The Erie area’s doing a lot for Haiti Relief: the Greater Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross has collected $308,000, Erie Insurance & its employees have raised $220,000, and the Catholic Dioceses collected nearly $480,000 through fundraisers and their parishioners. Many other local organizations have donated or are running fundraisers. It’s great to see everyone come together to help those in a crisis situation.

Yesterday morning, an EMTA Lift shuttle, apparently slipping on the slushy/icy road conditions, drifted out of its lane and hit a parked car before knocking over a light pole. Fortunately the van was empty and there were no major injuries.

North East District Judge Gerard Alonge will be going to court for “violating standards of judicial conduct.” Charges assert that Alonge harassed nine women between 2006 and 2009. Alonge could be removed from office if he is found guilty.

You’ve probably seen the star-studded 2010 Census commercials on television recently…well, we may not have the stars, but Erie community leaders came together at Blasco Library to share how important the census will be for the Erie area. The census helps to determine public funding, legislative districts, school districts, and House representatives, among other task. Expect your census form in mid-March. Check out the 2010 Census website here and the “Snapshot of America” commercials here.

Mercyhurst College has teamed up with the St. Martin Center to create a culinary job training program for Erie area individuals. Senior Mercyhurst students formed a feasibility study and business plan to upgrade St. Martin’s kitchen and establish a culinary training class designed to provide entry-level job skills. The classes are taught by local chef Joe Fontecchio. Seven individuals, including some international refugees, will be the first to graduate from the program this week. The self-sufficient program is intended to provide a path from “welfare to work” for needy individuals. Future plans include a catering business and a hospitality training program.

Sports

The Mercyhurst College men’s lacrosse team moved up a spot to No. 3 in the latest United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Coaches’ Poll, released Monday by USILA officials.

Mercyhurst College junior Josh Shields  has been tabbed the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week for the period ending Feb. 28. Shields put forth an impressive effort and was crowned the champion of the 165-pound bracket at the 2010 NCAA Super Region I Tournament, successfully defending his title from a year ago.

The Gannon women’s basketball team is officially the top-ranked team in the country. The Lady Knights moved up one spot to be ranked No. 1 in the latest USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll released Tuesday afternoon. The Lady Knights own the second-longest winning streak at any level of the NCAA. The squad is the lone undefeated team left in NCAA Division II.

Events

The 54th annual spring cleanup at Presque Isle State Park will be held April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to remove debris deposited on the peninsula’s beaches during storms. All ages and organizations can participate. Registration will take place at 9 a.m. at the Cookhouse Pavilion at the Waterworks area. Food and prizes will be provided at noon.

YMCA of Greater Erie has kicked off its annual scholarship campaign, “We Build People.” Donations help the YMCA provide memberships to low-income children, adults and families. More than $400,000 in financial assistance was given in 2009 to about 5,000 members. To make a donation, visit the YMCA of Greater Erie Web site.