AHN DEC 27 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 VOL. 75, NO. 52

SERVING FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

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2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

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he earth shook in more ways than one in Fort St. John and the North Peace in 2018. A quiet start to the year grew ever more turbulent as Treaty 8 First Nations ratcheted up their pressure on the province over Site C through the courts, while the province turned to the courts to ratchet up its pressure on Alberta over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Indeed, energy and resource development remains a going and growing concern across Western Canada, and throughout the year, our region saw its fair share of celebrations and forward momentum, from the sanctioning of LNG Canada to the start of major infrastructure projects that will change the face of Fort St. John for decades to come. How closely did you pay attention to the headlines? Here’s a look back at some of the bigMATT PREPROST PHOTO ger stories of the year and some PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Anja Trummer, a Grade 11 exchange student studying at North Peace Secondary, swerves around of our favourite photos too. It’s Caroline Mereski on her way to the net as youngsters Austin Mereski and Callan Foster look on during a game of shinny at certainly an exhaustive list, but the Finch Community Skating Rink on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2018. by no means covers it all. Do you have any outstanding thoughts on the news of 2018? As always, our inbox is open at editor@ahnfsj.ca.

JANUARY • The Peace Region’s New Year’s baby was once again born in Dawson Creek. Camilla Nora Taylor was born Jan. 1, 2018, at 7:25 a .m. to mom Tricia and dad Ryan of Bay Tree, Alta. Fort St. John’s first baby of the year, Hannah Dawn Hofer, was born Jan. 2 at 7:20 a.m. to Marie and Kevin Hofer of the South Peace Colony. • A Dawson Creek teenager was killed Jan. 5 after a single vehicle accident on the Taylor Bridge. No age or name of the victim was released, however, police did note the victim was under 18. • The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club unveiled plans Jan. 4 for a new day lodge at the cross-country ski trails at Beatton Park. The lodge is being built ahead of the 2020 Winter Games. • The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations file claims BC Supreme Court Jan. 15 alleging Site C is being built in violation of their rights under Treaty 8. The two nations warned Premier John Horgan in 2017 that his approval of Site C would lead to a civil suit, and claimed any damages could be as high as $1 billion. • Mary Hopkins and Doug Wilson took the top prizes in the annual Rotary Mega Lottery on Jan. 13. Hopkins won $25,860 in the 50/50 draw and wWilson won $20,000 in the first prize draw. Whoever said helping out the community never paid off?

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Jesse Mcarthur does a backflip during the Snowboard Rail Jam during High On Ice Winter Festival activities on Feb. 11, 2018.

• Steven Page, a 51-year-old man from Toronto, is arrested Jan. 16 after forcing the evacuation of the North Peace Regional Airport. Officers were called to the airport after Page was refused boarding onto a WestJet flight for being intoxicated. He was charged with mischief, uttering threats, and assault. The airport was closed for about an hour. • Industry spends $12.9 million for petroleum and natural gas rights at B.C.’s first land sale of the year on Jan. 17. Eighteen drilling licences and six leases were sold. • Pembina Pipeline Corp. rings in the New Year with a major $50,000 donation to the United Way of Northern BC on Jan. 19.

dill Hotel goes sideway, as city councillors learn about a 180% hike in costs at a Jan. 22 meeting. NAPP Enterprises says its crews encountered up to three times more asbestos than the company expected to clean up when it bid on the work. It prompted council to halt demolition and order a legal review of the city’s procurement practices and a pair of hazardous materials assessments completed as part of the tendering process. • A a pair of wannabe thieves try to steal a credit union cash machine in Hudson’s Hope Jan. 26, leaving behind a trail of debris and surveillance images. The suspects used a snowmobile and a vehicle to try and pull the ATM from the lobby of the North Peace Savings and Credit Union.

• Demolition of the Con-

PAVING % 100 Canadian Owned

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

• Sean Surerus takes the reins of Surerus Pipeline Jan. 22, taking over from his father, Brian. • The City of Fort St. John mourns the death of longtime building inspector Rick Fudge, who died Jan. 27. Fudge was just 47, and became a building inspector for the city in 2005. • Totem Mall was once again the target of vandals on Jan. 29, as a vehicle smashed through three different sections of the building, causing extensive damages. • Northeast B.C. records a remarkable 3.8% unemployment rate for January, the lowest in B.C., and a dramatic rebound from January 2017 when unemployment was recorded at 10.5%.

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A2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 year in review

this week’s flyers Jysk No Frills Safeway Walmart The Brick Canadian Tire London Drugs Save-On Foods Shoppers Drug Mart Northern Lights College

GAS WATCH

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Richard Compart lines up a shot during a game of 101 at the senior’s hall on Jan. 29, 2018. Are you 50+ and looking for a place to socialize and make new friends? If so, drop by the hall on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Activities include floor curling, table tennis, cards, cribbage, shuffleboard, pool/ billiards, and carpet bowling. For more information, call the hall at 250-785-7897.

KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

119.9

Fort St. John

127.9

B.C. Average

131.3

Alberta Average

97.4

Saskatchewan Avg.

100.9

Manitoba Average

95.8

Ontario Average Quebec Average

102.1 111.3

New Brunswick Avg

105.9

Nova Scotia Avg

101.7 104.6

PEI Average Newfoundland Avg.

113.7

CAD$ per litre, prices as of December 18. Source: GasBuddy.com

The answer is blowin’ in the Peace Country wind TAKE THIS JOB & SHOVE IT: A young guy in Grande Prairie made news by quitting his job at Walmart in a very public way. He grabbed the store’s P.A. microphone and said nasty things about the manager before walking out. An online video of him quitting has been viewed around the world. That guy is going to regret leaving Walmart when his hot girlfriend tells him the blue vest made him look oh-so-manly. REINDEER REPORT: Recently there’s been some discussion about offensive Christmas songs, after the CBC banned and then reinstated “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. Now people are saying the song “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” is offensive because a reindeer could be traumatized by running over a grandma. MARS MEMO: NASA released the sound of the Martian wind, recorded by a microphone inside their new probe. Obviously the Mars probe does not have weather stripping. As a Peace Country resident, I am a wind expert. So I clicked on the NASA website and studied their wind charts and diagrams. I discovered the Martian wind is very different from the wind here in the Peace. The Martian wind blows from left to right, the wind in the Peace blows from right to left. 911: In Simcoe, Ontario: Police rushed to a house and discovered a 9-year old girl had dialed 9-1-1 after her parents told her to tidy her room. Remember kids, 9-1-1 is

saying if you want to expand your child’s mind and open up new possibilities for them, give them a musical instrument. I’ll always remember the Christmas my dad gave me an air guitar.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

only for real emergencies. Like when you lose the charger cord for your iPhone. Or when you forget your Facebook password. FAT FACT: A study shows most people put on two or three pounds during the Holiday Season. I’ve always had a weight problem. In my school Nativity pageant I played all three Wise Men. And the manger. CHRISTMAS CHAOS: In a survey, 60 percent said Christmas is stressful. Here’s my question: Do we really need Christmas every year? How about we have Christmas every other year? Little kids have no concept of time - we might just get away with it. MEANWHILE IN GERMANY: A storage tank at a chocolate factory in Germany overflowed, more than one ton of liquid chocolate spilled onto the street. If the nearby factory where they make fudge had the same problem at the exact same time I would have a delicious story to report. But it didn’t. So I don’t. MUSIC MEMO: An expert was on TV

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NUN FUN: In California, two nuns were accused of stealing half a million dollars from a Catholic school and blowing it on casino gambling. They start with Bingo and it’s a slippery slope from there. COSTCO: In a survey, Costco was ranked as one of the best large companies to work for. For several years my Grandma handed out food samples at Costco. She didn’t work there. She just liked to go to the store and hand out food samples.

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PYRAMID PROPHET: A French psychic and self-styled prophet says he will communicate with space aliens while sitting on top of Egypt’s Great Pyramid. He’s obviously an idiot. Only an idiot would sit on something with a pointy top.

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

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SPIDEY STUFF: In Peace Country theaters this week: The latest Spider-Man movie. (Let’s start a rumor guys get halfprice admission if they show up wearing Spider-Man Underoos outside their pants) Spider-Man’s costume is nifty. Like most superheroes he can change into his costume quickly because he’s wearing it under his regular street clothes. But think about this: How many crooks have escaped justice while Batman struggles for 30 minutes to get into his Batsuit?

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A3

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

FEBRUARY • Efforts to establish a nursing program in Northeast B.C. begin in earnest Feb. 1, as the University of Northern BC, Northern Lights College, Northern Health, and the City of Fort St. John meet to begin ironing out the details of a proposal to submit to the province. • Fort St. John is announced as one of 18 communities to see new action teams to combat the escalating overdose crisis in B.C. on Feb. 1. Each would be able to receive up to $100,000 in funding for “boots on the ground” harm reduction and intervention, said Judy Darcy, the minister of mental health and addictions.

• North Peace Secondary student Jessica Telizyn is named a Loran Scholar, a prestigious honour that comes with a four-year $100,000 scholarship. Telizyn was one of 34 Canadian students to be named a scholar for 2018, out of more than 5,000 applications. Telizyn is also North Peace Secondary’s ﬁrst-ever Loran Scholar. • Bev Berg and Megan Knott release four new children’s books as part of a mental health initiative mixing stories, pictures, meditation, and hypnotherapy. • Joan Patterson is recognized by the North Peace Historical Society for more than 30 years of volunteer service to the group and local museum.

• The YMCA of Northern BC • Fort St. John city council is announced as the operator approve Feb. 13 a design for a of the new daycare at Ma Mur- new stage in Centennial park ray Community School. that mixes wood and steel recognize the regions forestry and • School District 60 trustees pipeline building industries. designate Ecole Central as a single-track French immer• At the same meeting, sion school as they set new council votes against sole student catchment boundar- sourcing a contract to design ies for Ma Murray School, and a new RCMP detachment and thin out populations at CM puts it to competitive bid. Finch, Charlie Lake, and Bert Ambrose schools. • Kathy Sheck is announced the first principal of Ma Mur• Taylor councillors approve ray School on Feb. 13. Scheck new zoning rules that ban the takes on the post after serving sale and cultivation of mari- as principle of Robert Ogilvie juana in the district. and Baldonnel Elementary schools. • The Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coali• A crowd funding campaign tion releases its veteran ex- is launched for Ivan and Shauecutive director Colin Griffith. na Polley after a devastating Griffith, a former city manager fire destroys their Grandhaven for Fort Nelson and Fort St. home on Valentine’s Day. John, had been at the helm of the coalition since it formed in • Joyriding vandals target September 2014. “We decided Backcountry Feb. 20, driving a that a change in direction is stolen truck through the store’s necessary,” Taylor Mayor Rob walls. Police say no guns were Fraser says. stolen in the senseless attack.

NEIL EVANS PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Neil Evans snapped a photo of these ol’ fashioned customers picking up their order at the local McDonald’s on March 4, 2018. Certainly not something you see every day!

• RCMP arrest a Fort St. John teenager on 10 counts of child sexual exploitation in connected with a sextortion case they say targeted victims and conned them into sharing intimate photos to a person they thought was a friend. • The Passenger Transportation Board approves Greyhound route cuts in Northern B.C. between Prince George and Dawson Creek, and Dawson Creek and the B.C.-Yukon border. Feb. 21. The board gives the region until the end of May before the service cuts come into effect. • Northern Legendary Construction is named B.C’s best small business for apprentice training on Feb. 23. The company is recognized as part of the 15th annual Small Business BC awards.

• BC Conservatives meet in Fort St. John Feb. 24 to reestablish a riding association and lay the groundwork for the next provincial election. “A lot of people plugged their noses and voted Liberal,” says riding president Jordan Deweyer. “People were saying a vote for the Conservatives would be a vote ofr the NDP. People were afraid.” • Convicted fentanyl dealer Dana Andrew Nazarek is arrested Feb. 24, six months after he was convicted for peddling the deadly drug on city streets. Nazarek was out on bail waiting for sentencing on a 2017 conviction at the time of his arrest. During a raid of an 87 Avenue home, the RCMP’s Drug Section and Crime Reduction Unit seized 800 suspected fentanyl tablets and two ounces of suspected fentanyl. Police

also seized quantities of suspected crack cocaine and crystal meth, ﬁve loaded ﬁrearms, and $38,000 in cash. The case is expected to go to trial in the new year. • Fort St. John city councillors vote Feb. 26 to continue demolition of the Condill Hotel with its contractor NAPP Enterprises, but stopped short of approving a budget increase for the work pending further negotiations with the company. The city’s “best estimate” of the total value of the purchase and demolition of the Condill at the time was $2.2 million, up from $1.5 million. “It didn’t matter who would have purchased this building, they would have faced this,” Mayor Lori Ackerman says of the increase in demolition costs.

May every day of the new year be filled with good cheer and happiness for you and your family.

Happy New Year!

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A4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 year in review

march

april

• A group of North Peace Secondary students head off to Mexico in early March to build a new home for a family in need. Liam Mavin, Ben Jackson, Taylor Rowe, and Josh Stones head to Vicente Guerrero, four hours south of the U.S. border on the Baja Peninsula, to build the two-bedroom home with their teacher Richard Koop. The building materials are sponsored by several Fort St. John businesses. The new home is an upgrade for the Mexican family, which had been living in a shack made of pallets and plastic held together by straps, with no running water or plumbing.

• Kinder Morgan Canada Ltd. announces April 8 that it is suspending all non-essential activities and related spending on the Trans Mountain expansion project, giving Ottawa, Alberta, and B.C. a little under two months to resolve their dispute over the project and give the company clarity that it won’t be wasting its money. Mired in the impasse are two Fort St. John pipeline contractors selected to build nearly one-third of the expansion through southern B.C. — Surerus Pipeline and Macro Industries.

matt preprost Photo

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Suzanne Sutherland gives her grandson Landon Tolsma a kiss after shaving his head in front of his peers at Charlie Lake Elementary on March 16, 2018. Tolsma has raised $13,000 and counting for cancer supports in the region.

• Northern Legendary breaks ground on a new fiveunit retail plaza in Charlie Lake. The $2-million development secured financing support from the Business Development Bank of Canada, and addresses a major commercial need in Charlie Lake.

• The Flower Hut and Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary cut the ribbon on a new bouquet stand at the hospital March 3 to raise funds for patient services and equipment, and bring cheer to patients. • A 29-year-old man from Grande Prairie is killed March 4 when his pickup truck crashes head-on with a semi-truck on the South Taylor Hill. • The Northeast Climate Risk Network holds its inaugural meeting in Fort St. John March 6. The city joined the network alongside Pouce Coupe, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, and the Northern Rockies to study climate change in the region and develop plans to adapt to the economic, social, and ecological changes anticipated to come with it. • The Fort St. John Arts Council launches its seniors digital storytelling program. The council launches the program with a $25,000 federal grant to help preserve the memoirs and memories of the past before they’re forgotten. • The Community Development Institute releases its first major piece of research on Fort St. John March 12. That report finds that city residents are still young, but getting a little grey around the edges, are more educated and less likely to be married, and are dealing with an aging housing stock and wage gap between the genders as more women

• Volunteers hit the streets April 17 and 18 as part of Fort St. John’s first-ever homeless count. It’s done to provide a point-in-time snapshot of the number of people facing homelessness, their demographics, and service needs. • More than 100 vehicles motorcade down the Alaska Highway on April 21 to show support for the building of an LNG export industry and the Trans Mountain pipeline.

matt preprost Photo

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Abigail Francoeur, playing Aladdin, captures the magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders in a scene from Ecole Central Elementary’s musical production of Disney’s Aladdin KIDS at the North Peace Cultural Centre on March 8, 2018.

enter the workforce. • Public outcry spills out on social media after it took RCMP more than two hours to respond to a call about a drunk vandal at the Peace Lutheran apartments on March 5. The man caused $1,000 in damages, and peed in the apartment foyer before leaving the scene. • BC Hydro signs a $1.6-billion contract with the AFDE Partnership for the generating station and spillways for the Site C dam. • Premier John Horgan an-

nounces March 22 a suite of tax breaks to help secure a final investment decision on LNG Canada. The plan scraps a special LNG income tax, exempts plant construction from provincial sales taxes, and offers a break on carbon taxes if benchmarks for reducing the project’s emissions are met. • Peace River North MLA Dan Davies is critically injured during a workplace accident at Inland Concrete on March 27. Davies was medevaced to Vancouver for emergency surgery after a jib hits him in the back

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2019 Peace River Regional District Regular Board meetings are scheduled as follows, starting at 10 a.m., unless otherwise noted throughout the year.

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• The Alaska Highway News wins bronze for newspaper excellence and silver for editorial writing at the annual Ma Murray newspaper awards held in Richmond on April 28.

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• The home of John Banky on Hannaford Road just off Highway 29 near Bear Flat mysteriously goes up in flames in the early hours of March 30. His truck is found on fire near Charlie Lake, and his dog is found wandering in Fort St. John. Police start their investigation as a missing persons case.

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causing spinal injuries in his lower back and damage to his organs. Remarkably, Davies isn’t paralyzed or killed, and is cleared by doctors to return home a week later.

• First Nations hold a longawaited spiritual ceremony on the old hospital grounds in Fort St. John April 19. Led by drummers and a medicine man, the ceremony blessed the spirits of their ancestors who still lingered about the grounds, and released them on their journeys to heaven. First Nations weren’t able to hold such a ceremony before the hospital was torn down in 2014, and Northern Health had been working with Indigenous communities to have one in the years since.

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DATE: January 10 & 31 February 14 February 27 - Wednesday - Special Budget Meeting February 28 March 14 March 28 April 11 & 25 May 16 & 30 June 13 June 27 July 11 & 25 August 8 August 22 September 5 & 19 October 10 & 24 November 14 & 28 December 14 - Friday

LOCATION: Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Dawson Creek Fort St. John

To view the meeting agendas please visit our website at www.prrd.bc.ca Members of the public are welcome to attend Peace River Regional District Official Page | Facebook

www.prrd.bc.ca diverse. vast. abundant.

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• BC Transit unveils two new, 35-foot long buses that were added to its fleet in Fort St. John on March 2. The buses have improved CCTV surveillance for security, and more space for those with mobility challenges.

• Natalie Brekkaas takes the helm of Peace Gallery North on April 10, replacing Catherine Ruddell, who moved on to southeast B.C. with her partner for work. Brekkaas, a ceramic artist, had been working part-time as the gallery’s assistant since summer 2017.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A5

2018 year in review

may • A brush fire flares up in the Site C construction zone on May 2, driven by high winds that day. The fire was on the south side of the Peace River, just upstream of the dam site, where sections of forest have been cleared for the dam’s reservoir. The fire is quickly contained. • Out of your seats and onto the streets — that was the message heard by a group of business and political leaders at a natural resource rally on May 4. “We’re operating in an uncertain time for our projects,” says Sean Surerus of Surerus Pipeline, which began to focus its attention on engaging in the public debate about resource development. • Charlie Lake Fire Chief Dan Ross leaves his post May 4 to take on the role of county fire chief in Kneehill County, Alberta. • The sold out 10th annual Firefighters Charity Ball raises $65,000 on May 5, in support of the Fort St. John Firefighters Charitable Society, as well as the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund. • Taylor councillor Dave Lueneberg is rushed to hospital in Vancouver May 11 for emergency surgery after complications with a lung infection.

• The walls of the Condill Hotel are knocked down the week of May 14, erasing the 75-year-old historic landmark from the city landscape. • RCMP preach seatbelt safety after a driver is ejected from their car during an rollover in front of the Pomeroy Sport Centre on May 15. The driver is lucky and survives. • The City of Fort St. John hosts an international delegation of women leaders from Peru and Colombia, as part of a program aimed at helping South American municipalities improve their governance and build economic development opportunities. • Wally Ferris, Fort St. John’s general manager of community services, leaves the city May 18 for a new job as chief administrative officer for the town of Sylvan Lake. • The Peace River Regional District board releases its chief administrative officer, Chris Cvik, without cause on May 18. Cvik had been in the job since May 2014. • Demolition crews start knocking down the old Fort Motors building on 100 Street on May 17 to help clear the way for redevelopment. The business opened there on Jan. 2, 1961, but was vacant since the business moved to its current location off the Alaska Highway in 2006.

matt preprost Photo

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Police and forensic investigators comb through the scene of a house fire on Hannaford Road April 2, 2018. The remains of homeowner John Banky were found in the wreck, and RCMP are investigating his death as a homicide.

• Leon Wokeley pleads not guilty to killing Pamela Napoleon during a court hearing on May 23. He waives his right to a preliminary hearing in order to head straight to B.C. Supreme Court, where he elects to be tried by a judge alone. • RCMP announce May 25 that they are investigating the death of Charlie Lake resident John Banky as a homicide after his remains were confirmed to be found in his burned down

home on Hannaford Road. • Two wildfires burning near Tommy Lakes Road and the Beatton River combine into one growing inferno more than 20,000 hectares in size May 26, prompting a brief evacuation order in the remote area. • A fire breaks out on the third floor of the Ridgeview Village Apartment Homes on 86 Street May 26, forcing

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• Ottawa announces May 29 that it will buy out Kinder Morgan Canada and take over its $7.4-billion Trans Mountain expansion project. The government says it will carry out the construction and try to sell the project to new investors. • Petronas confirms May 31 it will take a 25% equity stake in Shell’s LNG Canada project.

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A6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Opinion

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Looking in my rear-view mirror

s 2018 fades, I can say it has been a very good year — aren’t they all if we are still alive and kicking to ring in the new one? Also, it was a year I returned to writing, but instead of writing about being a mayor, I switched to writing about my world according to me. Thanks to all who have given me your many words of encouragement. An even bigger thanks to those who have taken the time to respond to the Alaska Highway News with your letters and Facebook posts. It is these types of interactions that tell the editor that you are reading what I write. Without your comments, it’s hard to determine just what you want to see in our community paper. Keep them coming. Now, a year’s end summary, and what I can add to what has ocurred between the time these were written and today. • June 21, “Cutting through the sensational media noise” — This was my first opinion piece and an introduction to myself. In that article, I wrote that I intended to think and write about current affairs and provide my point of view — hence the view from a flat world, where life and views tend to be much simpler than many make them out to be. Throughout my life, I have learned the shortest way to the end, or quickest way to a solution, is to be open and honest, ask the obvious question (whatever that may be), and start at the root of whatever that story or situation may be. I’m also a person who has never shied away (but sometimes a bit afraid) to express one’s opinion,

Evan Saugstad MY VIEW

and then look forward to a healthy debate with those who disagree, and don’t (most of the time) let fear stop me from trying something new. My simple and flat world view still stands, although I sometimes struggle to stay positive and not just become another whining voice, and one that we could soon tire of. I also noted that I would write about both old and new stories, such as climate change, government decisions, land claims, court decisions, First Nations, the Me-Too movement, grizzly bear hunting, fentanyl, homelessness, and so on. I covered some of these topics, added others as they became newsworthy, and tried to relate them all to what is important to us here in Northeast BC. That will continue. In the new year, occasionally I will stray into more general topics that are more wide ranging, such as the Me Too movement (the Baby, It’s Cold Outside song debate sure helps with my opinion on why so many movements such as this fail, after such promising starts). Fentanyl and homelessness are still to be addressed. I’m also writing a multi-part series on my life’s work and perspective — heavy on the “my perspective” — of First Nations relations and where I think this

is headed, for all of us. Now, back to what I wrote. • July 5, “Premier should answer electoral reform questions, not Google” — There’s not much to add that has already been said. Pretty much a boondoggle from start to finish as many did not understand the process, and as I write this, we’re still waiting for the results. Only 36.1% of the North Peace and 34% of the South Peace even bothered to vote, compared to more than 50% in two of the three Green ridings. About 41% overall for B.C. It’s hard to comprehend why so many people didn’t care to participate and cast their vote on such an important matter. For the sake of our rural industries and lifestyles, I sure hope the Green’s don’t get full control of our province via this mess. • July 19, “Province needs to take a more proactive approach to wildfires” — Although our local fire season seemed average, it was another bad one for other parts of B.C. Not much heard from government as to what they will change, as it seems easier to just blame it on climate change and tell us to get used to it. From those I have talked too, government isn’t engaging with local communities on what should be protected and why. From the perspective of those who live near Tweedsmuir Park in western B.C., they are extremely upset that our government just let most of the park burn while everyone choked on its smoke. There’s not a lot left for caribou and other critters for many, many years. As like so many of our provincial

government decisions, it still seems that most of the smart people live in Victoria and their views count more than those not-so-smart locals when it comes to managing our rural resources. • July 26, “Life is always sunnier when someone else footing the bill” — This article received a couple of great letters, but they completely missed the point. Without subsidies and cost offsets, solar power can’t financially compete with current BC Hydro rates, and there is no reduction in carbon. I do agree that solar can make complete sense when competing with diesel and gasoline generated power in our remote areas. Try reading the National Energy Board’s December 2018 report, The Economics of Solar Power in Canada. It bears out what I was trying to say: solar power costs more than purchasing from BC Hydro. • Aug 9, “Should public safety trump personal rights in random roadside checks?” — Starting this month, police can stop you for any reason they so choose, and command you to blow in a breathalyser. I still haven’t heard whether they can charge you with any other offence they find during these stops. I bet some lawyers can hardly wait for the income to roll in as they challenge the constitutionality of this new law. Part two of this review will come next week. From my simple perspective, this is the Christmas season, so have a great one and a happy New Year. Evan Saugstad lives in Fort St. John.

Political intrigue on the horizon as we head into 2019

s we head into the New Year, British Columbia faces a rather uncertain political future. We could indeed be on the verge of an early election in 2019 and here’s why. Here are the current party standings at the Legislature: 42 seats for the BC Liberals; 40 for the NDP; 3 Greens; 1 independent (Speaker Darryl Plecas) — and one vacant seat following the resignation of Nanaimo NDP MLA Leonard Krog, who left to become the city’s mayor. At present, the combined votes and the NDP and the Green Party outnumber the Opposition

Dan Davies MLA REPORT

BC Liberals by only one vote. The Nanaimo by-election, expected to be held in late January of early February, will be crucial. Nanaimo is a traditional NDP stronghold since 1963, with the only exceptions being Social Credit MLA Frank Ney from 1969 to 1972 and BC Liberal Mike Hunter from 2001 to 2005. Generally speaking though, sitting governments in B.C.

tend to lose byelections (10 out of the last 12 dating back to 1981) and this is entirely possible considering there are some pretty high profile names running in Nanaimo. Running for the BC Liberals is popular candidate Tony Harris, who comes from a well-known business family. Perhaps an even more well-known candidate is retired teacher Patricia Ney, daughter of legendary mayor Frank Ney, who was also Nanaimo’s MLA. This spells trouble for the NDP who tend to split their vote with the Green Party. If Harris is the successful candidate, all votes

at the Legislature would be tied, with the deciding vote being cast by Speaker Darryl Plecas. And this is where the government begins to teeter because Plecas has embroiled himself in considerable hot water, threatening to resign if British Columbians don’t “vomit” once the details of his controversial removal of the top two senior managers (under mysterious circumstances) is eventually revealed in January. Hold onto to your seatbelts everyone, this is going to be a rough ride. Dan Davies is MLA for Peace River North.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A7

OP-ED

Counting down the Top 10 highlights of 2018 in Fort St. John 10) Community Development Institute community surveys This very important research allows the community to benchmark its current state of analysis. This is an invaluable tool by all levels of government, not for profits, health care, seniors, and so much more. With these surveys about gaps and current needs assessments allow focus to start in areas of need most. Thank you to the City of Fort St. John for partnering with CDI. I hope you consider keeping it here longer, perhaps sharing costs with surrounding communities. 9) Civic elections Our community acknowledged the value and worth of our current mayor, who maintained her position by acclamation. We welcomed two new councillors in Becky Grimsrud and Tony Zabinsky, who bring fresh eyes to the community. We said goodbye to two very well respected councillors, Larry Evans and Bruce Christensen. 8) Civic Volunteer of the Year gala All I can say is this was an amazing event and our community is very fortunate. Thank you to the city again for their support in this recognition of our volunteers. 7) Northern Health award winner

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

Northern Health’s IMAGINE Community Grants were recognized by the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council Annual awards as the winner in the Staying Healthy category. IMAGINE has awarded more $2.5 million to community organizations. One is the Doig River First Nations, which bought walking shoes and pedometers to get their elders moving and walking. More than half the elders in their community participated in the walking program. 6) MS Community Walk EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Sherry Mytopher brings awareness to multiple sclerosis with a community walk to support MS sufferers and services. The second annual MS walk nearly doubled the inaugural event fundraising bringing in over $34,0000 with up to 150 walkers. 5) The Crystal Cup The pond hockey event at Charlie Lake has become a legacy event with funds directed to the Sid Davis Hockey Scholarship Fund. This event is a true reflection of the people of our community. 4) Santa Claus and Canada Day parades

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Suzon Anne of the Mystik Borealis bellydance troupe led two sword routines, an impressive display of coordination and balance, during a performance at the International Talent Show for Charity at Evangel Chapel on April 7, 2018.

These community events are sure to never disappoint. The live stage on Canada Day hosted local talent including Atlas, as the day opener. I am the proud mom of one of the band members. 3) Healthy FSJ and the Opioid Dialogues Eighty-five community members came together for a night of open dialogue. A deeper understanding of the issues associated with addictions is being welcomed into the community. This was the

culminating event of numerous events over the summer including a declaration of International Overdose Awareness Week in the city. 2) High on Ice Winter Festival High on Ice is Fort St. John’s annual winter festival that takes place on the Family Day long weekend. One thing is for certain: we live in a winter community. This is an excellent family event where we can embrace winter. 1) Doig River First Nation World Cafe event

We are all Treaty People – a very big congratulations to the people of Doig River First Nations for offering education around Treaty Land Entitlement and showcasing with so much pride and care the work and knowledge of their people. I was honoured and proud to have attended this historical day. Local First Nations are working very hard at making Us + Them = We. Well done. Be very very proud! Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John.

8407-112 AVENUE, FORT ST. JOHN, BC V1J 0J5 • WWW.FSJHOSPITALFOUNDATION.CA

Making a Difference

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Welcome back to the Fort St John Hospital Foundation. Light a Moose Raised a Record Breaking $94,331.50! The Rhyason Contraction 15th Annual Light a Moose Radiothon took place on Nov 28 – 30 in the parking lot of Murray GM Fort St. John. The 2018 goal was to raise $63,000 to purchase a Portable Ultrasound Machine with F.A.S.T. Technology to better guide the management of patients in the Emergency Department and help reduce patient waittimes. Pembina Pipeline Corporation made a commitment to match every dollar raised (up to a total of $25,000). Individuals and local companies donated $25,000 by the end of day 2 and Light a Moose received the maximum corporate match from Pembina Pipeline Corp. in the early morning of day 3; bringing the total to $50,000. Murray GM donated $20 for every oil change purchased on location at

Light a Moose and raised $1,720. The final total raised was $94,331.50, vastly exceed the initial goal by over $30,000. Not only did the community raise enough money for the Emergency Department’s Portable Ultrasound Machine, the Hospital Foundation has the opportunity to look at purchasing other needed technologies for the community. The FSJ Hospital Foundation would like thank all the individuals, local businesses and local corporations that helped raise this amazing sum; as well as the Moose FM Crew for their hard work and dedication. Pictured is Jeff Spenst of Pembina Pipeline Corporation lighting a bulb after donating the $25,000.00 match.

FSJ HUSKIES Men’s and Women’s Health Games On October 24th the FSJ Huskies had an Women’s Cancer Awareness game. Where they raised $1480 for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Fund. The team raised money through games, raffles, 50/50 tickets and donated a portion of the gate! A month later, on Nov. 24, the FSJ Huskies had a Men’s Health Awareness Game. The Huskies donated a portion of the gate to the foundation and raised funds through fan games and sold chocolate moustaches. They had a match the moustache to the Huskie game, a putting green game, a silent auction and sold 50/50 tickets. Mighty Peace Brewing Co. and Beard’s Brewing Company also helped raise funds to go to the Cancer and Diagnostic Fund at the FSJ Hospital Foundation. Mighty Peace Brewing donated $5 from every pulled pork sandwich and $2 for every growler sold on game day. Beard’s Brewing Company donated $2 for every Growler sold. The event raised $1671.75 for the Foundation! Thank you to Mighty Peace, Beard’s and The Huskies.

Smile Cookie Campaign Tim Hortons had their annual Smile CookieTM Campaign September 17th – 23rd. Both FSJ Tim Hortons locations sold adorable Smile Cookies for $1 and all proceeds went to the FSJ Hospital Foundation. The campaign raised $5,078.00! Pictured is Ron and Julia Bowie, Tim Hortons FSJ owners, presenting a cheque of the proceeds to the foundation’s Donor Relations: Megan Brooks.

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A8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 year in review

june

• The City of Fort St. John outlaws plastic bags from • The District of Hudson’s curbside recycling problems Hope celebrates the comple- mount for local processors. tion of its municipal solar • The Salvation Army partpower system with a ribbonners with Amanda’s No Frills, cutting ceremony on June 2. Safeway, and Save-On Foods to • BC Bus North launches launch a new perishable food June 4 to replace Greyhound recovery program in the city. service in Northeast B.C. Grey- The program sees good, surhound cut service because plus food otherwise destined it wasn’t profitable, forcing for the landfill redirected to the the province to step in with a Salvation Army’s food bank. $2-million, one-year pilot proj• District of Taylor councilect. lors approve a bylaw to borrow • Fort St. John resident Dar- up to $4.2 million to service the cy Peter Bailey is one of three Parcel Z subdivision for new men arrested and charged with housing. conspiracy to import cocaine after a seizure in the Port of • A $42-million drilling liHalifax on June 9. cence highlights B.C.’s June 13 sale of petroleum and natural • The retirement of Insp. gas rights. Landsolutions GP Mike Kurvers, detachment Inc. picked up the licence for commander for the Fort St. two tracts of land near Halfway John RCMP, is announced. It River First Nation and the prodoesn’t last long, as Kurvers is posed Tsaa Nuna conservancy. called to run the detachment in Comox Valley soon after. • The Surerus Murphy and Macro Spiecapag joint ven-

Amy von Stackelberg Photo

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Royal Bank staff lead the charge, carrying a Pride flag down the streets during the 2018 Pride Walk in Fort St. John on June 2, 2018.

tures are announced as two of four contractors selected to build the $6.2-billion Coastal GasLink pipeline on June 19.

upgrade door locks, and install extra windows in some classrooms and doorways to increase outside visibility.

• The Fort Nelson school district is forced to beef up security after a fourth school shooting threat is made for June 20, the day of final exams. The district announces plans to increase video surveillance,

• Niki Hedges takes over as executive director for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation on June 25, coming to the foundation from the United Way of Northern B.C.

• The province announces June 28 approval for the new Northeast Elementary School in Fort St. John, located across from the hospital. • The Site C workforce hits new milestone with 3,000 workers in June. Of those, 664 residents who live in the Peace Region make up roughly 21% of the workforce.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A9

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW JULY

mid-1970s. A new design was subject to much criticism from the community, and even from • Dr. Richard Moody offi- councillors. cially retires from the Fort St. John Family Practice Associates • Fort St. John city councilClinic July 1. lors awards a $5.5-million contract to redevelop Centennial • Dale Widsten takes over as Park to Northern Legendary fire chief of the Charlie Lake Construction. Fire Department, stepping into the role after joining the fire • Senior management exohall as a volunteer in 2011, and dus at city hall continues, as serving as the department’s Fort St. John loses Ken Rogers deputy chief for the last five as its development director years. to the Village of Cumberland, and Jim Rogers as its protective •Linda Thomas is sworn as a services director to retirement. new provincial court judge July The city fills the position with 5, and assigned to the North- an internal reshuffling and proern Region with her chambers motion of staff. in Fort St. John. Thomas brings with her a long and impressive • Fentanyl dealer Dana Anresume when it comes to ab- drew Nazarek is sentenced to original law and social work. 40 months in jail on July 11, four-and-a-half years after po• Senior management chang- lice raided his home and seized es in the region’s civil service more than 2,000 fentanyl pills continues, as Hudson’s Hope disguised as Oxycontin in Dehires Chris Cvik as its chief ad- cember 2013. ministrative officer after it earlier released Tom Matus. • The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations re• The Fort Nelson First Na- turn to court July 23 to ask a BC tion outlines its decision to buy Supreme Court judge to stop the historic Fort Nelson Hotel construction of the Site C dam. and its plans to turn it around The nations argue work on the into an indigenous showpiece $10.7-billion project should in Northeast B.C. stop until the courts can determine whether it violates ab• Constructon begins on original treaty rights. five new potable water stations throughout Electoral Area B. • Fort St. John RCMP Cst. The water treatment and bulk Brooks is hailed a hero for stoploading stations are being built ping a man from bleeding to in Buick, Rose Prairie, Feye death after he got into a fist Spring, Prespatou, and Good- fight with a car and punched low. out a window, severing a major artery in his arm in the process. • Fort St. John city councillors abandon plans for a new • Fort St. John councillors coat of arms. A proposed de- approve new zoning rules July sign was drafted to replace the 23 that will allow recreational city’s original, unregistered cannabis stores to operate in coat of arms dating back to the the city’s downtown core.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — North Peace Search and Rescue and the Taylor Fire Department spouse team compete in a match of hose hockey on May 26, 2018, as part of the 2018 Firefighters Hoselay Competition. Final score — North Peace Search and Rescue 3, Taylor FD Spouses 1.

ﬁrst title since he started competing with his family at the event some 28 years ago.

AUGUST • Just as soon as he was promoted to fire chief in Charlie Lake, Dale Widsten moved on. Widsten left his post Aug. 2 for a job as district fire chief for the County of Grande Prairie. Ed Albury, fire chief in Taylor, is later named his replacement. • Drifting wildfire smoke from Europe and Asia prompts a smoky skies bulletin for Northern B.C. • Barry Scott wins the World Invitational Gold Panning Championships in Taylor. Scott’s 24-point finish was good enough to earn him his

• Fort St. John city council approves the building of a new off leash dog park at Toboggan Hill, pushing the cost of the park’s development up from $500,000 to $868,000 in the process. • The North Peace Fall Fair Society bestowed its annual pioneer of the year award to three individuals on Aug. 19. Glenn and Ellen Fox, along with Cathy Busche earned this year’s recognition for their contributions to the North Peace agricultural community, as well as the fall fair.

• A 37-year-old woman from Kamloops is killed Aug. 21 after after a head-on crash between a sedan and logging truck near Charlie Lake. • The Federal Court of Appeal overturns Ottawa’s approval of the Trans Mountain expansion, saying the National Energy Board failed to take into account related increases to tanker trafﬁc, and that Ottawa did not adequately consult with First Nations. • Jack Hynes closes a deal to buy the Charlie Lake Store, and quickly starts renovations to return the Alaska Highway service station back into a bustling centre of business.

s e h s i W t s e m r a W Sending you and yours tidings of comfort and joy at Christmastime! May the spirit of the season warm your heart and home at the holidays and throughout the New year.

yourlife@dfcl.ca • 250-785-9603

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We’re looking forward to another great year with good friends and customers like you! Thanks for helping us achieve new heights of success in 2018. We hope the year ahead brings all of your hopes and dreams to fruition.

Northeast BC Crime Stoppers wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We thank the community and our financial sponsors for their ongoing support in 2018! Together we are helping the police to solve crime, making our communities safer!

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A10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW • New Day in the Peace Ministries receives a $11,200 boost that will help ﬁnish building a recovery centre for women battling addictions. The organization walked away with the funds at the third meeting of 100 Women Who Care Fort St. John in support of local charities on Sept. 11.

SEPTEMBER • Fort St. John author Jenna Morland releases her debut novel, a young adult fantasy titled Empress Unveiled, through UK-based OfTomes Publishing, after catching the attention of agents and publishers on Twitter.

• A three-year study of Northeast B.C. identiﬁes two tight oil plays with the potential to produce tens of millions of barrels of oil. The study identiﬁes the Halfway formation north of Fort St. John and the Chinkeh formation northwest of Fort Nelson for the potential.

• The Walking With Our Sisters memorial is put on display in Taylor Sept. 10 to 16, its final stop after a six-year journey to honour the lives of murdered and missing women and girls in Canada and the United States. • BC Hydro announces a new realignment for Highway MATT PREPROST PHOTO 29 at Bear Flat, moving it out PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Children take turns going down the slide at the Child Development Centre’s nature inspired of the way of indigenous burial adventure playground that opened on July 17, 2018, giving kids a chance to scamper between rocks and wooden play and cultural sites, and further structures, scrawl on a chalkboard, climb through tunnels, explore an interpretative forest and more. away from the home of Ken and Arlene Boon. • It may go down as the fastest promotion in municipal history: Just as soon as Steven Byford arrived in Taylor and was introduced as the new deputy fire chief to council on Sept. 4, he was promoted to fire chief to replace Ed Albury.

• BC Parks quietly barricades the Mile 54 boat launch on Sept. 27, closing the popular spot to trailered boats and turning it into a car-top launch only. • Employment on BC Hydro’s Site C dam climbed to a new high of 3,746 workers. Of those, 748 were Peace Region residents, or 20% of the workforce.

• The District of Taylor extends a deal with the North Peace Primary Care Clinic to keep the municipality’s medical clinic open for another year. • University of Northern British Columbia President Daniel Weeks says campus renovations are forging ahead in anticipation of an approval for a new nursing program in Fort St. John.

• They sang, they drummed, they shared stories, they broke bannock — staff and students celebrated the grand opening of Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School alongside school ofﬁcials and local leaders on Thursday, Sept. 27.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Calvin Buchta and his team, who were named Heavy Horse Pull Champions at the 2018 North Peace Fall Fair, Aug. 19, 2018.

• Old Fort residents wake up Sept. 30 to ﬁnd a landslide has destroyed Old Fort Road. Ofﬁcials say the slide could take days to stabilize. Residents are ordered to evacuate a week later on Oct. 7 as the landslide worsens and grows to 10 million cubic metres.

son May this Holiday Sea filled with e b r, a ye e th of st re e th and ce Laughter, Joy, and Pea

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A11

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW office in 2014 and 2017. She was joined by newcomer Tony Zabinsky, elected with 1,372 votes. Both unseated longtime incumbents Larry Evans and Bruce Christensen, both of whom served on council for more than a decade.

OCTOBER • Royal Dutch Shell and its joint venture projects approve the LNG Canada project for Kitimat on Oct. 2, 2018. Building the $40-billion project is estimated to generate $24 billion in investment in B.C., the province says. Another $16 billion is expected to be generated in construction activities that will take place off shore. • District of Taylor councillors limit a pay raise to the cost of living in 2019, but unanimously approve several new payment fees for attending meetings. • It was World Teacher’s Day Oct. 5, and it was being celebrated in Fort St. John with MATT PREPROST PHOTO a renewed research effort to PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Emma Lynn Snow hands Education Minister Rob Fleming a book that students made about the chronicle the stories of North first day of Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School during a grand opening celebration on Sept. 27, 2018. Peace schools and students and publish them in a book. Margaret Little, Mary Tremain, and Michele Wiebe are picking up the work done by Winnis Baker, a resident who years ago began collecting and documenting the rise of education in the region, which so far dates back to the first school in Taylor in 1919. • The Fort St John Family Practice Associates Clinic announces the retirement of Dr. William Watt. Watt’s retirement is effective Jan. 1, 2019, after 41 years of service in Fort St. John.

• The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls subpoenas the RCMP for files of its investigation into the murder of Pamela Napoleon. Georges Rivard, lawyer for her accused killer Leon Wokeley, says it presents a number of concerns about privileged information about police investigations, and the rights of his client before a trial is scheduled to begin next year. • B.C. Supreme Court Justice Warren Milman refuses to grant an injunction to West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations to stop work on Site C, but orders a trial on whether the project infringes aboriginal treaty rights be held by mid-2023. Granting the injunction would put Site C into “disarray,” Milman says. • Meanwhile, construction on the earthfill dam at Site C begins on the north bank of the Peace River, ahead of its scheduled start in 2019. Work will carry on through to 2023. • Thirty-five Canada Post employees walked off the job in Fort St. John Oct. 30 as rotating strikes continued across the country. Workers were also out on the picket lines in Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, and Prince George. At issue for the postal union were the infrastructure and hiring needed to meet increased parcel loads and work demands, and pay equality for postal workers across the board

• Voters in Fort St. John elected a mix of old and new to their municipal council Oct. 20, and threw in a few surprises too. Third time proved to be the charm for Becky Grimsrud, who topped the polls with 1,718 votes and will take a seat at the table after running unsuccessfully for MATT PREPROST PHOTO

IT’S A BOY Craig Thomas Sjoblom Parents: Sjoblom Heather & Daveight: Baby’s We oz 1 8 lbs Length: 21 inches8 Date: Nov. 22, 201 Time: 7:31 am Fort St. John, BC

IT’S A Eleàzar SamuBOY el Walter Parents: Samuel & Jennifer Walt Baby’s Weight:er 7 lbs 7 oz Length: 22 incs Date: Nov. 12 hes , 20 Time: 4:52 am 18

IT’S A GI Rileigh Rose RL Reimer Parents: Lindsay Kern ag & Alex Reim han er Baby’s Weight: 8 lbs 13 ozs Date: Nov. 23 , 2018 Time: 5:15 Fort St. Johnam , BC

IT’S A BOY Duncan Boult Parents: Heather & Spencer Boult Baby’s Weight: 9 lbs 2 ozs hes Length: 21 1/2 inc 8 te: Da Nov. 30, 201 am Time: 8:25 BC n, Joh St. Fort

IT’S A Saige Lisa AnGIRL ne Clemen Parents: Shane & Tiar a Clemen Baby’s Weight: 7 lbs 15 Length: 21 1/4ozs Date: Nov. 29 inches , 20 Time: 8:16 am 18 Taylor, BC

We’re so grateful to be celebrating the holidays in this winter wonderland we call home. Thanks for being such great neighbors, customers and friends. We appreciate your support, and we wish you all a very merry Christmas!

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9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8

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A12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 year in review

november

Nov. 14 — it’s been approved for a $170,000 capital grant from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program for new seats, carpets, and drapes in the theatre. The city will match that with a $170,000 contribution, while a seat sale will be launched in the new year to raise another $160,000.

• It was a snowy start to November. So snowy in fact that the first four days tallied up a new daily snowfall record and more snow than Fort St. John usually sees on average for the month. The city recorded 36.2 centimetres of snowfall between Nov. 1 and 4. That’s above the average 32.5 cm the city sees on average for the month. Most fell Nov. 4, with 24.4 centimetres dropped, and set a new record from the 11.4 cm that fell on the same day in 1975.

• The Peace River Regional District board confirms Shawn Dahlen as its new chief administrative officer on Nov. 22. • A magnitude 4.5 earthquake rattles Fort St. John and the Peace Region on Nov. 29. The epicentre was just 20 kilometres southeast of the city, and caused two widely felt aftershocks of magnitude 3.3 and 4.0. Hydraulic fracturing is suspended for at least 30 days in the Septimus area as the Oil and Gas Commission investigates.

• Most Old Fort landslide evacuees were finally able to go home Nov. 4, after the Peace River Regional District board lifted the evacuation order for most of the community. Both Westrek Geotechnical Services and BGC Engineering agree that most homes in Old Fort are not at imminent risk of being impacted by the landslide.

• Haab Homes leads a group of local investors to buy the Northwoods Inn property in a court-ordered sale on Nov. 26. Haab Homes plans to demolish the building in the new year before putting the 4.5-acre property back up for sale and redevelopment.

• Foodbanks BC grants the Salvation Army $115,000 to support its growing perishable food recovery program, which puts fresh produce, meat, and dairy in the mouths of the city’s most needy. • The Northern Environmental Action Team launches the Northern Co-Hort to find answers and address food security issues in the region.

2019

matt preprost Photo • The North Peace Cultural Society reports good news at PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Minister Farai Mutamiri leads the singing of Amazing Grace with his congregation during the its annual general meeting on 80th anniversary celebration of St. Matthias Anglican Church in Cecil Lake on Oct. 21, 2018.

• Fort St. John records a remarkable 17 hours of freezing rain in November, more than three times the yearly average of 5.5 hours per year. The bulk of the freezing rain fell over a 10-hour period between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 27.

TEDDY BOY

COUNTRY WARES AND DÉCOR

May All Your Christmas Wishes Come True!

from WOODLAND

EQUIPMENT (Fort St. John)INC.

All the Best in the New Year!

8111 100 Ave • 250-262-9382

borsetti@woodlandequip.com | www.woodlandequip.com Toll Free: 1 (855) 787-1789 11294 Clairmont Frontage Rd / Fort St. John, BC / V1J 4H7 Box 6267

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. Rev. farai Mutamiri ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Louis Kwena Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am kIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am ********** CoMMUNITY PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869 Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:00am & 11:00am **********

MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome! Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years. Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth **********

PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm **********

PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Desmond Jones Phone: 250-785-8289 www.trinitycovenant.ca matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUkE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome! The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A13

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

DECEMBER

— they’re all part of an ambitious legacy plan for Doig River First Nation as it winds down treaty land negotiations with the federal and provincial governments. The nation holds an open house Dec. 5, highlighting plans for 20,000 acres of land it’s selected as part of an outstanding land debt Canada still owes from the signing of Treaty 8.

• Fred Jarvis, the former long-time mayor of the District of Taylor, dies suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on Dec. 2. He was 74. His death sends a wave of shock throughout Northeast B.C. In 2012, Jarvis was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for his contributions to the Taylor community over his 30-plus year career in municipal politics.

• RCMP arrest Jessie Romeo Fougere in Charlie Lake on Dec. 8, and charge him with manslaughter in connection with the February 2017 death of Troy Streeper in Pouce Coupe.

• Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy ofﬁcials cancelled a meeting set for December 7 with the Peace River Regional District to talk about caribou recovery plans in the South Peace. The province wants the meeting closed to the public, a demand regional district directors refused. The regional district is ratcheting up pressure on the province to make public the details of two agreements it’s developing to restore southern mountain caribou populations to sustainable levels in the region. The regional district wants that work stopped until it’s included in the planning process, and until studies are carried out on the socio-economic impacts caribou recovery will have on industry, tourism, and backcountry access.

• Fort St. John city council approves the city’s ﬁrst private cannabis retail licence for HIVE Cannabis, which is seeking a licence to operate in the former home of the Northeast News on 100 Avenue. The company, led by Dr. Neil Rockerbie of Victoria, is still subject to ﬁnancial and security checks from the province before a licence will be issued. • Fort St. John drops from No. 1 to No. 9 in BC Business magazine’s 2019 rankings of the best cities to work in B.C. Dawson Creek drops from No. 2 to No. 30. The two cities spent the last two years in the top three. “The relative decline of these communities may speak more to the economic uptick elsewhere in the province than their own shortcomings,” the magazine notes.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

2019

• Expanded cultural camps PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — ELC students CJ Schreyer, Toni Balmas, Jordan Fuhr, and Amie Chapple dropped by the and tribal park, new hous- #humboldtstrong display at the Pomeroy Sport Centre before heading to class on April 12, 2018, wearing their jerseys to ing and retail developments pay respect to the victims and families impacted by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy on April 6.

Systems Secure Locksmith

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a joyful

Wish all our Loyal customers A Very

Holiday Season

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 8234 100 Ave. • 250-785-5397

51301

250-785-4313

51306

9410 100 St.

House

of the

KEYSTONE Keystone

PLAN 30-597

First Floor Basement Living Area Bsmt Storage Garage Dimensions

Garage 25' x 27'6"

1867 sq.ft. 1094 sq.ft. 2961 sq.ft. 226 sq.ft. 744 sq.ft. 50' x 66'

2000 SERIES

Covered Deck Kitchen 10' x 12'

can be enjoyed from the dining room, kitchen, and nook as well as the great room. Kitchen features include: a long, ﬂush eating bar and roomy walk-in pantry, along with generous cupboard and counter space. Windows in front of the sink overlook a covered deck. The spa tub in the luxurious owners' suite is centrally located, allowing one person to chat with another in the sleeping area or lavatory room while soaking away the day's tensions. Other amenities include: dual vanities, private toilet, and a large walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms are in the Keystone's basement, along with a generously sized utility room and a spacious family room with another ﬁreplace. Sliding glass doors open onto a covered patio. Associated Designs is the original source for the Keystone 30-597. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Nook 12' x 17'4"

www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Storage

Covered Patio Bedroom 12'2" x 11'

Up Family 18' x 22'

Dining 13'3" x 12'8" Vaulted Great Room 15'4" x 23'6" Dn

Utility

The Keystone is much larger than it looks from the front. This two-level contemporary Craftsman bungalow offers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space. Tapered stone veneer twin-column supports, decorative gable accents, and characteristic windows combine to create that nostalgic Craftsman look. It's designed for construction on a lot that slopes down on the right and to the rear. Approximately a third of the indoor living area is in the daylight basement, which is invisible from the front. A window-bright vaulted great room sits at the core of the main floor, directly ahead of the wide foyer. Gathering spaces, formal and informal, fill the left wing, while a luxurious owners' suite takes up most of the right wing. Double doors next to the foyer lead into an expansive room brightened by a bay window. This could be furnished as a parlor, den, home office, or whatever suits. It has a roomy storage closet. Flames in the see-through fireplace

Bedroom 11'4"x11'6" Basement Storage

Parlor/ Den 11'8" x 18'4"

Owners’ Suite 15'8" x 14'2"

Foyer Vaulted Covered Porch

Arlen Brekkaas $699,900

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• 5 bdrm 3 bath • Large rec room area/media space • 2 covered decks and 3rd ground level • Quick possession

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• 3 beds, 1 bath, workshop (wired/heated) Quonset-type shelter, 15 mins from town • Greenhouse, fenced pasture and natural gas backup gen. wired into the home!!

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$149,900

• Walk-out basement possible here • Potential for legal rental suite development within a single family home building plan.

A14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Protectress of the Unborn

How do you learn as a family? Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay fl Have a shapes scavenger hunt, taking turns ﬁnding shapes indoors and outdoors. Then make each shape with your body — kids and adults work together.

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

n my way home from British Columbia to Ontario, I visited Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It’s an elegant church in a tranquil setting. On the grounds is a Rosary Walk, the Stations of the Cross, and a memorial to unborn children. On December 9, 1531, the pious Juan Diego was on his way to the home of his ailing uncle when Mary appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill, a few miles outside Mexico City. This simple peasant farmer was depressed over the recent death of his wife and the impending death of his beloved uncle. The Blessed Mother identified herself as “the ever Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of the True God for whom we live, Lord of heaven and the earth.” She would come to be known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. She said to Juan Diego, “Listen, put it into your heart, my youngest and dearest son, that the thing that frightens you, the thing that afflicts you, is nothing, do not let it disturb you or frighten you, do not fear this sickness, nor any other sickness nor any sharp or hurtful thing. Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the hollow of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Do you need something more? Let nothing else worry you or disturb you; do not let your uncle’s illness pressure you with grief, because he will not die of it now. You may be certain that is he already well.” Mary asked that a church be built. She left a requested sign — a field of assorted roses, and also left an imprint of her face on Juan Diego’s tilma, a poor quality cactus-cloth that should have deteriorated in 20 years but presently shows no sign of decay. It hangs in the Basilica in Mexico City. It reflects what was in front of the Virgin’s eyes at that moment in 1531 when she left behind her imprint for the world. Annually between 18 and 20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica, making it Christianity’s most visited sanctuary. Twenty-five popes have offi-

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

cially honoured Our Lady of Guadalupe. Saint Pope John Paul II visited her Sanctuary four times: on his first apostolic trip outside Rome as Pope in 1979, and again in 1990, 1999 and 2002. The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is December 12. In 1999, Saint Pope John Paul II, in his homily from the Solemn Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, during his third visit to the sanctuary, declared that date as a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole continent. Saint Pope John Paul II entrusted the cause of life to her motherly protection. Our Lady of Guadalupe, as she appears to Juan Diego, looks to be in her second trimester of pregnancy; she carries sacred life within her. The name Guadalupe, means “she who crushed the head of the serpent.” It was Mary, together with the Archangel St. Michael, who defeated Satan as she fought to bring Christianity to the world. The woman cloaked in the sun, is the Protectress of the unborn and her message is one of love and compassion, but it is she who fights to bring us to our salvation. She, the Immaculate Mother of mercy, intervenes in history to secure the conversion of her beloved children. As she said to Juan Diego, she is our Mother, and we are entrusted to her loving care. The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Editor’s Note: If you’d like to contribute articles about faith in our community, please email editor@ahnfsj.ca.

Find more ways to learn at play as a family at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Use your energy today to get better organized so you feel that you are on top of your game. This will make you confident and ready to work for your future. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) This is a playful, fun-loving day!

Enjoy romantic outings, sports events, fun activities with children and the arts. Accept invitations to party GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) An interaction with a female family member might be important today. Meanwhile, you will be happy to cocoon at home and catch your breath before New Year’s! CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) This is a busy, fast-paced day. When talking to others, you want to get right to the point. You want a meaningful, sincere conversation, not social chitchat. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) You have money on your mind today. Likewise, you feel concerned and even possessive about your belongings, which is why you won’t want to lend anything to anyone. That’s OK.

For Thursday December 27 2018 LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Take some time for a little solitude

today so that you can regroup mentally and psychologically. You like to have harmony in your world. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) A conversation with a female friend will be significant today. This person might help you focus on your goals or change them. It’s always good to have a friend who is a sounding board to test your ideas. In fact, it’s a luxury. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) People notice you today. However, with lucky Jupiter in your sign, you have divine protection. Don’t worry about what they’re saying. You’re just fine! CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Do something different today to shake up your daily routine. You need a change of scenery. Go someplace you’ve never been before. Explore your own backyard.

Should Dad Cough Up Some Cash? Dear Annie: My ex-wife, “Daisy,” has custody of our two children. She makes several times my salary, lives in a home where the mortgage and taxes are sky-high, and has an expensive lifestyle. I live frugally, always pay child support and have visitation rights. Often, my children stand me up when I show up to get them. I’ll get to a birthday party or wedding with just my son and have to tell everyone, “My daughter has a migraine.” The real answer is, “She is lazy and doesn’t want to miss movie night with her friend.” Her mother is spineless. My son also has a fluctuating weight problem because he eats too much junk food. At a recent luncheon, he refused to eat but then demanded a piece of chocolate cake and shoved it down his throat. Daisy isn’t happy about my not paying that much support and has spoken to the kids about our financial arrangement, which we’d agreed she wouldn’t do.

Today the Moon is in your sign,

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20)

which gives you a little bit of extra good luck. Ask for what you want, because you just might get it. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.

Be accommodating with others

She wants to throw our daughter a lavish bat mitzvah for her 13th birthday. The total cost would be five figures. I’ve refused to pay it because she doesn’t need it and it would be a financial hardship for me. Also, given her lack of effort at school and refusal to attend family functions, I don’t think her behavior merits a huge reward.

today. Not only will this please someone, it makes your own life easier as well!

Daisy says that if I refuse to pay, I won’t be invited. However, that would be a problem for me,

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Wrap up some loose details about banking, shared property, insurance issues and inheritances. This stuff won’t go away on its own.

the point. Now is the time to wave the white flag and make peace.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

because it would look horrible if I did not attend. And she says that if I refuse to contribute financially but show up anyway, she’ll have security throw me out. I don’t know whether she’d really do that. My brother and his wife, who get along well with Daisy, have tried to talk some sense into her, but she won’t listen. I tried talking to Daisy’s father, but she won’t listen to him, either. Should I do what my wife wants and cough up the cash, or should I go to the party and get tossed out the door? I’m saving money religiously, because given Daisy’s lack of control over my daughter, I’m afraid my daughter will get in trouble. If I have to pay for a lawyer, I’d better be ready financially. -- Stingy Dad and Proud of It Dear Stingy Dad: You should do what is in the best interest of your children, and you and your ex-wife should make every effort to be as amicable to each other as possible. Yes, you should pay a customary and reasonable amount for your only daughter’s bat mitzvah. It is not her fault that her parents are fighting over money and parenting philosophies. Whoever’s right or wrong is beside

Your daughter will never turn 13 again. Make it special for her and leave your baggage and negative feelings at the door. As for the constant headaches from your daughter and her blowing you off, remember that you are the parent and she is the child. Ask yourself why she doesn’t want to see you. It may have something to do with the fact that you are so critical about your son’s weight. Being embarrassed by your son’s behavior might propel you to seek help for him. Let’s hope. The human body, especially a growing boy’s body, does not feel good just eating cake. But being ashamed of him and criticizing his mother don’t do anyone any good. Instead, talk to your son about the importance of eating healthful foods. If that does not work, speak with your pediatrician and see what tools you could use to help him. If indeed you are in financial hardship, tell that to your wife and daughter. Be open and honest with them about your finances, and be open and honest with what your wallet and heart can contribute to your daughter’s bat mitzvah. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 A15

Coffee Corner $439,900 9807 115 Ave MLS# R2276235

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TODAYS PUZZLE

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Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

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hOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

TODAY’S PUZZLE

ANORAK ARCTIC BITTER BLANKET BLUSTERY BOOTS BRISK CHILL COAT COLD DECEMBER DREARY

23. Not present 24. Necktie

• • • • • • • • • • • •

EVERGREEN FIREPLACE FLANNEL FLEECE FRIGID FROSTBITE GALE GLOVES GUSTS HEATER ICEBERG ICICLE

• • • • • • • • • • • •

JACKET MITTENS OVERCAST POLAR SHOVEL SKI SLED SLEET SNOW SWEATER WINTER ZERO

Q ut t.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

25. What part of (abbr.)

26. Type of compound 27. Jogged quickly

28. Roth is one type 29. Mineral

34. Purpose

35. Financial term (abbr.)

36. Orange is the New Black character 37. Used to cut and shape wood 39. Bullfighter

40. Top of the line 41. Hill

42. Greek mountain 44. Angola’s capital 45. Expressed pleasure CLUES ACROSS

38. Tyrion Lannister

5. Engine additive

43. Argentine footballer

8. Anticipated arrival time

11. French commune 13. Cigarette (slang) 14. Nobleman

15. Ghana capital 16. Adam’s wife

17. Most popular student 18. Where you currently are

20. Increase motor speed

21. Queen of Sparta

22. North, South and Central 25. Churchgoer

41. Honored

5. Audio-system

47. Wings

6. Places to grab a drink

50. Packers’ QB

8. Designed chairs

56. Unpleasant noise

10. Genus of birds

59. Sleeping

14. Ancient Syrian city

45. Novices

49. Doctors’ group

7. What’s coming

55. Qatar capital

9. Stepped on

57. Lovable elephant

12. Consume

60. Lute

19. Australian brewery

61. Weight of a liter of hydrogen

46. Fermented honey beverage

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A16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 year in review

Santa’s Naughty-and-Nice List

t’s that time of the season again: Santa Claus is making his list and checking it twice. And as the song goes, he’s going to find out who’s been naughty or nice. No doubt, his naughty list will include a few politicians who, I’m afraid, have made some poor choices this year. At the top of the list is Mr. Sunny Ways himself. In my opinion, the Prime Minister’s year was more about funny ways and gloomy days than sunny ways. First, cannabis is now legal in Canada since October 17. I remain steadfast in my opposition to its legalization. Despite the Senate’s comprehensive review, I think the bill was rushed and we continue to hear stories of law enforcement not being fully equipped and trained to test for cannabis use. This worries me. Of course, I want to remind everyone that you can’t mix cannabis consumption with driving. Please be safe on the roads during this holiday season. Second, our country’s resource development sector has been subject to very gloomy days. The Liberals managed to kill Northern Gateway, essentially vetoed Energy East, and obstructed Trans Mountain and Trudeau was more or less forced into buying the pipeline. On top of that, the government introduced a number of bills – most of which are now before the Senate – that will have a destructive impact on our energy sector, including an oil tanker ban on B.C.’s north

Richard Neufeld From the senate

coast that shatters the dream of countless First Nations who wish to build the Eagle Spirit Energy Corridor. Third, the government continues to be unable to properly manage the crisis at our border. Some 40,000 people have illegally crossed our border since the Prime Minister tweeted out his “Welcome to Canada” message. Some projections indicate that this border crisis will have cost Canadian taxpayers over $1.5 billion by 2020. Finally, Trudeau’s funny ways have certainly made him worthy of the naughty list this year. He is the first Prime Minister in our history to be found guilty of breaking ethics laws by accepting a free vacation from the Aga Khan on his private island. What is more, two of his most senior ministers were also found to have contravened the ethics code for parliamentarians. Putting some of Trudeau’s missteps aside, 2018 did bring about some good news for our region and our country when LNG Canada announced it was moving forward with its $40 billion project. I continue to believe that British Columbia can be a global power player in liquefied natural gas by helping other jurisdictions get off coal and combat climate change. I think it’s fair to say that the Prime Minister had more

misses than hits this year and I hope Canadians will remember that when they head to the polls next year. I strongly believe that Andrew Scheer has the experience, skills and charisma to lead our country. And I know he’s surrounded by a great group of MPs, including our region’s very own Bob Zimmer. Of course, by this time next year, I will have retired from the Senate of Canada, after serving more than 10 years. It has truly been a privilege to serve British Columbians in Canada’s Upper Chamber. It’s hard to believe that the first time my name appeared on a ballot was 40 years ago. I’ve had the honour of representing our region at all three levels of government. While we can’t always agree on everything, I hope the people of Northeast British Columbia felt they could rely on me when needed and knew they had someone in Ottawa fighting for their rights, protecting their freedoms, and defending their interests. I thank you for all those many years of support and I want to take this opportunity to wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas and lots of health and happiness in the New Year. I hope you enjoy quality time with friends and family over the holidays and spread a bit of Christmas joy wherever the road may lead you. Hopefully you’ve all made it onto Santa’s nice list this year.

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PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Kristen Auger performs at National Aboriginal Day ceremonies in Fort St. John on June 21, 2018.

Richard Neufeld is a Senator for British Columbia.

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2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Nothing sums up the year of 2018 in Fort St. John Sports better than the Fort St. John Senior Flyers winning their first Campbell Cup title since 2008-09. The Flyers beat the Falher Pirates 7-6 on March 13, 2018, to win the NPHL final in five games.

JANUARY B.C. HOCKEY MAKES JUNIOR B TEAMS WEAR FULL FACE MASKS B.C. Hockey announced in early January that beginning with the 2018-19 season, all Junior B players would be required to wear full face protection. This includes all three B.C. Junior B leagues, as well as the two B.C. teams that play in the NWJHL, the Fort St. John Huskies and the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks. “Honestly, it’s kind of unfortunate, it used to be a passing, you’d get out of minor hockey and into a visor,” said Huskies head coach Todd Alexander. PEEWEE FLYERS MAKE SEMIFINALS OF GOOD DEEDS CUP On Jan. 5, during TSN’s broadcast of the World Junior gold medal game between Canada and Sweden, the Fort St. John Ross H. Maclean Peewee Flyers were announced as one of 10 semi-

finalists for the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup. The Flyers spent the last two months of 2018 doing good deeds off the ice, from collecting donations for the Salvation Army to bringing senior citizens out to the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and shovelling community driveways. “It means a ton to these kids and everyone involved with this team to be in the top 10 across Canada for the Good Deeds Cup,” said Dave Alexander, head coach of the Flyers. BOWIE, CROSSLEY TRADED TO PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS Fort St. John’s Connor Bowie and Austin Crossley now play WHL hockey closer to home. Both were picked up by the Prince George Cougars in a series of trades in January. The Cougars acquired Bowie in a trade with the Portland Winterhawks. The Cougars acquired Crossley in a trade with the Prince Albert Raiders.

LONE WOLF HIRES NEW SUPERINTENDENT CRAIG SIMPSON The Lone Wolf Golf Club, in a move to improve its course in new ways, hired new superintendent Craig Simpson. Simpson came from Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, where he worked in various roles for 17 years. “It’s a great opportunity for myself and my family. I just can’t wait to get my hands on the course and see what I can do to make it better,” Simpson said in an interview.

FEBRUARY SID DAVIS MEMORIAL TOURNEY ANNOUNCED Crystal Cup organizers announced the first annual Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge ahead of the Seventh Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge. The event will be held on the find day of the Crystal Cup each year going forward, and is in honour of longtime minor hockey coach Sid Davis, who died Dec. 19, 2017. Davis loved to coach hockey, and was beloved by many in the community. MIKE LUCAS WINS NHRA DRAG RACE CHAMPIONSHIP After 35 years of drag racing, driver Mike Lucas and his wife Jackie achieved the pinnacle in their sport when they won the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Division 6 Top Sportsman championship in November 2017. The couple received their trophy at the NHRA banquet in Seattle on Jan. 6. “Back in February, we thought it would be neat just to end up in the top 10, but the number one spot is a dream come true. It was overwhelming,” Mike said. JUSTIN DONALLY WINS COACH OF THE YEAR

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR —Trae Alexander, left, of the Mighty Pucks, tries to outrace an opponent from the Goal Fishers, in the pre-novice semifinal at the Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge on Feb. 25, 2018.

Fort St. John’s Justin Donally was named Coach of the Year at the Boxing B.C. Provincial Championships in Abbotsford on Feb. 11.

When the NHL announced that Seattle would be getting the league’s 32nd franchise, everyone wanted to know what the name of the team would be immediately. It even caught on among my co-workers, of whom only one third are sports fans. The team won’t begin play until the 2020-21 season, but we won’t have to wait that long until a name is announced. Trying to predict a new team’s name is fun, and something we don’t get do very often. I remember being up in arms about the new Vegas NHL team calling itself the Golden Knights instead of the Nights. It was fun and silly and harmless, and then the jerseys were pretty cool and the team was very good. Before I toss out some ideas and weigh in on those that have been kicked around, I urge you to remember that all team names are dumb, stupid, or boring. I honestly can’t think of five current team names tha that if announced tomorrow I would think are great. That’s just how it goes. We overreact to new things, and then are fully used to them a year later. Consider the fact that Cleveland has a NFL team named the Browns, the logo is an orange helmet, and the only thing people make fun of that team for is the fact that they’re not good. I have no idea how anyone thought ignoring the spelling rules for pluralized nouns and making the Maple Leafs blue and white was a good idea, but they did, and 100 years later I sure appreciate it. When you think about it, it’s kind of like if there was a team named the Canadiens but their colour scheme was based on the American flag. Oh, wait. Having said that, there are some names that have been tossed around that are super easy to dismiss. The Seattle Baristas is awful. Yeah, I get it, a lot of coffee is made in Seattle, but it’s still a bad name. But then I remember that the Purdue University teams are called the Boilermakers because that was a popular industry in West Lafayette. One that I like but some people hate is the Seattle Kraken. It’s different, and you could come up with a cool logo. When I was growing up, the Lochness Monster was the beall-end-all of mythical sea creatures. Then the Pirates of the Carribean featured a Kraken in a movie and now we want to name the Seattle team the Kraken because the city is by the ocean. It’s more relevant than the Toronto Raptors, sure, but that’s not a high bar to clear. One day, my dad, out of nowhere, suggested the Seattle Sensation. You’ll be shocked to hear that name is not catching on in any circles whatsoever. But it’s great: it has no real meaning, it stands out, it’s goofy, like the best names are, and it makes me laugh at the thought of every single announcer saying “What a goal, simply sensational.” It’s perfect.

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B2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW MORRISON SKATES IN FINAL OLYMPICS

“You never know where they’ll stack up at a tournament like this, but I figured they’d all be in the mix. I’m very proud of them,” said coach Justin Donally. “The first round was awesome. I didn’t even get that nervous. I was composed and fought my fight. I lost in the final, but I didn’t give up, and I’m really happy,” Pomeroy said.

It wasn’t quite the Hollywood ending that Denny Morrison dreamed of, but it was pretty close. Morrison finished 13th in the men’s 1500m long track speed skating event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics with a time of 1:46:36. “I can’t be too upset about my performance today. Placing 13th at the Olympics is a relatively good problem to have,” Morrison said on Twitter after the race.

HUSKIES FALL SHORT AT PROVINCIALS Unfortunately, the Huskies couldn’t end their best season in 10 years on a high note at the 2018 Hockey Alberta Junior B Provincials as they hoped. Instead, they exited the tournament without winning a game. “Overall, it was a good learning experience for us. In getting back on top, part of that is getting experience at provincials. It’s something we didn’t have going into this, so I was pretty happy with how we handled ourselves,” said Huskies Head Coach Todd Alexander.

BRAYDEN SIMS WINS PROVINCIAL GOLD

Brayden Sims of Fivestar Boxing Academy won gold at the 2018 Boxing BC Provincial Championships in Abbotsford on Feb. 10. Sims was first in the youth male bantamweight division, and earned the right to represent B.C. at nationals in Edmonton in March. HUSKIES WIN NWJHL AWARDS Three Fort St. John Huskies were among those listed as award winners for the North West Junior Hockey League 2017-18 season on Saturday, Feb. 17. Jonathan Bateman won the Top Goaltender award, Jared Loewen won the Top Defenceman Award, and Todd Alexander was the Coach of the Year. CLEAVER, LERIGER WIN NPHL AWARDS The NPHL announced its annual award winners on Feb. 14, and once again, there was a strong Fort St. John presence. Senior Flyers forward Rick Cleaver was named co-MVP along with Braden Gamble, goaltender of the Manning Comets, and Flyers Head Coach Andrew Leriger was named Coach of the Year.

MARCH STREEPER WINS SIXTH SLED DOG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP For his sixth time, and first since 2010, Buddy Streeper became the Fur Rendezvous Open World Champion, after winning the prestigious Fur Rondy race in Anchorage, Alaska on Feb. 25. “It was an absolute dream run out there. The trail’s perfect, the team’s perfect. It’s a ride you’re always going to remember, and it was a championship run,” Streeper told the Anchorage Daily News. 7TH CRYSTAL CUP SURPASSES EXPECTATIONS The 7th Annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge was a fun and busy weekend featuring the traditional adult tournament as well as the first-ever Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge. “It was astoundingly successful. Sunday was the best day hands-down we’ve had in our seven years, with the Crystal Cup finals and the Sid Davis Memorial,” said organizer Neil Evans. Evans was blown away by how many people were at the Crystal Cup on the final day.

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Kelli Munn, Christine Lind, Bev Green, and Joan Lewis were the Clampettes for the women’s curling bonspiel held in Taylor on Feb. 1, 2018.

The Ace Holes won the Crystal Cup open event for the third year in a row. The Rapid Relics were the Coal Cup champs, while the Bar Mat Brews won the women’s division, the Sapphire Cup. MIDDLETON WINS WORLD JUNIOR CURLING GOLD Sterling Middleton of Fort St. John is a world curling champion, after Team Canada’s men’s team beat Scotland 6-5 March 10 in Aberdeen, Scotland, at the World Junior Curling Championships. “It’s pretty cool. We went to worlds (in 2017) and didn’t really play up to our standards or place well. To be able to bring the intensity and play better, our result this year reflects more what we can do as a team,” Middleton said. VAN NOSTRAND HONOURED AT SPORTS TOURISM AWARDS Paul van Nostrand was in Halifax for the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Prestige Awards luncheon on March 8. Van Nostrand was named a finalist for the Sport Event Volunteer of the Year award for his work in co-chairing the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. “It was a great experience, a first class event. I was really humbled and honoured to be there and it was a lot of fun,” Van Nostrand said. SENIOR FLYERS WIN CAMPBELL CUP The Flyers, back in the NPHL Final for the first time since 2009, won the Campbell Cup on March 13, beating the Falher Pirates 7-6 and taking the final series in five games to end an outstanding 2017-18 season. “It’s been a long, heavy grind. But this is what we play for every year and this one is right up there,” Shipton said. HUSKIES WIN SENATOR’S CUP When the Fort St. John Huskies beat the North Peace Navigators 5-2 on March 21 to claim their first Senator

Cup since the 2006-07 season, it was the culmination of a culture change in the organization that’s been ongoing for years. “It was a long road back here and it’s a fantastic feeling to lift the cup with my dad again. These kids are phenomenal,” coach Todd Alexander said. TRACKERS HOST PROVINCIALS, WIN BRONZE The NEBC Trackers finished their 2017-18 season with a 7-0 victory over the East Kootenay Ice on March 23. With a 4-2 provincial record, the Trackers won the bronze medal at the Tier 1 Midget B.C. Hockey Championships. The Trackers finished behind the Prince George Cougars (10 points) and Vancouver Thunderbirds (nine) in the standings. The Thunderbirds beat the Cougars 4-2 in the championship game to win the gold medal. The Trackers’ four wins tied them with both the Cougars and Thunderbirds for most wins in the round robin. TYTAN CARSON WINS SWIMMING GOLD AT PROVINCIALS The Inconnu Swim Club took nine swimmers to Edmonton for the 2018 Alberta Spring Championships from March 16 to 18. Tytan Carson had the strongest showing, winning three medals. He won gold in the 400m individual medley, silver in the 100m butterfly, and bronze in the 200m IM.

APRIL NICK YOUNG AND LINCOLN POMEROY WIN SILVER AT BOXING NATIONALS Fivestar Boxing Academy fighters Nick Young and Lincoln Pomeroy returned to Fort St. John on April 2 with a pair of silver medals from the 2018 Super Channel Championships.

CABRE WINS OILMENS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT The Cabre Oilfield team won the 15th Annual Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament championship, after beating Complete Pumpjack Services 9-4 in the Petroleum Club game on April 7. “Every year the camaraderie between all the teams participating is good. There’s never any problems, just good company and good people, and it’s nice to see all those guys that do the same thing as you,” said Todd Alexander, who played for Cabre. MINOR BASEBALL TAKES STEP FORWARD WITH UMPIRE CLINIC With the start of the North Peace Minor Baseball (NPMB) season just a month away, the organization held its first-ever umpire clinic on April 7. Two representatives of Alberta Baseball, with extensive umpiring experience including the World Baseball Classic, came to Fort St. John to teach the 15 participants the ins and outs of being an umpire. “The clinic was awesome, I think it helped a lot of people. Having actual umpires will really up our games,” said Forrest Liddicoat, NPMB president. ALEX HEDGES WINS BRONZE AT WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS The Inconnu Swim Club sent a team of four swimmers to Victoria in April for the 2018 Speedo Western Championships — Alex Hedges, Brittany Welsh, Eric Louie and Griffin Ternier-Smith — with Hedges winning the club’s lone medal. Hedges won the bronze in the 50m freestyle final for the 16 and over age group. RECORD LATE OPENING FOR GOLF COURSES April 22. That’s the latest that the Lone Wolf Golf Course in Taylor has ever opened, but that record was broken in 2018. FIVESTAR HOSTS GOLDEN GLOVES, SIMS WINS TITLE The 2018 B.C. Golden Gloves have come and gone, with Fivestar Boxing Academy’s Brayden Sims winning one of the three belts handed out on the weekend. Collectively, Fivestar fighters went 7-3 at Golden Gloves. “It was a great weekend for Brayden, to get a Golden Gloves championship and feel good about himself again,” said Fivestar Head Coach Justin Donally. HUMBOLDT SKATE RAISES $10,000

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — The NEBC Trackers clinched bronze in the Midget Tier 1 B.C. Hockey Championships with a 7-0 win over the East Kootenay Ice on March 23, 2018.

The Fort St. John Huskies, Senior Flyers, North Peace Eagles and NEBC Trackers held a Humboldt Broncos Free Skate fundraiser on April 22. The event raised $10,151, which will be donated to the Humboldt Broncos trust fund on behalf of the Fort St. John community. “My goal was to raise $5,000, so we doubled it and I’m very happy with that,” said Sabrina Trobak, who organized the event. “This event came together so fast. Everyone jumped at the opportunity to be involved,” said Marissa Jordan, a player for the Eagles and recreation programmer with the City of Fort St. John.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 B3

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW OLYMPIAN ALYSSIA RISLING VISITS FORT ST. JOHN SCHOOLS Candian Olympic bobsled pilot Alysia Rissling was in Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope at the end of April for the Classroom Champions year-end celebration. Rissling attended the community celebration event at Bert Ambrose Elementary School on April 26, taking pictures and speaking with students and their families of the eight classrooms, four at Bert Ambrose, that she mentors in Fort St. John. On April 27, she visited each class she mentors at Bert Ambrose and Hudson’s Hope School to say hello and give one last message in person. “I’m very excited to meet them and they look equally excited to meet me,” Rissling said at the beginning of the event. RED DEER REBELS SELECT HUNTER BROWN IN WHL DRAFT Brown was selected in the seventh round with the 138th pick by the Red Deer Rebels. He was the first player from Fort St. John to be selected in the draft since Connor Bowie went to the Portland Winterhawks with the 133rd pick in the 2016 draft. Brown came off an excellent season for the Flyers with 43 goals and 67 points in 29 games as a centre. It was the best hockey moment in my life so far,” Brown said. ROB NIKOLEYCHUK BREAKS CANADIAN BENCH PRESS RECORDS Rob Nikoleychuk of Fort St. John was in Regina for the 2018 Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) National / Canadian Powerlifting Federation (CPF) Western Canadian Championships May 5 and 6. His lifts of 500 pounds in the bench equipped

“It was incredible. It was an honour to have Jeni want to train me. I wanted to win, and feel like a winner, and I did,” Bock said.

JUNE TRAVIS WAITE FOUNDATION SWITCHES TO GOLF Switching from an annual weekend charity slow pitch tournament to a one day golf tournament may seem like a bold jump, but for the Travis Waite Memorial Foundation, it was a massive success. The 2018 Travis Waite Memorial Foundation Fundraising Golf Tournament took over Lone Wolf Golf Course on June 2. “It so far exceeded my expectations. We had never put on a golf tournament so I was a little uncertain, but it was so much fun and I couldn’t be happier,” said Tara Meyers, organizer of the tournament. FALLYN MILLS WINS ALL AROUND AT B.C. FINALS Fallyn Mills went into the B.C. High School Rodeo Finals in Merritt, B.C. June 2 leading the North Region in girls all around, and would be competing in seven events. It was her hope she would leave Merritt as the all around cowgirl, but the final result is better than she dared imagine. Mills was the B.C. champion in breakaway roping, pole bending, and cutting, as well as third in both goat tying and team roping alongside her roping partner Kolton Johnson. Needless to say, she won the girls all around event. “I really exceeded my expectations. I placed in the top 10 in 20 of 21 runs. It was my best rodeo of the year and a perfect time to do it,” said Mills.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Students at Robert Ogilvie Elementary School wore jerseys to school on April 12, 2018 in a show of support for the victims of the Humboldt Broncos crash.

“I’m super excited. I’ve been playing soccer since I was five, and realized once I reached U14 I wanted to play at the next level,” Brown said. LONGTIME INCONNU COACH STEVE SADOWNIK PASSES AWAY News that Steve Sadownik had died of natural causes on Saturday, June 16, was greeted with shock by the many people in the community whose lives Sadownik had impacted. A longtime Fort St. John Inconnu Swim Club coach and ultra marathon runner, Sadownik was 46, and left behind his two children, Steven and Victoria. His wife Nicole died May 8, 2017, after a battle with cancer. “Steve coached so many kids up here and affected the lives of so many athletes and families. He was the guy I went to for advice all the time, and not just about swimming,” said then Inconnu Head Coach Steve Carson.

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Canadian Olympic bobsledder Alysia Rissling poses for a photo with students Cache Tsuruda, Seth Clayton, Cooper Hanson, and Sebastian Kaban at the Classroom Champions community celebration April 26, 2018 at Bert Ambrose Elementary School.

event and 440 in the bench raw event, both in the 100kg (220lbs) weight class, were good enough for Canadian titles, as well as Canadian records in both the GPC and CPF. THE NORTH SWEEPS JUNIOR RODEO FINALS It was a clean sweep for the North Region in the all around categories at the 2018 B.C. Junior High Rodeo Finals in Hudson’s Hope from May 19 to 21. The best from both the BCHSRA’s North and South Regions came together to see who would win the title. Tyler Pederson, from Gundy, and Rylie Bondaroff, from Arras, were the all around winners. “It’s pretty exciting to win, considering I’ve never won a saddle before (for the all around),” Bondaroff said. CENIA BOCK’S UNLIKELY JOURNEY TO BODYBUILDING CHAMP When bodybuilder and trainer Jeni Briscoe asked Cenia Bock in November of 2017 if she could train her, Bock didn’t have to think twice before saying yes. Before long, Bock made it her goal to compete at the 2018 CPA Northern Classic, and a frantic seven-month life-changing fitness journey culminated in Bock winning four of the eight classes she competed in on May 19. Bock, who lives in Fort St. John, came first in Grandmasters Figure, Novice Masters Bikini, Grandmasters Bikini, and Masters Novice Bikini.

TAE HAUGAN REPEATS AS WORLD CHAMPION For the second time in his young career, Tate Haugan became a world champion triathlete. This time, it was by winning the 2018 Junior Men’s Fyn ITU Cross Triathlon World Championship. Haugan won the race the morning of July 10, in Fyn, Denmark, with a time of one hour, seven minutes and 32 seconds.

SOULE AND HACKMAN RECEIVE BLACK BELTS

JOSH TELIZYN WINS GOLD IN ALBERTA SUMMER GAMES

On June 23, two Red Dragon Martial Arts Taekwondo students, 12-yearold Conor Soule and 10-year-old Cade Hackman, completed their formal testing in front of family and friends to receive their first boom junior black belts. “It’s amazing. It’s taken me six years,” said Soule.

Joshua Telizyn was in Grande Prairie for the 2018 B.C. Summer Games, July 20 to 22, competing in cross country mountain biking. Telizyn won gold in the eliminator, a 1km sprint, and gold in the relay.

CAM WEIRD JOINS HUSKIES AS ASSISTANT COACH

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Mike Lucas, trying to defend his 2017 NHRA championship, avoided disaster in a high speed crash on June 30, in Mission, B.C. Lucas was competing in the final of the Top Sportsman Class at Door Wars when he lost control of his 2000 Camaro. “It all worked out just as it’s supposed to, so I’m very thankful for the suppliers and manufacturers. I crashed going 130 miles per hour but didn’t feel a thing the next morning,” Lucas said.

Cameron Weir, new to Fort St. John for work, joined the Huskies as an assistant coach for the 2018-19 season. Weir played Junior A hockey in Manitoba, and played at Thompson Rivers University. Recently, he was a minor hockey coach in the Kamloops area.

PEACE REGION GETS REGIONAL BANTAM TEAM

JULY

The North East District was granted a Bantam AA team for the B.C. Hockey Zone program on June 4. The North East District joined six other zones — East Kootenay, West Kootenay, North Central, North West, Okanagan-Mainline (OMAHA), and the Yukon.

MIKE LUCAS AVOIDS DISASTER IN RACE CRASH

PAPER AIRPLANE RECORD ATTEMPT FAILS Guiness World Record holders John Collins and Joe Ayoob were at the Pomeroy Sport Centre in Fort St. John on July 20, and tried 10 times to break their standing record of 226 feet and 10 inches, set in 2012. The closest they got was around 220 feet as a crowd of about 150 people cheered them on. “As we were in here today, we noticed that the flight path that our current record took wasn’t necessarily the path that was going to get us there for our record today,” Ayoob said.

TRAVIS EGGERS WINS 56TH OILMENS GOLF TOURNAMENT For the first time in six years, Kevin McNee’s name won’t be engraved on the Oilmens Golf Tournament trophy. Instead, that honour goes to Travis Eggers, who won the tournament for the first time since 2012, the year before McNee began his five-year winning streak. In just his second year playing at the Oilmens since 2012, Eggers defeated Dillon Maier Saturday morning, June 9, at Lakepoint Golf and Country Club. BROWN, KYLLO, BUZIAK SIGN WITH GPRC SOCCER TEAM Four NPSS soccer players made the jump to play soccer on the Grande Prairie Regional College team for the 2018-19 season. Tea Brown and Kaitlin Buziak, along with former Fort St. John player Mariah Kyllo, now play for GPRC coach Chris Morgan, who used to coach them in Fort St. John.

AUSTIN COZICAR PHOTO

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Fort St. John’s Cenia Bock (left) and Kristine Fleming (right) placed second and third, respectively, in the Novice Bikini class at the 2018 Northern Classic on May 19, 2018. Brianna Antypowich (centre) was first.

B4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW AUGUST

Sheryl Jakubowski and Mykaela Stewart represented the Fort St. John at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, from August 1 to 4. Jakubowski won gold medals in the 400m and 5,000m races. Stewart won a silver and bronze in rhythmic gymnastics with Team B.C. “It was so awesome and I’m very happy. It feels good to be a Canadian champ,” Jakubowski said.

WARREN HAUGAN WINS 2018 LONE WOLF CLASSIC Warren Haugan won the championship flight at the Lone Wolf Classic on July 21 with a score of 155. “It feels really good. This is my first time winning the tournament after many second place finishes,” Haugan said.

JAROD LANG JOINS AMERICAN COLLEGE TEAM Jarod Lang, the top-pairing Mark Skage, an avid hunter, said his defenceman who captained the Huskies whole world changed the day he first to the 2018 NWJHL championship, is took his son Mica hunting at the age of playing for the Marian University ACHA three. Sabres hockey team in Fond du Lac, “Seeing his love of the outdoors, and Wisconsin, this season. seeing the different aspects of it through “I wanted to still play hockey and his eyes, it was incredible,” said Skage. further my education at the same time. That led to Skage, a Fort Nelson I’m really excited about the opportunity resident, signing a contract with Wild to still play a high level of hockey, and TV to host and create the show Start Em’ develop as a player and person,” Lang Young. The show will follow Skage and said. his friends hunting in and around the Peace Region with their kids, and will LAURIE CARDINAL COMPLETES begin airing in 2019. CANADIAN DEATH RACE MARK SKAGE HOSTS TV SHOW

FALLYN MILLS WINS ALL AROUND AT CANADIAN FINALS

Fort St. John marathon runner Laurie Cardinal was in Grande Cache, Alberta for the 19th annual Canadian Death Race, August 4 and 5. Cardinal, competing in the female 40-49 age category, finished 19th out of 29 racers with a time of 24 hours, 2 minutes, and 50.4 seconds. “It was quite the feat. During the final kilometre, I knew I would miss the 24 hour mark, but my goal was to finish the race regardless of the time and I wasn’t going home with anything less,” Cardinal said of racing in the 125km ultra-marathon.

Fallyn Mills, B.C.’s all around cowgirl, is now the Canadian High School Rodeo all around cowgirl after winning the most combined points in her seven events. Mills was third in girls cutting and team roping, and finished in the top 10 in reined cow horse, goat tying and breakaway roping. She was also reserve champion in pole bending. NORTHERN LIGHTS COLLEGE GETS RODEO TEAM The Northern Lights College is developing an Athletics and Recreation Department for the 2018-19 school year with the help of Engage Sport North, and the college kicked that program off with a college rodeo team. The program started in September, with athletes competing in the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association circuit.

DAVE LUENEBERG, DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Above: The weather was the true opponent in the Taylor Mixed Slo Pitch League’s One-Pitch Tournament, July 20 to 22, 2018. Below: Dominic Roberts, during the 50cc (4-6) beginner class, at the PMA’s Taylor Mother’s Day race on May 13, 2018.

DAVE CALLUM RESIGNS AS LONE WOLF GM Dave Callum announced his resignation from being Lone Wolf Golf Club’s General Manager on, August 14. Callum had been with Lone Wolf since 2008. “Me and my wife are really sad to go,” said Callum. Callum moved on to become the general manager at the Fort McMurray Golf Club.

JAKUBOWSKI, STEWART WIN BIG AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS NATIONAL GAMES

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Associate Publisher Email: npalfy@dcdn.ca • Office: 250-782-4888 901 100 Ave, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 1W2

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 B5

Local Sports

Fort St. John hockey standings (as of Dec. 19) NPHL standings

NWJHL standings

East Division

TEAM

GP W L OL

TEAM

GP W L OL TP

Huskies

23 16 6

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Canucks

25 16 9

Grimshaw 10

Navigators 21 13 8

Manning

Kings

High Prairie 12

8 12

Vipers

7 13

Flyers

7 13

WEST DIVISION TEAM

GP W L OL TP

Canucks

Athletics 12

Flyers

dillon giancola photo

Geoff Dick causes havoc in front of the Dawson Creek net during the Huskies 5-3 win over the Junior Canucks on Dec. 8.

NaHL Midget standings

BC AA Bantam Zone Standings

bouchier division

TEAM

GP W L OL TP

N. Central 16 12 1

Trackers

17 14 2

North

Barons

20 7 10 3 17

Thompson 12

PR Royals

18 7

2 16

Central

GP Storm

17 5

3 13

Kootenay

1 29

GP W L

15 10 4

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St. Albert

19 15 2

2 32

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17 14 2

1 29

Wainwright 17 14 3

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B6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Classifieds

Book Your Ad Now!

Announcements

Coming EvEnts

General employment

ApArtments/ Condos for

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 97 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommu nitynews.com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222.

CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT- Every Sunday for 11 Weeks Starting Jan. 06, 2019 1:00 pm Sharp. Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave. Dawson Creek BC. Admission: $5.00 per Person. LUNCH PROVIDED Come and Join the Fun and Prizes. Everyone Welcome. For more Info Call: Lillian: 250-782-4057 . Mary: 250-782-6628

Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door. 250-784-5817

Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities.

Caregiver/Nanny for hire: To look after my (3) children; 15 year old; 9 year old & 4 year old girls. Permanent, full-time at a rate of $14.00/hour for 40 hours/week. Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children. Accomodation available on a live-in basis at no cost but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care, assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping. Applicants may apply via email: gelinemdetorres@yahoo.com

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

Coming EvEnts

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Acquired Brain Injury Support Group: ABI Support group meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month at 6:00pm at the Northern Brain Injury Association office: #11-1405 102 Ave Dawson Creek. Please call 250-719-4673 for more information. http://nbia.ca/ Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm

South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm.

SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

Announcements

Do you or someone you know have a problem with Alcohol?

We can help, call today Alcoholics Anonymous

250-785-8866

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Archives Room at The Calvin Kruk Center. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend. For online Registration and more information: MileZeroCruisers.com

Domestic Help WanteD NORTHERN PROPERTIES Cleaner Required

Duties: Wash windows, walls, ceiling, vacuum carpeting, area rugs, drapes, upholstered furn, pick up debris, empty trash container. Distribute clean towels and toiletries: clean changing rooms, showers, kitchen, bathroom fixtures and appliances. English and no experience necessary. Perm/ft. $15.50/perhr. Please apply info@northernprop.ca or admin@northernprop.ca NORTHERN PROPERTIES Housekeeper

Perform light housekeeping duties, apply and dispense household linen, detailed cleaning/housekeeping duties: be responsible for kitchen & bathroom fixtures and furniture cleaning, common areas, changing rooms & showers, overall clean appartment unit presentation. English and no experience necessary. Perm/ft. $18.50/perhr. Please apply info@northernprop.ca or admin@northernprop.ca

Support your Local Community! Alaska Highway News is looking for your Community Support. We are looking for your photos of local events, sports, fundraisers, etc.. Please submit your photos to: 9916-98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

250-785-5631 or 250-782-4888

Career OppOrtunities

9 Purebred Black Lab Puppies for Sale. Born Oct. 22/18. $500.00 each. Phone: 250-7937753

HealtH ServiceS Get up to $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)211-3550 For Your Free No Obligation Information Package TODAY.

Business OppOrtunities

INVENTORS WANTED! Do you have a new product idea, but you’re not sure where to start?

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ApArtments/ Condos for

R0011352381

Career OppOrtunities

Email: editor@ahnfsj.ca

Child Caregiver: 8 years old girl & 22 months boy. $14.00 per hour. Permanent-40 hours per week. Employer’s home/94 Ave, Completion of Secondary School, some college/ CEPEG/Vocational or technical training in child care or related field. 1 to 2 years supervision of children. Main duties: Assist children on personal hygiene. Plan, prepare meals for children, participate in games, reading and may perform light housekeeping. Accommodations could be made available on a live-in basis at no cost. But not a condition of employment. Apply by email: herbert_barateta@yah oo.com

Dogs

We are looking for an experienced

Online Media Consultant

This is a role requiring technical expertise, strong independent skills, and a keen desire to win We need sales leadership in Fort St John, Taylor, Hudson Hope Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, and Tumbler Ridge Key Duties and Responsibilities • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Assist sales team with the development of the digital business category in their territories Achieve monthly, quarterly and annual targets Ability to clearly articulate the benefits of a digital marketing strategy Understand the current media landscape, traditional and new Successfully deliver compelling presentations for our digital solutions Facilitate the development of online strategies for SMB, and medium to large enterprise clients alike Ability to analyze and report on campaign metrics and secure long term business Contribute to the success and growth of the sales team and the overall revenue Proactively review client’s digital footprint and digital business practices to enable needs analysis selling Exposure or experience with Challenger Sales mindset Demonstration of strong background in one or more of the following: Website development, SEO, SEM, Social Media, Display Advertising, Video and/or Brand Identity Google AdWords and Analytics certification is an asset Outstanding verbal and written communication

Space For LeaSe Office Space for Lease- 3400 sq ft in City Core Dawson Creek- 2nd FloorFully Built Out. 250719-8249

SuiteS For rent For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. WiFi & Internet. Phone: 250-782-7042 FOR RENT IN DC. Two Bedroom in 4-Plex. Quiet, 55 and Over. F/S/ W/D. 250-719-5181.

Business services

Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & duct cleaning, Chimney sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ) GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 97 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommunitynews.com/advertise or 1-866669-9222. Snow Removal Residential and small commercial. phone for rates 250-329-4669

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

We have a variety of apartments, town homes, executive homes, and duplexes for rent. To apply for these,please email reception@licar.ca or visit our website at www.licar.ca

Phone: 250-785-2662

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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LegaL/PubLic Notices

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Notice of Construction for a 150' Self Support Communications Tower at 56 32 26.06 N 121 15 09.53 W (D-041-C/094-A-11)

on January 28, 2019. Any concerns or questions can be directed to 3CIS at

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Self-motivated with the ability to find creative resolutions and drive results Eﬀective time management Detail oriented, multi-tasker Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Diplomacy, eﬀective listening and public speaking skills Personable, understanding, objective and honest Outstanding relationship building skills

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To apply please contact Daniel Laporta at dlaporta@glaciermedia.ca No phone calls please

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018 B7

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2019 FromFrom all all of us at the of us at Alaska Highway News We wish you a Safe and Joyous Holiday Season and we look forward to serving our community in the coming year.

B8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

2018 YEAR IN REVIEW

We’re Celebrating

with UP TO 50% OFF SELECT WINTER BOOTS

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR — Above: Easton Hickey was all smiles at the Humboldt Broncos free skate fundraiser at North Peace Arena on April 22, 2018. Below: Jason Hancharak hoists the Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament Trophy after winning it all on April 8, 2018.

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Through the spirit of friendship and in appreciation of the support you have given us over the year, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

We look forward to seeing you in 2019

Silver Anniversary

summer Cruise

July 12-14, 2019 Dawson Creek BC

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May your holidays shine brightly with joy and good fortune that continues throughout the New Year. We wish you and yours all the best at this special time. Thank you for your generous support in 2018. We could not do what we do without your support.

Rotary Lake Holiday Skating Schedule: OPEN: December 26-30 NOON to 5:00 pm OPEN: December 31 NOON to 3:00 pm OPEN: January 1-5 NOON to 5:00 pm

Rotary

Clubs of Dawson Creek

If you would like to ﬁnd out more about Rotary you can contact the Rotary Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise at RotaryDCSunrise@gmail.com

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek

Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise

Meets Fridays, 7:00 a.m. At The GEORGE DAWSON INN