Everyone is encouraged to observe the following safety tips:
• Do not let anyone under the age of 18 play with fireworks without close adult supervision.
• Never allow small children to play with fireworks.
• Read and follow the instructions of each firework.
• Never light fireworks indoors; use only outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don’t go off.
• Never relight fireworks that appear to have gone out.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting it.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Avoid popping fireworks out on the road as this could cause a serious traffic accident.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
For questions you may have, contact the DPS fire prevention section at 664-9116.
Correction
IN Wednesday’s news article regarding Northern Marianas College’s recent information session, it was mentioned that NMC will offer a new bachelor’s of science in education degree with emphasis in special education and early childhood education starting in the Spring 2010 semester.
NMC says that although its officials are working to implement these new programs, they will not be offered in the Spring 2010 semester.
“The proposal for the programs are slated to be reviewed by the college’s shared governance groups and the NMC board of regents within the next few months. The proposal will then be submitted for review and approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges,” NMC stated yesterday.
“However, it is important to note that a special education course and an early childhood education course will be offered as electives in the upcoming Spring 2010 semester.”
Book on cultural heritage available
THE NMI Council for the Humanities announces the availability of “The Rope of Tradition: Reflections of a Saipan Carolinian” by Lino M. Olopai, a media release stated.
The 258-page book, profusely illustrated with color and black and white photos, was originally published by the council in 2005 under its Micronesian Authors’ Initiative.
The initial print run quickly sold out and the council recently arranged for its reprinting to meet popular demand.
“The Rope of Tradition” documents Olopai’s lifelong efforts to document and better understand his rich cultural heritage and to seek a balance between traditional ways and the demands of the modern world.
It is a must read for anyone interested in indigenous Micronesian cultures and the issues and challenges confronting cultural preservation in the face of rapid globalization.
The book may be purchased at the council’s office in Springs Plaza, Gualo Rai, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The book is priced at $18 per volume.
Those wishing more information about the book are invited to contact council staff at 235-4785.
Sobriety checkpoints for the holidays
(DPS) — The Department of Public Safety will conduct DUI/sobriety checkpoints on the days and times listed:
• Dec. 31
The first setup will be on Beach Road Susupe by the Minachom Atdao, 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
The second setup will be on 16 Highway Chalan Kiya by the CUC Water Loo, 10:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
• Jan. 1, 2010
The first setup will be on Beach Road Chalan Laulau by B&R Auto Shop intersection, 9 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
The second setup will be on 2W Gulao Rai by the Trans America Building, 1:30 a.m. to 2:45 a.m.
For more information, call Sgt. Paul T. Ogumoro at 664-9085/84.
Red flag at 9 Saipan sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality says water samples collected from Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park, Micro Beach, Dai-Ichi Hotel, Garapan Fishing Dock, and Garapan Beach contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria which exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
DEQ has given these locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
NMC English, Math placement test schedule
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College will be conducting the English and math placement tests on the following dates:
English Placement Test
• Jan. 5, Tuesday – 1 to 4 p.m., Room A-6
• Jan. 7, Thursday – 5 to 8 p.m., Room D-1
• Jan. 12, Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Room A-6
• Jan. 13, Wednesday – 1 to 4 p.m., Room A-6
• Jan. 14, Thursday – 5 to 8 p.m., Room A-6
• Jan. 15, Friday – 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Room A-6
Math
Placement Test
• Jan. 5, Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Room A-9; 5 to 7 p.m., Room A-9
• Jan. 7, Thursday – 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Room A-9; 5 to 7 p.m., Room A-9
• Jan. 12, Tuesday – 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Room A-9
• Jan. 14, Thursday – 5 to 7 p.m., Room A-9
Those who wish to take courses at NMC must take the placement tests. Registration for NMC’s Spring 2010 semester will begin on Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.
There is a $25 fee for each placement test that must be paid in advance at the NMC cashier (M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). No one will be allowed into the testing room without proof of payment (a receipt for the placement test fee, or the NMC application fee). Payment for the application fee will cover the English placement test fee.
Test takers must bring a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport or school ID) and pencils. No admittance to the testing room will be allowed after the starting time.
Calculators may be used when taking the math placement test. NMC students are not allowed to take the math placement test more than once. The only exception to this condition is for NMC students who have not taken a math class within one year of taking the math placement test.
If you have any questions about the English placement test, call 234-5498 ext. 1203 or 1242.
If you have any questions about the math placement test, call) 234-5498 ext. 1200 or 1212.
For additional information about the placement tests and registration for the Spring 2010 semester, log on to www.nmcnet.edu.
