Local News
Two arrested at marijuana 'smoke-in'
04/21/08 — A marijuana smoke-in at Meadville’s Diamond Park has two teen-agers facing drug-related charges.
Numerous fliers posted all around Meadville had promoted the event for 4:20 p.m. on Sunday and drew about 40 onlookers.
“It’s 4/20 man,” responded a man who identified himself to a reporter as Barry Freed when asked why the event was being held.
“Share the weed (marijuana),” he said. “We’re gathering us potheads together for a freer society.”
However, when Freed lit a suspected marijuana cigarette, plain clothes officers from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Meadville move in and took him into custody.
But Freed’s real name is Eric Elliott, 19, of Meadville, according to police.
Elliott was arrested on a public drunkenness charge, which includes being under the influence of drugs, for six hours, said Patrolman Greg Beveridge of Meadville Police said. Elliott was to be held for six hours Sunday night so he was no longer under the influence and was to be released, Beveridge said.
Multiple drug-related charges are expected to be filed against Elliott today, Beveridge said.
A 14-year-old Meadville boy also was taken into custody for alleged possession of drug paraphernalia, Beveridge said. The boy was released to the custody of his parents and a charge will be filed through Crawford County Juvenile Court, Beveridge said.
Steven Corner of Erie was one of the crowd curious onlookers.
He said he came down to Sunday’s event in Meadville just to see what might take place.
“I didn’t think anything would happen,” Corner said. “They asked me if I wanted some food with some weed (marijuana) in it. I said no.”
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Park's recover may take longer than thought
It may take Pymatuning State Park longer than expected to recover from budget cuts that have forced the closure of the park’s 198-site Tuttle Point campground, along with its beach and boat launch.
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Senior citizens may be charged game admission
Senior citizens may no longer get a free ride when it comes to admission to Conneaut School District athletic events, but that was about the only concrete suggestion that came out of a special Tuesday-night Conneaut School Board work session focusing on the district’s athletic program. Even that isn’t a done deal; the board is expected to take a look at the possibility of instituting a $1 gate fee for seniors at some future date.
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Hotel makes major comeback under new owner
In many ways, the Hotel Conneaut is a business that’s as much about history as hospitality.
And as far as Greg Sutterlin is concerned, it’s all the subtle, behind-the-scenes work — upgrades to things like its water system, roofing and other structural elements — that will ensure the history-rich hotel retains that character as it’s again proving itself a viable part of the region’s tourism attractions. -
Maple syrup producers all tapped out
A week before the annual Maple Taste & Tour Weekend, while the rest of the 75 or so area maple producers were out trying to squeeze out every last ounce of sap from their maple trees, longtime producer Janet Woods was out in her back yard scheming.
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Flood watches and warnings lifted
All flood watches and warnings for Crawford County have been lifted by the National Weather Service in Cleveland.
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Big glasses, big hats, big parade
Shiny big glasses and extravagant hats stole away much of the attention at Saturday afternoon’s 23rd annual Jack Curtin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in downtown Meadville. And the stranger, the better.
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SUNDAY ISSUE: Obama more popular than Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans have come to detest Congress ever more deeply as it nears the end of a nasty fight over health care. But more than half still back President Barack Obama, a bright spot for a Democratic Party counting on its leader to help stave off expected losses in elections this fall.
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Greenville soldier lives 'The Hurt Locker'
GREENVILLE, Mercer County — He’s frosty.
Calm, cool, collected: Spc. Chris Marks, 21, of Greenville, is one of the soldiers who served in the U.S. Army’s 767th Explosive Ordnance Division. They’re the brave soldiers who risk life and limb regularly to disarm and dispose of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that have been a signature of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Roads closed due to flooding; French Creek expected to reach flood stage by midnight
Area roads already closed with French Creek still rising; expected to reach flood stage by midnight.
- Body of missing Meadville woman found in Virginia
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Park's recover may take longer than thought
