NEWS

ErieBlogs received a comment from J.Mozur yesterday regarding not seeing any local news that “Harrisburg declared bankruptcy.”  Having had a busy week, it didn’t surprise me that I missed this news item.  Upon Googling the topic, I found several stories indicating that Harrisburg is in dire financial straits and is considering bankruptcy as one of its options.

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Two pieces of good news for Erie… KOLD DRAFT and The In-Store Bagging Machine Company of Texas have partnered.  It is anticipated that this partnership will result in some 100 new jobs for Erieites.

Additionally, Jamestown, NY company, Mazany Contract Interiors, has opened a new office in Erie in Union Station, 163 West 14th Street.  The company’s president, Ronald Mazany, hopes to add 10-20 more jobs as the Erie office expands.  Additionally, he indicates that they will utilize local subcontractors on their jobs.

But, with the good news, unfortunately, comes the bad.  Steris is closing its Erie doors. After shipping some 450 jobs to Mexico in 2007, it’s now moving the remainder of its Erie operation to its Mentor, OH facility.  As a result, some 240 jobs at the Erie facility will be eliminated.

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The names of the Crawford County Fair headliners were released… Darius Rucker (former front man for Hootie & the Blowfish, who’s since gone country) and 2006 American Idol fifth-runner up Kellie Pickler.  Josh Turner and Phil Vassar will also be performing.  I’m not a country fan, so I can’t comment on whether this line-up is good or not.

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Table games were officially approved for Presque Isle Downs & Casino.  The Erie Gamblers Anonymous Hotline Number is 814/897-1073.

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The clean-up of the old Hammermill/IP land is getting underway.  It’s estimated to cost the owner, GEIDC, approximately $900,000.

EVENTS

The City of Erie is conducting a tire recycling/collection day tomorrow,  Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – or until the trailers are full.  The collection site is 1926 Holland Street.  City residents may drop-off up to six tires (passenger vehicle/light truck tires). Tires on rims will not be accepted. Photo ID showing City of Erie residency is required.  If the past is any indication of how the tire collection is going to go this year, I would strongly suggest that anyone wanting to take advantage of this program get there no later than 9:00 a.m.  Of course, if you arrive too late and you and your tires are turned away, maybe you could just give them to the ERE dudes for future use at their tire gasification plant.

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Engel O’Neill would like to remind everyone that voting on The Flagship City logo is open until May 11th.  Go to the City of Erie’s home page to vote.  The winner will be announced on May 13th.

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The Erie Opera Theatre Orchestra will be presenting The Barber of Seville this evening at 7:30 at the Central Tech High School Auditorium, 3325 Cherry Street, Erie.  A second performance is scheduled for Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.  Both performances are free and open to the public.

SPORTS

Thanks to John for correcting previously posted information about today’s Storm game.  It is an away game at Richmond.  The next home game will be Friday, May 14, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

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The Seawolves won their sixth game in a row and have eeked into fourth place in the standings, just barely ahead of Harrisburg and Akron and 3.5 games back.