If you haven’t finished, or even started, your holiday shopping, you’ve got one chance left. Is it us, or do stores stay open on Christmas Eve until way later then the used to.
Tomorrow is the drawing for the ErieBlogs holiday gift certificate giveaway. We’re giving away three $25 gift certificates – two to Latino’s and one to George’s Restaurant. It’s our way of saying Happy Holidays, so enter today.
It’s possible that all this snow we’ve been getting for a white Christmas will be for naught. The forecast calls for rain and temperatures in the low 40’s the next few days, melting all this wonderful snow that we love so much.
Yesterday, the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 were closed due to an accident involving a semi. At this point, if there’s any sort of winter weather, assume 90 and 79 will be closed in one if not both directions. Also closed at various times yesterday were Routes 20 and 86.
PNC shareholders approved the acquisition of National City, as well as National City shareholders agreeing to be bought out. National City, a 163-year-old Cleveland institution, which will all end with the December 31 closing when Pittsuburgh based PNC will buy it for $5.6 billion. There were a handful of nostalgic shareholders of National City that objected to the purchase but the majority voted for it. PNC CEO Jim Rohr called the purchase of National City “truly transformational” since after the deal, it will become the nation’s fifth largest bank by deposits.
Seniors and residents with disabilities have nine days to submit Property Tax/Rent Rebate program applications before the Dec. 31 deadline. applications are available for download at www.papropertytaxrelief.com, and forms and assistance are available at Revenue district offices, legislators’ offices, area agencies on aging, and senior centers. Assistance is also available by calling, toll-free, 1-888-222-9190 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. State offices will be closed on Dec. 25. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, Dec. 31, in order to be considered.
LECOM chairman and pharmacist Larry Sasich was quoted in an article by the Center for Public Integrity. The Center examined how the FDA is failing to identify problems with drugs fast enough after they are released into the market or conduct effective recalls. Sasich’s comments identified the problem where recalls are failing to be performed fully and promptly.
A kennel in Troy Township (between Titusville and Meadville) caught fire. Sadly, one dog died in the blaze. The good news is that 24 dogs were rescued. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Sports
The Cleveland Indians’ annual press tour begins January 19 and ends the 22, with select players and coaching staff visiting 14 towns in only 4 days. The tour will stop in Erie and held at the Gertrude Barber Center on January 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event features a ballpark dinner, remarks by the players and coaches, an auction of team memorabilia and game ticket packages, and autographs for all the kids. Tickets are $8 per person, and are available in advance at the Barber National Institute, or at the door the day of the event. For information, call 453-7661.
The Erie BayHawks play two games at the Tullio this weekend. Saturday, the Hawks play the Reno BigHorns and Sunday against the Bakersfield Jam.
The Erie Otters hit the ice this Sunday away playing the Brampton Battalion.
The Gannon men’s basketball team remained fourth for the second consecutive week in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC)/Division II Top 25 poll released Tuesday afternoon.
One day after being named the EWL Wrestler of the Week, Edinboro’s Chris Honeycutt (North Ridgeville, OH/St. Edward) has been named the PSAC Wrestler of the Week. Honeycutt was one of three Fighting Scots to bring home first place finishes at last week’s Reno Tournament.
This past Sunday, members of the Erie RiverRats professional indoor football team were the guests of the Veterans of the Vietnam War and Veterans Welcome Association Post 52 as both groups participated in passing out Christmas presents to disabled veterans who reside at the Soldiers and Sailors home in Erie.
Events
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.
