Happy New Year!

Photo by Hana Struss

Are you missing your German Shepherd?

UPDATE: This is Riply! She is safe and sound at home with her caretaker. 

A German Shepherd arrived at Paul Jorgensen's house this afternoon and never left. The dog has a collar, including a shocking device, but no identification.

Paul can be reached at 778.994.6788.

Dog rescued from ice fishing hole

photo by Chad Cooper

UPDATE: The dog was Pepper Wynne and is safe and sound! She found her people on the ski trail and was taken home right away to warm up by the fireplace.

A dog fell through a hole in the ice left by fishers today. Fortunately, Kelly Krawchuck spotted the big black lab in distress while cross-country skiing on the lake, and was able to lie down on the ice and pull him out by the collar. Kelly then attempted to warm the dog up the best she could.

It is assumed that the dog's owners were on the other side of the lake because the dog ran off in their direction. Hopefully they noticed that he was wet and cold, and checked for signs of hypothermia. Frostbite may show up on extremities as well (ears and pads especially). If you know of LLJ residents or visitors who have a black lab, please contact them to see if this was their dog.

The hole in the ice was in a terrible location -- close to shore and right beside frequently used ski tracks. It was also very large, and will likely take 2 days or more to freeze over.

So this is a reminder to all ice fishers, you should never leave a large hole unmarked. From what I understand, it is common practice to mark holes with branches. Also, it probably goes without saying, but you should never fill the hole with snow. 

From the Criminal Code of Canada 263:

Duty to safeguard opening in ice263. (1) Every one who makes or causes to be made an opening in ice that is open to or frequented by the public is under a legal duty to guard it in a manner that is adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident and is adequate to warn them that the opening exists.

Thanks so much to Kelly Krawchuck for saving that dog's life!

Refugees and Friends Together

Thanks to Corinne Shock for raising awareness in our community about the opportunities to donate time, money, and household items to support the 5 Syrian families coming to Kamloops.

• Friday, December 18 -  The Diversity Event (poster below) is an education opportunity for the community, and especially the volunteers who will be helping families directly. You can RSVP via Facebook.
• Saturday, December 19, 10:30-12:00 take household items in GOOD condition (kitchen items, furniture, etc) to 600-800 Mission Flats Road. 
• Donate through United Way. Funds are matched and go directly to help families in the Thompson Nicola Cariboo region
• Donate through CanadaHelps.org (Select RAFT on the pull-down menu)
• Donate through Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Services

click image for a larger view

Stay informed

• RAFT Kamloops Website
• RAFT Refugees and Friends Together Kamloops Facebook Community
• Kamloops Cariboo Regional Services
• #WelcomeRefugees - Government of Canada

TRU Animal Health Technology Adoptions: Ash and Tara

UPDATE: Ash and Tara have both been adopted

Ash

Tara

We are still in need of loving homes for a few remaining animals from the Animal Health Technology program Fall semester. If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog from the AHT Program or you know someone that may be interested PLEASE call 250-828-5174 to make an appointment to view the available animals. We still have 3 cats that need homes.

Ash and Tara are both very nice cats and would love to find a permanent home by the end of the month. Ash is more of a loner and would prefer to be the only cat in the household. Tara is indifferent to other cats so she would do fine with or without another feline companion. You can also check out our pet adoption website at www.tru.ca/science/programs/aht/adoptions

All animals have been spayed /neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, tattooed and dewormed. The current adoption fee is $75.00. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sonia Walczak, AHT, RVT
Lecturer Animal Health Technology
Thompson Rivers University

Does this dog look familiar?

UPDATE: Owner has been found. Thanks everyone for your help keeping this dog warm and safe, and spreading the word!

This dog was found wandering around Marmot Rd in Lac Le Jeune late afternoon today. He has a collar but no identification. James Medford has been going door to door for the past few hours trying to find some leads. THANK YOU, James! 

If you have any information please contact Sylvia Medford at 250-320-3863. You can also post a comment to the blog, or in the LLJ Facebook Group. 

Notice of Power Interruption

This notice was posted on our community bulletin board and mailboxes. Just in case you didn't receive one...

Have you seen Onyx?

The Morash's cat has been missing for almost 2 weeks. Onyx is long haired, mail, yellow/green eyes with a mark in his right eye, about 7 years old. Please contact Karen Morash with any sightings or information: 250-828-7123

Minutes: Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association AGM - August 30, 2015

Special thanks to the Bruggers for hosting our AGM and picnic! We estimate that approximately 44 members attended the event. The weather cooperated, the food and conversations were excellent, and the kids enjoyed the fun activities planned for them.

• View / download PDF version
• The agenda can be found here

LAC LE JEUNE

CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

August 30, 2015

1. Approval of the AGM minutes of September 14, 2014

Moved by Howie Mattfeld, seconded by Steve Roy. Carried.

2. Increase in membership dues (from $5 to $10 per year)

Corinne Schock proposed an increase in membership fees in order to offset costs of the liability insurance the association will be purchasing.

Motion to approve the increase in membership dues as proposed. Moved by Drena Baker. Seconded by Carolyn Chandler. Carried.

3. Water Monitoring Project

Hugh Burton reported on the Water Monitoring Project progress, as well as the process for gathering water sample. We are nearing completion of data collection. A full report will be prepared in collaboration with Marg Sidney, Ministry of Environment, and published this winter.

4. Ajax Mine Community Advisory Group

Corinne Schock explained that LLJCA is part of a Community Advisory Group (CAG), which consists of approximately 25 organizations, such as BC Grasslands, Physicians for a Healthy Environment, and BC Cattlemen. The Application Information Requirements (AIR) has been issued [see http://laclejeune.blogspot.ca/2015/07/application-information-requirements.html] and once Ajax submits the application a 180-day review process will begin. The application will be made public for 75 days following a governmental review.

Corinne prepared a booklet for individuals to document the concerns regarding the Ajax Mine Project that they would like to for the Conservation Association to address. She mentioned examples of concerns that have already come forward: Light pollution, air quality, water use, use of the Lac Le Jeune highway, and risks to wildlife. Corinne asked that any concerns be added to the booklet, or sent to her directly.

5. Citizens on Patrol

Carolyn Chandler reported on the COP program at Lac Le Jeune, which has been in operation for the past two years. She also outlined the time commitment and duties of a volunteer, and the reasons this program is of value to our community.   Volunteers go out 2 times per month to patrol the area, looking for any unusual activity and paying attention to any concerns or situations brought forward to them. There are monthly meeting held in Logan Lake. Overall, this position requires approximately 4 hours per month.

6. Community Directory

Steve Roy volunteered earlier this year to update the Lac Le Jeune Community Directory (also used as an emergency contact list). He provided draft copies at the meeting for residents to check and edit as necessary. Steve will distribute the updated version via email.

7. Treasurer’s report

Carolyn Chandler referred to the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association Balance Sheet and Income Statement circulated at the meeting. There were no questions regarding the reports.

Carolyn will be moving away from Lac Le Jeune so this position needs to be filled. Update: Leyla Johnson has agreed to take on the role of Treasurer.

Motion to approve the Treasurer's report: Moved by Carolyn Chandler. Seconded by Howie Mattfeld. Carried.

8. Guest Speakers

Corinne Schock welcomed invited speakers and pointed out the various brochures and information kits available for residents to take home. She also encouraged everyone to take one or two fridge magnets listing important phone numbers.

TNRD – Ronaye Elliot was unable to attend.

BC Parks – Michelle Wiebe, Area Supervisor, sent her regrets but provided an informative handout which was distributed at the meeting and posted on the Lac Le Jeune blog [see http://laclejeune.blogspot.ca/2015/09/introduction-by-michelle-wiebe-bc-parks.html].

RCMP – Cpl. Brian Washbrook spoke briefly to the group before leaving for another engagement. He requested the move from 15 years in Prince George to the Logan Lake detachment and is looking forward to serving this area. Cpl. Kathleen Thain has relocated to Keremeos.

Kamloops Bike Riders Association – Craig Campbell updated the Lac Le Jeune community on the association’s application to formally manage summer Stake Lake recreation area trails. This would entail a land use agreement with the province for non-motorized mountain biking and hiking trails. The scope of the agreement would be the maintenance of existing trails, and potentially developing new single track trails. KBRA requested a formal Memorandum of Understanding from LLJCA, which was provided.

9. Other business

The association is seeking area representative for Lac Le Jeune Park Drive East.

Update: The following residents volunteered:

Pat Carroll and Anna Folk will share the LLJ Park Drive East area.

Pat Burton asked for volunteers to take over Heart and Stroke canvassing.

Corinne thanked TNRD for their contributions to the community, in particular the water monitoring project. 

Lac Le Jeune Halloween Family Bash

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Lac Le Jeune Halloween Family Bash! What a great party!