The US House of Representatives did not pass the bailout bill yesterday afternoon. The already shaky markets responded by closing down 777 points. Ouch, babe. Rep. Phil English voted against the bill yesterday. He released a statement saying, in part:

While I support the need for congressional action to stabilize the credit markets, the legislation negotiated by the Bush Administration and congressional leaders created a Rube Goldberg device that was ineffective in bolstering the economy, protecting the taxpayer or restraining the authority of the central government.

Democratic candidate Kathy Dahlkemper also released a statement saying:

As a small business owner, I know that if my company fails, the federal government isn’t going to come and bail me out. I recognize, however, that we must act to protect our economy, and any Congressional action must do three things. First, it must restore vigorous oversight and reasonable regulation of the financial industry. Second, it must deny golden parachutes for Wall Street CEOs whose firms participate in the plan. And third, it must defend taxpayers by protecting their investment in these companies and helping them keep their homes.

The House may take another look at the bill on Thursday. Not sure why they aren’t available Tuesday or Wednesday. We have to work those days, they should too.

Paul Brugger, the man accused of girdling (damaging) two trees along the bayfront last June, is headed to trail. Brugger who is free on bond, waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and is charged with two felonies for his lumber-jack proclivities.

VisitErie reported yesterday that local hotels collected $7.63 million in room receipts this past August, a new record. The take was a 24% increase from the same month last year. Of that money, VisitErie will receive $76k.

Erie blogger Amy has some nice pics from this past weekend of the Kinzua Bridge that used to span Kinzua Creek. The Kinzua Bridge (also known as the Kinzua Viaduct) was once was known as the world’s highest/longest railway bridge in the world. In 2003 the bridge collapsed due to a tornado that ripped through the valley. From Amy’s pics you can also see many of the leaves are beginning to change colors.

The City of Erie’s pension payments will go up by 25% this coming year. The mayor says he doesn’t expect to have to raise taxes to cover the additions. This coming year the payment will be $7.6 million.

Congratulations to Jamie Potosnak of fishtank creative on being named Creative Spark Advertising Agency Account Executive as part of the Advertising Federation of NW PA’s 2008 Creative Spark awards. Mike worked with Jamie at fishtank and says that when the chips are down and a placekicker is needed, Jamie’s the guy you turn to.

Presque Isle Downs reported a total handle of $31,425,213 for its 101-day meet that ended Sept. 28, a stand that was 76 days longer than the track’s inaugural meet last year.

Mercyhurst College junior biology major Adam Olszewski has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to study cladophera, the nuisance algae that collects on the shoreline of Presque Isle and has been thought to be a reservoir for E. coli and other potentially harmful bacteria.

The School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently presented James H. Mullen Jr. with an “Award of Distinction” at a dinner celebrating 100 years of preparing educators on campus. Mullen was one of 10 leading educators honored at the dinner. Mullen, who assumed the presidency of Allegheny College in August, received his doctorate from UMass in 1994.

Sports

After a bad first half, the Pittsburgh Steelers woke up and scored 2 touchdowns less then 30 seconds apart in the third quarter. Despite the scoring, it still took overtime to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20. The 3-1 Steelers hit the road to face the 2-2 Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday night at 8:15 p.m.

Cathedral Prep beat East in high school football last night by a score of 44-18. The game was rescheduled from Friday.

Kyle Rogers, 23, of Erie made his NHL debut last night for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they played a preseason game against St. Louis in Toronto. Toronto won 4-3. Erie Otters former captain Brad Boyes scored for St. Louis. Rogers played at Cathedral Prep before playing at Niagara University.

The Erie Otters play two home games this weekend. Friday, October 3rd the Otters play the Plymouth Whalers, and on Saturday the 4th, versus the London Knights.

The Erie SeaWolves 2009 schedule is now available.

The Pirates fired their pitching and first-base coaches yesterday. We’d recommend firing everyone and starting over.

Events

There will be a community rally on Tuesday, September 30th at the Abundant Life Ministry at East 8th and Parade streets at 4 p.m. as a show of community support for the neighborhood which was just the site of the murder of 16 yr old D. Crosby and for Crosby. Speak out against violence and crime. Show the criminals trying to influence the youth of our community the the citizens care about what is happening. There will be discussion of solutions not just the issues at this meeting which will have city officials, clergy and local neighborhood watch coordinators in attendance.

The Girard-Lake City Chamber of Commerce will hold “Meet the Candidate” luncheons with 3rd District Congressional candidates Kathy Dahlkemper and incumbent Representative Phil English. The first luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 with Dahlkemper, and on Wednesday, October 15th with Representative English. Both events will be held at Hunter Jacks Restaurant with a buffet style lunch will be served promptly at noon for both meeting, cost is $8.00 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 774-3535.

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.