George Young remembers PAGE A3
Tuba love PAGE A14
trouble staying out of trouble PAGE A22
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
VOL. 99 NO. 19
www.quesnelobserver.com
1
$ 34
PM 40005365
includes HST
WF growing AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Strong Canadian plywood prices and an increase in U.S. housing starts are credited for West Fraser’s positive third quarter results. The company reported earnings for the third quarter of 2012 of $55 million and earnings per share of $1.27 on sales of $772 million. For the first nine months of 2012, earnings were $65 million and earnings per share were $1.51, on sales of $2.2 billion. In the quarter, the lumber segment generated operating earnings of $37 million and operating earnings plus amortization (EBITDA) of $58 million. The company stated lumber prices continued to reflect gradually improving U.S. demand, combined with continuing steady demand for Canadian lumber from both Canada and Asia. “Higher benchmark lumber prices triggered a reduction in duties charged on softwood lumber exported to the U.S. from B.C. and Alberta during the quarter,” the release states. In the company’s panel segment, including plywood, laminated veneer lumber and medium density fibreboard, generated earnings of $22M and EBITDA of $25 million, which the company says reflects strong Canadian plywood price tags. Pulp and paper generated $17M and EBITDA of $28M. This is in line with the company’s previous quarter. The average northern bleached softwood kraft price dropped to US$853 from $900. “But reduced costs resulted in a marginal improvement in operating earnings compared with the previous quarter,” the company stated. West Fraser also announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the Sundance sawmilling and remanufacturing operations based in Edson, Alberta and related timber harvesting rights. The company stated facilities have an operational capacity of approximately 150 million board feet and the annual allowable harvest is approximately 795,000 m3 of coniferous and 53,000 m3 of deciduous trees, including a temporary uplift of approximately 375,000 m3 until 2017. “We are pleased to have an opportunity to grow our business in Alberta and we are excited to welcome the Sundance employees to the West Fraser team,” West Fraser CEO Hank Ketcham said.
Resting unicorn Stephanie Fenner put her considerable creativity to work sculpting this snow unicorn, using grass for the mane and tail and a bright orange carrot for the horn. Annie Gallant photo
Suspect leaps from third-storey balcony to escape police AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter A warrant has been issued for Quesnel resident Shadow Darrell LaFlamme. The 22-year-old fled from police Friday night, after resisting arrest and jumping out a third-storey balcony. Shortly after 8 p.m. Nov. 2, RCMP were called to an apartment in the 1200 block of Lark Avenue on an unrelated matter.
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Upon arrival, police located and arrested LaFlamme for possession of a controlled substance. The arresting officer attempted to apprehend the suspect but he resisted arrest. A struggle ensued which ended when LaFlamme fled the apartment out of a third storey balcony striking his arm and leg on a second floor balcony before landing on the ground. He then fled the scene on foot. LaFlamme is currently
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wanted for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, assaulting a police officer, being unlawfully in a dwelling house, possession of stolen property and trespassing at night. LaFlamme is approximately 5’8” and 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with any information, call 250-992-9211 immediately.
Shadow Darrell LaFlamme
Celebrating our 2nd Anniversary Saturday, Nov. 10th, 11 am - 2 pm TACO GYPSY
SAMPLES FROM COYOTE ACRES
DRAW FOR 3 DOOR PRISES 2:00pm
MUSIC BY DOUG KOYAMA
Thank you to everyone for all the support. CHEERS!
GOOD 4 YOU & PLANET 2 333 Legion Dr. 250-992-5155