THURSDAY
S I N C E
JULY 3, 2014
1 8 9 5 Junior golfers compete at Birchbank
Vol. 119, Issue 102
105
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INCLUDING G.S.T.
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PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Parents, teachers voice concerns at final school board meeting
CANADA DAY COLOUR
BY LIZ BEVAN Times Staff
A large turnout at the final School District 20 board meeting forced the board to answer some tough questions and change the venue to accommodate the vocal crowd. Over 25 SD20 teachers and parents were on hand Monday at the Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre in Trail, hoping to have their questions answered and thoughts heard. One of the main points of contention at the meeting was the board's lack of an appearance of support for striking teachers. At the meeting, Andy Davidoff, president of the Kootenay-Columbia Teachers' Union, wanted to know why it took so long for the board and senior management of the district to show outward support for the teachers currently engaged in legal job action. “We appreciate [the letter] on the board's agenda,” he said, addressing the board. “What we cannot appreciate is that it took unbelievable pressure on this board by the public, the teachers, and everyone else for the board to even look at writing a letter. We honestly believe this is an afterthought that this board has taken this long to do this. We appreciate that you have finally arrived at a place where the letter is important, but not saying that we didn't have the time to write a letter is a little frustrating for us to hear.” The details of the letter, drafted in the moments before the meeting commenced, will address the concerns the SD20 school board has with a lack of bargaining, what the trustees sitting on the board would need from the provincial government – namely more funding – and asks the different groups involved to restart face-to-face bargaining, appoint a mediator for future talks and keep the bargaining out of the media. Sasha Lesonen, a Teacher Teaching On Call, wanted to know when the letter was going to be sent out and expressed a need for more open communication between the board and the teachers in the district. “I would hope that moving forward that this board would send their letter in a timely manner and make an effort to come to the schools and find out what is happening,” she said during the question and answer period of the evening meeting. “I know the summer has just started, but I want to see more communication happen and open communication be a key in this issue. See BOARD, Page 3
LIZ BEVAN PHOTO
With the sun shining and not a cloud in sight, Hayleigh Morris, 6, and her friend Seth Watmough, 6, celebrated Canada's birthday at Beaver Creek Park on Tuesday. The day's festivities, hosted by Trail's Kiwanis Club, FAIR and other local groups, included a pancake breakfast, hot dog and hamburger lunch and free cake for everyone. Vendors, live music and face painting rounded out the planned activities. For more photos check out www.trailtimes.ca this week.
Police continue Rossland homicide investigation BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
The investigation into the murder of a well known Rossland resident one month ago continues, although police remain tight lipped about any new leads. Thomas Feeney, 75, was found deceased in his home June 5, following what Mounties have said is a violent homicide during robbery. The status of the investigation is active and ongoing, said Cst. Kris Clark
from the Southeast District RCMP, adding that an experienced Major Crime team remains dedicated to the case and all resources are currently in place. While he couldn’t speak to specifics regarding possible suspects at this point, the constable did confirm that police continue to explore other break and enters in the area that could be linked to the crime. Rossland and Greater Trail continue to be safe communities, noted Clark,
referencing the June 9 press conference when Supt. Tim Head from the Kelowna detachment said the police are committed to identifying and holding the individual or individuals responsible. “I would like to be able to provide you with further information that might allay the public’s fears in regards to this case,” he continued. “But I am simply unable to at this time.” See FIREARMS, Page 3
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