More snow. That’s all.
William McMillen, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio was arrested this week for setting a fire in a restroom at Presque Isle Downs and Casino. Dude, you’re supposed to burn your money in the slot machines, not in the bathrooms.
Speaking of gambling, wagering was down last week, perhaps because of the giant snow storm we had. Please go back and read that second bit there in a sarcastic tone. $33.9 million was wagered.
So, the table gaming is now legal in PA, but Big Ed isn’t happy the bill is full of earmarks for hospitals, colleges and more. More here. The table gaming will bring jobs to the local casino, which is good, but with casinos coming online in the future in Ohio as well as casinos already operating in New York, many people will be watching what happens with these table games. Will it have the budget effect many people in Harrisburg are thinking it will? I like blackjack as much as anyone, but I can play it online, with fake money and no smoke online for free. Same excitement. *Shrug*
GE Transportation announced yesterday it has signed an agreement with Cosan to deliver 50 new AC44i locomotives for freight transport starting in 2010 through Rumo, Cosan’s subsidiary for logistics operations. Cosan is the leading grower and processor of sugar cane and one of the largest ethanol and sugar producers in the world. Cosan will use the new locomotives to haul sugar from its processing plants to port on the rail infrastructure provided by its partner America Latina Logistica (ALL). The Model AC44i locomotives will be built by GE Transportation South America, GE Transportation’s affiliate facility located in Contagem, Brazil.
Got word today that Tammy Roche is leaving her job at the Erie Art Museum to become the vice president of marketing, membership and development at the YMCA of Greater Erie. Congrats, Tammy!
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s Pittsburgh Office will open at its new location at 301 5th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Piatt Place, on Monday, Jan. 11. That office serves Erie County, among others. The Pa. Human Relations Commission enforces state anti-discrimination laws and works to promote equal opportunity and diversity in Pennsylvania workplaces, businesses, schools and communities.
Starting yesterday, students attending the Maritime Alternative Education Program will begin assisting Niagara’s first mate and boatswain dress the ships t’gallant yards in the Bayfront Center for Maritime Study’s boatshop. The yards were brought to BCMS by the students after watching Niagara shipwright Bob Arlet bend new white oak frames for one of the ship’s cutters at the Erie Maritime Museum. The yards will be sanded and varnished. The rigging on the yards will be inspected and replaced as needed and then tarred; then sails will be bent on. The students will be learning about the history of the ship as well as the mechanical and physical aspects of the rigging and how all the parts act together to propel the 297 ton vessel. How cool is it that we have such an interesting resource right here in Erie?
Sports
The numbers told the story. Nine steals for Erie, one for Los Angeles. Seven blocks for the BayHawks, two for the D-Fenders. Toss in 44 percent shooting for L.A., and the result was a very business-like 102-89 BayHawks victory. The win marked the first time this season the BayHawks notched back to back wins. New BayHawk, Mike Gansey had one of the better all-around games of the Showcase, finishing with 25 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Good news (?) Browns fans. It looks like Eric Mangini will back to coach this team this year. The team had a nice little winning streak to close out the season.
Events
Come join the fun on Saturday, January 30, 2010, when YEP! (Young Erie Professionals) will host the 2010 Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction at the Hilton Garden Inn. The evening will include silent auctions, hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar. The Erie area’s most eligible singles will be auctioning themselves for a night on the town – all proceeds from this event will benefit Erie DAWN. Music will be provided by a live DJ. Festivities will begin at 6:30 on Saturday, January 30 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Garden Terrace Atrium, on upper Peach Street in Erie. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 purchased in advance. Tickets can be ordered by calling 814-868-8622 or by email at yep_eriedawn@yahoo.com.
