Salmon Arm Observer, January 23, 2013

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Wednesday January 23, 2013 www.saobserver.net $1.25 GST Included

Debts still plague Sturgis

motorcycle event: City creditors frustrated, motoplex negotiates plan for recouping loss. By martha Wickett OBSeRVeR STAFF

Businesses in Salmon Arm owed money by Sturgis north remain disappointed, which contrasts with the view of the business that hosted the 2012 event. Although Motoplex Speedway and event Park – which hosted the 2012 event – initiated a civil claim for close to $400,000 on nov. 14, 2012 in B.c. Supreme court in Vernon against Sturgis north encore Productions Inc., Raymond Michael Roger Sasseville and Joan Hansen, the court action is not indicative of how financial issues are being resolved, says the motoplex manager. Bob newcombe, Just because you’re manager of the Spallumsuing somebody cheen facility, told the doesn’t mean you’re Observer Monday that motoplex officials have not happy with them. been meeting with St- That’s just business. urgis over the past three weeks, and have reached agreements. He said the court action still exists, Bob Newcombe but is not moving forMotoplex ward. “I’m not saying we Manager have withdrawn it, but we’re coming to terms. Again, I would like it (the event) to be a success… I think it would be good for everybody.” The lawyer representing the motoplex in the civil action reiterated that view. “civil claims and responses are posturing. The fact is, both sides are working together to bring about a successful festival in 2013,” said Kent Burnham. In december, Sturgis north and the neskonlith Indian Band announced they had formed a partnership and would be holding the 2013 event Aug. 22 See sturgis on page A3

JamEs murray/OBSeRVeR

Elation at the finish

A triumphant Gullan Hansen raises her arms in victory after completing the 29th Annual Reino KeskiSalmi Loppet held Saturday morning up at Larch Hills. Hansen, 79, is the only person to have completed all 29 loppets. For more coverage, see pages A17 and A18.

Stomp eyes city fairgrounds Biker rally: Group looks to find new site, also considers Sicamous. By Lachlan Labere OBSeRVeR STAFF

The Salmon Arm Fall Fairgrounds and sites in Sicamous are options being considered by Summer Stomp organizers for the event’s home in 2013. Steve Hammer, treasurer with the non-profit Summer Stomp, confirmed the fairgrounds is one of three locations being considered for their event, billed by the organization as the “best biker charity party going.” “It is very preliminary but it is an option, and we actually

This week Dan MacQuarrie, Salmon Arm’s tobacco reduction champion, earns honours. See A8. A new art gallery show explores the concept of time. See more on page A21.

have a meeting coming up on the 24th of January… and we’ll have some more clear direction of which one we’ll be pursuing at that time,” Hammer explained. On Monday, Salmon Arm city council considered a letter from RcMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane, who says he’s been advised that the Summer Stomp “is seeking approval to use the fall fairgrounds” for 2013. Keane also notes the city is responsible for 100 per cent of costs related to “special events” outside of the

municipal policing contract. coun. Alan Harrison said the Stomp’s interest in the fairgrounds has come before the fair’s board of directors, and that the board has not committed to leasing the grounds. “I would understand they would like to hold their annual general meeting first, and their (AGM) is in February,” said Harrison. “So they haven’t made a decision if they want to lease the grounds…” Harrsion said he advised

the board that if they decided to lease the grounds to the Stomp, they “should consider collecting an amount to help pay for RcMP policing costs.” despite there being no application from the Stomp, or further details available, coun. chad eliason said he was supportive of the group using the fairgrounds. However, he said he wouldn’t support a request for a noise bylaw extension. eliason See CsrD on page A2

Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A8 Sports............... A17-A20 Arts & Events ... A21-A23 Time Out................... A24 Vol. 106, No. 4, 44 pages


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