The weather is pretty much the big story of the week.
The southbound lanes of Interstate 79 was closed for several hours yesterday due to an accident. How surprised were you it wasn’t I-90 this time? Not too much we’d guess, as portions of I-90 from the Pennsylvania border well into New York were closed due to the inclement weather.
One of our favorite stories from yesterday were that school buses were late making their runs yesterday morning because the cold temperatures turned engine lubricant in the buses into jelly. Makes it a little tough to get the bus started.
Jeffrey Peters, 19, of Meadville will receive a Carnegie Medal by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. Peters saved a neighbor after he heard an explosion at the neighbor’s trailer. He was able to get Debra Knuth to safety. Nicely done, Jeff.
State representatives Tim Solobay of Canonsburg and Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg will be proposing legislation in 2009 to permit table games at Pennsylvania’s 14 authorized casinos, including Presque Isle Downs & Casino. The two legislators are also looking at granting businesses that are licensed to serve liquor to have up to six slot machines each.
Delaware wildlife and conservation officials are freaking out now that zebra mussels have been spotted in Maryland. We suggest that Delaware simply welcome their new aquatic overlords as we have done here in the Great Lakes region.
The bad economy not only is affecting businesses large and small, it’s also affecting our local colleges and universities, who are seeing their endowments take large hits in value. The schools draw from endowments yearly to supplement budgets. As of the last report, local schools’ endowments weighed in as so: Allegheny College-$117 million, Mercyhurst College-$21 million, Penn State Behrend-$40 million, Edinboro University-$8.5 million, Gannon University-$36 million. The Erie Times-News has more.
Members of the 2009 Aerospace Industries Association Board of Governors Executive Committee were announced earlier this month. Richard L. McNeel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lord Corporation was one of the many appointments. The Aerospace Industries Association represents manufacturers and parts and service suppliers of civil and military aircrafts.
Yesterday Ray Travaglini passed away at the age 80. Travaglini owned a number of hotels and Perkins restaurants around the tri-state area including in Erie. His business Travaglini Enterprises is based in Meadville, Pa.
Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in overtime last night.
Gannon University beat Lake Erie College 76-51 to remain unbeaten on the season.
Edinboro’s Gil Cummings (Pittsburgh, PA/Oliver/Columbus State CC) didn’t let a little illness get in the way of having an outstanding week on the hardcourt. The senior was named the PSAC West Player of the Week after leading the Fighting Scots to a pair of wins. It marks the second time Cummings has won the award this year.
The Erie BayHawks will hold two home games at the Tullio this weekend. Saturday the Hawks will play the Reno BigHorns and on Sunday against the Bakersfield Jam.
The Erie Otters next game is this Sunday away playing the Brampton Battalionn
Events
The Fleming School of the Arts presents “Pittsburgh Bellies in Erie,” on January 10 and 11, 2009. There will be bellydance workshops, a showcase and an afterparty, as well as many other events. Here’s a flyer for this event.
Mark your calendars – the next Erie Bloggers get-together will be January 13 at Patrick’s Family Restaurant on Buffalo Road. All are welcome – you don’t have to have a blog. For more info, contact Michael Mahler at (814) 456-9833 or info@eriegaynews.com.
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.
