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[newsbites]

News from Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, 21 July

A man was spotted running in Carbonear with a rifle case, leading to a large police response and the establishment of a safety perimeter.

After an extensive search, an empty rifle case was found but no firearm.

The suspect was later located and taken into custody, but the investigation is ongoing to determine if a criminal offence has occurred.

2. The provincial government reports that 94% of eligible high school students have fulfilled graduation requirements.

High school transcripts are now accessible to students through the PowerSchool online portal.

Students seeking assistance with accessing transcripts can contact the High School Certification Office via phone or email.

3. The 50th anniversary of a devastating landslide in Harbour Breton will be commemorated, which claimed the lives of four children and brought significant changes to the town.

Heavy rain led to a destructive landslide, causing four houses to be swept into the harbor and resulting in the tragic deaths of the Hickey family's four children.

The aftermath of the disaster included the relocation of several homes and the implementation of a development ban in the landslide area, with a monument erected at the site to remember the victims.

4. The public is being warned about a fraudulent website claiming to offer driver's licenses in Newfoundland and Labrador in a short amount of time for a fee.

A valid driver's license can only be obtained from a Motor Registration office and these illegal products do not have the same high-level security features.

Residents are advised to never share personal or financial information on unknown or unsecure websites and should report any suspicious communication to local police.

5. Concerns persist over waterbomber staffing levels in the province, with only one crew currently available and one pilot scheduled for time off.

The province's fleet of five waterbombers has been reduced to just one operational aircraft since 2018.

NAPE President Jerry Earle warns that the province may struggle to respond effectively to potential fires without sufficient staffing for the remaining four planes.

6. Parks Canada has made the decision to close several rivers and brooks in Gros Morne National Park to fishing due to high water temperatures [per VOCM].

7. Officials in Labrador City are investigating the cause of dead fish washing up on the shoreline near the town's sewage plant.

The fish are covered in a heavy sludge and other items like used tampons have been found on the beach.

The town is working with provincial and federal governments to determine the cause of the fish deaths and prioritize saving the fish population.

8. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are mourning the passing of legendary WWII veteran Rod Deon.