Stephenville council notes

The following are briefs from the Oct. 30 general meeting of Stephenville town council:

Catch the spirit, see the flame

Councillor Darlene Oake, Town Manager Barry Coates and Councillor Laura Aylward have been meeting to make plans for the Olympic torch relay stopover, being held in the town Nov. 15 at Coleman's Food Centre parking lot.

Councillor Aylward gave council an update on the committee's plans, including a poster contest and essay contest to get schoolchildren involved and possible live entertainment the evening of the relay.

"We want to get as many people out as we can," said Councillor Oake. "And we're asking people to come out dressed in red and white to support our athletes."

Mayor Tom O'Brien congratulated the Vancouver Olympic Committee for sending the torch across the country, adding it was a way for everyone to feel a sense of national pride that the Olympics will be held in Canada.

Council clarifies support

Councillor Don Gibbon told council members of the Stephenville Airport Citizens Committee are to be commended for the work they do on behalf of the airport.

Referring to a recent Western Star article, which alluded that several Stephenville town councillors were not in support of the committee, Mayor O'Brien took the opportunity to clarify that all but one of the town's councillors are in fact in support of the group.

He said the committee is working towards a goal to raise funds for the airport, and that whether or not they meet that goal they are working their hardest to support and bring attention to the airport's struggles. He also added sometimes councillors don't always agree, as is the democratic process.

Councillor Laura Aylward agreed, saying the committee is bringing attention to airport issues. She noted the committee's chair, Bill Hynes, has been invited to speak at a Corner Brook Rotary meeting later in November.

Hockey night at the Dome

Councillor Don Gibbon told council a permanent Coaches Corner display is being put together at Stephenville Dome to honour the first Coaches Corner held in the province.

Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry broadcast his traditional mid-hockey game report from the Dome in January of 2006, during Hockey Day in Canada celebrations.

Councillor Darren Roberts also reminded council the Junior Red Wings, formerly of Deer Lake, will soon begin play at the Dome. He encouraged the area's residents to come and support the team, on which there are several local hockey players.