Two business owners on Main Street in Port aux Basques are speaking out about having their properties vandalized and customers harassed.

Wanda Thorne, owner of Wanda's Beauty Salon, said the area around and behind her building has been a hangout for the 30 years she has owned it.

Marine Atlantic will get $175 million in new federal funding over the next two years.

That was one of the announcements in the federal budget released on Thursday.

Budget documents detail that the Crown corporation will receive $75 million in 2010-2011 and another $100 million the following year to "to help renew Marine Atlantic's fleet and shore facilities and improve the quality and reliability of its services."

Those are big numbers, but not as large as some may have hoped.

	Kari Heese photo

While they may not have gotten to take in any sporting competitions, Neil Targett and his bandmates did get to vicariously experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat during their brief visit to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver on its final weekend.

Targett is the bass player for Sherman Downey and The Ambiguous Case, the Corner Brook-based band invited to showcase the region's music at the Atlantic Canada House venue during the international sporting spectacle.

For the second time in as many years, Kelsie Hodder is the provincial champion in girls bantam bowling.

The 11-year-old Margaree resident bowled 869 points over five games to come out on top in her field of eleven challengers at the YBC provincial championships held in St. John's on Feb. 27.

The St. James Saints were victorious in the bronze medal game against Presentation High School in Corner Brook at the Girls Under 16 Provincial Volleyball Tier 1 Tournament.

The tournament was held in Corner Brook on Feb. 19 and 20.

In his recent speech from the throne, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said there is a possibility of changing one line in our national anthem.

Some believe the word "sons" is sexist. It is gender specific, thereby alienating one half of the entire Canadian population.

A simple yet delicious cake to make for potlucks, bake sales or even as a birthday cake.

"If I had a million dollars," starts the Barenaked Ladies song.

If the leaders at Marine Atlantic were writing the lyrics, they'd likely be dreaming of significantly more.

New ferries and new terminals don't come cheap. In fact, the numbers in the Auditor General's report from last fall add up to well over $1 billion. The $175 million announced on Thursday isn't a bad thing; it just may not be enough of a good thing.

As of deadline, how the money will be spent is still a matter of mystery. MP Gerry Byrne says it will go to bring the Atlantic Vision's two sister ships to the service, but government representatives say the final decisions haven't been made.

Dear Editor,

Regarding the letter to the editor "Cut the Bull out of Moose Hunting Regulations," by Frank Everly, Clarke's Beach.

I agree it's time to do away with a bull only licence, a calf only licence, a licence for this side of the road or the other side, or one specific area.

EDUCATION WEEK - This week is St. James Regional High Education Week.

WORKSHOP - Participate in a free one-day workshop on Tuesday at Hotel Port aux Basques and learn how to write an effective proposal. Members of town councils, service clubs, church groups, not-for profit organizations, seniors' clubs, volunteer boards and more are encouraged to attend. Lunch provided and travel reimbursed. To register, contact Lisa Henley at 709-646-3728 or lisahenley@westernhealth.nl.ca.