Week 49 – December 4
Stinky classroom alarms parents
Reports of potential mould in a classroom at 100 Mile House Elementary School led to investigations by School District #27 in early December 2013.
After hearing alleged reports of students wearing coats and hats in a classroom where windows were wide open, investigations found no mould, but confirmed a bad smell emanating from somewhere. Three heater ventilator units in the classroom were identified as potentially odorous, and were cleaned.
Recycling contract awarded
The Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House jointly awarded a contract to Central Cariboo Disposal on Nov. 28, 2013.
It will see the company pick up curbside garbage and recyclables at 108 Mile Ranch and 100 Mile House beginning May 2014.
The bid for which recycler will bale the tins, plastic, cardboard and paper was still up in the air, as that contract will be awarded by Multi Material BC.
Week 50 – December 11
Shopping spree winner spirited
Ginny Grant raced around Save-On-Foods early on Dec. 7 while throwing as many items as possible into a series of strategically placed shopping carts.
Cheered on by several South Cariboo Lioness Club members and staff, the local senior amazed everyone with her stamina and determination in her effort to gain up to $500 worth of free food, including $100 in meat value. Grant had won the five-minute shopping spree in the Lioness Club’s raffle.
Week 51 – December 18
Prosperity mine supporters rally
South Cariboo businessmen Len Doucette, Allan Roberts and Nick Christianson attended a Vancouver rally for New Prosperity Mine project on Dec. 10.
They joined business, political and mining association leaders and stakeholders to voice support for the mine.
B.C. Mines and Energy Minister Bill Bennett discussed the project with federal cabinet ministers on Dec. 12 before they, and Canada's minister of environment, decide whether to approve it to move into permitting stages.
Door-to-door delivery axed
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said Canada Post's plan to terminate home mail delivery within the next five years was necessary due to ongoing losses at Canada Post.
Urban neighbourhoods will join rural residents in picking up mail at community mailboxes. She noted most people in her riding didn't want increased taxes to subsidize this service.
The cost of a single stamp will also be hiked from $0.63 to $1 ($.85 each in a pack) as of March 31, 2014.
Week 52 – December 25
Land commission review
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) took action to fend off potential ramifications of the province's core review of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).
CRD chair Al Richmond said it would ask for further consultation on any proposed changes. The directors were concerned the core review could result in an arbitrary decision to protect infertile lands for agricultural purposes on a percentage basis, at the expense of land with better soil and climates.