Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 10/99) - After Jim Sturge finishes work at his electronics shop, he heads out to what has to be the quietest pub in town.

One of the Raven pub's new owners, Sturge has been spending his nights getting the club ready to re-open.

For now, it's a quiet spot, but not for long.

The Raven should be ready to re-open by mid-March, he said.

"It will be called the Raven to start up (but) we might change the name," he said.

Sturge, who owns Northstar Electronics, said running a pub is "a dream come true."

A former house musician in Newfoundland -- he's originally from Gambo -- he went into the electronics business when the club back east closed.

Sturge's pub experience includes helping manage a club in Campbell River, B.C. A resident of Yellowknife for three years, he's also lived in Whitehorse for about five years.

The new Raven will continue to bring in local bands and talent from south of 60, he said.

Sturge said he'll bring in a wide variety of music including rock, top 40, and country rock.

"Something for everybody."

On the nights without live bands, the Raven will feature a DJ.

Helping clear the way to the rebirth of the Raven was the end of a four-year legal battle between the company that built the building, Hovat Construction, and former owner Cory Wong. Hovat didn't get paid so its owners took Wong to court and won possession of the building.

The drum kit and other musical gear still sits on the stage, left behind by the prior owners.

Hovat had to pay off the mortgage as well as the outstanding city taxes.

Sturge said he also plans to support community events.

"To be truly successful, you have to give something back."