MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2012
Vol. 38, Issue 39
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Fish and Game Club, and BCWF host youth camp
2011 CCNA
B.C. government studying online voting Not in time for the next provincial election though
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STAR/JOURNAL photo: Bob Hayward
Twenty-five youngsters spent last week learning about hunting, fishing, and being an environmentally responsible outdoorsmen; thanks to the North Thompson Fish and Game Club (NTFGC), and the BC Wildlife Federation. The camp included days spent at Wells Gray Park and Dunn Lake Fish Hatchery, fishing, swimming, and a day at the NTFGC rifle range where each participant had an opportunity to learn about firearms safety and to target shoot. The youth also received a course on ethical trapping, which did not include actually trapping a live animal. Pictured is NTFGC member Jay Butcher (red shirt), on Aug. 10, at the rifle range, instructing a youngster in the fine points of firearms safety; while member Ben Thiessen shows another youngster how to safely use a rifle, scope, and line-up a target.
Luison heads for Nationals AAA Midget Championships
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Elite Basketball Program travels to Bella Coola Coach Anfinn Siwallace
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Bats may be packing rabies North Thompson Star/Journal Interior Health (IH) is asking the public to be mindful of any bats they may come across while enjoying outside activities; or may find within buildings, barns, or other enclosed areas. Public Health Nurse, Crystal Wadlegger says IH is extending a friendly reminder during the summer for people to be aware that they should not touch or instigate contact with bats. Bats can fly into poorly sealed cabins and homes, or roost in attic spaces. Bats are the primary carrier of the rabies virus in B.C., and while not every bat is a carrier, between four and eight per cent of the bats that are tested after coming into contact with people are found to have
the rabies virus. One unlucky Barriere rresident was recently bittten by a bat that later tested positive for the rabies virus. Wadlegger says that last year, 24 people in the region were treated for potential exposure to rabies. Treatment, involves a two week long period of vaccinations, and is most effective when administered as soon as possible after exposure. Without treatment to prevent its onset, rabies is almost always fatal. Because bats have tiny sharp teeth and claws, their scratches or bites are not always visible and in some cases it can take weeks or even months for symptoms to appear. Early treatment is essential to prevent the disease from progressing.
Interior Health offers these tips to protect yourself: s $O NOT TOUCH LIVE OR dead bats. s -AKE YOUR HOME OR cabin ‘bat proof’. Keep doors and windows closed, make sure window screens don’t have any holes, and keep the attic area free of bats by keeping all vents properly screened and by closing off other openings. s )F YOU FIND A LIVE bat in a room of your home, open the window and close interior doors until the bat leaves. s )F YOU HAVE A PET dog, cat or ferret, make sure they are vaccinated regularly against rabies. Pets that were born and raised in B.C. pose a very low risk of transmitting rabies to humans; however, vaccinating your pets will pro-
tect them from rabies. If you have been bitten or scratched; s 4HOROUGHLY WASH the wounds with soap and water. s #ONTACT YOUR LOCAL Public Health Unit or family doctor immediately. s #ALL A WILDLIFE OR pest control company to capture the bat. If trying to capture the bat yourself, avoid contact by wearing leather gloves, a hat, long sleeves and pants. s 3AFELY CONTAIN THE bat in a secure covered container to prevent others from being exposed, and keep the bat in a safe location until Public Health can arrange to pick it up and test it for rabies. For more information visit www.healthlinkbc. ca/healthfiles/hfile07. stm.
STAR/JOURNAL photo: Jill Hayward
Tristan Holt was one of a number of area cowboys, cowgirls, and parents who held a fundraiser in front of AG Foods on Aug. 4, for the upcoming Barriere Little Britches rodeo, that takes place this coming weekend at the North Thompson Fall Fair grounds. Spectators are encouraged and admission is free.
SERVING THE NORTH THOMPSON VALLEY FROM HEFFLEY CREEK TO BLUE RIVER