MEL’S NOTES – The next civic election, Fargo and a stressful time for parents

IT  MIGHT SEEM  EARLY to be talking about the 2022 civic election but a mayoralty race is already shaping up. That will be my topic for Saturday’s Armchair Mayor column….

Quite a few people have been remarking on the fact I haven’t been on air or on the website as often as usual lately; some have even wondered if I’ve been ill. No, but I have temporarily reduced my weekly output from five columns/ editorials per week to two, with the kind co-operation of CFJC, to work on a personal writing project. I expect to be ramping up again soon….

An important and popular member of the RCMP detachment celebrated his birthday Wednesday (June 2, 2021). Fargo is eight years old and will retire from the force in September. He’s been involved in many important cases and frequently gets his name and photo in the news.

Fargo has worked for the Emergency Response Team’s canine unit here for the last five years with his handler Corp. Steve Prior. Before coming to B.C., the team worked together in Newfoundland. Fargo has been with the RCMP since he was born at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta.

He started his day with a birthday bagel before going back to work….

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone delivered a touching tribute to B.C. Children’s Hospital in the Legislature Wednesday.

He talked about the incredible stress felt by parents who have sick kids and the support given by the Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, then revealed that he and his wife Chantelle know about it first hand.

They were there eight weeks earlier as their daughter Hannah underwent a seven and a half hour major surgery. As it happened, the day Stone spoke in the Ledge was Hannah’s 17^th birthday.

He said her recovery has been “amazing” and her life is returning to normal….

I’m looking forward to getting my second jab today. Should be ready to party at crowded bars very soon now….