AHN FEB 23 2017 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 8

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

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There was fantastic food and live music at the Pan African Caribbean Association of Fort St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Black History Month gala on Feb. 18. Entertainment was provided by Vancouver band La Rhumba. The band invited all the kids in attendance onto the stage at one point during the night. Turn to A13 for more photos.

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Able-bodied students learn empathy at NPSS ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

phone 250-785-5631 fax 250-785-3522 email circulation@ahnfsj.ca online alaskahighwaynews.ca

Going from being an ablebodied teenager to one with a physical disability is daunting, especially when it impacts how you get around your school. Fifteen-year-old Erica Thomas Schulenburg was born with cerebral palsy, and while it has caused her nerves to work a little differently than most people, she has been reasonably mobile up until the last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the last year Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed severe scoliosis, meaning my spine is curved,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made it painful, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be in the chair because it supports my back better.â&#x20AC;?

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Grade 10 students Justin Higginbottom and Erica Thomas Schulenburg have a little race down the hall in sport wheelchairs on Feb. 15.

The chair the Grade 10 North Peace Secondary student refers to is a wheelchair, which she had to start using

at school last week. Being that NPSS has two floors, lots of stairs and only one elevator, Thomas Schulenburg decided

she wanted to show her classmates what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like being a disabled student. With administration approval, the school brought out the chairs used for wheelchair basketball and allowed students to sign them out to try wheeling from class to class to see for themselves. Students, teachers, and administration staff all gave it a go. The sport wheelchairs are different than the chair Thomas Schulenburg usesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; the wheels are angled to give a wider base of support for playing basketball, which means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to get through doors and tighter spaces. See EMPATHY on A14

Officials break ground on Ma Murray school

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MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Education Minister Mike Bernier scooped up the first pile of dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Margaret â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maâ&#x20AC;? Murray Community School site on Feb. 17.

Local and provincial education officials picked up their ceremonial gold shovels Feb. 17 and broke ground on the new Margaret â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maâ&#x20AC;? Murray Community School alongside students and city representatives. Standing in front of the early phases of steel frame construction along the West

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Bypass Road and 105 Avenue, Education Minister Mike Bernier said the 365-seat elementary school will help alleviate space constraints facing School District 60. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making investments in a new school like this,â&#x20AC;? Bernier said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was really needed in the area, and this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only school thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed,â&#x20AC;? he added. See SCHOOL on A10

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A2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Community.................................. A9 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5 Perspectives ............................... .. B9

SAME SONG, DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills Walmart Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire M&M Food Market Jysk Save On Foods Safeway Flora The Source The Brick Staples Pipeline News North

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GAS WATCH

Christiana Inamah ,Olaitan Adeyemi, and Patience Agba lead a group of children and their parents in a song in Yoruba, the national language of Nigeria, at Mother Goose on the Loose for Black History Month on Feb. 18. ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

A woolly mammoth and a hero cat TRUDEAU’S TRIP: Prime Minister Trudeau made a trip to Washington to meet with President Rump. Sorry, that should be “Trump.” A picture from their meeting went viral around the world. It shows Trump offering his hand to Trudeau, with Trudeau looking distastefully at the hand as if he’s thinking, “Eeew, no thanks, I don’t know where it’s been.” This would be funny if it wasn’t the same hand a deranged Trump could use to push the nuclear button.

VALENTINE WHINE: Tuesday was Valentine’s Day. My wife opened her Valentine’s Day gifts in the wrong order and the spatula totally ruined the surprise of the frying pan.

Bob Snyder CHEWS THE NEWS

healthy by dipping kale in chocolate.

WEB WOES: A report says Canadian Internet providers often exaggerate the speed and reliability of their service. Although you’ll notice their monthly bill always arrives right on schedule.

CASH STASH: In Barrie, Ont.: Workers at a recycling plant found $100,000 hidden inside an old TV. The cash was returned PREVAILING PRICES COLONOSCOPY CRIME: Last week to its owner. That’s why I don’t own a RECALL REPORT: Some chewing toin Toronto, thieves raided a hospital and flat screen TV. Right now I have a couple bacco is being recalled, it contains sharp Dawson Creek 105.9 stole $1.2 million worth of colonoscopy of million bucks in cash I want to stash metal pieces. Although studies show equipment. The Mounties say they will get someplace. It won’t fit inside a flat screen chewing on a chunk of sharp metal is ohn, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html to the bottom of this. TV. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to keep my healthier than chewing on tobacco. Fort St. John 112.9 big old chunky TV. BERRY BULLETIN: Meanwhile in MAMMOTH MEMO: A scientist at Alberta-B.C. border 104.9 Hamilton, Ont., thieves stole a truck SCARF STUFF: According to an item on Harvard University announced he’s going containing $100,000 worth of blueberries. CBC, the trendy new fashion accessory for to try to bring back the Woolly Mammoth. Police believe the illegal blueberries may pets is the knitted cat scarf. It comes comIt’s been extinct for thousands of years. Fort Nelson N/A be sold on the blackberry market. plete with a pack of Band-Aids. You’ll need Hey, I’m no expert, but if he can bring those for your bleeding hands after you try back the Woolly Mammoth, why not bring Groundbirch Environment and naturalN/A resources FELINE  Weather Weather   your British FIRE:information Near Grande  Prairie, a toLocal put theforecasts scarf around cat’sColumbia neck. back the Polyester Mammoth? family was saved by their cat. When their Chetwynd house caught fire during the night, the cat SNOW SNUFFED: According to a TRUMP’S TOWELS: We started with 112.9 woke up the family and they all escaped University of Montreal study, one of the Trump, let’s end with Trump. Amid all the on, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment CanadaNow I feel guilty for the bad https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html the flames. deadliest things a middle age man can scandals in the White House, with the U.S. Tumbler Ridge 119.9 stuff I’ve said about cats being evil. Maybe do is shovelling snow off a sidewalk. Even Government crumbling in chaos and conObserved at: Fort St. John Airport 12:00 PM MST Tuesday 21 February 2017 they’re not so bad (Gee, I hope my dog deadlier: When a middle age man’s wife fusion, Donald Trump found time to make Prince George 99.9 doesn’t read this). catches him shovelling snow off the sidea very important statement. He complained Condition: Light Snow Temperature: -6.8°C Wind: NNW 9bitterly km/h that the hand towels on the Presidwalk for an attractive female neighbour. CHOCOLATE CHEERS: In Fort StDew John,point: -9.9°C ential jet are not soft. Really. I’m not making Hythe Pressure: kPa Wind Chill: -11 103.4 101.2 the Chocolate Festival was a big hit. They POPPINS PARTICULARS: In Hollywood, this up. I’m kind of surprised Trump didn’t Tendency: Rising 79%has finally started on Visibility: didn’t invite me because they knew I Humidity: filming the new24 km have a temper tantrum, march into the Grande Prairie 97.4 might lose my self-control and  devour all Mary Poppins movie. There were produc Weather  Local  British Environment and natural resources information Weather forecasts Columbia cockpit, and demand to fly the plane. the delicious exhibits. Dip it in chocolate tion delays when the studio mixed up its Bob Snyder can be reached at: and I’ll eat anything. I once tried to eat supercalifragilistic with its expialidocious. chewsthenews@fastmail.com Calgary 86.9

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St. John, BC

urrent Conditions

-7°C Nelson, BC Edmonton

86.9

urrent Conditions Vancouver 126.9 orecast

Tue Victoria 1 Feb B.C. avg

10°C

Condition: Light Snow Wed116.9 Thu Pressure: 101.4 kPa 23 Feb 22 Feb Tendency: 118.6 Rising

Observed& at:ROAD Fort Nelson Airport 12:00 PM MST Tuesday 21 February 2017 WEATHER REPORT Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 21 February 2017

FORT ST. JOHN Temperature: -10.0°C Fri Sat Dew point: -13.0°C 24 Feb 25 Feb Humidity: 79%

Wind: calm Sun Mon Visibility: 32 km 26 Feb 27 Feb

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ce of ﬂurries

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onight Tue

-6°C

60%

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The contents of this Night Wed newspaper are protected by 1 Febcopyright and may 22 Feb be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

23 Feb

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For further information contact the managing editor at y Mainly cloudy with 40 percent onight Night Night chance of ﬂurries. Night High minus 4. Night

ght

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60% minus 6. Increasing cloudiness. High Clear Chance of ﬂurries Periods of snow. Low minus 16.

4 Feb

Cloudy with 60 percent chance of ﬂurries. High minus 14. Assorted Clear. Low minus 19. Red Wing Socks

Clear

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ssued: 11:00 AM PST Tuesday 21 February 2017

y ht

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26 Feb

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Periods of light snow. High minus 7. Mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of light snow. Low minus 12.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A3

LOCAL NEWS

SCRAP METAL PAYS OFF ABC Recycling Fort St. John recently donated $3,178.27 to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. The funds were collected throughout 2016 from customers who chose to donate the proceeds of their scrap metal, such as heavy metal, cars and nonferrous to our local community. The funds from this donation will be put towards the 14th Annual Have a Heart Radiothon total, which will be used to purchase a second Vein Viewer for the Fort St. John Hospital. At left, ABC Recycling Operations Manager Donnie Laiss presents Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Chief Development Officer Jessica Kalman with the cheque. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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A former Fort St. John resident was found murdered in an RV park in Kamloops on the Family Day long weekend, and friends and family According to CFJC Today, Cody Foster was found dead the morning of Feb. 11, and a 56-year-old man, Stephen George Fraser, is facing charges of second degree murder. Foster’s parents, who live in Fort St. John and who are already struggling financially, dropped everything to head to Kamloops to deal with not only the loss of their only son, but the cost that comes with it. A family friend has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money the family needs at this time. The goal is to bring in $10,000. To donate, visit the GoFundMe page at https:// w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / h e a r t b re a k i n g - t ra g e d y- i n kamloops

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POLICE SEARCHING FOR ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in an armed robbery on Valentine’s Day. Oh Feb. 14 at 2:18 p.m., the Fort St. John RCMP received a report of a hold up alarm at a financial institution in the 10000 block of 100 Street. A lone male, armed with what was believed to be a defender-tip shotgun, entered the bank and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as being between 5’8” and 6’ tall, wearing a Hi-Vis orange vest, blue hard hat, a blue hoodie, blue jeans, black shoes, black gloves and had a black balaclava covering his face. Numerous officers attended the scene and set up a perimeter, but weren’t able to locate the suspect. Police are asking anyone that was in the area around the time of the alarm with any information to call the Fort St. John RCMP at 250787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. DRUGS SEIZED AFTER WARRANT EXECUTED RCMP seized drugs and guns from a home in Fort St. John and is contemplating charges against a 34 year old man. Earlier this month, police received information about possible drug activity at a residence in the 10300 block of 103 Avenue. Officers with the drug and crime reduction units obtained a search warrant after an indepth investigation of the home. On Feb. 11, police executed the warrant and seized crack cocaine, marijuana, a firearm and other items believed to be use din drug trafficking. Police are considering charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking against the man they found in the residence. Fort St. John RCMP urge all citizens to report any suspicious activities they see in the community.

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A4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

MP Zimmer says trade top of mind at Washington prayer breakfast

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Prince George-Peace RiverNorthern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer says trade was topof-mind when he attended a Washington, D.C. prayer breakfast headlined by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month. Zimmer, a Conservative Party member, attended the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 2 and said he made good contacts in an administration that is skeptical about the merits of free trade. “We go down there with the role of trade being our number one thing, and we have to be going to breakfast as another event,” said Zimmer, who is chair of the Canadian prayer breakfast. “Canada is (the U.S.’s) number one trading partner, and we want to keep the relationship a good one between both our countries.” While Zimmer didn’t speak to Trump—he sat around 20 feet away from the podium—he introduced himself to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and raised trade issues with a number of state representatives. Trump used the occasion to declare that “freedom is not from government, freedom is a gift from God,” and picked a fight with former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger over Apprentice ratings. More important for Northeast B.C., though, is the impact of a Trump presidency on trade. Early statements

While MP Bob Zimmer didn’t speak to U.S. President Donald Trump on a recent visit to Washington—he sat around 20 feet away from the podium—he introduced himself to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and raised trade issues with a number of state representatives.

from the administration have targeted NAFTA and the Softwood Lumber deal, while Trump has signalled a willingness to expand timber and petroleum production on federal lands, which could reduce demand for Canadian resources. B.C. exported $4.5 billion in softwood lumber products to U.S. markets in 2016, as well as $3.4 billion in energy products including natural gas, coal and electricity. Much of B.C.’s natural gas is shipped on the Alliance Pipeline to the U.S. midwest. Zimmer said Canada needs to be prepared for decreased trade with the U.S., adding the meeting underlined the need for B.C. to diversify its markets though LNG shipments to Asia. Members of Trump’s transition team said it was too

early to comment on trade policy specifics, he added. “The U.S. wants to be more self reliant on resources, and the president has shown interest in opening up public lands (for development)” he said. “It’s there, it’s a reality, and I don’t fault them for doing that, but Canada just has to be prepared.” Zimmer’s comments came days before Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada would take a “strong offensive position” on trade negotiations. The minister added Canada could respond in kind in the event of a border tax. At a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Feb. 13, Trump said he favoured “tweaks” to NAFTA instead of a wholesale renegotiation with Canada.

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

Making a Difference

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

Bluey Day is Back! Be Brave & Shave The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation will be seeking participants and volunteers to help make the 18th Annual Bluey Day a success! This year’s Bluey Day is set for May 27, but registration is quickly approaching. Registration forms will be available for pick up starting on March 1 at the Foundation office. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the Foundation’s

Cancer Treatment and Diagnostic Fund. This fund helps to purchase equipment that will either aid in identifying cancer of help comfort those in treatment. With funds from 2015 and 2016 Bluey Day, the Foundation was able to pledge $150,000 towards the MRI that is expected to be installed in the FSJ Hospital this year. Join the fight against cancer and “Be Brave and Shave”!

2016 participants, Jasmine and Henry Breil enjoying their newly shaved heads

Donors Open Their Hearts at Have a Heart Radiothon

ABC Recycling Supports Foundation

Announcer Joe Stevens and Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Administrative Assistant Becky Pruden live at FSJ Safeway on February 9th. ABC Recycling Operations Manager, Donnie Laiss presenting Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Chief Development Officer, Jessica Kalman with a cheque for $3,178.27.

With the help from very generous donors, the radiothon raised $14,373.98 towards the purchase of a second Vein Viewer Imaging System for the Fort St. John Hospital. Peace SunFM was live on location at Safeway in FSJ from 6am6pm on February 9, encouraging donors to contribute. James Western Star and Challenger Inspections sponsored draws for a child’s balance bike and a 30 min helicopter ride as an added incentive to donate. Big thank you to Peace SunFM and Safeway for making this event possible!

DO YOU HAVE A STORY FOR US? Were you recently a patient of the Fort St. John Hospital? Did a staff member go above and beyond for you? Tell us about it! Whether it was a small encouragement or a gesture that made a big impact, we want to hear about your experience. Call us at 250-261-7563 or e-mail fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

ABC Recycling FSJ recently donated $3,178.27 to the Foundation. The funds were collected throughout 2016 from customers who chose to donate the proceeds from their scrap metal, such as heavy metal, car and non-ferrous to our local community. ABC Recycling in a Canadian family enterprise with 105 year heritage of service and supporting communities and the environment, through the recovery, processing, and recycling of scrap metal. The funds from this donation have been directed towards the 14th annual Have a Heart Radiothon total.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

First 3 mo nths o $99 insta n 2-year term llation fee 2

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Kids race the cars they made during Mad Science at the Fort St. John Public Library on Feb. 9.

United Way helps kids get creative at the library ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Battery-powered racecars made from foam core, straws and wooden wheels zip back and forth across the floor, avoiding feet and other obstacles and kids test out their latest Mad Science creations. The one-a-month program from the Fort St. John Public Library encourages kids to learn all the cool things that can be done with science, and has become increasingly popular—38 kids took part on Feb. 9, while some help was given from two robotics students from North Peace Secondary, who brought robots they had built to show the kids. Library Coordinator Morgan Churchill said seeing the kids participating get so into what they’re creating and learning something new was important for their educational development. “They can see that this is something they could do when they get older, it plants the seed,” she said. Mad Science is part of an umbrella of kids programming called Creative Kids and includes afternoon and afterschool programs like Lego Club, Comics Club, Everyone Is Awesome, Awesome-ology and the now-discontinued Totally Untidy Tots. Creative Kids began with the just the Lego Club, but thanks to further funding from the

United Way of Northern BC, it was able to expand into the other programs. “We are able to take a relatively small amount and spin it into many programs, we rent the space for a certain amount of time and fill it up with programs,” said Churchill. Most of the funding goes towards that rental space, which is vital as the library wouldn’t be able to offer these same programs within the library itself—there’s just not enough space. “That’s why this level of sponsorship is so important because without the United Way funding for Thursdays, these programs just would not happen,” said Churchill. Niki Hedges, community development and campaign officer for the United Way of Northern BC, says the library is a great community partner to work with. “The results of that funding really impacted so many people in the community…and it’s just been so positive that with continuation of funding, the library has been able to expand their programming even more and it really is just amazing,” said Hedges. “They just have such a strength at providing crucial programs to the community, we’re just thrilled to partner with them.” Up next for Creative Kids, Comics Club is at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 16.

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TOGETHER, ADVOCATING FOR GROWTH AND INVESTMENT IN NORTHEAST BC On February 01, 2017, the voice of BC's construction sector became stronger. We are pleased to announce that Energy Services BC (ESBC) has merged with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC (ICBA). For Northeast British Columbia and our businesses, this means we will now have a much stronger voice when dealing with important issues in our area - especially in the case for jobs and investment in the region. • ICBA is the voice of BC’s construction industry, representing more than 2,000 companies and clients. • ICBA is also the largest single sponsor of construction apprentices in BC. • Energy Services BC is the largest oil and gas industry association in the province.

To learn more about this merger please visit

www.icba.ca/esbc

A6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Opinion

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

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

reporter

Aleisha Hendry ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Scott Donovan sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

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

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

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Is Canada really immune to “alternative facts?” In this week’s edition of Two Old Guys With Issues, the narrative below comes from old guy Rick.

n this new era of President Trump, regarding “alternate” truths or simply fake news pronouncements, we must feel rather smug here in Canada thinking that we are some how immune to this new phenomena. I recently attended the Feb. 9 Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce luncheon to listen to BC Hydro Chairman Brad Bennett, grandson of the former premier WAC Bennett, give his overview of BC Hydro’s status as well as an update of the Site C project. I was in for a few surprises. At the end of Bennett’s presentation, the audience was invited to ask a few questions. I was fortunate enough to squeeze in two questions for Chairman Bennett about the financial status of both BC Hydro and some related finances surrounding the Site C project. The first question related to a point about Site C losing $800 million in the first four years of operation (starting in 2024) and the implications to ratepayers in the subsequent fifth, sixth, and seventh years. His answer more than surprised me. In fact, it shocked me. Mr. Bennett denied the $800 million figure and stated “I don’t know where that comes from.” He also stated that the above figures “aren’t on par with BC Hydro’s” (figures). He challenged me on my sources for this information. The reality of the $800 million is, however, entirely verifiable: It comes directly from BC Hydro’s deposition to the Joint Review Panel (January 2014) presented here in Fort St. John at the Pomeroy Hotel. The information can be found on page 298, Section 15.4.3.2 Exports, of the Review Panel’s final submission to the B.C. government. Here’s the problem. During the deposition, Mr. Chris O’Riley (vice president of opera-

Rick Koechl Mike Kroecher TWO OLD GUYS WITH ISSUES

tions at the time) stated that BC Hydro was subject to low market prices that it would have to deal with during the forecasted period (first years of Site C operation, 20242028). Electricity prices will average about $35/megawatt hour, radically less than the marginal cost of production and delivery from Site C (about $94/MWh). That massive difference in costs is where the $800 million comes from. Site C would be a “large, sudden addition to the supply” it states. Here’s the clincher coming from the BC Hydro deposition: “BC Hydro projects losing $800 million in the first four years of operation.” And finally, the report also makes it clear: “These losses would come home to BC ratepayers in one way or another.” The second question I asked Chairman Bennett related to the Moody’s credit rating agency, which posted some recent metrics about the financial health of BC Hydro. Moody’s pointed out that BC Hydro has some of the weakest ratings of any provincial utility at the present time in Canada. (Financial Post, February 2017). I asked Chairman Bennett what he thought of this recent rating from Moody’s. His response was: “…when it comes to Moody’s, they are one of three bond rating agencies, as you know. They came up with that statement as I guess based on benchmarking variables that they were looking at the time.” Bennett goes on to state that the other bond rating agency, Standard and Poor’s, gives BC Hydro a “good financial condition” rating. Let’s not kid ourselves. The reality of this S&P rating is entirely based on the fact that the B.C. ratepayer will be on the hook,

regardless of any losses incurred by this capital building project by BC Hydro. BC Hydro’s bond rating will be entirely protected from any financial disaster because of us, the ratepayers. That is already happening in Newfoundland’s Muskrat Falls hydro project. The ratepayers will soon be paying 22 cents/ kilowatt hour, a 36 per cent hike. Arthur Hadland, long time resident of the North Peace and former Area C Director, has been hounding all three bond rating agencies for years to be “honest and forthright” about their position on the Site C project. He sees the absolute need for all three agencies to take B.C. ratepayers into full account with any bond rating judgments they make. So far, Moody’s seems to be complying with that stance. It became evident that Chairman Bennett doesn’t mind cherry picking with respect to the bond rating outcomes. With respect to the $800 million losses in the first four years of the Site C operation, perhaps he has had a memory lapse regarding the number? I did give him the opportunity to re-address the question and his answer, but he chose to deflect it. Either way, it appears that “alternate truths” are alive and well when it comes to any unpleasant news about BC Hydro’s special project. These two “old guys” recommend that Chairman Bennett re-read the Joint Panel Review’s final report. Or, we also have to wonder if this new Trump phenomena is now creeping into the mindsets of our very own B.C. government and Hydro officials. We have a new tweet for Mr. Bennett: “#Know your facts, stay within them.” Mike Kroecher is a long time retired resident of the Peace, expressing his deep roots in the land through his artistic bent. Rick Koechl is a recently retired (almost as long a resident) teacher of the Peace with an enthusiasm for politics and energy.

BC Hydro planning for long-term with clean electricity from Site C BC Hydro set a new daily record for power consumption earlier this year as cold winter weather increased the demand for electricity. Of course, it’s our job at BC Hydro to keep the lights on. To be successful, we need to be able to meet our customers’ electricity needs today — like on these cold winter nights — while also planning ahead for the future. Although the demand for electricity fluctuates in the short term, our long-term forecasts show that B.C.’s electricity needs will grow by almost 40 per cent over the next 20 years. This increase is being driven by a

projected population increase of more than one million residents as well as economic expansion. And going forward, the B.C. government’s Climate Leadership Plan will require that 100 per cent of the supply of electricity acquired by BC Hydro come from clean or renewable sources, with allowances for reliability. The long-term trend is clear: new sources of clean electricity will be required to power our province. As extensive as BC Hydro’s electricity supply is today, it will not be enough to meet B.C.’s long-term electricity needs, even with BC Hydro’s ambitious conservation programs that are

targeted to meet at least 66 per cent of future electricity growth by 2020. That’s why BC Hydro is re-investing in its existing hydroelectric assets and building the Site C project. Site C is the most cost-effective way to meet our future electricity needs. An independent Joint Review Panel concluded that: “Site C would be the least expensive of the alternatives, and its cost advantages would increase with the passing decades as inflation makes alternatives more costly.” Now is an ideal time to build Site C. The project is being financed at historically low interest

rates; low commodity prices are helping to keep the costs of materials down; and the slowdown in the natural resource sector means skilled workers are available just as Site C construction ramps up. Construction of Site C began in the summer of 2015 and will be completed in 2024. Once in service, the project will be a new source of clean, reliable and affordable electricity, helping us to keep the lights on for generations of British Columbians. Dave Conway is BC Hydro’s Community Relations Manager for Site C.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A7

OP-ED

Opening the door for everyone

ehind the camera, behind the scenes, anywhere that’s not directly out in front. That’s always been my place. I tell other people’s stories; I’m not actually part of them. While I’d been on stage many times as a member of the Dhara Middle Eastern Dance Troupe, I’ve never been involved in any sort of production outside of a Christmas concert in kindergarten. Watching the shows, capturing the actors immersed in their roles, whether it’s a Stage North production or the annual staging of The Vagina Monologues, I’ve always been a watcher. Now, I’m a participant. My grand stage debut is in A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer for the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society’s annual V-Day campaign. I’m a little terrified. After chatting with the group of ladies involved in this campaign year after year, hearing their stories of how it impacted their lives and how dedicated they are, and the fact that they wrote my name down anyway, I decided to give it a shot. I had watched almost all of the women involved in MMRP perform in The Vagina Monologues over the years. I sat in the aisle of the theatre, or the Lido, or wherever the show was

FORT ST. JOHN

Aleisha Hendry AS I SEE IT

being held, watching them through my camera lens and being in awe that they were up there, on stage, being vulnerable and delivering poignant lines about important women’s issues. They were from all walks of life— teachers, counselors, stay-at-home moms, activists, advocates, and so much more. They were amazing. Sitting in a circle at rehearsals, reading our monologues out loud and hearing the different voices being given to these issues has been mind blowing. Especially hearing our menfolk do their readings. Yes, male voices, three of them in fact, are included this year, and it is phenomenal to hear. Ending violence against women starts with men, so it’s important to include them in the conversation. People need to see this. They need to hear this. It’s real and happening in the world right now. The door is open for you to join us in the conversation. Won’t you come in?

www.fsjarts.org 250-787-2781 info@fsjarts.org Celebrating 50 years of the Arts Council in 2017

Arts in the 70’s Picked Up the Pace The Fort St. John Arts Council took on more activities and focused on a wide range of cultural initiatives in the 1970’s. The pottery studio was moved from Taylor to the Fort St. John Hockey Arena in 1971 where classes were more accessible to a wider group of people. Assisting with the upkeep of the community owned grand piano, the Arts Council helped to ﬁnd space where piano concerts and classes could be conducted. A Canada Council Community Initiatives Grant enabled the Arts Council to bring in a professional pianist to teach individuals and to organize performances. A Community Art Fair was initiated in 1974 and was so popular that it continued for many years. After long discussions about the lack of support for the arts in Fort St, John, the Arts Council created an Arts Centre Building Fund in 1974. The following year a public meeting was called to pursue the establishment of the Arts Centre and Public Library Committee. The CCC (Community Centre Committee) worked diligently to gather public support for the Library Theatre Complex to be built where the Pomeroy Sports Centre now stands. Two regional referendums in 1979 and 1980 failed by narrow margins. The design for that plan was tabled but the desire to have an Arts Centre was gaining momentum. It took another 12 years and fundraising of $4.6 million before the North Peace Cultural Centre was

opened in 1992. By 1975, Fort St. John had a population of 6,000 and the Arts Council had expanded to include a full season Concert Series, the Painter’s group, Workshop Players and Performing Arts. Northern Lights College obtained community arts support to locate in Fort St. John by offering educational courses in music, drama, painting, pottery, and creative writing. In later years, each of these departments were terminated, one by one, as the College required more space for academic courses. The Pottery Studio was the last to be evicted in 1992 and remained dormant for 15 years until it was welcomed into the Artspost in 2007. The Arts Council ushered out the 1970’s having made successful gains in piano music, painting, and theatre but realized that big gaps in heritage, dance and instrumental music still remained to be addressed. In 2017, the Fort St. John Community Arts Council celebrates 50 years of Arts, Culture and Heritage development. Each month, historic milestones in the arts will be featured in this newspaper column. Comments and additional material are welcome. Sue Popesku spopesku@shaw.ca

Letter to the Editor INDEPENDENTS CAN CARRY WEIGHT, CONTRARY TO CLAIMS Recent postings by Pat Pimm on social media have suggested that a Liberal MLA can do a better job than an Independent will do. This is simply not true. When Pat says that “what people in the Peace Country want is 180 degrees different than what they believe in North Vancouver and other areas in the Lower Mainland,” a party affiliated MLA will always vote with the party, rather than with Peace River North constituents. In the last sitting of the Legislature, this was proven true as Pat voted with the party leader every time. It is time to come clean. Party politics is all about selling an agenda to voters, not voters driving the agenda with politicians working on constituents’ concerns first and foremost. We cannot rely on broken promises any longer. This salesmanship needs to change to effective representation focused on the constituency, not petty inter-party battles, which are a waste of valuable time and resources, not to mention a distraction from the real issues. If I am elected as an Independent, I can protect the interests of our communities. I can freely oppose party agendas that are not in your best interests. I can introduce Legislation to help create jobs in the North and clean up politics in the South. I will have more opportunities to speak in the Legislature and have my own support staff, who aren’t dedicated to any party. Recently, some of the best work provincially has been done by Independents, an important illustration of the democratic capabilities of those members. Party members won’t admit this as they are focused on their brand. Not all of the work is done in the House, much is done in co-operation with regional and district managers, Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputies, who in many cases control where monies are directed in our communities. Because I can work with MLAs from any party on these initiatives, regardless of who forms government, your voice will carry more weight within government Ministries. I am not a politician, I am a businessman. I am not interested in political party games and I will not be selling a party brand. I will dedicate all of my resources to improving government. —Bob Fedderly, Independent MLA Candidate, Peace River North

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A8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

REAL UNIONS: REAL RESULTS

Real unions get real results – on major projects all across British Columbia The TEL Group gets the job done – and done right. DONE RIGHT MEANS:  family supporting wages and benefits  effective health and safety protection for every worker  training and apprenticeship in order to make sure that when we build major projects we are also building the workforce for BC’s future  more opportunities for First Nations, women and people with disabilities  and strong practices to preserve our environment

The TEL Group is three trade unions working together: •

•

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 213 The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 Construction and Specialized Workers Union Local 1611

The TEL Group 9912 100th Avenue Fort St. John, BC, V1J 1Y5 Office: 250-785-2746 Text: 250-612-7034

It’s because real unions get real results that the employees at Peace River Hydro Partners Construction Ltd. have asked The TEL Group to begin an organizing campaign at Site C in support of better representation, a safer workplace, and improved conditions.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A9

Community

“We were always chasing cemeteries, trying to find different places where our families lived.” - Tamara Secrist

Hawthorne was a ‘true citizen’ of Fort St. John The local healthcare and historical communities are mourning the loss of a longtime advocate and researcher this week. Judith Hawthorne passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Fort St. John Hospital. She was 73. Family and friends gathered Tuesday to remember Hawthorne’s life and contributions to the community. “She was definitely a true humanitarian in every sense of the word,” said Sandra Sawtell, client services co-ordinator with the Canadian Red Cross, who awarded the organization’s highest honour, the Order of the Red Cross, to Hawthorne last August. “I do feel very privileged in having the honour of presenting it to her. Knowing that she reached the highest level of Red Cross, that will be her legacy.” Hawthorne retired as a nurse in the community in 1985, but her work in the healthcare community didn’t end there. She began volunteering with the Red Cross that same year, helping establish the organization’s health equipment loan program, lending mobility aids and other equipment to those recovering from illness or surgery. Hawthorne volunteered an estimated 400 hours a year with the Red Cross to help run the program, which has helped more than 9,000 people in the North Peace since its inception. Hawthorne could always be counted on to step up to the plate when help was needed, whether it was running the equipment depot, laying wreaths for Remembrance Day, and helping out with the organization’s annual campaign to raise funds locally and for international causes. “She was always wanting to help the people in her community regardless of who they were or when it was,” Sawtell said. Hawthorne’s commitment to the community extended beyond healthcare and into the historical realm. She was a board director of the North Peace Historical Society since 2009, first becoming involved with the Cemetery Seekers and volunteer in the archives, volunteering another estimated 400 hours a year. She also helped conduct genealogy research at the Family History Centre through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Long-time friend and fellow Cemetery Seeker and genealogy researcher Tamara Secrist said

Hawthorne helped amass a “fantastic” database of the people who have called the North Peace home. “She recognized that everyone has a way to serve in the community and everyone has a responsibility as an adult to serve in the community and pay back,” said Secrist, who met Hawthorne through church and called her a friend for 45 years. “A lot of people think retirement is to play, and there’s good times like that too, but she always considered retirement time as pay back time, even though she had been paying it back all the way.” The pair’s friendship grew over a shared love for genealogy, discovering they had many family ties from Europe in common, Secrist said. They MATT PREPROST PHOTO often took road trips and Judith Hawthorne with her Order of the Red Cross in August 2016. Hawthorne passed away Feb. 14 at the age of 73. vacations together to track down their roots and family history. “We were always chasing cemeteries, trying to find different places where our families lived, find people related to us,” she said. Hawthorne compiled the Beatton Journals weekly for the Alaska Highway News, scouring and inputting obituaries and people files for the museum’s archives, as well as creating exhibits, including a celebration for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday. Hawthorne, along with her fellow Cemetery Seekers, was recognized and awarded the City of Fort St. John Community Award in 2011 and the Peace River Regional District Organization Achievement Award in 2012. “Judy was a committed volunteer. She didn’t take the things she was working on lightly,” said historical society president Evelyn Sim. Added Coun. Larry Evans, who worked with Hawthorne through the historical society: “(The Cemetery Seekers’ work) was something that had never been done before. “If somebody came to us and said, ‘Well my grandfather homesteaded here and he died here, do you know where he’s buried?’ We would say, well, if he homesteaded out in Montney … he may be buried in the Montney cemetery, but there was no way we could categorically say he was buried there. Now we can, almost with everybody. “She was a true citizen of Fort St. John,” Evans added. “She worked for the betterment of Fort St. John, as Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM everybody that’s been here any length of time does. But Judy RipsShoeRenu.com • ripsshoerenu@shaw.ca took it to the next level.”

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A10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Director renews call for action after report on ‘degrading’ water quality JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

A report released last summer found “profound” gaps in knowledge about the Peace Region’s groundwater, including how resource development is impacting water deep beneath the earth’s surface. Months later, a Peace River Regional District (PRRD) director is keeping pressure on the province to step up water monitoring and protection in Northeast B.C. “(With) water having been a such an important issue for this board, (it) needs to stay within our vision,” Electoral Area B director Karen Goodings said during a JONNY WAKEFIELD PHOTO review of open items at a board meeting Area B director Karen Goodings says the PRRD must push for better monitoring after a study found Feb. 9. water quality is ‘degrading’ in some areas. In August, hydrogeologist Gilles Wendling delivered the results of a PRRD- quality in wells, and revealed how little concentrations “over a relatively short funded groundwater study at a meeting is known about the 1,500 metres of the time period.” Researchers did not expect of the regional government. subsurface between groundwater and to see such increases under natural conditions and say it could possibly Billed as the first of its kind, the producing natural gas wells. study discovered “profound” gaps in Wendling’s team identified increased result from “intense” drilling activity in knowledge about fluid migration in the sulfate and sodium concentrations in the region. PRRD Deputy Chief Administrative earth’s subsurface. The analysis used groundwater at several wells, while health authority data to examine water other locations saw increased barium Officer Shannon Anderson said the

report’s key finding was the dearth of water quality monitoring. There are currently seven groundwater monitoring wells in Northeast B.C., which Wendling said was insufficient. “It was a baseline study and it found, generally, that water in some areas is degrading,” he said. “The report didn’t go into why, but the quality of water in certain areas has gotten worse.” He added the wells remains within the standards set by drinking water regulations and pose no risk to the public. B.C.’s Oil and Gas Commission, meanwhile, says there has never been a recorded instance of groundwater contamination during the hydraulic fracturing process in B.C. The report included several recommendations for improving water monitoring in the region which have been forwarded to provincial water regulators. Goodings said it was important the report not sit on the shelf, adding the board should “make sure the province does what we expect it to do” around groundwater monitoring and protection. SCHOOL from A1

R0011212976

Janeh Apsassin was one of 16 Project Heavy Duty students who took part in the construction of Ma Murray School last year. “One of the most important things I learned from this experience is that people don’t know about anything for sure until they try it, and that learning can take place anywhere. This site could be considered an unconventional classroom, but that’s where, for some students, their real learning about their future begins,” she says.

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SMARTER / BOLDER / FASTER

“There are other pressures in Fort St. John and the area, and we’re continuing to work with the school district,” Bernier added. Plans for the new school, which include 40 kindergarten and 325 elementary seats, were announced in November 2015, with the first phases of construction and site clearing starting last spring. At the time, School District officials said its elementary schools were 117 per cent over capacity. The northwest area of the city is growing significantly with several new subdivisions, and only one elementary school—C.M. Finch—to accommodate students. Eleven portable classrooms were added to schools last year to meet enrolment demands, SD 60 board chair Ida Campbell said. “This is going to give us an opportunity to give back some of the space we need in all of our elementary schools,” she said. Construction on the $26.6-million school is expected to wrap by spring 2018, with the first classes in the fall. The province is contributing $22.1 million, according to a news release, with the school district pitching in $264,000. The City of Fort St. John will spend $2.5 million to help build a 10,000-squarefoot gymnasium that will be available for community use, while BC Hydro is contributing $1.8 million for a new daycare. Sixteen Project Heavy Duty students have taken part in the school’s construction, including Janeh Apsassin, who drove to the work site from Blueberry River First Nation every day for the opportunity to work heavy machinery last May for what she called “extreme hands-on training.” The long hours put into the project “prepares students for a real job and the expectations that come with it,” Apsassin said. “Later on in life when I drive by the school I’ll remember working there and always have the memory of helping contribute to the future of other students and feel proud about my contribution to this project,” Apsassin said. “I will see the building and think, ‘I worked on that!’” The school is named after pioneering newswoman Margaret Murray, who founded the Alaska Highway News with her husband George after arriving in Fort St. John in the 1940s. The Bella Yahey Gathering Centre will be the main foyer of the school, to recognize the contributions of Bella Yahey and the Dane-zaa people. On Friday, Bernier also announced $516,000 in funding to support ongoing renovations at Ecole Central Elementary, which will go toward roof, foundation, and ventilation improvements. SD 60 is also looking to build a middle school on the same site next to the Ma Murray school, Campbell said, with plans to build another near the Fort St. John Hospital.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A11

LOCAL NEWS

A FINE EVENING UNDER THE STARS It was a dashing and dressed-up crowd at the Pomeroy Hotel on Feb. 18 for An Evening Under the Stars, with the clubs raising the $17,000 through the evening’s live and silent auctions. Meanwhile, local band Dark Horse had the crowd dancing. “We did really well, I’m really pleased with it,” said Wanda Smook, president of the Fort St. John Sunrise Rotary Club. The clubs continue to accept donations to help fund the spray park upgrades. Inquiries can be made to Wanda Smook at 250-787-7177 or by emailing wanda@ actionproperty.ca.

GLASS HOUSE FIR PELLETS, SPF PELLETS & STOVES

It’s time once again to start thinking about the movers and shakers in Fort St. John who deserve some recognition. Nominations are now open for the city’s annual Community Awards, which will go to six of the most influential residents or groups who have made Fort St. John a better place to live. The six categories open for nominations are the Cultural Award, Recreation Award, Literacy Award, the Humanitarian Award, the Youth Award, and the Mayor’s Citizen of the Year Award. Nomination packages are available at city hall, and nominations can also be made online at fortstjohn.ca/ community-awards. This year, live entertainment at the awards gala April 20 includes the Northern Winds Community Band, while two-time Stanley Cup Winner Mark Hartigan and local 1 Kid Making a Difference founder Taylor DeVos will serve as special guest speakers. The gala is set for the Lido Theatre.

AUTO GLASS

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MATT PREPROST PHOTOS

Community Awards nominations now open

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The Rotary Clubs of Fort St. John raised an estimated $17,000 last weekend to help support upgrades to the Rotary Spray Park and the Rotary International Eradicate Polio Project.

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Break a sweat at Vertical Slam registration Those looking for a workout and some pre-event conditioning for the annual Vertical Slam at Big Bam Ski Hill this June should head on down to the Kids Arena Fieldhouse this weekend. Organizers are holding a registration event Feb. 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to get participants hyped up ahead of the challenge. “It’s getting you active, getting you out there, and promoting the event,” said Race Director Tracy Kucera. The soccer pitch will be set up with an obstacle course for those dropping by, with a personal trainer on hand to catch those slacking off. Participants will received 10 per cent off their registration for taking part. There will also be drone footage of this year’s running, hiking, walking, and fitness obstacle courses for participants to check out and plan for. The Vertical Slam runs June 10, with proceeds supporting hot meal programs at School District 60. Visit verticalslam.ca for more.

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A12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Donation to help improve the lives of cats Volleyball

a sport of blood, sweat and tears

ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

A sizable donation from a local couple will go to make the lives of cats at the North Peace SPCA a little better. Jim and Margaret Little made a donation to the shelter in memory of Jim’s sister, Anne Wright, who was a long time volunteer with the branch and a devout cat lover. “She was very private and would be mortified if she knew we were here doing this,” laughed Margaret. “Well, she’d be mortified and pleased.” She added that Wright was an independent person who cared deeply for her family and animals, especially cats. “Whenever you went to Anne’s place, it was a hub of activity with three teenagers and many others who just happened to drop in,” said Margaret. “Anne always had time to listen and to provide advice if asked. She was never too busy.” Wright, who passed away in 2005, contributed in a number of different ways to the SPCA, recalls former branch manager Rosolynn Kalb, who worked with Wright a lot over the years. “The thing about Anne is she contributed in many different ways,” she said. “A lot of people contribute in one way—they

Gracie English THE YOUNGER VIEW

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Current North Peace SPCA branch manager Candace Buchamer, Margaret Little, Jim Little and former branch manager Rosolynn Kalb pose with Jojo the cat after the Littles made a donation to the shelter in memory of Jim’s sister, Anne Wright.

may contribute financially, they may contribute to an event, but usually people we know find their niche to contribute in and that’s what they do, but she would come down and help out, she’d come to events… she even helped out at the SPCA’s first Halloween Dance.” Wright isn’t the only reason the Littles decided to make the donation—many cats are dropped off or abandoned out in the country where they live, including their current feline, Kitkat.

Kitkat was found living under their shed in 2008, during a cold snap that saw the temperature drop into the -40s. After they were finally able to get her out and bring her into their home, Jim and Margaret realized she must have belonged to someone at some point, as she was housetrained and knew not to jump up on counters. “A cat is brought up in a domestic environment, they don’t know how to survive in the wild,” said Jim. North Peace SPCA branch

manager Candace Buchamer noted they are trying to educate people about taking responsibility for the animal’s life by working with the shelter and not just abandoning the animal. The funds from the donation will go towards improving life of cats in the shelter, as the Littles said that’s what Wright would have wanted. Buchamer said that includes creating a more stimulating environment for the cats and more space for them to move around.

DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2017 TIME: 6:00 pm LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers Oﬃcial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2366, 2017 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2367, 2017 The subject land of the proposed bylaws is legally described as Lot 3, Block 8, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan 3102 as shown hatched on the map with a civic address of 9904 – 94 Street. The proponent (City of Fort St. John) is applying to amend the Oﬃcial Community Plan for a portion of Lot 3 from IT – Institutional to HDR – High

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PUBLIC HEARING

Density Residential and a portion of Lot 3 from IT – Institutional to MDR – Medium Density Residential and to amend the Zoning Bylaw for a portion of Lot 3 from RM2 – Multiple Housing (High Density) to R2 – Single Detached and Duplex Housing. Copies of the proposed bylaws and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from February 20 to 27, 2017. At the hearing, the public will be allowed to make presentations to Council or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

www.fortstjohn.ca

PUBLIC HEARING The proponent (City of Fort St. John) is applying to amend the Oﬃcial Community Plan from GC – General Commercial to HDR – High Density Residential and to amend the Zoning Bylaw from C3 – General Commercial to RM2 – Multiple Housing (High Density).

Oﬃcial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2374, 2017 Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2375, 2017

Copies of the proposed bylaws and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from February 20 to 27, 2017.

The subject land of the proposed bylaws is legally described as Rem. of Lot D, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan PGP41348 Except Plan EPP7941 as shown hatched on the map with a civic address of 9404 – 93 Avenue.

At the hearing, the public will be allowed to make presentations to Council or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

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DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2017 TIME: 6:00 pm LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers

olleyball. Some people say it’s an easy sport. They’ve obviously never played a real game of volleyball. When I say playing real volleyball I don’t mean Olympiclevel playing. I mean a game where people are focused, filled with adrenaline, and flat on the floor more times than not. We wear kneepads for a reason. When people think of playing this wonderful sport they normally think it’s all about hitting the ball and getting the point. While that’s a big part of this game there’s so much more that goes into it. I can tell you now that volleyball is very much a team-based sport. It’s not possible for one person to carry the team. If no one sets up the hitter, there is no hit. If no one passes the setter the ball, there is no chance of setting up a hit. Everyone has to work hard. Before we get any farther I’ll give you a quick lesson on volleyball if you have no idea what I’m talking about when I say things like ‘hitter’ or ‘setter.’ A hit, sometimes called a spike, is when someone jumps up and slams a ball down over the net at the other team. A set it when a player pushes the ball high in the air, setting it up for someone to hit it. A forearm pass, or just pass, is usually the first touch on a ball. The player has their arms together out in front of them and hits the ball off their forearms. I’m sorry if I’m still not making sense, but that’s what Google is for, right? Now, let’s get back to what volleyball really is. Sure, the game is played out on the court, but what you don’t see is the hours of practice, blood, sweat, and tears players put into the game. Not to mention long drives, lots of weekends away from home, and how much it costs. Even though it’s a lot of hard work, I can promise it pays off. Whether it’s winning a game or just making memories with your team. I can honestly say that my teammates are some of my closest friends. We spend a lot of time together! Three practices a week and lots and lots of weekends spent at tournaments. I hope after reading about my quite obvious love of volleyball you can see why it’s so important to me. At the very least I hope you have a new respect for the game and it’s players. In Fort St. John, we have a club volleyball team called NBCVC or Ice. There’s teams for U-13 all the way up to U-18. For more information on registration, tryouts, etc you can go to nbcvc.com. Gracie English is a 13-yearold student, born and raised in the Montney/Fort St. John area. She enjoys writing, horseback riding, and competitive volleyball.

www.fortstjohn.ca

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A13

LOCAL NEWS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH GALA The Pan African Caribbean Association held its annual gala to celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Fort St. John Curling Rink. The night featured food from different parts of Africa and the Caribbean, a fashion show, and live Congolese music from La Rhumba. Photos by Aleisha Hendry and Temmy Olajide

WAC Bennett Dam Crest Road Closure March 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017

We will be closing the road across the WAC Bennett Dam from Wednesday, March 1 to Friday, June 30 for the Rip-rap Upgrade Project. The closure covers 1.5km west of the dam on the Utah Road to the intersection of the Dam Crest Road and the Central Control Building access road (Canyon Drive). The closure will include access to the Elizabeth Creek boat ramp. Boaters should instead use the Dunlevy boat ramp at Butler Ridge Provincial Park. If you have any questions about this project, please contact us at 250 561 4858.

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A14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL NEWS EMPATHY from A1

PUBLIC HEARING

NPSS Principal Randy Pauls was pleased with how the students were taking to the idea. All the chairs were steadily signed out throughout the day. “We’ve worked hard on being inclusive to all of our kids over the years, with Erica moving into a chair because of mobility issues, we thought it would be a great idea to show able-bodied kids what it’s like to be in a chair on a regular basis,” he said. Students were seen wheeling around the halls on both the upper and lower levels of the school. One of those was Grade 12 student Aidan Scott, a friend of Thomas Schulenburg. He said being confined to a wheelchair definitely had its challenges. “It definitely has its limitations, earlier I went to my second block class and the wheelchair wouldn’t fit through the lines of desks, so I had to nudge them out of the way to make it through,” he said. “I can definitely see how she may have difficulties in the future, but knowing Erica, she’ll just work her way through it.” Thomas Schulenburg will be getting surgery to correct the curve in her spine this summer. She was a little worried about putting together the wheelchair experience, as several people she asked didn’t seem too keen on the idea. “I asked a lot of people and they said no, so originally I wasn’t too excited because it wasn’t going to get much attention and people weren’t really into it,” she said. “Once they saw it, they got really excited about it and that makes me really happy because its not just people I know that are supporting me, it’s the entire school.” Schulenburg would like to see a day like this one happen again in the future. “I’ve been asked by some of the kids if we could do it more often, because some of them didn’t get to try the chairs and I think if it did happen every once in a while, that would be nice.”

DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2017 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2368, 2017

The City is proposing to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 2181, 2014 in the following manner: Wording Replacement: Section 4.3 – Permitted Uses for Medical Marihuana Production Facilities: 4.3 Any use not expressly permitted in this bylaw is prohibited in every zone and where a particular use is expressly permitted in one zone, such use is prohibited in every zone where it is not also expressly permitted. 4.3.1 Medical Marihuana Production Facilities is prohibited in all zones except pursuant to an amendment to the current Zoning Bylaw to expressly permit such use. Inclusion of New Section: General Provisions Section 4.8 – Temporary Use Permits 4.8 Temporary Use Permits 1. In accordance with Section 492 of the Local Government Act, the following zones in the City of Fort St. John are designated areas for consideration of Temporary Use Permits for uses not presently permitted on the property subject to an application: a) R2 ‘Duplex Housing’ 2. When considering an application for a Temporary Use Permit, Council must consider the proposal against the following criteria: a) Compatibility of the proposal with uses on adjacent properties, including future land uses permitted by this Bylaw and designated by the Official Community Plan. A Temporary Use Permit may only be issued if a condition or circumstance exists that warrants the proposed use for a short period of time but does not warrant a change of land use designation or zoning of the property. This may include economic development and testing the compatibility of a proposed use with established nearby uses; b) Impact of the proposed use on the natural environment and environmentally sensitive areas, and any proposed remedial measures to mitigate any damage to the natural environment or environmentally sensitive areas as a result of the Temporary Use; c) Compatibility of the operation, function, appearance and intensity of the proposed use with the surrounding area; d) Inability to conduct the proposed use on land elsewhere in the community; and e) The application must be referred to and approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure with respect to access to and effect on Provincial Highways. 3. As a condition of issuing a Temporary Use Permit, Council may specify conditions including, but not limited to: a) the demolition of a building or structure associated with the Permit or the restoration of the property as described in the Permit by the date specified in the Permit, b) posting a letter of credit as security to guarantee the performance of the terms of the Permit; c) the hours of the proposed use; d) the area of the proposed use; e) environmental and groundwater protection measures. 4. Permission to renew an approved Temporary Use Permit is limited to one renewal only, which may only be granted by a resolution of Council.

Watson Slough: We’re listening As we build Site C, we’re committed to being a good neighbour and partner. This means listening to the interests and concerns of the community and finding ways to do things differently when we need to. Recently, the Peace River Regional District requested that we delay clearing of Watson Slough until reservoir filling in 2022. We’ve listened.

At the hearing, the public will be allowed to make presentations to Council or to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the proposed bylaw.

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Copies of the proposed bylaw and related documents may be inspected at City Hall – 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from February 20 to 27, 2017.

We’ve made changes to the clearing plan for Watson Slough to prolong the productivity of the wetland area. Approximately 10% of the trees will be cleared at Watson Slough in early 2017, leaving approximately 90% of the trees in place until the winter before reservoir filling. To learn more about Site C or to share your questions or comments:

www.fortstjohn.ca

Visit us on the web: sitecproject.com Follow us on Twitter: @sitecproject Call us: 1-877-217-0777 Send us an email: sitec@bchydro.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 A15

LOCAL NEWS

SPECIAL DELIVERY...

Robert Ogilvie students put their hypotheses to the test

MATT PREPROST PHOTOS

Robert Ogilvie students put their science fair projects on display Feb. 20, showing off their lemon batteries, volcanoes, and other research meant to stop and make you think. Above: Grade 5 students Natalie Dool and Paige Dyck fed plants with water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and Coke for a week. The plant fed vegetable oil saw its flowers bloom before dying, while the plant fed Coke surprisingly grew. The plant fed vinegar died, while the plant fed water naturally survived. “We thought the plant fed Coke would definitely do worse,” Dool said. Added Dyck: “But we definitely knew the plant with vinegar was going to die.”

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Drop off or m ail yo ur FRE anno E birth unce m e n The t to: High Alaska 9916 way New -98 S s , John t., Fort S t. V1J or em 3T8 comp ail: os ahnf e@ sj.ca

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

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

CITY BEAT

Updates from February 14, 2017 Council Meetings

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www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

PROCLAMATIONS

•February 13 – 19, 2017 was proclaimed as “Women’s Institute Week” in the City of Fort St. John. • February 20 – 24, 2017 was proclaimed as “Chamber of Commerce Week” in the City of Fort St. John. • February 20 – 24, 2017 was proclaimed as “Scout-Guide Week” in the City of Fort St. John. • February 22, 2017 was proclaimed as “Anti-Bullying & Harassment Day and Pink Shirt Day” in the City of Fort St. John. • The month of June 2017 was proclaimed as “Arts Month” in the City of Fort St. John.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Council presented a Long Service Award to Angelee Wigglesworth in recognition of her ﬁve years of service to the City of Fort St. John

BYLAWS

Jacob Gerow took some baby teeth and soaked one in Coca-Cola and the other in Pepsi for three weeks to see which drink was worse for teeth. The verdict? Coke, although both came out looking thoroughly black and rotten.

• Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2366, 2017 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2367, 2017 were introduced and read for the first and second times by title only. The subject land is legally described as Lot 3, Block 8, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan 3102 and is located at 9904 – 94 Street. The purpose of the amendments is to allow the subdivision of the land containing the Passive House. This is a City initiative and will amend the Official Community Plan for a portion of Lot 3 from IT - Institutional to HDR – High Density Residential and also from IT – Institutional to MDR – Medium Density Residential. The Zoning Bylaw will also be amended for a portion of Lot 3 from RM2 – Multiple Housing (High Density) to R2 – Single Detached and Duplex Housing. A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday February 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the bylaws. • Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2368, 2017 was introduced and read for the first and second times by title only. The purpose of this bylaw is to amend the wording for Permitted Uses for Medical Marihuana Production Facilities and to add a new section on Temporary Use Permits. A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday February 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the bylaw. • Fees and Charges for Various Municipal Services Bylaw No. 2369, 2017 was introduced and read for the first three times by title only. The purpose of the bylaw is to identify an application fee for Temporary Use Permits which are being implemented by the City. • Development Approval Procedures Bylaw No. 2370, 2017 was presented to Council. The purpose of the bylaw is to update the existing development approval bylaw by prescribing procedures for temporary use permits as well as additional clarification on processes used in other development applications. As extensive changes to the existing bylaw were being proposed, Council requested that this matter be deferred to a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 27, 2017 to allow an opportunity to review the changes in detail. • Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2374, 2017 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2375, 2017 were introduced and read for the first and second times by title only. The subject land of the proposed bylaws is legally described as Rem. of Lot D, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan PGP41348 Except Plan EPP7941 and is located at 9403 – 93 Avenue. The intent is to amend the Official Community Plan from GC – General Commercial to HDR – High Density Residential and the Zoning from C3 – General Commercial to RM2 – Multi Family Residential-High Density. This will facilitate the construction of a 50 unit multi-family building by BC Housing. A Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday February 27, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the bylaws. • Revenue Anticipation Borrowing Bylaw No. 2376, 2017 was introduced and read for the first three times by title only. This bylaw gives the City the ability to borrow money if needed for City operations until property taxes are collected. • 2017 – 2021 Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2379, 2017 was introduced and read for the first three times by title only. The City is required by the Community Charter to adopt an annual financial plan. Council provided direction to staff at previous Committee of the Whole meetings regarding the operating and capital budgets and this direction is reflected in the bylaw. Council also requested that staff provide a report outlining suggestions on funding allocations for the additional $874,719 received from the Peace River Agreement.

TENDER AWARDS - FUEL PRODUCTS AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS FOR 2017 – 2020

Need to scrub out a stubborn grape juice stain? Forget Oxi-Clean, forget Shout, forget Resolve. Grade 5 student Tinney McColm says a homemade mix of equal parts Dawn soap, baking soda, and peroxide works best.

•

The tender for the supply of fuel products to the City for a three year contract period from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2020 was awarded to the low bidder, PFA Canada in partnership with Petro Canada Cardlock, for the tendered amount of $351,426. The tendered prices are based on approximate volumes consumed on an annual basis.

•

A report was provided to Council advising that the tender for the supply of petroleum products (oils) to the City over a three year contract period from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2020 was awarded to Northern Metallic Sales for the tendered amount of $32,440.25. The tendered volumes are approximate and can vary based on required maintenance of various pieces of equipment. As the value of the tender was under $250,000 and was awarded to the low bidder, the tender could be approved by staﬀ under the terms of the City’s Purchasing and Tendering Policy.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

A Committee of the Whole Meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Monday February 27, 2017. The Regular Council Meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m. Public Hearings are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Monday February 27, 2017 for the following bylaws: • Oﬃcial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2366, 2017 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2367, 2017 • Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2368, 2017 • Oﬃcial Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2374, 2017 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2375, 2017

All Regular meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

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.

Grade 6 students Reese Holden and Mackenzie Fell show off their inky fingerprints. The students sampled 100 of the friends and family members to learn the most common fingerprint amongst their sample was a loop pattern. The most uncommon was the arch pattern.

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

A16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Sports & Leisure LOCAL CADETS COMPETE AT BIATHLON

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SPORTS B2

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Ace Holes win Crystal Cup for the second year in a row Unseasonably warm weather nearly kiboshed the annual pond hockey tournament ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

It almost looked like Mother Nature was going to ruin everything, but in the end, the sixth annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge went on to have another successful year. Thirty-nine teams between three divisions—the open division Crystal Cup, the women’s division Sapphire Cup, and the 40+ division Coal Cup—headed out the Charlie Lake to play a little shinny and have a good time. Organizer Neil Evans said this might have been the most interesting year, weather wise. “Come Thursday it was still really wet out here and luckily Mother Nature was nice to us,” he said of the weather finally dipping below freezing enough to make the ice on Charlie Lake more solid. “And then Mother Nature dumped snow on us (Saturday) night.” The Sunday games were pushed back so crews could clear the snow off the rinks,

but once it was done, the Challenge continued. The Crystal Cup final was a rematch of last year’s final between the Ace Instruments Ace Holes and Ironhide, which was an intense game right until the horn blew. The Ace Holes would emerge as champions for the second year in a row, winning 6-5. The women’s division Sapphire Cup made its return this year after two years off, with six teams vying for the win. The final game came down to One Cupcake Over The Line against the IceHoles, with One Cupcake taking the win and the Sapphire Cup. The Coal Cup was back for the second year with three teams competing in the 40+ division. The final there was between the Rapid Relics and Watt’s Projects, with the Rapid Relics coming out of top and winning the Coal Cup. Looking back on the weekend, Evans said there’s just something about pond hockey that appeals to a lot

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTOS

The Ace Instruments Ace Holes won the Crystal Cup for the second year in a row at the Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge on Feb. 19.

of people in the Northeast, noting that there are diehards that will play no matter the weather, as long as there’s an ice surface available. “I think it brings back a lot of childhood memories, playing on dugouts, playing hockey as kids, finding a rink wherever they can, backyards, dugouts, ponds, lakes, anything, that’s how I grew up,” he said.

Lussier outlasts Foster in three-round win at BFL47 MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Travis Lussier admits it wasn’t his best fighting experience, but nevertheless he walked away from Battlefield Fight League 47 in Coquitlam Feb. 18 with a win and a shot at a welterweight title later this spring. Lussier beat James Foster in three rounds by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27), fighting off a cold that sapped his cardio and coming off a training camp he squeezed in between working long days out in the patch. “It wasn’t the greatest of experiences, but we pushed through and got the job done. I got to bring a W back to Fort St. John and I’m in number one contention for the welterweight title,” Lussier said. The Fivestar fighter’s bout against Foster was a rematch after Lussier beat Foster in a three-round decision in 2015. Despite Lussier’s setbacks, and the fact that Foster switched gyms this goaround to focus on his wrestling, sticking to the game plan paid off, Lussier said. “It was a tougher time but I was still NELSON YEO/MMASUCKA.COM PHOTOS prepared for it. He got me with some Travis Lussier beat James Foster in three rounds by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27) at really good body shots, and that didn’t Battlefield Fight League 47 on Feb. 18, fighting off a cold that sapped his cardio and coming off a help my cardio either,” Lussier said. training camp he squeezed in between working long days out in the patch. “I just knew that by keeping on grinding him, his body was going to fill Stewart, Dylan Lielke, Justin Donally I always feel a lot tougher going into a with lactic acid and he was going to be and Shawn Albrecht, for his win. fight after training with Justin. There’s getting slower and slower. And our game “Even on a bad day, my wrestling no mercy with him.” plan just ended up flowing through tends to be very good because of who I Had Lussier been in a better condition anyways.” train with. We have a really good team,” heading into his fight, Donally believes Lussier credited his coaches and he said. Lussier would have been able to finish training partners, including Brad “Justin is huge for my mental game. Foster in the second round.

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“He basically controlled the whole fight,” Donally said. Lussier will have a shot at Battlefield Fight League’s welterweight title in May, but first he’ll head to Lethbridge for the Canadian National Amateur Championships in April along with Dylan Lielke. Donally said he’ll be focusing on pushing Lussier’s cardio and making him as well-rounded in the cage as he can be heading into the fights. “He’s getting better everywhere, getting better and more well rounded all the time,” Donally said. “We’ll keep focus on everything.” Lussier said not having to cut weight will allow him to focus on his technique over the next few months. “I just plan on training everything,” he said. “The best case scenario, I’m as well-rounded as I can be, that way it doesn’t matter where the fight goes.”

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B2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

North Peace Secondary School Jr. Girls basketball team

NPSS sports update

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Ben Sharpe starting the sprint race.

Local army cadets compete at biathlon provincials Two local cadets recently headed to Whistler to compete in biathlon provincials. Ben Sharpe and Jesse Simons competed in two races at the event. The each competed in a Sprint Race, which is a timed race that involves a three laps of a two-kilometre course and two bouts of shooting five targets with five rounds. They also raced as a team in a Modified Patrol race, which is a 900-metre course,

with four bouts of shooting with five targets per team member, with 20 rounds to share between them, and on the last bout they have unlimited shots to knock down all 10 targets, which completes their race. During a patrol race, the teammates must remain within 10 meters of each other at all times. While both athletes put in an admirable performance, icy conditions lead both Sharpe and Simons

R0021217976

to have bad falls during their races. Sharpe finished 14th out of 17 in his sprint race, while Simons finished ninth out of 11 in his sprint. They finished ninth out of 10 in their patrol race. It wasn’t a total loss, however, as Sharpe was selected to be one of four B.C. cadets to attend nationals in Quebec from Feb. 28 to March 5. — Staff

• Sr. Girls Basketball team won the Consolation Final at the Scona Classic in Edmonton defeating Bert Church 66-51. • Sr. Boys Basketball team finished seventh at the Scona Classic in Edmonton defeating Bert Church 79-66. • Jr. Girls Basketball team won the regional playoffs hosted by Dr. Kearney. • Jr. Boys Basketball team finished second at the regional playoffs. • Sr. Girls Basketball Team beat Lake City at the 3A Basketball Zones but lost a hard-fought game to the host team PGSS in the final. Big thank you to Ashley Backus for coaching this year. • Jr. Girls Basketball Team won the Consolation Final at the Ray Lecavalier Jr. Basketball Tournament in Edmonton. Big thank you to Colin Ziebart and Kymberly Dunn for coaching this year. • Jr. Boys Basketball Team lost by one point in the Consolation Final at the Ray Lecavalier Jr. Basketball Tournament in Edmonton. Big thank you to Shane Nelson, Eugene Conception and Dan Penner for coaching this year. • Sr. Boys Basketball Team is hosting the 4A Basketball Zones this Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25. Game time on Friday is 7:30 p.m. at NPSS. Saturday game times are 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (if necessary). It is the best of three games vs. Correlieu Secondary School. Winning team will represent the North Central Zone at the Provincial Championship in Langley, B.C. from March 8-11. —Submitted by Lori Coulter

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

This Week: The RSM Classic

This week, the PGA Tour will travel to Sea Island, Georgia for the RSM Classic. The tournament is held at the Defending: Kevin Kisner Seaside Golf Club. Seaside was Winning Score: 22-under par originally built as a nine hole Winning Share: $1,026,000 course by legendary English architects Colt and Alison in 1929. In 1973, Joe Lee designed Marshside Nine. These two distinct nines were transformed into the current world-class Seaside course in 1999 by Tom Fazio. Seaside is prominently placed on Golf Digest’s list of “Top 100 Courses in the United States.” Seaside Course Sea Island, Ga. 7,055 yards, Par 70

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

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

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF

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

Last Week: Pat Perez won the OHL Classic

c) Ernie Els d) Payne Stewart

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

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

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

Player Profile

Pat Perez

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

FedEx Cup Standings Through Nov. 13, 2016

1) Hideki Matsuyama 850 pts. / 2 top tens

2) Justin Thomas 614 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Pat Perez

606 pts. / 2 top tens

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top tens

5) Rod Pampling 507 pts. / 1 top tens

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

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Top 10s 2 3 3 1 1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Fort St. John soccer club youth indoor tourney Regular Season Winners U12 Co-Ed Team Silver U14 Co-Ed Team Teal U16/18 Co-Ed Team Navy Tournament Winners U12 Co-Ed Team Silver - Gold Team Royal Blue - Silver Team Purple - Bronze U14 Co-Ed Team Teal - Gold Team Silver - Silver Team Yellow - Bronze U16/18 Co-Ed Team Navy - Gold Team Yellow - Silver Team Teal - Bronze For more, visit alaskahighwaynews.ca HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTOS

W EEKLY P RO R ACING U PDATE Racing News, Stats & Trivia

Racing News

Daytona International Speedway Track Details Distance: 2.5 miles Shape: Tri-Oval Banking/Turns: 31 degrees

The 2017 NASCAR Sprint Cup season begins this Sunday with the Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 is widely considered to be NASCAR’s most important and prestigious race. It’s NASCAR’s Super Bowl and is the race every driver dreams of winning. The Daytona International Speedway is the most famous track in NASCAR racing mostly because Daytona Beach is where NASCAR began. Some of the most legendary drivers in the world have won the event, including Richard Petty, a record seven times, Cale Yarborough, and even Indy 500 winners Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt.

sports medicine,” said Jim Cassidy, R0021159210 NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We will continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates.” As part of the new rule regarding damaged vehicles, a driver whose car sustains damage from an accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the garage is required to visit the Infield Care Center to be evaluated. The medical portion of NASCAR’s Event Standards now require that Infield Care Center physicians incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries. AMR will provide on-site neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the 2017 season and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued development of concussion protocol.

Racing Trivia Which driver was the last to win the Daytona 500 starting from the pole position? a) Jeff Gordon b) Dale Earnhardt

c) Dale Jarrett d) Bill Elliott

Answer : c) Dale Jarrett won the 2000 Daytona 500 starting from the pole position.

Race Det Race Detail tail ils s

Location: Daytona Beach, Fla. Date: Feb. 26th, 2:30 p.m. TV: FOX Last Year’s Winner: Denny Hamlin Race Record: Buddy Baker 177.602 in 1980

Chase Elliott won the pole for the Daytona 500 Chase Elliott won the pole for Sunday’s race at Daytona International Speedway with a final-round speed of 192.872 mph. Joining him on the front row is Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., making his return to racing after missing 18 races in 2016 with a concussion. Earnhardt was slower by a few fractions of a second at 192.864 mph. It’s the fifth time Hendrick drivers have occupied both spots on the front row. Elliott and Earnhardt are the only two drivers locked into their starting spots for Sunday’s 59th running of the Great American Race. They will lead the field to the green flag in the first and second Can-Am Duel 150-mile qualifying races on Thursday night, Elliott in the first Duel, Earnhardt in the second. NASCAR expanded the concussion protocol NASCAR announced updates to its concussion protocol for competitors, adding a consistent screening tool for all venues and increasing available neurological support for race event weekends through its new partnership with AMR. “NASCAR has worked very closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of

Last Weekend’s Race: Joey Logano won the Clash at Daytona Joey Logano stole a win in the Clash at Daytona on Sunday, driving around the crashing leaders to land NASCAR’s first trophy of Speedweeks. Denny Hamlin led much of the 75-lap exhibition event, which was postponed a day because of rain, but lost control while trying to block Brad Keselowski just after taking the white flag for the final lap. ”It’s a momentum builder, that’s what this is,” said Logano, the 2015 Daytona 500 champion. It was Logano’s first Clash victory in nine tries and his third overall win at Daytona International Speedway.

Joey Logano Born: May 24, 1990 Crew Chief: Todd Gordon Car: Ford

Year 2016 Career

Wins 3 17

Top 10s 26 136

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Clash at Daytona Top Ten Driver 1. Joey Logano 2. Kyle Busch 3. Alex Bowman 4. Danica Patrick 5. Kevin Harvick 6. Brad Keselowski 7. Chase Elliott 8. Daniel Suarez 9. Chris Buescher 10. Jamie McMurray

B4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Huskies trounce Vipers 8-1, advance to semi-finals MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Sebastian Powsey netted a hat trick and Brody Greggain turned away 29 pucks Sunday afternoon as the Fort St. John Huskies trounced the Sexsmith Vipers 8-1 to advance to the NWJHL semi-finals. The Huskies delivered a high-shooting match up for the home crowd at the North Peace Arena, rifling 58 shots on net after 60 minutes of play. Gary Loewen opened the scoring for the Huskies a little over 10 minutes into the first period on a power play, with an assist from Matthew Apsassin and Jacob MATT PREPROST PHOTO Lang. The Vipers’ Riley King evened things up with a power play goal of his own with Huskies’ defender Dane Bateman looks to fend off a Vipers offensive attack on Feb. 19. two minutes remaining in the period to even the game at 1-1. find ways to score. Our goaltending was and playing the full 60, that will come.” But it was the Huskies who broke loose real solid. When we figured things out and The Huskies outshot the Vipers 58-30, in the second, racking up a four-goal lead started playing our game style instead of with Huskies’ netminder Brody Greggain that had the Vipers struggling to catch up. falling in and playing their game style, giving another solid performance in his Powsey netted two back-to-back goals that’s when it started to break loose for us second game between the pipes. in the first half of the second, after Zak a lot better. The West Kelowna product was only Bayko fired home the go-ahead goal off “We’re not a dump and chase type of recently called up to the Huskies to fill a faceoff less than two minutes into the team … when we started to figure that out, in for injured backup Tavis Viens, and period. Geoff Dick netted his lone goal we were a lot more dangerous out there.” earned his first win and first star for the of the night with five minutes remaining Gary Loewen, Bradley Dixon, and team against the Vipers in regular season in the period putting the Huskies up 5-1 Powsey all netted goals in the third, with game action on Feb. 12. heading into the third. the final scoreboard showing 8-1 for the “Sexsmith just gave up. They knew they “They did an excellent job of bringing Huskies. were done,” said Greggain Sunday, who the energy,” Huskies associate coach Todd “Knowing when we keep trucking earned the game’s second star. “We took Alexander said after the game. through, the other team can’t keep up,” advantage of that and finished them off.” “I thought at parts of game one and said Powsey, who earned the game’s first The Huskies beat the Vipers 4-3 Feb. parts of game two that they (Sexsmith) star. 15 and 3-1 Feb. 18, taking the best-of-five were definitely outworking us and couldn’t “As long as we keep trucking through series 3-0.

SCOREBOARD NPHL

NWJHL Playoff Standings as of Feb. 21 Quarter Finals Sexsmith Vipers vs Fort St. John Huskies Huskies win series 3-0, will play Navigators in semis JDA Kings vs Dawson Creek Jr. Canucks Series tied 1-1

Playoff Standings as of Feb. 21 East Division Finals Grimshaw Huskies vs Falher Pirates Pirates lead series 2-0 West Division Finals Fort St. John Flyers vs Spirit River Rangers Rangers lead series 2-0

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NAMHL Standings as of Feb. 21

GP 1 Whitecourt Wolverines 29 2 Peace River Royals 30 3 NEBC Trackers 29 4 GPAC Storm 29 5 Fort McMurray Barons 30

ERBHL W L 22 6 20 7 15 9 12 9 5 18

T 1 3 5 8 7

PT 45 43 35 32 17

Prespatou 4-H Community Club

Hello!

Hello again. I’m afraid I don’t have much to report for this month. Our most recent meeting was on February 8, we worked on record books and decided our barn display. Our club communications is scheduled for February 27 at our public school in the gym starting at 1:00pm. We have a photography meeting scheduled for February 22 and the sheep and photography members are going to a sledding hill on February 24 for some fun and some opportunities for the photography members to get some action shots for their units. On February 16 James and Martha held a calf processing and calving demonstration clinic in the afternoon for anyone who was interested. The next meeting for our club is scheduled for March 8. Hopefully I will have more to report next time.

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The team will have a brief reprieve and time to recuperate before squaring off against the North Peace Navigators in the semi-finals. Schedule details have yet to be announced. The Navigators finished this NWJHL season in second place with a 18-11-01 record, with the two teams tying their regular season series 3-3. While the team’s power play improved this series against the Vipers, coach Alexander said the Huskies do need to shore up their penalty kill and tighten up in the neutral zone. “We’re playing against a pretty offensive club coming up. We got to make sure we’re ready to go against them and limit their time and space to their better players,” Alexander said. “We just need to possess the puck a lot more. In this series, we were falling into that trap of dump and chase. Like I said before, when we got to controlling the puck and moving it and making our plays then we’re a whole lot different. “That’s when the sped factor comes in. We know we’re a fast team, and when we can move the puck fast then we’re real dangerous,” he said. Added Powsey: “If we come out and play like we did here, I know we can beat them in playoffs. Playoffs are a whole other category. They’ve had a couple days rest. They’ll be ready to go, they’re going to be hungry. “We’re just going to have to be hungrier,” he said.

Standings as of Feb. 21 1 Fort McMurray Barons 2 GPAC Coyote North Ltd Storm 3 Fort St. John Flyers 4 Peace River Sabres 5 Whitecourt Wolverines

GP 28 29 28 31 28

W L 20 7 18 10 14 11 11 15 7 19

T 1 1 3 5 2

PT 41 37 31 27 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B5

Arts & Culture

“I’m keen to have it close to the gallery to try and draw people in, because there are a lot of people that still don’t know it’s here.”

— Alan White, Peace Gallery North

ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Alcan Craze continues for Rose Prairie songwriter musician Tom Cole. So when the opportunity to turn Alcan Craze into a full-length track, she To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the jumped at the chance. Alaska Highway, the Peace Liard Region“We had the basic hard work done al Arts Council has released a CD called and had already had the inspiration,” Alaska Highway Songs. The Alaska High- she said. “I always thought I could way News will feature the musicians on make that into a song someday.” the album throughout the year. Alcan Craze has the backing of the Whiskey Creek band, a group of muhen it was announced that sicians Butler put together and named the Peace Liard Regional after the area of Rose Prairie they live Arts Council was holding in. a contest for songs about the Alaska Listening to the song, with the alHighway, Deb Butler was already most military style marching beat of ahead of the game—she’d started the tune, adds to that imagery of how writing hers 25 years ago. the “American soldiers came marching Butler’s song, Alcan Craze, is track into town.” Butler’s husband, Mike, number 14 on Alaska Highway Songs: provides the harmonica, Josh Wild Road Songs for the 75th Anniversary of is on drums, Mike Odowichuk plays the Alaska Highway, and was originally lead guitar, and Don McLean takes the going to be an advertising jingle for a bass. Together, with Butler’s vocals and play she’d written back in 1992. rhythm guitar, Alcan Craze adds an up“I wrote a play called The Alcan beat classic track to the album. Craze of ’42, it was going to be staged Butler has a lot of praise for Alaska in our brand new North Peace Cultural Highway Songs, and the other musiCentre,” she said. “I thought it’d be fun cians on the album. as an advertisement to come up with a “It’s good driving music, we live in jingle, so I wrote the basis of this song Rose Prairie and I put it on when we go as a jingle, very short, but then it never into town if I’m by myself,” she said. “I ended up being used. enjoy it, especially if it’s dark out and “So when the contest came out, I you wonder what inspired this guy thought I have kind of the basis for a or girl to write this song, and they’ve song, just write a couple verses, put got their own little idea about the in a little instrumental and then we’d highway.” have a song.” Alaska Highway Songs: Road Songs Butler comes from a musical family, for the 75th Anniversary of the Alaska and was essentially self-taught when it Highway is currently available in Fort comes to music. St. John at the Fort St. John North She’s been writing her own songs Peace Museum, the ArtsPost, Peace and performing for years—she had Gallery North, and Whole Wheat and one of her songs chosen for Cowichan Honey. In Fort Nelson, pick it up at the Bay’s Spirit of BC celebration and Fort Nelson Museum, the Fort Nelson recorded a duet with local country Visitor Centre, and Trapper’s Den. ALEISHA HENDRY

ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Deb Butler’s track on Alaska Highway Songs was originally conceived 25 years ago. She took a jingle she’d written but never used and turned into a full-length song.

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B6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

R0011352386

ARTS & CULTURE

Driftwood moose needs home Gallery looks to keep ‘quintessential’ Canadian art piece at the cultural centre ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Sturgill the driftwood moose may have a permanent home at the North Peace Cultural Centre, but he needs the community’s help. Peace Gallery North wants to keep local artist Michelle Pringle’s driftwood sculpture within the centre, as it is a quintessential Canadian art piece. “The idea is for it to become a public art initiative that the community could donate to and become like the owners of it,” said gallery co-ordinator Alan White. As it’s the 25th anniversary of the cultural centre, the gallery wants to make $25 the minimum donation. People will get a charitable tax receipt no matter how much they donate. Those who donate to Sturgill’s purchase would have their name on a plaque near where he will be on display. White said the sculpture would go in a small inset area by the NPCC box office that currently has a couple of potted plants filling the space. That way, Sturgill is in the line of sight for both the gallery and the box office. “I’m keen to have it close

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Michelle Pringle’s driftwood moose sculpture, entitled Sturgill, may soon have a permanent home at the North Peace Cultural Centre if enough people contribute.

to the gallery to try and draw people in, because there are a lot of people that still don’t know it’s here,” said White. Rather than set up a gofundme page or use another crowdfunding website, those interested in helping Sturgill stay at the NPCC will be able to

donate through the box office, or on the centre’s website. For more information on donating to Sturgill’s new home, call Peace Gallery North at 250-787-0993. To learn more about Pringle’s driftwood art, visit the Facebook page for her company, Drifters.

FLOWERS AND FROYO

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Flowers were painted and frozen yogurt was eaten at Altered Eye Studio’s Family Art Night at Menchies on Feb. 17. Participants are led step-by-step through creating their very own work of art. This month everyone painted flowers.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B7

ARTS & CULTURE

Women’s Resource Society make MMRP free for all society’s awareness campaign of ending violence against women, and wanted to reach The Fort St. John Women’s as many people as possible. As Resource Society has decided money can be tight for a lot of to make its annual V-Day people right now, making the campaign performance open show by donation opens the to everyone. door for more people to see it. Admission to A Memory, “This show is about A Monologue, A Rant, and A empowerment, engagement, Prayer will now be by donation healing, and creating a dialogue of cash or non-perishable food around violence against women items. and girls,” said Pimm. WRS board member and Those that already MMRP director Jen Pimm was purchased tickets will have thrilled to share this with the the option for a refund, or community. to donate that money to the “We want to raise awareness, Women’s Resource Centre and in these critical times, of keep their reserved seats. what we deal with on a daily MMRP runs on Feb. 25 basis regarding gender and at the North Peace Cultural violence,” she said. “We want Centre. Cocktails will start at to engage everyone in this 6 p.m., and the doors to the important conversation, so theatre open at 6:30 p.m. for we are removing financial people to choose their seats. limitations, and making it a The show starts at 7:30 p.m. free event. For more information, call The event is part of the 250-787-1121. ALEISHA HENDRY

ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Emily Sunter, Corine Fraser, and Sage Birley at a rehearsal for A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.

Colosseum captivates capacity crowd Two more shows set for Feb. 24 and 25 It was a sold-out show Valentine’s Day as a jammed Pomeroy Hotel ballroom was transformed into a 3,500 square foot Colosseum. The Stage North dinner theatre production benefitted from impressive advertising and anticipation heading into opening night, and performers delivered a drama heavy, blues dripping, 360-degree experience for audiences Tuesday night. “What an incredible show! From the amazing music to the great actors and the yummy food, it was a great experience,” said Stage North stalwart Les Anderson following the show. “Thank you for bringing this to Fort St. John. Next weekend are the final two shows. If you enjoy theatre or good music get your tickets.” It is strange; the troupe may have opened with their largest show. As quickly as it started, the three-hour immersive experience was over. Audiences will be left gripped, wondering what was left to see in this story, and what they missed. The story follows Colosseum restaurant proprietor Lou HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Listen to someone older or more experienced today. This might be on a one-to-one basis, or this person might be in a group. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Discussions with bosses, parents and VIPs will be practical today. People will be hands-on about finding a solution. These talks will be worthwhile. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) This is a good day to make detailed plans for future travel. Likewise, it’s a good day to make educational plans. If you have to study or write anything, you will not overlook details. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Your efforts regarding inheritances, shared property, taxes, debt and other red-tape issues will produce results today. You are in a practical frame of mind and you have endurance. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Someone older might have advice for you today, or vice versa. Either way, today you are concerned with practical solutions that are doable. No pie-in-the.sky stuff. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) This is a productive day for you because you are prepared to roll up your sleeves and get busy. You have an eye for detail, and you’re not afraid of routine. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22)

Largo, a man well past his prime and still playing a game of bets that is much too fast. All he wants is a quiet night and for his celebrity head chef son to put meatballs back on the menu. But he also sets forth a cunning plan to revenge his fallen friend and business partner. The audience’s job is to watch how a band, a food critic, Largo’s restaurant staff, and even they themselves may play accomplice—following the action as it weaves in and out on six stages surrounding the crowd. Lead Rob Brown’s off-thecuff delivery of Largo is jarring until you realize this may be a character playing a character, perhaps on his last night in the Colosseum. Lead waitress Marlee Miller (played by Beckie Lussier) is an overworked artist who can’t catch a compliment from one of her disgruntled customers. Her desperation is well-played. Paige Ryder, last seen in Stage North’s 12 Angry Jurors, pops up as the first line of defence to the Colosseum as Isla the Maître D, who proves to be smarter than her half-witted shtick.

For Thursday February 23, 2017

This is a good day to teach children. Likewise, it’s an excellent day to practice a technique in music, sports or any art form, because you will have the patience to pay attention to detail. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Tackle major repair projects at home today. This also is a good day for family discussions. Listen to the advice of older family members. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) You have a patient, careful and detail-oriented mental attitude today. You won’t mind routine work, because you just want to get the job done. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) If shopping today, you will be interested in buying long-lasting, practical items only. No feather boas for you! You will use your money wisely (as you generally do). AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Look around yourself today with a critical eye to see what needs to be done or corrected. You will quickly ask, ‘What’s wrong with this picture?’ You also might be a teacher to someone today. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) This is a wonderful day for research, because you are in the right frame of mind to wade through a myriad of details. You won’t overlook anything.

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Paige Ryder (left) stars as Isla, Colosseum’s Maitre ‘D, who proves to be smarter than her half-witted schtick. Beckie Lussier stars as Marlee Miller, one of Colosseum’s overworked waitresses, and an aspiring artist who can’t catch a compliment from a disgruntled patron.

An Old Flame

Dear Annie: In December, I went to a holiday house party, and most of the people in the crowd were my old friends from college (class of 1979). I hadn’t seen some of these people in 25 years or more. The hostess pulled out her giant photo album, and there they were, several pictures of my favorite ex-girlfriend and me having the time of our lives. I haven’t seen or talked to her since 1985. So my big question is: Would it be kosher to write her a light and lively letter and catch up? We’ve both been married with kids for close to 30 years. (I looked her up online.) She’s the one who got away from me, but I’m not looking for any do-over; we had our chances. But I would pay big money for a time machine! What do you think? -- Nostalgic in Boston Dear Nostalgic: No matter how many years have passed, to reconnect with this old flame would be playing with fire, and your whole family would be liable to get burned. If you didn’t feel that this woman was the one who got away, I would say sure, you could strike up a friendship. But because you’re still wishing for a time machine, I think you’d better keep your distance. I’d also recommend taking off those rose-colored glasses when looking at your past. There was a reason you two broke up. Reminisce about your college days as much as you’d like, but don’t try

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

to resurrect them. Dear Annie: When I saw the letter from “Feeling Neurotic,” the young person who is experiencing random bouts of anxiety and dread, the words “sense of impending doom” jumped off the page at me. Just put the word “overwhelming” in front and you have the exact phrase I’ve used to describe how I feel sometimes. The first time it happened, I was 50 years old and driving down the road. Nine years later, I still experience these episodes, but on a very infrequent basis. Minus the obsessive-compulsive behavior, “Feeling Neurotic” and I share the same confusing experience. There is no apparent reason for that feeling, no particular stimulus, no way of explaining or understanding or predicting it. Over time, I’ve learned to roll with it by reasoning that it is just a feeling -- that it always passes in a short time and there is no harm other than the “sense of impending doom” itself. It’s just my opinion, but I think “Neurotic’s” obsessivecompulsive behavior is merely a response to the anxiety attacks rather than a symptom to be

treated. A sense of helplessness that accompanies the anxiety may be prompting behavior simply because “Neurotic” needs to do something in response. I think the OCD behavior is a self-defense response. Because the anxiety attack is illogical, there is no apparent cause for it and there is no tangible threat to respond to, “Neurotic” is compelled by the brain’s self-defense mechanism to do something, anything, even if that something is illogical. I hope this high-school sophomore is able to learn to deal with this. The first step is to accept that the anxiety attacks are not a harbinger of doom and to control the obsessivecompulsive impulse. I’m sure it can be done. -- Anxious in New England Dear Anxious: Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sharing your insights here with the hope they help “Feeling Neurotic,” as well as other readers who experience anxiety attacks. For more information about these symptoms and the conditions to which they might be related, visit the Anxiety and Depression Association of America website at https:// www.adaa.org. 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

B8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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

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Clue

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

TODAY’S PUZZLE

25. Dweller above the Mason-Dixon 26. Young women’s association 27. Tell on 28. Bustle 29. Poundal 35. An ugly, old woman 36. Doctors’ group 37. __ Ling, Chinese mountain range 38. Volcanic mountain in Japan 40. Leaves parentless 41. Existing in or proClue duced by nature 42. Inclination 43. Extents 44. Peninsula between Copyright © 2008, Penny Press the Red Sea and the CLUES ACROSS toads Denmark 4. A podrida cooking Persian Gulf 1. Soybean paste 46. Marjoram 5. Unit of time 47. Where the Donald pot 45. Language of Nile 5. Russian sourgrass lives in NYC 8. Watering holes 47. Twyla __, US 49. Whale ship captain soup 12. Joint 6. Perfect example 50. A way to emit the first dancer Find the correct word, joining 14. Certified public 7. Supplier sound accountant 48. Card game word then joining the second word 8. Unhealthy looking 51. Comparable 15 __ Mater, one’s 49. River in E. Turkey 9. Spanish beaches school 56. Isodor __, American Nobel physi10. Am. follower of 16. Resells tickets to the Caspian Sea cist the Mennonite Bishop 18. Batter’s objective 52. Scored 100% Amman 57. Businesswoman 19. Past participle 53. Tonight’s former 11. Well-balanced 58. A way to split up of lie 13. Outer surface cells host 59. Solo Operatic 20. State of Islands 17. Fathers piece 21. Fed 54. __ and ends 24. Sun up in New 60. No (Scottish) 22. Cause cell York 55. Notable exploit 61. In a way, tears destruction 62. Bridge breadth 23. Daily Show host PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS 63. Single Lens Reflex 26. Diagrammed 64. Thou __ protest 30. Cat sounds too much 31. Most sorry 63. Single Lens Reflex 32. Do wrong 64. Thou __ protest 33. Coral reef and too much lagoon island 34. That (Middle CLUES DOWN English) 1. Korean War TV 39. Electrically show charged atom 2. South American 42. Nassau is the capital Indian 44. Frogs, toads, tree 3. Cape at tip of

Clue

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

TODAYS PUZZLE

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B9

Perspectives

“It is FANTASTIC! The music is excellent, atmosphere is amazing, and the show is a wonderful fit for the experience.” - Jean-Paul Wood, on Colosseum

A global backyard

Bryan Brown has paddled the length of the Mackenzie watershed, and shares his thoughts on the Peace River

he Peace River is a dynamic link in a globally unique watershed connecting the Canadian Rockies with the Beaufort Sea. The longest path a drop of water can travel in the Mackenzie River watershed runs through Fort St. John’s backyard, down the Peace River, and into the Arctic ocean. It’s a long trip—3,700 km—through a lot of backyards. Once regions like the Peace River valley become accepted home turf, residents often take them for granted. These regions then drift in and out of focus until something significant disrupts the status quo. That something might well be the Site C dam. Generally speaking, maturity transforms backyards from the small parcels that are the stomping grounds of youth into the more expansive territory we explore as adults and then revere as elders. The power of perspective ultimately consecrates all ties to the land. Volumetrically, the Mackenzie watershed is: 1) the third largest watershed on earth (after the Nile and the Amazon), 2) the longest watershed in Canada (draining 20 per cent of the country), 3) responsible for delivering 15 per cent of the fresh water that feeds Arctic oceans, 4) the only watershed between Pt. Barrow and Tierra del Fuego that crosses a Continental Divide from west to east, and 5) the only watershed on earth that delivers Arctic fish west of the Rocky Mountains. Moreover, the Mackenzie delta harbors the most vital avian rookery remaining in the Arctic. Two tributaries (the Peace and the Athabasca) that meet in a unique delta near Ft. Chipewyan comprise the Mackenzie watershed. The Peace (the longest tributary) starts at Thutade Lake in the Canadian Rockies northwest of Mackenzie, BC. The Finlay River, Williston Reservoir, the Peace River, the Slave River, Great Slave Lake, and the

Mackenzie River connect Thutade Lake with the Beaufort Sea. The 350-metre elevation drop from the Peace Region to the Beaufort Sea makes an immense sponge of the millions of kilometres of wetlands responsible for the health of Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake. The Peace was named for a First Nations treaty that followed a 1781 smallpox epidemic. Aboriginal explorers migrating south from the Bering Straits passed through the region 12 centuries earlier on their way to the American Southwest. Historical settlements related to fur trading in the valley date to the 1780s. Significant archaeological and historical sites stand to be lost forever to rising waters. In 1789, Alexander Mackenzie descended the Mackenzie River proper seeking Alaska’s Cook Inlet. The Mackenzie exits Great Slave Lake at the correct latitude for this goal— but it then veers north. Early explorers (and their trusted First Nations guides) were remarkably well acquainted with big-picture geography. In 1793, Mackenzie completed the first overland crossing of North America—a decade ahead of Lewis and Clark—by traveling up the Peace (and the Parsnip) before portaging the Continental Divide to present-day Bella Coola, BC. John Finlay accompanied Mackenzie on that effort. Finlay subsequently (1797) traveled up his namesake river to near present-day Tsay Keh Dene before deciding the new route failed to improve upon Mackenzie’s. During 1824, trader Samuel Black laboured upstream to Thutade Lake, where he rendezvoused with First Nations chief Methodiates. Methodiates and his small clan walked despite being able to build canoes in one day from spruce bark (the skin), spruce roots (cordage), willow withes (ribs and keel), and pitch (adhesive). See PADDLE on B10

Bryan Brown pauses from his paddling down the Peace River.

Coming Soon:

BRYAN BROWN PHOTOS

The sun sets over the Peace River.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Lutheran Church 9812 108 Ave Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. Rev. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 9:30 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-7870089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 3 months before the wedding. ********** ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am KIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am **********

CoMMUNITY CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Lead Pastor: Alfred Reschke Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP: 10:40am 1st left turn off Alaska Highway past the Charlie Lake Store. ********** PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Pastor: Andy Wiebe Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869

Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:15am & 11:00am ********** MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome! Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years. Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer

Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth ********** PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm ********** PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the North Peace Cultural Center fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUKE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 fax: 250-785-2788 Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome! The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

R0021161774

Rotary Online Auction March 11-19, 2017 Bidding Starts March 11 To Donate items or Services: contact info@dcrotary.ca or 250-719-1674

www.dcrotary.ca

B10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

PERSPECTIVES

PADDLE FROM B9

Locals with two millennia of experience in the Thutade region chose to travel by foot—frequently away from the riverside. This speaks to the ruggedness of the Finlay region. After a short stay, the Black party paddled downstream, discarded their canoe (which required two dozen patches per day), and walked out through what is now Alaska before returning to the westernmost Canadian fur outposts. Each paddler portaged up to 90 kilos of freight in addition to personal possessions. Bales of fur commonly weighed 40 kilos. The Black expedition was a feat of exceptional courage and determination completed at a time when the extraordinary was commonplace in Canada. During 1948, R. M. Patterson traveled widely by canoe in the upper Mackenzie region. At one point, a bear dove into the eddy in which he was fishing to attack him, but luck allowed him to escape unharmed. Various people have since run portions of the watershed— mostly limited to commercial routes between established settlements. Steamboats served navigable portions of the watershed for several decades. Commercial barges now navigate the lower reaches. The heart of the upper watershed

(the confluence of the Finlay and Parsnip rivers) was inundated in 1968 by the Bennett Dam. The farther downstream one travels in the Mackenzie watershed – the more unique the backyards become. One of the world’s premier backyards is located a heartbeat downstream of the Site C location. Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site) is the summer home of some 310 critically endangered Whooping Cranes (over 50 per cent of the world’s remaining population). These magnificent birds are one of North America’s most sensitive indicator species. Metaphorically speaking, the Site C project is part of every backyard on earth. The Mackenzie watershed is a critical link in a global environmental chain. It is both a Canadian gem and a global treasure. Bryan Brown has amassed some 11,000 solo kayak miles on North America’s most remote and challenging watersheds (the Colorado, Yukon, and Mackenzie) in support of a rational environmental agenda celebrating the wonders of Planet Earth’s most magnificent blueways.

COLOSSEUM FROM B7

Meanwhile, in what is really a spliced together two-hander, Sean the Bartender and Peter Franks (Kelsey Dawley and Chase Koop), sabre-rattle around innuendo and trade trivia, and flirt about where to eat breakfast the next morning. In between them all, neighbourhood hoodlums Spaghetti and Meatball (Aaron Eady and the silent but menacing Andrew Yee), play the piece’s serious heavies, arriving unannounced and not on the guest list, looking to rob Largo of his family’s business. Both walk a fine line, perhaps more than any other performer in the play. As Head Chef Emilio Largo, Kyle Behrens ties the restaurant and audience together, and moves around almost as the audience’s point-of-view. The acting, music and entire production certainly have that BMW polish on it. The play is sexy and electric, and the work snaps, crackles, and pops throughout the giant set. On the music, local chanteuse Taylor Thomas takes the stage to front Anno Domini and her Sirens. Rounded out by Catherine “Cajo” Johnson (vocals), Mathew Savard (bass), Joel Primeau (violin), and Michael Vanzandwyk (percussion), the band puts a fresh coat of paint on some of the biggest hits from the Temptations, Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen. Even Canada’s treasured poet Leonard Cohen gets some stage time. “It is FANTASTIC! The music is excellent, atmosphere is amazing, and the show is a wonderful fit for the experience,” said Jean-Paul Wood after the performance. The Internet brought the audience into the living room

of this show months ago and enabled a huge amount of information and media exchanged. But one thing that wasn’t translated in the promotion was the amount of “industrial” language and adult dialogue spoken in the play, which did leave a few patrons disappointed. And the large set did at times make it difficult to hear some of the dialogue happening on the opposite end of the room. Still, the team’s work on audio and visual is impeccable, and the framing of each scene has a photographer’s eye. The setting sun and rising moon add an impressive, layered touch. The script even had local shout outs to Patricia Martin at the Rolla Pub and other Peace Region mainstays, while even jesting about last spring’s wildfires. “‘This is why we need LNG!’ was actually yelled twice in the script in the beginning. My name was mentioned by Lou Largo in the half time dinner break and a cast member yelled ‘LNG,’” beamed Fort St. John For LNG Founder Alan Yu after opening night. Wood had more accolades for the show. “This is just opening night, there might still be time. Get your tickets! Worth every penny! Dinner theater is a much bigger hit than I had hoped. With any luck this will become an annual thing, or at least a little more often.” Yu agreed. “Thanks for making this night memorable.” The production reloads with two more performances in the chamber this week on Feb. 24 and 25. Tickets will be available at the door or at stagenorth. eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B11

PERSPECTIVES

Ready for your close-up? How to shoot tiny things

acro is probably one of the hardest forms of photography. I’m going to try to make it simple for you. Method 1: The easiest and most costly method. Do the research and spend the money on a good macro lens. You’ll be slaying bugs and water drops until it gets boring— remember the popcorn. Method 2: Screw on macro. There are some cheap alternatives to a good macro lens that work awesome. You can buy a screw-on macro magnifier that screws onto your kit lens. This allows you to utilize the lens’ functions, auto focus, and F-stop. However, I have yet to see a good one that doesn’t distort the outer framing. I have spent hours using a few different brands and had very limited good results. I have since had more fun burning ants and starting campfires with them in the sun. Method 3: Extension tubes. The purpose of the extension tube is to extend

Darcy Shawchek THE F-STOP

the lens from the camera. This is by far the cheapest method and most fulfilling with excellent results. However, your camera is now in full manual mode with no F-stop control. Forget about the focus on the lens, with this method you will focus by moving the camera into focus. Unfortunately, you won’t be shooting bees and flies unless they are completely still, sleeping, or dead. Stick to spiders, they are easiest. A lot of professional macroshots of bugs are shot by savage beast photographers that impale their bug on pins. It’s better to shoot spiders, snowflakes, and water drops. Method 4: Build a fullfeatured manual Frankenstein ultra-macro out of old lenses

and junk. Things you will need: some hot glue, some old lenses from the thrift shop, Body caps for your brand of camera, a Dremel tool with a plastic cutting bit, some black sink drain tube, and screw on filters. We start with the body cap. You need to cut the center out so it becomes the lens mount. Use the Dremel tool and carefully cut the center out. Next, you will heat up the glue gun and glue a 1.5-inch piece of drain pipe to the body cap. Make sure it is centered and square. Apply lots of glue to keep it strong. The next thing you will apply is the filter ring, but first you are going to remove the glass. You can unscrew it or break it out. Your call. Just be careful. End result is the ring glued to the pipe on the opposite end of the tube as the body cap with the treads to the outside. Next we apply the old lens by screwing it onto the filter ring on your Frankenstein contraption. Pick the right

The loss of a storytelling icon

am a CBC radio listener; I have been for years. No, I am not simply sucking up because I have a parttime gig as an on air columnist with CBC Daybreak North, I seriously love talk radio. Among my favourite radio programs are: The Debaters, This is That, Cross Country Check up, BC Almanac and of course, The Vinyl Café with Stuart McLean. Last week Stuart McLean died during his battle with cancer and Canadians reacted accordingly. Surprise, shock, sadness and a feeling of loss were all

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

words or phrases used when reacting to Stuart’s passing. We (his fans), didn’t realize how sick he had become. Sure we knew that he was fighting cancer, but had no clue that he was losing that battle. Personally, I was gutted when I heard

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Macro photography is one of the hardest forms of photography as seen here with one of Darcy’s photographs of a snowflake.

one, I chose a 50mm as they are the most common to find, and they work the best for the beast that you just built. Screw the lens on backwards and mount it to your camera with the modified parts and you now have a full function ultra-macro with full F-stop control. You now will become

he had died. I loved Stuart McLean. I idolized Stuart McLean. His ability to write and tell a story was unparalleled. Sure, there are many other great writers and storytellers, but the human connection, the very human idiosyncrasies that Stuart brought to life, helped us to relate to his characters and their lives in ways none of us expected. Stuart McLean told stories that we could relate to, where we could imagine ourselves as supporting actors. I can’t think of many writers who can do the same. I was lucky enough to see The Vinyl Café live and on stage only once. I sat in the second row, immediately in front of Mr. McLean as he stood on stage with nothing more than a music

a bug slayer and a good one if you stick with it. Happy shooting. Darcy Shawchek is a photographer based in Fort St. John, who is on a mission to capture the breathtaking and majestic Peace River area through the lens, day or night. Email him your photography questions at dr.shawchek@gmail.com

stand holding a sheaf of paper and a microphone. The background fell into darkness as the theatre lights focused on Stuart as he told his stories and time slowed. His face became animated while his voice soothed with a familiar cadence. He was born for this—he was born a storyteller. Thank you Mr. McLean. Thank you for your wit, your charm and your undeniable talent. I am speaking for all Canadians when I say, “we will miss you.” 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

Clubs of Dawson Creek

Annual Fishing

Derby

March 5, 2017 Swan Lake, BC Great Prizes

Galaxy X: F

390 4 Barrel

1968 astback

Del Alexander Fort St. John, BC

in it was new n e h w r a c e s. At a bought th the early 70 in r lo y Ta Mike Holung to it mine and it nd brought ld a , so a I b t o u it b n in a M al tw old d the identic found Mike’s in lv a C the time I ha r e th work erta. My bro nd I went to a e m went to Alb r fo l a rI ade a de e. Last winte in g n e e ‘68 XL and m th uilt in, Scrivens reb rear springs w e n t u on it. Rick p d n e same the seats a This car is th . ss recovered re g ro h. p work in to drive wit d e rn a le I but it’s still a t a had and th mer car my dad e v er e ry sum v ri d y a d y n It’s a sun

July 7-9, 2017 C Dawson Creek B

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

$40 OR $100

s t a He :30 pm

30 am - 11 :30 pm

10:0 pm - 1 pm 0 0 12:0 pm - 3:3 2:00

Angler Fees:

per hole

3 holes for

Must Have Valid Fishing License

Contact: Alex 250-719-4760 Dale 250-719-7427

Find out more on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ DCRotarySunrise/events

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek

Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise

Meets Fridays, 7:00 a.m. At The DC CURLING RINK

B12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Sales Manager: We are currently seeking a self-driven team player to join our team of professional, friendly staff as a Sales Manager. This is a full-time position that will be based out of Fort St. John, and require some traveling. You will be responsible for : Maintaining rapport with current clients, promoting our services to new clients throughout Western Canada, managing clients and pricing, working with others under your direction to meet objectives, among other duties. Requirements: Proven background in sales, with knowledge of, or interest in recruiting and staffing

Business Management experience is preferred

Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office)

Planning and budgeting skills

Professional Sales and/or Management training

You will manage and oversee the AP department, among other duties. Requirements: 3 years AP experience, Explorer V7.1 experience, supervisory, time management and organizational skills, along with communication and delegation skills.

Bring your resume with 3 work-related references to our office today! R0011352370

f. 250.785.4795 | www.macenna.com

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

COMING EVENTS

Peace Country Roots Group hold their monthly meeting Sunday, February 26th at 1:30pm, located in the small building in the NAR Park.

South Peace Historical Society MeetingsThird Wednesday of the month in Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm.

OBITUARIES

DAWSON CREEK BADMINTON CLUB From Sept. 19, 2016 to April 26, 2017 Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 7:30-9:30 pm Central Campus Gym Dawson Creek Do not play on any statutory or school holidays. Go on the school website to check on the holidays Please pay before you start playing. Players under 16 years must have an adult with them. You will need clean gym shoes and a racquet. Contact Dan or Judy Pandachuck: 250782-4783

The NBIA is accepting applications for part-time employment in Fort St John for a Community Case Manager/ Facilitator. Duties will include case management, community education/ development/ awareness and group facilitation. The successful candidate will have a diploma or degree and/or related experience in the health or social service sector. Being self motivated, able to work independently as well as part of a team is imperative. Rate of Pay is $22/hr. Hours are flexible and negotiable between 5 and 25 hours/ week average. Please Forward resume & covering letter to info@nbia.ca. Closing date: March 6, 2017

Accounts Payable Supervisor: This is a full-time position with the opportunity for permanent hire. Our client is looking for a candidate with leadership experience and an outgoing personality. Applicants must have held previous supervisory positions in this field, and have top notch accounting skills.

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

COMING EVENTS

Did you know that each day in BC and average of 60 person sustain a Brain Injury. The effects can be devastating to survivors, families and friends. Changes in cognition, emotional regulation and behaviours are common. The field of both brain injury advocacy and service provision is still in it’s infancy. If you are looking for a career that you can feel passionate about, where you can truly be of service and offer awareness and change opportunities, perhaps a future with the Northern Brain Injury Association is for you.

Looking for a new opportunity? Submit your resume today!

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

London, Frances Irene July 5, 1955 − February 3, 2017 It is with much love and great sadness that we announce the passing of Fran London on February 3, 2017 at the age of 61. She passed away peacefully with her loving and devoted husband of 42+ years, Dave, by her side. She will be remembered for the courage, determination, and strength that she delivered to life and each and every battle that was thrown her way. Her beautiful smile will surely be missed and never forgotten. May she be at peace. A Celebration of Life will be held for her March 4, 2017, 11 AM − 3 PM at Heart Pioneer Centre, 6986 Heart Hwy., Prince George, BC.

Loa Eva (Bjornson) Ouellette February 10, 1931 – January 27, 2017

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS LaPrairie Works Location:

COMING EVENTS ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 30: Each day a different skill for after school youth DAWSON CREEK ART GALLERY: 3:30 to 5:00PM 250782-2601 Friends of the Library meet Monday, February 27th at 10am

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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On Friday, January 27th, Loa Eva (Bjornson) Ouellette passed away peacefully in her sleep. Loa was born on February 10th, 1931 at the family homestead in Sunnybrook, near Arras, British Columbia. Loa was predeceased by her loving husband George in 2015. She leaves to mourn her children Gordon (Sandra), Rob, Don (Bonnie), Julie, Tom (Shelly), Arlene (Pat) Dressler, Doug (Wendy), Karen (Bruce) Fletcher; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Katie Bjornson, Jeanne and Marie Wagner; brother-in-law, Steve Mizeri; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamill, Dr. Hopkins, the staff of Tulip Lane in Peace Villa, Father Vener Sabacan, Catholic Choir, Catholic Women’s League, Hamre’s Funeral Chapel, family and friends for your kindness in thought and deed. If so desired expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Loa to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation or the North Peace Housing Society.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

FIREFIGHTER AUXILIARY ON CALL

The City of Fort St. John is recruiting auxiliary on call Fireﬁghters. Successful applicants must have the commitment and time to attend two hour practice sessions weekly (Thursday evenings) and to attend emergency callouts whenever available. Applicants must reside within the Fort St. John Fire Department ﬁre protection area. Applicants are required to have an RCMP criminal record search completed before recruit training.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby

Bonnie Carlson 250-827-3132 Community & Bridal

You Should Call

Kay Elizabeth May Fleet April 14, 1940 – February 13, 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Kay on Monday, February 13, 2017 at 76 years of age. Services for Kay will be held at a later date. In lieu of ﬂowers expressions of sympathy can be made in her memory to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

The Fort St. John Pilot Project is a collaborative forest management planning initiative between forest licencees and the BC Timber Sales Program in the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area. A PAG meeting will be held on Wednesday March 8th, 2017 in the Fort St. John Northern Grand Hotel.

Fax (403) 767-‐9932

Only those persons selected for interview will be contacted

New In Town... Getting Married... Had A Baby... New in Business...

COMING EVENTS

Notice of Public Advisory Group (PAG) Meeting Fort St John Pilot Project

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

Ideal for busy job seekers, workers, people with family responsibilities . Eligible immigrants, refugees and their families: Visit isiponline.ca and register today!

Human Resources Assistant, City of Fort St. John 10631 - 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC. V1J 3Z5 PHONE: (250) 787-8150 FAX: (250) 787-8181 Email: adyer@fortstjohn.ca

KNIT NIGHT: Thursdays at Faking Sanity Cafe in Dawson Creek6:30 to 8:30 PM. MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek

Human Resources Department

We thank you for your interest in employment with us:

*One-to-one Settlement Services

Posting closes 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 3 2017. For job details go to www.fortstjohn.ca. Interested candidates should forward a complete resume prior to 4:00 pm on the closing date to:

www.fortstjohn.ca

To take advantage of this opportunity, please send your resume to: Email careers@laprairiegroup.com

*English Courses *Employment Courses

Competition No. 2016-95

HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS

FREE! Online

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Grimshaw, Alberta

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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1-866-669-9222

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LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing full-‐service contractor. With over 25 years of LaPrairie Works operating experience in Western Canada, our core business areas include on and off highway Location: Grimshaw, Alberta hauling, road and bridge maintenance, road construction, earthworks, oilfield services, mine LaPrairie Works diversified and growing full-‐service contractor. With over 25 years of contracting and site is saervices. operating experience in Western Canada, our core business areas include on and off highway hauling, road and bridge maintenance, road construction, earthworks, oilfield services, mine We have immediate openings contracting and site services. for experienced Heavy Duty Mechanics to complement our expanding team of transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region. These are We phermanent ave immediate openings fbor experienced Heavy Duty Mechanics to ccomplement full-‐time positions ased in Grimshaw, Alberta and ome with otur he unique expanding team of transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region. These are opportunity t o l ive i n t he b eautiful P eace R iver R egion. I deal c andidates w ill meet the full-‐time permanent positions based in Grimshaw, Alberta and come with the unique following criteria: opportunity to live in the beautiful Peace River Region. Ideal candidates will meet the following criteria: • Journeyman or Interprovincial Red Seal Heavy Duty Mechanic • Journeyman or Interprovincial Red Seal Heavy Duty Mechanic • C.V.I.P. an aasset • C.V.I.P. n asset • Demonstrated initiative wwith sound work thic ethic • Demonstrated initiative ith sound weork • Energetic individual; aable ble to ww ork unsupervised in shop ion r fsield setting • Energetic individual; to ork unsupervised hop or field setting • Flexibility to accommodate after hours call-‐outs • Flexibility to asccommodate after hours call-‐outs • Computer kills an asset • Computer skills laicense n asset • Valid driver’s and clean abstract • Valid driver’s license and clean abstract LaPrairie Works offers a highly competitive remuneration package plus a range of benefits and genuine opportunities for career progression. Relocation assistance is available. LaPrairie Works offers a highly competitive remuneration package plus a range of benefits and To otake advantage of ftor his coareer pportunity, please send R your resume to: genuine pportunities progression. elocation assistance is available.

classifeds.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS

isiponline.ca

GET RESULTS! The Encana Events Centre (www.dawsoncreekeventscentre.com) operated by Spectra Venue Management (www.SpectraExperiences.com) is the premier event facility providing a wide range of sports and entertainment opportunities for the Alberta and British Columbia Peace Region. We are currently seeking an Operations Laborer and a Facility Operator who are energetic, mature, highly motivated and detail-orientated and a customer-focused team player possessing a positive attitude. These positions are full time and come with a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package. The Operations Laborer will be responsible for the setup, tear down of events as well as preforming facility maintenance tasks such as painting, drywall repairs, housekeeping, and other various tasks. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, computer and communication skills along with being able to work within a team environment. This position can be physically demanding and evening and weekend shifts will be required. Your ability to work with minimum supervision, performs duties in a safe manner, and consistently demonstrates efficient, effective use of time and resources will ensure your success. The Facility Operator will assist the Chief Engineer in the overall facility maintenance including the preparation and maintenance of the ice surface, automated building controls, HVAC, electrical systems, preventative maintenance programs, and general building repairs. Duties include, but are not limited to, the repair of machinery, performing preventive maintenance of HVAC and boiler systems and general equipment such as plumbing, electrical and refrigeration systems. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, computer and communication skills along with being able to work within a team environment. Minimum requirements include 5th Class Refrigeration Endorsement or 4th Class Power Engineering ticket, Red seal Plumber or Electrical ticket may be considered. This position can be physically demanding and evening and weekend shifts will be required. Your ability to work with minimum supervision, performs duties in a safe manner, and consistently demonstrates efficient, effective use of time and resources will ensure your success. To review the job descriptions please visit: www.dawsoncreekeventscentre.com/connect-with-us/careers. Please mail your cover letter and current resume to the attention of Ryan MacIvor, General Manager, Spectra Venue Management, # 1, 300 Highway # 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 0A4, or email to rmacivor@dawsoncreekeventscentre.com. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Open Mic Coffee House hosted by Peace Songwriters Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Faking Sanity Cafe - corner of 9th St & 103 Ave, Dawson Creek. Admission by donation. Sound system and sound tech on site, just plug and play. Come to perform, come to enjoy local talent. Beverages and cookies available. All welcome.

Saturday, March 4th - 1:00 pm Dawson Creek Royal Canadian Legion Branch#141 will be holding its Monthly General Meeting at its new location900-102nd Ave, side entrance (across 9th Street from Lakeview Credit Union). All members are urged to attend. Save the Dates July 7, 5:00 pm to July 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm for the 23rd Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the 2017 Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes. Check in this paper for more details closer to the show! SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

1.97” X 2.6”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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COMING EVENTS

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information to the public on progress made by the forest licencees and the BC Timber Sales Program in achieving Sustainable Forest Management requirements as indicated in the CSA Z809-08 standard. The general public is invited to attend the public portion of the meeting, which starts at 6:00 pm. The meeting agenda also provides time for the general public to ask questions or provide input on forest management issues. Public intending to make a presentation must contact Darrell Regimbald one week prior to the public meeting.

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

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Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

For further information on the Fort St. John Pilot Project, visit our website at www.fsjpilotproject.com For information concerning the meeting, or how to become a PAG member contact Darrell Regimbald @ 250-787-3651 or Stephanie Smith @ 250-784-1228.

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

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD...

Alaska Highway NEWS (250) 785-5631

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B13

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

TRADES HELP

MCELHANNEY LAND SURVEYS SURVEY ASSISTANTS McElhanney Land Surveys is seeking out− standing individuals to fill the role of Survey Assistant based out of our Fort St. John branch. As a Survey Assistant, you possess a great teamwork attitude and demonstrate an ability to respond to a dynamic workload. You desire an outdoor career using quads, chain− saws, and the latest surveying technology. The ability to travel and work out−of−town is re− quired. To be considered for this position, you must be willing to undergo a pre−employment drug and alcohol screening and the required safety training. A valid driver’s license and clean driv− ing record is also required. McElhanney offers competitive wages, excel− lent benefits, a great work environment, and opportunities for professional development. Please apply online: www.mcelhanney.com/careers

TRUCKING & TRANSPORT

Alstar Oilfield is looking for Experienced Workers to fill the following positions in

Fort St. John

• Employee Structural Welders • Apprentice Pipefitters

• Lead Hands • Experienced Labourers

BLUEWAVE ENERGY IN DAWSON CREEK IS HIRING PERMANENT CLASS 1 DRIVERS Apply today at parkland.ca or bring your re− sume and abstract to 2801−92nd Avenue, Dawson Creek.

At Alstar, our standard required safety tickets are OFA-Level 1, H2S Alive and CSTS 09.

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

Please upload your resume and/or cover letter to

www.alstaroilfield.com/careers

631 85-5 2 50-7 2 Ph: 2 0-785-35 5 2 : Fx

“Committed to providing our workforce opportunities for personal growth, while providing quality energy construction solutions.”

47792

Alstar has been serving the Oil And Gas Construction Industry since 1969.

AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

CIRCLE YOUR AD!

Have News ??? email Us news@ahnfsj.ca LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca WANTED TO RENT

WANTED: SHORT−TERM ACCOMODATIONS Seeking short−term, furnished accommoda− tions for pipeline workers in the Dawson Creek area. If you have a room or suite available for rent, please call (250) 784−1788 and leave a message with your name, details of the room/ suite, location, and call back number. 250−784−1788

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

Bid Number: ITQ2017-02-28C

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

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

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Take notice that Springbuck Inc from Osoyoos, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Quarry situated on Provincial Crown land located at Lily South, Sikanni River, Peace River District. The Lands File for this application is 8015922. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Jason Pederson, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250) 261-2063. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to April 28, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency.FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after April 28, 2017 Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Murphy PMP – 2017/21 Murphy Oil Company Ltd. Murphy Oil Company Ltd. C/O Chantale Wold 10218 – 10 Street Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3T4 Telephone number: 250.782.6383

Reference Number: Applicant’s name: Applicant’s address:

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch is seeking janitorial companies with commercial cleaning experience to bid on one or more of the 6 stores in the Peace River Area. If you qualify go to: http://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca and search under BC Liquor Distribution Branch for Janitorial Services in the Peace River Area.

WANTED TO RENT

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Classifieds

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Area to which PMP applies, etc.:The area(s) to which this PMP apply include all of Murphy Oil Company Ltd.’s assets within the Peace River Regional District . A combination of mechanical, physical and chemical controls are being proposed for use to control problem vegetation within these areas.

Closing date & time: February 28, 2017 before 2pm PST

Proposed duration of the PMP:

July 15, 2016 – July 15, 2021

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) is requesting expressions of interest to conduct facility maintenance and repairs at various Recreation Sites within the Peace and Fort Nelson Forest District. RSTBC is also looking for interested parties to take on minor contracts to construct facilities such as docks and boardwalks. This RFEI is intended to determine whether or not there is sufficient market interest to proceed with a competitive bidding process. In the event there is sufficient interest, the Ministry may, but is not obligated to, initiate a competitive bidding opportunity. RSTBC maintains and manages a network of recreation sites and trails to provide safe, quality recreation opportunities for the public. The sites were formerly known as Forest Service recreation sites. Recreation sites typically provide a rustic camping experience with only basic facilities, such as fire rings, picnic tables, outhouses, docks and boat-launching ramps. Maintenance and facility repairs are required at the following sites: Radar Lake, Big Lake, Stewart Lake, Foot Lake, Thunder Creek, Red Willow River, Stony Lake, Wapiti Crossing/Trailhead, Flatbed Creek, Moose Lake, Boulder Lake, Inga Lake, Halfway-Graham, Duhu Lake, Beaver Lake, and Muskwa River Boat Launch. From May to October, normal maintenance activities include but are not limited to: • Painting and minor facility repairs of tables, outhouses, signs and kiosk • Site cleanup, garbage removal, cleaning, mowing and brushing Other projects may include danger tree assessment and abatement, and the construction of facilities such as docks, boardwalks and platforms. Interested parties must be willing to engage with site users in an appropriate manner, have a 4x4 vehicle to access sites, a road radio where required, provide all tools and equipment necessary to carry out works. Interested parties must carry adequate liability insurance and are encourage to have SAFE certification. Parties must be willing to work in all kinds of natural settings and weather. Interested parties are invited to respond to this RFEI by submitting a letter to the Province indicating the nature of their interest and the area you are interested in working. There will be no evaluation, ranking, or selection of vendors as a result of this RFEI; it will not be used to pre-qualify or screen vendors for a subsequent competitive bidding process, if any. If subsequent competitive bidding opportunities are issued, the Ministry is under no obligation to advise any vendor responding to this RFEI. Vendors should monitor the BC Bid website (www.bcbid.ca) for such opportunities, which will be open to all vendors, whether or not a response was submitted. Responses should be delivered by hand, regular mail or email before noon of March 10, 2017 to:

2,4-‐D 2,4-‐DB Acetic acid Aminopyralid Aminocyclopyrachlor Aminopyralid-‐metsulfuron-‐methyl Amitrol Ammonium soap of fatty acids Bromacil Chlorsulfuron Clopyralid Dicamba Diflufenzopyr Diuron

Flumioxazin Fluroxypyr Glyphosate Imazapyr Indaziflam Iron (present as FeHEDTA) MCPA amine Mecoprop Metsufuron methyl Phoma Macrostoma Picloram Propyzamide Pyroxasulfone Sodium chloride Triclopyr

Copies of the proposed PMP and associated maps of the proposed treatment area may be examined in detail at the following address:

Gemini Corporation 10543-100 Street Fort St John, BC V1J 3Z4

Murphy Oil Company Ltd. 10218 – 10 Street Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3T4

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the Pest Management Plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT For Hire: caregiver to look after my 2 children; 4 year old girl and 3 year old boy. Permanent, full time at a rate of 11.50/hour for 40 hrs/week. Completion of Secondary School : some college/CEGEP/ vocational. 1 to 2 years experience supervision or care for children. Accommodation available on a live-in basis at no cost, but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care; assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping. Applicatant may apply via email: joan24garcia@ yahoo.

Manager Required for 2 Buildings in Peace River. Experience is a Must. Fax Resume to 604669-1801 SUNSET PRAIRIE LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION is looking for a part-time pasture rider for the 2017 grazing season. Interested parties contact Michael Graff at 250-719-8392

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LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

South Peace Players 0n February 23, 24 and 25 starting at 7:30 PM Present the comedy “Red Velvet cake War”, a dessert theatre at South Peace United Church Upper Hall, 1300-104th Avenue, Dawson Creek. Same production as a Dessert Matinee on Sunday, February 26 starting at 2:00 pm. Tickets ($20.) at Simple Pleasures in Dawson Creek. Open seating unless you reserve a table of 8. Queries, phone Mary at 250-786-5085

Methods used to apply the below products may include: boom sprayer, boomless nozzle sprayer, hose and/or nozzle sprayer, backpack sprayer, wick and/or wiper. The herbicides under application include:

R0011380337

R0011378000

Details of pesticides to be used:

PUBLIC NOTICE

Adoption of Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No.878, 2017. Pursuant to Division 9 of the Community Charter, [SBC 2003] Chapter 26, the District of Hudson’s Hope hereby gives notice of its intention to adopt Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 878, 2017 to foster strength through collaboration, reduce unnecessary red-tape, support small local businesses and demonstrate business friendliness. Any persons who consider themselves affected by Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 878, 2017 will be given the opportunity to make representations to Council prior to its adoption. Council will be considering adoption of the bylaw at the Regular Council meeting at 6:00pm on Monday, February 27th, 2017. Copies of the bylaw are available on the District’s website at www.hudsonshope.ca or at the District Office, located at 9904 Dudley Drive. Anyone wishing to provide their comments to Council but are unavailable to attend the meeting on Monday, February 27th, 2017 are encouraged to submit their comments in writing by any of the following methods: • IN PERSON: Drop oﬀ written submissions at the reception desk, District Oﬃce 9904 Dudley Drive; • BY FAX: to (250)783- 5741; or • BY EMAIL: E-mail submissions should be sent to district@hudsonshope.ca The deadline for written submissions is 4:00PM on MONDAY, February 27th, 2017. All submissions must include your name and street address. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Tammy McKeown, Corporate Officer, at the District of Hudson’s Hope at 250 783-9901 or via email at district@ hudsonshope.ca This notice was given on 2/9/2017 in accordance with Division 9 of the Community Charter.

B14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments. Bachelor apartments and 1 bedroom apts available. Cable/heat, water/hot water included. Please phone : 250-782-7130. ASK FOR INCENTIVES

Li-Car Management Group

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

GARAGE SALES

Caregiver for a Baby (Nanny) $11/hr, full time. Duties are: Supervise and care for a baby; Bathe, dress and feed the baby; oversee baby’s activi− ties; Tend to the emo− t i o n a l w e l l−b e i n g , maintain safe and healthy environment; Keep daily activities and health info regarding the baby. Minimum of secondary education. Optional accommoda− tion available at no charge on a live in ba− sis. Note, this is not a condition for employ− ment. Send resume to: marygo nzales.cruz@yahoo.com

Stock Reduction!! Everything must go. Items to numerous to list. 10404-101 Ave. Pre owned Furniture & Collectibles.

2 bedroom in 4-plex for rent in Dawson Creek, F/S & W/D. Phone: 250719-5181

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

RENTFSJ.CA Just Renovated - 3 Bedroom with basement

R0011380251

• • •

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

• •

Washer/Dryer - close to schools Very very pet friendly

Starting at $1250 per month

3 Bedroom - 1.5 bath

Starting from $900 per month

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ask for details!

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Smokers and Pets Welcome! 1 & 2 Bedroom Clean Apartment Units R0011380255

• CENTRALLY LOCATED • RECENT UPDATES

Starting at $650 per month - call

'Spouses Selling Houses' and Commercial, Farms, Shops, Land, Property Management Gary 261-1214

HOUSES FOR SALE

RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT 8334-87 AVE - 2 YR OLD 3BR DUPLEX, 2.5BTH $1,500/ MTH CHARLIE LAKE EXECUTIVE 5 BR 4 BATH HOME. LARGE GARAGE ON 5.6 VIEW ACRES. SO MANY GREAT FEATURES. CALL ANNETTE FOR INFO. IT'S A BEAUTY 250-793-4394

Annette 793-4394

3 BDRM, DUPLEX FOR RENT. FAMILY ROOM ON MAIN FLOOR. FULL BASEMENT. AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1ST. 8804 - 89TH AVENUE. SMALL PET FRIENDLY, NO SMOKERS. $1,400/MTH PLUS UTILITIES.

Gary Reeder Realty Ltd. 8512 - 77 STREET

PROPE HOUSES FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL SPACES AVAILABLE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY- 9803-102 ST

ESTATE SALE 3 BEDROOM 100 AMP SERVICE. SOLD AS IS WHERE IS. $235,000 MLS#R2123243

OFFICE BLDG. IDEAL FOR A TRAINING CENTER WITH CLASSROOMS, KITCHEN FACILITIES, BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS, LARGE RECEPTION AREA, 9388 SQ FT ON TWO FLOORS, OWNER WILL SELL UNDER LEASE PURCHASE WITH 20% OF RENT TO BE APPLIED TO THE SALE PRICE, TERMS NEGOTIABLE, CALL ANNETTE OR GARY FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

FAMILY HOME IN THE NORTHEAST

10407-99TH STREET – TAYLOR

LAND AND BLDG. FOR SALE-11204-100 AVE

NORTH EAST BUNGALOW, 4BR, 2BTH, DBLE GARAGE, FULLY DEVELOPED BSMT. $378,000.

BRIGHT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH PLENTY OF KITCHEN CABINETS. NEW HARDWOOD FLOOR IN MASTER BR AND LIVINGROOM. GREAT LOCATION MLS R2125057

INCLUDES BUILDING- 4282 SF, CARETAKER SUITE, FRONT OFFICE/RETAIL, 3 BAYS ON 2 LOTS; PLUS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES FOR CAR WASH AND LUBE CENTRE. WELL MAINTAINED, GREAT LOCATION, CONTACT ANNETTE FOR INFO & TO VIEW BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 250-793-4394

ALPINE VILLAGE COMPLEX 1200/1500/2400 SQ FT SPACES AVAILABLE $12.00/ SQ FT PLUS TRIPLE NET CALL GARY @ 250-261-1214 FOR LEASE DETAILS

SUITES FOR RENT

778-834-RENT(7368)

Sales for Water Treatment Systems Earn up to $120,000/ year. Rapidly expanding water purification firm requires salesperson for the Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Prespa− tou and surrounding areas selling water pu− rification systems to farms, acreages, vil− lages and towns. Must have direct selling skills. Salary, car allowance, fuel and hotel expenses paid. Majority of leads pro− vided.

The Water Clinic Fax: 306−242−1223 Email: mike@ thewaterclinic.com

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

SALES/AGENTS

Submit resume to:

3 BDRM/2 BATH DUPLEX in DC. Comes with DW/W/D/F/S. No Smoking/Pets. Available March 1st. $800../mo + Utilities. 250-264-7353

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

DUPLEXES FOR RENT

www.credit700.ca

BUSINESS SERVICES

HOUSES FOR SALE

us!

RENTFSJ.CA SPECIAL Ask about all our move-in specials

TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT Huntington Place Housing Co-op 8303-92Ave. Affordable, alternative approach to home ownership. Purchase shares to become member-owner of complex. Townhouse units 2 or 3 bed, 1 bath full bsmt, deck, fenced yard. Housing charges 2 bed $1014, 3 bed $1103. New member orientation 1st Wed each month. Phone 250-785-7557 SPORTS UTILITIES & 4X4S 2010 CADILLAC ESV 7 PAS ESCALADE Cash/ trade/lease to own terms. $22,900 V8 auto, power sunroof, remote start, KL entry, DVD, roof rack, power heated leather seats, AC, tilt, cruise, pws, pdls, rear camera. 183,210kms. 780−485−0900

X THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

1539 Week of2.20.2017

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

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: 1- 84 4 - 4 5 3 - 5 372. BUSINESS SERVICES

DENIED Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? Under 65 and want to apply for CPP disability benefits? Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call 1-877-7933222 www.dcac.ca.

HEALTH

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-athome positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep. ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today! FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills. com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t : 4 0 0 O T. HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime. ca or call 1-866-873-3846. New growth guaranteed.

MANUFACTURED HOMES

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Attention British Columbia residents: Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit. ca/free-assessment

ULTRA AFFORDABLE, modern homes for British Columbia starting at $80,000 delivered. Don’t overpay! 2017’s available now; www. bestbuyhousing. com. Text/Call 7786 5 4 - 0 3 4 5. 14 3 3 Velocity St., Kelowna. Canada’s largest home selection!

LEGAL SERVICES

REAL ESTATE

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- 8 0 0 - 3 47- 2 5 4 0 .

ARMSTRONG HOTEL & SALOON - Armstrong, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 26 in Edmonton. 16 guest rooms, saloon & restaurant. Jerry Hodge: 780-7066652; Realtor: Tom Moran (PREC) - Re/Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction. com/realestate.

SERVICES GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 104 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25word 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 o r 1-866-669-9222. STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDING SALE .... “REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK – EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!” 20X19 $5,145. 25X27 $5,997. 28x27 $6,773. 30X31 $8,110. 35X 33 $11,376. 40X43 $13,978. One End wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www. pioneersteel.ca

DECOR

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PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY 250.785.5631/250.782.4888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

ROOFING

DENTURES u Were o Y e k Li With Them Born ble and Smiling forta m o C

Carousel Design & Decor “Ask our Blind Man”

Blinds, Bedding & Draperies Hunter Douglas, Plus Two Top-Line or Budget Prices

Call 250-785-5754

The Power Of Print

Denturist Jodie Atkinson

milezerodentureclinic.ca

Also located in Fort St. John

Where are YOU spending your advertising dollars? Call today and feel the power!

DENTAL HYGIENE Tammy Gulevich is announcing that she is now practicing dental hygiene out of

202C 8111 100th Ave. starting Feb 1st. Phone 250.262.2930 or email

tammygulevich@gmail.com to book an appointment.

Ryan Wallace @ 250-785-5631

Tammy has been practicing dental hygiene in Fort St. John for the past 27 years and is now opening up her own independent dental hygiene practice. She provides caring dental hygiene treatment in clinical, mobile and residential care.

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

We offer same day service for relines and repairs 250-782-6004 103-816 103 Ave Dawson Creek, BC

Ryan Wallace Advertising Manager

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

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Print is stable... Print has longevity...

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APARTMENTS/ APARTMENTS/ R0011374793 CONDOS FOR CONDOS FOR

R0011380332

Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 B15

FINANCING & LEASING AVAILABLE ON MOST VEHICLES! TRADES WELCOME! 2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS

$53,900

5.3L, auto, gas, 4x4, Bluetooth, cloth seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, satellite radio, adjustable pedals. Stk#123891

ISO 9001

2013 FORD MUSTANG GT

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA L

5.0L, auto, gas, RWD, leather heated seats, Bluetooth, convertible, PL, PM, $ PW, PS - Stk #132888

1.8L, auto, gas, FWD, cloth seats, PL, PM, PW, Bluetooth - Stk# 134072

35,900

2014 FORD FUSION SE

3.5L, auto, gas, 4x4, Bluetooth, h/c leather seats, NAV, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, satellite radio, sun/moon $ roof, lane departure- Stk #124917

21,900

44,900

2013 VOLKSWAGON TOUAREG EXECLINE

2016 GMC YUKON XL DENALI

3.6L, auto, gas, AWD, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, NAV, PL, PM, PW, PS, panoramic sunroof, remote $ start, satellite radio - Stk #132167

6.2L, auto, gas, 4x4, Bluetooth, h/c leather seats, entert. system, NAV, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, sat.radio, $ sun/moon roof & more! - Stk #128925

43,900

79,900

2015 TOYOTA SIENNA SE

2015 GRAND CARAVAN

3.5L, auto, gas, FWD, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, satellite radio, $ power liftgate - Stk #127007

Canada Value Package, 3.6L, auto, gas, FWD, cloth seats, PL, PM, PW, $ 2nd row bench seat - Stk# 134774

32,900

19,900

2014 GMC SIERRA 3500HD SLE

2014 RAM 3500 LONGHORN

6.0L, auto, gas, 4x4, Bluetooth, cloth seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, $ remote start - Stk# 121917

6.7L, auto, diesel, 4x4, megacab, Bluetooth, h/c leather seats, NAV, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, $ sat. radio, sun/moon roof - Stk# 121417

35,988

Grace Martin Account Manager

52,900

Phil Seguin Account Manager

6674 Airport Road, Fort St. John Toll Free

1•877•707•2373 www.drivingforce.ca

16,900

2015 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED

2.5L, auto, gas, FWD, Bluetooth, cloth seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, satellite radio, keyless entry, $ remote trunk release - Stk# 121744

Dion Girard Used Sales Manager

2015 CHRYSLER 300 S 3.6L, auto, gas, AWD, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, $ satellite radio - Stk# 126330

32,900

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE LAREDO 3.6L, auto, gas, 4x4, Bluetooth, cloth heated seats, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, $ satellite radio- Stk# 115260

30,900

2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE 6.2L, auto, gas, AWD, h/c leather seats, Bluetooth, entert. system, NAV, PL, PM, PW, PS, remote start, $ satellite radio, sun/moon roof- Stk# 134860

33,900

2014 RAM 1500 LARAMIE 3.0L, auto, diesel, 4x4, heated/cooled leather seats, Bluetooth, PL, PM, PW, PS, satellite radio, $ sun/moon roof - Stk# 134583

45,900

2014 RAM 5500 ST 6.7L, auto, diesel, 4x4, cloth, Bluetooth, PL, PM, PW, remote start, Ferrari crane - Stk #125744

95,000

B16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

PERSPECTIVES

Solar workshop in Hudson’s Hope

ow well does solar power work in the Peace Country? Can I use solar to reduce my electrical bills? How much does solar cost and is it a good investment? These are a few of the questions that will be answered at a Solar Workshop to be held at the Pearkes Center in Hudson’s Hope on Saturday, March 4, 1 – 3 p.m. It will be presented, free of charge, by Peace Energy Cooperative. “There’s a lot of interest in solar now, but not much good information about solar in the Peace Country,” explains Greg Dueck, Peace Energy Co-op’s solar consultant. “We’ve been designing and installing lots of grid-tied solar up here for three years now with excellent results, but the first step is always education and informa-

feed power into the grid when the sun is shining, then take it back out of the grid when it isn’t. It’s like the electrical grid is your own personal, immense battery. Most electrical utilities, like BC Hydro, now welcome grid-tie solar. This author has had his Dawson Creek business solar grid-tied for three years now, and I can report that the system works perfectly. For each of those years I have: 1) produced more electricity from my roof than the building used; 2) received payment (or credit) from BC Hydro for that excess power three years in a row; 3) powered everything in my building (lights, computers, kitchen appliances, furnace fan etc.) with clean solar electricity from my roof; 4) had essentially zero elec-

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

tion. That’s what this workshop is about.” Dueck says most Peace Country homeowners can put a serious dent in their electrical bills with solar power and there are excellent tax incentives for business owners who go solar. “We know for a fact that it works wonderfully up here and is a good investment for any home owner or business, but there are still a lot of myths that need to be dispelled,” says Dueck. FEEDING THE GRID Today, most solar power systems are “grid-tied”—they

trical bills for three years (just the basic charge, a few dollars a month); 5) enjoyed the very excellent feeling that I had finally entered the 21st century by powering a big piece of my lifestyle and business with the sunlight falling right on my roof—the greenest, cleanest, easiest energy ever invented. NOT NEW, NOT EXPERIMENTAL, NOT EXPENSIVE Solar technology is anything but new. I have a solar panel on my home system that is 35 years old. It’s working just fine. What is new is the plummeting price of solar. The average cost of solar panels fell some 80 percent between 2009 and 2016, and most solar equipment comes with 10 to 25 year guarantees. Prices were driven down by the economies of scale. Solar has become the fastest growing energy source on the

Roasted grouse that falls off the bone

he ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a medium-sized grouse and lives in forests and mountains across Canada to Alaska. They are a non-migratory bird that colour morphs from grey to brown. They are extremely adapted to the snowy Peace Region Boreal diet. They’re nicknamed thumper because of a non-vocal communication style, which sounds more like a drum then a bird call. According to nature writer Don L. Johnson: “Unlike other grouse species, the ruffed grouse relies entirely on a non-vocal acoustic display, known as drumming. The drumming itself is a rapid, wing-beating display that creates a low frequency sound, starting

well grounded as foragers. These omnivores eat buds, leaves, berries, seeds, and insects from farmers fields. They may not be elegant fliers but they are one of the least endangered species out there.

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

slow and speeding up.” Thumpers may not fly, but their feathers are a wintertime bag of tools. They grow projections on their feet that act like snowshoes. Their warm, down underbelly is a warm winter sweater. Tail feathers with more than one white dot indicate a male, a single dot for female. A sharp beak, large body, and a small wing span leave grouse

Sausage stuffed roasted grouse with red wine and cabbage 5 grouse (one per person) 5 onions 1 bulb garlic 1 bottle of red wine 1 sausage per grouse 3 slices of bacon per grouse Salt pepper to taste 1 roll butcher’s twine

planet, with some one million solar panels installed around the world every two days in 2015, even more last year. Solar growth is exponential, and exceeding all expectations. Why? Because it makes economic sense now. Even in B.C., solar power you generate on your own roof costs about the same as you would pay BC Hydro for power. Plus you are freed from inevitable rate increases, and you have a valuable home or business asset to boot! The Hudson’s Hope workshop will start with an audio-visual “crash course in grid-tied solar” and then lots of time for questions and answers. There will also be several solar homeowners there who can give first-hand information about solar power in the Peace Country. Peace Energy Co-op is asking those wishing to attend to pre-register by calling 250-7823882. See you there!

Clean grouse of all feathers and internal organs. Clip its wings, feet and head off. Soak in water for at least an hour to remove excess blood. Dice raw sausage, mix with seasoned bread, sauté with garlic and onions. Once the sausage is fully cooked, stuff into the bird’s cavity. Wrap bacon from head to tail to close the holes and the with butcher’s twine tie the legs closed. In a large skillet, sear your birds and leave the drippings in the pan. Cook onions garlic and cabbage in the juices for 10 minutes on high, flipping and stirring. When the pan just starts to get dark, deglaze with half a bottle of wine. Add your birds back into the skillet and place in oven at 350. With tongs, flip 1/4 at a time so only half is immersed in wine and half is roasting. Cook until the leg fall from the bone and serve.

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