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Vol. 89 Issue 21 • Wednesday, May 23, 2012 • www.arrowlakesnews.com • 250-265-3823 • $1.25 Includes HST
Chip truck crash near Burton
Selkirk College president Angus Graeme addresses community members at the Nakusp extension of the college. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE ORR
Selkirk College seeks community input By Lee Orr
Special to the Arrow Lakes News
Looking for fresh input, Selkirk College held an open forum for the community to share its ideas about how the college could better serve its communities. Called a ‘strategic planning session’ it asked community members to come forward with their ideas on the direction they’d like to see education take in the Kootenays. Chairing the forum was Selkirk College president Angus Graeme. He asked “how can we [Selkirk College] stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment?” A packed house had no shortage of ideas. Twenty-six people from a wide variety of community groups engaged in a spirited discussion for almost two hours. Many of the key themes to emerge focused on access to a wider range of education at the local level. These included utilizing digital technology to make more courses available locally, reducing the need for travel without sacrificing course connectivity. Another idea was taking advantage of the existing infrastructure and creating more locally available educational training such as Lab Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Early Childhood Education training. Creating a more seamless transition between the high school and post-secondary education systems was another point of emphasis. The community felt more could be done, and Graeme agreed, saying “we’d like
to see more of a K-16 system.” It’s currently a complex and expensive process for high school students to access the college curriculum but changes could be made. Better communication could benefit both the college and students. The success of many integrated trades programs also led to calls for more, especially in the areas of welding and construction. It was also suggested that a more broadly-based course would be beneficial and reflect the reality that in small communities people often work multiple jobs requiring a variety of skills to make it through the year. From an economic development and sustainability standpoint, increasing the availability and focus on agricultural-based training was a priority. The rise in ‘educational tourism’ has also created some economic possibilities for communities like Nakusp to provide courses and seminars for destination learning. Graeme acknowledged many of the things being said in Nakusp were echoed in the other communities. This was the final stop on a series of 6 open houses and the conclusion to a long consultation process. Over the next few months, Selkirk will compile all the information and later this year release a summary of their new plan and strategic direction to the communities. While this forum is now closed if you feel you’d like to contribute your ideas you can always contact Selkirk College directly.
The driver of the truck survived the crash, unlike his truck. By Claire Paradis Arrow Lakes News
The driver of a truck hauling two chip trailers that sped off Highway 6 and into the trees near Burton on Friday, May 18 had open liquor in his vehicle, say Nakusp RCMP. Luckily, the driver – the only person in the truck –was the only person injured by the crash. He sustained only a few minor injuries, unlike the truck which was completely demolished.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAKUSP RCMP
Nakusp RCMP officer Corporal Fehler said witnesses reported that the chip truck was travelling very fast before it careened off the road and into the forest. After a breath test of the driver indicated alcohol consumption, he was given a 24-hour roadside prohibition, along with a violation ticket for Failing to Keep Right. At the moment, investigators are looking into the driver’s log books and will continue to investigate the accident. It’s expected that more charges will be laid.
CRT consultation coming to Nakusp Contributed
The Columbia River Treaty information sessions return to Nakusp June 5 at the Arena Auditorium. This time, the sessions are part of the provincial consultation, and will also aim to address some of the questions brought up during the last tour. “In general, Basin residents said they want more information on several topics, including: the benefits and negative impacts of the current CRT; issues related to compensation; the feasibility of bringing salmon back to the upper Columbia River; climate change and
how it may influence the CRT in the future; and scenarios for the future of the CRT,” said a press release from the CBT, which is supporting the information sessions, “They also want to learn more about how the current CRT operates, including flood control and downstream power benefits, as well as roles and responsibilities of key players, including the federal and provincial governments.” Once again there will be an open house beginning in the afternoon, and free dinner in the evening before the consultation begins at 7 p.m.
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