Prince George Citizen March 14, 2024

FRONT-PAGE TEEN FOUND! Kathy Hart appeared in the Citizen 50 years ago PAGE 11

Mark Arendz of Charlottetown, P.E.I., lets out a cheer after winning the men’s standing 7.5 km sprint race at the Para Biathlon World Championships last Wednesday at the Otway Nordic Centre. For more, see pages 14-16.

“[F]or He was teaching His disciples, saying to them, ‘the Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill Him, and three days after being killed, He will rise again.’ But they did not understand what He was saying and were afraid to ask Him. - Mark 9:31-32

Easter is right around the corner! Easter is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, which is the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum, and the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the Paschal full moon.

At Ave Maria Specialties we have all your Easter and Lent needs, from books to cards, crucifixes, and anointing oils and even Easter advent calendars! a

He has risen, have faith in Him and He will always be there for you! Have a blessed and happy Easter, from all of us here at Ave Maria Specialties.

Drag strip owners settle dispute out of court

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

A dispute over what was deemed unsanctioned logging at NITRO Motorsports Park drag racing strip has been settled out of court.

A petition filed April 13, 2023 at B.C. Supreme Court by three of the facility’s shareholders claimed the fourth shareholder, Brent Marshall, hired a contractor to remove all merchantable timber from the site off Chief Lake Road northwest of the city “without unanimous consent of the directors.”

But in a statement obtained by the Citizen, signed by Marshall and the other drag strip owners, John Paolucci, Douglas Shaw and Rodney Belsham, the parties have come to an agreement which solidifies the future of the facility for participants in the region’s motorsports community.

“We, the directors and owners of Prince George Motorsports Park Ltd., are pleased to confirm the resolution of the dispute among us,” the statement reads. “We acknowledge there were a number of miscommunications among ourselves

and, unfortunately, we made some statements about each other which we now regret. Each of us was acting in what we understood to be the best interests of the racetrack and the community. We consider the dispute among us fully and amicably resolved.”

NITRO Motorsports Park is used

primarily during the warm-weather months for sanctioned drag racing events and for the Friday Night Drags, a regularly-scheduled event in which street-legal vehicle owners test their drag racing skills in a safe controlled setting.

“All of us remain committed to the Prince George motorsports community

and have agreed that the Company will donate $150,000 to the Northern Interior Timed Racing Organization Society to be used for upgrades and repairs at the racetrack,” state the owners.

“The ownership group is also taking further steps to ensure the racetrack is protected indefinitely for the future enjoyment of racers, spectators, and the wider community.”

The logging work was conducted in the fall months of 2022 and 2023 and, according to the petition, the timber was sold to Canfor with Marshall retaining the proceeds.

Marshall had intended to use the earnings to help fund the buyout of one of the shareholders, according to the petition. The petition mentioned the logging removed trees that bordered the length of the drag strip and the site was extensively disturbed, leaving slash and other forest debris which impacted the esthetic value of the facility.

There was no mention in the settlement about whether that area will be cleaned up and who would pay for land rehabilitation if that occurs.

- with Citizen files from Mark Nielsen

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Racers make their way down the track at NITRO Motorsports Park.

RCMP seize safer supply harm reduction drugs

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George RCMP have seized more than 10,000 prescription drugs used for the safer supply harm reduction program that were being distributed by organized crime groups who were selling them in Canada.

The seizures also included illicit drugs and are the result of multiple police investigations over the past three months by Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit which targeted individuals and groups involved in drug trafficking in the city. Search warrants were executed in several residences in the city, resulting in substantial seizures of illegal and prescription drugs and cash.

“We have noted an alarming trend over

the last year in the amount of prescription drugs located during drug trafficking investigations, noting they are being used as a form of currency to purchase more potent, illicit street drugs,” said Prince George RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper. “Organized crime groups are actively involved in the redistribution of safe supply and prescription drugs, some of which are then moved out of British Columbia and resold. The reselling of prescription drugs significantly increases the profits realized by organized crime.

One seizure alone confiscated more than 10,000 individual prescription pills, including gabapentin, hydromorphone, codeine and dextroamphetamine. Investigators also seized large quantities of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

BC Hydro open houses:

Prince George to Glenannan and Glenannan to Terrace Transmission Projects

We’re bringing more clean, reliable electricity to the North Coast to support customers who want to switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity.

To help support electrification, we’re proposing to build new 500kV transmission infrastructure from Prince George to Terrace through the Prince George to Glenannan Transmission (PGGT) and Glenannan to Terrace Transmission (GTTT) projects.

Join us at an Open House any time from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an update on the projects and other North Coast Electrification initiatives and to share feedback: Vanderhoof Monday, March 18

Integris Community Ctr Multi-purpose Room 186 Columbia St West Fraser Lake Tuesday, March 19 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 274 165 Chowsunket Street

Can’t make an in-person event? We’re also having two virtual events:

• Thursday, March 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 26, from 6:30 p m to 8 p m

Please email us at projects@bchydro.com by March 19 to register.

If you have questions or comments, please contact us at 1 866 647 3334 or at projects@bchydro com, or visit the North Coast Electrification website at www.bchydro.com/ncelectrification.

We look forward to discussing our plans with you

A second drug bust resulted in seizures of more than two kilograms of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and cash, as well as thousands more prescription pills, including oxycodone and the safer-supply drugs morphine and hydromorphone.

“People are mixing them and there are going to be people who don’t understand what they are purchasing and see that it is a prescription drug and assume it may be safe,” Cooper told National Post reporter Arian Humphreys. “But if it is not prescribed to you it is not safe.

“If these are getting into the hands of our youth or young adults who may think this is a safe way to get high, it is concerning to us. It’s also concerning that it’s another way for organized crime groups to make money very quickly with little to no effort on their part. This is only perpetuating and possibly exacerbating the problem.”

In March 2020, B.C. became the first province to prescribe government-regulated opioid alternatives to substance users as a way to prevent overdose deaths from toxic street drugs that are

killing on average of six people per day in the province.

In December 2023, 4,212 B.C. residents received prescribed opioid alternatives that mimic the effects of illicit drugs. In February, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a report calling for expansion of the safer supply program to increase availability and broaden the types of drugs that can be prescribed, while also acknowledging the program creates risks for society.

Cooper realizes this week’s seizures of safer-supply drugs will stir up public debate on how the province is handling the opioid crisis which last year claimed the lives 2,511 British Columbians.

“I would guess this is going to get some political attention because we are pointing out what has been deemed safe is not being kept safe,” Cooper said. “It’s taxpayers that pay for this safe supply through our tax dollars that go towards our health units. It’s not only a problem for police, but it’s a problem for everybody who lives here and sees the cause and effects of this continuing to happen.”

City councillor backs short-term rental opposition

TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

City of Prince George Coun. Cori Ramsay says she supports council’s unanimous opposition to the Short Term Rental Accommodation Act, despite the city not being eligible to opt out.

Ramsay explained why she came to support the push for an opt out in a March 3 blog post, and took the discussion to Reddit.

“Let me clear the air – the question has been asked about whether or not I own or have any partial ownership or financial stake in short-term rental properties

which might have influenced my decision,” prefaced Ramsay on her blog.

“So for the record, no, I do not own or have a financial stake in any short term rentals.”

In the blog post, Ramsay said she questions the data supplied by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which shows rental vacancy rates were 3.7 per cent in 2022 and 2.8 per cent in 2023

“I questioned this data for a couple reasons, the main one being that I am very familiar with the CMHC Market Information Portal and understand its limitations as I use it for work as a Marketing Analyst and have used the data in this portal

since 2015 to calculate the living wage for Prince George,” writes Ramsay.

She further noted the CMHC Housing Survey only includes data from privately initiated structures with at least three rental units and have been on the market for at least three months, which Ramsay says would automatically exclude single-family detached houses at 17,995, movable dwellings at 2,170, semi-detached houses at 1,285, and apartment or flats in a duplex at 2,305.

“Essentially, right off the get-go, CMHC excludes a significant number of properties – 23,755 to be exact – from the Housing Survey which looks at things like

market rents and vacancy rates,” Ramsay writes.

With 259 active Airbnbs in Prince George, roughly 150 short-term rentals are being affected of 31,793 dwellings, writes Ramsay, citing Stats Canada Census Data.

“This is 0.4% of our total dwelling count. Long term rentals are still an attractive investment option and eliminating the 0.4 short term rentals in our community converting them to long term rentals is not going to influence the market enough to change market rental rates and immediately make things more affordable,” she concludes.

North-central BC court docket

TOM SUMMER Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prince George Law Courts

Michael Gary Schaffer (born 1963) was fined $2,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $600 victim surcharge for refusing to provide a breath sample.

Clint Randolf L’Hirondelle (born 1999) was fined $500, handed a 12-month driving ban, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence.

Bradley Ryan Riggs (born 1983) was handed 12 months of probation for assault.

Aaron Cole Antrim (born 1991) was fined $500, handed a one-year driving ban, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence.

Wayne Raymond John Robinson (born 1958) was handed a one-year conditional sentence, ordered to provide a DNA sample, given a one-year probation order, a mandatory 10-year firearms ban, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for sexual interference of a person under 16.

#ThanksTransit

A $100 victim surcharge was assessed for breach of undertaking.

Terry Charles Lauzon (born 1974) was handed 12 months of probation for assault and breach of undertaking.

Travis Kenneth Lepine (born 1991) was handed 12 months of probation for theft $5,000 or under.

Jenz Roland Schermerhorn (born 1984) was handed 12 months of probation for assault.

Leonard Everett Bruvold (born 1963) was handed 24 months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for assault, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and mischief $5,000 or under.

Quesnel Law Courts

Walter Joseph Brennan (born 1974) was handed two years of probation for disobeying a court order.

Courtney Fay Coben (born 1981) was fined $500 and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence.

Jason Allen Roy (born 1970) was handed a four-month conditional sentence and 18 months of probation for assault. A 30-day conditional sentence and 18 months of probation were given for mischief.

Smithers Law Courts

Ryan Mateus Garfield (born 1993) was handed 24 months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for secretly observing or recording nudity or sexual activity.

Williams Lake Law Courts

Gina Ann Monk (born 1979) was handed 12 months of probation for theft $5,000 or under.

Kimberly Madelaine Ross (born 1985) was handed 12 months of probation for assault and unauthorized possession of a

non-firearm

Timothy John Ivany (born 1984) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for refusing to provide a breath sample. Ivany was handed another six months of probation for theft $5,000 or under.

Dylan Alexander Kelly (born 2004) was sentenced to 10 days in jail for theft $5,000 or under. Another five days were given for breaching probation, and four days for a second charge of theft $5,000 or under.

Christopher Michael Anderson (born 1973) was fined $500, sentenced to 14 days in jail, handed a 12-month driving ban, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for driving with a suspended licence.

Joel Gaston Ranger (born 1986) was handed 12 months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching a release order and breach of undertaking.

Victoria Blagden (born 1989) was sentenced to nine days in jail and handed 12 months of probation for theft $5,000 or under. Another seven days in jail and 12 months of probation were received for a second charge of theft $5,000 or under.

Michael Dean Burger (born 1973) was handed 12 months of probation and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for theft $5,000 or under and breach of undertaking.

Leo Joseph George (born 1979) was sentenced to 108 days in jail and handed a one-year probation order for theft of a motor vehicle.

Lucas Kenneth Richard Turner (born 1987) was sentenced to 40 days in jail, handed 12 months of probation, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for theft $5,000 or under.

Past blood donors asked to complete survey

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Northern Medical program student

Crystal McLeod is seeking survey participants for a study about the loss of blood donation services in Prince George and the surrounding area.

She is looking for participants for the 20-minute survey who used to be blood donors or are a concerned community member that has an opinion about the impact of the lack of blood donations services in Northern BC.

McLeod’s study is called Understanding the Loss of Blood Donation Services:

Perception and Meaning in Northern BC.

The Centre for Rural Health Research at UBC is taking the lead on this with McLeod as the co-investigator.

Donating

blood is a point of pride for a lot of people.”

When the study is complete a report will be created and shared with health care providers, policy makers and service planners to better understand the issue and the impact the lack of blood donations has on rural communities.

“I was a longtime blood donor born

and raised in Ontario and when I got to the Northern Medical program and moved here and then went to donate blood I realized there’s nowhere to donate,”

McLeod explained her inspiration behind her involvement in the study.

McLeod got a grant from the University of BC in the summer to do a discourse analysis, she added.

“I did the research on rural and remote blood donation services in Canada and the results from that I presented at a

conference last fall and the results from that told me that Prince George is not alone, the Canadian Blood Services pulled their donations services cross country in a lot of little towns and smaller communities,” McLeod said.

“Donating blood is a point of pride for people.”

The next step for McLeod is to conduct a survey for community members and then ask those who have donated blood in Prince George before the donation services were closed to sit for an interview for research purposes.

For more information and to do the survey visit https://rb.gy/zdrwg6

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Welcome to the new Prince George Citizen

Locally owned -- community focused.

When Terresa and I bought the Citizen last month, we promised that although there wouldn’t be immediate changes, there would be changes coming.

Today it starts with a shift, both in our paper’s visual identity and in our editorial direction.

We have a new banner colour and a new slogan.

That slogan tells you everything you need to know about what the future holds for the Prince George Citizen: Locally owned, community focused. It’s a clear mantra of the shift in focus that starts today.

That means a shift in our paper’s editorial edition. Moving forward, the Citizen will be unapologetically Pro-Prince George.

We will celebrate the business, industry, and hard work that have built this city and we’ll celebrate the important role that Prince George plays in our province and our country.

We will also hold truth to power.

That means ensuring voters have transparency into those who spend our tax dollars.

I want to share again the key statement I made when we purchased the Prince George Citizen last month.

The Citizen is here to stay. Each week, 17,500 papers are

distributed through neighbourhood boxes where our readers choose to pick up their copy.

According to Google analytics, our average number of page views per month for the last year is 1.49 million. That’s more than every other news site in town combined.

Terresa and I are investing in the resources needed to secure the Citizen’s long-term growth.

The future of the Prince George Citizen will be built on the strength that has made it an institution in this city for over a century.

to deliver fliers.

Print media dies when it fails to be relevant to the audiences it serves.

Our print edition can and must have value for our readers.

We will celebrate the business, industry, and hard work that have built this city and we’ll celebrate the important role that Prince George plays in our province and our country.

That means focusing on the things that make this paper great and restoring pieces that have been lost throughout the years.

I’ll be flatly honest with you. The print edition of this paper is too thin and too empty.

The print media portion of the Citizen is a business like any other.

It needs to offer value to its customers and its advertisers.

It needs to be more than just a wrapper

When we purchased the Citizen, it was publishing just 24 pages.

We have made the commitment to increase that page count to 40 pages each week.

We are a firm believer that there is value in a print edition that you can’t get from an online publication.

There is something deeply meaningful about being able to pick up a local paper and read fact-based stories about what’s happening in our community, that focus on the places we live, work, and play.

As Prince George’s newspaper of record, the Citizen holds the stories and archives of our city’s history.

That incredible responsibility is something that is not lost on me nor any of the staff at the Citizen.

Additionally, as part of our “locally owned – community focused” mandate,

we will be dedicating advertising and promotion support towards various local community organizations, both in our print edition and online.

It also means finding ways for the Citizen to invest and participate in more community activities.

But none of that will be possible without delivering quality in-depth journalism. We have the chance to set the bar and exemplify a new gold standard for local journalism.

In an age of social media, we can’t rely solely on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter to inform us about the important goings on in our neighbourhoods.

We need good, comprehensive, investigative journalism written by those who are familiar with our city and members of the community. That’s exactly what we are going to deliver.

I am incredibly excited for what this next stage holds, both for the Citizen and for the City of Prince George.

Today is not the end but rather the start of a new beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us and even more exciting announcements ahead.

As we embark on this next chapter, Terresa and I ask you all to join us. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come. Cameron Stolz is the owner of the Prince George Citizen.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Cameron Stolz Owner

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

MAILING ADDRESS

505 Fourth Ave.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

250-562-2441

Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

505 Fourth Ave. Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

OFFICE HOURS

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Weekdays

OFFICE HOURS 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Weekdays

GENERAL SWITCHBOARD

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info@pgcitizen.ca

GENERAL NEWS news@pgcitizen.ca

SPORTS INQUIRIES

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PUBLISHER 250-960-2757

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READER SALES AND SERVICES 250-562-3301

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@pgcitizen.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@pgcitizen.ca

Neil Godbout Editorin-chief

Curtis Armstrong Publisher

Neil Godbout Editorin-chief

Curtis Armstrong Publisher

Cameron Stolz Owner

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

Moving on, but not going too far

No regerts.

Some people get that as a tattoo, believe it or not. I don’t understand why someone would want a spelling mistake permanently etched onto their skin but I get the idea.

No point in dwelling on the past because it can’t be changed. Even the mistakes – no, especially the mistakes –are the fuel for change and improvement. You must be facing forward to work on getting better. That isn’t happening if you’re mired in looking back over your shoulder coulda, shoulda, woulda, regret.

In that spirit, I have no regrets about my career in journalism and particularly the last 12 years of it – 11 years, 11 months, to be precise – as editor of the Prince George Citizen.

But it’s time for me to move on.

In the Citizen’s 108-year history, I am the second-longest serving editor in the paper’s history and that’s not necessarily a good thing.

The crass old phrase that politicians are like diapers in that both need to be changed regularly and for the exact same reason should apply to newspaper editors, too.

It’s time someone else who sees this industry, this newspaper, this

community, and this job differently sits in this chair. I can’t wait to see what he or she does – the story choices and the editorial stances - and I will be enthusiastically cheering for them from the sidelines.

Now’s a good time to leave.

Glacier Media was the owner of the Citizen for all but the last six weeks of my time as Citizen editor and they were not good owners. They weren’t terrible, either, but Prince George was certainly never the priority of a publicly-traded company based in Vancouver with assets across North America.

Cameron and Terresa Stolz would have made far more money, far faster, and with far fewer headaches putting their resources elsewhere. They chose the Citizen because they believe in Prince George and they believe this city needs local journalism.

I believe they’re the right people at the right time for the Citizen. And I believe they’ll be just fine without me.

I believe the Stolzs are the right people at the right time for the Citizen. And I believe they’ll be just fine without me.”

With that in mind, I’m quite certain that if the Stolzs hadn’t bought the paper when they did, Glacier was ready to shut the Citizen down.

The only chance the Citizen had to not only survive but thrive was to be acquired by local owners, people with skin in the Prince George game, devoted to this community and willing to invest their hard-earned dollars in a risky but rewarding business.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PRINCE GEORGE MUST STAND AGAINST RACISM IN ANY FORM

It is with sadness and anguish that we write this open letter to our community of Prince George. In the aftermath of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, we have seen a global rise in the expression of hatred towards Jews.

This unfortunately is also occurring in Canada, not only in major cities, but increasingly, here in our own community.

The rise in hate crimes is predominantly in the major centers of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa. This rise was already dramatic since 2015 but has exponentially worsened since October 7th according to the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and The Integrated Terrorist Assessment Centre (ITAC).

In our community we daily drive by anti-Israel graffiti, on a neighbour’s fence on 15th Avenue.

We have a verified report of a verbal assault on a visibly Jewish person at a local grocery store.

Our children are being targeted too, as we have had incidents at local schools where Jewish students were

Over the past six weeks, they have jumped into the business with both feet and have been continuously reminded that the water is Ness Lake in January, not July. That has not deterred either of them from their vision to restore the Citizen as a strong, financially sustainable, locally owned, community focused, independent Prince George news outlet. That revitalization will happen even better with a new editor with new ideas and new perspectives.

I’m not going far.

Monday will be my first day as executive director of the Prince George

subjected to verbal harassment.

The first weekend in March, a local resident was arrested and detained following a report of them vandalizing the downtown office of an elected official with multiple hateful and anti-Israel graffiti slogans.

There are also online forums in which Prince Georgebased activists organize anti-Israel events being held at UNBC and other more public locations.

In these forums local activists spread disinformation, advocate violence, and glorify martyrdom.

In one such post a commenter states, ‘we should follow in his footsteps!!!’ referring to Aaron Bushnell, the US Air Force member who immolated himself in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington on February 25th, 2024.

We do not want to live in fear in our own communities. We do not want to hide our identities fearing persecution or acts of violence against us.

We do not want to be vilified for who we are as much as any of you reading this would not want the same to happen to you.

We have endured persecution for over 2,000 years and

Chamber of Commerce, where I hope to bring my own new ideas and new perspectives to revitalize an organization that has been around as long as both the Citizen and the City of Prince George.

In my new role, I get to devote myself to advocating for local businesses and the interests of Prince George.

Wearing my hat as a member of the Prince George Heritage Commission, I’ll continue to write the Throwback Thursday column of local history pulled from the Citizen archives.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as the Citizen’s editor.

I didn’t always love the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune that came with the responsibility, but I always loved the challenge of the work. I especially valued talking to the readers who disagreed with me because – most of the time - they just wanted me and the Citizen to do better.

Time to turn the page, both for me and for the Citizen.

Can’t wait to discover what we’ll find there.

Neil Godbout is the outgoing editor of the Citizen and the incoming executive director of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

will defend ourselves if attacked, but we are a peaceful culture and would prefer toleration and peaceful co-existence.

We cherish life and protect life to our fullest ability.

We do not seek death or destruction and we have striven to avoid importing an overseas conflict into our peaceful, local community.

As a very small and tight knit community of Jews in Prince George, with many members in law, medical, academic, business, and other professions, we have sought and held meaningful dialogues with local MPs and MLAs, our honourable mayor and city council, and the RCMP.

We would now like to publicly reach out to our local Christian, Muslim and other religious and ethnic communities in the hope of pursuing peaceful dialogue, standing against racism of any form, and to support each other, as members of a unified community, through these difficult times.

Asher

Chmielnicki, Eli Klasner, Bill Poser, and Evelyn Wolfermann

Prince George

Throwback Thursday: Week of March 14

Long before Terry Burgess began a lengthy political career as a director with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, he was blowing things up in high school.

His lab experiment with buddies Herb Assman and Bobby Douglas was front page news 70 years ago this week, in the March 11, 1954, edition of the Citizen.

‘Accidental ‘H-Bomb’ Cuts Students Here,’ the headline read.

“For an exciting split-second yesterday, three Grade 11 students thought they might have unearthed the secret of the hydrogen bomb in a laboratory of Prince George Junior-Senior High School,” the story read.

“The trio was at work in the school’s laboratory conducting an experiment involving the generation of hydrogen.

“Suddenly a load explosion rocked the lab and the boys felt themselves being struck by flying glass.

“All three received minor cuts from the shattering laboratory equipment.”

Assman needed a couple of stiches for

the cuts in his arms, the story added.

Supervising Principal Jack Beech told the Citizen that in his 20 years of teaching, “he had never known that particular experiment to produce an explosion.”

***

After locating Kathy Hart 50 years after she appeared on the front page of the Citizen (see next page), we’re now looking for Leslie Clarke, who was on the front page of the March 12, 1964 edition, of the Citizen. The students of Connaught Junior Secondary School were selling pens for 50 cents each over a two-week period to raise funds for disabled kids.

Leslie, are you out there or do Citizen readers know what became of her?

***

Five U.S. T-28 Trojan navy trainers were parked on the tarmac at the Prince George Airport this week 40 years ago, waiting for better weather to continue their journey north to serve as bird dog planes for the Alaskan Forest Service.

The planes had previously seen duty in the Korean War, the caption below the

front-page photo in the March 13, 1984, edition of the Citizen explained.

***

Ok, this is creepy.

As I was working on this week’s Throwback Thursday, I had Apple Music playing “Neil Godbout’s station,” meaning it was randomly picking songs based on my listening habits.

A few minutes before I got to the March 14, 1994, edition of the Citizen, it played High Hopes, the beautiful song that closes Pink Floyd’s 1994 album The Division Bell.

On the front page of the Citizen 30 years ago? A story and a photo of Pink Floyd fans in Prince George camped out overnight at Studio 2880 hoping to buy tickets for the Floyd’s upcoming 1994 tour stop at BC Place in Vancouver.

Neal Hagreen, Matt Garlick and Adam Craddock were quoted in the story.

Gents, how was the show?

The Prince George Citizen archive can be found online at pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca.

Neil Godbout is a member of the Prince George Heritage Commission.

CITIZEN ARCHIVES PHOTO

Leslie Clarke appeared on the front page of the March 12, 1964, edition of the Prince George Citizen.

Front-page teen found!

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

The Prince George Citizen caught up with Kathy Hart who was on the front page on Feb. 25, 1974.

“It got me some really bad attention because it caught me skipping out of school,” Hart laughed. “I was taking the looooong way to school and the photographer was like ‘hey, can I take your picture?’ and it ends up on the front page and my parents are like ‘how did you do that?’ I was only 13 so it got me a lot of press – at home.”

Hart remembered the tuque on her head was one she had snatched off her friend Darrell’s head.

“Because that’s what we used to do back then – you’d just take someone else’s tuque and wear it for the day.”

Her family moved away shortly after the photo was taken and she spent most of her high school years in Saskatchewan and then moved to Carcross, Yukon.

She met her husband in Prince George and had two children and raised them here.

“So I’ve been back here ever since,” Hart said. “I travel and go on holidays but this is home base.”

Friends reached out to her to let her know they saw the Throwback Thursday piece in the paper last month.

“People keep telling me ’you still look the same’,” Hart said. “I guess that’s not a bad thing, 50 years later.”

Read the full, unabrdged version of many of these stories at

CITIZEN ARCHIVES PHOTO/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kathy Hart, above, and a photo of her 13-year-old self on the front page of the Feb. 25, 1974, edition of the Prince George Citizen.

War movie filmed near Prince George

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Prince George is back in the Hollywood limelight.

Last week, film crews from Vancouver gathered in the city for four days of location shooting to produce a Second World War-era movie short Breakthrough.

Directed by Kate Green of Vancouver and produced by KGP Productions, filming took place in a rural area northwest of Prince George.

The plot centres around two soldiers on opposite sides who meet during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944, the final German offensive on the Western Front. Dug into the Ardennes Forest, the American 106th Infantry Division faces a devastating counter-attack from the German Army. In the aftermath, a wounded Jewish American soldier and a young German boy soldier form a friendship, while trapped together in a foxhole.

Norm Coyne, a producer for Barker Street Cinema and the promoter of the annual Prince George FanCon entertainment convention, has been hired to work on the film, which he says will leave a lasting sociocultural impact on audiences.

“This is the most ambitious film we’ve made to date,” said Coyne. “It has a really insane pedigree, the people attached to it

are top-shelf. They’ve worked on military period pieces before and the script (written by Michael John Fuller) is so good. This is Sundance Film Festival-level material. It’s something that will shine on really big stages all over the world.”

Coyne, who now lives in Kelowna, said the Breakthrough project stems from when Green visited Prince George in 2021 as a FanCon guest and asked Barker Street Cinema to accompany her scouting potential film locations.

“She loves what Prince George has to offer and said she would love to give it a go here and after reading the script I’m so grateful to be part of this thing,” said Coyne. “This is going to be a big deal for Prince George because it will be portraying a completely different place on the planet in wartime.”

Kate Green Productions is behind the hit science-fiction web series NarcoLeap, shown on Prime Video and CBC Gem, which starred Prince George actor Madison Smith. Green also produced the movie shorts Murphy’s Law, Melting Stars and Not A Stranger.

“I am honoured to be filming in northern B.C.,” said Green. “The community has been very welcoming to our production and it makes all the difference when producing an indie film. We are very grateful to the people of Prince George.”

KAZHAA CULLEN PHOTO

Actors Kelly McCabe, left, and Riley Banzer with director Kate Green on the set of Breakthrough, which was filmed northwest of Prince George.

Mackenzie man jailed for drug trafficking

TOM SUMMER

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Mackenzie man was sentenced to two years less a day in jail after pleading guilty to possessing meth, heroin, and fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded and restricted firearm without a licence.

The sentence was delivered to 42-year old Emil Laverne Spelman in Prince George Supreme Court, and the offences stemmed from a Sep. 11, 2020 incident. RCMP had attended a residence in response to a call that an assault was in progress, with Spelman opening the door when police arrived.

Upon searching Spelman, officers found $3,030 in his pocket, which was seized.

Officers also found 0.56 grams of crack cocaine, 35.85 grams of crystal meth, 1.77 grams of heroin and fentanyl in a drawer, 9.77 grams of bagged cocaine, and 22.68 grams of heroin and fentanyl in another drawer.

A loaded nine millimetre pistol was found under a pillow in the residence’s bedroom, along with nine millimetre ammunition.

Spelman was also wanted at large in relation to July 8, 2021, shooting in Mackenzie, after RCMP officers were called to the community’s hospital where

a man was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

Spelman was suspected of pulling the trigger, and was arrested on Sept. 1, 2021.

It was noted that Spelman had a difficult childhood, and was raised by his mother, while his father was absent.

“From the ages of 10 to 14, he suffered significant physical, mental, and sexual abuse at the hands of his godfather, who also introduced him to crystal methamphetamine when he was only 12 years old,” explained the Aug. 10, 2023 ruling.

Spelman also suffers from PTSD from his traumatic childhood, and takes medication for depression and anxiety, in addition to seeing a psychologist for monthly counselling since his arrest.

He was also on a methadone program and completed several drug rehabilitation courses offered at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, the ruling further explains.

A lifetime firearms ban was also imposed on Spelman, in addition to a DNA sample order.

It was noted that Spelman expressed remorse for the crimes committed, which was included as a mitigating factor.

Spelman came before the court with an extensive criminal record, with 53 previous convictions dating back to 1994, including a prior trafficking conviction in 2014 and two weapons convictions in 2007 and 2019.

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Ukrainian biathlete returns to Otway

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Dmytro Suirko wasn’t satisfied with his shooting practice on the biathlon range at Otway Nordic Centre but his return to the Prince George after a fiveyear absence brought back nothing but happy memories.

The last time he skied on those trails at the 2019 World Para Nordic Championships the 27-year-old visually impaired skier from Chernihiv, Ukraine made a big splash on the medal podium.

“I take four medals, for me this is a very good place,” said Duirko, one of 23 athletes on the Ukrainian team that’s made the trip to Prince George for the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships, which start Wednesday at the Otway trails just west of the city.

“I like the slopes and that there is much snow. Prince George was my best world championships and I like to stay here.” He was just 2.9 seconds away from gold in the mid-distance biathlon event in 2019.

Suirko has a B2 vision impairment classification, which means his visual acuity does not exceed 1/30th after correction or his visual field does not exceed five per cent. He can see what is written on a piece of paper but has to turn his head to see those words, with his limited field of vision.

“I have very bad seeing,” he said. When he’s on the ski trails he depends on his guide of four years, Olexander Nikonovych, to tell him where he needs to go while skiing ahead of him on the course.

On the range, he depends on an electronic system tied to the sights of his rifle. The target emits an infrared signal that is converted into sound the biathlete hears through headphones.

The closer the barrel is aimed at the bullseye, the higher the frequency of the sound. When that sound becomes constant that confirms the athlete is on target.

Biathletes with a visual impairment do not shoot with bullets. Their rifles emit an invisible laser beam.

]They do not carry their rifles on their backs because the rifles have to remain connected using wires to the targets.

Suiarko was born with several visual impairments and grew up in a small village in northwestern Ukraine. He always wanted to ski but the school he attended has only enough skis for the older kids.

His life changed dramatically at age 16 when his parents enrolled him in a boarding school for visual impaired kids 80 kilometres away in Chernihiv, near the border with Belarus, where he attended classes in the morning and trained as a skier in the afternoons.

Suiarko competed in his first Para Nordic World Cup event in 2014 and in 2017 he won the bronze medal in the Para Nordic World Championships in Germany and finished third overall in the cross-country standings.

In two World Cup stops leading up to Prince George Suiarko won three medals. He started with bronze in the biathlon sprint in late January in Toblach, Italy. Then in Martell, Italy the first week of February he won bronze in the biathlon pursuit and silver in the cross-country middle distance event.

Of the 11 countries competing in the biathlon championships Ukraine has the largest team.

“In every category they’ll be a threat,” said Team Canada coach Brian McKeever.

“There’s a good mix of young ones and veterans and that’s important. You see the veterans pulling the young ones up and the continuity there has always been impressive.”

Considering the distraction of the ongoing war in Ukraine, McKeever says its inspiring to see the Ukrainian athletes continue to push to bring pride to their country from halfway across the world.

“I know a number of them are living away from Ukraine, they’re displaced, and they’re still managing to put the efforts in and get the training done and I can’t imagine how hard that must be,” said McKeever.

“There’s more important things than sport and it’s bit of a sobering thought for us. Of course we’re going to be out here doing our jobs and it’s important to us but it’s also important to take a step back and see the bigger picture and take stock of all that and realize how fortunate we are to be into positions we’re in.”

Dymtro Suiarko of Ukraine returned to Otway Nordic Centre, where he won four medals at the 2019 World Para Nordic Championships, to compete at the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships.

Canadian para biathlete continues hot streak

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

After going 3-for-3 at the Para Biathlon World Cup stage in Martell, Italy, Canadian Mark Arendz is locked and loaded as he takes aim at the world championships.

The 34-year-old Prince Edward Island native won the first race of the Para Biathlon World Championships, the 7.5 kilometre biathlon sprint, finishing in 21:05.5, 20.5 seconds ahead of silver medalist Serhii Romaniuk of Ukraine. Marco Maier of Germany won bronze.

That came right after a thrilling women’s standing race in which Liudmyla Liashenko of Ukraine and B.C.’s own Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm finished in a dead heat, each being awarded gold after posting identical finishing times (24:11.3).

It was another satisfying performance for Arendz, proving he’s fully recovered from injuries that plagued his 2021-22 season.

He underwent surgery after the 2022 Paralympic Games in Beijing to remove bone spurs from his heels and with that nagging pain gone he’s been able to focus on his ski technique and working out the bugs on the shooting range to the point where he feels on top of his game.

“I’m really happy with how everything started this season, kind of picking up from last year,” Arendz said. “I wasn’t sure that was going to be the case. Last year was a very different year for myself and my training and I wasn’t sure how the body would react to a full year of training again.

“I had surgery on both heels after the Games, which meant taking four months off and last year was just kind of let’s see what happens and it looked really good afterwards, watching it. This year it’s been back to a normal schedule and I was curious to see how it would end up. I’m really excited it just kept going, if it progressed even further, coming into this event and (Para World Cup) Finals as well.”

In Toblach, Italy in Para World Cup cross-country events in late January he won gold and silver and had a fifth-place result, then traveled to Martell, Italy, where he reeled off three wins in Para Biathlon World Cup races.

Arendz, who lost his left arm above the elbow when he was seven in a farming accident, competes in the standing category under the LW6 category, which factors his disability into his race times.

Arendz knows the competition will be tough to beat this week in Prince George with the likes of Maier, Romaniuk, Benjamin Daviet of France and Grygorii Vovchynskyi of Ukraine gunning for world titles at Otway.

The Para World Cup Finals start Wednesday in Prince George with one biathlon and three cross-country races scheduled.

“There’s a little extra bit with world championships, so it’s good to be able to have a clean focus going into them and then we can have some fun with finals,” he said.

In the vision impaired races that followed, Germany swept the women’s

and Liudmyla Liashenko of Ukraine, centre, celebrate their shared gold medal win with bronze medalist Brittany Hudak of Saskatoon. Wilkie and Liashenko finished in a dead-heat with identical times in the women’s standing 7.5 km race at the Para Biathlon World Championships at Otway Nordic Centre. Left, Mark Arendz takes aim on the range on his way to winning the men’s standing 7.5 km sprint.

medal podium. Linn Kazmaier and her guide Floria Baumann captured gold, silver went to Leonie Maria Walter (Christian Krasman) and Johanna Recktenwald (Pirmin Strecker) clamed bronze.

Olexander Kazik of Ukraine (Serhil Kucheriavyi) won the men’s vision impaired sprint. Anthony Chalencon (Florian Michelon) of France and Iaroslav Reshetynskyi (Dmytro Drahun) of Ukraine took silver and bronze respectively.

KELLY BERGMAN PHOTOS

Above, Natalie Wilkie of Samlon Arm, left,

American thrilled with gold-medal comeback

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

Oksana Masters is back on top of the world.

The 34-year-old American sit-skier made a triumphant return to Prince George last Wednesday on the opening day at the Para Biathlon World Championships, claiming gold in 7.5-kilometre event on a cold blustery morning at Otway Nordic Centre.

“Oh my gosh, I did not expect this at all, considering I missed an entire season of shooting and everything else that happened with my injury last year,” said Masters.

“Biathlon is a skill thing, you have to spend time with your rifle and I did not get to do that, so I did not have any expectations of myself.

At the start of last season Masters was in a qualifying race in November in Canmore, Alta., when she fell and broke the middle finger of her left hand. Three surgeries were needed to repair it.

“Leading up (to Wednesday) I could not clean a target or a race in Italy to save my life, so this is a huge shock and a good reminder I know how to do it,” she said. “I just have to trust the process.”

The temperature was -17 C with a breeze that made it feel like -20. The wind whipped up the flags in the range and target flats were moving but Masters shot clean in both rounds.

Masters ended up two seconds ahead of second-place Anja Wicker of Germany. Masters’ American teammate Kendall Gretsch was third.

“It was really fun, I love seeing Anja on there (on the podium),” said Masters. “If I could be like any biathlete I’d want to be here. She’s just an incredible athlete and her demeanour and approach to biathlon is always calm, cool and collected, never frazzled. I’ve been racing with her since I started so she was that athlete I looked up to a lot.”

In 2019 at the Para Nordic World Championships in Prince George, Masters won two gold and a silver in the three biathlon events.

The weather for that event was much the same – sunny, windy and cold.

“Same weather, same questioning why I’m doing this out in the woods because

Women’s sit-ski 7.5-km winner Oksana Masters, centre, congratulates silver medalist Anja Wicker of Germany, while standing next to her American teammate, Kendall Gretsch, who won bronze.

it was so cold, but just like in 2019 the tracks are amazing, the volunteers are what makes this event so great,” said Masters.

“The cool thing about coming to Prince George and a small community is you feel the whole community and the sport behind that, which is awesome.”

Masters was a double-gold medalist in biathlon and also won gold in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

She’s won a total 17 Paralympic medals,

having also competed in rowing and cycling.

Masters returned to racing in January in Toblach, Italy, for Para World Cup cross-country events and got back to shooting at the World Cup level again a few weeks later in Martell, Italy.

“It was two years of not racing biathlon and Martell was not good,” Masters said.

“The sprint was good but all my other races my shooting average was probably 65 per cent, so my confidence going in here was very deflated.

“I didn’t put any expectations on myself, it was just ski well and go through the process. This year is a world championship year but I’m keeping my mind and my goals for (Paralympics in) Milan-Cortina for 2026.”

In the men’s 7.5 km sit-ski, Liu Zixu of China edged Taras Rad of Ukraine for gold, while Liu Mengtao of China claimed bronze.

Derek Zaplotinsky of Smoky Lake, Alta., the lone Canadian in the 15-competitor men’s race, was fourth.

Special Olympics athletes return victorious

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

David Dunn of Prince George took gold during his debut at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in the 1600 metre snowshoe race and silver as part of the 100 metre snowshoe mixed relay team.

The Games took place from Feb. 27 to March 2 in Calgary and saw more than 800 athletes with intellectual disabilities gather from around the country to compete.

Marinka VanHage was part of the mixed 4 x 100 metre relay team so she earned a silver medal for her efforts while also taking silver for her individual 400 metre snowshoe race.

Both Dunn and VanHage raced their personal best times.

Curlers Sam Russell and Spencer Rourke made some great plays in Calgary as members of the Quesnel Fury curling team.

Although they weren’t able to win a game, some good shots were made during the event.

Five-pin bowling athlete Lance Pattinson placed fifth for his individual score while placing seventh in the team’s division as part he was part of the Dawson Creek team.

Lance Pattinson, five-pin bowler, left, Spencer Rourke and Sam Russell, curlers; Marinka VanHage and David Dunn, snowshoe racers; returned from the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games with some great memories and a little hardware.

These five local athletes are members of Team BC and have been training for the past year in preparation for the

nationals.

Special Olympics competition run on a four-year cycle, starting with regionals,

then athletes move on to provincials the following year, with nationals this and worlds next year.

Spruce Kings playoff-bound starting April 5

TED CLARKE Citizen staff

As dismal as this season has been for the Prince George Spruce Kings, when the playoffs begin on April 5 they will be playing with a clean slate.

That’s because all eight Interior Conference teams will make the postseason.

The Spruce Kings (14-29-3-0) rank last in the Interior, nine points behind the seventh-place Cranbrook Bucks, with each team having eight regular season games left. If the standings do not change the Kings will be opening the playoffs likely in Penticton against the Vees, the two-time defending BCHL champions.

The Vees (34-7-3-2) are first overall in the league with 73 points, 42 more than Prince George. Penticton has an eight-point lead over second-place West Kelowna atop the Interior standings.

That best-of-seven opening-round series would start with the first two games in the Okanagan, April 5 and 6, moving back to Prince George for Games 3 and 4 the following week.

In the nine-team Coastal Conference, one team will not make the playoffs. That will be either Langley (currently with 35 points) Cowichan Valley (29 points) or Powell River (27 points).

Whichever of those three finishes eighth will most likely play the Surrey Eagles in the first round. The Eagles (35-7-2-0) are first in the Coastal, 11 points up on second-place Chilliwack with three games in hand over the Chiefs.

The BCHL’s first round will run from April 5-16, the second round will be played Apr. 19-30, third round is set for May 3-14 and the Fred Page Cup final series is scheduled for May 17-28.

All five Alberta teams that joined the BCHL in

midseason will make the postseason.

The fourth and fifth seeds will play each other in bestof-five wildcard series to determine who will join the top three in the best-of-seven semifinal round.

Year-end standings for the Alberta teams (Brooks Bandits, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Spruce Grove Saints, Sherwood Park Crusaders and Okotoks Oilers) will be determined by winning percentage. Their previous records from before they joined the BCHL will also count towards their standings.

Alberta playoff dates are April 10-16 (wildcard series), April 19-May 1 (semifinals) and May 10-25 (final).

The BCHL and Alberta champions will then meet in a regional series. The dates and format have yet to be announced.

The Spruce Kings are back in action at Kopar Memorial Arena to face Merritt (March 15-16) and Vernon (March 22-23).

Upcoming events in Prince George

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff

Improv Shmimprov goes Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Improv is rockin’ the new season with their improvisational theatre games on stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. There’s a cash bar and snacks available. Tickets are $20 at Improv Shmimprov tickets. ***

The 24th Annual Cinema CNC Film Festival goes March 15 to 17 at the Knox Performing Arts Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., downtown Prince George. The event features eight great Canadian films in a new location, Knox. We’ll have short films, too, and door prizes, silent auction, snacks and T-shirts. Passes are available at Books and Company, the CNC Bookstore, and the UNBC Bookstore and at the door. Festival Pass: (8 films) $64, Friday Pass: (2 films) $18, Saturday Pass: (3 films) $27, Sunday Pass: (3 films) $27. Single tickets are $10 and available at the door.

***

Prince George Dance Festival goes Friday, March 15 to 23 at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave., there are morning and afternoon sessions each day and a dance festival gala on Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Prince George Dance Festival Tickets.

***

St. Patrick’s Celebration Party goes Saturday, March 16 at 9 p.m. at Ignite Night Club, 1232 Third Ave. Paint the town green during a shamrockin’ good time. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-patricks-celebration-party-tickets-848002868407?aff=oddtdtcreator

***

St. Patty’s Day ShamRock and Metal Show goes Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, featuring Infectious, Anomalist and LOWR, three local bands. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15 at the door.

***

Open Mic Nights are presented at Cait’s Sweet Bites & Beanery, 3831 Austin Road West in the Hart Shopping Centre, from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Wednesday

of the month. People are invited to share their songs and music, poetry, comedy in a casual setting to try something new. Everyone is welcome to attend as a participant or a supportive audience member. For more information email devon.w.flynn@gmail.com.

***

Craft & Chat at the Prince George Public Library is presented by Great Northwest Fibre Fest organizers who are hosting this fibre crafting group every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor in the magazine corner. This is a free drop-in group and everyone – all ages, all experience levels - are welcome to attend. ***

Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage every Sunday 369 Victoria Street from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome

to step up and share their talents, stories and art forms of all kinds including but not limited to musical, literary, comedic and performative expressions. Refreshments and snacks by donation. Sign up is on site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own creative tools for expression. First timers and emerging artists are encouraged to experiment and collaborate with others. Please share and invite friends and family to build audience, engage and cheer on local artists in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.

If you’ve got an event coming up email me at cdalgleish@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too.

Erica Kim performs at Vanier Hall during the 2022 Prince George Dance Festival.

HealthyNorth

Measles Vaccination Clinics

With measlescases beingreportedlocally in BC andinternationally,peopleinBC areremindedtocheck theirvaccination recordsbeforetravelling, to ensure they areprotected.You candosohere: Immunizebc.ca/node/51640.

Babies as young as sixmonths shouldget vaccinated againstmeasles before travellingtocountries wheremeasles is spreading. Adults mayalready have protection from childhood vaccination or from having measlesbefore. Adults shouldensuretheyhavereceivedtwo dosesofa measles-containing vaccine before travel.Measles vaccinesare typically not needed forthosebornbefore 1970asmostpeopleinthatage group have immunity to measlesfroma prior infection.

Vaccine appointments canbebooked at localpharmaciesfor individualsages4 andolder andisalsoavailableatwalk-in-clinicsand many primarycareoffices. Please call aheadtocheck on vaccine availability. Formoreinformation on recent news,pleasecheck out Immunizebc.ca/

HealthELife

Nutrition Month

March is Nutrition Month!

Did youknow that Northern Healthdietitians work to improve the nutrition andhealth of Northerners in avariety of innovativerolesand settings?You canfind NH dietitians in hospitals, primary care centers, andotherclinical settings as well as workinginpopulation healthtosupport food action in community organizations and local government. To learn about nutrition for lifelong health or how to access adietitian in or near your community visit: NorthernHealth.ca/health-topics/nutrition-and-dietitian-services

HealthElifegives you24/7secureonlineaccess to review select services that have been scheduledinthe hospitalsetting andreviewyour hospitaldigital health informationfrom anycomputer or smartphone.You canalsoaccess theinformation andservicesofany adultorelderly family member youmay be supporting in care.EnrollinHealthELife today: NorthernHealth.ca/services/digital-health/healthelife

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

If you have plans to move, it’s time to take the first steps. A family member could have high expectations and try to take advantage of your generous nature

TAURUS

You’ll have to travel a lot this week. This could lead you to be caught in traffic jams or have trouble finding your destination. Get a second opinion or do some research to ensure you’re well prepared.

GEMINI

You’ll be generously rewarded for working overtime A short training course could bring you closer to one of your major professional goals, if only by improving your language skills.

CANCER

You’ll be under pressure to make a quick decision,

without time to weigh the pros and cons. Trust your intuition. Affection is a way for couples to show they care. Are you getting enough in your relationship?

LEO

It’s time to reflect on certain projects that are stuck at a standstill. Take a step back to consider these situations in the long term, and the direction to follow will be come clear In love, seize the opportunity for a romantic getaway or trip

VIRGO

Friends will invite you to participate in an activity Don’t miss out, especially if you’ve been socially withdrawn for a while. If you’re single, love could be just around the corner

LIBRA

This week, you’ll feel like you never have enough

time. You’ll have to juggle various work and family responsibilities, which could threaten the balance between the two.

SCORPIO

Before the end of winter, consider the possibility of taking a rejuvenating trip as a couple or with your family, even if it’s only for a weekend. Your employer could send you to the other end of the country to meet with a client.

SAGITTARIUS

You’ll have to deal with a multitude of emotions in a situation that requires you to keep your cool. You’ll find a creative solution to a financial issue. In love, keeping a smile on your face will help you preserve an existing relationship or attract a soulmate.

CAPRICORN

You’ll oversee a professional or social event that will bring together people from a variety of backgrounds. Managing all the details will increase your stress levels at work or home.

AQUARIUS

You could feel a bit anxious this week, which could affect your concentration or morale. Don’t let emotions you can’t control overwhelm you. You could benefit from therapy Physical activity could serve as an escape.

PISCES

A challenge will come your way, which will boost your self-esteem. Even if someone tries to discourage you, your perseverance and bravery will enable you to achieve remarkable feats and take your place among your peers.

Life Events

REMEMBRANCES

In Memoriam

Remembering Jessica

January 3, 1995 - March 13, 2023

Alone, all things come back to me, In silence, the pain is eased.

In reflection, I feel you with me And am comforted.

In Loving Memory Of LaVerne Rheault

May 20, 1951 – March 15, 2023

It has been one year since you left us Though you are no longer with us

We wish we could see you one more time Come walking through the door.... But we know that is impossible We will hear your voice no more

We know you can feel our tears And you don’t want us to cry, Yet our hearts are broken because We can’t understand why someone So precious had to die

We pray that God will give us strength And somehow get us through.... As we struggle with the heartache That came when we Lost You.

Your Loving Family

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of June Eileen (Hewitt) Roach on Feb. 26, 2024 in Duncan at the age of 93. Predeceased by her husband Allen C. (Clifford), her parents Tom & Clara (Avery) Hewitt, and her siblings Tom Hewitt (Muriel), Clare Hewitt (Freda), Hazel Robinson (Don), and Doreen Curnow (Geoff ). She is survived by her daughter Carol Murray (Terry), nieces & nephews: Donna Robinson, Diane Curnow, Doris Pepper (Larry), Edward Hewitt, Louise Hewitt, Tom Hewitt (Gail), Bruce Roach, Cliff Baird, George Roach (Sylvia) and Jenny Roach. As well as several great nieces and nephews, and a very special friend, Judy Ketch (Rennis).

June was born in Golden, BC the youngest of five children. In 1936, the family left northeastern BC and moved to Old Hillcrest on Vancouver Island. In 1953, she married Cliff Roach and they lived in Duncan initially, but because of his work with the Department of Indian Affairs, they moved to many communities including: Vanderhoof, Vernon, Alert Bay, Prince George, Campbell River and eventually retiring to the home they built at Honeymoon Bay on Cowichan Lake in 1983.

June was an avid baker and loved to cook, and with husband Cliff, to host family and friends in their home She also spent countless hours in the garden, enjoying all her plants, trees, and flowers She was a committed “Royalist” and loved all animals, but especially cats and dogs

June was a Past Provincial President and a charter member of Ch. AV (Prince George) and AZ (Campbell River) of the PEO Sisterhood, as well as a member of Ch. BB (Duncan) and Ch. AX (Surrey).

June was a member of the Anglican Church, St John’s in Duncan during her youth, and St. Christophers’ & St. Aidan’s in Cowichan Lake, in latter years. She had a lovely, natural alto voice and was a choir member for many years, expressing a great love for all music.

June was also a church lay reader, an active member of the ACW, and worked for the Parish Council Her faith was an abiding love and strength her entire life.

(Hewitt)

Henry Joseph Louis Bucher, CFC September 25, 1934 -March 2, 2024

With his friends at his side, Louis passed peacefully in faith to the next life after much struggle through many years of health challenges. Henry was predeceased by his father, Henry, mother Kathleen, brother Danny, and sisters Frances and Mary. He is survived by his sister Anne and brother Mike (Kathy), as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his confreres. Louis gave himself to meeting folks where they were in life, assisting them in their journey and encouraging them to their potential. In later years, he was most happy and content at his home in the country, and it is there, in his garden and along the country roads and forest paths, that his spirit will reside in peace. May God hold him forever close. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kathleen O’Malley, the staff at Medical Imaging and so many other nurses, doctors and medical staff who assisted him through the years.

Funeral mass was held on March 12 at St. Joseph’s, Vanderhoof.

June will be greatly missed by her extended family, friends and those who knew her in so many communities in BC.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Christopher’s and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, at 70 Cowichan West, in Cowichan Lake on Fri., March 22, 2024, at 2:30 pm, all are welcome Internment will be privately held at Mountain View Cemetery, in Duncan, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Cat Rescue Society or SPCA location Alternatively, you may consider donating to the Program for Continuing Education (PCE), PEO Sisterhood In loving memory of June Eileen

1988 - 2024

Eric William Bourdeau passed away on February 20, 2024, in Prince George, BC, at the age of 35. Born on November 28, 1988, in Kingston, Ontario, Eric was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. Eric was a funloving man with a passion for outdoor activities. He enjoyed playing softball and had a keen interest in the Viking era. Eric also found joy in playing the flute, a skill he cherished. He is survived by his father Joe, mother Maggie, brothers John (Kelly), Steve, Chris, Nick (Cassie), and his nieces and nephews Aidan, Kael, Julia, Isabella, and Jade. Eric also leaves behind aunts, uncles, and cousins near and far. He was predeceased by his grandparents Robert and Shirley Bourdeau, James and Elizabeth Bruce, and his uncle James Bruce. A service to honor and remember Eric will be held at Prince George Funeral Service 2008 Ltd, located at 1014 Douglas Street, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in memory of Eric Bourdeau. Prince George Funeral Service, located at 1014 Douglas Street, Prince George, BC, is assisting with the funeral arrangements. May Eric’s memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Eric Bourdeau

REMEMBRANCES

RONAN, GEOFFREY

April 26, 1986 - March 4, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Geoff Ronan at the age of 37. He is survived by his young sons, Myles, Noah and Henry and their mom, Kelsey Ronan, his father Graham Ronan, sister Melissa (James), niece Olive and partner, Renee Colthorp. Geoff was predeceased by his mother, Louise Ronan, grandfather, Joe Provencal and grandmother, Jean Provencal.

Geoff was born and grew up in Prince George, BC, attending Duchess Park Secondary and playing hockey and lacrosse. He was incredibly smart; he did well in school without any effort. After graduating high school, he attended CNC and became an industrial electrician, working around the Prince George area while raising a family. He then moved to Ft. St. James to continue his career as part owner of JMann Electric.

Geoff will be remembered as a loving and devoted dad to his boys. He loved them more than anything else in the world. Anyone who knew Geoff enjoyed his great sense of humour, quick wit, and joyful way of interacting with others. We will miss him immensely and keep his memory in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Geoff’s life will take place on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Assman’s Funeral Chapel in Prince George, BC at 11:00am with a reception to follow at 1:00pm at the Prince George Civic Centre.

Irmgard Rajacich

Irmgard Rajacich passed away with her family by her side on February 27, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Remembered and sadly missed by her children, Karin Mauro (Gaetano Mauro) of Prince George, BC, and Tania Snyders (Kees Snyders) of Summerland, BC, as well as 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews. Sadly predeceased by her husband, Danilo, her parents, two sisters, and a brother.

The family would like to express huge appreciation for the doctors and nursing staff on the L6, rehab, and L5, as well as her family doctor, Dr. Venkataraman. Mom was so loved by all her medical staff that she earned the nickname ‘Irmie.’

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at the Summerland Providence Chapel, 13205 Rosedale Avenue, with Pastor Del Reimer officiating. Interment followed at Canyon View Cemetery, 10316 Canyon View Road, Summerland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Penticton Regional Hospital c/o SOS Medical Foundation. Condolences may be left at providencefuneralhomes.com.

Providence Funeral Chapel - Summerland 13205 Rosedale Avenue, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 250-494-7752

BRAD IMRICH 2x115.6 PGC002814

Imrich,Alison"Meg"

July14,1928-February23,2024

Itiswithgreatsadnessthatweannouncethepeaceful passingofAllison"Meg"ImrichonFebruary23,2024. MegwasalovingwifetoJimImrichfor61yearsandan amazingmothertoBrad(June)Imrich,Kathy(Mike) FinchandDoug(Fern)Imrich.Shewasalsoaproud grandmatoninegrandchildren-Jake,Kendra,Luke, Logan,Megan,Mark,Riley,DavidandBen.

Megwasbornin1928inNSW,Australia,andraisedona farmwithfoursistersandonebrother.Aftergraduating highschool,sheattendedRoyalPrinceAlfredHospitalin Sydney,Australia,forherRegisteredNursingdegree.She leftAustraliainhermid20stoseetheworld.Shespenta coupleyearsnursinginEnglandbeforeheadingto Canada.AfterworkinginHamilton,Ontario,sheandtwo ofhergoodfriendstravelledwesttoKitimat,BC,to continuetheiradventure.Thisiswhereshemetthelove ofherlife,JimImrich.Togethertheywouldmoveto PrinceGeorge,BC,in1963,andtheywouldmakeittheir homewheretheyraisedtheirthreechildrenandcreated lastingmemorieswithmanyclosefriends.

Megwasknownforhergenerosity,loveoflife,and spunkypersonality.Shewasadedicatedmemberofthe PEOSisterhoodandspentcountlesshoursvolunteering fortheartscommunity,WinterGamesandanyactivities herchildrenwereinvolvedin.

MegandJimlovedtravellingandsocializingwiththeir friends.MegwaspredeceasedbyherhusbandJimbya coupleweeksandbymanyofherclosestfriends, includingMarjNiehausandPeggyPorter.Megcontinued tomakefriendswithayoungercrowdledbyBilland PennyStewart.PennyintroducedMegtoYWMCAfor25+ yearsofexercisingandsocializing.BothMegandJim enjoyedmanyTuesdayeveningswiththeirPubGangCheers.

Because I Love You So

Time will not dim the face I love, The voice I heard each day, The many things you did for me, In your own special way. All my life I’ll miss you, As the years come and go, But in my heart I’ll keep you, Because I love you so.

-Anonymous

Megpassedpeacefullyattheageof95inthecomfortof herdaughter’shome,andwecan’tthankKathyandMike Finchandfamilyenoughformakingthelastfewmonths ofherlifesocomfortableandloving.MegandJimare togetheronceagainastheyhavebeenforthelast61 years.

Inlieuofflowers,adonationcanbemadetotheJim ImrichFamilyFundwiththePrinceGeorgeCommunity Foundation.

Aprivatefamilyservicewillbeheldatafuturedate.

Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.

To place an Announcement call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

Obituaries

Jacques (Jack) Tremblay

July 18, 1935February 28, 2024

With broken hearts the Tremblay and Stewart Family’s announce the passing of Jack. He was a “Jack of all Trades” and a Master of it all. We will forever miss his smile and the sound of his laughter.

He built a Houseboat, an airboat, portable sawmill and restored old British cars. He loved his puppies, travelling and enjoyed telling a good (or bad) joke. He was also responsible for spider kills needed. Flying his Seabee aircraft was one of his greatest joys.

Jack was born in St. Fulgence, Quebec and relocated to Peace River, Alberta at the age of 9 where the family homesteaded. In the early 1960’s, Jack moved to Prince George to operate his crane with construction work at the pulp mill.

Jack and Carol met in the 1970’s when they started on their journey of life together. They moved to Campbell River to pursue the next adventure and bought a commercial fishing boat. Jack always said it was the funniest way to loose money. The boat was sold and they moved to Duncan for the next 26 years. During this time they made many special and lifelong friendships. This time was also when Jack and Carol started “The bucket list”--checking all the boxes except for Jacks wish to go to into outer space.

The final move for Jack and Carol was to return to Prince George in 2012 to spend more time with family; as the great grandchildren had begun arriving.

Jack is survived by his soulmate and partner of 50 years and 9 days, Carol Stewart; their children Cindy (Bob) Baur, Debbie Chadwick, Cheryl Stewart, Marty (Lorie) Stewart, Gerald Tremblay, Russell (Jaylyn) Stewart, Daryl Tremblay; his four grandchildren Nathan (Raelyn) Voulgaris, Samantha (Mike) Lodge, Courtney (Devon) Cleverley, Novara Chadwick; his seven great grandchildren that he adored; sisters Bea and Lizette as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to those who cared for Jack including Dr. Wooldridge, Rainbow Day Centre, Internal Medicine, Primary Care Unit, Jen (our Palliative Care Nurse) and especially all the staff at Jubilee Lodge who became a family to us.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 11:00 am at ECRA, 169210th Ave, Prince George, BC.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

REMEMBRANCES

Obituaries

Michael (Mike) Walker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Walker on 26 February 2024 at the young age of 63, after a battle with heart disease. Mike was a kind, gentle, generous soul, always willing to help anyone in need. He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend. Mike spent his life in Prince George working various jobs, mostly pulling wrenches and/or driving truck. He made friends every place he worked. He is predeceased by his parents Jeannine and Bud Walker and nephew Jacob. Mike leaves behind his sisters, Sheree (Eric) Hunter, Suzanne van Diepen (Dennis Ouellette), Charlene (Jhon) Waterman and brother Brian (Sheila) Walker and numerous loving nieces and nephews, and of course his loyal little dog Candi who was his constant companion. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the summer, date to be confirmed

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

OTHERS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE

Others who have gone before Hold up my trembling hand. They comfort me in the blind despair I cannot understand. They suffer with me when I hurt, Weep with me in my pain, Remind me that we are not lost ... Though I must now remain. Those who’ve gone before me, Hear me when I cry. Sing softly with me soothing chords Of unsung lullabies. Mourn anniversaries never marked, A future I cannot keep. They gently kiss the pain away, And love my heart to sleep. The ones who’ve gone before me Hold me in my dreams. They gently stroke my furrowed brow, And calm my silent screams. They love me in my heartache, Wait quietly nearby., Hold patiently, one to another Till I join them by and by.

By Joanetta Hendel, Indianapolis, Indiana

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 Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

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. Serious Inquires Only Office (250)997-9003 Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING SILVER, COIN COLLECTIONS +++ ALSO BUYING GOLD!!! TODD 25O 864 3521 COLLECTOR PURCHASING COINS & COIN COLLECTIONS! BUYING OLD COINS, ROLLS OF COINS, BANK BAGS OF COINS, RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT, COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA & WORLD COLLECTIONS! Todd’s Coins 1-250-8643521

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by

Collectibles & Classic Cars

Apartments / Condos-For

Ready to sell!

Property For Sale

“DUNSTER PROPERTY FOR SALE” 115 acres with 1/2 mile Fraser River frontage. 10 acres Island. 15 acres cleared. Mixed forest. 100% reliable water source. Log cabin attached to mobile home. Water line and hydro. Easy access. Mountainscape views. Private. 250-479-5545

45.5 ACRES Corner of Upper Fraser Rd & Beaver Forest Rd. with good driveway & building pad. $210,000. 250-614-6667

Recreational Property

1000sq m building

Cabins

Compost toilet for 2 - brand new never used $1200.00 obo (250-967-4215)

Duplexes for Rent

264 Ruggles St, 3 bdrm, fridge/stove. Avail Feb 15th, $2000/mo + utilities. No pets, references required. (250)614-6667

# 1723

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, that a woodlot licence plan has been prepared for Woodlot #1723 held by Aspen Ridge Consulting Ltd. This License is located near Greg Creek, 30km southeast of Prince George, B.C., on the Greg Creek Forest Service Road. If approved by the Ministry of Forests and Range District Manager, this plan may apply for a

of 10 years from the date of approval.

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 Ranch house with 9 acres irrigated pasture All Amenities Next to Eagle Point Golf (Kamloops) 985K Will carry mortgage View Realtor.ca 250-573-3346 e-mail biffsbenson@yahoo.ca

Prevent from seeing

Czech city

__ and Andy, TV show

A young pig

Removed surgically

Covered with

Midway between south and east

A way to shut

Stop playing

Marshy places

Takes apart

Ten cents

A gesture of assent

Scent

Teletypewriter

Semitic Sun god

ancient Syria

42. Gasteyer and de Armas are two

Established practice 47. Thanksgiving side dish

District in Peru

It’s becoming more prevalent

29. Town in India 32. Traditional rhythmic pattern 36. Fugitives are on the __

Type of dance

Two letters, one sound

Having a strong, pleasant taste

Golf score

Mayhem

Drenched

50. State in India

Measure of illumination

Raised platform

Japanese warrior

R.L. Stevenson novel

Transitory

Advanced degree

Fiddler crabs

51. River in northeastern Asia

Drug to treat anxiety (abbr.) 55. Part-time employee

56. A very large body of water

57. Aboriginal people of Japan 58. Millisecond

Forearm bone

Subway dweller

Royal Mail

Out Of Town

A well-executed gallery wall can be a stunning focal point in almost any room. Follow this guide to create your own collection of photos and prints.

• Choose a theme. Sticking to a theme will give your gallery wall cohesion. Select a colour scheme or a specific type of image to display.

• Select the right wall. Choose a wall that has enough space to accommodate what you want to display without crowding the images.

• Pick your frames. Opt for identical frames to make an impact, or go for a more eclectic look with frames of different sizes and shapes — just be sure they go to-

gether by choosing frames that are the same colour.

• Try it out. Before you start hammering nails into the wall, lay out your frames on the floor to make sure you like the arrangement of your chosen images.

• Hang the pictures. To ensure you place your nails in the right places, make paper cut-outs of each frame, mark where the nails should go, then tape the cut-outs to the wall. When it’s perfect, hammer nails right through each piece of paper directly into the wall.

In addition to being a striking focal point in the room it’s hung, your gallery wall is a great place to display your favourite pictures and personal mementos.

What to consider when designing built-in shelving

Built-in shelving units provide extra storage that’s perfectly suited to your home’s layout and decor. Here are some things to consider when designing your own.

YOUR NEEDS

What you plan to put on your built-in shelving unit will impact its design. For example, if you’re displaying a collection, you may choose to build specialized shelves.

If you’re planning to store things you want to keep hidden, you can add some doors to conceal the bottom shelves.

THE LOCATION

There are likely a number of places in your home that could accommodate built-in shelving. Your living room may be a great spot for a custom bookcase, your kitchen may need the extra storage space and your fireplace might look better when flanked with shelving.

Keys to nautical home design

Both classic and contemporary, the nautical look is never dated. Here are a few keys to perfecting this style.

• Nods to the sea and sailing. Lanterns, model ships, anchors, nautical maps and prints of sea creatures are among the many decorative elements that are well suited to nautically themed rooms.

• Wood elements. Decorate with weathered wood that recalls the docks and buildings of coastal areas. Alternatively, choose furniture made of shiny teak that’s reminiscent of a well-maintained captain’s cabin.

THE SHELVES

Most books will fit on a standard eight-inch shelf, but you may require more space. If this is the case, make the bottom few shelves deeper than the top ones.

Finally, keep your home’s esthetic in mind when designing your shelving unit. If the room has mouldings or other decorative accents, mimicking them in your design will help tie the room together.

• Knots and ropes. Ropes are omnipresent on most ships and are considered a must-have item in nautically themed rooms. To incorporate them, use interesting wall hangings or other decorations made with natural fibres like hemp or sisal to show off your nautical style.

• Blue and white stripes. Blue and white stripes have long represented the sea and sky, making the combination a key part of any nautically themed room. While the nautical theme can work almost anywhere in your house, it really shines in bathrooms and kitchens.

How often should my air ducts be cleaned?

Regularly cleaning your air ducts can improve indoor air quality, reduce the amount of allergens in the air and lower your heating and cooling bills.

In general, homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, it may need to be done more often if people smoke in the home, you have pets that shed or someone in your family suffers from allergies or a respiratory illness.

The following signs could indicate that your ventilation system is dirty:

• Visible dust in the ducts

• Dirt buildup around the registers

• Worsening allergy symptoms

• Respiratory distress

It’s also important to have your air ducts cleaned after any home renovation. Dust and debris from the project can clog your ventilation system and render it inefficient. You should also clean them if water has infil-

trated your ducts, as inhaling mould spores can seriously impact your health.

In addition, many new homeowners choose to have their ventilation system inspected and cleaned prior to moving into a new home.

Air duct cleaning isn’t something that the average homeowner can do on their own. A proper cleaning requires specialized vacuums with filters that can trap even the smallest particles of dust and dirt. For this reason, it’s best to hire a pro.

How to make your stairs safer

Falling down a flight of stairs can lead to a serious injury. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of unintentional injuries worldwide, behind only motor vehicle accidents. To make sure the stairs in your home are safe, consider implementing the following strategies.

• Add some grip. Stairs made of wood, polished concrete or tile can be slippery. Add some tread using carpet, stair runners or rubber mats. If you prefer the look of bare stairs, there are non-slip coatings available that are simply brushed on like paint.

• Keep the light on. Make sure the lighting in your stairway is at least as bright as that of the surrounding hallways. It’s also a good idea to install nightlights so you don’t miss a step at night.

• Don’t forget handrails. If possible, install handrails on both sides of the stairs. These should extend slightly from the top

and the bottom, be between 34 to 38 inches (85 to 95 centimetres) high and strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult.

• Use a gate. If there are young children or pets in your home, you may want to consider using gates around the stairs. The best ones are attached directly to the wall and don’t have any bars that can be used to climb over.

Most falls on residential staircases happen because there’s something in the way. For this reason, be sure to keep the steps clear at all times.

LOT1 WESTERNRD.,$219,900

1.2Acres -198 Ft.Frontage

LOT2 WESTERNRD.,$219,900

1.13 Acres-198 Ft.Frontage

LOT4 WESTERNRD.,$219, 900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage

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LOT6 WESTERNRD.,$219, 900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage LOT7 WESTERNRD.,$199,900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage LOT8 WESTERNRD.,$179,900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage LOT9 WESTERNRD.,$209,900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage LOT10WESTERNRD.,$219,900 1.06 Acres-123 Ft.Frontage