40 YEARS AGO: Six cars loaded with potash jumped the tracks about 34 kilometres south of Blue River, 21 kms from the scene of a 24 car derailment almost 30 days prior. Canadian National Railway spokesperson Al Menard in Vancouver stated 2,000 feet of track were torn up in the accident. The tracks were repaired and the line reopened the next day. One report stated excessive speed may have caused the accident while another listed the reason as harmonic oscillation. Officials with CN decided in the end that a shifting load had caused the derailment. The accident came just 28 days after 24 cars on a CN freight train carrying toxic ethylene dichloride and glycol left the tracks and spilled 225,000 litres of chemicals into the North Thompson River.
35 YEARS AGO: Parents of Clearwater Secondary School students are invited to spend a regular school day with their sons/daughters. A couple years ago the school held a parent/student “exchange” day, but this year, teachers would like to see parents attend with their teenagers. There would be no special lessons during the day; the school will operate in its normal manner. Parents may observe, attempt assignments, and/or assist their sons/daughters with their seat work. The only break from routine will be that during morning break, and at noon hour parents will be welcomed by teachers in the staff room, if they wish to visit there.
30 YEARS AGO: The value of having a well-trained and well-equipped volunteer fire department was proven when the Blackpool Fire Department extinguished a blaze at the Mike Kilba residence near Star Lake School. About ten years ago, a house at the same site burned to the ground at Christmastime. It was this event that led the formation of the Blackpool Fire Department, according to chief Garry Ruston. The house then belonged to the Zakals family. Initial investigation suggested that the most recent conflagration began as a chimney fire, said Mr. Ruston, who is assistant fire commissioner for Blackpool.
20 YEARS AGO: Several neighbours of a gravel pit being developed in Blackpool weren’t happy to see the operation in their backyards. However, the pit’s owner, Will Capostinsky, didn’t see what the problem was. The gravel pit had apparently been operating under a temporary permit since the previous fall. Residents were concerned as nearly all the wells in the area are shallow, at 20 feet deep or less. They feared a gravel pit could divert water away from their wells. There was also concern of contamination from diesel or grease. The gravel pit had been used to help with construction of the hospital, as well as providing a well in Vavenby.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
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