August 3 - 2023

SMOKE AND BOMBERS

Merritt Fire Rescue, assisted by BC Wildfire crews and neighbouring municipalities’ fire departments, extinguished a weekend-long wildfire at the former Tolko site on Lindley Creek Road. Photo/Jacob Schultz

ALERT CANCELLED

An Amber Alert has been cancelled, and charges laid, in the alleged abduction of two Lower Mainland children last week.

BEACHES

Spaxomin (Douglas) and Chapperon Lakes join N’Kwala (Nicola) Lake on Interior Health’s beach closure list.

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Story/Page 3

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix visited the Nicola Valley Hospital last week to meet with Mayor Mike Goetz and Interior Health. /PAGE 10

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RECAP: crews extinguish weekend long Tolko blaze

Firefighters have managed to extinguish the fire at the former Tolko mill, located on Lindley Creek Road.

Early on July 31, BC Wildfire Service announced that the fire was extinguished after two days of suppression efforts onsite.

The blazes that were burning at the wood chip piles at the old Tolko mill sent a column of smoke into the sky early afternoon on Saturday, July 29. According to the BC Wildfire Service’s website, the wildfire was first reported as being 0.6 hectares in size.

As soon as the wildfire was reported, Merritt’s Fire and Rescue Department (MFRD) arrived onsite and was joined

by other fire departments from multiple nearby municipalities and a First Nation.

Logan Lake, Princeton, Bx-Swan Lake, Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country, Williams Lake and Lower Nicola sent their crews to help control the fire spread and prevent further damage.

Aerial firefighting units were deployed to assist in the operation, utilizing a waterdropping helicopter to target the most intense areas of the fire. The combined efforts of ground and aerial crews were crucial in combating the blaze and minimizing its impact on the local community.

Due to potential risks to the community, the City’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was activated as a precaution and to aid response to the fire emergency. Fortunately, there were no evacuation orders or alerts active for the region during the two-day wildfire burn.

As of now, the cause of the wildfire is still unknown. BCWS reported on their website that they are currently investigating the circumstances.

Mayor Mike Goetz appreciated the efficiency of the Merritt Fire Department in handling the incident.

“With quick action of the Merritt Fire Department and the years of experience of our Fire Chief and Acting Fire Chief, they were able to act on the fire immediately,” he said.

The mayor also said he is grateful for all the support Merritt had from other municipalities to control the wildfire.

“We definitely had the best of the best on this fire,” the mayor said. “We are indebted to all the communities that helped us in our time of need, and we as a City say thank you so much.”

A fire erupted early Saturday (July 29) afternoon at the wood chip pile located at the former Tolko mill on Lindley Creek Road.

Photo/Herald Staff

Laísa Condé

Smoke towers over the city on Saturday (July 29). Laisa Conde/Herald MFRD and other fire crews responded to the wildfire. Photo/Ken Dunn

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Charges laid in alleged abduction of missing B.C. children

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Surrey RCMP this weekend provided new information to the public regarding the safe recovery of two B.C. children who were subjects of a recent 11-day-long Amber Alert and country-wide search efforts.

On July 19, an Amber Alert was issued in the province of British Columbia in relation to two children who were allegedly abducted by their mother after not being returned to their father, their guardian, after a planned trip. The two children were located safely Saturday (July 29) evening near Edson, Alta., and the Amber Alert was cancelled.

“Through investigative efforts, Surrey RCMP Serious Crime Unit identified a rural property in Alberta, just outside of the town of Edson where the children were believed to be,” said Cpl. Vanessa Munn, Surrey RCMP media relations officer, in a Sunday (July 30) press release.

“The Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team was engaged, as our top priority was to ensure the safety of everyone involved. On July 29, 2023, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the team entered the property where they located the two children and three adults.”

Police noted in their release that the children’s mother was charged with two counts of Abduction in contravention of a custody order, and her boyfriend, travelling with the group, was charged with two counts of

Abduction of a person under the age of 14. Both remain in custody in Alberta awaiting their next court appearance. The Merritt Herald is not naming the adults to protect the identity of the children.

A third adult, believed to be the mother’s father, has also been detained, but police gave no word on charges or the individual’s condition. During the 11-day Amber Alert activation, police received 435 tips from all over British Columbia, Alberta and even as far away as New Brunswick. In each instance, local police were engaged and assisted in following up on the information.

“Surrey RCMP received invaluable assistance from our policing partners in Alberta, who stepped in to provide support without hesitation. We are deeply grateful to the Edson RCMP, Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit, Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, and RCMP Air Services. Their combined efforts played a vital role in helping us safely locate and recover the children,” added the Surrey RCMP release.

“We sincerely appreciate the assistance from the public, media, and other policing and community partners, who all played an important role in this investigation. The children have been reunited with their family, who are extremely grateful. This is the outcome we have all been hoping for, and it is the direct result of the hard work and perseverance of the investigative team.”

The rural Edson property was searched on Sunday, Surrey RCMP confirmed during a press conference.

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The missing children subject of last week’s Amber Alert have been found safe and reunited with their father. Photo/RCMP

EDITORIAL

JOSHI: Merritt is mesmerizing in more ways than one

generosity will hold a special place in my heart.

If Merritt is mesmerizing for its breath-taking scenic

are warm

It’s been around eight months since I have been a part of this beautiful town, but every experience of people’s

When I was struggling to find a way to pick up my family from the Vancouver International Airport, a gentleman in Roland offered to ease my panic-stricken nerves. More than his gesture, it was his teaching “of passing on the good thing to another” that will remain with me forever. That he didn’t even charge me for the gas completely amazed me. His ‘welcome gift’ for my daughter, a soft toy, was so thoughtful.

The other day I was getting a heavy chair from downtown. Seeing my struggle to reach the nearest bus stop, a kind man

in Colton stopped by to offer me a ride back home. It was a huge relief in the sweltering heat. That he took a de tour especially for me was hearttouching. I couldn’t thank him enough either.

Merritt is blessed to have heart-warming people. Some of them whom we know are Jigar and Shruti. When their good friend suffered a stroke, they were constantly with him until his family arrived in Canada. They also ensured the settlement of the friend’s family smoothly, considering it was their first time in this country.

There are many others who have had these beautiful experiences too. A person who I

know was moving in with her family, and to her surprise, a few good samaritans of the town arranged for brand new furniture and kitchen appliances after pouncing upon her Facebook post. It was unimaginable!

That the people of Canada are generous was experienced first hand by me when one good gesture of footing the bill of the next car had a ripple effect on the next five cars. It was truly unbelievable. It reminded me instantly of Roland’s advice: “Do good and pass it on to others.”

The world will be such a better place if we all practise this in our lives.

beauty, its people

and caring largely.

HARIT JOSHI WARM CUP OF DREAMS

James and Diane Clark

LETTERS to the editor Canada’s military helicopters should assist in firefighting

Editor,

Due to climate change, forest fires are becoming more of a problem every year. We need to have more resources available to react quickly and effectively. And Canada’s military has helicopters that are being used mostly to prepare for war. Although this is a necessary and difficult task, during heavy forest fire season these resources could be better used for fighting the more dangerous and potentially immense forest fires. Helicopters may be used with buckets or belly tanks and other uses. And the skill to do these tasks is similar to military tasks.

A very experienced pilot who also flew water bombers in B.C. for 10 years, Peter Lauren has tried to convince the federal and provincial government to implement this idea for many years. The governments have given him little or no response. Understandably it will not be easy to accomplish this. The military will be reluctant because they are heavily tasked, understaffed and underfunded. The federal government will be reluctant because forests are a provincial responsibility. And the provinces are often reluctant to ask for support from the federal government. But perhaps this could be accomplished to work smoothly through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

In order to convince the governments to do this, the public has to contact many different politicians and officials to show support for an idea that is overdue for implementation. As many people as possible have to contact public servants such as the following and tell them to get this done.

Contact your MP, your MLA, Minister of Forests, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Minister of National Defence, and Prime Minister.

TEGART: fire and drought bringing extreme hardships

the grazing pastures their cattle normally feed on. For those who still have workable fields, nothing is growing because of severe drought. With dwindling hay crops and not enough feed to get their livestock through the fall or winter months, many ranchers are being forced to sell them off at auction.

are also fears about future growing seasons, as farmers rely on good soil and a healthy ecosystem to grow our food. All of these issues can threaten B.C.’s food security.

winter.

From the Herald archives: August, 1963

CARELESS HUMANS CAUSE FIRES

Forest and bush fires destroyed more than $60,000,000 of Canada’s natural resources during the past 10 years. Across the country, 6,000 fires of this type can be expected each year, according to the All Canada Insurance Federation. Human carelessness causes most forest and bush fires in Canada.

LETTERS POLICY

B.C. farmers and ranchers are faced with an absolute catastrophe during B.C.’s worst wildfire season in terms of hectares burned. Among the burned lands are

Ph: 250-378-6181

Some are having to sell the very cows that would bear next year’s calves, so the impact to the beef industry will be felt well beyond the end of wildfire season. Farmers are noting their crops are suffering due to drought, and water access is a key issue. There

Our BC United team continues to call on the government to support our farmers and ranchers through this extraordinarily challenging time. AgriServiceBC has set up a support hotline at 1-888221-7141. But we’re hopeful the Province will consider measures beyond the short-term, including financial assistance and help finding feed, so ranchers can keep their animals through the fall and

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Our caucus has also urged the government to declare a provincial state of emergency. This would help farmers and ranchers access vital federal disaster relief and other support programs that could provide critical help to their operations.

What can the rest of us do? Limit our water usage and, as always, do our part to avoid igniting wildfires.

The four worst wildfire seasons in B.C.’s history have come in the last six years. We must do more to protect our precious resources and ensure a bright future for all of us.

Great storefront location with 1300 sq/ft 4 bedroom rental apartment above that has its own meter The property has curbside parking at the front plus parking at back for loading and unloading. 400 amp main for power. The ground floor is approximately 4,500 sq/ft and can be demised into two units with separate roof-mount heat and air conditioning.

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The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the 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 to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

Fred Trudell and Peter Lauren

JACKIE TEGART VIEW FROM THE LEGISLATURE

Kamloops resident splits Lotto Max jackpot

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A Kamloops resident is $35 million richer after matching all seven numbers on Tuesday’s (July 25) Lotto Max draw.

Rhonda Malesku, a born and raised Kamloops resident, split the $70 million dollar jackpot for the recent draw with a ticket purchased in Alberta. While at Walmart on Hillside Drive shopping for beach towels, she struck it rich unknowingly. Now, money in hand, she looks to design her dream home, and allow her children to do the same.

“I’ve always dreamed of being able to design my dream home and also set my family up so now I can do both,” said Malesku in a British Columbia Lottery Corporation release.

Malesku was in her home when she discovered she had hit the jackpot. Upon checking the winning numbers online, her reaction caused quite a shock for her husband, who was in the backyard doing yard work at the time, even attracting the attention of neighbours.

“I let out a huge scream and kept saying, ‘I won $35 million dollars!”I opened up the back door and started screaming it outside to my husband Sam and we both started shaking! I was shouting so loud with excitement that the neighbors came out of their houses because they thought something was wrong,” recalled Malesku.

The next to find out was her daughter, who was preparing for work at the time.

“I called my daughter and started screaming

it all over again to her,” noted Malesku, adding family is the most important thing to her. “She immediately dropped everything and came over. We couldn’t even get ready this morning because we were vibrating with excitement and had to help each other put on our makeup.”

Along with building her son and daughter their dream homes in addition to her own, Malesku said she will gift some to other family members as well. She also plans to purchase a travel trailer and a truck and looks forward to travelling to the east coast with her loved ones.

“I’m just absolutely blown away,” she added.

Lotto Max is a twice-weekly draw in which players choose seven numbers between one and 50 in an attempt to match all seven. The odds of doing so is one in 33.3 million. The winning numbers in the July 25 draw were 15, 16, 17,18, 43, 44 and 48. The bonus number, which applies to secondary prizes, was 50.

Long time resident of the Nicola Valley, Cecile Felts, celebrated her Family at a reunion held at Beaver Lake Resort (Winfield-Lake Country) from July 3-7. In attendance were Cecile’s four surviving children: Dennis, Gordon, Tammy and Trevor (Darlene is deceased) plus their spouses. Eight Grandchildren and their spouses and 5 Great-Grandchildren. It was a fun filled time with wonderful memories made.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Parcel Tax Review

Parcel Taxes are imposed for Water and Sewer. The roll is available for inspection at City Hall (2185 Voght St) during the City’s regular office hours.

Any person who owns a parcel and believes that the roll should be amended regarding that parcel may appeal, on one or more of the four following grounds:

• an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll

• an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel

• an error or omission respecting the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel

• an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed

If you wish to appeal, you must inform the City in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 6, 2023 You may provide this notice:

• In-person at City Hall

• By letter clearly marked PARCEL TAX APPEAL 2023 to Box 189, 2185 Voght St, Merritt BC, V1K1B8

• By emailing parceltaxes@merritt ca

Marius Auer

Rhonda Malesku, a Kamloops resident, split the $70 million jackpot with a ticket purchased in Alberta for the July 25 Lotto Max draw. Photos/BCLC

Interior Health closes Spaxomin and Chapperon Lakes

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Interior Health is notifying people who use N’Kwala (Nicola) Lake, Spaxomin (Douglas) Lake and Chapperon Lake there is a risk of exposure to cyanobacterial toxin due to the presence of a blue-green algae bloom on the lakes. Spaxomin and Chapperon Lakes join N’Kwala Lake as of July 28 on the health authority’s Beach Closure Advisory list.

Samples of N’Kwala Lake water taken on July 18, July 10 and July 7 tested positive for the presence of cyanobacterial toxin. Interior Health closed the lake on July 13. Water samples taken on July 26 from Chapperon and Spaxomin Lakes tested positive for the same toxin. The advisories are being issued for the entire lakes at this time. Cyanobacteria can produce several types of toxin that can be poisonous to people, pets, and livestock.

“Algae blooms can remain in a water body for weeks to months,” said IHA in a July 28 release. “Once the bloom is no longer present and two consecutive sets of samples do not show the presence of cyanobacteria toxin, Interior Health will review any beach closures and/or advisories.”

Exposure to the cyanobacteria toxin can occur through ingestion of or contact with contaminated water.

The health authority is advising lake users of

the following:

- If you obtain drinking water from the lake, you should use an alternate source, such as bot

tled water. Boiling the water will not remove the toxin.

- Do not swim in the water and avoid contact with the water by avoiding recreational activities such as, boating and waterskiing. If your skin is exposed to contaminated water, rinse off with clean water immediately.

- Use an alternate source of drinking water for pets and livestock.

- Exposure to the toxins can result in symptoms that are visible shortly after exposure including dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, skin rash and mouth blisters (from ingestion).

- If you show symptoms that may be linked to cyanobacteria exposure, contact your physician.

According to HealthLinkBC, symptoms from drinking water with cyanobacterial toxins can include: headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers and blistering of the lips.

Symptoms from contact with water contaminated with the toxin include skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes. Those who come in contact with the contaminated water are reminded to rinse their body with clean water immediately after exposure.

To report other algae blooms please visit the provincial Algae Watch webpage.

Shop One StopLove

“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”

Interior Health first shut down N’Kwala (Nicola) Lake beaches on July 13 due to a bloom of blue-green algae that could expose lake users to cyanobacterial toxin, which has now spread to other area lakes. Photo/Herald File

B.C. Health Minister stops at Nicola Valley Hospital amidst protests

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On July 25, Minister of Health Adrian Dix visited Merritt to better understand the emergency room closure crisis happening in town.

During his visit at the Nicola Valley Hospital, the Herald tried to get comments about his visit and actions that the provincial government are considering to fix the situation, however, the minister was on back-to-back meetings and couldn’t speak to the Herald at the time.

The Herald managed to contact Minister Dix’s communications team and, through an email, the minister addressed the reasons behind his visit to town, along with the meetings he had with nursing and physicians staff, as well as Mayor Mike Goetz.

“I regularly meet with staff and physicians to hear new ideas, and local perspectives, for addressing the complex challenges facing the healthcare system,” he said. “At the Nicola Valley Hospital today (July 25), I talked to physicians and nurses about the challenges that especially face the emergency department here in Merritt.”

In the email, Minister Dix addressed the recurring emergency department closures happening at the Nicola Valley Hospital as unfortunate.

“The Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt has had nine emergency department closures this year due to staffing shortages,” he said. “While this is contrary to some reports suggesting a higher number of closures, that number is still too high.”

The latest temporary closure announcement made by Interior Health was on July 12, which closed the emergency room for 13 hours, from 7 p.m. Wednesday (July 12) to 8 a.m. Thursday (July 13).

In May, Interior Health Authority told the Herald that staff recruitment and retention efforts for the Nicola Valley were ongoing, with the closures being a last resort measure to address staffing shortages caused by the overall vacancies, short-notice sick calls, and vacation time.

The minister confirmed in the email that the closures are a last resort decision and only occur when no other options are available and that “Interior Health will continue doing their very best to cover shifts when staff are unavailable.”

“We are doing everything possible to recruit health-care workers and stabilize emergency department services in the Merritt region,” he said.

In the email, Minister Dix also addressed the immediate actions that are being taken in Merritt to stabilize emer-

gency services in town, which are:

- Incentivizing work for nursing staff to redeploy to Merritt (e.g. additional travel incentives) to ensure the stability of services, as well as changing the mix of staffing to have additional resources in place to handle sick calls and cases where staff leave the site.

- Adding additional support for locum physicians travelling to the community in order to cover additional shifts and ongoing planning with local physicians to ensure that the workforce and compensation model will meet their needs in a sustainable way.

- Actively recruiting more physicians and staff for Nicola Valley Hospital. To date, Interior Health has recruited 2.16 additional full-time equivalents for emergency departments registered nurses positions.

- Interior Health is exploring all shortand long-term mitigation strategies to ensure consistent and reliable health services coverage in the community.

The Herald also requested a formal interview with the minister, but had not received an official answer by the time this story was published.

On the day of his visit, a small group of Merrittonians were protesting outside of the hospital, making it clear that their concerns were heard. Later that day, Minister Dix gathered with Mayor Mike Goetz to discuss the healthcare crisis.

Mayor Goetz said he had a pleasant meeting with Minister Dix and Susan Brown, president of Interior Health Authority.

“I am glad he came to Merritt, also glad he took the time to talk to the protesters,” the mayor said.

“We have agreed to work together to solve the staffing issues.”

The mayor also added that let the minister know that he “will continue to advocate for the hospital.”

He also said that both of them have agreed to contact each other if any issues arise and work together to get them fixed as quickly as possible.

Minister Dix chats with protesters outside the hospital ER last week. Photo/Georgia Clement

City Council directs staff to explore conference hosting bid

Former Cents player receives league community service award

Mayor Mike Goetz said his time at SILGA 2011, hosted in Merritt while he was a City Councillor, was enjoyable, and sees the opportunity to host again in 2025 as positive.

The City of Merritt wants to host the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) convention in 2025.

At the latest council meeting held on July 25, council discussed what it seems to be a great opportunity to showcase Merritt to other interior municipalities. According to the council agenda, the City of Merritt was approached by SILGA if they would be interested in bidding to host the convention in 2025.

The annual SILGA convention is an opportunity for local governments elected in the southern interior to work together on topics of mutual interest.

However, this wouldn’t be the first time that the city would be hosting the convention for multiple municipalities. Merritt hosted the SILGA convention back in 2011, which Mayor Goetz remembered as “really enjoyable.”

“It was a bit of work, but it was really worth the time,” he said. “I would be more than happy to throw our name in the hat because every councillor gets a little bit of a job to do and we get to shine a little bit. I think it would be good.”

All city councillors present at the regular meeting shared their positive thoughts regarding the previous edition hosted in town and in favour of hosting it again.

City Councillor Dana Egan expressed her excitement over the possibility of hosting the SILGA convention in 2025.

“In 2011 … It was really well received and I had a blast while catering, and I saw that everybody that was here really enjoyed it,” she said. “So I am in, if we do this.”

In a unanimous vote, council recommended staff look for potential activities around town and write to the SILGA board their interest in hosting the 2025 SILGA convention.

Greg Lowis, director of corporate services and interim Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Merritt, said that hosting the convention is a “fantastic opportunity to put the city of Merritt on the extremely exciting map of Southern Interior Local Government Association convention locations.”

“It would be a good, small, but good economic boost to the area,” Lowis said. “People using our hotels, seeing and learning about what Merritt can offer.”

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has announced that former Merritt Centennial, Conor Farren, is a recipient of this year’s Kyle Turris Community Service Award.

The honour is presented annually, and named after NHL veteran and former BCHL player, Kyle Turris. Each team choses a player to receive the award at the end of the season.

“This award is given in recognition of players who go above and beyond in their BCHL community,” said the Cents in a release. “Congratulations, Connor, and thank you for contributions to the Merritt

Centennials and our community during your time in Merritt.”

The league also congratulated Farren, noting that he is always the first to commit to community events and engagements, despite not being from Merritt.

“Farren is someone who truly embraced the community in Merritt,” said the league in a release. “You can find him in town during the off-season, maybe on a long weekend. When coaches put up community events, he is always the first to reply with a commitment, getting involved in whatever it is the team may be doing. His community and team-first approach has become contagious to his teammates.”

Farren played for the team for the past two seasons, and is eligible to return once more this fall, pending space on the roster and interest from him.

Conor Farren (R) signs an autograph for a young Cents fan last season. Photo/BCHL

Photo/Herald File

service, from people who care.”

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P e o p l e ’ s

IT ’S TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE IN THE NICOLA VALLEY

It’s time for people to make their choice. Indicate your top picks for the Mer ritt Herald People’s Choice Awards on this entr y sheet, or using our online ballot for m at https://www.mer rittherald.com/peoples-choice-2023/

VOTE ONLINE!

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P l u m b i n g C o m p a ny

A u t o Pa r t s S t o r e

A u t o R e p a i r S h o p

C l o t h i n g S t o r e

C o l d B e e r W i n e / L i q u o r S t o r e

C o nv e n i e n c e S t o r e

D ay c a r e

D o g / C a t G r o o m e r

F i t n e s s Fa c i l i t y

G a s S t a t i o n

G r o c e r y S t o r e

S p a

S a l o n

H o t e l / M o t e l

I n s u r a n c e O f fi c e

L o g g i n g C o m p a ny

U n i q u e B u s i n e s s

B u i l d i n g S u p p l y C o m p a ny

T i r e S h o p

A c c o u n t a n t / B o o k ke e p e r

B a n k S t o r a g e Fa c i l i t y

C a t e r i n g

Te l e p h o n e :

S e l e c t w h o y o u r t o p c h o i c e s a r e i n a t l e a s t 2 5 % o f t h e t o t a l c a t e g o r i e s C o n t e s t c l o s e s

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L E A S E P R I N T C L E A

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P h a r m a c y R e a l E s t a t e C o m p a ny O p t i c a l B u s i n e s s

B u i l d i n g C o n t r a c t o r C o m p a ny

E l e c t r i c a l C o m p a ny

We l d i n g C o m p a ny

C o f f e e S h o p / C a f e

A g r i c u l t u r a l / Fa r m / R a n c h B u s i n e s s H o m e B a s e d B u s i n e s s P E O P L E A N D P L AC E S ( I n c l u d e N a m e & B u s i n e s s N a m e ) L o c a l A r t i s t D e n t i s t D o c t o r C o a c h H a i r D r e s s e r N a i l Te c h n i c i a n C o o k

M e c h a n i c M a n a g e r Pe r s o n a l Tr a i n e r P h o t o g r a p h e r R e a l t o r R e c e p t i o n i s t S e r v e r L o c a l B a n d / M u s i c i a n Te a c h e r / E d u c a t o r ( E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l )

Te a c h e r / E d u c a t o r ( H i g h S c h o o l )

Ve t e r i n a r i a n ( n a m e o f v e t )

Vo l u n t e e r

C l u b / S p o r t s O r g a n i z a t i o n

N o n P r o fi t O r g a n i z a t i o n

B e s t L o c a l E v e n t

F O O D A N D B E V E R AG E

B r e a k f a s t

B u r g e r C h i n e s e Fo o d S t e a k P i z z a S o u p

W i n g s

D e s s e r t S u s h i S a n dw i c h

T O P B U S I N E S S E S

B u s i n e s s O f T h e Ye a r

B u s i n e s s O v e r a l l ( U n d e r 1 0 E m p l oy e e s )

B u s i n e s s O v e r a l l ( O v e r 1 0 E m p l oy e e s )

N ew B u s i n e s s - 2 y e a r ’s o r l e s s i n b u s i n e s s

B u s i n e s s O w n e r

VOTE ONLINE at https://www.merrittherald.com/peoples-choice-2023/

Merritt Marlins take home provincial U13 softball championship

over three days. The Marlins won three of their four round-robin games, losing just one to the Terrace Mariners. Ultimately, despite some very close games, the Marlins came out on top and won their playoff games and the provincial championship banner.

“It was a very exciting game and a great weekend of softball,” said Angela Russell, a representative of Merritt Minor Softball.

“I am so excited for these boys, they worked hard all weekend, never gave up, and persevered through some very emotional ups and downs!”

and moving on to face them again in the finals. Merritt ultimately came out on top, winning the final game in a tight 16-15 affair.

“I super excited for what this brings to the game of softball and to our community,” noted Russell.

For more information on the Marlins, or Merritt Minor Softball as a whole, visit the organization’s website at www.merrittminorsoftball.org.

Merritt

U13 Marlins boys softball team, who took home gold from provincials this weekend.

The team visited Prince George for the tournament, playing seven games

The 12 young athletes and their volunteer coaches, Blaine Martens and Brad Denton, visited Carrie Jane Gray Park in Prince George for the games, where they faced stiff competition from teams such as the Barriere Bombers and Terrace Mariners.

The team came back from its sole loss during the round-robin phase to face the Mariners in playoff semi-finals, beating them handily in a mercy game

Merritt Centennials add to scouting staff, look to bolster roster

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Cents have added two scouts to their staff, looking to seek out prospective players in B.C. and across the country. Brian Campbell will serve as the team’s BC regional scout, while John Eminger will take on the role of Toronto regional scout.

The team announced the two hirings in recent press releases.

Campbell recently worked for the Langley Rivermen of BCHL as a scout, and is the owner and director of TwoWayHockey.com, a hockey training program. The team said in a release that Campbell’s passion for the sport began at the young age of five, living in Edmonton, Alberta. At the age of nine, his family moved to Vancouver, where his hockey career really took off.

His father, being a former professional soccer player, sought out the best training available. This happened to be Joe McKeekan, founder of Two Way Hockey. Brian soon became one of the elite players of his age group and was chosen to play in the u18 ‘AAA’ All-Star tournament at the time. The following year, he began his BCHL career with the Kelowna Buckaroos and the North West Caps. His final two seasons were spent

with Richmond Sockeyes. Campbell has been training and developing hockey players in the 40 years since.

“Brian takes great pride in the development and mentoring of his students and strives for them to be the best hockey players, on and off the ice,” said Cents head coach Brian Passmore, noting that Campbell is considered one of the top professional power skating coaches in B.C.

“He accomplishes this by forming great relationships with each individual.”

John Eminger, a former Ontario Hockey League (OHL) defenseman with an impressive hockey background, has been appointed as the Toronto regional scout for Merritt Centennials. Eminger resides in Vaughan, Ontario, with his wife and three children. Eminger brings years of playing experience in the OHL, as well as coaching and scouting experience in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).

“With experience as a coach in the GTHL and as a scout in the OJHL, John is dedicated to discovering and nurturing hockey talent,” noted a release by the team.

For more information on the team, including schedules and season tickets, visit www.merrittcentennials.com.

The U13 Merritt Marlins boys softball team hoists their championship banner after defeating the Terrace Mariners in a close 16-15 game. Photo/Angela Russell

shone once again on the provincial sports stage thanks to Merritt’s

Marius Auer

Eminger and Campbell join the Cents’ scouting crew as the team looks to bolster its roster for the upcoming BCHL season. File photo from last Cents season. Photo/Christina Jean

Littlesteps Landscaping ‘steps in’ to beautify Merritt properties

Marius Auer

Growing up around perfectly manicured lawns and impeccably landscaped properties, Arlene Golish of Littlesteps Landscaping has a knack for property maintenance and beautification – and an unwavering commitment to serving the community.

Littlesteps took its first steps in the Okanagan more than a decade ago, serving the Vernon area initially. When Golish decided it was time to move back home to the Nicola Valley, the business came with her, and Merrittonians suddenly had access to a plethora of landscaping services, and to Golish’s expertise.

“I like being outside, I like seeing the people, and I enjoy looking at their yard when we’re done,” Golish told the Herald. “It looks good, and it’s rewarding. It’s exercise, I get outside, I enjoy the fresh air and the people, and I enjoy what I’m doing.”

Golish serves about 50 regular residential customers in the Nicola Valley, along with a number of commercial and non-profit contracts. While she is the driving force behind the business, Golish works with her son Dalen, along with two employees. The team stresses their attention to detail, low costs, and variety of services.

Arlene herself has two years of formal training in landscape architecture and design and can complete most projects, from designing a full yard makeover and installing a lawn at a new build, to regular maintenance such as weeding, mowing and snowplowing.

Born in the old Merritt hospital, Arlene values the community and the connections she has built in it, including those she has built through her business and personal life.

“It’s very supportive here locally,” said Arlene. “I hit the ground running and never looked back. It’s been received well. Lots and lots of feedback, it’s been positive, and everyone is referring.”

A unique feature of Littlesteps Landscaping is their lower customer cost, which is due in part to more efficient equipment. Arlene and Dalen recently invested in an all-electric equipment setup to accompany their existing gas-powered tools.

Two solar panels on the company vehicle charge dual batteries, providing 650W of solar and running a 1500W inverter. This then powers the batteries for electric trimmers, lawnmowers, and more, allowing Littlesteps to be one step ahead of the competition. The set up was designed and built by Dalen, who has seen many benefits to the new technology.

“It keeps up, and it’s really, really capable,” said Dalen. “There’s almost no need for stored energy when the sun is out, it charges 100 per cent on sunlight.”

Dalen noted the electric equipment is not only quieter, allowing for earlier starts and less noise pollution, but also lighter and easier on the operator. It eliminates some issues seen with gas entirely, such as accidentally spilling fuel.

While Littlesteps said its electric equipment provides cost-savings and a competitive advantage, the company

will still utilize gas machinery until the new technology catches up.

“We’re always going to have gas, we’re not against it,” added Dalen, noting that rain is a challenge for the new electric technology. “We’re just trying to get ahead of the curve.”

As the business moves forward, Dalen will focus on the mowing and landscaping portion of the business, while Arlene looks forward to connecting more with clients through administrative work and otherwise.

For more information on Littlesteps Landscaping, call 250-550-0335, or visit their self-titled Facebook page.

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Ser vice 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

Ser vice 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

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sunday 10:00 am

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Arlene Golish is seen mowing the lawn of a regular customer with one of her business’ new electric mowers. Photo/Dalen Golish

Dalen Golish poses with Littlesteps Landscaping’s truck and trailer combination, built and designed by him to both transport and solar charge the company’s new electric equipment. Marius Auer/Herald

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

ng memory

RENÉ RAICHE

EN R ICH

August 5th, 2022

Saint John, NB

at 2101 Quilchena Ave (Old Barber Shop)

Winter Hours

Monday: 1:00 - 4:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: By Request

Your Recover y Specialists

Meghan Blackmore : (250) 574-4574

Sherr y Peterson : (250) 574-4885

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE

SOCIETY

Grief can make us feel like we are going crazy and that we’ll never feel well or at peace again

P: 250-280-1701

In loving memory of Bruce Earle Fraser

Bruce Earle Fraser of Penticton beloved husband of Barbara Fraser, p away peacefully after a leng illness on July 24, 2023 at th age of 85 years

Bruce star ted his life in Gravenhurst, Ontario, oldest son of Earle and Margaret Fraser He attended school there until he entered the Air Force at the age of 17

www.merritthospice.org

Emai : merritthospice@shaw ca

Ken was always ‘living the dream,’ as he would happily share – no matter the situation – with a smile on his face and coffee in hand. His warm demeanor, friendly jokes, and brightly patterned Hawaiian shirts will live on forever in the memories of those who knew and loved him. As per Ken’s wishes, no formal service or memorial will be held.

Bruce trained at Cold Lake, Alber ta then was shipped out to Germany where he was driving th fuel trucks for the planes acting as chauffeur to o

On his return to Canada, he moved to Merritt, BC where he was employed with the ambulance, volunteer firemen, drove school bus, and worked as a tow truck driver On his

retirement, Bruce moved to Penticton he resided until his passing ides his loving wife arbara, Bruce is sur vived by his two daughters Gail ( Tim) Ferguson of Trail, BC, Frances (Bill) Hodgson of HavreBoucher, Nova Scotia; one step-son Anthony Wright of Brooks, Alber ta; grandchildren Liam Hodgson, Erik Ferguson, and Lexi Campese; four sisters Sheila, Ruth, Joyce, nd Gail all of Ontario; one ther Pete of Gravenhurst, io; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families Bruce was predeceased by his parents Earle and Margaret Fraser Flowers are gratefully declined

DJ Kramer

OBORNE, Lloyd Francis

March 20, 1933 - July 21, 2023

In the early morning of July 21, 2023, at age 90, Dad passed away at Royal Inland Hospital

Predeceased by his wife Edna, parents Lloyd and Mary (Molly) Oborne, his brothers Wayne and Ken Oborne, grandson David Chambers and son-in-law Alan Lorrette

Dad will be loving remembered by his children Audrey Hilliard (Neil), Barbara Chambers, Gary Oborne (Tracey), Richard Oborne (Shauna), Beverly Lorrette and Pat Clark (Ann) His grandchildren Sara Simpson (Rob), Amy Hilliard (Lee), Stephanie Parsons (Jay), Megan Chambers, Justin Oborne, Kyle Oborne (Amy), Ryan Oborne, Sawyer Oborne, Sienna Oborne, Michael Lorette (Roxanne), Brian Lorette, Allison Paschinski (Craig), Dean Clark (Catherine) and Danielle Clark (Todd); his brother Glenn Oborne (Che Che); and many greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews Also left to mourn Dad’s passing is his friend Bev Johnson, who will miss reminiscing about the old days with him

Dad was born in Trail, BC on March 20, 1933. He spent some of his childhood in Robson, BC, where he had to take a ferry back and forth to school His family later moved to Eckville, AB where Dad maintained a dairy herd of 15 cows, as well as stocked grain to neighboring farms, all while attending school In the mid 1950’s, he moved back to BC and worked in a sawmill in Lavington, BC In 1957, Dad joined the Royal Canadian Airforce, stationed in Barrie, Ont., where he stayed for 3 years On his return to BC, he worked in Kamloops at the B/A Bulk Plant as a gas-tanker driver Next, Dad was off to Chase, BC to manage the Jade Mountain Service Station. He later moved to Merritt and worked for Craigmont Mines; and then for Highland Valley Copper as an Equipment Operator, retiring from the latter in 1998.

Dad was an avid four-season outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and hiking. He loved hiking the mountains around Merritt In retirement he became an avid golfer, gardener and woodworker, building a shed for himself to hold all his wood-working equipment

We love you our Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather

No service by request

JOB POSTINGS

2 - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC ATOR

Full Time Permanent Position

Bridge River Head Star t / Daycare Program is seek ing an individual to commit to providing high quality care to children aged 0-6 years with interest in work ing in a unique program and ensuring that there is use of best prac tice provided during the program deliver y.

HEADSTART/DAYC ARE MANAGER

Interim Full-time Permanent

Under the direc tion of the Health Manager the Headstar t/Daycare Manageris to carr y out the daycare managerial roll Must have a valid ECE License and have a reliable vehicle.

Only those shor t listed will be contac ted

For ward Resumes to:

Gar y Forsyth, Administrator Bridge River Indian Band, PO Box 190 Lillooet BC V0K 1V0

Fax: (250) 256-7999

Posting Closing Date: Until Filled

UNCE RTI F I E D TE ACHE RS

TE ACH I NG ON CALL – M E RRIT T

J o b Po s t i n g N o: 3 5 3 8712

Sch o o l D i s t r i ct N o 5 8 (N i co l a - S i m i l ka m e e n) s e r ves t h e t wo co m m u n i t i es of M e r r i t t a n d P r i n ceto n, s i x F i r s t N at i o n s B a n d s, t h e M ét i s co m m u n i t y, a n d t h e Co n a y t F r i e n d s h i p So ci et y I n o u r d i s t r i ct, we re co g n i ze t h at we l e a r n, te a ch a n d wo r k o n t h e a n ces t ra l t ra d i t i o n a l a n d u n ce d e d te r r i to r i es of t h e N l e?e Ke p m x a n d Sy i l x p e o p l e, a n d we a ck n ow l e d g e o u r M ét i s co m m u n i t i es a n d t h e i r co nt r i b ut i o n s to t h e A b o r i g i n a l wa y s of b e i n g, k n ow i n g a n d d o i n g T h e m o u nta i n s, l a kes a n d va l l ey s w i t h i n t h e d i s t r i ct m a ke i t a n at u ra l s et t i n g fo r fa b u l o u s, ye a r- ro u n d o utd o o r a ct i v i t i es We of fe r a wa r m s m a l l -tow n at m o s p h e re w h e re re l at i o n s h i p s a re f u n d a m e nta l to o u r s u cces s M e r r i t t, w h e re t h e of fi ce i s l o cate d, i s i n t h e N i co l a Va l l ey a n d i s t h e h u b of a h i g hwa y s y s te m t h at l i n k s Ka m l o o p s Ke l ow n a a n d t h e Lowe r M a i n l a n d Ra n ch i n g, fo res t r y, h e a l t h, l o ca l g ove r n m e nt, a n d to u r i s m a re t h e m a j o r i n d u s t r i es i n t h e va l l ey O u r St rate g i c Pl a n h a s a “ Su cces s fo r A L L Le a r n e r s” fo cu s, s u p p o r te d by a d e d i cate d s ta f f e n g a g e d s ta ke h o l d e r s a n d p a r t n e r s w h o s h a re a g e n u i n e co m m i t m e nt to t h e d i s t r i ct T h e d i s t r i ct of fe r s r i ch p ro g ra m m i n g to j u s t ove r 2 075 s t u d e nt s, 4 8 % of w h o m a re I n d i g e n o u s We a re p ro u d of o u r o n g o i n g wo r k towa rd s Tr ut h a n d Re co n ci l i at i o n S ch o o l D i s t r i c t N o. 5 8 (N i co l a -S i m i l ka m e e n) i s a cce p t i n g a p p l i ca t i o n s f o r U N CE R T I F I E D Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l T h e d i s t r i c t i s se e k i n g h i g h l y s k i l l e d a n d d y n a m i c i n d i v i d u a l s t o j o i n ou r l i s t o f Ca s u a l, U n ce r t i fi e d Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l . P re f e re n ce w i l l b e g i ve n t o i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h a d e m o n s t ra t e d wo r k h i s t o r y o r vo l u n t e e r ex p e r i e n ce wo r k i n g w i t h ch i l d re n a n d you t h

Re q u i re d q u a l i fi ca t i o n s a n d t ra i n i n g i n cl u d e:

• B a ch e l o r’s d e g re e o r ot h e r p o s t- s e co n d a r y e d u cat i o n

• Re ce nt s u cces s f u l te a ch i n g ex p e r i e n ce a n d/o r t ra i n i n g p refe r re d

• E f fe ct i ve i nte r p e r s o n a l a n d co m m u n i cat i o n s k i l l s

• D e m o n s t rate d i nte res t i n wo r k i n g w i t h ch i l d re n a n d yo ut h Sch o o l D i s t r i ct 5 8 i s wo r k i n g to e n s u re a n i n c l u s i ve, d i ve r s e, a n d re p res e ntat i ve wo r k fo rce Su cces s f u l ca n d i d ates w i l l re co g n i ze t h at co n s i s te nt w i t h t h e U N D e c l a rat i o n o n t h e Ri g ht s of I n d i g e n o u s Pe o p l es (U N D R I P), t h e B C H u m a n Ri g ht s Co d e a n d t h e Ca n a d i a n Ch a r te r of Ri g ht s a n d F re e d o m s, e m p l oy m e nt p ra ct i ces a n d p ro ce d u res at a l l l eve l s m u s t refl e ct a n d d e m o n s t rate a n u n d e r s ta n d i n g of a n d res p o n s e to a d i ve r s e p o p u l at i o n I nte res te d a p p l i ca nt s s h o u l d g o to o u r d i s t r i ct we b s i te at w w w s d 5 8 b c ca, w h i ch p rov i d es g u i d a n ce o n h ow to a p p l y fo r te a ch i n g j o b s i n o u r d i s t r i ct A p p l i cat i o n s m u s t i n c l u d e a Cove r l et te r res u m e co p i es of p o s t- s e co n d a r y t ra n s c r i pt s a n d n a m es of t wo s u p e r v i s o r refe re n ces ( i n c l u d i n g t h e m o s t re ce nt s u p e r v i s o r)

O n l y s h o r t- l i s te d a p p l i ca nt s w i l l b e co nta cte d

PL E A S E N OT E: D u e to t h e vo l u m e of a p p l i cat i o n s re ce i ve d, t h e d i s t r i ct i s u n a b l e to p rov i d e co m m e nta r y o r fe e d b a ck re g a rd i n g a n a p p l i ca nt’s q u a l i fi cat i o n s/a p p l i cat i o n, n o r a re we a b l e to p rov i d e ca re e r a d v i ce/co n s u l tat i o n

A p p l i cat i o n s w i l l b e rev i ewe d, a n d h i r i n g w i l l o ccu r o n a n o n g o i n g b a s i s

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

F ir st Nations Suppor t Worker 3259682 Ongoing

Early Child Educator 3529726 Open Until F illed

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing

Relief Clerk Typist 3256003 Ongoing

Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing

Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

Noon Hour Super visor - 3322609 Open Until F illed

Merritt Bench Elementar y; Merritt Central; Diamond Vale

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/.

All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted.

DoddsAUCTION AUC TION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 - KELOWNA

The Jake Warkentin Collection - Antique Tractors, Antique Trucks, Farm Implements, Vintage Tools, John Deere Collection, Buggies, Plus Much More!!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 - SALMON ARM

Antique Tractors, Motorhome, Forklift, Antique Cars, Truck, Chuckwagon, Tools, Collectables, 2 Post Hoist, Implements, Work Benches, Commercial BBQ, Plus Much More!!

TUESDAY, AUGUST

SUDOKU

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.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

Garage Sales

July 15-16

July 29-30

Aug 5-6 (tentative)

319 Lindley Creek Road

Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 10-2

Donations gratefully accepted

1. Indicates tire pressure

4. Request

7. Clairvoyance

10. 007’s creator

11. Adult male

12. Scandinavian god of battle

13. Cloths spread on a coffin

15. Breeze through 16. Ladyfish genus

19. It’s good to take them

1. Plant of the nettle family

2. Fit to be sold

3. Rather

4. Collected

21. Noble-governed territory

23. Members of U.S. Navy

24. Card game resembling rummy

25. Affected by injury

26. Member of a Semitic people

27. Left

30. Woman’s cloak

34. S. American plant

35. Prohibit

14. They __

17. Cooking hardware

18. U.S. Army title

20. Iron-containing compound

22. Swiss river (alt. spelling)

27. Former French coin

28. Electronic countermeasures

36. Offense

41. Dish soap brand

45. Ottoman military commanders

46. Ancient Greek City

47. Makes unhappy

50. Discuss again

54. Medical instrument

55. Promote

56. A beloved carb

57. Tag the base runner to get him out

59. Prehistoric people

33. Midway between northeast and east

37. Glowing

38. Tasks which should be done

39. An informal body of friends

40. Intrinsic nature

41. Neural structures

42. Brews

43. Where ships unload

cargo

44. Singer

60. Large African antelope

61. Vehicle

62. Georgia rockers

63. Scientific instrument (abbr.)

64. A major division of geological time

65. Attempt

47. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

48. Southwest Scotland town

49. Most worthless parts

51. Viscous

52. Put to work

53. Old world, new

58. Swiss river