Good morning, Erie.

The West Mead Volunteer Fire Company rescued Nova—a cat trapped in a ceiling—on Monday evening when a local family called for help during maintenance work on an access panel, and firefighters Lieutenant Dillon Stauffer, Cole Jordan and JJ Hancock safely returned the pet to its home. This unusual rescue highlighted the crew's readiness to respond to all calls.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said 25 boating incidents resulted in nine deaths—most victims were not wearing a life jacket and four deaths occurred in non-motorized boats when they capsized or someone fell overboard.

On October 5 at 1:45 p.m., firefighters responded to a house fire on Myrtle Street where an Erie resident lost several pets—only one of five cats survived while the cause remains under investigation.

Dr. Rebecca A. Styn, a Mercyhurst alumna and CEO of Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails, is honored with the Spirit of Erie Award—recognized as Small Business of the Year—for her innovative business work in Erie.

Bay and Berry Cafe celebrated Cranberry Day on Tuesday by giving every visitor a free white chocolate cranberry cookie and offering cranberry-themed cocktails.

Manager Alexa Friend said the tradition honors local Presque Isle heritage—an influence that inspired the cafe’s name.

On Tuesday, Erie Coke Corporation—now defunct—was sentenced to pay a $700,000 fine after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Air Act in East Erie.

The company must pay the fine by September 1 and has 14 days to appeal the decision.

Residents of Millcreek will vote on November 4 to decide whether to change the three-supervisor system to a model where a council appoints a township manager after a commission unanimously recommended the switch—some supervisors worry that the change gives too much power to an unelected official and could impact the local economy.

Erie County Council passed a resolution on Tuesday night to address the death of Marchello Woodard & will pursue funding for body cameras and policy reviews for law enforcement.

A council member said Woodard’s death drove the action while another recommended a town hall for more community input.

The City of Erie is asking locals to share their ideas for parks through the Erie Outside survey—this is the first city plan in 40 years that focuses on updating recreation spaces for youth and others.

The survey remains open online until October 31 to help guide future park improvements.

North East’s Route 20 bridge over Twenty Mile Creek will reopen on Oct.

17 after more than a year of construction—its closure followed a design review in February. PennDOT said the emergency project is crucial for local travel and will serve about 2,500 vehicles daily.

On Tuesday, October 7th, the Erie County Department of Health and LECOM hosted the Healthy Fall and You event where community members received free flu and COVID-19 vaccines and tests (provided for convenience) while officials emphasized early detection for respiratory illnesses.

The department will hold its Prepared Not Scared event on October 23 to offer more services (in response to record flu cases last year).

Ryan Smith, a Mercyhurst graduate, launched his 'Ultimate Grocery Run' project that has him run a 5K at Wegmans stores to explore neighborhoods and share his progress on Instagram—so far he has completed 46 runs and plans to visit more locations.

Fairview Tigers clinched the region three championship in high school boys soccer—Chiocco scored the only goal to lift the team past Harbor Creek Huskies 1-0.

Ben Folds Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Tickets from $69 — Experience an evening of captivating music with Ben Folds.

A Journey Of Perseverance: An Evening With Jim Kelly

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Waldron Campus Center — Free entry — Celebrate the inspiring journey of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, renowned for his toughness and resilience.

Family Fun Day!

10 AM – 4 PM — Werner Books and Coffee — Free activities — Enjoy crafts and stories for families with toddlers and teens.

Night Owls Paint & Sip

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery at Millcreek Mall Complex — Check for ticket pricing — Unleash your creativity with wine and painting in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Music of Billy Joel Featuring Michael Cavanaugh

7:30 PM — Warner Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the acclaimed tribute to Billy Joel by Michael Cavanaugh, the voice handpicked by Joel himself.

Bartender Training Class

6-10 p.m. — SpringHill Suites by Marriott Erie — Costs vary — Gain practical experience and industry knowledge in a hands-on bartending training.

Passport To Paradise Travel Seminar

6-8 p.m. — Diver's World — Free entry — Explore exciting dive trips, travel tips, and exclusive gear deals at a new shop reveal.