Merritt Herald, April 03, 2014

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALDmerrittherald.com bcclassified.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

REBEKAHS REACH 100PAGE 3

DIRTY FEET SERIES STARTS UPPAGE 16

BLUEGRASS CONCERTPAGE 8

Valid until April 30, 2014

dq.ca

NEW

3-pc.Chicken Strip Meal

Baked Fresh

$399

Deluxe Cheeseburger Meal

Chicken Wrap MealGrilled or Crispy

Upgrade your sundae to

a small Blizzard for fgfg

TREAT

$1

Any Flavour

FREE

Tagline tanked, options openIt’s back to the drawing

board for Merritt’s logo and tagline.

The city will be changing the highly contested phrase “Country with attitude,” Coun. Kurt Christopherson told the Herald.

“It’s not going to be ‘Country with attitude,’ it’ll be a different approach,” Christopherson said.

At the regular coun-cil meeting on March 25, council addressed a deferred

motion to continue to exam-ine the brand “Merritt – Country with attitude” as presented by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Asso-ciation (TOTA), but also to accept alternate proposals from the public at large for consideration in the City of Merritt’s re-branding process.

Christopherson, who orig-inally proposed the motion, altered it.

“I’ve changed my motion slightly to read that council continue to examine the brand process as presented by TOTA while accepting

input from the public at large for consideration in the City of Merritt’s rebranding,” Christopherson said.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Merritt Mayor Susan Roline said the ‘Country with attitude’ tagline came out prematurely, and because the process of fully develop-ing the new brand is still about a month away, council wanted to have that process completed before establishing any official tagline.

She said they will still seek further input from the public

before completion of the branding.

Roline said opportunities for the public to give more input will be advertised on the city’s webpage and the city page in the Merritt Her-ald.

“The community really didn’t care for “Country with attitude,’” Christopherson told the Herald.

Merritt resident Dawn Chypyha, who has been cir-culating a petition against the tagline in Merritt and the Nicola Valley, said it has col-lected over 1,000 signatures.

By Michael PotestioTHE HERALD

[email protected]

Businesses targeted in robberies

On March 31 around 8:30 p.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a call at the Olde Barley Market on Quilchena Avenue. Staff advised that a white male approximately six feet tall came into the store with an orange hoodie and a white mask obstructing his face. The male appeared to be car-rying an unidentified item in his hand and was confronted by the clerk. The male hesitated and then fled from the scene. RCMP searched the area and located the hoodie and mask in a dumpster nearby.

Staff was not harmed in the confrontation and nothing was taken but police are seeking any information from the public on this instance.

Lotto tickets, cash taken from gas station

Approximately two hours later, Merritt RCMP received a call from the Petro-Canada gas station on Voght Street at gasoline alley. The business was closed and staff was cleaning up for the evening when three males entered the front door wearing dark clothing, hoodies and balaclavas.

Two males stayed in the front with a large bat or stick while the third male went behind the coun-ter and grabbed a large quantity of cash and lotto tickets. The three males then fled the store on foot.

Police dog services were called to attend and tracked the males to a nearby subdivision before losing the scent.

The file is still under investigation and police are asking for anyone with information on these or any other crimes to please contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

THE DOG DAYS OF SPRING

This dog’s bravery was no joke on Tuesday, April 1 (April Fool’s Day) when it got a dog’s

eye view of Garcia Street from atop the Nimble Thimble and Merritt Printing building at the

corner of Granite and Garcia.

Emily Wessel/Herald

2 • THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, MUNICIPALPARKING LOT LINES

ROAD SURFACE LINES

PARKING LOT DESIGN

OIL OR WATERBASED PAINT

WE WORK AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE 24 HRS - 7 DAYS A WEEK

line painting

CALL NOW

FREE ESTIMATES

inc.

ARNICA

250-315-5074

Opening for the 2014 Season, Friday, April 4th!

EVERY FRIDAY (Beside Century 21)8:00 am - 5:30 pm

FRESH CUT FLOWERS, CUSTOM BOUQUETS, PRODUCE, PRESERVES, BAKED GOODS

inFl wers

tionM

ASK ABOUT OUR

LOYALTY CARD

Residents can expect to pay utility bills semi-annually starting April 30 if council approves amendments to a bill-ing bylaw at its next meeting.

Last Tuesday, council approved the first three readings for proposed amendments to the billing cycle for user fee bylaws pertain-ing to residential water works, sewer and gar-bage services.

The change would make it so utility bills for those services are split into two equal payments, one due April 30 and the other on October 31.

Bills paid within

30 days of the invoice pay the same fee, but after 30 days incur an increase of 10 per cent.

Deputy financial services manager Ben Currie told council splitting up the bill will alleviate the burden of paying the full year’s bill all at once and increase communica-tion with residents by giving them an invoice in the spring and fall.

Currie told the Her-ald if the amendments are adopted on April 8, residents can expect their first utility bill at the end of the month totalling $340.46, due May 31.

Temporary Tim Hor-tons during renos

City council approved a development permit allowing the Merritt Tim Hortons to conduct ren-ovations that will give the store the look of a cafe.

The company is spending $600,000 to make changes to its interior and exterior as part of its ‘maintenance’ program.

As the store under-goes renovations, a stationary trailer set up in its parking lot will pro-vide customers with their coffee fix, though other products will be limited.

The renovations are scheduled to begin

in September. The new look will include gooseneck lights, a stone facade, new canopies and smaller signage.

The changes are expected to take about six to eight weeks to complete.

Changes to utility billing lead council briefs

For more information contact Mary at [email protected] or phone 250-378-8219 (leave a message)

BE PART OF THE EXCITEMENT!

The Merritt Country Run Committee is looking for fun, outgoing people who want to help plan next year’s run.

The committee will meet once a month. The next meeting will be held

Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 pm Please call for location place.

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Without volunteer support this event would not be possible!

KEY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

SECRETARYwill be responsible• Minutes• Thank you cards• Liaison with Jumpstart Program• Media• Email groups of upcoming meeting• Ordering metals, trophies & ribbons • Advertising• Order race shirts

SPONSORSHIP will be responsible• Title Sponsors• Maintain list of Merritt businesses• Sponsorship packages• Records of donations and inkind and prizes• Grant Applications• Follow up with Sponsors• Graphic for T-Shirts

RACE REGISTRARwill be responsible• Website set up• On-line registrations• Paper registrations• Package pick up• Order and organize bibs• Organizes race packages

www.merrittherald.com THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 • 3

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

SUN COUNTRYOPTOMETRY

NATIVE LEGEND

BOOK YOUR FULL EYE HEALTH EXAMINATIONS TODAY!

2051 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt

✄

✄

POLARIZED

OAKLEY GLASSES SPECIAL!

First ten people to book an eye exam

by APRIL 30th 2014 and purchase a designer frame & lenses receives a

FREE pair of OAKLEY SUNGLASSES!

Phone: 250-378-5500

Dr. Darryl Burgess, OD

Staples*Red PlumCoopersJyskVisionsCity FurnitureSurplus HerbysCanadian Tire*Century 21

Home HardwarePharmasave*Extra Foods*Safeway

• Witnessing to faith in a pluralistic society

DID YOU PICK UP TUESDAY’S HERALD?

• Developer plans Merritt highrise

CONDO PROJECTPAGE 2

JR NATIVE HOCKEYPAGE 9

PORT STRIKE OVERPAGE 3Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905MERRITT HERALD

merrittherald.com

bcclassified.com

FREE

Open

103 - 2102 Nicola Avenue Merritt BC

ROAR LIKE A LION The Doug James Band, comprised of members

from Merritt, Lower Nicola, Brookmere and Vancouver played to a crowd of

about 30 people at the Culture Club on Friday for the SaySo Expression

Society’s “Out like a Lion” open mic night. Emily Wessel/Herald

Upper Nicola elects new chief, councilThe Upper Nicola Band

has a new chief, but its council is made up predomi-nantly of familiar faces.Harvey McLeod defeated

incumbent chief Daniel Manuel by a slim margin of five votes to become the

newest chief of Upper Nico-la. McLeod had 121 votes to Manuel’s 116.Four of the five previous

councillors were re-elected.Incumbent Brian Hol-mes was re-elected with 178 votes, Dennis MacDonald had 151 votes, George Sad-dleman got 147 and Wallace Michel had 130.

Newcomer David Lindley was elected to council with 122 votes, replacing Cindy Tom-Lindley, who did not run for re-election.New Chief Harvey McLeod said the past week

has been a challenge in tak-ing over the role from Man-uel, a man he respects and has worked with before.

He said the band faces challenges ahead with issues such as their involvement in the transfer of First Nations health services from

Health Canada to the First Nations Health Authority, and economic developments pertaining to their natural resources such as the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion,

forestry and mining.“There’s a lot of things and a lot of talks going on about the use of our natural resources and how are we as Upper Nicola Band going to be involved in that and ensure that our interests are being looked after,” McLeod said.

“We’re always going to

be there, and if we’re always going to be there we have to ensure that what we have now is kept, and kept and managed in a way that when we pass it on to our grand-children, they’re going to have the same benefit that

we have today.”

By Michael PotestioTHE [email protected]

See ‘Upper Nicola’ Page 2

The Upper Nicola Band has a new chief, but its council is made up of predominantly familiar faces.

The skyline of Merritt could be in for a big change if a Vancouver condo developer gets his way.

• Upper Nicola elects new chief, council

TODAY’S HERALD FLYERS *Selected distribution

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/MerrittHerald

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/merrittherald

Opinion -------------------------------------------- 6Business ----------------------------------------- 12Health --------------------------------------------- 15 Sports --------------------------------------------- 16 Classifi eds --------------------------------------- 19

GOOD MORNING!

April 1 Headlines

Available at newsstands

today.

• Another great weekend of junior native hockey

Rebekah Lodge reaches 100 yearsIn an age where tech-

nology seems to be the connection of choice between people, it seems fewer and fewer seek out fraternal organizations.

But the connection between Merritt and the local Patricia Rebekah Lodge is still going strong.

Patricia Rebekah Lodge #33 celebrated its centen-nial last month by hosting about 40 people from lodges around the region.

The major milestone was commemorative of the meetings that started it all way back in March of 1914.

Those interested in establishing a Patricia Rebekah Lodge in Mer-ritt held a meeting one day, and by the next, there were 20 applications to process for membership. By the end of that year, 48 members had joined the Rebekahs.

The Rebekahs are a sister service club to the Independent Order of the Oddfellows, a frater-nal organization that has members in 19 countries.

Members of the orga-nization can belong to any faith, but are united by the belief in a supreme being.

The group is named for the biblical figure Rebekah, with her kind and caring heart.

Over the years, the Rebekahs have supported numerous local projects such as Christmas ham-pers, the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike and

the Berta Fraser Day Cen-tre. Members visit with the sick and delivered meals on wheels for years. They also continue to provide a bursary to a student graduating from MSS.

“We do a lot of good around town and we don’t always broadcast it,” said Phyllis Riley, who’s been a member of the club for 61 years.

Today, Riley is the club’s warden, and looks after the regalia and makes sure the meeting room is in order.

Those meetings take place on the second and fourth Monday of each month except July and August at the Merritt lawn bowling club house.

The former local Oddfellows and their long-

standing sisters have quite a storied history in town involving their meeting places.

In the early 1920s, the Oddfellows had built their first hall, but a fire at the back of the hall in 1945 would result in the build-ing being totally demol-ished.

It was rebuilt and a lodge room added in the lower hall, but another disastrous fire would strike on Halloween night in 1965. Although another hall was built yet again, it would prove to be hard to maintain financially. At that time, Merritt was booming and other organi-zations’ halls were spring-ing up.

In the 1970s, the Oddfellows’ membership declined to only five, and

the Oddfellows had to sell their hall. The new own-ers eventually sold the hall and property to the City of Merritt, which turned it into Spirit Square.

The five members gave up their charter and trans-ferred to the Kamloops lodge.

While all that was going on, the Rebekah sisters rented various halls and continued to meet in members’ homes.

One of their meeting places, the downstairs of the Grasslands Hotel, would prove to be yet another fiery hurdle for the club to overcome.

In 2007, the fire that completely gutted the Grasslands Hotel and resulted in its demoli-tion would also swallow everything the Rebekahs had, including their piano, an altar built by Brother Frank Muldowan, and their original Bible — which had survived the other two fires.

“The last one was the worst one. We lost all our stuff in that fire,” Riley said.

But Patricia would carry on, as furniture and other donations from other lodges came to the rescue.

Today, she said the group averages about 15 or 16 people a meeting, and is typically in the 20s for membership. They still have their social hour, of course, after the meeting’s business.

Riley said the group is always seeking new mem-bers, and membership is open to men as well.

By Emily WesselTHE HERALD

[email protected]

Long-time Patricia Rebekah Lodge #33 members (from left) Phyllis Riley, Del Lawrence and Mary Dickie (62 years). Submitted

The 2014 officers of the Patricia Rebekah Lodge #33: (back row, from left) Barb Grimshire, Shirley Nutbrown, Del Lawrence, Grace Mader, Sharon Kyser, Mary Padley, Loretta Heroux, Donna Vasko, Phyllis Riley, (front row) Paula Kirchner and Bev Stanich. Submitted

From the 1914 Merritt Herald

Miss Bond, District Deputy President of the Rebekah Assembly of British Columbia, Independent order of Oddfellows, will visit Merritt next Monday, Feb. 23, for the purpose of instituting “Patricia” by which name the local lodge will be known.

There are a large number of Rebekahs resident in

our city and all are confident that the new organization will be as creditable to the Oddfellows Order as the subordinate lodge has proved since its inception some 18 months ago.

The District Deputy President will be accompanied by her suite of Assembly Officers from Kamloops and the institution ceremony, which all sojourning Rebekahs are urged to attend, will take place in the Oddfellows

Hall on Monday evening at 8 p.m.On Tuesday afternoon, the Rebekah degree will be

conferred on a number of candidates, while at 7 p.m., the Oddfellows will undergo the ordeal. Later in the evening, the two lodges, Oddfellows and Rebekahs, will convene together for a social session and active commit-tees are now working to make this a memorable occa-sion for the Oddfellows order in the city of Merritt.

Sister lodge to Oddfellows formed in city

www.merrittherald.com 4 • THURSDAY, April 3, 2014

Next council meeting: Tuesday, April 15, 2014Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224

Lifeguard/InstructorThe City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of Casual Lifeguard/Instructors, at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre.

Hours of work may include weekend, evening and daytime shifts. Wage Rate is $18.78 per hour plus 16% in lieu of benefi ts as per the Collective Agreement. For complete job posting details, please visit www.merritt.ca

Cover letters with attached resume’s and copies of qualifi cations should be submitted no later than 4:00pm Friday, April 04, 2014 to:

Carole Fraser City of Merritt

2185 Voght StreetP.O. Box 189

Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 [email protected]

CITY OF MERRITTJOB POSTING

Part-Time Bylaw Enforcement Offi cer

The City of Merritt is seeking an individual to serve as Bylaw Enforcement Offi cer on a part time basis. The position is for a twenty (20) hour work week including shifts on weekends from May 1st to September 30th.

For complete details, visit the City website at www.merritt.ca

Applications will be received by the undersigned until 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014

Carole FraserDeputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager

City of Merritt2185 Voght Street, Box 189

Merritt, B.C. V1K [email protected]

As only those candidates short-listed will be contacted, we thank you in advance for your interest in this position.

CITY OF MERRITTEMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITY

SANITARY SEWER FLUSHING The City of Merritt Public Works Department would like to remind residents that it is that time of year again for our annual maintenance program for sewer fl ushing and camera work. We apologize for any inconvenience and your patience is greatly appreciated. If you have had any problems with your toilet bubbling up in the past it is recommended that you place a towel or saran wrap over your bowl and put the lid down. Also, if you experience any foul smelling odour it is advised to run a little water through the household’s sinks and bathtubs.

This is scheduled to begin on April 14 and run until about May 30th

approximately.

POSITION: Summer Student

Employment Opportunity

Position SummaryThe position will be required to perform general labour duties.

SalaryThe 2014 pay rate as per the CUPE Collective Agreement is $13.25 per hour, plus 16% in lieu of benefi ts.

Hours of WorkThis is a full time seasonal position.

Please see our website at www.merritt.ca for full details

Current resumes refl ecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualifi cations and proof of required licenses/certifi cates/degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m., April 11, 2014 by:

Carole Fraser,Human Resources Manager

City of MerrittPO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street

Merritt, BC V1K 1B8Or by email: [email protected]

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Come down and meet the Mayor. This is your opportunity to bring forth ideas on how we

can make Merritt a better place to live and do business, ask questions about something you don’t understand or if

something has transpired that you have not received a proper resolution with.

Mayor’s DROP IN SESSION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 911 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Community Room Downstairs at City Hall.

Movies at the Civic CentreTHE HOBBIT:

THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Admission $5 CASH ONLY

Concession $1 CASH ONLY

CITY OF MERRITTLeisure Services Department

1950 Mamette AvenueFor more information call:

Civic Centre: 250-315-1050Aquatic Centre: 250-378-6662

Friday, April 4 - 6 pmSunday, April 6 - 2 pm

Rated: PG13

The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt regular council meeting agen-da from March 25.

Community policing report

The community devel-opment co-ordinator continues to work from the community policing office (CPO), evaluating housing needs as well as managing the extreme weather shelter. The shel-ter has been open since November 1, 2013 and continues to be accessed

by people requiring assis-tance.To date, the shelter statis-tics are as follows:Total overnight guests: November 2013, 54 December 2013, 50 January 2014, 98 February 2014, 112.

Total to date: 314

Total shelter accessed: November 2013, 75 December 2013, 88 January 2014, 148 February 2014, 159.

Total to date: 470

Shelter accessed nearly 500 times

Smart Step fi nalizes summer plans

The youth association is starting to finalize summer plans. Grant applications for youth employ-ment and event sponsorship have been completed and Smart Step is awaiting notification. Smart Step will be partnering with Pacific Sport this summer to offer weekly

games and activities in community and school parks to neighbourhood kids. As well, Smart Step was suc-cessful in its application to United Way TNC for youth initiative funding that will cover costs and provide training for the community clean up week.

Unfortunately, BC Housing advised that “there are cur-rently no provincial funding programs available to support a financial grant commitment from BC Housing” for the proposal that was submitted. Although disap-pointing, we will continue to work with community partners to achieve our goal of support-ive housing in the community.


NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

An invitation to all gardeners and would-be gardeners

REQUEST FOR A GARDEN PLOT (PLEASE PRINT)

Name: ________________________________________ Address: No. & Street: ___________________________ P.O. Box (if applicable) ___________________ City: __________ Postal Code: ___________ Telephone: ___________________ (day)

Email: ________________________________________

Spring MEETING

Wednesday, April 23 Merritt Library

6:30pm

To Obtain a Garden Plot in 2014

Fill out the form (below) and drop it off at Baillie House (2202 Voght St., Merritt) during their regular operating hours.

Cost of garden plot is $25.00/year. This fee must be paid at the time of registration. This fee includes the annual $5 membership fee in the Nicola Valley Community Gardens Society and the $10 damage deposit.

For more information, contact: Katharine at 250-378-2374

Seminar Christians and

Postmodern Society

This WeekendApril 4-5

Seminar at the

Merritt 7th adventist church

at 2190 Granite Ave

Friday evening, April 4:6:00 P.M. – Dramatic Lessons from the Financial Crisis

7:00 P.M – Christians in Postmodern World

Saturday, February 22:10:00 A.M. – Three Steps That Lead an Atheist to God – Personal Journey

11:00 A.M. – Two Christianities: A Response to Richard Dawkins

12:30 P.M. – Fellowship Vegetarian Meal – all invited

Free afternoon

Saturday evening: 6:00 P.M. – What Christians Have in Common with PM’s and How We Differ

7:00 P.M. – Reasons for Believing

Info Contact: Karel (250) 523-9086

Presented by Ern Brake whose doctoral work focussed on Christianity’s place in a postmodern world.

Mike & Nadine

[email protected] Merritt: 250-378-4283

www.amtandemmassage.com Toll Free: 1-888-878-4523

The City of Mer-ritt has approved the first three readings for an elections procedure bylaw, which comes in response to February’s election process being questioned.

There were com-plaints from candidate scrutineers over the size of the voting room, bleed from pens used to mark ballots and being temporarily removed from the voting room.

“No one was barred from the count. What I had asked the scru-

tineers to do was to leave the voting room so that the tables could be restructured to allow for the 45 people that wanted to come in to witness the count,” City of Merritt deputy clerk Carole Fraser said.

After consulting an advisory officer from the Ministry of Com-munity, Sport and Cul-tural Development on the matter, Fraser, the chief elections officer for the byelection, said she was informed there was no infraction.

Fraser said she was advised one of the

scrutineers should have witnessed the tag that was placed on the bal-lot box to seal it.

“She also suggested that 45 people is way too many people to have in the voting room when the count is done. There was never a contention about the decision of the elec-tion or the count, it was more on process,” Fraser said.

The procedure bylaw comes in an effort to correct any errors so they are not repeated, Fraser told council at its regular meeting on March 25.

“What this bylaw does [is] it just clears up the procedure. There’s a lot of things that have been added to this bylaw to clarify the procedure for the voting process,” Fraser told council.

In the past, the city had to pass a new bylaw every time an election or byelection was held.

Establishing this procedure bylaw will eliminate that need and shorten the process of readying for a voting opportunity.

By Michael PotestioTHE HERALD

[email protected]

Elections procedure bylaw after alleged infractions

Gov’t restarts forest licence reviewVICTORIA – For-

mer B.C. chief forester Jim Snetsinger is lead-ing a public discussion this spring about con-verting volume-based logging licences to area-based tenures, a proposal the B.C. gov-ernment backed away from before last spring’s election.

Forests Minis-ter Steve Thomson announced the consul-tation this week and released a discussion paper for comment on a new website, engage.gov.bc.ca/foresttenures that will collect com-ments until May 30.

About 60 per cent of the logging on Crown land in B.C. is through volume-based forest licences, which give companies permis-sion to cut a specified volume in the licence area. Thomson said the proposed change to area-based licences is to encourage companies to make longer-term investment in plant-ing and silviculture to increase future produc-tivity on Crown land. Area-based licences give the holder exclu-sive access, instead of competing with other

logging companies, each licensed to take a set volume of wood from the same forest.

Thomson said the proposal is to help deal with the widespread damage left behind by the mountain pine beetle infestation that is causing a decline in tim-ber supply for decades to come.

NDP forests critic Norm Macdonald said the experience with existing area-based ten-ures, called tree farm licences, is that they have not improved for-est stewardship. About

15 per cent of B.C. lumber production is from tree farm licences, and the ministry can’t show evidence that they are better managed, he said.

Many of the exist-ing tree farm licences are on the B.C. coast, where log exports have increased.

Macdonald said B.C.’s big forest com-panies have lobbied Premier Christy Clark for the change, which effectively privatizes large tracts of Crown forest, and now the forests ministry is being

directed to implement the change.

Snetsinger said he worked with volume-based and area-based licences as B.C.’s chief forester, where he was responsible for setting annual allowable cut from 2004 to 2012. They have their sup-porters and detractors, and Snetsinger said he will hear from them all.

The consultation tour will have stops in Nanaimo, Kamloops, Prince George, Quesnel, Burns Lake, Williams Lake, Smithers, Dawson Creek, Cranbrook and

Vancouver. Details will be posted on the con-sultation website when they are finalized.

By Tom FletcherBLACK PRESStfl [email protected]

Former B.C. chief forester Jim Snetsinger is touring the province for the next two months to hear from citizens, local governments and forest industry representatives. Black Press

See ‘Voting’ Page 10


Amid all the new infor-mation coming forward from the damning audits of the Portland Hotel Society, I got to wondering how these transgressions happen.

It seems like many people almost expect those with access to public cof-fers to misuse them.

Are we that cynical? Are others that greedy?

Is it that simple? It can’t be that only

people who have lived greed-filled lives came to be involved with the PHS. Why should work in the non-profit sector attract people who are any dif-ferent in terms of their predisposition to greed than a random selection of people from other sectors of the economy?

Maybe the “bad apple” theory is at play here. Some studies have found that the higher someone’s corporate rank or salary, the more readily they rate greed as a positive trait. Looking out for number one isn’t all that bad; after all, it’s how we adapt and thrive in times of strife.

But there are other theories of corruption, which include organiza-tional culture theories: those that assert that a group culture leads to a particular mental state that

leads to corrupt behaviour; theories of clashing moral values, which posit the causes of corruption are reflected in the society as a whole and what it favours with its norms; and public administration ethos theo-ries, which blend societal and organizational pres-sures and typically channel lack of attention to integ-rity issues on the public official.

At least eight compa-nies created by the Port-land Hotel Society to deal with things from cleaning to pest control owe the society about $500,000.

The audits pointed out that several of the com-panies are owned or run by people who are also involved with the PHS.

A PHS employee owns DTES Janitorial Services, for which he purchased cleaning supplies on a

personal credit card and sold them back to PHS for huge markups.

In 2012, six of the eight companies paid $37,000 more in fees to the PHS than the PHS recorded as revenue.

You see why these activities raise concern and more question marks for auditors and members of the public who take inter-est in the goings-on of their tax dollars.

Greed is a behaviour that could be explained by people being driven to things that bring them pleasure or satisfaction, which often includes money.

Give people access to money without regular oversight and a long and winding road to conse-quences (which includes severance packages, the details of which have not

been publicly released) and put a couple of degrees of separation between them and that money and watch what happens. Add in the attempt at justifica-tion because of the “good work” the PHS does for some of this country’s poorest and most vulner-able citizens, and you have a recipe for opportunistic corruption — without even touching on what’s going on behind the scenes in terms of organizational pressures.

Although the burning question for the provincial government — which is supposed to oversee spend-ing in its contracts with various organizations — is how to set this debacle straight, it is also charged with the task of looking at what influenced this to prevent it from happening again.

HERALD OPINION

Land reserve divided, not conquered

VICTORIA – East Koote-nay MLA Bill Bennett has done what I reported last November he was doing: seizing the horns of the sacred cow that is the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Henceforth there shall be two land reserves. The Island, South Coast and Okanagan, which pro-duce 85 per cent of B.C.’s total farm revenue on 10 per cent of protected land, retains its strict anti-development rules.

In the much larger area Bennett likes to call “beyond Hope,” non-farm uses will be considered to help maintain the many economically marginal farmers. This is the Inte-rior, Kootenay and North, where development pressure is mostly an urban myth. In remote areas, ALR diktats with no relation to reality are routinely ignored.

Political critics were quick to call this a BC Liberal hidden agenda to pave the ALR for their developer pals. Certainly neither party’s 2013 platform talked about the ALR, although BC Liberal leadership can-didates Kevin Falcon and Mike de Jong promised relief from its more senseless bureaucracy to Peace coun-try farmers in 2011.

When the zone plan was revealed last week, media went to ALR pio-neer Harold Steves, the hero of all Lower Mainlanders who try to tell northern farmers what to do.

“My real fear is that they want to open the door for fracking and natu-ral gas and oil,” Steves said.

I’ve got bad news for the socialist sage of south Richmond. Oil and gas companies have operated on farmland since before the ALR was created in 1974.

Look at barrel for cause of rotten apples

2090 GRANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241 FAX (250) 378-6818MERRITT HERALDCopyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the fi nancial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

EditorEmily Wesselnewsroom@

merrittherald.com

PublisherTheresa Arnold

[email protected]

Sports writerIan Webster

[email protected]

Office managerCarol Soamesclassifieds@

merrittherald.com

ReporterMichael Potestio

[email protected]

Advertising Sales Katie Ottenbreit

[email protected]

ProductionDan Swedbergproduction2@

merrittherald.com

Emily WesselMerrittMUSINGS


See ‘ALR division’ Page 7


The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clar-ity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: [email protected].

M E R R I T T

John Isaac 250-378-1586

[email protected]

Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC Nice fi nish two bedroom condo,

good tenant in place, front deck and laundry in suite.

Good sized home on double lot, has attached garage plus shop, close to park and corner store,

$125,000

Large home with suite, has new roof plus recent driveway and kitchen fl ooring, located in good area of town.

$289,000

Almost 3 acres with lake waterfront and views, Power and water at lot line, easy access from main road and quality homes in the area, Priced well below assessed value,

ONLY $175,000

All my listings can be

found on:

• Realtor.ca • Kijiji • Craigslist• Royallepage.ca/merritt• realestatemerritt.com• realestatemerritt.ca

?HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Did you turn out your lights for Earth Hour on Friday, March

28?

To vote, go online to

merrittherald.com

PREVIOUSQUESTION

Do you think there’s enough

financial oversight for agencies on

contract with the province?

YES:36%NO:64%

LETTERS POLICY

Speak upYou can comment on any

story you read @ merrittherald.com

Conspiracy buffs should read the delegation agree-ment that took effect just weeks after last May’s elec-tion, giving the Oil and Gas Commission authority to administer wells, pipelines and waste pits on farmland. If the ALR interferes with the prescribed handling of drilling waste, it interferes with safety measures.

University of the Fraser Valley “food security” professor Lenore Newman went on CKNW to refute what she called “unin-

formed arguments,” and then offered one of her own. This two-zone change is connected to the exclu-sion of large tracts of Peace land for the Site C dam, she said.

Actually, the government exempted that project last December using the long-standing “provincial inter-est” provision, so this phase of the alleged capitalist plot against farmland has no effect on Site C.

Steves is also concerned about second homes being built beyond Hope, and later sold rather than being

destroyed as is the current disastrous rule. He warns that farmers might end up with “non-farm neigh-bours,” or as we like to call them up north, “neigh-bours.”

Again, this is an urban problem projected onto rural B.C., where costly restrictions mainly serve to accelerate the depopulation of rural and remote areas.

Delta South indepen-dent MLA Vicki Hun-tington is livid about the legislation, which has no effect on loss of farmland in her constituency. The

growing federally regulated port supersedes provincial laws, and the Tsawwassen First Nation is growing a big shopping centre on its treaty land.

Aboriginal entrepre-neurs are also starting to force big-box development on southern Vancouver Island, home of the pur-est of the pure left. This is where farmers can’t even protect themselves against deer.

The most damning charge is that the six regional ALR panels now in place are open to cor-

ruption under new rules. Panel members have always been cabinet appointments, but currently they have to be from outside the region so they are less likely to hand out exemptions to their friends.

That is certainly some-thing to keep an eye on. So is the status of B.C. farms, where the average farmer age is 56 and rising, and half of farms have income less than $10,000 a year.

Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @tomfletcherbc

From Page 6

ALR division urban problems thrust on farms

I have written in previous reports and spoken on the temporary foreign worker program in the House of Com-mons. The feedback from constituents for a number of years has been consistent in supporting tighter regulations that ensure Canadians are pro-vided the first oppor-tunity for employment and that those who become temporary foreign workers are not abused or taken advantage of.

Recent regulatory changes have also sup-ported these principles and up until recently, most citizens were strongly in support of enhanced regulation in this area.

Unfortunately, a situation has arisen in the community of Merritt where changes to the temporary for-eign worker program and compliance issues could result in the loss of a community dance instructor from South Africa.

For privacy reasons, there is considerable information that I cannot share that has led to these chal-lenges. However, in my view, this process is currently failing the community of Merritt.

I have long main-tained that there must be a balance between regulatory oversight and acknowledging what the real circum-stances are.

To date in this instance, regulatory oversight appears to be usurping common sense and regrettably the temporary foreign worker program does not provide the same avenues for recon-sideration that are available under other immigration pro-grams.

In summary, the Merritt situation dem-onstrates that when a community does strongly support the temporary foreign worker program, the program lacks the ability to recognize that. This is some-thing we need to change.

Much of my work in Ottawa over the past weeks and in particular this week has been to attempt to find an avenue to rectify this situation within the framework of government that must treat compliance issues with the tem-porary foreign worker program in a fair and

equitable way. This is an issue that I will continue to actively work on.

On the subject of employment-related matters, as of April 1, the plastic Social Insurance Cards (SIN cards) we are all famil-iar with will no longer be issued by the Gov-ernment of Canada.

Instead of a plastic SIN card, applicants will receive a paper letter that contains a SIN number. There is no fee to apply for this new paper-issued SIN number.

One frequently asked question by those keen to join the workforce is at what

age a young person can apply to receive a SIN number. The answer is anyone who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 12 years of age or older can apply for a SIN number.

One final ques-tion I have received this week is in regards to recent claims that the federal govern-ment is cutting $36 billion from health care. These claims are misleading and false. In reality, the federally budgeted health trans-fers to Canadian prov-inces and territories will increase annually.

To be clear, each year, the provincial governments and ter-ritories will receive more funds from the federal government then the previous year.

Currently, health transfers from the fed-eral government are at a record level of $32 billion per year. By the end of the decade, health transfers will surpass $40 billion. What will be chang-ing in 2017 is how

the funding formula is calculated for health transfers.

After 2017, the transfer formula will be based on a three-year moving average of nominal gross domestic product, with a guaranteed minimum increase to health transfer fund-ing of at least three per cent per year.

In other words, each year, a prov-ince will continue to receive more funds than the previous year. Thus, there is a guaranteed annual increase to the prov-inces and territories and not a cut in fund-ing as was done by previous federal gov-ernments.

If you have a com-ment, question or concern on any matter before the House of Commons please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the member of Parliament for Okana-gan-Coquihalla.

Common sense usurped by regulationNICOLA VALLEY NEWS

DAN ALBASView from the HILL

‘‘‘The Merritt situation demonstrates that when a community does strongly support the temporary foreign worker program, the program lacks the ability to recognize that.’

— OKANAGAN-COQUIHALLA MPDAN ALBAS


NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Bluegrass is back in Merritt this weekend.

After being unable to play a scheduled show in Merritt back in February, the blue-grass band Backspin will hit the stage this Saturday at the Cul-ture Club.

The band plays a mix of traditional and contemporary music with a distinct blue-grass style, taking from their own repertoire of originals and cover-ing other songs.

Five members com-prise the band: Colin Goldie on mandolin, Randy Goulding on guitar, Jay Buckwold on the banjo, Kate Main on the bass and Hugh Ellenwood on the fiddle.

The concert is pre-sented by the SaySo Expression Society.

SaySo president Mil Juricic told the Herald he visited with Backspin in Vancou-ver during one of their rehearsals and

was impressed with their musicianship and quality of their music.

“The sound of bluegrass is really steeped in the sound of the banjo. The banjo is the main instrument – the banjo and fiddle of bluegrass, that’s the sound,” Juricic said.

Band member Colin Goldie told the

Herald the band came together about five years ago.

“Originally we were a pickup band, because we all had other bands,” Goldie said.

The group named themselves after a bluegrass song they play, which was origi-nally composed by the Osborne Brothers.

The members come from various musical backgrounds, includ-ing rock ‘n’ roll, coun-try and folk. Bluegrass itself is a blend of styles, incorporating country, blues and Celtic music, Goldie said.

“We’re a good bunch of friends [and] we’re an acoustic band,” Goldie said.

He also said all five of them sing as well.

“Expect a good time, I say,” Goldie said, adding that their music is lively.

Saturday will be the band’s first concert in Merritt.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Country Bug Books. The doors open for the show at 7 p.m.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO TREAT:PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN #2013-2017-3 AND CONFIRMATION #738-0019-13/18

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Thompson Okanagan Region, is planning to aerially treat up to 30,000 hectares of Douglas-fir forest to reduce populations of the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura freemani).

The biological insecticide Foray 48B (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) will be applied by helicopter once on each site on or about June 5 to July 5, 2014, depending on weather conditions.

The proposed treatment sites are located within the Thompson Rivers Dis-trict and the Cascades District, near Kamloops and Logan Lake.

Kamloops Timber Supply Area:

#2013-2017-3, Confirmation #738-0019-13/18. The pest management plan and maps of the treatment areas may be viewed at: Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3 250 828-4179

Anyone wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site may send comments to the address above until April 30, 2014.

Ywww.BrockWhite.ca

Join us Saturday April 12th for a FREE SEMINAR and HANDS ON DEMONSTRATION featuring Terry Warner and Kathy Murdock, specialists in log homes and Perma-Chink Systems products.

Saturday April12th, 9:00am - 2:00pm at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel339 St. Paul Street, Kamloops | Snacks and Refreshments provided

RSVP to Rick Blackwell:Call 250-374-3151 or 1-877-846-7502or email [email protected]

Custom welding and bending.On radiators and muffl ers.

894 Coldwater Road, Merritt, B.C.

378-0999

PO Box 98Merritt, BC

V1K 1B8

For all your advertising needs call Katie or Theresa at 250-378-4241

The workers laid off by Aspen Planers are expected back at work Monday as the Port Metro Vancouver strike comes to an end.

The month-long truckers strike at the coastal port

caused a backlog of product worth millions of dollars and resulted in Aspen Planers having to lay off about 60 employees from its site two plant in Merritt.

The strike ended after

trucker representatives from Unifor, the United Trucking Association and the provincial government came to an agreement last Wednesday in lieu of back-to-work legislation.

Back to work at Aspen as strike endsNICOLA VALLEY

Bluegrass band on tap SaturdayBy Michael Potestio

THE [email protected]


Two doctors from Guatemala who want to set up a practice in Logan Lake have been told by the a provincial body to look elsewhere in Canada.

Tania Castillo and Jose Blanos want to move to the B.C. Interi-or to be near Castillo’s stepfather, who lives in Kamloops.

When the two saw an article on the lack of a doctor in Logan Lake — the one who had been there has returned to his home-land of South Africa — Castillo saw a perfect opportunity.

As a doctor trained in Guatemala and who has spent the past six years working in the emergency room, she saw an opportunity for her and her husband, Jose Blanos — also a doctor in the Central American country — to continue their work and be close to her stepfather.

Both passed the Medical Council of Canada evaluating examinations and both have had positive feed-back from almost every province in the country.

However, they received a letter from Health Match B.C., the government’s doctor-recruiting body, stating their credentials aren’t recognized in B.C.

The letter from Jacqueline McGuire, a physician-recruitment assistant, written on behalf of Catherine Omueti, a human-re-sources consultant with Health Match B.C., suggested:

“An alternate route to registration in the provisional class would require that the family physician successfully complete an assess-ment of competency acceptable to the Reg-istration Committee in a Canadian province or territory. Such an assessment is presently unavailable in British

Columbia. You may wish to seek registration in another province in Canada that offers competency assess-ments, such as Alberta, Saskatchewan or Mani-toba.”

Castillo is with Bla-nos in Boston, waiting for the situation to be clarified.

She told Kamloops This Week Blanos has had his own family-medicine practice for six years. She has been a specialist in family medicine and has three years in emergency and trauma surgery.

Dr. Curtis Bell, com-munity medical direc-tor with the Interior Health Authority, said there are several aspects to being licensed to practice medicine in Canada.

For example, appli-cants need training in approved programs; for family medicine, they need training in various aspects of that kind of medicine, from gyne-cology to psychiatry.

The IHA has recruited doctors from other countries, he said, because their train-ing and qualifications are considered to be

equivalent to what they would have received in Canada.

Castillo earned her medical degree in Cuba, while Blanos obtained his in Guate-mala.

Blanos’ resume shows certification from the U.S.-based Inter-American Heart Foun-dation and Training Centre for cardiovascu-lar care in emergency, in addition to several Guatemalan medical organizations special-izing in anesthesiology and surgery. His area of research specialty is hypertension in adults.

Castillo’s resume shows several certifi-cations from medical organizations in Guate-mala, almost all relating to family medicine or surgery. Her research areas include neonatal mortality and treating diabetes.

The College of Phy-sicians and Surgeons of British Columbia would not discuss the couple’s situation, but directed KTW to its website information on registration and licens-ing doctors.

It reads: “Before making a decision,

the College carefully reviews an applicant’s credentials, including education, training and relevant practice expe-rience.

“The College also checks an applicant’s character references and health status, and carefully considers any outstanding investi-gations, disciplinary actions or practice restrictions from other jurisdictions to ensure that only qualified, competent and ethical physicians are granted registration and given a licence to practise medicine. Physicians who are registered with the College are referred to as registrants.”

It also notes doctors who are not approved for an independent practice can apply for provisional registration, which sets limits and conditions under which they can be doctors.

Bell said the job of the College is to ensure doctors in the province meet standards that ensure they will provide safe, quality medical care.

Health Minister Terry Lake appeared on Shaw TV’s Voice of

B.C. earlier this year to discuss the province’s doctor shortage and said it stems from the NDP government of the 1990s.

Repeated requests to his ministry to speak with Lake about the situation were rebuffed.

REGION

Adopt a Pet“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”

Please make an appointment to visitPh: (250) 378-5223

E: [email protected] other future best friends @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

Donations desperately needed for spay and neuter services. Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739.

ZachJuliet is a one and a half year old female black lab Border Collie cross. She enjoys learning new life experi-ences, is kind and trustworthy.

Juliet QuigZach is approx 1 yr old, neutered male, mixed breed. He is now happy, healthly and ready to fi nd a loving, forever home. He is ex-tremely affectionate and kind.

Quig is an adult Shepherd cross. He is a big boy, friendly and good with most other dogs. He is cur-rently not neutered and must be neutered upon adoption.

God the Word, the World

Time is moving on and so is life. Every day someone has a birthday. These are something to be thankful for; another year of life. This is not for all. Every day there are some who don’t make it through the day.

The Bible has a word for it. Sleep. This word comes with the idea of waking up...eventually.

The Lord planted a specifi c tree in the garden of Eden and told Adam, the fi rst man, to not eat the fruit of that specifi c tree, for if he did, he would surely die.

God, in Genesis 3:15 makes an almost unbelievable promise. He says, “And I will put enmity, Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”

Jesus said that He will take the place of the pair that had sinned, and die in their place so that they could be forgiven and have another chance at

life. This was not to the pair only but to their descendants, right to the end of time.

Jesus made this promise, however, the pair would not live to the end of time, but they would die and have the promise of a resurrection, so in the Bible, death is often called a sleep. The word sleep means that there is a wake up time.

God showed Adam how to build an altar and offer an innocent animal, usually a lamb, for this represented Jesus. At the baptism of Jesus, John the baptist said to the people, “Behold the Lamb of God.”

Here as people offered a sinless creature, they remembered the promise that Jesus had made. He would take their place and ensure them a new life at the resurrection if they followed God’s word, and believed His promise. So, through the old testament, the word sleep is used many times.

By Herman Kneller

Paid

ad

vert

ise

me

nt

“wants to hear your voice”We want your opinion on what you think should be a focus for preparing our young people for success in a changing world.

For more information and updates visit the Strategic Planning Website: www.sd58.bc.ca

School District No. 58 invites you to participate in one of the following upcoming partner group meetings which will take place

in the Multi-Purpose Room at Merritt Secondary School.

April 9th ~ 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Special Education/Student Support ServiceHealth and Social AgenciesEarly Learning GroupsSelf Identified Groups

April 15th ~ 6:30 p.m.“Community Voice on Education in SD 58” Public Meeting

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) has committed to a broad and extensive public consultation process to determine strategic priorities for the next five years.

Doctors wishing to come to Logan Lake told to look elsewhere

By Dale BassKAMLOOPS THIS

[email protected]


PROVINCE

2037 Quilchena Ave. 250-378-2155

Friends & Neighbours

Your Neighborhood Drug Store

Friendly professional service from people who care

MAKE SENSE OF YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS

FREE Deliveryfor seniors & disabled

Black’s Pharmacy

Pharmacy Cosmetics Of ce & School Supplies

GiftwareAnd much more...

B.C. signs on for federal training program

B.C. has signed on to the federal govern-ment’s program to match skills training with employers’ needs, after negotiations to maintain most of the existing programs to assist older and disad-vantaged people.

B.C. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond signed onto the Canada Job Grant program in Ottawa Monday, as provinces and ter-ritories agreed to a program that requires employers to put up a third of training costs. Once the program takes effect, the fed-eral share will be up to $10,000 per trainee with another $5,000 from a sponsoring employer.

Federal Employment Minister Kenney said the new program will address the need for thousands of skilled workers to develop liquefied natural gas plants, pipelines and other projects in B.C. There is no general labour shortage in Can-ada, but the $900 mil-lion a year the federal government spends on post-secondary training

needs to match up bet-ter with the available jobs, he said.

“So we need to re-engineer our education system,” Kenney said. “B.C. has taken the lead on this, to prepare young people for the jobs of the future, to educate them for the labour market.”

The agreement means B.C. will use 40 per cent of Ottawa’s $65 million annual

skills training transfer for the new program.

“We very much support the concept of employer-led and driven employment programs, and I think that’s actually where we ended up with the Canada Job Grant file,” Bond said.

B.C. objected to the program initially, because it would have taken federal money away from existing

training programs for disadvantaged groups. Kenney said the amended deal allows 90 per cent of B.C.’s training programs to carry on.

One of those is a 2007 federal-provincial program for workers aged 55 to 64 in com-munities with fewer than 250,000 people that have high unem-ployment or closure of employers.

B.C. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond. Black Press


Dave Quinn’s inquisitive nature took over when he sat down to be interviewed at a local coffee shop in town.

“Who’s your favourite author?” the retired pharmacist and long-time owner of Black’s Pharmacy asked, cappuccino in hand.

It’s a habit that comes with the job, he explained.

“When you run a chemist shop, drug store, you get the knack of talking to people and finding out more about them,” Quinn said.

“Curious is the word. Nosy’s the worst word,” he said.

Born in England, Quinn immigrated to Canada in 1965, becoming a licensed pharmacist in B.C. in 1967. In 1972, Quinn found himself in Merritt, where he became the owner of Black’s Pharmacy after buying the busi-ness from then-owner Archie Black.

“It’s a nice little town. I like it very much,” Quinn said of Mer-ritt. “I’m very lucky to be here.”

Despite having his own drug store, Quinn said he was never really interested in owning his own business.

“I had no sense of business – none – and even now, I have no idea about running a business. None. I’m frankly not that inter-ested. I just liked meeting people and talking to them, and making them feel better, and somehow I managed to stay afloat despite my total ignorance of how things worked,” Quinn said.

He did enjoy the freedom of being his own boss though.

“I had no real interest in money; I just liked being my

own boss. I was the world’s worst employee. Being your own boss is great,” he said.

For over 40 years, Quinn served Merrittonians and their pharmaceutical needs, working six days a week and more than 60 hours a week for 20 of those years.

“You hope to leave the world a slightly better place then you found it,” Quinn said.

His career path was assured from the classes he liked in school.

“At school, the only things I was good at were Latin and chem-istry, so there you are: a perfect mix. It was inevitable,” he said.

He also said the reason he became a pharmacist was because he enjoyed helping people.

He told the Herald he thinks the impact he made on Merritt as a pharmacist “was small, but hope-fully slightly beneficial.”

In February of this year, Quinn finally called it quits after over 50 years of working as a pharmacist.

The job lost much of what Quinn had come to enjoy from his work. No longer was it as much about talking to people as it was about taking care of finances and logistic struggles.

“The profession got so bogged down with pressures from govern-ment and corporations,” Quinn said.

“There were so many more hoops to jump through, so many more reports to write.”

He sold his business to current owner Kurt Thoms in 2001, but continued to work as a pharmacist at Black’s for another 12 years.

“I loved it. I loved it. It took me 12 years to let go,” Quinn said.

Long-time pharmacist retiresBy Michael Potestio

THE [email protected]

See ‘Quinn keeping’ Page 11

The ministry advisor rec-ommended a bylaw pertaining to election procedure, Fraser said.

“Should we have to have another byelection in the future, then all that council has to do is appoint the chief elections officer and then the chief elections officer has 80 days in which to conduct the byelection,” Fraser said, noting a lot of that time is lost when a bylaw has to be passed first.

The procedure bylaw speci-fies things such as having the first advanced voting day held

10 days prior to the general election day and the second three days prior.

It also states that ballots from advanced polls are to be kept in a portable ballot box and are not tabulated until the close of general voting. The voting machine won’t be taken to any special voting places. Those ballots are kept in an envelope and tabulated at the end of the general voting day as well, Fraser said.

The procedure bylaw is taken from sections of the Local Government Act per-taining to elections, Fraser said.

Section 124 of the Local

Government Act states who may be present at the count of ballots as the presiding election official, one other election offi-cial, candidates and one can-didate representative for each candidate. Others may not be present unless permitted by the presiding election official.

The general municipal elec-tion will take place on Nov. 15. The first advanced voting day will be Nov. 5 and the second will be Nov. 12.

With four-year terms on the horizon, 2018 will be the next election year, with voting taking place in October rather than November.

From Page 5

Voting procedure simplifi ed

Employers fund one third of training


NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

www.westcoastamusements.com

CarnivalCarnivalMerrittApril 15

MIDWAY OPENS AT 3:00 PMMIDWAY OPENS AT 3:00 PM

All Day RideAll Day RideWRISTBANDWRISTBANDWith 2 non-perashible fooddonations to the food bank.

$30INCLUDES

TAXES

WRISTBANDS WILL WRISTBANDS WILL STOP BEING SOLD 1-1/2 HOURS BEFORE CLOSINGSTOP BEING SOLD 1-1/2 HOURS BEFORE CLOSING

★ Earn extra money, tax-free★ Get exercise while getting paid★ Job experience with references★ Ideal starter job for kids

For more info please phone: 250-378-4241 Email: [email protected]

CARRIERS WANTED!Need More

EXERCISE?

Now until April 30at the N.V. Dollar Mart by Tim Hortons

Ages 5 - 10: $50Ages 11 yrs and up: $70

ONE TIME ONLY - $10 Life Time Membership FeeBantam and Pee Wee Indoor Practice in Now Session.

For more information call Missy at 250-378-8101.

Merritt Minor SoftballRegistration

For further information call 250-378-6304

LOWER NICOLA WATERWORKS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

LOWER NICOLA HALLWednesday, April 16, 2014

7.00 P.M.

Everyone welcome!

Former premier Mike Harcourt’s dis-enchantment with the NDP is a sign of the challenge ahead for the party after last year’s election loss, leadership candidates John Hor-gan and Mike Farn-worth said Tuesday.

Harcourt has let his party membership lapse and gave several interviews this week to express his disappoint-ment with the NDP’s performance in the 2013 election. Har-court told the Globe and Mail he is not sure if his decision to quit the party is “a trial separa-tion or a decree abso-lute,” but he won’t be voting in the leadership contest in September.

Horgan said he has spoken with Harcourt in recent weeks about the party’s standing in rural B.C., particu-larly after leader Adrian Dix’s mid-campaign decision to oppose the expansion of the Trans-Mountain oil pipeline from northern Alberta to Burnaby.

“The message it sends to me is that I have a lot of work to

do,” Horgan said. “I have a lot of work to convince Mike Har-court and other New Democrats and all Brit-ish Columbians that there’s a better way for us to proceed, a bal-anced approach to the economy and the envi-ronment.”

Harcourt, the for-mer Vancouver mayor who served as premier from 1991 to 1996,

endorsed Farnworth in the 2011 leadership campaign.

Farnworth said Tuesday he agrees with Harcourt’s criti-cism, and the struggle to balance resource development with envi-ronmental concern has a long history in the NDP. It was Harcourt who faced the “war in the woods” in the 1990s over coastal logging and came up with land use plans that still serve B.C. today, he said.

“I think Mike is say-ing what he thought, and it’s reflective of the comments we heard after the election last May,” Farnworth said.

NDP members vote this fall on their choice to succeed Dix, with results to be revealed Sept. 28.

NDP hopefuls downplay Harcourt’s rejectionBy Tom Fletcher

BLACK PRESStfl [email protected]

Mike Harcourt endorses Mike Farnworth for the B.C. NDP leader-ship in 2011. Black Press files

Thoms first met Quinn in 1994 when he became manager at Pharmasave.

“First time I met him, basi-cally, he just looked down his glasses at me and said – I intro-duced myself – and he just said, ‘Yes,’” Thoms said with a laugh. “And that was about the end of it.”

Quinn remembers it simi-larly.

“He came over and intro-duced himself. I guess I was kind of busy or distracted and I didn’t greet him like a long-lost

son,” Quinn said.Former owner of Phar-

masave Rick Olsen, Quinn’s friend and competition for many years, said Quinn is a good man – and he would know.

Olsen said that in 1993, a fire gutted his pharmaceutical business, leaving him without a store.

Quinn shared the space in Black’s Pharmacy with Olsen, and he operated his business there before rebuilding and moving back to his old location.

“He was good to us,” Olsen said.

Thoms said what some may

not know about Quinn is that he would visit with people over at Gillis House.

“He’s the guy that would go over on his own time with a Guinness and spend some time with these guys that everyone had sort of forgotten.”

Quinn still does hospice work in Merritt today, Thoms said.

Now that he’s retired at 72, Quinn has been keeping busy trying to play the piano and staying fit. He’s also an avid reader and enjoys sailing.

Quinn said he plans to visit his hometown of London every year if possible.

From Page 10

Quinn keeping active in newfound retirement

12 • THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 www.merrittherald.com

BUSINESS

With campuses in Merritt and Vancouver and over 300 courses available, NVIT is the Home of Aboriginal Public Post-secondary Education in BC.

NICOLA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MERRITT CAMPUS 250.378.3300 VANCOUVER CAMPUS 604.602.9555 TOLL FREE 1.877.682.3300WWW.NVIT.CA

I am Nlaka’pamux.

NVIT suppor ts my

dreams, helps me

build confidence and

guides my journey.

I t feels like home.

My name is Shelanne.

Shelanne, Bachelor

of Social Work Learner

Open Monday - Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax 250-378-2106

© H&R Block Canada, Inc.At participating offices. Some restrictions may apply. See office for details.*If H&R Block makes an error in the preparation of your tax return, that costsyou any interest or penalties on additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for theinterest and penalties.

Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today

Get the biggest refund possible.Our Maximum Refund Guarantee* ensures you get allthe deductions and credits you’re entitled to.

Maximum RefundGuarantee*

hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625)

Site Location: Airport Road, next to Valley Helicopters

For sales at other times phone: 250-378-9674 or 250-936-8363

www.goodearthcompany.ca

Fine Screen Compost Excellent top dressing for lawns & mixing into existing soil.Regular Screen CompostWork into all existing soils, adding nutrients & organic matter increasing soil porosity.Fertilizing MulchExcellent of mulching shrubs, trees & to top dress fl ower beds.Top SoilBlended dirt that is “ready to grow.”

Open To Public:

Mon., Wed. & Fri: 10 am - NoonSaturdays: 9 am - 1 pm

COMPOST & TOP SOILWe have a variety of proucts to help you grow...

55THTH ANNUAL ANNUAL

ONE DAY ONLY • SUNDAY APRIL 13 • 9AMONE DAY ONLY • SUNDAY APRIL 13 • 9AMHOLIDAY INN & SUITES - 675 TRANQUILLE ROADHOLIDAY INN & SUITES - 675 TRANQUILLE ROAD

PHONE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!PHONE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

Visit fabricshelf.ca or call 250-376-7630

Heather’s Fabric ShelfHeather’s Fabric Shelf

MATT SPARROW THE MAN QUILTER WILL BE DOING MATT SPARROW THE MAN QUILTER WILL BE DOING FREE LONGARM DEMOSFREE LONGARM DEMOS FREE SEMINAR Monday 10am - 1 pm Phone to reserve your seat.

Don’t be the April (tax) fool

Day by day, this year’s tax deadline is looming larger. You know it’s there – you’re not unaware. But you may be unprepared. Stop the tax foolish-ness.

Get organizedPut all your tax slips • together in a safe location so you’ll know where to find them come tax prep-aration time.Look at each slip to • ensure the numbers are reasonable.Know where last • year’s tax return is located and look at that return as your tax slips come in to ensure you’re not missing any.Locate last year’s • Notice of Assess-ment, which provides important info about last year’s tax return and current year

limits for such things as your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contri-bution room.Register for ‘My • Account’ on the Canada Revenue Agency website (cra-arc.gc.ca) and you’ll be able to track your refund, view or change your return, check your benefit and credit payments and your RRSP limit, set up direct deposit, and much more.If you are self-• employed, be sure you have receipts for all expenses claimed against your self-employed income.

Be sure to claim all your tax deductions

and creditsStart by comparing

last year’s return to this year’s – but keep in mind that this does not ensure you are claim-ing all the deductions and credits to which you are entitled.

Know what’s new for this tax-filing

seasonFirst-time donor’s • super credit – This new credit gives first-

time donors an extra 25 per cent credit for cash donations when you claim your charitable donations tax credit. For more information, go to cra.gc.ca/fdsc.Family caregiver • amount – If you have a dependent with a physical or mental impair-ment, the additional amount you may be able to claim has increased to $2,040. For more informa-tion, go to cra.gc.ca/familycaregiver.Pooled Registered • Pension Plan – The PRPP is a new retirement savings option. For more information, go to cra.gc.ca/prpp.Adoption expenses – • The period to claim these expenses has been extended for adoptions finalized in 2013 and later years.Tax-Free Savings • Account – The annual TFSA dol-lar limit increased to $5,500 on Jan. 1, 2013 for the 2013 contribution year and remains the same for the 2014 contribution year.

DAVID L. BROWNManagingYOUR MONEY

Avoid interest and penalties

File and pay any bal-ance owing on time.

Know when to fileIf you expect a

refund, consider filing as early as possible. If you owe taxes, delay the fil-ing date until as close to the due date as possible.

Lots of Canadians prepare their own taxes – but if yours is a more complex tax situation, it truly pays to seek profes-sional assistance.

This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Ser-vices Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circum-stances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Con-sultant.

Contact David Brown at 250-315-0241 or at [email protected] to book your appoint-ment.


Independently owned and operatedHelping you is what we do.™REAL ESTATE REVIEW

M E R R I T T

Claudette EdenosteBroker/Owner

250-280-0689claudetteedenoste@

royallepage.ca

Debra SchindlerPersonal Real Estate Corp.

[email protected]

Melody SimonSales Rep

250-315-8539

Tom McDonaghAssociate Broker

[email protected]

Karen BonneteauSales Rep

[email protected]

John IssacBroker

[email protected]

#317 - 1703 MENZIES ST$69,900 MLS# 121453

2400 COLDWATER AVE$59,900 MLS# 119722

136 PONDEROSA WAY $259,000 MLS# 121368

LOT 25 PARADISE LAKE $288,000 MLS# 119378

1721 BANN ST $306,000 MLS# 120314

1610 BANN ST$239,900 MLS# 117659

2793 SUNSHINE VALLEY RD$149,000 MLS# 104461

3376 BOYD ROAD$318,000 MLS# 120787

1599 QUILCHENA AVE$269,000 MLS# 121115

371 BASALT DRIVE $259,000 MLS# 119536

#8-2502 SPRINGBANK AVE $319,000 MLS# 121497

2125 QUILCHENA AVE$350,000 MLS# 120317

1576 HOUSTON ST$220,000 MLS# 119042

2556 CORKLE ST$248,000 MLS# 120472

CHECK OUT OUR LISTINGS ONLINE: WWW.REALTOR.CA AND SEARCH BY MLS#

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM SALES TEAM

Lynda Etchart Diane Manchester

Property Management Team

250-378-1996

Crystal ChandlerUnlicenced Assistant

www.facebook.com/rlpmerritt www.twitter.com/rlpmerritt www.pinterest.com/rlpmerritt

Phone: 250-378-6181 1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • Fax: 250-378-6184

Connecting your listings to buyers and sellers world wide. www.royallepagemerritt.com

Join our live chat!

www.royallepagemerritt.com

REDUCED!REDUCED!

NEW LISITNG

NEW LISITNG

NEW LISITNG

NEW LISITNG

LOGAN LAKE

LOGAN LAKE

MLS # House # STREET PRICEBARE LAND 107485 LOT CHESTNUT AVE $57,000115624 1551 COWAN WAY $70,000115626 3022 HILTON DRIVE $70,000115627 3014 HILTON DRIVE $70,000107881 1618 FIR ROAD $79,000115625 3030 HILTON DRIVE $79,000120248 2362 CARRINGTON $79,000120479 1638 LINDLEY CRK RD $79,000101009 1305 FIR AVENUE $100,000115358 2299 BURGESS AVE $134,900104461 2793 SUNSHINE VALLEY RD $149,000116421 LOT 1 MERR SPEN BRG HWY $150,000120647 8595 HIGHWAY 5A $175,000120655 6427 MONCK PARK RD $199,900118598 1101 HIGHWAY 8 $249,000119629 10681A HIGHWAY 97C $310,000120105 2819 ABERDEEN RD $2,000,000COMMERCIAL120800 2075 COUTLEE AVENUE $65,000120799 2087 COUTLEE AVENUE $65,000119261 2175 NICOLA AVENUE $265,000120483 1952-26 NICOLA AVENUE $325,000120317 2125 QUILCHENA AVENUE $350,000106538 2208 COYLE ROAD $499,000119521 1988 NICOLA AVENUE $570,000117548 1601 WILSON STREET $725,000120109 1988 NICOLA AVENUE LEASELOGAN LAKE 121148 347 POPLAR DRIVE $44,000120942 205-279 ALDER DRIVE $72,500120654 #279-306 ALDER DRIVE $79,900120585 #4 JASPER DRIVE $98,900120415 406 OPAL DRIVE $134,900120762 403 OPAL DRIVE $219,000120878 227 BIRCH CRESCENT $234,900120767 #5 EMERALD DRIVE $244,900120416 144 BIRCH CRESCENT $249,900119536 371 BASALT DRIVE $259,000121368 136 PONDEROSA WAY $259,000118798 13 &15 JASPER DRIVE $259,900120095 33 BRECCIA DRIVE $279,900118712 4730 PINE RIDGE WAY $349,000120473 4884 PINERIDGE DRIVE $360,000MERRITT $0 - $100,000 119722 #7-2400 COLDWATER AVE $59,990116995 #9-2390 SEYOME CRESENT $69,900

MLS # House # STREET PRICEMERRITT $0 - $100,000121453 #317-1703 MENZIES STREET $69,900118135 #311-1703 MENZIES STREET $69,995116312 1202 HOUSTON STREET $74,000119925 #16-1226 McMILLAN ROAD $75,000120941 #38-254 HIGHWAY 8 $89,900121276 1406 PINE STREET $99,900MERRITT $100,000 - $200,000 120487 #211-2295 BLAIR STREET $105,000121275 1404 PINE STREET $105,000120579 #304-2295 BLAIR STREET $108,000121249 1602 DOUGLAS STREET $108,000120398 1752 NICOLA AVENUE $115,000120608 1490 COLDWATER AVE $125,000119404 #201-2295 BLAIR STREET $127,000120810 1952 NICOLA AVENUE $130,000119042 2637 QUILCHENA AVENUE $130,000120587 1663 COLDWATER AVE $132,000117739 2276 COUTLEE AVENUE $157,000112744 1875 SAGE STREET $159,000109297 2076 CLEASBY STREET $160,000120481 1902 NICOLA AVENUE $160,000121146 1650 LINDLEY CRK RD DUPLEX $163,000118294 #206-1701 MENZIES STREET $164,000114978 1859 GRANITE AVENUE $169,000121116 #4-2760 VOGHT STREET $174,000119258 1425 CANFORD AVE $189,000120634 2563 COUTLEE AVENUE $189,000MERRITT $200,00 - $300,000 119627 1425 HOUSTON STREET $209,000120499 #11-1749 MENZIES STREET $212,000120354 432 MORGAN AVE $215,000120516 1914 NICOLA AVENUE $215,000121236 1626 HOUSTON STREET $215,000119854 1660 HILL STREET $219,850120892 2625 JACKSON AVE $220,000118045 5033 LAUDER ROAD $230,000120921 #32-1749 MENZIES STREET $234,500117462 2090 CLAPPERTON AVE $239,000117659 1610 BANN STREET $239,900121078 1849 1ST AVE $243,000120472 2556 CORKLE ST LN $248,000120190 372 TURNER AVE $249,900116579 2152 CASTILLOU CRES $259,000121253 2075 GILLIS CRESC $259,000120477 2125 BLACKWELL AVE $260,000

MLS # House # STREET PRICEMERRITT $200,00 - $300,000119160 453 MORGAN AVE $269,000121115 1599 QUILCHENA AVENUE $269,000120919 1769 SPRING STREET $275,000119378 LOT 25 PARADISE LAKE $288,000120769 2621 CLAPPERTON AVE $288,990116583 4570 WILDWOOD ROAD $289,000117749 1630 BANN STREET $289,000121166 1599 MAIN STREET $299,000MERRITT $300,000 - $400,00 120314 1721 BANN STREET $306,000118338 2672 GRANITE AVENUE $315,000120787 3376 BOYD ROAD $318,000121105 #6-2502 SPRINGBANK AVE $319,000121254 2425 IRVINE AVE $319,900117200 2950 MCLEAN PLACE $320,000119076 1741 BANN STREET $327,000119260 1700 BANN STREET $329,000119803 2138 PARKER DRIVE $330,000120678 2612 FORKSDALE PL $337,000117612 1201 QUILCHENA AVENUE $349,000119047 5128 ENGINEER AVE(BRKM) $349,900120339 2674 FORKSDALE CRT $385,000113805 1409/11 GOVERNMENT AVE 4PLEX $388,000115727 1889 NICOLLS ROAD $399,000121003 1751 SUNFLOWER AVE $399,900MERRITT $400,000+ 119327 420 WILD ROSE DRIVE $439,000119597 1901 EASTWOOD AVENUE $439,000120116 3611 PETIT CREEK ROAD $499,000117984 1736 MILLER ROAD $499,900119642 10681 HIGHWAY 97C $529,000116493 1444 LOON LAKE ROAD CC $539,000114703 2797 MERRITT-SP.BRG HWY $599,000119475 128 COLDWATER ROAD $769,000121142 11570 HIGHWAY 97C $799,000120080 5360 MANNING CREEK $1,195,000117905 1016 HIGHWAY 8 NW $1,350,000116197 3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD $1,690,000118481 5240 DOT RANCH CUTT OFF RD $2,100,000


NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

WINNER OF THETed Lund

Winner Ted Lund presented with his winnings by Manager, Paul Davidson of Cooper’s Foods.

GROCERY GIVEAWAY

Councillor Mike Goetz pulls the lucky winning ticket!

Thank you to all of the participating merchants: City Furniture, Copper Valley Mechanical, Cooper’s Foods, Davis Leather & More, Firman Auto Parts Ltd., Fetch Dog Grooming, Grand Pub & Grill. H&R Block, Lynda’s Cafe, Merritt Bowling, Merritt Lumber, Merritt Printing, Murray GM, Nicola Plumbing & Heating, Pharmasave, Planet Hair.

The arrival of warmer weather means many of us are spending more time outdoors. The change in weath-er also brings out ticks — small bugs that feed on the blood of humans and animals and can sometimes transmit disease.

“Ticks are most often found in tall grass and wooded areas, so covering up before you head outdoors and checking for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets after being outdoors are simple things that go a long way to prevent tick bites,” said Jennifer Jeyes, communicable disease specialist with Interior Health.

The most common tick species in the Interior Health region is the wood tick (dermacentor andersoni), which does not carry the Lyme disease bac-teria. The wood tick can carry other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, although it is very rare. Some ticks also have toxins that can cause temporary muscle weakness and paralysis if attached for several days, but the symptoms fade once the tick is removed. Signs of many tick-borne infections can be quite similar and include fever, headache, muscle pain and rash.

The tick species that carries Lyme disease (Ixodes pacificus) is more com-mon in the coastal areas of B.C., but

may also be present in low numbers in the Interior region. Less than one per cent of Ixodes ticks in B.C. carry Lyme disease. In addition to fever, headache, and muscle pain, people infected with Lyme disease will often develop a rash that looks like a “bull’s-eye” target and expands from the site of the tick bite.

“Most tick bites do not result in illness. However, all tick bites should be cleaned, as infection can occur whenever there is a break in the skin,” said Jeyes. “It is important to watch for signs of tick-transmitted illnesses. Anyone who experiences a bull’s-eye rash or other symptoms should see a doctor as soon as pos-sible.”

Other precautions include: Walking on cleared trails when in • tall grass or wooded areas.Wearing a hat, long sleeves, pants, • and light-coloured clothing.Tucking pant legs into socks or • boots.Applying insect repellent contain-• ing DEET on uncovered skin.Carefully checking clothing and • scalp (covered or not) when leaving an area where ticks may live.Having a shower after returning • from areas where ticks may live. To reduce the risk of ticks from

entering your home and yard, try these steps:

Keep your lawn short and remove • any fallen leaves and weeds.Keep a buffer area such as wood-• chip or gravel border between your lawn and wooded areas or stone walls. Any play equipment or play zones should be kept away from wooded areas. Trim tree branches to allow more • sunlight in your yard.Keep wood piles and bird feeders • away from the house.Widen and maintain trails on your • property. If you find a tick on yourself, a

family member, or pet, wear gloves and gently remove it. Needle-nose tweezers can be used to gently grasp the tick close to the skin. Without squeezing, pull the tick straight out. Be careful not to crush the tick as this could cause it to inject its stom-ach contents into your skin. After removal, clean the area with soap and water. If you have concerns or need assistance removing a tick, please contact your family doctor or visit a walk-in medical clinic.

Submitted by Interior Health

Avoid ticks with these tipsNICOLA VALLEY

Arson suspect in custodyRCMP in Princeton

have one suspect in custo-dy after three houses were burned in Princeton’s Second Bench area on March 27.

Police received the call at 10:20 p.m. to assist the Princeton Fire Depart-ment with a structure fire.

Police believe the fire was intentionally set in the attached garage of one of the destroyed homes.

The investigation is still in its preliminary stages and police are not releasing any names of those involved in the investigation.

Prior to police arrival, bystanders were able to wake up a person in one of the neighbouring hous-es that was on fire and get them to safety.

Property damage “appears to be extensive,” RCMP said in a press release.

Prescribed burns scheduled for Lillooet

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is planning three prescribed burns in the Lil-looet Fire Zone.

The burns are weather and site condition depen-dent, but were scheduled to start April 1 and finish by April 15.

The three controlled burns are planned for a 184-hectare area approxi-mately 400 metres south of Loring Way in Lytton; a 14-hectare Skihist Park area about eight kilometres east of Lytton; and a 34-hectare area about one kilometre northwest of Lytton off Highway 12 to help restore sheep habitat. Smoke will be visible on Highway 12 and in all three cases from Highway 1.

Trained wildfire person-nel will monitor the fires at all times.


HERALD HEALTHmerrittherald.com bcclassified.com

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing [email protected]

GOESSMAN DENTURE CLINICSProfessional, personalized denture service directly to the public

Serving you locally10-2025 Granite Avenue, Merritt

TOLL-FREE: 1-888-374-9443Call no charge for an appointment

WE ACCEPT ALL INSURANCE

DenturesRelinesRepairs

Partial DenturesDenture overimplants

*Our professionals are specially trained to prescribe exercise to people of all ages, abilities, and medical conditions.

Always FREE. Always Helpful. 1-877-725-1149PhysicalActivityLine.com

In partnership with

FREE professional solutions are just a phone call away. Connect with BC’s FREE Physical Activity

Line (PAL) and speak with qualified exercise professionals* who will provide you with custom physical

activity plans, no matter what your age or health level. Get in touch with PAL and get active today!

Want to stay young at

heart?

Hwy #8, Lower Nicola (250) 378-6879

Ranch fed angus beef,

born and raised on site.

*No added growth hormones

*No steriods

BUY RANCH DIRECTSides, Hinds, Fronts,

Meat Packs, and more!

Just past the Convienence Store

Kuipers RanchNicola Valley Meats Inc.

How’s your hearing?Ask an

Audiologist.Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

Authorized by:WCB

First Canadian HealthVeterans AffairsRegistered under

the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)

Call Monday - Friday

315-96882076A Granite Avenue, Merritt(Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic)

A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Services Ltd.

Merritt Hearing Clinic

The popularity of skateboarding, snow-boarding, and roller-blading is increasing every year. Unfortu-nately, as the par-ticipation in these sports grows, so does the num-ber of injuries.

One of the more common areas to be injured is the wrist. Our wrist is made up of eight small indi-vidual bones called carpal bones. When we participate in the above-mentioned activities, fall-ing forwards or backwards can be a common occurrence.

When we fall forward, our first reac-tion is to put our hands out with our wrists bent backward in order to catch ourselves. When the wrist and hand hit the ground, they must absorb the entire weight of the upper body.

When the force put through the wrist bones is excessive, one or more of them can fracture. Unfortunately, one of these carpal bones, the scaphoid, is the most common one to break. This scaphoid bone has a unique char-acteristic that the other carpal bones do not.

Most bones in the body have a small artery entering them from each end. For example, the large bone in your thigh (femur) has blood supply enter-ing it from both ends

of the bone — near the hip and down by the knee. So, when you break that bone in half, each end of the bone has its own separate blood supply to keep it alive and healthy.

The scaphoid bone is designed differently. Its primary blood sup-ply enters the bone in middle instead of the ends. Therefore, if you break off one end of the bone, the frag-ment may not get an adequate blood supply. This fragment of bone will then die and degen-erate, causing severe arthritis in the wrist.

I have had numer-ous patients come to the office who have broken their wrists before and

have not had them treated properly. Their wrists are no longer able to bend backward or forward as they should, and these patients often suffer from moderate to severe arthritic pain.

To make matters even more difficult, a crack or break of this bone is very difficult to see on X-ray and can be easily missed by even the most trained medical or chiropractic doctors.

With some patients, the swelling is minimal and no significant bruis-ing is revealed. To be sure there is no fracture, the wrist should be X-rayed again 10 days later. After this period of time, a crack is easier to see as it is attempting

to heal. If a fracture has occurred, the wrist must be immobilized with a cast.

If a fracture has been definitely ruled out and just a bad sprain has occurred, the wrist should still be immobilized for a short period of time.

Once the pain and swelling have decreased, the wrist should receive conservative treatment. This includes mobiliza-tion of the eight bones in the wrist by a chiro-practor.

Stretching and strengthening exer-cises should also be prescribed to accelerate the recovery and pre-vent significant muscle wasting.

To prevent serious wrist injuries, purchase wrist guards that are often sold with roller-blades. They protect the wrist from impact when falling forward and prevent the exces-sive backward bending of the wrist joint. These simple and inexpensive pieces of equipment can prevent wrist frac-tures from occurring.

Small fall, big wrist problem

DR. COLIN GAGESpinal COLUMN

Wrist guards help protect from sports injuries


HERALD SPORTSmerrittherald.com bcclassified.com

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing [email protected]

Local runners get their feet good and dirtyBy Ian WebsterTHE [email protected]

A quartet of runners from the Nicola Valley took part in the first event of the Dirty Feet trail running series on March 23 in Kamloops.

Conditions at the Bachelor Heights run site were challenging with cool, sub-zero tem-peratures and muddy, slippery terrain.

Leading the way for the Merritt contingent was 40-year-old Marie-Josée Bedard, who placed second in the women’s 21-kilometre race in a time of one hour, 57 minutes and 50 seconds.

“It was very muddy,” said Bedard, “and almost treacherous at times — even for a trail run. By the end of the race, my runners felt like platform shoes.”

Mark Nendick, 36, of Merritt finished fourth overall out of a field of 29 runners in the men’s 10-kilometre race with a time of 52 minutes and 12 sec-onds.

“It went well. I was

pleased with my result,” said Nendick, who had competed in one other Dirty Feet trail run two years ago. “These events are always well-organized.”

Also competing at the 10K distance were a pair of first-timers from the Nicola Valley area — Erika Strande and Christina Pehr. They finished 19th and 20th respectively. Strande’s time was one hour, five minutes and 53 seconds, while Pehr was two seconds back in 1:05:55.

The women’s 10K field was a large one with 69 finishers in total.

“It was definitely chilly,” said the 26-year-old Strande. “Saturday night, it had snowed, so it was very slippery Sunday morning. You really had to watch your feet.”

“It was harder than we expected,” conceded Pehr, 27. “I almost fell three or four times. We’ve been running on roads all winter. We weren’t really in trail form.”

Both runners thor-oughly enjoyed them-selves, however, and are confident they’ll be back for more.

“We didn’t even know that it was a series until we got up there,” said Pehr.

All four local run-ners took part in the Dirty Feet run on March 23 as part of their preparations for more major events in the weeks and months ahead.

Bedard is compet-ing in the Okanagan half-marathon this weekend in Kelowna, while Nendick has his sights set on the BMO Vancouver half-mara-thon on May 4.

“I’ve been training with Kevin Black,” said Nendick. “We’re into week 10 of a 14-week program that’s prepar-ing us for Vancouver.

“We’ve put a lot of work into getting ready for that race. I’ve never followed a program before. I’ve always sort of winged it. It’s a whole new world.”

As for Strande and Pehr, their end-game

is a little different. The pair of MSS graduates are looking to compete in the ‘Mud, Sweat and Tears’ endurance challenge at Crystal Mountain above West Kelowna in the middle of May. The event involves a 12K off-road run with a whole mess of strength and agil-ity obstacles along the route.

“It’s kind of like the Tough Mudder and the Warrior Dash,” said Pehr, citing two other versions of the very-popular pastime.

To get ready for the Mud, Sweat and Tears (gotta love the name), the two young ladies have been getting together for runs a cou-ple of times a week and also doing a substantial amount of pylometrics (a series of explosive exercises focused on having muscles exert maximum force in as short a time as pos-sible, with the goal of improving both speed and power).

“It should be fun,” said Strande with a laugh.

Ladies’ Volleyfest invades local gyms

Pozzobon roughed up in Fresno

“THE TOUGHEST SPORT ON EARTH!”

COUNTDOWN TO THE 2ND. ANNUAL TY POZZOBON INVITATIONAL BULL RIDING

May 31, 2014 5 p.m.Merritt Rodeo Grounds

JUST 58 DAYS TO GO Tickets available in Merritt at Purity Feed

GETTIN’ STOMPED! Merritt bull rider Ty Pozzobon took a bit of a beating last Friday night at the Table Mountain Casino Invitational in Fresno, Calif. Pozzobon, who competes with the world’s best in the Built Ford Tough Series, was involved in a vicious wreck with a bull named Coyote 20 (above). The Nicola Valley cowboy was stepped on several times — helmet, facemask, chest and collarbone — and was knocked unconscious. The durable 22-year-old sat out the rest of the weekend, but has since made a quick recovery. He hopes to be back on board this weekend in Nampa, Idaho. Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bullstock Media

By Ian WebsterTHE [email protected]

Thirty-five teams from throughout south-central B.C. will converge on the Nicola Valley this weekend for the annual ladies’ Volleyfest tournament.

Organized and run by the Merritt Volleyball Association, the three-day event will see excit-ing net action at three locations (Collettville and Nicola Canford Elementary Schools and Merritt Secondary School) beginning Friday evening and run-ning through till Sunday afternoon.

“The teams will be divided into three divi-sions, based on their competitive level,” said MVA representative Dave Finch. “We’ll have Recreational, Comp 1 and Comp 11. As usual, we’ll have several local teams taking part.”

There will be an enormous dinner and dance social at the Civic Centre on Saturday night.

The theme at this year’s Volleyfest is “Remembering Your Youth.”

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Volleyfest will be donated to the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

A toy drive has also been planned, says Finch.

TRAIL TOPPERS Merritt runners Mark Nendick (above), MJ Bedard (upper right), Erika Strande and Christina Pehr took part in the Dirty Feet trail run on May 23. Photos cour-tesy of Jesse Winkiewicz/Wild Mountain Kelowna


SPORTS

Former Centennial Chad Brears makes the grade down south

Cents’ spring evaluation camp this weekend

By Ian WebsterTHE [email protected]

It’s almost 3,000 kilo-metres from his home-town of Cold Lake, Alberta to his current abode in Huntsville, Alabama, but former Merritt Centennial Chad Brears appears to have made the transi-tion seamlessly.

Brears, 22, is in his sophomore (second) year at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) — playing NCAA Division 1 hock-ey for the Chargers and studying mechanical engineering.

A scholarship athlete, Brears is excelling in both his chosen endea-vours while attending UAH.

Three weeks ago, it was announced that the Alberta native, who has been holding down an impressive 4.0 GPA (grade-point average) in his demanding field of study, had been selected the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s Outstanding Student-Athlete for the 2013-14 season.

On the ice, Brears finished third overall in team scoring for his Chargers’ hockey team with six goals and four assists in 38 games this season. (Compared to Junior A, points are much more difficult to

acquire in the highly-structured, defensive-oriented NCAA brand of the frozen game).

Brears played two full seasons with the Centennials (scoring 45 goals and adding 50 assists for 95 points in 125 regular season and playoff games). He was a member of one of the Cents’ most potent offensive lines in team history with Evan Stack and Regan Soquila.

The articulate Brears is thoroughly enjoying his time in America’s Deep South.

“It hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure,” he said recently in a phone conversation from Huntsville, “but it’s defi-nitely all been worth it. I can’t imagine being any-where else right now.”

One of the biggest challenges for Brears and his teammates is the onerous travel schedule that sees the Chargers playing all over the North American conti-nent.

“We went to Alaska

twice this year,” Brears said.

“On away week-ends, we usually leave on a Wednesday or a Thursday, depending upon whether we’re bus-ing or flying. I think our shortest bus trip is 10 hours one way. Luckily, we have a sleeper bus which is nice.”

Fortunately, student-athletes at UAH get good co-operation from their professors.

“They’ve been very lenient and helpful when it comes to turning in assignments and taking tests,” said Brears, who has his share of memo-

rable anecdotes regard-ing travel.

“This past winter, we were supposed to fly out of Atlanta to play in Minnesota, but our flight got cancelled because of a snowstorm. We ended up having to bus the whole way there. It was a long, long trip. We got there an hour and a half before our first game on the Friday.”

Even the regular school week is daunting for varsity athletes like Brears.

“We usually practice in the early morning, from about 8 to 10 a.m.

My classes are mostly in the afternoon and into the evening. I do most of my homework at night, starting at 8 p.m. It makes for long days. It’s nice having the practice in the morning though. It gets you up and going.”

It’s been a tough sea-

son for the UAH men’s hockey team in its first season in the WCHA. The Chargers managed just two wins in their 38-game schedule and missed the playoffs.

“We weren’t in a conference last year,” explained Brears. “We played independently. This year, we were lucky enough to be able to join the WCHA, but it’s been a big jump.”

A rough first year hasn’t got the Chargers down, according to Brears.

“We’ve got a really good group of guys in the room when it comes to morale and so on,” he said. “We treat each game as a new opportu-nity to win. The effort’s always been there.”

Looking ahead to next season, Brears was upbeat.

“I think our hockey program is really on the upswing, and I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people next year.”

Brears has really enjoyed the addition of two other former

Centennials’ players to the UAH team this year. Both Brent Fletcher and Regan Soquila have just finished their freshman campaigns with the Chargers.

“They both did well,” said Brears of his past and present teammates. “Our coach really likes the way Brent plays, and Regan has made huge strides. It’s a big step up from Junior A. The speed of the game is the biggest thing that surprises guys coming into NCAA hockey.”

Despite its location in the sunny south, Brears said that Huntsville has a strong hockey follow-ing, and the Chargers get great support from the community.

“We get some good crowds to our games. I think that’s why the pro-gram has lasted here.”

As for the weather in Alabama, Brears said that they’ve only had a dusting of snow two to three times this winter.

Eat your heart out, Canada!

Merritt Centennials head coach and GM Luke Pierce expects 80-85 players to be in attendance at the Cents’ spring evaluation camp this weekend in Merritt.

“That’s our max,” Pierce said. “We’d prob-ably like to be a bit lower [in numbers], but there’s lots of interest out there. It’s hard to say no.”

Players at this year’s camp will be coming from throughout B.C., from northern Alberta, Montana, Arizona, Wisconsin, California and New York.

Registration is at 2 p.m. on Friday. Following four separate practices Friday after-noon, the rest of the weekend is primarily

a series of scrimmages between the teams in a tournament-style format.

“Our biggest priority is defence,” said Pierce. “We’ve got a big turn-over there. Up front, I think we’ll be looking for a bit more physicality — more of the hard-nosed work ethic. There were times this past season where we lacked that edge.”

Local players expect-ed to attend the Cents’ camp are Sunil Sahota, Jessie Cunningham and Kristian Stead.

Barbarians’ rugby scaled backBy Ian WebsterTHE [email protected]

For the first time in several years, the Merritt Barbarians men’s rugby team will not be com-peting in the Okanagan league this season.

The announcement was made official this week by Barbarians playing-coach Nathan Brigden.

“We don’t have enough committed play-ers,” said Brigden. “We lost a couple of core guys, who are down in New Zealand, and we have a number of oth-ers who just can’t make practices and games on a regular basis because of their work.”

The Barbarians are not alone in dealing with a dearth of manpower.

“West Kelowna is in the same situation,” said Brigden. “In fact, they were inquiring about some of our players possibly going over and playing for them.”

Brigden is hopeful that this year is a one-off, and that Merritt will be back in the Okanagan league next season.

“That’s our hope,” he said. “There are a number of young high school players, past and present, that are keen to play for the Barbarians, so that bodes well for the future.”

The Barbarians aren’t about to close up shop this year however. They will continue to practise on Wednesday nights at Voght Park, starting at 6:30 p.m.

“We’re also hop-ing to have a couple of exhibition games during

the season, and maybe attend a tournament or two,” said Brigden.

“It’s incredible that we’ve been as com-petitive as we have the last couple of years — especially against bigger communities like Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton.”

Two seasons ago, the Barbarians came within a try of winning the Okanagan league title. They lost to Penticton in the championship game.

Anyone wishing for more information about Barbarians’ rugby can contact Brigden at 250-280-2482 or simply drop by Voght Park any Wednesday evening.

TAKING CHARGE Former Merritt Centennial Chad Brears (2010-12) is enjoying considerable success both on and off the ice as a student-athlete on a hockey scholarship at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Photo courtesy of UAH Athletics

Merritt CentennialsSpring Evaluation Camp

‘The Sched’

Friday, April 4

2:00 p.m. Registration 3:15 p.m. White Team Practice 4:15 p.m. Blue Team Practice 5:15 p.m. Red Team Practice 6:15 p.m. Black Team Practice 7:15 p.m. White vs. Blue 8:30 p.m. Red vs. Black

Saturday, April 5

11:00 a.m. Blue vs. Red 1:30 p.m. Black vs. White 3:30 p.m. Goalie Practice 5:00 p.m. Red vs. White 7:30 p.m. Blue vs. Black

Sunday, April 6

9:00 a.m. 3rd vs. 4th Place12:00 p.m. 1st vs. 2nd Place

Phone 250-378-4241 with any events that you may be hosting or email: [email protected]

Brownies

Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Central School - 250-315-7410

Canadian Diabetes Association

Once a month, 7 - 9 p.m.

Trinity United Church Hall.

Call Eva 250-378-2897

or Gerry at 250-378-3716

CMHA - Merritt Clubhouse

Fireside Center - 2026 Granite Ave.

Wed/Fri 9 am - 2:30 pm

Shirley 250-378-5660

Central School Pac

First Tuesday 7 p.m.

Lunchroom - 250-378-4892

Community Choir

Mondays 7 p.m. - Fall to Spring

Collettville Elementary - 250-378-9899

Court Whist - Fun Game

Wednesdays 7 p.m.

at the Seniors Centre 250-378-2776

Drop-In Soccer

Tuesdays & Thursdays:

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Girls & Boys 16+ welcome

250-378-2530

Drop-In Volleyball

Mondays 7 - 9 p.m. CMS. 250-378-6212.

Girl Guides

Wednesdays 5:30 -7:00 p.m. Central School -

250-936-8298

Ladies’ Curling League

Wednesdays 6 & 8 p.m.

Call 250-378- 8175 or 250-378-4917

Living With Loss Support Group

Wednesdays 7 to 8:45 p.m.

2025 Granite Ave. 250-280-4040

Merritt Curling Club

For League Information

250-378-4423

Merritt Duplicate Bridge Club

Tuesdays 7 p.m. Seniors’ Centre

250-378-5550

Merritt Elks Lodge Clubs

Second & Fourth Wednesday 8 p.m.

Elks Hall 250-378-9788

Merritt Lawn Bowling

Sun., Tues., & Thurs. at 7 p.m.

250-378-2950

Merritt Lions Club

First & Third Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Best Western -

Han’s Golden Wok 250-378-9509

Merritt Moms Prenatal

Post Natal Support group.

Monday - Friday - 8:30 a.m.

250-378-2252

Merritt Mountain Biking Assoc. Wednesdays 6

p.m. - ride

E: [email protected]

T: #merrittbiking

Navy League Cadets of Canada

Wednesdays 6 - 9 p.m.

Cadet Hall - Ages 9-13

welcome 250-280-6944

Merritt Snowmobile Club

Second Tuesday 7 p.m.

Civic Centre 250-315-1082

Merritt’s Women in Business

Second Wednesday 5:30

- 7:30 p.m. Merritt Desert Inn

250-315-5851

Nicola Naturalist Society

Third Thursday - 7:00 p.m.

NVIT. www.nicolanaturalists.ca

N.V. 4-H Club

Second Tuesday - 6:30 p.m.


Nicola Valley Better Breathers

Third Wednesdays 1 p.m.

Trinity United - 250-378-6266

N.V. Community Band

Tuesdays 7 p.m - MSS Music Room

250-378-5031 or 250-378-9894

NVCAC

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at

7:00 pm at The Art Gallery. 250-378-6515 www.

nvartscouncil.com

N.V. Dirt Riders Association

Last Wednesday 7 p.m. Garden Sushi - Scott:

250-378-3502

N.V. Fall Fair

Third Monday 7 p.m.

2145 Quilchena Ave. 250-378-5925

N.V. Fish & Game

(except July and Aug.)

Third Wednesday 7 p.m.

2236 Jackson Ave.

250-378-4572 or 250-378-4904

N.V. Heritage Society

Last Wednesday - Baillie House

250-378-0349

N.V. Quilters Guild

First & Third Thursdays

Civic Centre 7 p.m. 250-378-4172

N.V. Search & Rescue

Second Monday 7 p.m. at the airport - 250-378-

6769

N.V. Thrift Store

First Tuesday -

NVGH basement 250-378-9100

N.V. Women’s Institute

Second Wednesday - 1:30 p.m.

For locations, 250-378-2536

One Way Krew Youth Group

Tuesdays 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Crossroads Community Church -

250-378-2911

Pathfi nders

Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.


Patricia Rebekah Lodge

Second & Fourth Mondays

at 7 p.m. Lawn Bowling Club

Rocky Mnt. Rangers Cadets

Tuesdays 6 p.m. 250-378-1302 or 250-572-3775

Royal Canadian Legion #96

Executive Mtg. Second Thursday 6 p.m. - Regular

Mtg.

Fourth Thursday 7 p.m.

1940 Quilchena - 250-378-5631

Royal Purple

First & Third Mondays 1:00 p.m. - Downstairs @

Elks Hall 250-378-6788

Rotary Club of Merritt

Every Thursday - Noon

Brambles Bakery Cafe. 250-378-5535

Sagebrush Spinners and Weavers Guild

Tamarack Gardens every other Thursday at 11:00

AM

Bev at 250-378-2787.

Rotary Club of Merritt - Sunrise

Every Tuesday - 7 a.m. Brambles Bakery

Seniors’ Mixed Curling

Mondays & Tuesdays 1 - 3 p.m.

250-378-5539

Soup Bowl

Tuesdays 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Anglican Church Hall

Sparks

Mondays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.


Teen Centre / Fireside

Thursday & Friday 3:30-7:30 p.m.

250-378-5660

Valley Scrapbooking

250-936-8298

Valley Visual Artists

General club information

Fran McMurchy -

250-378-4230

Vintage Car Club - Merritt

Second Wednesday - 7:30 p.m.

Anglican Church Hall

Al 378-7402 Jack 378-2662

Ska-Lu-La Workshop

Al - 250-378-7402

Ted - 250-378-4195

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NICOLA VALLEY

Have an event we should know about? Tell us by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing [email protected]

Approved mini-storage

On-site rentals

Secured

Sale of New and Used storage containers

CONTAIN-ITSTORAGESTORAGE

1750 Hill Street Phone: 250-315-3000111717

Contents are

insurable

MSS DRY GRADMSS Grad steak dinner on

Saturday Apr. 12. Tickets are available from any of the 2014 grads.

MERRITT BENCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Annual Yard Sale. Saturday, April 5, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 3341 Grimmet Street. By Donation. All proceeds go to future school activities.

THE SHRINE BUSWill be in Merritt April 8. For

more information on how the Shrine might assist your child please join us at the Coldwater Hotel on April 8 at 5 p.m. to see the Shrine Bus and talk to a Shriner about how we might help.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

Spring craft fair April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 250-315-8027

NAVY CADETSNavy League Spring Craft Fair to

be held at the Cadet Hall on April 12 from 9 a.m. This craft fair is open to all crafters and home based businesses. For more info and to reserve your table, please call Ellen at 250-280-6944 or Debra at 250-280-4086.

SAYSO PRESENTSBackSpin Saturday April 5 at 7

p.m. at the Culture Club. Expression night Friday April 11

at 7 p.m. at the Culture Club.

CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE

We are having a “Spring Market” fundraiser Sunday, April 6 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Cadet Hall.. The market will have a variety of items to offer from baking, crafts, yard sale items, etc.

There is still time to join and help us in the fight against can-cer. Register for our May 31 event from noon to midnight at relay-forlife.ca

OLD TIME FIDDLERS.Will be having a jam session

at the Legion on Friday, April 11. Baron of Beef at 5 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Good food and good music. Everyone welcome to come down for a good time.

NICOLA VALLEY FISH AND GAME CLUB

C.O.R.E. Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Programme which is required to obtain a hunting license is B.C. will be starting April 11. For more info contact Paul Komonoski at 250-378-4904 (leave a mes-sage)

3-D archery shoot. Come and practice your archery skills on life-sized foam targets set up at the gun range in Lower Nicola on April 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to dark. For more information call BJ Moore at 280-0304.

NICOLA VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL

Spring Clean and Shine Art Show. Courthouse Art Gallery April 3 to 26. Local artists are to

submit original works that shine for sale. We will also be offer-ing gently used art related items collected for sale by NVCAC and VVA members. Frames, easles, art books, original art, art supplies. Reception for Spring Clean and Shine Art Show. Saturday, April 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Courthouse Art Gallery. Mix and mingle with local artists and check out the gently used art supply items for sale. Light refreshments will be provided. For more info contact Meriel at 250-378-6515

PRINCETON ART COUNCIL PRESENTS: KEN WHITELY

Sunday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. Riverside Community Theatre. Ken Whitely is a Canadian roots music legend. Tickets are avail-able at Sunflower Gallery and Thomasina’s.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA!

Family event day. Friday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Features free fun family entertainment. Easter eggs, Starbucks, games, face painting music and more! Sponsored by the City of Merritt, Interior Community Services and Success by 6.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY GARDEN SOCIETY

The Spring Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Public Library.

THE VALLEY VISUAL

ARTISTSVVA are pleased to invite every-

one to their 20th Annual Show & Sale May 2 to 31. Enjoy our reception May 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Open House May 3 and 4 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivities include Flowers for the first 20 Moms, a Tonney Draw and Painting demonstrations..

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDThe Navy League is in need of

officer’s and volunteers to help out with our growing Cadet Corps. Our children are age 9 to 13 and we meet every Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you have past experience or are inter-ested in becoming a part of our Corps please contact us. Ellen 250-280-6944, Debra 250-280-4086 or email at [email protected]

KNITWITSLove to knit or crochet? Or are

you a novice interested in learning more about knitting or crocheting in a friendly and welcoming set-ting? Come on down to Brambles Bakery Thursday evenings. Bring your yarn and needles and join in the fun.

COURTHOUSE ARTGALLERY

The Valley Visual Arts (VVA) will be holding a weekly Creative Art Session, in the Orange Room at the Art Gallery, every Thursday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Everyone welcome to stop in and see their work.

NEWBARK RESCUENewbark Rescue & Rehoming

Merritt Branch, are always looking for foster families. If you would like to help by fostering a fur-kid, until they find a fur-ever home, please contact Margie at [email protected].

NV REMOTE CONTROL FLYER

We are starting a new club in town for flying model aircraft. We fly at various locations around town. New members welcome. For more info, call Jack 250-378-4371.

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH1899 Quilchena Ave. Sunday

School 10:00 a.m. Sundays - for children ages 4 to 8 years. Children learn of God’s love through stories, music, crafts and fun. More information: Gail 250-378-9706

MERRITT SENIOR CENTRE

Weekly schedule is as follows: Monday: Crib & Whist 7 p.m. Tuesday: Bingo 1 p.m., Duplicate Bridge 7 p.m. Wednesday: Carpet Bowling 1:30 p.m., Court Whist 7 p.m. Thursday: Floor Curling 1 p.m. (third week - shut-in lucheon) Friday: Rummoli & Games 7 p.m.All seniors welcome.

SENIOR-IN-TRAININGPositions now available for

Senior-In-Training. Applicants must be 40 years or older. Qualifications include a will-ingness to have fun and enjoy the company of others. Contact Seniors Association at 250-378-3763 for more information.

• STAIN GLASS• SUN CATCHERS• NIGHT LIGHTS• PICTURE FRAMES

Available at Creative Company2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813

Stain Glass by Almerina Rizzardo

7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC - Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Thurs. April 3

Variable CloudinessHigh: 10˚CLow: 1˚C

Fri. April 4


Sat. April 5

Isolated ShowersHigh: 10˚CLow: 4˚C

Sun. April 6


Mon. April 7


Tue. April 8

Sunny

High: 13˚CLow: 3˚C

Wed. April 9

Cloudy PeriodsHigh: 13˚CLow: 4˚C

Its

PRUNING Time

SERVING MERRITT WITH EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

250-378-4166

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

Would you like to see a movie theatre in Merritt, then the Merritt Community Cinema Soceity can use your help!

If you would like to help donate to this wonderful cause please make cheque payable to Merritt Community Cinema Society and mail it to:

1952 Eastwood Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1K3

For more information

call Rich Hodson250-378-6794

Phase 2has started.

Goal to reach $155,000 for

design & architect fees


Thomas KastakThomas John Kastak of Lower Nicola, BC, aged 82 years passed away peacefully on March 22, 2014. Survived by his loving companion Blanche Bunzenmeyer, sister Joyce Spicher, and daughters Brenda Mork (Bill) and Wendy Lovelle (Rick). Grandchildren Leigh (Jennifer), Lindsey (Lori), Kris (Christa), Adam (Sarah Jane) and great grandchildren Alex, Emma, Brooklyn, Beckhem, Parker and Kaylee, as well as many relatives and friends.

As a young man, Tom began a long career in Hydro in Thunder Bay, Ontario and then later he moved to BC and worked for BC Hydro in Terrace, Sechelt and Whistler. Retirement brought him to settle in Lower Nicola. Tom enjoyed hunting, gun smithing, travelling and riding his bike. Tom was full of life, his smile and his great sense of humour were contagious and he touched many lives. He will be sadly missed.

MERRITT FUNERAL CHAPELCelebrating lives with dignity

• Funeral Services• Cremation

•Burial•Monuments

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

2113 Granite Ave.Merritt, BC

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday

On Call 24 Hours A Day

www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

Agnes DunniganIt is with great sadness we announce the passing of Agnes Elizabeth Dunnigan (nee Chaplin) of Merritt BC following a courageous journey with cancer on March 29th 2014. Agnes was born January 30th, 1945 in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Agnes passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and close friends.Agnes is predeceased by her husband of 42 years Richard Dunnigan, her mother Nancy Chaplin (nee Mitchell) of Wales

and her father Gordon Chaplin of the Franklin Islands. Agnes married her true love Richard and together they had two children David (Sheila Karolyi) and Susie (Joshua Wiese). Agnes’ pride and joy were her four beautiful grandchildren Cassidy, (Dave and Sheila) Madeleine, Calleigh and Finnegan (Susie and Josh). Family and spending time with her grandchildren was Agnes’ favourite passtime. Agnes’ home was lled with pictures of vacations with the grandchildren and portraits of the family. Agnes was quick to put the needs of her family well before hers, loving unconditionally for her family and friends.Agnes and Richard settled in the Nicola Valley and called Merritt their home. Agnes was well known in the community as a teacher, then after taking time off to raise David and Susie, she returned to work in the schools as an special education assistant. Agnes and Richard were proud supporters of the Merritt Centennials, taking in many billets over the years and attending almost every game. Agnes was a member of the Laureate Gamma Psi Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and very active within the local organization. Agnes could usually be found enjoying many long walks in the community she loved dearly or riding her bicycle up town to shop or visit friends. Agnes will be deeply missed and always remembered as a loving wife, mother, momma, grandma and good friend to all those who lives were blessed to have known this precious woman.A celebration of her life will be held at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church located at 1950 Maxwell Avenue in Merritt, BC on April 5, 2014 at 3 p.m.

Stephen Gary Dalton, 57, of Lower Nicola, BC passed away March 20, 2014 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Widely known as Stevo-O, he is pre-deceased by his partner of close to 30 years, Carol Lance and survived by his Mother Evelyn Dalton of PEI, Sister Stella Farrell (nieces Jennifer and Christina, Nephew David), Brother Bill Dalton(Sylvia)(Niece

Michelle, Nephew Michael), Sister Jo-Anne Dalton (Niece Krista), Brother Howard Dalton, Brother David Dalton (Nieces Krista and Amanda, Nephew Justin), sister-in-law Leanna Wilson, Nieces Tammy Savinkoff(Cory and family), and Tracy Wilson(Mike and family) He also leaves behind countless friends and other family members.Steve-O was a big personality on and off camera. If you met Steve you would never forget him. When he came into the room, you knew it. His fun-loving nature and outgoing personality would ll the room. He made many friends throughout his years as a sports video producer where he could be found at hill climbs all around BC and Alberta. He produced a series of favored sledding videos where you can hear his funny anecdotes while he showcased the action on the mountain. Steve-O was always full of ideas and was always so excited to share his new adventures with everyone; he always had something on the go. He was a wealth of information too, anything you needed to know regarding electronics he was your go-to man, always knew the best deal out there.In the recent years Steve liked to spend his time camping, gaming, exploring the trails in his Rhino and making new adventures with his family and friends. After Carol’s sudden passing Steve realized that life is limited and what he wanted was to have a fun life and make the most of the time he had. Sadly he didn’t know just how limited it would be as cancer would take him way too soon. Steve had a full life with no regrets and touched many people. His energy was contagious as he has inspired fun in a lot of us.There will be a celebration of life held April 6,2014 at the Lower Nicola Hall starting at 1:30 PM Please join Steve’s family and friends to Honor his life, share your stories, and celebrate this man who fought to the bitter end but was taken too soon. The family would like to thank the nurses and care aides at gillis house for the wonderful care they provided in his last week and to thank Joe Thibodeau for being Steve’s sidekick towards the end for all his help. In lieu of owers, memorial donations can please be made to the Canadian cancer society.

Stephen Gary DaltonTim and Laurie Mierau

of Lower Nicola BC, are

happy to announce

their son MATHEW’S

engagement to

AMY STRAYER, daughter of Tammy

Strayer of Merritt.

Unifab Industries located in Grand Forks, BC,

is actively hiring qualifi edFabricators and Welder/Fitters.

Competitive wages and benefi ts. Excellent place to raise a family and just two

hours southeast of Kelowna. (Fax)250-442-8356 or email

[email protected]

APARTMENT/CONDOMANAGER TRAINING

• Certifi ed Home Study

Course• Jobs

RegisteredAcross Canada• Gov. Certifi ed

www.RMTI.ca / 604.681.5456 or 1.800.665.8339

c/o 3451 Voght St., Merritt, B.C. V1K 1C6Contact: 250-280-4040

What happens when I contact the Merritt & District Hospice society?A Hospice coordinator will meet with you and

explain the program and learn your needs. Referrals can be made by family, physicians,

nurses, friends, or patients themselves.

Hospice SocietyMerritt & District

Upper Nicola BandJOB POSTING

Chief and Council Assistant

Chief and Council Assistant for the Upper Nicola BandDuties and Responsibilities: (include the following, but other duties may be assigned)

Provides general administrative and senior clerical • support to Senior Executive Coordinator, Band Administrator, and Chief & Council.Prepares correspondence, reports and other • documents, maintains a variety of con dential labour relations, nancial and other records. Participates in the planning and implementation • of administrative systems in consultation with senior management. Develops and recommends new and revised of ce procedures and practices.Establish, co-ordinate, update and maintain • administrative policies, manuals and procedures for all departments.Arranges meetings and events with a variety of • participants and coordinates the logistics, including facilities, supplies and catering.Prepare agendas and make arrangements for • committee, board and other meetingsTakes minutes of Chief & Council meetings, • Community Meetings, Annual General Meetings and other meetings as required.Makes travel and accommodation arrangements • for Chief and Council and senior management as required.

Quali cations:(One) 1 year clerical, administrative support or • secretarial of ce experience or a combination of experience, education and training.Experience/training in word processing, excel • spreadsheet and other standard computer applications.Experience in developing and managing a records • management system.Preference may be given to applicants with • receptionist experience in an of ce environment.

Term: Full time, 32 hours a weekSalary: Depends on Experience and Quali cationsThe deadline for this job posting is April 07 at 12 noon.

Submit cover letter and resume to:Senior Executive Coordinator

Upper Nicola BandBox 3700

Merritt, BC V1K 1B8Fax: (250) 350-3342

Email: [email protected]

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

ObituariesObituariesAnnouncements

Coming EventsDon’t miss the

Celebration of Rural LivingExpo & Trade Show

April 26-27, 20149am-5pm daily

NT Agriplex & Fall Fair Facility4872 Dunn Lake Rd., Barriere

Over 100 booths & displays to peruse. Music, concessions, giveaways. A full lineup of fea-ture speakers. Free draws every hour. $5/adult, $3/stud. or senior, children 12 & under Free.

Vendor and Expo info at:www.ruralexpobarriere.com

250-319-8023

Information

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC

The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations

SynopsisThe most effective way to

reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

Two year edition- terrifi c presence for your business.Please call Annemarie

1.800.661.6335 email:

fi [email protected]

Employment

Career Opportunities

Unifab Industries located in Grand Forks, BC,

is actively hiring qualifi edAfternoon Shift Supervisor,

CWB Supervisor Ticket an asset.

Competitive wages and benefi ts. Excellent place to raise a family and just two

hours southeast of Kelowna. (Fax)250-442-8356 or email

[email protected]

Engagements

Anniversaries

Career Opportunities

Engagements

Anniversaries

Education/Trade Schools

Engagements

Anniversaries

Obituaries

Help Wanted

Obituaries

Help Wanted

1-800-222-TIPS

Agnes DunniganIt is with great sadness we announce the passing of Agnes Elizabeth Dunnigan (nee Chaplin) of Merritt BC following a courageous journey with cancer on March 29th 2014. Agnes was born January 30th, 1945 in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Agnes passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and close friends.Agnes is predeceased by her husband of 42 years Richard Dunnigan, her mother Nancy Chaplin (nee Mitchell) of Wales

and her father Gordon Chaplin of the Franklin Islands. Agnes married her true love Richard and together they had two children David (Sheila Karolyi) and Susie (Joshua Wiese). Agnes’ pride and joy were her four beautiful grandchildren Cassidy, (Dave and Sheila) Madeleine, Calleigh and Finnegan (Susie and Josh). Family and spending time with her grandchildren was Agnes’ favourite passtime. Agnes’ home was lled with pictures of vacations with the grandchildren and portraits of the family. Agnes was quick to put the needs of her family well before hers, loving unconditionally for her family and friends.Agnes and Richard settled in the Nicola Valley and called Merritt their home. Agnes was well known in the community as a teacher, then after taking time off to raise David and Susie, she returned to work in the schools as an special education assistant. Agnes and Richard were proud supporters of the Merritt Centennials, taking in many billets over the years and attending almost every game. Agnes was a member of the Laureate Gamma Psi Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and very active within the local organization. Agnes could usually be found enjoying many long walks in the community she loved dearly or riding her bicycle up town to shop or visit friends. Agnes will be deeply missed and always remembered as a loving wife, mother, momma, grandma and good friend to all those who lives were blessed to have known this precious woman.A celebration of her life will be held at the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church located at 1950 Maxwell Avenue in Merritt, BC on April 5, 2014 at 3 p.m.

ObituariesObituaries

Buenie Helen Mumford

April 21, 1917 - March 28, 2014

Buenie passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday,

March 28. She was predeceased by her loving husband, John.

Buenie is survived by her loving children; Bernon andJuli, grandchildren; Lana and Lisa and her great grandchildren; Christy, Kevin, Corey, Megan, Amy, Mathew, Alexander, Noah, Rachel, Rebecca and one great, great grandchild; Charlie as well the extended family

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Dr. McLeod and Dr. Edmonds and the medical staff at Gillis House.

Please join family and friends for a memorial service to be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, April 5 at 1:30 p.m.


Job Posting Of ce Research Clerk/Database Technician

Nooaitch Indian Band is currently recruiting an Of ce Research Clerk/Database Technician. This position is classi ed as a Semi full-time basis as per funding availability. The selected individual will work and support the Of ce Administration under the direction of the Administrator in conjunction with Managerial personnel.Department: Supporting Administration and Managerial PersonnelSupervisor: AdministratorPosition Title: Of ce Research Clerk/Database TechnicianTerms: Terms as per the Funding ComponentNature & Scope of Work:Nooaitch Indian Band is seeking a positive and enthusiastic individual to provide knowledge in the Doculinx database technical area and support in all departments in researching, by providing accessible pertinent documents for tools to contribute and engage in relationship building in their community of today and in future generations.The Of ce Research Clerk/Database Technician employment is an initial step to promote independency, individuality, self-reliance, social interaction, and self-con dence for future employment endeavors.Goals:~ Provide opportunities for intergenerational and cultural connections through research~ Provide assistants for all Administration and Managerial staff with a wide varity of of ce

knowledge and skills~ Create a database system for decision-making and responsibility sharing for Band

department projects~ Maintaining and organizing historical and present day documentationDuties and Responsibilities:The Of ce Research Clerk/Database Technician will oversee recorded documentation of projects and articles into the Doculinx database, while supporting, maintaining, and organizing pertinent information through clerical duties when requested. The selected individual will answer to the Nooaitch Administrator, Arlene Johnston.Duties to Include:

Assist in preparing presentations, reports, assembly of large reports and other • assignments, as required by project personnel in a timely mannerPlans and co-ordinates requests by management in a timely manner• Researches materials and executes assignments under minimal supervision and • directionPrepares and submits approved expense reports• Attends staff meetings• Conducts assignments involving highly con dential matters with utmost care and • attentionPerform document control• Provide support to all areas of the project including project controls, procurement • and contractsPerform additional assignments and responsibilities as assumed or requested by the • Project Administrator

Speci c Accountabilities and Deliverables:Implementation in case management through discussions with Nooaitch Indian • Band's Administrator and Managerial team inregards to Archives documents, Project contracts, and may include additional documents e.g. maps, etc.Provide monthly updates for accountability to the Nooaitch Administrator;• May require test for work place esstial skills,• Ensure initial oorganization and maintain information• Verbal and digital Communication skills• Perform and review monthly nancial budget, provide suggestions for proposal • writingExecute and complete interim and nal report, including Endorsement updates to • the funding coponentParticipate in a career planning assessment sesion or have met with an eployment • counsellor in discussion of career planning;

Experience:Knowledge of Doculinx database, Archival research, and retrieval systems• Knowledge and experience in photocoping, scanning, printing, related of ce • equipment, and other clerical work as required.Computer software e.g. Mircosoft Word, Excel, and Doculinx database•

Other Quali cation, Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Knowledge of:1) Valid Driver’s License, 2) Must be Bondable, and 3) Have insured VehicleAbility To: Engage and communicate with all Nooaitch Staff and Membership, Organize and Manage work area. The selected individual must have the ability to work appropriately in a team setting and on an individual basis.Skills: Knowledge of Operational of ce equipment, including knowledge with Doculinx database, in addition to communication skillsRate of Pay: Will be determined on individual’s experience or by program’s criteriaHours of Work: Full-time (ISETS Program Requirements) with the maximum of 45 weeks/35 hours weeklyLine of Authority: Will proceed to follow the Nooaitch Indian Band’s Personnel PolicyStart Immediately: Will be contacted in terms as per the Funding Component

Submit resumes, cover letter and names of references attention to:Nooaitch Administrator, Arlene Johnston in accordance with ISET Funding

By Friday, April 18, 2014 to be received no later than 2:00 pmMailing Address: 2954 Shackelly Road, Merritt, BC, V1K 1N9

Or Email to: Christine Oppenheim [email protected]., Nooaitch Executive AssistantPhone: 250-378-6141 Fax: 250-378-3699

Job Posting Of ce Research Scanner/

Database TechnicianNooaitch Indian Band is currently recruiting an Of ce Research Scanner/Database Technician. This position is classi ed as a Semi full-time basis as per funding availability. The selected individual will work and support the Of ce Administration under the direction of the Administrator in conjunction with Managerial personnel.Department: Supporting Administration and Managerial PersonnelSupervisor: AdministratorPosition Title: Of ce Research Scanner/Database TechnicianTerms: Terms as per the Funding ComponentNature & Scope of Work: Nooaitch Indian Band is seeking a positive and enthusiastic individual to provide knowledge in the Doculinx database technical area and support in all departments in researching, by providing accessible pertinent documents for tools to contribute and engage in relationship building in their community of today and in future generations.The Of ce Research Scanner/Database Technician employment is an initial step to promote independency, individuality, self-reliance, social interaction, and self-con dence for future employment endeavors.Goals:~ Provide opportunities for intergenerational and cultural connections through research~ Provide assistants for all Administration and Managerial staff with a wide varity of of ce

knowledge and skills~ Create a database system for decision-making and responsibility sharing for Band

department projects~ Maintaining and organizing historical and present day documentationDuties and Responsibilities:The Of ce Research Scanner/Database Technician will oversee the recorded documentation of scanned projects and articles. This individual will be responsible for scanning all documents into a central database, while supporting, maintaining, and organizing pertinent information through clerical duties when requested. The selected individual will answer to the Nooaitch Administrator, Arlene Johnston.Duties to Include:

Assist in preparing presentations, reports, assembly of large reports and other • assignments, as required by project personnel in a timely mannerPlans and co-ordinates requests by management in a timely manner• Researches materials and executes assignments under minimal supervision and • directionPrepares and submits approved expense reports• Attends staff meetings• Conducts assignments involving highly con dential matters with utmost care and • attentionPerform document control• Provide support to all areas of the project including project controls, procurement • and contractsPerform additional assignments and responsibilities as assumed or requested by the • Project Administrator

Speci c Accountabilities and Deliverables:Implementation in case management through discussions with Nooaitch Indian • Band’s Administrator and Managerial team inregards to Archives documents, Project contracts, and may include additional documents e.g. historical documents, maps, etc.Provide monthly updates for accountability to the Nooaitch Administrator;• May require test for work place esstial skills,• Ensure initial oorganization and maintain information• Verbal and digital Communication skills• Perform and review monthly nancial budget, provide suggestions for proposal • writingExecute and complete interim and nal report, including Endorsement updates to • the funding coponentParticipate in a career planning assessment sesion or have met with an eployment • counsellor in discussion of career planning;Experience:• Knowledge of Of ce equipment scanner, database, Archival research, and retrieval • systemsKnowledge and experience in photocoping, scanning, printing, related of ce • equipment, and other clerical work as required.Computer software e.g. Mircosoft Word, Excel, and Innovative databases•

Other Quali cation, Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Knowledge of:1) Valid Driver’s License, 2) Must be Bondable, and 3) Have insured VehicleAbility To: Engage and communicate with all Nooaitch Staff and Membership, Organize and Manage work area. The selected individual must have the ability to work appropriately in a team setting and on an individual basis.Skills: Knowledge of Operational of ce equipment, including knowledge with Innovative databases, in addition to communication skillsRate of Pay: Will be determined on individual’s experience or by program’s criteriaHours of Work: Full-time (ISETS Program Requirements) with the maximum of 45 weeks/35 hours weeklyLine of Authority: Will proceed to follow the Nooaitch Indian Band’s Personnel PolicyStart Immediately: Will be contacted in terms as per the Funding Component

Submit resumes, cover letter and names of references attention to:Nooaitch Administrator, Arlene Johnston in accordance with ISET Funding

By Friday, April 18, 2014 to be received no later than 2:00 pmMailing Address: 2954 Shackelly Road, Merritt, BC, V1K 1N9

Or Email to: Christine Oppenheim [email protected]., Nooaitch Executive AssistantPhone: 250-378-6141 Fax: 250-378-3699

LICENSED PLUMBER/GAS FITTER

Req. at Canuck Mechanical in Prince George. Must have exp. doing service work & be profi cient with trouble shoot-ing heating systems & plumbing problems.

Top wages & benefi tsEmail resume to:

[email protected]

Employment

Help Wanted

Employment

Help Wanted

• ARCHITECTURAL SHEETMETAL WORKERS • FLAT ROOFERS

WANTEDVancouver Island and Lower Mainland opportunities.

Top Wages & Benefi ts.Relocation costs paid to

qualifi ed applicants. E-mail: hiring@

parkerjohnston.com or Call: (1)250-382-9181

Employment

Trades, TechnicalCNC MAZAK MACHINISTS. Live, work & play in sunny Shuswap. ISO Certifi ed, Excellent Safety record, Spotless shop. New machines & Brand new building on the way 50K-80K+ /yr + OT and bonuses. Multiple positions available for the RIGHT people. 4+ Axis experience an asset. Apply by: [email protected] Fax: 250-832-8950

Trades, Technical

Services

Financial ServicesGET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

Help Wanted

Services

Legal ServicesCRIMINAL RECORD? PardonServices Canada. Established

1989. Confi dential, Fast, &Affordable. A+BBB Rating. RCMP Accredited. Employment & Travel Freedom. Free Consultation 1-8-

NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366)RemoveYourRecord.com

Merchandise for Sale

Garage SalesGARAGE SALE

Merritt Bench Elementary School

Saturday April 58:30 - 12:00

3341 Grimmet St.

Misc. for SaleHOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

Help Wanted

Merchandise for Sale

Misc. WantedCoin Collector Looking to BuyCollections, Estates, Gold &Silver Coins + 778-281-0030

Real Estate

Houses For Sale

MERRITT1988 Quilchena Ave.Mar. 27th, 2014

250-378-1996 Call for all of your Residential

or Commercial PropertyManagement needs!

MERRITT REAL ESTATE SERVICESProperty Manager:

Lynda Etchart

1 bdrm Apt. $575 plus hydro.



1 bdrm townhouse. $600 plus hydro.

2bdrm Sandpiper Unit. $750 plus hydro.

1 bdrm bsmt suite, new. $650 plus hydro.

4 bdrm bsmt suite on Bench. $1000 including all utilities.

1 bdrm Suite in Heritage Home. $690 plus hydro. (X2)

2 bdrm Suite in Heritage Home. Newly Renovated. $690 plus hydro.

2 bdrm duplex. $700 plus utilities. $100 move in allowance

2 bdrm duplex. $750 plus utilities.



2 bdrm in Sixplex. $650 inc utilities (x3). (Lower Nicola)

2 bdrm house. Newly renovated/fenced yard $750 plus utilities

2 bdrm house. $850 plus utilities.



4 bdrm Upper Floor of House. $1000 plus utilities.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE – ALL INCLUSIVE Perfect for accountants, mortgage

brokers etc. Storefront / private wait-ing room and entrance Includes all

furnishings, reception, office equipment & utilities.

Available Immediately $800

Home and Land PackagesSpringbank Ave, MerrittCompletely Serviced

City ServicesTurn Key

STARTING FROM

$249,900.00

Call 250-573-2278Toll Free 1-866-573-1288

7510 Dallas Drive, Kamloops

www.eaglehomes.ca

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

NICOLA APARTMENTS

Clean one and two

bedroom. Starting at

$600/month.NO PETS

250-378-98802 bedroom Sandpiper apartment forrent. 5 appliances. $750.00Available May 1st. Phone Tim at 315-8571.

Avail Mar. 1/14 One bdrm for one adult only. N/S, N/P, heat& cable incl. $525/mon. Ref’s.250-378-2954

FIND IT CLASSIFIEDSIN THE

1-800-222-TIPS


True Service

SALES & SERVICEKal Tire is the largest independently owned tire dealer in Canada. We offer a clean and safe work environment in a motivating and fun atmosphere with a competitive salary and benefi ts program.

IF YOU POSSESS...A desire to excel in customer service• The ability to successfully work in a physically • demanding team atmosphereWillingness to learn•

THEN KAL TIRE WANTS YOU TO BECOME PART OF OUR TEAM.Interested applicants should submit their resumes to Kal Tire, 2601 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

Interested in becoming a MANAGEMENT TRAINEE?Do you have...

Kal Tire - Box 1986 2601 Nicola Ave., Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

Fax: 250-378-6415

True Service

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58(NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISORApplications are invited for the position of Maintenance Supervisor for School District No. 58, (Nicola-Similkameen).

The School District includes the communities of Merritt and Princeton. Educational and support services are provided to 2,125 students. The District Office is located in Merritt, a community with modern medical, educational and recreational facilities. This position requires travel to both communities.

We are seeking a team player, who will be dedicated to service our schools and support services departments. The ideal candidate will have a Technical School Diploma or Journeyman qualification in one of the associated trades. Other qualifications will include strong interpersonal skills, proven experience in building maintenance, knowledge of current building codes, standards and regulations, knowledge of technology, and custodial care. Administration of Collective Agreements and an exposure to the bargaining process will be an asset.

Duties for the position include, but are not limited to:

building custodial staff

department

daily operational activities.

Applications can be submitted in person or on-line at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs/Support Positions and search under ‘Current Job Opportunities’ under Job Code # 635476 and follow the prompts. Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until April 15, 2014 and should be forwarded to:

Attn: Secretary TreasurerSchool District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)

P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman St.Merritt, BC V1K 1B8Fax: (250) 378-6263

Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

NICOMEN INDIAN BANDBand Manager/Administrator

Title: Band Manager/Administrator

Reports To: Chief and Council

SummaryThe Nicomen Indian Band is currently recruiting a dynamic, energetic, self-motivated and professional Band Administrator at their head of ce located on Reserve at Nicomen Indian Band near Lytton B.C. The position is classi ed as full-time permanent. Working under the support and supervision provided by the Chief and Council, the Band Administrator will be involved in nancial and strategic planning and implementation, overseeing day to day operations of the band administration, and reporting to funding agencies. Strong leadership and communication skills are required as the Band Administrator will work with Program Managers in developing and delivering programs and services to ensure that the needs of our Membership is met in a timely and ef cient manner. The Band Administrator will ensure that the Band Programs meet all government, legislation, and Band policies. The Band Administrator must maintain a professional code of conduct, integrity, and sound judgment. He/she must be knowledgeable of the socio-economic issues facing First Nations.

Minimum Quali cations:A university degree in Business Administration or • related eldEffective leadership, minimum 5 years’ experience • as a senior management level working with a First Nation.Knowledge of First Nations governance.• Ability to manage 20 staff.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Pro ciency in computer software programs and • technologyAbility to plan, develop, and manage programs• Experience in nancial management, budgeting, • and reporting processesExperience in Proposal Writing and knowledge of • funding sourcesMust be bondable and able to apply for a • Commissioner of Oaths of ce Able to multitask and work in a fast paced • environment Strong technical skills and ability to work as a • member of a multidisciplinary teamValid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle• Suitable combination of education & experience • will be considered.

Required Skills and Knowledge:Ability to handle pressure/demands of the position • is critical to your successPublic speaking skills along with team leadership, • management skills, and social awarenessStrategic planning and time management skills• Thorough knowledge of all federal, provincial, and • other funding sources and reporting requirementsGeneral knowledge of the culture, values and • traditions of the Nlaka’pamux Nation is an asset

Salary and Remunerations: We offer a respectful and progressive work environment and a competitive salary. Only those candidates that are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. A background security check will be completed before an offer is tendered to the successful candidate.

Deadline for Applications: Wednesday April 30th, 2014 at 4:30pm. Please submit your application with a cover letter, updated resume, copy of certi cation(s) and 3 current references in a sealed envelope, fax or, email to: c/o Chief & Council, Nicomen Indian Band P. O. Box 670 Lytton BC, V1K 1B8, [email protected], or 250.455.2517 by fax. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS

Re: Estate of Elmer Abram Reimer, deceased, formerly of 1902 Eastwood Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

Creditors and other having claims against the estate of Elmer Abram Reimer, deceased, are hereby noti ed under section 38 of the Trustee Act that particulars of their claims should be sent to the Executor at Morelli Chertkow LLP, 300 – 180 Seymour Street, Kamloops, British Columbia, V2C 2E3, on or before May 5, 2014 after which date the Executor will distribute the estate among the parties entitled to it, having regard to the claims of which the Executor then has notice.

Signed:

Janice Lillian ReimerExecutor of the Estate of Elmer Abram Reimer

Solicitor: MORELLI CHERTKOW LLP

Guaranteed Approvals

IF YOU WORK,YOU DRIVECall Steve Today

1.855.740.4112 murraygmmerritt.com

Need a Vehicle? Call the

Available 24/7 • mycreditmedic.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

YARD PERSON/TRUCK DRIVER

Join the team by emailing your cover letter, resume and references

to Peter Moyes at [email protected] or 250-315-5216.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

KENGARDMANOR

Ask about move-in incentives For appointment call

250-378-9880

Spacious 2 & 3bedroom apartments.

F/S, heat and hotwater included.

Starting at $725/mth

Auto Financing

Employment Employment

Help Wanted Help Wanted

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentSandpiper Unit 109 2 bdrm w/laundry. $700/mon + Hydro Avail immed. 250-378-8104

Help Wanted

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT1 unit available,

1st oor unit ideal for seniors

Available Jan. 1, 2014

$750/month incl. heat & laundry.$100 OFF 1ST

MONTHS RENTNewly renovated units“Clapperton Manor”

2775 Clapperton Ave.250-315-8340

SUMMIT APARTMENTSBrand new 2 bedroom apartments

References required.NO PETS,

NO SMOKING.250-280-7644

Mobile Homes & Pads

Available immediately, 2 bed-room mobile home with mud room, small deck and large yard. Washer, dryer, fridge, stove and utilities included. $950 month. 250-378-0887

Homes for Rent2000’sqft rancher, 2 bdrm + den, 1 1/2 bath, w/d incl., pri-vate courtyard, pool, n/s, no pets, $1200/mon. Avail Mar. 15th or Apr. 1st. 250-378-5519

Auto Financing

SHOP LOCALLY

Legal Notices

Rentals

Rooms for RentFurnished room avail. Apr 15. $465/mon. Incl. util. Call 250-378-5128

Suites, Lower2 adjoining rooms in basement of large house - with private 3 pc bath-laundry facilities. Hot plate and apt. fridge avail. Util incl. internet, satellite, heat hy-dro and a/c. Non smoker, non drinker, no parties, no pets. Security deposit $600, rent $650/mon. Older working per-son preferred. Call 250-378-6020 or cell 250-280-2264

Suites, Upper2 bdrm suite, laminate fl rs, re-cently reno’d, shared laundry $650 incl. util. Available. im-mediately. N/s, N/p, ref. and credit check req. 778-228-6378 or 250-378-0303

Transportation

Auto Accessories/Parts

autocredit

Auto Financing

Legal Notices

Transportation

Auto Financing

Recreational/Sale2003 22’ NASH Travel trailer,electric lift, solar panel, 2 newbatteries, air conditioning, fullbath, fridge, 3 burner stove,microwave, sleeps six, easytowing, sway bars and hitch.Excellent condition. $9,999obo Call 250-378-3569

Utility Trailers13’ by 8’4” high two horse trail-er. Includes 6’ tack area, dualaxle, 120 lbs. tires. Paid $1650will sell for $1500 obo. CallClarence Oppenheim at 378-1819 or 315-4842

YOUTH AGAINST VIOLENCE LINE

1-800-680-4264Stand up. Be heard. Get help.

[email protected]

24/7 • anonymous • confi dential • in your language

Your Localwww.merrittherald.com 22 • THURSDAY, April 3, 2014

Landscaping – Irrigation Design & InstallQuality Workmanship Outstanding Service

Call for a free estimate

250-378-7122

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

DENTISTDENTIST

Call 250-378-4888 to book your appointment.2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOMEATTTTIIIIIIEEEEEENNNNNTTTTTTSSSSSSS &&&&&& WWWWWWAAAAAALLLLLKKKKK IIIIIINNNNNSSSSSS WWWWWFREE CONSULTATIONS

HOURSTuesday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

2 FULL TIME DENTISTS & ORTHODONTIST ON SITE

Dr. Sunil Malhotra Dr. Jaspal Sarao

Nicola Plumbing & Heating

Fully Quali ed Tradesmen in..

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal

Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

PHONE: 250-378-4943 2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

PLUMBING & HEATINGPLUMBING & HEATING

Learn to Play PianoLearn to Play Piano

Brenda’s Piano Studio

Phone 250.315.0340 for details

All Ages WelcomePIANO TEACHERPIANO TEACHER

DELIVERYDELIVERY

Overnight from Vancouver, Kamloops and Kelowna

& Same Day Service from Kamloops

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• LTL • TL • Tractor Service • Hot Shot Service • Flat Deck Service

MERRITT & KAMLOOPS TOLL FREE 1.877.614.1855 | WWW.DIAMONDDELIVERS.COM

UNIT C-641 WEST ATHABASCA ST KAMLOOPS, BC V2H 1C5

HACKELECTRICELECTRIC

Reg. No. 14246email: [email protected] Pooley Ave., Merritt 250-378-5580

Residential & Commercial

Over 30 years experience

ELECTRICALELECTRICAL

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.comTF: 1-877-612-0909

CARPET CLEANING

250-378-9410* NOW HIRINGSPECIAL! 50% OFF DEODORIZER

MARCH 24 - APRIL 4, 2014SSSSPSPSPECECECECECECCECIII

CLEANING SERVICESCLEANING SERVICES

Campbell and Co. Chartered Accountants Over 40 Years Experience

in providing professional service to all of our clients.

We are currently acccepting new clients and

look forward to meeting with you about any of

your accounting & taxation needs.

We are confident our team will add value to your business

by providing reliable and timely accounting services,

allowing you more time to grow your business.

p ell aiinin p

1988 Quilchena Ave. (Royal Lepage office)

Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Phone: 778-257-4129

e-mail: [email protected]

IN MERRITT EVERY 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY!

ACCOUNTANTACCOUNTANTCCampppppppbbbbbbbbbeee

ACCOUNTANTACCOUNTANT

We love numbers. Can we work with yours?

MORTGAGE BROKER

YOUR LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKERRRRRRRRRR

thetmortgag gegmm

Call Harry Howard (250)378-9177

Use the equity in

your home to

Consolidate Debt, Top Up RRSPs,

or Tackle Renovations.

[email protected] • www.harryhoward.ca

JIM POJIM POTTER

MERRITT TREE SERVICE• Fully insured, certi ed faller• WSBC covered• Dangerous tree assessment

E SERVVVVVVVVVVIIIIICCE

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212CALL JIM at 250-378-4212Solutions for your tree problems!Solutions for your tree problems!

Schedule your FREE Estimate

TREE SERVICETERTER

TT

MERRITTMOBILE RADIO REPAIR

Office: 604-795-4224 Cell: 250-280-6115Fax: 604-795-4228

Where personalized service is our Motto

Ray Clark4492 Iron Mountain [email protected]

RADIO REPAIRRADIO REPAIR

inc.

CALL 250-315-5074

Let us help you get ready for SPRING!

REASONABLE RATES,

while using customers

time effi ciently

• Irrigation Activation

• Spring Yard Clean-Up

• Aerating • Thatching

• Seeding • Fertilization

• Turf Installation

• Retaining Walls

• Parking Lot Sweeping

CONTRACTINGCONTRACTING

Lettt us hhhhhheeeel

1953 Nicola Avenue, Merritt 250-378-8283

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK11 AM - 9 PM

10% OFF20% OFF

pick-up ordersover $15

for seniors

DINNER BUFFET$14.95 *Friday $15.95

RESTAURANTRESTAURANTEXCAVATINGEXCAVATING

for FREE ESTIMATES: 250-378-4312

Gary’s Mini Excavating ServiceGary’’’’’’sss MMM

Business Directory

visit website for new classeswww.modernmovesmerritt.com

Beginners :Planet Fitness Tuesdays at 7:15 pm

Aqua Fit : Aquatic Centre Thursdays at 6:30 pm

CLASSES WITH LISACCCCCCCLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSEFITNESSFITNESS

ROOFINGROOFING

LUMBER SALESMERRITT LUMBER SALES2152 DOUGLAS ST., MERRITT, BC250-378-5382 • 250-314-4249

HOURS OF OPERATION:HOURS OF OPERATION:Mon to Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm & Sat.: 8 am - 4 pmMon to Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm & Sat.: 8 am - 4 pm

SCREWS, NAILS, ROOFING, INSULATION, JOIST HANGERS & much more

LARGE LANDSCAPING BEAMS AVAILABLE

7x9x8’ Gum Wood Ties Untreated $12 - $18

BUILDING SUPPLIESMERRRITTTTTMERRRRRRITTTTTTTTMERRRRRRRRRRRIITTTTTTTTTTT

BBBUBBBBBBU

at HACK Electric

Safe, Secure, Easy Access, 8’ to 40’ Shipping Containers

SUITABLE FOR:

• Cars • Boats • ATV’s • Snowmobiles,

• Household Goods

• Monthly & Yearly Rates

• Business or

personal fi les & More.....

2865C Pooley Ave., Merritt, B.C. 378-5580

STORAGE UNITSSELF STORAGE UNITS

Full-time Watchman on site

Starting @ $45./month

with HST

STORAGESTORAGE

CREDIT MEDIC

Available 24/7 • mycreditmedic.ca

GOOD, BAD OR NO CREDIT.

IF YOU WORK, YOU DRIVE.

GUARANTEED AUTO LOAN APPROVALS! TOLL FREE1.888.378.9255

AvailableAUTO SERVICESAUTO SERVICES

Kitchen/Bathroom• Tiling• Window/Siding • Installation

Patio/Deck• Moving Local & • Long Distance

250-315-8257DAT Construction

CONSTRUCTIONCONSTRUCTION


OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY APPROVED

MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE

• Tune Ups

• Brakes • Exhaust

• Suspension • Lube/Oil

•Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts

• Air Conditioning Service

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE

2026 Mamette Avenue 250-378-1322

MECHANICMECHANIC

NK’S MMMMMMMMMMEECCCCCCCCCHHHHHHH

250-378-6622Location: 2865C Pooley Ave (Hack Electric) www.thewinepressmerritt.com

Quality products, friendly service!

FOR THE ULTIMATE WINE EXPERIENCE, VISIT THE WINE PRESS

Member of the RJS Craft Wine Making Academy

WINE MAKINGWINE MAKINGFFFFOFFO

Serving the BC Interior since 1911

Ben van der Gracht is in the Merritt office on

Thursdays. Drop by or call to make an appointment.

1988 Quilchena Avenue 250.378.4218

1.888.374.3350 www.morellichertkow.com

LAWYERLAWYER

PROTECT AND MAXIMIZE YOUR PROFITS

3-STEP TRADING1) Download software2) Select a strategy3) Walk away

EARN HIGHER RETURNS THEN YOU ARE CURRENTLY!

www.cooltraderpro.com/dougdixon

Ph:1-250-378-5688 Email: [email protected]

INVESTMENTSINVESTMENTS

CFP Certifi ed Financial Planner CPCA Certifi ed Professional Consultant on Aging

It’s never too early to start planning for the future.

CFP Certifi ed Financial Planner CPCA Certifi ed ProfessionalConsultant on Aging

call me at: 250.315.0241

E-mail: [email protected]

Need help to create a plan to enjoy the life you desire today, & tomorrow?

➣Personalized Retirement Plans➣Detailed Risk Analysis➣Insurance & Estate Planning➣Strategic Retirement Analysis & much more

David L. Brown is here for you

FINANCIAL ADVISORFINANCIAL ADVISOR

IVAN’S SIDINGSALES & SERVICE

• Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding• Aluminum Sof t, Fascia & Eavestroughs

“When others have come and gone, Ivan’s Siding is still going strong”

SERVING THENICOLA VALLEYFOR 40 YEARS!

CALL: (250) 378-2786

SIDINGSIDING

“40 Years Experience in Construction”

Certified House Inspector

Licence #60792

Tel: 250.378.5042

Email: [email protected]

Cliff Shackelly, Astt - CHIIndependent Contractor

Merritt, BC

Give’r A LookHome Inspections

HOME INSPECTORHOME INSPECTOR

MERRITT BC• Client Computer Work Stations

• Access to Training • Job Search Assistance

• Employment Counselling • Career Exploration

• Resource Library • Workshops

T: 250.378.5151

2099 Quilchena Ave., Box 358 Merritt, BC www.merrittesc.ca

The Employment Program of British

Columbia is funded by the

Government of Canada and the

Province of British Columbia

EMPLOYMENT SERVICESEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMM

Office Hours:Monday - Friday8 AM - 4:30 PM

SERVING ALL CITIZENS OF MERRITT AND

SURROUNDING AREAS

CALL TODAY 250-378-5877

New patients always welcome!

1999 Voght Street (next to the Credit Union)

PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Call Today to Book Your Appointment.

Ph: 250-378-5877

STOYOMA DENTAL CLINICDENTISTDENTIST

STOOOOOOYYYYYY

Merritt Herald, April 03, 2014

Documents

Transcript of Merritt Herald, April 03, 2014