Caledonia Courier, April 29, 2015 by Black Press Media Group

Inside

◆ Project manager P. 3 ◆ Editorial P. 4

◆ Celebrating a clean life P. 6 ◆ Ladies Night P. 7

Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2015

PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com

VOL. 38 NO. 09 $1.30 inc. GST

Sentencing handed down Robert Bennett gets nine months in jail and two years probation for sexual assaults MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Former Fort St. James fire chief Robert Bennett, 51, has been sentenced to nine months in jail and two years of probation on three counts of sexual assault. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Glen Parrett handed down the sentence on April 23, in Prince George after Bennett was found guilty on all three counts of sexual assault against three female volunteer firefighters earlier this year. Bennett was also assessed a victim surcharge of $200 and was given a mandatory 10-year prohibition from possessing firearms. Bennett was also ordered to provide a DNA sample. Kirstin Rudolph, one of the first members to come forward against Bennett, was in Prince George Supreme Court for the sentencing. “We’re happy that he’s going to jail,” she said. “The judge did a good job in sending the message that this was a criminal action and punishing him accordingly.” The sexual assault case has been emotional for the community and put strains on relationships Rudolph said. “It really has divided the town,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that it’s the way it’s been.” Of the three volunteers that came forward Michele Taylor photo from the department Kirstin Rudolph, was only one remains active one of three fire de- as a volunteer firefighter. partment members “I retired in Novemthat came forward ber, and Lisa has just against former fire got her letter,” she said. chief Robert Bennett. “In the fire department Bennett was found you need to trust people guilty on all three you work with and I just ounts of sexual as- didn’t feel I could trust sault and sentenced, them.” April 23. There is a civil lawsuit that is being continued by the three members against the District of Fort St. James. “Right now it’s just a waiting game,” Rudolph said of the pending civil case. Bennett’s family did not respond to requests for comment on the sentencing prior to going to press.

Michele Taylor photos

Jaime Woods, left, and Greg Pigeon with Caliber Sport Systems, work on the multi-purpose racquetball and squash court. Woods said the court will have a moving wall that will transform the area to play either sport.

Community Centre grows closer to completion Work continues on the district’s multi-function complex MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

The site of the future community centre has been busy with activity and this past week contractors were putting finishing touches on many areas of the multi-function building. The district of Fort St. James has been without a community centre and the 5,000 square-foot building will offer a space for events such as film screenings, replacing the cinema that used to be housed in the building previously. The facility will also be used to host banquets, cultural events and conferences and will service the entire municipality including the communities of Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en, Yekooche and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. Mike McMillan, foreman with IQ Builders, said there have been a few challenges during the construction phase, but the centre is coming along and work is being completed on the theatre, community hall and racquetball and squash

courts. “We’ve got the guys in doing the courts, and electricians and plumbers in here right now,” McMillan said. Kevin Cook, Chief Administrative Officer for the district, said although the completion date of the close to $2-million project has been pushed forward a number of times the centre is close to being completed. “The initial date was supposed to be the end of October,” he said. “They are getting closer, the real hold-up was the power connection. I anticipate it should be really soon.” Cook said there are a number of options in town for larger and smaller meeting places or conference facilities and the new centre will fill a void in the intermediary requirements of the community. “The conference centre aspect is, I think, one of the big ones,” he said. “It’s an intermediate facility … seats about 275, and will fill the gap in our services that are available locally.” The community centre which received a $250,000

The Fort St. James community centre is mid-way through completion of the theatre area which will provide live and cinema entertainment to enthusiasts. grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust also received funding from the District of Fort St. James, a couple of provincial grant programs and a local family and will be a benefit to a number of user groups Cook said. He says the facility will offer space for the

Seniors Centre and the Legion after its loss of their building this year. “The Seniors Citizens Association, they want to play carpet bowling in there,” Cook said. “They have been doing it in their little building, but it’s kind of tight.”

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Caledonia Courier

NEWS

Courier

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Photo submitted

tera@rhbcpa.ca www.rhbcpa.ca

Gladys Hart, president of the Ladies Auxiliary (middle) and Jean Smith, vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary (right), present a cheque to Pioneer Place Tenants Group Representative Gene Slorsted.

District of Fort St. James Calendar April, 2015 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FARMERS’ MARKET

Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca

THURSDAY 30

FRIDAY

PITCH-IN WEEKS

PITCH-IN WEEKS 9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

May, 2015 3

5 11-1 Lunch Prgrm @ Anglican Church

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

with Hospital Aux Day Celebration!

9-3:30pm @ Sowchea

MOTHER’S DAY

11 9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Nak’azdli

Working with Photos @ Learning HUB

11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt @ Spirit Square

Positive Discipline Wrkshp

2 11-1pm Food Bank BBQ Fundraiser @ Overwaitea

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Nak’azdli Daycare

SATURDAY

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt

11-4pm Career Fair @ FSJSS

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK VICTORIA DAY 9:30-11am Pre School Gym @ Nak’azdli

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

20 PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK

9:30-11am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea Food Bank

PUBLIC WORKS WEEK 11:30-4pm Farmers’ Mrkt

Please submit all events by Wednesday for the next Wednesday paper distribution. ofĲce@fortstjames.ca

Grand Opening May 8th, 2015 11:30am - 4:00pm at Spirit Square Park EVERY Friday thereafter!

WEDNESDAY

9-1pm Commnuity Foundation Garage Sale @ Arena 1-5pm Nak’azdli Baby Welcoming Ceremony @ Kwah Hall

Pitch-In Weeks is April 20th to May 2nd! Help clean up our community’s streets and sidewalks. FREE bags and gloves available at the District now! Office: 477 Stuart Drive West

Telephone: 250-996-8233

Like us at Facebook: District of Fort St. James

Email: office@fortstjames.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, April 29, 2015

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Courier Dennis Saharchuk: Acting Supervisor Project Manager

NEWS

Working on the civil side – Public Works MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Dennis Saharchuk has quite a history with Public Works, he started with the department back in 1999 and has filled many roles over that time with only one small sixmonth break in those years. Currently he is the acting Superintendent and Project Manager with Public Works. Saharchuk said he normally sits in an equipment operator role, but the department needed an experienced manager to help out in covering the position. “I’m just filling in for now, because I’ve done it before,” he said. As project manager Saharchuk said he manages the overall budget and oversees all projects and contracts. He said the Superintendent duties are split between himself and Foreman, Rick Claughton. Being local is a big motivating reason for working in Public

In the

Works said Saharchuk. “I live here … (my family) have been here a long time,” he said. “I want to see projects move forward and that we’re progressive as a town.” T h e r e ’s a lot of pride when Saharchuk talks about upcoming projects for Public Works. He said the department has a large water main upgrade in the Connelly area coming up that Saharchuk says is going to be a benefit for residents of one of the older sections of town. “That (upgrade) will be a nice thing for residents in the area,” he said. There is also a project for the downtown Spirit Square that the department is set to get started on; he said the project will improve on work already done and get the square to a point where it can be maintained. “(Public Works) is going to get it to a top level and maintain it at

WORKS

Michele Taylor photo

Dennis Saharchuk, is the acting Supervisor and Project Manager with the Municipal District of Fort St. James Public Works Department. Saharchuk, who grew up in Fort St. James, started with the department in 1999 and has worked with the district for most of these last 16 years. that level.” Having grown up in Fort St. James creates a real and personal investment in the work Saharchuk oversees for the district. That investment is a big part of the reason he is now employed with Public Works. After he returned to the Fort from playing junior hockey, Saharchuk said he already knew where he wanted to work. “I left town at a young age to play junior hockey,” he said “Then when that was over I took a year at college and worked my way up with the District.” He said as his hockey career started slowing down his thoughts turned to what he could do and Public Works was on his list by way

Student of the Week ) Fort St. James Secondary Grade 10 ) Nominated by Ms. Dyer

Katelyn John Although Katelyn is a new student to our school, she hasn’t let that get in the way of her meeting new people and volunteering for new experiences. She is very outgoing and willing to try out new things. Katelyn always has a smile and talks to everyone. She recently volunteered to make the sandwiches for the student body and was happy and friendly to those who came to get one. She also volunteered to help out in the concession.

of working as an arena attendant as a possibility. Everyone wants to get out on the ice resurfacer at some point, unfortunately, he said that position wasn’t available at the time he applied to the department. “I thought it would be neat to be an arena attendant, and that was part of Public Works” he said. “I didn’t end up starting in the arena though.” Mentor benefits Mentors in Public Works had a big influence on Saharchuk as well, he said. “Two guys not only for myself, but for other people, that were mentors were Lars Sabbe and Dwayne Daley.” Saharchuk said their

knowledge, easy personalities and ability to share their knowledge with their coworkers were a big part of what made them great mentors in the department. “You can’t just open a book and be able to solve a problem in Public Works,” he said. “Being able to listen to them and watch them do what they do, you pick up a lot.” “To be on the ground with the guys that have been doing it for a while, really helps.” Sahachuk said if he were to mentor someone he would focus on teaching good listening skill and says being eager is helpful. “In Public Works we do a lot of different jobs every day,” he said.

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PUBLIC IS WELCOME

“We’re not stationed to one job, so there’s always avenues that will help you along the way.” “You pick them up by watching or listening to guys’ who have done it before.” Saharchuk’s job has had its challenges too he says. One project he recalls as challenging was the upgrade to the arena dressing rooms. “It worked out in the end,” he said. “It was a bit of a challenge, because the (contractors) were from Vancouver, there were a lot of unknowns things that are different here from Vancouver … we freeze in

the winter.” “That was a bit challenging, but today we have five new dressing rooms out of it.” Geothermal projects pose an interesting challenge for the department too he said. The office, library and arena run on the heating source. “It’s not something we deal with on a day-to-day basis,” Sahachuk said. ”It’s kind of new to (Public Works) and the arena attendants.” Of all the things Sahachuk has picked up through his years with Public Works, is the department is teamwork driven. Being around teams most of his life and said learning to deal with different personalities, working together and mutual respect are a big part of having a successful department. “Our goal is to keep the town desirable,” he said. “Just, have that passion to care about your town.” He wanted to encourage students who are interested in getting into the civil side of Public Works to consider the Water and Sewer Technician program run through colleges such as BCIT and TRU in Kamloops. “I never even knew until I started doing this, you can get as many tickets as you like,” he said. “It’s a good lifestyle and a great employer with lots of benefits.”

Kindergarten and all other class registration at Nak’al Bun Elementary School for the 2015 - 2016 School Year: Parents who want to make sure their students are registered for a spot in our Kindergarten class MUST come in and fill out a formal registration. Nursery (K4) students are NOT automatically registered at the school for next September. Our spaces are rapidly filling up and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed. All students who are already registered at the school are automatically registered for the next school year. If you want to make a NEW registration for your child, you should come in as soon as possible to get your paperwork entered and dated. Policy rules at Nak’al Bun state that registration will go to students who are already attending the school and their families coming into Kindergarten FIRST. This is followed by Nak’azdli Band members until June 15th. After that registration is open to all. If you are registering for a class that is full or almost filled up, you may be put on a waiting list. Anyone on a waiting list will be entered on a first come, first served basis. Early registration is imperative if you want to be ensured a spot at our school. If you have any questions, please feel free to come in or call us and we will be able to help.

250-996-8441 “The Mission of Nak’al Bun Elementary School is to form a partnership with parents, students, and educational staff in order to provide quality education for our children. We aim to assist all students to achieve their maximum academic, personal, social, and cultural development.”

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Editorial Page The Caledonia Courier is a member of the British

Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James

Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body

Publisher: Pam Berger publisher@ominecaexpress. com

governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints

Office: Denise Smith office@ ominecaexpress.com

from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee

Editor/Reporter: Michele Taylor newsroom@ caledoniacourier.com

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holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment,

Address: Box 1298 Fort St. James, BC VOJ 1P0

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• Editorial

• Letter

Thanks for all Hands on the wheel - eyes on the road your support MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Dear Editor, and to the residents of Fort St James and surrounding communities, Unless you are new to town or have been living under a rock for the past two years, it is likely you have heard or read about the saga involving myself, two other female fire fighters and former fire chief Rob Bennett. The trial is over. Mr. Bennett was found guilty on all three counts of sexual assault, and has been sentenced to time in jail and probation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa Button and Joy Reierson for standing up and telling their stories in court - a difficult and emotional process, but a necessary one in order for the truth to be heard. I would like to thank Justice Parrett for his diligence in drilling through the testimony and evidence and ultimately arriving at the truth. Most of all, I would like to thank all of our supporters in the community and abroad. Your kind words and encouragement were very much appreciated. It is heartening to know there are still good people in the world. Sincerely, Kirstin Rudolph Fort St. James

It’s been five years since the BC Government banned the use of handheld (personal electronic) devices in the province. Distracted driving claims more lives annually in British Columbia than impaired driving according to ICBC statistics from 2009-2013, that adds up to about one quarter of all car crash fatalities. Society has become inundated with information, technology and ‘connectivity’ – we are so plugged in to everyone else – but people have lost the connection with the real outside world. You can’t go anywhere without seeing the rampant eyes-down-screenstare, I’m guilty of the same, at the doctor, in line at the store, waiting in the parking lot. There is no time however, that I think it’s OK to pick up that phone in my car. And today, I’m thankful for my safe choice. While heading home after a

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long day I turned the corner to head up the street and here is a young boy, maybe 10-yearsold, on his bike stopped in the middle of the street. He’s texting on his phone, maybe he is texting a parent that he would be home soon. Or texting to meet up with his friend. The point is he was stopped, in the middle of the road without even thinking, to answer this device for whatever reason. We are losing key safety when we become so immersed in our connectivity that we no longer connect with the world we are actually in. If it (read: I) had been an equally distracted driver turning that corner the young boy on the bike could have been seriously injured or even dead. I’ve witnessed a few cases of distracted driving recently; from the woman in the sports car talking on her phone as she pulled out of the gas station onto the busy street to the elderly gentleman in the pickup truck looking for his destination while perhaps being given

directions through the phone held to his ear. There’s an urgency we feel when that device is ringing, dinging or vibrating; a need to be instantly available to whatever is happening on the other end of the device. That urgency often causes safety and precaution to be ignored. Take the challenge and put the phone away while you are out in your vehicle, on your bike or even walking around

and be a (safe) part of your community. Remind young drivers and cyclists that their devices are a distraction and graduated drivers should be reminded that the use of any hands-free device is prohibited by law. Use safety first before using devices, pull over to answer a call or text if you are expecting an important call or message. No text or phone call is worth a life.

Source: http://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/Pages/Statistics.aspx

E-mail us at : newsroom@caledoniacourier.com

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, April 29, 2015

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Courier

NEWS

Michele Taylor photo

The road to Gold Bridge hosts some long and winding dirt roads and beautiful scenery. My number one tip for traveling solo is to have a plan that you share with at least two reliable contacts.

Traveling solo Tips for the open road this summer - make a plan I can imagine. Traveling to new places and seeing this great country of mine has been my dream since I struck out on my own at 17. I’ve travelled by bus, foot and by car across three provinces, one territory and eight U.S. States during my lifetime. A good portion of that travel has been with a traveling buddy. Often though, I’ve struck out on my own to explore. From fossil hunting to hunting for abandoned RCMP forts, and visiting National Parks; it’s in my nature to find and experience the history and natural beauty that is a big part of Canada and our southerly neighbour. I’ve been traveling solo for the past two years. I’ve logged more than 45,000 kilometres and I’ve done my fair share of stops in new cities or towns with either motel stays or stopping roadside and camping in my vehicle. I have a fair advantage nowadays by way of a vehicle to get me places, but I think about my personal safety all the time even though I’m in my metal box. Follow me as I give five of my top tips for traveling solo: Make a travel plan, share a travel plan Being an organizer, I like pulling out the maps (yes, the paper kind), and setting up on the

Google for a good planning ses- the approximate math at any of sion. An honest to god roadmap the fuel gauge marks or go until is something I always have in she’s empty and take the final my vehicle; you just never know reading before you fill it up next. when that handyOnce all those dandy cell phone details are ironed is going to crap out I check out out. the interesting Once I’m comstops that are fortable and have along the way. my virtual and I’ll pick from bephysical maps tween two to five ready I calculate stops depending the hours, the kion the travel dislometres and how tance and read up many dollar bills on the sites I plan I’ll need for gas on stopping at. to travel that disI usually tance with a little gauge for a halfbuffer for those hour to an hour “just in case” mofor each stop deMICHELE TAYLOR ments. pending on its I like the fea- Caledonia Courier interest value or ture in my truck photographic pothat tells me how tential and add many kilometres I get to a tank that to my travel plan. of gas, it is a great co-pilot to my Once I’ve finalized my travel excessive need to being prepared. plan I will share it with some Don’t get me wrong though, pre- of my favourite, most imporpared does not equal boring. Ev- tant people like my children, my ery trip has its own special brand mother and one other close conof adventurous fun. tact. If you don’t have this feature Then, I stick to that in your vehicle then use your plan. trip-metre that comes standard Next week’s topic: Be well with every vehicle to easily cal- known, not a stranger passing culate your vehicles capacity. through. Simply zero the trip-metre out newsroom@caledoniacouat your next fill and you can do rier.com

Community Events Community Events are free of charge as they are sponsored by the Caledonia Courier COMING EVENTS... Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ ominecaexpress.com or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at #111250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is final. *** VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!...Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local nonprofit organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to find an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notified by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www.volunteerfsj.ca. For more information you can e-mail us at volunteerfsj@telus.net or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm). *** ST PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH...Services at St Patrick’s Anglican Church will now take place only on the first Sunday of the month except for special occasions.

*** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP FOOD BANK SCHEDULE... is the third Wed of each month: 10:00 am to noon at the Food Bank behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Stuart Drive. Volunteers needed. Call 250-567-6744. Food Bank needs canned meals, beans, stews, soups, tuna, salmon, sandwich meats, pasta and sauce, tea, coffee, toilet paper, canned milk, cereals, etc. At this time we have lots of sugar! Thank you for your generosity. *** UNTOLD TRAUMA...author seeks contributions from nonFirst Nations students and staff who experienced Catholic residential or day schools abuse in Northern BC. For more info email Kathyhansen1@gmail.com *** FIREWEED STOPPING THE VIOLENCE & OUTREACH SERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confidential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 996-1214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fire. or@telus.net *** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP... hosts a free hot lunch each Tuesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in the space behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. Meals are served by members of area churches and other volunteers from the community. We wish to thank all those who assist by cooking, serving, and cleaning up. Your help is invaluable. We also host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day to all who are lonely or in need. Volunteers for these programs are needed. Please call Gwen at 250567-6744. *** ST. PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICES... will now take place only on the first Sunday of the month except for special occasions.

*** FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... steering committee meetings first Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. above the Fort St. James Firehall. Training is the third Tuesday of every month at the Firehall at 7 p.m. New members are welcome and training is provided. For more information please contact Paul at 250.996.7478 or Rod at 250.996.3231 *** FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS... Tuesday 11:30-8:00 Wednesday 11:30-4:30 Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday 11:30-8:00 Saturday 11:00-3:00 *** AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. *** NECHAKO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY...Child and Youth Mental Health and Counseling Services available at no cost. Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 996-7645 for appointment. *** FORT TRAP AND HANDGUN CLUB... meets last Sunday of every month. Contact (Sue) at 250996-7728 (h) for more information. *** MUSIC MAKERS...New members always WELCOME. Not everyone has to be on stage, there is lots of work behind the scenes. Call Heike Fonda at 250-996-7006 for more info. *** THE THRIFT STORE... has a new name! “The Bargain Basement”. We are still at the same location, across from Shoppers Food Mart. Donations of clean clothing and small housewares are greatly appreciated. Please, no books or magazines. Proceeds are used for community needs. Open Wed-Sat, 12 noon to 4pm. ***

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Caledonia Courier

NEWS

Courier Celebrating a clean life

Maria Riske, left, is honoured with a gift from Alexander Erickson at the feast and dance which wraps up Nak’azdli Addiction Awareness Week.

Tripp Sagalon, 10-months-old, sits with his grandmother Anne Joseph and plays the tambourine along with the drummers at the Feast and Dance at Nak’albun Elementary School, April 25. MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Peter Bird, of the Beaver Clan, opens the evening’s festivities for the final event for Nak’azdli Addiction Awareness Week.

Addictions – alcohol, drug use, Addictions – alcohol, drug use, and gambling are some of the topics brought up at the opening of the feast and dance for the end of Nak’azdli Addiction Awareness Week, at Nak’albun Elementary School April 25. Addictions definitely aren’t the topic of choice for the night; healing, support networks and making changes are the high points of conversation. Peter Bird, emcee for the event, and his brother Paul both got up in front of guests and told of their stories toward recovery. Peter has been alcohol free for more than a year now and Paul has been addiction free for more than three years. Both brothers bring laughter to the room. “There are a lot of resources here, to deal with addictions,” Peter said of community support groups. “Another good way is to hold a drum. Me, I hum along … like a humming-bird.” Paul talked about hitting his lowest moment, about being clean and training himself to do the things he had never done in his 50-year lifetime such as buy clothes and groceries. “When I hit that rock-bottom I couldn’t go down so I went up,” he said. “You have to be willing to grab those resources and use them.” Alexander Erickson had an emotional story to tell and thanked Maria Riske for being in his life. Erickson, addiction free for two years, described the spirit that he feels addiction is. “This spirit of addiction, It has tentacles, and wraps around your life.”

Cadence Thomas, left, and Kate Prince sing and drum for the crowd at the opening of the feast during the last night of the community’s Addiction Awareness Week, April 25.

Alexander Erickson, left, and Winnie Sam sing together at the Nak’azdli Addiction Awareness Week feast and celebration.

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Courier

NEWS

Night of fancy for women MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Heels were kicked up at the FSJSS Annual Ladies Night. This women-only event is held to raise funds for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduating class, and is its biggest annual fundraiser for the grads. The evening of dining, auctions, live entertainment and socializing for women in the community supports the grads year end event which is sponsored by local businesses and volunteers from the community. This year the event provided entertainment with a live burlesque show featuring entertainers with the Foxy Firecat Burlesque who have been performing together since January 2014. The entertainers formed the group after attending a class in Quesnel put on by Sarsaparilla Foxx (Jessie Herman), with Bottoms Up Baring Burlesque troupe.

Dicky Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Light, Kitty Bookish, Isabelle Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amour, Marlena Macchiato, Ella Z Gut Heim, Cosmo Caliente, Mina Merveille, Sienna Silk, Suzi Pepper and Ginnie Hendricks pose with their photographer Ruth Lloyd before heading out to entertain guest at Ladies Night, April 26.

Michele Taylor photos

Lars Sabbe donated his voice to the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s auctions at the Fort St. James Secondary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ladies Night event. In partnership with

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(Above) Aimee Dunkley, left, and Lisa Sam have fun pushing the bids during the annual fundraiser for the FSJSS grads, April 26. (Bottom Left) Karen MacLean, right, and Barb Derksen celebrate their winning bid during the live auction portion of the women-only event in support of the 2015 graduating class.

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Break and enter suspect arrested after high-speed escape attempt MICHELE TAYLOR Caledonia Courier

Devin Andrew Jacobs, 30, was arrested Tuesday, April 21 after a high-speed escape attempt through a residential area in Fort St. James. RCMP said they observed Jacobs, who they say was a known prohibited driver, and attempted to pull over the vehicle at approximately 1:30 p.m. “The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled at a high rate of speed. Due to a concern for public safety, a pursuit was not initiated and Jacobs fled,” Const. Derek Rondeau of the Fort St. James RCMP said in a prepared statement. Rondeau said the vehicle was later located at a residence near Fort St. James. “Once the vehicle was located, multiple members attended the residence, including a police service dog from Prince George. Jacobs deployed bear spray at

two members and the police service dog while attempting to arrest Jacobs, who then remained in his residence,” Rondeau said. “After some negotiation, Jacobs was brought into custody.” After Jacobs arrest, police executed a search warrant and allegedly discovered property linked to several break and enters in recent weeks. “Jacobs was also a suspect in multiple break and enters and thefts in Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, Prince George and Fraser Lake,” Rondeau said. RCMP have charged Jacobs with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, assault of a police officer with a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and driving while prohibited. “The investigation is ongoing into the property thefts and police suspect that Jacobs will be facing more charges as the investigation moves forward,” Rondeau said. Jacobs was remanded into po-

photo courtesy of Facebook

Devin Andrew Jacobs lice custody and made his first court appearance on Friday. newsroom@caledoniacourier.com

Farmers’ Market Grand Opening The Farmers Market will have their Grand Opening on May 8th, 2015 at Spirit Square Park. The market will be held every Friday thereafter May through September. Michele Taylor photo

Clean sweep A municipal worker gives the streets a once over now that spring has arrived and the snow has melted.

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REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier

and Matd are Deryl MOORE The co-accuse from Prince George. by both thew JONES, Jan. 15 a suspicious vehicle caught the attenAt 2 am on apunloading dock Overwaitea’s James RCMP. As the police off St. the truck sped The tion of Fort grocery store, behind. proached the partner-in-crime as he ely arrested leaving an alleged was immediat items of food man on-scene multiple with seccaught robbery. Within cers was blatantly of the evident ed the offi winter in the middle dispatch notifi in the 2015 been for short track onds of his arrest, the store who had also photo inside a female With Team BC Rebecca Watson of a worker of will skate inside to find police went put inside a is 17, of Vanderho 3. robbed. The who had been Alison Desmara See story page stole her wallet. custodial worker SPEED SKATER: in Prince George. after the crooks until she no walk-in freezer games this February nearly an hour, able to get was then There she waited, thieves. She found longer herd the and call police. no weapons we had damage with taken out of the freezer in the truck sped off e in had no apparent A number of items were types “When the guy had to investigat person. and other and their we on meat but custody at a time store including thrown around. The one man in to take one issue s good things from the multiple items store. We had harmed in the of food with plate. Sometime was not severely (separate had the vehicle Sgt. Nielsen said. worker damaged custodial , police a freezer was in). happen quickly,” assisting the custodian ap- process but and she was put Shortly after that a male suspect had was from the freezer are currently in custody 19. ‘his truck received a report The two males first appearance on Jan. in houses claimingcold’, asking the 2 their proached two was out have since had date is scheduled for Feb. forditch and he RCMP went not stuck in the from Their next court the Crown has the two to let him inside. home owners and recognized the truck and Fort St. James. Although process, e the charging was arrested robbery Thursunlawful to investigat of robbery, The male driver Fort St. James at- mally completed had an attempted face charges Overwaitea. a grocery store Prince George. Rebecca Watson photo taken to the indeed will likely and break-and-entering. hurt. It’s both perps were the suspects truck was males from THIEVES: Overwaite one was Historic confinement at 2am by two thankful no the National tachment. Later, Witgez said, day, Jan. 15 “We’re just in the ditch by as usual,” Ryan found stuck to business back crooks two Site. has shown the store manager. front door which Evidence collected a through the got in Overwaite

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Career Opportunities AREA SUPERVISOR – LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CANADA LTD - MALAKWA WOODLANDS DIVISION LP is seeking a highly motivated individual to supervise harvesting, road construction, road maintenance and other forestry operations in the Malakwa BC area. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Supervision of Contract Harvesting, Road Construction & Maintenance Activities. - Inspections for Compliance and quality control - Review field layout working with Planning Forester. - This is a field oriented position; 80%+ of time will be in the field. QUALIFICATIONS: - Driver’s License required. - Strong communication, negotiation, interpersonal and computer skills. EDUCATION: - Forest Technician diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry is preferred; Or equivalent combination of education and experience. EXPERIENCE: 5 + years’ forestry and supervisory experience. Apply with Resume & References to: Fernando.Cocciolo@LPCorp.com by May 23, 2015.

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tl’azt’en Nation is seeking an Executive Assistant to work in our Administration Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the secretarial needs of the Executive Director and the Chief and Council. Main Duties:

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t Type all correspondence for the Executive Director and Chief and Council t Record, type, photocopy and get approval for distributing the Council Minutes t Prepare Council binders with documentation for the next Council Meeting t Prepare Agendas and make arrangements for Chief and Council Meetings t Arrange for lunches for Chief and Council Meetings and any other meetings as requested by either the Executive Director or Chief t Ensure that Finance have Council Honorariums ready to be given out at each Council Meeting t Make all travel arrangements for Chief and Council and the Executive Director and prepare their travel claims. When travel is reimbursable forward original receipts and copy of the travel claim for reimbursement to the appropriate company t Prepare various cheque requisitions and Purchase Orders t Code and file all correspondence received from the Executive Director and the Chief for filing t Ensure that timesheets are filled out for those under Administration. t Distribute daily mail t Lands and Trust – Binche Leaselands. Dealing with transfers of lease, preparing Band Council Resolutions for Property Taxation Rates and Taxation Expenditures which have to be approved by the Minister of Indian Affairs before the 45 property tax notices can be sent out to the tenants t Order office supplies and/or office equipment. Occasionally meet with salespersons t Order janitorial supplies as requested by the Head Custodian t Supervise the Membership Clerk, Receptionist, and 4 Custodians t Must follow the direction of the Tl’azt’en Nation Policy and Procedures Manual t Carry out any and all related duties

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Employment Requirements: t Minimum Grade 12 t Confidentiality a must t Good computer skills t Good verbal and written communication skills t Good minute taking and accurate typing skills, organizational and filing skills t Good listening skills, honesty, fairness and consistency t Contact with all Tl’azt’en employees and Tl’azt’en members t Knowledge of Tl’azt’en Nation culture t Minimum 5 years experience

Submit Resume to Ron Winser, Executive Director, e-mail ron.winser@tlazten.bc. ca or mail to Tl’azt’en Nation, P.O. Box 670, Fort St. James, B.C. VOJ OPO before May 6th. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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Mount Pope Provincial Park Fuel Management Project The Mount Pope Provincial Park Fuel Management Project is a co-ordinated program of the Wildfire Management Branch and BC Parks. The project will balance fuel management needs with the conservation of recreational values within the park. The area being treated is a strip of land about 200 metres wide along the southern boundary of the park and bordering on private property. The purpose of fuel management is to mitigate risks in the wildland-urban interface by reducing the amount of forest fuels that could burn in the event of a wildfire. Activities will consist of pruning, brushing, and understory thinning, followed up with hand piling and burning. Mature trees and wildlife trees will be retained. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Shane Greenlees at 250-567-6503 by May 11th, 2015.

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Notice to Remove Private Land From Woodlot License 1893 Please be advised that TerriLee and Rob MacDougall are proposing to remove 128.4 ha. of private land from Woodlot License #1893 located east of Blackburn Lake on the Tachie Highway and along Lind Lake Pit Road. Inquiries/comments regarding this proposal must be submitted to:

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Local boy loves to help REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier

Diego Johnson, 8, of Fort St. James is not your typical eight year old boy. He plays hockey, loves skidooing, rides his bike everywhere, but for whatever reason, he also likes to hangout at the seniors home with me, Anna Prestmo said, aka grandma Anna who works at Riverside Place in Vanderhoof. “He straps on the apron and helps set the tables, serves food, and sits for lunch with the seniors. He also helps to get them from their rooms, especially the ones with wheelchairs, he likes to push them in their chairs,” Ms. Prestmo said. Diego likes to have lunch with the seniors at Riverside Place and even picks a different table to sit at each time in order to chat up all the residents. He also makes home visits, something the seniors can’t get enough of. One day Diego went to get Mary Brandes for lunch from her room when she used to live at Riverside Place. Ms. Prestmo went to check on him to make sure he went to the right room and overheard Mary ask Diego how her hair looked and if he wouldn’t mind combing it for her. “And here he was combing her hair. It’s something so nice to see, a young kid do that for an older lady,” Ms. Prestmo said. “I thought hockey players had a rough-and-tough persona but he just has such a sweet side.” Diego is seemingly just like every other eight-year-old boy except for his fondness of old folks. He remembers things about them and asks them if their feeling better when he knows the time before they were feeling ill. He doesn’t even mind when they reach out to hug him, Ms. Prestmo said. “I enjoy going to visit the seniors because it’s fun playing with them. I like to talk with them, ask them questions, go to their rooms and just keep them company,” Diego said, who even has nick names for some of the residents. For example, Bob Ray is a.k.a Bob Jr, Bob Stapleton is a.k.a Bob S and Rose is a.k.a Rosy. “When I was laid up in the wheelchair he wheeled me up and down the hallway. I gave

him a couple dollars but he didn’t want to take it,” Bob Ray said. “He’s come visit me at least two or three times since then.” Diego knows most of the other seniors by name and for his birthday they all signed a card for him, which made him ecstatic, Luisa Johnson said, The trophée is for the Sharper Edge Tournament in Prince George last spring, Diego’s Diego’s mother. “Diego really is your typi- team won first place. Submitted photos cal boy, very happy and active. He loves sports and playing outside. But on the other hand he can be very caring and compassionate and affectionate. It’s sometimes hard to see that side of him because he’s such a go getter and wants to score, but he loves to go down to the seniors home and actually asks to go there. When he talks about it he doesn’t act like he’s going to help or volunteer, he thinks of it as he’s going to visit his friends,” Ms. Johnson said. Diego’s great grandmother Paula Walsh lives at the home but now Diego’s visits aren’t just for her. His charismatic and caring personality is well-known at the home and has made a lasting impression on many of the seniors. “It’s different having a young person come help out,” Gordon Barkema said, live-in resident. “He does a great job.”

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes

Box 421 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 Email: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca