Inside
u Rising from the ashes P. 3 u Something in the water P. 6
u Question of the week P. 2 u Lifeflong learning P. 8
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WEDNESDAY, December 19, 2012
NEWS BRIEFS Trial date set The trial of Cody Legebokoff has been scheduled to begin in Prince George on Sept. 9, 2013. The trail date had been pushed back and the investigation into the four counts of first degree murder Legebokoff is charged with had continued, including the search for the body of Natasha Montgomery, his alleged fourth victim. Legebokoff, only 20 years old at the time of his arrest, was pulled over by an alert RCMP officer from Fort St. James on Nov. 27, 2010, when he was noticed pulling out of an unused logging road late at night. The logging road, between Fort St. James and Vanderhoof and off of Highway 27, was searched by a conservation officer, who then discovered the body of Loren Donn Leslie, a 15-year-old from Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof. As the RCMP investigated Legebokoff further, they then discovered evidence they believe links Legebokoff to three other previously unsolved cases, the murders of Jill Stuchenko and Cynthia Maas, as well as the disappearance of Montgomery. The Maas family and RCMP have since issued pleas for help from the public in finding the body of Maas, but it has still not been located. Legebokoff, from Fort St. James, had been living in Prince George with friends, all young women.
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Let it snow
Murray Ridge Ski Hill is aiming to open Dec. 21. The hill opening was delayed due to needing some groomer parts, but the parts are on their way. While a little more snow would help as well, this year’s new General Manager, Sky Perreault, has been doing pre-season preparation for start-up with many locals pitching in.
Fireweed rezoning passes second time around... Ruth Lloyd Caledonia Courier The rezoning required for Fireweed Safe Haven to move their women’s shelter from the Sitka Building on Stuart Drive to 341 Second Avenue passed unanimously. The controversial rezoning drew a lot of discussion at the public hearing before the council meeting on Dec. 12, and some scolding by Mayor Rob MacDougall for Fireweed. “This isn’t a precedent if it’s passed,” he said. “It fits this time.” MacDougall was critical of Fireweed’s decision to purchase the property before it was rezoned to social services congregate
care from residential zoning. MacDougall said Fireweed’s decision to purchase the property before the rezoning decision put mayor and council in an awkward position. While the public hearing heard from both opponents and supporters, councillors said the area was still the best suited one for the purpose of moving the shelter to a larger and more suitable building. Mayor and Councillor Joan Burdeniuk both expressed a need for better planning on the part of the municipality for land uses like this to allow for growth and expansion in the community. It was the second time Fireweed had applied for
the rezoning, with the first application being defeated after the public hearing, with council expressing a desire to see the shelter stay where it was at the time. Property owners across the street from 341 Second Avenue were opposed, but said the support the work the shelter does. The properties are rental units, and the property owners expressed concern their units would be less desirable with a shelter for women and children fleeing abuse across the street and worries traffic might be more of an issue. Other community members, including a neighbourhood resident, came out in support of the rezoning.
Murray Ridge
Yekooche First Nation in mediation Yekooche First Nation is struggling with leadership once again, after a judgement renewed controversy over the position of chief. Chief Henry Joseph was elected on Sept. 28 of 2011, but then lost his seat in a recall campaign. Allegations were levelled against Henry Joseph during the recall and he lost in a bi-election in February to Partner Schielke, who had previously been chief. While Joseph alleged corruption of band employees after taking office, the band then pursued legal action against Joseph, alleging mismanagement by Joseph himself. A later judgement then returned Joseph to the position of chief, and now the band is in meetings with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Members of the band administration and some councillors are alleging Joseph to be not working for the members. A meeting held on Dec. 7 did not resolve the situation and another meeting was scheduled to be held on Dec. 13 to continue negotiations. Should talks fail to produce results, administrative staff said they fear the band will be put under third party management by the federal government. The controversy over leadership has put a halt to much of the band’s work, according to administration.