The Castiegar Sun Wednesday, August 19, 1992 - & Water Continued from 1A treaty water tends to be used dur- ing the winter months to meet the needs of consumers of electricity. “During these months we need to use water for electricity from some other source, that’s when we use the non-treaty storage water.” Geissler says that a meeting might have to be scheduled between Audrey Moore and him- self in order to “discuss the rumour and find out where it Tim Newton, also from B.C. Hydro, said the Arrow Lakes = Rumour reservoir, which is down 33 feet, isn’t the only reservoir which has decreased in water amount; the Mica reservoir is down 24.5 feet and the Duncan reservoir is down 62.5 feet. Eyen in Victoria, bureacrats are not aware of such a sale. Dan Barrett, ministerial assistant to Labour Minister Moe. Sihota, said he was unaware of such a sale and had checked with Hydro officals after being told of such a possibility. "I've spoken with B.C. Hydro and they have con- firmed that no such sale has taken place,” said Barrett. Continued from 1A age accounts of non-treaty water, which is documented each month the levels have remained consis- tent. Non-treaty water levels (including water owned by the BPA) which have been recorded by B.C. Hydro for the past few months show the following amounts: April - B.C. Hydro portion 60.2 per cent full - BPA portion 75.7 per fall May - B.C. Hydro portion 72.2 per cent full - BPA portion 75.7 per- cent full June - B.C. Hydro portion 85.3 per cent full - BPA portion 75.5 per- cent full July - B.C. Hydro portion 86.4 per cent full - BPA portion 75.6 per- cent full Firefighters preparing for Muscular Dystrophy car wash this Saturday Sun Staff Give to a charity and clean your car at the same time. That's what Castlegar Fire- fighters from both north and south fire halls are hoping the public will want to do this Sat- urday as they prepare for their annual Car Wash for Muscular Dystrophy. The suds will begin to lather around 10 a.m. in the Safeway warking lot. Before the clock {strikes 3 p.m., the local volun- ‘teer firetighters are hoping ‘they'll have beat last year's fundraising result of $1,000. “The money that we raise is ‘sent to Muscular Dystrophy headquarters in Vancouver, though it is used to help victims of the disease locally,” said Dick Dunlop, a volunteer fire- fighter and coordinator of the event. This is the fourth annual car wash for Muscular Dystrophy which local firefighters have been involved with setting up. eee Strike costing students’ their tuition money JASON KEENAN _ Sun staff Paying for school is going to be tougher for about 50 students because of the West Kootenay Power strike. “Fifty summer students got cheated out of a job,” said Kevin Blackman, one of the students. A lot of the summer students depend on the pay of $500 per week to pay their tuition costs. But $220 per week in strike pay ‘It hasn't ruined the summer. It has made it tougher for us.’ — KEVIN BLACKMAN student won't pay for school. “I'm gonna have to take out a student loan - the full $7,000,” he added. Student loans are avail- able to eligible students up to a maximum of approximately $7,000. “We would have preferred to have kept working.” Most of the students are employed as slash crew clearing the vegetation under power lines in the area. Blackman said that the ball was in the company’s court. “T feel more or less the compa- ny could have settled it a long ‘Incredible Journey’ will include BRENDAN HALPER Sun staff West Kootenay Power employee Kevin Blackman does his duty on the picket-line at the WKP office in Castlegar, Tuesday morning. time ago.” The International Brotherhood of Electrical Work- ers have been on strike since July 17, and without a contract since early this year. the journey on March 20, 1991, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Di Castlegar will be host to a courageous visitor on Friday. Ken McColm will pass through Castlegar on his way to nosed as a diabetic at the age of five, 31 year-old McColm became blind four years ago as a result of diabetic retinopathy. The walk is McColm’s way of Grand Forks and ly West Coast, as part of his cross- Canada walk—an 8,000 kilome- tre “Incredible Journey’ McColm has already walked over 7,000 kilometres since starting i ing public of diabetes and the resulting compli- cations, which include blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and limb amputation. The Canadian Diabetes Asso- “It hasn’t really ruined the summer. It has made it tougher for us.” He said that belt-tighten- ing options for students include attending Selkirk instead of a ciation (CDA) is assisting McColm with his Incredible Journey. The Telephone Pioneers of America have provided sup- port for McColm with routing and their communications vehi- cle, which forms an integral part of the road entourage. The Tele- phone Pioneers is a service group of current and former telephone SUN STAFF PHOTO / Brendan Halper school out-of-town, or applying for student loans. “It's expensive going to school. oe Castlegar helped cover the cost of accom- modations, meals, clothing, vehi- cles, and promotions. Local CDA branches are putting on a breakfast at the Sand- man Inn, Friday 8 a.m., where McColm will be giving a speech before resuming his journey. When he’s not walking across Canada, McColm resides in those with pany ploy at least 15 years of service. Corporate sponsors have . New Brunswick, where he pursues a career as a freelance writer and journalist. Local Pope & Talbot employees shouldn't worry about layoffs Sun Staff Employees at Pope & Talbot's Castlegar and Midway sawmills will not have to worry about upcoming layoff notices, co: to a recent report from a local radio station. The report stated that Pope & Talbot would be undergoing a restructuring of their operations, and that layoffs would be handed out within the next month. Abe Friesen, president of Pope & Talbot's Canadian operations, said that the information is incor- rect, and that the restructuring involves only American plants which deal in consumer products and pulp and paper. “The announcement came from our corporate office in Port- land, Oregon, after a bad second quarter was reported. But this will not affect any Canadian loca- tions of Pope & Talbot,” Friesen said. Flux begins process to sue city Castlegar resident Walter Flux has followed through with his threat to take City Hall to court. The City of Castlegar received his notice of claim for small claims court on August 4. The first available court date has been set for September 11. The City of Castlegar has listed Flux on its list of debtors, claim- ing he owes $1,700 in unpaid water and sewer hook-up fees. Flux meanwhile, says he was quoted a price by the city of $1,680 for the job, which he paid. Flux said the entire job, which was done in February 1991, took a total of six hours. More than one year later, he received a bill for $1,700. Flux, who is current- ly the chairperson for the Official Community Plan updating com- mittee, at first considered resign- ing from his position due to the litigation procedures, but has since changed his mind. "I've had discussions with other people and because it's a voluntary position, I cant see there being a conflict of interest anywhere,” Flux said. Syringa Park usage still low BRENDAN HALPER _ Sun staff bone says these figures must be taken with a grain of salt. Gordon Rathbone, Manager of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks West Kootenay District, says the low water levels at Syringa Creek Park on Lower Arrow Lake this year are adversely affecting the level of park usage. Although day use for the month of June at Syringa was up 12 per cent and camping was up six per cent over last year, Rath- “By ison, Syringa is not doing as good as the other parks in the region,” Rathbone said. “For example, Champion Lakes day use was up 251 per cent. “There’s no question tte low reservoir is affecting people's use of Syringa Creek Park.” Parks throughout the West District have had over- all average increase. of 51 per cent for day use and 31 per cent for camping. Library sponsors reading contest SUBMITTED The Castlegar and District Library is sponsoring a contest asking people how many books were read by participants of the 1992 Summer Reading Program entitled, ‘Where in the World”. A prize will be awarded for the closest guess. The contest's closing date will be September 2, 1992—Anyone interested in entering should con- tact the Library at 365-6611 The Summer Reading Pro- "s top readers were Kindergarten to grade two— First—David Janzen Second—Ashley Nelson Third—Glynis Waring Grades three to five— First—Jenny Bucholz (60 books) Second—Karina Cram Third—Tara MacPherson Preschool— First—Amy Stalker Pope & Talbot purchased the former Westar sawmill in Castle- gar last April after a lengthy pro- cess which resulted in a long non-working period for employ- ees. Since that time, the sawmill workers were also affected by a lengthy pulp and paper strike. ““We’ have not been operating all that long due to these hold- ups, but I expect that things are going well,” said Friesen. “Our operations are running as well as can be expected under market conditions.” Heroin bust for local RCMP Sun Staff Castlegar RCMP arrested two Castlegar males after a strange parcel was picked up at the air- port, August 11. Charged with possession of heroin and possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking are Louis Hoodicoff, age 31 and Michael Leslie, age 39. The street value of the illegal narcotic is estimated at $800. The two men will appear in court October 1. eee Pass Creek accident Sun Staff A two vehicle accident in the 1400 block of Pass Creek road has resulted in approximately $8,000 in damages. Charles Olsen, age 51, was taken to hospital with undeter- mined injuries. Olsen was charged for failing to keep to the right since his vehicle crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and collided with another vehi- cle travelling in the opposite direction. Wednesday, August 19, 1992 | tractor/trailer unit then struc! | Volunteer firefighters from the Ootischenia Fire D fuel which escaped from the punctured tank of t! the airport entrance, around 5:45 to be $14,000. A 51 year-old Vancouver man path of the northbound tractor/trailer unit d 33 year-old Jared Moberg ore doing so, hit both vehicles. The only reported injuries were to Acke taken to the hospital. Charges in the incident are pending. p.m. and involved three vehicles. Poli vehicle waiting to turn left into the air epartment spread an absorbent peat moss Product on the diesel his large truck. The accident occurred Monday on Highway 3A at ice estimate the resulting vehicle damage , who was driving a Lincoln, pulled out of the airport road into the riven by 35 year-old Pieter Ackermans of Nelson. Ackermans’ port. The vehicle (not pictured) was driven by lobson. Ackermans was attempting to avoid the Lincoin turning into his path and in rmans, who had minor whiplash but was not SUN STAFF PHOTO / Sharlene Imhotf Local citizens invited to comment on MLA's salaries SHARLENE IMHOFF _ Sun Editor How much should taxpayers shell out for good representation? That's a question B.C. residents will be invited to answer during a review of MLA's pay and perks in September. r The province's Legislative Assembly recently appointed C.J (Chuck) Connaghan, an Industri- al Relations Councillor in Van- couver, to conduct an independent review of what MLAs are currently paid, and if this amount should be increased or decreased. Rossland-Trail MLA Ed Con- roy, who said he took a slight cut in pay when he began work- ing for the government, believes the review is good idea and is hoping for changes in the cur- rent salary. Conroy worked as a tug-boat operator for Westar Timber before he was elected. “A lot of people are under the misconception that once you're in government, you make a lot of Basement fire at West's Department Store closes shop down for the day Sun Staff 824 () V wine uBe) 266: Duy BIEKpPUAS S:0;ee.>) Now I INSIST, MAAM ... LADIES FIRST. By Leigh Rubin bp Prior to the feminist movement, women gunslingers enjoyed a distinct advantage Firefighters, onlookers and money. That's sincerely not the case,” said Conroy, when reached at his home in Pass Creek. Conroy cites sacrifices to his Own privacy and family life, which is he says is typical with any MLA. As well, he believes MLAs run the risk of not regain- ing their past jobs if they are not way. People who want to run in politics take a tremendous risk, it’s not very often they’re guaran- teed to regain previous employ- ment” The Act's current provisions allow each MLA to receive a salary of $32,812 a year, plus a tax-free Expense Allowance of plan provides a pension to MLAs who have served more than seven years or through two elections. The pension is available to a member at age 55 or when the member's age plus years of ser- vice total 60 or more. It is paid only after the individual is no longer a member. A severance Suite 510-789 West Pender St. Vancouver, B.C., V6C 1H2. During S: bmissi How to get involved Connaghan, who is conducting the independent review, is i that the public send in their comments no later than September 30 to the following address: Review of MLA Remuneration toll-free number: 1-800-461-8668 7 : soir can also be telephoned in on a ered to be public documents. and individuals will be consid- re-elected later. Conroy however, has a clause in his working contract which states he can return to his old job if he decides not to run or if he is simply not re-elected to office. “I'm really fortunate in that would-be shoppers really were under “The Big W” after a fire was reported in the basement of “ $16,406 a year, for a total of $49,218. The benefits package includes medical, dental and group life insurance and a super- annuation plan to which the member contributes nine per cent of the legislative allowance. The West's Department Store, Mon- day moming. The call came into the north- end fire department at approxi- mately 9:19 am., said Fire Chief Gerry Rempel, who added that two pumper trucks and a total of 13 volunteer firefighters responded to the scene. Rempel estimates damage to the building to be approximately $900, which does not include any merchandise which might have been stored in the base- ment “At this time the fire appears to be electrical, but as of yet an Official cause has not been deter- HI € is provided to mem- bers who are not eligible for pen- sion benefits and who leave the legislature. Conroy has a constituency office in Trail, which he says he helps to fund through his own Paycheque as MLA “I do get money for running the office, but there’s not enough there.” Conroy described his job as hard work that's highly stressful, and says-the- position deserves. a higher salary. He would not com- ment however, on exactly how much he thought an MLA should be paid. “If ordinary people want repre- sentation at the provincial level, then they have to be prepared to Pay for it.” mined,” said Rempel, who added that the investigation is continu- ing. Employees and onlookers gathered in the back alley, where fire crews were walking in and out of a back door which lead to the basement Vy Stoushnow, one of three owners of the department store, said about 20 or so people were evacuated from the premises when sparks were discovered in the basement by employee Carol McLean. The two other owners, Peter Vatkin and Wallace Hom- ing, were also on the scene, assessing the situation from . California Juice Grapes 2 weeks early this year will be finished by Sept. 15 Available August 27 Please Order Acéordingly F2W WHOLESAL ‘ OUTLOOK: The forecast for perature near 31 degrees. WEATHER Wednesday; Sunny with cloudy peri ods, 40% chance of an afternoon shower or thundershower. High tem: ry Outlook: an upper disturbance approaching from the north coast should provide scattered afternoon showers and slightly cooler temperatures for Thursday and Friday. Temperature: Max/Date 33.1/14 Precipitation: Rain 0 Sunshine: Number of Hours 77.1 region. Aug. 14 - 1411.84 8.9/10 Snow A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST WEEK: Min/Date Mean 21.7 Total o Normal Number of Hours 62.4 Sunny, very warm conditions prevailed as a ridge of high pressure dominated. Hay farmers were busy tak- ing advantage of the dry weather. Forest fire danger ratings are back to the high category over most of the Forecast provided by The South - East interior Weather Office at Castlegar, B.C. ARROW LAKE RESERVOIR Aug. 22 -: Area burned to date: ARROW FOREST DISTRICT DISTRICT FIRE INFORMATION Date: August 19, 1992 DANGER CLASS/FIRE HAZARD - 4 High Total number of fires to date: Number of fires still burning: to Zenith 5555. Attack crews on Hot, dry weather has brought the fire hazard up. Report fires Fire Action: Manpower: Forest officers and Initial she k d (Idaho, Beaver, Saddle) Daily air craft patrols. Comments: Last year - 37 fires - 10 hectares burned. Council passes third reading on RCMP building City council members voted unanimously in favour of passing the third and last reading of the Proposed new RCMP building. Now, the information on the Proposed new building will be aside. Vatkin said there was a small amount of merchandise being stored in the basement at the time of the fire. Although the fire was extin- guished soon after firefighters were on the scene, members remained on the site to aid in a clean-up and investigation pro- cess. Arson has been ruled out. sent to the Inspector of Munici- palities for approval, before a planned referendum can take place this fall. The referendum, if voted in favour of by taxpayers, will allow the city to borrow $1.7 million to cover the costs of building the new RCMP premises, set to be located next to City Hall. Of the $1.7 million, Castlegar residents will be expected to cover the costs of $143,000 through taxation. However, due to the expanding tax base created by the Celgar Pulp Company, city council is saying that resi- dents’ taxes will not have to be hiked up to cover the cost of the new building. Castlegar resi- dents will be voting on the issue in September. We extend a heart felt "Thank You" to all our friends and customers who have supported us during our time in Castlegar. The Kinnaird Shop-Easy will be closing it's doors at 6 p.m., Angust 22, 1992 It will be re-opening approximately one week later as IGA. We would like to welcome the new owners - Dave and Chris Strand of Oliver, B.C. We leave Castlegar with warm memories and new friends. Bonnie & Richard Carson Castlegar volunteer firefighters spent Monday morning tending to a small fire in the basement of West's Depart- ment Store. The official cause has not been determined though it appears to be electrical. SUN STAFF PHOTO /Shariene imhott SUPEAVALU NELSON Ph. 352-2815 CENTRAL FOODS ity award ing food store" 2717 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar "Your c =a