Skeletal Remains Uncovered
Oil City – Anthropologists at Mercyhurst University are investigating skeletal remains that were discovered in Venango County. A hunter who was installing trail cameras found the remains in a wooded area near Colonial Village in Cornplanter Township earlier this month. According to experts, it could take as long as three months for them to analyze the remains that were discovered. The Pennsylvania State Police based in Franklin and Venango County Coroner’s office have opened an investigation.
Box Tree Moths Reach PA
Erie – Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine in Erie County after the discovery of an invasive species. The Box Tree Moth was recently discovered in two Erie County cemeteries, making it the first time the invasive species has been located in Pennsylvania. As the name suggests the insect targets boxwoods, which are one of Pennsylvania’s most popular evergreen shrubs. The moth’s caterpillars eat only the leaves and bark of boxwood plants and can cause the plants to shrivel and die.
In order to protect PA’s more than $4 billion nursery and landscaping industry Erie County boxwoods are under quarantine to prevent the accidental spread of Box Tree Moth larvae to other parts of the state. During the quarantine, special precautions must be taken before boxwoods can be transported out of Erie County and vendors must have a compliance agreement with the PA Department of Agriculture; to seek a compliance agreement Erie County businesses should contact the regional office at (814)332-6890. If property owners suspect Box Tree Moth infestations they should e-mail BadBug@pa.gov or call (1-888)253-7189. More information can be found at Agriculture.PA.gov.
Man Shoots Self Breaking into House
Sharon – 33-year-old Eric King of Sharon was arrested last Thursday after accidentally shooting himself during an alleged home invasion. King was taken to Mercy Hospital in Youngstown for treatment of his injury and remanded to Mahoning County Jail until he can be returned to Mercer County. Shortly after midnight last Thursday King allegedly forced his way into the home of a woman he met at a bar and attempted to strangle her to death. He discovered her gun as she was falling unconscious and took it, but ended up shooting himself as they struggled for the weapon. King has been charged with burglary, robbery, strangulation, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, and assault.
Butler Area School District Closed
Butler – Butler Area School District has canceled classes today after receiving specific threats on Wednesday night. The district was also on lockdown Wednesday after it received threats along with several other western and central Pennsylvania school districts that did not seem credible. According to district officials, multiple specific threats were made against the district last night while other threats were generally made toward Butler. School has been closed while police investigate the credibility of the latest threats; Superintendent Brian J. White has apologized for the disruptions.