AHN DEC 7 2017 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, december 7, 2017 Vol. 74, No. 49

Serving Fort St. John, B.C. and Surrounding Communities

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“The Only Newspaper in the World That Gives a Tinker’s Dam About the North Peace.”

hospital mri proving to be a lifesaver

young tyke with a big punch

senior Flyers on hot streak

NEWS A3

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peering into christmas

Liquor store proposed near hospital, school matt preprost

When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money.

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Candy Cane Lane opened for business in Fort St. John on Friday, Dec. 1, a festive art walk partnership between the North Peace Cultural Centre, Peace Gallery North, the Indigenous Artist Market, and the Artisan Farmhouse along 100 Avenue. Local artisans and their wares will be highlighted this holiday season through Dec. 23.

Taylor looks to kickstart housing

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Meeting Thursday on subdivision plan matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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The District of Taylor is moving ahead with plans to service a new subdivision that could see up to 65 new homes. On Dec. 4, district council voted to rezone Parcel Z, a 22acre piece of district-owned land, from high to low-density residential to allow for the construction of single-family homes. It’s the first step the district is taking to service the land with water and sewer before putting lots up for sale to the public. “There are only four or five serviced residential lots left in the community,” Mayor Rob Fraser said. “If we’re going to see an expansion of the community we need another subdivision.” The district will hold an informal public meeting on the development Dec. 7 in council chambers at 6:30 p.m.. District snow removal policy and the results of its recent traffic survey will also be on the agenda. There has been little interest from developers to take on Parcel Z, Fraser said, noting the district is hoping to foster the building of mid-range homes. It will cost roughly $4.5 million to survey and service the land, monies that will need to be borrowed and paid down through the proceeds of lot sales. Council is looking for public input on the design of the subdivision, and to

garner feedback on borrowing the money to start the development, Fraser said. “We need to open this to the public and get their thoughts on it before we really move forward,” he said. In 2015, district councillors rejected a proposal by developer Jandel Homes to build manufactured homes on Parcel Z, saying the district already had a good supply of entry-level homes.

Alaska Highway miracle reunites army officer with lost dog matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Much grief, few answers in Bruce case matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

One of of the last memories Judi Bruce has of her grandson Jonathan is playing a game of the murder-mystery classic Clue with him on her 65th birthday. It was Oct. 5, 2013, and one didn’t beat Jonathan too often. But this time, Bruce recalls, she finally beat him. “He could usually figure things out, but I got him,” Bruce said in an interview from her home in Blind Bay near Kamloops. “I still got the box, haven’t been able to open it. It’s still there, his favourite game piece is in there, because if it wasn’t orange he didn’t want it.” See BRUCE on A12

A United States army officer is celebrating the return of his lost dog just in time for Christmas, and he has a community of Good Samaritans up and down the Alaska Highway to thank for its return. Jeff Hayes was on his way home from Alabama to Alaska Nov. 9, his brother-in-law Tom and four-year-old husky mix Yukon in tow, when the troops stopped at the Mile 80 rest stop to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Yukon had barely hopped out of the car by the time he had slipped from his collar and ran off down the highway and vanished into the woods. “He was gone like a rocket. My heart stopped,” said Hayes, stationed in Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks, recalling a twoand-half hour search that grew more hopeless by the minute. With the weather worsening and night approaching, Hayes posted a note at the rest stop about his lost dog along with his wife’s phone number, and returned to the road.

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See MIRACLE on A4

An application to build a new liquor store near the Fort St. John Hospital and a pair of elementary schools will go to a public hearing Dec. 11. Fort St. John councillors voted Nov. 27 to send the proposal from On The Rocks owner Jack Hynes for a 200-square metre liquor store and adjacent convenience store to a hearing to gather community input. The lot on the corner of the 86 Street and 112 Avenue next to the traffic circle is currently zoned C1 for neighbourhood commercial, which allows the convenience store to be built, but not the liquor store— meaning Hynes needs zoning amendment approval from council to allow his proposal to proceed. Hynes says his current store in the Northgate Mall can’t compete with the BC Liquor Store a few doors down, and he wants to move the store to the proposed location as the area is underserved. The nearest convenience stores, Q-Spot and Kelly’s, are nearly two kilometres away, as are the nearest liquor stores, Casey’s and On The Rocks, he said. However, the property is also near the Fort St. John Hospital, Christian Life School, and the site of a planned new elementary school. See LIQUOR on A13

Disclosure delays Pamela Napoleon murder case matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Evidence disclosure has delayed the first steps of court proceedings in the Pamela Napoleon murder case. The Crown has given the lawyer for Leon Wokeley its initial disclosure files, however, told a judge Wednesday afternoon there’s much disclosure still to come. Wokeley is charged with murder, arson, and indignity to human remains in connection with Napoleon’s death in 2014. “The Crown expects the RCMP to be providing two further lots of disclosure in the coming weeks,” Crown counsel Peter Whyte told Judge Brian Daley in another brief, three-minute hearing. See DISCLOSURE on A12

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A2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Local News

Contents Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Business....................................... A9 Court Docket ............................. A12 Sports ........................................... B1 Faith ............................................. B9 Classifieds.................................. B14

crafts & COAL There was something for everyone on the Christmas list at the Peace Country Craftman’s 36th annual holiday sale at the Charlie Lake hall last weekend—including lumps of coal taken right from the Pine Pass, shown here by four-yearold Landon Lever. The Man in Red even made an appearance, too!

this week’s flyers M&M Meats London Drugs Jysk The Source Walmart Home Hardware The Brick No Frills Canadian Tire Windsor Plywood Pet Valu Save-On Foods Staples Marks Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Peavy Century 21 Real Estate

matt preprost Photo

Will You Spend Less Money On Gifts This Christmas? SANTA SCARE: Let’s chew on some news, but don’t count on it being nutritious. Last week, there was a nasty incident at a shopping mall in Toronto. A woman scared kids by repeatedly shouting at Santa, “You’re not real! You’re not real!” The woman was asked to leave. Mall management refused to confirm or deny if it was the real Santa.

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices

126.9

MOVIE MEMO: Peace Country movie theatres showed the latest version of the Agatha Christie thriller, Murder on the Orient Express. The most outstanding thing about this movie is the detective’s mustache. Outstanding? It stands out several feet! It looks like a magnificent eagle landed on his upper lip. At one point in the story, the Orient Express gets stuck in a tunnel because the guy’s mustache extends so far from both sides of the train.

GOOD DOGGY: According to a new study from Sweden, adopting a dog can lengthen a person’s life. But it has to be a Swedish dog. Or a dog that barks in Swedish. It’s true, the study shows adopting a dog can prolong your life by as much as five years. Although you will spend three of those years cleaning dog slobber off a Frisbee.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

YOGURT YIKES: Researchers say yogurt is an antidepressant. That’s because yogurt contains fungus. And “fungus” begins with “fun.”

in England is going nuts with excitement. Street vendors in London are selling royal wedding souvenir mugs. Heck, they’re already selling royal divorce mugs.

TAX ATTACK: Alberta Finance Minister SLEEP STUFF: A new study shows sleep Joe Ceci says he is not considering introdu- deprivation is much worse for your health cing a provincial sales tax to cure Alberta’s than previously reported. It’s a scary study. I Fort St. John 129.9 financial woes. Some opposition politicians was up all night reading it. have suggested Albertans will accept a sales Alberta-B.C. border tax if they believe their government will use MARS MEMO: On CBC last week, a sci111.9 the money responsibly. Good luck with that entist said the key to colonizing Mars will be t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html SPACECanada STUFF: This story was under-re- one. Albertans believing their government using earthworms to make the Martian soil Fort Nelson N/A ported. It should have gained much more uses money responsibly is about as likely as suitable for agriculture. Here’s my question: attention. Russian cosmonauts found bac- Donald Trump using his mouth responsibly. If earthworms are born on Mars, are they Groundbirch teria on the outside surface of the Internastill earthworms? N/A tional Space Station. It’s a mystery how it FLORIDA FACT: There’s a tourism boom there. I can now reveal what happened: in Florida, and Canadians are contributing DANCE DETAILS: Young Peace Country Chetwynd 129.9 got Santa and Rudolph were making a test flight to the numbers. The state has had 88 million dancers impressed judges at the Western Home  Environment and naturalaround resources Weather information  Weather  Local  British Columbia theEarth. Rudolph sneezed. The visitors soforecasts far this year. In Orlando, it’s so Canadian Irish Dance Championships in Tumbler Ridge 130.9 bacteria on the space station is reindeer crowded at Harry Potter World and people Victoria. Members of the Watt School of boogers. are packed in so tight that Harry raised his Dance in Fort St John secured spots in the magic wand and a guy from Ontario got 2018 championships. Irish dancers move Prince George 110.9 ROYAL REPORT: Britain’s Prince Harry poked where the sun don’t shine. their feet a lot but they mostly keep their Observed at: Fort St. John Airport 2:00 PM MST Tuesday 5 December 2017 and actress Meghan Markle announced arms by their sides. When I dance I have a Current Conditions Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 118.9 they willCanada marry in England next Spring. EngCHRISTMAS CASH: In a survey, 60 per tendency to lose control of my arms. Last land isMainly nice inSunny springtime. It’s the warmest cent of Canadians saidWind: they WSW plan to Condition: Temperature: 1.1°C 24spend km/h time I danced, I injured four people. Two of rain of103.2 the year. After the wedding, Prince less money this Christmas. Oh yeah? The them were in the next room. Grande Prairie 104.4 Pressure: kPa Dew point: -8.2°C Visibility: 81 km Harry and Meghan Markle will live in a roy- people who say they plan to spend less Tendency: Rising Humidity: 50% al “residence.” It’s not a palace. To qualify as money every Christmas are the same people Calgary 102.9 a palace, it must have 100 servants. Their who walk into Costco and say, “I really don’t Bob Snyder can be reached at: little abode has only 15 servants. Everybody think I need a cart.” chewsthenews@fastmail.com Home  Environment99.5 and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Edmonton Dawson Creek

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Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 129.8 B.C. avg

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

137.4

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Tue 5 Dec

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Pressure: 103.1 kPa Tendency: Rising 103.8

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Mainly sunny

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Condition: Mainly7 Dec Sunny 128.56 Dec

CAD$ per litre, prices as of December 5. Source: GasBuddy.com

Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 5 December 2017 ST.Nelson JOHN Airport 2:00 PM MST Tuesday 5 December 2017 Observed FORT at: Fort

Fri Sat Temperature: 1.2°C 8 Dec 9 Dec Dew point: -6.5°C Humidity: 56%

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A3

Local News

Hospital marks 300 MRI scans matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Health officials marked an MRI milestone at the Fort St. John Hospital last week. As of Dec. 1, the hospital’s new MRI machine had completed 321 scans since it was installed and put into operation in September, putting it well on track to make 2,000 scans in its first year of operation. “It’s not just a number, that’s 300 Northeast B.C. residents that have been able to receive this important service,” Northern Health board member Rosemary Landry said at a cake celebration to mark the occasion alongside city officials and hospital staff. The $2.6-million project is one of three new MRIs being installed across the Northern Health region this year, including a new MRI for the Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace and a replacement at the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George. Having an MRI in Fort St. John has been able to cut wait times and eliminate travel for Peace Region residents who had been previously been receiving scans elsewhere in the province or in Alberta. Since being installed, MRI scans have helped doctors diagnosis critical medical issues faster, said Terry Mitchell, the hospital’s chief technologist and medical imaging manager. He shared two stories—one, of middle-aged woman with back pain and inconclusive X-ray results. She was on a wait list for an MRI scan in Prince George, which could have ranged between three and 18 months, Mitchell said. Instead, she was one of

the first patients to be scanned with the new MRI in Fort St. John. The high quality image was able to pinpoint a disc that had been pushing against a nerve in her back and causing the pain. “When you see it, it’s night and day,” Mitchell said of the image quality between an X-ray and an MRI. “There’s our answer. They couldn’t diagnose it with anything else.” Last week, Mitchell added, the scanner was able to diagnosis a spinal problem in a man who, without immediate treatment, would have been permanently paralyzed. “It changed his life because we were able to intervene,” Mitchell said. The hospital is currently operating the machine on a part-time basis due to provincial funding, but Mitchell noted his team is “being productive.” The department receives up to 35 requisitions a week, and has three technologists capable of operating the machine, with two more in training. “We’re staffed to do 2,000 a year,” Mitchell said. “There’s opportunity to grow.” Having an MRI improves patient access to care and helps attract both residents and doctors, said Jennifer Moore, executive director of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. “I am so pleased to have this piece of equipment in our hospital,” Moore said. The province paid for the bulk of the project, contributing $1.36 million. The Peace River Regional Hospital District contributed $1.04 millionn, the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation contributed $150,000, and the Fort St. John Hospital Auxilliary provided $50,000.

Greyhound meetings next week; deadline to register Friday Public hearings for feedback on a Greyhound Canada’s proposal to stop bus service in some parts of Northern B.C. go next week. Hearings will go in Fort St. John, Prince George, Terrace and Smithers from December 11 and December 14. Greyhound Canada has asked the Passenger Transportation Board to eliminate nine routes and reduce service on 10 routes, including along the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek to Whitehorse. Friday, Dec. 8, is the deadline for registering as a speaker at the meetings. The agency’s meeting in Fort St. John is set for Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Pomeroy Hotel from 2 to 4 p.m. “Public meetings will allow the Passenger Transportation Board to hear directly from individuals and community representatives about their transportation use and how the proposed changes could affect them,” board chair Catharine Read said in a

statement. “The Board will also hear directly from Greyhound about its passenger services and business model that relates to the application.” Greyhound Canada lost $12.9 million on its passenger operations in B.C. last year. Use of the service along the Alaska Highway between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson dropped from 18,307 passengers in 2014 to 9,647 in 2017, with a drop in passenger revenue per mile from $3.51 to $1.76. The break even point on that metric stands at $7.09. The Board will issue its final decision early in 2018. If you want to make an oral statement to the board at a public meeting, please complete the Speaker Registration form at www.ptboard.bc.ca and return it to the board by 12 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2017, at ptboard@gov.bc.ca or by fax at 250-953-3788. Registration can also be done by phone, 250-953-3777.

matt preprost Photo

Rosemary Landry, Terry Mitchell, Kathy Peters, and Jennifer Moore cut the cake marking 300 MRI scans at the Fort St. John Hospital on Dec. 1.

CITY BEAT

Updates from November 27, 2017 Council Meetings CENTENNIAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation regarding the preferred concept for the redevelopment of Centennial Park. Centennial Park is Fort St. John’s premier park and is the primary community gathering place for the City’s largest annual events. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified the need for Centennial Park to be redeveloped and capital costs for the public consultation and conceptual design were budgeted for in 2017. As part of the park design, staff identified a number of mandatory elements that were to be included in all concepts including: washrooms, inclusive play area, Festival Plaza, events area(s), and some form of stage for hosting the many events that are held in the park. Some optional items not included in the original scope include the addition of Pedestrian-ization of part of 94th Street with the crossing to the Museum; an Older Children’s play area; 100 Street Plaza - Front of Centennial Park; and relocation of the Formal Garden. Following the presentation, Council approved the concept and directed that $4.1 million be included in the 2018 capital budget to implement and start construction on Centennial Park’s redesign and that $2.1 million be included in the 2019 capital budget to complete construction.

PROCLAMATIONS The month of November 2017 was proclaimed as “Adoption Awareness Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclamation is to raise awareness of the need for adoptive families to nurture the growth and development of children.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS Council presented Long Service Awards to Corey Callison, Facilities Manager (10 years) and to Dianne Hunter, City Manager (10 years) in recognition of their continued years of service as employees of the City of Fort St. John.

BYLAWS •

Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2403, 2017 was adopted by title only. In 2016, the Provincial Government made changes to the Local Government Act including amendments to local government elections that aﬀect the Council Procedure Bylaw. During this review, numerous sections within the bylaw were edited to use plain language rather than the legislated terminology although the intent remains the same.

•

Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2404, 2017 was read for the ﬁrst and second times by title only. The intent of the bylaw is to include liquor store as an allowable use in the C-1 Neighbourhood Commercial zone for a speciﬁc property located at the northwest corner of 112 Avenue and 86 Street in order to facilitate the development of a convenience store and liquor store. A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday December 11, 2017 in City Hall Council Chambers to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the bylaw.

2018 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DATES In accordance with Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2403, 2017, the following Regular Council meeting dates were approved for 2018: Monday, January 8

Monday, January 22

Tuesday, February 13

Monday, February 26

Monday, March 12

Monday, March 26

Monday, April 9

Monday, April 23

Monday, May 14

Monday, May 28

Monday, June 11

Monday, June 25

Monday, July 9

Monday, July 23

Monday, August 13

Monday, August 27

Monday, September 24

Tuesday, October 9

Monday, October 22

Tuesday, November 13

Monday, November 26

Monday December 10

ARTS COUNCIL REQUEST – STREET BANNERS Council approved a request from the Community Arts Council of Fort St. John to support their Street Banner Program for the next three years, at a cost of $5,000 per year. The Arts Council established the banner program in 2015 and it has been made possible through extensive fundraising efforts and additional support for the arts by generous community-minded businesses. These themed banners have enhanced the City’s existing downtown beautification efforts and helped to celebrate local initiatives. The most recent production of banners was $100.00 / per piece (design, set-up, printing, shipping) at a total cost of $10,000.00. The Arts Council has now exhausted all recent funds raised for this initiative and approached the City for financial support. The Arts Council contributes to the enhancement of the community whenever possible, particularly in the downtown core, and has stated that it would like to work with the City in envisioning new developments.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS A Committee of the Whole meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Monday December 11, 2017. The Regular Council meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m. A Public Hearing for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2404, 2017 will be held at 6:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

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Local News

Army of Fort St. John volunteers band together to track and capture lost dog miracle from a1

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Above: Part of the Fort St. John rescue crew. Right: Nick Stoneburgh, nicknamed Saint Nick for his jolly resemblance to the iconic character, with Yukon on his run up north to meet with Hayes.

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“It was heart breaking. That’s a tough drive, trying to keep emotions out of my head … thinking, how am I going to tell my kids?” said Hayes, a father of four. “It was the best I could do, leaving a note at the rest area, thinking maybe someone will see him and maybe a nice family will adopt him. I had no hope whatsoever of being reunited.” But it didn’t take long for his wife’s phone to start ringing. Yukon had returned to the rest stop, building himself a den and catching the attention of countless passersby and volunteers with On Our Way Home Animal Rescue in the following days. Local social media pages dedicated to lost and found pets lit up with posts of Yukon sightings, prompting more and more residents to get involved. His wife’s phone rang three to four times a day, Hayes said, but Yukon proved elusive, evading every attempt at capture, including baited traps. “For two weeks, he was running up and down the Alaska Highway,” said On Our Way Home president Lani Belcher. “People were chasing him. We went up there for two days and tried to drug him.” With the help of the Yukon Animal Rescue Network, which sent down a trap, and Fort St. John veterinarian Dr. Justin Sewell, Yukon was finally tranquilized and captured. “As far as obedience goes, he’s a pretty strong-willed dog. He can’t be bribed, as the volunteers found out,” Hayes said with a laugh, noting his family rescued Yukon twoand-a-half years ago. “It wasn’t my first option, but, knowing the dog like I do, I said that may be the only way to get him.” Yukon spent a week at the North Peace SPCA — and was likely the most spoiled he’s ever been, Hayes said. Meanwhile, he tried to figure out the logistics of getting his dog back home. An eight-day roundtrip south to Fort St. John was out of the question. So, with the help of Alaskabased Carlile Transportation and Edmonton-based Capital Transport, local volunteers were able to connect with

truck driver Nick Stoneburgh, nicknamed Saint Nick for his jolly resemblance to the iconic character. Stoneburgh picked up Yukon in Fort St. John on one of his runs and met Hayes in Beaver Creek, Yukon, on Nov. 30. “Saint Nick ended up bringing up our dog. We went from absolutely hopeless and depressed, and embarrassed that I lost the dog, to a Christmas miracle,” Hayes said. Hayes said he has since raised $2,000, which he plans to split evenly to support the North Peace SPCA and the Yukon Animal Rescue Network. “It’s unbelievable, the kindness and friendship everyone has shown throughout this whole thing,” he said. “Everyone really came together. It made it a very special Christmas for my family and kids.” Among the locals who helped were Ann Green, Latoya and Chris Jones, Renata Debolt, James and Sara Garten, and Tanya Grega, Belcher said. “He counted on the community here to help him,” Belcher said of Hayes. “We like to recognize a lot of time and effort was spent on this end. Saint Nick delivered him, but that wouldn’t have been possible without two weeks of people dedicated on this end, dedicated for hours spent looking for him. It’s a great story all around.” Speaking to Global News in Edmonton, Latoya Jones said it was a letter to Santa written by Hayes’ son Josh asking for Yukon back for Christmas that tugged her heart strings and prompted her to help. “It took a village — like, it seriously took a village with this dog,” she said.

Unionized city workers get 4 per cent pay raise matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Unionized workers at city hall will see a four per cent pay raise over the next two years. The City of Fort St. John and the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union have ratified a new deal that will see wages increase two per cent Jan. 1, 2018, and another two per cent Jan. 1, 2019. “The most important achievement realized through this negotiation was that both committees came together and reached this agreement without the assistance of a mediator,” said Rashid Hasan, the city’s human resources director, in a joint-statement with the BCGEU on Dec. 1. “This is a good agreement for our city and for our valued employees, both committees worked hard to achieve this result for their respective parties.” With the new deal, union wages will have risen by 11 per cent since 2015, when workers went on an 11-day strike demanding retroactive pay and higher yearly wage increases comparable to other resourcebased cities. The new deal

announced Dec. 1 also includes a clause that can reopen wage negotiations in January 2020. The city will spend around $20.7 million on salaries and benefits in 2017, or roughly 36.79 per cent of its operating budget, and up more than five per cent from 2016. The city has yet to table its draft operating budget for 2018. The BCGEU represents about 183 city workers and said it was happy to have found “common ground” with the city during negotiations that took place in mid-October. “The BCGEU members work hard to provide services to the people of Fort St. John,” representative Angie Panoulias said. “We are glad to have found common ground with the employer on the working conditions for the next three years.” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement she was pleased an agreement was reached “amicably.” On Nov. 1, council salaries rose by 30 per cent, with the mayor’s salary rising from $61,132 to $81,000, and councillor salaries rising from a base of $23,300 to $30,375.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

Toys For Tickets campaign underway Want to take care of those parking tickets? Now is the chance with the City of Fort St John’s annual Toys for Tickets campaign, now underway. Until Dec. 19, parking tickets received since Sept. 1, 2017, can be paid for by donating a new, unwrapped toy, gift card, or cash in lieu of the cash value of the ticket. All donations collected will be given to the Salvation Army for local families in need. “We are a community that helps one another; whether by shovelling a neighbour’s walk or by providing a toy for the local Christmas hamper,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said in a statement. Toys for Tickets has been around since 2005 and has been a great help in supporting this in need in the community. Those wanting to clear any parking meter violations have until Dec. 19 at noon to do so. Donations can be brought to city hall.

Municipal leaders to meet in Fort Nelson in May Political leaders from across central and northern B.C. will meet in Fort Nelson next year. The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA), which represents local governments from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border, will hold its annual meeting and convention May 8 to 10 for three days of talks on everything from revenues to legalized marijuana. “With our incredible recreation centre and unique story to tell, we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome our friends and neighbours from local government to Fort Nelson next May,” Lorraine Gerwing, a regional councillor and NCLGA board member, said in a statement issued Wednesday. The NCLGA votes on policy proposals from member cities and towns, some of which become lobbying priorities of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Updates on Northern Health, the Municipal Finance Authority, and the Northern Development Initiative Trust will also be on the agenda in May, while attendees have the option to take tours of the community to take in local culture and Northern Rockies experiences.

Toastmaster honoured On Saturday, Nov. 18, Achievers Toastmasters hosted a visit from District 96 Director Lydia Burchell. Burchell shared her expertise with a workshop on “Toastmasters Leadership Advantages.” She shared many opportunities available for leadership training within Toastmasters and how to take the initiative for succession planning for future leaders in our district. Burchell traveled from Vancouver to our winter wonderland of Northern B.C. to present the Area Director of the Year Award to Toastmaster Joyce Hadland-Wesenberg, DTM. The Area Director works with four Toastmasters Clubs in and north of Prince George. Joyce also received the award for being the first Area in District 96 to reach Distinguished Status for 2016-2017. These awards represent Joyce’s hard work and commitment to Toastmasters International and Toastmasters in northern BC. Joyce’s keen spirit to see others succeed is represented by these awards. Congratulations Joyce!

Sunday, December 24 Public Skate

Progress Energy Free Skate 11:00am-2:00pm Oval

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

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

Monday, December 25 Closed

Tuesday, December 26

Wednesday, December 27

Thursday, December 28

Friday, December 29

Saturday, December 30

Closed

12:00 - 2:30pm 3:00 - 5:30pm East Rink

2:00 - 5:00pm West Rink

3:00 - 5:30pm 6 - 8:30pm East Rink

12:00 - 3:00pm 4:00 - 7:00pm Oval

12:00 - 1:30pm West Rink

12:00 - 1:30pm East Rink

12:00 - 1:30pm West Rink

Drop in Hockey (16+) Drop in Hockey (8-11) Drop in Hockey (12-15) Parent & Child Stick & Puck Bouncing Beans

10:30 - 11:45am West Rink

1:45 - 3:15pm West Rink

1:30 - 3:30pm Kids Arena Fieldhouse

Progress Energy Free Skate 12:00 - 2:30pm 3:30 - 6:00pm Oval

Drop in Hockey (16+) Drop in Hockey (8-11) Drop in Hockey (12-15) Parent & Child Stick & Puck Bouncing Beans

10:30 - 11:45am West Rink

6:00 - 7:30pm West Rink

Sunday, December 31 Public Skate

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

1:30 - 3:30pm Kids Arena Fieldhouse

9:45am - 12:45pm Kids Arena Fieldhouse

Monday, January 1

Tuesday, January 2

Wednesday, January 3

Thursday, January 4

Friday, January 5

Saturday, January 6

Closed

1:00 - 3:30pm 4:00 - 6:30pm East Rink

3:00 - 5:30pm 6:00 - 8:30pm East Rink

2:00 - 5:00pm West Rink

3:00 - 5:30pm 6:00 - 8:30pm East Rink

12:00 - 3:00pm 4:00 - 7:00pm Oval

12:00 - 1:30pm West Rink

12:00 - 1:30pm East Rink

12:00 - 1:30pm West Rink

10:30 - 11:45am West Rink

1:45 - 3:15pm West Rink

6:00 - 7:30pm West Rink

9:45am - 12:45pm Kids Arena Fieldhouse

fortstjohn.ca

A6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Opinion

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.

NATIONAL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES The Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Second class mail registration No. 0167

Editorially Speaking

e meet in a stately chalet, the shadowy figure and I, in a dressed up dining room set for one hundred. The building is unfamiliar, but the view beyond the A-framed window panes is unmistakable: the Peace River meandering for miles in winter monochrome, snuggled between snow-speckled hills and sharp stands of naked poplar. The figure is that of a man, and he floats in a backlit blur, a woman floating in concert with him, always just a few steps behind. He is faceless, but a glimpse of an orange tie gives him away. “The dam will be built,” the man says, and my mind turns lucid and I realize the premier of B.C. is stalking my dreams. “Sometimes, in politics, there are bad decisions, whether by free will or a forced hand.” Then, John Horgan is gone, near as fast as he came, and I turn to a busboy setting a table and wonder aloud whether he even had time to enjoy the view.

“No,” the busboy replies, “not that I saw.” And we both chuckle and then I am awake. Decision Day on Site C nears, and I reckon I’m not the only one with John Horgan on the mind. Uncertainty certainly lingers for many here in the Peace— for its opponents, who see the BC Utilities Commission as the golden bullet to put a ballooning, controversial $9-billion project with too many environmental and indigenous sacrifices out of its misery; and for its supporters, who see no choice but to continue with a project two years along with a billion-plus spent, and an highly electrified future economy crackling down our necks. Many in the media have already made their predictions, too—the Province columnist Mike Smyth has been saying it will be a go for weeks; former Globe and Mail environmental journalist Mark Hume predicts the opposite. I wouldn’t put a penny down on a bet either way. Whatever the decision,

though, it’s unlikely to be announced in Fort St. John, where it deserves to be. “We are not releasing details of the announcement, such as when or where, at this point,” a spokeswoman for the premier’s office said. “As for the Premier’s travel schedule, we are currently working on it for Winter 2018.” Indeed, ever since former premier Gordon Campbell held a highly orchestrated press event announcing the revival of Site C at the foot of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam in 2010, most major announcements and important events surrounding Site C have been held so far from here as to render them near meaningless. Christy Clark’s former government announced Site C approval in a legislature press theatre; the announcement of the $1.75-billion civil works contract, with a much-touted local business angle, was made in Burnaby; there was no official groundbreaking with golden shovels and hard hats. Sure, the Peace has hosted

some public hearings and open houses, employment announcements, and work camp openings. Some campaign politicking was even thrown our way to make locals feel part of it all. But, only a privileged few have a front row seat to the real big, important stuff, while the rest of us have been disconnected from the decision making. That includes major Supreme Court challenges launched by local First Nations and landowners that should have been argued in Fort St. John, but were instead argued in Vancouver, or, worse yet, on the other side of the country in Montreal. It seems patently unfair and it’s a shame, really; one that reinforces a hard reality that the people of the Peace remain passive participants in provincial matters that impact their daily lives and this region’s future. Matt Preprost is managing editor of the Alaska Highway News. Email him at editor@ahnfsj.ca

Conservatives in a haze on cannabis legalization

ast week in Ottawa, Bill C-45 passed its third reading in Parliament with the bill focusing on legalizing access to marijuana, and regulating its production and sale. For many people in Canada, it’s been a long time coming, and for others it’s a cause for serious concern. Since the Trudeau government was elected two years ago, many people have been waiting for this election promise to be fulfilled and it appears next summer could be the time when such an act could become reality. The Senate is the next hurdle in the process. Debate on the issue offered us a glimpse as to where the federal Conservatives are politically now that their new leader is in place. If Canadians are hoping to remove Justin Trudeau and his merry band of deficit spenders and small business haters, the Conservatives are your best bet. With the emphasis on safety, or lack there of, if marijuana is legalized, all sorts of concerns were raised including one from Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu reciting a poem—yes, that’s correct, they had an antipot poem. What was missing from the Conservatives was a solid course of action and rationale for why they wanted to delay the bill another year. Some had concerns about organized crime and marijuana, although wouldn’t delaying such a bill another year keep marijuana in the hands of organized crime another year? Another noted concern was safety. Absolutely, marijuana can be unsafe, especially when in the hands of youth, drivers, or workers on the job site. My

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

MP RECITES ANTI-POT POEM My speaker I want to protest an ill thought out bill, That is passing through parliament here on the hill, The bill that is bad is called C-45, It has so many flaws it just shouldn’t survive, The Grits will allow four pot plants in each dwelling, Regardless of how bad each place will be smelling, With mold, ventilation as issues unplanned, This bill will not keep pot from our children’s hand, There are more new infractions within this new rule, That our courts will be flooded as will every school, With drug impaired driving and challenges there, The doubling of traffic deaths and Liberals don’t care, The provinces and police in every town, Have all asked the Liberals to slow this bill down, With nearly 200 more days left til the day, Nobody bu tour party stands in the way, We hope that the senate will do its true deed, And keep our great country safe from all the weed.

— Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu (Conservative) recites some verses in the House of Commons on Friday, Dec. 1

understanding is the entire point of legalization and institution of a regulatory regime around marijuana is to control its availability and remove it from the hands of organized crime. There’s an argument to be made that marijuana is safer being managed

under a regulatory regime instead of a freefor-all on the streets that’s the current reality. When local MP Bob Zimmer stated he had concerns about safety, I have to admit those concerns ring hollow from someone who advocated for the AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to become unrestricted in Canada, which is the latest weapon of choice for mass shooters in the United States. If there was a guns versus marijuana safety debate, which side would you take? What was lost in the Conservative opposition to the bill was what legalization of marijuana could bring for our country. The creation of a new industry brings new jobs, investment, and the potential to bring economic growth to areas in the country that need it. These are the exact same reasons why the Conservatives and Liberals supported an LNG industry in British Columbia. But in the case of marijuana legalization one could argue the Conservatives appear to be anti-jobs. The next federal election is only a couple years away. If the Conservatives want to reclaim power and unseat Justin Trudeau and his Liberals, they need to start putting forth solid arguments and solutions to show Canadians they are the better option. The debate around Bill C-45 was an important litmus test and the mixed messaging, 1950s-era reefer madness rhetoric and policy contradictions left much to be desired. Jeff Richert lives in Taylor and ran as an independent candidate in Peace River North in the 2017 B.C. election.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A7

op-ed

The complex reality of moving to a low-carbon economy

ecently, I wrote a column to express my concerns with the British Columbia Utilities Commission’s report on the Site C Clean Energy Project. I was disappointed the Commission did not consider the important role Site C can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I argued that the report fails to look at this hydro megaproject through a climate change lens and the expected push towards greater electrification. As part of its inquiry, the Commission looked into alternative, commercially feasible generating projects that could provide similar benefits to ratepayers than Site C such as wind power. I agree that wind is part of the solution in reducing our carbon footprint. In fact, its cost has been dropping making it more competitive with other forms of energy. Other renewables can also help reduce electricity-related GHG emissions, particularly in jurisdictions outside of British Columbia that rely on fossil fuels. However, as the report clearly indicates, “many al-

ternative types of energy such as wind are not dispatchable so they do not provide the same benefit to ratepayers as Site C energy.” Canadians need to realize that solar and wind power does not provide firm, dispatchable electricity. Hydro projects like Site C can provide that kind of reliable, baseload power. In fact, I think Canadians could certainly benefit from a government-led energy literacy campaign to better understand how our energy system works. I’ve met hundreds of Canadians throughout my four decades of public service. How often have people told me: “Just build a wind farm,” or, “Have solar power replace fossil fuel-generated electricity?” In fact, the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources has been conducting a study on Canada’s transition to a lower-carbon economy. We’ve travelled across Canada and met with government officials, stakeholders, industry representatives, environmental groups and

Richard Neufeld From the senate

more. One of the highlights of our fact-finding missions were visits to four Canadian universities where we held open forums with the public. On campus, we met highly motivated professors and students, many of whom are doing outstanding research on environmental issues. Even at these places of higher learning, many students and professors would simply tell us to build windmills and solar farms. That’s it—problem solved! Well, it isn’t that easy in reality. Case in point, one witness told us, for example, that if Alberta retires 100 megawatts of coal-fired generation and brings on the same amount of new wind generation, it would also have to build close to 100 megawatts of baseload, reliable, non-intermittent supply fueled by something like natural gas in order to achieve the same system reliability

as coal. That’s the reality and that’s the challenge. Alternative clean electricity generation certainly has the potential to displace some coal-fired generation, but fossil fuels are used in so many other aspects of our lives. During our campus visits, beyond the “keep it in the ground” rhetoric we often heard, I was also struck by the lack of research being conducted to replace raw materials like natural gas and oil for the building blocks needed to manufacture thousands of everyday products. I wonder: what practical, sustainable and affordable alternatives exist to replace fossil fuels from products such as asphalt, electronics, clothing, and plastics? It’s clear to me that fossil fuels are here to stay… and for a long time still. Indeed, reputable experts and agencies around the world predict that the demand for fossil fuel will continue to increase for decades to come to meet the world’s increasing energy demand. Of course, clean energy technologies will help supply this growing de-

mand, but so will natural gas (which is great news for our region), and oil demand will also increase thanks to petrochemicals, aviation, freight transportation, and shipping. So, where does this leave us? I think Canadians are committed to reducing their carbon footprint—as I am. However, let us not fool ourselves in thinking that we can simply keep our resources in the ground and we’ll save the planet. While the use of fossil fuel continues to expand, a clean hydro project like Site C can help inch us closer to our goal of reducing GHG emissions. The Honourable Richard Neufeld is a Senator for British Columbia. He is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and the National Finance 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.

Views on the News home for the holidays Re: ‘Alaska Highway miracle reunites army officer with lost dog,’ Alaska Highway News, Dec. 7, A1 ‘Twas the month before Christmas, when all through Mile 80, not a creature was stirring, not even a Beattie; The snacks and cheeseburgers were hung by the bathrooms with care, in hopes that Yukon soon would be there. The rescuers were nestled all snug in their places, while Yukon was thinking he was off to the races; And Latoya in her ‘snowpants,’ and the vet with his darts, had just settled Yukon’s brain with a little outsmarts. When out on the road there arose such a clatter, Jeff sprang from my bed to see what was the matter; Away to the window he flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the newfallen snow, gave a lustre of midday to objects below; When what to his wondering eyes did appear, but a large semi truck and an eight axle trailer; With a little old driver so lively and quick, he knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the Yukon! On the border crossing rest area stall! Now drive away! Drive away! Drive away all!” As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the Yukon border the coursers they flew, with the truck carrying Yukon, and St. Nicholas, too. And then, in a twinkling, Jeff heard on the highway, the driving and swinging of each doggie tail sway; As Jeff drew in his head, and was turning around, down the road St. Nicholas came with the hammer down! He was dressed all in plaid, from his head to his foot, and his truck was all tarnished with grease and road soot; A dog named Yukon with his leash still attached ran shotgun, as Nick opened his door for this was the end of Yukon’s long run. His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face

and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly; He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and Jeff laughed when he saw him, in spite of himself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave Jeff the feeling he had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and handed the leash to the owner; Then turned with a jerk, and laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the truck step he rose; He started his truck, and gave it gas like a pistol, and away Nick drove like the down of a thistle. But Jeff heard him exclaim, when he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” —Tanya Grega, Fort St. John

Food supply concerns part of Site C, climate change debate Re: ‘NEUFELD: Site C critical for climate change correction,’ Alaska Highway News, Nov. 30 I am glad to see that Richard Neufeld is now looking at life through a “climate change lens,” as that is something we all need to do. Site C has always been, and continues to be a “project looking for a purpose.” In the past, Richard has supported a variety of proposals for the purpose of Site C. For instance, appearing before Ft. St. John City Council on Monday, February 8, 2010, he stated: “I know that there has been some discussion ongoing about the amount of electricity that would be needed in Fort Nelson with the advent of the Horn River Basin which is in the magnitude of 500 megawatts, understanding Site C would generate about 900 megawatts. It’s a significant amount of Site C so I think we can all get some benefits out of this as long as we all are on the same boat and singing from the same song sheet.” That was before B.C. had dreamed of LNG exports, and there were suggestions that B.C. could help make the oil sands “cleaner” by shipping them our gas for the extraction and processing process. Of course, the electrification of the Horn River Basin was going to require lots of power, such as Site C could provide, so 107 kilometres of river valley would be flooded for oil and gas extraction. Understandably, opponents of Site C and those who looked at life through a “climate change lens” were not very impressed with that train of thought.

HaveYOUR

As with other past “economic” rationales given for the need to build Site C, the electrification of the Horn River Basin has fallen by the wayside with changes to market conditions. Of course, it never made economic sense in the first place as it would have fallen to ratepayers to subsidize the oil and gas industry with power rates they would be willing to pay, and the cost of building new transmission lines. Flash forward to the present, and Richard is now saying we need the energy from Site C to combat climate change while not acknowledging the known GHG emissions from large hydro reservoirs. While that is a subject for another debate, there is an issue that is often overlooked that I wish to address here: It never fails to amaze me how a province that is self-sufficient in electricity, but nowhere near self-sufficient in food production, would contemplate flooding valuable farmland. The BCUC Final Report shows that BC is well poised to adapt to future increased electrification with our existing hydro storage and generation backing an increase in alternatives coming online. B.C. does not have or foresee a shortage of power, or alternate means to produce more power. What we do have is a shortage of domestic food supply. With the ongoing advances of climate change, it is entirely uncertain if our current food supply chain that we rely on will be there to feed us in the future. Therefore, I disagree with the closing statement from Richard: “It would be a real shame if the new government would put a halt to Site C without looking at it through a climate change lens.” I say the opposite is true; climate change is one more reason we need to terminate the Site C dam project. —Ken Boon, Bear Flat

booze bytes Re: ‘Liquor store proposed near hospital, school,’ Alaska Highway News, A1 Imagine the chaos at the traffic circle if a liquor store was that close to a golf course and ball diamonds. —Kayla Fraser, via Facebook I’d rather not have another liquor store. I live on 112th, and have no problems with going to Casey’s or the BC liquor store to

purchase alcohol.

—Josh Stokmans, via Facebook

A convenience store - sure. A liquor store - no we have too many of them already in this small town. — Beri McLennan Witten, via Facebook Good idea for something! There isn’t much in that area, liquor store/corner store would be nice — Meagan Miedema, via Facebook Why in the world would you think of putting a liquor store near schools!!! Such a bad idea. — Margaret Scanlon, via Facebook They should build a a big fenced in park for all the kids in the area to play at. — Mike Flintoff, via Facebook If im not mistaken this convienence store location would make it under the new rules for stores to sell liquor under a convienence store roof. — Jim Mannila, via Facebook Why does it seem the people in this town tend to mistrust so many other’s offers to invest in our community? It’s jobs. Who knows? Maybe the liquor store will fail and something else will fill the space. — Ryan Stark, via Facebook

h2-woes Re: ‘NEARHOOD: Water, water everywhere—let’s make sure we have enough to drink,’ Alaska Highway News, Nov. 30 One of the main issues is the use of potable water for non potable uses. Steamers, vac trucks, rigs etc don’t need potable water. A different source for non potable water needs to be established. Then there would be enough potable water for the region in the current system. —Tyler Kosick, via Facebook

Do you have something to say or a story to share? The Alaska Highway News wants to hear from you. Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca with “Have Your Say” in the subject line. Letters should be kept under 300 words, and must be accompanied by your full name, city, and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only). We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Letters will be published each Thursday.

A8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A9

Business

“Water rates are not high enough to cover operating costs let alone transfer some to a reserve fund for eventual replacement.” - Mayor Gwen Johansson, A15

Unemployment drops to 5.3% career talks matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Unemployment in the Northeast dropped to 5.3 per cent in November, a dramatic rebound and down by nearly half from the same time last year. In a labour force of 39,700, the region saw 37,700 people employed. Another 2,100 were unemployed last month, according to Statistic Canada’s labour force survey. The monthly survey is an estimate only due to sampling variability, and best compared year-over-year. In November 2016, regional unemployment was at 10.1 per cent, the highest of B.C.’s development regions at the time. This year, the region is in the middle of the pack, with Vancouver Island and the Coast (4.4%), the Lower Mainland (4.1%), and the North Coast and Nechako (5%) posting lower unemployment rates. The unemployment rate for British Columbia sat at 4.7 per cent last month, down from 5.7 per cent in November 2016. The ThompsonOkanagan region saw the province’s highest unemployment rate at 7.6 per cent for November, where 21,500 were unemployed. Unemployment in the Kootenays was at 7.5 per cent, and at 5.9 per cent in the Cariboo.

“In British Columbia, 18,000 more people were employed in November, bringing year-over-year gains to 92,000, mostly in full-time work,” Stats Canada reported. In October, unemployment was recorded at six per cent in Northeast B.C. Month over month, it appears the labour force has dropped slightly, from 40,100 to 39,700. There were 2,400 unemployed in October. Nationally, unemployment sat at 5.6. per cent, down from 6.3 per cent in October, and 6.8 per cent in November 2016. Canada added 80,000 jobs in November and much of the job growth was seen in the private sector. The wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, educational services, and construction sectors posted employment gains, according to Stats Canada. B.C. saw modest job gains last month in the agriculture (800), forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas (700) industries, according to BC Stats data. The province shed 700 jobs in the transport and warehousing sector, and saw a gain of 3,500 jobs in the retail and wholesale trade sector. B.C. saw its largest job gains last month in construction, with 7,000 jobs gained month over month.

matt preprost Photo

Grade 10 student Toni Stewart talks with physiotherapists as part of WorkBC’s Career Education Day at North Peace Secondary Nov. 30.

Tourism board seeks directors matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Interested in helping direct the future of tourism in Fort St. John and the North Peace? Tourism Fort St. John is looking for two new members to join its board of directors. The organization is looking for persons interested in encouraging the development of tourism assets and attractions in the city, and working

with tourism providers to attract more visitors and increase their length of stay. All board representatives are volunteers, and should expect a two-year term and monthly time commitment of three hours. Anyone interested is asked to submit a letter of intent and statement of why they should be considered to board chair Christina Seguin at christina. sequin@hilton.com. No deadline was given to apply.

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Hybrid cannabis sales model The NDP government has announced a hybrid retail model for recreational marijuana sales in which government will control distribution, but with the private sector allowed to participate in retail sales. The B.C. government on December 5 announced its long-awaited provincial regulations for recreational marijuana use and sale, in anticipation of legalization at the federal level in July 2018. It will set the legal age for marijuana use at 19 – the same age for alcohol. The government will control wholesale

distribution of recreational marijuana under the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. But like alcohol sales, recreational marijuana will be sold both through government operated stores and private retailers. It’s not yet clear whether marijuana will be sold through existing government liquor stores, or whether it will keep the two products separate by creating new stores that sell marijuana only. Details of how the new model will be rolled out is still subject to public consultations. —Business in Vancouver

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A10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

have you had anything to drink tonight? A simple question,

but when you are behind the wheel...how will you answer? Safety First when serving Alcohol

Here are some Sobering Statistics While attitudes toward drinking and driving have changed considerably over the years, an average of 86 lives are still lost every year in B.C.*

Hosting a party at home can be a great way to get friends and family together. Whether hosting guests for the big game, a holiday dinner or just a weekend gathering for friends, hosts who plan to serve alcohol must realize the responsibility that comes with that decision.

guests do not feel pressured to drink too much. Such games can make parties more fun and memorable and give guests something to do besides mingle and drink alcohol. In addition, games and activities that do not revolve around alcohol can keep sober guests engaged in the festivities.

• Encourage guests to take cabs or ridesharing services to and from the party. Hosts who plan to serve alcohol can encourage guests to use local taxi companies or ridesharing services such as LyftTM or Uber to get them to and from the party. Include contact information for local taxi companies on the party invitations, and ask guests to include their transportation plans with their RSVP. Doing so will get guests thinking about transportation well in advance of the festivities, and that may reduce the likelihood that they will drive themselves.

• Serve ample amounts of food. Even guests who do not plan to drink much can become inebriated if they’re drinking on empty stomachs. Make plenty of food available to your guests, but try to avoid serving salty foods like pretzels and potato chips. Salt makes people thirsty, and that might compel some guests to drink more alcohol than they intended.

Guests’ safety should be a top priority for party hosts. But hosts also must take steps to protect themselves when serving alcohol. Host laws can leave hosts who overserve guests vulnerable to criminal prosecution or civil liability, so it’s important that hosts take steps to ensure guests who consume alcohol do not drink to excess and make it home safely.

On average, 23 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving in the Lower Mainland every year. On average, 29 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving in the Southern Interior every year. On average, 13 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving on Vancouver Island every year. On average, 22 people are killed in crashes involving impaired driving in North Central B.C. every year.

• Enlist designated drivers. Some guests may plan to abstain from alcohol, and hosts can ask such guests to serve as designated drivers. In addition, hosts should abstain from alcohol so they can drive guests home if any guests have had too much to drink.

*Crashes and injured victims from ICBC data (2009 to 2013); fatal victims from police data (2009 to 2013). Impaired is deﬁned to include alcohol, illicit drugs and medicines.

• Plan activities that do not involve drinking. Hosts can plan games or activities that do not involve alcohol so

http://www.icbc.com

• Get creative with nonalcoholic beverages. Hosts should make sure they have ample amounts of water and soft drinks on hand for underage guests and guests who will not be drinking. But hosts can also have some fun by serving some “mocktails,” which mimic alcoholic beverages without the alcohol. Kids might like a “Shirley Temple” instead of another glass of water, and adult guests might feel a virgin martini helps them ﬁt in more.

• Have some guest rooms ready. Guests coming from far away who drove themselves may not want to pay for cabs or ridesharing services home, so make sure you have guest rooms ready for anyone who overdoes it with alcohol. Stock up on toothbrushes, bed linens and contact solution and cases so guests who wear contact lenses can remove them before going to bed.

Hosting can be fun, but hosts must prioritize the safety of their guests when serving alcohol.

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PROOF #

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A11

BUSINESS

Delivering healthcare in a northern community

here are many challenges associated with living in a northern resource community. There are many blessings as well. I grew up in rural North Peace. I came from a community where neighbours were like family. We would always wave to them and offer a friendly hand if needed. How many times has the 250 prefix been left in the dark or not allowed the same access to services as our southern neighbours? Our Fort Nelson neighbours must travel 400 kilometres to deliver a baby and arrive one month in advance to avoid any risks associated with childbirth. There is a large inequity in access to health care. The costs associated with this alone puts an incredible economic drain on young families not to mention the emotional drain of being away from home at a time when you should be preparing for a new arrival. HEALTHCARE MODEL DOESN’T FIT The Northern Health Authority has fewer specialists per 1,000 persons than anywhere in the province. Our primary care physicians are over worked in a system not necessarily designed to meet these challenges. Our patients and populations are not communicating these systematic issues to Northern Health Authority in a way that can be measured and corrected. The healthcare system needs to approach healthcare with a team-based approach. The patient who shows up as an engaged member of that team will have superior health outcomes than the patient forced into reactive care. Systems and policy create the inequity. Not speaking out and making healthcare officials aware that there is a problem results in no action or change. How can a system fix a problem that they know nothing about? Where is there an opportunity to report system or safety fails for the purpose of engaging improvement? Is it acceptable for a mother who has just been told her child has a life-changing chronic illness that she must get her child to Children’s hospital in Vancouver within 24 hours for an urgent care appointment, and then tell her that her case is

Edwina Nearhood

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LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

not important enough to medevac the child out? Is it acceptable to leave her in that state and not offer any kind of support on what do next? Is it acceptable for a breast cancer patient to have to wait three or four weeks for an urgent ultrasound? The stories are endless. NOW WHAT? Become involved. Healthcare touches us all. We have an opportunity as a community to come together and support the healthcare professionals here in a way that adds value to the community. We can each lend a hand and do a part to help the system improve. For those that like to volunteer, become involved in the Patient Voices Network. For those who have valid complaints—take them to the top so some measure of quality and safety improvement can begin to happen. To the chronic patients—take charge of your health to the best of your ability before it has become a crisis. Find out how to improve your mortality and live to the best you can with your disease. This allows time and space for the docs to work with the critically ill and injured patients with more capacity than is available now. To the angels of the community, be an angel and light a light, or leave your legacy behind with a donation to the hospital foundation. Community contributions make a lasting impact that many of us benefit from.

IT’S A G Freya C IRL o Paren les Jeremiats: Rache h & Baby’s l Coles Weigh t 7 lb Time: s 5 oz 8 : 4 9 am Length Decem : 19 inches b e Fort S r 1, 2017 t John , BC

IT’S A GIRL Tanisha Roscher Parents: Edwin & Kathy Roscher Baby’s Weight: 6.592 lbs Length: 46 cms Time: 8:50 am Nov 27, 2017 Fort St. John, BC

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to:

The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

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

FINAL WORD “That is too bad, you choose to live in the north” is not an acceptable response to the health care crisis in the north. Let’s work together to find a healthy solution. Edwina Nearhood is a life-long resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

Drinking Driving CounterAttack has helped to significantly reduce impaired driving on B.C. roads. We’d like to thank police, community partners and drivers who have changed public attitudes toward drinking driving. We’ve come a long way since 1977, but more still needs to be done. We’re committed to making our roads safer for everyone.

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A12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Local News

peace region

court docket A summary of what went on in Peace Region courts for the week ending Dec. 1. Fort St John Law Courts • Dale Michael Bagan (born 1973) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for care or control of a vehicle while impaired. Bagan was further fined $100 and assessed a $30 victim surcharge for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Bagan was further assessed a $100

victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. • Colval Shaquille Abbinett (born 1995) was ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault. Abbinett was further assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. • Levi Grant Howard (born 1989) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Riley Justin Apsassin (born 1990) was handed one year of probation with a suspended sentence, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation.

• Andrew James Shreenan (born 1981) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation. Dawson Creek Law Courts • Nicholas Joseph Gorsalitz (born 1983) was ordered to provide a DNA sample, given three days in jail, handed a three-year probation order, handed a 10-year discretionary firearms ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. • Freddy Martin Ominayak (born 1985) was handed one year of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for mischief $5,000 or under. Om-

inayak was further handed a one-year probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for a count each of using a forged document, willfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and possession of stolen property under $5,000. • Justin Sinclair (born 1996) was handed 18 months of probation with a conditional discharge, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for fraud $5,000 or under. • Matthew Robert Best (born 1992) was fined $1,500 and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. • James Daniel Munro (born 1978) was given 30 days in jail, handed 18 months of proba-

tion, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. • Paul Samuel Salmon (born 1982) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Mason Braaten (born 1999) was given 12 days in jail for breach of undertaking. Fort Nelson Law Courts • Amber Lee Rhia Duntra (born 1991) was handed one year of probation with a suspended sentence, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault. — Tom Summer

disclosure from a1

Fort St. John man missing for a week Have you seen Michael Marshall? Fort St. John RCMP say he was last seen Nov. 28 and that there is nothing to indicate foul play at this time. Marshall, 46, is described as Caucasian, fivefeet-nine-inches with a slender build, and has brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone who sees Marshall is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

In the criminal process, prosecutors must give an accused a copy of all evidence they have to support their charges, including police reports and witness statements, allowing an accused to respond and prepare a defence before entering a plea or having the case proceed to trial. Wokeley, who remains in custody and appeared by video from Prince George, will make his next appearance Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. His lawyer, Georges Rivard, told Daley the “large amount” of forthcoming disclosure will

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determine how soon he will try to schedule a possible bail hearing. Wokeley, 42, was arrested in Fort St. John Oct. 27 after a three-year investigation into Napoleon’s death. Police say Wokeley and Napoleon knew each other, and were last seen leaving Blueberry River First Nation together on July 8, 2014. Napoleon’s remains were found in a burned down cabin near the community a month a later. Napoleon was 42. Wokeley has not entered a plea, or been found guilty of the charges.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A13

LOCAL NEWS

Reject liquor store proposal, planners tell council LIQUOR FROM A1

A report from city planners recommended councillors reject the proposal. However, councillors found few problems with it, and agreed to solicit community feedback before making a final decision. “I live in the area and would love to see the opportunity to get my neighbours’ feedback,” newly-minted Coun. Lilia Hansen said. Spot-zoning a property isn’t allowed under the city’s official plan and bylaws, planner Ashley Murphey wrote in her report, adding concerns about a liquor store’s impact on public health and safety, calling it “detrimental” to the neighbourhood setting. The store would be in direct view of a proposed new elementary school across 86 Street, Murphey wrote, meaning “the children at the elementary school would view this business daily during a school year.” She added she could find no examples of a liquor store being sited directly across from an elementary school in similarly-sized communities. “The presence of neighbourhood liquor stores has been shown to increase alcohol consumption and associated adverse health consequences,” Murphey notes in her report, citing two separate academic studies. “The density of liquor sales

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Site of a proposed new liquor and convenience store at 86 Street and 112 Avenue.

outlets has shown to be correlated to alcohol use in adolescents.” Acting Mayor Byron Stewart scoffed at the planner’s report, calling it “subjective,” and said it would be difficult for the city to find a good use for the property after sitting vacant for so long. “I view the proposal of a liquor store and a convenience store as something that could be very beneficial to that area—the convenience store aspect especially, in that you

are looking at quite a distance for any youth or families that are living in that area to get to a convenience store to go and buy a pop or chips, or what have you,” Stewart said. “I haven’t bought into this being a no-go for us to just write off. I did like the alternative in the report that would be limiting the size of it and we would be going to a public hearing—do they see it as being beneficial or a concern in their area? We can make a judgement from there.”

The city has only two other properties listed as neighbourhood commercial— the Wink’s lot across from North Peace Secondary, and an empty lot just north of the Latter Day Saints Church—both of which city administrators warned could see similar liquor store proposals in the future if council approves Hynes’ application. Stewart said he would be more concerned seeing a liquor store built across from

the high school. “In all honesty, 16 to 18 year old kids are different than 12 and under,” Stewart said. Coun. Gord Klassen said the city shouldn’t add liquor stores as a permitted use within neighbourhood commercial zones. He was, however, supportive of Hynes’ application, noting there are no commercial options for residents in the northwest corner of the city. The city has recently expanded its boundaries there for further development, he added. “It’s a decent location, even if we limited its size,” Klassen said. “For me, I would tend to see us moving along and, again, allowing the community to have input if there’s objection to it.” In 2016, councillors expressed concern that building a new school near the hospital would bring an influx of school traffic mixed with regular hospital traffic. In her report, Murphey noted traffic impacts would need to be studied as part of the liquor store proposal, as would nosie concerns. “As with any commercial development, increased traffic to and from the subject property may have an impact on the surrounding residences and institutional uses,” Murphey wrote.

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Keizer

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A14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Local News

Rumours, misinformation frustrate investigators bruce from a1

The last time she saw him was a few weeks later, walking down the street near the post office with a friend before she left on holiday to the Dominican Republic. When she landed back in Canada at the airport in Vancouver Nov. 24, the text message came in: Jon’s dead. His body had been found earlier in the day at the Fort St. John motocross track. He was missing his jacket, his shoes, his wallet, and his iPod. What the family knows, according to Bruce, is that Jonathan had been at a party the night before, and that there’s video surveillance of two people on a quad entering the motocross tracks, with only one coming out. Jonathan’s skull was fractured and he was frozen solid, Bruce said. It’s not known whether it was hypothermia or blunt force trauma that ultimately killed him, she said. “We had a memorial service but we didn’t have his body,” Bruce said. “This sound so gross, but they had to thaw him. We couldn’t see him, We couldn’t touch him. We couldn’t be there because of evidence.” Jonathan was just 16, and is still remembered as an avid outdoorsman with a love of camping and fishing, and who was mechanically inclined and kept busy with countless projects. Four years after his death, his case still an active investigation, and Bruce and her family believe there are people out there with information who aren’t talking with police. “There’s lots of rumours out there about what happened,”

Bruce said. “We believe there will be some kind of closure because nobody can go for the rest of their lives and not feel some kind of guilt, and want to unburden themselves as to what they know, or what happened.” Police have yet to rule out foul play in Jonathan’s death, which remains an active investigation for Fort St. John RCMP. Police could offer few details of the case, nor confirm details and claims made by Bruce, citing the integrity of the investigation. However, Staff Sgt. Steve Perrett, who was the lead investigator on the case for two years and is now a family liaison, says most of Jonathan’s activities have been tracked in the hours leading up to his death. His missing belongings are still unaccounted for. “There’s still a number of investigative leads that we’re following up on,” said Perret. “We do believe there’s people out there have information that have not yet spoken with us. We do encourage those people to come forward and tell us what they know about this incident.” Some of Jonathan’s family and friends have made their presence at the city’s Canada Day parade an annual tradition with a Justice For Jonathan float. On social media, the name of a possible suspect is brought up often. Perret cautioned that there is much speculation and inaccuracies about Jonathan’s cause of death and who might be responsible out in the community. “As a police investigator, one of the worst pitfalls you

matt preprost file Photo

RCMP officers gather clues and evidence at the Fort St. John motocross track on Nov. 26, 2013, days after the body of Jonathan Bruce, 16, was found.

can fall into is getting tunnel vision, and focusing on one individual, one set of facts,” he said. “As an investigator, you have to keep an open mind and be alive to all the different possibilities.” “We’ve endeavoured to explore every avenue of investigation,” Perret continued. “The police will never name somebody until charges are laid, and charges will be laid once Crown counsel believes there’s sufficient evidence out there. We have not yet crossed that threshold. We do not have enough evidence to lay charges against anyone and thus the investigation continues.” The lack of closure in the case is as frustrating for police as it is for the family and

community, Perret said. “One of the major frustrations with this case is the fact a lot of the parties were school-aged. There was a lot of rumours being spread and a lot of misinformation,” he said. “It’s frustrating as an investigator. The tips we received were based on thirdhand information, rumours that were being spread around school or amongst that peer group. When that happens, it increases the investigative time because we have to follow up on these leads. “But when it’s based on rumour and not based on fact, it’s very difficult to get to the core and find out what the truth actually is,” he said. “That does make an investigation more complicated and time

consuming.” Jonathan’s death has fractured his family, Judi Bruce said. There’s a sadness, to be sure, especially at the end of the year, with a number of family birthdays in November, and as Christmas nears. But the family doesn’t live every day sad, she said, instead trying to remember the good spirit Jonathan had. “Everyone of us, we have an empty chair at our tables,” she said. “We have stars hanging in our window so he knows where we are.” Anyone with information about Bruce’s death can call the Fort St. John RCMP at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 A15

Local News

Hudson’s Hope water rates to rise by 10% in 2018 tom summer editor@ahnfsj.ca

Hudson’s Hope residents will pay more for their water services in the new year after district council voted to hike rates at a meeting Nov. 27. Starting Jan. 1, residential fees will rise from $228 to $250.80 annually, an increase of $22.80. Commercial and non-residential users will pay $511.50 annually, up $46.50 from $465. Sewer rates remain unchanged, but the district is raising water rates to meet the challenges facing its aging water infrastructure, Mayor Gwen Johansson said. “Water rates are not high enough to cover operating costs let alone transfer some to a reserve fund for eventual replacement,” Johansson said, adding that water and sewer are intended to be user-pay and self-sustaining. “The 10 per cent increase will not be sufficient to achieve the goal of covering both operations and reserve build-up, but it will get us closer.” With the district’s infrastructure more than 50 years old, the town has already seen a new water treatment plant built, along with repairs to water cisterns near the post office and a multi-year valve replacement program.

Roughly half of all residents use the water distribution system. The rest either haul water from token-operated stands or use wells, and are also responsible for supplying their own septic systems. “We can expect there will be costs as the old system gradually has to be replaced,” Johansson said, noting council has not considered changes to the pricing of the water stands. For many municipalities, providing essential services is a complicated task, Johansson said. “In a perfect world, a government’s responsibility to provide services would be reflected by its capacity to collect the taxes needed to cover the costs,” Johansson said, adding she feels there’s a disconnect between the tax collected by the federal government and the tax collected by municipalities. “Municipalities are supposed to provide a lot of services but they don’t have the tax room,” said Johansson, noting projects like the town’s solar panels were only possible with grants from senior governments. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail.com.

Pembina Pipeline approves new Montney liquids hub Pembina Pipeline Corporation has approved the development of a new liquids hub in the Montney, as well as its proposed liquefied petroleum gas export terminal in Prince Rupert. The two new projects are part of a $1.3-billion capital program for 2018 approved by the company’s board of directors and announced Nov. 29. Pembina President and CEO Mick Dilger called 2017 a “transitional year” in the company’s history. “Since the beginning of 2015, we have placed approximately $8 billion of predominately contracted assets into service, marking the culmination of an unprecedented growth strategy implemented in 2013,” Dilger said in a statement. The estimated $320-million hub ($150 million net to

Pembina) will support operations for the Cutbank Ridge Partnership in the Montney, providing separation and stabilization of increased condensate volumes from the partnership to support the recently in-service Sunrise and Saturn gas plants in the South Peace. The project, expected to be in service in late 2018, is being advanced through Pembina’s midstream limited partnership with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., in which Pembina owns approximately a 46 per cent interest, the company said. The hub will be connected into Pembina’s pipeline systems, and can be further expanded to serve future requirements of the Cutbank Ridge Partnership, as well as other potential third-party producers.

supplied Photo

Row 1 - Lauryn Campbell, Kale Dietz, Elyse Kemp, Reese Gibbons, Anika Armstrong, Naia Gibbons, Melodie Kemp. Row 2 - Eden Pomeroy, Gillian Jarabek, Jordan Crawford, Emalee Chapple, Mia Hamre, Makenna Armstrong. Row 3 - Annica Osterlund, Ashlyn Bolog, Haley Korfmann, Jade Gibbons, Courtney Cowger, Kaitlyn Rowe.

Irish dancers secure spots in 2018 championships Nineteen local dancers have returned from a very successful weekend at the Western Canadian Irish Dance Championships. Members of the Watt School of Irish Dance traveled to Victoria on the Remembrance Day weekend, where the

best of the best competed for coveted qualifying positions in the 2018 North American Championships in Orlando June 30 to July 4, and the 2018 World Championships in Glasgow March 24 to April 1. Eighteen of these young athletes did just that, securing

spots in next year’s events. Among those, Jordan Crawford (U15), Naia Gibbons (U11), and Reese Gibbons (U8) were crowned Western Canadian Champions in their respective age groups. — Submitted by Sophie Noiseux

No flu shot? Put on a mask in health facilities The province is asking everyone who hasn’t gotten a flu shot to wear a mask when entering provincial healthcare facilities. “Patients and clients in hospitals and long-term care facilities often have weakened immune systems that put them at greater risk of serious complications from influenza,” Northern Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sandra Allison said in a statement. “The best way to protect not only yourself but the people

around you is to get a flu shot, even if you’re normally a healthy individual.” The policy, in effect now until March 31, 2018, applies to all health authority employees, students, doctors, residents, contractors, vendors and volunteers who haven’t been immunized, and who visit hospitals, longterm care homes, public health units, and outpatient clinics. Masks are being made available nursing stations or outpatient reception desks. The flu vaccine is free to

people intending to visit a health care facility, and is available at public health clinics, doctors’ offices and pharmacies. It’s also free in B.C. for children between the ages of six months and five years, seniors 65 years and older, pregnant women and aboriginal people, as well as individuals with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems and their caregivers. Visit immunizebc.ca for more information.

OGC investigating well site fire near Buick B.C.’s oil and gas regulator is investigating after a fire at a well site 95 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John Sunday morning. The Oil and Gas Commission says it was alerted to a fire at a Todd Energy well site around 11 a.m. on Dec. 3. OGC spokesman Phil Rygg said the site has been evacuated and workers are safe. The cause of the fire is still

being investigated. “The incident is confined to the site, and the company has activated their emergency response plan to ensure the continued safety of the public and their employees,” Rygg said. “The Commission’s Emergency Operations Centre is active and will continue to monitor the response by Todd

Energy.” The Commission has sent an inspector to the site, Rygg said. An official with Todd Energy said the company is working with the OGC and hopes to learn more about the cause of the fire later today. The company has been operating in the region since 2014, with a focus on the Birch field bear Buick and Prespatou.

CONDITIONS CHANGE. SO SHOULD YOUR SPEED. Even the most confident drivers are at risk in hazardous road conditions. Slow down and drive at a safe speed. Visit ShiftIntoWinter.ca.

ShiftIntoWinter.ca #ShiftIntoWinter DriveBC.

A16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

provincial News

ICBC to test two new devices to deter distracted driving Lindsay Kines Victoria Times Colonist

bc government Photo

Attorney General David Eby: “The point of all of this is to drive down the number of collisions, to prevent the number of accidents and to save lives.”

ICBC plans to test two new devices — one for drivers and one for police — that it hopes will deter people from texting or talking on a cellphone while behind the wheel. “The point of all of this is to drive down the number of collisions, to prevent the number of accidents and to save lives,” Attorney General David Eby said Nov. 28. “We want to really send the message to British Columbia that this has to stop and there has to be a cultural shift in British Columbia.” ICBC said it will launch the first pilot project in January. It plans to recruit 200 drivers to install an app on their smartphones. The app communicates with a device plugged into a port in the vehicle and blocks the phone from being used when the device senses that

PUBLIC HEARING DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2017 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2404, 2017 The subject land of the proposed bylaw is legally described as Lot 113, Section 6, Township 84, Range 18, W6M Peace River District Plan EPP7754 as shown highlighted on the map.

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This lot is zoned C1 - Neighbourhood Commercial and a liquor store is not a permitted use in this zone. The proponent (0936068 BC Ltd) is applying for a zoning amendment to include a liquor store as a permitted use on this lot to allow for the construction of a convenience store and a 200 square metre area liquor store. 11319

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Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from December 4 to 11, 2017. At the hearing, the public will be allowed to make presentations to Council or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

www.fortstjohn.ca

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

XJ Evergreen Estates Development Corporation Application for Official Community Plan Amendment

SUBJECT SUBJECT AREA AREA

100 STREET

269 RD

The applicant, XJ Evergreen Estates Development Corporation, is seeking an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment to the parcels pictured on the map below and described as consisting of two parcels of land totaling approximately 89 hectares bound by Fish Creek to the North, 116 Street (West Bypass Road) to the East, Alaska Highway to the South and Blackberry Street to the West. The intent is to change the land use designation from AR-Agricultural to LDR-Low Density Residential, MDR-Medium Density Residential, HDR- High Density Residential, GC-General Commercial, IT-Institutional and PNA- Parks and Natural Areas. This Open House is being held by the applicant to seek public input which will be included in their application to Council. This land use change is proposed to create a new complete and comprehensively planned neighbourhood centered on the natural areas of the Fish Creek coulee. The new neighbourhood would accommodate a significant proportion of the anticipated Interested members of the Public are invited to drop by residential growth of the City between 5:30pm-7:30pm, December 14, at the Whole in a wide variety of residential housing forms. Proposed Wheat & Honey Café, 10003 100 St., Fort St. John, BC neighbourhood oriented services and amenities would include parks, trails and green 244 RD 244 RD spaces, schools, and commercial services. 26 WEST WEST Owner’s representatives 9 10 BYPASS BYPASS will be present to answer RD 0 S questions. T R For additional information E we encourage you to visit: E T www.parkwoodproperties.ca or contact: Jim Radford at: 100 100 AVE AVE

jradford@parkwoodproperties.ca

or Bob Evans at 250-469-7728.

the car is moving. Eby, who is responsible for ICBC, said the corporation researched standalone apps on the market, but concluded they were insufficient to prevent distracted driving. “The app paired with the plug-in in the car appears to be a technology that will provide more certainty around ensuring that people are not using their phone when they’re driving,” he said. Drivers who are interested in taking part in the pilot project can sign up on ICBC’s website. If the test is successful, Eby said, the government will consider requiring new drivers to use the devices in order to get their learner’s or novice permit. “If you want to move on through the graduated licensing system, you might have to install the app and have this fob installed in your car to ensure you’re not using your phone when you’re driving,” he said. Eby said the technology could also be applied to people repeatedly ticketed for distracted driving, or offered to individuals who volunteer to use the app in exchange for a break on their insurance premiums. Meanwhile, ICBC is working with the government

and police to test a $14,000 camera targeting drivers using smartphones. The camera, equipped with Bluetooth, allows police to immediately share photos with other officers in the area. Police can then pull the driver over and show them the picture. “We hope that this will assist in two respects,” Eby said. “One is that it will encourage police to do increased enforcement of distracted driving. “The second is that it will provide instant feedback to drivers, as well as evidence, in the event that the driver challenges the police version of events or challenges the ticket.” Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said distracted driving kills more people on B.C. roads every year than impaired driving. “That is just a shocking statistic, and we’re taking it seriously, along with other provinces,” he said. “And these measures today are another tool in the arsenal, if these pilots prove successful, to deal with the scourge that is distracted diving.” ICBC says distracted driving kills an average of eight people a year on Vancouver Island, based on police statistics from 2011 to 2015.

City of Fort St John Council Meeting Dates In accordance with Section 127 of the Community Charter, the regular meetings of Fort St. John City Council for 2018 are as follows: • Monday, January 8

• Monday, January 22

• Tuesday, February 13

• Monday, February 26

• Monday, March 12

• Monday, March 26

• Monday, April 9

• Monday, April 23

• Monday, May 14

• Monday, May 28

• Monday, June 11

• Monday, June 25

• Monday, July 9

• Monday, July 23

• Monday, August 13

• Monday, August 27

• Monday, September 24*

• Tuesday, October 9

• Monday, October 22

• Tuesday, November 13

• Monday November 26

• Monday December 10*

Regular meetings are held in City Hall Council Chambers at 3:00 p.m. *In accordance with Section 5.2(b) of Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2403, 2017 only one Regular Council meeting will be held in September and December.

www.fortstjohn.ca

Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7, 2017 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

SENIOR FLYERS ON HOT STREAK

POWSEY CLUTCH FOR HUSKIES

SPORTS B2

SPORTS B3

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

The reporter jinx is real Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Cruz Gordon shows off the medal and trophy he earned at the B.C. Bronze Gloves in Quesnel.

Meet Cruz Gordon, B.C.’s youngest boxer DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Most six year olds are just learning to skate or unsure of which direction to kick a soccer ball. But Cruz Gordon isn’t your typical first grader, and the chance to take part in a sanctioned BC Boxing bout last month couldn’t come fast enough. Gordon went with Team Fivestar to the B.C. Bronze Gloves boxing tournament in Quesnel Nov. 25 and 26, and fought in a fun box bout against an eight-year-old from Quesnel. His opponent? A foot taller and four pounds

heavier. Though both fighters in fun-box fights are declared winners, Gordon was scored the winner according to Boxing B.C. Boxing B.C. recently lowered the fun-box age minimum to six years down from eight, making Gordon the youngest fighter in B.C. history to participate in a sanctioned bout. Gordon has been training with Fivestar since he was three, and his first fight was a long time in the making. “We found out about Fivestar when Cruz was three and he started going for kickboxing. He had a lot of

energy, and it gave him good structure and taught him to control his body and listen,” said Melissa Gordon, Cruz’s mother. Gordon worked his way up into the different classes, taking part in kickboxing tournaments before expressing an interest in boxing. Coach and Fivestar co-owner Justin Donally allowed Gordon and his seven-year-old friend Jackson Hedlund to join the youth boxing class. “I will help any age if they’re willing to pay attention and do the drills. Cruz and Jackson both

come in and do what they’re supposed to, and work as hard as anybody,” Donally said. Despite having never boxed before, and being in the ring with a bigger kid, young Cruz did extremely well and held his composure, Donally said—even if he had gloves that went all the way up his arms. “Cruz told me, ‘Justin, I can’t bend my arms,’” Donally said. Everyone involved had a great time watching Gordon fight, even if it was a little emotional. See CRUZ on B4

Peewee Flyers giving back with good deeds DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

It’s common for organizations and teams of all kinds at this time of the year to give back to the community, whether it’s through food drives or helping seniors. But the Fort St. John Ross H. MacLean Peewee A Flyers have gone above and beyond, doing good deeds in town for the past month and will continue doing so in the new year, too. It all started at the beginning of November. Head coach Dave Alexander saw Hockey Canada was putting on a Good Deeds Cup, where peewee teams from all over the country have the opportunity to send in a 60-second video to Hockey Canada of its good deeds. The winning team gets $15,000 for the charity of its choice, a one-minute feature on TV, and an awards ceremony in its hometown, among other things. Alexander asked his

players if they were interested. The response was overwhelmingly yes. But, the neat thing is the Good Deeds Cup isn’t the focal point of the team’s activities. “We’ve barely mentioned or put emphasis on the Cup. We plan to keep doing this into the new year,” said Coreen Loney, who is organizing the good deeds and a mother to Flyers player Cowyn Loney. So far, the team has held a food drive at Safeway and is helping with the Salvation DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO Army’s Red Kettle campaign. The team also helped the The Ross H. MacLean Peewee A Flyers take donations for the Salvation Fort St. John Huskies during Army at the Senior Flyers game on Nov. 30. the Fill the Bus food drive, and brought the Red Kettle to good opportunity for the community and hometown,” a Fort St. John Senior Flyers team to give back to the Kasey Ditner said. game Nov. 30. community, and for the kids Looking ahead, the players The team also brought two to do some team building. will be taking donations for senior citizens in wheelchairs “We get lots of donations the Salvation Army Thursday to a game during the World and it’s for the kids to learn nights at No Frills, and will Under 17 Hockey Challenge. how to do positive things for be doing more stuff for the “It’s pretty fun. I think the community.” seniors in the new year. the seniors really enjoying The players are loving On the hockey side of it, they don’t get to do a lot it, too, and relishing the things, Cowyn said the of stuff often,” said Cowyn opportunity. team is losing some games Loney. “It’s fun to pitch in when it shouldn’t be losing, but is Coreen Loney said it’s a we can, and give back to our playing pretty well overall.

eing a sports reporter is fun. You get paid to watch sports for a living. For many years, I watched sports for a hobby, and being able to do this for a job is even better than that. One aspect I love about the job is getting to tell the stories of athletes thriving at what they do. As you follow teams and get to know the management and players, you begin to wish the best for them. Obviously, you’re still objective. I’m a professional, of course. But, nevertheless, you hope to see people you know succeed. Recently, I wrote a story about how good the Huskies and their secondyear goalie Jonny Bateman were doing. The Huskies never seemed to lose and Bateman was undefeated on the season at 9-0. It seemed fitting that I should write about it. Except the unspeakable happened— the Huskies lost and Bateman allowed six goals, the most goals he had let slip by him all season. It wasn’t a bad performance by any means—the Huskies were playing a tough Dawson Creek Junior Canucks team and those things happen in sports. But, I heard Bateman took the loss to heart and placed the blame on himself. That’s admirable, but unfair. The blame should fall on me. You heard it here first—I cursed the Huskies. You don’t hear about this kind of thing too often. Mostly because most people don’t really believe in jinxes, I presume. It’s also because most reporters are careful so that they don’t jinx the team. But not me. Of course, when I talked to Bateman about it he laughed and said it wasn’t my fault. Nice of him, but he’s lying. Losses happen, he said, and he will be better next time. And he was, and the Huskies have gone back to their winning ways, winning two straight. They did have a huge rematch on Dec. 6 against those same Jr. Canucks, but I’m not saying anything. I did some research about reporters jinxing teams. I didn’t find much, but apparently Pakistani journalist Zainab Abbas took a selfie with a prominent Indian cricket player before a huge match, and India lost. Twitter went wild and somebody tweeted at Abbas, “People you are taking selfies with are getting out for ducks. Stay away from our cricket team!” I have no idea what that means, but it sounds horrifying. I don’t want any teams I cover to get out for ducks, and I don’t want anybody to tell me to stay away from the team. But, I will carry on for the good of the community, and hang my head high. I will report on the great successes happening in Fort St. John for all the world to hear. Unless, of course, they lose a big game. Then go ahead, blame it on me. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

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B2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Local Sports

Six straight wins for Flyers Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

It was a quiet week for the Fort St. John Senior Flyers, but a successful one nevertheless. The team played one game at home against the Grande Prairie Athletics Nov. 30, winning 5-4. The win was the Flyers’ sixth straight, improving to 6-2. The team is in second place in the West Division, one point back of the rival Dawson Creek Senior Canucks. The Sr. Canucks (6-1-1) come to town Dec. 7. The Flyers will be looking for revenge after losing in Dawson Creek in their first matchup of the season 5-3. On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Manning Comets (3-4) are in Fort St. John. “It’s going to be tight games like that from here on out. We only have a couple games left against East opponents. Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek are both good and it’s going to be a battle,” said Reid Campbell, a Flyers player who is out with an injury and helping out behind the bench, in part because Flyers head coach Andrew Leriger broke his elbow.

While the Flyers have had no problem winning lately, the team has been hurting with injuries and could be playing better if it was icing a full lineup. The win against the Athletics is an example of this, as the Flyers held on in the third period and won on the back of goalie Travis McLean. “It was a good team game all around. We wouldn’t want to keep it that tight all the time, but you got to do what you got to do,” Campbell said. With Campbell out, who is dealing with a fractured rib, and assistant captain Adam Horst missing time with a knee injury, it provides an opportunity for some other players in the lineup to step up and produce. “Some of the younger guys have to step up. Maybe guys that are in and out of the lineup, or that are usually playing third line minutes, will have to come in and contribute,” Campbell said. The team is happy to be at home for the second straight week. “We hammered out a couple long road trips early on and got them over with, and it’s nice to play at home in front of the fans,” said Campbell.

dillon giancola photo

A scuffle breaks out during the heated divisional game between the Fort St. John Flyers and Grande Prairie Athletics Nov. 30. The Flyers won 5-4 in a rough game with lots of penalties and a fight.

Teddy Bear Toss The Flyers will host the annual Teddy Bear Toss Dec. 9 against the Comets. After the first Flyers goal, fans can toss their teddy bears onto the ice. The team asks that teddy bears be wrapped in plastic or bags. The stuffed

animals will be collected and donated to the Salvation Army. “Please help us support their efforts to brighten Christmas for needy local youngsters,” Flyers president Paul van Nostrand said in a press release. Both games this week start at 8:30 p.m.

Big Bam looking for volunteers as it readies to open Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

All the early snow that’s fallen this year has led to earlier than usual openings for the local ski hills, which is great for both the hills and fans of the sport. Here’s a season update: Big Bam Ski Hill The Big Bam Ski Hill has had trouble the last couple years but is beginning to turn that around—and looking ahead to a big boost in 2020. “Things are getting better, the R0021217976

awareness is out. There’s just been so many years without snow, but it’s better so far,” said Big Bam president Jody Mather. The hill could always use more snow, Mather said, but it’s definitely ski-worthy. Since the organization is volunteer-based, they are always looking for more help as numbers are down substantially this year, he said. Nevertheless, everyone involved is busy working on the hill and planning on opening either this weekend or next, and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through the season. The hill wil play host to the B.C.

Winter Games in 2020, and the executive is busy putting time and energy into that, making sure all the bugs are ironed out and that the hill will represent the North Peace nicely. “It will be huge for us,” Mather said. Bear Mountain Ski Hill Down in Dawson Creek, Bear Mountain Ski Hill opened last weekend to large crowds. The hill normally opens in mid-December, but Gordon Schmidt of Bear Mountain said the hill has a two-week headstart and everything is going great.

“We have great snow conditions, Schmidt said. “All the snow that was packed with the groomer, and then all the natural snow that’s fallen on top of it, our conditions are just unbelievable for this time of year.” Bear Mountain is open Thursday to Sunday each week. However, it will be closed the next two Fridays, Dec. 8 and 15. The times are 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. “With our newer T-bar and brand new groomer, we’re in really good shape up here,” Schmidt said.

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

This Week: The QBE Shootout

Last Week: Rickie Fowler won the Hero World Challenge

The QBE Shootout is a team format that pairs PGA Tour players in a tournament started and still hosted by the legendary Greg Norman. The Defending: English/Kuchar event takes place at Tiburon Golf Winning Score: 28-under par Club in Naples, Florida. Tiburon is a Winning Share: $385,000 WCI community featuring 36 holes of Greg Norman-designed golf. The first round, on Friday, uses the modified alternate shot rule; round two, Saturday, utilizes the better ball rule; and the final round, on Sunday, uses the scramble rule. Harris English and Matt Kuchar won the QBE Shootout last year by one stroke over Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. Tiburon Golf Club Naples, Fla. 7,288 yards, Par 72

Golf TV Schedule

Rickie Fowler rallied from a Tournament Results seven-shot deficit for a four1. Rickie Fowler shot victory over Charley Score: -18 Earnings: $1,000,000 Hoffman in the Hero World 2. Charley Hoffman Challenge. Fowler began the final Score: -14 Earnings: $400,000 round with seven straight birdies Player Earnings and closed with an 11-under 61, the T-3. Tommy Fleetwood Score -12 $212,500 -12 $212,500 course record at Albany Golf Club. T-3. Jordan Spieth Hoffman closed with a 72 to finish alone in second. Tommy Fleetwood and Jordan Spieth tied for third. Tiger Woods, returning to competition from his fourth back surgery, had three rounds in the 60s and tied for ninth in the 18-man field.

Golfing News

Rafael Nadal, the world’s No. 1-ranked tennis player, followed Network Tiger Woods as he carded a finalGOLF round 68 at Albany on Sunday. GOLF GOLF Nadal and Woods, who have won a combined 30 major titles in their respective sports, have a NBC history of supporting each other in big events. In September, Woods cheered on Nadal from Golf Trivia seats in the Spaniard’s box at the U.S. Open. During the 2016-17 PGA Tour For four days, Woods drove the ball as well as season, where did Rickie Fowler rank he has in a decade, putted better than his final in scoring average? statistics might suggest and largely controlled a) 1st c) 10th his golf ball. “This is the way I’ve been playing b) 2nd d) 20th at home and when I came out here and played, Answer: b) During the 2016-17 season, Rickie I was playing very similar to this. Not quite Fowler had a scoring average of 69.083 which hitting it as far, but I had the adrenaline going and overall I’m very pleased,” Woods said. ranked 2nd on the PGA Tour.

PGA Event: QBE Shootout Day Time Fri, 12/8 1:30pm-4:30pm Sat, 12/9 1:30pm-4:30pm Sun, 12/10 1pm-2pm Sun, 12/10 2pm-4pm

Lessons from the Golf Pro One of the most embarrassing things the amateur golfer does is to mis-hit a bunker shot and watch it not get over the lip and roll back into the bunker. Most of the time, our mindset is to just get up to the ball and hack away quickly to get out of the bunker once and for all. However, did you know that you can use a rake to smooth the bunker out before you take that second bunker shot? Rule 13-4 in the Rules of Golf speaks on the matter and states that as long as you do not improve your lie, raking the bunker is acceptable. Now, let’s say the ball rolled right back into the general vicinity of where your first shot was hit from. In this case, you can not rake the sand because the lie would be improved or you would be assisted in making your next stroke.

Player Profile

Rickie Fowler

Turned Professional: 2009 FedEx Cup Ranking: 16th World Ranking: 9th PGA Tour Wins: 4

FedEx Cup Standings Through Dec. 3, 2017

1) Patton Kizzire 659 pts. / 3 top tens

2) Pat Perez

646 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Austin Cook 563 pts. / 1 top ten

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top ten

5) Patrick Cantlay 555 pts. / 1 top ten

FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Justin Rose 550 7) Justin Thomas 548 8) Chesson Hadley 458 9) Tony Finau 453 10) J.J. Spaun 427

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

Top 10s 1 1 3 1 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B3

Local Sports

Huskies go 2-1 in home stand Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Huskies finished a three-game homestand with a 2-1 record last week, losing to the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks 6-5 Nov. 29, before beating the County of Grande Prairie Kings 4-1 Dec.1, and the Sexsmith Vipers 5-3 Dec. 2. The Huskies sit in second place in the NWJHL with a 15-3 record, one point behind the Jr. Canucks. Dawson Creek returned to North Peace Arena for a rematch Dec. 6, after this edition of the News went to print. The Huskies have gone 5-2 in the past seven games, a tough stretch compared to how their season began. “The league is getting a lot better. It used to be a few years ago that there would only be three teams in the race, but now everyone is playing better and that’s what we want in the league. I’m real happy with that,” said head coach Todd Alexander. Alexander sang the praises of each

team, and thinks that’s the reason for the tougher games. However, he thinks the stretch has been good for his team. “It’s good to go through things like that and have some adversity. You don’t want to have a season full of easy games, and then it gets into the nitty gritty and you’re not sure how to handle yourself.” The team was disappointed after its loss to Dawson Creek. But, after finding themselves down again early to Grande Prairie, and having a lively discussion in the first intermission, the Huskies scored four straight to beat the Kings. They carried that momentum into the game against Sexsmith and will try to do so for the game against the Canucks. “Todd told us, ‘You are a good team, but you have to play like a good team,’” Sebastian Powsey said about that discussion in the intermission of the Grande Prairie game. Powsey was a key player in last week’s games, scoring five goals and recording a hat trick against Dawson Creek, his second of the season. He’s

dillon giancola photo

Sebastian Powsey rifles a shot on net against the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks Nov. 29. He had a hat trick in that game, and five goals in total last week.

tied for first in points on the team with Gary Loewen, with 28 points from 14 goals and 14 assists in his first full year with the Huskies. “He’s been good lately, shooting a lot better. He’s getting a quick shot away, and we’ve been stressing to him to overshoot and under-handle,” Alexander said about Powsey.

Powsey and team will have to be ready for another challenge this week. In addition to the game against the Junior Canucks, the Huskies head to Sexsmith Dec. 8. “We just have to be ready. We know how we want to play, and have to stick to our style and can’t get thrown off by someone else’s style,” Alexander said.

Second annual Trackers food bank game goes Dec. 22 Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

As an athlete, there’s nothing better than playing to a full stadium, especially one made up of your peers. The NEBC and Yukon Trackers get that opportunity Dec. 22 at the North Peace Arena when the team hosts its second annual Food Bank Hockey Game. The Trackers will play the Grande Prairie Athletic Club Storm at noon to about 1,000 fans from NPSS, the Energetic Learning Campus, and other middle and elementary schools.

“We did this last year, had 1,000 fans there, and it was a really good 3-1 victory for our team. It’s very exciting for our kids to play in front of their peers,” said Sheldon Steele, manager of the Trackers. Last year, the team rescheduled a game that was set for Friday night to be played at noon. Officials from the Northern Alberta Midget AA Hockey League were so impressed with the event that it scheduled a game to be played at noon this year, specifically for this purpose. It’s the last school day before the Christmas break. “Rarely do you see a full stadium of

kids, it’s normally just 50 or 60 people that come out to watch,” Steele said. Admission to the game is a donated food item, and all the food collected will be donated to the Salvation Army. The school band will be playing at the game as well, and there will be 50-50 and raffle draw. For the season, Steele said the Trackers are doing OK, but need to work on consistency. “They play a great game and do really well, then they play down to the level of the next team. But they have lots of skill and can do great things this year,”

he said. The Trackers were in Edmonton last weekend for three games, going 1-2. They beat the Lloydminster Blazers 8-1 on Dec. 1, but lost to SSAC Lakewood Chevrolet 7-3 Dec. 2. They also lost to the PAC Saints 3-2 Dec. 3. The team was hampered by injuries, taking only three defenseman on the trip and having to play forwards back in that position. The Trackers (7-6-1) are in Fort St. John Dec. 8 to host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at the Pomeroy Sport Centre at 7:30 p.m.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrapped up his final season as a NASCAR driver by winning the Most Popular Driver Award for the 15th consecutive time. Earnhardt retired as a fulltime driver following the NASCAR season finale, and he will move to NBC’s broadcasting team next year. Earnhardt was winless in his final season and didn’t make the playoffs. He wasn’t all that competitive at the end of his 19-year career, but he’s beloved by “Earnhardt Nation” and his fans supported him all year during his “Apreci88tion” tour. Only Bill Elliott won the award more than Earnhardt, 16 times between 1984 and 2002, before he removed his name from consideration. Earnhardt was also named Grand Marshal for February’s season-opening Daytona 500, just one of the many ambassador gigs the superstar is nabbing for the sport he loves so much.

December 14, 1947 - Bill France Sr. began talks with drivers, mechanics and car owners at the Ebony Bar at the Streamline Hotel at Daytona Beach, Florida that ended with the formation of NASCAR on February 21, 1948. They discussed uniform rules, insurance coverage and guaranteed purses.

Racing Trivia

Who was the first driver in NASCAR history to win 20 races in a season? a) Richard Petty b) Joe Weatherly

c) David Pearson d) Buck Baker

Answer : a) Petty won an amazing 27 races in 1967 for his second championship. He did it again when he won 21 in 1971 for his third championship. Both times were in a Plymouth.

Racing History

Lee Petty Born: March 14, 1914 Cup wins: 54 Cup top-tens: 332 Cup championships: 3 Lee Petty was one of the pioneers of NASCAR, and one of its first superstars. Petty was thirtyfive years old before he started racing. His NASCAR career began at NASCAR’s first race at the three-quarter mile long dirt track, Charlotte Speedway. He finished in the Top 5 in season points for NASCAR’s first eleven seasons and won the NASCAR Championship on three occasions. In the first race at Daytona International Speedway, Petty battled with Johnny Beauchamp during the final laps of the race. Petty, Beauchamp, and Joe Weatherly drove side by side by side across the finish line at the final lap for a photo finish. It took NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. three days to decide the winner. In the end, with the help of the national newsreel, Petty was officially declared the winner. Lee is the father of Richard Petty, who would become NASCAR’s all-time race winner.

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B4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Local Sports

Boys b-ball win bronze in GP Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Volleyball has officially given way to basketball, as the last volleyball team still playing, the senior girls, finished their season at provincials in Langley. The girls beat Kelowna, a pretty big upset, but fell to Moscrop in a close match to end the season Both seniors basketball teams were in Grande Prairie for the Stonebridge Senior High Tournament at Grande Prairie Regional College last weekend. Both teams did very well for the first games of the season. The boys team returned with the

bronze medal, beat Beaverlodge and Grande Prairie Composite before losing to St. Joseph’s in the semi-final 80-68. They would then face their rivals from Dawson Creek and won 89-81. Mackenzie Jibrin and Elgen Hallarda were the NPSS MVPs. The girls team played well, placing second in the consolation side. Both teams are off to Edmonton this Thursday, Dec. 7, to take on the Rise Up Basketball tournament at Sturgeon Composite High School. “It should be a great test for our teams and top level competition,” said NPSS athletic director Matthew Lynn. supplied photo

Left: The NPSS senior boys basketball team (back, left to right): Assistant captain Curtis Haugan, head coach Dan Penner, Adrien Loewen, Adam Nelson, Mckenzie Jibrin, Dustin Bones , Vaughn Oasay, Michael McDermott, assitant coach Samantha Stackhouse. Front: Earl Concepcion, Jacob Ziebart, Mason Miranda, Elgen Hallarda, Mark Occena.

elks off to winter games

CRUZ FROM B1

“It’s totally exhilarating, I get super pumped. All my passion comes out when he’s fighting, and I wouldn’t send him there if I didn’t feel like he was prepared,” Melissa said. Cruz’s father, Dean Gordon, was a little more cautious. “I was a little bit nervous, it being his first fight. I knew he was in good hands and I wasn’t worried about his ability, but it’s different fighting a competitor that we haven’t seen,” Dean said. Donally felt the same. “It’s way more emotional. I almost cried in between rounds. I can’t explain what got me, I guess it’s because he’s been training with me for three years.” Donally wasn’t the only one who had tears in his eyes. Hedlund made the trip to Quesnel to watch his best friend fight and, sitting ringside, started to cry during Gordon’s bout. Gordon loves boxing, and said he wants to do it for the rest of his life. “It’s really fun. I learn lots of combos from Justin, head movements and foot movements,” Gordon said.

Though the crowd was really loud, all Gordon could hear was Donally in his ear at ringside. “I could hear Justin say, ‘Body shots, body shots!’” Gordon said. When asked what he liked most about his coach, Gordon was stumped. “That’s a hard question,” he said. Gordon’s success so far comes at no surprise as he trains five days a week. He was also the champion in the Peace Motocross Association for four to six year olds in 2016, and finished second this year. Donally hopes to get Gordon some ring action in the new year, preferably a fight at the B.C. Golden Gloves in Fort St. John. However, it’s hard finding other kids his age who want to fight, Donally said. In the end though, Gordon is still a regular kid. After his fight, he asked his mom if she could set up a time to hang out with the kid he fought in Quesnel. “We’re very proud of him,” Melissa said.

dillon giancola Photo

Josh Telizyn, left, of the Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club tries to get a best time in the 400m final at the Dawson Creek short track meet Dec. 2. Telizyn, along with Nyam Newlove and Nicholas Guliov, are looking to earn qualifying times to make the B.C. Winter Games as a wildcard. There is one more meet in Richmond Dec. 18 and 19 where they can earn qualifying times at as well. Three skaters from the club did qualify in Prince George Nov. 25 and 26. Brooke Braun will be representing Fort St. John in the U16 girls category, while Sidney Bennie and Hannah North are in the U14 girls category.

LAKESHORE 4H Community Club Hello everyone, Its been a busy year so far. We did our beef weigh in on Nov 5 and have 5 female projects and 5 steers. Later on in the year we will also have swine. We are busy right now and getting quite excited as we will be trying to send some of our kids on the 4-h exchange this summer. We are also trying to plan a Christmas party for our club but have not yet decided what kind of activity we will be doing. Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year!

Printed in Canada | E&OE December 2015 15264-S01-03

Thanks for reading 4H Reporter - Adaline Drschiwiski

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B5

arts & culture

basso continuo

eve petford Photo

Hailey Johnson on the stand up bass during Bert Bowes Middle School’s choir and band performance of Christmas classics at the North Peace Cultural Centre on Dec. 1.

FSJ firefighters raising funds to relieve medical travel burdens matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John firefighters are gearing up with the Lido Theatre and Las Vegas Dueling Pianos to tickle the ivories and raise funds to help support city residents needing to travel for medical care. The Fort St. John Firefighters Charitable Society will host the fundraiser this Friday, Dec. 8, with 100 per cent of ticket proceeds supporting the society’s travel assistance program. “Through this program we are helping relieve the burden placed on many local people

who need to travel for medical emergencies, critical illness, specialist appointments, and surgeries,” firefighter and society president Adam Winn said. “We assist these people with airfare, food and accommodation. This is a huge need in our community and we intend to be there for our citizens when they need it most.” As first responders, firefighters know the scene of an emergency is the “only the beginning of a long hard journey for those involved, Winn said. “We started this program to

extend our reach further into these situations and help walk alongside our fellow citizens in a practical way during these hard times,” he said. “Our charity still plans to support the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund and other local initiatives, but the travel assistance program is our main focus right now, keeping money raised in Fort St. John directly benefiting local people.” Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8. TIckets are available at the fire hall, Systems Sound Source, or at the Lido Theatre. For more information, call 250-785-3011.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 14

COCO Nightly: 6:45, 9:40 Matinees: 12:30, 3:30

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

WONDER Nightly: 7:15, 10:05 Matinees: 1:15, 4:10

DADDY’S HOME 2 Nightly: 7:30, 10:10 Matinees: 1:30, 4:15

B6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

Why we age red meat

ging red meat and game birds is a global tradition. There are hundreds of varieties of techniques, from many religious cultures. The basic chemical concept is to remove liquids from meat with a diuretic as this is what food borne bacteria grow on. Before refrigeration technology, hanging and aging meat was the only option for storage. As air is the cheapest and most available diuretic, air drying became the most common way to store and cure meat for thousands of years. Why we age meat, in short, is to build amino acids and remove moisture. As acids build up in the meat, they change its pH, making it suitable to age. When meat is hung in a cool, dry space, it slowly begins to ferment. This produces acids that develop in the dry, cool meat. As red meat loses volume from blood and moisture, its flavours increase. Amino acid fermentation continues to preserve the meat by creating an environment poisonous to bacteria. The skilled butcher’s work begins by drying meat before cutting. Commercially butchered red meats are aged and dried in coolers to help remove blood and other moisture. In Japan, techniques are used to age beef a full year before eating. This blood cleansing process extends the shelf life of the meat and enhances the depth of flavour. If you’re interested in aging beef, check out Facebook, where many groups have formed: Dry Aged Beef, The Dry Aging Beef Chronicles, or simply do a search to find others. There, you can read and learn the basics from other people’s projects and recipes. People write about chemistry, temperature, humidity control, failures, and every detail you’ll need to get hooked. THE BASICS OF DRY-AGING BEEF Roast beef

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) This is a feel-good day. It’s a productive day if you work in the entertainment world, the hospitality industry, or anything to do with professional sports or working with children. It’s also a great party day! TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Real-estate discussions will go well today. It’s a great day for a family gettogether at home to discuss how to share resources and improve things! GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) You will love to take a short trip today, because you want to expand your world. Try to learn something new. You will enjoy studying and talking to people from other lands. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) “There’s money in them thar hills!” Look for ways to make money today, because they exist. If out shopping, you might go overboard. Easy does it. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with Jupiter, which makes you enthusiastic, upbeat and ready for fun. Get together with like-minded people and enjoy your day! VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Today you will value having some quiet time. You might want to meditate or just quietly think about your life and how you can improve it.

For Thursday December 7, 2017

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) This is a popular day for you! Enjoy hanging with friends. In particular, you will enjoy group activities, especially with a female acquaintance.

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

Butcher’s twine 1kg of Salt A small fridge or wooden box Clean dry cotton towels Plastic container sized to fit the bottom of fridge Get an old fridge or cooler, something with moisture and light barriers. In a walkin fridge, you can use a dry wooden box. Give your fridge two holes—one each on the upper and lower sides of the box. Cover the holes after two weeks of aging. Buy your favourite large cut of beef in a roast. Twine your meat in symmetrical rings, applying pressure on the meat, which will help release moisture. Place in a large pot with salted lemon water overnight, or about 12 hours. Set this meat on a tray with a rack and pat dry with a dry cotton towel. Tighten the butcher’s twine if needed. To measure the percentage of moisture weight loss, make a small label noting the name of cut, weight, and date for your meat. Now that your meat is clean, dry, and wrapped in twine, hang it in your fridge or box. Make sure it is not touching the sides or bottom. Put 1 kg of salt in a container that fits into the bottom of your fridge. This will catch and sterilize the blood and keep the humidity in the box low. With a clean towel, pat the meat dry each day. Wash in vinegar if it begins to grow mould. When you’re ready to eat it after a week, month, or year, remove the string and a thin outer layer of meat, and cook in your favourite way. Judah Koile is a Fort St. John chef and co-owns The BEAM with his wife, Jiwon.

Help Yourself

Dear Annie: I’m at my wits’ end dealing with my friend’s glum, woe-is-me attitude. I’ve known “Max” since we worked SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) together at a restaurant when You make a wonderful I was in college. He was in his impression on others today, early 20s and had grown up in especially bosses and parents. the town. He said he regretToday you are leader of the pack! ted not getting a bachelor’s (And you love it.) degree. As we became better SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) friends and he saw the projects I was doing for my classes (I Do something to broaden your horizons today. Perhaps you can was an art major), he became travel? If you can’t travel, then be inspired and started making plans to go to community cola tourist in your own city. Try to learn something new and fresh! lege and then transfer. A year passed; then two. That never CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) happened. (Not a big deal in It is to your advantage today itself, but I mention it as part to settle matters about shared of a pattern.) property and inheritances, Six years ago, I graduated because you probably will come and got a job in New York. Max out ahead. (Don’t give away the and I have stayed in touch, farm.) and he visits about once a year. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) He’s still in the same town, This is a lovely, social day. Enjoy working at a different reswarm friendships and time taurant. I don’t say that judgspent with partners. Everyone mentally. I don’t think there’s you meet today will have anything wrong with it. The something to offer you. This problem is that Max does. He’s could be something tangible, been talking about wanting to wise advice or just pleasant change his life for years now, company. but he takes no steps to do so. I’ve tried every approach I can PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) think of. I did the supportive Group activities at work will be thing at first -- building up his upbeat and enjoyable today. Many of you also will encounter self-esteem, encouraging him to try therapy, helping him work-related travel, or perhaps research schools, offering to you’ll work with someone from help get him a restaurant job a different country or another in New York, etc. culture.

can encourage him to seek counseling one more time -but disengage and take space after that. Your friendship with Max can only be healthy after he’s purged that toxic mindset.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

After a couple of years, I realized he wouldn’t act on any of this, so I stopped offering solutions and have just shown tough love. For example, when he complains about how none of his friends calls to hang out, I tell him that he can’t expect people to always be thinking of him. But nothing seems to get through to him. Max never asks about what’s up in my life, and when I try to tell him, somehow he finds a way of bringing the conversation back to him. I’m starting to feel used and a little resentful, if you couldn’t tell. I care about Max and think he’s a good guy. But how can you help someone who doesn’t really want to help himself? -Eeyore’s Friend Dear Eeyore’s Friend: You can’t. At this point, the kindest thing you can do for Max is to refuse to be his dumping ground any longer. Only after he’s got nowhere to unload will he be forced to confront the weight of his problem. A therapist could most likely help him a great deal, and you

Dear Annie: I enjoy your column, and you have great advice. In the case of the “bad” milk, though, not so much. Spoiled milk tastes bad but doesn’t make you sick. Sour cream, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products are made from spoiled milk. I have never thrown away milk. “Bad” milk makes the best pancakes, biscuits, banana bread, coffee cake, muffins and more. If I’m not able to use the spoiled milk right away, I freeze it in small containers for later use. I use it whenever a baking recipe calls for buttermilk. I couldn’t bake without it! -- Never Wasteful Dear Never Wasteful: You make a great point that I failed to bring up. Milk can be used in baked goods after it’s no longer good to drink. Waste not, want not. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B7

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ABCESS ACANTHOSIS ACNE ACROCHORDON ALOPECIA BASAL CELL BIOPSY BIRTHMARK BLEMISH BULLA CARBUNCLE CARCINOMA

TODAY’S PUZZLE

9. Pharmacological agent

10. Charity 12. Seeing someone famous

14. Not happy 15. Farm animal 17. a nickname to 19. Uses up 20. Type of missile (abbr.)

23. Criticizes 24. Midwife 25. Entwined 26. Supervises interstate

commerce 27. A way to convert

1. Female deer 4. Unfashionable people

8. Entranceway 10. Courteous 11. Level 12. Deli meat 13. Details 15. Stole 16. A genus of bee 17. Expressed as digits 18. Your child’s daughter

21. __ and flow 22. Small amount 23. Revolutions per minute

24. Criticize 25. Snake-like fish

26. Cooling

mechanism

27. Inquiry 34. Engage in political activity

35. The lowest adult

male singing voice

36. Endings 37. Irises 38. The highest parts 39. Kimono sashes 40. Bewilders

CLUES DOWN 1. Adventurous 2. Deliverer of speeches

snow

43. Inflamed

29. TV network 30. Tropical Asian plant

31. Line on a map

5. James Cameron

33. Made publicly

4. Widened film

6. The 3rd letter

of the Hebrew alphabet

7. Moved along a surface

41. Mentally healthy 42. Used to traverse

28. Female sibling

3. Skin condition

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS

32. Denotes songbirds known

34. He devised mud cleats for football 36. Trends

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COLLAGEN COMEDO CYST DERMABRASION DERMATOGRAPHISM DERMIS ECZEMA EPHELIS EPIDERMIS EXANTHEM FISSURE FOLLICULITIS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

HEMANGIOMA HIVES INFLAMMATION KELOIDS LASER MACULE MELANOMA MELASMA NEVI PAPULES PEEL SQUAMOUS CELL

B8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

“Get The Good Stuff” 250-785-0463

9224 - 100th Street

2017 / 18

NHL GREAT CANADIAN

HOCKEY TOUR ENTRY DEADLINE: THURSDAY, FEB. 1 at 5PM DRAW AT THE LIDO

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Drop off entry form at one of the participating businesses

2017-18 NHL GREAT CANADIAN HOCKEY TOUR NAME:___________________________ AGE:__________________

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10 WEEKS REMAINING TO QUALIFY GET YOUR ENTRY IN TODAY!!

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CITIES

Tuesday February 20, 2018

Colorado @ Vancouver

Thursday February 22, 2018

New York Islanders @ Toronto

Saturday February 24, 2018

Philadelphia @ Ottawa

Monday February 26, 2018

Philadelphia @ Montreal

Tuesday February 27, 2018

Nashville @ Winnipeg

Thursday March 1, 2018

Nashville @ Edmonton

Friday March 2, 2018

New York Rangers @ Calgary

Alaska Highway News Phone: 250-785-5631 • Fax: 250-785-3522

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B9

Community Tea for Christmas

ast week, a dear friend invited me to a ladies’ Christmas tea at the North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church. The purpose of the tea was to raise money for local families in need this Christmas season. Entering the hall, I noticed the room was warmly lit with white fairy lights and glowing Christmas candles as lovely women sat at festively adorned tables singing Christmas carols. Four rooms located off the main banquet hall were filled with items for bid in the evening’s planned silent auction. A striking woman shared with those in attendance the historical charitable efforts of the Mennonite Brethren Church. She oversees the running of the local MCC Thrift Store on 106th Street, soon to be relocated to the recently vacated Sears building next to the Tim Hortons at 100 Street. She said that MCC thrift stores, like the one operating in Fort St. John, not only provide jobs and goods to those in need, but also give $500,000 in revenue to support MCC mission work. The teachings of Mennonites are founded on the principles of the mission and ministry of Christ Jesus. The Mennonite Brethren has 426,581 members on six continents worldwide, more than 31,000 of whom worship in Canada. The church supports theological teaching, community outreach programs, conflict resolution, and mission work at home and abroad. They support post-secondary education by offering forgivable loans to young academics, develop worship leaders, youth leaders, and extend resources to First Nations development. During the tea, another remarkable woman stood to courageously share her faith journey. She grew up in a country outside of Canada in a happy, loving family, and as child she knew the Lord, she said. At age six she was sent away to school. Though she had many happy experiences living in dorms with newfound peers, she was eventually bullied at school because she was tall

“The request didn’t make it from the phone to the computer. No second ambulance was coming.” - Judy Kucharuk, B10

JUST LET ME BEAD

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

and slender. This led her to lose her joy. Other negative experiences assaulted the sense of who she was until she became a very depressed young woman in jeopardy of losing herself entirely. She married young and moved to Canada with her husband. Though she tried to continue with life, her spirit was broken and she found that she needed to heal her heart. This she began to do during her first pregnancy. What she could not do for herself, she found the courage to do for the sake of her unborn child. She worked to heal her spirit and her life. The room was captivated by her story because the young woman spoke with a raw vulnerability all too rare in secular society focused almost entirely on false appearances. Undoubtedly, each woman in that room had sorrows, traumas, and tragedies of her own. As we were in a faithful setting, their way through their own troubles was undeniably prayer and relationship in Christ. The Mennonite Brethren Church has a long history of charitable giving. The North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church Ladies’ Christmas Tea raised $3,300 with which they will provide several Fort St. John families with a Christmas they otherwise would be denied. This is certainly gratifying, but a caring community such as Fort St. John can do much better. If anyone wishes to give to this worthy cause they can contact Lora Merwin at l.merwin@telus.net to give generously to local families in need this Christmas. The Peace is a place of many peoples and many faiths. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, please send it to: angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Mimi Needlay was present to showcase her incredible bead work at the Indigenous Artist Market as part of the kick off of Candy Cane Lane on Dec. 1.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. Rev. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** 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 Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 10:40am 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 The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 www.trinitycovenant.ca matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUKE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome! The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

B10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

PERSPECTIVES

A dropped ambulance call and the terrifying hours that followed

hat happens when you lose trust in something you believed to be rock solid? Something that you never questioned, that you never stopped for one minute to wonder about. How do you go on? How do you move forward? How do you continue with your life now that you have a seed of doubt permanently planted into your psyche? Our family recently were saturated in a downpour of seeds of doubt that rained down and left us questioning. Let me explain. On Nov. 19, I received a call from one of my sisters that my mother had fallen down the stairs and she was hurt. Dad had called the ambulance and they were on their way. I said, “Holy crap (or something not as pretty),” and that I would meet them at the hospital. That call came to me at around 12:30 p.m. I arrived at the hospital and began waiting for the ambulance. It shouldn’t take long: they live in Dawson Creek proper and nothing is more than 10 minutes away, even with rush hour. I’m thinking a half hour or so to get mom stabilized and transported to the hospital. A half hour passed, so I anxiously called my sister and asked, “What is going on?” Because mom was lying at the bottom of the stairs, they needed a second ambulance to help extricate and load her for transport. They had contacted Kamloops dispatch and one

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

should be arriving shortly. More than an hour had now passed and still no second ambulance. My 75-year-old mother had now been lying with a suspected femoral fracture at the bottom of the basement steps for an hour and 15 minutes. Thankfully, the EMTs had been able to stabilize her and get pain meds into her—but still no sign of the additional ambulance. I texted my sister: “Why not call the fire department to assist? What’s going on?” At this point, someone must have made the call to find out where the missing ambulance was, and were advised the call for the second ambulance had been inadvertently dropped—meaning that the request didn’t make it from the phone to the computer. No second ambulance was coming. Thank goodness for the Dawson Creek Fire Department, because now they were dispatched and were on the scene in minutes. They helped lift and load mom into the ambulance and she was on her way to the hospital, 90 minutes after the incident occurred. It was 2 p.m. A huge shout out to the Dawson

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Creek Fire Department and a thank you from our family—we truly appreciated your rapid response. But 90 minutes—90 minutes for my mom to lay on the bottom of the basement steps, 90 minutes for my father to wring his hands with anxiety about his wife of 50-plus years in pain and unable to do anything. Ninety minutes is 30 minutes outside of the ‘golden hour’ that so many medical dramas state is critically important to receiving proper care. I heard the ambulance arrive at the hospital and my mother being brought inside. My sisters had driven my father down in their car and were coming into the hospital at the same time. He immediately went to check on mom and to be there by her side. The next moment we heard screaming and I realized it was my mother and sister. I ran to the back to see my father had collapsed, my mother watching on from the gurney. Medical professionals are swarming the area, rapidly responding to the now changing emergent medical situation. In between the “stay with us, dad,” and the “Mom, its going to be okay,” we realized dad might have had a stroke or a heart episode. I truly believed it was brought on by the stress of the situation. At this point, I need to say our medical team at the Dawson Creek hospital were amazing and our entire family is very grateful to have such a committed group of professionals at our local hospital. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Meanwhile, they were stabilizing Dad, trying to determine what happened, and he and mom were lying side by side in the emergency ward. All my sisters and I are there by their bedside and the scene resembled one of those Kardashian Family Christmas card photoshoots. As the hours wore on, my dad regained his speech and strength, and after having a CT it was determined

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thoughts from Judy Kucharuk and the whole slate of homegrown Peace Region columnists in your Alaska Highway News online—the number one source for local news, insights, and opinion in the North Peace! alaskahighwaynews.ca

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Needles to say— Acupuncture for Animals

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he had probably suffered something called a TIA. Mom, on the other hand had suffered a femoral fracture/ hip fracture, and was scheduled for surgery the following day. She was moved upstairs onto the ward to await surgery and dad was kept for observation in emergency. Quite a day, right? Our lives were changing in a blink of the eye and we were powerless to do anything to stop the train wreck. BC Ambulance, we have lost trust in a system that we felt was working. We were under the impression it was working because we had not tested it before. I’m certain hundreds of calls happen where the dispatch is seamless but, in our case, it wasn’t and that terrified us. I spoke with Kamloops dispatch and they did admit a ball was dropped and a mistake occurred. They were very empathetic and took responsibility, and gave us the contact information to follow up with an independent investigation. We all realize a system reliant on human beings will, at some point, have a human error. We just never consider we will bear witness to the error. Where do we go from here? How do we go about our lives with that reoccurring thought, “what happens next time?” I want to assure you that my parents, my sisters and I will be following up with the request for the independent investigation. We don’t want this happening to anyone else. My parents are both home now and recovering—thank you to everyone for their kinds thoughts and prayers.

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elieve it or not, animals can benefit from acupuncture just like people. This traditional Chinese medicine technique has ancient roots, and everincreasing evidence to support its use for a variety of conditions. Some common conditions that acupuncture can benefit include arthritis, acute musculoskeletal conditions (such as a pulled muscle or tendon), respiratory disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Acupuncture can be used on most species of animals—from cats and dogs, to horses and rabbits—and is another tool that allows more options to help improve your animal’s quality of life. There are a variety of techniques of acupuncture. The most common method is called dry needling and involves small sterile needles that are placed in the skin. There are a few other approaches to make the acupuncture treatment last longer. One method is called aquapuncture. This is where a sterile liquid (such as saline) is injected into the acupuncture points, and as this slowly releases, it continues to activate the special site. Another method is electroacupuncture, where a small current is run through two dry needles to “connect” the points and stimulate larger areas. This can be particularly excellent for pain relief. The last method is called moxibustion, which uses an herb that is heated to high temperatures and placed near the acupuncture sites to provide warmth to the site. Acupuncture works in a variety of ways, and different methods can produce different results. Various acupuncture techniques can cause the release of serotonin or endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals in the

Dr. Sydney Routley NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

brain. Certain acupuncture points are located near nerve endings, and with the release of these calming chemicals in the brain, animals can become very relaxed with treatment— some may even fall asleep! When an acupuncture site is stimulated, it also sets off a reaction to that causes different types of cells and chemicals to come to the local area, causing results like increased blood flow or local pain relief. Acupuncture uses a whole different medical system for diagnosing and treating problems. One of acupuncture’s strengths is providing a whole body approach. With one session, multiple issues can be treated. Preventative medicine, chronic or pain issues can all be great uses for acupuncture. Older animals with multiple issues can benefit from acupuncture to improve quality of life by handling several chronic conditions at once. For example, while acupuncture will not remove arthritis from joints, it can provide pain relief and improve mobility. Integrative medicine is combining our Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, so it uses both medicines’ strengths to really offer the most care options for animals. Usually a few initial treatments are needed to see the full benefit from acupuncture, and it then can be continued on an intermittent basis as needed. Acupuncture is a great tool and option to help animals, especially when integrated with regular veterinary care.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B11

PERSPECTIVES

Earth In Human Hands

eoengineering: intentionally taking whole planetary systems and changing them to our benefit. Presently, a controversial topic as we scramble for engineering approaches to halt climate change, from blocking sunlight with high altitude aerosols to seeding the oceans with nutrients to entice algae to bloom and suck up carbon. The thing is, we’re already geoengineering the Earth, but we’re just not conscious of it. So says David Grinspoon in his new book, Earth in Human Hands. Grinspoon is an astrobiologist, which means he studies life on this and other planets. From the distance of astrobiology, humans have been busily reshaping our environment to better meet our needs ever since we’ve been around, but now we’re doing it on a planetary, whole-earth scale. The problem is that we’re only just beginning to wake up to this fact, and realize that, whether we like it or not, we’re now in control of Planet Earth. “It’s a challenging moment for human civilization,” says Grinspoon. “The great restless cleverness of our species has gotten us into a tough spot. Our collective actions, over which we often have little control, threaten the well being of many of our fellow humans, not to mention vast numbers of our more distant biological relatives. Our very survival may be threatened.” If we’re so smart, why are we in this mess? Because, he says, we are stumbling along without clearly seeing what we are doing, operating on a scale we have no experience with. We have, unconsciously, been making a new planet. Our challenge now it to awaken to this new reality, and become conscious shapers of our world. “We have to ‘human up’ and accept the responsibility we’ve stumbled into. We didn’t ask for this. And we may not be up for the challenge, but at this point we have no choice.” Happily, Grinspoon thinks we actually are up to it. He uses the example of how we avoided global catastrophe by averting the destruction of Earth’s protective ozone layer. Without the ozone layer, Earth would be bathed in intense ultraviolet radiation causing an epidemic of cancer deaths and crop failures.

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

But, dire warnings from the world’s scientists, and quick action from government and industry, phased-out dangerous CFCs. Meetings were held. Agreements were signed. We found safer replacements. The ozone holes are now decreasing in size and should be healed (as long as we stay vigilant) by mid-century. This is important. If you want to see what a planet is like without an ozone layer, check out Mars. Remember, life on Earth was confined to the oceans for a very long time because the land was sterilized by Mars-like solar radiation. Earth’s ozone shield, a byproduct of the first oxygen released from ocean life some two billion years ago, made the land surface habitable. And here we are. When we released CFCs into the atmosphere, we began to reverse this process and destroy our radiation shield. We were inadvertently tinkering with one of Earth’s vital life support systems. We did not intend to destroy it. It did not happen because we are an “evil” species. We actually thought CFCs were a good thing. But instead we were performing very dangerous, unconscious geoengineering. Now, it’s time to wake up, says Grinspoon. We are engineering our whole planet without awareness of what we are doing. “We’ve been building and expanding, rapidly changing civilization on a finite world with no long-term plan. Our challenge is to acknowledge, with clear eyes, the tough predicament we’re in, and not to succumb to toxic fatalism. Our most valuable resources—creativity, communication, invention, and reinvention—are in fact unlimited.” If you’re looking for a good jolt of positive energy and hope (who isn’t?) and a truly cosmic perspective of life on Earth and our place in it, have a look at Earth in Human Hands. I think he’s nailed it. Don Pettit can be reached at dpettit@ pris.ca

The new electricity reality

ritish Columbia remains volatile and turbulent on the topic of electricity. Anxiety is building as the day of reckoning approaches regarding the Site C project. Will it stay or will it go? Yet, as the decision lingers in political limbo, new information from the world of energy continues to show a massive shift in the way in which electricity is being produced, bought and sold. These two Old Guys first pointed out in March 2017 that electricity prices in B.C. and the mid-Columbia/ Western Grid have seen massive drops in production/selling costs due to the slow and steady increases of solar photovoltaic sources, in California and Texas in particular. It resulted in energy prices near $0 per megawatt-hour even during the highest usage periods on the Western grid. Simply put, energy companies such as BC Hydro, in some cases, could not give away their electricity even during peak periods. These new, unbelievably low selling costs are driving the old production methods such as hydroelectric construction completely out of the marketplace. Don Pittis, a reporter for CBC, last week indicated that the “new world record for low electricity prices was set earlier this month (from solar and wind) and signals a radical disruption in global energy markets.” He points out that not even Canada’s “cheaper” electricity will escape the new market effects. Some of the cheapest alternate electricity production is also coming out of Mexico. The information obtained comes from a news site called “Electrek,” which indicates electricity prices as low as two cents per kilowatt-hour, and as “part of a pattern to 1 cent per KWh bids that are coming in 2019.” Why this is so important to understand is that this new shift in cheap electricity is not coming from using hydro, coal, or natural gas. It’s coming from the use of wind and solar energy. In spite of what some might think, alternate energy such as solar and wind, is no longer the expensive and pricey source of energy it once was only a few years ago. You may not like it, you may not agree with it, or you might not even believe this trend is occurring. It really doesn’t matter, because this production is now driving the new electricity reality. And, it meets the criteria for the Paris Climate Accord.

Rick Koechl Mike Kroecher TWO OLD GUYS WITH ISSUES

How this affects the Site C project, and the ratepayers or taxpayers of B.C., is now clear. The Site C project is confirmed to produce much more expensive power by 2025 than any other options available: BC Hydro’s own numbers indicate that the production costs (not the price that you and I pay) is around eight cents to 10.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Simply put, with the latest production pricing regime happening with solar and wind, at potentially two cents or less per kWh, anyone can see that the Site C project cannot possibly make money or even break even. The numbers do not lie. About a year ago, Senator Richard Neufeld, wrote an opinion column in the Province newspaper referring to the three leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In the article, he makes the assumption that this alternate energy will cost the consumers in all three countries dearly. And, he also wonders how much this will cost him—a reasonable question. He wraps up the column with a comment, “Lots of fancy words and big sentences but no price tag!” However, the fact is that the price tag from solar and wind has come down well below the average production costs of any new hydro project anywhere in the world, including Site C and the Muskrat Falls project in Newfoundland. That is simple fact. The electricity market here at home, and around the world, is no longer the same as it was even 10 years ago. We would do well to understand how the dynamics and fluidity that are changing the electricity market works without making any more inaccurate assumptions about the price tag. Assumptions can often be off the mark and be costly at the same time. Mike Kroecher is a long time retired resident of the Peace, expressing his deep roots in the land through his art. Rick Koechl is a recently retired teacher of the Peace with an enthusiasm for politics and energy.

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B12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

In Photos

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Eliza Stanford, an instructor for Whiskey Jack Nordic Club, shows her young students how to lock into their skis during some lessons at Beatton Provincial Park on Dec. 2.

MATT PREPROST PHOTOS

Left: Kris Kringle. Sinterklaas. Pere Noel. Babbo Natale. Pelz-Nickel. Topo Gigio! Whatever you call him, the Man in Red dropped by the Charlie Lake Community Hall last weeked as part of the Peace Country Craftman’s 26th annual holiday sale. Right: Bryant Bird, community liaison officer with Shell Canada Energy, explains how a well is developed and produced to a pair of North Peace Secondary students as part of WorkBC’s Career Education Day at the school on Thursday, Nov. 30.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B13

In Photos

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

The Bert Bowes Middle School band and choir performed an evening of Christmas classics at NPCC on Dec. 1 EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Yukon the four-year-old husky mix garnered national media attention after slipping away from his owner at the Mile 80 rest stop and sparking a two-week chase with Fort St. John volunteers to trap and catch him.

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

The Fort St. John Huskies beat the Sexsmith Vipers 5-3 Saturday, Dec. 2, at the North Peace Arena.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS

Above: The Inconnu Fall Freeze Invitational ran Dec. 2 and 3 at the North Peace Leisure Pool. Below: Josh Telizyn, right, of the Fort St. John Elks prepares for the 400m final at the Dawson Creek meet.

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Shoppers were entertained Christmas carollers at the Indigenous Artist Market on 100 Avenue as part of the opening of Candy Cane Lane.

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B14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

In MeMorIaM

FRANCES WOZNY

We can’t believe you’ve been gone for a year, How we miss you and still hold you so dear. You may be gone, Mom, But you are always near in our thoughts.

Obituaries

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ROSE GASS Roselda Inez Gass (Grandmaison) was born on March 25th 1943 to Rene and Lillian (Myrdall) Grandmaison in Cold Lake Alberta, she had an older brother Ernie whom she loved dearly. Growing up in the Coal Branch region of Alberta including, Mountain Park, Mercoal and Cadomin she often called herself a coal miner’s daughter. When Mom was 14 her farther passed away so the family moved back to Cold Lake. Mom married Irvine Bulmer on Jan 15, 1959. In 1961 they had two sons born 10 months to the day apart, Anthony in Feb and Barry in Dec. Mom’s mother passed away and then tragically Irvine passed away in 1963 leaving Mom alone with two small boys. She re-acquainted with John Gass who had a son Gordon and two daughters Sharon and Lorraine. Mom was just 21 years old when she became the mother to 5 children ranging in age from 3–9. We lived at the Fort St. John Airport where Mom and Dad bought their forever home!

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Announcements

Domestic Help WanteD Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 8, 6, 3, & 5 months. Full-Time Livein only. Duties include: Care for the younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry. Light house cleaning. Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

General employment Burger King Fort St John is hiring Crew (Starting $12), Supervisors (Starting at $15), Assistant Manager (Starting at $17) and Managers (Starting $18.75). Previous experience an asset, but not necessary as Crew will be trained. Business management, training, schooling is an asset for Supervisors, assistant managers and Managers. Please send resumes to bkfsjco@gmail.com

Announcements

Duties for Field Positions: • Maintain, deliver and set up oilfield rental equipment • Deal with clients in professional manner • Tank Farm and manifold set up and tear downs • Take Pride in Equipment and Company image ***Experience not required but may be an asset*** ***Room for advancement within the company*** Please Email Resume to : kevin@rig-rentals.com

Rig Rentals Box 1805, Whitecourt, AB T7S 1 P5 Tel: (780) 778-5455 • Fax: (780) 778-5450

Now Hiring the following Positions:

Kitchen Staff & Servers Interested parties are asked to please submit your resume: In person: Located in Arras, BC Email: jobs@thearrasroadhouse.com OpEn 7 DayS a WEEK: 5:30am - 10:00pm

Entrepreneurs Only!

250-843-7885

dine in • take out • catering

Looking for a new opportunity? Submit your resume today!

thearrasroadhouse.com

Office Administrator - We currently have a part-time permanent Administration position available for a company located in Charlie Lake. Applicants should have good accounting knowledge and be able to handle day to day administration duties which include A/P, A/R, Journal Entries, Payroll, filing Government Remits and updating safety programs. Experience with Simply Accounting and Safety Programs such as ISN would be an asset. A driver’s license and personal vehicle are required.

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$500 REWARD foR thE REtuRn of JIggER

Administrative Assistant - Are you looking for a temp position for over the holidays? We may have the opportunity for you! Our clients are seeking an Administrative Assistant to join their team for over the holidays. This is a temporary position for up to three weeks starting the second week in December. Some Duties of this position are as follows; answering phones and directing calls/traffic, data entry, setting up appointments and travel arrangements, receiving and date stamp mail, and performing routine clerical duties within the office as needed. Receptionist - Are you a quick learner with great customer service skills? Are you organized and able to work well on your own as well as in a team environment? Then this may be the opportunity for you! Our clients are currently looking for an outgoing individual to join their team! This is an entry level position that includes basic reception duties such as filing, answering the phones and other duties as assigned. The successful candidate will want to grow with the company and have excellent customer service skills. Experience is considered an asset, but is not required.

*tattoo in right ear: Code is 294CYD

If you think you’re a fit for any of our listed positions, please email us your resume with 3 work related references today! 10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367 | f. 250.785.4795 | www.macenna.com e. apply@macenna.com

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Do you have what it takes to be the boss? Could you make a business profitable with the solid support of an internationally-recognized brand? If so, we have the opportunity for you! Experience all the perks of being your own boss while having one of America’s most familiar brands supporting you along the way. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES available for entrepreneurial-minded people to operate a location in Fort St John. As an Operator you will be responsible for: • Growth and success of the location • Staffing your location • Marketing your location and services • Maintaining a business plan aimed at developing rent-a-car business in your local area • Daily operational costs New cars and trucks provided, you put yourself in the driver’s seat to success! Following the training program, you will select your own employees and maintain a business plan aimed at developing rent-a-car business in your local area. To assist in the growth of your operation, an experienced staff member will guide you through the training program including goal setting, sales and marketing. As the operator of your business, there is no earning limitation! Our most successful Operators are people-oriented, aggressive, goal oriented and have a strong understanding of the importance of great customer service. Basic Qualifications/Minimum Requirements: • Prior Sales experience • Business ownership and/or supervisory experience • Ability to work independently • Prior Customer Service Experience • Car Rental/Travel experience preferred This is an Independent Operator opportunity, subject to the terms of that program, and it is not an employment relationship with the brand. Candidates must meet all basic qualifications and submit a complete application to be considered for this position. Please email: Tracy.Shenfield@avisbudget.com

Obituaries

A Celebration of Life will be held in Fort St. John in the Spring of 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Prince George Rotary Hospice House in memory of Jeanette.

Currently Seeking A Field Position For The Fort St John / Dawson Creek Area

Languages: English

Winter is coming... Have you seen an orange tabby cat show up around the Site-CBuildings or Cook house? If yes, please phone 250-787-8982. We have been looking for this Kitty for 4 months now and still miss her badly.

Jeanette’s last months were difficult and the excellent care she received was appreciated by herself and her family. Special thanks to Dr. Keri Closson for all her hard work, to Dr. W. Brussow and to the staff at Hospice House as well as the staff at BCCA.

Join our fast growing company today! *Benefits and Competitive wages*

* Bonus plus full group insurance benefits, RRSP 1 permanent Full-time position Start as soon as possible

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SANDMAN INNS RURAL BC recruiting management couples, both full-time and part-time roles available. Ask us about our great employee perks and accommodation. Apply on https://sandmanhotels.prevueaps.com

49749

General employment

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

Jeanette was born in Lethbridge, Alberta as the youngest of five children. She met and married David while living in Edmonton. Her passing happened a month short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Jeanette was an avid golfer and was accomplished at many crafts. Spending time and visiting with friends and family was an essential part of her life. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and enjoyed every moment she was able to spend with them.

She is greatly missed by her five children and respective spouses, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

General employment

South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm. SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm WEDNESDAYS: COMPUTER INFORMATION -Seniors Computer Club - Dawson CO-OP Bistro 1:15pm 250-782-4668 for more information

Jeanette Catherine Key (nee Vaselenak) of Fort St. John, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Prince George Rotary Hospice House. She was predeceased by her mother Marguerite, her father Mathew and her sister Lorraine. She is survived by her brother Gordon (Gwen) and sisters Marlene and Bernice (Gordon). She will be missed by her husband, David, her sons Darrel (Melinda) and Trevor (Siobhan) and her five grandchildren: Cheyanne, Tatum, Sophie, Phoenix and Adam.

She lost John the love of her life January 17, 2007 she never really got over his loss as they had been inseparable! She went to work part-time to keep herself busy, until her own health failed and she had to accept she couldn’t do it all. Mom survived lung cancer, but it was her heart that suddenly took her from us on October 21, 2017.

General employment

Career OppOrtunities

KEY, Jeanette C. March 29, 1945 − November 15, 2017

Mom never liked to be idle, she crocheted, curled, golfed which she was very good at, went hunting and fishing with Dad. She loved camping and going to the Yukon and Alaska best of all!

General employment

Save the Dates July 13, 5:00 pm to July 15, 2017 at 3:30 pm for the 24rd 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 2018 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!

Obituaries

She was a kid at heart who always seemed to find herself in the middle of the action. Whether it was a snowball fight outside or a water fight started by her in her spotless kitchen! Mom was a super woman caring for all of us, her home was immaculate, our clothes always ironed, her and Dad grew two vegetable gardens to feed us all. Mom grew to be an amazing cook, her Christmas dinners were the best!

General employment

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

Coming EvEnts

Went missing november 17/17 from Moberly Lake Call Denise at 250-788-3837 and leave a message

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017 B15

Classifieds Hamilton Janitorial Services is looking for Light Duty Cleaner $15.00 per hour. Full Time. 36.5 hours per week. Training will be provided. Light Duty Cleaner duties: Sweep, mop and wash floors, Wax and polish floors, Dust furniture, Vacuum carpeting, area rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture, Clean, disinfect and polish kitchen fixtures and appliances, Disinfect operating rooms and other areas, Clean and disinfect bathrooms and fixtures, Clean and disinfect elevators. Pick up debris and empty trash cans, wash windows, walls and ceilings. Clean changing rooms and showers. Workplace Settings: Office building, Industrial facility, Commercial building, Private residence, Recreational Facility. Security and Safety: Bondable, Criminal record check. Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Fast-paced environment, Work under pressure, Tight deadlines, Repetitive tasks, Handling heavy loads, Physically demanding, Attention to detail, Combination of sitting, standing, walking, Standing for extended periods, Bending, crouching, kneeling. Essential Skills: Reading text, Numeracy, Writing, Oral communication, Working with others, Problem solving, Decision making, Critical thinking, Job task planning and organizing, Significant use of memory, Continuous learning. Send resume and cover letter including whether you have a driver’s license N or full or international and availability for work to admin@hamiltonjanitorial.com Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applications accepted by email only.

Livestock

HUNTING ACCESS WANTED $1,234 Ranch Manager from southern central BC looking for access to private land for late sea− son elk draw hunt. Ethical and responsible hunter looking to harvest one elk from your property. Hunt is limited entry draw and runs from December 1 to February 28. Respectful of all landowner rules and restrictions. Only have one week to hunt, but dates are flexible. 250−682−5734 Donp@Historichatcreek.com

Trades Help

Amperage Energy Inc Heavy Duty Mechanic Amperage Energy is looking to hire a part time to some days full time heavy duty me− chanic to work in the Dawson Creek area. Oilfield equipment ex− perience is a must, also any oilfield tickets would be a asset. Please send your re− sume to: debbie @amperageenergy.com daniel @amperageenergy.com amperageenergy.com

For Sale MiSc COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee. 1866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca.

Like New Winter Tires, four 215, 55, 17 tires $450.00, four 185/65, 15 Tires $250.00, Two 205, 70, 15 tires $160.00, two 195, 55, 16 tires $160.00 250-261-1639

ApArtments/ Condos for

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General employment

For Sale MiSc 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 1800-566-6899 Ext:400OT

Wanted 101st Preowned Furniture has in stock pinwheele crystal, Royal Albert, Barbie’s, were looking for good used furniture. 10404-101st Ave

HealtH & Beauty Ultimate Shiatsu. direct insurance billing. 9am-7pm everyday. FSJ 250-264-2322

Business OppOrtunities Convenience Store Opportunity - Moberly Lake, BC. Please contact Michael Butte at mbutte@gasplusinc.com HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

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

Business services GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 101 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-6699222.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Book Your Ad Now!

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

Pine Ridge Modular Homes 14’, 16’ & 20’ Singles. 24’-30’ Double Wides. S.R.I. Homes, Fort St John-Mile 49.5 (250)262-2847

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

Business For sale

SuiteS For rent

Steel BuildingS / granarieS

For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. WiFi & Internet. Phone: 250-782-7042 FURNISHED BASEMENT SUITE. Internet Included. Available November 1st. NO PETS. Pouce Coupe. Call 250-7865157.

STEEL BUILDING SALE ... FALL CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW! 20X21 $5,990. Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,896. One End Wall Included. 32X33 $8,199. No Ends Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

STEEL BUILDING SALE ... PRICED TO SELL!i 20X23 $5,998. 25X27 $6,839. 30X33 $8,984. One End Wall Included. Bonus Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

Business For sale

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

Domestic cars Nissan Electric Leaf 2016 29,500 kms. If interested call 250-261-9392

We’ve Got Your Weekly News When You Need It! Phone: 250-785-5631

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

DO YOU WANT THE NEWS? We’ve got the news covered! From local events to top stories that affect you, we will ensure that you are kept in touch with happenings in our area. If it’s local news you are looking for go to

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT LAND ACT informative • innovative • indepth

2017 MANUFACTURED HOMES starting under $80,000 delivered! Best Buy Homes Kelowna www.bestbuyhousing.com - Canada’s largest in-stock home selection, quick delivery, custom factory orders, new parks! Text/call 250-7652223.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

DISPOSAL OF LAND The City of Fort St. John has declared surplus and is offering for sale property legally described as That Part of Lot 1, Section 33, Township 83, Range 18, W6M Peace River District Plan EPP74707 (parcel located in the BCR Industrial Park). The lot’s appraised value is $1,065,000.00 and is the minimum selling price. An Offer to Purchase Agreement will be entered into with the successful bidder. Detailed information is available for pick up at City Hall, 10631 – 100th Street or on the City’s website at www.fortstjohn.ca Offers will be received up to 4:00 pm on Friday, December 15, 2017. Additional information regarding this land disposal may be directed to Janet Prestley, Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at (250) 787-8153 or by email at jprestley@fortstjohn.ca

www.fortstjohn.ca

Phone: 250-785-2662

Take notice that Peaceland Oilfield Services Ltd. from Fort St. John, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Licence of Occupation situated on Provincial Crown land located at Sikanni Chief River. The Lands File for this application is 8015953. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Joyce Veller, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100, 10003-110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 7873438. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to January 19, 2018. 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. 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.

Alaska Highway News

LOOKING FOR CARRIERS

Wednesdays

Must be 18 years old Contact Lynn for details 9916 - 98 St

250-785-5631

s i t r m h a C s y D r a ays t o R

B16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

community

Pioneer Village December 10th 12:00 – 5:00 pm

darcy shawchek Photo

Gordon Duke, the new managing director of the North Peace Regional Airport. Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca to learn more.

Admission is FREE

Museum News — December 2017 Museum Happenings It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the museum. We’ve been decking out our exhibits in preparation for our Christmas Tea and Kids’ Night: Christmas at the Museum. We leave them up until the twelve days of Christmas are over so you have just over a month to enjoy them. We have lots of Christmas artefacts and vintage ornaments so come and have a look around. We also have tons of books (including a selection of second-hand pocket books for only $1) and other fabulous gifts (clothing, stuffed animals, jewellery, and more) in our gift shop. We’ve been hard at work to get three new exhibits (two free) up around town so check them out!

All welcome Enjoy sleigh rides, skating on Rotary Lake, music, chestnuts roasting on an open ﬁre, hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Archives & Collections

Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Dawson Creek Donations may be made to beneﬁt local charities

Heather and Tamara continue to answer inquiries. We’re up to 119 so far this year. We also sat down with Ruth (Allen) Large to gather information about the Allen Homestead House that we are restoring on the museum property. It was vital to find out what she remembered about the house where she grew up from furnishings to family stories. School Programs

2017 Mustang Shelby GT 350

BANNISTCREEERK DAWSON

Welcome to Summer Cruise! We Love Cars as Much as You Do! Creek, BC Alaska Ave • Dawson 250-782-8589 1609

.com www.bannisterford

We’ve broken our school program and guided tour record this year with 56 classes or groups by the end of the first week in December! We’re offering a special Christmas program this December for kindergarten to grade 3 all about a 1942 Christmas on the Trapline. Call the museum at 250-7870430 to find out more or register your class. exhibits • Say Yes to the Dress: A Journey through the History of Infant’s Clothing in Western Culture: November 10, 2017 to May 31, 2018, at the Museum Why are boys wearing dresses in old paintings and photographs? Was pink always a girl’s colour and blue always a boy’s colour? What exactly are swaddling clothes? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions then this exhibit is for you. Say Yes to the Dress looks at infant clothing from antiquity to the present. Swaddling clothes, dresses, diapers, layettes, and sleepers – it’s all on display for you to enjoy. Learn why dresses were popular for both boys and girls to wear from medieval times to the early 1900s. See many never-before displayed items from our museum collection as well as special items loaned for this display. This exhibit was curated by our museum textile volunteer Marjo Wheat.

What A YEAR!

Thank you to all the participants and all the generous sponsors! Your support is helping make our Summer Cruise 2017 an event to remember. See you NEXT YEAR!

BUS: 250-782-8853 JON SMALLWOOD CELL: 250-612-8096 MANAGER

TRUCK IMAGE: HOTR

In December 1942, several American soldiers working on the Alaska Highway faced their first Christmas away from home. Fortunately, a few American medics stationed near Fort St. John befriended the Matthews Family. Mrs. Matthews and her sons, Bill and Doug, put together a celebration to be remembered. This exhibit shares Bill’s memories of that holiday and the friendships that grew between the medics and his family. • “Never Just a Job” - Vi (Garrish) Woodward Remembers the Cecil Lake Outpost Hospital: November 2017 to April 2018 at the FSJ Hospital Imagine arriving in Fort St. John from Vancouver in the winter and having a twelve-hour sleigh ride in the cold to your new job at the Cecil Lake Outpost Hospital. You arrive at the hospital and it’s so cold there’s frost on the inside of the walls. Would you have second thoughts? Nurse Vi Garrish didn’t give in so easily! Her memories take you inside the life of a nurse at a remote outpost hospital in the 1930s and 1940s. Experience Vi’s life through her photographs, memories, and equipment from the Cecil Lake Outpost Hospital. This free exhibit is now on display in the Fort St. John Hospital lobby for the next six months thanks to our partnership with the Fort St. John Hospital Arts Committee. Upcoming events • Christmas Tea: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum Kick off your Christmas festivities at the museum’s annual old-fashioned Christmas Tea. The museum will be all decked out for Christmas, with a selection of fabulous baked goodies, sandwiches, tea, and coffee. Call 250787-0430 for admission information. • Kids’ Night: Christmas at the Museum: Friday, December 8, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum Celebrate Christmas at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. Larry Evans will share Christmas stories from his childhood. We’ll make lots of Christmas crafts, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Registration is mandatory and limited. Call 250-787-0430 for more information. Heather Sjoblom is manager and curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.

Ala ska Hig hw ay Ne ws

OD.COM

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e milez

• A Home for Christmas: November – January 15 at the North Peace Regional Airport

• infor mative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca