The Free Press Turns 115 by The Free Press, Fernie

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Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898

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First Place ll r Exce FREE

The Free Press Turns 115 Years Old

SPORTS

Fernie Ski Hill OpensPage 14 ELKFORD

First Elkford Council Sworn in - Page 17 SPARWOOD

Sparwood Mall concept- Page 16

MURDER

The Free Press in 1908, printed out of a tent in the same location as the office today.

Warsing Murders Page 22

AVALANCHE DEATHS

We’ve had The Elk Valley covered for 115 years By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff

Eight died doing what they loved - Page 30

he Free Press is one of the oldest business in Fernie. Almost as soon as people were settling in the area and starting to build the town, they wanted a community newspaper to spread the local news, events and everything else

that was happening, and so, out of a tent, The Free Press was born. In August 1898 Mr. G.G Henderson arrived in Fernie. Although the town didn’t look like much back then, Mr. Henderson had a hunch that it was going to grow into something amazing, so he and his brother Mr. R.L. Henderson bought a lot

with the intention of starting a newspaper business. The Free Press is still in the same lot, on Second Avenue. He then went east to buy the plant and stock necessary to build a first class newspaper and job printing office, returning late in November of the same year. The railway was then in

office. It was in this shack that all the equipment was unpacked, the cases were laid and the first type set for The Free Press. It was also home to the editor and his family for quite a few weeks, in the dead of winter, as hotel accommodation was hard to come by in the early days of Fernie.

operation but no station or freight shed had been built. When all the materials and equipment he had ordered finally arrived, it was thrown out of the train and dumped into two feet of snow. The first home of The Free Press was in a 12 foot x 12 foot rough board shack, in the rear of the present

A history of serving Fernie Toll Free: 1-877-423-2001 www.fernierealestate.com

TODD FYFE

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Serving the Elk Valley Since 1898

In a Christmas editorial by Cy Hacking, the editor in 1901, he wrote that “the ‘composing room’ was a little crowded and in the meantime the present office was being built, but was not covered in.” A large tent was pitched in the building and a stove set up, and under that basic roof, the first printing was done in Fernie. During the first week in January the first issue of The Free Press appeared. “A reference to the file of three years ago makes one wonder how such a credible sheet was produced under such circumstances,” Hacking wrote. “The first year’s experience in publishing The Free Press was probably like that many other Western journalists have encountered – all work and little pay. “However, all that is now gone by: the paper grew in prosperity and more than kept pace with the progress of the town and now ranks with the best of the British Columbia journals.” From its primitive start in a shack and a tent in the depths of Fernie winter, The Free Press has grown to the paper it is today. It might look completely different. Technology has advanced substantially and these days, with the staff at The Free Press sat in front of iMacs, the idea of type setting every word seems impossible. But the ideology remains the same. The Free Press was created to provide the people of a developing town with the community news they wanted. To this day, the same ideology exists. The Free Press staff are as proud of the paper today as the founders must have been when they saw the first ever edition rolling off the press. We think they would be proud to see how far the newspaper has come in 115 years, from the early days when a relative visiting a local person from 50 km away made the news, to today’s newspaper that won awards Best Newspaper in 2010 and 2012 for newspaper excellence in British Columbia and the Yukon. The newspaper has seen a lot of changes in technology, and in the community it serves over the years, but will continue to move forward and advance along with the community. We want to provide you with the news and information you want, so please let us know if there is anything you think we could be doing better.

Published Information From top left: Jimmy Vallance (editorial, 2005-2010), Val Luznar-Purdy (administrative, 2012 to present), Sam Caravetta (distribution, 1945-1948), Bonny McLardy (creative, 1979 to present), Bob Cutts (distribution, 1961-1962), Edith Nohels (production, 1978-1984) Andrea Horton (advertising/editorial 2005-2008 and 2011 to present), Kaitlyn Haarstad (creative, 2011 to present), Evelyn Cutts (administrative, 1969-1971), Jolene Scarpelli (administrative, 1970-1980), Nicole Liebermann (editorial, 2012 to present), Sue Fox (circulation, 2008-2009) Mary Guiliano (editorial, 1985 to present), Rebecca Edwards (editorial, 2008 - 2011), Angela Treharne (editorial, 2008 to present), Gayle Vallance (production, 1976-1981), Dave Hamilton (publisher, 2010 to present), John Kinnear (editorial, 1995-2005), Margaret Blumhagen (production, 1980-1985), Tina Hayes (advertising, 1985-1987), Jenna Jensen (editorial, 2011 to present), Wanda McDonald (distribution, 1996 to present), Muriel Stickney (advertising, 1983-1986) Joe Macosko (distribution, 1964-1967), Lori Bradish (editorial, 1980-1983 and 1989-1993), George Hryciuk (distribution, 1949-1955). Photo by Kyle Hamilton

Publisher Dave Hamilton Creative Design Kaitlyn Haarsted Advertising Andrea Horton, Jenna Jensen Editor Angela Treharne Creative Manager Bonny McLardy

Thank You to The Free Press for 115 years of community news coverage!

City Hall

Ph: 250-423-6817 Fx: 250-423-3034 Email: cityhall@fernie.ca Website: www.fernie.ca 501-3rd Avenue, Box 190 Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0

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Rev. Charles Gordon is in Town

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

A black day for Fernie May 24 1902 Free Press Files

April 8 1899 Free Press Files

ne of the worst mining disasters in the history of British Columbia occurred at Coal Creek mines at 7 o’clock Thursday night when from one hundred and twenty five to one hundred and fifty men met almost instant death at Mrs. 2 and 3 mines. The explosion occurred in the deeps of No. 3 and not a man out of some ninety men who were employed in the shaft lives to tell the tale. In No. 3 workings, which are connected with No. 2, the catastrophe was not so bad, nearly all those working on the right side about twenty in number, succeeding in making their escape. The first indications that anything unusual had occurred was a volume of smoke, gas and dust shooting a thousand feet into the sir from the fan house of No. 2. Word was immediately sent to Fernie and in exactly twelve minutes time three doctors and two coach loads of people were on the scene and the work of rescue commenced. Robert Dirscan, Dr. Bonnell and True Wetherby were the first to enter the mine, the latter leading the way. When about five hundred feet into the shaft Driscan was overcome by the afterdamp and had it not been for his two companions would have perished. He was removed to the entrance and after repeated efforts by the doctors, recovered. He then gave instructions to the rescue party to commence repairing the overcasts in the roof of the tunnel. The overcasts are the pipes which conduct the air through the mine and as they had been almost completely destroyed it was impossible to enter the mine owing to the gas which prevailed. Volunteers were called for and a score of brave men

he Rev. Charles Gordon, of St. Stephen’s Church, Winnipeg, is in town. He was here in 1898 before the railway was completed. He is well known as Ralph Connor, the noted novelist.

Man breaks leg twice in same hotel April 8 1899 Free Press Files

man named Barnes, who had his leg broken in the Victoria Hotel about two months ago, returned to Fernie on Saturday last and on Monday had the misfortune to again break the same leg and at the same hotel.

Coal Company has imported a gasoline September 6 1902 Free Press Files

he Crowsnest Pass Coal Company has imported a gasoline velocipede for use by officials. It travels at a speed of 25 mph which is about six miles per hour faster than the regular trains make on the Crows Nest Branch.

Crows Nest Pass cigars are as good as the best June 4 1902 Free Press Files

he editor has been given a box of Crows Nest Pass cigars and after smoking them carefully and prayerfully, he is constrained to say that they are as good as the best.

sprang to the work. For nearly six hours the work was pursued with tireless energy. Every few minutes a man would collapse, but new men were not lacking to take up the work. About 2 am the first body from No. 2 was rescued, that of Joe Sengala, and shortly after the body of Stephen Morgan was carried out. Neither men were marked and had evidently succumbed to the fatal afterdamp. Two unknown men were next to come out. None of the victims gave the slightest signs of life and they were removed to the wash house. About four o’clock the men penetrated so fat that the gas was terrible and operations had to be suspended for an hour or two to give the mine time to clear. The first victim to come out of No. 3 was a lad named Robinson, about thirteen years of age. Among those who succeeded in getting out alive were: C Burrows, Jas Baker, P McNeill, C Dunlop, A Farquharson, Jas Carr, Jas Doble, J Sharper, H Monahan and H Salter. Many act of bravery were witnessed during the night. The heroic work of True Westherby, who time and again, entered the pit, where men were falling all around him, has won for himself golden opinions in the minds of the people of Fernie. A number of the rescuers, including Supt. Driscan, probably owe their lives to his brave work. A fact worthy of note was the absence of foreigners among the rescue parties. The track for the mines to Fernie was lined with foreigners making their way down, but the English speaking miners had responded to the call of duty and remained to assist in the work of rescue. The heroism of the men was manifested to all. Time and again men were carried out overcome, but in a few minutes were back again

working like beavers. The work of Foreman Graham was especially worthy of mention and the progress of the rescue party was largely due to his able efforts. All day Friday the work of rescue continued and at six o’clock some thirty-one had been taken out. The scenes around the mine during the day were heartrending, mothers looking for their sons and wives for their husbands. Nothing but despair was written upon the faces of all. Among the bodies that have been recovered are: Steve Morgan Joe Sengala Willie Robertson Victor Johnson John Leadbeater Frank Salter John McLeod T Fearfull Thos Johnson An Italian whose name is unknown W H Brierly Joe Tuka John Kerman Ronald Jones Walter Wright Andrew Hoven Thos Glover James Cartlidge Owen Holmes Wm Ferguson M J Fleming Sam Hand Thos Stephens John Kearney John Hughes James McIntyre Harry Wilson Go Housby Tracey Mutzio Wm Neace Wm McPhaill John Zelonika Thos Fairfell Joseph Welan Antonio Fredericko J Walsh Amos Buck ---------------------------The work is proceeding slowly this morning. Only one body was taken out during the night owing to the large amount of gas in the mine.

Rescue Party still recovering bodies from mine June 4 1902 Free Press Files

he rescue party have added another half dozen to the list of bodies taken from the mine. This brings the total recovered to date up to 124. A number of the miners employed in the work still estimated that there are nine or ten bodies yet in the mine, others fix the total at not more than a half a dozen. How long before they

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Three young men start to reach the summit of middle sister one of their number cuts hit throat almost at the goal August 9 1902 Free Press Files

D I S PAT C H FROM Fernie, BC dated August 3, says: Early yesterday morning three young men by the names of George Dunsmore, Keith Whimster and Charles Lipardt, started out to try and reach the summit of the mountain called the Middle Sister. No one yet has been successful in their attempts to try and reach the top of this mountain. The summit is some fifteen miles from the town and a very arduous climb. After dark last night the townspeople could see their camp fire, fat up the side of the mountain. These young men started on their climb again this morning at 5 o’clock, and about 9 o’clock they were in easy distance of the summit. Whimster and Liphardt were in the lead, when looking around they say Dunsmore fall with

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will all be recovered it is hard to estimate. Those recovered during the week were: Alex Walker, John Owen, M. Fitzmainice, Willie McDonald, an unknown supposed to be Angus Gunn, a A Federico. A force of sixty or seventy men have been hard at work during the past week getting No. 1 mine ready for operation again and it is expected that coal will begin to come out on Monday.

A strange tragedy

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the blood gushing from his throat. They ran back and found he had cut his throat and was insensible. No reason is known why he should do this act unless it was that he was temporarily deranged, the effect probably of the unusual exertion. Liphardt stayed with Dunsmore, while Whimster hurried back to Fernie for help. He left his rifle with Linphardt and also all the provisions they had in order to enable his comrade to keep watch on the body until help arrived. Whimster arrived in town about 17 o’clock today in an exhausted condition. A relief party of nine men left here at 18 o’clock for the rescue if living, and if dead to bring back the body. Dunsmore was a bookkeeper in the employ of the Crow’s Nest Trading company, and only out from the old country about three months and was a very popular young man.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

A Telephone Service September 5, 1903 Free Press Files

.C. Hodge, d i s t r i c t superintendent of the Canada Western Telephone and Telegraph Co., and several other similar companies practically under the same control, was in town this week with a view to installing a telephone system in Fernie. Mr. Hodge met with most satisfactory encouragement from all whom he approached on the

matter. The company have charters covering nearly the whole of the province so that little difficulty would be experienced in this direction. The company have plenty of capital behind them and they propose putting in the best possible plant; the poles for instance will be forty feet in length with 10 inch tops. The promoters do not hope to realize dividends from the local service but they have plans in view for the extension of the system by which

Morrissey and Michel would be connected and eventually Cranbrook, Nelson and points on the American side would be within speaking distance of Fernie. In order to make the start the Company would require almost forty subscribers. The regular rates are $4 per month for business phones and $3 for private residences. The lack of a telephone service has long been felt in Fernie. Like many other needed reforms

Crushed to Death March 29th 1907 Free Press Files

artin Smolak a driver at Coal Creek Instantly killed. Martin Smolak, a Slovanian 30 years of age was instantly killed in No. 9 mine Coal Creek at eight O’clock this morning. Deceased was driving in the mine. He had just hitched the mule to a couple of loaded cars and the animal started forward before the young man was ready. He was on the wrong side of the car and he

was rolled between the car and a post receiving terrible internal injuries from which he died seven minutes later. The deceased was known as one of the best miners at Coal Creek. He leaves a wife and one small child. The funeral will be held on Sunday and will be conducted by the Slovenian Society which the deceased is a member. The body was conveyed to the undertaking parlor of Messer. Scott & Ross. This afternoon an inquest is being held by Coroner Bleasdell.

it has been slow in making its appearance and the long suffering people of Fernie have patiently waited, confidently believing that all things come to him who waits. The convenience afforded to townspeople by an up-to-date local telephone

service can only be understood after it is installed, while the advantage gained from connection with outside points can be fully realized only by a town so isolated by railway and highway communication as is Fernie.

An Undertaking Business March 10 1905 Free Press Files

he Fernie Cartage Co. is branching out, the latest being a move to open up an undertaking business in c o n n e c t i o n with their other businesses. Wm Scott, one of the firm, spent the winter in Toronto where he learned the business under one of the best firms in the city. He also took out the necessary papers qualifying him to embalm bodies. On the day that he left Toronto

he shipped to Fernie two car loads of goods pertaining to the undertaking business. One car contains a thousand dollar hearse and many necessary supplies. The other car was filled largely with coffins of different kinds, and metallic linings. The latter are air proof linings with glass covering, adapted for shipping bodies to distant points. Mr. Scott will take charge of funerals and in due time the company expects to have a regular undertaking parlor opened up.

A Whole Family Stricken November 10 1905 Free Press Files

distressing epidemic of typhoid fever has broken out in Mr John Dinnington’s home near the mountain side of West Fernie, and the whole family of eight are now down the disease. The eldest girl aged 16, was the first to take the disease and the others rapidly contracted it inside of only a few days. The attention

of the helpless and distressing condition of the family was brought to Rev. Alex Dunn’s attention and he met energetically to have the family property looked after. The aid of the provincial authorities was secured and the father and the two eldest girls were at once removed to the hospital. Yesterday the mother and three younger girls were also taken to the hospital and the

little baby girl was taken to the manse, where Mrs Stasbler has volunteered to care for it. The Ladies Benevolent Society has also invested itself on behalf of the family. All the patients are now receiving the best of attention. The cause of the outbreak is a mystery to the doctors. The family were using spring water, which was apparently free from all contamination.

Congratulations to The Free Press for making 115 years of history! To learn more about Fernie’s history visit www.ferniemuseum.com

Sufficient evidence to satisfy sorrowing widow June 2 1905 Free Press Files

rs. Elwyn returned to her father’s home at Lethbridge on Sunday evening. Mrs. Elwyn came to Fernie a couple of weeks previous on a sad mission, that of conveying to Lethbridge the body of her husband who was killed in the explosion of three years ago. Mr. Elwyn’s supposed body was among the last recovered, and it was buried during the

temporary absence of Mrs. Elwyn without any conclusive proofs of identity. Upon exhumation the grave last week sufficient evidence was gained to satisfy the sorrowing widow that the body was not that of her husband and she was much distressed over the results of her investigation. Mrs. Elwyn resides with the father in Lethbridge and she does not own the property as stated in our issue of 2 weeks ago.

Post Office To Be Built July 20, 1906 Free Press Files

he plans and specifications for the new post office building arrived from the public works department, Ottawa, this week, and tenders for the construction of the building are now being advertised for. The tenders are to be in by Aug.. 4, and it is presumed that the work will commence this year. The outer walls of the building are to be of pressed brick with stone facings. It is to have a full basement and two stories with a flat roof. The outer measurements are 50x67 and the plan shows the building facing on Pellatt avenue, with a side entrance on Cox street, which leads on one side to the post office and on the other to the stairway to the second floor, where the customs department is located. At the back end of the ground floor are the examining room and the weights and measured room, where express for customs collections will be handled. On the floor above are the customs and inland revenue departments, two large rooms for the former and three smaller ones for the latter. Many appear to think that the building should face Cox street instead of Pellatt avenue, making the main entrance nearer the principal street and giving the building a better appearance. Many also think that the architectural appearance of the building would be greatly improved as well as the utility, by substituting a raised roof. These matters were taken up by the executive of the Liberal Association at a meeting held on Tuesday evening. W.A. Galliher, M.P., was asked to have the change made as specified above and he was communicated with by wire. R.A. Kerr is the clerk of the works, but during his absence in Cranbrook the plans and specifications are on view at F.J. Watson’s office.

491 2nd Ave, Fernie, BC (250) 423-7016

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

Disastrous Fire sweeps the Elk Valley Fernie, the Coal City of the Kootenays destroyed

Five Thousand People Homeless - Flames Devastated the Entire Crow’s Nest Country. - Noble Response made by citizens of Cranbrook to Fernie’s call for relief. Over Two Thousand people clothed, fed and sheltered August 8 1908 The Prospector Cranbrook (the Free Press was one of the numerous businesses destroyed and was forced to publish from Cranbrook until they got their presses up and running again

ERNIE the coal town of the Nest Pass was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday last. Fernie is situated in the Elk Valley, north of Coal Creek, and came into existence when Crow’s Nest Branch of the Canadian Pacific was completed. The town was named after Mr William Fernie, who was the discoverer of, and the pioneer locator of the immense coal areas now owned by the Crow’s Nest Coal Company. Fernie has a population of about 5,000 all supported directly and indirectly by the coal mining industry of the Crow’s Nest Pass. Over 1,500 mines, the largest portion of whom resided at Fernie. On May 22nd, 1902 an explosion in the Coal Creek Mines killed over 130 miners, and plugged the city and district into mourning. Two years

later Fernie was visited by a destructive fire which destroyed the entire business portion of the City. In November 1906 the miners of the Crows Nest were on strike for several weeks which caused a serious business depression. Two years later, July 30th 1908, a “bump” occured in the no.2 mine coal creek entombing 30 miners, and two days later the most extensive calamity of all took place, the entire city, with exception of 50 buildings being destroyed by fire, and it is estimated that over 100 persons have perished by being burned to death. The history of the city shows that terrible calamity of some description has visited the city at least once every two years. For the past month forest fires have been raging in the mountains on both sides of the Elk River valley, and though considered dangerous, yet thought to be faraway from camps, mills. and city to require special attention as to the direction and progress of these fires.

On the morning of August 1st, the attention of mill men were again directed to these fires which was rapidly approaching the timber limits of Eastern B.C. Lumber Cof, at noon the hands at the mill were called out to fight the now rapidly approaching fire. Mill men from the Elk River, and Fernie Lumber Company’s were also called out, but it was too late. A brisk wind fanned the flames along at a rapid pace. The wind increasing wind soon became a tornado sending the flames into the tallest trees, scattering firebrands in every direction. The Cedar Valley Mills, together with 3,000,000 feet of dry lumber was destroyed. Then followed the mills and lumber of the Fernie and Elk River mills together with millions of feet of manufactured lumber was destroyed at these mills. Railway loss is estimated at $500,000. The Great Northern Railway Company have lost all their depots freight sheds and bridges and upwards of two hundred cars

loaded with coal and coke. The Crow’s Nest Coal Company estimate their loss at $150,000, $100,000 of which is covered by insurance. The Trites Wood Company estimate their loss at a quarter of a million, partially covered by insurance, The Free Press lose $20,000 and the Fernie Ledger $20,000 each paper carried about $10,000 insurance. The loss on manufactured lumber and milling plants will amount to over $2,000,000. There were over 1,200 hotels, business houses, churches and residence in Fernie, and there remain standing today one business house and 23 residences. A number of dwellings to the south was saved by exceedingly hard work with plenty of water. The cause of this safety is particularly attributed to the adjacent park and a growth of green trees which seemed to be part of the flames at this point, only to be reunited in the next block and then on until every other building in the city was destroyed.

Latest Account of the Fire Men surrounded by fire

August 8 1908 The Cranbrook Prospector Files

he Fires which destroyed Fernie were burning for ten days before the disaster. In the limits of the Eastern B.C Lumber Co. which operated what is known as the old cedar valley mill, a small fire had been smouldering since July 20. Fire and the Blazing lumber caught by the wind was carried across into the park. Here the city fire department had laid hose and met him. He was a giant. While they were sturdily striking at his feet, he reached over their heads and struck right in the Heart of the City. The Fire had also leaped the river at the bridges and the island was swept as with a broom. When the Fernie Hotel, the Central and the Waldorf took fire within five minutes of each other and small fires burst up in every direction it was seen that there was absolutely

no hope of saving the city and the saving of life became the prime consideration. To understand the fire rightly one must have been scorched by it. It may help to explain the extraordinary rapility of the fires wory and the helplessness of the people when we remember that the was a furious south west wind sweeping up the valley. The fire was split in two at the Dairy ranch and in three when a tongue fire reached across the river just above the cedar valley mill. The magnitude of the fire and the triple nature gave rise to a condition that would have baffled the best fire department in the world. Scores of whirl winds generated between the tracks of fire tore across the town site carrying blazing materials of all descriptions in their hug. Their course was most erratic and one cyclone of flame might light a dozen buildings lying in any direction from each other.

If the reader has seen a picture of a water spout, a fire spout he would have some idea of the great weapon with which the fire demon fought. There was fire on all sides and closing in on them with appalling rapidity as they huddled, men, women and children, under the shelter of the G.N. grade. By a singular chance, one of the few fortunate phases of an otherwise desperate situation, a small triangle where the people sought shelter was saved. The patients in the Pest House and the hospitals were Mayor Tuttle’s first thought and all were removed to places of safety. Nurses Laidlaw and Cornett stayed with their patients till they landed them in the hospital at Cranbrook. At Hosmer the populace was spread out along the river bank in the safest places they could find, awaiting the destruction of the town.

fight for their lives August 8 1908 The Cranbrook Prospector Files

robably the most heroic and dangerous fight of all was made by the bush gang of the Elk River Lumber Co. at camp 4 situated a mile east of town and entirely surrounded by heavy timber which of course was all afire. There was between 55 and 60 men and two women at camp 4, the ladies being the wife and niece of foreman G. Warren Severn, who were spending the summer at the camp, having came up from Spokane a couple of weeks ago. It was 3:20, Saturday afternoon when the fire first got dangerous and the horn was blown at 3:35 calling all the men form the woods. They immediately started to fight and tried in every possible way to save the camp but were finally driven off by the intense heat and blinding smoke. They took what they could carry and went our on a sand bar in the middle of the

river. while fire surrounded them on every side and every minute seemed to be their last. Alex Kennedy was the last man to leave camp. He having gone back to bring out four horses that broke away. He met Harry Thompson and Jim Milburn and called to them to run to the bar, but they went a little way up the hill to get ant hooks to move burning logs. Milburn got to the bar after a terrible fight for life, his eyes being almost burned out of his head. Harry Thompson got lost, and made for the river, and after having his clothes burnt off, succeeded in reaching it. He threw himself into the river and tried to swim but could not hold his head above water. He thought he was about to be burned to death and decided to commit suicide but did not have the necessary nerve, after being in the water for six hours he finally managed to swim the river and although almost blind and terribly burned succeeded in reaching town.

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Activity in Building Fernie back from the Fire of August 1908 April 16th 1909 Free Press Files

hile last fall was a record breaking as regards building operations in this city the coming summer promises to far eclipse for the marvellous achievements of the past season in fact the ensuing year gives every indication of a bigger and better Fernie than ever. Various civic buildings will be

erected this year including a fire hall costing $10,000 a power house $5,000, a city hall $20,000 and a public school $35,000. The two latter buildings already under construction the school building being far advanced. The erection of these structures together with the building of many miles of boardwalk and installing a water works and electric light system will put

many thousands of dollars in circulation. Five churches will be built ranging in price from five to thirty five thousand dollars each. Several large and commodious hotels will be built, chief amongst which will be the Naponee which will be 60x90 and three storeys in height. A three storey addition 60x90 will be added to the Fernie Hotel and the King Edward will add a storey to the present building

The Free Press gets electricity December 10 1909 Free Press Files

he Free Press plant is now operated by electricity. As this is the first power driven plant on the city lines we may give the benefit of our experience in electrical terms to those contemplating the installation of electric machines. A transformer is an apparatus that hangs on a pole on the street

by kilowatting the voltage, thereby transforming the resistance into twophase electromotive ohms, with which the motor absorbs the peak load on the cut-off. The dynamo reduces the insulation of the series wound exciter, producing multi-polar generators on the direct current and you pay at the City Clerk’s office.

contingent would have almost reached the allotted 200 if it had not been for this defect. It would seem to us as though a fund should be raised to provide dental treatment for those who are willing to offer their services to their country. It seems rather hard to expect a man to put up from $25 to $100, probably all the money he has to secure this treatment. It has been suggested that the funds raised at the smoker this evening should be used for this purpose. And if such is the case, a liberal collection should

be secured. If you cannot go yourself this will be a grand opportunity to provide a substitute who is eager to take your place. Following are the names of those who have enlisted to date: Capt. Moffatt

the TritesWood Company’s new stores which will have a frontage of 90 feet with a depth of 114 ft. The new building will be better than the one destroyed in the fire which was acknowledged by all to be one of the handsomeness stores in the province. Jos. Aeillo will build a two storey business block between the Waldorf and the Johnson-falconer block while Kefoury

Bros. will erect two storey building 30x90 between the Henderson Block and the Northern Hotel. The Miner Union Hall will probably be completed this year. The Bank of Hamilton will erect a handsome office building on the corner of Victoria and Cox street while the Home Bank will build a handsome structure immediately opposite to it. L.P Eckstein is making preparations

for the erection of a commodious office building on Cox Street opposite to the new Federal Building. J.R. McEwing will complete his block on Victoria Ave. making its frontage sixty feet. How soon will erect a two storey concrete block on the corner of Baker Avenue and Cox Street which will be used by him as a restaurant laundry and oriental goods store.

Blaze at Coal Creek Mine August 20th 1909 Free Press Files

large section of Coal Creek, the village located about five miles from Fernie at the mines of the Crowsnest Pass Mine Company was destroyed by fire on Sunday evening last. There was no loss of life and but a few minor accidents during the progress of the configuration. Eighteen buildings in all were consumed involving a financial loss of approximately $150,000. The fire originated in the

basement of the Coal Creek Club building. It is supposed to have been caused by the upsetting of a lamp. The blaze had the mastery from the start and that building was soon a mass of flames. With a high wind blowing luckily away from the surface workings of the mines the rest was simple. The residence of houses in the lee of the fire immediately commenced to vacate their homes. From the boarding houses men steamed out with trunks grips and parcels of belongings and carried them

across the creek or up the hillside. Families moved out in masses, parent giving small heed to their household effects as long as they saved their loved ones. Many distressing scenes were witnessed. It was not hard to find places of safety but after finding a place of security it was hard to watch the destruction of one’s home and be unable to do anything to save it. Several persons lost considerable sums of cash besides personal affects and household goods.

New World War One Recruits

May 2, 1915 Free Press Files

and grinds the volts into domestic sizes for adjacent consumption. A meter is an automatic case-keeper that is designed to keep the conscience of the consumer pure and untainted. A motor is a Christian Science medicine box that is influenced from the Power House by absent treatment. The method of operation is as follows: the armature amperes the rheostat of the switchboard

giving accommodation for 30 more guests. Plans are out for the Kings Hotel which will be a two storey structure 57x70 with walls of sufficient strength to put on additional storeys when required. The Royal we understand will be rebuilt this season, no definite information being available at present. Many business blocks being planned, the largest being

he recruiting for the 54th Kootenay Battalion during the past week has been very satisfactory and Capt. Moffatt is well pleased with the class of men who are offering themselves. About sixty have already passed their medical examiner and a number have volunteered who have not yet come before him. A number of men have been turned down owing to their teeth; in fact our

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Explosion at Coal Creek

Big Summer Carnival

June 18 1915 Free Press Files

leven cars, conveying over sixty passengers, visited the big patriotic smoker at Michel on Saturday evening. The cars, which had been kindly donated for the occasion by Messrs Black, Pollock, Trites,

Law, Finn, Bean, Henderson, Rizzuto, Dubar and Dobson, were decorated with flags and streamers advertising the big summer carnival which will take place on A.B. Tritesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawn on June 21. A pleasant evening was spent by those present and the Fernie crowd returned about 2 a.m.

Accidental shooting July 2 1915 Free Press Files

areless shooting in close proximity to the city limits nearly caused the death of Mrs. Phillips on Monday evening. Mr. Cooper, whilst out shooting gophers with a small calibre rifle, missed the

gopher and wounded Mrs. Phillips, who was out walking at the time. The bullet entered at the hip and made a nasty wound, but medical assistance was immediately secured and she was taken to the hospital where the bullet was removed. Mrs. Phillips will recover.

Many Curlers Die at Front October 27 1916 Free Press Files

he annual meeting of the Fernie Curling Club was held in the offices of Messers, Herchmer & Martin on Monday October

23rd at 8 p.m. The Membership for the past year had been 120, but owing to a number of members enlisting and other conditions, it fell below 100 before the season closed.

Soldiers appreciate The Free Press Aug. 16 1916 Opinion Letter F.A. Hollinshead Free Press Files

ditor, Free Press; Dear Sir, A few lines on behalf of Trooper B. Minton and myself to thank you for your paper that you have kindly sent us every week. It has kept us supplied with news of our home town such as no other paper could have done. There are about 20 boys here from Fernie and they

all come to my tent to have a look at the home paper. We had our first mishap since we came to camp today, one of the boys of the 56th being struck by lightning. We also had a mishap at the rifle range this morning but it did not prove very serious. This is the last letter I will be able to write from this side of the water. Wishing you and your paper every success.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

April 6 1917

Free Press Files

ust as we were on the press news arrived of a terrible mine explosion at Coal Creek, which has probably snuffed out the lives of thirty four or thirty five men employed in No. 3 mine. The disaster occured at 20 minutes past ten and only the merest details are obtained. One body that of Hugh Malarkey, has already been recovered near the pit mouth. He had evidently been in the

mouth of the tunnel and his head was crushed by flying rocks. Grave fears were for a time entertained for the men employed in No. 2 mine which is directly connected with No. 3 mine, but all men in this mine have come out safely. A rescue train with full government rescue plant was immediately rushed to the mine and the men are working hard to enter the mine but very slow progress can be made owing to the tremendous area of the mine, which extends nearly two miles underground.

Four Fernie Men Killed

May 18 1917

Free Press Files

ernie was hit hard in the casualty list this week, there being two men reported killed and one wounded. Thomas Patrick Shields, who went overseas with the 54th, gave his life for his country on May 3rd. deceased who leaves a wife and family here, was well known in football circles On Monday, Mr. and Mrs Harry Dunlop received a dispatch saying their son Angus had made the great sacrifice. Angus was a real Fernie boy, having grown up from childhood here, and his parents have the heartfelt sympathy of a host of friends. Mr. W.R. Wilson received word on Tuesday that his son, Lieut. Bishop Wilson, had been wounded. Lieut. Wilson, who is connected with the flying corps, has been on the fighting front for the past two months and his daily routine was to make a 2.5 hour scouting trip over the enemy lines. No particulars have been received. Alex Ferguson, who formerly worked here for Geo. Barton and enlisted with a Vancouver Regiment is also reported as killed. Mrs Geo Evans received a letter last week from an officer in France stating that her husband had been killed in action. She had received no official notice from Ottawa and the news was a terrible shock. Deseased, who leaves three small children, enlisted with the 54th and has been on the fighting line fir nearly a year.

Following is a list so far as we have been able to obtain of the men at work in this mine Jos. Atkinson Geo. Richardson J. Bravieno Thos. Whitley Wm. Puckey, Fireboss Albert Smith Frank Smith Harry Haydock Wm. Silverwood Wm. Brown Bernie Clarkestone W. Clarke Wm. Bird J. Steliga Hugh Malarkey John Monks Albert Barton Teddy Coates

P. Cherkley Joe Campbell J. Machin Buseti Giovochino Vittorio Bagiolo A large crowd of anxious wives and children are eagerly waiting for news from the mines but the company clerk in charge J.S. Irvine, refuses to give out any information at this time and the above list of men have been obtained by questioning those who have comrades in the mine. The general manager Mr. Wilson, is in Calgary but is expected home this morning. Nearly all the above

mentioned men are well known about town and it is hoped that later reports will bring the news that the explosion has not extended to all parts of the mine, and that some of them will be rescued alive. This is the second big incident which has occured at this mine, it being party affected by the big explosion of 1902, when 128 men lost their lives. Later reports at 2 a.m. from the mines indicate that the rescue party have penetrated about half a mile. Three more bodies have been recovered.

Rescue Crew Works Hard to Recover Bodies April 13 1917

Free Press Files

he terrible explosion which took place at the No. 3 mine on Thursday night last week cost the lives of 34 men, besides wrecking the mine so badly that it will be months before it can again be operated. The rescue work has been rushed night and day since the first hour of the disaster, with the result of 18 bodies have been recovered to date. The rescue work has been confirmed to about 200 brave men divided into four six hour shifts, who have worked like beavers to overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers in the shape of cave ins and dangerous gasses. The whole mine is a long series of cave ins through which the rescuers tunnel and crawl for miles going through holes and under great overhanging rocks until the working face is reached, and when a body is found it must be carried back over this treacherous road by the stretcher bearers. The task is so difficult that it requires eight men to a stretcher and takes nearly four hours to make the trip out. Early in the week the men gave up all hope of rescuing

any of the men alive, but they preserved unceasingly to rescue the bodies. The first four bodies, those of Jas. Maschin, Hugh Melarkey, Pat Gormlay, and Jos. Stelliga, were found close to the surface and removed the first night, and it was not until Monday night that anymore were recovered. A remarkable thing about the removal of the bodies is that not one of the five drivers has yet to be discovered. It is presumed that they are buried under caves in the main tunnel. The condition of the bodies when found indicate that the explosion extended throughout the entire mine, as the men all appear to have been instantly killed. No indication of the cause of the disaster has yet come to light.. The mine, which on the day previous had been reported free from gas by the inspector, was generally considered to be one of the safest in British Columbia. With the exception of a short incline, which was kept well sprinkled, the mine was considered very wet. There was no powder used in the work and the motor was run by compressed air, thus eliminating those elements as the possible initial cause. The only remaining theories are that a sudden blow-out of gas may have caught safety lamp

that was burning high or that someone had broken a lamp. There is of course always the possibility of someone carrying matches into the mine but the precautions against this have been so strict and the penalties so severe that it is not thought to be probable. General Manager W.R. Wilson who was in Calgary at the conference at the time of the explosion, arrived home on Saturday morning and immediately took command of the rescue operations, offering every assistance and affording every facility of the company in the effort to rescue the bodies. Chief Inspector of Mines Wilkonson and Ex-Inpector of Mines Graham with inspectors R. Strachan and Dudley Mitchel arrived from the coast on Monday and have kept a close touch with the rescue work. The funerals of the first four unfortunate men recovered took place on Monday and was one of the largest that has ever taken place in the city. Owing to the advanced state of decomposition in which the bodies are now being found, we understand that there will be no more public funerals, the remains being taken directly to the cemetery from coal creek.

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Fire in West Fernie

October 8 1920 Free Press Files

bout 2 p.m. on We d n e s d a y morning the nocturnal silence was broken by short sharp blasts of mill whistle of the Elk Valley Lumber Co. in West Fernie, denoting a fire in that vicinity. These were immediately followed by the bell in the tower at the fire hall and a glance at the western sky showed it illuminated by a ruby hue. The location of the blaze and its intensity caused those aroused by the alarm to form the conclusion that it was the large sawmill plant that was afire and consequently

many citizens were attracted to the locality. The fire, however was confined to the grocery store premises of Glover & Meiklejohn, two of Fernie’s youngest business men, as it was only on Aug. 1 last that they opened a place of business on their own responsibility. The cause of the fire is attributed to an overheated stove and a defective pipe where it fitted into the chimney. The entire building was gutted beyond repair and the complete stock and contents a total loss. The loss to Glover & Meiklejohn is estimated at about $3,500, partially covered by insurance.

Curling Rink Vandalized

December 3 1924 Free Press Files

att. Tully and son are working hard getting the curling ice in shape for the season. They have already a fine foundation and expect to have the ice in shape in a few days. The curling fee has been reduced to $10 and the membership

committee are hard at work rustling new members. A small boy during the past summer has caused a lot of trouble at the curling rink by smashing everything in sight and stealing electrical light fixtures, etc. The chief of police is investigating and an example will be made of anyone found guilty.

Fernie will get beer December 3 1924 Free Press Files

eer by the glass will be granted in districts which gave affirmative majorities on the June plebiscite, the legislature decided at midnight last night by defeating a motion from Dr. E. J. Rothwell to delete the beer clauses from the Liquor Act. The formal vote was recorded in the house today as 26 to 14. Attorney General Manson voted against beer, saying the whole

issue was raised by the breweries and not the people. Premier Oliver broke down as he announced he must vote for carrying out the terms of the plebiscite submitted to the people in good faith. R.H. Pooley reminded the government he has last year predicted such an impasse. The house also defeated by 27 to 13 a latter motion by Chris McRae to have the beer sold only in government dispensaries.

May 20 1921 Free Press Files

illiam Fernie, of Victoria, the founder of Fernie and one of the real pioneers of Kootenay, has passed away, death calling him on Sunday last, after a lingering illness of several weeks. The deceased, who was in his 84th

year, was the original discoverer of coal in this district and put the first stake in at Morrissey long before the Crow railway was thought of. He was born in Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire, England, and when 14 years of age went to sea on the ship “Salesman”. He left the boat at an Australian port and went to work in the mines at Bendigo and Perdue, staying at it for four years, when his thirst for adventure led him to other fields and he took to sea again. Later he became quartermaster on the United States mail steamer playing to South America. Finally he came to British Columbia in 1860, locating in the Cariboo country, where for many years he was engaged in mining. In 1873 he was appointed to a government office, which he held for four years, resigning to join C. Baker in an attempt to secure a charter for the British Columbia Southern Railway in the eastern part of the province. In 1887, after successfully securing

the right to build the railway, Mr. Fernie located the coal fields of the Crow’s Nest and in his honor Fernie, which was established shortly afterwards, was named after him. For many years Mr. Fernie struggled along with a small company, but finally succeeded in interesting Toronto capitalists, who used their influence to have the Crow’s Nest Pass branch built through the mountains, and after that it was more or less easy sailing. For a number of years he was a director of the company, but later on disposed of nearly all his stock and retired to Victoria, where he resided since. For many years he has given large gifts to charity and soldier institutions and his death is a distinct loss to the province. He was a brother of Peter Fernie, famous British campaigner, who died last year. Citizens of Fernie unite in expressing deep regret for the death of Mr. Fernie.

Strike Oil In Flathead

Tourism in Fernie

ourists are still going through Fernie on their way to the United States. Some days

August 21st 1924 Free Press Files

ome time ago the Lethbridge Herald carried a story of the discovery of oil in the well of the Crow’s Nest Pass Oil Company, a company financed by Vancouver and Fernie men. The well, located in the Flathead reserve south of Corbin, has been under way for a couple of years, progress being slow on account of the difficulty encountered in hauling in material. The oil discovery is confirmed by E.C. Gilbault, who returned to the city from Cranbrook over the

weekend. Mr. Gilbault brought with him a bottle of the crude which he secured from W.R. Ross, ex-M.L.A. Mr. Ross is heavily interested in the Flathead venture. The sample will be tested at the local oil refinery. The first oil was found at 500 feet and the second oil at 900 feet. This was a light oil and not present in commercial quantities. At 2000 feet a heavy flow of oil, similar to the Kevin oil, was brought in. It is a dark green crude. Until the pump can be put on the well, the production cannot be accurately determined. It looks like a good well, however, in the opinion of oil men.

The Ford Opening

January 27 1928 Free Press Files

r. Dicks, local Ford Dealer, has issued invitations to the first showing of the new car in his showrooms on January 31st, February 2nd and 3rd. The people of Fernie are in for a real surprise. This new car is a very conclusive bit of evidence that the Ford Motor Co. has anticipated the needs and desires of Canadas motorists for a long way into the future as they did when the Model T was introduced in 1908. In performance under all conditions, speed, riding comfort, roadability, ease of control, flexibility, and the other points on

which cars are judged, the new car performs astonishingly, even when compared to expensive cars. The details which to date have been looked upon as “big car” features have been included by the Ford Motor Company of Canada in the New Car, said Mr. Dicks, yet the Ford genius for precision in quantity production, unequalled in the world, have placed the car within the reach of every purse. We want the people of Fernie and district to feel free to visit our showroom and inspect the car, Mr. Dicks declared. Our service policies will apply not only to the New Car, but to all Model T’s now being operated.

Aug. 16 1924 Free Press Files

there are as many as seven or eight cars. The roads after Elko is reached are comparatively good, but it is a tough grind through the pass.

Christmas Windows December 19 1924 Free Press Files

he Trites-Wood Co. and the Crow’s Nest Trading Co. Christmas

windows are very beautiful and show wonderful taste. Fernie has reason to be proud of its two big stores.

Big Folks visit the Fernie Golf and Country Club July 12 1929 Free Press Files

he Fernie Golf and Country Club is being patronized by big folks

these days. A niece of J. Pierpont Morgan and her husband played the course last week. They are touring the west and taking in the Stampede

Man killed in Woods at Elko September 27th 1929 Free Press Files

ord was Brought in that W. Thacker of Baynes Lake had been killed

in the Woods in a logging accident out from Baynes Lake Stead Mill. Mr. Thacker during the past summer contracted for W. Wood local contractor.

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Help the turkey fund

December 1931 Free Press Files

nce more the Rotarians are appealing for help for the Christmas Turkey Fund. Believing that there are few people here who would care to see their neighbors go without a Christmas dinner, they are asking all who can afford to do so to contribute something to help the cause.

December 1932 Free Press Files

For three or four years they have carried out this idea and the public have responded generously. Last year some 450 turkeys were sent out a cost of about $1200. This year the list of those to take care is larger, so if you can help any amount will be greatly appreciated. Following is a list of donations up to time of going to press. The fund is still nearly $500 short of the amount required.

Good Christmas Christmas will be 15 per cent higher than last year. Streamlined bicycle seat, electric pencils for writing

on wood, dolls with fingernails and other novelties are promised.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

Thomas Uphill Elected By Large Majority November 3 1933 Free Press Files

esterday brought to a close one of the keenest political fights that this district has ever experienced with a victory for Thomas Uphill by a majority of 339. Both the Liberals and Labor put up a wonderful fight in the city. Tom won out by a majority of 83, Douglas cutting down his majority of four years ago by 251. In our forecast we were right about Elko and west,

Uphill’s majority was changed from 44 to a loss of about 75. In West Fernie, Tom’s old stronghold, Douglas polled 94 votes, a gain of 32 over the last election. Coal Creek was a knockout for Harry. When that return came in the Liberals gave up the ghost. When you can only get thirteen votes out of 145 it is just too bad. The weather was terrible but it made no difference, almost every available voter was out and very few walked to the polls. It was the largest vote

ever polled in the city, 1,214 as against 1033 four years ago. The total vote in the district with the absentee and one small poll to hear from was 2,839, of which Douglas polled 1,245 and Uphill 1,584. Douglas got majorities in Baynes Lake, Crow’s Nest, Elko, Fort Steele, Galloway, Grasmere, Harmer’s Ranch, Jaffray, Roosville, Waldo and Wasa. Uphill won out in Fernie, West Fernie, Coal Creek, Bull River, Hosmer, Natal, Michel and Corbin.

a couple of guys under the truck and took the women to a deep ditch behind a garage and then lay back to watch the scrap. The air was full of planes twisting and maneuvering, machine guns clattering and the bursts of ack ack ground defenses. Several went down in smoke, and some of the pilots bailed out safely. One Jerry went down just over the trees with smoke coming out of his tail. I thought he was going to machine-gun us but he couldn’t have seen us. This was all dive-bombing. They carry big bombs of about half a ton and just dive at the target and kind of throw the bombs at it. It’s pretty accurate too. Well, they finally fought themselves away from us and when the “all clear” came we went to camp and had the concert just the same. I had to take them back to Sutton after but we decided to take each one home and there we were, all over London till five in the morning dropping actors and actresses at their homes with a three-ton truck. They were tickled pink too. We were the first Canadians they had met and we went in and had a drink with a couple of them and one place we had a tea about three o’clock in the morning. I had a couple of peroxide blondes in the front with me and it was ‘Thumbs up’ as we English say. We were invited especially to once place by the lady who managed the show. She had two nice daughters in it, one 11 and one about 20. They were sure fine people and had lots of nerve- they never said a word during the raid, not even the little girl, and I was plenty scared even though I couldn’t

show it. I better slow down on this it’s getting too gabby. Anyway we had another big raid a couple days later and one Jerry had the nerve to come down and machine-gun us. Nobody got hit me especially. When he came through the trees about fifty feet from the ground with his guns rattling and the two big yellow eyes in front looking straight at me I dived head first into a trench that was only big enough for one. There were two guys already in it but we managed comfortably. He was landing with his motor conked off and glided into a field not far from us. By the time he landed the machine gun had stopped as the rear gunner had gone west and the pilot got out with a Tommy gun. That was his final mistake. A Lewis gun makes an awful mess of a guy. Mike Stelliga came in a few minutes after this raid from some place and from where he described where one big bomb landed I thought it sounded familiar. Alf and I and Archie went that way next day and found that the place where we had taken shelter with the concert party on Thursday wasn’t there anymore. Where my truck was parked was a hole about twenty feet deep and about thirty or forty across. Well, and so ends the bedtime story. This is a dirty, dusty camp but we move again Monday for a new location and thank goodness. I just hope I can duck long enough to get another leave to Scotland, long and cheerio and hope to see you all soon. Bandmaster Frank Vernon has enlisted most of the Fernie Band in the Canadian Army. Twentythree of the boys have already been accepted. Full particulars will be published next week.

Fernie Boys in Air Raid A Women in sports should look beautiful J O uthorities are reporting that the sales this

September 18 1940 Free Press Files

August 6 1936 Opinion Letter Paul Gallico Free Press Files

f some 25 sports in which ladies of today indulge publicly with vehemence and passion there are only eight in which they do not manage to look utterly silly. Definitely interdicted, and never again to be performed before my eyes, is any sport in which women stick out places when they play, wear funny clothes, get out of breath, or perspire. It is a lady’s business to look beautiful and there are hardly any sports in which she seems able to do it. Ladies have no business playing squash or any of its derivatives. They can’t take it, or rather they can’t take it gracefully. I am reminded particularly of an international match in which two gals played themselves into a state of absolute popeyed exhaustion, so that between games they sat panting on the floor of the court, their legs spread out, backs to the wall, tongues hanging out, faces beet-red, hair damp and scraggly, shorts and blouses wet and clinging. Come, come, girls. We simply cannot be having that sort of thing. Females who don track shirts and jerseys and run and jump in track meets are just wasting their time, and ours, because they can’t run fast enough or throw things far enough to matter, and besides they weren’t built for that sort of costume. Golf was never meant for women. If you don’t believe it just think back, if you’re a

gentleman reader, to some of the instructions given to you by your professional as to what to do with your whatsit and whosit when you swing. A girl just can’t do these things and still be a lady. I am now happy to arrive at the sports that have my approval for public performance, beginning with angling. Somehow it is pleasant and stimulating to see a girl hooked into a fish and playing him well and except when she puts on waders to go into trout streams, she can get herself up in some pretty cute costumes. Look out for sunburn, darlings. Nor is there anything prettier than to watch a good girl flier – they’re all good or they don’t live long – circle her bright-coloured bird down on the field neatly and smoothly, roll to a stop, and reach for her handbag and powder her nose and touch up her lips before she scrambles out of the cockpit all aglow with the fun and excitement of it. Flying costumes are most becoming, too. Skiing is on the doubtful list, not because the gals don’t look simply magnificent in ski clothes and graceful as wheeling gulls when they do it well, but they are always running into trees or getting water on the knee or twisting their ankles, which makes them practically useless as dancing partners, and they hobble around looning woeful and I am too tender-hearted for that sort of thing. And they do get themselves into the most ridiculous positions when they fall. It is to be hoped that this is all clear. It’s my last warning on the matter.

immy Galloway writes from England of his recent experience in an air raid: “Things have been pretty quite todayonly one air raid alarm so farbut sometimes they come at night and drop delayed action bombs that don’t explode for twelve or more hours. Every once in a while one goes off and they sure do some damage. I have a little camera that I took some snaps with but we can’t get these kind of pictures developed right now. Maybe later. There really isn’t much news so I’ll tell you about my first big air raid- that is, the first one that I was in the middle of and believe me I was scared. A concert party from London offered to come to our camp to entertain the boys, so a truck had to go to Sutton and pick them up on account of poor train connections. Alf. Thompson went to look after things, Tommy Biggs went for the ride, and I was driving a big 4-wheel drive ammunition truck. We picked them up alright and started back for camp about fifteen miles away. It’s all the suburbs of London around there anyway, just like a long main street, and when we got close to Croydon we could see all the people standing around and looking up in the air and then start running for shelter. Biggs looked up and there they were, about 25 big silver bombers about the size of our Trans-Canada mail planes, if not bigger. We made a run for it but got stopped by police and had to pull in. There were six or seven women in the party and we had to find shelter for them. We got

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LOCAL AIRMAN KILLED January 30, 1942 Free Press Files

light Lieut. W. J. Dyson mention in the following article, was well known in Fernie, where a few years ago he worked for the Kootenay Telephone Lines. He played on the Fernie hockey team one season. “Aboard an R.C.A.F transport plane which crashed and exploded near MacGregor, Manitoba, late Monday night, Flight Lieutenant W. J. Dyson, of Calgary, was one of seven persons who met instant death. The names of the other six victims of the crash have not yet been released. A light snow was falling as the big plane, roaring eastward, hurtled down on the farm of Carl Anderson, three miles northwest of MacGregor. The wreckage was being examined today by Air Force officials. Flight Lieut. Dyson, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Dyson, 1616 Bowness road, was born in Winnipeg in 1906, and took his training in Eastern Canada. In February 1941, Flight Lieut. Dyson was injured in an airplane crash south of Ottawa. The flying student whom he was instructing was killed in the accident. Flight Lieut. Dyson was a member of the Masonic order, and was well known in the sports circles. He is survived by his wife, who lives in Victoria, his parents, three sisters and two brothers, of Calgary.

FERNIE MAN IN AT THE KILL April 13, 1945

Free Press Files

ttawa Ont. April 3 in a spectacular running fight with a damaged but still dangerous German submarine, the Canadian

frigate Annan sent the U-boat down for the last time, Angus L. MacDonald announced today. Only seven Canadians were wounded in the action, which took place on the north Atlantic. Many Nazi survivors were picked up including the captain and two other officers. The submarine was forced to the surface with depth charges. The Annan closed to within less than 3000 yards for the kill and blasted the U-boat with 54 rounds of four inch gun fire and 2880 rounds of oerlikon fire, topped off by final depth charges as the submarine fought back. Wm. Bigrigg E.R.A. of Fernie is one of the crew aboard the H.H. C.P. Annan.

FERNIE BOY KILLED IN ACTION March 9, 1945

Free Press Files

n last week’s Free Press we announced that Mrs. Helen Stefak had received word that her son, Pte. Peter Stefak was missing. A further telegram this week gave the sad news that he had been killed in action. Peter Stefak was a well known Fernie boy having spent all his life here. He has been over seas for about a year. The list of our lads who have given their lives for their country is steadily growing. Mrs. Stefak and family have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community.

FERNIE MEN HONORED May 28, 1946

Free Press Files

ttawa May 28th, a total of 564 officers and other ranks serving in the Canada Army overseas have been decorated in recognition of gallant and distinguished services with

awards in Mentions of Dispatches. The 1st approved by his majesty the King included: Letcher, John Calvin, Captain; 35; wife, Mrs. Beatrice Mary Letcher; Fernie, BC. A ello Emilio; Captain; 32; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Afello; Fernie, BC. The Canadian National Council on Physical Fitness has endorsed the principle of establishing community recreational and cultural centers as war memorials.

TWO FERNIE MEN HONORED March 29, 1945 Free Press Files

wo former Fernie boys have been honored with Distinguished Flying Crosses. They were awarded for completing various capacities, many successful operations against the enemy in which they displayed skill, fortitude and devotion to duty. They are Flight Lieutenant Allan Emmott, son of former Constable Emmott, of Fernie, and FO. W. L. Cox of Cranbrook who enlisted from Fernie.

A Fine Show December 20 1945 Free Press Files

n Saturday last about 1100 people, young and old, attended the puppet show and saw Santa Claus in Toyland at the Trites-Wood store. There were four shows: at 3,4,5 and 6 p.m. All performances were well attended, but the 4.00 o’clock show was the largest and about 500 witnessed the show; kiddies were sitting on the shelves and on the counters, any place, so that they could see. Mother Bear

opened the show and welcomed the guests and after a few words with the children she proceeded to do the dusting, then went into her act until she lay panting on the floor of the stage, then acting as master of ceremonies she introduced each act. Following her was the “Big Bad Wolf” who did a hit jive number to the music of the “Pennsylvania Polka”; he was given a big hand. Next was the lovely Xmas fairy and amid a beautiful winter scene did a ballet dance. So dainty was she when she danced that she looked human, and at all performances this little lady received the loudest applause. On the comedy side was “Buttercup”. After some discussion with the audience about going out on a spree, she did a dance. Oh, yes, Buttercup was a cow, and she could dance, she even jumped over the moon, and she could turn her feet in all directions; she was real fun. Mother Bear then closed the show wishing all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. Mr. and Mrs. Kensy Stewart and the staff of the Trites-Wood store are to be congratulated on such a fine show. This is the first time a puppet show has been demonstrated in Fernie. It is Mrs. Stewart who works the dolls, assisted by Mr. Stewart as prop man, and they can be very proud of the show and from the kiddies of Fernie, “Thanks a million”. Mrs Stewart is an expert at this work and with a company of three other ladies at Vancouver they handled between four and five hundred puppets.

Why This Food Rationing? October 4 1945 Opinion Letter Jack McCarthy. Free Press Files

utting it outspokenly, this food ration burns me up. Think of the thousands of men in Canada going down in the mines, working in lumber camps, on rail roads, in factories etc. with no meat for their sandwiches, no butter for their bread and no sugar for their coffee. In my opinion there’s something radically wrong when this thing is permitted to go on in a land of plenty, tons of meat in the packing plants and herds of cattle on the range. Sending food to other countries in need is the human thing to do, true enough. If Canada can spare it, I’d be willing to pack it, but as it is, too much like “robbing Peter to save Paul”. It is very sad when we consider our fighting men returning to Canada to face such things as food strikes, men out on strike because they haven’t sufficient food to put in their hard day’s work. I was speaking to two fellows in Fernie who had recently returned from overseas, one of whom had served close to two years in a prison camp. He told me that many was the morning he woke up with his mouth watering after dreaming after a nice juicy T-bone, a big pork chop or a sirloin roast of beef. He said that he was eager to get home so that he could sink his meat grinders into a big juicy T-bone, and instead he found nothing but pickled pig’s feet and bologna on the table, and tons of meat in the packing houses and cattle on the range. I was always told that charity should begin at home. I still think it should, but apparently there are those who think otherwise, maybe it is to their advantage. Then there’s the sugar problem. The sugar beet farmers in Alberta are or were receiving a bonus not to grow sugar beets, while sugar was being rationed almost to none per day. Why is this thing allowed to go on? You tell me and I’ll know. A large quantity of sugar was sent to Russia not so long ago. Did Russia have ration books? We all know that Russia did an excellent job in helping the

Allies to defeat the enemy. We also know that their country has progressed and is progressing rapidly. What I can’t understand is why the sudden change in Canada’s attitude toward Russia? In the days when the Russian people were dying like flies from hunger, nobody offered to help them in any way, shape or form, in fact one was criticized if a word of sympathy was spoken. Now that their living standard is satisfactory to the people of Russia, Canada send them sugar - maybe it’s to sweeten Stalin. Could be. I hope people who read this letter and who have read others I have written in this paper will not take me wrong. I am a Canadian-born in Canada, and I like Canada very much as a country, with her mines, timber, natural resources of all kinds she’s pretty hard to beat, but you know, I know, and we all know that there’s a whole lot of room for improvement. Like the poor returned man said when he came home after spending five years overseas, twenty-two months of them in a prison camp, and found bologna on the table instead of steaks, pork chops or roast. My dreams are getting better all the time. Thanking you for space. Sincerely, Jack McCarthy.

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Miss I. Dicken ends forty years of teaching Knox United to mark 50th anniversary June 3 1948

Free Press Files

iss Isabella Dicken was honoured at a testimonial dinner in the King Edward Hotel when some fifty of her colleagues paid tribute to her excellent teaching record during the past forty years in Fernie. Miss Dicken retired at the end of June. Mayor Tom Uphill, M.L.A., F.P. Levirs, Inspector of Schools, A.L. McPhee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fernie School District; W.S. Creamer, Fernie Representative of the District Council of the East Kootenay Teachers’ Association; Sydney

Crookes, Principal of Fernie Schools; Dr. Sparling East, school trustee; Alfred Simcoe, and William Quail of the Fernie teaching staff praised the youthful spirit, the great influence exerted on the pupils, the patience, the cheerfulness, the respect earned in the community and the high excellent standard of teaching performed by Miss Dicken. All wished her happiness, health and many long years of enjoyable rest to enjoy them. On behalf of the school board and the Fernie teachers, A. L. McPhee presented Miss Dicken with a purse of money. A bouquet

of roses together with a congratulatory message from the East Kootenay Teachers’ Association was presented by W. S. Creamer. Miss Dicken has set an enviable record in the teaching profession. Through the entire forty years of her teaching career, she has worked for the same school board in the same city and has taught beginners’ class throughout that whole period of time. The last thirty-five of the forty years were spent in the same classroom. During that period of time some 1400 children in Fernie commenced their education under her capable direction.

May 27 1948

Free Press Files

ifty years of continuous service in Fernie and District will be celebrated by Knox united people in the first two weeks of June. In February and March, 1898, representatives of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches came, ahead of steel, to commence the work of the church. A few months later, the first settled minister came. It is believed that Rev. Alexander Dunn was the first settled minister of any denomination, in Fernie. Since that time many

ministers and hundreds of Sunday School teachers and office bearers have played a worthy part in maintaining Christian life and work in the community. Names such as McVannell and Wilkes, long time Sunday School superintendents, and many others, will be recalled by the old timers. Their work will be gratefully remembered; and it is now being honoured by those who are carrying the torch. The men of the Official Board are in charge of the anniversary tea on Saturday, June 5. On Sunday, June 6, Rev.

Gordon McL. Borthroyd, of Trinity Church, Nelson at present chairman of Kootenay Presbytery, will preach and conduct communion at both services. He will exchange with Rev. H. T. Allen. On Sunday, June 13, the minister will preach. In the morning, new members will be received by transfer and on profession of faith. At the close of this service, a photograph of the congregation will be taken, as a historical record of the fiftieth anniversary. Families are asked to group together, as far as possible. Orders for photographs will be taken.

Fernie Memorial Hospital To Be Officially Opened November 11

Vogue theatre opened this week Free press carrier delivers the goods

November 10 1949

rom the partial ruin of the old Grand Theatre on Victoria Avenue a new modern movie theatre has been created-the Vogue. This attractivelyappointed theatre was opened to the public on Tuesday evening by the new owner, Joe Altomare, formely from Natal, who has spent a large sum of money on renovating the old property to provide additional entertainment for Fernie and district theatre go-ers. Latest sound equipement has been installed and the projection room is one of the finest in Western Canada. Some Criticism has been levelled against the proposed showing of the “Outlaw”. but many who have seen it have given it a clean bill of health.

Free Press Files

econd to none in modern convenience and equipment among the hospitals of Western Canada, Fernie Memorial Hospital, recently completed, will be officially opened by Mr. R.A. Penington, O.B.E., deputy provincial secretary, tomorrow (Remembrance Day) morning in a fitting ceremony, following the annual Remembrance Day service in the Vogue Theatre, this commencing at 10:30 o’clock. It is planned to hold the hospital opening at 11:10 a.m. The new equipment and furniture have cost over $40,000, and minor changes and additions to the original contract have run the construction cost up another $19,000, so the total cost will be approximately $290,000 - a large sum expended, but the result: A thoroughly modern, fireproof, spacious, wellbuilt hospital, fully equipped with those things most necessary to the recovery and comfort of the sick or injured. While it has been necessary to count the cost, the chief consideration throughout has not been the cost but rather the question: “Would this be beneficial to the patient?” If so, in-so-far as was possible, those supplies were purchased and such arrangements were made. The new hospital is built of

reinforced concrete. Metal and tile have been used throughout in the interior construction. The elevator and shaft, the door frames and all the furniture are metal, so that the building is as fireproof as possible. Acoustic tile has been used in the corridors to eliminate as much noise as possible, and signal lamps have been installed to avoid the clangor of bells when a patient calls for attention. The doors are so designed that patients can be transferred in their beds from any room in the building to any other. In contrast with the toneless uniformity of wall coloring found in most hospitals, the rooms and wards have been tastefully decorated in pleasing pastel colors. The furniture is bright and cheerful and every window has a delightful view of the beautiful mountains that encircle Fernie. The equipment of the operating room embodies the latest developments in that line, and an accurate description would require a separate article. Taken all round this forty-six bed hospital embodied all the comfort and conveniences of the larger hospitals. Fernie citizens may well be proud of it, and, no doubt, its many advantages will bring patients from other places. It stands as a splendid MEMORIAL to the men who gave their lives that others might live in peace and safety.

June 3 1948

May 22 1947

Free Press Files

Sentenced to hang logger reprieved February 9 1950 Free Press Files

rik V. Backstrom, a 52-year-old logger of the Cranbrook district, who was sentenced to hang following his trial at Cranbrook last August, received a reprieve and his sentence reduced to then years’ imprisonment. The murder charge was reduced to man slaughter by Chief justice Gordon Sloan. The Chief Justice told Backstrom in

sentencing him to the penitentiary term: “If it were not for errors made in the charge to the jury at your trial, you would not have escaped the gallows.” Backstrom was convicted of murder in the death of a fellow logger at the lumber camp during a quarrel, and originally sentenced to be hanged on January 27. Messrs. Mitchell & Chandler, Fernie barristers, conducted the defence for Backstrom.

tranded temporarily following flood conditions, nother daunted Ralph D’Andrea last Thursday when he realized he must get back to Fernie from Coleman, Alberta, to deliver his papers. Starting out from Coleman at 1:30a.m. he hitchhiked as far as Michel, and from Michel to Hosmer he walked the entire distance. From there he was able to catch a ride on a C.P.R. work train and arrived in Fernie around the middle of the day…. And his customers got their Free Press copies on time.

Uphill wants Police salaries upheld June 3 1949

Free Press Files

peaking in the Provincial Legislature on Monday, Tom Uphill, M.L.A. for Fernie, urged that if and when the province of British Columbia merges the provincial police force with the R.C.M.P., the present salaries paid to the police officers, remain the same He pointed out that R.C.M.P. salaries were lower than those paid by the province.

Mr. Uphill was high in his praise for the provincial force and thought the pension scheme which now permits an officer to pay in enough to carry his pension on to his widow should be continued in the new setup. He said he understood no such pension scheme was available at present in the R.C.M.P. organization. He again spoke for the old age pensioners demanding that the means test be abolished.

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Fernie Beer Wins Award at Paris, France August 13 1953 Free Press Files

nterior Breweries announced this week that Fernie beer was awarded the Cross of Honour at the recent exhibition and competition for bottled

beer in Paris, France. It was the first time the local brew was entered in the competition. This is the second year in succession that a product of Interior Breweries, who have plants at Fernie, Nelson, Cranbrook

and Trail, has won this outstanding award. Columbia Lager, produced at Nelson, won the Cross of Honour last year. The award, a diploma and medal, is expected to arrive in the near future.

Work to continue on Elko Bridge

Shot in chest hospitalized July 1 1954

Free Press Files

illiam “Bill” Laurie, CPR station agent, appears to have a good chance for complete recovery, after being found on the station premises

Tuesday afternoon with gunshot wounds in the chest. A .22 rifle was located close by and local RCMP have the case under investigation. Mr. Laurie was rushed to hospital and given several blood transfusions.

Rotary Club Fulfills Promise April 5 1956 Free Press Files

ernie Rotarians at their weekly luncheon held on Tuesday at the King Edward Hotel were able to complete an obligation taken on by the club four years ago. When the artificial ice arena was decided upon the Rotary Club promised to donate the sum of $6,000 towards the cost. Tuesday saw President James White hand over the fourth and final cheque

for $1,500 to Geo Turner, secretary of the Fernie Artificial Ice Finance Committee. The club has now fulfilled its obligation and completed the $6,000 payment. In a short address to the club members the President brought out the fact that at the end of December, $37,000 had been contributed to the artificial ice fund, mostly by citizens pledges. The president felt a wonderful job had been done by the citizens of Fernie

November 17 1961 Free Press Files

Work on the 484-fott bridge, above, connecting Highway 93 across the Elk River south of Elko, will continue for about another month. It is expected to be completed by September or October next year.

CHILDREN HAVEN’T ENOUGH TO DO Nov. 20. with activities, extra-curricula November 1955 Free Press Files

Fernie’s New Arena C

January 28 1960 Free Press Files

Fernie’s new Arena, above will be officially opened in ceremonies

hildren haven’t enough to do” is to be the topic at the Fernie P.T.A. meeting to be held in the school cafeteria at 8 p.m. on Tuesday,

Children haven’t enough to do is what is said on the one hand and on the other hand some parents are complaining about their children’s lives being crowded too much

TELEVISION LINE MAKING PROGRESS

September 1955 Free Press Files

starting at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Provincial government representatives and civic and sports officials from the

Kootenays and the Pass have been invited to a luncheon proceding the dedication and official opening of the structure.

eptember, 1955 Telephone engineers are racing time and weather across mountainous B.C. to path test the route of the westernmost section of the world’s longest microwave section before winter sets in. Comparable in significance to Canada’s first transcontinental railway or telephone line, the microwave

chain will provide television channels and additional long distance telephone circuits over a 2800mile route from Vancouver to Sydney, N.S. Engineers have completed path testing between the Crow’s Nest Pass and Morrissey Ridge, near Fernie; between the Fernie site and Moyies, and between Moyie and Thompson Mountain, near Creston, and are proceeding west.

FIGHT CARD FEATURES TELEVISION SHOW January 1958 Free Press Files

irst television programs for Fernie are slated for public viewing at the Legion Hall from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, when local dealers will have a variety of receiving sets on display. The showing is sponsored by Fernie Television Ltd. which this week completed the last details before TV signals could be obtained. Hookups of between

Fernie Rotary Weekly Meetings Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon at the

Park Place Lodge 742 Highway 3 • Fernie

and otherwise. It will be the object of the panel of speakers to enquire into the extent of underactivity or over-activity and its respective harmful effects, mental or physical.

25 and 30 homes are expected to be made before the weekend. A special feature of the television program on Friday will be the “live” telecasting of the light-heavyweight fight between Yvonne Durelle, Canadian champion, and Tony Anthony, contender for the world championship. The fight will take place in Madison Square Garden, New York, at about 8 p.m. Fernie time.

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Industry Expected To Benefit Area

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Give Up Telephones To Permit Broadcast 1963 Free Press Files

our Fernie district residents made possible the broadcast of the opening ceremonies of the new Fernie Ski Hill next Saturday. The four-Clarence Luke, Erwin Ewert, Buck Jones, and H. G. Roberts – will give the use of their telephones for an hour in order that CKEK (Cranbrook) may use the line to carry the broadcast to the Fernie telephone office and then to the station’s Cranbrook studios. The request granted by the four

subscribers was made necessary by the fact that they and the new chalet share a party line – the only one available. Llyod Hoole, CKEK station manager, said today he was extremely pleased by the co-operation extended by the four. “We feel the occasion is an important one, not only for Fernie but the entire East Kootenay, and we are happy that we will be able to take part in it.” The ceremonies and the broadcast begin at 2 p.m. Saturday and last approximately one hour.

Weatherman Kind To Eclipse Viewers 1963 Free Press Files

Fernie’s Olympic Committee stands in front of their new sign promoting BC’s newest Ski Resort

1962 Free Press Files

uch benefit should come from the publicity received during the Olympic campaign and in the near future we may see a development on our shi site that could mean a much-needed secondary industry in this area.” These were the prophetic words spoken by Telfer Dicks, chairmen of Fernie’s Olympic committee when it was learned in April 1961, that Fernie had failed in its bid for approval as the sire for the 1968 Olympic Games in the event Canada hosted the sports epic. In the twenty months that have elapsed since that time giant strides have been taken in efforts to provide exactly that, a secondary industry, with the result that on December 15 of this year, the Snow Valley Ski Hill, into which its backers have poured over $100,000 will be officially open. The campaign to have Snow Valley chosen as the Olympic site has captured public interest both in and out of Fernie such as no other local project in recent years has done and even though the committee of the

Fernie Chamber of Commerce had failed in its efforts to get the Olympics, interest in skiing as a secondary industry or community project remained high. Eric Mansbridge, a local merchant who was president of the Chamber at the time, dissolved his Olympic committee and immediately named the same personnel to a new committee designated to investigate possibilities of ski development. Acting on the committee were Telfer Dicks, garage owner; Jack Crabb, geologist, Don Bacon, electrical engineer and James Ryley, local government agent. A cash donation of over $1,000 was made by the Fernie Chamber to the Snow Valley Ski Club, a voluntary organization headed by Jack Crabb, for the purpose of making the sire useable during the winter of 1961-62. Facilities of the club had been moved to the Snoe Valley site to aid in the Olympic campaign. A proposal that the hill be developed on a co-operative basis was advanced by Dr. George Leroux who envisages such a venture as a community endeavor with profits, if any,

being used for the financing and supporting of other forms of recreation and sports, with an administrative board to conduct the business and advise on organization. A group of several leading citizens agrees to act on the proposed committee. At a public meeting called to discuss the proposal, those present were overwhelmingly of the opinion that a form of development under which funds would be raised by public subscription would be too slow to be worthwhile and the proposal was abandoned. About a month later Snow Valley Ski Development Ltd. Was officially launched as a private company following a meeting held on Nov. 25 in Fernie. The new company has as its president Telfer Dicks, while Don Bacon is vicepresident and James Ryley secretary-treasurer. Other directors are J.J. Crabb, Dr. G. Leroux, W.R. Prentice, M.J. Gordon, H.C. Nelson, F.C. Hislop, and J. C. Morriss. The undertaking was registered as a company under the Companies Act on November 20, 1961 with authorities to sell $125,000 worth of shares at a par value of $100 per share.

Congratulations to the Free Press on 115 years in the Elk Valley.

long with many thousands of other Canadians, Fernie residents by the score viewed with interest the eclipse of the sun, which was partially visible here shortly after noon last Saturday, July 20. Conditions for viewing the phenomenon from Fernie and district were ideal, with only a

few scattered clouds in the sky. First indications local observers had of the rare occurrence was a faint shadow which began to cover the sun at the upper right hand segment and slowly crossed from right to left, covering at its height, almost three quarters of the sun’s face. It was Canada’s first total eclipse since 1954 and astronomers do not expect another until 1972.

Every year, we recycle over 3500 dump truck loads of recyclables in the yellow bins alone. Please keep recyclables out of the garbage.

For recycling tips and more information, call 1-888-478-7335

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Ski Hill Opening Plans Completed 1963 Free Press Files

fter two postponements, Fernie’s new Snow Valley Ski Hill will officially open on Saturday, Jan. 19. Original dates, both changed because of weather, were Nov. 24 and Dec. 15. Activities will include a reception and luncheon in the Catholic Hall at 12 noon; a ribbon-cutting at the chalet at 2:30; free skiing for everyone all day; and a free dance for all in the chalet at night. Refreshments will be available in the newly licenced dining lounge, “The Loft”, and a smorgasbord is in the supper menu. Invited to the luncheon are government officials, mayors of the communities from Edmonton to Grand Forks and Revelstoke to Kalispell; officials of Chambers of Commerce and ski club presidents from a similar area; newspaper, TV and radio representatives; shareholders of Snow Valley Ski Development Ltd. and Fernie Chamber of Commerce members. The little woman is invited also, or course. The free skiing, ribboncutting and free dance are open to everyone. The 4,500-foot T-bar and 500foot rope tow will operate from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., or later

Snow Valley now known as Fernie Alpine Resort on Opening Day in January 1963

Snow Valley Boasts Low All-Round Rates 1962 Free Press Files

mong lift rates and ski instruction rates, Snow Valley Ski Development Ltd. has some of the lowest rates in the area. An entire family, regardless of size, may use both T-bar and rope tow all season for $55.00. This compares favourably with some resorts where up to $100.00 is charged and where lifts and runs are shorter. Other season rates are: Adults,

$35.00; students (including university students), $15.00. Daily rates: T-bar, adults $3.50; students $2.00; Rope tow, adults $1.00; students, 50c; Single ride on T-bar; adults or students 75c. Ski instruction rates are approximately 10 per cent less than the standard across Canada, says chief instructor Garth Enerson. He will be assisted by hill manager Barry Vaile, and other instructors as the need arises. Rates are; Group lessons, book of six lessons, $14.00; three

1702 9th Avenue * Hwy. 3 Fernie 250-423-5380

lessons, $7.50; single lesson $3.00; private lessons, $5.00 per first person; $2.50 for second person; and $10.00 for three persons. All group lessons are two hours and private lessons one hour. The same rates apply to adults. A number of Fernie-ites have expressed pleasure in the fact that they can rent ski equipment at Mr. Enerson’s pro shop at the ski hill. The shop is managed by Theo, Laumann, well know Fernie skier, and is open whenever there are skiers at the hill. Beginners say they will rent

skis, boots and poles to see if they like the sport, whereas they would hesitate to make a large capital outlay to buy equipment in case they decided they did not like skiing. Inquiries in this regard have also been made from out of town. At the shop, boots will be fitted to the skier, and ski harness fitted to the boots, to make for greater safety and better, more pleasant skiing. Mr. Enerson stresses that with the proper equipment and proper instruction, skiing today is not

the dangerous sport it was before advent of the safety harness and other safety equipment. All rental skis are equipped with safety harness. Besides rentals, the ski shop will also sell skis, boots, poles, ski clothing, goggles, wax and other needs. Repairs to broken equipment are made on the spot. Skis, boots and poles may be rented for as little as $4.00 per day, and individual pieces of equipment are correspondingly less.

McDonald’s would like to congratulate The Free Press on 115 years of covering community events!

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15 MINERS DIE in mining explosion

Mass Funeral Friday for Natal Victims Other Rites Separate April 6 1967 Free Press Files

oint funerals will be held on Friday in Natal for the seven NatalMichel-Sparwood miners who died in Monday’s Balmer North Mine blasts Funerals of the five Fernie men and three from Coleman are arranged to take place separately. Services with ministers representing the several churches involved, will be held at St. Michael’s Church and the seven coffins will be carried to their graves at Natal Cemetery. Here are the seven victims : Guy Venzi, 58 was working overtime when he was killed. The Italian native came to Canada in 1912 and lived in Natal area since, except for his service in the Canadian Army. He was discharged a sergeant. A member of the Royal Canadian Legion Michel Branch, He was a member of the RAOB, a keen outdoorsman and a curler. He leaves his wife, Agnus, a brother Fred, and a sister Mrs. Sarah Borsato. He supported the United Church. With Venzi, also working overtime was Delfie Quarrin 37 of Natal, whose wife is a niece of Archie Wotjula, one of the other dead. He had two children, Ricky 10, and Carolyn 6. August (Archie) Wotjula 44, was born in Hillcrest, but spent 20 years in Natal area. Member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, he was a former Kinsmen president and Rod and Gun member. Son

of miner killed in Hillcrest in 1930, he is survived by his wife, Olga sons Bill 17, Ricky 4 and daughter Lori, 13. He also had a brother Emil Joe, and three sisters, Mrs Frank Lipovski of Natal, Mrs Caroline Petrie, widow of miner killed at Hillcrest in 1939 and Mrs. Pauline Groeing of Coleman. WIlliam Cytko was born in Poland 41 years ago, in Canda since 1930. He lived first in Coleman, moving to Michel in 1950 and to Sparwood four years ago. He leaves his mother , Mrs Doris Wolsuk of Vancouver, wife Lucy and five children, Mrs Sharon Fraser of Natal, Mary Anne , 17 William Jr. 16, Joanne 14 and John 13. He supported the Greek Orthodox Church. Sam Tolley, veteran miner, a former trapper and hunter was born in Fernie 53 years ago. A United Church member, he spent 27 years in Natal area and survived by his wife, Susan, three daughters Mrs. Shirley Barclay of Pincher Creek, Mrs. Marjorie Halko Jr. of Natal and Wendy 9, plus several brothers and sisters. Eugene Lucky, Natal band leader, married only a few years was 27 a member of the Knights of Columbus, of St. Michael’s Church. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn and a son, three months old. Details about veteran minor Tony Cepelianskes, who was just a year short of retirement age could not be obtained at press time. He was 64 and lived with his wife at Natal.

Explosion Date Near Anniversary of Creek Disaster April 6 1967 Free Press Files

ondays disastrous explosion at Balmer Mine in Natal fell almost on the 50th Anniversary of the 1917 Explosion at Coal Creek when

Irv Mitchell not going back to work

Blast Probe Starts 10 Men Injured Pass Towns Mourn April 6 1967 Free Press Files

epartment of Mines investigators are in their third day of trying to piece together the reasons for the explosion which Monday at about 4 p.m. ripped through the Michel Colliery’s Balmer North Mine, killing 15 men and injuring 10 others. Within half an hour of the blast which sent a dense cloud of black smoke, dust and heat from the twin portals of the mine entrance, 12 men where known to have died instantly. The cloud shot across the valley for a quarter mile. The 13th miner, Walker Parker, 27 of Fernie died some hours later in Michel Hospital. Missing until 6:30 a.m. Tuesday were Fuy Venzi 58, of Sparwood and Delfie Quarrin, 37, of Natal. Their scorched bodies, covered in mud and coal were brought from the mine just after dawn broke on the weary mine rescue teams and volunteers who had worked

Injured were Larry Savilo Robert Brown Gerry Clark Earl Price Art Parsons Herb Parsons Bill Corrigan Robert Clegg Pete Rotella Irv Mitchell

Lucky Miner Escapes April 6 1967 Free Press Files

through the night in the futile rescue attempt. Killed were Ronald Freng, 31, Walter Gibalski, 53, Willie De Lorme 19 Guildo Venzi 58 August (Archie) Wotjula 42 William Cytko, 41 Sam Tolley, 53 Delfir Quarrin 37 Anthony Cepelianskes, 64 Eugene Lucky, 27 Eric Lutzke, 38 Mike Bryan, 64 John Brenner, 46 Walter Parker, 27 Hugh Hopley, 24

34 men were killed in No. 3 mine. Date of that catastrophe was April 6 1917 and the time was 10:20 p.m. It was the second in the Mine which was affected by the 1902 explosion which killed 128 miners.

miner who d o e s n ’ t know why he is alive left Fernie Memorial Hospital on Tuesday. Pete Rotella, 37, of Fenrie was blown away about 60 feet from the entrance to Balmer North Mine Monday afternoon in the blast which killed 15 of his companions. With parts of the Snowshed flying around him, his body turning over and over in the tremendous blast, the miner was tossed over the embankment and was brought up short about 150 feet down the steep mountainside by some low bushes. I was just at the mine entrance and I had just adjusted my miner’s lamp when the blast hit me, said Rotella as

he limped around on crutches at Fernie Memorial Hospital Tuesday morning. The only injury he received in his 150 foot flight through the air was a bruised ankle. “ I think I hurt it on a stone,”he said. Next thing he remembered after the blast was walking into Fred Sowchuk’s garage about 200 yards away from the pithead. Mr. Rotella was hopping on one leg around the hospital from early Tuesday morning, chatting with his colleagues who were more seriously injured and who were in beds in adjoining rooms at the hospital. He wasn’t sure of his reaction to his miraculous escape when he was at the hospital.

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on 115 Years of serving the community!

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Sparwood Shopping Centre Starting Part of Complex May Open in June

The Greenwood Shopping Centre concept in 1971 a year before completion

February 19th 1971 Free Press Files

awson Developments Limited has announced the commencement of construction of the Greenwood Shopping Centre at Sparwood. Lenrice Engineering Ltd. Has been awarded the general contract and construction will begin about February 25th. Total com-

pletion anticipated in approximately six months. The Mall type shopping centre, designed by Western Design LTD. Is valued in excess of one million dollars. It will cover an area of 62155 sq. ft. with a net lease area of 51,028 sq. ft. The 24 ft walls, with sky domes hanging over top, will take up about 11,000 sq. ft. The shopping centre is to be of brick construction and will be

completely noncombustible. The centre will contain 18 retail outlets. Letters of commitment have been received for about 80 percent of the shopping centre and the lease agreement is expected to be ready for the first of March. Going into the shopping centre is an Overwaitea Store, the Royal Bank, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a barber and beauty salon (Victor Gorda of Calgary), a drugstore

(Robert Steed of Lethbridge), a laundromat and dry cleaning outfit, a convenience goods store, a restaurant, a theatre, a liquor store and a bakery. Construction is to begin on the north end of the shopping centre which contains the Overwaitea store and there is a possibility of this north end opening in June.

Fernie Man Invents Car-Aid Gadget Read all about it! March 31 1971 Free Press Files

Herb Henderson holding his already manufactured “Engine Guard”

Fernie man hopes to put into production on a large scale an invention which he recently patented in the U.S. and Canada and upon which he has been working on for several years. Herb Henderson of Elkview, an employee of Kaiser Resources, already has manufactured small quantities of his “Engine Guard.” A simple device which can be attached to a car or truck to guard against damage caused by low oil pressure or high temperature. Mr. Henderson, who hopes to see the protective gadget in wide use, is the sole inventor and owner of the patents.

“Work started on this project in 1957,” said Mr Henderson “and was perfected to its present status in 1968.” He said it “will be made in Fernie” although so far the factory is restricted to the basement of his house. Noting that it could cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000 to replace the engine of a car or truck, Mr. Henderson said his protective “Engine Guard” can be installed for less than $30. He described it as a “Mechanical-electrical device” which is wired so that when it senses adverse engine conditions it buzzes. Pointing out that the common visual warnings now used can be overlooked, he stressed that his alarm occurs sooner, before any engine damage can be caused.

Pat Kelly (now Pat Evins) delivering The Free Press in 1972. Delivering the paper was nine-year-old Pat’s first job. In the late 1980s, Pat was delivering the paper again when she took a job in circulation at The Free Press. Following that she worked as a reporter and sports photographer.

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Coal Miner Days held ‘exceptionally good’ July 2 1975 Free Press Files

right sunshine saved the 1975 Coal Miner Days celebration from what appeared to be the road to disaster. The free sausage and pancake breakfast served Saturday morning by the

Lions club, under the sponsorship of the Greenwood Mall Merchants Association, saw more than 900 people sit down to the tasty morsels in the Recreation complex. A Lions Club spokesman said 95 pounds of sausage was consumed, 35 pounds of bacon, 84 pounds of

pancake flour, 700 cups of coffee, 500 glasses of orange juice, and 28 pounds of butter. Sales of beer in the cabaret and in the beer garden are not yet complete, but more than 1,000 cases of beer were on hand, and more than $2,000 was spent on hard liquor purchases.

which broke out at 1.10 a.m. refused comment on any phase of the fire. Guests were roused from their sleep, and some spent a miserably cold night sleeping in cars outside the building which recently underwent extensive renovation. Anne Smith, who was working behind the bar in the beer parlour when the fire

broke out, said the place was packed, but when the alarm was sounded there was absolutely no panic, and the guests left without creating any problems. A few minutes before the fire was spotted by Isakson, Jessica Davis, of Portland, Ore. had just completed her strip tease performance to a full house

due to be opened in mid-November is being built by local businessmen through a company known as Baccarat Holdings, Ltd. As soon as the mayor had finished chopping down the tree in 16 quick strokes, a giant cat, operated

by Charlie Siep, went into action just off Red Cedar Drive, and by nightfall a big section of the hotel site was cleared. Burning began early Thursday and construction supervisor Nestor Zemlak, said building would go ahead at a rapid pace.

Dining room damaged July 30 1975 Free Press Files

F The new council Mayor Keys, Mrs Barbara Taplin, Karl Maartman, Tonu Eeglon and George Moxham seen above cutting the cake

August 4th 1971 Free Press Files

he four men and one woman who are charged with directing the affairs of Elkford. BC’s newest municipality, were sworn in Monday night by Judge Hugh Swayze of Fernie in a simple ceremony in the community hall. In its first action as new council, the group elected Horace Keys as Elkford’s first Mayor and it was to him that Ian Dodds, executive assistant to Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Campbell, presented the letters patent. Mr. Dodds followed this up by presenting a gravel and mallet from the minister to Mr. Keys. The engraving on the gift was a little premature. It stated the inaugural meeting

was held on July 16th instead of the actual august 2. There was little business other than formalities. Mrs Grace Malnarich was named acting clerk and acting treasurer. Jack Fentzko of Fernie was named auditor and the Royal Bank Branch in Sparwood was selected as the bank. Next meeting was set for Aug. 10 in Elkford information office. Mayor Keys advised councilor George Moxham to see what he could do to come up with better accommodation for future meetings, but there is so far no plan for a community centre. Stan Wilson, Chairman of the RDEK and MLA Leo Nimsick were among the guests for the meeting. Both men, who were accompanied by their wives, extended congratulations to

the new municipality. Mr. Wilson described some of the services available from the RDEK, advising that small communities cannot hire on their own such people as building inspectors, assessors and planners. The RDEK has men available for municipalities. Judge Swayze also said a few words as did several other guests. Mr. Dodds speaking on behalf of Mr. Campbell, advised the new council that not only the provincial government but also branches of the federal government are available to advise and assist municipalities. The new council is composed of Mayor Keys, Mrs Barbara Taplin, Karl Maartman, Tonu Eeglon and George Moxham.

Minor hockey has tough time in Sparwood - with no ice yet January 24 1973 Free Press Files

inor hockey does exist in Sparwood. It is, unfortunately, at a standstill this year due to the unfinished recreation complex.

Many of the Sparwood boys are keeping in shape and enjoying the sport this year in Fernie as they wait for ice to become available at home. This week is Minor Hockey Week in Canada. Surely our Sparwood boys, their asso-

ciation, auxiliary and parents deserve the best of recognition at this time. They are a hard working hard playing bunch and a credit to our community. The best to them in the coming year!

ire of unknown origin swept through the owner’s suite of the Michel Hotel early Wednesday morning causing undisclosed damage to rooms and to the dining room below. Owner Paul Isakson, who was on the scene at the time of the blaze,

A Change in the Skyline May 21 1975 Free Press Files

onstruction of the new Black Nugget Motor Inn in Sparwood began Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. with Mayor Reg Taylor cutting the first tree. The million dollar structure,

Elkford Phase Five cost delay July 30 1975 Free Press Files

ots in Elkford’s Phase Five housing development went “on the block” on Monday morning, but none could be sold. Sunday afternoon, would-be purchasers settled down in front of the village hall to await the opening of the office on Monday morning at 9 a.m. When village clerk Harold Gyte and his staff opened the doors, they had to tell the crowd no lots could be sold that day as the price list had not arrived from the independent assessor in Vancouver, nor from

Victoria. Instead of selling the lots on the spot, as had been hoped for, Gyte gave them options to purchase on the property they had selected in the subdivision that overlooks the town. First on hand on Sunday at approximately 3 p.m. were Ted and Sandy Tull, and before morning, they were joined by Margaret Dunkley, Gordon Tench, Mike Murray, Larry Farmer, George Murguly, Patrick Paterson, Tom Ramsay, Jack Burden, Tom Paterson and Ashley Fisher. Development work of the subdivision, however, continues to go on.

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Victor Bossio Jr. elected Rod and Gun president

Victor Bossio Jr. is the new president of Fernie Rod and Gun Club

January 18 1978 Free Press Files

ictor Bossio Jr. is the new president of Fernie Rod and Gun Club , having been elected to that post at the club’s annual meeting, held in the Motor Inn recently. He succeeds Jack Littler, who held the presidency for the past two years. Vice-president is Bob Cutts, while Jack Littler takes over the post of secretary. Treasurer is Mario Rocco. Directors for the coming year are Glen Uphill, Gen McDonald, Martin Baher, Gordon Anderson, Steve Filek, Don Jakubiec and Alex Grdzuk. The club has been informed that it is likely that its proposal to limit fishing in the lower reaches of Coal Creek to children and the old age pensioners may be included in regulations for the 1978-79 season. Another project appears to be progressing also,

and that is planning for a nature trail in the vicinity of Mount Fernie Park. The local club has been in contact with officials of the parks Branch and has offered to do the leg work necessary with the Branch supplying the professional expertise. It is hoped work on this may start in 1978. The trail will be designed to provide an educational experience to students. The Fernie club joined with that of Sparwood and other outdoor parties to form what is termed as an “access committee” which was given the job of defining which bush roads it wants closed to vehicles. This action stemmed from a meeting in Fernie last year at which general opinion seemed to be that exploration and other roads should be permanently closed after serving their initial purpose so that game would be given a better chance against hunters. The region was “divided” into 10 zones, each of which was examined for possible road closures. The committee then made recommendations. It is hoped that a full and complete discussion on the matter will take place at a public meeting. Invitations will be sent to all outdoor recreation organizations, and principal resources users in the Elk Valley , once a time and place for a meeting may be arranged. At a meeting held May 5 in Fernie, the Elk Valley Outdoor Recreation Committee was formed.

A plot to raise pot August 1 1979 Free Press Files

here are strange things being done in beautiful downtown Fernie as it enters its joyous Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Take a walk down Second Avenue, once known as Victoria Avenue. Queen Victoria, of blessed memory, after whom the avenue was named more than 75 years ago would have shuddered. The avenue is decorated to fit the Jubilee theme. Passersby admire

the coal carts with their dainty and colorful floral arrangements. There are those who pass by and there are those who stay to watch one particular cart. They love this floral coal cart and treat it with tender loving care. Sprinkler in hand, they nurse the plants so lovingly,you would think they were true garden lovers. Yea, verily, that cart is treated with tender loving for growing in it is growing cannabis satina! In other words, a marijuana plant! Then came the police.

Sisters to meet again August 1 1979 Free Press Files

ona Henderson Lives in Manchester, England and just recently she got the Christmas present of her life, a return airline ticket from her home to Cranbrook, some 60 miles from

Fernie, where her sister, Irene Guest resides. The ticket was a present from her niece, Alva Hutchinson of Fernie and her nephew, Dale Guest of Whitecourt, Alberta, and will enable the sisters to spend the festive season together. Mrs Henderson came to

Canada for the first time in 1977, but prior to that had not seen her sister, Irene Guest for over 20 years. She is scheduled to arrive at Cranbrook airport on Dec. 21, where she will be met and driven to Fernie just in time for Christmas.

BC coal wins Chinese Contract Feb. 12 1982 Free Press Files

C Coal Ltd. announced late Tuesday the signing of a 10-year sales agreement with China Steel Corporation of Taiwan to supply a total of 2.8 million tonnes of metallurgical coal from its new Greenhills mine. Total value of the contract in 1981 dollars amounts to approximately $240-million. This is the first contract to be signed since a new marketing group - BC Coal International LTD. - was formed in late December. It is also the first long-term sales contract the

company has signed with China Steel. (B.C. Coal is owned by British Columbia Resources Investment Corporation, which holds 67 percent share, and ten Japanese companies which own the balance.) The agreement runs from April 1982 through March 1992 and call for initial shipments totalling 150,000 tonnes to be supplied during 1982 from the company’s existing Balmer operations in southeastern B.C. During 1983, a total of 300,000 tonnes will be supplied - one third from BC Coal’s Balmer mine and two thirds from

the new Greenhills mine. Thereafter, annual shipments totalling 300,000 tonnes will be supplied exclusively from the Greenhills mine. Greenhills is scheduled to begin production mid 1983 and when fully operational in 1984 will produce 1.8 million tonnes of metallurgical coal, additional quantities of thermal coal and employ 650 people. In September 1981, pohang I ron and Steel Company Limited of Korea - a joint venture partner in the project - signed a 20 year sales contract for the annual supply of 500,000 tonnes of Greenhills coal.

Line Creek Ships Coal Feb. 19 1982 Free Press Files

t noon on Wednesday, a spanking new 108 unit coal train branched of CP Rail’s haulage line and pulled up under the spanking new Crow’s Nest Resources loading facility. Neither the unit train, nor the load-out would ever be the same. It was an historic, and also thoughtful moment as the train inched its way along the long siding. The Procor-leased coal cars were shining new, with the CNR’s (Not Canadian National Railways) crest painted in green against a black background, and the inside of the 100-ton capacity cas were ad white and clean as a surgical theatre. That, you can be assured of, didn’t last long. From the control room beside

the load-out sprout, operators pushed buttons, which had never been pushed in earnest before, watched dials and “things” on a video machine and tried to keep their curious fellow workers away from the windows and back from the electronic gadgets. Shortly after 1 p.m. the middle of the train robot cars, passed under the spout at a speed slower than the Dead March in Saul and the lead engine of the long train inched its way across the access road to the load-out, forcing those inside the “corral” to take the old road, long used by sportsmen to reach such spots as Cigarette Flats up Line Creek. “Everything is going good,” said one of the load out operators. “It’s working like a charm.” The thermal coal being loaded was destined for the Ssangyong

Summer and winter youth archery programs Yearly 3-D Archery Shoots: June 3-D archery fun shoot / August "Elk Valley Extreme" 3-D shoot Info: president@ferniergc.com www.ferniergc.com

Corporation in South Korea, which is the parent company to one of the world’s largest cement manufacturers. But before heading down to tidewater at Roberts Bank to begin its long trans-Pacific voyage, certain ceremonial observances had to be handled with all the decorum a coal train could put to such an occasion as a “first”

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Socher Skiing on BC Team January 11 1984 Free Press Files

local Elk Valley ski racer is now skiing with the B.C. team. Ralf Socher of Fernie is now skiing with the B.C. Provincial team and is doing quite well. At the end of December Ralf placed second in the junior cat-

egory at a race held in Rossland. Juniors consist of 17 years old and under and in the overall standings he placed 7th. Presently Ralf and his other team members are training in Vernon for their next big race, which will be the B.C. Cup. This race will be held in Quesnel and is considered the qualifying race for the

Fleischman Cup series of races. The Fleischmann Cup offers divisional and provincial teams an opportunity to measure their competitive abilities with their racing peers across the country. Though most racers will still be in the junior category, racers at this level are becoming more competitive as their racing skill and technique improves.

South Country pioneer Ella Beaudry passes March 7 1984 Free Press Files

pioneer of the South Country, Ella May Beaudry died February 26 in Fernie District hospital at the age of 94 years after a short illness. Ella May Beaudry was born in Medicine Hat, N.W.T. on August 1, 1889. She moved with her family in 1900 to the South Country where her father, Fred Roo, established a general store and post office. Other stores were built in Flagstone and Elko under the name of “Roosville Cash Stores.” With the death of Fred in 1920, May took over

the operation of the Elko store. The Elko store was destroyed by fire in 1920, was rebuilt, and survived the devastating fire of 1931 which burned out much of the once-busy town of Elko. May married Wilfred Beaudry in 1934 and continued to run the Elko store until the early 1950’s when another fire destroyed the store and the adjoining gas station. Losing her husband in 1967, May operated a small tourist court until the early 1970’s when she retired. Her final years were spent at the home of her sister-in-law, Mary Roo, and at the Tom Uphill Memorial Home in Fernie.

Ripley can believe this one out all competitors in the Hosmer elections last fall. Charges that the vote was affected by some machinations of Fernie Rotary Club have been vehemently denied by that organization. A Toronto news station telephoned to find out just where Hosmer is, Hosmer Mayor Granville the Dog makes it big on Ripley’s Believe it or Not for getting elected as Mayor of Hosmer since its staff had purFebruary 22 1985 become the patsued dozens Free Press Files tern there. This of maps in a vain time a former attempt to find the o s m e r Hosmer Mayor town with a dog for has done has made it into a mayor. it again, Ripley’s Believe Granville Burk is gaining fame it or Not. The exa beagle and, at the for unusual and mayor of course is Hosmer election in humorous goings Darcy Burke’s dog October, received on which have Granville, who beat 65,008 votes.

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Snow Valley Plans Major Expansion February 8 1985 Free Press Files

irectors of Snow Valley Ski Ltd. Have decided to go ahead with construction of a second chair lift, one which they say will be one of the biggest in Canada and which will handle upward of 1,800 skiers per hour. The “Boomerang Chairlift” is to be built during the summer of 1985. This will be a modern triple chairlift with ultimate capacity of 1,700 or 1,800 persons per hour. The bottom tension station will be approximately 300 ft. vertical below Cedar Trail at the foot of Boomerang Ridge. The top drive station will be on the Bear Ridge at the top of the North Ridge. The new lift will be shorter than the Griz Lift but it will have much more vertical with 1,600 ft. rise making it one of the biggest chairlifts in Canada. Extensions of existing runs and new clearing will provide five

new runs in the area between Holohike and the Cedar Bowl. With the loading area of the lift approximately 200ft. higher than the day lodge and a north easterly aspect of most of the new runs, deeper and drier can be skied on this part of the mountain more so than we have on the Elk and Lizard runs used most frequently to date. The Boomerang Chair will open up a new ski terrain which, at present time, cannot be skied or requires skiing out on long slow trails. It will provide a quick return to the top with a nine minute ride time. It is anticipated that the Boomerang Chair will eliminate lineups on the Griz Chair and the bear lift for years to come. The way the lift is located with its top and bottom and bottom stations. It will invite skiers to make alternate use of both chair lifts and the Bear T-Bar, providing extensive variety in the skiing circuit at a new and much larger Fernie Snow Valley.

Carrier of the Week

February 8 1985 Free Press Files

illy Wilson, “Wee Willy” has been a Free Press deliverer for some six months and says the money comes in handy. Belly delivers papers in the Annex, on Seventh and Eighth street in Fernie. In Grade Nine now, Billy is one of six boys in the Wilson family. Bill also has three sisters. The large family resides on Fourth Avenue. The 14 year old Billy is an active type who likes riding motorbikes, fishing, golfing and running in the summer months. In the winter, his interests turn to hockey and skiing.

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Nostalgia marks end of mining era March 5 1986 Free Press Files

t was an end to an era in the coal mining industry and an end to a way of life for many men as the last underground crew came out into the brilliant sunshine Thursday afternoon to mark the end of underground mining in this area. The final dayshift came out of Balmer North underground mine at about 2:30 Thursday afternoon. It was the last major underground mine in B.C. and the closure brings to an end nearly 90 years of underground mining in the Elk Valley and Crows Nest Pass. Only one commercial underground coal mine remains in B.C. - Wolf Mountain mine near Nanaimo, which produces about 50,000 tonnes annually, much less than the average year of 250,000 tonnes taken from Balmer North. The closure of Balmer North was foreshadowed early in 1985 and formally announced last October. Reserves from the mine

have been exhausted. It is no longer economic to pursue the seam from Balmer North. Westar Mining has at least 40 years of high quality coal available above ground at the Harmer and Greenhills mines. When the last crew came out of the mine Thursday a small crowd was on hand to view the historic occasion. Chris Humble, Director of Resources and Public Affairs, at Westar presented the final crew with belt buckles to commemorate the event. Humble then told them that they have now “reached the end of an era and without men such as these, Westar would not be able to compete on the world market today.” Crows Nest Industries, which became Kaiser Resources, B.C. Coal and finally Westar Mining, began the rock work on the Balmer North mine in 1965 and the first coal was produced in 1966. The mine tapped the rich N. 10 seam of high grade metallurgical coal.

Tragedy struck the mine in 1967 when an explosion claimed the lives of 15 miners. Since then, particularly in its last 14 years of production, Balmer North has had an exceptional safety record of any mine ever in the valley with an accident frequency of 3.1 based on 200,000 man hours worked. As it closes, the mine is at a depth of 500 feet and in a distance of 2,500 feet. A total of over four million tonnes of coal have been extracted. Its best year was 1973 when it produced a total of 323,174 tonnes. The mine has been operating on three shifts Monday to Friday. In its height of operation in the early 1980s over 320 men worked underground. The last six months the underground crew has been at its lowest ever employing only 33 men under ground. These men will be placed in other areas of the mine. Sam Atkinson, underground mine manager, said that the change to surface mining will be a

dramatic change for the miners. Underground mining has become a way of life and some of the miners can trace underground mining back to their grandfathers in the early 1900s. Mr. Atkinson said that when you work underground you work in very small groups and these groups come to depend on each other and form a special bond, they become very close knit. They become almost like a family and the closing of Balmer North is akin to breaking up that family. To mark the closing of the mine, Westar treated the media to a reception at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. On hand for the reception were Lawrence Riffel, General Manager of Balmer Operations, Chris Humble, Director of Resources and Public Affairs, and Sam Atkinson, Underground Mine Manager at Balmer. Also on hand were several retired underground miners: Arnold Webster, who joined the Crows Nest Pass Coal

Company in 1937 and retired in 1983, William Davey, worked underground from 1951 to 1983, James “Jazz” Anderson who worked underground from 1941 to 1982, and Louis Zuffa who joined the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company in 1937 and retired in 1984. These distinguished guests along with members of the media were treated to an audio visual presentation showing what the mines were like in the early years of production. The presentation was made by Patrick McCloskey and narrated by W.O. Mitchell. After the slide show the guests were given a tour of the centre by Albert Goodwin who was an underground miner from 1924 to 1962. From the interpretative centre the entourage went to the portal at Balmer North and greeted the crew as they brought out the continuous miner for the final time.

Fernie to Get $426,500 Expo Legacy Funding July 23 1986 Free Press Files

MLA Terry Segarty (left) announces funding to assist with upgrading recreation facilities in Fernie preparatory to the city’s hosting the 1987 B.C. Winter Games. Pleased with the announcement are Mayor Tiny Shatosky, Alderman Frank Lento (centre right) and Games Director George Majic (right).

group of 1987 Winter Games directors and staff who gathered in the City of Fernie council chambers Friday afternoon applauded MLA Terry Segarty’s announcement that the city would receive funds for upgrading some of its facilities. On behalf of the Expo Legacy Committee of Cabinet, Mr. Segarty announced that the city would receive $426,500 in funding to help upgrade the arena, curling club and community centre. Included in the work planned are an improved ice-making system. The system in use at present cannot provide adequate ice conditions for

Mirror Images comes second October 8 1986 Free Press Files

ast Kootenay Hair Dressing Association had their annual

show in Cranbook on Sunday Oct. 5. Kim Servatkewich from Mirror Images Hair Studio placed 2nd in Visual Hair cutting and Susan Caldwell

came in second in student apprentice hair cutting competition. Hair dressers from East and West Kootenays attended

the curling rink and the arena at the same time. Other improvements being considered are the upgrading of change rooms and washrooms, the addition of four dressing rooms and the addition of a club room at the arena for use of all groups. Mr. Segarty said “these recreational improvements will benefit many residents and tourists in the Elk Valley, including the communities of Elkford and Sparwood. Recreational opportunities are an important factor in developing tourism, and the Elk Valley as a whole stands to benefit from economic activity as a result of increased tourism created by Expo 86” The City of Fernie officially applied for the funding June 18 and Mr. Segarty announced the figure improvement

on July 18. Noting this Mr. Segarty said that the city’s application for funding was detailed and explicit and was therefore, capable of being processed quickly. In expressing his appreciation for assistance with funding, Mayor Tiny Shatosky particularly thanked Mr. Sagarty. “You really went to the bat for us”. The Expo Legacy grant funds one third of the amount applied for. Mayor Shatosky said “ Any amount that is needed over and above the $426,500, we can raise.” It is anticipated that work on the project will commence soon. Mayor Shatosky noted that there is some urgency since Winter Games are just seven months away

Baynes Lake receives money October 8 1986 Free Press Files

he Honorable Terry Segarty MLA for Kootenay East, Last week announced the approval of Lottery Fund Grant of up to $21,000 to the Baynes Lake

Volunteer Fire Department to assist with the extension of the Fire Hall. In making the announcement, Mr Segarty congratulated chairman Grenny Uphill and Jean Grey and the group on the behalf of the Government of British Columbia.

“This grant means we will be able to build an office, washrooms, a drying room, poor concrete and finish the garage,” said Mr. Uphill. “We are also planning to use our Fire Hall building for a number of community wide functions.

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Griz days format changed for 1990 September 20 1989 Free Press Files

ernie griz Days 1990 will be a four day event, changed from a two-weekend event, Chamber of Commerce president Bryon Verhaeghe told a lunch crowd last week. Verhaeghe also announced the

appointment of Evelyn Cutts to a paid position to organize the festivities. He estimated that six months will be needed to plan the event. Griz Days will run February 9,10,11 and 12 Last years celebrations was so successful, Griz Days was able to donate $3,000 to the chamber’s building fund.

Elko residents angered by loss of post office November 4 1990 Free Press Files

n Aug.. 1, 1899, the Elko post office was opened. This January, after 91 years of service, it will be one of the many rural post offices in Canada that will be shutting down for good. The closing is a result of Canada Post’s retail postal office program. According to Doug McLelland, from public relations of Canada Post, corporate rural post office outlets, on average are operating at a loss five times higher than their revenues.

To save money, all rural post offices across Canada are being closed so more economical service outlets can be found. The retail side of the post office, selling stamps, sending packages and providing courier service, are taken over by merchants. McLelland said that the retail outlet will offer all the same postal products that were offered by the corporate post office outlet He also added that retail outlet will be incorporated in a store so it should be open longer then the Elko post office

Guide Guilty of Helicopter Hunting September 8 1991 Free Press Files

Team Canada beats West Germany three to two in a pre- Olympic exhibition game for the 88 Winter Olympics in Calgary

November 28 1986 Free Press Files

t was standing room only Wednesday night at the Fernie Memorial Arena as the Canadian Olympic Team downed the West German Nationals three to two. Prior to the game Dr. Sparling East was inducted into “Club 88” The Induction into “Club 88” makes Dr. East an honorary member of team Canada. Hockey Canada has been looking for members of communities throughout Canada who have made outstanding contributions to hockey in their communities and are making them members of “Club 88”. Coach of Team Canada, Dave King, presented Dr. East with a sweater on behalf of Hockey Canada. Then it was time for the game and the packed house was treated fast action 60 minutes. The Canadians dominated throughout the game but stellar play of West Germany goalie, Helmut DeRaaf kept it close. The West Germans opened the scoring late in the first period. With Larry Trade in the box for cross checking Peter Draisaitl slammed in the rebound of Peter Horst Kretschmer shot, past Sean burke in the Team Canada net. Cliff Ronning tied the game early in the second on a funny goal. He went in on a two on one on DeRaaf, DeRaaf made the save and the puck bounce high behind the net, Ronning

picked up the rebound from behind the net and banked it off Deraaf’s leg and into the net. Benoit Doucet put Canada in the lead as he picked up a rebound off of Trent Yawney shot and found the net. The goal came on the power play with Jochen Moerz in the Box. The West Germans tied the game with another funny goal. Michael Schmidt scored from centre ice with a slap shot that hit goalie Burke in the glove but dropped out and into the net. The winning goal came on the power play again. With Manfred Ahne in the sin bin, defenseman Bruce Cassidy let a blistering slapshot go from the point that got past deRaaf. Neither team managed to score in the third period although Team Canada was all over the West Germans, out shooting them 12 to two in the final frame and 39 to 20 all game. After the game Fred Rufiange on behalf of Esso, presented Gerd Truntschka with an award as the most valuable player for the West Germans. The award for the most valuable Canadian player went to Cliff Ronning, that was presented by Ken McTeer on behalf of Labatt’s. Helmut Deraaf, who was outstanding between the pipes for East Germany, was named the most defensive palyer of the game. Fernie Minor Hockey President, Gord Leffler, presented DeRaaf with the award on behalf of Lloyds Bank of Canada. Later the players were treated to a sit down dinner and reception at the community centre.

sing a helicopter to hunt bighorn sheep has cost and Alberta biggame guide $1,000 and possibly his B.C. guiding license. Leslie Sjogren of Nobelford was handed a precedentsetting conviction by Judge Don Carlgren in provincial court in Fernie Tuesday. Fernie Conservation Officer Frank de Boon said it was an important conviction because it promote the “fair chase aspect of hunting.” “Anytime we get a conviction, we are happy” said De Boon. This was the first time the aspect of using helicopters for hunting under the provincial Wildlife Act has been tried in court. De Boon said his office and wildlife officials in Alberta and Montana spent more than a year to complete the case paperwork and

it took hundreds of man hours to do it. He said Sjogren will likely be given a four or five year suspension on his B.C. guiding licence. The suspension is not automatic as it was at one time, De Boon added. His office will apply to the director of wildlife to have Sjogren’s guiding licence suspended The trial, which took most of the day, included the testimony of a witness who had talked to Sjogren and his client after they had flown in the Flathead Valley looking for sheep Oct. 10,1989. The interpretation and intent of two Wildlife Act sections dealing with the use of helicoptering aircraft by hunters was also targeted during the trial. Crown counsel Greg Sawchuk said evidence showed that Sjogren and his hunting client, Ron Hurlburt of California, were looking for sheep when they

flew the helicopter over the Flathead hunting territory of guide Don Letcher. Sawchuk said the Wildlife Act states its an offense to use helicopter for any activities connected with hunting. Sawchuk said Section 28.2b of the Wildlife Act allows fixed-wing aircraft to transport hunters but does not allow hunters to use helicopters at any time. Defense counsel Patrick Deardon argued that there was no evidence firearms were carried in the helicopter and no evidence of intent to capture wildlife. De Boon said no one would probably hire Sjogren now with a conviction under Wildlife Act. He said the judge indicated that the fine was kept low because Sjogren lawyer argued his livelihood will probably be wiped out with he suspension of his guiding licence.

Griz Days is fast approaching, so make sure you are prepared! 2013

March 1 - 3, 2013 Parade • Extreme Griz Competition • Kids Girz Dress-up • Pancake Breakfast • Most Wanted Arrests • Street Party • Baby Griz Crawl • Dummy Downhill • Live Music • Commit Rail Jam •Fireworks •Street Hockey •Karaoke •Live Entertainment

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Warsing Children Strangled, Police Say

Kristian Lee Warsing appearing in Cranbrook Provincial Court a couple of days after the murders of two children

June 1 1993 Free Press Files

he two children found dead in their Sparwood home may 27 were strangled, RCMP Say. An Autopsy conducted Saturday morning in Cranbrook determined the cause of death of Shannon Warsing 7 months, and Stuart Warsing 7, Const. Bill Andreaschuk said in a press release late Monday afternoon. The children’s step brother, Kristian Lee Warsing, appeared in Cranbrook Provincial court earlier on Monday to face two charges of first-degree murder. Warsing, 19, is also charged with attempted the murder of his step mother, Debra Warsing, 35. He will appear in court again Thursday to enter a plea, Andreaschuk said in an interview on May 30. Warsing was arrested May 28th in Fernie after an intense, day and a half air and ground search by area RCMP detachments.

Did you know...

The search involved more than 30 police officers, two helicopters and police dogs. Police checked vehicles at road blocks on area highways Friday. Funeral services for the two Warsing children will be held Thursday at 1p.m. at the Sparwood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sparwood RCMP responded to an 8am telephone call Monday May 27th from Debra Warsing. She said she had been stabbed several times with a barbecue skewer and her two young children were missing. When police arrived at the Warsing home, they found both children dead. A women who lives in the townhouse directly across from the warsing residence said she was alarmed by Debra Warsing’s cries for help shortly after 7:30 a.m. “someone started screaming. Oh my god, help me!” Margaret Busato said in an interview. Bursato said she looked out her kitchen window and saw Debra Warsing collapsed

on the pavement. Busato rushed outside to Warsing’s aid, and the two went to Busato’s home. “She kept saying she wanted her babies” Busato said. Debra Warsing was listed in good condition in Sparwood General Hospital Monday, according to the hospital administrator. Fernie resident Barb Neidig and her eight year old daughter said they saw a man walk across a nearby road a few minutes before the arrest. Neidig, who was with her daughter in their parked van at the time, honked the horn to get the attention of the other children in the yard then took her daughter into a relatives apartment. Sparwood’s Mayor Toto Miller said news of an arrest has brought a sense of relief to his community. In an interview May 28, he said Sparwood residents were in a state of numbed shock after the murder. “There’s been a sort of silence, a joint feeling of grief,” Miller said. But when news of an arrest was announced at Sparwood Secondary School’s graduation ceremonies earlier that evening, it was greeted with cheers and applause, he added. “I just couldn’t believe it could happen in the town of Sparwood,” a shaken Betty Curtis said Monday of her reaction to the news of the May 27 deaths of Shannon and Stuart Warsing. “ I was just totally devastated,” the sales clerk at the Sparwood Fields store added. “I thought , What if those were my Grandchildren?” Curtis’s comments summed up the mood of many Elk Valley residents in the days that have followed the murders. Elaine Hutton, a neighbor of the Warsings, said the deaths have left Sparwood in a state of stunned belief. “Everybody’s shocked” Hutton said in an interview Monday. “There wondering what happened and why” The mood has been similar in Fernie where a suspect Kristian Lee Warsing, was arrested Saturday. Constance Stratton, co-owner of Our Cappuccino Corner, said news of the deaths had cast a pall over town. “Most people who came in were just sad” Stratton said Sunday “It was really eerie. You could tell something had happened in town.” Fernie Secondary School’s vice-principle described Warsing, who graduated from the school in 1993, as an average student who had good marks in some subjects. Dave Wall added Warsing was not considered a discipline problem. Warsing’s former geography 12 teacher, Len Ircandia, said Warsing was a quite polite, very thorough student who’s examination results were always good.

Ghostriders Debut a Winner September 15 1991 Free Press Files

he hockey was chippy and tough but Fernie’s newest Junior A team ended up tromping their opponents in its first game ever. Playing for permanent positions on the team Ghostrider players were tough and aggressive on the boards Wednesday night beating the Kimberley Jr. Dynamiters 6-2. The first series of exhibition games, leading up to the regular season start Sept 20, was close for the first two periods, then the Ghostriders took command of the ice. Coach Scott Farrell said he was impressed with all the players who dressed for the game and believes he’ll have a tough time making final cuts before next weeks regular season opener.

Elkford Bust March 16 1994 Free Press Files

lkford RCMP made a bust over the weekend, uncovering at least 20 marijuana plants in a home growing operation. Barry Borkowski, 27 was arrested and charged with possession of a narcotic and the cultivation of cannabis. Charges were laid by Elkford RCMP following a search at 2015 Alder St. at about 5pm Saturday. Corp. Rob Weiss said they found a large number of marijuana plants and thousands of dollars in cash at the residence. As well, other marijuana growing paraphernalia was seized. Borkowski, who works at Fording River mine, will appear in court in Sparwood on March 5. RCMP were led to the Alder St. basement growing operation as a result of a tip from the public

• We deliver to 7,000 homes and businesses across the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass every week. • We employ over 40 people in the Elk Valley from kids delivering papers to editorial and sales staff. • The Free Press has donated over a quarter million dollars in sponsorship to non profit groups in the Elk Valley in 2012 and plan to do the same in 2013. • We are BC Owned and Operated by David Black who starting his first community newspaper in Williams Lake. • www.thefreepress.ca gets over 14,000 unique visitors per month with almost 40,000 page views.

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3 Snow Valley ski racers in top 5 January 11 1995 Free Press Files

ernie’s Snow Valley Racers made an impressive showing at a meet at Rossland’s Red Mountain last weekend, with three racers placing in the top five. In the age 13-14 girls giant slalom race Jan. 7, Emily Brydon placed first with a time of 1:34.80, while Jenny Delich (1:38.09) and Saya Dirks-Farley (1:39.93) placed third and fourth respectively. In the age 11-12 category, Lindsay Day (1:47.48) came in third. Head coach Max Sherwood said he was pleased with the racers’ performance. “They were fairly nervous,” Sherwood said in an interview. “But once they got their first run under their belts they raced better.” He added that this season’s racers are looking strong, although they’ll need more practice to make up for the Christmas break.

Jenny Delich, Emily Brydon and Saya Farley

New 18th hole is coming soon April 13 1994 Free Press Files

wo hurdles have been cleared towards building a new 18th hole for the Fernie Golf and Country Club, president Ken Dicken announced at the club’s annual general meeting on the weekend. The golf club signed a land swap deal last October giving School District #1 a chunk of the golf course land to build a new high school. In return the club will get $1.1 million from the school board once the B.C. Attorney General’s office gives official notice that the land deal has been approved. Dicken announced that the long-awaited Ministry of Education approval has been given. Approval has been given by the facilities branch of the Ministry of Education,

confirmed School District #1 chairperson Evelyn Cutts in an interview. But before the deal is finalized it must be authorized by the Attorney General’s office and the school district hasn’t had that confirmed yet on paper, she said. The club’s agreement with the school board states that part of that sum will go towards paying for a serviced road for the school. The local Agricultural Land Reserve Board has approved removing the land changing hands from the ALR, Dicken said. An ALR hearing on April 28 in Kelowna should be a “rubberstamp”, completing the process, he added. Once the club receives notice the land has been removed from the ALR after the Kelowna hearing, $75,000 will be borrowed from the bank to finish seeding and

construction of the new 18th hole. It will probably be a year before golfers can play the new hole, said Dicken. When questioned about the club’s future plans, Dicken said the things the club will do depends on how much the road to the new high school costs. The road will likely be built a year form this fall, he said. The Club’s priorities are to service the school as agreed and replace the 18th hole. After completing the 18th hole, the maintenance shed must be moved. The next priority is the clubhouse, if any money is left over, said treasurer Gus Twamley. The current clubhouse is on the school property. Dicken said the club does not have to be off the land for 19 months after receiving the money from the school board. “Hopefully by then we

will have something started. If not we’ll have to go into a trailer in the interim or something of that sort.” A financial statement given to members at the meeting shows that the club had an operating loss of $5,515 for 1993 compared to net earnings of $41,457 for 1992. The loss is due to three factors, said Twamley. In 1992 the club received more than $15,000 in grant money from the government. Membership dues were down last summer and expenses for maintaining the greens were up due to a wet summer and a fungus on the grass which required extra money for herbicides. The golf course opened last weekend under sunny skies. Men’s Opening Day is April 23 (match play starts that day) and Ladies Opening Day is May 3.

Cheers to The Free Press. Congratulations on 115 years!

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Fernie hit by worst flooding in 50 years June 6 1995 Free Press Files

e s i d e n t s of Fernie’s A i r p o r t subdivision continue to pick up the pieces after the worst flooding in almost 50 years hit the area June 6. A full day of driving rain combined with a late spring and quickly melting snowpack turned Coal Creek into a ranging river and drove the Elk River to a height of more than three metres. Many families were bunked down for the night when the protective dike on Coal Creek gave way shortly after 8 p.m. By 8:30 p.m. part of the Park Avenue bridge had collapsed into the creek and the railway bridge 300 feet up the creek was heavily damaged. According to RCMP reports, about 750 people were evacuated from the subdivision shortly after 9 p.m. By midnight, hundreds of Fernie residents were involved in a community effort to assist the victims of the flooding. At the community centre, residents evacuated from their homes registered with the assistance of volunteers. Local motels and residents volunteered beds for the night, preventing anyone from spending the night in the community centre.

But many in the community did not sleep, instead spending all night helping city workers, fire department crews and searchand-rescue officials with sandbagging and rebuilding the areas worst hit. At first light the next day, residents began to make their way back to their homes to survey damage. Maureen Aikman returned to her house and her husband after spending the night with her daughter Lindsay across town. In an interview June 7, Aikman said she was shaken by what she saw. “At six o’clock this morning I had tears running down my face.” Kim Sedrovic, a member of the fire hall and Provincial Emergency Program, said the work of neighbours in West Fernie saved an entire block. Mayor Dick Mulholland, after visiting the floodstricken areas, said he was stunned by what he saw. “I can’t get over the power,” Mulholland said. “Coal Creek was just a torrent.” Except for one incident of looting, all the flood reports reflected heroic efforts by the community. Flood damage in the Elk Valley has been estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.

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Taylor will stand trial for murder

Taylor found Guilty of second degree murder

July 12 1996 Free Press Files

n Elkford woman will stand trial for first degree murder in the death of her common law husband. Dawn Michelle Taylor, 27 was initially charged with the second degree murder of 35 year old Timothy “T.C” Wright of Elkford. However, the charge was changed to first degree murder because Crown believes it has evidence which will show that Taylor acted with planning and deliberation in Wright’s death. Wright was found dead in Elkford home on Sept 3, 1995. His throat had been cut and he had been stabbed repeatedly, police said. As the preliminary hearing wrapped up in Cranbrook Monday, family and friends of the deceased let out a quiet cheer as Judge Don Carlgren ruled there was sufficient evidence to bring the first degree murder case to trial.

March 10 1998 Free Press Files

n Elkford women, whose commonlaw husband was found in the couple’s bathtub with his throat slit, was convicted Friday of second degree murder. It took the B.C. Supreme Court jury one day before finding Dawn Michelle Taylor guilty of killing Timothy Charles (T.C.) Wright, 35, on Sept. 3, 1995. Taylor could spend the next 25 years behind bars. “I was impressed with the prosecution’s handling of the case, although I would have liked a first -degree murder conviction, but that wasn’t an option,” said T.C.’s mother, Vivian Wright. “I am please the jury brought in the verdict they did.” Taylor was facing a first degree murder charge, but Justice G.P. Fraser told the jury he was striking Taylor ’s first degree murder charge from the court record. Fraser said it was his job not to waste the jury’s time on charges where no evidence exists for a

conviction. However, he told the jury they could find Taylor guilty of second degree murder or manslaughter. The difference between first and second degree murder lies in parole eligibility. A person convicted of first-degree murder isnt eligible for parole for 25 years, but can apply for judicial reviewthe faint hope clause- after serving 15 years. A person convicted of seconddegree murder can apply for parole after 10 years in jail. “I can not see in the circumstances, however, to prejudge the assessment for parole in the year 2008,” Fraser said. “Thus I do not extend her ineligibility period.” Defence lawyer Glen Orris argued in only unusual circumstances should parole be increased. “There is no legitimate reason to increase it beyond 10 years,” Orris said. Crown council Ron Webb said the jury’s verdict was consistent with Wright’s death being a planned murder. He added the eight-inch knife cut to

Timothy Charles (T.C.) Wright, 35

Wright’s throat highlighted the unusual brutal nature of the crime. “Im very relieved the five weeks is over, its been very difficult,” Vivian said. Crown contended Taylor drugged Wright with a prescription tranquilizer, then inflicted the eightinch gash to his neck to prevent him from leaving her to return to Nova Scotia. Taylor told the court she acted in self defence to protect herself from Wright, who she said physically abused her during their relationship

Computerized batch plant provides customized products July 31 1996 Free Press Files

Dale Garrett Stands in front of one of his ready mix trucks in July 1996

he distinctive red concrete mixing trucks of Garrett Ready Mix have been a fixture on the roads in the Elk Valley for the past 11 years. Co-owners Dale and Judy Garrett and their staff are always ready to deliver a load of concrete no matter how big or how small the job. Pouring an average of about 75 cubic meters of concrete each day allows Garrett Ready Mix to lay claim to the title of the largest concrete company in the Elk Valley. The company delivers its product from Elko to the Alberta border. While the majority of the concrete is made to meet the needs of the mines,

the Garretts are quick to point out they will supply all types of contractors as well as the do-it-yourself home owner. “We’ll do any job from a one cubic meter pour to the 481 cubic meters of concrete we poured in one day for the new breaker plant at the Coal Mountain mine site,” said Dale Garrett. “Every customer is important. No matter how big or how small, every one of our customers is valued equally.” To fill the contracts they have with the five area mines and three Elk Valley communities, Garrett Ready Mix employs a staff of about 17 who drive the 13 mixer trucks, two dump trucks and a concrete pumper truck which is capable of delivering concrete to the hard to reach places on a job site. There’s also the crushing of material and washing to be done.

In order to keep track of the trucks and employees amid all the day’s activity the company uses a radiocontrolled dispatch system. As well, Dale Garrett points out that the company has added a new computerized batch plant for mixing the concrete to exacting specifications. “In order to service the mines and provide specified concrete strengths, our mix designs are made up by testing labs and our materials are washed,” said Judy Garrett while explaining how certain products need to be customized. Garrett Ready Mix also offers a line of pre-cast products such as curbs and sidewalk pads. They also will do custom pre--casting and deliver sand and gravel as needed.

Garrett Ready Mix has been serving the Elk Valley since 1985 Our business is built on a foundation of quality concrete & dependable service!

GARRETT Ready Mix Ltd.

Sparwood 250-425-7772

Fernie 250-423-7719

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TRAIL’S END WESTERN WEAR

from Bob’s lifelong love of raising horses and from daughter Kim’s interest in horses and rodeo competition as an amateur competitor. Marian’s cousin, Jessica Lain of Calgary, had also expressed interest in the same idea for about 10 years. Two years ago the three of them put their heads together and came up

with a business plan. The end result is a ladies’ and mens’ clothing shop called Trail’s End Western Gear and Tack. Situated on 7th Avenue in Fernie, this new store offers a great selection of attractively displayed high-fashion western gear. There are many uniquely styled blouses and skirts that catch the eye of cowgirls or non-cowgirls alike. And males haven’t been left out either – there are shirts of a most attractive red and black block design as well as the standard Wrangler jeans and shirts and MWG caps and shirts. For women the shop carries popular jean brands like Blaze, Roughrider, Rocky Mountain, Adobe Rose and Circle T. Boots are available by Laredo, Justin and

dream,” commented one bystander. “We’ve raised twice as much money with this one as we did with the last one”. Said event organizer Napoleon Champagne. “We now have about a thousand dollars in the (construction fund) account. Two thousand is what we need to do a good job” said Dan Buchart, who will be one

of the adult supervisors when the park is open. S k a t e b o a r d enthusiasts from all over the Elk Valley were on hand to wash vehicles and demonstrate their skating prowess on the portable ramps in the arena parking lot. “The community support has been just great and I want to thank everyone who has come out to help these

Marian Gravelle shows a customer a great pair of boots

July 31 1996 Free Press Files

ith 35 years of business experience between them, local residents Marian and Bob Gravelle decided to make good on an idea they had thought about quite frequently for several years. It stemmed partly

Brahma, as are hats by Risistol, Bailey and Wrangler. Unisex jackets are by Australian Outback, Cripple Creek and the Outback Collection. The glass front counter also holds an array of exquisite silver jewelry by Montana Silver, plus colorful dream catchers by Erin Gravelle. In tack supplies, saddle bags, rope bags, and horse boots are all in stock. “We have everything for horse and rider except the horse,” says Marian. Southwestern pottery and a line of cards, mugs and magnets by the Leaning Tree are also available. And coming soon, Jessica says enthusiastically, is another highfashion line of beautiful designs under the names of Carlain, Sweetgrass and Deborah Murray, as well as Panhandle Slim

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

roper shirts, snap button shirts and more silver jewelry by Crumbline from Nevada. A big-and-tall line for both men and women will also be introduced. Bob and Marian are the managers of this new store, with Jessica as assistant manager and Marie McConachie as sale clerk. Marian is planning on working a couple days a week at this new venture, probably on weekends since her weekdays are spent running her notary public business in Sparwood. Jessica will be commuting from Calgary, where she is a fashion consultant at the Chinook Sears outlet. She’s in charge of recruiting the sales staff and providing the expertise in the display layouts. She will also be organizing a fashion show for this fall and one in spring.

Skateboarders work for a park August 21 1996 Free Press Files

he suds were flowing fast and furiously on Saturday at the arena. The Frozen Ocean Skateboard Club held a car wash and raised almost $350 to put towards the construction of a skateboard park. “This half pipe dream is becoming more than just a pipe

kids,” Champaign said In a meeting Monday morning with Stephanie Higgins from the Tom Uphill home Champaign was able to reach an agreement about the hours of operation at the skateboard arena. Ramps are to be built on the tennis courts beside the home. The area will be closed at 9 p.m. to ensure that residents are not

disturbed. “I don’t see any problem with that. In fact I think the residents will enjoy watching the kids” said Higgins. She will be writing a letter of support and sending it to the city this week. Any agreement will be temporary as the space has been promised to the school division for a track site when the new school is erected.

Isabella Dicken will be remembered Fernie’s oldest citizen passes away on Wednesday, Aug. 13 August 21 1997 Free Press Files

ne of Fernie’s best known and loved people has died. Isabella Dicken, 103, passed away peacefully in her room at the Tom Uphill Memorial Home at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday,

August 13, after a short illness. “For three months before, she told me she was starting to feel weary and was getting tired,” says Dorothy Durham, one of Dicken’s nieces. At 103, Dicken was Fernie’s oldest citizen, having spent most of her life in the community. She grew up in

Fernie and returned to spend many years teaching. Dicken, who had a local elementary school named in her honour, is well-known in the community, having taught many of the people who continue to reside in Fernie today. “She taught a lot of people in

this town who are adults now,” Durham said. She adds she expects there to be a good turnout to memorial services next week. Services for Isabella Dicken will be August 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fernie United Church. A reception will follow at the Tom Uphill Memorial Home.

Marian B. Gravelle Notary Public • Afﬁdavits • Wills • Contracts • Leases

• Real Estate • Business Transfers • Mobile Homes • Mortgage

Born and raised in Fernie, Marian was married here and has a grown son and daughter. She is committed to the community and surrounding area, particularly enjoying the local ﬁne arts and supporting local hockey teams.

Marian wishes The Free Press another 100 years of success!

114 Centennial Square, Sparwood • 250-425-2114 • e. marian@gravellenotary.com

Andy McIntyre goes International

Andrew McIntyre playing in Kentucky in the AHL

July 12 1996 Free Press Files

ndy McIntyre has moved on to bigger and better things after he was called up to the International Hockey League. His agent Art Breeze, says McIntyre is an enormously good player. “He’s what the NHL refers to as a power forward” Breeze said. “He’s a strong, power player with the ability to drive to the net and finish checks with authority.” McIntyre played junior hockey with Seattle and Saskatchewan in the Western Hockey League at the beginning of this decade. He turned pro in 1994 and was signed by Chicago where he played for their minor tam in Indianapolis. But he got his start with minor hockey in Sparwood and went to play with the now defunct Elk Valley Raiders. Last year, he was asked to play in the East Coast All Star Game in Lafayette, Louisiana where he broke two records by scoring the most goals and having the most points. After that he was invited back to Indianapolis this past January. Jason Burkmana of the Indianapolis Ice, McIntyre’s home team now, said that the last few weeks has seen “Andy Mac” play his best hockey. “He’s been on fire for us.” Burkmana continued. “In the last five games, he’s had four goals and three assists. “He’s one of our hottest players right now” he added. “If he keeps up, he’ll be staying here. He’s earned his spot.”

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

Overwaitea strike Rod & Gun Club may end Sunday celebrates 100th birthday July 5 1996 Free Press Files

he Fernie Overwaitea is gearing up to re-open on Sunday. A tentative agreement was struck at about 5:30 a.m on Canada Day after marathon talks over the weekend A union vote on wether to ratify the package started Tuesday and will end this Saturday.

Overwaitea employees in Fernie voted on Thursday at the Park Place Lodge. With union officials urging employees to vote in favor of the package, confident is high that it will be accepted. On Wednesday the Fernie store was distributing flyers and getting ready to restock the shelves on Saturday in preparation for a

Sunday opening. E m p l o y e e s picketing outside the store said they were ready to go back to work and start receiving regular paychecks again. The two sides have agreed not to disclose the terms of the settlement until the vote is completed. The union had been seeking an increase in pay in addition to more job security.

Elkford Man charged with Murder January 27 1998 Free Press Files

he RCMP were called to the residence of 65 year old Harold William Kerr at 10.:19pm on January 19th to attend to Elkfords third murder in its history. When Police arrived, they found 37 year old Calgary resident Omer William Shupe, dead from a gun shot wound to the head. Reportedly, Kerr fled the scene shortly after the incident and was apprehended by Sparwood RCMP a short time later with the aid of a spike belt. Kerr is charged with second degree murder in connection to Shupe’s death. Kerr’s neighbours on Newgate Cres told The Free Press they didn’t hear anything going on next door and woke up to see police officers at Kerr’s residence. The victom’s Chevy truck still remained

parked at the crime scene the day after the incident and police say they have witnesses who were there for some of the events. The Community, meanwhile is now dealing with the incident. “Mr. Kerr was very well known in our community” states Corporal Dave Bauhuis. “People are expressing shock”. Its unfortunate anytime there’s a death in town, wether it be this way or another way,” says Elkford Mayor Bill Wilcox. “We just see it as an unfortunate event for Elkford. “Of course our heartfelt wishes go out to both families involved” Some who knew Kerr, like friend Butch Harrison, heard Kerr’s tales of serving time in Kingston Penitentiary in Ontario and of goings on in the Montreal Underground. But as far as he knew, Kerr

had settled down, was a good father and a retired coal miner. “He wasn’t a violent man” he says Harrison describes Kerr as a colourful character with an interesting history. “He didn’t try to hide the fact he lived a hard life” Len Vaness, Owner of the Elk River Inn in Hosmer, says Kerr loved to sing and was a good father. Not knowing the circumstances of the incident, Vaness was very surprised to hear about it. Kerr had recently retired from Fording River and according to Harrison had become quite depressed since then and had started drinking quite heavily. It is unsure what events led up to Monday nights homicide. Many questions remain such as wether Kerr knew the victim before that evening.

February 2 1999 Free Press Files

he Fernie Rod and Gun Club celebrated their 100th anniversary at the Community Centre Saturday. The celebration started in the middle of the morning with numerous displays – trophy heads, virtual fishing, and display fly ties, for example – an afternoon awards presentation, and an historical overview of the club’s history by member George Wilson. “Six weeks I’ve been working on these notes,” he said, holding a pile of hand-written papers. After pouring through scores of old newspapers and reading meeting minutes for 1939 to the present, Wilson found a few interesting facts. “The Fernie Free Press covered the first meeting,” he said. “Which is good, because I don’t have the minutes.” Not only did the Free Press cover the news story on March 4, 1899, they were part of the story. The inaugural meeting of the Fernie Gun and Rifle Club was held at the newspaper office. And the publisher, George Henderson, was an active member. In April, he was elected secretary-treasurer. They went through a tremendous transition,” said Wilson. “They started out as a shooting club and in five years they turned into a conservation club. That’s amazing.” His evidence: A book written in 1905 by William Hornady entitled Campfires in the Canadian Rockies. A portion of the book details how Hornady visited Fernie from Pennsylvania, was met at the train station by prominent lawyer and member Harry Herchmer, and whisked to the bushes for a 30-day hunting trip during the month of September. By then, the club was already called the Game Protective Association. According to the book, Hornady met with the club members after his monthlong trek and discussed the need

for new hunting regulations. The laws were much too liberal, he explained. There was and unlimited bag limit on grizzly bears; he recommended one. The bag limit on goats was five. He suggested reducing the count to three. His plan called for more restrictive hunting limits on caribou, deer, mountain sheep, moose, and black bear. “Obviously, somewhere in the transition, they were adopted,” said Wilson, who also gleaned some interesting facts by reading through the meeting minutes. In 1940, they supported an option from the Kimberley Rod and Gun Club to protect green timber for 100 yards from the shore of any lake in the region. “Here’s a classic,” he said. “We still have those arguments today.” Or in Feb.. 1942, when the club discussed dissolving the club due to lack of interest. Obviously the motion was defeated. And the club thrives with 100 members although finding women to join has been a continuing struggle. The Free Press reported in 1899 that “an effort will be made to induce ladies to join the club…. One lady has already signified her intention to join.” “We still don’t have a lady member in the club,” Wilson said, laughing. “We’ve had lady members but they’re few and far between.” And in Nov. 1946, the club sent a telegram to BC’s Attorney General recommending an immediate hunting closure due to a “recent blizzard.” Their plea was ignored. Of course, there was the battle for the Flathead in 1982, when Sage Creek Coal threatened to take coal out of the region’s “true wilderness.” The bid was trounced. It was the Fernie Rod and Gun Club that mounted the protest, Wilson said. A lifelong coal miner, he conceded other factors forced the government to discount the mining proposal. Worldwide prices for thermal

Trapshooting and youth/adult shoots Trapshooting and weekly youth/adult shoots available throughout the summer at FRGC range! Spring youth shooting programs have been a part of our club for over 40 years.

coal were already starting to plummet, he admitted. But he still feels the club played a part. The Fernie Rod and Gun Club wasn’t just gloating about their history. There’s the grasslands restoration project in the Mt. Broadwood Heritage Conservation Area near Elko. The slash project, removing forest ingrowth, restores the grassland to its natural state for birds and mammals. The BC Wildlife Federation awarded the club with a Dr. Louis Lemieux award )and $1,000 prize) and finished in third place for the Roderick Haig-Brown award. The club has also been removing noxious weeds, sometimes pulling the hated knapweed by hand from the region. Conservationists still aren’t certain how much harm is caused by the weed, admitted Past President Brian Fantuz. And two weeks ago, members including Mario Rocca, were placing radio collars on nine sheep in the Wigwam River area. It’s part of five-year, onehalf million dollar project to find a scientific answer for declining sheep herds in the region. (The study also includes sheep in Bow River Area and Canal Flats.) Apparently, sheep populations historically drop suddenly and periodically, and rebound. But never fully. There are plenty of theories (discounting over-hunting), but the Rod and Gun Club, working with a biologist, wants some answers. Of course, Wilson admitted, the biggest question has nothing to do with declining sheep numbers. The real question he’s been asked repeatedly, is why do hunters spend so much time protecting the animals? Simple, he says. Protecting the animals ensures there’s something left to hunt the following season. And each of the following seasons. It sure beats extinction. “If it wasn’t for hunters, I don’t know where our wildlife would be today,” he said.

Coal Discovery Centre proposed January 27 2000 Free Press Files

parwood District council is throwing support behind a proposed, long-range, multi-million dollar venture by a steering committee at the expense of both taxpayers and a registered Society.

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Building a team of winners

Council, last week, accepted requests by the Coal Discovery Centre (CDC) steering committee, a group proposing a $12 to $15 million coal museum project, for use of the district’s tax status as well as a request for use of district resources.

Youth centre on top of list January 20 2000 Free Press Files

f Debbie Tomich has her way, Elkford will soon have a youth centre. Tomich, an Elkford District councilor, has been working on the project on her own and not as a District rep-

resentative; she says she is determined to get the project off the ground by founding what may be called the Elkford Youth Centre Society and opening a teen centre. “They need a place to hang out, somewhere they can call their own,” she says.

Smokers left out in the cold January 4 2000 Free Press Files

s of Saturday, s m o k e r s have officially been left to stand outside in the cold to get their ‘nic fit’ thanks to the Workers’ Compensation Board’s new second-hand smoke regulations. Some of the Elk Valley’s pubs and

taverns are not so happy about the new law, asserting that they feel big brother has crossed the line. “It’s almost like the government is telling us what we can and can’t do,” said the manager of the Royal Hotel in Fernie, Leanne Renaud. “It’s a personal choice and they’re taking it away.”

Who you gonna call? 911 October 22 2002 Free Press Files

fter several years of discussions and negotiations, the City of Fernie will finally have 911. Fernie City Council voted unanimously for the emergency service during the Oct. 15 meeting of council. The service is scheduled to

be up and running by 2003. Fernie Mayor Evelyn Cutts congratulated council on their decision. “Good luck to all of you and a job well done on getting 911 implemented in our area” she said. The 911 service is being provided under contract with the City of Cranbrook.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

This is everybody’s Centennial Celebration

Fernie Centennial Committee members Beth Dennahower, Don Stewart, Cindy Corrigan (Chair) and Randal Macnair are looking to usher in the next century of Fernie with a bang.

Canadian Tire opening set for mid November August 23 2006 Free Press Files Barry Wolff as head coach in 2002 the first time he was leading the Fernie Ghostriders to greatness

August 20 2002 Free Press Files

ernie Ghostrider head coach Barry Wolff has been involved in Hockey his whole life and has always had a love for the game. Originally from Kelowna, he played hockey until he was 24 years old and found himself at the Detroit Red Wings training camp. After a bad ankle injury at camp a doctor told him he would never play the sport again. He then decided to pursue a career in coaching. The first team he coached was a Midget AAA team

from Kelowna and that was when he knew that coaching hockey was going to be a major part of his life. Wolff says he went on to coach in Williams Lake in the Rocky Mountain Junior A League. After one year he moved on to Quesnel where he coached for three years in the BCHL. From Quesnel he moved on to Langley for another three years. From Langley Wolff ’s travels brought him to Fernie and in his first year as head coach of the Fernie Ghostriders he led them to their first Gold Cup showing in four years.

ernie’s newest big box store, Canadian Tire, is slowly making its appearance in the Ghostrider Crossing. Local dealer Terry Sanford said store’s opening is scheduled for mid-November, “Everything is looking good for construction.” He said of the 61,000 plus square foot building. “We’re still right on schedule.” Sanford said the new floor plan includes the Debbie Travis: What Women Want program. “Home Decoris a big feature of the new store,” he said, adding the outer façade will tie in nicely with the surrounding alpine theme,

Bruce Lennox, manager of current planning for the city, says the proposed architectural elevations of the building design, incorporates the environmental theme characterized by the use of indigenous organic materials and building massing forms that emphasize a vertical aspect in keeping the surrounding rugged, mountainous environment. The proposed landscape plan mitigates the expanse landscaped island and generous plantings of trees and under storey shrub beds on the perimeter of the site,” Lennox said. “A landscape buffer consisting of over 40 trees is proposed along the rear of the building

adjacent to the Maiden Lake recreation area,” Canadian Tire is expected to create 40-45 full time jobs as well as long term revenue stream with the city. Along with the new Canadian Tire, also come new stoplights at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Highway 3. The installation of lights is required by the Ministry of Transportation and must be done prior to issuance of the building occupancy certificate. The building’s development permit was issued in July 2005. “We’re looking forward to opening up and becoming part of the community,” Sanford added.

Second Annual TransRockies Approaching July 30 2003 Free Press Files

he second annual TransRockies Challenge is approaching and with an estimated 350 riders taking part in the race, the event should be nothing short of amazing. The TransRockies

Challenge is a seven-day endurance race through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In groups of two, each team will begin their journey, on the morning of August 10, with a shotgun start from Second Avenue downtown Fernie. The celebration of the race begins Saturday, August

9 with a kickoff party which will include food, entertainment and a chance to meet the riders and the people who made this event possible. The people of Fernie have even more reason to celebratethe event this year with four of its own taking part in the challenge which is a test of mental and

Canadian Tire, proudly serving the Elk Valley since 2006!

physical endurance. Last year Fernie cheered as Paul Attalla and Greg Blackwell took off from the starting gate. The two gave it their all throughout the race and came in seventh overall. The two new additions to “Team Fernie” are Bar ‘Peper’ Sterling and Kim Spenser.

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Former Ghostrider shines in NHL Debut Max Turyk closes its doors

David LeNeveu

October 26 2005 Free Press Files

HOENIX – The National H o c k e y League’s Phoenix Coyotes are making more headlines off the ice than they are on it this season. First, Wayne Gretzky announced he would take the reins as head coach, then newly-acquired superstar Brett Hull shocked the hockey world by announcing his retirement just five games into the season. Between front-page stories involving two of hockey’s all-time greats, a lesser known and much younger Coyote emerged from the shadows to steal the spotlight for a PM Page 1 few days. But unlike headlines that fade with time, 22-yearold Fernie native and former Ghostrider David LeNeveu’s first impression is perpetual. The young netmindnd.er’s impressive play with the American Hockey League’s Utah Grizzlies last

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year, coupled with a pre-season injury to Phoenix goaltender Brian Boucher, earned him a spot on the Coyotes’ roster. When teammate and veteran goalie Curtis Joseph suffered a groin injury two weeks ago, LeNeveu was summoned to make his NHL debut Oct. 6 against the Los Angeles Kings. Even after a 3-2 loss to the Kings and subsequent games versus the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators which yielded no wins, the rookie’s performance garnered respect form his teammates and coach. “He’s played great for us,” Hull told the American Press after LeNeveu’s 23-save performance against the Stars. “I don’t think anybody thought he would be up here at this point. But with Bouch getting hurt, he’s held us in games. I think he’s been fantastic.” He came close to earning his first NHL win when the Coyotes forced overtime and a shootout against the

undefeated Predators on Oct. 13 in Phoenix. After a scoreless overtime, LeNeveu was front and center when he stopped two of three breakaways in his first NHL shootout. Nashville’s third shooter Paul Kariya managed the lone goal for his team while the Coyotes were stopped on each attempt by Predator goalie Chris Mason. “I put myself in the position I wanted to after that game,” LeNeveu told The Free Press after a Coyotes practice last Friday. “I was glad to go into the shootout because I could say, “Hey, I have a lot of control over the outcome of this game.” I was very confident going in. “Unfortunately, we didn’t put any goals in the net and Paul Kariya, he was the man I wanted, the last shooter. I really wanted to stop him so we could enable ourselves to get the win. He made a great shot though – that’s just what happens.” In the grander scheme of things, LeNeveu shook the initial jitters that usually come with a major league debut and now has a few games under his belt. “It definitely feels pretty good,” he said. “I thought I played well the first couple of games and gave our team an opportunity to win.” If starting in three consecutive games wasn’t enough, LeNeveu has Gretzky and Hull praising his play. “It feels great hearing players of that caliber saying good things about you,” he said. “It only reinforces the confidence that you need to play at this level.” Joseph returned to the ice Saturday to face his former team,

the Detroit Red Wings, but the Coyotes were unable to claim their second win of the season. Still, playing in the NHL under Gretzky’s direction and working with an all-star veteran like Joseph, LeNeveu is in a better position than most rookie goaltenders because of the experience and knowledge being shared with him. “He’s been a great coach so far, “ he said of Gretzky. And his thoughts on working with Joseph? “He brings a winning attitude to every game he comes to”. “Just watching him, sitting beside him and talking hockey with him – it’s a great thing to have as a young goaltender coming in to the league.” Competition is fierce though and LeNeveu is prepared to battle his mentor for top spot in the Coyotes’ goal. “I know when he’s fully healthy he’s going to be great and if I want to get any starts then I’m going to have to be great as well,” he explained. “At the same time when I am getting a start and I’m doing well I know he sees a young guy right behind him who’s pushing for his spot. We’re both making each other better.” When Boucher returns to the Coyotes lineup LeNeveu will likely be sent back to Salt lake City to rejoin the Grizzlies, but he knows it’s what he does in the meantime that will likely determine his future role with the Coyotes organization. “Now that I’ve got my initial few games out of the way it’s time to start picking other stuff up, playing at another level and start bringing those wins in.”

July 4 2007 Free Press Files

t was a mixture of smiles and somber faces during the final days of Max Turyk Elementary. The closure was marked with activities and recognition for children and parents. Max Turyk even held a for-fun street hockey tournament, inviting students from Isabella Dicken Elementary to take part. “It’s another way we’re working to make the transition smoother,” said Max Turyk Elementary Principal Bob Smith. “The kids are staying really positive, everyone’s getting to know the children they’re going to be with

(next year). I think this is going to be a very smooth transition.” The day saw game after game of students vying for ‘top spot’, most garbed in bicycle helmets for protection. Students of Max Turyk gathered last Thursday for an award and remembrance ceremony, as the school is closing and students will be moved to Isabella Dicken Elementary. The Board of School District 5 decided to close Max Turyk, because declining enrolment numbers in Fernie did not warrant two elementary schools. It was also a time for some thoughtful ‘house cleaning’, as

staff distributed the sport team jerseys among the students, as a reminder of happy times at Max Turyk. Smith even brought out a rather ancientlooking pair of athletic shorts, which were once paired with the original school team jersey for Max Turyk. “They were probably the first ones. We’ve got some really retired uniforms here,” said Smith as he helped hand out the school jerseys. Some students suggested Max Turyk kids wear the uniforms for their first day at Isabella Dicken. “The staff here will be making the move, except for one who has transferred to another school,” said Smith.

The Majic of community work

Mayor Cindy Corrigan presents Wilda and Doug Quail with the George Majic Spiritus award, watched by George’s daughter Anne Majic.

December 2008 Free Press Files

reception held in their honour by the award sponsors, the City of Fernie. Mayor Cindy Corrigan gave them the award in recognition of their volunteer work in many organizations for several decades, including the Rotary Club, Red Cross, Tom Uphill Auxiliary, Knox United Church board.

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‘quiet and determined’ couple has been presented with the George Majic Spiritus award for their community work. Wilda and Doug Quail were presented with the award at a

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Two trophies for Greenhills Greenhills mine rescue team battle a building fire in the National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition. They placed first in the fire and written tasks. Photo by Henry Georgi

Ninth Biennial National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition

September 17 2009 Free Press Files

lkford’s Greenhills competition mine rescue team won two awards in the Ninth Biennial National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition, held last weekend in Fernie. The team, who are all members of the Greenhills shift mine rescue teams, were given trophies for the written and fire fighting tasks. In fire fighting the team faced rescuing a man

from a burning building, first making the area safe by putting out a fire beneath the building and controlling fires that were burning in the windows. The 40 minute written test included questions from three mine rescue manuals. Greenhills first aid coach Cathy Follett said the team had worked hard to prepare for both tasks, especially the written exam. “They didn’t have much time so the guys hit the books hard and it paid off

for them. “I am going to miss training with these highly skilled, humorous, caring, strong individuals. I felt so privileged to be a part of their team.” Eighteen other teams from across Canada and the United States joined Greenhills in completing scenarios involving all aspects of mine rescue – underground teams competing on Friday and surface teams on Saturday. More than 500 people attended the banquet and

Fording River honoured March 5 2008 Free Press Files

he Royal Alexandra Hall at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel in Cranbrook was the venue for the 2007 Mining and Sustainability Award Gala dinner on Feb.. 28. MLA Bill Bennett, Mining Association of B.C. Chair, Pierre Lebel, the Honourable Kevin Krueger, B.C.’s Minister of State for Mining as well as Ktunaxa Nation Chief Sophie Pierre were all in attendance

when Fording River Operations was announced as this year’s recipient. Fording River, a division of Elk Valley Coal Corporation, was nominated alongside three other mines and was chosen to be honoured this year based on its commitment to safety and reclamation. “It’s everyone at the mine site that makes winning an award like this possible,” said Fording River Operations, EVCC General Manager, Richard Tremblay who accepted the award on behalf of the mine.

Situated 29 kilometres northeast of Elkford, on Eagle Mountain, Fording River is staffed with 900 employees. It is an open pit coal mine that has been in operation since 1970 and is the only mine in B.C. to operate its own greenhouse. The Mining and Sustainability Award is one of many awards that Fording River has been presented with including the 2003 B.C. Coal Mine Citation Award for their reclamation achievements and ongoing research activities.

awards ceremony at the Fernie Memorial Arena on Friday night, The competition originally began as a way to recognize the work done by mine rescue teams in this area, and also to give the ministry of mines an idea of how strong the mine rescue skills are in the province. Competition chair Barrie Simoneau said he will be speaking about the importance of the competition when he visits the Czech Republic next

week. Mayor of Fernie and chair of the local organizing committee Cindy Corrigan added “I think it was exceptional. The people that came to town were really pleased with the response they got from the whole community. People were friendly, helpful which I think says a lot for our community. I think it was a huge economic boost in September for the whole area.”

Pictured, Kevin Krueger, Minister of State for Mining, Pierre Labelle Chairman of the Mining Association of BC, Richard Tranblay, General Manager, Fording River Operations and Boyd Payne, President and CEO, Elk Valley Coaland Fording Canadian Coal Trust

11th Biennial Coming this September!

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Here’s to the boys

Sparwood community memorial, Sunday January 4, 2009

Kane Rusnak

"He always had a twinkle in his eye when he talked about Joey, his son."

Micheal Stier

"He could always lighten the mood."

Warren Rothel

Blayne Wilson

Kurt Kabel

"If it raised the hair on the back of his neck he had to try it. Twice.”

"He was very tough on the exterior but underneath he had a heart of gold so big."

"His passion excited you, his humour lighted your day.”

Len Stier

Thomas Talarico

Danny Bjarnason

"A super friend."

"His love for life will live on in his girls."

"We have lost an amazing person."

To The Free Press on your 115 Years

Congratulations From the Mayor & Council

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

Three survivors faced "gut-wrenching" dilemma Jeff’s story

Avalanche survivor Jeff Adams (left), with his fiancee Jennifer Colmer, prepares to talk to the media about his escape from death. Seconds later he broke down and left the media area, only to return to tell his story the next day. January 8 2009 Free Press Files

eff Adams, Jeremy Rusnak and James Drake survived the two avalanches that killed their eight friends, but were then left with the dilemma – to try to dig them out, and risk being buried by another slide, or try to walk to safety? Rusnak and Drake were injured in the slides and have not spoken publicly about the accident. On Tuesday last week Adams returned to the avalanche site to help search and rescue teams locate the final missing body – that of his buddy and bowling partner Danny Bjarnason. He was due to speak to

the media hours later, but became distressed as he walked towards the cameras outside Fernie Search Hall and called off the interview. He eventually gave his interview to one camera and several reporters in Sparwood last Wednesday morning. Family members have shown strong sympathy for the three survivors’ dilemma and decision. Thomas Talarico’s friend Derek Polacik paid tribute to them during his speech at the communal memorial on Sunday. "When you walk down the street we urge you to hold your heads high. Be proud because, rest assured, that is what your friends would have wanted you to do."

ike Stier was stuck at the base of the mountain wheeling his sled out when the first slide hit us… everybody was down at the bottom and scattering, running. I stayed there and watched Mike so I wouldn’t lost sight of him because I knew he was going to be buried and little did I know that I ended up being buried myself. "After being under the snow for a minute or two Danny dug me out. I got up, asked who we were missing. Danny said Mike. I get up take off all my gear and get my probe, flip my peeps over into search and went out looking for Mike. "We located Mike and started digging and that’s when the second group of four guys showed up, came right up to where we were digging and jump off the sleds and started digging too. "At 2 p.m. Kabel pushed 911 on his spot transmitter and Jeremy Rusnak was getting up to go for help. At 2.05 we heard a crack and that’s when the second slide hit us burying all 11 of us. " I managed to float almost to the surface. When I opened my

eyes I could see daylight… I was digging… I managed to get my mouth free but I was already choking… I took a few breaths and after about five minutes of struggling I got myself out. I look around there wasn’t anybody else, "I couldn’t see sleds, no gear, nothing. I yelled and I heard somebody yell back. That is when I went and found Jeremy (Rusnak). I had no gloves, no toque, I started digging Jeremy out, it took about 15 minutes to get him out I got him out, Jeremy stood up and we yelled again and heard one more person and found James. "We were digging James out we heard a crack again and said ‘’Sorry James we gotta run’ as we were running away from James he was saying ‘Don’t leave me here, don’t leave me here’. We were saying ‘We’re sorry’. It set off to the side the slide never hit us we just got the cloud. "We went back and finally got James out, pulled James off to the side. I dropped my equipment to help him. I took a look around, couldn’t see anybody, couldn’t see any hands or feet sticking out. We were contemplating whether to get the one snowmo-

Eight died doing what they loved January 8 2009 Free Press Files

ight Sparwood snowmobilers died doing the sport they loved as they tried to save each other. The fatal trip began early on Sunday Dec. 28 when Warren Rothel, James Drake, Leonard Stier and his son Micheal, Jeff Adams, Danny Bjarnason and Kane Rusnak set off for a snowmobile trip in Golden. Soon realizing road conditions were bad, they decided instead to ride the backcountry south-east of Fernie. As survivor Jeff Adams would later relay to the world’s media, they were near 29 Mile Creek just before 2 p.m. when Micheal Stier got stuck in a snow bank. He was trying to pull

his sled free when the first avalanche thundered down, burying him and several other members of the group. The other men immediately abandoned their machines to try to dig them out, and were joined by group of four Kurt Kabel, Thomas Talarico, Jeremy Rusnak and Blayne Wilson, who had been sledding in the area and heard their yells. Kurt Kabel pressed the 911 button on his new spot transmitter and set off a chain of emergency calls that would lead search and rescuers to their location. However minutes later a second avalanche tumbled onto the whole group. Only three men – Jeff Adams, Jeremy Rusnak and James Drake – were able to dig themselves out. After making the "gut-wrenching" decision to walk away from the

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bile that wasn’t hit by the slide out. "That was when we made the decision it wasn’t safe to go there, that was when we made the gutwrenching decision to leave our eight friends and start walking off the mountain. "After we walked for about 10 minutes or so and contemplating whether to go back I turned to look one more time, as I turn to look at the mountain the whole of the centre of the mountain came down burying everything again. "We decided the best bet was to keep walking, I kept asking Jeremy what time it was because I know that if the 911 call worked it wouldn’t be long for a helicopter. "The helicopter we could see circling around the slide area for about five minutes , it started coming down the valley towards us and we thought everything was going be OK then it went away so we decided to keep walking and try to find a cabin. "We saw the helicopter coming back over the mountain one more time and this time for some reason it came straight at us and found us, picked all three of us up and out of there."

115 years and counting!

unstable snow field in the hope of returning with help, the three men walked 5km before the Fernie and District Search and Rescue helicopter found them. A search operation involving 130 volunteer rescuers led to the discovery of seven of the men on Monday. On Monday night a candlelit vigil in Sparwood saw hundreds of residents gather to mourn the dead and promise support for their families. Danny Bjarnason’s body was found the next day, after survivor Jeff Adams showed search and rescuers where he had last seen his friend. With the men’s bodies finally back home, a long chain of individual funeral services followed, with a mass community memorial held last Sunday.

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Bill’s hat trick Downtown store celebrates 100 years

A photo of the Trites-Wood building, now known as IGS Enterprises. November 26th 2009 Free PressFiles

Bill Bennett and his wife Beth after winning 51 per cent of the Kootenay East vote on Tuesday. May 24 2009 Free Press Files

e-elected MLA Bill Bennett described Tuesday’s election results as “a fundamental shift” in the Elk Valley. He vowed to represent the “very broad group of people” who supported his third term bid. Bennett took 51 per cent of the Kootenay East vote and won by over 200 votes in Fernie, where he lost by close to 300 votes in 2005. In Sparwood he said that he took 46 per cent of the vote, a 10 percentage points increase on 2005. He added that in Elkford he came close to winning the majority and in the South Country he raised over 50 per cent of the vote. NDP Troy Sebastian took 35 per cent of the vote, B.C. Conservative Wilf Hanni took 10 per cent and Green Party Jen Tsuida 3 per cent. Speaking at his campaign party at the Heritage Inn in Cranbrook, Bennett told supporters he sees this as a message from the electorate. “This is a fundamental shift in the way people in the Elk Valley look at free enterprise political party and it is an opportunity I really want to make sure we don’t squander. I don’t want people to turn round in four years and say they wish they hadn’t voted Bill Bennett.” He added: “We had a lot of union people vote for us today – nurses, miners, as well as small

businesses. When I say I am one of us, I am one of them too. I feel I have an obligation and I very much look forward to the duty of representing everybody in the riding. “I think you may see me from time to time a little bit outside of where the main part of Government is going – hopefully not too far outside that I get kicked out – but I do believe I have a very broad group of people to represent over the next four years.” Speaking to media Bennett added: “The whole “He’s one of us” campaign was designed to have people indicate whether or not they share a certain vision for Kootenay East. “The vision includes traditional resource industries, business and tourism and whether or not people wanted us to continue to try to generate new jobs. “I think there is a message here for local government particularly in Fernie. I think the voters in Fernie have said they want to go carefully and meticulously forward with some job creation and I think that includes coal bed gas. “I think we are going to need to work really hard to make sure the people who didn’t vote for me and my party feel they are being heard as well because they have a valuable perspective on the situation. “I hope we can bring everyone together and go forward with more consensus than we have had in the past.”

ne of Fernie’s most prominent downtown stores is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its premises on Friday. The IGS building was originally built to house the Trites Wood department store after the fire in 1908 that destroyed most of the city. Before 1908 the store was known as the London and Liverpool Department Store and the building became IGS Enterprises in 1970 when it was bought by Ingrid and Art Sombrowski. IGS Marketing and Sales director Scott Gilmet said a little detective work had to be carried out to find out exactly when the building opened – mostly by searching through archives from The Free Press at that time. “There was a story in the paper in November 1909 saying

that they were moving stock into the new building and then an advertisement on Nov. 26 to say they are now open for business in the new location. From there we worked out it must have been on or around Nov. 22 when it actually opened.” The first part of the building to be open was the half where Value Drug Mart is now housed – the other half, which now contains The Fernie Academy and Straight Line, opened in March 1914 and featured Trites Wood furniture and china store as well as Suddaby’s Rexall Drug Store. Other advertisements for the store show the evolution of shopping trends during the last century. In 1949 an advertisement for the new self serve grocery listed the benefits of self service as: “easy to reach foods, clearly marked prices, spacious isles (for freedom and comfort when shopping), conveniently-placed shopping carts and baskets,

Hiker rescued July 30 2009 Free Press Files

hiker with a sprained ankle was hauled off a mountain by helicopter on Sunday, in a dramatic rescue in the middle of a thunderstorm. The 36-year-old Fernie woman rolled

her ankle while hiking the Mountain Lakes Trail, better known as Heiko’s Trail, with her husband and a friend on Sunday at about 1.30 p.m. She thought it was broken and could not keep walking, so her husband, who had cell phone service, called

two speedy check-out machines (to enable you to shop in less time).” The building currently houses Home Hardware, Drug Mart, Bear Necessities, Straight Line and The Fernie Academy. Other past businesses that were located inside included Parkland Furniture, Gellners Furniture. Shrivens Furniture, TD Bank, Fields, Cunninghams Fernie Drugs, CFEK Radio, E.K. Community College, Peter Grapham Law Office, Rob Buddenhagen Law Office, Marion Gravelle and Fernie Optimist. The centenary will be celebrated from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Friday with tea and coffee, official cake cutting at 1 p.m. and live entertainers. Fernie Historical Society will operate a barbecue and provide historical tours of the Second Avenue block, including a view of one of Fernie’s last underground tunnels in the IGS basement.

911 for help The group was behind the Three Sisters in Fairy Meadows when the helicopter found them. A huge thunderstorm

had just rolled in which meant the helicopter was grounded at the rescue site while the team waited for the hail and lightning to ease.

Congratulations and thanks for reporting the news of the Elk Valley! Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East Minister of Community Sport and Cultural Development www.billbennettmla.bc.ca

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Brydon leaves ski racing at peak of career April 1 2010 Free Press Files

mily Brydon has been in training for as long as she can remember – but, since her last professional race in the Canadian National Ski Championship last Saturday, she is now officially off duty. Emily, who turns 30 next month, made official her long-discussed retirement last Thursday, hours after winning the national Super G title. Her final race was in the dual slalom on Saturday, when she placed sixth. “It is a kind of weird feeling not to have to do some-

thing,” she told The Free Press this week. “It makes me feel really guilty, I’m so trained mentally to be working all the time.” She added: “To be perfectly honest I haven’t adjusted to it, I haven’t even thought about it – I have only just finished the season, I’m always so tired at this time of year and I’m always relaxing after the season at this time, so for now it is just normal for me. “I have given myself until September to figure out what I want to do and how to do it. Until then there is no planning – I’m not accountable to anyone

Emily pictured at Fernie Alpine Resort last fall, as she prepared for her final season ski racing. Free Press library photo

anymore.” Even in retirement, Emily has some sponsorship obligations to fulfill – functions, public speaking and meetings await in the next few weeks, until she gets to go on vacation with a group of friends and former teammates. Looking back on her final season, she says she was aiming to go out on top by taking the national Super G title, but taking a second and third place on consecutive days at the Lake Louise World Cup in December was the highlight of the year. “It was something I worked really hard for, for many years. It was kind of the pinnacle of my achievement. You know what? I’m sure if the Olympics had turned out differently maybe my answer would have been different. “It was more important for me to podium at Louise – it took 10 years to do that, the Olympics is kind of a one-off that comes every four years with so many variables. I really heavily valued that achievement [at Lake Louise].” Emily says she will definitely continue her work with the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation, which aims to give Elk Valley children financial assistance to do any sport they want. The foundation’s annual golf tournament will take place this summer as always, and she hopes to have some extra time to help her mother Rosemary organize it this year. She added: “The founda-

Emily Brydon took first place in the GMC Canadian Championship nationals in Super G last weekend, fulfilling her wish to retire from ski racing on top. Photo by ACA / Peak Photography

tion is going to go for as long as people need it, and my mom can help manage it. This year we had to turn people down which shows there is a massive need for it so without a doubt we will keep it going. “My name and my position won’t mean maybe as much but we have established the foundation’s aims now and word-ofmouth is really powerful so we will keep finding ways of raising money.”

On Wednesday Emily was recipient of the Sport BC 2009 Community Champion Award for her work with the foundation and other charities. “It’s interesting – I’ve won Comeback of the Year, Junior Athlete of the Year – it’s really fitting for where I am at in my career and what I value, it’s really an honour, it makes me really happy that I have been recognized for that now.” As for what happens

next, Emily says she still isn’t ready to make any firm decisions. “I have a couple of ideas in my mind, but I have tried not to get too far ahead of myself – I wanted to get to the end of my season before I put effort into something new. “I hope to combine work and school in some capacity – that’s all I’m ready to say just now.”

Shawn Downey receives 30 months jail time for taxi bank robber January 7 2010 Free Press Files

bank robber’s bad choice of getaway car landed him with 30 months in jail. Shawn Downey took a taxi from his home to Fernie Scotia Bank on December 22, leading police straight to his door. Downey, 26, appeared in Provincial Court at Cranbrook on Monday and plead-

ed guilty to robbery and using a disguise during the robbery of the Fernie Scotia Bank on December 22. He was sentenced to 30 months in jail. Downey was arrested within two hours of the robbery after the taxi company heard what had happened and called the police with his home address. Police found evidence on Downey, inside the cab and inside his apartment, includ-

“The Store with the Stock” Proud to be part of Fernie’s heritage.

ing the clothes he had been wearing, the stolen cash and the hold-up note. They also obtained images of Downey from security cameras inside the bank. “This guy’s plans went downhill fast, from the minute he walked into the bank,” said RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk. “The old adage that it’s hard to get away with anything in a small town certainly appears to ring true in this case.

“It also shows as fact, that the public are the eyes and ears to their own community that assists in keeping all safe and sound. Without their help and support our job becomes a lot tougher. In this case we certainly extend a big thanks to the community of Fernie for their help.” Nobody at Scotia Bank was available to comment this week. There were no injuries in the robbery.

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Hot Tub Time Machine launches film festival April 1 2010 Free Press Files

he second annual Reel Canadian Film Festival was a big hit this year, launched with the premiere of Hot Tub Time

Machine on Friday night. The Fernie-filmed movie was shown at the Vogue theatre on Friday night, with tickets selling out days before and fans dressing in 1980s skiwear for the occasion.

Cathy-Smith Clarke looking like she did in the 80’s.

The movie featured numerous shots of Fernie, including downtown “Winterfest” scenes and shots from the ski hill. Several locals were also featured in the movie as extras, much to the delight of the Vogue audience, who cheered whenever a Fernie local, or landmark, was shown. Fernie and its residents were also thanked in the closing credits of the movie. There was an afterparty at The Central following the first showing, where fans enjoyed the eighties cocktail favourite, Malibu and pineapple juice, and watched as some of the extras were presented with awards. Subsequent showings of the movie have all been close to sold out, and organizer, Carolyn Nikodym, said the five other movies featured in the film festival were also

popular. “We had on average 60 people a night at the movies,” she said. “It was a great way to promote the Canadian film festival and show that we do not have to live in the shadow of the US film industry.”

Many locals enjoying the premier of Hot Tub Time Machine

Audiences dressed up in 1980s ski gear for the occasion.

My Paralympic adventure April 1 2010 Free Press Files

t came and it ended so fast. Before I knew it the Paralympics were over. I have to say the highlight of my trip was sitting in the rain waiting until someone told me I could get on the street because the torch was coming. My heart started beating 100 miles an hour as I drove on to the street. The man carried the torch down the street and touched it to mine. At that moment in my mind there was nothing but me

and the flame. As I drove down the street people gave me thumbs up, took pictures and shouted, “Go Canada Go”! There were no words to describe how I felt. I carried Fernie with me that day. I carried Fernie with me because I had a Griz pin on the side of my wheelchair. After a block and a half I saw Katie [Gibbs – Grace’s best friend] sitting and smiling. Nothing in the world could rip that smile off her face. I ran up and slowly

touched my torch to hers. Everyone shouted our names, took more pictures and clapped. And in an instant Kate was off, running down the street. She was still wearing that smile. I could never have been happier. After that a lot of people came up and said, “Way to go Grace”! I didn’t even know half the people that came up to congratulate me. Everyone seemed to know that we carried the torch. Well I guess that’s because I was still wearing my uniform. I

drove back soaking wet but I didn’t care. Back at the place that we started at they packaged up my torch and handed it to me. I couldn’t believe it was mine. It is now hanging up on my wall for me to look at everyday. A memory of my great adventure. • Fernie student Grace Brulotte was given the opportunity to become a student reporter at the 2010 Paralympic Games through the 2010 Legacies Now and Set BC programs.

Grace Brulotte carried the Paralympic flame through Vancouver hours before the opening ceremony.

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Fernie Campus congratulates the Free Press on 115 years of service to the community. The Fernie Campus of the College of the Rockies is proud to serve the community since 1989

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The Free Press wins gold Hosmer loses a legend April 15 2010 Free Press Files

he Free Press was been named one of the best community newspapers in B.C. and the Yukon. The Elk Valley newspaper won the gold award for overall newspaper excellence at the 2010 BC and Yukon Community N e w s p a p e r Association awards last weekend, beating 10 other finalists in the 3,301-6,000 circulation category. The award was judged by a team including industry professionals and readers from outside B.C. who based their decision on editions of each newspaper

from January and August 2009. Scores were awarded in 10 categories including front page, community news and features, editorial, sports, arts and entertainment, production quality, advertising content and design and classified advertising. The judges gave The Free Press high marks for its front page style and for its focus on local news, local features, photography and opinion, with a total of 81.33 marks out of 100. Judges also commended The Free Press’ tribute edition following the death of eight Sparwood snowmobilers in a series of avalanches.

Their adjudication said: “The staff at The Free Press do an outstanding job of serving their readers on a regular basis. However, they outdid themselves and their competitors when they went way beyond the telling of the news to provide such thorough yet sensitive treatment of a community tragedy. “Very moving stories and exceptional community coverage.” Free Press editor Rebecca Edwards and reporter Angela Treharne attended an awards gala in Richmond last Saturday to collect the award in front of around 500 other finalists and guests.

Coal. The award is named after B.C’s first mines inspector, Edward Gawler Prior, who subsequently served as Minister of Mines and went on to become B.C.’s 15th Premier and 11th Lieutenant Governor. The certificate of achievement for a mine with a minimum of 15,000 worker hours and the Stewart/O’Brian Safety Award will be presented at the Provincial Mine Rescue First Competition and Safety Awards Banquet at the Fernie Community Centre on June 5. “Mining is one of safest heavy industries in the province, and that is due to the diligence of miners, mine managers and mining companies across B.C.,” said

Hawes. “While the mining sector continues to grow, we are committed to the protection of mine workers and the natural environment.” “I know a lot of these folks personally, and I know the amazing level of their commitment to safety,” said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “Southeast B.C. has a proud tradition in mining, and these awards are a testament to the workers in this region.” “These awards are a reflection of the leadership and commitment our employees and contractors have shown towards achieving our vision of everyone going home safe and healthy every day,” said Robin Sheremeta, vicepresident, health and safety leadership,

Second place was awarded to The Valley Echo in Invermere and third place was awarded to the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle, Vancouver Island. Newspaper excellence awards in larger circulation categories were given to The Whistler Question and The Coast Reporter, both sister papers of The Free Press. The B.C. and Yukon Community N e w s p a p e r Association is a nonprofit organization representing 120 community newspapers throughout British Columbia and the Yukon, with a combined readership of over 2 million.

Mine safety takes first place

May 6 2010 Free Press Files

lk Valley mines have been applauded for their high safety standards, as two of the valley’s four open pit coals mines were awarded Open Pit Mine and Quarry Awards by Minister of State for Mining Randy Hawes. The John Ash Safety Award (1 million or more worker hours) went to Fording River Operations - Teck Coal. John Ash was B.C.’s first Minister of Mines, appointed in 1874. This position has always, and continues to be, a key leader and supporter of mine safety. The winner of the Edward Prior Safety Award (200,000 up to 1 million worker hours) is Greenhills Operations - Teck

Teck Resources. “Both our Greenhills and Fording River operations have set new standards of safety performance over the past year, and the dedicated people at these sites have worked hard to achieve this success.” Established in 1961 by the Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Open Pit Mine and Quarry Awards recognize excellence in open pit and quarry safety. Greenhills won the John Ash award in 2008, when Teck’s Line Creek Mine won the Edward Prior award. Open pit mines and quarries that have the lowest injury frequency rate are eligible to compete at the annual Provincial Mine Rescue First Competition.

December 9 2010 Free Press Files

o s m e r ’ s long-running mayoral candidate Charlie Fink passed away November 29, 2010, at 90 years-old. Fink was the last remaining member of the pioneering family in Hosmer. His brother Doug, 88, lives in Fernie. Charlie was born in Coleman, Alberta, and according to Doug, it was not planned. The midwife that was scheduled to deliver Charlie had had too much to drink the night before, and

according to Doug had had a hangover in the morning. Charlie and Doug’s mother, Norma, couldn’t wait any longer and boarded a passenger train to Coleman. Doug said that one of his fondest memories of Charlie was watching him feed beer to their mother’s tame red squirrels. Doug said the squirrels started running all over Charlie’s back and shoulders, and he was frantically trying to swat them off. But one of the things Charlie will be remembered for in Hosmer is his time as mayor. Charlie had won the Hosmer election over 30 times. The election started in the 1960s as a popularity contest in the bar. Once the fire department was started up it became an annual fundraiser. People voted with

their pennies, and they could vote as often as they liked. In one election over $1,200 was donated to the fire department. Charlie’s reign as mayor was not without controversy. In 1983, he was impeached when he was caught digging during his term. As a rule of the election, the mayor is not allowed to do any community service during his term. Fink was reinstated, when it was found that he was just digging for earthworms for fishing. According to Doug, Charlie will be remembered most for his work out in the bush. Charlie worked for the sawmills, putting chokes on the logs out in the forest so that they could be pulled out. Even though there are no Finks left in Hosmer, the stories of Charlie Fink are already legends.

Lento joins B.C. hall of fame the Vancouver Canucks, Trail, B.C. native Dallas Drake of the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings and Bruce Hamilton, president and general manager of the Kelowna Rockets.

Frank Lento was inducted to the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in July. July 29 2010 Free Press Files

o r m e r teacher and school board chairman, Frank Lento, has

been inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame. Lento, of Fernie, joined fellow inductees Trevor Linden of

Lento was ice hockey chair for the 2010 Olympic Bid Committee and is a past chair of Hockey Canada. He also worked with the Western Women’s Hockey League, BC Hockey, and the International Ice Hockey Federation. Mr. Lento attended the

ceremony in Penticton, accompanied by his wife, Maureen, who has recently suffered with poor health, and said in his acceptance speech, “Honey, I wouldn’t be here accepting this honour had it not been for you.” S p e a k i n g before the ceremony, Lento said, “to be recognized and honoured by your peers is pretty special. This is especially so when you’re part of a group that has contributed so much to hockey in British Columbia.”

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Ghostriders win silver at the Cyclone April 7 2011 Free Press File

he Fernie Ghostriders made hundreds of fans proud as they took home the silver medal at Cyclone Taylor Cup on Sunday night. The Ghostriders faced off against the Peninsula Panthers in the gold medal round of the Cyclone Cup. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats for much of the gold medal hockey game as the two teams battled it out. The Riders were the first to score, just seconds into the game. Scott Morisseau scored the first goal with an assist from Ty Morton. “I’m leery anytime you score a goal in the first minute of a hockey game,” said associate head coach of the Ghostriders, Rick Hillier. “Sometimes you get a false sense of security. If you don’t step your game up a notch or two at that point, it’s hard to keep momentum.” The Panthers responded to the pressure from the Riders scoring their first goal seven minutes later.

Zach Mazo, of the Panthers, scored the third goal of the game, giving the Panthers a one goal lead. Connor McLaughlin put the pressure on the Panthers late in the first period, tying the game, making the score 2-2 going into the second period. The Riders took the lead early in the second period with a goal by Cale Wright. But a penalty for the Ghostriders gave the Panthers a one-man advantage, allowing them to score a power play tying the game 3-3. Another penalty for the Ghostriders gave Kyle Peterson, of the Panthers, his second power play goal of the game, and gave the Panthers the lead. The score was 4-3 going into the third period. The Ghostriders fought hard against the Panthers to tie the game, but with a minute left a time out was called, and the Riders pulled goaltender Andrew Walton. The Riders were unable to score, and the Panthers scored their fifth goal of the game, winning them the Cyclone Taylor Cup.

(Front) Mike Anderson and the Ghostriders look out on to the ice as they prepared to face the Peninsula Panthers in the gold medal round of the Cyclone Taylor Cup on Sunday night.

Wilks wins MP Kootenay Columbia May 5 2011 Free Press Files

he Conservative Party was celebrating on Monday night as David Wilks was elected MP.

“I’m humbled, and I’m excited to start working for the constituents of KootenayColumbia,” said Wilks. More than 23,000 voters in the riding voted for Wilks. Shmigelsky, Wilks’s toughest competitor, received more than 14,000 votes. “I worked with Mark for three years on the Regional District. He ran a very good campaign, and I wish him nothing but the best in the future,” said Wilks. Wilks will be travelling to Ottawa next week to be officially sworn in as the MP for the riding. “It’s a huge riding. During the campaign I’ve heard a lot of people say what the issues are within their region. I think one of the first issues that we have to look at is to continue the infrastructure funding for the Trans-Canada Highway.

It needs to continue to be upgraded, particularly in the Golden and Revelstoke areas. I believe we also need to focus on Highway 3 as well,” he said. Wilks said that one of his main goals will be to create dialogue between city and district mayors and councillors and Regional District chairs and directors. “I want them to know they have open access to their Member of Parliament,” he said. Shmigelsky said that he called Wilks as soon as he heard the results. “I called to congratulate him. I know Dave, he is a good guy,” he said. Shimigelsky said that the NDP aren’t going anywhere in the riding. “We are going to give him time to get settled in, but we will be paying a lot more attention in this riding and holding the Conservatives accountable,” he said. Shmigelsky said that Election day was bittersweet. “We were happy with

what the NDP accomplished nationally but not thrilled with what happened in our riding,” he said. “We fought a good campaign. We were at all the all-candidates forums. I am ecstatic with how hard people worked on our campaign.” Shmigelsky said the NDP was able to increase votes for the Party in the riding but was unable to make a dent in the Conservative base. Liberal candidate Betty Aitchison received 1,492 votes, Green Party candidate Bill Green received 2,532 votes, and Independent candidate Brent Bush received 643 votes. The Conservative Party received 167 seats in the House of Commons and the NDP will form the official opposition with 102 seats. Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff resigned on Tuesday morning after the Liberals won the lowest number of seats in the Party’s history. The Green Party also made history on Monday, winning its first seat in the House of Commons.

Emergency services’ colouring contest

Elkford kids and families get their photo with the fire truck. May 26 2011 Free Press Files

group of Elkford kids were recognized for their participation in the Elkford Emergency Social Services (ESS) annual colouring contest last week. Along with their families, children gathered at the Elkford Fire Hall to take turns blowing the horn and turning on the sirens of the fire truck while enjoying a pop and chips. Seven lucky

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Thank you for the support and great coverage of the Fernie Ghostriders team.

randomly drawn colouring contest entrants received their prize bags filled with treats, goodies and plastic fire hats. Prize bag winners were Emilie Beauchamp, Gavin Sammartino, Georgia Nelson, Levi Rice, Stephen Ung, Taylor Hooper and Chelsea Tuusa. Since the beginning of May the Elkford ESS Team has been educating students and the public about the importance of emergency prepared-

ness. Shelly McLean, Elkford’s ESS Director explained the importance of ESS teams in communities. “We respond to all incidents, whether they are big or small. We come in as soon as possible after an accident or disaster and help people wherever we can. Whether they need help finding a place to stay, coping with their loss, assistance with food or clothing, we are there to assist.”

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Kienan back home in Sparwood Hebert family’s relief as three-year-old is returned

Paul, Tammy and Kienan, “There are no words strong enough to describe our joy when we discovered Kienan was home safe,” say the Heberts. September 15 2011 Free Press Files

ienan’s home,” announced his brother Calub, as he wrapped his arms around my neck the moment I arrived at the Hebert’s home. Next came Kienan who gave me a hug that made everything else in the world disappear. The Hebert family and Sparwood are joyously celebrating Kienan’s safe return. “It is truly a miracle,” says Kienan’s father Paul. “People always have been asking me, am I mad or angry with Hopley? How can I be mad? My son has been returned safe and unharmed. I am grateful.” In the early hours of Sunday, Kienan’s mom Tammy was unable to sleep. As she paced back and forth she glanced out the window noticing flashlights

around her home. “I was stunned, I thought who could be around our home now, so late at night. I ran and woke up Paul. He snuck up to the house and realized it was the police. “ Paul continues: “They told us, they had just received a call saying Kienan was home safe. “We went in the house, there was Kienan fast asleep on the couch in his blankets. I grabbed him and held him. At that moment all of my strength disappeared. I broke down and held my son.” Paul ran across the street and yelled for Tammy. “It seemed like I couldn’t get there fast enough,” said Tammy. “My legs felt like Jello. I wondered if I was dreaming.” Paul and Tammy do not have strong enough words to describe that moment they held their son. “We were grateful, thankful, happy, of course, but those words

do not do our feelings justice. The feeling of joy was indescribable.” Now that his son is home, Paul has directed criticism towards the courts. “I realize many people are very angry with Hopley or maybe the RCMP,” says Paul. “I am angry with our justice system, how can a person with so much history of these types of occurrences be released into our community with no one knowing. He never should have been released. “The justice system not only failed us, they failed the entire community. Their actions are inexcusable. The RCMP have been doing their jobs and doing it well, they should be commended for that. Hopley, he is a man that is sick, very sick and needs help.” Kienan, a quiet three-yearold, spent time playing with his

brothers, sisters and family members and it was quite apparent he was thankful to be home. “He does have some trauma,” said Paul. “Sometimes he will be doing ok, and running around like nothing ever happened, but there are moments when he becomes different, and you can tell there is a change in him. But after everything he has been through, he is doing really well.” The other children are coping well with the experience. “Bedtime is a bit hard,” says Paul. “But that is to be expected. Our children now have a bit of an apprehension towards strangers as well, where they never did before. They were all outgoing and friendly. Children should not have to be fearful. We will all work on the experience to cope and heal as a family, and a community.” To the community of Sparwood,

Paul paused and thinking of words effective enough to describe his gratitude. “I cannot just say thank you. It is so much more than thank you. I am indebted to every single person that has helped in the search for Kienan. To the community of Sparwood you have shown who you are. People that will be there to help, take action when wrongdoing is done, to support and strengthen each other. If any of the volunteer searchers feel like what they did, didn’t really make a difference, it did. They were the ones who put the pressure on, that is something I believe made a huge impact,” said Paul. “The support Kienan and our family have received has been amazing. I am happy we live in Sparwood and thankful for what a wonderful Valley we live in. Our family has truly lived a miracle.”

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A notable opening for Elkford's Community Conference Centre

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Santa Pups starts filming downtown October 20 2011 Free Press Files

Elkford Mayor Dean Mckerracher, Minister Ida Chong from the Ministry of Community, Sport & Cultural Development and Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East cut the ribbon at the official grand opening ceremony. July 5 2012 Free Press Files

he first glimpse of sun many have seen in days was beaming down its rays on all those attending the official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the Elkford Community Conference Centre. Residents, business owners, visitors and many honoured dignitaries attended to formally celebrate the opening of the state of the art building. After the ribbon cutting was the Grand Opening Ceremony held in the Teck Hall. Mayor McKerracher opened the event by providing a brief overview of the project and acknowledged the efforts and contributions of those that helped make the project possible. "This building has been a vision of ours for many years. Waiting for the doors to open gave me the same feeling as I had when I was waiting for my wife to deliver our babies," said McKerracher. "Every time I look at this building, I stand in awe. We are so proud, the facility is beautiful and is even more exceptional as it is sitting on the traditional land of the Ktunaxa. We are pleased to welcome everyone, today and in the future," he said. "Congratulations!" said MLA Bill Bennett. "I am really proud to

call Dean McKerracher my friend. Without him, we would not be standing here in this building.” Bennett also gave credit to Teck and the huge contribution they make to the Valley. The $6.4 million energy-efficient Community Conference Centre is constructed of structural wood which captures carbon and conserves maximum energy and reduces the Centre’s environmental footprint. The 1,800 square-metre building features a Visitor Centre, playschool, commercial kitchen, banquet hall with a stage for the performing arts, multi-purpose meeting rooms as well as historical displays. The building is being widely recognized for its innovative use of wood products, as it is the first commercial application of Cross Laminated Timbers (CLT) wall panels in North America. "The wood used in our new centre provides beautiful aesthetics while supporting the wood industry and wood innovation in our province. This building will play a key role in helping our community grow and prosper, benefitting current and future generations.” proudly boasted Mayor Dean McKerracher. The community celebrated with a barbecue and tours of the new facility through the afternoon and into the evening.

here was fake snow, fluffy little white puppies, candy canes and extras bundled up in scarves and mittens in downtown Fernie this week, as filming started on a new family Christmas movie. Fernie is to take centre-stage in the movie that shows how Santa and his pack of talking dogs save the happiest town in the world. Santa Pups will be filmed for four weeks, on location on Second Avenue, Fernie Museum, Fernie Courthouse, City Hall and Coal Creek barn. More than 100 cast and crew will fill several hotels and use the city's restaurants and shops during filming, and many locals are being cast as movie extras. The cast includes Charlie's Angels actress Cheryl Ladd as Mrs. Claus and Seinfeld actor Danny Woodburn as Santa's head elf. Director Robert Vince is behind many other talking animal family movies, including Air Bud, the Santa Buddies, Space Buddies and the recently-released Spooky Buddies. Production and

Some of the movie’s stars check out downtown

Location Manager, Darcy Wild, says Fernie will represent the fictional town of Pineville - the happiest town in the world. In the movie everyone in Pineville is preparing for Christmas, when the town's Christmas spirit is ruined by a misunderstanding. Santa, his elves and his team of Great Pyrenees puppies must travel from the North Pole to save the day. Filming will take place between noon and midnight most days, and many

Fernie City Hall will be used for a Christmas tree lighting scene. An ice rink will be built outside Coal Creek barn for the filming, and local skaters will be used as extras. The only scenes not to be filmed in Fernie are those set in Santa's workshop in the North Pole, which will be shot in a studio in Vancouver. Snow machines are being used to create snow at each location. The movie will be released in time for Christmas 2012.

Elkford’s unique branding wins more creative awards July 5th 2012 Free Press Files

he District of Elkford’s branding has received awards again – this time on an international level. Elkford’s branding received three awards at the 18th Annual Summit International Awards for creative excellence. Twist Marketing, a Calgary based

company that the District of Elkford works with to create its unique branding, was awarded a gold medal for the District of Elkford’s community website, and two silver medals for Elkford’s summer and winter promotional videos. Twist Marketing was presented with nine creative awards in total. There were more than 4,700 entries from

District of Elkford 816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0 P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 info@elkford.ca • www.elkford.ca

First Elkford Council Sworn in August 4, 1971 Free Press Files

restaurants and bars are staying open late in order to deal with the cast and crew's meal breaks. The museum building will represent a radio station in the movie, and other shops on the block will be decorated to represent businesses in the fictional Pineville. A courtroom scene was added to the movie so that the interior of Fernie Courthouse could be used as a location, and the outside of the building will represent a school. The outside of

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20 countries that were assessed by an international panel of 16 judges. The District of Elkford’s branding and marketing initiative began in 2006 with the re-branding process and has grown into a well-developed brand that has been implemented into almost all aspects of the District’s operations.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Free Press brings home gold for the second time in 3 years!

Publisher Dave Hamilton (left) and Editor Angela Treharne (right) accepted the award at the gala event at the River Rock casino

he Free Press has again been recognized as the top newspaper in its circulation category by the British Columbia and Yukon Community Newspapers Association (BCYCNA). At the 2012 BCYCNA Ma Murray Community Newspaper Awards gala held at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond on Saturday (April 12), The Free Press walked away with first place in "Newspaper Excellence" for newspapers with our circulation.

The North Island Gazette and the Hope Standard placed second and third, respectively. "Packed with community news, The Free Press offers a broad balance of stories, from ski weekends to strikes to an unexplained death," stated the BCYCNA. "The manner in which they covered the Kienan kidnapping showed the paper’s understanding of the role of media in a small community. Without being intrusive or sensational, they reported the homecoming of the child." Judging of the Newspaper Excellence category takes into account editorial content, photography and production, and

advertising. Editor Angela Treharne and Publisher Dave Hamilton were at the awards to pick up the trophy. The Free Press won the same award in 2010. This year's Ma Murray awards mark the 90th year the BCYCNA has recognized the efforts of its member newspapers throughout British Columbia and the Yukon. The awards, named after British Columbia's first female newspaper publisher, cover all aspects of the newspaper industry including production, publishing, reporting, editing, advertising, photography, website design and community contribution.

Days next weekend. According to an anonymous incident report sent to the CAC, the avalanche happened last Saturday in the Shepp Creek headwater area of the Flathead Valley, near Lodgepole creek, at 7,000 metres elevation. The Free Press requested an interview with the sledders through the CAC, but they did not wish to comment. The sledder, who was in a group of three, was on his first ride up a 200 metre, steep, lightly-treed slope with bare rock cliffs

above, when a slab of snow let go above the sledder at the base of the cliffs. The report says: “Snow knocked sledder downward. Sledder remained tangled with sled moving down slope approx. 30 metres while trapped underneath sled and snow, stopping against a tree. “Handlebars and one hand of sledder remained exposed above snow. Sledder unable to move, dig out or create air pocket and lost consciousness approx one minute after burial.

“The two rescuers dug out the sledder who was found unconscious approx. three mins after burial. “Shortly after exposure to air, sledder regained consciousness with no major injuries.” A photo of the widespread avalanche debris was also sent to the CAC. Forecasting manager at the CAC, Karl Klassen, said the incident is a good example of a successful companion rescue, which the centre encourages all backcountry users to be prepared to

carry out. “In Canada, most times if you have to call in a rescue team, especially to a remote place like the Flathead, it will take hours for them to get there. “So the message we are constantly going on about is you need equipment, training and you need to practice a rescue response as a group before you set out. “It looks like that’s what happened here and that’s why they were able to get this person out before it was too late.”

April 19 2012 Free Press Files

Buried sledder rescued by friends January 12 2012 Free Press Files

sledder was rescued by his two companions and escaped injury after being buried in an avalanche for three minutes in the Flathead last weekend. The incident is a timely reminder of the importance of making sure your backcountry trip companions could rescue you, according to the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC), which holds its annual Avalanche Awareness

Whitefish resident spotted missing boy and father in car and called police

resident of Whitefish, Montana, recognized the car belonging to Robert Barnett, the man who was believed to have abducted his son from Fernie, and contacted police. The U.S. resident had seen the Amber Alert that had been issued the day before, then noticed a car matching the description parked in a sidestreet of the town, an hour south of the Roosville border, at around 7 this morning. The 39-year-old man and son, threeyear-old Alvin Barnett, were sitting inside

the car. Whitefish police arrested the man and took Alvin into care. Alvin will be returned to his family in Fernie today. Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, Senior Media Relations Officer at the RCMP, said the child is in good health. “He was tired, and hungry, but in generally good spirits and not hurt,” he said. He said that Barnett had been able to cross into the US before the authorities were aware the child was missing. “American authorities stated that the car had crossed into the US at 3:15 p.m. which was the same time the child was reported missing,” he said.

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with Barnett, at a Fernie hotel. Police were notified that the pair were missing after they failed to return to the room. They travelled into the United States via the Roosville crossing in a 2002 blue Subaru Outback with B.C. licence 347SB. It is believed Barnett left his hotel room during a supervised visit with his son in the Fernie area around 3:15 p.m. this afternoon. When Barnett and his son failed to return to the room, police were notified. An Amber Alert is intended only for the most serious, time-critical child abduction cases. It is not intended for cases involving parental abductions, except in life-threatening situations.

Moskaluk said the Amber Alert was issued because the situation met all the criteria, and they believed the child was in imminent danger. He could not say what involvement with the police Barnett has had in the past, or why he was only able to have supervised visits with his child. He also could not say how Barnett and Alvin were able to leave the room of the hotel where he was having a supervised visit, and leave in his car. An Amber Alert was issued yesterday (Thursday) at 4 p.m. after the boy was abducted from Fernie. Alvin was taken from Fernie, following a supervised visit

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November 22 2012 Free Press Files

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 27, 2012

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Mining - the core of the Elk Valley By John Kinnear Submitted

the railroad’s arrival.

Mining begins By 1909 there were five active underground mines in the Elk Valley: Coal Creek, Morrissey, Hosmer, Corbin and Michel/Natal. All produced domestic and industrial steam coals and coke for the ever growing smelting industry. By 1909 Morrissey Mines closed and in 1914 the Hosmer Mine closed.Coal Creek, Michel/Natal and Corbin Mines managed to carry on but by 1935 Corbin experienced a crippling strike by the miners wanting better working conditions and the company stunned everyone by closing the mine. It reopened for five years in 1943 before again being shut down. Coal Creek closed in 1958 after the emergence of oil as a more effective fuel for rail locomotives. The Michel/Natal mines endured into the 1960s when the Crows Nest Coal Company developed a coking coal market with Japan.

any visitors pass through the Elk Valley without realizing it has five coal mines generating approximately 0.5% of Canada’s GDP. The valley’s five open pit mines – Elkview, Coal Mountain, Line Creek, Greenhills and Fording River – make their owner, Vancouver-based Teck Resources, the second largest exporter of seaborne steelmaking coal in the world. In 2011, 22 million tonnes of coal were taken by CP Rail trains through B.C. to ports on the Pacific coast, where they were shipped across the world to make steel. Where it all began The first interest in Elk Valley coal resources came in 1845 when exposures were found by Father Pierre-Jean DeSmet, a Belgian Jesuit missionary. In 1873, Michael Phillips, discoverer of the Crowsnest Pass, sent coal samples to Dr. George M. Dawson of the Geological Survey of Canada. Dawson’s mapping of the area’s geological formations prompted William Fernie and Colonel James Baker to form the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company. They also helped bring a badly-needed Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) rail link through the Crowsnest Pass area in 1898 – and that’s when development in the Elk Valley really took off. William Fernie and twenty imported Cape Breton coal miners started the area’s first mine at Coal Creek east of the present town of Fernie in 1897 in anticipation of

1968: Open pit mining In 1968 J. Edgar Kaiser negotiated a deal to take over a large portion of the Crows Nest Pass Coal Company property and mines and develop the Balmer strip mine on Harmer Ridge above Michel/Natal. A preparation plant was constructed and marked the beginning of a new era in open pit coal mining in the valley. In 1972 Fording Coal Ltd began shipping coal to Japan from the Fording River operation near Elkford. In 1974 Corbin re-opened under the

Early Elk Valley miners and their pit pony at the entrance to Michel underground mine in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of Michel Natal Sparwood Heritage Society

name Byron Creek Collieries and began shipping thermal coal to Ontario Hydro. Esso Resources took over the operation in 1981 and Fording Coal Ltd. assumed control in 1994, renaming it Coal Mountain. In 1978 Shell Canada took over the remaining holdings of Crowsnest Industries (formerly the Crows Nest Pass Coal Co.) and developed the Line Creek property 16 km north of Sparwood, opening in 1981. Two years later Westar Mining (formerly Kaiser Resources) opened Greenhills operation north of Line Creek. After the now infamous Westar bankruptcy of 1991, Teck Cominco reopened the Westar Balmer Mine at Sparwood

Mining keeps communities moving Our mines produce more than just minerals. They support families, help to build communities and foster economic growth. Mining has been at the heart of Elk Valley life since the 1890s. Today, Teck’s five steelmaking coal mines employ over 3,700 men and women and inject almost $1 billion into the local economy each year. Safety is at our core – Teck is committed to everyone going home safe and healthy every day. To learn more, visit www.teck.com

renaming it Elkview Coal Corp. In 1992 Fording Coal Ltd. bought and re-opened the Greenhills Mine.

Today All five mines have continued to produce a stream of steelmaking coals for national and international markets.They have endured market fluctuations, bankruptcies and, in some cases, several changes in ownership. In 2004, the five mines consolidated into one powerful and efficiency-driven entity known as the Elk Valley Coal Partnership, which was bought by Vancouver-based Teck Resources in 2008.