Epilepsy Quesnel donation to VGH PAGE A2
Friday, February 27, 2015
Exploring the world of dementia PAGE A15
VOL. 101 NO. 51
cougar coaching clinic here PAGE A18
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Former Quesnel resident facing murder charges AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter He struck him as being “fairly quiet,” someone who kept primarily to themselves. He speaks of Ian Bush, 59, the man suspected of killing three senior citizens and attempting to kill another. Bush was his former neighbour, back in the 1970s in a quiet residential subdivision in the Gold Pan City. Bush and his family moved from Dryden Ontario to Quesnel where his father Bill Bush worked at Cariboo Pulp and Paper, a position he took over after managing the plant in his former town. Feb. 20 of this year, police charged Bush with three counts of first-degree murder in the June 2007 slayings in Ottawa of Alban Garon, his wife Raymonde and their neighbour, MarieClaire Beniskos, all in their 70s. Due to a pre-trial
publication ban, evidence is protected but several news sites have reported the victims were found beaten and tied up with plastic bags over their heads inside the Garons’ Ottawa home. Bush is also facing charges in a case from two months ago in which he is suspected of a home invasion and attack on 101-year-old Ernest CÔté, a Second World War veteran. Côté, who was also left with a plastic bag over his head, managed to free himself and call police. Another former Quesnel neighbour of the accused said the news came as a shock, but noted the family was “different… and that’s putting it mildly.” Bush remains in custody and has been ordered to undertake a psychiatric evaluation, he will remain in custody until his next court appearance April. 7.
includes GST
Pink Shirt Day honoured All over the North Cariboo toddlers, students and adults celebrated the anti-bullying message of Pink Shirt Day, Wednesday, by wearing pink clothing and accessories. These young students were with the Ecole Baker flash mob which performed in Spirit Square. For more Pink Shirt Day photos (despite the black and white format) see pages A3 and A7. Annie Gallant photo
SD28 forced to cut administrative costs AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After the announcement of the provincial budget, the Gold Pan’s school board is speaking out. “The budget falls short of our expectations and needs. Most, if not all of the increased education funding is required to pay for additional sal-
ary and benefit obligations under the new collective agreements with teachers and support staff,” SD28 press release states. The board says the district is concerned about government’s further cuts to administrative programs in the amounts of $29 million in 2015-2016 and an additional $25 million in 2016-2017.
Further they maintain the budget fails to include funding for ongoing cost pressures. “Increased costs for medical service plan premiums, WorkSafe BC premiums and hydro rate increases are examples of those that are known at this time,” the release states. “Finally, this bud-
get does not address wages for managers, principals and district administration who have not received wage increases since 2009.” The board says it will need additional time to fully review the impacts the budget will have on the district. In the meantime the board endorsed working with Corner-
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber Alice Selzler! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
stone Planning Group to create a Schools Development Strategy. This plan will aim to address the issues of declining enrolment and budget shortfalls. An open house will be held to discuss the strategy and hear the details of the issues. More details regarding the open house will be available shortly.
Deb Quick, Travel Consultant 250-992-5169 in Quesnel
Deb Quick & Flight Centre - Unbeatable! www.AskDeb.ca
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