U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Dahlkemper has co-sponsored The Locomotive Fleet Investment and Tax Credit Act of 2009.  The tax credit is intended to encourage all aspects of the locomotive industry, through increased manufacturing, sales, and purchasing.  By increasing demand, the act should also preserve jobs in the industry.  The act would create a 30% tax credit.  That’s no small thing when purchasing multi-million dollar units.  Anything that benefits our local industry is fine with us.  GE should also be pleased.

Erie County Election officials say they aren’t concerned about the flu bug affecting election day business, and don’t think we should worry about it, either.  Maybe we should all wear surgical masks and gloves when we go to the polls next Tuesday.

Speaking of the flu, a record setting 482 new cases were reported in Erie County last week, the most since the Health Department has been tracking it.  Dr. Craig Johnston,DO, said that this the worst he’s seen in his 25 years of medical practice.  The total now stands at 1083 cases reported since June.  There’s a lot of sick people out there, folks!!!

Erie Police have a new 4 year contract, but many are not so happy.
The arbitrator gave them a semi-annual 2% raise, but for the first time, also ruled that they must contribute toward their health care benefits.  Single officers will pay $30 per month, while families will pay $60 per month.  Of course, the city was satisfied.  As a retired senior citizen, in 2010 I will pay at least $500 per month in insurance for my wife and me.  I guarantee we would be happy to pay the same prices the police will pay.

John M. Ferretti, D.O., President and CEO of LECOM, received the Distinguished Citizen Award for 2009 from the French Creek Council, Boy Scouts of America. Pictured, from left, are Kerry Schwab, French Creek Council, BSA President; Michael Visnosky, Chairman of the LECOM Board of Trustees; Dr. Ferretti; and Duane Havard, French Creek Council Scout Executive.

The Manufacturer & Business Association is pleased to announce that Anna McCauslin has been hired as the government relations representative in the Association’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office.
In her new position, McCauslin will be responsible for developing state legislative priorities and strategies; encouraging membership grassroots activities; and lobbying on behalf of a pro-growth, pro-business agenda.

Could it be the airport runway project will finally get off the ground?
Millcreek supervisors have given preliminary approval to the land-use plans for the proposed extension to the runway.

Sports

Someone apparently hacked into one of those electronic road info signs along I-81 near Scranton, and reworded the message to read GO YANKEES.  PennDot officials were not amused. 

The Erie SeaWolves are looking for energetic, outgoing, and dependable people to be members of the 2010 Wolf Pack. If you’ve ever wanted to be the life of the party, have a great time, and get paid for it, this is the opportunity for you.

The Philadelphia Phillies scored the first run in the 2009 World Series
on a homer off the bat of Chase Utley, on a pitch from CC Sabathia.     CC =  surprised!!

Phillies win the first game of the 2009 World Series by a score of 6-1.  Yankees = even more surprised!!!

The Erie Otters skated to a 5-2 won over the Guelph Storm in front of a Buck Night crowd of 4222 last night at the Tullio Arena.

 Events

JEWELS, JAZZ and JIVE !!    Tonight at 6 p.m., at The Jive Coffeehouse, 1041 State Street.  Music by 3Bop, Jewelry by Lena Logvina, and of course great coffee byThe Jive Coffeehouse !