31 Years Ago (1987): A federally backed proposal to import New Zealand cattle was creating unrest among ranchers. Low feed prices over the years prompted B.C. ranchers to keep their cattle longer than usual. The end result was “the price of cattle is up,” said Don Prendergast, then director of the South Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association. He said it’s “cheaper to buy cattle in New Zealand.” Jimmy Baird’s Border Feed Lot in the Lower Mainland applied for a permit to import 15,000 head of New Zealand cattle over a two-year period. “It’s not fair for the grower,” said Prendergast.
25 Years Ago (1993): Olsen’s Butte, near Little Green Lake, was the site of two different mining claims pursued under two different ministries and both staunchly opposed by some longtime residents. Ethel Fouchier, an east Watch Lake grandmother, spearheaded the protest movement against mining activity. At a rally and a meeting with the electronic media, Fauchier learned that she may have won the battle. Senior policy officials of both ministries met in Victoria to clarify the case. It was decided that Olsen’s Butte would be administrated by BC Lands.
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20 Years Ago (1998): Police received a report of a man with a gun on the 103 Mile Street at about 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 29. After securing the immediate area police located a 66-year-old male leaving a residence in possession of a CO2 semi-automatic replica handgun. The man was arrested without incident. Shortly after the arrest, police discovered the trailer home was on fire. Constables rushed to grab fire extinguishers from patrol cars to attack the flames visible just inside the front door. It wasn’t until the 100 Mile Fire Department arrived and put the fire out that it was determined no one was left in the building.
16 Years Ago (2002): A Forest Grove resident found human remains on Aug. 18, in a clear-cut area 150 metres of Archie Meadows Road. “The remains appear to have been in place for several years and in light of the condition of the remains, at this time, police are unable to determine identity or sex or provide further information,” said then Cpl. Rick Whidden. Clothing, shoes and a weapon were located at the scene and seized. Foul play was suspected initially, though the RCMP said it was difficult to say at that point.
8 Years Ago (2010): Randy Hawes, Minister of State for Mining at the time, gave his thoughts about the proposed Prosperity copper-gold mine in the Chilcotin during a meeting with the district of 100 Mile House and the media on Aug. 26. Hawes outlined the socioeconomic benefits that will apply to both First Nations and non-native communities if Prosperity proceeds. He also voiced his concerns about the Conservative cabinet members from eastern Canada not having a firm grasp on how economically important the mine is to the region.
