Podunk Below the Masthead-March

A daily look at the BIG TYPE headline of the Podunkian Daily News. We'll list that day's BIG STORY, the one the Daily puts out in the big type just below it's masthead, for all Podunkians to ponder. There will be a link to this feature on the right hand side of the blog. Unfortunately there will be no link to the stories, as . Now you just end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

MARCH 31 "CREW SAFETY CHANGE WELCOMED BY UNION”—BC Ferries announces that crew members will no longer have to live below the water line while traveling aboard the ferry fleet while working.

MARCH 30 “OIL TAKNER SAFETY IS NOW IN THE SPOTLIGHT”—With the numerous investigations into the Queen of the North now underway, many are concerned about the potential disaster in the transit of oil tankers along the north coast.

MARCH 29 “HARTLEY BAY VEXED AFTER APPARENT SNUB”—The people of Hartley Bay express frustration over environmental concerns in the wake of the Queen of the North sinking.

MARCH 28 “TOO SOON TO TALK ABOUT CAUSE, SAYS FERRY BOSS”—As theories bounce around as to what happened to the Queen of the North, the President of BC Ferries calls for caution before handing out the blame.

MARCH 27 "BC FERRIES MOVING ‘SOONER THAN FAST’--The President of BC Ferries says that his company will come up with a plan to provide ferry service to the North Coast this summer. He also comments on the recent ruminations of the local MLA Gary Coons over the situation regarding BC Ferries. (see story here)

MARCH 24 “WE NEED A PLAN AND QUICKLY, SAYS COONS”--The local MLA asks for decisions to be made quickly about restoration of service and replacement vessels for the North Coast. (see story here)

MARCH 23 “FERRY USERS FEELING ISOLATED AFTER LOSS”--
Residents of the Queen Charlottes and the coastal communities express concerns with the sinking of the Queen of the North ferry, long a vital link for supplies and transportation along the North Coast.

MARCH 22 “FERRY SINKS OFF HARTLEY BAY”--The sinking of the Queen of the North, five hours out of Prince Rupert the BC Ferry sinks after hitting Gil Island, all but two of the 101 onboard were rescued.

MARCH 21 “LOCAL FIRMS AMONG $7 MILLION CASINO’S WINNERS”--
Local contractors receive contracts to begin work on the waterfront gaming centre at the old Canadian Legion location.

MARCH 20 "DISEASE WEIGHS HEAVY ON RUPERT BOY AND FAMILY"-- An update on the status of a teenage Rupertite suffering from kidney disease as he awaits approval for a transplant.

MARCH 17 "GREYHOUND CUTS NOT AS DEEP AS FEARED"-- The inter city bus company doesn't get to drop as many runs as first suggested. Now you can catch a bus 11 times a week each was, as opposed to the current 14 times a week.

MARCH 16 "RIDLEY BOSSES HAVE EYES ON THE HORIZON"-- The Daily listens attentively to Greg Slocombe of Ridley Terminals and reports on the future of the terminal. (see story here)

MARCH 15 "FUNDRAISER WINS PRAISE FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE"-- The Daily continues its theme of saluting local volunteers, this time a story on local fundraiser Jim Terrion.

MARCH 14 "WOMAN THANKED FOR HELPING THOUSANDS"-- A salute to a long time Rupert resident, Gerda Kouwenhoven who gives up much of her time on behalf of local charities, primarily the Red Cross locally.

MARCH 13 "HIGHWAY 16 WALKERS HOPE TO FIND ANSWERS"-- The Daily covers the start of Florence Naziels journey across the Northwest to raise awareness of the murdered and missing women of the North.

MARCH 10 "CRITICS RAISE FEARS ABOUT PATIENTS' BUS--The Northern Health Authorities plans to provide bus transport for far flung residents of the region is not receiving the euphoric reception anticipated. The Daily explores it more. (see story here)

MARCH 9 "ARTISTS' LABOUR OF LOVE ENDS WITH UNVEILING"-- A team of artists creates a piece of artwork celebrating the relationship between SD52 and local aboriginal groups.

MARCH 8 "ACROPOLIS ROOMS WILL STAY CLOSED TO SENIORS"-- The debate over the Acropolis Manor continues, despite a local petition from local citizens to open up more rooms in the seniors care facility, the operators decide against it.

MARCH 7 "TEACHERS' UNION FEARS END OF SCHOOL BOARDS"-- The local and provincial BCTF officials continue their warnings over the plan for "School Based Management". (See story here)

MARCH 6 "WOMAN STEPS OUT ON HIGHWAY 16 CRUSADE"--A Morricetown woman begins a walk along the highway of tears to raise awareness of the missing and murdered women of the Northwest.

MARCH 3 "CITY PUTS COW BAY 'PARKING LOT' ON BLOCK--The Daily explores the issue of parking and land in the Cow Bay area (see full story here)

MARCH 2 "WINDS OF CHANGE HEADED FOR REGION"-- An examination of a potential windmill project for the south side of Mount Hays. (see full story here)

MARCH 1 "CITY GETS SOME 'GREEN' FROM CAMPGROUND SALE"-- The Daily reviews the steps involved in the sale of the city's publicly owned campground to an out of town private corporation. (see story in full here)