Arson trial goes ahead - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
Arson trial goes ahead - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
Arson trial goes ahead - the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives
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SUNDAY<br />
DECEMBER 20, 1998<br />
supports<br />
THE UNITED States<br />
<strong>and</strong> Great Britain are<br />
entirely acting within<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir rights as <strong>the</strong>y rain<br />
cruise missiles <strong>and</strong> bombs<br />
down OTi Iraq, says<br />
Cariboo-Chilcotin MP<br />
Philip Mayfield.<br />
In an interview from<br />
100 Mile House on<br />
Thursday, <strong>the</strong> Reform MP<br />
stressed that he was<br />
speaking only from a<br />
personal perspective when<br />
he gave <strong>the</strong> thumbs up to<br />
<strong>the</strong> bombing campaign.<br />
The United States <strong>and</strong><br />
Britain this week began<br />
rhe bombardment after<br />
SINCE 1908<br />
Awaiting Santa's orders<br />
CARIBOO<br />
charging that Iraq was<br />
once again denying UN<br />
weapons inspectors access<br />
to suspected chemical <strong>and</strong><br />
biological weapons sites.<br />
"My personal take on<br />
this is that <strong>the</strong> United<br />
Nations looked at this<br />
pretty carefully before,"<br />
Mayfield said. "Saddam<br />
Hussein agreed to <strong>the</strong><br />
inspectors having access<br />
to everything rhey wanted<br />
to see, <strong>and</strong> he was told<br />
<strong>the</strong>re would be no<br />
warnings next time, just<br />
planes being sent in. This<br />
is justified."<br />
While corporate bad guys planned to take over Santa's workshop, <strong>the</strong> elyes, (from left to right) Jordie Gruending, Cortney Needham, Shelby Ballendine<br />
<strong>and</strong> Nicole Tremblay, unaware of <strong>the</strong> nefarious plot, st<strong>and</strong> around waiting for <strong>the</strong> next order from <strong>the</strong>ir jolly boss. The Lakeview students put on a<br />
splendid performance last Tuesday night.<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn B.C.'s future looks bright<br />
John Backhouse: Not all<br />
doom <strong>and</strong> gloom in B.C.<br />
By LEAH BLAIN<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
THE BLEAK<br />
economic forecasts in <strong>the</strong><br />
news <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> pessimistic<br />
"predictions by Reform<br />
<strong>and</strong> Liberals aren't having<br />
<strong>the</strong> slightest dampening<br />
effect on John Backhouse,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
D e V e 1 o p in e n t<br />
Commissioner.<br />
These sentiments were<br />
echoed in <strong>the</strong> first report<br />
sent out to all households<br />
in <strong>the</strong> north from Dan<br />
Miller, <strong>the</strong> Minister<br />
Responsible Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Development; it was just<br />
full of happy news.<br />
"We tend to get<br />
bogged down in things<br />
that are negative, <strong>and</strong><br />
forget <strong>the</strong> positive. This<br />
newsletter points out that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a lot (of positive<br />
things) going on," said<br />
Backhouse from his<br />
Prince George office.<br />
The newsletter indeed,<br />
after a brief mention on<br />
page one of <strong>the</strong> ailing<br />
forest economy, <strong>goes</strong> on<br />
to <strong>the</strong> good news of<br />
tourism, mining, oil <strong>and</strong><br />
gas booms <strong>and</strong><br />
infrastructure works. Yes,<br />
he realizes mills are laying<br />
off workers, but<br />
See page All<br />
QUICK<br />
LOOK<br />
INSIDE<br />
WORDS TO<br />
LIVE BY:<br />
I've learned that I<br />
like my teacher<br />
because she<br />
cries when we<br />
sing "Silent<br />
Night.".<br />
Age?<br />
HIGH PRAISE:<br />
93^+70 GST<br />
VOL.86/NO. 35<br />
Mayfield stressed that<br />
<strong>the</strong> Iraqi leader can't have<br />
his cake <strong>and</strong> eat it, too.<br />
"He says he wants to<br />
have <strong>the</strong> sanctions lifted,<br />
but he doesn't want to<br />
cooperate with <strong>the</strong><br />
inspectors, <strong>and</strong> that's just<br />
not possible," Mayfielu<br />
said.<br />
<strong>Arson</strong><br />
<strong>trial</strong><br />
<strong>goes</strong><br />
<strong>ahead</strong><br />
By NEIL HORNER<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
THE ARSON <strong>trial</strong> of<br />
two <strong>Quesnel</strong> men got<br />
back on track in B.C.<br />
Supreme Court this<br />
Wednesday, after<br />
experiencing a short hitch<br />
earlier in <strong>the</strong> week.<br />
In careful, methodical<br />
fashion, Crown<br />
prosecutor John Swanson<br />
built his case against<br />
Rocky Jed Nicholson <strong>and</strong><br />
Ian David W<strong>and</strong> for <strong>the</strong><br />
June 29th torching of foiur<br />
West <strong>Quesnel</strong> residences.<br />
Taking <strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong><br />
Wednesday, expert<br />
witness Ken Dahl, a fire<br />
investigator from <strong>the</strong><br />
Prince George Fire<br />
Department, gave his<br />
opinions about <strong>the</strong> causes<br />
of <strong>the</strong> fires, on English<br />
See page All<br />
Tolko gets full marks from <strong>the</strong><br />
Forest Practices Board.<br />
CHRISTMAS MAGIC:<br />
School concerts highlight<br />
See page AS<br />
young talents. See pages M8&A19<br />
HOT STREAK;<br />
The <strong>Quesnel</strong> Mills continue<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir winning ways by upset<br />
ting Vernon. See page A23
<strong>Quesnel</strong> Cariboo Observer<br />
ANY QUESNEL<br />
residents who want to<br />
give <strong>the</strong>ir input into<br />
proposed electoral<br />
boundary changes are<br />
going to have to travel to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fraser Inn Hotel in<br />
Williams Lake to be<br />
heard.<br />
Interviewed<br />
Wednesday, Electoral<br />
Boundaries Commission<br />
media liaison Norman<br />
Stowe said <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission will travel to<br />
Williams Lake on March<br />
16th for a two-hour<br />
public hearing into its<br />
recommended changes to<br />
<strong>the</strong> ridings of Cariboo<br />
North <strong>and</strong> Cariboo<br />
South. The doors will<br />
open at 1 p.m. <strong>and</strong> close<br />
at 3 p.m.<br />
He said <strong>the</strong> three<br />
commissioners, Joe<br />
Wood, Bob Patterson,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Ka<strong>the</strong>rine Hough,<br />
have no plans to travel to<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
The Boundaries<br />
Commission made<br />
recommendations two<br />
weeks ago which would<br />
see <strong>the</strong> riding of Cariboo<br />
North exp<strong>and</strong>ed to<br />
!^:
A4 Quesnef Cariboo Observer<br />
Government ponders FAS proposal<br />
By LEAH BLAIN<br />
Observer Reporter<br />
A CONFERENCE<br />
call late Thursday<br />
afternoon has Gary<br />
Winchester optimistic for<br />
<strong>the</strong> future of <strong>Quesnel</strong>'s<br />
proposed FAS/FAE clinic.<br />
The Ministry of<br />
Children <strong>and</strong> Families<br />
(MCF), <strong>the</strong> Ministry of<br />
Aboriginal Affairs <strong>and</strong><br />
Ministry of Health all<br />
showed interest in <strong>the</strong><br />
proposal.<br />
"They are all saying<br />
<strong>the</strong>y want to look at it in<br />
more detail. Nobody is<br />
saying it's a bad proposal.<br />
They are saying we need<br />
to put more meat on <strong>the</strong><br />
bones - flesh it out a bit<br />
so we know <strong>the</strong><br />
outcomes," said<br />
Winchester, <strong>the</strong><br />
community manager for<br />
MCF in <strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
Like any investors,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y want to know what<br />
kind of savings <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
expect for this<br />
investment. A 'meatier'<br />
proposal will give <strong>the</strong>m a<br />
better idea of this long<br />
term invescment. They're<br />
even talking about<br />
helping ro fund a study.<br />
"They're going to<br />
send a letter to <strong>the</strong><br />
committee discussing<br />
limited .funds to look at<br />
<strong>the</strong> proposal -, adding<br />
more to <strong>the</strong> p'roposal,"<br />
said Winchester.<br />
There are 13 loca!<br />
Theatre I<br />
Fri. Dec. 18th to<br />
Wed. Dec. 23rd<br />
7:00 & 9:15 pm<br />
Nightly<br />
Thur. Dec. 24th<br />
One Show at<br />
7:00 pm<br />
MATINEES<br />
Sat & Sun<br />
Dec. 19th & 20th<br />
3:00 pm<br />
Dolby Stereo<br />
PG<br />
Gaiy Winchester says it's a<br />
step in <strong>the</strong> right direction.<br />
agencies involved in <strong>the</strong><br />
proposed clinic, which<br />
will help families deal<br />
with <strong>the</strong> far reaching<br />
effects of FAS/FAE <strong>and</strong><br />
all <strong>the</strong> secondary<br />
disabilities that go along<br />
with it. The clinic would<br />
streamline services for<br />
clients: giving <strong>the</strong>m easier<br />
access to diagnostic<br />
assessment, treatment,<br />
monitoring, prevention<br />
<strong>and</strong> educational services.<br />
The 'secondary<br />
disabilities' that come<br />
along with <strong>the</strong> disease<br />
affects <strong>the</strong> social<br />
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www.carib<strong>the</strong>atres.com<br />
NOW PLAYING UNTILTHURSDAY<br />
You've Cot Mail. Kathleen Kelly (Ryan) runs a children's bookstore on New York's Upper West<br />
Side. Joe Fox (Hanks) is an executive for Foxbooks, a mega
Congratulations<br />
from <strong>the</strong> staff<br />
at<br />
Correlieu<br />
Secondary<br />
•GRADE 8<br />
PRINCIPALS<br />
ROLL<br />
j<br />
Erin Prdsk<br />
Jon Keith<br />
Daniei Riciiard<br />
Ryan LeBlanc<br />
Vicky Bains<br />
Jennifer Herricl<<br />
Blair Kopelsl
A8 <strong>Quesnel</strong> Cariboo Observer<br />
THE VOICE OF<br />
GOU) COUNTRY<br />
SINCE 1908<br />
OBSERVER<br />
PUBUSHER/<br />
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION<br />
AOVERTIStNG MANAGER CONSULTANTS MANAGER<br />
Pattie Paull<br />
Marilyn Allin, Pat Brown, Bev Weightman<br />
EOrrORIAU STAFF<br />
Nancy Chocol. Denise lybecU<br />
fteii Homer-Editor<br />
Trina BarrenVTelemarketer Prodgction Assistant<br />
Aoss Mitchell. Doyle Potenteau. AD DESIGNERS<br />
FRONT OFFICE<br />
Annie Gallant, Leah Blain, Tanya Matula<br />
Br<strong>and</strong>i !ertey, LaRee<br />
Debbie Marchewka Mariash, Karen Powell<br />
PUBLISHED AT 188 Carson Ave. <strong>Quesnel</strong>, B.C. V2J 2A8 992-2121<br />
ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1908. Reproduction ofeontents, ei<strong>the</strong>r tn whole or part are not<br />
pemutted without prior consent. Publications Mail Registration No. 0752. Member of<br />
BCVCNA • CCNA of Circulation British Columbia <strong>and</strong> Yulion Community Newspaper<br />
Association, Canadian Community Newspaper Assodation.<br />
Helen of Troy<br />
all over again?<br />
ONCE AGAIN, bombs are raining down<br />
on Iraq, <strong>and</strong> once again questions are being<br />
raised about <strong>the</strong> real motivation behind <strong>the</strong><br />
attack.<br />
The last time <strong>the</strong> worid found itself in this<br />
situation, whispers arose worldwide about<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong> U.S. aggression had more<br />
to do with Clinton's sex problems than with<br />
fighting state-sponsored terrorism. This time,<br />
<strong>the</strong> questions are no longer merely whispered.<br />
The timing of <strong>the</strong> attack, for some, seems<br />
just a little bit too obvious, with <strong>the</strong><br />
impeachment hearings set to begin mere days<br />
after <strong>the</strong> bombs began to fly. After all, <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. has traditionally closed ranks around a<br />
comm<strong>and</strong>er in chief when <strong>the</strong> troops are in<br />
<strong>the</strong> field, regardless of <strong>the</strong> merits of <strong>the</strong> war.<br />
If Helen of Troy had a face that could<br />
launch a thous<strong>and</strong>s ships, is it too much of a<br />
stretch that Monica Lewinsky could be <strong>the</strong><br />
real reason behind <strong>the</strong> launch of a few dozen<br />
cruise missiles?<br />
One phone call<br />
is all it takes<br />
So far, people in <strong>Quesnel</strong> want Cariboo<br />
North MLA John Wilson to vote 'no' to <strong>the</strong><br />
Nisga'a Agreement.<br />
In our informal unscientific poll, <strong>the</strong> nays<br />
are outnumbering <strong>the</strong> yeas. By 11:30 a.m. on<br />
Friday, 61 people called in to say <strong>the</strong>y wanted<br />
our local MLA to vote no <strong>and</strong> 13 want him<br />
to vote in favour of <strong>the</strong> treaty.<br />
If you would like to voice heard, call our<br />
office at 992-2121 before noon on Tuesday.<br />
Please remember our front office staff are as<br />
busy as Santa's elves this time of year so just<br />
give <strong>the</strong>m a quick "yes" or "no."<br />
Although we're making no claims on this<br />
being at all scientific, we would like it to<br />
reflect <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> Cariboo. So please<br />
call, but not more than once.<br />
Leah Blain<br />
m<br />
How should John Wilson vote<br />
mi<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Nisgti'a deal?<br />
nH^us at 992-2121<br />
ATAUEOF<br />
^ANK MEtT^ ^ANK<br />
PANK 6ET$ PANK<br />
^ANK iOV^<br />
BANK (iETS CU^TOKER<br />
IN THE ENl><br />
Sunday, December 26> "1998<br />
Sm StRMlCES:<br />
Yet ano<strong>the</strong>r Christmas Carol<br />
LJ<br />
JACK BLEILER<br />
I'VE GOT to admit I<br />
was feeling a little bit<br />
guilty after last week's<br />
column, in which I spelled<br />
out my reasons for<br />
dreading <strong>the</strong> Christmas<br />
season <strong>and</strong> yearned for<br />
more simple Yuletide<br />
celebrations of my<br />
childhood, back in<br />
Sc<strong>and</strong>inavia.<br />
I wrote many things<br />
of which I am deeply<br />
ashamed. I knew <strong>the</strong>re<br />
was more to <strong>the</strong> holiday<br />
than mindless, cynical<br />
consumerism, but I chose<br />
to present. a troubling<br />
picture of <strong>the</strong> Christmas<br />
season as nothing more<br />
than a convenient<br />
marketing opportunity for<br />
<strong>the</strong> bloodthirsty bastards<br />
who brought you Barbie's<br />
Colorado Ski Chalet with<br />
Actual working six-<br />
Person Hot Tub<br />
(everything sold<br />
separately)<br />
For my own sleazy,<br />
underh<strong>and</strong>ed purposes, I<br />
cheapened <strong>the</strong> holiday,<br />
<strong>and</strong> I trampled <strong>the</strong><br />
traditions that make<br />
Christmas such a joyous<br />
<strong>and</strong> hopeful time for so<br />
many.<br />
I would- pay dearly<br />
for my insolence, len<br />
times over! Nay, a<br />
hundred times over. Nay,<br />
a hundred hundred times<br />
over! Nay - well, you get<br />
<strong>the</strong> idea.<br />
Before <strong>the</strong> day was<br />
through, I would deeply<br />
regret my poor judgment,<br />
having brazenly soiled <strong>the</strong><br />
reputation of this fine<br />
holiday. Little did I know<br />
so many stood by to<br />
protect her virtue, to<br />
ensure that Christmas<br />
would suffer no such<br />
indignity at <strong>the</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s of a<br />
hack like me.<br />
After siibmitting my<br />
annual Bah, Humbug<br />
column to <strong>the</strong> newspaper,<br />
I returned to my residerice<br />
for a well-deserved rest. A<br />
job well done, I thought. I<br />
had filled my swollen<br />
coffers at <strong>the</strong> expense of a<br />
helpless holiday, <strong>and</strong> all<br />
those poor souls who still<br />
believed in its purity <strong>and</strong><br />
power. At this point, I<br />
allowed myself a short,<br />
mad-scientist-style, evil<br />
cackle.<br />
I had just settled back<br />
in my overstuffed Belugahide<br />
couch, with a<br />
generous snifter of<br />
Napoleon br<strong>and</strong>y I<br />
distinctly heard a low,<br />
painful moaning from <strong>the</strong><br />
library. L leapt up to<br />
investigate.<br />
Holding my br<strong>and</strong>y<br />
in front of me like a<br />
shield, I crept through <strong>the</strong><br />
study <strong>and</strong> advanced<br />
cautiously toward <strong>the</strong><br />
library door. The<br />
moaning stopped, as<br />
suddenly as it had begun.<br />
Quoth <strong>the</strong> Raven,<br />
"nevermore."<br />
Ga<strong>the</strong>ring all my<br />
courage, I launched my<br />
heavily-muscled six-foot<br />
frame through <strong>the</strong> door,<br />
crashing to <strong>the</strong> floor on<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side. I rolled<br />
quickly to my feet, <strong>and</strong><br />
adopted a martial arts<br />
'ready' stance, wielding<br />
my br<strong>and</strong>y menacingly.<br />
In front of me stood a<br />
wispy phantom, which<br />
appeared to be 70s super<br />
model Cheryl Tiegs.<br />
"I am <strong>the</strong> Ghost of<br />
Christmas past," said<br />
Cheryl, attired in a<br />
skimpy string bikini<br />
which struck me as nontraditional<br />
ghost-wear.<br />
"The wardrobe sucks.<br />
Everybody agreed I look<br />
better in this."<br />
Cheryl drank my<br />
br<strong>and</strong>y, took my h<strong>and</strong>,<br />
belched like a trucker,<br />
<strong>and</strong> led me on a<br />
traumatizing journey<br />
backward through time,<br />
to a college Christmas Eve<br />
party many years ago.<br />
, Cheryl explained that<br />
we were mere observers in<br />
this forgotten world. We<br />
would watch events<br />
unfold, but we were<br />
unable to participate.<br />
I was at that party.<br />
There was also,<br />
incidentally, a poster of<br />
Cheryl .on <strong>the</strong> wall,<br />
wearing <strong>the</strong> exact same<br />
bikini as her current<br />
e<strong>the</strong>real manifestation.<br />
"I thought that outfit<br />
looked familiar," I<br />
commented.<br />
"Quiet," comm<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
Cheryl. She pointed a<br />
bony finger at <strong>the</strong> party<br />
goers before us. "Watch."<br />
As I watched,<br />
College Jack reached into<br />
<strong>the</strong> fridge <strong>and</strong>, upon<br />
discovering that he had<br />
already consumed all his<br />
beers, took someone else's<br />
last beer.<br />
I grinned sheepishly<br />
at Cheryl <strong>and</strong> shrugged.<br />
Again she raised a finger,<br />
<strong>and</strong> I turned to watch.<br />
College Jack left <strong>the</strong><br />
room, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> owner of<br />
<strong>the</strong> beer came to <strong>the</strong><br />
fridge, only to find his last<br />
beer had been stolen. And<br />
on Christmas Eve, yet!<br />
He stamped around<br />
<strong>the</strong> kitchen a bit <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n<br />
stormed out to find a pub<br />
that sold off-sales.<br />
"Gosh, it was rough<br />
before <strong>the</strong>y had cold beer<br />
<strong>and</strong> wine stores, wasn't<br />
it?" I said, by way of<br />
attempting to generate<br />
some small talk.<br />
This time, Cheryl<br />
whacked me in <strong>the</strong> back<br />
of <strong>the</strong> head before<br />
pointing again in her<br />
ominous fashion at <strong>the</strong><br />
drama unfolding in front<br />
pf us.<br />
TO BE CONTINUED<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong> Cariboo Observer<br />
The message is simple:<br />
seat belts do save lives<br />
Editor:<br />
On Tuesday,<br />
November 24th while<br />
driving to Vancouver<br />
from my home in<br />
Mackenzie, I hit some ice<br />
on <strong>the</strong> road about 30<br />
kilometres south of<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
The initial little slip<br />
on <strong>the</strong> ice was followed<br />
by a swerve into <strong>the</strong><br />
opposite lane.<br />
"Oh God, please<br />
don't hit <strong>the</strong> rock wall!"<br />
Then <strong>the</strong> swerve back into<br />
my own lane. "Oh god,<br />
please don't go over <strong>the</strong><br />
bank!"<br />
However, that was<br />
not <strong>the</strong> case. My threequarter-ton<br />
Ford truck<br />
left <strong>the</strong> road at an angle,<br />
causing it to roll onto <strong>the</strong><br />
roof.<br />
"Oh God! Oh God!"<br />
I could see <strong>and</strong> hear <strong>the</strong><br />
branches of shrubs<br />
breaking <strong>and</strong> brushing<br />
against <strong>the</strong> driver's<br />
window. The truck, rolled<br />
some 360 degrees <strong>and</strong><br />
finally made a front<br />
impact, which released<br />
<strong>the</strong> air bag.<br />
"Oh God, please, I<br />
don't want to die!"<br />
I could hear glass<br />
breaking, trees being<br />
knocked down <strong>and</strong> I was<br />
jostled around while held<br />
tightly in my seat by my<br />
belt.<br />
The truck rolled<br />
again <strong>and</strong> I could feel my<br />
right cheek sHding on <strong>the</strong><br />
snow out <strong>the</strong> driver's side<br />
window. When <strong>the</strong> truck<br />
finally came to rest<br />
against a rancher's fence,<br />
some 240 feet below <strong>the</strong><br />
road, my head was<br />
trapped between <strong>the</strong> cab<br />
of <strong>the</strong> truck <strong>and</strong> a log.<br />
My first thought was<br />
that I could move my legs,<br />
<strong>and</strong> although my right<br />
arm was pinned under my<br />
chest, I could move^my<br />
fingers. I thought my jaw<br />
was possibly broken, as it<br />
felt displaced.<br />
Suspended upsidedown<br />
by my seat belt, I<br />
was trapped.<br />
I began screaming for<br />
help, thinking that I had<br />
fallen so far that if<br />
nobody heard me I would<br />
never be found.<br />
Too many people<br />
feel that seat<br />
belts are<br />
inconvenient or<br />
think that <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
careful <strong>and</strong> will<br />
never get into<br />
an accident.<br />
Well, I was driving<br />
cautiously <strong>and</strong> in<br />
less than five<br />
seconds, my truck<br />
skidded <strong>and</strong> went<br />
off <strong>the</strong> road.<br />
A man driving up <strong>the</strong><br />
highway saw <strong>the</strong> skid<br />
marks <strong>and</strong> thought <strong>the</strong>y<br />
looked fresh, so he<br />
stopped. I remember him<br />
saying, "Where are you.'"<br />
My truck had travelled so<br />
far he couldn't see it from<br />
<strong>the</strong> road.<br />
"I'm down at <strong>the</strong><br />
bottom," I said.-<br />
With cell phone in<br />
h<strong>and</strong>, he came down. It<br />
was all but a miracle that<br />
we were in an area where<br />
<strong>the</strong> cell phone worked.<br />
<strong>and</strong> he called emergency<br />
vehicles.<br />
I could hear a woman<br />
asking if he needed<br />
blankets. I had l<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
about 200 yards away<br />
from a ranch <strong>and</strong> a<br />
•woman heard my<br />
screaming <strong>and</strong> came to<br />
help. Soon <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
more voices talking about<br />
how emergency vehicles<br />
wouldn't be able to get<br />
close to <strong>the</strong> scene <strong>and</strong>, as I<br />
learned afterwards, <strong>the</strong><br />
rancher got into his<br />
tractor <strong>and</strong> plowed a road<br />
for help to reach me.<br />
Soon, ambulance <strong>and</strong><br />
rescue workers were on<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene <strong>and</strong>, after being<br />
trapped for an hour, I was<br />
freed from <strong>the</strong> truck <strong>and</strong><br />
taken to G.R. Baker<br />
Hospital in <strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
My jaw was broken<br />
in three places, but not<br />
displaced, so my mouth<br />
is wired shut for six<br />
weeks. My right cheek<br />
had a large hole in it,<br />
which was cleaned <strong>and</strong><br />
stitched, <strong>and</strong> I have lost<br />
considerable use of my<br />
left arm from <strong>the</strong> pressure<br />
of <strong>the</strong> seat belt. The<br />
doctors say that, in time, I<br />
should regain full use of<br />
<strong>the</strong> arm.<br />
I am alive <strong>and</strong> I am<br />
certain that my seat belt<br />
was <strong>the</strong> most important<br />
factor in that result.<br />
Too many people feel<br />
that seat belts are<br />
inconvenient or think that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are careful <strong>and</strong> will<br />
never get into an accident.<br />
Well, I was driving<br />
cautiously <strong>and</strong> in less than<br />
five seconds, my truck<br />
skidded <strong>and</strong> went off <strong>the</strong><br />
road.<br />
My message: Seat<br />
belts do save lives!<br />
Bette Bishop<br />
Mackenzie<br />
Thanks for buying poppies<br />
Editor:<br />
The Royal Canadian<br />
Cariboo Branch 94 would<br />
like to thank everyone for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir kind contributions<br />
during our Poppy<br />
Campaign.<br />
Your donations have<br />
been used for:<br />
1) Assistance to needy<br />
veterans <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dependents.<br />
2) Care facility<br />
donations for <strong>the</strong> elderly<br />
or disabled.<br />
3) Local; hospital<br />
donations for medical<br />
appliances.<br />
4) Schooi Poster<br />
contest related to<br />
Remembrance Day.<br />
5) Cost of poppies,<br />
wreaths, supplies <strong>and</strong><br />
advertising.<br />
We wish you all a<br />
Merry Christmas <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
very best in <strong>the</strong> New<br />
Year.<br />
Una Tracy,<br />
Legion manager ~<br />
& <strong>the</strong> L^on Execipdve<br />
\^k'is?dO o''/'"r;Fv'> i.;^vi,_j
A'lt),<strong>Quesnel</strong> Cariboo Observer<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong> Tllllcunn<br />
Society Friendship<br />
Centre.<br />
Make this hoHday<br />
season safe. Don't<br />
Drink & Drive.<br />
992-8347<br />
319 N. Fraser Dr.<br />
.WEST.CENTRAL<br />
135 Keis Ave. <strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
992-9205<br />
Fax 992-295.5<br />
Adjacent to Rempel<br />
Sales on Two Mile Flat<br />
SLOCAN<br />
GROUP<br />
Proud to be a part<br />
of our community<br />
P r o u d l y<br />
s i i p p o r t i n g<br />
p u r<br />
c o m i a u n i t y<br />
MERCURY<br />
CARIBOO FORD<br />
i Pine Tree<br />
a division of<br />
Anchor<br />
Proud to be a part of<br />
our community<br />
^ @Husqvarna^<br />
FORESTS. GARDEN<br />
3 mile flat, Hwy 97N<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
PAVING OUESNEL. B.C.<br />
HovQ a Safe &<br />
Happy Holiday<br />
Season.<br />
992-9033<br />
CP<br />
Cariboo<br />
PULP & PAPER<br />
North star Road<br />
992-0200<br />
Proud to be a<br />
community sponsor<br />
lass<br />
[.ocallv owned <strong>and</strong> operated<br />
Supporting Our<br />
Community<br />
253 Legion Drive<br />
(Across from Joe's Produce)<br />
992-3826<br />
C&C Wood<br />
Products Ltd.<br />
Proud to sponsor<br />
our community<br />
ARGO<br />
/ ROAD MAINTENANCE INC<br />
Conunitted to<br />
providing excellent<br />
Highway <strong>and</strong> Bridge<br />
Maintenance<br />
992-8809<br />
minute<br />
mffler<br />
437 Legion Dr.,<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong><br />
...whicli would you i e to ride liome in after tie party?<br />
T Approximately 30 per cent of B.C. road fatalities are alcohol related. In 1997,<br />
114 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on B.C. roads.<br />
• More than 65 per cent of alcohol-related fatal collisions occur on <strong>the</strong> weekend.<br />
T If you drink more than your limit, <strong>the</strong>re is no quick fix. Black coffee? Walks?<br />
A quick nap? They are all myths. Nothing will sober you up but time.<br />
• If you plan to drink during this holiday season, don't take any chances.<br />
Have a plan for a safe ride home. Call a taxi, arrange for a designated driver<br />
or call a friend or family member for a ride.<br />
T Impaired driving crashes account for more than $270 million in ICBC claims<br />
each year.<br />
Total Alcohol<br />
Collisions Related<br />
STATS FOR QUESNEL -1997<br />
Fatalities Injuries DUI 24 hr.<br />
Charges Prohibitions<br />
^sMz DRINKING DRIVING COUNTERATTACK<br />
BeA<br />
Designated<br />
Driver<br />
333 Reid Street<br />
Quesnei, 992-6611<br />
Hours<br />
Checked<br />
# of<br />
Vehicles<br />
8 16 99 2,350 30<br />
HEALTH<br />
PRODUC^<br />
9.<br />
# of<br />
ASD Tests<br />
BC. S - JASS. :i<br />
IIOAII CHECKSS<br />
Where your health is <strong>the</strong><br />
only wealth that matters.<br />
The finest in Vilamins.<br />
Supplements & Natural Foods.'<br />
378 Kinchant St.<br />
991-0298<br />
TAYLOR<br />
AUTOIVIOTIVE<br />
SUPPLIES<br />
44^ L^^idii 0r.<br />
Sunday, December 20, 1998<br />
PHARMASAVE<br />
community<br />
WES^ HfiLL<br />
PHARMASAVE<br />
R.R. #8 Box 3, Salton Rd.<br />
Ouesnel, B.C. V2J 5E6<br />
Ph: (250)992-6782<br />
Fax: (250)992-1067<br />
email: mills®goldcity/net<br />
Proud to be Involved In<br />
our community.<br />
Proud to<br />
sponsor<br />
<strong>the</strong> community<br />
450 Johnston Avenue<br />
992-2155<br />
I<br />
Overwaitea<br />
it.<br />
4><br />
•C.T.<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong> & <strong>District</strong><br />
Teachers Association<br />
Proud to support <strong>the</strong> children<br />
& families of our community<br />
Office phone 992-3737<br />
PETROCANADA®<br />
Lubricants<br />
BOB GRAHAM<br />
LIMITED<br />
Fuel <strong>and</strong> Lubricant Distributors<br />
1261 Smith Ave.<br />
Bob Gralnam Agent<br />
992-6600 Fax 992-3258<br />
WESTPmK<br />
M^LL<br />
Wishes you a safe<br />
& happy holiday<br />
season.<br />
IFYOU DRINK<br />
PLEASE DON'T<br />
DRIVE:<br />
DESIGNATEA<br />
DRIVER.<br />
Qijesnel Cariboo Observer Sunday, Decennber 20,1998'All<br />
as arson<br />
From front<br />
Avenue, Lewis Drive, <strong>and</strong><br />
Hartley Street. ^ ^<br />
All, he concluded,<br />
were deliberately set;<br />
On Thursday, former<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong> Volunteer Fire<br />
Department assistant<br />
chief Don Bardonnex<br />
testified that he was <strong>the</strong><br />
first fire fighter on <strong>the</strong><br />
scene at all four blazes.<br />
He described how he<br />
arrived at 251 English<br />
Avenue at 11:33 p.m. on<br />
June 29th to find cabin<br />
number five to have heavy<br />
smoke roiling out of it.<br />
He said it took about one<br />
minute to knock <strong>the</strong> fire<br />
down <strong>and</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r 25<br />
minutes to completely<br />
extinguish it.<br />
. He was called out<br />
again at 2:07 a.m., once<br />
again to 251 English<br />
Avenue, this time finding<br />
cabin 19 completely<br />
engulfed in flames.<br />
"Flames were coming<br />
out <strong>the</strong> front, <strong>the</strong> side<br />
windows, <strong>the</strong> kitchen <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> porch," he said. "It<br />
was completely involved."<br />
It took fire fighters<br />
about 20 minutes to<br />
extinguish this fire.<br />
At 2:53 a.m., he was<br />
called to a house on<br />
Hartley Street, where he<br />
found a fire on <strong>the</strong> right<br />
h<strong>and</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> exterior,<br />
around what was left of a<br />
gas meter. The siding was<br />
on fire <strong>and</strong> it took fire<br />
fighters about two<br />
minutes to extinguish it.<br />
At 3:59 that morning,<br />
he received a call of a fire<br />
at 451 Lewis Drive. He<br />
arrived mere minutes later<br />
^uBuinv?<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
QUESNEL - CARIOOO<br />
OBSERVER<br />
Congratulate<br />
Maple Drive student<br />
Eldon<br />
Wheeler<br />
Cst. Paul Collister testifies<br />
about hunt for <strong>the</strong> two<br />
suspected arsonists.<br />
to find <strong>the</strong> back door<br />
open <strong>and</strong> smoke coming<br />
out. Indoors, <strong>the</strong> kitchen<br />
counter area was ablaze,<br />
as was a car tire propped<br />
up against <strong>the</strong> counter.<br />
This fire, also was quickly<br />
extinguished.<br />
Finally, at 4:18 a.m.,<br />
Bardonnex received a call<br />
that someone was actually<br />
in <strong>the</strong> process of lighting a<br />
fire at 878 Abbott.<br />
"I ran around <strong>the</strong><br />
back of <strong>the</strong> building <strong>and</strong><br />
someone was <strong>the</strong>re with a<br />
garden hose <strong>and</strong> had it<br />
pretty much<br />
extinguished," he said.<br />
Swanson <strong>the</strong>n called<br />
RCMP Constable Paul<br />
Collister to <strong>the</strong> st<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Collister testified that<br />
he received a call at home<br />
at 3:30 a.m. on June 30th<br />
<strong>and</strong>, aftfer picking up his<br />
sidearrri at <strong>the</strong> police<br />
station, drove in an<br />
unmarked car to West<br />
<strong>Quesnel</strong>.<br />
He first drove to <strong>the</strong><br />
Abbott Drive <strong>and</strong> Beath<br />
area, he said, as he<br />
believed <strong>the</strong> two suspects<br />
may have been in <strong>the</strong><br />
area. He <strong>the</strong>n met up with<br />
Constable Blair Fuhrman<br />
<strong>and</strong> proceeded - to an<br />
apartment building on<br />
Lark Avenue, where he<br />
said he hoped Nicholson<br />
<strong>and</strong> W<strong>and</strong> might go to<br />
seek a ride. Similarly, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
went to a residence ar<br />
Abbott <strong>and</strong> Allard, where<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r known associate<br />
of Nicholson lived.<br />
Collister related how,<br />
as he waited across an<br />
open field from <strong>the</strong><br />
residence, he heard a<br />
shout <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n saw an<br />
orange flash behind <strong>the</strong><br />
building.<br />
"It looked like flames<br />
flaring up <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n back<br />
down again," he testified.<br />
"It looked to be about<br />
five or six feet high."<br />
He said <strong>the</strong> voice<br />
yelled again, <strong>and</strong> he <strong>the</strong>n<br />
heard something large<br />
crashing through <strong>the</strong><br />
wooded area near <strong>the</strong><br />
house.<br />
"It was breaking<br />
Scm.'t Get (2au^...<br />
(huMU- <strong>the</strong>. uwAdi,!)<br />
Ofie.1998 ehudmoA<br />
9" OA tjXMJiA e/xJtAa cjo^pJueA c x M<br />
992-2121.<br />
QUESNEL • CARIBOO<br />
two<br />
branches, pushing its way<br />
through <strong>the</strong> bush," he<br />
said. "It was quite<br />
obvious, quite loud."<br />
I„m m e d i a t e 1 y<br />
<strong>the</strong>reafter, he said he saw<br />
two men emerge from <strong>the</strong><br />
treed area, about 80<br />
metres from his position.<br />
They strode purposefully<br />
across <strong>the</strong> field, he said,<br />
towards a dirt track that<br />
leads to <strong>the</strong> top of Allison<br />
Avenue.<br />
Collister said he<br />
crouched, drew his<br />
sidearm <strong>and</strong>, followed<br />
closely by Cst. Fuhrman,<br />
jogged after <strong>the</strong> two men,<br />
whom, he recognized to be<br />
Rocky Nicholson <strong>and</strong> Ian<br />
W<strong>and</strong>.<br />
He said he yelled at<br />
<strong>the</strong> two suspects to stop,<br />
that he was a police<br />
officer, <strong>and</strong> he pointed his<br />
sidearm at Nicholson.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> two men<br />
failed to immediately<br />
stop, a warning shot was<br />
fired.<br />
With both men<br />
eventually face-down on<br />
<strong>the</strong> ground, Collister said<br />
Nicholson turned his head<br />
to look at him <strong>and</strong> said,<br />
"You've got everyone<br />
uttering death threats at<br />
us, what do you expect us<br />
to do?"<br />
ProceediiTgs were<br />
adjourned Friday until<br />
January 4th.<br />
-9<br />
1%<br />
ATTENTION<br />
All Shoppers Drug Mart<br />
customers;<br />
OUR FLYER SALE PRICES<br />
. START TUESDAY!!<br />
DRUG IVIART<br />
HOURS: Mon - Fri 8:30-9, Sat 9-6, Sun10-6<br />
225 St. Laurent Avenue, <strong>Quesnel</strong> 992-2214<br />
C h r i s t m a s<br />
Gift<br />
Ideas<br />
'®°L=^ Open Dpen Sunday<br />
11:00 to4:00t<br />
PHILIPS $<br />
12 Cup<br />
Coffeemaker<br />
*auto dhp stop<br />
'available in black or white<br />
^29''PHILIPS<br />
PHILIPS<br />
Food Processor<br />
•slices, grates, mixes, purees<br />
•chops <strong>and</strong> blends<br />
T^HILIPS<br />
H<strong>and</strong>mixer<br />
*5 speed<br />
•power boost<br />
22 99<br />
Wafflemaker<br />
"extra thick 1" waffles<br />
*non-stick coating<br />
» « 0 » « « 9 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ®<br />
: H A R K I N S I<br />
349 Reid Street Phone 992-2401 ,v fi.