Sala’s strong showing in Democratic judge race pleases fans of his late father

Pete Sala’s convincing victory for the Democratic nomination for Erie County Judge brought back warm memories for the many admirers of his late father, local journalist Pete Sala.

The original Pete Sala worked as a reporter and editor for the Erie Times-News, with more than a decade sandwiched in between as a respected newsman for WICU-TV. Unfortunately, Sala, who was a gifted journalist with an unforgettable personality, died young in 1975.

More: Sala, Mikovch win nominations, will square off in fall in race for Erie County judge

His son, who in the fall runoff will face Eric Mikovch, Tuesday’s winner on the Republican side, was only 6 years old when Pete Sr. died.

When asked recently by WICU’s Lisa Adams why he decided to become a lawyer, the 54-year-old Sala said his mother had been widowed at early age, and he wanted to make sure she had financial security. Hearing that, he reminded me so much of his late father.

Mikovch, a longtime coach in youth athletics, as well as a respected lawyer, also brings a lot to the race that will be decided in November.

More: Erie County primary 2023 vote totals

● The death of Sister Mary Miller, OSB, on May 14 at the age of 81 saddened everyone who knew her ― and that included hundreds of people she helped during her 42 years as director of the Emmaus Soup Kitchen. She treated everyone with dignity and respect, which is why Emmaus had so many satisfied customers.

A lifetime of service: Erie's Sister Mary Miller, soup kitchen director, dies at 81

Before Emmaus, Miller, who was known as Sister Gabrielle when a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, had been a talented teacher and principal at many area grade schools. I got to know her a bit in recent years when she shared a house with Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB. Together they formed a dynamic team.

Sister Mary Lou died in January after a courageous fight with cancer, which means Erie has now lost two of his most dedicated citizens.

January: Erie Benedictine Mary Lou Kownacki, peace activist, former reporter and poet, dies at 81

● Erie native Justin Honard, who won the championship during the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” will star on Hulu’s “Drag Me To Dinner,” hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. Honard, known as Alaska, is said to be one of the favorites in Harris’ reality competition, which starts later this month.

More: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ crowns winner of Season 15: Trans people 'are not going anywhere'

● John Marchese, the patriarch of Scotland Yard Greenhouse, was a beloved figure in Edinboro when he died May 11 at 73. An environmental science expert, John dedicated his life to his family and to clean water. You never heard a negative thought from Marchese, who positively influenced everyone he met. He was a tremendous representative for the Edinboro region, which he loved, and he will be greatly missed.

1950-2023: John Marchese obituary

● Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Walt Horner, who suffered serious injuries in a recent cycling accident. Walt is one of the region’s most respected soccer referees, who works all the big games at the high school level and in college.

● The web site Only in Your State is re-running an article listing five beaches in Pennsylvania that will make you feel like you’re at the ocean. Included on the list is Budny Beach at Presque Isle State Park.

“Presque Isle boasts 11 different beaches, so you should be able to find one that’s perfect for a day of sun and sand,” the article states. “Budny Beach, for example, will make you feel as though you’ve landed right at the ocean. The soft sand is ideal for a day of sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles and relaxing.”

You couldn’t ask for a better promotion of Erie’s waterfront.

More: Summer 2023 at Presque Isle brings lighthouse birthday, swimming, sand, food trucks, music

● Erie’s ethnic festival season kicks into high gear this weekend with the 13th Troika Festival at the Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German St. The festival starts Friday at 4 p.m. and continues to 9 p.m. Saturday’s activities run from noon to 6 p.m., and there will be plenty to do and see Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

It's an excellent chance to support the efforts to beautify the East Bayfront neighborhood and to have a blast while doing so.

More: Looking for a festival in Erie County? Here are more than 20 to choose from

● Millcreek Township School District's loss will be Des Moines Public Schools gain as Ian Roberts, superintendent for the past three years, heads to his next job in July. Roberts will take over a system that has about 31,000 students across 64 buildings. About 6,400 students are enrolled in Millcreek’s 10 schools.

There seemed to be a genuine feeling of sadness among Millcreek students and teachers, as Roberts made a lot of friends and admirers during his time here. The one-time Olympic athlete competed in track and field at the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia.

More: Millcreek's Ian Roberts hired to lead Des Moines Public Schools

● Glad to hear that repairs on the Scallywags pirate ship are already under way, and the ship should be ready by this time in June.

● Riding a thoroughbred at top speed in a race is always dangerous. Broken bones are routine, but at least two jockeys have lost fingers in recent months as angry horses chomped down.

And they're off! Horse racing starts at Presque Isle Downs. What's new this year?

In March at Tampa Bay Downs in Florida, leading jockey Pablo Morales lost the pinky finger on his gloved hand when the horse next to his mount in the starting gate bit down hard. Fortunately, surgeons were able to reattach the finger.

Kevin Cuneo can be reached at Kevin.Cuneo1844@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Pete Sala, Eric Mikovich make for popular Erie County PA judge’s race