The Castlegar Sua Name: Keegan Baulkam Where you work: Baba & Deda's House (part-time) What you do there: Rake leaves Castlegar Ilkes: Warm Fall weather Best kept Castlegar secret: Toy departments Pet: Kiro What would you rather Vehicle: Deda’s Tractor Vacationing in Australia with Mom & Dad be doing? Regional dumpers dumped? Castlegar City Council may soon restrict all regional haulers from disposing into the north Castlegar sewage lagoons Councillor Doreen Smecher said that in light ing the lagoon’s fa repon detail Jeleriorating con dition, Regional Haulers should be cut off until major improve- ments can be made. More than 80 regional disposals have occurred in the last two weeks. al a cost of S8& per load Council is still con sidering the move Bulldozer no match for vandals A 850 Case bulldozer parked in the 3200 block of 5th Avenue was vandalized November 1|1 gar RCMP report that gauges and both batteries had been smashed and damage was estimated at $800. It is believed that young people are responsible for the vandalism eee In other police news, Castlegar Mazda was the victim of a break and enter sometime overnight from November 10 to November 12 Although there was no signed of a forced entry a safe in the building had been forced open and an unde- termined amount of cash stolen Castlegar RCMP are continuing their investigation into the incident. SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor * The worst in pork-birrel poli ties. That's how Eric Nygren, a candidate seeking the director ship for Area H on the Regional District Board, describes the cur rent board's decision to release BC hydro grants-in-lieu just prior to an election » The controversy began last month in Kastlo during an earth er meeting when directors voted to disperse four ye; worth of grants-in-liew from BC Hydro, totalling $1.6 mil lion, Previously directors refused to spend the money out of principal, planning instead to use the money in its quest to make BC Hydro a regular taxes. Since the decision was made, a number of allotments have been established through Wednesday, November 17, 1993 out four specific regions where BC hydro facilities are located. some of these include upgrades to fire protection areas and funding to the Castlegar and District Library Hydro grants on hold, but candidate still angry through dispersements until the Minister of Municipal Affairs can clearly state if the board is acting in a legal way Until then, Nygren and some other candidates for election ‘It’s nothing more than a huge slush fund hidden behind a large smoke screen.’ — ERIC NYGREN Area H Canaidate Directors against the allot ment: Area A Director, Larry Brierley and Director for Nél- son, Josh Smienk, argued that the dispersion was not only urifair, it might not even be legal under the Municipal Act Because of this, the board has decided to hold-off on carrying running against current directors, the board was wrong to attempt releasing the funds just Prior to an election. Area H Director Bob Barkley is one of the four directors who would be allotted a portion of the money for specific improvements or projects in his area, and Nygren, who is running against Barkley says the potential release of the funds not only puts Barkley at an unfair advantage, it also. smacks highly of political patronage “It's nothing more than a huge slush fund hidden behind a large smoke screen. It makes me ashamed of the political process.” Nygren said that instead of dispersing the grants-in-licu unequally, the money should he used ta defray taves throughout the entire region district. The board however, is still waiting for the ministry's advice and approval on the dispersal, despite the fact that two directors are seeking legal action if the dispersements go through. The entire episode, says Nygren, is one of bad politics “This is the best of sleazy pol itics.” Hospital report reaffirms position Castlegar and District Hospi is one step closer to strengthening their position should it be decided there will only be one regional hospital in the West Kootenays. During ongoing conversations with the Hospital Planning Coun- cil, Castlegar Hospital has stead- fastly maintained that when the facility was built in 1957 it was planned that, if necessary. it would be able to structurally sup- pon an upwards expansion. In a time of Ministry of Health light-fistedness, the lure of being able to provide a potential “regional” hospital at minimal cost might be able to land the “big on and so from Castle gar Hospital Officials’ point of view, it was time to substantiate their claim? In order to do so Castlegar Hospital decided to hire an engineer to check the structure out—and the engincer's report couldn't have been better. “The engineers verified what he we understood to be truc & Presents 4:30 - 9:00 pm Dining Sovents We offer a Special Dinner to our seniors Every Monday & Tuesday Ty “ALL you CAN | Beet served with Wednesday | | | EAT” Spaghetti $6.95* | L Thursday “ALL YOU CAN EAT” Barbecued Roast choice of potato and soup or salad Friday All you can eat Fish & Chips served with choice of soup or salad. $6.95~* Saturday Steak and “ALL YOU CAN EAT” Shrimp. 6 az. New York Steak and all you can eat breaded popcorn shrimp served with choice of potato and soup or salad $10.95* Book your Christmas party now! We have facilities for small or large groups NOW OFFERING SUNDAY BRUNCH $8.95 (aduits) We Accept Ceigar & Cominco Meal Tickets HH “NO TAKE OUT NO SUBSTITUTIONS original construction nother floor can be added on top. This puts us on track financially for the Castlegar option and supports our contention that Castlegar Hospital can be enlarged for a relatively low expenditure,” said Castlegar Hospital Board Chair, Margaret Nickle “The consultant said the struc- ture up to the roof, and the roof, will support the weight of another floor.” Nickle went on to say that the Vancouver engineers, Read, Jones and Christoffersen, did rec- ommend the staircases and eleva- tor shafts should be~ further supported to conform with cur- rent earthquake building stan- dards. The next step, said Nickle, is to share the engineer's repon with the rest of the hospital board and the Hospital Planning Coun- cil.-The cost of the report, said Nickle was minimal—around $3,000-$5,000. Share Remembrance Day Par Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170. lead the way during the ade leading to the Cenotaph at Kinsmen Park. The Remembrance Day service that followed was attended by many local residents, clubs and organizations. veterans-and dignitaries SUN STAFF PHOTO ' Shariene Imi Wednesday, November 17, 1993 The Castlegar Sun Recycling initiative could be backed by dumping charges SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Reyuku trips to the local dump by Castle gar and area'residents may soon be a ‘tradi tion’ of the past With a recycling depot now established in Castlegar, and satellite depots planned for surrounding Areas I and J, the Region al District of Central Kootenay Subregion Recycling Advisory Committee is plan ning to offer more incentive to use the depots by placing service charges on the existing dfill site at Ootischenia Still in the preliminary. stages, one talked about plan involves charging a fee for dump: ing all items that could have been tecycled. Another idea involves restricting the landfill to non-recyclables only “This is a progressive step that comes in conjunction with the recycling initiative, It's being talked about throughout the chtire Regional District, not just in this subregion,” said Area J Director Ken Wyllie Trail EcoCentre, the recycling business situated in the parking lot of Castlegar Foods, is owned by Mickey Pazurik, Accord ing to Wyllic, it was Pazurik-who requested that service fees be landfill initiative of Castlegar and area residents to make the most of recycling But Wyllie continued to say that the plans are still preliminary and that public informa- tion meetings would be held before any firm decisions are made placed on the site, thereby increasing the The Ootischenia Landfill site is the destination of many regula dumpers. Currently there is a user-fee for spe- cific types of refuse by commercial dumpers. Wyllie, Kolman square off for regional district seat Debate planned for Thursday SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor ed his decision to run was based on what he believes is ineffec- ls Elections for the Regional District of Central Kootenay became a whole lot more inter- esting in the electoral Area J, when current Director Ken Wyl- lie was challenged by former businessman and Robson res; dent Hans Kolman. Now resi- dents of the area will have the opportunity to hear both candi- dates in action, during a debate at Ootischenia Hall, November 18. The town hall meeting comes only two days before the elec- tion, and at a time when both candidates are wrapping up their campaigns. Things are heating up. In an earlier interview with The Castlegar Sun, Kolman stat- tiveness by Wyllie. Kolman also said that Wyllie was inaccessible as a director and was likely too busy with his law practice to properly lead. the area as its regional director. Wyllie has charged back that Kolman obviously doesn't understand the process, since it is imperative that directors rely on their advisory councils for information as well as feedback. “There's a whole network of people I have to maintain con- tact with, and I do regularly People have to remember how- ever, that I'm not a bylaw Director Ken Wyllie Candidate Hans Kolman enforcement officer.” If someone has a definite con- should consider, Wyllie stresses his appreciation for receiving the important enough, then it should be in writing.” Warrants issued against no-shows STERLING NEWS SERVICE Warrants have been issued for the arrest of two men after they failed to appear in Provincial Court yesterday in Nelson in con nection with the business prac tices of Artistic Exteriors, a firm alleged to have deceived cus tomers on a number ot private renovation contracts in the West Kootenay. James Paul Hill and Terry Roland Hill are charged with six counts each in violation of the Trade Practice Act arising from contracts to install win- dows and patio installations for customers in Kaslo, Nelson, Winlaw and Fruitvale. The deals in question were. made between May and November of last year Robert L. Kirkpatrick, also charged, will be tried next April KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff Castlegar RCMP have time on their hands—but it’s not what you think. Corporal Al Brown said three “small” articles from Castlegar's stolen time capsule were turned into the RCMP November 14. Brown is hesitant to discuss the items returned or the identi- ty of the returnee fearing it might jeopardize the return of other memorabilia which was sealed in the capsule. “Three items were handed over to us on Sunday. The per- RCMP find the time son felt the articles should be returned. We are hoping other articles will be recovered.” Brown said there is strong indication other objects from the capsule might also be returned. The time capsule, its con- tents and a brass plaque com- memorating the placing of the capsule in the old Castlegar News building in 1979 were all stolen sometime between September 13-14, The capsule was scheduled to be opened in the year 2025. Brown said when further items are recovered they will be tumed over to the city. cern that the Regional District concern in writing. “If it’s The meeting starts at 7 p.m. ai! members hoping to decrease the distance SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor While the extreme right and extreme left scream and kick against each other, history states it's the clearer-thinking middle majori- ty who makes up miost of the rules. And if you ask Ken Kalesnikoff, he'll tell you that the clearer-think- ing middle majority only needs to recognize themselves—and when they do, they should attend an open meeting where the only goal is to find balance Now the vice-president of Kalesnikoff Lumber, a success- ful sawmilling operation that at imes employs more than 130 people, he comes by his trade naturally. The mill was started by his grandfather but made major strides under his father, Pete Kalesnikoff. Now he holds the reins. But the times, well, they are a-changing. And Kalesnikoff isn’t so certain his own children will care to be involved—considering the amount of controversy that cur. rently exists between the forest industry and the environmental movement. But despite the dif- ferences, Kalesnikoff can also see some overwhelming similar- ities. It’s these similarities that provide the setting for agree- ment and balance mter the Kootenay Columbia Share group, a small group of dedicated souls who are working towards bridging the gap between industry and environmentalism. “Have you ever heard of a gen- eration gap. Well this is similar, only worse. This ‘us’ and ‘them’ scenario really has to end. We're all in this together.” Since its formation last year, Kootenay Columbia Share has been working to generate good, honest discussion on both ends. The results can be absolutely amazing “The two sides have really been polarized through the media. And the reality is we're not that far apart. But if nobody talks, if nobody sits down and really listens, then we all fail to recognize the similarities. Kalesnikott says he is hoping for a packed house on November 25, when the next Share Meeting takes place at the Brilliant Cultur- al Centre, starting at 7 p.m.. He stresses the meeting is not a debate—rather, a chance to hear some key speakers discuss Possible solutions in a direct and open manner. Representation in the local Share group is becom- ing diversified, and that is emphasized by who's coming to address the meeting: Jim McLaren, environmental manag- er from Celgar Pulp; Herb Ham- mond from the . Valhalla Wilderness Society and; Dave Oswald from the Regional For- est District Office. “We think these people will be excellent guest speakers. And we truly want everyone to come out and see what Share is all about. We're hoping to create a spark here, and maybe it will turn into a fire.” Juvenile arsonists doused b Two cagle-eyed Castlegar RCMP officers caught two juve- nile arsonists before serious dam- age was done to the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce building. The officers were on patrol at 7:30 p.m. on November 12 when they observed a fire behind the Chamber. When they approached the building they observed two youths running from the building into the woods. Pursuit was initiated and the youths were apprehended and held in jail. The arsonists had destroyed the wooden rail- ing around the back decking and had used the rails and wooden y local police benches to start the fire. Both youths are 16-years-old and from the Castlegar area. The: will appear in court at a later date to answer to the charge of mischief. CANADIAN CONNECTIONS. Daily service Canadizxn to Calgary. Regional Surprise! Report gives Year 2000 an ‘A’ But problems such as diminishing communication linger KAREN KERKHOFE Sun staff » The Ministry of Education has given them- selves a report card on the success of the Ye: 2000 Program, and while some program ini tiatives received passing marks, others were given a definite failing grade In an annouricement made November 16 the Ministry acknowledged input. both good and bad, from parents and educators regarding the program since its implementation in 1988 The announcement, called ‘Improving The Quality Of Education In British Columbia‘® said “Over the past year parents have voiced their concems about the capacity of the school system to prepare our children for the changes they will meet as adults, and made clear to us that immediate action is required to address these concerms.” Although there has been considerable con- troversy over the program, the ministry said parents and teachers have indicated that the successful changes which have been initiated should remain. “We will build upon and strengthen these achievements: the successful initiatives intro- duced in the Primary Program (Kindergarten to Grade three); the development of new links between students, parents, schools and their communities, a new emphasis on a respect for skills training to help children decide and pre pare for life after high school graduation and; the implementation of the principles of active continuous, lifelong learning The ministry readily admits that certain changes have proven to be unsuccessful and might in fact, diminish the quality of educa- tion. “In discussions with parents and the pub- lic, some of the education changes since 1988 have been introduced at too rapid a pace; not provided enough clear information on the standards expected of children in the public school system; diminished the quality of com- munication between ‘schools and parents parents feel they do not know what their child is learning and how well their child is doing.” Some specific changes which will occur are: the return to grade identification; the removal of anecdotal reporting: mandatory accreditation of all British Columbian schools and: the reinstatement of standardized testing As well the ministry said that parents and teachers have stressed the need for more assis: tance to meet the needs of special needs chil dren an advisory committee established in 1993, the ministry said it will take further steps to address and meet the educational needs of After receiving recommendation from special need students. Submitted As a result of the early retire- ment and voluntary severance programs promoted by USW Locals 480 and 9705, plus the delay in the shutdown of the Phosphate Plant, planned November layoffs at Cominco's Trail Operations have been reduced from [85 to 25 Early retirements will total 85, or two-thirds of the approximate- ly 120 people who were eligible Voluntary severances totalled = Cutting Layoff numbers drastically reduced almost 40. These numbers, com- bined with the 25 layoff cancella- tions negotiated during collective bargaining and the delay. in the Phosphate Plant shutdown from November 1993 to March 1994, have resulted in the cancellation of all the Local 480 layoffs scheduled for November, How- ever, the layoff of 25 Local 9705 members has taken place “Local 480 is very happy that this type of program enabled us to successfully negotiate no lay- offs,” said Local 480 Grievance Chairman Enzo Accardo. Continued from 1A completed and sent to Victoria Arrow Forest Resource Officer. Greg Rowe, would not comment on the contents of the draft, but did say that senior officials from the ministry would be arriving in Castlegar to discuss the report Youth dead | after weekend accident Officials still investigating SUN STAFF A 15-year-old Trail girl, Crystal Lynn Simpson, is dead following a single motor vehicle accident on Highway 22 near Oasis on November 12 Simpson had been a pas- senger in a 1973 AMC Gremlin driven by Steven Kyle Kesstler, 18, also of Trail. Kesstler is in stable condition. Trail RCMP Constable Wayne Hodgson, said Simp- son was the only passenger in the back seat of the vehi- cle when it entered a shal- low ditch and hit a large rock, causing the vehicle to split in half Another passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, 17- year-old Sean Gordon Sandnes, of Trail, was treat- ed for injuries and released from hospital. Hodgson said the acci dent is still under investiga- tion as a mechanical inspection of the vehicle is being done, as well as a traf fic analyst's report It is still being determined if alcohol was a factor in the accident Students left ww KAREN KERKHOFF Sun staff Some Castlegar students are being left in the dark—and at least one parent is trying to shine some light on the problem In a letter to School District No. 9 board members, Linda Adrain, a parent and an Ootischenia resident complained about the amount of time some students of Castlegar Primary had to wait outside of the school in the early morning hours after being dropped off by the school bus. “They get to school some mornings at 7:30, 45 minutes before Castlegar Primary starts and a long time before high school starts.” According to Adrain’s letter, the problem been ongoing, but due to the approaching cold and dark mornings, a solution to the problem is more urgently required than ever. Adrain went on to say that on one occasion, a concerned parent followed the school bus to Slocan Valley Public concern over the proposed abandon- ment of the Canadian Pacific rail line from the Playmor Junction to Slocan, has resulted in the recent formation of a citizens’ action in the Slocan Valley called Save Our Steel (SOS) The group held its first meeting in August in response to rumours that CP would be fil- ing for abandonment and began attracting more attention when the official announce- ment was made in late September. According to Larry Avis, a School District #7 bus driver and Winlaw resident, the group is made up of a cross-section of the communi- ty and has brought together people concerned about traffic safety, air pollution, and job loss- es as well as others interested in looking at alternate rail options The issue of traffic safety 1s not new to the valley. With narrow, winding roads subject to ice and fog in the winter, Highway 6 has seen greatly increased truck traffic over the past number of years since the énd of barge traffic north to Nakusp and Revelstoke and the com pletion of the Celgar mill in Castlegar Now many residents fear that removal of ew school to determine the exact time of arrival— but what the parent found upon arrival was more than she expected “A little girl started crying in the play- ground because she was criticized on the bus and did not want to-go in because she was embarrassed. This is only one incident, one morning, when one parent happened to be there to solve the crisis.” School District No. 9 Secretary Treasurer, John Dascher, empathizes with Adrain and other parents who have the same concerns, and said a committee is being formed to address the problem. “The committee will look into starting times and bus schedules to see if changes can be made. We'll have another go at it. But we have to be mindful of other areas.” Dascher explained that even if the bus schedule could be juggled, it might result in other routes taking on the same sort of problem which Ootischenia students are the rail option will lead to even more traffic “I have seen a fairly significant increase lately,” says Avis, “and now they are starting to drive in convoy, two or three haulers together. There are no passing lahes and it definitely adds to the risk. Parents have expressed concern to me about it.” Avis realizes that the abandonment makes sense to CPR in immediate dollar terms but remarks that “looking into the future, we've got to think about what the valley will be like in twenty years. In Europe and the US. they ‘are building more track, not abandoning it.” Adds Craig Lawrence, Recreation Commis sion co-ordinator and former CP employee CP says they ca with trucks Okay, let someone else do it who can.~ The argument here ts that given a commiutt ment by the provincial government to keep lines in operation, it mught be possible to run a small, independent rail company. “Its an investment in the future,” says Lawrence The mill in Slocan won't be able to bun its Waste Wood ina With the rail line gone that will put more trucks on the road. 1 compete ouple of years standing In the dark now experiencing. Another option said Dascher, would be to put another bus on that route, which would also mean hiring another driver—and that could also be a problem in the end “Can you imagine what would happen? Next we'd have to do the same for Glade, Thrums, Robson.” Ultimately, Dascher said, when one chooses to live in a rural area one has to expect rural problems “When they choose to live in rural areas these are the things that happen.” In Adrain’s letter mention was made of a committee being formed to reopen Ootische nia school, which was closed six to seven ars ago, but Dascher discounts the notion. “That's news to us. It depends on enrole ment in the district. If it increased to the point that there was no space in the schools we would have no choice but to do so, but right now we have adequate space.” citizens sending out an sos! And its the taxpayers who subsidize that.” Lawrence is referring to the fact that truck traffic wears down roads at a disproportional rate compared to cars. MLA Corky Evans addressed that point recently when he said the day may be rapidly approaching when the licensing fees for industrial traffic will see considerable increases." Such a move would make rail transport considerably more attrac- tive from a financial point of view Lawrence also notes that as the valley develops as a tourist area, heavy truck volume would start to become unpleasant Tourism, in fact, is one option being exam. ined by the group. Some would like to see a hentage” passenger run up the valley. Others have suggested renting out hand cars to day trippers SOS will be joining TWA union representa tive Bart Scannell and Evans in calling for a public enquiry by the National Transporation Agency into the abandonment proposal. “The bottom line,” says Avis, “is that we hope to keep the line in place until some alternative can be worked out “It’s an internal thing at this point. But we're hoping to have a final paper coming out before Christmas.” The ministry will be releasing three different reports surround the new AAC: a technical report detailing cuts to the AAC; a social-economic report projecting results from the decreased AAC; and a final report that contains information from the first two. written specifically for public consumption. When Marritt completed his verbal presentation to Regional District directors, questions were fired back.at him—-many of which displayed the directors’ Opposition to Marritt’s sugges- tions that the review process itself is placing workers and their fami- lies in jeopardy Area H Director Bob Barkley questioned Marritt about the Inte- rior Lumber Manufacturers’ com- mitment to produce value-added products, rather than rely solely on raw timber for economics. Area J Director Ken Wyllie was also critical of Marritt’s comments, saying that he provided only, “A vast simplification of the real prob- lem in the forest industry.” Marritt replied that he “was not asking the: board to go in and fight for the status quo, but instead add its voice to ensure the economics of the area are looked after, rather than leaving it to bureaucrats. # Voting Continued from 1A To be eligible to vote for school board trustees, city coun- cil and mayor, you must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, a resident of B.C. for six months and a resident of Castlegar for 30 days Those residents living in Area H and are voting for Regional District Director should know that voting stations are located at Brent Kennedy School, Winlaw Community Hall, Passmore Community Hall, Women’s Institute Hall in Slocan, new Denver Municipal Office and Hills Community Hall