Omineca Express Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Express
NEWS
Vanderhoof girl competes for Miss Teen B.C. crown Cameron Ginn Omineca Express Crystal Edwards isn’t a typical beauty pageant contestant. She rides dirt bikes, skis and plays soccer. She’s even considering joining the Canadian Forces. Her platform? It’s not world peace. Instead, Edwards, 18, hopes to raise awareness about animal cruelty at the Miss Teen B.C. pageant in Vancouver this weekend. “I feel strongly about that because animals occupy a great portion in our lives,” she said. “Abusing an animal that has done nothing but love and care for us is completely wrong and inhumane.” Edwards will represent Vanderhoof and the Bulkley-Nechako region in the Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 pageant, which will judge some 50 B.C. girls on their beauty, intelligence, and enthusiasm. Only a few will qualify for the 2013 Miss Teen Canada-World competition in Toronto. The pageant encourages young women to be unique and places emphasis on character and physical beauty. “We want to make sure that every girl who enters the contest has the opportunity to learn, grow, challenge
themselves, and engage with a higher purpose for a chance to express her individuality, transform and realize her true potential, represent her country and take an active role in her community,” according to the pageant’s website. After discovering the event online, Edwards decided she was interested and submitted an application. The Nechako Valley Secondary School student was asked to submit photographs of herself and participate in an online video-chat interview with a pageant coordinator in Toronto. During the interview, Edwards was questioned about her interests, hobbies, future goals and involvement in the community. “Applying wasn’t too tough, but now that I’ve been accepted, it’s quite a demanding process,” said Edwards. In preparation for the pageant in Vancouver, Edwards spends an average of five hours per week on research and practicing her speech. More than 450 are expected to attend the event. Extra training is provided in Vancouver. Moe Edwards, Crystal’s mother, has been helping her prepare for the
www.ominecaexpress.com A5
Advance Public Notice Load Restrictions
pageant since she was accepted. Moe describes her daughter as compassionate and grounded, a northern B.C. girl with a love for the outdoors. “I’m very proud of her and I’m excited about the opportunities the pageant will open up for Crystal,” said Moe. But with an enrollment cost of about $850, the pageant is’t cheap. Edwards also needs to acquire a gown and pay for travel expenses and accommodations while in Vancouver. Although the past year has been difficult for the Edwards family, Moe is extremely proud of Crystal. “It’s been tough,” said Moe, “but we don’t want to let her miss this opportunity.”
Pursuant to Section 66 of the Transportation Act, and to provisions of the Commercial Transport Act, notice is hereby given that load restrictions may be placed on short notice in the near future on all highways within the Fort George District. The restrictions will limit vehicles to 100 per cent, 70 per cent or 50 per cent legal axle loading. Overweight permits will not be granted and all term overweight permits are invalid for the duration of the restrictions. Trucking and transportation companies, as well as the general public, should govern themselves accordingly. Your cooperation in adhering to the above regulations is appreciated. Dated in Prince George, British Columbia, this 25th day of January, 2013.
MO For Res
Pri Om Val
4.3 3c
Ron Marshall, District Manager Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Fort George District For more information about load restrictions, please contact District Operations Tech Cathy Melenka at 250 565-7014 or visit the Load Restrictions section of www.DriveBC.ca.
967A - Fort George Load Restrictions.indd 1
2013-01-30 4:20:26 PM