Peter at GlobalErie.com blogged that GE Transportation will build a new $100 million battery manufacturing facility in outside Albany, NY. It sure would be nice to have that plant here. We’ve heard some additional lay-offs planned for GE Transportation here in Erie in the coming weeks and months. Hopefully they are temporary.

Governor Edward G. Rendell yesterday saluted this year’s Best 50 Women in Business, saying their successes and accomplishments help Pennsylvania improve its business climate. Leah Humphries, president, Apple Creative Group and Beth Zimmer, director of talent acquisition, J.L. Nick & Associates Inc. were honored. Congrats to both women on this great accomplishment.

The Montana man who befriended an Erie girl online and travelled with her to Arkanasas is facing charges now that he sexually assaulted the girl. Donald R. Cates, age 21, came to Erie after chatting with the girl and the two hitchhiked from Erie. If convicted, he faces life in prison. He’s already facing similar charges in Montana.

A man in Titusville was arrested after trying to steal 20 video games from WalMart. Are things that dull in the T-Vegas these days?

The March of Dimes is teaming up with the Movies at Meadville for a special showing of the original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and 100% of the price goes to the March of Dimes. Should be a great event and a great night for a great cause.

Sports

The Seawolves continue their winning ways, beating Reading last night at the Uht 5-2.

The No. 28 Mercyhurst College baseball team will continue its season this week after its selection to the NCAA II Atlantic Region Tournament, as announced by the NCAA II Baseball Committee.

Gannon head women’s basketball coach Cleve Wright has announced the addition of Danielle Tucker (Rochester, N.Y./East) to the 2009 recruiting class. Tucker has signed a National Letter of Intent and becomes the third student-athlete to join the Lady Knights this off-season.

Erie Otters forward Justin Hodgman collected a goal and an assist last Friday night as the Fort Wayne Komets captured the 2009 International Hockey League Championship with a 4-1 win over the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The Komets, who won back-top-back titles for the first time in franchise history, defeated the Lumberjacks in the series 4-1 for their sixth IHL championship and seventh overall.

Events

Girls entering ninth or tenth grade this fall are invited to apply to participate in a weeklong math, science and technology summer camp at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Math Options Summer Camp will be held on campus Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17. Girls will be introduced to current topics and laboratory techniques in the fields of psychology, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering by Penn State Behrend faculty and mentors in the science professions.