Just flew home from a convention in Miami last night…nothing like sleet and snow to welcome you back from palm trees and sunshine. It’s supposed to continue on through today as well.
The Conneaut Port Authority and the Economic Development Corp. of Erie have signed a memorandum of understanding for the Inland Port Project. The project would create a network of business parks and logistics centers to distribute, transport and warehouse goods, using rail lines, interstate highways and the Lake Erie ports of Conneaut and Erie. Between Pennsylvania and New York, as much as $50 million in funds could be secured for the project.
The federal government will provide $475 million dollars for projects to assist the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie. Pennsylvania is seeking funding for 20 different projects. The top local priorities include more research into bacteria that causes swimming advisories and beach closings at Presque Isle, as well as increased efforts against invasive species like the Asian carp and zebra mussels.
An Erie city employee was suspended, without pay, for bringing a gun to work. Diane McCoy purchased the weapon for her home and brought it into work, believing that she could learn how to use it at the shooting range. But civilians are not permitted to use the city’s shooting range, and therefore disciplinary action was taken.
Furhman’s Cider Mill will officially be rebuilt in Summit Township. Local investors stepped forward with over $1 million to assist in rebuilding costs, which will help the local legend reopen by late summer. I can taste the deliciousness already. The last three autumns just haven’t been the same without it.
The Shriners Hospital will recieve a $250,000 grant from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will be invested in efforts to make the hospital more energy efficient. Once implemented, those measures will save the facility about $63,000 a year—money which will then be used to help more children.
A two-person maintenance crew was working on Tullio Arena’s ice rink when a fire broke out at about 9:45 p.m. The full extent of the damage us not yet known. Water flooded much of the second floor, and the entranceway is heavily damaged. Official say the damage will not affect upcoming events at the arena.
Sports
The Mercyhurst College women’s hockey team gathered 150 points and all 15 first-place votes to retain its No. 1-ranking for the third-straight week in the USCHO.com Women’s Division I Poll, released Monday by USCHO.com officials.
Mercyhurst College women’s hockey forward Meghan Agosta is part of the Canadian National Women’s Hockey Team, which defeated Finland last night at the Vancouver Winter Olympics to advance to the gold medal game. The Canadians will play Team USA on Thursday for the gold medal.
Events
This week, the Erie City Mission is hosting “Help the Homeless” Week. Dozens of community leaders and organizations have committed to the cause throughout the week. Check out http://www.eriecitymission.org/ to see what you can do to help.
