In this week’s Manx Independent, we report on teachers’ concerns as most pupils refuse to wear masks in classes.

We also learn how badly pubs have been hit as fewer customers have ventured to them as Omicron speads.

Inside:

Issues surrounding silting in the harbour at Heysham, which caused problems for the Steam Packet last month, appear to have been resolved.

The infrastructure minister responded to a question regarding silt in Peel harbour in Tynwald on Tuesday.

Drink-driver Giarrico Convertini who drove the wrong way along a one-way street has been fined £1,150 and banned from driving for 18 months.

We hear about a dramatic rescue of a dog from a quarry.

Joe Yapp, a junior doctor at Noble’s Hospital, is currently undertaking a 100km in 100 days swim challenge to raise money for diabetes, a disease from which he suffers

We hear about the career of former High Bailiff Michael Moyle, who died on New Year’s Eve at the hospice.

The Isle of Man Woodland Trust is already back in full swing planting trees across the island after a record-breaking year.

A public meeting has been held which heard opposition from Peel residents against plans for tourist accommodation huts at the site of the town’s skatepark.

Lighting will be installed next week on the former railway line between Gardeners Lane and Poyll Dooey Road in Ramsey.

We’re currently shining a light on the lesser known charities and community groups in the Isle of Man. Our next group is Men in Sheds, which is based in Port Erin.

Finance sector worker Paul Edward Mark Ewart ,who rowed with a taxi driver over a tip has been fined £800 for provoking behaviour.

Drink-driver Andrew Joseph Gray unsuccessfully tried to hide from police after he was involved in an accident while another drink-driver, Thammadon Hill, was punished after he was seen clipping a kerb.

Good news for the Rushen Heritage Trust.

Teenager Charlotte Moran found a duck on a Manx beach with "World Record Duck Race Ireland 2006" written on it. She investigated to find out more.

In Island Life, we look forward to live music gigs planned for the year.

The young stars of the Unity Dance School are aiming for to build on a successful end to 2021 and carry it on throughout this year.

A haunting and epic poem, written and inspired by the island’s rocky eastern coastline, has been published in a new book by the writer and poet Jacqueline Morrey Grace.

The Wildlife Trust tells us about woodlice and why they’re important.

How Covid-19 has disrupted the island’s local band scene.

More photos of the New Year’s Day dips.

In sport there is four pages of coverage of a fancy-dress fell race.

We also remember TT star Tony Jefferies.

There is also plenty of community news, a page of your letters, our puzzles pages, the gig guide and a seven-day television guide.

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