COUNCIL DEBATES SIGNS PAGE 3
DISAPPEARING DOGGY BAGS PAGE 3
MORE TRACK PICTURES PAGE 9
Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905
merrittherald.com
bcclassified.com
MERRITT HERALD TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
FREE
City implements Flood Prevention Plan By Staff
Flood Prevention Plan and is proactively planning in the event flood protection measures along the Nicola River, within the city, are required. Residents can protect their properties by following the advice offered on the Emergency Management British Columbia’s website: embc.gov.bc.ca. “As it stands now we’re getting ready for whatever comes at us,” said McKeown. “We’ll have to be ready for what Mother Nature throws at us.” McKeown warns residents to keep a respectful distance from river banks and keep children and animals safe. “River banks may be slippery and when combined with fast-moving water, pose a potential hazard,” he added. The City of Merritt urges residents living along the Nicola River or travelling through the area to be alert for potentially damaging flows or obstructions which should be reported to city hall at 378-4224. Additionally, residents are urged to pay attention to local media The banks of the Nicola River are nearly full as recent weather conditions are creating havoc with nearby lakes and rivers. Emily Wessel/Herald for current information.
THE HERALD newsroom@merrittherald.com
In a press release sent out on Thursday, the City of Merritt said they had been advised by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations that the current inflow to Nicola Lake is continuing to exceed outflow; therefore, they anticipate the Nicola River will rise to near bank-full levels through the city. This is a result of the current weather trend and flood storage in Nicola Lake being consumed. “The inflow into the lake is currently exceeding the outflow,” said Sky McKeown, emergency program co-ordinator for the City of Merritt. “We’re expecting over the next few days that as the river rate slows going into the lake, we hope at some point it meets what we’re releasing. Until then, we’re seeing the Nicola River as it flows through Merritt, rise up.” In response, the City of Merritt has implemented its
Tax hike approved as council passes budget By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD
newsroom@merrittherald.com
At the Merritt City Council meeting on May 14, councillors voted to accept the new five year financial plan for the city for 2013-17. Council had met several times and discussed the proposed budget, which includes such items as a new lacrosse box and concession/washrooms for Central
Park and a new water treatment building at the public works yard. The public had a chance to view the plan and ask questions to council and city staff at an open consultation meeting on April 23. At a special meeting the following day, councillors passed and adopted the 2013 tax rates for the city. The rates result in an overall municipal tax revenue increase of 2.25
‘What we ended up doing, was spreading it across the board.’ —COUN. DAVE BAKER per cent from 2012, or $119,620. All tax rates will increase by 0.65 per cent for each class of property within the City of Merritt.
“I think the process was very good,” said Coun. Dave Baker. “What we ended up doing, was spreading it out across the
board which is something that’s not done all the time. Rather than have residential or light industry or heavy industry pay a little more, everyone takes a little bit of a hit rather than one or two groups taking the brunt.” Baker said the raising of taxes is important to keep Merritt competitive. “We have services we have to provide,” he said. “The way to get taxes down is to bring in more
industry and more business, which brings more people to Merritt. Therefore, we have to offer things such as parks and recreation centres to attract people, otherwise they’re going to go to bigger centres like Kelowna or Kamloops and commute here, which isn’t going to help us a whole lot.” Baker said the tax increase is reasonable, particularly compared to cities similar in size to Merritt.
and
PURITY FEED Co. Ltd
Home hardware building centre Locally Owned & Operated
Saturday, June 1st
BBQ, Live Music, and Super Sales!
1701 Voght St., Merritt, B.C.
(250) 378-4215
www.merritthomehardware.ca
Clearance Centre
2 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Sign debate heats up at council By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD
newsroom@merrittherald.com
At Merritt’s city council meeting on May 14, councillors debated what course of action to take with the three teepee sign structures located on the highway outside of town which are owned by the city. The recommendation from the directional signage committee was that all three teepee signs be replaced with pressure-treated poles as per Nicola Log Works’ quote from 2008 with costs not to exceed $36,000. However, Coun. Harry Kroeker said he didn’t support the recommendation and thought the committee should be looking into alternative solutions. Councillors were told by sign committee chair Kurt Christopherson that there were limits to what the city could do with the teepee sign, since it was on the highway and was,
therefore, under the rules of the Ministry of Transportation. After discussing the situation, council agreed to defer the situation until representatives from the ministry could meet with council and members of the sign committee. “We decided to get the Ministry of Transportation to come in and sit down and we could ask questions,” said Coun. Dave Baker. “There were lots of questions brought up at council about whether we were allowed to change the sign and all kinds of things. In my mind, before we spend any money, we need to find out exactly what we can put there and look at the best option. Maybe a teepee isn’t the best option. They’re using six poles there. Maybe we can use three and have an attractive sign like Ardew had. I know the committee has done a lot of work on this and if it’s the teepee we
have to go with because transportation says that, then we’ll do that. There’s so much — we can do this and we can do that. I want to know for myself.” Coun. Mike Goetz was concerned that the cost of $36,000 only covered the poles and not the signs. “You don’t want a bunch of poles with no signs on them,” he said. “So (the proposal) is a little light. We need to know the whole cost of replacing the signs. Underneath what’s there is the old welcome to Merritt oval signs. So if those need to be replaced — that’s a cost that’s not in here.” Walk of Stars sign On May 6 at the Committee of the Whole meeting, Merritt City Council met with representatives from the Walk of Stars to discuss signage including the sign on the Destination B.C.
building. Destination B.C. gave the Walk of Star a deadline of May 15 to either replace or repair the sign on their building. Walk of Stars has decided to remove the sign with the intent of putting the sign back up once repaired. “The meeting went okay,” said Coun. Dave Baker. “What I was looking for was a faceto-face with them to find where they are. We’ve kind of lost touch with the Walk of Stars over the last few years. We just need to keep up with them to make things right.” Baker said council is looking to repair or replace the three teepee signs, which the city owns, before looking at fixing or replacing the seven signs owned by the Walk of Stars. “At this point, we’re looking at just the old teepee signs and that’s why we talked about that at council,” he said. “We haven’t committed to any other signage at all.
We need to work on that first and then go from there.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Do you have 2 hours or more a month that you could volunteer in the community? Do you need experience to add to your resume? Do you have experience with computers and programs such as Word? Do you have sales experience? Do you have marketing experience? Are you a Social Media guru?
If so we NEED YOU! You are the person we are looking for. The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary has Volunteer Positions available immediately. You could join one of the longest serving volunteer organization in the Nicola Valley and be proud to say that you helped health care in the community in which you live.
Do you want to feel like you have made a difference in the lives of those within our community? If so call us now or email us for more information. Students, Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers and Grandfathers alike we have a place for you in our organization. Call us today at 250-378-6940 or 250-378-6533 or email us at: nvhcaux@hotmail.com
AS WINSTON CHURCHILL SAID: “We make a living by what we do. But we make a life by what we give.”
Concert supports hospital fundraiser By Emily Wessel THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
A local boy is hoping a concert featuring five local musical acts will help him reach his $10,000 fundraising goal for BC Children’s Hospital. Playing it Forward, presented by the SaySo Expression Society, is the final big fundraiser for eightyear-old Jacob Schultz in his yearlong quest to raise money for the hospital he once spent time at. Schultz started the crusade with a more modest goal of $500, but an outpouring of local support increased that goal to $10,000. Schultz’s efforts, including bottle drives and a partnership with Merritt Movie Experts, have earned his cause about $7,300 so far. He began the campaign shortly after his brother Daniel had open heart surgery at just four days old. “So many people’s lives have been touched by BC Children’s Hospital,” his father, Amery Schultz, said. “If you have a critically ill child, that’s where you’re going. Seventy-five individual children from Merritt alone used the hospital last year. That’s a huge number.” Amery expects the concert to make up the remaining $3,000
Jacob Schultz holds the poster for the fundraising concert “Playing it Forward” at the Culture Club on Friday, which he expects to put him at — or over — his goal of $10,000 for BC Children’s Hospital. Emily Wessel/Herald
of Jacob’s goal before the family appears on the BC Children’s Hospital marathon on June 1 and 2. The Schultzes will get about a minute and a half on the Global TV program to share their fundraising journey and present their cheque. Amery said 100 per cent of
each $25 ticket to the concert will benefit the cause. “Everything is donated. The response has just been phenomenal,” he said. “It was just a quick phone call to each one of these people who said they’d love to play. They’re donating their time and their talent.” There will also be thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, which were donated by local businesses and people, Amery said. Amery said that the concert was the joint idea of friends at Q101 and the SaySo Expression Society. The event also includes a barbecue hosted by members of the Merritt Fire Rescue Department and sponsored by M&M Meats. Tickets are $25 and include a burger, beer or soda, and dessert, and are available at Country Bug Books and Gifts. The barbecue kicks off at 4 p.m. and the concert follows at 6 p.m. at the Culture Club on Friday. The family said they have no immediate plans for fundraising after the telethon. “We’re going to take a deep breath and contemplate,” Amery said. “And celebrate how proud we are of what he’s accomplished,” mother Christiane added.
SILENT AUCTION OF NT EXCESS CITY EQUIPME Tuesday, May 29 – Civic Centre Auction will open to the public at 8:30 AM for viewing and bidding. Bids accepted until 11:30 AM Successful Bidders will be contacted as quickly as possible after 11:30 AM Payment & Pickup must be complete by 3:00 PM The next highest bidder will be contacted for any items not picked up by 3:00 PM The second bidder payment and pickup must be complete by 4:30 PM
ITEMS AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
Vehicles, Bikes, Computers, Dirt Bike, PlayStation plus lots of other interesting stuff. All items sold as is, where is. Complete list of items available at City Hall on May 28.
TUESDAY, May 21, 2013 • 3
www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
New horticulture class leads SD58 briefs By Emily Wessel THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
At its regular meeting on May 8 in Merritt, the School District 58 board approved a new Merritt Secondary School class in horticulture. Horticulture 11, which was put forward to MSS by two local women, will offer students the chance to try growing indoor and outdoor plants for esthetic and food purposes. The course will have a fall and a spring semester. Activities slated for the fall course include planting fall crops such as garlic and spinach, building composting containers, and assisting the community gardens with winterizing their plots. In the spring semester, students will make soil mix and fill beds, and harvest the winter crops. Part of the curriculum will include a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certifi-
‘Our district’s financial health has been fairly solid and stable, and that’s reflected in the fact that we’re not getting a lot of input.’ — SD58 BOARD CHAIR GORDON COMEAU
cation. Trustee David Rainer said he thought the course was a great idea. Budget bylaw passed After three months of meetings, consultations, calculations and reviews, the board passed the annual budget bylaw that determines how the district’s $27 million will be spent for the 2013-14 school year. SD58 SecretaryTreasurer Kevin Black said the district had very little public input in the budget process, with only one person attending one of the six public meetings on the topic. He said the website question seeking feedback
on the budget received zero responses, and he got no phone calls and no emails on the budget. “Our district’s financial health has been fairly solid and stable, and that’s reflected in the fact that we’re not getting a lot of input,” SD58 board chair Gordon Comeau said. “People feel some degree of security that we’re managing the money well and that the services are being provided when needed to the schools.” The district is operating with about $23 million in provincial grants, while the remainder of the budget largely comes from rental and lease income,
investment, and amortization of deferred capital. Although funding protection is down 1.5 per cent, which accounts for most of the budget’s decline from last year, the district still projects a $384,000 surplus from the capital fund. The budget is available on the SD58 website. Technology update SD58 Technology Co-ordinator Jason McAllister presented the direction of the district’s iPad program to the board and called the district a leader in technology. The district started using iPads nearly two years ago at Vermillion Forks Elementary School in Princeton, and now uses about 400 iPads in six elementary schools — nearly one iPad to every three elementary students, McAllister said. The next step is to move more iPads into the secondary schools,
he said. Currently, there are six iPads at Princeton Secondary School and 10 at Merritt Secondary School for student use. The 10 at MSS went in about a month ago, and are being used every day in the science department. “We chose the science department for two reasons: the availability of the types of apps and just how good they are, and we had a really eager group of teachers who wanted to make use of them,” McAllister said. McAllister said giving elementary school teachers full-time access to the devices in their classrooms is a logical next step as well. The district will acquire 200 iPads for September, in 20 sets of 10. McAllister said the tablets haven’t been assigned to specific teachers yet, and some of them may end up being shared between classrooms. There are also 30 iPod Touches in the district.
Disappearing doggy bags a mystery By Emily Wessel THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
The mystery of disappearing bags at the city’s only off-leash dog park has one user concerned that someone is trying to discourage people from going there. Harvey Keys takes his two dogs to the park behind the selfdump recycling depot every day, and said he has retrieved wads of unused bags out of the garbage can about eight times. “They’re there to keep the place clean,” Keys said. “We have to pick up the poop.” The bags are stocked by the city and
kept in a box at the entrance of the dog park and at other parks and trails around town. Keys said recently, instead of turning up in the garbage can, the bags have been disappearing altogether. “Now that I’ve been putting them back for the last couple of months, I think people have just been stealing them,” Keys said. Keys said he also left a stick and dustpan for scooping up the poop at the dog park for public use two years ago, but in those two years, the scoopers have gone missing numerous times and he said he’s found some broken and
SO SAY
discarded. He said he wants the city to install a camera to oversee the dog park, and he recently put up a notice addressed to the supposed culprit saying that he or she would be caught on camera — but he found that ripped down and discarded as well. City of Merritt Public Works Superintendent Darrell Finnigan said Public Works employees visit the dog park once or twice a week for regular maintenance, but they haven’t noticed anything unusual. “We haven’t really seen anything,” Finnigan said. “The bags go missing, but
they do in lots of general areas. I don’t know of anything out of the ordinary going on. We put bags out as a courtesy for people if they forget theirs or something. We would like people to use them when they need to, and not abuse the system with the bags.” Finnigan said the department hasn’t had any complaints about the missing bags from other park users. He also said instaling a camera at the offleash dog park is not necessarily a city priority, as there are other, higher-priority spots where cameras might deter more serious mischief and crime.
Harvey Keys said he’s using this makeshift “pooper scooper” at the off-leash dog park after the wooden set he made disappeared. Emily Wessel/Herald
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ merrittherald
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/MerrittHerald
GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 9 Classified --------------- 10-11
REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: May, 1983 Police report: Stores report break-ins Several businesses in Merritt were broken into during the past week, Merritt RCMP report. On April 30, The Music Den on Quilchena was broken into. A Pizza Shoppe employee near the music store reported to police thtat he saw two youths running past his premises. Police found that The Music Den had been entered by a smashed front window. Several casette players were taken, valued at $480. Suspects are being sought in their investigation, police said. On May 1, the front window to Radio Shack was found to be broken, which had caused the alarm to ring. “It appeared to bea smash and grab,” police said. It is not known what exactly was taken. An investigation is underway.
PLAYING IT FORWARD
10 0% ti ck donate et sales d to BC Childre n’s Hos pital
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Jacob says: “Help me pay this forward!”
BBQ - 4 pm - hosted by M&M Meatshop and Merritt Fire Rescue ue CONCERT - 6 pm @ Culture Club
Burger, Beer & Dessert
FRIDAY, MAY 24 NICOLA VALLEY RADIATOR
NICOLA MOTORSPORTS
TICKETS $25 @ CountryBug Books
4 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.
Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)
Merritt Hearing Clinic A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Ser vices Ltd.
Call Monday - Friday
315-9688 2076A Granite Avenue, Merritt (Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic)
Authorized by: WCB First Canadian Health Veterans Affairs Registered under the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)
Nicola Valley Community Garden Society would like to remind you to register for your Garden Space at the Baillie House. Limited Space Available - don’t delay!
FREE WORKSHOP SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9 - 10 am “Square Foot Gardening”
GROWING our
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Helping hand Sue Sterling, president-elect of the Merritt Sunrise Rotary Club, presents Das Kandola with a cheque for $850 for Drs for D.R. Kandola headed down to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday to help install LED solar panels and biosand filtration systems on homes there. The $850 from the morning Rotary Club will allow the group to build two complete houses. Craig Lindsay/Herald
Adopt a Pet
from Angel’s Animal Rescue Society
The Doggy Do
Class of 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Featuring
Lower Nicola Hall
The HooDoos with special guests Tickets available at: Merritt Vet Hospital, NV Vet Clinic and Purity Feeds For More Info Call: (250) 315-0167 Must be 19 years
SPACE IS LIMITED BOOK EARLY
Graduation
AAR’s Fundraising Dinner & Dance
Door Prizes, 50/50 Draw, Custom T-shirt Art & much more
together
Felix Blue h heeler l cross Eager to please, would make a great walking or jogging partnerr. Leash and house trained and is a good traveler. Best suited to adult family.
View other adoptable dogs available at Angel’s Animal Rescue Society by going to http://www.angelsanimalrescue.ca.
Donations desperately needed for spay and neuter services.
Reserve Your Congratulation Message In The Merritt Herald’s Annual Graduation Supplement. This Graduation Keepsake Contains Individual & Group Photos Of This Years Graduation Class
Donations can be to made to The Angel’s g Animal Rescue S Societyy at The Interior S Savings g C Credit Union, account #1193739.
This feature brought to you by...
MERRITT HERALD M Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com Ph: 378-4241 • Fax: 378-6818 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.
Booking deadline Monday June 12th
MERRITT HERALD
Reserve your ad Today Call.................
378-4241 2090 Granite Ave.
TUESDAY, May 21, 2013 • 5
www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
OPEN HOUSE Celebrate our Grand Opening
Nicola Naturalists present speaker
Rafting pioneer and author Bernie Fandrich will be speaking at the Merritt Civic Centre on May 23.
By Craig Lindsay THE HERALD
newsroom@merrittherald.com
It all started with one little raft, a few paddles, 13 kilometres of Thompson River whitewater and a VW van loaded with enthusiasm. Four decades later, Kumsheen Rafting Resort owner Bernie
Fandrich says he and his company “have both matured, but I’m just as passionate about the Thompson now as I was that first summer in 1973.� “I was visiting Lytton and some friends had a raft trip and invited me along,� Fandrich told the Herald. “That spring, a
light bulb came on and I thought: why don’t I make this a business and take people down the river with me?� Fandrich decided to show his passion for the river in the book, British Columbia’s Majestic Thompson River. The book explores the changing nature of the Thompson River and the country it has carved through. He said it took him two years to write the book, which includes a kilometre-by-kilometre guide covering the river from Savona to Lytton. “I started working on the book a number of years ago, but the timing of having it come out in the 40th year worked out very well,� said Fandrich. The book has also earned an enthusiastic endorsement from Canadian icon and humourist Rick Mercer, who filmed a segment on rafting
the Thompson with Kumsheen for his Rick Mercer Report. Mercer said, “Rich in Canadian history and adventure, this is my kind of book. Having gotten me safely on and off the Thompson, Bernie’s my kind of guy.� Fandrich is a former university instructor and a pioneer of Canada’s whitewater rafting industry. Fandrich will be presenting a slideshow and excerpts from his book at the Merritt Civic Centre on Thursday at 7 p.m. The talk is sponsored by the Nicola Naturalist Society and the Nicola Valley Explorers and is open to the public. There is no charge for the presentation. Fandrich said the presentation is aimed at not just naturalists, but anyone with a penchant for the outdoors. “I put together
Clark’s win confounds experts By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS
The pollsters, pundits and the self-styled rebels of the BC Liberal Party were struggling for answers as their conventional wisdom went out the window on election night. In came the BC Liberals and Christy Clark for a fourth term, with a 50-seat majority that is stronger than the one they took into the 2013 election. “Welcome to the club,� Alberta Premier Alison Redford wrote on Twitter on election night, referring to Redford’s own win in the face of a wall of polls and pontificators saying she was done. Here’s the next thing to ignore from the media experts who rub shoulders with those pollsters and political strategists. It’s all about the negative ads, they will say, and NDP leader Adrian Dix’s big mistake was to run a “positive� campaign. Rubbish. Was their
long fight against the harmonized sales tax a positive campaign? Is piling on sham environmental reviews for the express purpose of killing industrial projects a positive idea? “Clearly our message didn’t get out the way we wanted it to get out,� Dix said after watching one of the biggest comebacks in Canadian political history. That’s rubbish too. He got his message out just fine, serving it up in bite-sized pieces in a classic front-runner’s campaign that cynically put off the most difficult choices. He was going to expand government, and restrict industrial development to appease urban voters. Dix’s most dramatic policy shift contributed to his undoing. Midcampaign, in a decision that surprised even his platform co-chairs, Dix turned against the proposal to twin the TransMountain oil pipeline that winds across B.C. from
Alberta to Burnaby. Well, not the pipeline itself, but the prospect of more oil tankers in and out of Vancouver harbour. At least now, more people will understand that Vancouver has been an oil port for nearly a century, and that Canada’s future includes energy development. More people should also appreciate that environmental assessment is not a political game. Andrew Weaver made history as B.C.’s first Green Party MLA. He came out swinging against Clark’s economic holy grail, development of liquefied natural gas exports from the North Coast. Weaver calls LNG a “pipe dream� that will never materialize. It will be interesting to watch him as he is proved wrong on that, and then as he grapples with gas as a transition fuel that can be used to develop clean energy infrastructure. B.C. Conservative
leader John Cummins ran a distant third in his Langley constituency, and his goal of a breakthrough didn’t materialize anywhere. His idea of scrapping the carbon tax on fossil fuels didn’t impress many people, despite his focus on rural and northern B.C. Clark should heed the NDP on at least one thing. Dix promised to move B.C. election dates to the fall, starting in 2017. The idea of giving his anticipated government an extra six months to govern the province was uncontroversial when Dix proposed it in his party’s election platform, so Clark will probably proceed with it. Another NDP idea Clark should adopt is getting the corporate and union money out of election campaigns. She likely won’t, because her party’s financial advantage is too great, but the time has come for this important reform.
See “Fletcher� Page 8
of the LN Eco-Depot Tuesday, May 28th 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
a slideshow for the presentation,� said Fandrich. “The slideshow triggers some ideas and thoughts about the book and things that have happened over the year.� Fandrich will also take questions from the audience after the slideshow.
ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 am 2348 Woodward Road There will be tours, snacks & light refreshments and give-aways!
SMITH PIONEER PARK 2428 Aberdeen Rd.
will be celebrating their park upgrades at 12 pm
BIKE TO WORK WEEK May 27 - June 2, 2013
Merritt is excited to be taking part in this year’s
Bike to Work Week!
We have some great activities planned for the week like: • Commuter Challenge (Bike – Car Race), • Breakfast served at a morning celebration station. • Free bike mechanics provided at celebration stations. • Extra chances to win prizes at celebration stations.
Registration will be open in May! Stay tuned, resources are coming soon!
Executors & Estate Settlement Seminar You should attend this complimentary seminar... if you have appointed an executor for your estate, or are named as an executor for someone else’s.
TOPICS: " H ! t ! f " p "
? o o " O g t " g "
Thursday, May 30
Wednesday, 7:00-8:30March pm 21 Inn PM 1:00Desert - 2:30 2350 Voght Street Eagles Hall Merritt, BC 921 First St., Ladysmith To register: Call 250-245-5553 to register E-mail kfhome@shawbiz.ca or call Perry at 1-250-819-7633 SEATING IS LIMITED SEATING IS LIMITED
HostedHosted by: Telford’s Burial and Cremation by: Kamloops Funeral HomeCentre
6 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
HERALD OPINION
Better the devil voters know than the devil they don’t By Dale Bass
KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK
Well, that was interesting. What have we learned from the provincial election? No one should ever listen to a pollster again. Maybe we should also disregard those “experts” and “pundits” who pop up with opinions as soon as a writ is issued. The reality is once again, barely half of us took the time to exercise that precious right we have and head probably not too far from our homes, stand in line for a while, unfold a piece of paper and make an X. So simple. Perhaps you were more interested in watching the Senators lose to the Penguins than make an impact on our own home teams. One former legislative reporter I know who lives in Alberta opined that the NDP has no sense of political narrative. The party simply cannot tell its story in a way that engages the people, he said, and confuses policy announcements with real life. Maybe he’s right. In my brief interaction with a campaign manager for the party, I found he was less than helpful, almost rude and definitely condescending because I had obviously not referred to the “detailed email” with “specifics” I needed to know about “how the evening will be handled.” All I wanted to know was where the candidate would be on election night.
See “Bass” Page 7
Associate Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com
Simple solutions to all our problems CRAIG LINDSAY Off the Cuff Another provincial election has come and gone. Like some sort of phoenix, the Liberals rose from the ashes and won a majority government. Locally, Jackie Tegart of the Liberals has beaten long-time MLA Harry Lali of the NDP. Though I’d only interviewed Lali a few times in my short time here, he was easy to get hold of and not afraid of tough questions. He earned the respect of most of the people in the
Nicola Valley, as well as the province. Lali wasn’t afraid to speak his mind or go against his party if he thought it was the right thing to do. Tegart gives the FraserNicola area a new, fresh voice in the legislature. Even though the Ashcroft native lacks political experience at the provincial level, she has many years of experience as a municipal councillor and as a school board trustee. And with that as my long-winded introduction, I will now start in with my column, which is about coming up with solutions to the problems that our fair city faces. Let’s face it, that’s what politicians are paid to do: decide on the best course of action for the general populace. I’m no politi-
cian, but I’ve got some easy, ready-made solutions for what ails our community. First up, the issues at city hall and among some staff members and members of the public. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Who knows. But I think we could get everyone to get along and get on the same page if we just had a mandatory tea party once a week. We could do it at Brambles with the little chairs and little tea cups. I don’t think anyone could be bitter or angry for very long when sitting in those little chairs, hunched over a little table. Problem number two is the trucks on Highway 5A. I realize that people have to make a living and we need to get products
Reporter Emily Wessel reporter@ merrittherald.com
Editor Craig Lindsay newsroom@ merrittherald.com
MERRITT HERALD 2090 G
RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241
from the manufacturer to the user. My proposal to cut down on trucks, or at least slow down traffic, is to install those cool roundabouts that you see in Kelowna and Calgary and other urban centres. I, for one, usually take hours before I figure out which way I’m supposed to go. So why not build a few of those along 5A. Maybe one outside of Quilchena Gas Station and a few near the ranches so you can check out the cows. Why not? So that, for sure, would get drivers slowing down. The last problem I’ll tackle is the dust. I know a lot of dust comes from the trucks that are coming and going from the various mills and other businesses in town. Frequent
Advertising Sales Ula Chauvet sales@ merrittherald.com
windstorms and extreme dry conditions don’t help either. So my easy solution is to have daily water fights. I think we can pretty much schedule these for around 2 p.m. each day. It would be a nice break from work for people. Load everyone up with a water gun or water cannon. We could have teams. City Furniture versus Canadian Tire. Or maybe pit one street against another or one part of town against another. We can be really creative here. Why not offer prizes? Water fights are a great way to blow off steam as well as dust. So while all that water is getting rid of the dust, stress levels are falling, people are having a a good time. It’s a winwin.
Office Manager Carol Soames classifieds@ merrittherald.com
FAX (250) 378-6818
Copyright 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 financial 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
TUESDAY, May 21, 2013 • 7
www.merrittherald.com
YOUR OPINION Success By 6 helping kids Dear Editor, Research has shown that the first six years of life lays the foundation for a person’s life. A unique provincial partnership that bases its work on this principle is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Success By 6 helps to ensure that children ages zero to six develop the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical skills they need as they enter school. This groundbreaking partnership, bringing together the public, the not-for-profit and the business sectors came together with a vision that it takes a whole community to support families with children under six years of age. Communities understand the needs of their young families and are best positioned to respond to those needs. In British Columbia, Success By 6 was born on May 21, 2003 when the United Way of the Lower Mainland, the Savings and Credit Unions of B.C. and the B.C. government signed on to the Early Childhood Development Provincial Partnership. Over the past 10 years,
Success By 6 has built a network of early years community coalitions across B.C. that involve local credit unions, local United Ways and government representatives along with many diverse stakeholders including parents, grandparents, educators, health professionals, local governments, aboriginal leaders, children’s librarians, recreation co-ordinators and many more. Collectively, they plan how their community’s children can best be supported. Here in Merritt, Success By 6 generally funds over 20 programs, events and services each year that benefit and enrich the lives of our children and families. Today, Success By 6 is a network of over 120 Early Childhood Coalitions in B.C. that support over 550 communities. About 1,700 people are involved in these coalitions and an additional 1,500 volunteers take part in supporting their work. For more information visit our website at www.successby6bc.ca. Trish Rodie Merritt co-ordinator
Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com
?
HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com
Were you surprised with the Liberals win?
PREVIOUS QUESTION
There’s no escaping rising fuel costs.
Gas prices skyrocket Dear Editor, Gas prices recently went up — again. Thursday morning, I was shocked to see Petro-Canada offering regular gas at $1.419 per litre. Do the people of Merritt realize that we are paying tax on the taxes we pay for fuel? In B.C., GST is calculated after the motor fuel tax, carbon tax and federal
excise tax are added to the price of the fuel. Those three taxes total 42 cents’ tax per litre in Greater Vancouver; 34 cents in Victoria, and 31 cents across the rest of B.C., all before the GST is added on. Where are the protesters?
Does the fish and game club have a case saying people have a right to access crown lands and lakes? YES: 91% NO: 8%
B.L. Jorgesen Merritt
Bass reflects on provincial election results From Page 6 Maybe this person’s attitude also reflected the reason the party that every expert said had the election in its pocket lost. Everything must be scripted, the message controlled and the candidates “handled.” Almost every night, we received a phone call at home from the NDP. We answered the first one and apparently did not give the right answer because the party’s robocall program just kept dialing the number. The breaking point was
when the NDP emailed us, asking us to sign a virtual birthday card for Adrian Dix. The Liberals also called often, although not nearly as obsessively as the NDP. But, the people who made the call and asked me to stay on the line for the recorded message from Todd Stone obviously didn’t realize the first time I said I didn’t want to listen meant I didn’t want to listen. It did not mean keep calling. It must be noted we only received one call from the Conservatives.
SO SAY
My husband answered, requested they not call again and they didn’t. I’ve been chastised in the past for writing about the way things used to be but, with each election since the first one I experienced in 1967, I’ve felt like the candidates for every party have become more unreachable, more regimented and less willing to actually speak their minds. They gauge their campaigning success by how many doors they’ve knocked on and how many people they’ve smiled at rather than how many truths they’ve
spoken from their hearts rather than from their talking points. So, what happened then? Simple. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. We know the Liberals. We know what they’ve done. We know what they’ve done that we didn’t like, but it really didn’t bother most of us enough to pick another devil. Tom Friedman summed it up in another, equally well-worn, way: change is difficult. And that’s why those of you who didn’t vote probably didn’t vote in 2009,
won’t vote next year in the municipal election and will probably not vote in the next federal election — the cycle will continue to repeat. Your kids likely won’t vote because they don’t see you voting. The ones who do vote won’t be influenced by a canned recording. A sign on the highway won’t change their minds. It will be their own stories that guide them. If they like the story, they’ll go back to it again and again. Dale Bass is a reporter with Kamloops This Week.
LETTERS POLICY 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 clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
PLAYING IT FORWARD
10 0% ti ck donate et sales d to BC Childre n’s Hos pital
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Jacob says: “Help me pay this forward!”
BBQ - 4 pm - hosted by M&M Meatshop and Merritt Fire Rescue ue CONCERT - 6 pm @ Culture Club
Burger, Beer & Dessert
FRIDAY, MAY 24 NICOLA VALLEY RADIATOR
NICOLA MOTORSPORTS
TICKETS $25 @ CountryBug Books
8 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS E-editions of The Merritt Herald available online at
www.merrittherald.com
Fred Feistmann, Investment Advisor
As of Market Close on May 16, 2013
Indexes
Currencies
12507.60 $CAN/US 15233.2 $US/CAN 1650.47
S&P/TSX DJIA S&P 500
Money Rates CELEBRATING SAFETY Tolko Industries employee Casey Holmes (left) receives a certificate for 15 years lost time accident-free from sawmill supervisor Chris Godard. A handful of certificates and a barbecue lunch served up by the Merritt Centennials Booster Club capped off the mill’s North American Occupational Safety and Health Week activities on Friday. Emily Wessel/Herald
Constituency week for the House of Commons
DAN ALBAS View from the HILL This week the focus across Canada was on British Columbia as the provincial general election will have occurred by the time you read my weekly report. At the time of my writing, the election outcome is unknown; however, one thing I can guarantee is that there will be no shortage of pundits, media and interest groups speculating on what the election results will mean for British Columbians. As it happens, this is also a constituency week for the House of Commons as the House resumes session next Tuesday, May 21. In spite of this being a constituency week,
an interesting report was released by a nonpartisan organization that studies political participation in Canada. This particular report looked at the House of Commons and studied 54 days of discussion within the House in an effort to analyze which MPs spoke the most. From a demographic standpoint, the results were interesting. MPs under 35 years of age represent nine per cent of the House composition but spoke for 11 per cent of total time during the 54 days studied, while 89 per cent of the discussion was dominated by the remaining 91 per cent of MPs who are over 35. From a gender perspective, female MPs currently make up 25 per cent of the House and spoke just in excess of 30 per cent of the time period under study. From a political perspective, the parties speaking times were listed as: NDP, 44 per cent; Conservative, 36 per cent; Liberal,
16 per cent; Green, two per cent; and Bloc Quebecois, one per cent. During this same period of time, my own content in this study was listed at just over 6,000 words spoken in the House of Commons. This put me ahead of Justin Trudeau (5,400 words), but well behind Tom Mulcair who, as opposition leader, spoke some 44,000 words in this time frame. The focus of this study is solely on words spoken and does not take into account Parliamentary Committee work nor does it take into consideration those who have introduced private members’ bills or motions. In the context of words spoken, however the results indicate those who have a preference for talking. From my own perspective, my focus is more on listening — it is why I do my annual summer listening tour and why I make a point of returning phone calls and attending meetings. In my view, people
deserve to be heard and as elected representatives, listening to others is how we better understand the concerns of Canadians. Whatever the outcome of the B.C. general election this week, I believe it is important to recognize that through democracy, the people have spoken. Although it is inevitable that some will be disappointed by the election outcome, we must not overlook the importance of respect-
ing our democratic process and thanking those citizens who had the courage to put their names forward to serve the public interest. Let us never forget the freedom we enjoy as Canadians in electing our representatives. Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for OkanaganCoquihalla. His blog is DaninOttawa.com and previous MP reports are on line at danalbas.com.
The Flippin’ Fiddler
SCOTT WOODS in Merritt
PLACE PHOTO HERE
Renowned Fiddle Champion Scott Woods & Band present an uplifting 2 hour live show featuring old time fiddle music, swing, big band, country, gospel and more. Three fiddlers playing in perfect harmony, sensational step dancing, family humour and Scott’s trick fiddling make this a show you don’t want to miss!
Fletcher’s election recap From Page 5 The BC Liberals’ much-discussed “balanced” budget will now be put to the test over the next few months.
The legislature must be convened by September to debate that budget. This should be the last vote based on an untested budget, and the first of many sched-
uled fall legislature sessions. Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com.
Canada Prime 1 Year GIC 5 Year GIC 10 Yr. CDA Bond
3.00% 1.75% 2.26% 1.69%
0.981 1.019
Commodities Gold am/pm Äx London 1381.00 Copper Highgrade 3.32 Lumber (day session) 314.50 Live Cattle 119.63
Mutual Funds Brands Sionna Cdn. Eqt10.80 IA Clarington Cdn. Eqt 26.10 IA Clarington Glbl. Eqt 14.86 CI Harbour Fund 22.52 Dynamic Cdn Value Cls 13.33 Fidelity Asset Allocation 25.37 Fidelity Disp Cad Eqt 27.65
Fid Intnl Portfolio Ivy Cdn Fund Ivy Foreign Fund Bissett Cdn Equity RBC Balanced Fund RBC Cdn Div. Fund CI Signature Select Cdn
28.27 29.60 35.40 79.74 12.81 52.04 20.14
THIS WEEK’S MARKETS .... The S&P/TSX Composite closed at $12,507.60 last week. In the U.S., the S&P rose 0.4% to close at $1,654. Oil was up 0.6% to close at $95.73/bb, while natural gas futures increased 0.9% to close at $3.97/MMBtu. Gold bullion finished the week at $1,447.85, down 1.6%. The Canadian dollar declined 1.0% against the US dollar, closing at $.97/USD. The 10 year bond increased to 1.88%
Canadian Common A&W Revenue Royalties 22.55 ATCO Ltd. 96.85 Arc Resources Ltd. 26.87 BCE Inc 47.75 Barrick Gold Corp 19.61 Ballard Power Sys 1.10 Bonavista Energy Corp 16.04 Bombardier 4.66 Bank of Montreal 61.51 Bank of Nova Scotia 58.37 Can. National Railway 103.60 Canadian Tire (NON VTG A) 84.33 Cameco Corporation 21.56 CIBC 78.46 Canadian Utilities Ltd. 79.06 Can. Real Est. Trust 46.56 Can. Nat. Res. Ltd. 29.72 Enbridge 47.72 EnCana Corporation 18.78 Finning 22.59 Husky Energy Inc. 30.17 Imperial Oil 39.69 Kinross Gold Corp 5.53 Loblaw Companies 47.11 Maple Leaf Foods 12.52 Molson Coors Can Inc. 53.40 Manulife Financial 15.93 Pembina Pipeline Corp. 34.06 Potash Corp of Sask 44.67 Pengrowth Energy Corp. 5.17 Power Financial Corp. 30.54 Precision Drilling Corp 8.40 Rogers Comm Inc. 47.59
Royal Bank 61.03 Research In Motion Ltd. 15.02 Sun Life Financial Inc 29.68 Shaw Comm Inc 23.14 Shopper’s Drug Mart 49.36 Suncor Energy Inc 32.09 Toromont Inds Ltd 23.01 Toronto Dominion Bank 82.40 Transcanada Corp 49.32 Telus Corp 37.34 Tim Hortons Inc 57.30
U.S. Common
Alcoa Inc. American Express Co. Mellon Corp Cisco Systems Inc. Deere & Co. Walt Disney Co. (The) Gap Inc. General Electric Co. Home Depot Inc. Johnson & Johnson Macy’s Inc. Microsoft Corp. Sprint Nextel Corp PÄzer Inc. Pepsico Inc. AT&T INC Staples Inc. United Tech Corp Walmart Stores Inc. Wendy’s Arby’s Gr.
8.50 72.23 29.86 23.89 89.39 66.47 40.59 23.27 76.75 87.45 47.88 34.08 7.28 29.25 83.74 37.38 14.29 95.17 78.50 6.04
Fred is an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities specializing in efÄcient money management strategies. Any questions or comments can be directed to him at 1-800-774-9631 or e-mail fred.feistmann@rbc.com
DID YOU KNOW. . . .
Saturday, June 8 at 7 pm MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MERRITT PRINTING OR CALL TOLL FREE 1-855-726-8896
ADULT $20 s CHILD $10 s 5 & UNDER FREE
ButterÅies taste with their feet.
This article is supplied by Fred Feistmann, an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. RBC Dominion Securities is a member company under RBC Investments. The member company and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities that are afÄliated. Member CIPF. (tm) Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. ©Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
TUESDAY, May 21, 2013 • 9
www.merrittherald.com
merrittherald.com
bcclassified.com
HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com
’Tis the season for elementary schools track meets
ALL OUT EFFORT Collettville Elementary School held its annual track meet last Wednesday at Voght Park. Students from Grades 4-7 took part. (Photos clockwise from above) Haley Zabek (centre) leads the pack in the Grade 6 girls’ 100m event. On the left is Gemini Clarke and on the right Kyra Etchart. Jessy Anderson (left) and Karianne Kroeker pace themselves in the 1500m race. Fred Ware (left) wins the Grade 7 boys’ 100m with Parker Finch a close second. Brianna Kerridge (left) receives the baton from Fletcher Johnston in the 4x100m relay event. Tom Girard easily clears the bar in the Grade 7 boys’ high jump. Sajjin Lali gets airborne in the long jump. Brianne Lidster tosses the shot put. Upcoming school track meets include: Diamond Vale (May 23), Central (May 24), and Nicola Canford (June 3). The district track meet is scheduled for June 14. Ian Webster/Herald
10 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
Your community. Your classifieds.
250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiÀeds@merrittherald.com ADVERTISING DEADLINES WORD CLASSIFIEDS
Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday
DISPLAY ADVERTISING
Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday
INDEX IN BRIEF
Family Announcements Community Announcements Employment Business Services Pets & Livestock Merchandise For Sale Real Estate Rentals Automotive Legals
AGREEMENT
It is agreed by any display or classiÀed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event to failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassiÀeds.com cannot be responsible for errors after the Àrst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors after the Àrst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice or errors on the Àrst day should immediately be called to the attention of the classiÀed department to be corrected for the following edition.
bcclassiÀeds.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiÀed.com Box Replay Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.
DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION
Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justiÀed by a bonaÀde requirement for the work involved.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiÀed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.
MERRITT HERALD Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818 Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com Production: production@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.
Announcements Personals Eve from Santana. Sorry I forgot your name but your the right one. Call me back & leave a contact # so I can text or phone you. 250-295-6456 or 250-864-4968 REWARD of $20 EACH for current address and phone # of the following: Monica Dawn Ham; Kerry Walper; James D. Merkley; Alfred (Alf) T. Gray; Kelsey Jering; Debbra Marko. Reply in confidence to Merrittbadtenant@outlook.com
Lost & Found FOUND DOG Wed., May 8 approx 8 km’s up the Mamet Lake Rd. Pure bread cocker spaniel, black and white with a faded pink collar, very well trained and well cared for. Please call Marian & Irvin in Kamloops. 250-851-0717
Travel Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No Risk Program. Stop Mortgage and maintenance payments today. 100% Money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.
Travel $399 CABO San Lucas, all Inclusive Special! Stay 6 Days in a Luxury Beachfront Resort with Meals & Drinks! For $399! 1-888-481-9660. www.luxurycabohotel.com
Employment
Employment Haircare Professionals HAIR Stylist wanted for busy well established salon in Invermere BC. Easy to build clientele during busy summer months. Excellent opportunity for a motivated stylist. 250342-9863 susanhalverson@shaw.ca
Help Wanted Yaki Joes is looking for
NIGHT SHIFT MANAGER • Must be able to work Evenings & Weekend Closing Shifts • Good Computer Skills • Food Safe CertiÀcate • Cooking Experience • Valid Drivers License • Own Vehicle • Team Player • Great Customer Service Skills
EXPERIENCED EVENING COOK • Part-time Evening • Food Safe an asset Please drop off your resume & cover letter:
Attn: Sonya Garcia 2190B Voght Street.
Business Opportunities A+DRINK SNACK plus Healthy Vending machine Route. Turn Key Business. Invest With Confidence, $4,000 Up. Training and Secured profitable Locations. Limited Must Sell. 1-888-979-8363.
Drivers/Courier/ Trucking We require immediately Class 1 drivers for Canada and US for the following positions: • US Team drivers • Part Time /Casual Drivers for Canada/US • Drivers interested in a truck share program for Canada/US. We supply you with a paid company cell, fuel cards, all paid picks and drops, assigned units and regular home time. All you need is 3 yrs verifiable experience, clean abstract and a good attitude. Please indicate on your resume the position applying for. Please fax resumes and abstracts to 250546-0600, or by email to parris@ricknickelltrucking.com No phone calls please.
Education/Trade Schools OVER 90% Employment rate for CanScribe graduates! Medical Transcriptionists are in demand and CanScribe graduates get jobs. Payments under $100 per month. 1-800466-1535. www.canscribe.com. admissions@canscribe.com. TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.
Small Ads work!
FULL TIME DRIVER REQUIRED Clean drivers abstract, Class 1 preferred but not necessary. Call for appointment 250-525-0275 Yaki Joes is looking for
2 Full-time DELIVERY DRIVERS • Must have a valid drivers license & a reliable vehicle • $10.25 per hour plus tips (usually $20.00)
Please drop off your resume at Yaki Joes, 2190 Voght Street. An Alberta Oilfield Construction Company is hiring dozer, excavator, and labourer/rock truck operators. Lodging and meals provided. Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction (780)723-5051. AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS Licensed, 4th year & 3rd year Technicians required. Signing/moving allowance, full company benefits, very aggressive bonus/pay plan. Ford experience preferred, but not required. Denham Ford, Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Email resume: Attention: Dean Brackenbury; dbrackenbury@denhamford.com
Help Wanted HARTLEY’S AUTOBODY in Sechelt, BC has a vacancy for a Journeyman Automotive Painter. Please fax resume with references and contact information to: 604-885-7454. NAPA Wanted Parts-person, experience preferred. Please bring in your resume 2114 Nicola Ave. or mail to Firman Auto Parts, Box 969, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8. No phone calls please!
Professional/ Management SOFTWARE Developer for Engineering Applications Lucidyne Technologies, an industry leader in Automated Lumber Grading is seeking an experienced & talented person to join our software/engineering development team. We offer rewarding challenges, a stimulating work environment, 401K with employer contributions and the college town amenities of Corvallis, Oregon. Our scanning systems include multiple cameras and sensors, electronics, multiple PCs and network equipment. The mechanical and electrical components of the system are highly integrated into the customer’s production flow and equipment. Software developers must understand the underlying technology and also appreciate the perspective of end users (operators, technicians, etc.), to develop efficient applications. We’re looking for a person that will take pride in their work and will help us make our product the best it can be. Job Description Implement and test machine vision algorithms to classify defects in lumber with our senior image processing staff. Validate code changes using regression testing against an archive of customer data Verify sensor performance using custom calibration software and analysis tools Interact with customers to capture requirements for software upgrades Maintain and update C++ code for image processing improvements and computational geometry extensions Experience Must have 3-5 years experience with C++ and a degree in either engineering or computer science. Good mathematics and troubleshooting skills are required. Vision to see big picture and problem solving ability are also a must. Additional desired experience in: Real time systems, Subversion, Xml, Windows OS, PC troubleshooting, and basic electronics skills. This is a real-time software coding position. Your code will control our customer’s production lines so errors are expensive. Please use your cover letter to describe what modern software engineering principles you have used to help you write bug-free code while holding to ontime delivery schedules. Applicants must be fluent in English and have the energy to produce results under time constraints. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Email cover letter and resume to ellenn@lucidyne.com.
Services
Services
Trades, Technical
Financial Services
Financial Services
GUARANTEED JOB Placement: General Laborers and Tradesmen For Oil & Gas Industry. Call 24hr Free Recorded Message For Information 1-800-972-0209.
DROWNING IN DEBT? Cut debts more than 50% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or toll free 1-877-556-3500 BBB Rated A+
Employment
LUMBER Inspectors - Supervisor required (CMSA). BC Central Interior Locations. Excellent salary, benefits and potential for advancement. Please submit your resume to forestry2012@hotmail.com SYSTEMS Software Developer Lucidyne Technologies, an industry leader in Automated Lumber Grading is seeking an experienced & talented person to join our software/engineering development team as a Systems Software Developer. We are looking for a person to design and program GUI and software components that acquire and visualize electronic, scientific and production data. Must have 3-5 years experience with .Net framework and ADO.Net. Experience with many of the following: NET VB/C#, Subversion, SQL Server, Xml, Windows OS, PC troubleshooting, ADO.NET, user-interface design, MS Report Viewer, networking, basic electronics skills, PLC systems. Good mathematics and troubleshooting skills. Vision to see big picture and problem solving ability a must. Requires degree in engineering or computer science. Our scanning systems include multiple cameras and sensors, electronics, multiple PCs and network equipment. The mechanical and electrical components of the system are highly integrated into the customer’s production flow and equipment. Software developers must understand the underlying technology and also appreciate the perspective of end users (operators, technicians, etc.), to develop supporting applications. We’re looking for a person that will get a kick out of joining our team and help us make our product the best it can be. Applicants must be fluent in English and have the energy to produce results under time constraints. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Email cover letter and resume to ellenn@lucidyne.com
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s that simple. Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.
Need CA$H Today? Own A Vehicle? Borrow Up To $25,000
No Credit Checks! Cash same day, local office.
www.PitStopLoans.com 1-800-514-9399
FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Legal Services
M O N E Y P ROV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.
CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
WANTED FUEL TRUCK DRIVER Looking for full time fuel truck driver for Merritt location. Mon – Thur. with occasional Fridays available. Job also includes warehouse work. Any fuel or lubricant experience would be an asset. Class 1 or 3 drivers abstract MUST be attached to resume. Fax resumes to 250-315-4749 or via email to: hsilvey@shawbiz.ca or mail: H. Silvey Distributing Ltd. Box 2203, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Deadline for application: June 6, 5:00 pm Please do not apply in person. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Services Esthetics Services AURA-MAZING - New to Merritt! Gel nails- $40 to new clients! Gel polish, manicures, pedicures, relaxation massage, Ion Detox Footbath and Reiki. In my home 7 days/week. Kids welcome to accompany with most services! C: 250-936-8171, Auramazing.com or Facebook
We’re on the net at www.bcclassified.com Obituaries
Diane Louise Hale Diane Louise Hale, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord, on May 11, 2013 at the age of 57 years. Diane fought a very courageous battle against cancer, always facing this foe with her indomitable spirit and faith in God, and the love and support of her family surrounding her. Diane will be lovingly remembered by her siblings; Ken (Mary), Beth Roy, Doug, Candace, and Melody (Alf) Deeley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and her extended family and friends. Diane was predeceased by her mother and father, Ruby and George Hale and her sister-in-law Sharon Hale. Special thanks are extended from the family to Gillis House Hospice, nurses and staff, for their care and comfort for Diane. Donations may be made to Gillis House in Merritt in lieu of flowers.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at Crossroads Community Church on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow the service at Pine Ridge Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.merrittfuneralchapel.com Merritt Funeral Chapel • 250-378-2116
is looking for a
FULL-TIME LANDSCAPER. • experience with power tools • driver’s license is a must. Please fax resumes to 250-378-4166
Advertising Sales Representative Merritt Herald The Merritt Herald, an award winning twice-weekly newspaper, published in the Nicola Valley, is seeking a full time advertising consultant to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a rewarding career in advertising and marketing. If you are a highly creative individual, with an ability to multi-task in a fastpaced team environment and have good interpersonal and sales skills, a valid drivers licence and reliable vehicle - we would like to meet you. While experience is an asset, it is not a prerequisite. To apply, please forward your resume with a cover letter to: Theresa Arnold, Publisher Merritt Herald 2090 Granite Ave., P.O. Box 9 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 e-mail: publisher@merrittherald.com
MERRITT HERALD
TUESDAY, May 21, 2013 • 11
www.merrittherald.com
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Services Home Improvements
Lower Nicola Indian Band School External Job Opportunities (job descriptions available upon request) POSITIONS: (1) Special Education Assistants (SEA) QualiÀcations: • CertiÀcate: Special Education Assistant (SEA) an asset • Training/experience re: Special needs, behaviorally challenged students • Good communication/organizational skills • Personal maturity and role model to children • Physical ability and endurance to work with special needs students • Understanding of child development and educational programming • First Aid CertiÀcate or willing to upgrade • Willingness to work as an educational team, knowledge of IEP’s an asset • LAT directed for support in the classroom, one-onone and in small groups • Knowledge of First Nations culture/language an asset * Criminal Records Check is mandatory for all positions SALARY: Negotiable DEADLINE: June 7, 2013 START DATE: August 26, 2013 (summer institute) Interested candidates to submit resume and cover letter to: Angie Sterling, Principal The Lower Nicola Band School 201 Horn Road, MERRITT, BC, VIK 1M8 FAX: (250) 378-6389 Email: asterling@lnib.net
FLOORING SALE Over 300 Choices Lowest Prices Guaranteed! Laminates - $0.59/sq ft Engineered - $1.99 sq ft Hardwood - $2.79 sq ft
Rentals
Transportation
Want to Rent
Auto Financing
Houses For Sale
Looking for furnished long term rental accom. in Merritt Single adult n/s, n/p. 604-8035637
Transportation
Overnight Delivery in most of BC!
www.kingoffloors.com
1.877.835.6670
Auto Financing
Merchandise for Sale Garage Sales GARAGE Sale - 1750 Sunflower Avenue - Saturday May 18, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday May 19, 11 am to 2 pm. Everything must go!
Heavy Duty Machinery Cars - Domestic
Need A Vehicle! Guaranteed Auto Loan. Apply Now, 1.877.680.1231 www.UapplyUdrive.ca
A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53 in stock. SPECIAL 44’ x 40’ Container Shop w/steel trusses $13,800! Sets up in one day! 40’ Containers under $2500! Call Toll Free Also JD 544 & 644 wheel loaders JD 892D LC Excavator Ph. 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com
DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals
1-800-961-7022
www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557
Estate Sale, 2007 Buick Allure approx 88,000km, fully loaded too many options to mention. $9000. 250-378-4566
Auto Financing
Auto Financing
Need a Vehicle?
Call the
Misc. for Sale Guaranteed Approvals • Good Credit? • Bad Credit? • No Credit? • Divorce? • Bankrupt?
IF YOU WORK,YOU DRIVE
External Job Opportunities (job descriptions available upon request) POSITIONS: (1) Teacher - Grades 2/3 Split Class Grades 2/3 Teacher - QualiÀcations • Category 5 Teaching Degree • Teacher CertiÀcation - BC College of Teachers • Training/Experience re: grade level • Experience with First Nations children an asset • Experience with behaviorally challenged students • Experience in developing and implementing IEP’s • Excellent communication, leadership & interpersonal skills • Working knowledge of BC curriculum, effective instructional methodologies and a holistic approach to meeting the learning needs of students • Willing to continue to gain new knowledge and skills, be Áexible, positive and a team player • Current Basic First Aid CertiÀcate or willing to upgrade • Knowledge of Nlakapamux Language/Culture an asset * Criminal Records Check is mandatory for all positions SALARY: Negotiable DEADLINE: June 7, 2013 START DATE: August 26, 2013 (summer institute) Interested candidates to submit resume and cover letter to: Angie Sterling, Principal The Lower Nicola Band School 201 Horn Road, MERRITT, BC, VIK 1M8 FAX: (250) 378-6389 Email: asterling@lnib.net
FOR THE AFTERNOON CUP...
SAWMILLS from only $3997 Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT
1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. STEEL BUILDINGS, Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x 40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x 150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca
Call Steve Today 1.855.740.4112 • murraygmmerritt.com
SAVE UP TO
$
38
ON YOUR NEXT GROCERY BILL!
ek’s money saving deals de from our team of experts. { Check out this week’s
{
Lower Nicola Indian Band School
Misc. Wanted True Coin Collector Looking to Purchase Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold and Silver coins, Bills + Not melting down, Serious Collector. Call: Coin Couple 1-778-281-0030
Real Estate Acreage for Sale Property for sale 10 acres close to town on Coldwater Rd. 250-378-2927
Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent
Just a few of our Featured Advertisers:
KENGARD MANOR Spacious 1 & 3 bedroom apartments.
F/S, heat and hot water included.
Sign up for free e-Offers and get the inside scoop on the best flyer deals!
@
Ask about move-in incentives For appointment call
SNIFF
Ph: 250-378-9880
One bdrm unfurn. apart. near Elks Hall. $530 + Hydro. Middle age to seniors in ground level aparts. 250-378-4976
out a new
CAREER
Homes for Rent 4 bdrm home for rent, lots of space, large fenced back yard, close to schools, quiet location. $1400/mon. Call after 3pm. 378-9660 or 378-0224
Suites, Lower 2 bdrm suite, util incl. shared laundry, one parking spot. Rec. reno’d. Ref & sec. depot req. Avail June 1st. $650. 778228-6378 or 250-378-0303.
1-250-762-9447
Houses For Sale
12 • TUESDAY, May 21, 2013
www.merrittherald.com
INSTANT REBATE OFFER
SAVE OVER
$
2000
*
ON PURCHASES OF QUALIFYING APPLIANCES** Offer valid at participating authorized MaytagÂŽ appliance dealers.
RECEIVE A
$
MAY 1 - JUNE 2, 2013
200
BONUS INSTANT REBATE*** when you purchase 3 or more qualifying MaytagÂŽ Kitchen appliances.
**See sales associate in-store for qualifying models.
1999 0000
$ $
++ ‥
1999 0000
00 00
Shown with optional pedestals
MaytagŽ Maxima XL™ Front Load Steam Laundry Pair
MaytagÂŽ 25 cu. ft. Ice2OÂŽ French Door Refrigerator
t MaytagŽ .BYJNB 9-™ XBTIFS QPXFST PVU
t $PVOU PO UIF &BTZ "DDFTT SFGSJHFSBUPS ESBXFS UP IPME
UPVHI TUBJOT BOE EFMJWFST UIF CFTU DMFBOJOH JO UIF JOEVTUSZ †XJUI UIF 1PXFS8BTI™ DZDMF t 5IF IJHI FGmDJFODZ .BZUBHŽ .BYJNB 9-™ ESZFS IBT 4UFBN &OIBODFE DZDMFT UP SFMBY XSJOLMFT BOE SFGSFTI DMPUIFT t 5IJT XBTIFS JT CBDLFE CZ B ZFBS XBSSBOUZ ††PO UIF XBTIFS NPUPS BOE TUBJOMFTT TUFFM XBTI CBTLFU
VQ UP CBHT PG HSPDFSJFT BU B DPOWFOJFOU DPVOUFS IFJHIU NBLJOH GPPE JUFNT FBTJMZ BDDFTTJCMF UP UIF XIPMF GBNJMZ t 5IJT GSJEHF JT CVJMU TUSPOH UP MBTU MPOH BOE CBDLFE CZ B ZFBS XBSSBOUZ ††PO UIF DPNQSFTTPS t $PVOU PO UIF TQBDF BOE TUSFOHUI PG UIJT DV GU DBQBDJUZ MaytagŽ SFGSJHFSBUPS UP LFFQ ZPV XFMM TUPDLFE ††See warranty for details.
MFX2570AEM
â€
Among leading competitive brand front load washers; comparable cycles and settings. ††See warranty for details.
++ 00 00
$$
849 0000
0000++
1699 0000
$$
‥
AFTER $200SAVINGS SAVINGS AFTER $____ REGULAR PRICE $1049
‥
AFTER AFTER $600 $____SAVINGS SAVINGS REGULAR $2299 REGULAR PRICE PRICE $0000
REGULAR PRICE $0000
MDB8959SBS
‥
AFTER$____ $700 SAVINGS AFTER SAVINGS REGULAR PRICE $2699 REGULAR PRICE $0000
AFTER$____ $500 SAVINGS AFTER REGULARPRICE PRICE$0000 $2499 REGULAR
8BTIFS MHW6000AG %SZFS YMED6000AG
++ 00 00
$$
MaytagÂŽ JetcleanÂŽ Plus Steam Dishwasher
MaytagÂŽ 6.2 cu. ft. Induction Range with Power Preheat
t 5IF +FUDMFBOÂŽ 1MVT 4UFBN DZDMF IBT B QPXFSGVM TQSBZ
t (FU ZPVS PWFO DMFBO JO MFTT UIBO BO IPVS XJUI PEPVS GSFF
UIBU EPFT UIF QSF SJOTJOH GPS ZPV NBLJOH UIJT PVS CFTU DMFBOJOH .BZUBHŽ EJTIXBTIFS FWFS t 4USFOHUIFOFE CZ UIF JOEVTUSZhT NPTU QPXFSGVM NPUPS BWBJMBCMF†FBDI DZDMF CMBTUT BXBZ UPVHI TPJMT GPS DMFBO EJTIFT UIF mSTU UJNF t "MM TUBJOMFTT TUFFM UVC EJTIXBTIFST BSF CVJMU TUSPOH UP MBTU MPOH XJUI B ZFBS MJNJUFE QBSUT XBSSBOUZ ††PO UIF SBDLT TUBJOMFTT TUFFM UVC BOE DIPQQFS
YMIR8890AS
†Based on single rack baking. ††See warranty for details.
†Among leading brands. ††See warranty for details.
Look for the ENERGY STARÂŽ symbol. It shows the product meets the ENERGY STARÂŽ guidelines for energy efficiency.
MPX UFNQFSBUVSF "RVB-JGU™ 4FMG $MFBO 5FDIOPMPHZ t 1SFIFBU ZPVS PWFO JO BT MJUUMF BT NJOVUFT†XJUI 1PXFS 1SFIFBU /PX ZPV DBO TQFOE MFTT UJNF DPPLJOH GPPE BOE NPSF UJNF FOKPZJOH JU t " ZFBS MJNJUFE QBSUT XBSSBOUZ ††PO UIF DFSBNJD HMBTT DPPLUPQ BOE PWFO DPPLUPQ FMFNFOUT FOTVSF MPOH MBTUJOH QFSGPSNBODF
* Over $2000 Instant Rebate value based on maximum combined rebate amounts on purchase of qualifying MaytagŽ appliances. In-store, instant rebate (after taxes) valid on qualifying MaytagŽ appliances purchased from a participating authorized Canadian MaytagŽ appliance dealer between May 1 and June 2, 2013. Instant rebate will be deducted at time of purchase. GST/HST/QST and Provincial Sales Tax (where applicable) are included in the rebate amount. Some conditions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other MaytagŽ appliance offer. This offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors. ** All models may not be available at all dealers. See sales associate in-store for qualifying models. *** Excludes accessories and food waste disposers. To be eligible for Kitchen Appliance Bonus Instant Rebate offer, total minimum retail purchase price of multiple qualifying MaytagŽ appliances must be $1000 before taxes. Multiple purchases must be made from the same authorized Canadian MaytagŽ appliance dealer at the same time. Dealer prices may vary. Dealers have sole discretion to set retail prices. ‥ Dealer prices may vary. Dealers have sole discretion to set retail prices. Ž /™ Š 2013 Maytag. Used under license in Canada. All rights reserved.
&A
li
L
123 456 789
MAIN LOCATION & CLEARANCE CENTRE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Closed Sundays
& Appliances Ltd.
2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt
Phone: 250-378-2332