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Friday, May 3, 2013
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Possible drug lab found in city hotel RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
A portion of Vernon’s 30th Avenue was shut down Thursday morning as police investigated a possible drug lab. Officers converged on an apartment in the Kalamalka Hotel after staff alerted them of items consistent with a former laboratory Wednesday before 11 a.m. “It’s a slow methodical process,” said Cpl. Gerry Kovacs of the ongoing investigation. The RCMP’s E division clandestine lab unit was notified and it was determined there were substances of concern that needed to be seized. Once on scene Thursday, the unit closed 30th Avenue, between 30th and 31st streets, so officers had space for their gear. Measures were taken to ensure public safety, but Kovacs says there was no risk. “The businesses were open,” he said, adding that pedestrian traffic also continued. Kovacs says it’s unknown if the suite was actually used for drug production or what drug was found on scene. “A professional chemical disposal company will handle all of the chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner.” The room was unoccupied when the possible lab was discovered, and the previous tenant is in prison on unrelated matters. “They are co-operating with investigators and whether they are involved or not involved is yet to be determined,” said Kovacs.
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Vernon firefighters decontaminate E division clandestine lab RCMP officers after exiting an apartment in the Kalamalka Hotel that contained chemicals commonly used in drug labs.
School district to issue pink slips to teachers RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Sweeping cuts are looming in the Vernon School District. Trustees have tackled a $2.2 million shortfall in 2013/14 by cutting 19 teaching positions, 1.4 school-based administration staff and one custodian. There will also be reduced maintenance staff, while bus routes will be consolidated and inflationary costs for supplies must be absorbed within existing budgets. “We examined all of our options,” said Bill Turanski, board chairperson. “We are trying to maintain the educational levels we have now.” The 2013/14 budget is based on a projected 178 fewer students than were enrolled in 2012. Turanski says the district’s financial woes are a result of costs climbing while
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provincial funding is based on enrolment. “The solution would be for the ministry to recognize there are two formulas — the basic structural system and students (based on enrolment),” he said. The scope of the cuts has angered the Vernon Teachers Association. “Losing 19 teachers means most cuts will directly impact the classroom,” said Kevin Bader, president. “Secondary students will have fewer program options and from kindergarten to Grade 12, classroom sizes will be higher.” Some teacher positions will be added to international and distributed learning programs. Bader doesn’t believe student enrolment can be the only consideration when creating budgets. “We have an increased number of students with complex learning needs and they need support. There are also
increased costs,” he said. Bader says trustees could have explored other cost-cutting measures such as restructuring district management. And the worst may not be over for the district. Trustees are pursuing a variety of strategic directions in 2013/14, including a secondary school restructuring review and determining if there are possible school or program reductions. The district will also review student walk limits, school supplies and school administration and clerical staff levels. Turanski admits it’s been stressful for trustees to make tough financial decisions. “We’ve been doing this for at least eight years now,” he said. “We hope that the future will see an end to these difficult budget cuts necessary to match dwindling resources to our school district.”
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