MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 • themerrittherald • > www.merrittherald.com FREE WEEKTHIS Merritt Fire and Rescue were on scene Wednesday morning after a fire had ignited inside the UK Spice building. STORY /PAGE 16 Central Elementary School on Voght Street will welcome back students on September 6, the first time since the floods. CENTRAL— REOPENS/PAGE5 QUILCHENA AVENUE FIRE Former Merritt City Councillor, Mike Bhangu, has put his name forward to run Mayor.—forMAYORAL/PAGERACE10 1852 HOUSTON STREET BRAD YAKIMCHUK Personal Real Estate Corporation http://brad-yakimchuk.c21.ca Ofce: 250-378-6166 Cell: 250-315-3043 Moving Real Estate BC LTD. CEN TU RY 21 ® $475,000 Take alook at this 2188 sq.ft. rancher with full basement on a 11,550 sq.ft. lot thereisaton of opportunity to nish this house the way you want. Therewas anew roof put on, new paint and apower upgrade to 200 amp service in July 2022. There are2large bedrooms as well as an ofce that could be used for asmall bedroom for ababy. On the main oor the family room is quite large. Thereispotentially another bedroom downstairs but it will need aclose or ar moire. The back yard has fruit trees and agarden area and is private. Thereisroom for acoach house in the back yard. Single car detached garage/workshop that is 14x32, great for the handyman. MLS#169172
1402 Voght Street
your
2876 Cranna Crescent
Cute and Cozy 2bedroom, 1bathroom home with alarge detached garage/shop located in the desired Lower Nicola area, just minutes from downtown Mer ritt. The lot is fully fenced with new gate, 8X12 storage shed with concrete floor,large detached 26 X24detached shop/garage, insulated and wired, agreat chicken coop with run.
water skiing, & amazing fishing, stocked with Kokanee and Rainbow trout. Launch your boat right from your property NEW SOLD 3-3260 Sunset Street MLS#169381 $199,000 55+ and looking for your retirement home, look no fur ther.Ver y nice 2bedroom, 2bathroom manufactured home located in the Sunnyview Mobile Home Park. Pad rent for the new owner will be $310.00 per month. Small pets accepted with restrictions. NEW 2476 Coutlee Avenue MLS#168940 $399,900 Super cute 3bedroom 1.5 bathroom rancher on anice flat fencedfully and landscaped lot. Owners have done many updates in the past 5years including new kitchen, bathroom, flooring and paint, hot water tank, fur nace and roof. House has some windows.updated Backyard has raspber ry bushes, rhubarb and an apple tree. NEW PRICE 1902 Nicola Avenue MLS#168892 $449,000 Welcome to this cute2bedroom1 bathroom homelocated on acor ner lot close to downtown Merritt! Home features 9ft ceil ngs and hashad niceupdates throughout the years. There is adetached 10X20 shop/ garagefor yourtoys and tools.Lotsofroom to garden and aprivate concretepatio to enjoyabarbecueand enter tain. NEW PRICE 1886
Grimmet
6441 Jagpal Way MLS#165831 $939,000 BREATHTAKING VIEWSofbeautiful Nicola Lake! Your retreat within just 2-3 hours of the LowerMainland. Come away to this lovely4bedroom, 3bath home with a2car 20’ x30’ garage/shop. Time to indulge yourself: bright kitchenwith warmdark maple cabinets,granite counter top island and heated floors. Garden doors lead out to upperBBQ deck overlooking the lake. Great room featuring acozy woodfireplaceand oakhardwood flooring.
2264 Granite Avenue
MLS#168660 $565,000 Per fect family home in agreat location! This lovely home features 5bedrooms, 2baths, with alarge open floor plan from the living room to the dining room and the kitchen. This home features a large attached garage which has access to the yard and entr y into the basement. an elementar y/preschool and cor ner store. Home has had some updates in the past including all new plumbing, water softener,2019 hot water tank, 2014 roof and brand new flooring in the main area of the second floor MLS#168311 $659,000 Custom-built rancher w/ walk-out basement -1 of 8homes in private cul-desac in desired Merritt bench. Over 150 sq. ft. of raised gardens in the back yard. Features: soaring ceilings, updated kitchen w/ quartz countertops, built-in cabinetr y, double pane windows &brand-new cooktop. Semi-covered balcony is per fect to enjoy your mor ning cup of coffee while listening to the songbirds.
437 Woodward Avenue
MLS#168689 $425,000 Immaculately kept 3bedroom, 1.5 bath family home on large cor ner lot in the downtown location. Home is located directly across the street from an elementar yschool and is within walking distance to the downtown city centre and walking trails.
A2 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com ht tps://legacy.britishcolumbia.remax.ca/ #113-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Your local RE/MAX Legacy Experts providing youwith the highest level of care. 250.378.6941 Ray Thompson REAL ESTATEPROFESSIONAL 250-315-3377 Valerie Kynoch PERSONAL REAL ESTATECORPORATION 250-280-0994 Sarah Dickie REAL ESTATEPROFESSIONAL 250-280-0835 Jordyn Chenier REAL ESTATEPROFESSIONAL 250-280-2353 Brenda Thompson REAL ESTATEPROFESSIONAL 250-315-8377 Janis Post PERSONAL REAL ESTATECORPORATION 250-315-3672 Karen Bonneteau PERSONAL REAL ESTATECORPORATION 250-315-5178 1651 Lindley Creek Road MLS#168815 $199,900 Build your dream home on this large 7,879 sq.ft lot w/easy access off Lindley Creek Road. The water and sewer ser vice run along the road and will need to be connected into the lot when building. Call today with any questions. All measurements are approx. Buyer to verify if deemed impor tant. 3445 D’Easum Road MLS#168977 $899,900 26 acresinthe Petit Creek areaclose to crown land and gor geous views of the valley. 4bedroommanufactured home on afull walkout basement. On theproper ty you have a24x23 garageand aseparate 34x25workshop with 200amp main SOLD 21-2776 Clapperton Avenue MLS#168279 $135,000 Looking for affordable living or agreat investment proper ty –here it is! This lovely 3bdr mhome has been owned and occupied by the same owner since new.This immaculate, well-kept home features many new upgrades including anew high efficiency natural gas fur nace with central a/c, new hot water tank, new flooring, paint, complete plumbing upgrade and faucet replacement and full electrical inspection. 6528 Waterside Trail SL12-MLS#164854-$275,000 SL10-MLS#164852-$280,000 SL13-MLS#164853-$285,000 Welcome to Waterside Trail –anew bare land water front stra ta community in the beautiful Nicola Lakeshore Estates. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake, one of locations.BC’spremiere 1363 Garcia Street MLS#168898 $299,000 FRESH STARToppor tunity! Reasonably priced one level bright 2 bedroom home, family kitchen, wood stove to save on the heat bills, 2sheds ,nice little fenced yard. Easy access, walking distance to shopping &schools. All measurements are approximate, buyer to verify if deemed impor tant. 15-2760 Voght Street MLS#169021 $319,000 YOUR RARE CHANCE¬¬ to become par tof a55plus community in Mer ritt! Spacious 2bed, 2bath unit in McCallum Riverside Gardens. Private patio and your own laundr yinhome. Common room available for resident’suse. Professionally managed strata, beautifully kept grounds and gardens. 2488 Spring Bank Avenue
Beautifully updated rancher home located close to downtown! Don’t miss out on this 3bedroom 2bathroom home that has been fully updated. Home features all fresh paint, awood bur ning fireplace, tongue and groove fir ceiling through out, new appliances in the kitchen with lots of cabinets and a brand new 3piece ensuite with abar ndoor off the master.Mud room has a custom wood bench with storage.
MLS#168059 $775,000 Immaculate fully renovated home on the Bench. This bright and air y tur n-key house offers open concept main space, gas fireplace in the living room, stunning new kitchen that is equipped with soft close draw ers, quar tz counters and abeautiful gas range. Amechanics dream awaits you in the back yard with a24X36 heated detached shop.
and family
MLS#168788 $489,000 Very nice 2level home with many extras to enjoy.The main level offers aver ynice open design with kitchen, living and dining area with access to your privacy fenced back yard with your largeamazing covered/sun deck with lots of enter taining room. Additional features include: A/C, hot water on demand &125 amp electrical ser vice.
1603 Phillips Street
MLS#168552 $484,000
NEW PRICE 2090 Gillis Crescent MLS#168772 $579,000 Cute little bungalow house located on an excellent street in Bench location. Per fect family home is only minutes from the elementa ry school, tennis cour ts and outdoor neighbor hood arena. Private backyard features anice size deck, treehouse for the kids to play and tons of room for your pets to roam in the fully fenced yard. NEW PRICE 2830 Scott Place MLS#169132 $629,900 Don’t miss out on this great 5bedroom 3bathroom two storey family home in aquiet cul-de-sac. House is located close to
NEW PRICE
1876 Coldwater Avenue
and
MLS#169293 $710,000 From the moment you step into this home, you will feel like you have found your forever home. This home has been completely renovated inside and out. The unique design offers an open concept design but also offers some separation. Main floor features vaulted ceilings, arched entr yways, and shiplap feature walls.
MLS#169186 $489,500
MLS#168116 $439,000
MLS#168264 $325,000 Incredible oversized .70 of an acre lot. Don’t miss out on build ing your dream home in one of the best neighbor hoods in The Nicola Valley! This lot offers great building potential, close to shopping amenities and is overlooking the Nicola River giving you endless mountain/river views.
MLS#168819 $349,900 Cute little 1bedroom, 1bathroom home on a6000 sq ft fully manicured and fenced lot. Updates include: cer tified Blaze King wood stove, new roof in 2018, kitchen appliances, cement kitchen counter tops, reconfiguration of laundr yand hot water tank, flooring, bathroom, kitchen cabinetr y, new back deck and detached 10x16 (160 sq ft) fully finished secondar ybuilding.
1560 ChestnutAvenue
NEW PRICE 2500 ReidCourt
MLS#168607 $709,000 West coast contemporar yRancher style home in quiet neighbourhood. This home features clean lines with acrisp modernfeel. Home has large kitchen with acr ylic cabinetr y, soft close hardware, large centre island and stainless steel appliances. Open concept design features 9ftceilings, gas f/p, lam inate flooring w/custom tilework, quartz counter tops throughout, built in vacuum, pre-wired for hot tub and vaulted ceilings for anice touch.
3338 Street
2387 Reid Avenue
100 Golden Quill Trail MLS#166667 $1,600,000 LAKEFRONT HOME on spectacular Stump Lake! 2.72 virtually flat acres with approx 150 ft of shoreline. Aplace to gather with family &friends to savour the moments this lakeside property has to offer.Renowned for wind sur fing, Douglas Street Don’t miss out on this ver ycute 3bedroom 1bathroom home on an over sized nicely landscaped lot! Third bedroom has laundr y, but can easily be put back downstairs. Lots of room for gardening with astorage shed for equipment acovered concrete patio to enjoy with friends
The Herald has reached out to the Merritt RCMP for comment on the new tent city, including any possible enforce ment against or support for those inhabit ing the building. At the May 24 regular meeting of Council, councillors voted 4-1 to allow the use of tents for overnight camping in N’Kwala Park, a small park north of Lions Memorial Park. The park is also adjacent to the Merritt Community Shelter, which offers daily meals, showers, storage lockers, and beds. The shelter is operated by the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS), with funding from BC Housing and Interior Health.
Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A3www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS 11EverOpenyday am - 10 pm Wings and Things | Alter native Crusts | Panzerottis | Bread Basket | Sweet Treats | Chicken Bur ger Own| Create Your Own (236)575-2236 - Local number 2302 Nicola Ave, Merritt, BC Website: www.pizzapizza.com PEOPLE’S Merritt HeraldChoice2021People’s AWARD Best Pizza 1 Large Pizza 3 toppings/3 drinks $1599 2 Medium Pizzas 2 toppings/4 Combo/4 drinks $1999
A new ‘Tent City’ has emerged in Merritt’s downtown core, in an unfinished building on Quilchena Avenue. Marius Auer/Herald
INSIDE THE HERALD merrittherald.com Online The Merritt Community Cooler is a Facebook page launched in July of 2022, the brainchild of Carly Johnston, a former dog groomer and avid gar dener looking to give back to the com munity. COMMUNITY COOLER Search ‘COOLER’ DQ celebrated ‘Miracle Treat Day’ on Thursday, August 11. The fast food chain, most popular for its frozen des serts, have dedicated a day to raise money for children and their families. MIRACLE TREAT DAY Search ‘DQ’ Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports Classifieds-------------------17-18-----------20-22 WEATHER Aug. 25: Sunny 33°/13°C Aug. 26: Sunny 28°/15°C Aug. 27: Partly Cloudy 24°/12°C Aug. 28: Partly Cloudy 26°/9°C Aug. 29: Sunny 29°/9°C Aug. 30: Sunny 32°/11°C WEATHER ‘Tent City’ sets up in Merritt’s downtown core
A new ‘tent city’ has surfaced in down town Merritt, just three months after City Council approved the use of tents over night in N’Kwala Park by those facing homelessness. Located in an unfinished building in the 2100 block of Quilchena Avenue, multiple tents and other make shift structures have been erected in the foundation of the long abandoned proj ect.Tent cities have become a common sight throughout both metropolitan and rural municipalities in B.C., shed ding light on the ongoing underlying issues of housing insecurity and addic tions. Recently, police moved to clear out a large homeless encampment in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, after an order by the City’s Fire Chief cited potentially “catastrophic” fire risk. The City of Merritt says it may take action if staff receive complaints or witness infrac tions, and stressed that N’Kwala Park is the only approved camping location in the“Thecity. only place in Merritt where homeless people are allowed to camp is N’Kwala Park, between 7pm and 8am,” said the City in a statement to the Herald. “Camping in other locations in the City is not allowed. The City may take action when staff see, or receive com plaints about, infractions such as unsight ly property issues, trespass, etc. If there are any violations of law, the RCMP are responsible for enforcement.”
The latest numbers offered by the Province’s homeless count initiative are from 2020, and detected that 43 people were unhoused. In 2018, only 11 resi dents were identified as unhoused. The Province plans to complete its Report on Homeless Counts annually, and says that recent investments through Budget 2022 looks to support those facing homeless ness.“We’re more than doubling the num ber of community integration specialists to better help people access the ser vices they need,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “As well, we’re introducing a change to our shelter allowance to provide a new minimum base rate and will be funding tenant startup kits to assist people moving from homelessness into more stable hous ing.”For more information on NVSSS, and other supports offered for those facing housing insecurity, visit www.nvshelt erandsupport.com.
A4 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com VISIT MERRITT.CA/WATERING Water RESTRICTIONS LE VE L 1 CITY OF MERRITT INFORMATION MERRITT.CA Opportunities Career VISIT MERRITT.CA/EMPLOYMENT VARIOUS POSITIONS AVAILABLE: • FULL-TIME • PART-TIME • SEASONAL • TEMPORARY All Council meetings are open to the public, unless closed by law. For your convenience, all meetings are streamed online at www.merritt.ca TUESDAY, SEPT 20, 2022 , 6PM | CITY HALL: REGUL AR COUNCIL MEETING COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FIRE BAN LEARN MORE MERRITT.C A/FIREBAN FIRE DANGER RATING (MERRITT.C A/FIREDANG ER ): MEDIUM MEET MAYOR BROWN WEDNESDAYS | 10:00 AM 3:00 PM CALL: 250-378-4224 OR VISIT THE FRONT COUNTER BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Elec tion 2022NOMINATIONS OPEN GET YOUR PACKAGE AT MERRITT.CA/ELECTION-2022 VISIT MERRITT.CA/POOL Closure ANNUAL NIC OLA VA LLEY AQ UA TIC CE NTR ECLOSED POOL: SEPT 3 25, 2022 FITNESS ROOM: SEPT 3 18, 2022 RE-OPENING POOL: SEPT 26, 2022 FITNESS ROOM: SEPT 19, 2022 LAST DAY: SEPT 2 THURS DAY AU G 25 6 :00 - 8:00 PM RO TA RY PA RK Music Parkin the Coquihalla Coyotes VISIT MERRITT.CA/TAXEXEMPTION PH IL AN TH RO PI ES + NON-P RO FI TS + CH ARI TI ES 2023-2024 APPLICATIONS DUE SEPTEMBER 12 Tax Exemption PE RM ISS IVE ption PR OP ER TY VISIT MERRITT.CA/ARENA NOW OPE N Ice RINK NICOLA VA LLEY M EMOR IAL ARENA PUBLIC SKATE BEGINS FRIDAY, SEPT 9 Public Offi ce LEARN WHAT IT ME ANS TO SERVE IN E: CANDIDATES@MERRITT.CA PU BL IC EN GA GE ME NT SE SS IO N CO UNC IL CH AM BE RS | CI TY HAL L TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 | 6:00PM
As the teachers, administrators, and students continued on with their regular business, School District 58 employed On Side Restoration to do repairs on the damaged campus. The contractor is a company based in Kamloops that, at one point, sent over 100 crew members dur ing the peak of restoration of the three flood-affected schools and the SD58 board
He also noted that throughout the campus ran a crawl space that was four feet in height. Roughly three feet of Izaiah
Merritt Central Elementary School finishes the restoration of the flood-damaged playground before the start of school in September. Izaiah Reyes/Herald
Central Elementary School reopens campus
Restoration and clean up were funded by insurance claims the school has to the Province. Furniture, custodial equipment, electronics, and other important items were added to the inventory list to be replaced.Finnigan said that the repair crew has been hard at work since December, clocking in 12-hour shifts to slowly chip away at the work needed to be done for the school to reopen. “All the wood from the flooring had to come up, all new plywood had to go down, all the walls were cut, gyprock was added to the walls, cabinet trees inside the classrooms had to be redone, and we have new countertops.”
After nearly a year of repairing its flood-damaged campus, Merritt Central Elementary School (CES) will finally reopen its doors for teachers, students and staff in September. The notorious November 2021 floods, due to an atmo spheric river event, had caused massive destruction in its wake and, unfortu nately, CES took a major hit. However, thanks to the efforts of a hard-working maintenance crew, the support of the school district and many community members, most of the damages the cam pus has sustained were repaired and it will be ready for school by September 6. The atmospheric river event on November 15, 2021 caused the water of Coldwater River to rise rapidly. With the river running its course very close to CES grounds, the school quickly got hit by flood “Waterwaters.came in from the outside doors,” said Operations Manager Darrell Finnigan. “It ran through the classrooms, down the hallways, and just got into everything besides the gym.”
Vale Elementary students had to report to different schools as their campuses were deemed either partially or fully unusable. CES students occupied Cross Roads Community Church, Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church, and the Coquihalla Middle School to continue their“Bouncingstudies. around in different loca tions is very unsettling for the admin istration, teachers, students, and their families,” said Dan Duncan, Principal of CES. “We’re just relieved that we can return to campus in September. The move will be very calming for all of us because we will regain the sense of knowing what’s up.”
The flood water seeped through all of the main entry ways of the campus as well as the auxiliary exits found at select classrooms. The flood water varied in height, with the higher areas only getting one inch of water while the lower levels having approximately 18 inches of water. When evacuation orders for most of the residents were lifted CES along with Merritt Secondary and Diamond
“Theoffice.restoration crew that came in, one of their tasks is to take inventory of every item that was damaged in the flood,” said Dylan Richardson, secre tary treasurer for SD58. “If there were books damaged in the flood, then that book gets inventoried. The same concept applies to other equipments as well.”
See CES Page 9 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A5www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Quilchena Cannabis Co. Formoreinformation stop by Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC or call 250-378-5 420 Quilchena Canna Company M19+ UST BE Part of the proceeds will go to the FEA TURING BOBBY GARCIA & 6 MORE STRINGS TICKETS $25 • 19+ SEPTEMBER 3 2022 nicolavalleyrodeo.com September 3&4, 2022 • 1pm Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds Merritt, BC Our rodeo is a high quality, action-packed family event that honours the ranching and rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley. THE RODEO IS BACK! Advance tickets at PURITY FEED Merritt or online at nicolavalleyrodeo.com SA TURD AY D ANC E GET TO KNOW THE SERV ICES OFFER ED IN YOUR CO MM UN IT Y 250. 378.3923 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FAIR OC T1 ,2 02 2 10: 00 AM -3 :00 PM NO N-P RO FI T Presents the 2ndAnnual Civic Centre From 10:00am to 3:00pm To Register, call or contact admin@c fdcnv.com $1 5.00 per table fee For al ive interview with Experience Nicola Valley $30 Pu bl ic Admission FREE Non- pr ofit Orga nizatio ns, Rec rea tional and Spec ia l Intere st Grou ps Saturday COMMUNITY FUTURES NIC OLA VAL LEY Free Admission Registerby Sept9th
NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COMReyes
One of the ways that people experience culture is through their cuisines. Food can be a vehicle for sarybeingalongexchange,andexpressionartisticculturalwithneces-tosustain life. Humans differ in their connection to food from other members of the animal kingdom, who eat only for nutrients and sustenance. Our editorial team at the Herald is a diverse bunch, if you call two people a ‘bunch.’ Regardless, neither of us were born in Canada. I was born in Nuremberg, Germany and have lived here in Merritt since 2008. Izaiah was born in Laguna, Philippines and has lived in Canada since 2011. Regularly, we discuss the cultures and environments we grew up in, and these discussions often lead to the universally appealing topic of food. While I have yet to bring in one of the delicious German meals I grew up eating (my cooking is limited to nachos and pizza bagels), Izaiah has brought in a number of treats from the Philipine cuisine. Cassava cake, a sweet but mild dessert, has been my favourite so far. Everything we’ve tried so far was delicious, and boosted my appreciation for having the opportunity to live in this multicultural country.Next time someone offers you a new food from a different culture, although new experiences can be scary, say yes. You’ll learn so much about other cultures, and even about yourself.
VIEWPOINT You Gotta Eat Here
EDITORIAL Sales kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.comOfficeRepresentativeAdministratorKenCouture250-378-4241MakingAdvertisingWorkForYou.TheresaPublisherArnold publisher@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 Editor Izaiah Reyes newsroom@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 MariusReporterAuer reporter@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 Students, parents, and teachers: Submit your student art to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first served basis. Semiah Cote-Oppenheim www.merrittherald.com6 • THURSDAY, January 6, 2022 VIEWPOINT 2090 Granite ave., PO BOx 9, Merritt, B.C. PhOne (250) 378-4241 Fax (250) 378-6818MERRITT HERALD 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. This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. TheresaPublisherArnold publisher@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 Sales kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.comOfficeRepresentativeAdministratorKenCouture250-378-4241MakingAdvertisingWorkForYou.Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com250-378-4241 A CALL FOR STUDENT ART: Students, parents, and teachers, send your student art to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured in print each week! (First come, first serve basis.) MARIUS AUER REPORTERHERALD A6 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com
APPROVEDPROPOSALMALLCitycouncil passed the rezoning application for a new 100,000 square foot mall for Merritt but the project wont be going ahead just yet.
Jameel Aziz, Superintendent YK1 School District
beenpermitdevelopmenttionrezoningcilWhilemallopmentthetoStreetandalongtheforHoldingsGaucherappliedrezoningofpropertyColdwaterGarciainorderconsolidateentiredevel-fortheproposal.coun-passedtheapplica-themall’shasnotissued.
ALBAS: “CERB sees increase to identity theft”
For most Canadians identity theft is a concern however, unless you have personally been a victim of identity theft, most are unaware how serious the consequences can be and how challenging they are to rectify. In terms of actual numbers, since the COVID pandemic, reported identity theft incidents have increased to over 17,000 in 2020 and, while the data is not yet in for 2021, it is widely expected to have doubled.
DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A7www.merrittherald.com Twoweek SPECIAL EATINORTAKE OUT Star ting Aug. 25 -Sept. 7, 2022 HOURS: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 5pm 2052250-378-6292 Quilchena Ave. BUTTER CHICKEN •SAMOSAS •FRESH FISH&CHIPS HOT SOUPS, FRESH SALADS, COLD SANDWICHES AVAILAB L BLE! 3pc Chicken Strips with fries, gravy and pop Only..... + tax 1399 Bacon &Tomato Sandwich with fries, gravy and pop Only..... + tax 11399 399 +tax 6Chicken or Beef Samosas Only.....
LETTERS to the editor
The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any addressedsubject,tothe editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters com.merrittherald.newsroom@to: archives: August, 1995
One of the reasons for this significant increase in identity thefts relates to CERB. CERB was a program that had very few safeguards against identity theft, and worse, made it a profitable activity among criminals and other unsavoury individuals.Currently there are Canadians shocked to be told they must repay CERB benefits they never received, as they discover they have been a victim of identity fraud. For those who have been victimized it is a very challenging situation to rectify as many institutions operate under a reverse onus environment where a victim of identity theft must prove they were not in any way responsible for the situation in question.Many in frustration turn to the media and no doubt you have likely heard about identity theft as a result of media stories on this subject. In my view governments at all levels are not doing much to combat this growing problem. If you are a user of “Google” online, you will know that if your account is accessed, or there is an attempt to access your account from a new location, you will receive a verification text or email asking you to confirm the login or attempted login Googledetails.ofcourse is not the only online company using two or multi step verification, many other social media platforms have done this, as have a growing number of banks and credit unions, to verify one’s identity when accessing online services.Even logging into your account remotely with CRA now involved a 2-step verification process. Unfortunately, when it comes to your credit rating, there is no credit rating organization that I could identify that uses a verification process or alert as Google does when someone accesses your credit file.
Moving on to the Northwest Territories
Giving how far technology has come in terms of accessibility and scale, I don’t think it’s unreasonable that someone could sign up so that every time there is an inquiry on their credit rating, that they should be contacted by the credit rating agency in question by a text or email and informed who is making the inquiry. However as these credit scores impact the ability for citizens to get a loan or mortgage, or in some cases rent a property, and making sure that credit scores are being used correctly with companies that you have decided to transact with and not nefariously by fraudsters is a legitimate counterpoint.Thecostsof such an alert system have come down and it’s in everyone’s interests to minimize fraud.Ihave done some research on this idea through the Library of Parliament and unfortunately due to how some financial services, like credit bureau’s, are regulated provincially throughout Canada, through consumer protection laws, it is not something that could be addressed through a private member’s bill otherwise I would consider tabling such a bill. Would you support credit rating agencies advising you when there is an inquiry on your credit rating file?
Editor, As the 2021/2022 school year ended, I did not have the opportunity to thank and share with the students, staff and families of SD58 that I have transitioned to a new role as Superintendent/CEO of the YK1 School District in Yellowknife. The decision and announcement occurred after schools had let out for the summer. I have to share it has been a pleasure to work with the Board, the professional staff and students of both Merritt, Princeton and our Indigenous communities over the past five years.SD58 has established itself as a student focussed SD and is creating wonderful outcomes for students through the many focussed and varied programs and initiatives it has put in place to ensure “Success for all Students.” The improving graduation rates and post secondary transition rates are just two of many successes the SD has had. The continued focus on literacy to establish a strong foundation for students will serve them well moving forward. SD58 continues to work to provide all students the myriad of opportunities that exist including Trades and Academic options.Knowing the adversity our communities have faced over the past three years with COVID, fires and the November floods it is truly amazing that SD58 has achieved what it has. Those achievements are due to the efforts of staff, families and communities who all did whatever it takes to ensure the success of students and create the best possible learning conditions in spite of everything thrown at them.Iwill be emulating many of the practices SD58 has adopted in my new locale over time, while I learn about the excellent work already occurring in YK1. It was an honor and privilege to serve SD58 and I know there are many successes still in front of them as they continue to focus on improving the life chances and outcomes for all students within its schools.
LETTERSPOLICY OPINION Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com From the Herald
1pm
-Love to Dance Academy Nicola Valley Cruisers display Nicola Valley Farmers Market vendors Fall Fair runs from noon to 7pm Rodeo starts 1pm Rodeo Dance at Civic
Customers across B.C. should expect minimal stock of alcohol at their local BC Liquor Stores as distribution has stopped due to a union strike. It was announced on Friday, August 19, that BC Liquor Stores have limited alcohol purchases as a response to the ongoing job action by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU). The dwindling liquor stock is expected to negatively impact restaurants, pubs, and bars who order from the gov ernment-run liquor stores. The union’s strike at select Liquor Distribution Branch locations have caused the rationing of alcohol sales. No more than three of any individual item may be purchased per customer, per day, at BC Liquor Stores. Formats such as four-packs and six-packs will count as one product.
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) reminds people that they can still order products from Brewers Distributed Ltd (BDL) as well as BC’s craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and distillers who offer direct delivery. See below for a list of local producers.
“We share your deep frustrations that your businesses are being unfairly impact ed by this ongoing labour dispute. We have been in regular communication with government and have also connected with the BCGEU to ensure they understand how your small businesses are being hurt by this strike action,” stated ABLE BC in a recent press release. B.C.’s private liquor stores will not be implementing similar restrictions and only beer is exempt, and the restrictions are expected to be in place until BCGEU reaches an agreement and distribution centres resume their operations.
“Our members have been crystal clear since day one that their priority this round of bargaining was cost of living protec tion for their wages,” said Stephanie Smith, BCGEU president and chair of the union’s public service bargaining commit tee.“The bottom line is they’re not ask ing for anything that MLAs don’t already have. The strike vote in June and issuing strike notice today is a message to govern ment that our members are serious.”
Quilchena Avenue rezoning
Izaiah NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COMReyes
BC Liquor
BCGEU’s public service bargaining unit began a targeted job action at select BC Liquor Distribution Branch whole sale and distribution centres on Monday, August 15, at 3:30 pm. Picket lines went up at the following locations:DeltaDistribution Centre (DDC) –7003 72nd Street, Delta, B.C. Kamloops Distribution Centre (KDC) –9881 Dallas Drive, Kamloops, B.C. Richmond Distribution Centre (RDC) – 3389 No 6 Rd, Richmond, B.C. Victoria Wholesale Customer Centre –2291 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. Burnaby’s Wholesale Customer Centre and the Customer Care Centre (Cannabis division) was also part of the job action but didn’t have a picket line. Retail liquor and cannabis stores will not be part of this phase of job action.
Merritt’s BC Liquor Store is located inside Railyard Mall along Garcia Street. Marius Auer/Herald
2:00
Merrittonians came out in force to Tuesday night’s council meeting, sharing their thoughts with the Mayor and Council on a possible rezoning. The public hearing, scheduled during the August 23 regular meeting, saw the public viewing gallery packed with onlookers. A former CN Railway track, running along Quilchena Avenue, the subject property was purchased by the City of Merritt in 2013. The property is currently zoned as Low Density Residential (R2) and Park & Cemetery (P1). The proposed rezoning hopes to make way for more housing - specifically temporary hous ing for those affected by the floods. The City tentatively plans to put 3D printed homes and a walking path in that area. The current P1 zoning would remain, but Small Parcel Residential (R3) and Medium Density Residential (R7) would be added. The property itself flooded during the November 2021 floods, prompting con cern from citizens about its new proposed use.A total of eight locals addressed council in-person on Tuesday night, along with 15 letters submitted beforehand. All were against the rezoning. The main concerns heard by council from locals were the loca tion of the property in the floodplain, the width of the lot in comparison to other city properties, and the shift away from the property’s intended use as a part of the City’s Active Transportation Plan.
Several individuals cited concerns about prioritizing the rezoning over other flood mitigation and recovery initiatives, with others concerned about who would occupy the temporary housing after flood-affected residents are back in their homes. Council will now consider the input gathered during the public hearing, and vote on the rezoning at the next meeting of council, scheduled for September 20, 2022.
-Bobby Garcia SUNDAY,Sept4,2022 Fall Fair runs from
Store rations alcohol amidst union strike
A8 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Looking for work? We canHelp! Helping British ColumbiansFind& Keep Jobs Our Programs andServicesare Free! P: 250-378-5151 E: info-merritt@workbc.ca @workbcmerritt Job Search Resources Job Coaching CareerPlanning Resumes&CoverLetters Interview Preparation 1on1 Employment Workshops Internet /Copy/ Fax Computer workstations Skills Training ShortTerm Certification WageSubsidyProgram Self-Employment Program CareerAssessments DisabilitySupports Assistive Technology WorkClothing& Gear *eligibility conditions apply LABOUR DAY WEEKEND ITINERARY Merritt Welcomes You! FRIDAY,Sept. 2 Doug James Band -Spirit Square 7pmto9pm SATURDAY,Sept3 Rotar yPancake Breakfast -Spirit Square 8am-10am Street Market on Quilchena 9:30 am to 2pmincludes the following: 10 am to noon -Bobby Garcia 11:30 am to 12:30 -Estry Hiltz -Illusionist in the audience Noon to 12:30 pm -Stick HorseContest 12:30
1:30 pm -Old Time Fiddlers 1:30
Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer
The former railway corridor along Quilchena Avenue could see some new development, aim ing to relieve flood-caused housing shortages in Merritt. Photo/City of Merritt pm to to pm Center 9:30 am to 2:30 pm opens at
Rodeo
From Page 5 Items transferred from Coquihalla Middle School are now being unpacked to prepare for the school year. Izaiah Reyes/Herald THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A9www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Make senseofyour hearing Schedule ahearing assessment at oneofour twoconvenient Kamloops locations today! Youhaveoptions to improve your hearing. We’reheretohelp. Your hearing is an impor tantpar tofyour health. It helps youstayconnec tedtoyour lovedonesand maintain a good quality of life. Ourteam of clinical audiologists andpatientcarestaff are focused on complete assessmentsand custom hearing solutionsfor ever yone thatvisits our clinics Ourgoalistoalwaysprovide personalized carebefore, during,and af teryour hearing assessmenttoensureyou’re getting the best suppor tpossible. CAROLYN PALAGA AUDIOLOGY SERVICES Sahali Professional Hearing Services 250.374.5767 •sahaliprohearingservices.com #10B -1315Summit Dr.K amloops FortuneCentreHearing Clinic 250.554.3706 •for tunecentrehearingclinic.com #8A -750 Fortune Dr.K amloops DON’T LET THEHEATGET TO YOU NE 250-378-5104 WE R CALL THE COOL LI ’ E YOUR SOURCE FOR LENNOX AIR CONDITIONERSBeat the H! t 1Don’t leave purses or valuables inside vehicles over night. 2Lock vehicles when exiting, make it ahabit. 3Ifleaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight. 4Park in awell lit area. 5Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police Hereafew helpful hints to help prevent motor vehilcle break-ins: PREVENTTHEFTS FROM YOUR MOTORVEHICLE 250-378-5104 2151 COUTLEE AVE., coppervalley@uniserve .com THIS MESSAGE IS BROUGHT TO YOUBY One Stop Love Shop KAMLOOPS: 743 VICTORIA ST •250-377-8808 CHILLIWACK: 44310 YALE RD •604-795-6566 Open 7daysaweek CHECK OUT OUR NEW ARRIVALS
water filled that crawl space, caus ing molding and damage to the building. Work to address this issue started in December and ended in May. “They had to clean underneath, suck up mud, ster ilize, and apply mold September,”intheirbeenteachersalreadythetomaintenancematerialsequipmenthadgroundsaccessstaffJune,theprocessofwasexplained.floors,”underneathtreatmenttheFinnigan“Thattheportionthisrestorationwhichtookmostwork.”BytheendofteachersandwereabletotheschoolandpackedtheirandforCESteamtransferbacktocampus.“There’sbeenafewwhohavebacktosetclassroomspreparationforsaid
Vice well.”comingtosoinclusivefromhinderedrestrictionsthebeforesheverytolookingcomingdentsteachers“useablewillclassroomsalvagedisroomsinandexcited“MostNatashaPrincipalOmori.ofthemaretogetbackeverybodybetheirownclassagain.”Omorisaidsheexcitedabouttheoutdoorwhichbeagreatspace”forandstutouseafterback.“Teachersareforwardafreshstartmuch,”said.“Eventhefloods,COVID-19havethemdoingregularpracticeswelookforwardallofthosebackasWiththefirst day of school being two weeks away, restoration for the MerritthavesoandtionimportantweSeptemberget“TheSteveSuperintendentthankstaff,nanceteachers,parents,nity,thankleft.atrestorationandonlyaboutcampusCentralisjustdone,withunpackingsomeminorworktheplayground“I’dliketothecommutheProvince,students,mainteandfinancelotsofyous,”saidMcNiven.goalistoreadyforandknowhoweducaisforchildrentheirfamilieswe’rehappytothembackatCentral.”
CES campus ready for new school year
Former City Councillor announces Mayoral Bid
Mike Bhangu, a local author and former Merritt City Councillor, has announced his intention to run for the office of Mayor in the ingdebate,tics.”rumours,aboutcontemplationcomesthelot.GoetzCouncillorformerTonyBrown,bentHeChambersspottanttheBhanguFacebookmessagemadeannouncement,leadershipwithcitingDecemberBhangufromCityServingmunicipalupcomingelection.onMerrittCouncil2018-2021,resignedinof2021,concernstheMayor’sabilities.Withhisviaavideoonhispage,becomesfourthcontesforthetopintheCouncilthisfall.willfaceincumMayorLindaCouncillorLuck,andMerrittCityMikeonthebalBhangusaiddecisiontorunaftermuch“hategames,andpoli“Aftermuchandknowofthevicious
ness that it comes with, I’ve decided to compete for the Mayor’s chair,” said Bhangu in a video statement.“Ihave no personal agenda, as I’ve has often criticized the City of Merritt for maintaining the status“Politicsquo. is a fascinating beast. In particular, when one represents the people, those who do typically win the support of the voter. Those who do, typically face plots to prevent their climb,politicalandthe go to tactic is to dirty the name,” added Bhangu in his video.
Photo/ Herald File Photo
approval2021.residenceanstemmingharm,fromincidentathisinJuneFollowingtheofcharges in August of the same year, Bhangu will face trial on the charge starting November 24, 2022 at the Merritt Law Courts, just one month after the municipal elections. Bhangu has pub licly called these allegations untrue, citing an
positions.honourmissioninglookingofisedMayor.enteredMerrittoniansofforBhanguonCityFormer‘Mikethemessage,Hall.isnewsince.andhisBrown,cizedhasChambers.dermovetionremainsMerrittonians.advocatedapproachtookBhangutimereligion.politics,onaanCouncillorborncommunitywellbeingandfortakearenaIshowngreed,norepeatedly.provenIhaveinclinationofwhichI’vemanytimes.stepintothiswillingtothepunches,onereason,thatisfortheoftheIwasin.”Theformerisalsoauthor,penningnumberofbooksthetopicsofhistory,andDuringhisoncouncil,saidheapeople-firstandforThishisintenashelookstouptheladintheCouncilBhanguopenlycritiMayorLindabothduringtimeoncouncilinthetimeHebelievesleadershipneededatCityInhisvideopostedtoFacebookpageBhangu,MerrittCouncillor,”August23,askedthesupporthisfellowashetheraceforHepromtobethetypeleaderlocalsarefor,followhisself-declaredofrestoringtoelectedBhangu
Mike resignedBhanguinlate 2021, citing concerns in the Mayor’s ability to lead or represent council lors fairly. Marius COMMERRITTHERALD.REPORTER@Auer
tionmunicipalleave.allegedlyingindividual”“uninvitedenterhishomeandrefusingtoThenextelecwilltake place on October 15, and will ca/election22.visitonmorefourCouncillorsoneMerrittoniansseeelectMayorandsixtoayearterm.Forinformationtheelection,www.merritt.
Bhangu cur rently faces charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily
A10 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS ColdwaterSchool Nursery to Grade 7Registration for2022– 2023 Full-timeNursery/Head Start (mustbeturning4yearsold by December 31, 2022) Full-timeKindergarten (mustbe5 years oldbyDecember 31,2022) BusServicesfromMerritt provided NcʼɬletkwuSchool Cultural and Language Program Outdoor Nature Walks, traditional games,music and local stories. Hands on projects andfield tripsmay include: drying fish making tule mats making hemp tanning hides hand drums gathering tea picking berries SpiusCreeksalmonhatching program winter fun identifying plants Benefits of ourClasses strong focus on local culture small classsize loving and caringenvironment individual educationplans dedicated teachers and staff NewNursery/Kindergarten Play Area underconstruction! Planters,big rocks, sand,Sheeshtkin,and more! Formoreinformationplease contact us at Tel: 250-378-9261 or Email: principal@coldwaterschool.ca @FaceBookColdwater School 709-170th St Merritt, BC VK 1B8 Registration formscan be pickedupfromthe school or we can email/fax themdirectly to you. DAILYBREAKFAST PROGRAM As always theColdwater School will be followingall provincial COVID-19 gu idelines to ensurethe ongoing health andwell-beingofour children.
All students in this program attend Collettville Elementary School {GradesK-7), and Merritt SecondarySchool {Grades 8- 12 ).
The Community Learning Centre offerscoursesfor Grade 10 to 12 students to complete their DogwoodDiploma. Alongwith academic coursework, students will have the opportunity to participateinanOutdoor land based lear ning program, have access to additional social emotional supports and transition planningintothe adult world. Newstudentscan registerbycalling 250-378-2157.
able online, or in person at the TNRD’s tions-2022/.www.tnrd.ca/elecdidate,registerinformation,qualified.beholdingbeingnominatedorBritishfiedand(AugustdateatelymonthsforBritishzen;Votingorelectorallivingments,followingalselections,upcomingDirectorTNRDtorelease.TNRDcation,”nominationinanywhichfilledtoofincludeferred,innominationcareer.theirlookinglimitspaignments,process,thedocumentheadquarters.KamloopsThelaysoutnominationcommitandcamspendingforthosetolaunchlocalpolitical“Droppingoffformspersonispreasthiswillareviewalldocumentsensuretheyareoutcorrectly,willmitigatepotentialdelaysprocessingtheapplisaidtheinapressTobeeligiblerunorvoteforAreainthelocalindividumustmeettherequireontopofinaTNRDarea:18yearsofageolderonGeneralDay;CanadiancitiResidentofColumbiaatleastsix(6)immedipriortotheofnomination30,2022);ArenotdisqualifromvotinginColumbia,frombeingfor,electedtooroffice,orotherwisedisFormoreortoasacanpleasevisitThose wishing to put their name forward to serve as a TNRD Area Director have until September 9 to submit their nomination paperwork. Photo/Herald File Photo Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer Nomination Packages THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A11www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS 2022-2023 Back 2Schoo l REGISTRATION ELEMENTARY STUDENT REGISTRATION For “NEW” Elementaryschool students, please register yourchild
the neighbour hood school in your catchment area from
and
GRADE 8-12MERRITT SECONDARY SCHOOL Phone: 250-378-5131
To register,achild must be 5years old,onorbefore December 31, 2022 anda birth certicate, immunizationrecord,CareCardand proof of residence should be presented. Kindergarten starting dates willbearranged through theschool.
Distance Education: South Central Interior Distance Education S.C.I.D.E.S. 250-378-4245 or 1-800-663-3536 SCIDES is the distance educationschooloperatedbythe district which offers BC Ministry approvededucational programsfor studentsofall ages, anywhereinthe province of B.C. {KindergartenthroughGrade12and adult lear ners, tuition free). Registration is ongoing.For an appointmentcall 250-378-4245 or 1-800-663-3536
Please call ahead to make an appointment. Collettville ElementarySchool: 250-378-2230 Diamond Vale Elementary: 250-378-2514 Merritt Bench Elementary: 250-378 -2528 Merritt CentralElementary: 250-378-9931 Nicola-CanfordElementary: 250-378-2172 KINDERGARTEN
With the 2022 Local publiccaretrictofthisNovemberestterm,serveArearegionalandoperations,keytheThetherepresentatives16serveAreatoValley(BeautifulNorth),Nicola“M”includinggrabsareasdistrict’sTenofforagesnominationhasDistrictNicolathearoundElectionsGeneraljustthecorner,ThompsonRegional(TNRD)releasedthepackneededtorunthepositionAreaDirector.oftheregionalelectoralareupforthisfall,areas(BeautifulValley–and“N”Nicola–South).ThoseelectedthepositionofDirectorwillalongwithothermunicipalonTNRDboard.26directorsofboardvoteonissuesaffectingbylaws,taxesinthedistrict.Directorsafouryearwiththenewtermbeginning10ofyear.“Thepurposearegionaldisincludestakingoftheregion’sassetsand fostering the cur rent and DirectorforaswishingpackagesLaird,GrahamDirectors“M.”-CityareasTNRDgovernment.ignatedgovernedwhichandofmostlyjurisdictionElectoralortoaregible15,Saturday,takeLocalpage.Boardreadsregionalerningboardtheregion.well-beingandeconomic,futuresocialenvironmentaloftheCollectively,regionaldistrictisthegovbodyofthedistrict,”theTNRD’sofDirectors“TheGeneralElectionsplaceonOctober2022.AlleliresidentsencouragedseekcandidacytovoteintheirArea.”TheTNRD’sismadeupunincorporatedruralareasarenotbyadesmunicipalTwoelectoralbordertheofMerrittareas“N”andTheircurrentareHerbandDavidrespectively.NominationforthosetorunacandidateTNRDAreaareavail at Monday to Friday, August 29 to September2,2022. -11:30 a.m. 1:00 -2:30 p.m.
New students register at the school from August 22 to Sept. 2, 2022. Counsellors will be available, and students aretocall ahead to schedule an appointment.
Schools will be openfrom9:00
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.58(NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)
FRENCH IMMERSION
KENGARD LEARNING CENTRE· 2475 MERRITTAVENUE. Phone: 250-378-4245 If you have notcompleted secondary school the KENGARD LEARNING CENTRE canhelp.
THE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE offer sc ou rses for Gr a de 1 0t o1 2s tudents t oc omplet et heir Dogwood Diploma. Alon gw it ha cade mi cc ourse wo rk, stude nts will ha ve the opportunity to pa rti ci pat ei na n Outdoor land ba s ed le arn ing prog ra m, have acce ss to ad ditional soci al em otional sup port sa nd transition plan ni ng int ot he adult world. New stud ents can regi ster by calling 250 -378- 21 57.
The StrongStart Early Learning Centres ELEMENTARY STUDENT REGISTRATION For “NEW” Elementary school students, please register your child on line or at your neighbourhoodschool from Monday to Friday August 29 to September 2, 2022. Schools will be open from 9:00 –11:30 a.m. and 1:00 –2:30 p.m. Call ahead to make an appointment.
Patchet
AM
SCHOOL PHONENUMBERS •Diamond Vale Elementary• Merritt Central Elementary •Nicola-Canford Elementary Stron gS tart is af ree, scho ol bas ed, drop-in earl yl ea rning program for chil dren from birth to 5y ears old an dt hei rp ar ent s, grandpar en ts or caregiv er s. Toge th er they share le ar ning expe rien ces and soc ial interactio ns wi th oth er childre na nd a dults in ap ositi ve and open-ended pla ye nv ironment. Sta rt up da te: Septemb er 12 th, 202 2.
BUS STUDENTS: Please check the School Bus Schedule and with your school for bussing information. Tuesday, September 6, 2022 ONLY: Busses will pick up students one hour LATER in the morning and return students beginning at noon
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
SCHOOL OPENING: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 Adjusted hours: 10:00 a.m. –12:00 noon. gg KINDERGARTEN: To register, achild must be 5years of age, on or before December 31, 2022 and a birth certificate, immunization record, Care Card, and proof of residence should be presented. Kindergarten start dates will be arranged through the school.
BUS NO. 20582 COLDWATER/KINGSVALE DRIVER: KEITH PM 7:47 Road 3:45 7:50 835 Coldwater Road 3:47 7:54 Opie’s 3:32 7:56 Spahan 3:30 7:59 Road 3:26 8:01 Farm/Coldwater 3:22 8:02 3:20 3:18 NO. A17581 14 MILE/NOOAITCH AM DRIVER: SHANE PM 7:22 Shackan Comm. Hall (4943 Hwy# 8) 4:20 7:25 Anthony Joe Bridge 4:15 7:32 Dot Ranch (west) 4:06 7:40 3681 Highway 84:00 7:41 3392 Highway 83:58 7:42 3296 Highway 83:57 7:48 2985 Highway 83:55 7:49 Nooaitch Band Hall 3:50 7:52 Church Hill 3:47 7:55 Shackelly/Petit 7:51 Saddleman 8:20 Merritt (Front AM/Back Collettville NO. A17580 MAMIT LAKE AM DRIVER-
100 Coldwater
Fox
The “SchoolAct”: “A parent of achild whoisrequiredtoenroll in an educational program under Section3(Div sion4– Home Education) (a) may educate the childathome or elsewhere in accordance withthis Division,and (b) must provide thatchildwith an educational program Registration Aparentofachild whoisrequiredunder the above Section to provide the childwith an educational program mustregister the child on or before September 30 in each year with (a) aschoolofthe parent’s choice that is operating in British Columbia, (a.1) if thechild is an eligible child, aschool referred to in paragraph (a) or (c), or afrancophoneschool ofthe parent’s choice thatisoperatinginthe francophoneschool districtinwhich the parentresides, (a.2) if the child is an immigrantchild, aschool referred to in paragraph (a) or (c), or afrancophone school of the parent’s choice thatisoperating in the francophone school district in whichthe parent residesbut only if the francophoneeducationauthority responsible for that school permits the parent to register that child,or (b) REPEALED 2006-21-8, effective June30/06BCReg 195/06 (c) an independentschooloperating in British Columbia.” To registeror to obtain further information, telephone the school of your choice,orwrite to the Superintendent of Schools,School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen), Box 4100, Merritt, B.C V1K1B8.
Families living beyond the regular school bus routes may be eligible for transportation assistance for the 2019/2020 school year and are asked to make application before September23, 2022 regardless of whether transportation assistance was received in the past. Applications after this date will be approved as of the date the application is received, and will not be retroactive. Transportation Assistance forms can be picked up at the School Board Ofce in Merritt, 1550 Chapman Street.Transportation assistance must be renewed each year. Also, banking information will be required as payments will be through e-transfer. Parents are reminded that road/weather conditions may cause delays/cancellations to the regular bus run(s). In extreme circumstances, notice of delays willbe announced over the local radio station and the school will attempt to contact parentsbyphone, in order that children do not wait extended time periods at abus stop.
Elementary 3:00 BUS
Please Note: On the first day of school (Sept. 6th )Merritt Secondary School Grade 8students are at school from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
PARENT INFORMATION
Creek 3:44 7:58 2760 Petit Creek 3:41 8:01 Sunshine Valley West (Spius) 3:39 8:07 Sunshine Valley East (Miller Estates) 3:37 8:09 Marshall Road 3:35 8:12 Nicola Canford Elementary 3:33 -Coyle Road 3:28 8:27 Merritt Secondary School 3:15 8:29 Central Elementary 8:33 Collettville Elementary 8:40 SCIDES 3:00 BUS NO. 20584 NICOLA LAKE/QUILCHENA AM DRIVER: SANDRA PM 7:48 Quilchena Reserve 3:55 7:50 First driveway past lakeview store 3:53
SCIDES –250-378-4245 or 1-800-663-3536 South Central Interior Distance Education School offersBCMinistry approved educational programs for students of all ages, anywhere in the province of B.C.
Secondary School 3:20
RANDY PM 7:39 Left Field Cider House 3:50 7:40 Mamit Lake Trailer Park 3:47 7:41 9311 Mamit Lake Road 3:49 7:42 Schmidt Driveway 3:48 7:45 Beech Road 3:45 7:48 Steffens Road 3:40 7:52 8Mile Corner 3:35 8:02 131E Highway 97 C3:25 8:05 Band Ofce (181 Hwy 8) 3:21 8:06 Lower Nicola Fire Hall 3:20 8:07 158 Highway 83:19 8:08 Hard Hat Ranch (#56 Hwy 8) 3:18 8:10 780 Highway 83:15 8:15 Merritt Secondary School 3:10 8:25 Collettville Elementary 3:05 8:35 Central Elementary BUS NO. 20580 LOWER NICOLA AM DRIVER: SONYA PM ROUTE A 7:29 Shuter’s 3:25 7:31 Mamit Lake Road 3:27 7:33 LNIB Ofce 3:30 7:35 Lower Nicola Fire Hall 3:32 7:38 Lower Nicola Trailer Park 3:35 7:43 Saskatoon &Hummingbird 1st stop 3:43 7:45 Hummingbird-Yap Skim 2nd stop 3:44 7:46 Yap skim-Aberdeen 3rd Stop 3:45 7:47 2725 Aberdeen Road 3:47 ROUTE B 8:00 Turner 3:38 7:54 Earnshaw (Smith Pioneer Park) 3:39 7:55 Whinney 3:40 7:56 Anderson St &Aberdeen3:41 7:58 Corkle &Woodward 3:53 7:59 Smith &Dodding 3:55 8:01 Coyle Place 3:36 8:03 Lower Nicola Trailer Park 3:34 8:06 Shuter’s 8:16 Merritt Secondary School (in back) 3:20 8:21 Coquihalla Middle School 3:10 8:30 Merritt Bench Elementary 8:40 Collettville Elementary 2:55 BUS NO. A3580 DOUGLAS LAKE AM DRIVER: BRIAN PM 7:18 Home Ranch 4:16 (2664 Home Ranch Lane) 7:28 Cattle Guard –Douglas Lk Rd 4:13 7:34 McRae Turnaround 4:06 (9511 Spahomin Cr. Road) 7:33 9452 Spahomin Road 4:00 7:32 9439 Minnie Lake Rd 4:59 7:30 Junction-Douglas Lake Rd 3:56 &Minnie Lk Rd 7:40 Diamond GRanch 3:55 7:43 Corral Road 3:52 7:50 The Q3:42 7:57 Hillside Road Health Centre 3:40 8:25 Merritt Secondary School 3:13 8:27 Central Elementary 3:12 8:30 Collettville Elementary PM ONLY -Nicola Canford Elementary 2:40 1st Stop -Saskatoon &Hummingbird 2:45 1st Stop -Hummingbird-Yap Skim 2nd Stop 2:47 -Yap Skim-Aberdeen 3rd stop2:49 -2725 Aberdeen Road 2:51 -Nicola Canford Elementary 2:57 2nd Stop -Shulus Arena 3:00 -Shulus Health Centre 3:01 -Mamit Lake Road 3:02 -Central Elementary 3:12 -Merritt Secondary School 3:13 • Collettville Elementary .250-378-2230 •Diamond ValeElementary......250-378-2514 •Merritt Bench Elementary 250-378-2528 •Nicola- Canford Elementary..250-378-2172 •Merritt Central Elementary .......250-378-9931 •Merritt SecondarySchool. 250-378-5131 August 29 31, 2022 Mon. Wed. Summer Institute.(Summer Professional DevelopmentDay.) September6,2022 Tuesday SCHOOL OPENING.Schoolhours 10:00a.m to 12 noon (Bus schedule to be adjusted forthe first dayofschool.) September30, 2022 Friday National Dayfor Truthand Reconciliation. October10, 2022 Monday Thanksgiving Day. October21, 2022 Friday Non-Instructional Day. (Professional Development Day.) November 11,2022 Friday RemembranceDay November18, 2022 Friday MSS& PSSFirst TermReportCards go home November 18,2022 Friday Merritt, PrincetonElementarySchools andMerritt Secondary Grade 8& 9Report Cards go home. November 18,2022 Friday KengardLearningCentre ReportCards go home. November 22 23, 2022 Tues. -Wed All Schools Shortenedday for Parent/Teacher interviews. (Schools closed 1hour earlyeachday.) December 16,2022 Friday Last dayofschool before WinterBreak Dec. 19,2022 Jan 2, 2023 WinterBreak. January 3, 2023 Tuesday Schoolsreopen afterthe break February 3, 2023 Friday MSS& PSSReportCards go home February 17,2023Friday Non-Instructional Day (Professional Development Day.) February 20, 2023 Monday Family Day March 10, 2023 Friday Merritt, PrincetonElementarySchools andMerritt Secondary Grade 8& 9Report Cards go home. March 10, 2023 Friday KengardLearningCentre ReportCards go home. March 14 -15, 2023 Tues. -Wed All Schools Shortenedday for Parent/Teacher interviews. (Schools closed 1hour earlyeachday.) March 17,2023Friday Last dayofschool before Spring Break. March 20 31, 2023 SPRING BREAK April 3, 2023 Monday Schoolsreopen afterthe break April 7, 2023 Friday Good Friday. April 10,2023 Monday Easter Monday April 14, 2023 Thursday MSS& PSSThirdTermReportCards go home. May22, 2023Monday Victoria Day. June29, 2023 Thursday Last dayofclasses. June30, 2023 Friday ADMINISTRATION DAY -SCHOOLS CLOSED. SCHOOL CALENDAR 2022 -2023 Days in Session190 -Number of Non-Instructional Days 183
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.58(NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) Success for ALLLearners ~Today and Tomorrow
REGISTRATION OF HOME SCHOOL LEARNERS
Mailbox
Chief
PM) -Merritt Bench Elementary 3:10 8:22 Central Elementary 3:05 8:25
FRENCH IMMERSION: All students in this program attend Collettville Elementary School (Grades K-7), and Merritt Secondary School (Grades 8-12). GRADE 8-12MERRITT SECONDARY SCHOOL 250-378-5131 New students register on line or at the school from August 29 to September 2, 2022. Counsellors will be available and students are to make an appointment.
8:03 920 Coldwater Road
MER RITT SC HOO LB US SC HEDULE 2022 -2 023
Check ourDistrict website at: www.sd58.bc.ca or the DistanceEducation website at: www.scides.ca
A12 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com 2022 -2023 STUDENT REGISTRATION
8:15 Merritt Secondary School 3:06 8:20 Central Elementary 3:13 8:25 Collettville Elementary 3:00 BUS
Road 3:52 7:52 Old Nicola Trail 3:50 7:56 Huber’s 3:48 7:57 Quilchena Store 3:46 8:10 Nicola Ranch Store 3:35
2353 NICOL A AVE.
3355
Two storey 4 bedr m, 4 bath home built in 2018. Large kitchen has S/S appliances, Quartz countertops, island & nook plus dining room. Fenced yard, RV parking 24x23 garage. Covered deck. The is This with has Take Exit 238 off Coquihalla.
#3354 $479,000
Great investment property. House with basement suite with 3 bedrooms up and 2 down, close to shopping. Both units currently rented. Has detached shop & carport. Tenants pay their own hydro.
1312
a water system & propane fueled fridge, stove & HW tank plus a full bathroom and a woodstove.
#3320 $535,000
#3357
2650 FORKSDALE COURT Executive home in upscale area with great views. Home features 4 bedrms, 3 baths, kitchen with breakfast nook, living room with vaulted ceilings & gas F/P Family room has patio door to large sundeck & fenced back yard with beautiful ower beds, sh pond, U/G sprinklers & much more.
lot
#3353 $569,000
Great family home in central location with 3 bedr ms, 2 baths and two large living areas plus a large back yard. The full basement has mudroom & delightful area for entertaining. 2 car carport. $739,900 +GST CHESTNUT AVENUE New 3 bedrm rancher with 9 ft ceilings, open design, large kitchen island & Quartz countertops. Master bedrm has vaulted ceilings, 5 pce ensuite & window seat. Large covered deck in back yard. Double garage. #3264 $1 ,650,000
rustic log cabin comes
#3356 $475,000
#3337
#3358 $729,900 +GST
6440 MONCK PARK RD 1.038 acre water front lot on Nicola Lake. Build your dream home or vacation getaway. Just 2.4 hrs from the Lower Mainland. Land has gentle slope to the water Great lake for water activities Provincial Parks is minutes away. GST applies. Water & sewer to lot line. #3304 $280,000 SL .29, 6528 WATERSIDE TRAIL Here’s your opportunity to build your dream/ recreational home in this strata development, with great views of Nicola Lake. All service are to the property line. GST applies. Call for more details
Don Gossoo Managing
1502 RIVER STREET
NEW
2401 VOGHT STREET River front property of 11,624 sq.ft. with Spanish style 2 storey home with vaulted ceilings in living room. Has formal dining, nook in kitchen with all major appliances included. Family has wood airtight stove. 3 bedrms, 4 pce bath & ofce upstairs. Lots of parking.
This heritage home, fully renovated over the years is on a 17,640 sq.ft. lot and features 3 bedrms, 3 baths, roomy kitchen with island opens to dining room & private living room. Has 1 bedrm suite above bachelor suite/ofce attached to garage/ shop. Lrge yard w/gazebo, 2 driveways, fruit trees. #3341 $689,900
#3321 $1 ,100,000 6377 MONCK PARK ROAD Spectacular Nicola Lake view home on 1.05 acres. Beautiful open concept rancher with a walkout bsmt & quality features throughout. 2 bedrms up 2 down, gourmet kitchen, master bedrm with 5 pce ensuite. Large covered deck on the main, per fect for those BBQ’s. Has raised garden beds & fruit trees. Had 2 car detached garage & RV parking.
#3305 $285,000 SL .28, 6528 WATERSIDE TRAIL Build your dream home on this 10,516 sq.ft. strata lot in new development on Nicola Lake. Fantastic view and access to the water Strata fees are $125 per month & monthly utility fees are $131.02. GST applies. Call for more details.
#3336 $1 ,625,000
Corporation 250-315-3043 Karen Yakimchuk 250-315-3076 Jared Thomas 778-694-6804 #102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 Moving Real Estate BC LTD. CEN TU RY 21 ® movingrealestate.c21.ca 250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100 Want to know what your home is wor th? Call us for a Market Ev aluation on your home. #3343
# $589,900
#3351 $549,900
1613 CANFORD AVE
2845 NEIL SON STREET 15.9 RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River Has city water & sewer connections to the park. Property has a small rental home currently rented. Incredible potential for development. Call for more details. #3299 $285,000 SL .5, 6528 WATERSIDE TRAIL New Strata development on Nicola Lake to build your dream home. Has great views & access to the water All services are to the property line. GST is applicable. Strata fees are $125 per mon., utility fees $131.02 per month.
#3352 $449,000 Investors side by side duplex with bachelor suite in carriage house for 3 streams of revenue. Each half of duplex has 2 bedr ms, 1 bath & its own laundry. Has total income of $2700 per month.
1685 CHESTNUT AVE New 1550 sq.ft. rancher on large lot. Home features 3 bedrms 2 baths, large open concept, Quartz kitchen counters, gas F/P & vaulted ceilings in great room. There is for detached workshop in back. GST applies.
NEW
#3344 $679,000 1734 FAIRWAY PL ACE Spacious 6 bedr m 3 bath home with 3 gas F/P’s, large living room and dining room. Master bedr m has W/I closet & large ensuite with jetted tub & stand up shower Has legal 3 bedrm suite as a great mortgage helper
1769 SPRING STREET Bright & cheery basement entry home in tip top condition, walking distance to all amenities. 3 bedr ms up 1 down, large living room with open dining room. The galley kitchen is bright with sliding door to partically covered deck. RV parking.
#3334 $799,900
This is a must see 4 bedr m rancher in a central location on a corner lot with new gravel style landscaping. Lane access for back yard and shop. With multiple updates of new ooring throughout, drywall, paint & new lighting, this home has open concept living & includes appliances.
1590
bedr m rancher with some upgrades in past few years. 2019 like new shingles, upgraded plumbing & HW tank. Comes with all appliances. Tenanted with xed ter m to June 2023. #3335 $915,000
#3298 $275,000 SL .4, 6528 WATERSIDE TRAIL Great opportunity to build your dream home or retreat in this strata development on Nicola Lake.
2576
100 ft of lake frontage,
#3350 $719,900
Flexible living or a great investment home with 6 bedr ms, 2 baths in a central location. 4 bedrm, 1 bath upstairs with a 2 bedr m 1 bath suite down. Large fenced yard. Currently generating $3440 per month + Utilities. #3333 $379,900 2643 QUILCHENA AVE Great investment property.
#3348 $450,000 LOT 1, MIDDAY VALLE Y RD Attention House Builders a Development property with R3 zoning (Small Parcel Residential) of approx. 5 acres in size and priced to sell at close to assessment value.
#3346 $559,000 2638 IRVINE AVENUE Premiere neighbour hood in Merritt. 3 bedrms 2 baths upstairs with updated kitchen and nice dining & living area. Basement has 2 bedrm 1 bath legal suite currently tenanted. Backyard is split so everyone get’s to enjoy the sunshine. $420,000 SPRUCE AVE Lovely modular home that had massive facelift in 2016 & has been well maintained since. Large covered deck on side and front of home. Home features 3 bedr ms, 2 baths, galley kitchen that opens to eating area. Has garden beds, RV hookup & lane access. (O wner) 250-378-7392 Broker Real Estate $524,900 COLDWATER AVE 2
1750 BL AIR STREET
Doug Beech
Bailee Allen 250-315-9648 Brad Yakimchuk Personal
1790 MENZIES STREET
2140 MUNRO CRESCENT Beautiful Bench location on a quiet street with plenty of parking. Enjoy this updated rancher with 3 bedr ms on the main with 4 pce bath. Full bsmt has large laundry rm rec.r m & workshop. Fully fenced backyard.
THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A13www.merrittherald.com movingrealestate.c21.ca • 378-6166 • movingrealestate.c21.ca #3359 $294,900 #305, 1701 MENZIES ST. Top notch 2 bedroom unit on the top oor in the Summit. Open oor plan with large bedrooms. Kitchen with all majo appliances. Enjoy the sundeck for BBQ’s. Great for rst time buyer or empty nester #3342 $679,000 1630 BANN STREET 7 bedr ms, 4 baths and a couple of mortgage helpers of a 2 bedr m, 1 bath in-law suite and a 2 bedr m, 1 bath suite. Great tenants in place that would like to stay if you’re looking for an investment property. #3318 $749,900 +GST 1630 CHESTNUT AVENUE New 3 bedr m 3 bath home with open design, 9 ft ceilings, large kitchen island and Quartz countertops. HW on demand system. Master bedr m has window seat & 5 pce ensuite. Large 6 ft crawl space for storage. New Home Warranty #3347 $999,999 2201 BURGESS AVENUE Beautiful 4 bedroom, family home on 0.64 acres in desirable area. Has open concept with master and 5 pce ensuite on the main. 3 bedrms up and a bonus room over the garage. Fenced backyard, garage, detached shop & lots of parking #3361 $315,000 #204, 2799 CL APPERTON AVE Bright 2 bedr m 2 bath corner unit apartment in The Vibe, with high ceilings and wrap around balcony. Has open kitchen to living room oor place, sizeable primary bedr m. Updated ooring, new HW tank. Strata fees are $220 per month.
11,947 sq.ft. and all services are to the property line. GST is applicable. Call for more details. #3360 $299,000 AT MURRAY LAKE Lakefront lot o 1.62 acres on Murray Lake.
#3349 $225,000 #35, 1098 HOUSTON ST Like new 2013 mobile in Riverside Mobile Home Park. Great for retiree or rst time buyer In immaculate condition with 2 bedrooms, one at each end, and 2 bath. Ensuite has jetted tub/ shower Fenced private yard with pergola to sit and relax with views of the river
NEW #3317
1501 CANFORD AVENUE
#3319 $2,550,000 2988 SUNSHINE VALLE Y RD One of a kind unique 96+/- acre river front rancher with 2 homes many outbuildings & hay elds. Fantastic views of mountains & winding Nicola River Currently produces 2-3 cuts of hay per year Has 2 high producing wells.
1852 HOUSTON STREET 2188 sq.ft. rancher with full basement on 11,550 sq.ft. with a ton of opportunity to nish the way you want. New roof, new paint & power upgrade in July 2022. 2 bedr ms plus ofce up, with 1 bedr m down, play room & rec.room. Detached garage/workshop.
524 MARSHALL RD Unque property of 0.85 acres nestled on dead end road along a tributary creek. Features 3 bedr m 2 bath rancher with timber beam vaulted ceiling and skylights. Has shop, carport, animal pen, horse paddock, spacious yard with sh pond & raised garden center $659,000
The Merritt Fire and quicklyguishingAugustnoonpathneared(MFRD)DepartmentRescuerespondtoasmallfireawalkingintheafterhoursof22,extintheblazeandpre venting any dam age to the Crewsscenedispatchedtheafternoon,firstarea.surroundinghomestheTheblazewascalledinmid-withMFRDbeingtotheat3:25PM.arrived only three minutes later at 3:28PM, to the fire mostly under calledpatchedbackup.asingweredutyincludingBystanders,control.anoff-firefighter,theretendtotheflamestheywaitedon“Weweredistowhat’saninterface fire. When the officer arrived, it was deter mined that the fire was just off the Voght Street to Parker Drive path, between the path and a resi dence,” said Dave Tomkinson, fire chief for the City of “PriorMerritt.to our arrival, there were bystanders, and an off-duty firefighter had stopped. They had the fire some what under con trol by the time the fire depart ment got there, so we’re thankful. Having the path on one side and the green grass of the residence on the other helped.”
An off-duty member of the Merritt Fire and Rescue Department aided in suppressing the fire while waiting for crews to arrive. Marius Auer/Herald
An interface fire is a fire that has the potential to involve both structures and veg etation, or other forest fuels, simul taneously. Due to the quick response of the MFRD and the bystanders, the flames were extin guished before damage was caused to homes in the area. The walking path con nects Voght Street, near the Merritt RCMP detach ment, to Parker Drive.While the cause of the fire is officially undeter mined, Tomkinson said it was likely improperly dis carded round.propertiescipalsFireSmarttions,thesecautiontourgingThesparkedmaterialssmokingthatthefire.MFRDisresidentstakeextremeduringdrycondiandfollowprinfortheirallyear“Conditionsare really dry, fuels are cured, and we need to exercise extreme caution. We’re still pushing people to continue with the cue.merritt.ca/fireresMFRD,FireSmart,informationTomkinson.resilient,”propertiesmakeprinciples,FireSmartandtheirownmoreaddedFormoreonorthevisitwww.
Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer A14 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS 1-8 88-3 74- 3350 | mo rel li chertk ow.co m • Real Estate • Wills & Estates • Business Me rri tt | Kam loops | As hcroft | Wil li ams Lak e BC’s Interior law firm supporting families, individuals, and businesses since 1911. Served By Ben van der Gracht & Jacob M. Brown We understand life happens. Legal services for your family & business:
Merritt Fire and Rescue Department puts out fire along Voght Street
Road Safety at Work BC is reminding Merritt drivers to be cau tious of the “cone zone,” and protect roadside workers from serious injury or death while on the job. As summer traffic continues to ramp up, including a wave of travel lers enjoying the lack of COVID travel restrictions, the organization is urging motorists to slow down and move andseenConethosethemisswhereinjured31dentsworkplaceerstwostatisticsWorksafeBCover.showthatroadsideworkwerekilledinaccilastyear,withbeingseriouslytothepointtheyhadtowork.Overpastdecade,whoworkinZoneshave221injuries12deaths.
Zone, it is essential that you be vigilant for roadside work ers, tionmoment’sfocus.shoulddoingyourZone,HighwayPatricktion,”respecttherethoseavehicles.gencysignage,temporaryandemerorserviceThisisworkplace,andworkingdeserveourandattenaddedSgt.Davies,BCPatrol.“InaConeoperatingvehicle,andsosafely,beyouronlyRemember,ainattenonyourpart can have tragic results for a road sideThoseworker!”working in Cone Zones are reminded to stay alert, wear appro priate high-visibil ity clothing, and report any unsafe working supervising,risks.natetakeassessments,shouldingcontractorsEmployersconditions.andworkinConeZonesconductriskandstepstoelimiorreduceanyThisincludestraining,andequippingstaffproperly.
around“Workingtraffic is dangerous. Every roadside worker in Merritt and around the NicolaThompson-deserves to make it home to their family at the end of their shift without injury,” says Trace
Ongoing construction and flood recovery efforts will have Merrittonians seeing plenty of ‘cone zones’ in the Nicola Valley. Marius Auer/Herald Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A15www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS THE LOWER NICOLA BAND SCHOOL INVITES ALL CHILDREN (First Nations/Non First Nations) To Register for KINDERGARTEN to Grade 7 Lower Nicola Band School Ph: 250-378-5527 201 Horn Rd., Merritt, BC FOR MORE INFORMATION •Full-time Kindergarten –must be 5yrs by Dec 31, 2022 •Bus Services provided to all areas of Merritt. HEAD START SERVICES: •3&4year old Program (K4must be 4yrs old by Dec. 31,2022) •Home Visiting Program •Transportation provided for all Head Start program • Mom’s &Tot’s Services 0to 6years old LNIB SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2022-2023 Lower Nicola Band School CURRICULUM: •New BC Curriculum •Nle?kepmx •Cultural Studies •Field Trips •Learning Assistance Program •School supplies provided •SKATING/HOCKEY PROGRAM • Joyful Literacy FACILITIES: •Full-Size Gymnasium •Library Education Comes First “FREE” Daily HOT LUNCH PROGRAM and SNACK PROGRAM PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT CLIMBING WALL BASKETBALL COURT SPINNER Mo 3 , 2 ms invites you to our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING September 21, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Civic Centre, room 4 WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS Memberships are $5.00 can be e-transfered to foodbank@telus.net Please contact the Food Bank at 250-378-2282.
Summer reminder to be aware of ‘Cone Zones’
onthanworkersWork,RoadyourworkspaceseparatingoftenOrangeworkersZoneattentionandDrivingtectarenessZonethespokespersonAcres,forannualConesafetyawarecampaign.“ConeZonestheretoproandsavelives.toofastnotpayinginaConeputsroadsideatrisk.conesaretheonlythingtheirfromvehicle.”AccordingtoSafetyatroadsidearemorejustthoseconstruction or traffic con trol crews. They include landscap ers, toconsequences.haveadistractionlikeavoidto:ConeapproachinginjuryingtheirandtheirremindingtheselooksZoneyear.inColumbianssandstistics,todrivers.andworkers,operators,workers,municipaltowtruckutilitymovers,deliveryvanAccordingemploymentstatensofthouofBritishworkconezoneseveryTheConecampaigntoprotectworkersbythem,employers,driverstodopartinlimitworkplaceanddeath.DriversaZoneneedSlowdownanddistractions,aphone.Aofevenfewsecondscanlife-changingPayattentiontemporaryroad signs, traffic cones, and givendirectionsbyatraffic
control through,alsoapproaching,vehicles.gencytrucks,vehicles,towlight.red,vehicletolaneoverdowndriverswhichMoveBC’sComplypersonnel.withSlowDown,Overlaw,requirestoslowandmovetotheleftwhensafedosoforanyflashingablue,oramberThisincludestrucks,utilitygarbageandemerresponse“WhenandwhenpassingaCone
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Additional ECE funding UK Spice Cuisine fire
A fire broke out at a business in the downtown core on the morning of August 24, with flames visible from the back of the UK Spice Cuisine restaurant on Quilchena Avenue.
The Merritt Fire and theing.Wednesday9:30at(MFRD)DepartmentRescuerespondedapproximatelyamonmornAlongwithMFRD, members of the BC boththefightersAvenue,ofblockedagement.andsceneRCMPServiceAmbulanceandMerrittwereonforsupportincidentmanCrewsaportionQuilchenaasfireattackedflamesfromthefrontand back of the build ing. MFRD crews entered the build ing once flames were able.itwillcivilians.gencyonnotimeoccupiedTheunderunknown,ofthatextinguishednotflamesandtooutside,suppressedandbegansecuretheareasearchforanythatmayhavebeenyet.Officialssaythecausethefireisstillandisinvestigation.buildingwasattheofthefire,butinjuriesoccuredscenetoemercrewsorMoreinfobereleasedasbecomesavail
Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer A16 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Apply at redcross.ca/bcfloods/smallbusiness Call for info 1- 833 -966 -4225 Apply by Septemb er 30, 2022 Wa s yo ur sm all bu si ne ss or no t-fo r- pr of it or ga niz at ion dir ec tl y im pa cted by th e 20 21 BC flo od in g an d ex tr eme we at her even t? If ye s , ple as e co nt ac t th e Ca n ad ia n Re d Cr os s. Yo u ma y be el ig ib le fo r $5 ,0 00 of fi na nci al as si st an ce. Suppor t for Small Businesses and Not- for -Profit Organizations
The provincial government is supporting Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) with new funding for training and professional development. Photo/Herald File Photo Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer
The provincial and federal gov ernments are join ing up to provide increased funding for early child hood itsoverinsandsprovidedfund,capacityincreasedofthe$49.2-millioninvestmentupgrading.theiraretion,childhoodschool$5000bursariesFundEducationtunitieschildeffortplan,theingThedevelopment.andportfinancialties,(ECE)educationopportuniincludingsupfortrainingprofessionalnewfundisapartofChildCareBCaprovincialtoincreasecareopporinB.C.TheECESupportprovidesofuptotothoseinforearlyeducawhethertheybeginningtrainingorAnofbyGovernmentCanadahastheofthewhichhasthouofbursaries2022alone,and12,000sinceinceptionin 2018. A total of $25.5 million has been earmarked to provide further ECE bursaries in the next three aca demic outliningmentStrategy,andRecruitmentandprofession.”infortherecognitionTheynitiesopmentprofessionaloftowhyECEs,requiresqualityimprovementonbehindarehood“Earlyyears.childeducatorstheworkforcetheworkforcethatdrivesoureconomy,”saidKatrinaChen,B.C.’sMinisterofStateforChildCare.“Deliveringourcommittofamiliestoaccesstochildcarequalifiedwhichiswe’rehelpingcoverthecoststraininganddevelopportuforECEs.deservebothandopportunityadvancementthisimportantTheEarlyCareLearningRetentionagoverndocumentstrate gies for childcare centres to hire and keep ECE staff, is a part of the safety,nutrition,ics,developmentandrangeeducatedthegram.EducationEarlya(NVIT)TechnologyInstituteNicolastrategy.outlinedspacesoffield.fortothehour,tionECEernmentthesionals.childcareandactionshasFund,Educationingtoplan.ChildCareBC10-yearInadditionthenewfundfortheECESupportthestrategytakenothertohireretainnewprofesRecently,provincialgovincreasedcompensaby$4perbringingmedianwage$25perhourworkersintheTheaddition151educationalisalsointheLocally,theValleyofoffersAboriginalChildhoodproStudentsofprogramareinawideofchildcarechildhoodtopincludinghealth,andlit erature. A fund.cation-support-ecebc.ca/ece-edubursary,orSupportECEmationcountry.”spacesmoreciallycarehigh-qualitytoeducatorsoftheDevelopment.andFamilies,federalKarinaeducators,”earlyworkforcestrongtemchildinsecondarythemstudents,toescreditofsawoftheannouncementrecentbyBCMinistryEducationtheadditionmultipledualECEcoursmadeavailablehighschoolallowingtogainpost-creditsthefield.“ThereisnocaresyswithoutaandskilledofchildhoodsaidGould,MinisterofChildrenSocial“Supportingvaluableworkearlychildhoodiskeythesuccessofachildsystem,espeaswebuildchildcareacrosstheFormoreinforontheEducationFund,toapplyforavisitwww.
The Merritt Centennials have recent ly concluded their youth camp last week. The Cents’ ‘Hockey School’ was a fourday skills camp held at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena from August 15 to August 18. Forty kids from both in and out of town, with some living as far as Edmonton, Alberta, have participated to learn hockey skills from one of BCHL’s longest standing teams.
• Christian Lowe
• Connor Farren • Lucas Schmid “We have a good group of kids here in camp,” said Diego Johnson. “They’re pretty young but they are eager to learn and happy to be here. Everyone’s meet ing new friends and kids who already were before camp are happy to see each other before school starts.”
Recap of the Merritt Centennials ‘Hockey School’
•
• Walker Erickson
“The camp went really well and the kids were working hard,” said Sam Waterfield, assistant coach of the Centennials. “There weren’t any issues with either of the groups we had and I think they had a lot of fun.” Along with Waterfield, head coach Curtis Toneff, led the camp and they were assisted by some of the players in the Cents’ 22’-23’ roster:
• Diego Johnson
Johnson is one of the new faces com ing into the fold this upcoming season. The 16-year old is a Fort St. James Native who suited up for the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton prior to his commitment to the Merritt team.
“It’s good for the kids who are just beginning to get out and see everyone else doing drills,” he said. “After day one, everyone is already noticeably bet ter. Everyone already knew the basics of skating so we taught them some more advanced techniques like getting on your outside edges and turning.” Campers had the opportunity to work on different facets of their game. Waterfield mentioned that kids worked on power skating, puck handling, agility, passing and shooting techniques. The camp also featured dry land training that was done at Coquihalla Middle School.“We had different levels of hockey players so the camp was all about get ting them back on the ice, teaching them some new stuff, a little bit of skill development, having fun and playing games with them,” said Waterfied. “We have a couple of kids who play locally and out of town. There’s only a couple of younger kids that are fairly new to skating and are just out here to learn and get a lot of ice time and reps in to become better players in the future.”This upcoming season will mark the franchise’s 50th year in opera tion and the Cents have a busy month ahead of them starting with their main camp scrimmages on the weekend of September 2, at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. To get latest information on the Centennials please visit their website, www.merrittcentennials.com.
Merritt Centennials’ annual ‘Hockey School’ saw 40 young athletes at varying skill levels train and develop their skills on the ice last week. Izaiah Reyes/Herald Izaiah
SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com.
Chase Cooke
NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COMReyes THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A17www.merrittherald.com
As of now, Pooley is still looking to see if her existing schedule would allow her to take up the aforementioned offers. As she considers the opportunities, she continues to involve herself with her most beloved sport.“I am excited to work with the pitch ers of Merritt,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting some gym time over the winter and host some pitching clinics. Merritt’ s athletes, especially the younger generation, have huge potential and I’m very excited to be working with them to prepare for their next season.”
Initially seeking a spot on the Canadian Team at the WEG, Cooke says she is satisfied with being picked as a reserve, an important and often called-on position. As a non-traveling reserve, she will back up other competitors attending the World Equestrian Games in Pratoni del Vivaro, “ObviouslyItaly.we all want to make the team, but being a reserve rider is a very important job. If something happens to someone else, you have to be ready to go,” said Cooke. “It’s super exciting because in com parison, I’m a very small fish in a very large pond here. It’s cool to have come from a small town like Merritt and be competing on the world stage against some of the best.” Cooke recently earned a strong fourth place at the Burgham International Horse Trials in Longhorsley, United Kingdom. She remained in the UK after her first show, and is currently compet ing in the nearby Hartpury, UK 2022 Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Series.Next, Cooke will compete at the pres tigious Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, happening in Oxfordshire from September 15 to 18. The show boasts four days of eventing action, including showjumping, cross country, andCookedressage.says she is hopeful for contin ued good results, and is focused on train ing with her horses.
Merritt was well represented nation ally this month as local, Alana Pooley, excelled at the 2022 Women’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship tournament. Pooley traveled to Saskatchewan, joining the Saskatoon Shock, as they competed for all the marbles from August 10 to 14.
The team competed against seven other teams from across the country, win ning their first four games of the tourna ment. Pooley noted that the fourth game went to extra innings where she pitched the first seven innings and had a whopping 16 strike outs. “The last of those four games was probably the best game that I’ve ever played in,” Pooley explained. “Our team looked super strong and that made me super excited. I thought our team was the top team in the tournament.” Pooley was a late addition to the team, being invited by her former coach Ryan Volk.“Alana played wonderfully in this tournament,” said Volk. “Her mental approach is as rock solid as you could ever want a top pitcher to be. Never rattled, never flustered, she just throws her next pitch.”Volk and Pooley have previously con nected in Denmark where she played for the Barracudas, also earning herself a prior ‘Top Pitcher’ award. Volk, being a part of the coaching staff remembered her excellent play as he was looking for pitch ers for the “SeeingShock.theperformance that she gave us there, her mental toughness, and leadership, those are things our team des perately needed,” he said. “The players benefit from having someone with Alana’s level of Pooleyexperience.”wasinvited after two pitchers on the team were declared unavailable for the tournament.“Oneofthe pitchers was injured and the other had gotten sick right before Nationals which left only one other pitcher and myself,” she explained. “In a big tour nament like this we could have played 10 games which was way too many for just two pitchers to throw but it worked out in the end and we really worked well off of eachArrivingother.”days before her tournament, Pooley was able to watch the U15 national tournament where she saw players she had coached down in the coast play. This gave her a sense of determination to perform well.“We headed down to the field and it was really cool to watch the young athletes I knew play,” she said. “They really got me in the right mindset, being both driven and super excited to start the tourna ment.”After the tournament, Pooley went down to the field and started to do some pitching and batting drills with her coach es. “I just really wanted to get my arm moving,” she explained. “Doing that really helped me settle in even before I met the team.”Two days after arriving, Pooley met up with the team. The group was comprised of university level players, with ages rang ing from 21 to 22 years old. Practice was very light to save energy for the tourna ment.“They were all just really amazing girls, welcoming me onto the team,” she said. “I don’t think they really knew my ability until the games started and I was able to pitch. They were really excited to see my pitching ability and how I could help the team.”Competition was very stiff at the National level. Pooley said that the tourna ment was an open category and players aged 18 and up were all welcomed to join.
“That was extremely exciting for me,” she recalled. “It proves that I still got it and I’m so glad that I was given the opportunity to play.”
For anyone interested in getting pitch ing lessons, please email; westerhofalana@ gmail.com.
Pooley awarded ‘Top Pitcher’ in Women’s Softball National Tournament
Photo/Alana Pooley Izaiah
Photo/Herald File Photo Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer A18 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com SPORTS
Merritt-born equestrian Dana Cooke com petes on her horse, FE Mississippi, in this Herald file photo.
Cooke chosen as a World Equestrian Games reserve Merritt born-and-raised equestrian, Dana Cooke, is looking forward to a summer of travel and competition, which will see her compete in England for the first time, and serve as a non-trav eling reserve competitor for the World Equestrian Games (WEG).
Although she has been out of competi tion for the past three years, the seasoned veteran was able to string together impres sive performances at the nationals, win ning her the ‘Top Pitcher’ honours for the whole tournament. Her play now opens up new opportunities to both play and coach the game she loves the most. Pooley was given the award, as a result of her play which helped the Shock place fifth for the whole tournament.
With a total of 34 strikeouts for the tourna ment, Alana Pooley is awarded ‘Top Pitcher’ for Softball Canada’s Womens Nationals.
Although winning their first four games, the Shock would end up short on the next four, landing them in the fifth spot.“Our start exhausted us and we kind of lost our steam,” Pooley explained. “We executed everything really well however we lost the ability to string some hits and runs together which cost us.” With a strong showing, Pooley gives praise to the Shock, saying that they have a bright future ahead of them, especially since the team was only formed two years ago. As for herself, garnering recognition from her play has opened new doors for the“IMerritonian.havealready been given the oppor tunity to go play in Uganda for a previous coach I’ve assisted. I also was offered the opportunity to coach a Saskatchewan trav el team so it’s doors are definitely opening up for me.”
NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COMReyes
“There were many great athletes in this competition and it was eye opening, even for myself, to see these women play, showcasing the ability that they have,” said Pooely.“Iwould say that majority of these women are either playing or did play at a university level or for the national team which is Beingamazing.”inactivefor three years at the highest level, Pooley was happy with how she performed but acknowledged that she could have played better if it weren’t for the layoff. “Although I haven’t played for three years, I was definitely able to hit my spots and get my spins working which really benefited me,” she explained. “The catch er also knew a lot of the opposing players, what pitches they liked and the ones they find hard to hit. I was able to use this to my advantage, following my catcher’s lead, and it ended up working for me.”
ing.”todowntownoursize.forgotIlovebecauseIofIlythiswe’vegooddemonstratepicturesping,downtown,seeshopandfestivalthatreallythevibethatgotgoingintown.I’mfairnewtoMerritt,don’thavealothistory,butmovedhereIlikeit.Iourtownandlovethatwe’vesomuchhereatownthisPromotingCityandourisgoingbeveryexcit
Chamber of Commerce hosts ‘2022 Photo Contest’
“Merritt is a gorgeous place. I think the City has had a photo contest yearly, it’s a little different from ours. In our contest, you keep the rights to your photo, we just use it for promotion and marketing material. The City usually takes the rights, and that’s understand able, they’re a larger organization,” said Zach Hardy, community engagement coordinator for the Chamber.
The Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that provides support to local businesses in the form of advocacy to the City of Merritt, hosting workshops and engage ment events, and health benefit plans for members. The Chamber recently elect ed a new board, and is actively engaging members to set its vision and pace for the upcoming year.
“In the last year we’ve been working on a lot of different projects, and we’ve been updating a lot of our marketing materials, so we were finding that we just didn’t have anything other than older and stock photos,” said Margaret Hohner, chair of the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce.
Over 200 people have entered the contest, submitting photos for a chance at a prize. All entries may be used in future Chamber promotional materials, but the winning photos will be featured and promoted. Both locals and visitors to the Nicola Valley are welcomed and encouraged to submit their photos.
To enter the photo contest, or for more information on the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce, visit www.merrittchamber.com.
“They just weren’t the greatest and most recent pictures of the Nicola Valley and the local businesses. We thought a photo contest would be a great way to engage the community and increase our presence, so that people are more aware of the Chamber and that we’re here and promoting businesses.”
Merrittonians are invited to snap a photo for the chance to snap up a vari ety of gift cards for local businesses in the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce 2022 Photo Contest. The contest is open to both locals and visi tors who capture photos that they feel represent Merritt and the Nicola Valley in a number of categories. This year’s categories for the photo contest include:
Locals and Merritt regulars alike can submit their photos for a chance to win local gift cards until August 30, 2022. Marius
• Nature & Outdoors, • Sports & Recreation, • Food & Festivity, • Downtown & Shopping. The grand prize for each category is $300 worth of gift certificates for local businesses, with first and second place prizes of $100 and $50 of the same cer tificates also up for grabs. The Chamber recently identified a lack of local adver tising material, used for promoting the community, and hopes to incentivize locals to submit their photos.
Auer/ Herald Marius REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COMAuer THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A19www.merrittherald.com THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m. Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre) Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464 Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m. Sacred Hear t Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only 10:00 a.m. Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time ever y Sunday 10 am Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268 Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m. ■ A p p r o v e d m i n i s t o r a g e ■ O n s i t e r e n t a ■ S e c u r e d ■ S a l e o f N e w & U s e d s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r s CONTAIN-IT STORAGE 1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000 DON’T LET THEHEATGET TO YOU NE 250-378-5104 WE R CALL THE COOL LI ’ E YOUR SOURCE FOR LENNOX AIR CONDITIONERSBeat the H ! 250-378-5104 2151 COUTLEE AVE., coppervalley@uniserve .com
The Chamber says reaction from local businesses to the contest has been just as good, with their membership sharing positive feedback and displaying posters to promote the contest. While the contest is similar to the City of Merritt’s annual photo contest, it varies in the variety of categories and copy right ownership rules.
Hohner, who is new to both her Chair position and the community, is excited about the new contest itself, and the many opportunities for business engagement and development she sees in Merritt and the Nicola Valley. She urges all Merrittonians, business own ers or not, to engage with their local Chamber.“Notjust business owners, but any one, if you’ve got some positive actions that you think we should look at trying to advocate for, we’re happy to look at that and see what we can do to make Merritt a better place for business,” added Hohner.“I’m really excited to
COMMUNITY Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.
Announcements Announcements Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted
-Calculate and prepare cheques for payroll.
Graveyard service will be held August 29 at 10:30 am with a Celebration of Life at the Civic Center at 12:30 pm. Cecil It is of sad news of the passing of
George “Jorge” Croaker,born June 11,1954 to Henry and Helen Croaker in Murrayville, BC. George passed away peacefully with his brother Irvin by his side and apicture of sister Rosemarie on his other side, August 5th, 2022 at Overlander LTC(long term care) in Kamloops, BC. George is now reunited with his parents, late brothers Wayne and Clifford, and his nephew, Andrew.Hewill be dearly missed by his surviving brothers, Irvin and Lambert, and his sisters Rosemarie, Lucella and Roberta.
George loved decorating for Christmas and was always excited to show his Christmas village to people.
KamloopsThisWeek.com THERE’S MORE ONLINE Be a part of your community paper & comment online.merrittherald.com A20 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com PLEAS E RECY CLE THIS NE WSPAPE R Alcoholics Anonymous Merr itt Fellowship Meets Monday's 7 9pm United Church Hall 1899 Quilchena Ave Post a classified in 95 newspapers in just a few clicks Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 week for 25 word text ad or $995 for small display ad Choose your province or all across Canada Best value Save over 85% compared to booking individually www bccommunit ynews
George “Jorge” Croaker
Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday.
To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com
December 9, 1953 -July 4, 2022
George was always seen in awhite t-shirt, jeans, awestern-style belt with a cold Pepsi in hand. He was the type of man who would be the first to offer his hand to anyone who needed help around their home or in their yard. In fact, he enjoyed yard-work so much that he started his own business to help people with gardenAlthoughmaintenance.George lived in Merritt for the latter half of his life with his cat, Midnight, he lived in Vancouver many years and worked at one of his favourite places during that time: the Vancouver Hastings Racetrack. He started offasa jockey then decided to stay on as agroomer and exerciser of the race horses. He passed along his passion for horses to his niece Charlene by picking her up from school almost everyday so that he could teach her how to care and ride.
June 11,1954 -August 5, 2022
Jerry has joined his partner,Suzanne; his Father Arthur,and many loved ones in the afterlife. He passed away on July 4, 2022 in his proud Yu Territory at the age of 69. He is survived by his children, Paul and Madeline; and his Mother,Edna. Jerry left astrong imprint in the lives of those he touched and his presence will be dearly missed by the many friends and family that love him. Our family has decided that no services are being held, in the absence of those efforts please consider making adonation to your local food bank or volunteering in your communitytohelp those in need.
Renowned family man, George treasured all his nieces and nephews Charlene, Nadine, Leah, Tanya, Lisa, Teresa, Bella, Brian, Tina, Andrew,Ben, Mikhaila (My Little Pineapple), Shaylene, Travis, Brayden, Tyler,Nevaeh, Jayden, Alyssa and Brianna. His warm, doting presence will be ahappy memory shared by each of them.
Our growing company is looking to add an Accounting Professional to our team. Youwill be responsible for the following: -Maintain general ledgers and financial statements.
2113 Granite Ave.,Mer ritt, BC 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 REGULAR OFFICE HOURS Mon.,Tues., Thurs.&Fri.: 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Ave , Mer Wednesday: 1:00 p m 6:00 p m www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com ADivision of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC Celebrating each life like no other On Call 24 Hours ADay Merritt Funeral Chapel www.merritthospice.org Email:merritthospice@shaw.ca MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY Being with people who aredying in conscious and caringways is of value to them and us. Their reminiscences and our care contribute to a legacy that enriches our lives. P: 250-280-1701
Apply by email to: cjrreception4@outlook.com Mail PO Box 2402, Merritt BC V1K 1B8 Your resume can be dropped off at our office at 3499 Voght Street in Merritt. No phone calls, please Born in Selkirk Manitoba on January 9, 1952 to Orton and Elizabeth Hourie. Passed away in Kamloops British Columbia on August 19, 2022. He is survived by his boys, Aaron Hourie, Keaton Hourie, and Clayton Hurd, (Wife, Melanie Czarnecki-Hurd), grand kids; Ethan, Tyson, and Greyson Hurd, Brothers and sisters; Kirby Hourie, Judy Turmel, Dolly Hourie, Gwen Suzuki, and Debbie Schafer, Aunties; Marlyn Jager, (Mert) and numerous relatives and friends.
Jerry Mosure
CLASSIFIEDS
-Prepare other statistical, financial, and accounting reports.
-Keep financial records and establish, maintain, and balance various accounts using Sage 50. Must be efficient in Excel, and Word Attention to detail is paramount and must be ateam player (Salar ywill be dependent on experience.)
Upon Georges request there will not be afuneral service as he wants his ashes to be spread at the Vancouver Hastings Racetrack because it carries so many fond memories for him. Let us all raise aglass of Pepsi or ashot of Baileys to celebrate George and the life he lived that touched so many others.
outlining relevant background and work experience and three
FIRST NATIONS SUPPORT WORKER
• Repair, overhaul,
2.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Suppor t Positions, and Current Job Oppor tunities (Job Code 3259682) complete with cover letter and resume (3) Executive Assistant at ef fort to improve operations, decrease and streamline proces checks maintain, and service heavy tr ucks and heavy tion maintain and service fuel injection systems, exhaust systems, conditioning systems, systems, control systems, major internal engine repair or over and alignment of engines and machiner over haul, maintain and service drive tr ains and final drives,
250.315.1100. SALES & SERVICE Kal Tire is the largest independently owned tire dealer in Canada. We offer a clean and safe wor k environment in a motivating and fun atmosphere with a competitive salar y and benefits program. IF YOU POSSESS... A desire to excel in customer ser vice The ability to successfully wor k in a physically demanding team atmosphere • Willingness to lear n THEN KAL TIRE WANTS YOU TO BECOME PART OF OUR TEAM. Interested applicants should submit their resumes to Kal Tire, 2601 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, B.C. or email Brian_Wasman@kaltire.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT is NOW HIRING: AG Equipment Techs Heavy Equipment Techs Jour neyman & Apprentices Par ts Techs View Open Roles & Apply: www rock ymtn com/care Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered Objective: The Emergency Program Coordinator will assist communities within the Nlaka’pamux Nation with Emergencies and disasters preparedness. Monday to Friday 8:30 am –4:30pm(35 Hours per week/1hr lunch) Atwo (2) year diploma from arecognized post-secondary institution in emergency management, supplemented by courses in emergency preparedness including risk assessment and emergency management is required. For full detailed listing send request to MHRecepition@nlxfn.com or phone: 250 378-9772 /Fax: 250 315-0283 This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Nlaka’pamuxHealthServices Society Employment Opportunity Emergency ProgramCoordinator We are hiring a Heav y Duty Mechanic who will be responsible for repairing, troubleshooting, adjus ting overhauling, and maintaining heav y- dut y equipment. This will be primarily a mobile position with most work being done in the field at various job sites. Key Responsibilities: • Fabric ate, cons tr uc t, install, and repair equipment and machiner y. • Diagnose equipment problems and determine required repair s. • Demons tr ate continuous
turnaround times,
4.
cons tr uc
s
6.
work
3.
ses. • Perfor m daily safety and maintenance
lubrication
y. • Repair,
The successful applicant must have the following: Grade 12 plus 6 months recent post-secondar y in human or social ser vice coursework or equivalent in related field. One Year of recent experience with Aboriginal students and families in an educational or recreational environment. Cultural awareness of the First Nations and Aboriginal community Demonstrated effectiveness, initiative and flexibility in identifying and performing tasks in suppor t of educational goals for Aboriginal students. Demonstrated ability to communicate and maintain effective working relationships with the public, students, teachers, Principals and other employees of the District. Demonstrated ability to be a cultural resource person in First Nations cultural heritage and histor y with demonstrated cultural sensitivity for all Aboriginal nations Working knowledge of computers and the ability to organize and maintain record keeping systems
TODAY'S PUZZLE TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZELTODAY’SANSWER KamloopsThisWeek.com THERE’S MORE ONLINE Be a part of your community paper & comment online merrittherald.com Volunteering SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS spca.bc.ca/volunteer We can’t do it without you The BC SPCA cares for thousands of orphaned, abandoned and abused animals eachVolunteersyear. are urgently needed to care for animals and assist with BC SPCA events.Ifyoucan help, please contact your local shelter today. @KamThisWeek Follow us @Merr ittHerald THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A21www.merrittherald.com Success forALL Learners, Today andTomorrow CURRENTJOB OPPOR TUNITIES We arecurrentlyinviting applications forthe position(s) of: POSITION JOB CODE CLOSING DATE ManagerofHuman Resources 3276925 Ongoing TemporaryEducation Assistant -Central Elementary3296114Ongoing Temporar yEducation Assistant-Nicola Canford3296111Ongoing FirstNations Suppor tWorker3259682 Ongoing StrongStart Coordinator 3256009 Ongoing Hot LunchProgram Coordinator–BenchElementary3272011 Ongoing Noon-Hour Super visor s–all schools 3259708 Ongoing Noon-Hour Super visor –Collettville Elementary 3179253 Ongoing Relief ClerkTypist3256003 Ongoing Relief Custodian3259601Ongoing Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing Qualified candidates areinvited to applyonline at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/ All applicants mustprovide acoverletter and resume outliningrelevant background and work experienceand three (3) professional references for eachposition theywant to be considered Onlythose applicants selectedfor an inter viewwill be contacted.
professional references. Please include all relevant cer tifications during the application process. For fur ther information please contact Jody McGifford
systems, cooling
School District No. 58 is accepting applications for a First Nations Suppor t Worker in Merritt.
haul, installation
1.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)
5.
and logging equipment. • Repair overhaul
7.
engine
hydr aulic tr ansmis sions, power take -off s, tr acked vehicle suspensions and steering vehicle brake systems, wheel-mounted vehicle suspension and steering • Troubleshoot and inspec t equipment to detect faults and malfunctions • Other duties as required Requirements: • HD Equipment Mechanic Journeyman Certificate from a recognized provincial tr aining authorit y is required for this position • Valid Clas s 3 Driver ’s License including air br ake endorsement will be considered an asset. Physical Demands: Position requires employee to frequently stand, walk, twis t, bend, reach and kneel. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs above shoulder height Work Environment: Work will be primarily outdoors at job sites, and sometimes under ex treme weather conditions. Probation Period: This position is subject to a 3- month probationar y period, af ter which time the succes sful candidate will be eligible to participate in the company’s pension and benefit s progr ams. Please for ward all cover letters, resumes and suppor ting documents to General Manager, Don Gossoo via email: don.gossoo@lnibdc.com POSITION: MOBILE HEAV Y DUTY MECHANIC Company: Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corpor ation Location: Mer ritt BC Reports to: General Manager Deadline: 4pm Friday September 16th, Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted
air
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. SUDOKU PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE ACROSS DOWN 1. One point north of due west 4. Indigenous peoples of northern Scandinavia 9. Popular California/Nevada 14.lakeGo quickly 15. Fatty acid in soaps 16. Brand of fuel stations 17. State of fuss 18. Romance novelist 20. Members of a household 22. Asserts to be the case 23. Type of infection 24. With metal inlays 28. Chinese principlephilosophic 29. Early multimedia 30. Employee stock ownership plan 31. He investigated Clinton administration 33. Shells 37. Six 38. Snakelike fish 39. Capital of Kenya 41. Influential group (abbr.) 42. Used to chop 43. It comes as a case 44. Challenges 46. Small amounts 49. The Golden State 50. Peyton’s little brother 51. For walking in Alaska 55. Buddhist honorific titles 58. Lively ballroom dance 59. Capital of Albania 60. Late night host 64. Draw from 65. A way to utilise 66. One who is not native Hawaiian 67. A power to perceive 68. Bulky 69. Horse mackerels 70. Proclaim out loud 1. Hits 2. Bathroom accessory 3. Young 4. Beef cattles 5. It’s often in soap 6. For each 7. Innermost envelopingmembranethebrain 8. A way to leave 9. Emaciation 10. Punish with a fine 11. Steeds 12. Having eight 13. Greek goddess of the dawn 19. Mature reproductive cells 21. Armadillo species 24. Ancient country in what is now Romania 25. Extreme greed 26. Stars 27. Poems 31. Places to sit 32. One from the Lone Star State 34. Small rails 35. One quintillion bytes (abbr.) 36. Where coaches work 40. Indicates position 41. Mammals 45. Resembling a wing 47. Beliefs 48. Hindu male religious teachers 52. Mischievously 53. Where athletes want to end up (abbr.) 54. Large, deep-bodied fish 56. Horned squash bug genus 57. Excessively sentimental 59. Shared verbally 60. You can put it on toast 61. Data mining methodology (abbr.) 62. Resinlike substance secreted by certain insects 63. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano Find BIG Savings... When You Place Your Ad in the Classifieds! THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER. A22 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com Route ME20 Castillou Cres , Munro Cres 54papers Bench Route ME24 canford Chapman Coldwater Greig hamilton River Voght St 55 papers Central School Thursday s Deliveries Paid per paper Great job for children first job Any age ok Can have papers delivered to your door or you can pick up at office Please feel free to phone or stop by the office to review the route(s) you are thinking about 2090 Granite Ave (250) 378 4241 Ask for Ken Following positions now available at the Best Wester n Plus Mer ritt Hotel. • HOUSEKEEPING • FRONT DESK • BREAKFAST ATTENDANT • LAUNDRY ATTENDANT Looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the Best Wester n team. Must be eager to lear n, self-motivating and have time management skills. Strong inter per sonal skills are required for guest interaction in all positions. Please Respond In Person with Resume. 3969 Crawford Ave, Mer ritt Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd. 2900 Pooley Ave the following vehicle will be auctioned on August 31, 2022 for non payment. Phone the ofce for inquiries @ 250-378-5000 2008 Kia Sportage VIN# KNDJF722X87543093 Debtor: Nichola Schmauder Amount Owing: 1,680.40 Numismatist Purchasing Coin Collections & Accumulations! Royal Canadian Mint, Canada & World Collections Wanted Also buying 9999 bullion, old money, jewelr y nuggets sterling, gold, silver, coins, bars, monster boxes +++ Estates Welcome! Todd (250) 864 3521 Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd. 2900 Pooley Ave the following vehicle will be auctioned on September 7, 2022 for non payment. Phone the ofce for inquiries @ 250-378-5000 1998 Jeep Cherokee VIN# 1J4FJ68SXWL260424 Debtor: Simon Morley Amount Owing: 3,263.23 2002 Nissan Altima VIN# 1N4BL11D42C105977 Debtor: Narcisse Nathan Amount Owing: 5,422.92 1998 SPECIAL SP&SP TRAILER VIN# 4PXT12122W1007828 Debtor: Shayegi-Nik Hamid Amount Owing: 3,305.54 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN# 3G1JC12F14S105723 Debtor: James Honeywell Amount Owing: 1,191.09 Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices
THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 A23www.merrittherald.com Local Business Director y 1974 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC •250-378-5575 @missvickispetalsandplants •Bouquets • Arrangements •Plants •Local Made Giftware FLOWERSHOP VOLUNTEER Become a VOLUNTEER and HELP your COMMUNITY If youhave HANDS to HELP please stop in at the ThriftShop to pickupanapplication or applyonour website at nvhealthcareaux.ca TheNVHC Auxiliaryoperates the ThriftShop and provides manyfacets of comfort and care to support the community. DEN TI ST Call 250-378-4888 to book your appointment. 2731 Forksdale Avenue,V1K 1R9 www.dentistryatmerritt.ca NEW PATIENTS &WALK-INS WELCOME HOURS Tuesday: 9am-6pm Wednesday -Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday and Saturday: 9am-4pm GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE Dr.J.Sarao-DMD, Dr.S.Malhotra-DDS, Dr.R.Dutt-DMD LICENSED CANNABIS Quilchena Cannabis Co. Call 250-378-5 420 Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC Quilchena Canna Company M19+ UST BE JANITOR AL SERV CES sales@integralservice g www.integralservicesgroup com CLEANING SERVICES 2064Coutlee Ave. Ph: 250-378-4943 email: nicplumb@telus.net FULLYQUALIFIED TRADESMAN IN:Plumbing,Heating,Bonded Gas SerFitters. vice work, furnace ser vice and custom sheet metal. www.nicolaplumbingandheating.com Nic ola Plumbi &Hng ea t in g Cer tified Plumbers&Gas Fitterswanted -apply today! PLUMBING &HEATING EXCAVATING •Small Job Specialist •Dump TrailerService •Fencing &Post Pounder •Concrete Driveways &Sidewalks •FullyInsured Call Gary Sedore forFREE ESTIMATES: 250-378-4312 Gary ’s Mini Excavating Service email: garylsedore@gmail.com Cell: 250-315-3174 ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE PRIME ADVERTISING LOCATION! GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED! ASK FOR KEN •250-378-4241 or email: classifieds@merrittherald.com 250 378 4241 Be suretogive me acall if you want to reser ve your advertisement in this spot. This is afull colour business cardsize space on a 1, 3, 6month or morecontract. TREESERVICE CALL JIM at S250-378-4212 olutions for your tree problems! ➤Schedule your FREE Estimate JIM POTTER MERRITT TREE SERVICE •Fully insured, certified faller •WSBC covered •Dangerous tree assessment
A24 THURSDAY, August 25, 2022 www.merrittherald.com email: rlpmerit@telus.net www.royallepage .ca SERVING MERRITT &AREA FOR 40 YEARS! 3499 Voght Street, Merritt BC, V1K 1C6 250-378-6181 email: rlpmerit@telus.net Helping you is what we do.™ Visit: www.royallepage .ca/merritt foracompletelist of current listing. Owner/Broker CL AUDETTE EDENOSTE Ph: 250-280-0689 claudetteedenoste@ royallepage.ca Managing Broker JOHN ISAAC Ph: 250-378-1586 johnisaac@telus.net JENNIFER KIGHTLEY Ph: 250-315-3256 jenniferkightley@ royallepage.ca TONY LUCK Ph: 604-217-5825 tjluck@royallepage.ca DENISE DESILETS Ph: 250-315-8395 denisedesilets@ royallepage.ca FRED SINGER Ph: 250-318-8392 fred.singer@royallepage.ca RoyalLePagePropertyManagement Royal LePage Proper ty Management Forall rental inquiries, please contact KevinDunn or Cr ystalChandler. Rental Applications areavailable at our office AND on our website www.merrittrealestateser vices.com in the “Proper ty Management” tab. Phone: 250-378-1996 or Email:proplepage@gmail.com 334 PERIDOTDR. Logan Lake $389,0 00 Beautiful immaculatemanufactured home with alarge patio and sunroom. Outside features 3sheds and awoodworking shop with 220 electrical to runacompressor or welding equipment. MLS#169026 1634 DOUGLASST. $265,0 00 *VACANT POSSESSION**A great oppor tunityfor investors or first-time buyers to ownthis wonderful home in afamilyorientated area. MLS#167942 1699 COLDWATER AVE $369,90 0 Just putting on the finishing touches in this Cute&Cozy 959 sq. ft.rancher With newerroof, windows &siding,new furnace,new hot watertank, new electrical throughout with final inspection obtained, newflooring,new kitchen &bath, compositedeckoff laundr y, MLS#169379 281 POPLAR DR. Logan Lake $579,90 0 This 3bedroom, 3bath home is situated on abeautiful, fenced lot with plentyofroomfor entertaining.The kitchen has great counter space and plentyofcupboardspace MLS #167508 1638 LINDLEY CREEK RD. $175,0 00 Hurr y! This will not last long as building lots arescarce.A great oppor tunitytobuild your newhome in the Collettville area MLS#167218 2928 TELEMON PL. $298,90 0 Investorsretired or first-time buyers look no fur ther than this nicelyrenovated2-bedroom home! Move-in ready with fresh paint, newflooring,new windows,new doors, and plumbing MLS #167496 2893 ABERDEEN RD. $3,100,0 00 75 AcresZoned CR1 (Minimum 2-acreparcels) and (SH1 Minimum 5-acreparcels). This proper ty is allflat useable land and ready fordevelopment. MLS #167169 1-1749 MENZIES ST. $439,90 0 Lovely bright 3bed, 3bath end unit with central air,tiled fireplace surround and kitchen backsplash, skylights,lg. Dble garage and southernfacing yard with great patio area! MLS #167350 2160 ELLIS ROAD $1,097,0 00 Beautiful flat8.72 acres located in Sunshine Valleyonly15mins from Merritt. This 2-bedroom 1bathroom home is nestled in a privatesetting with alarge built-in garage MLS#168380 405 DALADON PL. Logan Lake $699,90 0 Qualitybuilt 4-year-old home in anew subdivision. Alarge entr yway leads up intothis gorgeous open concept home MLS #167410 2713GRANITE PL. $498,90 0 Hurr y! This 4-bedroom single stor ywith afull basement in a great location won’tlast long.The home is situated on alarge 12,600-square-foot lot so therewill be plentyofroomtobuild an additional shop or grannysuite MLS #167015 920 COLDWATER RD. $1,095,0 00 *REDUCED TO SELL* This is awonderful 4-bedroom family home on adesirable 1.5acres onlyminutes from MerrittCity center MLS #167662 1601 NICOLLS RD. $1,325,0 00 13.75-acreflat riverfront proper ty in Sunshine Valley. Lovely 1650 sq. Ft. Rancher,huge shop and garage,fencedand crossfenced. 2wells,irrigation pond and so much more! MLS#168153 KEVIN DUNN Ph: 250-525-0073 1kevindunn@ protonmail.com 18-1703 MENZIES ST. $110,0 00 Awonderful bachelor unit with an excellent tenant who is willing to stay.Nicola Apar tments is agreat first-time buyerbuilding or an investment holding proper ty MLS #167494 RURALRURAL RURALRURAL 481 KANE VALLEY RD. $898,0 00 Welcome to 4seasons of recreational paradise! This 11/2 stor y, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on 10 acres with endless trails &access to crownland &lakes right out of your backyard. MLS#168635 RURAL 2556 CORKEL STREET $627,0 00 LowerNicola at its finest! Beautifullyupdated 3-bedroom 2-bathroom modular home sitting on alarge privatelot. MLS#169136 196OGDEN RD. $499,90 0 This 3bedroom 2bath home is located in agreat location on aquiet street, providing arural feel close to Clearwater’s amenities and recreation. MLS#169248 RURAL TRANQUILLE CRISS CREEK RD. $499,90 0 163AcrePRIVATEOASIS less than 1hour from Kamloops in the beautiful Tranquille Valleyjust waiting foryour ideas! Lots of flatland with some corrals that will stay.Explore the waterfalls just minutes from the proper ty MLS#167757 RURAL 25-1749MENZIES ST. $439,90 0 Immaculateend unit in sought-afterSun ValleyCour t! This unit has anew roof in 2021, newlighting,new paint, newgas fireplace,new blinds,central air,built-in vac, easy glide drawers kitchen, and cabinets in pantr y/laundr yroom. MLS#169263 19-1749MENZIES ST. $439,90 0 Sun ValleyCour tStrataUnit with all the extra’s! This unit has been uniquely upgraded with finishing’sthat areamust see.The unit has newpaint, new gasfireplace,new hardwood flooring,new light fixtures,updated pantry/ laundryroom w/ ample storage &shelving,roof 2016 MLS#169257 2699 QUILCHENA AVE $359,0 00 Cute, cozy,and affordable! Aone-levelrancher with 3-bedrooms and at wo-bath home located on alarge cor ner lot has ever ything youneed. MLS#169334 NEW NEW 1663 COLDWATER AVE $449,0 00 This home wascompletelyrenovated 8yearsago and has 2bedrooms and 2full bathrooms.The kitchen has beautiful wood cabinets with agood size island forfood prep &enter taining.The home is equipped forwheelchair access and has arampleading to the covereddeckonthe backofthe home whereyou enter intothe laundr yroom MLS#169389 NEW
