Winter storm warning? WTF?

The City of Erie’s spring cleanup program has begun. For the next month, city residents can put out one large item for trash pickup.

County Controller Sue Weber will present a plan to County Executive Mark Divecchio that she believes could save the county $1.5 million a year. The plan includes opening the courthouse a half hour later and ending the vacation buyback program.

Tim Hahn of the Erie Times-News has the story of Harry Davies, who lives near the Dad’s dog food factory in Meadville. He says noise from the plant is too much to bear and is planning to build a noise-proof shed on his property, enter it and begin a hunger strike until he “either meets his demise or the noise emanating from the Dad’s Products Co. factory returns to an acceptable level.” While we admire his dedication, we know there’s got to be a better way to get this situation handled – such as clogging up the legal system.

Time to get the solar panels and wind turbines going. Jim Martin reports about the expiring rate caps on electricity rates. Expect rates to go up anywhere from 30-50% in 2011.

Mercyhurst forensic anthropologist Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat is slated to appear in an episode of the new series “Animal Witness” on Friday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m., according to the Animal Planet network’s online schedule. The episode, billed “Sam the Cat,” depicts a feline’s role in the Erie murder and dismemberment of 31-year-old Robert Deuel II in March 2000. The FBI was able to use forensic hair analysis to match black and white cat hairs found on Deuel’s body to a cat in suspect Douglas E. Adsit’s apartment, according to news reports. Adsit pleaded no contest in September 2001 to second-degree murder.

Students from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy recently participated in Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association Legislative Day at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pa. Legislative Day provides future pharmacists the opportunity to bring any matters occurring in the world of pharmacy to the attention of the legislators from their district. All pharmacy schools in Pennsylvania are invited to attend and bring posters or other materials to help discuss any issue future pharmacists would hope to improve. The LECOM students presented a posted which addressed current issues and barriers regarding smoking cessation.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers today announced their 2009 minor league rosters. The 2009 version of the Erie SeaWolves features quality veterans with a mix of young talent. 11 of the 24 players on the roster are among the Top 30 Prospects in the Detroit Tigers Organization according to Baseball America. 12 of the 24 players on the roster are making their returns to Erie. Read more.

The Edinboro track & field teams took part in the PSAC West Challenge at California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday. The men’s team placed fifth out of six teams, finishing with 70 points. The women’s team placed sixth among seven teams, totaling 46 points.

The Gannon softball team used several clutch hits and a pair of strong pitching performances to sweep a non-conference doubleheader from Seton Hill Sunday afternoon at Gannon University Field. The Lady Knights earned their first doubleheader sweep of the season by scores of 6-1 and 2-1.

Erie Otters forward Brandon Biggers’ first career professional goal turned out to be the game winner as the Lake Erie Monsters shaded the Milwaukee Admirals 3-2 in an American Hockey League game Friday night. The Idaho Steelheads announced Friday that Erie Otters left wing Luke Gazdic has signed an ECHL contract and will be on Idaho’s roster for the team’s two remaining regular season games this weekend.

Events