WEDNESDAY MAY 4 2016
Into the jaws of the dragon
Happy Mother’s Day!
Townsman Page 3
Mom’s pay the junior price of $12 on the Rec 9 this Mother’s Day!
www.BootlegGapGolf.com
Cranbrook
Like Us TownsmanBulletin Follow Us @crantownsman
Vol. 70, Issue 81
Proudly serving Cranbrook and area since 1946
1
$ 10
INCLUDES G.S.T.
www.cranbrooktownsman.com
Taking The Musical To New Heights
BARRY COULTER PHOTO
Laurie Middle School is in its intense rehearsal phase for the upcoming classic “High School Musical,” taking place at the Studio Stage Door later this month, May 25, 26, 27. The cast of thousands features (pictured in front, left to right) Beth Sutton, Brandon Archibald and Hallie Miller. Theatre is all the rage in Cranbrook these days. Mount Baker Wild Drama’s production of “Mary Poppins” opens Thursday at the Key City Theatre, and Cranbrook Community Theatre’s “The Odd Couple” opens Friday at the Studio Stage Door. A veritable dramatic feast!
Kootenay Lake kokanee numbers cause for concern High number of predators are a likely cause of dwindling salmon population, Ministry says C AROLYN GRANT
Last week the provincial government announced that, due to low numbers, the kokanee fishery on the upper west arm of Kootenay Lake would be catch and release only this year. This spring, anglers landed fewer kokanee than usual in this part of the lake, which could be an indication that the overall numbers are down, says Greg Beithel, Public Affairs Officer, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. “The closure is a precaution aimed to support longterm kokanee conservation efforts.” The kokanee fishery in the main part of the lake already was closed and
will remain so. The Ministry reports that last fall, biologists counted 18,000 spawning kokanee in the main body of the lake and its tributaries, the lowest number since the annual count started in 1979. Scientists estimate that the fish laid 4.26 million eggs, down from a high of 265 million eggs in 1981. “The ministry has worked with experts to review the Kootenay Lake kokanee collapse, and the consensus is that the primary cause was a very high abundance of Gerrard and bull trout, both predators of kokanee,” Beithel said.
See PREDATORS, Page 4
The power of Penner
Renowned children’s performer Fred Penner marks 44 years on the road with Cranbrook concert BARRY COULTER
Fred Penner has never underestimated a person’s ability to make a difference in the life of a child. That philosophy has led to decades as one of the most renowned children’s entertainers in the world. “This is my 44th year on the road — a fairly intense commitment,” Penner told the Townsman, just before setting out for Cranbrook. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel some excitement and inspiration, and enjoyment from the audience.” Yes, the Cat’s Coming
Back to Cranbrook. Penner’s pending appearance created a lot of buzz, so much so that demand for tickets for his upcoming show this Saturday prompted the Key City Theatre to move the concert outdoors, where it will take place right in the heart of the Kootenay Children’s Festival, Saturday, May 7. Penner takes the stage at 1 p.m. Local songwriter Dawson Rutledge is coming on first, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Fred Penner, in Cranbrook Saturday, May See FREDHEADS, Page 5 7, for the Kootenay Children’s Festival