Every week we feature Valley history taken from our back issues.
Five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
After a few tears and raised voices, a motion to depose Starr Winchester from the Comox Strathcona Regional District board chair seat died on the table.
A motion tabled at last month’s board meeting to have an election for board chair surfaced again on Thursday — and after strong statements from Winchester, and the motion’s mover, Area H’s Peter Rambo, the whole thing just dropped.
“I haven’t done a damn thing wrong,” said Winchester. “I’d like just one of you to put yourself in my position — what I’ve gone through for the past four months. I think I’ve got it figured out — you’re trying to wear me down.”
She left the room in tears.
Ten years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
She was told she’d never make it through.
Yet, when Courtenay resident Sarah Frost became only the second woman to graduate from the BCIT refrigeration mechanic’s course, she proved all the naysayers wrong. The 22-year-old Highland grad, whose last name bears a ‘chilly’ resemblance to her chosen career, said she had to fight to get where she is today.
“I am a workaholic,” said Forst with a laugh. “I work like crazy and it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Fifteen years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
Protesters lined the sidewalk outside the new Courtenay McDonald’s Restaurant, but the restaurant was crowded on its first day of business.
“The whole idea is to get kids hooked on salt and sugar and fat before they learn any decent food habits,” said protester Ruth Masters.
But McDonald’s district manager Keith Stephen said McDonald’s food exceeds government health standards.
“It may not be for everybody, but our customers are certainly satisfied,” Stephen said.
Twenty years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
A skipper on the Little River ferry faced disciplinary action following a loading incident at Powell River.
Bystanders said the Queen of Sidney left the terminal prematurely for the 5 p.m. sailing, snapping a line and dropping the loading ramp into the water, according Powell River News reporter Terry Kruger. The incident is the latest in a series of accidents involving BC Ferry loading procedures.
Twenty-five years ago this week in the Comox Valley Record:
During the past decade, the sharpest increase in suicides throughout Canada has been among the young.
In 1985, it was the third-largest killer among 15- to 24-year-olds.
“Longevity is one of the best antidotes to suicide,” said Salvation Army captain Ron Bonar. “As people grow older, they live through good times and bad. They know that things change. Young people haven’t lived long enough to discover this.”
