THE Underground PRESS

Volume 4, Issue 5 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA May, 1999 CHALLENGE PUT TO TRUSTEES DISTRICT MAKES DIFFICULT CUTS TO BALANCE BUDGET STAFF Curriculum Coordinator, technology outcomes on report cards, Clarence Fisher has and allowing teachers in-house release STAFF In an undated press release, the School District of challenged the local school board to time, need to be priorities if we want Snow Lake, last week, announced approval of grasp technology and run with it into the schools’ students to be competitive their 99/00 preliminary budget. The budget represents an the new millenium. in a changing economy.); 3.) Implement increase of $5871 over last year’s preliminary budget, but a During his bi-monthly reporting new reporting procedures. (He states $114,000 reduction from their revised fall of ‘98 budget. session, at their April 16th board standardized report cards that are In the spring of each year the board approves a budget meeting, Fisher noted the strong gains designed to reflect integrated units, based on estimated student enrollment and staffing the district has made towards technology, and outcomes based requirements; then in the fall when figures are known, it is implementing a vision of what the J.H. curricula are desperately needed. As revised if necessary. This year’s estimated enrollment is Kerr School is to become, as well as the well, he feels the school division should 268.5, while last year’s was 284.5. purpose they wish it to serve in the investigate ways to report to the District Sec/Treas., Arnold Assoignon, explained the community. “The school that we are community as a whole. He suggests that circumstances that caused the ‘98 budget to balloon to what attempting to become is a place where annual reports that contain standardized it was. “This happened through the re-budgeting process in kids will learn the skills, abilities and testing results, school goals, and September, and (included) various things as they came up habits they will require in an successes should be seriously through the year.” Assoignon says that the further information-based, technological investigated.); 4.) Open lines of expenditure of $101,000 was due to increased staff levels. society. This means updated course communication. ( Fisher recommends “There is probably an assumption of what staff levels are offerings, better communication with the board establish a non-union going to be, but as time goes on they hired more and parents and the public, reorganization committee of teachers, maintenance increased staff levels,” said Assoignon. of learning time, higher level thinking staff, educational assistants, Almost all areas of the preliminary budget have seen an skills and focusing on academics,” said administration, and board members increase, other than the exceptional (down $88,075), the educator. which will meet regularly to discuss instructional and pupil support services (down $16,820), and That point made, Fisher explained upcoming events, concerns, needs, operations and maintenance (down $14,245) functions of the that during the course of this past year etc.); 5.) Grant teachers in-house document. Most of these cuts are reflected in staff position he had noted himself, or had others sabbaticals and P.D. time. (“We have a and hour reductions. point out to him, areas of concern that great amount of expertise in our school USWA #8262 President, Sharon Stubbs, says over two need to be addressed in order to bring which is just beginning to be capitalized thirds of their 13 members are affected by the cuts. “They the district vision to fruition. “These upon. Teachers do not always require (SEE BUDGET on page 6) recommendations for the 99/00 school out-of-town inservicing. They should year are based upon the idea that we are be able to submit a proposal for moving in a specific direction, and learning a new skill, teaching technique, MOVIES RETURN continuing in that direction is a main conducting research, etc. and they priority for the school board,” said should be granted time to do so. Sub TO HALL’S BIG SCREEN Fisher. costs can be covered and the teacher Do you remember the smell of fresh popcorn His recommendations for should be expected to submit a report, STAFF wafting through the Community Hall? Remember implementation in the fall term are: 1) put on a demonstration, etc., to show how the only guy in the theater wearing a hat used to sit right Make academics, and the academic their time was well spent,” said in front of you? How about how nice it was to see a first run success of all students, a priority. Fisher.); 6.) Cancel school bells at movie, on the big screen, right here in Snow Lake? Or those (Fisher feels a student’s success, after 9:40, 11:05, 1:00, 1:40, and 3:05. old wooden chairs that would tear your pantyhose and leave they leave our system, depends a great (Fisher explained that with self- slivers in your bum? deal upon the success they had while in contained classrooms and 80 minute Well the chairs have changed, and that head in front of you it. In light of this, he says, funding, periods, bells are nothing but a has changed also (only the hat is still there). But the smell of staffing and class sizes should be distraction. “They reflect the model of popcorn and the first run movies are back, and with them a evaluated in relation to how it will help school as a factory, and they interrupt multitude of people who enjoy a night out watching a flick. students to become academically extended times for learning.”); 7.) “We had over 100 people out for the first movie we successful.); 2.) Make acquiring Assign new teachers on staff mentors showed,” says Recreation Director, Leanne Mihalicz. She technology for the school, and teaching who will help clarify routines, adds that attendance was slightly lower for the second show, information skills to the students a standards, rules, etc. (Fisher relates that but she expects it to pick-up each time a movie is shown. priority. (Fisher says this is one of the new teachers on staff are often left Mihalicz pursued powering up Snow Lake’s theater after cornerstones of Challenge 2000. He trying to find things out on their own. talking with a peer in Leaf Rapids, where they recently feels increasing the numbers of Not only photocopy codes, booking reopened their theater. While in conversation with her computers, upgrading computers, TV’s etc., but also information on cohort, she found out that Leaf wasn’t relying on the old, big having a permanent technology school rules, policies, routines, and (SEE MOVIES on page 6) coordinator on staff, including (SEE CHALLENGE on page 2) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS May, 1999

E D IT O R IA L We’ve all heard of, or noticed the people in our fair community, who when walking their dog allow it to defecate on the sidewalk, street, or sn’t it amazing how money makes the world go around? How another person’s property. Then there are those who allow their dogs to so many things aren’t politically achievable unless, or until roam. These dogs, of course, defecate on the sidewalk, street or another some company, business, or bank can make money from them? Up person’s property, without being led there by their owners. Hey... dogs until that point such causes get political lip service, but very little ain’t stupid! (Given a choice they won’t crap where they sleep!) Some money thrown at them, unless backs are to the wall and it’s necessary, dog owners, on the other hand... or they gain the ability to generate more cash than what’s put into them. I’m of the opinion that the town needs a ‘Stoop and Scoop’ (your The same day that members of the North American Free Trade dog’s poop) by-law. And, of course, someone to enforce it. Hmmm... Association (NFTA) were in Mexico discussing an ‘open sky’ policy maybe a dogcatcher! Check out dog owners in any city. They all carry for our airline industry, two other stories were also in the news. One of plastic bags in their pockets for exactly this purpose. It isn’t a very these stories lamented the fact that the Larsen B and Willkens Ice glamorous thing to have to do... pick up your dog’s crap; but, then Shelves, on the Antarctic Peninsula, lost nearly 2,848 square kilometers again, neither is stepping in it! of area in the last year. The other revealed that the Amazon rain forest is being destroyed twice as fast as was previously believed (44,000 sq. km. last year). Consider the results of ignoring all three, then try and make sense of the fact that the ‘open skies’ policy with Mexico will likely see the most political will (and of course... money) thrown at it. The (CHALLENGE from page 1) government will pursue it because it’s good for business. The other classroom expectations. Mentor teams should be expected to meet two will get lip service, because even though they will eventually cause regularly and also meet with administration occasionally to discuss wide spread catastrophe, there’s no money to be made on them at this their progress.); 8.) Investigate and offer high school courses that stress point. skills and abilities that are needed in the digital economy. (He says that The first major rumblings about what we now know as the Y2K bug times have changed and so have the needs of our students. “I believe were heard over 20 years ago, but were ignored. Companies actually that we need to be constantly discussing our course offerings. We need continued to make computers that only recognized the year in two courses such as desk-top publishing, multimedia, animation, basic figures, even after they grew cognizant of the chaos it would eventually computer programming, web publishing, etc., that allow students to cause. This year, 1999, they are all racing to fix a problem they could gain skills they will require for the future. We must establish a focus,” have eliminated years ago. Why? Because years ago it would have he said); 9.) Write a long-term plan for each section of the school, that cost them hundreds of millions to address it... and today it will cost serves as a blueprint for where we want to be in three and five years them trillions if they don’t. from now. (He recommends that the district have someone responsible Ignoring what is going on in Antarctica and Brazil will save for overseeing this plan and have them constantly investigate and governments and companies billions today, but 20 years down the road discuss changes/possibilities that we need to examine more seriously.); will it have all been worth it? The cure for cancer, or for AIDS, could 10.) Establish self-contained classrooms (all, or most, subjects taught in go up in smoke with the next acre that’s burnt in the Amazon. Sea one room) at the grade seven/eight level. (Fisher states, students at this levels will rise with every ice field that melts in Antarctica. We could age are still quite young and require time to form a significant soon see the day where coastal cities like Vancouver and Halifax are connection with the adults around them. Expectations that vary from claimed by the oceans. With the loss of rainforest in the Amazon, we class to class and the constant shifting of rooms is to the academic also lose a massive carbon sink. The forest slows the impact green detriment of these students. As well, the success of the Challenge 2000 house gases have on our atmosphere, but there is more money to be program depends upon self-contained classrooms.); 11.) Cancel exams made in cutting it, burning it and letting cattle graze where trees once for grades seven and eight. (The coordinator feels that designing grew. It might also be added that these cattle further escalate the coherent, appropriate exams would be difficult with integrated themes problem with the ‘back-end gas’ they let off. being taught. He feels they are not needed for high school practice, and Why, when governments and companies know all this, do they still they are not motivating for students.) allow it to happen? Simple, it would cost hundreds of billions of After Fisher finished his presentation, he opened the floor to dollars to address the problem. And right now, at least in the case of (SEE CHALLENGE on page 3) the Amazon, there are too many people making money turning it into cattle pasture. As long as this is the case they will continue to operate on the principle, “Why do today, what you can put off until tomorrow?” Trust the computer industry to shorten the ‘Year Personally, I’m of the opinion that if something isn’t done 2000’ to ‘Y2K’. It was this kind of thinking that immediately... well... there eventually won’t be enough money to make caused the problem in the first place. ~ anonymous the world go around! ~**~ KUDOS to: THE Underground PRESS ~ The Brownies and their leaders, for cleaning up the area around is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in their meeting place. It’s great to see their respect for the environment, Snow Lake, Manitoba. but as one person mentioned to me “it’s too bad that they have to clean EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson it up, when in all likelihood it wasn’t any of them that made the mess.” Supported by many local contributors. ~ The Town of Snow Lake for that great new dock on the access ***Real News, Relevant Views*** road. I’m sure it will be put to the test this summer. At least the way I ***Everything You Have a Right to Know*** drive a boat, it will! Look out! Correspondence: Box 492, Snow Lake, MB, R0B 1M0 ~ The trustees of the School District of Snow Lake # 2309, for seeing Phone: (204)358-2887 the benefit that technology offers to the students of our school and email: [email protected] acting upon it in an aggressive way. Their bold moves now will pay http://www.mts.net/~mjackson off with future graduates who will be ready for the real world. ~**~ May, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

THE EAR OF GOVERNMENT A QUESTION OF HEALTH by: Lola Leclair Questions From Concerned Snow

Please note that any information read in this column should not I had a number questions from locals for both the Town and the take precedence over the advice of your own Medical Doctor. School District. Superintendent Tony Griffiths was kind enough to How does the health of Snow Lakers measure up in regards to answer those for the District. Town Administrator, Chuck Dunning, blood pressure, pulse, and blood sugar? This is among many of the answered the four questions for the town. These questions and answers questions answered by those who attended our recent health fair on are featured below, starting with the questions for the district. April 15th at the community hall. There was a lot of good information Why are un-qualified substitute teachers used in the school when the available; unfortunately, it wasn’t too well attended. It was great to see district could move an Educational Assistant into the classroom, then those that did come out and participate. A Health Fair is ideal for hire someone to replace them? Griffiths said most EA’s are assigned to people who don't always wish to make an appointment at the clinic just a certain teacher and if they were used as replacements, then two people to have their vital signs checked. would be displaced. He says that they always do their utmost to find a So here are some statistics I gathered. For the four hours we were qualified sub, but sometimes it’s just not possible. there, we saw seven adult males, 25 adult females; three teen females, Why are people hired to drive kids on sports trips, and when it comes two female children, and three male children. For the adults, the to an educational trip, such as enrichment, parents are expected to average B.P. of the men was 151/85. The females was slightly lower at drive? Griffiths says that no one has been hired to drive for sports trips 128/80. The pulse or heart rate was almost the same for both sexes, since the Christmas break. He says it’s left up to the coach to find with 7~ beats per minute for the men and 75 bpm. for the women. The someone to drive, and if they want to drive, they do. Griffiths added average p.p. for the children was 96/66 and for the teens 108/78. Of that no educational trip would be scrapped because of a lack of drivers. course, all these figures mean nothing unless you know the normal If worse came to worst, he would drive the bus. values. The ideal, or normal, B.P. for adults is 120/80, with a pulse This one was answered by Sec./Treas. Arnold Assoignon: Why is so ranging from 70-90. For children over five years old, it's around 95/62 much of your meeting’s time taken up by in-camera? Assoignon and for teens it is slightly lower than adults. According to our local explained that the district didn’t hold any special meetings for this physician Dr. N. F. Macleod "If you have an abnormal B.P. higher year’s budget. They did it all in-camera. He adds, “which isn’t than 140/90, you should be seen by your physician for further normally the case.” investigation.” High blood pressure is known as the "silent killer" since The questions for the town were: Is the town aware of the large holes, it often has no signs or symptoms and may continue until organ damage almost like pits, to the right of the pipeline path as you walk towards the has been established. subdivision? If so, have they considered filling them in (this person was In testing blood sugar levels, I found the men higher at 7.1 mmol/L/ concerned about a small child playing around them, falling into one of L and females at 5.2 mmol/L/L. The normal range using our them, and drowning)? Dunning says the "Pits" alongside path have glucometer is 4.7 - 7.2. It's important to note that many of the results been photographed and referred to the proper committee. The next depend on when you've last eaten. If, for example, you've eaten within question was: What is the dog catcher situation in Snow Lake right one hour before testing, a reading of less than 10 mmol/L/L is now? The Administrator said the dogcatcher situation has not changed, acceptable. It’s better to do this test on an empty stomach for a more adding, periodically someone asks what the job entails, then decides accurate picture. against applying for it. The next question was: Why hasn't the town If you have any comments, or suggestions, on what other types of clean-up been advertised yet? Why isn't it advertised in January each things we could do at our health fair, let me know. I did have a scale for year? Dunning says the clean-up will be advertised, "unusually early those who wished to get weighed, but this was more scary for some this year." The town has offered $3.00 per bag to any group interested, than getting their finger poked for a blood test! and will provide and pick up the filled bags. He adds, some groups If you have any questions about your health or health tips to share, have done some of the town as civic participation the last couple of give me a call and I will try to find you an answer. Please phone 358- years. The last question is mine: What are we supposed to do with our 2703, or write to Box 8, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 hazardous waste, once we have no storage capacity left for it? Dunning says that he is finding out from the province, or company in charge, if they are coming north, what the possible dates are, and what the costs will be. (CHALLENGE from page 2) Thanks to the district and town for answering our reader's questions. questions. It appeared the board agreed with the majority of his Remember, if you have a question you want asked of the Federal MP, recommendations, but they did question a few. Trustee Kutchaw said Provincial MLA, Local School Board, or Town Council, contact me by she felt the seventh recommendation (the one in which new teachers phone, e-mail, mail, or in person. Names are not used unless those would be assigned a staff mentor) should be worked out between asking the questions request that they be. MJ teachers and the administration, rather than asking the board to do it. “I’d like to see number seven go to the liaison committee,” said the trustee. Fisher agreed. Trustee Klyne commented on the ninth recommendation (writing a long-term plan for each section of the school). “We base all our decisions on the information we have at the Citizen of the Month time. It’s hard to base a long-term decision on information that we don’t have,” said Klyne. Fisher stated that he believed the district had a Wanda Hawman....! lot more information now than what they had when he first began in his Wanda is the school’s Student Support Worker. She’s been a position, and that this should help them to make the longer-term permanent fixture there for these past few years. She is in the building decisions. “Whichever of these recommendations you support need to to help kids with both their choices in academics, and in life. She will be kept at the forefront of your mind, so that you can continue to be moving on next year, and her position has been cut. She will be support them, and go with them,” he said. missed and so will it! Page 4 THE Underground PRESS May, 1999

March ‘99 by: Leanne by: Corporal Roy Fenwick REC REVIEW Police Report

It sure is nice to see people out of the house again. We may be a small During March, twenty-five occurrences were looked into by this office. town, but I’ve actually seen people out and about that I haven’t seen all MATTERS INVOLVING VIOLENCE winter! As nature comes alive in spring, it also seems to be a time for There were no matters of violence this month. we humans to renew our minds, bodies and spirit. Take time to connect MATTERS INVOLVING PROPERTY with the great outdoors, whether it is fifteen minutes or two hours. It’s Three motor vehicle accidents were reported, none with injuries. amazing what a little nature and fresh air can do. OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST You’ve heard of active living and Winteractive; well, beginning May Twelve traffic citations were issued, along with one charge involving 14, Canadians across the country will be celebrating Summeractive. liquor, and one person was charged with driving over .08. The During this national campaign, thousands of communities will be remaining matters were administrative in nature and involved assisting promoting and encouraging people to participate in events or programs other agencies. that stimulate physical activity. In my eyes, Snow Lakers are generally The next Provincial Court is scheduled for the 25th of May. quite active people; therefore, this should be an easy task. During the third week of May, there will be Summeractive events for all ages in Snow Lake; such as, a walking poker derby, a basketball tournament and a hashing course for kids. Specific info will be made available in FROM THE by Don the next couple of weeks. Gowans On Wednesday, May 19, STREETNIX, an acappella quartet from Saskatoon, will be in Snow Lake performing at the Community Hall. Provincial Judge’s Court was held Feb. 23/99 at 10:00 AM, in the These four young men present an exciting and polished show, including Elks’ Hall, with Judge J. Enns presiding. 90 minutes of repertoire and choreography coupled with original songs Andrej Koprajoa was found guilty in absence of an infraction of the of all styles. Both their appeal and the unique style of acappella music Fisheries Act, and was fined $100 and $2 costs. He had earlier pled - which ranges from disco to country and doo-wop to rock - has not guilty. captured the applause of audiences across Western Canada. This Angus McAuley was charged with impaired driving and driving with performance is an absolute must for all ages. a blood alcohol content greater than .08. The impaired driving charge So far, we have had great success with movie nights. By hooking the was dropped and he was found guilty of the lessor charge and fined video projector up to the Hall’s sound system, we have been able to $500 while being prohibited from driving for 3 months. enjoy both awesome picture and improved sound quality. Our fourth Cameron McKinnon did not appear on charges of impaired driving movie has been tentatively schedule for Saturday, May 8, and the and driving with a blood alcohol contend greater than .08. A warrant chosen title for this evening is 'Simply Irresistible'. Come out for a was issued for his arrest. night of popcorn and entertainment! Shaylan Stoltz was charged with carrying a concealed weapon. He May 31 to June 6 has been designated Safe Kids Week, with this pled guilty, received a suspended sentence, and was placed on 18 year’s theme being Road Safety. The Town has received a small grant months supervised probation. from Safe Kids Canada and Johnson & Johnson to help promote local activities during this week. Health Promotion and recreation will be organizing some great events along with fantastic prizes that encourage children and adults to be road safe, whether it is on bikes, inline skates, TALK OF by: E.C. skateboards, or as a passenger or pedestrian. More information will be THE TOWN promoted throughout the community and school by the second week in May. Assessment is the market value assigned to a piece of property, Are you looking for something new to try? How about a Willow which when applied against the mill rate set by the town, results in the Chair Course, June 11, 12, & 13? Pat Lawrence from Neepawa will be property taxes charged for the year. here to teach us how to choose appropriate willow and construct a The provincial Assessment Branch of Rural Development is the beautiful chair. Each participant is guaranteed to complete one chair department charged with determining the assessment for each property over the weekend. Pat and her family have been travelling around in Manitoba. They monitor changes in the values on an ongoing basis. Manitoba for years instructing these courses, and they have always As well, all properties in the province are reassessed every four years been well received. Phone me as soon as possible if you’re interested to keep the values as current as possible. This reassessment is because, as usual, we will need a minimum amount of people in order necessary to determine whether there are any major shifts between to run the course. different classifications of property (residential, commercial, industrial, The summer months are not too far off, so I’ve been trying to think of etc), as well as any major shifts within a classification (is a 2 bedroom program ideas for July and August. Some of the things I am thinking home with a basement and garage now selling for more than than a about now are a canoeing clinic, children’s drama workshops, a soccer split level bungalow with a carport and a larger lot?). camp, and perhaps aquasize classes. These are some ideas, but I would The assessment is based upon a specific year, in order to keep love to hear from Snow Lakers as to what they would like to see. Give valuations fairly based, and to allow the huge workload to be me a call or come and see me at the Hall! completed. For example, the changes introduced in the 1998 tax levy were based upon the market in 1995. This year (1999) will be the base year for the new assessments that will come into effect in 2002.

“PAY NOW OR PAY LATER! Why do people who know the least, know it the Recreation reduces healthcare, social service and loudest? ~ just wondering May, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

by: Marc THE BUSINESS OF THE BOARD evening. The first one was Kim Stephans, who wanted to know why Jackson the board had outlawed the wearing of wrestling shirts in the school. After the half hour ‘pre-meeting in-camera session’, Vice Chairperson She stated that her son was required to sit in front of the office all day, Klyne called the April 6th meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 missing valuable class time, because he wouldn’t remove (or turn inside PM. All trustees, Sec/Treas. Assoignon and Superintendent Griffiths -out) the shirt he was wearing. “There was nothing wrong with the were in attendance. shirt he was wearing,” said a well prepared and articulate Stephans! There were two delegations on this evening. The first of these was Holding up the shirt her son wore that day, Stephans asked the board, Curriculum Coordinator, Clarence Fisher, who addressed the board “What is wrong with this shirt?” With no one answering her at that speaking on two separate subjects. The first of these was his recent juncture, she went on to make her point, and in doing so stated that she participation in the Western Protocol Consortium. He explained that wanted the issue resolved before it resulted in a petition and more the consortium was a proving ground of sorts for new standards in parents lined up at the boardroom door. Chairperson Cairns stated that, educational curriculum. A group made up of 64 teachers and 10 personally, she found nothing offensive about the shirt that Stephans department heads from the four western provinces and two territories, held up, and added that the board didn’t want wrestling shirts singled reviews submissions from various textbook manufacturers. The out, only shirts that were suggestive or obscene. (My notes from their consortium then tells the manufacturers where their books fall short in April 6th meeting show that this was exactly what was discussed, but regard to the curriculum each province is mandated to teach. After apparently something was lost in the communication of that decision.) answering a few questions from the board, Fisher then updated them on “Something else will go out stating this; the issue will be re-visited,” the Challenge 2000 project (re-writing the K - 8 curriculum), as well he said Cairns. Industrial arts teacher, Ken Ainsworth, then addressed the presented them with a list of 11 recommendations. He stated that the board, giving them an update on the strides made with the Technology curriculum units in the gr. 1 - 4 classrooms had been completed, and Resource Centre. Ainsworth said that the first semester was spent that although it had been a tremendous amount of work for the teaches, building furniture for the centre, and that this resulted in the it had been a successful experience for them. After a few more construction of desks and partitions of as good of quality as those found questions from the board, the Parents Association Council (PAC) in many stores. “It’s beautiful stuff,” said Ainsworth, inviting the Chairperson, Stephanie Borchardt, was given the floor. board to take a look at it. He then explained the program’s content, Borchardt spoke briefly about PAC’s recent workshop and meeting highlighting its robotic, hydraulic and computer controlled router with the Minister of Education, before moving on to talk about the components. Ainsworth stated that the kids are quite interested in the school’s lunchroom situation. She presented a few recommendations course, and that they catch on very quickly, as most projects are ‘hands that PAC felt would address the problem of too many children eating on’. lunch in too small an area. Borchardt then made the board aware of Under the Sec/Treas. Report, Mr. Assoignon stated that financing for PAC’s efforts in regard to the proposed ‘Wall of Fame’( a school wall the facade and roof repairs has received funding approval from the dedicated to alumni worthy of recognition). She suggested a Public Schools Finance Board, and that contractors should be up within questionnaire be sent home with the children. The questionnaire would one or two weeks to establish a construction schedule. There was only explain the concept, then ask how the person filling it out would define one applicant for the bus driver position. A motion was made to success. They hope to initiate this before the end of the school year. provide training for Stephanie Borchardt. Trustee Kutchaw declared a Borchardt also relayed PAC's concerns about the lack of lunch hour for conflict and abstained from the vote. The board will provide training some senior students and their recommendations for solving the for Borchardt, in addition to a couple of part time gentlemen, if they are conundrum. still interested. Under old business, a resolution that allowed the Pathfinders to use Under correspondence, there was a letter from Mr. May requesting the school van under policy EEBA was approved (it should be noted use of the school van for a sports trip. Trustee Kutchaw asked that it be that this resolution was passed before the policy it referred to was discussed in-camera (Apparently it dealt with financial, legal or staffing passed). matters). Under Administration report, Mr. Griffiths explained that a move Under the Administrator’s Report, Mr. Griffiths explained that the would be made to outlaw wrestling shirts with inappropriate language ILINC system likely wouldn’t be in -place before the fall, as there is a or images on them. A letter will go home. The Super also stated that a new coordinator in place at KCC and he has a different idea on how it IMYM (Integrated Middle Years Multimedia) grant of $14,000 had will be supplied. He added that the high school timetable was near arrived that day (this money will purchase computers and video completion; that gr. 7 and 8 will be self-contained classrooms next equipment for next year’s gr. 7 class). year; and that French for gr. 9 - 12 will be dropped next year. Under policy, a motion was made to adopt policy EEBA, a policy In open forum, Trustee Kutchaw asked that a letter of thanks go to allowing public use of the school's vans. The Pas Friendship Centre, for the hospitality provided to the NFLD. In open forum, Trustee Kutchaw voiced her concern in regard to the exchange students, and that a policy, providing for female chaperones distribution of Bibles, to the gr. 5 students, by the Gideons. “I have a on out-of-town extra-curricular trips, be considered. real problem with that,” said Kutchaw. “If the Church of Latter Day In public forum, Leone Jackson asked why French was cut from gr.'s Saints wanted to hand out Watchtowers, or the Catholics showed up 9 - 12, stating, “I thought making it mandatory in 7 - 8 was a positive with rosaries, would we let them?” Griffiths explained that the Gideons move, but you’re going backwards by taking it out in 9 - 12.” She were a missionary organization, and that they have been handing out questioned how the board could afford an optional band program and Bibles to school children for years. not something as fundamental as French. The board sighted low The board went into their ‘post meeting in-camera session’ at 7:50 numbers in gr. 10, 11 & 12 French as the reason for the cut. PM (till 9:50 PM), to discuss the budget, and I left. Public Meeting The board went into their ‘post meeting in-camera session’ at 7:20 time 1 hr, 20 min. In-camera Meeting time: 2 hrs and 30 min. PM (ending at 7:50 PM), to discuss correspondence(?), and I left. ~**~ Public Meeting time 50 min. In-camera Meeting time: 1 hr. After the half hour ‘pre-meeting in-camera session’, Chairperson Cairns called the April 20th meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 PM. All trustees, Sec/Treas. Assoignon and Superintendent Griffiths were in attendance. There were two delegations who appeared before the board on this Page 6 THE Underground PRESS May, 1999

with some local businesses. “But I did contact all of them, and no one Socially Speaking had a problem with it,” she said. For a generation who grew up attending shows in the Community by: Wanda Hall (Lawrie Marsh Hall), it brings back memories, and for those new to the experience, it will surely help to form them. The movies play approximately once every two weeks. The next What makes a community? (tentatively) scheduled feature is ‘Simply Irresistible’, on May 8th. What do you expect from your community? Are you frustrated in what’s happening locally? Do you complain to the neighbour about the taxes or lack of services? How about complaining uptown about your neighbour’s dog? Do you verbalize your concerns to your coffee group about people on certain boards? Do you discuss the behavior of (BUDGET from page 1) your childrens’ classmates to the local grocer? Do you make sure that have cut three full-time and one half-time Educational Assistant by Monday noon you know who left the bar, at what time, and where positions, and ten working days off the three remaining E.A.’s. The they went? hours of the Maintenance Supervisor’s position have been reduced from Seriously, think about it! I can guarantee you that everyone of us do eight hours per day to five, and the Librarian Technician’s hours have things such as this, sometimes. Some of us all the time. Yet, I’m been slashed from 7 per day to 3.5,” said Stubbs. Superintendent, Tony sure that most of us want our community to be one we can be proud Griffiths confirmed these and other cuts that will take place in Sept. of. We, the people, are the community and we want to be proud and ‘99. Those other reductions are: the loss of the Student Support look good. So, is this a community you are proud of? Worker’s position; and the cut of a half-time teacher’s contract (this Take a look. Yes, it is beautiful. The sun setting across the lake and results in the loss of French as an option at the gr. 9 - 12 levels) slipping slowly behind the trees is a picture to behold. But that beauty Meanwhile, instruction costs are up $117,000 over the 1998 budget. is only on the surface, isn’t it? What about the things that make up the Assoignon explains that this figure includes anticipated staffing levels heartbeat of the community? The people. Are you proud of how you as of this fall, substitute teacher cost increases and MTS collective represent your community? agreement increases. An increase of $33,200. in administration It seems that everywhere I turn there are complaints about something, salaries, reflects the increase from quarter time to half time in the Vice or someone. There is a lot of negative energy being expended in our Principals position. Trustee remuneration is up, although the budget community. How often have you said something negative about the figures do not reflect this. The figure in both documents is $17,000., community, and its people, or the way things are run? Have you but this also includes per diems for out-of-town travel. Assoignon says complained lately about the town councilors, the school board, the the board will travel less in order to cover the rise in indemnities. local store owner, the teachers, your boss, your neighbor, the A rise of $16,700. in professional, technical, and specialized services hairdresser, the doctor, your kids, the church, the weather, the fish? is explained as, an anticipated increase in Manitoba Association of The list can go on and on. School Trustees costs, as well as an expected large levy in a provincial If you want to make your community a better place to live in, a place fund that subsidizes trend setting legal cases. you can be proud of, then it is time to make a change. Get rid of all Transportation is up by $1650. This contradicts the statement made the negative talk and feelings. You are your community, and if you by the board when they bought their school bus. It said, “The operating want to be proud of your community then you need to feel proud of costs of a district owned bus should be substantially lower than yourself. Make a change for the better. Help your community to be contracting for transportation.” Assoignon concedes, “I think what we the best it can be. are finding out is (that) there is not a substantial savings.” He adds, Be positive, say positive things, maybe even compliment people. “What we are finding out too, is the (district) van is being used a lot Volunteer your time to organizations and children’s groups. Be a more, at a lower cost, for sports trips.” board member. Run for an office. Vote every time there’s an Although revenue from the Province is down by $22,500, revenue election. Quit back-stabbing others. Shop locally. Help a neighbor. from local taxpayers is up by $10,000. All rents paid to the district for Visit someone who is down and out. Give of yourself whenever you space in the school and on the district house stayed static. can. Why wait for (next) spring? Do it now! Get involved. Be a part To compensate for the overage in last years budget (103,000 to of your community. A community that has a heart full of love and 110,000), the purchase of the district bus ($27,000.) and last years caring is one to be proud of. Remember, you are your community. school lighting retrofit ($65,000.), the district surplus fund will fall from $522,902. in July ‘98 to $335,000. (anticipated) in July ‘99. Assoignon states changes in regard to how the district presents its budget will be considered in future years. A process somewhat the same as what the town goes through (public meeting with question and (MOVIES. from page 1) answer session) was suggested. reel, 16 mm projector common to theaters. They were using a video projector, which is a compact little machine which projects images from a VCR. While looking into purchasing one of them, she found out that the school district had just recently bought one. “That came in handy,” said Mihalicz. The first run movies are rented through, and licensed by, Criterium Pictures. Thus far, the Youth Activity Kouncil (YAK) has been picking them, as well as setting up the hall for the show. Mihalicz says Sam’s Place has graciously donated the popcorn machine and popcorn, while she has been approaching local groups to fund-raise by taking turns running the concession. All appears to be going well for the idea, which is on a three month trial period. Mihalicz admits that when the idea was first brought to the Town Council, they were concerned that it might be in competition May, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

Lifestyle by Rebecca FAREWELL Ainsworth GARTH PROCTOR Edmonton. Much as I dislike cities (endless traffic, pollution, Long-time summer resident of Wekusko Falls Campground, Garth congestion, noise) the city of Edmonton has many fond memories for Proctor, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 25, 1999 in me. It's where I first arrived in Canada (fifteen years ago this month, in Yuma, Arizona at the age of 67. Funeral services were held on fact) as a young bride-to-be. It's where we had our newly-wed Thursday, April 8th, in Woodlands, Manitoba. apartment (university years, struggles with finances, struggles with two JOHN TABIN very different people learning to share...). It's where we were first Long-time resident, John Tabin, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, enveloped in the warmth of a church family. It's where our first April 13, 1999 in Thompson, Manitoba, at the age of 68. Funeral wonderful baby arrived! services were held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, on This past Spring Break, we four Ainsworths made the drive to Saturday, April 17th, in Snow Lake, Manitoba. Interment took place Edmonton. It had been three years since the last visit, and so much had at Brookside Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations in John’s changed in our lives. God had been (and still is) oh so patient, so memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of loving, so good --in teaching and guiding us in his ways. Current life Manitoba, 301 - 352 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2H8. has become such an exciting experience of growth! Well. That church family was, and still is, a place with warm and welcoming arms. The dynamics and people (certainly the children!) have changed somewhat, “ACCORDING TO but these now-Snow Lake- Ainsworths remain known and loved in by: Rick Edmonton. We were given spacious (even luxurious) accommodations, RICK” Leclair and invited into one home after the next. Mr. A. was invited to speak, to share from his heart, in one church after the other. Our daughters What would we be watching without Stanley Cup play-offs? Another were well looked after (dare I say spoiled?) when child-care was week of Gretzky’s retirement? needed. Hockey season's over in Snow Lake, except for a few kids who are We gave, we received, and we received some more. An extra-special attending camps (evaluation or talent camps). Basketball, which has bonus was getting to see some old friends (our age, also formerly of come out of nowhere, had a camp for Sr. and Jr. High girls this month. Edmonton) who we hadn't seen in years and years. They had actually I like the idea of camps. The kids find out what they need to work on, just recently returned from Africa, (three years in Durban, South and where they stand talent-wise. Which brings me back to a coaching Africa) doing work similar to what we'll be doing in Nigeria. Wow. clinic I went to once. Our instructor kept mentioning things like W hat a treat it was, all of it. progression, goals, progression, goals. What better place to get this than On our last day in Edmonton, our last visit (lunch in the home of in a camp atmosphere? From what I hear, a lot of our kids are making more dear friends), almost at the last minute, we were given a handful the all-star teams that are a result of these camps. of books. God's timing is always interesting, and now I'll tell you about Attending hockey camps and going on to play on the all-star teams this one particular book: "Examining the Record. The Eyewitness were: In Bantam: Rick Stabback and Nathan Santo. In Pee Wee: Joel Evidence." These words are from the beginning of the table of Jackson and Brett McDougall contents. The book is titled the Case for Christ, a Journalist's Personal Those attending the aforementioned Basketball camp were: In Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus. (The author is Lee Strobel, the GRADE 10: Crystal Trudeau. In GRADE 9: Sheena Radford, Kara publisher Zondervan, the date 1998.) I've not yet found time to read Moncaster, Michelle Sicotte, Hannah Compton, Tawny Eastman. In this myself ( Mr. A. has a bookmark in it at the moment anyway), but GRADE 8: Ashley Erickson, Kari Assoignon, Jaimee Dupont, Erin I've seen enough to tell you that it's, well, some pretty interesting McCartney and Ashley St. Croix. In GRADE 7: Ashton Leif and reading. The author is in fact "an investigative journalist with a legal Danielle Pettipas background", educated at Yale Law School, "an award-winning journalist for 13 years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, and, "a spiritual skeptic until 1981". If you're interested in the rest of How much deeper would oceans be if sponges didn't live the story, you can go and hunt down a copy, o... ask the Ainsworths there? ~ just wondering about borrowing this one! Whether you are a spiritual skeptic yourself, a Christian who has lost sight of real life, or even a Christian who is living in humble dependence upon God, I suspect that this book would be an asset in Looking Back Through The Eyes Of... your spiritual journey. The Bible itself tells us that "This is the testimony in essence: God by: Cathy Stabback Rene’ Lamontange gave [offers] us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life" (1 John 5:11-12, On April 1, 1957, I came to Snow Lake from Winnipeg in order to The Message). work for the Department of Highways. I hired on as a grader operator/ On the subject of books, I have a few more -- final ones -- to labourer, for which I was paid 90 cents per hour as a labourer, and 99 recommend, and that will be next month. Next month will also be the cents per hour as a grader operator. Ole Mikkelsen was the foreman at last time I write this, "Lifestyle," from the venue of Snow Lake. the time and I got the job through him. We worked 6 days per week. Three days per week I worked as an operator and the other three as a labourer. There was always a wooden bridge or a wooden culvert to fix. In the fall of ‘57, we widened the road from Snow Lake to Stall Lake, where they were preparing to open a mine. I remember working Your talent is God's gift to you. How you use it about 200 hours in 2 weeks and receiving a $200.00 cheque. There was is your gift to God. no overtime. At this time, the Chisel Lake road was still owned by H.B.M.&S. and it wasn’t our responsibility to keep it up. The Snow (SEE LOOK on page 8) Page 8 THE Underground PRESS May, 1999

(LOOK from page 7) destroyed our house on January 21, 1963 and at that time we moved to Lake highway extended 36 miles to Wekusko, and four miles off that our present home at 119 Willow Crescent. highway into Herb Lake Landing. In 1959, the road from Stall Lake In 1965 the road to Wabowden, and later to Thompson, was opened. was lengthened by 12 miles to develop a road into Osborne Lake. This Ponton Station was built by Stan Major some years earlier. Mr. and same year the right-of-way from #391 to #10 was being cut. By that Mrs. Allicott opened a restaurant at Reed Lake. These were very busy winter there was enough of the highway cleared to open a winter road spots with all the traffic coming from as far north as Thompson, and over the muskeg to the #10 junction. There was also an alternate road travelling to points down South via #10. By the late 60’s, the #6 at Prendavil Saw Mill, located this side of Reed Lake.The road was highway to Winnipeg was completed to relieve some of the traffic over plowed from there, over Reed Lake, and it came out at Allicott’s place. the #391. In 1960 the government took over the Chisel Lake road which was In 1969, the first 35 miles North of the #10 Junction was paved. originally built by Lesley McLean for H.B.M.&S. Also that year, Pavement was dumped in windrows, oil was added to it and then it was Lucas Construction completed their 15 miles of the #391 highway from spread with the grader. In 1979 and 1980 it was paved with a better Wekusko Road towards the #10, going South. Carter Construction also quality pavement. completed their portion of the #391 from the #10 junction, going During my 36 years with the Department of Highways, I was able to North. The road was surveyed in 1960 to extend the #391 to work towards and witness, Snow Lake’s connection to the outside Thompson. The official opening of the #391 took place during the world. On March 31/93, I retired to the life I now enjoy I now enjoy in winter of 1960 and 1961. John Bodnar, Clayton Jackson, Stu Corbett our small community in Northern Manitoba. and many others were in attendance. My family and I lived about a 1/4 of a mile in from the #391 junction, just off the Snow Lake road. Blanche and Wellie Lesage drove out the night before the opening and stayed with us so they, too, could attend the ceremony. We lived in a house that I had bought from Wally Henrickson of Wekusko. I used the grader to move it to its new location. Fire

briny ocean sea. What Ever Happened to... This brings me to my present position, which is analyst for diagnostic Bryan toxicology at the Atlantic Veterinary College; an excellent job at a top- notch college. We are rated 5th out of over forty veterinary colleges in I was very lucky to grow up in Snow Lake; to know its innocence and North America, and we are a world leader in aquaculture. People from all my great old friends such as: Bossy, Spam, Hanley, Pear, Rocky, all parts of the world come here, which is a real treat - you don't have to Phizzy, Hiram, Bert, Googie, Merv and the Moshenkos...... and perhaps travel so much when your at a University in order to know people from the shortest of them all short, short, short, short, (10,000 more shorts) all over the world. In this business there is a sense of always advancing, Mel. We had so many grand old times, from catching frogs to stealing finding better techniques, reaching lower analytical levels and always beer (from Americans of course) and trying to grow ferns (codeword), learning, which all help to make it fascinating work. Sometimes I forget which was even more hilarious than American football. Unfortunately how serious this business truly is because it’s just so damned for me my parents split up and I ended up moving to The Pas in 1975. interesting. There was a level of hatred, fear and violence in The Pas that made In 1990 fortune smiled on me again. I met Joy at a dance and we the few small tussles that happened in Snow Lake look miniscule. Even danced all night, never wanting to stop. Our love developed fast and so, The Pas was a good experience, as there were many tremendous we moved in together that autumn, buying a house the next spring. people there and I was lucky Bossy and Mel (short Mel that is) were Our daughter Hannah was born in December 1994 in the midst of a there at this time as well. blizzard, that abated enough for us to skate the truck to the hospital. The next year I moved to Winnipeg, where I completed my grade After a grueling delivery, we had our first daughter. Rebecca followed twelve at a high school, that had more students than Snow Lake had in June 96; a quick delivery in which Joy barely sweated, and could people. I was forever bushed in Winnipeg and could never adapt to the have played squash 5 minutes later ....(she didn't). innumerable hordes of people. Nevertheless, I had many good times in Brother Ben is in Slave Lake, Alberta, raising three children, with his Winnipeg, because of the many transplanted Snow Lakers . wife Alix. My sister Michelle is making her living in Red Deer; Gertz After a year out of high school, I realized that I always needed to be is still in jail in BC., and will be for a long time yet; Dad is just learning, and so went to University in Brandon to complete a BSc. reaching retirement at 65 yrs old on May 11, and is in Dawson Creek, Though we partied lots, I studied very hard and did well. After this, I BC.; Mom is doing well and living in Prince Albert, in the summers at spent time in different parts of the prairies doing some surveying and least. other rather inconsequential jobs. Now as I approach my 40th birthday (sympathy cards can be sent to I finally ended up with a decent job working in a genetic disease 23 Irwin Dr, Charlottetown, PEI., C1E 1S2), I can only laugh and diagnostic laboratory in Saskatoon, where I learned analytical skills. I scratch my head at the wonders I have been lucky enough to see. never found any of the prairie cities likable, and always had an urge to Though I am a long ways from home, I am still a Snow Laker to the live close to water. Yet, I functioned very well at Universities, where I core. Snow Lake is ever a setting for my dreams, it has almost achieved am surrounded by people even more eccentric than myself. So I headed mythical properties in my mind. I can hardly believe it is real any more to the eastern ocean to pursue a MSc in Toxicology, at the newly - yet there is evidence that it exists. opened Veterinary College. For some reason the East was more magical PS. If anyone wants an e-mail chess game e-mail me at to me than the west, perhaps my Icelandic genes drawing me nearer? [email protected], I can only make 1 move/day and only on weekdays. I came to Charlottetown in 1987, just in time for the second glorious game of the Canada cup, in the days when hockey was at its finest, and started a MSc. in Toxicology. After moving to Charlottetown, I almost immediately felt at home. To me the Maritimes, and maritimers, are a lot more akin to northern Canada than either is to the prairies. I can't quite put my finger on it but methinks it has something to do with the THE Underground PRESS

Volume 4, Issue 6 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA June, 1999

COMMITTEE ADDRESSES FISCAL PLAN WEKUSKO’S WANING WALLEYE FUELS A FEW QUESTIONS Last fall, a heavily attended At a sparsely attended (twelve people) STAFF Another year, another small tax increase, and an public meeting lamented the meeting at 8:10 PM, on May 12, in the STAFF equally small crowd who showed up to hear about state of the Wekusko Lake fishery. Lawrie Marsh Hall, the committee and question it. Opinions, theories and accusations flew presented their findings, and in doing so The council of the Town of Snow Lake presented their hot and heavy during the meeting, and gained the community's approval for 1999 financial plan at a well advertised, but poorly attended in the weeks that followed it. When the their strategy. It is hoped that, with the public meeting, held at 6:30 PM, on May 3rd, in the council finger pointing and educated guesses approval of that strategy, angling on the chambers. had subsided, a group of stakeholders big lake and tourism in the area will be After Mayor Zamzow explained the process involved in was formed. They went about the restored to its past prominence. this provincially mandated public meeting, he opened the laborious task of addressing the decline Leroux chaired the meeting, and floor to questions from the five people (other than in walleye stocks on Wekusko, and set presented the unanimously councilors) attending. The following are some highlights of out to develop a management strategy recommended plan to the small, but the information gained by questions during and after that for the once prolific lake. vocal crowd. He stated that due to the meeting. The stakeholders, or Wekusko serious decline in the walleye catch on The municipal portion of Snow Lake’s mill rate will go up Management Committee, is made up of the lake, the committee felt strongly that 1.5 mills, or about $34 on the average assessment. The affected user groups who brought the reduced angling and size limits had to school district’s portion of the mill rate will rise 1.08 mills, concerns of those groups to the table be addressed immediately. Effective or about $23 on the average assessment. The total mill rate with them. Doug Leroux, Regional with the open of the ‘99 angling season, increase is 2.58, or a $57 increase on the average town Fisheries Manager for the Department limits of four walleye and six pike will property. of Natural Resources (DNR), facilitated be enforced on Wekusko Lake. Also, to The Recreation Director’s position has increased from 80 the committee that was made up of: protect large spawning stock, all hours to 100 hours per month, or from $24,000 to $33,000 Greg Shaw (Natural Resources Officer); walleye over 45 cm. must be returned per year. Mayor Zamzow reasoned that this was due to the Russell Bartlett (Commercial Fisheries); to the lake. Commercial net fishing was success that Ms. Mihalicz has had with the position, in Ken Booth (Town Council); Gordon also adjusted, with the walleye addition to the added demands for more programming. The Cann ( Fur Council); Lillian Haines tolerance quota being reduced from the increased hours will bring more flexibility to the post, by (Cottage Owners); Dwayne Brew current level of 15,000 kg annually, to allowing administration time in the mornings, and opening (Lodge Owners); and Greg Foord 10,000 kg annually. To make up for up the afternoons and evenings for other activities and (Recreational Anglers). (SEE WALLEYE on page 2) pursuits. Economic Development services have dropped by EMERGENCY RESPONSE $22,420.61, due mainly to the fact that the idea of having a full-time Economic Development Officer (EDO) has been GROUPS GET SOME EXERCISE scrapped. Council feels the EDO’s position requires a change in focus. They would like to see a local person hired STAFF The citizens of the Town of Snow Lake can sleep secure at night with into a part-time position, with a mandate slanted more the knowledge that their emergency response service is prepared for, towards marketing Snow Lake and it’s amenities, as opposed and able to respond to most anything that comes their way. to creating new ones. It was suggested that the Recreation In an exercise that played out like clockwork, and involved everyone from the Director’s position become a full-time position, and this then DNR to the Hospital Staff, our emergency services kept their wits and showed become part of that position. Five thousand dollars has been their prowess. added to the Economic Development function of the budget, The May 15th, confidential, scenario was based upon a school bus rollover in with a one time allotment for a millenium project. There is the area between the New Brit’ Mine and Stittco Energy. There were nine no project planned at this time, but in the event that there is, students and the driver on board, and all but one of the students and the driver the money will be there. were injured. The uninjured student phoned the hospital, from Stittco, at 10:45 There hasn’t been any extra money earmarked for the AM. Six minutes after receipt of that call, three First Responders were on the water supply. Town Administrator, Chuck Dunning, states scene and treating the driver and uninjured student. They didn’t go into the bus - that some further testing will be done this year, and that even though there were screaming students inside - as it was on fire. One minute money will likely be allotted for a consultant’s report in later, in a flurry of sirens and flashing lights, Snow Lake’s fire fighters arrived. 2000. “But,” he adds, “it will likely be three years before They immediately took control of the scene, laying down foam, moving vehicles anything is built.” and sending onlookers and the press scurrying. The Town crew, RCMP and DNR There is a figure of $5000 allotted for building renovation set up a blockade around the perimeter, as the fire fighters doused the flames, or demolition. Dunning confirms that this has been allotted donned their Scott Air Pacs and began evacuating the bus of its injured. Within in the event it is deemed necessary to demolish the ‘Gowans' minutes of the fire being extinguished, the injured were stabilized by First Building’ (the old Marshall Wells store). He says that the (SEE EMERGENCY on page 7) (SEE FISCAL PLAN on page 6) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS June, 1999

E D IT O R IA L I get stopped, or pulled over near a High Quality Management Lake (limit of 4 fish)... how many fish am I allowed to have in my eople have begun lining up on both sides of the t-shirt issue that possession?” The amiable Shaw says, “Your possession limit is six, we is now before our local school board. aren’t going to push to find out where they came from.” Likewise, On one side, there are those who feel shirts with any reference at all Leroux says that a license's limit includes any fish that were consumed to wrestling should be banned from the hallways of J.H.Kerr School. as a shore lunch. “If your license limit is four, you can’t catch and They reason that, by allowing kids to wear these shirts in the school, we retain four if you’ve already eaten two on the shore.” Hey, remember are condoning everything that wrestling stands for, i.e. violence, sexism folks... someone could be watching! If you have questions that you and human degradation. would like answered by local, or Provincial DNR officials, send them to On the other side of the argument, there are those who feel that as ‘The Ear of Government’ at one of the addresses on the masthead long as the images and text on a shirt are not inappropriate, the child below. should be allowed to wear it to school. ~**~ Personally, I think the labels of appropriate and inappropriate are all Did you know... that you can take an entire university degree online? in the eye of the beholder. The fact that there are two sides to this issue Call Kelly Holmes at 358-2801 for further information on this, and speaks to that point directly. A shirt with the letters ‘NWO’ on it would other educational opportunities in Snow Lake. mean very little to many people, and would be innocuous to most. Yet ~**~ a shirt with racist, sexist or vulgar images and/or text would be viewed KUDDOS to: by practically all as inappropriate to wear most anywhere, especially ~ Melba VanLinden, and the Snow Lake TOPS Club, for organizing school. Where do you draw the line? Personally (again), I think it’s the spring clean-up of Snow Lake. Hey... and what a truly wonderful pretty much drawn where it should be right now. idea it was to donate all the money - received from the Town for doing There is the argument that our dress code represents the values the clean-up - to the refugees of Kosovo. condoned by our school. There is also the argument that professes that ~ To all the parents who signed up to help out with T-ball, softball the acceptance of any wrestling shirt in the school perpetuates children and soccer, and to those who organized it. Isn’t it great driving by and using wrestling moves at recess and lunchhour. There is even the seeing the amenities our tax dollars paid for, being used to their fullest? argument that clothing had something to do with the tragedies in ~**~ Littleton, Colorado and Taber, Alberta. Please note, that ‘The Chambers’ column will again be featured with If the values of the school don’t condone violence, racism and sexism, next month’s issue. The school goes into its summer mode shortly and why would we allow hockey sweaters and caps to be worn by students there won’t be much news, or action around there during the break. and school staff? Are the fights, sexual abuse and racism (of late) in the ‘The Business of The Boardroom’ will be back in the fall... or winter. NHL any different? I would say yes, because in the NHL it’s real violence, sexual abuse and racism. Will we allow students to wear soccer shirts (Fila, Umbro)? Would that not be condoning the violence and hooliganism of that sport? If children are wrestling in the schoolyard, this doesn’t suggest to me that we are condoning the wrong values by allowing wrestling shirts in (WALLEYE from page 1) the school. It suggests to me that one person supervising a playground this, the annual quota for other species will be increased from 65,800 kg full of children is not enough. It also suggests to me that there is a lack to 80,800 kg. “This allows fishers to utilize fish no one else uses,” said of structure and guidance to the activities that do take place on the Leroux. He also said inactive commercial quotas on the lake would be playground. evaluated by the DNR, but was unable to say what action would be Trying to reason that the clothes a kid wears, and the music they taken. Hotel/Lodge Owner, Len Abromovich, asked if there wasn’t listen to, has something to do with whether or not they will kill some concern that the new regulations on Wekusko would put more someone, begs the question: Did the person’s predisposition to kill pressure on other lakes? Leroux stated that this would happen cause them to wear certain clothes and listen to a type of music, or was regardless of the regulations. “People go where the fish are biting.” it the clothes they wore and the music they listened to that caused them In June of ‘99, Leroux will present recommendations to his ministry to kill? My nod would go to the former. Most experts involved with that will see sensitive areas on Wekusko extended during critical the Colorado and Alberta catastrophes feel ostracism, lapses in spawning periods. If approved, these recommendations will take affect parenting and mental illness cause kids to kill kids. Let’s treat the in the year 2000. They will include: Expansion of the area closed to condition, not the perceived symptoms. commercial fishing (to include Herb Bay up to the power line); There are some very valid points on both sides of this argument, and I Extension of the sport fishing closed time (to include the month of think everyone would agree that children are our most important and April); and closure of the following areas, from April 1st, up to and valued assets. Before we bring the ‘t-shirt police’ into the school, and (SEE WALLEYE on page 3) start checking everyone’s chest at the door, ask yourself, “Am I that old that I forget the lure of something forbidden? By taking a fad away from kids, would we not be making it all the more alluring to them?” THE Underground PRESS Let’s not alienate them, by taking something away that they truly see is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in nothing wrong with, and in turn explaining it by using the excuse that Snow Lake, Manitoba. it’s for the good of everyone. Talk to them; explain that it’s not real EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson and that it’s not the way life really is. I’m sure you’ll find that they Supported by many local contributors. know and understand this already. In my eyes, the only way to truly get ***Real News, Relevant Views*** around this issue, is to require all students to wear a school uniform... ***Everything You Have a Right to Know*** Lets leave well enough alone! Correspondence: Box 492, Snow Lake, MB, R0B 1M0 ~**~ Phone: (204)358-2887 Local DNR Officer Greg Shaw, and Regional Fisheries Manager email: [email protected] Doug Leroux, were wide open to questions at the Wekusko Lake http://www.mts.net/~mjackson Management Committee Mtg. on May 12th. Shaw said there is one that he gets asked continuously: “If I have a full license (limit of 6 fish), but June, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

THE EAR OF GOVERNMENT A QUESTION OF HEALTH by: Lola Leclair Questions From Concerned Snow

This month we had four questions for both the Town and School Please note that any information read in this column should not take District. Chuck Dunning answered for the Town, and Tony Griffiths precedence over the advice of your own Medical Doctor. for the District. The Town first: Q.) My eight week old baby suffers from eczema. I was wondering, Q) When will Snow Lake’s web page be up and operating? A) I as I’m breast feeding, could she be allergic to my breast milk, or could hope to have the first few pages on the web site up and running by it be I’m eating something that is causing this reaction? June 1. It will be an ongoing process for a fair bit of time. The web site A.) When dealing with a skin disorder, such as eczema, the first will be accessed at http://www.snowlake.com thing you need to look at are the obvious skin irritants, such as certain Q) When will the Town's next Hazardous waste day take place (my detergents, soaps, fabric softeners, lotions, wool, feathers, animal hair, question)? A) A company plans on being in the north in the fall. We etc. It’s best to avoid using any soap (even Baby’s Own soap contains are clarifying some matters regarding the costs... they say $425.00 per perfume) in severe cases. You may want to try ‘Aveeno’, which is a drum... Council wants to know what size drums, how much/what kind natural source of colloidal oatmeal, and comes in the form of a bath of waste can be/is packed per drum, do local people do the intake? treatment, cleansing bar or lotion. This should be discussed and decided at the next meeting. In regard to breast milk, “It’s impossible for a baby to be allergic to Q) There are two pieces of the public sidewalk that runs to the her mother’s milk... it’s just unheard of,” states Leona Simoes, of La subdivision that were broken when work was being done on the Leche League of Canada. She adds that it is possible for a baby to be Sonath lot. When will they be repaired? Who will pay to have them sensitized to a particular food that Mom is consuming. Milk and dairy repaired? A) It is Sonath’s responsibility to fix the sidewalk. They products tend to be the most troublesome; although citrus fruits, have some more work to do on their lot and the sidewalk will be cabbage, onions and chocolate are some other culprits. What she repaired after that, but this summer at the latest. The Town has to suggests is eliminating one particular food, or food group, for one or decide whether concrete or asphalt will be the replacement material. two weeks at a time, to see if there is any change. Also, please note Q) Why does the Town need to own a house? A) The house was that it may take ten to fourteen days before any food you’ve been originally obtained by the province, for use by the LGD administrator. consuming leaves your system. A few words of caution - if eliminating When the Town was incorporated, the use remained the same. When milk and dairy products, you may need to take some calcium an administrator is hired, the house is part of the compensation supplements, but check with your physician on this. package. For those of you who are unfamiliar with La Leche League, it is a The District’s questions: breast feeding support group with membership across Canada. We do Q) In light of everything that has happened in Littleton, Colorado have a member in town, Mary-Ann Otto. If you'd like some and Taber, Alberta, what could possibly be the reasoning behind information, or have some questions in regards to becoming a member, dropping our school's Student Support Worker's position? A) What or on breast feeding in general, give her a call at 358-2408. happened in Colorado and Alberta is serious, and it could happen here, If you have any questions about your health or health tips to share, but there is no longer any direct funding for this position. If it was to give me a call and I will try to find you an answer. Please phone 358- continue, it would have to be funded locally. The district will continue 2703, or write to Box 8, Snow Lake, MB., R0B 1M0 to look for other ways of funding such a position. Q) Why was the Board willing to hire a band teacher, fund a band program and make it compulsory, yet French is optional, not worthy of (WALLEYE from page 2) hiring a teacher for, and cut this year? A) The band idea was only including July 15th: a) The Grass River, from the outlet of Crowduck investigated, not implemented. The cut in French was a budget Bay (Clark’s Cabin), to the rapids down stream; b) Osborne Lake, decision, and involved the board's determination not to go into their Osborne Lake Creek, Wekusko Brook, and Herb Bay - up to the power accumulated surplus. line. Q) Why were three Educational Assistants hired in '98 only to be let Leroux says the committee will also try to enhance and maintain go this year? A) Part of our long term plan is developing and Wekusko’s walleye spawning areas. The culverts on Hayward Creek at providing a quality education plan, within budget. Our TA's are well #39 highway will be assessed, with an eye on maintaining fish passage. paid, and provincial funding doesn't cover as much of this as in other Osborne Creek will also be assessed, as will the lower reaches of divisions. Hayward Creek and Berry Creek. Leroux stated emphatically that Q) Why does the district need to own a house? A) This decision was spawn collecting operations will not occur on Osborne Creek. “They made before my time, and I don't know why they purchased it. My haven’t collected for some time now, and there are no plans to start,” guess would be that housing would be provided versus a higher salary. said the biologist! Frontier Division provides housing for all their people. Leroux explained that educating users on the value of the fishery was another important aspect of the committee’s mandate. This brought several comments from the floor. “We should educate people that commercial fishing is advantageous to lakes,” said local millworker, Tom Bridgeman. “They take everything, not just pickerel,” he added. Several others were concerned about educating status peoples, in taking Volunteer of the YEAR, Joanne Beilman.... ! just what was needed for sustenance. Local DNR Officer Greg Shaw, Joanne has spent many years in the service of the Girl Guides of the said that in hindsight it is realized that a local status person should have community. She’s been involved with every facet of the movement, in sat on the committee. addition to being a strong influence and role model to many of the In addressing concerns about the degraded water quality in Wekusko young girls who have been Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, and Lake, Leroux stated that Anderson Creek is monitored by the Jr. Leaders over the years. Department of Environment, as well as by HBM&S. “The Dept. of Similarly, her selfless support and promotion of Figure Skating has (SEE WALLEYE on page 4) helped it to become popular and remain so for many years now. Page 4 THE Underground PRESS June, 1999

Minister of Natural Resources, in hopes of having some sort of control mechanism placed on the species. The protected birds have mounted REC REVIEW by: Leanne an amazing comeback from the effects of the wide spread use of DDT in the 50’s and 60’s. May is over and we are beginning June - hard to believe isn’t?! In One final recommendation that the committee will make for May, we were fortunate to have the acappella group from Saskatoon, implementation in 2001, is that the government introduce high quality STREETNiX, performing. These young men are extremely talented, management regulations on the following lakes: Buzz, Koblun, Rail, and put on a very entertaining show. This 90’s version of acappella Podruski, Norris and Osborne. was incredible, and had many people amazed that every sound they In order to get its strategy across, the Wekusko Lake Management heard was actually coming from the human voice. Groups that helped Committee will place an article on the plan in next year’s angling make this event possible included Aurora Borealis Arts Council, guide, develop a brochure for local publication and utilize the local Student Council, YAK, Culture Heritage & Citizenship and the Town (SEE WEKUSKO on page 6) of Snow Lake. The first week of June is national Safe Kids Week (SKW). The Town of Snow Lake and the NOR-man Regional Health Authority are April ‘99 partnering with Safe Kids Canada, Canada’s national child safety by: Corporal Roy Fenwick organization, in the RALLY FOR ROAD SAFETY. Statistics state that road related injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among During April, this office was involved in thirty-five matters. children under the age of 15. This is a frightening reality, and should MATTERS INVOLVING VIOLENCE be taken seriously, even in our small community. I am sure we are all There were no matters concerning violence to persons reported this guilty of taking a relaxed attitude at times, but accidents can happen month. anywhere. Therefore, we need to keep kids safe whether they are MATTERS INVOLVING PROPERTY walking, riding their bikes, in-line skating or riding in a vehicle. Three Thirteen matters of property were investigated. These included two important messages chosen for 1999 Rally for Road Safety are: 1) incidents of vandalism at the school. One matter was handled Children under the age of nine lack good judgement about traffic; 2) internally, but three windows were broken and the incident is being Buckle up Properly; 3) Be a safe driver - watch out for kids. investigated. Approximately seventy cases of empty beer bottles were Activities taking place during SKW in Snow Lake are a poster contest stolen from a truck trailer where they were being stored. Police for students, an In-Line Skating Clinic-June 5, and school intervened in a matter of mischief to property that was satisfied presentations. All of these activities are free of charge and we have without charges. Three articles and two bicycles were found. All but great prizes to give out, such as cool bicycle helmets, bicycle mirrors, a lady's gold watch have been returned to their respective owners. and elbow, knee and wrist pad sets. Four motor vehicle accidents were reported. A man who hit a moose Our wet and cold weather caused a late start for Soccer and baseball was very lucky not to have been much more seriously injured. season, but they are underway now and will continue until the end of OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST June. As usual, we had an excellent response to kid’s baseball, as well Of the twenty-two other matters dealt with, seven were traffic as several parent volunteers. A Mini-Soccer challenge is being citations, three domestic disputes, two municipal bylaw investigations organized here in Snow Lake. We have invited teams from Flin Flon to and one impaired driver. The remaining nine were matters of come play us, and later in June we hope to travel there for a similar assistance to other agencies and administrative requirements. event. Cory May, a teacher from the school, is the head coach for The next Provincial Court is scheduled for the 25th of May. soccer this season. His expertise in the sport will be a great benefit to our players. With donations from the 50th Committee and the Snow Lake Lions, TALK OF the town was able to purchase more playground equipment to add to the by: E.C. structure that we ordered last year. We are hoping to have this set up THE TOWN by Canada Day for the children to enjoy this summer. Speaking of Canada Day, the committee has already been planning Mill rates, the second factor that sets out your property tax, is for this day and has booked our local band to play at the social. If you determined by the province, the school board and town council. would like to organize a special event or would like to help in other The province determines their dollar requirement, then levies each ways, please notify the Canada Day Committee- Rene Lamontagne is municipality based upon their total assessment as a percentage of the the Chairperson. provincial assessment as a whole. One month to go and then the summer fun begins! This is time when The school board determines their dollar requirements, then the school kids are out, camping trips and summer vacations approach, forwards that requirement to the town to collect as part of the tax levy. picnics and barbecues become frequent events and the golf course will In both cases, Council has no say as to the amount levied. Municipal be buzzing seven days a week. There’s a lot to look forward to , so taxes are determined and levied by Council. take advantage of all that you can this summer. With the property assessment and the mill rate integral to the dollars levied, changes in either have an immediate effect. The assessment can remain the same, but the mill rate changes and your taxes change. The mill rate can remain the same, but your assessment (WALLEYE from page 3) changes; so does your taxes. Environment have no issues with Wekusko's water quality,” he said. Your tax levy is set by determining the value of your property as a The committee will recommend that a moratorium on further wild percentage of the whole municipality, then multiplying that percentage rice development on Wekusko Lake be put in place, and Leroux said times the total dollars required. A simpler (?) explanation is that each that the only legal rice on the lake right now was in Puella Bay. “The mill is $1.00 per thousand dollars of your taxable assessment; if the rice in Berry Bay is illegal, and we (DNR) will try to remove it.” mill rate is 85, and your taxable assessment is $20,000.00, your taxes The committee found that cormorants, and the effects they have on will be $1,700.00. fish stocks, are a concern throughout the province. They will lobby the June, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

by: Marc THE BUSINESS OF THE BOARD Meeting: 1 hr 15 min. In-camera Meeting time: 35 min. Jackson ~**~ After the half-hour ‘pre-meeting in-camera session’, Chairperson After the half hour ‘pre-meeting in-camera session’, Chairperson Cairns called the May 4th meeting of the School Board to order at 6:30 Cairns called the May 19th meeting of the School Board to order at PM. All trustees, other than Galiz and Kutchaw, were present. Sec/ 6:30 PM. All trustees, other than Kutchaw were present. Sec/Treas. Treas. Assoignon and Superintendent Griffiths were also in attendance. Assoignon and Superintendent Griffiths were also in attendance. Three delegations appeared before the board on this evening. The Under the Sec/Treas. Report, the single tender for a roof-top first of these, was a group of middle years students, who attended an satellite dish and receiver was opened and accepted. Steve Yurkemik’s enrichment program in Cranberry Portage during the latter part of April. bid of $65 picks up the tender. Assoignon stated that there were three They gave the board an overview of their experiences in Cranberry, and applications for the summer maintenance helpers position; Aaron shared some of the enrichment activities with the trustees and meeting’s Compton, Janna Hanks and Kyle Schuman. The Sec/Treas. spectators. From the stories the students relayed and the projects they recommended that Schuman get the job, as he has worked in the displayed, it was apparent that they enjoyed themselves and truly position in the past. In the vote on that recommendation, only trustee benefited from the excursion. The second delegation was comprised of Klyne was opposed. Susan Mah and Misty Polh, who represented the NFLD. exchange Under Correspondence four letters were received. The first was from students. They reported on the exchange trips from NFLD. to Snow Clarence Fisher, asking for responses to the 11 recommendations he Lake and vice versa. Mah explained that the visiting students were made for the board's consideration at their April 6th meeting. The quite impressed with Snow Lake. “Some would like to come back and majority of these were acceptable to the board, or are presently being visit this summer,” she said. The young ladies thanked the board for implemented. However, trustees require further information on opening the opportunity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime trip, and stated, lines of communication with district employees, canceling various “The fact that we did it together, as a graduating class, made it all the school bells, and canceling exams at the grades 7 and 8 level. The more special.” Dwayne Hanson, Edith Steeves, Beth Parr and Alan board also felt that assigning mentors to new staff members could be Beilman, representing MTS, made up the last delegation of the evening. handled by the MTS local. The second letter was from Student Support They requested that the board include all wrestling shirts in their policy Worker Wanda Hawman, and justified, with facts, figures, referral that outlines inappropriate clothing for students to wear. Hanson stated rates, the continued funding of the SSW position. The board deferred that as acting Superintendent he has dealt with some of the schoolyard the letter to the next meeting, as Trustee Cairns had not yet read it. The antics he felt were precipitated by wrestling, and said that he felt third letter was from Gail and Jaimee Dupont, voicing their concerns wrestling shirts were a walking advertisement for violence. Steeves over the cancellation of Grade 9 to S4 French. Trustee Galiz stated, also mentioned the wrestling moves that were being attempted at recess “They have some very valid points that I won't disagree with, it's just and during the lunch hour. She then read a letter that Snow Lake’s hard to run a program with such small (student) numbers.” Griffiths was MTS local had sent to TSN and Videon cable, asking that wrestling be instructed to investigate the Dupont's suggestion of running a noon hour moved out of the family time slot. Parr spoke of how dress codes French class once or twice a six day cycle. The last item of express values. She drew the parallel between Hitler, the Nazi insignia correspondence was a letter of resignation from Librarian Technician, and the values they embraced, and the sexist and violent values that Carrie Hart, effective June 30th, 1999. Hart said the reduced hours wrestling and the WWF expressed. She felt that by allowing kids to make it impossible for her to continue in the position. She thanked the wear shirts like this, it promoted the values they stood for. Beilman board for her two years of employment. spoke of the school’s duty to teach values, and in doing so quoted a Under the Administration Report, Superintendent Griffiths explained district policy which mentioned fairness and respect of others as student that a committee made up of two parents, two teachers, the PAC objectives. He asked if the board believed and stood by the policy, and president, and trustee Galiz, will revisit the dress code issue. An in- if they did, how could they allow clothing into the school that stood in house posting of the senior Math position has resulted in the contempt of it? Beilman also mentioned the kinship of clothes and appointment of Mrs. E. Steeves. Due to the fact that the bicycle rodeo music with the recent tragedies in Colorado and Alberta. He added that clashed with other school and RCMP activities, it may be cancelled for wrestling shirts are not the only items he felt should be banned. He felt this year. Also, a revised emergency plan has been given to the some shirts depicting satanic rock bands should also be looked at. “As teachers. a school we should say ‘no this is wrong’,” a fervent Beilman In open forum, Trustee Cairns said that she had presented a fifteen expounded! Trustee Cairns said, “As a board we will have to re-visit year pen set to Sec/Treas. Assoignon. Cairns added that a letter to the the whole dress code issue... Tony will set something up with parents, board, in regard to a Manitoba Association of School Business Officials PAC and teachers... before the new school year.” report, and a construction report from M. Jackson will be taken care of Under the Sec/Treas. Report, Mr. Assoignon was authorized to attend by Superintendent Griffiths. a Manitoba Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) The board went into their 'post meeting in-camera session' at 7:09 PM convention in Brandon from May 26 - 28. (out at 8:15 PM) to discuss a student matter, and I left. Meeting time: Under correspondence, the board accepted, with regrets, the 37 minutes. In - camera meeting time: 1 hr 36 min. resignation of Michael Dyck. A letter from the Steelworkers was deferred to in-camera. In his Administration Report, Superintendent Griffiths stated that there had been a lot of positive feedback on the Career Symposium put on by Wanda Hawman. “It was a tremendous amount of work for her to pull it off,” said Griffiths. Clarence Fisher will be presenting on the school’s curriculum at an upcoming Superintendent’s conference in Flin Flon. “There is a fair amount of interest in it,” stated the “Recreation and parks are significant ECONOMIC Superintendent. Griffiths added there will be a May 10th meeting with GENERATORS in your community! (Canadian Parks/ grade 8 students and their parents, in regard to the transition into Sr. Recreation Association, 1997)” High. The board went into their ‘post meeting in-camera session’ at 7:45 Why do people use a big word where a diminutive one will PM (ending at 7:50 PM), to discuss correspondence, and I left. Public suffice? ~ just wondering Page 6 THE Underground PRESS June, 1999

(WEKUSKO. from page 4) by: Tom Hilliard media. On the Outside The committee feels that local people need to be sent a strong message on conservation. “These lakes are all something special,” said Closure Leroux. “Using them is a privilege, not a right.” There is something about a mine closing that has a sense of finality about it. It isn’t like school graduation, or losing your job, or having to move because of a transfer or a better opportunity. This is literally the burying of the place that has become a part of your life, good or bad. I have only worked at Detour Lake Mine for two and a half years, but it has been an enjoyable, educational time. For one thing, it is a camp job, the schedule being one week in, one week out. This means that I have spent half of the last couple of years working, eating, and (FISCAL PLAN from page 1) socializing with the same group of people. These people have become the other Main St. property that the Town now owns - the ‘Baird's drinking buddies, teammates, and friends. We solve problems together. Building' - is actually in fairly good shape, and they will continue to We cheer for the Leafs (and razz the Canadiens) together. We try our look for a buyer for it. best to knock each other’s head off playing floor hockey and basketball. Although there is no new money going into the town’s four reserve We eat breakfast together, our eyes sometimes a little bloodshot from funds, there will be various capital purchases funded by them. The too much time in the bar. Taylor Bay Subdivision will see $48,150 thrown its way. This money We have known since the spring of 1997 that this time would come. will pay the balance of the costs to bring telephone and hydro service to Reserves were low, and the hoped-for new ore zone turned out to be the subdivision. An extension to the new beach playground equipment, less than predicted. “Non-economic” is the term. As the end that was installed last fall, will cost $7490. Paving the portions of approached, people slowly began to slip away. Some found different Larch St. and Willow Cres., that were torn up when the sewer and water mines to work for; some were transferred within Placer Dome, most to was installed some years back, will eat up another $40,125. Roof either the Dome Mine or Musselwhite. Others retired, helped along by repairs for the Fire Hall will cost $6420, and this year’s grader purchase the severance package from a voluntary layoff as the operation began to adds another $108,870 to capital expenditures. All but the grader downsize. Still others left the mining industry altogether, deciding to purchase will be borne by the general reserve fund. The grader has get away from the current uncertainty. But a core of us remain among gone to debenture (the money for it was borrowed). The town’s reserve the contractors brought in to fill in the gaps. The lure of a nice funds presently sit at: General Reserve, $453,576.77; Replacement severance has kept some here. Reserve, $60,251.90; Protective Services Vehicle Reserve, $90,145.04; Detour Lake is a relatively young mine, especially among the mines Street Resurfacing Reserve, $12,551.61. One resident voiced their of Northeastern Ontario: Macassa, Pamour, and the granddaddy of concern over the fact that council did not commit money to any of the operating Canadian gold mines, the Dome, which has been around since four reserve funds. 1910. The Detour Lake deposit was discovered in the mid-1970s, and The fact that there had been no money earmarked for Y2K production began in 1982 from the open pit. The underground contingencies irked the same resident. Councilor Fisher, who has commenced production in 1987 as a cut-and-fill mine. During this time, attended various Y2K meetings and seminars, assured the resident that Detour boasted stopes that were up to 35 metres wide with no pillars the town does have a contingency plan, and is well prepared. He added, (not by design -- this was most likely the result of over zealous “Although hydro falls short of guaranteeing it, they have assured us that geologists, who garnered nicknames such as “Slash Gordon”). These the province will have power.” were the largest man-entry open spans in Canada, maybe the world. Many of the workers have been here since the open pit days. Another influx occurred when the underground started. Some showed up, took a look into the huge stopes, and immediately got back on the plane. Engineers, surveyors, and geologists came and went, but some stayed. Alcoholics Anonymous The mine won the national J.T. Ryan trophy for safety in both 1995 and 1996 (the second closely edging out New Britannia). The commuter A.A. is a group of women and men who meet plane was cancelled in 1991, replaced by buses. The millionth ounce twice a week, in the hope that they may help was poured in 1994. themselves and others to recover from Final notices were handed out the second last week in May. We were alcoholism. scheduled to close at the end of July, but deteriorating ground If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol conditions as we mine a decreasing pillar caused us to convene a and feel you would like to talk to someone meeting. Between the engineers, geologists, mine manager, mine about it, please feel free to do so. superintendent, mine captain, shift bosses, a few miners, and our rock Phone Joan at 358-2624 or George at 358-2859 mechanics consultant, it was decided to abandon several headings and concentrate on the few we could safely and productively mine. The resulting closure date is only three weeks closer, but it sure makes things seem more imminent than they did before. It is sort of strange, but neither my wife nor my kids have seen where Are you un-happy with the slow modems you put up with in I work, except in a video that I made. I won’t be able to take them and Snow Lake? Our Internet Service Provider says that we are show them the stopes I designed, or the headframe. There will be among seven towns in Manitoba where it doesn’t pay for them to nothing but wilderness, which is fine for the environment, but kind of provide 56K service. These other sites are: Swan River, Carman, sad. Someone should erect a headstone, or write a song. But then Falcon Lake, Manitou, St. Pierre Jolys and Strathclair. If you again, it’s only a mine. feel your money is as good as anyone else’s in Manitoba, e-mail: [email protected] ATTN: Jarret Aubry, MTS Advanced Technical Support Rep. June, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

Lifestyle by Rebecca FAREWELL Ainsworth Tim McCormick Former resident, Tim McCormick, passed away, tragically, on May The subject in mind for this month was “frugality,” a philosophy of 15, 1999 in Flin Flon, Manitoba, at the age of 41. Memorial services lifestyle I’ve had since my diaper days (cloth diapers, of course), and were held on May 23 in Flin Flon, May 27 in Sioux Lookout and May which I find immensely more satisfying than accumulating both 29 in Snow Lake. Tim has been laid to rest in the Sacred Heart material goods and debt . . . And I was going to tell you about some Cemetery in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Donations, in Tim’s memory, books on the subject too. I’ll still tell you about the books, but I’ll let may be made to Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation the books tell you about the subject. in Winnipeg. Anyone wishing to forward condolences to Tim’s It wasn’t until a few years ago, when the first of these books arrived family, the address is Carol Durante, 76 Atwood St., Sioux Lookout, at the post office, that I became aware of them myself. They came Ontario, P8T 1G1. from my dear sister Sara (who lives in Texas with husband and three little boys, and I do not envy her) who is full of generosity and “ACCORDING TO surprises. You may have already heard about Amy Dacyczyn. She by: Rick lives in Maine with husband and six children (and no, I do not envy her RICK” Leclair either). There is The Tightwad Gazette, and then The Tightwad Gazette II, and, finally, The Tightwad Gazette III (subtitled Promoting Thrift as Wishes of good luck go out to a few of our students, who will be off a Viable Alternative Lifestyle). If you want to read these books without to Winkler for the rural provincials in track and field. These are: paying any cash (a good tightwad strategy in itself), you can head on Rebekah Foord, Stephanie Bullie, Amanda Lavoie, Michelle Sicotte, over to the Snow Lake Library where they should be sitting by the time Kara Moncaster, Nathan Santo and Lynndon Novak. you read this paper. Seems like we’re going in reverse as far as golf is concerned, but All that aside, my heart beats faster these days as I see and hear don’t worry, the season isn’t that far away. Yes, those golf carts will be what’s going on in the world. Millenium mania aside, Jesus said, “But packing the fairways before you know it! The Golf Club has a few all these things are merely the beginning of birthpangs.” (Matthew work bees coming up, so if you can spare an hour... or four, contact 24:8). Although we never know how long “labor” will be, the big Troy Steeves. event may well be close at hand. I’d be disappointed, in one sense, to T-Ball and soft ball have started, with about 40 kids in each group. never make it to Nigeria after all. On the other hand, Africa is not to be We still need umpires for their games, and are constantly scrambling to compared with heaven! find them. If you’ve got it figured out that a softball is round and you Life goes on, of course, and in this next month (while I frantically don’t mind a bit of abuse, don’t be shy... come on down! finish up infinite details, or will I be calmly caught up?) my friend Les Soccer is also running in the big field at the same time as ball. My hat St. Amand will write some thoughts in place of Rebecca’s ramblings. goes off to Mr. May for taking that one on. The older soccer group will I’ve been learning and reading recently, in Neil Anderson’s The be playing some exhibition games at the end of this month. Bondage Breaker, about the lies of the devil. Scripture in fact calls him Hockey is now over for a few of us Bruins’ fans, and you know... I’m the “father of lies.” A person who is blinded by lies cannot see the really going to miss the announcing talents of the guys at the Boston TV truth of God and His word. Freedom is possible, but one must be station! I’m picking Dallas! willing to be free, and one must call upon the name of Jesus, in whom Sixty-some days to the Pan Am Games! RICK is all power and authority in heaven and on earth. Think of it! Near the end of Ephesians chapter one, I read: “All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep (EMERGENCY from page 1) heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to Responders and were on their way to the Snow lake Health Centre. governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not Although the scene at the Health Centre was reminiscent of an just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the episode of “ER”, the disaster was handled - even within the limited final word on everything.” (The Message) Wow. confines of the facility - with the professionalism and expertise one And earlier on in chapter one: “It’s in Christ that we find out who we would expect. are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ Town of Snow Lake Emergency Coordinator, Chuck Dunning said, and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for “It’s nice to test our response to an emergency in this way, to get all the glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in bugs out of the plan and to be prepared for the real thing.” everything and everyone.” You may be one who says, “I don’t believe in any of that stuff.” If so, maybe you should consider this thought: if I am wrong (though I don’t believe I am), what do I have to lose? If you are wrong, what do you have to lose? A sobering thought, but I pray that it might help you consider the gracious gift God would love to give you. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR APRIL CONTEST WINNER: DOUG SCHOLLIE... He didn’t guess what our picture was, but he was one of the closest. SEE... close CONGRATULATIONS TO does count in something other than horseshoes The New Britannia Mine, in recognition of winning the 1998 J. T. and cluster bombs! Ryan Award in the metal-mining category. This marks the third consecutive year that New Britannia has received this safety award. The awards for 1996 and 1998 were for the western region. The ‘97 Why do we go under over-passes and over award was for Canada as a whole. under-passes? ~just wondering Page 8 THE Underground PRESS June, 1999

realize the value of an ice machine in both quality and speed of ice Looking Back Through The... OLD Community maintenance. An additional $520.00 was raised, $20.00 anonymously and $500.00 from the Kinsmen. By March 24th, the total raised was by: Cathy Stabback $3516.68. (Perhaps you were a member of the 74-75 Bantam All Stars, who donated $74.00 of the $228.00, raised that week.) By April 21st, How many of you remember the ‘thermometer’ that appeared in each the Kinsmen were over half-way to their goal. Besides many donations issue of the old community Snow Lake News? Or how about the from individuals, $1000.00 was received from the Snow Lake Curling ‘painted, plywood thermometer’ that was displayed at the arena, Club and another $1000.00 from the Snow Lake Minor Hockey tracking funds as they were raised for the Arena Ice Machine? In the Association, and a further $500.00 from the Legion. More money was Feb.24/77 issue of the Snow Lake News, the Kinsmen Club announced received by individuals, mine suppliers, socials, and retirement parties, that they were asking for the help of all organizations, businesses, or bringing the total to $6566.84 on April 30th. Aurora Quarrying Co. of individuals in OUR town, to help raise money for this worthwhile Snow Lake donated $150.00, and Snow Lake Black Bears (CB) Club project . Their objective at that time was to raise upwards of donated $191.10 to bring May 12th’s total to $6907.94. We even $14,000.00. The Kinsmen and Kinettes got things rolling with their received a grant from Kinsmen TV Bingo of $1000.00. The Figure $2000.00 and $500.00 (respectively) donations. In a week’s time more Skating Club held a raffle and bake sale and raised $275.10 to put donations were received. Some of this money even came from outside toward the ice machine. Mrs. Doak and Mrs. Johannson held a our community. One hundred dollars came from George Ramsey’s Ceramic Show which raised $133.40 that was donated to this cause. Custom Iron Works, in Flin Flon and $88.08 came from a social held in June 16th, the thermometer had climbed to $8813.44. This included Lynn Lake. It was decided at this time that a more realistic goal would donations from individuals, the Royal Purple, the North Star Hockey be $12,000.00, because a Kinsman member from down south had Team, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Firemen. offered a good deal on a tractor and this would mean a substantial By July 14th, with the fund’s total sitting at $9772.02, the used savings over buying a new one. The donations were fairly slow tractor and an ice machine had been purchased. The equipment still coming in. In the March 10th issue, there were another two donations, had to be hooked up and a storage shed had to be constructed, and any $20.60 from the Midget All Stars and $60.00 from Clayton Robinson. remaining money and further donations were to go toward the As well in this issue, the Kinsmen listed some reasons why this was an construction. important fund raising drive, and I quote: Donations received from the Manitoba Metis Federation and the “Have you ever tried to play hockey on ice on which power skating, Elk’s prior to July 28th, brought the total to $10,172.02. The final hockey practice, and two hockey games have been played since the last amount raised was $11,056.92. Two large donations were received, flooding? Imagine trying to figure skate on ice all cut up and covered $808.58 from the Kinsmen Casino and $800.00 from the Fun Festival. with snow. How about the power saved freezing ice a minimum Besides monetary donations, Steve Parcey donated his time to hook up thickness instead of ice built up from five months of flooding? These the equipment, and Gardewine delivered the tractor for free. are some of the reasons the Kinsmen want your support to purchase an This proves that ‘big’ things can happen in small towns, in a very ice machine and tractor.” short time. This is one example of how important organizations can be In the March 17th issue, the Kinsmen reminded the public that if they to small communities. There may no longer be a Kinsmen Club in had spent any time around the arena the past weekend with all the Snow Lake, but they were once a very active group who contributed playoff and exhibition games and figure skating testing, they would many things to our town. The tractor and ice machine were used for many years, until the Town decided to replace it with the present Zamboni. What Ever Happened to... Bob Wooley

Dad answered a bulletin for shaft miners sometime in the summer of east coast of Baffin Island. By April ‘78, I was in Clyde River (pop. 1962, and I followed just before Xmas. Snow Lake was then, what it is 500), in the, then NWT. The job required that I travel on the land with now, an oddity as towns go. There were no rich people, and no poor the hunters, and share in the bounty of the harvest; taste treats such as people. It was rough, but at the same time very protective of us. seal blood soup, raw fish, raw whale skin, boiled walrus, raw bone Without TV, we gathered at the lake in the summer, and at the rink or marrow, etc. There I met this Newfie girl, Sheila, working at the ‘Bay, the “Hall” in the winter. There were at least two movies a week, and, who thought I was a crude, obnoxious jerk. I married her in ’79. Our for a while, serials on Saturdays. Hockey was an all-consuming oldest son, Travis was born in ‘80. passion. I was in school until Xmas 1968. After Xmas I worked on the I accepted a promotion in 1981 to go to Inuvik. Although the road for Corbett Construction and lived at the camp out where the big Mackenzie Delta was a fascinating place to work in and around, by limestone cut is on the road out to the highway. Corbett and I parted early 1982 I was off to Yellowknife as a Training Officer. A year later in the spring and I finished the summer working on the track gang for I was sent to Frobisher Bay, as Superintendent of the Baffin Region. HBM&S out of Flin Flon. In the fall, I headed off to the U of M for Roger, our youngest son was born that fall. four years. By 1986 we were headed back to theYukon. I spent the next 6 years In ‘73, I threw everything I owned into my old Pontiac and headed in as Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Renewable a generally northwesterly direction. I had spent two summers working Resources. It was, an interesting experience, having some opportunity in the Yukon, and had a vague idea of seeking my fortune there. I to influence the way the department operated, but by 1992 it was time stopped off in Edmonton to visit my brother, who at that time was for another move. working for an environmental consulting firm. They needed a body for We moved to Brandon , and I took the position of Regional Director a fisheries study, and I qualified. For the next 5 years, I traveled for the Department of Natural Resources in the Western Region, and throughout the north; blowing up fish, cutting the toes off mice, responsibility for the delivery of the department’s programs in this counting pretty much everything that lived there, collecting caribou corner of the province. droppings… all in the name of science. And that is what has happened to Bob Wooley….so far. A chance encounter in the airport in Winnipeg led to an interview for a job as a Fish and Wildlife Officer in a remote community along the THE Underground PRESS

Volume 4, Issue 7 SNOW LAKE, MANITOBA July 1999 TOLKO WILL GO SLOW AFRICA CALLING - AINSWORTHS ANSWER STAFF “Do you know what’s through, and promised a more coming up in there? DICK,” consultative approach in the future. STAFF At the end of June, Snow Lake will say farewell said Trapper/Prospector Ken deGraff. The June meeting’s participants were to a family that has been a big part of our His question, and subsequent answer, a cross section of Snow Lake residents community, our school, and The Underground Press, for a were in response to a statement by who represented the interests of cabin good many years. On July 24th, after a three week Tolko officials explaining the owners, trappers, lodge owners, wild orientation in Toronto, Ken, Becky, Lindsey and Carly regeneration of forest around Berry Bay rice growers and anglers. The main Ainsworth take off for the west coast of Africa. after it was clear cut last year. point of contention for these locals is The Ainsworth family has lived in Snow Lake for six years Exchanges such as this, set the tone for the planned clear-cut harvesting of and has formed numerous friendships in that time. Ken a meeting that the pulp and paper about 15,000 cubic meters of softwood taught Industrial Arts at J.H. Kerr School, wrote children’s company called to explain its year 2000 lumber from a 225 hectare zone around books and told fabulous stories. Rebecca has been a plans. Osborne Lake. The cut is proposed to columnist with The Underground Press since 1997. Both Approximately 30 people gathered at take place in 2003. Locals say that if Ken and Becky spent invaluable hours ‘line editing’ The 7 PM, on June 24th, in the Elks’ Hall, to the cut goes ahead, it will put Lodge Underground Press, and in doing so, enabled the editor to hear representatives of Tolko Manitoba Owner Martin Mclauglin out of publish a product with nary a misspoken or misspelled word. explain their proposed cutting plans for business, it will devastate Gordon Rebecca has agreed to continue to write her column from the year 2000 and beyond. Cann’s trapline and possibly ruin Africa. The meeting appeared to be nothing angling and commercial fishing on The Ainsworth family will, by the end of July, be residing more than a continuation of a similar Wekusko Lake (the area in question as missionaries in the west African community of Jos, one that was held on January 27/99 in takes in the lake’s spawning grounds). Nigeria. Ken will teach Industrial Arts at Jos’s K-12 the same venue. In that meeting 200 In their defense, Tolko officials stated Hillcrest School, and Becky will serve as the Society for people voiced their displeasure with that they would work together with a International Ministries’ (SIM) Information Officer in Tolko’s plan to allow Petryk Logging, local resource management committee, Nigeria. Children, Lindsey and Carly, will attend the 300 of Cranberry Portage, the right to log an to come up with larger buffer zones student Hillcrest School, and as Ken states, “they will no area of timber around Osborne Lake. (where no trees would be cut) around doubt benefit from a school climate that represents 27 To Tolko’s credit, the officials lakes and creeks, and would address all countries and 10 language groups.” addressing the June 24th meeting concerns before proceeding. SIM is an international, interdenominational mission apologized for trying to ram that cut (SEE TOLKO on page 6) organization with more than 18,000 missionaries serving in 43 countries on five continents and three islands in the Indian Ocean. Its purpose is to glorify God by planting, COUNCIL SETS strengthening and partnering with churches around the world. LIMITS ON RESERVE LAND The Ainsworths have a strong faith in God. They have put their trust in him to lead them to where they can be of the STAFF The subject of public reserve land, and what can and cannot be placed most service. Right now this appears to be in Jos, Nigeria.; upon it, came up for discussion at the June 15th meeting of the Snow but decisions such as quitting your job and selling your Lake Town Council. house don’t come easy. “All these steps, little and big, are in Town of Snow Lake CAO (Chief Administrative Officer), Chuck Dunning, said faith that God will get us to Africa after all is said and done,” he had recently been questioned about whether people with lots at the Taylor Bay said the Ainsworth patriarch. “I though faith was a bit subdivision could install personal items on public reserve land. Such things as different than these little, wobbling, sometimes uncertain steps, sidewalks, satellite dishes and sheds were mentioned, and Dunning queried steps of resigning my job, selling (or renting) the house, councils’ opinions on installations of this type on the public reserve land between buying a laptop, and trusting that even not going would work the lake and the lots in this subdivision. out fine because the God who is in control loves me.” Public reserve land is located around waterways and lakes, and is generally Because the Ainsworths are going to Africa as reserved for the use of the public at large. The area in question takes up anywhere missionaries, they won’t be drawing wages while they are from 20 - 40 feet of the land between a body of water and any adjacent private there. In order for them to live, the question of money does lots. come into the picture. Before departure for Jos, SIM The Council was in agreement that they would allow beautification of the land, requires about 30% of the support for the Ainsworth’s two by way of scrubbing out deadfall, brush and undergrowth; but drew the line at years there to be on deposit with them. Most of this amount knocking down trees and the installation of permanent buildings. There also needs to be provided yet. The remaining 70% needs to be seemed to be agreement on allowing sidewalks, steps, docks, benches, flagpoles, pledged. “If we end up renting our house, that income will light standards, firepits and larger satellite dishes. However, Mayor Zamzow help bring us up to about 50% of the required pledged stated that satellite dishes were a matter of aesthetics, especially from the lake support,” said Ainsworth. (SEE RESERVE on page 7) (SEE AINSWORTH on page 6) Page 2 THE Underground PRESS July, 1999

E D IT O R IA L ~**~ Now for a little unabashed self promotion. I received an e-mail from rt Linklater once had - or might still have - a show called ‘Kids CBC’s North Country co-host, Mark Szyszlo. He stated that his boss in Say the Darndest Things!’ Gordon Sinclair used to run ‘Cute Winnipeg had approved a plan for developing new freelancers and Kid Quips’ in his Winnipeg Free Press column. Both of these played stringers for their North Country morning broadcast. He said they were up the cute, and most times comical, things that kids come up with looking for local newspaper editors or people "in the know" in right when you least expect it. I was recently reminded of some communities all over the north. Contributors will hold informal chats instances where a few of my nephews, and my own son, made over the phone once a week, and the topic of conversation will be left statements that caused adults in their presence to double over with belly up to them. So I guess I’ll (as Szyszlo says) take the plunge into radio laughs. I offer these up for your enjoyment. in the fall. Twelve or thirteen years ago, my sister and her husband (Joe and ~**~ Anna Milburn) were down at Snow Lake’s Diamond Willow Inn. They With this issue, we say good-bye to the Ainsworths, but also say happened to be there on the same weekend that a ‘men’s senior’ or hello to Candy Skyhar. She has agreed to take on the job of ‘Legion men’s’ curling playoff was taking place in town. Most of the Proofreader (Line Editor) for The Underground Press. Candy will be older gents who were taking part were just sitting down to lunch in the teaching grade 7 at J.H.Kerr School this coming year, and has, in the dining room. Joe and Anna’s eldest son, Marc (yes... my namesake), past, been the Senior English teacher there. We welcome her aboard then five or six, stood in the dining room doorway and yelled, “Holleee and thank her for taking on the position. Dad.... look at all the Grandpa’s in here!” ~**~ The following instance is one from my own experience. It happened I’m told that after all the hassles about wrestling shirts in the school, about seven or eight years back. I had just grabbed my morning coffee the reference to them has been dropped from the proposed district and sat down on the couch for my ‘morning ritual reading’ before work. policy, and the word ‘offensive’ has been added. Offensive to who? My son Joel, then five or six, came out of his bedroom, rubbing the Sounds like it was all a waste of time to me! sleep from his eyes and snuggled up to me on the couch. After sitting ~**~ there for about two or three minutes as quiet as a mouse, he looked at Did you know that the School Board has a new Chairperson. At their me with the most serious look on his face and said, “Dad... are June 15th meeting, Brenda Cairns resigned and Sandra Kutchaw was Newfoundland and Disneyland the same place?” elected to the position. Here now, are a couple of stories spurred by my nephew Jeremy East (Claude and Janet’s son). This one happened at our house during the Christmas holidays about five years back. Jeremy had just received a small car set from Santa and was explaining to a Christmas guest, Randy Crone, how to operate it. We could hear Jeremy tell Randy. “You can do this... and this... but you can’t do this,” so Randy picked up one of the cars and proceeded to play with Jeremy. Not twenty OPEN MESSAGE TO seconds later Jeremy took the car from Randy, looked him right in the eye and said, “Maybe you didn’t hear me!” THE READERS OF THE UNDERGROUND PRESS As noted above, this final one is from Jeremy also. My brother-in- As usual we will not print an August edition. With law Claude (the cop) took him to a neighborhood video store to pick up everyone on holidays, it is just too big of a hassle to attend a cartoon to watch on the weekend. When he and Jeremy went to take meetings, meet deadlines, etc., and still enjoy a holiday. We it back, a day or so later, there was a sign on the locked door of the will be back with our September issue at the end of August; video store. Claude read it as his son listened. Apparently, over the however, I’m sorry to say, we will be unable to print an issue weekend the store had gone bankrupt and the receiver had locked the in October either. doors. When they got home and Jeremy’s mom asked why he still had This one is my fault. Due to some unexpected changes in the movie, the boy said, “We couldn’t take it back, cause the store got BANKROBBERED.” the hours of my job (the one that pays the mortgage), I won’t ~**~ be able to attend Council or Board meetings, nor will I be In a news story last month called ‘Fiscal plan fuels a few questions, I able to gather news from anything happening at night. It is mistakenly reported that Recreation Director, Leanne Mihalicz’s salary hoped that this will only affect October’s issue, but it could was $24,000 last year and was being raised to $33,000 in 1999. This affect more... only time will tell. If it does involve more, or was off the mark by quite a bit. Her salary in 1998 was $13,000 all future editions, I will somehow let all of you know. ($5,000 of which was a government grant), and it has been raised to Thanks for your understanding... see ya in September! $16,800 in 1999. What caused the problem was the town showing (on their fiscal plan) ‘salary only’ figures for all employees other than Mihalicz. The budgeted figure for her position included all the costs of running her department. Administrator Dunning explained it this way; THE Underground PRESS “Council wanted to know, at a glance, how much this particular is a monthly, independent newspaper, published in department was costing.” Having made my apology, all I can say is, Snow Lake, Manitoba. Leanne is grossly underpaid... perhaps someone should be looking at EDITOR: Marc W. Jackson this budget item once again! Supported by many local contributors. In the same story, I reported that the town budgeted $7490 for ***Real News, Relevant Views*** equipment at the beach. This isn’t entirely true either. The town is only ***Everything You Have a Right to Know*** putting $3000 into the equipment. The rest is coming from groups like Correspondence: Box 492, Snow Lake, MB, R0B 1M0 the 50th Committee and the Lion’s Club. They give their money to the Phone: (204)358-2887 town and it is reflected in the town’s budget figure. I guess next year email: [email protected] the questions will have to be a little more pointed. Sorry for any http://www.mts.net/~mjackson problems or inconveniences these mistakes in reporting may have caused. July, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 3

THE EAR OF GOVERNMENT A QUESTION OF HEALTH by: Lola Leclair Questions From Concerned Snow

This month we had two questions for the Town and five for the Please note that any information read in this column should not take School District. Chuck Dunning answered for the Town, and Tony precedence over the advice of your own Medical Doctor. Griffiths was contacted and said he would answer for the District. The Health Tip of the Month Town first: Many thanks to Verna Neufeld of Anderson Bay for this home Q.) Does the town supply the hydro to the airport, or is it billed to remedy which I'm sure will interest our readers who suffer with arthritic those who use it? pain: A.) The town pays for the hydro, except when planes plug in. Then 1 pouch Certo we charge them a $5.00 fee per night. 1 carton orange juice ( or 1 can frozen concentrated) Q.) (My question) When town properties were reassessed, did the Mix these together, store in the refrigerator, and drink over 2 days. amount of money MTS, Hydro and the Crown pay as a grant-in-lieu You should notice a difference within a few days of consuming this. (GIL) of taxes rise correspondingly (If not, why not?)? Also is the Verna states "My husband is living proof that this really does work. He amount of money they pay realistic in comparison to the value of the used to suffer with the excruciating pain of arthritis in his knees, and poles, lines, etc. they have in the community? used to walk with a limp. He's tried everything from anti-inflammatory A.) All GIL’s go up accordingly; they are assessed at the same mill drugs to a course of 3 synvisc shots in his knees, and nothing seemed to rate as everyone else. As for being realistic, the property is assessed on help as much as this home remedy. He now uses this drink when he a similar basis as the rest of the property in town (though it may be feels the pain coming back - which is only about 3 or 4 times a year." difficult to determine market value of substation property based on It's wonderful to note there's a nutritious remedy that avoids all the sales). The poles, lines, etc., are not assessed or taxed. This is not horrendous side effects that anti-inflammatory and pain medications provided for under legislation to date, whereas the substation buildings can have on the body. Verna also noted that "a care home in Red Lake and land are (maybe some of the equipment as well, but I'm not sure. uses 1 tsp. of Certo in their resident's juice every day." The substation paid over $8,000.00 in taxes in 1998). ~**~ The following questions were posed to Superintendent Griffiths by e- Q. What function does potassium have in the body? A relative of mail on June the 11th. I attempted to talk to him a couple of times, but mine has very low potassium, and her muscles are so weak, especially he wasn’t available. He has stated in the past that he won’t answer in her legs, that she has difficulty walking. She is on potassium questions over the phone, so that was out, even though I did ask. He supplements, and tries to eat a well balanced diet. What kinds of foods did set up an appointment to answer the questions in person, but then he contain potassium? wasn’t at work on the day of the appointment. I could have talked to A. Electrolytes are molecules that separate into electrically charged some other spokesperson, but I’ve been told that he is the only one who particles. Potassium is one of our body's electrolytes, and a major one. will answer questions on behalf of the district. The unanswered It makes up a large part of muscle tissue cells, is necessary for the questions were: transmission of impulses to muscles and nerves, and helps to regulate Q.) How does having a Superintendent benefit students in Snow Lake skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle activity. Having stated that, it is anymore than having a Principal did? easy to understand why your relative has weak and flaccid muscles. A.) The cause of low potassium or hypokalemia is either a decreased intake Q.) When will the trophies in the school’s display cases be updated? or an increased loss of potassium. It may be lost through the gastro- A.) intestinal tract by vomiting or diarrhea. A high sodium or salt intake Q.) Do bus drivers pay their training costs back once they start may also cause the urinary loss of potassium. Elderly people are more earning a salary? likely to develop hypokalemia because of dietary insufficiency, the use A.) of diuretics (water pills), and the use of laxatives. Q.) Why do spelling mistakes and erroneous information stay on the Normally, the intake of potassium is adequate in foods and fluids. electronic message board for so long... even after they are pointed out? Many foods contain potassium. Fruit juices (especially orange juice), A.) bananas, bouillon and meat broths are rich sources as well as whole Q.) How much is the rent on the district’s house? grains, meat, parsley, legumes, fruits and vegetables. If this is not A.) sufficient, potassium may also be given by medication orally or by Sorry to those who submitted the above questions, I’ll try to get them intravenous fluids. answered in the September issue. If your relative is still having muscle weakness and diet and medication is not effective in helping this, I would suggest she see her physician as soon as possible. If left unchecked, hypokalemia can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), and in severe cases, respiratory or cardiac arrest. If you have any questions about your health, give me a call and I will try to find you an answer. Please phone 358-2703, E-mail [email protected], or write to Box 8, Snow Lake, MB., R0B Retiring Board Member Gina Galiz....! 1M0 Sitting on any board or council is time consuming, tough and thankless work. Those who do it - as Gina has for the past few years - deserve our praise and thanks. "I am." is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that "I Do." is the longest sentence? Why can't you make another word using all the letters in ~ just wondering "anagram"? — just wondering Page 4 THE Underground PRESS July, 1999

instructors to Snow Lake for a beginner and an intermediate Water-ski Clinic. REC REVIEW by: Leanne Activity Days - Throughout the months of July and August, kids can join us at the beach for a variety of fun activities, such as semi- I have noticed people swimming at the beach and most people have organized activities like “Cool Crafts and Water Sports” days. These planted their gardens, so I guess it safe to say summer is here! While events will be advertised at the beach! summer may seem short in Snow Lake, it is definitely one of the For more information regarding any of these programs, call the greatest places to be. Our gorgeous, resort-like town has plenty to offer Recreation Office at 7353. Have an awesome summer, and we will see in terms of summer recreation. Living in this community, things like you at the beach! fishing, camping, golfing and hanging out at the beach are sometimes taken for granted. In addition to these wonderful opportunities, there are several summer programs being planned for children, youth and adults. Check out the schedule below to see what might interest you or your family this summer: “Recreation is a key to balanced HUMAN Swimming Lessons - There will be three sessions of swimming DEVELOPMENT - helping Canadians reach their lessons for children ages 3 and up. Registration for all three will be taken down at the beach during the last week of June. There will be a potential (Canadian Parks/Recreation Association, limited number of spaces per class, and they will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Basic swimming skills are something that everyone should have, especially where we live! May ‘99 Adult Aquasize Classes - Water can be a wonderful environment to by: Corporal Roy Fenwick exercise in; this summer try a morning aquatic program to start your day! The buoyancy of the water helps take the jolt out of exercise, During May this office was involved in twenty-three matters. while providing just as an effective a workout as one out of the water. MATTERS INVOLVING VIOLENCE Exercises will be performed in shallow water, and previous Aquasize or Four family disputes were attended but none resulted in charges dance aerobics is not necessary. Just come on out for the fun of it. This being pursued. starts July 5, and will run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 MATTERS INVOLVING PROPERTY am. Three matters involving damage to property were reported. During a Canoe Clinic - Recreational Canoeing is an excellent way to take in dispute at the Snow Lake Inn, the bank machine was unplugged the beauty of Snow Lake, as well as being a great form of exercise. causing minimal damage. A vehicle was damaged by gravel being Sign up for this summer’s canoe clinic, to learn basis strokes and safety thrown from another vehicle’s spinning tires. Another vehicle was tips. The clinic is scheduled for July 12 and 13, one afternoon for youth extensively damaged when it hit a hydro pole. A Motorola two way 12 and over, and an evening course for adults. Participants must wear a portable radio was found near Woosey Lake. life jacket and have basic swimming skills. OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST Tennis Clinic - ‘Sport Manitoba’ is offering summer tennis clinics Five traffic citations, one liquor charge and one 24-hour driver's around the province. Snow Lake was fortunate to have gotten in on license suspension were issued. One complaint of a pet being one. Come learn new skills, or brush up on old skills! Times will mistreated was looked into, but no concern for the animals safety was depend on the number, age, and ability of participants. Balls and found. Five other matters were administrative in nature, and three rackets are supplied for those who don’t have any. Tentative date is public presentations were made. July 16. Kid’s Soccer Camp - Last year we had a two-day clinic for kids, but that wasn’t long enough, so this year our camp will be four days; July 26 to the 29th. Soccer Manitoba has designed camps to give young TALK OF players an opportunity to learn and improve soccer skills in a fun THE TOWN by: E.C. environment as well as an understanding of the principles and systems of play. Each participant will receive an UMBRO soccer ball and an Property assessment is done in two ways: market value assessment UMBRO T-shirt. and portioned or taxable assessment. Finding the Play in Performance: A Youth Drama Workshop - Market value is what assessment is founded upon; the value at which On July 20 and 21, renowned actor/director/drama instructor, B.Pat the property would have sold in the base year for the current Burns will be here. He will lead youth through a series of simple games assessment. For the current tax roll, and up until 2001, the base year is designed to allow the actor to experience the dramatic skills necessary 1995. This value is determined by the Assessment Branch, using actual to act with confidence within the supportive context of a group. The sales for the base year, and other criteria as required. group will first learn how to “play safe” physically, as they learn the Once the market value is listed, the portioned or taxable assessment is rudiments of stage fighting, and these principles will be systematically then determined. Portioned is the percentage of the market value carried through to the art of improvisation and simple text work. The assessment that is liable for taxation. This percentage varies between best part is that is that all of this is FUN! FUN! FUN! the different classifications. Residential property is currently 45%, Adult Mini-Triathlon and Kids of Steel Triathlon - This challenge while commercial is 65%, farm property is 30%, institutional is 65%, will test your physical endurance in a friendly and fun atmosphere. pipeline is 50%, railway is 25%, and golf courses are 9.1%. These Enter as an individual or as a team. Swimming, running and cycling are percentages are set by provincial regulations, and came into effect in combined for an all round exciting event to either participate in or to 1992 when the province shifted from construction costs to market value watch! This program is tentatively set for the second weekend in as the basis for assessment. August. You can have a situation where three different properties have the Learn to ski - If you have never water-skied before, or would like to same market value, but because they are classed differently, will pay improve your skills, you may have your chance this August. I am three different tax amounts. currently working with ‘Water-ski Manitoba’ to bring certified July, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 5

by: Marc Variation Board to order at 6:35 PM. All Councilors (other than THE CHAMBERS Jackson Stubbs) and Administrator Dunning were in attendance. Side yard Mayor Zamzow called the June 1st sitting of the Variation Board to variances of 4.7’ on one side of the lot at 120 Crystal St., and 1.5 on order at 6:33 PM. All Councilors (other than Mayer) and Administrator the other side, were approved. The regular meeting was called to order Dunning were in attendance. There were no complaints in regard to the at 6:37 PM. front yard variation at 121 Balsam, and as a result it passed. The Under Old Business, Mr. Dunning reported that HBM&S sends their regular meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM. oil and PCB’s out for disposal. Mayor Zamzow inquired if the town Under matters arising from the minutes, Mr. Dunning stated that the could piggy-back the disposal of their oil with the company. Dunning late correspondence from a provincial hazardous waste handler will be replied, “Probably, but we use all of ours to burn wood in the winter at discussed at the next meeting, and the protection committee stated that a the dump.” Mr. Dunning stated that a copy of the Northern Patient decision on transient trader licensing and fees is ‘pending.’ Transportation Program guidelines was on his desk. Councilor Under Old Business, Dunning stated the ad for demolition of the Morrison would like to take a look at it. Council was informed that the Gowans building has been placed. “Strilkewski will look at it, but he Protection Committee will study the crosswalk situation at the hospital. thinks he can take it down,” he said. A $425, one time ad for the sale of The Recreation Director’s Report was received for filing. Mayor the Taylor Bay lots has been placed with the Manitoba Community Zamzow said he had been approached on the street and questioned on Newspaper Association. Dunning was asked if he had checked with whether the town received any value for the dollars spent on the Rec. HBM&S to find out what they did with their hazardous waste. His Director’s position. “I shared her monthly report with this person... reply was, “No.” and they were noticeably calmed by it,” said the Mayor. Councilor The Utility Maintenance report was received for filing. Mayor Fisher stated, “I think most people realize what she does for us.” Zamzow asked the Administrator to set up a meeting with Environment “People with kids, for sure,” added Councilor Chrapun. officials so the council can find out where they are in regard to the The Mayor’s Report was received for filing. Mayor Zamzow Snow Lake water plant issue (high THM counts). advised council that he had spoken with Bill Henderson of Tolko in The Rec. Maintenance report was received for filing. Mr. Cann regard to their Year 2000 cutting plans. Zamzow said that the Osborne reported the following vandalism: water fountain at beach kicked in; Lake area hadn’t been taken out of their plans, and was still slated to tennis court garbage cans missing (presumed to be in the lake); graffiti be cut in 2003 carved in new play structure on beach; swings at beach broken and the Under By-laws on the agenda, by-law 811/99, the by-law setting letters from the Curling Rink sign were smashed. Councilor Chrapun penalties for unauthorized burning at the dump was given second and asked if any follow-up had been done. Dunning replied, “We report it third readings, and passed unanimously. to the RCMP, but what can we do after that?” Councilor Pronger called Under Correspondence on the agenda, a quote of $8,500 + taxes for something to be placed in the paper in regard to this vandalism. (council budgeted $5,000) was received from Strilkewski The Administrator’s Report was received for filing. Mr. Dunning Construction, for the demolition of the Gowans Building. Mayor reported that “Kyle Schuman has been hired - away from the school - as Zamzow asked if another contractor could be asked to quote, so that the summer student.” He also stated that he would like to go in-camera council could make a comparison. A letter was received from Shirley at the end of the meeting to discuss staffing matters. Councilor Martell offering her suggestions for solutions to some ongoing beach Morrison asked Dunning to get a copy of the Northern Patient’s problems. The letter was sent to committee. After a lengthy Transportation Program guidelines. She felt some people are being discussion of a letter from Miller Environment Services, the council billed for things that this program should be paying for. Councilor decided to hold, and fund, a hazardous waste day in the fall. A letter Pronger agrees and cites personal instances in making her case. Mayor was received from Wekusko Falls Lodge asking that the Town Zamzow asked that the Ambulance Committee look at the complaints recommend the discontinuation of commercial fishing on Wekusko before any council complaints are leveled. Councilor Mayer arrived at Lake. Council felt that the Fish Management Committee’s the meeting at 6:52 PM. recommendations should be given a chance to succeed. By-law 811/99, a by-law setting penalties for unauthorized burning at In other matters, Councilor Chrapun inquired about the noise by-law the dump, was given first reading. (This by-law SHOULD include a in relation to airplanes. Dunning replied anything outside of 7 AM - clause calling for locked gates on the road into the dump, and hiring a 11 PM was in contravention. Councilor Morrison asked if Hydro person to look after it. The pay for this person could be salvage rights. could be contacted in regard to scrubbing the dead poplars out of the Let’s wake up before we go up in flames over the proximity of this Hydro lines between the town and the Falls. Councilor Pronger asked dump to our community.)MJ Dunning to look into a ‘Pooper Scooper’ by-law, and to inquire if there Under Correspondence, council approved the McQuoid's request to was any chance of having bronze cross swimming lessons taught at the purchase the 46 acres they hold under permit. beach. In Other Matters, Councilor Morrison asked who owned all the The Mayor opened the yearly fuel tenders. They were: Gogal’s Gas derelict cars on the Lions lease behind Cherry St.? She wondered if and Wash - 3.6 cents per litre (CPL) off of the current pump price for they could be removed. She also asked him to look into all the junk gas, and a price of 50 CPL for diesel. In addition, a free token for the vehicles in the old dorms parking lot at the same time. Councilor car wash will be given with every fill; Franals’ - 3 CPL off of current Stubbs asked when the crosswalks would be painted. She has had some pump price for gas, and 4 CPL off of current pump price (was 57 CPL) complaints. Dunning explained that with the rain and workload, this for diesel . In addition, a 1 CPL reduction was offered on all credit didn’t happen as early as it normally does. Mr. Dunning asked council card purchases (out of town gas). Council voted to give the tender to to study the proposed crosswalk at the hospital before it is painted. Gogal’s. Councilor Fisher stated he had walked it the other night, and that there The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM, and I left. Regular meeting would have to be two crosswalks on the corner in order to have people time: 1 hour and 20 minutes. In-camera meeting time: NIL. walk on the proper side of the road. Council went in-camera to discuss staffing at 7:44 PM (out at 8:00 PM), and I left. Reg. meeting: 1 hour 14 minutes. In-camera meeting: 16 minutes. ~**~ After arriving late, Mayor Zamzow called the June 15th sitting of the Page 6 THE Underground PRESS July, 1999

(AINSWORTH from page 1) by: Dustin Anyone wishing to make donations towards the Ainsworth’s efforts Capital Matter$ Lamontange in Africa, or SIM’s efforts in the third world, can do so by mailing them to SIM Canada, 10 Huntington Blvd., Scarborough, ON., CANADA, M1W 2S5. Are you Y2K Compliant??? I am fresh off of a mutual fund conference two weekends ago in Whistler, B.C.. The hot topic on everyone’s mind seemed to be the Y2K bug, and how it will affect the global investment community as we head toward the new millenium. TRAFFIC JAMS AND SOLITUDE In four fun filled days, I sat through about 15 presentations, each one seemingly longer than the next. Each mutual fund manager addressed The time you miss real isolation most the Y2K issue in their presentation, and how it would affect their is when the traffic is just stop and go, particular fund. The general consensus is that the Y2K problem is vastly over-hyped by the media and will not pose a significant threat to when a journey that should take an hour the profitability of corporations in most parts of the world. The majority takes at least three, as you fight a host of companies in North America, Europe and Japan will be Y2K ready of drivers all driving the best they can, by mid summer at the latest. Of all corporations worldwide, banks are whichever lane you chose is the slowest. the most prepared for Y2K, as strict guidelines have been set by major Then your mind drifts back to solitude, world governments to have financial systems in order. This means you where there's no such things as jams. would be ill advised to withdraw your hard earned cash from the bank The only time you stop is for the mighty moose, and store it under your mattress on December 29. Most susceptible to or friends that stop to chat in the middle of the the Y2K problem will be certain parts of Asia, South America and most road as they lean out of their vehicle windows. of the Third World. However, if problems are evident in these countries, it will not greatly affect major world markets. That may cause a two car stop, but why worry, In my evenings at the conference, I had a chance to speak with many you hop out of the car and join in the fun, of the mutual fund managers face-to-face. I got some great insight on as you all talk together, someone else may come. the Y2K issue from people in charge of managing billions of dollars. The main sentiment is that markets will probably swing wildly up and M Ann Margetson © down over the next six months, and volatility will be tremendous. Having said this, it is important not to get excited if you see your money acting like a pogo stick. Remember to think long term and keep (TOLKO from page 1) your original investment goals in focus. The two emotions which will Trapper/Millworker, Tom Bridgeman pointed out the fact that once a wound any sound investment plan are fear and greed, so stick to your large buffer zone, the Osborne Lake road allowance and an area hydro goals and let the tension flow like water off a duck’s back. The bottom line were taken into consideration, there wouldn’t be that much timber line is on January 1, 2000, the phones will ring, the lights will turn on, to cut. “So why bother,” said Bridgeman? Tolko reps answered, that and the markets will keep on chugging. If anyone would like more this could very well be the case, and that if locals proved that cutting information on this issue, please call me at 204-981-8745 and I’d be the area would have an adverse impact on its environment, they would happy to answer any questions may have. Have a great summer! cancel plans to log it. Similarly, they admitted that if this were the case in any area that they were proposing to log they would reconsider logging it. Tolko’s Bill Henderson stated, “I’m certainly aware that there is a high level of concern over the Osborne Lake area, but we need bonafide, researched concerns, not gut feelings.” FROM THE by Don Ken deGraff shot back, that because of budget constraints, the Gowans Department of Natural Resources couldn’t afford to do such studies; but officials were adamant that all concerns would be addressed before Provincial Judge’s Court was held on May 25th in the Elks’ Hall, chainsaws were fired up. with Judge B. Stewart presiding. When all was said and done, Tolko maintained that they will meet Jason Dochniak, Ian Lamontange and Derek Weir were each charged with a local resource management committee, and will take an open with breach of probation for failing to pay restitution as ordered at a minded and professional approach in discussing and coming to an February 24/98 court date. On that date Dochniak, Lamontange and agreement on what will be cut. One official said, “We may cut some of Weir pled guilty to various charges of theft, break and enter and what is targeted, not all of it. This is for discussion. We may sit down mischief, stemming from incidents at the Community Hall, Golf and find that the Osborne Lake zone warrants being removed from our Course and Airport. As a result of the charges, Dochniak and plan.” Lamontange were each ordered to pay $475.35 in restitution, and Weir was ordered to pay $625.35. Dochniak and Lamontange failed to appear at this court date and warrants were issued for them. Weir's case was remanded until June 21/99 in The Pas. Alcoholics Anonymous The next Provincial Court date is September 28. A.A. is a group of women and men who meet twice a week, in the hope that they may help themselves CONGRATULATIONS and others to recover from alcoholism. TO THE NEW BRITANNIA MINE'S MANAGEMENT AND If you feel you may have a problem with alcohol and EMPLOYEES, ON ATTAINING THE ASTOUNDING feel you would like to talk to someone about it, July, 1999 THE Underground PRESS Page 7

by: Guest Columnist FAREWELL Les St.Amand LAURA SIMON The tabloids scream, 'Armageddon ', 'The End of the World,' 'Jesus Former Snow Lake resident, Laura Simon, passed away Christ returning in the Year 2000' and so on. You hear people talking suddenly on June 17, 1999, in Selkirk, Manitoba, at the about it all the time: Weird and violent weather, school children age of 75. Funeral services were held June 25, 1999, at shooting each other, wars ,earthquakes, famine, nuclear war threat, the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Snow Lake, followed lawlessness and so many other things that mankind and nature seem to be running on the brink of disaster. What is going on? by interment at Brookside Cemetery. Donations in I have been following Bible prophecy for about two years now and Laura’s memory may be made to The Lupus Society of because of the vast number of things happening, I can barely scratch Manitoba Inc., 105 - 386 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, the surface here. No, the world is not going to end, but yes, the world is being prepared for the return of Jesus Christ! How do I know this? For the last two thousand years, people have been saying Christ will return “ACCORDING TO in their time, but he has not. Why in our time? The Bible gives many by: Rick verses (over 10,000 are prophetic) as to what the world will be like just RICK” Leclair before he returns. Here are a few. In Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus gives us a huge sign. When Israel (the fig Sorry to Melissa Beilman. I guess I missed her name when I tree) re-becomes a nation (buds), this generation will not pass away mentioned the athletes that went to Winkler for the ‘AA’ Rural Track until all the signs, including him coming to earth, have happened. meet. Rebecca Foord came out of that meet and went on to Winnipeg’s Daniel 12:4 tells us, "Seal up this prophecy so that it will not be AAA Track Meet, where she ran a personal best in the 3000m. That’s understood until the end times when travel and education shall be what it’s all about. vastly increased." After watching the local high school track meet, as well as the Zech. 12:2 states, Jerusalem (is) to be a cup of trembling (or a thorn) elementary tabloid, I can see that there is a lot of talent out there! The for the world leaders. school I came from was small, but we had a great track team. This was Zech. 14:12 describes the effects of nuclear war, " … Their flesh will due mainly to our Phys-ed coach, who’s interest was track and field. rot while they are standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their He seemed to be able to milk some provincial winners out of our school sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths." every year. One even went on to the Olympics! With the talent I saw Rev. 13:16-18 describes a cashless society, "…to receive a mark on at the track meet and tabloid, we could have an Olympic champion his right hand or forehead, and that no man might buy or sell, save he amongst us! that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Some of our local seniors were former track stars! Frank Bill, who …His number is 666." Did you know that three quarters or more of all used to help out with the local throwing events, once threw the discus bar codes have 666 coded into them? My driver's renewal came with a 150 feet. This would have placed him in the medals at this years barcode on it this year. They (the N.W.O. people) are getting us set up. provincial high school meet. Joe Bauhs, who has been involved with What sets off the chain of events, that is described in Revelation, the rifle range for years, was once faster than a speeding bullet himself. leading to the return of Christ? Daniel 9:27 tells us. "He (antichrist) Joe ran on a few championship relay teams while living in Germany. will confirm a covenant (peace treaty) with many for one 'seven' (seven He was running the 100 yards in well under 11 seconds, which is years)." Ever heard of 'final status' talks between Israel and Palestine? probably close to 11 seconds over 100 meters. The provincial winner at If you trace the lineage of these two nationalities, it brings you back to this year’s high school meet ran 100 meters in 11.2 seconds, and this two warring brothers, Jacob (Israel) and Esau (now Palestine). was on a much better surface! I've found that many people believe that since Christ died on the cross T-Ball, softball and soccer are just about done, and if you watched for our sins, we have to put up with this evil world, and when we die, these kids from the start, you can see a big improvement. we will go to heaven. How does the Bible say we enter the kingdom of Hockey’s over too. Dallas won, and already some Habs fans are heaven? claiming that without former Canadiens’ players, they would not have In John 3:3 Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the done it. The way the Habs give players away... well you could say kingdom of God unless he is born again." How do we become 'born practically every team in the league has benefited. Even Buffalo’s again'? Romans 10:9 explains, "That if you confess with your mouth, skate sharpener is from Montreal! 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the Its official! There are now more army worms than golf carts on the dead, you will be saved." golf course, so our executive has given the OK to build more sheds. I What if I believe in God and not Jesus, would I be allowed into wonder if the worms could use the “Bat Houses”??? heaven? In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the Rick life. No one comes to the father except through me." What happens when I become saved? John 3:16 "…that whoever believes in him (Jesus) shall not perish but have ETERNAL life." For followers of Christ, our blessed hope is coming nigh. For the (RESERVE from page 1) world, unfortunately, it will mean a time of travail. side. Councilor Mayer countered that having a dish on public reserve I pray that you will seriously consider following Christ. Eternity is a land was more desirable than having someone cut down trees to better long time. the reception for a dish placed in their yard. After ten minutes of debate, Council agreed that they would allow ‘above ground structures’ other than buildings, to be installed on public reserve land; but added that this would be allowed on a case-by-case basis, and only with written permission from the town. The appropriate If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? by-law will be drawn up. ~ just wondering Page 8 THE Underground PRESS July, 1999

Looking Back Through The Pages of... The Old Community by: Cathy Stabback Snow Lake News

After spending many hours reading old Snow Lake News papers, I began in 1964. Chisel Lake Mine was discovered by diamond drilling came across a two page document containing some Snow Lake history. in 1956, with production beginning in 1960. Ghost Lake was also Some of the information contained in this document is as follows: discovered at this time. Anderson Lake Mine was discovered in 1963, In 1896, the Snow Lake-Wekusko Area was surveyed by a federal and in 1968 Dickstone Copper Mine was discovered. geological survey party. The area was surveyed again in 1913. In In 1958, Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd. and Howe Sound 1914, gold was discovered on the east shore of Wekusko Lake. There signed an agreement to purchase Howe Sound’s assets which included were several gold discoveries made. The Rex Mine (Laguna) was the the power line, plant buildings, equipment, houses, Community Hall, largest. It produced 7,000 ounces of gold from 1917 to 1925 and school, Curling Rink and Hospital. Most of the houses were sold to 48,000 ounces from 1934 to 1939. their employees. The school, Community Hall and Curling Rink were In 1927, L.R. Parres located and staked a gold occurrence on the east turned over to the Local Government District. shore of Snow Lake. Nor Acme Mines was incorporated in 1938 to The Manitoba Government, Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. handle the property. In 1941, Howe Sound Exploration Company Limited, and the Local Government District formed an agreement in Limited optioned the property from them. Diamond drilling 1959. The Town began expanding and it became connected to the commenced in August of 1941, and was completed in April of 1942. outside world with the completion of the #10 highway in 1960. Howe Sound signed a lease with Nor Acme in October 1943. A mill The Town has expanded and changed several times over the years. (capable of milling 2,000 tons of ore per day), a shaft and other Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co. Limited developed Spruce Point industrial buildings were erected. Mine, Rod Mine, Little Stall, Namew Lake and Chisel Open-Pit. Their Provincial government engineers completed a townsite survey on Photo Lake Mine is in the early stages of development. TVX optioned July 17, 1945. Clearing of the townsite began on August 1st of that the old Britannia property in the early 90’s, which they developed and year. Over the next two years; a hospital, school, men’s dormitory, continue to produce ore from. As a result, they are Snow Lake’s major community hall, curling rink and houses were built. In June 1947, the employer. Many old businesses have changed locations. New town and surrounding area was designated a Local Government businesses and facilities have been added. The school has been District. The first Administrator was appointed by the Provincial renovated several times, and is currently undergoing another change. Government and eventually a seven-man advisory board was elected. Of course, some things will never change. Snow Lake has always From June 1949 to September 1958, Howe Sound had mined most of been, and will always be, “home” for a lot of people. its resources. Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. Limited of Flin Flon had been doing some exploration in the area in 1951. In 1954, they optioned some claims in the Osborne Lake area. In 1955, Stall Lake Mine was staked. Development began in 1956, and production

Safety Award and ~ If Yoko Ono married Sonny Bono, she'd be Yoko Ono Bono. Milestone for ~ If Dolly Parton married Salvador Dali, she'd be Dolly Dali. New Britannia ~ If Bo Derek married Don Ho, she'd be Bo Ho. Mine Employees ~ If Oprah Winfrey married Depak Chopra, she'd be Oprah Chopra. For the third year in a row, employees at the New Britannia Mine ~ If Cat Stevens married Snoop Doggy Dogg (Hey! It's the have received one of the John T. Ryan Awards. The Mine was '90's!), he'd be Cat Doggy Dogg. awarded the Western Canada Regional Award for the lowest accident ~ If Olivia Newton-John married Wayne Newton, then divorced frequency for 1998. The Mine received this award in 1996 and the All him to marry Elton John, she'd be Olivia Newton-John Newton Canadian Metal Mine Award in 1997. John. At the end of night shift June 17, 1999, the New Brit employees had also worked 2,000,000 man hours without a lost time accident. ~ If Sondra Locke married Elliott Ness, then divorced him to We are also very pleased with the second place finish of our mine marry Herman Munster, she'd become Sondra Locke Ness rescue team at the Provincial Competition in Leaf Rapids. Monster. Achievements of this nature are a reflection of the commitment ~ If Bea Arthur married Sting, she'd be Bea Sting. and high standards of the employees at a particular business. The ~ If Liv Ullman married Judge Lance Ito, then divorced him and New Britannia Mine employees are among the best in the industry. married Jerry Mathers, she'd be Liv Ito Beaver. The most significant reward for a record of this magnitude is ~ If Snoop Doggy Dogg married Winnie the Pooh, he'd be relected in a healthy workforce. The employees and their families, Snoop Doggy Dogg Pooh. along with the community and company, all benefit from this effort. ~ How about a baseball marriage? If Boog Powell married It is of interest to note that most of the major safety awards, both national and provincial, have been won by Mines from Snow Lake. Felipe Alou, he'd be Boog Alou. There appears to be a deeply rooted safety consciousness in the ~ If G. Gordon Liddy married Boutros-Boutros Ghali, then mining people in Snow Lake. divorced him to marry Kenny G., he'd be G. Ghali G. We are proud of our employees and their ability to be leaders in