So what exactly is it that everyone wants in their daily newspaper? Here's a hint: 4 letters -- that's right, news. And today's Erie Times-News is chock full of news, starting with the story from Meadville about the Country Fair clerk who alerted police about "a screwy situation that made no sense." Angela Phillips' quick reaction stopped a possible abduction and made her a hero to a 9-year-old, pajama-clad girl.

It's 10 a.m. and I've already taken three calls from readers who probed for more information about the followup story on the 75-year-old woman who was attacked in her home.

The phone lines are also buzzing over the report on tree trimming at local homes by Penelec. That story struck a chord with residents who resent the way some of their trees "are being butchered" by trimmers hired by the electric company. Such work is performed only once every four years, and Penelec officials said tree limbs must be kept away from power lines to avoid disruptions in service.

Sounds like a reasonable explanation, but it didn't do much to placate the reader who screamed about "the gigantic hole right through the middle of my chestnut tree!"

Another nice bit of reporting can be seen in the front page story about bands that might or might not be scheduled to play at this summer's Celebrate Erie. Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott won't confirm which bands will play at the festival, but Pollstar.com says the Bacon Brothers (featuring actor Kevin Bacon) will perform Aug. 18. Another online Web site claims hot Canadian country band Emerson Drive will also put on a concert during Celebrate Erie.

Showcase magazine gives an insider's look at this weekend's Lucy-Desi Festival in nearby Jamestown, N.Y., and of special interest is Dave Richards' feature stories on Luci Arnaz, daughter of the late Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and on the sister of the late Vivian Vance.

In all, it's a newsy, interesting paper which prompted readers to head to their phones to ask for more information on stories that hooked them. Not a bad day's work for those of us who love news and newspapering.

-- Kevin Cuneo

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