We all need to keep the people of Haiti in our thoughts and prayers as they try to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of the earthquake which caused unbelievable damage to their island home.  Many thousands of lives have already been lost with the expectation of thousands more to come.

Also on the thoughts and prayers list is the family of State Trooper Paul Richey, who was killed in the line of duty in  Cranberry Township, near Oil City, yesterday.  The shooting suspect was later found dead in his home.

Four-year-old Adrianna Holfelder is back safe at home following a major ordeal.  The tot was sent off to day-care by school bus Tuesday morning.  Unfortunately, the bus driver forgot to stop at the day-care center, instead drove back to the garage and parked the bus, leaving the girl inside.  Adrianna was found several hours later by a different driver.  Her mother wasn’t notified until nearly 1:30 pm, when a person from the day-care center called to inform them.  No one, by the way,  from Ft. Lebouf School District, which operated the bus, contacted the girl’s mother.  We’re happy the child was found safe, and we’re also sure there will be some litigation to follow, what do you think.

On the brighter side, along with the warmer temperatures forcast for the rest of the week, we’ll be seeing a lot of yellow daffodils everywhere, as the American Cancer Society kicked off the annual ‘Daffodil Days’ fund raiser.  It’s a great chance to bring some color into your home and workplace, while helping this worthwhile cause.  The flowers will be available for purchase at various locations around the city, or contact the Society office.

A new report detailing the expansion of medical schools in the past decade cites the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine as a model for the growth of new medical schools. The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundationrecently released “New and Developing Medical Schools: Motivating Factors, Major Challenges, Planning Strategies,” written by Michael E. Whitcomb, M.D., from the George Washington University School of Public Health and Science.

On a related note, The Erie Times News cited the opening of the LECOM School of Pharmacy as one of the high points of the past decade for the region’s economy.

Sports

Mercyhurst Women’s Hockey is again ranked Number One in the nation, and  Gannon Women’s Basketball again pulled down a #4 National Ranking.

All of the local college basketball teams began PSAC West play Wednesday evening.

Gannon Men won 59-47,  over California.                                    

Gannon Women won 75-72 over California

Mercyhurst Women beat Slippery Rock 57-51

Mercyhurst Men pulled out an 82-80 victory at Slippery Rock

Edinboro Women prevailed 78-65 at Lock Haven

Edinboro Men sustained a loss, 83-69 to Lock Haven

In professional ball, the Erie BayHawks entertained Fort Wayne last night at Tullio Arena, outscoring the visitors 109-97.

Events

The Erie Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Bruce Morton Wright, will present the annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King  tomorrow evening at St. Patrick’s Church.  The program will include the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, with Director Fredrick Dixon.  The concert, which will begin at 7:30 pm, is free and open to the public.  St. Patrick’s is located at 130 East Fourth St.

Don’t forget the American Cancer Society’s ‘Daffodil Days’.  They need your support.

“Ease on, ease on down the road” to the Erie Playhouse to see “The Wiz”.  Opening night is January 29, and the show will run thru February 14th.  Call the Playhouse Boxoffice for reservations.