Williams Lake Tribune, July 16, 2013

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TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2013

Proudly serving Williams Lake and the Cariboo-Chilcotin since 1930

Home invaded Two males are in custody and will appear in court after they were arrested following an armed home invasion on Mackenzie Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14, RCMP report. The investigation revealed that two suspects forced their way into a residence armed with pepper spray and a firearm, demanding items, the RCMP said. After a brief skirmish with the occupants, the suspects fled. Moments later the police identified a nearby residence where the suspects were located and arrested without incident. The weapons were recovered. Both suspects are presently in custody and well known to police. Police said it was anticipated the suspects would appear in court Monday.

Inside the Tribune SPORTS European Football School.

A9

COMMUNITY A12 Horsin’ Around in the lakecity. Weather outlook: Sunny skies today (24C) Wednesday (27C).

$1.30 inc. TAX Tara Sprickerhoff photo

ARTS ON THE FLY

Juniper Reynolds (left) and Sian MacLeod dance to the opening act, Troll Fingers, at Arts on the Fly last Friday evening. Musicians, artists and music lovers of all ages came to Horsefly last weekend to enjoy performances on three Horsefly stages, workshops, vendors and children’s activities. Local and out of town musicians performed at the two day festival which is now in its eighth year.

Tribal leaders ask for help rebuilding Bella Bella Monica Lamb-Yorski Tribune Staff Writer

NEWS A2 Safer communities promoted.

VOL. 83. No. 56

Residents of the First Nations community of Bella Bella are struggling to rebuild after a devastating fire destroyed one of the most important buildings in their small coastal village. Last Friday around 4 a.m. fire broke out in a building that housed Bella Bella’s only grocery store, liquor store, post office, community library and cafe. The 35-year-old wooden structure suffered extensive damage from smoke, fire and water, including the collapse of parts of the main floor into the offices and services located below. It is unlikely that anything can be salvaged, community members were told. “We’ve got a temporary store in the United Church now with essentials like bread, milk, eggs, diapers and formula,” Heiltusk

Heiltusk Tribal Council photo

Fire in Bella Bella destroys main commercial building.

Tribal Council Chief Marilyn Sletts said Monday. During the weekend B.C. Ferries transported goods to the community that were distributed to the most needy on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, the Heiltusk Tribal Council said Friday it is accepting monetary donations on behalf of the Bella Bella commu-

nity via the website rebuildbellabella.tumblr.com. Funds raised will support immediate assistance for families in need and will help initiate the process of rebuilding. “Any assistance is welcome,” Slett said. By Saturday, $3,000 had already been committed through the website, she added. “I also heard from Kitimat city council that they have collected 40 boxes of books for us because our library was also destroyed by the fire.” The band council from Kitimaat village has also offered help, Slett added. Const. Lesley Smith, North District Media Relations Office said Friday in a press release that the Bella Bella RCMP were notified about the fire around 4 a.m. but already the flames were growing rapidly. “Although fire crews attended

quickly, the immense fire destroyed the building,” Smith said. “Due to the close proximity of several gas and diesel tanks at the local gas bar, RCMP initiated an evacuation of the local hospital and several residences in the area.” Smith said Members of the Health Emergency Management BC have been contacted to assist the community during this disaster that will affect the community in many levels. While the community is grateful that no one was hurt in the fire, the loss of the services will be felt by the community for a very long time, Slett said. “Interim emergency services are already being organized to ensure our people have access to food and everything else they might need. We appreciate any support or help people are able to give as we try to salvage what we can and start to rebuild.”

Quesnel teen dies in rollover south of 100 Mile House

PM 0040785583

A 16-year-old male driver from the Quesnel area has died after a single vehicle rollover on Highway 97, three kilometres south of 100 Mile House, near the Hyra Road intersection. Two other occupants, a male and a female, were extricat-

ed from the vehicle and taken to the 100 Mile House Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. Friday afternoon. “Witnesses reported the northbound Dodge Neon swerving

within its lane prior to drifting into the ditch,” noted Sgt. Don McLean of the 100 Mile House RCMP in a press release. “The vehicle then came out of the ditch back onto the roadway, rolling at least twice before coming to rest on its roof.”

Police and emergency crews attended the scene along with a collision reconstructionist and traffic analyst from Prince George and Williams Lake. “Liquor and speed were not factors in the fatality,” McLean said.


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