News
It’s official. We had a lot of snow in January. Canadian Forces Base Trenton confirmed today that 117.6 cm of snow were recorded at the airfield breaking prior records for most snowfall in the month of January. The previous high mark was 1999’s 113.9 cm. And it was close to an all time record, but December 1977 still holds that honour with just over 120 cm.
Belleville Police were busy yesterday with two separate incidents of domestic violence. In the first case, an 18 year old man was found barricaded inside a room with three other individuals following an argument that escalated. The man had allegedly threatened to stab one of the women present and had smashed some of her personal property. Officers also discovered that the accused was already under an order not to communicate with the woman as a result of previous incidents. In the second case, a 39 year old man allegedly punched a woman and damaged a staircase banister following an argument. Both men have been charged and are in custody pending bail hearings.
Housing sales are down in Prince Edward County but prices appear to be on the rise again. According to The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS, only 12 homes changed hands in the County last month compared to 22 in December and 21 in the month of January last year. However, at a little more than $650,000, the average sale price was up 5 and three-quarter points over December. But, that’s still down more than 4 % from last year. New listings were also down but houses were selling faster with the average home closing nearly three weeks sooner than the same time last year.
In Science news, NASA said today that the launch of the Artemis II moon mission will be delayed at least until march. The planned Feb. 8th launch of four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon was halted after a hydrogen leak was discovered during a rehearsal for the launch. Space agency officials said the fuel is being unloaded from the rocket and the crew will be allowed to leave quarantine. Canadian Jeremy Hansen is part of the Artemis II crew that will test life support systems during their mission but will not touch down on the lunar surface. The last landing on the moon was more than 50 years ago in 1972.
And a 90 year old Michigan teacher was surprised to learn that she had set a record for the longest teaching career at 67 years. Beverley Hannet-Price was presented with a certificate from the Guiness Book of World Records at a school assembly held in her honour. Hannett-Price not only numbers actors Robin Williams and Courtney Vance as well as Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer among her former students, she’s also still teaching. Hannet-Price said that, while she is surprised she set a record, she loves her job and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
Sports
As the Milan Cortina Olympics Opening draws closer, injuries are taking a toll on top athletes with several Canadians forced to withdraw. But American skier Lindsey Vonn says she will compete in spite of having ruptured her left knee ACL in a crash over the weekend. The 41 year old, who came back to competition after a six year absence, said she tested a brace on the slopes today and she and her doctors believe she can compete in her first race this coming Sunday. The Winter Olympics officially open Friday.
Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was named as the head coach for Team World for this year’s NBA All Star Game today. Rajakovic has a 30 and 21 record so far this season. The two American teams in the tournament will be coached by Detroit’s JB Bickerstaff and San Antonio’s Mitch Johnson.
In the NHL, the Leafs are in action tonight in an all Canadian game. Toronto will face off against the Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton at 8:30. The only other Canadian team on the ice tonight is Ottawa. The Sens are in Raleigh to face the Hurricanes starting at 7 pm.
