Man, how glad are we that it’s Friday. This week was a killer. We’re still a bit stunned from yesterday’s Mr. Skunk video.
There was some excitement yesterday when 21 year old Joshua Beason took Pennsylvania State Police on a chase near the intersection of Route 89 and I-86. Beason was demonstrating how awesome it would be to travel at 100 mph while under the influence of marijuana. The police are now demonstrating how awesome it would be to jailed on a $25,000 bail.
Members of the Erie County Bar Association (ECBA) recently recommended 3 of 9 candidates for the position of Erie County Court Judge. A seat on the Court becomes available in January, 2010 as a result of the retirement of The Honorable John A. Bozza. Judicial candidates Daniel J. Brabender, Jr., Raymond A. Pagliari, Jr. and Robert A. Sambroak, Jr. were the only ones recommended by more than 50% of those who returned valid ballots. (The count of recommended votes combines votes in both the “Highly Recommended” and “Recommended” categories.) Candidates Carolyn E. Gold, Anthony Logue, Larry D. Meredith and Jeffrey A. Misko were voted “Not Recommended” by more than 50% of those who returned valid ballots. Candidates Anthony Angelone and Damon Hopkins received high “No opinion” votes and were not rated.
The trial of Damere Talmadge is expected to begin today. Talmadge, 20, is accused of killing 3-month-old Tah-Meere Talmadge last June. Damere was not the baby’s biological father, despite the child having his last name.
We blogged yesterday about an Erie School District official who was injured breaking up a fight at Central Tech. After reviewing video of the fight, the district says the official was shoved by a student.
AT&T has announced its wireless network expansion plans for 2009. AT&T plans to roll out its 3G network in new communities in the Keystone State, including many areas in Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Adams Counties in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania. In Western Pennsylvania, AT&T plans to add to its 3G mobile broadband network in new communities, including Erie and Indiana. AT&T will also expand its existing 3G footprint in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Erie, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports First Niagara Financial Group may buy the 61 western PA branches of National City from PNC. First Niagara is based in Lockport, NY.
More than 70 Gannon students will participate in the University’s 11th annual 30-Hour Fast, an event focusing on hunger awareness, community service, and fundraising. The students will begin fasting at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 27 and continue to do so until 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Each student was encouraged to raise at least $20 for Catholic Relief Services, an organization dedicated to helping people overseas struggling with poverty and hunger. Money raised by the students will benefit impoverished areas in Africa and Southeast Asia. Gannon is hoping to surpass the $1,300 that was raised from last year’s 30-Hour Fast.
The Ohio Supreme Court yesterday morning admitted Erie attorney Daniel J. Brabender, Jr. to the Ohio Bar without examination. The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ohio Supreme Court Building in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Attorney Brabender is now licensed to practice law in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as the federal courts for the Northern District of Ohio, the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sports
Scott Aarssen scored what turned out to be the game winner with four second left in the second period to lift the London Knights to a 4-2 win over the Erie Otters in Game 4 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal Series played tonight in front of 3,908 at the Tullio Arena. London leads the best-of-seven series 3-1. Phil Varone and Michael Del Zotto added a goal and an assist each in the London win while Justin Taylor’s final minute empty netter completed the scoring. Greg McKegg and Tyler Hostetter scored for the Otters. Game 5 of the best-of-seven series will be played Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the John Labatt Centre in London. The game can be heard live on FOX Sports Radio AM 1330 The FAN and on-line at www.ottershockey.com (presented by the James H. Cross Company) beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.
The Erie BayHawks teamed with ERIEBANK staffers to help consumers ease the pain at the pump. ERIEBANK staffers and Mascot E.B. Bear along with BayHawk players and Bayhawk mascot Clutch distributed free gas cards and BayHawks tickets as a random act of kindness to unsuspecting consumers, at the Country Fair Location at 4753 Buffalo Road.
The Erie BayHawks will recognize the outstanding achievement of the Pennsylvania State Champion, Villa Maria High School girls basketball team in a ceremony prior to the start of Sunday afternoon’s game at the Tullio Arena. Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott and County Executive Mark DiVecchio will present proclamations recognizing the team’s achievement as part of the pre-game accolades.
