Geibel to compete on "Hometown High Q"

This Saturday, Feb. 13, students from Geibel will be competing on KDKA's "Hometown High Q." Their episode will air twice--first on March 19 at 11 a.m., then on March 26 at 11:30.

Go, Gators! Good luck! Kick some ass!

Local man's snow machine makes Weather Channel

Maybe Ohiopyle should've called in Mark Duda for their canceled Winterfest--he apparently has a pretty good snow machine that got the attention of The Weather Channel.

Duda's been working on snow machines since he was 16, which is about as long as I've been trying to figure out a way I can hibernate for the winter. If this winter hadn't been so warm, he might've gotten a good bit of homemade snow out of it, but alas, homemade snow needs certain conditions to come about. But that means that last year, he was able to make snow until May--which isn't surprising to me, since that was about the time I was heading up to the mountains for the weekends and finding everything still bare and dead.

But Duda's been able to make some pretty impressive snowy hills, the tallest being 30 feet high. So, skiers who haven't been able to get their fix this winter, make friends with Duda.

Or maybe he should just start charging admission.

Brownsville Chamber of Commerce President dies

Sad news for the Brownsville community today--longtime president Frank Ricco has died, according to a Facebook post.

The post includes a statement from Vice President Carl Della Penna, which reads:

"Pretty much every one of us can't remember living in the Brownsville area without Frank Ricco. When I think of Brownsville I can't help but thinking of Frank. His love and passion for Brownsville and its betterment was second to none. He gave countless gifts of time, talent and treasure to the Brownsville community for decades. He gave to and supported the community more than anyone will ever know. I remember Frank as a kid with Little League Baseball, what he did for the schools, the sports teams, the band and numerous other school activities. I remember selling parts to Frank as a late teenager and continuing servicing his company up to today. I served as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce under Frank for probably 20 years, and Vice President of his Sons of Italy Lodge for almost 10 years. Frank was board President for the hospital, Luzerne Park, State President of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania....so many organizations you can't name them all. He was a mover and shaker. When Frank was involved he wanted and expected it done, and done right. He was a pillar businessman in the community. To me he was an inspiration and an idol. I learned a lot from Frank. We will all miss him very much."

As a result, the Chamber of Commerce's meeting scheduled for Feb. 9 has been canceled.

Visitation hours will be Sunday and Monday from 1-8 p.m. at the Brownsville Sons & Daughters of Italy. The Sons of Italy will hold a memorial at 6 p.m. Sunday and a wake at 6 p.m. Monday. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Brownsville's Historic Church of St. Peter, an Ricco will be interred at LaFayette Memorial Park.

His family has asked that donations be made to Ricco's scholarship fund.

Have breakfast with the Easter Bunny

New Haven Hose Co. is hosting breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 20, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Food will include pancakes, eggs, homefries, sausage, coffee and juice. Cost for adults is $6, children under 12 will be $3. Have fun!

Home Depot holding job fair

Need a job or exploring new opportunities? Home Depot will be holding a job fair on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. More details below.

Ohiopyle cancels Winterfest because of a lack of winter

Look, I know some of you love snow, but don't we deserve a break after the past couple of winters? I mean, I say this fully expecting another round of snow by Valentine's Day because that's just how winter works around here, but still. It's been a warm, snow-less one, and as much as I'm rejoicing, not everyone is happy.

A lack of snow has led Ohiopyle to cancel their Winterfest originally scheduled for this weekend. They will not reschedule. They won't be rescheduling, presumably because at this point, when do you reschedule?

Of course, Ohiopyle is still a great place to visit, even without specific festivities.

Or you can come hang out with me at Mardi Gras.

Laurel Highlands Ambassador Program featuring historical lectures

It's easy to forget with everything that goes on in this county,  but we live in an area rich in history. The Laurel Highlands Ambassador Program recognizes this and will be hosting a series of lectures starting in March showcasing that history, plus things like tourism and even the paranormal.

Personally, I'm all about that Kecksburg lecture.