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Woman Charged After Domestic Incident in Townville
State Police at Corry are investigating a domestic-related incident in Townville Borough that resulted in charges being filed.
According to police, the incident occurred around 8:27 p.m. on March 29 along South Main Street. Troopers say a 21-year-old Townville woman attempted to attack two family members during the altercation. Three individuals—a 24-year-old man from Centerville, a 48-year-old Townville man, and a 59-year-old Centerville man—were identified as victims.
Police did not release the name of the accused. Charges are expected to be filed through Magisterial District Judge Leach.
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Charges Dropped Against One Man in Union City Assault Case; Two Held for Court
One of three men accused in a violent January assault in Union City is no longer facing charges, while two others will move forward in Erie County Court.
At a preliminary hearing April 1, District Judge Denise Buell dismissed all charges against Evan M. Smith, 23, after the victim was unable to identify him as the person who allegedly stabbed him during the incident, according to a Go Erie report. Smith had been free on bail since early February.
The two co-defendants, Justin L. Smith, 39, and Robert G. Smith, 43, were held for court on multiple charges, including attempted homicide. Both remain in the Erie County Prison on $250,000 bond.
According to Union City police, the charges stem from a fight early January 28 on Park Street. Investigators allege the victim, a 40-year-old man, was attacked after intervening in an argument and was beaten and stabbed during the confrontation.
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Deadline Extended for Home Heating Assistance Program in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents now have additional time to apply for help with home heating costs, as the deadline for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to May 8.
The LIHEAP program provides financial assistance to eligible households to help cover heating bills, along with crisis grants for emergencies such as fuel shortages or broken heating equipment. Eligibility is based on household income and size. For example, the maximum annual income is $23,940 for an individual and $49,500 for a family of four, with an additional $8,520 allowed for each extra household member.
Residents can apply online through the state’s COMPASS system, by calling 1-866-857-7095, or by contacting their local County Assistance Office.
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PennDOT, State Police Warn of Fines Under New Hands-Free Driving Law
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police are reminding drivers to put down their phones behind the wheel as enforcement of a new distracted driving law begins this summer.
Starting June 5, 2026, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will face a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees, under Paul Miller’s Law. The law, signed in 2024 by Gov. Josh Shapiro, prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving — even when temporarily stopped at a red light or in traffic.
Drivers are still permitted to use hands-free technology for calls, navigation and music, and may use their phones to contact emergency services if needed.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the risks associated with distracted driving.
“Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever,” Carroll said. “Distracted driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. This National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we are asking all drivers to commit to putting the phone away while driving.”
Pennsylvania State Police officials say the warning period for the law is ending and citations will now be issued.
“As the warning period for Paul Miller’s Law concludes, troopers will begin issuing citations to drivers using handheld devices behind the wheel,” said acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George L. Bivens. “Just a moment of inattention can lead to life-altering consequences.”
The law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who was killed in 2010 in Monroe County when a distracted driver reached for a phone and struck his vehicle. Since then, his mother, Eileen Miller, has advocated for stronger distracted driving laws.
“My son did everything right — he was killed by someone else’s unsafe choices behind the wheel,” Miller said. “This law is for every family in Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban, which prohibits sending, reading or writing messages while a vehicle is in motion. In more serious cases, violations can lead to charges such as homicide by vehicle or aggravated assault by vehicle.
According to PennDOT, there were nearly 10,000 crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 deaths. Officials note those numbers are likely underreported.
Transportation officials urge drivers to pull over to use their phones, rely on passengers when possible and avoid all distractions while driving.
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Multiple Charged in Separate Public Drunkenness Incidents in Corry
Several individuals are facing charges following separate public drunkenness-related incidents, according to the Corry Police Department.
Police said Shania Hoffner, 28, was arrested March 21 after officers responded around 8:50 p.m. to a reported fight at 330 Apache Ave. An investigation into the disturbance led to her arrest. She is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Buell at a later date.
In a separate incident March 28, Ryan Morrill, 25, was arrested after police received a report of a suspicious male around 6:40 a.m. near East Main Street and Shady Avenue. Officers determined Morrill was intoxicated in public.
Police also responded to a reported large fight outside a business at 216 E. Washington St. on March 22 at about 1:54 a.m. During that incident, Evan Tanchez, 24, was charged with resisting arrest after allegedly obstructing officers attempting to take him into custody. Melinda Osborne, 22, was arrested at the scene for public drunkenness. Police said the incidents involving Tanchez and Osborne were unrelated.
All individuals are scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Buell at later dates. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Two Erie County Crashes Blamed on Failure to Yield
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating two separate crashes in Erie County on March 26, both attributed to drivers failing to yield while making left turns.
The first crash occurred around 5:10 p.m. on High Street in Waterford Borough. Troopers say a 16-year-old Waterford driver attempted to turn left into a parking lot and failed to yield to an oncoming vehicle driven by Kayli Rodgers, 27, of Titusville. The vehicles collided and were disabled, but no injuries were reported. The teenage driver was cited for the violation.
The second crash happened around 6:24 p.m. at the intersection of Route 6N and Route 19 in LeBoeuf Township. According to police, a 17-year-old driver from Cambridge Springs turned left into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by Joseph Smith, 62, of Union City. Smith was transported to UPMC Hamot for evaluation of possible injuries, while the other driver was not injured. The turning driver was cited for failing to yield.
Both crashes remain under investigation.
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State Police Announce DUI Enforcement Ahead of Easter Holiday
Pennsylvania State Police are reminding motorists about the dangers of impaired driving as the Easter holiday approaches.
Troopers say sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols will be conducted at various locations, dates, and times across Erie County in an effort to deter driving under the influence. Officials warn that alcohol, illegal drugs, and even some prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Police are urging residents to plan ahead by designating a sober driver and making responsible choices to help prevent crashes and save lives.nfo
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Union City Public Library Announces Easter Basket Raffle Winner
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Union City Boys Earn Win, Girls Fall at Fairview Track Meet
The Union City track and field teams split their meet at Fairview on March 31, with the Bears boys earning an 86-63 victory while the Lady Bears fell 99-48.
On the girls side, Union City saw several standout performances despite the loss. Kaylee Creamer led the way with a dominant day, winning four events — the 100-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles, javelin, and long jump — and also qualifying for districts in the long jump. Kaliyah Stine added a first-place finish in the 400 meters and placed second in the triple jump, while Evalynn Flook and Emma Geer shared first in the high jump.
Additional top-three finishes came from Allie Anderson, who placed third in the 800, 1600, and shot put, Olivia Ahl with a third in the 200, and Ava Tomcho, who was second in the javelin and third in the discus.
The Union City boys delivered a strong overall performance in their win, highlighted by multiple first-place finishes. Josh Mitcham won both the 400 and 800 meters, qualifying for districts in the 400. Trysten Kibbe swept the sprints, taking first in the 100 and 200, while also placing third in the 400.
Zachary Myer added distance victories in the 1600 and 3200, and the 4×800 relay team of Mitcham, Myer, Josiah Shrout, and Luke Himrod also finished first.
In the field events, Jackson Kibbe had a big day, winning the long jump, triple jump, and javelin. Lucas Myer took first in the pole vault, while Luke Sharman led the throws with a win in the discus and a second-place finish in the shot put.
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Three Facing Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop near Youngsville
Three individuals are facing charges after a traffic stop in Youngsville Borough led to the discovery of drugs, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Troopers say the incident began around 3:37 a.m. on February 15 along the 1 block of IOOF Street, when a vehicle was stopped for a summary traffic violation. The driver was subsequently arrested for suspected DUI. After the vehicle was towed, investigators obtained a search warrant and reported finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside.
Joseph Madigan, 35, of Youngsville; Jacqueline Zaner, 37, of Bear Lake; and Robert Crouse, 53, of Youngsville, have all been charged in connection with the incident. Charges will be filed through the local magisterial district court.
All charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
