1641.

Huidekoper Park Improvements to Wrap
Meadville – Meadville’s City Manager announced that Huidekoper Park’s improvement project is nearly completed, but now the park needs to be closed to the public for several days while the contractor adds in finishing touches and safety equipment around the facility. The fully improved park at the intersection of Fairmont Avenue and Grove Street will have a grand reopening in mid-October. Updates include new playground equipment and dog friendly facilities.

Drug Ring Busted in Erie
Erie – The FBI and local law enforcement launched morning raids around the City of Erie, arresting 16 people on Wednesday. Arrestees were all part of a gang distributing guns, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine; after the initial round of busts, eight other suspects are still being sought by authorities. Indictments against all 24 suspects were unsealed the same morning as the arrests were being made. The operation is one of the single biggest arrests in the history of Erie, a news conference is planned for this morning.

Spotted Lanternfly Study
Latrobe – Dr. Michelle Deueness of Saint Vincent College of Latrobe is looking for volunteers in Western Pennsylvania to help research the spotted lanternfly. Doctor Duennes is attempting to collect samples of the insects from across the state in order to track their response as they spread along the environments of Pennsylvania. The study’s objective is to discover ways to prevent future invasive species from spreading as rapidly as the spotted lanternfly. If you would like to help, visit her website MaDuennes.WordPress.com, and apply to receive a spotted lanternfly collection kit.