AHN NOV 3, 2022 by Alaska Highway News

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | VOL. 78 NO. 44

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POPPY CAMPAIGN BEGINS — Members of the 2276 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, Fort St. John, began their poppy campaign last weekend. They will be out again this coming weekend raising money for our veterans ahead of Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. Read more on A13

Left out of hospital security pilot Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca

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The provincial government has unveiled plans it hopes will help protect health care workers against workplace violence. The project, announced earlier this week, will see up to 320 in-house protection services officers hired. “There are just horrible examples across the province. We’ve seen that escalate over time,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA and BC Liberal opposition health critic Shirley Bond, in welcoming the news. “So, it is long overdue that there is a co-ordinated and system-wide approach to mak-

ing sure nurses feel safe in their place of employment.” However, only select hospitals throughout the province were chosen for the new officers and only three of the 35 would be in the Northern Health Authority – the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George, Mills Memorial in Terrace, and the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. That is worrisome to Bond, who visited Fort St. John earlier in the year and heard the working conditions described first-hand by health care professionals. “It is a concern when we see significant hospitals, like the one in Fort St. John, and across

the province are not going to have the benefit of this kind of protection in those hospitals. Those are the kinds of questions we will be asking.” “Words are one thing, action is what matters. So, we’ll be monitoring very carefully how this rolls out across the province.” In making the announcement Monday, B.C. health minister Adrian Dix said an additional $2 million is being added to the already $8.5 million set aside over three years since 2019 toward the newlyformed group, Switch BC, an acronym for Safety, Well-being, Innovation, Training and Collaboration in Healthcare.

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BACK TO THEIR WINNING WAYS — Fort St. John Huskies Sam Loewen tries to go around Fairview Flyers goalie Mason Ward during first period action against the Fairview Flyers on Oct. 29. After a winless slump, the Huskies ended October on a four-game win streak. Read more on A4

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For Halfway River First Nations chief Darlene Hunter, it’s all about protecting the environment now and for future generations. “If I don’t have good water, you don’t have good water,” said Chief Hunter in an interview with Alaska Highway News Oct. 29. It’s a message she, and members of the First Nations Climate Initiative, hope to bring when they travel to an international climate change conference (COP27) next week in Egypt. “We have always tried to protect what we believe needs to be protected…the wildlife, the watersheds, not just for our community but for our neighbours, as well.” On Oct. 17, the HRFN signed a memorandum of understanding with FNCI, an already-established group that includes three North Coast B.C. members – the Haisla, Nisga’a, and Metlakatla First Nations. Its mission statement: to work together to strengthen the FNCI net-zero policy framework, achieve First Nations economic self-determination, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in Canada. While not against industry, Chief Hunter believes the past practices have to change to protect the environment. “We all need energy but we need to do it in a clean way.” She believes the goals of Halfway River are the same ones the initiative is lobbying for, including restoring ecosystems within traditional territory boundaries and providing economic opportunities to its members.

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A2 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

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SD 60 superintendent Stephen Petrucci was recently recognized for his involvement in the district school band and music program by the BC Musical Educators Association.

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The superintendent of schools for School District 60 was recently presented with an accolade by the B.C. Music Educators Association. Stephen Petrucci received the Outstanding Administrator Award for his involvement in the school district’s band program. “This award came from a nomination of local music teachers,” explained Petrucci. “For about nine years, I worked with a group of four music teachers in our district, specifically for our

band program. With the support of the board of trustees, we were not only able to keep our band programs not only going but, in fact, we added another class a few years back.” The class: four divisions of over 100 grade six students each year from across the district. While thrilled to receive the award, Petrucci shifted the credit back to the support he’s seen from the board in helping to fund proper band spaces at Ma Murray and Anne Roberts Young and the purchasing of instruments. And, he added, that support has

come back full circle. “We now are seeing our former students in music and band come back, do their degrees in music, and ready to start teaching in our district, again,” said Petrucci. “We’ve actually seen homegrown band teachers come out of our program.” In all, close to 700 representatives from across the province make up the B.C. Music Educators Association. The award, as outlined on the framed certificate, is given “in recognition of exemplary commitment, talent, and leadership.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | NEWS | A3

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

North Peace Filipino Canadian Association during the 2022 Canada Day Parade in Fort St. John. Filipinos represent 27.9% of the local immigrant population.

More immigrants calling Fort St. John home Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Fort St. John has welcomed nearly 500 new immigrants to the area since 2016, according to new census data released last week. There were 3,025 immigrants living in the Fort St. John metropolitan area, which includes Charlie Lake and Taylor, in 2021, making up 10.6% of the local population. The number of immigrants calling the area home has more than doubled over the last decade, up from 1,375 immigrants recorded in the 2011 census, and up from 2,535 recorded in 2016. More than 1,600 immigrants have come to the region between 2011 and 2021, according to the census, 930 of them between 2016 and 2021. More than half of immigrants come from Asia, with the Filipino community representing 27.9% of the overall immigrant population. There were 845 persons recorded in 2021, up more than 60% from 520 counted in 2016. That’s followed by immigrants from India, which make up 13.4% of the immigrant population, with 405 persons counted in the census. Americans from the United States represent 10.6% of the immigrant

population, with 320 counted. German immigrants comprise 7.4% of the population with 225 persons counted, and immigrants from the U.K. made up 5.1% of the immigrant population with 155 people counted. Other significant immigrant populations include people from Africa, with 190 persons counted in the census, more than half of them from Nigeria (100). Others have come from South Africa (30), Morocco (25), and Ethiopia (15). Of the immigrant population, 1,795 were economic immigrants “selected for their ability to contribute to Canada’s economy through their ability to meet labour market needs,” according to the census, or “to own and manage or to build a business, to make a substantial investment, to create their own employment or to meet specific provincial or territorial labour market needs.” Another 725 immigrants were sponsored by family, 70 were refugees, and 25 were “granted permanent resident status” through other programs. A majority of immigrants—2,630— live in the city of Fort St. John, while 345 were counted in Area C of the regional district, which includes Charlie Lake, and 45 counted in Taylor.

COP27 starts next week From the front page “The nature-based solutions that we are exploring with FNCI are a big part of the solution for many First Nations,” Chief Hunter said in an Oct. 17 statement. Although nothing that can be announced just yet, the HRFN is exploring options in clean energy. “There’s been talks but not to where we’ve come to any agreement yet. There have been discussions where

we might like to take a lead role in.” As for the FNCI, it’s scheduled to outline its action plan at the United Nation’s Conference of the Parties (COP) conference Nov. 8 – a plan that is targeting a net-zero carbon footprint for Northern B.C by 2050. “I ‘m really excited to go to be going, to share our plan,” added the chief. COP27 is being held Nov. 7-18 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

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A4 | SPORTS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

Goaltender Daniel Sturgeon earned the shutout as the Huskies out shot Fairview 70-11 on Oct. 29, winning 8-0.

Huskies end month with win streak Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca Tanner McCracken and Justin Brownlee led with the way with two goals-a-piece, and Daniel Sturgeon turned aside all 11 shots, as the Fort St. John Huskies closed out their October schedule on a winning note, blanking the Fairview Flyers 8-0 Saturday night at North Peace Arena. “Our game has been coming along and different guys have got the opportunity to play different roles this year,” said head coach Todd Alexander after the club’s fourth-straight win. “We’ve had quite a few returning players. Things change. We have new guys getting accustomed to our play. Our two goalies are getting accustomed. Tyler [MacArthur] played a bulk of the games last year. So, we’re still learning things but I’ve seen a lot of progression here lately.” “We came out flying...boots

moving,” said McCracken. “The last two weekends, the boys have been rolling with it. It’s been a lot more fun. The puck is moving quicker.” Goaltender Daniel Sturgeon picked up his second ‘goose egg’ of the season, but he put the result back on his teammates. “We played a really good team game. It will wasn’t hard for me,” said Sturgeon. “The guys in front of me played really well, so I gotta thank ‘em for that.” Other markers in the game came from Nick Loewen, Raymond Dick, Kurtis Lee, and Colby Busche. Fort St. John out shot the Flyers 70-11 and were 3-for-8 with the man advantage.

The Huskies made it three in row after a 4-2 decision last Friday night in Sexsmith, the win over the Vipers. “Tonight, we played our best team game of the season,” said Huskies head coach Todd Alexander. “The puck movement was a lot better. We were able to get to things a little bit faster and we were able to push the pace tonight. All that stuff pays off and helps to get the club to where they want to go.” Three of Fort St. John’s four goals and both by the Vipers were on the powerplay. While it might be good for a coach to see success with specialty teams, there can a be downside too, Alexander pointed out. “Everybody on our team, the way we play, has a role of some kind. Either you’re on the penalty kill or you’re on the powerplay. If it gets too heavy one way or the other, you start getting guys that don’t play.” The Huskies play host to Dawson Creek Friday, 8 p.m.

Prespatou 4-H Community Club H

ello readers I am back. My name is Jessica Wiebe. I am the Prespatou club reporter. It feels like we just had our achievement days a week ago and now we’re starting on a new year. I just can’t believe it. We had our first official meeting on October 27. We have a couple new changes this year in our club. Some of our last year’s members have graduated out of the program and a couple are taking a break for a year. We also have 2 brand new members coming in to the program this year and one that is returning after a break. Our club has something really exciting to share with you guys We are adding another addition to our club. Our club has dog projects that are entering this year; which is really exciting because we have never had a dog project in the 21 years that the Prespatou 4-H community club has existed. Prespatou club consists of 6 members enrolling this year; 4 Sr members and 2 Jr members. There are 3 sheep members. The sheep projects we will be showing are 3 market projects and one ewe project and one ewe with lamb project. There will be 2 beef members; one a steer project and the other one a heifer project and 2 dog members. They will be starting with beginning unit. Our club leader is Kathleen Wiebe. She is the A leader, sheep leader beef leader and dog leader, but she has screened volunteers helping in each area. For the beef members the deadline for beef weigh in is November 15. We are planning to have our beef weigh in on November 12. Happy start of the new 4-H year I hope you are all excited as I am. Until next time! Jessica Wiebe

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | SPORTS | A5

Gymnastics B.C. honours local coach Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca Gymnastics B.C. has recognized a local club for its efforts in the community...twice. The provincial body has awarded the North Peace Gymnastics Association with both Coach of the Year and the first-ever Inclusivity Award. “[Coach of the Year] is for a coach who stands out in the Gymnastics For All (GFA) community,” describes club manager Chantelle Yates. “That’s everything from our babies to our seniors recreational programming. It’s really stepping up in the coaching world, especially with the recent pandemic, trying really hard to help integrate the kids back into programming. To bring the sport of gymnastics to everybody.” This year, Fort St. John’s Ashley Hafner was one of three coaches chosen from across B.C. “She is so outgoing and friendly. She’s always looking for ways to make her class work for kids,” said Yates, following the awards ceremony in Vancouver. “When something doesn’t

work, she is always trying something new, figuring out ways to make the classes as engaging as she can.” Hafner started with the club about four years ago and coaches mostly babies; those able to sit up and not fall over. “She works tirelessly to build all those fundamental movement skills that our kids need whether it’s for gymnastics or any physical movement in life. So, she’s helping build the foundations for any sport.” The other recognition – the Inclusivity Award – is for individuals or clubs who go above and beyond to try and bring the sport to under-represented groups. “For us this year, we’ve been really working hard on our adaptive programming, children that need extra assistance in the gym itself,” said Yates. “Making the sure we can make the gym accessible to everybody. We’ve been working with different programs in Fort St. John to accomplish that.” That can be of a physical or emotional nature, she clarified. “We’ve been working with

the school district. We have a young lady who joins us in wheelchair. We have other participants with autism, for example, Cerebral Palsy, different behavioural concerns.” School District 60 superintendent Stephen Petrucci sees a huge benefit to programs like this for his students. “Our students, some with autism, are able to go to the facility and follow a bit of a program there. It’s been a terrific example of collaboration and the kids have really benefit from it.” “It’s something all of our clubs are starting to strive for,” added Yates. “We’re realizing there’s definitely a need for it, especially coming out of a pandemic.” With strict guidelines during Covid, the special needs programs had to be put on hold – restrictions, now eased, it can come back. “It became very challenging with the rules, but it really was the one that was needed the most when everything shut down. We are definitely pushing hard to get it back into our programming and making CHANTELLE YATES PHOTO sure that we’re aren’t turning North Peace Gymnastics Association coach Ashley Hafner is one of three coaches in B.C. awarded with coach of the year. anybody away.”

3-0 weekend for U-13 Preds Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca

DAVE LUENBERG PHOTO

NEBC U-13 Predators Kali Lewis being chased by a Williams Lake Timberwolves player during action Sunday morning in Taylor, Oct. 30, 2022. SEASON ENDS FOR LONE WOLF GOLFER Fort St. John golfer Aiden Craig-Steele and the University of Victoria men’s golf team wrapped up its fall season last Monday. The Vikes finished third, among teams, at the West Coast Collegiate tournament Oct. 23-24 at Vancouver’s University golf course. Craig-Steele shot rounds of one-under-71 and an evenpar-72 to finished tied, in 10th, with teammate Zach Ryujin who also ended up with a two-round total of 143. Play returns again in the spring. For the Lone Wolf golfer, his final opportunity at UVic, as he graduates in May. UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA PHOTO

The U-13 Northeast B.C. Predators opened league play on the right foot with threestraight wins last weekend. Hosting the first of three ‘super’ weekends, the Preds shutout the Prince George Capitals 9-0 on Friday night. Captain Carly Wiens scored three times, while Taylor Simpson and Lylah Dietz added two each; Taylor Wiens and Kali Lewis netted the others. The Preds also beat the Williams Lake Timberwolves in games Saturday and Sunday by scores of 9-2 and 12-0. Addison Ayre led the way in the opening match with a pair. Addisen Lenart, Jenna Van Angeren, Brooke Wilson,

Dietz, Simpson, Ollenberger, and Carly Wiens rounded out the scoring. On Sunday, it was Sawyer Modde, Emma Roy, Ella Armstrong, Dietz, Lenart, Simpson, and two-a-piece from Ollenberger and twins Carly and Taylor in the weekend capper. Jaida Morton earned both shutouts between the pipes; Olivia Thompson backstopped the 9-2 win on Saturday. The next super weekend, where all three teams will again meet up in one location, will be Jan. 28-29 in Prince George. Williams Lake will hold theirs Feb. 17-19. The Preds are off to a tournament in Red Deer this weekend.

Peewee Flyers drop home contest Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca It was a tough loss for the Fort St. John peewee Flyers Sunday afternoon. Considered one of their best games of the season, so far, the Flyers had four goals scored against them in the final frame in a 7-4 loss to the Grande Prairie Storm. Scoring for Fort St. John were Trae Alexander, with two, and Declan Bookham and Linden Andersen with one each. The Flyers record heading into November is 2 wins, 3 loss-

es, and 2 ties. They’re on the road in Whitecourt next Saturday and Sunday. Meantime, it was an off weekend for the U-15 and U-18 Trackers. The bantams are home this Friday night at 6 p.m. to the Grande Prairie Provincial Rentals Storm; the Peace River Sabres come to town Sunday afternoon at 1:30. Both games are set for the Pomeroy Sport Centre. The midget squad play a pair of games against the St. Albert Crusaders – Saturday afternoon at 5:15 and Sunday morning at 9:30.

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A6 | SPORTS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

NPSS Athletics update Jaclyn McNicol NPSS Athletics Director The junior volleyball girls were in Dawson Creek last weekend playing in our second junior level tournament. They played a total of six matches, placing first overall and coming home with the gold medal. It was a fun-filled weekend of volleyball, having the chance to play many teams. Even some younger teams gave us the opportunity to work on fine-tuning our skills. As this is now our fourth tournament as a young team, the girls are really starting to develop their skill sets as well as demonstrating great overall commitment to the team and the Grizzlies athletic program. Kennedy Green certainly demonstrated skillful play, team sportsmanship, and overall intensity during many matches this weekend. One of her best plays consisted of a great dig and chase down that kept the ball in play for our team. Emerson Whitford pulled through in stressful situations and served consistently well all weekend for our team. Lots of positive team cohesion, con-

sistent play and group efforts allowed us to be successful in winning a gold medal this weekend. Overall, it was a great weekend filled with fun, intensity and quality volleyball. The junior boys played a home tournament day against Dawson Creek, Dr. Kearney and Bert Bowes. In a fun-filled day, the Bert Bowes and NPSS teams went head-to-head twice both in exciting matches. The Junior boys have been learning a lot about court vision and positional play and at times struggled however, as the day progressed they started to show cohesion. With Bert Bowes matching the skill of NPSS, in a three-set match, they were able to come out with the win. Player of the game for NPSS went to Jackson Willms who demonstrated leadership, and is an overall great asset to the team. Next up: the Senior boys and Junior boys travel to Prince George for tournaments November 4-5 while the Junior girls travel to regionals. NPSS is looking forward to hosting the Northern Central Zones Championships for Junior girls, the dates to come.

Sharma off to Japan Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca Fort St. John’s Rishav Sharma is off to the Far East. The 25-year-old para-badminton player will take part in next week’s world championships in Tokyo, Japan – his firstever worlds. The whole idea of competing, it turns out, was put together, paperwork and all, in just six weeks. “I got an invitation [from Badminton Canada] last month. At that time it wasn’t confirmed, because I needed to get my passport,” said Sharma. “So, they checked with the host country and the world federation and they said they were approving my selection.” Things were firmed up just over a week ago when his visa was processed. Ranked 33rd among singles players in the world, Sharma played in an international event in Sao Paulo, Brazil in April but knows

the competition will much more fierce. While going to Japan may not have been in the cards, even in the summer, the City of Fort St. John finance department employee has kept himself in game shape. This year, in fact, he began a more regimented routine taking part in several runs and his first Emperor’s Challenge in Tumbler Ridge. “I decided to focus on my fitness. I participated in a few local races. Drove to Tomslake to practice. Went to Grande Prairie and Edmonton to get some play with different players.” Among the competition Sharma could face: Malaysia’s Liek Hou Cheah, Chinese Taipei’s Jen-Yu Fang and Japan’s Imai Taiyo ranked 1-2-3 in the world. He’s one of five players that will represent Canada on the badminton court. Play is set to begin on Tuesday and continue through to the following Sunday.

Senior Flyers opening win Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca It was a barn-burner in Spirit River last Saturday night – 14 goals between the Fort St. John Flyers and the host Rangers, but it would be the Flyers who would come out on top 8-6. “Our team played well, but I’m not going to lie, Spirit River were a bunch of meatheads,” said coach Andrew Leriger, in describing the Rangers’ play in the game, comparing it to 1990s hockey. “I was really proud of the way our guys handled themselves and they easily could have folded their tents and withered away but they stuck to it, played our game plan and outsmarted Spirit River.” Newcomer Jared Winkel netted a hat-trick in the contest. “He’s a huge addition to our team. It was his first game that he’s played with us. I mean, he’s a little out of game shape but you really couldn’t tell,” added Leriger. Winkel played on a line with Adam Horst and Cayle Bell. “It felt pretty good. It was nice to get in the first game, get the nerves off, and get to play with the big boys and the older men,” said the 22-year-old former Husky.

Winkel, though, was modest about his three-goal performance. “It wasn’t anything too special. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Potted one home, potted another one, and potted another one... The guys are a little stronger and smarter [than in the NWJHL],” added Winkel, when asked to compare the two leagues. “But, obviously foot speed is not quite there, but people think the game through a lot more physically. It’s a lot different. You have to take different angles. You gotta block passing lanes instead of, maybe, getting low and forechecking, trying to get the turnover.” Besides Winkel, Nolan Lagace, Cooper Willms, Alex Nimmo, Adam Horst, and Cayle Bell added goals on the score sheet in a game that stayed close throughout, tied 1-1 through 20 minutes and 4-4 after 40. The Rangers led the match in shots 39-34. Three of the eight Fort St. John goals were with the man-advantage. The Flyers return to game action Friday night with a road tilt in Manning. Their home opener is set for Saturday, 8:30 p.m. against the Dawson Creek Canucks at the North Peace Arena.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | NEWS | A7

Kelly building discussions Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca Upgrade work on the North Peace Fall Fair’s Adeline Kelly building will continue, but it’s not what the society, which oversees the annual event, had hoped for. At its board meeting held in Fort St. John Thursday, Oct. 27, Peace River Regional District directors voted in favour of putting $25,000 towards bringing the building up to F2 (medium hazard industrial) standards. That designation would mean the structure could then be used as a storage facility, but not an assembly hall, which the society has said was its purpose all along. At issue, once the building is brought up to F2, what happens next? For the Fall Fair society, the logical step is to build it to an A2 public assembly specification, but therein lies the problem – the washrooms on-site are too far away from the building. “What the engineer [in his report] is recommending would bring the building to an A2 standard structurally,” said NPFF president Bruce Christensen. “And the only reason we can’t get an A2 designation is because we don’t have bathrooms. 75 metres away we have

all the bathrooms we need out there, but not the 45 metres that’s required.” Christensen doesn’t feel more bathrooms are necessary. Although no actual cost has been figured out, a comfortable estimate is in the $100,000 range, something the group admitted they don’t have. With support on the PRRD board to find a solution, directors have agreed to begin meetings between the society, the Area B director, and staff to find an answer. “Have a discussion, [find out] what options they’re looking for, what options is the regional district,” said PRRD board chair Brad Sperling. “In my view, let’s move forward. As far as I’m concerned, everything is on the table.” One of the possibilities could be transferring the property over to the long-standing non-profit. “This is a valuable piece of infrastructure for this region. Without a doubt, the Fall Fair is a very important part of this region as all the fall fairs are,” he added. Sperling, though, believes the conversation has expanded or at least it should be. “It’s now a bigger picture than just the Adeline Kelly building. Let’s move the whole infrastructure, the whole facility forward.”

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

SWORN IN — The incoming School District 60 board of trustees have been sworn in for the next four years. From left, Thomas Whitton, David Scott-Moncrieff, Ida Campbell, Nicole Gilliss (screen), Helen Gilbert, Madeleine Lehmann, Bill Snow, and Judge Brian Daley.

School district sees uptick in enrolment Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca School District 60 is reporting student enrolment numbers are up slightly than was forecast for the 2022-23 school year. Preliminary figures show an additional 22 kids are taking classes district-wide compared to projections done in the spring. It’s something Superintendent of Schools Stephen Petrucci is pleased to see, and will translate into

more money coming in Peace River North schools. “We get block funding on a per-pupil basis from the Ministry of Education. That drives everything. That drives our budget,” said Petrucci. “There are special purpose budgets that we receive for special education funding, as well as some other funds like rural education and those types of things, but everything is driven by our per-pupil block funding.” “I would rather see it up than down,” Petrucci added. There are 6,116 students enrolled this year, with the district receiving $7,885 per pupil from the province. Part of the overall enrolment growth, Petrucci said, is from families deciding to move back into “brick and mortar” facilities. “We’ve seen it pretty well across the board. Currently, we have one of our biggest Grade 12 classes in a long time at over 400.” One of the reasons for

the rise might be a return of students who were home schooled during the pandemic, Petrucci said. Another, a funding model that brings kids in from Alberta being re-established. “We have schools within our district that are closer for Alberta kids to travel to,” said board chair Helen Gilbert. “The Alberta Ministry of Education funds us for those students and what they had said was they were only going to continue to fund kids that started in our system. They weren’t going to fund kids new to our system... They have now changed their minds.” Ten students from the Bear Canyon area are currently enrolled in Clearview. Any additional funding from the B.C. and Alberta education ministries is expected to arrive before year’s end to help offset some of the costs that come with an increase in enrolment.

OGC to get a rebrand Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca B.C.’s oil and gas commission will soon have a new name. The provincial energy ministry said Oct. 27 amendments to the Oil and Gas Activities Act and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act propose to rename the agency as the British Columbia Energy Regulator. Legislative amendments also propose to expand its responsibilities to include hydrogen development and supporting reconciliation with First Nations, according to the province. “While a patchwork of legislation and regulations exists, there is currently no cohesive regulatory framework for hydrogen production in British Columbia,” reads a release from the ministry. “A consolidated regulator provides both a onestop place for industry, and a consistent regulatory, safety and compliance authority for hydrogen projects from site planning to restoration.” According to the province, there are 49 proposed hydrogen projects in B.C. worth $5 billion. The province says the global hydrogen market is estimated to be worth more than $305 billion by 2050, and that it can “capture a significant portion” of that due to its proximity to export markets, with the potential to increase prov-

incial GDP by $2.5 billion and create 3,750 new jobs. “We aspire to be a global hydrogen leader, and we are serious about supporting our hydrogen sector,” said minister Bruce Ralston in a statement. “These legislative changes enable further development of our growing hydrogen industry, and help our province transition away from fossil fuels to a cleaner, low-carbon energy system.” According to the province, the board of the newly named regulator will be restructured, increasing membership from three to “a range from five to seven,” with at least one director required to be indigenous. “The purposes of the regulator will be updated to include supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and the transition to low-carbon energy,” the ministry stated. Also on Thursday, the ministry said it was introducing legislative amendments to support regulations for the development of carbon capture and storage projects, and expand liability provisions for orphan well sites. In 2020, the province scrubbed mention of “petroleum resources” from the official name of the ministry, changing it formally from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A8 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

It’s a Boy!

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It’s a Boy!

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Parents: David & Gillian Green Weight: 9 lbs 12 oz Length: 21 inches Time: 07:53 am Date: October 7, 2022 Fort St. John, BC

Parents: Peter & Rebecca Wall Weight: 6 lbs 15 oz Length: 20 inches Time: 03:51 pm Date: September 15, 2022 Altona, BC

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to: The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St • Fort St. John • V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

Liberals call out NDP DQ

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ARIES  MAR 21/APR 20 Aries, you’re normally content acting on a whim, but this week you may want to plan your schedule with a bit more detail. Think about what to accomplish. TAURUS  APR 21/MAY 21 When considering a situation, remember there is more than meets the Taurus. Dig a little deeper and you may uncover the truth. Remember to ask the right questions. GEMINI  MAY 22/JUN 21 Gemini, you have an entire team rallying in your corner this week. You can use a little extra support. All you need to do is speak up and others will come to your aid. CANCER  JUN 22/JUL 22 Few things escape your notice, Cancer. However, this week something may just sneak by you. Don’t fret too much, as it’s not really vital. But try to focus better. LEO  JUL 23/AUG 23 There’s a million things going on in your life this week, Leo. You need to zero in on one or two tasks and get down to business; otherwise, you can easily get overwhelmed. VIRGO  AUG 24/SEPT 22 Virgo, listen to your heart this week. It will not guide you astray. You have some soul-searching to do right now to uncover some answers you have been seeking. LIBRA  SEPT 23/OCT 23 Don’t let others bring you down, Libra. Focus and maintain a positive attitude and you can do just about anything you set your mind to this week. Start making plans. SCORPIO  OCT 24/NOV 22 A big change is coming your way, Scorpio, and you’ve never been more ready. Adopt a receptive mindset and await all of the excitement that is coming your way. SAGITTARIUS  NOV 23/DEC 21 Keep your eyes on the prize, Sagittarius. You are so close to the end result right now, so just a little more patience is needed. You’ll discover some surprising things. CAPRICORN  DEC 22/JAN 20 There’s not much more you can add to a situation, Capricorn. When communication fails, it’s difficult to overcome obstacles. A relationship may come to an end. AQUARIUS  JAN 21/FEB 18 Aquarius, when you put your hope in someone you can trust, the positive outcome shouldn’t be too surprising. Close friends and family will help out. PISCES  FEB 19/MAR 20 There’s so much that you are eager to learn, so why not enroll in a class or take up a new hobby, Pisces? You can continue your education. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER 30 Edge, Wrestler (49) OCTOBER 31 Willow Smith, Singer (22) NOVEMBER 1 Penn Badgley, Actor (36) NOVEMBER 2 David Schwimmer, Actor (56) NOVEMBER 3 Kendall Jenner, Model (27) NOVEMBER 4 Ralph Macchio, Actor (61) NOVEMBER 5 Tilda Swinton, Actress (62)

DAVE LUENEBERG PHOTO

DIRECTORS THANKED — Five Peace River Regional District directors were honoured Thursday, Oct. 27, for their years of service on the board. Area B electoral director Karen Goodings has served for 34 years in the role she now leaves. Fort St. John mayor Lori Ackerman and Pouce Coupe councillor Barb Smith were also presented with thank you gifts. Taylor mayor Rob Fraser and his Tumbler Ridge counterpart, Keith Bertrand, weren’t able to attend last week’s final meeting. Above, the entire PRRD board pose with area B director Karen Goodings (scooter) as she completes 34 years of service as director.

Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca As the new leader of B.C’s NDP prepares to take on the role of premier, the opposition Liberals are crying foul. In a post Oct. 19, 2022, the B.C. Liberals are calling a decision to disqualify David Eby’s only challenger, Anjali Appadurai, over alleged membership recruitment irregularities, as backroom politics. “Following months of backroom deals and manoeuvring, David Eby and the NDP have succeeded in forcing out the only obstacle to his coronation as the next Premier of British Columbia,” the party said in the posting. “It’s disheartening to see the NDP subvert the democratic process within the leadership contest...and slam the door on the thousands of British Columbians who joined the NDP to support Anjali Appadurai in the leadership race,” said the Liberals’ newest elected MLA Elenore Sturko. It’s a sentiment her colleague, Peace River North MLA Dan Davies, shares. “We kind of called this awhile ago,” said Davies, not surprised with the ruling by the NDP’s chief elections officer, Elizabeth Cull, and the ultimate outcome. “David Eby was always the chosen one. He was always going to be the guy that was going to be the premier. We saw pretty much the entire caucus come out in support.” Davies believes that any challengers in the New Democrat caucus that had ambitions to run against Eby were quickly discouraged. “When Anjali came forward, we said, ‘Oh, that’s interesting’. And then we started hearing, ‘There’s no way they’re going to let her run, there’s no way they’re going to let her run’. And sure enough, after she paid how many thou-

Anjali Appadurai

sands of dollars, she must be pushing $100,000 in already-paid deposits, outselling David Eby 3-1 on memberships.” Davies challenges the logic behind questioning Appadurai’s membership drive. “This is a leadership race. It’s about those memberships and getting those people out to vote and then for the NDP to come up with the hypocritical, and I say hypocritical very seriously, the hypocritical excuse of saying, ‘Oh, you know, the third party.’” “I’m sorry, but the NDP have been doing this forever,” added Davies. “Unions are third party. They utilized unions during their election to get out the vote, to sway the vote. There’s no difference.” “To have them come up with that rule...it was rigged from the start,” argued Davies. “It’s almost, like, Eby is by default now. The illegitimate, defaulted Premier is basically where I put it at and I stand by that. It’s ridiculous.” Eby will be sworn in as the province’s 37th premier on Nov. 18. Appadurai said last week she will keep her membership with the party.

City’s largest religion is... Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca More than half of residents in Fort St. John and surrounding area hold no religious affiliation, according to new census data released last week. There were 16,590 people who said they either had no connection to any religion or held other secular views, such as being either an atheist, agnostic, or humanist, according to the 2021 census. That’s 58.4% of the local population in the Fort St. John metropolitan area, which includes Charlie Lake and Taylor. By comparison, 10,435 people identified as Christian, or 36.7% of the population, with more than a quarter of them, 2,900 people, identifying as a Catholic. Though 3,865 Christians reported in the census did not specify a denomination, among the largest other denominations reported in the area were Anglican (575), Pentecostal (495), and the United Church (425). There were 680 people who reported following other unspecified Christian and Christian-related traditions. Meanwhile, there were 490 Sikhs, 290 Hindus, and 260 Muslims reported in the census, as well as 55 Buddhists. There were 60 people who reported holding traditional North American Indigenous spiritual beliefs, while 230 reported other unspecified religions and spiritual tradition. Statistics Canada said this year’s cen-

sus release presents the most comprehensive portrait of Canadians’ religious affiliations to date, as the census linked to a list of 200 example denominations for people to look at before writing in their religion, which encouraged people to be more specific. Those who are affiliated with a given religion aren’t necessarily practising members. RELIGION IN FORT ST. JOHN • No religion and secular perspectives - 16,590 • Christian - 10,435 • Christian not specified - 3,865 • Catholic - 2,900 • Anglican - 575 • Pentecostal/other Charismatic - 495 • United Church - 425 • Baptist - 335 • Lutheran - 280 • Jehovah’s Witness - 250 • Anabaptist - 235 • Latter Day Saints - 130 • Presbyterian - 115 • Christian Orthodox - 75 • Methodist and Wesleyan - 45 • Reformed - 15 • Other Christian - 680 • Sikh - 490 • Hindu - 290 • Muslim - 260 • Buddhist - 55 • Jewish - 25 • Indigenous spirituality - 60 • Other religions/spiritual traditions - 230

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | OPINION | A9

OPINION/LETTERS You know, it takes faith to be an atheist By John Grady

t is amazing how our Lord uses us in different ways, at different times, to different people, if we allow Him and work with Him. I have been very fortunate to have travelled a great deal that extends to over 50 countries in the world. The one thing I have learned is how the Lord organizes my travel schedule in spite of my plans when there is somebody whose heart He has prepared to receive a message of encouragement, or of His reality. A few years ago, I was in Florida on business and having finished the meetings I had made plane arrangements to fly from Florida to Chicago, and then connecting to Vancouver and then Fort St. John. Wouldn’t you know it but there was a storm in Chicago, so my travel was changed from Florida to Denver connecting to San Francisco, and then to Vancouver and subsequently Fort St. John. Instead of being frustrated or aggravated, oncologist Aug 30. Great I had real peace as I felt there was a spiritual news, my PSA dropped to reason, but with nothing of value happen0.01, and as far as she was ing on the first part of the trip I was beginconcerned, the ERBT has ning to wonder. After changing planes in been successful, and this Denver, I ended up sitting beside a lady in cancer no longer exists. her 50s and one thing led to another in our To be certain, there will conversation, and she asked me, “Are you a be a follow up PSA in six Christian?” months and if it’s still at I confirmed that indeed I was, and the this same level, then yearly after that. Hopefully this is conversation turned totally spiritual as she the last, and I won’t have to explained that she was an Atheist who did not believe in the existence of God, and test hormone therapy as a rejected religious beliefs. I was most curious last resort. of how a person could declare themselves Because I am wiling to talk about this when asked, an atheist and she shared her story. Her parents were not religious, didn’t I do get questions, such as go to church, and she described them as which procedure would I recommend. I don’t, as this agnostics, which is a nice way of saying they is something between you were not sure if God exists. She shared that and your doctors, and your as a young child she believed in the Christbeliefs in which of the side mas story as it pertained to the big white bearded man with red coveralls and a sack effects are more likely to of goodies dropping off a personal gift just occur or affect you (both for her. have them). Although This belief carried on into her early teens, most won’t ask, erectile dysfunction is on the mind and she was devastated to find out that it was not true. Something happened in her of many. Yes, it happens; heart, and she had no faith in anything, and, yes, it is not as good as it in particular, to a God she could not see. used to be; and yes, with exercise, you can get some You could feel her pain and just imagine the control back, but just don’t shame as she shared how she used to get into deep arguments about this subject. expect to be able to pracShe asked why I was a Christian and I extice at the gym, as society plained I was raised by a Catholic father and has a dim view of such a Protestant mother, so I knew religion but things. didn’t know, or hadn’t experienced Jesus And remember, when Christ until I was in my 30s, and on two sepyou see that “old” guy arate occasions I heard the voice of the Lord standing at the urinal for what seems forever, he may telling me that I was to stop running as He loved me. I shared with her the miraculous be like me, trying to shake change it made in my life, in my heart, His the last drop out where reality, His love, how personal He was, how it belongs. Have some compassion, as it too could I was filled with the Holy Spirit. As the trip carried on, she asked many happen to you. questions of Jesus’s reality and as I exPlease support Movplained my story tears started coming down ember as Men’s Health her cheeks. I told her, “You know it takes Month, give generously, faith to be an atheist,“ and she burst out and help fund cancer laughing. When the plane arrived in San research. If you are over 40 and have not had a PSA Francisco and we got ready to say goodbye, she asked me to pray for her as something test, ask your doctor to had happened to her heart, and maybe, just prescribe one. If you wish to skip that part, book your maybe, she had made a mistake as a young own appointment, pay the child into her teenage years, and she didn’t want to make an eternal mistake about Jesus $35, and get your own. It Christ as her Saviour. could save your life. We need to always be open to letting Him Evan, and always willing have Lordship of our lives and schedules to talk about my journey because you just never know what He has and answer any questions planned. you may have.

The final chapter in my journey with prostate cancer? By Evan Saugstad

lthough September is known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, I tell my story 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. My prostate cancer journey started rather innocuously in August 2014. I was in the middle of a driver’s license medical examination when my docter asked, “Ever had a PSA test?” My prostate was surgically removed five years later, in June 2019. In November 2019, I chose to tell the story about my experiences for Movember, where the largest percentage of donations are made in support of curing men’s cancers and improving our health. The first four parts of my story were published in Alaska Highway News in November 2019, and part five in November 2021. If the discussion of a man’s body parts, or medical procedures or men’s sexual health offends you, then skip the rest. Just be assured I am still alive, still kicking, and still adjusting to life with cancer and cancer treatment. n n n In January 2022, I was now in Prince George at the BC Cancer Centre receiving 33 consecutive internal beam radiation treatments (EBRT), trying to destroy the cancer that prostate removal surgery had failed to eliminate. When a prostate still exists, the beam is aimed to destroy it and the cancerous cells within. But, when it has been removed and the cancer escaped from its confines, beams are aimed at the adjacent area to where they are likely to be. I was given an estimated

70% chance of success, even though no scan has shown anything, and I had no feeling or indication as to where my cancer may be. My EBRT is scheduled over six and a half weeks (weekdays, minus stat holidays). Each treatment only takes a few minutes to conduct (about one minute for the actual treatment). One lies still on a bed in the same position as the original scan, confirmed by tattoos with light beams. The linear accelerator rotates around the body, takes about the same amount of time and energy for each treatment (can vary slightly for changes in room or body temperature, weight gain, etc.), and are aimed at the same spot. A CT scan is conducted to ensure a full bladder and empty rectum. The beam is aimed under the bladder, where the prostate used to be. As these beams can damage healthy body tissue, such as the bladder, they are conducted when the bladder is full, as this lifts it up and away from the area of treatment. If the rectum has any content, it puts downward pressure on the bladder and makes it more difficult for the beam to avoid the bladder. Any damage can be permanent and result in loss of function or control. (I have been told more than once I am full of s*#!, and on a few occasions, this did confirm just that.) More than a few times, my scan showed unacceptable rectum content, and that necessitated a trip back to the bathroom to empty, which always included the bladder, then swallowing another litre

of water and a 45-minuteplus wait to be reprimed. It once took three tries and a whole morning. The EBRT works by altering the DNA within cancer cells. Cancer cells without DNA struggle to replicate themselves (grow), and when unable to, they die. As it takes time for these cells to die, side effects can linger for weeks, if not months and occasionally years, as both cancerous and healthy cells will be affected. I don’t ask how this beam knows when to stop, or how it gets through the body to only affect the treatment area, I just trust the science. The BC Cancer Centre has excellent and caring staff and are very accommodating for those who must travel to Prince George for treatments. When asked, they will try to book afternoon appointments for Mondays and early mornings on Fridays to allow for travel home. Although I choose to stay with family, the Kordyban Lodge is adjacent to the Cancer Centre and offers accommodation and meals for patients at reasonable costs. On April 14, I had another call with my doctor. This time, great news, maybe I am finally on the 70% side for a change. My PSA down to .08 (no, not a breathalyser), lower than it was after my prostate was removed, and at a level she expected if treatments were successful. We discussed any side effects from the treatments; there was not much; my bladder control was still mostly OK, erectile function still possible, yet unpredictable, rectum still works, and am still a bit tired but have good strength. My next PSA would be in August, so until then, no more anything. I had a PSA test Aug. 16, followed by a call from my

Evan Saugstad lives and writes in Fort St. John.

John Grady lives and writes in Fort St. John.

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A10 | PUZZLES | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | NEWS | A11

Seniors Hall news By Ruby McBeth he chili lunch at the Seniors Hall was a resounding success. The seniors want to thank all those who supported us from the community including family members and the six high school students: volunteers who were essential in making the lunch go smoothly. The following companies donated towards the chili lunch: Safeway, Save-On Foods, Butcher Block, Pimm’s Ltd., Peace Glass, Janet Johnson, RBC, Beverley Richards Notary, Penumbra Enterprises, and VE Brandl. The chili lunch made us over $4000. This will cover the B.C. and regional district portion of the property taxes. Deb Vandal submitted an application to the city to request that the city cover the remaining taxes. We are hoping this will be approved once the city has a chance to review all the applications that are due November 1. Donations are still coming in. To contribute phone the hall 250-785-7897. CHARITIES: A COMPLICATED SUBJECT I don’t think I am the only person who is puzzled about how best to support charities. We get so many requests that we know we cannot give to all of them. That can make us feel a bit guilty. Then there is the question of all the paper the charities send. Just dealing with that paper takes time.

We are also troubled that many charities spend the money on perks meant to make us want to donate to them. I have thought a bit about this and over the next month will give some ideas about sensible giving. First, you want to be sure the request for money comes from a registered charity. Charities are required to register with the Canada Revenue Agency in order to have a number, which they put on your tax receipt. To see if they have kept their status up to date you can google: Canada Revenue Agency listing of charities. That website directs you to the updated site for charity listings. Next week some ideas on guiltfree giving. LEARNING THE LINGO This week’s term is ‘hard reboot’. A hard reboot is turning off your computer by unplugging it or turning off the power button on the tower. For me, it was necessary when our mouse stopped working. It is not recommended that you use the hard reboot often as it results in the loss of your most recent information and could damage your computer. QUOTE OF THE WEEK “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” - Dale Carnegie Ruby McBeth lives and writes in Fort St. John.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

PARANORMALS BREAK LOOSE — We’re not sure who or what’s buried in the basement of Dr. Kearney school, and the students aren’t so sure either... Rhys Marshman, Logan Stirling, and Bailey Gauvin pose for a photo before the school’s haunted house food bank fundraiser opened last week

$4M emergency response building Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca Fort St. John residents are getting their first look at a proposed new emergency response services building in the city. A report on the estimated $4-million facility went before city council Monday, allowing for its consideration in 2023 budget discussions. “If supported this facility would provide support for emergency response, as well as North Peace Search and Rescue,” writes CAO Milo MacDonald in the report.

“It would also provide offices to support both emergency social services and also a potential site for a secondary Emergency Operations Center.” The need for a building was raised back in 2020 during a city council meeting with the search and rescue group, which expressed an interest finding land to build a facility to house its operations and store equipment. A report from Vancouver-based dk Architecture proposes a four-bay warehouse design at 90th Street and 79th Avenue, near the city’s fire training centre. Also included is space for offices and storage.

A12 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | NEWS | A13

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Members of the 2276 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, Fort St. John, began their poppy campaign last weekend. They will, again, be out this coming weekend raising money for our veterans.

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Poppy campaign begins Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca Cadets with Fort St. John’s 2276 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) began their annual Remembrance Day poppy campaign this past weekend, their first since 2019. Close to $5000 was raised on just the first night alone, according to this year’s fundraising director, Tina Edwards. “It was really amazing. The response from the community has been overwhelming to see,” said Edwards. “Their generosity has just blown us away, and we’re so appreciative.” The cadets will be out for a second weekend

(Nov. 4-6) set up at key spots around town on Friday from 4:30-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. “The primary locations we’ll be set up at are Safeway, Walmart, and Canadian Tire. We’re also hoping to get out to No Frills, Saveon-Foods, Shoppers, Home Hardware, Pomeroy Sport Centre, and On the Rocks. We really try to go to as many places as we can,” said Edwards. “All the money raised through the poppy campaign, whether it be through the cadets or businesses having the poppies at their loca-

tion, will go help our local veterans,” she added. “The legion also does end up donating to charities who help veterans around the province, as well, but we do try to keep it as local as we can.” In 2018, the cadets were able to raise close to $22,000. Edwards, while not giving an updated total, is confident that mark could be reached and possibly surpassed this year, based on last weekend’s support. A final total, though, will be announced after Remembrance Day once all the numbers are in. Please give what you can to help support our veterans.

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Mo Facts

Movember

MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

The Beatles gave away cardboard moustaches with their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Four crucial issues concerning

MEN’S HEALTH

Every year, the Movember Foundation demonstrates incredible creativity in their efforts to raise funds and awareness about health issues that affect men. Here are the four key areas of focus that motivate this noble cause. 1. PROSTATE CANCER One in eight Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Some are fortunate enough to make a full recovery following surgery; many aren’t so lucky. Financing research to develop more effective treatments is one of the organization’s core missions. 2. TESTICULAR CANCER Testicular cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in Canadian teens and men aged 15 to 29. Thankfully, early detection significantly increases chances of survival. That’s why the Movember Foundation and Testicular Cancer Canada encourage men to regularly self-examine their testicles and consult a specialist should they

discover any symptoms. 3. MENTAL HEALTH Seven Canadian men commit suicide every day (on average), and poor mental health is often the reason behind this act of desperation. Throughout the year, the Movember Foundation promotes numerous programs to help men gain control of their psychological wellbeing. 4. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Sedentary living is a plague that’s growing steadily across the globe with disastrous effects on public health. Lack of physical activity leads to heart problems, obesity and colon cancer, among many other ailments. The Movember Foundation encourages men to get active, most notably through their MOVE challenge, which takes place in November. Sources: ca.movember.com and www.testicularcancercanada.ca

PHOTO: MOVEMBER FOUNDATION

DAN DAVIES

DEPRESSION

MLA | PEACE RIVER NORTH 250-263-0101 TOLL FREE 1-877-332-0101 Dan.Davies.MLA@leg.bc.ca

in men

Each year, the Movember Foundation strives to raise both awareness and funds for men’s health issues. Mental health is a crucial component of the campaign, especially considering that millions of North American men struggle with depression daily. While more women are diagnosed with the illness, the fatality rate of depression is four times higher in men. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in men under the age of 45. Depression in men often goes untreated, undiagnosed and unrecognized among those who are affected. Men are frequently unwilling to seek help for their mental health issues, perhaps because societal norms discourage them from expressing emotion and displaying anything that might be seen as weakness. But this culture of silence when it comes to depression is exactly why the illness is so deadly for men. Getting help to overcome depression requires fortitude and strength, and it can literally save a life. If yourself or a man in your life is displaying signs of depression, consult with a doctor. Although depression manifests differently in everyone, here are some common symptoms. • Irritability or anger • Feelings of sadness or emptiness • Fatigue • Insomnia or sleeping too much • Change in appetite • Weight loss or weight gain • Difficulty concentrating • Loss of interest in work, family and pastimes • Aches and pains, headaches or digestive problems The most important thing to remember is that depression is not just feeling blue or downtrodden. It is an illness that requires medical care. This Movember, grow your moustache or sponsor a Mo Bro to help raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.

Albert Einstein had a moustache for over 50 years.

A message from your local MLA

Fort St. John

9820 108th Street, Fort St John

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ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A14 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Christmas in a shoebox Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Above, Justin and Sarah Brown were out at Peace Lutheran Church on Oct. 22 to help with Operation Christmas Child, along with their children Tillie, 10, Gwen, 8, Cora, 6, Lucy, 4, and Sam, four months.

Hundreds of shoeboxes stuffed to the brim with Christmas toys will soon be shipped from Fort St. John to children in need around the world. Dozens of volunteers of all ages were once again busy at the Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, Oct. 22, filling the boxes with soaps and stuffed animals, toothbrushes and combs, sunglasses and school supplies. It’s part of Operation Christmas Child, and the boxes will be sent to impoverished places in the Ukraine and the Philippines, and wherever else they are needed. “It’s satisfaction for them that they’re doing something for somebody else,” said organizer Kathy Thorlakson of the bustling group of volunteers, many of them young children, and who herself began filling shoeboxes with the Catholic church 30 years ago. “That’s where I started getting involved,” she said. “Then we packed boxes over at the care home, and then it grew so then we started doing it down here.” But it was trip to Nicaragua in 2010 to deliver boxes in person that brought the reality of the mission home for her. “It was fabulous. It just reinforced that I wanted to do more,” said Thorlakson. Hundreds more shoeboxes will be filled by local churches and other groups in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek in the coming weeks. Organizers say it wouldn’t be possible without the support of people donating supplies or handmade trinkets to include in the boxes. “The whole senior community

really comes on board with donations,” said Lori Kachowski. “We had one gentleman, he went and he made these special little necklaces and there’s one for every child, a little tiny heart necklace.” “It’s a great way to get involved if you want to do something in the community,” she said. “This is such a generous community that as soon as people hear the word they’re like, what can I do, how can I help?” Kachowski along with Pam Felix will take on organizing the annual event at Peace Lutheran next year. For Felix and her family, it’s been an annual activity for the last eight or nine years, reminding them not to take things for granted. Last year, she even brought three exchange students to come help out. “I don’t think they realize how spoiled they are,” Felix said. “Stuff that we would play with for one day and then throw out, other kids are cherishing... I’ve watched the videos of the kids opening these, you can’t help but cry watching that.” Felix hopes community support for the event will continue. “I hope people will donate like they have for Kathy,” she said, noting that filling a shoebox individually, even at the dollar store, can cost up to $50. But as a group effort, they’re able to do much more. “Ten years ago, I didn’t know that this even existed and when I did I was like, this is so much smarter than filling it myself. I can’t even come close to filling a shoebox with the quality of stuff they are by myself.” Shoeboxes being assembled across the city this year will be dropped off at the Alliance Church Nov. 14 to 20.

Women helping $100 at a time Dave Lueneberg sports@ahnfsj.ca It’s back! …or at least it will be, again, this spring. The long-awaited and popular 100 Women Who Care event will make its return after being put off to the side by the pandemic. “It really was started by businesswomen in our community coming together, capturing this idea,” said current board member Bailey Ollenberger. The concept: gather 100 women in a room with each donating $100 to create a $10,000 pot and then find three charities. From there, have the three make a presentation and select just one to donate the entire amount to. While the event is dubbed 100 Women Who Care, organizers don’t or won’t cap it if more

ladies were to sign up. “We always hope we have our 100 women (and plus) come and, maybe, eventually see it grow where it can be 100, 200…heck, even 300 would be amazing. If we ever got close to 300, we’d have to re-consider where we host the event because I think that’s close to maximum capacity at the Lido,” Ollenberger said. The goal, though, is to get that first 100 firmed up. “So, when we tell the charities, be a part of our event, do a presentation, we have $10,000 or more. The last year we did this in 2019, we had close to 200 women, plus a business make a donation on the side, so we had $20,000 total.” Ollenberger said the committee is looking at a date in March to reignite the event.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022 | CLASSIFIEDS | A15

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COMMUNITY NOTICES • • •

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EDUCATION LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Between Derrick McDougall former tenant of 9715 Peace River Road Fort St John and landlord Florence McMillan 9746 Jones Sub Fort St John. The following items will be sold or disposed of after 30 days of this notice being served or posted unless the person being notified takes the items or makes a dispute resolution application with the Residential Branch or makes an application in Supreme Court to establish their rights to the items. Bedroom suite, storage bench, clothing, loft bed, toys, mirror, table, fireplace, TVs, AC Receiver, surround sound speakers, end tables, couch, recliners, play tables, lamps, dinette set, tools, pictures, coat storage racks, vacuum, dishes, pots pans dishes, utensils, food microwave, kitchen appliances, tires, computer printer, desks chair, monitors, heater, Christmas decorations, storage cabinet, storage shelf, patio table chairs, BBQ, bike and all other items not mentioned but abandoned in rental unit.

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Notice of the Fort St. John Literacy Society’s

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2022 Annual General Meeting Date: Tuesday November 8, 2022 Time: 6.00 pm Where: #201 10136 100 Ave or Zoom What: Annual general meeting, presentation of financials, election of directors of the Board, membership only.

R.S.V.P.: Please email Jessica Kalman at

executivedirector@fsjliteracy.ca

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Seizure and Sale of Vehicle under Residential Tenancy Act: Notice to: Northern Extreme Oilfield Services Ltd./Todd Johannes Thomas hereinafter referred to as the tenant. The following vehicle will be seized by Landlord: 2005 Ford F350 Crew Cab bearing the VIN 1FTWW31P75EB0503 6 will be transferred to the Landlord, Marcel Phillips, in consideration of debt owed for 2760 days of storage at $5.00 per day totalling the amount of $13,800.00 as of August 22, 2022.

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White Bear Industries, established in 1992, is a mid-sized road maintenance company based out of Terrace British Columbia, started as a road maintenance contractor, and expanded into a variety of different specialty works including but not limited to road building, aggregated production, materials, and excavation. White Bear Industries hold the contract for the maintenance of the Alaska Highway from Km 133-968. We are hiring experienced Class 3 drivers.

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SR I&E ENGINEERING COORDINATOR

About Us Murphy Oil Corporation is a leading independent energy company committed to balanced crude oil and natural gas development and exploration. We remain steadfast in our devotion to innovative strategies and differentiated perspectives, resulting in sustainable, efficient growth worldwide.

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and maintenance of electrical distribution, facility controls and instrumentation, and well pad controls and instrumentation. Serves as technical resource/expert to operations and maintenance for troubleshooting and problem-solving. Responsible for the evaluation and implementation of projects to optimize gathering and pipeline systems and facilities with strong focus on safety, environmental, compliance, integrity, and reliability

• Must be able to handle assignments and projects with minimal supervision and complete within acceptable time standards • Troubleshoots operational issues by working with all levels of personnel including operators, mechanics, engineers, supervisors, managers, etc. and devising new and innovative approaches to solve problems. • Engineer and implement in-house, or work with a third party to produce reliable automation solutions in order to meet the needs of the business. Activities include but are not limited to Electrical panel design, Device selection, Flow Charts and control narratives, Project Schedules, Scope of work, Cost estimates • Serve as automation, electrical, and controls subject matter expert on local engineering teams • Serve as a high-level technical support resource for complex automation and electrical issues

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• Maintain all control related programs and documentation including PLC programs, HMI programs,

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measurement and instrument calibration certificates, electrical drawings, cause and effect matrices • Must be proficient in developing project budgets and controlling costs. and construction turnover packages) for assigned projects. Conducts and/or participates in field optimization • Works with company SME’s to maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, other environmental/safety regulations and company processes and procedures. • Implements appropriate provisions into operations and maintenance procedures to assure compliance. Ensures area of responsibility is compliant with safety, environmental and other company guidelines, policies, etc. • Familiar with instrumentation, electrical systems, equipment sizing (e.g., control valves, motors, wiring, flow orifices, transformers, etc.), process safety information, and management of change work process • Familiar with the National Electric Code, API Recommended Practices, ASME and NFPA codes. • Knowledge of electronic flow measurement, SCADA system design and implementation and other communications media used in transmitting data from the RTU • Knowledge of process control design, implementation, and troubleshooting • Advanced electrical control design capabilities

Qualifications/Requirements • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and minimum 5 years’ experience in the design and application of field instrumentation, control and power wiring from OR • Minimum 15 years’ experience in the design and application of field instrumentation, control and power wiring or related field would be considered in lieu of degree

Desired/Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from 4-year accredited college or university with electrical preferred • Minimum 2 years’ experience in the design and/or operation of oil/gas facilities is preferred Murphy Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity / Aﬃrmative Action employer. All qualiﬁed applicants who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have appropriate work authorization in Canada will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other category protected by federal or provincial law.

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS

A16 | NEWS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Watt’s Happening: Agrivoltaics: Solar farms can be farms too! By Don Pettit

olar energy has now taken the lead as the fastest growing energy source on the planet while rapidly becoming the least expensive form of energy, ever. All this means just one thing: we are going to see a lot more solar! Ground mounted solar farms are commonly built on rural, relatively flat farmlands. Studies show that constructing solar farms on just 1% of the world’s farmland is enough to generate electricity for the entire planet. But hey, what about all that farmland being taken out of production? That’s where the growing trend (pun intended) of combining agriculture with solar photovoltaics comes in. And it works! This is a true win-win: the production of some crops can be improved when grown under solar panels, soil water retention is increased while “solar grazing” reduces the maintenance on solar farms, increasing revenues for all parties while reducing the environmental impacts of both. SOLAR GRAZING It can cost real money to keep the vegetation under control in solar farms: as grass grows it can shade solar panels, reducing energy production. Herbicides are sometimes used under the panels where it is hard to mow, and mowing between the rows of panels can damage the panels. Solar grazing to the rescue! Solar grazing is the practice of allowing livestock to graze under and around solar panels, with sheep being the most common grazers used. Farmers are contracted to

supply and manage the sheep, providing farm income, while costs to maintain the solar farm are reduced. Sheep enjoy eating many types of weeds and invasive species and are well suited to grazing underneath the panels where it is difficult to mow. The solar panels provide the sheep shelter from rain, wind and direct sunshine on hot days, and the solar farm’s perimeter fence contains the sheep and protects them from predators. Solar farms require very little maintenance, so repair crews usually visit only a few times each year. A shepherd visiting more regularly can spot problems and report them to the solar farm operator, another benefit. Sheep manure increases the fertility of the solar farmland, and specific seed mixes are now being used to improve vegetation for grazing (and also for bee keeping, another great solar/agri combo). CROP AGRIVOLTAICS Agrivoltaics involves combining crops with solar panels. The plants are protected from the worst of the midday sun, and in turn provide evaporative cooling under the panels. This cooler microclimate improves panel efficiency (they like to run cool) while protecting the plants from sunburn and dehydration. Plants grown under the panels require less water. The end result: a better crop yield and more efficient performance of the solar array For the farmers, they can farm and use the same space to generate income from solar electricity production. Essentially, having solar panels on the same land where crops are grown allow the growers

Sustainable agriculture and sustainable energy can work hand in hand to improve the bottom line for both. With solar grazing and crop agrivoltaics the solar energy is essentially used twice on the same land: once for the crop or forage and animals, and once for the solar electricity.

to harvest the power of the sun twice: once for the crop and once for the solar energy produced. DUAL FARM INCOME The solar farm’s energy production also improves. A study by the Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences has shown that panels positioned above plants produce up to 10% more electricity. Of course the panels have to be raised higher to provide growing and equipment space, and this will increase costs, but overall the dual incomes, crop plus electricity, make up for it. Using some of the solar energy to power electric trac-

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tors and other farming equipment also reduces farming costs. Agrivoltaic crops now being tried across Europe and North America include wheat, potatoes, celery, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes, but that list is growing rapidly. Water, energy and agriculture are the foundations of our modern civilization. The rapidly growing fields of crop agrivoltaics and solar grazing

reduce the use of water, supply energy to run the farm and provide additional revenue while improving food production, and for a solar farm, higher energy production, reduced environmental impact, reduced operating costs and better public acceptance. Yes, solar farms really can be farms! Don Pettit lives and writes in Dawson Creek.