Vanderhoof Omineca Express, December 31, 2014

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Endako suspension update Rebecca Watson Omineca Express

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year 2015

Fraser Lake – A public hearing on Endako mine has shed some light on its status.

“No one is buying out Endako,” Chris Gibbs, mine manager, said at the Dec. 20 hearing. “We’re not selling our equipment, we’re not selling our trucks, we’re not selling anything.

Were just putting things on hold. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep all of our staff but we are doing what we can to help in the transition.”

Due to the price drop of molybdenum, Thomson Creek Metals suspended their Endako mine operation in Fraser Lake Dec. 31, 2014. With it came the termination of 42 salaried employees and a 60-day notice for hourly employees who will be paid through Feb. 7. Fraser Lake mayor Dwayne Lindstrom said the mine’s closure is ‘devastating’ since it effects more than half the town’s workforce but moving forward is the next step. “Were just trying to work with the positive which makes it easier to deal with,” Mr. Lindstrom said. “The province and Village of Fraser Lake are going to be coming together to help with employment.”

Starting the first week in January, Workplace BC will be at the Adult Learning Centre in Fraser Lake four days a week to help with resumes and finding work. A job fair was held Dec. 18 for salaried employees and another job fair series will be held Jan. 16 and 17 not just for mine employees, Dane Jones said, Endako human resources manager.

“We don’t’ want this being about just people at Endako, its about everyone in the community and we want to support the community through this time” Mr. Jones said. “We will try and help as much as we can with the transitional services with resume writing, interview technique, and learning of opportunities out there for both Endako staff and contractors or any other people in the local community.”

Currently eleven mining companies have agreed to come to the January job fairs. Workplace BC and Northern Skills Training will also be there to help with transitional training along with Service Canada to talk about employment insurance. “We’re realists, we obviously don’t want to loose the people when we do start up again but we also know people need to work and people need to make ends meat. So wherever we can we will help people find opportunities during this down time and make sure they can look after their families,” Mr. Jones said.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Northside’s nutcracker musical Rebecca Watson Omineca Express Tastebuds and imaginations took a savoury ride through toy land at Northside Christian School’s dinner-theatre production of The Nutcracker.

Based on the original story by E.T.A Hoffman, the nutcracker is a tale of a young girl’s journey into a world of toy soldiers, armies of mice, fighting ballerinas and a mouse queen sorcerer; a musical extremely well done by my students Mark Durupt said, director, math and science teacher at Northside.

“They only got a few weeks to put it on but it all came together.

They completely exceeded my expectations,” Mr. Durupt said. “I knew they would do well but the level of excitement and passion they put into it, especially the sappy moments between the Nutcracker and princess, just made it a phenomenal show.”

Harmonic voices rang loud during the victorian-style musical on both sold-out days in December.

Cast members included Austin Friesen, Caroline Shenk, Emma Wiebe, Alexandra Wiens, Emily Froese, Katie Wiens, Joshua Gill, Denae Ventin, Samantha Barg, Cheyleah Reimer, Jassica DeVries, Charis Schlamp, Oaksana Hague, Nicole Bublitz, Caleb Unruh and Dayman Hartman.

Act 1 the girls sang loud and proud keeping in tune and projecting well. One of the night’s show stoppers proved to be Drosselmeir’s solo, a bravado lone star.

Act two hosted some nice footwork and humorous comical relief.

Act 3 saw the defeat of the Mouse Queen and a happy ending for all.

The Gr 11-12 foods class prepared a three course meal of salad, lasagna and apple crumble served in between each act. Kitchen coordinator Mr. Lennard van Oord, directed the foods class which includes Mitchell Austin, Brett Friesen, Dayman Hartman, Jenna Kiezebrink, Jonathan Schultz,

Photo by Rebecca Watson

WHIMSICAL DREAM: Marie, Caroline Shenk, sits pris on her bed pushed by Nutcracker Austin Friesen and Feline Samantha Barg.

Sean Bublitz, Emily Friesen, Jordan Martens, Stephanie Ludwig, Caleb Unruh, Erica Byers, James Froese, Lizzy Morin and Jordan Unger.

Most actors were Gr 11 students and the Gr 12 students designed the sets, including lights and sound. A bedroom, living room and candy lane were all interchangeable since the sets had wheels thanks to the production crew of Meagan deVries, Casey Funk, Alexandra Wiens, Nolan Friesen, Eden Obester and Mrs. Dycke.

It was Eden Obester’s job as backstage manager to make sure everyone had their props and to show people where they were suppose to be on set and at what time.

“I thought we were going to have more

time but we pulled it together. It was stressful leading up to the opening night but once it got here everyone [pulled through].”

Caroline Shenk, Gr 11, played lead as Marie as a beautiful blond with a genuine heart and affinity to help the nutcracker.

“The last production I played an older man so this time I got to look pretty in a frilly dress. It was fun having the diverse role,” Caroline said.

She also enjoyed acting like a kid since her character opened presents and said the entire cast had a lot of fun.

“Behind the scenes were always laughing and talking and out on stage we just had a blast.” Caroline said.

Josh Gill, Gr 11 played Drosselmier and

had the audience fixated on the stage during his deep bravado that filled the high ceilings. During the last production he was on set crew and although it is a much different role than acting and singing, I enjoyed both Josh said. “I just have fun, it’s not scary [on stage],” Josh said. “It worked out because my character was an over-the-top old gentleman so it was fun and easy,” he said.

Katie Wiens, Gr 10 played Rudi the mouse, said time was tight but she felt good about everyone’s performance.

“Backstage we all congratulated each other even though this performance was a lot more squashed and full. We had to practise hard because of the musical component but we all had so much fun,” Katie said.

The nutcracker, feline, marie and ballerina discuss how they will find the mouse queen so they can try to lift the curse put on the nutcracker and return him to his princely charm.

MICE SOLDIERS: The mouse queen and her mice minions interogate Rudi the mouse to find out where the nutcracker has gone.

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Omineca Express Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Year End Revue - January 2014 YMCA opening in Vanderhoof Sam Redding Omineca Express The YMCA of Northern B.C. announced plans to open a licensed childcare site in Vanderhoof on January 10, 2014.

The site will open on March 3 of this year and will have 46 licensed spaces available for children aged three to five with before and after school care.

Amanda Alexander, CEO of the YMCA of Northern BC was there to announce the addition of services as well as Director of Child Care Lynette Mikalishen.

“Over the past few years, YMCA has been part of many

dialogues with various northern communities that have indicated to us that there may be some gaps in available services that we have the ability to provide,” said Alexander. “All families deserve quality and affordable childcare and I’m confident that Lynette will lead the Vanderhoof childcare in providing YMCA programming which develops imagination, encourages learning and promotes life skills and positive values.”

The new services will operate out of the Vanderhoof Gospel Chapel on Connaught Street which is run by Pastor Shaun Wick.

The YMCA of Northern B.C.

will offer child care in three areas: group three to five care with two, three or five day options; morning and afternoon preschool, and twenty spaces in School Age Care – before and after school.

“This is an exciting day for Vanderhoof,” said Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen. “I think this is a huge step forward in our community. We have done a lot these last number of years to really diversify our economy but we’ve had a couple things that have held us back and certainly preschool childcare was identified as one of those areas that we really need.”

From left: Pastor Shaun Wick, Mayor Gerry Thiessen, YMCA North CEO Amanda Alexander and Jerry Petersen Director of Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

Former resident selected for space mission Sam Redding Omineca Express Marina Miral was born in Vanderhoof and has been shortlisted to join the Mars One program which could land on the red planet in 2025.

Miral is a fiction novelist and one of 1,058 people selected to participate in the program which is planning to send only a handful of people into space in 2024. The plan is to keep sending the right individuals in small groups every two years to a total of 40 people, enough to establish a colony on Mars.

Miral has yet to find out whether she will make it onto the next stage of the selection process. The Mars One program

w will eventually hhost a series of cchallenges that w will be broadcast and used to help ffund the program and weed out the ccontestants.

Miral found oout she was chosen on Dec. 30 in tthe morning.

“I had never bbeen more exccited,” she said.

“I was shaking, I couldn’t sit ddown. I paced around the house ffor two days…

IIt’s made my w whole year, it’s m made my whole life. I don’t know what they chose me, but I hope they see something in me that maybe I don’t.”

Miral is a hardcore trekkie whose love for science fiction was part of the forces that drove her to apply for the Mars One

program. She lived in Vanderhoof until everybody not to listen to the critics beshe was eight years old and continues to cause if we listened to them that’s what visit the community since she still has makes it come true. If everyone gets befamily in the area. hind Mars One I think there’s nothing that “They’re really excited and super sup- can stop it from happening.” portive,” said Miral about her family. “I’m The next step for Miral is to just wait really blessed. They probably are worried and see what happens. The program will but right now they’re not showing it.” contact her soon, the interview process In her application video Miral talks will begin, and the next step in her journey about her love of science fiction and how to Mars will be made. when she was younger all she wanted to do was join Starfleet Academy, a training ground for astronauts and advenon Society turers in the Star Trek universe.

Nechako Valley Exhibiti She also says that she likes living in cramped quarters, would dedicate herself completely to the mission on and even if she died en route or in January 17, 2015 -- No orbit it would still have been worth at the Fair Grounds it for her.

There are critics who ask whether the science or technology is feaEVERYONE WELCOME! sible, and whether the funding, only New Members!!! $116,654 so far out of a proposed $4 billion that will be needed, will ever reach its goal.

To these critics Miral says “I don’t share those concerns, in fact I urge

AGM

Maintenance crew on track Sam Redding Omineca Express Some concerns have been expressed by local citizens of Vanderhoof as to whether the road maintenance and snow ploughing crew have been suffering from cutbacks.

Gerry Thiessen, Vanderhoof mayor, confirmed that there have been no cutbacks to the crew, they may have shuffled some people around from the shop to the works crew or vice versa but the budgets have stayed the same or increased.

Rachel Unruh posted on Facebook “I don’t know what happened this year but whoever is doing the snow plowing in town SUCKS!!!! We’ve had great winter roads in town up until this year!

Everyone should complain so the district does something about it! We’re still paying the same amount of tax!!!”

Gerry Thiessen said “We’ve in fact spent quite a bit of money where we’ve gone into lease/purchase policies to

make sure that we have the most up to date equipment. Certainly I’ve seen the new trucks are around town and we also bought a new loader and a new grader in the last couple years just to make sure our policy has stayed the same as far as snow clearing is concerned.”

The budget for 2013 in regards to snow removal costs was $312,612 compared to 2012 when it was $354,881 and ten years ago the cost was $241,933 in 2004. Currently there is $350,000 in the budget for this year.

“One of the problems that we’ve faced this year is that over the Christmas holidays there was a series of snow, rain, melt, freeze, snow, rain, melt, freeze. Very unpredictable,” said Thiessen. “And what happened when that rain and melt happened was some of the drain bases were frozen and staff was focused on thawing them out so people’s basements weren’t flooded.”

Compared to other small communities and especially compared to the streets of Prince George where Thies-

sen said he saw several vehicles stuck on the street, something that hasn’t happened in Vanderhoof that he’s aware of, Vanderhoof is doing fine on the road clearing front.

Village of Fraser Lake COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF FRASER LAKE SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS 2015 Following is the schedule of public meeƟng for the Council of the Village of Fraser Lake for 2015.

January 14 and 28 February 11 and 25 March 11 and 25 April 8 and 22 May 13 and 27 June 10 and 24

July 8 and 22 August 12 and 26 September 9 and 23 October 14 and 28 November 10 and 25 December 9 and 23

Please contact Clinton Mauthe, at the Village of Fraser Lake 250-699-6257 with any quesƟons regarding attendance or presentaƟons at these Council meeƟngs.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - February 2014 Wind farm moves ahead Sam Redding Omineca Express On Monday, January 27 Innergex was in Vanderhoof to present an update on the Nulki Hills Wind Project that could be operational by 2018.

“If everything goes well, our project could start construction in 2016 and a project of this size takes about two years to build,” said Bas Brusche, Director of Public Affairs for Innergex. “But there are a lot of questions that still need to be answered and I want to take away the impression that this project is a done deal.”

They were in Vanderhoof along with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office to “receive public feedback about the studies or information required for an environmental assessment including potential environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects” according to their pamphlets.

“It really helps us as far as diversifying who we are as a community and what we’re involved in,” said Gerry Thiessen, Vanderhoof mayor. “It’s certainly going to be a very busy time in Vanderhoof the next three to five years and not just one industry and that’s the exciting thing. The people of Vanderhoof need to really be involved in the OCP that we’re working on right now because that’s going to determine who we are as a community.”

Innergex expects to build a maximum of 70 wind turbines that stand approximately 120 metres high, including the rotor.

Each turbine produces enough to supply 1,000 homes for a year so they expect to produce enough power to

supply 70,000 homes or 550 to 650 GWh per year.

The Nulki Hills are located approximately 30 kilometres south of Vanderhoof, within the traditional territory of the Saik’uz First Nations and located more than 10 kilometres away from the nearest residence. Saik’uz and Innergex signed a Letter of Intent and a Traditional Knowledge Protocol Agreement on December 17, 2013.

The project is expected to cost between $400-500 million and will take about two years to build.

“We need labour,” said Brusche when he presented to mayor and council. “We need between 200 and 300 people to help us out with the construction of the project. Some of you know that we are actively using all kinds of businesses in Vanderhoof and that will only increase.”

Once they’re finished construction it won’t take more than a handful of people to manage the turbines but more people will be needed for maintenance and clearing on 60 kilometres of new roads.

Access to the turbines will be from the existing Kluskus Forest Service Road and from Corkscrew 300.

A noise effects assessment will be completed but the rule is that a turbine not exceed 40 decibels, the sound of a normal conversation from one metre away. Innergex says that this is usually met at a distance of 1.5 km and since the nearest residence is 10 km away any noise probably won’t be noticed by human residents.

That isn’t to say that animals won’t be affected.

The company is currently studying the numbers of wildlife entering the area including bats, birds, and even

ERASE bullying Sam Redding Omineca Express Students at NVSS have been working hard to eliminate bullying from their school and will be painting Vanderhoof pink on Pink Shirt day Wednesday, February 26.

Rayna Thiessen is an outspoken member of the ERASE bullying initiative. Her and several other students come together and plan activities and innovative ideas to stop bullying.

“I got into it because I was bullied myself,” said Thiessen.”And I started teaching the classes and Mrs. Ziler asked if I wanted to take part in it and I said yes. [Bullying] was invisible last year but after we started getting out into the school a lot of bystanders started coming forward with their stories.”

The anti-bullying group, which consists of around 30 people, has worked on a few big ideas in the past such as a sticky notes project where the students would write positive things on notes and post them around the school.

Painting the town pink will involve going around to a few businesses in Vanderhoof and seeing if they can have some sort of display in their window. The students will also take pink surveyor tape and cover some

lamp posts and telephone poles.

All this will help spread the antibullying message.

The ERASE bullying group was formed in 2013 to combat some growing bullying problems in NVSS and it came out of a program called Stand Up which encourages people to take a stand if they see something wrong or tell someone if they see a victim of bullying.

Bullying is defined as harassment that happens again and again, it can’t be just a one shot deal.

The students also attended five days of training with people from the Stand Up program “The premise is to improve the culture of the school through connections and belonging,” said Barb Ziler, counselor at NVSS. “So the students then identified concerns and areas in the school and then came up with their own intitiatives to try to improve the culture.

“I think they’re starting small, with those feelings of caring and connection in our school,” said Ziler.

“I’m here because I was bullied but other people might be here for their own different reasons,” said Thiessen. “The others are just those honest caring people that just want to make a difference.”

bears.

When Innergex presented to council on Monday, one of the concerns raised was if the company would work together with New Gold and other operations in the area so that the demand for workers doesn’t happen all at the same time.

Brusche told mayor and council that they will in fact be working with other companies to coordinate construction times.

“So what we have to do is just be aware that our social services

are able to handle this and whether that’s policing, health care, the safe home all those kind of things we just need to be careful. When you have a lot of activity coming through town the cumulative effect of all that activity is what can give a community problems.”

“We all want to see the town diversify, we all want to see a new industry come to town but we have to make sure it’s a positive thing for the community as a whole.”

Innergex is one of the biggest

renewable energy companies in Canada. They are active in wind, solar, and water-based energy projects and have been active for over 20 years. Most of their projects in B.C. are hydro based.

“The interesting thing about wind is that the turbines keep getting cheaper and more efficient,” said Brusche. “Which means you can get more power over the years for less money out of the same types of turbine so if you keep it updated it can be an activity for many decades.”

Nechako Notes COMING EVENTS....

Will appear, as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for non-profit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax (567-2070). Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at 155 W. Columbia.

Decision of the publisher is final. ***

PICTURE THIS....Your activity could be featured in “Picture This.” Snap a photo at your groups’ fundraiser. It could be anything from a car wash to cleaning up our streets. It could even include school activities. Basically people making a difference in our community. Send us your photo by e-mail (advertising@ominecaexpress.com) or drop it off at the Omineca Express (150 W. Columbia Street). Please provide a brief description accompanied with the photo.

This week’s submission....

NEW EVENTS....

NECHAKO VALLEY EXHIBITION SOCIETY...invites you to attend their Annual General Meeting, to be held in the foyer of the riding arena at the fair grounds on January 10th, 2015 starting at 11:30. A pizza lunch and refreshments will be served.

Please call 250-567-3011 to confirm your attendance. *** LEGO CLUB...we have the lego, you bring the ideas and build your own creations.

Jan 2015 7 & 14, Feb 4 & 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A fun drop in program for school aged children.

Family night Jan 21, 2015 6:30-7:30. Father and Son Night Feb 18, 2015 6:307:30. Vanderhoof Library. *** ADULT BADMINTON...at NVSS gym, Thursdays at 8:30pm. Bring your own racquet and wear indoor running shoes. For more info call 250-567-9908. *** The dates for the NECHAKO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS... are March 9-20,2015. It will culminate with the festival concert on Mar. 22. Registration ONLINE closes on Jan 15, 2015. The venue for all disciplines is Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship Church. You can view the syllabus and look for any other information on the website at www.musicfestivalweb/ nechako. *** GIRL GUIDES OF CANADA...Looking for FUN opportunities and challenges? Interested in making Friends? Do you like Games, Art, Sports? Do you enjoy Science, Camping, Outdoor activities, Singing & Drama? Helping with Community projects? Join Girl Guides! On-line registration also available at www.girlguides. ca Contact person: Kathy Russell @ 5673882. *** GIRLS BOOK CLUB...enjoy reading and talking about books? Come and share ideas, crafts, activities and games and make new friends. Girls ages 8 and 9: 3:30-4:30pm, 1st Thursday of each month thru March. At the Vanderhoof Public Library. *** STITCHES CLUB...needle work, needle play! Bring your project and join with others who are working on theirs. Knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross stitch. Noon - 3pm, you are welcome to bring your lunch. 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. To May 6, 2015.

At the Vanderhoof Public Library. *** TWEENS BOOK CLUB...enjoy reading and talking about books? Come and share ideas, crafts, activities and games and make new friends. Tweens ages 10 thru 12. 3:30-4:45pm, 2nd Thursday of each month thru March. At the Vanderhoof Public Library. *** LIBRARY BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB...For adults. Do you enjoy reading, talking about books, meeting people? Join us for the Library Brown Bag Book Club.

3rd Thursday of each month, to May, noon - 1pm, multi purpose room, drop ins welcomes. Library provides the books. At the Vanderhoof Public Library. *** TEEN BOOK CLUB...enjoy reading and talking about books? Come and share

Having fun skating at the Vanderhoof Arena. ideas, crafts, activities and games and make new friends. Teens: 3:30-4:45pm, 3rd Thursday of each month thru to March 2015 at the Vanderhoof Public Library. *** VANDERHOOF AIR CADETS... Meetings - Tues 6:30-9:30 at the Gospel Chapel For more information call: 250-640-0218 or 250-570-7496 *** STUART NECHAKO MANOR...looking for volunteers. Help needed with outings, Serving meals, entertainment and visits for the residents. Please contact Marnie at 250 567 6290 for more information. *** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....Would you like to become part of a team working together to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors? The Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery Group is looking for volunteers to join their team. Vanderhoof Stroke Recovery’s goal is to encourage stroke survivors to improve their lives through education, exercise, work groups, crafts, outings, etc. No special skills required; training and orientation are provided.

Patience and caring understanding a necessity. Volunteers share responsibilities: assisting with activities, exercises, education, crafts, outings, fund raising.

Time commitment: 3 hour meeting each Monday morning (excluding stat holidays), from September through mid-June.

Please contact Penny (250) 567-3966 vanderhoofstrokerecovery@ gmail.com *** SENIORS CONNECTED... is looking for Seniors in need of Outreach & Transportation. We are also taking applications for Volunteers wanting to take part in the VSC Program. Vanderhoof Seniors Connected is a program dedicated to improving the quality of life for Seniors/Elders in our community through Companionship and Transportation Assistance.

For more information contact DebraAnn Bishop at 250-567-8587 or email at vanderhoofseniors@hotmail.com *** CALLING ALL SENIORS... come and join us for carpet bowling, pool or snooker -

Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Friendship Centre. We also have cards or bingo on Wednesday evenings. Music nights are also popular and these are the last Friday night of the month. Come and have some fun! Everybody welcome young or golden agers. Call Oscar for more info: 250-567-4582. *** AL-ANON...Has your life been affected by someone elses drinking? The Al-Anon is for you! Meetings held on Mondays at 7pm in Community Room at Omineca Safe Home Society. For more information contact Gail at 567-4318. *** THE NORTHSIDE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE...meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Newcomers always welcome. For more information call Brenda, 250 5679705. *** V’HOOF HOSPICE SOCIETY... Do you have a few hours a month to give? Are you sensitive to the special needs of those persons at the end stages of life? Want to be part of a great organization that makes a difference in our community, then we are looking for you. The V’hoof Hospice Society is a not-for profit charity looking for new volunteer members. Our Society has a desire to help others. We are sensitive to the special needs of the dying patient and their families. We do not have personal agendas or “missions” to our Hospice work. Our main fundraising come in the form of donations to our Tree of Life. We are looking for new members to continue this great service. For more info contact Kaytee Drinkwater at 250-996-1702, vanderhoofhospice@gmail.com *** THE FOOD BANK... is in serious need of food donations. Specifically the following is needed: “Chunky” soups and stews and canned milk. *** BADMINTON AT FLESS GYM... Every Thursday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. come out and have some fun! *** THE VANDERHOOF CANCER SUPPORT GROUP...meets the first Friday of every month @ noon at the The Reid. For more info call Karen @ 567-4828.

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Omineca Express Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Year End Revue - March 2014 ICBC invests $163,000 to help make Vanderhoof and area roads safer vested approximately $120 million in road improvement projects and safety studies across B.C. In 2013, ICBC invested approximately $817,000 in the North Central region and $8 million in projects and safety audits across the province.

“Everyone benefits from road improvements – from drivers to pedestrians – because safer roads mean fewer crashes, which also translates into lower claim costs,” said John Dickinson, ICBC’s director of road safety. “We’ll continue to invest in road safety initiatives that help us keep rates as low as possible.”

All proposed road improvement projects are assessed based on their ability to make roads safer. The most recent evaluation of the program concluded that over a two year time period, overall, for every dollar invested, ICBC and its customers see a return rate of five times the investment. More importantly, the benefits of road improvements can continue well beyond two years. The evaluation found

that following a project’s implementation, there is on average, a 20 per cent reduction in severe crashes and a 12 per cent reduction in property damage crashes.

ICBC also participates in engineering studies and assists communities in the planning of roadways and managing traffic.

As road improvements are made, drivers may also need to adopt new driving behaviours, such as adjusting to traffic pattern changes and understanding the rules of the road. The majority of crashes are preventable and have more to do with driver error than road engineering. Drivers need to do their part by making smart driving decisions to prevent crashes.

Over the last 24 years, ICBC’s road improvement program has evolved significantly – community investments and successful partnerships have led to award winning projects and the contributions have helped advance the knowledge of the road safety engineering industry in B.C.

Collared moose on the loose Sam Redding Omineca Express The provincial government has sent biologists out to capture and collar moose and learn why their growth rate is decreasing.

The moose numbers are declining in central British Columbia which a cause of concern for First Nations and licensed hunters alike as moose are primary big game sustenance.

There are eight different study areas one of which is located south of Vanderhoof. Five moose from the local area have already been captured and 135 have been collared in total.

The moose are brought down by dart from a helicopter and then measurements are made as well as every kind of sample that can be taken from an animal. Then a radio collar is attached and the moose is tracked for the next five years in order to determine causes of death.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources has a few guesses as to why the growth rate of the moose population is being reduced but it will take three more years before the study is finished and any conclusions released.

Right now they

believe that mountain pine beetle growth and salvage logging have made it easier for hunters and predators to kill moose but it could be a combination of disease, parasites and nutrition as well.

The eight study areas differ in the amount of pine beetle and associated salvage logging in order to determine the extent to which those are factors in the decline.

We catch only in winter, so after March 31 this year no more capture can occur until

Technopure 250-699-6688 Purified Drinking Water ] Demineralized ] Sales & Rentals

December b 2014 2014,”” said id biologist Doug Heard via email. “We hope hunters will not see the black collars and shoot them as they otherwise

would, then we can measure hunter kill rrates.”

The ministry only asks that hhunters phone in and report the kkill, it is not illegal to harvest a collared moose.

They ask that hunters phone in before eating since the meat may not be edible due to the immobilization drugs used for capture.

BC SPCA your first adoption option!

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HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY MAGDALENA SAITO

Roundabouts, new crosswalks and designated turning lanes are the types of road improvement projects ICBC invested in B.C. last year to help make roads safer for everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists.

In 2013, ICBC invested approximately $163,000 in seven road improvement projects to help make Vanderhoof and area roads safer for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians.

“ICBC’s road improvement program works in partnership with municipalities and our Ministry to help make our roads and highways safer,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This program is a great example of successful partnerships as it brings together numerous stakeholders to help ensure safety remains a top priority when roads and highways are designed or upgraded in communities across the province.”

ICBC launched its road improvement program in 1990, and since then has in-

and across Canada.

In Vanderhoof the location is Highway 16 at Mapes Road with the construction of over 2 km of passing lane on Highway 16 and improved horizontal alignment, widened shoulder, improved drainage.

In Fraser Lake on Highway 16 at Endako Mine Road with the installation of road lighting.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Council of the District of Vanderhoof is presently preparing the 2015 Municipal Budget and is interested in receiving public input into the process.

Individuals or groups wishing to provide input into the development of the Budget should do so in writing by January 23, 2015 to the undersigned.

Joseph D. Ukryn, CGA Chief Financial Officer District of Vanderhoof PO Box 900, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 Phone: (250) 567-4711 Fax: (250) 567-9169 cfo@district.vanderhoof.ca

Detox time!

It’s recommended to do a detoxification program 1-3 times a year depending on your lifestyle, even healthy people should detox twice a year, this is because our food, environment and water are not as pure and good as they once were, environmental toxins can collect in your body, pesticides, residues and more; all this residual build up can lead to common symptoms like digestive upsets, lethargy, headaches, and can even affect your nervous systems, and very much affect your health and well being.

Not all detox kits are created equal, the personnel at your local health food store can help you choose the right one for you. Some require big changes in diet temporarily; others require no changes at all. During pregnancy there are many you should avoid, and always try things within your limit.

During a detox you may not feel the best for a few days depending on how much your body has to get rid of. If you’ve never done a detox before, start gently and slow. Most detox kits work on liver, kidney, colon and skin, you can also work on one area at a time with kits from renew life and work for your level.

Other methods of “spring clean up” are eating a strictly clean diet for two or more weeks, try a hot sauna every few days for a few weeks, get some reflexology or massage sessions.

Regardless of which cleansing path you take, be sure to drink plenty of clean, good water to help flush those toxins out. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep you hydrated, and helps your body to better move substances in and out, unless you have healthy issues that prevent you from drinking too many fluids, try to switch your liquid intake to at least 2 L of good, clean water everyday!

Magdalena Saito Holistic Health Practitioner

250-524-0333 -- www.HalcyonHolistic.com

Young Living Essential Oils Distributor & ReÁexologist

A6 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - April 2014 Imaginative class from Vanderhoof, B.C, wins runner-up for Canada’s Coolest School Trip!

Lucky winners will travel back in time to 1896, at Fort St. James National Historic Site The competition was fierce and hopes were high for the classes who participated in the amazing video competition to win Canada’s Coolest School Trip.

The students of Northside Christian School in Vanderhoof felt a surge of excitement and pride as they found out they had won one of three runner-up prizes.

Mrs. Lauze’s Gr. 7/8 class won the unique experience of having a whole national historic site to themselves for a night. They will spend the night in 1896 in the most luxurious accommodation New Caledonia had to offer...the sprawling Murray house, home of Fort St. James National Historic Site’s bed and breakfast.

Students will enjoy special period activities designed just for them, followed by dinner in the Old Fort Cafe served by costumed interpreters.

After a hanging out late 1800’s style by a blazing campfire, it will be time to bunk down in the historic Murray House, home of A.C. Murray and his family who was the officer in charge of the Fort in the 1890s.

Morning may bring the sound of sheep hooves on the boardwalk or the crow of the rooster, but a

hardy breakfast will wait in the warm, cozy cafe.

After breakfast, students will head back home a hundred and eighteen years older!

Northside Christian School Grade 7/8’s winning video insightfully explores one the most significant moments in Canadian history, the driving of the Last Spike, which completed the country’s first trans-continental railway.

(The Last Spike celebrated 100 years on April 7th, 2014 see page 3 for more information.)

This runner-up class was one of the many Grade 8 and secondary 2 classes across the country that created amazing videos on the importance of Parks Canada places to Canadians, focusing on its natural and historical significance.

The grand prize winners, from École Antoine-Roy in Rivière-auRenard, Quebec, won the trip of a lifetime to visit Parks Canada’s treasured places on the magnificent coast of British Columbia.

They will embark on a four-day trip in June to participate in some truly Canadian experiences.

They will go whale watching and kayaking on the emerald waters of Gulf Islands National

Mrs. Lauze’s Gr. 7/8 class.

Photo by Wallace Studios

Park Reserve, live the life of a soldier of the First or Second World War at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, connect with the traditions of local First Nations, tour Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site after dark and sleep under the stars in Parks Canada’s new oTENTik camping experience. What a way to end the school year!

“Thank you to all the stu-

The Omineca Express is published every Wednesday in Vanderhoof by Black Press Ltd. Publisher: Pam Berger advertising@ominecaexpress.com Reporter: Jesse Cole Rebecca Watson newsroom@ominecaexpress.com

Office: Meriella Dragomatz office@ominecaexpress.com Creative Services: Julia Beal Wendy Haslam advertising@ominecaexpress.com

150 W. Columbia St. Box 1007 Vanderhoof, B.C. V0J 3A0

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- B.C. Press Council

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The Omineca Express is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a selfregulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council.

Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9.

For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

dents and teachers who put the time and effort into creating these fantastic videos.

Your creativity has helped shine a light on our natural and historical treasures and showed the importance of protecting and visiting these beautiful places,” said Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Canada’s Coolest School Trip is a contest offered through the My Parks Pass program. My Parks Pass is a collaborative program between Parks Canada, Canadian Geographic Education, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Canada and Historica Canada. The program invites youth to learn about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and experience

Parks Canada places firsthand.

The contest was open to all Grade 8 and secondary 2 classes in Canada and ran from October 2013 to February 2014.

There were a total of 38 videos submitted. A panel of judges selected the winning entry from the ten videos that received the most public votes online.

Earth week in action Diego Syz Omineca Express Earth Week is kicking off this year across the province with activities and events in schools and the community.

“Earth day is a time to not only reflect on and appreciate British Columbia’s natural splendour, but to also consider the role we want our province to take in the global climate challenge,” according to Mary Polak, British Columbia’s Environment Minister.

Students at Nechako Valley Secondary School are focusing on two main themes, according Mrs. Pye, media arts instructor at N.V.S.S. “Our main theme is focusing on raising money to build the school in ecuador,” Mrs. Pye be-

gins.

The fundraiser is part of the “We Day” group at N.V.S.S. who have the goal of raising ($10,000) to buy 5,000 bricks to build the school in Ecuador.

But students are also learning about water consumption and the looming water crisis effecting the planet, Pye continues.

“We just had a huge presentation by Free the Children on the water crisis.”

“Free the Children” is an international charity and educational partner, working both domestically and internationally to empower youth as agents of change,” according to www. freethechildren.com.

“Free the Children” sponsors programs like; We Create Change, We Stand Together, We Are Silent and We Scare Hunger to raise awareness on issues af-

fecting the world inside and outside the classroom.

Students are also doing a workshop in relation to “Free the Children” on what action they can take (against the water crisis affecting the planet), she says.

These activities include cutting the consumption of bottled water and learning how to build wells, says Pye. “We are at a pivotal point in our province’s climate journey,” says Environment Minister Mary Polak.

“Our government is choosing the path of continued climate leadership and environmental stewardship, but in the context of a strong and growing economy.

For more information on “Free the Children” programs please take a look at the website, www.freethechildren.com.

www.ominecaexpress.com A7

Omineca Express Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Year End Revue - May 2014 Funding partnership helps protect Vanderhoof from flooding Residents of the District of Vanderhoof will be safer from flooding, thanks to an investment of $1,153,701 million for the construction of a berm along the Nechako River in the City of Vanderhoof, Dick Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, Gerry Thiessen, Mayor of Vanderhoof, and John Rustad, Nechako Lakes MLA announced today.

The funding is a joint investment by the provincial and federal governments and the

municipality, with each covering one-third of the total funding. “Through the cooperation of all levels of government, this funding will construct this much needed berm protecting over $80 million of assets from the dangers of flooding in Vanderhoof,� said Cariboo-Prince George M.P. Dick Harris. “Since the major flooding in 2007, the community has been very focused on a long

term solution for flood protection,� said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “The mayor and council of Vanderhoof have done a great job pursuing this and I’m happy we’re able to support the community.�

This project will construct a 1-metre high and a 10-metre wide berm of gravel and earth along the Nechako River in order to protect 210 homes, education, recreation and sport facilities, along with com-

mercial and government buildings in the area. Approximately $80 million worth of assets are located along the Nechako River will be protected from the construction of this berm. “The construction of this berm is key to our flood mitigation program,� said Vanderhoof Mayor Gerry Thiessen. “Remembering the destruction of the flood of ’07, and the impact on our community, this project will

Minerals North Conference overwhelming success The Minerals North Conference held from May 21-23rd was an overwhelming success.

More than 450 delegates and exhibitors made the trip to Vanderhoof for the conference, which was one the largest events ever held in Vanderhoof.

The Tradeshow was fully booked, filling the Vanderhoof arena inside and out with interesting booths and exhibits. New Gold’s Heavy Equipment Simulator was a big hit, and one of the most visited exhibits.

Key note speakers Jim Bottomley and Chief Clarence Louie were informative and entertaining speakers that were well received and enjoyed by all.

The education portion of Minerals North went off without a hitch, and was well received by over 180 students from grades one through ten.

The students had hands on experience with rocks and minerals during the Minerals Education

Program. Brandt Tractor’s excavator (M4 provided an operator), Speed Way Tire’s tire station, Vanderhoof Search and Rescue’s GPS, and New Gold’s Heavy Equipment simulator. Students also benefited from learning about careers in the mining industry.

The Minerals North 2014 Organizing Committee would like to thank all the delegates, exhibitors, and residents of Vanderhoof who made this event such a huge success. According to the Minerals North 2014 Organizing Committee Chair Brian Frenkel, “it takes a community to pull off a conference of this scale, and on behalf of the Committee I’d like to thank all of the sponsors, trade show exhibitors, delegates, speakers, volunteers, and most of all the community of Vanderhoof.�

Minerals North Conference 2015 will be held in Mackenzie and it will be an outstanding success.

Community garden

(Above) Having a little relaxing time. (Below) Helping hands working on the community garden for this year’s planting season.

The Community Garden is an initiative of the Nechako Valley Food Network and has been a work in progress for several years. What started as a simple concept of having a patch of ground where citizens of Vanderhoof can go and plant some vegetables, has grown into a multi-level project, involving the

Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson and Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach were all smiles Thursday evening after learning Smithers and Telkwa were chosen to co-host the 2016 Minerals North Conference.

District of Vanderhoof, School District 91, W.L. McLeod School Farm to School Program, Nechako Valley Community Services Society, and Seniors Connected.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Year End Revue - June 2014 Legebokoff trial Bill Phillips editor@pgfreepress.com A 14-member jury is set to decide the fate of Cody Alan Legebokoff, charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

The Fort St. James man, who had been living in Prince George when he was arrested in 2010, is charged with the murders 35-year-old Jill Stacey Stuchenko, 35-year-old Cynthia Frances Maas, 23-year-old Natasha Lynn Montgomery and 15-year-old Loren Donn Leslie. Montgomery’s body was never found.

His trial got underway Monday morning before Justice Glenn Parrett. Legebokoff appeared wearing a suit and tie. He has shaved his head and is now sporting a small goatee.

Stuchenko was reported missing October 22, 2009 and her body was found in a gravel pit off Otway Road October 26, 2009.

Mass was reported missing by friends September 23, 2010. Her body was found Oct. 9, 2010 in L.C. Gunn Park.

Montgomery, who had recently been released from the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, was last seen Aug. 31, 2010 and reported missing September 23. Her body has not been found.

Leslie’s body was discovered November 27, 2010 in the bush a short distance off the highway between Fort St. James and Vanderhoof.

Crown prosecutor Joseph Temple, in his opening statement, said autopsies on Stuchenko, Maas, and Leslie showed each of the three had been se-

verely beaten. “(Stuchenko) had received multiple blows to the back of her head and face,” he said. “She suffered multiple cerebral contusions.”

Both Leslie and Maas were discovered with their pants pulled down to their ankles, Temple said.

Maas died of “blunt force trauma to the head and penetrating wounds to the chest,” that were not from a bullet or knife, Temple said. Leslie died of blood loss and brain injury. Temple added she had received “powerful” blows to the head that fractured both jaws.

While Montgomery’s body has not been found, Temple said evidence will be presented at the trial outlining 32 instances of her DNA being found in Legebokoff’s apartment and on his clothing. DNA evidence will also link Legebokoff and Maas, Temple said.

Legebokoff was arrested November 27, 2010 when he was pulled over by police between Vanderhoof and Fort St. James, shortly after one of the officers saw a truck pull onto the highway from a logging road.

Temple said when the RCMP officers pulled him over, they noticed blood on Legebokoff.

When he told police he was poaching deer, the RCMP called in Conservation Officers who searched the side road Legebokoff had been seen pulling out of by RCMP. It was there they found Leslie’s body and Legebokoff was charged with murder that night.

Temple said Legebokoff ini-

tially denied having known Leslie.

In several interviews he had with police following his arrest, Legebokoff ‘s story changed, said Temple.

Legebokoff said he discovered her body in the bush by the logging road, panicked and left, taking some her personal items with him because he had touched them. In a subsequent interview, he said he was with her but that she “went psycho” and killed herself, Temple said. And, in yet another interview, told police that Leslie had tried to kill herself and he had hit her twice “to put her out of her misery.”

Legebokoff and Leslie had met on the social media site Nexopia in early November, Temple said, and had been exchanging text messages up to November 26.

The trial is expected to last six to eight months.

Both of Loren Donn Leslie’s parents are adamant she was not suicidal.

The 15-year-old girl, who was found murdered on a logging road off Highway 27 between Vanderhoof and Fort St. James November 27, 2010, did, though, have a history of psychological problems, a Supreme Court jury heard Tuesday.

“I had to be there all the time for her,” Loren’s mother Donna testified regarding the teen’s anxiety attacks. “I would just sit with her.”

Donna Leslie’s testimony came on the second day of the Supreme Court trial of Cody Alan Legebokoff, 24, charged with first-degree murder in the

Renovations complete at St. John Hospital Almost $5 million in renovations at the St. John Hospital to improve patient flow in and out of the emergency room, and add an independent ambulance bay are now complete.

“The renovation project was focused on helping staff and physicians deliver care to local families in the best way possible. The final results reflect that vision,” said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “For example, the creation of an independent ambulance bay will make it easier for paramedics to access the emergency department when a patient needs it the most.”

The renovations focused on the emergency department to improve the patient experience, including adding a separate waiting room for families of patients in

deaths of Loren Leslie, Jill Stuchenko, Natasha Montgomery, and Cynthia Maas.

Crown prosecutor Joseph Temple, in his opening statement Monday, said that during one of several interviews Legebokoff had with police after being arrested November 27, 2010, he said Loren Leslie had “gone psycho,” started hitting herself with a wrench and saying she wanted to “end it all.”

When asked by defence counsel James Heller if he was aware of any suicide attempts by his daughter, Doug Leslie stated: “Not to my knowledge.”

Donna Leslie, with whom Loren primarily lived after her parents separated, also testified that she did not believe her daughter was suicidal.

That wasn’t always the case, however, as she told the court Loren began “cutting” herself when she was 12 years old.

“She wasn’t trying to commit suicide, she was making a statement,” Donna Leslie testified. “At the time, I didn’t know about cutting. I would freak out.”

VANDERHOOF’S FAITH

Church Directory For more information or to join Vanderhoof’s Faith Church Directory

Call Pam at 250-567-9258

The Gospel Chapel 448 Connaught Street 11:00 a.m. Worship Service (Affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of Canada) For more information call

567-3107

www.thegospelchapel.ca

Our Mission Glorifying God by helping all people move closer to Jesus Christ one step at a time.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

The Church on the Corner “Giving you a Purpose to live for and People to live with” emergency care. The entrance for emergency was also relocated and there are now three entrances into the hospital: one for patients coming into emergency, one for ambulances bringing patients into emergency, and one for all other hospital services.

The project was funded by the Province of B.C., Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District, and Northern Health. The project was completed by IDL Projects based in Prince George, B.C. “We’re pleased with the outcome of the reno-

vations at the St. John Hospital,” said Ralph Roy, Chair of the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District. “Residents of Vanderhoof and the Omineca region will benefit from the renovation project, and that is why we are proud to be a funding partner.”

Under cross examination by Heller, Donna Leslie confirmed that Loren could suffer delusional episodes, including hearing voices; that she had been diagnosed as being bi-polar and was prescribed Zoloft; suffered from post-traumatic depression; and was under the care of a Prince George psychiatrist.

Loren had been hospitalized after over-dosing on medication for depression.

“She had her stomach pumped,” Donna Leslie said.

Donna also described the events of November 27, 2010, which was, for them, a normal evening.

“She was in her room playing on her computer,” Donna Leslie said.

“I was in my room, across the hall, reading … She texted me and told me she was going to have a coffee with a girlfriend. I said ‘OK, be good and don’t forget what time to have to come home (she had a 1 a.m. curfew) … I was dozing when police phoned at around midnight.”

The trial is expected to last six months.

Worship Service: 11:00 am Sunday School: 9:45 am Small Groups meeting together regularly: We have a place for you to belong!

For more information call

567-9198 263 Vanderview Drive For more information visit our website: www.vcfemc.com

1393 Highway 16 East 250-567-4960 Join us Sundays @ 9:30 am Everyone Welcome!

Visit our website: nechakocommunitychurch.com

www.ominecaexpress.com A9

Omineca Express Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The Fun Page

Sudoku

Horoscopes ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 It may seem that you have your head in the clouds, Aries. But you know that you have everything under control. Disregard the critics and keep plugging away.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 It will take some energy to referee a situation at home, Sagittarius. Strong personalities can clash at times, but you have a way of working through the obstacles.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, look inside yourself for the solution to a problem that has puzzled you. You understand the situation EHWWHU WKDQ DQ\RQH HOVH VR EHDU GRZQ DQG ÀQG WKH solution.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Don’t try to hide your emotions this week, Capricorn. If others know just how you are feeling they will be more likely to offer a helping hand and some valuable advice.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 There is no easy way out of the work you have to get done, Gemini. Just hunker down and accept that these tasks have to be completed before you can move on.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 You have an infectious amount of energy this week, Aquarius. That will serve you well because many things are piling up on your to-do list. You’re ready to meet tasks head-on.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 You may feel some pressure from higher-ups, Cancer.

But don’t allow that pressure to distract you from the tasks at hand. You will get things done on time.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Do you feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions, Pisces? Let up on accepting any new responsibilities for now.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 /HR DIWHU ZHHNV RI UXQQLQJ DURXQG LW LV ÀQDOO\ WLPH to kick your feet up and relax. The concept may seem strange to you, but soon enough you will get the hang of it.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 28 Joe Manganiello, Actor (38)

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you have been stuck on a problem but the solution is right around the corner. Perhaps you should change your perspective and go about it in a new way.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Focus on the positives of a new venture even if you’re nervous about the outcome, Libra. If you let negative thoughts slide in you can quickly be overwhelmed.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 New possibilities seem to arise out of nowhere, Scorpio.

Embrace the good fortune coming your way and make the most of these wonderful and exciting opportunities.

Crosswords

CLUES ACROSS 1. Carpenter sharks 10. Billy clubs 12. Cassava 13. Keeness of vision &RQÀGHQFH JDPH 16. Run playfully 18. Article 19. Dept. of Housing and Urban Dev. 6SLHOEHUJ ÀOP 21. Covered with frosting 24. Own (Scottish) 27. Model stance 30. Italian greeting 31. Oh, God! 33. Radioactivity unit 34. Feeling of personal worth %HÀWWLQJ D UXOHU 37. Waterproof raincoat 39. Root mean square (abbr.)

41. Napoleonic island 42. Whale ship captain 44. Put in advance 47. Sensory receptor 48. Porzana carolina 49. 13th state 50. Graz city river 52. Promotional material 53. Gather into a book 56. Reduce in amount 59. Slow and apathetic

Regular Store Hours

2110 Ryley Ave., Vanderhoof 250-567-6000

DECEMBER 30 Kristin Kreuk, Actress (32) DECEMBER 31 Richie McCaw, Athlete (34) JANUARY 1 Meryl Davis, Athlete (28) JANUARY 2 Dax Shepard, Actor (40) JANUARY 3 Danica McKellar, Actress (40)

60. Not liquids or gasses 62. Caused to continue 64. Owner CLUES DOWN 1. Kitchen basin 2. Currency exchange fee 3. BBC Doctor 4. Supervises interstate commerce 5. Iceland (abbr.)

6. Cache 7. Diaphragm spasm 8. So. Am. country 9. Low fat milk 10. Not-a-Number 11. Engine additive 12. Home of Ball State 14. To bear young (sheep or goats) 15. Beijing Automotive Group 17. Oil drilling apparatus 22. Tidal bore 23. Condemns to ruin 24. Of she 25. “The African Queen� screenwriter James 26. Former US gold coin worth 10 dollars 28. So. African Music Awards 29. Potato state

DRUGStore Pharmacy™ Hours

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Saturday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Monday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Wednesday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Thursday 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

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DECEMBER 29 Alexa Ray Joel, Singer (29)

32. Aba ____ Honeymoon 36. Household god (Roman) 38. Gemstone weight units 40. Half pro 43. Past tense of bid 44. Communist China 45. Public mob violence 46. Dutch bulbs 51. Networks (Spanish) 54. Floor cleaner 55. Train for something (informal) 56. Low female voice &RIĂ€Q VWDQG 58. Sum 60. Pig genus 61. W. hemisphere assoc.

63. Atomic #52

A10 www.ominecaexpress.com

Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Your community. Your classiďŹ eds.

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150 W Columbia Street, PO Box 1007 Vanderhoof, BC, V0J3A0

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Services

Information

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

Education/Trade Schools

Mind Body Spirit

Lakes District Maintenance Ltd. has openings for

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

Maggie’s Massage

NECHAKO RESERVOIR UPDATE 17 December 2014 Reservoir Elevation: 851.22m

(2792.71 ft.)

SLS Discharge: 34.33 m3/s Nechako River at Cheslatta Falls: 38 m3/s Nechako River at Vanderhoof: 49 m3/s

Phone:

250-567-9258 Fax:

250-567-2070 E-Mail: advertising@ ominecaexpress. com OFFICE HOURS Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5:00 pm Omineca Express published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Express -- Friday, 12-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon

TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the ďŹ rst publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the ďŹ rst insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classiďŹ ed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.

DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justiďŹ ed by a bona ďŹ de requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Skins Lake Spillway discharge will be maintained at approximately the current level until April 2015 Visit website www.waterofďŹ ce.ec.gc.ca for up to date real-time ow information for the Nechako River.

Contact Rio Tinto Alcan at 250-5675105 for more information. A recording of this notice is available 24-hours in Vanderhoof at 250567-5812

Personals

PLOW TRUCK OPERATORS

Positions are available in Bob Quinn Lake and Jade City.

Both are camp locations with bunkhouses available for successful candidates. Positions are for this winter season.

Wages start at $21.18/hr plus isolation, bunkhouse & other allowances. Experience is an asset, but not required. Class 3 BC Drivers licence with air required. Apply with resume and current drivers abstract:

In person: 881 – Hwy 16W Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 Fax: 250-692-3930 Email: careers@ldmltd.ca More career opportunities at ldmltd.ca/careers/

Services

Home Improvements

Firearms

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

FIREARMS: ALL types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation.

Licensed dealer 1-866-9600045. www.dollars4guns.com.

Our classified ads are on the net! Check it out at www.bcclassified.com

1-250-613-3796 Financial Services

Trades, Technical Port Hardy, BC. Busy GM dealership looking for two full time positions to be ďŹ lled immediately.

CertiďŹ ed GM technician Ticketed Bodyman Very competitive pay scales, beneďŹ ts, and exible schedules.

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Pets & Livestock

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Omineca Express Wednesday, December 31, 2014

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014 Omineca Express

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

Pioneers Courageous Battles

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Human Interest

Serving the communities of...

Endako, Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Cluculz Lake, & Vanderhoof

Featuring the spirit of the local people

Taxidermy; the art of life and death Jesse Cole Omineca Express Heidi Hill’s office isn’t your typical work environment. There are no office chairs, computers or filing cabinets, instead her work space is filled with the hides of bears, elk and wolves.

Hill owns and operates Blue Mountain Taxidermy on her ranch located in between Vanderhoof and Fort St. James.

Her work inhabits the grey space between the bucolic pastures that surround her log home and the often morbid association the public has with taxidermy.

A taxidermist since 2006 Hill says that it was a natural choice for her given her upbringing.

“I grew up working in an outfitting business and I was always involved in hunting as a child and I still am today… I always enjoyed working with [the hides] and bringing them, in a sense, back to life.”

Hill works with her apprentice, Hannah Steffey, completing taxidermy jobs for not only local clients but as global as Europe and the United Kingdom.

Hill and Steffey primarily work with wild game such as deer, elk, bear, moose, coyotes and wolves but, Hill admits she’s had clients request other animals.

“I was asked to do a dog once,” Hill said. “Someones pet dog - I don’t do those.”

Hill also doesn’t taxidermy fish, even though she knows how.

“I have [mounted fish] before and we occasionally do a fish for a life-sized diorama… but as far as anyone wanting a fish, we don’t do those. It’s a different kind of artwork.”

Most of her material comes from hunters who use the meat for food and Hill says through taxidermy the skins of the animals don’t go to waste.

Taxidermy is an often overlooked art form that shies away from the spotlight; it is a bluecollar artform in the truest sense of the word but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require the same finesse and level of skill that other, more mainstream artforms require.

Taxidermy requires math (used when stretching and forming a hide), painting, sculpture and an understanding of anatomy. This is represented particularly well in the taxidermy of fish, who when dead lose their magnificent colourings, colouring that artists like Hill do by hand to recreate the animals natural beauty.

In order to learn and perfect her craft, Hill attended two different schools where she studied taxidermy, the Penn School of Taxidermy in Calgary as well as the Missoula Valley School of Taxidermy in Thompson Falls, Mont.

There she learned the intricacies of taxidermy.

“It’s a step program,” she says.

“If someone brings you a full wolf or coyote it’s in a body form, so you have to skin it, most of them are skinned already, but if they’re not we flesh them [removing excess meat off of the hide]. Then it gets salted and dried before being sent to a tannery.”

Hill’s hides are sent to a tannery in Kamloops.

“When it comes back I can measure the hide, order the form [the base shape of the animal being taxidermied] and then fit it to the form and glue it on. After that

we let it dry and then the bases are designed and once they’re dry we do some sculpting with clay and finally airbrush the model.”

The process requires a lot of dexterity as taxidermists must be both visual artists, seamstresses and butchers.

Steffey was originally hired because she was a known seamstress to Hill.

“I knew [Steffey] and her family through the fairgrounds and I knew she was a hard working country girl and that she liked to sew,” says Hill. “When I hired her I needed someone to sew bear rugs. She came and tried it out and she liked it.”

Steffey is poised to take over Hills operation when hill retires.

Taxidermy as an industry is not in the decline Hill says but it also isn’t growing.

“A lot of taxidermy businesses have shut down in Prince George as the owners get older and there is no one to take over the business,” she says. Despite this Hill is optimistic that taxidermy has a future thanks to the increase in interest towards hunting and wild meat.

“I think as long as hunting continues, and hunting has increased in popularity due in part to the benefits of wild meat, I think because of that taxidermy could actually grow in the future.”

Most of Hill and Steffey’s work is client based with clients bringing in hunted animals or road kill (most often owls) but she does sometimes sell her work.

“A bear skin rug sells for about $210 per foot, so six feet times $210 equals your price.”

Heidi Hill airbrushes the nose of a grizzly bear rug.

Airbrushing returns the colour and details to the animal pelt giving it a more lifelike appearance.

Photo by Jesse Cole.

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes

Box 421 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 Email: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca