AHN DEC 29 2016

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 VOL. 73, NO.99

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

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2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

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Natural gas bills to rise as BCUC approves rate increases When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money.

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Hilda Barkho (left) shares a laugh with her mother Salwa Techikha while learning to skate at the community rink near Centennial Park last week. The two continue to adjust to new life in Canada since the Charlie Lake Community Church settled them in Canada earlier this year.

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A new home for the holidays

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Syrian family adapting to new life in Canada MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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There’s a Christmas tree in the living room of Salwa Techikha and Hilda Barkho’s Fort St. John home, lit bright and layered with ornaments, and anchored by a homemade nativity scene.

It’s the first tree the mother and daughter have had to celebrate the holiday season since fleeing the civil war in Syria four years ago, an escape that found them in Le-

banon for three years before the Charlie Lake Community Church settled them in Canada earlier this year. “Families and neighbours would get together, and have a big festival-style dinner and dance. That was before the war,â€? Techikha said through a translator. “To be a little culturally sensitive where we were in Lebanon, we didn’t do anything for Christmas there. We’d still have guests over‌ but we wouldn’t put up tree or have a

big festival or anything.�

Techikha and Barkho left their home in Hasakah in northeast Syria, a corner of the country that was home to a large Christian population.

Because they were Christians, they were not allowed into refugee camps. In Lebanon, they found an apartment instead and worked any cash job they could find, making enough to pay rent and put food on the table.

See HOLIDAYS on A5

Natural gas rates for residents and businesses in Fort St. John are set to increase in the new year.

Residential and small commercial rates for Pacific Northern Gas customers will increase starting Jan. 1, the B.C. Utilities Commission announced this week, citing a drop in industrial demand, as well as rising operating costs and market prices for gas.

Starting Jan. 1, combined delivery and commodity rates will rise to $7.04 per gigajoule, up from $5.37 for residential customers in Fort St. John. Small commercial businesses will see rates rise to $6.22 per gigajoule, up from $4.70.

Rates will also be going up in Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, and in communities from Vanderhoof to Prince Rupert and Kitimat.

Dawson Creek homes will see combined rates jump to $6.85 per gigajoule from $5.17, while businesses will see rates climb to $5.68 from $4.16.

In Tumbler Ridge, residential rates will climb to a combined $11.76 per gigajoule, while businesses will see rates climb to $10.47.

Communities from Vanderhoof to Prince Rupert will see residential rates climb to $16.85 per gigajoule, up from $14.55.

Businesses will see rates rise from $12.68 to $14.93.

See RATES on A3

New school kitchen for Baldonnel Pembina donates $40,000 to Baldonnel Elementary PAC ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

When you can’t open the oven door without hitting the fridge, your kitchen may be just a smidge too small.

Baldonnel Elementary School has a kitchen just like that, and the Parents Advisory Committee has been working on raising money to redo the school kitchen to make it more usable for both the PAC and the students. “In every school there is such a need right now and the school district has such a limited budget, so the pressure is put on the PACs to fundraise that amount,� said Baldonnel PAC President Dixie Modde.

After months of fundraising, a new kitchen is on the horizon, thanks to a $40,000 donation from Pembina.

See PEMBINA on A4

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Pembina has donated $40,000 to the Baldonnel Elementary School PAC to upgrade the school’s kitchen.

Pictured: Avi Sinclair, Pembina Operations Foreman; Dixie Modde, Baldonnel Elementary School PAC President; and Darrell Babkirk, Pembina Area Supervisor.

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A2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS

UGLY SWEATERS, GREAT CAUSE

Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Year In Review............................ A9 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5 Community ............................... B9 Classifieds ................................. B12

Adam Kelderman, Ryan Hennessey, Mark Bodner and Burke Lauder show off all the donations that were brought in for the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Centre on Dec. 21 during the Fugly Christmas Sweater Fiesta at the Lido Theatre.

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills Walmart Canadian Tire M&M Food Market Safeway Jysk Save On Foods PNG Brand Saver Home Hardware Staples

Over the course of the holiday season, the Lido raised $10,550, which will be split between the Women’s Resource Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fort St. John.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

How rock, paper, scissors was invented 2016: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for the final news chewing session of the year. Most folks agree 2016 was a tough year. In the distant future someone will invent a time machine. They will set the dial to “2016” and the machine will make a whining noise and start trembling.

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO PREVAILING PRICES

103.9

Fort St. John

112.9

Alberta-B.C. border

95.9

Fort Nelson

114.9

Groundbirch

N/A

Chetwynd

112.9

Tumbler Ridge

115.9

Prince George

105.9

Hythe

N/A

Grande Prairie

93.9

Calgary

97.9

Edmonton

97.9

Vancouver

122.9

Victoria

117.9

B.C. avg

119.3

Alberta Avg.

102.9

ROCK PAPER WHAT? In Prince Rupert, B.C., a large crowd gathered for the city’s 13th annual Rock Paper Scissors Tournament. Not many people know this: Rock Paper Scissors was invented thousands of years ago by cavemen who were bored with playing Rock Rock Rock.

STAR FLAWS: Some Star Wars fans were complaining about technical errors in the new movie. Like a Stormtrooper’s costume has a trapdoor at the back? Really? I saw the movie and I couldn’t believe the crazy twist at the end. Do I have this right: Darth Vader is Chewbacca’s nephew’s brother’s neighbor’s sister’s mailman’s uncle’s best friend’s son? Really?

STAR CHORES: One scientist did some amazing calculations and announced the Death Star featured in the Star Wars

CHEWS THE NEWS

movies would be rather expensive to operate. The daily Death Star electric bill—that’s DAILY—would be 7.8 Octillion dollars. An octillion is a one with 24 zeroes after it. Wow, 7.8 Octillion dollars per day for electricity! That’s almost as much as we’ll be paying after BC Hydro builds the Site C Dam. HOW MANY Ds? In recent years Hollywood has been hyping 3D movies. But a recent poll shows most moviegoers prefer old fashioned 2D movies. I have to admit I’m kind of disappointed with Hollywood’s lack of progress on the 3D thing. I thought by now they’d be up to 8D or 9D. WHAT’S UP, DOC?: In a Harvard University study released last week: Women doctors are better than male doctors.

Also: The average age of magazines in a female doctor’s waiting room is five years.

In a male doctor’s waiting room, 10 years.

NICE MICE: Scientists announced they’ve discovered a way to increase the lifespan of mice by 30 per cent. Their next project? Increasing the number of lives for cats from nine to twelve.

PUTIN TOOTIN: We’ve heard a lot lately about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Forbes Magazine says Putin is worth $50 billion dollars. How does a guy who was

GENERAL NOTICE

EARTH MIRTH: I’ve mentioned this before, but it has me a little worried. Scientists say the Earth’s rotation is slowing down. I have two suggestions: First: We could squirt WD-40 into the North and South Poles. Or: We could ask Superman to fly at high speed around the Equator in a clockwise direction, like he did in that movie where he turned back time.

Or should that be ANTI-clockwise? Oh geez, now I’m confused. If we get this wrong, it could mess up the rotation situation even more. This is too much pressure!

NEW YEAR: As we bring to a close another interesting and ridiculous year of news chewing, I’ll mention a poll I saw online. Eighty-five per cent said they’ll be glad to see the end of 2016 and the arrival of 2017. Hey, don’t get too confident about 2017. I have a feeling Baby New Year could arrive with a full diaper.

Bob Snyder can be reached at: chewsthenews@fastmail.com He will return to news chewin’ on Jan. 12.

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION FOR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

FORT NELSON

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

All other rights are reserved and commercial use is prohibited. To make any use of this material you must first obtain the permission of the owner of the copyright.

BURGER BULLETIN: In the Netherlands it’s legal to sell horse meat for human consumption. A restaurant in Amsterdam made headlines for selling a “My Little Pony Burger.” They also offer “Hello Kitty Nuggets.” (Their hotdogs are hot. And yes, they’re dogs)

FORT ST. JOHN

For the most recent weather forcast check out: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html

CAD$ per litre, prices as of Dec. 23.

Source: GasBuddy.com

http://www.drivebc.ca/

#listView&district=Peace For the most recent weather forcast check out: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html

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For further information contact the managing editor at

250-785-5631

Bob Snyder

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

R0021161734

Dawson Creek

HACK HA HA: One of the biggest problems of the year was computer hacking.

Experts say December is the busiest time of year for computer hackers. Luckily, Santa had very secure passwords on his “nice” and “naughty” lists. And here’s my question about Santa: If he knows when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake, he knows when you’ve been good or bad, how come he doesn’t know where you’re going to get the money to pay for all the Christmas stuff you bought?

raised as a communist get his hands on $50 billion? Easy. He fools 50 billion stupid communists into giving him the only dollar they have left.

Open Saturday, Dec. 31, 9am - 4pm Closed Sunday Jan. 1, Monday, Jan. 2

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Insulated FR Coveralls

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A3

LOCAL NEWS

Bert Bowes students help those in need ALEISHA HENDRY ahendyr@ahnfsj.ca

Two families in Fort St. John didn’t go without this holiday season—not with the Hunger Police on the case.

A group of Grade 8 students at Bert Bowes Middle School set out to help those in need as part of a class project.

Called a Passion Project, the students had to come up with something they were passionate about. Some of them decided their passion was helping others.

“As a group we decided our passion was to help the needy, and we decided to sponsor two families for Christmas and do whatever we needed to do to let them have a good Christmas,” said student Brooke Braun.

This led to the creation of the Hunger Police, who set out to collect money, food and other essential items for the two families.

It also gave the students a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Gurushabad Aulakh said she always wanted to help those in need but want sure how to go about it.

“I’ve wanted to this since I was little,” she said. “We have a church that we do

it with, like I always wanted to be part of it but I never had money, but now with our class doing it I can be involved.”

Their teacher, Cayla Brown, said the idea came about after a class visit to the Salvation Army food bank. A parent who was along for the trip said she had more food in her house than the Salvation Army had on its shelves.

The comparison hit home for the students, Brown said.

“We were unpacking that (concept) and talking about it and the kids were thinking ‘How much food do I have at my house’ and ‘How much do I eat’ and ‘How much of it is wasted,’” she said.

From there, the students set out to help out two families by sponsoring hampers for them.

Over the last six weeks they held bake sales, collected donations from local businesses and even had a booth set up at a grocery store to collect food and other items. In all they raised about $800 and enough food and essential items for both of the families they’re sponsoring.

Braun said it was a good learning experience.

“I learned that there’s so many people that don’t have as much as we have and we’re really grateful to have as much as we do,” she said.

RATES FROM A1

The commission notes cities such as Fort St. John and Dawson Creek see lower natural gas rates due their proximity to natural gas sources and infrastructure.

Market prices for gas, however, are “variable and can be volatile,” the commission notes, and has risen in recent months and is forecast to rise even further.

Commodity charges—the cost of market rates PNG pays for gas—fluctuated between $2.83/GJ to $3.93/GJ in Fort St. John in 2015, according to the commission, and was reduced to $2.20 at the beginning of 2016.

“The market price for natural gas has

risen in recent months and is forecast to continue to increase. Commodity rates for FortisBC customers have also recently increased because of the increase in market rates of natural gas,” the commission said.

Meanwhile, the commission says a drop in customer demand, particularly from the industrial sector, requires delivery rate increases.

“When customer demand is forecast to decrease, any increase in delivery and commodity costs are spread over fewer gigajoules resulting in a per gigajoule rate increase,” the commission said.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

The Hunger Police are a group of Grade 8 students at Bert Bowes Middle School who took a class project and turned it into a worthy cause. The students sponsored two families for Christmas this year, collecting food and other essential items, along with cash.

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A4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

LOCAL NEWS

Horsemanship program helps build communication, leadership skills TOM SUMMER For the Alaska Highway News

Natural horsemanship is a new program introduced this September in Hudson’s Hope.

In recent years, the school has pushed for more hands-on teaching that encourages non-traditional approaches to learning. The driving idea is to enrich student education by putting them in environments where they can pursue their interests.

While she is not an official instructor, teacher Caroline Beam facilitates the program with direction from professional trainer Glenn Stewart.

Beam sends in video clips to Stewart so he can assess the progress of the students, and decide whether they are ready

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to proceed to more advanced techniques.

“Glenn will certify them, whether or not they get their stage one. I’m just coaching them through that portion of it,” Beam said during a recent class earlier this month.

Stewart has over more than 30 years of experience in the horse industry and has taught thousands of students in both North and South America. He currently resides just outside of Fort St. John and runs thehorseranch.com from his home in Baldonnel. The website documents his Horse Development Program and management consulting for equine facilities.

He is also a columnist with the Northern Horizon newspaper.

Beam herself has been working with horses since she was

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Hudson’s Hope student Tyler Rhode and his horse during a recent natural horsemanship class.

are already experienced with horses, it can be quite the challenge, as they are forced to unlearn the initial habits they developed working with horses.

“These are all really great skills for leadership and communication that these kids are going to be able to use, and with other people, not just horses,” Beam said.

“But with horses, it’s beautiful because horses are unbiased,

they’re basically pure beings.

“You have to be able to communicate effectively with them or you just won’t succeed. So these guys are transcending language. They’re using body language, they’re using tone of voice and positioning, and they have to achieve success with their horse.

“It’s really easy to tell if they’re not doing it right. It’s impossible to cheat,” she said.

work and forwarded it to (head office in) Calgary and that’s how it started,” she said.

The PAC has managed to provide some hot meals to the students sparingly, trying to make healthy meals such as homemade chicken noodle soup and even making a turkey supper, but they are extremely limited. The kitchen is in dire need of an upgrade.

“Our breakers will go, so we’ll have moms down the hallway flipping pancakes by the Grade 3 classroom and another mom in the gym, we’re all spread out,” she said.

“But if we had an operating kitchen and one that

could fill the need we would be able to provide more meals throughout the month to the students.”

As well, if the kitchen is large enough, Modde says, it can be used as part of the curriculum.

Right now, the kitchen can only hold a few people at one time.

“We have an amazing Aboriginal assistant there that would love to do bannock with the children, but right now she’s only able to take two students at a time, it’s that small,” said Modde.

Thanks to the donation, the school could have a fully functional larger kitchen up and running by next fall.

PEMBINA FROM A1

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19, so helping the students learn natural horsemanship is something she is very passionate about.

The program is open to nearly all students, but is geared towards the senior grades. Regardless of students’ level of experience with horses, the program is crafted so that Beam has plenty of time to work individually with each student. Indeed, there are very few school-run horse programs in the province, and even fewer in the Northeast.

While a similar program exists in Fort St. John, this is not the first time an equine-focused course has been offered at the school. A horse handling program was implemented two years prior ago by Beam’s colleague, Liza Ryhmer. Natural Horsemanship can be considered an extension of this program, with a focus on learning how to more effectively communicate with horses.

For those in the class whom

Darrell Babkirk, area manager for Pembina in Fort St. John, said the decision was an easy one given the company’s presence in the region.

“Being that we want to support schools, it was kind of a natural selection when we heard about the initiative that Dixie and all the other moms were taking on,” said Babkirk.

Pembia heard about the kitchen after reading an article in the Alaska Highway News back in the summer. Pembina Operations Foreman Avi Sinclair clipped the article and brought it to work to see if there was any way the company could help.

“I cut it out, brought it to

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

Making a

Difference THIS PAGE IS DONATED BY THE FORT ST. JOHN ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

“Be an Angel” Campaign Exceeds Goal of $250,000 Many donors who gave “In Memory” or “In Honour” of a loved one, filled out a paper ornament that was hung on the Foundation’s Angel Tree in the Hospital lobby.

Unforgettable Memories with Santa

Unforgettable Memories Foto Source captured many local families in their encounters with Santa this month, in an effort to raise money for the FSJ Hospital Foundation.

Over three days, hundreds of photos were taken, and $6,680 was donated to the Foundation. Owner Lynette Kitt has been hosting Santa photos to benefit the Foundation for the past five years. Every child who met Santa left with a candy cane and teddy bear.

Lynette Kitt and her team at Unforgettable Memories Foto Source presented Jessica Kalman, Chief Development Officer, with a cheque from this year’s Santa photos. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were also in attendance to help celebrate in the festivities.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY FOR US? Were you recently a patient of the Fort St. John Hospital? Did a staff member go above and beyond for you? Tell us about it!

Whether it was a small encouragement or a gesture that made a big impact, we want to hear about your experience. Call us at 250-261-7563 or e-mail fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

The 20th annual “Be an Angel” Campaign has wrapped up for another year, raising over $250,000 for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.

Throughout November, hundreds of donors contributed to the “Be An Angel” Campaign by participating in one of several opportunities to donate including via mail, in drop-boxes located at all six financial institutions,

during Moose FM’s “Light a Moose” Radiothon, and at the “Be an Angel” Gala hosted on November 5th.

All campaign donations have been directed to the “Angel Fund,” which helps purchase medical equipment in the Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care Facility to enhance patient care and comfort.

Announcing the Jean Gardner Endowment Fund On December 6th, the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation was excited to create the Jean Gardner Endowment Fund, in honour of a woman who has played a significant role in the success of the Foundation, in health care, and in this community. Jean’s husband, Reg, made the $50,000 donation in memory of Jean, as well as daughter Dani, and parents Dorothy and Ken. Jean served for eight years as the Director of Finance at the Fort St John General Hospital. She was also one of the founding members of the FSJ Hospital Foundation and

served on the Board of Directors from 1994 until her “retirement” from the Board in 2006. Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, colleague and a great friend. Her cheerful, positive outlook and personality brightened up each day.

Through this Endowment Fund, named in her honour, her impact on our community and her legacy of compassion, kindness, and generosity, will continue.

The Jean Gardner Endowment Fund, like the others, is a fund to which anyone may contribute gifts.

FSJ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FSJHOSPITALFOUNDATION

• 250.261.7563

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A5

LOCAL NEWS

It’s a New Year, why not try a new colour?

HOLIDAYS from A1

“Refugee camps, they only let Muslims into them, otherwise there can be too much strife within the camp,” Techikha said.

She and Barkho arrived in Fort St. John in February after the Charlie Lake congregation voted unanimously to sponsor a refugee family. They are being helped along by church member Michael Hack, who serves as their translator and was out teaching them how to skate at the community rink at Centennial Park last week.

“I was excited to be a part of it, to be able to contribute and be involved,” said Hack, 28, who was raised in Lebanon where his parents were involved in economic development.

“It’s been a unique experience.”

The biggest challenges for the family remains adjusting to Canadian winter—in Syria, winter temperatures hover between 5 to 10 C with little snow, Hack says—and strengthening their English skills, though they are doing their best to adapt.

Techikha studies English through Community Bridge, while Barkho is completing her Adult Graduation Diploma at North Peace Secondary.

Barkho, 18, hopes to enter the hairstyling dual credit program with Northern Lights College next year, though she has her sights set on one day going to acting school and becoming an actress.

“I love the idea of it. I like movies and would like to be a part of it,” she said.

They’ve made friends through the church and school, and are thankful for their experience so far.

“People here are very generous and kind,” said Techikha.

“Not just the church, but people have been making sure we’re being looked after.”

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MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Salwa and Hilda celebrated their first Christmas in Canada this year. They await the arrival of four other family members who were sponsored to come to Canada by the Charlie Lake Community Church.

Meanwhile, they await the arrival of four other family members sponsored by the Charlie Lake church.

Techikha’s brother Naiim and his wife and children were expected to arrive in February, but remain in Beirut. They recently finished their medical checks and await interviews with immigration officials in the new year.

“From there, it should only be a few weeks until they get a flight,” Hack said.

The church plans to fundraise in the new year to be able to support Naiim and his family once they arrive, and to continue supporting Techikha and Barkho.

“Because half the family has gotten here early and it’s almost a full year now later that the other half of the family is coming, we still have a oneyear commitment to the other

half of the family,” Hack said.

Techikha and Barkho continue to follow the conflict in Syria, hopeless, but thankful they and other family members are far from the war.

“Some of the shots of the children, the rubble, I can’t watch it. It’s too much,” Barkho said.

“What can we do about it?” added Techikha.

If and when the conflict settles, they hope to return to visit, but have no hope of being able to return to live there.

Techikha hopes one day she’ll be able to travel to Australia, where her sister now lives, and to New Zealand, where she has five other siblings whom she hasn’t seen in years.

“I’d love to be able to see my siblings down under,” she said.

To learn more about how to help, call the church at 250-785-1723.

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thanks to my clients for your loyal support and friendship.

Happy 2017!

A6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

Opinion

CONTACT US MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Letters to the Editor RETHINK THE REAL CHRISTMAS TREE

WHY AREN’T WE UTILIZING NATURAL GAS?

So here we go again, another Christmas and another million and one coniferous trees cut down for this holiday. How it came to this, of cutting down a tree for the birth of a man, is sickening.

People say to me that these trees are grown for this holiday. I say to them, that those same trees growing are much more needed in combating global warming, shelter, wildlife enhancement, aesthetics, fuel, heating, wood supplies and so on for our future generations.

Cutting down a 20-year-old spruce, pine, fir, or cedar tree in a nursery plantation or in the forests is such a loss of those 20 years needed to continue on with life for another 100 plus years. Look around after the holiday and you will see these lovely dying trees on side of roads, garbage bins and staked in parking lots to be thrown into the landfill. What an image this gives our children and the world on how we treat our environment.

Between the millions of trees killed each year from insects, forest fires, industry and agricultural development, recreationalists and this holiday, you can only wonder why our environment is quickly changing for the worst.

Merry Christmas.

— Kevin Aitchison, Fort St. John

To say that electricity created by natural gas is illegal under the Clean Energy Act is ridiculous as we have five such entities in operation in B.C. now.

The Clean Energy Act needs to be changed as Alberta is creating electricity via natural gas at our door step—there are seven diesel electric in operation, which are very polluting, that could easily be retrofitted to propane or natural gas and cut emissions greatly.

There are six biomass wood waste units running that could be retrofitted to natural gas as well. There are dozens of oil and gas companies and drilling contractors that are creating power via natural gas on there own sites.

The point is Site C is a project created by a crooked B.C. Liberal government and crooked BC Hydro, and the contractors on the job have donated hundreds and millions of dollars to the crooked B.C. Liberal government, and Site C is their billion dollar payback at the expense of every resident in B.C. and the destruction of irreplaceable wildlife habitat ranch and farm land and the Peace River valley.

It remains to be seen if the public will finally realize how crooked the B.C. Liberal government is and do something about it before it’s too late. Will the public begin to realize how much they have been duped by BC Hydro, the B.C. Liberal government and

the federal Liberal party, and do something about this?

Many jobs could be created constructing natural gas co-gens, for example, the Shepard facility in Alberta. At eight cents a kilowatt hour, on-time on-budget, on 60 acres of ground with an everlasting supply of our own natural gas—you would think the gas producing companies would be behind this 100 per cent.

Time to drain the swamp in B.C. and all of Canada and get some straight shooters running our country.

—Mark Meiers, Charlie Lake SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER (Re: No serious injuries in early morning accident on Taylor Bridge, Dec.17) The way those grates grab your tires, pulling you in other lane. there’s nothing scarier than that..... Driver error’. I think not!

That bridge is dangerous!!!

—Angela Gairdner, via Facebook The bridge is fine, it’s the people that drive on the bridge that worry me —Brandy Frocklage, via Facebook The bridge is way past it’s lifetime anyway.

These things don’t last forever. Sooner or later it has to be replaced.

—Mark Cranston, via Facebook

Sober second thought at the forefront in 2016

I

t’s that time of the year again—the time to look back on the last twelve months and look forward to what 2017 may bring us.

While the Senate of Canada continues on its path toward modernization, Senators continue to fulfil their parliamentary duties by conducting in-depth studies on issues of national importance and by reviewing legislation both from the government and individual parliamentarians.

In fact, the Senate’s sober-second thought was front-and-centre this past year as we made important amendments to some of the government’s legislation including Bill C-29, the government’s second Budget Implementation Act and Bill C-14 on medically-assistance in dying.

In January, I was also honoured to be re-elected as Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environ-

Richard Neufeld FROM THE SENATE

ment and Natural Resources.

In March, our committee was mandated by the Senate to look into the costs and impacts to Canadian businesses and households of transitioning to a lowercarbon economy. We have held a number of meetings in Ottawa and travelled to Western Canada and Southern Ontario to meet with businesspeople, experts, academics, environmentalists and stakeholders to find out how we can achieve the Trudeau Government’s greenhouse gas targets of reducing our emissions by 30 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. While there is no consensus among the witnesses

we’ve met, one thing is certain: the targets are very ambitious, nearly impossible to meet without harmfully impacting the economy and digging deep into Fred and Martha’s pockets— your average Canadians.

Our committee will publish interim reports throughout the next year on the five sectors of our economy responsible for more than 80 per cent of our country’s emissions. Stay tuned for our first report on the electricity sector in February. Our final report, expected at the end of next year, will provide the federal government with recommendations on how to achieve its targets in a manner that is sustainable, affordable, efficient, equitable and achievable.

It appears 2017 will be another busy year for us in Ottawa, and you can rest assured that I will continue to defend the interests of the people of our re-

gion along with MP Bob Zimmer.

Finally, with the holidays just around the corner, I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of my entire family, to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. I remain hopeful that 2017 will be a prosperous year for our region.

The Honourable Richard Neufeld is a Senator for British Columbia. He is Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and a member of the National Finance Committee and the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee.

Prior to his appointment to the Senate in 2009, he served in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 2008 as MLA for Peace River North. He was Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources from 2001 to 2009.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A7

OP-ED

Historic year for renewables

SOLAR CONTINUES TO RAMP UP There seems to be an unlimited appetite for solar panels. When China first began to ramp up production a few years ago, prices fell by some 80% almost over night. Now practically every country is manufacturing panels (even Canada!) and every panel that is made is quickly sold.

Around the world, a million solar panels were installed every two days in 2015. Even more this past year. This figure closely matches global production – build a panel, and its sold. Why? Because solar is the cleanest, most reliable, lowest maintenance energy source ever invented. Major growth, opportunity and jobs here, with no end in sight.

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

WIND NO SLOUCH This past year saw solar exceed wind as the fastest growing energy source on planet Earth, but wind isn’t exactly sitting still. Like solar, China has moved aggressively into the wind market, installing roughly two multi-megawatt towers every hour of last year, more this year, and steady growth predicted for next.

Wind is a bit ahead of solar when it comes to “grid parity,” meaning that it is now the least expensive energy source in many parts of the world – cheaper than coal without even considering the environmental mess that coal creates.

Accordingly, massive new wind projects (not just hundreds but thousands of turbines) are in the works for offshore Europe, mainland China (of course), and across the U.S. Even Alberta is waking up to its massive wind resource.

INVESTMENT MILESTONE This past year saw global investment in new renewable energy infrastructure exceed investment in new fossil infrastructure for the first time in history. This is not a one-time event, but a clear and obvious trend. Investment in fossils is falling. Investment in renewables is climbing.

Even oil and gas companies are seeing the light. One small example of many: French oil major Total is equipping 5,000 of its service stations with solar panels.

The $300-million investment in solar will save the company $40 million a year for electricity every year for the next 50 years. Go ahead. Work the math.

May you have a wonderful and loving Christmas, and a New Year filled with hope and opportunity.

Don Pettit is a founding member of the Peace Energy Cooperative. He can be reached at dpettit@pris.ca

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 2017

July 7-9, 2017 C Dawson Creek B

a c . s r e s i u r c o r e www.milez

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

FSJ for LNG only had one thing on its wishlist this year: A final investment decision from Petronas on Pacific Northwest LNG. The group was down at the Pomeroy Sport Centre on Dec. 23 with signs to send a message to the company that the LNG project should move forward.

Pictured: Anton Yu, Lani Belcher and Alan Yu.

Happy New Year A Special Thanks for your continued support throughout the year, enjoy your time spent with family and friends this holiday season!

Pat Pimm, MLA

(Peace River North) Province of British Columbia Constituency Office: 10104-100th Street Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 3Y7

Phone: 250-263-0101 Fax: 250-263-0104

e-mail: pat.pimm.mla@leg.bc.ca website: www.patpimmmla.bc.ca

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 2016.

We hope the year ahead brings all of your hopes and dreams to fruition.

R0011350225

T

he past year has seen great change. Inspired by the dire need to halt climate disruption and the obvious opportunities for employment and profit, the growth of renewable energy has continued to break all records and exceed all expectations.

In a moment we will have a look at some of these historic milestones, but first let me apologize—apologize for yet another year of unremitting optimism.

Of course I know all about the doom and gloom. I’ve spent 40 years studying the mess we’ve gotten ourselves into on this fragile little planet.

But I have also studied the immense progress we have made, the exciting changes and opportunities I see rapidly evolving around me, and the stunning cosmic perspective that modern astronomy, physics and biology have brought us over the last century.

The very real progress I see inspires me to work every day for the positive change I want to see in the world. The worst thing that can possibly happen is to collapse into despair under the weight of hopelessness.

In this column I have taken the clear editorial stance of trying to balance the ocean of negativity we swim in with a drop of optimism. I do it because that is what I see so clearly happening all around me, tragically unreported by the annoyingly negative media.

Here are a few amazing 2016 milestones that we can all take pride in:

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• Tanner Corey Gerald Berge (born 1986) was given a one-year probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a lesser included charge of assault. The original charge was assault with a weapon.

• William Joseph Holloway (born 1982) was fined $500, handed a three-year driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited/licence suspended.

• Vance Arnold Pihl (born 1958) was given a suspended sentence, along with a twoyear probation order and a five-year firearms ban, and was assessed $100 in victim surcharges after being found guilty of making harassing communications. Pihl was further jailed for five days and assessed another $100 victim surcharge for breaching an undertaking or recognizance on a separate matter.

• Harrison William Snow (born 1991) was jailed for eight days, handed a lifetime firearms ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge after being found guilty of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Snow was assessed a further $100 victim surcharge for being in possession of a controlled substance.

• Wesley Alan Brown (born 1986) was given two 12-month probation orders, and assessed $200 in victim surcharges for a charge of being in care of control of a vehicle/ vessel with over .08 blood/ alcohol levels, and another charge of being in care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. Brown was given a further conditional discharge, handed a 12-month probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for a charge of

common nuisance endangering life.

• Elvis Tupper (born 1968) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of theft under $5,000.

• Kristopher Ryan Carter (born 1985) was given a 10year firearms ban and ordered to submit a DNA sample for a count of assault causing bodily harm.

• Travis James Mannila (born 1989) was fined $1,000 and assessed a $150 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a lesser included charge of driving without a driver’s licence. The original charge was driving while prohibited/licence suspended.

Dawson Creek Law Courts • Dean R. A. Lamont (born 1971) was given a one-year suspended sentence, a probation order and a $100 victim surcharge on a charge of theft $5,000 or under. Lamont was also given a one-year suspended sentence, a probation order and victim surcharge on a charge of using a forged document.

• Ernest J.J. McLeod (born 1974) was handed a $500 fine, a victim surcharge and a driving prohibition after being found guilty of a charge of driving while prohibited/licence suspended.

• Frederick R. Whitford (born 1993) was given a $500 fine, $75 victim surcharge and a driving prohibition on a charge of driving while prohibited/licence suspended.

• Curtis W. Cardinal (born 1987) was given a 14-day jail sentence, a 12-month probation order and a $100 victim surcharge after being found guilty of the lesser included offence of being in a dwelling house without lawful excuse.

• Jordan A. Halbert (born 1989) was given a 6-month jail sentence, ordered to provide a DNA sample, a 10-year firearm prohibition and a $200 victim surcharge after being found guilty of trafficking in controlled substance.

• Sereena M. Locke (born 1991) was given a 12-month probation order, a conditional discharge and a $100 victim surcharge on a charge of assault.

—Matt Preprost, Jonny Wakefield

Man airlifted to hospital after Taylor hill crash One man was airlifted to hospital in critical condition Tuesday night after a three-vehicle collision on the north Taylor hill.

Police say the serious collision happened on Highway 97 around 7:52 p.m.

According to witnesses, the driver of a northbound Volkswagen Jetta had attempted to pass another northbound vehicle when he lost control and collided with a southbound Jeep Wrangler in the curb lane, police say. A pickup truck also travelling southbound swerved to avoid hitting the Jeep, but struck the Jetta, police said.

The driver of the Jetta was

taken to hospital in the Lower Mainland in critical condition.

The driver of the pickup truck was taken to local hospital for observation and treatment, according to police.

The passengers in the Jeep escaped injury, police said.

Police have not yet determined where alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. The investigation remains in its early stages.

Any witnesses to the accident who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call Fort St. John RCMP detachment at 250-787-8100.

—Staff

Police seek stolen water truck Police in Fort St. John need the public’s help in finding a 1995 Western Star 4900 series water truck.

The truck is believed to have been stolen from a lot at 10412 Alaska Road North sometime between Dec. 14 and 19.

The truck is described as white in colour with a black stripe running down the side

of the vehicle and the water tank. It is also equipped with a sleeper. The trucks vehicle identification number is 2WKPDCCJ1SK938648.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

—Staff

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A9

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

O

n a hot, blustery day this April, the Peace Region burst into flames in one of the earliest starts to wildfire season on record.

Two months later, Dawson Creek was cleaved in two after a deluge flooded waterways and knocked out major roads.

While the region is no stranger to floods and fires, both were particularly intense this year.

The extreme weather will be top of mind as people look back on 2016. At the same time, the province trudged towards its goal of becoming a liquified natural gas exporter, the oil and gas downturn dragged on, and the Site C dam inched closer to Premier Christy Clark’s “point of no return” over howls of protest.

In between, there were city council squabbles, sports feats and local crime stories galore.

How well did you remember the news this year? Here are the highlights for each month.

BRONWYN SCOTT PHOTO

North District Emergency Response Team members prepare to approach a Charlie Lake home in February where a man and his two-year-old-boy were inside.

While the man was found dead in the home , the child was returned to family members safe and unharmed.

JANUARY FSJ MAN IN RECOVERY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY DOG ATTACK On Christmas Day 2015, a pair of dogs burst through the door of Robin Elgie and Wendy Lee Baker’s home. The vicious animals killed the couple’s cat, mauled Baker, and tore apart Elgie’s arms. Police quickly found and destroyed the dogs, but the attack raised questions about how pet owners can be held responsible when their animals injure and maim people.

The frightening attack made national news, and led the City of Fort St. John to begin advocating for a pet owner responsibility bylaw.

SITE C BATTLE HEATS UP WITH SUB-ZERO PROTEST CAMP In late 2015, opponents of the Site C dam decided to draw a line in the snow.

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A10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW JANUARY YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM A9

FORMER PRRD DIRECTOR HADLAND ARRESTED OVER SITE C CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

With construction ramping up, a handful of protesters set up a winter camp on the banks of the Peace at Rocky Mountain Fort—a historic site visited by Alexander Mackenzie in the path of dam construction. The blockade kicked off the most dramatic confrontation over the controversial dam yet.

Arthur Hadland was always something of a firebrand on the Peace River Regional District board, and made his dislike for the Site C project well known. On Jan. 6, Hadland was one of three people arrested at a protest outside the Site C worksite, after blocking traffic. He was charged

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with mischief. The protest was in support of the Rocky Mountain Fort Camp, which blocked construction on the dam’s South Bank for more than a month.

CHETWYND ECHO STOPS THE PRESSES For 57 years, the Chetwynd Echo was a voice for a tiny town in the foothills of the Rockies. In January, it published its final issue after declines in advertising revenue. It was a tough day for editor Naomi Larsen, who got her start at the paper in 1996. Mayor Merlin Nichols called the Echo’s closure a sad day for Chetwynd.

REGION CLAIMS B.C.’S HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE The downturn that has gripped the Canadian oilpatch was one of 2016’s defining features. In December 2015, Northeast B.C.’s unemployment rate reached 7.6—the highest in the province—and would eventually rise to nearly 10 per cent. Oil industry officials have called the downturn the worst to hit Western Canada in a generation.

FEBRUARY TRAGEDY IN CHARLIE LAKE A Charlie Lake man was found dead in a Rimrock Drive home after an 11hour standoff with police. B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office was called in to evaluate the role of police in the man’s death, but later found police had not shot the victim.

FORT NELSON TEEN SAVES BROTHER DURING CAR JACKING Sixteen-year-old Brandon Rose was praised for his quick thinking for pulling his baby brother out of the family truck after an escaped Peace River Correctional Facility inmate jumped behind the wheel with an accomplice as he waited outside the Fort Nelson Subway. The teen kept his composure and pulled baby brother Marc out of his car seat in the back of the truck just as the escapee and an accomplice commandeered the vehicle. The fugitive was later brought to bay with the help of a spike strip, but police agreed Brandon’s quick thinking kept a bad situation from becoming worse.

CONTINUED ON A11

R0021217986

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Baby Bouquet Wall This is a wonderful way for family and friends to acknowledge these special miracles

ated in the t Wall is loc re Baby Bouque Hospital Birthing Cent hn Jo .

Fort St

Your minimum donation of $125 to the FSJ Hospital Foundation will not only purchase a flower petal, but the money raised will also go towards much needed medical equipment that will help to provide the best healthcare and service possible.

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

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BRONWYN SCOTT PHOTO

Kalem Bigfoot, in orange, was among the many School District 60 Spirit of the Peace dancers who performed during a kickoff celebration for the Performing Arts BC Festival in Fort St. John in May. The special event took place at the green space at 100 and 100.

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.

All the best in

Thank you for your generous support in 2016.

We could not do what we do without your support.

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

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A11

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW FEBRUARY YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED FROM A10 HYDRO, FORT ST. JOHN REACH SITE C AGREEMENT The City of Fort St. John would get reservoir access, funding for a new Mountie position, non-profit funding, and a million dollars a year in funding in compensation for the Site C dam, municipal leaders announced in February.

Mayor Lori Ackerman believed it was the best deal they could get, saying municipal bylaws and policies don’t supersede the project. “One day, I’ll be in a nursing home, rocking back and forth and muttering ‘Site C,’” she said.

highlighted the importance of Site C in a beleaguered local economy, labour groups upset over BC Hydro’s hiring policies later claimed the fairs were publicity stunts.

LAND SALE NETS $0 In another blow to the B.C. oilpatch, the provincial land sale brought in $0 for the first time in history.

COURT ORDERS SITE C CAMPERS OFF THE LAND After weeks of stalling the largest infrastructure project in B.C. history, Site C protest campers were ordered off the land by a judge.

NORTHEAST NEWS CLOSES

MARCH

Another Peace Region media fatality: Northeast News. The weekly, founded in 2004, announced it was closing its doors following a decline in print revenue and worsening economic conditions.

SITE C LAND TRANSFER ISSUE HEATS UP

KWADACHA STRUGGLING WITH POLICE VACANCIES The remote Kwadacha First Nation, on the far end of Williston Lake, spent years trying to get a police station.

The station got built, but finding cops to staff it was a whole ‘nother kettle of fish.

Earlier this year, Chief Donny Van Somer said the station was still sitting empty.

FOREIGN WORKER REFERENCES SCRUBBED FROM SITE C JOB AD BC Hydro was on the defensive after Alaska Highway News reporters found references to the Temporary Foreign Worker program in a Site C job ad—references that were quickly scrubbed after the newspaper’s inquiries.

TAYLOR DECIDES ON GIANT GOLF BALL There is a giant golf ball by the highway in Taylor advertising the Lone Wolf Golf Club. A developer in town said the golf ball was in the way of a housing project. And so began a giant golfball sized existential crisis.

HYDRO FILES INJUNCTION AGAINST PROTEST CAMP BC Hydro filed an injunction against protesters at Rocky Mountain Fort after a camp blocked construction work for several weeks. They were later ordered off the land.

LOCAL CHURCHES BEGIN TAKING SYRIAN REFUGEES The first of several families fleeing the Syrian conflict arrived in the Peace earlier this year.

SITE C JOB FAIRS ATTRACT LONG LINEUPS People lined up for up to three hours to drop off resumes at Site C hiring fairs in Dawson Creek, while fairs in Fort St. John attracted similar interest.

While BC Hydro said the fairs

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

Anglers, hunters and other Northeast B.C. backcountry users were miffed after learning land transfers to Site C-affected First Nations could cut off access to popular recreation areas.

The province later claimed the land transfers would not affect public access to the land.

AHN RETURNS TO WEEKLY Alaska Highway News announced it would return to a weekly publishing schedule.

Two weekly papers, including the Dawson Creek Mirror, emerged from the shakeup.

HIGHWAY TRUCK RALLY HIGHLIGHTS LNG WOES Local truckers revved their engines in support of LNG at a massive truck rally in Fort St. John this month.

GOVERNMENT DELAYS PACIFIC NORTHWEST LNG In a move that provoked cries of Western Alienation, the new Trudeau government sought a three-month extension of its Pacific NorthWest LNG environmental review.

SEARCH BEGINS FOR DENNY POOLE Helicopter and search and rescue teams were called in to search for Denny Poole, a 15-year-old Dawson Creek boy who disappeared while walking to Fort St. John with a friend. He has not been found.

FSJ MAYOR THROWS HAT IN RING FOR LIBERAL NOM With Pat Pimm retiring, Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman threw her hat into the ring for the Peace River North B.C. Liberal nomination. While considered a potential star candidate early on, she later lost the nomination to city councillor Dan Davies.

MAN WAITS HOURS IN FSJ ER WITH HEAD WOUND Peace Region residents were questioning patient care quality in Fort St. John after a man with a massive head wound waited more than eight hours to receive treatment.

CONTINUED ON A12

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

BRONWYN SCOTT PHOTO

Tyler Kosick, Brad Whiffin, and Denny Whiffin of Trans Carrier Ltd. load a trencher used in the construction of the Alaska Highway. The trencher was taken to a farm in Rolla, where four artists will collaborate on transforming it into a sculpture celebrating the highway’s 75th anniversary.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Tamera Thomas of D&G Traffic Control helped direct an estimated 600 trucks that took to the Alaska Highway in March as a show of solidarity for liquefied natural gas development in B.C.

A12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

MLA PIMM TURNS HEADS WITH PETITION OF OWN GOVERNMENT MLA Pat Pimm’s final year in office was an eventful one.

In April, he turned heads after launching a change.org petition of his own government—a move that is out of the ordinary for a member of government.

Pimm wanted the province to keep its carbon tax at $30 a tonne. It appears to have worked: a cap on the carbon tax was eventually adopted as part of the Climate Leadership Plan.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Justen Bruvold holds a piece of melted glass while surrounded by the remains of his family’s home after a wildfire on the South Taylor Hill swept through and destroyed nearly everything in its path in April.

BIG DROP IN OIL AND GAS INVESTMENT Sometimes, covering business news this year felt like one depressing statistic after another. Take this one: the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers was expecting a 62 per cent drop in oil and gas investment over 2014. While things appeared to be improving by the end of the year, it was a grim year for the patch.

PREMIER FLOATS OILSANDS ELECTRIFICATION IDEA In a move that turned heads in industry and drove Site C critics up a wall, Premier Christy Clark discussed potentially electrifying the oilsands in an interview. The idea still appears to be on the table, but whether renewable energy-hungry Alberta is buying it remains to be seen.

watch their homes and fields burn. Volunteers from across the Peace battled the blazes, including in the community of Arras, where a camp with ATVs, water tankers and helicopters formed to fight the fires. A few days later, Premier Christy Clark visited Fort St. John for an LNG rally, saying relatively low emission gas from Northeast B.C. could help reduce climatecaused wildfires.

GARBAGE PILES UP IN CITY RECYCLING City officials gave residents a scolding and bylaw officers were out performing spot checks after increasing amounts of garbage were being tossed into curbside recycling bins. At the time, the Eco-Depot said it was filling about six cubic-metre sized bags full of garbage each day. That garbage included animal carcasses, biomedical waste, lawnmower blades, oilfield valves, and cat litter.

POWER COMPANY WALKS ON CONTROVERSIAL MONTNEY WIND FARM Renewable Energy Systems announced it was shelving its planned seven-turbine wind development near Montney after failing to win community support. In July 2015, 130 residents packed a community hall in Montney to voice concerns about the project— including its visual impacts, noise, and effects on animals.

MAY

FAST START TO FIRE SEASON

WILDFIRES CONTINUE

On April 11, a pair of small fires roared to life near Moberly Lake in an ominous start to wildfire season. A few days later, on April 18, 48 fires broke out in fields around the Peace, laying siege to Dawson Creek and Fort St. John and Chetwynd. It was the start of a disaster-filled summer that included floods just a few months later.

Wildfires would continue to plague the region through May, closing highways, prompting evacuation alerts and orders across the region and in some cases destroying homes. A welcome blast of springtime snow ultimately proved decisive in stopping the fires’ spread. While the Northeast B.C. fires were big news, they were largely overshadowed by the destruction in Fort McMurray.

WHO IS MR. X? In 1979, a man died of a brain hemorrhage in an Edmonton Safeway. In his pockets were a coin purse and a key to room 114 at Dawson Creek’s Windsor Hotel. He carried no identification. Decades later, police were still trying to determine “Mr. X’s” identity, without success.

PROVINCE DECLARES OVERDOSE STATE OF EMERGENCY Fentanyl made its deadly presence known in the Peace Region this year, with dozens of overdoses, several of them fatal.

In April, provincial officials declared a state of emergency after a spike in overdoses.

FARMERS LAST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST WILDFIRES The fires that roared to life April 18 caught the provincial forest service off guard, meaning many farmers had to either man the fire lines or

MA MURRAY ELEMENTARY In a cool bit of news for historians and news buffs, Fort St. John’s newest school was named after AHN legend Ma Murray.

KELLY LAKE GROUPS VIE FOR RECOGNITION First Nations and Métis groups in the small community of Kelly Lake were vying for recognition after a major Supreme Court decision on Métis and non-status Indigenous people.

MERCURY IN WILLISTON LAKE PROBED Williston Lake has long had mercury advisories for fishermen. A new study launched this year aimed to get to the bottom of how much mercury there is in the W.A.C. Bennett dam’s reservoir.

CONTINUED ON A12

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Premier Christy Clark visited Fort St. John for an LNG rally in April, saying relatively low emission gas from Northeast B.C. could help reduce climatecaused wildfires.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A13

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW JUNE

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

CROSS-COUNTRY LNG BUS TOUR RETURNS HOME WITH OPTIMISM After a month on the road, the LNG or BUST mission returned home with optimism.

Group founder Alan Yu felt accomplished after making his way to Parliament Hill to speak with politicians in Ottawa about Fort St. John’s precarious economic situation and the importance of approving the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.

FORT ST. JOHN HOSTS FIRST PRIDE WALK Around 200 residents turned out at high noon to Fort St. John’s first ever Pride Walk in June, just weeks after 49 people were killed during a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. While history was made in Fort St. John, organizers said there was still a long march ahead for equal rights for the LGBT community.

BC HYDRO ACKNOWLEDGES IMPACT ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

ZOË DUCKLOW PHOTO

Until this year, the visitor’s centre at the W.A.C. Bennett dam made no mention of the project’s impact on Indigenous people upstream. A new exhibit on the people who lost their homes, culture and livelihoods as a result of the dam was unveiled at an emotional ceremony this summer.

The Paddersons at Fort St. John’s first ever Pride Walk in June. From left: Isaac, Joan, Jonah, and Heather. Said Jonah: “I’m here because they’re both my mom.”

FORT CITY

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FLOODS DEVASTATE DAWSON CREEK “Seen any locusts?” one reader joked after Environment Canada announced June 14 that the Peace Region was in for Biblical amounts of rain. After a spring marked by wildfires, summer 2016 proved to be much more damp. A deluge overnight on June 16 backed up culverts along Dawson Creek, washing out 15th Street and the Dangerous Goods Route, closing the Pine Pass, turning 8th Street into a waterfall and flooding hundreds of homes. In one of the flood’s most iconic stories, a pair of motorists rescued a carload of seniors trapped teetering on the 8th Street waterfall. The flood cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.

BC HYDRO BEGINS COUNTING LOCAL SITE C WORKERS

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Hire local provisions were one of the big bones of contention over the Site C dam. BC Hydro began reporting the number of Northeast B.C. residents on the project after an Alaska Highway News article revealed the Crown corporation wasn’t actually tracking how many locals were working on the dam.

OUR YEAR IN REVIEW FROM JULY TO DECEMBER CONTINUES IN OUR JAN. 5 EDITION

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A14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

SITE C YEAR IN REVIEW JONNY WAKEFIELD

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

reporter@dcdn.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Former Peace River Regional District director Arthur Hadland outlines the boundaries of the historic Rocky Mountain Fort near the confluence of the Peace and Moberly Rivers, slated to be flooded by the Site C dam. Hadland was part of a group that paddled to the site Saturday, April 16, to investigate the clearing work undertaken around the fort after the B.C. Supreme Court ordered protesters off the land earlier this year.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Excavation crews dredge the Peace River near Old Fort as part of fish enhancement work just downstream of the Site C dam site.

EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT OCTOBER 2016 Total Workforce: 1868 workers (713 PRRD residents or 38%) Construction/Non-Construction Contractors 1466 workers (713 PRRD residents, or 48.6%) Engineers & Project Team JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO

Christy Jordan-Fenton waits for Saulteau Security employees to pass during a patrol at the protest camp set up at Rocky Mountain Fort.

402 (0 PRRD residents) Source: BC Hydro

Most eulogies don’t mention hydroelectric projects. But B.C. politics is a strange animal, and Site C is no ordinary dam.

At a celebration of life for former Premier Bill Bennett in January, Premier Christy Clark uttered the words that have come to define the fight over Site C. “Premier Bennett,” Clark said, addressing the controversial mega project’s original patron. “You got it started and I will get it finished. I will get it past the point of no return.”

Whether Site C reached that point in 2016 is still up for debate.

Site C is the largest and most expensive infrastructure project in B.C. history—and likely the country’s last megadam.

It will produce 1,100 megawatts of electricity and flood more than 80 kilometres of river valley including farmland and sites sacred to area First Nations.

This year, hundreds of workers flocked to Fort St. John for work on the project. Construction was completed on a $470 million worker camp on the rim of the Peace River Valley— boasting a gym, movie theater and licenced pub. A temporary bridge was built to link both sides of the Peace River, allowing for a major ramp up in construction.

With each new contract and dollar spent, Site C inched closer to the point where no government or court can stop it. At least, that’s the bet the Clark government is making.

While construction ramped up, so did opposition. First, it was a protest camp on the banks of the river. For 62 days in the dead of winter, protesters blocked land clearing on the river’s South Bank—living in cold weather shacks and receiving supplies by helicopter, snowmobile and river boat.

By year’s end, two of those campers, Ken and Arlene Boon, were effectively expropriated from their family farm to make

way for construction.

Academics and NGOs also lined up to push for a halt to Site C. Each week, it seemed, some new group was demanding the project be stopped for further review—including the Royal Society of Canada, the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, Amnesty International and the Sierra Club. At the same time, legal challenges from First Nations and landowners continued to wind through the court system, though BC Hydro has prevailed in every decision so far.

Site C jumped back into the national headlines this summer when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quietly issued fisheries permits allowing construction to continue. It was one of Trudeau’s first major decision on a natural resource project—which some condemned as a violation of his campaign promise to build a “new relationship” between Canada and Indigenous people.

Going into 2017, the big question is how Site C will factor in May’s provincial election.

B.C. NDP leader John Horgan, the apparent underdog in the race, has promised an independent review. Whether that will yield political dividends is unclear. Public opinion polling on the project, such as it is, has been commissioned by BC Hydro and the environmental news organization Desmog.

What people think of Site C seems to hinge on whether they’re told it’s a critical piece of public infrastructure, or a B.C. Liberal vanity project meant to subsidize oil and gas.

Through all the controversy, the City of Fort St. John has remained neutral. At a meeting on the town’s Site C benefits agreement in February, Mayor Lori Ackerman sounded a note of exhaustion when she described the endless negotiations with BC Hydro.

“One day, I’ll be in a nursing home, rocking back and forth muttering ‘Site C,’” she said. It’s probably the only sentiment the pro- and anti-dam camps can agree on.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Three-hour wait times greeted the 1,000-plus people who attended a Site C job fair in Fort St. John in February.

BRONWYN SCOTT PHOTO

Bob Fedderly and Judie Mae tear down and pack up a tarp tent at the Rocky Mountain Fort in March after the BC Supreme Court granted BC Hydro an injunction to remove the camp, which blocked dam construction.

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman and BC Hydro President and CEO Jessica McDonald sign a community measures agreement over the Site C dam in April.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Bob Fedderly and Arlene Boon hammer yellow stakes at the Boon farm at Bear Flat in support of West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations’ numerous legal fights against Site C. MATT PREPROST PHOTO

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Jared Kilkenny, sport and recreation co-ordinator, at the Site C work camp during a tour in July: “I’d like to say this is home away from home, but it’s way better than home.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 A15

LOCAL NEWS

A16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

Season’s Greetings

There’s no place we’d rather be at Christmas than right here; with all our good friends and neighbours. For your goodwill, we are truly indebted, and we wish you all a beautiful holiday and a happy and prosperous New Year!

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2016 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

LEARNING FROM OLYMPIANS

VOLUNTEER CLUB MAKING ITS MARK

SPORTS B3

COMMUNITY B9

B

9224-100 Street, Fort St. John, V1J 3X2

PHONE: 250-785-0463

Northerners spitting up sand down south Hellenbach Racing perfecting its endurance during international off-road competitions SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Hellenbach Racing crossed the finish line in November in what was the toughest race of the three Baja 1000 competitions the Northerners have teared it up in.

Racing through the desert is nothing new for Ben Bischoff, as he recently proved during an off-road endurance race through Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

“I got into desert racing in 2013. I was 23 years old at the time,” said Bischoff, who lives in Fort St. John, and started racing professionally in 2014.

“What was appealing to me about desert racing is just how hard and challenging it is, and unless you see it

with your own eyes, you will never fully understand.”

Bischoff is the owner and main driver of Hellenbach Racing. The team of six drivers crossed the finish line in November in what was the toughest race of the three Baja 1000 competitions the Northerners have teared it up in.

“The Baja 1000 is famed for being the hardest off-road race in the world. Less than 50 per cent of the entries finish the race. We’re proud to say we’ve finished all three years,” said Bischoff.

See RACING on B2

Hot new times help Inconnu bring home the hardware KEVIN BUCHHOLZ For the Alaska Highway News

With a grand total of 20 medals and a more impressive 21 new club records, the Inconnu Swim Club put up some pretty impressive numbers to end 2016.

“Overwhelmingly awesome,” Head Coach Steve Carson described his team’s effort in Edmonton during this year’s annual J.P. Fiset invitational.

The numbers speak for themselves: with a total of 12 gold medals, four silver, and four bronze, the team distinguished itself with the likes of Cameron Louie leading the way with eight individual gold medals. Not to be outdone, Cameron’s brother Eric also walked away with two gold, one silver, and one bronze himself.

To put into perspective how well the team did, Tytan Carson received three silver medals losing out to fellow teammate Cameron Louie for all three golds.

“There is a definite sense of sibling

rivalry between all the kids,” Carson said when asked how the kids handle the competition.

“They all encourage and push each other to perform. They are just like one big family.”

Perhaps even more impressive are the 21 club records that were also recorded, again led by the performance of the Louie brothers, who set nine personal and club records. Tytan Carson also set three records, with Tate Haugen recording two himself. Brittany Welsh and Alexandria Hedges also contributed with a new club record each.

Not only were there new club records made last weekend, but the duo of Eric and Cameron Louie also set Swimming Canada records. Eric clocked the time of 26.38 seconds in his individual 50-metre fly event, while Cameron clocked in a time of 33.97 seconds in his 50-metre breast.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

See SWIMMING on B2

SEASON’S GREETINGS

to our neighbours, associates, customers and friends.

Your kindness and generosity during this past year have made serving you and this community a real joy. We want to say thank you and wish you the very best this Holiday Season.

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B2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

LOCAL SPORTS RACING FROM B1

The Baja 1000 sees various types of vehicles competing on the same course, from motorcycles, stock VWs, production vehicles, buggies, trucks, and custom fabricated race vehicles.

The course has remained relatively the same over the years, either from Ensenada to La Paz, or a loop race starting and finishing in Ensenada.

This year was a loop race, with the team finishing 105th out of 270, and sixth in their utility task vehicle (UTV) class in the 900-mile race.

“Well for my first Baja 1000, and having only 100 feet of seat time in the 1923 (the team’s custom Polaris RZR XP1000 UTV) in the driveway, off the start on race day went smooth,” Fort St. John resident Wyatt Dressler, who drove the first leg of the race, said on the team’s Facebook page.

That’s not to say there weren’t some challenges around the corner.

“Around road Mile 50-60, we started getting into the carnage with stuck Class 10 cars and trucks. Fortunately, being in a (UTV), we were able to climb up a bank and get around the stuck vehicles and on to our first pit mile, 140,” he added.

The team discovered they had a flat when they reached Mile 290, and had wrecked a rim.

“Luckily, we stopped at a BFG pit where they had a grinder and were able to cut off a stud that was seized on solid.

The crew had the car back together in no time and Al (McBeth) and Richard (Bernard) were off,” said Dressler.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Mike Hewitt: “After a race, we strip the car down pretty much to the frame and inspect every bolt.

We test the engine and transmission, and then reassemble the whole thing. It takes about a month of working in the evening to get ready.”

McBeth and Bernard drove the second leg, where the team’s UTV struck a large rock and needed under carriage repairs. In the third leg, they had a primary clutch failure. But neither proved to be fatal to the team’s determination to finish the race.

The team is rounded out by drivers Joe Loomis of Dawson Creek and Mike Bacon of Fort St. John.

Dawson Creek resident Mike Hewitt prepares the team’s vehicle between races.

“A lot of the (UTV) is stock parts, but the suspension and chassis are custom,” Hewitt said.

“After a race, we strip the car down pretty much to the frame and inspect every bolt. We test the engine and transmission, and then reassemble the

whole thing. It takes about a month of working in the evening to get ready.”

Hewitt is one of the main reasons the team has been so successful, Bischoff said.

“His prep work is on point. One of the best in the Peace,” he said.

Hellenbach Racing was born when Bischoff and a friend decided to build a Polaris RZR to race the Mint 400 in Nevada.

“After a failed attempt (to build the RZR), I approached Holz Racing out of Washington, who builds the strongest, fastest UTVs in North America,” said Bischoff.

“With work and what not, I just didn’t have the time to do the R&D to get our car to where it was competitive.”

The team competes next in the historic Mint 400 off-road desert race in Las Vegas from March 1 to 5.

Desirae Bischoff, the team’s pit crew member, stat collector and merchandiser, is proud of her husband and the team.

“I feel very proud of Ben and all of his accomplishments with Hellenbach.

I admire his determination, and his ability to stay modest and enjoy every aspect of racing,” she said.

As for the team?

“I feel very lucky to be a part of the Hellenbach Race Team. Every single person has such a valuable role.”

Follow Team Hellenbach at facebook.com/hellenbackracing.

SWIMMING FROM B1

It took a little bit to get going but once they did, it was something to watch.

“Most of us arrived Thursday night,” Cameron Louie said.

“We were probably all a little fatigued. Everyone came out to do their best and be successful.”

When asked what the teams attitude was going into meet.

Despite a flat start on the Friday, Carson said the team fed off each other’s success when they hit their stride.

The team’s finish at the meet has Carson proud considering the newness of his team.

R0021217976

“We are quite a young club,” he said.

“Most of our kids will be on this team for the next couple of years. And some we will have for up to five years.”

All this and with a group of new coaches as well.

“We all just came together

and it worked in the end.”

All this is even more impressive when the size of the Inconnu team is taken into account. The team arrived in Edmonton with just 18 members to participate whereas other teams had upwards of 101 members. A

total of 701 swimmers took part in 108 events.

There is much to be excited for with this team for the next few years and with the commitment, drive, encouragement that they all have for each other, the future looks bright for this team.

PRO GOLF WEEKLY UPDATE Golf News, Tips, Trivia & Stats

This Week: The RSM Classic

This week, the PGA Tour will travel to Sea Island, Georgia for the RSM Classic. The tournament is held at the Defending: Kevin Kisner Seaside Golf Club. Seaside was Winning Score: 22-under par originally built as a nine hole Winning Share: $1,026,000 course by legendary English architects Colt and Alison in 1929. In 1973, Joe Lee designed Marshside Nine. These two distinct nines were transformed into the current world-class Seaside course in 1999 by Tom Fazio. Seaside is prominently placed on Golf Digest’s list of “Top 100 Courses in the United States.”

Seaside Course Sea Island, Ga. 7,055 yards, Par 70

Golf TV Schedule PGA Event: RSM Classic Day Time Thu, 11/17 1:30pm-4:30pm Fri, 11/18 1:30pm-4:30pm Sat, 11/19 1:30pm-4:30pm Sun, 11/20 1:30pm-4:30pm

Pat Perez shot a final round Tournament Results 4-under par 67 to win the 1. Pat Perez OHL Classic at Mayakoba Score: -21 Earnings: $1,260,000 on Sunday. Perez defeated 2. Gary Woodland third-round leader Gary Woodland Score: -19 by two strokes on the Greg Earnings: $756,000 Norman-designed El Camaleon 3. Russell Knox Score: -18 course. Perez, who also won the Earnings: $476,000 2009 Bob Hope Classic, charged from way back in the field with a 9-under 62 on Saturday. The 40-year-old former Arizona State player birdied five of the first eight holes and had a bogey on the par-four 12th.

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF

Golf Trivia Which golfer won the 2000 U.S. Open by 15 strokes? a) Tiger Woods b) Phil Mickelson

Last Week: Pat Perez won the OHL Classic

c) Ernie Els d) Payne Stewart

?

Answer: a) Tiger Woods finished at 12-under par in the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jimenez finished in 2nd, at 3-over, 15 strokes behind.

The Zurich Classic played in New Orleans annually is rumored to become a team event starting in 2017. The event will feature 80 teams of two. Both members of the winning team will receive the two-year Tour exemption that typically accompanies a victory in an official event, and each winning player will receive 400 FedEx Cup points. A regular tournament offers 500 points to the winner and 300 to the runner-up. The PGA Tour has not had an official team event on its schedule since 1981. The Walt Disney World Golf Classic was the last official PGA Tour tournament that used a team play format.

Lessons from the Golf Pro One of the big faults that the amateur golfer finds is when they hit a shot into trouble. A professional can find a way to escape disaster, but the general rule for an amateur is that trouble leads to more trouble. The one shot that causes the amateur the most trouble is when a tee shot goes into the woods. We’re so mad when our shot is out of the fairway and in a tree that it usually leads to a second erratic shot. Consequently, most people race up to find the shot, just grab a club and hack away. Instead, a more sensible plan is the best course of action. Picking the right club with the proper loft is essential. Too much loft could lead to your shot going into the overhanging leaves. Not enough loft will result in the ball getting hung up in the woods again.

Player Profile

Pat Perez

Turned Professional: 1997 FedEx Cup Ranking: 3rd World Ranking: 332nd PGA Tour Wins: 2

FedEx Cup Standings Through Nov. 13, 2016

1) Hideki Matsuyama 850 pts. / 2 top tens

2) Justin Thomas 614 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Pat Perez

606 pts. / 2 top tens

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top tens

5) Rod Pampling 507 pts. / 1 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued...

Player Points 6) Cody Gribble 426 7) Scott Piercy 351 8) Russell Knox 333 9) Brooks Koepka 316 10) Gary Woodland 316

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

Top 10s 2 3 3 1 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Hudson’s Hope students get life lessons fit for an Olympian A program connecting worldclass athletes with Peace Region students is proving to be a real gold medal idea with teachers.

Classroom Champions partners with teachers to connect world athletes with students across North America for a school-year-long relationship using live-feed video and other technology. The organization was co-founded by Olympic bobsledder Steve Mesler, who aims for every class involved to have their own Olympian.

This year, Hudson’s Hope School’s Grade 3/4 class is paired with Jesse Cockney, 27, an accomplished Olympic and world champion. Born in Yellowknife but raised primarily Calgary, Cockney has been cross-country skiing since he was three years old. Cockney enjoys a shared athletic legacy with his father, Angus Cockney, a gold medalist in the 1975 Canada Winter Games. Cockney takes great pride in his heritage, and was more than happy to share his experiences with the class.

Olympian Jesse Cockney speaks with students at Hudson’s Hope School earlier this month. The athlete is paired with the Grade 3/4 Class as part of Classroom Champions, which connects world athletes with students across North America.

SEE CHAMPIONS on B16

TOM SUMMER PHOTO

Blades coach hopeful for NWJHL return

T

heir season started with uncertainty, struggled with consistency, and suffered at the end with a lack of commitment.

Ultimately this recipe is what led to the demise of this year’s Beaverlodge Blades of the NWJHL, which ceased operations earlier this month just hours before the team was expected to lace up against the Fort St. John Huskies.

But the team’s coach remains hopeful the squad will return to the ice next year.

“It was almost a last minute decision,” head coach Craig Mouland said.

“There was uncertainty whether we’d even be able to run the team. We started the season late due to all the

Kevin Buchholz SIDELINE VIEW

uncertainty.”

That late start to the season proved too hard for the team to get the other players they needed. Exhaustion was a major factor for the team, playing most games with only two full lines, Mouland said.

It showed in the team’s 1-19 record this season.

The team had to bring in any player they could get some nights just to make lineups at all.

“Many players were needing

to choose working over playing,” Mouland said.

In the end, the Blades were patching together a team consisting of a core group of players like Evan Tordiff and Kris McQuaig with rookies who had never played at this level before.

“There was concern for the younger players,” Mouland said.

The inexperience showed in the commitment levels as well, with a few of the younger players calling “the morning of a game” to cancel, according to Mouland.

In the end it all turned out to be too much for the team to handle. Uncertain if they could even field a team consistently was the final nail in

the Blades coffin this year, with concern over inexperience worrying those in charge as well.

“No one wants to see anyone get hurt out there,” Mouland said.

What does the future hold for Beaverlodge, its players and the rest of the season for the NWJHL? It’s all a matter of who you talk to and the question you ask.

Mouland believes the team will be back next year. And if he can get his core group of players back and start the season right, he believes they can be a team Beaverlodge can be proud of.

Meanwhile, life goes on for the rest of the team. Its leading scorer Evan Tordiff is now

playing for the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks, having been traded just before the team’s season ended.

Kris McQuaig says he’s looking to work right now due to the fact he has a pretty good job and he was “just playing to play.”

Others like Ben Hampshire were uncertain of what to do next.

NWJHL commissioner Jamie Salm said a decision on how Beaverlodge’s departure will impact the league will be made in the new year.

“A decision on how Beaverlodge leaving the league will affect the schedule and points situation will be made by the NWJHL board of directors at the mid-season meeting in January,” Salm said.

Kevin Buchholz is a writer based in Fort St. John.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Jimmie Johnson

Chase Elliott’s standard No. 24 NAPA paint scheme led the way in NASCAR die-casts sold in 2016. It was the first time since 2011 that a car driven by someone other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. claimed the top spot. “Chase Elliott’s arrival on the NASCAR scene has been big, and the overwhelming popularity of his first rookie NASCAR Sprint Cup Series die-cast is further proof that race fans relate to him and everything he represents,” said Lionel Racing president Howard Hitchcock. Earnhardt fell to second with the Batman vs. Superman No. 88 driven in March at Auto Club Speedway. His standard Nationwide No. 88 was third on the list, and his standard Axalta No. 88 was fourth. Making the list for the first time was Kurt Busch, whose Monster Energy Chevrolet secured the seventh spot. Monster Energy recently became the sponsor for NASCAR’s top series, signing a multi-year deal.

Racing History

Racing Trivia Which year did Jimmie Johnson have his best average finishing position? a) 2006 b) 2008

Born: Sept. 17, 1975 Cup wins: 80 Cup top-tens: 330 Cup championships: 7

?

c) 2013 d) 2015

Answer : a) Jimmie Johnson’s average finishing position in 2006 was 9.7.

Dec. 21, 1971 - Clyde Minter, who finished in the top five in each of his first four Cup starts, died on this day at age 50. Minter was 27 in 1949 when he started the sixth and eighth races in NASCAR’s first Strictly Stock season and finished fourth at both Martinsville and North Wilkesboro. He made eight starts in 1950, finishing third at Charlotte and fifth at Martinsville. Minter started his 42nd and final Cup race in 1955.

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Jimmie Johnson was born in El Cajon, California, and began racing motorcycles at the age of four. After graduating from Granite Hills High School he competed in off-road series.

In 2000, he began racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He moved to Hendrick Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series in 2002.

After finishing fifth in the points in his first full season, he was second in 2003 and 2004 and fifth in 2005. Johnson won his first Cup series championship in 2006. He went on to win the Cup series championship the next four years and became the only driver in NASCAR history to win five consecutive championships. During the 2011 season, Johnson finished sixth in points, while he finished third in 2012. In 2013, Johnson won his sixth championship. Last year, Johnson won his seventh championship to tie Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most championships.

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9224-100 St., Fort St. John

250-785-0463

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R0021159194

TOM SUMMER For the Alaska Highway News

B4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

LOCAL SPORTS

Trackers deliver victory to home crowd, food donations to the Salvation Army

ICE MANOEUVRE

O

n Dec. 16, the Northeast BC/Yukon Trackers beat the Edmonton South Side Athletic Club 3-1 in front of a home crowd.

Hundreds of students from North Peace Secondary, as well as other schools, took the afternoon off of the last day of school before Christmas break to go watch the hockey game at the North Peace Arena. I got to enjoy watching the game and had a lot of fun cheering on the Trackers with my friends and classmates.

Around lunch time, all the students from my school, Dr. Kearney Middle School, crowded onto the buses taking us to the game. After getting to the arena, our teachers handed out tickets for the draw they were holding throughout the game. I’m sad to say I quickly lost my ticket.

Apparently the front pocket of my hoodie wasn’t a very secure spot. Moving on.

My friends and I quickly found Kearney’s reserved section and claimed our seats.

The game started not long after we sat down. Edmonton scored the first goal of the

GRACIE ENGLISH PHOTO

lead.

Thirty seconds into the third period, Aiden CraigSteele scored his second goal of the game, which was assisted by Joel Bourgeois and Keenan Halverson. This now made the score 3-1 for the Trackers.

Late in the game, Edmonton pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. Fortunately for the Trackers, this didn’t gain Edmonton any more points.

The game finished with a score of 3-1 and the Trackers in good spirits from their win.

The game was special, not only because it was played in front of the Trackers’ classmates. Admission to the game was a non-perishable food

Gracie English THE YOUNGER VIEW

game about halfway through the first period. The Trackers struck back with their own goal a few seconds later. The goal was scored by Aiden Craig-Steele, after Cooper Beamish made the initial shot to even the score.

After a quick trip to the canteen during the second period, I got back to my seats just in time to see Connor Bowie score an unassisted goal, giving the Trackers a 2-1

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

The Great Big Man in Red dropped by the North Peace Arena Dec. 22 to take part in the FSJ Senior Flyers family and friends skate. Above, five-year-old Nash Eldridge (right) got a little one-on-one time with Santa Claus, and gave him a lesson in stickhandling.

item. Seeing as there were more than 1,000 students in attendance, as well as other members of the public, there were quite a lot of food donations collected. The Trackers managed to fill the Salvation Army’s pickup truck with food donations. The back of the

SCOREBOARD NPHL

NWJHL Standings as of Dec. 23 GP W L OTL 1 Navigators 25 17 8 0 2 Flyers 22 15 7 0 3 Jr. Canucks 22 14 8 0 4 JDA Kings 24 13 9 2 5 Huskies 23 12 9 2 6 Vipers 24 8 15 1

PT 34 30 28 28 26 17

Standings as of Dec. 23 East Division GP 1 Grimshaw 13 2 Falher 14 3 Valleyview 13 West Division 1 Flyers 15 2 Athletics 14 3 Rangers 13 4 Canucks 14

L OTL 6 0 7 0 12 0

PT 14 14 2

11 10 6 6

4 3 6 7

22 21 13 13

0 1 0 1

Gracie English is a 13 year old girl, born and raised in the Montney/Fort St. John area. She enjoys writing, horseback riding, and competitive volleyball.

9224-100 Street, Fort St. John, V1J 3X2

PHONE: 250-785-0463

NAMHL W 7 7 1

truck was full from bottom to the ceiling of the canopy.

ERBHL

Standings as of Dec. 23 1 Peace River Royals 2 Whitecourt Wolverines 3 GPAC Storm 4 NEBC Trackers 5 Fort McMurray Barons

GP 21 17 19 16 20

W L 13 5 13 4 8 6 6 7 3 12

T 3 0 5 3 5

PT 29 26 21 15 11

Standings as of Dec. 23 1 Fort McMurray Barons 2 GPAC Coyote North Ltd Storm 3 Fort St. John Flyers 4 Whitecourt Wolverines 5 Peace River Sabres

Gracie English Beatton Cummunity 4-H Club Reporter

Hey everyone it’s the Beatton Community Horse 4-H Club`s reporter, Gracie English. Now I`m sad to say that this is my last article as reporter for the year of 2016. I`ve loved the opportunity I got through this position and I`m grateful for all the help I`ve received in the process.

I`m excited to find out who the next reporter is. This article I`ll be talking about an event that some of the members, including myself, volunteered at.

On December 11 we volunteered at a fundraiser organized by Jody Brown, Edith Loewen, and Unforgettable Memories. It was held at the Pomeroy Sports Center and raised money for the Fort

St John Firefighter Association as well as food donations for the Women`s Resource Center. If a family donated to either cash or food they would receive a free photo with Santa and a Christmas gift bag. Us 4-Hers, as well as some other volunteers, helped greet families at the door as well as keep the colouring stations organized and show the kids where the movie was playing. One of the volunteers had brought in a small, portable TV and some DVDs so we had a movie playing for kids that were waiting in line.

There was also crayons, pencil crayons, and paper if the kids wanted to colour while they waited. We ended up raising

M U E L O R PET NEEDS

r u o Y l l A r o F

We salute the dedicated kids of 4-H Keep up the great work!

Delivery Service 6 Days a Week

a lot of money for the firefighters and about 10 big boxes of food donations.

Thank you for reading my final article and remember to watch out for the new reporter in the New Year.

W L T 13 5 0 10 6 0 8 7 2 4 10 2 4 14 2

Beatton Community

4H

Beatton Community 4-H Club Report

GP 18 16 17 16 20

From Oil Patch to Farm & Industrial We offer...

• • • •

Gas LocaLLy owned and operated Oil Diesel Propane

7315-100th Ave, Fort St. John, BC.

Phone: 250-785-5651

www.fsjcoop.com

PT 26 20 18 10 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B5

Arts & Culture

CONTACT US ALEISHA HENDRY 250-785-5631 ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

“Without memory, there is no culture.

Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”

— Elie Wiesel

Knit-Wit gives back Fran Lavigne uses her knitting skills to help people around the world ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Combining an activity you love with helping those in need makes it a pleasure as opposed to a chore.

Fran Lavigne has been knitting as the Knit Wit for 20 years, selling at the Farmers’ Market and other venues.

“I’d knit on my coffee break and my lunchtime, whatever time I had for this,” she said.

She creates hats, scarves, slippers and knee high socks, and recently found a niche in creating some pop culture items—Doctor Who TARDIS hats.

“A lot of people were attracted to them,” she laughed. “I even had a Doctor Who scarf that was 12 feet long, someone was very happy to get it.”

But the great thing about purchasing one of Lavigne’s handmade items isn’t just that you get something unique and warm to wear, it’s that every penny goes to PLAN International to help women and children in developing nations.

Lavigne has sponsored nine children through the agency over the years, as well as books for school and women for liter-

“I’d knit on my coffee break and my lunchtime, whatever time I had for this.” acy training.

“Every time I got a raise when I was working I added another child,” she said.

She also has some of the money she raises going towards birth certificates, which are often overlooked in developing nations.

“It sounds crazy but it makes a difference. In some countries, hardly anyone has a birth certificate, at least poor and those in rural areas don’t,” she said.

“If they don’t have a birth certificate, the country doesn’t take into consideration that they’re obligated for that many people for social services of any kind.”

Being able to give back by doing something she loves makes it all the more rewarding for her.

“I knit from Christmas to gardening time, then start up in the fall again,” she said.

“It’s something that I can do, there’s so many needs, really vital needs in the world, and I’m able to do something about it by knitting.”

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Fran Lavigne was at the Christmas Farmers’ Market with her handmade knitted hats and scarves. All of the proceeds from the sale of her knitting goes to PLAN International, which helps women and children in developing nations.

R0011227689

House

of the

k e e W

BROOKVIEW

counter space, while a pantry expands storage capacity.

A handy powder room is right at the hub. Folks with muddy feet, large and small, can get to it without dirtying the floors, by dashing in through the garage and the pass-through utility room.

The Brookview’s owners’ suite has a two-section bathroom with double vanity, a large walk-in closet, and sliding glass doors that open onto a private covered patio. Secondary bedrooms, a bathroom, and a deep bonus room are upstairs. Each of the bedrooms are different. A dormer expands one of them; the other boasts a much larger closet.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Brookview 30-055. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Bedroom 11' x 12'

Dn Dn

Bedroom 11'8'' x 11'

Patio Covered Patio

Covered Patio Family 15' x 18'2''

Nook 12' x 10'

Bonus Room 11' x 22'

Owners’ Suite 13'8'' x 14'

Kitchen 16' x 10' Utility

Gabled dormers and a covered porch give the Brookview a cozy, nostalgic country charm, but you’ll never find a three-car garage in a traditional farmhouse. In fact, it’s even unusual for a contemporary home this size -just under 1900 square feet -- to have such a large garage. If it’s more garage than you want, the section on the right could be easily converted into a workshop, music practice room, art studio, exercise room or you-name-it.

Light spills into the entry and stairway through a high overhead dormer and there’s a coat closet tucked under the stairs. Windows on the front and side brighten the living room. The front window would be a good place for a long window seat.

Kitchen, family room and nook run together. Windows fill most of the rear wall, and the sliders in the nook open onto a small, partially covered patio or deck. The kitchen is efficiently designed. A large work island boosts

Living 16' x 14'8''

Brookview

PLAN 30-055 First Floor 1369 sq.ft.

Second Floor 527 sq.ft.

Living Area 1896 sq.ft.

Bonus Room 318 sq.ft.

Garage 743 sq.ft.

Dimensions 54'x 54' 1000 SERIES

Vaulted Up Entry

Covered Porch

Garage 33' x 22' (20' deep at 3rd bay) © 2016 Associated Designs, Inc.

www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Arlen Brekkaas

$339,900

In airport sub. Water and sewer, full finished basement 5 bedrooms and detached double garage.

ACTION REALTY DIRECT - 785-1234 CELL - 793-2438 OFFICE - 785-5520

$329,900

Shiny new with yard space, access and no parking restrictions! Big room sizes and lots of space for families too! Full warranty here and walking distance to Elementary & High Schools. Great value!

$699,996

5 bedrooms + office, 9' walls up & down, huge entrance from garage and RV parking too!

$269,900

Modern, roomy and close to schools is what you will enjoy here! Nice layout with corner lot access means easy to park and storage space is readily accessible. Full ensuite and walk in closet here, 2 more bedrooms and you can get started in home ownership or make this a low maintenance home base to work from.

$384,900

Quiet location, close to schools, nice sq ft and room sizes all with a mortgage helper too! Lots of upgrades and fresh paint here with single garage and no RV restrictions for parking! Excellent value property here!

$925,000

5000 sq ft of living space and a waterfront view 10 minutes to town with a mom-in-law suite too? Yes, it's true! On site sewer system means no big bills for service and 3 years new means all the modern amenities and none of the fix up or maintenance of the older ones! Too many features to describe so you will just have to come and see them yourself!

$164,900

$479,900

Land or rental investment made easy! Low cost place to call your own is ready for quick occupancy and you can be a home owner now!

Finch area estate styling with classic rooms and great kitchen storage space! Double garage and well landscaped yard where you can enjoy the front courtyard too! Modern and easy, this home is a home to call your own.

$539,900

$429,900

2 acres, house with garage, 28 x38 detached garage with carport, and mom-in-law suite with a lake view and 9 min to Fort St John! Charlie Lake sewer system in place and lots of windows to soak in the trees! Unique property with potential for growth or subdivision.

Super clean and close to 2 schools and park! Quiet location here has an attached garage and still room for RV's. Very nice yard space with mature trees and private deck area. Inside you will feel the spaciousness of the great room sizes and a rec room downstairs you can have game night and movie night at the same time!

$84,900

Clean and quick occupancy 3 bedroom unit with lots of upgraded paint, flooring, windows, siding and shingles too! Good sized lot for kids & pets and walking distance to elem & high schools! See it soon or say 'so long'!

$1,200,000

Springtime sunrise over Tea Creek Valley will fill your home with natural sunlight where you can sit and enjoy the start of the day in professionally designed, restaurant quality kitchen. 10' walls and glass to match brings in the quiet peacefulness of your surroundings like every home should. The second floor has its own laundry room for the 4 bedrooms service and the master suite is a resort quality retreat space to relax and recharge in.

$389,900

9' walls, daylight basement, landscaped and appliances included! Excellent maintenance and yard access for future garage! Perfect starter/retirement home so get into this one before it goes!

$319,900

Clean & tidy! Large lot with good access for future garage and parking! Close to amenities, this property has good zoning and a great layout for a rental suite or just enjoy all the space!

B6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Sometimes you get lucky and catch something rare. I was lucky this Halloween and ended up getting a perfect heart shape in the sky. This photo was 0.8 of a second exposure at 500 ISO and an f-stop of F5.6. It was a total fluke.

Be prepared for the fireworks show

2

017 is approaching quickly and the start of the New Year is always introduced by some great fireworks displays. Some of you are going to want to test out the new gear that you got for Christmas and shoot some fireworks. (Speaking of Christmas, I hope everyone’s holiday was really nice and the feast put you into a temporary state of food coma.)

So your buddy buys some fireworks and you’re invited.

Make sure that you have your tripod. You’re going to want to find out where the fireworks will be set off and ready yourself into frame and focus before your buddy lights up the skies.

I have seen many different ways of shooting fireworks.

A long 30-second exposure gets lots of trails and lots to fill the frame but it isn’t crisp and sharp. I like to use a setting called “multi-exposure” instead.

With multi-exposure, you can overlay several photos into one frame right inside the camera, but it’s an uncommon feature of a DSLR camera so here is some info on some trick photography.

Make sure that you have a

Darcy Shawchek THE F-STOP

“shutter release cable.” They are available down at Unforgettable Memories or on Amazon. This cable allows you to do as long of an exposure as you like by setting your camera to “bulb” mode. Setting to bulb mode is easy. You put the main setting of your camera to “M” and then scroll your wheel all the way past 30 and it says “bulb.” If you don’t have a shutter release cable, you can do as I do and use some tape and some rolled up paper to hold the shutter button down.

Now that your camera is ready for bulb shooting, you will need to make a shutter stop device. It’s really simple. Get a nice flat piece of strong cardboard and paint it black. The purpose of the cardboard is to prevent light to the camera at the right times while on bulb mode.

Buddy’s about to light up the

fireworks. Boom, they go off.

With semi-precise timing while in bulb mode and the shutter is open, you use the shutter stop device to collect the bursts by covering the lens when it’s the wrong time and opening it up at the right time.

The trick is to open it up as quickly as possible and only capture the best parts of the burst. Be careful though, you don’t want to overexpose your background. Have fun with this trick. It’s great for other things too like making scary ghost pictures at Halloween.

This 2017 is going to be epic.

I don’t know why, but I can just imagine it and hope nobody gets burned blowing off fireworks. So keep shooting and be good to each other.

Happy holidays!

Darcy Shawchek is a photographer based in Fort St. John, who is on a mission to capture the breathtaking and majestic Peace River area through the lens, day or night.

Email him your photography questions at dr.shawchek@ gmail.com

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

Kim and Karli Harrison of Scarlet Sway were one of the many local bands that performed at Canola Fest back in July.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

UNIT 2000, 9600 - 93 AVE, FORT ST. JOHN, BC PH: 250-785-8811 (MOVIE INFO LINE) WWW.LANDMARKCINEMAS.COM/FORT-ST-JOHN

Visit WWW.LANDMARKCINEMAS.COM/FORT-ST-JOHN for the latest movie listings

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B7

ARTS & CULTURE

Spencer’s Ghost

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

By Pat Ferris

HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) At this time, you will meet bosses from your past or relatives you have not been in touch with for a while. It’s like the past is coming back to find you.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Travel delays and changes in your travel plans are likely now.

However, the good news is this is a great time to finish school projects and write important papers.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Wrap up loose details about inheritances, insurance issues, taxes and debt or shared property because old business can be finished. Focus on what is not yet done.

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Many of you will run into ex-partners and exposes at this time because Mercury retrograde is opposite your sign.

(Look good because living well is the best revenge.)

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) There’s no question that Mercury retrograde is hassling your work routine. This is why there are delays, goofy mistakes and misunderstandings. Be patient with yourself and others.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Old flames from your past will cross your path now because of the energy of Mercury retrograde. You will especially notice this because Mercury is

ever done this line of work before?”

Cathy asked, making another farting sound as she moved forward to speak.

Did they not hear this?

“Mr. Cunningham. My name is Spencer Cunningham, ma’am.”

The panelists all looked at each other and at their papers, bewildered for a few moments.

“Of course you are Mr. Cunningham.

I’m very sorry.”

“Shit,” Hank Reynolds murmured.

The one named Gary tipped his water bottle. He lunged forward to rescue it, then screeched the chair back and retreated to the washroom for paper towel.

“Sorry. Let’s begin again, Mr. Cunningham. Perhaps you could tell us your name and present occupation,” Cathy said, flustered as Gary bumped back into his chair.

“I’m a mailman with Canada Post.

I’ve been there for forty years.”

“Married Mr. Cunningham?” asked Ina. Hank blurted out, “Ina! You can’t ask that anymore. Sorry Mr. Cunningham.”

“It’s alright. No, I’m not married.”

“Looking for a date, Ina?” teased Hank.

Cathy ignored them. “I trust you have a clean driver’s record and no criminal record?”

Hank added, “We can’t have you stealing our dead people, Spencer.”

Spencer fought a smile. Okay, so that was funny. “Yes, my driver’s record is clean. And no criminal record.”

He handed over the two documents Barney had told him to bring.

“Have you ever driven a hearse before?”

“I’ve driven vans that are about the same length but not a hearse.”

“I have a few questions our headquarters suggested...let’s see... when was the last time you had a conflict with your supervisor and how did you resolve it?”

The truth was Spencer never had an issue with any of his bosses. He was as quiet as a mouse at work.

They barely knew of his existence. “Well, I’ve never had an issue.

They give me the mail, I sort it and drop it in the mailboxes.”

Spencer could see the panellists leaning over towards him, anticipating some type of story. He was almost sorry he had none to tell. He added, “I suppose I do have the odd problem with a customer during a

For Thursday December 29, 2016

your ruler.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Expect to hear from family you haven’t seen in a while. In fact, you might have relatives sleeping on your sofa and eating you out of house and home.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Just grin and bear it as you deal with transportation delays, car breakdowns, confused communication and silly errors. This is only temporary.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) This is a good time to finish old financial business and wrap up what is already on your plate.

You might also want to revisit or resurrect old money making ideas.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Because Mercury is retrograde in your sign, you will suffer from silly mistakes and mixed-up communications. Your efficiency is challenged, which is why you misplace or lose things.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) While others suffer from the delays of Mercury retrograde, you can benefit, because you find it easy to go into the past, study history and seek out answers and solutions.

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Friends from the past are back in your world again. Consider this an opportunity to touch base and enjoy the company of others.

Lorissa Scriven was one of the many talented local musicians that performed at Women Song, a celebration of local female singers and songwriters back in April.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

delivery of their mail.”

“There you go, Spencer, the keys to the Cathy seemed quite excited about hearse. I’ll be calling you when the next this. “Really? Please tell us about it.” delivery comes up.”

“Well, I was making my rounds when “What exactly will I be delivering, a customer’s dog bit my finger when I Ms. Belson?” put their mail through the slot in the “Why, caskets, of course.” door.” He held up his left hand with the “Will there be someone in them?” missing finger.

“I hope so, Spencer.”

The people on the panel gasped in horror.

“Oh, sorry…he bit my baby finger, Pick up your copy of ‘Peace Talks: not the missing one.”

Stories from the Peace’ down at Coles The panel expelled a collective sigh Books to read what happens with of relief.

Spencer and his parade of passengers on “How did you resolve this biting dog those long, lonely night drives. thing?” she asked eagerly.

“Well, next day, I waited for something that looked like a cheque, then held it in the slot so the dog would wrestle it out of my hand and chew it up. The Denturist next delivery day the dog was Adrianna Salo, DD, RD gone.”

Merry Christmas Hank laughed so hard that tears ran down his cheeks. and a Happy New Year!

“You’re hired, Spencer!”

We wish you and your families a season full Spencer blinked in surprise, of fun,celebration and great times. relieved the interview was over. #2, 10415 - 10th Street, Tel: (250) 782-2740 Cathy leaned across the Dawson Creek, BC Toll Free: 1 (866) 782-2740 table and gave him some keys.

33140

I

t sounded like it could be easy money. The more Spencer thought about it, the better it sounded.

He gave the funeral home a call and offered to do the job for three months.

They assured him it would be the odd weekend or two, mostly night drives.

After work, Spencer had a call waiting for him on his voicemail. This was unusual. A loner doesn’t get many phone calls. “Hello, this is Cathy Belson from the Funeral Service with a message for Spencer Cunningham. Barney told us about you and we’d like to interview you at five o’clock, tomorrow. We hope to see you then.”

The next day he arrived at the funeral home still dressed in his post office uniform. Stopping at the door, he took a deep breath before walking in.

A plump, middle-aged woman greeted him with a pleasant smile. “You must be Spencer. Come and sit down in the meeting room. This won’t take a minute.”

Following her, he saw at once that he would be facing four interviewers, each seated at an elderly wooden table.

Did they think he might be someone to fear, and they needed the distance for protection?

The woman indicated that he should sit on the single wooden chair set up on the opposite side of the table. He pulled it out and sat. It was covered in old vinyl and made the requisite farting sound every time he shifted on it. Good to know. He stopped moving, and glanced around. The room was overly large for its purpose, surplus, unused, old, and smell of formaldehyde.

“Thank you for coming. We found your references acceptable and helpful,” the woman said, her chair screeching as she brought it closer to the table, making more farting sounds as she squirmed, seeking comfort that would never be, all echoing in the large empty space. “To my right or… sorry... I meant my left, is Gary Jones, the local manager, then Marino Julio, office manager, Ina Smith, shipper and Hank Reynolds, chief embalmer and furnace manager.”

“You mean ‘Hank of the Hell Fire department? He’s the cream of cremation,” laughed Ina. “People! Be professional. We are trying to have a position interview here.

Head Office demands a proper interview,” she scolded.

“Tell him who you are, Cathy,” Hank said dryly.

“Oh yes, I’m Cathy Belson, co-office manager.”

Spencer immediately regretted applying for this job and considered making a run for it, but they all watched him now, like spiders on the wall, so escape was not an option. Yet. “I guess I’ll open this discussion up and ask you, Mr. Spencer. Have you

Roommates Clash Dear Annie: I live with four other people in a big old house outside Boston. Two of the roommates are a couple, “Jeremy” and “Rachel.” Rachel is a very close friend of mine and has been for about 10 years, ever since we met in college.

She and Jeremy live downstairs, while the other three of us live upstairs.

Jeremy and Rachel have been together for three years, and I liked Jeremy fine -- until we moved in together. The past year has been a war. He and I started butting heads pretty much immediately. He kept using my condiments and leaving my TV on. (I keep it in the living room downstairs.) I had to tell him to stop several times before he finally did.

Well, things really came to a head yesterday. I was about a month late paying him my portion of the heating bill, and he texted me to ask for it. I told him I would have it to him when I get paid this week. He said, “What about the money Rachel lent you last month?”

I lost my cool and told him it wasn’t his money or his business. He immediately wrote back, “Whoa, whoa, OK, Friday is fine. Pay me back whenever.”

But it was too late for him to try to backtrack, and I let him have a piece of my mind. I told him to go to hell or at the very

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

least get out of our house. I may have used even more colorful language than that. I was just so floored by his rudeness.

Now Rachel says she’s angry with both of us for handling ourselves the way we did. She says she knows that Jeremy can be annoying, but she’s hurt that I would act so hatefully toward her boyfriend. He’s trying to find a place to stay temporarily because I told him I don’t want him living here.

I am not apologizing. I am the one who has been wronged here. Right? -- Mad in Massachusetts Dear Mad: No matter how bad you think Jeremy is, cursing him out just made you worse.

Let’s review Morality 101: Two wrongs don’t make a right; they just make a mess. And your friend, by the way, is in the middle of that mess. Apologize to Jeremy for the outburst, but let him know that you do have some valid concerns about living with him. Find a way to tolerate each other, at least until the lease is up. There is

enough drama in the world without friends tearing each other apart over condiments and heating bills.

Dear Annie: Usually, I agree with and appreciate your advice. I’m sure you have to edit a lot of the letters you receive and we don’t get all the information. This time, though, based on the information we got, I don’t understand your advice.

When a couple are having a heart-to-heart conversation about a problem in their marriage, why would you encourage them to be anything less than honest with each other? You want “Mumma” to tell “Bill” to stop calling her names. It sounds to us as if he was honestly answering a yesor-no question when she asked him whether the reason for his wandering eye is that she is fat.

She knew it. He acknowledged it. They got to the root of the problem. Are you advocating that he lie to her?

Overall, good job. I enjoy your column. But sometimes you are too quick to side with your readers.

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 2016 CREATORS.COM

B8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

ALEISHA HENDRY 250-785-5631 ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

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Clue

Find the correct word, joining the first word then joining the second word

TODAY’S PUZZLE

Copyright © 2008, Penny Press

14. Waxed finish 15. Conditions of balance 25. Cloud of interstellar dust 26. Turf 27. Political action committee 29. Repentant act 31. B.B. King sang them 33. Salesman’s items 36. Every 38. Neither 39. African nation 41. Hindu’s creator god 42. The bill in a resClue taurant 43. Edict 46. Maritime 47. Small bright tropical fish 49. Cockered 51. Mountain lakes 53. No longer alive 54. Unoriginal 55. Costly 58. Finger millet 60. Aaron Spelling’s child 64. Dekaliter 65. Initial public offering 68. Not out 69. Thou

44. Sandhurst (abbr.) water CLUES ACROSS 4. Disappearing 1. Recesses 45. Golfer Snead shade trees 6. Slanderous defa47. Bachelor’s of mation 5. Standard operating Applied Science procedure 12. Fruit phrase: Life 48. A radio band is just ....

6. A shrill cry 50. Assist in some the first Find the correct word, joining 16. Undergraduate 7. Japanese apricot wrongdoing word then joining the second word degree 8. Emergency 52. SW German state 17. A way of damagResponse Notification ___: Württemberg ing 54. Rosary component System (abbr.)

18. Indicates position 56. Expresses surprise 9. Sparta’s ancient rival city 19. Equally 57. Hot Springs state 10. The Ocean State 20. Manuscript (abbr.) (abbr.)

11. Jack-tar 21. ___ Lanka 59. Soak flax 12. Sleeveless Arab 22. Thus 60. Atomic #73 garments 23. 4th tone of scale 61. Exist 13. Abstains from food 24. Town or commune 62. Megabyte in France 63. Energy in the form 26. Sharp inclination of waves or particles PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS 28. Watering holes 66. Farm state (abbr.)

30. 1st state (abbr.)

67. WWII flyer’s 31. Cattle genus phrase: On ........

32. Type of American 70. Store fodder for Indian preservation 34. Before 71. Lubed 35. Hairless 37. Hosts film festival CLUES DOWN 39. African tribe 1. Lowered in pres40. Loud crowd noise tige 2. Turin river 41. Quarter 43. Swiss capital 3. Moves through

Clue

Find the correct word, joining the first word then joining the second word

TODAYS PUZZLE

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B9

Community

CONTACT US ALEISHA HENDRY 250-785-5631 ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

“Your neighbours are not just the people that live next door to you, they’re everyone.”

- Jeanette Johnston

Volunteer club focuses on helping neighbours Giving back to their neighbours is the main prerogative for the Phoenix Volunteer Club.

The group formed back in September, and since then has accumulated quite the list of ways they’re helping out those in need in the community.

Club member Jeanette Johnston says the club, made up of close friends and family members, feels it’s important to give back where and when you can.

“Your neighbours are not just the people that live next door to you, they’re everyone,” said Johnston. “They are the people in your neighbourhood, they are the people in your community.

“I feel blessed to be a part of this community and to give back the way that we all do.”

Before the club even began, Johnston said those in their circle were thinking of ways they could help.

It was in September that they decided to form an actual club to raise money to support the community.

Chuck Miller, known to many in town as Santa Claus at various community events and part of the Phoenix Volunteer Club, decided he wanted money raised from his visits to go to Taylor De Vos and her One Kid Making A Difference organization.

On Thanksgiving, the group got together and made just over 200 turkey and ham

sandwiches to give out in front of the Salvation Army. They then split into teams and drove around to the back alleys and parks to hand out sandwiches and coffee to those who may have missed them at the Salvation Army.

“That made us feel really good that we were able to do that,” said Johnston.

Phoenix Volunteer Club is also running a Christmas hamper program, which will help out 56 families in Fort St. John this holiday season.

The hampers include food, gifts, personal hygiene items, bedding and warm clothing.

The group also offers designated driving services for Christmas parties, and money raised from that goes to the hampers as well.

On top of all that, the club is also doing a seafood fundraiser of lobster and jumbo sea scallops, set for delivery on Dec. 30.

There are 36 adults in the club, which is working on getting non-profit status. They also have a junior club for the kids, which has about 26 members at the moment. They want to ensure that members are really dedicated, so membership is by referral only.

“We got a really fantastic, awesome group of people,” said Johnston.

“We’re very fortunate in the community, anyone that lives here knows it’s a wonderful place to live and it’s a wonderful place to give back as well and that is something that’s been really important to all of us.”

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

ZOË DUCKLOW PHOTO

Trevor Penner, 13, was initiated into powwow at the Spirit of the Peace Pow Wow in June after two years of learning about powwow customs. The process of becoming a powwow dancer is more than just dancing. Penner brought his regalia to an elder, and presented them with a pouch of tobacco, a symbol of thanks and honour. Penner was given his spirit name, Bear Spirit, and blessed to become a dancer.

LOCAL

NEWS!

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

The Phoenix Volunteer Club is a relatively new group, but they’ve done a lot of good in a short amount of time.

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ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Sponsored by: Saundersons Electric Limited - Your Friendly Neighbourhood Electricians

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Lutheran Church 9812 108 Ave 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. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 9:30 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 250-7870089 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 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca 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 3 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 CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Lead Pastor: Alfred Reschke Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP: 10:40am 1st left turn off Alaska Highway past the Charlie Lake Store. ********** 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 Pastor: Andy Wiebe 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: 9:15am & 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 Quality Inn Northern Grand 100th Ave & 98th St., fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 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 fax: 250-785-2788 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.

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B10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

COMMUNITY

Ring in the new year with some ice fishing and this lavish dish

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

R

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Three generations of the Quibell family of Hudson’s Hope enjoyed a day of fishing on a beautiful, sunny Father’s Day Sunday, June 19, at Dinosaur Lake. Taking in the Father’s Day Fishing Derby has been a family tradition since it began 17 years ago, but the family has been spending the day fishing together since before the derby officially began.

With deep gratitude for your loyal support, we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

esidents of Fort St. John are familiar with the local iconic fish that once filled the local Peace with life.

Northern pike takes its name from its resemblance to the pole-weapon known as the pike (from the Middle English for ‘pointed’). This fierce predator in the waters of the Peace have always made delightful wintertime meals.

Jackfish can be muddy and unflavourful in the summer. But in the winter, the waters run clean and clear. Their flavours all change to a strong delightful meatiness perfect for classic French sauces and force meats. Pike is a very delicate fish and must be eaten within hours of killing, and must be kept very cold.

Pike are found in sluggish streams and shallow, weedy places in lakes, as well as in cold, clear, rocky waters.

They are typical ambush predators; they lie in wait for prey, holding perfectly still for long periods, and then exhibit remarkable acceleration as they strike. Northern pike have very short digestion times and long feeding periods. Their diet helps them undergo fast bursts of energy to collect as much prey as possible while very cold.

This feasting nature represents the winter feast for the New Year and Christmas. Pike is said to offer its strong energy reserves for celebration and drinking. Crepes in Papillote is a lavish way to celebrate the new year, and goes well with white wine, champagne, and cocktails.

JACKFISH/PIKE CREPES in white sauce cooked in birch bark Papillote Force meat spices: 1kg of jack fish (pike) 5g Black peppers, 40g fresh parsley, 10g olive oil, 3 eggs

All the best in 2017

Crepes: 500g eggs 500g flour 500g milk 200g melting butter

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

White sauce: 100g butter 100g flour 500g milk hot 50g caramelized onion 1) Force meat: Put fish meat in a blender with your garlic herbs orange skin. Let set for 2 hours, then force through a small steel grade strainer. Dispose of all bones and particle of spices. Once the meat is clear of skin and bones mix the next set of seasoning and rest for 3 hours in a zip lock bag. Do the same, grind and strain, with caramelized onions, butter flour garlic sautéed add the hot milk.

2)Crepes: Make crepe batter an hour before you need them and let the batter rest.

One by one in a medium pan with 2oz of crepe batter and butter/coconut oil, fry crepes thin. Mix eggs into the fish and pipe out logs of fish onto a crepe and roll into log. Bake at 300 till the fish is fully cooked and the cheese and apples are golden brown.

3)Papillote: By drying and rehydrating, bark will separate in thin layers. Spray with salt water to help separate the layers as thin paper. Make pouches as big as your fish crepes. Spray with salt water to make extra soft. Make a small paper pouch with the bark and air seal the edges with a stapler or a needle and butchers twine. The classic folding may not work. Place three crepes inside.

Add one large tea spoon of white sauce, apples and cheese on each and sow shut. Bake at 350 for 45 mins, or on high in a slow cooker for three hours.

Judah Koile is a Fort St. John chef and co-owns The BEAM with his wife, Jiwon Kim. Koile has more than a decade of culinary experience, and has worked in restaurants across Canada and South America.

all the latest Read the News,ForWeather, Sports & Upcoming Events!!!

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12984 Jackfish Frontage, Charlie Lake, BC 250-785-3233

Have a happy and safe New Year!

Thank you from the Board of Directors, Management and Staff FORT ST. JOHN CO-OP PETROLEUM DEPT

Delivery Service 7315 100th Ave, Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-5651 www.fsjcoop.com

E V SA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B11

        



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            

                                                 

                                                                                                             

                                

                                       

                         

                          

              

                    

                                   

                                                                                                        

 ' 



    in                                    

                 

B12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

Classifieds OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OBITUARIES

Frances Irene Wozny was born on February 8th, 1932, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, to Laurena Evelyn McRae (Twombley) and Ritchie P. McRae, Sr. She was raised on a farm northeast of Grande Prairie, and after completing Grade eight, she went to work on neighbouring farms, cooking for threshing crews.

In 1951, she met Alex Wozny; they were soon married and in 1952, a son, Ricky was born. In 1953, daughter, Valerie came along. In December of that year, tragedy struck, when little Ricky, only eighteen months old passed away. Mom and Dad never got over his sudden passing. In 1955, Gail was born, followed by Diane in 1959.

On October 31st, 1961, they all moved to Fort St. John, BC, where they rented a small home. About a year or so later, they bought a small piece of land and Alex built a house. They lived there until the home was destroyed in a fire in 1979 - luckily no one was home at the time.

In 1982, Alex passed away suddenly, leaving the family grieving.

Fran moved into town shortly thereafter.

After Alex passed away, Fran enjoyed going out to the Red Barn, and places where her and her friends could hear old time music and dance. It was at one of these dances where she met Dale Bequette. After a time, they moved to his home in Rycroft, Alberta, where they lived (with their pet goose). After Dale passed away in 2010, Mom continued living there, enjoying her time spent at the Merry Pioneers Seniors Hall.

She enjoyed playing crib and other card games. She moved back to Fort St. John in 2014. In February 2016, she was admitted to the FSJ hospital, and on September 1st this year she was transferred into the Peace Villa Care Home where she passed away on December 11th, 2016. She was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Fort St. John on December 16th.

Mom enjoyed embroidering and doing word search and fill-it-in puzzles, and spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also liked to sing and had a nice voice.

Fran is survived by her daughters, Val (Neil) Fieber, Gail, Diane (Stew) Hopkins; her brother, Ritchie (Barbara) McRae; her grandchildren, Clint (April) Hopkins, Carrie (Garrett) Dussault, Richard (Khrystal) Hopkins; great grandchildren, Brandon Hopkins, Sierra Hopkins, and Kainen Dussault, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Ricky; her husband, Alex; three sisters and a brother; her significant other, Dale; and sonin-law, John Romancewicz.

IF YOU HAVE NEWS, CALL 250-785-5631

OBITUARIES

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250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

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(Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Thursday’s @ 5-7, NLC Room #102. Weigh in 5:45, meeting 6-7. Call leader Connie Etson 250-785-1419 or Susan Dempsey 250-787-9244.

1st meeting free. www.tops.org New In Town...

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Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Springbuck Inc from Osoyoos, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Quarry situated on Provincial Crown land located at Lily East, Pink Mountain.

The Lands File for this application is 8015898.

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Nick Donnelly, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 7873435. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to February 8, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after February 8, 2017 Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Bonnie Carlson 250-827-3132 Community & Bridal

COMING EVENTS

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

OBITUARIES

VERESEN 2 ROLES AVAILABLE Our Steeprock plant, located 50KM south of Dawson Creek is looking for: - Electrical Technician (1 vacancy) - Instrumentation Technician (1 vacancy) Both roles are responsible for equipment maintenance ensuring safety and production goals are met. Please email your resume careers@vereseninc.com www.veresininc.com

CARD OF THANKS ON BEHALF OF THE 97 RIDERS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION AND THE NAWICAN FRIENDSHIP CENTRE, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK DAVE’S NO FRILLS AND THE BUTCHER BLOCK FOR THEIR DONATION TO THE NAWICAN CHRISTMAS DINNER THANK YOU AGAIN!

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 30: Each day a different skill for after school youth DAWSON CREEK ART GALLERY: 3:30 to 5:00PM 250782-2601 KNIT NIGHT: Thursdays at Faking Sanity Cafe in Dawson Creek6:30 to 8:30 PM. MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

CLASS ONE TRUCK DRIVERS

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services Inc. Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia

LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing transportation specialist. We come with over 25 years of operating experience in Western Canada, and our core business areas include on and off highway hauling, oilfield services, mine contracting and site services.

We are currently recruiting permanent full time Class One Drivers to expand our local team of transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal candidates will fulfill the following criteria:

• Demonstrated initiative with solid HSE fundamentals and sound work ethic.

• Off-­‐Road & Mountain experience • Ability to apply and remove tire chains • Ability to work Day and Night Shifts • Valid Class 1 license & Driver abstract in good standing • Load Securement and First Aid Training • Ability to complete / maintain accurate Driver Hours of Service Records • Able to understand and communicate in English

Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services offers a competitive compensation program for qualified candidates.

Please forward current resume and abstract to:

Human Resources Department Email: careers@laprairiegroup.com Fax: (403) 767-­‐9932

We encourage all who are qualified and interested to apply in confidence, However, only those in consideration will be contacted.

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

Position: Heavy Duty Transport Mechanic

Automotive Mechanic Company: Northland Fleet Services Location: Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Northland Fleet is a part of the LaPrairie Group of Companies with over 30 years of operating experience in Western Canada.

We currently have immediate openings available for an experienced Heavy Duty Truck Mechanic and Automotive Mechanic to complement our team of transportation and logistics professionals in Tumbler Ridge. You will be able to adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems, structural, brake and electrical systems. Work assignments will be received in the form of oral or written work orders, but the candidate is expected to be able to determine the nature and extent of needed repairs. Ideal candidates will meet the following criteria: • • • • • •

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

Provincial or Interprovincial Red Seal Heavy Duty Mechanic Certification 3rd or 4th year apprentices with applicable experience will also be considered Demonstrated initiative with sound work ethic Energetic individual who is able to work unsupervised in shop or field setting Flexibility to accommodate after hours call outs when necessary Valid driver’s license and clean drivers abstract

Northland Fleet offers a highly competitive remuneration package plus a range of benefits and genuine opportunities for advancement.

Human Resources Department Email: careers@lapriairegroup.com Fax: (403) 767-­‐9932

We encourage all who are qualified and interested to apply in confidence, However, only those in consideration will be contacted.

www.prrd.bc.ca R0011354063

Please send your resume and current drivers abstract to:

Peace River Regional District Official Page | Facebook

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

R0011354060

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B13

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

RENTFSJ.CA R0011352400

Submit Your Resume Today! apply@macenna.com

Operator: Our client is currently looking for a plant operator that is ready to start immediately! This is a temporary camp position for a large oil and gas company, and we’re looking for candidates that have the experience to jump right in.

Perks: • 8 days on, 6 days off shift • 10-12 hour days • Daily camp allowance Requirements: th • 4 Class Power Engineer Certificate • Gas Plant Operators Certificate • H2S & PST courses • At least 3 years experience • Class 5 Driver’s licence with a clean abstract Submit your resume with 2 work-related references today!

• •

Quartz countertop - dishwashers Washer/Dryer in basement $1325 Very close to schools

Starting at $1250 per month

3 Bedroom - 1.5 bath

Washer/Dryer - close to schools Very very pet friendly

Starting from $900 per month

RENTFSJ.CA SPECIAL

R0021173649

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

We are always looking for qualified office/admin resumes!

Many of our clients look to fill positions very quickly, so by having your resume in our files ahead of time; it guarantees that you’ll have a shot at any of those last minute positions that come up that you’d qualify for.

Bring or send in your resume today, chat with our staff about where you’d like to see yourself, and let us do our best to get you there!

COMING EVENTS

R0021173570

DAWSON CREEK BADMINTON CLUB From Sept. 19, 2016 to April 26, 2017 Mondays & 10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367 Wednesdays | f. 250.785.4795 | e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com Time: 7:30-9:30 pm Central Campus Gym Dawson Creek Do not play on any LEGAL/PUBLIC LEGAL/PUBLIC LEGAL/PUBLIC LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES statutory or school holidays.

Go on the school website to check on the holidays District of Taylor Please pay before you start playing.

Players under 16 years 2017 Council & Committee Meeting Dates must have an adult Each year, Council publishes the adopted Council Committee meeting schedule Each year, Council publishes the adopted Council and and Committee meeting schedule for the with them. for the following year in compliance with Section 127 (1) of the Community Charter.

You will need clean following year in compliance with Section 127 (1) of the Community Charter. gym shoes and a racCouncil Recreation Public Works Protection quet.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Contact Dan or Judy Pandachuck: 250January 3rd & 16th 3rd 16th 16th 782-4783 Saturday, January February 6th & 20th 6th 20th 20th 7th - 1:00 pm Dawson Creek Royal March 6th & 20th 6th 20th 20th Canadian Legion Branch#141 will be April 3rd & 18th 3rd 18th 18th holding its Monthly General Meeting at May 1st & 15th 1st 15th 15th its New location the branch located at June 5th & 19th 5th 19th 19th 900-102nd Ave, side entrance (across 9th July 4th & 17th 4th 17th 17th Street from LakeAugust 8th & 21st 8th 21st 21st view Credit Union).

All members are September 5th & 18th 5th 18th 18th urged to attend.

SATURDAYS: LEARN October 2nd & 16th 2nd 16th 16th YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR November 6th & 20th 6th 20th 20th PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryDecember 4th & 18th 4th 18th 18th roots.ca South Peace Histori All Council and Committee meetings are held in Council Chambers on Mondays cal Society Meetings (orAll theCouncil following daymifeetings a statutory holiday falls on the Monday) and business Committee are held in Council Chambers on Mondays Third Wednesday of the at the District of Taylor Office located at 10007 100A Street, Taylor, B.C. (or the following business day if a statutory holiday falls on the Monday) month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk at the of District of Taylor Office will located at 10007 1as 00A Street, Taylor, B.C. Committee the Whole meetings be scheduled needed on either the 1st or 3rd Monday of the month at 4:00 PM Centre Archives Room

at 2 pm.

Committee of the Whole meetings will be scheduled as needed on either the 1st or 3rd Monday of the month at 4:00 PM

DISTRICT OF TAYLOR 2017 COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

2017

COMING EVENTS Save the Dates July 7, 5:00 pm to July 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm for the 23rd Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the 2017 Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes.

Check in this paper for more details closer to the show!

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

Starting at $650 per month - call

CURRENTLY HIRING Full Time Class 1 Fuel Truck Drivers for Dawson Creek. Apply by E-mail to northernpetrojob@gmail.com. **Drug Screening Required** Competitive Wage and Benefits. Oilfield tickets required, willing to train the right person. Peace Country Petroleum Sales Ltd. 8704-21 Street Dawson Creek, BC V1G 5A6 Phone: 250-782-5801 Fax: 250-782-5884 Website: www.peacecountrypetroleum.com

FIREWOOD FIREWOOD FOR SALE. PINE & SPRUCE. CUT, SPLIT & DELIVERED. PHONE 250-782-6992.

FOR SALE MISC Firewood-Will Deliver to Dawson Creek and Surrounding Area.

Spruce/Pine Poplar/Birch. Please Phone: 780-864-8741

us!

RENTFSJ.CA SPECIAL Ask about all our move-in specials BUSINESS SERVICES Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & duct cleaning, Chimney sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ)

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR CALL NOW! REASONABLE RENTS! 1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS. CLEAN, QUIET, ADULT SECURED BUILDING ON BUS ROUTE IN DC .WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY ON LOWER LEVEL. NO PETS. 250782-1331 MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW. Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments.

Bachelor apartments and 1 bedroom apts available. Cable/heat, water/hot water included. Please phone : 250-782-7130.

ASK FOR INCENTIVES

TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT Huntington Place Housing Co-op 8303-92Ave. Affordable, alternative approach to home ownership. Purchase shares to become member-owner of complex. Townhouse units 2 or 3 bed, 1 bath full bsmt, deck, fenced yard. Housing charges 2 bed $1014, 3 bed $1103. New member orientation 1st Wed each month. Phone 250-785-7557

LOGGING Donaren Mounders available for the 2017 season. Phone 250-612-9286.

X THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

BUSINESS SERVICES

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS Open 7 days/week 8am - 8pm 1-855-527-4368 Apply at: www.credit700.ca

GET RESULTS! Reach almost 2 million people in 107 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

classifeds.ca Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Realtors Call Now! To Place Your House Listings in the Classifieds!

WEDNESDAYS: COMPUTER INFORMATION -Seniors Computer Club - Dawson CO-OP Bistro 1:15pm 250-782-4668 for more information

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT LOOKING TO HIRE!!

Anyone interested in inserting flyers into The Dawson Creek Mirror 1 Day Per Week. Please Drop Off Resume at The Mirror Paper, 901-100 Ave, Dawson Creek, or call Tanis at 250-7824772 for More Information.

First 3 months 1/2 price rent!

• CENTRALLY LOCATED • RECENT UPDATES

ask for details!

Li-Car Management Group

MONTHLYSPECIA L

Smokers and Pets Welcome!

1 & 2 Bedroom Clean Apartment Units

Worried about moving? We will pay for local move: 4 hours / 2 mgn with Peace Moving & Storage Ltd.

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

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Just Renovated - 3 Bedroom with basement • • •

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

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REAL ESTATE SERVICES

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

community

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Employers have work-athome positions available.

Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t: 4 0 0 O T. HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered.

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B14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

COMMUNITY

Notice of Public Hearing and Application to Participate Westcoast’s Wyndwood Pipeline Expansion Project

L.O.A. (Living Out Allowance)

The National Energy Board (Board) has received an application from Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) for approval to build and operate 28 km of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities. The proposed Wyndwood Pipeline Expansion Project would be located southwest of Chetwynd, BC. This project is a loop of Westcoast’s existing Fort St. John Mainline.

Westcoast Energy Inc., Carrying On Business As Spectra Energy Transmission Wyndwood Expansion Pipeline Project

Moberly Lake

It’s your bonus they said.

Bonus for what?

Well, for working so far from home.

It’s what I got paid just for being reliable and loyal.

It’s what I got just to stay where I worked.

And it’s all gone.

I could not tell you where or when exactly.

But it has all been spent.

What did I buy with all that free money?

It paid for someone else to be with my family.

Every day, every night, every birthday and hug.

I was never there for any of that.

And in the end it was all paid for and gone.

One hundred and fifty dollars a day.

That’s the most I could get paid.

And it paid for it all.

It paid for my loyalty, my abilities and something so precious that nothing else compares.

It also paid for all my memories.

Memories I couldn’t make.

Memories I can’t erase.

Memories I will never have.

And ones I’ll never get to make.

For one hundred and fifty dollars, I sold my life away.

Municipalities

Moberly Lake

Compressor Station To Be Modified Wyndwood Pipeline Expansion Project Other Westcoast Pipeline Approved High Pine Expansion (South Segment) Approved Jackfish Lake Expansion (Downstream)

Dokie Siding Pine Valley

Hasler Flat

Approved Grizzly Sales Gas Pipeline Replacement

Chetwynd

Decommissioned Grizzly Pipeline Operating

Twidwell Bend

Roadways Water Bodies Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: North American 1983

Lemoray

0

BRITISH COLUMBIA

5

10

BC

20 km

Fort St. John Dawson Creek

Smithers

AB Edson Jasper

Map produced by the NEB, November, 2016 The map is a graphical representation intended for general informational purposes only

Participating in the Hearing The Board will hold a public hearing for the Project. The hearing could include written or oral components, or a combination of both. The List of Issues which the Board will consider in its assessment of the Project is available on the Board’s website.

Those who are directly affected by the Project will be allowed to participate in the hearing and those with relevant information or expertise may be allowed to participate.

If you wish to participate, you must complete an online application form describing your interest in relation to the List of Issues, which will be part of the form. There are typically two ways you can participate in a hearing: •

Commenter - share your views on the Project with the Board in a written Letter of Comment.

•

Intervenor - ask questions, present evidence, answer questions about your evidence, and give a final argument.

Intervenors may be eligible for participant funding. Learn more at www.neb-one.gc.ca/pfp

The Application to Participate form will be available at www.neb-one.gc.ca/applytoparticipate starting 10 January 2017 and will close on 31 January 2017 at 4:00 pm MST. The Board will assess each application and will inform everyone who applied whether or not they will be allowed to participate and how they can participate.

By Kevin Buchholz

Need Help? www.neb-one.gc.ca

1-800-899-1265

For more stories and poems about life here in the north, in Peace Country, pick up your copy of Peace Talks: Stories of the Peace down at Cole Books.

Wyndwood.ProcessHelp@neb-one.gc.ca

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada’s energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

Season’s Greetings

Office national de l’énergie

For the best in LocaL news, sports and Features

From the staff at

THINK CANADIAN! DRINK CANADIAN! Family Owned & Operated 9420 - 100th St, Fort St. John, BC

“Bringing Home tHe news since 1944”

250-263-9927 Across from Centennial Park

R0051169490

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DECOR

250.785.5631/250.782.4888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

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The Power Of Print Print is stable...

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Email: bpiper@ahnfsj.ca Office: 250-785-5631 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

Ryan Wallace Advertising Manager

Email: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca Office: 250-785-5631 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Brenda Piper

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Where are YOU spending your advertising dollars?

Call today and feel the power!

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

We offer same day service for relines and repairs Denturist Jodie Atkinson 250-782-6004 milezerodentureclinic.ca 103-816 103 Ave Also located in Fort St. John Dawson Creek, BC

Typically 24% pass an ad onto others, 23% save the ad for future use and 13% visit a related website as a result of the publication.

R0011351537

National Energy Board

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016 B15

“Get The Good Stuff” 250-785-0463

9224 - 100th Street

2016/17

NHL GREAT CANADIAN

HOCKEY TOUR ENTRY DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JAN. 13 @ 5PM. DRAW AT THE LIDO SUNDAY, JAN 15 @ 7PM.

New Location

9135 96A Street | 250-787-0020

20

Fort City

%

OFF

7

GAMES

R0011297515

PICTURE FRAMING Sale Ends Nov. 30

9422 - 100 St 250.785.9099

If you don’t think you can have GREAT FOOD and GREAT TIMES in Charlie Lake... well then, you don’t know Jack!

Always Proud To Support Our Community!

8424 Alaska Road North, Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-787-5220 1-877-787-5220 www.fortcitychrysler.ca

Mile 52, Alaska Highway (12984 Jackfish Frontage), Charlie Lake, BC

250-785-3233

Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days a Week @ 11am

WHO WOULD YOU BRING?

7

CITIES

One lucky winner will win: 2 tickets/1 hotel for 12 nights and airfare.

Must be 19 years or older to enter. See complete details at retailers.

Thursday, February 2, 2017 Sunday, February 5, 2017 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Thursday, February 9, 2017 Friday, February 10, 2017 Saturday, February 11, 2017 Monday, February 13, 2017

San Jose @ Vancouver Edmonton @ Montreal Dallas @ Toronto Dallas @ Ottawa Chicago @ Winnipeg Chicago @ Edmonton Arizona @ Calgary congratulations to the

SEMI-FINALISTS

Drop off entry form at one of the participating businesses NAME:___________________________ AGE:__________________

ADDRESS:___________________________ PHONE #: ___________________ CELL#_______________________

MUST BE 19 OR OLDER

Week 1 - James Ibbitson Week 2 - Doug Peck Week 3 -Reza Alvari Week 4 - Georg Friedrich Week 5 - Robert Zibauer Week 6 - Kayne Shallow Week 7 - Cory Massee Week 8 - Andrew Seaward Week 9 - Kevan Barrette Week 10 - Paul Green Week 11 - Adam Horst Week 12 - Tom Merwin Week 13 - Chris Pedersen

Week 14 - Barry McWhinnie

GoodYear DURATRAC

ON/OFF-ROAD LIGHT TRUCK/SUV TIRES http://www.canadiantire.ca/tires Best Warranty in the industry!

250-787-1142 | 9820 93rd Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6J8

B16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

COMMUNITY

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

BYRON HACKETT PHOTO

Andrew Travis drives wide on a Prince George defender during game action at the Fort St. John Minor Lacrosse tournament last spring.

CHAMPIONS FROM B4

Do you know of a sports or upcoming event? why not tell us? phone: 250-785-5631 or fax us at: 250-785-3522

In addition, each month represents a new challenge presented by the athletes for students to complete. Teachers integrate the monthly theme with core subjects such as literacy, social studies, and math, and use themes to support a healthy classroom climate and engage students.

December’s theme was community. Grade 3/4 teacher Cheryl Baytaluke said Cockney gave them a challenge.

“The challenge was to see what we could give back. So, we decided to fill a canoe with food for the food bank,” said Baytaluke, who took students for a small field trip to the local food bank.

It was a new experience for many of the students, who even constructed a single-person hamper while they were there. Baytaluke said the chal-

lenges encourage students to set goals, and collectively work towards those goals. The core principles of the program are focused on fostering community, innovation, and social skills. Olympians embody the concept of goal-setting, and are great role models for children to work with.

The students were thrilled with the opportunity to speak with Cockney over the livevideo feed, asking a handful of both insightful and fun questions. Cockney began the chat by entertaining the class with a tale of running his own wafflestand during his training downtime in the summer months.

January’s theme will be perseverance, and will focus on acknowledging failure as part of the process of learning, as well as remaining positive in the face of challenges.

Find your perfect floor during the

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February 28, 2017

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