Good morning, Erie.

Carry the Load, a nationwide movement that honors military sacrifices, held a walk in Erie on May 8 to remind locals of heroes who should never be forgotten; the group will travel next to Chicago—then Texas—to continue its mission to restore Memorial Day's meaning.

Ryan Hewitt, 21, became a pharmacy technician at UPMC Hamot in Millcreek Township through Project Search (an employment program for people with disabilities) and now thrives in his role.

On May 6, two national fishing and boating representatives testified to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee that fishing contributes $5.7 billion and supports 32,000 jobs while boating adds $4.5 billion and 16,300 jobs—fishing and boating together generate over $10 billion for the state. Sen. Dan Laughlin from Erie stressed the value of Lake Erie fishing and urged local anglers to enjoy the opening of the walleye season.

Mercyhurst University’s STEM and Vine program will expand in the 2025—26 academic year after receiving a $400,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s PASmart initiative; the program links computer science with local agriculture for more than 350 kindergarten through eighth grade students in North East. The program will work with over 30 community partners to offer practical STEM lessons tied to local vineyards and industries.

Boaters on Conneaut Lake must travel at slow, no-wake speeds due to high water levels as the PFBC announced temporary restrictions yesterday—these limits aim to reduce hazards for people and property near docks, ramps, and swimmers.

Mayor Schember held his weekly news conference (May 8 at 10:09 a.m.) to update local residents on city affairs.

City of Erie is pleased with its first round of code enforcement sweeps that have cleared hazardous junk—130 notices were issued with nearly 90% resolved.

Property owners who have not responded must clean up by Saturday or face a $1,400 abatement fee added to their water, sewer, and garbage bill.

On May 5th, 6th, and 7th, the Joel Natalie Show on TalkErie.com aired interviews with candidates – Jeremy Lightner, Emily Mosco-Merski and Leigh Ann Orton – running for Judge in the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, presented in alphabetical order.

Fairview baseball clinched Region 5 on a walk-off grand slam in a 13-3 win over North East on Wednesday — player interviews with Vinny Campoli, Robert Benford and Tyler Benford followed the game.

At the Erie County Classic on May 8 at Paul J.

Weitz Stadium, Corry athletes set new records when senior Nolan Carey threw the javelin 192 feet, 10 inches to break an old record held since 2009—while freshman Madi Ieofsky jumped 18 feet to set a new long jump mark and help her team win with 164 2/3 points. Windy, cloudy conditions challenged the competitors throughout the meet.

Festival of the Birds

Various times — Presque Isle State Park — Ticket required — Experience the wonders of spring migration with workshops, field trips, and expert-led birding activities.

Attorneys & Kids Together 5K Run/Walk

1:00 PM – 3:59 AM — Erie County — Charitable donations encouraged — Support Erie County students experiencing homelessness through a community-focused 5K event.

ACL Tear Diagnosis and Management – New Treatment Approaches

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Center for Arts and Technology — Free entry — Discover innovative approaches in ACL tear treatment from a leading orthopedic expert.

3rd Annual Weld Art Competition

6-9 p.m. — The 1020 Collective — Entry fee required — Showcase your welding talents and support scholarships while enjoying local artistry.

Show Me Reptiles Show

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Bayfront Convention Center — $10 General Admission; Kids 6 and under free — Dive into a scaly wonderland with reptiles and aquatic creatures galore.

Spring National M-WTCA Conference

June 4-7 — Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel — Registration available online — Attend informative sessions at this community-focused national conference.

Paint-n-Sip at U Pick 6 Tap House

6-8 p.m. — U Pick 6 Tap House — Cost varies — Unleash your inner artist with a fun evening of painting and sipping drinks.

90's Themed Immersive Pop-Up

8 p.m. — Room 33 Speakeasy — Tickets available — Experience a night of music and laughter as you step back into the vibrant era of the 90's with Tethered Immersive.