It was bound to happen sooner or later. Thomas Brletic of the Gaming Control Board’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, has testified before a grand jury proceeding yesterday that is largely being kept secret. The investigation is focusing primarily on former state House Democratic Whip Mike Veon and back room deals with casinos and the gaming board. Enter MTR Gaming Group which claims that agents from the gaming board’s Pittsburgh office conducted a “rogue investigation” of MTR which includes Presque Isle Downs and Casino. MTR is attempting to subpoena and question Brletic and a number of other agents but a court has yet to grant permission. Details are still coming out but you can read more here.
Yesterday, we announced that the Center for Political Participation at Allegheny College will host a debate between Democratic candidate Kathy Dahlkemper and Republican candidate Phil English. You can find out more about the first debate between these candidates here.
There is still a buzz over the Greystone Groups purchase of an old building in downtown Buffalo, N.Y. The community of Buffalo seems skeptical that anything will come out of the million dollar purchase of the Statler Building but Chris Scott of Scott Enterprises seems optimistic saying “There are a lot of things going on in downtown Buffalo and we were trying to be a part of it” but that the group is “not revealing any master plan” just yet.
Speaking of developers, Frank Kartesz II of Harborcreek, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for operating a low-income mortgage scam that made him over a million dollars off of unsuspecting home buyers. Two other people already pled guilty including Robert Dodsworth and Gregory Finney.
There was a teenage kerfuffle around 10th and East Avenue yesterday after school let out. It took Erie Police about an hour to break up what was a gathering of about 100 kids. It appears to have been a major misunderstanding with the East High School drama group practicing for the upcoming play East Side Story. [late update: yes there was a big fight and no it was not a practice for a play.]
The City of Erie and the local police union are still in contract negotiations. The current contract expires December 31st of this year. The union will be lucky to maintain the status quo in light of current economic conditions and with more regular workers taking cuts and paying more for their own health care.
In related news, the Erie chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police has expelled Chief Steve Franklin from the group. The FOP hasn’t given specifics, but Franklin thinks its related to jobs and believes the upcoming negotiations with the city could be a problem.
Erie County employees may find themselves out of work come the new year if the County cannot get its budget straightened out. There’s no number of jobs that will be lost, but it may be as high as 40. Rising energy costs and unpaid taxes aren’t helping.
Movies opening this weekend: Ghost Town, Igor, Lakeview Terrace, My Best Friend’s Girl.
Sports
Billionare Stanley Druckenmiller has withdrawn his offer to purchase a share of the PIttsburgh Steelers from several Rooney brothers after they turned down his offer. Several of the brothers have ownership in casinos and racetracks, which the NFL frowns upon, and are looking to sell their shares.
In Thursday night high school football action, North East beat Northwestern 33-13. The Pickers are now 3-1.
The Erie Otters play their first game of the season tonight against the London Knights. Tonights game is at 7:30 at London but you can listen to the game live online.
The Otters have named Shawn Waskiewicz assistant general manager. He was worked for the Otters and Seawolves in the past.
MLB Baseball: The Pirates lost to the Dodgers 4-3. Detroit and Cleveland both had off yesterday but will play against each other in a three game series beginning tonight.
Events
Following on the heels of the release of their first original album, The Pete Best Band is bringing their brand of rock and roll to Theatre 145 tonight at 8:00 p.m. Opening for them will be veteran rock ‘n roll band The Cryers (www.myspace.com/thecryersrockon) from Freehold, NJ. They will be performing songs from their new CD ‘Rock ‘n Roll Holiday’ plus classic tunes from the 60’s.
This and next Friday at 8 p.m., the Erie County Historical Society will hold a Ghosts and Legends Tour. Discover the mysteries of downtown Erie through a 1 1/2 hour walking tour. Since size of group tour is limited, reservations required; call (814) 454-1813, ext 0. Cost: $8 Adult, $4 Child.
The Rice Avenue Community Public Library will hold a used book sale beginning today and ending this Saturday. Hours are today 1 – 4 p.m.; tomorrow 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The library is located at 705 Rice Avenue in Girard.
The Erie Community Blood Bank is holding a promotion this week. The next 150 donors who come to give blood will receive a buy 1 get 1 free certificate to Splash Lagoon. All donors who donate blood this week can enter to win a fabulous get away for 4 that includes 2 day park entry for 4, deluxe overnight hotel accommodation and breakfast and dinner. Donate blood at 2646 Peach Street open Mon, Weds, Thurs and Fri 9 a.m.-6p.m.; Tues 9a.m.-7:30p.m. And Sat 9a.m.-12:30p.m.
View this past Sunday’s comprehensive events list to see a list of events for the week and months ahead. If you would like your event posted here, please contact us via our online form.
