AHN NOV 7 2019 by Alaska Highway News

alaska highway news THURSDAY, nov. 7, 2019 | VOL. A-75 NO. 45

$1.50 incl. gst celebrating

75 years

world records

lest we forget

Millions more to be spent to stabilize the South Taylor Hill

Fort St. John powerlifter Rob Nikoleychuk impresses in Slovakia

Historian Larry Evans on the Seven who didn’t return home

NEWS h A3

sports h b1

community h A11

a good day

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

Sarah Byford, 8, drew the design for this golf towel as part of her fundraiser to help sick kids through the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. Byford lives in Taylor and stayed in RMH after undergoing heart surgery. She said she’s giving back to see sick kids smile, and “so they can be able to fulfill their dreams.” She hopes to raise at least $2,500, to be split between the two charities, at a fundraiser at the Taylor Community Hall on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

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‘Desecrated’: Family pushes for cemetery changes Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca A Fort St. John family is calling for changes to the city’s cemetery bylaw, saying workers “desecrated” their decades-old family plot by tearing down their handcrafted memorial without notice or permission. Patricia Dyck and her family were shocked last week to discover city workers had torn down the wooden cross and fence that marked the grave of her parents, Amy and Clarence Letendre, as well as her baby sister, Tracy. The plot at the Fort St. John Cemetery on 100 Avenue has been in the family for 50 years, Dyck said, when her sister was first buried there after dying in childbirth, and when the cemetery was run by the Catholic Church. Her parents were later buried in the same plot, most recently her father last year. “Every time I drive by, I look every single time. It’s right next to the road,” Dyck said. “I chose that word really carefully when I said they desecrated our plot. It’s a strong word and I totally meant it.” Dyck’s husband and her

matt preprost photo

City workers were quick to resod and reinstall the Letendre family grave site at the Fort St. John Cemetery last week after tearing down the family’s handcrafted memorial.

late father built and installed the cross to mark the grave nine years ago when her mother died and was buried there. The cross was made from treated cedar and which had a family picture set into the varnished wood. The plot had long been bordered by a wooden fence and filled with rock, and had been maintained through years of vandalism, she said. But Dyck’s husband noticed the cross was missing when he drove by the cem-

etery on Wednesday, she said. Further inspection found the entire memorial was removed and all that was left was a patch of dirt, Dyck said. The family was told by the city’s public works department that the memorial was removed as part of a council crackdown on bylaws, Dyck said. The family was provided no notice, said Dyck, who took her family’s concerns to social media. That prompted a swift public backlash against the city, which quickly back-

tracked and sent out workers to resod the plot and put the grave marker back in its place. “They violated it,” Dyck said. “This issue is so personal to everybody. It’s not something you can brush off.” The city’s cemetery bylaw states memorials must be made of either granite or bronze — marble and wood aren’t allowed. It also gives the cemetery caretaker permission to remove “alternative landscaping or non-permanent adornments,” among other provisions. The city asks residents to remove any non-permanent ornaments, such as flowers, by October 1 of each year to avoid being damaged by winter maintenance. Dyck isn’t sure why the memorial was suddenly removed after all these years without issue. But, the bylaw needs to change so families can personalize their memorials and mourn in their own ways, she said. “A wooden cross that was handmade, hand built with love, that’s way too personal I guess,” Dyck said. “There are many municipalities in B.C., in this country, that do not have bylaws like this.” Continued on A3

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A2 | INDEX | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

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ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

WEATHER FORECAST

THIS DAY IN HISTORY 1873: Alexander Mackenzie becomes the second Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding John A. Macdonald

FRIDAY -11 C

THURSDAY -3 C

SUNDAY -9 C

SATURDAY -16 C

Kids are lazy? Not this one

y doorbell rang. I was sitting in my Lazy Boy and had it extended about three quarters. My right hand slipped down over the side of the hand-rest and searched for the damn that would power me back to a seated position so I could get up and answer the door. A motorized Lazy Boy sounds fancy and it is a beautiful piece of furniture, but it has challenges; namely that you cannot get out of them quickly to answer the doorbell. It felt like an eternity as the leg rest slowly made its way to the carpet and tucked itself into the chair. I jumped up and headed for the front door. Seeing as I was at home by myself, the first thing I did was peer around the frosted glass of the door to identify who was standing on my front step. It was a young boy about 10 or 12 years old. He didn’t fall into any of the usual categories: nephew, neighbour, son, grandson, and my first thought was: he is selling me something for school. I opened the door and said, “Hi there!” I noticed immediately he was a bit nervous as he moved from one foot to another, hands clasped in front of his body. “Do you have any odd jobs that you need done?” I was surprised. Do you know how many years it’s been since a child has come to my door offering to do an odd job in exchange for money? “I could do yard-work,” he said. Sadly, I had no odd jobs to offer, unless he wanted to help me sort socks which, in hindsight, I should have offered up because it was odd and it was a job and hadn’t been done in a long time. Side note: I hate sorting socks and have no problem wearing mismatched socks. “I don’t have anything right now, but when the snow starts falling, I guarantee I will have a job for you if you want to come back.” He looked a wee bit sad. I think he was hoping to make some money that day, but he looked me in the eye and said, “I’ll come back then.” I shut the door and watched through the living room window as he made his way from house to house on the cul de sac. I wondered what he was working toward. Was it a new computer game? Please don’t let it have been food for his family or new shoes for school, because if that had been the case I would have written him a cheque on the spot. The fact he was willing to go door to door, ring doorbells and face homeowners was great. It’s rarely something you experience in this day and age. I hope he comes back – I have a snow shovel exactly his size.

GATEWAY TO OBLIVION Taylor was an apt setting for a Stephen King novel last weekend as thick fog filled the Peace River valley, Nov. 2, 2019. Incidentally, it was the same day a group of Peace region writers, including AHN Editor Matt Preprost, began writing a film adaptation of one of King’s stories, with plans to film this winter. More on that next week.

JUDY KUCHARUK

Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes, and lives in Dawson Creek.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Light a candle or curse the darkness

he federal election is in the rearview mirror and our provincial government has introduced legislation to ensure B.C. laws and regulations conform with UNDRIP, the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Lots of folks are lighting their hair on fire, claiming the sky is falling. Let’s all take a deep breath, and do what my mother always advised me and my siblings – count your blessings. We can light a candle or curse the darkness. Not to be Pollyanna, but we’ve lived through similar times in the past, and those who maintained a positive and constructive outlook thrived. Prime Minister Trudeau and Finance Minister Morneau have both said the Trans Mountain expansion will proceed. The feds and the province have

STEVE THORLAKSON already put things in place to ensure our LNG industry goes ahead, good news for Surerus and Macro, both of which have significant contracts for both the TMX and Coastal GasLink pipelines. Good news for Northwest B.C., still trying to return to the economic strength they enjoyed up until the 1980s. In the 1980s and 90s, our area was devastated by the National Energy Program and the concurrent collapse in energy prices. Too much gas fighting for space in the then Westcoast Mainline, and no sizeable connec-

tions to the Nova System in Alberta. The Alliance Pipeline gave us another outlet for that gas, and the next 15 years were pretty strong. Now, we are in a similar position, and that means at the edge of great opportunities – those who can see beyond the fog of social media rants and the anger that has provoked #Wexit will be the big winners. Premier Kenney in Alberta seems to have hit the right tone, firm but fair, improving the position of the Western energy-producing provinces, including B.C. B.C. remains a resource dependent economy, and the lack of energy literacy, as pointed out by Mayor Ackerman, is absolutely at the root of bringing our southwestern B.C. neighbours on board. It is in their enlightened self-interest to support our region’s ability to support both federal and provincial coffers.

Break the monopoly, open the market Re: ‘Jeff Richert: ICBC fiasco adding to youth debt trap’, Op-ed, Oct. 31, 2019 Jeff Richert is absolutely right that young drivers — or anyone else seeking their driver’s licence — are on track to paying thousands more

in ICBC premiums thanks to the NDP’s new risk rating system. However, by placing the blame on the previous government, Richert is simply harping the NDP’s lame attempt to absolve themselves of any responsibility for ICBC increases since assuming office in 2017. The fact is the NDP is far more interested in protecting a 46-year-old state run monopoly than introdu-

cing new players in the marketplace that would bring down rates through competition. The NDP promised to make life more affordable. I know a whole generation of young people who would care to disagree. — Dan Davies, MLA, Peace River North

LETTERS

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 3T8 250-785-5631 250-785-3522 alaskahighwaynews.ca

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

Letters to the editor

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

  

On UNDRIP, the big concern whether it will give First Nations a veto. Premier John Horgan has said no, but his statements that Trans Mountain requires unanimity sees him speak from both sides of his mouth. I’ve always had serious problems with an outside party telling others what they should do – all you need to do is look at which countries have recently been appointed to the UN Human Rights Committee to know that we should be very cynical about embracing UN policies, including the IPCC. And yes, I’m shifting gears away from city issues. Those are now best handled by the citizens and our elected representatives.

William Julian Regional Manager wj@ahnfsj.ca

Ryan Wallace Sales Manager rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

Brenda Piper Sales Associate bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

Tim Cramer Graphic Artist compose@ahnfsj.ca CONTRIBUTORS

Matt Preprost Managing Editor editor@ahnfsj.ca

Dillon Giancola Sports Reporter sports@ahnfsj.ca

Lynn Novack Circulation Manager circulation@ahnfsj.ca

Judy Kucharuk, Steve Thorlakson, Edwina Nearhood, Evan Saugstad, Larry Evans, Bob Zimmer, Dave Lueneberg, Caitlin Harbottle, Charo Lloret, Kalpna Loganathan, Bronwyn Moser

Write to us by snail mail, or email your letters to editor@ahnfsj.ca. Letters must be accompanied by your full name and a phone number, for verification. Please limit your letters to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy, and libel. Protest the policy, not the person. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect those of Alaska Highway News.

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL NOTICE Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories, and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about our content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163 for more information. Second class mail registration No. 0167

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 | NEWS | A3

Millions more to stabilize South Taylor Hill Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca The provincial government has awarded a $6.5 million contract to a New Brunswick-based construction company to stabilize a stretch of the South Taylor Hill. The ministry of transportation said Monday it awarded the contract to Greenfield Construction. Work includes excavations, drainage improvements, and embedding soil anchors into the slope next to the Alaska Highway, around 4.5 kilometres south of Taylor. The area then undergo “signifi-

cant testing” to ensure long-term stability of the “geotechnically challenging hillside”, and will prepare the highway for future expansions, the ministry said. “This geotechnical work will reduce the risk of slides and potential highway closures, ensuring Highway 97 remains a safe, reliable route for people in Taylor and throughout the Northeast,” Minister Claire Trevena said in a news release. “This slope stabilization work is also necessary for the future expansion of Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill.” Work is expected to start in the

coming weeks, and be completed by fall 2020, the ministry said. Motorists can expect delays during constructon, the ministry said. The lower portion of the South Taylor Hill was four-laned in 2016, and which has been prone to slipping. The ministry has yet to award a contract to four lane the upper section of the hill. The cost to complete that work is rising, officials have said. “They’re not sure how to secure that hill. That hill is full of water and it’s sliding all the time, that’s the problem,” Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser said during a council meeting last month.

This patch of dirt was all that remained of the Letendre family plot at the Fort St. John Cemetery after city staff removed a grave marker.

Continued from the front page The city’s cemetery bylaw was first passed in 1997, and was updated this summer, though changes were focused on increasing fees for interments. A city spokesperson said staff will be in contact with the family to discuss their concerns. “We are re-sodding the plot and will replace the non-conforming memorial until we can work with the family on a permanent memorial,” Ryan Harvey said. Responding to the family’s concerns on Facebook, Couns. Trevor Bolin and Becky Grimsrud said council is discussing how the cemetery bylaw is being interpreted, and the provisions for ornamentation. “That is not what the city or council wanted in any capacity with this bylaw,” Bolin said, noting neither intended to disrespect the family. Dyck said she and her husband met with Mayor Lori Ackerman and senior staff. They will continue to work with the city to see what can be done to change the bylaw, she said.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Site C spillway buttress construction, Sept. 17, 2019.

Site C spillway foundation completed Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca BC Hydro says it hit a major milestone at Site C last week, finishing roller-compacted concrete placements in the upper spillway buttress seven months ahead of schedule. Crews finished the work on

Extreme weather shelter program Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca The province says its temporary and extreme weather response shelter programs opened starting Nov. 1, including 26 extra beds in Fort St. John. The Salvation Army in Fort St. John operates a year-round emergency shelter for men and women, with 24 beds for shelter and 36 for transitional housing, executive director Cameron Eggie said. In the extreme weath-

Wednesday, Oct. 30, BC Hydro said. “The spillways buttress is one of three large concrete buttresses – or foundations – BC Hydro is building to support the Site C powerhouse, spillways and the dam itself,” BC Hydro said in a news release. “Together, they are a key com-

er season, the number of shelter beds expands from 24 to 50 from November 1 to March 31. “There are different definitions of extreme weather across the province, which determines when the program is open within that timeframe but in Fort St. John we generally see it open each night,” Eggie said. “While we have had cold nights in Fort St. John already, the regular shelter has not been at full capacity, so there has been room for everyone asking. Access to shelters have very little barriers, the most important factor to anyone accessing shelters is that they are not a harm to others or themselves.”

ponent of the project’s design, and will ensure dam stability, including in the unlikely event of a major earthquake.” Crews placed 585,516 cubic metres of roller-compacted concrete this year, and have placed more than 1.2 million cubic metres of RCC on the project to date, BC Hydro said.

Arena ice cover Fort St. John city councillors awarded Oct. 28 a $144,900 tender for an ice cover at the North Peace Arena. The tender went to Ice Builders Supply of Liverpool, New York. The cover will allow the city to use host “dry floor” events during the ice season and become a “true year-round events venue,” Robin Langille, facilities and grounds director, wrote in a report to council. As one example, the cover will be used for the 2020 BC Winter Games in February when the arena will be host to events that are not ice related, Langille noted.

Have a shapes scavenger hunt, taking turns ﬁnding shapes indoors and outdoors. How do you learn as a family? Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay

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Supporting Our Communities

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A4 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

 COURT DOCKET Fort St. John

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Synchronized Mounties lead the Fort St. John Canada Day parade.

Mounties host recruitment drive Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca RCMP will host a recruitment drive in Fort St. John next month. A career presentation will be held Thursday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. The RCMP says it needs officers “from all backgrounds who are physically fit, up for a challenge and

Search for stolen tanker Fort St. John RCMP are looking for the public’s help finding a tanker truck stolen last week. The truck was stolen on Sunday, Oct. 27, around 1 a.m. from a fenced property in the area of 102 Street and 85 Avenue, RCMP said in a news release. The truck is registered to Trifecta Directional Drilling,

ready to make a difference wherever they’re posted.” “We are the federal police force of Canada and unique in the world providing policing services at the international, federal, provincial and municipal levels and we are looking for people from across Canada to join us,” Cst. Erika Dirsus of the RCMP’s recruiting unit said in a statement.

When it’s fully staffed, the Fort St. John RCMP detachment has a complement of 55 officers, with 38 of them tasked with municipal policing. The detachment receives an average of 13,000 calls a year, and covers an area that extends north to the Sikkani Chief Bridge, west to Williston Lake, east to the Alberta border, and just south of the Peace River.

and the theft was caught on video surveillance. The truck is described as: • 2013 Western Star Tanker • White cab with stainless steel water tank • BC Licence Plate NY2943 • Trifecta Directional Drilling decal on the driver and passenger doors Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 250787-8100, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or to online at crimestoppersnebc.ca.

Return found dirt bike Fort St. John RCMP are looking to return a dirt bike they believe was stolen to its rightful owner. The Yamaha bike was found Oct. 6 at an apartment building in Taylor. Anyone who believes it’s theirs is asked to contact police with the colour, serial number, or any other form of proof of ownership.

CITY BEAT

Updates from October 28, 2019 Council Meetings POOL FEASIBILITY PROJECT UPDATE At the Committee of the Whole meeting, Council received a presentation from staff regarding information about the future pool project and how to make investment decisions on recreation opportunities to support the quality of life for the residents of the North Peace. A review of the project start up and scope was also provided. At the Regular Council meeting, Council reaffirmed their participation in the planning of a regional aquatic facility and expressed their interest in further exploring the inclusion of additional amenities in the project.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS Council presented the following Long Service Awards: • Marissa Jordan, Recreation Programmer, in recognition of her 5 years of service as an employee of the City of Fort St. John. • Jessica Bookham, Human Resources Advisor, in recognition of her 15 years of service as an employee of the City of Fort St. John.

PROCLAMATIONS

October 24 - November 11, 2019 was proclaimed as “The Poppy Campaign” in the City of Fort St. John. The campaign raises awareness regarding the purchase of a poppy as a visual pledge to honor Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. Donations collected during the Poppy Campaign are held in trust at the branch and are used to directly support Veterans and their families within our community and to help ensure Canadian’s ‘never forget’.

2020 COUNCIL MEETING DATES At the Regular Council meeting, Council approved the following Regular Council meeting dates for 2020 in accordance with Council Procedure Bylaw No. 2403, 2017: - Monday, January 13 - Monday, January 27 - Monday, February 10 - Monday, February 24 - Monday, March 9 - Monday, March 23 - Tuesday, April 14 - Monday, April 27 - Monday, May 11 - Monday, May 25 - Monday, June 8 - Monday, June 22 - Monday, July 13 - Monday, July 27 - Monday, August 10 - Monday, August 24 - Monday, September 14 - Tuesday, October 13 - Monday, October 26 - Monday, November 9 - Monday, November 23 - Monday, December 14

HOUSING NEEDS REPORT The City of Fort St. John was invited to participate in the Peace River Regional District’s Regional Housing Needs Report project. The City’s Strategic Plan priority identifies that staff will complete an Affordable Housing Strategy and a Housing Needs Report in 2020. New legislation requires each municipality to complete a Housing Needs Report by 2022. As a result the City must undertake a Housing Needs Report for the municipality. For these reasons, Council regretfully declined the PRRD invitation to participate in a joint application, but supported participation of the City as a stakeholder in a Regional Housing Needs project.

TENDER AWARDS Council awarded the tender for the North Peace Arena Ice Covering to the lowest compliant bidder, Ice Builders Supply Inc., from Liverpool, NY for the tendered price of $144,900 Canadian Funds.

BYLAWS • Following a Public Hearing the Fort St. John Zoning Bylaw No. 2470, 2019 was read for the third time and adopted by title only. The Zoning Bylaw incorporates key regulations to support the new Official Community Plan and recent master plans such as the Downtown Action Plan and others, in addition it includes updates to zoning regulations and provisions for recently incorporated lands from the 2016 boundary extension. • At the Regular Council Meeting, the 2020 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaws were adopted by title only. 32 Permissive tax exemption bylaws were adopted by Council. It is unknown at this time whether or not the current process for tax exemptions will remain the same in future years so the bylaws were drafted for the 2020 taxation year only, non-profit organizations have been notified that changes to this process could take place.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

A Committee of the Whole Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 12, 2019 at 1 p.m. The Regular Council Meeting will follow at 3:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

• Cory Joe Douglas Miskenack (born 1988) was sentenced to 309 days jail, issued a 10-year firearms ban, and ordered to provide a DNA sample on four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, offences that were committed in Fort St. John in May 2019. Miskenack suspended sentence and one-year probation order for uttering threats. Miskenack was sentenced to 28 days jail for breaching probation and an undertaking. • Kevin William Danais (born 1997) was issued a suspended sentence with a three-year probation order on nine counts of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance, offences committed in Fort St. John in October 2015. • Daniel Lawrence RyanHunter (born 1988) was fined $1,500 and ordered to pay a $225 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited/licence suspended. • Shane Robert Dorie (born 1995) was fined $1,000, issued a 12-month probation order, and ordered to pay a $150 victim surcharge for driving without due care and attention. • Leonard John Fallis (born 1947) was fined $750, issued a three-month driving ban, and ordered to pay a $112.50 victim surcharge for driving without reasonable consideration. Dawson Creek • Leo William Cameron (born 1990) was issued an 18-month probation order, issued a lifetime firearms ban, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for criminal harassment. Cameron was issued an 18-month probation order for wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer. • Jason Wayne Redhead (born 1978) was issued a one-year probation order

for mischief committed in Chetwynd in November 2018. Wayne was issued a one-year probation order for assault committed in Chetwynd in May 2019. • Christopher Smith (born 1984) was fined $1,500 and ordered to pay a $225 victim surcharge for hunting/trapping wildlife out of season for an offence committed near Dawson Creek in November 2017. • Timothy Samuel Johnathon Roth (born 1989) was fined $1,000, issued a oneyear criminal driving ban, and ordered to pay a $150 victim surcharge for impaired driving. Roth was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay a $150 victim surcharge for driving while prohibited. Fort Nelson • Gary Ray Reno (born 1965) was sentenced to 18 months in jail, issued an 18-month probation order, issued a lifetime firearms ban, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for assault causing bodily harm committed in Prophet River in December 2017. • Brody Shane Jensen (born 1998) was sentenced to 90 days jail, issued an 18-month probation order, issued a 10-year firearms ban, and ordered to provide a DNA sample for break and enter with intent to commit an offence committed in Dawson Creek in September 2016. Jensen was sentenced to 30 days jail and issued an 18-month probation order for an assault committed in Dawson Creek in May 2017. Jensen was sentenced to time served and issued an 18-month probation order for an assault committed in Dawson Creek in May 2018. Jensen was sentenced to 76 days in jail on four separate charges of breach of undertaking. • Cameron Phillip McKenna (born 1986) was fined $2,000 and issued a oneyear criminal driving ban for driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08. • Leon William Bulmer (born 1979) was issued a one-year $1,000 recognizance after allegation of causing fear of injury or damage. — Matt Preprost

$100K of stolen copper Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after more than $100,000 of copper wire was stolen in the Pink Mountain area last month. RCMP say they were called about the thefts at various job sites along the Alaska Highway on Oct. 13 around 3:45 p.m. The thefts were reported to happen overnight and on weekends, police say. “Property representative estimates the value of cooper wire stolen from one site to be about $10,000 and the various other sites to be approximately $100,000 in total,” RCMP said in a news

release. “The copper wire is usually stolen as large spools of approximately 200ft of wire. In addition two spools of several smaller extension cords and another spool of unthreaded wire were also taken.” Anyone with information about the thefts, or who observes suspicious activity in rural areas at night or on weekends, including larger trucks loading up or carrying large wooden spools of copper wire, is asked to call police. Tips can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers at at 1-800-222TIPS (8477), or online at www.crimestoppersnebc.ca.

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thursday, november 7, 2019 | NEWS | A5

$60k for 13 community groups

shell canada photo

Through its Community Grants Program, Shell Groundbirch in Northeast B.C. contributed $60,000 to 13 local organizations this year. Recipients are pictured here at a community dinner, Oct. 22, 2019.

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Thirteen community groups in Northeast B.C. are splitting $60,000 in grants this year from Shell Groundbirch. The funds, through Shell’s community grants program, were awarded during a celebration dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Recipients include schools and daycares and recreation groups to help pay for everything from playground equipment and kitchen renovations, to reading and school lunch programs. This year’s recipients were: • Alwin Holland PAC – Playground Equipment • BC Peace Country River Rats – Peace Island Park Inclusive Playground

• Charlie Lake School PAC – Kitchen Renovations • Chetwynd Child Care Society – Little Lights Playground Initiative • D.A.R.E. – 2019/2020 Programs • Dawson Creek Adult Literacy Society – Adult Literacy Program • Dawson Creek Municipal Public Library – Summer Reading Program • Dawson Creek Wildcats Basketball Club – Capacity Improvement Project • The Dawson Creek Youth Centre Society – Outdoor Basketball Improvements • Ecole Central PAC – Basketball Project • Little Prairie Elementary School PAC – High Jump and Gym Equipment • Network Ministries – We need More Space Campaign • Vertical Slam Ultimate

Challenge Society – School Lunch Programs “My family and I have recently moved to the area and it’s amazing to see the incredible work done by so many volunteers and employees for organizations that are important to them and to the community as a whole,” said Shawn Baxter, operations manager for Shell Groundbirch. Shell says it has spent more than $5 million over the last 10 years on social investment activites in Northeast B.C., and received a recordbreaking 43 applications for its community grants program this year. A panel of community representatives is selected to chose what organizations and projects receive the funding. The next round of funding will open in January 2020.

Hot lunches for seniors

submitted photo

The Hudson’s Hope Healthcare and Housing Society recently received a grant from the Northeast Regional Community Foundation towards its “Tuesday Lunches” program at Silver Willow Court. Every Tuesday a dedicated group of volunteers cook a hot meal for seniors residing at Silver Willow Court and those in the community of Hudson’s Hope. Local school children volunteer to serve each week. On Oct. 8, a special turkey lunch was served with the help of Hadley Gilliss (Grade 6) and Logan Koehn-King (Grade 5), along with a presentation of the cheque by Sue Kenny, Northeast Regional Community Foundation, to the board of Hudson’s Hope Healthcare & Housing Society.

How can you help? No change? No problem!

SIMPLY FILL BOTTLE WITH LOOSE CHANGE, BILLS OR CHEQUE AND RETURN BY NOVEMBER 24! Pick up your“baby bottle” at:

Donate online

Your sma ﬂange does make a big diﬀerence! #335 9900 100 Ave Fort St. John, BC V1J5S7 | phone: (250) 787-5584 email: info@northpeacepregnancycare.ca

You’ve Written a Will… BRIAN ZINCHUK photo

Rex Murphy speaking in Weyburn, Sask., on June 6, 2019.

Rex Murphy makes visit in March Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Canadian broadcasting legend and renowned political and social commentator Rex Murphy will make a visit to Fort St. John in the new year. Murphy is scheduled to speak in the city on March 4, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association has confirmed. “Not only is this something we’re going to be doing

to give back to our membership, but we’re working in that community so we want to provide something for the community as well,” said Mike Davis, regional vicepresident for the ICBA. More details will be announced as they are finalized. Murphy is expected to touch on a wide range of topics given his experiences as a long-time CBC broadcaster, commentator, and public speaker, along

with his post-election perspectives and the prospects ahead for western Canada. “There’s a lot of uncertainty of where things are going to land from an energy perspective,” Davis said. “Bringing Rex in to speak to some of his thoughts about that might provide some optimism and insight.” The ICBA had initially looked to bring Murphy to town in September, but pushed back the date due to scheduling conflicts.

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alaska highway news

A6 | NEWS | thursday, november 7, 2019

Agricultural disaster declared Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

WESTERN PRODUCER photo

The County of Grande Prairie has declared an agricultural disaster after cool and wet weather hampered this year’s production and harvest. Farmers have been challenged with wet conditions that delayed seeding, while excessive rain and cool weather slowed production and caused poor quality crops, the county said in an announcement on Monday. Between 40% to 60% of crops in the region remain on the field, a figure that’s expected to rise with the recent snowfall, the county said. “County Council is very aware of the hardships that our agricultural community is facing as a result of the weather conditions,” Deputy Reeve Peter Harris said in a news release. “By declaring an agricultural disaster, Council wants to bring attention to the devastating conditions impacting crop and livestock producers and request more support for them.” It’s the fourth straight year of difficult conditions for Alberta Peace farmers, the county said. Regionally, crop harvest is trailing

25% behind average. The county estimates about half of its major crops have been combined; another 19% has been swathed, and 31% is still standing. In particular, this year’s hay crop is of poor quality, with some areas in short supply of feed, the county said. That means higher costs for livestock producers who need to haul in hay from outside the region, it said. “The effects of this agricultural disaster are felt across our communities,” Harris said. B.C.’s agricultural ministry was not immediately available to provide statistics about this year’s harvest in the B.C. Peace before this edition of the News went to print. Electoral director Karen Goodings called this growing season “most challenging year that I can remember.” “Our agriculture producers are facing a very tough year end,” Goodings said. “The crops that have been taken off are needing to be dried. Hay production would have been great but very little hay was put up dry. Some were able to silage but not everyone.” Are you an area farmer? Email your crop report to editor@ahnfsj.ca

Montney giant Encana moves to U.S. Nelson Bennett Business in Vancouver Encana Corp., one of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies and the largest player in Northeast B.C.’s Montey formation, is relocating its headquarters to the U.S. Encana announced Oct. 31 it is changing its name to Ovintiv, and relocating its to the U.S., where it sees better opportunities to attract capital. “A domicile in the United States will expose our company to increasingly larger pools of investment in U.S. index funds and passively managed accounts, as well as better align us with our U.S. peers,” the company said. “The change in corporate domicile will not change how we run our day-to-day activities.” MP Bob Zimmer blamed the move on “the Liberals’ anti-energy policies.” “While it is good news that this move will not result in any job losses, Encana is just the latest Canadian oil and gas company to leave under the Liberals’ watch,” Zimmer said. “It is clear from this announcement that more needs be done to support our energy sector.” According to a C.D. Howe Institute report, $100 billion worth of energy projects were killed, cancelled or stalled in a two-year period under the Trudeau government, although

a $40 billion LNG project did get approved in B.C., and companies like Teck Resources continue to push forward with plans to develop Alberta oil sands projects. And after years of inertia, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion appears to be finally moving forward. Investment in the Canadian oil and gas sector fell from $125 billion in 2014 to $75 billion in 2018. This was during a period when global investments in oil and gas increased, especially in the U.S., which had a 50% rise in oil and gas sector investment in 2017. One of the first orders of business for the Trudeau, upon being elected in 2015, was to kill the Northern Gateway pipeline project, sending a general chill through the oil and gas sector. The cancellation of the Energy East pipeline was likewise blamed, at least in part, on changes to the environmental review process, although the resurrection of the Keystone XL pipeline also played a role in the decision by TC Energy Corp. to drop the Energy East project. The Trudeau government also added two pieces of legislation viewed to be negative for Alberta’s oil and gas industry: a moratorium on oil tankers on B.C.’s north coast and a new environmental act that industry in general believes will make it harder to get projects approved in Canada.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 | NEWS | A7

$40,000 in enviro fines Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca There was more than $40,000 in environmental penalties and tickets issued in the Peace region in the first quarter of 2019. Information released by the environment ministry on Tuesday, Oct. 29, shows officers handed out 79 tickets, and five sanctions and penalties against individuals and industry between January 1 and March 31. There were another four environmental orders issued and four court convictions. The largest administrative penalty was issued to Crew Energy, which was fined $10,000 for two contraventions of the Drilling and Production Regulation that led to an explosion at one of its well sites near Fort St. John in December 2016 and injured a worker. Venturion Oil was penalized $7,500 for a contravention of the Oil and Gas Activities Act and two contraventions of the Drilling and Production Regulation, though no details were given. Other enforcement highlights:

Special Delivery

• Coastal GasLink was issued an order to cease and an order to remedy under the Environmental Assessment Act for failing to comply with conditions of its environmental assessment certificate. No details about the orders were given. • Canada Energy Partners was issued a general order under the Oil and Gas Activities Act for noncompliance with the Emergency Management Regulation. No details about the order was given. • Norcan Energy Corporation was issued a general order under the Oil and Gas Activities Act for noncompliance with the Drilling and Production Regulation and noncompliance with a previously issued order. No details about the order was given. • Clinton Henderson Braun was ordered to forfeit his rifle, issued a one-year hunting ban, and ordered

to pay $500 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for hunting/ trapping on cultivated land without consent. Braun was further ordered to pay $500 to the HCTF for unlawful possession of dead wildlife or parts. • Joseph James George Hall was issued a three-year hunting ban, fined $250, and ordered to pay $1,750 to the HCTF for failing to provide information to an officer. Hall was further fined $2,500 for hunting wildlife with the use of a light.

Do not hunt or discharge firearms in Site C project areas For the safety of workers and the public, please do not hunt or discharge firearms in Site C project areas. Workers are active along the banks of the Peace River and the transmission line corridor between Hudson’s Hope and Fort St. John. We ask all hunters and trappers to use caution in these areas.

Tickets There were 45 tickets issued in the South Peace for violations of various provincial and federal environmental laws, and 34 tickets issued in the North Peace. In the North Peace, 29 of the 34 tickets that were issued went to three companies for violating the Water Sustainability Act, and breaching permit conditions related to a sensitive stream. Leucrotta Explorations Inc. was issued 19 tickets and $4,370 in penalties under the Act, while Paramount Resources was issued six tickets and $1,380 in penalties, and Predator Oil issued four tickets and $920 in penalties. Officers issued another five tickets to individuals for hunting and trapping out of season, allowing a dog to pursue wildlife, and failing to comply with licence conditions or show proof of authorization. In the South Peace, officers issued 17 tickets under the OffRoad Vehicle Act for operating an unregistered or unlicenced vehicle, and another 13 tickets for operating a vehicle without registration or a licence from another jurisdiction. The total penalties of the tickets issued was $6,900. Officers issued another 14 tickets for discharging litter, operating vehicles without registration or insurance, unlawful trapping, angling with more than one fishing line, and catching more than the daily quota, among others.

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ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A8 | COMMUNITY | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

What growing up in the Peace has given me

n honorable mention from my last column on my Top 100 – the Alaska Highway News! Community news is important in so many ways. We must preserve and protect our paper no matter what. Community news brings us the issues, accountability, celebrations, and loss of our region. It is the glue that holds us together. There are likely a few other well deserving honorable mentions in my Top 100 picks – but I only have so much space in each column! Why not start your own list and remember to celebrate all that our community brings to us? Now, honorable mentions aside — what growing up in the Peace has given me: Knowledge: Rich beyond measure. Growing up in small communities offers opportunities to figure it out. See a challenge, find a solution. Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Humility. Pride. Compassion. Collaboration. Teamwork. Friendship. Relationships. Community: Community on a small scale or a municipal scale is important. Micro or macro communities work together to support, grow and achieve both personal and community success. My success is built on a strong foundation of the success of many other people. Together is better. Keep this going and strong. With a strong community anything is possible. Understanding: Sometimes when you pull the red lever an unexpected spring pops out, metaphorically speaking. It is important to understand the interconnectedness of all things. It is important to understand that

EDWINA NEARHOOD change and progress can sometimes be messy and things will get worse before they get better. There had better be some pretty strong leaders standing at the end of the tunnel holding up some bright lanterns to allow everyone to see their way through. Foresight and ability to hold course for the bigger picture is important. Support those leaders with vision – but also hold them accountable for their actions. Does a tree really fall in the forest if nobody hears it? Common Sense: I have learned a lot of common sense. I know when to pause and when to jump. Common sense is a learned skill. Our youth will make mistakes but they will also be the source of progress, and one day of great experience and insight. Common sense and insight are two valuable tools that go hand in hand. I have had many learning opportunities. They are only mistakes if I keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for different results. Get it done attitude: I admittedly subscribe to the entrepreneurial attitude of do first and ask for forgiveness later. I may not always do things by the book. At this time in my life, I do ap-

EDWINA NEARHOOD PHOTO

The Peace River on a mighty fine summer day.

preciate the framework of policy and procedure when working with large groups, teams, organizations, and communities. Framework: I do have appreciation for mentorship, well written policy, and framework to bring bigger projects to fruition. The well laid foundation builds strong, resilient community. Hard work pays excellent dividends – not all financial. This community has brought so many riches to my life – none that could never have been bought – only experienced. As I travel the world, the gift of growing older in Fort St. John is solidified. I also see the impact of change and growth is having on our community. Some good, some not so good. I would encourage everyone to have some foresight and thought into well planned change

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– do not become mired in what used to be, but plan well for what is possible. I did stay true to my course using knowledge, community, understanding, common sense, and a get-it done attitude. I have found that I have created a framework of how to live a good life in Fort St. John, my home. There is a story where a traveler stops at the city gates and knocks on the door to ask the question: “What type of city is this?” The gatekeeper returned the answer with a question: “What was the city like from which you came? “ The traveler said: “My city was wonderful, rich with people, kindness, great friends, leadership, compassion, progress and so many good things.” The gatekeeper opened the door and said: “You will find that here and you are welcome.” With that my beautiful community – that I love so very much – I offer you a so long for now. A long time ago, I had a dream to live a different life. I have heard many wise people say that one can take two paths that lead to the same destination. I am so fortunate that I choose the path that allowed me to stay in Fort St. John and raise my family… now it is time to explore a trail that never quite had the opportunity to explore. I am about to go off and explore the world just a little bit and test this old proverb with the riches that growing up in the Peace Country has given me. I will also test the truth that once you drink the waters of the Peace you will always return. I am winding down my time in Fort St. John. I will return from time to time. You will likely see me at the airport, be sure to say hello. This will always be my home. I love you Fort St. John. So long for now – never goodbye. Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John.

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ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 | NEWS | A9

My Prostate; My journey – Part 2: Making a decision

lthough September is known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I have chosen to tell my prostate journey for Movember, Men’s Health Month. I have also chosen to discuss subjects that are not normally found in our local newspaper; one’s personal health, one’s sexual health, and one’s cancer. Movember is the month where the largest percentage of donations are made in support of curing men’s cancers and improving our health. Please support Movember. If the discussion of a man’s body parts, or medical procedures or men’s sexual health offends you, then skip the rest of this. Just be assured I am still alive, still kicking, and still adjusting to life with cancer and cancer treatment. With my PSA (prostatespecific antigen) at 18.32 in March 2019, and my doctors suggesting no more watchful waiting, off I went to learn more about my cancer. I was back at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) in April for a full body bone scan. Good news: no cancer detected in any of my bone mass. It was then over to the BC Cancer Agency to discuss treatment options. The doctor suggested two. One was surgical removal, or radical prostatectomy, which takes three to four hours of surgery; or a combination of hormone (androgen deprivation)

treatment for six months, followed by five to six weeks of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which is akin to having multiple Xrays, followed by the insertion of radioactive beads around my prostate. The doctor carefully explained the pros and cons, the possibility and likelihood of side effects and longer-term implications. Hormone therapy reduces the size of the prostate and lowers one’s androgen levels. A smaller prostate is easier to treat with radiation beams and lower androgen levels slows the growth of cancerous cells. Of note, androgens are manufactured in the testicles and control the development of male physical traits, such as a deep voice, and facial hair. EBRT is the process were radiation is beamed into the body targeting the prostate, once per day for up to six weeks. This virtually “cooks” the prostate, rendering it non-functional. Once completed, radioactive beads are inserted, surrounding the prostate and remain in place as the body dissolves them. Both processes could be completed in either Vancouver area hospitals or in Prince George. Armed with a whole bunch of literature and online references to read, I went back to my urologist for a more fulsome discussion about surgery. He and his team still use the “old fashioned” approach, a retropubic pros-

EVAN SAUGSTAD tatectomy. They would try to employ “nerve sparing” surgery, which entails leaving one or both sets of nerve bundles in place. These nerves are immediately adjacent to the prostate and control erectile functions. Surgery would entail making a three-inch vertical incision above the pubic bone, detaching the bladder to allow access to the prostate, removing the prostate and associated lymph nodes in the immediate vicinity, reattaching the bladder, inserting a catheter, and then stitching me back up. It would take three to four hours in the operating room under a general anesthetic, follwed by one to two days in the hospital, then two weeks with a catheter and six weeks with no strenuous exercise or lifting, and I should be good to go. My time had come to face reality, make a decision and move on, as doing nothing had been ruled out. There were lots of thoughts. What are the risks? What does one want to live with? What will I be satisfied with? What are the side effects? A lot to think

about and discuss with Karen. I tried to digest all this information and the statistics. Both radiation and surgery options have risks, and no doctor can say for certain just how close to normal your body will be after removing or obliterating your prostate. Developing incontinence issues (leaky valves) is greater with surgery as compared to radiation. It could take up to a year for these valves to either regain their composure, or for one to understand just what the full extent of the impairment is. Normal bladder control usually returns within a few weeks, but in some cases, it doesn’t. One can speed up the process by immediately beginning Kegel exercises to strengthen one’s urinary valves. The severity of any erectile dysfunction can be about the same for both. Surgery results in immediate impairment, while radiation may take a few years. Post operation, there will be changes and there will be effects that can range from never achieving another erection to partial erections that can still allow for intercourse. As with the incontinence issues, it can take up to a year for nerves to recover or repair themselves and find out just what the level of impairment is. With practice, and concentration, one can still achieve an orgasm after either method, but both will result in no ejaculation and both will result in

complete infertility. Surgery has greater risks for infections and anesthetic complications. Radiation has greater risks for rectum irritations and bowel infections. Doctors can’t say for sure just how we will be affected after the operation. In general, the older one is, the more likely it is to have issues with incontinence and erectile dysfunction. And as always, the more experienced the surgeon, the less likelihood there will be complications. Making a long story a bit shorter, I chose to stick with my urologist and a retropubic prostatectomy, as that is how they operate. I could have found another urologist elsewhere and had a laparoscopic surgery (multiple small incisions using a small remote camera to guide the surgeon), or gone to a VGH surgeon and had robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (a surgeon guides a robot), but chose not to. All three of these methods have similar success, complications, and side effect ratios, and all depend upon the skill and expertise of the surgeon and their team. Next week; Part 3; Surgery. Until next week, please support Movember as Men’s Health Month, give generously and help fund cancer research. Evan Saugstad is a former mayor of Chetwynd, and lives in Fort St. John.

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 Reverend: Christopher Samson 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 4:00 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: 10:00am ********** 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: 9:00am, 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.

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A10 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

Remembrance LEST WE FORGET

Day

November 11

How and why we celebrate Remembrance Day Remembrance Day has been recognized in Canada since 1931. However, the occasion was initially known as Armistice Day, and was exclusively a celebration of the end of World War I. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Remembrance Day is all about today and how you can celebrate it. REMEMBRANCE DAY IN CANADA Remembrance Day is celebrated annually on November 11 to honour the contributions of all military service members who gave their lives defending our nation. Similar commemorative events, such as Decoration Day in June and Paardeberg Day in February, were held before World War I. However, the scale of the Great War and the extensive human cost incurred by the conďŹ&#x201A;ict led to the adoption of a single celebration. Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed forces have since been involved in a number of conďŹ&#x201A;icts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan, as well as a long list of peacekeeping operations across the globe. Veterans of these wars are likewise honoured on Remembrance Day. HOW TO CELEBRATE REMEMBRANCE DAY Here are some ideas for honouring our veterans and their bravery: â&#x20AC;˘ Wear the poppy over your heart â&#x20AC;˘ Observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 â&#x20AC;˘ Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony in your region â&#x20AC;˘ Speak with veterans, or listen to interviews with them â&#x20AC;˘ Learn more about Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memorial monuments â&#x20AC;˘ Visit a war museum or memorial in your region â&#x20AC;˘ Learn more about Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in a conďŹ&#x201A;ict, peacekeeping mission or humanitarian effort To learn more about Remembrance Day visit www.veterans.gc.ca.

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AND SACRIFICE FOR THE FREEDOM WE HAVE TODAY. 10120 Alaska Rd N, Fort St John (250) 785-1461

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thursday, november 7, 2019 | community | a11

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1931 Guide and Scout rally at Miss May Birley’s farm. Standing are: Lee Parsons, Dave Chiulli, Owen Pickell, Cecil Pickell, Don Bremner, Earl Donis, Ernie Brooks, Les Hunter, Bob Kelly, Harvey Ohland, Harold McDonald, Harvey Cheverton, George Cushway, Doug Birley and Jack McDonald. Kneeling: John Donis, Hughie Bruns, Ken Stokke, Jim Ogilvie, Ray Parsons, Don Hunter, Neil Kirkpatrick, John Simpson, Roland Michaud, Helen McDonald Pomeroy, Frank Birley, Ken Kirkpatrick, Irvin Foster, and Bert LeClerc. Sitting: Unknown, Shirley Wilmot, Joyce Neilson, Gladys Alexander, Muriel Alexander, Violet Neilson, Kay Ogilvie McLaughlin, Alice Leclerc Byrnes, Donella Chiulli, Mary Cobb, Bessey Bremner Ordell, Lucy Lohman Scheck, and Ellen Brooks.

The seven who didn’t return

hen you visit the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort St. John, you see a memorial plaque on the wall with a list of seven men that had served their country during the Second World War. These men were brothers, husbands, and uncles of citizens of the North Peace, dearly loved and sadly lost. Some of the men, as children in the early 1930s, went to the same schools, played on the Baldonnel hockey team, and attended scout meetings at May Birley’s farm. They, and their families, knew each other in some way or another. This column is dedicated to these men, the others who didn’t return, and the ones that did. More than ever, we owe our deepest gratitude to these men and women so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. The first man from the North Peace to go down was Flight Sergeant Owen Fraser Pickell. Sgt. Pickell was a pilot for the R.C.A.F. and flew a Spitfire in the Battle of Britain. On October 25, there was great excitement in the 412 Squadron over his return from the Rolls-Royce works at Hucknall. One of the Spit 5B’s had been outfitted with a novel negative “G” carburetor and, as well as flying it back for them, Pickell —who had been an engineering student at the University of British Columbia before the war — was able to explain its mysteries to the squadron. The device prevented the engine from cutting out when the control column was jerked sharply forward. The Spitfires previously had some difficulty in maneuvering because of this against the German planes, whose injection carburetion obliviated this difficulty.

No. 412 was the first squadron in Britain to be fitted with this gift from the “boffins.” During a patrol of the French coast, Sgt. Pickell was lost in action and his last report was: “Have used up all my ammunition. Am going home. Have got one.” His plane went down on November 8, 1941. His memorial is at Runnymeade Memorial in Surrey, England. n

Not much is known about Donald Hunter except that he was in Scouts with Owen Pickell in 1929, so we assume they were pretty good friends and may have even joined the R.C.A.F. together. Don Hunter was just 22 and an Officer Class I when he went down someplace over Europe. The date was February 26, 1943, and he also has a memorial at Runnymeade in England. Don was a brother to Les Hunter, who served as alderman for the City of Fort St. John, and, at one time, the land east of Kin Park was known as Hunter’s Subdivision. n

Harold Braathen, had also attended the University of British Columbia and may have met Owen Pickell there. He came to teach in the Peace. He was one of eight children and one of three brothers enlisted in the war. Braathen was a teacher at Cecil Lake when he met Audrey Framst. In order to do his part with the war effort, he enlisted with the R.C.A.F. as a Flying Officer when he was 28 years old. He and Audrey were married during his Embarkment Leave before he was sent to Europe. A few days following the wedding found him with the

larry evans No. 44 Squadron, stationed at Dunholme Lodge in Lincolnshire. The squadron flew a Lancaster Mark 1, with missions to France. Usually with seven men on board, Braathen had signed on as the eighth person and Navigator 2, and was flying just for the experience that night. The Lancaster was shot down at 1:49 a.m. on July 5, 1944, during a “night fight” with a German ME 110. After the fatal hit, the pilot ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft. The hatch opened but only two of the eight crew members were able to bail out before the plane crashed into a field. The six crew members that did not survive, including Braathen, were buried in a single grave in the Marissel French National Cemetery in Beauvais, France. Audrey Framst Braathen later remarried and is the mother of Terry Seguin, who is an Air Force veteran himself. Terry is proud to safely preserve the medals presented to his mother in honour of Braathen’s contribution to the end of the Second World War. n

Rifleman Harold Derek Birley enlisted in the Army at age 20. He was assigned to the Regina Rifles Regiment R.C.I.C. and was killed in action in Normandy on July 8, 1944. He is buried at Beny-Sur-Mer Canadian War

Thanking our veterans on Remembrance Day, and every day emembrance Day is a time for all Canadians to come together to honour and pay tribute to those who have fought to defend our nation and our freedoms. It’s a time for us to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who respond to the call to serve our nation. They are not anonymous soldiers. They are our family, our neighbours, and our friends. We must remind ourselves that it is our duty to them to continue to hold true to our Canadian values. It’s also important to remember that despite the fact that November 11 is the formal day of commemoration, thanking a veteran, volunteering at your local Legion hall or donating to a veteran’s charity shouldn’t be limited to one day a year. Our heroes in uniform deserve no less. I have the utmost respect for those

who are willing to risk their lives for our freedom. It has always been one of my greatest privileges to be able to meet our local veterans and thank them personally for everything they have done for our country. I hope you will honour the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform, both past and present, by taking part in one of the many Remembrance Day ceremonies in our region. This year, I will be remembering and saying thank you in Mackenzie. On behalf of my family, staff and the residents of Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, I want to offer my sincere thank you to those who have served and those who continue to serve our great country. Lest we forget. Bob Zimmer is MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.

Cemetery, Reviers, France. There is a photo of Birley taken with the Baldonnel School children in 1932. Birley was related to the pioneer family of that name and has many relatives still living in the Fort St. John area. His death would have been a great loss to that family and to the area. n

Orville Edison Babcock, from Rose Prairie, was 27 when he joined the Army. He signed on with the Canadian Scottish Regiment, R.C.I.C. and fought in Normandy. He was killed in action also on July 8, 1944 and is also buried at Beny-Sur-Mer in France. Babcock and his family arrived at Rose Prairie around 1932 and traveled in with Mrs. Babcock’s brother, Arthur Lusk, and his family, which still have a presence in the Peace. On March 2, 1961, a creek that flows northeast into Flatbed Creek, east of Tumbler Ridge, was named Babcock Creek in honour of the fallen soldier from Rose Prairie. n

Trooper Harold Johnson joined the Army when he was 19 years old. He signed on with the Calgary Highlanders, R.C.I.C. and fought in Normandy. Little is known about Johnson and he may have been related to the Johnsons of Cherry Point. Nonetheless, he lived in the North Peace area when he enlisted. He was killed in active duty in Normandy on August 1, 1944. He is buried at Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.

At last we have the seventh soldier who didn’t return. His name is Robert Bruce Groger and was a Sergeant in the Army. He was assigned to the Edmonton Fusiliers. He was 30 years old and had enlisted in 1939. Groger came to the Cecil Lake area with his family. One of his sisters was Ethel Groger Thompson, who married Newton Thompson. Robert’s father, Bruce Groger, was a builder and constructed many houses, including the Robert Ogilvie home that still stands across from Robert Ogilvie School. Needless to say, Groger still has many relatives living in the area. After fighting during the conflict in Europe, Groger was killed in a training accident in Vernon just a few weeks before he was to be discharged from the Army. His date of death was September 18, 1945, and he is buried at the Cecil Lake Cemetery. n

On a personal note my brother in law, Don Strang, his older brother Gerald Strang, sister Barbara Strang Schultz, and parents settled in Fort St. John. They owned a lumber yard for many years, with the elder Mr. Strang also working as a barber. Gerald most likely enlisted while in Grande Prairie. He was a tail gunner, and his plane was shot down over the English Channel and was killed. Larry Evans is a former fire chief, city councillor, and lifelong historian living in Fort St. John.

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A12 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019

REMEMBRANCE DAY QUIZ:

Remember and honour

OUR HEROS

Canada’s involvement in WWI and WWII Test your knowledge of Canada’s involvement in the First and Second World Wars with this brief quiz.

WORLD WAR I

WORLD WAR II

1. Approximately how many people enrolled in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (the ﬁeld force created by Canada to serve overseas in WWI) before the end of the war? a) 110,000 b) 620,000 c) 1,160,000

4. Launched by the United States, the Manhattan Project aimed to develop a bomb capable of bringing the Third Reich, as well as the war itself, to an end. In which Canadian province was research on the production of nuclear material conducted? a) New Brunswick b) Quebec c) Alberta

6. On what date did Canada ofﬁcially enter the Second World War? a) September 10, 1939 b) October 1, 1939 c) November 7, 1939

1. b)

2. c)

3. b)

3. In what location and in what year did Canadian soldiers see their ﬁrst major battle during the Great War? a) Sarajevo, 1914 b) Ypres, 1915 c) Vimy, 1917

5. Approximately how many Canadians participated in the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944? a) 8,000 b) 11,000 c) 14,000

Answers

2. To ﬁght the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy), Canada fought alongside the opposing Triple Entente. What countries made up the Triple Entente? a) France, Japan, United Kingdom b) United States, France, United Kingdom c) France, United Kingdom, Russia

9123-100 St., Fort St. John 250-261-5477

4. b)

5. c)

6. a)

In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

T hank you, for my past, present and future freedoms.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

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Remembrance Day Celebration Activities at the Legion • • • •

Hot drinks and Sweets supplied before Parade. Parade to assemble at 10:00 at the Legion. March to Cenotaph at the Legion hall on 105 Avenue (Veterans Way) with 1 wreath being laid in memory of all veterans. Indoors service to follow with chilli and buns • Turkey Shoot, Horse Races & Dart Shoot 1-4pm • Meat Draws • Hot Roast Beef Dinner Available $17.00

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Services marching on the colours Welcome National anthem 11am last post two minutes of Silence The Lament & Rouse Address by Dignitaries Remembrance Service Act of remembrance prayer laying of wreaths benediction God save the queen Retire the colour party

Open Door Policy: Public is welcome to attend

Monday, November 11 Branch 102 | 10103 105th Ave Fort St. John, BC | Phone 250-785-3917 Free shuttle from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm by Driving Force

aHN sports THURSDAY, nov. 7, 2019 | VOL. A-75 NO. 45

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all-star huskies

off to zones

Cfr champ

The first-place Huskies will be represented at the NWJHL All-Star Game on Nov. 8

The NPSS junior girls team won silver at volleyball regionals to advance to Zones

Jacob Gardner won the CFR All Around title, Stephen Culling second in steer wrestling

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queens of the short track Fort St. John Elks speed skaters Joy Lin (left) and Ivanka Whale finished first and second, respectively, in the 200m at the Fort St. John Interclub Short Track Meet on Nov. 2, 2019. For results, turn to B8

dillon giancola photos

Rob Nikoleychuk wins GPC world title, sets three world records Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca Rob Nikoleychuk entered 2019 with two goals in mind: set a world record and win first overall at the Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) World Championships. He achieved the first of those at the GPC Nationals in Edmonton in May, setting the squat record in the 82.5kg weight class with a lift of 628lbs. At the 2019 GPC World Championships in Nove Zamky, Slovakia, held October 20 to 27, he finished the job by finishing both first in the 82.5kg weight class and first overall in all of worlds. For good measure, he set three more world records. “I accomplished exactly what I wanted to. I was pretty confident and it feels good, but hasn’t fully set in yet,” Nikoleychuk said. World Records Nikoleychuk increased his squat world record that he set at nationals to 697lbs, and set the deadlift world record with a lift of 697lbs. He added a bench lift of 518lbs, and set the world record for total pounds lifted at 1,818lbs. Nikoleychuk had never even won his weight class before at the worlds, and this time he completely dominated the competition. Yet from talking to him, one wouldn’t know he achieved the biggest thing in his sport. “When I get something, I just look ahead at the next goal. If I don’t have goals I’ll stray off course, so I’ll just turn my attention to the next goal,” Nikoleychuk said. He’s hoping to move up to the 90kg weight class and set world records

there, and also plans to compete in raw powerlifting sometime in the next year. In Slovakia, he was competing in full power. His path to first overall wasn’t easy. He missed his first lift in squat, and lifted his body off during bench to disqualify his second attempt. With only three attempts at each type of lift, a lifter can’t afford to have setbacks. Still, Nikoleychuk stayed focused and got the lifts he wanted. With how much success he had at worlds, and in 2019 alone (he set 12 Canadian records at nationals), it’s easy to forget that Nikoleychuk doesn’t get paid to do this. He has sponsors that help with him his many costs, but he has a full-time job and has to fit his training and diet into his daily routine like everyone else. “I’m not really sure how I’m able to do it, but I have a great work ethic and I’m really competitive, I’m good at it, and that drive keeps me going,” said Nikoleychuk. Giving Back That work ethic extends beyond training to be a better power lifter. He was back in Fort St. John for just two days before hitting the road to Edmonton to be a ref at the 4th Annual Shell Shock powerlifting competition. Nikoleychuk passed a test in Slovakia to become an internationally certified GPC ref, and despite a hectic month and still being fully jet-lagged, he didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to help out and give back. “Powerlifting has given so much to me, and being a ref lets me give back. I wouldn’t be where I am without this sport,” he said.

gpc photo

Rob Nikoleychuk had the meet of his life at the 2019 GPC World Championships in Nove Zamky, Slovakia. He set world records in squat (697lbs) and deadlift (628lbs), and the world record for total pounds lifted (1,818lbs). He finished first in the 82.5kg weight class, and was first overall in the entire competition.

Pain Support and Wellness Group Free in-person support for people in pain. Group meets in Fort St John twice a month on Tuesdays.

Find out more online or by phone. www.painbc.ca/supportgroups | 1-844-430-0818 Funding provided by ICBC’s Community Grants program.

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b2 | sportS | thursday, november 7, 2019

around the bases D on’t look now, but all three Western Canadian NHL teams are in playoff spots. As of press time, the Edmonton Oilers were first in the Pacific Division, the Vancouver Canucks were the second hottest team in the league, and the Calgary Flames were staying afloat for one of the wildcard spots. But wait, it’s only November, who cares if they are in playoff spots now, you may be asking. While it’s true that the season is still young and so many things could change, it’s hard to ignore how strange it is that these three teams are playing well and are atop the standings. It’s almost enough to make you think it was the mid-aughts, and the Flames and Oilers were coming off of Stanley Cup finals appearances and the Vancouver Canucks were about to go on a multi-year run as one of the best teams in the league. But one look at the gas prices would tell you we’re a long ways removed from that era. I’m not saying these teams are about to be awesome again, nor do I really believe that. Also, if the Oilers win the Cup — in a season where everyone thought they would be horrible — before the Leafs win with a team that was supposed to be good, I’m giving

dillon giancola

sports@ahnfsj.ca

schedule

1977: The Fort St. John Golden Hawks beat the Grande Prairie North Stars 103, with the Stars wearing Flyers jerseys because they forgot their own.

friday: nwjhl all-star game, 8pm, clairmont sportsplex saturday: huskies @ vipers, 3 p.m. clairmont sportslex Saturday: sturgeon lake @ eagles, north peace arena, 4:45 pm

the champ is here Cruz Gordon is a diamond-belt champion after winning his fight in Slave Lake on November 2, 2019, his first fight of the year.

melissa gordon photo

up on sports altogether. Whether I’ll still be a hockey fan in six months remains to be seen, but what I do know is that the unpredictable nature of sports, and especially the NHL, are what make being a fan so great. After all, if there was no hope that a team could ever reverse its fortunes in a short time, then the Flames, Oilers and Canucks would actually have zero fans. But teams can win unexpectedly, and it happens time after time, no matter

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this day in sports history

the sport. The Washington Nationals let their most popular and famous player Bryce Harper walk in free agency, only to finally win the World Series the very next year as a wildcard team. The NFL weekend that was saw the winless Miami Dolphins win a game and the undefeated New England Patriots lose. Sometimes sports are weird and make no sense. I want to use that as an analogy to describe the Oilers and Flames being good, but I’m

trying to be positive here. However, I will say, that Leon Draisaitl is really good. He’s not just a benefactor of playing with Connor McDavid, he’s one of the best players in the entire league. The Vancouver Canucks are winning in strong part due to their solid defensive play and excellent goalieduo of Jacob Markstrom and Thatcher Demko. That entire sentence feels made up, but it’s the truth. I didn’t even know Thatcher was a first name, let alone a

goaltender that could lead the Canucks up the division standings. I can’t be as positive about the Flames off the top of my head, but they’re hanging around, and Milan Lucic was suspended and won’t be able to play for two games. Actually, that’s the most positive thing of all. In a league dominated by American teams year after year, and in a country bombarded by drama centred in Toronto, it’s nice and refreshing to see the West grab a spotlight. Do I think this will last? Probably not, but what do I know? After all, I thought the Oilers would be battling for last place. I thought Markstrom was a terrible goalie, and that Thatcher was the name of the Atlanta hockey team. I thought the Toronto Maple Leafs would be an extremely disappointing and frustrating hockey team this season. Well, that last part did come true, unfortunately. But for now, we have the Flames, we have the Canucks, and we have the Oilers, and I’d have to be Ebeneezer Scrooge himself if I couldn’t enjoy these teams beating up on the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks, and I’m definitely not a Scrooge. Besides, Cristmas is just around the corner. But for Western Canadian hockey fans, Christmas came early.

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