AHN FEB 2 2017 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 5

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

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Cities push for fire dispatch compensation JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

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Fort St. John and Dawson Creek say they should be â&#x20AC;&#x153;kept wholeâ&#x20AC;? for money spent on fire dispatch equipment and personnel after the Peace River Regional District opted to outsource those services to Vancouver Island. On Jan. 12, the region voted to confirm a decision to sign a contract with North Island 9-1-1 for fire dispatching services. The Vancouver Island-based company is set to take over fire dispatching in the Peace Region this fall. The decision has proved controversial. Some worry that having firefighters dispatched from a city outside the region will lead to increased response times and put lives and property at risk. Others criticized the board for making the decision in a closed meeting without public consultation. It has also created issues for Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, which have their own dispatch services. On Jan. 26, Fort St. John Mayor Lori

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being kept whole is about looking after the soft infrastructure (personnel) as well as the hard infrastructure we invested in to provide that service.â&#x20AC;?

Ackerman said the city wanted to be made â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholeâ&#x20AC;? for its investments in personnel and equipment. The city entered a proposal to take over fire dispatch, but was underbid by North Island 911. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being kept whole is about looking after the soft infrastructure (personnel) as well

as the hard infrastructure we invested in to provide that service,â&#x20AC;? she said. Ackerman argued the city kept the regional districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax-base â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholeâ&#x20AC;? for five years after a recent extension of Fort St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries. Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead said that while he understood the desire to save money, he was frustrated about lost revenue to the city. Dawson Creek considered bidding on the contract, but stepped aside over concerns about costs and liability, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were obviously concerned about the impact of a couple hundred thousands dollars in lost revenue to our community,â&#x20AC;? he said, saying that could force cuts or tax hikes. Before entering the new contract, Dawson Creek received around $200,000 a year from the PRRD to pay for two firefighters for dispatch services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to find a way to keep us whole. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just eat two hundred grand out of the gate, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to mean.â&#x20AC;? See DISPATCH on A8

Carnival adds $1,000 to Super Park efforts

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ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

phone 250-785-5631 fax 250-785-3522 email circulation@ahnfsj.ca online alaskahighwaynews.ca facebook AlaskaHighwayNews twitter @AHNnewspaper

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a newspaper and what do reporters do all day, anyway? Grades 4 and 5 students from Upper Pine school set out to find out, dropping by the Alaska Highway News office on Jan. 31 for a tour and sneak peek of this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition. Above, AHN Editor and newsman Matt Preprost shows students the news of the week from an August 1958 edition of the paper. Interested in arranging a tour or speaking engagement for your class? Email editor@ahnfsj.ca.

Charlie Lake talks continue Feb. 9 MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Charlie Lake Conservation Society will hold a public meeting Feb. 9 to talk about the ecology and health of Charlie Lake. The meeting follows up on one held last fall that saw residents pack the Charlie Lake Community Hall to hear from government agencies, Northern Health,

the conservation society, and entrepreneurs for a threehour meeting to tackle algae issues facing the popular recreation and residential area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to maintain presence in the community,â&#x20AC;? said society member Bess Legault. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be another reiteration of the quality of the lake, with a focus on natural loading systems.â&#x20AC;?

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Whole Wheat & Honey in Fort St. John, and includes speakers from the conservation society as well as experts from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Last August, the discovery of potentially toxic bluegreen algae blooms prompted a public health advisory to residents and lake users.

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Having a place for children to play indoors is important for their development, says the North Peace Family Super Park Society. The society held the first of its two major fundraising events last Saturday, the annual Winter Carnival, which saw hundreds of kids and their parents convene at the Bert Ambrose Elementary School gym for snacks, games and prizes. Society president Jaandi Roemer was pleased with how the day had gone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been great, pretty steady throughout the day,â&#x20AC;? she said. The event brought in $1,000 for the society. The NPFSPS has been a registered non-profit for the last four years and has been talking with the City of Fort St. John and the Peace River Regional District about getting an indoor play facility in the community. Their goal is to raise money to help pay for equipment for this proposed facility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you really look around at what we have for indoor play, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a lot,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is stuff you can do, there is bowling there is swimming those things, but a lot of the things that are availableâ&#x20AC;Śdonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t support developmental growth.â&#x20AC;? See SUPER PARK on A13

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A2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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

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ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

City of Fort St. John Director of Development Ken Rogers, Planning Technologist Charlene Jackson, and Economic Development Officer Moira Green, listen to questions from residents at a public meeting on amendments to the Official Community Plan on Jan. 25.

How many words a day do you speak? 97 CD: To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Alaska Highway, Peace Country musicians have assembled a CD. Rolla singer/ songwriter Iyan Bruvold is one of the featured artists. His songs were inspired by his experiences travelling the famous route. The album sounds great. I remember when I tried to write a poem about my personal experiences on the Alaska Highway, I couldn’t think of any words that rhyme with “crazy speeding drivers”.

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Bob Snyder CHEWS THE NEWS

forgiveness for Kindergarten Cop. 84: George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 has suddenly soared to the top of the bestsellers list. Originally published in 1949, it’s a scary story about a world where false information is everywhere, facts are distorted, and lies are presented as truth. Or maybe it isn’t.

FOG FACT: Last week there was chaos at Edmonton International Airport as 107.7 dense fog caused long delays for thousands of passengers. The fog was almost Fort St. John 112.9 as thick as the fog in the space between Justin Trudeau’s ears when he made reohn, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada Alberta-B.C. border cent remarks about the Alberta oilsands. N/A Dawson Creek

TRAPPED!: In Maryland: A woman was trapped for many hours inside a washroom by a baby change table. She had to dial 9-1-1 after the change table jammed the door. By the way: Those folding baby change tables in washrooms don’t work. I put a baby in there. I closed the lid. Then I opened the lid. It didn’t change, it was still the same baby. FB LOL: A new survey shows millions of people get their daily news from Facebook, but they don’t trust it. That’s kind of like eating every day at a restaurant where you know the kitchen is filthy.

https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html

WISE WORDS: In a study published TRUMP TROUBLE: The CBC had an last week: The average woman speaks item with several experts explaining why MOUNTAIN MEMO: Next stop on our 20,000 words per day and the average man President Donald Trump could cause big Fort Nelson 129.9 news chewing tour is Mt. Everest. Scientspeaks 7,000 words per day. With the aver- problems for Canada. There’s one thing ists announced they plan to remeasure the age man, half of his daily total are words Trump does that Canadians would never Groundbirch mountain, they say it may not be as big as like: “Honey, I’m sorry. Please forgive me. do. He skates on thin ice. N/A previously thought. Some experts say Everest What was I thinking? Honey, I’m an idiot. is shrinking at a rate of five inches per year. If Honey, I’m sorry.” PASSWORD PROBLEM: Tech experts Chetwynd and natural N/A Environment resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia this trend continues, 495 million years from Actually, the average woman may speak say your heartbeat could be used as a now even I could climb that sucker. more than 20,000 words per day. It’s hard to computer password. If your heart goes Tumbler Ridge 119.9 tell because the average woman is gritting “bumpity bump, bumpity bump, bump EARTH GIRTH: There were actually her teeth. bump bumpity bump” your computer on, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html two fascinating studies released last week: could not be accessed by someone whose Prince George 101.9 Mount Everest is not as big as we thought M-T-M: There were many tributes for heart goes “bump, bump bumpity, bump Observed at: Fort St. John Airport 10:00 AM MST Tuesday 31 January 2017 and the oceans are rising faster than preMary Tyler Moore who died last week bumpity, bump bump bumpity bump”. Hythe N/A viously thought. What’s next, we have to at age 80. She was a big star back in the Although computer hackers are already Condition: Mostly Temperature: -8.9°C tightenCloudy the Equator because the Earth is golden age of television. We’re Wind: now inW the10 km/h working on a bumpity bypass. (If tech shrinking around the middle? tarnished brass age of television. companies adopt the heart password sysGrande Prairie Pressure: 103.4 kPa Dew point: -11.9°C Wind Chill: -14 99.4 Tendency: Rising Humidity: 79% Visibility: 81 km tem, Tony Bennett will only be able to use ARNIE AND FRANCIS: Last week FOODZ NOOZ: A company in Summerhis computer in San Francisco) Calgary 93.9  Weather  Pope  Local  British Environment and natural resources information Weather land, forecasts Columbia Arnold Schwarzenegger met with B.C. will export genetically modified Francis at the Vatican. Gee, is Arnold apples to the U.S. These apples do not brown Bob Snyder can be reached at: Edmonton getting religion? Maybe he was seeking if they are sliced or bruised. The same comchewsthenews@fastmail.com 89.3

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17-01-31 10:52 AM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A3

LOCAL NEWS

NRRM mayor buys Trump Tower unit

HARMONY FOR ALL Fatima Bennis (left) and Farah Memon were on hand at the Pomeroy Sport Centre Saturday, Jan. 28, to celebrate World Hijab Day. Memon is a Fort McMurray evacuee who relocated to the city last April. She decided that she wanted to bring awareness to the Hijab and its purpose. She hopes to make this an annual event to bring the community together. Bennis moved here two months ago from Toronto with her husband. Much like Memon, she wanted to explain to people the reason for the Hijab and the beauty behind it.

JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

LAKE from A1

At a public meeting in November, residents and lake users heard how development around the lake has heightened concentrations of certain nutrients in the lake, and destroyed riparian zones that play a critical role in buffering and filtering out excess nutrients and other compounds from reaching the water. Legault hopes holding the meeting in the city will increase exposure of the lake and its concerns. “It’s not just for the residents on Charlie Lake, but those who recreate on Charlie Lake,” she said. The meeting is free and light refreshments will be provided. More information about the society and its work can be found on its revamped website at www. charlielakeconservationsociety. ca.

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Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Bill Streeper has purchased a multi-million dollar condo in Vancouver’s new Trump tower, according to a report in the Vancouver Sun. In an analysis of public real estate records, the newspaper found Streeper purchased a $3.8 million unit in U.S. President Donald Trump’s company’s Vancouver development. According to the report, the mayor of the regional municipality, which includes Fort Nelson, purchased a 55th floor unit assessed at $3,897,000. The purchase was made through an Alberta numbered company, the report found. “The company lists Streeper as its sole director. Streeper owned an oilfield company and is president of Hardcastle Developments, which is described on its website as one of the largest real estate companies in Northeast B.C.,” according to the Sun report. Streeper inquired about the building’s opening date in a August 30, 2016, post on Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver’s Facebook page. Reached by phone, the mayor declined to say anything else about why he purchased the unit. “It’s a personal affair and it’s my business,” he said. “It has no connection whatsoever to my position as mayor of the Northern Rockies.” The tower’s 214 units were reportedly sold-out in May 2016. The price per square foot set a Canadian record, according to the Sun report.

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British Columbia’s Human Rights Tribunal has dismissed a complaint against the Fort St. John Association for Community Living. Joshua Martin had alleged the organization discriminated against him because of a mental disability when it didn’t hire him for a job he applied for last June, according to a decision handed down by the tribunal on Jan. 5. After advancing to a “pre-hire process,” Martin was required to provide references, a criminal record check, and a doctor’s letter confirming his fitness to work, as well as obtain certain immunizations, the decision states. According to decision, Martin was enthusiastic about the job prospect and believed the association planned to hire him based on his conversations with the interviewers. He set out to complete the requirements as part of the pre-hire process, although he noted he had been having trouble contacting his references. When he provided the association with his doctor’s letter, Martin said he saw a “change in warmth” from the association, and believed it was because of a mental disability that was disclosed in the letter. The association says it reached out to Martin’s references after receiving his doctor’s letter, however, it couldn’t reach one of them, while another claimed they “barely knew” Martin and was unable to vouch for him and the factors the association said it needed to consider as part of the hiring process. The association said it eventually chose to hire a more qualified candidate with experience and references, though Martin alleged to the tribunal that he wasn’t hired after the association learned of his disability. In a Jan. 5 decision, tribunal member Emily Ohler dismissed Martin’s complaint, saying “there is no reasonable prospect the Tribunal would draw the inference that Mr. Martin’s mental disability was a factor in the decision not to hire him.” Cindy Mohr, executive director for the association, was pleased with the tribunal’s ruling. Regulations require the association to hire employees with the character and skill-set appropriate to work in a licensed facility and with vulnerable people, she said. “We’re an equal opportunity employer,” said Mohr. “We have people with disabilities working with us. What we don’t do is hire people without references.” Attempts to locate and reach Martin for comment were unsuccessful.

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A4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Exchange students soaking up Canadian experience MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Luise Grottenthaler (left) and Michelle Messina became quick friends after meeting at North Peace Secondary. Both are in Fort St. John on student exchange programs.

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In her home country of Italy, Michelle Messina lives just two minutes away from the sea. In her host country of Canada, she’s a short drive away from the mountains, and so, when the forecast called for perfect powder, she joined a group of exchange students from B.C. and Alberta and hit the slopes in Jasper to try her hand at snowboarding for the first time. The 17-year-old student from Sicily is settling into her second semester at North Peace Secondary through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, and is soaking up her northern Canadian experience. “Describing exchange is difficult,” Messina said over a recent lunch hour, a tray of french fries in hand. “You can’t understand if you don’t do this. I will do this again and again and again.” Messina was encouraged to join the Rotary Exchange through a friend, and finally got the chance to study abroad after the desire to travel first washed over her in middle school. “In the third year of high school, when you have to decide if you want to do the fourth year outside (of the country) or not, I told my mom, ‘Now is the time, we have to find something,’” Messina said. She chose to study abroad for the full school year, and the credits she earns here will count towards her graduation back home in Italy. But graduation is still a year

away, and Messina’s focus right now is enjoying life in Fort St. John, from trying poutine for the first time to adjusting the politeness of Canadians to meeting new friends. “I create bonds with everyone,” she said. As an exchange student, Messina’s first friend was, perhaps naturally, another exchange student. The first person she met, she says, was Luise Grottenthaler, also attending North Peace Secondary on an exchange from Egenhausen, Germany. “We understand our problems because we have the same,” Grottenthaler said. Grottenthaler, 17, already graduated from business school in Grade 10, but came to Canada to improve her English skills. A few kind words from a friend who studied on an exchange on Vancouver Island helped her decide to come to Canada. She’s not complaining that she ended up a little further north than her friend. “It’s different,” Grottenthaler said of Fort St. John. “It’s big because I lived in a village with 200 people.” When Messina returns home to Italy, she’ll have a final year of high school to finish before graduating. With four languages on her tongue—Italian, English, French, and a little bit of German—she has her sights on going to university in France with the hopes that one day she’ll return to Canada to work. She’d like to attend medical school and work with children. “If you offered me money or to go on an exchange, I’d do the exchange,” Messina said.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

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Avi Sinclair, foreman of operations, and Darrell Babkirk, supervisor of the Fort St. John office, present a cheque for $26,388 to UWNBC Community Development & Campaign Officer Niki Hedges.

Pembina’s $26K donation enriches local United Way MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The United Way of Northern BC has received a $26,388 donation from Pembina Pipeline. The donation was raised through the local office’s annual workplace campaign, which the company matched 100 per cent. “The United Way is one of the cornerstone charities we support throughout our Canadian operations,” said Darrell Babkirk, supervisor of the Fort St. John office. The United Way will direct the funds into local programs it supports in the community. “When directly working with United Way of Northern BC, donors continue to help support critical community programs,” said Niki Hedges, United Way’s community

development and campaign officer for the northeast. “Corporate leadership allows us to do much more and bring about social change. United Way of Northern BC is well positioned with a strong understanding of issues facing the communities we serve. Funds raised will be invested into local community programs to bring about longterm solutions.” Hedges’ enthusiasm on the ground in Northeast B.C. rubs off on the people she meets, Babkirk said. “We feel we’re getting a lot of bang with our dollars in hitting those charities locally that are very important,” he said. “It’s a very good vehicle.” To learn more about local programs supported by the United Way, visit www. unitedwaynbc.ca.

Salon trading cuts for cans to support women’s centre ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Been thinking it’s about time to get a haircut? Why not help those in need at the same time? Studio 105 Salon is holding Cuts for Cans food drive on Feb. 4, with proceeds going to the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society.

A donation of nonperishable food items for the Outreach Store at the Women’s Resource Centre will get you a free haircut. The deal is for the cut only, not styling or blowouts. Cuts for Cans takes place Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 250-785-1050.

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A6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Opinion

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

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

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t’s been a hell of a couple weeks. When the first of the first world countries is now having weekly protests against the government, you know things aren’t going very well. I spent two hours watching and listening to the live stream of the Women’s March on Washington, and it was inspiring. So many strong, powerful women and girls spoke to what is being estimated at 600,000 people, far more than what turned out for the inauguration the day before, standing up for their rights as women and as human beings. The march reached all seven continents—yes, even Antarctica, where researchers on the bottom of the world held signs showing their support—that’s how big this movement has become. Then, the people gathered to march again, this time to protest against an outright ban of immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries. The claim is that this is based off 9/11 and keeping terrorists out, yet none of the terrorists involved in those attacks were from those countries included in the ban. Logic doesn’t seem to exist

Aleisha Hendry AS I SEE IT

anymore. People from those countries who had passed the already vigorous vetting process and were actually cleared to arrive at their new home were detained in airports; people who had green cards and were already allowed to legally be in the U.S. were not allowed back in the country if they’d left it. For a few hours on Saturday, it seemed like Canadians with dual citizenship would be denied entry into the U.S. as well. Fortunately, that got cleared up by Sunday morning, but it’s still a horrifying situation. And then it got real Sunday night. Gunmen opened fire in a mosque where people were praying in Quebec City. By the time this column comes out, we’ll likely know why, but at the moment, all we can do is speculate. Quebec officials are calling it a terrorist attack, because what

else can you call an attack in a religious sanctum on people that are exercising their rights to practice their beliefs? There have been a lot of feelings churning up. The fact that this happened on Canadian soil is perhaps the most gut wrenching part. Maybe it shouldn’t be. Islamophobia has been stewing in the Great White North for a while now. Remember the hijab/niqab controversy of 2015? The Barbaric Cultural Practices tip line? The Canadian Values screening? It breaks my heart to write this, but this wasn’t because of what’s happening in the States. This was homegrown. And it’s reprehensible. One can only hope that from here on out, Canadians reject the hateful rhetoric being spewed by certain politicians and refuse to kowtow to those that would see it spread. That is not who we are or who we should strive to be. Aleisha Hendry is a proud feminist writer who loves cold weather, her cats, roller skates and righteous indignation. Follow her on Twitter at @aleishahendry

SOCIAL MEDIA CHATTER (Cities push for compensation after fire dispatch outsourced to Vancouver Island) This outsourcing seems wrong on so many levels. Local jobs headed to Vancouver Island to people likely unfamiliar with the area...what can possibly go wrong? (Sarcasm intended) — Darryl Scheck, via Facebook (KOECHL & KROECHER: When does Average Joe get a break on hydro?) BC hydro and liberal government screwing us tax payers again GIVE US A BREAK GREED this is what happens when we go green to fast get ready to pay hydro bills like Ontario) — Donald Pepper, via Facebook I know I sure need a break tired of the price we pay I live on a Sr’s pension can’t make it on all the prices getting robbed big time. — Bernice Waite, via Facebook

Taylor clinic at the forefront

anuary has been an extremely busy month. I will admit most of it was self-imposed. I don’t expect the next five months will get any less busy. Let’s start this month with the Taylor Medical Clinic. I was surprised one afternoon by a reporter who informed me that the president of Livecare was closing the clinic. First of all, that’s not his choice to make entirely. Secondly, the clinic belongs to the District. The medical clinic is currently operated as a partnership between the District of Taylor; who owns the physical building and fixtures, and Livecare who provides the doctors and the technology. The doctor and staff at the clinic have provided fantastic care and service. Many people have commented that the clinic has saved their lives or improved their personal conditions tremendously. There is no doubt that that our clinic provides an essential service in our community and the region. For Livecare, this is a business. Businesses cannot afford to operate at a loss. There are a couple of reasons why that is happening. The clinic is underutilized. Although people

are driving from all over the region to use this service, over the span of a year the appointment schedule is not booked enough to create the economies of scale necessary to cover all the expenses. Next, the service delivery model is a little slower than faceto-face visits. That means that the doctor and technician are spending, on average, a little more time with each patient. While this is good for the patient, the Medical Services system of payments is based mainly on numbers of visits per hour. Don’t get me wrong, the staff and doctors in Taylor are about good care not patients per hour but the system doesn’t recognise that. Finally, Telemedicine payments were intended for easy phone-in service and do not, from what I’ve been told, recognise the technical advances or costs that go with our hybrid model. The health system has not caught up with our state of the art clinic model. So what are we doing? We will continue to work with Livecare. We have met with the Minister of Health and will try him again. We may need a change in the delivery model to lower the costs until we can find a solution.

Finally, if Livecare leaves, we will start at square one and continue our doctor recruitment activities. There is a solution here; we just need to find it. The business walks I had discussed in January are scheduled for Feb. 28. These will be a great opportunity to connect with our businesses in Taylor to start a dialogue about your business and your challenges. Also in February, our federal MP Bob Zimmer is scheduled for a luncheon meeting. Bob will be here on Feb. 24, I hope you will join me. Talk to Kristen or Laura in the Community Services Department for more details, space is limited. Speaking about the Community Services Department, the Community Hub is nearly complete. We will be opening it in February with a community grand opening in early March. There will be a free skate on the afternoon of Family Day and don’t forget to give your family and friends a big hug on Valentine’s Day. Be Safe, Stay Warm. Rob Fraser is the Mayor of the District of Taylor.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A7

OP-ED

Letters to the Editor (Re: ‘NRRM mayor buys Trump Tower unit,’ alaskahighwaynews.ca, Jan. 24) I feel compelled to write to you regarding an article that was published in your paper. The article was titled ‘Northern Rockies Mayor buys Trump Tower Unit.’ I just have a few points that I would like to bring up regarding this very one sided piece of reporting. I’m not sure what the point of the article really is. You obviously went out of your way to dig into this. E.g. you traced the purchase through an Alberta Numbered company. My question on this is why? Why is this newsworthy? The man has worked hard all his life in Fort Nelson, created jobs, owned companies, etc. He had donated to the Fort Nelson General Hospital for years and over the past six years has donated to the Northern Rockies Seniors Society. Bill and Sheryl Streeper, through their generous donations, were instrumental in the society being able to start construction of our 8-unit senior home. It was built by local contractors and all material whenever possible was purchased from companies in Fort Nelson. Now that the care home is open, we are able to operate a much needed meals on wheels program out of our kitchen. These meals are for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to cook for themselves. This in itself should be a story that you could have covered. In your article you seemed to be trying to imply that Mayor Streeper doesn’t give two hoots about his town, how dare you. I have lived in Fort Nelson for almost 30 years and, yes, the town is suffering right now but this is not within his control. This is Canfor for holding onto their logging rights but not operating here, it is the government for not pushing LNG through. What people do with their own money is entirely their business and you have overstepped the boundaries. —Joan Kinzett, Executive Director, Northern Rockies Senior Society NEW eDRIVE HYDRO RATE HAS VALUE (Re: ‘When does Average Joe get a break on hydro?’ Alaska Highway News, Jan. 26) Let me take this opportunity to explain the value of the eDrive rate, as it pertains to Woodfibre LNG in Squamish, B.C.: • Woodﬁbre LNG will be paying the same hydro rate as any pulp mill, factory or mine in B.C. So instead of being penalized for doing our part to reduce emissions by more than 80 per cent by using electricity from BC Hydro instead of natural gas to power our facility, we’ll be treated the same as any other industrial hydro customer in the province. • 25 years+ of natural gas being transported from B.C.’s northeast to a facility in southwestern B.C., meaning more good paying jobs for British Columbians throughout the supply chain. • In Squamish alone, 100+ jobs at the Woodfibre site and administration type jobs in town, and, an additional 330+ local jobs (indirect and induced) during operation. These are good paying family supporting jobs in a community where the cost of housing is skyrocketing.

• An estimated $86.5 million (2014 CAD) in tax revenue for all three levels of government per year of operation. That’s $86.5 million (2014 CAD) in tax revenue generated by the project every year— without including the additional tax revenue generated by natural gas extraction in Northeast B.C.—that can be spent on community priorities like education, health care and infrastructure. All of this because an LNG project that will power its facility with clean renewable electricity from BC Hydro will pay the same rate as any mine, pulp mill or factory in B.C. —Jennifer Siddon, Woodfibre LNG NO PADDLE IN PEACE (Re: ‘River meeting with police leaves many questions,’ Alaska Highway News, Jan. 12) Systematic intimidation is occurring on and about the Site C construction site. The above-referenced article documents disturbing behavior I also experienced while paddling the Peace River (Thanksgiving Day 2016). Paddlers lawfully navigating a Crown Blueway are being harassed. In Koechl and Kroecher’s (K&K) case, the bullies were law-enforcement personnel. In my case, they were agents of BC Hydro. Like K&K, I ﬁlmed and photographed this behavior—and so did the two BC Hydro agents who harassed me. The BC Hydro agents who accosted me: 1) harassed me verbally, 2) blocked my efforts to film/photograph, 3) impeded my travel, 4) attempted to force me into a dangerously undercut bank, 5) used jet-boat wake to attempt to swamp my canoe, 6) threatened me with arrest, and 7) cast aspersions upon the First Nations peoples of Canada. While thus engaged, the guards yelled “we cannot allow you” to pursue various lawful activities. Among these activities were: 1) reading a sign posted in impossibly small type, 2) photographing/filming eagle’s nests unlawfully threatened by development, 3) photographing/filming a fresh construction-related landslide scar, and 4) picking up trash. This must stop. Well-established Canadian law is under attack on the Peace River. BC Hydro and its agents are threatening: 1) basic civil rights, 2) freedom of movement on Crown waters, 3) essential environmental issues, and 4) basic human rights. Such disrespect is evidence of profound leadership failures—both legal and administrative. The public servants responsible for such issues on the Peace River should, in my humble opinion, act quickly and forcefully to re-establish parity. —Bryan Brown, Beverly Hills POOR USE OF LANGUAGE (Re: ‘Butcher cleaves in the Mile Zero city,’ alaskahighwaynews.ca, Jan. 27) “Rick Cleaver, Ryan Carter, and Adam Horst splashed blood all over the Dawson Memorial Arena...” This is a very distasteful headline and opening line for a sports story. I would think you could do better! Difficult to explain this reporter’s meaning to a youngster and not worthy of reading to an adult. —Dennis Armitage, via alaskahighwaynews.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John councillors declared February as CDC Month in the city. The Child Development Centre, established in the city in 1973, offers early childhood development support and learning for children with typical and special needs for up to 1,200 childen a year. It is looking to raise $100,000 at its 43rd annual talent show in March to support centre initiatives.

CITY BEAT

Updates from January 23, 2017 Council Meetings PROCLAMATIONS

• The month of February 2017 was proclaimed as “Toastmasters Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The Toastmasters program helps people of all ages develop skills in speaking, listening, giving feedback, decision-making, eﬀective meeting management, delegating and mentoring – all vital skills that enhance leadership potential, human understanding and contribute to the self-improvement of individuals. • The month of February 2017 was proclaimed as “CDC Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The Fort St. John Child Development Centre (CDC) has been serving Fort St. John and area since 1973 and is currently striving to raise $100,000 at this year’s talent show to assist with upgrades to the hydro therapy pool. Throughout the month of February, the CDC will increase community awareness by hosting various events within the Centre that will lead up to the 43rd Annual Talent Show scheduled for March 3, 2017 at the North Peace Cultural Centre.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

Council presented Long Service Awards to Brayden Neilson (5 Years) and Ryan Bowie (10 Years) in recognition of their continued years of service to the City of Fort St. John

2017 OPERATING BUDGET PRESENTATION

At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation on the 2017 Operating Budget. Economic impacts on the budget include a Consumer Price Index of 2.1%; global economy and commodity pricing; property insurance increase of 3.9%; local unemployment increase to 6.2% from 4%; local economy; 4.39% reduction in housing market value; RCMP Contract increase of 6.9% ($400,000); and a transit cost increase of 4.9% ($130,000). At the request of Council, staﬀ provided details on an operating budget based on a tax rate change of 0.00% from 2016 to 2017, meaning that the 2016 tax rate will be applied to 2017 assessments. In order to raise the revenue required by the City, the $1 million transfer to reserves will be waived for 2017 and operating expenses reduced by $173,000. Council approved the operating budget in principle and directed staﬀ to proceed with a public open house and online consultation process.

M.E.N.D. PROGRAM

Council authorized the City to enter into an agreement with British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association to offer the Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do It (M.E.N.D.) program in partnership with the Fort St. John Child Development Centre (CDC). This is a free, fun, healthy living program for children aged 5 – 7 and their families. It is a ten week family-based education program designed to help children and their families get fitter, healthier and happier. It will run from April to June in 2017 on Monday evenings at the CDC. The program facilitates safe, effective and lasting lifestyle changes by improving children’s physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.

CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN

The City of Fort St. John Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted in principle by Council. The Plan will be used by City staﬀ to help inform the Oﬃcial Community Plan and also as a reference and guide for developing future operating, capital budgets and projects for Council’s consideration.

NORTH PEACE ARENA BOARDS CAPITAL PROJECT – EARLY CONSIDERATION

Council provided early approval of the 2017 capital project to replace the North Peace Arena boards and glass. Specialized crews perform the installation of arena boards and glass. There are only a few companies who service Western Canada and their schedules are determined early in the year. To ensure that the City is able to secure the installation dates it requires, the City needs to release the tender for this project as soon as possible. The window of installation for the new board system is very constrained as the installation can only begin after the Pee Wee Provincial Lacrosse Championships end on July 10, 2017 and must be completed by September.

MOOSE FM CANADA DAY CONCERT

Moose FM is applying for a grant through Creative BC to enable them to host a family-friendly, all-ages concert on the evening of Friday June 30, 2017 in Centennial Park. This event would be a great addition to the City’s Canada Day Celebration schedule of events and Council agreed to provide a letter of support for this grant application. Upon conﬁrmation that Moose FM has been successful in obtaining the grant, the City will work with Moose FM to promote the event as part of the Canada Day Celebrations.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday February 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. All Regular meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

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The District of Hudson’s Hope has turned to the public to help establish a parks and recreation advisory committee to guide future development in the community. The public committee members will act in a voluntary advisory capacity to council on matters related to municipal campgrounds, community parks, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, sports, and recreation. “Ideally, we’d like people who have experience with our current recreation facilities, we’re looking for individuals who plan to be here for some time,” said Coun. Nicole Gilliss on the relevant qualities of potential representatives. “Most people putting their names forward are already active volunteers in the community.” Deadline for applications from residents to sit on the committee closed last week. As of this writing, public representatives have not yet been appointed. While Hudson’s Hope has always been a young, familyorientated town for the most part, Gillis stressed that other demographics need to be addressed, including seniors and middle-aged adults. The committee’s terms of reference released by council also reflects this, calling for “a balance of interests in the community,” meaning there will be representatives for

youth and young adults, the elderly, families, environmental matters, arts and culture, and history. Within this framework, district council will appoint eight representatives in total: three members of council, with one to serve as chair, three public representatives, and one youth councillor. Along with Gillis, the remaining members of council involved in this new committee are Couns. Caroline Beam and Heather Middleton. The committee is somewhat of a first for the community, and will aid in getting more feedback to help shape future parks and recreation initiatives in Hudson’s Hope. Public participation in district-created surveys has been relatively low over the course of the town’s history. This new approach is aimed at representing the diversity in the demographics of Hudson’s Hope, and vetting them through the community. In that same vein, the district has renewed its focus in gathering accurate information and public interest, with the official creation of a dedicated events co-ordinator position. “It’s much easier to present new initiatives to council when the background research has been done, consulting the public, getting quotes on costs,” said Gilliss, praising the district’s newly-hired events coordinator, Emily Nusse. To learn more about the committee, call Emily Nusse at 250-783-9901, or check the district’s website at hudsonshope.ca.

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Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser said some compensation should be paid to cities with investments in fire dispatch personnel and equipment, saying it could back stop dispatching services if North Island opts against signing a new contract after the five-year deal expires. “If this (service) goes out of our region, it may be lost to our region,” he said. A staff report recommends keeping funding in place for the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John fire departments through Jan. 26, 2018 to give the cities time to budget for the new contracts. On Thursday, the board ordered staff to prepare a report on how the region’s two largest cities could be kept whole. “What is whole? What’s reasonable?” Chief Administrative Officer Chris Cvik said, saying staff would present options for how the municipalities might be compensated. Representatives from Fort St. John, Tumbler Ridge, Taylor, and Pouce Coupe voted against going with North Island. A ROCKY TRANSITION The PRRD’s move to switch emergency answering services in the region follows recommendations Pomax consultants made in 2015 to

find cost efficiencies in primary 911 answering services, and to consider contracting a fire dispatch provider with fulltime dispatchers. The regional district has already approved moving primary 911 answering services to Vancouver-based E-Comm, which was the only company to respond to a request for proposals last year. That service will handle initial 911 calls that are then transferred to fire, police, or ambulance dispatch services depending on the nature of the call. E-Comm will take over initial 911 calls from Prince George RCMP, who currently forward fire calls to either the Fort St. John or Dawson Creek fire departments, which manage dispatch for 11 fire departments in their respective regions. The PRRD anticipates savings of $1.56 million over five years on that contract, expected to take effect later this year. IRONING OUT THE DETAILS Last Thursday, the board voted to pre-approve $4,000 of the North Island contract to pay for three representatives from the company to meet with local fire officials. The aim of the meeting is to address “operational questions” about how dispatching will work under the new system.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A9

Business

“Of course, a hotel, a place to sleep, is all about dreams.” - Garry Oker, A11

Oil and gas, construction lobby groups merge ICBA acquires Energy Services BC

Northeast B.C.’s homegrown oil and gas service sector group is merging with a provincial construction lobby in a move leaders say will increase the profile and issues facing the region’s natural resource sector. The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. (ICBA) has acquired the Fort St. Johnbased Energy Services BC, the two groups announced Feb. 1 at the Premier’s Natural Resources Forum in Prince George. Being absorbed into the ICBA will give the region’s oil and gas sector a bigger voice on the provincial stage, ESBC Executive Director Art Jarvis said. “It’s a big step forward for us from just being a lobbying and advocacy group. We’ve got bigger strength now,” said Jarvis, who has helmed Energy Services BC for the last five years, and will work for the ICBA in Fort St. John. Talks between the groups began last March, after the ICBA spearheaded a truck rally in support of liquefied natural gas development in northern B.C., including Fort St. John, Jarvis said. Energy Services helped turn the local rally into a 600-truck event that made national provincial and national headlines. “That’s when I met with the (ICBA) president and we recognized that the services we advocate and lobby for parallel theirs—ours is in oil and gas, theirs is in construction,” Jarvis said. “They didn’t have the connections. It was the right marriage.” Energy Services began roughly 40 years ago as the Northern Society of Oilfield Contractors & Service Firms as a regional advocate for industry service companies. It changed

its name to Energy Services BC in 2007 and broadened its focus on the overall energy sector and to encompass a more diverse group of members. While the organization has been successful on a number of files—including getting a local tax inspector in Fort St. John to keep tabs on out-of-province contractors that have not paid taxes and levies—it has been looking to extend its influence and profile in the province, Jarvis said. Meanwhile, the ICBA has been interested in learning more about the province’s oil and gas industry, Jarvis said, noting the merger will better enforce the importance of the value of the province’s resources, he said. “The problem is, people down south in the Lower Mainland, they just don’t understand, they aren’t educated in what responsible resource development brings them,” Jarvis said. “This is going to turn out to be a very powerful partnership that is good for the communities and good for the province.” Current ESBC members will transition into ICBA members throughout the year, and will see greater value from their new membership, including a range of new benefits offered by the ICBA, Jarvis said. ICBA President Gord Stewart welcomed the merger. “By working together in one organization, the issues that are important to businesses in the northeast will get more attention across the province and the case for jobs and investment in the region will be stronger,” Stewart said in a statement. SUPPLIED PHOTO

Above: Energy Services BC Executive Director Art Jarvis (left) and ICBA Regional Vice-President Mike Davis shake hands over a recent merger of the two organizations.

More drilling expected in B.C. JONNY WAKEFIELD reporter@dcdn.ca

Things are looking up for B.C.’s battered oilpatch. More than two years into one of the most severe downturns in a generation, two industry groups say drilling and other activity levels are climbing thanks to improved oil and gas prices. On Jan. 30, the Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) released its revised 2017 outlook, calling for a 23 per cent increase in the number of wells expected to be drilled in Canada this year. The group forecasts Canadian producers will drill 5,150 wells in 2017, up 975 from a preliminary forecast released in November. PSAC expects 367 of those wells will be in B.C., a 31 per cent increase over the preliminary forecast of 280. Mark Salkeld, the association’s president and CEO, said oil

prices are increasing thanks to stabilizing OPEC production levels. The cartel opted to keep production levels high over the past two years to drive out higher cost North American producers, which have gobbled up market share since the advent of improved hydraulic fracturing technologies. “The geopolitics settled down,” he said. “The global supply and demand was the biggest factor. Saudi Arabia and OPEC got it under control to a certain degree, or at least enough to encourage investor confidence, which puts money back into the industry which improves the drilling forecast.” Natural gas producers in B.C. are seeing a similar bump. While prices have not improved to the same degree as oil, several producers in the region are able to make money at $3 natural gas, Salkeld said.

Coming Soon:

See DRILLING on A11

WAC Bennett Dam Crest Road Closure February 15, 2017 to March 1, 2017

We will be closing the road across the WAC Bennett Dam from Wednesday, February 15 to Wednesday, March 1. The closure is necessary to install temporary bridges on the road as part of the Rip-rap upgrade project. Protecting the upstream face of the dam, the project is an investment in maintaining the safety and reliability of the BC Hydro system. The closure covers an area from about 1.5 km west of the dam on the Utah Road and continuing east of the dam to the intersection of the dam crest road and the Central Control Building access road (Canyon Drive). We’re sorry for any inconvenience this closure may cause. For more information, you may contact us at 250 561 4858.

5231

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 60 (PEACE RIVER NORTH) PUBLIC BOARD MEETING RE: PROPOSED THREE-YEAR (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20) SCHOOL CALENDAR

The Board of School Trustees of School District No. 60 has called a Public Board Meeting to give parents and staff an opportunity to provide input to Trustees on the proposed Three-Year Local School Calendar (as set out below), for the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 School Years. Parents and employee groups throughout the district are invited to attend this Public Board Meeting on:

Monday, February 20, 2017 at 6:30 PM School District No. 60 (Peace River North) Proposed Three-Year School Calendar 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

School Calendar Information & Non-Instructional Days

Proposed District Dates

Days in Session

189

188

Number of Days of Instruction

181

Schools Open

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Non-Instructional Day (School Planning Day)

Friday, September 22, 2017

Friday, September 21, 2018

Friday, September 20, 2019

Thanksgiving Day

Monday, October 9, 2017

Monday, October 8, 2018

Monday, October 14, 2019

Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D – Provincial)

Friday, October 20, 2017

Friday, October 19, 2018

Friday, October 25, 2019

Remembrance Day

Monday, November 13, 2017

Monday, November 12, 2018

Monday, November 11, 2019

Early Dismissal Day

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Early Dismissal Day

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Non-Instructional Day (Parent-Teacher Interviews)

Friday, December 1, 2017

Friday, November 30, 2018

Friday, November 29, 2019

Christmas Vacation Period

Monday, December 25 to Friday, January 5, 2018

Monday, December 24 to Friday, January 4, 2019

Monday, December 23 to Friday, January 3, 2020

Schools reopen after Christmas Vacation

Monday, January 8, 2018

Monday, January 7, 2019

Monday, January 6, 2020

Non-Instructional Day Pro-D (District)/ Semester Turnaround

Friday, January 26, 2018

Friday, January 25, 2019

Friday, January 24, 2020

Non-Instructional Day (Curriculum Planning)

Monday, January 29, 2018

Family Day

Monday, February 12, 2018

Monday, February 11, 2019

Monday, February 10, 2020

Non-Instructional Day (Report Writing)

Monday, February 26, 2018

Monday, February 25, 2019

Monday, February 24, 2020

Early Dismissal Day

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Early Dismissal Day

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Spring Vacation Period/ District Closure Days

Monday, March 19, to Monday, April 2, 2018

Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 29, 2019

Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 27, 2020

Schools Reopen after Spring Vacation/District Closure Days

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Monday, April 1, 2019

Monday, March 30, 2020

Good Friday

Friday, March 30, 2018

Friday, April 19, 2019

Friday, April 10, 2020

Easter Monday

Monday, April 2, 2018

Monday, April 22, 2019

Monday, April 13, 2020

Non-Instructional Day (Pro-D Day)

Friday, May 11, 2018

Friday, May 10, 2019

Friday, May 8, 2020

Victoria Day

Monday, May 21, 2018

Monday, May 20, 2019

Monday, May 18, 2020

Last day for Students

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Administrative Day Schools Close

Friday, June 29, 2018

Friday, June 28, 2019

Friday, June 26, 2020

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

www.dcrotary.ca

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MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

A10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

BUSINESS

$1.7B North Montney Mainline receives environmental approval MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

TRANSCANADA PHOTO

Project map of the North Montney Mainline.

Plans to build a new, 301-kilometre natural gas pipeline in the Peace Region have been granted environmental assessment approval by the province. Environment Minister Mary Polak and Natural Gas Minister Rich Coleman approved an environmental certificate for the North Montney Mainline Pipeline Project on Jan. 18. “The EA Certificate includes enforceable conditions and specifies the Project design parameters. These give us confidence to conclude that the Project will be constructed and operated such that no significant adverse effects are likely to occur,” the ministers wrote in a joint decision. Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) approved the $1.7 billion pipeline in April 2015, attaching 45 conditions to the project. The province has added another 21 conditions it says will supplement the NEB’s requirements. Those conditions include development of an access

management plan with First Nations and government agencies to limit pipeline right-of-way use by motorized vehicles and wildlife, protect riparian zones, and ensure the proper deactivation, reclamation, and restoration of roads following the pipeline’s construction. The company must also prepare a habitat restoration plan with First Nation input to minimize the displacement and mortality of caribou, as well as develop a mitigation plan for the Pink Mountain area that allows for continued traditional First Nation land use in the area, among other conditions. The North Montney Mainline—to be built by Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), which is owned and operated by TransCanada—will be part of a network of pipelines that transports natural gas to the West Coast, where the gas would be liquefied and exported. “TransCanada is pleased to have received the BC EAO Certificate. This is an important step for the North Montney Mainline Project,” TransCanada spokesman Shawn Howard said.

“We are working to satisfy all conditions, but specific timelines remain unclear. We remain committed to building important natural gas infrastructure in B.C., and are playing a significant role in helping advance Canada’s emerging LNG industry.” The mainline would commence from an area 100 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John and travel about 300 kilometres to connect to the Nova Gas Transmission System. This would feed into the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Line, which will deliver gas to Pacific NorthWest LNG, as well as the proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline, which would run to Kitimat. In their decision, Coleman and Polak note the project would add more than $800 million to the province’s economy, including $8 million in property tax revenue to the Peace River Regional District. Construction is expected to create up to 2,500 direct jobs. Once in service, NGTL estimates five employees will be needed to carry out operation and maintenance requirements.

February 2017 Delegations

Revised Mandatory Building Permit Area Peace Liard Regional Arts Council

Sue Popesku, Donna Kane and Kit Fast updated the Board on 2016 PLRAC highlights. They presented the Board with a water color - “Diamond Willow” by Chetwynd. Artist Ken Crowle. Later in the meeting the Board approved a grant in the amount of $15,000, to be used to support ongoing regional arts programs as well as the Alaska Highway 75th Anniversary initiatives.

Wolverine Nordic & Mountain Society Birgit Sharman and Charles Helm updated the Board on the Babcock Falls Boardwalk and Windfall Lake Campsite projects. Funding from the PRRD recreational trails grant program has contributed to these projects since 2014.

Tumbler Ridge Museum and Peace Region Paleontology Research Center (PRPRC) Dr. Richard McCrea, Director and Curator, Dr. Lisa Buckley, Collections Manager and Jim Kincaid thanked the Board for its ongoing support and made a presentation. The first summer of field work on the “Six Peaks Dinosaur Track Site” near the town of Hudson’s Hope uncovered close to 750 m2 of track surface and exposed nearly 1200 dinosaur tracks. View the video on the track site here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_8EmzsdXhM

North Peace Division of Family Practice Dr. Richard Moody and Mary Augustine, the Executive Director thanked the Board for ongoing support of the Program. They asked that the Board continue to support the program with a grant of $124,000, the request was deferred to budget discussions.

Gallery Comments or Questions Gallery Comments or Questions was on the Board Agenda for the first time on January 26th. No one came forward. Once recognized by the Chair during the “Gallery Comments or Questions” section of the agenda, a citizen may come forward to ask a question about an item on the agenda. The time limit for each query is two minutes. Ask away!

Fire Dispatch Services From January 12, 2017 meeting The Board released the following motion from the Closed Board Meeting on December 9, 2016, and confirmed it in the open Board meeting: “That the Board support entering into a 5 year agreement with The North Island 9- 1-1 Corporation for the provision of fire dispatch services for the entire region for an estimated five year cost of $635,477.” The items from the closed meeting(s) were brought forward to the January 26, 2017 Board meeting and posted on the PRRD website in order for the public to see the analysis that went into the Board’s decision. From the January 26, 2017 meeting The Board authorized pre‐budget approval in the amount of up to $4,000 for up to three members of the North Island 911 team to visit the region in mid‐February 2017 and meet with fire chiefs and deputies from the 11 fire departments in the region to discuss operational items. The Board authorized a letter be sent to the City of Fort St John, requesting that Fort St. John provide a response as to whether they will continue to dispatch their own department after the transition to the North Island 911 Corporation in October 2017 or if they plan to receive dispatch services from the North Island 911 Corporation. Staff were directed to bring back a report proposing an internal audit process be used to authorize closed meetings using the Fire Dispatch decision as a case study.

Peace River Regional District Private Campground Guidelines The Regional Board authorized the Private Campground Guidelines, which focus on health and safety. Information contained within the guidelines is presented with an educational approach rather than regulatory. The intent of the guidelines is to help campground owners find pertinent information related to the development and operation of campgrounds.

February Board Meeting Dates

On January 12, 2017 the Board authorized the 1st Reading of Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2014 Amendment Bylaw No. 2279, 2017. The Board will consider 2nd & 3rd Readings and Adoption of Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2014 Amendment Bylaw No. 2279, 2017. On February 23rd, 2017. Summarized Changes Electoral Area ‘B’ Reduced to include only that area which is included in the Charlie Lake Fire Protection area. Electoral Area ‘C’ No change to existing mandatory building permit area which includes the full electoral area. Electoral Area ‘D’ Reduced to the Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe and Taylor rural fire protection areas and to a small area around the Swan Lake subdivision. Electoral Area ‘E’ Reduced to the Chetwynd rural fire protection area and the Moberly Lake fire protection area. Residents can still access the building permit program upon request, even if they are not in a mandatory area. Such requests in the voluntary area must be made before any construction starts because inspections cannot be provided for work that has been covered over. Residents not in a mandatory area that are building or adding on to a structure may want to check with their lending agency if it is a requirement to have a building permit, final inspection or occupancy permit. Residents will still have the responsibility to check zoning requirements when building or adding on to structures, because all regulations regarding permitted uses and siting remain unchanged and in force. To request a copy The Building Bylaw No. 2131, 2014 Amendment Bylaw No. 2279, 2017 call 1-800-670-7773 and it is on the PRRD website- http://prrd.bc.ca/engage/proposedrevised-mandatory-building-permit-area

Solid Waste The Regional Board authorized the following recommendations from the solid Waste committee: 1. That for consistency and retendering purposes that contract ending dates be standardized. 2. That the Dawson Creek Transfer station hours of operation be increased to 7 days per week, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from May to October and return to regular days of operations November to April (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) 3. That the hours of operation for the North Peace Regional Landfill hours of operation remain the same until 2018 after the construction is complete.

The Board refused the Golden Sunrise Land Development Ltd. applications to re-designate the subject property from SC ‘Settlement Centre’ to LSI ‘Light Service/Industrial’ within the OCP to facilitate a rezoning of the subject property from C-2 (General Commercial Zone) to I-1 (Light Industrial Zone) to bring the oilfield contracting company currently operating on the site into compliance. The Board approved the application from Silver Spirit Investment Corporation to add the term of CAMPGROUND, UNLIMITED which would allow for an unlimited RV stay.

Development Variance The Board approved the Marcel Philips application to increase the Maximum Accessory Building Floor Area by 1030 sq.ft. from 2496 sq.ft. to 3526 sq.ft. to allow for the development of an attached open lean-to off of the existing detached shop.

Temporary Use Permit (TUP) The Board authorized the issuance of a TUP to Chinook Energy (2010 Ltd.) for a 3 year term, to develop a 144 person temporary worker camp within a 2.43 ha portion of the subject property in Electoral Area B.

Spark Women’s Leadership Conference The Board authorized a $2500 sponsorship to provide registration costs to individuals who would not otherwise be able to attend due to economic circumstances. Spark dates: May 16 & 17.

Electoral Area “D” Community Roundtable Meetings - Dialogue with Director Leonard Hiebert Director Leonard Hiebert will be visiting communities in Electoral Area” D” to have a conversation with community members. He will be sharing some highlights of what happened in Electoral Area “D” and the region in 2016. The Director is also interested in hearing from residents of Electoral Area “D” about any local issues, concerns or ideas for community initiatives.

Date

Location

Time

February 6

Bessborough Hall

7-8

February 7

Doe River Hall

7-8

February 9

Farmington Hall

7-8

February 15

Cutbank Hall

7:30-8:30

February 16

Rolla Hall

7-8

4. That the Waste composition Study contract be awarded to Tetra TechEBA Inc. in the amount of $121,712.32

February 21

Tupper Hall

7-8

5. That the Board refer a reduced solid waste budget to the budget meeting in February.

February 22

Kelly Lake Hall

2:30 pm

Agricultural Land Commission (ALC)

February 28

Tomslake Hall

7-8

The Regional Board approved the Bellhouse and the Wildfire Land and Cattle Company Ltd. applications to proceed to the ALC.

March 2

Tower Lake Hall

7-8

OCP Zoning Amendments The Board approved an application from Danamark Enterprises Ltd., Inc. No. 694669 to re-designate 3.45 ha (8.52 ac) of the parcel from “Residential” to “Industrial” and to permit a smaller lot size of 1.6 ha (4 ac) on the subject property.

February 9 and February 26

Charlie Lake Fire Department Open House

The Charlie Lake Fire Department will be hosting a Budget open house on February 15th 6 pm to 8 pm. Come meet Chief Dan Ross and the people in your community who volunteer to keep you safe, have a look at the proposed 2017 budget and capital plan. For more information go to www.prrd.bc.ca or call 250-784-3200

visit our website at www.prrd.bc.ca to register online. Peace River Regional District Official Page

Committee of the Whole meeting

Proposed Budget Review February 22, 10 am – 5 pm 47642

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A11

BUSINESS DRILLING from A9

Energy Services B.C. Executive Director Art Jarvis is also seeing improvement. “2016 was the worst of the downturn, and we’re on our way out of it,” he said. “There’s lots of activity on the highways, and in the outlying areas where they’re doing gas drilling facility manufacture. The followthrough that happens after drilling is very active right now.” Forty-five per cent of B.C.’s fleet of 71 rigs was drilling the week of Jan. 23, according to Garry Oker with his painting Dream Between Worlds, which he was commissioned to complete for the Best Western Plus Chateau Fort St. John. The hotel had a grand opening Jan. 26 to highlight the local art that has been incorporated.

Local art and culture accents new hotel MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

When Garry Oker received a call from Fareed Momen, one of the owners of Fort St. John’s newest hotel, what was supposed to be a 15-minute coffee and chat about art turned into a twohour conversation about culture, history, and humanity. “We just talked about people and how cultures are formed and developed from that, and how we can be able to support that,” Oker said at the grand opening of the Best Western Plus Chateau Fort St. John on Jan. 26. “Obviously, we’re very interested in arts and culture, and he wants his business to represent that. I thought, ‘Wow, finally we have someone that can be able to sit here and share that.’ “There were lots of things we talked about. But the main thing, he wanted to engage the local culture and make it part of his business,” he said. And so, Oker set off to create a mural for Momen and his new hotel, unveiling a seven foot by nine foot mixed media work titled Dream Between Worlds, which hangs above the hotel’s lobby. The painting, a combination

of chalk and acrylic paints, and markers on a truck canvas tied to a tree-stalk frame, reflects the dreaming traditions of local First Nations, Oker said. At the left, a dreamer looks between two worlds—his, where animals and his people share the land and celebrate in ceremony; and the dreamworld where the Thunderbird lives, where Oker says all things are possible through imagination. “Of course, a hotel, a place to sleep, is all about dreams,” said Oker. “We want to encourage people to have positive dreams and to encourage them to look back in their own history and culture. And then when they come here, they know this place is a blessed place and their dreams will come true.” Having local art grace the walls of the 123-room hotel was important, Momen said. Not only did Momen commission Oker for his painting, he selected iconic local photographer Darcy Shawchek to provide photography for hotel’s common rooms and hallways. He managed to convince Best Western executives to grant him an exemption to showcase the local art.

“We wanted to represent the city and the community,” Momen said. “I was amazed with the city. I didn’t even know the city had such beautiful places close by.” Shawchek, who writes about photography for the Alaska Highway News, now has his works hanging in three local hotels, including the Northern Grand and Hilton’s Home2 Suites, as well as Century 21’s new office. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do,” Sawcheck said. “It feels great knowing that I’ve accomplished something and it is appreciated. Seeing my photos on the walls of such great buildings is beyond exciting.” The Best Western, at 86 Street and 85 Avenue, includes six accessible rooms for those with disabilities, as well as gym and pool facilities for travellers, Momen said. The hotel still has some final touches that are being worked on, including a 3,500 squarefoot restaurant that Momen says will be serving up Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. “We’re feeling really good,” he said. “We’re excited about this city, and I think the city has good momentum that’s coming in.”

TAKE PART IN THE ARTS

IN FEBRUARYBallet 2017 Kelowna’s Boundless Feb 19

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

7:30pm “Celebrating 50 Years of the Arts in Fort St.NPCC John in 2017”

Trent McClellan Comedy for High On High Feb 3-25 | Art Exhibit “My Canada” Feb 5, 6, 7 Theatre 8pm At Peace GalleryLido North in the NPCC

Feb 4, 5 | Ice and Snow Carving Workshops The Vagina Monologues Feb 5 With the of Fort St. Resource John registerSociety 250-785-4592 With theCity Women’s at NPCC Feb 6 | Monday Night Film Manchester by the Sea Art Exhibit “Dinner Feb Cinema 12- Mar 1 With the FSJ Film Society atTalk” the Aurora 7pm With artists Mary Parslow, Alan White, Feb 7-Mar 3 | “Let’s Art” After School for Ages Karen Heathman, Peace Gallery North NPCC 5-14 FredGallery Penner in Concert Feb 13 With Peace North at NPCC 3:30-5pm NPCC 3:30pm Feb 11 | Fire & Ice Event in Chocolate With the Peace GalleryBig North at theLive NPCCFeb Tickets Koba’s Great Show 14 NPCC 1PM Available online NPCC Feb 15-19 | Spinning andatWeaving Retreat Monday Night the Movies Giant Feb with the NPSleeping Spinners and Weavers at 15 NLC With the Fort St. John Film Society Aurora Cinema Feb 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 | Wizard of Oz –the Musical Canyon Country Music Feb 15, 16 George Theatre With Stage NorthLido at NPCC tickets8pm now available 7:00pm Matinees 2pm

Night at the Movies Feb 10 | Monday African American Soldiers on the Alaska James White Feb 29 Highway Construction With the Fort St. John Film Society A presentation at the FSJ Museum 7pm admission free Aurora Cinema

Feb 12 | Tapping Into Talent AGM ofApt North Peace Historical Local TalentDinner at Seniors #4, Public Invited, 2pm Society Feb 24 Feb 14, 24,Citizens 25 | Dinner “Colosseum” Senior Hall Theatre Tickets at 250-787-0430 With Stage North at Pomeroy Hotel Ballroom Tickets at stagenorth@eventbrite.com AGM of PLRAC Feb 20 With Peace Liard Regional ArtsFort Council Feb 18 |the HERITAGE DAY “My Canada” St. in Creek John and CanadaDawson 150 Hands on at the FSJ North Peace Museum 1pm – 4pm Fort St. John Arts Council Meeting Feb 17 Feb 23 |At Monday Night Film Denial the Artspost 10320 94 Avenue With the FSJ Film Society Welcome at the Aurora New Comers 12Cinema noon 7pm Feb 24 | Pottery Workshop with Ruth Ann Artist’s Choice Juried Exhibition Jan 8 - 30 Tudball thePeace Federation Canadian Artists with With the North Potter’sof Guild at the Artspost at Dawson Creek Art Gallery Creek Feb 26 | Ballet Kelowna 150 Moves At NPCC Tickets now available npcc.bc.ca

FOR MORE ON ARTS HAPPENINGS

www.fsjarts.org

AT THE ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS WE ARE

THINKING GREEN! Do your part for our community and our world

Our newspaper is printed on partially recycled paper.

RECYCLE!

PUBLIC NOTICE FortisBC Energy Inc. 2016 Rate Design Application

The Commission is initiating a review of FortisBC Energy Inc.’s (FEI) 2016 Rate Design Application, which was filed on December 19, 2016. FEI seeks, among other things, approval of adjustments to the basic and delivery charges for various rate schedules for residential, commercial and industrial customers, the implementation of daily balancing for all transportation customers and adjustments to its general terms and conditions of service for all service areas. On February 2, 2017, FEI submitted a supplemental filing which included information regarding the rate design and approvals sought for the Fort Nelson service area. HOW TO PARTICIPATE There are a number of ways to participate in a matter before the Commission: • Submit a letter of comment • Register as an interested party

All submissions received, including letters of comment, are placed on the public record, posted on the Commission’s website and provided to the Panel and all participants in the proceeding. NEXT STEPS Intervener registration – Persons who are directly or sufficiently affected by the Commission’s decision or have relevant information or expertise and that wish to actively participate in the proceeding can request intervener status by submitting a completed Request to Intervene Form by February 23, 2017. GET MORE INFORMATION All documents filed on the public record are available on the “Current Proceedings” page of the Commission’s website at www.bcuc.com. If you would like to review the material in hard copy, or if you have any other inquiries, please contact Laurel Ross, Acting Commission Secretary, at the following contact information.

• Request intervener status For more information, or to find the forms for any of the options above, please visit our website or contact us at the information below. www.bcuc.com/RegisterIndex.aspx

British Columbia Utilities Commission Sixth Floor, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N3 Email: Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com Phone: 604-660-4700 Toll Free: 1-800-663-1385

R0011370211

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors. B.C.’s rig utilization rates haven’t topped 45 per cent in a single month since March 2015. While that’s an improvement, Salkeld said the industry is still a long way off from predownturn employment and investment levels. “We’re waiting on the LNG decisions,” he said. “Those are the ones that are going to really make a difference for B.C. on the gas side of things.”

A12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

PEACE REGION

COURT DOCKET A look at what happened in Northeast B.C. courts for the week ending Jan. 27. There were no cases up for disposition in Hudson’s Hope. Fort St. John Law Courts: • Dusty Kastin Oker (born 1994) was fined $1,100, given a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of being in care or control of a vehicle/vessel while impaired. Oker was also handed a 12-month probation order, ordered to provide a DNA sample, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Oker was further sentenced to 21 days in jail and assessed $300 in victim surcharges for three counts of breaching a probation order related to a January 2016 sentencing on a charge of uttering threats. • Coby William Joseph Reid (born 1993) was fined $500, given a six-month probation order, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a lesserincluded charge of driving without due care and attention. Reid was also given a 12-month probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assaulting a peace officer. • Darci Dawn Carson (born 1994) was sentenced to 45 days in jail, handed three one-year probation orders, and assessed $300 in victim surcharges for breaching a probation order, breaching an undertaking or recognizance, and failing to appear pursuant to a court order related to an October 2016 sentencing for theft under $5,000. Carson was sentenced a further 15 days in jail, handed two one-year probation orders, and assessed $200 in victim surcharges for two counts of breaching a probation order related to a separate October 2016 sentencing on charges of assault and theft.

• Sheldon Greg Gauthier (born 1984) was given a one-year probation order, ordered to provide a DNA sample, given a three-year firearms ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of assault that occurred in September 2013. Gauthier was handed the same sentence for two counts of assault that occurred in December 2014. Gauthier was also assessed a $100 victim surcharge for wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer in August 2015. • Daniel Lawrence Ryan-Hunter (born 1988) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for one count of driving while prohibited. • Skylar Sydney Dusseault (born 1991) was fined $575 for one count of driving while prohibited/licence suspended. • James Colin Gladue (born 1984) was sentenced to 15 days jail, handed four years in driving bans, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for being in care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired in March 2016. Gladue was also fined $300, handed another twoyear driving ban, and assessed a $50 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended driver’s licence in May 2016. Gladue was fined a further $300, given a two-year driving ban, and assessed a $50 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence in December 2015. He was also fined $300, given a two-year driving ban, and assessed a $50 victim surcharge for a count of driving while prohibited in November 2015. Fort Nelson Law Courts: • Billy Nelson (born 1968) was given an absolute discharge and assessed a $100 victim surcharge after being found guilty of one count of theft under $5,000. • Scott Allen Lee Dennis (born 1994) was given a 12-month probation order and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of uttering threats. —Matt Preprost,

NORTHEAST BC REALTY

CONSERVATION OFFICER SERVICE PHOTO

On Jan. 28, Peace Region Conservation Officerss seized 31 lake trout during a patrol of a remote alpine lake in the Northern Rockies. Fisheries Act charges are pending against three men. Report poaching and other environmental scofflaws a 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

Police search for stolen trailers Police are looking for the public’s help to solve the theft of two trailers stolen last week in Wonowon. Fort St. John RCMP say two work site accommodation trailers were stolen from the Upper Halfway Road pullout off the Alaska Highway. The date of the theft is unknown. The trailers are described as:

• White in colour with a blue stripe • Expired BCLP UWB39V 2006 Demby Trailer • Living quarter trailer worth approximately $100,000, with an additional $10,000 worth of contents • WHite in colour with a black stripe • BCLP ULR30X

2004 Westlake Trailer • Living quarter trailer worth approximately $100,000, with an additional $10,000 worth of contents

Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-787-8100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. —Staff

RON RODGERS

Ltd.

OWNER / MANAGING BROKER

Phone 250 785 4115

TROUT SEIZED

Email: ron@northeastbc.com

NEBC is located at NEBCRealty.com 10220 101 Ave. Fort St John BC V1J 2B5

Investing Our Energy In The North

Specializing in Commercial Real Estate

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NOW ASKING $695,000 FOR LEASE Are you looking for office or retail space to rent? 8707 100 Ave Fort St John

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Each unit has washroom, man-door, overhead door & 200+/-sf mezzanine

Total 2 acres of land is level and graveled. City services to site.

Asking

$7,282/mn

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2400sf shop

9001 111 Ave FORT ST JOHN READY TO MOVE IN

NOW ASKING $479,000

corner lot next to Christian Life Centre, Dr Kearney Middle School & adjacent playgrounds/track field. Interior finishes reflect calm open floor plan design; master bedroom, en-suite and walk in closet; full basement with room for company; amazing low maintenance back yard & so much more! Asking Price includes fridge, gas stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer, all window coverings, wet bar, security system, built in vacuum, storage sheds

off in Grandhaven area; heated, shared yard space, partially fenced, quiet area just blocks from the Alaska Highway

OWNER RETIRED & MOTIVATED TO SALE!

Buyer responsible to confirm all measurements

Asking $12.50sf

MLS ® R2042562

Plus triple net and GST MLS®C8009036 ————————————FORMER HONEY PLACE ALONG ALASKA HIGHWAY

Unit 105 - 738sf Asking $1291.50/mn MLS ® C8008815 Asking rate includes triple net, water/sewer and snow removal

5,740sf Shop

14’ overhead doors mezzanine office Asking $5740/month

FOR SALE INCOME PRODUCING Investment LAND & BUILDING Light Industrial

2,485 Shop

2-12’ overhead doors ideal storage unit or small workshop Asking $2485/month Plus triple net &GST MLS®C8008152-3 ...shared common area & parking… ————————————-

10,400SF SHOP WAREHOUSE ON 4.76 ACRES

3,756sf multi-use commercial space

Asking $2.35 Million

1,200sf shop 700 retail space Asking $4070/month

960sf warehouse (18’ ceiling)

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FOR LEASE Downtown Second Floor Office Space

R0011371582

REDUCED TO SELL

2 acres Heavy Industrial Land

($19.50sf) plus triple net and applicable tax MLS ® C8005583

MLS ® C8003641

241sf facing 100 Ave Asking $675.00 181sf 2 office Facing 100 Ave Asking $750.00 MLS ® C8009185/2685

1,600sf open office space

Are you looking for office space with easy access for clients and parking for staff. This space would be a

great site for book store, small retail sales center, professional office, oil company looking administrative staff location… and more!

LAND FOR SALE Fort St John 4.5+ ACRES LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

City services at property line Located just off the highway with paved access to level property Asking $1.299 million MLS® C8009459

Price based on recent appraised value

FOR SALE OVER 11 ACRES COMMERCIAL LAND

On the Alaska Highway in City of Fort St John

HOTEL, STRIP MALL, RV PARK...the possibilities are endless ASKING $6.5 Million

MLS® C8005117

Asking $1,734/month

Plus triple net &GST MLS®N4507350-1

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COMMERCIAL, RETAIL OR INDUSTRIAL LEASE SPACE, CALL RON RODGERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NORTH EAST BC AREA Information is not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale, or buyers already under contract. All measurements and information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed and should be verified.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A13

LOCAL NEWS

New rest stop for Taylor Hill

DINE & DANCE

BC GOVERNMENT PHOTO

A rendering of plans for a new rest stop and washroom facilities on the South Taylor Hill.

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Construction on a new, $974,000 rest stop and washroom facility has begun on the South Taylor Hill, the province has announced. The facilities are being built at a new pullout and truck chain-off area at the top of the hill, which the province says will include a fully operational washroom as well as picnic tables. There will also be an information kiosk for travellers. “Having a safe, clean place to stop and rest is very important for truck drivers and the general public who are on the road for long hours,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone said in a statement. “This is particularly true for the

commercial drivers who travel this very challenging part of Highway 97 regularly, so the new South Taylor Hill rest area will be very welcome news.” The construction contract has been awarded to IDL Projects of Prince George, the province says. Work began earlier this month and is expected to be complete by spring. The new pullout was built as part of a major upgrade and four-laning of the Alaska Highway leading into the District of Taylor. “Northern British Columbia covers a vast area, and travel times can be high,” said Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier. “This geographic reality makes convenient rest areas all the more important for motorists’ safety and comfort.”

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Dancers regaled diners at Original Joes on Thursday, Jan. 26 to celebrate India Republic Day. Jan. 26 honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force. India is the largest democracy in the world (by population) and its culture has graced many parts of the world including our very own Fort St John.

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the way it has been, we simplified,” said Roemer. “We got a live band instead of paying for bigger entertainment and we lowered our ticket prices, so hopefully it was our way of saying to the community we understand, money’s tight, but come out and have a good time anyways.” Roemer said that just because they don’t have an indoor play facility now, doesn’t mean the society couldn’t give back to the community in other ways. A portion of the funds raised from the Masquerade Ball will go towards a free swim day at the North Peace Leisure Pool for everyone in the community. For more information about the North Peace Family Super Park Society, visit their Facebook page.

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Funds needed to help dog in need of surgery ALEISHA HENDRY

R0011357146

ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

The North Peace SPCA is asking for help to cover the costs of one particular dog’s medical care. Tsi-Lou, a 15-month-old Bernese Mountain/Lab mix, was out for a hike with her former family, when her front leg got caught in a leg hold trap. “The leg hold trap crushed her phalange bones and caused extensive damage to her tissue and nerves,” said North Peace BC SPCA Branch manager Candace Buchamer in a release. She will have to have the leg removed, as the damage is too great and causes her immense pain. Due to the cost of her medical expenses, Tsi-Lou’s family had to surrender her to the SPCA. The surgery to remove her leg is expected to cost upwards of $2,500. “Despite her pain, she remains a friendly, loving girl who can still live an active life as a ‘tri-pawed’ dog,” said Buchamer. Visit spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or drop by the branch for more info.

R0011350229

Roemer noted that there are a lot of children in the community that have special needs, and that there needs to be more available for those children. The proposed facility would be inclusive for everyone, she says. “As a community that is growing— it’s grown a lot since I’ve lived here— we should be supporting those families and giving them more reason to stay,” she said. The next big fundraiser for the NPFSPS is its annual Masquerade Ball, which is going for a country-western theme this year. People should don their best country duds, and of course, their mask. “We were going to do a big fancy black tie event, but with the economy

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

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Tsi-Lou needs her leg amputated after getting it caught in a leg hold trap.

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

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A14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Senator brings his political experience to the classroom ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Students in the AVID 11 class at North Peace Secondary School got to hear some first hand experience about working in Ottawa last week. Senator Richard Neufeld paid a visit to the class on Jan. 26 to talk about the role of the Senate in Canadian politics and answer questions about his experience in the Red Chamber. “These young people are going to vote soon,” said Neufeld after the discussion. “It’s important to tell young people why we have a Senate, what it’s there for, what it does and some of the good things it does.” Neufeld discussed the senate’s role as the “sober second thought” for the House of Commons, how bills are passed, and the work schedule and expenditure costs. He also discussed his history as the MLA for Peace River North, where he served as energy minister for a decade before deciding not to seek re-election. He also shared the day he got the phone call from then-prime

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Senator Richard Neufeld gave a talk to AVID 11 students at North Peace Secondary School about the role of the Senate in Canadian politics on Jan. 26.

minister Stephen Harper about his appointment to the Senate. “I’d never spoken to the Prime Minister before,” he said. The students then had the chance to ask questions, ranging from his political work to what he’d be doing in life if he wasn’t in politics.

The first student asked what Neufeld’s personal view was on nuclear power for the province’s energy needs rather than oil and gas. Neufeld said that 85 per cent of Canada’s energy comes from renewable sources, so taking on something like nuclear, which

has waste that doesn’t ever go away, wasn’t likely to happen in a province where it isn’t already implemented. As the former provincial energy minister, Neufeld said it would be a pretty tough sell in B.C. “I can remember fighting

for wind energy,” he said. “We didn’t have any wind energy when I became minister. The energy that’s just south of us in Dawson Creek, you wouldn’t believe the harassment this minister got over that.” Another student wanted to know which bill was the hardest for Neufeld personally. “The assisted dying bill,” he said. “That one is pretty personal for me.” He noted in an answer to another question that when it comes to legislation, one has to focus on facts rather than personal issues. He also fielded questions about what he thinks he would be doing if he hadn’t been appointed to the Senate, and what he plans to do once he’s retired. He wasn’t sure what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a Senator, but when he does retire, he has his family and other hobbies to focus on. Neufeld noted that classroom visits like this helps give the students a better idea of who the people are that help run the country. “It’s good for them to know we’re ordinary folks.”

Youth Council ensuring kids’ voices are heard

I WORK! CALL TO PLACE YOUR AD...

Alaska Highway NEWS (250) 785-5631

Gracie English THE YOUNGER VIEW

council has a chair, vice chair, treasurer, and other roles that members can do throughout the year. They meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at city hall. While I was there on a recent visit, Lisa was kind enough to give me a tour of city hall and introduce me to a few people before the meeting got started. After meeting some very interesting people, we went back to the meeting room and started the meeting.

BUILT TOUGH TO MEET YOUR DEMANDS

much the members cared about helping their city, and everyone in it, in anyway they could. They all believed that they could help through this council and other volunteer work. I also noticed, and liked, the fact that the members were equally boys and girls of all different ages. The Youth Advisory Council, in my opinion, is a great program and I’m very glad to have found out about it. I’ll be sure to attend more meetings in the future. Gracie English is a 13 year old girl, born and raised in the Montney/Fort St. John area. She enjoys writing, horseback riding, and competitive volleyball.

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During the meeting, there was a presentation from one of the coordinators of the North East Native Advancing Society. She talked about what her group does and how YAC and NENAS are actually quite similar. Both groups organize interesting events in the community for us youth, volunteer at community events, and are both trying to empower the youth in our area. During the meeting the YAC members also discussed whether or not they would submit something for the Canada 150 contest. They also discussed roles, like chair and vice chair, and what those roles would require of a member. Just from attending one meeting, I could see how

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’m certain that every youth can remember at least one time in their life when they felt like nobody cared about what they thought. Whether it’s something big or small, every youth has felt like their opinion didn’t matters at some point in their life. That’s what the Youth Advisory Council wants to change, as well as fighting anti-social behaviour in youth. This group would also act as a form of communication between the youth of Fort St. John and the city council. The Youth Advisory Council, or YAC, is a group of youth between the ages of 11 and 18. The council and its meetings are co-ordinated by Lisa Rowbotham, but everything is run by the members. The

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 A15

LOCAL NEWS

On February 01, 2017, the voice of BC's construction sector becomes stronger.

LEGION LEADERS

We are pleased to announce that Energy Services BC (ESBC) has merged with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC (ICBA).

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion swore in its new executive on Tuesday, Jan. 24. From left: Earl Brenton (director), Jennilee Rennie (secretary), Tracy Radcliffe (Past President), Mike Kind (Sargeant at Arms), all inductees. Dan Davis (Presiding Officer), Laura Sanders (President).

Highway documentary leaves viewers yearning to explore KEVIN BUCHHOLZ For the Alaska Highway News

In what can only be seen as a successful night, many late arrivals to the North Peace Museum on Jan. 20 were left without a seat to watch the showing of The Alaska Highway story. The turnout and appetite for local history left museum curator Heather Sjoblom impressed, even if she thought the event would have squeezed in more. “Considering all the phone calls we received showing interest we thought there might be more,” Sjoblom said. “It wasn’t the first time we ran out of seats.” This being the 75th anniversary of the Alaska highway, the museum is hosting special exhibits and events to help commemorate the 1,387mile engineering marvel that is the lifestream to countless residents from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction. The film, made by local highway historian Les McLaughlin, included footage of the first highway workers arriving in Dawson Creek. It culminated with the first truck reaching Soldiers Summit at historic Milepost 1061, where Prime Minister Mackenzie King and a representative of the United States cut the ribbon to signify the union of work and brotherhood that created this essential stretch of road between our two countries. The film also highlighted many

destinations families or lone adventurers can go off and explore. From the beautiful rivers and mountains, to silly places like Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake—showing just enough of the majesty one can witness driving the highway even a little ways. The only thing missing from the film is the sense of wonder one gets from driving the highway for the first time. But it manages to show enough to allow minds to wander and yearn to explore. The documentary also includes interesting information about the struggles and triumphs of building the original pioneer road, from the varying terrain, to co-ordinating and leapfrogging seven different engineer corps all while getting the job done in a scant eight months and twelve days. In February, the museum has another highway presentation planned for Feb. 10 to celebrate Black History Month. The museum will have displays depicting the significance and history that many African American soldiers brought to the construction of the Alaska Highway. On Feb. 18, the museum will be celebrating Heritage Days where the theme will be “My Canada.” Copies of The Alaska Highway Story documentary can be found at the museum. For more upcoming events, call the museum at 250-787-0430 or visit fsjmuseum.com.

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TOGETHER, ADVOCATING FOR GROWTH AND INVESTMENT IN NORTHEAST BC For Northeast British Columbia and our businesses, this means we will now have a much stronger voice when dealing with important issues in our area - especially in the case for jobs and investment in the region. • ICBA is the voice of BC’s construction industry, representing more than 2,000 companies and clients. • ICBA is also the largest single sponsor of construction apprentices in BC. • Energy Services BC is the largest oil and gas industry association in the province. To learn more about this merger please visit

www.icba.ca/esbc

A16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Beatton Journals

Frank Beatton

February 1917

Thurs 1st Self & Johnny went down the river with the Team and made a trail for the Boys. We turned back from below Taylor Flat. Snowing all day. Fri 2nd Continuous snow all day. The Boys arrived from Pouce Coupe with oats. They had to leave part of their loads at the North Pine River on account of the deep snow. Johnny went for a load of hay. Self in office. Sat 3rd Continues cold. Self at odd jobs. George resting after his trip. The mail has not arrived. Sun 4th Mail arrived this morning from Pouce Coupe and left again in afternoon. A fine clear day. W. King arrived from up the River. Mon 5th I bought W. Kings furs this morning. Self in afternoon cutting firewood. George haulling . Dick & Asquity arrived from Cache Creek this evening. Blowing a warm wind all day, but wind changed to the north and turned cold. Tues 6th Self & Johnny cutting firewood. George hauling. Dick & Asquity arrived from Cache Creek this evening. Blowing a warm wind all day, but wind changed to the north and turned cold. Wed 7th 2 H Hope freighters

passed here this morning with freight from Spirit River. Self busy with Indians, a little colder today.

fast. George got back from the N Pine. McDougall’s Boy left for Spirit River. Hanly arrived from S. Pine.

Thurs 8th Self cutting firewood a fine clear day. Mr. McDougall’s boy passed on his way home from Spirit River with freight. Mr. Parsons and Farfar also arrived. Hanly arrived.

Fri 16th Blowing a strong gale from the North and very cold. Self in office. Jim Cameron & another Man arrived from Pouce Coupe.

Fri 9th A fine clear day. Self at odd jobs. George at wood. Farfar & Constable Mansell left for Halfway River this morning. Sat 10th Continues fine. Self at odd jobs. H. Cadenhead passed on his way out to Pouse Cupie this morning. George went out for a load of hay.

Sat 17th Cold. Self busy in store. The Mail arrived from Pouce Coupe. The Boy from the Flat came up and some of them had a little Furs. Brady arrived from up the Halfway River. Sun 18th Cold & stormy. The Mail left this morning.

Sun 11th A fine mild today.

Mon 19th Self busy around the place. George haulling hay. Very cold.

Mon 12th Continues fine. Self not feeling very well. The boys hauling firewood.

Tues 20th Continues very cold. Self in office. George cutting firewood.

Tues 13th Continues very fine. Self at odd jobs. 2 teams arrived from H Hope on their way to Spirit River for freight. Also Forfar on his way to Pouce Coupe.

Wed 21st A fine clear day, self out cutting rails. George haulling firewood. Fras passed here on his way to Pouce Coupe.

Wed 14th Continues fine. Self cutting Rails. George left for the N Pine. McDougall’s Boy arrived from H Hope. Thurs 15th Blowing a strong Chinook wind. The snow going

Thurs 22nd Cold all day. Self in office. The boys at wood. Fri 23rd George went for Hay. Forfar & Asquity arrived from Pouce Coupe with over 20 head of cattle. Mr. Beatty arrived from H. Hope.

Sat 24th Self busy at odd jobs. Mr. Beatty of Hudson’s Hope was married today by Chief Constable Parsons. Continues cold. Sun 25th A fine clear day but cold. Beatty left for H. Hope this morning. Mon 26th Continues cold. Self & George chopping firewood in the back. Brasko (Briscoe ?) & Cadenhead arrived from Pouce Coupe. Tues 27th A fine clear day. Self threshing the oats & barley. George haulling the firewood. W. McDougall and J. Compin arrived from Spirit River with freight. Wed 28th A fine clear day. Self finished threshing. George cutting wood. Porter & partner arrived and brought in their furs and sold 1 silver fox to Reid and the balance to Revillion.

The Alaska Highway News is now carrying the journals of pioneer Frank Beatton, who was clerk for the Hudson’s Bay Company at Old Fort St. John. His journals will appear the first Thursday of every month. Digital images of the journals are available to view for research purposes at the North Peace Museum.

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Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2017 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

FSJ MEETS DC IN NPHL PLAYOFFS

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PHONE: 250-785-0463

Jiu-jitsu dojo carrying momentum SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

An attempted child-luring in Fort St. John and another suspicious incident involving her own daughters in 2015 prompted Nadine Clayson to join other parents in encouraging a long-time martial artist, Raven Pruden, to open a full-time self-defence dojo. June 2015 saw a statement from the Fort St. John RCMP warning parents of an attempted child luring incident near Robert Ogilvie Elementary School. “I’d read online and in the local news about the person going around town that was of concern,” said Clayson. This event was followed up by another incident directly involving Clayson’s daughters just a block from their home. “They had an incident that unnerved them walking to school where some guy in a car was driving very slowly by them. He stopped his car and made eye contact with them, so we reported that to the

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Raven Pruden (left) demonstrates “predator defense” techniques at Engage Can-Ryu Jiu Jitsu dojo.

school and to the RCMP,” she said. Luckily, the children were educated to run away and tell family, who got the RCMP involved. Speaking to media at

the time, Cpl. Jodi Shelkie advised parents and children to remain alert, and no one was arrested. Clayson’s own experience training with martial arts in

the UK inspired her to take further action. “When I was a young adult in the UK, I myself did jiu-jitsu and self defence classes. I know it’s really good (for their)

self-confidence, that they can learn how to look after themselves,” The RCMP warning went viral. After Pruden offered a free children’s self-defence class, the momentum carried through. “I offered a free seminar to deal with what to do and what not to do, when you’re approached by somebody. It got a lot of interest, and with 70 people in the room, one of the parents suggested maybe I should do this (open the dojo).” Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu is a madein-Canada, traditional Japanese styled self-defence, different than the competitive MMA sports that have exploded around the world. Pruden says the difference is practical application and what he calls the minutia of movement. “There’s such a small amount of space that needs to happen in order for that to go from a tap out (competitive submission) to a tear, to surgery,” said Pruden.

Pond hockey tournament around the corner SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsjn.ca

Three pond hockey tournaments will take place, Feb. 17 to 19, on Charlie Lake, just north of Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway. The Crystal Cup, the ladies’ Sapphire Cup and the over 40 masters’ Cole Cup, will be handed out to the best teams. Neil Evans, lead organizer,

said registration packages are disappearing fast. “I dropped 70 packages off (since mid-December). They went through those so I brought down 30 more last week. We’re expecting a large turnout,” said Evans. Players come from across the Peace to participate. Last year saw two-time Stanley Cup winner, Mark Hartigan, come to town as a celebrity guest.

Hartigan was raised playing hockey in Fort St. John. “It was great to see a lot of old faces. I think I had the most fun playing hockey with the kids, honestly,” Hartigan said with a laugh. The event has a lot of production value, thanks to help from the community. Peace Country Rentals is the title sponsor. “Tents, toilets, skid-steers,

light towers, tables and chairs. We set everything up. We have two guys there for two or three days,” said Tyler Soule, GM for the company. Registration packages can be found at Ernie’s Sports Experts in Fort St. John or downloaded from www. thecrystalcup.ca. For more information on all three tournaments, please call Neil Evans at 250-793-4524.

GREAT DAY FOR SKIING

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Elke Haggerty guides her daughter Julieanna down the cross-country ski trails at Beatton Provincial Park on Saturday, Jan. 28. The Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club held adult and kids classes on the trails, which had stellar conditions during the day.

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B2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Warm weather woeful for local ski hills SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsjn.ca

Chinooks bring high winds and warm weather during winter months, and are often a welcome relief for northern residents. But they’re not helping to keep skiers on the slopes in the Peace Region, with the two B.C. hills struggling. Big Bam finally opened last month, after having all of last season ruined by unseasonably warm weather. But the celebration was short lived, after they missed last weekend due to lack of snow coverage. “The hill has far too many brown spots with grass and dirt showing through,” said Big Bam President, Jody Mather. “You have to have a minimum amount of snow to ski safely.” Bear Mountain was in better shape, with two of its 10 runs open, thanks to three snow makers. “We’ve only got two runs here that we can guarantee any good skiing on.

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Gord Schmidt stands in front of the two runs set for good skiing out at Bear Mountain ski hill Saturday, Jan. 28.

Those are the ones we made snow for and packed,” said 12-year volunteering veteran, Gord Schmidt.

Without volunteers, donations, and sponsors, it wouldn’t be possible to stay open with the warm weather the

area has seen in the last two years. Ski hills in B.C. are not eligible for recreation grants from the province, municipalities or the federal government, while the Peace Region hills in Alberta do get funding, said Schmidt. “We’re on our own,” he said. This was evident as both Whispering Pines ski hill in Worsely and Nitehawk near Grande Prairie had mostly normal weekends. Peace Region skiers have these four locations to pick from, if they don’t want to make the trip to Powder King in the Rocky Mountains. Big Bam features a t-bar, pro shop and chalet, with a chair lift planned for next season. Bear Mountain has a lift for their ten runs, as well as a pro shop and chalet. Whispering Pines in Worsely has 19 runs total, including cross country ski trails. Nitehawk features terrain parks, downhill runs and summer facilities. Each hill can be contacted on Facebook.

Swimmers splash way to provincials SCOTT DONOVAN & KEVIN BUCHHOLZ sports@ahnfsjn.ca

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

Brittany Welsh, 16, qualified to be in the AA division at provincials. Time trials were held Saturday at the North Peace Leisure Pool. R0021217976

The North Peace Leisure Pool was a standing room only affair, Saturday, during the last chance to qualify for provincials. Brittany Welsh, 16, made her time in butterfly, securing her spot on the AAA team going to Chilliwack in February. “I’ve been swimming for nine years,” said Welsh, as she was waiting for her turn to leap off the starting block. “It’s competitive, but it’s fun too. Me and the other girls around

the province have kind of grown up together,” she said. The club will be taking eight swimmers to the AA provincial meet, Feb 17 to 19, in Chilliwack, and 10 AAA swimmers, like Welsh, to Victoria, March 4 to 5. “Today, we have swimmers from seven to 16 years old qualifying,” said Coach Steve Carson. Asked about how it is that the club has such a high turnout of volunteers, Carson said volunteers receive credit with the club for volunteering time at events or putting effort into fundraising.

“It’s a new system we brought in about two seasons ago. It’s taken a couple years to figure out the logistics. But overall it seems to be working real well for them.” The Inconnus’ are a year round competitive swim team, with all coaching staff being registered with Swim BC and Swim Canada. The goal of the team is to provide members with opportunities to improve swimming skills and achieve successes at all skill levels. They are a non profit club and all members are welcomed at meetings and are encouraged to be involved in team activities and fundraising.

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

This Week: The RSM Classic

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

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

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

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF

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

Last Week: Pat Perez won the OHL Classic

c) Ernie Els d) Payne Stewart

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

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

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

Player Profile

Pat Perez

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

FedEx Cup Standings Through Nov. 13, 2016

1) Hideki Matsuyama 850 pts. / 2 top tens

2) Justin Thomas 614 pts. / 2 top tens

3) Pat Perez

606 pts. / 2 top tens

4) Brendan Steele 556 pts. / 1 top tens

5) Rod Pampling 507 pts. / 1 top tens

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

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Flyers, Canucks square off in NPHL quarter finals SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John and Dawson Creek squared off in the first game of the NPHL’s best-ofseven quarter final series on Tuesday. With any luck, it should be a breeze for the Flyers, who finished the NPHL regular season Thursday, Jan. 26, with a 6-0 hammering against the Canucks. Rick Cleaver, Ryan Carter, and Adam Horst accounted for five goals, while Jake Ebner finished the moral, mental and physical rendering of the Sr. Canucks with a sixth in the last 20 seconds of the third period. “Sometimes pride is a factor because some of the guys know each other on either team,” Cleaver said on the trip south of the river. The Flyer’s also clinched the Lawrence Cup with the most points in the regular season, edging out Grande Prairie. “That positions us for a home ice advantage going into the playoffs,” said coach Andrew Leriger. Steven Ridley soaked up shots 46-28 for the Flyers. “I like these nice quiet games,” said Leriger.

Cleaver scored first with an assist from Carter at 16:23. Then it was Carter with an assist from Cleaver and Marshall Sidwell at 4:42 in the period. Shots on net were 17-10, Sidwell taking the only penalty, two minutes for hooking. The second period saw Horst’s goal, with an assist by Carter. The Sr. Canucks were heavily out played and resorted to roughing, with no less than six penalties for each team. One penalty stood out above the rest, when John-Wayne Howes took a two-handed slash at Flyer Joey Massingham. “I kind of caught the back swing out of the corner of my eye and thought it was weird when I didn’t feel anything, until whack,” said Massingham, about the break out of the second fight of the night. Carter, Cleaver, and Ebner finished eviscerating the Sr. Canucks with three more goals in the third. Besides the cup, a win like this can set up a team for a strong finish. “You’re looking for momentum going into the playoffs,” said Cleaver. And it didn’t come as a surprise to the Flyers’ staff. “This is exactly the outcome I expected,” said Leriger.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Flyers forward Jake Ebner rifles a shot into the net during a 8-6 win over Spirt River on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

DEFENDING THEIR ZONE

QUARTER FINALS SCHEDULE Game 2: Fort St. John at Dawson Creek - Feb. 2 Game 3: Dawson Creek at Fort St. John - Feb. 4 Game 4: Fort St. John at Dawson Creek - Feb. 7 Game 5: Dawson Creek at Fort St. John - Feb. 9 Game 6: Fort St. John at Dawson Creek - Feb. 11 Game 7: Dawson Creek at Fort St. John - Feb. 14

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The Northern Metallic Flyers sqaured off against Vanderhoof at the Pomeroy Sport Centre on Jan. 28.

WEEKLY PRO RACING UPDATE Postseason Racing News, Stats & Trivia

All-Time Top Driver’s Bio

This Week’s Racing News

David Pearson

The 2017 Daytona 500 will be Michael Watlrip’s last NASCAR race. Waltrip is a two-time Daytona 500 winner, and the Feb. 26th race will mark his 30th career start in “The Great American Race.” The 53-year-old Waltrip retired from full-time racing after the 2009 season. He has continued running in restrictor-plate races though, including Daytona and the first Talladega race last year. Waltrip’s Toyota will be sponsored by Aaron’s and will be the No. 15 Thanks Mikey Toyota. Waltrip and Aaron’s have been partners for almost 20 years, and last year he signed a multi-year agreement to continue as a company spokesman. Three of Waltrip’s four Cup wins have occurred at Daytona International Speedway, including a pair of Daytona 500 triumphs in 2001 and 2003. The 2001 victory was marred by the death of Dale Earnhardt, Waltrip’s good friend and car owner, on the final lap.

Racing Trivia

January 31, 1960 - CBS television sent a How races did David Pearson few production crew members to Daytona win in 1966, the year he won International Speedway to televise the pole his first Cup Championship? qualifying and compact car races during c) 11 Speedweeks. The Daytona 500 was the first a) 5 d) 15 500-mile auto race to be televised live flag- b) 8 to-flag on network television when CBS aired it in 1979.

Born: Dec. 22, 1934 Cup wins: 105 Cup top-tens: 366 Cup championships: 3

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

Answer : d) David Pearson won 15 of 49 races in 1966, which was the second most in NASCAR history at the time.

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B4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Figure skaters earn accolades in Williams Lake ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Figure Skating Club ventured to Williams Lake for Cariboo North Central Regionals from Jan. 21-22 and returned with a decent haul of medals and other accolades. Club coach Jen Hammond was pleased with how well the skaters did. “It was a big competition for the girls, for a lot of them it was their first competition of the season and overall they all did really well,” she said. She added the skaters have been working very hard on their routines, particularly those Star 2 level girls that got a brand new solo to learn, Hammond says “they’ve been working on those non-stop” for the last couple months. Kelsie Hardy received a merit report for her Star 1 and ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO a bronze report for her Star 1 Quad Threat. Olivia Desor and The Fort St. John Figure Skating Club members that went to Williams Lake for the North Cariboo Regionals Jan. 21 and 22 Petyon Elliot Kenzi Steiner show off their awards and medals. each got a bronze report for Star 2 and a silver report for Quad Threat. Katelynn Hardy and Madeline Perrett each got bronze report for Quad Threat. report and a gold report for Jasmine Whitford earned a merit report for Star 2 and a Madyn Peebles earned a silver Quad Threat. a bronze report for Star 3,

SCOREBOARD NPHL

NWJHL Standings as of Jan. 31 GP W L OTL 1 Flyers 26 18 8 0 2 Navigators 28 17 11 0 3 Jr. Canucks 25 15 10 0 4 Huskies 25 13 9 3 5 JDA Kings 27 11 13 3 6 Vipers 27 5 20 2

PT 36 34 30 29 25 12

Standings as of Jan. 31 East Division GP W 1 Grimshaw 22 13 2 Falher 22 12 3 Valleyview 22 2 West Division 1 Flyers 22 17 2 Athletics 22 16 3 Rangers 22 10 4 Canucks 22 7

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

NAMHL L

9 9 19

OTL 0 1 0

PT 26 25 5

5 5 11 14

0 1 0 1

34 33 21 13

Standings as of Jan. 31 1 Whitecourt Wolverines 2 Peace River Royals 3 GPAC Storm 4 NEBC Trackers 5 Fort McMurray Barons

ERBHL GP 24 24 24 23 26

W L 18 5 14 6 10 7 9 9 4 15

T 1 3 7 5 7

Beatton Community 4-H Club Report My partner Harlan and I would like to tell you what’s up with the Beatton Community 4-H Club in 2017. Hopefully after this you will know every thing you need know about Beatton Community 4-H. Lets get down to business. Recently the club had their registration night on January 11th, 2017. Registration is where everyone who wants to be in the club comes to fill out all the necessary paperwork to join. While the parents had a meeting, and filled out paperwork, the members participated in a number of fun games to win a prize (Thank you Julia Fellers for the fun time). Our registration night brought us a large number of new members in all age groups. Our club has grown significantly this year. We have members completing a variety of projects including, Cloverbud, Jr and Sr. Horse projects, Driving Horse, Green Horse, Non-riding horse, and Young Horse among others. We have a total of 30 members - 7 Cloverbuds, 17 Juniors, and 5 Seniors! On January 18th, 2017 we had our club AGM. AGM stands for Annual General Meeting. In the AGM we elect our executives for the club for the current year. There are 7 individual positions to shared positions in the club. These are the positions and the people who got the job: President – Katy Kimmie Vice President – Josie Lawler Secretary – Gracie English Treasurer – Leigh Hedges Safety officer – Mollie English Jr. Safety officer – Paeten Palfey Club Reporter – Aurora Lea Jr. Club Reporter – Harlan Giesbrecht Directorship – Tory Schneider

a silver report for Pre-Intro Interpretive and a bronze report for Elements 3. Shaye Peebles earned a gold report for Star 3, took first in her Quad Threat and a silver report in Pre-Intro Interpretive. Emma Eggiman took second place in Star 5 U-13 and Quad Threat, and earned a gold report in Intro Interpretive. Emma Shipalesky came in ninth in Star 5 U-13, seventh in Quad Threat and a silver report in Intro Interpretive. Sophie Stevens took first place in Star 5 U-13, Bronze Interpretive and Quad Threat. Samantha Jenkins placed 11th in Star 4 13 and Over, a silver report in Intro Interpretive and a gold report in Elements 3. Haley Patterson took fourth place in Star 5 13 and Over, eighth in Quad Threat and a bronze report for Intro Interpretive. Emma Stevens placed fifth in Star 6, and placed fourth in Silver Interpretive and Elements 6. Kirstyn Beech took second place in Gold Women and Gold Interpretive, and earned first place in Gold Elements.

Our Leaders for 2017 are: A Leader – Christine Taylor B Leader – Trena Hebert Horse Leader – Julia Fellers Cloverbud Leader – Jody Watson Before I go on I want to thank all our old executive members for a year of fun and all their hard work. I would also like to say a thank you to our leaders for all of their help and planning. We are looking forward to the coming year. On January 25, 2017 the new and old executive members were treated to a leadership presentation by Brenda Schmelyk. Brenda works at the North Peace Savings and Credit Union and as a motivational speaker. At our executive meeting she spoke with us about leadership skills and setting an example for our younger members. She spoke about being enthusiastic and supportive of all members in the group. We would like to thank Brenda Schmelyk for the inspirational talk, it was very informative. We have two people that have been chosen to go to round 2 of the 4-H Canada Science Fair. These people are Kyra & Kayli Taylor. They will be attending the Science Fair in Truro, Nova Scotia. Way to go girls! And one more thanks to Synergy Aspen and Northern Lights College for lending the Beatton Community 4-H club rooms for our meetings. Thank you for reading and hope you read it again. By Aurora Lea & Harlan Giesbrecht

PT 37 33 27 23 15

Standings as of Jan. 31

GP W L T 1 Fort McMurray Barons 24 17 7 0 2 GPAC Coyote North Ltd Storm 24 16 7 1 3 Fort St. John Flyers 23 11 10 2 4 Peace River Sabres 26 6 15 5 5 Whitecourt Wolverines 23 5 16 2

About the writers Hi, I’m H a r l a n Giesbrecht. I am in grade 3, and this is my second year in the Beatton Community 4-H Club. My family has a small farm with horses, chickens, ducks, geese, quail, sheep, goats, and pigs. I have been riding horses since I was three. I love to trail ride, and I’d like to learn more about roping. I chose the 4-H horse project because I want to learn more about training and raising horses. I lost my best horse, Pixie this fall, and the old horse my parents gave me after that. Jewels was really old and died right before Christmas. So, this year for Christmas, my parents surprised me with a new horse named Shooter! Shooter is fast, he’s really tall, and I’m teaching him to go over obstacles. I can’t wait to use Shooter in 4-H! This year I was elected as the junior reporter for our 4-H club. I’m really excited to share news about our 4-H club this year. Until then I plan to follow the 4-H motto, “Learn to do by doing.”

Hi, my name is Aurora Lea. I am in grade 5, and this is my 3rd year in Beatton Community 4-H. I live in the corner of Montney on a small farm with horses, dogs, and cats. I chose to be in 4-H horse project this year because I want to learn some more things that I have some trouble doing. I’m lending my horse that I used last year to Harlan’s sister, Alexa because her little Shetland pony has a lot of pony attitude. I got a new horse named Kahlua. She is the sweetest thing you will ever see but she has some spunky attitude. I can’t wait to learn more and teach Kahlua in 4-H! I plan to follow the 4-H motto: “Learn To Do By Doing” for the rest of year! I was elected the Sr. Club Reporter and I am really exited to write for you all every month.

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

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

PT 34 33 24 17 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B5

Arts & Culture

“It will be interesting to see... the variety of what Canada means to the artist.”

— Alan White

A NIGHT OF JAZZ

‘Into The Wild’ by Alison Newth, acrylic on canvas.

Local artists interpret Canada in new exhibit ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

What does Canada mean to you? Local artists are poised to answer that question at My Canada, Peace Gallery North’s first exhibition of 2017. Gallery Co-ordinator Alan White said invitations were put out to artists in the area with the instruction to create a piece for the show. “It will be interesting to see the variety of types of work, but also the variety of what Canada means to the artist,” he said. My Canada will feature work from a variety of Peace Region artists in a variety of mediums—including paintings, prints, ceramics and sculpture. Some of the artists include Mike Kroecher, Sandy Troudt, Miep Bergerjon, Charlie Parslow, and Mary Parslow, just to name a few. White said that for some, Canada is the landscape, or the wildlife, while for others it can be something completely

‘Stormy Skies’ by Lorna Penner, batik on Japanese paper.

different. The show is part of the Canada 150 celebrations going on at the gallery throughout the year. White said “with it being Canada 150, Alaska Highway 75, and 25 for the North Peace Cultural Centre,” it’s a very important year for the community. My Canada runs from Feb. 3 to 25. An exhibition opening will take place Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 250-787-0992.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Jazz singer Maureen Washington blew away the crowd at the North Peace Cultural Centre on Monday, Jan. 30. Earlier in the day, she held a jazz workshop for School District 60 students. Turn to B6 for the full story.

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House

of the

The Foster is amazingly compact in size for a four-bedroom ranch-style home. Its square footage, minus the garage, measures in at about 1,600 square feet. Yet it doesn't feel the least bit cramped inside, due to the wide-open gathering spaces that run along one side. This makes an ideal starter home for a family with plans for expansion, but also works well for empty nesters who want some separate spaces for a home office, a crafts room, and the like. Bedroom four could be built with a direct entry exterior door onto the porch, if a family member occasionally meets with clients there. Three front-facing gables put a welcoming face on the front facade, while shingled wainscoting adds touches of country charm. On entering, you find yourself at the edge of a vaulted, window-bright and spacious dining area that flows unimpeded into a similarly inviting living room at the rear. Sliding glass doors there open onto a covered patio, which could easily be screened.

Counters wrap around three sides of the kitchen, which is open to the vaulted space across a flush eating bar. In the kitchen, cabinets fill most of three walls, above and below the counters. Standing at the kitchen sink, you can keep tabs on children playing out front. The owners' suite is well away from the family living area. Sound from the other three bedrooms is buffered by closets and bathrooms. Owners' suite amenities include a walk-in closet and a two-section bathroom with dual vanity. Laundry appliances are nearby, in a pass-through utility room that links with the Foster's two-car garage. Cabinets fill the wall above the washer and dryer, while counters flank the appliances on both sides. Associated Designs is the original source for the Foster 30-846. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com or call 800-634-0123.

Covered Patio 16' x 8'

Bedroom 11' x 10'4''

Owners’ Suite 15' x 12'8''

Vaulted Living 15'8'' x 13'8''

Foster

PLAN 30-846

Bedroom 10' x 11'4''

Utility

FOSTER

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Bedroom 10' x 10'

Vaulted Dining 15'8'' x 10'4''

Living Area 1605 sq.ft. Garage 440 sq.ft. Dimensions 48' x 55' 1000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Entry

Covered Porch

Kitchen 12' x 11'

Garage 19' x 21'6''

Arlen Brekkaas

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

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

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Invest 2 ways! 2 homes on one lot and either rent covers your mortgage completely with a small down payment! RM2 zoned for future high density development makes a great holding property or very low cost living. Perfect for camp workers!

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

B6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

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ARTS & CULTURE

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTOS

Karel Roessingh leads a group of band students through five note chords during a jazz workshop at North Peace Secondary School on Monday, Jan. 30.

SD60 students get a little jazz education ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

A group of School District 60 students may have found a new love of jazz this week. Victoria-based jazz and blues singer Maureen Washington was in Fort St. John for a concert at the North Peace Cultural Centre on Monday, and offered to hold a workshop on jazz music for any interested students. North Peace Secondary School music teacher David Price jumped at the chance, even though it was a Pro-D Day and technically the students weren’t at school. “It was really neat to give them the chance to play and

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

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CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM FEBRUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 9

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER Nightly: 7:00, 3D 9:50 Weekend Matinee: 1:00, 3:50

A DOG’S PURPOSE Nightly: 6:40, 10:00 Weekend Matinee: 12:40, 4:00

RINGS Nightly: 7:10, 9:45 Weekend Matinee: 1:10, 3:45

improvise and just get the experience of the jazz, which we don’t really get here in Fort St. John very often,” said Price. About two dozen students from Grades 6 through 12 brought their instruments to the NPSS theatre room to listen to Washington and her band, consisting of Karel Roessingh on piano, Joey Smith on bass and Calvin Washington on drums. After playing a few songs, the students gathered their instruments and Roessingh taught them 12 bar blues and five note chords, which are standard in jazz music. The students played along with the band, and even teach-

ers Price and Nadine Aulin got out their own instruments to play as well. “They were really enthusiastic, which was great,” said Roessingh after the workshop. Later that night at her show, Washington told the audience about the workshop, which she’d been “telling everyone about all day,” saying how cool it was to see all those kids working with these musicians. Washington’s performance was as authentic and vulnerable as she promised it would be, sharing pieces of herself with the crowd and inviting them to experience the emotions along with her.

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

SPLIT Nightly: 6:30, 9:35 Weekend Matinee: 12:30, 3:35

THE SPACE BETWEEN US Nightly: 6:50, 9:40 Weekend Matinee: 12:50, 3:40

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B7

ARTS & CULTURE

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Payton Hickey and Chloe Thibodeau read a book at the Camp-In at the Fort St. John Public Library on Jan. 28.

Camping in for Family Literacy Day The Fort St. John Public Library held its annual Camp-In for Family Literacy Day on Jan. 28. Kids and parents set up their tents, played games, made crafts, and had songs and snacks around the ‘campfire.’ ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Karim and Yamadou Diallo work on a craft for Year of the Rooster during the Camp-In at the Fort St. John Public Library on Jan. 28.

A cozy evening with Fireplace Sessions ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Who doesn’t like listening to music in front of a nice roaring fire? Fireplace Sessions at the Evangel Chapel is the place to do just that; local musicians will play in a cozy room in front of a warm fireplace. Organized by Russell Eggleston, the show is a chance for local artists to play music, tell stories and bond as a community. “I love live music—my favorites are small, cof-

HOROSCOPE

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Your enthusiasm for something will make bosses and parents sit up and listen. Just make sure your ideas are doable and realistic. Nevertheless, enthusiasm is contagious! TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) You’re excited about big travel plans, because you want to go places! You also will enjoy studying lofty topics and having profound discussions about philosophy, religion and politics. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) If you have to decide how to divide an inheritance or share something today, you will be more than generous. This is why you must be sure to take care of your own best interests. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Conversations with partners and close friends are upbeat and friendly today. You’re in the mood to schmooze and have fun! LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) You have great ideas at work today because you are enthusiastic about something. You will find it easy to get others to climb on board and endorse what you want to do. Work-related travel is likely. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) This is a playful, fun-loving day! Make plans to socialize with others. Enjoy sports events, fun activities with

fee-shop style shows, where people listen and magical moments happen,” he said. “These used to be a huge part of my life... and because I missed them so much I created a show and convinced these wonderful people to perform on Feb. 4.” Slated to perform at Fireplace Sessions are Airick Clarke, Lorissa Scriven, Mat Savard, Madi Cornet-Cooper, and Adam Winn & Friends. Fireplace Sessions takes place Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at Evangel Chapel. For more information, call 250-800-2606.

For Thursday February 2, 2017

children and romantic gettogethers. Have fun! LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You have big plans today about future repairs for where you live. However, this also is a great day to have the gang over for good food and drink. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) You are optimistic today. You’re pondering big ideas and big projects. This is all well and good, but just make sure that what you want to do is doable. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) This is a great day for business and commerce. Whatever you do today could possibly boost your income, because you have moneymaking ideas.. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Today Mercury is in your sign, dancing with lucky moneybags Jupiter. This makes you full of big ideas. Others will be attracted to your enthusiasm and positive frame of mind. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) This is a pleasant day! Whatever you do, you will feel confident about the future and your upcoming plans. You value your privacy today. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) This is a great day to hang out with younger people and have fun. You will enjoy interacting with clubs, groups and associations. You feel positive about your future goals.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Amy von Stackelberg, Tristan Callison and Wyatt Whieler play a game outside their tent at the Library Camp-In.

Shaddup

Dear Annie: My wife and I just visited good friends we’ve known for over 40 years. The hostess talked from “good morning” to “good night.” What a performance! At dinner, I was able to get a word in and remark that we had seen a moose on the road to their house. As was typical for the hostess, she butted in before I was done talking, and in a minute or so, she was talking about what her aunt Sally Smith’s neighbor, Joan Nobody, had for dinner at her daughter’s birthday party. Why would any intelligent person have any interest in this? These are people we don’t know, and there was nothing special about the dinner. I would rather have kept talking about the moose. I now never want to visit them again. My wife tells me I am a social misfit and am being unreasonable. I feel our hostess is out of touch with polite behavior. Your thoughts? Please sign me -- Tired of Boring, Never-Ending Chatter Dear Tired: The hostess is the real social misfit here, but everyone is too polite to let her know it. Do visit them again. But when this woman interrupts you, you must gently snag the conversational reins again. Let her speak for a minute before reminding her that you were in the middle of speaking. Say something like, “You stopped the moose dead

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

in his tracks.” A little humor will keep the tone friendly and spare the hostess some embarrassment. Dear Annie: I’d like to add something to your response to “Tears and Fears for the Victims All Over,” who wondered how to help when witnessing violent or unpleasant situations. I have been in such situations, too, and in a couple of instances, I have gone over and asked whether there was anything I could do to help. Obviously, one does not want to put oneself in harm’s way, but for events such as the ones “Tears and Fears” described, what I might suggest also, seeing as there were automobiles included in the scenarios, is for the people who see what is happening to take the license plate down or take a brief video of the incident using a cellphone. Getting the license plate would enable them to contact the police after the fact and possibly get some action taken in that way. I was once being chased by someone on the freeway in the Los Angeles area. I took the license plate down and called the police when I got home. They told me

that they would go out and talk to the person. Sometimes there is more we can do than we realize in situations such as this. I once saw what appeared to be an assault going on in a car in the parking lot of a hospital, and I went over to try to intervene. It turned out that a young woman was having a grand mal seizure in the back seat, and her father was trying to restrain her so she would not hurt herself. I quickly ran to the hospital and got somebody to bring a gurney out so that the young woman could be taken immediately. Apparently, the mother had gone into the hospital earlier but was not forceful enough at the intake desk to tell the people that her daughter needed immediate help. I said that someone was having a really bad seizure in the parking lot, and they acted immediately. Thank you, concerned citizens, for the good work that you do to make the world a better place. -- Good Samaritan Dear Good: Your story of the family in the hospital parking lot underscores how the kindness of strangers can make all the difference. Thank you. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

B8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

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

R0011358757

Coffee Corner

$409,000 27 Princess Crescent MLS# R2108112 It’s not every day that a 5 bedroom/2 bath home with double detached, heated garage in Princess Cres. hits the market!

$899,000 13546GOLFCOURSEROAD,MLS#R2126842

Outstanding view from this quality built home by C. Haugan Const.

$279,900 402 11004 102 Avenue MLS# R2076069 Condo living at its best! 2015, 2 bdrm, 2 bath upper level condo

$279,000 9308 N 97 HIGHWAY MLS# R2076516 Prime R5-zoned land with 10.82 acre building site located just 15 minutes NW of Fort St John

$369,900 8916 98 AVE MLS# R2126969

$309,900 11727 98A STREET, MLS# R2110876

Immaculate 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in a great neighbourhood.

Solid value here 1/2 duplex located in the NE end of Fort St John and a block away from the Bert Ambrose School

$485,000 8415 98 AVENUE, MLS# R2097361 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with over 2300 sq ft of living space

$315,000 8319 87 STREET MLS# R2124002

Beautiful new 1/2 duplex offering a very spacious main floor layout

Clue

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

TODAY’S PUZZLE

geological time 21. Pancake 23. Small pat 24. A garden plot 27. Strayed 29. Surgical instrument 32. No. French river 34. Modern 35. Now called Ho Chi Minh City 36. Set into a specific format 39. Exhaust 40. Individual 43. Moves rhythmically to music Clue 44. D. Lamour “Road” picture costume 46. Having earlike appendages Copyright © 2008, Penny Press 47. Certified public accountant 35. Sylvan deity CLUES ACROSS 5. Gushed forth 1. Color properties 37. Clears or tidies 6. Caliph 49. Outermost part of 5. Arabian greeting 38. In a way, emerges 7. Shoe cord a flower 10. Frozen spike 40. Whimper 8. Give extreme unc51. Supplement with 12. Levels 41. G. Gershwin’s tion to difficulty Find the correct 14. Tear down social word, brother joining the first 9. Of I 54. Plains Indian tent word then joining second word stiffness 42.the Begetter 10. “A Doll’s House” (alt. sp.) 16. Rapper Hammer’s 44. Seated author 59. Electronic warfareinitials 45. Old world, new 11. Documents certifysupport measures 18. Midway between E 48. Girls ing authority and SE 60. Displaying a fairy50. “Song of triumph” 13. Drunk 19. Shooting marble like aspect 52. A covering for the 15. Principal ethnic 20. Edward __, British head 61. Taxi group of China composer 53. Attack 62. They __ 17. Crinkled fabrics 22. Largest English 55. Norwegian krone 64. Syrian pound 18. Longest division of dictionary (abbr.) 56. Coach Parseghian 23. Cygnus’ brightest 57. No good PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS star 58. Task that is simple 25. Goidelic language 63. A way to move on of Ireland 65. In a way, advanced 26. Midway between 66. Loses weight N and NE 67. Shift sails 27. Auditory organ 28. Last month (abbr.) CLUES DOWN 30. Indicated horse1. Go quickly power (abbr.) 2. Fiddler crabs 31. Mediation council 3. Cervid 33. Aussie crocodile hunter 4. Gundog

Clue

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

TODAYS PUZZLE

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B9

Community

“This is a more exciting room to play, because it’s not just a bar. This looks like something out of Indiana Jones.” - Hazen Sage

Pregnancy Care Centre tallies up baby bottle cash The community support has not gone unnoticed by the women that provide support services for the abundance of babies and their families in town. The North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre holds an annual Baby Bottle fundraiser, where local businesses have an oversized baby bottle for people to donate their leftover change. The 2016 fundraiser brought in $51,534.12—slightly down from last year, according to executive director Lise Klassen, but still a significant amount. “With the economy the way it is…this year we expected to be lower, but we’re just thankful the community continues to support what we’re doing,” she said. They had 37 large bottles out and about 800 small bottles. They also held a poster baby photo contest for the first time and saw 94 entries. “We didn’t know how big of a hit that would be,” said Klassen. “We’d never done that before, but it was kind of fun so we put it out in the

community and there are so many people that put their baby in.” The pregnancy care centre provides a variety of services to the community, including pregnancy tests, information about a woman’s choices when it comes to pregnancy, counseling, and emotional support for miscarriage, stillbirth and abortions. “We don’t want anyone to feel judged, we just want a safe place where they can talk about whatever they want,” said Klassen. The centre has a baby boutique for parents that need clothes, diapers, wipes, formula and other items for their babies. They welcome donations of the following items: Baby Wipes, Baby liquid soap, Baby Shampoo, Baby lotion, Diaper cream, Receiving blankets, Sleepers, Soothers, New infant toys, Facecloths and towels, New or gently used baby clothes, Gently used maternity clothes, Disposable diapers and pull ups, Baby food and cereal, Gift cards for groceries and other items. For more information about the North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre and what they do, call 250-787-5584.

SCOTT DONOVAN PHOTO

David Kirby Kendrick played an acoustic set Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Lido as part of a new open mic night at the historic theatre.

New open mic nights christened at the Lido Theatre SCOTT DONOVAN sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Lido hosted its first open mic night earlier this month after local musicians harped to play the room, and the theatre held a second round Tuesday night. The Montney Coulees and Hazen Sage were on hand for the open mic debut Tuesday, Jan. 17, to enjoy the atmosphere in the historic theatre. “This is a more exciting room to play, because it’s not just a bar. This looks like something out of Indiana Jones. It’s like an old school lounge,” said Sage. The venue made for a different night for Fort St. John players, thanks in part to the Lido’s shining marquee. “I was just driving by and saw it on the sign, thought I’d better stop in,” said “Gypsy Leo,” who jammed with the Coulees on some classics for the crowd. The Lido hired sound tech, Lukas Bellamy, for the event and admission was free. Matt Savard opened the night with some signature

sounds, with Gabe Voorhies behind the kit. There were 10 jammers, with players jumping in with friends, and lots of support for new performers. Staff included local music hub Burke Lauder, who has been promoting shows since his college days in Edmonton. “We’ve been talking having one (an open mic night) for about six months,” said Lauder. Michelle Lindy worked the event as well and said that the venue was approached and solicited by the music community for an open mic. The Lido opened in 1957 as a movie theatre, bringing classics to the silver screen. It was re-imagined in 2007, and has hosted shows from rock band April Wine to comedy festivals. Being on the stage and in the room brings back a lot of memories for some jammers. “I saw E.T. and Star Wars in this building,” laughed Sage. To keep tabs on upcoming events, visit thelido.ca or check out the venue on Facebook.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre executive director Lisa Klassen, Martha Jordan and Jenn Vaccaro were pleased with the amount of money the centre’s baby bottle fundraiser brought in this year.

R0011371609

ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@@ahnfsj.ca

Sponsored by: Conway Electric “The company that service built”

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

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

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

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

R0021161774

B10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

Taking a liking to lichen

ichens are surprisingly versatile. Like plants, they produce their own food by photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Unlike single host organisms, lichen is a combinations of algae and cyanobacteria living off fungus in symbiotic relationships. Lichens grow from sea level to alpine elevations and on almost any rock surface. It is estimated that six per cent of Earth’s land surface is covered by lichen. They symbolize symbiosis and versatility. Lichens are eaten by many different cultures across the world. Stone ear lichen is used in traditional Asian medicinal food. Japanese, Chinese and Korean cooks use it as a garnish for its unique texture. Its strong flavour and medicine are only necessary in small quantities. Indigenous peoples in North America and Russia eat a fermented lichen while hunting reindeer. Lichen was a medicinal health food in ancient times. Iceland moss was a lichen eaten in earlier times in breads, porridges, and soups. Parmotrema perlatum, commonly known as black stone flower or kalpasi, is a lichen used as spice in India. Lichen is also a traditional remedy for removal of kidney stones in Eastern Himalaya. Lichen is a little known organism with a long history of edible and medicinal products. It’s ability to grow anywhere on earth makes it highly accessible to most boreal cultures. Its medicinal qualities have long been useful for food and health. After a long holiday season of overeating and toxins, medicinal nutrition is needed. Will you take a liking to lichen? Stone ear chicken dumpling and quails eggs soup 3L Chicken broth 13 Quails eggs 20g Stone ear Lichen 700g Ground Chicken Salt pepper to Taste

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

300g Parsnip 500g Carrot 10cm cubed 500g Onion 500g Celery 10cm cubed Garlic to taste 3 Eggs With a chefs knife and cutting board, cut the soaked stone ear lichen into long, thin strips, then turn and cut into very thin dice. Blanch the lichen in boiling water, remove into an ice bath then set aside to let dry. Pass your chicken through a meat grinder or blender. 10 cm cubed mirepoix, carrot onion and celery. Finely dice and sauté one onion and one garlic bulb, three parsnips and olive oil. Cool and add this to your chicken. Beat aggressively to develop a texture that will bind and become bouncy when cooked. With an ice cream scoop, portion out your dumplings and shape them into balls. Cook one first to test for seasoning and texture. Continue to beat if the mixture falls apart during cooking, add some oil to loosen the texture. Cook quail eggs and set aside. Add chicken dumplings and broth into a pot. Cook dumplings and just before they finish add the quails eggs and herbs to the soup to finish. The clear broth should show off your perfect dumpling shapes, knife cuts and clarification, as well as your use of local herbs or vegetables. Judah Koile is a Fort St. John chef and co-owns The BEAM with his wife, Jiwon Kim. Koile has more than a decade of culinary experience, and has worked in restaurants across Canada and South America.

Standing up for what you believe in

For the best in LocaL news, sports and Features

“Bringing Home tHe news since 1944”

don’t believe that I have ever held a sign and publicly protested something. Not because there hasn’t been plenty of things in my lifetime to protest, but because there wasn’t something that I believed so strongly about that I was willing to give up the comfort of my couch to stand in the cold/rain/heat/whatever and hold a sign. I’m lazy. Let’s think about that for a minute. Physical protesting takes strength, it takes motivation, it takes commitment—to actually leave the comfort of your home and be willing to stand up for something is admirable. To be willing to risk your own safety and face the ridicule of others is admirable. Not all protesters are alike, some have made a career out of being the strong voice of ‘NO’ or “YES’ and they travel the country looking for causes to become involved with. Others become motivated by something they feel so strongly about, that they feel compelled to speak out. Because silence IS acceptance. I have used that term before. In fact, it is a phrase that I keep near and dear to me as a reminder of a time as a pre-teen when I sat back and did nothing while someone around me was being bullied. It is a phrase that makes me flush with embarrassment because I saw something and didn’t say/do something. When we sit idly by and

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

watch something happen, knowing that it is wrong, we are accepting the outcome. We are turning a blind eye and we are as guilty as the individual or individuals wielding the fists, the words, the legislation, the executive order. Protesting is a passive statement, but it takes an enormous amount of emotional strength. Words on a sign give a voice to those without a voice. Last week hundreds of thousands of women all across the world—yes, the world stood together, marched together. It was inspiring, it was motivating and it was powerful. It was peaceful and nonthreatening and illustrated that we can come together for a common purpose. Physical presence is more powerful than a Facebook ‘like’, more powerful than a Retweet. Sometimes you just gotta get off that couch. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book “Naked Tuesday” or catch her on CBC Radio Daybreak North where she shares her “Peace of Mind”. Follow her on twitter @ judylaine

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B11

Circle the bugs to create groups as instructed. Then, have a parent check your answers. Divide the dragonflies into three groups with the same number in each group.

Scientists think eating bugs could fight hunger and help protect our planet’s health. According to entomologist Arnold van Huis of Wageningen University in the Netherlands, about 80% of the world’s population eats insects.

Mealworms, Meal crickets cricke and locusts locus are the most common bugs people consume. But there are more than the 1,700 kinds of bugs that are safe sa to 1,700 eat including termites and eat, cockroaches!

Circle the bug that should come next in each row.

Acccording to the United Natio ns, the planet’s will reach 9 billion before 20 50. The demand for meat will double. Raising cattle, pigs a d other livestock takes a lot an of l d, a lot of lan and a lot oof money to feed them. IInsects are much a d cheaper to raise than an li estock. They like to live tog liv eth spaces, so they need less land. er in They can also eat food . According to entomologist Ar nold van Huis, we throw away on e-third of our food. Insects could eat the we throw out, turning it back into food for people to eat.

In Thailand, poor rice who often lose their crops to bad weather, are finding that raising mounds of crickets is helping them to survive and keep their farms. There are more than 20,000 cricket farms in Thail and, 7,500 tons of crickets each ye ar. Thailand leads the world in raising insects for foo d.

Standards Reasoning: Complete patterns. andard ds Link: Lin nk: Math / Reas soningg: Comp

Divide the roaches into two equal groups.

Divide the crickets into five equal groups.

On one newspaper page, find and circle the letters that spell the names of each of the bugs below. Then connect the circled letters to make and color a design.

Imagine you are starting a restaurant that makes and serves dishes made with bugs. Complete the Bug Bistro menu at right with dishes made with bugs as the main ingredient!

Standards Link: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Write simple phrases that describe and summarize concepts.

id you know that crustaceans, like lobsters, crab and shrimp, belong to the same part of the animal family tree as insects? So if you’ve ever tried these tasty treats, then you’ve dined on the insects of the sea! In Louisiana, people eat a lot of crustaceans called crawfish. Use the code to find out their nickname:

=A =B =D =E =G =L =M =U

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

CRICKETS CRAWFISH TERMITES INSECTS SURVIVE CHEAPER LOCUSTS HUNGER SCRAPS CROPS MENU BUGS RICE EATS FOOD

E S E T I M R E T C

N C R I C K E T S H S J R E O V G I S E

P T C A I Y N E G A

A I S V W S U A U P

R W R U E F H N B E

C U I C C O I N E R

S G T C R O P S B M

U S T A E D L G H S

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

This week’s word:

INGREDIENT

The noun ingredient means one of the substances that make up a mixture. Rhubarb was a key ingredient in Aunt Sofia’s award-winning dessert. Try to use the word ingredient in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

M up a recipe that uses Make bbugs as a main ingredient. E Explain why people should give it a try.

ANSWER: An account-ant!

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Standards Link: Math / Number Sense.

Bug Recipe

Living Things

Collect newspaper pictures of living things. Make a poster called LIVING THINGS with four columns: Mammals, Insects, Plants, Other Animals. Keep adding to your poster until every column is filled.

Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

B12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

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Required experience: • Management, budgeting: five years • Non-‐profit fund development: five years

Required education: • Bachelor’s or diploma in Fundraising/Business or related field

Requirements: • Minimum 5 years’ experience in non-‐profit and fund development planning and management • Budget planning and management experience • Proven skills to successfully communicate including written, interpersonal, organizational, negotiation and presentation skills • Experience with a wide range of development activities including capital campaigns, direct mail, legacy, and endowment giving, estate giving, major gifts, and special events • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification is an asset • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a small team of dedicated staff and volunteers • Proficiency in MS Office database software • Knowledge of investment principals, charitable gift vehicles, tax and estate planning • Recent satisfactory performance and attendance records • Advocates and supports a culture of patient comfort and care and demonstrates an understanding of hospital needs and able to collaborate with the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care needs

Submit resumes with a cover letter that includes salary expectations and date available to begin work to fsjhf@northernhealth.ca.

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COMING EVENTS

ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 30: Each day a different skill for after school youth DAWSON CREEK ART GALLERY: 3:30 to 5:00PM 250782-2601 Exhibition Opening for Angela Fehr: A Walk in the Peace Friday, February 3rd @ 7pm to 9pm at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery This event is free and open to the public. Friends of the Library meet Monday, February 27th at 10am KNIT NIGHT: Thursdays at Faking Sanity Cafe in Dawson Creek6:30 to 8:30 PM.

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES R0011371620

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

DAWSON CREEK BADMINTON CLUB From Sept. 19, 2016 to April 26, 2017 Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 7:30-9:30 pm Central Campus Gym Dawson Creek Do not play on any statutory or school holidays. Go on the school website to check on the holidays Please pay before you start playing. Players under 16 years must have an adult with them. You will need clean gym shoes and a racquet. Contact Dan or Judy Pandachuck: 250782-4783 MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek Peace Country Roots Group hold their monthly meeting Sunday, February 26th at 1:30pm, located in the small building in the NAR Park. Saturday, February 4th - 1:00 pm Dawson Creek Royal Canadian Legion Branch#141 will be holding its Monthly General Meeting at its New location the branch located at 900-102nd Ave, side entrance (across 9th Street from Lakeview Credit Union). All members are urged to attend. SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca The Peace River Songwriters Group will be meeting Tuesday, February 9th at Faking Sanity at 7:30pm

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Position: Full time

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

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LEASE OF LAND In accordance with Section 26 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that the City of Fort St. John intends to lease a portion of the North Peace Arena legally described as Parcel 1, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan BCP29880 (civic address 9805 – 96 Avenue) to the Fort St. John Senior Flyers Hockey Club for $3,815.00 annually for a five year term. The lease areas include a dressing room, skate sharpening room and a proposed beer garden kiosk. Inquiries regarding this lease may be directed to Janet Prestley, Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at (250) 7878153 by February 14, 2017.

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

IN MEMORIAM

FUNERAL SERVICES

IN MEMORIAM

In Loving Memory of

Isaac Loewen

COMING EVENTS

FUNERAL SERVICES

Memorial service for the late

Saturday,January 11th- 2 to 4pm at The Dawson Creek Public Library- Food Preserving Information.- Presented by Sally Barkwell. Sally is a retired dietitian specializing in nutrition. If your interested in food canning, freezing, drying etc this free workshop is for you. Dawson Creek Library on Saturday February 11th from 2 to 4pm. Refreshments will be served.

Loa Ouellette will be held

Tuesday, February 7th 2017 at 10:00am

In tears we saw you sinking, we watched you fade away You faced your task with courage Your spirit did not bend And still you kept on fighting until the very end God saw you getting tired When a cure was not to be So he put his arms around you and whispered “Come to me” So when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful and free from pain, we could not wish you back to suffer that again.

Always remembered and forever missed by your wife, children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren, family and friends

In Loving Memory

Morris Phillips 1943 ~ 2012 Always loved and forever missed Your Family

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GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

from the Catholic Church of the Resurrection. In lieu of ﬂowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Loa to the North Peace Housing Society or the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com Save the Dates July 7, 5:00 pm to July 9, 2017 at 3:30 pm for the 23rd Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the 2017 Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes. Check in this paper for more details closer to the show! South Peace Historical Society will be holding their monthly meeting Wednesday, February 15th at 2:00pm at the Station Museum SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

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.

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Executive Director Fort St John Hospital Foundation

COMING EVENTS

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

The Borderline Culture Series presents: Shred Kelly- Saturday February 11, 2017 @ the DEMMITT COMMUNITY CENTRE (1/2mile South of Hwy 43 on RR 132) Doors open at 7:00 pm (AB) Music @ 8:00 pm . Tickets advance: $25.00 Door: $27.00. For tickets and information call: 780-356-2904 or go to www.borderlineculture.com

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

The South Peace Arts Society will be holding their monthly meeting Thursday, February 9th at noon at the Art Gallery The South Peace Community Arts Council will be holding their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 14th at noon at the Calvin Kruk Centre. WEDNESDAYS: COMPUTER INFORMATION -Seniors Computer Club - Dawson CO-OP Bistro 1:15pm 250-782-4668 for more information

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

www.fortstjohn.ca

Urban Systems Ltd. Field Inspector (Temporary) Our Fort St. John office has an opening for a temporary Field Inspec− tor for municipal infras− tructure based inspec− tion work in the BC Peace Country. Our ideal candidate will have 5−10 years of relevant experience. Visit our website for more details: www.urbansystems.ca

Looking for a new opportunity? Submit your resume today! Purchaser: This is a full-time position in a busy environment with a great working atmosphere! Our client is looking for a Purchaser with a background in parts management for a 6-month term, with possible extension, or permanent hire. Responsibilities include: Creating and overseeing PO’s, obtaining price quotes from vendors, & monitoring purchase and report progress. We’re looking for someone with excellent MS Office skills and attention to detail who is willing to start immediately!

Experienced Equip− ment Operators Kledo Construction Ltd. is accepting re− sumes for the fol− lowing positions in the Fort St. John & Fort Nelson areas: − Heavy Equipment Operators o Dozer o Excavator o Grader o Rock Truck − Class 1 Driver o Lowbed o Box Truck w/ Pup o End Dump *Minimum of 3 years experience w/ preference given to those with Con− struction operating experience. kledooffice @kledo.ca No Phone Calls

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Data Entry Clerk: This is a full-time position as a Maintenance Data Entry Clerk for approximately 9-12 months, with possible extension or permanent hire. Our client is looking for someone who has experience as a maintenance clerk and above average keyboarding skills.

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

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Responsibilities include: Converting job plans and maintenance data into a digital format. We’re looking for someone ready to start immediately, with a valid Class 5 License & good typing skills. Office Administrator: This is a full-time position with a busy construction company that will have you covering a variety of positions within the office. We are looking for someone with accounting skills, who is eager to learn, multi-task and maintain strict confidentiality.

Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby

Responsibilities include: Reception duties, Payroll duties (invoicing, AP/AR, ensuring Employment Standard Compliance, etc.), data entry/upkeep of ISN, PICS Auditing & Comply Works, & working with & creating budgets. We are looking for someone who has experience with these duties & is willing to begin immediately. Simply Accounting (SAGE), Open Invoice & IS Networld experience is required. Bring your resume with 3 work-related references to our office today! 10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367 | f. 250.785.4795 | www.macenna.com e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bonnie Carlson 250-827-3132 Community & Bridal

You Should Call 1536Week of 1.30.2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

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Have a shapes scavenger hunt, taking turns ﬁnding shapes indoors and outdoors. Then make each shape with your body — kids and adults work together.

How do you learn as a family? Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY. Find more ways to learn at play as a family at

www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

M E D I C A L TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-athome positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-athome career today!

FOR SALE

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www. N o r wo o dSaw m ill s . com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t : 4 0 0 O T.

HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866-873-3846. New growth guaranteed.

HEALTH CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Attention British Columbia residents: Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit. ca/free-assessment LEGAL SERVICES 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 -347-2540.

REAL ESTATE

ARMSTRONG HOTEL & SALOON - Armstrong, BC. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Unreserved Auction, April 26 in Edmonton. 16 guest rooms, saloon & restaurant. Jerry Hodge: 780-706-6652; Realtor: Tom Moran (PREC) Re/Max Dawson Creek Realty; rbauction. com/realestate.

SERVICES

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 104 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 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 i n d i v i d u a l l y. w w w. communityclassifieds. ca or 1-866-669-9222.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B13

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

National Window Cov− erings Franchise look− ing for someone who can sell and install a limited selection of window coverings on a part time basis. Ideal for someone who is re− tired. Experience an as− set. Contact Lindsay at (250) 981−8939.

TRUCKING & TRANSPORT Coal Truck and Logging Truck Drivers Needed Peace Valley Indus− tries is looking for experienced Coal Truck Drivers for Chetwynd, BC area. Email resume to logyard2@telus.net or contact Jim Par− rish at 250−788− 5592 for more in− formation. Benefit packages available. 250−788−2922

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APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

SUITES FOR RENT Dawson Creek-An Executive New Home with 5 Bedrooms, 3&1/2Bath, Double Garage, Fenced Yard. In-Law suite. Available March 1st. 250-6638913

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

BOATS

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Fractional ownership can make your lifelong dream a reality right now. 2017 Regency Pilothouse 65 Quarter interest $814,409 USD

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

www.one4yacht.com 604-669-2248

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

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

HSE QA/QC COORDINATOR

Gary 261-1214

HOUSES FOR SALE

PROPE HOUSES FOR SALE 25

RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT 3 BDRM, 2.5 BTH DUPLEX FOR RENT. NEW FLOORING UPSTAIRS. FULL BASEMENT (PARTIALLY FINISHED). AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 1ST. 8514 - 86TH STREET, NO PETS, NO SMOKERS. $1,500/MTH PLUS UTILITIES. CHARLIE LAKE EXECUTIVE 5 BR 4 BATH HOME. LARGE GARAGE ON 5.6 VIEW ACRES. SO MANY GREAT FEATURES. CALL ANNETTE FOR INFO. IT'S A BEAUTY 250-793-4394

Annette 793-4394

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

Gary Reeder Realty Ltd. 10407-99TH STREET – TAYLOR

COMMERCIAL SPACES AVAILABLE

8512 - 77 STREET

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

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

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

2 DUPLEX UNITS WITH BASEMENTS

LAND AND BLDG. FOR SALE-11204-100 AVE

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY- 9803-102 ST

8514-86 ST- 4 BR, 2 BATHS- JUST RENOVATED NEW FLOORING,PAINT,ETC.-NOW $299,500 8516-86 ST- 3 BR, 2 BATHS- FULL BASEMENT. NOW $295,000 BUY ONE SIDE OR BOTH UNITS FOR OWN USE OR RENTALINCOME.MAKEANOFFER!

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

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

X THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

STAY ON TOP OF THE

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT In the matter of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act, Peace Moving and Storage Ltd, at 10912 89th Ave., Fort St. John, BC, claim a Warehouse− man’s Lien Act against the following persons − Daralyn Crawford − address unknown. House− hold goods date of start lease, July 24, 2015, to date of Lien January 24, 2017. If outstand− ing charges of $1683.43 are not paid in full by February 28, 2017, all goods will be disposed of at a time and place designated by us.

Legal Public Notice 2004 Suzuki LS 650 Motorcycle JS1NPL11A742101248

631 5 5 78 22 0 5 Ph: 2 0-785-35 5 Fx: 2

Belonging to: Raymond Allan Menard 8608 90ST Fort St. John, BC V1J 6S9

NEWS

LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing full service contractor with over 25 years of operating experience in Western Canada. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our Highway Maintenance Group operates long term contracts to maintain highways in Northwestern Alberta. Safety and Quality are significant priorities, and we take pride in keeping our roads safe for everyone. We are actively recruiting for an enthusiastic HSE, QA/QC Coordinator to travel within our region to support the Quality and Safety of all our operations year round. NCSO or CSRP designation 5 years’ experience in a related position Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs Direct knowledge of QA/QC methodologies Highly motivated and self-‐directed, capable of multi-‐tasking Detail oriented and an analytical thinker, with good communication skills Class 3 license a plus, with a good driving record

You will conduct regular tours of our operating region to facilitate a variety of worksite health and safety inspection, HSE audits, operational QA/QC inspections, testing and evaluations, and related audit reporting of our maintenance activities. A company vehicle is provided for your use. This position is located at our main facility in Grimshaw, AB, and the successful candidate would be required to live in the area. Relocation assistance is available. LaPrairie Works offers a comprehensive suite of benefits and competitive wages. To apply for his exciting opportunity, please send your resume to: careers@laprairiegroup.com or fax to (403) 767 9932

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

and Commercial, Farms, Shops, Land, Property Management

LAPRAIRIE WORKS INC Location: Grimshaw, AB

• • • • • • •

HOUSES FOR SALE

'Spouses Selling Houses'

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

APARTMENTS/ CONDOS FOR

Li-Car Management Group

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

WANTED TO RENT

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Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

Alaska Highway NEWS www. alaskahighwaynews .ca

Amount owing on repair app: $2200.00 with storage fees since 2006. The motorcycle in question will be sold on or after February 9, 2017 from its present location at 12733 255 road Baldonnel.

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AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

CIRCLE YOUR AD!

B14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

A TOAST TO PUBLIC SPEAKING

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Fort St. John councillors declared February as Toastmasters Month in the city. Achievers Toastmasters, established in 1994 in Fort St. John, is a non-profit organization that hones public speaking and leadership skills among members young and old.

The truth behind the smile

oes a shiny, white smile always mean a healthy mouth for your pet? Unfortunately, despite the best intentions of pet caregivers, a shiny white smile may actually be hiding serious, painful dental disease that is threatening to whole body health. But why is dental health important to my pet, you ask? Isn’t it enough to have a pretty smile and fresh breath? Just as in humans, dental hygiene throughout life is important for overall body health. Life expectancy is up to two years longer in pets with good dental hygiene. Considering that our furry family members don’t live as long as us, that is an increase of 15 to 20 per cent more time with them. Pets with good oral health have a better quality of life. They are less likely to have problems with their organs (including their heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas) from

Dr. Katharine North NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

bacteria spreading from their mouths, and are less likely to live with chronic mouth pain. This pain can often go unnoticed because most pets will continue to eat even with what we would consider to be excruciating pain, such as when we get a tooth root abscess. These problems can start young. As with human children, where problems can start as soon as the baby teeth first appear, our furry youngsters are also affected early. By three years of age, 80 per cent of pets have signs of dental disease. Unfortunately a small percentage of them go on to need full mouth teeth

extractions as early as five to six years of age. A really sad situation. Home care like brushing, dental diets, dental chews, and oral rinses are the cornerstone of keeping your cat or dog’s mouth healthy. Again, like humans, even with great daily care, it can still be necessary to have professional cleaning to get those teeth really clean again. The trouble is that not every dentistry is created equal, and simply scraping the tartar off of the visible surfaces of the teeth may leave them looking clean but it doesn’t necessarily leave them healthier, and may hide serious problems. As veterinarians, we make our first line of assessment by looking at the teeth above the gum line on your pet’s wellness exams. We look at the amount of plaque (stinky, slimy bacteria-filled film), the amount of tartar (concrete-like mix of

bacteria and calcium), gum recession, movement of the teeth, pain and oozing pus. This allows us to score of the mouth with an internationally-recognized dental disease scoring system and decide on the best way to improve the health of the mouth. But what if the teeth above the gum line aren’t showing us the truth? And is it possible for teeth to lie? Removal of plaque and tartar on the larger surfaces of the teeth certainly makes them look prettier, but it misses the critical areas between the teeth and below the gum line next to the important tooth roots. Non-veterinary dentistries are performed on awake, potentially moving pets, and only the area above the gum line is allowed to be cleaned. This leaves bacteria untouched in exactly the places that they are most likely to severely damage the teeth. The bacteria can secretly be destroying the enamel and roots, moving into the bloodstream to travel around the body, or making a

painful abscess, all while the pretty white teeth above are sparkling. This leads to times when what veterinarians can see doesn’t match the true health of teeth, and this can lead to delays in getting the medical attention they need and inevitably teeth being pulled. None of these avoidable situations are anything that a pet lover wants to see with their loved one. Keep an eye out for our next column where we discuss what is involved with a complete dentistry, and why anesthesia doesn’t have to equal high risk for your favourite fur baby. Dr. Katharine North (née Moody) has been a resident and active participant in the Fort St. John community since her family immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom as a child. Dr. North spent many hours at the North Peace Veterinary Clinic as a student and joined the practice as a veterinary associate upon graduation.

DECOR

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PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY 250.785.5631/250.782.4888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

ROOFING

DENTURES re You We hem e k i L With T Born ble and Smiling forta Com

Carousel Design & Decor “Ask our Blind Man”

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

Call 250-785-5754

The Power Of Print Denturist Jodie Atkinson Denturist Zoran Torma

milezerodentureclinic.ca

Also located in Fort St. John

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

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

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

tammygulevich@gmail.com to book an appointment.

Ryan Wallace @ 250-785-5631

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

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

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

Ryan Wallace Advertising Manager

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

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 B15

COMMUNITY

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTOS

Grade 4 and 5 students from Upper Pine school visited the Alaska Highway News office on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Aneudy Grullon leads a beginner’s Latin dance class earlier this month. Grullon is from the Dominic Republic and has newly relocated here to Fort St. John. Grullon has been dancing for over 10 years professionally.

TOM SUMMER PHOTOS

Left: Hudson’s Hope residents got out onto the ice at the curling club as part of the Winter Carnival last weekend. Right: Faye Fladmark shows how to deliver a stone.

B16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

Photographing a large group of people takes patience and planning, as seen here in Darcy Shawchek’s recent photoshoot with the cast of the upcoming dinner theatre production COLOSSEUM. Cramming this many people together in a tight space and a tight frame, as Shawchek did at left in the Pomeroy Suite at the Pomeroy Hotel, requires the right setting, the right placement of your subjects, and the right placement of yourself, the photographer. DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

Placing yourself You want to be able to see everyone. If you can, you will benefit by having a step ladder so you can oversee the crowd, if you can’t provide that then hold your camera above your head and spray and pray. The trick is to be loud and draw attention. Doing something funny at this point is crucial. Tear your bra off and wrap it around your head. If you’re a dude, you might want to do a Steve Urkel and yank your drawers up past your belly to draw attention to the camera.

Darcy Shawchek is a photographer based in Fort St. John, who is on a mission to capture the breathtaking and majestic Peace River area through the lens, day or night. Email him your photography questions at dr.shawchek@ gmail.com

21 Canadian treasures CANADA: NATURAL SOURCE OF PRIDE SINCE 1867

Gabrielle Pleau (1920–2000) - Competitive skier contestants and was given the moniker “Snow Queen of the Canada’s snow queen Around the beginning of the 20th century, skiing as 1940s.” recreation and sport was brought to Canada, with the very In 1946, Gaby won the Great Divide Classic in Banff, first ski resort established in Ste. Marguerite, Quebec, in 1917. qualifying her to be a member of the ski team for the 1948 Not too far away, in the town of Loretteville, Gabrielle Pleau Olympics. However, fate intervened and her Olympic prospects was born in 1920. One of four girls, were dashed when a week later she she was raised almost exclusively incurred a severe injury during a race in by her widowed mother. Unlike her California. Her right leg was fractured in sisters, Gabrielle—more commonly eight places and her skiing career came called Gaby by those who knew to an abrupt end. However, she remained her—was captivated by sports and involved with the sport in a number of athletics and was the only girl in other ways. In her home province she her community to play hockey and established the Saint Castin Woman’s Ski baseball with the boys. In 1930, she Club and School, and at a national level, entered her first cross-country ski she served on the Canadian Amateur race and thereby established her Ski Association. Additionally, Gaby was lifelong passion for the sport. a member of a several international As a teen in the 1930s, Gaby organizing committees for World Cup began to compete in Nordic and © Canadian Ski Hall of Fame events. She toiled to promote women’s alpine skiing events throughout skiing and was an ambassador for the Quebec. She was the woman’s sport that garnered sponsors and inspired champion in many downhill and cross-country events, and competitors, including Olympic gold medalist Nancy Greene. her reputation as an athlete of note began to rise. In the 1940s, At the age of 80, Gabrielle Pleau passed away and was she ventured out of province to attend skiing races in Ontario, survived by two children. Her contributions to skiing are Vermont and New York, in addition to partaking in numerous memorialized and today both a park in her hometown and a popular ski trail at Le Relais ski resort in Quebec bear her name. events at home. Frequently she placed as one of the top three

Where are we from? THE 52 LARGEST GROUPS IN CANADA’S MULTICULTURAL MOSAIC

CANADA’S NORWEGIAN COMMUNITY Roughly 500 years before Columbus reached the shores of America, Icelandic Norsemen established the first European settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in northern Newfoundland. These first Norwegian immigrants were only in the New World for a few short decades before their colony dissipated. According to the 2011 National Household Survey, there are 452,705 Norwegian-Canadians currently living in Canada. The majority of them are descendants of immigrants who settled in Canada from 1886 to 1930. Many from this group became homesteaders, while others were involved in the lumber industry. While most of these immigrants came directly from Norway, as many as one-third arrived in Canada by way of the American Midwest. Substantial communities sprung up in Alberta and British Columbia and these provinces hold the highest concentrations of NorwegianCanadians today. Musician Joni Mitchell may be the most well known Canadian of Norwegian decent, but other recognizable individuals include Paralympic athlete and philanthropist Rick Hansen, skier Anne Heggtveit, politician Colin Hansen and inventor Peter Norman Nissen. The majority of Norwegian-Canadians are well educated and they’ve made meaningful contributions to Canadian culture in many spheres including in the arts, sciences, athletics, politics and business. Norwegian-Canadians primarily speak English, but there is a growing interest among them in exploring their roots. Norwegian language classes are available and ethnic clubs promote tours to Norway so descendants can explore their heritage. These clubs also host social events and other activities.

WEEKS TO GO

Quiz TEST YOUR CANADIAN KNOWLEDGE QUESTION 1: Who wrote the classic Acadian novel La Sagouine?

QUESTION 2: In what year did Queen Elizabeth II become Canada’s head of state?

QUESTION 3:

At the height of the Cold War, Prime Minister John Diefenbaker secretly commissioned an underground bunker to house Canada’s elite in the event of a nuclear disaster. What nickname is the massive bunker—now a museum—commonly known as?

QUESTION 4: This Nova Scotia native was not only the first ever Canadian boxing champion, but also the first black world boxing champion in any weight class.

ART, LITERATURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

SPORTS AND LEISURE

ANSWERS

other, let alone touching one another, into a cramped spot can frustrate people. If you can find a small rolling valley, you have the perfect spot, but that rarely happens. Find an open spot in a field where the foliage is a good distance behind the subjects. Don’t put them up against a bush. You want the people to stand out in the photo. Most importantly, make sure you are shaded or the sun is at least to the rear side of the subjects, but not directly be-

The Gathering Assuming there are 20 or more people, the first thing I do is organize the immediate families together in groups. I then start with the largest family and place the taller at the back and shorter at the front. You want to squeeze them together as best as possible and to do this you need a method. Here’s what I do… I place couples chest to chest, I place brothers and friends who aren’t dating shoulder behind shoulder: left shoulder in front

1: Antonine Maillet

THE F-STOP

2: 1952

Placement Placement can be tricky. Cramming a busload of people that don’t want to be near each

Darcy Shawchek

hind them. Be prepared. The last thing you want is to anger one of them because it spreads like a disease and soon everyone will be telling you how it should be done.

3: Diefenbunker

ou will need: Step ladder, flash, and a good crowd that has experienced a Pantera or Ozzy concert or a tightly packed over the limit elevator. I’ve been in many situations where I’ve had to get massive group shots. Mastering the art of gaining the focus of a whole bunch of people has taken a few years of practice. I’ve learned that you have to be assertive, responsive, and obnoxiously loud, but funny at the same time. Here are some tips that will help you get that perfect shot.

Taking the shot Err wrong… throw that picture taking device into burst mode and rapp off a bunch cause guaranteed Uncle Fred’s been drinking and Auntie is picking at something on her face, and Cousin Joe is yapping at the kids cause the kids aren’t sitting still. And Aunt Sam has a bad blinking problem. Get lots of shots before they run for beers. They will need them. Your end result is perfect if it resembles a happy Pantera concert. Happy shooting!

4: George Dixon

Group photos an art to master

of right shoulder or visa-versa depending on which side of the frame they are on. Kids in the front, preferably in front of their own family, but if it’s uneven I would place all the kids together in a group to the left or right portion of the crowd but in front of everyone else.

infO Canada THE STORIES BEHIND OUR SYMBOLS

ALBERTA’S FLAG Alberta’s provincial flag was adopted in 1968. Its design comprises the province’s shield of arms set on a blue background. The shield of arms depicts golden wheat fields below green hills and snow-covered mountains, representing Alberta’s topographical features. The St. George’s Cross at the top symbolizes the province’s historical link to Britain.