bannock baked - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
bannock baked - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
bannock baked - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
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Q y E S N E L ® C A R I B O O<br />
7 ,3 V<br />
^ I—<br />
\ V<br />
SINCE 1908<br />
Iwednesday, J une 26,2002: VOL. 89/NO. 86 vvww.quesnelpbserver.com' $li'OQ+70GST<br />
The world's biggest <strong>bannock</strong> was <strong>baked</strong> during <strong>the</strong> First Nations Day celebrations. Here, <strong>the</strong> <strong>bannock</strong> makers ga<strong>the</strong>r around <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
masterpiece that was two years in tfie planning. It had to be poked occasionally to check tlie moisture of <strong>the</strong> dough.<br />
Markus Ermisch photo<br />
<strong>bannock</strong> <strong>baked</strong><br />
MARKUS ERMISCH<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
Big was bad, bigger was<br />
better, <strong>and</strong> biggest was best.<br />
The <strong>Quesnel</strong> Bannock<br />
Committee finally answered<br />
<strong>the</strong> universal question<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r size does matter -<br />
after two years of<br />
fermenting, <strong>the</strong> idea of a<br />
massive <strong>bannock</strong> turned<br />
into a yeast- free rising<br />
reality . of .colossal<br />
proportions over a bed of<br />
hot coal.<br />
The world's biggest<br />
<strong>bannock</strong> was <strong>baked</strong> right<br />
here in <strong>Quesnel</strong> during <strong>the</strong><br />
First Nations Day festivities<br />
last weekend.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> committee has<br />
to wait <strong>and</strong> see if <strong>the</strong><br />
Guinness Book of World<br />
Records will accept <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>bannock</strong>'s proportions as<br />
<strong>the</strong> biggest in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Once <strong>baked</strong>, it measured<br />
275 cm in length, 88 cm in<br />
width <strong>and</strong> 6 cm in height.<br />
"We don't know if we<br />
got accepted," said<br />
committee member Jean<br />
McCormack. "But we<br />
followed all criteria."<br />
Perhaps an explanation<br />
is in place: what exactly is<br />
<strong>bannock</strong>? It is flour <strong>and</strong><br />
salt, baking powder <strong>and</strong><br />
lard as well as cold water.<br />
Once mixed <strong>and</strong> <strong>baked</strong>,<br />
<strong>the</strong>se ingredients turn into<br />
<strong>bannock</strong>, a type of bread<br />
introduced to North<br />
American natives by early<br />
explorers <strong>and</strong> missionaries.<br />
Today, <strong>bannock</strong> is<br />
considered to be traditional<br />
native bread.<br />
The list of ingredients is<br />
short, but <strong>the</strong> amounts used<br />
last Friday would not fit<br />
into a normal kitchen. For<br />
example, 100 lbs. of flour<br />
went into <strong>the</strong> dough. And it<br />
took nine <strong>bannock</strong> makers<br />
more than one hour to get<br />
<strong>the</strong> dough mixed <strong>and</strong> into<br />
<strong>the</strong> pan.<br />
Then, after baking for 45<br />
minutes, came <strong>the</strong> difficult<br />
part.<br />
"Our biggest concem<br />
was how to flip it,"<br />
McCormack said.<br />
Four official pan flippers<br />
put a lid on <strong>the</strong> specially<br />
made aluminum pan,<br />
fastened it with clamps,<br />
inserted steel rods on both<br />
ends, <strong>and</strong> turned <strong>the</strong><br />
structure on its head in one<br />
swift motion.<br />
See page 12<br />
on foot<br />
ge<br />
Security cameras did not<br />
stop a group of four from<br />
assaulting a couple on <strong>the</strong><br />
Foot Bridge in broad<br />
daylight.<br />
A local couple in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
mid-20s, whose names<br />
police would not release,<br />
walked across <strong>the</strong> bridge<br />
Sunday evening.<br />
At about 7 p.m. <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were approached by a group<br />
of four Caucasian males,<br />
also in <strong>the</strong>ir mid-20>s, who<br />
<strong>the</strong>n started attacking<br />
without any apparent reason,<br />
said RCMP Const. Brent<br />
Keibel.<br />
"It was a r<strong>and</strong>om attack,"<br />
he said. "The. attack was<br />
completely unprovoked."<br />
The couple was not<br />
robbed or seriously injured,<br />
but <strong>the</strong> woman sustained a<br />
minor cut on her leg, Keibel<br />
said.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> attack <strong>the</strong><br />
assailants fled <strong>the</strong> scene, two<br />
of <strong>the</strong>m on bikes.<br />
The couple <strong>the</strong>n<br />
contacted <strong>the</strong> police, <strong>and</strong><br />
RCMP officers arrived on<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene within two<br />
minutes, Keibel said, but<br />
were unable to apprehend<br />
<strong>the</strong> attackers.<br />
"At this point we don't<br />
know if <strong>the</strong>y are from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong> area," Keibel said.<br />
The attack came in <strong>the</strong><br />
middle of an international<br />
debate whe<strong>the</strong>r security<br />
cameras, installed in<br />
potentially crime-prone<br />
areas, are able to limit<br />
criminal activity.<br />
Keibel said <strong>the</strong> cameras<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Foot Bridge, toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with <strong>the</strong> emergency<br />
telephone, successfully<br />
decrease <strong>the</strong> frequency of<br />
violent incidents.<br />
"Things like that don't<br />
happen very often," he said.<br />
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:<br />
Southills infrastructure<br />
project approved.<br />
Page 3<br />
ELLS CASINO<br />
Good crowd on<br />
opening day.<br />
fVlfLLIONAIRE<br />
Brocl< Hooton picked<br />
by Ottawa.<br />
Page 18<br />
Page 26<br />
78195 50007
2 QUESNEI CARIBOO OBSttVER Wednesday, June 26, 2002<br />
School board sends letter of concern to Ministry<br />
The school board is<br />
concerned about its financial<br />
future, <strong>and</strong> so are<br />
parents from Wells.<br />
To express <strong>the</strong>se concerns<br />
<strong>the</strong> board recently<br />
sent a three-page letter to ,<br />
Education Minister<br />
Christy Clark.<br />
''Our board is facing<br />
many very difficult decisions<br />
as we deal with declining<br />
enrolment, teacher<br />
wage increases that are<br />
not funded, <strong>and</strong> aging facilities,"<br />
<strong>the</strong> letter reads.<br />
"We see our next three<br />
year funding allocation<br />
shortfall escalating <strong>and</strong><br />
anticipate that we will<br />
have twice <strong>the</strong> cuts to face<br />
next year as we have had<br />
this year."<br />
The letter goes on to<br />
say that because of <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
pinch <strong>the</strong> board<br />
conducted a review of facilities<br />
<strong>and</strong> considered<br />
closing three rural elementary<br />
schools, one of<br />
which is Wells.<br />
The example of Wells<br />
was <strong>the</strong>n used to outline<br />
in great detail how <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministry's cuts to funding<br />
can have a significant impact<br />
on a community.<br />
Carrie Johnston, a<br />
Wells mo<strong>the</strong>r, .attended<br />
last week's board meeting<br />
<strong>and</strong> was very happy to<br />
learn about <strong>the</strong> letter, she<br />
said.<br />
"The board is making<br />
good decisions of what to<br />
do," she said <strong>and</strong> added it<br />
would be wrong to entirely<br />
blame <strong>the</strong> board should<br />
<strong>the</strong> school in Wells be<br />
closed.<br />
"The Ministry is ultimately<br />
responsible," she<br />
said.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> letter is not<br />
<strong>the</strong> only reason for Johnston's<br />
optimism - Monday<br />
last week a delegation<br />
of trustees, including<br />
chairwoman Louise Scott<br />
<strong>and</strong> trustee Karen Andrews,<br />
drove to Wells to<br />
discuss possible cost saving<br />
measures were <strong>the</strong><br />
school to remain open.<br />
One idea <strong>the</strong> Wells<br />
people suggested to<br />
trustees was to reduce <strong>the</strong><br />
school week from five to<br />
four days.<br />
"Everybody [in<br />
f un to* il© ertliw<br />
MONDAY, JULY 1,2002 - NOON TO 6:00 PM<br />
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for everyone<br />
Wells] is in support of a<br />
four-day week," Johnston<br />
said. "We're asking <strong>the</strong><br />
board to keep <strong>the</strong> school<br />
open for ano<strong>the</strong>r year."<br />
Should that happen,<br />
Johnston said, <strong>the</strong> people<br />
of Wells could channel<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir energies far<strong>the</strong>r<br />
south.<br />
"We can take on <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministry of Education on<br />
your behalf," Johnston<br />
told <strong>the</strong> trustees.<br />
fficial Opening<br />
LOGAl<br />
Wallace <strong>and</strong> Wilson<br />
of South Hills infrastructure project<br />
IVIARKUS ERMISCH<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
A major infrastructure<br />
grant is coming to<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
"Today we have<br />
some really good news for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Gity of <strong>Quesnel</strong>," said<br />
Cariboo-North MLA Dr.<br />
John Wilson at a press<br />
conference Tuesday outside<br />
Murphy's Pub.<br />
Wilson <strong>and</strong> Mayor<br />
Steve Wallace announced<br />
<strong>the</strong> city will receive<br />
$982,000 under <strong>the</strong> Canada-British<br />
Columbia Infrastructure<br />
Program.<br />
This money will be<br />
used to refurbish a well<br />
<strong>and</strong> to construct a reservoir<br />
in <strong>the</strong> South Hills<br />
area.<br />
"Xhis project will lay<br />
<strong>the</strong>, groundwork for future<br />
economic growth,"<br />
Wilson said. "The community<br />
will have a more<br />
reliable water source now<br />
<strong>and</strong> tomorrow. As <strong>the</strong> city<br />
continues to grow, <strong>the</strong> infrastructure<br />
will be in<br />
place to ensure troublefree<br />
expansion,"<br />
Wallace agreed with<br />
Wilson's comments.<br />
"Today is <strong>the</strong> first<br />
step to make this project<br />
possible," he said. "We<br />
expect an increase in population<br />
in this area. We<br />
need this [project] to contribute<br />
to <strong>the</strong> economic<br />
B.C.<br />
British Columbia's<br />
public schools are among<br />
<strong>the</strong> finest in <strong>the</strong> world<br />
says David Chudnovsky.<br />
Chudnovsky, president<br />
of <strong>the</strong> B.C. Teacher's<br />
Federation, came to this<br />
conclusion after reading<br />
<strong>the</strong> Ministry of Education<br />
satisfaction survey.<br />
The survey states that<br />
85 percent of elementary<br />
parents <strong>and</strong> 77 per cent of<br />
secondary parents reported<br />
that <strong>the</strong>ir children feel<br />
safe at school all <strong>the</strong> time.<br />
MLA Dr; John Wilson <strong>and</strong> Mayor Steve Wallace announced <strong>the</strong> start of a major infrastructure project for <strong>the</strong> South Hills<br />
area outside Murphy's Pub Tuesday. Be government provides two thirds of <strong>the</strong> funding, <strong>the</strong> City will cover <strong>the</strong> rest.<br />
Markus Ermisch photo<br />
QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Wednesday, June 26,2002 3<br />
viability of Quesnei." v Highway 97.<br />
economic activity. of <strong>Quesnel</strong> will have to<br />
Scattered showers<br />
Judging from past experience,<br />
Wallace said about 500 jobs," Wallace until construction begins. $400,000 out of its own High: 25° low: 10°<br />
"That pipe generated But it will be a while contribute approximately<br />
this infrastructure project said. "It made places such City Manager Charles coffers to <strong>the</strong> project because<br />
<strong>the</strong> government<br />
will generate new jobs in as Wal-Mart, Denny's Hamilton said construction<br />
on <strong>the</strong> reservoir will grant is not sufficient. Flyers<br />
<strong>the</strong> South Hills area. <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> S<strong>and</strong>man Inn<br />
This issue may contain <strong>the</strong>se dyers:<br />
He specifically referred<br />
to <strong>the</strong> pipeline that He said he hopes <strong>the</strong> because detailed engineerment<br />
councillors <strong>and</strong> city<br />
possible."<br />
not start until next year After <strong>the</strong> announce<br />
> Future Shop<br />
was constructed a few new project is able to generate<br />
a similar level of He also said <strong>the</strong> City phy's Pub.<br />
•Pan for Gold<br />
ing is still needed. staff congregated in Mur<br />
years ago right beside<br />
•Telesuide<br />
schools still among world's best<br />
-Canadian Tire<br />
' Carpet Btitier<br />
This result, Chudnovsky<br />
said, is in part due<br />
to <strong>the</strong> quality staff at public<br />
schools.<br />
"We have highly<br />
trained teachers <strong>and</strong> support<br />
staff," he said Thursday.<br />
"And we all are<br />
working towards success<br />
for every student."<br />
Ron Krickan, president<br />
of <strong>Quesnel</strong> <strong>District</strong><br />
Teacher' Association,<br />
agrees with his superior.<br />
"We have a good<br />
education system in British<br />
Columbia," he said in<br />
an interview Monday.<br />
"Feeling safe at school is<br />
critical for a student's<br />
learning success."<br />
He added that bullying<br />
in <strong>Quesnel</strong>'s schools<br />
does happen occasionally,<br />
but that <strong>the</strong>re is no indication<br />
of a rising trend.<br />
"It happens," he said.<br />
"But <strong>the</strong>re is not more<br />
bullying now compared to<br />
when I went to school."<br />
But Krickan also said<br />
<strong>the</strong> survey is partially<br />
skewed <strong>and</strong> only tells half<br />
<strong>the</strong> truth. Future surveys<br />
could paint a very different,<br />
less favourable picture,<br />
Krickan said.<br />
"They aren't asking<br />
<strong>the</strong> hard questions involving<br />
<strong>the</strong> government," he<br />
said. "It is possible that<br />
<strong>the</strong> results will look different<br />
in <strong>the</strong> future as<br />
more money is taken out<br />
of <strong>the</strong> [public education]<br />
system. We don't know<br />
how that will impact <strong>the</strong><br />
future."<br />
He thus concurs with<br />
Chudnovsky, who also<br />
predicted <strong>the</strong> level of satisfaction<br />
with <strong>the</strong> public<br />
system will decline.<br />
"You can't take way<br />
more than $200 million<br />
<strong>and</strong> almost 2,000 teachers<br />
<strong>and</strong> expect that parents<br />
<strong>and</strong> students will continue<br />
to be as satisfied as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are now with <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
of education <strong>the</strong>y are receiving,"<br />
Chudnovsky<br />
said.<br />
Wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Cloudy w/shovtfers<br />
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Low: 11'^<br />
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Light rain<br />
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4 QUESNEI CARIBOO OBSERVER Wednesday, June 26, 2002<br />
<strong>and</strong> joins digital revolution<br />
MARKUS ERMISCH<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
The digital revolution<br />
has reached <strong>the</strong> radiology<br />
department of <strong>the</strong> G.R.<br />
Baker Memorial hospital.<br />
Within this year, <strong>the</strong><br />
hospital vi'ill shift from<br />
traditional X-ray technology<br />
to a digital radiology<br />
system.<br />
"We are working on<br />
<strong>the</strong> plan right now," said<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Health Authority<br />
Administrator John<br />
Knoch in an interview<br />
Tuesday.<br />
He also said <strong>the</strong> new<br />
system will generate savings<br />
in <strong>the</strong> long, run because<br />
it is electronically<br />
based.<br />
Cheryl Muhle, chief<br />
technologist of diagnostic<br />
imaging, described <strong>the</strong> old<br />
X-ray process as something<br />
similar to developing<br />
p)hotographic film.<br />
"The film is developed<br />
in a processor," she<br />
said in an interview Tuesday.<br />
"That <strong>the</strong>n gives you<br />
a hard copy that can be<br />
looked at on a viewer."<br />
Much of that will<br />
now be eliminated.<br />
"There'll still be a<br />
cassette [on which <strong>the</strong><br />
images are stored],"<br />
Muhle said. "But it will<br />
all be digitally processed."<br />
The main benefit of<br />
<strong>the</strong> new system, she said,<br />
is that it will improve patient<br />
care.<br />
For example, if X-<br />
rays are taken at <strong>the</strong> hos-<br />
Cheiyl Muhle, chief technologist at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital, st<strong>and</strong>s beside an X-iay<br />
processor. This machine mil soon be replaced by digital radiology technology. The Cariboo<br />
Regional Hospital <strong>District</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ministry of Health will finance<strong>the</strong> expensive project.<br />
' - Markus Ermisch photo<br />
pital here in <strong>Quesnel</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can <strong>the</strong>n be sent to a specialist<br />
at <strong>the</strong> hospital in<br />
Prince George within a<br />
matter of seconds, much<br />
like e-mail is sent from<br />
one computer to ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
"It is speedy travel,"<br />
Muhle said. "The image<br />
will travel faster than <strong>the</strong><br />
patient."<br />
This technology, she<br />
said, will make <strong>the</strong> diagnostic<br />
process faster <strong>and</strong><br />
more efficient because a<br />
doctor is able to look at<br />
an X-ray before thfe patient<br />
arrives at <strong>the</strong> hospital.<br />
Staff at <strong>the</strong> G.R.<br />
Baker, however, will have<br />
to receive training on <strong>the</strong><br />
new equipment. But<br />
Muhle said that won't<br />
take very long.<br />
"Within two weeks<br />
staff here should,be able<br />
to use <strong>the</strong> equipment,"<br />
she said; "But it'Jl take<br />
about six months before<br />
<strong>the</strong>y become completely<br />
proficient."<br />
The Cariboo Regional<br />
Hospital <strong>District</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Ministry of Health<br />
will contribute $700,000<br />
to help fund <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
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QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Wednesday, Jurie"2$, 2002 7<br />
6 (MRSNa CARIBOO OBSERVER Weclnesday, June 26. 2002<br />
LOGAL^EWS<br />
LOCALNEWS<br />
past River Front<br />
as water level rises<br />
Mopping<br />
up <strong>the</strong><br />
mess<br />
POLICE REPORT<br />
Lost lab<br />
A small black lab was<br />
found last Saturday at <strong>the</strong><br />
West Park Mall.<br />
The dog <strong>the</strong>n was<br />
taken to a safe home by a<br />
concerned citizen.<br />
The owner of <strong>the</strong> dog<br />
is asked to contact <strong>the</strong><br />
local RCMP.<br />
City employee Lance Wilkins<br />
repairs a broken fence after<br />
v<strong>and</strong>als wreaked havoc at<br />
Sugarloaf ball park in a stolen<br />
1972 Buick Skylark<br />
June 25. Anyone with information<br />
is asked to contact<br />
RCMP <strong>and</strong> refer to police<br />
number 2002-5061.<br />
Autumn MacDonald photo<br />
Art empty boat floated<br />
down <strong>the</strong> Fraser River<br />
Sunday afternoon.<br />
The RCMP responded<br />
to a call of a person<br />
who had seen <strong>the</strong> boat<br />
float past <strong>the</strong> River Front<br />
Trail.<br />
The <strong>Quesnel</strong> Search<br />
<strong>and</strong> Rescue team entered<br />
<strong>the</strong> boat toge<strong>the</strong>r with<br />
Fisheries <strong>and</strong> Oceans officials.<br />
The<br />
boat had no<br />
seats, no motor, <strong>and</strong> no<br />
vvindshield. Also, a few<br />
old bicycles were found<br />
on <strong>the</strong> boat.<br />
RCMP suspects <strong>the</strong><br />
boat was swept away<br />
from higher ground because<br />
of <strong>the</strong> recent high<br />
water levels.<br />
Speed caused crash<br />
Alcohol <strong>and</strong> speeding<br />
are suspected to be factors<br />
in.a single motor vehicle<br />
accident Sunday afternoon.<br />
The two male occupants<br />
in <strong>the</strong> vehicle were<br />
both injured.<br />
One was trapped unconscious<br />
inside <strong>the</strong> car.<br />
He had to be extracted<br />
<strong>and</strong> was rushed to G.R.<br />
Baker Memorial Hospital<br />
for treai:rnent.<br />
The accident happened<br />
approximately 7<br />
km outside <strong>Quesnel</strong> on<br />
Red Bluff Road.<br />
Cash<strong>the</strong>ft<br />
An unknown person<br />
entered an unlocked residence<br />
overnight June 21<br />
<strong>and</strong> stole an undisclosed<br />
amount of cash.<br />
The residence in <strong>the</strong><br />
400 block of Vaughan<br />
Street was unlocked at <strong>the</strong><br />
time of <strong>the</strong> incident.<br />
Possible b&e<br />
A local tow yard was<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene of a possible<br />
break <strong>and</strong> entry in <strong>the</strong><br />
early morning, hours of<br />
June 20.<br />
Two adult males <strong>and</strong><br />
three young offenders<br />
were caught speeding<br />
away from <strong>the</strong> scene in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vehicles.<br />
All are charged with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ft, break <strong>and</strong> entry <strong>and</strong><br />
mischief.<br />
Once police arrived at<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene, <strong>the</strong>y noticed<br />
two vehicles speeding<br />
away. Both vehicles were<br />
stopped.<br />
w ww.medicalert.ca<br />
. For moro Information -<br />
i - s a a - s s s - i 5 a 7<br />
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Publisher Dennis Chapman • 188 Carepn Ave, <strong>Quesnel</strong>, B.C. V2J2A8<br />
OPIIVIOIVS<br />
Editor: Neil Homer - newsroomequBsnBlobserver.com<br />
FEEDBACK<br />
QUESNEL CARIBOO OBSERVER Wednesday, June 26, 2002 9<br />
Helmets can<br />
save young<br />
When we hear about a young boy dying as<br />
a result of head injuries sustained in a skateboard<br />
accident, it makes us take a look<br />
around our own town at <strong>the</strong> many young<br />
people who choose to participate in this sport<br />
without helmets.<br />
Each child has <strong>the</strong> potential to accomphsh<br />
great things in <strong>the</strong>ir life, but if, through such a<br />
foolish decision as not strapping on a helmet,<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir young life is forever cut short, or <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are left permanently disabled, <strong>the</strong>y may never<br />
reach that potential.<br />
Each sport requires appropriate safety<br />
gear, but for skateboarders <strong>the</strong>re are no enforcers,<br />
no coaches insisting you wear a helmet,<br />
no association dictating <strong>the</strong> terms of play, just<br />
common sense <strong>and</strong> a will to live, both of<br />
which can be often overshadowed by a skate<br />
on <strong>the</strong> wild side.<br />
Can't you just hear <strong>the</strong>m now, "This helmet<br />
looks dorky", or "None of my friends<br />
have to wear one."<br />
But at least <strong>the</strong>y will be around to make<br />
those complaints. We're sure if <strong>the</strong> lad who<br />
just lost his life had <strong>the</strong> chance he would certainly<br />
choose to wear a helmet next time.<br />
EAG<br />
Bringing world class<br />
soccer into <strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
Through <strong>the</strong> marvels of modern technology<br />
citizens around <strong>the</strong> world can sit down<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir favourite beverage <strong>and</strong> enjoy world<br />
class soccer.<br />
The game is simplicity itself, with a ball<br />
<strong>and</strong> two sets of goal posts, <strong>the</strong> game can be<br />
played.<br />
But what we have been watching on television,<br />
direct from South Korea if you have a<br />
mind to get up incredibly early, is soccer at its<br />
best. Teams from around <strong>the</strong> world have been<br />
competing for <strong>the</strong> ultimate prize, <strong>the</strong> World<br />
Cup <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> competition has seen some surprising<br />
upsets <strong>and</strong>, to some, questionable refereeing.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> marvel of it all is <strong>the</strong> availability of<br />
<strong>the</strong> games. Young soccer hopefuls can gain<br />
valuable insight into <strong>the</strong> game <strong>and</strong> armchair<br />
experts have a whole new vista, right in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
living room.<br />
Around <strong>the</strong> world, in countries already<br />
soccer-crazy, <strong>the</strong> World Cup matches have incited<br />
riots <strong>and</strong> stopped rush hour traffic, filled<br />
pubs <strong>and</strong> interrupted <strong>the</strong> business world.<br />
We may be more conservative in Canada,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>re will still be soccer discussions long<br />
after <strong>the</strong> last ball is kicked.<br />
EAG<br />
QUESNEL • CARIBOO<br />
OBSERVER<br />
Your award winning community newspaper published Wednesday & Sunday<br />
The <strong>Quesnel</strong> Cariboo Observer was founded in August 1908. All material<br />
contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction of<br />
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Published at 188 Car»on Avo., <strong>Quesnel</strong>, BC V2J 2A8 Ph. 992-2121<br />
Fax 992-5229 email: advertlslngOquesnelobserver.com<br />
newsroomOquesnelobserver.com<br />
website: www.quesnelobserver.com<br />
Hubert Beyer<br />
VlCTOmA REPORT<br />
Firing Russell Mills,<br />
publisher of <strong>the</strong> Ottawa<br />
Citizen, may not have<br />
been <strong>the</strong> smartest thing<br />
<strong>the</strong> Aspers have done, but<br />
what <strong>the</strong> self-appointed<br />
defenders of <strong>the</strong> freedom<br />
of <strong>the</strong> press seem to forget<br />
is that as <strong>the</strong> oy/ner of <strong>the</strong><br />
paper, Izzy Asper can hire<br />
<strong>and</strong> fire whom he pleases.<br />
Mills was ostensibly<br />
canned because he published<br />
an editorial suggesting<br />
that Jean Chretien,<br />
our Prime Minister<br />
for Life, resign, without<br />
running it by <strong>the</strong> Winnipeg-based<br />
Asper clan first.<br />
If that was, indeed,<br />
<strong>the</strong> reason, it was just<br />
about as stupid as <strong>the</strong> policy<br />
that every one of <strong>the</strong><br />
CanWest-owned daily<br />
newspapers run Asperpenned<br />
editorials once or<br />
twice a week.<br />
But stupid or not, as<br />
<strong>the</strong> owner, Asper has that<br />
right, just as he has <strong>the</strong><br />
Dennis Chapman<br />
Publisher/Adv. Mgr<br />
Neil Homer<br />
Editor<br />
right to dictate his papers'<br />
editorial policy.<br />
Izzy -<strong>and</strong> Jean are<br />
good pals, which has<br />
given rise to <strong>the</strong> suspicion<br />
that <strong>the</strong> prime minister ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
leaned on Asper to<br />
get rid of <strong>the</strong> normally ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />
inoffensive Mills.<br />
If,that was <strong>the</strong> case,<br />
<strong>and</strong> so far it's idle speculation,<br />
Asper should be<br />
ashamed of himself. But<br />
somehow, I can't believe<br />
that that's what happened.<br />
Consider for a moment<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Post,<br />
which has had a hate-on<br />
for Chretien since its inception.<br />
Not a day goes<br />
by-that <strong>the</strong> Post doesn't<br />
savage Chretien. If anyone<br />
ought to be in Izzy's<br />
sights, it's <strong>the</strong> management<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Post, which<br />
just keeps on beating up<br />
on <strong>the</strong> little guy from Shawinigan.<br />
What intrigues me<br />
even nlore is <strong>the</strong> call for<br />
government intervention<br />
to rein in <strong>the</strong> big newspaper<br />
bosses. Let me get this<br />
straight. The government,<br />
whose ruler by divine<br />
right is Chretien, is supposed<br />
to prevent <strong>the</strong> perceived<br />
injustices perpetrated<br />
by Asper. That would<br />
Bev Weigntman<br />
Production Mgr<br />
Jaicey Fomian<br />
Circulation Mgr<br />
survive<br />
be <strong>the</strong> same Chretien who<br />
supposedly bent Asper's<br />
ear in <strong>the</strong> firing of Mills.<br />
I've got a bit of a soft<br />
spot for Izzy because of a<br />
hilarious incident some 35<br />
years ago, when he wrote<br />
a column for <strong>the</strong> Winnipeg<br />
Free Press, but that's<br />
fodder for ano<strong>the</strong>r column.<br />
But soft spot or not,<br />
it is clear to me that Izzy<br />
hasn't got <strong>the</strong> faintest clue<br />
how to run a newspaper<br />
or he wouldn't try to dictate<br />
editorial policy or fire<br />
a publisher for not clearing<br />
an anti-government<br />
editorial vv^ith him, if<br />
that's what happened.<br />
Newspapers thrive on<br />
diversity of opinion, even<br />
if <strong>the</strong> owner doesn't agree<br />
with some of those opinions.<br />
When Duarie Cr<strong>and</strong>all<br />
was a Social Credit<br />
MLA, he was also owner<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Golden Star, which<br />
ran my column. No matter<br />
how hard I hammered<br />
<strong>the</strong> Socreds in general or<br />
Bill V<strong>and</strong>er Zalm, <strong>the</strong> premier,<br />
in particular, Duane<br />
ran my columns. Only<br />
later, did I fiiid out that<br />
he was often inundated<br />
with calls from friends for<br />
my removal. It didn't happen<br />
to this day.<br />
Much of what has<br />
been written <strong>and</strong> said<br />
about Asper's editorial<br />
policy <strong>and</strong> now <strong>the</strong> Mills<br />
affair is sheer nonsense.<br />
To start with I would<br />
like to ask: who reads editorials<br />
anyway, aside<br />
from <strong>the</strong> people <strong>the</strong>y deal<br />
with <strong>and</strong> political wing<br />
nuts like me. People read<br />
<strong>the</strong> news, <strong>and</strong> so far I<br />
haven't heard about complaints<br />
from reporters<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y aren't allowed<br />
to write news stories<br />
about <strong>the</strong> prime minister.<br />
People read columns<br />
<strong>and</strong> so far, Andrew<br />
Coyne, Mark Steyn <strong>and</strong><br />
Christie Blatchford are<br />
still working at <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Post, <strong>and</strong> seem to be<br />
nei<strong>the</strong>r in imminent danger<br />
of dismissal, nor<br />
afraid to write non-complimentary<br />
things about<br />
<strong>the</strong> prime minister.<br />
Editorials are bl<strong>and</strong><br />
by <strong>the</strong>ir very nature. They<br />
are unsigned, ostensibly<br />
representing <strong>the</strong><br />
"newspaper's position"<br />
on issues, which in reality<br />
has always been <strong>the</strong> equivalent<br />
of <strong>the</strong> owner's position.<br />
So <strong>the</strong>re is nothing<br />
new about <strong>the</strong> Aspers'<br />
editorial policy.<br />
Advertising Consultants: Pattie McTaggart. Roger Marthinsen, Karen Powell, Teny Hamilton<br />
LaRee Mariash - Telemarketer.<br />
Ad Oeslgners: Debbie Mat<strong>the</strong>ws. L^ura Levitsky, Ross Mitchell -Scanning/Oesign/Photos.<br />
Oenise Lybeck - Production/Design.<br />
Editorial Staff: Markus Ermisch - Reporter, Annie Gallant - Community Reporter,<br />
Al Paterson - Sports Editor.<br />
Front Office: Br<strong>and</strong>i Kimbertey<br />
Antainn MacDonald<br />
QUESTIOH OF THEWEEK<br />
What<br />
do you<br />
thiiikof<br />
soccer's<br />
World<br />
Cup?<br />
Clint MacDonald<br />
Wicked game. However<br />
<strong>the</strong> officiating was<br />
somewhat lacking. This<br />
is my first year following<br />
if-<br />
Toni Meyers<br />
I've been following it<br />
slightly <strong>and</strong> have found<br />
that I enjoy <strong>the</strong> game.<br />
Do your homework<br />
Editor:<br />
from your same paper<br />
In response to editorial<br />
(page 3) June 21, 2002.<br />
Wednesday, June 19, •"The peak record level,<br />
2002 Dike is not so evil recorded on June 16,<br />
now, is it?<br />
1972" was 6,510 cu.<br />
I recognize your need metres/sec. At <strong>the</strong> time of<br />
to use sensationalism to my writing this river is<br />
sell your paper, but creating<br />
concern <strong>and</strong> even fear<br />
in subjecting readers to<br />
still somewhere between<br />
six <strong>and</strong> eight feet below<br />
<strong>the</strong> high reached in 1972,<br />
false reports of major <strong>and</strong> has started to drop.<br />
flooding is wrong.<br />
The City of <strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
has been in no danger of<br />
Fact two: There are<br />
still a number of homes<br />
<strong>and</strong> families with major<br />
major flooding since concerns about <strong>the</strong> job<br />
1972. In that year <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong> city did or did not do<br />
river went around <strong>the</strong><br />
base of <strong>the</strong> pump station<br />
in Tingley Park, it backed<br />
up Baker Creek <strong>and</strong> ran<br />
over <strong>the</strong> low ground<br />
where <strong>the</strong> West Park Mall<br />
now st<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir property. These<br />
people are taking <strong>the</strong> city<br />
to court, in <strong>the</strong> hope of<br />
getting some satisfaction<br />
after four years of begging,<br />
pleading <strong>and</strong> waiting<br />
for <strong>the</strong> City to make a<br />
But not one home reasonable offer or complete<br />
<strong>the</strong> work required<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir properties.<br />
along Rolph Street reported<br />
any flooding, or asked<br />
for any s<strong>and</strong> bags to protect<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir property. That<br />
all happened 30 years<br />
ago, <strong>and</strong> let us hope that<br />
it is that many years before<br />
that danger comes<br />
again. In <strong>the</strong> meantime<br />
let's call what we have on<br />
our properties along<br />
Rolph Street what it is, a<br />
waste of taxpayers<br />
money.<br />
Fact: Quote taken<br />
' • ^ • ^<br />
iTWn-WAYRADIfii,<br />
Fact three: Your own<br />
attitude in writing this article<br />
shows a need for<br />
greater underst<strong>and</strong>ing of<br />
what has taken place<br />
since <strong>the</strong> so-called "dike"<br />
was built. The City has<br />
not received one cent towards<br />
<strong>the</strong> $700,000<br />
spent constructing it. Why<br />
one may ask? Because <strong>the</strong><br />
Ministry has informed <strong>the</strong><br />
City that this area was<br />
.The BIG DEAL<br />
is that we'll BEAT<br />
What<br />
any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
cellular phone<br />
^^^'^<br />
Maple Park Shopping Centre 747-0992<br />
Mick Keen<br />
I've really enjoyed <strong>the</strong><br />
play. For all those who<br />
play <strong>the</strong> game <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> rules it's amazing<br />
to watch.<br />
not a priority, <strong>and</strong> no<br />
flooding was anticipated<br />
on <strong>the</strong> north Fraser, all<br />
this before <strong>the</strong> dike was<br />
built. The City chose to<br />
ignore this advice <strong>and</strong><br />
built it anyway. They also<br />
chose to misinform people<br />
about <strong>the</strong> potential for<br />
flooding so that <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
had an excuse to build <strong>the</strong><br />
whole structure on private<br />
l<strong>and</strong> without any prior<br />
consultation or negotiations<br />
with <strong>the</strong> owners.<br />
Why <strong>the</strong> rush? No, not<br />
because of <strong>the</strong> risk of<br />
flooding, but because<br />
Mayor Wallace wanted a<br />
share of <strong>the</strong> monies being<br />
offered by <strong>the</strong> Provincial<br />
government for legitimate<br />
flood control in o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
communities, to build his<br />
river walk. He announced<br />
on several oc(:asions that<br />
he would build a walk in<br />
West <strong>Quesnel</strong>! Where is it<br />
Rolph Street residents deserve<br />
apology over editorial comments<br />
Editor:<br />
I do not live near <strong>the</strong> dike nor on Rolph Street. I<br />
did though recently visit a friend <strong>the</strong>re <strong>and</strong> so have<br />
apparently done more investigation into your recent<br />
editorial than anyone at <strong>the</strong> riewspaper.<br />
As you have probably heard from a number of<br />
<strong>the</strong> residents <strong>the</strong>re is very little chance of flooding<br />
without <strong>the</strong> dike.<br />
Again, I think if you had done adequate investigation<br />
that fact, as well as <strong>the</strong> fact that o<strong>the</strong>r areas in<br />
town are in greater danger of flooding was stated in<br />
<strong>the</strong> extensive research done by <strong>the</strong>se residents following<br />
<strong>the</strong> illegal construction of <strong>the</strong> dike.<br />
I feel <strong>the</strong> residents of Rolph Street deserve an<br />
apology from you - in part due to your neglect of<br />
facts <strong>and</strong> in part due to <strong>the</strong> nasty spiteful tone used in<br />
this editorial.<br />
Donna Slatcher<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
Nelson Ferreira<br />
I've really enjoyed <strong>the</strong><br />
footwork <strong>and</strong> passes,<br />
real crisp <strong>and</strong> clean.<br />
The officiating hasn't<br />
been that great though.<br />
now Mr. Mayor?<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time it was<br />
constructed, no engineer<br />
was used to design or<br />
oversee it, no surveyor<br />
was used to plan <strong>the</strong> location<br />
<strong>and</strong> no property owners<br />
were approached in<br />
any effort to obtain <strong>the</strong><br />
Big Deal?...<br />
Megan Booth<br />
I think it's very exciting<br />
to watch. I'm<br />
going to <strong>the</strong> summer<br />
games so it's inspiring<br />
me to play harder.<br />
comme<br />
l<strong>and</strong> in a legal manner.<br />
This was ano<strong>the</strong>r of<br />
Mr. Wallace's charge<br />
ahead <strong>and</strong> worry about<br />
<strong>the</strong> details later, <strong>the</strong> details<br />
being finances <strong>and</strong><br />
l<strong>and</strong> ownership.<br />
Alec Le Brun<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
SD 28 response disappointing<br />
Editor:<br />
The following is an open letter to School <strong>District</strong><br />
28 chair Louise Scott.<br />
Thank you for responding to my concerns about<br />
communications. Your response reinforces my position<br />
that direcf questions were never answered.<br />
I already had <strong>the</strong> cost per school spreadsheets <strong>and</strong><br />
asked for fur<strong>the</strong>r details, such as <strong>the</strong> cost breakdown<br />
of $30,230 for maintenance at Richbar,Elementary.<br />
Your response of June 6 explains that you do not<br />
cost out requisitions. That is one answer I may have<br />
expected. Also, a simple explanation that <strong>the</strong><br />
$175,000 included all five buildings would have sufficed,<br />
as 1 was a parent directly involved in <strong>the</strong> committee.<br />
It may be that my questions were^ftot dear enough.<br />
However, I was never asked for clarification<br />
when I repeatedly asked for cost breakdovvns of maintenance<br />
at Richbar.<br />
I am also curious how <strong>the</strong> district calculated<br />
$3,000 per year to run a bus for about 200 days from<br />
Cottonwood to Barlow Creek. A simple explanation of<br />
<strong>the</strong> calculations used would be appreciated.<br />
I regret that we have been involved in an ongoing<br />
communication problem. I promise to work harder to<br />
make my questions clearer. .<br />
Roy Josephy<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
150 local minutes - anytime with unlimited<br />
local weekend calling PLUS.,.<br />
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