AHN MAY 9 2019

THURSDAY, may 9, 2019 Vol. A-75, No. 19

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

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firefighters save lives in many ways

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canadian nature all glassed up

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northern COVER GIRLS There is a bounty of beautiful women in Northeast B.C. — now, residents can help put one of them on the cover of Maxim Magazine to prove it to the rest of Canada. At least half a dozen local models are vying for votes in the magazine’s cover girl competition, which promises a $10,000 cash prize and a featured spread in Maxim Magazine. Top left: Lexi Read of Fort Nelson. Top right: Lou Potter of Dawson Creek. Centre left: Jessica Haggstrom of Fort St. John. Centre right: Skyla Richter of Fort Nelson. Bottom left: Meriah Alberts of Fort St. John. Bottom right: Jennifer Nguyen of Dawson Creek. Voting for the current round goes until 11 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, May 16. > > Read more at alaskahighwaynews.ca

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After Hours - Leave Message Lexi Read: “I’ll invest in my business to broaden my outreach and squirrel a chunk of it away for my offsprings’ future endeavours, as I’m sure they’re going to be large.”

Lou Potter: “I would use it to produce more music. The exposure may help inspire young women to chase their dreams and bring positivity and light to the world through creativity.”

Jessica Haggstrom: “Definitely try and help my parents get back on their feet.

If they refuse the offer I’ll be putting that money into a savings account for post secondary education, to further educate myself for future career options.”

Skyla Richter: “First and foremost I’d put money into my four-year-old son’s education funding. I’ve never left the country, so that would also definitely be on the agenda as well!”

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Meriah Alberts: “I would most likely use it to pay off the rest of my vehicle loan. So I could finally be debt free!”

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A2 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Local News

contents A3 A6 A9 A13 B1 B6

News Opinion Business Arts & Culture Sports Classifieds

this week’s flyers Jysk Rona Marks Safeway No Frills Walmart The Brick Peavey Mart Save-On Foods Home Hardware BR Small Furniture Shoppers Drug Mart Homesteader Health

‘tis the season

Correction In the May 2, 2019, edition, three stories were wrongly attributed to Matt Preprost. ‘Top vet gives anthrax insight, tips to Peace livestock producers’; ‘Fallen workers remembered at Day of Mourning’; and Achievers Toastmasters celebrates 25 years’ were written by Dave Lueneberg.

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO

There were plenty of great finds for green thumbs and Mothers Day shoppers alike at the first Farmers Market of the season on May 4, 2019. The market is open e very Saturday at the seniors hall. matt preprost photo

The scariest thing in Ontario SALAD STUFF: Before we begin chewing on our weekly diet of weird items, a reminder May is National Salad Month. So here are the croutons in your salad of news.

ning backwards? That’s bad news. We’ll have to live through the disco era all over again.

The scientist says there is no likelihood our expanding universe will collide with another universe. That’s good news. Do you have any idea how big the deductible is on universe collision insurance?

Bob Snyder

YETI YET? Last week, in the snowy Himalaya mountains of Northern India, soldiers claimed they found fresh footprints made by the fabled Yeti. That’s ridiculous! That’s crazy! Everybody knows this time of year the Yeti vacations with his buddy the Sasquatch on the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland.

Chews the news

FROG FACT: Scientists announced they have discovered a frog that glows in the dark. This is not new. Kermit always glows after a hot date with Miss Piggy.

son. By the way: Here’s my question about the Kentucky Derby: If a jockey breaks a leg, does his horse shoot him?)

FB LOL: Last week, Facebook announced changes to their privacy policy. When a PARROT PARTICULARS: In Brazil, a parwebsite says, “We VALUE Your Privacy,” rot was arrested after it tipped off a gang of they’re admitting your privacy has value — criminals that police officers were nearby.

Fort St. John 134.9 and they’re going to sell it. They never say, Nobody likes a parrot who’s a stool pigeon.

“We RESPECT Your Privacy.” Some people By the way: The cops who interrogated the B.C. Average 154.5 believe internet companies spy on them. parrot used a Polly-graph.

That’s silly. Saying Facebook spies on you is t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html like saying Google knows where you are at ROBOT REPORT: In a survey published Alberta Average 121.8 CASH CHAOS: Michigan police are ask- all times. Oh yeah, wait. They do. last week: 57% said robots are a threat to ing people to return $30,000 in cash that fell humans. In the same survey: 100% of robots Saskatchewan Avg. 128.0 off the back of a pickup truck and scattered HUMOR HOROSCOPE: On CBC last said humans are under control, no probacross a highway. There was mayhem as week, an astrologer said people born under lem, the plan is working.

Manitoba Average 126.4 people stopped their cars and dashed to the sign of Taurus have the “gift of the gab.” grab cash. Meanwhile: A reminder from That figures. Taurus is a load of bull.

ROYAL REPORT: London newspapers reHome  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia police here in Fort St. John: If you’re driving port Prince Harry and his wife Meghan plan Ontario Average 128.8 around with a stack of cash in the back of COASTER CHAOS: The world’s tallest, to live part of the year in Africa. Actually, I your truck, to prevent a similar situation fastest, and longest-dive rollercoaster can imagine Prince Harry swinging TarzanQuebec Average to the one in Michigan, please secure your opened in Ontario. It has a 245-foot drop at style through the jungle. Although he will 137.0 stack of cash with a dab of glue stick. Or Blu- a 90-degree angle and a 360-degree loop at a need a chinstrap for his crown.

Observed at: Fort St. John Airport 9:00 AM MST Tuesday 7 May 2019 Current Conditions Tack. Thank you. speed of 80 miles per hour. When you get off New BC Brunswick AvgForecast t Nelson, - 7 Day - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 134.3 the ride, there’s a guy who re-attaches your COLON CRIME: At a hospital in the U.S.: Condition: Mostly Cloudy Temperature: 5.9°C Wind: SW 10 km/h KENTUCKY DERBY: The Kentucky Derby face.

A device used to perform colonoscopies Nova Scotia Avg was Saturday.

They call the Kentucky Derby was stolen. There are two possible scenari130.5 Pressure: 102.2 kPa Dew point: 3.8°C Visibility: 81 km “the fastest two minutes in sports.”

That’s EXPANSION EXPLANATION: A scientist os: One: The colonoscopy device was taken Tendency: Rising Humidity: 87% not accurate.

The fastest two minutes in says the universe is expanding faster than by thieves who will sell it. Or two: The device PEI Average 131.6 sports was the two minutes Edmonton Oil- previously thought. When the expansion was taken by someone with a very weird ers fans had hopes for their team this sea- stops, time will run backwards. Time run- hobby.

Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Newfoundland Avg. 137.1 CROC CHAOS: The makers of Crocs shoes unveiled a new idea. Little fanny packs that clip onto the heels of your Crocs. I think it’s a great idea. The dorkiness of the fanny pack cancels out the dorkiness of the Crocs, and the dorkiness of the Crocs cancels out the dorkiness of the fanny pack.

Prevailing Prices

Fort St. John, BC

6°C

Fort Nelson, BC

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

CAD$ per litre, prices as of May 7.

Source: GasBuddy.com

Forecast Current Conditions Tue 7 May

Forecast issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 7 May 2019 FORT ST. Observed at:JOHN Fort Nelson Airport 9:00 AM MST Tuesday 7 May 2019

Wed Thu Condition: Mostly Cloudy 9 May 8 May Pressure: 102.0 kPa Tendency: Rising

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Mainly sunny. Wind becoming west 20 km/h this afternoon. High 18. UV index 5 or moderate.

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A3

Local News

Annual ball raises $70,000

Firefighters were key supporters during pregnancy challenge Dave lueneberg Alaska Highway News

For any family, the birth of a child can have its challenges. However, for Marcella Dekker and Michael Currie, it’s been more so with the arrival of their second child.

Originally from Southern Ontario, the pair moved to the Peace Country two-and-a-half years ago for what Marcella termed “a better life.”

Already parents of a one-year-old daughter, Violet, the two decided to make the long trip and begin a new life in Fort St. John. Both were able to secure work – Marcella, as a special needs assistant with School District 60; Michael as a residential care worker with the Association for Community Living.

While carrying Theo, however, Marcella experienced a number of medical issues and was away from work for close to three months. Her unborn son, meantime, was diagnosed with a rare condition that would need to be closely watched.

“He had fluid between his heart and his lungs. It’s called pleural effusion.

He required weekly monitoring to make sure the levels weren’t too dangerous for him,” said Dekker at the 11th annual Fort St. John Fire Department’s Charity Ball on May 4.

While the condition can be treated, it is far more concerning in an unborn child.

With Marcella home from work, the family’s income quickly went from a two-person to single-person income.

Added to that, Michael needed to take time away from work to help take care of their daughter and attend medical appointments, and the situation soon worsened.

As Theo’s due date approached, the couple was faced with a new challenge – Marcella would need to give birth in Vancouver and, with their families back in Ontario, they would need to move down south for six weeks.

With mounting medical needs, the

young couple approached the Fort St. John Fire Fighter’s Charitable Society. Set up formally as a society three years ago, the group has a long history through the B.C. Professional Firefighters Association and its contributions to the Burn Fund. It’s also begun a new tradition to help local families with their medical needs.

“Anyone that’s out there, that’s been in financial difficulty due to the fact of where we live, being in the north, the medical care they need is down in Vancouver or Edmonton, even Grande Prairie or Prince George,” said Captain Brent Morgan of the Fort St. John Fire Department, and the vice-president of the society..

“What happens is they come in and fill out an application. We discuss it amongst the board (and, if approved) will pay...whether it’s airfare, kilometres, food, hotels. Some people just need transportation getting down there and don’t need lodging.”

There have also been situations where money not needed by the recipient is returned “to help the next person,” Morgan said.

In just three years, the society has managed to give more than $185,000.

“We have helped 55 families (equalling) roughly 400 nights away from home,” said Morgan. “We’re willing to help out along as it’s in our realm or constitution of what we would do.”

However, for Marcella, Michael, Theo, and sister, Violet, the next two years will continue to be a challenge.

Because of his earlier complications, Theo was diagnosed with bronchomalacia and tracheomalacia.

“Every time he exhales his airway collapses,” said Dekkers. Every indication right now is that surgery won’t be needed. She says his breathing should improve as the body grows and strengthens, usually around the age of three.

Morgan, meantime, is assuring the family his group will continue to be there to help with any future challenges that might lie ahead.

dave lueneberg photo

Marcella Dekker and husband, Michael Currie, took time to thank the Fort St. John Fire Fighter’s Charitable Society at its 11th annual Charity Ball, May 4, 2019. The society has helped cover the family’s medical and personal expenses before, during, and after the birth of their son, Theo, in June 2018.

dave lueneberg photo

Fort St. John Fire Chief Fred Burrows at the 11th annual Fort St. John Firefighters Charity Ball, May 4, 2019.

Supporting Our Communities

dave lueneberg photo

Lieutenant Matt Crompton plays “Amazing Grace” following a minute of silence to remember firefighters lost in the line of duty. It was part of the opening ceremonies at the 11th annual Charity Ball held May 4, 2019.

dave lueneberg photo

Supporting Our Communities

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Arrivals district of taylor photo

Acting Taylor Mayor Michelle Turnbull helps to raise the MS Society of Canada flag outside the district office on May 1, 2019, while Public Works employee Austin Dingwell looks on. May has been proclaimed Multiple Sclerosis Month in Taylor and Fort St. John.

MS Awareness Month begins in the Peace matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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MS Awareness Month in the North Peace was kicked off with a flag raising ceremony in Taylor on May 1.

Both Taylor and Fort St. John have proclaimed the month in support raising awareness and funds in support of those living with multiple sclerosis in the region.

There are 11 Canadians diagnosed with MS every day, and 900 people living with the disease in Northern B.C. “MS looks different for everybody,” says Sherri Mytopher, who has been working hard with the MS Society of Canada to raise awareness about the disease the last three years.

“It’s a disease of a thousand faces and we just need to find a cure.”

MS attacks the central nervous system, specifically myelin, the protective covering of nerves, and damages myelin to the point where

nerve impulses are disrupted in their travels through the body.

The disease is unpredictable, and its symptoms are different for everyone who lives with it. Some have a constant numbness in their hands and arms, or suffer from chronic fatigue. Others lose their vision or their mobility.

The MS Society provides programs and services for people living with MS and their families, and funds research to help improve the quality of life for people living with MS and to ultimately find a cure for the disease.

This year’s MS Walk is set for May 26 at 11 a.m. at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. The community has raised more than $50,000 in the last two years for supports and services through the local walks.

A new support group in Fort St. John was recently started, and sees between up to 10 people meeting on a monthly basis, Mytopher says.

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A5

Local News

Museum at Charlie Lake Cave passes rezoning hurdle matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Peace River Regional District has rezoned the site of the Charlie Lake Cave to allow for the building of an indigenous cultural museum.

The board passed zoning amendments for the five-acre property at 19629 Butte Lane from residential to institutional at its April 25 meeting.

It’s the first step toward establishing a formal museum, expected to be a multi-million dollar development.

The museum is being undertaken by the Tse’K’wa Heritage Society, which will be asked to install fencing around the property to address privacy and security concerns from neighbouring property owners.

“For what they’re developing here, there’s going to be artifacts there. We would like some sort of security but also privacy for neighbours,” board chair Brad Sperling said.

Tse’K’wa means “rock house,” and though well-known to local residents and First Nations, the cave was only discovered by archaeologists in 1974, and then excavated in the early 1980s.

Among the hundreds of artifacts found were a 10,500-year-old stone bead — the oldest example of human adornment in North America — spear

and arrow points, harpoon heads, as well as bones from humans and various animals including bison and raven.

The artifacts tell stories of travel patterns and ceremonial practices, and make the cave one of the most significant sites on the continent, Tse’K’wa society president Garry Oker says.

Local First Nations, including Doig River, Prophet River, and West Moberly bought the land with the cave in 2012. Preliminary plans for the museum include a cafe and gift shop, an amphitheatre and interpretative trail, and space for hundreds of repatriated indigenous artifacts from the region in need of a home to store and display.

Along with preserving the cave site and protecting it from ongoing vandalism, the museum would be part of a broader effort underway to bring more visibility to local indigenous history through culture and public art.

“We know the Peace Country is well developed in all kinds of industrial development. Where is there a place where we can go to look at the local culture and have visibility to that?”

Oker said. The museum is planned to be developed in phases over five to 10 years, a timeline that will depend on funding.

A concept plan for the Tse’K’wa Heritage Centre in Charlie Lake, with indigenous artifacts found in the region.

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province of bc photo

Gwillim Lake Provincial Park.

Peace leaders slam lack of BC parks funding, response matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The fight for proper funding for provincial park maintenance and repairs in the Peace River Regional District is “getting ridiculous,” local leaders say.

Last week, the regional district board took aim at the lack of response from BC Parks about the condition of provincial park boat launches throughout the region.

The board will be pressing its local government peers in Northern and Central B.C. to pressure the agency into fixing and maintaining its infrastructure when they meet later this month.

The board will also be asking for a meeting with the provincial environment minister, who oversees the parks service, at this fall’s Union of BC Municipalities convention.

“A lot of our boat launches are in terrible shape,” said Dan Rose, electoral director, at the April 25 meeting.

“It would be nice to get even half the amount of attention that the rest of the province seems to get as far as dollars spent.”

The move comes after BC Parks abruptly barricaded the Mile 54 launch at Charlie Lake to motor boats last fall without public notice or consultation, citing its condition. Though the launch remains open for canoeists and kayakers, the Ministry of Environment says no repairs are planned.

In 2017, the City of Fort St. John undertook a major rebuild of its public boat launch at the south end of Charlie Lake, estimated around $167,000. The city is responsible for the boat launch because it owns and maintains the dike on Charlie Lake, where the launch is located.

Mayor Lori Ackerman said the struggle to get proper funding for provincial parks infrastructure was “getting ridiculous.” The city’s boat launch at Charlie Lake is “going to get beat up really fast if it’s the only boat launch that’s a viable boat launch,” she said.

“I can tell you with the cost of doing that, and the struggles to do that with the different ministries that are involved, I’m not sure if municipalities are going to get engaged in this

kind of recreational infrastructure.

There’s too many hurdles and the cost is outrageous.”

The regional district asked BC Parks in February for data on the condition of provincial park boat launches in the region. Despite five phone messages and seven emails to Mike Friars, area supervisor, and Lisa Hardy, Peace Region section head, there’s been been no response.

The regional district needs clarity about who’s in charge and who needs to respond to inquiry, Rose said.

“If these people aren’t responding, then we need some names and responsibilities as far as who are we supposed to talk to,” Rose said.

“Obviously, these are the wrong people if they’re not going to answer their phones or emails. If not, maybe it would rattle a chain or two. We don’t have time to chase people all over the place.”

B.C. spends only $2.80 per hectare on its parks, according to the BC Parks Foundation, an independent organization. Alberta spends around $36 per hectare on its parks. Meanwhile, visitors to provincial and national parks in the province have soared from 20 million to 25 million over the last five years, according to the foundation.

The province has budgeted just $41.5 million for BC Parks this year, up from $40.4 million in 2018.

The Ministry of Environment says Parks officials were supposed to meet with the regional district board last month, but that meeting was cancelled.

A new date has yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, Tumbler Ridge Coun.

Joanne Kirby noted the district has also been struggling to get the province’s attention over the state of the Gwillim Lake and Bearhole Lake provincial parks and their respective boat launches.

The district will be meeting with a ministry representative May 21 for a site visit at Gwillim, and will be joined by officials from Chetwynd. They plan to raise the matter as a region-wide issue during that visit.

“The rest of the region is in dire straits of boat launches too so that we can use our lakes and rivers,” Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille said.

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Dunlevy and Elizabeth Creek Boat launches closed

Due to low water levels, the Dunlevy and Elizabeth Creek boat launches are closed.

The launches will re-open as soon as possible.

Attempting to launch during low water levels can cause boat and vehicle damage, or personal injury.

5608

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fort St. John Center is located in downtown Fort St John and provides settlement and integration services to the immigrant community in the north.

Information and referrals on: citizenship, immigration, housing, employment, health, social benefits, education, connection to community services and form filling guidance.

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Address: #209 10142 101 Avenue, Fort St John BC V1J 2B3

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52861

A6 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Opinion Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

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Contact Us matt preprost 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

The talkies make their debut in Fort St. John

A

s the 1950s came to a close, and with the coverage of the major events that happened in the 50s, the Alaska Highway News had firmly established itself.

As we leave the 1950s and move into the 1960s, I would like to leave you with one more event that happened that was an influence upon me, as it was all the children in Fort St. John, and that is the opening of the Lido Theatre.

The first movie films to be shown in Fort St. John were shown in 1936 by Dr. Vasil Szilagyi and Julius Bottyan. Dr. Szilagyi was the dentist who travelled around the area performing much needed dental work. As the two men travelled, they entertained along the way by showing black and white films on a projector they carried with their dental equipment. The movies were ordered from Vancouver on a regular basis and were most anticipated by the viewers.

In 1938, John Carlson of Dawson Creek expanded his Dawson Creek Carlsonia Theatre by bringing his movie films to the Village of Fort St. John and showing them in the community hall where dances, meetings, and special celebrations were usually held.

By 1942, business was busy enough to open the first movie theatre, which was also named the Carlsonia. This building was located on 100th Avenue between where the Condill Hotel was and where the North Peace Cultural Centre is located today. It was described by Ma Murray as, “a show house where thousands of American soldiers, while here building the Alcan, shuffled their feet, dropped popcorn bags and at one time had about two tons of gum firmly affixed to the seat bottoms.”

Other buildings located on the block at the time were the Elks Hall and a bowling alley, all of which burned down in January 1948.

The first “show hall” that I remember going to was the Carlsonia Theatre that was built in 1948 to replace the theatre that burnt down. This new Carlsonia was built using a quonset hut for the theatre with an add-on front where tickets were sold. I just remember it as old and spooky.

The Carlsonia Theatre remained open for a few years even with the competition of the new and modern Lido Theatre. The Carlsonia closed its doors in the early 60s and was moved from its site next to the Condill in 1962.

The quonset hut was eventually moved to the Fort St. John landfill, where it is still in use today.

The opening of the Lido Theatre on a Thursday in November 1957 was a momentous occasion for the Village of Fort St. John. It was built specifically as a modern moving film theatre, and was being advertised as having a new motionographer — a “Cadillac” of modern projectors. It was state of the art in that the front was well

Interior view of the Lido Theatre when it first opened. Fort St. John North Peace Museum I987.91.18

Larry Evans lit and you could wait in a warm entrance before buying your ticket. You could buy candy, pop, and popcorn at the concession.

Fifty cents would cover your admission, popcorn, and two candy bars. The new theatre was complete with a big screen and comfortable seating.

The first show in the Lido theatre was a Pat Boone movie called Bernadette that I attended with my best friend, Kenny Chase. The one thing that stands out in my mind was that in the movie they had their own Coca Cola machine. I think the reason that I remember this is the Peace River Bridge at Taylor had collapsed on October 16, 1957, just a few weeks prior to the Lido opening. At that time, all essential foods were trucked across the PGE railroad bridge; Coca Cola was not considered essential so the town had virtually dried up of Coca Cola, so seeing the machine on the big screen was a highlight of the movie to the kids.

Of course, the Carlsonia had remained open for a few years after the Lido opened so we had a choice of which theatre to go to. The comparison in new technology experienced between the Lido and our new Aurora Cineplex is quite similar to what we experienced between the old Carlsonia and the Lido when it was new.

Kenny and I took in almost every Friday night show at the Lido. However, every Saturday (that we could con money out of our parents) we would tell our parents we were going to the matinee at the Lido, usually to see some sappy Disney

Mr. Braden Herron, one of the shareholders of the Lido Theatre, inspects the Motiograph of Chicago projector with the theatre’s manager, Brian Martin in 1957.

movie, but actually we went to the Carlsonia to see such classics as The Fly, The Blob, The Abominable Snowman, etc.

A bonus of this was a fact that it was only 20 cents to go to the Carlsonia compared to 25 cents charged by the new and modern Lido. The Lido movies were usually Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin movies, but were also able to see the classics on the big screen such as The Robe, The Ten Commandments, Gone With The Wind, The Great Escape, and, of course, Ben Hur, which was rumoured to have caused a stampede by the people at the front door on opening night. It was reported the hinges were torn off the door as the crowd moved trying to get in.

Over the years, as we got older, the Lido Theatre was one of the few places to take a date. For years, the Lido was a vibrant theatre but suffered the ups and downs of the boom-bust cycles, as did other

businesses in town. Patronage was also affected as well by the invasion of videos.

The Lido, in my opinion, was an institution and held its attraction to the very end, having packed houses with new releases and satisfying generations of moviegoers in Fort St. John. The Lido was managed very well in its later years and until its closing

by George Moojelsky. My wife, daughter, and I attended the last movie at the Lido Theatre, which was Mr. Bean in Johnny English (somehow appropriate).

When the new and modern Aurora Cinema opened, the Lido passed into history and will be remembered as the first modern movie theatre in Fort St. John.

Thanks to Brian Kirschner and his staff, the Lido Theatre is once again a hub of activity. The Lido is frequently packed with people enjoying performing art events and also many communityoriented performances.

purchased for your daughter’s wedding.

We go a little cray-cray with the first glamping trip of the year. I understand we just want it to be nice, but admittedly, we go overboard a wee bit. It is as if we have broken free of the shackles of winter and we are going to celebrate! You know that time when you saw that old dude dancing naked around the campfire at the provincial campground? He wasn’t crazy – he was celebrating!

Side note: Dancing naked around any campfire can be hazardous because, you know, sparks from the fire, tripping and having your naked body fall into the fire, and the risk of being

arrested for being naked in a public place.

The long weekend in May is the starting line for all things summer fun! It doesn’t matter if the forecast is warning about a heavy snowfall, we are already drunk on the warm summer rays of spring, and giddy with the promise of a ‘burnt on the outside but raw on the inside’ hotdog.

Our olfactory bulb near our brain is standing at the ready like a little soldier, prepared to process familiar smells like the campfire and the lingering smell of propane when someone forgot to the tighten the bottle.

I can’t wait!

Let the glamping season begin

T

he May long weekend is looming and you know what that means — demiceing (I am declaring that a real word) the trailer, flushing out the water lines, packing it full of bedding and clothing that will suit all four seasons and, finally, buying a week’s worth of groceries and shoving them into an itsy bitsy refrigerator.

Reminder: Don’t forget the can opener! You know… the one you took OUT of the trailer because you couldn’t find the one in the house but you said to yourself, “I will remember to put it back,” and now it’s time to put it back.

Have you ever seen someone try to open a can of beans with a jackknife? It is all fun and games

Judy Kucharuk until someone tries to open a can of anything with a knife.

Why must we purchase a week’s worth of groceries for a two-day camping trip? I am not sure – something compels us to go ‘survivalist’ mode when we shop for a weekend trip.

Something also compels us to shop for food items that we would never purchase at home: frozen bread dough, shrimp rings, more alcohol than was

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A7

OP-ED

A simple, money-saving solution for policing in B.C.

W

e left off last week’s column in 1920, when the Royal North West Mounted Police became the RCMP after merging with the Federal Dominion Police.

What not too many people are aware of is that the RCMP and its predecessor forces had only limited presence in B.C. until 1950, as the BC Provincial Police covered that role. The BCP barracks from the Old Fort is located at the North Peace Museum – go and check it out!

In 1950, the RCMP and BC Provincial Police merged, and since then the RCMP has been the primary policing body in the province. Several communities — Vancouver, Saanich, New Westminster,

and Nelson are some examples — have their own local police, but the RCMP are still in those locations, largely dealing with federal issues such as customs, immigration, as well as major crimes.

The RCMP has also evolved in the 69 years since 1950.

Presently, municipalities over 15,000 in population (Fort St. John), pay 90% of the police bill for the community, and the feds pay 10%.

Communities from 5,000 to 14,999 in population (Dawson Creek) pay 70% and the feds 30%. Communities under 5,000 (Chetwynd, Taylor, Hudson’s Hope) pay 70% of 33% (23.1%), with the province paying the bulk of the difference. This is also true for the rural areas.

Steve Thorlakson The province’s share of costs is $381 million as of 2016. The “provincial” service includes rural, small community and First Nations policing, and highway patrol. Provincial services housed by larger and smaller municipalities is approximately 780 officers, and the province pays for an extra 1,800 members assigned to provincial, district, and specialized resources (think the Major Crimes Unit).

Confused yet?

The cost per member in rural, small community, First Nations, and highway patrol is approximately $203,000 per member, including all costs. The cost per member for Alberta’s Sherriff Service, which is responsible for highway patrol and other less intense police-type services, is at least 40% less than full RCMP service.

By now, you know where I am going with this.

If Alberta can save money using provincial (not federal) employees – which means they are covered by the Alberta union agreements (in B.C. would be BCGEU members), why can’t B.C. do the same?

I’ve suggested this to B.C. Solicitor General Mike

Farnworth, and he said he looks forward to reading my columns.

Not only could we reduce costs by some $60,000 per member (all in) or at least $200 million per year, it would lower the tax burden on property tax and, perhaps even more significantly, take the pressure off to supply RCMP members to understaffed areas — or even fully staff the money laundering unit.

The ball’s in your court, Mr. Farnworth – I’ll be pleased to help in any way I can!

Steve Thorlakson is a resident and former mayor of Fort St. John.

Do we really think our law enforcement is bad?

G

iven the steady barrage of negative, and sometimes, outright hateful media coverage of our police, who wants to work in law enforcement? Do we really hold this up as a rewarding career that attracts young people to join and make Canada a better place to live?

I have been thinking about writing a column on policing and a couple headlines from last winter sealed it.

On Jan. 7, a CBC headline read, “Man charged after yelling FHRITP at Kelowna reporter”. The story went on to quote the RCMP as saying, “Just unbelievable any male individual would think this is at all funny in any way.”

To make a long story short, a female Kelowna reporter was doing a live interview when a man, unrelated to the story, walked by and shouted a sexual expletive into her microphone. The reporter filed a complaint with the RCMP, they investigated and have now laid “disturbing the peace” charges.

So, why is this relevant, other than the police just doing their job?

Ever watch footage of our police as they stand in line facing another unlawful protest, and the abuse that our good citizens hurl at them? Do you think any one of us would like to take their place and be subject to that?

Are they any different and should they feel as violated as that Kelowna reporter?

On Jan. 8, The Canadian

Press reported, “Observers raise concerns about RCMP tactical unit used in BC pipeline arrests”.

After reading, I watched the YouTube video of the RCMP enforcing a court injunction by removing the blockade and arresting the protesters on the Coastal GasLink project.

Then I re-read the Canadian Press story and interview of a so-called expert, an associate professor at the University of Winnipeg, saying that the way it was handled was unnecessary and excessive, that SWAT teams should not be used and so forth.

Give me a break.

Do we really think police should politely ask people who willingly choose to break the law to move and take their blockade away, and then when they don’t, ask again, and when they don’t, ask again, and then what? Or do we think police should show up, understaffed and unprepared, and get their butts kicked and then retreat, hopefully, with all fingers, toes and lives still intact?

No one wishes to stand toeto-toe with people they don’t know, don’t know what they can or are willing to do, or what their intentions are, and not have a wee bit of fear and trepidation. No one wants people yelling and swearing at them, while politely talking back. It must to be hard not to just say, “Times up, buddy,” jump the fence, and arrest them. In the end, that is sort of what they did, and as far as I have heard, no one was hurt.

Evan Saugstad I use this as an example of what we ask our police to do. I am sure it was their preference to drive miles back into the bush and face people they didn’t know, what they might be willing to do. They also knew that people can legally carry their guns and do so regularly, and although there may not have been any on the protest lines, I am quite confident they knew some of the protestors owned them.

Unfortunately for police, and fortunately for us, this is their job, and from my perspective they did their job very well. For those who don’t like it, go figure out a better way to deliver law enforcement in Canada. And yes, despite the rhetoric, they were enforcing Canada’s law, not the RCMP’s.

Do you remember RCMP Constable Michael Joseph Buday and Michael Eugene Oros (Shesley Mike), from 1985? Const. Buday was shot and died near Teslin while trying to apprehend Shesley Mike. Remember RCMP Constables Anthony Gordon, Lionide “Leo” Johnston, Brock Myrol, and Peter Schiemann at Mayerthorpe in 2005? They were all shot to death by James Rosko when

they attempted to execute a search warrant on the Rosko property.

I could list more, but only use these as to make the point that police work can be dangerous, and one miscalculation can have dire consequences. I use the word “miscalculation” as I don’t have the time and space to go into the complete stories as to why they had to die, other than state, if they had known what was in store for them, they would have done things differently and would not have died.

Now, we read the crap that some write about our police forces, who worked hard and prepared for every conceivable outcome in enforcing a court order.

They prepared very well for a confrontation that had the potential to escalate and be much more serious.

Sure, a few bruised egos, but remember the reference to “war” in the news coverage leading up to this? Do you really think that the police just ignored the use of this word?

Ever wonder why we can all remember the name Robert Dziekanski, who died at the hands of the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport in 2007, and not the names of the RCMP who died by the hands of criminals?

Not rocket science. It is always a bigger news story when the police screw up, and less a story when one of us do and pay the price. Although it shouldn’t be this way, I guess

that comes with the turf.

Although I have not had much to do with the police, at least from the wrong side, I did have the occasion to need them a couple years ago.

My neighbour, here in Fort St. John, was coming home in the dark from his store after work, and was robbed and stabbed outside his house by two unknown assailants. In the struggle, he lost his cell phone and house keys in the snow, and came across the street and knocked on my door for help.

I helped him stop the bleeding and called 9-1-1. It was only minutes before the ambulance and police were here to help. Although we tend to think that it always takes time for the police to arrive, when it is serious and important, they will be there.

Thanks, and keep up the good work. Simply put, good law enforcement officials will always outnumber the occasional misfit. Every profession has them, and that is just something we all must address as they are identified.

PS – after a couple of months, our wonderful justice system let most all of those “unlawful” protesters just walk away.

Bet you some re-appear at the next blockade and deliberately break the law again.

Evan Saugstad is a former mayor of Chetwynd, and lives in Fort St. John.

Fostering collaboration, condemning division on climate change

W

ith great interest and excitement, I have watched my colleague, Lisa Helps, the Mayor of Victoria, pave the path for a collaborative approach to bringing communities together to address the challenges posed by climate change. Broadly speaking, this path is in line with a course currently being charted by my own city council in Fort St John.

First, Mayor Helps abandoned her push for municipalities to initiate a class-action lawsuit against energy companies, ultimately concluding that, “We have better things to do and more important things to do than throw stones at our neighbours.” I wholeheartedly agree and applaud Mayor Helps’ willingness to change her mind about these lawsuits.

Then Mayor Helps even travelled to Alberta to tour oil sands operations to gain a deeper perspective on the

impressive advances our Canadian energy industry is making to limit their impacts on the environment.

After the trip, Mayor Helps explained that Canadians are living in two paradigms.

One is represented by Fort St John, the center of British Columbia’s oil and gas industry and the other is represented by her city of Victoria, a coastal community that will have to adapt to the impacts of climate change but is still reliant on the use of fossil fuels.

That is why I am supporting a resolution passed by my council at the upcoming North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) meeting on May 9th. The resolution should be viewed as the starting point for an ongoing dialogue amongst municipal leaders across the province about how local governments can deal with the threats of climate change.

The resolution specifically

rejects the divisive lawsuits against the very energy companies we depend on and proclaims that “… writing letters, passing resolutions and filing classaction lawsuits in the name of ‘climate liability’ against major innovation drivers and employers is not an appropriate direction for BC municipalities.”

This is an important step to show that local officials agree that we are not going to try to scapegoat our problems on a certain industry. Instead, we all must work together to reduce emissions and make our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

It also recognizes energy companies as “innovation drivers” and therefore a significant part of the solution, instead of the enemy. Especially here in Canada, our companies operate in adherence to some of the strictest environmental standards in the world and

are already significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) pointed this out in its response to a request for compensation for climaterelated damages from Whistler. In its letter, CNRL stated that it has invested $3.1 billion since 2009 in the research and development of technologies to improve its environmental performance.

This investment has already allowed the company to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 18 percent from 2013 to 2017 and decrease methane emissions by 71 percent in heavy oil operations since 2013. And this is just one of many examples of companies developing innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact.

The resolution also recognizes that our municipalities must also do our part to make our

communities carbon neutral and points out that 98 percent of local governments in British Columbia are signatories to the Climate Action Charter. The Charter commits our communities to take actions to reduce emissions and create compact, energy efficient communities.

Although I am sure there will still be many challenges and disagreements ahead, I am confident that the two paradigms can choose cooperation in defining our future. We must work toward common grounds and eschew actions that unfairly assign blame and tear us apart. Should my peers vote in favour of Fort St John’s resolution at NCLGA, I believe it will signal that leaders across our diverse province are ready to work together and move forward on this critical issue.

Lori Ackerman is Mayor of the City of Fort St. John.

A8 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

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PRRD mulls expanded Charlie Lake fire protection matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Peace River Regional District will soon be looking for resident input about expanding fire protection and response services out of the Charlie Lake fire hall.

The board is studying its options for expanding the Charlie Lake fire protection area to the north and west, and how much it would cost taxpayers. An expansion could see a satellite fire hall built in Baldonnel, and new road rescue and medical first response services.

“Is there interest even out there going any farther, because to go too far into this may not even be necessary if there is no interest,” said board chair Brad Sperling, also the electoral director for Charlie Lake.

“We need to at least ask the people what they may or may not expect.”

But the regional district will first need to discuss the potential expansion with its mutual fire aid partners at the Fort St. John and Taylor fire departments before any public meetings take place. The two municipalities both provide support to Charlie Lake firefighters when called upon. And expanding protection and services will undoubtedly come with a need for new equipment and infrastructure, such as water depots, to service any new areas.

The regional district would be looking to hold a meeting with property owners within 13 kilometres of the fire hall along Highway 29, Sawyer Road, the Wolsey Subdivision, and Old Hope Road. The meeting would also include property owners from Old Fort.

The regional district has been awaiting a third party review of fire protection in Charlie Lake after early season wildfires erupted in 2016 set a record volume of calls to the volunteer fire department, and prompted homeowners

outside fire protection boundaries to ask about being included.

At the time, fire officials in Charlie Lake also wanted new authority to respond to vehicle rescues and medical calls. Though the department is made of up volunteers with the training, it’s unable to respond to those calls under its existing establishment bylaw from the 1980.

The review, completed in December by David Mitchell and Associates, found the area at a high risk of fastmoving grass fires during extremely dry and hot weather in spring and fall.

The risk of fire is expected to increase over the next decade with predicted climate change, the report stated.

The Charlie Lake department is “well equipped to deal with small grass fires, as they have two bush trucks in their fleet,” the report noted. “Fighting large scale grass fires, however, would present significant water supply and access challenges.”

There are about 50 homes to the west and 75 homes to the north outside of the existing Charlie Lake fire protection boundary. There are another 175 homes in the Baldonnel area.

“Fire protection for Area C can be improved by expanding the existing fire protection area for Charlie Lake as well as with the construction of an additional fire hall preferably in the Baldonnel area,” the consultants wrote.

“Coverage from these two fire halls would continue to be supported by mutual aid from Fort St. John and Taylor, subject to renewal of the relevant the mutual aid agreements.”

Those agreements should be combined into a single agreement covering the area to reduce contract maintenance issues, the report noted.

The study also looked at expanding rural protection in the Electoral Area D around the Kiskatinaw River.

2019 Pride Walk to mark 50 years since Stonewall riots matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John’s fourth annual Pride Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 1.

This year’s walk will commemorate 50 years since the Stonewall riots in 1969, started after police in New York City raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay club in Greenwich Village.

“It’s considered the birth place of the gay rights movement,” said Dustin Carnell, one of the walk’s organizers with the North Peace Pride Society.

“It’s only been 50 years. Even in that 50 years, there’s certain places in the world where gays aren’t allowed, gay clubs aren’t allowed. I’m lucky enough to live in Canada, where we’re free and

open.”

The Walk starts at 2 p.m. at W.I. Centennial Park at 104 Street and 110 Avenue, and ends at Centennial Park, where there will be vendors and live music, including headliners Road Worn. A video dance party will be held at the curling club in the evening.

“Things have changed a lot; even in the four years we’ve been having Pride, things have changed, just the acceptance,” Carnell said. “I’ve said this before, I’m so lucky. Coming out as lesbian and trans ... I’ve had local support, I’ve had family support, I’ve had work support.”

A meeting for interested volunteers will be held May 15 at 11427 Alaska Road starting at 7 p.m.

Fort St. John ALS Walk set for June 2 matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John is one of 15 B.C. towns that will host a walk in support of those living with Lou Gehrig’s disease next month.

The Fort St. John walk will be held on Sunday, June 2, at the green space at 100 Avenue and 100 Street at 11:30 a.m.

Last year’s inaugural walk helped raise more than $60,000 for supports and services for patients living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“This event unites the country and rallies people affected by ALS,” Wendy Toyer, executive director of the ALS Society of BC, said in a news release.

“Participants walk to show support for people living with and/or to honour the memory of a loved one lost. The Walk to End ALS inspires hope. Please join us.”

There are 3,000 Canadians living with ALS, 400 of them in B.C. Those looking to take part in this year’s walking can learn more by visiting walktoendals.ca/british-columbia, or by emailing walk co-ordinator Audrey Jones at fortstjohnwalk@alsbc.ca.

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A9

Business Taxpayers paying multimillions to subsidize three northern bus services B.C. taxpayers have paid more than $31 million since 2012 to maintain almost-daily northern bus services by a private company on runs Greyhound ran at market costs but abandoned last year partly due to competitors’ subsidies, an investigation has found.

The latest funding came April 24 as federal Minister of Transport Marc Garneau and B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Clare Trevena announced ongoing subsidies for the BC Bus North service.

Neither ministry, though, will say how much more money is on the table for the service. What Garneau did say is that BC Bus North is important where other options do not exist. However, options do exist.

BC Bus North partially duplicates or fills gaps in the Northern Health Connections (NHC) service funded by Prince George-based Northern Health Authority since 2007. Both services run from Prince Rupert to Prince George and Prince George to Fort Nelson. The NHC service also runs into Vancouver with stops along the route.

Diversified Transportation, a subsidiary of Calgary-based Pacific Western Transportation, operates both BC Bus North and NHC. Pacific Western director of business development John Stepovy said the two services are different, and that there is potential for BC Transit and Northern Health to work the services together.

“I would imagine there are some discussions happening at those levels,” Stepovy said. “We’re operators. We don’t set schedules, times or frequencies.”

Between the two operations, Diversified is running daily services throughout the north on routes remarkably similar to Greyhound’s.

And, of the options, Trevena and the previous B.C. Liberal government had a hand in creating them at a cost of at least $10 million – although some of that funding was in anticipation of Greyhound’s departure.

Moreover, the public record shows Greyhound was signalling there were problems years before it ended service – contrary to government characterizations of the decision as an abrupt surprise.

It was the NHC service that Greyhound cited as an example of unfair, taxpayer-subsidized competition when it abandoned its western Canadian services in 2018. NHC fares for routes significantly undercut Greyhound’s, the latter company said.

Between 2012 and 2018, Diversified received $21.3 million from Northern Health, vendor payment documents show. Northern Health Authority spokeswoman Eryn Collins said NHA was introduced because transportation options weren’t meeting the needs of people requiring health services.

“The NHC service has reduced the burden of travel for people who require health care not available in their home community,” Collins said. “Transportation for people who are sick, require support, and who need to be taken to medical facilities is very different than options that serve the needs of the broader travelling public.”

Fare differences Greyhound said subsidies to NHC covered 80% to 90% of fare costs, competition Greyhound cited as unfair.

Greyhound’s final one-way fare from Prince Rupert to Vancouver was $213 compared with the $40 NHC currently charges. NHC riders are supposed to present valid medical certificates for travel.

However, Greyhound said as far back as 2012 there was no enforcement of use of the buses for health reasons. People without medical documentation were using the provincial buses, taking business from the Greyhound, a September 2012 company document said.

BC Bus North has two fare tiers. The $35, short hauls are for travel between Prince George and Smithers, Smithers and Prince Rupert, Prince George and Valemount, Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek, Prince George and Mackenzie,

matt preprost 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

seen in a dream

Mackenzie and Fort St. John.

The $45 long-haul routes are between Prince George and Prince Rupert, and Prince George and Fort St. John.

The province pumped $2 million into BC Bus North last June at Trevena’s direction to have an interim solution between Greyhound’s departure and the establishment of a full service.

“Pacific Western Transportation already operates long-haul services for other organizations in northern BC, understands the area, and were able to support us with fleet and staffing requirements to launch within a reasonable timeframe,” said BC Transit communications manager Jonathon Dyck.

“To ensure the service was operational quickly to meet the needs of people living in northern BC, the contract for the interim, 12-month solution was awarded to Pacific Western Transportation,” Dyck said.

“This falls within the province of BC procurement standards because the services would not otherwise be obtained in time,” Dyck said. “The service is funded fully by the province of B.C. through BC Transit, and all revenue is returned to the province of BC through B.C. Transit.”

Unique challenges In an April 30 statement to Glacier Media, B.C.’s ministry said the province’s northern region with its long distances and remote communities presents unique transportation challenges.

“Greyhound’s decision to eliminate service in western Canada left people in the north vulnerable and stranded – especially Indigenous communities, women, seniors, children, and people with disabilities,” the statement said. “That’s why the BC government stepped in with BC Bus North – to provide a provincially funded service which allows people to travel safely, affordably and reliably between northern communities.”

Stepovy agreed. He said operating in B.C.’s North and on the Prairies is challenging given the remoteness and distance between communities. He said bus companies are successful in places such as the East Coast or Europe where population density creates for business opportunities.

“There’s a reason Greyhound exited the market,” he said. “Challenging times.”

The ministry said BC Bus North has extended the service to Sept. 30. BC Transit estimates the cost of the extension at $480,000 in operating costs with projected passenger revenues for the additional period is $72,000, which will be used to offset operating costs.

“In other parts of the province, we continue to work closely with the federal government as part of an interprovincial working group to address the impact of discontinued intercity bus services and develop solutions,” the statement said.

The ministry added private companies continue to express interest in B.C. routes and the PTB is fast-tracking applications .

“Six inter-city bus companies are operating and there are three new inter-city bus route applications that are currently before the board,” the ministry statement said.

Other services NHC and BC Bus North service aren’t the only ones the taxpayer-funded agencies are subsidizing.

There is also the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan created in under Liberal premier Christy Clark’s government in 2017. The plan was created in partial response to the disappearances of women along Highway 16, the so-called Highway of tears.

The NDP added another $800,000 for that service linking smaller communities in the 2019 provincial budget, the bringing the total investment to $8.1 million.

In July 2018, Trevena called Greyhound’s announcement that it was pulling out of B.C. service a surprise.

This week, the ministry called it abrupt.

But the writing was on the wall long before. Greyhound was making its concerns known to B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Board. (PTB) as far back as 2012.

The 2019 Peace Liard Regional Juried Art Exhibit is over and the people have spoken — Charlie Lake artist Joel Leite has won this year’s People’s Choice Award for his brilliant and striking piece, REM Encounter. Check out more of Leite’s work by visiting Altered Eye Studio on Facebook.

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Jeremy Hainsworth Alaska Highway News

Contact Us

“The NPCC theatre is the performance hub of the North Peace.”

— Baptiste Marcere, executive director, North Peace Cultural Centre, A13

A10 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

LOCAL NEWS

Special Delivery

What is your social statement?

IT’S A GIRL Harper Nicho l Wiebe Parents: Taylor Rhyn & Dylan Wiebo e Baby’s Weight: 6 lbs 2 ozs Length: 21 inch es Date: Apr. 25, 2019 Time: 11:26 a m Fort St John, BC

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement & baby’s photo to:

The Alaska Highway News, or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8

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

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

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

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

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Al as ka Hi gh wa y Ne ws

• informative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

N

ever under estimate a small act of kindness. It can make a huge impact.

Sometimes a social status offers great power. A corporation can make a huge difference. Persons with great wealth can influence change and the work of many can effect systematic change.

This week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reduced their following list on Instagram. They choose to use their Instagram account to highlight mental health projects dedicated to the field. It is reported that they will continue the campaign with a different theme or cause each month.

Bill Gates, the Microsoft billionaire, has made donations that have global impact. Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa are two people who have affected great social change.

These people have and had the ability to impact great change with a singular voice.

Corporations are now investing in a social impact statement or corporate responsibility statement (CRS) that confirms how the operations affect social and environmental factors in the communities they operate.

Petronas is guided by their corporate sustainability framework. Shell Canada has an annual report that outlines their annual contributions to society. There are many international corporations that give back to the communities of their employees.

We are very fortunate for the corporate contributions of many many companies in Fort St. John.

What does a social statement look like in Fort St. John? Do you support local business? I often hear people complain about lack of goods and services. Do you shop locally? Are you willing to pay just a little bit more (less than the cost of a tank of gas to shop elsewhere) to support local small business operators? Can you sustain yourself on the 100 mile diet? Do you support local food growers? When a new business opens do you make an effort to support their product?

Does your corporate contribution consider under privileged, poverty reduction, supporting the social safety net? Does your donation to your church support your com-

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

munity in meaningful ways?

Are you able to offer donations in kind or discounts to services for local not-for profits? Do you attend fundraisers and support your community in trade for a night of fun, activity, and outbidding your friends for an item that essentially may offer programming support for those in the greatest need?

Does your business and family have a social statement? Do you make a concentrated effort once a month to support a charity or organization with manpower, goods, services or donations? Do you allow staff approved paid or unpaid time off for the purpose of service? Are you aware of what service organizations are important to your staff?

Is your shopping influenced by e-commerce or community? Do you want more screen time or stronger communities? The choice is yours.

What is your social statement? The power of one affects little change.

The power of many impacts great change.

Perhaps the e-commerce giant you shop with on a regular basis has a corporate responsibility to help communities. Is it helping your community? Would this influence how you shop? The voice of one is seldom heard. The voice of many affects great change. Will you be the voice of many?

Strong, healthy, happy, successful communities are built on social impact of the people and corporations that live and work there. Reflection time. What is your social statement?

Have you made a difference in some way? Time, donation, services, support?

Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John. Her 30-year experience in the appraisal industry offers a unique lens on the challenges associated with the economic forces impacting real estate and the community.

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A11

BUSINESS

Construction sees lift in first quarter of 2019 MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

New construction in Fort St. John was lifted by a new school build and seniors housing repairs along with a slight uptick in housing starts in the first quarter of 2019.

According to the city’s March building report, the city issued 17 permits for a total construction value of $13.7 million through the first three months of the year. That’s up from 14 permits valued at a $1.3 million during the same time last year.

Much of the increase so far this year can be attributed to $11.2 million in institutional builds and repairs, including the start of the new Anne Roberts Young elementary school across from the hospital, and an $850,000 repair to Heritage Manor II. The city saw no institutional con-

MP KENT VISITS

struction in the first quarter of 2018.

The city saw a modest increase in new home builds for the quarter, with permits for six new single family homes worth $1.9 million, down from permits for one home worth $226,000 in 2018. The city has yet to see any permits for any duplex or multi-family housing.

The city has seen a slowdown in commercial builds, with just six permits worth $358,000. That’s down from 10 permits worth $948,000 last year.

The city has issued five garage/renovation permits valued at $161,000, down from three valued at $193,000.

The city issued 11 building permits valued at $3 million in the month of March, including a permit for a new Denny’s restaurant at the Best Western hotel, valued at $120,000.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

MP Bob Zimmer and MP Peter Kent speak to students at North Peace Secondary School on May 3, 2019. Read Zimmer’s thoughts on the visit at alaskahighwaynews.ca/opinion/columnists.

Board

MAY 2019

PRRD 2018 Financial Statements

OCP & Zoning Amendment Bylaws

Solid Waste

Statement of Financial Position

The Regional Board approved the EBA Development Group Ltd. application to rezone their Tse’k’wa, (commonly known as Charlie Lake Caves) property in Area C, from Residential 2 Zone (R-2) to Civic, Assembly and Institutional Zone (P-2). The plan is to establish an Indigenous cultural museum, that will include an accessory café and gift shop, and to restore and protect Tse’k’wa, lands. The Board will ask that the proponents install a privacy fence to provide the adjacent property continued privacy of their residential property.

Directors appointed to the Solid Waste Committee were authorized to meet with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to discuss waste reduction.

The RD’s Accumulated Surplus increased $5.15 from $94.33M to $99.48M including a $4.15M increase in Net Financial Assets from $37.16M to $41.31M and a $1.0M increase in NonFinancial Assets. The increase in Net Financial Assets indicates the RD has sufficient assets to settle existing liabilities.

The RD’s Accumulated Surplus position indicates it has net positive resources that can be used to provide future services.

Statement of Operations The RD had an excess of revenue over expenses in 2018. This measure shows that the revenues raised by the RD in the year were sufficient to cover the year’s operating expenses and as a result the financial position of the RD was improved.

This statement also includes the RD’s original approved budget for comparison purposes.

The RD’s revenues exceeded expenses by $5.15M which was slightly less than the $5.49M budgeted.”

Statement of Cash Flow The RD was able to generate sufficient cash from Operations to fund cash requirements from financing activities as well as capital purchases resulting in an increase in cash overall.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $1.68M for a total of $58.60M. Statement of Change in Net Financial Assets The RD’s Net Financial Assets increased by $4.15M due to a $5.15M excess of revenue over expenses and a lower than budgeted acquisition of tangible capital assets. The total Net Financial Assets at the end of 2018 were $41.31M which is $9.94M higher than budgeted.

ALR Applications The Regional Board supported the following ALR applications to proceed to the ALC: The Hollow Point Contracting Ltd. application for the exclusion of a 5.77 hectare (14.26 acre) property to allow the applicant to continue to operate his industrial business.

The Pickell application for exclusion of a 53.6 ha (132.4 acre) portion to first create a fenced and graveled storage yard for construction and environmental products, employing 6 people.

The owner would like to establish a culvert manufacturing facility and office building in the future.

The Morrone ALR Subdivision application to subdivide a 17 ha (42 acre) portion to allow for the sale of part of the property while still maintaining a residence and being connected with agriculture on the remaining property until such a time as the choice would be made to market the remainder.

The Dawson Creek Co-operative Union ALR non-farm use application to install a fuel card lock station at their property in Rolla.

Agricultural Land Commission The Minister of Agriculture will be invited to participate in a tour of the Peace region, to view the impact of oil and gas activity on ALR lands with the Board and Agricultural Land Commission. Prior to the tour, the Regional Board has requested that they be provided with a report to inform a Board position on the intent, to outline topics for discussion, suggest tour locations, and provide overall parameters of the tour with the Minister.

Development Variance Permit The Regional Board approved issuance of a Development Variance Permit to Pilgrim Bros. Ventures Ltd. in Wonowon to reduce the required setback from the 86.97m long parcel line from 3 metres to not less than 1.2 metres at the closest point, to bring the existing structure into compliance.

Next PRRD Board Meetings:

May 16, 2019 10:00 | Dawson Creek May 30, 2019 10:00 | Dawson Creek

April Delegations Bulterys Community House The South Peace Health Services Society provided the Regional Board with an update on the Bulterys Community House, designed to provide temporary accommodation for patients receiving care in Dawson Creek. Topics presented included: property (purchase, renovations), local sourcing, design (architectural and 3D conceptual exterior drawings, carriage house), operational business plan, fundraising and recognition programs, and charitable status application. The Society hopes to have the service open by December 2019.

Camp Sagitawa Gordon Miller, President and Gary Pryzner, Camp Sagitawa Director updated the Board on the activities at Camp Sagitawa, stating that since 2014, 3198 people have attended the camp.

The camp offers many experiences to participants that include canoeing, sailing, zip lining, outdoor living activities, and horseback riding to name a few. Mr. Miller thanked the Board for past funding to support the efforts of the many volunteers that make the camp possible to operate.

75th Anniversary of the Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce

In an effort to prevent illegal dumping and as a pilot project, all tipping fees for Tier 1 and Tier 2 transfer stations will be waived for two weeks during the 2019 Spring and Fall clean up periods. Roll-off bins will be placed on the outside of the Tier 2 transfer station confines for two weeks during the 2019 Spring and Fall clean up periods. Roll-off bins will be placed at the Jackfish Lake Community Hall for two weeks during the 2019 Spring and Fall clean up periods.

Tipping fees at the PRRD landfills will be waived for two weeks during the 2019 Spring and Fall Clean-up periods for any customer disposing of waste generated from their own property.

IT Managed Service Provider Contract Award A one-year contract effective May 1, 2019, for the provision of “IT Managed Service Provider” services, was awarded to Nortech Data Service Ltd. at an annual fixed cost of $62,688, excluding taxes, to a maximum of $105,000 including variable costs.

Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Do you have a grab-and-go kit?

A grab-and-go kit is prepared and ready to go with you in the event of an emergency if you need to leave your home. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach place, such as your front hall closet.

Do you have a 72-hour emergency kit?

Kathleen Connolly, Executive Director brought the Board some cupcakes to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Chamber. The objective of the Dawson Creek & District Chamber of Commerce shall be to lead, promote and protect the economic and social prosperity of Dawson Creek and District. For more information about chamber activities go to dawsoncreekchamber.ca.

Take the time to put together a household emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit, with at least 72 hours of supplies including food and water.

North Winds Wellness Centre Update

Stay Informed During Emergencies

Isaac Hernandez, Executive Director addressed the Board regarding the ongoing efforts of the North Winds Wellness Centre (NWWC) addiction recovery programing. He provided an overview of the potential expansion and restructure of the program that will be considered if a suitable location can be found and funding secured. He advised that the centre serves clients from across the region, including Dawson Creek, Fort Saint John, Chetwynd, Hudson Hope, Tumbler Ridge; the Seven First Nation Communities of BC Treaty 8; and Kelly Lake (BC) and Horse Lake (AB) Reserves. Mr. Hernandez shared the increasing demand for addiction recovery services and supports in the region, based on utilization of the existing live-in treatment programs from April 2017 - March 2018 increasing by 113.37%, and the day and out-patient program participation increase of 24% over a 10- year period.

North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts is a region wide notification system. Residents who subscribe will be alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up to the North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts.

For ideas on how to build a 72-Hour emergency kit go to www. getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/vds/prprng-kt-eng.mp4 .

Sign Up for North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts

This system allows the Peace River Regional District and municipalities in the region to contact thousands of residents in seconds about an emergency right away. Receive the important messages via email, phone, and text!

Please sign up at nebcalerts.com – it only takes about a minute to register!

Charlie Lake Fire Department The Regional Board awarded a contract for “One Fire Apparatus” to Hub Fire Engines & Equipment Ltd. for the purchase of a Fire Engine and Accessory Equipment in the amount of $737,751 (inclusive of PST).

The Regional Board awarded a contract for “One Water Tender/Tanker Apparatus” to Fort Garry Fire Engines & Equipment Ltd. for the purpose of purchasing a Water Tender in the amount of $464,344 (inclusive of PST).

The Regional Board approved amendments to the Charlie Lake budget to purchase the apparatus, to draw additional funding from reserves for the purchases.

Dawson Creek Office

Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

Fort St. John Office

Tel: 250-785-8084 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.fsj@prrd.bc.ca

To view board schedules and minutes visit:

prrd.bc.ca

Peace River Regional District Official Page

diverse. vast. abundant.

A12 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Local News

Suspected seniors apartment thief arrested

Northeast B.C. receives $978,000 in rural funding

Fort St. John RCMP have arrested the suspect wanted for breaking into and stealing from a local seniors home.

The man was arrested April 25, a week after surveillance images were released to the public and prompted a citizen who recognized him to call police.

The man was seen on video surveillance entering the Peace Luthern Apartment complex through an unlocked window on March 17, where he then attempted to break into mailboxes inside the facility. He stole a television, laptop computer, as well as cash and gift cards before fleeing, police said.

The man was carrying a knife contrary to probation orders at the time of his arrest.

Steven Phillip Ghostkeeper appeared in court May 6 on break and enter charges, and breach charges. He remains in custody, and has not been found guilty.

“The Fort St John RCMP wish to express gratitude to the public for their assistance in identifying and locating this man,” police said in a statement.

First Nations and non-profit groups in the Northeast are receiving more than $978,000 in rural development funding from the province.

The province announced Wednesday that seven groups will split the rural dividend grants for a number of ongoing projects, from housing strategies to biomass energy projects, employment programs to a new eco-living learning network.

Recipients include: • Doig River First Nation, awarded $100,000 to implement a cultural spaces plan.

This project will conduct community meetings and develop a plan to detail cost estimates, priorities, investment plans and capacity for building cultural spaces on newly acquired land near Fort St. John.

• West Moberly First Nation, awarded $99,150 to develop an on-reserve housing strategy.

The project will include evaluating on- and off-reserve housing demand, a financial analysis, as well as a needs assessment to guide decisions about future capital housing projects and economic development opportunities.

• Twin Sisters Native Plants Nursery, awarded $100,000 to develop a detailed site plan and civil design and engineering documents to expand the nursery at Moberly Lake. The project will create jobs and increase revenue for the West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations.

• The Kwadacha Nation, awarded $91,210 to complete a needs assessment and feasibility study for a residential construction policy. The policy will provide a framework for Kwadacha Nation to build new homes, retrofit existing homes

Arson tips sought Fort St John RCMP are turning to the public for tips in solving a pair of arsons last month that may be connected.

The fires were started April 28 between 9:30 and 10 p.m., the first in the 10100 block of 114A Avenue. There, a man was seen pouring accelerant on a Ford pickup truck and setting it on fire. The truck was destroyed, and a nearby vehicle was also damaged, police say.

The man was seen getting into the passenger side of a newer black Chevrolet Silverado, which left southbound on 100th Street.

Officers responded to a second car fire shortly afterwards in the 8500 block of 86th Street. Evidence of an accelerant was found at the scene, police say.

“Arsons crimes are of particular interest to police as they have the potential to cause a lot of damage and be very dangerous,” Cst. Chad Neustaeter said in a news release.

Anyone with info is asked to call the detachment at 250787-8100, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Stolen dirt bike Fort St. John RCMP are searching for a stolen dirt bike.

The 2014 Kawasaki KX250F was taken from the back of a vehicle on 112th Avenue sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight on May 2, when neighbours reported hearing the dirt bike leaving the area.

It’s believed the thief drove off westbound on 112th Avenue towards 100th Street. Anyone with info is asked to call the detachment at 250-787-8100, or Crime Stoppers.

New highway contractor set to take over in June Interior Roads will take over the highway maintenance contract in Northeast B.C. starting June 1.

The contract covers provincial service area 22, which includes provincial roadways for Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and Hudson’s Hope, and Highways 97, 29, and 77.

The 10-year contract includes new standards for severe weather maintenance, including being required to clear Highway 97 and other Class A highways to bare pavement within 24 hours of a winter weather event.

The previous standard was 48 hours at temperatures of -9 C or warmer, the province said in an information bulletin.

Interior Roads is headquartered in Kamloops.

The contract has an optional five-year extension.

The company takes over the contract from Yellowhead Road & Bridge.

and maintain buildings using local labour, expertise and material.

• Tsay Keh Dene Nation, in partnership with Clean Energy Consulting Inc., awarded $498,000 for a sustainable biomass energy project. The focus is on displacing diesel power generation in the Tsay Keh Dene community. Phase 1 includes completing engineering and environmental plans, fibre supply and forest management studies, and design documents.

• The Tansi Friendship Centre Society, awarded $79,800 for its Training to Employment Program. The project will hire a co-ordinator to oversee the program, which offers specific training for people facing economic hardship and includes women-to-work and safety-ticket training.

• The Boreal Centre for Conservation Enterprise, awarded $9,922 to establish a Peace Country eco-living learning network. The project will expand small-scale food protection by hiring an outreach co-ordinator and seasonal workers to lead workshops, activities and harvesting demonstrations.

First Nations receive wildfire grants Three First Nations in Northeast B.C. are receiving grants to reduce wildfire threats around their communities.

The Fort Nelson First Nation was granted $100,000 for education, fuel and vegetation management, and FireSmart activities on private land.

The Kwadacha Nation has been granted $98,665 to help with development, and fuel and vegetation management.

The Tsay Keh Dene Nation was granted $15,660 for education and planning.

House

of the

FAIRBANKS

The Fairbanks is a traditional large home, designed to provide plenty of living space for spreading out during long, cold winter months. The central section of its exterior has a symmetrical, almost colonial look. Handsome brick columns support an arched and gabled entry that creates a frame highlighting the front door, accented by sidelights and an arched transom.

That door leads into a dramatic twostory foyer. Double doors on the right open into a den or home office, while the opening on the left goes into a dining room that's windowed on two sides.

Straight ahead, past the coat closet and stairway, the foyer opens out into a vaulted great room.

Wide windows flank the fireplace centered on the far wall. These look out onto a vaulted and covered patio.

Another set of multipaned windows is stacked above the lower set, while a taller, gracefully arched window arrangement crowns the fireplace.

Standing at the kitchen sink, you

can converse with people in the living room, or gaze out the rear windows. In addition to a work island, the kitchen has plenty of cupboards and counter space, and is completely open to the sunny nook. A walk-in pantry, wide and deep, is across the hall, just outside a large utility room with room for a freezer.

The plush owners' suite fills most of the right wing. A French door offers direct patio access, and its private bathroom boasts a spa tub, oversized shower, dual vanity, private toilet, and a roomy walk-in closet.

On the Fairbanks' upper level, a balcony overlooks the entry and great room. Two bedrooms share a bathroom, and storage closets line the hallway leading to a window-bright bonus room that sits over the three-car garage.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Fairbanks 30-648. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Fairbanks

© 2019 Associated Designs, Inc.

Patio 12'6" x 14'

PLAN 30-648

First Floor Second Floor Living Area Bonus Room Garage Dimensions

2440 sq.ft.

869 sq.ft.

3309 sq.ft.

426 sq.ft.

798 sq.ft.

77'6" x 63'

Garage 21' x 31'

Vaulted Covered Patio 21' x 11'6"

Nook 12'6" x 10'10"

3000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Kitchen Storage 10'6" x 10'

Owners’ Suite 17'6" x 18'

Vaulted Living 20' x 17'8"

Utility Up

Bonus Room 14' x 31' Open to Living Below

Dining 12' x 13'2"

2-Story Foyer

Den 12' x 13'2"

Porch

Balcony Dn Open to Bedroom Foyer 12' x 13'2" Below Bedroom 12' x 11'4"

Alaska Highway News A part of YOUR Community

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 A13

arts & culture

Cultural centre theatre renos get $250,000 funding boost matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The North Peace Cultural Society has received a $250,000 boost for a major overhaul planned for the North Peace Cultural Centre theatre this summer.

The Northern Development Initiative Trust approved the economic infrastructure grant to the society to help fund the

replacement of all 413 seats in the theatre, as well as new carpets and stage drapes, and a replacement the theatre’s lighting system.

“Thousands of people use the NPCC with 150 bookings of the theatre annually,” the Trust noted in a news release Wednesday.

“Conferences and theatre performances have generated economic activity directly to

the downtown core of Fort St. John. Supporting this facility will ensure that Fort St. John and the North Peace Region remain competitive among communities outside the lower mainland.”

The project has already received a $170,000 capital grant from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program, with matching funds from the City of Fort St. John

The cultural society is also in the midst of a fundraising campaign that aims to raise $160,000 from seat sponsorships in support of the project. Nearly 70 seats have been sponsored so far.

The theatre will be closed from June 15 to September 15 for the renovations. It’s the first renovation of the theatre since it opened in 1992.

“The NPCC theatre is the

performance hub of the North Peace attracting thousands of people to hundreds of performances each year,” Baptiste Marcere, executive director, said in a statement.

“These will mean better performances in the theatre for both local and touring productions. Safety is of prime consideration and now, broken seats and carpet fringe will no longer be an issue.”

life is a journey

dave lueneberg photos

The Northern Lights Youth Choir and the North Peace Community Choir took to the cultural centre stage on April 27, 2019, for their spring concert, Journey. The concert featured choral pieces dedicated to the many journeys we take through life — some joyous, some sad, and others that bring us laughter. From left: Abigail Mullin, 9, Charlie Lake; Jeffrey Unrau, 14, Fort St. John; Kiel Rathje on the alto saxophone; Rachel Kowalksy on the flute.

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A14 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

arts & culture

Temerarious Tabias

Arcade coins Norma rrae

T

abias flicked the dust bunny across the concrete floor. The mechanic stool he laid on screeched as he chased the ball of dirt in the crawl space at Grandmother’s house.

The dust bunny skittered and joined forces with another to become a dust-WereRabbit, but quickly disappeared under a black bed sheet hanging from the ceiling.

Tabias pushed harder with his hands on the filthy concrete, determined to crash through the hanging bedsheet and slaughter the WereRabbit where it hid.

Instead, the spinning black stool slammed into something hard and gave Tabias a solid jolt.

“The temerity of it,” Tabias growled as he rubbed the sore spot where his head had collided with a knob of some type. He pulled the bedsheet back, gasped and ripped it down from the ceiling rafters.

It was an old arcade game!

The knobs were shiny as if new, the back board in perfect condition. Not a scratch or dent or missing paint chip. The letters spelled the name of the pinball machine, Worldly f-Easter.

He chuckled as he hit the side with his hip as a classic start and the machine made a whine and creak before the silver ball appeared in the clear glass window above the starting pin. In the quarter slot near his knee, appeared a plastic orange egg, similar to the ones he had found at Easter with wooden letters.

Tabias cracked it open to find a quarter and a small tinwrapped chocolate egg.

Without hesitation, Tabias unwrapped and popped the chocolate in his mouth, slid the quarter in, and the arcade game lit up.

He pulled the plunger and released the ball into the playfriend. Tabias focused on the track and nudged the machine to activate the tilt sensors. He moved it along the rows of Russian stacking dolls, Matryoshka, his Grandmother had taught him.

It ran dangerously close to

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) For the most part, this is a wonderful, fun-filled, pleasant day! However, midday, difficulties with an authority figure at home might occur. Fortunately, they’re minor.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Today you have a warm feeling in your tummy because all is right with the world. You will be successful dealing with banks or the wealth of your partner. Don’t let negative worries get you down.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) This is a great day to schmooze, because everyone wants to see your face! Enjoy interactions with friends and especially clubs, groups and organizations.

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Relations with bosses, parents and VIPs are excellent today, which is why this is a good time to ask for what you want. Don’t get sidetracked by criticism from a partner or close friend.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) If traveling, this is a great day to explore the world. If not, it’s a wonderful day to make travel plans or explore avenues in publishing, the media, higher education, medicine or the law.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) This is a great day to ask for a loan or mortgage, or to borrow something from someone, because people will be cooperative. Doors will open for you!

For Thursday May 9 2019

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Your dealings with members of the general public will be upbeat and pleasant today. Likewise, relations with friends and partners will be warm and happy.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) This is the perfect day for workrelated travel. You also will enjoy working with people who are from other cultures or different countries because you want to learn something new and exciting.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) This is a fun-loving day! Enjoy social outings, sports events, playful times with children and romantic dates. (Ignore someone grumpy.)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) This is a good day to investigate real estate possibilities. It’s also a great day to entertain at home.

Invite the gang over!

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) You can make money from your words today, which is good news for those of you who teach, write, act, market or sell. (You are particularly charming.)

PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Look for ways to boost your income today, because this is entirely possible. You might investigate a better paying job.

You also might see ways to make money on the side.

the end hole so he smacked the buttons to activate the flippers. Fail. The machine wailed a losing battle cry for him as the silver ball disappeared down the hole. The machine went black and Tabias dropped his head.

That’s when he caught sight of a second Easter egg sitting in the quarter return slot.

It was a darker green, and upon opening it he found none other than another quarter.

And a miniature cake sealed in plastic with the word Kulich. Another Russian nod from what he could remember.

The cake was a dense bread, iced, and covered with sprinkles.

The sugar brought light to his mouth and Tabias smiled widely as he popped the next quarter into the machine.

The row of Russian dolls had been replaced by a gold adorned Greek goddess. She sat with legs crossed and toes resting on a dangerous looking boulder. Black makeup lined her eyes and came out to her hair line nearly.

Tabias was mesmerized with the beauty of the simply drawn character that the silver ball went straight to the end bumper, kissed it, and disappeared once more down the end hole.

He wasted no time putting his hand to the quarter return. A new egg was already resting there, he pushed his thumb to the line where it opened and spilled into his hand — a quarter and a braided pastry. Koulourakia, it said on the plastic bag and the taste reminded him of Christmas.

“Tabias?” Grandmother’s voice echoed through the crawl space. “Where are you?”

“Over here, Grandma!”

He stuffed the quarter into his pocket, replaced the sheet over the world traveling pinball machine, and ran to his Grandmother.

“Just finding old Easter treats!”

Norma Rrae is an author based in Fort St. John. Read more of her works at notmewriting.com.

Passionless Partner

Dear Annie: I am in a relationship with a 71-year-old woman. I am 72. We have a lot in common and our relationship has moved toward moving in together. We have been intimate, but when we are, there is no passion on her part.

Even after extensive foreplay, she has no passion. She just lies there.

She never touches me and is never the aggressor. I love this woman, and she says she loves me. But she certainly doesn’t know how to express it.

She is a sweet woman who is just going through a tough financial time. I am willing to help her, but I sometimes think her involvement with me is for the financial help only. I thought she loved me, but the red flags I am getting when I try to be intimate with her are making me think I am making a mistake.

She is a kind and considerate woman in other ways. Recently, I had a major health issue and she stayed and nursed me back to health for two months with sacrifices on her part. She says in time the passion will be there, but I am not sure that is true. -- Thinking About Moving On Dear Thinking: Instead of thinking about moving on, start thinking about what you really want in a relationship. If you want more passion and a mutually satisfying sex

don’t often visit. They bring lots of fun to any situation, and it’s a sweet way to peer into their world, which we only get glimpses of now that they are on their own.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

life, then she may not be the right partner for you. If you want a friend and caretaker, then maybe she is ideal.

Can the passion grow? Sure.

But the real question is how long you would want to wait. It could be that she cares for you greatly but is sexually inhibited. Or it could be that she sees you as someone to pay her bills. You’ll find out if you go to couples therapy, which I would recommend.

Dear Annie: The woman who signed her letter as “Grandma” was unhappy that her adult children like to go to “fancy pants” coffee shops and prefer certain unusual foods. I believe she is missing a great opportunity -- an opportunity to explore our world through the eyes of our children and to learn new things.

My adult children do the same things -- fancy coffee shops and unusual foods -- and we are thrilled to go along. We like to try different cuisines and go to places that we

People of my generation tend to only want to do what is familiar, and that puts us in a rut. Usually, after they have left, I will enjoy the establishments we visited as a family.

One restaurant is run by our kids’ friends, and when we go there now, they hug us and give us terrific service. It’s like a small piece of their lives is left behind to keep them in our hearts and minds. Don’t fight change. It’s a fun, exciting learning experience. -- Old in Body Only Dear Old in Body Only: What a lovely letter. Thank you for offering such wise advice. Change is going to happen to us, whether we embrace it or not. By embracing it, you are leaving yourself open to wonderful experiences like the one you described having in your children’s friends’ restaurant. A warm hug and terrific service sound like some pretty good consequences of embracing change.

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, MAY 9, 2019 A15

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HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

AFTERMARKET APEX BAGGER CAM CARBURETOR CHOPPER COUNTERBALANCER CRUISE CRUISER DISPLACEMENT DRESSER ENGINE

• • • • • • • • • • • •

FAIRING FORKS FUEL INJECTION GAUGE HANDLEBAR HORSEPOWER HUB MOTOCROSS MOTORCYCLE PASSENGER PILLION PISTONS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

ROAD ROOST SPOKE SPROCKET STROKE TACHOMETER TORQUE TOUR TRACTION TRAIL TRANSMISSION VINTAGE

TODAY’S PUZZLE

11. Hard, white substances 12. Scariest

16. Spanish island

17. Having sufficient skill

18. Where golfers start 22. No charge

25. Print errors

27. Where rafters ply their trade 28. Paintings of holy figures 29. CNN host Lisa

30. Gives whippings 32. Type of tie

34. Unbroken view 35. Blemish

36. National capital

37. “Captain Marvel” actress Larson

15. Took without permission 19. An alternative 20. Performer __-Lo 21. Partner to flowed 22. Best day of the week (abbr.)

23. Body part 24. Famed river 25. Lake __, one of the Great 26. Make free from bacteria 30. People native to Canada 31. Japanese seaport 32. Least clothed 33. Horse of small breed

38. One who parks cars

39. Some are front and some are back 40. Views

44. Ancient Greek shield (alt. sp.)

45. Spanish seaport 46. New England college (abbr.)

47. The woman

1. Small amounts

40. Arizona native peoples

2. Duplicate

41. Confuse

4. Neither

43. Plays a fast guitar

7. The absence of mental stress or anxiety

51. Supervises flying

3. Current unit

42. Body parts

5. Chromium(II) oxide 45. Tub 48. Pen parts 6. Second sight

8. Supplemented with difficulty 9. Not the beginning

10. Dorm employee

52. Cars come with one 54. Calendar month

56. American whiskey (abbr.)

49. Danish krone

50. Excessive dose (abbr.)

51. In great shape

55. 7th month of Islamic calendar 57. Shaped

58. Icelandic poems

59. Swollen area within tissue

Q:

call a guy What do you in public? who never farts

53. Some are fake

48. Belgian province

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

14. Rogue

35. Moving away from land

CLUES DOWN

Q:

What do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon?

A: A sour puss.

8. Strange 13. Deep regret

34. Italian doctor and poet

tor.

1. Half-conscious states

Material for your weekly game page

A: A private tu

CLUES ACROSS

38. Tenth pair of cranial nerves

Which six pairs are

A16 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

ARTS & CULTURE

Simply stunning stained glass exhibit now on display MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The newest stained glass exhibit from Allen Kalas is truly a treat to see.

Kalas opened his latest exhibit, Canadian Nature All Glassed Up, at Peace Gallery North on May 3.

“I want people to walk away thinking when they walk out in the Canadian wilderness that they appreciate what they see,” Kalas says.

“When we live in this part of the world, we take for granted what we have around us. So, if they see a piece, like Moraine Lake with the canoes out by the lake, if they see that and they walk out and they say, ‘I remember seeing that, I’ve been there.’ I want them to be inspired by it, and be in awe of what’s out there for all of us to enjoy.”

Kalas has been working with stained glass for nearly 40 years, and it shows.

He became enthralled working with the medium after learning the trade during a holiday visit to Windsor, at a studio called Len’s Stained Glass.

“I was too cheap to buy a Tiffany lamp,” Kalas recalls with a laugh.

“I said, I’m going to go in there, see if they can give me some classes while I’m here on holidays for two weeks, and then I can make my Tiffany lamp.”

The next class, however, wasn’t until May. So, at the cost of buying his tools, Kalas worked side-by-side Len and his staff, learning the craft and how to make lamps and mirrors and suncatchers in exchange for free labour.

There, Kalas learned the copper foil method, and has

stuck with it ever since. With the method, the artist cuts a piece of glass, grinds off the sharp edges, and, with a tool, rolls on pieces of copper foil — “which is just like Scotch tape on one side,” Kalas says — to hold the glass together.

“So, it will seal that copper foil on the flat surface of the ends, and on the two side surfaces. Then, you have to use a piece of leather and burnish that to seal it down real well, put each piece in place on your patterns,” he says. “You put each piece on the panel of cardboard template and then you solder all those lines. Depending on what effect I want, will depend on how wide of solder or foil I use.”

A large piece can take up to 37 hours of artistry, not including design, which is done with the help of a computer and his wife Judy. A suncatcher can be made relatively faster.

Kalas has included a stepby-step breakdown of his process in his exhibit. “I want people to see my process not just come here looking to buy stuff,” he says. “I want them to appreciate what I do.”

Kalas has stained glass of every colour and pattern in his workshop in Cochrane — 2,000 square feet of it, he says, and even then that’s not enough, depending on what he’s looking for.

“The medium, I just love it,” Kalas says.

“Painters, they can take their paint and mix the colours and make it exactly the way they want it. I have to find the right glass. I can’t just say, I’m going to use this one, it’s going to be perfect. You have to find the right glass.”

Catch Canadian Nature All Glassed Up at Peace Gallery North through May.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Above, stained glass artist Allen Kalas at the opening of his new exhibit at Peace Gallery North, “Canadian Nature All Glassed Up.” Below, a piece titled Moraine Lake.

Rotarians at Work

“Give the youth a proper environment.

Motivate them.

Extend them the support they need. Each one of them has infinite source of energy. They will deliver”.

Dhirubhai Ambani (1932 – 2002)

In many ways this captures the essence of Rotary’s Interact Clubs.

An Interact Club provides a platform or forum where the youth of our communities are mentored to help them develop their leadership skills while also placing ‘service above self’.

We are proud of the members of our ‘Interact Club of Dawson Creek’ and all that they have accomplished – here and abroad.

Rotary youth: making a difference in the world!

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 GeorGe DAwson Inn

Sports & Leisure

CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

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HIGH SCHOOL RODEO RESULTS

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

PHONE: 250-785-0463

Jonathan Bateman leaves Huskies for Marian University DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Huskies will be without star goalie Jonathan Bateman next season, as the team’s starter for the past three years — and two-time NWJHL Goalie of the Year — will be playing for Marian University in Wisconsin.

Bateman visited the university on April 27 and committed following his tour. He will join the team for the 2019-20 season, and will study business administration management.

“They have a great atmosphere at Marian and welcomed me with open arms. There’s a lot of hype around the hockey team and quality of education, and it was hard to say no,” Bateman said.

The Huskies had nothing but great things to say about Bateman and his time with the team. “(Bateman) has been a real leader for this organization, a great teammate, and befriends everyone. He’s grown as a person here, and matured as an individual and an athlete, and if he keeps putting in the time, he could keep playing beyond college,” said Huskies

Coach Todd Alexander.

Bateman, 20, would still be eligible to play for the Huskies again next year, but had his sights on moving to the college level.

“Moving on to college was always the plan. I enjoyed my final year with the team, and wouldn’t be moving on without the support of the entire Huskies family,” said Bateman.

Though the Huskies are losing a key member of their team, Alexander said Bateman moving on is a win for the organization.

“The championships and wins are all nice, but at the end of the day, seeing players improve and chase their dreams when they leave, and having success with stuff we help them with, that’s where we win at the end of the day, as an organization,” Alexander said.

Joins former teammate Bateman will join former Huskies teammate Jarod Lang at Marian. Lang was named Rookie of the Year for the Marian Sabres last season, as well as a member of the ACHA All Conference Rookie Team. He helped the Sabres make the NCHA Harris Cup in Texas, the national tournament, and Bateman is hoping to help

THE DILL ZONE

T

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Jonathan Bateman

the team get back there again in 2020.

It won’t be easy, however.

The Sabres are bringing back a senior goalie from last year’s team, and Bateman will be battling with fellow NWJHL alumni and former County of Grande Prairie King Will McCreight for the backup position.

“Me and (McCreight) have played against each other for four years, have that mutual respect, and now we can be teammates and support and push each other for that second spot,” said Bateman.

Bateman is grateful for his time with the Huskies,

and that he can represent Fort St. John and the team at the next level. He also expressed his gratitude to his billet family, the McArthurs, who took him in as one of their own and were there for him every step of the way.

“I can’t compare it to anything else, my time with the Huskies has been surreal,” Bateman said.

“The atmosphere this town has is pretty special, you don’t see that anywhere else. We became real close as a team and brought back some championships to the city and the people deserve it.”

SUPPLIED PHOTO

The Northern Anarchy women’s football team after their game against the Calgary Rage at McMahon Stadium on May 4, 2019.

DILLON GIANCOLA The Northern Anarchy are back for another year of action in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, and are looking for players to join them for the 2019 season.

If you haven’t heard of the WWCFL or the Anarchy, that’s OK, the team is used to that.

The Anarchy are a regional team based out of Grande Prairie, and currently have two B.C. players on the roster, both from Dawson Creek.

“It’s a very rare sport for women, but anyone who has tried it out loves it. If you want to play a sport, and you’re willing to try your hardest, this is the sport for you. You don’t have to be experienced,” said Lori Szmul, president and GM of the Anarchy.

Szmul’s daughter Tara plays for the team and is one of the founding members.

The league has been around since 2011, and the Anarchy since 2013, though the team was unable to field a roster in 2017. This year’s team has 26 players, and is coming off a lop-

Wild NHL playoffs offer hope and depair

Dillon Giancola

Northern Anarchy seek regional women football players

sports@ahnfsj.ca

B

THURSDAY MAY 9, 2019

sided Week 1 loss in Calgary to the Rage on May 4. The team has only six returning players, and 11 played in their first ever football game against Calgary.

Szmul said the team has no problem adding new players mid-season, and would ideally like to have around 35 rostered players.

The Anarchy will be in Edmonton this week to play the Storm on May 11, before hosting home games on May 25 and June 1.

The Anarchy play in the Western Conference against the Storm, Rage, and Lethbridge Steel.

The Eastern Conference includes four teams from Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

For more information, or to inquire about joining the team or attending practice, visit the Northern Anarchy Women’s Tackle Football Team, or email Szmul at northernanarchy@live. com.

Szmul said the team is looking for anyone who wants to have fun, is competitive, and willing to try something new. There are no tryouts to join the team, just a willing attitude.

he 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs are as wide open as they’ve ever been.

That’s what happens when the top four seeds all lose in the first round, but the wildcard teams have shown their wins weren’t a fluke.

The Carolina Hurricanes knocked off the defending champs in seven games, and swept the Islanders in the second round. The Columbus Blue Jackets gave the Boston Bruins all they could handle, and the Dallas Stars had a chance to stun the St. Louis Blues in Game 7 on Wednesday, after the News went to print.

Among the eight teams that advanced to the second round, only Boston and St. Louis were predicted to have even the slightestchance of advancing to the conference finals. The Blues, if you’ve forgotten, were in last place back in January, and are now one of the two best teams left in the playoffs.

This has always been the NHL playoff’s claim to fame – anything can happen. On the surface, this year’s playoffs should give long-suffering fans of Canadian teams — that label now fits all of us unfortunately — lots of hope for the years to come. However, it’s just given me more reason to believe my team will never win.

I’m referring to the Toronto Maple Leafs. They were supposed to be really good this year, and should be a top-five team in the regular season again next year. However, their challenges against Boston aside, nobody really predicted they would be able to win it all. It was said the Leafs needed to solidify their defensive core, and fans shouldn’t panic.

Wrong. You know who doesn’t have a good defence? The Colorado Avalanche.

The San Jose Sharks had one of the worst goalies in the regular season, but they’re doing pretty good this spring. It’s time to stop making excuses for teams like the Leafs or Winnipeg Jets.

These days, anyone can win the Cup. The perfect roster, the balanced team, it doesn’t exist in 2019. Unless, of course, you’re the Tampa Bay Lightning, and how’d that turn out for them?

Yes, at a time where I should be filled with hope, I’m left hopeless. At least I’m not a Calgary Flames fan. They weren’t supposed to be good this year, but finished first in the West anyway.

Eventually, they proved all of us who doubted them right.

But, who knows, maybe the Leafs will soon get a rounded out defensive core.

Perhaps William Nylander will bounce back and this new player they just signed — Ilya Mikheyev — will prove to be the best Russian nobody’s ever heard of before.

Even if that does happen, all these playoffs have shown me is a balanced roster is likely to get you swept out in the first round. At least losing in seven games to the Bruins is a known commodity — there will be excitement, frustration, highs and lows.

In all seriousness, the future couldn’t be brighter for the Leafs, as well as most of the Canadian teams. Unfortunately, that’s exactly why I’m afraid.

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B2 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Local Sports

supplied photo dillon giancola photo

Empower, Energetic Edge’s junior cheer team, performs their provincial silver-medal winning routine at Dr. Kearney Middle School during the association’s Community Showcase on May 4, 2019.

The Queen of Hearts, Sam Warren of Bold Promotions, and Jessica Kalman of the Fort St. John Literacy Society on May 1, 2019 during a promotional tour for the society’s Mad Hatter Tee Party Golf Tournament at Lone Wolf. The tournament goes Saturday, May 11, and is a fundraiser for the Literacy Society.

Pro Tips

The benefits of a golf membership

W

ith the start of golf season comes the question many golfers struggle with each year: should I buy a membership?

Most ask the question thinking only of cost savings over paying daily green fees. Although the cost question is an important consideration, there are many other benefits of a golf membership.

Starting with the value question, you want to have a sense of how often you believe you will golf. Do you want to get out at least once a week or more? A membership is likely going to provide savings if you do most of your golfing at one course.

If you haven’t generally golfed that much, consider whether you would get

L.J. Lawson out more if you didn’t have to pay.

Often, when you are thinking about the cost of green fees, you may not go out if the weather isn’t perfect, if you don’t have a foursome lined up, or if you may only be able to get in a few holes. When you aren’t paying a green fee each time, you don’t worry about such things and it may also encourage you to get out more, participate in leagues and tournaments, and even hit

R0021217976

the driving range.

Now, if the value equation is close, consider the extra benefits of having a membership. Many courses will add in some or all of the following: range and practice privileges; member discounts on merchandise, food and tournaments; Golf Canada registration so you can track your handicap, equipment ID labels, insurance for equipment, ball through window mishaps or golf cart accidents; and other social benefits such as member only events. Make sure you ask what is included in your membership.

One of the true, intangible benefits of being a member is about having a place where you belong. If you’ve selected the right golf club for you, it should be

your second home during golf season.

The staff will know who you are; you get to know the members; and you always feel at home. Pick a club that makes you feel like one of the family and that you would be proud to wear their logo!

When you feel like you belong, you get more engaged in all that a club has to offer, creating greater value for the membership.

Even if membership isn’t for you, check out other special offers from clubs like twilight rates, leagues or other passes and programs. The right golf club will make you feel like you belong regardless of whether you are a member or not.

— L.J. Lawson

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

This Week in Pro Golf

Top News Stories

Last Week in Pro Golf

Brooks Koepka tees it up this week at the Byron Nelson before defending his title at the PGA Championship The AT&T Byron Nelson began in 1926 as the Dallas Open Tournament with MacDonald Smith as the inaugural champion. Byron Nelson became a part of the event as the host in 1968. The tournament is played at Trinity Forest Golf Club. Surrounded by the Great Trinity Forest, but without a tree on the property itself, the 2016 Ben Crenshaw/ Bill Coore design was built over 160 acres of sand-capped landfill. Last year, Aaron Wise withstood a four-hour rain delay to get his first PGA Tour win.

Bethpage Black is in good condition for PGA Championship For weeks, one rain-making system after another has either moved up the Eastern seaboard or across the Midwest, bringing showers and cool temperatures. In past years, this would not have affected the PGA Championship because it has been played in August, but the event that used to bill itself as “Glory’s Last Shot” has moved to May. This year’s tournament begins on May 16, just 31 days after the conclusion of the Masters. Right now, the grass in the fairways and rough is patchy in some areas, but it’s vibrant green, growing daily and looking healthy. The rough is about 3 inches tall off the fairways and around the greens, and wispy strands of tan, knee-high fescue can be seen all over the course. Bethpage’s ryegrass and Poa annua greens, however, are surprisingly firm. Walk on them and you don’t feel any give.

Max Homa won the Wells Fargo Championship

Max Homa, the 2013 NCAA individual champion at California, won the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday. He never cracked despite facing final-round pressure for the first time and won his first PGA Tour title.

With a 4-under-par 67, the 417th-ranked player in the world outlasted a stellar group, including world No. 2 Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler, Jason Dufner, Paul Caseyand Rory McIlroy. Homa finished at 15-under and three shots clear of the field.

Lessons from the Golf Pro

FedEx Cup Standings

One of the common issues the amateur golfer has that causes a loss of power in the golf swing is a reverse pivot. A reverse pivot occurs when the weight of the golfer moves to their front foot during the backswing, which causes the spine to tilt in the wrong direction. In trying to keep your head still, you prevent a good shoulder turn from happening as well as the proper weight shift to the back foot. In order to correct a reverse pivot problem, here are a couple of suggestions.

The most important key is to make sure that your hips stay still on your backswing. You have to imagine that you are in a drum and your hips do not touch either side of the drum on the backswing.

The second piece of advice is to get your sternum directly over your back foot at the top of the backswing to ensure the proper weight distribution.

Through May 5, 2019

Course Stats Yards: 7,371 Par: 71 Course record: 60 Tournament record: 259 Defending champion: Aaron Wise

TV Coverage Day Time Thursday 3:30pm-6:30pm Friday 3:30pm-6:30pm Saturday 1:00pm-2:45pm Saturday 3:00pm-6:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-2:45pm Sunday 3:00pm-6:00pm

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF CBS GOLF CBS

Pro Golf Trivia Who is the oldest winner of the PGA Championship? a) Hale Irwin b) Julius Boros

c) Jerry Barber d) Jim Furyk

Answer: b) Julius Boros

?

Tournament Results Player Score Earnings 1. Max Homa -15 $1,422,000 2. Joel Dahmen -12 $853,200 3. Justin Rose -11 $537,200

1) Matt Kuchar 2,030 pts. / 6 top tens

2) Xander Schauffele 1,562 pts. / 4 top tens

3) Rory McIlroy 1,532 pts. / 8 top tens

FedEx Cup Standings continued...

Player Points 4) Paul Casey 1,370 5) Dustin Johnson 1,242 6) Rickie Fowler 1,197 7) Jon Rahm 1,136 8) Brooks Koepka 1,121 9) Gary Woodland 1,102 10) Charles Howell III 1,086

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Top 10s 5 6 5 8 3 6 4

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 B3

Local Sports

Jaime McPherson named SAIT Athletics female freshman of the year dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Jaime McPherson’s first year as a member of the SAIT women’s soccer team couldn’t have gone any better. Not only was she a starter right out of the game who helped her team qualify for nationals, she was recognized as one of the best female athletes at SAIT for the 2018-19 school year.

At the SAIT Athletics Banquet on May 5, McPherson won both the SAIT Female Freshman of the Year and SAIT Soccer Freshman of the Year awards.

“It was awesome, and I was really shocked to be named freshman of the year, because that’s across all sports and there are a lot of deserving options,” McPherson said.

That McPherson has been successful at the college level is no surprise. She was named NPSS Female Athlete of the Year for 2018 and MVP of the NPSS girls soccer team that year.

McPherson said her first year at college and away from home was a challenge, but that playing soccer helped.

“I made lots of great friends, and it was a great team for my first year. Everybody was really intense and competitive and we all want to win,” McPherson said.

The college soccer season is just more than two months long, but the SAIT team managed to win 12 games, and won silver at the Alberta provincials to qualify for nationals.

“We didn’t do very well at nationals, but we were the first SAIT women’s soccer team to qualify in 15 years and can’t wait to do it again next year,” she said.

McPherson finished her one-year Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyle program, and is a certified health coach. She is going back for a two-year X-ray program.

McPherson is the beneficiary of a strong NPSS and Fort St. John soccer program, which continues to advance female players to the college level.

Already, five girls from the current NPSS team have committed to colleges for the 2019-20 season.

“People don’t expect a lot from us in Fort St. John, but we keep proving them wrong. We’re pretty successful, and have our coaches to thank,” McPherson said.

supplied photo

Jaime McPherson with her awards for Women’s Soccer Freshman of the Year and SAIT Female Freshman of the Year at the SAIT Athletics Banquet on May 5, 2019.

NPSS girls rugby battle Sexsmith Senior girls rugby had their first home game of the season on Wednesday, May 1 against Sexsmith.

Spurred on by a huge home crowd, the Grizzlies battled hard against the perennial powerhouse. It was another excellent team effort, with impressive individual performances from Maddison Holloway and Michelle Kalkman.

Despite losing the game, the girls

continue to get more comfortable on the pitch and are excited to take on Charles Spencer in Grande Prairie on Wednesday this week. The boys kick off at 3:30 p.m. and the girls follow at 4:45.

Up Next: Senior boys rugby host PWA on Wednesday, May 15. Kick off is at 4:15 p.m.

— Samantha Stackhouse supplied photo

Left: The NPSS girls rugby team following their game against Sexsmith at home on May 1, 2019.

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

Location: Kansas City, Kan. Date: Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.

Last Year’s Pole: Kevin Harvick - 188.811 mph Last Year’s Winner: Kevin Harvick

Kansas Speedway

Shape: D-shaped Oval Distance: 1.5 miles Turns / Front / Back: 15º / 10.4º / 5º

In 2001, NASCAR and Indy Racing League announced that they would bring events to the Kansas Speedway for its inaugural racing season. Brad Keselowski won the inaugural race ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. after saving fuel. Kansas Speedway is a 1 1/2-mile track, state-of-the-art facility, which was a response to the growing interest for motorsports in the Midwest. Lights were installed from mid-2010 to early 2011. The lights came with the addition of a second NASCAR weekend beginning with the 2011 season. In 2014, the race swapped dates with the Southern 500, and was held in May under the lights for the first time.

Last Weekend’s Race: Cup Race at Dover Postponed As of press time, inclement weather has postponed the start of the Gander RV 400 at Dover International Speedway until Monday. Six Air Titans, four jet dryers, two track vacuums and two tractor brooms were used to dry the track.

Drivers went through intros and were called to cars, and cars got on the track. But cars were called back to pit road and the race was officially postponed. Chase Elliott will start on the pole in the No. 9 NAPA Brakes Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Teammate William Byron is also on the front row, in the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet.

2019 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Kyle Busch 2) Joey Logano 3) Denny Hamlin 4) Kevin Harvick 5) Brad Keselowski 6) Martin Truex, Jr. 7) Chase Elliott 8) Kurt Busch 9) Ryan Blaney 10) Clint Bowyer

Points 430 415 367 350 337 328 324 323 306 288

Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 10 7 8 7 5 6 3 7 4 5

Drivers 1) Tyler Reddick 2) Christopher Bell 3) Cole Custer 4) Austin Cindric 5) Justin Allgaier 6) Chase Briscoe 7) John Hunter Nemechek 8) Ryan Sieg 9) Noah Gragson 10) Michael Annett

Points 462 439 391 381 348 335 325 315 304 297

Top 10s 9 7 7 8 5 8 8 5 3 6

Four cars fail pre-race inspection multiple times at Dover Four cars failed pre-race inspection multiple times on Sunday, May 5th, at Dover International Speedway and will start from the rear for the Gander RV 400. Teams failing twice were the No. 19 of Martin Truex Jr., the No. 47 of Ryan Preece and the No. 88 of Alex Bowman. They will also be minus a crew member for the race and will have a 15-minute practice hold at the next event. The No. 36 of Matt Tifft failed a third time and will have to serve a 30-minute practice hold next week at Kansas as well as a pass through penalty after taking the green flag in the Gander RV 400.

NASCAR returns to single-car qualifying at all oval tracks NASCAR officials announced that all three national series will return to single-car qualifying at all oval tracks.

The rules change ends a run of five-plus years for the group qualifying format, which was introduced before the 2014 season. The group qualifying system will remain for the series’ three roadcourse events. Officials also dropped the use of multiple elimination-style rounds. The changes went into effect for the NASCAR tripleheader at Dover International Speedway. Competition officials made the alteration after a steep rise in qualifying gamesmanship through the first quarter of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.

Racing Trivia Which driver won the first two races at Kansas Speedway? a) Dale Jarrett b) Jeff Gordon

?

c) Ryan Newman d) Rusty Wallace

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Answer : b) Jeff Gordon

This Week’s Cup Series Race: Digital Ally 400

B4 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

LOCAL SPORTS

Williams Lake High School Rodeo results The BCHSRA North Region competed alongside the South Region at a rodeo in Williams Lake last weekend, May 4 and 5. Here are the results from the two days of rodeo for both the junior and senior athletes.

JR Saddle Bronc Saturday and Sunday 1. Danny Jones, Dawson Creek

AUSTIN COZICAR, SUPPLIED PHOTOS

Above: Danny Jones and Hannah Cady were the junnior all around winners at the Williams Lake Rodeo on May 5, 2019. Below: Tyrel Roberts competes in steer wrestling at the Chetwynd rodeo on April 27, 2019.

JR Barrel Racing Saturday 1. Milanna Jones, Pouce Coupe 2. Kerri Moat, PRRD 3. Fallon Jones, Prince George Sunday 1. Milanna Jones 2. Shelby Corr, Fort St. John 3. Kerri Moat SR Barrel Racing Saturday 1. Destiny Ollenberger, Pink Mountain 2. Aspen Wollen, Baldonnel 3. Hannah Pederson, Gundy Sunday 1. Aspen Wollen 2. Brittany Ollenberger 3. Daylynn Callison, FSJ

Fort St. John Rodeo returns for third go DAVE LUENEBERG Alaska Highway News

Barring any vengeance from Mother Nature, the Fort St. John Rodeo will return for a third year in a row. This year’s dates are June 14 to 16 at the North Peace Light Horse Association Rodeo Grounds.

Chad Chapple, with the organizing committee, says you can expect all the usual favourites like chuck wagons, bull riding, barrel racing, and saddle broncs to be back. Also planned is a wild horse race.

Like last year, Chapple is encouraging community groups to get involved in

next month’s event. Close to $12,000 was given back to the community in 2018. Depending on the response, he feels that number could top $16,000 or higher.

“We’re all part of something, if you’re part of a dance group, if you’re part of Boy Scouts, if there is any way you can give back to make things better or grow, or make it better for the people behind you, then step up and do it.”

Outside of the arena, organizers are putting together an adults-only “in-town” party with a mechanical bull as the centrepiece. Money raised will go towards construction of a new grandstand roof.

JR Ribbon Roping Saturday No Qualified Times Sunday 1. Carson Johnson 2. Danny Jones JR Boys Breakaway Roping Saturday 1. Wyatt Bondaroff, Arras Sunday 1. Wyatt Bondaroff 2. Danny Jones JR Girls Breakaway Roping Saturday 1. Shelby Corr 2. Rylie Dowling, Chetwynd Sunday 1. Rylie Dowling JR Girls Goat Tying Saturday 1. Fallon Jones 2. Brook Kosick, Fort St. John

3. Shelby Corr Sunday 1. Shelby Corr 2. Twiggy Esau, Arras 3. Kerri Moat/ Rylie Dowling Queen Event 1. Tyler Bondaroff, Arras 2. Gracie Chappel, Fort St John JR Boys Goat Tying Saturday 1. Korbin Mills, Pink Mountain 2. Wyatt Bondaroff 3. Danny Jones Sunday 1. Carson Gunderson 2. Korbin Mills 3. Danny Jones SR Girls Goat Tying Saturday 1. Payden Hinton, PG 2. Lauren Konashuk, Bonanza 3. Lainy Proctor, PG Sunday 1. Rylie Bondaroff, Arras 2. Lauren Konashuk 3. Lainy Proctor Chute Dogging Saturday 1. Korbin Mills 2. Wyatt Bondaroff 3. Ethan Nelson, Chetwynd Sunday 1. Korbin Mills 2. Ethan Nelson 3. Danny Jones JR Pole Bending Saturday 1. Kerri Moat 2. Brook Kosick 3. Twiggy Essau Sunday 1. Twiggy Esau 2. Kerri Moat 3. Kiki Dietner, Hudson’s Hope SR Pole Bending Saturday 1. Aspen Wollen 2. Hannah Pederson 3. Lainy Proctor

Prespatou 4-H Community Club Hello Readers!

I hope all the members are working It’s me, Melissa Dick, and I’m back with with their animals and are getting them halter broke. If so, great job, keep doing more news on our clubs’ past events. what you’re doing! Remember, AchieveOn March 30th the district had their ment Days are only two months away! first sheep weigh-in this year, and on April 29th our club had their first club The Prespatou 4-H Community Club, sheep weigh-in. I believe that their would like to thank Home Hardware for lambs all gained and the members are sponsoring this article. looking forward to seeing their animals Thanks again readers, keep growing until Achievement Days.

Until next time :), On May 4th our club ran the concession stand at the Rhythm Auctions, Consignment Sale in Prespatou. It was a pretty chilly day but we had a lot of hot chocolate and coffee to keep us warm.

Our club with our sponsored wheelbarrow from Co-op.

Also, Co-op hosted a Co-op appreciation by giving away free hot dogs and sodas to all of those who came out to the Sale.

Serving Aron Fehr (auctioneer) at the Rhythm Auctions Consignment Sale in Prespatou

The Prespatou 4-H Community Club would like to give a big thanks to Coop for being such a large sponsor of the North Peace 4-H District!

MELISSA DICK

Prespatou 4H Club Reporter

Sheep club weigh-in.

Proud Supporter of Local 4H

9820 108 St, Fort St John, BC V1J 0A7

(250) 787-0371

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 B5

Local Sports

dave lueneberg photo

Tleea Parker finished second in the Women’s Compound Fixed Pin class at the 3D Indoor Shoot on May 5, 2019.

New Totem 3D Indoor Tourney results The New Totem Archery Club held its annual 3D Indoor Archery Tournament last weekend, May 4 and 5, at the Taylor Hockey Arena.

Below are the top two finishers in each category, with 52 archers shooting on the weekend overall.

The club will now be transitioning to its outdoor season.

Results Men’s Compound Unlimited 1. Graham Goertzen - 930 2. Mike Friesen - 911 Women’s Compound Unlimited 1. Taylor Dutka - 893 2. Eva Goertzen - 794 Men’s Compound Pin 1. David Meir - 921 2. Colton Bruhs - 859 Women’s Compound Pin 1. Kari Barber - 739 2. Tleea Parker - 683 Master’s 50 Compound 1. Oleh Dutka - 923 2. Steve Aylward - 869 Junior Compound 1. Cale Hiebert - 229 2. Ryan Hiebert - 188

Cub Compound 1. Korbin Lind - 802 2. Jackson Hayne - 665 Pre-Cub Compound 1. Asher Hayne - 526 PeeWee Compound 1. Timothy Goertzen - 780 2. Vahlen Hiebert - 678 Men’s Traditional 1. Matthew Jarnagin - 627 2. Dan Matsalla - 573 Women’s Traditional 1. Shelley Nikolitsas - 350 2. Kelly Nichols - 339 Junior Traditional 1. Melvin Jarnagin - 557 2. Jaime Jodoin - 506 Pre-Cub Traditional 1. Benaiah Jarnagin - 504 2. Stella Jarnagin - 420 PeeWee Traditional 1. Ezra Jarnagin - 245 Future Bowhunter 1. Olivia Friesen - 545 2. Truman Jarnagin - 190

Fort St. John to host World Junior A matchup

rob brown photo

Eleanor Ryan with Pomeroy Dawson Creek, Myles Mowat with Lake View Credit Union, Kristen Smit, deputy reeve with Saddle Hills, and Dan Rose with the PRRD during the World Junior Hockey announcement at Mercer Hall May 6, 2019.

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The World Junior A Challenge will head to three surrounding communities for a slate of pre-tournament games on December 5.

Team Canada West will play Russia at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John.

Team Canada East will take on the United States at the Chetwynd Rec Centre in Chetwynd, B.C., while the Czech Republic will match up against the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League at Revolution Place in Grande Prairie.

District of Chetwynd councilor Jocelyn Disher said it was an exciting time. “It is really an unbelievable opportunity for the district and area,” she said.

Robin Fuller with West Moberly Council said hockey was a part of life in the community. “The is an amazing chance.”

Tickets will go on sale later this week.

— Dillon Giancola

R0011217

Hockey Canada, along with representatives from Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and participating communities, officially announced the World Junior A Challenge Monday morning in Dawson Creek.

The best Junior A players in the world will battle each other at the Encana Events Centre, December 7 to 15.

“The City of Dawson Creek is thrilled to once again host the world at the Encana Events Centre, bringing some of the best young hockey players from around the world to our community for a week of amazing action,” said Dale Bumstead, mayor of Dawson Creek. “It is very special for us to be able to share this event with our neighbouring Peace Country communities and our First Nation neighbours, the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations, and to work with Chetwynd, Fort St. John and Grande Prairie as pre-tournament hosts.”

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B6 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Allan Leland Stringer March 18, 1937 – April 8, 2019

It is with great sadness we wish to announce that Allan Stringer of Fort St John, BC passed away Monday, April 8, 2019 at the age of 82.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Trudy, and their children: Debbie Foster(Lee), Karen McInerney(Ben), Lee Stringer, and Norman Stringer(Sarah). Al Also leaves 12 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 4 sisters: June Merwin, Delores Kitchen(Gerald), Betty Giesbrecht, Mae Kimble(Gerald), and brother, Raymond Turner(Millie).

Al’s greatest love was first his family and then his music. He taught himself to play guitar proficiently in the style of Chet Atkins.

He also taught himself to play the mandolin, dobro, mouth organ, banjo and violin. He was always up for the challenge of learning new things. Music was everything to Al and he strongly felt that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn and play music. He loved to teach and play music with his children and later on his grandchildren. Al was a man of many interests and hobbies. He loved to build musical instruments, remote controlled airplanes, black powder guns, as well as bows and arrows. He was a bee keeper, started an archery club, and loved to hunt, camp and fish. Al was a ham radio operator and also had his steam engineering ticket. He worked very hard throughout his life and felt very blessed by God. Al will always be remembered by everyone for his legacy of music which he gave to his family and friends. He was a very kind, loving, and helpful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to each one of us. Al will forever be in our hearts.

STAIR, Norma I. August 28, 1945 − October 23, 2018 Celebration of Life May 18th, 2019 − 1−3 pm Chase Community Hall, Chase, BC. For all the times you gently picked us up, when we fell down, For all the times you needed something But put us first instead.

For everything we shared, The dreams, the laughter, and the tears, We love you with a Special Love That deepens every year.

Thank You Mom In lieu of flowers we respectfully request that you consider a donation to the Nick Paswisty Memorial Bursary: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.asp x ? e v e n t i d = 1 8 5 6 3 9 & l a n g p r e f = e n− CA&Referrer=direct/none Coffee/Tea & Desserts to be served.

Realtors Call Now!

Allan Stringer was born in Fort St John, BC raised in Montney, BC and was laid to rest in the Montney Cemetery on April 14, 2019.

To Place Your House Listings in the Classifieds!

A special thank you from Trudy Stringer and Al’s children to all the families and friends as well as Hamre’s Funeral Services for all the flowers, food and loving support and kindness shown to us at this time.

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER The Dawson Creek Mirror is looking for a full-time general assignment reporter/ photographer.

The Mirror is appealing for journalists who are hard workers, exceptional writers, strong photojournalists, and excited by the prospect of producing day-to-day coverage and research-based features about the city of Dawson Creek and the South Peace region of Northeast B.C. Under the guidance of the editor, the reporter will be able to file a minimum of three stories, or 2,000 words, per shift for print and web, while engaging our readers through social media. As a reporter, the successful candidate understands they are always on the record and generating leads, and that the job includes evening and weekend work when required.

The successful candidate will be committed, dedicated and sociable, integrating themselves into the community with ease and occasionally volunteering their time to help build it.

Candidates should have at least two years of journalism experience in daily and/ or weekly newsrooms. Proficient use of a camera, a reliable vehicle, and a driver’s license are a must.

Salary ranges from $20.02 to $24.24 per hour, commensurate with experience.

This position includes a 90-day probation period. If the candidate fails to meet the above qualifications during probation, a full-time position will not be offered.

This posting closes May 31, 2019.

We are looking for the successful candidate to start June 15, 2019.

Email a cover letter and writing samples to: Robert Brown, Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror/Northern Horizon 250-782-4888 | editor@dcdn.ca No phone calls please. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Alaska Highway News Call 250-785-5631 to book your space

Career OppOrtunities

PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd. We have an exciting opportunity for a Field Regulatory & Environ− mental Coordinator to join our team in Fort St. John! Travel within our Northeast BC opera− tions and occasional travel to Calgary is required. Visit our website for more information and to apply.

403−216−2510 petronascanada.com

Skilled Help Firkus Aircraft Inc Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Firkus Aircraft in Chilliwack, BC, is actively interviewing candidates for full−time engineer and apprentice positions.

For more information or to submit a resume please contact: 604−795−5833 info@firkusaircraft.com www.firkusaircraft.com

Announcements

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

Coming EvEnts

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Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value.

Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommu nitynews.com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222.

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

Please join us on June 2nd for the 2nd annual Walk to End ALS. at the Greenspace at 100th Ave. & 100th St. Fort St. John, BC Registration for the event will begin at 10am. There will be food, music, games, raffles, activities and lots for the whole family to do. The walk is about 4km long but the route brings you back to the Greenspace multiple times, if you need to shorten your distance.

We are encouraging you to sign up teams this year and challenge other teams to raise money as well. Sports team vs. sports team.

Business vs. business.

School vs. school.

Create some competition and let’s make this year better than last!

Go to this site to preregister for this walk: events.alsbc.ca.

TOPS 3907: Take Off

SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

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

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Roots Building at NAR Park. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists.

New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Announcements

Announcements

Coming EvEnts

Announcements

DR. LUCI SKAKEN, ND, Serving patients in BC over 25 years, welcomes new patients in Fort St John and Dawson Creek, for information or appointment phone 778-754-4004 or email naturopathonwestside@gmail.com view website at drluciskaken.ca

X

Walter Mayinger long time resident of Farmington area, passed away April 18, 2019 at the age of 79.

The family wishes to thank the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John Hospital for the care provided to Walter. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Wildlife Federation or the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

Arrangements entrusted to Hamre’s Funeral Chapel.

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General employment

HALLMARK CANADA RETAIL MERCHANDISER ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PART−TIME JOB? This may be the job for you! Part−time Retail Merchandisers needed in Fort St. John. A Hall− mark Retail Merchandiser maintains the Hall− mark department in assigned stores, including ordering, receiving and merchandising of product. They maintain inventories, participate in in−store revisions and renovations, and new installations. Please go to the following web− site to learn more about the position, and to apply: www.hallmark.ca/en/careers/opportuni− ties/field−merchandising.aspx

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

ANC is seeking an Accountant Alberta Newsprint Company operates a world class manufacturing facility in Whitecourt, Alberta. The success of ANC is a result of dedication to continuous quality improvement by a team of innovative employees. Our company is respected throughout the industry for quality, safety, environmental performance, a mill-wide team approach to achieving excellence and a total commitment to employee well-being. Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) has built a reputation in the Forestry industry.

ANC has an immediate opening for an ACCOUNTANT in our Accounting Department.

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.

• Prepare financial statements and reports for review. Assist in the preparation of the annual business plan, monthly/quarterly/yearly forecasting, weekly cost report and capital processes.

• Preparation and processing of various month end duties including journal entries, financial statement package, related mandatory reporting and general ledger reconciliation.

Announcements

Announcements

Fort St John, BC Annual General Meeting Tuesday May 21, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Execuplace Building (10142 101 Ave) Open to Members and Non-members.

All positions open for re-election.

All inquiries can be made via email restorativejustice@telus.net or call 250-263-9209 www.northpeacejustice.ca

Announcements

Job Duties / Responsibilities: You will be responsible for the following:

MileZeroCruisers.com

North Peace Justice Society

If you have news, call 250-785-5631 Career OppOrtunities

Save the Dates July 12, 13, 14, 2019 for the Mile Zero Cruisers Silver Anniversary Summer Cruise weekend Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Car Show weekend.

For online Registration and more information:

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

Coming EvEnts

General employment

SATURDAY MAY 18, 2019 - COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE-Music by “Let R Rip” 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 or Joanne 250-782-0158

Thursday May 9th Speaker, Emony Nicholls (biologist, botanist info: mason bees. One our members will give info: on growing vegetables.

(NLC) Saturday May 11: Mothers Day Plant Sale at Cathy Smith’s 11025 Hemlock Rd starting at 10 o’clock.

50073

Obituaries

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

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Announcements

Announcements

Pounds Sensibly Meet Thursday mornings 9:30 am New Beginnings Baptist Church 10221-18th St. Phone Marge 780-8645205 for more info.

TOPS Evening Sessions Meet Thursday at 6:00 pm New Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St Phone: Judy 250-782-9540 or Gail 250-782-7208 for more info.

Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

Domestic Help WanteD Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 4 children ages 10/7/4/ & 18-months. Full-Time Live-in only. Duties include: Care for younger children at home. Make beds and do laundry.

Light house cleaning.

Working hours 8am4pm Monday-Friday Weekends off. $10.25/hr or $1640/mth. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Prefer high school graduate or someone with higher education and/or caregiver training. Call 250219-2291/250-4679112 or email: salverene01@yahoo.com

General employment CDA or Receptionist for Northern Dental.

Contact: 250-782-3331 TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING BCCSA/WCB Certified FSJ: New TCPs-2-days May 9-10 Re-Certs-1-day May 11 PG: New TCPs-2-days May 14-15 Re-Certs-1-day May 16 1-866-737-2389 or roadsafetytcs.com Announcements

Notice Of

Annual Meeting

• Provide operational and financial analysis for the Woodlands operation.

• Prepare logging contractor payments and related reporting.

• Produce Land and Road Use Customer Accounts Receivable statements and collection..

• Communicate and correspond with team members on a daily basis.

Prerequisites: • Accounting diploma at the minimum; designation is desirable.

• Minimum 3 years related work experience or combination of relevant education and experience.

- Forestry experience (logging/chips handling etc.) desirable.

• Well established organizational and multi-tasking skills; good verbal and written communication abilities.

• A detailed and proactive approach to work, a high level of motivation and problem-solving attitude.

• A strong computer systems skill set. Must have working knowledge of LIMS. (Lumber Inventory Management System).

Ensure that financial controls are in place and that company policies are followed. Further duties include review of contracts, contractor payments, assigning stratums, assigning conversion rates, reviewing accrual assumptions, and special projects.

This is a permanent full time position. An industry competitive benefit package including a pension plan and participation in a bonus plan is provided with the position.

Qualified candidates are requested to forward a resume and references by: May 10, 2019 Alberta Newsprint Company Postal Bag 9000 Whitecourt, Alberta T7S 1P9 Fax: 780-778-7070 Email: career_acctg@albertanewsprint.com We thank all applicants. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

Please visit our website www.albertanewsprint.com for other employment opportunities.

Fort St. John Co-operative Association Thursday, May 23, 2019 Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre 11308 Alaska Rd., Fort St. John, B.C. (Beside Chances Casino)

Supper at 6:00pm

Meeting at 7:00pm

Review of 2018 financial statement, Sales increase of 13.2% to $95.3million and a net savings of $10.4million or 11% Election of 3 directors for 3-year term Limited complimentary tickets available for Supper Must be picked up prior to: May 19, 2019 Sorry no Children Please

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Interested in letting your name stand for the Board of Directors of Fort St. John Co-operative Association? Directors participate joinly with a total of 7 Directors in planning and controlling the affairs of the co-operative, guided by the associations By-laws and Policies, so that it effectively moves toward achieving the objective of the Co-operative. Please pick up nomination form at the Administration Office.

The form should be dropped off at the office prior to May 9, 2019

540079

• Other day to day Woodlands accounting functions.

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 B7

Classifieds

GaraGe SaleS Sat. May 11th10am-2pm-2nd Mega Yard Sale.

Across from Encana Centre. Road 215, Right at Set of Lights behind Red Weld Welding Shop. Estate of Leo Offerson and Northern Hot-Shot

Musical instruMents Music 2 Fender Strats.

Yamaha Accoustics w/Built in Electronics, Hard Shell Cases. Fender Vibrolux Amp, Peavey Classic Amp, Rhythm Box 250-7825026

HealtH ServiceS GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. Do you or someone you know Have any of these Conditions? ADHD, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Depression, Diabetes, Difficulty Walking, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowels, Overweight, Trouble Dressing...and Hundreds more. ALL ages & Medical Conditions Qualify.

Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL BRITISH COLUMBIA BENEFITS 1-(800)-211-3550 OR Send a Text Message with Your Name and Mailing Address to (604) 739-5600 For Your FREE benefits package.

Home Care Wanted In-Home Caregiver for Hire: To look after my (2) children; 7year old girl & 6 year old boy.

Permanent, Full-time at a rate of $14/hour for 40 hours/week.

Completion of Secondary School/Some College/CEPEG/Vocational. 1 to 2 years of experience supervision or care for children.

Accommodation available on a live-in basis at no cost but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: supervise and care, assist/guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children’s activities and may perform light housekeeping.

Applicants may apply via email: joan24garcia@yahoo.com Needed mature reliable Housekeeper for disabled woman in Fort St John. $20/hr 250-263-2649

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

LegaL/PubLic Notices

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss?

Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

Notices / NomiNatioNs

SAY NO to FAKE NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

ApArtments / Condos-For

FSJ Motor Inn. 10707-102St. Close to downtown.

Furnished/Private rooms/Kitchen/bathroom, TV/Wi-Fi/utilities included. Call Gary 250-682-1982. No lease, month to month basis. $950/month.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

CommerCial SHOP FOR RENT. 1600 sq. ft., Well Insulated & Lit. 500 114 Ave. DC. 250-843-7345

SuiteS For rent

FURNISHED BASEMENT SUITE. Internet Included. Available Immediately. NO PETS. Pouce Coupe. Call 250-7865157.

Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE...”BIG BLOW OUT SALE - ALL BUILDINGS PRICED TO CLEAR!” 20X23 $5,977. 23X25 $5,954. 25X27 $7,432.

30X31 $9,574. 32X31 $9,648. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036. www.pioneersteel.ca

Travel OBERAMMERGAU 2020 - PASSION PLAY - Performed once every 10 years. Experience our World with Craig Travel. Quote “Regional newspapers” and Save $200pp until May 15/19. Email: journeys@craigtravel.com, Call: 1-800-387-8890 or Visit: www.craigtravel.com/rp. 1092 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto (TICO #1498987).

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Business OppOrtunities

Business OppOrtunities

Houses for sale

Houses for sale

ApArtments/ Condos for

ApArtments/ Condos for

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

Notice of Intent to Consider Development Variance Permit 18-324

When:

May 16, 2019 | 10:00am

Where:

PRRD Head Office Boardroom,

Charlie Lake Area Lot 1 Section 29 Township 84 Range 19 W6M, Peace River Plan BCP3281 The Peace River Regional District intends to consider the proposed Development Variance Permit.

Proposal: To increase the maximum total accessory building floor area from 300 sq. m. (+/- 3200 sq. ft.) to 402 sq. m. (4331 sq. ft.), an increase of approximately 35%, to build a detached garage near the residence.

1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek BC

For More Information: Contact: Development Services Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at the PRRD Dawson Creek office (1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC) or 8:30am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm at the PRRD Fort St. John office (9505-100th Street, Fort St. John, BC).

Written comments or concerns accepted.

ApArtments/ Condos for

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door.

250-784-5817

LegaL/PubLic Notices

prrd.bc.ca

Shawn Dahlen, Chief Administrative Officer

diverse. vast. abundant.

SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT LAND ACT LAND ACT LegaL/PubLic Notices

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LegaL/PubLic Notices

Land Act: Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of for a Disposition of Crown Land Crown Land Take notice that Hartley Clark Blatz from

notice that applied Hartley to Clark from CecilTake Lake, BC, has the Blatz Ministry of Cecil Lake, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for a Direct (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for a Direct Sale situated on Provincial Crown land located Sale situated on Provincial Crown land located near the Doig River. near the Doig River.

The is TheLands LandsFile File for for this this application application is 8016071.

Written comments concerning this 8016071. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Jason application should be directed to Jason Pederson, Pederson,Authorization Authorization Officer, Officer, Northeast Northeast Region, Region,MFLNRORD, MFLNRORD, at at 100, 100, 10003-110 10003-110 Avenue, (250) Avenue,Fort FortSt. St.John, John, BC, BC, V1J V1J 6M7, 6M7, (250) 261-2063. by 261-2063.Comments Comments will will be be received received by MFLNRORD MFLNRORDup upto to June June 17, 17, 2019.

2019. MFLNRORD MFLNRORD may received maynot notbe beable ableto to consider consider comments comments received after afterthis thisdate. date. Please Please visit visit the the website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information area. informationand andaa map map of of the the application area.

Beadvised advised that that any any response response to this

Be this advertisementwill will be be considered considered part of the advertisement the publicrecord. record.Access Access to to these these records requires public requires thesubmission submissionof ofaa Freedom Freedom of Information the (FOI)request. request.Visit Visit (FOI) http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learnmore moreabout aboutFOI FOI submissions. submissions. learn

Houses for sale

Houses for sale

Business services

INDUSTRIAL LOTS FOR SALE: Two adjoining industrial lots in Chetwynd Industrial Park.

Total of 3.4 acres. Stripped, filled and graveled.

Backing onto CN Rail yard. Perfect for laydown 250−788−3563

ApArtments/ Condos for

ApArtments/ Condos for

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

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

Business services

ATVs / DirT Bikes

Kan Do.. Lawn Mowing, power raking, spring clean up.

250-262-9562

Polaris 500 Sportsman Quad. Asking $2,200.

Call: 250-782-5026

ApArtments/ Condos for

Motorcycles

RENTFSJ.CA

R0011448135

APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver.

Application deadline June 30, 2019. Send applications to fbula@langara.ca. Details at https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/journalism/scholarships.html

LegaL ServiceS

R0011352381

Education

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

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

RENTFSJ.CA Home away from home

2008 Honda VFR800 $6000 obo. 16,800 km.

Sport Touring Bike.

Excellent Condition.

250−264−8300

X THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

LOCAL

NEWS!

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

A la sk a H ig hw ay N ew s

• infor mative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

B8 THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019

Local Sports

Irish dancers place well at Worlds

supplied photo

The Inconnu Swim Club at the Prince George Moose Meet on April 27, 2019.

Swimmers impress in Prince George meet Inconnu sent nine swimmers to the Prince George Moose Meet, April 27 and 28, where they competed against 300 other swimmers from the north.

Grayson Louie (12), Owen Lang (13), Alexander McDonald (14), Dominic Amler (14), Cameron Louie (15), Cole Crook (16), Griffin Ternier-Smith (16), Eric Louie (17), and Alexandria Hedges (18) attuned the three-day swim meet which showcased an exciting 200m individual medley eliminator. The eliminator was determined by the top eight girls and boys from the event.

Crook, Ternier-Smith, and Hedges were eligible for the eliminator. Both Crook and Hedges made it to the final round and both succeed in securing second place!

Grayson Louie had best times in seven out of eight races; dropping 50 seconds in his 200m butterfly!

“The 200m fly is a tough race and doing it long course is an added challenge,” said Coach Norah Vogan.

Another amazing swimmer performance was Dominic Amler who made personal bests in every event he swam this weekend.

“Dominic has been working on his technique and it’s starting to pay off,” said Vogan.

This was our first swim meet with new coach Curtis Robinson. Curtis joins us from Sacramento, California.

“It is always useful to have another coach who adds a different approach to swimming. All of us coaches who contribute to this team have different ways of coaching and the more eyes on our swimmers, the better,” said Vogan.

— Norah Vogan

supplied photo

Emalee Chapple finished 51st out of 300 dancers in the Under 15 age group at the World Irish Dance Championships.

Seven dancers from The Watt School of Irish Dance recently returned from Greensboro, North Carolina where they represented the Western Canadian Region in the World Irish Dance Championships.

Mia Hamre, Lauryn Campbell, Kale Dietz, Naia Gibbons, Emalee Chapple, Jade Gibbons, and Jordan Crawford competed against the top dancers in the world during the week long competition that took place April 14 to 21.

Most notably, Emalee Chapple was awarded 51st place in the Under 15 age group and Jordan Crawford placed 69th in the Under 17 age group. Both of these age groups had approximately 300 dancers.

You can catch all of the Watt School dancers at their spring recital “A Touch of Irish” which takes place at the North Peace Cultural Centre at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.

— Ashley Campbell

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 10:00 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m.

Holy Communion ********** BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m.

Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-787-0089 Next Feast Info.

250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** BAPTIST CHARLIE LAkE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 12731 244 B Road, Charlie Lake (1st left turn off the Alaska Hwy. past the Charlie Lake Store) 250-785-1723 office@charlielakechurch.com www.charlielakechurch.com Lead Pastor: Joshua Goetz Associate Pastor: Jared Braun Sunday Worship: 10:40 AM Sunday School during the service nursery-grade 6 ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Aruldhas Lucas, SAC Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 -12:00 noon & 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism.

MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 6 months before the wedding. **********

ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am kIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am ********** CoMMUNITY PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings.

Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869 Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:00am & 11:00am **********

MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome!

Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years.

Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth **********

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

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

The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.