Podunk Below the Masthead March 12, 2009

The fates of the old Acropolis Manor and of Prince Rupert Secondary School, dominated the front page of Thursday's paper as the Daily News outlined the latest developments in two topical considerations on the local scene.

TEARING DOWN ACROPOLIS TO PUT UP A PARKING LOT-- The front page headline story outlined the latest developments on what may happen to the old Acropolis Manor building once the new building is in operation. With a petition making the rounds in the city, there had been hope that the old building would be saved from the wrecker's ball, to be used for a number of health related activities mainly in the form of a regional detox centre for those in need of assistance from their fate of substance abuse.

While the four local women spearheading the project are hopeful that Northern Health will see things their way, the most recent comments from Northern Health seem to suggest that the dice has already been rolled when it comes to the structure, with a number of renovations required to make it a workable building and not a lot of funding to be had for such a venture, it seems likely that the old building will be coming down to make room for expanded parking for the new Acropolis.

Over at the school board the debate is also continuing as to what to do about PRSS, in a page one story that spills over to page five the New Acting Superintendent Dave Stigant has been trying to come up to speed quickly on the issue that has been on the radar for over a year now. In the end after hearing his report and observations on what needs to be considered as far as PRSS and the educational needs of the community, the School District voted for a motion of support for a full district review.

Local residents will have their chance to weigh in on the debate possibly as early as April 10th when the School Board has tentatively planned for a public town hall meeting on the topic. On other school district matters, the cost of start up for the new Pacific Coast school proved to be well below expectations, the highest cost coming from the purchase of computers and the necessary software licencing required for programs at the new school. While costs may have been lower than expected, enrollment was higher, so far 35 students have signed on to take advantage of the offerings at the new school, up from the original forecast of 23 to 24.

Page three outlines Port Edward's glee at the timeline for repairs to the district's waterlines with phase one potentially ready for service by later this month, with funding approved on all levels for the waterline project it's all systems go in Port Edward.

Elsewhere in the Thursday paper, the letters to the editor page featured a well thought out rebuke of the Mayor's plan to sell off the Bronto skylift fire truck, as local resident Mark Rudderham outlined the benefits of the fire fighting apparatus compared to the possible savings that the city may find by selling off the truck.

In the sports section a preview of the upcoming Men's Marine Bonspiel was the featured article, outlining what to expect when they start throwing the rocks at the 57th edition of the tournament this weekend