AHN June 29 2017

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 26

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A2 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Classifieds ................................. A12 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5

REFURBISHING HISTORY

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills 10,075 Walmart 8,552 Shoppers Drug Mart 9,438 M&M Food Market 8,529 Jysk 9,597 Save On Foods 10,204 Safeway 10,067 Sears 10,204 Home Hardware 9,310 Rona 10,574 The Brick 8,815 Canadian Tire 10,071 Pipeline News North 5,800

Correction In the June 15, 2017 edition of AHN, the story One woman’s fundraiser brings in $7K for SPCA, a student’s last name was spelled incorrectly. Her name is Ava Christianson. We apologize for the error.

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO PREVAILING PRICES Dawson Creek

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Fort St. John

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cast - Alberta-B.C. Environment Canada border

Fort Nelson

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MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Exterior renovations continues to pregress on the old Bartlett Allen pioneer homestead. Above, Ken Boon and Chris Paul were hard at work on June 26 finishing up the replacement of old, rotten log beams. Chinking, roof repairs, and interior renovations still to come.

Thank You Mr. Bear, Wherever You Are TOE FOE: We start by chewing on a toe.

A famous toe in Dawson City, Yukon. A toetally dastardly criminal stole the famous pickled human toe from Dawson City’s Downtown Bar. It’s the preserved toe they put in your whisky when you order their famous Sour-Toe cocktail. People from all over the world have enjoyed the legend of the toe, and now it’s missing. Did they check the market? That’s where this little piggy goes. (A few years ago a Canadian guy gulped down the drink and swallowed the toe. Maybe he was from Toron-toe) The bar owner is mad about the theft.

He said “human toes are hard to come by.” I guess they’ll have to wait for winter.

Until somebody has an unfortunate accident with a snowblower.

119.9

Bob Snyder CHEWS THE NEWS

ANTARCTICA REMARKTICA: Scientists reported rain in Antarctica, this is extremely rare. They’re saying it could also rain at the North Pole. Santa Claus is hoping it doesn’t happen. Nothing smells worse than a wet elf.

WHAT WEATHER: Last week in Death Valley, California, there was a report the temperature reached an2017-06-26, amazing 54 5*17 Celsius.

PM Or maybe it was only 53. You know how people like to exaggerate.

TAN TIME: Dermatologists issued a warning for silly people who are rubbing MILK MEMO: More proof our U.S. cousins Coca-Cola on their skin to get a fake tan. are (how can I put this politely?) strange. In a Groundbirch 106.9 It’s not a good idea. And no—Diet Coke survey, seven percent of Americans believe nd natural resources  Weather information you Weather  Local forecasts  British will not make look thin. chocolate milkColumbia comes from brown cows. No Chetwynd N/A kidding. And condensed milk comes from LABEL LAFF: Experts say planned new very small cows? Whipped cream comes food labeling rules in Canada will be very from abused cows? Sour cream comes from Tumbler Ridge ecast - Environment Canada N/A 2017-06-26, 5*18 PM confusing. They could result in scary bitter, disappointed cows?

Observed at:foods Fort St. John warning labels on that are Airport actually5:00 PM MST Monday 26 June 2017 nditions Prince George 98.9 good for you, dairy products for example.

OIL TOIL: A new study shows extra virgin Let’s do a survey: Raise your right hand if olive oil Wind: helps preserve Condition: Partly Cloudy Temperature: 23.9°C SW 31memory gust 50and also has you want me to tell you when something many other health benefits.

Here’s my quesHythe 99.9 Pressure: 100.4 kPa Dew point: -0.7°C km/h you eat is good for you. OK, now raise tion: If extra virgin olive oil is so darn good, Falling  Weatheryour 24 km and Tendency: natural resources information Weather  Local  British Columbia left handifHumidity: you want 19% me to tell forecasts you how Visibility: come nobody has come up with extra Grande Prairie 97.9 when a food is bad for you. OK, now raise extra extra extra extra extra extra extra extra BOTH hands if you surrender, because extra extra extra virgin olive oil?

Calgary you now assume EVERYTHING you eat is 87.9 bad for you.

WASP, WHOA! Let’s chews on a news

n, BC

n, BC

Edmonton

Vancouver onditions

124.9

Bob Snyder can be reached at: chewsthenews@fastmail.com

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

Observed at: Fort Nelson Airport 4:00 PM MST Monday 26 June 2017 Issued: 4:00 PM MST Monday 26 June 2017

FORT ST. JOHN 15.3°C 5 km/h Thu Temperature: Fri Sat Wind: WNWSun Dew point: 11.1°C Visibility: 32 km 29 Jun 30 Jun 1 Jul 2 Jul Humidity: 76%

92.2

CAD$ per litre, prices as of June 27.

Rain

BEAR BULLETIN: A story from Fort St. John about the RCMP and a helpful bear made headlines. Officers were pursuing a speeding truck when the driver pulled off the highway, abandoned his vehicle, and ran into the woods. The cops lost track of the suspect. A short time later they received a call for help from a guy who was chased up a tree by a bear. It was the suspect. He was OK, the helpful bear did not stick around to be thanked by police. This is a nice story because bears are not known for being co-operative with law enforcement officials. Just ask Mr Ranger about Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo.

86.4

Victoria

Source: GasBuddy.com 19°C

PHONE PHACT: A study released last week shows there are five (b) billion cellphones in use around the world. Experts say if you dialed all five billion cell phones at the same time—if they were all on vibrate—the Earth would wobble out of orbit. (No, wait, that won’t work. There’s no way you could dial five billion numbers without getting a cramp in your thumbs)

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IN EFFECT

Cloudy 121.9 Tue Condition: Mostly Wed Pressure: 100.5 kPa 27 Jun 28 Jun B.C.Tendency: avg 118.2 Rising Alberta Avg.

item from Costa Rica, I don’t think we’ve ever done that before. The president of that country was being interviewed on TV when a wasp flew into his mouth. He swallowed it. No problem, just swallowed the wasp whole, and continued with the interview.

The amazing thing is, a wasp was able to get into a politician’s mouth when his foot was already in there.

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Risk of a thunderstorm in the the managing editorcloudy at rnoon. Wind becoming west 40 km/h gusting to 60 near noon. High 19. UV index 3 or moderate.

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Peace MLAs ‘shocked’ after Liberal bills defeated ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

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

QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE!

Peace Region MLAs were shocked after the NDP and Green Party killed two Liberal government bills Monday.

The Liberals introduced a bill to ban union and corporate donations to political parties, as well as a bill to give the Greens party status in the legislature.

Peace River North MLA Dan Davies was unimpressed that Green Party leader Andrew Weaver reneged on his word

to support the finance bill. He called the two bills “an olive branch” to the other parties.

“Since the election, we’ve listened, we’ve heard—that was part of our platform, the campaign finance reform,” said Davies, adding that his party was shocked when the bill to give the Greens party status was voted down.

“It goes to show that even though the Green Party is saying they want to work with everybody in the house, they want a stable government and don’t want an election, that’s

what they’re working towards.”

The bills were killed immediately upon introduction, with the NDP and Greens outvoting the Liberals 44-42.

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier took to Facebook to voice his displeasure at the outcome.

“This is something they both asked for, and we agreed to do today,” wrote Bernier. “Yes they say we should have done the last a while ago, but in either case, here it is, on a silver platter, right in front of you. You asked for it, you got it…(and)

BACK HOME IN THE PEACE

they voted against it.”

Bernier continued that the Greens and NDP would rather take down government, create instability and force another election.

Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver, who has signed an accord with the NDP to topple Clark, accused the premier of continuing to play “partisan games” when her first priority should be testing the confidence of the house rather than trying to pass legislation.

See BILLS on A4

McDonell acquitted of manslaughter

HoursMon-Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am - Noon

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Ackerman.

Coun. Trevor Bolin believes that the position of councillor, as well as the individual, is worth the increase.

“We are never not councillors, she is never not the mayor,” said Bolin. “When you’re in Safeway, you’re a councillor.”

Cody McDonell has been acquitted of manslaughter in the May 2015 death of Travis Waite.

Judge Rita Bowry rendered her decision in provincial court June 23, three months after the judge-only trial ended in March.

McDonell had been accused of punching Waite in the face outside a house party in Fort St. John on May 18, 2015. Waite hit the back of his head when he fell to the ground, and died from a serious brain injury 12 days later on May 30.

“On the whole of the evidence, the Crown has not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the punch administered by Cody McDonell caused Travis Waite’s death,” Bowry said.

The two men had been celebrating the end of the May long weekend with family and friends when they erupted into a heated argument that continued throughout the evening. McDonell admitted to punching Waite in the face, and testified he was acting in self defence, saying Waite had punched him in the back of the head first after being told repeatedly to leave the party.

Bowry accepted McDonell’s defence, but noted the force he used “was excessive and not reasonable in the circumstances.”

She concluded Crown prosecutors proved beyond a reasonable that McDonell had assaulted Waite and committed an unlawful act that was dangerous. However, she was left with doubt as to whether the punch directly caused Waite to fall down the front stairs of the home and hit the back of his head.

Both men had been consuming drugs and alcohol throughout the day, and doctors could not say definitively whether the punch caused Waite to fall, Bowry noted.

See PAY HIKE on A4

See MCDONELL on A7

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ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Tse’K’wa Heritage Society President Garry Oker, Treaty 8 director of administration Diane Abel, and Dr. Barbara Winter, director of the Museum of Archeology and Ethnology at Simon Fraser University, sign a document transferring ownership of the Donaldson Collection of ancient aboriginal artifacts back to the region. Read the full story on A9

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Council approves 30% pay hike, effective this year ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John city council voted to increase their salaries for the first time in a decade on Monday.

Effective November 1, the city’s mayor will receive $81,000 a year, up 32.5 per cent from $61,132. City councillors will be paid $30,375, a 30 per cent increase from $23,300.

Councillors were acting on the recommendations in a new report from the Council Remuneration Community Advisory Committee. The committee noted being a mayor is a full-time job and should be compensated as such, while councillors said a pay raise would lead to a better cross-section of the community on future councils.

While the committee recommended the raises come into effect in December, some were concerned about how it would look to the community to give themselves a raise with one year left in their current term.

“I would be more comfortable, personally, if we implemented this … in 2018

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Fort St. John city council voted to increase their salaries after putting it off for the last 10 years. “We do future councils no favours by putting this off,” Mayor Lori Ackerman says.

so that it’s very clear that we are doing this for the benefit of and recognizing the efforts of council, not us personally,” said Coun. Gord Klassen, adding changes would fall to the next city council after the 2018 election.

“I think that’s what’s happened in the past and then they pushed it off to the next council,” said Mayor Lori

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A4 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Greens visit endangered indigenous sites at Bear Flat ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

The B.C. Green Party caucus was in the North Peace last week to tour the areas that will be impacted by the Site C dam.

While at Bear Flat, party leader Andrew Weaver and MLAs Adam Olsen and Sonia Furstenau took part in a sweat ceremony with members of West Moberly First Nation and were shown where the Highway 29 realignment has been slated to be built.

“I wanted to see what the difference between the other options were because BC Hydro did have other options on the table for the road,” said Weaver.

The caucus met with local homesteaders, the Boons and the Meeks, and heard from First Nation Chiefs Roland Wilson and Lynette Tsakoza about the road realignment’s impacts on cultural sites.

“It’s pretty clear that, to West Moberly

Alaska Highway NEWS 785-5631

and Prophet Nations, this is not acceptable to drive a main highway through traditional ceremonial and spiritual lands and across gravesites,” Weaver said. “Can you imagine if we did this in Victoria where I’m from and they decided to drive a highway across Ross Bay Cemetery and then through Christchurch Cathedral? It just wouldn’t happen.”

The realignment would impact sweat lodge site, an unmarked burial site, and Boon’s home. There were originally four options for the realignment on the table, Weaver said, then it was reduced to two and now the current one.

“It’s just complete and utter disrespect, it’s what we’ve had so long and one of the reasons we felt we needed to put the BC Liberals in a time out,” he said. “They’ve had 16 years and they’ve lost touch of what it means to govern for the people.”

Dave Conway, community relations manager for BC Hydro, said in a

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BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, West Moberly Chief Roland Willson, Prophet River Chief Lynette Tsakoza and Green MLA Sonia Furstenau look at an indigenous burial site that is right along the proposed realignment of Highway 29.

statement that consultations took place to determine whether a shoreline route or an inland route would be the best choice for the road’s realignment.

“The existing design reports, along with public and property owner consultation in 2008/9 and 2012, and First Nation consultation, resulted in a shoreline route being identified as the preferred realignment, over an inland route, for several reasons including that it provided fewer technical challenges, resulting in lower costs, better safety,

less agricultural land lost, and fewer impacts to private property owners.”

He also stated that Hydro has agreed to move the highway eight metres further north to put a total of 45 metres between the highway and the sweat lodge, “to accommodate planting vegetation or noise abatement measures on the south side.”

Conway also noted that Hydro has refined the design of the realignment to lengthen the bridge by 50 metres to avoid ground disturbance of the site.

Federal Tories speak in favour of Site C, Kinder Morgan MARK NIELSEN Prince George Citizen

Members of the federal Conservative’s British Columbia caucus say they will be doing all they can to keep the province’s economy afloat as an alliance of ideological foes gets set to take power in Victoria.

“We’re concerned about B.C., we’re concerned about the new political reality provincially and we want to help and make sure that our economy keeps chugging right along,” Prince GeorgePeace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer said.

The chair of the nine-member B.C.-Yukon caucus made the comment while speaking to media prior to the start of meetings Friday and Saturday in Prince George.

The New Democrats and Greens have vowed to fight twinning of the Kinder Morgan pipeline but Richard Neufeld, a long-time B.C. Peace politician who is now a senator in Ottawa doubts they will get very far given it’s won the federal government’s approval.

“And I’ve encouraged the federal government, through our leader in the Senate, to make sure that Prime Min-

ister Trudeau keeps his word and says yes,” Neufeld said.

However, Neufeld, whose past includes a stint as the province’s Energy and Mines Minister under the Campbell government, was not as sanguine about Site C, which an NDP-Green government would take to a review by the B.C. Utilities Commission.

“That’s a difficult thing,” Neufeld said.

That said, Neufeld predicted NDP leader John Horgan and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver will come to their senses once they’ve added up the costs in terms of remediation, canceled contracts and lawsuits that would come with stopping the work.

The province will need the electricity, if not right away, Neufeld added.

“When I was minister nine years ago, we were net importers of electricity in British Columbia and that was coming from the U.S. of A.,” Neufeld said. “I don’t think we want to be in that position five years or 10 years from now, so it’s a good project, it should go ahead.”

He also later noted Horgan and Weaver once supported the project but reversed their positions for “purely political reasons.”

BILLS FROM A1

“In our view, it’s not appropriate for us to be debating government business until such time as the confidence has been tested,” Weaver said.

He said the Liberals had 16 years to reform campaign finance laws and failed to do so.

NDP Leader John Horgan introduced a confidence motion on the throne speech Monday, but the Liberals refused to give unanimous consent for an immediate vote.

Instead, government house leader Mike de Jong said he expects the vote will take place late

Thursday afternoon according to the rules that govern the legislature.

The NDP and Green Party agreed to vote against the Liberals in a confidence motion after none of the parties won a majority of seats in the May election. The Liberals have 43 seats to 41 for the NDP and three for the Greens.

If the Liberals fall, Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon would have the option of calling an election or asking Horgan to form a minority government based on his agreement with the Greens.

In an attempt to stave off defeat, the Liberals delivered a throne speech last week that borrowed heavily from the NDP and Green campaign platforms by promising, among other things, to hike welfare rates, develop a poverty-reduction strategy and tie disability assistance rates to inflation.

Horgan and Weaver have dismissed the speech as a last-gasp attempt by the Liberals to hang onto power.

Ackerman a full-time mayor already and that keeping track of her activities is unnecessary.

Klassen put forth an amendment to remove that language from the motion, which passed.

He also added an amendment to move the implementation date from Dec. 1, 2017 to Nov. 1, 2018.

With municipal elections now falling

in October, the month in which remuneration changes take effect was amended to November, rather than December as the committee originally suggested. That motion was defeated.

Another amendment was put forward to change the implementation date to Nov. 1, 2017, and passed.

“We do future councils no favours by putting this off,” said Ackerman.

—with files from the Times Colonist

PAY HIKE FROM A1

The initial motion called for tracking the mayor’s activity level to ensure they are working full time, and adjusting their pay in accordance to their hours worked.

Keeping track of the travel, attendance and general activity of the mayor, however, was deemed too much of a hassle for administrative staff.

Bolin argued that council has made

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

GOLFERS RAISE $54K FOR UNITED WAY It was another full house at the Lone Wolf Golf Club June 7, as 144 golfers swung for the greens and raised more than $54,000 for the United Way of Northern BC. The agency’s annual golf tournament drew participants from as far away as Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Chetwynd.

“This event provides an opportunity to socialize and raise funds to provide access to social and health-related services funding programs where the community most needs them,” said Niki Hedges, the agency’s community development and campaign officer. “We support not just one agency, issue or focus, we are the umbrella to community and it’s citizens.”

This year’s funds will help United Way support 38 programs in the community, Hedges said, including programs for children, those with disabilities, people in crisis, and seniors. To learn more, visit www. unitedwaynbc.ca.

ROBERTA SQUIRE PHOTO

Water referendum passes Residents in Area B of the Peace River Regional District have passed a referendum to establish potable water services.

A total of 1,010 ballots were cast June 24, with voters overwhelmingly supporting the new service—920 votes in favour to 88 against. Two were spoiled.

The results gives approval for the PRRD to borrow up to $4 million to upgrade and build potable water facilities in Area B. It also allows the PRRD to create a new tax to establish new accounts to build and upgrade water tank loader sites throughout the area.

The need to convert existing untreated water facilities in the region arose years ago when provincial regulations began requiring all regional districts to provide treated water or no water at all. The district would be liable if contaminated water from a PRRD well causes illness or death.

Horticulture study presented July 12 The North Peace Economic Development Commission wants to talk about the horticulture business with residents at an upcoming event in Hudson’s Hope. On July 12, the commission will present its North Peace Horticulture Business Case and Marketing Strategy at the district office.

The commission tasked consulting firm EcoTactix to develop the business case. The project has met with stakeholders in the region to talk about the commercial viability of the horticulture sector, identify its opportunities and challenges, and develop strategies to improve food security in the North Peace.

The presentation begins at noon at the Hudson’s Hope District Office at 9904 Dudley Drive. Those interested in attending must register as space is limited. Call 250-256-1813.

Taylor emissions down 11% The District of Taylor has cut its greenhouse gas emissions 11 per cent over the last decade, meeting its reduction targets three years earlier than expected.

District operations generated 672 tonnes of emissions in 2016, down from 755.28 tonnes in 2007—a drop of 10.99 per cent, and more than double its targeted reduction of five per cent from 2007 levels by 2020.

Much of that reduction came from installing a glass wall at the Taylor Arena in 2012 to separate the rink from the concession stand, district officials say.

“It was like having an air conditioner and a furnace going on in your house all the time, because you’re trying to heat the lobby and you’re trying to chill the ice area,” Coun.

Betty Ponto said.

“So that separated it and it did make a huge difference.”

But the district says the hard work is yet to come. The district has committed to reducing its emissions by 30 per cent from 2007 levels by 2030, a cut of roughly 226 tonnes.

“We’ve got to look at efficiency in fuel use, efficiencies in our buildings, whether or not we can look at different types of energy, solar, wind, those types of thing that will help to get our carbon footprint down,” Mayor Rob Fraser said.

In its 2016 filing to the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program, the district notes among its plans that it will investigate the feasibility of adding a green vehicle to its fleet; install more energy efficient equipment like furnaces and air conditioners in district buildings when they’re due to be replaced; research the potential for solar generation at the district office; plant more trees; and promote conservation to residents.

The district received $18,174 under the incentive program in 2016.

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Opinion

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Views On The News NDP NOT FOR ME The conversation around the coffee pot this week has gotten a bit lively to say the least. The politicians showing up in Fort St. John recently has gotten people talking about where the “band of thieves” is going to touch down next. In what dimension can a group of losers get together to become the winner in a democratic country? As much as some people would like to have the selfish, hypocritical NDP leading our province, the reality of it is they lost the last election, and so did the green party. The Liberals had the most votes, so that means they won, or at least that’s how a normal person would see it.

One could want the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup and with the NDP logic they could.

If we combine the playoff goals they got with the playoff goals that Nashville got they could share the trophy. However, that’s not how the world goes and losers are losers and winners are winners. The NDP need to suck it up and hope for better luck next time, unless driving the province into another election would make them look any better than they do right now. Of all the lame brain schemes that a group could come up with, and then say they should get in so they can completely grind our economy to a stop. We certainly need that extra expense and a continued recession. That was sarcasm in case you are a member of the NDP or Green party.

Electric cars in Fort St. John are as realistic as freezers are to people at the North Pole. Whether we were in support of the Dam or not, it will in some way eventually start creating revenue for the province even though it will come at a horrendous cost. The people of the North can’t realistically run an electric car year round, they could however with the loss of a portion a beautiful valley, provide electricity so the people living in the south can charge up their batteries and shut off their natural gas.

Leaf lickers beware; paper comes from trees, plastic comes from hydrocarbon, and power comes from trees, hydrocarbons and dams. Technology like time will continue to move forward

and you can be part of it so you have an influence or you can remain ignorant and have it roll right on by. No matter how simple you live your life you use paper, plastic and power, so get your heads out of the sand.

NDP is not for me and it is not for you either.

— Rod Harris, Fort St. John DON’T FLOOD THE VALLEY Previous to my recent visit to your territory I was somewhat complacent about the Site C plans. I felt it was in the ‘lesser evil’ category. After all the Peace River has been dammed twice and I had no appreciation of the landscape that was threatened by the plans to flood it. I do now.

We visited Watson Slough and saw and heard song-birds and other species at risk that rely on the wetlands (that are disappearing at an alarming rate across our country). We drove past the fertile farmlands and met people that love and are connected to the land. This prime agricultural land with the long growing days of the northern climate is a treasure.

And in spite of the devastation upstream it is a thriving complex productive ecosystem and it is just plain beautiful – I don’t have to tell you this. We went to the W.A.C. Bennett Visitor Centre and admired the scope of the dam but

HaveYOUR

were also disturbed by the dead zone that is the reservoir above in the Williston. The draw down zones are still lifeless and creating dust problems and, 50 years later, the fish in the Williston are contaminated with mercury from the flooding effects. This results from the rotting of the organic matter in the flooding, as you know, and this effect is still contaminating the fish and food chain to this day. The tap water at the Visitor Centre comes from the Williston reservoir and is ‘non-potable.’

What is that telling us?

The disregard that the First Nations were treated with, and the devastation that they suffered, in the previous flood, remain a shame on our province and something that the people are trying to recover from to this day.

We can do better than this. And, even if the First Nations win later in court, as they likely will being ‘in the right’, it remains wrong to proceed without their consent – and it is dubious that that will ever be forthcoming as they have the long view and are the First Peoples that love and rely on the land. We all rely on the land but, sadly, some of us are less connected to this fact.

—Vivian Birch-Jones, Lillooet RE: FORT ST. JOHN CAT BYLAW

I have a Alaskan Malamute and he is kept in a fully fenced yard, however cats get in our yard and he trees them, then I have to bring him in so the cats will come down and leave. I do this because I’m afraid he’d really hurt them if he caught one. I should not have to do this. People should keep their cats at home and out of my yard. This is not fair to my dog.

We follow all the dog bylaws, cat owners should have to do the same!

—Allison Davies Scriven As frustrating as cats can be they aren’t trainable like dogs to stay home. So people either need to keep their cats indoors or people are just going to have to accept this nuisance of life.

—Tina Tkachanko RE: CLARK DELIVERS THRONE SPEECH WITH IDEAS FROM NDP, GREENS Perhaps if she would have come up with them before the election more people would have voted liberal. Just a thought!

—Lana Holway, Why didn’t Liberals vote BC NDP? Same promises and furthest from BC Liberals 2017 election platform.

—Yvonne Tupper

I think a cat bylaw is necessary.

Do you have something to say or a story to share?

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A7

LOCAL NEWS

Burglar awakens Charlie Lake residents during early AM robbery A restful sleep was roused into a nightmare for one Charlie Lake family early Wednesday morning last week.

Fort St. John RCMP say they were called to the 13000 block of Charlie Lake Crescent after a resident woke up and noticed someone walking through the home around 3 a.m. June 21.

There were several residents sleeping at the time of the intrusion, according to police, and the suspect is believed to have entered the home through an unlocked door. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen.

“No one was injured in this incident, however, the residents of the home were shaken up,” Cst. Nancy Saggar said.

“Police would also like to remind the public to ensure their belongings are secure and lock their doors.”

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Hit-and-run suspect wanted Police are on the lookout for a vehicle involved in a hit and run last week.

On June 21, police learned that a mid-2000s black Lincoln Navigator veered off the road and crashed into the rear of the Ridge View town homes at 8503 85 Street in Fort St. John. The driver had allegedly lost control of the vehicle, jumped the curb and hit one of the units facing 86 Street before fleeing the scene.

No one in the home was injured, but the building did sustain extensive damage.

Police are asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of the vehicle, the driver or possible occupants to call the detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Dirtbike safety encouraged The evening of June 19 saw RCMP called to a collision involving a dirt bike at the intersection of the Alaska Highway and the 259 Road in Baldonnel.

The dirt bike was riding east in the ditch along the highway when the rider collided with debris and was thrown over the handlebars. The rider sustained significant head injuries and was initially transported to Fort St. John Hospital before being sent to a larger hospital for continued care.

The Fort St. John RCMP remind the public to practice safe riding by wearing appropriate safety gear and riding on designated trails.

“With the nice weather, police have seen an increase in the amount of complaints received from the public regarding dirt bikes and quads that are not riding on designated trails,” said Cst. Nancy Saggar.

MCDONELL FROM A1

McDonell testified Waite was still alive and standing when he walked away and slammed the front door in his face.

“There is no independent eyewitness or medical evidence that Cody McDonell struck the blow that was the sole cause of the fatal injury, or that Cody McDonell struck a blow that was of a significant contributing cause of that fatal injury,” Bowry said.

After delivering her verdict, Bowry told McDonell his acquittal was not a “ticket to do as he wishes.”

“Even though the Crown was not able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt your guilt in this matter, you are not blameless,” she told him.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Police investigate the wreckage of a fatal motorcycle crash at 86 Street and 112 Avenue on June 22. An unidentified man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Man killed in early morning motorcycle crash One man was killed in a motorcycle crash near the Fort St. John Hospital last week.

The accident on June 22 shook residents awake near the traffic circle at 86 Street and 112 Avenue around 2:42 a.m.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, while police said at the time they

were looking for the second female passenger. She has since come forward to identify herself. The names of both are not being released.

The investigation is in its early stages, however, officers have determined the motorcycle was travelling northbound on

86 Street and collided into a barrier in the middle of the traffic circle. It’s unknown at this time who was driving, and whether speed or alcohol was a factor.

Any witnesses, or those with information are asked to call the attachment at 250-7878100 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A8 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A9

LOCAL NEWS

Ancient indigenous artifact collection returns to the Peace University hands ownership of the Donaldson Collection back to Treaty 8 First Nations ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

A collection of artifacts that were discovered in the Peace Region over the last several decades was returned home last week.

On National Aboriginal Day, the Donaldson Collection from Simon Fraser University was officially repatriated back to Treaty 8 Tribal Association and the Tse’K’wa Heritage Society.

The collection came from Len Donaldson, who has found hundreds of artifacts that range from hundreds to thousands ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO of years old while farming his land near Rolla over the last 70 Tse’K’wa Heritage Society president Garry Oker speaks after signing the document to transfer ownership of the Donaldson Collection of artifacts back to the region. years.

Dr. Barbara Winter, director of the Museum of Archeology old. This is really important “I recognized they were them back again.” and Ethnology at SFU, said stuff.” important to the people in the Once the collection made there are even a few pieces that Winter noted the artifacts north, they were important to it to Vancouver, Winter had could date back to 9,000 years weren’t things that would First Nations in the north, and her students photograph and ago. normally go in a museum, I wanted to make sure that catalogue the items to create “One archeologist suggested since they weren’t collected they stayed in the north,” said a database. She also secured a piece could be up to 9,000 by an archeologist and Winter. funding to create culture kits years old,” she said. “The documented the usual way, “I would take them into the to teach children about the pyramids were made 5,000 but she understood their museum at Simon Fraser under artifacts and their importance years ago, and this is twice as significance. the condition that I could give to the region.

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The items are mostly stone tools, said Winter, but there was one artifact in particular that stood out: a small piece of obsidian that was clearly not from this area. Winter said it came from Mount Edziza in northwestern B.C., 700 kilometres away.

“What that means is people that were living here had extensive trade networks, they were working with people all across the north up into the territories and across into Alberta,” she said.

The transfer of ownership document was signed by Winter, Diane Abel, director of administration at Treaty 8 Tribal Association, and Garry Oker, president of the Tse’K’wa Heritage Society.

Oker was pleased with the signing of the document and to have the items back home.

“I’m really honoured to have all these artifacts come back,” he said.

“One of the things that we’re looking for is to connect our stories back to these old artifacts, because we have stories that go back 10,000 years to that time.”

The Donaldson Collection will be stored in Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge until a proper Tse’K’wa Centre can be built in Charlie Lake.

A10 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Pregnant women in NEBC may be at greater risk to harmful contaminants

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CARE

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Residents, staff and dignitaries gathered at Peace Lutheran Care Home on June 9 to celebrate 40 years of senior care in the community.

City plans new dog park for 2018 ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

The city plans to have a new dog park in 2018.

A motion to budget for the planning, design and construction of a permanent dog park in the 2018 capital budget was carried at Monday’s council meeting.

Wally Ferris, general manager of community services, said the park could be finished by the end of 2018.

“We could do the planning early in the year and move throughout the design process very quickly,” he said.

As with any park planning process, there would be community consultations to

see what amenities people want to see at the new park.

For the time being, city staff has been looking at sites for an interim dog park and listed four options.

The first was the Kin Park Ball Park, which is well used by baseball players throughout the summer.

The second option was Park Lane Park, which is about 2,880 square meters in size and would cost an estimated $19,500 to convert. Twenty-three letters were sent out asking for feedback, with three responses saying they were not in favour.

The third option was Duncan Cran Park, which is about 12,100 square metres in size and would cost about

$42,000 to convert. Thirty-one letters were sent to residents in the area with six reponses saying they didn’t want it turned into a dog park.

The last option is the cityowned property by the Fort St. John Hospital, which is 45,200 square metres in size and would cost $84,000 to convert.

Coun.

Byron Stewart indicated he would like to see better fencing other than chain link around a new park.

“We want it done right, people use it and I think we missed the mark on the first one,” he said.

“I don’t think it was the fence that missed the mark, I think it was a bunch of other things,” said Mayor Lori Ackerman.

Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday

Women in Northeast B.C. may be exposed to harmful contaminants during pregnancy at rates up to four times the national average. That’s according to a preliminary results of a study released by University of Montreal researchers in Fort St. John earlier this month.

Last fall, researchers collected and analyzed a week’s worth of urine samples from 30 pregnant women in Chetwynd and Dawson Creek, measuring them for the degradation byproducts of benzene, a known human carcinogen released from combustion sources such as smoking or industrial operations and found in contaminated air or water.

Researchers measured the urine for levels of S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and trans,trans-muconic acid (ttMA), both degradation byproducts and biomarkers for benzene exposure.

In particular, ttMA levels in the study’s participants were three to four times higher than average levels found in women in Canada. Rates were higher in women from Chetwynd compared to Dawson Creek, and in those who self-identified as indigenous. The SPMA urinary levels were not concerning to researchers.

“In Northeast B.C., there are no bio-monitoring initiatives in the human population but it’s quite an industrialized area,” said Elyse Caron-Beaudoin, a

post-doctoral fellow from the University of Montreal’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Health.

“Pregnant women are at risk because those contaminants can pass in utero, and expose and impair the development of the fetus.”

However, it’s too early to say where the contaminant exposure is coming from, Caron-Beaudoin said. There weren’t many smokers in the study’s small sample size, while high ttMA levels can be sign of high processed food consumption.

“The participants who had a higher concentrations of ttMA, they told me they didn’t consume more processed food than usual, it was mostly fresh food,” Caron-Beaudoin said.

“It is a factor that can influence results. In the next study, we want to correct for that confusion.”

Caron-Beaudoin presented the preliminary findings to a small group of Treaty 8 and Northern Health officials on June 15. The findings will now be sent for peer review by other academics and experts.

The first phase of the study was funded by the University of Montreal’s Public Health Research Institute and the West Moberly First Nation. The researchers are now looking to secure a five-year grant to expand the study, and hope to include participants from Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A11

LOCAL NEWS

Celebrating the natural beauty of our country Why not take advantage of Canada Day to celebrate the beauty of our country? As a couple, with family or with friends, visit one of Canada’s national parks on July 1 and experience the wwild

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From coast to coast, our national parks are spectacular. Plains, mountains, boreal forests, tundra, lakes and glaciers: these parks represent the diversity of Canada’s natural heritage.

Each one contains treasures of fauna and flora that tell the history of our beautiful country in their own special way. Managed and protected

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and magnificent landscapes that characterize our country. These parks are a real source of pride for all Canadians and are among the most beautiful in the world.

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9820 108 St, Fort St John, BC V1J 0A7 Phone:(250) 787-0371

A12 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

Classifieds Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

SYLVIA ELIZABETH CRANSTON (nee LOHMAN) November 14, 1925 - June 14, 2017

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Margaret Irene Keobke Margaret Irene Keobke of Fort St. John, BC passed away on Tuesday June 13, 2017 at 3:00am at the Fort St. John Hospital after a determined battle against cancer. Margaret was 74 years of age.

Margaret was born in High Prairie, Alberta on April 4, 1943 to parents Mike and Annie Ochran. Margaret was the youngest of her 6 siblings, eldest sister Mary, 75 (predeceased), sister Annie, 56 (predeceased) and twins Mike and George, who passed away in 1936 at birth. She is survived by her sister Rose, 77 and her brother Mike 75.

Margaret was an excellent cook and an avid gardener. She loved preparing meals for her family and friends as she took great pride in seeing other people enjoy her cooking. Margaret was very dedicated to her gardening. The vegetable gardens and flower beds she grew flourished from all of her hard work. The countless hours weeding, tilling, watering and caring for her plants certainly showed. Margaret believed that if she gave away her vegetables that God would provide growth to her garden. She loved giving and helping and always put others before herself. Her work ethic went above and beyond as she was very meticulous about how things were done.

Margaret was predeceased by her daughter Sandy Rosanne Keobke and her partner Albert Corriveau. Margaret is survived by her two sons, David Keobke, 52 and Darryl Keobke 47, as well as her two beautiful granddaughters Shaina Keobke age 24 and Kai Leeluu Keobke age 9.

A memorial celebrating Margaret’s life will be held on Wednesday July 5, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Fort St. John Lido Theatre, 10156 100 Ave., Fort St. John.

~Mom~

“A special thank you for all that you did for us and continue to do – You will forever be loved and dearly missed.”

47201

Announcements

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August 4,5,6thGroundbirch Country Music JamboreeFREE CAMPING-Donations go to The Historical Society- 30 miles West of DC on Hwy 97 South towards Chetwynd. For Information call: 250-843-7789

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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

MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

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

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

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Mary Kidd at 250-782-6628 for info.

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!

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

Announcements

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Coming EvEnts KNIT NIGHT: Thursdays at Faking Sanity Cafe in Dawson Creek6:30 to 8:30 PM. The Gathering Artisan Market Saturdays from May 6 - Oct 14 8:30am - 1:30pm 1444 102nd Ave, Dawson Creek, BC All Homemade Market

Funeral ServiceS Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby You Should Call

Celebration of life for the late

Margaret Keobke

of Fort St. John will be held

Wednesday July 5 at 11:00am

from the Fort St. John Lido Theater.

Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

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We are currently accepting applications for Journeyman mechanic commercial or heavy Duty The successful applicant should be familiar with commercial trucks and equipment. CVIP certificate required, any other certificates or training would be beneficial. You would be assisting in maintaining our fleet of trucks, trailers and other equipment. This is a permanent fulltime position that is available September 2017. We offer a competitive wage and benefits package. Please submit full resume and drivers abstract either by fax or email to: Mechanic@smithfuelservices.ca Fax (250) 263-0094 No phone calls please.

It is with very heavy hearts we announce the passing of a great Fort St. John pioneer, Sylvia Cranston - wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She passed away in the Evergreen Seniors Centre in Campbell River after she was unable to fight off a very difficult bout of pneumonia. Sylvia had been in care for over 4 and a half years after a major stroke. Gretchen and Candace were steadfast and so loving in caring for her when she resided in their hometown Care facilities, Nanaimo and Campbell River. She leaves behind her children Greg (Barb), Heather (Shelley), Candace, and Gretchen (Bernie) as well as seven grandchildren - Kimberley (Kyle), Kyla, Megan (Rob), Joel (Kim), Braydon (Kerry), Haley, Elise and several great grandchildren.

Her positive influence on Fort St. John, her family and her friends was impossible to measure. She took life on as a maestro and conducted her years of farming, music, singing, curling, CWL, Legion and living as if it was the greatest entertainment anyone could find, and it was. She was the “yodeling cowgirl” and had one of the finest voices we have ever heard.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, John and Christine Lohman, her sisters Lucy and Mary-Ann, her brother Lawrence, her husband Stuart and her daughter Brenda.

There will be a Memorial Celebration at the Fort St. John Legion on August 19, 2-5 pm and all are welcome. Her urn will be buried with Stuart in the Fort St. John Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A13

Classifieds

Volunteers “Better at Home is looking for Volunteers who can help local seniors by driving them to shop or to appointments. Please Call 250782-2341 or stop in to the Better at Home office in the Co-op Mall.

Looking to Purchase Cessna 175 or similar airplane. 403−339−7747 welreno@gmail.com Casual RN’s Needed Resource Ability is seeking casual RN’s for in home 1 on 1 pedi− atric respite care in the Dawson Creek area. Of− fering BCNU wages, paid training and full support. E−mail resume to: jhols@western.ca or fax: 1−250−846−9817 Attention: Jennifer Hols. jhols@western.ca www.western.ca New BC Peace Region Aerus Electrolux repair and service rep. Please call, text or email Harry for an appointment at: 250−794−1553 wuthrich@telus.net

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Houses for sale

Crop Production Advisor (Fort St. John) Bonuses, Travel Opportunities, and Career Growth Interested in working for one of the largest, leading Crop Input Re− tails in the world? Want to spend your time out− doors, in the fields, and on the machines with farmers? Want to feed the world?

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A subsidiary of Agrium Inc., CPS is dedicated to helping farmers achieve their maximum success by being a trusted partner and cre− ating the next genera− tion of agricultural so− lutions to help growers feed the world.

We’re looking for self− motivated sales individ− uals who are solution and goal oriented to join our team. Individu− als who meet our policy requirements of Crimi− nal Background Check, Drug & Alcohol Test, and Driving Record Ab− stract can look forward to: − A Company vehicle − Performance Bonuses and incentives − Opportunities to travel both near and far − Health Benefits − Pension − Many career growth and advancement opportunities Interested? Visit www.cpsagu.ca/careers and apply today!

General employment NOW HIRING Class 1 truck driver for hauling Canada Post mail between Grimshaw and Grande Prairie. Weekends and Stats off.

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Houses for sale

$386,000 928 93rd Ave Dawson Creek

• Five bedrooms (3 up & 2 down) • 2.5 bathrooms (1 jet tub) • Attached 16’ x 24’ heated garage & • 24’ x 32’ heated garage from back alley Open concept, granite counters, oak cabinets, patio off the dining room, fully fenced yard, recreation room w/fireplace, triple glazed bedroom windows, paved driveway. Also includes: Jenn Air Electric Barbecue Range, water efficient washer, Fridge, LG front load gas dryer, water softener, built in vacuum, air to air exchanger w/hepa filter, Brunswick slate pool table.

General employment

Medical/ dental Help

Ha Hea Enterprises Inc, dba Redwood Esso 10216-100St, Box 30, Taylor, BC V0C 2K0 Job Title: Convenience Store/Gas Station Clerk N0C 6421 (3 positions Available) Duties: Assisting customers. Conducting sales by cash register (cash, debit, credit transactions).

Monitoring inventory levels. Assist in display of merchandise.

Stocking and maintaining product shelves.

Requirements: Prior retail experience is an asset. Secondary School or equivalent.

Salary & Benefits: $12.50/hour, Subsidizing housing, 10 days paid holidays.

Permanent-Full-time position (40 hours per week) Location of work: Redwood Esso Station at 10216-100St, Taylor BC How to Apply:

By Fax: 250-789-3195

By Email: redwoodesso@hotmail.com

Casual RN’s Needed Resource Ability is seeking casual RN’s for in home 1 on 1 pedi− atric respite care in the Dawson Creek area. Of− fering BCNU wages, paid training and full support. E−mail resume to: jhols@western.ca or fax: 1−250−846−9817 Attention: Jennifer Hols. jhols@western.ca www.western.ca

For Sale MiSc 2009 Jeep Patriot, 56,000 kms $8000 obo.

250-787-8706 20 foot older style holiday trailer, good tires, sturdy, perfect for hunting or job site. Call 250-787-2910

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Attention Lefty Jordy Mcphee. As per Manufactured Home Tenancy Act, we will be filing a Notice of Abandonment on June 15th, 2017 for debts owing for a mobile home described as 12x48 1970 Ambassador Serial #1792 located at lot 23 Shady Acres Manufactured Home Park Old Hudson Hope Road Fort St John, BC. Please call Rob Herman at Sterling Management Services Ltd at 250-785-2829 or email Robert.herman@sterlingmgmt.ca for more information.

Attention Michael Joseph Yvon Gagne and Paul Douglas Brooks.

As per Manufactured Home Tenancy Act, we will be filing a Notice of Abandonment on June 15th, 2017 for debts owing for a mobile home described as 14x56 1973 Pyramid Westbrook Serial #2287S located a lot 124 City Centre Trailer Court Lot 124 10420-96Ave Fort St John, BC. Please call Rob Herman at Sterling Management Services Ltd at 250-785-2829 or email Robert.herman@sterlingmgmt.ca for more information.

ApArtments/ Condos for

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Li-Car Attention Evelyn Nome Management Group As per Manufactured We have a variety of Home Tenancy Act, we apartments, town homes, will be filing a Notice of executive homes, and duplexes for Abandonment on June rent. To apply for these,please 15th, 2017 for debts email reception@licar.ca or visit owing for a mobile our website at home described as www.licar.ca TRAFFIC CONTROL 12x60 1966 Columbia TRAINING Serial #126034489 BCCSA/WCB Certified located at lot 29 Peace Phone: FSJ: July 11&12 $300 Country Manufactured 250-785-2662 PG: June 22&23, July Home Park 8420 Alaska 8&9 $280 Road Fort St John, BC. General WE WANT 1-866-737-2389 or Please call Rob Herman employment roadsafetytcs.com at Sterling YOUR NEWS! SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT Management Services Send us your LtdLAND at 250-785-2829 or ACT club photos and LegaL/PubLic email Robert.hercutlines, earn $$: Notices man@sterlingmgmt.ca

editor@ahnfsj.ca for more information.

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

Take notice that Tea Creek Farms Ltd. from Charlie Lake, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Direct Sale situated on Provincial Crown land located at NW ¼ Section35, Township 83, Range 20, W6M. The Lands File for this application is 8015905.

Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Jason Pederson, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100, 10003110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 261-2063. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to July 24, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

250-219-6217 • 250-782-7108

General employment

General employment

General employment

Looking for a new opportunity?

Submit your resume today!

HR Assistant: We’re hiring! Are you wishing to work in a friendly and fun office environment? Do you have a bubbly personality that loves working and meeting new people? We are looking for a Receptionist/HR assistant to join our team permanently! If you have some office experience and are interested in Human Resources, then submit your resume today!

Machinist: Our clients are looking for both Apprentice/Journeyman Machinist and CNC Machinist, willing to relocate to Fort St John. These clients are willing to consider 3rd or 4th year apprentice, to service Oil and Gas, Mining, Pulp and OSB Mill, Power Generation Plant, & Agricultural Industries. They are offering competitive wages and willing to reimburse relocation expenses for out of town candidates.

Bookkeeper: This is a full-time position for a company located in Charlie Lake. Good accounting knowledge is required to handle day-to-day bookkeeping for a busy service business. Some duties would include A/P, A/R, Journal Entries, Payroll, filing Government Remits and updating safety programs. Experience with Simply Accounting and Safety Programs such as ISN would be an asset. Drivers license and personal vehicle are required.

If you think you’re a fit for any of our listed positions, 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

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services Inc. Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia

LaPrairie Works is a diversified and growing transportation specialist. We come with over 25 years of operating experience in Western Canada, and our core business areas include on and off highway hauling, oilfield services, mine contracting and site services.

We are currently recruiting permanent full time Class One Drivers to expand our local team of transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal candidates will fulfill the following criteria:

• Demonstrated initiative with solid HSE fundamentals and sound work ethic.

• Off-­‐Road & Mountain experience • Ability to apply and remove tire chains • Ability to work Day and Night Shifts • Valid Class 1 license & Driver abstract in good standing • Load Securement and First Aid Training • Ability to complete / maintain accurate Driver Hours of Service Records • Able to understand and communicate in English

LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services offers a competitive compensation program for qualified candidates.

Please forward current resume and abstract to:

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

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

To learn more about diabetes, volunteer, advocate or donate, please contact : Northern Region (250) 561-9284 boyanne.young@diabetes.ca

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS & SERVICES The District of Hudson’s Hope is a picturesque and vibrant community situated on the banks of the Peace River in the foothills of the Rockies. With a population of 1,100, the community provides a relaxed lifestyle and offers many recreational opportunities.

The Director of Public Services is a management position responsible for the planning, organization, direction and integration of the District’s public works, utilities and facilities. The Director of Public Services will provide expert professional assistance to the Chief Administrative Officer in areas of expertise including engineering, municipal water, sewer collection, wastewater collection, street, building and landscape maintenance.

Other responsibilities will include policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration, and operational direction of the District’s public works, water distribution, sewer and wastewater collection system and maintenance functions. The Director of Public Services is responsible for accomplishing department objectives and goals within guidelines established by the District Council and Chief Administrative Officer.

This position requires a technically strong individual with excellent management skills, who is capable of communicating effectively with residents, contractors, professionals and senior levels of government. A detailed job description for this position can be obtained by contacting the municipal office.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package and relocation assistance will be provided as required. The District thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications with a detailed résumé of work experience, education and qualifications will be received at the municipal office until 4:30pm, Friday, July 14, 2017. If any clarification is required, please contact the undersigned.

Tom Matus, Chief Administrative Officer District of Hudson’s Hope 9904 Dudley Drive, PO Box 330 Hudson’s Hope, BC, V0C 1V0 Tel: (250) 783-9901 / Fax: (250) 783-5741 cao@hudsonshope.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Conuma Coal Resources is currently seeking an Administrative Clerk. The selected candidate will be a self-starter with a strong work ethic and comfortable with public speaking.

Job Title:

CLASS ONE TRUCK DRIVERS

General employment

One block from Ecole Frank Ross School, close to bus stop

General employment

Administration Clerk

Qualifications:

• Education Required: Applied Business Technology or equivalent • Accurate and strong data entry, clerical and filing skills • Attention to detail and executive level experience • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, confidence, a clear speaking voice • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook and Excel • Experience in Maintenance would be an asset

Location: Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

Schedule: Full-time and casual positions available

R0011387484

George J. Bergman Feb 28, 1935 − Jun 24, 2016 The rolling stream of life rolls on, But still the vacant chair, Recalls the love, the voice, the smile Of the one who once sat there.

Deep in our hearts you are fondly remembered, Sweet, happy memories cling round your name; True hearts that loved you with deepest affection, Always will love you in death just the same.

Career OppOrtunities

R0011352381

In MeMorIaM

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

A14 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

Classifieds LegaL/PubLic Notices Attention Robert Douglas Cobbett. As per Manufactured Home Tenancy Act, we will be filing a Notice of Abandonment on June 15th, 2017 for debts owing for a mobile home described as 14X48 1978 Glen River Colwood Serial #2346 located at lot 156 City Centre Trailer Court Lot 156 10420-96Ave Fort St John, BC. Please call Rob Herman at Sterling Management Services Ltd at 250-785-2829 or email Robert.herman@sterlingmgmt.ca for more information

ProPerty For Sale 155 Acres of land just off the pavement and only 10 minutes from DC. 250-784-4256 Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

Pine Ridge Modular Homes Ltd. 14’, 16’ & 20 singles. 24’-30’ Double Wides. Fort St John Mile 49.5 250-262-2847

ApArtments/ Condos for BIRCHVIEW MANOR Clean, quiet, newly renovated 1 bedroom suites. Move-in Special: 1st month 1/2 price. Adults only. Senior Discount.

On bus route.

250-843-7337 or 250-784-5817 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.

ApArtments/ Condos for Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments has 1 Bedroom/Bachelor Apartments Available.

Cable/Heat, Water/Hot Water Included. Please Phone : 250-782-7130.

ASK FOR INCENTIVES

Duplexes for rent 2 Bedroom Duplex with Full Basement. $800./month plus Utilities. Can View at 1000-94 Ave-Dawson Creek. 250-7825383-References

Houses For rent 3 bedroom home with fenced yard for rent in Dawson Creek in quiet neighborhood.

Fridge/stove/dishwasher, jet tub $1800/month + utilities. Pets welcome email: forrentdc@hotmail.com

Mobile/Pads 14X70 mobile home located on the scenic banks of the Beaton 9 miles north of town.

Very secluded, tranquil setting. References and damage deposit required. Call 250-787-2910 Mobile home for rent July 1. Ideal for a single person or working couple. All appliances, 2 bedroom 1 bath.

Must respect property and love nature. Owner lives on property.

Located 8 miles north on the 101 road.

References and damage deposit required. 787-1552

SuiteS For rent For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. No Pets. Phone: 250-7827042

Townhouses For renT Huntington Place Housing Co-op 8303-92Ave. Affordable, alternative approach to home ownership. Purchase shares to become member-owner of complex. Townhouse units 2 or 3 bed, 1 bath full bsmt, deck, fenced yard. Housing charges 2 bed $1014, 3 bed $1103. New member orientation 1st Wed each month. Phone 250-785-7557

AppliAnce RepAiRs

AircrAft Looking to Purchase Cessna 175 or similar airplane. 403−339−7747 welreno@gmail.com

Motorcycles New motorcycle Royal Enfield Classic 500cc single. 216kms. Tan with maroon stripes. $800/extras on it.

Asking $6000.

250-786-5156 leave message

Right: Grades 5 and 6 students from CM Finch take a tour of the North Peace Landfill on June 19. It’s part of the Northern Environmental Action Team’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Tour on how solid waste and recycling is processed in the region. Read more about the tour online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 A15

LOCAL NEWS

Learning about life in the north TOM SUMMER Alaska Highway News

British Columbia’s northsouth divide was one of many concerns on the minds of Hudson’s Hope residents at a recent workshop on the impacts of resource development in Northeast B.C. Just six residents turned out to the Pearkes Centre June 20 to meet with the University of Northern B.C.’s Cumulative Impacts Research Consortium, which made stops across the Peace Region last week to meet with residents and learn about their experiences with industry.

It didn’t take long for the conversation to touch on the Peace Region’s sense of isolation from the rest of the province.

“One of the major points of interest and, of course, it becomes a contentious issue, the backbone of the Rockies splits our part from the other part,” said long-time resident Doug Summer. “We are the forgotten part … Our stories are not given enough weight when they get to the people that make major decisions.”

Infrastructure is lagging in the north, Summer said, noting old farm roads and byways that began as wagon trails during the fur trade have remained at nearly the same state since.

Other concerns that were brought up included diminished public services, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and the region’s work-life balance.

In the realm of public health, self-reports from 2013 indicate that 60.8 per cent of the Northeast population suffers from higher rates of obesity, compared to 46.6 per cent in the rest of the province. In general, higher rates of smoking and drinking, and poor diets are seen here.

Despite the low turnout, CIRC’s project lead Chris Buse was eager to start a dialogue.

“We’re pulling researchers and folks from all across the university, but also trying to pull in folks from all across Northern

TOM SUMMER PHOTO

Chris Buse.

British Columbia,” he said.

“We’re really keen to make connections between First Nations, and community organizations, industry associations—you name it.”

The meeting was just one of several in the Northeast, including Chetwynd, Fort St John, Dawson Creek, and Tumbler Ridge. These sessions are intended to address both the negative and positive impacts of cumulative resource development operations in a roundtable workshop format.

The aim is that communities can give feedback that will influence further research and initiatives.

In particular, one of the most important aspects is using these sessions to develop next generation monitoring and assessment tools—including regional profiles with data on water quality, air quality, the status of wildlife, agricultural land use, workforce distribution, employment, social services, crime, and public health.

“We like to have conversations about what life is like in the North,” Buse said.

“The current present that we’re living in right now is a product of a lot different decisions on the land. Forestry, oil and gas, a long history of hydroelectric development, industrial agriculture and ranching, and a burgeoning renewables industry; all of them are operating on the same land base.”

A16 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

BUSINESS

What choices look like in a buyer’s market vs. a seller’s market

Y

our lease has expired with no renewal option.

You have a dog, a budget, and a partner. The vacancy rate is below two per cent. It will likely take two months to find a new rental unit, longer with the pets. You have limited funds saved to purchase.

There are currently four listings on the market that fit into your pre-approved price range. You have viewed two and asked to

take time to think about them only to have the property sell on a multi-offer sale. Your partner is starting to become anxious that you will become homeless, it is September. The realtor is putting pressure on you to show up at the next viewing prepared to write an offer on the spot.

They are a dual agent working for both the buyer and the seller.

They are telling you that there are four other appointments

booked that day. They are telling you if you don’t place an offer you likely won’t get an option to buy. You view the home under pressure. It is a mobile home in a rental park. Your pad rent unbeknownst to you is going to increase by $200 per month when the sale completes.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES? Ouch, can you feel the pressure? Were emotions a contrib-

uting factor in this purchase?

This is the price of experience.

Unfortunately, time, space and choices were working against you in the 2014 seller’s market.

It is always best to be prepared and have choices when you are going to buy. The market in 2014 was a seller’s market at a time with limited inventory and very low vacancy rates compounded by high rental rates. To be in a forced to buy position with limited options is less than favourable for the buyer in a sellers market. The ideal solution would be to have time and space to make the best choice for your family unit and furbabies.

I BOUGHT HIGH—NOW WHAT? Today’s market is showing a correction over what was experienced prior to 2016. It is likely there will be a discount from the original purchase price if you must sell. There will be realty fees associated with the sale that will further erode at your equity.

If at all possible, I would suggest that you wait. Every situation is unique and best discussed thoroughly with a real estate professional you can trust to ensure you are making the best choice for your situation.

A quick sale in a soft market often entails a well-priced

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

REAL ESTATE REALITY CHECK Have a real estate problem or question you want answered?

Email editor@ahnfsj.ca to have it featured in a future article and analysis by Edwina Nearhood.

product that offers incentives either via price, closing costs, paint bonus, etc. Trying to recapture the highest price possible in a seller’s market will mean a longer marketing period with exposure to a smaller pool of potential purchasers. Your home must be very presentable, clean, fresh, and well-priced to sell in this type of market. Modernization and updating will help, however, recovery of costs will not be as great as they are in a seller’s market.

Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

To learn more about diabetes, volunteer, advocate or donate, please contact : Northern Region (250) 561-9284 boyanne.young@diabetes.ca

Sports & Leisure BRAND BLIZZARD’S ROAD CHAMP

BILL DOLAN ON THE TRAIL OF ‘42

SPORTS B4

ARTS B5

THURSDAY JUNE 29, 2017 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

B

Boxing’s best en route to FSJ Fivestar Boxing Academy to host 2018 B.C. Golden Gloves DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Peace Region fight fans will want to mark their calendars and book some time off next spring—for the first time ever, one of boxing’s most prestigious events, the B.C. Golden Gloves, is headed to Fort St. John.

Fivestar Boxing Academy will host the tournament at the Pomeroy Hotel March 9 and 10, 2018.

“We’re super excited, and I promise it will be the biggest golden gloves event ever to happen in British Columbia history,” said Fivestar owner Justin Donally.

Donally got the idea to bring the event to Fort St. John after attending the 2017 B.C Boxing Gloves in Mission and the Alberta Boxing Gloves in Calgary, and knew he could do a great job of hosting the event.

Donally felt strong about Fivestar’s history with both MMA and boxing promotions. He said that Fivestar MMA has been top three in fight attendance in Western Canada over the last five years, and that the club holds the nonUFC MMA record in B.C. for highest attendance.

“Golden Gloves, to me, is a very prestigious event that I never had a thought of hosting one in my whole life,” Donally said. “I’m focused on what I know we can do.”

Donally is already busy planning for the event, which he plans to stream live. He plans to bring the highest level of boxers from B.C., Alberta,

Saskatchewan, Washington and Oregon states, and possibly fighters from Ireland to the event.

Awarding the Golden Gloves to Fivestar was easily the right move for Boxing BC President Ryan O’Shea.

“Donally and his team at Fivestar have a proven track record of putting on some of the best amateur boxing events this province has seen in recent years,” O’Shea said. “I am overwhelmingly confident that this will be one of the most successful Golden Gloves in recent memory.”

There will be many locals competing at the event, including five or six eligible for Golden Gloves and even more fighting set matches.

Nick Young is one of the local fighters who plans and hopes to compete in the event, and is looking for the challenge.

After winning his division at the B.C. Golden Gloves last year, he hopes to stay undefeated this year and notch a win in his hometown.

“It should be fun, I’m pretty much just looking for the experience,” Young said.

The prospect of having three shows in two days is a unique challenge for Donally, but one that he said he is up for. There will be one show Friday night, another Saturday afternoon, and the finals on Saturday night.

Fivestar originally had an event planned for Fort St. John in the fall of 2017, but Donally cancelled it because he wanted to have six months of promotion for the Golden Gloves.

Donally also loves the timing, as March allows him two full months to prepare after Christmas break, and people are still around town before they leave for summer holidays or spring break.

“I want to build it up so people are hungry for this event,” he said.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

From left to right, Justin Donally, fighters Brayden Sims, Ashley Rouble and Nick Young, and coowner of Fivestar Tosha Myrton, with their hardware earned at least year’s Golden Gloves.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Elyse Martin from Fort St. John, middle, with her medal for winning the girls Division 1 Aggregate.

Left, Ainsley Ross from Fort St. John finished second, with Amaya Horton from the Dawson Creek Seals swim club finishishing third.

Stingrays break records at home meet DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Kids of all ages were having a blast at the pool this weekend, setting personal bests in the process.

The Stingrays Swim Club held its annual home swim meet at the North Peace Leisure Pool on June 24 and 25.

“It was very fun, and we set many best times,” said Stingrays head coach Bobbie-Jo Alexander.

That was the story of the meet from the Stingrays perspective.

Elyse Martin led the way for the girls, winning the Division 1 Aggregate. It was a Fort St. John sweep for the O Cat 1 Girls, as Janessa Sawak, Tegan

Nielsen, and Sophie Pedersen finished one, two and three, respectively.

In O Cat 1 Boys, it was also all Stingrays as Owen Lang, Julien Kemp and Ethan Scoullar made up the top three.

Those three all broke pool records in the 50m backstrokes, breatstrokes, freestyle and butterfly races, and in the 100m individual medley and freestyle races.

Dominic Amler won first place in O Cat 2 Boys.

The Stingrays finished second overall with 424 points, behind the Dawson Creek Seals’ 701 points. Teams from Prince George and Mackenzie also attended the meet.

This week in the Dill Zone...

Thoughts on the BC Golden Gloves coming to Fort St. John in 2018, and flat tires and Good Samaritans.

Read more at alaskahighwaynews.ca Send your sports news, scores, and photos to sports@ahnfsj.ca

B2 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Thousands raised for cancer research

TOP OF THE TOURNEY

Arnie Insberg tourney on track to meet $20,000 fundraising goal DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Mosquito team World Gym pose with their trophy after beating Baron Oilfield in the 2017 North Peace Minor Baseball house league tournament June 25. It was a great, warm weekend for baseball. Toms Construction won the Pee Wee division over Ernies Sports Experts, while Cecil Lake repeated as league champs in the Bantam/Midget category by defeating HSE.

The Arnie Insberg Memorial 1-pitch Tournament continues to be a great fundraiser for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, and specifically, the cancer and diagnostic treatment fund.

Held on June 24 and DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO 25 at the Taylor ball A player from team Highmark has her eye on the ball as she diamonds, the sixth prepares to swing during a game against team BMO on June 25. annual tournament raised an estimated list, as demand to play home run derby and relay $20,000, which was the remains very high. Part race as part of the Saturday hospital foundation’s of the allure is it being a afternoon entertainment. goal, according to Becky one pitch tournament, so The winners from both Pruden, administrative players only need one ball of those, as well as the assistant at the hospital for a walk, or one strike winning teams, all donated foundation. for an out. This results in their winnings back to There were 24 teams faster play, and tighter the hospital foundation, that participated, with competition. according to Executive another 12 on the waiting Part of the fun was the Director Jennifer Moore.

Fort St. John well represented at upcoming Special Olympics summer games DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The upcoming B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games will be the highest attended B.C. games, with eight athletes from the Fort St. John gearing up for the event July 6 to 9 in Kamloops.

Wyatt Turney and Nicholas Mitchell will represent the North Peace in bowling. Miranda

Laboucane, Tina Tompkins and Russell Wheat are headed down for aquatics, and all three are expected to medal or place, according to Program Coordinator Crystal Laboucane.

Sheryl Jakubowski is expected to place second or third in the 10km race, as well are Mykaela Stewart and Britni Renaud in rhythmic gymnastics.

“They’ve all earned their spot to be there. They all had a

win at a regional qualifier to get where they’re going,” said Kathy Turney, local co-ordinator for the Fort St. John chapter of Special Olympics B.C. Some of the athletes returned this week from a track meet in Kelowna, which saw them win 14 medals in 16 events.

According to Laboucane, preparation for the games has been very good, despite the barriers to getting them out to

train and practice that exist as a result of them living in group homes.

“We’ve solved these issues, and they are game for it. We pushed them and they’re getting it done. Sheryl (Jakubowski) is our best trainer, at the track all the time, several days a week,” said Laboucane.

Laboucane said the athletes are very excited about going to the games.

“As soon as they see someone new that’s all that they talk about, it’s foremost on their minds and it’s nice to see. There’s an army of volounteers needed to make this happen so it’s really nice to be appreciated.”

The athletes will leave Fort St. John around 12:30 a.m. July 6, and are picking up athletes from Dawson Creek, Prince George, Quesnel and other locations on the trip to Kamloops.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Northern Classic features improved athletes DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The athletes were as spectacular as ever, with every muscle that one could imagine visible at the 16th Annual Northern Classic Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure Show on June 17.

“The athletes were really high caliber, they were really good this year. I think people think because they’re going to a small place that it’s going to be a cakewalk, but they had to really fight for their placings. Its good to watch when the athletes are in good condition,” said Jeni Briscoe, organizer of the event and owner of The Gym in Fort St. John.

She said the athletes were even better than usual this year. However, the event was a little smaller than last year’s, with 90 competitors, which is average, compared to 125.

The event saw athletes from all over B.C. flex and perform for the judges in front of a packed house at the North Peace Cultural Centre. Athletes who finished in the top three advance to the provincials, which are put on by the British Columbia Amateur Bodybuilding Association (BCABBA).

There were four local competitors, all trained by Briscoe out of The Gym. Shelly Osborne finished second in Masters and fourth in the

Open. Jenn Miller placed fourth in Masters and sixth in the Open. Shauna Svisdahl placed fifth, losing 85 pounds in her journey to the stage, and Ryan West finished outside the DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTOS top 10 in the Men’s Physique, Above, the women’s Figure Master’s class poses during the morning show of the 16th Annual Northern Classic on June 17. the board short class, which was the largest class with 15 athletes.

Briscoe speculates that June 17 being high school grad weekend may have led to the numbers being down, and it will be in consideration when booking the event next year.

There were little to no Caleb hiccups in putting on the Mohninger event otherwise. prepares to “This is our sixteenth year strike a ball on so it’s pretty good. Fort St. goal during a John always supports us really U14 showdown well,” Briscoe said. at the Fort Briscoe’s message to the St. John athletes this year is to keep Soccer Club’s going and get better each 2017 House year. She said that this is the League soccer tournament one sport where the older June 25 at you get the better you are, as Surerus Park. muscle maturity and density improves.

DILLON GIANCOLA “Younger people think it’s PHOTO easier but it’s not.”

RUSH THE NET

B4 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

SCOREBOARD DOUG BABCOCK MEMORIAL at Taylor Speedway June 24: Mini Sprints Jr.: 1. Colton Beaumont 2. Kieron Pickering Mini Sprints Sr.: 1. Eddie Scarfo 2. Anthony Seguin Mini Juniors: 1. Dakota Krahn 2. Chantel Richards Bombers: 1. Dave Devries 2. Chelsea Babcock Mini Adults: 1. Clint Mason 2. Justin Tackaberry IMCA Modified: 1. Dennnis Wurst 2. Johnny Beaumont

Save the gym membership— KING OF THE ROAD hit these parks instead

G

ym passes can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean your health should be forgotten.

Thankfully, there are plenty of free options available to us, so that we can stay fit for free.

Fort St. John is lucky to have an outdoor gym that is free to all. The outdoor gym is located at Kin Park and has an elliptical, stationary bike, and other strength training machines. It’s an excellent way to get outside and fit in exercise without breaking the bank.

You don’t have to be a kid to use the local playgrounds.

They are another great, free option for getting a workout in.

Fort St. John has an abundance of playgrounds that aren’t busy with kids after school hours. Some great playgrounds for fitting in exercise are: Charlie Lake School (it has two separate playgrounds), Rotary RV Park by Charlie Lake, Kin Park, Concorde Park, Matthews Park, and Panorama Ridge Park. If you have kids, it’s a perfect opportunity for them to come along and play while you exercise, which is great because daycares at gyms cost more (if they even have a daycare).

0-100K VISITS

FASTER THAN ANY OTHER

MEDIA VEHICLE.

Stephenie Sutherland HEALTH HACKS

Get a group of people together, regardless of their fitness levels, and go to different parks every week to see which you like most.

Working out with others is a great way to keep you motivated, push you during the workout, and to make the workout more fun. Write up some workouts and create a circuit to go through with your friends.

There are a variety of exercises that you can do at a playground. For example: Incline or decline pushups, chin-ups (if you can—I cannot), calf raises off a platform, step ups, and use the monkey bars to hook your knees over a bar and try some crunches or sit-ups, or just use them like when you were a kid. Those are just a few ideas; there are more examples of great exercises online with a variety of variations and modifications.

You don’t need to spend a lot

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Lukas Brand poses with his trophy for winning the 32nd Blizzard Bike Club Road Championship race on June 25. He won the 48km event with a time of 1 hour and 37 minutes, beating Irvin Tang by a close 20 seconds.

Pat Ferris won the 24km race at 57 minutes and 17 seconds. The Baldonnel Time Trial on June 22 was close as well, with Josh Telizyn beating Kevin Shaw by just 16 seconds in the 16km time trial.

of money in order to get in an awesome workout. Get outside and enjoy what this city has to offer us.

Stephenie Sutherland is a Fort St. John student studying

nutrition and food sciences. She can found at the gym, hiking local trails, and serving up a hot cuppa joe at Whole Wheat and Honey. Have a question?

Email her at stephenie. sutherland13@gmail.com.

In a recent survey of 2,461 Canadians, when it comes to driving traffic to automotive websites, or visits to a dealership, print and online newspapers rank highest. They outperform TV,

radio, magazines, autoTRADER, Kijiji and social media.

If you’re looking for better ROI from your advertising, perhaps more of your “I” should be in newspapers.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 B5

Arts & Culture

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

Storytelling songs of the Alcan Highway

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Fort Nelson resident Bill Dolan knows the Alaska Highway like the back of his hand.

Bill Dolan tells a story in five verses in Trail of ‘42 ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Bill Dolan has several family connections to the Alaska Highway.

The Fort Nelson resident knows the highway like the back of his hand, driving it constantly to see grandkids, and hearing stories from his parents about their time driving the road.

“It gives you a lot of time to think and ruminate,” he said. “And think of songs.”

Dolan is one of many songwriters on Alaska Highway Songs: Road Songs for the 75th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway. His track, Trail of ’42, tells the story of how the highway came to be, with historical facts and family anecdotes making up the five verses.

Dolan learned to play the guitar by mimicking his older brother, while his mother taught him some chords. But put sheet music in front of him, and it might as well be another language.

“I can play a few instruments, but I can’t read music,” he said. “It’s limiting in some ways, but it’s also enabling by not being tied to the written music.”

Learning to play by ear, combined with his background as an English teacher, gives Dolan a unique writing process.

“To me, first and foremost, a song has to be a good poem,” he said, adding that sometimes he has to remember the words are going to be put to music.

“In the songwriting, I have to watch myself that I don’t get too formulaic because I’m too inclined to make the end rhyme and internal rhyme and the meter and the rhythm all fit.”

While he can spend years working on

one song, Trail of ’42 came a little easier for Dolan.

The first verse is about the First Nation’s perspective on the highway’s construction—Dolan talked to his neighbour, Alison Tubman, a member of the Kaska Dene, who told him about her people seeing the bulldozers come up over the valley and onto their land.

The second verse focuses on his uncle who was a trapper north of Fort Nelson. He was hired by army surveyors to guide them through the area, and a portion of the highway actually follows his trap line.

The third verse is about the AfricanAmerican soldiers who helped build the highway, which Dolan had to do more research on.

The fourth verse came from stories about his father’s time as the first civilian truck driver on the highway, while the fifth verse was about his mother being co-manager and chief cook at a lodge.

Trail of ’42 is the longest song on the album, and has a story-like quality that Dolan likens to The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald as opposed to a more traditional radio track.

His experience constantly driving the Alaska Highway, plus having worked road maintenance on it, makes the track more personal.

“I know so much of that road from the ground up, literally,” he said.

Alaska Highway Songs: Road Songs for the 75th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway is currently available at local museums, art shops, and cafes in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.

Gallery opening next week Another exhibition celebrating Canada 150 is coming to Peace Gallery North.

Canadiana Dreaming: Icon and Imagery showcases the work of former Fort St. John resident Elizabeth Harris.

Harris was born and raised on a ranch outside Fort St. John before she went to Emily Carr University in Vancouver. She lives in the Lower Mainland now and is developing a

reputation for her paintings and clay work.

Along with Harris, the show will also feature work from special guests Ally Nichols, Catherine Nicholls and Curtis Beach.

Canadiana Dreaming: Icon and Imagery runs from July 7 to 29 at Peace Gallery North, with an opening reception July 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 250-797-0993.

NORTH PEACE CULTURAL CENT 6.00x42.0 R0021352368

“I’m standing on the moon with nothing else to do, got a lovely view of heaven, but I’d rather be with you.”

- Grateful Dead

B6 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

STRIKING 150

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

It was a good ol’ fashioned barn dance at the Taylor Hall June 23 in celebration of Canada 150. The boot stompin’ good time featured the Montney Coulees, square and line dancing tutorials, and this clever numerical photo pose.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

The brilliant sand sculpture outside the North Peace Cultural Centre was crafted by the hands of Peter Vogelaar. He was in town to celebrate the centre’s 25th anniversary and sat down to talk with residents about his career during his visit.

Sculptor Peter Vogelaar always open to take on new challenges Have you ever heard of sand sculpting? If you were around the cultural centre during their Bright Nights in June celebration you no doubt saw a sand sculpture—and it’s still standing today.

That masterpiece was created by Peter Vogelaar, a sculptor born and raised in Victoria. Vogelaar moved to Fort St. John after studying at the Kootenay School of Art for three years. He started a sign business here, but after 12 years was looking to do something more creative.

That’s when he saw an advertisement for a snow sculpting competition, with its top prize being a trip to Quebec.

So, he decided to try snow sculpting for the first time. Vogelaar turned to sand sculpting

Gracie English THE YOUNGER VIEW

while he was still carving ice and snow. He was asked if he could make a sculpture out of sand and, always open to new challenges, decided to try it.

After making one sand sculpture he was hooked, he says.

Vogelaar credits owning a sign business as the reason he is so open and willing to try new things.

“When you own a sign business in Fort St. John, people come to you with these bizarre requests and you just have to say, ‘Sure, we can try that,’” he

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says with a laugh.

When he was just beginning to sculpt, the biggest challenge was money, he says.

“The more competitions you want to go to, the more money you have to raise,” he says.

So, he fundraised and asked for sponsorships to get to each competition. After 10 years of snow sculpting something changed. All of a sudden, he was getting requests from all over Europe to create new sculptures.

“All of a sudden we were getting paid to do what we loved,” he says.

Vogelaar has been able to travel all over the world with his sculpting. As long as you are always open to new things and willing to ask questions, you can do anything, he says.

CARS 3 Nightly: 7:00, 9:50 Weekend Matinees: 12:30, 3:30

THE HOUSE Nightly: 7:10, 10:10 Weekend Matinees: 12:50, 3:50

BABY DRIVER Nightly: 6:40, 9:40 Weekend Matinees 12:40, 3:40

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 B7

Coffee Corner

TODAYS PUZZLE

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

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.

•

ACROPHOBIA

•

COMMERZBANK

•

RESIDENTIAL

•

TURNING TORSO

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

•

BANK OF CHINA

•

CONSTRUCTION

•

RYUGYONG HOTEL

•

TWO

TOWER

•

DEVELOPMENT

•

SKYLINE

•

BITEXCO

•

ELEPHANT TOWER

•

SKYSCRAPER

FINANCIAL

•

EMPIRE STATE

•

STORIES

•

BURJ ALARAB

•

GRAND LISBOA

•

TALL

•

BURJ KHALIFA

•

KINGDOM CENTRE

•

THE SHARD

•

CHINA CENTRAL

•

MARINA BAY

•

TOKYO MODE

•

CHRYSLER BUILDING

TODAY’S PUZZLE

respect 46. French river 47. Turn down the lights 49. Blood-sucking African fly 52. Provides info 56. Procrastinates 58. Tower with balconies 60. Where researchers work 62. Religious office 63. Must-have for office workers CLUES DOWN 1. In possession of 2. Aborigines 3. Early Syrian kingdom 4. Clip 5. Misleads 6. Cosmetic Ingredient Review 7. Calcium

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. A minute amount (Scott) 5. Supernatural 11. Shortening 14. More firm 15. Other side 18. Philippine island 19. More unnatural 21. Microsoft Surface Book 23. Ice T’s wife 24. Domesticates 28. Only one time 29. In absentia 30. Crustlike surface of a healing skin lesion 32. Distress signal 33. Engine additive 35. 1990s female R&B trio 36. Very fast airplane 39. A reward (archaic) 41. Anno Domini 42. Golf supplies 44. Indian term of

25. Progressive nerve disease 26. Shock therapy 27. Able to be sold 29. Suffix 31. Binary coded decimal 34. Goes well with a carrot 36. A way to measure performance 37. Doctor __, children’s book author 38. Jewish calendar month 40. Designated hitter 43. Polish village 45. Part of the mind 48. Hand (Spanish) 50. Hit with the open hand 51. Italian island 53. Shakespeare was one 8. United Talent 54. Lake __, one of the Agency Great 9. Hair problem 55. Oswald and 10. Took down Marvin were two 12. Round Dutch 57. Soak up using cheese something absorbent 13. Bicycle 58. Kids’ dish __ and manufacturer cheese 16. Suffix plural 59. Expression of 17. Painting technique disappointment 20. Small Eurasian 61. The ancient deer (pl.)

Egyptian sun god 22. Mr. T’s character “__ Baracus”

SANDS •

OFFICE

GAKUEN •

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INTERNATIONAL •

WINDOWS

B8 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

Camp food, deliciously ahead of the times

W

ork camp menus haven’t changed much over the years. Meals there are almost identical to what my grandfather cooked in logging camps back in the late 1940s, just after the Second World War. His house was filled with country-style butchery, baking, fire roasting, smoked meats, and garden preserves.

Made from scratch and by hand, these menus are now considered ambitious. Traditional rural methods are often referred to as rustic or “peasant” food. Juxtaposed to haute cuisine, peasant food is practical and simple, but preserves a deep connection with the past. These methods are kept alive in present day work camps by the chefs who know their history.

Most Peasant cooking originated in workers encampments thousands of years ago.

Their cooking methods differ significantly from huit cuisine as flame grilling, smoking, braising was considered dirty food.

These ancient cooking meth-

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

NOVA SCOTIA ARCHIVES

Juxtaposed to haute cuisine, “peasant” food is practical and simple, but preserves a deep connection with the past. These methods are kept alive in present day work camps by the chefs who know their history.

ods fed resource economies and labourers for thousands of years. This wholesome food is the cornerstone of Peace River eating, wealth and prosperity.

No one ever worked a 14-hour day on a belly full of fois gras and caviar.

These days, lawyers and doctors greedily eat up inform-

ation on Instagram for country ham, bacon, and bread.

In my grandfather’s day, this class of people wouldn’t touch something like homemade ham and mustard with garden cabbage and potatoes. I can sometimes hear him laughing while I scroll though the mountains of online admiration.

TRADITIONAL BOILED DINNER: HAM, POTATOES, AND CABBAGE 10 potatoes, peeled 2 heads cabbage, quartered Hot mustard to taste (half a small jar) 1 lb butter black pepper and garden herbs to taste

In a large pot, half full of water, add your smoked ham, potatoes and cabbages. Cook on medium heat at a slow simmer. The salt content of the ham will season the water as well as the cabbages and potatoes. The meat will also add lovely deep smoky notes.

Remove the potatoes once a knife inserts and removes without tension. Remove the cabbage once it is soft and sweet. Once the ham is ready, the bone will wiggle away from the meat.

Take a cup of the cooking water and add one half of a cooked potato, mashed, 1 lb of butter into a pan, and cook and stir until it thickens into a sauce. Add mustard to taste, and finish with fresh herbs.

Slice and arrange the ham, potatoes and cabbage on the plate and cover in the smoky mustard butter sauce.

Thanks to all your hard work and great meals, grandfather.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 B9

Community

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

Baldonnel school kitchen complete

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Baldonnel Elementary School PAC members, along with Pembina Pipeline staff, can now all fit in the school’s new kitchen, which officially opened on June 26.

ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

After a year of fundraising and donations, Baldonnel Elementary School has a brand new kitchen.

The school officially opened the new kitchen with a ribbon cutting on June 26, though the kitchen has been in use for a few weeks.

“It’s more than twice the size,” said former Baldonnel PAC president Dixie Modde, who originally helped get the fundraising going. “It’s just a great space that they’re going to use for generations to come.”

Before, people couldn’t open the oven

without hitting the fridge—now the kitchen has a large industrial cooler/ fridge, two stoves, two microwaves, a moveable island and lots of counter space and cupboards.

A $40,000 donation from Pembina Pipeline last December helped move things along.The plan was originally to have the kitchen up and running for September, but work came together quickly, so students were able to use it in the spring.

Grade 2 and 3 students have already used the kitchen, making mini cupcakes for their peers as part of the school’s year-end fun day.

More Than Just Skin Deep

W

ith such a reluctant spring, most of us would be hesitant to complain of the annoyances that come along with this beautiful warm weather, but if we were to do so, biting insects would undoubtedly be at the top of that list! And though we may not always recognize it, our furry friends, both small and large, likely feel the same way.

But annoying insect bites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to skin disease in our animals. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, parasites, nutrient imbalances, cancer, and even internal organ dysfunction can all cause changes in the appearance of the skin and hair coat. Being able to recognize, diagnose, and treat skin disease is vital, not only for the health and comfort of these animals but also because some of these infections can be transferred to people.

Most people are aware of a variety of skin diseases affecting dogs and cats, but they can also be a big problem for larger critters like horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Often these animals live together in larger groups with ample opportunities for sharing infections, making prompt recognition, diagnosis, and treatment all the more important.

So how do you recognize if there’s a problem brewing?

Skin disease can be a master of disguise with so many possible appearances. Sometimes an animal will be intensely itchy with no other apparent signs. Other times there may be obvious lumps and bumps, large patches of hair loss, or angry red, sensitive skin. And in some cases, subtle changes in the color and texture of the hair or pattern of shedding of the winter coat can indicate potentially serious internal health issues.

For example, alsike clover

Dr. Amy Hayduk NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

can be toxic to horses, causing serious, sometimes fatal liver damage. Toxins normally removed by the healthy liver accumulate in the blood and cause increased sun sensitivity. So an early warning sign of trouble on the inside is red, peeling, sunburnt skin on the outside, particularly on areas of white fur and pink skin.

Similarly, delayed and patchy shedding of a horse’s winter coat can be a telltale sign of problems with the pituitary gland in the brain. As with sunburn, this seemingly minor change on the surface is an indicator of much more serious problems on the inside. Likewise, subtle changes in the coat colour of your previously shiny black cows can point to nutritional imbalances that can have a significant impact on overall health and productivity.

Some skin diseases are easily diagnosed by experienced eyes, but others are more elusive and require things like biopsies and blood tests to figure out. In the end, catching a problem early is always the best, both for that animal and to help prevent more animals (or you!) from being affected.

Dr. Amy Hayduk grew up in the Nass Valley of northwest BC and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary medicine as the 2014 “gold medalist” after completing a master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Northern BC. She enjoys all aspects of mixed animal practice with special interests in small animal surgery and equine medicine.

AT THE ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS WE ARE

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

RECYCLE!

Our newspaper is printed on partially recycled paper.

“I know so much of that road from the ground up, literally.”

- Bill Dolan on the Alaska Highway

B10 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

COMMUNITY

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

June 12-17 was proclaimed Abbeyfield Week in Fort St, John at a council meeting on June 12.

Abbeyfield House is a home for seniors that provides a balance of privacy and companionship, as well as security and independence for those that don’t want to live in a care home. The Fort St. John Abbeyfield House first opened in 2008.

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

Mike Odowichuk and Deb Butler of The Butlers perform a set at the annual music jamboree in support of the FSJ Senior Care Foundation June 10.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Kids got the chance to get dirty and make their own sand sculptures in the parking lot of the North Peace Cultural Centre next to where artist Peter Vogelaar is doing his sand piece for the Bright Nights in June celebration.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation administrative assistant Becky Pruden and BMO branch manger Nicola Budd were celebrating the local branch’s 59th year in the community and raising money for the Arnie Isberg Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament on June 23.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

On Our Way Home Animal Rescue were cooking up burgers and hot dogs at Home Hardware on June 24 as a fundraiser for their resuce efforts on June 24.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

School District 60 held its annual Track Meet on June 9 at the Bert Bowes Middle School field.

of the

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Dimensions 51' x 48' 1000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Patio 15'6" x 10' Owners’ Suite 17'4" x 12' Sitting

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Utility

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Living

Entry

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Up Alternate Basement Stairs

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© 2017 Associated Designs, Inc.

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try swing open into the dining room.

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The vaulted owners' suite boasts two walk-in closets, one quite a bit larger than the other, and a cheerful rounded bay, complete with window seat. Luxuries in the owners' bath include: a double vanity, a spa tub with yet another plant shelf, a large walkin shower with multiple showerheads, and a private toilet.

Utilities, a closet, and basement stairs are adjacent to the Rainier's garage and secondary bedrooms. One of the bedrooms has a window seat, and both have direct access to a twosection bathroom.

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Sliders in the great room open onto a large, partially covered patio, ideal for outdoor dining.

Plants (as well as people) flourish in the naturally illuminated eating nook, where a plant shelf spans the rear and two banks of cupboards flank a handy built-in desk. The large kitchen has plenty of counter and storage space, including a roomy walk-in pantry and an L-shaped work island with a raised eating bar. Sink and dishwasher are built into the island.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017 B11

COMMUNITY

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

The 12th annual Spirit of the Peace Powwow took place at the Taylor Arena June 9-11.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Hundreds of people walked in the the second annual Pride Walk on June 17.

Robert Ogilvie Principal Kathy Scheck gets dunked at the school’s annual fun day on June 23. Scheck, along with other teachers and school administrators, signed up to be dunked to help raise $400 for the school PAC and playground.

Chainsaw carver Ryan Cook prepares to carve a ‘magical owl’ out of a block of wood as part of a public demonstration in the parking lot of the North Peace Cultural Centre on June 7, ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTO

HALEY LABOUCANE PHOTO

In celebration of the 119th Philippine Independence Day, the gymnasium at Bert Ambrose Elementary was filled with an afternoon of games on June 10.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Natasha Robinson and Nicole Fuhr with the local Girl Guides were handing out maple ice cream bars by donation during Canada Screams for Ice Cream at Safeway on June 24.

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

Making a Difference

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

Bluey Day raises over $160,000!

The 18th Annual Bluey Day, held on May 27th, saw 30 participants shave their head in support of local cancer patients. With help from generous donors, these participants were able to raise over $108,000 for the purchase of medical equipment that will assist in diagnosing and treating cancer patients at the Fort St. John Hospital. Donations are still trickling in.

The goal for 2017 was $100,000, and with the early donation from Mrs. Mucci in honour of Staff from Coach her late husband Edmondo, Barbers helped shave 30 people in under two this year’s final number will be hours. Thanks to them, north of $160,000 dedicated all of our participants to the Cancer Diagnostic are sporting much shorter hairdos. and Treatment Fund. 100% of these funds stay in the community.

A huge thank you goes out to all of the participants, volunteers, and donors, without whom Bluey Day wouldn’t have been possible! Specials thanks to Coach Barbers, BC Ambulance, Save on Foods, DJ Nightmoves, Peace Country Rentals, Bold Garret McComber, a cancer survivor preparing to shave and donate his Promotions, Fort St. John Petroleum Association, hair in honour of his friend and hero Menchie’s, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse, Booster Juice, and Hanna.

Cliffside Printing for their sponsorship!

Sean & Bronwyn Surerus raised the most ever by a participant/group!

BC Northern Real Estate Board Celebrates 50 Years by Giving Back

– Ron Rogers, Scott Norder, Dan Petersen, Roland Cataford, & Annette Reeder presenting donation of $4,530

The BC Northern Real Estate Board is celebrating 50 years of service and to celebrate this milestone, a $4,530 donation was made to the FSJ Hospital Foundation towards the purchase of the second Vein Viewer for the FSJ Hospital Lab. Representatives from the various real estate offices were happy to present the donation.

FSJ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/FSJHOSPITALFOUNDATION

• 250.261.7563

B12 THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

COMMUNITY

PLOTTING CHANGE Did you know the Fort St. John Community Gardens are open to the public? Operated and maintained by the North Peace Justice Society, the green garden beds are growing tons of goodies right now for public consumption, while the red garden beds are individual private plots.

The gardens have received roughly $10,000 in donations for this year, from bedding plants and seeds from Walker Greenhouses, topsoil and strawberry plants from Dunvegan Gardens, free water and delivery from Northern Pure Water, equipment from Home Hardware, along with cash donations from the North Peace Savings and Credit Union, the FSJ Co-Op, and Shell Canada.

The society is celebrating 20 years in Fort St. John.

Offenders who go through the society’s programming must work several hours of community service, either at a non-profit agency or the gardens. “It’s the first step toward healing and reintegrating the offender back into the community as a productive member,” executive director Susan Phillips says.

Back row: Tim Braun, Brad Lussier, Michael Chilcott, Glenn and Kathy Walker, and Mindy Henyu.

Front row: Andrew and Amanda Foster, Melissa and Tobin Braun, and Susan Phillips.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

The dreaded flying ants Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

I

would like a gold star, applause, and perhaps flowers sent to my home for a recent accomplishment. Why? Well, when I was young, I was afraid of many things, but I was especially horrified when it was ‘flying ant day’ (that one day where God said to the ants—you have a crappy life so I am going to give you one day to experience the freedom of flight, perhaps mate once or twice and then your wings will fall off. But, although we are taking away the superhero power miracle of flight, we will allow you to retain superhero strength and you will be able to lift objects ten to fifty times your size).

We recently experienced ‘flying ant day’ in the Peace Region and our Grandson Dylan came over during the height (is that a pun?) of the flying ant activity. Dylan is very much like his Grandma, in that he is terrified of the flying ants. I wrestled with how I could reassure him that the creepy crawlies would not hurt him so he could enjoy his time outside. So I did the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the ‘that grandma lifted a car up all by herself with no help to save her grandchild’ scenario: I picked up a flying ant in my hand and placed it in a jar with a lid so that Dylan could get a good look at it and know that it wasn’t scary.

Excuse me while I stop a minute, even writing the words make me a wee bit verklempt as it brings me back to the feeling of that ant crawling on my hand.

I then tried to get Dylan to hold the jar in his hand and get a good look at the ant who was now angry and no doubt thinking, “Sure, I get only a few hours with wings and some stupid human decides to use me as a prop to teach her grandchild a life lesson.” Dylan demonstrated unequivocal resolve—he would not actually touch the jar to get a closer look. If I set the jar down on the sundeck, he would lower himself into a crouching position and watch the ant, but there was no way he was getting any closer.

I don’t blame him. Honestly, if we had something called ‘flying spider’ day—a day in which the spiders received wings, I would not leave the house. You think I am kidding, but I am not. So while I was uber impressed that I had picked up the bug, I knew that if it had been a spider, Dylan was on his own.

When I picked up that ant and its wings fluttered in my hand, I was terrified—sweaty with terror, but I saw Dylan’s face and I knew that I couldn’t show my fear or else he would end up just like me. He watched me closely, looking for some sign that I was afraid, but I was unflinching (paralyzed with fear but at least I didn’t show it).

Now that the ants are no longer flying, Dylan has become something of an ant assassin.

He spies them with his fantastic two year old vision and runs up to squish them into the sidewalk and says [clapping], “No more bug.”

The pendulum has swung from terror to delight and Dylan is dispatching the ant population one by one with no thought for his karmic account balance.

Sigh. I wish there was something between the two extremes. I wish there was something in between the tears resulting from the paralyzing fear of the ants and the bravado exhibited after their untimely death. It is really one of life’s lessons, isn’t it? Instead of learning tolerance and acceptance, we find comfort in destroying what we fear the most.

Or maybe it was just about squishing ants.

Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book “Naked Tuesday” or Follow her on twitter @ judylaine