FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2014
MP REPORTS
SHELTERBOX
FALL SESSION
AT THE FALL FAIR
David Wilks talks upcoming House session.
Rotary’s Shelterbox needs your help.
See LOCAL NEWS page 4
See LOCAL NEWS page 3
THE BULLETIN PROUDLY SERVING KIMBERLEY AND AREA SINCE 1932 | Vol. 82, Issue 180 | www.dailybulletin.ca
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Cadet program in jeopardy More volunteers, and cadets, needed to keep the 77-year old program alive C AROLYN GR ANT Bulletin Editor
LARRY TOOZE PHOTO
As we move into fall, the mule deer rut is on and it is best to give the bucks a wide berth.
Avoid bucks during fall rut
C AROLYN GR ANT Bulletin Editor
To everything there is a season, and for mule deer bucks that is the fall rut. According to the B.C. Ministry of Environment, in the weeks leading up to the late-autumn mating (rutting) period, bucks increase their displays of dominance and indirect threats. A dominant buck typically circles a rival with deliberate steps, back arched, head low and tail flicking. The subordinate buck frequently bolts away. Bucks also display dominance by violently thrashing the bushes with their antlers. During the rutting season in November and early December, mature bucks of equal size engage in serious head to head fights. The City of Kimberley is hoping that people will use caution and common sense this fall as the bucks begin their courtship. “We are into a tran-
sition period where some does with fawns remain wary and potentially aggressive toward humans with dogs,” said Kimberley Bylaw Enforcement Officer Rich Klekowski. “Now we could also see an increase in aggressive activity from the local urban buck population. Residents are reminded to please give deer plenty of space to move or leave the area.” Klekowski recommended finding another route rather than walking near the deer. Acts of deer aggression should be reported to the City (250-4275311 or email info@ kimberley.ca) or Conservation Officer service (1-877-952-7277). Both organizations keep track of these instances of aggressive deer. The City of Kimberley also has a brochure, entitled Living with Urban Deer. Is is available for pick up at city hall or you can download a copy online at kimberley.ca In addition to deer,
fall is also the season where bear sightings become more common in Kimberley. Klekowski says that the best way to keep bears away from your property is to store your garbage properly andmake sure you only put it out between the hours of 5 and 7:30 a.m. the day of pick up. You can also keep both deer and bear out of your yard by picking your fruit trees. This seems to be a year for bumper crops of apples and plums and they are a real attractant. Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook has a variety of apple capture equipment, including apple grinders and presses for making juice. You can book the equipment online at http://www.wildsight. ca/kimcran/apples/ You can also post information if you have a tree you’d like to share. Wildsight’s Kimberley/Cranbrook branch will also have two community apple pressing days in October.
The Kimberley Air Cadet Squadron has been operating in Kimberley for 77 years, providing a free program teaching Kimberley kids valuable skills and offering thrills like twice a year gliding and flying. But now the program is in real danger of closing down, says Shireen Brooks, the sponsoring committee chair. “Enrolment is really down, staff is down,” Brooks said. “If we don’t get more people, including more cadets, we’ll have no choice but to shut it down. “That would be a real shame. The cadets have been in Kimberley for 77 years. It’s one of the oldest squadrons in B.C. But we have only ten cadets, which is the bare minimum.” The Cadet Squadron has both military and civilian personnel. Currently Major Sean Ferguson is the military commanding officer. Civilian instructors are also present and more are needed. “Civilian instructors are anyone with a skill they can teach, maybe outdoor education or public speaking, a musical instrument,” Brooks said. “Civilian instructors can be paid or be direct volunteers. You do have to go through a security screening, but we are very, very flexible in terms of what hours you give or skills you have.” The program offers a wide variety of opportunities for cadets. In addition to being free — even the uniforms are provided free of charge — it can even lead to a career. “It’s a great program,” Brooks said. “We go flying and gliding and there are all kinds of summer camp opportunities all across Canada. It’s a real exciting program. My son did a six-week aircraft mechanics program in Ontario last year and this year, he was actually paid to work on airplanes. And it’s all free. We just ask parents to volunteer.” The Cadets have also taken over organization of the Remembrance Day ceremony in Kimberley, since the Legion closed. “The Elks do the luncheon and we do the parade,” Brooks said. “If no other group came forward we would lose the Remembrance Day service as well if the squadron shuts down.” The Squadron is currently running a recruitment drive. They will be at the Community Fall Fair on September 27 and 28 to provide information and will hold an Open House the following Tuesday, September 30 at the Cadet Hall in Chapman Camp from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. One and all are invited to attend and learn more about the program. You can also call Major Ferguson at 250-4329233 or leave a message at the Cadet Hall, 250-4274220.