I think winter has finally arrived in Erie. We got some pretty decent lake effect snows, though I think New York got it worse than we did.

You those winds we’ve been having, this blog post says they’re as strong as a category 2 hurricane. Johnny Kelly writes:

In a matter of fact, data indicates this storm was as strong as a category 2 hurricane with a minimum central pressure of 976 millibars. Hurricane Ida, which peaked as a Category 2 hurricane in the Caribbean in early November recorded a minimum central pressure of 976 millibars as well.

One additional casualty of the very high winds of the last few days: a Norfolk Southern train that derailed in North East on Wednesday.

Don’t forget to set your DVRs for Sunday night to watch the Extreme Makeover Home Edition that taped in Erie this summer. We’ll post it once it hits Hulu next week.

The 244 businesses on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s tax delinquent list owe the state more than $8 million, Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler said today. 3 Erie business are on the list. They are: Erie Mill and Press Company, who owes $105,783. Klimek Molding Corporation owed $6,477.50. Patrick Herman Incorporated, who does business as Subway of North East, owes the state $30,563.

Officials have determined the cause of the big apartment fire last week – careless smoking. Folks, if you smoke in bed, try not to fall asleep and burn down the building. Flavor country = stunned.

Erica Irwin reports about a judge’s decision to not set aside an arbitrators ruling that could force the city to hire a number of new firefighters. The whole thing kind of confuses me, to be honest.

Edinboro University will be renaming its Meadville campus for Joseph T. Buba, a longtime benefactor of the school who lives in Wisconsin.

Four U.S. Army Cadets at Gannon University are ranked in the top 40 percent of the recently-published National Order of Merit List (OML). They are: Chase S. Burnett, Eric W. Schumacher of Erie, Niall J. “Frank” McGrath and Jonathan T. Cross. Congrats!

Sports

NFL
Cleveland 13 Pittsburgh 6

Two field goals? Seriously?

The Erie SeaWolves are proud to announce that once again, they will partner with the United States Marine Corps for the second annual “FILL A TRUCK AT THE UHT” Toys for Tots event to Jerry Uht Park! THIS SATURDAY, December 12 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the main plaza in front of the Jerry Uht Park front gates will serve as a Toys for Tots drop-off. The Marines will be on hand with tactical vehicles including a 7-ton truck to fill with gifts for needy children in the Erie community and two hmmwv’s. This holiday season, the Marines are in need of toys for 10,000 area youths.

Events

It’s a busy weekend at the Erie Book Store. Today, the store will be featuring Ken Springirth who will be signing copies of his new book Arcade and Attica Railroad (Images of Rail) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, they will have Berwyn Moore in the store from 2 to 4 p.m. signing copies of O Body Swayed, her collection of poetry.