Good morning, Erie.

The Times Old Newsies will hit the roads on Dec.

5 to raise $55,000 for local food organizations after last year's day-after Thanksgiving snowstorm postponed the fundraiser and lowered collections to about $46,000. They expect between 65 and 70 volunteers to pass out papers and collect donations.

Arm wrestlers gathered at the Townville Fire Department on Saturday afternoon to raise a trunk-full of toys from Toys for Tots — a drive to help children in need.

Organizer JD Fox said the event featured over 13 arm wrestling matches — and he plans more similar events in the future.

Brian Johansson, CEO of the Erie City Mission, said on November 13 that the nonprofit will feed Erie families for Thanksgiving and expand outreach for women and children—plans that will help more local residents.

Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare hosted its 11th annual Pup Pics with Santa event on November 15—where pet owners took free photos with Santa to support Erie Humane Society.

Vendors also offered holiday gift ideas at the event, marking a festive start to the season.

Erie government announced Friday evening that James Sherrod, longtime leader of the Martin Luther King Center and a principal at the Minority Community Investment Coalition, passed away—he worked in social services for over 30 years and was inducted into Mercyhurst University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is upgrading its Fairview Hatchery—adding a new filtration system, UV lights, temperature controls and extra raceways—to boost steelhead production to one million fish each year and is building a new research vessel, Perca II, set to arrive in April. The agency will also raise more brown trout for Lake Erie streams and replace Walnut Creek Marina lighting this spring as surveys track angler catches.

A 47-year-old man in New Jersey—reportedly the first death from alpha-gal syndrome caused by a tick bite—died after eating a hamburger at a cookout, which has renewed concerns about the red meat allergy now reported in Pennsylvania.

Health officials note there is no cure and advise preventing tick bites by wearing long sleeves and treating clothing with permethrin.

Erie Cancer Wellness Center hosted its first Caregiver Fair on Nov 15 where vendors offered services like home care and mastectomy bra fittings for cancer patients and families — a one-stop shop event that highlighted its 30+ programs including yoga, art therapy and a wig salon — to provide extra support and a place to relax.

One analysis shows that Erie apartment rents dropped to $1,050 in October, which is 9% lower than last year's median of $1,150 and slightly below September's $1,070.

One-bedroom apartments are now $800—about 6% less than in September—while two-bedroom prices also fell modestly.

The Fairview Tigers, coached by Sonny Vidakovic, were honored as runner-up in the PIAA Class 2A boys soccer tournament final and received awards for their strong performance on the field.

Cambridge Springs softball standouts Kayla Crawford (local athlete) and Morgan Dunton (team member) made their college decisions official in a signing day ceremony held at the school.

Barrie Colts vs Erie Otters

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Don't miss the action as the Colts take on the Otters in this exciting hockey showdown.

Flicker // Fade Live Emo Night

5-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — 21+ only — Experience the best of Emo and Pop-Punk music live in Erie this Saturday night.

ERC Turkey Trot

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Presque Isle: Beach #1 — Registration required — Enjoy classic 5k and 10k races to burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner.

Erie Otters vs. Peterborough Petes

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Check FloHockey for streaming options — Catch the exciting matchup between the Erie Otters and Peterborough Petes live from Erie.

Brantford Bulldogs vs Erie Otters

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Streaming available — Catch the action as the Bulldogs face off against the Otters in this exciting hockey match.

North Bay Battalion vs Erie Otters

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Check local listings — Watch the North Bay Battalion battle against the Erie Otters on the ice.