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Erie PA News and Events for Wednesday January 16, 2008
Posted by Dennis on January 16, 2008
Teri Rhodes waived her right to a preliminary hearing on charges she murdered her newborn baby by suffocating the baby girl 10 minutes after birth. Charges include abusing a corpse, concealing the death of a child and a general charge of criminal homicide. The homicide charge could range from involuntary manslaughter to first degree murder. A first degree murder charge, which seems more than justified, could carry with it a possibility of lethal injection if the DA seeks the death penalty.
Rhodes gave birth on August 12. The baby only survived 10 minutes before it suffocated to death. Police found the dead baby in a plastic bag. Her baby. She cut the umbilical cord with a pair of scissors and took a shower. Police seized Rhodes computer. On it they found she did searches on such topics as “alternative methods of ending pregnancy.” Murder was not one of the methods.
The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away. - Ronald ReaganErie County Council voted for pay raises for 6 county staffers. Erie County Director of Administration Sean Wiley, Erie County Personnel Chief Larry Meredith and Erie County Finance Director James Sparber were making $60,267 and now will be making $68,505. Erie County Clerk Doug Smith was making $51,870 and now will make $57,242. Erie County Chief Public Defender Tony Logue was making $88,792 and now will make $97,989. All received a 3 percent pay raise retroactive 380 days and will be paid for a 37.5 hour work week up from the old 35 hours. Erie County’s Solicitor Wally Knox was making $42,696 and now will make $45,296.
Voting in favor of the pay grab were Joe Giles, Fiore Leone, Carol Loll and David Mitchell. Phil Fatica, King Kyle Foust and Whitey Cleaver voted against
Daniel Meyer, new Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic, was announced as one of the 8 candidates for the post of musical director of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The ink has barely dried on his contract with the Erie Phil and he’s looking for another job already? A final decision on the Fort Wayne position will be made in summer 2009, and the candidate hired will begin at the start of the 2010-11 season.
Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority Executive Director Ray Schreckengost waived his right to a preliminary hearing on DUI charges. DUI charges are bad enough but the controversy in the case is the time of his arrest - 5 pm. He either left work early to go drinking or was drinking at work.
Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested three northwestern Pennsylvania men all accused of using Internet chat rooms to sexually solicit what they believed were young girls, as well as sending nude or sexually explicit photos and webcam videos to the girls. The “girls” were actually undercover agents from the Child Predator Unit. Corbett identified the defendants as Kevin A Wible, 53, 2970 Persimmon Drive, Erie; Shawn M Hippo, 26, 17675 Ash Drive, Saegertown, Crawford County; and Eric N Stevenson, 28, 129 Lantz Lane, Oil City, Venango County.
In an unrelated case, Scott Rittenhouse was arraigned on child porn charges. Rittenhouse was a student at Gannon University.
Looking for a journalism job in Erie? A local company is looking for a Online News Producer.
Erieite Filmmaker Len Kabasinski’s award-winning film FIST OF THE VAMPIRE has reached a 5-year agreement with Maxim Media International/Brain Damage Films. The film was produced by KillerWolf Films, owned by Kabasinski and Lisa McQuiston, and will have a worldwide DVD release date in August 2008. FIST OF THE VAMPIRE stars ECW/WWE superstar Blue Meanie and erotic cinema icon Darian Caine. KillerWolf Films next feature, WARRIORS OF THE APOCALYPSE, will hold local auditions in Erie,PA in March with shooting in July. For more info contact killerwolffilms@hotmail.com.
Twenty students from the 3rd Congressional District were nominated to the four U.S. military academies by US Rep Phil English (R-Pa). They are: The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Derek Briggs, Russell; William T Bunk, III, Warren; Christopher Comer, Erie; David Fugate, Cabot; and Daniel Mulligan, Edinboro. The United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis. Rebekah Blank, Hermitage; Jordan Foley, Butler; Gary Hlusko, Fredonia; Kevin Hoffman, Grove City; Robert Mansperger, Corry; Anthony Marucci, Erie; and Andrew Schnur, Butler. The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs. Frank Baranyai, Cochranton; Luke Dugger, Evans City; Jonathon Jung, Erie; Paul Ochs, Jamestown; Claire Stafford, Waterford; Jonathan Tack, Sugar Grove; and Daniel Vasil, Erie. The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY. Margaret Kloecker, Saegertown.
The Gannon women’s basketball team is listed among others receiving votes in the latest USA Today/ESPN Top 25 poll released Tuesday afternoon. It marks Gannon’s first appearance in the poll since being listed among others receiving votes in the first regular-season poll in late November. The Lady Knights, who received six votes this week, were tabbed 20th in the preseason top 25.
Andrew Lubahn (Erie Admirals, Erie Cathedral Prep) has been invited to the US Under 18 Men’s National Team mega-camp. Coaches will instruct and evaluate the players during the week-long camp and evaluate them for the next cycle of Under-20s.
Gannon University will host a Financial Aid Workshop on Wednesday, January 16. The workshop will cover the entire financial aid process as well as a step-by-step review of the questions on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The workshop also will cover definitions of terms that parents and students should know and the various aid programs available. The workshop is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:30 pm in room 1200 of the university’s Palumbo Academic Center, 824 Peach Street. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (814) 871-7337 or 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668).
Mercyhurst North East is holding two orientation sessions for individuals interested in The Municipal Police Training Academy on Wednesday, Jan 16, from 2-4 pm, and Thursday, Jan 17, from 6-8 pm, both at the Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Building on the campus of Mercyhurst North East, 16 West Division Street, North East, PA. MNE’s Police Training Academy, which begins March 3, is one of only sixteen certified academies in the state where individuals can earn Act 120 certification, required for many law enforcement jobs, including municipal police work.
As part of its series of Pink Ribbon Educational Events for breast cancer survivors and to promote breast cancer awareness, Saint Vincent will present a program on Thursday, January 17, from 6 to 8 pm at the McGarvey Learning Center at Saint Vincent Health Center, 232 West 25th Street, Erie, Pa. The event will feature music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a brief talk on “Fact vs Fiction: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors,” presented by Sandra Luthringer, RD, owner of Super Suppers. The event is supported by a grant from The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure. Komen awarded a $75,000 grant to Saint Vincent Health Center to support a program offering restorative health services, education, support and specialized products for breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot afford it. Cost is $6. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (814) 866-4817.
The Erie Chamber Orchestra In residence at Gannon University will perform their annual ‘Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’ on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at St Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth Street in Erie. It will will feature the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir and Evangelist D M Jamerson, minister of music. The concert is FREE and open to the public.
There will be a Wine and Cheese Reception to welcome the new artists featured at the Nature Shop and Gallery in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Friday Jan 18, 6-8 pm. Ed Bernik will be signing copies of his book “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest” and there will be signed copies of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” by Ellen Anon.
The 25th annual McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic will be held in Erie PA on Friday, January 18 and Saturday January 18, 2008 at the Gannon University Hammermill Center. St Edward of Lakewood Ohio, Rice High School of NYC, Saint Patrick of Elizabeth NJ and Erie Cathedral Prep are in the powerful field. Adult General Admission tickets are $7 and Student General Admission are tickets are $5. Reserved tickets are $12.50.
The Roadhouse Theatre production of “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” is two weekends only, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, January 18-19 and January 25-26. General seating $8 with no reservation required and tickets will be available at the door. VIP seating $12, Lounge VIP seating $15. All VIP seating must be pre-paid reservation only. Phone (814) 459-8215. Come early and enjoy the newly renovated coffeehouse. BYOB with proper ID.
The Galaxy Gallery, the new Erie artist co-op at 1136 East Lake Rd, is hosting an art show with art by Heidi Blakeslee, New Young, Mark L Goodman, Robert Andrews, and Steven Pascarella from Jan 18 to March 31.
The Mercyhurst College chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi education honor society will host the Third Annual Teaching and Learning Expo on Saturday, Jan 19, from 9 am to 1:30 pm in the Audrey Hirt Academic Center. About 100 area education students and teachers are expected to attend the event, at which they’ll be able to choose three workshops from 17 offerings. The cost of the program is $5, including a catered lunch. Act 48 credits are available for the morning workshops. For more information, email Dr Ruth Auld or call (814) 824-3370.
Cross-Country Skiing 101 will be held Saturday, January 19 at 10 am at Presque Isle State Park. Weather permitting, meet at the cross-country ski concession (located at the picnic shelter area) to check out cross-country skiing. Get basic technique and skills for this exhilarating sport. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE. Rental fee only. Registration appreciated, (814) 833-7424.
For beginners and more experienced skiers wanting to know more about the winter world around them, enjoy Guided Cross-Country Skiing on Saturday, January 5 at 1 pm at Presque Isle State Park. If there is no sufficient snow, a hike will take place instead. Bring your own skis or rent. FREE, rental fee only. Meet at the cross-country ski concession located at the picnic shelter area. For more info call (814) 833-7424.
The Erie County Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is holding their monthly meeting at the Plymouth Tavern on Saturday, January 19 at 1 pm.
The 25th annual Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Quad Games 5-mile Cross-Country Ski Race or 2.5-mile Snowshoe is now scheduled to take place Jan 20, 2008, at 1 pm at the Peek n’ Peak Upper Golf Course, in Clymer, NY.
Three new exhibits with the theme of art and technology will be presented in Bowman, Penelec and Megahan Galleries at Allegheny College Tuesday, Jan 22 through Wednesday, March 5. The exhibits include one-person exhibits by Carlos Rosas and Doug Loewen and the group exhibit “Big Food Pictures.” In conjunction with the opening, on Tuesday, Jan 22 at 7 pm in the lecture room adjoining the Art Galleries, Carlos Rosas, associate professor of art at Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, will present a lecture, illustrated with slides, discussing projects in which he has integrated art and technology in a variety of ways. A reception will follow. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:30-5 pm; Saturday, 1:30-5 pm; and Sunday, 2-4 pm. All events are FREE and open to the public. The Art Galleries are wheelchair accessible. Please call ahead to verify; programs are subject to change. The Art Galleries are located in Doane Hall of Art, east of North Main Street, between College and John Streets. For more information, call (814) 332-4365.
Daniel S Mead, president of Verizon Services Corp, will discuss how creation of a centralized business services unit saved the telecommunications giant $562 million in one year during an upcoming presentation for the Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Mead, a Warren native and member of the college’s Council of Fellows, will speak at 6 pm on Tuesday, January 22, in the Samuel P “Pat” Black III Conference Center in the college’s Research and Economic Development Center. Admission to his talk is free and open to the public.
The Cleveland Indians Caravan will be rolling into Erie January 23, 2008 at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute, 136 East Avenue. Doors open at 5 pm with a trivia contest and plenty of food and beverage. Cleveland Indians’ players, coaches and media staff will arrive at 6:30 pm to entertain Erie’s Tribe faithful, to answer fan’s questions and present a highlight film from last year’s baseball season. A donation of $8 per ticket will benefit programs at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute. Tickets are available now through January 23rd at the Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute (Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) or at Hector’s Cafe, W 18th and Liberty Streets. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of January 23, if available.
The 2008 Erie RV, Camping and Powersport Expo will be held January 23-27 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Wed 4-9 pm, Thurs Noon-9 pm, Fri 10 an to 8 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission and free parking.
The Mercyhurst Preparatory School Performing Arts Department presents Our Town Thursday Jan 24 at 8 pm, Friday Jan 25 at 8 pm, Saturday Jan 26 at 8 pm and Sunday Jan 27 at 3 pm.
Glass Growers Gallery at 10 East Fifth St in Erie will be hosting an exhibit called ‘Spirital Thresholds’ by Annoel Krider. Color and design blend with tradition and balance in the southwestern inspired weavings of this fiber artist who also creates mixes-media objects and sculptures to further refine her vision. There will be an artists reception on Friday Jan 25 from 6-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display Jan 25 to March 11.
Exhibition opening receptions and other gallery activities are planned for Gallery Night on Friday, Jan 25 from 7-10 pm at the Erie Art Museum, Glass Growers Gallery, Urraro Gallery, Cummings Gallery at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst College, Schuster Gallery at Gannon University, Allen Stoneware Gallery, Kuhn’s Framing and Gift Gallery, and ClaySpace. EMTA will provide FREE Bayliner trolley transportation, courtesy of the galleries, from 7-10:30 pm. Service will be provided every 45-minutes; a route map is available in advance at all participating galleries. “We’ve been organizing a Gallery Night for one year now. And with each evening, we gain attendance - particularly from new patrons - and new galleries join us. This effort continues to be tremendously successful,” said John Vanco, director of the Erie Art Museum. Galleries will also offer $50 gift certificates as incentives for patrons visiting as many galleries as they can in the evening. Gallery Night is organized by the Erie Art Museum.
Your Day In Court: An Internet Security Workshop features William Shore of the Pittsburgh FBI office. The workshop will be held Noon-3 pm on Thursday, Jan 31 at the Ambassador Hotel and Conference Center; 7792 Peach Street in Erie. After a security breach, it is often too late to back track, recreate and document the environment in which the security breach occurred. From a strategic management viewpoint, this pitfall is often fatal. In court proceedings, the lack of defendable evidence can impact the success of litigation and create liability issues for your organization. This workshop is specifically designed to explain what steps should be taken following a security breach. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by: Software Technology Concepts, eBizITPA, the FBI and the Technology Council of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
The Young Erie Professionals (yep!) Professional Leadership Development committee will host an Etiquette Dinner on Thursday, January 31 from 5:45 pm - 8:00 pm at the Colony Banquet and Catering facility, 3014 West 12th Street. Cathy Mester, senior lecturer in speech communication at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will discuss dinner etiquette and appropriate conversation. A three-course meal will be provided by the Colony Pub and Grille. Dinner choices are Prime Rib, Apricot Chicken, and Broiled Sole. The dress code is business casual. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. The charge for the presentation, meal, and gratuity is $25 for yep! members and $35 for non-members, payable by credit card, cash, or check made payable to Young Erie Professionals. Contact Phil Gallagher for additional information or to make a reservation.
The 6th annual “Spirit Against Cancer” Dance and Cheerleading Competition is scheduled for February 9 at 10 am in the Junker Center. “Spirit Against Cancer” was created in memory of Becky Hubler Decker. Her commitment to the community included serving as dance coach at Penn State Behrend, cheerleading coach at Edinboro University, she was captain of the Invaderettes dance team, and a member of the Buffalo Bills (Jills) dance team. All proceeds from this special event will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact Assistant to the Director of Athletics, Stacy Pondo at (814) 898-6240 or by email at slp15@psu.edu.
The 2008 Erie Home and Garden Expo will be held February 21-24 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday 2-9 pm, Sat 10 am - 8:30 pm and Sun 11 am to 5 pm.
The 2008 Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held February 29 - March 2 at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center. Hours: Noon-9 pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday and 10 am-5 pm Sunday.
The GE (NYSE: GE) 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 23, 2008 in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.
There will be a Rust Belt Bloggers Summit on July 11-12 in Erie. People from Youngstown, Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and other area cities will be attendance to discuss economic development issues in the region.
Posted by Dennis at January 16, 2008 7:06 AM
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