FLASHBACK

JUNE 8, 2005

Imperial couple’s visit to draw some 200 int’l media

The Japanese imperial couple’s visit to Saipan later this month is expected to attract some 200 members of the international media, according to the government.

Press secretary Peter A. Callaghan said the Japanese media alone would send some 100 representatives.

“The visit will be covered live by the Fuji TV network,” said Callaghan.

Govt revives talks with MRC

The government yesterday revived negotiations with Marine Revitalization Corp. to resolve the Commonwealth’s outstanding liability of approximately $5.7 million, with interests now reaching over $200,000.

Interests on the $5.46-million judgment earlier issued by the Superior Court against the CNMI government and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources continue to balloon due to the government’s inability the to pay the amount.

Recently, the court allowed MRC to seize from the government the remaining $20,000 from the $100,000 that had been appropriated earlier by the Legislature for the dispute’s settlement. Since the amount would not suffice to satisfy the entire multi-million-dollar award, the court allowed MRC to include the income generated from DLNR’s operations and assets.

JUNE 8, 2004

Admin comes to NMC’s rescue

The Northern Marianas College has received over $600,000 in new funding as authorized by the CNMI Legislature and the Governor’s Office.

Acting Governor Diego T. Benavente approved Friday the reprogramming of $438,251 to cover the payroll needs of NMC personnel up to September this year.

At the same time, Gov. Juan N. Babauta approved the release of $228,383 to fund NMC’s operations of its newly acquired facility, the La Fiesta complex in San Roque.

Over 300 enroll in summer jobs program

Over 300 students from around the CNMI have applied for the Summer Youth Employment Program provided by the Workforce Investment Agency, set to begin this Monday, June 14.

The agency disclosed yesterday that a total of 318 youths from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have submitted application forms.

Majority of the applications-an estimated 210 to 240-were from students on Saipan. The number, however, is expected to decrease as the agency disclosed that several applicants have hinted signs of pulling out, resulting in the unconfirmed number of employees for this year’s program. The confirmed number of summer employees will be disclosed this Thursday.

JUNE 8, 2003

Kagman students unveil own book

Kagman Elementary School students and teachers unveiled yesterday their own version of the Young Writer’s Workshop book-Blue Marlins and Other Billfish True Stories, Legends, and Other Original Stories.

The group, headed by Kagman School principal Ignacia Demapan and facilitators Katharyn Tuten-Puckett and Anicia Q. Tomokane, launched the book at McDonald’s restaurant on Middle Road with its blue marlin backdrop, during a ceremonial lunch hosted by McDonald’s owner Joe Ayuyu.

At least 90 copies of the book were distributed while 1,200 more would be given away to Kagman Elementary School students in the coming days.

Anatahan volcano eruption continues

The CNMI Emergency Management Office disclosed that the Anatahan Volcano north of Saipan continues to erupt as of press time Saturday.

An eruption column is rising to about 2,500 meters—8,000 feet-above sea level, and ash is falling on the western part of the volcanic island.

During a trip to Anatahan late Friday afternoon, a team of observers from the EMO and scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey identified what may be a fresh mound-shaped feature called a lava dome in the volcano’s east crater, the source of the eruption since it began on May 10.