AHN FEB 28 2019 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, february 28, 2019 Vol. A-75, No. 9

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Fort St. John boxer Brayden Sims strikes a blow to Justice Harborne of Manitoba on his way to winning gold in his division at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer on Feb. 20, 2019. “I’ve been visualizing that gold medal forever now ... I’m just astounded right now. I can’t even speak.” > > Turn to B1 for the story

‘Tremendous impact’

Hospital Foundation celebrates 25 years Matt Preprost

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The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday, Feb. 21, with songs, behind-the-scenes tours, history displays and, of course, a cake cutting. The foundation was established in January 1994, and has raised millions of dollars to buy medical equipment to support patient care at the hospital and Peace Villa care home. In the last decade alone, the foundation has helped buy 233 pieces of equipment — dialysis chairs, wheelchairs, diagnostic machines, games, and more — with another nine purchases in the works. “The foundation is built on a tradition of caring people,” said Niki Hedges, executive director. “It’s been a long road from when the foundation first started out 25 years ago. What a mountain you had to climb, but we can all say that we’ve reached the summit every day, in the stories of patients both young and old. The impact is felt every day as the hospital medical staff save and change lives using equipment funded by donors. “The generosity of donors has a tremendous impact on local healthcare, and the hospital touches the lives of everyone: Our family, our friends and

matt preprost Photo

Mike and Deb Butler sing a song to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, Feb. 21, 2019.

our neighbours. The latest tools and technology are indispensable, allowing medical staff do what they are best at, and that’s taking care of patients.” During the two-hour event, donors, supporters, and foundation volunteers were treated to tours of the hospital’s birthing centre, medical imaging unit, and cancer and dialysis treatment centres. Afterwards, they were treated to a performance by Mike and Deb Butler, who sang a song they wrote celebrating the history of the foundation. Angela De Smit, chief operating officer for Northern Health in the Northeast, said the health authority greatly appre-

ciates the work of the hospital foundation. “The investments by the foundation, along with Northern Health, do add to a higher quality of heatlhcare services that were able to provide here,” De Smit said. Both Hedges and De Smit praised the “big hearts” of volunteers and the “countless hours” of work they put in to organize events and activities to raise donations. Those donations also support an education fund so hospital staff can keep up with training. “Our volunteers ensure that our events run without a hitch,” Hedges said. Chris Maundrell, chair of the

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foundation’s board of directors, said the organization doesn’t exist in isolation from the Fort St. John and North Peace community, or the hospital community. “It really is a team effort,” Maundrell said. “Without the good work that Northern Health does and its staff — all the doctors, nurses, and administration, everybody at the hospital — without their work, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are. “It’s those people who go out and talk to their neighbours, talk to their families and say what a wonderful facility we have, what great care we have. That reflects back on the hospital foundation because we get that benefit, and then once again we’re able to help the hospital.” Bluey Day registration Registration for the foundation’s annual Bluey Day event will open on March 4. Participants will spend the next three months growing out their hair and have their head shaved on Saturday, May 25, at the BC Ambulance building on 96 Street. Since the first Bluey Day held in 1998, donors have contributed more than $1.8 million for cancer equipment for the hospital.

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Local News

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Scouting and Guiding Scouters and Guiders in Fort St. John came together for a potluck dinner at the Legion on Feb. 19, 2019, to honour organization founders Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Scouter recognition and Guider awards were also presented. Brooklyn Stoutenburg received the Bar to the Medal of Good Service, while Karis Paracuelles and Matthan Paracuelles received a Certificate of Commendation. Brooklyn is a Support Scouter and both Karis and Matthan are youth members in the Venturers section. Phallon Stoutenburg Photos

Cable TV goes out, Peace Country panics

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

113.9

Fort St. John

127.9

B.C. Average

127.8

Alberta Average

102.9

LIGHTSABER LAUGH: We start news chewing in France, where lightsaber dueling is now a recognized sport. It may spread to Canada. People do battle with pretend lightsabers. Gee, this is a great sponsorship opportunity for Duracell batteries. My question for Star Wars fans: How many nearsighted Jedi knights died because they were holding their lightsaber the wrong way around when they turned it on? AND THE OSCAR GOES TO: Sunday night in Hollywood it was the Oscars. Over many years of watching the Oscars, I’ve noticed something strange, maybe you saw this Sunday. When movie stars accept their Oscar statue they always turn it over and look at the base. Maybe they’re checking for a label: Dishwasher Safe.

seals, killer whales and sharks have been trapped at SeaWorld for years.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

PARTICULARLY POLITICAL: In Ottawa the big scandal continued. Was the Attorney-General pressured by the PM’s office to intervene in a corruption prosecution? Many commentators say we need politicians to be more transparent. Politicians and transparency go together like Cruella DeVille and Dalmatian puppies.

BABY BULLETIN: A baby was born at 30,000 feet on an airline flight. By the way: If you’re born on a plane you do not get free air travel for life. That’s a myth. Although throughout your lifetime you can drop by the airport anytime, even if you don’t have a ticket, they will frisk you, free of charge. SHATNER SINGS: William Shatner has a new album of country music, it includes the track Beam Me Up. Captain Kirk was a country music fan. I remember an episode of Star Trek where a sliding door on the Enterprise malfunctioned and squished Kirk’s big cowboy hat.

MONTANA MEMO: Thousands of Americans have signed a humorous online petition to sell Montana to Canada FAT FINE: The Russian government may Saskatchewan Avg. 102.3- Environment t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast CABLECanada CHAOS: Last week there was and usehttps://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html the proceeds to pay down their start fining citizens for being overweight. panic in Fort St John and Dawson Creek national debt. I say “No thanks. We have Maybe we could try that here. The police Manitoba Average when cable TV went out. Shaw TV re- all the beautiful scenery we need. There’s could hand out “fat tickets.” Imagine the 99.0 ceived hundreds of calls from panicky some of it we haven’t looked at yet.” scene: A cop pulls you over. He says, “Sir, people before service was restored. Cable step out of the car and onto the scale.” Ontario Average 104.2 TV lets you be entertained by people you BLOOD BULLETIN: Feeling tired and wouldn’t have in your home. The choice of old? There’s a warning that getting a transCRUISE NEWS: Tom Cruise is currently Quebec Home Average and naturalprogramming resources  Weather information Columbia  Environment  Weather  Local  British 114.8 is varied. For example, the fusion of forecasts “young blood” is risky. Appar- filming Top Gun 2 onboard an aircraft carAmerican news channels. You can pick ently there are ads on the internet offering rier. Crew members have been instructed New Brunswick Avg 108.7 between the “Everything is terrible in the transfusions of blood from young donors. not to talk to Tom, he doesn’t want to be USA” news channel, or the “Everything is If you’re not sure this is right for you start distracted. I guess being as weird as Tom wonderful in the USA” news channel. with a small dose. Maybe just an armful. Cruise takes a lot of concentration. Nova Scotia Avg 110.9 Observed at: Fort St. John 10:00had AM a MST Tuesday 26 February OneAirport old guy young blood transfu-2019 Current Conditions t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html SNOW, OH NO! In California, the Mam- sion. Now he spends all day listening to DRAGON DETAIL: Peace Country moth Mainly Mountain Ski Area had TEN FEET of Justin Bieber music, texting, and putting movie fans enjoyed the new film How To PEI Average 104.4Condition: Sunny Temperature: -13.2°C Wind: WSW 15 km/h snow in four days. If you look at a map of Clearasil on his face. Train Your Dragon 3. The saddest thing Pressure: 103.2 kPa Dew point: -17.4°C Wind C… -21 California, the shape of the state kind of about being a fire-breathing dragon? You Newfoundland Avg. Rising Humidity: 71% Visibility: 81 km 117.2 Tendency: resembles a ski hill. (By the way: It must SEAWORLD: At SeaWorld in San Diego, can never blow out the candles on your be stressful to work in a bank near a ski 16 people were trapped for four hours in a birthday cake. I hear many of today’s CAD$ per litre, prices as of February 26. resort) gondola. Big deal. Hundreds of dolphins, young dragons have switched to vaping. Source: GasBuddy.com Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 A3

Local News

Seniors in most need of assisted living: survey Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fish Creek forest trail site map.The existing trail network is shown in purple, with the closed section of the Silviculture Trail shown in red. Proposed new trails are show in blue.

Council wants wildlife assessment for new trails proposed at Fish Creek Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A section of washed out trail in Fish Creek Community Forest will be permanently closed to the public, and city councillors want a wildlife assessment completed before new ones are built in its place. On Monday, council approved closing 432 metres of the Silviculture Trail, which was “irreparably damaged” by a landslide after a heavy storm in June 2016. City grounds director Robin Langille has proposed new trails be built to replace the segment and add to the overall forest trail network. Council ordered a wildlife assessment first to ensure public safety and that habitat isn’t disturbed. There could be bedding or nesting areas where the new trails have been identified, Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “I’m apprehensive of doing anything further until we have that assessed because wildlife-human interactions can be fatal,” she said. The Fish Creek coulee is

prone to “deep-seated” landslides, Langille said, which make it difficult and costly to stabilize and repair the destroyed section of trail for users, who have carved out a new path through the debris over the last few years despite the area being barricaded. “While it is possible to restore the existing Silviculture Trail that has been closed due to damage from slippage, it will be very expensive and will require that the Fish Creek channel itself be realigned,” Langille said, adding that rerouting the creek could be prove to be a “nightmare.” Langille suggests the city build a new set of new trails on the west of the forest instead. One includes a new 505-metre loop that connects with an existing, undamaged section of the Silviculture Trail, and continues west to 100 Street before looping back to Northern Lights College. Other options include upgrading a 170-metre loop between undamaged sections of the Silviculture Trail, or adding a new 145-metre trail through a grassy stretch of

land north of Northern Lights College. The new trails are estimated to cost $170,000, and Fish Creek would see a net increase of 390 metres added to the trail network. Fixing the damage to the Silviculture Trail could cost between $2 million to $3 million. Landslides are likely to pose problems for the trail network in the future, and ongoing maintenance is required, Langille said. “The entire south valley slope is becoming more active than it has in years past,” Langille said. There are around five kilometres of trails on the south side of Fish Creek. The city has considered developing the north side, however, most of that land is privately owned. Urban Systems has developed a separate five-year plan for the ongoing development of Fish Creek. That plan has yet to be presented to council. The city has earmarked $750,000 for trail development in 2019, money that’s expected to come from gas tax grants.

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Fort St. John and North Peace seniors are in most need of assisted and supported living facilities, according to a new study. Peace Holdings released the results of its continuum of care survey it conducted in January. Assisted and supported living facilities were identified as the greatest need by 22.5% of respondents. Independent living and long-term care facilities were ranked as the second and third greatest needs. “There is an immediate need for senior housing options in the Fort St. John area. We heard again and again that there is a current need, and that within a three to five-year period, this need will only increase,” the study notes. The real estate development company is using the results of the survey to help plan a new 20-acre neighbourhood next to the hospital, with a key focus on addressing the city’s seniors housing crisis by providing a range of housing options to age in place. Semi-attached bungalows and adult apartments were the least needed housing options, according to the survey

results. There are currently 346 residents living in senior housing in Fort St. John, with another 256 on waiting lists, according to the study. The survey saw 508 respondents, most from Fort St. John, and the majority between 61 to 70 years old. Approximately half expected to move from their current homes to seniors housing within one to two years. Key issues among those surveyed were housing affordability, quality of care, and amenities such as a pharmacy, grocery store, and access to green space. Next steps include determining what the local assisted and supporting living needs are, and continued engagement with stakeholders, the study notes. “There are many contemporary and responsible solutions. Models that are working with great success in Europe as well as the United States and Canada,” the study notes. “Solutions that look at the bigger picture, where agingin-place structures are integrated into the community, facilities are built into the concept, and social interaction is at the forefront of the design.”

NORTHERN ROCKIES REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY Request for Qualifications Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) Combination of education, training and experience acceptable to WorkSafeBC The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is seeking locally qualified individuals who possess any of the listed certifications (CRSP, CSP or CIH) or a combination of education, training and experience acceptable to WorkSafeBC, to assist the NRRM on an as required basis on safety related initiatives. Submissions shall include the following information: • Company Name • Contact Name • Hourly rates • Proof of Certification • Proof of education, training and experience acceptable to WorkSafeBC Direct all inquiries, in writing, to Terry Cavaliere, Public Works Administration Manager, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, 5404 48th Avenue, Fort Nelson, BC, V0C 1R0, Phone 250.774.2541, Ext 2098. E-mail: tcavaliere@northernrockies.ca Please note that this is a request for qualifications and not a call for tenders or request for binding offers. No contractual obligations will arise between the Municipality and any interested party until and unless the Municipality enters into a formal, written contract.

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Local News

taylor district

news in brief

Highlights from the District of Taylor council meeting on Feb. 19, 2019. Jarvis Crescent official The family of late mayor Fred Jarvis has given the district its blessing to rename the Parcel Z subdivision to Jarvis Crescent. Jarvis was the district’s mayor for 28 years, and died suddenly in December at the age of 74. His political career in the district began in 1979, and he served two terms as councillor before he was first elected mayor in 1986. Jarvis retired in 2014. The subdivision is a 22acre piece of district property that includes 50 lots for new single-family homes. In 2018, council approved borrowing up to $4.2 million to to pay for roads, water, sewer, and other infrastructure associated with servicing the subdivision. The district is taking on the project to entice builders to the community, which has only a few serviced residential lots left for development. At the Feb. 19 meeting, council adopted Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 831, 2019, which will provide interim financing to service the subdivision. Gold panning planning group needs reboot Council will bring back Sheena Taillefer to co-ordinate 2019 World’s Invitational Gold Panning Championships

at Peace Island Park, voting on Feb. 19 to contract someone with previous experience. “Going back to our old contractor is a good idea,” Mayor Rob Fraser said. Coun. Brent Taillefer declared a conflict and did not vote. The district is also looking for volunteers interested in forming a committee to help with planning the annual event. The original committee lasted 35 years, but as members moved away or passed on, the work has largely fallen to council, district staff, and visiting gold panners. “We’re looking to rebuild that society if we can,” Fraser said. Those interested don’t have to live in Taylor to take part, and can contact the district office for more information. The event runs during the August long weekend. Taylor library busy The Taylor Public Library continues to be well used, according to the latest statistics. In 2018, the library saw just under 3,000 items checked out, and its inter-library loan program continues to grow. Last year, Taylor readers accessed items from other libraries 161 times, while readers from other B.C. libraries accessed 1,341 items from the Taylor Library. “It shows that our collection is a decent, quality collection because people are requesting those books from all over the province,” Mayor Rob Fraser said at council’s Feb. 19 meeting. The library sees an average 2,000 in-person visits a month.

dave lueneberg Photo

NEBC Midget Trackers forward Chase London races toward the net hoping to re-direct a shot from teammate Logan Kimmie during the third period of last Friday night’s game against the GPAC Storm. The Trackers were beaten 4-3, after seeing their 3-0 lead early in the third disappear when the Storm scored four goals in just over 12 minutes.

It’s continued popularity, however, means the library is crunched for space, both for its collection and its programming, Coun. Betty Ponto noted in a report to fellow councillors. “The library has not been able to come to its potential because of space constraints,” wrote Ponto, an appointed director of the library board. “It is at maximum capacity for donated items, so must be very careful about what can be accepted and used.” Other business • Council approved issuing a request for proposals to build a new public works shop. The district is finalizing a site location for the new shop, but is considering a district-owned property next to the Lone Wolf

Golf Course maintenance shop and yard. • Council approved a $500 sponsorship in support of the 2019 Coy Cup in Fort St. John in March. The Senior Flyers will host the tournament, which brings together the best senior men’s AA teams in the province. The tournament runs March 26 to 30, and is the first time it will be held in Fort St. John since 1994. • Council approved sponsorship for the 2 X 2 Bonspiel, including a Lone Wolf Junior Golf membership for the skills competition winner of the tournament, and skating and golf passes. The total value of the sponsorship is $540. The bonspiel runs March 8 and 9 at the Taylor Curling Club. • Council approved a $400 sponsorship for the Taylor Curling Club’s 40th an-

niversary bonspiel, scheduled for March 15 to 17. The sponsorship will support the bonspiel’s A Event. • Council wants more details from the Fort St. John Arts Council and its plan to develop an arts, culture, and heritage strategy for the region. The arts council is asking for $6,000 in support of its grant application to the Canadian Department of Heritage to fund public engagement on the strategy. Fort St. John has already committed $20,000 to the project. The arts council is expected to be invited to make a presentation at a future council meeting. • A public meeting on the 2019 budgets has been scheduled for March 18 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. — Matt Preprost

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Council Initiative – 101 Avenue Between 86 and 88 Streets Local Area Service Project No. 1, 2019 The City of Fort St. John intends to install catchbasins, street lighting, sidewalks, asphalt paving, curb & gutter, driveway and boulevard restoration works on 101 Avenue between 86 and 88 Streets. PROJECT COSTS Total estimated cost of Parcel Owner’s Portion Total estimated cost of the City’s Portion Total estimated Cost of Project

$509,384.62 $1,045,371.53 $1,554,756.15

Parcel Owners Options and Cost Summary Annual charge per metre $73.21 Commuted value per metre $1,089.12 Number of years 20 Affected parcel owners who want to petition against this work proceeding must do so by submitting their written objection to: Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at City Hall, 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5 on or before 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2019. Council may proceed with this project unless petitions against the service are received by April 1, 2019. The City will be borrowing funds for the residents’ portion of this project over a 20 year term. The City’s portion for this project will be paid from the Capital Budget Account.

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matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The provincial government continues to consider a proposal to establish a nursing school in Fort St. John. Local leaders have been eagerly anticipating an approval for months, with their hopes reaching a peak last week as the provincial government announced its budget for 2019. But those hopes will need to sit simmering for now, as the proposal remains under consideration, with no final decision yet reached. “It’s something I’m going to bring up during estimates and ask the minister directly, on the record, to see if we can get a commitment,” said Peace River North MLA Dan Davies. “Thinking long term, the positive impacts would have been huge, for the northeast and around the province. It should have been an easy win for government to fund it, and announce it.” The proposal has been in the works for more than a decade, though talks between the University of Northern B.C., Northern Lights College, Northern Health, and local governments began in earnest last February. A proposal was submitted later in the year. Last October, Advanced Education Minister Melanie Mark visited the region, setting off a

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flurry of speculation she would be announcing the school’s approval. At the time, Mark said the proposal was still in the hands of her staff heading into budget building season, and that she hoped to report positive news soon. “My call to action when I met with folks at UNBC (in 2017) was show me the partnership,” Mark said. “People hear it time and time again, I’m a big fan of Scrabble; the triple word score is going to catch my attention. They came back showing me the partnership.” Northern Health projects Northeast B.C. will need an average of 78 registered nurses per year over the next four years to fill staffing gaps, a number officials fear will only get worse if education needs aren’t addressed. Proposed is a five semester, two-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program based in Fort St. John that would support 32 students when it reaches full capacity. The college has the capacity to expand, while there’s classroom space and simulation lab at the city’s hospital, which was built for training purposes. UNBC President Daniel Weeks has said the plan is move ahead with campus renovations in anticipation of an approval.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 A5

LOCAL NEWS

CITY HALL

• Council recognized Ronald Chand for passing his field safety representative qualification exam to become a BC Master Electrician, Class B. Chand, originally from Fiji, joined the public works department as an electrician in December 2018. Prior to that, Chand was working for Alpha Controls, which included work on city facilities and other capital projects. • Coun. Tony Zabinsky led the singing of Happy Birthday to Laura Howes, the city’s deputy clerk, who marked her birthday on Feb. 25.

NEWS IN BRIEF Highlights from the city council meeting held Monday, Feb. 25, 2019: • Council formally declared the former Condill Hotel property as surplus, and directed city staff to secure a real estate agent to ready it for sale and redevelopment. Coun. Trevor Bolin declared a conflict of interest as a realtor, and did not vote. Read more on A9. • Council approved the permanent closure of a section of the Silviculture Trail in Fish Creek Community Forest, but want a wildlife assessment completed before new trails are built in its place. Read more on A3. • Council directed staff to begin detailed design work on phase one of a Woodlawn Cemetery expansion plan, currently estimated to cost $950,000. Coun. Gord Klassen declared a conflict of interest as an employee of a local funeral home and did not vote. • Fort St. John RCMP responded to just under 13,000 calls for service in 2018, with 36% of those for Criminal Code offences. Read more on A11. • Council denied a $6,108 base budget grant to the Pentecostals of Fort St. John to pay a portion of the church’s property taxes for 2019. The church was approved for a $10,454 permissive tax exemption for 2019 for its property at 10507 101 Aven-

Bylaws

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John human resources director Rashid Hasan with city council, which has proclaimed February 27 as AntiBullying & Harassment Day in support of the Pink Shirt Day initiative in Fort St. John.

ue, currently listed for sale. It was looking for support for its new property at 9803 102 Street, bought in January 2019, as the church plans to move into this building once renovations are complete. However, the church missed the Oct. 31 deadline for its exemption application and asked for a budget grant as an alternative. • Council authorized Coun. Lilia Hansen to attend the 2019 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala as acting mayor in Vancouver on March 16, 2019. The cost to attend is budgeted at $1,230, from council’s travel budget. • Council approved Disposal or Re-Use of Equipment Policy No. 133/19, which allows staff to assess and

dispose of surplus city equipment as required. • Council approved a $50,000 grant application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help fund the building of the festival plaza project. The project is in detailed design, with its total cost not yet known. The city earmarked its $1.4-million signing bonus from the Peace River Agreement to the project in 2016, but the cost of the project is likely to cost more than that. • Council wants city staff to bring back a report on establishing a community foundation in the city. Council plans to apply for a $25,000 grant through Northern Development Initiative Trust to help

establish the foundation, which is proposed to be funded through non-tax revenue sources, and the city’s portion of Site C legacy agreement funds. • Council approved an inkind donation of a ladder truck ride from the fire deparment to Ecole Central Elementary and its upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr. The ride will be auctioned off during the school’s performances March 6 and 7, 2019, to offset the costs of the production. • Council ratified a Feb. 14 email vote authorizing 6ix Sigma Productions to fly a drone in city limits to film the High On Ice Festival for a Northern BC Tourism video.

• Council adopted Five Year Financial Plan Bylaw No. 2455, 2019, which forecasts estimates of city revenues and expenditures from 2019 to 2023. • Council gave first three readings to Fees and Charges for Various Municipal Services Bylaw No. 2456, 2019, which includes a number of routine changes, including a new $5 printing fee for additional tax notices, updating the cost of liquor licence applications to the cost of advertising, among other mostly minor language changes. Proclamations • February 27 was proclaimed Anti-Bullying & Harassment Day in support of the Pink Shirt Day initiative in Fort St John. — Matt Preprost

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation is dedicated to working with the community to raise and manage funds to enhance patient care and comfort at the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa Care Facility

Monthly News Letter THE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION TURNS 25! The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary on February 21. During the event, donors, supporters, and foundation volunteers were treated to tours of the hospital’s birthing centre, medical imaging unit, and cancer and dialysis treatment centres. Guests also enjoyed a performance by Mike and Deb Butler, who sang a song they wrote celebrating the history of the foundation. There were speeches by Niki Hedges (Executive Director, FSJ Hospital Foundation), Chris Maundrell (Foundation Chair, FSJ Hospital Foundation) and Angela De Smit (Chief Operating Officer, Northern Health). De Smit also presented the foundation with a Congratulatory 25th Anniversary Plaque. The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has been dedicated to working with the community to enhance patient care and comfort in the community since 1994. Over the years they have partnered with the community to purchase all kinds of equipment and complete many initiatives to patient experience at the FSJ Hospital and Peace Villa Care Facility. Two of their biggest projects to date are: the purchase of a CT Scanner in 2009 and the installation of an MRI in 2017. These amazing tools have spared many members of our community the time and expense of travel and many residents of neighboring communities the stress of extended travel for testing. The Foundation raised over $1.3 Million in funds for the CT Scanner and $2.6 Million to help purchase and install the MRI. The CT Scanner has scanned over 30,000 patients in North Eastern and the MRI has already conducted over 3,600 scans.

Pictured top left: Guests enjoying the historical displays at the 25th Anniversary Celebration on February 21, 2019. Pictured top right: Lovely Tour Guide: Donna Porter (Manager, Patient Care Services at the FSJ Hospital) showing guests the “Bravery Bell” Donated by the FSJ Hospital Foundation. Patients ring the bell to signify the end of their cancer treatment. Pictured bottom left: Chris Maundrell (Foundation Chair) and Angela De Smit (Chief Operating Officer, Northern Health) during the cake cutting ceremony. Pictured bottom right: Chris Maundrell (Foundation Chair) being presented with a 25th Anniversary Plaque by Angela De Smit (Chief Operating Officer, Northern Health) during the cake cutting ceremony.

Bluey Day be brave & shave May 25, 2019 REGISTRATION Opens March 4, 2019 • fsjhospitalfoundation.ca Located around the corner form the giftshop in the FSJ Hospital • Open Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm • 250.261.7564 fsjhospitalfoundation Fort St. John Hospital Foundation fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

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A6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Opinion

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ll is quiet on the election front these days but don’t worry, things will get moving shortly. When town hall meetings start popping up, you know the stealth campaign has officially started. And, of course, it has. We should know soon as to when the spring election in Alberta will take place, but legally it has to happen on or before May 31. Although interesting in and of itself, I’m much more interested in the upcoming federal election because, when it comes to Alberta, do you really think Notley stands a chance? In 2015, it was quite clear the federal Conservatives needed a leadership change and keeping Stephen Harper at the helm during the election was a tactical error. Sure enough, Justin Trudeau and the Liberals took power and Harper resigned from politics. What always seems strange to me is when prime ministers and premiers lose an election and then promptly resign from politics. Maybe in the end it is more about the power than the representation? Recently, Trudeau and his Liberals have stirred up yet another controversy, a terrible move as an election draws near, serving up his opponents months of fodder leading up to the election scheduled for October 21. With the resignation of Jody WilsonRaybould, our former justice minister, over a bizarre situation that includes the

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Fred Jarvis and his gentle, genuine ways

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Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

potential for political intervention in a case before the Department of Justice linked to the Canadian consulting firm SNC Lavalin and its multiple alleged illegal activities? The optics are terrible. Our entire political system is designed to prevent politics from interfering with the judiciary. It’s why our country has such a strong democracy. But recent developments make this a very stinky issue. Are these the same old Liberals? Sure seems like it. So, here we are, seven months before the election and Trudeau is caught up in a mess for the ages. Wouldn’t you think its time for the party to replace their leader? This feels exactly like the setup to what happened in 2015, and if the Liberals want to retain power, a change at the top is needed now. Andrew Scheer, leader of the Conservatives, is licking his chops right now, but the NDP and its epic fall from grace may kick more votes to the Liberals instead of the Conservatives. This is going to be an interesting election with all the moving parts

red Jarvis was my friend – a true, genuine friend. I have 476 “friends” on Facebook, but true, genuine friends? I can count them on my fingers. Fred was one of them, and I share the grief others feel. I know that there were obituaries and tributes in the Alaska Highway News, but I want to reflect at a different level. Fred was a different kind of leader – one who pushed others forward, never seeking the limelight for himself. It took a lot of effort for me to try to be like Fred that way. Refreshing and unexpected in politicians, I think our society at large would benefit greatly if more tried to be like Fred. I was deeply honoured and humbled to discover that the two people Fred admired the most were myself and Jay Hill. Pretty good company, I’d say, but so like Fred and his gentle, genuine ways. First and foremost, Fred was the mayor of Taylor and represented the dreams and aspirations of the citizens, but was also mindful of their fears. One of those fears, then and probably still now, was that Fort St. John would try to annex Taylor to gain access to their industrial tax base. In 1975, the government of the day did large boundary expansions to strengthen the tax bases of Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna and Nanaimo. The next community on the list was Fort St.

Steve Thorlakson John, but Taylor was allowed to expand their boundaries to incorporate industry (Petro-Can Refinery, Westcoast Gas Plant and Peace Woods sawmill), provided the taxes were shared with Fort St. John. I first got to know Fred when I was appointed by Mayor Pat Walsh to sit on the Peace River Regional District. At those meetings, which generally ran all day every two weeks, you got to know the folks from around the Peace well. Fred was a quiet fellow but filled with lots of common sense wisdom. Fred always knew that his first responsibility was to the citizens of Taylor, but he also had a very strong sense of right and wrong. He also understood that Fort St. John was and is the primary service centre for Taylorites, and ultimately what was good for Fort St. John was good for Taylor. He had to work on me awhile before I acknowledged that also went the other way too – what was good for Taylor was good for Fort St. John. Fred’s strong values would result in two

— and will Maxime Bernier’s Peoples Party of Canada steal some Conservative votes as well? The problem is people have short memories. Sometime soon the Liberals will announce a series of measures, using money we do not have, to launch a preelection vote buying spree. I suspect these announcements will be highlighted by measures for new home buyers to go into more debt (hello, 30-year mortgage), and also focus on the millennial vote. More selfies and smiles? Will people fall for it a second time around? We shall see. As a non-partisan voter stuck in the middle, looking in both directions and preparing to turn my BS filter to the max, I can’t stop the cynicism from seeping back in the mind: Here we go again. Yet another election, more promises, more of our money used against us for political means, all designed to secure power for another four years. No long-term plans, no strategy to address the plethora of issues we face — diversifying our export markets, anyone? Nothing but scripted sound bites, short-term thinking, and divisive politics. When it comes to the federal election, I can guarantee we will not see something that we have been missing in politics for long time — vision. Jeff Richert lives in Taylor.

very important developments in which he played a vital role that perhaps are not known or understood. When I was first elected mayor, one of the major challenges was to complete the cultural centre, an extremely divisive issue. The province and the feds had contributed substantial funds towards the construction, and if we did not complete it, we wouldn’t get very favourable hearings about future issues in Victoria or Ottawa. A referendum for Fort St. John to borrow the funds would be very divisive and, if it failed, we would be at worse than the starting point. A creative solution from the administrator of the regional district combined with Fred’s personal support (and that of his council) allowed our communities to combine to get the borrowing. Problem – solution. With all the concern about Fort St. John coveting Taylor’s tax base, Fred said, “You should figure out a way to access the oil and gas tax base in the rural area instead.” That simple but elegant statement marked the beginning of Fair Share. Yes, Fred was my friend, and now he’s with the angels – boy are they lucky to have him. Rest in peace. Steve Thorlakson is a resident and former mayor of Fort St. John.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 A7

OP-ED

Politically-charged government reports don’t always tell us the full story

only apply hindsight and forget about the day-to-day realities of when and why decisions were made. When the BC Liberals and Gordon Campbell came to power in 2001, they embarked on a made-in-B.C. clean energy strategy (my words), which included a number of initiatives to reduce our reliance on imported power and become self-sufficient, obtain power from green and clean sources, and obtain much of it from private sources. The exception was Site C, which would stay in the purview of BC Hydro. Zapped is mainly focused on the view that the government’s political direction to BC Hydro was ill advised, meddling, interfering, or any other words you can so choose (once again, my words), and only possible due to the removal of BC Utilities Commission oversight. The report contains very little rationale as to why the government of the day chose to implement a green energy strategy, become self-sufficient in energy production, and outsource these new projects to independent power producers (IPPs). Zapped tends to focus on power costs, generally through a rear-view mirror lens, where one can now evaluate yesterday’s decisions based on today’s knowledge. I agree that both BC Hydro and the government of that day made some miscalculations, and that most of these miscalculations were regarding future load forecasting and anticipating future power pricing. Much of the growth in electrical demand has not happened, either in B.C. or with our export customers. Given you can’t plan to be short of power, the strategy

Evan Saugstad was to build enough capacity so we in B.C. never ran out — we haven’t, but today we do have a surplus of power. (No mention of the premier’s recent announcements about increasing B.C.’s use of electrical energy in our future.) Interestingly, this report takes great offence that many of today’s IPPs are now owned by out-of-province corporations. Zapped makes this seem like a bad thing, but this follows a longstanding NDP philosophy that corporations that make money are evil, and even more evil if they are owned by a corporation headquartered outside of our utopian province. Just as interesting, Zapped concludes that B.C. should not have become self-sufficient in power, but instead should have continued buying power on the open market from these same evil out-of-province corporations. Go figure. Zapped spends little time addressing the political realties around why government made these choices. I was a mayor when we went through these changes. Remember the AES Wapiti Energy Corporation proposal for a 184-megawatt thermal coal plant northeast of Tumbler Ridge? Remember that its bid for an IPP was the lowest-cost applicant, until the government implemented the Clean Energy Act, and forbade B.C. from purchasing power from coal plants? Remember how most of B.C. celebrated that we would have no “dirty” coal plants in our province? I

didn’t agree and, as a mayor, wrote despairingly about this decision to eliminate low-cost power producers in favour of higher costs. It makes bare mention that the rationale in shutting down Burrard Thermal, fired by natural gas, was that most of the population in the Lower Mainland was pressuring the B.C. government to do just this, and rid them of the evils of greenhouse gases. Not much mention of why the Northwest Powerline (Highway 37) was built, only that it cost BC Hydro money. Apparently, the author doesn’t believe we should use access to electric power to encourage mining investments, to which it has. Likewise, Zapped makes statements that most independent run-of-the-river projects produce most of their power during spring freshet, when power isn’t needed (which isn’t totally true), that our windfarms can’t compete with Alberta’s (not true), and that solar energy is not all that practical due to our cloudy climate (this is likely true). No facts, no figures, no numbers, just the author’s rhetoric to fit his conclusions. Likewise, not much mention of the political pressures from all over B.C. to open up IPPs to other producers so communities could take advantage of the prosperity these projects could bring them, to which the government directed BC Hydro to do. Interestingly, now this report states that signing more IPPs with indigenous communities could be alright, as they may serve another purpose. Go figure. If the current government signs agreements with a different segment of the population that results in higher costs for BC hydro, that

is alright? I was always taught, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Oh well. I digress. Instead of a balanced report on what happened, Zapped is mostly about using dollars and cents to score political points for the masters who commissioned it. Not much is directed at how and why we reached this point, and very little is about the rationales behind the decisions that were made. Yes, costs and money are important, and when miscalculations are made, someone (including me) will have to pay. In this case, the report estimates an increase of $0.55/day for our residential electricity. The fact that the province achieved a whole bunch of other benefits is scarcely mentioned. As to recommendations? Renegotiate IPP contracts lower when you can and have more transparency in BC Hydro’s contracting process (fair comments), restore the BCUC to its former glory (only for projects that are outside of government’s interest in building our economy), and go back to purchasing power from outside sources (not likely to fly with the NDP government, and certainly not good for our smaller and rural communities). In my simple, flat earth view, this is another report that will be relegated to the dustbin as soon as the political interests die. But I guess it did accomplish one thing: It must have kept Minister Mungall happy for a day. And to think House Speaker Darryl Plecas hasn’t yet asked her to justify this solesource contract. Evan Saugstad lives in Fort St. John.

BEFORE

his month, the B.C. government released Ken Davidson’s report politically titled report, Zapped - A Review of BC Hydro’s Purchase of Power from Independent Power Producers, for the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Accompanying its release, Energy Minister Michelle Mungall said, “British Columbians are paying more on their hydro bills because of the previous government’s choices. Professional staff within government and BC Hydro warned them against that course of action, but that government refused to listen.” Mungall commissioned this report and hired a former B.C. Treasury Board staff member who worked for the NDP government in the 1990s. It’s also been reported this was a sole-source contract. I point this out as the report’s primary focus appears to be to castigate the previous government and its handling of B.C.’s energy file. With that in mind, this report is very political in nature, and written with the express view of trying to make the Liberals look much worse than they actually may have been. At the same time, it tries to make the NDP look like knights in shining armour. I read this report asking myself what was missing, and what did the author leave out? And, when I did that, the reasons behind Mr. Davidson’s conclusions come out a bit different than what he writes. The report concludes that, a) BC Hydro bought too much energy and energy with the wrong profile, b) BC Hydro paid too much for the energy it bought, and c) BC Hydro undertook these actions at the direction of government. These are essentially correct—if we

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A8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 A9

Business

“MLAs and their constituents are being shut out of a process that should include all voices within the caribou territory, not just those in Victoria.” — MLA Mike Bernier, A10

OGC faces possible $90 million tab for orphan wells JEREMY HAINSWORTH Alaska Highway News

An energy company operating in B.C.’s northeast and now in receivership has left 300 to 500 wells facing possible designation as orphan – or abandoned – at a potential cost of $40 million to $90 million to the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission. The figures were delivered in the provincial energy regulator’s 2019-20 to 2021-22 service plan released as part of the provincial budget Feb. 19. The company in question is Calgary-based Ranch Energy Corp. Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench appointed Ernst & Young receiver for the company July 19, 2018. BCOGC spokesman Graham Currie said there have been no orphan well designations yet. “The commission will continue to regulate all assets owned by the company and take steps as required to protect public safety and the environment,” Currie said. But, according to the service plan, “given the uncertainty about the timing of these orphan designations, there is no provision built into the financial plan.” How the province deals with such wells and the generation of funding to deal with them has shifted in the past year. B.C. has an orphan well tax, aimed at covering costs of abandonment and restor-

ation of orphan wells, test holes, production facilities and pipelines. The current tax is $0.06 per cubic metre of oil production and $0.03 per 1,000 cubic metres of marketable gas. This spring, Currie said, that tax will be eliminated and a liability levy phased in over three years. That levy is to be figured out using an equation where permit holder projected liability is divided by total liability for all regulated wells. The resulting fraction is multiplied by the total amount to be raised by the levy to arrive at the individual levy. “The 2019-20 fiscal year will see 50% of orphan funding come from the new liability levy, increasing by 25% in each subsequent year,” Currie said. “By 2021-22, the liability levy will provide the entire estimated $15 million per year required to sustain the orphan fund.” A January Supreme Court of Canada ruling that put environmental remediation ahead of creditors could have application in the case. The court ruled in favour of the Alberta Energy Regulator, which had argued that capping of orphan oil and gas wells and land reclamation should take precedence over creditors when a company goes bankrupt and leaves behind orphan wells. BCOGC welcomed the ruling as the province has more than 300 orphan wells of its own.

Condill property declared surplus MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city council has formally declared the former Condill Hotel property as surplus, and directed city staff to secure a real estate agent to ready it for sale and redevelopment. Coun. Trevor Bolin declared a conflict of interest as a realtor, and did not vote. Putting the land on the market is the final stage in the property’s redevelopment, staff say. “The revitalization of our Downtown is a key strategic objective for the Citizens of Fort St. John,” City Manager Dianne

Hunter wrote in an administrative report. “And, the purchase and subsequent demolition of the Condill Hotel was a generational opportunity to start the transformation of our downtown.” The property has been vacant since the hotel, built in 1942 to house American soldiers during Alaska Highway construction, was demolished last spring. The city bought it in 2017, a decision that proved contentious after the demolition was hampered by delays and overruns because of the amount of asbestos that needed to be removed before the building was

torn down. Council increased its spend on the project from $1.5 million to $2.15 million, though a final report on the demolition has yet to be brought before council. The Condill land, covering three lots, is valued at $426,000, according to the latest BC Assessment records. Jennifer Decker, the city’s economic development manager, will administer the sale of the property. Any new development will be subject to new downtown zoning and building rules. Meanwhile, the city’s old fire hall remains on the market for $758,000.

National Energy Board recommends Trans Mountain approval MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is in the Canadian public interest and should be approved, the National Energy Board says. The board released its reconsideration report on the project for the federal government on Friday, February 22. It notes increased marine traffic will have impacts on southern resident killer whales, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. “While a credible worst-case spill from the Project or a Project-related marine vessel is not likely, if it were to occur the environmental effects would be significant,” the Board stated in an announcement.

“While these effects weighed heavily in the NEB’s consideration of Project-related marine shipping, the NEB recommends that the Government of Canada find that they can be justified in the circumstances, in light of the considerable benefits of the Project and measures to minimize the effects.” The Boards says it will impose 156 conditions on the project if it’s approved, and has made 16 new recommendations that “relate to matters that fall outside of the NEB’s regulatory mandate, but within the authority of the Government of Canada.” Trans Mountain officials called the NEB’s decision “a step forward.” “It provides specific and

achievable conditions under which we must operate to ensure, if approved, the Project will protect the marine and terrestrial environment and communities,” President Ian Anderson said in a statement. “This report is an important element of the broader process that remains underway, which includes the federal government’s consultation with Indigenous communities. We look forward to the successful conclusion of these consultations and the decision that will be provided on the Project in the months ahead.” Two Fort St. John pipeline contractors have been selected to build nearly one-third of the expansion through southern B.C. Surerus Pipeline, which

shares a 50% stake with London-based J. Murphy & Sons in the Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, was selected to build 180 kilometres of pipeline between Black Pines and Merritt. Fort St. John’s Macro Industries and France’s Spiecapag have a joint venture selected to build 85 kilometres of pipeline in the Coquihalla-Hope area. The contracts are valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Alberta has been fighting hard for the Trans Mountain expansion so that the province could move more crude oil to ports and from there to lucrative overseas markets. The energy board’s original approval of the project was set aside last summer by the Fed-

eral Court of Appeal, which said the regulator had not properly considered marine life. The NEB’s report starts the clock on a 90-day period for the federal government to decide whether the project should proceed. Officials in Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi’s office have said a final decision won’t be made until consultations with affected Indigenous groups are complete. The consultations were also an issue the federal Appeal Court raised when it put a halt on the project. — with files from the Canadian Press

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A10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Things to consider this spring real estate season

s we approach the busy spring real estate marketing season, it’s prudent to touch base on some awareness around mortgage lending. I want to start the conversation by saying Fort St. John is home to some absolutely amazing mortgage brokers and mortgage specialists who are truly experts in their field. They are experts with integrity to be relied upon. They are industry leaders well worth the national and international recognition many of them have received. Congratulations to our local champions! They work hard at educating and supporting buyers to make sound financial choices when buying their homes. Our local mortgage brokers are business owners and operators. Revenue generated in our community stays in our community. Local brokers and

specialists understand the lending requirements of our region. Now, I’d like to venture into another world of mortgage brokers. Often in my world it becomes apparent that people don’t realize that mortgage brokers are salespeople. They are paid a percentage of the mortgages they write. As the mortgage market becomes smaller, it’s easy to assume the broker world has become tougher. There are examples even in our community of not-soprudent lending practices by out-of-town brokers. Not to cast a shadow on an entire industry, but out-of-town brokers don’t spend their earnings in our community. Out-of-town brokers don’t always understand the unique lending challenges in the north. Often I am questioned by reviewers unfamiliar with rural remote lending practices

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

in the north. Purpose and function are two key considerations from an appraiser’s viewpoint. Typically, the purpose of an appraisal is to determine the market value of a property within a reasonable selling period. The function may be for asset valuation, mortgage financing, negotiating a sale, accounting, estate, disposition of assets, etc. What happens when there’s an overlap for the use of an appraisal? Boundaries become unclear. I had a purchaser call and ask for a copy of their appraisal that was completed for lending pur-

poses. I was unable to supply them a copy of the appraisal. They were not my client. A lawsuit was eventually involved, and the purchaser tried to say that they bought the house based on my appraisal. They did not. The sale was negotiated long before an appraisal was requested. The lender lent on the appraisal, which is a different use. Within the appraisal report, the final value was subject to a satisfactory building inspection and that the value was subject to change. In this particular situation, a “friend” of the seller supplied the building inspection. Here’s a suggested scenario. Realtor includes in the offer subject to a satisfactory appraisal. In the case of a private sale, perhaps one or two appraisals will be used to negotiate the sale price. A home inspection should always be considered from a

certified inspector. Often sale prices are renegotiated when an issue is discovered. The purpose of an appraisal is to negotiate a sale. Lenders have specific requirements that include terms such as less than 90 days on market, maximum acreage size, no outbuildings, etc. The purpose of an appraisal here is for lender financing. Sometimes the terms of references for lenders has an assumption that goes outside of the scope of the definition of market value. Do you see the challenges here? Buyer beware. You decide if it is worth it to save dollars now or incur unexpected costs later. Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

Still no dates confirmed for caribou recovery consultations MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Early February has come and gone, and the launch of public engagement on caribou recovery plans in the B.C. Peace has yet to be confirmed. The talks were expected to begin early this month, after Peace River politicians pressed Environment Minister George Heyman and Forests Minister Doug Donaldson for a commitment at the BC Natural Resource Forum in Prince George last month. However, details and logistics have yet to be confirmed,

according to the province. “Once details and logistics have been confirmed, there will be a public announcement,” a spokesperson with the ministry of forests, land, and natural resources said in a statement. “It’s important that everyone who is interested has an opportunity to provide their input.” The ongoing delay is frustrating local leaders, who say residents are being kept in limbo. Northern B.C. Liberal MLAs raised their concerns in the legislature this week about

closed-door meetings and limited local engagement. “The minister talks about a made-in-BC solution, but so far I only see closed door meetings, cancelled information sessions and postponed promises,” said South Peace River MLA Mike Bernier. “Local MLAs and their constituents are being shut out of a process that should include all voices within the caribou territory, not just those in Victoria. I question how you effectively engage on a plan that does not connect with the local communities that will be most affected.”

Government claims that a draft version of the caribou recovery plan is expected this month. The Peace River Regional District has asked for a minimum of three public consultations in the region, including Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John. “The PRRD is adamant that consultation with local governments, industry, First Nations, and recreational groups is required to fully inform any decisions made to protect caribou populations, with the least impact to local economies and resident lifestyles,”

the regional district said in a statement. Local governments have been pressing the province over the last several months, demanding consultations and more study on two agreements being developed with West Moberly and Saulteau to restore caribou populations in the South Peace. According to recent counts, there’s an estimated 229 animals in five herds in the region. The federal government has declared their to be an imminent threat to their recovery. — with files from the Dawson Creek Mirror

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Local News

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Northeast B.C. courts for the week ending Feb. 22, 2019. Fort St. John Law Courts • James Arthur Beattie (born 1993) was sentenced to six months in jail, ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed a 10-year mandatory firearms ban, and given 18 months of probation for trafficking a controlled substance. • Barry Allan McMaster (born 1969) was sentenced to 46 days in jail, ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed a 10-year discretionary firearms ban, and given a one-year probation order for assault with a weapon. McMaster was sentenced another 14 days in jail and a second one-year probation order for assaulting a peace officer. McMaster was handed seven more days in jail and another year of probation for breach of undertaking. • Jeffrey Allen Olson (born 1974) was sentenced to 45 days in jail, given a one-year probation order, and handed a three-year criminal driving

ban for care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. Olson was sentenced to an additional 21 days in jail for driving with a suspended licence. • Ronald Graham Wright (born 1963) was fined $1,000 and handed a one-year criminal driving ban for care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. Wright was further ordered to pay $650 in restitution for mischief $5,000 or under.

Canvas Stretching 25 Years

Dawson Creek Law Courts • Riley James Boyle (born 1992) was sentenced to 150 days in jail and handed a 24-month probation order for theft of motor vehicle. Boyle was handed another 24 months of probation for possession of stolen property over $5,000. Boyle was ordered to provide a DNA sample and handed another 24-month probation order for possession of stolen property under $5,000. Boyle was sentenced to 14 days in jail for two separate counts of breach of undertaking. • Braiden Lee Nolan (born 1993) was handed a one-year probation order with a suspended sentence for theft $5,000 or under.

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Theft and mischief:

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Fort St. John RCMP responded to just under 13,000 calls for service in 2018, with 36% of those for Criminal Code offences. Staff Sgt. Steve Perret and Sgt. Dave Tyreman updated city councillors on Monday of the detachment’s operations in the city and outlying areas last year. Here are the numbers from their report (2017 totals): Calls for service: Municipal - 9,877 (10,017) Rural - 2,974 (3,200) Total - 12,851 (13,217) Criminal Code calls: Municipal - 3,890 (3,451) Rural - 752 (763) Total - 4,642 (4,214) Criminal Code offences: Persons - 1,352 (1,070) Property - 2,192 (1,937) Other - 1,098 (1,064) Violent crimes: Robbery - 12 (11) Assault PO - 7 (8) Sex offences - 32 (38) Aggravated assault - 53 (62) Utter threats - 47 (70) Common assault - 242 (235)

Vehicle thefts - 144 (144) Theft from vehicles - 182 (162) Shoplifting - 140 (98) Theft - 201 (204) Mischief - 290 (237) Public disturbances - 962 (1,025) Drugs: Cocaine possession - 15 (32) Cocaine trafficking - 11 (16) Cannabis possession - 29 (78) Cannabis trafficking - 1 (0) Fentanyl/other possession - 12 (20) Fentanyl/other trafficking - 3 (5) Impaired drivers: Criminal Code & Immediate Roadside Prohibitions - 275 (272) MVA 24 hrs/7 day/30 day warning 53 (88) Motor vehicle accidents: Fatal - 9 (5) Injured - 106 (100) Damage only - 373 (399)

Special Delivery

Fort St. John RCMP crime statistics for 2018 Matt Preprost

51362

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IRL IT’S A G lynn e d Blair A adie McCre Parents: Creadie c Brady M Terri & by’s Weight: Ba zs 6 lbs 8 o ches in 9 1 Length: . 19, 2019 Date: Feb :16 pm Time: 7 hn, BC o Fort St J

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arts & Culture

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arts & culture

matt preprost Photo

Stage North actors Emry Mika (playing Agnes) and Cody MacGillivray (playing Miles the Shapeshifter) rehearse a sword fight from the troupe’s production of She Kills Monsters.

Stage North plays with swords, sisterhood in She Kills Monsters Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Stage North’s latest production promises to be a swordswinging tale of sisterhood that will take audiences through tragedy and fantasy. She Kills Monsters opened Feb. 22 in Fort St. John, a take on the popular role-playing board game Dungeons and Dragons, and which features a predominantly female cast. The play follows “totally average” Agnes, who returns home after her family is killed in a terrible car crash. Sifting through the emotional wreckage, Agnes discovers a Dun-

geons and Dragons adventure her geeky little sister Tilly left behind. When Agnes recruits a “dungeon master” to walk her through the game, the audience is plunged into a world of elves, demons, and other monsters. “It’s really fun, it’s really cheesy, and it’s neat because it’s a Dungeons and Dragons play but that’s just a vessel,” said director Ted Sloan. “It’s really a story about two sisters who don’t know each other, trying to get to know each other, thrown in with some 1990s pop music, through this board game.” Nineties pop aside, the production is also packed with action. Actors spent two weeks

with fight choreographer Darren Steele of Edmonton for this action-packed comedy that features up to 14 fight scenes. “We learned a ton. It’s been quite the learning curve,” said Emry Mika, who plays Agnes. The script was written by Qui Nguyen, who was tired of seeing weak female characters, Sloan said, and the production plays with themes of acceptance and family, discovery and courage. “Agnes never knew her sister at all, but she discovers her sister is gay, that her sister is really cool, and that her sister was a wonderful human being but different than her older sis-

ter. So they get closer that way,” Sloan said. The cast and crew of 17 is made up predominantly of young North Peace Secondary graduates that have gone through the school’s theatre programs. Among them is Amy Bazin, who plays young Tilly, who is brought to life through the board game. “I learned a lot about myself playing this character and I’ve really enjoyed playing it,” Bazin said. “Tilly is very confident in who she is and she knows what she likes … that confidence is something I’d like to have more of in my real life.” Coming out to the theatre is

a big investment for audiences, one that comes with gratitude from the cast and crew, Sloan said. “The spine of this play is you have the courage to grow up to be who you want to be. It’s all about honour,” Sloan said. “We want people to walk in here, we want to honour them with a good show, we want them to feel like they can honour themselves, and we want them to leave going, ‘I’m a great person, I can do what I need to do.’” She Kills Monsters plays at the North Peace Cultural Centre until March 2. For more details and ticket information, call the cultural centre.

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A14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

PERSPECTIVES

Embrace of faith

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HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) You will be powerful today when talking to parents, bosses and the police. When you speak, others will listen because you believe in yourself. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You feel charged up today about political, racial and religious issues, which is why you won’t hesitate to speak your mind. You also might be excited about a future trip. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) You will stand your ground today in disputes about shared property, inheritances and insurance matters. This is because you believe you are right, which gives you the courage to defend yourself. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) You might attract someone to you today who is bold and forthright. In fact, this person might set you back on your heels; nevertheless, it will be interesting! LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) You have lots of energy to work out today, which is why you will be productive. You are concerned about the welfare of co-workers, for which they will be grateful. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) This is a creative day for you! You feel friendly and eager to socialize with others. Sports events and playful activities plus the arts will appeal to you. Enjoy this day!

For Thursday February 28 2019

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Today you have the energy to make improvements at home. This will please you because you like your home to look attractive, not just to impress others, but because you like to be in nice surroundings. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) If you are in sales, marketing, acting, teaching or writing, you will be effective today. Others will be persuaded by what you have to say. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Respect your moneymaking ideas today because this is a good day for business and commerce. You know what you want to accomplish when it comes to money matters. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Today the moon is in your sign getting a blast of energy from Mars. This will help you take advantage of whatever presents itself to you. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) Keep your ear to the ground, because something is taking place behind the scenes. If you suspect something is percolating on the back burner, it is! PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) This is a wonderful day to schmooze with others, especially with groups, clubs and organizations. People will love your energy and emotional flair!

fter I left my marriage, feeling rootless in Canada, I traveled several days by plane, train, ferry and bus to reach the remote, coastal village in Donegal that was Griffin ancestral land. I crossed the border into the Republic of Ireland at Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Still two years before the Good Friday Peace Agreement of 1998, armed British soldiers stood guard at the border crossing. My Uncle Frank awaited my arrival beneath a bus depot light, newspaper tucked beneath his arm, navy knit-cap resting above bright, blue eyes so like my father’s and my own. “A hundred thousand welcomes,” he said, smiling. It was midnight before my uncle mutely led me to his cottage, each of us puffing frozen exhales into an aubergine sky. My fatigue was replaced by a sense of marvel at the brilliance of the stars against the blackness of night. A simple mattress placed in front of his fireplace was to be my bed, and after a snack of warm biscuits and hot tea, I slept feeling closer to God than I had in sometime. In the morning, I opened the curtains to look upon a postcard view that the darkness had hidden from sight the previous night. White cottages dotted emerald hills, white clouds broke an azure sky, and white sailboats danced on cobalt water. My uncle and his toothless hound-dog, Binbo, walked towards town. Pulling on my boots, I chased after them. The Catholic Church was white and quaint in its splendour. My uncle and I took turns entering the chapel and standing outside with Binbo. As we departed the chapel, my uncle said, “It’s divorce, then?” Ashamed, I could only nod. “Give it to God. He gives beauty for ashes,” Frank said. My uncle was constructing a home for himself and his wife, Bridie, with the help of my Griffin cousins. I joined in the assembly and physical exertion and the sweet sensation of belonging began to quell my grief. I attended daily Mass with my uncle, and found that my faith sustained me.

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

On my daily run over the surrounding hills, I’d stop at the white cottage that was my grandfather’s birthplace. Touching its damp stones, the same prayer always settled on my lips. “God. Carry me.” My heart was shattered. I bought a postcard showing the village chapel. On it I wrote: “I’m in God’s country. Standing where your father stood. Walking where he walked.” I mailed it to my father in Canada. Rain christened Donegal on my last day in Ireland. I plucked a rock from the north wall of my grandfather’s cottage to bring Griffin strength home with me when I left that place that had proven to be my sanctuary in January 1996. My uncle took me to a seaside cemetery and together we examined family headstones. “There’s always arms for you to fall into, Angela,” Frank said. I turned to face the seashore, hiding my tears from him. Ocean waves washed clean silver sands, the water reclaiming in its visiting grasp life stuck there, eager to return to the sea. The rain, fragrant with Donegal bell heather, fell ever softly. Something sacred surrounded me and the internal voice I was beginning to heed whispered above the roar of the Irish Sea: I’m with you always. In the doorway of the bus station, a British soldier stood guard, his unwavering gaze fixed past me. Inside the station, I wrote on an oceanview postcard: You’re never alone. I mailed it to myself, a reminder to me as I’d resurrect my life in Canada.

The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Destination Wedding a Burden Dear Annie: Our beautiful 44-year-old daughter is making plans to be married for the third time. Her first wedding was overthe-top and cost us a fortune. Her second wedding was also expensive, held at a private home. We helped her pay for that wedding, as well. She is now planning her third, which she says will be a destination wedding. The destination she chose is across the country in a very expensive area. Between the two of them, they have five children. They make a good income but not enough for this not to be a burden to them financially. My husband and I feel that because their friends and family have now attended two weddings and given two gifts, this would be too much. We wish she would have a very low-key local wedding with just her immediate family and then have a small party to celebrate down the road. We’re not sure whether to broach the subject and give her our opinion or to leave it alone. Her father and I would be financially unable to attend the destination wedding. -- Mother of the Bride, Times 3 Dear Mother of the Bride: For everyone’s sake, I certainly hope that the third time’s a charm and that your daughter found her Prince Charming.

them to listen.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

Though she will always be your daughter, she is still a 44-year-old adult who is capable of making her own decisions. If she and her fiance want to have a destination wedding, then by all means, let them do so. The fact that her friends and family have attended two weddings might make it more challenging for them to have many people attend, but maybe they want it that way. All that being said, I think you need to sit down and talk to your daughter -- not to tell her what you think her wedding should be like but rather to tell her you and her father would be unable to attend because of the financial burden. Once she has this knowledge from you, it will be up to her to decide whether she wants to either pay for your travel expenses or have her parents not attend her wedding. By pointing this out, you may make her realize that it might be a financial burden to others, as well. In the end, it’s her party. You can always share your wisdom and advice with your grown children, but you can’t always expect

Dear Annie: Recently, you printed a letter from “Bashful,” who was frustrated that her face flushes so easily when embarrassed. She said she used to blush whenever a cute guy spoke with her but has mostly gotten over that with age and increased confidence. My suggestion would be that she work on becoming a better speaker. Her blushing around cute guys went down as she got more experienced and thus more confident. Likewise, practice in public speaking should help her blush less. I recommend Toastmasters. Toastmasters did a lot to help me overcome stage fright and become a smoother speaker. There are Toastmasters chapters all over the country and even around the world. Here is a site to find the nearest Toastmasters group: http://www.toastmasters. org/find-a-club. -- Ann K. Dear Ann: You make a great practical suggestion. I do not have direct experience with Toastmasters myself, but I’ve heard many fine things from readers about the organization. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 A15

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COST CRITERIA DAILY DATA DURATION ESTIMATION FILES FOLLOWUP GOALS MANAGEMENT MEETING MODEL

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MODERATION OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZED PLANNING PRIORITIZE PROCRASTINATE PROJECT SCHEDULE SOFTWARE SOURCING TIME TRACKER

TODAY’S PUZZLE

CLUES DOWN 1. Variety of pear 2. Curved symmetrical structure 3. A demon in some cultures 4. Cricket frogs 5. Atomic #45 6. Abnormal bone joint 7. Cain and __ 8. Unhappy 9. Dogooder 10. Most babies need _ __ when they eat 11. Abdominal pain suffered by babies 12. Monetary unit

by Why did the ba y? cr y rr strawbe

Material for your weekly game page

rents

What did the hamburger na me his daughter?

Have you heard the joke about the butter?

A: I’d better not tell you; it might spread.

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

A: Patty.

38. Bag-like structure in a plant 39. Simple wooden shoe 41. Leeches 44. Tide 45. Fathers 46. Decay 48. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 49. The Golden State (abbr.) 51. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 52. Unique garments 54. True firs 56. One who’s not on time 60. Angry speech 61. Young children 62. About aviation 63. This (Spanish) 64. Earns a perfect score 65. People of Ghana 66. Founding member of The Grateful Dead 67. Of she 68. Genus of lichens

pa A: Because his were in a jam.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Iranian village 6. Duct 9. Holds potatoes 13. Plant of the goosefoot family 14. Spoken in Cameroon 15. Students’ rights document (abbr.) 16. Skin lesion 17. Went over the airwaves 18. Nestle malt drink 19. Rockets’ point guard 21. Developed the polio vaccine 22. Businessmen 23. Animals have it 24. Atomic number 58 25. Cycles/second 28. Japanese classical theater 29. Slow nocturnal primate 31. Used in a play 33. One that breaks apart 36. Yellow-fever mosquitos

14. Tendency to suffer from a particular condition 17. Genus of flowering plants 20. It comes up some days 21. Koran chapters 23. In support of 25. One who crunches numbers 26. A type of school 27. Pops 29. Tears 30. Not influenced by drugs 32. Forms a boundary 34. Touch quickly and gently 35. Stray 37. A period between solar and lunar eclipses 40. Third-party access 42. A very large body of water 43. Infections 47. It might be due to nerves 49. Hall of Fame ballplayer Rod 50. Belittle 52. Type of sword 53. Makes very wet 55. One-time Peruvian money 56. A shoe typically has one 57. Not nice 58. Sea eagle 59. Civil Rights figure Parks 61. Humbug 65. A precious metal (abbr.)

A16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Local News An old bridge crossing on the old Alaska Highway at Petersen Canyon in the Northern Rockies, part of what is now a backcountry trail and targeted for removal by the federal government.

Industra-Liard Construction awarded Alaska Highway remediation contract matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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The federal government has awarded a $2.27-million contract to remediate and deactivate a stretch of the old Alaska Highway near Petersen Canyon — one that has become a unique backcountry trail in the Northern Rockies. Industra-Liard Construction of Surrey has been awarded the work, and will clean an abandoned portion of the old highway’s route and will remove non-functional infrastructure, such as culverts, road signs, guiderails and bridges, that is no longer safe for the public and also prevents passage of fish in a nearby creek, according to Public Services and Procurement Canada. Work is expected to start in the spring, and includes removing five bridges and more than 20 culverts from an abandoned alignment of the highway. That alignment will be deactivated, either partially or completely, to put it in a “self-maintaining state that will indefinitely protect adjacent resources,” according to the government. Since the old section of highway was realigned due to persistent washouts, it has has become a unique backcountry trail in the Northern Rockies found just a short drive past Toad River

Lodge. The road has held up remarkably well over time, and has guided hikers, cyclists, and other adventurers over old, wooden bridges and culverts, past a waterfall and into Petersen Canyon. The 12-kilometre round trip hike is an easy one, but users must be wary of the old bridges. While some have weathered the elements well, others have not and make for a dangerous crossing. The road north of Drogheda Lake will be partially deactivated to allow passage of motor vehicles, according to the government. This includes replacing two bridges with fords traversable by a 4x4 pickup truck. The remaining south section of the road will be fully deactivated and barricaded against motor vehicle access but allow foot traffic, the government said. The future of the trail is unclear as the series of bridges connected the 12-kilometre route. The province of B.C. is responsible for maintaining the first 133 kilometres of the Alaska Highway up to the Mile 83 marker. Public Services and Procurement Canada is responsible for maintaining the remaining 835-kilometre stretch to the Yukon border. The Yukon government is responsible for maintaining the rest of the Canadian portion of the highway.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Aruldhas Lucas, SAC Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 -12:00 noon & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

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

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

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

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

Sports & Leisure MIGHTY TUCKS WIN CRYSTAL CUP

SPEED SKATERS WIN BRONZE

SPORTS B2

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2019

SPORTS B4

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PHONE: 250-785-0463

Brayden Sims boxes his way to Canada Winter Games gold

All the stars are angry

DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

After three hard-fought bouts in four days, Brayden Sims is the 2019 Canada Winter Games gold medalist in the 60kg division. Sims fought Justice Harborne of Manitoba in the final on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Harborne came out throwing hard in the first, winning the round on the scorecards of all five judges. In the second round, things changed in a hurry. Sims appeared to have more energy than Harborne in the second and third rounds. Three judges gave him the second round, with all five judges scoring the third round in favour of Sims, to give the Fort St. John fighter the win by a score of 3:2. “I noticed as soon as the first round ended. (Harborne) was flopped down on the chair, and when the bell rang for the next round he was still sitting. It was a confidence booster that I could go out there and win with my cardio,” Sims said. For Justin Donally, Sims’ coach at Fivestar Boxing Academy, watching his fighter win from a far instead of in his corner was a different experience, but the most rewarding one he’s had as a coach yet. “It was tough to let go of that, but I talked to (Sims) and (Coach Bill Watson) every day,” said Donally. “He got better and better each fight, was more

Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

KEVIN BOGETTI-SMITH/ CANADA WINTER GAMES PHOTO

Brayden Sims yells in celebration as he is declared the gold medal champion in boxing at 60kg at the Canada Winter Games on Feb. 20, 2019.

confident and had fun. He really enjoyed himself, and that’s something Brayden has struggled with, just enjoying the ride and being mentally prepared. I don’t think there was anyway anyone was going to stop him.” For Sims, this is a story of how much things can change in a year. At the 2018 boxing nationals in Edmonton, Sims was beaten soundly in the first round by Team Quebec, as he let his nerves get him and was unable to be his best on the big stage. A year later, Sims beat defending national champion Jad Khabbaz of

Team Quebec in the semifinal, and made him quit in the second round. “Everything since then has changed tremendously in both my personal life and boxing. The biggest thing that won it this year was my mental game, I was really focused on knowing I can beat these people,” Sims said. “Almost every boxer in that tournament in my class was better technically and had twice as many fights, but I needed to go in there knowing I could win. If I tell myself I can win I will do it.” Donally said this was the biggest title in combat sports anyone has ever

brought back to Fort St. John. “To win at that level you can’t have any distractions, and (Sims) didn’t. I’ve seen such a change in him since Christmas-time and I’m so proud of him,” Donally said. Sims isn’t done for the year, however. He still has the 2019 nationals in April, where he will be one of the favourites to win it all. “Winning the gold medal is something else. Being the best in Canada is hard to grasp for me. It’s awesome, and I cant wait for nationals to see what I can do,” said Sims.

Sterling Middleton defends World Junior Curling title DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Sports aren’t supposed to be this predictable and seem this forgone, but Tyler Tardi and Sterling Middleton defending their World Junior Curling Championship title seemed inevitable. On Feb. 16,, in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Tardi and Middleton, along with Matthew Hall and Alex Horvath, beat Switzerland 9-4 to become world champions. Canada took an early 5-1 lead after four ends, and stole two in the fifth to put a stranglehold on the title after just five ends. It was a truly dominant performance by one of the most dominant Canadian men’s junior curling teams ever. “To be the world champion two years in a row, it’s really hard to believe. There’s not much more we can accomplish on this stage. We’ve proved to teams we are the best team in the world and have been for a couple years

now,” Middleton said. Tardi, who has been alongside Middleton for this entire ride, felt the same way. “It’s unbelievable… I don’t know a single word to describe how I’m feeling. It’s unbelievable to do it once but to do it twice is just incredible, especially doing it here in Canada,” Tardi told the World Curling Federation after the win. Though winning this tournament wasn’t new, doing it in Canada was. Middleton’s first world championship win came in Aberdeen, Scotland, and his first year at the worlds was in 2017 at PyeongChang, RICHARD GRAY/ WCF PHOTO South Korea. “It was fantastic. Our Sterling Middleton makes a shot during the final at the World Junior first game was against Curling Championship on Feb. 23, 2019. USA and it was a really full crowd with everyone The season is almost Hall and Horvath will age cheering for big shots. In over, but Team Tardi was out of junior, while both talking to the community invited to the Humptys Middleton and Tardi have and all the younger kids Challenge Cup in one more year of eligibility that kept coming up and Saskatoon, April 23 to 28. as a junior left. talking to us, it was nice to The Grand Slam event will “I’m excited to start inspire people and we were bring the best teams in all talking about who will be inspired by them to take of curling together. From on our team next year and our game up a notch,” said there, Middleton isn’t sure what events we’ll play in,” Middleton. what the future holds, as said Middleton.

s we head into March, the sports I’m following most closely are the NHL and NBA, although March Madness will surely infringe upon that. Though the NHL playoffs are just around the corner, and are a far superior product compared to the NBA playoffs, I find myself way more invested in the NBA season right now. That’s partly because I think the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to lose in the first round against the Boston Bruins again and I’m already upset about it. The Toronto Raptors are having an unreal season, but as much fun as it’s been to watch the Raptors this season, I find myself more and more annoyed by the NBA stories off the court. The NBA is the most popular it’s ever been, and that will only grow in the coming years. It’s partly because of its ability to market its stars in a way other leagues can’t. We are also in a new era of player empowerment, with players having control over where they go, and the ability to create superteams seemingly at will. This has been seen as a good thing for the last couple years, and anyone choosing the side of owners or team loyalty is seen as a conservative bigot. But, all of a sudden, this player empowerment is also making its star players increasingly unlikeable and insufferable. Kyrie Irving continues to tell reporters how hard it is to lead a team of young players, even though that team was one game short of the NBA Finals last season with him watching from the sidelines with an injury. That team appears to be constantly fighting with one another and Irving is probably going to leave in the offseason. LeBron James, perhaps the best player of all time, is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in his career, and isn’t taking it well. Since declaring that he had activated his playoff intensity last week, his Los Angeles Lakers beat a very good Houston Rockets team, only to have that followed by back-to-back losses against some of the worst teams in the Western Conference. From watching those games, it seems like James’ playoff intensity is nowhere to be seen, and has instead been replaced by him throwing his arms up in the air in frustration every time the other team scores. Kevin Durant is widely expected to leave the Golden State Warriors after this season, but reporters better not ask him about that or he’ll throw a fit in a press conference. Anthony Davis is an awesome player, but in trying to force a trade out of New Orleans, he’s succeeded only in alienating himself from both the Pelicans fans and NBA fans overall. By my own personal rankings, these are four of the NBA’s nine best players. No other league in sports is as happy to have its best players become so hard to root for, and I can’t help but think it will hurt the league eventually. Sure, on the court, these players are amazing and really fun to watch. But the NBA has become king because of how it’s players act off the court, not on.

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B2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Local Sports

Mighty Tucks dethrone Ace Holes at biggest Crystal Cup yet Ice cold temperatures and freezing wind weren’t enough to keep the eighth annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge from being the best one yet. With any annual event, the hope is that it will grow each year, but for the Crystal Cup it’s an actual reality, as this year’s tournament featured 82 teams, the most in Crystal Cup history. “We had four more teams this year than last year, and it’s great to see that the interest is still there,” said organizer Neil Evans. As for the games themselves, this year’s event saw a new champion for a change. The Mighty Tucks, wearing throwback jerseys from the first Mighty Ducks movie, beat the Ace Holes 14-11 in a final that didn’t start until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. The Ace Holes had won the Cup the previous three years. In the Sapphire Cup, the VI Blackhawks beat Net Stix and Chill to win the women’s tournament. This year’s NHL alumni guest, Travis Moen, loved what he saw, both during the adult tournament and in the Sid Davis Memorial Youth Hockey Challenge

on Sunday, Feb. 24. “You can see all the time that goes into it, and it’s an amazing event. I never had quite this experience, but I remember playing on a pond or outdoor rink and this brings back memories,” Moen said. “It’s great to see all the smiles on the kids’ faces, playing unstructured hockey and just going out and having fun.” Moen played for 12 seasons, and announced his retirement following the 2015-16 season. He most noticeably played five and a half seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, and won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2006-07 season. He now lives in his hometown of Swiss Current, Saskatchewan, and helps out with the family farm. Sid Davis Memorial winners Pre-Novice: The Eagles Novice: The Mighty Pucks Atom: The Quik Stix Bandits Peewee: Jr. Highlanders Bantam/Midget: Outdoor Rink Kingz

dillon giancola photo

The Mighty Tucks, seen here in green in a game against the Griffins on Feb. 23, 2019, would go on to beat the Ace Holes 14-11 in the Crystal Cup final.

— With files from Dave Lueneberg

dave lueneberg photo

dillon giancola photo

Former Montreal Canadien Travis Moen and Lead Crystal Cup Organizer Neil Evans during the Crystal Cup on Feb. 23, 2019. R0021217976

The Sid Davis Memorial Youth Hockey Challenge was just as big a success in its second year, with 38 teams of kids playing across five divisions.

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

This Week in Pro Golf

Top News Stories

Answer : d) Brad Keselowski has won at least one Cup Series race each season since 2011.

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Pennzoil 400

B4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

Buddy Streeper overcomes stressful week to win seventh Fur Rendezvous title DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

KEVIN BOGETTI-SMITH/ CANADA WINTER GAMES PHOTO

Amanda Mitchell racing during the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer on Feb. 17, 2019. Mitchell had a great games, winning a bronze medal and finished in sixth place altogether.

Elks skaters impress at Winter Games For Elks speed skaters Josh Telizyn, Amanda Mitchell, Yuna Lovell, and Brooke Braun, the Canada Winter Games were a chance to enjoy a new experience and make a mark on the biggest stage in the sport of long track speed skating. They did all that, as all four won a bronze medal and turned in some of the best skates in their careers. Amanda Mitchell wanted to finish in the top 10 in her 1500m and 3000m races. She did even better than that, finishing in the top 10 of all four distances, and finished the week sixth overall in the girls division. “I’m very happy with my results. It’s all because of the training I put in, and I had trust in my abilities and knew I could compete against that level of competition,” Mitchell said. Lovell wanted to place in the top 10 in the 500m, and wound up fourth, just missing out on a bronze medal after posting the second fastest time during the first 500m race. “Missing out on a medal didn’t feel the best but it made me strive to be better,” Lovell said. She was indeed better later that day in the team pursuit, on Feb. 17, where

she won bronze along with Mitchell and Braun. “We had a few mistakes during practice, but everything came together in the actual race, and it was the best time we’ve had in the team pursuit,” said Braun. Telizyn had a bit of a nightmare start to the Games. In the 1500m, Telizyn said he, “got stomped,” as the cold weather made it very tough for some of the smaller skaters like himself to compete. He followed that up by falling at the start of the team pursuit. After hitting a boundary puck in the opening turn of the first 500m race, it looked like things couldn’t go worse. Instead, he regrouped, and in the next 500m race, posted the second fastest time out of anyone in that distance. “I knew I had what it takes to get on the podium, and proved it with that second 500m,” said Telizyn. On the last day, Feb. 20, Telizyn would actually make the podium, winning bronze in the 1000m in one of the best skates of his career. “Nobody thought I could medal except me and I was able to get it done as an underdog,” Telizyn said.

Buddy Streeper defended his Open World Championship title by winning the 2019 Fur Rendezvous Sled Dog Race on Sunday, Feb. 24 for the seventh time. Streeper’s time of 1:21:34 in the final leg was more than three minutes faster than the second place finisher. He won the race by four minutes and 23 seconds. Streeper’s wife, Lina, was sixth with the other Streeper Kennel team, but did have the second-fastest time in the final leg. “It was a really strong run and I was impressed and proud of the team as we have a lot of young dogs. They’re not an ageing dynasty, but are just coming into their own and I’m looking forward to driving them for the next few years,” Streeper said. Though the week ended on a positive note, it started off very stressful. It started with the Streepers blowing a tire on their drive to Anchorage and being stuck for a couple hours while they waited for a replacement tire to be transported north. Next, Buddy was busier than normal prior to the start of

the first leg, and got to the starting line with just 15 seconds to spare. “It wasn’t a normal start, and was very stressful, but we got underway safe and eventually made up the time we lost,” Streeper said. The culmination of the bizarre week came on Saturday, Feb. 23, when Streeper discovered one of his dogs, Vinny, had wandered off and gotten lost while the 44 Streeper Kennel dogs were being fed. Streeper and his wife Lina drove around for hours trying to find Vinny, to no luck. However, as they returned to their hotel Sunday following the race, there was Vinny, patiently waiting in the spot where the Streeper truck is normally parked. More than 18 hours later, like a scene straight out of the movie Homeward Bound, Vinny had found his way back to Buddy. “He was just sitting there patiently waiting, as though he hadn’t left us. It’s a really cool story,” said Streeper. The Streepers are now in Fairbanks, where they will race the North Pole Championship this weekend, as well as the Open North American Championship, March 16 to 18.

BILL ROTH/ ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS PHOTO

Buddy Streeper stops his dog team after crossing the finish line in Anchorage en route to winning his 7th Open World Championship Sled Dog Race during Fur Rondy on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019.

Beatton Community 4-H Club Report Club Report: by Gracie English Hi everyone! This is a recap of what the Beatton Community 4H Club has been up to since our last article. February and some of January has been all about Communications for our club. Leading up to the actual event the Giesbrecht’s hosted a Communications prep on January 26. A special thank you to them because it was a huge help for our members. Our club Communications event took place on February 9 at the J Church. All of our members had a great time and presented some wonderful ideas. A huge thank you to all of our member’s parents and family who volunteered so much time and effort to make it happen. Another thank you to the judges who volunteered, whether this was your first time being involved with 4H or you have a long history with our club. If your interested in judging next year or for other 4H events let our club know! I’d like to congratulate all of the members who worked so hard on their speech or demonstration or educational board. It takes a lot of bravery and determination to be a part of communications and all of our members should be proud of themselves. I’ll have the full list of placings at the end of the article.

Looking ahead, March will start with some more Communications. On March 1 at the Northern Lights College District Communications will take place. District is the next level up from Club so only members who placed first or second in their category and age group will be able to attend. Thanks for catching up with us! Wishing everyone a good March and reminding you to check back next month for more news.

~COMMUNICATIONS PLACINGS~ Junior Speeches:

1st Raelle 2nd Arlee 3rd Breanna

Senior Speeches:

1st Isabel

Junior Demonstration:

1st Harlen and Alexa

Junior Speak and Show:

1st Atalya

Junior Educational Board: 1st Emmie 2nd Sam 3rd Rachel Senior Educational Board: 1st Tamsyn 2nd Gracie Impromptu:

1st Isabel 2nd Tamsyn

4-H District awards night

12864 Rose Prairie Rd., Fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-4578 Website: npvc.ca Find us on...

R0011173552

"Veterinary care founded in our community, for our community"

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 B5

Local Sports

Fort Bowling Lanes league standings: week 20

dave lueneberg photo

Deegan Lielke bowls a strike at Fort Bowling Lanes on Feb. 17, 2019 for some free bowling during the High On Ice festival.

In the Wednesday Night league, Rusty Gates got a surprising win, while The Fantastics increased their lead by five points over the second place team. In the Coffee League, Beth Cobet set new single and series highs for the season. Below are your standings after 20 weeks of play.

Ladies 1. Marlene Bigcharles - 207 2. Brianna Warnock - 203 3. Nicole F. - 188

Mixed No Cap

Overall points / week 20 points 1. Ball Busters - 84 / 5 2. Shady Ladies - 77 / 3 3. Fab Five - 69 / 4 4. Five Alive - 68 / 6 5. Pin Poppers - 62 / 2

Individual Leaders Mens Single Flat - Kevin Alexander - 365 Mens Series Flat - Kevin Alexander - 844 Ladies Single Flat - Marlene Bigcharles - 340 Ladies Series Flat - Brianna Warnock - 764 High Averages

Ages 8-10 Coffee League

High Series Shady Ladies - 3,358 High Single Ball Busters - 1,230 Ladies Series Beth Cobet - 681 Ladies Single Beth Cobet - 287

Boys Single Flat Cade Hackman - 177 Girls Single Flat Brooklyn Bigcharles - 171 High Averages Boys 1. Cade Hackman - 112 2. Marcus Vandal - 95 3. Joel Newhook - 72 Girls 1. Brooklyn Bigcharles - 110 2. Emma Schram - 87 Ages 5-7

Ladies High Average 1. Joanne McGinnis - 180 2. Cindy Dettling - 167 3. Jeannette Ward - 167

Boys Single Flat Bentley McPhee - 123 Girls Single Flat Natalie Richards - 108

Ages 11 - 14

High Averages Boys 1. Bentley McPhee - 86 2. Hayden Schram - 82 3. Josh Vandal - 79

Boys Single Flat Logan Dalley - 250 Girls Singles Flat Destiny Bigcharles - 195

Girls 1. Natalie Richards - 77 2. Tayah McPhee - 65 3. Sarah Dionne - 48

High Averages Boys

League play goes each Wednesday night, 7 to 9 p.m.

Kids Leagues

Alaska Highway News 2018/19

HOCKEY POOL

As of February 26 Send Trades

to Cam Martin cam@accro.ca 1. Wine Kitz -Trades 1335 points - 1278 Send to William Julian -12. Braun Julian12@telus.net 2. Leafs Falling - 1327 13. Bash Bros- 1272 3. EastGoalie Coast Captain 1322 14. AHN Sports - 1271 One -_____________________________________________ 4. Last Place - 1320 15. Dougsters Dogs - 1265 5. Yzerwings 16. Crosby Selects - 1264 Goalie- 1315 Two _____________________________________________ 6. Do As I Seguin Not As I Drouin - 1312 7. Zachs Stars -AS 1311 POINTS FOLLOWS 8. Kenmore Elite - 1307 Goal 1 Point 9. Coast Coasters - 1302 10. McDavid Hasselhoff - 1291 Assist 1 Point 11. Datsukian - 1280

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Goalie WIN Goalie Shut Out

Point Points Point 2 Points 3 Points

Box 1 C McDavid S Crosby T Hall N Kucherov A Matthews

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

Box 5 J. Pavelski EDM A. Panarin PIT B Wheeler NJD We’ve got the news covered! V. Hedman TBL From local events to top stories that P Laine TOR affect you, we will ensure that you

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Overall points / week 20 points 1. The Fantastics - 172 / 10 2. Got Balls - 160 / 5 3. Good Time Girls- 141 / 9 4. Trouble - 130.50 / 11 5. Blue Balls - 130 / 4 6. Freeze Frame - 121 / 7 7. Rusty Gates - 110 / 12 8. Bowl Movements - 103.50 / 1 9. Comic Reliefs - 102 / 8 10. Big Chucksees - 99.50 / 6 11. Forever Friends - 85.50 / 3 12. Here 4 The Beer - 49 / 2

Mens 1. Kevin Alexander - 239 2. Percy Arnault - 219 3. Elvis Calahasen - 205

1. Logan Dufresne - 145 2. Logan Dalley - 139 3. Parker Mayes - 139

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B6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

Announcements

JOHANNSON, Murriel (nee Bentley)

Ian Pierce

of Fort St. John will be held Saturday, March 2 at 2:00pm from the Fort St. John Masonic Hall.

February 17, 2019 - Calgary, Alberta Murriel beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on February 17, 2019 at the age of 84 years.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Ian to the BC Children’s Hospital.

Murriel is survived by her children, Diane (Michael) and Darrel (Andrea); granddaughters, Gillian (Nigel) and Hayley (Thomas); great grandsons, Jones and Leon; siblings, Marguerite, William (Bernice), Douglas (Judy), and special family member Mogens. Murriel was predeceased by her husband, John and son Dennis.

In living memory of Murriel Johannson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.1 You may wish to email your family and friends to let them know that the above obituary may be viewed online at: www.mcinnisandholloway.com

Tenders

Announcements

Celebration of Life for the late

January 2, 1935 - Dawson Creek, British Columbia

A celebration of Murriel’s life will take place at a later date. Details to follow. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The Family would like to thank the care givers at Cedar Villas Extendicare.

Book Your Ad Now!

Announcements

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

Cremation arrangements entrusted to the care of Hamre’s Funeral Chapel.

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Coming EvEnts

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

Acquired Brain Injury Support Group: ABI Support group meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month at 6:00pm at the Northern Brain Injury Association office: #11-1405 102 Ave Dawson Creek. Please call 250-719-4673 for more information. http://nbia.ca/

Borderline Culture Series presents: Tanner James Duo Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Demmitt Community Centre (1/2 Mile South of Hwy 43 on RR 132). Doors open at 7:00 pm (AB time) Concert at 8:00pm. Advance Tickets: $25. Door $30. For tickets and information call 780-356-2904 or go to www.borderlineculture.com

Have you thought about a career as a Registered Massage Therapist? Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy is hosting an Info Session in Fort St. John on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Have questions? Practical Director Robynne Madill, RMT will be providing information about our massage therapy program and answering questions. Please call or email to register or for more information 800-7018863 heatherk@ovcmt.com www.ovcmt.com PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Roots Building at NAR Park. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca Please join us on June 2nd for the 2nd annual Walk to End ALS. at the Greenspace at 100th Ave. & 100th St. Fort St. John, BC Registration for the event will begin at 10am. There will be food, music, games, raffles, activities and lots for the whole family to do. The walk is about 4km long but the route brings you back to the Greenspace multiple times, if you need to shorten your distance. We are encouraging you to sign up teams this year and challenge other teams to raise money as well. Sports team vs. sports team. Business vs. business. School vs. school. Create some competition and let’s make this year better than last! Go to this site to preregister for this walk: events.alsbc.ca. Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend. For online Registration and more information:

Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm

Please Recycle this Newspaper Obituaries

Obituaries

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

Obituaries

BAHEN, Margaret October 30, 1926 - February 5, 2019

THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

Tenders

INVITATION TO TENDER CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN - 2019 Sewer Projects Sealed Tenders clearly marked CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – 2019 SEWER PROJECTS will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00 PM, local time, MARCH 14, 2019. Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after February 21, 2019 The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following: •

Approximately 160 lm of 600 mm sanitary sewer

•

Approximately 87 lm of 300 mm storm sewer

All inquiries should be directed to the Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd., Chad Carlstrom, P.Eng., Contract Administrator, 250-785-9697 Email: ccarlstrom@urbansystems.ca City of Fort St. John: 10631-100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5 Attention: Jim Stewart, Engineering Manager

With family by her side since a stroke on Jan 31st, we said goodbye at Pleasant Valley Manor in Armstrong on the morning of Feb 5th. Marg will be dearly missed by sons AI (Anne) of Salmon Arm, Don (Mary) of Duncan, daughters Jan (Blair) of Vernon and Laurie (Don) of Vernon. 10 grandchildren Braden, Montana (Alek), Taylor (Joe), Tracey (Darwin), Matthew (Katie), Andy, Will, Leah (Ryan), Jody, Lewis (Robyn) and one great -granddaughter Taya. Born a twin in Grand Prairie to Emily and Philip Tompkins, Marg was the youngest and last of this Peace River /Fort St John pioneer family. She previously said goodbye to 6 brothers , Eric, Brian , Donald, Jim, Arthur and twin Bill and 1 dear sister Alice as well as her loyal friend since grade five Signe Crawford. Married for 52 years to F/Lt. Gordie Bahen, she lived in many houses in many provinces and finally settled in Prince George in 1966. Marg was old school and worked full time while still piloting the household ship. Her final move was to Vernon in 1998 to be closer to family. After Gordie passed in 2001 , Marg reconnected with RCAF friend Murray Koroluk and enjoyed weekly lunches and outings till saying goodby to him in 2014.

Tenders

INVITATION TO TENDER CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN Tahltan Road LAS - Contract 2 Road & Shallow Utilities Sealed Tenders clearly marked CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – Tahltan Road LASContract 2 Road & Shallow Utilities will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than 2:00 pm, local time, March 14, 2019. Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after February 21, 2019 The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following: 1150lm of 11m road construction c/w storm sewer, streetlighting, and shallow utility installation. 620 m of storm sewer installation. All inquiries should be directed to the Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd., Rob Close, Contract Administrator, 250-785-9697 Email: rclose@urbansystems.ca City of Fort St. John: 10631-100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5 Attention: Jim Stewart, Engineering Manager

Small in size but mighty , she loved her daily walks especially with her dogs Nipper then later Spotty,berry picking, playing crib & cards, family dinners, her flower garden, reading National Geographic, and traveling, especially tours of Russia, China, Europe, and Hawaii. In respecting her wishes, she was cremated and her ashes will be placed with husband Gordie in the Fort St John cemetery during the summer. A celebration of life is planed in Vernon in May. Many thanks to Dr Stephen Friesen, staff at Chartwell Carrington Place, Enzo and Marina Derrico of Lumby and the caring staff at Pleasant Valley Manor. Cremation Arrangements have been made with Pleasant Valley Funeral Home 4303 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon, BC 250-542-4333

MileZeroCruisers.com

Obituaries

Gerald Thomas Gregory, age 71, passed away on February 16th, 2019 at 11:20 am. He was the son of the late Thomas and Lillian(Keddy) Gregory and was born in Wolfville Nova Scotia, Canada. He passed peacefully in the hospital with his three kids Tamsyn, Colton and Ryan by his side. Gerald was a red seal plumber and gas fitter and had a local plumbing company (Gerry’s Plumbing & Heating) that he ran for many years, also taking Ryan under his wing and teaching him everything he knew. Most people in town just called him “Gerry the plumber”. He was part of many different groups within the community throughout the 40 years of living here in Fort St John. In the early years he spent many hours playing baseball and spent years acting as the umpire. He loved to stay busy and active. From horseback riding to weekly crib or bridge games, poker and golfing. He was a beloved member of the LoneWolf Golf Club and spent too many hours to count out on the greens. He was simple, light hearted and just content with life. He will be remembered with love and laughter in our hearts forever. Gerald is survived by his three children Tamsyn Gregory, Ryan(Kiera) Gregory and Colton Gregory, his grandchildren Mackenzie and Max Morrow, and Davyn and Isla Gregory. Also survived by his brothers Ronald(Deborah), Robert(Diana)- Halifax, Ernie O’Connel(Sandy)-Fredricton, Sisters Pat(Vernon) Chounard- Saint John, NB, Janet(Dave) Roden, Rose Keddy- both Halifax, step brother Ray(Faye) KeddyHalifax, step sister Marlene(Richard) Baigent-Sackville, NB. Geralds celebration of life will be held this Saturday the 23rd of February, 2019 in Fort St John, BC at the LDS Church(11412 100st) at 2pm. Memorial Donations in Lieu of flowers may be made. If you wish to do so please contact Tamsyn via email Tamsyng@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019 B7

Classifieds General employment

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

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

South Peace Players present “Skirts on Fire”, a production at Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre , 1040110th Street, Dawson Creek. Thursday March 7th at 7:30 pm Friday, March 8th at 7:30 pm Saturday,March 9th at 7:30 pm Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 pm-matinee Tickets for sale at Simple Pleasures in Dawson Creek. All tickets are $20 in advance; $23 at the door. SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

Domestic Help WanteD NORTHERN PROPERTIES Cleaner Required

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

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

General employment Caregiver/Nanny for hire: To look after my (3) children; 15 year old; 9 year old & 5 year old girls. Permanent, full-time at a rate of $14.00/hour for 40 hours/week. Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children. Accomodation available on a live-in basis at no cost but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care, assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping. Applicants may apply via email: gelinemdetorres@yahoo.com

R0011352381

ApArtments/ Condos for

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

ApArtments/ Condos for BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door. 250-784-5817 Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments has 1 Bedroom/Bachelor Apartments Available. Cable/Heat, Water/Hot Water Included. Please Phone : 250-782-7130. ASK FOR INCENTIVES

Office/Retail 1400 SQ FT. Large reception area and 4 smaller offices. Highway frontage. 250-785-3433 Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE...”REALLY BIG SALE-EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!!” 20X21 $5,726. 25X25 $6,370. 30X31 $8,818. 32X33 $8,995. 35X35 $12,464. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036. www.pioneersteel.ca

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

General employment

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca General employment

0803408 BC Ltd dba SS Automotive is in the possession of the following vehicle. If the owed amount is not paid, This vehicle will be sold at Taylor Frontage Rd on Mar 7, 2019. MAKE

MODEL

YEAR

VIN

OWED

NAME

Honda

Civic

2008

2HGFG21528H101111

$6995.25

0940133 BC LTD

Court Bailiff’s Sale The Court Bailiff will offer for sale by sealed bid the interest of the judgment debtor, Micci’s Pub Inc., Gregory Earl Hornshaw, Beverly Ann Hayashi, in the following goods and chattels, purported to be: 1 (ONE): 2006 PONTIAC MONTANA VAN VIN: 1GMDX33LX6D209571 COLOR: BROWN Sold on an as is, where is basis.

Sealed bids will be received at the court bailiffs office at the noted address below, up to the hour of 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 04, 2019. The highest offer or any offer not necessarily accepted.

Sale may be subject to cancellation without notice. The court bailiff reserves the right to adjourn the sale without notice and may apply to the court for further direction if the need arises. Terms of Sale: Each bid must be accompanied by bank draft or money order for 10% of the bid made payable to the court bailiffs office. The balance of the bid, plus Social Services Tax and GST (if applicable), to be paid immediately upon acceptance if the bid, Failure to pay the balance at the agreed time may resulting forfeiture of the deposit. To view the vehicle, call or visit Joyce Smith or Jen Smith Court Bailiff’s Expert Bailiff & Collection Services Ltd. 10315 -100th Avenue Fort St John BC 250-785-9222 Application No. 109801

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE Application for a Permit amendment Under the Provisions of the Environmental Management Act We, Tourmaline Oil Corporation, 3700 250 6th Ave SW Calgary, AB, T2P3H7, intend to submit this application to the Director to authorize the discharge of (air emissions, from a Deepcut Gas Plant (Propane Recovery). The sources of discharge are Seven (7x) Gas Engine Driven Compressors, Three (3x) Gas Engine Driven Electrical Generators, Two (2x) Direct Fired Heaters, and one (1x) High Pressure Flare. The land upon which the facility will be situated and the discharge will occur is C-60-A/094-B-16, located near Fort St. John, BC, within the Approximately 25 km northwest of Wonowon, BC, via Mile 109 Rd, Mile 120 Rd and Gundy Connector, within the Peace River District on Crown land. The maximum rate of air emissions discharged from this facility will be 47.49 m3/s (Dry) . The operating period for this facility will be (24 hours/day). The characteristics of the waste discharged are as follows: Nox: 5.904 g/s, CO: 27.512 g/s, VOCs: 6.747 g/s, SOx: 0 g/s, TP: 1.154 g/s. The type(s) of treatment to be applied to the discharge is/are: Waste heat recovery on six prime compressor drivers and all engines include lean burn technology with automatic air-fuel ratio control. Any person who may be adversely aﬀected by the proposed discharge of waste and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Regional Manager, Environmental Protection at British Columbia Oil & Gas Comission at Fort St John 6534 Bag 2, Fort St John, BC, V1J 2B0 The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record. Dated this 15th day of February, 2019.

(Signature)

Contact Person: Duane Peperkorn

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Telephone No.: (403) 515-3357

ApArtments/ Condos for

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R0011448135

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General employment

encana 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 a Facility Operator who is mature, highly motivated, and a customer-focused team player possessing a positive attitude. 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 and 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, mechanical aptitude, computer and communication skills along with being able to work within a team environment. Minimum requirements include 5th Class Refrigeration Endorsement, Refrigeration Operator, or 4th Class Power Engineering ticket. 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. This position is full time and comes with a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package. Please mail your cover letter and current resume to the attention of Tylor Hawkins, Director of Operations, Spectra Venue Management, # 1, 300 Highway 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 0A4, or email to thawkins@ dawsoncreekeventscentre.com. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. General employment

General employment

Operator Posi�on Kelt Explora�on has an excellent opportunity for an experienced full �me Operator in the Fort St. John opera�ng area. Working in a high paced, high energy work team the primary responsibility of the successful person will be to effec�vely par�cipate as a team member by providing safe and cost effec�ve opera�on and maintenance for our wells, gathering systems, and process facili�es. The opera�ons team ensures the superior performance of mechanical, instrumenta�on and facili�es by implemen�ng cost efficiencies and maximizing produc�on. The successful applicant must be willing to work extra hours and be on-call as required. Key Accountabili�es & Responsibili�es • Manage and maintain day-to-day opera�on of wells, pipelines and processing facili�es • Compliance with produc�on accoun�ng u�lizing FieldView • Manage wells by u�lizing SCADA • Contribute to successful daily execu�on of the area Business Plan (i.e. produc�on volume targets, HSER, OPEX,) iden�fying opportuni�es to maximize produc�on, minimize opera�ng costs and minimize down�me • Provide equipment maintenance and troubleshoo�ng • Provide training and mentoring for team members to assist in comple�on of assigned produc�on tasks that required addi�onal competencies or in depth problem solving • Consistently meets and strives to exceed Kelt Explora�on expecta�ons including: Health, Safety & Training; community rela�ons; environment; regulatory; company policy; corporate values; and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. • Perform housekeeping, performance monitoring and maintenance ac�vi�es Qualifica�ons • Minimum 5+ years of oil and or gas opera�ng experience • Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent • Class 4 Power Engineering Cer�ficate is an asset • This is a safety sensi�ve posi�on and will be subject to the relevant requirements of the Kelt Explora�on (LNG) Alcohol and Drug Policy • Possess excellent communica�on skills, a posi�ve a�tude and the ability to work effec�vely in a team environment • Self-mo�vated with a strong work ethic and the ability to work in an unsupervised work environment • Strong troubleshoo�ng and problem solving skills • Strong computer skills (proficient in MS Office Suite) • Possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license - drivers abstract is required We thank all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must include a copy of their resume to be considered. To apply, please email your resume to: careers@keltexplora�on.com

Corneal ulcers in pets

he cornea is the clear, outermost layer at the front of the eye. It needs to stay clear and healthy in order to have normal vision. There are many things that can cause the cornea to lose clarity in our pets, with corneal ulcers being one of the most common causes. A corneal ulcer is a result of some sort of trauma to the cornea that removes the outermost layer of cells on the surface of the eye. Trauma can be from anything that scratches or pokes the eye; things like cat scratches with the nail scraping the surface, thorns, sharp objects around home or really anything that comes in contact with the delicate eye. Animals with inadequate tear production can also have corneal ulcers due to the surface of the eye being too dry. Eye ulcers can occur in any breed of animal, although those with large eyes and a short nose are predisposed.

Dr. Corinna Goodine NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, and Boxers are a few breeds that corneal ulcers occur in more frequently compared to other breeds. Signs that your pet may have a corneal ulcer include squinting, increased tearing, pawing at the eye, or rubbing its face. Changes to the eye itself can include redness, or a white/blue haze to the normally clear cornea. If your pet is showing any signs of eye discomfort, a prompt veterinary visit is recommended. The eye a very delicate structure, and if treatment is not initiated quickly, worsening of the condition can occur quickly. A corneal ulcer is diagnosed by a close examination of the

eye by your veterinarian. A special stain is applied to the eye, which highlights the ulcer when blue light is shined on the eye. Corneal ulcers are often treated with a short course of antibiotics and sometimes a pain relieving medication. Uncomplicated eye ulcers typically heal within five to seven days. In some cases, healing can take several weeks to months; in these cases special procedures may be done to the surface of the eye to try to encourage the eye to heal. These special procedures may include rubbing the non-healing cells off the surface of the eye, gentle scraping of the surface of the eye, or a temporary contact lens. Prognosis for recovery with simple corneal ulcers is excellent, with the eye healing completely. Some more longstanding or severe ulcers can leave a small white scar on the eye, although vision is rarely impaired. In worst case scenarios, the corneal ulcer

continues to erode through the cornea and can lead to the eye rupturing. If the eye ruptures, then removal of the eye is necessary. If you ever notice any abnormality with your pet’s eye, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment of any eye disease is recommended to give the eye its best chance for recovery. Dr. Corinna Goodine was born and raised in the Fort St. John Community and discovered her passion for veterinary medicine at an early age. In June 2015 she completed her dream of becoming a veterinarian and graduated from The Western College of Veterinary Medicine. She is excited and enthusiastic about joining the veterinary team as a mixed animal practitioner with special interests in beef cattle and small animal medicine and surgery.

B8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

Government Bonspiel results and Fort St. John Curling Club standings The Fort St. John Curling Club hosed the annual Government Bonspiel last weekend, Feb. 22 and 23. There were 29 teams competing in the three divisions. In the A division, Team Geitz beat Neal Edwards in the final. Jackie Carer beat Team Babkirk in the B final, while Cathy Stewart bested Jake Wiebe in the C final. The club also held its four regularly scheduled league nights as well. Alpine Glass and April Podulsky continue to be in first place in the men’s and mixed leagues, respectively.

In the ladies league, Jodi Busche and Cina Wales-Green remain tied for first place in the A division, but all four teams are in range of first. Tara Forest is undefeated in the B division. Here are the league standings after 14 weeks of play. Mens A Division Alpine Glass 6-1 FSJ Links 4-1-1 Warren Flesjer 4-3 Rhyason Contracting 3-2 Bob Cooper 3-2-1 Shawn Ward 2-3-1 Pimms Production 2-3

Chad Bordeleau 2-3 Embleton Construction 2-4-1 Sunrise Rotary 0-6 Mixed A Division April Podulsky 6-1 Bob Cooper 5-2 Edward Schmidt 4-3 Brian Kelly 4-3 Jeff Holland 2-4-1 7C Contracting 2-4-1 Ace Instruments 2: 2-5 David Kellestine 2-5 Seniors Paul Wuthrich 10-2-1 Larry London 9-3-1 Ray Clark 9-3

Donna Solodan 7-2-2 Leo Felix 7-4-2 Swede Taylor 7-3 Larry Solodan 6-4 Shirley Kinnis 5-4-2 John Mast 4-2-3 Connie Richter 4-3-3 Harry Danshin 5-5 Julie Taylor 4-5-2 Elmer Westergaard 4-3-1 Madonna Robertson 3-4-1 Dave Kellestine 3-5-1 Carol Rhyason 3-5-1 Coleen Zieger 3-7-1 Faye 3-3 Leonard Hamilton 3-3 Roy Chisolm 2-5-1 Stella Hamilton 2-1 Alice Lock 2-3

Womens - Final Rounds A Division Jodi Busche 2-1 Cina Wales-Green 2-1 Cheryl Batten 1-2 Deanne Busche 1-2 B Division Tara Forest 3-0 Donna Greenway 1-1 Teagan Topal 1-1 Paula Maloney 0-3 C Division Pam Murray 2-0 Kristin Bayet 2-1 Tennille Penner 1-1 Jaime Hotte 1-2 Rebecca Friesen 0-2

Clubs of Dawson Creek

Annual Fishing March 3, 2019

Derby

Swan Lake Provincial Park

310:00Heats am - 11:30 am 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

t a e Gr zes Pri

$40 OR $100

Angler Fees:

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Above: Trishia Unrah in her Ghost Busters costume gets set in the hack during the Government Bonspiel on Feb. 23, 2019. Below: Chris Morgan releases his rock on target during the bonspiel on Feb. 23, 2019.

Must Have Valid Fishing License

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