AHN FEB 1 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, February 1, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 5

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

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matt preprost Photo

Crews inspect the damage to Totem Mall on Jan. 29, 2018.

The Totem Mall is tallying up the damage after a vehicle smashed through three different sections of the building early Monday morning. Mall officials say they were called around 3 a.m. after the vehicle targeted the west side of the mall, causing extensive damage to the exterior and interior of some stores. There were no injuries, according to Bentall Kennedy, which manages the property. “Given the resulting structural damage sustained and impacts to the property’s utilities, we will be closing Totem Mall until all required repairs are complete,” said Rob Schlitt, the mall’s general manager, in a statement. “Once Totem Mall has been cleared to resume service, we will inform the public.”

Police, clean up crews, and insurance adjusters were on scene throughout Monday. The mall was closed Tuesday for utility repairs, however, Schlitt was hopeful to reopen the doors on Wednesday. Fort St. John RCMP have not responded to media requests. It’s unknown if there is surveillance footage of the incident, or whether a suspect or suspects have been arrested. A spokesman for Apollo Avenue Sunglasses and Watches said crews are still assessing the damage to their store, and could not immediately say whether any inventory had been stolen. A spokesperson for the Michael So Jewellery store could not be reached for comment. Some businesses at the mall not impacted by the incident

YMCA to operate new daycare

tion cared for more than 550 children in 10 daycares across the north, according to the release.

The YMCA of Northern B.C. has been chosen to operate the new daycare at Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School. The 37-space daycare is scheduled to open this summer after construction of the school is complete. “School District 60 is pleased to partner with the YMCA of Northern BC to bring much needed daycare facilities to Fort St. John,” board chair Erin Evans said in a statement. “The YMCA has an exemplary record for providing outstanding childcare experience for over 40 years in Northern B.C., and we look forward to our partnership in providing services to children and families.” This will be the YMCA of Northern B.C.’s first presence in Fort St. John, according to a news release distributed at Monday night’s meeting of school board trustees. In 2016, the organiza-

See YMCA on A4

Weaver, Horgan ocean apart on liquefied nat gas B.C.’s GreeNDP alliance leaders found themselves on either side of the world, and on either side of the province’s LNG debate last week. Speaking from his 10-day trade mission in Asia Jan. 26, Premier John Horgan told reporters that he spoke with representatives at Korea Gas Corporation and PetroChina – two partners in B.C.’s LNG Canada joint venture – about his government’s LNG strategy. He also stated that he will “first and foremost” be taking advice on the issue from the “legions” of public servants with experience on the file. See LNG on A16

remained open, Schlitt said, including the movie theatre, Winners, Staples, and the north end of the mall including Panago, Enform, Pet Valu, and M&M Meats. The mall has been a frequent target of vandals and thieves over the last several years. In 2017, a 17-year-old boy was arrested after driving a truck through the front entrance of Warehouse One, as well as through another business in town. In 2016, police arrested and charged three people in connection to a 2013 smash-andgrab break-in that saw more than $40,000 in damages and more than $19,000 in goods stolen. That case continues to make its way through the courts.

Site C audit a work in progress B.C.’s Auditor General still has the Site C dam on her mind, but what aspects of the $10.7-billion project she plans to review are still up in the air. In a coverage plan released Jan. 24, Carol Bellringer listed Site C as one of 35 future projects she plans to tackle between now and 2020. Bellringer had put an audit of the dam on hold last August after the new NDP government ordered a utilities commission review of the project’s need and costs. That review is done, but a further audit of the dam — the most expensive public infrastructure project in B.C. history — remains a priority, Bellringer said. “We need some time to determine where we can offer the most value, given the complexity of the project and our limited resources,” she said.

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School District 60 is ending the English program at Ecole Central Elementary as it looks to populate the new Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School. Trustees approved Monday night student catchment boundaries for the the new school being built in Sunset Ridge. The catchment will see students from Clairmont, Grandhaven, Fish Creek, Old Fort, and much of southwest Fort St. John populate the new K-6 school when it opens for classes in the fall, and thin out populations at CM Finch, Ecole Central, Charlie Lake, and Bert Ambrose schools, each of them crunched for space and in need of immediate relief. The catchment also eliminates the English program at Ecole Central, which will become a single-track French immersion school. The catchment reflects feedback from the public, and was made with the district’s education and logistical planning needs in mind, superintendent Dave Sloan said. “The shrinking nature of the Central English program indicates that program ultimately would need to be incorporated into other schools, if not at this opportunity, then in the very near future,” Sloan said. A school locator map is expected to be made available through the district’s website as soon as it becomes available. The district will be cleaning up some of the boundaries as first presented, as the original plan cut through some laneways instead of frontage streets, Sloan said. Depending on where they live within the former catchment, English program students at Ecole Central will have options to attend Ma Murray, Duncan Cran, or Robert Ogilvie schools, the district says. The district, meanwhile, is working with its transportation department to ensure bus pickup at Central for English students in its immediate catchment, around 63 of them. More than a third of the school’s English students live out of catchment due to variance or overcapacity issues, Sloan said. “It’s going to take staff a little bit to process the decision,” Sloan said. See MA MURRAY on A12

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A2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

contents A2 A2 A3 A6 A9 A13 B1 B5 B6

Weather Humour News Opinion Business Perspectives Sports Arts Classifieds

this week’s flyers

catch of the day

M&M Meats London Drugs Jysk Walmart Annette Reeder Home Hardware Shoppers Drug Mart Peavy Canadian Tire Rona The Brick No Frills Pet Valu Save-On Foods Staples Safeway Century 21

Marvin Barsby shows off his catch of the day on Charlie Lake last weekend. eve petford photo

Monkeying around with clones and camels

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO

CAMEL CHAOS: Being the guy who chews the news takes me on another trip around the world. In Saudi Arabia, 12 camels were disqualified from this year’s Camel Beauty Contest after their owners used Botox to make the camels more attractive. Coincidentally, this happened on Wednesday—Hump Day. Yes, Saudi Arabia really does have an annual beauty pageant for camels. Last year, for the talent portion of the show, a two-hump camel twirled its humps in opposite directions.

Fort St. John.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

search study showed the world does not have enough monkeys. Here’s my question: When they cloned the monkey, did they also clone bugs that crawl on the monkey, so the other monkeys will have something to pick off the cloned monkey? Just askin’.

NORTH MEETS SOUTH: They may be political enemies, but it was announced a combined team of North Korean and South Korea athletes will walk together at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. And in the same spirit of unity, concession stands at the Olympics will sell a drink that’s a mix of Coke and Pepsi.

PYRAMID PARTICULARS: Scientists say they may be close to solving the mysPrevailing Prices MEANWHILE IN INDIA: Next stop tery of how the ancient Egyptians built is Delhi, India. The famous Taj Mahal the pyramids. By the way: When the first temple is being cleaned for the first time pyramids were built they fell over. That Dawson Creek 121.9 since the 1600s. It’s a big job, scraping all was because the Egyptians put the pointy t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html the “mahal” off the “taj.” DOWN UNDER: Friday was Australia part at the bottom. Fort St. John 129.9 Day, a national holiday down under. It SWISS DISS: In a global survey, marks the historic day when the first BONUS BULLETIN: In the States, the Alberta-B.C. border Switzerland was named Best Country in boomerang came back to the guy who Disney Company gave every employee a 117.9 the World. Canada was in second place. threw it. The history books do not tell us $1,000 cash bonus. And yet Donald Duck Experts say if Canadians improved our the date when he threw it. I feel kind of is still saying he can’t afford to buy pants. Fort Nelson N/A cheesemaking and yodelling skills, we sorry for dogs in Australia. Everywhere Home  Environment and naturalcould resources Weather  Weatherelse  Local British Columbia take first placeinformation from Switzerland. in theforecasts world, adog owner throws a NICE DOGGY: Next stop is New HampGroundbirch Yes, in Switzerland they do a lot of yodel- stick, the dog chases the stick, the dog shire. A man was arrested after he bit a N/A ling. But they have to be careful. Yodel too brings it back. In Australia, boomerangs German Shepherd police dog. The dog loud, you could crack a mountain. have made dogs redundant. And here’s a remained calm. It did not viciously atChetwynd N/A true fact: Seven of the world’s 10 deadli- tack the man. There was no barking, no BC Highway alert(s) in effect CHEESE CHUCKLE: Our next stop is est snakes are in Australia. The other three snarling, no nasty biting. The man is OK. Tumbler Ridge 128.9 England, where a 100 year tradition has are in politics. No injuries. The situation was totally cool. Highway 16 - Smithers to Terrace ended in the British village of Stilton. Yes, of course, I’m kidding. They’ve canceled the annual cheese TENNIS TROUBLE: Also in Australia, Prince George 113.9 rolling race because, “It’s not cool to run noisy crowds caused problems at the CORN CHAOS: Still in the USA, in Ohio Observed at: FortIt St. John Airport 10:28 AMTennis MST Tuesday 30 January through the village chasing a cheese.” Australian Open Tournament in2018 last week, a major highway was closed Current Conditions Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast Canada by something more mod- Melbourne. https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html N/A- Environment will be replaced Rowdy spectators can wreck when a grain elevator collapsed and ern: People running through theTemperature: village a player’s ByNNW the way, ten- spilled 10,000 tons of corn. That’s almost Condition: Light Snow -21.7°Cconcentration. Wind: 13 km/h while 101.7 texting on their phones. nis would be way more interesting if they as much corn as I spill every week in this Grande Prairie 115.9 Pressure: kPa Dew point: -25.6°C Wind C… -31 used dogs for ball boys. Noisy spectators column. Tendency: Rising Humidity: 71% Visibility: 2 km MONKEY MEMO: Last week’s big sci- were the reason why I didn’t win at the Calgary 112.0 ence news came from China. Scientists Peace Country Parcheesi Tournament Bob Snyder can be reached at: cloned a monkey. They did this after a re- held recently in my buddy’s basement in chewsthenews@fastmail.com Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Edmonton 106.5

Fort St. John, BC

-22°C

Fort Nelson, BC

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

146.7

Vancouver

Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 136.7 Tue

B.C. avg 30 Jan Alberta Avg.

-23°C -20°C

Wed

Pressure: 102.2 kPa Tendency: Rising 110.5

Fri Sat -23.2°C 2 FebTemperature:3 Feb Dew point: -27.3°C Humidity: 70%

-21°C

-23°C

-24°C

Periods of snow

Night

Thu 1 Feb

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Forecast Tonight notice Night General

Wed The Tue contents of this newspaper are protected by31 Jan 30 Jan copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes. -24°C -25°C

Thu

Condition: Mostly1 Feb Cloudy 134.7 31 Jan

CAD$ per litre, prices as of January 30. Source: GasBuddy.com

Periods of snow

Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 30 January 2018 ST.Nelson JOHN Airport 10:35 AM MST Tuesday 30 January 2018 Observed FORT at: Fort

-21°C

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

Sun Mon Wind: NW 7 km/h 4 Feb 5 Feb Wind C… -29 Visibility: 16 km

-18°C

-20°C

Chance of ﬂurries

Sunny

Chance of ﬂurries

Sat 3 Feb

Sun 4 Feb

Mon 5 Feb

FOR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 30 January 2018 FORT NELSONNight Night PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW. 60%

30%

http://www.drivebc.ca/

#listView&district=Peace -26°C

-25°C

70%

60%

-23°C

All other rights are reserved Periods of snow Periods of snow Chance of flurries Chance of flurries Clear Clear -22°C -21°C -21°C -19°C -20°C -20°C and commercial use is -21°C 60% 60% 60% prohibited. To make any use of Chance of flurries Chance of flurries Chance of flurries Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny this material you must first obtain the permission of the of snow. Amount 2 to 4 cm. Wind north 20 km/h. Temperature steady near minus 20 except near Today Periods owner of the copyright. Tonight Night Night Night Night minus 16 near Chetwynd.Night Cold wind chill minus 32. Risk of frostbite. WeatherPhone Periods Low minus 24. Cold Local Canada For Tonight further information contactof snow. Amount 2 to 4 cm. Wind north 20 km/h becoming light late this evening. Environment wind Weather Forecasts the managing editor at chill minus 32. Risk of frostbite.

http://www.drivebc.ca

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Wed, 31 Jan Periods of snow. Amount 2 cm. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 21. Cold wind chill minus 32. Risk of 250-785-5631

-25°C Night

frostbite. -24°C -29°C Periods of snow. Low minus 60% 25.

Thu, 1 Feb Night

Periods of snow. High minus 23. Cloudy with 70 percent chance of ﬂurries. Low minus 26.

Today

Mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. Wind up to 15 km/h. TemperaturePackaged steady near minus 22. Pants Cold wind chill minus 36. Risk of frostbite. T-Shirts and Jeans Flurries. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus 25. Cold wind chill minus 33. Risk of frostbite. 2018-01-30, 10:59 AM

A few ﬂurries

Tonight Wed, 31 Jan

Chance of ﬂurries

Clear

-26°C

-29°C

Clear

-30°C

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Cloudy with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 21. Cold windeld’s chill minus 30. Risk Stanfi of frostbite. Boxers and Cloudy with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. Low minus 24. Briefs

Thu, 1 Feb

A mix of sun and cloud with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. High minus 21.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A3

LOCAL NEWS

‘Scarman’ delivers inspiring message to live life to the fullest Bert Bowes student works to promote empowerment, empathy at disability event

“It’s important to me for everybody to see a disability and for it to be normal,” Douglas said. “Ward is good at getting kids to interact.” Douglas was able to get his Foley’s trip sponsored with the help of the school district and local companies, as well as student fundraising. After Foley’s talk, students took part in a number of disability situations, from vision impairments to using a wheelchair to what it’s like living with club hands. Having students know what it’s like living with a disability helps them build compassion, Douglas said. “It’s important they understand not everyone is like what they believe is normal,” Douglas said. Teacher Megan Inglis said she first met Douglas last year, where they began working with her classmates and simulating what it was like living with club hands and how difficult it can be to open a backpack or pick something off the ground. “She was frustrated kids were not understanding why she did things slow or different,” Inglis said. “The kids were receptive. They were able to empathize with her at that point.” Over the last year, Inglis said she has seen Douglas grow from being quiet and shy and into a more confident person. Foley is spending a second day at Bert Bowes Wednesday where he and Douglas continue to talk to students and have them take part in group activities. Visit wardfoley.com for more.

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Ward Foley wasn’t born with the odds in his favour, but living with a debilitating disorder hasn’t stopped the 58-year-old author and disability advocate from living his life to the fullest. Foley, who nicknames himself Scarman, was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, or AMC, a neuromuscular disorder that affects around one in 5,000 new borns and severely restricts a body’s joints and movements. “We’re given a life — not a good life or a bad, that is up to us,” Foley said in a lively and humourous talk to students and parents at Bert Bowes school Jan. 23, part of a disability awareness event to promote empowerment and empathy. “Our perception is always ours.” Childhood wasn’t easy for Foley — he was born with club hands and feet, and lacked muscles in his biceps. Among his peers, he was teased and called names like Cripple, Monkey, and Frankenstein; among his family and doctors, he saw care and treatment,

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Bert Bowes student Trinitey Douglas (left) met Ward ‘Scarman’ Foley at a conference in Las Vegas summer. Both live with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, or AMC, a neuromuscular disorder, and Douglas invited Foley to speak to her peers Jan. 23 and 24 as part of a disability awareness event to promote empowerment and empathy.

undergoing surgery, skin grafts, and muscle transplants to fix his hands and give him biceps to improve his movement. He had to wear leg braces 24 hours a day. But he’ll never forget the day he first tied his shoes in Kindergarten, an effort that took 30 minutes: “I got a green sucker,” he says. The difficulties are familiar for those with a disability, growing up and trying to find their identity and a peer group, and carve a place for themselves in the world. But through it all, Foley recognized everyone goes through the similar struggles, disability or not. There are scars both seen

and unseen, he said. “Learning and acceptance is a process,” he said. “We’ve all been laughed at, we’ve all been teased. We have to keep walking or wheeling our chair, and never look back.” Foley certainly hasn’t. He’s given more than 1,000 speeches about living life with a disability across the world; a life of travel and adventure that saw one of his first jobs at Taco Bell make him a model employee that helped open new stores; that saw him ride a bike across Canada, and stare death in the eyes in a major car accident; that saw him go to broadcasting school and turn down a radio station job

to work with children instead. “Life is simple. It’s about love, unconditional love for everyone, starting with yourself,” he said. Foley didn’t meet someone who also lived with AMC until he was 19, a man named Paul, but today’s digital world has helped those living with the condition connect, meet, and build community. At an AMC conference in Las Vegas last summer, Foley met Bert Bowes student Trinitey Douglas. Douglas, who said she chose to go to the conference instead of a Lady Gaga concert, invited Foley to the school and he couldn’t say no.

Supporting Our Communities

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Left: Participants have their hands tied to simulate what it’s like living with club hands. Right: Ward Foley will never forget the day he first tied his shoes in Kindergarten, an effort that took 30 minutes: “I got a green sucker,” he says.

Supporting Our Communities

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A4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

WestJet to continue extra flights to Vancouver through summer

out for a loop

eve petford photo

Abby and Maya Marshall call it a night at the official opening of the skating loop at Matthews Park on Jan. 26, 2018.

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WestJet will continue operating 12 flights a week between Fort St. John and Vancouver. The airline increased its service between the two cities last October as part of its winter schedule. The service will be maintained through the summer, the company said as part of an announcement on Monday. “We are seeing guests connecting over Vancouver on our new flight, which is good because that’s what it is designed to do,” spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said. “We hope that this flight’s performance will continue to build as the market becomes more aware of the service.” The flights were noted in an announcement Monday that WestJet was adding 60 more

flights weekly from Vancouver International Airport. The airline will again evaluate the added flights to Fort St. John at the end of the summer and make a decision on whether to continue them, Stewart said. Before last October, WestJet was running seven flights per week to and from Vancouver out of the North Peace Regional Airport. It introduced the extra flights in its winter schedule to give leisure travellers access to more “sun destinations” out of Vancouver, including Mexico, California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Hawaii, at the same time giving business travellers more flexibility to travel south for meetings and return home the same day.

ymca from a1

“We are excited to be working with School District 60 to foster positive early learning outcomes for children in Fort St. John,” said Amanda Alexander, CEO for YMCA of Northern B.C. Of the 37 spaces, 12 will be for infants and toddlers, with the remaining 25 seats for children aged three to five. Registration information is expected to be released in May. The school district anticipates

the daycare will open to full capacity. At Monday’s board meeting, trustees were told discussions are ongoing about how access to the spaces will be split between the community and BC Hydro. The Crown utility has priority access to half the daycare’s seats for Site C workers as part of its $1.8-million funding commitment to the daycare under agreement with the city. BC Hydro’s funding is paying for the bricks and mortar structure of daycare, while $500,000 from the ministry of education will help equip and outfit the dayWe do ICBC care, including Claims at shop fencing and a playground. 10996 Clairmont Frontage,

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A5

Local News

Justice Society needs emergency funding The North Peace Justice Society is making an urgent plea for community support to help keep its doors open for the next two months. The society, which provides restorative justice programming, needs $7,500 to carry through to April, when it expects at least two major grants to come through. Those funds will help pay for staff, including a case manager, as well as brick and mortar costs of maintaining an office. “We have a very overburdened RCMP detachment and court system in Fort St. John, and any kind of support they can get just alleviates so much from them,” said Kate Stringer, the society’s executive director. The society provides restorative justice programs, offering an alternative to the courts for first time offenders involved in minor crimes, including simple assaults, shoplifting, and vehicle thefts. The society saw three referrals from the RCMP last week, and can handle up to 60 cases in a year. “One of the important things to

remember is (restorative justice) involves everybody who was involved in the incident, not just the offender and their punishment,” Stringer said. “We also focus on the victim and helping them deal with the fallout. Taking the time to look at and heal that relationship is super important in a small community like this.” It costs around $70,000 a year to run the society, which depends on how many referrals it sees from police, Crown counsel, and the school district. The society has been approved for a $14,677 grant from the city, which won’t be released until April in the new fiscal year. It hopes to know whether it will receive a $34,000 civil forfeiture grant from the province at the end of March. “It’s a very significant grant and we’re very hopeful about it,” Stringer said. The society also relies on community gaming grants from the province, received in October, and hopes to secure a federal grant to hold an event at the end of May or early June as part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. Visit northpeacejustice.ca for more.

Othman Hamdan sues province, Ottawa The Fort St. John man acquitted of terrorism related charges last year, is now suing the provincial and federal governments. Othman Hamdan is suing the governments for allegedly violating his charter rights to free speech, the Canadian Press reports. Last September, a BC Supreme Court judge acquitted Hamdan of four charges stemming from a year-long investigation into his social media activity in 2014 and 2015. The court ruled dozens of Hamdan’s Facebook postings supporting the Islamic State and lone wolf attacks weren’t a crime. However, the postings caught the attention of border officials who argue Hamdan remains a security risk and is inadmissible to remain in Canada. Hamdan, a Jordanian citizen with neither Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, remains in custody as he awaits an immigration review, the Canadian Press reports.

In his claim, Hamdan is arguing that he is being held to “disrupt him from accessing a computer to voice constitutionally protected speech, in violation of his charter rights,” the Canadian Press reports. He also argues his prosecution was on unreasonable grounds and that he suffered damages to his reputation, as well as the loss of his liberty, according to the report. A statement of defence has yet to be filed, according to the report. At a hearing last fall, border officials pointed to a handful of Hamdan’s postings that appeared to incite violence, identified security gaps in Canadian infrastructure, including the Revelstoke dam and Nipigon River bridge, and claimed involvement in an international drug smuggling ring. The burden to prove Hamdan’s eligibility to remain in the country are lower than the standards used in criminal courts, officials argued.

CITY BEAT

Updates from January 22, 2018 Council Meetings

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WINTER CITY STRATEGY UPDATE Council received a presentation at the Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the Winter City Strategy. A key strategic initiative for the City of Fort St. John is to create vibrancy, sustainability, and resiliency in the community. A key component to achieving this initiative is being cognizant of the seasonal variations experienced in Fort St. John and planning proactively for the lengthy winters. The creation of the Winter City Strategy Team was a result of staﬀ ’s eagerness to embrace who and where we are, reduce the barriers to the winter season, change the community’s perception of winter, and further build on the City’s annual High on Ice Winter Festival. The Strategy Team focused on improving winter livability and developed a number of micro-project priorities that will contribute positively to winter livability in Fort St. John. These micro-projects are intended to be relatively low cost, easy to implement and a complement to existing programs and initiatives.

LONG SERVICE AWARD Council presented a Long Service Award to Tyler Ristau in recognition of his 15 years of service as an employee of the City of Fort St. John.

BYLAWS • A Public Hearing was held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2408, 2018. The intent of the bylaw is to allow Council to consider the issuance of Temporary Use Permits in all zones within the City. Following the Public Hearing, the bylaw was read for the third time and adopted by title only. • A Public Hearing was held for Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2409, 2018. The intent of the bylaw is to include ‘Religious Assembly Facility’ as a permitted use on the property owned by the applicant, the United Pentecostal Church, located at 10507 – 101 Avenue. Following the Public Hearing, the bylaw was read for the third time and adopted by title only. • Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 2402, 2017 was endorsed by the Provincial Inspector of Municipalities and has now been adopted by title only. The City adopted its first Development Cost Charges Bylaw in 2011, and began levying charges for water and sanitary sewer services on January 1, 2012. The bylaw has now been updated to reflect the anticipated continuation of growth of the community, as well as the full range of DCC-eligible services that are required to support that growth. Council directed staff to continue with the current assist factor of 15% offered for water and sanitary sewer services, and to phase-in a new assist factor set for the newly-added services (transportation, drainage, and park land acquisition and improvement). An assist factor of 40% will be provided for the first 2 years for the new services moving to 25% for the next 2 years, and then transitioning to 15% from the fifth year forward. • 2018 – 2022 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2410, 2018 was introduced and read for the first three times by title only. The bylaw will allow the City to continue with the current service levels as built into the operational budget and to commence with the planned 2018 capital projects. A Public Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the Financial Plan.

BUDGET FOR CONDILL HOTEL ACQUISITION AND DEMOLITION Council received a report from staff requesting to increase the budget for the acquisition and demolition of the Condill Hotel from $1,500,000.00, excluding GST, to $2,150,981.00 excluding GST and including $58,600 in contingency due to increased costs for demolition of the structure. The contractor for the demolition discovered significant contamination concealed inside the building in the form of multiple layers of flooring, multiple layers of roofing, multiple layers of wall board and up to 23,300 square feet of concealed asbestos drywall mud that was used for patching. This additional contamination and the actions required to appropriately manage and dispose of the contaminated materials under the provincial Hazardous Waste Regulation have created a significant change in the cost of the demolition. After considering the report, Council chose to delay the decision on amending the budget and requested that a legal opinion be obtained regarding the original assessment of hazardous materials in the building.

POLICIES •

•

Council approved Council Policy No. 135/17 – Additions to Reserves Policy, a new policy that arose from one of Council’s strategic objectives which was to develop guidelines for the consideration of urban reserves. The City needed a clearly articulated policy that can be shared with First Nations so they know the municipality’s values, goals and the process. The policy provides Council with a framework within which it will consider any Additions to Reserves (ATR) and to communicate to proponents for ATR the guidelines that they will need to adhere to. Council approved updates to Agency Construction Management Council Policy No. 127/11. This policy provides oversight to large facility construction projects. The changes recommended by staﬀ bring the policy into alignment with the organizational structure changes made in 2014. There were also a few modiﬁcations to the existing process in the policy that was learned from past projects. Councillors Bolin and Christensen were appointed as Council’s representatives on the Oversight Committee, which will be activated once the design phase of a project begins and prior to construction starting on the facility.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 13, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. A Public Meeting for the 2018 – 2022 Financial Plan 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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A6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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

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managing editor

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Weaver’s childish antics the last thing we need

rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

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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.

ecent comments by Andrew Weaver, the leader of the BC Green Party, crying foul over the NDP’s desire to pursue liquefied natural gas exports from British Columbia have left much to be desired in provincial politics and the NDPGreen coalition. Via Twitter, Mr. Weaver made the Green Party’s position on LNG quite clear: “Lest there be any doubt, let me be perfectly clear: NDP government will fall in non confidence if after all that has happened it continutes to pursue LNG folly.” Last year, after the BC Liberals did not have enough seats to form a government the BC Greens and the NDP formed a political alliance with a formal declaration called a Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), forming the foundation of their relationship. With the NDP lacking the numbers to form government themselves, forging an alliance with the Greens was their only option. Not a match made in heaven it seems. Let me remind everyone that the NDP’s stance on LNG was made quite clear during the election campaign last year, in

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

which the NDP said they would support LNG subject to conditions. I am shocked that there would be any surprise to this stance on the part of the Greens. Why was Mr. Weaver crying foul over LNG when it was clear the NDP would support LNG long before the CASA was signed, the alliance formalized, and the new government being formed? The NDP LNG stance was not new information. Why would the Greens agree to an alliance knowing full well the NDP’s intentions to pursue LNG with conditions? In fact, the BC Greens’ own platform acknowledges NDP support of LNG. Strange reaction indeed given this reality. But fear not, residents of British Columbia, all is well because Premier

Horgan and Mr. Weaver had a telephone conversation. It must have been a soothing one at that because it is appears we are no longer hearing Mr. Weaver’s threats of taking down the government. Is this what we get to experience over the next four years? Andrew Weaver throwing hissy fits when he does not get his way, threatening to take down the government each time he feels unheard? Does Premier Horgan become the helicopter parent swooping in to sooth the poor BC Greens after every hissy fit, making sure they feel important and involved? No wonder we have voter apathy. Does this relationship sound stable? Do you feel like we have political certainty moving forward? Would you invest in British Columbia given the current political climate? These childish antics are the last thing anyone in British Columbia needs. Jeff Richert lives in Taylor and ran as an independent candidate in Peace River North in the 2017 B.C. election.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel.

The supervolcano destroyed the science fair

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.

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s I mindlessly surf through my Facebook timeline, I notice an increasing number of parents posting science fair project photos with captions like, “I am so proud that Indigo and Barium completed their science fair project and did such an amazing presentation!” You know why they are proud, right? It is because very few science fair projects are completed without the blood, sweat, and tears of the worried parent. From the moment the child announces, “I need to come up with a project for the science fair!” you are wrapped up in the end product. Seeing so many of the photos on Facebook right now implies that there must be a season for science fair projects; a season like flying ant week. I don’t know about you, but we gave a sigh of relief when our kids reached a grade in school where science fair participation was no longer mandatory. Between coming up with the idea, helping with the experiment, investing emotionally in the outcome, it was all too stressful on us.

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

Do you remember the day when you drove your child to school with the Bristol board display carefully folded into thirds? You dropped them off at the school entrance and couldn’t help but chuckle at another parent carrying in a heavy volcano experiment mounted on plywood. “Ha! Don’t they know that doing a volcano is so 1975 and won’t be allowed? Someone didn’t read the rules!” You ask your child to, “Call when you get home from school and tell me how you made out at the science fair,” and they forget, so you have to think up some excuse to call them and then casually ask about the science fair. They respond with something like, “Delbert won this year for his experiment on how fracking affects butterflies. Oh, and Marty, he got an

HaveYOUR

honorable mention for his volcano.” Your head explodes and you say, “Marty, won an honorable mention for that volcano? I thought volcanos weren’t even allowed! What about you? What did they say about your experiment?” There is a pause on the phone line. You know that your child is trying to come up with the right words to prepare you for bad news. “They said that my experiment did not contain enough data to prove anything. One lady even laughed when she read through my data.” “What? Someone laughed?” Now, I was angry. “They said that trying to prove that Grandpa is lying when he says he can’t hear Grandma talking was not a real experiment.” Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book “Naked Tuesday” or catch her on CBC Radio Daybreak North where she shares her “Peace of Mind”. Follow her on twitter @judylaine

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.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A7

op-ed

Free education a high acrylic scenes return investment

eve petford photo

Joe Johnston presents a simple and familiar show of his paintings in My Neighbourhood, which opened Jan. 26 and is on display at Peace Gallery North until March 3, 2018. Uncomplicated yet beautiful, Johnson’s paintings take the observer to places all have been, present or past, on the Peace River, in Fort St. John, Williston Lake and the surrounding area.

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ver a decade ago, an immigrant was languishing in wage-stagnant Vancouver, hobbling from one odd job to another. Strongly determined, he solicited a student loan and went back to school. Predictably, he jumped tax brackets from $2,000 to $15,000 a year, providing a win for the government as well. The above illustrated educational experiment is not an individual prescription, it is a sound government policy. Economically successful countries enjoy competitive and comparative advantages over other economies when they have a well-trained and educated workforce, especially in this age of globalization and international trade. Although an economic analysis of a company, jurisdiction, or country is more complex, the two major concepts that influence a worker’s wage rate and their subsequent taxgenerating ability are training and education; well-trained workers tend to be more productive and earn more money than workers with poorer training. Like the biblical Baptist leaping for joy, I celebrated the announcement of the NDP-Green government’s college tuition waiver for former youth in government care. I cannot agree more with Premier Horgan when he offered to bring down the educational barriers for the less-advantageous among us. Originating from a part of the world where education is the golden ticket to a better life are indisputable, the words of Advance Education Minister Melanie Mark rang loud and clear: “Education can mean the difference between a life in poverty or a life of prosperity. It’s an important equalizer because when we lift people up, all our communities benefit.” It is education that moves people from a lower class to a middle, and what has moved Asia’s predominantly peasant economies into the 21st Century in a generation. Countries (jurisdictions, in our case) thrive when their educational systems thrive because of the consequent impact on economic competitiveness. Though I am a member of the premier’s political party and I concur with him on this progressive decision, the intention of this article is not sycophantic in nature. Rather, it is a clarion-call for an expansion to the decision. Why limit tuition waiver to former youth in care? I am using this platform to call for a free education for all at all levels. Our economy is about the same size as that of Finland. Our GDP is about US$220 billion and Finland is US$250 billion, with 4.6 and 5.5 million inhabitants respectively. Education is free in Finland up to the university level. With proper policy and implementation, it is within the realm of possibility. Before wringering why you should be paying for someone’s child to get a higher education and become better-paid on your back, consider the numerous benefits that will come your way if you embark on this investment journey. As illustrated in my opening summation, if education is viewed as an investment, everyone wins. The world over, successful economies have workforces that are capable of running industries where their competitive advantages over others are pronounced. Government policy makers incentivize these in many ways, but the most envious is a pool of skilled professionals. Businesses and employers have always wanted a productive workforce with a minimal managerial cost, so the high cost training their employees is being subsidized by sound government policy. In a globalized economy where older industries such as fossil fuels are becoming less competitive, futuristic leaders are apportioning emphasis on developing an education system that furnish more productive workers into scientific and technological industries. The country’s economy would then become more productive as its skilled workforce increases, since educated workers are able to efficiently discharge their high literacy and critical-thinking duties. Investing in education should not been seen as an expenditure, but rather as an investment in human capital, analogous to when companies invest in equipment for their manufacturing. According to data available from OECD, UNESCO, and UNHDP, countries or jurisdictions providing more funding for education have faster and sustainable economic growth. It is, of course, no surprise that northern European countries, Germany, Japan, Korea, etc. are on top of the list, and another reason why Donald Trump wants immigrants from Norway. On a more selfish note, you would want a more productive workforce so that they can guarantee your pension payments and benefits, just as you are paying for your parents’ and grandparents’ pensions now. Finally, the intellectual ability of a country’s citizenry is an asset, which, as in business, can be employed to more produce goods and services to improve its GDP. A country that considers education as an indispensable sustenance will be in the vanguard of the 21st Century economy. Using the micro-economic term coined by Austrian economist Wieser, investing in education involves an opportunity cost, like many policies and decisions. I guess a choice needs to be made, and maybe the message should be transported from Victoria to Ottawa.

All NEW vehicle Payments are inclusive of all taxes and fees of $523.00 which are charged on all new vehicle transactions. Payments are all calculated bi-weekly at 4.29% on a 96 months term. All payments and financing is O.A.C. See dealer for complete details. All pictures are for display purposes only and vehicles may not be exactly as illustrated. All vehicles were available on date of ad deadline. See Dealer for details. Offer Ends Jan 31 2018

Donald Fajemisin, an NDP member, is an educator and a resident of Fort St. John

A8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A9

Business

“I have a larger responsibility to look at opportunities for economic development, of job creation and investment in British Columbia.” - Premier John Horgan, A16

Data reveals new mining potential in Northern B.C. mineral deposits may be located and where to focus exploration efforts. “Globally, the increased demand for technologies like smart phones and electric cars is also increasing the demand for metals and minerals produced in B.C.,” Energy and Mines Minister Michelle Mungall said. “Geoscience BC projects like this are critical to sparking exploration, discovery and ultimately the production of metals such as copper which are used for these items every day.” Geoscience BC announced plans for the survey last May, likening it to a massive treasure hunt. The $1.7-million hunt was financed by Geoscience BC, along with a $125,000 grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT). The data is publicly available for free in raw format and summary maps. It’s meant to help the exploration sector, communities, First Nations, and governments to plan future land use and attract investment. Work is ongoing with communities and First Nations to crunch all the technical data. “This data is critically important to informing mineral exploration decisions, and helping our region capitalize on global trends,” NDIT CEO Joel Mackay said.

LNG forum in February to carry momentum

Liquefied natural gas will once again take centre stage at an upcoming resource forum in Northeast B.C. The Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coalition is planning its next forum for Feb. 28, with a range of speakers from government and industry set to speak on the state of LNG development in the province.

supplied Photo

From left: Kevin Loy, Pete Reier, Gerry Kyne, Mayor Rob Fraser, Councillor Betty Ponto, Councillor George Barber, and Councillor Dave Lueneberg.

Donation helps fill bellies, improve literacy The community of Taylor received a boost thanks several fundraisers held by Aecon employees and contractors working at various Enbridge sites near Taylor through 2017. On Tuesday, Jan. 23, representatives from Aecon and Enbridge returned to the community to present a cheque for $8000.00 to the District of Taylor. Aecon fundraiser organizer, Brad Mailman, contacted the Community Services department about which children’s groups could benefit from these donations. As Aecon wanted The forum follows on the heels of the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George earlier this month, where delegates stacked the stage in a show of solidarity for the buildout of the industry. “Those present understand how resources are extracted and produced safely each and every day,” Fort St. John Mayor Lori

funds to specifically benefit local families and children, the Community Services Department suggested Taylor Elementary as the appropriate and most valuable choice to have a large impact for the community. Aecon donated $2500.00 to the breakfast program and $1500.00 to the Taylor Elementary Library. Thanks to the efforts of Aecon as well as Community Services Director, Laura Prosko and Program and Events Coordinator, Kristen Danczak, arrangements were made with the school and donations went towards Ackerman said in a statement. “B.C. was built by our strong resource industries; they built our communities. Northeast BC residents have been producing and delivering (natural gas) safely for decades. We need provincial politicians that are pro-community.” The coalition formed in September 2014 to represent the

benefitting the lives of their students. “I am very appreciative of the donations towards the library,” said school librarian, Lisa Frankham. “Thank you for advocating for the library.” In addition to the funds provided to Taylor Elementary, money was also given to help over 90 local children attend the Kids Kamp and Kids Zone Summer Programs. They also helped to provide new equipment and supplies for community programs and activities. —Submitted interests of local governments in resource development issues, and has expanded to include a number of business and industry groups. The forum announcement comes as Premier John Horgan toured Asia, where he met with the joint venture partners of LNG Canada. More details on the program are expected soon.

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Explorers, governments, and First Nations have new data on mineral deposits in a 9,600 square kilometre swath of land in a remote corner of the Peace River Regional District. Geoscience BC released last week the results of its Search Phase III project at the AME Roundup, B.C.’s annual mining conference. “Search Phase III highlights new potential deposits containing metals like copper in a region that has been home to several mines in the past,” said Bruce Madu, Geoscience BC’s vice-president of minerals and mining, in a news release. “It’s an exciting example of how new science can be used to drive investment and stimulate our economy.” The search, done between June 28 and Nov. 5, included 9,600 square kilometres in and around the Omineca Mountains on the west side of the Williston Reservoir, where the Kemess Underground gold and copper mine is proposed. The area was surveyed by helicopters equipped with specialized equipment to measure the magnetic signatures and radioactivity of the bedrock in the region, helping to determine where valuable

A10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

business

Rotary

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NOTICE OF ISKUT BAND & TAHLTAN BAND COMMUNITY RATIFICATION VOTE TAKE NOTICE THAT A RATIFICATION VOTE WILL BE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ISKUT BAND COMMUNITY RATIFICATION PROCESS ON: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018; THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018; FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018; SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018; AND SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018 IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF ELIGIBLE VOTERS APPROVE THE ISKUT BAND LAND CODE AND INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENT. The following question will be asked of the Eligible Voters of Iskut Band by ballot:

“Do you approve the Iskut Band Land Code, dated October 4, 2017 for reference and the Individual Agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada?” TAKE NOTICE THAT A RATIFICATION VOTE WILL BE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TAHLTAN BAND COMMUNITY RATIFICATION PROCESS ON: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2018; THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018; FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018; SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018; AND SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018 IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF ELIGIBLE VOTERS APPROVE THE TAHLTAN BAND LAND CODE AND INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENT. The following question will be asked of the Eligible Voters of Tahltan Band by ballot:

“Do you approve the Tahltan Band Land Code, dated November 29, 2017 for reference and the Individual Agreement with Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada?”

RATIFICATION VOTE LOCATIONS 10:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

FEB 28TH TO MAR 1ST, 2018

MAR 2ND TO MAR 3RD, 2018

MARCH 4TH, 2018

YOUTH CENTRE & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BUILDING ISKUT

TELEGRAPH CREEK RECREATION CENTRE

TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE IR #9, #13 HILL STREET

VIA ELECTRONIC BALLOT JANUARY 26TH TO MARCH 4TH 2018 YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE ELECTRONICALLY - To register to vote electronically, please visit your First Nations website https://onefeather.ca/nations/iskut or https://onefeather.ca/tahltan and follow the instructions provided. You will be required to provide your Band Registry Number (Status Card), Date of Birth and an email address and phone number. If you encounter any problems or are unable to complete this registration process, contact the Ratification Officer immediately. Copies of your First Nations Framework Agreement, Individual Agreement, Land Code, and the background

documents may be obtained from Sheila Quash at the Tahltan Band Office (250-235-3151) and Jodi Payne at the Iskut Band Office (250-234-3331), or visit http://www.tahltan.ca/landcode/vote-information or www. http://iskut.org/landcode/vote-information for electronic copies, send request by email to: askus@tahltan.ca or askus@iskut.org. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that all members of Iskut Band and Tahltan Band 18 years of age or older as of the date of the Ratification Vote are eligible to vote, PROVIDED THAT SUCH MEMBERS HAVE SUBMITTED A COMPLETE, SIGNED AND WITNESSED VOTER REGISTRATION DOCUMENT TO THE RATIFICATION OFFICER PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF POLLS IN THE CASE OF IN-PERSON VOTING AND VOTING BY MAIL. IN THE CASE OF ELECTRONIC VOTING, VOTERS WILL COMPLETE REGISTRATION THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEM PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE POLLS. Voter registration documents will be sent to all Eligible Voters whose address is on record with the Iskut Band and Tahltan Band. VOTER REGISTRATION documents are also available from Lawrence Lewis, Ratification Officer at the website and contact information appearing below. Please Note: Any Registered Voter may vote in person, by Mail-in Ballot or Electronic Ballot. If an Eligible Voter has not received a Voter Registration Document please contact Lawrence Lewis, Ratification Officer so that the necessary form can be provided to you. Dated in Victoria, Province of British Columbia this 12th day of January 2018.

Gaudy. Glitzy. Pumped up plastic surgery. A crime against taste and decency. BC Business may have declared Fort St. John the best place to work in 2018 with the highest household incomes, but it has less flattering things to say about the city’s taste in home decor for those looking to spend their hardearned paydays on local real estate. A $4.1-million mansion for sale on the 271 Road earned a writeup in the magazine’s weekly feature on luxury real estate on offer across the province last Thursday. “You have—we guarantee it—never seen such bling,” the magazine began, lacing its tongue with adjectives and launching into a sharp critique of what it called a “mammoth modern monstrosity,” its diamond-encrusted fireplace and hand-painted marble walls, and all. “With that oh-so demure nod to taste and decency— akin to Liberace picking purple ostrich feathers instead of pink—we’re sure the luxury homebuyers will be beating a path forthwith to go be the people who live in that crazy house up north,” the magazine concluded. The property first made headlines in July 2016 when it first hit the market with a price tag of $6 million. It was the most expensive home on the market then, and still is. It’s not hard to see why — the 6,500 square foot, fivebedroom house was custom built on 160 acres, and includes a 7,500 square foot shop with even more living space next door. Children’s play room? Check. A billiards and media room? You bet. Those chandeliers? Yes, one of Swarovski crystal,

the other African. Oh, and the staircase railings? Those were $20,000. But it’s not just a home that’s being sold, Kevin Pearson, the realtor working to sell the property, said last Friday after reading the BC Business spotlight. It’s a great location for a home-based trucking business, Pearson said, noting the property could be worth more than $20 million if subdivided. It also comes with $27,000 in annual land lease income, he added, and a current property appraisal shows a current replacement value of more than $6 million. “I don’t believe I gave permission to use our pictures but I suppose even bad publicity can sometimes be good for the exposure on this property,” Pearson said in an email. “I imagine a property with this much land and potential in the Lower Mainland or Okanagan would be listed substantially higher. As I don’t know those markets, I won’t venture a guess.” Other pricey real estate BC Business has spotlighted include a $14 million home in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood, with a double height pool room it says is “the answer to your commercial hydroponic pot dreams”; and a $9 million home, also in Point Grey, noted as “the perfect home for bringing up proper brats.” Back in the Peace, the second most priciest piece of real estate on the market is the Williston Lake Resort, listed for $3.9 million. Sitting in third is a Tudorstyle home on the 244 Road listed at $2.4 million.

Painted Pony fined $235K Painted Pony Energy has been ordered to pay $235,000 to four wildlife groups. The fines come after federal environmental enforcement officers found fourteen dead migratory birds in one in the company’s tanks used to store fracking fluids in March and April of 2017. The company was operating fracking sites at the time of the offence, Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a news release Wednesday, and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of depositing a substance harmful to migratory birds in May. In a sentence issued by the provincial court on Dec. 22, Painted Pony was ordered to pay $115,000 to Ducks

Unlimited Canada, $57,500 each to the Mackenzie Nature Observatory and the Oiled Wildlife Society of B.C., as well as $5,000 to the federal Environmental Damages Fund. Painted Pony has since installed deterrent measures at the tank to prevent other birds from becoming trapped, the ministry said. However, its name is being added to the environmental offenders registry, the ministry added. The federal ministry is responsible for administering and enforcing the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which protects migratory bird populations and regulates human activities that could impact those populations.

TAKE PART IN THE ARTS IN FEBRUARY 2018

Monday Night at the Movies Brooklyn Feb 1 With the Fort St. John Film Society Aurora Cinema

Feb 2 Kid’s Night at the Museum Canadian Birds Comedy for High On High Trent McClellan 5, 6, 7Reg. in advance FSJ North PeaceFeb Museum 250-787-0430Lido Theatre 8pm Feb 2The Rosy Window Book Launch Vagina Monologues Feb 5 With the Authors Megan Knott and BevatBerg at With Women’s Resource Society NPCC Peace Gallery North 7pm

Ballet Kelowna’s Boundless Feb 19

7:30pm Feb 21 FSJ Arts NPCC Council Meeting At the Artspost Everyone Welcome Night at the Movies 12 noonMonday – 1pm James White Feb 29

the Fort St. John Film Society Feb 23With Vagina Monologues Aurora Cinema With the Women’s Resource Society at NPCC 7pm

AGM Dinner of North Peace Historical

Art Exhibit “Dinner Talk” Feb 12- Mar 1 FebWith 5 Monday Night Film C’est La Vie artists Mary Parslow, Alan White, With the FSJ Film AuroraNorth Cinema 7pm Karen Heathman,Society Peace at Gallery NPCC

Society Feb 24 Feb 26 Pro-D Day Art Class at the Artspost Senior CitizensStudios Hall Tickets at 250-787-0430 With Spectrum 1:30-3:30pm 250-794-1383

Feb 9-11 Coloured Ice Sculpture Circus Fred Penner in Concert Feb 13 By Artist Eliza Stanford at Centennial Park NPCC 3:30pm

Feb 26the Monday NightRegional Film Novitiate With Peace Liard Arts Council in With the FSJ FilmDawson SocietyCreek at Aurora Cinema 7pm

Feb 17/18 Spinners and Weaver Koba’sRetreat Great Big Show Live Feb 14 Annual NPCC 1PM At Northern Lights College

Night at the Movies Feb 17Monday Peace Fusion Dance Showcase Sleeping Giant Feb 15 NPCC With the Fort St. John Film Society Aurora Cinema

Feb 17 Heritage Week George Country HistoryCanyon Stands the Test ofMusic Time Feb 15, 16 Lido Theatre 8pm FSJ North Peace Museum 1-4pm

AGM of PLRAC Feb 20

Fort27 St. NP John Arts Council Meeting Feb Historical Society AGM Feb 17 At the Artspost 10320 94 Avenue At the Museum 6pm $25 tickets in advance New Comers Welcome 12 noon at museum

Until MarChoice 3 Art Exhibit Neighbourhood” Artist’s Juried“My Exhibition Jan 8 - 30 WithWith Artist JohnstonofPeace Gallery North theJoe Federation Canadian Artists (NPCC)at Dawson Creek Art Gallery Creek

FOR MORE ON ARTS HAPPENINGS Lawrence Lewis, Ratification Officer

For more information, please contact Lawrence Lewis, Ratification Officer Ph/Txt: 250 889-1582 TF: 1-855-458-5888 Fax: 250 384-5416 Email: lewis.l@telus.net PO Box 35008 Hillside, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 5G2

https://onefeather.ca/nations/iskut | https://onefeather.ca/nations/tahltan R0011518933

www.fsjarts.org

R0011355904

Clubs of Dawson Creek

BC Business magazine hates northern home style, calls FSJ home a ‘modern monstrosity’

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A11

Local News

peace region

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in the courts for the week ending Jan. 26. Fort St John Law Courts • Dallas Jade Schwandt (born 1994) was fined $750, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $112.50 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited. • Sean Ivan Reynolds (born 1983) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault of a peace officer. Fort Nelson Law Courts

Special Delivery

• Steven Allan Leer (born 1983) was fined $3,000, given a two-year probation order, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $900 victim surcharge for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified. • Peter Callbreath (born 1963) was fined $2,000, and assessed $300 in vic-

tim surcharges for hunting wildlife out of season and unlawful possession of dead wildlife. • Sheldon Berreault (born 1991) was given a six-month conditional sentence, handed a two-year probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. • Marty John Cooper (born 1989) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking.

mayor Q&A Mayor Lori Ackerman delivers the reply to the Toast to Lassies at the 51st annual Nicht Wi’ Burns on Jan. 27, 2018. Visit alaskahighwaynews.ca this weekend to read an extended question interview with Ackerman, looking back on 2017 and ahead in 2018. An abridged version will appear in next week’s edition of the News.

Dawson Creek Law Courts • Bryan Michael Santa (born 1965) was sentenced to 112 days in jail, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for theft of a motor vehicle. • Trina Lynn Brown (born 1975) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for care or control of a vehicle while impaired. Brown was further fined $200 and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for uttering threats.

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TERVITA CORPORATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE Application for a Permit Amendment under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act We, Tervita Corporation (Tervita) at 1600, 140 10th Avenue S.E. T2G 0R1 at Calgary, Alberta, submit this application to the Director to authorize the permitted capacity to be changed from a volume limit to engineered final design volume for the industrial cells at Northern Rockies Landfill, Permit No.: 16078. This amendment is administrative in nature and proposes to increase the permitted volume, 238,000 m3, to the landfill design volume of 323,790 m3. Tervita is not proposing a change to the engineered design of the landfill, only that the permit references the design volume of 323,790 m3. This administrative amendment would provide Tervita the opportunity to maximize utilization of the existing permitted footprint. Permit No.: 16078 was originally issued on October 3, 2000 and last amended on April 16, 2013. The land upon which the Facility will discharge refuse is located at A-077-G/094-J-10, in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. The Facility is approximately 20 km south of Fort Nelson, off the Alaska Highway (HWY 93). The Facility is currently open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The main source of waste is from the regional oil and gas industry. Other industries that produce waste meeting the Permit criteria are also occasionally accepted. Commonly accepted waste streams are listed below: • Contaminated Soils (Crude Oil / Condensate) • Contaminated Soils (Refined Fuels / Oils) • Hydrocarbon Contaminated Material • Drilling Waste No treatment will be applied to the discharge. The waste will be placed into operating landfill cell(s) and responsibly managed until the cell(s) permanent cover is to be installed, once waste stability permits. Physical Landfill cell size(s) will not be changing. All Facility systems and designs were engineered for the design volume of 323,790 m3. Thus, there are no proposed design changes (i.e. surface water, leachate and liner systems) and no additional construction associated with this permit amendment. Any person who may be adversely affected by the changes to landfill capacity and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Director, Environmental Impact, Oil & Gas Authorizations at: Ministry of Environment 1011 4th Ave Prince George, BC V2L 3H9 Or via e-mail at: authorizations.north@gov.bc.ca The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record. Dated this 15th day of January 2018 Contact person: Peter Nelson Telephone Number: 403-234-4875

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 July 13-15!

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A12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

French immersion needs space; English students hands-on learning ma murray from a1

The district’s French immersion program needs more classroom space to sustain itself, Sloan said, while his presentation to trustees noted the English students being transferred would have expanded hands-on learning opportunities at Ma Murray. “With the new class size and composition language, having a cap on Kindergarten spaces of 20 means we would need at least three Kindergarten immersion classes to sustain the program,” he said. Trustees acknowledged district staff for the work developing the catchment in voting their approval. “We kicked this thing around every different way,” trustee Jaret Thompson said. “Everything we looked at so far really points to Scenario C as being better than the others. I don’t think there’s much in the way of an alternative, that we’ve seen so far.” Ida Campbell said the exercise was a good process for trustees. “I really learned a lot through the way we did this,” she said. “I believe that we did take everything into consideration and I feel quite confident going forward.” Trustee Candace Dow said it was a tough decision. “Hard to keep everyone happy, but it was the best decision we could possibly come up with,” she said. Board chair Erin Evans agreed, noting a lot of questions concerned how students would get from Central to Ma Murray. “Our staff did a really a really great job and a thorough job in looking at all the options with a finetooth comb,” Evans said.

matt preprost Photo

Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School, Jan. 29, 2018.

Construction nears completion The catchment will have the biggest staffing impacts on Central and CM Finch schools, said Michele Wiebe, president of the Peace River North Teachers’ Association. The catchment impacts four English classes at Ecole Central, while four or five teachers will be displaced at CM Finch, she said. Wiebe told trustees she’ll be monitoring teacher movements and hiring for the new school, and ensuring post and fill job language in the collective agreement is upheld. “I’m sure we can all work together to make the transition smooth,” Wiebe said. Registration for Ma Murray can be made through the board office. The district’s ex-

isting variance policy and processes will remain in place for the new school. The school, being built at an estimated cost of $26.6 million, is expected to be complete by May, according to Doug Boyd, the assistant superintendent for special projects in charge of the build. “Things are going well. You can drive by there and see quite a change from the outside, but even more so on the inside,” Boyd said. If the school is complete and furnished in time, Boyd hopes to invite teachers and classrooms across the district for a tour to experience the new environment, as well as district staff to understand the “philosophy of the new school.” “It’s a unique building and operation,” Boyd said. “Ideally, it would be an exceptional opportunity.”

New schools still needed The approved catchment gives impacted schools some breathing room — for now. When it opens, Ma Murray school will have a nominal capacity of 365 students, however, the district needs time to process Monday’s decision and how it will impact enrolments, Sloan said. The district has previously estimated opening enrolment at Ma Murray to be between 337 and 358 students, however, it’s expected to be at capacity within a few years, if not sooner. The district continues to press the province for funding to build new schools to meet growing enrolment. “It’s not just people moving into our community, but we’re

growing our own,” Boyd said, noting local birth rates of up to 600 new babies a year. “That, by itself, signals it’s a very healthy population and a young population.” The district has submitted a business case to the ministry of education for a new elementary school on 11 acres of land across the hospital. The district is looking to build the school to a capacity of 500, Boyd said, and relieve overcrowded classrooms on the east side of Fort St. John. The district will submit its capital plan to the ministry in June, and will continue to request funding to replace Central and Charlie Lake schools, Boyd said. The district is also pushing the need for a new middle school for 600 students adjacent to Ma Murray, and it will need to acquire more land for a future high school and another elementary school if student populations continue to grow, Boyd said. There were 5,996 students in the district at the end of 2017.

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of the

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The Cambridge is that rare exception to the rule -- a compact country-style home. Typically, homes with gabled rooflines, dormer windows and a wraparound front porch are out of reach for first-time homebuyers and far too large for empty nesters. But this plan is designed for economy and efficient maintenance, making it equally well-suited to the needs of singles, families with young children, or couples who've graduated from parenthood to grandparenthood.

And placement of the front bedroom, adjacent to the front porch, makes it an ideal location for a home ofﬁce. Relocating the closet would allow installation of a door for direct access from the porch.

Day-to-day living takes place in a bright, vaulted family room/kitchen combination that faces the rear. Naturally illuminated by skylights, side windows and a high dormer, this area rarely needs electrical lighting during daylight hours. Sliding glass doors in the eating nook open onto a wide deck allowing meals to

move outside when days are warm. Utilities are just a few steps away, tucked in the passageway to the garage. Potted plants ﬂourish on 8-foot-high recessed plant shelves that ﬂank the vaulted entry hall, overarch the entrance to the family room, and mark the passageway to the owners' suite. Families with brown thumbs can use these shelves as display space.

Luxury amenities in the owners' suite include a large walk-in closet and twin basins in a dressing area separate from the water closet and shower.

While the Cambridge lacks a formal dining room, it does have an impressive living room with a wide bay window. Built-in bookcases ﬂank a wide-hearthed ﬁreplace, providing display space for family mementos.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Cambridge 10-045. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com or call 800-634-0123.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A13

PERSPECTIVES

In every fair face Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

Emerson wrote: “Never lose the opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting — a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” That includes each of the fair faces of our children. Each is an ingredient in that cup of blessing and each is a part of God’s love that is within his or her sacred body. To acknowledge that is truly one of those opportunities of seeing something that is beautiful and is of God. Men and women (in particular) need to protect that which is most precious to them: their bodies, their minds, their hearts, and their spirits. In the ageless, timeless pursuit of human love in a world of broken love, each time an individual gives himself or herself away sexually, he or she gives another little piece of his or her soul away that is forever lost. Where this starts, of course, is with secure love at home. Teach children the art of self-respect and selflove. Moreover, the older generation must instruct youth that what makes a man a true man is not someone that sleeps with different girls and then walks away from them leaving them forever altered. Just because he doesn’t talk about his sexual conquests with his friends afterwards doesn’t make

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Richard Compart lines up a shot during a game of 101 at the senior’s hall on Jan. 29, 2018.

him a man, and it certainly doesn’t make him a hero. As for our young females, the affirmation of a man will not make them whole as women. The giving away of self sexually in the hope that it will bring male love, adoration, commitment or affirmation will only result in feelings of abject selfloathing and despair. To our sons and daughters I say: Cherish yourselves more dearly and do not give yourselves away cheaply. There never has been nor will ever there be someone like you again. You’re worth so much more. You’re worth the world. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, please send it to: angelamarygriffin@gmail. com.

Home2 Suites piles up awards The Home2 Suites by Hilton in Fort St. John brought home three top awards from Hilton’s 2018 All Suites Hotel Leadership Conference in New Orleans last month. The hotel won the company’s Connie Award, named after Hilton Worldwide’s founder Conrad Hilton, and awarded for SUPPLIED PHOTO quality assurance audits measuring cleanliness, Home2 Suites General Manager Christina Seguin (right) and Sales condition and brand Manager Nadya McLean. standards, customer satisfaction, staff service, and the quality of the hotel’s top five performers in this category. physical accommodations. The hotel also earned Nadya McLean also the Highest Extended Stay brought home the Excellence Percentage – Merit Award, in Sales Leadership Award. with 67.7 per cent of its The hotel is owned by guests staying more than Kelowna-based Argus five nights at any given time, Properties Ltd and managed and placing the hotel in the by Inn-Trust Hospitality Ltd.

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everal years ago, an article appeared in one of Canada’s national newspapers that emphasized a father should advise his son that he must be discreet after a girl gives her body to him sexually. For a father to tell his son that he shouldn’t “kiss and tell,” as the article suggested, isn’t good enough. Nor is it developing a man’s character. In every culture, masculinity is bestowed by masculinity just as femininity blesses femininity. This culture is failing to bring its sons and daughters to authentic adulthood. A father must teach his son that he should protect a beauty by preserving her, just as he’d wish for his daughter’s virtue to be preserved, and just as his son would want his future wife to be cherished by the other boys that date her before he gets his opportunity to meet her. Just because boys don’t talk about the girls with whom they have had sex doesn’t make their actions any less injurious. They’ve still tarnished the spirits of our collective daughters. As a teacher, I’ve seen many devastated teen girls. They have ended up pregnant and alone, or with a STD and alone. Some have ended up in a sex video though underage and those videos were then distributed through social media, a criminal offense now committed. Once sexual relationships that should never have happened end, the academic achievements of female students suffer as they sink into depression, broken-hearted, dispirited. Sex isn’t the same for boys. The mere biology of sex has girls receiving and boys expelling.

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A14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

The End of Energy Scarcity

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) This is a popular time for you, especiallywith younger people and creative, artistic types. Nevertheless, be patient with coworkers today. (Oh yeah.) TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You are high-viz now, and people admire you! You might even strike up a romance with your boss or someone in a position of authority. (Oh my.) GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Your desire to travel is strong now. Nevertheless, today you might be annoyed with a partner or family member. Stay friendly. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Because you are focused on shared property, inheritances and insurance issues, you might be at odds with someone today. Actually, you can benefit from these negotiations. Be nice. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Remember to get more sleep now, because you need it. Meanwhile, relationships with partners and close friends are supportive. Avoid disputes about money, especially with your kids. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Today the Moon is in your sign at odds with Mars, which can make you shorttempered. Fortunately, things go well at work and with co-workers. That’s a blessing. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) This is a playful time for your

For Thursday February 1 2018

sign! You want to party, enjoy sports events and have fun! Be patient if someone irritates you today. (This is small stuff.)

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Be patient with partners and bosses today. Instead, start to plan where you might travel this year. You want to expand your world in exciting ways through education and seeing new, exotic places.

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

now uses. Wind power is simple, versatile, and very inexpensive to run. Alberta just awarded contracts for 600 megawatts of new wind development, paying just 3.7 cents per kilowatt-hour, half the cost of new natural gas generation. Cheap! And getting cheaper. How much wind energy is there? A 2005 Stanford University study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research found that if only 20 per cent of the wind potential of the planet were harvested, it would cover the entire world’s energy needs. This would cover with wind farms about 0.3 per cent of the Earth’ surface, much of it offshore where the winds are strong and steady. The vast amount of solar energy pouring onto our planet from the sun is roughly 23,000 times more than the total energy humanity is currently using. Capturing just one tenth of one per cent of that would give us six times more energy than we consume in all forms today. A smart phone is a solid-state device that converts a tiny bit of electricity directly into a lot of information. Solar electric modules are solid-state devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. No moving parts, no fuel, no maintenance, no toxic emissions. That’s why solar is now the fastest growing energy source on the planet, and if it isn’t already, it will soon be the cheapest, too. Of course, the new world of new energy will use a combination of all these (and many others), as different areas are rich in one form of energy more than another. This mixed variety, decentralized and widely available, will create a much more robust and reliable energy grid than we have now. And like becoming our own information “expert” at the press of a button, we will all become our own energy suppliers, freed from controlled and manipulated energy scarcity at last. Don Pettit can be reached at dpettit@pris.ca

Aw, You Should Have

Dear Annie: My boyfriend and I have been together for three SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) years. Everything is going well Your focus on home, family and between us, and he’s a sweet redecorating where you live is and thoughtful guy in general. strong now. You want to create a But he didn’t get me a present comfortable home for yourself. or card for Christmas, and it’s Avoid disputes about money been bothering me the past few today. weeks, though I’ve tried to just SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) move on. It’s not something I’m This is a fast-paced week for you. eager to bring up. I feel pretty whiny even admitting in this letIn addition, you are high-viz, ter that it bothers me. I got him a especially in the eyes of bosses, few gifts and took him out to his parents, VIPs and the police. favorite restaurant. I know that Avoid disputes with bosses, you shouldn’t expect a gift in reparents and power figures, turn when you give something, because it’s not worth it. but it just stung a little that he didn’t put thought into getting CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) me something -- anything at all. Your focus on money and cash I would have been happy with a flow is strong this week. In fact, card or a special home-cooked you might boost your earnings! meal or some other small gesture. (Avoid controversial subjects Last year, he got me a nice prestoday, like politics, religion and ent, so I just assumed we’d be exracial issues.) changing presents this year. Am AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) I being ridiculous? Should I just Disputes about shared property get over it, or should I tell him? -and inheritances might arise Snubbed in the South

briefly today. Fear not, because your reputation is going to be fabulous for the rest of this year!

uddenly, the internet has brought the end of information scarcity. Similarly, the switch to renewable energy will, I believe, bring us to the quick and final end of energy scarcity. Here’s how and why. Remember those distant times before digital technology, when all knowledge was stored in books and libraries? Information was hard to find, limited, controlled, scarce. Advanced knowledge was in the hands of “experts” who dolled it out for a price. Now, anyone with a computer or smart phone has instant, speed-of-light access from anywhere in the world, to all the accumulated knowledge and information of thousands of years of civilization. Truly revolutionary, but it happened, and it happened quickly. Likewise, the rapid shift to the renewable energies of sun, wind, and geothermal will bring us to the end of energy scarcity. Why? Because these new energies are everywhere, and simple devices can harvest them whereever and whenever it’s needed. But is there enough of this free, clean energy to power our high tech, over-populated planet? Is it actually and truly possible to run everything on energies constantly replenished by natural forces? Yep! And once fully implemented over the next decade or two, or three, it will spell the end of energy monopolies and energy scarcity, and will provide the cheapest, cleanest and most abundance energy ever seen. Geothermal power is energy harvested from the natural heat of the Earth’s molten core. Plants are usually placed where the heat is closer to the Earth’s surface, such as along fault lines. But if you drill a hole straight down for four or five kilometres pretty well anywhere on the planet you get a lot of heat that is easily converted to electricity. Geothermal is perfect for steady, base-load energy without storage, the kind big industry and cities need. The total energy consumption of all the countries on the planet is about half a zettajoule (a joule is a unit of energy equal to one watt-second. A zettajoule is one with 21 zeros after it). A 2006 MIT study showed that the geothermal potential around the planet is about 13,000 zettajoules, so geothermal alone could provide 26 times more energy than the world

Dear Snubbed: You’re not being ridiculous. But before you get self-righteous, consider that while gifts can be loving gestures, loving gestures can be gifts, too. Perhaps material presents aren’t important to your boyfriend and he didn’t realize they’d be important to you. Let him know your feelings on the matter -- but before you do, make a list of all the other ways he shows his love. Read it immediately before your

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

talk so you go into it with an attitude of gratitude and can easily share with him a few things he’s done that have made you feel cherished. This keeps the focus on love, not blame. I’d also suggest you and your boyfriend read “The 5 Love Languages,” by Gary Chapman, to avoid this type of miscommunication in the future. Dear Annie: You have been so helpful to print letters commenting on what not to say to someone who has lost a loved one or had a miscarriage, etc. May I comment on what not to say to someone who has been a victim of a home burglary? Recently, we returned home from a funeral a few miles away to find that our home had been burglarized. Our children and grandchildren were with us. First, please do not start any sentence with “you were so lucky.” “You were so lucky no one was home.” (But we probably would not have been victims if we had been home.) “You were so lucky to have family with you when you got home.” (Really? Lucky my little grandchildren had to see this mess and I had to fake

being brave?) “You were so lucky. Remember that things are just things.” (Well, they were my things, and they are gone forever.) After a week, I actually was ready to say, “We were so lucky.” So I would suggest you wait until the victim says those words himself or herself. Then you can add your “lucky” comments. I did appreciate when someone said, “I’m so sorry this happened. Can I help?” -- Sadder but Wiser Dear Sadder but Wiser: It’s human nature to want to “fix” everyone’s problems (everyone’s but our own, that is). When someone shares bad news, we have a hard time simply sitting with it. We want to offer solutions or at least sunny perspectives. I understand the impulse, but it does more harm than good, as evidenced in your letter. Simply listening and acknowledging a person’s hardship is almost always the best way to help. We shouldn’t deny anyone space to simply be upset after a traumatic incident. And yes, having your home burglarized qualifies as a traumatic event. I’m sure you felt incredibly violated. Glad to hear you’re doing OK now. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. 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, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 A15

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

TODAY’S PUZZLE

• • • • • • • • • • • •

12. Sailboat

17. For each 19. Farewell

20. Ethnic group of Sierra Leone

21. German industrial city

25. Measures intensity of light 29. Small, faint constellation

31. Promotes enthusiastically 32. Malaysian inhabitant

33. Ancient units of measurement 35. An unspecified period

38. Frame house with up to three stories

4. Dress

10. Nothing

11. Relating to apes

12. They protect and serve 14. Swindle

15. Show’s partner 16. Lift

18. Raise up

39. Tropical Asian plant 40. Guilty or not guilty

41. Carbon dioxide 42. Able to arouse intense feeling

48. Earl’s jurisdiction 50. Omitted

51. Heartbeat

52. Albania capital 22. Do something to an excessive degree 53. Fashion accessory 54. Interaction value 23. Occupies analysis 24. Power-driven 55. Symbol of aircraft exclusive 26. Indicates position ownership 27. Matchstick games 56. More promising 28. This and __ 58. __ student, learns 30. No longer here healing 31. Health insurance 59. Nonresident doctor 34. Spore-producing receptacle on fern frond 36. Monetary unit

60. Midway between east and southeast

CLUES DOWN 1. Enrages

2. Capital of Saudi Arabia

3. Uses in an unfair way 4. Cesium

5. Written works

6. Breakfast item

7. Found in showers 8. A way of fractioning

9. Unit of measurement

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

1. Plural of be

37. Sweet potatoes

41. Lassie is one

43. Martinis have them 44. Rant

45. Famed journalist Tarbell 46. Opening

47. Round Dutch cheese

49. Archaic form of do 56. Once more

57. Registered nurse

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A16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

his immortal memory

NDP’s Site C review changes AG’s direction site c from a1

It’s hard to believe Fort St. John has been celebrating the famed poet Robbie Burns and all things Scottish for more than half a century. But indeed, we have, and the 51st annual Nicht Wi’ Burns was another fine evening of dinner, dance, poetry, and toasts. Left: John Haggerty gives the customary address to the haggis. Top right: Pipe Major Robbie McMullin leads in the head table. Bottom right: Alan Stebbings raises a glass of athol brose in his toast to the lassies.

Museum News — February 2018

he start of a new year is always full of grant writing, analyzing last year’s numbers, and pulling together new exhibits, programs, and events for this year. We set records across the board again in paid visitors, gift shop customers, and guided tour groups and educational programs. A lot of what we accomplished was thanks to our 96 volunteers and the 4,066 hours they put in last year! Volunteering can be as simple as putting in an hour or two baking for one of our fundraisers, helping with an event, or working on a project for the museum. If you want to get involved, contact Heather at 250-787-0430 or fsjnpmuseum@fsjmail.com. Joan Patterson, the longtime volunteer who kept the museum open on Saturdays, has retired after over 30 years of service. We are very thankful for the thousands of hours she donated running our gift shop, serving as treasurer, and helping with exhibits and

events. The museum will be closed on Saturdays (apart from special events below) from January through March as we work to find volunteers to help fill her shoes. Archives & Collections Did you know that the museum collects obituaries? If you have a recently deceased relative who lived in this area and have not posted his/her obituary through Hamre’s or in the Alaska Highway News, please feel free to email it to the museum archives at fsjmarchives@fsjmail.com. School Programs School programs are back in full swing at the museum. We have two new offerings this year. Our Building the Alaska Highway Program is now available for grades 4-6 as well as grade one (original program) and high school. We also have a 30-minute special tour of our Say Yes to the Dress: A Journey through the

History of Infant’s Clothing combined with a 30-minute guided tour of the museum. exhibits • “Those Were the Good Days” Constable Lawrence Clay Recalls his Service in the North Peace, 1938-1942 Now through May at the North Peace Regional Airport Constable Lawrence Clay served as a British Columbia Provincial Police Officer in Fort St. John from just before the construction of the Alaska Highway through the eightmonth construction in 1942. Learn about the challenges he faced from American generals ignoring his position to locals bootlegging whiskey. Upcoming Events • Kids’ Night at the Museum: BIRDS! Friday, February 2, 2018 at 7 p.m. Snowy owls, northern flickers, and snow buntings…

the birds of the North Peace come in a variety of sizes and colours. Learn interesting facts about these fliers, spot taxidermy bird specimens around the museum, hear a story about birds, and make bird-related crafts. Registration is mandatory and limited. • Heritage Day Saturday, February 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum The theme for this year’s Heritage Week is Heritage Stands the Test of Time. Find our what’s going on behind the scenes at the museum by taking a guided tour of our collections storage area and seeing several artefacts that are not currently on display. See a photo exhibit on local heritage buildings with past and present photographs juxtaposed. Make a paper bag building. Heather Sjoblom is manager and curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.

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Bellringer notes in her latest plan that work began in early 2017 to examine information given to government to inform its decision to build Site C, its cost and progress to date, and the impacts of carrying on with construction. All that was covered in the utilities commission review, completed last fall. It prompted the NDP to continue building Site C while pushing its cost to $10.7 billion — up from $8.8 billion when the Liberals first approved its construction at the end of 2014. Bellringer notes in the plan that her office changed direction “in response to the external environment.” “We still intend to examine the Site C project and are reassessing our approach to determine how to best support MLAs and British Columbians,” she wrote. The office is expected to determine its focus in the coming weeks, Bellringer told CBC News. “It’s really hard to argue... there isn’t some aspect that we shouldn’t be scrutinizing,” she told the CBC. “In terms of the size, the significance, the impact on taxpayers, the impact on rate payers, it’s all very much of interest and importance from our perspective.”

Four pillars to NDP’s LNG strategy lng from a1

Earlier the same day, BC Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver said a Tuesday night call with the premier had left him feeling “reassured” that they were on the same page. Weaver argued it would be “impossible” for the NDP to support a provincial LNG industry while upholding its commitment to meet certain climate change targets. Weaver also acknowledged he himself would be “morally bankrupt” if he backed down from the issue. “We need the decision-makers in the BC NDP to recognize that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. You can either meet your climate targets, or you can build an LNG industry. Take your pick,” Weaver said. Just three days after their private call, Horgan had a different take. “I don’t mean to diminish Andrew’s role as a stakeholder, that’s not meant in a pejorative way. But there are lots of people with lots of ideas on climate action,” said Horgan. “We’ve been consistent,” he added. “The other side of the coin however is that I have a larger responsibility to look at opportunities for economic development, of job creation and investment in British Columbia.” Earlier last week, when it emerged that Horgan had met with B.C.-based LNG industry leaders prior to his trip, and that he planned to continue those conversations in Asia, Weaver challenged that he would push the NDP to a vote of nonconfidence if the party chose to pursue additional LNG projects in B.C. “I’m under no illusion Mr. Weaver’s very passionate about this, and as you know we can take it 140 characters at a time and more so,” the premier said, adding that he will be meeting with Weaver upon his return, and elaborating on the four key pillars of the NDP’s LNG strategy. These include ensuring LNG projects provide a return to B.C., that British Columbians are put to work, that Indigenous communities are partners and that climate objectives are met. —Business in Vancouver

Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2018 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

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IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

Nobody wins if Tom Brady wins Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

H MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Todd Gunther drives his snowcat to build a snowboard course near Toboggan Hill Park along 93 Avenue on Jan. 26, 2018. Cody Lorentz and Blair Pedersen were busy working on the course last weekend as well. There will be a snowboard competition held there Feb. 10 as part of the High on Ice Festival, and the park could be open to the public as soon as Feb. 3.

Telizyn going for gold at Canadian championships DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

One year removed from winning a national title, 15-year-old speed skater Josh Telizyn is hoping to repeat that success the next two weekends. A selfdescribed speed skating junkie, Telizyn won the gold for 14- year-old males at the 2017 Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships in Edmonton. Before he will compete to retain that title, he will skate in the Canadian Junior Long Track Championships in Fort St.

John this weekend, Feb. 2 to 4. Telizyn said he will be the underdog, as he is competing against a group of 15 to 19-year-olds. He will be racing skaters who have gone to the Junior World Championships and Olympic Trials. He will be racing in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 5000m mass start races, and is hoping the home ice advantage is a factor this weekend. “Being the under dog, it’s going to be a challenge since I’m the young guy here,” Telizyn said. Nevertheless, if he

continues to skate as well as he has so far this season, there’s no telling what he can accomplish. His coach with the Fort St. John Elks, Richard Stickel, likes what he has seen from Telizyn in the last two years. “He really made a big improvement last year and he consolidated that this year. He’s come on as of late and has proven himself to be a top skater right now,” Stickel said. Telizyn is a little more modest, saying that this season has been hit and miss. “I’ve had really good

moments and quite awful moments, but that’s because we’re just trying to pin point little things we can fix,” he said. One of those things he is working on is not getting into powerful strides right away, but preserving that top level of speed a little later into the race. It’s that work ethic and attention to detail that Stickel said makes Telizyn one of the best. “He’s really strong and he has that special ability to focus.” See TELIZYN on B4

Flyers head into playoffs first overall DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Step one, repeat as Lawrence Cup champions; step two, win in the playoffs. The Fort St. John Flyers checked step one off their list as they finished the NPHL regular season in first place in both the West Division and the entire league. “We’ve been playing well the last few games. The guys are responding well to the end of the year,” said Flyers General Manager Lee Hartman. The Flyers record of 13-5 and 26 points puts them one point ahead of the Grande Prairie Athletics (12-5-1) and nine points ahead of the Dawson Creek Sr. Canucks (8-9-1). As a result, the playoffs, which begin this week, are sure to be extremely close. The unique West Division format sees each of the three teams playing eight games (12 in all), four games against each opponent, for the month of February. The team with the most points at the end of the division games will

BANNISTER DAWSON CREEK

A “Family” Business with “Family” Values

advance to the NPHL final against the East team that makes it out of two normal best-of-seven rounds. If there’s a tie, the team that finished higher in the division will host a winnertake-all game, which benefits the Flyers. The Athletics and Sr. Canucks got the playoffs started in Dawson Creek on Jan. 30. The Flyers play their first game in Grande Prairie Feb. 1 and at home versus the Sr. Canucks Feb. 3. The Flyers were 3-2 against the Sr. Canucks this season. However, it should be noted that the Flyers lost two other games to the Sr. Canucks in January in the Coy Cup play-in series. The Flyers were 2-3 against the Athletics. “We expect Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek to be tougher in the playoffs so we’ll have to be tougher as well,” said Hartman. Further echoing how close the playoffs should be, the Flyers led the division with 95 goals; the Athletics had 92 and the Sr. Canucks 93. All three teams played 18 games. On the defensive side, the Flyers led the way

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

The Flyers roughed up the Athletics 7-3 on Jan. 25 on their way to winning the Lawrence Cup as NPHL regular season champion.

with only 64 goals against, while the Athletics allowed 69 and the Sr. Canucks let in 70. Rick Cleaver of the Flyers led the division in scoring with 22 goals and 39 points, good enough for first in the league in goals and second in total points. Mac Caron led the Athletics with 15

goals and 34 points. Dolan Bjornson was the top point getter for Dawson Creek with 16 goals and 28 points. For goalies, the Flyers also led the division with the play of Travis McLean. Both his 9-3 record and 2.88 goals against average was tops in the league.

ere we go again—Tom Brady versus the world. The greatest quarterback of all time against the backup Nick Foles. A rematch of the forgettable Super Bowl 39. The activist Eagles versus Donald Trump’s best friends. The narratives are endless, and have been told already. Basically, other than Brady’s first championship when the Patriots were a huge underdog against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl 36, it’s always been David versus Goliath. Tom Brady is Goliath, obviously, and though the Patriots are favoured by only 4.5 points, it still seems like this is one of the most lopsided matchups of the Tom Brady era. But people are tired of the Patriots, and want to believe that it will be a close game. I’m on board with that, but deep down I’m not really sure if I think the Eagles can win. Sure, they have a great defence, and Nick Foles just played the game of his life two weeks ago; the week before that, he played like he has for most of his life, which is not good. I’m not here to spell out the ins and outs of Super Bowl 52. You can get that elsewhere from people much smarter than I am (well, a little bit smarter than I am). Rather, I’m here to say that I’m a coward. You see, I was just coming into my own as an NFL fan in 2001.My team, the Rams were having an historic year, were the best team by far, and I was so excited to watch them win the Super Bowl. Long story short, it was a horrible game—the Rams lost by a last second field goal, and my world was turned upside down. I still cheered for the Rams, as I do now, but also, just two years later, I started to cheer for Tom Brady. I was sad in 2008 when the Patriots perfect season ended at the hands of the New York Giants. And I was ecstatic when the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl in 2015, in part because I can’t stand that team, but also because it was the first time in 10 years that Brady had won. But somewhere between that game and last year’s Super Bowl, I came to my senses. Why had I sold my soul to the devil? The Patriots had enough fans. They didn’t need me, this victim of sports Stockholm syndrome, to cheer for them any longer, and I couldn’t wait for the Atlanta Falcons to dethrone them. Of course, any NFL fan knows what happened. The Falcons blew a 28-3 lead and I felt like an idiot. Entering this Sunday’s game, I may end up feeling the same way. I know I’m exposing myself to disappointment, but, for the sake of my own integrity and the betterment of mankind, I’m here to say fly Eagles fly. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

B2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local Sports

Huskies closing in on first place

life of the rink

Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

eve petford Photo

Left to Right: Kelli Munn, Christine Lind, Bev Green, and Joan Lewis are the Clampettes for the women’s curling bonspiel held in Taylor last weekend.

After a grueling four months, the end of the regular season is in sight for the Fort St. John Huskies, and so is the chance to finish in first place and earn a first round bye for the playoffs. The Huskies enter the final two weeks of the NWJHL season with a 23-6-2 record, good for 48 points. That puts them one point behind the Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks and one point ahead of the North Peace Navigators. The Huskies have the busiest schedule of all teams, with five games still to play. If they go 4-1 or 5-0 to finish the season, the Huskies guarantee they will finish in first. A record of 3-2 could still grant them first place, depending on how the Jr. Canucks and Navigators finish the season. Next up for the Huskies is a home game against the Fairview Flyers on Feb. 2 and a road game against the County of Grande Prairie Kings Feb. 3. That bodes well for the Huskies considering that they just beat the Flyers (4-3) and the Kings (8-0) last weekend.

“We had a really good week in practice and that transferred over to the games. The guys are paying attention a little bit more,” said Huskies General Manager Jeremy Clothier. On paper, the Huskies should have little trouble repeating last week’s results. Fort St. John is 5-0 against the Flyers this season, outscoring them 30 to 11. Likewise, the Huskies are 4-1 over the Kings this season, outscoring them 21 to 7. However, the Kings are a good team, in fourth place, and will be looking to play better at home after last weekend’s embarrassing loss to the Huskies. For the Huskies, Clothier said the plan for the rest of the season is to not change too much and keep building off of each game. The team continues to get a boost from Jacob Lang, who has now been back with the team from injury for over a month, and from Darion Fay. Fay has six goals and two assists in six games since being traded to the Huskies from Beaverlodge. “Fay is a big body that teams can’t move,” said Clothier.

Sid Davis Memorial tourney honours minor hockey coach Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Crystal Cup organizers have announced the first annual Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge. The event is set for the last day of the upcoming Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge in February, and will honour longtime minor hockey coach Sid Davis, who died Dec. 19, 2017. Davis loved to coach hockey,

and was beloved by many the community. Davis was known to stay in touch with players he coached. “Sid was a really great guy, really good with kids, and we are very happy to do this,” said Neil Evans, Crystal Cup organizer. The youth challenge is for kids from novice up to midget, and teams must have a minimum of four players. Play is four versus four with no

R0021217976

goalies. Games will consist of two 10-minute periods with a three minute intermission. The initial response has been overwhelming, and people are calling from all over the Peace Region wanting to enter, Evans said. The Crystal Cup runs Feb. 23 to 25 at Charlie Lake, with the Sid Davis Memorial starting after the Crystal Cup final to ensure there are enough rinks for the youth challenge.

The event will last into the Sunday night, a bit different than normal for the Crystal Cup, which usually finishes Sunday afternoon. Registration is open until Feb. 17. Visit thecrystalcup.ca for more information. SPECIAL GUEST It was also announced that Steve Passmore, a former goalie with the Chicago

Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, and LA Kings will be this year’s NHL alumni special guest. Passmore was drafted to the Quebec Nordiques in 1992. However, he was most successful in junior when he won the Memorial Cup with the Kamloops Blazers in 199394. His teammates included Rod Branch and Rod Steven, both from Fort St. John, as well as the NHL legend Jerome Iginla.

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

This Week: Waste Management Phoenix Open

Hideki Matsuyama returns to the Phoenix Open looking for his third win in a row at TPC Scottsdale. He’ll have to rise above a lineup Defending: Hideki Matsuyama that includes reigning FedEx Cup Winning Score: 17-under par champion Justin Thomas, current Winner’s Purse: $1,206,000 leader Patton Kizzire and Jordan Spieth. The most popular hole for spectators to watch at TPC Scottsdale is the 16th hole due to the “Amphitheatre” atmosphere of the hole, created by the stands erected every year before the tournament. The hole could be described as “one big party”, with many students from the nearby Arizona State University. TPC Scottsdale Scottsdale, Ariz. 7,216 yards, Par 71

Golf TV Schedule

Last Week: Farmers Insurance Open goes into Monday

A playoff between Jason Day and Alex Noren has pushed the Farmers Insurance Open into a Monday finish. The two are scheduled to resume their playoff Monday at the par 3 16th hole. As of presstime, Day and Noren have played 5 playoff holes to a tie. Ryan Palmer began the playoff with them but dropped out of contention with a par on the first playoff hole. The biggest story of the week was Tiger Woods returning to the PGA Tour after spinal fusion surgery last April. In his traditional Sunday red-and-black ensemble and in front of the typical massive gallery walking in step, Woods wrapped up his first PGA Tour event in a year with an even-par 72 at windswept Torrey Pines to finish at 3-under for a tie for 23rd.

Golfing News

Tony Romo, the CBS color commentator and former Cowboys quarterback, will tee it up at a PGA Tour event this year and not during the Wednesday Pro-Am. “He’s going to get an exemption in the next, let’s just say two months,” Romo’s broadcast partner, Jim Nantz, said. “So he’s going to put it out there on the line.” Romo, who retired from Golf Trivia the Dallas Cowboys last April, joined CBS as a color analyst for the 2017 season. By all What is the largest margin of victory at accounts, it was a resounding success, but the Phoenix Open? now that his NFL broadcasting duties are over, a) 11 strokes c) 13 strokes Romo will hit the links. Romo, a scratch golfer, b) 12 strokes d) 14 strokes missed advancing to sectional qualifying for Answer: d) Johnny Miller won the 1975 Phoenix the U.S. Open last year by six strokes. Waste Management Phoenix Open Day Time Network Thursday 3pm-7pm GOLF Friday 3pm-7pm GOLF Saturday 2pm-3:45pm GOLF Saturday 4pm-7pm CBS Sunday 1pm-2:45pm GOLF Sunday 3pm-6pm CBS

Open by 14 strokes over Jerry Heard.

Lessons from the Golf Pro An official USGA handicap index that you can use in tournaments requires that you submit your scores directly to a golf club to undergo the process of “peer review”. The USGA requires a minimum of 12 scores to be submitted in order to calculate your particular handicap index. Once your handicap index is calculated and returned by the USGA, you now can determine the number of strokes you receive to adjust your score, when compared to other players. As you continue to play and post different scores for the rounds of golf you finish, your handicap index will fluctuate higher or lower depending on the scores you submit. Of course, getting an accurate handicap index also provides that you turn in an accurate representation of your scores.

Player Profile

Jason Day

Turned Professional: 2006 FedEx Cup Ranking: 76th World Ranking: 14th PGA Tour Wins: 10

FedEx Cup Standings Through Jan. 28, 2018

1) Patton Kizzire 1,224 pts. / 4 top tens

2) Jon Rahm

822 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Pat Perez

761 pts. / 3 top tens

4) Dustin Johnson 718 pts. / 2 top tens

5) Austin Cook 699 pts. / 1 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Justin Thomas 640 7) Brian Harman 630 8) Brendan Steele 623 9) Patrick Cantlay 609 10) Justin Rose 550

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Top 10s 1 5 1 1 1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Mike and Jackie Lucas win NHRA drag race championship After 35 years of drag racing, driver Mike Lucas and his wife Jackie achieved the pinnacle in their sport when they won the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Division 6 Top Sportsman championship in November 2017. The couple received their trophy at the NHRA banquet in Seattle on Jan. 6. Mike had been competing in the NHRA for a number of years, but had never considered competing for the points championship. It wasn’t until they found themselves in first spot after the second race of the season last February, that Jackie suggested they see how well they could do. “Back in February, we thought it would be neat just to end up in the top 10, but the number one spot is a dream come true. It was overwhelming,” Mike said. From February to November, Lucas remained in first place. However, it came down to the last race in Las Vegas, where he earned enough points

to win the championship. Drivers earn points based on how far they advance in the bracket. The points add up and the team with the most points at the end of the season is the champion. Lucas drives a 2000 Camaro, which resembles the model in appearance only. His car has 1268 horse power, and reached a top elapsed time last season of 7.3 seconds at 186 miles per hour. Division six consists of Western Canada, and the northwest states like Washington, Idaho and Oregon. Lucas’ points total was enough for 16th in the world, and he also earned the right to compete in the JEGS Allstars, which pits the winners of each division against each other. That race is in Chicago this May. “The travelling is pretty trying at times. It takes a lot of support and is an expensive endeavour but I guess you have to do something with your life,” Lucas said.

supplied Photo

Mike Lucas, left, receives his trophy from Matt Levonas, NHRA Division 6 director.

Trask wins Ladies Bonspiel in Taylor When it was all said and done, Dorothy Trask’s team won the A event in the Taylor Ladies Bonspiel Jan. 28, with a 9-1 finish over BLU. The team consisted of Trask, Alice Lock, Merilyn Spani and Alicia Helm. “It’s awesome. I’ve got a front end that just started curling a couple years ago, but me and Alice have been curling together for about 13 years,” said Trask, smiling. It was her first time winning the A event in five years playing this bonspiel, and she was glad that Spani and Helm could experience winning after just a couple years in the sport. Sasquatch, which consists of skip Tammy Verchere, third Brenda Piper, second Sandra Loucks and lead Gloria Godberson, won the B

event by beating the Eggers rink 8-2. The Dale rink from Chetwynd beat Fraction to take the C event. Trask, from Taylor, has been curling for 30 years, and loves being a part of the Taylor Ladies League. Most of the teams that played over the weekend were from the Taylor league, but there were also teams from Chetwynd, Fort Nelson, and Fort St. John. “It’s just a fun league and bonspiel to be in. The ladies here are just here to have fun.” From left: Dorothy Trask, Alice Lock, Merilyn Spani, and Alicia Helm, winners of the Taylor Ladies Bonspiel. dillon giancola Photo

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

Danica Patrick will drive for Premium Motorsports and have Tony Eury Jr. as her crew chief for her final NASCAR race, the Daytona 500. Eury was crew chief for Patrick in the Xfinity Series during her partial schedules in the 2010 and 2011 seasons and most of her full season in 2012. “I’ll be back in GoDaddy green, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet with Tony Jr. in my ear again,” Patrick said. “It all makes my last NASCAR race just that much sweeter.” Premium Motorsports was 34th in the team owner standings in 2017, but Michael Waltrip drove its Daytona 500 car to an eighth-place finish a year ago. Although eligible for the preseason Clash at Daytona thanks to her 2013 Daytona 500 pole, Patrick will not compete in that exhibition event scheduled for Feb. 11 after Daytona 500 qualifying. Patrick has not announced an Indy 500 team yet but has indicated that she felt good about her prospects in both races.

January 31, 1960 - CBS television sent a few production crew members to Daytona International Speedway to televise the pole qualifying and compact car races during Speedweeks. The Daytona 500 was the first 500-mile auto race to be televised live flagto-flag on network television when CBS aired it in 1979.

Racing Trivia

In 1969, David Pearson won 11 of the 51 races he entered. How many top 5 finishes did he have that year? a) 34 b) 38

c) 42 d) 46

Answer : c) David Pearson finished in the top 5 in 42 of the 51 races he entered during the 1969 season.

Racing History

David Pearson Born: Dec. 22, 1934 Cup wins: 105 Cup top-tens: 366 Cup championships: 3 David Pearson began his NASCAR career in 1960 and ended his first season by winning the 1960 NASCAR Rookie of the Year award. He won three championships (1966, 1968, and 1969). Pearson ended his career in 1986, and currently holds the second position on NASCAR’s all-time win list with 105 victories; as well as achieving 113 pole positions. The National Motor Sports Press Association’s Hall of Fame inducted Pearson in 1991 and he was inducted in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1993. At his finalist nomination for NASCAR Hall of Fame’s inaugural 2010 class, NASCAR described Pearson as “the model of NASCAR efficiency during his career. With little exaggeration, when Pearson showed up at a race track, he won.” In 2010, Pearson was named to the 2011 class in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

R0011358416

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B4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local Sports

Fivestar ready to win B.C. gold

dillon giancola photo

Young fighters Cruz Gordon, left, and Jackson Hedlund put on a show for the fans at the Road to Nationals Sparring event on Jan. 27. Head Coach Justin Donally looks on.

Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

With the 2018 Boxing B.C. Provincials in Vancouver only two weeks away, Fivestar boxers are ramping up their preparation and are excited about the tournament. Nick Young, Brayden Sims, Lincoln Pomeroy, and Nick Dragojevich are the four fighters competing for a provincial title and the right to go to nationals. Dragojevich’s record is 3-2, and is hoping to improve to 6-2 in the next couple months. He is expecting to do well at provincials, and said his expectations were to go out there and knock them out. “I just like to keep my chin tucked and throw bombs. I’m a crowd pleaser,” he said. Sims said his goal is to win at provincials and go to nationals. This is Sims second season boxing, and said it is the most fun yet, especially considering how close the team is to one another. “The four of us have almost a brother

relationship,” Sims said of Dragojevich, Young, and Pomeroy. Dragojevich felt the same way. “The four of us all get along super well, our chemistry is great, and us training together makes us all better,” he said. Fivestar held the Road to Nationals Sparring event on Jan. 27 to raise support and show the community the local talent competing for provincial and national titles. In addition to Young, Sims, Lincoln, and Dragojevich—who were all on hand Saturday to put on a show—the younger novice boxers from Fivestar were also sparring, as were two teams from Grande Prairie and one from Dawson Creek. “This is fun, I’m enjoying it. There’s a bunch of new guys out here and it’s fun to help them improve as well,” said Dragojevich. Other Fivestar fighters will make the trip to provincials, but will only compete for novice titles and it isn’t set yet who’s going. The provincials run from Feb. 9 to 11.

supplied photo

Telizyn skates in the 3000m at the 2017 Age Class Long Track Championships in Edmonton, where he won gold for his age group.

Less nerves for Telizyn this year telizyn FROM B1

After this weekend, Telizyn will travel to Quebec City along with Stickel and some of his Elks teammates to compete at the 2018 Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships Feb. 10 and 11. There, he will compete in the 500m, 300m mass start, 3000m mass start and the 1500m Olympic style. Telizyn said that Stickel believes he can become one of the best 1500m racers, but that he personally isn’t a fan of the distance. His favourite is the 1000m. He believes his success last year will help him out in Fort St. John and Quebec City. “This year is a lot less nerve wracking, but I don’t really know what challenges I’ll face and what Quebec has to offer.” Telizyn has been skating for 11

years now, and it’s become more than a sport but his sole passion. When he was five, his mom tried to sign him up for hockey but he refused, because he just wanted to be a speed skater. As for the future, Telizyn wants to go as far in the sport as he can. “I’m not going to push it though if it starts dying out. If it’s done it’s done,” he said. However, before he’s 19, his goal is to reach the Junior World Championships. To do that, he has to win at the Canadian Junior Long Track Championships, a goal he believes is possible. For now, he will continue to work as hard as he can and pour everything into being the best skater he can be, and winning more national titles.

LAKESHORE 4H Community Club Hello readers! This month, the Lakeshore club is busy preparing for our annual Communications competitions. The event has a lot to offer, including the chance to learn a variety of presentation skills, and even opportunities for provincial travel! Members have the option of presenting a speech, demonstration, speak and show, or display board. Speeches, demonstrations, and speak and shows are a great way to gain confidence speaking in front of an audience, while educational displays give members a chance to practice communicating in point form on a display board. This year in addition to speeches and displays, we also have a demonstration and a speak and show. It will be neat to see how they turn out! A club competition will be held February 16, and the top two junior members from each category will progress to the district competition in March. Through communications, senior members have the chance to earn a trip to the Provincial competition. In 2012 and 2014, my sister, Grace, got the opportunity to go to the Provincials, and it was an experience she will long remember as she got to observe and compete with some of the best 4-H speakers in British Columbia. So work hard 4-Hers, this year could be your turn!

Liam presenting his speech on sharks

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

See you next month! 4H Reporter - Liam Koop

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 B5

arts & culture

Facebook/Chase The Bear Music

“People we’re buying us drinks. All the judges were telling us how impressed they were, how how far they think we’ll go. It was a humbling experience,” Connor Brooks recalls after winning Live Acts’ Best in Vancouver competition.

Chase The Bear chasing the dream Fort St. John rockers named best live act in Best of Vancouver competition matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A quintet of Fort St. John musicians are proving you don’t need to be from Vancouver to be named the best act in town. The group of vintageinspired rockers make up Chase the Bear, and were named the best band in Live Acts’ Best of Vancouver competition at the historic Railway Club in January. “It was absolutely manic,” says Connor Brooks, the band’s 23-year-old drummer. “People we’re buying us drinks. All the judges were telling us how impressed they were, how how far they think we’ll go. It was a humbling experience.” Among the judges were Danny Craig, the drummer of former Canadian alt-rock band Default, Tommy Mack, the bassist for the pop-rock band

Hedley, and Mike Schroeder, the CEO of the Nimbus School of Recording. Chase The Bear, based out of Victoria, will get to record a single with Mack as part of the win, and have chosen a song called Home — an apropos set-ender the band stretches out to 10 minutes with a drum solo and call and response with the audience, Brooks says. The band will record the track in April and release it later this year. “It sounds like we’re going to get a pretty good chance to get it on radio,” Brooks says. Not bad for a band that only formed last summer and knew they were up against some veteran acts in the competition. But that’s not to say the band hasn’t played together at some point throughout their young careers. Chase the Bear is rounded out by Troy Gilmore (vocals), Leo Gilmore (lead guitar), Braedan Royer (bass), and Nathan Eastwood (keys), all from Fort St. John, with Jordan Phillips also on guitar. Brooks and Royer played together in a band called Alister Stone, and met the Gilmores years ago at a gig in Fort Nelson.

Brooks said his goal was always to move to Vancouver to live and chase the rockstar dream. The Gilmores and Royer eventually moved down south, too, to Victoria. The musicians eventually reconnected, brought Eastwood and Phillips into the mix, and rehearse two sixhour marathon sessions on the weekends. The Best in Vancouver competition was the first time the “dream band” had come together, Brooks says, with a brand of vintage-inspired rock that pulls influences from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, and the Beatles for a mix that drips rock, funk, blues, and pop throughout their set. “We write our set and practice it front to back up to 10 times, and we work out our transitions, how we’re going to go from song to song,” Brook says. “We’ve gotten to edit ourselves pretty well.” As for when locals can expect to catch the award-winning act, the band has plans to tour the Peace this summer, with stops in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Grizfest in Tumbler Ridge in August.

Dinner theatre a detective drama, with lasagna The Peace has certainly been getting its fill of dinner theatre over the last year, following on the heels of the success of the crime drama COLOSSEUM last February, and the musical biography Always... Patsy Cline last month,. Now, audiences can get a third helping this month with A Cold North Night at Sudeten Hall Feb 16 and 17. Actors are beginning full runs of the play this week.

In A Cold North Night, written by Dawson Creek Mirror Editor Rob Brown, detectives gather to muse on a few cases in front of audiences, a series of murders and a missing woman case. “Here we’re talking about spending a couple hours watching a focused drama unfold. Here they can dial in and catch some performance,” Brown says. A meal will also be served up

as hot as the acting. The main course has been revealed, with lasagna taking the lead role on the plates. There is also a vegetarian option of the dish. In an effort to corral meal numbers for the dinner portion of the night, tickets will not be sold at the door. For ticket details, visit ticketsinthepeace.com. For more information about the play, call Brown at 403-501-1492.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

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

CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM FEBRUARY 2 TO FEBRUARY 8

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE Nightly: 6:55, 10:05 Matinees: 12:40, 3:50

12 STRONG Nightly: 6:30, 9:45

HOSTILES Nightly: 7:05, 9:55 Matinees: 12:50, 3:40

JUMANJI 2 Nightly: 6:45, 9:50 (Monday 9:50 showing only)

Matinees: 1:00, 4:00

THE SHAPE OF WATER Nightly: 7:20, 10:10 Matinees: 1:10, 4:10

PADDINGTON 2 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Matinees: 12:30, 3:30

B6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

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Obituaries

Announcements

May Gudmundina Kelly With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and sister. May was predeceased by her husband Magnus (Mike) mother Rosa (Amma) father Kolbeinn, sister Bernice, brothers Arthur, Mundi, Franklin, Baby George and Gordon. She leaves to cherish her memory,7 children -Roy (Heather) JoAnn Chatten (Charlie) Brian (Kathy) Darlene Halata (Robert) Lori, Gerry(Lynn) Robbie (Jessica) 19 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren, sister Rosa (Dave) brothers Allen (Evelyn) Eric (Linda) Edward (Jacqueline), cousins and many Nieces and nephews. May was born in an Icelandic community, Hecla Island on Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba. When May was six she moved to a lovely farm near Gimli Manitoba, which is still in the family today. She was the second oldest of 11 children. She enjoyed working in the fields, gardening, cooking and sewing. At the age of 17 May moved to Winnipeg to work as a seamstress at a clothing factory (Stalls of Canada). May met her husband Mike in Selkirk Manitoba when she was 19. Interestingly Mike and May were delivered by the same midwife - May's grandmother (Little Amma). Mike was a heavy-duty mechanic and moved May and the family around a lot for work. As well as raising a large family, May worked in camps as a cook's assistant and camp attendant, she also sewed for others and assisted in a hairdressing shop. May always enjoyed spending time with children and every little person was special in her eyes. The Kelly house was open to all -- some mornings there would be 15 or more for breakfast. In her free time she enjoyed walking, berry picking, making wine, canning, dancing, music, crocheting, curling, boating and fishing. May also enjoyed telling jokes and spreading laughter to everyone around her. May considered herself fortunate to have come from and to be blessed with a big loving family with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. May passed away peacefully in Nelson, BC at the Mountain Lake Seniors home. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in May’s honour to a charity of your choice. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s online register at www.thompsonfs.ca.

Career OppOrtunities

CAREER OPPORTUNITY COMPETITION NO. 2018-03 GIS ASSISTANT – FULL TIME – AUXILIARY TERM – APRIL 2, 2018 TO MAY 3, 2019 The Geographical Information System (GIS) Assistant position is an entry level position that supports the GIS Technologist in various projects maintaining and developing the City’s GIS infrastructure. Tasks will include on-screen digitizing, data entry, recording and archiving, building and maintaining databases, ﬁeld data collection, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of data received from external sources and other GIS related tasks. Qualiﬁed candidates should have completion of a post-secondary (1 or 2 year) diploma program in advanced GIS; minimum of two (2) years related experience in the use of GIS including spatial data maintenance, database management, and scripting on Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc (ESRI) ArcGIS products and a valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. This is a Union position (BCGEU) and the rate of pay is $37.12 per hour. Interested applicants are requested to send their resume AND covering letter to the undersigned prior to 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018. HRIS Administrative Assistant, Tracy Konashuk tkonashuk@fortstjohn.ca City of Fort St. John 10631 - 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC. V1J 3Z5 PHONE: (250) 787-8150 FAX: (250) 787-8181 For more information visit www.fortstjohn.ca We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

www.fortstjohn.ca

Career OppOrtunities

It is with great sadness that our loving husband, father and grandfather went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2018,at the age of 66. A celebration of life will be held at Prespatou Mennonite Church in Prespatou on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 1:00pm.

Donations in Hildor's name can be made to Sunrise Radio.

Obituaries

Obituaries Announcements

Announcements

Norma aNdrews

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Beattie announces his passing on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the age of 81. Hard as we tried to keep him, it was his time to go. Jim and his twin brother Bill were born on May 5th, 1936 at Gold Bar Ranch near Hudson’s Hope BC where his parents James Walker and Elizabeth Beattie raised their eight children. True pioneers, they taught their children how to live off the land, hunt, fish, farm, work hard and grow an amazing garden. When his father passed, Jim and Bill continued to run the family business until the Ranch was flooded creating the reservoir (Williston Lake) for the WAC Bennett Dam. Meanwhile, Jim had met Mary Lou, the love of his life and together they raised their 3 children in a beautiful little house in the middle of Hudson’s Hope. He spent lots of his time working, shoveling coal, driving truck and finally finding permanent employment with the Department of Highways, where he built many lifelong friendships. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Jim and Mary moved to their land on twelve− mile road shortly after retirement, where they created an amazing home and garden oasis; friends and family as abundant as the fruit, vegetables and animals. His knowledge of mechanics, wildlife, weather, problem solving and living off the land was truly remarkable; a lost art these days. Jim will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by Mary Lou, his wife of 55 years, children Barry (Hege), Karen (Darryl) and Cheryl (Dwain), grandchildren Garrett (Nicole), Michael (Lindsay), Robyn, Jesse, Matthew, Addison and great grandchild Jacob, siblings Bill, Ruth and Olive (Norm) and sister in law Ethel. Loved by so many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by sisters Toulie, Girlie and Clarice and brother Bob. Special thank you for unending support from Susan and staff at Hudson’s Hope Health Centre, staff at FSJ Hospital, so many close neighbors, friends and family. You know who you are. Your kindness and companionship have meant so much! Following Jim’s wishes, we will have a small gathering at the family ranch in the summer. Donations in his memory can be made to: Friends of Hudson’s Hope Society Box 247, Hudson’s Hope, BC VOC 1VO

Career OppOrtunities

Are You In Debt with your Credit Cards? Consolidate your credit card for less. With rates from 2.3% APR offer bad credit or low income OK. 1-800-581-8288

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Archives Room at The Calvin Kruk Center. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca Save the Dates July 13, 5:00 pm to July 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm for the 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 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! South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm. South Peace Players present “Farce of Habit”, a dessert theatre at South Peace United Church Upper Hall, 1300-104th Avenue, Dawson Creek. Thursday Feb. 22 at 7:30 pm Friday, Feb 23 at 7:30 pm Saturday, Feb 24 at 7:30 pm Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 pm Tickets at Simple Pleasures in Dawson Creek. All tickets are $20 each, open seating. To reserve a table for 8 to 10 people, phone Mary at 250786-5085.

of Fort st. John

will be held Friday, February 2nd at 2:00pm from the royal Canadian Legion Hall. If so desired expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Norma to the Fort St. John Palliative Care Society. Condolences may be forwarded through

www.hamresfuneral.com Funeral ServiceS

Borderline Culture Series presents: Wil Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Demmit Community Centre (1/2 Mile South of Hwy 43 on RR 132). Doors open at 7:00 pm (AB) Music at 8:00pm Advance tickets: $25.00 Door: 780-356-2904 or go to www.borderlineculture.com Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities.

Memorial Service for the late

BEATTIE, Jim January 11, 2018

Coming EvEnts

47080

(Goodman)

May 3,1929 - January 20, 2018

Announcements

Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

Funeral ServiceS

Celebration of Life Vera Barbara Ellen MacLean Mattson Barbara Ellenaway MacLean Vera passed in Fort passed in Fort St John away Thursday January St. John on Thursday, 25, 2018. 15 A thCelebration November , 2012 of Life will be at the surrounded byheld family Peace Lutheran and loved ones. A Church Celebration of her Banquet Room 9812 – 108 Life will at the Ave, FortbeStheld John, BC on Taylor Community Monday February 5, Hall on Thursday, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. luncheon November 22nd–from Sept 11, 1993 - Jan 25, 2018 2 to 4pm; remarks will to follow. begin at 2:15pm. In Lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy be made If so desired, expressions of sympathy maymay be made in in Vera’s memory to the FortBCSPCA, St John the & District Care Barbara’s memory to the KidneyPalliative Foundation of Canada andHospital the FSJFoundation. Hospital Foundation. Society or the

Barbara MacLean Vera Mattson

Career OppOrtunities

LOUISIANA PACIFIC IS HIRING BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH US! PEACE VALLEY - OSB LOCATION:

• Production Supervisors • Plant Quality Supervisor • Trades Positions

APPLY TODAY:

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LOUISIANA PACIFIC IS HIRING – BUILD YOU

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 B7

Classifieds Career OppOrtunities

TRADE JOURNEYMAN BRIDGE WORKER WANTED Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Kootenay) Ltd is accepting resumes for the position of Trade Journeyman Bridge Worker based out of Nelson BC. Applicants should be physically fit, willing to travel and work in all weather conditions. A BC TQ in Bridge Worker/Pile Driver is required with a Valid Class 3 Drivers License with air endorsement. Resumes along with credentials and drivers abstract can be emailed to kootenay@yrb.ca no later than February 16th 2018.

Coming EvEnts SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

Career OppOrtunities 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!

General employment

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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. 1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca. FOR SALE IN ARRAS: Futon,Burgundy Mattress. $100. Can Deliver for Extra. Phone: 250-8437354

General employment

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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 1800-567-0404 Ext:400OT.

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 98 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 1866-669-9222.

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

HealtH ServiceS Get up to $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions Qualify. CALL THE BENEFITS PROGRAM 1-(800)211-3550

Business OppOrtunities 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: 1844-453-5372.

Business services Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & duct cleaning, Chimney sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ)

General employment

Houses For rent

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

SuiteS For rent

For Rent: Park model trailer.10 minutes from Dawson Creek. Fully furnished. $1500/month. Utilities included. 250782-2362

FURNISHED BASEMENT SUITE. Internet Included. Available Immediately. NO PETS. Pouce Coupe. Call 250-7865157.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

ApArtments/ Condos for

R0011352381

Career OppOrtunities

Book Your Ad Now!

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

Houses for sale

3BR/1BA DAWSON CREEK $289,900 Newly renovated home, ready to move in, large back yard with potential, close to schools, hospital, and 10 minute walk from downtown. 250−219−3711 Deepeterson19@msn.com

Alaska Highway News

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Public Meeting 2018 Operating & Capital Budgets

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

A public meeting is scheduled for

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. to allow for public consultation regarding the proposed 2018 Operating and Capital Budgets. The agenda for this public meeting will be

IndustrIal/ CommerCIal

available on the City’s website at

Commercial & Office Space for Lease and Rent. Pouce Coupejust outside Dawson. From 1200 sq ft of office or 2800 sq ft of shop with small upstairs “great accom” to a 4800 sq ft shop with fenced yard. www.silexpoucecoupe.ca available now.

General employment

www.fortstjohn.ca www.fortstjohn.ca

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

Take notice that BC Hydro and Power Authority has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Temporary Licence of Occupation situated on Provincial Crown land located at Peace River, Peace River District.

Advice from a Hire Authority

The Lands File for this application is 8015964. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 787-3415 Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to March 9, 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 or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after March 9, 2018.

When it comes time to hire new staff, do you look forward to the hours upon hours that it takes? Time to place an ad, time to read through dozens of resumes, time to interview candidates, time to test their skills…

Hire us first At Macenna Staffing Services we can do all that for you and then some, saving you and your business time by shortlisting the top candidates for the job; pre-screening only those that qualify. Plus we can test typing skills and computer aptitude with programs like Word, Excel, even Windows itself.

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.

And did we mention we already have hundreds of resumes on file? The next time you’re hiring, consider Macenna Staffing Services first.

Have News ??? R0011508820

| f. 250.785.4795 | e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

LegaL/PubLic Notices

10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Target Your Clients! Let people know what your business offers. Here at the Alaska Highway News we have the finest graphics team to build your business a quality ad that can promote the item or idea that you want to sell.

Ph: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

email Us news@ahnfsj.ca

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Reference #2018-2023 IPMP Renewal

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

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

Take notice that BC Hydro and Power Authority has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for a Temporary Licence of Occupation situated on Provincial Crown land located at Farrell Creek, Peace River District.

The Lands File for this application is 8015963. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRORD, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 787-3415 Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to March 10, 2018. MFLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after March 10, 2018.

The Lands File for this application is 8015962. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRORD, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 787-3415 Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to March 10, 2018. MFLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after March 10, 2018.

Canlin Energy Corp. is revising their current Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations. Under these regulations this plan is required to be renewed every five years. The purpose of this renewal is to manage vegetation and invasive weed control on facilities, rights-of-way, lease sites and related infrastructure. This IPMP will cover various activities within the Peace River Regional District & Northern Rockies Municipality and proximity to communities such as Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Wonowon, and other small communities in those regions. Using the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include seeding, re-vegetation, hand-pulling/cutting, mowing, string trimmers, brushing, biological control, and the use of herbicides by ground application. Trade names of the herbicides proposed for use under this plan may include: • Vantage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 500, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Arsenal Powerline. • Active ingredients: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, MCPA, 2,4-D, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate, Imazapyr. The proposed term of the IPMP is 5-years from May 20, 2018 to May, 19th, 2023. A draft copy of IPMP document is available and may be viewed upon request by contacting the applicant or agent below: Applicant: Canlin Energy Corp. 2600, 237-4th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P 4K3 E-mail Jacqueline.vammen@canlinenergy.com

Agent: E-Qwest Consulting Ltd. 2579 Sylvia Road, Lake Country, BC V4V2R8 250-766-2677 E-mail e-qwest@shaw.ca

Any person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment sites, relevant to the development of this IPMP may send copies of the information to the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

B8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Local News

“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

SUNDAY, FEB. 4 at 5PM Doors open @ 3PM

Fort City

www.arctichottubsfortstjohn.com

Financing available

Always Proud To Support Our Community!

10008 97 Ave - Open until 10 pm 9316 Alaska Rd N - Open until 11 pm

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

9424 100 St | Fort St. John, BC 250 785-3006

www.fortcitychrysler.ca

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR SEMI-FINALISTS WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9

EMMA CALLIOU C H R I S TO P H E R E VA N S BLAKE MITCHELL DEB MIEDEMA DONNA CARLSTROM JENELLE RUSSELL DENISE PERRET REID BREKKAS TINA BELCOURT

WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK WEEK

#10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18

REGAN GOERTZ MORGAN ROBINSON ANDREA MORROW MELISSA WILLSON ALLI MARLING SHANE GRAHAM DAV E L O E W E N MARLENE MILLER WINONA LETENDRE

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN: 2 tickets/1 hotel for 12 nights and airfare.

GAMES

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