Good morning, Erie.

Barber National Institute said the 10-mile Beast on the Bay obstacle course at Presque Isle will end after the 2025 race due to volunteer shortages and high resource demands — organizers will continue an adaptive one-mile course at Waldameer Park and host smaller fundraising events. Race director Laura Schaaf said the final year will showcase creative obstacles as builders meet next week to plan a memorable sendoff.

Mercyhurst will present the annual Romero Award to Erie City Mission on March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Mercy Heritage Room—this free event features a lecture by Brian Johansson on serving homeless neighbors.

Karim Hanif, who served as a U.S. Army doctor in Afghanistan and moved his family to Erie four years ago to escape Taliban threats — has opened a new Middle Eastern restaurant in town.

Mercyhurst has launched IGNITE, a week-long camp running June 22—28 that helps neurodivergent rising sophomores and juniors learn about college life through on-campus living, classes, and social skill activities.

A donation from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust makes the camp free for the first 20 students, and the school also started a dual enrollment cybersecurity course for high school students this spring.

Millcreek Township School District will pay $5,560,515 to First Student Inc. for school bus service next school year—an increase of about $962,000 caused by higher starting pay for drivers now earning $24.50 an hour.

School directors will vote on the new five-year contract on March 24, and the service runs through 2029—30.

Mayor Joe Schember announced today that 19 small businesses in Erie will receive over $84,000 in microgrants through the Flagship Fund to support upgrades like marketing and building improvements — the grants require a matching dollar from the business owners and come from interest on the City’s revolving loan fund.

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro will host his Pot O' Gold Treasury Hunt Friday, March 14 at his district office in Millcreek from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.—residents can get free help searching the PA Treasury database for unclaimed property and filing the paperwork needed to recover their items.

Erie County Department of Health has opened registration until noon on April 4 for the Step It Up Erie County fitness competition, which kicks off on April 7, 2025 at 12 PM in Perry Square (if weather is bad the event will move to Gannon Highmark Events Center) and runs through June 1.

Division I recruit Addie Biel scored 29 points to guide Cathedral Prep to a 52-40 win over Middletown — her effort sent the team to the PIAA quarterfinals where they will face Peters Township on Saturday.

St. Patrick's Day Distance Festival

The St. Patrick's Day Distance Festival in Erie features 5k and 10k races with optional event insurance through RegShield.

Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra Performance

The Mercyhurst Civic Orchestra will perform at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Goodwill Donation Drive

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mission Empower — Donations welcomed — Contribute gently used items to support local community initiatives.

Lou Gramm Concert

7-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience the classic sounds of Lou Gramm live in Erie.

Video Editing Certificate Course

Various times — Erie Institute of Technology — Check website for details — Gain expert-level skills in digital video editing and motion graphics with experienced instructors.