Today’s the day: the infamous fat and furry little rodent will let us know how much longer we’ll be shoveling snow off our cars. And for the first time ever, you can get the groundhog’s weather-predicting results via text message (text “groundhog” to 247365 to sign up) or his Facebook status. What a tech savvy furball. If this keeps up, maybe PETA will get their wish for an electronic groundhog. Wait…I bet the iPad has an app for that.

Saint Vincent is one of eleven Pennsylvania hospitals which will accept wounded Haitian earthquake victims. The wounded will be transported to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh via  U.S. military medical evacuation flights.

The driver of a pickup truck crashed into Springfield Township home this weekend when he lost control of his vehicle due to an uncontrollable coughing fit. No one was injured. Someone please get this guy some Halls.

John Hornaman announced yesterday that he’ll run for a third term as state representative. A Republican competitor for the seat has not yet been announced. The primary will take place on May 18th.

The Erie Disaster Medical Assistance team headed for Haiti yesterday afternoon. The ten-member team will spend a month in Haiti assisting at a field medical and surgical hospital.

Due to a freeze in $750,000 worth of state funding, Erie County Executive Barry Grossman has announced freezes on new hires, travel, and big purchases like furniture and computers. The freezes will last all year, and will be waived only for law and union contract requirements and public safety issues.

Sports

Erie’s Indoor Football team, the Erie Storm, has announced that Rod Rutherford will return to the team. The former Pitt quarterback and AIFA All-Star Rod Rutherford has signed a contract to lead the Storm offense for the upcoming 2010 season.

Tryouts to sing the National Anthem for Erie SeaWolves’ games will be held Saturday, March 13 at the Erie Playhouse. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; tryouts run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Auditions must be a capella and will be judged by a panel of local celebrities. More info: Chris Norris at (814) 456-1300 or cnorris@seawolves.com

Come on, you can’t be any worse than this:

Juniors Alex Moggridge, Andy Sekulski and Kane Ashton of the  Mercyhurst College men’s water polo team have been named All-Americans by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. Also, Brandon Intrieri, a freshman on Alleghany’s men’s swimming and diving team, was names the North Coast Athletic Conference Swimmer of the Week. Congratulations, guys.

Events

The 2010 Auto Show will take place this weekend at the Bayfront Convention Center. Admission is $3, with free parking and shuttles. The event will run Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Young People’s Chorus of Erie will be joined by international pop duo The Green Children for a special performance to benefit Haitian earthquake relief. The joint concert will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, in the Little Theatre at McDowell Intermediate High School, 3320 Caughey Road. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door for $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and students, and $10 for children under 12. Contact 814-868-6789 for more information.