Page 2A The Castlegar Sun Wednesday, November 30, 1994 College talks stalled KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff Despite a return-to the bargain- ing table last week, talks between the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and Selkirk college have stalled again. In a last ditch effort to avoid a strike the union will be requesting the services of a medi- ator. In a strike vote conducted Nov. 15, 87 per cent of 100 voca- tional instructors voted in favor of striking, but requested that the college return to the table to avoid a possible strike. Leo Perra, Selkirk College president, verified that talks had broken off, but is optimistic that LOS intervention of a mediator will avert strike action. “We were pleased to get back to the table and look forward to the services of a mediator,” said Perra, who declined further com- ment The strike vote came after union officials claimed a memo- randum of agreement was reached which college officials then reneged on. Perra denied the allegation claiming that the agreement was contingent on a variation of the guidelines set out by the Post Secondary Employers Associa- tion. The last contract between the union and Selkirk College expired Dec. 31, 1993 FEEt GREAT With the Supplemental Diet Plan Using all natural ingredients Yio Bias So @ 5 as Ro Available at Participating Pharmacies and Health Food Store | 2 Og ba } Dg kin ae ot “ey TP YP Y Ua Gi eae Ea) AN es Fe iy an WR DAW BECEMGEN: | _ (SHOW STARTS 1:300m|, Colt, Rocky and Tum Tum Are Back in An All-New Adventure Pass creek Regional Park is geting a helping hand from the Castlegar-Selkirk Lions and the Regional District of Central Kootenay. Plans are in the works for a six-year major redevelopment of the park. The second in a public forum goes tonight at the Complex at 7 p.m. Here Lions president Renee Read, vice-presi- dent Chris Nolan and recreation director Pat Metge join various Lions club mem- bers and their families at the park to acknowledge Tangier Contractors Ltd.'s help in filling in the ponds. TANGiER Contractors Ltd Got sports? Call Jeff at 365-5579 902 Columbia Ave., Castlegar 365-0272 CALL FOR HOURS: DATA ENTRY POSITION Available at our Castlegar Kootenay briefs Gone to pot New Denver RCMP have confis- cated 31 marijuana plants from a trailer in New Denver Nov. 8. Also seized in the raid were seedlings still in planters, three grow lights, a fan, transformer, pressure sprayer and electric water timer. No arrests have been made, but RCMP are seeking a male who is known to have rent- ed the trailer since August, 1994. Aggravated assault A 59-year-old Nelson man is in serious but stable condition at Trail Regional Hospital after he was assaulted in the Queen City Nov. 9. RCMP say 22-year-old Joseph Michael Dejong has been charged with aggravated assault and will appear in court Nov. 12 in Castlegar. He was rel d on location for a person p the following: + Accurate keyboarding skills + Willingness to work flexible hours + Team spirit + Desire to learn different skills Knowledge of transportation industry would be an asset but is not necessary. or a pe acco wn A AMS PROBUS « CHARLES | LARS voor Aaah Sa Fou come Lecce 8 See Submit resume and covering letter before December 9, 1994 to: West Arm Truck Lines Ltd. Attention: Office Manager Box 240 Nelson, B.C. VIL 5P9 »* Fax: 365-5658 LOrATE BAEZ hoy RY AND The Cas \ ad ) aaa. lied ONE At ee Marvelous Markdowns Real Perfumes For MEN —— e Baryshnikov e Mackie e Perry Ellis e Red FOR WOMEN e C'est La Vie ¢ Liz Claiborne e Shalimar ¢ Byblos e Sung Spa Gift Sets fimited &dition HALIM GUERLAIN tae DE TonETTE ur varonrsartue 76aR Enter our FREE DRAW foraman's Ralph Lauren sweater - Value $120 Sale Starts Friday, December 2 FS PHARMASAVE 1128-3rd St., (Downtown) Castlegar 365-7813 rec e with cond: s that he must abstain from alcohol or non-prescnption drugs. observe a 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. house curfew and supply urine and breath samples if requested by a peace officer to do so Lock it upt After two reports of theft on Nov 15 from unsecured vehicles in West Trail RCMP are reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables and say “lock it or lose it”. Car stere- os were the target of both thefts. Help wanted Two parking meters stolen from the Trail area have since been recovered. Trail RCMP are requesting public assistance in locating the thief and say any anonymous calls to the Commu- nity Contact Line will be kept in strictest confidence Lights! Cameral Action! Starlight, the recent film shot in Nelson two summers ago and starring Rae Dawn Chong and Billy Wirth, will soon have a soundtrack. After a year of edit- ing by the producer, the Vancou- ver Symphony Orchestra recently began recording the final sound track at the Orpheum theatre. The Symphony Orchestra has also recorded film soundtracks for Platoon and Salvadore. Release date is still undecided. Plea entered A Kaslo man accused of molest- ing a 13-year-old girl has entered pleas of not guilty to charges of sexual assault and sexual interfer- ence. Jason Curr, 22, appeared in Nelson Nov. 15 to answer to the charges which stem from an alleged incident in Kaslo Oct. 6. Curr will appear before a B.C. Provincial Court judge Dec. 1 to set a date for trial One ringy dingy An historic fire bell purchased by the city of Nelson in 1894 has a new lease on life. A donation from the Independent Order of the Daughters of the Empire has resulted in the bell being coated with a new coat of nickel. In 1906 Fire Chief Deasy converted the bell into a flower pot. It's now hanging in the present Nel- son fire hall = Center Petition ., calls; for school to re-open KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff It's been years since Ootische- nia School has rung with the sound of children's laughter, but some Ootischenia parents want to change that. Ootischenia resident Bill Hadikin verified that there is a petition circulating requesting the re-opening of the school. Hadikin explained that the school closed its doors in the mid-80s when student popula- tion was declining both at the school and in the district. “Virtually no schools in the district had full numbers—it was a time of recession. They [school board officials] thought they would save money by fill- ing up classes.” But that’s now changed and the recent population growth in the district has left schools burst- ing at the seams. The petition, said Hadikin, is an annual event with Ootischenia parents split on whether they want their children to remain at Twin Rivers School or re-open Ootischenia School. “Half want it, half want to keep sending their kids to Twin Rivers.” The draw to continue sending Ootischenia students to Twin Rivers, explained Hadikin, is that there are programs, such as band, in place which might not be available in the smaller school. Hadikin speculated that because of the population boom it’s an certain eventuality that the school will re-open. “Even with an even split there will eventually be enough stu- dents to open it anyway. It’s just a matter of time.” Snow blamed Snowy road conditions result- ed in a single motor vehicle acci- dent Nov. 25. Carl Overennay, of Castlegar was traveling’ on Hwy. 22 about one km south of Blue- berry when he lost control of his 1991 Ford truck causing it to roll into a ditch. Damage is estimat- ed at $4,000. Continued from 1A society will have to fold. But Heaton is confident the centre will go ahead. She points to Castlegar council's recent decision to spend $5,000 for the feasibility study and Nelson council's agreement to put up $2,000. In addition, she said that Dave Russell, a Vancouver-based con- sultant specializing in such cen- tres, has assured the society the project is valid. “He feels this is a really achievable,” said Heaton. GALLERY HOURS ¢ Tuesday The West Kootenay National Exhibition Centre pleased to announce FESTIVE TREASURES This year’s offering of fine Christmas gifts, handcrafted by Canadian artisans Tuespay, NOVEMBER 22 tro DECEMBER 24, 1994 WEST KOOTENAY NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE Located across from the Castlegar airport 365.3337 Friday 10:30 - 4.30 Saturday Sumlay 12:00 - 4.30 A MATTER OF HIGHER INTEREST 6.887% Rates as of November 28, 1904 and are subject to change @D) NESBITT BURNS For details call -800-416-2882 But not everyone feels the same way. The centre came under fire at a recent Regional District of Central Kootenay board meeting. Area F ( Nelson's north shore) director Al Dawson charged that the Kootenay Columbia Discov- ery Society doesn’t have a good handle on the proposed operating costs of the interpretive centre. He said he couldn't see the spending government money on the feasibility study. However, Nelson councillor Gerald Rotering defended the centre “It’s a visionary project,” Rotering said. He noted that even though the centre will be located in Castle- gar, Nelson council supports it because it will have an enormous impact on the whole region. But Dawson contended that the Kootenay Country Toruism Association does not support the centre. Nevertheless, councillor Kirk Duff said Castlegar council is excited about the centre. “We see a great amount of benefit to come out of it once it takes shape.” Heaton agrees, but could not Provide any figures yet “We don't know how many People will be employed,” she said. That will come with the fea- sibility study. A (Tulips Building) 365-5191 Wednesday, November 30, 1994 The Castlegar Sun Page 3A Residents put B.C. Tel on call alert Sun Staff _ has the same phone “1 don't thinks we Live Oise ta from town. Pass Creek residents are tired of being “penalized” by B.C. Tel for their choice of a rural life-style. They say they're fed up with a mileage charge which is levied against B.C. Tel customers for private line services. Pass Creek resident, Rick Skinner, told Sun Staff that he currently pays $24.80 a month over and above regular costs for pri- vate line service. He wonders why he should be charged extra for the service when he only lives about 10 kms from Castlegar and rural residents. “The mileage rate and formula applied by regulation is based upon distance and density. It’s the same for everyone.” Residents, claim Skinner, fee] resentful about the charges, but wonder if they have another No closet Socred— Weisgerber RON NORMAN Sun Editor Jack Weisgerber says he is not a Socred disguised in Reform clothing. The Dawson Creek MLA and candidate for the B.C. Reform Party leadership says he has been an advocate for change since the day he was elected. “I've been committed all of my political life to change,” he told The Castlegar Sun in an interview last week. Weisgerber was in Castlegar en route to Nelson for a Reform Party leadership forum. The forum, which attracted about 50 people, is one of dozens being held around the province prior to the Dec. 31 vote Weisgerber is one of five can- didates for the leadership. The others include current party lead- er Ron Gamble of Vancouver, Wilf Hanni of Cranbrook, Joe Leong of; Kamloops ‘and Terry Milne af Victoria. Local Reform Party Reformers are targeting are the same issues that their provincial counterparts hold dear to their hearts: government debt, deficits and taxes. Weisgerber charges that Elmer Pellerine helped set up the interview with Weisgerber. Weisgerber pointed out that in 1986 he endorsed the idea of a Triple E Senate while a Socred. As well, he said he has intro- duced private members’ bills calling for the recall of MLAs. The decision to move from the Social Credit Party to the Reform Party was logical, he contends. And he notes that he’s not alone in his move. Since he joined the party, Reform mem- bership has jumped from sev- eral hundred to more than 4,000. He says that number will swell to 10,000 by the time the next provincial elec- tion is called. He pointed out that his switch to Reform has helped the party establish a presence in the Legis- lature “as a recognized party.” Weisgerber acknowledges that the provincial Reform Party is benefitting from the federal Reform Party’s popularity in the last federal election. “There is no doubt that British Columbians can identify with Reform as a political philoso- British Col can’t trust the provincial Liberals led by Gordon Campbell to make the changes that are necessary. The Liberals are the party of big business, he says. And while former Vancouver mayor Camp- bell appeals to voters in the Lower Mainland, he isn’t popular outside of Hope. Weisgerber says the rise of Reform on the B.C. political landscape will make the next provincial election interesting. Voters unhappy with the NDP will not be stuck with just one party as an alternative. Weisgerber says he brings unique qualities tothe Reform leadership race. He points to his experience as a cabinet minister in the former Social Credit gov- emment and as leader of a party in Opposition. As well, he says he has the Profile and credibility needed to lead Reform in the next election. Reform Party members received ballot forms together with candidate brochures on Mon- day. They have until the year-end to mail the ballots in to an inde- pendent auditor for counting. Do they apply mileage charges to someone who only lives 10 kms from Vancouver?” Ed Clark, communications manager for B.C. Tel’s interior region, say the charges are no different than those paid by other option. “They [B.C. Tel] have a monopoly.” Skinner said rural residents are often overlooked by the mega-utility, and over 80 residents have signed the petition hop- ing that their voices will finally be heard. “They put all the hi-tech stuff into Van- couver and forgot about us.” To avoid the charge Skinner and other residents could simply rely on a party-line service—but for some that's unacceptable. Answering machines, modems, faxes, or B.C. Tel offered services such as call alert are dependant on single-line service. Sim- ply put, you must have a private line to be able to use other modern and convenient services that others, in less rural areas, take for granted. Clark said it’s more expensive to provide service to rural residents because of lack of residential density, but admitted he was unaware of the recent explosive growth in the area, but promised that he will look into the recent growth to deter- mine if the charges should be dropped. “T'll have someone go out there and look at the amount of homes and see if there needs to be changes.” Clark said he is also willing to meet with residents to discuss the situation, but due to the imy be Jan. before he could do so. Christmas season it might double last year's total. Going, going, gone! Brenda Howell examines some of the more than 250 items up for bid at the annual Kootenay Columbia Child Care Society celebrity and art auction Friday night at the Fireside Inn. Between $5,000 and $6,000 was raised, SUN STAFF PHOTO Ron Norman Barging proposal enters rough waters KAREN KERKHOFF Sun Staff To barge, or not to barge, that’s the question. Although John Harding of Finlay Navigation declined specifics, he has verified that negotiations with Celgar Pulp to barge chips are ongoing. In an interview with Sun Staff, Harding said that an announce- ment regarding negotiations would be forthcoming shortly, but was hesitant to discuss details fearful that to do so would jeop- ardize negotiations. Don Zadravec, Assistant pigeon! of Communications for the Ministry of Employment and Investment verified that negotia- tions are ongoing. “We think there will be an agreement soon. What the specifics are they will have to wait and see.” John Lebedoff, Wood Procure- ment Manager for Celgar also verified that negotiations are ongoing, but said recent what the future looks like for wood supply.” A proposal last March by the Prince George company to build a barge to transport wood chips down the Arrow Lakes to Celgar fell flat after it was determined that the cost was: prohibitive as in the Annual All ble Cut (AAC) and the CORE report could have significant impact on negotiations outcome. He won- ders how valid such a proposal can be when wood chips are in short supply. “We can't commit when we know the numbers [of chip trucks carrying chips to the mill] are no longer there. The volume [of wood chips] has significantly d. We need to New fire chief Blueberry Creek Volunteer Fire Department has a new chief. He's Jim Postnikoff and he’s a familiar face. Postnikoff was the department's deputy chief. He takes over from Tom Hill, who resigned for personal reasons. No to CORE talk The Central Kootenay Regional District board has served notice that it does not want to hear from lobby groups about the CORE Report. Regional direc- tors turned down a request from Terry Dods, woodlands manager for Slocan Forests Products’ Slocan mill, to speak to the board at its December mecting about the impact of the CORE Report. Directors noted that if they listened to one group they would have to hear from all groups and just don’t have the time for that. However, the board did agree to fire off a let- ter to the provincial government suggesting that the Nov. 30 deadline for responses to the CORE Report is inadequate. Instead, the board asked the government not to make a final decision until February. $2,850 savings The Castlegar and District Recreation C ion will get Blueberry Creek gets new fire chief munity Complex, Pioneer Arena, Aquatic Centre and Pass Creek The regional district owns the NEC and village property and Regional Park. The agr will result in a saving of nearly $2,850 for the regional recre- ation commission. Insurance approved The regional board has agreed to insure the buildings at the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society village and National Exhibition Centre, and will be reimbursed by the society. The agreement is subject to the his- torical society providing the a break on its administration fees. The regional board has voted to waive half of the 1994 administration fee for the Com- district with a long-term plan and financial statement, among other things. As well, the board wants the society to sign an operating lease agreement Permit denied Aa application by George to The plan called for a 450-foot self-propelled barge which carry 36 “B” train trailers which would operate all year from Shelter Bay to Castlegar. Thieves caught in the act Observant witnesses and eagle- eyed RCMP officers on patrol are being credited for the apprehen- sion of two suspected thieves. Castlegar RCMP say they were alerted around 1:30 am. Nov. 26 that two men were attempting to break into the IDA drugstore at the Castlegar Plaza. When they Police briefs Theft from church The Castlegar Church of God was broken into Nov. 22. A television, V.C.R., computer, monitors and dou- ble cassette were taken. facility. Anyone with any information is to con- tact their local RCMP or Crime Stoppers. Man vs. animal Motori and wildlife locked hors last week when four ungulates got in the way of moving vehicles. Or maybe the vehicles got in way of the ungulates. Arthur Osborne hit an elk near Thrums on Highway 3A. Osborne was uninjured, however, the elk died from injuries. Damage has been estimated at $2,000. Richard Davis's vehicle also tangled with a deer. The deer lost. Damage to Davis's vehicle is estimated at $1,000. Not to be outdone, a vehicle driven by Terry Elliot, of Nelson, struck a deer near the Castlegar air- port. The deer met the same fate as his predecessor. Dam- age to Davis's vehicle is esti- mated at $1,500. Window smashed A window at the Kootenay Columbia Child Care was smashed Nov. 22. RCMP have no suspects at this time. Stolen vehicle Castlegar RCMP are for a vehicle which was a blue 1985 Honda Prelude bearing B.C. license plate number BEK194, was taken some time between 7 and 9:20 p.m. Nov. 22. Snowfall creates havoc Heavy snowfall is being blamed for a two-vehicle accident in which a 39~year- ° old Castlegar woman was sent to hospital The Nov. 25 accident occurred after the woman lost control of the vehicle she was driving caus- ing it to collide with an oncoming Indentline bus and roll down an embankment. The passengers of the bus were uninjured. Damage has been estimated at $3,500. The driver has since been released Road conditions Bad roads due to weather conditions are also being blamed for a Nov. 27 two- vehicle accident in which both drivers and their pas- sengers suffered minor injuries. Lawrence Meredith, of Castlegar, was driving on Columbia Ave. near the overpass when he was unable to stop his vehicle causing it to collide with a vehicle driven 22-year-old Darip Sinal of Trail. Alcohol consumption Alcohol consumption and travelling too fast for road conditions are being listed as factors in a motor vehicle accident Nov. 27. Dennis Gouldsborough, of Castlegar received a 24-hour suspension after he attempted to pass another vehicle near Tarry’s when he lost control of his vehicle and entered the ditch. arrived on scene they the door to find that the locking for a de permit in the Lower Arrow Columbia area was denied. Si wanted to reduce his Wwe setback req from 7.5 meters to 4.3 meters. fi Rezoning referred An application by Mike and Mary Zoobkoff to rezone their Blueberry Creek property from two-family to residential single- family was referred to the Blue- berry Creek advisory planning commission. has been damaged, but no entry had been gained. While patrolling later the offi- cers noticed that two men were “working the front door” of Columbia Saw and quickly arrest- ed the two. Inspection of the door revealed that it had been tampered with. Joseph Bartuccio, 28, of Slocan, and 27-year-old Grant Roberts, of Calgary now face two counts of attempted break and enter. Bartuccio will also face two counts of possession of narcotics after drugs, worth $100, were found in his possession. G igh and his pas- senger were taken to the hos- pital with undetermined injuries. He has been charged with driving too fast for road conditions. Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $3,000. Break-in Cash and firecrackers were stolen from an apartment at Christina Place in Castlegar Nov. 27. Thieves had gained entry through a bedroom window. RCMP are still investigating the incident. Friday, December 2, 1994 Brought to you by the STZ Merchants of Castlegar Tred and « MOONLIGHT °c MADNESS wintown Castiezgar Columbia Plaza Castlieaird Plaza