TUESDAY
JANUARY 15, 2013
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Vol. 61, Issue 10
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IN COURT
Trial set for Barnett ANNALEE GR ANT Townsman Staff
Robert Barnett will have a trial by Supreme Court Justice and jury in June after debate with Crown counsel and Justice Thomas Melnick on Monday. It was Barnett’s second appearance in the Cranbrook Law Courts to face charges related to the alleged abduction of a three-year-old boy in November that sparked an Amber Alert. This time Barnett appeared in Supreme Court after opting in December to represent himself, despite suggestions from B.C. provincial
court judge Lisa Mrozinski that he seek counsel. Barnett again on Monday reiterated his choice to go ahead without the aid of counsel. “I’ve considered those options. I think I’d like to set the earliest dates for trial as possible,” Barnett told court. Barnett is charged with abduction by a parent/guardian and theft over $5,000. The boy was eventually found safe the next day in Whitefish, Montana, after being smuggled over the B.C./Montana border.
See BARNETT , Page 4
SCHOOL DISTICT 5
Budget mandate would have long-term benefit, MLA says ANNALEE GR ANT Townsman Staff
MLA Bill Bennett says times continue to be tough for the provincial government, and the Cooperative Gains Mandate is the best way for public sector employees to see wage increases in the next two years. Bennett is responding to comments made by School District 5 chair Frank Lento last week, after the school board balked at the mandate to find 1.5 per cent savings per year over two years to fund wage increases for public sector employees such as teachers and other support staff. “Our efforts on behalf of taxpayers include no new money for public sector unions right now,” Bennett said. “However, it is possible for
BRANDON BRYAN PHOTO
COZY NOOK: BC Hydro employees Brandon Bryan and Bill Herman had a close encounter with a bobcat on Wednesday, January 9. The feline ran in front of their path on the access road to the Aberfeldie Dam, along the Bull River Road, before scuttling up a tree. The pair approached to 15 feet from the bobcat’s perch, but it didn’t seem to mind, dozing off during the half hour that Bryan and Herman watched it.
unions to gain benefits for their members through what we call the Cooperative Gains Mandate. This gives the public sector an opportunity to find internal savings to fund wage increases.” Bennett said the decision was made to allow B.C. to continue its growth as other provinces across the country slip further into deficit. “B.C. is dealing with tough fiscal challenges due to the global economic slowdown,” he said. “When provinces like Ontario and Alberta are more in deficit than B.C., we know we are on the right track, but we cannot take our eye off the ball during these uncertain times.”
See COOPERATIVE , Page 4
Part of 14th Ave. closed today The City of Cranbrook Public Works will be closing 14th Avenue between 2nd Street North and 4th Street North today, Tuesday, January 15, 2013, between the hours of 7 a.m.
and 5 p.m. to repair a water main. The area will be barricaded for the duration of the work. Motorists are being asked to use an alternate route while the work is being done.
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