Police are warning people to be on their guard after several mobile phones were stolen from the south of the island.
Police say that brand new white Samsung Galaxy and Nokia Lumia phones were taken in a burglary.
No details of where they were stolen from or when have yet been released.
However they are asking people to be vigilant.
Anyone with information should contact police on 631212 or 822222 or Crimestoppers to give anonymous information on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a couple had an argument in the street over a car.
The row happened on Market Street in Douglas at around 1.45pm on Saturday, December 20.
Officers say they have already spoken to some people regarding the dispute between the man and woman.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact Lord Street Police Station on 631212.
The Ben-my-Chree won’t sail again until at least Wednesday after suffering steering failure.
The Steam Packet Company has apologised to passengers after all of today’s sailings were cancelled.
Engineers say the fault lies within the hydraulic actuator and is due to the seals failing – this part was fully serviced at the last major overhaul of the vessel.
A new unit has been located and this will be flown to the Island as soon as possible – once received it’s expected to take 36 hours to fit.
In the meantime MV Arrow will carry out freight services and Manannan is being drafted in to cover the Heysham sailings – albeit to a different timetable.
Tonight’s Dublin (Saturday) return sailing has been cancelled, along with all Ben-my-Chree sailings over the next few days.
Manannan will now operate a 6.30pm sailing from Douglas to Heysham on Sunday night (Dec 28), returning at 9.30pm.
The revised twice-daily timetable for Manannan for Monday (December 29) and Tuesday (December 30) will be two Douglas to Heysham sailings departing at 1pm and 7pm, returning at 4pm and 10pm respectively.
Any affected passengers have been asked to contact the reservations team for more information on 661661 from the Isle of Man, 08722 992 992 in the UK or 0044 8722 992 992 from ROI and outside UK.
During Ramsey Commissioners’ discussion on the electronic cigarettes, member Dr Alex Allinson pointed out that while there was no scientific or medical evidence as to the safety of e-cigarettes, they did help people to stop smoking.
The commissioners nonetheless have extended their town hall ‘no smoking’ policy to include e-cigarettes.
A community initiative being launched in the new year will give the young people of Willaston the chance take part in sport.
The Willaston Sports Hub, located at Centre 21 on Greenfield Road, will offer free access to sport and physical activity for people aged 11 and over.
Weekly sessions that cover athletics, basketball, racquet sports and many more will take place on Tuesdays between 4.30pm and 5.45pm from January 6 2015.
Trevor Christian, Community Sports Development Officer for Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR), said: ‘The hub’s first project is to provide an opportunity for secondary school-age children in Willaston to try sport free of charge in a fun, safe and dry environment during the dark winter months.
‘Sessions will run each Tuesday during term-time. There is no pressure to turn up every week: just come when you can and you will be made most welcome and, who knows, you may just find a passion for sport you never knew you had.’
The initiative has been created by the Department of Education and Children’s Sports Development Unit, in partnership with the IMGOLD Pole Vault and Multi Event (PVME) Squad.
Mr Christian continued: ‘IMGOLD and PVME secured the use of the sports hall at Centre 21 for their winter training sessions and are extending an invitation to the young people of Willaston to attend these sessions.’
He added: ‘MSR’s 10-year strategy for sport, published last month, highlights the health benefits of getting people involved in sport at an early age. Cost, access and time are just a few barriers to participation in sport. Through this initiative, these barriers have been removed.’
For more information contact Trevor Christian on 688576 or email trevor.christian@gov.im
A total of 79 government employees took early retirement in the last three years, figures released by Treasury show.
Treasury Minister Eddie Teare was replying to a House of Keys question from Graham Cregeen (Malew and Santon) who asked how many government employees took early retirement packages in each of the past 3 years broken down by salary, early retirement payment and pension lump sum.
In a written reply, Mr Teare said that in 2013-14, 38 staff had taken early retirement, of which 28 were on a salary of under £40,000, seven earned between £40,000 and £79,999 and three had a salary of more than £80,000.
This compared with a total figure of 20 who had taken early retirement in 2012-13, of which 12 earned under £40,000, seven earned between £40,000 and £79,999 and one has a salary of over £80,000.
In 2011-12, 21 took early retirement, of which 10 earned below £40,000 and 11 earned between £40,000 and £79,999. None had a salary of more than £80,000.
Mr Teare explained that prior to January 2014, across most public sector employments groups, those who were either made redundant received benefits based upon the early payment of their public sector pension, which was often at an enhanced rate. These arrangements had been in place since the 1980s.
However, in January 2014, recognising these arrangements were outdated, the Public Sector Pensions Authority put in place new arrangements.
Under the Public Sector Compensation Scheme 2014 a standard level of benefits was provided for all employees based upon a lump sum payment calculated on a length of service and gross pay formula with no automatic and costly pension enhancement.
Mr Teare said the figures given showed the number of government employees offered early retirement under the compensation arrangements in force at the time. All had therefore been awarded both an early retirement payment and a pension lump sum.
Since January 3 this year those employees who have received compensation for loss of employment have departed under the terms of a Mutually Agreed Retirement Schemes (MARS), Voluntary Resignation Schemes (VRS) and Compulsory or Voluntary Redundancy which do not incorporate early payment of an enhanced pension.
The peace light of Bethlehem burned in more than 50 locations around the Isle of Man this week after a distribution ceremony on Saturday, December 20.
After being lit from the eternal flame in Bethlehem, the light has made its way across Europe.
It was shared with five members of the Isle of Man Scouting and Guiding movements at a distribution ceremony at St Anne’s Church, St Helen’s, Merseyside, last week.
It was carried to the island aboard the Ben-My-Chree in a modified windproof oil lantern, before being distributed at the service in St Matthew’s Church, Douglas, on Saturday afternoon.
Scouts and Guides from around the island have taken the light into their communities using long lasting candles.
They have been placed in more than 50 locations around the Isle of Man over Christmas, including churches, residential homes and Noble’s Hospital.
A 27-year-old man has been killed after a car crash in the early hours of this morning.
The crash, which involved a single blue Ford Focus, happened at around 6.50am near to Alpine Corner.
The main Kirk Michael to Ballaugh road was closed for six hours whilst investigators worked at the scene.
Police are appealing for witnesses. The car was travelling towards Ramsey.
Anyone with information should contact Police Headquarters on 631212.
A review of sheltered housing should remain a resource for the ‘general population’ and not become a form of social housing, Port Erin commissioner Phil Crellin warned.
The Department of Health and Social Care is conducting the review of sheltered housing access and eligibility criteria.
Mr Crellin, who was on the (sheltered housing) Marashen Crescent housing committee, said: ‘It (sheltered housing) is one of the better things, the Isle of Man has got it right as far as social housing is concerned.’ He said the ‘overwhelming criteria’ were ‘need and quality of life’.
He added: ‘I do not think you should have to sell your house to move in. Eligibility has got to be based on need and done fairly. I think it is done fairly, we have a considerable turnover of people. The wardens need to be a friendly neighbour and that is a very important part of the provision.
‘I understand finances need to be looked at … I do not want to see the review take sheltered housing away from the general population and shoved towards social housing in the Isle of Man. There are genuine people who suffer from lack of income, not lack of assets, we have to be careful if we go down this line.’
With exceptionally high tides forecast for January, February and September, the Department of Infrastructure is looking at ways in which a more collaborative approach could be taken in the event of flooding.
Civil maintenance manager Alan Hardinge has written to Ramsey Commissioners asking them to consider setting up a group who could help disseminate information, fill and distribute sandbags and support businesses and residents.
The commissioners agreed to the proposal, bearing in mind that their workforce already provided assistance during difficult times.
A limited edition set of stamps that commemorate the centenary of the 1914 Christmas Day truce will go on sale in January.
In a joint venture with the German Post Office, the Isle of Man Post Office has produced 500 limited edition commemorative covers which includes a set of three stamps depicting the moment in the First World War when soldiers on both sides declared their own unofficial truce.
It began on Christmas Eve in 1914 when the gunfire was replaced with the sound of British and German troops singing Christmas carols.
For a few hours the next day peace broke out along parts of the line as soldiers met in no man’s land to swap stories of home and family, and some even played friendly games of football.
Along with a specially minted coin, the stamps – two produced by the German Post Office and one by Isle of Man Post Office – feature iconic images of the truce.
The stamp and coin cover features a rare Christmas Day postmark and includes an Isle of Man Treasury Christmas Day Truce Crown which is legal tender.
The German Post Office versions of the commemorative covers will be postmarked in Berlin on Christmas Day.
Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins general manager, said: ‘The Christmas Day truce still has resonance 100 years on and continues to be a symbol of hope across the world. We’re delighted to have been able to collaborate with the German Post Office to produce a poignant and respectful reminder.’
The covers will be available from January 21, 2015. They will cost £35 each, with a percentage of sales going to the Royal British Legion.
A single stamp cover with the Isle of Man stamp and postmark, dated Christmas Eve and costing £7.50, will be issued on January 24.
Two Douglas retailers have received the ‘Best Dressed Business’ awards for their festive window displays after a public vote.
Over 30 entrants helped Christmas shoppers get into the festive spirit with elaborate displays, with Head Candy and Monsoon scooping the top prizes.
The annual contest, organised by Douglas Development Partnership, awards winners in two categories - chain stores and independent retailers.
A photo of each entry was posted on the partnership’s Facebook page and the public invited to cast their votes.
In the independent retailer category, sponsored by Manx Radio and Gallery magazine, hair salon Head Candy in Market Hill took the top prize to win a full-page advertising space in the magazine plus a year’s free on-air advertising.
Monsoon topped the poll in the chain store class to win a donation of £200 to the charity of their choice sponsored by Douglas Development Partnership.
Town centre manager Michelle O’Malley said: ‘The response to our online photo album of entries was very enthusiastic, with more than 3000 likes received, almost double the number of votes in 2013.
‘This year retailers got behind the competition with tremendous enthusiasm and inventiveness. Every entrant is to be congratulated on their efforts, with some businesses going all out to produce some bling-tastically dazzling displays packed full of spectacular seasonal sparkle.’
Traffic was disrupted in central Douglas after an incident involving a Tesco lorry this morning.
A reader has sent in the picture attached.
The problem has now been resolved and the roads are clear again.
The top 10 most-viewed reports on iomtoday.co.im for the week beginning December 21 were:
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{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/pe-teacher-named-as-pedestrian-who-died-in-road-accident-1-7015698|PE teacher named as pedestrian who died in road accident} 7,060
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/education/school-s-tribute-to-teacher-rob-was-one-of-those-individuals-you-could-not-fail-to-like-1-7017131|School’s tribute to teacher} 5,881
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/road-closed-and-car-on-roof-after-guthrie-s-incident-1-7016759|Road closed and car on roof after Guthrie’s incident} 5,094
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/police-name-the-man-who-died-in-crash-on-mountain-1-7017587|Police name the man who died in crash on mountain} 4,758
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/no-objection-if-tesco-applies-for-licence-1-7014023|No objection if Tesco applies for licence} 2,834
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/sport/football-news/manx-star-shines-at-celtic-1-7017292|Manx star shines at Celtic} 2,812
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/mystery-of-missing-accountant-1-7019408|Mystery of the missing accountant} 2,568
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/health/doctors-surgery-receives-more-than-800-phone-calls-in-one-day-1-7016590|Doctors’ surgery receives more than 800 phone calls in one day} 2,514
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/police-appeal-for-carol-singers-information-1-7018459|Police appeal for carol singers information} 2,342
Police have named the man who was killed in a road accident yesterday.
He was Jamie Joseph Cowhig. He was 27 years old and lived in Ramsey.
The accident happened near Alpine Corner, on the Kirk Michael to Ballaugh main road, at about 7am.
Police inquiries into the collision are continuing and officers appealed again for anyone who has information about the blue Ford Focus, which was the only vehicle involved in the collision, to contact them.
Coroner of inquests John Needham today opened and adjourned inquests into the deaths of two young men who died over the festive period.
Ben Collister, of Balthane Square, Ballasalla, died on December 19 in Noble’s Hospital’s accident and emergency department.
A post-mortem examination by Dr Christopher Clague found Mr Collister died as a result of massive blunt force trauma due to a road traffic accident.
The court heard Mr Collister was the driver of an overtaking vehicle.
Meanwhile, Dr Clague found that Rob Campbell, of Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, Santon, also died from massive blunt force trauma as a pedestrian involved a road traffic collision on December 20.
The post-mortem examination showed he was ‘acutely intoxicated’.
Both inquests were adjourned to a date to be fixed.
As the Isle of Man Examiner reported last week, tributes have been paid to both men.
St Ninian’s High School PE teacher Rob Campbell, 31, died when he was struck by a coach on Richmond Hill in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He was walking back to his home in Mount Murray, Santon, after a festive night out in Douglas when the tragedy occurred close to the junction with the Home of Rest for Old Horses, at about 1.10am.
At 7.50am the previous morning, 22-year-old apprentice joiner Ben Collister died when the van he was driving was involved in a head-on collision with another van on the Mountain Road near the Mountain Box.
Ben was on his way to work at Cedar Developments for the last day before the firm’s Christmas break. His workmates paid tribute to him at the staff Christmas party that same evening.
St Ninian’s High School has paid tribute to Mr Campbell.
Head teacher Andrew Fox said: ‘All at St Ninian’s High School are in shock at this time after hearing of the tragic loss.
‘Rob started work in the school in September 2007 and had taught across all age groups in that time. He was a very hard working and conscientious colleague, running clubs, teams and also looking to help develop the department and its teaching methods.
‘Rob was one of those individuals you could not fail to like. He will be very sadly missed by all at the school. All one can say at this time is that our thoughts and prayers go out to Amy, Rob’s partner, and Rob’s family and friends.’
A Facebook page was set up dedicated to the memory of a ‘brilliant son, boyfriend, friend and teacher’ who will ‘never be forgotten’.
One tribute was paid by a student at St Ninian’s who said: ‘Sir was the funniest man in school, always made me laugh and will always be remembered for all the great things he did in his life.’
Mr Campbell was a talented sportsman who played football for Ramsey FC and had joined the Table Tennis league this season as a member of the newly formed Victory Roll Saints team in Division 3.
Ramsey FC tweeted: ‘Sad day, not only have we lost a teammate but a very good friend. Everyone at the club sends their thoughts out to his family. RIP Robbie.’
Tim Baker, match secretary for the Isle of Man Table Tennis Association, wrote in an email to club secretaries and committee members: ‘From a personal perspective Rob was a pleasure to speak to and an excellent role model for youngsters in sport. He will be sadly missed.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleague and team-mates.’
The earlier collision occurred when Mr Collister was driving a white Citroen Berlingo van on the Mountain Road towards Ramsey. It was involved in a collision with a blue high top Ford Transit van travelling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the Ford Transit was injured and taken to Noble’s Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Mr Collister lived with his girlfriend in Ballasalla and played football for Malew FC. He was an apprentice joiner employed by Cedar Developments.
Company director Alex Burnett described him as a ‘fantastic and caring employee’.
He said: ‘After a brief time as a general labourer with ourselves he secured a place at college as an apprentice joiner. This he knew was his goal and we at Cedar were happy to help.
‘His enthusiasm to his work was fantastic, everything an employer wants in his employee. He was the life and soul of the site always trying to help everyone, never shying away from his duties.
‘The sad death of Ben has touched everyone from the client to the design team and most of all his fellow workers. He will be sadly missed by all at Cedar Developments. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and partner at this sad time.’
The winner of a £25,000 charity prize draw has been announced.
Paul Wilson’s winning ticket was drawn by Trevor Wilson, secretary at the Manx Lottery Trust, to receive an interior makeover from Cubbin & Bregazzi.
All proceeds from the tickets sold will be divided equally between Manx Cancer Help and Crossroads Care.
As well as raising vital funds, it’s hoped the joint draw has helped raise awareness of the strong links that have been built between the two charities, which ensures that services are not duplicated and that clients can access a vital support network.
David Pickavance, managing director at Cubbin & Bregazzi, said: ‘We are very pleased to name Paul as the winner of our £25,000 interior makeover, and it is wonderful to have been able to raise funds for two worthy local charities. It has been really exciting to work with both charities to offer this prize, and we are looking forward to working with Paul on this project!’
Hundreds of people took the chance to relax following the over-indulgence of Christmas Day with a seasonal trip on the Groudle Glen Railway.
Trains ran from North Pole Halt, known at other times of the year as Lime Kiln Halt throughout Boxing Day.
Families enjoyed mince pies as well non-alcoholic mulled wine for the adults.
Sea Lion is pictured leaving Lhen Coan station. Battery electric locomotive Polar Bear was also in action.
The Mince Pie Trains followed the success of the ever popular Santa Trains, held on the Groudle Glen Railway in the run up to Christmas, with children visiting Santa in his grotto.(MW141226-86)
The government is consulting over proposals for the future management of the island’s queen scallop fishery.
A decline in stock, together with large catches in recent years, has led to a need for new management measures to ensure the long term sustainability of the fishery, which has great value to the economy.
The queen scallop fishing season runs from early summer until the total allowable catch, set by Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture annually, is reached.
This year only a limited catch was permitted after DEFA’s scientific advisers warned stock levels were ‘worryingly’ low.
DEFA’s consultation asks whether there is support in principle for restricting entry to the fishery through the introduction of a ‘cap’ on fishing for queen scallops and if so, what form this should take. Options include only allowing existing licence-holders to fish, or restricting the fishery to those with a suitable track record over three seasons.
‘Respondents are being asked how this track record should best be measured.
‘DEFA is also seeking responses on the fairest methods of allocating fishing from 2016 and beyond.
‘Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘We need to find an acceptable compromise that will enable stock levels to recover, for the long term good of this vital industry, while safeguarding the livelihoods of those involved in it.
‘Through this consultation, we hope stakeholders will help us to decide how best to reach this compromise over the next few years.’
DEFA has written to key stakeholders to invite them to participate in the consultation. The document can be found at www.gov.im/consultations.gov and the closing date for responses is 9th February 2015.
Copies of the consultation can also be obtained from DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s IM4 3AS.
A provisional inquest date has been set into the deaths of two brothers from the island.
Former Castle Rushen High School pupils Torin and Jacques Lakeman were found dead in a room above The Grapes pub in Stoneclough, Bolton, Greater Manchester, on December 1.
Torin, 19, was a second year physics undergraduate at Aberystwyth University, who was planning to specialise in planetary and space physics.
The brother’s mother, Sarah Lakeman, is a long-standing modern foreign languages teacher at Castle Rushen High School.
Bolton Coroner’s Office confirmed that a coroner’s investigation had been opened into both deaths and a provisional inquest date had been allocated for April 28 - should the matter go to inquest.
Following the brothers’ deaths, Dyfed-Powys Police contacted Torin’s university asking them to issue a safety warning about a dangerous new batch of the drug MDMA in the wake of a ‘student suffering a fatal overdose in Manchester’.
The university have not confirmed the safety message is linked to Torin’s death specifically, however.
Talented musician Jacques left Castle Rushen High School in 2010 to study A levels at Ballakermeen High School in Douglas.
He had recently left the island to live in the UK.