MSNBC is expected to roll into Erie today in its Green Machine–a Ford Escape hybrid heavily equipped with camera’s and wireless internet to send video back to New York–to report on election news. Since Pennsylvania is considered a battle ground state, the MSNBC crew has been making the rounds in various cities across the state.

Last week, we blogged about giving local candidates one last chance to make their cases. Later today, we will post the first in our series of these candidate editorials. We’ve contacted all the local campaigns, but if someone has contact with the Earll or English campaigns, let us know as we haven’t heard back from them.

It didn’t take long to start the trial back up for former Superior Court Judge Michael Joyce.  Last week Joyce’s mother died at Hamot hospital and the trial was expected to be suspended.  Yesterday Dr. Frank Tursi testified that when he gave Joyce a physical before applying for his pilot’s license, Joyce didn’t say anything about being injured or having neurological problems.

Alaska Governor and Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin will be in Erie on Thursday around 3 p.m. at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.  More details here.  And while Palin is campaigning here in Erie, Joe Biden will be in the Allentown area on the other side of the state on Thursday. A reader asked in the comments if there will be a parking charge. We’re not sure – we’d recommend parking somewhere else and walking or taking an EMTA bus.

The airport extension project continues to move forward. The airport has finalized the purchase of the Builders Support property for $6 million. The buildings should be knocked down in the next 18 months or so. Pretty nice payday for someone.

Although gas prices have been dropping in the area, Erie which is average about $2.80 a gallon, is much higher than neighboring Ohio county Ashtabula with prices as low as $2.35.

For the second time this week, the Circle K on Glenwood Park Avenue has been robbed. We recommend the Circle K invest in some better security and protection for its employees or shutter the store. This location is a frequent target.

Mercyhurst College will welcome a delegation from Lublin, Poland, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, that will tour the Erie campus, meet with the college’s Polish students, and explore issues of mutual interest with college officials, according to Mercyhurst President Dr. Thomas J. Gamble. The delegation includes Lublin Mayor Adam Wasilewski and his wife, Bozenna; Piotr Dreher, Lublin city council chairman; Agnieszka Malyska of the mayor’s staff; Monsignor Slawomir Nowosad, vice president of Catholic University of Lublin; and Ryszard Debicki, vice president of the University of Maria Curie-Sklodowska.

As they enter the final phase of their training and deployment, the 112th Infantry has shuttered their blog. We wish all the soldiers and their families god speed and be safe.

Sports

Game 5 of the World Series was suspended Monday night due to incliment weather and poor field conditions.  The game has been scheduled to resume tonight at 8:37 p.m. where the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays will begin play at the bottom of the sixth inning, with the score tied at 2, reliever Grant Balfour could be pitching for the Rays and the Phils likely will be sending up a pinch-hitter for pitcher Cole Hamels.  If you’re really interested, MLB has a list of FAQ’s regarding the suspension.

The Mercyhurst College wrestling team is ranked No. 13 in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches’ Association preseason poll, released this week. As well, four wrestlers are ranked among the top eight in the country in their weight class.

The Mercyhurst College athletic department has announced that its Nov. 8 home football game against West Chester has been moved to 3 p.m.

It has been a long year for the Edinboro women’s soccer team, and today’s match against California (Pa.) was a perfect example. Playing one of the top teams in the PSAC West in their final home match, the Fighting Scots turned in a strong effort only to lose 2-1 in double overtime. The loss left the Fighting Scots with a 6-11-1 record overall and 2-10-1 in the PSAC West with one match remaining. California(Pa.) improved to 12-4-3 and 7-4-2, respectively.

Events

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents Boom-A-Ring circus event at the Erie Civic Center Thursday through Sunday, October 30 – November 2, 2008. Tickets begin at $12 on up to $37.

The Erie Zoo, ZooBoo, will run until October 30th, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night. Come see the Talking Pumpkin, try your luck at the Corn Maze, and beware the troll lurking on the Children’s Zoo bridge! There will also be crafts and facepainting nightly, along with spooky train rides. Children 11 and under will receive a special bag for trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. Admission is $4.50 for adults (over age 12), $4 for children age 2-11, and under two are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Erie Zoo website.

The Erie Planetarium is planning an Erie Legends show for Halloween on October 29 and 30. Showtimes are 7 and 8 pm, and cost is $4 per person. Please call 814-454-1813 Ext. 0 to make a reservation.

Port Farms is open again for the 2008 Harvest Festival season. Located at 2055 Stone Quarry Road in Waterford, Port Farms is a pumpkin farm with activities for the whole family. Kids can play in the giant corn box, ride trikes on a track, or play in the straw fort. They can also join their parents on the giant slides or on a hayride around the farm. The farm is open daily through October 31st: Monday through Friday, 12-6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11 am -7 pm. Admission is $5.50 for ages 3-60, $3 for those over 60, and children under 3 are free.

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.