Podunk Below the Masthead August 2008

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..

On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website (though for most of August that wasn't the case), on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

AUGUST 29-- WIND ENERGY PROJECT GETS THUMBS UP FROM COUNCILLOR-- The Queen Charlottes express their enthusiasm for a project wind energy project (see story here)

AUGUST 28-- TEAMWORK AND COMMITMENT MOST IMPORTANT FOR TOURISM -- The stratagies needed for a successful North Coast Touris industry were up for discussion at a recent conference in town. (see story here)

AUGUST 27-- METLAKATLA RESIDENT DEMANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT REINSTATEMENT-- Fire protection and local politics come up on the radar across the harbour in Metlakatla (see story here)

AUGUST 26-- HAIDA HERITAGE CENTRE GRAND OPENING A RESOUNDING SUCCESS-- The official opening attracted a large group of officials and residents to join in on the celebrations. (see stoy here)

AUGUST 25-- RUPERT CITIZENS DISPLEASED WITH CITY’S ‘UNUSUAL’ CONTRACT -- Controversy jumps to the headlines as a backlash against the Mayor's hiring of the wife of the City Manager comes up for discussion at City council (see story here)

AUGUST 22-- LOCAL FIRST NATIONS REFLECT ON COALBED MORATORIUM-- The controversial plan to extract coalbed methane gets a review (see story here)

AUGUST 21-- NEW TOURISM PLAN ON THE TABLE -- Tourism Prince Rupert prepares to release details of a comprehensive survey into tourism issues in the region (see story here)

AUGUST 20-- HUGE WEEKEND FOR HAIDA GWAII -- Haida Gwaii prepares to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Haida Heritage Centre (see story here)

AUGUST 19-- SHELL DECIDES TO HOLD OFF ON COALBED DRILLING-- Shell decides that they'll take a break from their plans to drill for coalbed methane in the Sacred Headwaters (see story here)

AUGUST 18-- MERCHANTS REACT TO LOSS OF WEDNESDAY CRUISE STOP -- The annoucement from Royal Caribbean that they are pulling out of Prince Ruper in 2009 found the Daily News learning the mood of the business community on the decision (see story here)

AUGUST 15-- ROYAL CARIBBEAN TO DROP WEDNESDAY SAILING IN 2009-- One of the major cruise lines that calls on Prince Rupert announces that they will be taking Rupert off their itinerary in 2009. (see story here)

AUGUST 14-- REFINERY GLITCH MAY SQUEEZE RUPERT GAS PUMPS -- Problems at Petro-Canada's Alberta refinery may leave local residents seeking out alternate gas stations for their fuel (see story here)

AUGUST 13-- POTASH FIRM’BULLISH’ ON RUPERT PORT PROSPECTS -- Despite a costly week on the stock exchanges Canpotex still expresses confidence in its plans to build a terminal at Ridley Island (see story here)

AUGUST 12-- ALASKAN ERUPTION SENDS ASH ACROSS PRINCE RUPERT-- A volcanic eruption in Northwest Alaska leaves Rupertites watching the skies as a trail of ash passes over (see story here)

AUGUST 11-- NAI’KUN INKS METLAKATLA POWER TRANSMISSION DEAL -- The Nai'Kun Wind Energy company comes to an agreement with Metlakatla over transmission route interests (see story here)

AUGUST 8-- FRUSTRATED GILLNETTERS FEAR DFO WILL CALL END TO SEASON-- North Coast Gillnetters wonder about what DFO's next move will be in the salmon fishery for 2008 (see story here)

AUGUST 7-- FOUR DEAD AFTER HELICOPTER ACCIDENT NEAR ALICE ARM-- A Helicopter crash northeast of Prince Rupert claims four lives (see story here)

AUGUST 6-- CRIPPLING UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STILL BLIGHTING RUPERT--The Regions unemployment rate continues to cause concern with a poor salmon season expected to add more to the ranks in the fall (see story here)

AUGUST 5-- DFO RETHINKS DAILY LIMIT FOR NORTH COAST SOCKEYE-- DFO considers its options for increasing the limit on salmon caught in the Skeena this season (see story here)

AUGUST 1-- 'BIGGER IS BETTER' AS PORT BREAKS YET ANOTHER RECORD-- The Port of Prince Rupert welcomes the Napoli as the latest and largest container ship to call on the Port since Fairview opened for business (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead July 2008

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.
.
On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

JULY 31--

JULY 30--WINTER IN JULY LEAVES MANY FEELING BLUE AS MERCURY DIPS--Summer's uncoperative weather finds itself the talk of the town (see story here)

JULY 29--MILESTONE AS PORT HANDLES WEST COAST'S BIGGEST SHIP--The Port continues to be the focus of the Daily News attention as they examine the arrival of the largest ship to call on Fairview so far (see story here)

JULY 28--PORT SIMPSON FISH PLANT LEADS THE WAY IN PROVINCE-- The Fish plant in Port Simpson finds itself ahead of the curve when it comes to quality standards for food processing in Canada (see story here)

JULY 25--RAMPED-UP PORT MAKING WAVES ON THE WORLD STAGE -- More positive vibes from the principles in the Fairview Container Terminal and its early quarters of operation (see story here)

JULY 24--PEOPLE WARNED 'KEEP OUT OF CN WATERFRONT RAILYARD'--CN Rail once again proclaims its dominion over the waterfront railyards with another warning for wandering Rupertites out for a stroll (see story here)

JULY 23--CURFEW FOR TEENS IS NOT THE ANSWER SAYS MAYOR--The seemingly endless debate over a youth curfew gets one more look see at City council in July (see story here)

JULY 22--PORT IS BUOYED BY STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR 2007--Financial returns paint a portrait of a successful kick off to Rupert's introduction to the world of containerization (see story here)

JULY 21-- SHOREWORKERS’ SHIFTS CUT TO BONE AS SEASON DISAPPOINTS-- The salmon fishery troubles spill over into the canning lines of the city's largest fish plants, leading to concerns over EI claims for the fall (see story here)

JULY 18-- WHOLE CITY URGED TO SHOW PRIDE, HELP RUPERT BLOOM-- Civic Pride makes plans to do rounds around town over the weekend as a prelude to the communities in Bloom judges arrival next week (see story here)

JULY 17-- CRAB SEASON BEGINS WITH HIGH HOPE AND HARD WORK-- The 2008 summer crab season began on Wednesday, with 53 licenced vessels taking to Hecate Strait and environs (see story here)

JULY 16-- EXCITING FUTURE AHEAD FOR BUILDING WITH A LONG PAST -- The long discussed, but seldom acted upon refurbishment of the old CN/VIA Rail station on the waterfront gets closer as the building is turned over to private investors (see story here)

JULY 15--VICTORIA URGED TO PROTECT PROVINCE'S PLANTS, ANIMALS-- The provincial governments legacy is one of near extinct animals and plants suggests a new study from a leading environmental group (see story here)

JULY 14--FISHERMEN URGED TO KEEP WATCH ON B. C.'s FISH FARMS-- Environmentalists ask the province's fishermen to watch over those areas where Fish Farms operate (see story here)

JULY 11--FISHERMEN URGE BAILOUT AS SEASON SINKS OUT OF SIGHT-- The 2008 salmon season projections leave many that depend on the industry disappointed in the governments actions and concerned for the state of their livelihood. (see story here)

JULY 10--MANY PRAISED AS ELDERS GATHERING DRAWS TO CLOSE-- Prince Rupert's hosting duties come to an end as the First Nations Elders Gathering comes to a conculsion (see story here)

JULY 9-- MANY ENJOY SPIRIT POLE'S EMOTIONAL STOP-OFF IN CITY-- A moving ceremony of celebration and commemoration highlights day two of the First Nations Elders Gathering (see story here)

JULY 8--HUGE GATHERING OF ELDERS LAUNCHED IN GRAND STYLE-- The opening ceremonies of the 32nd Elders Gathering featured dancers, singers, First Nations leaders and local politicians (see story here)

JULY 7--EVERYONE INVITED TO HELP CARVE A PIECE OF HISTORY--Prince Rupert residents have the opportunity to help carve a spirit pole as part of the Elders Gathering at the Civic Centre (see story here)

JULY 4--COALBED METHANE WORRIES RAISED AT SHELL METTING-- Shell Canada's Coalbed methan plans become a topic of conversation at a public information session in Prince Rupert. (see story here)

JULY 3--COAST TSIMSHIAN HOPEFUL PORT TALKS MOVING AHEAD--Talks are back on between the Federal Government and the Coast Tsimshian over port development issues in Prince Rupert (see story here)

JULY 2--PORT DELIVERS STRONG YEAR AS TONNAGE HANDLED SOARS-- The Port of Prince Rupert continues to post improving numbers (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead June 2008

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. On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

JUNE 30-- POLICE ZERO IN ON CITY’S 10 MOST-WANTED VILLAINS -- The Prince Rupert RCMP creates a new squad to target repeat offenders (see story here)

JUNE 27-- 'RIDLEY'S $300M TERMINAL WON THANKS TO TEAM WORK -- The recent landing of a potash terminal for Prince Rupert required the cooperation of a number of local groups (see story here)

JUNE 26-- THOUSAND-ACRE RIDLEY POTASH FACILITY WELCOMED-- Details of a 300 million dollar local project to develop a potash terminal on Ridley Island (see story here)

JUNE 25-- PAINFUL STORIES SHARD AT LATEST HEALING WORKSHOP-- A workshop held at the Nisga'a hall helps Northwest residents begin the healing process from past abuse. (see story here)

JUNE 24-- OIL FEARS PROMPT CALL FOR TANKER EXCLUSION ZONE-- The west coast oil tanker debate once again rises up, thanks to a private members bill on Parliament Hill. (see story here)

JUNE 23-- PATIENTS SCRAMBLE FOR CARE AS DOCTOR SHORTAGE LOOMS-- The growing troubles in finding a family doctor find many residents heading to the hospital emergency department for basic care. (see story here)

JUNE 20--SALMON SEASON STARTING, BUT WITH LITTLE OPTIMISM--The North coast salmon season gets underway, but there are many challenges and much in the way of fear as to how it will take place this year (see story here)

JUNE 19--HEADLINE ACT IS GIVING DAY INSPIRING, YOUTHFUL FOCUS-- Organizers prepare their final steps for National Aboriginal Day in Prince Rupert begin their final steps. (see story here)

JUNE 18--SCHOOL CUTBACKS HITTING ROOSEVELT CAMP PROGRAM-- A popular and successful school program at Roosevelt School is eliminated due to funding cutbacks (see story here)

JUNE 17--FSA TEST RESULTS RELEASED TO DERISION FROM CRITICS-- As the school year ends, one more look at the controversial Foundation Skills Assessment results and their use by the Fraser Institute (see story here)

JUNE 16--MAYOR IS FLYING RUPERT’S FLAG DURING VISIT TO CHINA--Mayor Pond joins a contingent of Northern BC politicians and businessmen for a trek to China (see story here)

JUNE 13-- WORDS ARE WELCOMED, BUT MORE ACTION IS CALLED FOR-- Coverage of Prince Rupert's public viewing session and reaction to the apology from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on the practice of residential schools in Canadian history. (see story here)

JUNE 12-- MANY GATHER TO HEAR PM'S 'LONG OVERDUE' APOLOGY-- The historic apology to Residential school survivors had a public viewing session at Northwest Community College's Prince Rupert campus (see story here)

JUNE 11--SKEENA FISHERY PARTNERS SEEKING COMMON GROUND -- More plans in the works to try and involve all stakeholders in the future of area fisheries (see story here)

JUNE 10-- TERRACE'S DOWNTOWN PLAN HAS RUPERT FIRMS THINKING -- Business Improvement plans in the works for Terrace's downtown area have local interests pondering their options (see story here)

JUNE 9-- GROUP PRAISED FOR 20 YEARS ADVOCATING FOR THE VICTIMS--North Coast Victims Services celebrated its twentieth anniversary last week and the Daily outlines the impact the organization has had on the community (see story here)

JUNE 6--PORT PARTNER EXPECTS THINGS TO GET BUSY ON WATERFRONT--Quickload Terminals makes plans to increase its workforce as the expected pace of arriving container ships seems destined to increase (see story here)

JUNE 5--OUTREACH WORK ON SHAKY GROUND AFTER FUNDING CUT--Local outreach worker Myles Moreau finds his funding cut and service to the city put at risk (see story here)

JUNE 4-- RIDLEY WORKERS, MANAGERS ON SAME PAGE FOR LONG TERM--Ridley Terminals and the members of ILWU 523 sign a seven year labour agreement (see story here).

JUNE 3--INVESTMENT DOLLARS FLOODING INTO REGION SAY ACCOUNTANTS--Spurred on by investment in mining and transportation, a recent report shows that those two economic sectors are bright lights for the North coast (see story here)

JUNE 2--LAKEFRONT LOTS PART OF FIRM'S PRUDHOMME LAKE DREAMS--Plans continue to develop into a lakefront residential area at Prduhomme Lake (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead May 2008

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.On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

MAY 30--MP VOWS TO KEEP FIGHTING FISHERIES 'PRIVATIZATION' BILL--With the Conservative Government of Stephen Harper continuing on with plans for the fishing industry, the local MP Nathan Cullen finds that there is growing calls in the Northwest to find a way to stop that legislation. (see story here)

MAY 29-- CITY CHARTS COURSE TO DEAL WITH SHORTAGE OF MOORAGE --The Daily News manages to turn the yachting facility story into a two parter, this time featuring details of the concerns of city council on the issue (see story here)

MAY 28--CITY MISSING THE BOAT OVER VISITING YACHTERS' DOLLARS--Yacht club members bemoan the lost revenues to the city due to a lack of mooring facilities in the city (see story here)

MAY 27-- 'HAND OVER SEA LICE DATA’ FISH FARM CRITICS DEMAND-- Environmental groups continue with their atttempts to gain access to government information on sea farms and sea lice (see story here)

MAY 26-- RIDLEY TERMINALS SHAKEUP BRINGS CHANGES AT THE TOP-- A changing of the management team at Ridley Terminals leaves the community talking and wondering about future plans (see story here)

MAY 23--CITY STILL ‘OPTIMISTIC’ DESPITE END OF ROYOP’S MALL PLANS-- The cancellation of plans to build a shopping village on the outskirts of the city doesn't dissuade the city that good shopping is a coming one day (see story here)

MAY 22--JOBS ON THE LINE AS SCHOOL DISTRICT MULLS $2M SHORTFALL--More details on the budget situation with School District 52 (see story here)

MAY 21--SCHOOL PULLS TOGETHER TO SECURE CRUCIAL FUNDING--Conrad School finds success with the Indigo Books love of reading competition (see story here)

MAY 20--TEACHERS BRACE FOR BIG CUTS AS SCHOOLS BUDGET SLASHED--School District 52 facing a more than 2 million dollar budget shortfall begins its process of deciding on job cuts and other cost cutting measures (see story here)

MAY 16-- LOCAL FIRM HELPING COLLEGE TRAIN A SKILLED WORKFORCE--Prince Rupert Grain continues to provide funding for trades training at Prince Rupert's NWCC (see story here)

MAY 15--SALMON REPORT LIKELY TO MAKE WAVES IN INDUSTRY--The Pacific Salmon Foundation issues a report that would see major changes to the fishing industry (see story here)

MAY 14--HOMEOWNERS FACING FOUR PER CENT TAX HIKE FROM CITY--City council takes three votes and finally comes up with yet another tax increase (see story here)

MAY 13--CLEAN-UP OPERATION ENDS AS BARGE TOWED TO ALASKA--The logging barge that spilled fuel into Prince Rupert harbour heads north to Alaska for complete repairs (see story here)

MAY 12--LACK OF DEBATE OVER CRUCIAL BILLS HAS MLA CRYING FOUL--The Liberal's move to limit debate on a number of legislative bills leaves teh NDP opposition disappointed and concerned (see story here)

MAY 9-- POLITICIANS LOOK FOR WAYS TO TURN RISING TIDE OF POVERTY--Prince Rupert suffers drop in income over the last few years, as the economy continued to struggle (see story here)

MAY 8--SPILLED FUEL CLEAN-UP UNDER CONTROL SAYS COAST GUARD--Day two of the barge fuel clean up provides the opportunity for a number of questions about marine and environmental safety along the coast (see story here)

MAY 7--GROUNDING OF LOG BARGE OFF METLAKATLA ANGERS VILLAGE--A log barge from the Charlottes is intentionally grounded in a cove in Prince Rupert harbour, leaking fuel into the ecosystem (see story here)

MAY 6--COONS AND POND EAGER TO SEE TSIMSHIAN ROAD DOESN’T STALL--The ever popular political chestnut the bridge to the airport surfaces again (see story here)

MAY 5--TEACHERS OUTRAGED AT NEW FRASER INSTITUTE RANKINGS--The annual Fraser Institute Report into elementary education once again proves controversial (see story here)

MAY 2-- MP BRACING FOR 'ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING' FISHING SEASON--Expectations of bad news from DFO on the fishery continue to grow in the Northwest (see story here)

MAY 1-- COURT’S DECISION WELCOMED BY B. C. FISHERIES WATCHDOG-- The B. C. Fisheries Survival Coalition weighs in on the recent controversial Lax Kw'alaams court ruling from the B. C. Supreme Court (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead April 2008

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.

On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.


APRIL 30--'STUNNING' BANNERS FLUTTER WITH PRIDE ALONG THIRD--The controversy over locally produced volunteer banners finally reaches a happy ending. (see story here)

APRIL 29-- PROPERTY TAXES RISE BY FIVE PERCENT AS BUDGET FIRMS UP--City Council sets in motion the plan to raise property taxes by five percent for 2008. (see story here)

APRIL 28--PINERIDGE FIRE FORCES KIDS TO NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLS-- A fire last week forces Pineridge students to finish off their school year in other schools (see story here)

APRIL 25-- PREMIER CAMPBELL SHOWERS PRAISE AND CASH ON RUPERT-- Premier Campbell comes to town with a cheque to go towards a Spirit Square in Mariner's Park (see story here)

APRIL 24-- CN BOSS BULLISH ABOUT PORT PROSPECTS FOR EXPANSION-- Canadian National expresses optimism for the future of the railroad through the Port of Prince Rupert (see story here)

APRIL 23-- TEACHERS SLAM 'TOP-HEAVY' SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER CHANGES--Teachers in Prince Rupert express concern over recent School District 52 staffing changes (see story here)

APRIL 22-- TREASURED OFF-SHORE OASIS IS MADE A PROTECTED AREA-- An underwater sanctuary off the Charlottes is declared a protected area (see story here)

APRIL 21-- CIVIC PRIDE SLAMS 'ARROGANT' CITY FOR LACK OF CONSULTATION-- The flap over banners continued to percolate through the weekend (see story here)

APRIL 18--STUDENTS FEELING DEFLATED OVER BANNER PROJECT CHANGE--A local art project for School District 52 students turns into a political football for Prince Rupert city council (see story here)

APRIL 17--POWER LINE KEY TO NORTHERN PROSPERITY SAY SUPPORTERS--Plans to electrify the northern section of Highwy 37 get brought to the top of the pile with the promise of jobs and development for the region. (see story here)

APRIL 16--COUNCIL MULLING TAX HIKE TO SUPPORT CRUCIAL SERVICES--Prince Rupert City Council floats the idea of yet another tax increase for local taxpayers (see story here)

APRIL 15--POND PUTS THE ALASKA FERRY DOCK ON THE PROVINCE’S RADAR--The Mayor recounts his efforts in attempting to have Victoria cover a portion of the repairs for the Alaska Ferry dock (see story here)

APRIL 14--CHILDREN ARE STARTING SCHOOL FACING HUGE HURDLES: STUDY--A study reveals that in Northwest BC there is a high vulnerability factor for children entering the school system, making Northwest BC one of the highest areas of the province where these vulnerabilities exist (see story here)

APRIL 11--GRIZZLY GUIDELINES AIMED AT PROTECTING KHUTZEYMATEEN--The goal is to not impact the habitat of the Khytzeymateen Grizzlies as local First Nations, wilderness tour operators and Government officials work on guidlines. (see story here)

APRIL 10--WIND FARM READY TO BREATHE LIFE INTO EMPLOYMENT SCENE--NaiKun wind begins to explain how their project will be positive force on the local employment scene (see story here)

APRIL 9--CITY WORKERS' NEW PAY DEAL BUYS FIVE YEARS OF CERTAINTY--City workers receive pay increases of 18.25% over five years (see story here)

APRIL 8--MP URGES OTTAWA: STAND UP TO FOREIGN BUSNESS OWNERS--Poor decisions when it comes to foreign ownership of Canadian businesses attracts the attention of the regions MP (see story here)

APRIL 7--REAL, ESTATE MARKET SLOWING BUT BUSY SEASON SET TO START --Sales slow but the listings continue to grow in the Prince Ruper real estate market (see story here)

APRIL 4--MOOSE LODGE MAY BE LOST AS MEMBERSHIP DWINDLES --The local outpost for the Loyal Order of the Moose may be at risk as the membership declines as does the viability of the organization. (see story here)

APRIL 3--MLA WANTS B. C. TO POWER-DOWN PRIVATE HYDRO PROJECTS--The NDP seek to have the province repeal aspects of Bill 30 and slow down the pace of development of independent power projects (see story here)

APRIL 2--SEA LICE SCIENTISTS CALL FOR PROTECTION OF WILD SALMON--A new study into the sea lice problem of coastal BC finds that the problem is spreading and measures are required to bring it under control (see story here)

APRIL 1--CITY WANTS VICTORIA TO HELP WITH REPAIRS TO FERRY DOCK--The City of Prince Rupert facing a million dollar bill for repairs to the Alaska Ferry Dock seeks out assistance from the Province (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead March 2008

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.

On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you 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--FISH FARM CRITICS WELCOME NORTH COAST MORATORIUM--More feedback on last weeks annoucement of a moratorium on fish farms on the North Coast (see story here)

MARCH 28--FISH FARM FOES JUBILANT AT NORTH COAST MORATORIUM--The Provincial government announces a moratorium on Fish Farms north of Aristazabal Island (see story here)

MARCH 27--CITY GETTING BEHIND EARTH HOUR CONCEPT ON WEEKEND--The City of Prince Rupert joins cities and towns around the world to commemorate Earth Hour on Saturday (see story here)

MARCH 26--LOCAL TEACHERS WANT TESTS EXPELLED FROM CLASSROOM--The Prince Rupert District Teachers Association presents its case for FSA testing to be boycotted (see story here)

MARCH 25--HARTLEY BAY FRUSTRATION IS UNDERSTANDABLE SAYS MP--NDP MP Nathan Cullen explains how he sees the dispute between Hartley Bay and B C Ferries (see story here)

MARCH 24--TORIES TRYING TO COOL DOWN CLIMATE CHANGE PANIC: MP--The Conservatives reticence in releasing their own report into the environment has the NDP MP for Skeena Bulkley Valley frustrated with their attitude (see story here)

MARCH 20--TWO-YEAR PROBE ENDS IN JAIL TIME AND A HUGE DRUG HAUL--A two year investigation which recently went to court has the RCMP celebrating succes in the battle over drugs (see story here)

MARCH 19--FISHERMEN WORRY GROUNDS MAY BE CLAWED FROM THEM--NaiKun's wind farm plans still have local crab fisherman concerned for their future (see story here)

MARCH 18--EDMONTON BUSINESS ELITE IN TOWN TO FORGE CLOSER LINKS--Directors of Edmontons Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Centre spent two days in Prince Rupert on a retreat (see story here)

MARCH 17--PARENTS URGED TO HELP MAKE SCHOOL TRANSITION SMOOTH--The School district explains its plan to help students, parents and educators make the transition from school closures. (see story here)

MARCH 14--MLA COONS POINTS FINGER AT MAINTENANCE OVER SINKING--The MLA for the North coast wants maintenance inssues to be examined when it comes to the sinking of the Queen of the North (see story here)

MARCH 13--REPORT ON FERRY SINKING STILL LEAVES QUESITONS HANGING--Details of the Transportation Safety Board into the sinking of the Queen of the North don't provide all the answers. (see story here)

MARCH 12--KANATA, SEAL COVE SCHOOLS CLOSE AS DISTRICT REORGANIZES--School District 52 makes it official as they announce closure of two east side schools (see story here)

MARCH 11--RUPERT’S CRUISE CONNECTION CONTINUES FULL-STEAM-AHEAD--As another Cruise ship season draws near, plans continue to make sure shore amenities are ready (see story here)

MARCH 10--RUPERT DIGS DEEP TO DONATE THOUSANDS AT BIG FUNDRAISER--The Prince Rupert Regional Community Foundation raises close to 70,000 dollars during a Saturday night fundraiser (see story here)

MARCH 7--CITY LOOKING TO RE-GROW ITS WITHERED PARKS INVENTORY--A trial balloon in council to think about revitalizing some of the city's closed parks, now that there are apparently funds available to do so (see story here)

MARCH 6--THINK-TANK WANTS TO GET TO BOTTOM OF SALMON ISSUE--The Pacific Salmon Foundation begins its study of the Skeena River management system. (see story here)

MARCH 5--EMPLOYEE SHORTAGE LOOMS AS RUPERT'S WORKFORCE AGES--An aging population is destined to leave employers seeking out new employees as the current workforce heads to retirement (see story here)

MARCH 4--U. S. FISHERNEN’S ‘CARNAGE’ OF CHINOOK HAS MP FUMING--Fishing in the Bering Sea for pollock is having a drastic effect on Canada bound chinook salmon (see story here)

MARCH 3--SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF EXPLAIN REASONING BEHIND CLOSURES--Details of last Thursday's heated school district meeting explaining the planned and potential closures of schools in the district (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead February 2008

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.

On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

FEBRUARY 29--RESEARCHERS PLAN TO PUT SEA LICE UNDER MICROSCOPE IN '08--The Broughton Archipelago enters a second year of study on the sea lice problem plaguing those waters (see story here)

FEBRUARY 28--PORT ED FURIOUS AS SCHOOL IS CONSIDERED FOR CLOSURE--Placing Port Edward elementary school on the list of potential closures doesn't sit very well with Port Ed council(see story here)

FEBRUARY 27--TORIES URGING CANADIANS TO SAVE IN THRIFTY BUDGET '08--The Federal Government Budget provides Canadians with a 5,000 dollar window for savings (see story here)

FEBRUARY 26--ACTIVISTS READY TO MEDEVAC JUVENILE SALMON TO 'SAFETY'--Concerns over the stocks of wild salmon lead Queen Charlotte Island activists to propose some unusual emergency measures. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 25--FINANCE MINISTER STILL BIG SUPPORTER OF RUPERT PORT--While she didn't bear gifts in the recent Provincial budget, Finance Minister Carole Taylor still has high hopes a much support for the Fairview Container Port. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 22--PORT READY TO EXPAND INTO WAREHOUSING, COLD STORAGE--The Port of Prince Rupert explains some of the potential secondary industries that could be brought to Prince Rupert to service the Container Port (see story here)

FEBRUARY21-- POLITICIANS CLOSELY WATCH 'ENERGY CORRIDOR' CONCEPT--The Province outlines a desire to see an energy corridor run from Prince Rupert to Prince George, a prospect that seems to mean different things to different people (see story here)

FEBRUARY 20--BUDGET WAS ‘SLAP IN FACE’ FOR EDUCATION SAYS MLA--The Liberal Governments green agenda leaves the opposition wondering about education issues (see story here)

FEBRUARY 19--CITY PROMISES A GREENER FUTURE BUT AVOIDS DETAIL--The City goes green but keeps the details out of the Community plan (see story here)

FEBRUARY 18--FAMILY THAT LOST SO MUCH IN FIRE LEFT FULL OF THANKS--A local family recounts the fire that took their home but brought out the best in the community (see story here)

FEBRUARY 15--ROOSEVELT SUCCESS STORY MAY HOLD LESSONS FOR B. C.--An all day kindergarten program at Roosevelt School could be just the kind of thing the provincial government is looking for. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 14--CLOCK IS TICKING SAY GROUPS WAITING FOR AN OCEAN PLAN--Environmental groups challenge the Federal Government to develop an oceans use plan. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 13--SLEEP-STARVED RESIDENTS TURN ON WHISTLE-BLOWERS--Graham and Atlin area residents seek some help from city council on the issue of Fairview yard train whistles (see story here)

FEBRUARY 12--CITY MOVES TO MAKE SURE IT CAN GET TAXES OWED BY MILL--The City of Prince Rupert issues a distraint order on Sun Wave and the Watson Island pulp mill (see story here)

FEBRUARY 11--FERRY-DEPENDENT TOWNS ARE SUNK BY RISING FARES: COONS--NDP Ferries critic Gary Coons, provides details on his findings over ferry concerns as his coastal communities tour reaches the half way mark (see story here)

FEBRUARY 8--TEACHERS HAND TRUSTEES A FAILING GRADE FOR FSA TESTS--The Foundation Skills Assessment tests are underway for another year and the controversial testing process once again is high on the list of educators and parents. the Daily News examined the first week of testing and some of the troubles that popped up with the process. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 7--TORIES' ECONOMIC 'DOWN-PAYMENT' WELCOMED BY MP--The Conservative government changes its plans in distrbuting much needed money to struggling resource towns across Canada (see story here)

FEBRUARY 6--CN RAIL INVESTMENT ENSURES ALL RAILS LEAD TO RUPERT PORT--CN Rail's investments into northern and northwestern BC is examined, with particular interest in how it could all benefit the Port of Prince Rupert (see story here)

FEBRUARY 5--SUPPORTERS FEEL FORTUNATE TO WELCOME CHANCES TO TOWN--Chances held their Grand Opening festivities over the weekend and all of the VIP's and would be VIP's that Rupert could offer took time to celebrate the new entertainment and convention facility. (see story here)

FEBRUARY 4--HANKERING FOR HALIBUT WILL HAVE TO WAIT A WHILE: DFO--A delay of one month will have sportsfishermen for Halibut cooling their heels a bit as they await the opening of the 2008 season on March 1 (see story here)

FEBRUARY 1--DECLARE HARBOUR A WORLD HERITAGE SITE: ARCHEOLOGIST--The Daily news continues their look at the recent symposium held in Prince Rupert last week, which has the issue of further port development and archeological artifacts intersecting. (see story here)

Podunk Below the Masthead January 2008

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.

On Wednesdays and Friday's you can access all the stories of the Daily News free on their website, on the remaining days you end up at a dead end, asking you to go purchase your paper, for (as Paul Harvey would say) the rest of the story.

JANUARY 31--FEDS URGED TO ACT NOW OR RISK LOWING B. C.'S SALMON--A Study from the David Suzuki Foundation calls for the government to take action in the wild salmon fishery (see story here)

JANUARY 30--ANGRY TEACHERS WALK AWAY FROM VISIONING COMMITTEE--The Teachers union expresses its disappointment in the Visioning committee process of School District 52. (see story here)

JANUARY 29--NORTHERN BRAINS GRAPPLING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE WOE--Climate Change studies enlist the aid of the University of Northern British Columbia (see story here)

JANUARY 28--CHAMBER HONOURS ITS STARS AT GLITZY AWARDS CELEBRATION--Prince Rupert celebrated business achievement on the weekend with a gala celebration at the Chances Entertainment Centre (see story here)

JANUARY 25--FUTURE OF FAMED EATERY UP IN THE AIR OVER SAFETY FEARS--The tribulations of the Green Apple restaurant are detailed in the Friday Daily News (see story here)

JANUARY 24--FISH FARMS STILL PUZZLED BY SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION--The mysterious discovery of the potentially carcinogenic chemical malachite green in some farmed salmon shipments, a chemical that they say the don't use, has the Salmon Farming industry looking for answers (see story here)

JANUARY 23--FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR RUPERT PORT SAYS HIGH-LEVEL REPORT--A three member panel, which included Prince Rupert Grain's Jeff Burghardt releases a report into Transportation issues in the Pacific Gateway.(see story here)

JANUARY 22--CITY IS GOING AFTER PULP MILL TAXES AS DEADLINE PASSES--The City of Prince Rupert decides to seek out pulp mill taxes after China Forest Products lets a deadline slip away without any sign of industrial activity at Watson Island (see story here)

JANUARY 21--FERRY USERS ANGRY AS COST OF GETTING AROUND SPIRALS UP --North Coast MLA Gary Coons finds that a good number of North coast residents share his concerns over ferry issues in BC (see story here)

JANUARY 18--BOOMING PORT ENJOYS ONE OF ITS BEST YEARS ON RECORD--The latest statistics provided by the Port of Prince Rupert makes for good headlines for the Daily News (see story here)

JANUARY 17--FORESTRY FIRMS HACKING AT INDUSTRY'S FUTURE SAYS FPB--Accusations of cherry picking in the forets set the tone for examination of forest practices in BC's most troubled sector (see story here)

JANUARY 16--COUNCILLORS GET THEIR TEETH INTO DANGEROUS DOG BYLAW--City council sets in motion changes for the city's dog bylaws (see story here)

JANUARY 15--CITY'S ABORIGINAL POPULATION YOUTHFUL, GROWING: CENSUS--First Nation's residents numbers increasing in Prince Rupert, now make 34 per cent of the overall population (see story here)

JANUARY 14--CULLEN WANTS CLOSE LOOK AT SKEENA 'GREEN' POWER IDEA--The NDP MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley wants more information on a power project planned for the Khyex river (see story here)

JANUARY 11--PM SLAMMED FOR ‘STRINGS’ ON HIS RESOURCE-TOWN BAILOUT--The Federal Government's financial bail out plan for resource towns doesn't impress everyone (see story here)

JANUARY 10--PHASE TWO OF PORT AT TOP OF POLITICIAN'S AGENDA FOR '08 --Local politicians Gary Coons and Nathan Cullen look ahead to the big issues of 2008 (see story here)

JANUARY 9--RISING HOUSE PRICES NEED NOT MEAN RISING TAXES: POND--With an election year looming, the concept of taxation increases stemming from assessment increases isn't one that is frequently mentioned. (see story here)

JANUARY 8--STRANDED FERRY WAS AN 'EMBARRASSMENT': COONS --The latest misfortune to strike the Northern Adventure gives more ammunition to the NDP's ferries critic. (see story here)

JANUARY 7--COURT TO RULE ON DISPUTE AFFECTING WEST COAST PORTS --A court case could send local long shore workers off for security clearances sooner than later (see story here)

JANUARY 4--STRANDED PASSENGERS TO BE FLOWN OFF STRICKEN FERRY--The latest troubles of the MV Northern Adventure make waves on both sides of Hecate Strait (see story here)

JANUARY 3--STUDENTS ARE DISTRICT’S TOP PRIORITY FOLLOWING CHARGES--School District 52 tries to reassure parents, students and staff in wake of recent sexual exploitation charges at Charles Hays Secondary (see story here)

JANUARY 2--CITY MUST BE READY TO GRAB OPPORTUNITIES IN '08: POND--The Mayor finds optimism for the year ahead in Prince Rupert (see story here)