Cameron Stolz wants to make it clear to local bureaucrats and elected officials that he intends to make them accountable for the decisions they make.
The new owner of the Citzen says he’ll do that by ensuring the news staff are keeping Prince George readers informed by reporting the decisions of government and how they affect local residents.
Stolz first expressed an interest in buying the paper/website from Glacier Media in October when the Kamloops This Week, Dawson Creek Mirror and Alaska Highway News were being closed.
“I was quite concerned about that and concerned it might be happening to the Prince George Citizen next,” he said. “I’m very proud of the work the Prince George Citizen has done over the years, I appreciate that the Citizen sometimes offends
Citizen will have watchdog role, new owner
half the population and impresses half the population. But they’ve always been in our community and they’re a big part of the history of the city Prince George.”
For 34 years, he’s owned Great White
Toys, Comics and Games and he’s also a partner in local contracting painting business, IC Expert Painting. Stolz was elected for two terms on Prince George city council, from 2008-2014, and ran an
He admitted he doesn’t expect to turn
money and do whatever it takes to keep producing local news.
“It’s no secret newspapers don’t make the money they used to,” he said. “I’m not buying the paper as a money-making venture, it’s meant to be giving back to the community. I know I’m going to be contributing towards the costs of the operations at the Citizen and that’s a financial commitment I’m making longterm.”
“It really provides a great opportunity going forward, local ownership is exactly what a paper like the Prince George Citizen needs at this time in the evolution of our industry,” said Peter Kvarnstrom, Glacier Media’s president of community media.
editorial on page 8
Prince George Citizen owner Cameron Stolz and his wife Terresa at their Great White Toys, Comics and Games store in Spruceland Mall.
Liquor store fined for selling to minor
MARK NIELSEN Special to The Citizen
A Prince George liquor store has been ordered to pay a $7,000 fine for selling alcohol to a minor.
working threshold was actually under 30.
As well, a witness for the licensee testified that a “tattoo on a customer will often trigger a request for ID as these are common on younger customers.” However, the minor who made the purchase had a visible tattoo, it was noted.
According to a decision issued on Monday, January 29, the minor was working undercover for the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Branch when they made the purchase in July 2023 at the Eastway Liquor Box at 1836 Boundary Road.
Following a hearing, a Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch delegate found that the licensee failed to adequately train new employees and take reasonable steps to ensure policy was followed to prevent the contravention.
The licensee’s attempt to get the decision overturned was subsequently rejected by the LCRB’s general manager.
According to the general manager’s summary of the original decision, the delegate concluded that the length of time for training was not long enough.
“The LRS (liquor retail store) normally had only one employee working at a time and a new employee would begin work on their own after only two four-hour training shifts,” the general manager’s decision says.
The delegate found some inconsistencies in how the store’s policies were applied in regard to preventing sales to minors. Employees were to sign a policy stating they would check the ID of every customer who appeared to be under 40 years old, but evidence showed the
Employees were also supposed to enter any such incident in a log book, but only one employee did so regularly and the one who sold liquor to the minor had made no entries in the two years of her employment, the delegate found.
In seeking to have the original decision overturned, the licensee argued that the amount of training a new employee receives is based on the number of customers served. Once the number reaches 150-200, a new hire is asked to do a transaction alone.
But the general manager concluded that “the argument does not denigrate from the finding that initial training takes about two days.”
The licensee further argued that two days was adequate because there was always someone present within the boundaries of the business. As well, management relied on reviewing video footage each day to ensure employees were checking for ID.
But the general manager found that “was contradicted by the fact that he was unaware of the sale to the minor agent until after he was contacted by a liquor inspector several days after the event.”
The licensee has until the end of February to pay the fine.
Barkerville Family Day
Barkerville Historic Town and Park will host a BC Family Event Feb. 19, offering free admission to the heritage site, thanks to provincial funding.
Barkerville has something for all ages, offering activities such as kick sled races, and demonstrations at the print and blacksmith shops.
Refreshment can also be enjoyed by
visitors at The House Hotel from 10 am to 6 pm, and JP Winslow will present his one-person show “Sherlock Holmes Alone” at the Methodist Church.
Barkerville will also be offering an in-person two-for-one sale on annual passes for the upcoming summer season, and other BC Family Day events will be taking place throughout the province.
Schools facing capacity challenges
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Student enrolment will be restricted at several more Prince George schools starting in September as School District No. 57 (SD57) deals with catchment and capacity issues.
The SD57 board of education voted last Tuesday to add Peden Hill Elementary to the list of schools where enrolment is restricted to catchment area students only and remove Duchess Park Secondary from the list.
They also voted to limit Kindergarten enrolment to no more than 20 students at College Heights Elementary in the French Immersion Program, no more than 40 at Polaris Montessori and no more than 60 at Ecole Lac des Bois.
There are now 14 local schools where enrolment is restricted to catchment area students only: Beaverly, College Heights Secondary, College Heights Elementary, Edgewood, Glenview, Hart Highlands, Harwin, Heritage, Malaspina, Peden Hill, Ron Brent, Southridge, Springwood, and Vanway.
Peden Hill Elementary has an operating
Peden Hill Elementary is the latest school to be added to a list of School District 57 schools where enrolment is restricted to catchment area students only.
capacity of 205 and a current enrolment of 264. In 2019, the Catchment and Capacity Committee recognized enrolment at Peden Hill required monitoring and suggested that catchment areas for Peden Hill, Westwood and Pinewood be reviewed.
Assistant Superintendent Kap Manhas said that the increase in enrolment at Peden Hill happened very quickly
Japanese cooking course
A new Japanese Cooking and Culture course was approved by the board of education at School District No.57 (SD57)’s January board meeting. Japanese Cooking and Culture 11 was approved for the 2024 to 2025 school year, as new Grade 10 to 12 courses need to be either ministry or board authorized to count toward graduation.
The course was developed by Alison McNeil for College Heights Secondary School.
“The course is recommended for students who have interest in Japanese culture and global cuisine and may want to pursue a career in the restaurant industry after completing high school,” states the course rationale.
and there’s been an influx of students, whereas they had more warning about capacity issues at Springwood Elementary.
Springwood Elementary is facing challenges as the capacity for that school is 205 and enrolment is 274. The additional capacity has been accommodated by the addition of two portables at the school.
“So 20 to 22 spaces for Kindergarten,
and last year, they had 38 students apply for kindergarten registration. So, we’re anticipating a lottery system again, for Kindergarten registration this coming year,” said trustee Sarah Holland.
The committee warned that if no change is made for the Springwood Elementary School boundaries for the 2025/26 school year then it will not be possible to accommodate all of the Kindergarten registrations.
“There’s a long-range facilities plan and that work is going to be occurring from late January to April and that would be looking more at to see what our options are for that particular catchment from that particular school,” said Holland.
While Duchess Park Secondary is no longer over capacity, DPSS has a capacity of 900 students with the current enrolment at 510 in the regular program and 371 in the French Immersion program, which totals 881 students.
SD57 has been making efforts to restrict enrolment at DPSS since 2017 in response to enrolment projections of 1,200. The rationale is that the flexibility in enrolment at DPSS may help to relieve some capacity issues at D.P. Todd Secondary.
Ma rria ge C om missioner
The Vital Statistic s Agenc y, Ministr y of Health, is looking for an individual to ser ve as a Marriage Commissioner for Prince George The individual will per form civil marriages within their communit y on behalf of the Agenc y Applicant s must reside in Prince George in order to be considered for this position
For information and an application form please visit our website at: gov bc ca/becoming-a-marriage - commissioner
Resident in distress after tree falls on home
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
A Prince George woman said she feels like she’s “stuck between a rock and a hard place” after a tree fell down on top of her trailer during last Tuesday’s windstorm.
On Jan. 30, powerful gusts of wind close to 100 kilometres per hour toppled trees onto power lines, causing widespread outages that affected about 10,000 customers.
One of the first areas of the city to lose power was the Hart, with the first BC Hydro crews being dispatched at 2:30 a.m.
Tanya Parks owns a mobile home located in the Irvindale Trailer Park in the Hart.
“A big windstorm came along and my roommates in the back felt the trailer shake and woke me up at 3 in the morning,” said Parks.
“I came out and it was blowing me around it was pretty powerful.”
She was then shocked to see a tree had cracked and fallen over on top of her trailer.
“I have been telling the landlord to get rid of the trees for years, even before the landlord we have now. I think it’s about time we get them gone because they are ancient. The tops are all dead and they had the orange tape around them,” she said.
now bowed so I have a broken beam inside too and I didn’t see that until the next morning.”
Parks said she was always worried that the trees were going to fall onto her trailer and she is now worried that the remaining trees could also fall and cause more damage.
“I have always worried, even my husband was before he passed away. We sleep in the back bedroom and those trees are bowed and I am scared that one of them is going to fall on the trailer,” she said.
Parks also does not have insurance for the exterior of her trailer.
She said her husband has tried to insure it before he passed away but was unable to because of the age of the mobile home.
“I’m scared because this is my home. My landlord is telling me to go to an insurance agency and I don’t know what to do,” she said.
“I’m here and I am like between a rock and a hard place but I don’t know what to do. I have help but only a certain amount of help.”
She said she has no way to fix her trailer, but thinks it’s safe enough to continue living in.
“It’s safe in there but I’m scared,” she said.
• Shell-Glen Fire Protection
• Syms Road Street Lighting
• Tabor Lake Community Sewer Service
• Tallus Road Community Sewer Service
• West Lake Community Sewer Service
Complaints must be submitted in writing by Thursday February 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm to communityservices@rdffg bc ca, or mailed or hand delivered to the Regional District office at 155 George Street, Prince George BC V2L 1P8.
The parcel tax rolls can be viewed by appointment only at the Regional District office from February 1 to 22, 2024 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm) • Shelley Riverbank Erosion Protection
Luckily, Parks and her roommates were not injured when the tree fell onto the trailer but she’s noticed some interior damage to her spare room.
“I went into my spare room, and it is
“I’m not sure if it’s broken beam or anything like that in the spare room. So now I have to clear the whole room out because it’s full of storage.”
Last Tuesday’s powerful winds were related to the atmospheric river that brought record temperatures to many parts of the province.
Gold mine workforce tops 550
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Construction of the Blackwater Gold mine, 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George, remains on target to begin extracting the first gold pour in the second half of this year.
In a mining report, Artemis Gold said construction was 59 per cent complete as of Dec. 31 and the company had spent $389 million of its initial capital expenditure of $730-750 million. By the end of 2023, Artemis had entered into $615 million worth of contractual commitments.
A 640-hectare mine site has been logged and cleared. All access roads needed for the first phase of construction are now operable.
Construction of the mine’s water management facilities is progressing according to plan, the company says. That includes the Davidson Creek diversion and the sediment control pond, which features a two-millimetre thick environmental control liner.
Work also continued to expand the septic field and construction of the hydro transmission line remains on
schedule.
Major works construction through Dec. 31 surpassed 1.1 million hours with a zero lost time injury frequency rating and an all-injuries rating of 91.86.
Blackwater now has a fleet of 60- and 100-tonne rigid frame haul trucks and 150-tonne excavators.
Five 240-tonne rigid frame haul trucks have also been delivered to the site and four of them are now substantially assembled.
Delivery of the remainder of the fleet to support mine operations is expected before July.
Blackwater surpassed 320 employees in Q4, of which 20 per cent were female and 30 percent identified as Indigenous. Fifty per cent of the workforce is from the local region and 80 per cent are from B.C. By December, there were more than 550 workers involved the project.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH
The Blackwater Gold mine in January.
Deadline looms for Ukrainian war refugees
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The March 31st deadline is less than two months away for Ukrainian war refugees and their families.
The rush is on to get them into Canada before the door closes on the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) agreement.
That is the last day for Ukrainians to enter Canada under the CAUET special measures which gives them access to settlement services normally reserved for permanent residents of Canada. They have until then to apply to extend or change temporary resident status, to apply for a work permit, study permit, or an extension that would allow a stay in Canada up to three years.
As of April 1, those who have a visa will have to meet general requirements to enter Canada and won’t be eligible for support services.
Charles Scott, a volunteer for the Prince George For Ukraine support group that
has helped more than 240 individuals from 88 Ukrainian families get settled in the city in the nearly two-year-old Russo-Ukrainian War, says he knows of people still trying to work out details to come to Prince George before the deadline.
“We’re having a bit of an increase in the traffic of people coming and we’ve certainly been told to prepare for a larger
leave, but it’s not that easy.
“If you’re Ukrainian, Canada is a long way away and very expensive to come to,” said Scott.
Although money and the price of a plane ticket is a barrier, Scott said there has been strong community support and donors have stepped up to make those flights possible.
He said another consideration is a growing backlash against Ukrainians wanting to relocate to neighbouring European countries and residents of those countries demanding more stringent immigration policies.
increase, but we’re not back to summer of 2023 levels,” Scott said.
Because the steady trickle of newcomers diminished and they were no longer receiving five new families per month, as they were last summer, Prince George For Ukraine closed its First Avenue warehouse downtown. For almost a year it served as a depot for Ukrainians coming to Prince George where they could access clothing, personal items and household goods to help them get established.
That initiative started with Don and Mary Antoshko a few weeks into the Russian invasion. The donation drive they organized triggered an overwhelming public response that stretched the storage capacity of their Hart neighbourhood home for more than a year.
Scott said there are a number of factors that suggest another wave of Ukrainians could be on the way.
The deadline is forcing families and individuals to make up their minds to
“People are supportive until they’re the ones going hungry and they’re the ones getting unemployed and one of the pieces of feedback we’re getting is Ukrainians were welcomed from Day 1 but as things have dragged on, nearly two years later, they’re not being welcomed as much anymore and the financial supports have been dialed back,” said Scott.
If that means more people will apply to come to northern B.C., Scott says Prince George For Ukraine will step up its efforts to accommodate them.
“Sustaining over years the supportive efforts was always going to be a problem and part of the Russian plan was keep at it because they’ll crack under the weight,” he said. “As Europe becomes less supportive of Ukrainians the consequence of that is that they start saying, where else can we go? That’s why we think not-great European options and the closing window means whatever is going to happen will happen soon. We’re not seeing a flood yet, but we’re trying to make sure we’re ready just in case.”
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Three families from Vinnytsia, Ukraine, were among more than 300 Ukrainians who attended the Prince George For Ukraine picnic in September.
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
A number of Prince George based advocacy organizations are calling for a greater level of coordination between agencies working to address the city’s housing and health crisis.
Groups like Together We Stand, End Homelessness Canada, Local Food Society and UHNBC Traditional Drummers have signed a letter addressed to Premier David Eby, the Health Minister, Housing Minister as well as MLAs Shirely Bond, Mike Morris and Prince Geroge Mayor and Council.
The letter argues that there has been a lack of coordination across several agencies in the city, which may jeopardize the ability of people to safely and successfully enter into housing.
“As Provincial and Municipal tax payers, we would like to advocate for continued investments to support partnerships that bring community members, non-profit organizations, Indigenous and government service providers together to address the complex crisis facing Prince George,” states the letter.
The letter advocates for five recommendations to address the issue:
1. Prince George needs a coordinated,
person-centered approach. This includes a shared registry so that services are aligned to the individual, not the other way around. It is exhausting for precariously housed people to walk from agency to agency.
2. Prince George needs to develop and enforce a Code of Conduct for non-profit organizations and service providers who receive government funding. The Code of Conduct should be developed in consultation with community and there should be a means to address breaches of conduct.
3. Increase trust and reduce competition across non-profit organizations and
service agencies. Lack of collaboration threatens the well-being of individuals, reduces the effectiveness of services and increases costs. The City would be well positioned to lead this effort.
4. Support holistic wellness. Increase mental health, addiction and detox programs, food sovereignty and involve families and communities.
5. Centre our shared efforts on belonging and inclusion. Ensure homeless and precariously housed community members are engaged in the decisions that affect their lives, including an inter-agency Code of Conduct and standard operating procedures.
The future of the Prince George Citizen
Last October I was deeply concerned when, in the space of two weeks, Kamloops, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John saw their local newspapers cease publication.
The possibility that Prince George could face a similar fate was not something I was willing to accept.
Concerned about this trend, I reached out to Glacier Media. This led to my decision to purchase the Prince George Citizen – not as a business venture, but as a commitment to our community and its right to a local paper, owned locally, telling our story.
I’m proud to announce that the Prince George Citizen is here to stay.
The Citizen is much more than just a newspaper, it’s been a pillar of our community for over a hundred years.
My own journey with the Citizen began with a paper route at the age of twelve. Over the years, my admiration for the paper has only strengthened, especially during my time as a guest columnist.
I’ve developed a deep respect for the dedication and integrity of the Citizen’s staff, who strive to deliver accurate and informative stories.
In a world increasingly dominated by social media and fleeting news cycles, local journalism is more important than ever.
As we look to the future, the Citizen will
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
NO HELP FOR DISCRIMINATION
I am asking that my name be withheld, due to legally binding agreements.
A few years ago, I faced some serious discrimination after becoming disabled. It took a great deal of time, but I eventually managed a settlement with the entity I was in conflict with, and we have made amends; we are on good terms. The issue is not the institution I dealt with or the outcome, rather the complete lack of help that was available. It is important I feel, for Canadians to understand the situation we are in.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and all of the vitriol spouted by the media, advocacy groups and the like, are based on empty promises, as there is not a governing body or enforcement agency that deals with discrimination. If you can manage a discrimination lawyer, that
continue its good work as Prince George’s local voice, providing comprehensive coverage and serving as a reliable source of information in an era riddled with misinformation.
We will uphold the Citizen’s legacy of fair and balanced journalism while adapting to an evolving media landscape. Our editorial direction will focus on engaging local issues, celebrating business and industry, and showcasing the vital role that Prince George plays in the economic strength of our Province.
We will hold those in power to account for their decisions and we will tell Prince George’s story to the world with pride.
This investment in the Citizen is an
gets you so far, but at the time there were none in Prince George, and the only available help was an online forum for filling out forms or a free 15-minutes.
Neither of the MLAs could help, and the MPs office replied with a comment that they did not deal with discrimination; yes, they said that!
The only avenue for assistance was the Human Right’s Tribunal who were so backed up with COVID-related cases (mask refusal), that the nearest arbitration date was pushing 2025 to 2026. Their free lawyer and the settlement officer were dismissive, and disinterested, and I found out later that the HRT’s typical response is to settle for a fixed and normal amount of $5,000, regardless of the situation.
Locally, the CBC (who never answer their phone), and most other institutions including the City, PG Transit,
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
investment in the future of Prince George. It’s a commitment to ensure that our stories continue to be told by those who live and work in this community.
I extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Citizen, whose hard work and commitment have kept the spirit of local journalism alive in challenging times. As we look ahead, their dedication will be vital in ensuring the Prince George Citizen can remain a beacon of community-focused journalism for decades to come.
I’m excited about the future of Prince George, and I’m excited about the future of our city’s beloved newspaper.
Cameron Stolz is the owner of the Prince George Citizen
and others, were dismissive, most likely not wanting to ruffle feathers.
The fact is that there are dozens of publicly funded organizations in our country, and they do nothing! Most organizations are politically motivated non-profits with bloated administrations, and bloated costs for CEOs and the like, very few actually engage in the actions they are funded for. In the end, only the War Amps helped.
The government says the right things, like inclusion, diversity, and an end to discrimination, but I think most people will find that the words and laws, are just that, words, as there is nobody and nothing, that can enforce rights, certainly not the government.
So, do as you wish, you will get away with it.
Editor’s Note: The Citizen has agreed to withhold the name of the letter writer at their request.
NEIL GODBOUT EDITORIN-CHIEF CURTIS ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NDP DESTROYING FORESTRY
I wanted to congratulate our NDP government. You are well on the way to achieving one of your major goals, destroying an industry that has provided prosperity to BC for many years.
Fraser Lake Sawmill will be closing due to not having enough timber to maintain manufacturing, with175 direct workers losing their jobs and the community will lose a major portion of its tax base.
The province will lose out on the taxes it receives (stumpage, property, income and corporate).
Some people will say, well, its only 175 people. I dare you to say that on the streets of Fraser Lake, with a population of 965 people living in 444 dwelling units (2021 Statscan).
The local First Nations will also be negatively affected. Fraser Lake is the latest of many mills and jobs lost directly because of the NDP’s policies. Why are we in this position?
The NDP government in the 90s totally mismanaged the pine beetle infestation, kept their heads in the ground so they couldn’t hear or see. They ignored the many presentations asking for action.
BC Liberals, you didn’t do much better.
In the last few years, a huge area has been taken out of the working forest.
Oh yes, we will have wonderful old growth, decaying protected areas (not carbon consuming new forests). A few of us might enjoy these protected areas if we can afford to.
But the NDP doesn’t care. They will satisfy the single-minded environmentalists and to hell with those working in good paying jobs and paying the taxes.
Full disclosure, I worked in the forest industry (directly and indirectly) since 1965.
Since retiring ten years ago I (like thousands of others) enjoy a very good forest industry pension. Unfortunately, unless there are major policy changes, future generations will not be as fortunate.
Brian J. Northup, Quesnel
TOUGH LOVE NEEDED
Mayor and council, I was horrified to hear on the news today that the Knights Inn, which I understand we as taxpayers own and B.C. is running, has been busted, with large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, cash, drug paraphernalia, and weapons seized. How long has this been going on? How long has the city been turning a blind eye to the problem?
Now we as taxpayers are buying trailers and servicing at a cost of about a million dollars with hopes of relocating Moccasin Flats?
Good luck with that.
The province has purchased the North Star Motel for for about $12 million and council agreed to it. What were you thinking? You are on council representing us to keep Prince George taxpayers safe. You are not a service agency.
You have got to start doing some tough love. Enough is enough.
The North Star Motel has to be rezoned. This zoning cannot go through without a lot of rules like no drug use of any kind and cameras everywhere and security by a security company. The Motel is very large, so it should be multipurpose for seniors housing and housing for the working poor.
It’s time Prince George taxpayers have a say as to what is going on in our city before it’s totally destroyed.
By the way, it would be nice to know it any of you even read my letters?
Helen
Robertson, Prince
George EXPAND CITY LIMITS
An expansion of Prince George’s city limits is long overdue. We need the revenue that the Regional District can live without. We don’t have the tax base to keep the services being provided.
One example would be to include Beaverly and Mud River properties within the city limits. They use our roads and services so they should pay municipal taxes, not the lower regional tax rate.
They all know their saving on their property tax bill and surely would not squawk about paying their fair share.
For all those property owners that could be affected by a broader city boundary, please feel free to explain why you should continue to pay less than your fair share of taxes.
Miles
Thomas, Prince George
FOSSIL FUELS HYSTERIA
Fossil fuel companies only exist because consumers need and buy their products, and that includes Trevor Hancock and every environmentalist in the world. Cities depend on fossil fuels and use them every day, yet some B.C. city councils want to sue fossil fuel companies for producing a product that they cannot function without.
At the dawn of the 20th century, the population of 100,000 horses deposited 2.5 million pounds of manure and 60 thousand gallons of urine per day on the streets of New York. Imagine the stench, the flies, the windblown manure dust on hot summer days, the muck from rain running into the waterways. Imagine the health effect. It was a crisis for which there seemed to be no solution.
The solution was fossil fueled cars and trucks. 2023 the warmest year on record? Possibly. There is disagreement. But we do know without a doubt that prior to records being kept, proxy evidence tells us that temperatures were at times much higher. 1,000 years ago, the Medieval Climate Optimum was warmer, 6,000-7,000 years ago the Holocene Optimum was much warmer.
We’ve always had extreme weather events. But now hurricanes are slightly decreased, tornado damage
and tornado incidence have decreased dramatically, a new satellite study of rainfall suggests that in the last 20 years the intensity of rainfall has declined a little in most places, new global data analyses suggest no trends in drought and declining flood magnitude in the last 120 years.
What has increased is doomsday media reporting every time there is an extreme natural event.
Humans emitted almost a trillion tons of CO2 in the last 32 years, yet global losses due to weather related damage are shrinking as a proportion of our economy. Deaths from weather related events have declined by 95 percent over the past 100 years while the population quadrupled.
Ocean acidification – not happening, at most there might be a very slight decrease in alkalinity.
Plastic pollution – Plastic is everywhere and there is no alternative to most of it. Most of the pollution comes from poor countries with low fossil fuel usage.
Air and water pollution have massively decreased due to fossil fuels (see horses).
Oil spills are relatively rare and the environment recovers.
Habitat destruction related to fossil-fuel extraction? How long would the world’s forests exist if we stopped extracting fossil fuels? A year?
Coral reefs are thriving, setting records.
We depend on fossil fuels. Without them, billions would die.
Art Betke, Prince George
GAS BAN PLAN IGNORES HISTORY
Just read your opinion piece on projected future for natural gas heat in our homes.
Sending this note to you from my natural gas heated home in Whistler, one of the few municipalities in BC to go down the road of banning natural gas connections as of January 1 of this year.
Homeowners will not be able to obtain a building permit if the home energy system includes natural gas as the primary heating source.
As we know, winter low temperatures can quickly morph into the danger zone for humans without heat.
A few weeks ago, we had just such conditions here. Then the inevitable hard frozen tree limb broke off from ahigh, knocking out electricity. Situation was tense for many families here.
We know from history of the many deaths that happen when the power is knocked out for extended periods. Quebec, even Texas as examples.
Many would be quick to point out gas home heat appliances won’t function without electricity either.
But the 12 V sparker on my gas fireplace functions independently, regardless of blackouts.
I can’t help but believe this policy will result in fatalities down the road.
Good plan, BC NDP.
Steve Anderson, Whistler
Vote keeps 50-plus coed soccer open to women
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
A Prince George Soccer Association motion to ban women from its 50-andolder coed drop-in division was soundly defeated 110-20 at the group’s annual general meeting last Wednesday night.
Because the proposal was brought up late in that 2023 meeting the board decided to defer it to the 2024 AGM, rather than set up an extraordinary general meeting for the vote.
PGSA registrar Kirsty Ames said the board was bound under the Societies Act to conduct the vote.
The proposal was presented at last year’s AGM to the PGSA board by three male players in the 50-plus coed group who wanted the league to change eligibility rules for the weekly games from coed to men-only.
“The vote was overwhelming for keeping the coed (division) coed,” said Ames.
“We all knew it wouldn’t pass.
“We had to vote on it because of the Societies Act and if members come forward and put in the paperwork for something to be voted in in our AGM then we have to vote on it. It’s not like the board can decide not to vote on it.”
Kari Daly, the only female player in the 50-and-over coed division, objected to a proposal to grandfather her eligibility in the coed group if the PGSA vote had gone in favour in making it a male-only division. She said she would have refused to play in the 50-and older group if the board decision ultimately banned other women from registering.
“She said we shouldn’t have to vote on it because it was a human rights thing but I said no, it’s a society act thing,” said Ames.
“You can’t paint the whole league with the brush that we’re bigots and
discriminatory. Because of the mandate of the Societies Act we have to vote on it.
“We had people phoning the clubhouse yesterday saying they were going to burn it down because we were bigots.”
Ames surveyed the PGSA informally months before the vote and was confident the ban proposal would be voted down and tried to explain that to Daly, but Daly wasn’t convinced and was worried about the vote.
“We were dealing with it and it would have been done after the AGM because we all knew that it wouldn’t pass and I kept telling Kari that,” said Ames. “I told her the vote was the best thing that could happen because it’s not going to pass.”
Ames said the four-hour meeting drew about 90 members and it became heated at times with people on both sides of the proposal yelling at each other.
“I’ve been a board member 31 years and yesterday was the only day I felt like quitting,” said Ames.
Races draw big numbers
trail groomers to make a safe race course for what was one of the largest turnouts of competitors in years.
More than 300 ski racers took a chance that conditions in Prince George at Otway Nordic Centre would be conducive to Teck BC Cup races and the two-day event went ahead.
Race organizers and volunteers from the host Caldonia Nordic Ski Club prepared weeks ahead for the event and thanks to Otway’s snowmaking equipment and a major snowfall in early January there was enough snow for the
Caledonia club skiers had an exceptional weekend racing on their home trails and went home with 25 medals.
The BC Cup event will serve as a dry run for the upcoming Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup Finals coming to Prince George in March.
Boudreau to receive award
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
A 92-year-old Prince George resident has won the 2024 Jeanne Clarke Local History Service Award.
Clarence Boudreau, a local author and musician also known as Penny Slim, is being honoured as the winner of this year’s Service Award. Boudreau, who turns 93-yearsold in February, has written multiple books on the history of northern BC.
Boudreau was nominated for a Jeanne Clarke Publication Award in 2023 for his book I Hear the Mountains Calling, a memoir of his life in the community of Penny, where he was born and spent the first 80 years of his life. He and his wife Olga won the 1996 Jeanne Clarke Publication Award for their book Into the Mists of Time: a History of Guilford, Lindup and Fortin’s Sawmill. Boudreau is a storyteller who shares the history of Northern BC not only as an author, but also through his original songs, including a song about the Northern Hardware Canoe Race and the 2018 wildfires.
This year’s awards ceremony takes place on February 25 at the Bob Harkins Branch of the library where Boudreau will be honoured.
At the ceremony the winner of 2024 Publication Award will also be announced.
Non-fiction, biographies, historical fiction or any publication that improves the appreciation and understanding of local history are eligible as long as it has been published in the last two years.
The finalists for this year’s publication award are:
• Artist’s sketches : a history of the forest industry in Prince George and area by Larry Merritt
• Berries, baseball & baskets : collection of memories by Shirley May Gratton
• Kechika chronicler : William Freer’s Northern BC and Yukon diaries, 1942-1978 edited by Jay Sherwood • Prince George history : an artist’s view by Larry Merritt
• Talking to the story keepers : tales from the Chilcotin Plateau by Sage Birchwater
• The notorious Georges : crime and community in British Columbia’s northern interior, 1905–25 by Jonathan Swainger
• The secret pocket by Peggy Janicki and illustrated by Carrielynn Victor
• This place is who we are : stories of Indigenous leadership, resilience, and connection to their homelands by Katherine Palmer Gordon.
Nove Voce show goes Sunday
Sailors and Sirens will be Nove Voce’s first concert since their win at The International Choral Kathuamixon.
The showcase will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11 at the Knox Performance Centre.
Enjoy sea shanties, folk songs and great Canadian music with special guests Barb Parker, Allison Bell and the Prince George Tapestry Singers.
Favourites like The Wellerman, I’s the B’y and
For related stories, go to pgcitizen.ca
Northern Lights are some of the many pieces featured. During the performance a new arrangement by former Prince George resident, Allison Girvan, called Un Canadien Errant, will be showcased.
Robin Norman, Nove Voce’s choir director, said they are very excited to have the Prince George Tapestry Singers join them during the concert.
The show goes at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Avenue at 2 p.m.
MINI SUPER BINGO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH 6:00 PM Evening Bingo
$6,000 JACKPOT
$4,000 cash plus $2,000 Slot Free Play
$300 Regular Games
$600 Double Win Regular games
$2,000
$200 Slot Free Plays X 10 Draws
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
Major changes are on the horizon in various areas of your life! You’ll feel justifiably proud of your achievements and will make the necessary efforts to ensure your business runs smoothly
TAURUS
It’s time to rejuvenate yourself; bask in the present moment and relax. Someone close to you will require your help. If you’re an artist, you’ll find inspiration this week. Inner guidance is within your reach.
GEMINI
You’ll manage a large-scale project. This will bring together various people around you. Despite the challenges of getting donations from those involved, you’ll be incredibly efficient and receive praise for your success after some effort.
CANCER
Big responsibilities await you, both at work and at home. Your dedication will be noticed and could be rewarded with a promotion and a pay raise. There’s plenty to celebrate!
LEO
The idea of embarking on a spiritual journey will take root in your mind. It will require several months of careful preparation to blossom and become a source of inspiration, ultimately allowing you to find profound meaning in your existence.
VIRGO
Emotions are powerful around you. You may need to rethink your relationship to flourish. At the very least, you’ll no longer accept compromises. You’ll need to reflect deeply about your relationship.
LIBRA
Although there may be some tension, your strong teamwork skills will help you make great progress. If you’re in a new relationship, you’ll have to overcome concerns that challenge your commitment and define a better future between you.
SCORPIO
At work, you’ll see the benefits of your work, even if it means feeling exhausted. As your customer base grows, you’ll need to double down your efforts to solidify your financial future.
SAGITTARIUS
Your selfesteem needs a boost. You passionately devote yourself to others. However, it’s important to direct some of that attention toward yourself. This is especially true if some people tend to take your kindness for granted & don’t recognize your sacrifices.
CAPRICORN
You’ll devote a substantial amount of your time to family this week. You may think about moving in the short term. At the very least, a significant change in your personal or professional environment will be beneficial.
AQUARIUS
You’ll expand your social circle, thanks in large part to your increased presence on social media. Your talents and professional activities will become better known, improving your financial situation.
PISCES
You’ll be given the green light to finance a project Act now! This will be a good week to pay off some of your debt, making your financial situation more flexible. Think of it as a kind of fresh start
cl assi fi eds
Finden, Ruth M.
October 25, 1936 - January 13, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Ruth Margaret Finden, born October 25th, 1936, died January 13th, 2024, of complications from pneumonia.
She was a strong, independent and self-reliant person who instilled these qualities in us from a young age. She was very talented as a painter, a knitter and a seamstress - she had a creative mind and could make something beautiful and functional from seemingly nothing.
Her quiet advice and gentle prodding in the right direction spoke to her intelligence, her empathy and the love she had for her family.
She loved the peace and serenity that her cabin at Stuart Lake brought her, sitting in her window seat, listening to music, knitting and watching the sunset over the lake. Beautiful memories of a beautiful person who will forever be loved and missed.
She is survived by her children, Louise (Tony) Ibbotson, Julie (Ron) Bussey, Dan Finden and Darcy (Katherine) Finden. Also survived by her sister Leona (Rick) Kitagawa. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren and thirteen great
Pellizzari,
John
August 31, 1931 - December 5, 2023
Beloved father, brother, Nonno and friend, John (Giovanni) Pellizzari of 108 Mile Ranch, passed away on December 5, 2023, while in hospital at the age of 92. He leaves behind his son Stephen (Susan) Pellizzari; granddaughter Brianna (Lance) MacDonald; greatgranddaughter Piper MacDonald; and siblings Renzo Pellizzari, Roberta (John Franco) Turioni, Cezare (Marina) Pellizzari, and Orlando (Eleanora) Pellizzari; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. In heaven, he reunites with his loving wife Mary, daughter Elizabeth and sisters Lina and Irena.
John was known as a kind, generous and hardworking
Our family feels much sadness in announcing the passing of Vivian Pauline Annis on January 21, 2024
Vivian is survived by her husband of 64 year years Bruce, brothers Johnny and Raymond, sister Annabelle, son Darcy (Tracy), daughter Connie (Ric), grandchildren Brandon, Rachael, Taylor (Sabrina), Dylan, great grandchildren Rebecca and Jackson.
Vivian is predeceased by her brother Walter, sister Barbara and son Dwayne Vivian was born on a farm near Nipawin Saskatchewan on January 6, 1941 Vivian enjoyed travelling and spending time in Mexico
She was a great cook and you could always pull up a chair to her
REMEMBRANCES
Troy Randi Naef
June 11, 1968 - January 23, 2024
With broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Troy Randi Naef on January 23, at the age of 55.
Troy is survived by his loving wife Denise, son Brett, parents Terry and Lynn, brother Curt, extended family and many friends.
Troy was a man of integrity and will always be remembered for his giant love of life, his infectious smile, and his devotion to family and friends.
We will treasure our memories and always celebrate you Troy, even listen to some of your music…
“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened”
Karen Ann Duckworth
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Karen Ann Duckworth, aged 63, who left us on January 30, 2024. She will be missed by her son Daniel (Jessica); daughter Deanna (Aaron) and grandchildren Alexander, Charlie, Ryan & Sawyer.
Karen will be remembered for her passion for people, her drive for success and her fierce love for her grandchildren.
Thank you to the Prince George Hospice and Palliative Care Society for the care they provided over the last few weeks.
A Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 3-6pm at Suite #201- 556 North Nechako Rd, Prince George BC--the upper floor of Parkhill Centre.
Karen, we will continue to honor your legacy by living our lives to the fullest.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
John “Peter” Tourand
November 28, 1950 – January 31, 2024
It is with profound sadness that the family of Peter Tourand announces his passing after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. Peter was born in Meadow Lake, Sask. and moved to Prince George in 1969 where he found the love of his life, Frances, in 1970.
Peter found work at Clear Lake Sawmills when he first came to Prince George, where he worked for 42 years when the Sawmill shut down. Peter married Frances in 1973, and just celebrated their 51st Anniversary.
Together they had 3 children. Peter loved the game of fastball, of which he was a well-respected Pitcher for many years. He loved spending time with his family and friends, no matter the venue.
Peter is survived by his loving wife Frances, children: Jeremy (Kim), Jacqui (Trent) Abernethy, & Cory (Wendy). Also survived by grandchildren: Darian, Rylan, Ashley, Madicyn, Brooklyn, Lexie, David, Keagan, Brett, & Chase; numerous great grandchildren; Brother Lawrence (Sue) Sharkey. Brother in-law Jack (Carol), Sisters in-law Connie, Jeannie, Mary (Bruce); and many nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by: Father Ed, Mother Blanche, & Brother Art.
The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Dr’s Attia, Warkentin, Geddes, and Carter, for all their advocating, compassion and caring, not only for Peter, but his family as well.
Special thank you to all those at the Hospice at Home Program. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.
Each Loss
Each loss is very different, The pain is so severe. Will ever stop missing This one I loved so dear?
Good times we had together, The moments that we shared
We didn’t have to tell each other How much we really cared.
I never dreamed you’d go away, Never thought of sorrow. So sure you’d always be here Took for granted each tomorrow.
Now my life is all confused Since you went away. You took a part of me And for help daily pray.
But when God sent you to me He never said that you were mine, That I could keep you always –Only borrowed for a time.
Now, He’s called you home, I’m sad and I shed tears. Yet I’m glad He loaned you to me And we had these many years.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Prince George. Viewing at 12:30pm and Funeral to follow at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice at Home Program (Prince George Hospice Society).
Philip James Strom
November 16, 1947January 22, 2024
Philip was born in Prince George on November 16, 1947 to Carl and Josephine Strom.
In his younger years, Philip was one of the first students at Aurora School - the school Prince George built in a day. He was very proud of that. Before his physical challenges took over, Philip would walk at least 10k a day. We would get reported sightings all over Prince George. Philip was a gentle soul and will be missed by all that knew him.
Thank you to his caregivers Marissa and Rene; their care and love for Philip was truly evident.
Thank you to Hazel and Joel; both very special people to Philip.
Thank you to all his friends at AimHi; they all made Philip’s life so full.
Philip was predeceased by his loving parents Carl and Josephine Strom, very special sister-in-law Shirley Strom and his niece Tanya’s husband Mitch Moren. Left with many memories are his brother Dave Strom, his sister Marie Harder and her husband Jim Harder, niece and nephews Tanya Moren (Molly), Kristopher Strom, Grant Harder and Paige (Paloma and Hayes), Greg Harder and Pip (Emiri, Leilani and Boden), and Brent Harder and Lia (Brynna, Maddox and Brooks).
Rest in peace dear brother.
A Celebration of Life for Philip will be held in the summer.
Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com
REMEMBRANCES
1932-2024
Mrs. Aloha Wenbourne (née Smith) passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2024 in Prince George, BC at the age of 91 years.
Aloha is survived by her daughter, Yolanda Wenbourne and son Geoff Wenbourne, and many beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Aloha is also survived by her sisters Mona Wenbourne of Tisdale, Sask, Carolyn Alchin of Hudson Bay, Sask and Frances McPhee of Prince George, BC. Her surviving brothers are Charlie Smith of Prince George, BC and Elton (Tony) Smith of Tisdale, Sask.
Aloha is preceded in death by husband George Wenbourne, son Marvin, mother Kathleen Smith, Father Austin Smith, and brother Austin (Bub) Smith, and sisters Elaine Guest and Lyla Harpen.
Aloha was born on May 3, 1932 in Edgeworth, Sask. She married George Wenbourne, her high school sweetheart, on July 3, 1952. Shortly thereafter they moved and made Prince George, BC home for 72 years.
Aloha will be remembered for her wit and humour, and her love of people, many of whom became lasting friends. She loved her gardening, garage sales, and flea market visits which she enjoyed with a true zest for life. May she rest in peace with her Good Lord!
While no funeral is being held at this time, a celebration of life will be held by family members at a future date. The family appreciates all condolences and expressions of remembrance - any donations or acts kindness are asked to be directed to the Alzheimer Society of Prince George. The family thanks all of you!
Aloha Wenbourne
Peter Wittig
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Peter Wittig. He was the loving husband of Flora (McKeil) Wittig, and brother to Walter (Kimberley) Wittig. He also leaves behind his niece Christie (Adrian) Harrison and their two daughters Neve and Rowan. Those little girls were his chosen granddaughters. He was a stepdad to Jacky (Joseph Brewer) Robichaud, grandfather to Christopher (Laura) Mason, greatgrandfather to Joseph, Lukis and Alice Mason. His in-laws loved Peter like one of their own: Rosie (Perry) Comeau, Jack (Donna) McKeil, Norman (Shelly) McKeil.
Peter was preceeded by his father Emil Wittig, mother and step-father Elfrieda and Karl Grunenberg, and great-grandson Welsey Mason.
There are many things that made up the man we called Peter. His love for the outdoors was well known with his friends and family. Whether he was fishing, hunting with his brother Walter (we will get the big one next year), camping or just having a bonfire in the backyard, he did so with a huge grin. Peter was a great cook who loved to share the bounty.
He could explain things so clearly, that we believe he missed his calling as a teacher. The schools may have missed out, but everyone who worked with Peter was glad that they did. He worked for many years with SMS Equipment where he made lifelong friends.
His love of travel started early in life when he was just a teenager traveling through Europe. Flora and Peter continued their journeys throughout Canada, Europe, and the United States. Vancouver was a favourite destination that he frequently traveled to. Part of the trip always involved the meals and restaurants they would enjoy. He was the greatest tour guide as well, knowing every rest stop from Prince George to Vancouver for his adoring wife.
Peter had a great sense of humor and a knack for giving nicknames that stuck. Always a smile, words of encouragement, and the saying that “it’s all going to work out” made you feel comforted by Peter. He made you feel safe and cared for.
There will not be a funeral service for Peter, but at a later date there will be a celebration of life at his home. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Ok Peter, we are switching to glide... til we meet again
Rita Ruth Murray
It is deeply saddening to announce the peaceful passing of Rita Ruth Murray, aged 77, passed away peacefully on January 30 in the loving care of Dr. I. Reddy and the staff at Gateway Assisted Living.
Rita is survived by Jerry, her husband and best friend of more than 50 years. She is also survived by her sons, Paul and Michael (Katherine) daughter, Heather and daughter in law. Janet.
She is also survived by her loving sisters, Lorraine (Jake) and Elaine (Ron) and by her brother Randy (Penny).
Rita left behind her grandchildren Jason (Carrie). Stephanie (Tony) , Jennifer (Craig), Molly and Madison (Lucas), Taylor and Kaylee. Great grandchildren Logan, Aiden, Tyler, Tayla, Myla and Wesley.
She was predeceased by her mother, Edna Schwindt, .her brothers, Raymond and Ted, sisters in law, Judy and Netta. Also by daughter, Laurie and great grandchild, Damon.
Rita lived a busy and successful life in Alberta and then in Prince George where she moved her family on 1975. She worked for the City of PG and then expertly managed the business end of her and Jerry’s Midas Muffler franchise. She loved running, cooking, boating, and making the best music collectioms for dancing. She loved tropical travel, and she deeply loved her family. She survived breast and cervical cancer ad bravely managed M.S. for a large part of her life in PG.
Celebrate
A Life Lived
With the opportunity for great personalization, the funeral service can truly reflect the uniqueness of the life it honours
Contact us to find out more.
ASSMAN’S
FUNERAL CHAPEL
One Final Gift
Scatter me not to restless winds, Nor toss my ashes to the sea.
Remember now those years gone by When loving gifts I gave to thee.
Remember now the happy times The family ties we shared. Don’t leave my resting place unmarked As though you never cared.
Deny me not one final gift For all who come to see A single lasting proof that says I loved... & you loved me.
by DJ Kramer
Established Franchise Photography Business
Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years
Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work
Lots of opportunity to expand the business.
Transition support available to the right buyer Serious Enquiries Only
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.
Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000
Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.
Transition support available for the right buyer.
Antiques
Valued $3600, asking $1500. 250-6171934
A LOT Of 45 & LPs. All kinds $5$40 each, 778-675-4716
BUYING ALL SILVER! WANTED 9999 BULLION, BARS, COINS, ROUNDS, ALL SILVER COINS, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING SILVER, COIN COLLECTIONS +++ ALSO BUYING GOLD!!! TODD 25O 864 3521
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BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250614-6667
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SAWMILL, 48” head rig, hand set, completely rebuilt, $8000 obo plus parts. 250-441-3242
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NEW 30’ x 50’ All Steel Commercial
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All models, old, new, damaged or parts req’d. Top prices paid.
For viewing call 250-612-1808
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BUYING OLD JEWELRY, COINS, OLD MONEY, COIN COLLECTIONS, 9999 BARS & COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, COIN SETS, WORLD $$$ COLLECTIONS ++ TODD 25O 864 3521
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High Terrain Helicopters is currently recruiting AMEs and Pilots for their Team
The positions are at the main base in Nelson, British Columbia Field work, including specialty charters, occurs in Western and Central Canada for a variety of industries including exploration, forestry, search and rescue, utility, wildlife management, and wildfire suppression, Class D Endorsements and experience on our fleet of the Bell 206, Bell 205 and AS 350 B2, D2 & B3 are required. Minimum of 1,500 hours PIC with Mountain course.
Occupational travel is necessary on an as needed basis Full-time and seasonal positions. Compensation is based on the industry competitive pay scale.
More information on our website www.highterrainhelicopters.com
Please provide resume and references to: admin@htheli.com We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ref’s
Call Theresa 250962-5570 1/2 DUPLEX- 2bdrmAvail immediately on the Hart Highway in Prince George, BC. 4 Appls, quiet area, responsible adults only. N/S, Ref’s req’d. Call Theresa 250962-5570
(Kamloops)
e-mail biffsbenson@yahoo.ca
SUDOKU
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
1. One point south of due east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch
Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree
Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again
16. Covered with hoarfrost 17. Opening 18. Legendary Rolling Stone 21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being
26. Malaysian isthmus
27. The “Blonde Bombshell”
34. A gland 35. Bluish greens 36. Endangered 37. Three-dimensional
38. In a way, precipitated
26. Kilo yard (abbr.)
27. Found in the sea 28. Protects from weather
29. Type of medicine
30. City along the Rhine
Animal disease
Martini ingredients
God associated with dissolution
Blemished
Flow or leak slowly
Disco legends The Bee __
Midway between south and southeast
Get away
Lack of disunity 36. One-time European Commission officer
Three ways to make your home more energy efficient
Whether you’re building from the ground up or renovating your existing house, there are many things you can do to reduce the amount of electricity it takes to power your home. Not only is it better for the environment but it’ll also save you money in the long run. Here are a few ways you can improve energy efficiency in your home.
1. Insulate: install both high-quality insulation and well-insulated windows and doors to stop cold air from coming into your home. Your heating and cooling system won’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Solar power: install solar panels on your roof to produce your own clean electricity.
If you generate more power than your house needs, you can make some money by selling it back to the electric company.
3. Programmable thermostat: avoid heating your home when nobody’s there by installing a programmable thermostat that can be set to lower your home’s temperature both during the day and while you’re asleep.
Even if renovating isn’t in your current plans, there are still lots of things you can do to reduce your energy consumption. Replacing regular light bulbs with LED lights and installing thermal curtains to block cold air from getting into your house are simple measures you can take.
Home renovation health and safety tips
Are you planning to renovate your home?
If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation.
1. Get an inspection. If your home was built before 1990, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material.
2. Protect yourself. Even if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone working on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries.
3. Protect your home. Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained or scuffed and protect any furniture you
couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construction zone.
4. Ventilate. Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home.
5. Clean daily. At the end of every day, vacuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces.
6. Use non-toxic products. Opt for VOCfree paint and water-based solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air.
7. Do dirty jobs outside. Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt.
If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings.
Two common kitchen problems and how to solve them
In many homes, the kitchen gets the most traffic. Consequently, an issue in this room is likely to be acutely felt. Here are two common kitchen problems and some tips on how you can solve them.
1. NOT ENOUGH STORAGE
The ideal way to approach this issue is to entirely remodel your kitchen and thereby create the space and storage you need. However, if this isn’t currently feasible, you should consider implementing one or more workarounds.
For example, you can add hooks under the cabinets to store mugs and thereby free some precious cabinet space. Or, you might want to invest in a professional storage system with racks and drawer dividers to make the most out of the space you’ve got.
2. NOT ENOUGH COUNTER SPACE
Not having enough counter space makes it hard to prepare meals and
keep the room tidy. One solution to this problem, if you have the space for it, is to install an island. Alternatively, you can buy a small cart that will give you more surface area to work with.
Freeing up the counter space you have is also essential. Be sure to stow your toaster, coffee maker and other appliances in your cabinets when they’re not in use.
Once your kitchen problems are solved, you’ll be surprised just how much better the whole house will run.
HOMES
GO FOR GOLD.
6 creative ways to use your attic
Are you thinking about converting your attic into usable living space? If so, here are six things you may want to do with it.
1. A MASTER SUITE
The sloped ceiling is perfect for creating a comfy bedroom you’ll love to curl up in.
2. AN OFFICE
If you work from home, the attic is likely isolated enough from the rest of the house to provide you with a distraction-free work space.
3. A PLAYROOM
If you don’t have a basement, let the kids use the attic as their space to hang out, study and play.
4. A LUXURIOUS BATHROOM
Do you need another bathroom in your busy household? If so, converting your attic may be
the solution.
5. A YOGA OR MEDITATION SPACE
If you yearn for a quiet space to call your own, use the attic to create a relaxing at-home studio.
6. A GUEST SUITE
Give your guests a quiet space to relax when they come to visit. If you have the room for it, you could even install an adjoining bathroom.
In short, with a little imagination, your attic can be used to create almost any type of room. Just make certain to adequately insulate the walls and to install a staircase. This ensures that the space will be comfortable and accessible for the entire family.
Making your dream home: advice for the would-be builder
Are you thinking about building your own home? While there are many advantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before breaking ground.
LOCATION
Do you want to live in the city or suburbs? If so, it may be hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
BLUEPRINTS
If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use pre-made builder’s plans. However, for a more customized home, you’ll need to hire
LIFESTYLE
When making design choices, it’s important to think about how you plan to use the house both now and in the future. For example, a steep set of stairs may not seem like a big deal right now, but they may prove difficult if you choose to raise a family or grow old in your home.
If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxurious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it.
