Unemployment figures were released yesterday and Erie had the highest unemployment rate for Pennsylvania’s largest metropolitan areas at 9.7 percent for July.  In terms of county-wide unemployment, Erie County was at 9.7 percent while Crawford County was at 10.4 percent.  Since July 2008, Erie County’s unemployment rate has increased by 4.1 points.  Also noted, Erie County has the 48th lowest unemployment rate among the state’s 67 counties.

Tom Ridge appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show last night on MSNBC.  The main issue addressed was whether Ridge was pressured by other agency heads to raise the national security-threat level for political reasons.  Link to the video is here.

Last Monday, Randy McElwain of Detroit became the 11th and fastest person to swim across Lake Erie. In 11 hours, 23 minutes, and 33 seconds, he swam from Long Point, Ontario, to Freeport Beach in North East.

The Erie School District got a mention in a New York Times article about advertising on milk cartons sold at schools.  Last year, a parent complained that an ad on the carton encouraged kids to go to a website to buy an item.  Can anyone confirm that ads are appearing on milk cartons at your children’s school?

Presque Isle Downs is mentioned in a Dayton Daily News article about how it attracts customers from Ohio and Erie’s similarities to Dayton.

Jay Kalagayan has joined the Cincinnati Ballet as director of development leaving his position as Executive Director and co-founder of the Know Theatre in Cincinnati.  Jay is an Erie native and moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier University.

Sports

Erie Seawolves fell to the Harrisburg Senators, 8-7, last night.

Allegheny men’s soccer team defeated Mount Union College, 3-1, in their season opener yesterday.

Allegheny women’s soccer team will be at Westminster College for a game at 4pm today.

Gannon men’s soccer team hosts the University of the District of Columbia today at Gannon University Field at 1 pm.

Gannon women’s soccer team has been ranked 4th in the NCAA Atlantic Region Rankings and received votes in the NCAA Division II national rankings.  They will compete at Mercyhurst today at 3pm.

Mercyhurst men’s soccer team hosts Houghton College today at 5:30pm.

Freshman Lauren Sazama of Gannon women’s volleyball team has been named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division Volleyball Player of the Week.

Penn State Behrend men’s soccer team defeated Geneva College, 2-0, in their season opener yesterday.  One of the goals came from an assist from freshman Corey Hamilton who graduated from Mercyhurst Prep.

2008 ECAC Champions Penn State Behrend women’s volleyball team defeated Buffalo State in three straight sets, 25-13, 25-16, and 25-23.  Sophomore Lauren Dalton from Cochranton had 15 kills and freshman Mary Sperry from Conneaut Lake had 7 kills and 11 digs.

Edinboro football has jumped in the NCAA Division II rankings to 15th in the nation.

Senior quarterback Trevor Harris of Edinboro has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division Offensive Player of the Week.

Edinboro women’s soccer team will be traveling to California (PA) for a match at 4pm today.

Senior Nick Gdanetz had an assist in Hiram College men’s soccer victory over Case Western Reserve University, 2-1, in their season opener yesterday.  Nick Gdanetz is a graduate of Cathedral Prep.

Events

The Advertising Federation of Northwest Pennsylvania (formerly the Erie Ad Club) will host its Membership Kickoff, “Brews & Dues,” on Wednesday, Sept. 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at The Brewerie. Anyone interested in learning more about hte organization is welcome to attend. Meet AFNWPA members and check out all that the club has in store for the year ahead, all while enjoying free appetizers and drink specials. Not to mention there will be a $25 discount for those who join at the event and the club is introducing discounts for companies and organizations that purchase multiple memberships. The Advertising Federation of NWPA offers networking, professional development, and professional recognition opportunities like the Creative Spark Awards and the ADDY Awards for local advertising, marketing communication and media professionals. Ad Fed members can attend and participate in the organization’s events for free or at a reduced price. Plus, this year members will receive a Member Discount Card that will offer discounts at several local businesses. If you wish to attend the Sept. 2 Membership Kickoff, please RSVP online at www.afnwpa.org.