News and Sports
Local Island Headlines for Wednesday, September 8th ...
HOLLAND COLLEGE AND UPEI SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE--
PEI's two post-secondary institutions have signed a record number of diploma-degree agreements. They'll allow certain Holland College graduates an opportunity to enter a second or third year Arts program at UPEI by allowing a 'block transfer' of credits. Ten diploma programs are part of the deal including Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism and Travel Management, Marketing and Advertising as well as Human Services. They join 19 similar arrangements between the two schools for other programs. Both Holland College president Brian MacMillan and UPEI president Wade McLaughlin say the agreements will allow for better synergy between the two institutions and a better learning environment for all Island students.
GOOD MONTH FOR VISITORS--
Tourism figures for July have been released, and Tourism Minister Robert Vessey and Tourism Advisory Council Chair Kevin Murphy say that, overall, the indictors are positive. Bridge traffic was up 8.4% in July over last year, while air traffic was up 6.3%, and ferry traffic up 7.3%. The numbers also show significant increases in the numnber of visitor inquiries in July, which includes inquiries by way of phone, website and mail-out kits. The Tourism Department says total overnight stays was up 7.6% for July over last year, and the total overnight stays year-to-date is up 2.3%. July saw great weather, and a number of high profile events including the Regis and Kelly Shows from the Charlottetown waterfront.
POLICE LOOKING INTO ACCIDENTS--
The RCMP is investigating, but says alcohol is believed to have been a factor in a two vehicle crash in Alma. Early Saturday morning, RCMP officers were headed out to investigate a pickup truck stopped in the middle of Route 2 with an unresponsive man behind the wheel. But, before they got there, another pickup truck ran into the parked truck. A 48 year-old man from Anglo Tignish and 21 year-old man from Ellerslie-Bideford were taken to hospital with minor injuries and later released. An investigation is continuing and charges are possible.
One man was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries after a crash yesterday afternoon in Charlottetown involving a large pickup truck and a motor home. It happened about 1:30 at the intersection of Brackley Point Road and Sherwood Road. The accident remains under investigation and charges are pending.
CITY MAN ARRESTED AFTER BREAK--
An alleged break-in at a home in the city yesterday afternoon has led to the arrest of a 23 year-old city man. The suspect was arrested on Browns Court following complaints from neighbours. A court appearance has been scheduled for the man at the end of the week. City police are reminding residents to lock their doors when not home to avoid being targeted by criminals.
SHELLFISH WILL TOP THE MENU--
Atlantic Canada's Biggest Kitchen Party is a little over 1 week away. The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival will be held on Charlottetown's Waterfront Friday, September 17th through Sunday, September 19th. Almost have of last years festival-goers were from off Island and event co-chair Laim Dollan is hoping that at least 2 visitors earlier this summer will make an appearance - Regis and Kelly. Along with the food, there are a number of great local and regional musicians taking part and tickets can be found at www.peishellfish.com.
KIDS SHOW COMING TO THE ISLAND--
The Wiggles are coming to Charlottetown. The Wiggles Wiggly Circus Live Show will be held November 1st at the Charlottetown Civic Centre at 6:30. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 am on September 17th and are available through the Charlottetown Civic Centre (www.civiccentre.pe.ca) or by calling 629-6625 and the Venue box office. Prices range from $15 - $75 (additional tax, facility fees and service charges may apply). There is the Wiggles VIP Section. $75 tickets in the Wiggles VIP section are limited, and will include the best seats in the house, an exclusive gift along with a coloring activity sheet and a chance to dance along with the Wiggles themselves.
SHEA WAS BUSY YESTERDAY--
It was a busy day yesterday for Egmont MP Gail Shea on PEI. Shea announced that four harbours in the Malpeque region will benefit including a slipway construction project in North Rustico, while planning work is slated for both North Rustico and Nine Mile Creek. Also, she announced that the Harper Government is investing in new greenhouse facilities to help create jobs and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture on Prince Edward Island. Along with an announcement in Montague that Inclusions East Inc. will receive $65,500 through the Federal Government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy to build a two-bedroom supportive housing apartment for individuals who are at risk of homelessness and have an intellectual disability.
EASTER WANTS TO BE MAYOR--
Cornwall Deputy Mayor Charles Easter wants to be the town's Mayor. Easter announced his candidacy today for the upcoming municipal election in November. Easter says he has over 20 years experience as a councillor for Cornwall and the village of North River, and he believes that experience makes him the right person for the job. If elected, Easter says he'll work to see that Cornwall has sustainable growth, but at the same time he'll encourage Council to not increase the tax rate.
LEE IN RUNING FOR COUNCIL SEAT--
An Eastern School Board trustee has decided to run for the Ward 1 seat on Charlottetown City Council this fall. Ron Lee currently represents the area of Queen's Square on the board and has served on a number of committees. He says accessibility, accountability and open communication will be his priorities if elected. That would include developing a responsible development plan for the waterfront and keeping Victoria Park as a green space. Also, Lee says the city needs to provide proper resources to the police department to address the recent increase in property crime. Kim Devine is the current councilor for Ward 1.
ISLANDERS LIKE TO EAT LOCAL--
Prince Edward Islanders showed their support for local food by winning the Eat Atlantic Challenge last week. Prince Edward Island won the challenge with the highest level of participation, per capita, in the region. The annual Eat Atlantic Challenge encouraged consumers to eat only local or Atlantic foods on September 2nd. Agriculture Minister George Webster says the Challenge, the buy local campaign and the Fall Flavours festival show the growing awareness of the benefits of eating local food.
COMPANIES STILL HIRING IN CAPITAL--
The latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey shows that Charlottetown area employers expect a fair hiring climate for this year's fourth quarter. The survey found that 17% of employers in the city plan to hire for the period of October to December, while 13% expect cutbacks. Another 70% of employers expect to maintain their current staffing levels for the fourth quarter.
WHAT'S ON TODAY'S AGENDA--
Strong winds in the forecast have promted officials at the Confederation Bridge to issue a Wind Warning Advisory. They say that about 7:00 tonight, winds are projected to be gusting to 90 km/h on the Northumberland Strait and the winds are expected to continue gusting until about 1:00 tomorrow morning.
The first information seminar to help PEI employers and employees understand upcoming changes to the Employment Standards Act goes today in Brudenell. Seminars will take place across the Island over the next few weeks focusing on issues like vacation pay, stat holidays, special leaves, sexual harassment, and overtime. The changes come into effect October 1st and are meant to ensure legislation is current and better reflects the modern workplace. Today's meeting starts at 9:30 at the Rodd Brudenell. The next meeting goes tomorrow at 9:30 at the Loyalist Resort in Summerside.
George Wendt is finally ready to take the stage in Charlottetown. The Charlottetown Festival's production of Hairspray kicks off tonight with Wendt, who' best known for playing Norm Peterson on the TV series Cheers, will play the role of Edna Turnblad in the play, the same role he played on Broadway. Hairspray runs until October 9th at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
K ROCK / OCEAN 100 Sports ...
MLB--
Yet another night of long ball in Toronto as 4 Jays went deep and Toronto won its seventh straight against Texas, 8-5. Vernon Wells had two solo shots, while John Buck and Adam Lind also went deep, handing the Rangers their 5th straight loss.
Other scores had the Rays hit 5 homeruns in their 14-5 crushing of the Red Sox, CC Sabathia was denied his 20th win of the season as Baltimore dropped the Yankees 6-2 for their second in a row loss to the Orioles, Detroit hammered the White Sox 9-1, the Twins throtled the Royals 10-3, the Tribe handed the Angels a 6-1 loss and the Mariners beat the A's 7-5.
In the NL, the Phillies have taken over the East lead over the Braves after Philly edged Florida 8-7 and the Braves fell 5-0 to Pittsburgh, Trevor Hoffman earned his 600th save as Milwaukee won 4-2 over St. Louis, the Mets downed the Nationals 4-1, Houston tamed the Cubs 7-3, the Rockies edged the Reds 4-3, the Giants doubled the D-Backs 6-3 and the Padres were 2-1 winners over the Dodgers.
MINOR BASEBALL--
The Richmond Red Sox are provincial Mosquito AAA Champs after winning the title in Summerside, 10-6 over Sherwood.
MJHL--
Borden-Carleton's Nich Tremere picked up an assist last night for Woodstock as the Slammers peppered the MHL Selects 10-1 in pre-season Maritime Junior.
Another Islander is returning back to the Summerside Western Capitals. Spencer MacDonald of Pownal has been released from the St. John Sea Dogs and will now suit up for the Caps.
JUNIOR C--
NHL--
The NHL's return to Quebec city came a little closer to fruition as the Quebec government says it's willing to pay for 45% of a new arena.
Veteran forward Jeff Halpern has inked a 1 year deal with the Habs.
PGA--
Despite his recent slump in play, Tiger Woods has been added to the US Ryder Cup squad. The world's Number 1 golfer was named to the team by captain Corey Pavin. Pavin's three other discretionary picks were Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler.
KCBL--
The Kings County Baseball League final kicks off tonight with the defending champs, the Morell Chevies, hosting Stratford at 7:00.
SENIOR BASEBALL--
The Charlottetown Senior Baseball Islanders are back in action this evening on the road. The Isles travel to Moncton for Game 5 of the best of 7 semi-final, with the series knotted at a game apeice.
HARNESS RACING--
Another card of live harness racing is planned for tonight at Red Shores at the Summerside Raceway. Post time is 7:00.
MINOR HOCKEY--
Georgetown and Sherwood are both holding Minor Hockey Registration tonight from 6:00-8:00, at their respective arenas.
FIGURE SKATING--
Former NHL players Patrice Brisebois, Valeri Bure and Russ Courtnall are switching their hockey skates for figure skates. The three players will be featured on the new season of ``Battle of the Blades.'' They join Theo Fleury and returning figure skaters Shae-Lynn Bourne, Isabelle Brasseur and Jamie Sale.
TENNIS--
At the US Open Tennis Tournament, number One Men's seed Rafael Nadal has moved on to the quarter-finals. On the Women's side, Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams are into the semifinals.
SLEDGE HOCKEY--
Four longtime members of Canada's Sledge Hockey Team are calling it a career. Captain Jean Labonte, forwards Herve Lord and Todd Nicholson and goaltender Paul Rosen have all announced their retirements.
FOOTBALL--
The Holland College Football Hurricanes will host the 1st annual PEI Football Heritage Classic Saturday, September 25th at home against Dalhousie.
Alouettes linebacker Walter Spencer is in stable condition and recovering in hospital from a stabbing incident we told you about yesterday, while south of the border, Yahoo sports says that 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush is expected to be stripped of the award by the end of the month.
CURLING--
On October 8th and 9th, the PEI Curling Association will be holding a weekend Adult Skills Development/High Performance Camp at the Charlottetown Curling Club. It's open to all male and female curling teams, individuals and coaches from intermediate to advanced level. The deadline to register is September 30th.
