Merritt Herald - April 28, 2015

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MERRITT HERALD FREE

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Chiefs issue self-imposed ban on biosolids “We’re not going to ask the government anymore,” said Chief Aaron Sam

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The chiefs of the Nicola Valley’s First Nations bands have taken matters into their own hands, and it appears the biosolids company BioCentral has as well.

Inside the Shulus Arbour in Lower Nicola on Thursday, all five chiefs signed a document declaring a moratorium on the dumping of biosolids in the Nicola Valley.

The document, which was read to the crowd, notes the Tsilhqot’in decision wherein non-First Nation governments are to obtain consent from First Nations before making decisions that affect their lands and resources.

The chiefs are prepared to take legal action to ensure the moratorium is honoured, and remain open to dialogue regarding the biosolids issue.

“We’re not going to ask the government anymore,” Lower Nicola Band Chief Aaron Sam yelled to about 135 people who gathered for the announcement.

Sam said court action and more protests are options for enforcing the moratorium.

The company BioCentral, which implemented a self-imposed moratorium on trucking biosolids to its composting facility on Sunshine Valley Road last month, is now taking

The five chiefs of the Nicola Valley First Nations bands all signed off on a self-imposed moratorium on bringing biosolids into the area. They plan to discuss their options for enforcing it. Pictured from left to right: Upper Nicola Chief Harvey McLeod, Lower Nicola Chief Aaron Sam, and Nooaitch Band Chief Marcel Shackelly. Michael Potestio/Herald

steps toward an injunction against the Friends of the Nicola Valley protesters blocking access to the facility via Highway 8.

A spokesperson for BioCentral told the Herald the company filed a notice of civil claim in B.C. Supreme Court so

that it can be in a position to send trucks hauling equipment through the blockades to the facility if need be.

BioCentral still intends to honour their moratorium on trucking the biosolids product itself to the facility, the spokesperson

said.

That move was done to allow First Nations and the provincial government to move forward with talks.

The chiefs have been requesting a governmentimposed moratorium on the importation of biosolids to the Nicola Valley

since the start of the year.

Lower Nicola Chief Aaron Sam said the chiefs wrote a letter to the provincial government requesting the moratorium in January, and met with the Minister of Environment Mary Polak twice – once in February and

again in March. During both meetings they asked for the moratorium.

Earlier this month, the chiefs met with Premier Christy Clark’s chief of staff Dan Doyle, but were unable to come to any agreement on a moratorium that time either.

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2 • TUESDAY, April 28, 2015

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS JOUST!

9

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Students from Bench Elementary School prepare for their roles in the play Joust, a musical about a young King Arthur who pulls a boomwhacker (a percussion instrument) out of a rock instead of the legendary sword.

PO Box 98 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

More than 90 students from Grade 4 to Grade 7 are participating in the play, 75 of whom will travel to Victoria from May 6 to May 8 to perform for Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon and about 300 Victoria students at Government House.

In the play, Arthur becomes king and decrees all knights lay down their swords and take up music instead of war.

The French show up with recorders instead of weapons and join the fun.

The students will also be performing the musical twice on May 1 at the former Coquihalla Middle School for 300 local elementary school students, and at a fine arts school in Chilliwack en route to Victoria.

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Conservation office on the lookout for bear in Collettville

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

A bear roaming the Collettville area has been giving conservation officers the slip for about two weeks.

Back on April 15, the conservation office received a report of a bear spotted near Collettville Elementary School. When an officer arrived on scene the bear was nowhere to be found.

The conservation office then received a call on April 19 from a resident on Fir Avenue saying that despite doing attractant management, a bear continued to come into the yard. It had also caused some property damage.

The two calls have been the only ones the office has received regarding a bear in Collettville and conservation officer Paul Pike said there were no reports of people being hurt by a bear.

Pike decided to set a trap on Fir Avenue assuming the calls were for the same bear given the close timing of the reports.

Pike said there’s no guarantee the trap — a large bin with a door that closes behind the bear when it enters the bin and tries to take the bait — will work.

“A bear, once it’s coming through neighbourhoods and

is used to getting a food reward out of garbage cans and stuff like that, they get alert behavior that through that they’ll get a reward,” Paul said.

He said it can be intimidating for a bear to access a trap and get its food reward in a different way than it has become accustomed to, so if nonnatural food sources are available they will continue to access those sources.

Residents ensuring their garbage cans are secure will help the chances of the trap

Enhance your soil and see the results

In addition to performing, the students will also visit the legislature, the Royal BC Museum, Saanich Ocean Museum and tour downtown Victoria.

being successful, he said.

Pike said the indication from talking with the resident in regards to this bear is that it is habituated to eating garbage.

Therefore, it’s likely the conservation officers will need to destroy the animal.

Pike said having a bear roaming in a neighbourhood is not unlike previous springs, where bears will wake up from hibernation only to find minimal natural food sources available to them.

“They hang around the edge of town.

Once the grasses start greening up, the bears seem to move out of town and go into the surrounding hills and forest areas,” Pike said.

People should keep their barbeques clean, remove bird feeders and store pet food inside. Feeding pets should be done inside as well.

Storing garbage inside places such as a garage or shed is ideal, Pike said.

People can report a bear sighting at 1-877952-7277.

PREVENT THEFTS FROM YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE Here a few helpful hints to help prevent motor vehilcle break-ins: 1 Don’t leave purses or valuables

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inside vehicles overnight.

2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit.

3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ merrittherald

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/MerrittHerald

GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 9 Classified ------------------- 10

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: April 1951 Adjourn pipeline hearing

SOLD OUT (From left) Phil Heale, Tim McClure and Mo Ollek of the Dung Beetles play to a packed crowd at the Culture Club Friday night for their CD release show. Michael Potestio/Herald

Schoenborn review board hearing to resume tomorrow

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Three more days of hearings in the annual review of child killer Allan Schoenborn begin tomorrow with Crown bringing forth a psychologist.

“Crown intends to call one witness during the continuing proceedings to provide evidence Crown feels will assist the review board in its consideration of the level of risk presented by Mr. Schoenborn,” Neil MacKenzie, communications counsel with the criminal justice branch, told the Herald.

Schoenborn has requested supervised day passes from the psychiatric hospital in Port Coquitlam where he’s lived since being found not criminally responsible for murdering his three children, 10-year-old Kaitlynne, eight-year-old Max and five-year-old Cordon, at their Merritt home in 2008.

Schoenborn was denied this same request to the review board in February 2014 because he was said to pose too great a risk to public safety to be allowed out.

The review board is currently considering

‘‘

‘That three years will give Darcie Clarke and her family some time to heal.’

— DAVE TEIXEIRA, SPOKESPERSON FOR DARCIE CLARKE

whether or not to allow the hospital director the discretion to allow Schoenborn supervised access into the community during the next year, MacKenzie said.

Under the recently past federal Bill C-14 if Schoenborn was designated a high-risk accused, his review hearings could be held once

every three years instead of annually and escorted visits into the public could only be granted for medical reasons and would be subject to safeguards to protect the public.

Dave Teixeira, a spokesperson for Darcie Clarke, the mother of the victims, said Schoenborn should be found to

be a high-risk offender, so that he has a threeyear time period to focus on getting treatment as opposed to trying to get escorted day leave every year.

“He will be a healthier person, society can be safe and that three years will give Darcie Clarke and her family some time to heal as well,” Teixeira said.

Teixeira said they are concerned of Schoenborn’s propensity to escape and harm Clarke if he’s granted escorted leave, pointing out Schoenborn evaded police for 10 days after the murders in 2008.

BC Review Board chair Bernd Walters told the Herald that a Supreme Court judge would need to classify Schoenborn as a highrisk accused.

Whether or not the Crown will seek such a designation will be determined at a later time, MacKenzie said.

“The Crown hasn’t made a determination one way or another,” he said.

“An application for a designation of a high-risk accused is something that we’ll determine once the annual review process is dealt with.”

Friends & Neighbours Please bring them in to:

The Merritt Herald is looking for COMMUNITY-SUBMITTED STORIES about your Friends & Neighbours.

MERRITT HERALD Ph: 250.378.4241 Fax: 250.378.6818 reporter@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

Ottawa - Hearing of the TransMountain Pipeline Company’s application to construct an oil line from Edmonton to Vancouver at an estimated cost of $86,700,000 was adjourned here until May 14 by Mr. Justice M. B. Archibald, chairman of the Board of Transport Commissioners.

Adjournment request was made by Ian Wahn, Toronto lawyer, acting for the company, who explained that the oil companies involved had not completed their studies.

Mr. Wahn said steel for the line was “a difficult proposition” but that arrangements already made for a supply “still hold good” and not be prejudiced by adjournment.

The Trans-Mountain application is one of seven now before the board.

June 18 will probably be the key date in sorting out other gas and oil applications.

4 • TUESDAY, April 28, 2015

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COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE STRATEGY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL #2015-04-17 The City of Merritt requests proposals from qualified firms to develop a City-wide signage strategy to meet the needs of residents and visitors. The Strategy will promote an attractive, cohesive, coherent brand that conveys quality, sustainability and authenticity in its design and construction and demonstrates a deep understanding of human wants and needs with respect to way-finding and discovery of place.

CPO provides graffiti removal spray for vandalism victims

Tender Closing Time: 4:00 pm local time Tender Closing Date: Friday May 15, 2015

The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt regular council meeting agenda from April 28, 2015.

Merritt Community Policing Office month end report The Asset Development Committee follows the Search Institute’s 40 development assets model that shows that the more assets youth possess, the less likely they are to engage in high-risk behaviour.

The youth celebration was scheduled for April 9 at NVIT and

honoured local youth for community contributions beyond what is usually recognized through the school system. With over 40 youth nominated, the event is sure to be a great success.

A teacher-led We Care Crew is running at MSS during the school year. The group is focusing on teambuilding initiatives and social justice events and programs.

Smart Step Youth Association will reconvene in April and start making plans for the 2015 program. Smart Step will kick off the year assisting the Kidz

Tri It! triathlon with volunteering at the event.

In terms of the community policing office (CPO), the Kidz Tri It! triathlon is in its early stages of planning. Interior Savings has agreed to be the title sponsor for this year’s event, which is now in its fourth year.

Const. Dunmore continues to instruct the Law Enforcement Preparation Program (LEPP) at NVIT. CPO Staff attended the Celebration of Women event, hosted by the Nicola Valley Women in Action, that honoured outstand-

ing contributions from women in the community.

A member from the community is interested in hosting a bike rodeo for home-schooled children. The CPO was able to provide her with a variety of resources as well as commit to attending the event scheduled in the middle of April.

In March, Collettville experienced a rash of graffiti to cars, recreational vehicles, and structures.

The CPO was able to provide the victims with graffiti removal spray.

Crime Stoppers Merritt and Nicola

National FREE MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAY,

APRIL 29

6:00 PM AATT THE THEE CIVIC VICC CENTRE CENTTREE

Featuring E L A H W : THE Presented by

Lifejacket Day Thursday, May 14, 2015

2 For 1 Admission All Day Every year the Thursday before the May long weekend the Canadian Red Cross promotes water safety, reminding all those that will be in or around the water to wear their PFD’s and be safe!

For more information give us a call at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre: 250-378-6662 250 378 6662

YOUNG, OF LUNA: A TO Y R O T S E U THE TR HO TRIES R WHALE W RUGGED LE IL K D IL W THE .

PEOPLE ON BEFRIIEND VANCOUVER ISLAND F O T S A O C WEST

Next council meeting: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

Tender Documents can also be found at www. bcbid.gov.bc.ca; or www.merritt.ca *Please note that proposals will not be opened in public NOTE: Should any potential bidders download this Request for Proposal, it is the proponent’s responsibility to check for Addendas which will be posted on the BC Bid website.

Address: CITY OF MERRITT 2185 VOGHT STREET MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 CONTACT PERSON: Allan Chabot, CAO Email: achabot@merritt.ca Tel: (250) 378-8613 Fax: (250) 378-2600

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS H&M EXCAVATING LTD. WILL BE DOING UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE ROAD WORKS ON

COLDWATER AVE. AND MAIN ST. STARTING ON MONDAY MARCH 2ND FOR A DURATION OF 4 MONTHS

THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU OF THE TYPICAL NUISANCES INVOLVED WITH A PROJECT OF THIS TYPE -- MAINLY ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. THE CONSTRUCTION ENTAILS INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWER MAINS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADWAY ALONG COLDWATER AVE. THE STREET WILL BE SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC SOME OF THE TIME, AND THERE WILL BE TIMES THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO NOTIFY YOU IN ADVANCE AND TO KEEP THESE INTERRUPTIONS AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE. AS WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THIS SORT, YOU CAN EXPECT SOME DUST, NOISE AND VIBRATION. RESIDENTS WHO BORDER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY FRAGILE OR VALUABLE ITEMS THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DAMAGED DUE TO VIBRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DOWN OR SECURED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND THAT THEY STAY CLEAR OF THE EQUIPMENT.

TAL AL 2040 Mamette Avenue, Merritt

Valley hosted its AGM in March and had strong representation from the board of directors. The program continues to receive tips and some have resulted in payouts. For 2015, the society is focused on fundraising, director recruitment, and increasing the profile of the program in the community.

The extreme weather response shelter has now closed for the 2014 to 2015 extreme weather season.

250-378-6662

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU BE PATIENT THROUGH THE DURATION OF THIS UPGRADE PROJECT. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE PHONE OUR SITE SUPERINTENDANT, GEOFF PRESTON, AT 4934677 (OFFICE) OR 250-809-2405 (CELL).

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

TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Coquihalla improvements planned for this summer

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The Coquihalla Highway will be getting a makeover this summer.

A 10-kilometre stretch of road from Merritt’s Coldwater Interchange to Comstock road will be resurfaced, the contract for which was awarded to Peter’s Bros. for $2.8 million.

A 25-kilometre stretch of the Coquihalla Highway from the Logan Lake Interchange to the Afton Overpass will be resurfaced northbound, and southbound a fivekilometre section from the Afton Overpass to the Inks Lake Overpass will be resurfaced as well.

Green Roads Recycling has been contracted for that work, which will also include resurfacing of Highway 1 in both directions between Columbia Street Interchange and the Afton Overpass.

There will also be resurfacing north of Hope from the Snowshed Hill to Coquihalla Lakes. Sixteen kilometres southbound and 14 kilometres northbound will make up the paving.

The Britton Creek rest stop will be resurfaced, and the project is out to tender at the moment.

Work on all these projects is expected to begin in the early months of summer.

Approximately $15 million will be spent

on resurfacing the Coquihalla Highway this year.

The provincial government expects to spend $380 million over the next three years to resurface 1,000 kilometres of highways annually.

“These projects to improve the Coquihalla kick off a busy construction season, as we strategically invest in our provincial highway and side-road network,” Transportation Minister Todd Stone said in a press release.

Also on its way to the Coquihalla Highway are variable speed limit pilot projects.

They will be located along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler, and west of Revelstoke

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around the Coquihalla Highway’s snowshed.

The variable speed limits will be operational by next winter.

Using signs and sensors in the road that are tied to the ministry’s trafficmanagement centre in Coquitlam, speed limits will be adjusted to adapt to driving conditions such as heavy rain and snow.

SEEKING RELIGION Sikh Priest Harinder Singh reads from Sikh Scripture as members of the Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society’s Girls Group observe. On Thursday, the day before Baisakhi, the celebration of the beginning of Sikhism, the Girls Group attended the Sikh temple where they learned about the religion. Michael Potestio/Herald

NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME!

April is dental

awareness month DID YOU KNOW? t Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic infection that is most often caused by the build up of dental plaque. Gum disease rarely shows symptoms before it is well advanced. It is an infection that can wreak havoc on your teeth and your overall health. t Researchers have found that those with poor oral health may be up to three times more likely to have a stroke. t Stoyoma Dental is Merritt's newest Dental Clinic. We are a Not For Profit Society serving all residents of Merritt and the surrounding areas.

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OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8 AM - 4:30 PM 1999 Voght Street, (next to the Credit Union) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Call: 250-378-5877

6 • TUESDAY, April 28, 2015

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HERALD OPINION

Balanced budget in every sense of the word Last week, our government introduced the 2015 budget.

One of the most significant aspects of this DAN ALBAS budget is that it is View from the balanced with a HILL $1.4 billion surplus that is forecast to eventually increase to $4.9 billion in 2019. A balanced budget means that Canada has the lowest debt to GDP ratio in the G7 and one of the lowest in the G20.

Aside from being balanced, the 2015 budget also proposes a number of new measures; some already announced, such as the increased universal child-care benefit and income splitting for families and other measures revealed on budget day.

As is often the case, some budget measures have been widely supported – the reduction of the small business tax from 11 per cent to nine per cent by 2019 has not only been supported by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, it is also supported by both the NDP and the Liberals after their leader initially voiced his opposition.

However, expanding the tax free savings account maximum annual contribution to $10,000 as proposed in the budget for 2015 is opposed by both opposition parties.

Other measures in the budget include reducing the minimum withdrawal requirements in a Registered Retirement Income Fund account to provide more flexibility for those who are retired.

See ‘Tax incentive’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Can’t suppress need for human contact

Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS In this online age, technology has made it so that we are always reachable - through cellphones, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email and what have you.

But although we may be reachable, we aren’t exactly always reached online in the same way we are in person.

And like weeds in cracks in the concrete,

Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com

where there’s a gap in people’s needs, there are business ideas just waiting to spring up.

One such business model attempting to fulfil the “human connection” need is a cuddling one.

“Expert cuddlers” and their clients spend some time snuggling in a platonic way, sometimes for up to $60 an hour.

The idea is that human touch is healing and there are just some people who aren’t getting enough of it.

In December, one entrepreneur in Victoria started her cuddling service. In January, another one sprung up in Vancouver, then expanded to Edmonton and Toronto.

There are cuddle businesses all over the U.S. and probably more springing

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

up in cities around North America as I write this.

The proponents of the pay-per-snuggle service stress it’s non-sexual, and simply aims to provide a “conscious touch” to comfort people who are lonely or anxious.

If you think the idea of a cuddling business is a strange phenomenon, consider Invisible Boyfriend.

In January, the subscription-based service for a “social proof ” of an imaginary boyfriend launched online.

Customers make up the story of how they’ve met their partners, then choose his picture, his name and his age, and then they can begin exchanging texts and pictures with their imaginary boyfriends.

The idea behind it is

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

technological contact is today’s version of “proof ” a person exists.

But true to its name, the person on the other end of the line isn’t actually the customer’s boyfriend. In fact, he might not always be a “he.” He might even be dozens of different people.

The texting is contracted out remotely to people cruising crowd-sourcing job boards, who do menial tasks for a few pennies apiece.

They sign up to take part and are given a subscriber number to anonymously text loving things and funny anecdotes to.

The service is aimed at people who are sick of their nosy coworkers, friends or family members bugging them about their

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

love lives.

Having a few mushy texts and a “candid” photo of the constructed boyfriend is a way for these people to wave their phones around and say, “See? I told you I have a boyfriend.”

However, after the initial crop of reporters unsubscribed from the service once they’d filed their stories, the company’s founders learned the service wasn’t being used for white lies as intended.

Although they’re not supposed to sext (it goes against company policy), the texts can get intimate in other ways. After all, they are still being sent and received by two humans.

See Antisocial Page 8

Office manager Ken Couture 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, April 28, 2015 • 7

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YOUR OPINION NEW AT THE LIBRARY Fiction Elizabeth Berg Sara Gruen Kazuo Ishiguro Debbie Macomber Lisa Scottoline

The Dream Lover At the Water’s Edge The Buried Giant Marriage of Inconvenience Every Fifteen Minutes

Non-Fiction Lisa Ahier Elena Rosemond-Hoerr Emily Wight Art Thiel

The Sobo Cookbook The No Time to Cook Book Well Fed Flat Broke Russell Wilson Standing Tall

DVDs Wild Wii U NES remix pack

Biosolids threaten traditional way of life Dear Editor, Biosolids are a combination of human and industrial waste accumulated from cities. The secretive systematic approach to dump biosolids in the beautiful Nicola Valley is disgusting. The First Nations people of the valley are shocked by the government’s tactic of allowing biosolids to be dumped on their territories. As a result, the First Nations communities are gathering to protest against the land application of biosolids. The biosolids could endanger the First Nations peoples’ traditional way of life by affecting their practices of food gathering such as fishing, hunting and picking wild medicinal herbs.

First Nations largely depend on fishing as their source of traditional food for the whole year. Biosolids affect fish and other aquatic life by potentially polluting the water quality of the rivers, lakes and creeks.

First Nations’ people have to make every effort to protect their traditional food source by standing firmly against importing biosolids in the Nicola Valley.

Hunting for deer, moose, and elk is a way of life for First Nations’ people. Traditional foods such as deer, moose and elk are not processed food. This type of wild food is needed because diabetes is so high in aboriginal communities. Also, many First

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Nations people depend on eating wildlife as they live on a tight budget. Wildlife is also used for ceremonial purposes including funerals, and the hides are used for traditional drums and clothing. Biosolids may contain pollutants, odours, pathogens and harmful metals that can be dangerous to humans and wildlife.

Another traditional practice of First Nations people is picking wild medicine plants, herbs and berries. Biosolids are spread through the forests, jeopardizing the First Nations’ practices of eating forest berries and herbs. Biosolids could be harmful to wild plant growth. Hence, First Nations’ people must protect their precious wild vegetation to sustain their health and wellness by saying no to biosolids.

This waste might compromise the First Nations peoples’ traditional practices such as fishing, hunting and picking wild, medicinal vegetation. To make matters worse, government officials have kept this land application a secret from people. First Nations people should voice their opinions against the biosolids dumping on their territory.

This movement needs not just aboriginals, but people of all backgrounds and cultures to unite and take action to combat biosolids.

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

What do you think of the federal Conservatives’ 2015 budget?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Are you hooked on NHL playoffs?

YES: 60% NO: 40%

Kay Swakum Merritt

Tax incentive for machinery investment From Page 6 A new home accessibility tax credit has also been introduced that will help seniors and those who are disabled with expenses for required eligible home renovations and modifications, helping people to stay independent and in their homes longer. Employment insurance related to compassionate care has also been increased, effective January of 2016, from the current maximum of six weeks to six months to better reflect the challenges of caring for a gravely ill family member.

In other areas, it has been proposed to eliminate in-study student income from the Canada student loans assessment process and also there will be a reduced assumed parental contribution level in the same assessment process. Student loans will also be extended for short-term educational programs for qualifying low- and middle-income students. These measures are in addition to expanding the student grants program that was highlighted earlier this month in a previous report.

On a provincial level, British Columbia will see

$6.1 billion in federal transfer payments this year — an important consideration given that former federal governments actually decreased transfer payments to provinces like B.C. For the record, federal transfer payments to B.C., including the federal health transfer, will continue to increase every year.

A few other measures that will be of benefit locally include a 10-year extension for tax incentives related to the investment of machinery and equipment. I have visited several local employers to see first-hand how new machin-

TLC’s tips for SPRING Prep Work It is now dethatching season & our trucks will be out & about.

Dethatching is power raking to remove the dry matted dead grass that has built up on the soil surface. The best dethaching job can only be done when the grass is dry!

The need for aerating depends on how much traffic you have on your lawn. The idea here is to reduce soil compaction to allow water, air & fertilizer to reach the roots. To get the longest plug out of your lawn the grass has to be wet–the longer the plug the deeper & faster your fertilizer can get down to the root system. The root length is important to the health of your grass &

ery and innovation is creating jobs that are needed in our local resource communities. I am also encouraged that there will be further exemptions for charitable donations involving private share and real estate donations related to capital gains taxes. Given the good work of many local charitable organizations — hospital foundations are one excellent example — this will help ensure more equity from donations remain in communities instead of Ottawa.

Public transit, science and research, military, and law enforcement are some other areas benefitting from the

budget that column space does not allow me to provide more details on, along with many other agencies and service areas. A few examples are the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Thirty Meter Telescope Project, and the Canadian Tourism Association. For further information on the budget or any matter before the House of Commons, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached via email at dan. albas@parl.gc.ca or toll-free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla.

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.

Serving the Nicola Valley with Excellence for over 22 yrs

the ability to survive the extreme heat experienced in a typical Merritt summer.

Now you have to feed it. By replenishing the nutrients you maintain a lush green grass of which all the neighbours will be envious. This process should be done at least three times in a season.

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PROVINCE

B.C. endorses Ottawa’s balanced budget

By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

VICTORIA – The federal government has joined B.C. in the balanced budget club, but it comes at a cost to provincial revenues.

Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver delivered his first budget Tuesday, featuring increased defence spending and a new public transit fund that wouldn’t take effect until after the federal election scheduled for this fall.

B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong said changes in the federal budget such as reducing small business tax and allowing personal income splitting for couples have a flowthrough effect on pro-

B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong and Federal Industry Minister James Moore.

vincial revenues. That could be between $18 million and $30 million to B.C., he said.

De Jong said the B.C. government supports the reduction in federal small business tax rate, which is to decline from 11 to nine per cent by 2019.

A new federal fund to help pay for transit

doesn’t take effect until 2017, but de Jong said he expects current federal infrastructure programs to continue until then.

Federal Industry Minister James Moore said the Conservative government is still distributing funds from the $70 billion infrastructure fund that was

Fire ban to take effect in May As of noon on May 15, 2015, the size of open fires will be restricted in most of the Kamloops Fire Centre, the Wildfire Management Branch announced in a press release last week.

Activities prohibited include the burning of waste, slash, or other materials larger than one-half metre by one-half metre, the burning of more than two open fires of any size at the same time, stubble of grass fires of any size over any area, and the use of fireworks,

sky lanterns, or burning barrels of any size or description.

What are not banned are campfires that are limited to at largest a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, or cooking stoves that are fuelled by gas, propane, or briquettes.

The only areas that will not be affected by the ban are the Clearwater and Salmon Arm Fire Zones. For the rest of the area, all Category 2 or 3 fires must be extinguished before noon on May 15.

According to the release, the Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to 12 wildfire incidents covering more than 129 hectares since the beginning of April.

“Many of these wildfires resulted from poorly planned open burning,” read the release. “Aboveaverage temperatures and an early drying in the Kamloops Fire Centre have increased wildfire risks, so residents are urged to use extra caution with any open burning.”

Antisocial technology is isolating us From Page 6 Even though they are complete strangers, the sender and receiver are still interacting.

People are now using it just to have conversations because they know a reply is guaranteed.

Ironically, the business that was set up to

be totally anonymous and mechanical has started connecting people just a few months into existence.

The creators are now eyeing added services like gifts and handwritten notes — still anonymous, but on some level, real.

In a society where

“social” media cuts off person-to-person contact, loneliness has become a taboo topic.

With texts flooding in and cuddles purchased for a dollar a minute or more, these services are filling a new business niche in our increasingly isolated world.

included in last year’s budget, and the new fund is in response to

MERRITT

& NICOLA VALLEY

cities’ demands.

The mayors of Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and the national and provincial municipal associations have all endorsed the budget, Moore said.

B.C. NDP finance critic Carole James said the federal budget seems to have missed B.C. priorities, and it was frustrating to see Ottawa balance its books on the same day as the Canadian Coast Guard closed another West Coast facility.

The Coast Guard’s marine communications and traffic centre at Ucluelet is closed, with the function transferred to Prince Rupert. A similar station in Vancouver is to close May 6, with traffic monitored from Victoria, and another monitoring station at Comox is set to close this year, according to Unifor, the union representing Coast Guard employees.

Moore said the rationalization and

modernization of ship tracking systems on the West Coast will improve safety, and has already been done on the East Coast.

Business Council of B.C. president Greg D’Avignon said balancing the national budget, investing in transit and providing investment incentives for industries such as liquefied natural gas and forestry will help offset the effects of a slump in oil prices and weak commodity markets.

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HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

Local 4-H members keeping themselves busy

By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

The recently reformed Nicola Valley 4-H Club has been very busy this spring.

Following a very successful public speaking competition in early March, the local club held a pair of judging seminars recently.

On March 29, close to 20 youngsters gathered at the home of Hope Thomas for a session on horses.

“Our instructor was our 4-H horse leader Melanie Gilmar who’s from Logan Lake,” said Nicola Valley 4-H spokesperson Tanya Starrs. “She’s been in 4-H for quite some time.

She showed all the kids what to look for in a horse in terms of confirmation, disposition and temperament. She went over the names of all the parts of the horse, too.”

On April 12, the 4-H members converged on Guichon Ranch at the head of Nicola Lake for

a similar judging session with lambs.

“Allison Guichon is our lamb leader, and she covered similar points with the kids in terms of judging lambs and then ewes,” Starrs said.

“Because the sheep have wool, their confirmation is much harder to determine, so the kids had to get right in there with their hands and feel for the confirmation.

They’re actually touching the animals.”

This past Saturday, 15 members of the Nicola Valley 4-H Club joined 10 other clubs (and close to 150 other members) from around the Interior at a rally at the stock yards in Kamloops.

“All the kids judged horses first, then they got to judge a second class of any animal they wanted,” Starrs said.

“There was sheep, dog, rabbit, beef and even photography. The leaders and parents weren’t allowed to help. The kids have to do it all on

SHEEPISH GRINS A flock of Nicola Valley 4-H Club members gathered at the Guichon Ranch recently to learn about judging lambs and ewes. Photo submitted

their own.”

At Saturday’s function, Nicola Valley 4-H members Maya Starrs and Ella McEwen had the opportunity to present their demonstration

on how to make a tasty horse treat from oats, molasses and other yummy ingredients.

“It was quite an experience,” Maya’s mother said. “There was

a huge audience and they got to use (clip-on) microphones for the first time, which they really liked. It was definitely a good experience for them. They learned a

lot.”

Sunday, the young 4-Hers were back at it, doing some community service. They gathered at the rodeo and fair grounds in Collettville to

paint the fencing around the practice arena.

On the May 23 weekend, the local 4-H club will be helping with the provincial cattlemen association’s convention that is taking place in Merritt.

“We’ll be doing various setup and cleanup activities for the event,” Starrs said. “Whatever needs to be done to help out.

“We’re just in the process of planning to possibly go to some shows, whether it be the PNE or some local shows, we’re not sure. At the end of September, there’s the Provincial Fair in Barriere which sort of closes out the season.”

In addition to small group sessions scheduled throughout the week, the Nicola Valley 4-H Club meets as a whole on the first Thursday of each month at the MSS multi-purpose room.

For more information on 4-H activities, contact Starrs at 250-378-8785.

Vees start strong at Western Canada Cup

By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

The Merritt Centennials’ BCHL rivals, the Penticton Vees, have let it be known they’re the team to beat at the 2015 Western Canada Cup. After two days of action at the WCC, which runs until May 3 in Fort McMurray, Penticton is at the top of the standings with a perfect 2-0 record. Tied for second are the host Oil Barons (AJHL) and the Portage Terriers (MJHL) at 1-1, while the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL) and Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) are currently winless.

The Vees have begun their quest for a berth in this year’s Royal Bank Cup (RBC) with a vengeance, outscoring their opponents 17-3 in their first two

games.

Saturday, in the Western Canada Cup’s opening contest at the Casman Centre in Fort Mac, Penticton pummeled the Albertachampion Saints 11-3.

The Vees scored early and often against Spruce Grove. Five unanswered Penticton goals in the first 15 minutes of the game essentially put things away quickly.

The Vees added four more goals in the second and one in the third before the Saints

could get on the scoreboard with three goals in a row of their own.

Tyson Jost’s third of the night with 1:18 left in regulation rounded out the scoring on a night when Penticton outshot its opponent 32-28.

Eight different Vees scored goals in the lopsided affair, while Hunter Miska picked up the victory in net.

The two teams combined for just 10 minutes in penalties.

Penticton looked just as impressive in their

second outing, blanking the host squad 6-0 on Sunday. In their defence, the Oil Kings were missing AJHL Top Goaltender nominee Zach Fortin from their lineup.

Once again, the Vees dominated early — building a 3-0 lead after just six minutes of play in the opening period and outshooting the Oil Kings 18-9 through 20 minutes.

Jost raised his total goals for the tournament to five with the game’s first and third

tallies.

Penticton added a fourth goal in the second period and two more in the third to win going away.

The Vees outshot the Oil Barons 48-23 on the night. Miska picked up the shutout and his second tournament win.

Penticton has Monday off at the WCC. They return to action on Tuesday against the Manitobachampion Terriers who will be hosting this year’s Royal Bank Cup later in May. Round robin play at the WCC continues until Thursday. The championship game takes place on Saturday.

The Western Canada Cup champion and the runner-up will both represent Western Canada at the RBC Cup National Junior A Championship.

LACROSSE ACTION The Nicola Valley Thunder lacrosse peewees were in action last Wednesday at the Merritt arena. (Above) The Thunder’s Connor Kaboni (8) and Max Graham (4) battle for a loose ball with a Kamloops opponent. The home team lost 8-3 to their Interior rivals. Thunder scorers were Sajjin Lali, Beckett Finch and Taylor Shackelly.

A total of four Thunder teams were in action on the weekend. For complete results, game details and pictures, read the Sports section in this Thursday’s Merritt Herald. Michael Potestio/Herald

10 • TUESDAY, April 28, 2015

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Lower Nicola Indian Band Capital/Public Works Clerk Job Posting Primary role: To be responsible for support in the operation of the capital/public works department including reception i.e. answering of phones and taking messages at the request of the office manager. Candidate must be willing to learn Public and Capital works process and application process to AANDC and other funding agencies. Candidate must be willing to perform hands on maintenance and repairs to LNIB assets through a mentoring program.

Reports to: Director of Infrastructure Job s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s

description/Duties: The answering of phones in a polite and courteous manner The dispersing of messages in professional manner The protection of Confidential materials from publication and exposure The handling and organization of keys for public buildings The organization of security codes to public buildings with Security monitor service The booking of public buildings for event rentals and community usage Liaison with security companies i.e. (Securetec monitoring services and Counterforce) Liaison with municipal service providers i.e. (Falcaan Septic Services, BC Hydro, Terason Gas, Telus and maintenance worker) Organization and payment processing of utility bills for Public Works Drafting of letters and notices for public works Perform tenant move in and move out inspections Perform any other duties related to public works directed by managers Annual building inspections Filing, Calendar organization, travel organization, event booking and proofreading of Capital and Public Works correspondence Assisting in the preparation of Capital project submissions and reporting Meeting minutes and agenda preparation Preparation of newsletter updates

Qualifications: s Excellent interpersonal skills s Excellent communication skills; oral and written s Excellent clerical skills; typing, filing, dictation and computer knowledge s Excellent organizational skills s Must have a minimum grade 12 education s Achieved certification in an office administration course s Willing to learn hands on in public works maintenance and repairs s Must have class 5 drivers license s Willing to take post-secondary education in Water & Wastewater Compensation: To commensurate with experience and required duties.

Deadline for Application: May 4, 2015 by 2:00 pm Submit Resume and Cover Letter with Reference names to: Lower Nicola Indian Band :fax (250) 378-6188 Personnel Committee 181 Nawishaskin Lane :email reception@lnib.net Merritt BC V1K 1N2

, 1 , 1- , 9

Lower Nicola Indian Band Education Coordinator Job Posting Reporting to the Education Department Manager, the Education Coordinator’s primary role will be to assist in the planning, developing and administrating the affairs of the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Education programs and services.

Duties and Tasks: s Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Lower Nicola Band policies, regulations and procedures and as directed by the Education Manager; s Assist in providing support services to the Lower Nicola Indian Band students, Parents and Teachers in the Public School system; s Assist in processing Post Secondary Education Applications for education assistance; s Assist in providing academic advising to post-secondary students; s Maintain and update the confidential Education filing system; s In consultation with the Education Department Manager and the Director of Human Services, develop and amend as appropriate a short term and long term education plan for LNIB; s Liaises with students, parents and Public School Teachers; s Preparation of reports to the Department of Indian Affairs and funding agencies in consultation with the Education Manager; s Maintain a database of the training and education of the Lower Nicola Indian Band Community.

Qualifications/Skills: s Minimum Grade 12 with at least 2-4 yrs College or University; s A Degree or Diploma in Education Administration or a Degree or Diploma in Business Administration; s Minimum of two (2) years related experience preferably in an equivalent First Nations Education position; s Computer competency in Microsoft products and applications; s Ability to speak or have the willingness to learn the Nlaka”pamux language, culture and traditions; s Solid interpersonal, administration/organization and problem solving skills; s Proficient and articulate in oral and written communication; s Ability to organize, prioritize and manage workload and work independently; s Possession of a valid driver’s license; s Access to a reliable vehicle; s Must be willing to submit to a criminal record check; s Have knowledge of LNIB’s resources.

Salary: Based on experience Deadline: May 4th, 2015 @ 2:00pm (no exceptions) Start Date: ASAP Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume and 3 references to the Lower Nicola Indian Band at: Lower Nicola Indian Band Attn: Education Department Manager 181 Nawishaskin Lane Merritt, BC V1K 0A7 or Fax 250-378-6188 Attention: Education Department Manager or Email lcharlton@lnib.net We thank all those that apply however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

TUESDAY, April 28, 2015 • 11

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Lower Nicola Indian Band EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT COACH Job Posting The Lower Nicola Indian Band is in the process of establishing a new employment development service agency to serve its Members, and is seeking to hire the right candidate to champion this initiative. Reporting to the Director of Human Services, the Employment Development Coach will be responsible for providing career/employment coaching and counselling support to clients as well as promoting skills development, employment, training, and apprenticeship programs. As an active member of the LNIB Human Services team, the Employment Development Coach will be a professional role model supporting the Lower Nicola Indian Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vision of personal growth.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: s Coaches clients regarding career opportunities and issues including self-assessment, personal development as related to career development, work skills and employment readiness, job search strategies, occupational and labour market information and individual career choices. s Works with clients in the design and implementation of individual short/long term personal development plans. s Assists clients in issues and factors that may impact their career planning or impair their job ready status, and connects them to other personal development professionals or community service agencies for additional service as required. s Supports persons entering the labour market in tasks such as resume and cover letter preparation, job search strategies and techniques, networking, job interviews, and use of social media. s Exercises leadership and be the champion for keeping abreast of new initiatives and programs to meet LNIB membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; current needs and to plan for the future. s DeďŹ nes short and long term employment development goals and objectives for the LNIB Employment Development Strategy within the stated guidelines of the Lower Nicola Indian Band Vision Statement. Ensures follow up and implementation of these objectives, annual workplans, budgets, and strategic multi-year plans. s Develops, organizes, presents, and facilitates workshops/ awareness sessions to community & members. s Connects career building opportunities, including employment, training, and apprenticeship opportunities arising from impact management beneďŹ t agreements between LNIB and key stakeholders in the regional labour market, with individual career path of LNIB members. s Works with sponsors of career opportunities, job skills, training and apprenticeship programs, such as employers, industry, unions, and post-secondary institutions in the Nicola Valley and interested individuals in the development of initiatives and programs tailored to the needs of LNIB Members. s Provides labour market services to employers in the region and interfaces with employment development agencies and programs. s Actively engages with other LNIB human services programs, such as education, social development, health and wellness in working with individuals through individually-tailored capacity building and barrier-removal initiatives.

ADMINISTRATION/MEASURABILITY s Maintains conďŹ dential client ďŹ les and documentation. s Maintains statistical records of client contact. s Establishes and maintains update LNIB job bank and client database of skills and assets. s Assists in the development of funding proposals and their implementation. s Prepares reports and make presentations to Chief & Council, Director of Human Services Sector, LNIB membership, and sponsoring agencies and institutions.

COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS s In conjunction with the Director of Human Services, regularly communicates to the community & Band membership and promotes programs and services to LNIB members. s Contributes to every issue of the LNIB monthly newsletter.

EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS s Job coach and/or counselling diploma or degree. s At least three years of experience in an appropriate post-secondary environment is required. s Minimum of three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in job coaching and/or counseling. s Preference will be given to those who have worked with First Nations in the areas of skills and employment development and personal growth and development.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS s Proven ability to lead and work well with other individuals in a team environment to ensure high quality program delivery. s Solid analytical skills required to design and evaluate programs. s Capability to act as a liaison and effectively associate with other institutions and organizations. s High level of communication and human relation skills required to diffuse confrontational situations and maintain motivation. s High ethical standards required to ensure a high level of professionalism is maintained s Ability to speak or willingness to learn the Nlakaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;pamux language a pre-requisite. s Ability to interact and motivate clients returning to the labour force, contemplating career changes, or overcoming signiďŹ cant and persistent personal barriers.

Salary: Based on experience Deadline: May 4th at 4:00 P.M Start Date: ASAP Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume and 3 references to the Lower Nicola Indian Band at: Lower Nicola Indian Band Attn: Director of Human Services 181 Nawishaskin Lane Merritt, BC V1K 0A7 or Fax 250-378-5157 We thank all those that apply however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Job Posting: Education Coordinator Reporting to the Education Department Manager, the Education Coordinatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary role will be to assist in the planning, developing and administrating the affairs of the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Education programs and services.

DUTIES AND TASKS: s Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Lower Nicola Band policies, regulations and procedures and as directed by the Education Manager; s Assist in providing support services to the Lower Nicola Indian Band students, Parents and Teachers in the Public School system; s Assist in processing Post Secondary Education Applications for education assistance; s Assist in providing academic advising to postsecondary students; s Maintain and update the conďŹ dential Education ďŹ ling system; s In consultation with the Education Department Manager and the Director of Human Services, develop and amend as appropriate a short term and long term education plan for LNIB; s Liaises with students, parents and Public School Teachers; s Preparation of reports to the Department of Indian Affairs and funding agencies in consultation with the Education Manager; s Maintain a database of the training and education of the Lower Nicola Indian Band Community.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: s Minimum Grade 12 with at least 2-4 yrs College or University; s A Degree or Diploma in Education Administration or a Degree or Diploma in Business Administration; s Minimum of two (2) years related experience preferably in an equivalent First Nations Education position; s Computer competency in Microsoft products and applications; s Ability to speak or have the willingness to learn the Nlakaâ&#x20AC;?pamux language, culture and traditions; s Solid interpersonal, administration/organization and problem solving skills; s ProďŹ cient and articulate in oral and written communication; s Ability to organize, prioritize and manage workload and work independently; s Possession of a valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license; s Access to a reliable vehicle; s Must be willing to submit to a criminal record check; s Have knowledge of LNIBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources.

Salary: Based on experience Deadline: May 4th, 2015 @ 2:00pm (no exceptions) Start Date: ASAP Applicants are requested to submit their resume to the Lower Nicola Indian Band ofďŹ ce at: Lower Nicola Indian Band Attn: Education Department Manager 181 Nawishaskin Lane, Merritt, BC V1K 0A7 or Fax 250-378-6188 Attention Education Department Manager or Email: lcharlton@lnib.net We thank all those that apply however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MERRITT ROUND-UP Civic Center Parking Lot Saturday, May 2 • 10am - 3pm

Residents can drop-off these items FREE of charge.

Items collected will be safely disposed of, or recycled. If you are unsure if an item will be accepted contact the TNRD at: 1.877.377.8673

WHAT IS ACCEPTED? • Adhesives

• Paint

DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS?

• Aerosols

• Paint Thinner

BRING THAT IN TOO!

• Antifreeze

• Pesticide/Herbicides

• Batteries

• Pool chemical

• Corrosive/Toxic Liquids

• Oil

• Gasoline

• Oil Filters & Plastic Containers Less Than 30L

• Kerosene • Mercury and Mercury Containing Items (i.e. old thermostats)

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• Cleaners • Fertilizer • Grease & Tar

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

1.877.377.8673

Bring material that is not in an original labelled container and it will be tested by the staff and handled properly.