Latest news with #MillcreekTownship
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Windows down, air on: How to keep your pets safe in vehicles this summer
The summer weather is coming in hot this season and it's important to remember the safety of all our loved ones during this time, including our four-legged friends. Every year, dozens of pets die or receive heat-related injuries from being left or forgotten in sweltering hot vehicles during summer months, according to PETA. Animal safety is especially important during the hotter seasons because they do not cool down the way we do as humans. Dogs and cats pant, rather than sweat, to cool themselves off, meaning their organ systems can get overwhelmed very quickly according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) 'Cats and dogs are not able to perspire like humans are,' said Brian Carroll, community outreach manager for the Erie Humane Society. 'In order for them to cool down they have to be able to have water or be able to pant and get to cooler air.' Additionally, heat inside the vehicle can rise much faster in temperature and will be significantly hotter than outside of the vehicle. In fact, vehicles can become 20 degrees hotter in just a few minutes. 'Even if you run in the store for 10 minutes, the temperature inside your vehicle can raise rapidly and be over 100 degrees in no time — even if it's 65 to 70 degrees and sunny,' says Carroll. 'The warmer it gets the quicker that it heats up.' Millcreek Township Animal Enforcement Officer William Sandstrom says the department gets on average about three to five calls a week regarding animals left behind in vehicles during the summer months. In the state of Pennsylvania, the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, also known as, the 'Hot Car Bill,' signed into effect by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018, states that law enforcement officers and other public safety professionals have the authority to immediately remove a dog or cat from a vehicle if they have a reasonable belief the animal is in imminent danger. With the use of a digital laser thermometer, Officer Sandstrom is able to take a reading of the temperature of the inside of the vehicle to assess the imminence of the situation for the animals inside. Always recorded on a body camera, this may become relevant if the situation makes it to court. Barks and Brews: Brewery offers space and partnership to new dog park business in downtown Erie The "Hot Car Bill" does not necessarily give citizens the authority to immediately enter in these scenarios. Both public safety officials and bystanders have a set of procedures they must follow before considering entering the vehicle. 'You have to make a good faith effort to locate the owner of said animal in the hot car,' said Sandstrom. Only law enforcement officers and public safety officials are explicitly covered under this act, legally allowing them to enter the vehicle and assist any animal in distress protecting them from any liability. The officer or public safety official must also leave behind a note on or in the motor vehicle stating why the entry was made, the name of the person and their employer, a telephone number and where the owner can go to pick up their pet, if possible. If you see an animal in a hot car showing signs of distress or a possible heat-related injury, first, take note of the make and model of the vehicle, then enter any nearby businesses to locate the owner. If you are unable to find the owner of the vehicle, contact the local authorities or call 911. Although it is best to wait for emergency personnel, in dire situations, after taking the proper precautions, bystanders may take the necessary steps to remove the dog or cat from the vehicle, following the same procedure as an officer or public safety official, leaving a note with the proper information. Immediately get the animal to a cool place, with access to water and take it to a nearby vet for further direction. Officer Sandstrom warns about entering vehicles as a bystander, stating some animals may become violent with unknown persons entering the vehicle. 'You could have an aggressive animal inside that vehicle, so you have to have the upmost caution,' Sandstrom warns. More: Erie police officer, police dog escape serious injury in May 31 crash on city's east side Pet owners who are accused and found guilty of intentional negligence may be sentenced to imprisonment, have to pay a hefty fine or both, according to Pa. state law. Both animal and public safety professionals recommend leaving your animals at home, especially if they do not have to come along with you on your outing. 'We always ask that if you can leave your animal at home, it is best to leave them at home,' Carroll said. When you must bring along your four-legged friend, make sure to park in a shady area, crack a window, keep the car running with the air conditioning on, and make sure that your pet has access to water while you are briefly away from your vehicle. Contact Ammiela Agayev at aagayev@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie PA authorities encourage owners to leave pets at home during heat
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities rule as accidental Easter Sunday house fire in Millcreek that killed woman
Authorities have ruled as accidental an Easter Sunday house fire in Millcreek Township that caused the death of a 79-year-old woman. Judy Jackson died April 20 in a fire that broke out in her one-story modular home at 4458 S. Park Lane. An investigation into the fire's cause by Pennsylvania State Police fire marshals determined the fire originated in the kitchen-living room area of the home, and its cause was ruled as accidental due to careless cooking or smoking, Millcreek Township police reported June 2. The fire was reported on the early afternoon of April 20. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police and the Erie County Coroner's Office. The fire caused extensive damage to the home and spread to a neighboring residence, causing significant damage to it, investigators reported. One firefighter suffered burns in fighting the fire and was treated at the scene. Jackson was the fifth person to die in four house fires in Millcreek Township so far this year. Careless smoking was determined to be the cause in one fire that killed two occupants, while the causes of the other two house fires were ruled as undetermined, according to police. Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fatal house fire on Easter Sunday ruled accidental in Erie County PA
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millcreek Township 2024 financial review shows some revenue gains, spending reductions
Millcreek Township performed well financially in 2024, according to a review by township Treasurer Melanne Page. "While the 2023 audit findings presented initial challenges, the finance office has successfully implemented corrective measures," Page said. "And the township has delivered some strong surpluses in 2024, improved the fund balance and established a strong foundation for sustainable fiscal management into the future." Page outlined 2024 revenues and spending for Millcreek supervisors on June 10. The review came after the Millcreek Township Government Study Commission pointed to significant spending from the township's general fund balance in recent years, "late and later" outside audits of township accounts, and accounting issues identified in audits among its reason for recommending a new form of government for the township in May. The audit of 2023 finances was delayed until December 2024 due to substantial work required to "sort it all out," Page said. Page was named treasurer in May 2024, when former treasurer Mark Zaksheske was placed on unpaid administrative leave until July 13, 2025, by terms of a separation agreement with the township. Township officials gave no reason for the decision. "When I came in in 2024, it took quite a while to get through everything and sort it all out. There were some major adjustments and major variances that had to occur during the audit time of 2023," Page said. "Standard practices were not always followed." Improvements implemented last year have corrected accounting errors uncovered in the audit of 2023 accounts, Page said. The township received $4.53 million more in revenues than expected last year, mainly through higher-than-anticipated tax collections and unanticipated grant funds, Page said. And some expenses were lower than anticipated. Almost $22 million spent for employee salaries, benefits and taxes last year was $376,000 less than what had been budgeted. Operating costs were $282,000 less than the approximately $6 million that had been anticipated. The numbers have not been audited but are not expected to change significantly, Page said. The township's general fund balance — its assets minus liabilities — decreased significantly in recent years, by $1.7 million in 2021, $4.9 million in 2022 and $11.1 million in 2023 — or from approximately $35.9 million to $18.4 million. The $11.1 million spent in 2023 included approximately $3 million to cover operating costs not funded by revenues and $8 million for other purposes, including the transfer of more than $7.3 million to the Millcreek Township General Authority for the purchase of West Eighth Street properties targeted for redevelopment. The $8 million also included some fund reductions that resulted from correcting previous over-estimates attributed to accounting errors, Page said. The $18,357,151 general fund balance at the end of 2023 included $14,937,385 reserved for future capital projects. Those capital funds included just over $9 million in proceeds from the 2015 sale of the Millcreek Township Water Authority to Erie Water Works. The remaining $3,419,766 of the general fund balance was unrestricted and available for other uses. Page on June 10 had told supervisors that the $18.4 million fund balance was unrestricted and unreserved and that the water sale proceeds were not included in that balance. She afterward corrected those statements. The general fund balance has grown to about $20 million since the end of 2023, Page said. Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek Township treasurer outlines 2024 revenues and spending Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Minibike crash leaves one injured Monday night
A crash involving a car and a mini bike sent one person to the hospital Memorial Day evening. The accident was reported just before 6:30 Monday night at the intersection of Cole Drive and Helen Road. PSP Erie releases Memorial Day weekend DUI checkpoint results According to Millcreek Township police, the operator of the mini bike was taken to the hospital by ambulance. There's no word on the extent of the injuries but police on scene said they did not appear to be life threatening. The cause of the accident is under investigation Monday night. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Schools across Erie celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers throughout the United States are getting extra praise this week during Teacher Appreciation Week. The Millcreek Township School District has been showing its gratitude for teachers. Penn State Behrend turns trash into treasure They've had raffles, food deliveries throughout the week, and have gotten plenty of kind notes from students and parents giving thanks to the work that they do. One teacher explained that they truly care about the growth of their kids. Orphan Angels offers new services thanks to HQ remodel 'The thing that makes me feel most appreciated is when the students are engaged and can demonstrate what they're learning, especially in a real-world situation,' said Kevin Jefferys, an English teacher at McDowell High School. 'Teachers are here because we want to be here. This is our profession and calling. It's important to us, and we wouldn't be here if we didn't want to be here. It's a good message for anyone about why we do what we do. We're here for students,' said Laura Oathoute, special education teacher at McDowell High School. Students even decorated the sidewalk of the school with chalk, sharing kind words for teachers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
