NEWS

The City of Erie Code Enforcement Office has issued a demolition permit to GAF.

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A mobile home at 13156 Route 19 South was destroyed by fire early yesterday evening.  No humans were injured, but two dogs died in the fire.

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The Erie Redevelopment Authority appears to be having some financial issues.  City Council is voting today on whether to give the Erie Redevelopment Authority $197,000.  Of that $197,000, the Redevelopment Authority would pay the City back $60,000 once it sells some of its properties.

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EmergyCare contends that Millcreek Township’s intention to fine residents who call EmergyCare directly instead of going through the 911 system is contrary to Pennsylvania law.  An injunction has been issued pending a hearing on Thursday, May 6th.

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According to The Hill, The Ridge Policy Group (yes, that Ridge) is lobbying in D.C.  for funds for Mercyhurst College here in Erie.

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There’s going to be a bus of Canadians coming to Erie soon, but these Canadians aren’t coming or the shopping.   According to the Welland Tribune, these Canadians are coming to visit Hero BX to learn about biodiesel fuel.  The Damian Goulbourne, the mayor of Welland, Ontario, along with other city officials, will be touring Hero BX to satisfy themselves that a plant of this type is “clean, quiet, and scent-free.”  Huh.  That’s a novel idea, isn’t it?  A mayor and other city officials going to check out first-hand a plant that’s being proposed for their city.

EVENTS

For over 12 years, FundingFactory has been helping schools and nonprofit organizations nationwide earn funds by collecting used printer cartridges and cell phones, raising over $25 million.

Starting May 4th, you can take your used ink jets, laser cartridges, and cell phones to FundingFactory’s location at 380 East Bayfront Parkway, just east of the Blasco Library, and all proceeds will benefit the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation.

Feel good about supporting a good cause and the environment! For additional information, contact FundingFactory toll free at 888-883-8237.

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Check out Love, Sex, and the IRS now through May 22nd at The Riverside Inn Dinner Theatre.  Matinees are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays and evening shows are on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Not hungry but still want to see a show?  How about Erie’s All An Act Theatre’s production of Not Now Darling?  The show runs through May 9th with matinees on Sundays and evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Want to get the kids away from the x-box or stop them from setting the text message record? Enroll them in sailing lessons at the Erie Yacht Club. Public is welcome.

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Looking for a place to read that poem you just wrote?  Check out the Poetry Scene hosted by Chuck Joy every Friday night from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Erie Book Store in Lovell Place, 137 East 13th Street.  By the way, did you know that the Erie Book Store has been around since 1921?

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The Spirit Quest Film Festival is at the Erie Playhouse this weekend.  Films being screened at the festival include Case 219 and My Life:  Living with Autism.  Check out the full schedule.  It might be worth getting a pass that’s good for all screenings.  I had the full access pass last year and loved it.  Not only does a full access pass include all movie screenings, but it also includes panel discussions and the awards ceremony.  It’s well worth the $32.31 price.  Day passes are also available, as well as tickets for the feature presentations only.  Oh, and speaking of money, partial proceeds from the ticket and pass sales goes to the Barber National Institute.

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Are you practicing your caber toss? The Edinboro Highland Games & Scottish Festival will be July 22-24 at Edinboro University. It’s never to early to practice.  And, you know what they say, if it’s not Scottish, it’s crap.

SPORTS

The Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame has ten new members:  John Williams, Ron Coleman, Mina George, John Bowen, Richard Dill, Joe Jordano, Joe Sanford, Tyco Swick, Jim Villa, and Jim Miller.

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Sad day for baseball fans. Legendary Detroit Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell passed away at age 92. Harwell was arguably one of the best play by play men in the history of the game. When the Tigers games could be heard in Erie on WJR, many baseball fans in the area enjoyed listening to Harwell’s classic southern voice booming from the corner of Michigan and Trumbull “that one is long gone!” and “he stood there like the house by the side of the road” We’ll miss you Ernie – especially whenever we have to suffer through no talents like Tim McCarver.

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Speaking of the Tigers, several former Seawolves have been contributing to Detroit’s success this year including second baseman Scott Sizemore, Brennan Boesch,  Alex Avila, and Don Kelly along with bullpen aces Joel Zumaya and Eddie Bonine. Boesch cracked a grand slam a few days ago for his first major league home run. For more news about the Seawolves check out Nick Underhill’s excellent Seawolves City Blog.

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The Seawolves go up against the Binghamton Mets again tonight at 6:35 p.m. ……and get ready to call in sick Thursday because the Seawolves have an 11:05 a.m. start. Gotta love weekday day games.

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In the Ontario Hockey League playoffs, the Windsor Spitfires need one more win against the Barrie Colts to advance to the Memorial Cup. Would be nice to have the Memorial Cup here in Erie as the host city gets an automatic bid and an incredible economic benefit in the tens of millions.

Some controversy during the recent Ontario Hockey League draft, as the Barrie Colts selected the son of the Windsor Spitfires General Manager. Big discussion at all the water coolers in Ontario eh?

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Ultimate Frisbee anybody? If you are organizing or playing ultimate here in the area, please let us know so we can share with our readers. Thanks.

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When lawn darts are outlawed, only outlaws will have lawn darts………found a previously unopened set of Jarts in the parents’ garage. I heard you can’t buy or sell them on e-bay and that they’re illegal – but you can still buy fireworks.  Go figure.  Got any good Jarts stories? If you are over 30, oh yeah you do. I couldn’t tell the Lewis twins apart until one got nicked by a jart. Their days of twin hijinks were abruptly over….