Clearwater Times, December 27, 2012

LOCAL NEWS: SD73 REVIEWS SECURITY PROTOCOL ▼ A2

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Mayor Harwood hopes for stable year

Keith McNeill Relatively strong lumber prices mean 2013 should be a steady year for Clearwater, according to Mayor John Harwood.

“I think it should be a fairly stable year. There are a lot of people back to work, and the people in business I talk to are happy,” he said.

Domtar recently announcement that it is shutting down one of the two production lines at its Kamloops pulpmill. However, Harwood thinks that likely will mean local sawmills simply will need to look for other uses for their chips and other by-products.

The biggest item on the District’s agenda will be taking over road maintenance next fall.

Under the terms of incorporation, the province took care of the roads within the new municipality for the first five years. That grace period is about to run out.

The District has been meeting with staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to help determine what levels of service are desired, said Harwood.

That needs to be determined before the work can be put out to contract.

Also to be determined will be whether District of Clearwater’s road maintenance will be in one big contract, several smaller ones, or done in-house by municipal staff.

Harwood noted that the District is fortunate in that there are already several businesses in the area with graders and the other necessary equipment.

“We need to have that all lined up before next winter,” said the mayor.

Also on the agenda for the coming year will be construction of new changing rooms at the Sportsplex. The rooms are needed to accommodate the rising number of female hockey players using the arena. Construction is expected to start next spring.

The new eco-depot being built by Thompson-Nicola Regional District near the old Camp Two sawmill site should be fully online early in the new year.

The Clearwater landfill is being gradually shut down in anticipation of the eco-depot opening.

One service that will continue at the landfill will be septage disposal, said Harwood.

A grant has been applied for through the regional district to construct a septage disposal facility. In the meantime, a private business will operate the septage disposal pits at the landfill site.

Shutting down the pits would have saved the municipality some money, said the mayor, but would have cost local residents who have their septic tanks pumped, as the septage would have had to be hauled to Heffley Creek.

The District is developing a master plan to extend the sewer system to the area near Dutch Lake. Once the plan is ready staff will apply for grants to help pay for the project.

Also in the works are upgrades to the water system. Some areas on the system have restrictive flows at times, said the mayor.

Locating a heliport next to Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital continues to be on the agenda.

Another health-related project would see the municipality work with the hospital and private contractors to provide assisted living within the community.

This would have full-time staff and would provide a level of care somewhat lower than that at Forestview Place extended care wing at DHMH, but higher than that available at Evergreen Acres.

Interior Health Authority is enthused about the project, Harwood said, and there is land available near the hospital.

Such a facility creates its own economy that is independent of forestry and mining, he noted.

“I think we’ve done relatively well, so far,” Harwood said of the municipality’s progress since incorporation.

“People think these things come easily.

I’ve worked on some of these projects for three or four years. It just takes time. And if things tighten up, we’ve got to manage for that as well.”

Happy New Year An elf holds a Happy New Year sign as part of the display at the Ken and Bev Smith residence on Riverview Crescent. Clearwater RCMP remind local residents not to drink and drive as they celebrate the end of 2012 and the start of 2013. For more photos of the Smiths’ display, see page A10 and A11 inside.

Photo by Keith McNeill

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Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Smith leaves Yellowhead board Times Staff Yellowhead Mining Inc. announced Tuesday that Ian Smith has resigned as a director of the company.

Gregory Hawkins, chairman of the Board and Interim CEO stated: “The company thanks Ian for his work as both CEO and a director of Yellowhead. Under Ian’s leadership, Yellowhead filed NI 43-101 compliant technical reports including a Preliminary Assessment in 2011 and a

Feasibility Study in 2012 that indicate that the Harper Creek Project is a viable and robust project recommended for development.”

“We wish Ian every success in his future endeavours,” said Hawkins.

Smith stepped down as Yellowhead CEO last October.

Yellowhead Mining’s proposed copper-gold-silver mine at Harper Creek would be located about 10 km southwest of Vavenby.

C

apsule

C

omments

with MICHELLE LEINS

Dental plaque starts at the gum line. When you are brushing, aim the bristles at the gum line, moving the brush in a circular motion so that you sweep the plaque away from the gums. Move systematically from tooth to tooth so that each tooth and gum area gets attention. Spend at least two minutes on your teeth twice daily.

Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. The dose is usually 4 grams per day. However, the use of fish oils to lower the risk of heart attacks doesn’t have the same proof. There are other sure ways of lowering heart attack risk: stop smoking, control blood pressure and cholesterol, and regular exercise.

Abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is one of the best ways of preventing birth defects and developmental disorders of which fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe. The message is simple: if you are pregnant, don’t drink alcohol.

It has been proven that exercise lowers the risk of cancer. The message is getting through to many people, but those undergoing cancer treatment can also benefit. It doesn’t have to be a high intensity workout, but even gentle exercise could help with a sense of well-being, often hard to feel during cancer therapy.

Going on a winter holiday this year? Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you. It often isn’t easy to find the right medications in foreign countries.

PHARMASAVE MON. - SAT. 9 - 6

BROOKFIELD CENTRE

CLEARWATER, 250-674-3122

Lessening the load Trevor Pearce uses a roof rake on a long pole to remove snow from on top of his home on Riverview Crescent on Wednesday. He said he was confident the structure could carry the load but felt it would be easier to remove the snow now rather than later in the season.

Photo by Keith McNeill

SD73: Budget cuts to help pay for wage increases Keith McNeill A demand from the Ministry of Education that School District 73 chop 1.5 per cent from its budget to pay for staff wage increases isn’t sitting well with North Thompson trustee John Harwood.

“We only have 10 per cent

of our budget that’s outside of wages,” he said. “It’s very difficult to be told partway through the school year that we have to cut the budget.”

The school district has sent a letter to the Ministry asking that it reconsider its request.

About 60 other school districts in the province are sending let-

School District 73 reviews school security protocol Tim Petruk Kamloops This Week The KamloopsThompson school district is reviewing its security protocols in the wake of last week’s

mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.

Superintendent Terry Sullivan has told all schools to lock all but the main doors during the day.

“We’ve always had a

policy of having all visitors sign in at the main office,” he said, noting that was sometimes tough to enforce, especially at some of the larger high schools.

“So, not all the doors are locked, but

Thank you B.C. for digging safely in 2012 This year, more calls to BC One Call for natural gas pipeline information and safe digging practices resulted in fewer pipeline hits.

Make the right call BC One Call: 1-800-474-6886 FortisBC uses the FortisBC Energy name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (12-336.1 12/2012)

ters as well.

The 1.5 per cent cut would amount to $300,000 this year.

The Ministry has asked for another 1.5 per cent cut next year.

The school districts are being told to come up with plans on how they will make the cuts by Jan. 15.

the main doors are the only ones that will remain open during the day.”

On Friday, Dec. 14, 27 people were killed in Newtown, Conn. Of those, 20 were young students at Sandy Hook Elementary.

The order to lock up Kamloops-area schools came after Sullivan issued two statements to parents - one by phone, the other in the form of a letter sent home with students - about the shooting rampage.

The statements, delivered the day of the shooting, was intended to let parents know school staff members are meeting to help develop a strategy to avoid any potential emotional trauma in students.

To that end, Sullivan said, he encouraged parents to “protect children from disturbing media reports” about the shooting.

He said he received multiple phone calls from parents after the statements, thanking him for re-assuring them.

Sullivan said the security review will continue.

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A3

Wells Gray Information Centre getting face lift

www.clearwatertimes.com

Ministry of Environment KAMLOOPS - B.C. government funding of $120,000 over two years will bring new life to a building that serves as a vital link between the public, Wells Grey Provincial Park and local businesses, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced Thursday.

“I’m proud of the work done by BC Parks and the Clearwater community to develop a resource that connects local businesses with visitors eager to make the most of their stay in the area,” said Lake. “Our government understands this investment will not only mean a better visitor experience but more jobs and investment in the community for B.C. families.”

Since opening in 1986, the information centre has become more than just a welcoming gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. Over the years, Information Wells Gray has worked with BC Parks to transform this once modest visitor centre into a multi-functional hub that serves the business community, the travelling public and visitors to Wells Gray Provincial Park.

“The Wells Gray Park Information Centre is an incredible asset, not only to BC Parks but to the North Thompson Valley,” said Information Wells Gray director Tay Briggs. “This significant investment by the government into the information centre will help Information Wells Gray attract more visitors to the park, creating long-term benefits for our communities. The planned improvements will ensure that visitors get the chance to appreciate Wells Gray and our amazing provincial park system. We are very excited about this investment in the future of Wells Gray Park and our valley.”

The centre sits south on the northeast corner of Highway 5 and Clearwater Valley Road.

Over 150,000 visitors drop in every year to learn about the area’s great activities, local accommodations and services and the region’s rich history.

Planned improvements include: - Upgrades to the building interior such as a new visitor-receiving desk, new paint and lighting, new carpeting and drapes.

- Replacement of the roof with low-maintenance, more durable metal.

The Royal Canadian Legion -Branch 259 Invites you to join us for a

New Years Eve Celebration

Dance & Appetizers Monday Dec. 31, 2012 • 8pm - 12:30am Times file photo

- Replacement of the 30-year old heating and cooling system with a more efficient system that minimizes the carbon footprint and lowers operating costs.

- New and improved visitor displays with updated information.

- Replacement of building siding with more durable material.

- General fixes and upgrades to smaller building elements such as taps.

In addition, BC Parks has made improvements to the Clearwater River Road in Wells Gray Provincial Park. These improvements are scheduled to be completed in January, 2013. The 20-kilometre project will improve the road’s drainage, reducing the amount of damage the road incurs during the annual freshet.

BC Parks and Information Wells Gray recently signed a 10-year management agreement ensuring the centre will remain a valuable resource for the community for the long-term.

Program works to improve women’s safety CCWS Advisory Committee The provincial average says that 10 per cent of women are currently experiencing violence or abuse in their homes. The percentage expected to experience violence and abuse in their lifetime is 25 per cent.

Clearwater’s population of approximately 2,300 might be expected to have yielded 115 women or girls experiencing violence or abuse in their homes during the period of Jan. 1, 2011 and Sept.

1, 2012. However, only 16 cases of domestic violence were reported to Clearwater RCMP. Either Clearwater is an unusually safe and respectful place for women or the problem is massively under reported. Judging by personal testimony and local research currently being funded by Status of Women Canada, unfortunately, the last option is right: the prob-

$10/person • All 19+ are welcome 257 Glen Road

Wells Gray Information Centre

lem is under reported.

In response to recent national high profile incidents of violence against women and girls, particularly in small rural communities, Status of Women Canada is funding Community Connections for Women’s Safety (CCWS) in the communities of the North Thompson Valley.

Here in Clearwater there is a stakeholder’s committee creating a community plan for reducing violence and abuse against women and girls. A research project into women’s experiences of violence and abuse in the local area has been undertaken. It will be soon be available as a public document. A panel of women who have experienced abuse has been meeting regularly and has presented recommendations to the stakeholder’s committee.

Already becoming clear is the need for education to help us all recognize what is unreasonable and abusive

What’s Happening DISTRICT OF CLEARWATER www.districtofclearwater.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities: You are invited to participate in a conversation to help define an Action Plan to protect and expand forest sector jobs, enhance4 community stability and deliver expected goods and services. This will be a valuable opportunity to understand how continuing changes in forestry influence the quality of life in our communities, to help define solution and how we can work toward overcoming the obstacles.

In order to respond to the needs of the communities, the Action Plan will focus on “what to do” and “how to do” in order to move forward on specific actions. The information gathered from the dialogue will help resource decision-makers understand the values and needs of the valley communities.

The format will include Breakout Sessions to enable small groups to explore themes and provide perspectives and personal views on the emerging Forestry issues. Your input will be communicated to decision-makers who influence, develop and establish forest policy for the province. Your views will help create a vision for our local forests.

Pre-register at clearwaterforestconversation@gmail.com or 250.674.3498. There is no registration fee.

Location: Wells Gray Inn Date: Saturday: January 19, 2013 Registration: 12:30-1:00pm Time: 1:00-4:00pm

behaviour. Women and girls benefit from knowing when ICBC - Winter Safety to say no and seek help. Men Winter has arrived! Make sure you are prepared for winter conditions by having good winter tires and and boys benefit from recogemergency kit in your vehicle. nizing their own oppressive Posted speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions; slow down when driving on snow, ice, slush or rain. behaviours toward women Allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop on wet or slick surfaces. and girls and growing to see Be cautious using four wheel drive. Often it does not enhance your braking or steering on slippery that this is a problem which roads. diminishes us all.

The community plan is Holiday Closures shaping up to include a more The District and ICBC/Motor Vehicle offices will be closed on December 24th - Christmas Eve, December unified, accessible, and trans25th - Christmas Day and December 26th – Boxing Day as well as December 31st and January 1st, parent way of responding to 2013. The offices will be open on Thursday December 27th and Friday December 28th. Both offices will be back to regular hours on January 2nd, 2012. women in distress. There will be educational initiatives and perhaps other initiatives not yet fully clear - this plan is a work in progress anticipated in early 2013. That will just Happy Holidays!! be the beginning of the work ahead. CCWS and the stakeUpcoming Events holders committee seek to January 19, 2012, Public Meeting, Healthy Forests – Healthy Communities Session, Forestry in the Post foster a more respectful and Beetle Era in the North Thompson Valley. Wells Gray Inn, 1PM safer environment for everyUpcoming Meetings of Council one in the Valley.

January 8th, 2013 – Parks and Recreation Meeting – 5:00pm CCWS is administered by January 8th, 2013 – Regular Council Meeting – 7:00pm YCS. Program coordinator Civic address: 132 Station Road is Wendy Vogels who may be Box 157, Clearwater,B.C. V0E 1N0 contacted at 250 674 3530 Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 or e-mail wendy.v@yellow- DISTRICTDistrict OF CLEARWATER Office Ph: 250-674-2257 • Fax: 250-674-2173 headcs.ca email address: admin@districtofclearwater.com www.districtofclearwater.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING

A4 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Opinion

“ At the day of judgment we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done.” -Thomas A Kempis, mystic

editorial by keith mcNeill

Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities dialog could lead to positive change

School staffs say thanks Editor, The Times:

On behalf of the staffs from Raft River Elementary School and Clearwater Secondary School we would like to express our profound thanks to the parents, community and to all the organizations and individuals for their support and comfort during the past two weeks from the lost of our dear friends and colleagues Skye and Courtney (and

baby) Buck.

The support was touching and gave us strength to work through the loss of two such amazing individuals.

We would also like to share our condolences especially to the families of Skye and Courtney and to the community and friends they both touched.

Mike Bowden, principal Raft River Elementary School

MP McLeod sides with Big Pharma Editor, The Times:

Recently, KamloopsThompson-Cariboo Conservative MP Cathy McLeod voted against Bill C-398, legislation that sought to amend the Patent Act to provide drugs for international humanitarian purposes. In doing so, she helped to stop the legislation from being created.

Taking her lead not from AIDS activ-

ists, scientists and humanitarians, but directly from the prime minister, McLeod has prevented Canada’s generic drug manufacturers from providing inexpensive life-saving medicines to Africans suffering from AIDS and other curable diseases who can’t afford brand-name medicines.

International health experts say Canada’s failure to pass this bill

BC Press Council

The Times is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the BC Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to BC Press Council, 210 Selby St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2 For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

Times THE

NORTH THOMPSON

www.clearwatertimes.com Established September 23, 1964 Member, BC Press Council

has condemned thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people, to die needlessly.

Stephen Lewis, Canada’s well-known humanitarian and AIDS advocate, summed it up: “So, in the great choice in life, [the Harper government] have chosen patent protection over the lives of children. And, that’s about as perfidious as you can get as a government."

Canadians from all walks of life supported this bill. McLeod and Prime Minister Stephen Harper sided with Big Pharma.

Michael Crawford Kamloops

Editor’s note: Michael Crawford was the local federal NDP candidate in 2006, 2008 and 2011.

Don’t forget to take part in the Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities dialog session planned for Saturday afternoon, Jan. 19 at the Wells Gray Inn. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., while the dialog session is expected to last from 1 to 4 p.m.

Purpose of the forum will be to explore the future of forestry in the North Thompson Valley in the post-beetle era.

Actually, to speak about a “post-beetle era” is almost certainly too optimistic. The mountain pine beetle epidemic is winding down but there is a host of other forest parasites waiting to feast on the remaining trees - things like spruce budworm and Douglas fir bark beetle. If climate change continues, and there is no reason to believe that it will not, then the mountain pine beetle epidemic is just a taste of things to come.

As the region warms, the forests will come under increasing stress. As stress levels rise, opportunities for insect pests and other parasites to take advantage of the situation also will increase.

The old model of very large forest companies headquartered in large cities far from the trees they depend on has proven itself too inflexible to deal with even modest changes

to the environment. What are needed are smaller, more nimble economic entities that are locally-based.

Wells Gray Community Forest is a good example. Specialty sawmills such as Wadlegger Logging and the Colbornes’ birch mill in Upper Clearwater would be others.

They all came through the recent downturn in the forest economy and now appear to be poised to do great things.

The community forest is quite different structurally and in its purpose from the small sawmilling companies. However, those differences just add more diversity and therefore strength to the local economy.

Clearwater, and in fact the whole North Thompson Valley, is just a small, resourcebased community. Speaking alone, our voices are unlikely to be heard.

The Healthy Forests-Healthy Communities program is a province-wide initiative. Other resource-based communities across B.C. are in situations similar to the one we find ourselves in. The people in them likely are thinking along lines similar to our own. If we work together, and are patient, there is a good possibility we will see real, positive change in how our forests are managed.

U.S. financial critics should listen to Gore Editor, The Times:

Recently I decided to wade (and I mean ‘wade’) through Al Gore’s first major work, Earth in the Balance.

Though rich in detail this is not a riveting read. Gore the Bore is heavy on facts, not much for excitement.

Having said that, Senator Al Gore makes some interesting observations. He speculates on what would happen to New Orleans with rising ocean levels in the event of a super storm that broke down the levees.

Also Gore points out that New York city would be especially vulnerable to

a tidal surge. The subways could be flooded. The good citizens of the Big Apple could be without power for days on end. There could be millions, indeed billions of dollars in damages.

Remember this was all written in 1993! Al Gore was obviously way ahead of his time.

Here one has to speculate what would have happened if Al Gore had taken his rightful place as 43rd president of the United States. How much better would the United States, indeed the world, have been with Gore as president?

Instead, a combi-

nation of chicanery and outright fraud gave the election to possibly the worst president (and that’s up against some pretty stiff competition) in the history of the US of A!? George Dubya Bush Jr. Eight years of chasing weapons of mass destruction phantoms and giving huge tax breaks to the needy wealthy has put the U.S. on a ‘financial cliff’ (that cliff was there when Barak Obama began his first four years). It just got worse instead of better.

His critics have tried to discredit Al Gore – he lives in a mansion – yuk yuk!

Now that George

Bush he’s a man of the people – yuk yuk, yuk.

Wading through Earth in the Balance is somewhat akin to tackling a novel by Thomas Mann – ponderous and slow, but worth it in the end.

Unfortunately this present economic ‘on the cliff’ crisis can only be solved (according to those who discount everything that Al Gore has to say) by, to quote Gore again, further strip mining of the Garden of Eden.

Too bad they didn’t listen to Al Gore in the first place!!

Dennis Peacock Clearwater, B.C.

74 young Road, Unit 14 Brookfield Mall, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N2 Phone: 250-674-3343 Fax: 250-674-3410 Email: newsroom@clearwatertimes.com www.clearwatertimes.com

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A5

Question

? of the Week

Do you think 2013 will be a good year for the North Thompson Valley?

Glen Dohms:

I don't see a whole lot of change in 2013 ... not until the mine comes in.

Linda King:

Let's hope so. Every year is good in the North Thompson.

Mohammad Chaudhary:

Rob Sunderman:

I hope so. I don't see anything proposed by government that will make this community healthier. It might happen by election time.

Hopefully. I have a positive outlook. .

Suzanne Foster:

I don't know. It depends on the election results in May and who gets elected.

Highway needs guard rails along North Thompson Editor, The Times:

The intent of this letter is to open discussion with the Ministry of Highways to improve highway safety in this area.

I recognize highway maintenance in this district can be more than difficult, and that it is not possible to be everywhere at all times. I do not wish to attach blame but to hopefully bring some good out of a

very bad situation.

Along with the rest of the community I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident along the Wolf’s corner section of Highway 5, south of Clearwater.

Having lived in the Little Fort area for the last 11 years I have often questioned why there are not guard rails or barriers where Highway 5 runs beside the North Thompson River. There are at least two

such areas where barriers are necessary - just north of Little Fort, and along the section of Highway 5 where the recent accident took place.

It is possible to lose control of a vehicle for a number of reasons. If you go off the highway on the river side in either of these locations you can be in immediate serious trouble. If you are fortunate someone might see you go in, otherwise you are just

Decentralize the federation to increase accountability WINNIPEG, MB - How many levels of government does it take to fix a sewer pipe? In some cases, the answer is three.

While this may seem ludicrous, the reality is that the federal and provincial governments are heavily involved in many municipal spending decisions. Though the image of having your local federal MP, a provincial cabinet minister, and your mayor all smiling and cutting the ribbon to a new project together projects harmony, this type of overlap significantly reduces political accountability.

For example, who are you going to blame if the pipe springs a leak? Worse still, who are you going to blame if the sewer contract goes to a company facing fraud and conspiracy charges?

This isn’t a hypothetical.

This scenario has occurred recently in Quebec. The federal Public Safety Minister of the day reportedly answered that oversight of municipal contracts is not a federal responsibility.

In order to strengthen political accountability and government efficiency in Canada it is necessary to ensure that one, not three, levels of government, is responsible for providing and generating revenue in each spending area.

While the above anecdote may seem like an isolated incident, it isn’t. Infrastructure projects funded by all three levels of government take place throughout the country. Moreover,

provincial governments are systemically reliant upon federal funding in many areas.

The problem is that the federal government generates too much revenue, which reduces the ability of provinces to garner sufficient revenue to fund services they need. There is a limit to how much revenue governments can efficiently collect, so excessive federal intake crowd out provincial revenues.

While nearly two thirds of government expenditures are on healthcare, education, and social services, the federal government controls over 43 per cent of government spending, leaving the provinces only a shade over 40 per cent. Municipalities, which provide most of the services we rely on daily, control less than 16 per cent of government spending. This top heavy arrangement necessitates these transfers.

While transferring money from the federal government to lower levels seems like an elegant solution, it obfuscates decision making, and reduces efficiency. Consider healthcare, for instance. Premiers love to blame the federal government for the shortcomings of healthcare, despite healthcare being a provincial responsibility. Since they can always blame the federal government for not transferring enough money to provincial governments, premiers have less incentive to deliver services efficiently.

Disentangling spending areas

would also have a salutary effect on electoral politics, allowing voters to see more clearly who is responsible for what services and expenses. When one area such as healthcare dominates the political debate at two different levels of government, it muddies the waters and allows other issues to fall by the wayside.

In order to create fiscal balance in Canada, the federal government should terminate direct spending in areas of provincial jurisdiction (with rare exceptions), and cease fiscal transfers with two exceptions. First, federal fuel tax revenue should be transferred to the municipalities on a per capita basis. Second, the GST revenue should be distributed to the provinces on a per capita basis. These two measures would provide stable funding from efficient taxes, while creating a degree of equalization.

Though decentralizing wouldn’t solve all of Canada’s problems, it would lead to more efficient government services and it would allow for greater policy experimentation to help determine bets practices. Most importantly, it would bring taxation and expenditure decisions in key areas closer to voters and consumers. Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance.

Create transparency, and good government is likely to follow.

Steve Lafleur is a policy analyst with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (www.fcpp.org)

“missing.” A guard rail or barrier may not be a guarantee but, along with more salt and sand, it would go a long way toward preventing an accident.

I have been assured that the Ministry of Highways will respond to this letter via the North Thompson Times.

Bob Mumford Clearwater, B.C.

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How The Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas The kitten said I want to go outside and the kitten did and ran away and found a pig and they kept on walking and they got really tired and the pig said, “You are my best friend!”

The kitten said, “Thanks!”

The next morning the sun rose up and it was a very good day.

But one cold night it was not like yesterday and then a cold tear came into the kitten’s eye. Then warm air came to warm up the kitten, and the spirit of Christmas came, too. Finally the kitten and the pig understood that the spirit of Christmas was when others help you feel warm and happy.

Sage Barstow Grade 2

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

My Very Most Favourite Christmas It was Christmas morning, the sun was shining, perfectly bright! I slipped and slided down the stairs.

Time to wake up I shouted to my mom and dad. When I woke

Wow! A puppy was behind the Christmas tree! It had a name tag that said “Dasher”!

Can I have it mommy please! “Sure” said mom. Then we heard a noise. We looked out the window and saw...Santa Claus!

doll! I laughed. Merry Christmas laughed my mom and dad.

Merry Christmas I jollied back. And it was a Merry ho-ho Christmas! After we opened the presents we ate dinner and went to bed.

The End...maybe

Cadence Busse Age 9 Grade 4

them up my mom shouted out that she heard something in the basement. She thought it was Santa Claus putting presents under the Christmas tree! So we danced our way down the stairs to the basement to open are presents.

H

He jollied the words ho-ho and off he went to the North Pole till next Christmas. We opened more and more presents and the presents got better and better. Like hello isn’t Merry Christmas awesome when you get the newest Barbie

Baby!

Babies of 2012

In our January 10th edition, the Clearwater TIMES will celebrate babIES born In 2012

Don’t miss the chance to share your excitement by announcing the arrival of a new member of the family!

Submit the following information along with a clear photo • name • Phone • baby’s First name • baby’s Middle name • baby’s Last name • Date of birth • Parents First & Last names

only

99 $27. plus hst

Deadline for your entry is Dec. 31, 2012 • phone 250 674-3343 or drop in at our office in brookfield Mall

How The Kitten Found The Spirit of Christmas One cold stormy night Joe, a tabby cat was looking through a window and saw people giving out presents. Joe though “oh no!” I think it is Christmas eve. I have not even got one single present. Suddenly he heard a noise he swivelled around like Homer Simpson when he heard the word food. He whispered “who’s there?” It was a squeeky voice that yelled “down here!!”

Joe looked down he saw a little blue figure.

Joe asked “who are you?” “I am the spirit of Christmas” she stated. “Christmas is not about getting it is about giving”. Then she disappeared. Joe yelled “just wait just wait!” There was no hope she was long gone. So Joe set off on a journey on that cold night to find that little figure he walked and walked until he found his first sign Coldwater 10 km. So he walked ten more km. He found Coldwater but was purple all over.

He thought to himself this is not where a blue person would live. Joe walked until the next sign which read Clear River 5 km. Joe stum-

bled for 5 km until he was at the town but it was green all over.

Joe thought to himself this is not a place where a blue person would live. He walked away sadly dragging his paws. He saw a glimpse of a sign. He walked until he was close to the sign it said Clearwater 3 km. He wandered until he saw the little blue town he wondered this is where a blue person would live right? He ran into the little village. He knocked on the most immense houses door.

The tiny little blue person greeted him with the most casual word “Hi” in her squeaky little voice. Joe asked “I would like to find out more about the spirit of Christmas”.

She said “Ok, come in”. Joe stumbled when he entered by the sight of the expensive objects. The puny little blue person ordered “sit down please” he answered “I would be delighted to” knowing that it must be a comfortable chair.

She started off with

“Christmas is a time of giving not getting.

It is about being with family and just having a good time”. “ohh” signed Joe “that is way better than just getting presents I think that I will do that next year” replied Joe. She screamed “what next year?!, you can do that all year long”. “ok” yelled Joe enthusiastic,

DINNER IS ON ME I will buy you a $100 meal when you buy a car from me!

“that will be fun”.

So the little tabby cat bounded into the distance. The tiny blue person thought to himself “I could have told him my name”.

Dallas Tucker Grade 5

My Favourite Christmas My most favourite Christmas was when a little chicken walked into my yard. I kept the chicken. Then it layed a golden egg.

Then it jumped on my head and fell asleep.

Ten minutes later it started to make a type of groaning sound. It was pretty funny. All of a sudden a grizzly bear broke down the door. He roared so loud for a minute I thought I went deaf.

Then the chicken came awake and karate chopped the bear in the head. Now the chicken ninja kicked the bear in the head and then the bear ran away. So I went and had hot chocolate for the chicken and me.

I put some marshmallows in for the chicken and I. Then we both fell asleep.

When I woke up, the chicken had layed so many golden eggs they were up to my waist. Then I looked at the Christmas tree.

There were so many presents I thought I was going to faint.

Then I opened all of my presents. My most favourite present was a new puppy dog. The chicken and I went outside for the afternoon. It was the coldest winter yet! Then I went and made some hot chocolate for the chicken and I. Then because it was lay-

ing eggs again, now I bought a mansion.

The chicken has made me so amazingly rich I have become a billionaire! The chicken was the best thing that ever happened to me!

But then I realized I hadn’t named the chicken. So I named her Lucky. Because she is a golden colour and she lays golden eggs. Then Lucky and I made a snowman.

Sadly we had to take down the Christmas tree ornaments and then take the Christmas tree down too, and then we got ready for the chickens birthday.

Billy Biagioni Grade 5 Raft River

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas There once was a little kitten who had three sisters and four brothers. She lived a happy life. And she hated Christmas.

Ohhh! She just hated Christmas! She went for a walk and her name is Kylie. When she went for a walk she got caught in a blizzard. Then she saw Santa and Santa told her to believe in the Christmas spirit so the kitten started to believe!

By Sophia Braaten Grade 2 Raft River

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Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A7

Logging would endanger caribou, says committee Times Staff The threatened mountain caribou is about to get even more threatened, according to Wells Gray World Heritage Committee (WGWHC).

A proposal by Canfor to salvage log beetle-killed lodgepole pine near Wells Gray would not only kibosh any spontaneous recovery for the park’s resident mountain caribou might have in store, it would also further stress a herd already in serious decline, the committee states.

That’s the message WGWHC recently sent in a letter to Terry Lake, B.C. Minister of Environment. Wells Gray World Heritage

Committee is a group dedicated to furthering the candidacy of British Columbia’s fourth largest wilderness park for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

WGWHC challenged Lake to step up to his obligation as B.C.’s minister responsible for mountain caribou recovery by establishing a moratorium on industrial logging in the Clearwater Valley.

“Until now we hadn’t understood just how rapidly Wells Gray’s southern caribou herd is declining,” said Trevor Goward, spokesperson for WGWHC. “The news is appalling. In 2002, the herd consisted of about 325 animals. Today, 10 years later, the population has declined by about one-third;

only 200 animals are left”.

Earlier this year the group called attention to the likelihood that the Wells Gray herd would soon undergo a degree of “spontaneous recovery, as 90,000 ha destroyed by fire in the early 20th century now begins to transition to old growth, a key requirement for mountain caribou.

According to WGWHC, industrial logging in the Clearwater Valley adjacent to the park would create winter forage favourable to deer and moose. This in turn would support enhanced numbers of their main predators, wolves and cougar.

“Wolves and cougar have been on the rise in Upper Clearwater for several years

now,” said Steve Murray, spokesperson for the Upper Clearwater Action Committee.

“It used to be a rare thing for valley residents to lose livestock or pets to predators; but now it’s almost commonplace. Some of us have lately begun to feel concern for the safety of our children”.

In an earlier news release, WGWHC asked Canfor to honour the assertion of its CEO and president, Don Kayne, that, ‘...

Canfor will not support actions that overturn landscape objectives set through public planning processes unless there is full public consultation and support. We will not support actions that impact parks or critical habitat for species at risk.’

Full rodeo arena arrives for Agriplex at Barriere Barriere Star Journal Christmas came early for the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association on Dec. 12, thanks to a partnership with Community Futures Thompson Country (CFTC), and the Farm Kids Scholarship Fund.

NTFFRA president Jill Hayward said the partnership came to be thanks to Farm Kids Fund founder Steven Puhallo, who initially approached CFTC in regards to a need for rodeo chutes and pens in the North Thompson Agriplex.

As a result of that discussion

with CFTC executive director Brian Sims, and further meetings with Hayward and CFTC board member Bill Kershaw, an arrangement that was beneficial to the three parties involved was agreed upon, and ratified by the CFTC Board.

"In a nutshell, the Agriplex has just received a full set of brand new Two-W rodeo chutes and pens," said Hayward, "We are really excited to be able to add this equipment to our building, and to be able to assist the Farm Kids group with their fundraising events, such as the New Year's Eve Bullarama, and other future rodeo venues.

Most importantly, we have a very special thank you to extend to Community Futures Thompson Country, they have provided the funding in its entirety to acquire this equipment."

As the rodeo equipment arrived at the fairgrounds, Farm Kids reps, CFTC reps and NTFFRA Agriplex committee members and volunteers turned out to Serious Issues require Serious Lawyers

• ICBC Claims • Family Law • Real Estate 250-674-2255 or

1-888-374-3161 Above: NTFFRA president Jill Hayward gives a thumbs-up sign as the new rodeo arena system pulls into the NT Agriplex Dec. 12.

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see it unloaded.

Farm Kids Fund founders Steven Puhallo, and Ed and Deanna Lebourdais were all smiles, knowing their upcoming Bullarama will be using the equipment for the first time.

"This makes year round indoor rough stock and rodeo events in Barriere a reality," said Puhallo, "Partnerships that benefit the region and promote the western lifestyle while helping rural youth are a big part of what the Farm Kids Fund is all about."

Ed Lebourdais (who co-owns S&E Bucking Bulls) said he was very

happy with the quality of the chutes and pens, "Two-W makes some of the best arena systems in North America. That's high quality steel and we can't wait to buck some bulls in it. Its going to be a great show!"

Sims said Community Futures are happy to be able to invest in positive economic development in the North Thompson Valley by lending support to the Agriplex.

"We had the funding earmarked for economic development in the area," said Sims, "This is a good opportunity to put that money to work, and to benefit the whole region in doing so."

New Year’s Eve

Bullarama

NEW YEAR’s EVE 2012 A WESTERN FUNDRAISER FOR THE FARM KIDS SCHOLARSHIP FUND 7PM to 2AM, doors open at 6:30PM

North Thompson Agriplex, Barriere, B.C. Tickets available online at www.farmkidsfund.ca North Thompson Star/Journal (Barriere) Horse Barn (Kamloops).

Bullarama and New Year’s Party (19+): $50.00

Bullarama only: $30.00 • 12 and under (bullarama only): $15.00 Food vendors will be available on site Tickets drop in price thanks to a new sponsor. Tickets pre-purchased at original price will have difference refunded at the door.

Sanctioned by Elite Professional Bullriders Inc.

A8 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Re-elected school board chair sees busy year ahead Tim Petruk - Kamloops This Week Denise Harper expects the next 12 months to be busy.

After being re-elected chairwoman at the Dec. 3 regular meeting of the Kamloops-Thompson school district’s board of education, the trustee from Chase wasted no time looking ahead.

“It will be a busy year,” Harper told KTW. “I think there is going to be a lot going on.”

With funding secured and approval for

the NorKam trades project in the board’s rearview mirror, Harper said the district has now set its sights on an even bigger target - South Kamloops secondary.

“That’s going to be our next big push,” she said, describing the need for a revamp at South Kam as “increasingly critical.

“I know the government finally came up with dollars for NorKam and they may think us ungrateful, but it’s just that our needs are many.”

If the district had its way, Harper said, South Kam would be torn down and completely rebuilt.

“In a perfect world, where money is no object, that would be the case,” she said.

“But, unfortunately, I don’t think that will happen.”

District officials have applied for $12.4-million in provincial funding for a smaller-scale fix - replacing South Kam’s antiquated gymnasium and change rooms, as well as adding a number of new classrooms.

“It’s customary we send a wish list in,” Harper said.

“But, the last few years they’ve come back no.

The NorKam trades and technology centre is slated for completion in September 2014.

Harper said the board recently chose an architectural firm - which will be announced in the coming days - to complete the project.

Renderings are expected in the spring.

Harper said she is also looking forward to a pair of public consultations in the New Year - one dealing with potential charges for bus service; the other in regard to potential school-year calendar changes.

“It will be busy,” she said.

Spring comes early for two popular BC Parks’ adventures Ministry of Environment VICTORIA - Visitors from around the world and throughout the province can soon plan their trips to two awe-inspiring BC Parks destinations. The Berg Lake Trail and Bowron Lake canoe circuit will be open for advanced reservations beginning Jan. 2, announced Minister of Environment Terry Lake recently.

Last year, the Bowron Lake Park canoe circuit had close to 100 bookings on the first day.

This year, BC Parks is doubling the early reservation options for visitors by adding the Berg Lake Trail.

“Our family has always enjoyed spending time in BC Parks, and these early reservations will mean visitors from around the world and throughout the province can plan their vacations to include two of our most spectacular destinations,” said Lake.

“Whether bonding on a canoe trip or on a spectacular hike, these trips offer two great ways for families to enjoy B.C.’s unpar-

alleled natural environment.”

The two treks are favourites for international travellers. In 2012, the Bowron Lake canoe circuit had 1,003 bookings and the Berg Lake Trail had 1,932 bookings with 22 per cent and 25 per cent of reservations, respectively, coming from outside Canada.

Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park is a world-renowned hiking track that covers over 23 kilometres and climbs over 800 metres. This remote, back-country trail is a favourite destination for visitors

from throughout the province and around the world. Mount Robson, the second oldest provincial park, will celebrate 100 years in 2013.

Bowron Lake Park’s unparalleled canoe circuit encompasses 10 lakes and includes numerous waterways and portages. The entire trip takes from six to 10 days to complete.

In 2010, 75 per cent of German visitors, 71 per cent of UK visitors, 56 per cent of Indian visitors, 34 per cent of American visitors and 35 per cent of Chinese visitors who visited B.C.

ray G s l l e Economic development support strengthened for W n n I The ECESI will for B.C. families.” growth and reach their Ministry of Jobs, partnerships and an Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour

VICTORIA Communities throughout British Columbia will receive increased support to maximize their economic potential through new

innovative suite of tools and resources, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell on Thursday.

“We are committed to helping communities throughout the province foster economic

full potential,” said Bell. “The Enhanced Community Economic Support Initiative will expand on what government is already doing by providing additional resources both online and in person so regions can capitalize on their assets, and we can create jobs

LEARN TO SKATE WITH OUR ENERGETIC, FUN, PROFESSIONAL COACH

Raft Mountain Skating Club is holding registration at the North Thompson Sportsplex on December 21 from 3 - 5pm January 3 from 3:30 - 7pm

smaller communities

regions throughout the Canada Starts Here: include: province. The workshops The BC Jobs Plan will inform and empowRegional Economic includes a commitment Collaboratives: Working er local governments to to work with commuwith communities and identify and advance nities and build their regional partners, prior- their own unique ecocapacity so that all nomic assets and strateity economic initiatives first choice regions of the province with aYour gies with afor particular regional impact can take advantage focus and emphasis on will be identified in accommodation! of investment opporreadiness. five regional sessions. Dutch investment Overlooking picturesque Lake, we are centrally located, close on to the all three shopping and - recreational facilities. tunities. Under the Online Economic This builds your exploration of the splendour of the Wells Gray Enhanced Community Start Development Resources: regional sessions held Provincial Park from here. Experience whitewater rafting, Economic Support An online suite of this past year.

Strategies kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, golfing, fishing, shopping ay r G Initiative (ECESI), resources tools will will be developed to s and sightseeing.

Return to enjoy our courtyard and hot tub, a nice Well will bring dinner government be developed to aid grow and advance in our dining lounge and then fi nish the evening off with n In athese fun-filled night our pub! Let our friendly and in hospitable communities together communities identifyareas of infocus staff make your vacation a relaxing and enjoyable experience! to promote five region- with implementation ing economic opportunial collaborations, prooccurring in the first 18 ties, and hostWEattracting FEATURE: vide economic develmonths. ing potential investors, • Cafe/Restaurant • Self opment training and - Economic and securing investment Contained Dining Area • Your first choice for up-to-date information Essentials for Local opportunities.

The toolBanquet & Meeting Rooms • accommodation! about whatpicturesque works and Government Leaders: kit will add knowledge Overlooking Dutch Lake, we are centrally Bar & Grill • Outdoor Hot Tub • located, close to all shopping and recreational facilities. what doesn’t, and supThe government will and support to comStart your exploration of the splendour of the Wells Gray Gifts & Souvenirs • Cold Beer, Provincial from here. Experience whitewater rafting, deliver leadership trainport localPark governments munities throughout the Wine & Liquor Store • Special mountain biking, hiking, golfing, fishing, shopping as kayaking, they advance province. ing workshops and sightseeing.

Returntheir to enjoy our courtyard hot tub, a nice in the Menus & Services for Bus dinner in our dining lounge and then finish the evening off with investment strategies. eight development Support for LNGa fun-filled night in our pub! Let our friendly and hospitable staff make your vacation a relaxing and enjoyable experience!

WE FEATURE: • Cafe/Restaurant • Self Contained Dining Area •

Lessons begin January 3, 2013

stayed overnight at a national or provincial park.

Discover Camping provides information on more than 108 reservable campgrounds, including group sites, in 94 provincial parks throughout B.C. Reservations for most reservable campgrounds begin March 15.

Other BC Parks campgrounds are available on a first-come firstserve basis only.

Share your favourite camping spot on BC Park’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ YourBCParks

Banquet & Meeting Rooms •

Tours & Groups

Reservations:

1-800-567-4088

Phone: (250) 674-2214 • Fax (250) 674-3019 Yellowhead Highway #5 & Clearwater Gifts & Souvenirs • Cold Beer, Village Road, Wine & Liquor Store • Special Box 280, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 Menus & Services for Bus Bar & Grill • Outdoor Hot Tub •

Email: wellsgrayinn@mercuryspeed.com • www.wellsgrainn.ca Tours & Groups

If you prefer to register online, you can do that as well at

membership@raftmountain.com Funding is available upon request for those eligible.

For more information visit

www.raftmountain.com

We’ve seen great achievements from our skaters so far this year and everyone has had a lot of fun.

Happy Holidays

Reservations:

1-800-567-4088

Phone: (250) 674-2214 • Fax (250) 674-3019 Yellowhead Highway #5 & Clearwater Village Road, Box 280, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0

Email: wellsgrayinn@mercuryspeed.com • www.wellsgrainn.ca

~ Bonnie, Jeff & Family & Staff

Affected Communities: Customized local support will be provided to expand the economic development resources of communities presented with liquefied natural gas (LNG) opportunities.

Government will partner with associations and trusts to align resources and build capacity to support these communities.

OpportunitiesBC Content Expansion: Doubling the investment content on the OpportunitiesBC website will better represent the numerous opportunities available in our communities.

Union of British Columbia Municipalities president Mary Sjostrom said, “A growing number of B.C. local governments are dedicating staff and other resources toward economic development in their communities.

These new resources will be welcomed by communities as they develop initiatives that capitalize on local and regional assets.”

For additional information on this initiative, please visit the ministry’s website at: www.gov.bc.ca/jtst/

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A9

Area B director gives report for first year on board Times Staff “I would like to say that my first year in office has been great, reports Willow MacDonald, Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Thompson Headwaters. “I really enjoy representing Area B and the residents who live there. I am looking forward to my next year in office and I hope that it is productive.”

A wide variety of work has been done with the Thompson Headwaters services committee during the past year, she said.

An application has been sent in for a Community Infrastructure Grant to upgrade the children’s park at Eleanor Lake in Blue River. That application is for about $200,000 at 50 cent dollars (meaning the TNRD must come up with matching funds).

Water conservation improvements to the Eleanor Lake beachouse bathrooms are being done.

Waterworks upgrades to the Blue River water system will occur in 2013. The paperwork

was approved by the B.C. and TNRD governments this fall and the work will start in the spring.

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is putting in a two km passing lane in Blue River going north.

The design work for the Blue River Cemetery archway should be conducted this year.

The services committee is working on getting the Blue River trails project organized, maps corrected and the work started.

A major Avola Schoolhouse repair project is slated to start.

The building needs dry rot corrected and chinking upgrades.

Avola park planning is slated, but is dependant on an infrastructure grant outcome The services committee is working with the Blue River Powder Packers to aid in trail right of way agreements for winter use in the Finn Creek Managed Area. MacDonald gave kudos to the Powder Packers for all the hard work they have done to promote and manage appropriate sled use in Area B. The committee is also working

Willow MacDonald extensively with MOTI for proper highway signage to be installed for the Little Hell”s Gate turnoff, and interpretive signage at the Little Hell’s Gate itself.

Another collaborative project is working with MOE to install interpretive signage for the Goose Creek salmon watershed.

“I am continuing to work with Interior Health and Northern Health to increase access to medical services for residents in Area B on the Health Connections Bus,” MacDonald said.

The Thompson Headwaters director is holding discussions

Prescription marijuana to be produced commercially Kevin Diakiw, Black Press The federal government is poised to eliminate licensed medical marijuana grow-ops in homes that have long been criticized over safety concerns and connections to the illegal drug trade.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced Dec. 16, a planned shift to a new system of federally regulated commercial producers of medical pot who will supply authorized users who have a prescription from their doctor.

“Under our new rule, only facilities that meet strict security requirements will be able to produce marijuana for medical purposes,” Aglukkaq told a press conference in Maple Ridge.

The new system - which also ends government production of medical pot - is expected to come at a sharply higher price for the nearly 26,000 users authorized to possess medical marijuana.

Local authorities have argued most medical pot home growers are producing far more plants than they require, suggesting rampant abuse of the program by licensees selling into the illicit market.

“The high value of marijuana on the illicit market increases the risk of home invasions,” Aglukkaq noted.

“These production operations can also present fire and toxic

mould hazards.”

The Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. (FCABC) said the change will improve safety in residential neighbourhoods.

“The fire service across Canada has been raising the alarm about the fire and safety risks associated with growing marijuana indoors for many years,” said FCABC president Len Garis, who is also Surrey’s fire chief. “We

applaud the government for taking action on this issue.”

Garis stressed that the fire service has never been concerned about the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

“Our focus is on how medical marijuana is grown,” he said. “The fact is, medical marijuana has typically been grown in a residential setting, which is not suitable or safe for growing marijuana.”

Under the previous regulations, medical marijuana grow operations operated without their local municipal government’s knowledge or approval, and were not subject to health, fire, building or plumbing inspections.

Research indicates that both criminal and medical residential marijuana grow operations result in similar health, fire and safety hazards associated with unsafe electrical work, structural changes and excessive moisture.

Taking marijuana production out of homes and into a licensed commercial environment is a step in the right direction, Garis said.

“We are happy to see Health Canada commit to inspecting and auditing medical marijuana producers to make sure they comply with all regulatory requirements,” he said.

“We would like to see them take a further step and ensure that all previous residential growing sites are remediated, and that future buyers are made aware that these homes were previously used to grow marijuana.”

The federal Ministry of Health said it intends to implement the system by March 31, 2014, at which point all current licences to possess or produce pot would expire.

The government is holding a 75-day comment period for the public to give feedback on the proposal (at http://bit. ly/U4xtqi), which will end on Feb. 28, 2013.

The details of the new regulations are available on the ministry’s website (http:// bit.ly/SFDUlX).

- with files from Jeff Nagel and CTV News

with Yellowhead Community Services to maintain Area B ridership on the Valley Connector.

“This new once-a-month service has had a great ridership since its implementation in November 2012,” she said. “I am very pleased with the efforts of YCS to reduce winter isolation problems in Area B.” A large amount of work has been done by the Thompson Headwaters services committee to rewrite and update the Blue River website: www.blueriverbc.ca “My very hard working Thompson Headwaters Services Committee also attends as volunteers to represent Area B interests at trade shows, conferences and tourism organization events to keep Area B on the radar of governments, tourists and businesses,” MacDonald said.

“I would also like to thank my committee for working tirelessly on our behalf

so that the residents are served democratically. They also perform many many volunteer tasks so that our residents can benefit from the great things to offer in Blue River.”

The TNRD director paid tribute to services coordinator Sherri Madden.

“I appreciate all her help and support in the past year and look forward to working with her in behalf of all who I represent in Area B,” she said.

The TNRD director said that if anyone wants to contact her, her email is willowmacdonald. tnrd@gmail.com.

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A10 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Three wise guys The three wise men carry gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh in the Christmas display at the Bev and Ken Smith residence on Riverview Crescent in Clearwater. Photo by Keith McNeill How The Kitten Found The Spirit of Christmas Late one Christmas Eve a little kitten named Whiskers was still awake.

“Weeeeeee!” exclaimed Whiskers as he swung from branch to branch on the Christmas tree knocking a few Christmas tree balls off the tree as he did. Whiskers was a naughty kitten and he didn’t believe in Santa Clause. When he finally hopped down from the tree some time later, Whiskers slipped and missed his foot-

ing, causing him to slide into some stray wrapping paper! The more he struggled to get out of the paper, the more the wrapping paper wrapped around him! “Well” thought Whiskers as he lay upside down.

“I think I know why people call this wrapping paper. If people didn’t know better they would think I was a Christmas present!” Just then Whiskers felt himself being lifted into the air as if he were flying!

“My greatest dream

is coming true!!!” as he flipped through the air and landed in a large sack. Whiskers became afraid and a little queasy as the sack shot up the chimney and into a sleigh.

Then, the sleigh got all bumpy and jolty as the sleigh flew into the air and did a loop the loop. Some time later Whiskers had pushed his way out of the wrapping paper and saw that he was in his own house again. And for a little extra surprise, he was nose to nose with Santa Clause!

Whiskers blinked once, twice, three times and squealed at the top of his little lungs...”MONSTER!!”

Suddenly, Whiskers was in his own bed next to his own mother who was snoring away. Then he could hear the thunder of feet as kids dashed to the Christmas tree to find piles and piles of presents. Even Whiskers got one! He tore off the paper and found an entire box of cat toys! Whiskers was overjoyed! His first Christmas present! “Woowhooo!!” mewed Whiskers excitedly. He didn’t notice he was being watched though. He was being watched by the spirit of Christmas himself!

“Well” thought the spirit. “Looks like Whiskers has learned his lesson”. The spirit chuckled as he flew into the horizon and out of sight.

The End

By Hannah Foisy Grade 5 Raft River Elementary

My Favorite Christmas On my favorite Christmas I got up in the morning and threw off the blankets. It’s

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How The Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas There was a kitten lost in the North Pole and Santa Claus rescued the kitten.

“Who are you?” said the kitten. “I am Santa Claus, of course.” “Who is Santa Claus?” A person who gives you presents every Christmas. “Oh, I thought my mother bought my presents.”

“You got it all wrong,” Santa Claus. And that’s how the Kitten Found the Spirit Of Christmas.

Nathan Toscano Grade 2

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Photo by Keith McNeill

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas One day a kitten never knew what Christmas was. Then one day a little girl found him. She said, “I wonder if he knows what Christmas is?”

So she took him home.

She gave him some food and water. She asked her mother if she can keep the kitten.

“Ok,” said her mom. “But you must walk him every day and feed him.”

“Ok,” said the girl.

It was almost Christmas. They had put the Christmas tree

Dancing Elves Two elves dance in the Smith's display.

Photo by Keith McNeill

up and put up the ornaments. In the middle of the night, Santa came. The kitten saw him. Santa said, “Ho, my, you do’t know what Christmas is? I will show you what Christmas is. Come with me, little guy, you will see!” So he took the kitten with him.

He showed the kitten what Christmas was about.

The kitten was amazed what Christmas was but then the Grinch came.

And the Grinch said to Santa, “I hate Christmas because of you, Santa,” Then he kidnapped Santa!

The kitten was sad that nobody would get presents.

So the kitten was going to save Santa.

The kitten was on his way to save Santa. He was almost there but a heti came. The kitten was scared but the yeti was a nice yeti.

He wanted to help the kitten. So he said, “I don’t want to eat you — I want to help you.”

So the kitten and the yeti went to save Santa. But the kitten was going to die. The yeti tried to keep him warm.

The yeti saw a town where the Grinch lived. So the yeti went to stop the Grinch.

The yeti found the Grinch’s hide out. The yeti went inside. He put the kitten down.

He went to stop the Grinch. The Grinch was making Santa build a sleigh. But the yeti said, “Stop it!”

“No,” said Grinch.

When Santa builds me a sleigh I will take every one’s Christmas dinner. The yeti found a cage and the yeti put the cage on the Grinch and quickly untied Santa. The kitten came in. The yeti was happy the kitten didn’t die.

Aloyce Kirango Grade 3

My Favorite Christmas Once upon a time a year ago on a Christmas night I stayed up all night watching TV and eating popcorn. Then I saw foot prints on the hard wood. Santa but it was mom. Then the next morning tonnes of presents were sitting under the tree. I got a dirt bike, shirt dirt bike pants and gloves. Then I got a some dry socks. Then I went to go in my back yard to build a snowman.

I also got a original x-box from my uncle Jeff and my Aunty Merry. Then I got a pop and tooth brush. It was the best Christmas ever!. I went to go sledding on my GT. It was really fun.

Patrick Labby Grade 3

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

In the winter wonderland Caroline Soles is waist deep in fresh powder snow as she backcountry skis on Middle Mountain (located between Raft and Trophy mountains northeast of Clearwater). Reportedly it was hard work going up but glorious coming down. Photo submitted

Away in a manger A nativity scene or creche depicts the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

Photo by Keith McNeill

www.clearwatertimes.com A11

My Very Most Favourite Christmas When I woke up on Christmas day I peeked in my stocking and there was a whole bunch of chocolates and a whole bunch of other stuff. Then I took my stocking into my bedroom and searched my stocking until I got board. Then I went back to the living room and I saw something that was for my sister and it was a 41 inch flat screen TV. Then I went back to bed for an hour and a half. I woke back up and woke my mom up then she made breakfast. Then my grandma and papa came over with our presents. Then we got to open them and then my grandma and papa got Sage and I at least 3 or 4 presents. After that they had to go to their place. Then I had to have a shower. Then me and Sage had to go to our dad’s house.

When we got there our dad got us new hockey bags the exacted ones that we wanted. Then I got this enormous present and it was a race car set. After I opened that we played with it a long time. Then my other grandparents came over and they brought our dinner for us. Then we opened their presents.

Then a couple hours later we had dinner. Then we went sledding down this awesome hill. Then we had to go inside and have desert. After we had desert we played with the race car set again after that it was time to start getting ready for bed. By the time we got our teeth brushed and got our pj’s on we had to go to bed even though it was only 8 o’clock we still had to go to bed. I fell asleep really quick and that’s how I spent Christmas, with my mom and my dad.

Solamyn Barstow Grade 4 Raft River Elementary

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas One Christmas Eve a kitten went to find the Spirit of Christmas. Her name is Angel and Angel went to find it right away and she found a girl named Ally. She had a kitten and its name is Madison.

Allys kitten, Madison, had run a way from home. When Ally noticed Madison was gone she called to her. Soon she heard‚ "meow" and called, "Madison is that you?"

Ali asked meow. She heard again. And then she found her kitten at last.

Jayne Cole Grade 2

How the Kitten Found the Spirit of Christmas Once upon a time there was a kitten named Lucy. She went

From the rooftop Santa looks down from on top of a house in the Smiths' display. Photo by Keith McNeill for a walk. On her walk she was chased by a dog into the forest. She was scared.

Lucy jumped behind a tree and found a hiding spot, a big hole in the tree.

Then she found an elf. They became best friends. Lucy went home to the elf’s

house. Lucy couldn’t believe her eyes. Most of the colours were red and green. Then she learned the true meaning of Christmas from the elf. He said to love and care for your family.

Reegan Yurkiw Grade 3

HOLIDAY HOURS: December 27-30 -REGULAR HOURS December 31 - 6AM – 6PM January 1 – 8 AM – 8PM

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Come see us for all of your last minute Christmas and New Year party needs.

A12 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Sports

Second-half schedule offers respite for Blazers Marty Hastings - Kamloops This Week

Novice teams battle for the puck Clearwater Novice players (r-l) Owen Sim, Cassidy Tucker, Sage Barstow, and Korie McGill take the puck past a Kamloops opponent during one of two games they played the weekend before last at the Sportsplex. The Novices tied the first game 3-3 and won the second 7-4. “The kids all had a great time – lots of fun!” said one coach. Photo by Keith McNeill

Eaglepoint to host B.C. Golf tournament Kamloops This Week Kamloops will host a British Columbia Golf tournament in 2013.

Eaglepoint is the venue for the provincial senior men’s amateur championship, slated to run from July 29 to July 31.

There will be 12 B.C. Golf championships played between May and August.

The Kamloops Blazers’ resident travel agent, media co-ordinator Tim O’Donovan, has it easy in the second half of the Western Hockey League’s regular season After spending 23 nights in hotels in the first half, the Blazers will find accommodation on the road only nine times after the Christmas break.

“We had a tough first half, playing 20 of our road games, with two big trips into Alberta,” said Dave Hunchak, the Blazers’ associate coach.

“If we can spread our schedule in the second half, that lends to us being healthier, No. 1, and being fresher, whether it’s at home or on the road.”

The Blazers have 16 road games in the second half - 12 of them are against B.C. Division opponents and none of them are against Eastern Conference teams.

NORTH THOMPSON SPORTSPLEX

Hockey Lives Here!

MINOR HOCKEY GAME SCHEDULE To be announced

The staff at the Sportsplex wishes everyone a safe holiday and a happy new year

FAMILY SKATE

4:30pm Friday Dec. 28 & Sunday Dec. 30 Sponsored by Century 21 Clearwater & District Minor Hockey www.cdmha.info. Register @ ‘250 674 2594 or nissa1537@gmail.com Raft Mountain Skating Club Register @ www.raftmountain.com Oldtimers Hockey Every Wed. @ 8:30pm and Sunday at 7:30pm

MENS REC. HOCKEY LEAGUE Games every Fri. at 7:30 & every Sun. at 6pm Call for Information

For more information about the Sportsplex or any programs call 250 674 2143

Kamloops Blazers’ associate coach Dave Hunchak is looking forward to luxuries provided by a lighter second-half Western Hockey League schedule.

Allen Douglas/KTW

For Kamloops, the toughest road stretch will run from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18, during which the Blazers play twice in Prince George, twice in Victoria and once in Kennewick, Wash.

The Blazers stumbled into the holidays, losing three straight, once in overtime, to cap a four-game Alberta road swing.

After taking the league by storm in September and October, the Blue and Orange cooled off in November and December, allowing the Portland Winterhawks to enter the break atop the Western Conference.

The Blazers, at 25-92-2, are in second place with 54 points.

Portland, at 28-5-1, has played four fewer games than Kamloops.

Perhaps fatigue caught up with the River City club as it coasted to the end of the first half.

The home stretch of the second half is much less taxing.

The Blazers play five of their last seven regular-season games at Interior Savings Centre.

Away from the ice, the players can use the lighter second-half

schedule to catch up on schoolwork, while the team’s travelling staff is looking forward to becoming re-acquainted with family, friends and significant others.

“I’m very fortunate to have married a very good woman who puts up with a lot of stuff,” said Hunchak, whose team returns to action in Kelowna against the Rockets on Dec. 27.

“Any time you can spend time at home, whether you’re watching your kids do sport or school activities, or just being around the house, it’s real important.”

Did you know?

Media man, slash video coach, slash office-staff member, slash travel agent Tim O’Donovan - the Kordell Stewart of the Blue and Orange - is responsible for booking hotels on the road.

Prior to O’Donovan, it was now departed assistant coach Scott Ferguson who handled accomodation planning.

When possible, the Blazers stay at a Sandman Hotel - owned by Tom Gaglardi, majority owner of the Blazers.

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A13

United Way loves that you like Interior Savings Kelowna, B.C. - Thanks to its Twitter and Facebook fans, Interior Savings will be donating more than $20,000 to local United Way branches this week. Over the past two months, the credit union has been running a social media campaign to help it give away thousands of dollars to local charities.

For every new fan who ‘liked’ their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/InteriorSavings, Interior Savings pledged to donate $10 to United Way branches throughout the BC Interior - up to a total of $20,000. Twitter followers were also invited to join in the pre-holiday giveaway by nominating their favourite local charity for a share of an additional $5,000.

United Way is a charity that Interior Savings CEO Kathy Conway holds in great regard. Conway has been the United Way Central Okanagan campaign chair for the past two years, and has helped to establish a community partnership between Interior Savings and United Way. “At Interior Savings, we are proud to support United Way. Through Success by 6 and other funded programs, United Way provides help and resources for young children and other vulnerable people within our communities. It is our hope that this donation will help United Way to provide some comfort to these people this holiday season and throughout the year,” Conway said.

Marla O’Brien, executive director, United Way Central and South Okanagan Similkameen, acknowledged the

importance of contributions such as this to the continuation Commercial Services Centres, Interior Savings offers personal and commercial banking and a full range of insurance and of their work. wealth management services to members in 14 communities.

“United Way works towards creating a better life for everyone on our communities and we accomplish this with the support of community-minded corporations, like Interior Savings. Thank you Interior Savings for donating over $20,000 - in addition to your annual United Way staff-supported campaign. Your leadership truly makes a lasting positive impact throughout the BC Interior,” she said.

The winners of the Interior Savings Twitter campaign and a $700 donation each are as follows: - The Carma Project - Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society - United Way Central and Southern Okanagan Similkameen (Funding & Business Plan Assistance, - United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo Start-up Assistance & more) - Kamloops Food Bank Are you unemployed and unable to find - Kamloops People in Motion meaningful or enough work?

Interior Savings is the largest credit Have you had an Employment Insurance (EI) claim union based in the Interior of B.C. with assets exceeding $2.0 billion. Through its in the past 3-5 years?

21 branches, 15 insurance offices, and two What about creating your own employment through

Mandatory Self Employment Orientation

 Self Employment

The next Mandatory Self Employment Orientation session will be

January 24th 1:00pm-3:00pm – Please call for more information

Don’t get caught in a food marketing trap Children are often the focus of food marketing campaigns. Companies view children as having significant purchasing power because of their influence on parents and caregivers. Many of these campaigns influence children’s food preferences, food choices and the products they Rose Soneff request and the results are not always healthy.

Children are often targeted in the grocery store through packaging, labelling, pricing and product placement. Food products use bright colours, characters, shapes, and flavours to grab the attention of children. Manufacturers pay extra to have their product located at eye level, at the end of aisles and at the cashier in the hopes that their attractively packaged products will be noticed by children. Many products marketed to children are high in sugar, fat, and salt. With the increasing rates of childhood obesity in Canada the food preferences and choices of children is a growing concern.

Parents can learn to successfully navigate the grocery store and avoid the lure and temptation of less healthy options for children. Here’s a couple tips to help encourage healthy food choices in the grocery store.

Look beyond the flashy claims on the product label. Some food packages contain misleading claims about the product. For instance, a beverage package may use big colourful fonts to draw attention to its high vitamin and mineral content; however, it may not be as obvious that the beverage also contains lots of sugar because the food manufacturer does not draw attention to this information. Check the Nutrition Facts table, especially the percent daily value and the ingredient list for a more accurate description of what a product actually contains.

Bring two grocery lists to the store - one for yourself and one for your child. Make sure the

lists include healthy choices. Children can help grocery shop by looking for items on their list.

A list will help them stay focused and they will be less distracted by other products in the grocery store. If children are influenced by labels and placement of less healthy food, divert their attention back to the items still needed on their grocery list.

Make sure your child has eaten something before going to the grocery store with you. If necessary, provide a healthy snack to occupy them while shopping. A hungry shopper, whether a child or adult, is more likely to be tempted by unhealthy foods.

So next time you and the kids head to the grocery store do a little planning, make some lists and don’t forget to think critically about all those flashy claims right before your eyes.

Visit Your WorkBC Office

Join Us For Free Coffee & Goodies December 10th – January 10th _________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ CLEARWATER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CENTRE 58A Young Road, Clearwater BC V0E 1N2 Phone: 250- 674-2928 Fax: 250- 674-2938 Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 – 4:00 Email: info@clearwateremployment.ca www.clearwateremployment.ca Operated by Yellowhead Community Services

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Church Directory

Clearwater Christian Church

“an Independent” congregation in fellowship with the broader Christian community in the area.

Your places of worship

Meeting at: 11 Lodge Drive (Behind Fields Store)

Sunday Worship Service 10 am On the Web: www.clchch.com For information 250.674.3841 or 250.674.2912

VAVENBY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

3083 Capostinsky Rd. • Service 11 a.m.

Sunday Morning Celebration Services Ian Moilliet Pastor 250-676-9574 Non Denominational

St James Catholic Church

Clearwater Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Bill Kelly Saturday Service - 10am Clearwater Christian Church

Ph. 250-674-3468

CLEARWATER Sunday Service Mass • 11am - 12pm UNITED CHURCH Meeting at Tuesday & Thursday Catholic Church of St. James 10am Worship 324 Clearwater Sunday 9am Village Road 250-672-5653 • 250-674-3615 250-676-9435 250-672-5949 ntunitedpc@gmail.com •Father Don O’Reilly www.norththompsonpc.ca

Clearwater Living Streams Christian Fellowship

CLEARWATER NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY Dan Daase - Pastor Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am

Meeting at New Life Assembly every Sunday 5:00pm

(Kids church during service)

Contact Dave Meehan 250-674-3217 email: livingstreams@hotmail.com Clearwater Community Church open to everyone - all denominations

Wednesdays Am Ladies Bible Study Thursday 3-5pm Kids Club

Phone: 250-674-2345

308 W Old N Thompson Hwy

COMMUNITY BAPTIST 24E Old North Thompson Hwy

Worship Service 10:30 Pastor Mike Kiewitt 250.674.1332 www.ccbaptist.ca

A14 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

Business & Service Directory Accountant -- Certified ACCOUNTANT CERTIFIED

STONE & COMPANY (Robert Lawrie, Silvia Scheibenpflug)

Certified General Accountants Rison Realty • 32 E Old N. Thompson Hwy.

N

Feb. 1st to Apr. 30th - Every Thursday May 1st to Jan. 31st - By Appointment Hours: 9:30 am to Noon, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Phone: 250-674-2532 • Kamloops: 554-2533 • Fax: 554-2536

Auctions AUCTIONS

Appliance Repair APPLIANCE REPAIRS

TH RIVE R R O

HAYDN AUCTION SERVICES

• AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION • AUCTION •

APPLIANCE REPAIR Four Star Service 250-674-0079

Every 2 weeks Starting August 11, 2012 Consignments Welcome

NEW LOCATION 4761 Gilbert Drive Barriere Industrial Park

DOUG JAMES

Financial Statement Preparation • Corporate & Personal Income Taxes

PARTS - SALES - SERVICE CALLS USED APPLIANCES

Building Supply

Carpentry CARPENTRY

Phone 250-672-9809 or 250-319-5230 Email: haydnauctionservices@gmail.com Website: haydnauctionservicebc.com

Construction Construction & Renovations from Foundations to Roof

QUALITY WORK

Hazel’s Housing • NEW CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATIONS • ROOFING

Winter Hours • 8:30am - 5pm

250-674-4083

New Construction, Renovations, Tiling, Roofing.

Box 345 Clearwater BC V0E 1N0

674-4001 (250) 674-8469

250-587-0010

tinybldr@telus.net

Contractor Advertise A D VERTISING

THE TIMES

Contracting CONTRACTORS

Tiny Builders Ltd.

(250)

Dan Arnold

Call

Journeyman Carpenter

Construction

DNA Construction

For All Your Advertising Needs

Steve Noble

Hazel Dowds

CLEARWATER, B.C.

Construction

Rob Kerslake

HANS OUNPUU Building Contractor

40 years experience Renovations • Additions • New Construction • Home Repairs • HAFI Jobs • Project Management

Al Kirkwood 250-674-3875 674-3343 Clearwater, BC • ounpuu@telus.net

Electric Contractors

Fully Insured Journeyman Carpenters Septic - Installation - Service - Pumping Demolition - Excavation - Backhoe Service Trucking - Crane Truck - Water - Dump

Bonded General Contractor

Gravel - Sand - Top Soil - Snow Removal

John White

Paul 250.819.3205

Convenience Store

Jack 250.299.9510

Electric Contractors ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

RAFT RIVER STORE

250-587-6175

GAS . DIESEL . GROCERIES

Symons Electric

Blackwell Dairy Products TOOL RENTALS

Good Prices • Great Service • Quality Work

Winter Hours Open 8 am - 6 pm daily 733 Clearwater Village Rd Ph. 250-674-2688 Fax 250-674-3392

LARRY SYMONS • LICENSED & BONDED • CLEARWATER - CLOSED MONDAYS -

A division of Vortec Enterprises

•

ABIGAIL’

B.C. Reg. #24833

Heating

Florist

VANDENBORRE

Abigail’s Essential Service empowering customers by lifestyles.

HEATING

PROPANE & ELECTRIC FURNACE REPAIR

Furnace Installation • Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning Radon Gas Mitigation • Serving Blue River - Little Fort

~ flowers ~ plants ~ gifts ~ balloon bouquets ~

housekeeping yard maintenance HANDYMAN SERVICES window washing Jim Vandenborre • Fully insured gardening jhepv@hotmail.com 250.674.8552 transportation to doctor A division of Vortec Enterprises visa, debit, mc accepted shopping house sitting

YOUR FRIENDLY REPAIR MAN

specializing in weddings, sympathy, birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions

Licenced & Bonded Reg. NO: 99142

Heating & Air Conditioning

73 Taren Drive, Clearwater Phone 250-674-2929 Toll Free: 1-877-974-2929

Misc. Services

Garbage Collection GARBAGE COLLECTION

250-879-2777

Phone Jager Garbage 250-674-3798 Serving from Vavenby to Blackpool area

1.250.587.6373 • 1.888.587.3576

housekeeping pet sitting/walking 1.250.587.6373 yard maintenance parent/child visit 1.888.587.3576 Abigail’s Essential Services, serving Clearwater, BC and surrounding area, is committed to window washing supervision empowering customers by providing essential services that will enrich and enhance their lifestyles. gardening baking transportation to doctor meal planning/preparation shopping travel companion house sitting car washing Services include:

housekeeping yard maintenance window washing gardening transportation to doctor shopping house sitting

pet sitting/walking parent/child visit supervision baking meal planning/preparation travel companion car washing medical advocate

walking/hiking banking bookkeeping landscape planning snow shovelling and more!

Give Abigail a call!

medical advocate walking/hiking banking bookkeeping landscape planning snow shovelling and more!

1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Furnace Installations • Heat Pump Installations • Hot Water Tank Replacements • Air Conditioning installs • We repair all makes and models • Modular Home Furnaces • Ducting

Containers available for construction sites, yard clean-up, industrial sites etc.

ABIGAIL’S ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Residential includes Blue Bag Recycling

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

Residential & Commercial Garbage Collection.

Abigail’s Essential Services 1.250.587.6373 1.888.587.3576

ABIGAIL’S ESSENTIAL SERVICES

JAGER GARBAGE

Abigail’s E 1.25 1.8 Abigail’s E 1.25 1.88

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Abigail’s E 1.25 1.88

Abigail’s E 1.25 1.88

Abigail’s E 1.25 1.88

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Taylor, Epp & Dolder

nd Clearwater the 2month & 4 th W in ednesday of each W ednesday of each month

Lawyers

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A15

Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - Noon Barriere Centre - 480 Barriere Town Road Lawyer in attendance: Elmer Epp

Business & Service Directory

For all your legal needs, including: Ph: 250-674-2255 (Clearwater) • Wills & Estates • Real Estate • Accident & Injury Toll Free: 1-888-374-3161 Located in the BB&R Insurance Located in the Interior Savings Office, office, or Brookfield Ph: 250-674-2255 Toll Free: Mall 1-888-374-3161

Barriere 250-672-5244 • Kamloops: 250-374-3456

Motor Licence Office Naturalized Landscaping Geoff Ellen, P. AG MOTOR LICENCE Forest Agrologist • Landscape DesignOFFICE • Agroforestry • Xeric Dryscapes • Range Management • Native SpeciesICBC Landscapes Agent • Raw Land Assessment/Ideas • Hydroseeded Lawns of Clearwater • Aerial Revegetation District • Land Reclamation 250-674-2733 • Greenhouses

132 Station Road, Box 157, Clearwater, B.C. V0E 1N0 Box 463 674-3444 Offi ce Hours: am(250) to 4:30 pm Clearwater, B.C. Monday V0E 1N0 to Friday - 8:30Tel: Fax: (250) 674-3444 Open through the Noon hour gellen@mercuryspeed.com

Septic Service Safe Shelter

Plumbing & Drains Nursery

AMARANTH & NURSERY - McLure BC NEEDFARM A PLUMBER?

SED O L C NTPD S A M T S I R H Y C 250-674-8151 JASEN MERRMANN

(250) 674-2135 in Little Fort, Clearwater,

Phone 250-674-1470

Louis Creek and McLure 250-674-3562

Chua,

250-374-9439

702 Athabasca Street East Kamloops, BC – www.calgasinc.com

-Residential -Rental -Commercial -Parts -Residential -Cylinder -Commercial -Bulk

Storage

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702 Athabasca Street East Kamloops, BC – www.calgasinc.com

SECURED FENCED FACILITY 24-HR MONITORED VIDEO SURVEILLANCE R.V.’S, BOATS, TRAILERS, TRUCKS, ETC.

Service • Sales • Installations

Box Star 561 Choice Approved Service Technician Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 chaytorj@telus.net Phone: 250-674-0066 or 250-674-8877

1st 20 spaces at $500/year 778-208-5300 Clearwater, BC

email: daveash321@yahoo.ca

Storage Taxi Service Storage

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Al Kirkwood 674-3343

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Vocal Coach VOCAL FromCOACH the music stand of…

Contracting

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Business & Service ON CALL c Directory TOWING LTD.Traffi TD. CLEARWATER Service Center Control

25 S

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Construction, Renos & Demos & Towing Septic Service - Pumper Truck 24 Hour Service Backhoe & Bobcat Free Scrap Car Removal Call Certified Traffic Control & Tow Truck - 24 Hours 516 Swanson Road 250-674-1869 Traffic Control/Certified Used Auto Parts Portable toilet rentals Chimney Sweep RON ROTZETTER OFFICE: 250-674-3123 Plumbing 250-674-0145 / 250-318-7235 Well Repair or CELL: 250-674-1427

NELS HINDLE

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••Vocal Coach Music Vocal Coach and Music • Vocal Coach andand Music Teacher, Choir Choir Director Director Teacher, Teacher, Choir Director • Child and Adult Lessons • Child and Adult Lessons (Reasonable Rates) • Child and Adult Lessons

Sweeper Post Hole Auger

Rates) redpepper62@live.com 250-957-8440(Reasonable

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BUD’S WATER WELLS LTD. Toll Free 1-888-83WELLS Residential & Industrial Wells

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIE NCE

Bus. (250) 573-3000 Toll Free 1-888-839-3557

a Arrow Lake News (Nakusp) a Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal a Caledonia Courier (Ft. St. James) a Castlegar a Eagle Valley News a Golden Star a Houston Today a Invermere Valley Echo a Kamloops This Week a Kelowna Capital News a Kootenay Advertiser (Cranbrook)

OR

Contracting

Water WATER Wells WELLS

Certified Well Driller Duane Bochek Kamloops, B.C.

Leah Leah Jones Jones

From thethe music From musicstand stand of… of…

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702 Athabasca Street East Kamloops, BC – www.calgasinc.com

John Chaytor

Advertising

THE TIMES

For all-Cylinder of your propane needs 250-374-9439 Residential • Rental • Commercial •-Bulk Cylinder • Parts • Bulk

Commercial & Residential

Anytime or night - Please don’t wait10 until it’s too late.

Serving theday North Thompson Valley for over Years Valemount • Blue RiverCall • Avola Vavenby We • Clearwater • Little Fort us•now. can help.

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CHECK YOUR MARKET a Burns Lake District News a Merritt Herald a Valley Express (Merritt) a North Thompson Star Journal (Barriere) a North Thompson Times (Clearwater) a Northern Sentinel (Kitimat) a Omineca Express (Vanderhoof) a 100 Mile House Free Press a Penticton Western News a Princeton/Similkameen a Prince George Free Press

a Quesnel Cariboo Observer a Revelstoke Times Review a Salmon Arm Observer a Shuswap Market News a Smithers Interior News a Summerland Review or Bulletin a Terrace Standard a Vernon Morning Star a Weekend Advertiser (Kitimat) a Williams Lake Tribune a Williams Lake Weekender

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90 plus publications serving British Columbia

Al Kirkwood Advertising Manager

672-5611 or 674-3410

email: al@starjournal.net

A16 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Write it on your heart that every

GYMNASTICS

day is the best

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER OF SPACES AVAILABLE.

day in the year.

DATES: JAN. 8 - MAR. 14, 2013 Mom & 3 year olds Thurs 1:45pm to 2:30pm

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wells Gray Country

4 year olds Mixed

Tues 1:30pm to 2:30pm

$65

4 year olds Mixed

Wed 1:30pm to 2:30pm

$65

5 & 6 Girls

Tues 2:45pm to 3:45pm

$70

5 & 6 Girls

Wed 2:45pm to 3:45pm

$70

5 & 6 Boys

Thurs 2:45pm to 3:45pm

$70

7 to 9 Boys

Tues 4:00pm to 5:00pm

$80

7 to 9 Girls

Wed 4:00pm to 5:00pm

$80

7 to 9 Girls

Thurs 4:00pm to 5:00pm

$80

10 and up Boys

Tues 6:00pm to 7:30pm $125

10 and up irls

Wed 6:00pm to 7:30pm

10 and up Girls

Thurs 6:00pm to 7:30pm $125

REGISTER TODAY

Jan. 3: Elks Bingo, Elks Hall, west Old NT Hwy. Doors open 5pm, call @ 250-674-3535 for info Jan 4: Little Fort Coffee House, Little Fort Community Hall, Doors open 6:30, mic $4/person. Info Bill Fowler 250-6725116 Jan. 27: Fishing Derby on Dutch Lake. Sponsored by Clearwater Rotary Club Feb 2: Wells Gray Outdoors Club sponsors the Birchleg at the Candle Creek Ski Trails . 250-674-2327 for info.

TEL: 250.674.3530 IN PERSON: 224 Candle Creek Rd. EMAIL: sarduini@ tru.ca www.tru.ca/regional_centres/clearwater

ONGOING EVENTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • Coffee House: 1st Friday every month - Little Fort Community Hall. 6:30, mic $4/person. Info Bill Fowler 250-672-5116 • Raft River Rockhounds: 3rd Sunday of the mth. 250-674-2700 • Women in Business Luncheon: 2nd Wed. of the mth at Wells Gray Inn, 12–2 pm. Preregister at 250-674-2700 • Clearwater Choir: Youth 3:30 - 5 pm; Adult 6:30 - 9 pm, Tuesdays, Clearwater Christian Church • Crafts & Conversations with Cheryl. Tuesdays 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the North Thompson Aboriginal Sharing Center.

Phone 674-3703 for more info.

• Clearwater Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9:00 am – Noon. For more information please call Anne at 250-674-3444.

• Clearwater-Vavenby Lions Bingo: Every 2nd Tues. Elks Hall.

250-587-6269 • M&M (Mrs. & Ms.) Social. Last Sun of the mth Wells Gray Inn. 1pm: 587-6503 • Blackpool Community Hall Coffee House; Local musicians – every 2nd Fri. of the month. 6:30 pm. Concession, $3 or 2 for $5.

• Clearwater Elks Bingo - every 2nd Thurs. Elks Hall. open 5pm • Cribbage Wed. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 12:30 pm.

• Little Fort Coffee House 7pm Little Fort Hall. 1st Fri of the mth Oct. - May Bill 672-5116 • Fun Darts Fri. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 6 pm.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES • Raccoon StrongStart: Raft River Elem school days Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri from 8:45-11:45am • Raccoon StrongStart: Vavenby Elem school days Wed 8:5011:50am • Clearwater Breastfeeding Group: 3rd Wed. of every month 7:30pm @ YCS • Mother Goose - Mornings, reg. call Kerry 250-674-2600 ext 227 HEALTH & HEALING Tuesday Morning Coffee ~ 10 am – 11 am at Baptist Church.

Themed weekly women’s discussions - drop-in.

• Shambhala Meditation Group: meets every Tuesday at Forest House 6:30-8:00 pm. Info: 250-587-6373.

• Connections Healing Rooms - Fridays1-3pm (except stat. holidays). 86 Young Rd. No charge. Sponsored by Living Streams Christian Church. www.healingrooms.com.

• Healthy Choices – Every Tues 9am at the Clearwater Christian Church basement( behind Fields). $2/wk drop-in free. Info call Kim 250-674-0224 • Clearwater & District Hospice 3rd Mon. Sept-Jun 10am Legion.

RECREATION • Drop-in soccer: May-Sept. Tuesdays & Thursday at 7pm at CSS field. Everyone welcome!

• Bowling: Mon. 10–12pm & 1-3pm; Thurs., 1-3pm. Seniors Centre at Evergreen Acres. 674-2699 • Clearwater Sno-Drifters: Meet 1st Thursday of every month.

250-676-9414 • CNT Rod & Gun Club: 3rd Sun. of the mth. Blackpool Hall 7pm Sept. - April • Drop in Tennis: May-Sept. Mon & Thurs 6:30pm All levels.

Double & single play. Rotary Sports Park.

• Volleyball: Tues. 7:30-9:00 PM, Jan. 15 - Apr. 30, 2013. Clearwater Secondary School Gym, $2 drop in.

• Yoga Tree – Call or email Annie 674-2468 annie.pomme@ hotmail.com • Core Strength Fitness. Tuesdays. 10-11am 250-674-0001 • Walking Club: Indoors: Wed. Jan. 30 - Mar. 13, 6:30 - 7:30 AM at Clearwater Secondary. FREE. 250-674-1878 for more info.

• Drop-in Curling: Fri. Jan. 11 - Mar. 8, 7:00 PM, $5. Brooms and sliders available.

• Badminton: Mon. and Wed. Jan. 7 - Mar. 27, 7:30 - 9:30 PM SENIORS • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society 3rd Sun Social Meet at the Wells Gray Hotel at 12:30pm for lunch or dessert, & chat • Wells Gray Country Senior’s Society Book Club Last Thursday of the month at 2pm at the public library. All seniors are welcome.

For a complete list of our area’s COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS please stop in at the Times office and pick up your copy of the North Thompson Community Directory • Brookfield Mall Clearwater • 250-674-3343 TO ADD YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT OR ORGANIZATION PLEASE CALL THE TIMES AT 250-674-3343

$125

TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL 250-674-3530 OR EMAIL SARDUINI@TRU.CA.

UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 31: Bullarama, NT Agriplex, Barriere, www.farmkidsfund.ca Dec. 31: Legion New Years Dance, tickets at door, $10, doors open 8pm.

Jan 1: New Year’s Day Buffet at Blue River Community Hall.

Jan. 2: WG Country Seniors Society meeting, 10am 751 Clw Village Rd Jan. 3: Learn to skate registration, NT Sportsplex, 3:30 -7 pm

$55

this ad is sponsored by

Bayley’s Bistro

in the Brookfield Shopping Centre in Clearwater Eat in or Take out Fried Chicken

250-674-2674

North Thompson Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

www.clearwatertimes.com A17

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.674.3343 fax 250.674.3410 email classifieds@clearwatertimes.com

Times THE E

NORTH THOMPSON

Office Hours: Mon. to Thurs. • 9am - 5pm, Fri. • 9am - 12pm

Brookfield Mall, Clearwater

Ph: 250.674.3343 • Fax: 250.674.3410

CLASSIFIED RATES AND DEADLINE Buy a Classified in the Star/Journal Buy a Classified in the Times and goes the The Times FREE. andyour your adad goes intointo the Barriere Star/Journal FREE. Regular Rate: 8.50 + GST Maximum 15 words .20c per word extra Special Rates: 3 Weeks; $22.15 + GST Free Ads: Lost, Found, Student Work Wanted Free ads maximum 15 words will run 2 consecutive weeks.

Happy Occasions: Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc.

1 column by 3 inch - $18.49 + GST Deadlines: Word Ads: Mondays 5pm Display Ads: Mondays 12pm It is the policy of The Star/Journal and The Times to receive pre-payment on all classified advertisements.

Ads may be submitted by phone if charged to a VISA, MC or an existing account.

CHECK YOUR AD! Notice of error must be given in time for correction before the second insertion of any advertisement. The paper will not be responsible for omissions or for more than one incorrect insertion, or for damages or costs beyond the cost of the space actually occupied by the error.

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of ads which discriminate against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

Readers; in ads where ‘male’ is referred to, please read also as ‘female’ and where ‘female’ is used, read also ‘male’.

NOTE: When ordering items out of province, the purchaser is responsible to pay provincial sales tax. Do not send money in response to an advertisement without confirming the credentials of that business, and be aware that some telephone numbers will be charged for by the minute

Announcements

Announcements

Obituaries

Coming Events

Wilf Mourre May 23, 1933 - Nov. 29, 2012 Former owner of Blue River Motel. Late of Qualicum Beach. ~ Sadly missed by family and friends

New Year’s Eve Bullarama Bucking for the Farm Kids New Year’s Eve, 7pm-2am Doors Open at 6:30pm At the NT Agriplex, Barriere Tickets available online at www.farmkidsfund.ca, the NT Star/Journal (Barriere), & the Horse Barn (Kamloops).

Cards of Thanks Thank you On behalf of Mary Surkan, daughters Brenda and Bev and their families, we would like to express our most heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for the genuine outpouring of warmth, kindness, and concern after Lloyd’s passing. We would like to thank Drake Smith, North Thompson Funeral Home for gently leading us through preparations and arrangements as well as Lloyd Strickland for his spiritual guidance and for performing Lloyd’s service. Bonnie at the Well’s Gray Inn provided lovely refreshments at the reception which were greatly appreciated by all in attendance. Our family would also like to sincerely thank the emergency response personnel who showed such compassion and sensitivity.

We found comfort in sharing Lloyd’s tribute with such wonderful people and thank everybody for helping us through this very difficult time. You all have truly touched our hearts!

Christmas Corner Merry Christmas Best Wishes for 2013 Rocky Ranch Ornamentals Concrete Statuary Gift certificates available 250-674-6806

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2013-2015 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis

The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca Safe Home Response Providing a safe place to escape for women and their children.

Volunteers always needed.

Call 250-674-2135.

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Services

Services

Personals

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

Work Wanted

Fitness/Exercise

Photography / Video

HAFI GRANTS Notice to low income seniors and persons with disability.

You may qualify for a grant up to 20,000. to modify and adapt your home for improved safety and accessibility. For details contact your local HAFI expert Hans Ounpuu, Building contractor @ 250-674-3875.

LIKE NEW Vata-Health Machine 2 motors, oscillating and spiral vibration 60 speed levels great for strength and weight training excellent for circulation and lymphatic drainage less than 20 hours on machine cost $1200 new will sell for $895 Great Christmas Gift (250) 851-9276

Need a professional

Need your house cleaned but don’t have time? Call: Leesa Genier (250)320-3629

Legal Services

Clearwater: AA meetings every Wednesday, #11 Lodge Dr., side door. Roll call 8 p.m. 250674-7155 or 250-674-7313

Lost & Found LOST: 1 yr old orange tabby, answers to Jester. Last seen Oct 20 between Sargent Creek Rd & Glengrove Rd. Has tattoo. Call 250-672-5773

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

NO Risk Program, STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

Travel CONDOMINIUM HOTEL 1-2-3 bdrm condominiums 8251850sq ft. Convenient Beach Access, Heated Pool/Hot Tub In-room Washer/Dryer, Flat Screen TV’s, Free Wi-Fi, Private Balconies, Daily Housekeeping, Handicapped Rooms Available.

Weekly/Monthly Rates, Free Local Calls, Free Local Beach Transportation.

Conveniently Located to Shops and Restaurants. www.crystalpalmsbeach resort.com 1-888-360-0037.

11605 Gulf Blvd. Treasure Island FL 33706.

HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica “friendliest country on earth”!

1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

Employment Business Opportunities PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

Career Opportunities TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

CONTRACT LOGGING Trucks Wanted! If you are a safe, reliable, and experienced driver that would like work in West Central Alberta, please call Darcy @ 403-638-6047.

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. is looking for Auxiliary / Seasonal Snow Plow Drivers for November 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 Positions available in McBride and Tête Jaune Cache. Minimum of Class 3 BC Drivers Licence with air endorsement or recognized equivalent required. Wages and allowances per collective agreement.

Apply in person at the Tête Jaune Cache Office, or to careers@ldmltd.ca or fax to 250-692-3930 www.ldmltd.ca

Help Wanted An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430 WANTED SHORT Logger and Hayrack for work till the end of March. Call 604-819-3393.

Services

Mind Body Spirit Mystic Mountain Healing Spa Appointments only 250-674-2700 mysticmountainacres.com

Health Products GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

Financial Services

Reduce Debt by up to

250-434-4505 250-434-4226

Work Wanted

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Need some help with those odd jobs you don’t have time for? Call Keiran Jones at 250-674-3051

M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

CARE AIDES

Interior Community Services is currentOy KirinJ CDre $iGes to ÀOO permanent part-time and casual positions at our residential home in Barriere, BC. Equivalent training and experience will be considered. Email resume to sbijl@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca or fax 250-376-3040

Located across the railway tracks in Vavenby, B.C. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday 11a.m. - 3 p.m.

Personals Alcoholics Anonymous Phone 250-674-3838 or

250-587-0026 Anytime Barriere Alcoholics Anonymous Call: 250-672-9643 For Al Anon Call: 250-672-9643, 250-819-5361, 250-308-5139 or 778-220-6269

Help Wanted

SHOP ONLINE...

Anytime!

bcclassified.com

PHOTOS

by Keith McNeill

Digital and film photographs.

Phone 250-674-3252 or email:kmcneill@mercuryspeed.com

Misc Services Sue’s Jewellery Repairs Since 1975 - We do it all, Retipping, Sizing, Soldering.

Sue Ludtke - 250-587-6357

Help Wanted

NORTH THOMPSON JOBS BARRIERE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 629 Barriere Town Rd. Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 Phone: 250-672-0036 / Fax: 250-672-2159

E-mail: mail@barriere-employment.ca • Website: www.barriere-employment.ca SPORT SHOP/BOUTIQUE MGR. – Mike Wiegele’s O1712 MAINTENANCE MANAGER – Mike Wiegele’s O1712A PROGRAM SUPPORT (Casual) – Interior Health O1812 COOK – Part time (not suitable for student) A&W N0212B CASHIER – Part time (not suitable for students) Petro Can N0212C RCA – Casual & Permanent PT, ICS N1912

www.4pillars.ca

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP

Great deals - low prices

70%

• Avoid Bankruptcy • Avoid bankruptcy • Rebuild Your Credit • 0% InterestCanadian • Proudly

CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Dispute Resolution Services.

Law suits, custody, access, property, high conflict families & more. Court Approved, Chartered Mediators. 778-2205930

photographer?

Portraits, weddings, special events, pet portraits, commercial.

Affordable memories that last a lifetime. Seniors rates.

Book now avoid & disappointment.

Sorry no passport photos Jill Hayward 250-319-8023/250-672-0055

SKILL DEVELOPMENT: If you have been on Employment Insurance in the past 3 years (5 years maternity) and are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for retraining dollars. Book an appointment to see one of our counselors for more information.

We look forward to seeing you: come in and we’ll personally see that you get the information you’re seeking or call and make an appointment.

• Free computer and Internet access • Free resume help • Free information on many services.

“The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia” In Partnership with Barriere & District Chamber of Commerce and Yellowhead Community Services

CLEARWATER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 58A Young Road, Clearwater BC V0E 1N2 250-674-2928 Fax 250-674-2938

E-mail: info@clearwateremployment.ca • Web Page: www.clearwateremployment.ca Cook: FT Blue River #1205 Lodge Employee & Kitchen Helper: Seasonal/Albreda #1204 IT Manager: FT/Blue River #1203 Breakfast Cook: Seasonal/Blue River #1202 Dishwasher: Seasonal/Blue River #1201 Weather Observer: FT/Blue River #1106 Class 1 Driving Instructor: FT Quesnel/ Williams Lake #1101 Store Clerk/Cashier: Blue River #1029 Line Cook: Blue River #1028 Logging Truck Driver: Seasonal/ Clearwater #1027 Cook: Seasonal/Blue River #1019 Maintenance Manager: FT/Blue River #1018 Boutique Clerk: Seasonal/Blue River #1014 Sandwich Maker: Seasonal/Blue River #1007 Dining Room Supervisor: Seasonal/ Blue River #1006 Server: FT & PT/Blue River #1003 Line Cook: FT & PT/Blue River #1002 Housekeeping Manager: FT/Blue River #0905 Housekeeper: Seasonal/Blue River #0904 Fine Dining Server: Seasonal/Blue River #0903 Registered Massage Therapist: Seasonal/Blue River #0901 Heli-Ski Guides: 6 positions/Seasonal/ Blue River #0816

GENERAL INFORMATION • Free Workshops: Thurs. Dec. 27th: Work Search Techniques Workshop (every 4th Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 10th: Internet & Email Basics Workshop ( or every 2nd Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 17th: Creating & Updating Your Resume Workshop (or every 3rd Thursday) Thurs. Jan. 3rd: Labour Market Information Workshop • Resumes & Interviews: Go hand in hand, so the better prepared you are the greater the impression you will make to your future employer. Please drop in and our friendly staff will assist you.

• Targeted Wage Subsidy (TWS): Are you currently on Employment Insurance or have you been in the last 3-5 years? If you have, you may be eligible for wage subsidy. Ask us for further info.

• Funding for Skill Enhancement: Recent or active EI clients with a career plan in mind seeking assistance through Service Canada are required to book an appointment with one of our Employment Counsellors.

• Blue River Itinerant: An employment consultant comes to town twice/mth to the Blue River School. Next visit is Thursday Jan. 17 from 12:30-3:40. If a one on one appointment is required, please call to set up a time prior to the drop in.

Operate by Yellowhead Community Services The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Government of Canada & the Province of British Columbia

A18 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 North Thompson Times

Pets & Livestock

Merchandise for Sale

Pets

Misc. for Sale

Good Dog Obedience Spring Classes Starting in Feb.!

Basic Obedience - A 6 week course in good manners & canine behaviour begins Thursday, Feb. 7, 6:30pm at the Fall Fair Hall in Barriere for all dogs at least 6 months old & up. Cost $100.

Novice Class - 6 weeks of fun as we take you & your dog to the next level of obedient behaviour. Participants must have successfully completed a previous Basic Obedience course to qualify. Class starts on Thursday, Feb. 7, 7:30pm.

Cost $100.

To register or for more information contact Jill Hayward at 250-319-8023

Merchandise for Sale

Appliances Reconditioned washers dryers, fridges & stoves.

All in good condition.

Call 250-674-0079

&

Firewood/Fuel Firewood for sale, $100/truckload (about 2/3 cord). Will prune backyard fruit trees.

250-677-4266

Heavy Duty Machinery

For Sale 9’ x 12’ High Quality Electric Screen with remote control. $1500.00 obo Used for one seminar.

Contact: Dave 250-674-3468 or Bob 250-674-3695 GREAT GIFT IDEA! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

Single hide-a-bed $75. 2 gray sittingroom chairs $50/ea ($90 both). 1 entertainment ctr $50.

Oak diningroom table w/4 chairs $525. 250-672-9989 STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Rentals

Transportation

Transportation

Apt/Condo for Rent

Auto Financing

Cars - Domestic

Clearwater: Woodside Apt. Clean, renovated, 1 bdrm.

Close to library & medical centre. Winter plug-ins. NS/NP Ph. 250-674-0220

LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle...

No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

Modular Homes

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

Clearwater: Very attractive 2 bdrm Modular Hm. Incl all appl, hobby rm, covered front entry, storage shed. Location: site #24 Thompson Crossing. $800/mo + DD. Avail Jan 1.

250-587-6151

Recreational/Sale

Homes for Rent Clearwater: 2bdrm home located at 908 Clearwater Village Rd. Avail Jan. 1. Fully renovated. Incl 6 appl, heat pump & a/c, secure storage shed. $1000/mo. Incl util. Ph 250-674-8552 or 250-6741059. jhepv@hotmail.com Vavenby: 5+ bdrm, 3+acre hobby farm for rent. Avail Jan. 1. Call Randy 250-674-8288 Vavenby: Spacious 3 bdrm home. On half acre. $750/mo Call Randy 250-674-8288

1997 Ford Mustang convertible, 64km, new studded tires, 4 summers. $8000 firm.

778-257-3535

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1983 Triple E, 22’ motorhome.

Top good. 6.2 diesel engine.

All appliances. $2500 obo.

250-672-9258

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

Cars - Domestic Sport Utility Vehicle 2000 Blazer, 250000kms, V6, Navy Blue, new windshield, new tires. 250-672-5814

Legal Notices

Misc. Wanted

THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT

Used Postage Stamps

A- STEEL SHIPPING STORAGE CONTAINERS / Bridges / Equipment Wheel loaders JD 644E & 544A / 63’ & 90’ Stiff boom 5th wheel crane trucks/Excavators EX200-5 & 892D-LC / Small forklifts / F350 C/C “Cabs”20’40’45’53’ New/ Used/ Damaged /Containers Semi Trailers for Hiway & StorageCall 24 Hrs 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Support International Scouting by donating used stamps which are sorted & sold to raise money for the International Development Fund of the International Scout & Guide Fellowship. This fund pays for training for Scouters in the third world.

Drop stamps off at front counter of the Star/Journal in Barriere, or call Margaret at (250)672-9330.

Misc. for Sale

Houses For Sale

AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Sine 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions; w w w. b i g i r o n d r i l l i n g . c o m .

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON. BIG BUILDING sale... “”This is a clearance sale. You don’t want to miss!”” 20x20 $3,985.

25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859.

35x48 $11,200.

40x52 $13,100. 47x76 $18,265. One end wall included. Call Pioneer Steel at: 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca

Thompson-Crossing.com 121 Ferry Road, Blackpool Clearwater, B.C. A NEW BEGINNING! For further information please Call 250-587-6151

Real Estate

Other Areas 20 ACRES Free! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo.

Money back guarantee. No credit checks. Beautiful views.

Roads surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

PUBLIC NOTICE Committee Appointments The Thompson-Nicola Regional District invites applications from persons interested in serving the Regional District on various Committees. The positions are strictly voluntary in nature, with only expenses payable. Applicants must reside or own property in the service area administered by the Committee. Appointments will be made at a future Board of Directors meeting, and all terms will expire on December 31, 2013, with any exceptions noted.

Persons interested are requested to forward a brief resume indicating the committee on which they wish to serve, as well as why they are interested in such an appointment, by Friday, January 4, 2013.

For information on the TNRD Committees, please visit www.tnrd.ca or contact Liz Cornwell, Corporate Officer / Manager of Legislative Services #300, 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9 Phone (250) 377-8673/1-877-377-8673 (toll free in BC) Email: lcornwell@tnrd.ca

ADec. p r i l 27/12 2 3 - - 2Jan. 9 , 22/13 0 1 2 Capricorn, This week is your all feelings restlessness aboutofgive and take, might be Do because Capricorn. for you’re notthey ac- will others, and customed tospecial sitting do for you. A eventfor calls forlong. some still too extra-special gifts.of You will think December 22– ways to fill the time.

January 19

January 20– February 18

February 19– March 20

Broaden your Some habits are social hard contacts, Aquarius, to break, Aquarius. and you Lookthis to a way mentor to will your help extend and you will professional reach as succeed. A fitness well. always goal isThere easily achieved withopportunities a new piece of for are equipment. networking.

You maymay findbethat The odds needs homeyou, stackedatagainst quickly drain you of Pisces, but that doesn’t any Pisces. meanenergy, you won’t come Simplify out on top your with a little routine some ingenuity.toAfind weekend endeavor requires a relief. leap of faith.

March 21– April 19

Both andand Speaksocial up, Aries, business communithe problem will be cation some solved. require A little miracle tact thismakes week,forArat home an ies.

You can handle interesting weekend.

Travel it, andplans you come should together. be prepared to meet some interesting people.

April 20– May 20

Taurus, conCast asideyour all doubt, fidence andoffer energy Taurus. The is are strong, butbring you genuine and will seem to berewards. having you many A difficulty test of faithsitting begins— still for enough time be strong.

Money woes ease. to get a handle on other people’s opinions and viewpoints.

July 23– August 22

May 21– June 21

New options Feeling blessedpresent themselves that these days, Gemini? are Payexcellent it forward.for A educational pursuits, compromise at home Gemini.

Friends will raises everyone’s be supportive of any spirits and fun ensues all weekend long! ideas that you devise, even if they seem a little off-center.

Virgo, yoursave confiSpend less, more dence is high and and you’ll definitely there is just about get more, Virgo.

More nothing that line you in your bottom fear or think and more peaceyou of cannot handleprovide this mind. Flowers a great Float pick-me-up. week. along August 23– on these feelings of September 22 euphoria for a while.

June 22– July 22

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

Cancer, this week A business relationship you couldwith gain blossoms an the attention people addition. A of larger-thanin positions. lifehigh personality drops Use theanopportuby with offer you can’t to refuse. boy,best nity get Oh your oh boy, heard Cancer.if you points have the chance.

Libra, yousmiles will show Lady Luck on leadership in your you, Libra, and there profession over the is nothing beyond your next days. reach.several A treasured This alsoresurfaces, will extend heirloom bringing many into yourback personal fond where memories. life, you may September 23– have more energy in October 22 home affairs.

Leo, Oops,this Leo.should You fall be one of on those glorious behind a project, weeks when you raising some have the feeling eyebrows.

Not to that everything is movworry. You will get ing smoothly backalong on track sooner than according you think, thanks and to October 23– to an innovation. your master plan.

November 21

Scorpio, The tiniestindulge of your curiosities, changes make a vastas your imagination improvement in a and creativity areis project.

A rejection very high.in Projects a blessing disguise. that require Be grateful forartistic what you’reor given, Scorpio. work writing should be the top priority on your list.

Sagittarius, this News from afar gets isthea creative good week juicesto explore busiflowing, new and you ness opportunities. accomplish more than Apply your efforts you have in some time, toSagittarius. solving A some game of wits at theproblems office complex November 22– that proves challenging. others have December 21 shied away from.

This Crossword Sponsored by

WELLS GRAY HOME HARDWARE 86 STATION RD., CLEARWATER

674-3717

Clearwater Times Thursday, December 27, 2012

Safety tips for the holidays Canada Safety Council Safety is always in season. Here are some simple, timely tips and reminders to help you and your loved ones stay safe over the holidays!

The Christmas tree • If you’re getting a live tree, check for freshness by tapping it on the ground. Dropping needles indicate a dry, highly flammable tree, so look for a fresher tree instead. Needles should be hard to pull from branches and shouldn’t break when bent between your fingers.

• Place your live tree away from fireplaces, woodstoves and radiators.

Also, indoor heat dries out fresh trees, so be sure to replenish the treestand with water every day.

• If buying an artificial tree, make sure it has a label indicating that it is fire resistant. Although this does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

• If you are using tinsel, try to keep it toward the top of the tree, out of reach of pets and small children.

Tinsel can be dangerous if ingested.

Lights • Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved lights.

Place indoor and outdoor lights in their respective environments.

• New or old, check light strings for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

Throw out damaged sets. Make sure you do this inspection before putting lights up. It is much easier and safer to replace bulbs or entire strands of lights on the ground than on the roof.

• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

• Don’t overload electrical sockets, and never string more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.

The fireplace • Make sure the chimney damper is open and clean before you light a fire.

Remove all decorations that could

be burned around the fireplace.

• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

• Keep a working fire extinguisher in an accessible location.

• Check your smoke detectors once a month, and replace the battery twice a year.

• Have a carbon monoxide detector installed near each sleeping area in the house.

Holiday entertaining • Regardless of whether you are a guest or the host, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

• If you are hosting, choose not to drink, or limit your alcohol consumption so you can be aware of how much your guests are drinking.

Greet all guests on arrival and departure, taking the opportunity to assess their condition. Remember that impairment goes beyond alcohol – it can include drugs, fatigue or emotional distress.

• When preparing for the big dinner, defrost the turkey in the refrigerator – not at room temperature.

• Don’t leave perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours.

Candles • Keep candles away from drapes, trees or any other potentially flammable objects. Make sure they are placed on a steady surface.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

General • In your vehicle, do not leave parcels and packages in plain view.

Lock all valuables in the trunk!

• At home, packaging from expensive items – such as a bigscreen TV – should be discarded carefully, so as not to alert wouldbe thieves of valuables in your house. Cardboard boxes should be bundled to conceal the nature of the contents when put out to be recycled.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

www.clearwatertimes.com A19

Obituary IN LOVING MEMORY

Agnes MacGregor 1941 - 2012

Agnes MacGregor of Blackpool, BC, passed away on December 17, 2012 at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, Clearwater, B.C., after a brave struggle with cancer. Born in Livelong, Saskatchewan on November 27, 1941, Agnes is survived by her husband of 30 years, Alex; son Kevin (Sherri); grandchildren Ryan, Shawn and Jennifer; sisters Mary (George) Clarkson, Tena (Albert) Peters, Sarah Thiessen, Liz (Lawrence) Paul, Susanne (Lyle) Scott, and Ann (Richard) Evans; brothers Herman (Dolores) Kessler, John (Janice) Thiessen and Jake (Linda) Thiessen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

For over thirty years, Agnes worked at Canada Post

in Vancouver and Langley, BC, before retiring with Alex to the North Thompson valley. She became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Clearwater, where she loved playing darts on Friday nights with Alex and their friends.

She also enjoyed carpet bowling with friends at Evergreen

ADVERTISERS! It’s been 136 years since Alexander Graham Bell first invented the telephone in 1876.

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Acres in Clearwater. Agnes loved the outdoors, especially fishing and grouse hunting.

Donations in memory of Agnes MacGregor to the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital, 640 Park Road, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N1, would be appreciated.

Funeral Services for Agnes MacGregor will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 in the Chapel at North Thompson Funeral Services, 73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC. Interment to follow at Riverview Cemetery, Clearwater, BC. Mr. Lloyd Strickland to officiate. The service may be viewed online, and condolences sent to the family, by visiting www.

NorthThompsonFuneral. com.

Ad Deadline:

Ph 250-674-3343 and reserve your space.

January 28, 2013 Publication Date:

Ph 250-672-5611 and reserve your space.

February 28, 2013

A20 www.clearwatertimes.com

Thursday, December 27, 2012 Clearwater Times

If you DRINK DON’T DRIVE ECO

Epp Cates Oien Barristers & Solicitors

Have a Safe Holiday Season Don’t drink & drive

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Find a safe way home this holiday season

86 Station Rd., Clearwater 8:30 - 5:30, Mon. - Sat. 250-674-3717

Willow Macdonald Willow Macdonald

DIRECTOR, ELECTORAL AREA “B” DIRECTOR, ELECTORAL AREA “B” (THOMPSON HEADWATERS) (THOMPSON HEADWATERS) Phone: 250-674-7303 Phone: 250-674-7303

Email: willowmacdonald.tnrd@gmail.com Email: willowmacdonald.tnrd@gmail.com 300 - 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 2A9 300 - 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada V2C 2A9

Tel: (250) 377-8673 Tel: (250) 377-8673 Fax: (250) 372-5048 Fax: (250) 372-5048

Toll Free: 1-877-377-8673 (B.C. Only) Toll Free: 1-877-377-8673 (B.C. Only) Email: admin@tnrd.bc.ca Email: admin@tnrd.bc.ca

Help promote alcohol-free pregnancies

(NewsCanada) - Most people know that drinking excessively during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby. But what they may not realize is that a woman doesn’t have to be a heavy drinker for her baby to experience negative long-term effects.

Current research indicates there is no proven safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Consuming alcohol of any kind - including beer, wine, coolers or spirits - during pregnancy is linked to permanent brain damage, low birth weight, birth defects and developmental delays.

There is also no safe time to drink alcohol when pregnant. The brain and central nervous system of an unborn child can be damaged by exposure to

alcohol at any time leading up to birth.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the range of defects and disabilities that are caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Children with FASD often suffer from learning disabilities, difficulty managing anger, hyperactivity and poor judgment. These can lead to problems with the law, unemployment, homelessness or alcohol and drug abuse later in life.

Here’s the good news - FASD is preventable, and help is available.

• Get involved. Each year on Sept.

9, people in communities around the world organize local events to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Planning resources are available at www.fasworld.com

• Encourage an alcohol-free pregnancy. You can support a partner, family member or friend to reduce or eliminate her alcohol intake during pregnancy: 1. Join her in having a non-alcoholic drink 2. Have non-alcoholic drinks available at parties.

3. Get together in people’s homes or at coffee shops rather than in bars.

4. Don’t ever suggest that “just one little drink” will do no harm.

• Be safe. If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, it is safest not to drink any alcohol. More information is available at www.alcoholfreepregnancy.ca or by calling Motherisk at 1-877-FAS-INFO (1-877-327-4636).

Know the facts on alcohol and aging Ministry of Health VICTORIA Did you know that as we age we become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol? The amount of alcohol we were once able to consume safely decreases, and drinking can have additional and serious consequences.

The Province has released a brochure and web-based information to provide guidance on

Drink in moderation this season, and in the event you are too intoxicated to get behind the wheel, give your keys to someone else, catch a ride with another person or call a cab.

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low risk drinking for seniors. These are available at: www.seniorsbc.ca/ activeaging/alcohol.

“We are hoping British Columbians realize that as they age, their bodies treat alcohol differently and this can have a greater effect on their lives,” said Ron Cantelon, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health.

“This new brochure acts as a guide by highlighting some of the adjustments we need to be aware of as we age in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Brochures may

be ordered by calling the Health and Seniors Information Line toll-free at 1 800 465-4911.

Alcohol can cause a number of health problems.

Too much alcohol can contribute to chronic diseases, including cancer and some heart conditions. Almost half of all prescription drugs taken by older people can interact with alcohol. Even the smallest amount of alcohol could negatively impact the effectiveness of medications.

Alcohol-related problems in older adults can be mistaken for physical,

Be Smart . . .

social or emotional conditions associated with aging.

Problem drinking can place a major burden on families and the healthcare system. While there are supports for older adults, it is always a good idea for family and friends to watch for signs that drinking could be a problem.

For more information on alcohol and aging, visit: www.seniorsbc. ca/activeaging/alcohol To receive brochures on alcohol and aging, as well as additional support, call the Health and Seniors Information

don’t drink & drive Thompson Nicola Regional District Wells Gray Director

Tim Pennell

1-877-377-8673 tnrd.director@gmail.com

Line at 1 800 4654911 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).

For alcohol and drug information, referral services and counselling, call the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service 24/7 at 1 800 6631441.

To speak to a registered nurse about any of your health concerns, call HealthLinkBC 24/7 at 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the hearing impaired.

For tips on how to be healthy at any age, visit: www. healthyfamiliesbc.ca