AHN MAR 1 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, march 1, 2018 Vol. 74, No. 9

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

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NAPP to complete Condill demolition matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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

Fort St. John city councillors voted Monday to continue demolition of the Condill Hotel with its current contractor NAPP Enterprises, but stopped short of approving a budget increase for the work pending further negotiations with the company. NAPP is expected to resume the demolition immediately, the city says, after it halted work in January when council ordered a legal review of its procurement practices and a pair of hazardous materials assessments completed as part of the tendering process. Demolition of the 75-year-old hotel has been repeatedly delayed after NAPP said it encountered up to three times more asbestos containing materials than it expected to clean up when it bid on the work. That has led to work stoppages, and two more assessments having been completed to understand the full extent of contamination that needs to be removed before the building is torn down.

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Ite Omotoye turns heads during a fashion show at the Black History Month Gala at the Stonebridge Hotel on Feb. 24, 2018. The evening featured fashion, cuisine, dancing, a healthy dose of funk music to showcase African and Caribbean culture. For more, turn to A13

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Students off to home build in Mexico

See CONDILL on A3

Leon Wokeley to be arraigned on murder charge in April

matt preprost

editor@ahnfsj.ca

A group of high school students from the North Peace are off to Mexico this weekend to build a new home for a needy family in Baja California. Liam Mavin, Ben Jackson, Taylor Rowe, and Josh Stones depart Saturday with instructor Richard Koop and parent chaperone Lance Hoskyn on the weekmatt prperost Photo long trip with a purpose that Liam Mavin, Ben Jackson, Taylor Rowe, Richard Koop, and Josh Stones. is two-fold: to provide humanitarian aid to a family in rundown toolshed,” Koop “Hopefully I can improve deep poverty, and give them said. my carpentry skills and a chance to experience anThe students will build help people while I’m doing other culture. a new, two bedroom home that,” he said. “They all have really on a concrete slab. The Koop said projects such good attitudes,” Koop said. building materials, estim- as this can bring out the “They’re mature, respons- ated at $5,000, have been best and worst in a team, ible, and showing some skill sponsored by several Fort but that his students each in carpentry as well.” St. John businesses, Koop have different strengths that The group will fly first to said. will play well off each other. San Diego, and then drive The students hope to “The biggest thing is work down the Baja Peninsula to build their carpentry skills toward a common goal,” the area of Vicente Guer- as they build the new house Koop said. rero, four hours south of the over four days. “It’s work toward the betU.S. border. “I don’t think I’ll get to terment of other people. The family that they’ll do this ever again, to go There’s a satisfaction of be helping currently live a down and build a house achieving something worthshack made of pallets and with these guys won’t ever while together that draws plastic, and held together by happen again,” said student people together for a comstraps, Koop said. The home Taylor Rowe. mon purpose. has a dirt floor, and has no It’ll be Liam Mavin’s third “They’ll have some great running water or plumbing. time travelling to Mexico to stories to tell when they get “We would call it a really help build a home. back,” he said.

The man accused of killing a Blueberry River First Nations woman and burning her body in 2014 has an arraignment hearing scheduled for April 4. Leon Wokeley, 42, is with charged with murder, arson, and indignity to human remains in connection with Pamela Napoleon’s death. Wokeley appeared in court Feb. 21 to schedule the arraignment hearing at which an accused pleads guilty or not guilty. Wokeley’s lawyer, Georges Rivard, said he is expecting an additional round of disclosure from the Crown, materials the defence uses to review the case with their client. Rivard said no decision on a plea can be made until he has all of the disclosure to review. A plea can be entered at the arraignment or more information can be requested from the Crown. “Before we can see what’s in the material, it’s very tough to say,” Rivard said. Wokeley was arrested in Fort St. John Oct. 27, 2017, after a three-year investigation into Napoleon’s death. Police say Wokeley and Napoleon knew each other, and were last seen leaving Blueberry River First Nation together on July 8, 2014. Napoleon’s remains were found in a burned down cabin near the community a month a later. Napoleon was 42. Wokeley has not entered a plea, or been found guilty of the charges. The result of the arraignment will determine whether the case will go to trial.

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A2 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Local News

contents

chilly temps, warm hearts

A2 A2 A3 A6 A7 A9 A12 A13 A14 B1 B6

Weather Humour News Opinion Crime Business Vagina Monologues Black History Month Perspectives Sports Classifieds

Eighty-two walkers turned out to the Coldest Night of the Year walk Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, raising $20,200 to support Community Bridge. “The funds will go to augment our Homeless Prevention Program, likely to next year’s Christmas breakfast program for the homeless, and to specialized training and resources for our work with children and families that experience domestic abuse, youth at risk, and other Community Bridge programs,” Executive Director Karla Marsh says.

this week’s flyers M&M Meats London Drugs Jysk Walmart Rona The Brick No Frills Pet Valu Save-On Foods Staples Marks Safeway Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire Century 21

At left, Desirée LeBlanc, Travis Stretch, Julianne Kucheran, Will Fritzons, Edward Stanford, Graham Schmidt, Jennilee Rennie, Adelyn Livingston (baby), Siobhan Brenton, Elyse Martin, Mitchel Chilcott round up the team from Urban Systems. Eve Petford Photo

How Can You Tell If A Chicken Is British?

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

BIEBER BULLETIN: Now open in Justin Bieber’s hometown in Ontario: The Justin Bieber Museum. It has various personal items that once belonged to Justin, including a pair of his undershorts. In my hometown they have The Snyder Museum. On display: A sock. It’s the sock I was wearing the first time I put my foot in my mouth.

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Fort St. John

DONUT DETAIL: Our news chewing tour begins in Moncton. A man held up a bank - he fled with $20,000 — then he did something bank robbers don’t usually do while making their getaway. He stopped at a Tim Hortons. He was arrested by a police officer who was at the donut shop. Why was the police officer at the donut shop? Well, in New Brunswick, they don’t know about the rule that says cops should never visit donut shops because it makes life too easy for joke writers like me.

FLAT FACT: Flat earth believers are organizing a big conference in Canada for next year. Let me just say, if the world really is flat, by now cats would have pushed everything off the edge.

Bob Snyder who’s casually strolling past the space I’m waiting to drive into.

SOUP SITUATION: Campbell’s says sales of soup are way down. Young people don’t eat much soup. That’s because it’s hard to operate a can opener and text at the same time.

HEADS UP: British scientists say they are almost ready to transplant a human head. OK, here’s my question: If you transplant a Canadian head onto a British guy’s body, which side of the street will he drive on?

POLE POSSIBILITY: Scientists announced the Earth’s magnetic fields may soon flip and trade places. One sure sign was when Santa called a real estate agent at the South Pole.

Chews the news

UK KFC: Last week’s big story from the MONEY MEMO: CBC reported many UK was the chicken shortage. Brits pan- athletes at the Winter Olympics had finanAlberta-B.C. border icked as most KFC outlets were forced to cial problems. You know you have a money N/A temporarily close due to a lack of chickens. problem when you’re halfway down the t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada By the https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html way: When Queen Elizabeth eats slope and a repo man grabs your skis. Fort Nelson 131.9 CASH STASH: The cashless society is KFC, her butler licks Her Majesty’s finger coming. On CBC, an expert predicted all for her. Also: How can you tell if a chicken GAMES GIGGLE: At the Winter Groundbirch coins will be phased out in Canada with- is British? Answer: It has a stiff upper beak. Olympics a Russian curler was caught usN/A in 10 years. Generations from now people ing a banned substance. He was expelled will tell their kids about small metal discs PARROT PARTICULARS: While we’re on the Games. Russia punished the guy Chetwynd 129.0 that could be thrown into a fountain to the topic of birds, in Stratford, Ontario last from by making him use his curling broom to Home  Environment and naturalmake resources  come Weather information  Weatherweek,  Local forecasts  Britishby Columbia wishes true. a woman was ticketed police after sweep all the ice in Siberia. Tumbler Ridge 128.9 she drove her car around town with a parrot CAR CHAOS: In Japan, a new type of perched on her shoulder. She’s lucky they OLYMPICS: I have to admit I didn’t watch electric car went from zero to 60 mph in didn’t charge her with piracy. a lot of the Olympic events. Prince George 109.4 two seconds. I’m no expert on electric Here are three reasons why I hated athSt. JohnSHEEP Airport 10:00 AM MST Tuesdayat 27 February Current Conditions cars, but I hear some of Observed them getat:a Fort thouSTUFF: Scientists Stanford2018 letes at the Winter Olympics: Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 118.9 sand volts to the amp. University announced they have created 1: They were all younger than me. sheep-human hybridWind: embryos. They’re 2: They were all fitter than me. Condition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: -2.0°C WSW 25 km/h SLOW STROLL: A new exercise study researching ways to grow human organs 3: They all had nice hair when they reGrande Prairie 105.4 Pressure: 99.9 kPa Dew point: -9.6°C Wind C… -9 shows for some people slow walking is for transplant. The embryos lived for three moved their helmets. Tendency: Rising Humidity: 57% Visibility: 81 km better than fast walking. From person- weeks with human and sheep DNA. This Calgary 106.6 al experience, nobody walks slower than sounds far-fetched. Maybe they’re pulling Bob Snyder can be reached at: the person in the Totem Mall parking lot the wool over our eyes. chewsthenews@fastmail.com Home  Environment99.7 and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Edmonton

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A3

matt preprost Photo

Duane Walker, Bruce Christensen, Lori Slater, and Tamara Wilkinson take a scroll through the Access BC website Feb. 19, 2018, a new online tool to help seniors and the disabled find inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities across the province.

Website aims to connect seniors, disabled persons with the outdoors matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Imagine walking through an ancient rainforest, or pulling up to a campsite with your own trail down to the lake. For many, the thought is easy — not so much for seniors and those with disabilities. But thanks to a new online tool, finding inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities across B.C. is now just a click away. The local group of Spinal Cord Injury BC (SCI-BC) met at the Fort St. John Hospital Feb. 19 to celebrate the launch of Access BC with cake, pizza, and some virtual tours. “It’s something that will get people out a lot more,”

said Lori Slater, SCI-BC’s peer program co-ordinator in the city. The site was built after audits of more than 450 parks, campsites, rest stops, and tourist destinations in north-central B.C. since 2016. Each site is rated out of five stars measuring everything from access routes to whether washrooms and other services meet code standards. The Beatton Provincial Park, for instance, scores 2.5 stars, while the Fort St. John museum scores 3.5. Coun. Gord Christensen, who attended the launch as acting mayor, said the website is an opportunity for seniors and the disabled to explore areas they might not have been before.

“It used to be when you were disabled, you didn’t go anywhere,” Christensen said. “Now that these sites are accessible, people are getting outdoors, whether it’s fishing or walking the trails. It’s great to see.” The site is a work in progress, Slater said. “The more you do, the more there is to do,” she said. As audits continue and the database continues to grow, it will be an important tool for travellers along the Alaska Highway, Christensen noted. “Tourists travelling through are always looking for accessible camping spots,” said Christensen, city council’s liaison with Tourism Fort St. John. To learn more, visit accessiblebc.ca.

condill from a1

“It didn’t matter who would have purchased this building, they would have faced this,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “The reality is Worksafe BC has indicated this building needs to be taken down in an appropriate fashion. Council had questions, the questions have been answered, our contract process was sound and secure.” The city had budgeted $1.5 million to buy and demolish the building, which included its $870,000 purchase price approved in a closed council meeting last July. Councillors had given NAPP the demolition work for $457,480, in October, but last month the company and city staff told council costs have increased an extra $823,500 since demolition began. Some of the extra costs have already been paid for through project contingencies, however, there’s another $636,827 worth of change orders before the city. City staff had last month requested the project’s budget be increased to $2.15 million, but council has directed staff to negotiate completion costs with NAPP and determine its remobilization schedule. NAPP had a fourth, third-party hazmat

assessment completed in January to provide cost assurances and the amount of contaminants present, the city says. The city’s “best estimate” of the total value of the purchase and demolition of the Condill is now $2.2 million, said Moira Green, the city’s director of strategic services. The city is paying for the project through its land purchases budget, which is funded by monies from the city’s Peace River Agreement with the province. Releasing NAPP from its contract and retendering the rest of the demolition would have cost the city at least half a million dollars or more, according to acting city manager David Joy. Those costs would have included new hazmat assessments costs, consultant fees for the new tendering process, site security, as well as legal fees and legal claims for lost profits. The demolition is 40 per cent complete. The city took possession of the Condill, built in 1942 to house American soldiers during Alaska Highway construction, on Sept. 29, 2017. After demolition, the site— three separate titles and lots—will be sold for development and fall under new downtown zoning and building rules.

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Saving the world, one piece of recycling at a time matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

As far as recycling goes in Fort St. John and the North Peace, Heather Stark has seen it all and handled it all. Stark marked her 25th year with the Northern Environmental Action Team on Feb. 17, taking up a job accepting and sorting recyclables at the agency’s former recycling plant on the advice of a teacher in 1993. “I wanted a job to get out of the house and away from the TV,” Stark recalls. “I liked recycling, trying save the world.” Of course, NEAT and the whole concept of recycling were still in their infancy back thenm and NEAT operated a facility in an old Texaco plant on 100 Avenue across from where Century 21 is today. While the job allowed Stark to buy every single magazine on the monarchy she could get her hands on, it also showed her just how wasteful residents were, even with their recycling. Reams of unused paper, calculators, staplers, pens, uncashed bottle returns came in load after load. “I didn’t have to go to the stationery store,” Stark says with a

matt preprost Photo

Heather Stark (left) and Karen Mason-Bennett with an old sign from the Northern Environmental Action Team’s old recycling plant.

laugh. “Some are into recycling a lot, others don’t care.” Stark worked at the plant for four years until 1997, before transitioning to work as a

janitor. Today, she still works part-time and picks up most every odd job there is around the NEAT office, whether that’s help to prep public presenta-

tions, washing out hundreds of cans for canning season, or managing the office’s worm bin for organic waste. Stark is an “unsung hero”

that helps other NEAT staff keep up with their workload, new executive director Karen Mason-Bennett says. “She keeps us all in line,” Mason-Bennett says with a laugh. The agency is in recalibration mode for 2018 after losing its solid waste reduction education and outreach contract with the Peace River Regional District, who moved to deliver those services in-house. It led to the loss of staff and around $370,000 in revenue a year for the organization. It took over the operations of the former ABC Thrift Store shortly thereafter to fill the gap as the agency shifts to more social enterprisebased work. The agency is trying to “step out from behind the blue box,” Mason-Bennett says, with a focus on food security and new sustainability programming to keep itself viable into the future. “Sustainability as a community is not just about recycling,” she says. “There are a lot of places to focus on ahead of that, and we’re going through the process to make intelligent, long-lasting decisions. “NEAT can be whatever it wants to be, really. We want to grow in an organic way for the community and organization.”

BC Hydro stops logging Site C transmission corridor ahead of injunction hearing BC Hydro says it has stopped logging activities for a Site C transmission line corridor. According to a report by the Globe and Mail on Monday, Hydro has agreed to suspend the work ahead of an injunction hearing this summer. Work has stopped on the western end of the corridor, according to the Globe, where BC Hydro plans to build a 75 kilometre, 500-kilovolt line between the Peace Canyon generating station and the planned Site C sub-

station. Hydro has stopped its work to protect areas identified as “culturally and ecologically critical,” and to allow “an orderly resolution of these issues,” according to the Globe. “I am advised that stopping the clearing and road building work will result in substantial increased cost to BC Hydro. BC Hydro reserves the right to seek recovery of that cost from (the West Moberly First Nation) in the future,” BC Hydro lawyer Mark Andrews wrote in a letter, ac-

cording to the Globe. The injunction application by the West Moberly will be heard over 10 days in July. The First Nation is asking the court to stop work on Site C entirely until its claim for treaty rights infringement can be settled at trial. The logging work was taking place in old growth forest in three critical areas to the First Nations, including Trappers Lake, Sucker Lake, and the Peace Moberly Tract, according to the release. “We feel very good about the

state of play,” West Moberly First Nations Chief Roland Willson said in a statement. “BC Hydro wouldn’t send their contractors home and shut down work for the next six months unless their back was against the wall. And if they are making these types of concessions before we even step foot inside the courtroom, we think that bodes well for our injunction this summer.” The BC NDP government said it would finish building the

dam at a cost of $10.7 billion in December following a fourmonth regulatory review. West Moberly, along with the Prophet River First Nation followed the government’s announcement by filing civil claims in BC Supreme Court in January. BC Hydro spokeswoman Mora Scott told the Globe the cost of the delay is unknown. The company has “committed” to suspending the work until Oct. 1 or until the court rules on the injunction, whichever is earliest.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A5

Local News

Parcel Z, Pine Avenue design contracts awarded matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

District of Taylor council approved sole-sourcing two contracts to Urban Systems to design the infrastructure for the Parcel Z subdivision as well as road and sewer work for Pine Avenue West at their meeting Feb. 19. Councillors approved the contracts ahead of finalizing this year’s budget so the designs will be ready for tender in time for this year’s construction season. “We’re all comfortable they’ll be included the budget so we moved forward with them,” Mayor Rob Fraser said. The contract for Parcel Z

design is valued at $190,500, and includes surveying, permitting, and design work needed to service the 50-lot subdivision with roads and basic utilities, as well as gas, hydro, and telecommunications. Council is waiting for provincial approval of a loan bylaw to borrow the estimated $4.2 million needed to carry out the construction. A response is between four to six weeks away before the bylaw will go to residents for approval. If residents reject the borrowing, the money on the design won’t be wasted, Fraser said. Future councils or private developers could pick it up in the future, he said. “If the folks of Taylor come

out and say, ‘No, we don’t want you to borrow this money,’ then you don’t do the work,” he said. “It’s not a wasted document because that design is for that property. We’re building a shelf-ready plan, which allows us to get ahead of the curve.” The contract for Pine Avenue West sewer and road design work is valued at $48,500, and will eventually connect to Parcel Z, Fraser said. Construction would extend from from the 100 Street to the Spruce Street South at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Designs for both projects are anticipated to begin as early as this week and be ready by the end of March.

District of Taylor council news in brief Highlights from the District of Taylor council and committee meetings on Feb. 19, 2018: Concession complaints Councillors have directed the parks and facilities department to meet with Black Cats BBQ to ensure reliability and consistency in concession hours at the arena. It stems from a complaint from the Peace Passage Skating Club about inconsistent hours and closures that have happened without timely notice, or without notice at all. The club wants to revisit the concession schedule, noting it understood the concession would be open during all club and Taylor minor hockey ice times. “If they choose not to … move forward with meeting or going back to the schedule, then we’ve got to take action on the contract,” Mayor Rob Fraser said.

Funeral fees forgiveness The district will continue to waive rental fees for funeral services at the community halls to those who lived in the district for more than five years. The policy also applies to those who made significant contributions to the community. It doesn’t, however, apply to those who lived in the broader fire protection area, council told staff, who were looking for clarity on the matter. “Once they fit the policy, you give it to them,” Mayor Rob Fraser said. Council will hear requests for fee forgiveness in special circumstances that don’t fit the policy, such as economic hardship. The fee forgiveness does not include cemetery fees. Communications planning Council got a look at an early draft of an updated communications plan for the district. It deals with everything from

where the district will post public notices to how it manages its social media channels to how it communicates with district staff and the media. It also outlines emergency coordination and crisis communication, and the protocols for alerting council about injuries to the public on public property, as well as damage to public property. The plan is not yet public and will come before a future committee meeting. Other business • The Peace River Regional District wants municipalities to establish an invasive plant bylaw after it “has seen an increase in weed reports on lands within member municipal boundaries.” Taylor doesn’t have a specific bylaw for invasive plants, however, invasive plants are dealt with under its unsightly premises bylaw, according to CAO Charlette McLeod.

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matt preprost Photo

Michael Coulson speaks about his internship experience at a District of Taylor council meeting Feb. 19, 2018.

Government internship preps UNBC student for career matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Michael Coulson may not have a job that puts him in the public spotlight too often, but his recent work for the District of Taylor will likely be seen for years to come. Coulson is nearing the end of his year-long placement as a local government management intern through the Northern Development Initiative Trust. He’s spent the last year helping write and repeal bylaws, surveying residents about traffic, inspecting workplaces, and helping to set up the Parcel Z subdivision for development. “Each one of these projects represents a significant amount of time that staff and council has invested in me through mentorship and guidance, and patience,” Coulson told councillors during a year-end report of his duties Feb. 19. “I have a lot of gratitude for that.” The Trust’s internship program links post-secondary graduates wanting a career in local government with municipalities in Central and Northern B.C.

For Coulson, an urban and environmental planning student from the University of Northern BC, the best part of the job was running the traffic survey and helping out with Parcel Z. District staff are already costing out solutions to respond to the issues identified in Coulson’s traffic survey, and councillors are forging ahead with the servicing of Parcel Z to help spur new residential development. Coulson has focused his school project work and research on transportation and infrastructure, and those two projects were certainly a perfect fit, he said. Mayor Rob Fraser and Coun. Betty Ponto noted Coulson’s work ethic and enthusiasm, and asked him whether the internship program was valuable and prepared him for a career in government. “Most of these projects, in fact all of them, pertained to the education I walked out of UNBC with and pertained to my interests,” he said. “I have yet to hear of another internship program that sets you up with the kind of opportunities this one does.”

A6 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Opinion

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

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MSP bait-and-switch bad politics, and bad for business

ith the latest provincial budget released last week, the NDP’s solution to getting rid of those pesky MSP premiums was dumping those costs on businesses in the form of a new payroll health tax. To be honest, this is one of the dumbest moves I have ever seen by a new government barely a year into power. Similar to the Trans Mountain Pipeline fiasco, where the BC NDP appears to exercise very little political strategy, the move

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

to turn the MSP premiums into a payroll health tax for businesses will become a big political liability. I suspect that many people will be left scratching their heads wondering why the NDP did not consult the business community in advance of such a decision, and

leaves many wondering what are they going to do businesses next. Why on earth would a government impose a projected $2 billion per year future tax burden on B.C. businesses without any warning or consultation process? The cynic in me says this was purely a desperation move by a rookie government. This is not a sign of government capable of progressive, prudent and informed decision making — this is a sign of the opposite and the optics are terrible. Shifting a campaign promise

to get rid of the MSP premiums to businesses in the form of a payroll health tax sends only one message: British Columbia is bad for business. When I lived in Alberta for a stint there was a running joke that BC stood for “Bring Cash.” The NDP certainly has sent that message loud and clear to any business looking at setting up shop in our province. Jeff Richert lives in Taylor and ran as an independent in Peace River North in the 2017 election.

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side effect of our entitled society is the rise and, yes, I am going to say it here, ultimate fall of crowdsourcing pages and applications. Crowdsourcing is regarded as a brilliant way for individuals and organizations to source everything from ideas to money from a large pool of internet users. It takes the “ask” to social media channels, which creates a cumulative impact. You ask one person for $10 and you might get $5 and “I wish I could give more,” but, if you ask thousands, or hundreds of thousands of people, for $10, you will most likely receive a hefty return. If your ask became viral because it strikes a chord with humanity, you can raise a great deal of money because it would be shared over and over again. The GoFundMe phenomenon was born in 2010. It is a platform designed to ask for donations for personal causes and life events. Social media sites like Facebook easily share GoFundMe campaigns and we all have seen them pop up on our social media feeds with a request for donations. You can sit in your pyjamas in your living room and donate using your debit or credit card. GoFundMe makes giving easy! Of course, there is a reason why we can’t have nice things. The noble GoFundMe model has been used for causes that are not so noble. I saw a GoFundMe campaign for a

TRANSPHOBIA AT THE CORE OF MA MURRAY BATHROOM DEBATE Re: ‘Parents raise safety concerns over universal washrooms with trustees,’ Feb. 22 I am one of the parents who was a loud voice in the great Ma Murray bathroom debate on a local Facebook mom’s group, which prompted five parents to raise safety concerns at this week’s schoolboard meeting. The article the Alaska Highway News published about the meeting did not mention what I believe is truly at the core of the debate — transphobia. During the online

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

television. Yes, a television. I also saw one for someone raising funds to renovate their home. I would like to “Kick”starter the GoFundMe pages right in the arse. Call me if you want money — ask me personally, look me in the eye, and say, “I need this much,” but don’t expect me to respond to your virtual request when I know that you haven’t tried the other avenues for cash. For instance, you could save up. Wild idea, right? You feel uncomfortable asking your parents but you are good with asking strangers? You don’t want to borrow the money, you would rather someone gave you the money with no strings attached? Life altering events, yes: Your house burns down, you have a family tragedy, or need expensive medicine or travel expenses paid, then OK, start your GoFundMe. But for the other stuff don’t expect or feel entitled to the world bailing you out. Why the verbal tirade? I recently read the New York Times advice column called the Social Q’s where “Anonymous” shared that she was heartbroken that only one person

debate, I was horrified to hear so many parents reveal their hostility toward transgender people. Although some parents may feel they have genuine safety concerns, for many participating in the debate, the concerns were a red herring thrown by those with outdated attitudes and religious arguments against transgender rights. As a parent of a child who will be attending Ma Murray, I will be proud to have him attend a school with such an innovative (and, in fact, safer) bathroom design. The BC Human Rights Code requires schools to provide an educational environment

had responded to her GoFundMe plea for money to pay for cancer medicine. She couldn’t understand why her friends had not responded en masse to her request. The response by the columnist was admirable. He told Anonymous that perhaps she should pick up the phone and explain her situation directly to friends — use the personal approach. He likened the campaign to “putting up a digital flyer in the town square, sending your pals a form letter over the Internet.” Cynicism is a byproduct of our evolving society. When we are digitally targeted over and over and over again with people asking for something, we begin to tune out. We are overwhelmed and find ourselves finding solace in watching funny cat videos. The phone rings and there is an unknown voice on the other end asking to speak with, “Judy Kucharuk,” and Kucharuk is pronounced ‘Koo-ka-rook’ or ‘Koo-chairnuk,’ and I brace for the ask. I log into Facebook and I see my messenger tab indicating that I have a message from someone who is not my FB friend and asks if I want to accept. I brace for the ask. Saturation has been achieved. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book Naked Tuesday, or follow her on twitter @ judylaine

free from discrimination, and must allow students to use the washroom that corresponds with their felt gender. The Ma Murray bathroom design proactively addresses the problems many parents will raise when this legal requirement is put into practice. Assigning a single stall in the building as gender-neutral is not enough, as it singles out trans children who would likely already be facing bullying. It could also mean they have to walk a long way just to pee. The Ma Murray design, which my trans friend says is “brilliant,” allows trans kids to feel safe and free from harassment, and parents don’t have to worry

about the “big bad trans kid” using the washroom of his or her choice. It’s a great compromise. Aside from protecting the human rights of trans children, having the sinks in view of the hallways makes the washrooms safer for all kids by reducing the risk of bullying that can happen, even to cis-gendered kids, in washrooms. As for concerns about the full doors, schools have safety measures in place to ensure kids aren’t missing for any length of time. I am sending my son to Ma Murray knowing he will be safe and cared for. — Amy von Stackelberg, Fort St. John

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A7

Local News

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• Paul Neil Wegener (born 1975) was handed a conditional discharge with six months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. • Beaufort Leanard Acko (born 1981) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. • Matthew MacPhee (born 1979) was handed a conditional sentence with 24 months of probation, ordered to pay $30,441.73 in restitution, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for mischief to property over $5,000. • Austyn Levi Adekat (born 1997) was ordered to provide a DNA sample, handed two years of probation, handed a 10-year mandatory firearms ban, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for assault with a weapon. • Matthew James Apsassin (born 1997) was handed a year of probation with a suspended sentence and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for assault. • Dusty Kastin Oker (born 1994) was fined $250, handed six months of probation, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of probation. • Jared Benjamin Anton (born 1991) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of probation.

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Fort Nelson Law Courts • Jeffrey James Unruh (born 1959) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. • Brian Gary Capot Blanc (born 1983) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation. Capot Blanc was assessed a second $100 victim surcharge for assaulting a peace officer. • William Don Duchesne (born 1978) was handed one of year probation with a suspended sentence and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for publication of an intimate image without consent. Duchesne was also handed a one-year probation order with suspended sentence and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. • Darci Mallory Leer (born 1989) was handed a conditional discharge with six months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault causing bodily harm. • Ryan Eric Whitehead (born 1995) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation.

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• Laurie Ann Strong (born 1983) was sentenced to 20 days in jail, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for possession of stolen property under $5,000 and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Strong was given a further 30 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breach of undertaking. Strong was sentenced to 90 days in jail and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for theft $5,000 or under. • Chelbi Doreen Hiebert (born 1991) was given a one-year probation order, handed an 18-month criminal driving ban, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for flight from a peace officer. Hiebert was handed a year of probation and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for possession of stolen property under $5,000. • Mitchell Davis Remenyk (born 1984) was fined $500, handed a six-month driving ban, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence. Remenyk was assessed a second $100 victim surcharge for possession of a controlled substance. — Tom Summer

Backcountry reopens Backcountry is back open for business. The store reopened Monday after being closed for a week after a man stole a truck and smashed it through the store in an apparent attempt to steal guns. “We’re happy to have the doors back open again,” co-owner Steve Hewitt said. “All of our good customers are starting to come back through the doors, and that’s what we like to see.” The store got the OK to reopen following a structural review of the damage, which Hewitt estimates will be upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars once fixed. While the store is back to regular hours, he apologized for some disruption and inconvenience customers may experience as they repair and rebuild. “It’ll be several months before we’re back to quote-unquote normal,” he said. Police could not be reached Tuesday for an update on the case.

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A8 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Local News

Fort St. John Scout Andy Ackerman awarded for fortitude has been helping promote and foster outdoor and leadership skills in youth ever since. Any volunteer will tell you “You teach them things their service is not about earn- they’ll never forget,” Ackerman ing awards — Andy Ackerman said. “We teach them to be a will add that it’s also about nev- good, responsible citizen of er slowing down, even in the their community.” face of adversity. Ackerman received both his Ackerman, a long-time awards from Phallon StoutenScouter, was presented with burg, who said Ackerman has Scouts Canada’s Award of been an important role model Fortitude during the 1st Fort for her since first joining the St. John Scouts annual Lord Scouts in 1998. One of her earliBaden-Powell Potluck Dinner est memories is being photoThursday, Feb. 22. graphed with him after winning The award is given to those a Kub Kar Rally award when she who continue to contribute to was eight, and having to hold the organization despite phys- two trophies and her car at the ical or mental hardships. In same time. Ackerman’s case, he’s continued “I was a shy kid and this his service to the club over the trophy was bigger than I was,” last year while fighting cancer Stoutenburg said. “He said, and undergoing chemotherapy. ’That’s sure a lot of stuff you’re “I’m a firm believer it’s mind carrying.’” over matter,” Ackerman said. It’s Ackerman’s friendly “It didn’t slow me down, I didn’t personality, humour, and want to slow down, so I didn’t.” storytelling that makes him THE SOUTH PEACE Ackerman also received the a valuable mentor for youth, Bar to the Silver Acorn at the Stoutenburg said, noting their dinner, awarded for especially relationship has grown as she’s distinguished service to Scout- grown older. ing. He joined the Scouts with “It’s neat to have that experihis friends when he was eight, ence of looking up to your role became a leader in 1981, and model and then working alongmatt preprost

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side them,” she said. “Seeing someone with such solid leadership skills, that’s a Scouter you want to be.” Stoutenburg herself has already established herself as a leader in the community with her work for the Women’s Resource Society, Ackerman said. As a youth organization, Scouts Canada is key to finding and developing more young people like her, he said. “People like Phallon, they’re our future,” he said. “We need to keep looking for younger people as leaders. That’s what I’m in it for, so when I get to my ripe, ripe old age, I know the world’s in good hands.” For others were awarded and recognized during the Lord Baden-Powell Potluck Dinner Feb. 22, which celebrated the 161st birthday of the Scouts Canada founder. They include: • Ken Wintersgill, Group Commissioner; received the Certificate of Commendation, and the Medal for Good Service • Alan Stebbing, Scouter-atlarge; received the Certificate of Commendation • Justin Kennedy, Area Youth

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Business

Natural resource revenues are forecast to decline an average of 5.5 per cent annually over the next three years. — Provincial budget, A11

No funding now, but solutions sought for Greyhound cuts matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

There are no funds in the 2018 budget for rural bus service in B.C., but transportation minister Claire Trevena says her ministry is reviewing its options as Greyhound Canada plans to cut service across the province. Trevena called Greyhound’s decision to cut routes in Northern and Interior B.C. a “disappointing one,” after the company received approval to discontinue seven of its routes. “Eliminating and reducing service along rural and remote routes will leave people vulnerable, particularly indigenous communities, women, seniors, children, and those living with disabilities,” Trevena said. “Although no funds have been specifically set aside for rural bus service in the 2018 budget, the ministry will be looking at all options to keep buses running in the short and long term, which may include funding for new or existing services.” The Passenger Transportation Board approved Feb. 21 route cuts that will eliminate service between Prince George and Dawson Creek, and Dawson Creek to the Yukon border in Northeast B.C. It also approved eliminating routes between Prince George and Fort St. James, Prince George and Prince Rupert, and Prince George to the Alberta border, among others in southern B.C. Greyhound can end the routes in the North as early as June 1, but must continue service, at a reduced level, through the end of May. The PTB said the extension will ensure transit through winter, and give time for companies interested in starting a new bus service to apply. Trevena said she will be meeting with municipalities and First Nations in the coming weeks about possible solutions. Greyhound told the board private service can’t continue without public subsidies, and proposed a fund for municipalities and First Nations to pay for bids from private operators to maintain bus service. Greyhound says it has been losing $35,000 a day on its passengers services in B.C., with

losses amounting to $70 million over the last six years. The company told the board it has struggled to adapt to changing market conditions that has seen the rise of ride-sharing and air travel, along with subsidized bus service through Northern Health and BC Transit. The company was subsidizing unprofitable routes with revenues from more profitable ones, company officials told the board, which noted it can’t “compel” private business to sustain significant losses. Both Brad Sperling, chair of the Peace River Regional District, and Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman said Trevena reached out to them ahead of last week’s decision. Sperling said he appreciated the call, and wanted to speak to his regional district counterparts before returning her call to discuss the next steps forward. The regional district board discussed the issue at its meeting last Thursday. “We’re concerned, but we understand,” Sperling said. “We’re concerned with our residents who needed that service.” The province already subsidizes public transit, including inter-city service, as well as ferry service to connect remote and rural coastal communities, Sperling said. At the same time, it has eliminated tolls from bridges in the Lower Mainland, he said. Though he’s not in favour of subsidies, “if you’re going to subsidize one, you should subsidize everyone,” Sperling said. “Why are all these things fine? So people can get safely to where they’re going.” Greyhound traffic on the Alaska Highway between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson dropped from 18,307 passengers in 2014 to 9,647 in 2017. “Minister Trevena called me yesterday to say that should there be impacts announced today that the province would be reaching out to work with us,” Ackerman said. “What exactly ‘work with’ means, remains to be seen. I will be reaching out to the minister now that the decision is made to determine that.”

supplied Photo

Northern Legendary Construction founder Eric Bell with daughter Natasha at the Small Business BC Awards Feb. 23.

Northern Legendary best in B.C. for apprentice training matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

It’s an award for the mantle to help bring in new business, and a recruitment tool for the next generation of carpenters in B.C. Northern Legendary Construction of Fort St. John was named the best small business in B.C. when it comes to apprenticeship training at the 15th Annual Small Business BC Awards gala on Feb. 23 in Vancouver. “It was a real good team effort and I think the acknowledgment of the team’s effort is the most satisfying part of it,” said company founder Eric Bell. “Our supervisors are really a second-to-none group of guys that are quite gifted teaching leadership in construction and carpentry.” The award win comes with a $1,500 cash prize and an allaccess pass to Small Business BC workshops and experts. Bell started Northern Legendary in 2007 and employs 21 people today. When he got his start in construction in Ontario, Bell

says he was never part of a structured team, and would show up to a work site “learning on the job instead of learning ahead of the job.” When he moved to B.C., Bell got his Red Seal ticket in carpentry with the help of the Industry Training Authority, and made sure everybody on his team was trained to similar minimum standards when he launched his company. “I’m making sure there’s time for our guys to study, to learn about the methods, or the proper install procedures, number one, so we know what we’re doing, and number two, so it can be profitable and go faster,” Bell said. “It also has to do with my awareness that I don’t want my guys to ever be put in a position where they don’t know what they’re doing. “It’s not fair to them and it’s not fair to the customer. For me, I was always put in that position,” he said. More than 600 companies were nominated across all categories for the awards last October. Nominees were narrowed to five, who then had to make a business pitch about

their company to an expert panel before the winners were named. Northern Legendary beat out Capilano Builders in North Vancouver, Mountain Pacific Mechanical in Chilliwack, Shoesmith Construction in Fernie, and Technicon Industries in Terrace. Gary Herman, CEO of the Industry Training Authority (ITA), which sponsored the award, said Northern Legendary’s win was well deserved. “Apprenticeship is essential in trades training and it wouldn’t be possible without employer champions that are hiring and training the next generation of tradespeople in B.C.,” Herman said in a statement. Apprenticeship helps employers maintain a professional approach in their business, Bell said. The award will help attract both new business and new students of the trades, he added. “It’s going to be a good recruitment tool for us, for young apprentices that are going to possibly favour our company if they know we are taking care of our staff,” he said.

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A10 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

BUSINESS

Transitional opportunities

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Grade 6 student Wyatt Werner makes a deal with a customer for one of his Tricky Triangles puzzle.

Entrepreneur fair gives Baldonnel students the tools for business MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Cupcake sweets, puzzles, jewelry, and home decor — the Baldonnel Elementary School gymnasium was turned into a chamber of commerce that was buzzing with business last week as students in Grades 4 to 6 got their first taste of what it takes to be an entrepreneur. The school’s entrepreneur fair gives students a chance to apply their know-how to develop a business plan and design a product that will sell. For Grade 6 student Wyatt Werner, that product was a brainteasing puzzle called Tricky Triangles, modelled from a similar game he found at a restaurant in Mackenzie. “It was hard and took me six hours to figure out,” he said. “I found it really fun. It’s a brain teaser, like a Rubik’s Cube.”

Grade 4 student Aileen Chisholm

So, Werner collected some scrap flooring, cut them into triangles, and made his gameboard pegs from bamboo barbecue skewers. With a little bit of patience and carpentry know-how, the games were built and ready to sell in 16 hours. “It’s hands on,” he said. “Building things is my favourite thing to do.” At another table, Grade 4 student Aileen Chisholm was selling handmade necklaces of painted washers on a string. “I made these for my mom for Mother’s Day,”

she said, proudly showing off her earnings for the day. “I like making jewelry.” The new school curriculum emphasizes financial literacy, said teacher Mary Stregger, and the entrepreneur fair alternates every other year with the school science fair. Students come up with a business plan, estimate their expenses, file a loan application with their parents if they need to borrow money, and have to pay a rental fee to the school for the use of a vendor table. Best of all, students get to keep the profits they make selling their product to other school kids and their parents, while the students who shop learn how to budget their spending. “It’s real life skills, and an exciting way to use math,” Stregger said. Fees collected from student table rentals will go to a charity voted on by students.

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.

results. My question to you would be what type of sustainable economic growth can be supported in the north that captures the transitional impact of the times we live in? Is there any opportunity to support an industry that is not dependent on a non-renewable resource? Is there any opportunity to improve the gross national happiness of our region? Is there any opportunity to promote the beautiful richness of our corner of the province? Have you been out to Tumbler Ridge and its fantastic Geopark?. While many people of the north are accustomed to the high salaries of the petroleum industry, is it time to invest in our community and grow an untapped asset? The strength of the north often is the people relationships and community pride. Are you guilty of e-trade, out of town shopping trips, online advertising? Are you supporting our not for profits and small business people? Take a close look and see how many of your dollars stay in the community before you start complaining about the service, the selection, or the people. It is time to mature to a community that has stability and sustainability for the long-haul. How many times have we all been guilty of saying, one more boom and this time I won’t waste it? Edwina Nearhood is a life-long resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

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e are smack dab in the middle of big systematic changes in society, reminiscent of the industrial revolution. Is there a name for what we are experiencing? I do not know. Any comments on what we should call this transition? Are we ready for diversification in the north? We have so many untapped renewable resources and opportunities. We are sitting at the foothills of the Rockies. We are minutes from the banks of the mighty Peace River. We have history and archaeology that go back thousands of years. We have an opportunity to celebrate the first people and knowledge of this region. Now is a time to look to education, opportunity, risk takers and the trail blazers of the community to break some new trail and expand our scope. Thirty years ago, UNBC opened in Prince George. We began training for our future. Is it time for an expanded education campus in Northeast B.C.? Students in a community bring employment for the service industry and perhaps if they love it here an opportunity to bring our talent home once they have travelled the world. I can’t believe that I am saying this, but it is true. I love statistics. I appreciate the snapshot and overall score card that they offer us so we can see where we are at and where we are trending. Dealing with any large corporation or community government it does take time to turn the ship around. Many fantastic communities have been built on the foresight of leaders that were apprised of changing conditions. It is much easier to be in a responsive situation other than a reactive situation. Our neighbours to the north in Fort Nelson are definitely feeling the stress of several years of low commodity pricing, technology shift, etc. While we are very fortunate to have multi-sectors to support the community we are not immune to the impact of numerous opposing forces including globalization, commodity pricing, political policy, etc. Remember — the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again hoping for different

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A11

business

Natural gas royalties forecast to jump 57.9% in 2018 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

B.C. expects its natural gas royalties to spike 57.9 per cent in 2018 as production volumes climb, before yo-yoing amid slumping natural resource revenues over the next three years. The province has forecast $229 million in royalty revenues in its 2018 budget released Feb. 20, up from $145 million estimated in 2017. Royalties are expected to rise with “increased production volumes, decreased utilization of royalty program credits, and higher prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids,” the province notes in its fiscal plan. From there, royalties are expected to drop due to declines in production and increased use of royalty program credits, the province says. The province forecasts it will collect $206 million in royalties in 2019, before rising again to $218 million in 2020. Production is forecast at just 48.4 billion cubic metres in 2017, and is projected to jump to 53.8 bcm in 2018 and 2019. Volumes are expected to drop to 52.9 bcm in 2020. A one per cent change in natural gas volumes and exchange rates can impact royalties by around $2 million,

according to the plan. A 25-cent change in prices can swing revenues between $30 million to $50 million. The province expects revenues from bonus bids and rents on drilling licences and leases to plummet 58.2 per cent over the next three years, from $376 million in 2017 to $157 million by 2020. “The decrease over the three years reflects declining deferred revenue and cash sales that are expected to average just $10 million annually,” the province says. Natural resource revenues as a whole are forecast to decline an average of 5.5 per cent annually over the next three years, according to the plan. The province expects to collect $2.4 billion in natural resource revenues in 2018, and just $2.1 billion in 2020. ining and minerals revenues is expected to drop an average of 27 per cent annually over the next three years, the province says, citing weakening coal prices and increased mine production costs, though copper prices are expected to rise to offset some of that decline. Forestry revenue is expected to remain flat in 2018, and decline an average of 3.2 per cent in annually over the next

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two years due to lower overall stumpage rates. The province expects 58 million cubic metres of timber to be harvested in 2018 and 2019 before dropping to 57 million in 2020. Other energy revenues from petroleum revenues, Oil and Gas Commission fees, and electricity sales through the Columbia River Treaty are expected to grow 2.7 per cent annually. Petroleum revenues are projected to rise from $66 million in 2018 to $76 million in 2020. Other natural resource revenues such as water rentals and hunting and fishing licence fees are expected to increase 1.3 per cent annually over the next three years. Other energy spending • The province says it’s allocating nearly $2 million over the next three years to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources to meet regulatory requirements and several tailings storage facilities at abandoned mines. • The province is also adding $4 million over the next three years to develop an Energy Roadmap, “in order to assist large carbon emitters in key transportation and industry sectors adjust to a low carbon future.”

submitted Photo

Dale Lynn Plotnikow presents a cheque to Cindy Mohr, Executive Director for the Fort St John Association for Community Living, on behalf of Enbridge Inc. Plotnikow, an Enbridge employee and ACL volunteer, was one of Enbridge’s ten $1,500 grant recipients as part of its Canada 150 Grant Competition.

SD60 trustees adopt $75.6M education budget matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

School District 60 will dip into last year’s surplus to balance its budget for this school year. Trustees adopted an amended $75.6-million budget plan for the 2017-18 year at their Feb. 19 meeting, and due to the province at the end of February. The amended budget is a “best estimate” of district expenses by the end of its fiscal year June 30, secretary-treasurer Brenda Hooker said. The budget includes $62.1 million in operating expenses, down from $62.5 million first budgeted, with salary and benefits making up the lion’s share of that spending at $53.5 million, or 86 per cent. The district has budgeted $8.6 million on services and supplies, or 14 per cent of its operating expenses. The district’s special

purposes funds is budgeted at $8.7 million. It includes $4.3 million the district received from the province’s classroom enhancement fund to hire more teachers to restore contract language for smaller class sizes. Also included in the budget is another $1.4 million in capital asset purchases financed through operating revenues — $1 million of which was set aside from last year’s operating surplus to pay for extra Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School construction costs not covered by the province’s funding commitment, and that came in after tenders went out to bid. “Rather than cutting back on some of the items we wanted to have in the school, the board agreed to allocate last year $1 million of our operating surplus toward the project so we didn’t have to scale

back the construction,” Hooker said. It brings the spend on the school build to an estimated $28 million, which also includes funding from the City of Fort St. John for an expanded gymnasium, as well as BC Hydro and other ministry grants for a new daycare. The rest of capital asset spending funded through operations is budgeted for computers, vehicles, and desks and chairs for students. The district has another $3.3 million budgeted for amortized capital expenses funded by the province. The district is projecting $74.1 million in revenues against $74.2 million in expenses by the end of June. The district will draw from its accumulated surpluses to make the budget balance as required by law. It will leave district with just over $4 million left in its reserves.

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A stacked washer/dryer is nearby, hidden behind doors that front the hallway leading to the back porch. Slender wooden posts support and Shelves fill the other half of the alcove. define a long front porch that wraps Its lower half could be outfitted with a around to the right. Exposed rafter folding counter atop storage cabinets. tails along the roof's edge create vi- More storage is available in a smaller sual interest there, while cedar shake alcove across from the bathroom. shingles give a rustic texture to the exTwo rooms fill the rest of the left terior, above the batt and board siding. side. The Kent's front bedroom is largEntering, you step through one of the two atrium doors into a surprisingly large and sunny vaulted great room. Windows line much of the side wall, and a kitchen with a large work island fills the rear. If a wood or gas flame stove is part of your dream, the front corner by the door is an ideal location. Standing at the kitchen's four-burner stove, you can easily serve up hot

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A12 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

vagina monologues 2018

Vagina Monologues a pleasantly diverse look at what it means to be a woman — and a man eve petford Alaska Highway News

eve petford Photos

Jenna Loren Felske performed two musical numbers for the audience at the 2018 Vagina Monologues, including “Mama Baby” seen here, and another called “Melody.”

Left: Dana Pedersen performs a self-explanatory piece about language titled “Reclaiming C - - t.” Right: Director Jen Pimm delivers a monologue titled “My Revolution Begins in the Body.”

I had read a few of The Vagina Monologues back in the late 1990s when Eve Ensler first put on her one woman show. I was indifferent. Perhaps because I was too young to process the gravity of the subject matter. Maybe because I have always identified as a humanist and shirked off feminism as it was, personally, never an inclusive social perspective to achieve equality. However, on Feb. 23, I was asked to photograph the Women’s Resource Society’s VDAY production of The Vagina Monologues. I agreed to the assignment, explaining I would be just catching a few shots and leaving — I really didn’t want to listen to, what I assumed, angry women raging. I sat front row centre and sunk back in my seat, fiddling with the settings on my camera. The lights dimmed. My skepticism shone brightly. The show was about to begin. Huh? Wait? What? Two men, Sage Birley and Kyle Behrens, came out and read together a piece titled This is For You. The tone was set, warmly and safely, by men? This was not what I was expecting. Jen Pimm directed a show that was a brilliantly and beautifully molded into an inclusive and welcoming conversation accessible to all: men and women, young and old, victim and victor. Incredible pieces of vulnerability and pain moved smoothly into uproariously, laugh-outloud moments, and back into tear-jerking shock. So succinct and well orchestrated was the show, it felt like a hand reaching from the stage into the audi-

ence’s heart and mind. Looking around at the audience, I saw tears, I saw women and men laughing, I saw mouths agape. The performances were potent and powerful. Every monologue completely relatable and valid for today. Facts about vaginas were laced through out the evening; some happy, some not so happy. Music from Brin Murphy, Jenna Loren Felske, and poetry from Sage Brinley also kept this production well lubed. Waylon Fenton, a young man, read out The Man Prayer. Another gorgeous moment that offered hope boys becoming men will live a life respectful to their future partners, focus on the emotions, respect and sensuality in lieu of machismo and aggression. Stories from local individuals were included as an original piece to explain how common sexual assault and harrassment it is in our community of Fort St. John. The evening concluded with Connie Greyeyes and Helen Knott discussing the injustices and violence too prevalent in the Indigenous community. There were awful statistics provided and a plea from every aboriginal parent: “Not my Child.” Heels Dance Troupe closed the evening with a number set to Woman, by Kesha. See The Vagina Monologues, read the script, engage in the discussion. The conversation is changing. Be a part of it. More than 200 people turned out to The Vagina Monologues, this year, raising $7,000 for the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society. To learn more about the society, visit www.fsjwrs.ca. For more coverage and photos, visit alaskahighwaynews.ca

Connie Greyeyes, Helen Knott, and Jen Pimm speak about their activism in the community, as well as the impact recent acquittals in the killings of Tina Fontaine and Colten Boushie has had on the indigenous community in Canada.

Sage Birley performs a poetry ode to his mother and the women in his life, called “She.”

Left: Sonya Wilson performs a piece called “Because He Liked To Look At It.” Right: Waylon Fenton reads a piece called “The Man Prayer.” Brin Murphy performs a song called “Netflix and Chill.”

submitted Photo

The Heels Dance Troupe from Alchemy Dance Collective close the show.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, Studio 105 hosted its second annual Cuts for Cans event in support of the Women’s Resource Society. This year, they cut 115 heads of hair, compared to 78 the year before. Above, the Studio 105 staff stand with the amount of food collected to support the society’s outreach store.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A13

black history month gala

Black History Month celebrated at gala matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Northeast B.C. is steeped in African American history and legend, perhaps no more so than when the 95th Engineer Regiment stepped off the train at the end of the steel in Dawson Creek on May 5, 1942, to begin construction of the Alaska Highway north to Fort Nelson. The 95th Engineers were one of three African American regiments brought north to help build the military road during the Second World War. Seventy-five years after the highway was built, the African American community in the region continues to grow, and celebrated Black History Month last weekend with a gala evening of dinner, dance, and music. “Many don’t know much about African and Caribbean culture, and we want to promote diversity,” said Panebi Oboh, president of the Pan African Caribbean Association. “We want to create awareness of our culture, our fashion, our cuisine, and let them know that we’re here in the community to serve.” Oboh moved to Fort St. John from Nigeria a decade ago to work as an immigration con-

sultant. Today, she helps bring international students from Nigeria to the city and the rest of Canada to study. “When I first came to Fort St. John, you could pick out the number of black people,” she says. “I knew almost all of them, but not anymore. You meet new ones every day.” According to the latest census, the black population numbered 575 persons in the Peace River Regional District in 2016, representing around 14 per cent of the region’s visibility minority population. Most are in the Fort St. John metropolitan area — which includes Charlie Lake and Taylor — numbered at 385, according to the census. There were 140 new immigrants from Africa who moved here between 2011 and 2016, most from South Africa and Nigeria. The black community continues to grow, shrugging off the cold to work and study Oboh said. More and more are choosing to call the region home, Oboh said, and it shows not only in numbers, but the ethnic food that can be found on grocery store shelves. “Things are getting better by the day, so maybe more people are encouraged to come,” Oboh said.

eve petford Photos

Catherine Sweeby and the rest of her bandmates in Earth, Wind & Snow delivered an evening a funk that served as the musical backdrop to the Pan African Caribbean Association’s Black History Month gala on Feb. 24, 2018..

Denise and Cassius enjoy dinner and conversation with friend, Doug Wigglesworth. Denise is donning a gorgeous head piece and traditional clothing.

Harry Sebastian (camera) and his friend Abdoulaye Diallo take a moment to laugh and pose during the Black History Month celebrations. Behind them, a display of brightly crafted art that was available for sale.

A14 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Lenten Observances

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

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

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

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

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Even though it’s a Full Moon, you feel great today. You see ways that others can help and benefit you. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Today’s Full Moon might create tension with romantic partners or your kids. Nevertheless, friends are supportive and helpful to you today! GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) You make a fabulous impression on others today, even to the point that a romantic interest might begin with someone in a position of authority. However, be patient with family members. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Be careful because today is the Full Moon, and this energy is slightly accident-prone for you. Nevertheless, travel for pleasure will delight you. You might be attracted to someone from another culture. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) Financial matters about inheritances or how to divide or share something might come to a head today. Whatever happens, you will come out laughing all the way to the bank. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Today the only Full Moon in your sign all year is taking place. This can create tension with others, but it’s nothing you cannot handle. Things will be quite all right.

For Thursday March 1 2018

ent is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday, which fell on Valentine’s Day this year. Lent continues for six weeks, ending at the Easter Vigil. The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word len(c)ten, meaning spring season, or derivative of the Old Germanic la giton (long) in reference to the lengthening of the days characteristic of spring. The three traditional practices to be taken during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbours). Christians who fast do so to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry and during which time He was thrice tempted by Satan. The day immediately preceding Lent is variously called Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday. In preparation of their fast beginning on Ash Wednesday, Christians may indulge on Fat Tuesday. (Hopefully, 2018 Lenten sweet abstainers thought to enjoy their Valentine’s Day chocolates on Fat Tuesday). Fasting during Lent was more prominent in ancient times. In some places, all animal products were strictly forbidden, and the observant abstained from food for a whole day until the midafternoon or evening meal. The 1917 Code of Canon Law allowed for one full meal on a fasting day, supplemented by two smaller meals (collations). Portions were to be sufficient to sustain strength, but not adequate enough to satisfy hunger. Only those aged 21 to 59 were obliged to fast. Strenuous work or illness excused one from observance, and a dispensation could be granted by a bishop or parish priest. In addition to fasting, abstinence from meat was to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays and Saturdays during Lent. In the Western Catholic Church, the obligation to fast no longer applies to all forty days of Lent, but only to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference decided to allow other forms of Friday penance

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

to replace that of abstinence from meat, whether in Lent or outside of Lent, suggesting abstinence from some other food (sweets), alcohol or tobacco instead. The Bishops’ Conference also suggested that rather than fast, a Catholic might instead participate in family prayer, attend Mass more regularly, participate in the Stations of the Cross, or help the poor, sick, old, or lonely. Lenten traditions and liturgical practices are less common, less binding, and sometimes non-existent among Christians, who prefer to contribute to causes such as environmental stewardship rather than fast. Christians may also read a daily devotional or pray during Lent, drawing nearer to God through prayer. Many Roman Catholic and some Protestant churches remove flowers from their altars, and veil crucifixes and religious icons in violet fabrics to mark Christ’s Passion. Christians memorialize the death of Christ on Good Friday, His burial on Holy Saturday, and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. These three days — Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday — form the Easter Triduum. One of the most important ceremonies at Easter is the baptism of the initiates on Easter Eve. Converts to Catholicism follow a strict catechumenate period of instruction prior to their initiation into the church through baptism during the Easter Vigil. The Gloria, usually sung at Mass, is omitted on the Sundays of Lent. The Gloria is used on Holy Thursday, to the accompaniment of bells, which then fall silent on Good Friday until the Gloria is sung at the Easter Vigil. The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Time to Take the Keys?

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Today’s Full Moon might create a bit of inner tension. Meanwhile, Dear Annie: It makes me so you might boost your earnings sad to watch my family grow at work. Co-workers will be old. My grandfather has been in supportive. denial about his aging process, SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) and now it’s creeping up on Your creative vibes are hot today. him from behind. Growing up, You might take a vacation or I was always impressed by how make plans for a vacation, or youthful he was; well into his take advantage of opportunities 70s, he was playing tennis every to socialize. Activities with day, running, going on social children will be fun. outings and driving all over the place for various band rehearsSAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) als. He is now in his late 80s, You feel pulled in two directions and his body no longer lets him today; nevertheless, something push the physical boundaries. will benefit your home and your However, that hasn’t stopped family today. In fact, you might him from pushing other boundbuy something beautiful for aries. He is still driving, and I where you live. think it’s dangerous. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) Annie, he has been in several Pay attention to everything you fender benders in the past few say and do today. Look around months, and though they were you to enjoy the beauty of your harmless enough to not deter surroundings. You also will him from continued outings, I discover just how much love feel that he has just been lucky. there is in your daily world. He often calls us lost, asking for AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) directions from the road or not Look for ways to boost your remembering where he’s going. income, because they exist Adults in the family have tried today. Don’t get bogged down to gently tell him he should with arguments about finances. not drive, but he won’t hear it. Focus on the positive. It’s also difficult to have this conversation without threatenPISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) ing his masculinity or coming Even though the Full Moon off as disrespectful. I’m scared is opposite your sign today, for him and for others on the you feel fortunate. Lady luck road. How do you tell your is smiling on you. Count your hero that he can no longer perblessings! form the simplest of tasks? -Granddad’s Girl

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

Dear Granddad’s Girl: Your granddad sounds like an amazing man. It’s time for you to step in and be his hero. Speaking with him about driving could save his life or someone else’s. Now that you know you have to have the conversation, the question is how. If you are having growing concerns about his driving, chances are he has them, as well, though he might be reluctant to admit it. The key is to avoid making him feel defensive. Plan to have a quiet, calm chat with him at a time when he’s not feeling stressed. As you approach the subject of driving, proceed slowly and gently. He will most likely voice his concerns about making appointments or outings. At that point in the conversation, you could offer to drive him to and from. And tell him he’d really be doing you a favor, because think of all the life lessons he could share in that valuable quality time.

Dear Annie: I work in a small office where almost everyone is in their 40s or 50s. There is one gentleman who is 79, “John Smith.” When I started my job, I called him Mr. Smith because everyone but the owner did. One day, when I had multiple phone lines ringing, I called him John accidentally. I apologized, but he told me he wishes that everyone would call him John. It makes him feel old to be called Mr. Smith. The women there believe that because he is their dad’s age, it is disrespectful to call him John. I feel torn because his preference is to be called John. What is your opinion? -- John’s Co-worker Dear John’s Co-worker: John said he wishes everyone would call him by his first name. He can’t get much clearer than that. I understand that your other co-workers mean to be courteous, but real respect means respecting others’ preferences. Call him John.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 A15

Coffee Corner $567,500 9813 269 Rd MLS# R2208403

$94,900 #176, 9207 - 82 St MLS# R2209062

$789,900 13318 Gourley Sub MLS# R2167731

2,899 sq. ft 3 bedroom/2 bath family home sitting on 5 acres just minutes from FSJ waiting for a new owner.

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$22.68/square ft 9711 - 100 Ave, MLS# C8016937

8.525 Acres of heavy industrial land with storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water to lot line, paved street, street light, Hydro, natural gas available.

Quick possession available with this excellent move in ready and updated office/retail space located on 100th Ave in Ft St John. Over 2100 sq ft.

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10. Commercial

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A16 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Local News

BC Conservatives lay groundwork in Peace River, prep for leadership race BC Conservatives met in Fort St. John last weekend to re-establish a riding association in Peace River North and start laying the groundwork to compete in the next provincial election. The party’s interim deputy leader Justin Greenwood visited with members on Feb. 24 at the North Peace Cultural Centre, before meeting with members in Dawson Creek the next day. “Historically, these ridings have been very strong for us,” said Greenwood.

The party is gearing up for a leadership race this spring. With electoral reform on the agenda of the NDP-Green government, the issue is top of mind for the Conservatives. If electoral reform passes in a referendum this fall, Greenwood believes his party can make significant gains. The main selling point of the BC Liberals is being a coalition party of right-leaning voters that have banded together to keep the NDP out of office, Greenwood said. However, there would be no point to that coalition sticking together if the province moves to some form

of proportional representation. The Liberals blamed the Conservatives for splitting its vote in key ridings it lost in the 2017 election — particularly in CourtenayComox, which went to the NDP by 189 votes following a ballot recount. The Conservatives earned 2,201 votes in that riding, roughly one-fifth of the 10,402 votes the party earned province-wide. “Our candidates did well in selling Conservative values, and people voted Conservative,” Greenwood said. “That’s why this leadership race is the most important one in a very long time for the party.”

The party has established a board in this riding, led by president Jordan Deweyer. Deweyer works for a local scaffolding company, and has close ties to the oil and gas industry, where workers are becoming increasingly disconnected from the current government, he said. “I’m ready to try to make a difference for people who don’t have a voice,” he said. Politics is becoming more fluid, Deweyer said, noting Andrew Weaver and his three Green Party seats have proved that a smaller party can wield influence on the government.

“A lot of people plugged their noses and voted Liberal,” Deweyer said. “People were saying a vote for Conservatives would be a vote for the NDP. People were afraid. “The current government has proven that wrong, where a vote for anyone but the Liberals isn’t a vote for the NDP.” Deweyer said he wants to have open discussions with constituents about carbon taxes and the financial struggles of ICBC, the public auto insurer, and other issues. “What works for them, what needs do they have? We’re here to listen,” he said.

TAKE PART IN THE ARTS IN MARCH 2018

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

Mar 2 CDC Talent Show At NPCC 6pm

Trent Comedy for Weaving High On High Mar 3McClellan Introduction to Hand Feb 5, 6, 7 With Peace Gallery North NPCC Lido Theatre 8pm 1pm

Ballet Kelowna’s Boundless Feb 19

Mar 12 MondayNPCC Night7:30pm Film Call Me By Your Name With the FSJ Film Society at Aurora Night at the Movies CinemaMonday 7pmJames White Feb 29 With the Fort St. John Film Society

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Mar 14 Northern Winds Band Aurora Cinema At Casey’s Pub Open Mic Night

Mar 7/8 Aladdin the Musical

AGM Dinner ofand North Peace Historical Mar 17 Spinners Weaver Dye Your Society Feb 24 Warp, Weave Your Prairie Senior Citizens HallProject TicketsInatRose 250-787-0430 Contact Kathy Boyd 250-263-8190

Story Evening At the Fort St. John Museum 7PM Fred Penner in Concert Feb 13

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Mar 24 Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) for beginners With Juried Peace Gallery NorthJan 1pm Artist’s Choice Exhibition 8 - 30

George Country Music Feb 15, 16 With theCanyon North Peace Music Teachers at the Lido2-4pm Theatre 8pm Evangel Chapel

Dawson Workshop Creek Art Gallery Creek Mar 26atQuilters With the North Peace Quilters at NPCC

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Art Exhibit “Dinner Talk” Feb 12- Mar By Ecole Central Elementary at NPCC 7pm1 With artists Mary Parslow, Alan White, Mar Jimmy Anderson Documentary and Karen9 Heathman, Peace Gallery North NPCC

Mar 10/11 Pottery NPCCWorkshops 3:30pm With the North Peace Potters Guild register Koba’s Great Big Show Live Feb 14 bawagner99@gmail.com Mar 11 Seniors Storytelling Program Launch Monday Night at the Movies Seniors and Guests Welcome at Peace Giant Lutheran Sleeping Bsmt 2-4pm freeFeb 15 Mar 11 Music Teachers Student Recital

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NPHL FINAL FIGHT STARTS SATURDAY

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Huskies, Flyers on the verge of glory Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Trae Alexander, left, of the Mighty Pucks, tries to outrace an opponent from the Goal Fishers, in the pre-novice/novice semifinal at the Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge on Feb. 25, 2018.

Streeper wins sixth sled dog world championship DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

For his sixth time, and first since 2010, Buddy Streeper is the Fur Rendezvous Open World Champion, after winning the prestigious Fur Rondy race in Anchorage, Alaska on Feb. 25. “It was an absolute dream run out there. The trail’s perfect, the team’s perfect. It’s a ride you’re always going to remember, and it was a championship run,” Streeper told the Anchorage Daily News. Streeper finished first out of all 21 mushers in the three-day, 75-mile race with a time of 4:14:51. The race consists of a 25-mile race over the same course each day, Friday to Sunday. Streeper was second on the first day by one second, but went on to take

BILL ROTH / ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS PHOTO

Sprint musher Blayne “Buddy” Streeper celebrates winning his sixth Fur Rendezvous Open World Championship sled dog race on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, in Anchorage, Alaska.

the lead for the remainder of the weekend. He had the fastest time on day two, and was second on day three, behind Lina Streeper, his wife, by a whole minute. Lina’s day three time was 1:23:21 and she finished the race in 11th place. The race has been held by the Alaskan Sled Dog and Racing Association every year since 1946. Streeper first won the world championship in 2004, and won the title four times in a row from 2007 to 2010, according to the Daily News. The Streepers own and operate Streeper Kennels in Fort Nelson. They were not available for comment by press time. To find out more about the Streeper’s times on the weekend, and the history of the Fur Rondy race, visit www.asdra.org.

7th Crystal Cup surpasses expectations DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The 7th Annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge has come to a close, after a fun and busy weekend featuring the traditional adult tournament as well as the first-ever Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge. “It was astoundingly successful. Sunday was the best day hands-down we’ve had in our seven years, with the Crystal Cup finals and the Sid Davis Memorial,” said organizer Neil Evans. Evans was blown away by how many people were at the Crystal Cup on the final day. The Ace Holes won the Crystal Cup open event for the third year in a row. The

Rapid Relics were the Coal Cup champs, while the Bar Mat Brews won the women’s division, the Sapphire Cup. In the Sid Davis Memorial, Pond Crushers won the pre-novice/novice championship, in overtime, against the Goal Fishers. In the atom division, the Ugly Pucklings won the gold medal game. Dusty Depot won the peewee final, while Sid’s Kids won the bantam/ midget final. The Ace Holes beat the Griffens in the final. It was the fourth time the Ace Holes had won overall, with the Griffens winning the other three years the event was held. “It’s always a great event, and fun to team up with some old friends and play

some pond hockey. It’s one of the highlights of my hockey season for sure,” said Dave Alexander, of the winning team. Shayla Frechette, who played on Bar Mat Brews, said it was a great weekend once again. Her team also won the Sapphire Cup last year. However, there were only two women’s teams this year compared to six in 2017, so both women’s teams also competed against the 40 and older Coal Cup teams. “We’ll go back next year regardless of how many women’s teams there are, but it’s fun to play against other women’s teams, so hopefully there’s more in the coming years,” Frechette said. One thing that stood out this year was the weather, as

it never got colder than -10 C. “The weather was perfect this year, the ice felt like a real rink out there. You could make passes and didn’t have to worry about any holes. It was phenomenal,” Alexander said. A big goal of the organizers this year was to make the Crystal Cup more family friendly, and it certainly was. “It’s unprecedented what we did with getting that family feeling here. With this youth component it upped it to a whole new level and it’s been overwhelming to see how great it’s been,” said Evans. Evans said the Sid Davis Memorial will continue going forward. See CRYSTAL CUP on B3

here’s been many gold medals and even some national titles won by North Peace athletes over the past 12 months. However, most of these have been in individual sports, such as boxing, speed skating, and triathlon. The team sports, especially the hockey teams, have been lacking when it comes to winning championships. But the droughts could soon be over. Both the Fort St. John Huskies and Senior Flyers have led their leagues throughout the regular season, and are now the favourites in the playoffs. The Flyers finally made the NPHL final, and haven’t won the playoff title in over 10 years. At the beginning of the year, I wrote that the Flyers had a sure path to get here. Some people from other teams ridiculed me and said I didn’t know what I was talking about. Not that it matters what I think, but it’s just nice to be right sometimes. Although, as I’ve written in the past, I have been known to jinx a team or two with my predictions. Nevertheless, the Flyers are the deepest team left in the playoffs, and are extremely hungry to win it all — they deserve the feast. I’ll admit there were times this season that I doubted the Flyers. But after some rough stretches, they rose from the ashes like a phoenix. Unlike Olympic curlers Rachel Homan and Kevin Koe, the Flyers did not break under pressure, but found a way to play their best hockey during the playoffs. The Huskies didn’t really face adversity during the NWJHL regular season. In fact, they were so dominant that it’s hard for me to fathom how the team hasn’t finished in first place, let alone win the league, in more than 10 years. But sports can be cruel, and at the worst possible time the team is without its star goalie and second-leading scorer for the remainder of the playoffs and quite possibly the Alberta Junior B provincials. The ice looks different without Jonny Bateman and Sebastian Powsey. There’s no way to sugar coat it — these losses help even the playing field a bit for the other three teams in the playoffs. The County of Grande Prairie Kings, the North Peace Navigators, and the Dawson Creek Junior Canucks all showed they can beat the Huskies even without this new advantage. And yet, I don’t think that worries the Huskies’ players and management. They believe they are the best, and who am I to say they’re wrong? Come out to the North Peace Arena for the next two weeks and find out for yourself. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

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B2 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Local Sports

Registration open for minor baseball, umpires needed

NPHL final starts on Saturday

Dillon giancola

After a 15-day break from playing, the Fort St. John Senior Flyers are back on the ice at home, Saturday night, in game one of the NPHL final. As of press time, the Flyers’ opponent was still unknown. The Falher Pirates were leading the High Prairie Regals 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, with game six set for March 2. The team has been on the ice a couple times a week skating and practicing, and is ready to win its first NPHL championship in quite some time. “It’s what you work for all year. You don’t want to over think anything and we’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way, and can’t wait for game one,” Flyers Head Coach Andrew Leriger said. The Flyers went 2-0 against both the Pirates and the Regals this season. However, the Flyers haven’t played any teams from the East division since December, and Leriger said whichever team makes the final, it will be a different test for the Flyers then when they last played each other.

sports@ahnfsj.ca

North Peace Minor Baseball is back for another year of both house and competitive league play. Registration is open now for house league, which runs from April 30 to June 24. Instead of each house league team playing twice a week, each team will practice once a week, on either Monday (mosquito and peewee) or Tuesday (bantam and midget), and play games Wednesday and Thursday. “This way the kids can develop their games, and parents can save some time with less games to have to go to,” said club president Forrest Liddicoat. This also opens the door for the older players, who play on Thursday, to act as umpire in the mosquito and peewee games on Wednesdays. Growing the club’s umpire base is a priority this season for Liddicoat.

Dillon giancola

sports@ahnfsj.ca

There will be a coaching clinic in April where anyone interested can attend and become certified. Coaches will be paid per game. For details, or to sign up for the clinic, contact Heather McCracken at 5mccrackens@outlook. com. The club is bringing back competitive teams for a second season. The Midget AA team will be back, as will a mosquito AA team. Liddicoat is hoping there’s enough interested players and coaches to add either a mosquito or bantam AA team. The competitive teams require more commitment, and include two weekends of travel a month. The competitive season runs from May 5 to Aug. 5. Tryouts for the AA teams take place in March, so parents are encouraged to register their kids now. For more on registration, visit northpeaceminorbaseball.com.

“That’s expected for senior hockey. Even our team has changed since we played those guys.” Teams in the East are known for being high scoring. The Pirates had 118 goals in 20 games in the regular season, while the Regals scored 101 times. The Flyers scored just 95 times, but only played 18 games, since the West Division had only three teams. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of defence involved over in the East. It’s a pretty run-and-gun style by the sounds of it,” Leriger said. One challenge the Flyers will have to face, regardless of who makes the final, will be the road trips. Falher is just over three hours away, while High Prairie is a four-and-a-half hour drive. As well, all three potential road games in the series are on Tuesdays or Thursdays, making it difficult for players to make the trip. However, the same challenge exists for both teams. “It’s the finals, this is what we play for, so they’ll have to do whatever it takes to make the potential three road trips. But that’s why you have a roster of 25 guys. If we have three lines for our road games, we’ll be fine,” Leriger said.

NPHL FINAL Game 1: TBA @ Flyers, Sat., March 3, 8:30 p.m., North Peace Arena Game 2: Flyers @ TBA, Tues., March 6, 8:30 p.m. Game 3: TBA @ Flyers, Thurs., March 8, 8:30 p.m., North Peace Arena Game 4: Flyers @ TBA, Sat., March 10, 8:30 p.m. Game 5: TBA @ Flyers, Tues., March 13, 8:30 p.m., North Peace Arena Game 6: Flyers @ TBA, Thurs., March 15, 8:30 p.m. matt preprost photo

The Fort St. John Curling Club hosted the 39th Annual Government Hydro/Telus Funspiel last weekend. Tanya Anderson’s team won the A event, Morris Capacila took the B, and Sandra Novak won the C event. R0021217976

Game 7: TBA @ Flyers, Sat., March 117, 8:30 p.m., North Peace Arena

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

This Week: WGC - Mexico Championship

The Mexico Championship is one of the four annual World Golf Championship tournaments. This week, Dustin Johnson defends the Defending: Dustin Johnson first of back-to-back World Golf Winning Score: 14-under par Championships titles as the event, Winner’s Purse: $1,660,000 formerly based in Miami, makes its second visit to the Mexico City suburbs. The tournament is played at Club de Golf Chapultepec near Mexico City, Mexico. The approximate elevation of the course’s clubhouse is 7,870 ft. above sea level. Jon Rahm, third a year ago, and reigning FedEx Cup champ Justin Thomas also highlight a small-but-solid WGC lineup. Club de Golf Chapultepec Mexico City, Mexico 7,330 yards, Par 71

Golf TV Schedule WGC - Mexico Championship Day Time Thursday 2:00pm-7:00pm Friday 2:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 12:00pm-3:00pm Saturday 3:00pm-6:00pm Sunday 12:00pm-2:00pm Sunday 2:00pm-6:00pm

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF NBC GOLF NBC

Which golfer is currently leading the PGA Tour in driving accuracy? c) Ken Duke d) Pat Perez

On the first extra hole of the Tournament Results playoff in the Honda Classic, 1. Justin Thomas Justin Thomas hit 5-wood Score: -8 *won in playoff Earnings: $1,188,000 over the water and onto the 2. Luke List 18th green for a two-putt birdie to Score: -8 Earnings: $712,800 defeat Luke List. It was the seventh 3. Alex Noren playoff in 15 PGA Tour events this Score: -7 season. Alex Noren was tied for the Earnings: $448,800 lead playing the 18th and made par for a 67 and finished one shot behind. Tiger Woods was briefly within three shots of the lead on the front nine. He closed with a 70 and finished 12th.

Golfing News

Golf Trivia

a) Ryan Armour b) Brian Harman

Last Week: Justin Thomas won the Honda Classic

Answer: c) Ken Duke’s driving accuracy is 77%.

Tiger Woods’ 12th-place finish at the Honda Classic was his best since 2015, and it resulted in a big jump in both the FedEx Cup and Official World Golf Ranking. Woods jumped 49 spots to No. 130 in the FedEx Cup standings after earning 65 points for his performance at PGA National. He’s earned 100 points this season. It took 365 FedEx Cup points to qualify for last season’s Playoffs. Woods has not competed in the FedEx Cup Playoffs since finishing second in 2013. He is the only two-time winner of the FedEx Cup (2007, ‘09). Woods also jumped 155 spots in the Official World Golf Ranking, moving from 544th to 389th. It’s his highest ranking since Nov. 14, 2015.

Lessons from the Golf Pro If you have ever seen a professional like Gary Player make his tee shot, you might think he is a little crazy. After he hits the tee shot, Player immediately takes a step toward the target with his right foot. The move is intentional and is done to prevent a common problem that often happens to amateur golfers. That problem is the dreaded small fade or slice. When you have a fade or slice, this is a clear indicator that you are not firing your right side through the ball at impact. What Player is doing is forcing his knee and hip to activate through the impact, thus making the clubface square up and generate more power. While it is an unusual technique to try and implement, it may be worth some practice time on the range to see if you can fix your problem.

Player Profile

Justin Thomas

Turned Professional: 2013 FedEx Cup Ranking: 1st World Ranking: 3rd PGA Tour Wins: 8

FedEx Cup Standings Through Feb. 25, 2018

1) Justin Thomas 1,258 pts. / 3 top tens

2) Patton Kizzire 1,247 pts. / 4 top tens

3) Dustin Johnson 952 pts. / 3 top tens

4) Jon Rahm

936 pts. / 2 top tens

5) Brendan Steele 820 pts. / 2 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Jason Day 814 7) Tony Finau 814 8) Chez Reavie 792 9) Pat Perez 790 10) Gary Woodland 757

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Top 10s 2 3 2 3 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Huskies play game three on Thursday, Powsey out for playoffs Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Huskies continue their best-of-seven semi-final against the County of Grande Prairie Kings on Thursday night, when the teams play game three in Fort St. John. The Huskies won game one 7-5 on Feb. 24. Game two was Feb. 27, in Grande Prairie, after this edition of the News went to press. The matchup favours the Huskies, as Fort St. John had a 4-2 record against the Kings in the regular season and both outscored them and allowed less goals against than Grande Prairie did this season. However, there are no easy victories in the playoffs, and the games have to be played. The Huskies learned this in game one, when, after going up 5-0, the Kings quickly fought back in the final 30 minutes, at one point getting the score to within one goal at 6-5. “It’s a good learning opportunity to remember to never discount our opponents or take our foot off the pedal, and we’ll learn from it going forward,” said Huskies Captain Jarod Lang.

Lang said the team needs to continue to be strong on the forecheck to have success against the Kings. “That’s when we’re at our best, when we’re moving our feet.” The Kings are known for being a tough, physical team, but the Huskies feel up for the challenge. “To win championships you have to pay the price. Playing against a team that hits lots, we’re ready for it and did a good job of matching their physical play in game one,” said Head Coach Todd Alexander. HUSKIES LOSE POWSEY The Huskies’ bad luck continued last weekend. Already out star goaltender Jonathan Bateman for the playoffs, the Huskies will be without second-leading scorer Sebastian Powsey for the rest of the post-season due to a broken ankle. Powsey went down awkwardly in the third period of game one, after an attempt to throw a body-check went wrong. “It’s tough, he’s been a key guy for us all year. But we have a lot of talent on

dillon giancola photo

Shawn Wilson gets hauled down in the third period of the Huskies’ 7-5 game one victory Feb. 24.

this team and we know we have the guys that can step up in his place,” Lang said. Though Powsey’s injury is a huge loss, the team is prepared to handle it better than other teams might, Alexander said. He said the coaching staff constantly

mixed up their lines to get players used to playing with different teammates, so that if something like this happens the team can adapt. Game three starts at 8 p.m. at the North Peace Arena on March 1.

Minor lacrosse looking for coaches, refs, and players Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Another season of Fort St. John Minor Lacrosse is fast approaching. Registration closes March 30, and the season begins the week of April 23. All five age groups are back for the 2018 season, as is the men’s recreational teams. FSJ Minor Lacrosse is excited for the upcoming season, and is hoping to capitalize on the momentum created by hosting the 2017 B.C. Peewee Box Lacrosse Provincials. “We’ve noticed there’s more hockey

players wanting to join, and there’s more parents getting and staying involved. The level of competition grows each year and they see what is possible when we strive and work together,” said President Annika Hedican. The teams will travel to each town for a weekend, (Quesnel, Williams Lake, Mackenzie and Prince George) and play two league games. This year, Hedican said the club is trying to have two exhibition games each weekend, to give the kids more experience and make the most of the travel time.

“We really want to get more games for these kids,” Hedican said. FSJ Minor Lacrosse is currently in need of both coaches and referees. There will be a ref clinic on April 7 at NPSS, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If anyone is interested in either coaching or registering for the ref clinic, they are encouraged to contact Hedican at fsjmlpresident@gmail.com. A challenge for the club is finding refs for the older kids, since players can only coach levels younger than them. There is no shortage of refs for the younger age groups because of

this, but there are less people able to coach the midgets. There are a slew of drop-in dates for all age groups to play for free, and sticks are available if kids don’t have their own. The times for kids 12 and younger are from 5 to 6 p.m. and the bantam and midgets play from 6 to 7 p.m. The next two drop-in dates are March 5 and 12 at Alwin Holland. Thoe not already registered with the club must sign a waver at the drop-ins. To register, those interested must go to www.fsjminorlacrosse.com.

PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing g News,, Stats & Trivia

Top News Stories

Race Preview

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Date: Sun, Mar 4, 3:30 p.m. Last Year’s Pole: Brad Keselowski - 193.680 mph Last Year’s Winner: Martin Truex, Jr.

With 1,600 acres in the northeast portion of the Las Vegas Valley, the “Diamond in the Desert” has been deemed the most remarkable race complex in the world. Sports Illustrated called it the Racing Capital of the West. With more than a dozen different venues at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, ranging from go-karts to the NASCAR Cup Series at the 1.5-mile superspeedway, there’s something for everyone at the complex. Last week’s winner, Kevin Harvick, finished 39th in last year’s race. Last season’s Cup Series Champion, Martin Truex Jr., won last year’s race. The Pennzoil 400 will be aired live on FOX on Sunday, March 4th at 3:30 p.m. Qualifying for the race will be shown on FS1 at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, March 2nd.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Track Details Distance: 1.5 miles Shape: D-shaped Oval Turns / Front / Back: 20 / 9 / 9 degrees

Last Weekend’s Race: Kevin Harvick won at Atlanta Kevin Harvick dominated the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, winning for the first time since he scored his first Cup win there in 2001. “It’s good to be back in victory lane. Finally. It took a while,” Harvick said. Last season, Harvick led for 292 of 325 laps before surrendering the lead late in the race due to a pit road speeding penalty and finished ninth. Brad Keselowski and Clint Bowyer gave Fords a sweep of the top three spots, while Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., driving Toyotas, rounded out the top five.

Kevin Harvick Born: Dec. 8, 1975 Crew Chief: Rodney Childers Car: Ford

Year 2018 2017

Wins 1 2

Top 10s 1 23

Avg. Finish 16.0 11.1

2018 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Joey Logano 2) Ryan Blaney 3) Denny Hamlin 4) Kevin Harvick 5) Clint Bowyer 6) Austin Dillon 7) Martin Truex, Jr. 8) Kurt Busch 9) Paul Menard 10) Aric Almirola

Points 89 83 77 75 74 70 69 68 66 66

Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

Drivers 1) Elliott Sadler 2) Tyler Reddick 3) Ryan Reed 4) Ryan Truex 5) Spencer Gallagher 6) Christopher Bell 7) Justin Allgaier 8) Ross Chastain 9) Kaz Grala 10) Brandon Jones

Points 84 80 70 63 62 53 52 49 47 47

Top 10s 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

Problems surface with NASCARmandated pit guns at Atlanta Several teams in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway experienced issues with the NASCAR-issued pit guns manufactured by Paoli. At least three teams appeared to have issues with the spec pit guns during the race, including the teams of race-winning driver Kevin Harvick and fifth-place finisher Martin Truex Jr. “We fought hard all day, never gave up,” said Truex. “We had some issues that kind of sucked, but I guess we’ll have to work through it.” NASCAR wouldn’t comment beyond a spokesman saying that it will begin trying to diagnose the issues and improve. NASCAR is issuing pit-gun equipment, the air wrench (pit gun), the air pressure regulator and the air hose, to teams this year as a way to save teams costs. Jeff Gordon hints at possible return to NASCAR Jeff Gordon retired from NASCAR racing after 23 seasons back in 2015. Gordon briefly returned to the track for eight races in 2016 as a substitute driver for the No. 88 car when Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined with a concussion. During an online Q&A on Saturday, Gordon hinted he might come back. “I always thought about maybe looking at an opportunity to drive a truck at Martinsville or a track like that. I like the short tracks,” Gordon said. Over the course of his Cup Series career, Gordon racked up nine wins at Martinsville.

Racing Trivia Martin Truex Jr. won eight races in the 2017 season. What was the most top 5 finishes he had in a season before 2017? a) 6 c) 10 b) 8 d) 12

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

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Race Details

Answer : b) Martin Truex Jr. had eight top 5 finishes in 2015 and 2016.

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Pennzoil 400

B4 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Local Sports

Young, Sims and Pomeroy focused on boxing nationals Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

dillon giancola photo

The Dirty Stevens played the Bandits in the B event first round Crystal Cup action on Feb. 24, 2018. crystal cup FROM B1

Steve Passmore, the NHL alumni member and former Edmonton Oilers goalie who was a guest on the weekend, thought the kid’s tournament was a really good idea. “This is the reason they should do it. The kids don’t get to play pond hockey like we did growing up. Kudos to them for putting it on, seeing the smiles on the kids faces I’m sure makes all the hard work worth it.” Passmore had never heard of the event prior to being asked to attend, and was left impressed with the scope of the weekend event. “This was way bigger and better than I thought it was going to be. I’ve been so impressed with the amount of work put into it to make it a professionallooking event,” Passmore said. It was the Sid Davis Memorial that was the talk of the weekend and left the biggest impression.

“The novice final went to overtime, and the kids threw their gloves and sticks in the air like they just won the Stanley Cup. That was awesome to see,” Evans said. Todd Alexander coached a prenovice/novice team made up of his son, Trae, and kids of his close friends, called the Mighty Pucks. “We don’t normally keep score for kids at this age as it’s more about development. But it was nice for the kids to get used to wins and losses, and the competitive side of things,” he said. By all accounts, the seventh Crystal Cup was the best yet. “Those guys do a phenomenal job, especially for being volunteers. What they do is fantastic and hopefully they have enough energy to continue doing it for many years to come,” Alexander said.

With their success at the 2018 Boxing B.C. Provincials behind them, Fivestar fighters Brayden Sims, Nick Young and Lincoln Pomeroy, as well as their coach Justin Donally, had a couple days to reflect on their provincial success and have now shifted their focus to the 2018 Canadian Championships coming up in Edmonton March 26 to April 1. The three Fivestar fighters are headed to nationals through different paths, but all with the same goal in mind — national boxing gold. Sims won the gold medal at the youth male bantamweight division, and will enter nationals with a very real shot at achieving that goal. “If (Sims) doesn’t get gold, I’ll be surprised,” said Donally. Young won silver at the youth male welterweight division, losing in a split decision to Jonathan Hannah, who had already beaten the 2017 welterweight national champ. Young enters nationals with as much of a gold-medal shot as Hannah, and can’t wait to get the rematch. “It gives me more motivation because I want to get that win back really badly. I hope we will be facing for gold,” Young said. Pomeroy won the youth male heavyweight division as a walkover, then fought a tough exhibition match just to give the provincial coaches a chance to open him up and allow him to fight at nationals. He’ll be competing in Edmonton in the superheavyweight division. “I can’t wait. I get to go to nationals and see what it’s like, and I’m excited to compete and train for that event,” Pomeroy said. Pomeroy has fought at superheavyweight twice before, and is comfortable in that division. He fought at 198 lbs at provincials, but was already at 210 three days later, and is looking forward to bulking up

and hanging with the big guys. Throughout this season, and heading into nationals, Donally has continued to be confident in his team and isn’t surprised by their success. “I believe in these guys and this team, and also in myself and what I’m doing. Nobody goes down if I don’t think they ready. I don’t take them to compete; I take them to win,” Donally said. The three fighters will be busy training for the next three weeks, before heading down to Salmon Arm for the Boxing B.C. Provincial Team Camp the week of March 19. COLLECTING AWARDS Donally has also had some more time to reflect on winning Boxing B.C.’s Coach of the Year Award, as well as seeing Fivestar named runner-up for Club of the Year. Ashley Rouble also won the Best Female Boxer award for 2017. “That recognition is the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me. And for the club to get runner up, those are the two biggest awards down there, other than the boxer awards. We’re the most northern club in B.C., off in the middle of nowhere doing great things,” said Donally. Donally said there were at least 35 gyms, and their respective coaches, represented at the B.C. provincials, so to win those awards against that much competition is truly impressive. “I couldn’t be more proud. I think my athletes make me look really good sometimes. I know what we’re doing is great already, but nobody can argue now. I don’t pick that award.” Donally hopes that this recognition will catch the eye of more prospective fighters, both youth and adult, in the Fort St. John area. “We have great athletes and coaching, no reason not to give it a try.”

Green Valley 4-H Report Katelynn Bueckert Green Valley 4H Hi there again Katelynn Bueckert from the Green Valley 4-H club reporting. Our club has been getting ready for the 4-H district communications on March 03 at the Northern Lights College will be starting at 9:30 am . Lakeshore and our club will be putting on the district this year.

Our next club meeting will be held on April 08 at Harmons Farm and we will be weighing our steers to see how they are doing. Can’t wait until next time to tell you how are club is doing thanks for ready my article and sloe to our pages sponsor a great big thanks.

We have had our own communications on Feb 11 and the winners form there will be going on to the district. Our winners are Katelynn Bueckert, Mathew Fell, Allana Clarke, for Educational display,and the other winners Nolan Morton, Brooklyn Morton,Cora Sully for speeches. Everyone is taking very good care of their animals and learning from them and the leaders are only a phone call away if we need help. sheep weigh -in is on April 07 this year at the vet clinic.

4-H pledge I pledge my head to clear thinking My heart to greater loyalty My hands to larger service My health to better living For my club, my community, and my country

250.785.2116 | 9511 - 85th Ave, Fort St. John

Katelynn Bueckert club reporter Green Valley 4-H Club

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 B5

local sports

Eve Petford/ dillon giancola photos

Above: The Taylor Tornadoes (green) play the Mighty Pucks in the pre-novice/novice division of the Sid Davis Memorial tournament. Below: Edmonton Oilers alumni Steve Passmore signs autographs and takes pictures with players.

dillon giancola photo

Anastasia Giancola was in Fort St. John for the first time last weekend to visit her brother-in-law Dillon Giancola, sports scribe for the AHN, and had a blast taking in the Crystal Cup on Saturday afternoon.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM MARCH 2 TO MARCH 8

RED SPARROW Nightly: 6:45, 10:00 Matinees: 12:40, 3:40

ANNIHILATION Nightly: 6:55, 9:40 Matinees: 12:45, 4:00

GAME NIGHT Nightly: 7:15, 9:50 Matinees: 12:50, 4:10

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

BLACK PANTHER Nightly: 7:05, 10:10 Matinees: 12:30 , 3:50

PETER RABBIT Nightly: 6:35, 9:30 (Monday 9:30 showing only)

Matinees: 1:10, 4:15

B6 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Classifieds Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

SEASONAL OPERATOR: Cecil Lake YRB is currently accepting applications for

Class 3 Drivers with Air Endorsement

YOU HAVE A BUSINESS TO RUN. Time spent hiring and training could be time better spent running your business. You need a recruitment partner.

to operate snowplow/sanding trucks in the Cecil Lake/Clayhurst area. Employment to start immediately Applicants can submit a resume and current driver’s abstract in person to: Yellowhead Road & Bridge Attn: Bill Malkin 10491 Finning Frontage, Fort St. John, BC Fax or Email to: Fax: 250-785-8727 | Email: billm@yrb.ca For more information, contact Bill Malkin at 250-785-7023 or the YRB main office at 250-262-2600

Did you know that approximately 75% of all business expenses are related to human resources, including recruitment costs, benefits, absenteeism, and turnover?* Employers can control those costs by hiring Macenna Staffing Services. Save time, money and aggravation by outsourcing. OUTSOURCING ALLOWS YOU TO: Tap into Macenna Staffing Services comprehensive database of candidates or take advantage of their broad advertising capabilities.

Card of Thanks The Kiwanis Club of

Shorten the process, eliminate steps and benefit from quick response time.

Dawson Creek is looking for straw bales for their Annual Easter

Save on costs associated with hiring, and 'try out' a candidate before you hire.

Event. If you have any that you would be will-

Macenna Staffing Services can coordinate your entire recruitment process. Call us for more information today! | f. 250.785.4795 | e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com

Career OppOrtunities

ing to donate or sell, please contact Allan Cameron at 250-782R0011508820

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

Career OppOrtunities

2174 or waacame-

Announcements

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

STAY ON TOP OF THE

ron@gmail.com

Coming EvEnts Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities. Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm SATURDAY MARCH 10 - COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE-Music by “Daryl, Loretta & Friends” at the Senior Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Ave, Dawson Creek. Dance from 8:30- 12:30 Admission includes lunch. For more information phone Linda at 250843-7418

DUties: This challenging role has a strong focus on fundraising, event planning/coordination and operations for the Foundation. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following sorts of functions: 1. Orchestrating and improving on already established foundation events. 2. Assisting third parties with their event planning, whereas the Foundation is the event beneficiary. 3. Writing funding proposals and seeking out new events & funding opportunities 4. Liaising with current donors 5. Recruiting new donors 6. Managing the Foundation office – filing, answering phone, responding to email inquiries, submitting regulatory and procedural paperwork, applying for licences. 7. Promoting the existing bi-weekly 50/50 draw. 8. Corresponding with media and the public; preparing press releases and monthly newspaper piece, updating website & social media, and recognizing donors. 9. Corresponding with Northern Health executives and employees 10. Representation of the Foundation inside and outside the hospital

Please apply, with cover letter outlining how you would be good fit, via email to: dcdhfoundation.careers@gmail.com. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found; therefore interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. We thank all interested parties however only those who are successfully shortlisted will be

contacted for an interview.

Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation 11100 13th Street, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 3W8

D AW S O N CREEK AND

DISTRICT HO SPITAL FOUNDATION

Here for you. Here for life.

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Archives Room at The Calvin Kruk Center. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Save the Dates July 13, 5:00 pm to July 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm for the Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes. Check in this paper for more details closer to the show!

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

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

Announcements

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

For

Senior Citizen’s Hall 10908 - 100th St Come Celebrate with our Family

General employment

Late

General employment

Elwood Baker

of Fort St. John formerly of Taylor, BC, will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2:00pm from the Taylor Community Hall. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Elwood to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Cancer Treatment Fund or the BC Cancer Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

General employment

Celebration of Life for the

Please No Presents

www. alaskahighwaynews .ca

Class 1 Super B Drivers – Join Our Team

CLASS ONE TRUCK DRIVERS

• Full Time Work – All Seasons!!! • Dedicated On- Highway Bulk Hauls – Peace River, AB to Dawson Creek, BC. LaPrairie Works Oilfield Services Inc. Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia • Single Trip Assignments Mean More Nights At Home. • Spring Bulk Haul Program – Starts March 1, 2018(Horn River Basin (Fort 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 Nelson) to Dawson Creek, BC). hauling, oilfield services, mine contracting and site services. • Flexible Work Schedules Available. We currently recruiting permanent full time Class One Drivers to expand our local team of • a Ire ndustry Competitive Haul Rates & Work Day Subsistence Allowance. transportation and logistics professionals in the Peace Region of Alberta and British Columbia. The ideal • Safety & Performance Bonus Incentives – Paid Quarterly. candidates will fulfill the following criteria: • Defined Group Benefits Plans including Medical & Dental.

•

Demonstrated initiative with solid HSE fundamentals and sound work ethic.

•

Ability to work Day and Night Shifts

Fax your resume – Attn: Bulk Haul Supervisor, 1-780-332-1115 • Off-‐Road & Mountain experience or Email to info@laprairiegroup.com • Ability to apply and remove tire chains For More Information Contact Rob at 1-780-618-1378 • Valid Class 1 license & Driver abstract in good standing

Tenders

• • •

Load Securement and First Training Owner-Operators AreAid Welcome To Apply.

Ability to complete / maintain accurate Driver Hours of Service Records Able to understand and communicate in English Tenders Tenders Tenders Tenders

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

INVITATION TO TENDER

CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – 2018 CAPITAL ROADWORKS

marked CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN – 2018 CAPITAL Sealed Tenders clearly ROADWORKS will be received at the main reception desk of City Hall no later than We encourage all who thare qualified and interested to apply in confidence, 2:00 PM, local time, March 8 , 2018.

However, only those in consideration will be contacted.

Contract documents, contract drawings and any reference material for this project will only be distributed electronically in digital format (PDF) through the MERX tendering website at www.MERX.com/urban under the “Agencies, Crown & Private Corporations” tab. Information will be available online on or after February 22, 2018. The work to be undertaken generally consists of, but is not limited to, the following: •

Roadway and laneway reconstruction with watermain and sanitary sewer replacement in 5 locations throughout Fort St. John. Approximate quantities are as follows:

•

Approximately 980 lm of roadway reconstruction including streetlighting, curb, gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer

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Approximately 140 lm of watermain replacement including new water services

•

Approximately 200 lm of sanitary sewer replacement including new sanitary services

RePoRts to: The DCDH Foundation Board of Directors QUaliFiCatioNs: We are looking for a dynamic, highly motivated person who wants their job to make a difference! You are highly organized, and goal-oriented with strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Powerpoint). You are disciplined and able to self-manage while easily collaborating with others. You can speak to groups, individuals and companies with confidence. This role requires a strong ability to set and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual goals for fundraising, donor contact and future ideas. A background of charitable / volunteer work is an asset, but not necessary. Previous experience in office administration and customer service would be preferable. Philanthropic spirit and passion is a must. CFRE designation would be an asset.

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

90th Birthday CeleBration

Alaska Highway NEWS

manager of Fundraising and events

ComPeNsatioN: Remuneration negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Coming EvEnts

Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 PM

employment Position:

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation has a 25 year history of raising funds to provide life-saving, life-changing and life-enhancing equipment for all areas of our Hospital. We are looking for a self-motivated person with passion for philanthropy in our community! HoURs: Part time, Monday to Sunday – 20 to 30 hours. Required “Core-Hours” 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Week-day office hours are flexible outside of “core-hours” to accommodate applicant’s schedule, with additional hours on an as-needed basis to accommodate Foundation events that occasionally occur during weekends and after regular standard type work hours. POSSIBILITY TO MOVE TO FULL TIME FOR THE ‘RIGHT’ CANDIDATE

Coming EvEnts

Aileene Snider

Career OppOrtunities

The Encana Events Centre (www.dawsoncreekeventscentre.com) operated by Spectra Venue Management (www.SpectraExperiences.com) is the premier event facility providing a wide range of sports and entertainment opportunities for the Alberta and British Columbia Peace Region. We are currently seeking a Director of Partnerships who is energetic, mature, highly motivate, detailorientated and a customer-focused team player possessing a positive attitude. This position is full time and comes with a competitive compensation package. As the Director of Partnerships you will lead, manage and coordinate the day to day operations of your department, including the renting of suites for events, selling signage and premium seating inventory, managing and developing relationships, manage and/or sell the venue naming and subnaming rights in addition to the tracking and reporting of sales inventory. The Director of Partnerships is responsible for the creation, management and compliance of an annual budget; while maintaining existing procedural controls, and customer service standards. Moreover, the Director of Partnerships will work with minimal supervision, demonstrating an efficient and effective use of time and resources. The ideal candidate for the Director of Partnerships would be a self-motivating, customer-focused team player who is creative and has experience in sales. In addition, proficiency with windowsbased computer programs (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and past experience with Salesforce is an asset. You will have strong verbal and written abilities and your attention to detail, positive attitude and strong organizational and multi-tasking skills will ensure your success. The ability to work events (evenings and weekends) is essential. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years’ experience in a customer service and sales related position as well as demonstrated leadership skills. A business diploma or degree in a related field is considered an asset. Please email your cover letter and current resume to the attention of Liam Weseloh, Regional Vice President, Spectra Partnerships at Liam_Weseloh@comcastspectacor.com. We appreciate all applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Coming EvEnts

Announcements

NEWS

Please aPPly via email to:

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018 B7

Business services

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

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 98 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1866-669-9222.

Coming EvEnts Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

Career OppOrtunities

For Sale MiSc SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1800-567-0404 Ext:400OT.

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

HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

COMMUNITY BRIDGE & NORTH PEACE COMMUNTIY HOUSING SOCIETY

The Society Community Bridge is an accredited non−profit organization established in Fort St. John in 1974 and currently offering 17 counselling and social support programs in the Fort St. John area, 5 in the Dawson Creek area and 2 in the Fort Nelson area. Community Bridge works in collaboration with federal and provincial fund− ing bodies, many local business and partner agencies to strengthen and enhance social services in our community.

Alaska Highway NEWS 785-5631

ApArtments/ Condos for

Li-Car Management Group

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

Phone: 250-785-2662

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Boats

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ApArtments/ Condos for

Business OppOrtunities

LegaL/PubLic Notices

CHEV SUBURBAN Shannon West 2002 Chev Suburban 3GN− FK16Z82G191365. This vehicle will be sold on March 15, 2018 to recover $2189.28 owing for repairs at B&F Autoservice, 1702 Lyon Street, Prince George, BC. 250−562−0766 amclennan@bfautoservice

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MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

LegaL/PubLic Notices

NOTICE OF INTENT RE: LIQUOR CONTROL AND LICENSING ACT APPLICATION FOR MANUFACTURING LICENCE WITH LOUNGE ENDORSEMENT The Applicant, Mighty Peace Brewing Co., has applied for a Manufacturing Licence with a Lounge Endorsement for its proposed facility located at 10128 – 95th Avenue in Fort St. John. The proposed facility, a craft brewery and tasting lounge, will seat 60 patrons in the lounge area with the hours of operation as follows: Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; Monday and Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Friday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm; and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Residents and owners of businesses located within a 0.8 kilometre (1/2 mile) radius of the facility may comment on this proposal by writing to: City of Fort St. John Attention: Laura Howes, Deputy City Clerk 10631 – 100 Street Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z5 Attention: Laura Howes, Deputy City Clerk (lhowes@fortstjohn.ca) PETITIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. To ensure the consideration of your views, your letter must be received on or before Thursday March 29, 2018. Your name(s) and residential/ business address must be included. Please note that your comments may be made available to the applicant or Government Oﬃcials where disclosure is necessary to administer the licence application process.

www.fortstjohn.ca

Real estate seRvices

BAKERVIEWBOATS.COM Sale Now On! 10? Aluminum RIB $3333. 5 hp Tohatsu propane motor $2269. Galvanized trailer $995. Package price: $4995. Financing available. Dealers Welcome. 1800-571-7697.

We are seeking an Executive Director for Com− munity Bridge and the North Peace Community Housing Society. The Executive Director re− ports to a Board of Directors. The position is responsible for executing the strategic plan while overseeing the day to day operations of the society which include program delivery, human resources, finance and administration. The successful candidate will have proven leadership ability, financial and business man− agement experience, including labour relations in a unionized environment. The position is ac− countable to ensure the programs are deliv− ered and maintained within accreditation stan− dards, while ensuring strong relationships with the funding and community partners. Exten− sive experience in social services is required with proven ability to achieve excellence in client service and provide inspired and innova− tive leadership to a team of approximately 50 energetic, professional and caring staff. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and sustain ef− fective working relationships with staff, fun− ders, board members and community stake− holders. A strong work ethic, decision making and problem−solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Working Conditions Located in Fort St. John, BC, this position pro− vides an opportunity to work in a diverse, re− source based community. Community Bridge is a respected organization with ties to the re− gion it serves built on strong relationships and a history of professional support to the com− munity. Salary will be commensurate with ex− perience and includes an attractive benefits package. Application Process To apply, email cover letter and resume detail− ing your qualifications and experience to Con− nie Chilcott, Board Chair: communitybridge.board@gmail.com Application Deadline: March 9, 2018 Only short−listed applicants will be contacted.

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

Real estate seRvices

RENTFSJ.CA

778-834-RENT(7368) We have a variety of furnished units ready to move in! Options of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms units, with all furnishings

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all the latest Read the News,ForWeather, Sports & Upcoming Events!!!

North Peace Community Housing Society is a non−profit society providing 24 units of low income housing in Fort St. John. Position Description

Real estate seRvices

R0011448135

Classifieds

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

LegaL/PubLic Notices

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Reference #110-705-18/23

Leucrotta Exploration Inc. is developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations. The purpose of this IPMP is to manage vegetation and invasive weed control on facilities, rights-of-way, lease sites and related infrastructure. This IPMP will cover various activities within the Peace River Regional District and nearest communities such as Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Wonowon, and other small communities in those regions. Using the principles of integrated pest management plan (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include seeding, re-vegetation, hand-pulling/cutting, mowing, string trimmers, brushing, biological control agents, and the use of herbicides. The common names and some example(s) of trade names of the herbicides proposed for use under this plan include:

•

antage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Milestone, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon V 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 600, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Garlon, Arsenal.

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ctive ingredients are: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, A MCPA, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate.

The proposed duration of the IPMP is from April 15, 2018 to April 14th, 2023. Diagrams, maps and the draft IPMP document are available and may be viewed upon request by phoning the following contact or by contacting the agent: Applicant: Lee Robinson, Leucrotta Exploration Inc. phone 780-712-6561 or E-mail lrobinson@leucrotta.ca Agent: E-Qwest Consulting Ltd. 2579 Sylvia Road, Lake Country, BC V4V2R8 250-766-2677 E-mail e-qwest@shaw.ca Any person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment sites, relevant to the development of this IPMP may send copies of the information to the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018 LOCATION: City Hall Council Chambers TEMPORARY USE PERMIT APPLICATION – UNIT A – 8707 – 100 AVENUE Notice is hereby given that Council of the City of Fort St. John will be considering the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit for Unit A - 8707 – 100 Avenue legally described as Lot 2, Section 31, Township 83, Range 18, W6M, Peace River District Plan 17511. Medpro Respiratory Care, applicant, is applying for a temporary use permit to allow for the continued operations of a health services facility at Unit A – 8707 – 100 Avenue (subject property).

Pine Ridge Modular Homes 14’, 16’ & 20’ Singles. 24’-30’ Double Wides. S.R.I. Homes, Fort St John-Mile 49.5 (250)262-2847

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

Townhouses For renT Managing Participant

Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor

Location

Inga Lake South Blueberry Wonowon Aikman Creek Kobes Creek West Ferrell Creek

# of Blocks

7 11 24 1 7 1

For Rent in DC Newer 2 BDRM townhouse close to downtown. No Smoking/No Pets. #1200/month plus utilities. Mature adults only(55 yrs+). 250786-5449

Home Care Wanted Caparros Family Child Caregiver − Private Home Caparros Family Child Caregiver Full Time/Contract $11.35/hour Duties: 1. Supervise & care for the baby at the employ− er’s residence. 2. Sterilize bottles, pre− pare formula, feed, bathe and change dia− per. 3. Prepare and serve nutritious food. 4. Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home. 5. Plan, organize and participate in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings to the nearest park to pro− vide entertainment and exercise. Qualifications: Comple− tion of Secondary edu− cation and must have completed healthcare or care giving training in a classroom setting. archie_queenie @yahoo.com

The current zoning is C4 – Service Commercial which does not allow a “health services facility” use to be established within this zone and a business licence cannot be issued. A Temporary Use Permit can allow a use on a temporary basis that is not otherwise permitted in the City’s Zoning Bylaw. The permit may be granted for a period of three years and may be renewed once, subject to Council’s approval, for a total maximum operating period at this location of six years. City Council will be considering this application at their March 12, 2018 Regular Council meeting that starts at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the administration report that includes the background information and proposed permit may be inspected at City Hall, 10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March 8 to 12, 2018. Additional information regarding the proposed permit can be obtained by contacting Ashley Murphey, Planner at (250) 787-8165 or by email at amurphey@fortstjohn.ca. The public can supply written comments regarding this proposed permit by emailing Janet Prestley, Director of Legislative and Administrative Services at jprestley@ fortstjohn.ca by noon on March 12, 2018 or by attending the Council meeting to convey their comments.

www.fortstjohn.ca

B8 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

community

Museum News — March 2018

accept the sun

e’ve been re-organizing behind the scenes at the museum this past month. We’ve cleaned up our gift shop stock room to make items easier to find. Our gift shop committee is making more room in the store for new merchandise arriving in the next few weeks. Volunteers worked hard to organize and clean our receiving room in the back of the museum. This is the room where we receive large artefacts and travelling exhibits, and where we build new exhibits. Other volunteers have been sorting through the vertical files in our archives as well as re-organizing our collections files to make room for files on new incoming artefacts. We’ve been working to re-label our rolling shelves in collections storage as well. We are continuously organizing and re-organizing to better use our space and improve our ability to retrieve archival items, artefacts, and even gift shop merchandise.

eve petford photo

Hypnotist Ray Anderson had the Lido audience under his control and believing they were on a sandy beach in Mexico on Feb. 24, 2018.

big night out

Archives & Collections Thursdays have become an extremely busy day around the museum with seven volunteers working with our photographs, textiles, obituaries, and archives. We make great strides each week in responding to archival requests, digitizing documents, improving database records, and preserving and displaying artefacts. Does this sound like fun to you? We have several small research projects that you can get involved in! Check out our Helping Hands Facebook page or contact Heather at 250-7870430 for more information. School Programs

Say Yes to the Dress: A Journey through the History of Infant’s Clothing combined with a 30-minute general guided tour of the museum. Call the museum at 250-787-0430 for more information on our curriculumbased programs and guided tours or go to www.fsjmuseum. com to learn more. Upcoming Events • Jimmy Anderson Documentary & Stories Night Friday, March 9th at 7 p.m. at the Museum Come learn about and share memories of Jimmy Anderson, a daring bush pilot in North Eastern British Columbia, at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum’s Documentary & Story Sharing Night. See original film footage of Anderson flying and historic photographs while sharing and hearing stories about Jimmy “Midnight” Anderson and his Super Cub, the Jackpine Savage. Free admission. Donations are welcome. exhibits • Heritage Stands the Test of Time Photo Exhibit Now through the end of March at the Museum The communities of the North Peace region of British Columbia have changed significantly over the last 100 years. Buildings have come and gone. Some have been moved and others have been renovated. Still others have been preserved for future generations. This small photo exhibit looks back at many of these changes.

matt preprost photo

Learn more about the history of baby clothes through our 30-minute special tour of our

It certainly was in Fort St. John Feb. 24, 2018, with Ryan Hennessey, Mike Strandberg, Rod Buchanan, and Ryan MacKenzie rocking the Legion. If you know people who say there’s nothing to do in town, tell them they’re wrong.

Heather Sjoblom is manager and curator of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum.

Clubs of Dawson Creek

Annual Fishing

Derby

March 4, 2018

Swan Lake Provincial Park

Great Prizes

$40 OR $100

Angler Fees:

per hole

3 holes for

What A YEAR!

Thank you to all the participants and all the generous sponsors! Your support is helping make our Summer Cruise 2017 an event to remember. See you July 13-15!

ES S A F E T Y S E R V IC Dan Wilson Cell: 250.263.8786

.5558 59 TOLL FREE 877.782 ek, BC PH: 250.782.55 -102 Ave, Dawson Cre

afety.com • 801 dan@mountainviews

Safety Audits Safety Consulting ses Safety Training Cour res Mobile Treatment Cent

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e milez

s t a He :30 pm

30 am - 11 :30 pm

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

Must Have Valid Fishing License

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

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

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek

Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise

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