White Supremacist Set Fires and Burglarized Churches in NWPA
Linesville – A man with addresses in both Pennsylvania and South Carolina is charged with multiple felonies stemming from a Christmas Eve crime spree involving arson and burglary at churches and businesses. We have previously reported that Benjamin McDowell was charged with burglary in Venango County for allegedly breaking into the Bradleytown Community Church in Cooperstown. McDowell has also been charged with arson, burglary, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and other crimes in Crawford County. McDowell is accused of setting fires at Hope Center Ministries and Tapco and stealing a van from the former.
He remains in Crawford County Jail, where he was denied bail by Judge Adam Stallard, who determined that if McDowell were released, it would be dangerous for the general public. In 2018, he was convicted of Federal weapons charges and spent 33 months in prison. The FBI has tagged Benjamin McDowell as a white supremacist who advocates for violence against non-whites.

Stone UMC Luncheon Fair
Meadville – Stone United Methodist Church of Meadville is inviting the community to its luncheon fair. The luncheon fair is from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the 21st. Guests will be treated to a late lunch and get the opportunity to speak with representatives from each ministry and outreach mission. If you wish to attend, please RSVP no later than Tuesday, the 17th, by contacting Armendia Dixon at (814)282-0634 or by e-mail at armendia.dixon1@gmail.com. Contact Armendia at her listed number, or Jane Smith at (814)337-6377 for more information about this event.