Community Briefs

DUI CHECKPOINTS TODAY

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section said yesterday that it would hold two sobriety checkpoints today, Oct. 30, as part of efforts to deter and detect drunk and intoxicated drivers, as well as ensure that all vehicle occupants are protected.

The first checkpoint will be conducted along Beach Road Garapan in front of the Garapan Fishing Base or across the Kristo Rai Church. The checkpoint is scheduled to begin at 7pm and end at 8:15pm.

The second setup will be along Beach Road Susupe in front of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center between 9pm and 10:15pm.

The Traffic Section also said that officers will be performing highway criminal interdiction, saturation patrols, aggressive driver interdiction, and laser activities as well.

TEAM SHE-DEVILS FUNDRAISING TODAY

Team She-Devils is holding their Hot Lunch fundraising event today, Oct. 30, at the Kilili Beach Pavilion across Ada Gym from 11am to 2pm. The squad is encouraging interested individuals to come down to eat and enjoy some live music from the KSS: Pack of Three Band under the direction of Elena Sutton. The $5 lunch plate consists of sukiyaki, sweet & sour pork, titiyas, potato salas, red rice, and a drink.

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES WANTED

The National Emergency Grant program is currently on is applications intake process, accepting applications at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

The grant will provide between 1,200-1,300 temporary jobs on Saipan, 350-400 on Rota, and 250-300 on Tinian.

Residents who missed their designated dates to apply will be entertained today, Saturday, Oct. 30.

SENATE PANELS TO HOLD HEARING ON ANDREW NOMINATION

The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation of Sen. Paterno Hocog and the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs of Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo will hold a joint committee public hearing on the Governor’s nominee for the Secretary of Commerce, Andrew S. Salas

“This is to inform all the members of our Committee(s) on EAGI and RED&P that we will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004, at 10:30am at the Senate Chamber on Mr. Andrew S. Salas,” the committees said in a statement.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND SET

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Organization has announced the upcoming ME Weekend scheduled from Nov. 19 though 21 for married couples who want to improve communication and strengthen their marriage.

The weekend is open to all married couples regardless of age. The special weekend will be held at the Hotel Rivera Saipan in Fina Sisu. The registration fee is only $50 per couple and includes room for the weekend, all meals and drinks.

The organization explained that the weekend is intended to focus “on your relationship between you and your spouse and on your relationship with God.

For registration or more information, contact Ben & Lovey Salas at 235-2250; Russ & Kanae Quinn at 256-1058 or Sean & Ericka Frink at 322-9990.

CHACHA PTSA MEETING SET

ChaCha Oceanview Junior High School will be having its monthly PTSA meeting on Nov. 3, 2004, Wednesday, at the school’s cafeteria beginning at 6pm. All are encouraged to attend this very important meeting.

Should you have any questions, call the school at 664-4100, 4103, 4105 and/or 4106.

ADA TRAININGS ON NOV. 2-3

The Development Disabilities TriAgency wants to inform the public that ADA Title I and the Section 508 of the Rehab. Act trainings initially scheduled for July will take place on Nov. 2 and 3 at the Saipan World Resort (formally the Saipan Diamond Hotel). For more information or free registration, call CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities at 664-7000.

MONDAY DEADLINE FOR FILING Q3 TAX RETURNS

The Division of Revenue and Taxation wishes to remind all CNMI residents that the 2004 3rd Quarter deadline for filing the quarterly tax returns is Monday, Nov. 1, 2004. The Division of Revenue and Taxation will be open from 7:30am until 7:30pm on Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 and open on Monday, Nov. 01, 2004. The office of the Division of Revenue and Taxation is located at the Joeten Dandan Commercial Center.

SCC HALLOWEEN PARTY CANCELLED

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its planned costume Halloween party that was supposed to take place today, Oct. 30, in the Dai Ichi Hibiscus Hall.

According to Chamber executive director Christine Parke, the Bubba B Band, slated to play for the event, unexpectedly returned to Hawaii.

“The Chamber of Commerce regrets that they will have to cancel the party that was planned. Anyone who purchased a ticket for the party should contact the person who sold the ticket, in order to get a refund. Thank you for your understanding.”

PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED ON NOV. 1-2

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will be closed on Nov. 1-2, Monday and Tuesday, for technical repairs and upgrades. Library materials due on these dates may be renewed or returned on Thursday, Nov. 4.

WANTED: DESIGNATED DRIVERS

The Department of Public Safety Traffic Section will again implement its Designated Driver program this December to promote road safety during the holiday season.

The program provides transportation for intoxicated individuals. Instead of driving while intoxicated, individuals may contact the Traffic Section and a driver will be provided for transportation home.

Those interested in taking part in the program are encouraged to contact Rose Ada-Hocog or Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar at 664-9084/5/6.

TAX FORMS FOR AMNESTY PROGRAM AVAILABLE

The Division of Customs Service is informing all consignees that special return forms are now available for delinquent taxpayers who would like to avail of the amnesty period.

“We would like to encourage you to take advantage of this program before it expires on Jan. 19, 2005,” the agency said in a statement.

Taxpayers who need help on delinquent excise tax payments or assistance to file a special tax return should contact Inspector Robert Reyes, acting OIC for the SCIT (Compliance) Branch at 664-1606 or 664-1617.

The Division of Customs Service CSIT Branch Office is located in the Saipan Stevedore Warehouse A, across the Mobil main office in Lower Base.

For those on Rota, they may contact Inspector Davian Manglona at 532-9448 or 532-3666; on Tinian, contact Lt. Elias Borja or Lt. Benedicto (Sonny) Decena, at 433-1610.