PINION WEDNE er NS wy, The Ci ‘stiégar Sun 7S Serving the 10,000 people of the Castlegar Area, The Castlegar Sun isp every by Sterling Lid, at 465 Columbia Ave. Castlegar, B.C. VIN 1G8. The Castlegar Sun is pot cally independent and a member of the Sterling News Service, Cana- dian C BC.c Newspapers Assocation, and the B.C. Press Council: Established 28, 1990. Mail 10420. PUBLISHER MARILYN STRONG SHARLENE IMHOFF CHRISTINE MOYER EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER KAREN KERKHOFF TRICIA LAKTIN REPORTER PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JEFF GABERT CATHERINE ROSS SPORTS G REP MARGE LALONDE OFFICE/CIRCULA TION MANAGER CARI ROHN CLASSIFIED ADS NICOLE BEETSTRA ADVERTISING REP. FRED JACK ADVERTISING REP. Direct Department Phones General Office 365-5266 Circulation ..... 365-5266 Classified Ads .. 365-7848 Display Advertisin, 365-2278 Newsroom ... . 365-5579 365-7762 editorial comment Too close to home It’s frightening to think that the new neighbor next door or down the street could be a sexual pervert. But unbeknownst to most British Columbians, sex offenders are being released every day from prison—destination unknown to you or me. The right to privacy protects these individuals who have done their time. They've satisfied the law of the land and now they've got a new lease on life. Often they've served time (with time off for good behavior) with little. or no, headway mide towards rehabilitation. It’s questionable anyway whether a few months of rehabilitation is effective in altering a personality that has brewed such actions over the years. As they walk down our streets there’s no way of knowing if the person who just passed you is a sex offender. The only way that you might ever find out that he or she is in your midst is if you, your child, family, or friend is sexually assaulted by this person whose slate is legally wiped clean. The gut feeling is that all sex offenders should register with the police when released from prison and entering a community. The public has the right to know when such a person is in their community. No one will dis- pute that the safety of the law-abiding public should always come first before someone who conscientiously chooses to commit such crimes. But there are other considerations when mak- ing such a blanket law. Besides the obvious vic- tims there are other hidden victims—the family of the offender. This includes innocent children of the offend- er. What are their rights? Are their rights to settle down unobtrusively into a community forfeited simply because their parent committed such a crime? And if we start infringing on peoples rights to privacy it might not be long before other govern- ment imposed infringements start happening. We don’t know the answers to this problem. It’s not cut and dried—it never is when dealing with human emotion. Before screaming for legislation which impos- es on another’s rights we need to make certain what the long-term implications are. There is no sympathy for sex offenders. But there is sympathy for victims, which could include all of us if pertinent Freedom of Infor- mation legislation is introduced to highlight criminals in our community ERRORS The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages ansing out of errors in any advertisement beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise... and there shall be no liability tor non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. All advertising subject to publisher's approval Contracts must be completed within one year from contract date. No contingent orders accepted The children of Belarus I look forward to Friday nights. That's the time when I sit back, take a long sigh of relief and pte- pare for a weekend free from work obligations. The last thing I want to do on a Friday night is attend a function for a news story. But sometimes there are things that require my attendance as a reporter, and I accept that with good grace (I hope!). Last Friday night was one of those nights. I had been invited to Tarrys Fire Hall for a thank-you to sponsors who made it possible for ix children from Belarus, a coun- try affected by the Chernobyl atomic fallout, to travel to the Kootenays for a six-week visit. I had it all figured out; I would arrive at 6:30 p.m. sharp, take some pictures and exit gracefully for home sweet Home. I planned to be there for an hour—no more. Then my week- end could finally begin. But something went wonderful- ly wrong with that plan and I found myself attending a “func- tion” which 1 now consider to be the sweetening in a sometimes bit- ter drink. Upon arriving at the hall I saw chil- dren outside happi- ly playing. I tried to pick out the six , children from Belarus—it was impossible to do That's when it hit home; these chil- dren could be your children, or my children. These were no longer faceless children who we could forget the minute it became uncomfortable to think of them. These weren't children on a news program who we could turn off when we want- ed. These were children period. During ceremonies the six chil- dren sat nearby with wide eyes quietly eyeing the refreshment table. The longing was apparant and it made me uncomfortable to think of my excesses, and the AN INSIDE LOOK KAREN KERKHOFF excesses of many Canadians, while there are children in the world who have never tasted fruit, a basic staple for most Canadians. I listened to speakers talk about the generosi- ty of businesses and individuals. I listened ——~ doctors and dentists who have generously donated exams and treatment. I listened to host families speak of their joy in helping the children. But the children's silence was thundering. Their silence spoke eloquently of suffering, depriva- tion and hunger. It spoke of a world that hopefully our children will never have to see. Their eyes were the windows of their souls. ‘Their suffering was punctuat- ed by the way they headed to the refreshments the moment it was proper to do so. You could tell it was with restraint and good manners that they reached for ATIVE \ NAT ICLAIMS P ROCESS NATIVE LAND. CAINS FRRESS to them speak of local. Former Miss Castlegar Lana Sommerville reflects upon her reign as Castlegar’s leading young miss. To the City of Castlegar: Thank you for the opportunity to represent you as Miss Castlegar 1994. The memories I have made will stay with me forever. I truly enjoyed my year. During the year I have travelled throughout the inte- rior of British Columbia and I have found that this area is the most beautiful of all We are all very lucky: to live here and we should take pride in our city. The Castlegar Queen's Com- mittee also deserves great recog- nition. The committee puts a great deal of effort into the Miss Castlegar Pageant and into the year of Miss Castlegar and her princess’ reign The Queen's Committee spends a long time working with the Miss Castlegar candidates to help them gain great confidence in themselves and their abilities The candidates also learn skills that will help them in all their future endeavors. This committee is a very dedi- cated group of people and I thank them greatly for the help and sup- port they have given me The Castlegar Sun commis- sioned Richard Widdificld to do my portrait as Miss Castlegar This the goodies. Somehow I knew that no matter how much they ate, their craving would never be sated. It wasn’t the fruit they were consuming so greedily, but rather a world in which fruit piled on a table is everyday fare. I admit that before attending the ceremonies I wondered if it was cruel to show the children all that we had—and all that they couldn't possibly have once they returned home. I questioned who exactly would benefit from the program, It was troubling to think of these children being returned to their homes knowing that life outside Belarus is like a fairytale But my eyes were opened last Friday, These children deserve -a better life, whether it be for six weeks or six days. They will be returning home with an improved immune system with which to battle the affects of fallout. They will be returning home with the knowledge that there is hope. They will be physi- cally and emotionally fortified and know that they don’t stand alone from the rest of the world. They will know there are people who care about them. Children of the host families are also learning. They're no longer insulated in cozy Canadian afflu- ence, ignorant of global issues. They've learned that they can make a difference, and that love can truly build a bridge. These are the children of the future, and they've learned the most important lesson life has to offer—compassion. And I've learned how generous and humane my fellow Canadians are, particularily those in the Kootenays. I thank Paul Strelive and the others for the invitation to attend a “function” which will assuredly stay. with me for the rest of my life. I wish the children, of Belarus good health and God speed. | memories Lana Sommerville, Miss Castlegar 1994, accepts a portrait painted by well-known local artist Richard Widdifield that was commissioned by The Castlegar Sun. Marilyn Strong, publisher of The Castlegar Sun, presented the portrait to Sommerville last week. portrait is absolutely gorgeous and I thank The Castlegar Sun and Richard Widdifield Good luck to the new 1995 Castlegar Ambassadors: Kerri Redekop, Miss Castlegar 1995 Valerie Kosowan, Miss Castlegar Princess and Miss Congeniality 1995; Nicole Hackett, First Run- ner-Up. Enjoy your year and be proud of the city you represent Thank you Castlegar and farewell Lana Sommerville Miss Castlegar 1994 Miss Congeniality 1994. Do you have an opinion you would like to share? Send your letter, in care of the editor, to The Castlegar Sun. If you choose, your letter can be used in a column format by simply labelling the letter “My Turn”. Wednesday, June 21, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Letters to the Editor Integrity of local business Dear Editor: the floor yellowed, but the subfloor, which So often, we hear p of taking advantage of the consumer. However, we would like to make mention of a business standing by their customer. We purchased our present home five years ago and at that time installed new carpets and linoleum from Home Goods Furniture Warehouse. Within the last five years, we found that our linoleum began to discolor but assumed that there was nothing which could be done about it. We then discovered that the Armstrong floor in question had a five year warranty on it, and so began discussing the situation with Home Goods and the Armstrong Floors repre- sentative. At first it seemed that there was going to be no easy solution to the problem. Not only had had been i ing in a few spots, put in properly. to the situation. by a subcontractor, was lift- Unfortunately, this put the burden on Home Goods since the subcontractor who originally did the floor has since left this area. To have this work done was going to add a large cost After many negotiations, Home Goods Eventually, Armstrong Floors said they would replace the lino but we did not feel comfortable about having a new floor placed over the old lino and defective subfloor. We felt that, for the job to be done properly, the subfloor should be removed and a new one appreciated job was well done by the new subcontractors and we are quite satisfied with the result. nm Home Goods was ily could have left us on our own in regards \o the subfloor, However, they stood behind their products and covered the mistake of the original sub- contractor. At this time, we would like to extend our utmost gratitude to Home Goods, and espe- cially to Paul, for acting on our behalf. We will continue to do business with a company which shows such integrity and will highly recommend them to anyone consider- ing the p i of furniture, or informed us they would cover the cost of replacing the subfloor and so began the reno- vations in our home once again. This time, the floor coverings. Terry and Alison Jollimore Blueberry Disparity not condoned by educators Dear Editor: The following is an open letter to Minister of Education, Art Charbonneau. On May 18, 1995, under the Freedom of Information Act, the Castlegar District Teachers’ Association learned that the dis- trict's secretary-treasurer's retire- ment package is worth between $132,000 and $140,000. His con- tract with the Board has definite- ly been very good to him. The teachers of our local think that the retirement settlement is Paying for a dead horse? Dear Editor: Today, I am questioning the value of an education. Selkirk College has been advertising many of their upcoming programs. They have been doing this for a numbet of years how. Why students who fiave success- fully d the pro; they offer, but can not find know three R.N. graduates that hayen’t been able to find Since these stu- dents haye not found employ- ment, Scikirk College has advertised mon besides being unem- ployed; they have student loans to pay off, some are as high as $30,000. ‘The students of Selkirk College continue to keep the staff of Selkirk College value of an education is having a student loan to pay off, with no job to pay it off with. Kayce excessive and an abuse of taxpay- ers’ money. This opinion has nothing to do with any assessment of the merit of the individual concerned; our teachers believe that the settle- ment would be excessive in any situation. A teacher from our district's middle school asked why the secretary-treasurer should get all that money when her students have to use elastic bands to keep their textbooks together because there is not enough money to buy new ones. One, strong desire of our members is to reduce class size so as to be better able to teach special needs, average and gifted students. With the money spent on the secretary-treasurer’s retirement package, the Board could have hired two or three full time teachers. Resources in education are in short supply; bitter feelings are created when money budgeted for the education of students is spent We’re proud of Dear Editor: As the Training Officer for the Castlegar Fire Department, I would like to address the article which was printed in the June 7 edition of The Castlegar Sun, “Training Officer Conference Comes To A Close”. The planning for this confer- ence took nearly a year, and was a team effort on the past of Castle- gar, Ootischenia, Robson, Pass Creek, Cominco and Tarry Fire Departments. Since there were academic and social-events to be organized, as well as providing lunches, din- ners, and transportation for five days, the involvement of all Castlegar firefighters and many of their spouses was a necessity. To accomplish a feat of this magnitude with vol help forty-one firefighters plus some retired firemen, from both the North and South firehalls. Our days began with putting on large coffee urns at 6 a.m., and continued with serving and cleaning up after lunch and dinner, setting up tables and chairs for different events each day, and generally ended at 10 or 11 p.m. These forty-one firefighters. and many spouses, gave freely of their personal time to make the conference one of the most suc- cessful ever. I wish to thank each and every one of them. Over one hundred and thirty delegates, and 28 spouses left with a feeling of i on feathering nests for retirement. We hope that your Ministry will continue to examine retire- ment packages for school board executives and will be able to reduce their retirement packages to what teacher taking early retirement receive, which in our district is about one third of their annual salary. Thank you for your attention to this concern. Margaret Hill CDTA President you all! Hats off to all these firefighters for making us proud to be living in the Kootenays. Bob Dickson Training Officer Castlegar Fire Department a A 4 TRAIL ) AUTO BODY | ‘Complete Body & Paint Facilities, Auto Glass Replacement Towing “ 2316 - 6th Ave., Castlegar 365-5114 More letters to the editor on page 8A SALE June 22 - July 1 @Q PIONEER main} KENWOOD HITACHI Panasonic. PETE'S TV ie Ph: TEARING UP THE STREET SALE We are digging up rock bottom prices on our entire Camcorders CDs Tapes Stereos Car Audio A! | TD. && 365-6455 New Direct Music Line 365-0060 from having learned some new took the full participation of all eit te renee You Wve Cordially Invited Fo - in a warm, and friendly atmosphere. Attend A Retirement Tea For Mire. Davene Bird on Monday, June 26; (IIS 8 o'clock to 5 o'clock Woodland Park Clementary School RIVDL. by Jane 2.2 368-8322 (Shoot) 365-5358 or wening 5 7 TTS ne os aie Oca HELP WANTED TWIN RIVERS ELEMENTARY YEAR-END ASSEMBLY Mr. Balahura's grade 6 clase is planning the final Twin Rivers year end the old building. We are asking for anyone who was a former cher or who had experience with the school from when it firet started up in 1959 to now, if they would like to come and speak about their experiences at the school. If that is not possible, please fax us and we will have somebody read your letter during the assembly. Any help would be greatly appreciated! aseembh student, FAX: 365-0994 e Phone: 365-8465 The Castlegar Volunteer Distributors 3) Purne! « Lions Castlegar Setkir Skyway Distributors Molson's OK Welders Rotary Cub Celgar City of Castlegar Castlegar Foods Fire Department os “BC Fire Training te iation Conference. Officers Assoc wr atl ceil ut support was greatly appreciated to thank the spons' wishes Cominco Castlegar Muffler Pineridge Paving Plaza Bakery Selkirk College Riverview Chev Olds Hall Printing Hall Stationary & Gifts Regional Rec ors of the Subway Dairy Queen Graphic Solutions Castlegar Tax! Commission Ernie’s Used Auto Parts Jim & Jane Nelson of Warfield BC Don't Miss... In the Only 5” The Floods 1996 Castlegar Heritage Community Calendar Reserve your copy today! Call: Deb Mcintosh Castlegar & District Heritage Society 365-6440 _{e