Probing eyes keep watch on ‘drug’ houses RESIDENTS IN the 4800 block area of Scott Avenuc have organized a neighbourhood watch program to combat six alleged drug houses in their arca. The neighbourhood group, which doesn’t want to use the names of those belonging to it for security reasons, will be keeping a close eye on several homes. The watchers will gather licence numbers and makes of vehicles, times and lengths of visits, and other details about people visiting cerlain homes in their area, These details will then be passed along to the police. -"It is hoped that these actions will show that Terrace is not the place to deal or do drugs,’” says one member of the group. ‘We encourage other neighbourhood groups to get together and stand up to this and other forms of illegal ac- tivity.” The neighbours held a mecting April 21 to discuss the problem with police and school principais in the area. Skeena Junior Secondary principal Rob Greenwood says the meeting was the first time he had heard allegations of ’ specific houses near the school dealing drugs. “Nobody complains to us about the houses,” be says. : “They just complain about drugs in general.”’ Greenwood also says the neighbors report seeing a hard- core group of approximately 10 students making constant - home visits. That’s a relatively low number when com- pared to the more than 1,000 students registered al Skeena - and Caledonia, Pr a es The neighbours will now call Greenwood, or Caledonia principal Geoff Staker whenever they sce students head- ing to the homes. Terrace RCMP detachment commander Inspector Steve Leach, who was also at the meeting, says it’s important for people to know that children aren’t the only buyers. “Ty's not all kids that are involved in this,’’ he says. “There are a wide variety of people who buy drugs.” Leach says there are about six suspected drug houses in . the area surrounding Skeena and Caldedonia schools, and - the police will use information gathered by the neighbour- hood watchers to help them decide if any houses should be investigated further. And he says there shouldn’t be a problem with watchers recording information for the police, so long as they don’t approach suspected drug buyers. “As long as the people aren’t bothering anyone | wouldn’i call it harassment.”’ he says. Polluters to pay A PROPOSED new law would make companies that hand- le or store hazardous goods fully responsible for the costs of cleaning up any spills, Environment minister Cathy McGregor says the ministry currently responds to spills of hazardous materials like oil that could ‘threaten public safety. In many cases, the government must take those responsible to court in order to recover costs. That takes time and the amount recovered ‘is often minimal. ‘The new legislation will require those who cause the spill to pay costs of clean-up. The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 30, 1997 - A3 m Rule changes fought ANTI-POVERTY advocates handed out literature last week at the Skeena Health Unit building protesting provincial government moves to reduce the amount of so- cial assistance provided to peaple deemed medically “unemployable”, Terrace Anti Poverty Group Society advocate Gerry King says many of the 27,000 medi- cally unemployable peopie in the province will lose a $96 a month benefit they've had up to now, The change takes effect July ist. A series of other changes will also affect other benefits and rules for appealing changes. King, pictured above, says a pratest of the new rules is being planned for 1:00 p.m. next Monday, May 5, in front of Skeena MLA Helmut Glesbrechts office on Park Ave. OEY News in Brief Bears wake up OFFICIALS AT the environment ministry sre remind- ing the public to be especially cautious with garbage over the next few weeks as hungry bears wake up from their winter’s nap. Improperly stored garbage, dirty barbeque grills and compost bins are all powerful bear attractants and most pears will overcome their natural fears if the promise of food is strong enough. Flood help sought THE RED CROSS is taking donations for those af- fected by the floods in North Dakota and in Manitoba. Cheques made out to the Canadian Red Cross Society : marked “Manitoba Fload Relief”’ or ‘Minnesota/North Dakota Flood Relief’ can be mailed to the society at Suite 400 - 4710 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4M2. Credit card donations can be made by calling 1-800-565-8000. One hundred per cent of the donations will go to flood relicf. Taxing times THERE MAY be a few anxious moments in arca households today as people rush to meet the deadline to file 1996 income tax returns. Returns have to be post-marked no later than today in order to avoid Jate-filing penalties on amounts that may be owed, There are some exemptions to this, the chief one being for those affected by flooding in southern Manitoba. As of late last week, Revenue Canada had received nearly 13 million returns, including the more than 3.5 million that were filed electronically. Nearly 11 million returns have been processed and more than 7.4 million refunds issued totallying more than $7.6 billion. The average refund has amounted to $1,027. Weapons amnesty OWNERS OF prohibited firearms, explosives and other weapons can tum them in to the RCMP until May 31 without fear of prosecution. The weapons amnesty was announced by atiomey- general Ujjal Dosanjh Attomey General last week to coincide with Prevention of Violence Against Women Week. Women’s equality minister Sue Hammell says there is a disturbing link between misuse of firearms and murders of women by their spouses or partners. The amnesty does not apply if the weapon has been used to commit a crime, and any outstanding warrants on individuals are still in effect. All weapons such as shotguns, rifles, pistols and semi or fully automatic rifles will be accepted, as well as ammunition and explosives. Other weapons such as stun guns, knives and martial arts equipment can also be turned in. Police say those wishing 1o take part in the amnesty should first contact the RCMP before handling or transporting any weapons, especially explosives, Financing available OA.C, . EVINRUDE OUTBOARDS | (ae ame ° offers you | gig . we ERE ota ty = sutbomede from for the right tires at the right price! Ne 2 Hp to 250 Hp _ MICHELIN. BFGoodrich Es BFGoodrich i T/A Pertorrancs Tiras ; EVINRUDE ‘ 2 leads the industry : : in outboard technology. 4808 Hwy. #16 West Terrace i 635-4902 Kalum Tire Service