‘Encouraging’ start

August 10, 2026

Long before Aaron Burdick was crafting the perfect brew and greeting community members, he was learning the ropes in a green apron. As a native of Warren County, Burdick grew up in Scandia and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2006, and his deep roots in the community shine through in the warm welcoming atmosphere he brings to the Arbor Coffee House and the community. After meeting his wife, Salysa, while working in the coffee house while it was known as The Fresh Cup, the couple attended college together at Indiana Wesleyan and a move to South Carolina followed. While there, ...

Board to tackle back-to-school agenda

August 10, 2026

The Warren County School District Board of School Directors will meet at 6 p.m. today in the district's Central Office as members prepare for the start of the 2026-27 school year with an agenda focused on curriculum, school safety and operational business. Among the board’s first back-to-school items are approval of bus routes and drivers for the upcoming school year, as well as new a la carte cafeteria pricing. Curriculum proposals include revised K-5 STEM planned instruction that transitions the program to an in-house curriculum developed by district staff. According to the ...

Inaction on ‘forever chemicals’ keeps Pennsylvanians at risk, says advocates

August 10, 2026

While it's been nearly two months since a bill banning PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products passed the House, the Senate has yet to take any action on the proposal, making advocates worry this legislation will not make it to the governor’s desk before the elections. ...

Erie Zoo plans Senior Citizens Day

August 10, 2026

ERIE – The Erie Zoo’s Senior Citizens Day will be on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Senior guests 62 and older and their grandchildren 18 and under will receive free admission to the Erie Zoo during that time. Along with free admission, seniors and their grandchildren will receive coupons for a free snack, drink, carousel ride, and 15% off in the gift shop valid only during the event. In addition to the freebies, senior guests can visit booths featuring local organizations around the zoo. Senior Citizens Day is sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, UPMC for Life, Northwest ...

Haunted attraction operators need safety plan, state says

August 10, 2026

As haunted attractions prepare for their upcoming fall season, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is reminding operators that they must submit an approved safety plan before applying for permits for performers under the age of 18. L&I is also encouraging parents of child performers to talk with their children about their experiences at work to ensure they feel safe and are being treated fairly. “The Shapiro Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protecting workers, particularly our youngest workers,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “For many ...

Fetterman, McCormick push research into spotted lantern fly farm damage

August 10, 2026

U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are teaming up to introduce legislation they say will protect farms and strengthen the agricultural economy. The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, introduced last week by both Pennsylvania senators along with U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, would designate the Spotted Lanternfly as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. “Spotted lanternflies have ravaged crops that are critical to Pennsylvania’s economy including grapevines, apples, ...