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MERRITT HERALD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
FREE
New Merritt mayor takes place at table By Michael Potestio THE HERALD
reporter@merrittherald.com
Neil Menard will be hard at work the next four years — something he’s well accustomed to. “I’m just an ordinary, everyday, semi-retired person,� Menard said. The 71-year-old has worked steadily his whole life and through his retirement, but now he’s taking on the role as Merritt’s mayor after a landslide victory over the incumbent in November’s municipal election. In under a year’s time, Menard has had a rapid ascent in Merritt’s municipal government, getting his feet wet with an eight-month stint as a city councillor after winning a byelection in February. Now he’s head of the council table. On Dec. 1, Menard took hold of the Bible and swore his oath of office at the inaugural city council meeting, officially marking the start of his term as mayor. Menard said he decided to run for mayor because a number of people asked him if he would consider it. He said at first, he disregarded the request, feeling he needed more experience. However, he was eventually convinced by people that he did indeed have enough experience in council-related areas, and chose to run. He said the main reason he got involved in municipal politics in the first place was the amount of infighting he noticed and heard
New Merritt Mayor Neil Menard headed the inaugural council meeting on Dec. 1. Michael Potestio/Herald
workers of America (IWA), where he worked in a position that required him to be elected. For the past decade, Menard has called Merritt home, choosing to retire here given the connections he had to the community over the course of his working life. Two of his children even played for the Merritt Centennials. Menard grew up in Hudson Bay, Sask. and began working in the for-
about amongst the past council. Menard said there’s still a learning curve to the job, but there are staff and fellow councillors who are seasoned in the municipality. “I’m going to be learning until the day I die, that’s not going to end. I’m never, ever going to say that I know it all,� Menard said. He said council procedure is similar to that of the International WoodORIES D-DAY MEM3 PAGE
ORGA
PAGE 4
HERALD MERRITT Runners convene for Merritt race
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of the last He was one when the Kamloops. finish line but to cross the had amassed back at crowd, which in Voght Park, saw line MA everyone the starting toSSA GE PRO the finish, to back GRA him heading even went RA A SU AM its fourth annual SUC cheered. Oborne UCCES the event Merritt held PAGEns M SUC Butcher. Sunday and in S BO jog a bit with running maratho 5 Country Run all ages participate WLERS said of Butcher started saw people and half-marathon runs. at age 66 and on for NATION merri retired he partther 10K 300 when inspirati ald.co the 5K, a big were about r was m PAGE AL CHAMPS his daughte In total, there organizer Mary 25 event [triathhim. ticipants, said the Ironman said, done “She’s [She] , and Jorgensen. led the way. so I did,� 157 runners lon] and she The 5K had 100 participants. run?’ why don’t you ‘Dad, halfthe the 10K attracted . people ran run as well. said Butcher Thirty-three bccla came out to arssifie Families d.come and her eight-ye5K marathon. Club of Merritt Asseltin Rotary the Helen Former r Paige finished Oborne partici- The old daughte . Her husband Graeme race. president Darch half-marathon race togetherold son Isaac were not pated in the an avid runner, having is in-law, and six-yearns in 53 68-year-old & Even her motherthree maratho on the 5K far behind. completing weeks ago. When asked e, 82, took Bernice Asseltin days just two s to run so much in Country Run. Oborne race at the her first 5K and it was how he manage period of time, ,� Helen “This was such a short do it while doing it together “You gotta race with her our first time answered, running the you’re young.to tomorrow, I’m young,� said about daughter. “Relative Herald. he told the y young runner Run’ Page 3 Another relativelhalf-marathon See ‘Country the in from part to take old Bruce Butcher was 78-yearThe
l Potestio By Michae THE HERALD m
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for a few years as an iron worker, until he hurt his back in an industrial accident. It was the same year he was married to his wife, whom he met in Prince Albert, Sask. After spending two years in and out of the hospital recuperating, Menard went to work for IWA in Saskatchewan. He soon became the vice president for its regional council and became a vice president of IWA Canada after council
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estry industry at age 16. When he was 18, a friend of his decided he wanted to join the Royal Canadian Navy and Menard decided to join him. His friend wasn’t successful in joining the navy, but Menard was and he served for three years as an able seaman in the signal corps. He said he left the navy because he felt the discipline had waned since boot camp. Menard then worked
mergers in the ’80s. Menard moved to B.C. in 1976 and worked out of the union’s Vancouver office until he retired. As vice president, he came to Merritt off-and-on for work with forestry companies in town. Some of his responsibilities as a VP included collective bargaining, occupational health and safety and establishing employee and family assistance programs. Menard retired in 2003, but it was in name only as he continued to work by helping to manage the IWA’s alcohol and drug counselling programs until about 2006. He said he decided to leave that behind as he was working just as much as he was prior to his retirement. But Menard didn’t stay away from work for long. He began working for an oil company based out of Alberta, establishing their alcohol and drug safety program. He worked for that company for the next three years. Again, Menard found himself working too much, and spending a lot of time away from home. These days, he is fully integrated with the community. He works as a jail guard at the Merritt police detachment. He is also involved with the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue team and is the president for the Merritt Centennials. He’s also a fixture at the team’s home games, where he sometimes works security.
MERRI TT HE RALD News Vo N ice
FALL FAI R CATALO GUE INS IDE
Since 19 05
FREE
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the Merritt Country in the 5K at a pack of runners Ian Webster/Herald Little leads as Ontario. r-old Calvin as far away of life and from RACES Seven-yea OFF TO THE participants from all walks races attracted
Run on Sunday.
disorders, with mental s than those and become the statement says. Review Board royal assent B.C. ing, it gets In 2011, the orn escorted visits Cordon. the law. five-year-old the Port that reminds granted Schoenb old Max, and Galt have worked “This is a bill al review boards into the community from facility where provinci Clarke and of victims all it is psychiatric courts and Minister Stephen Coquitlam held. That permission we – the families– have been asking matter. In fact, with Prime y General Rob that victims reminder that victims he was being after opposition from across Canada not criminally be Harper, AttorneCanadian Heritage than a soon found y more than was revoked people and was for: will hopefull THE HERALD.com the bill who said she Nicholson get better supports matter — it statement says. Moore on merrittherald Clarke’s family, responsible in place; the communewsroom@ Minister Jamesyears. They say the y the law,� the addresses imbalnearby. s of a woman are currentl receives the protecrequest to transfer ding living for nearly fivebring victims’ rights The bill also Family member murdered by Schoenborn’sfacility in Selkirk, nity as a whole s]; and the famiwere legislation surroun changes will ric those of people lly responances in the whose childrenMerritt in 2008 are to a psychiat tions [it] deserve[ get more time into balance with lly responsible. not crimina d by the B.C.has in those found g that there is no legal Man. was approve victims finally their father support of the Not but released of crimina t lies not readin in February, found a statemen s of the its second sible, includin Reform speaking up Review Board out. Clarke’s famito heal,� reads her cousin, Stacy The bill passed Commons late obligation to notify member Responsible offender be carried saying Criminally by Clarke andvictims’ advocacy web- ing in the House of of 242 to and yet to ity if a high-risk move as well, area. that vote facility, the a the commun a Act. on with from ly opposes change Galt, by a in the Selkirk last month or escapes ca. The act would those found not leavesMARC g those with now be reviewed she has family site 4darcie. for H classifyin ly orn was found on before 34 and will ESS Thedifferent treating and MADN release reviews ble from annual Allan Schoenb histories ble by reason committee and reported Merritt Second responsi lly responsi murthree lengthy violent criminally ary School not crimina for the hearings every its third reading. class of its third read2013 hit hearings to Darcie Clarke’s family of mental disorder children, the streets If the bill basses HOMES for their grand years, which will correct an imbal- ders of his and Clarke’s FEATURE eight-year march down Kaitlynne, system. members say Voght Street 10-year-old current review on Friday ance in the being proposed is what Fri for commencemen By “What is t. Full story Michael on page THE HERAPotestio 3, more
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Manager Merritt Pat Sibilleau’s The City city last before she council meetin down two of Merritt managers is position moves to a new g will be workin and in Alber Albertta. a staff shorta g through a. City of of the summ ge for most Merritt, is movin Sibilleau Administrati er, Chief g an oppor on to pursue Matt Noble ve Officer said Buffalo. tunity in Wood regular There, she council after a the meeting Tuesday. will be on plannmanager of financ ing for the ial municipality regional , which includes M E R R I T T
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She said the jo job there with a counc “I’ll be time, what doing th there, full- rewarding,� il is quite Sibilleau of my desk I do off a corne “Pat’s given At the meetin said. here,� she us some productivity g, counsh said r cil gave her real and she’s improvemen applause a round of Sibille when discus time here,�invested a lot ts proud of au said she is most her depar sing ture. Noble said. of ship she’s the good rel “That said, relation- Mayor Susan Merritt she has Roline opportunity thanked council established w an during her with that’s fit hard workSibilleau for all time in tim the andinto her long-r going to the city. she has done ange certainly “To be for compe able to we couldnplans Noble establish te ’t can do with that, so all departure said Sibilleau’s is really we leaves a suppo as to fill she’s big h l rt h s
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TUESDAY, December 9, 2014 • 3
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ENTERTAINMENT
Comedy for a cause tomorrow night By Emily Wessel THE HERALD
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Three Toronto comedians are taking the wheel and steering their own careers by hitting the road for a crossCanada comedy tour. Michelle Christine, Andrew Barr and Michael Flamank are three standup comedians who met in Toronto over their years of performing. They hatched a plan in the late summer to tour Canada, planned it all themselves, and hit the road in mid-November for the first leg of their cheekily-named Weather Permitting comedy tour. Tomorrow, the trio will make a stop in Merritt to perform at the Grand Pub and Grill. Though they will undoubtedly face some less-than-ideal road conditions during their trip, touring in the winter does have its advantages, Christine said. “We thought it would be a refreshing change, and people can laugh off the winter blues,” she said. While the show is completely independently produced, it is funded by the Figliano family of Toronto’s Westowne Mazda dealership. The car they’re driving across Canada — Christine’s boyfriend’s — was purchased from the dealership. It’s the first tour for Christine, who made the switch from corporate life to comedy life about two and a half years ago. After an unexpected job loss from a renewable energy company, Christine took some time to pursue what she’d always thought of as a hobby
Three Toronto comedians are taking their acts on the road with a cross-Canada tour. The trio stops in at the Grand Pub and Grill Wednesday. weatherpermittingtour.com
and signed up for classes at Second City. “I just thought it was awesome and had so much fun doing it, so when I looked for jobs and applied for jobs and was unsuccessful at getting a job, I was starting to work harder and harder at comedy and starting to see doors open up for me on this crazy, outlandish path I was starting to go down,” she laughed. She said some of the skills she acquired as a business major at University of Waterloo, such as marketing, came in handy when the trio was planning this do-it-yourself tour. “You have to just be in the driver’s
seat of your own career,” she said. Between the three of them, the comedians have experience on Toronto’s local circuit, on stage at North by Northeast, and at Second City. Each comedian does a standup set during the show, and they rotate between who hosts, does the middle set, and who headlines at each stop of their tour. The trio makes its next stop in the tour at Hope’s King Pin Lounge, then several around the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island before heading back east just in time for Christmas. In the new year, they’ll head out on the road to do the east coast leg of
their tour. But it’s not just a break from the bleakness of winter; the Weather Permitting show in Merritt is also comedy for a local cause. The event is paired with a steak dinner fundraiser for Merritt Secondary students in the Century Project: a new, locally-developed course at MSS that studies the First World War. Proceeds from the event will go toward the students’ trip to Europe in July. Teacher Jen Bowden is organizing the trip through EF (Education First) Tours. The tour is called WWI and the Battle of the Somme, which takes students to sites with historical significance in Belgium, France and England. “We would visit sites connected with Canada’s involvement in World War One, so we’re going to go to Vimy Ridge, Flanders Fields, that kind of thing,” she said. Bowden said the trip is intended to enhance what students learn in this Grade 12 course marking the hundredth anniversary of the First World War. “To see Paris, to see London and to see the tombstones with the names and it says ‘age 17’ I think will be pretty powerful,” she said. Bowden said she has about 18 students of the class’s 25 signed up to go to Europe so far. Dinner will be served starting at 5 p.m. and the comedy is slated for a 7:45 start on Dec. 10. Tickets are $25 in advance from the Grand Pub and Grill.
Concert to benefit Merritt Christmas Elves By Emily Wessel THE HERALD
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Christmas will be a little easier this year for 10 Merritt families thanks to some elves in the community. The Merritt Christmas Elves is a grassroots group founded by Merrittonian Susan Riddle that’s raising money and wrapping gifts for local families to make their Christmases a little bit merrier. The families are nominated by a friend or family member and protecting their anonymity is paramount, Riddle said. To help spread the word, she began a Facebook page and posts profiles of the families and their interests. The Merritt Christmas Elves Facebook page is up to 299 members. Riddle said her original
idea was to provide kids in the community with bicycles. “I started thinking about all the little ones who didn’t have Christmas,” she said. “It started out with this idea that people have things in their homes and toys that the little ones aren’t using anymore.” With help from Breathe Bikes and Skull Gallery, the bikes were fixed up and airbrushed, but the spirit of giving had caught on. Canadian Tire donated four brand new bikes, and an anonymous donor custom-made bunk beds for dolls for a set of twins in one of the families. One person even purchased an Xbox for a family. “I was just blown away by the generosity of people,” Riddle said. Soon, Riddle and her fellow volunteers were inundated with donations, and
started another Facebook page to auction off some of the items which didn’t fit with the families they were helping. Proceeds from those auctions will help the group buy wrapping paper and other items for the families. “There’s a lot of times people want to help, but they don’t have the funds either, so they’ve gone through their kids’ stuff and even some of their own things and donated them,” she said. Riddle has also solicited donations from local businesses for a mystery box, which she’s offering in a raffle. The box is valued at $905 and only Riddle knows what’s inside. Tickets for the mystery box will be available at a fundraiser concert for the Merritt Christmas Elves on Friday, which features a slew of local bands who have
caught the spirit of giving. Riddle said she was “overjoyed” when Merrittonian Debbie Dowd approached her with the idea for the concert about two weeks ago. She said that will be the group’s biggest fundraiser to date, and will help the Elves to purchase more gifts and gift cards for the families they’re helping. Dowd, whose husband fronts the Doug James Band, said the concert is an opportunity for local musicians to give back to a community that supports their music. Joining the Doug James Band on the bill for Fridays show are Coquihalla Coyotes, Six More Strings, Dawn Chypyha, the Snee family, John Flottvik and Quade Lindgren. For her part, Dowd said she chose the Elves as a beneficiary because it’s an independent group and captures
a different group of people than other programs might. “The people Susan is helping through the Merritt Christmas Elves are the people who fall between the cracks,” she said. “These are the working poor people. Mom and dad both have minimum wage jobs, have two kids and they’re paying $900 a month in rent and they just want Christmas for their kids but they can’t afford it,” she said by way of example. “And I used to be one of those, so this is how I got into it.” Riddle said the first year of the Merritt Christmas Elves has gone way beyond her expectations. “I just want to thank the community for believing in my dream,” she said. “Just for jumping in. It’s just been amazing.”
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GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------ 9 Classified ------------------- 10
REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: December 1995 Record number roast Lali A record number of party followers attended the New Democratic Party’s Christmas dinner Saturday. Held at the Merritt Seniors’ Centre, the event attracted 225 people from all over the province. Among those in attendance were several B.C. MLAs, including Environment Minister Moe Sihota. Yale-Lillooet MLA Harry Lali said he was expecting a large group but did not expect the numbers that attended the event. “I did know it was going to be the biggest crowd ever but I did not know there was going to be quite that many people,” he said. Lali also said he felt the high attendance showed a strong sign of faith in the NDP government. “It’s been coming gradually,” he said. “We used to have a tough time getting 40 or 50 people to a Christmas dinner.” Although the evening was not considered a fundraiser, about $5,000 was raised for Lali’s campaign.
4 • TUESDAY, December 9, 2014
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Christmas tree fire safety tips from MFRD • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. • Cut two inches from the base of the trunk before placing in the tree stand. • Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. • Add water to the tree stand daily. • Use lights with a label from an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are for indoor or outdoor use only. • Replace a string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. • Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screwin lights. • Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands to connect. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. • Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
LAST CHANCE TO SHOP
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Make-n-Take Christmas Gift Decorate Cookies Lunch Games, Play Time Swim Register at the Civic Centre 250-315-1050 or Aquatic Centre 250-378-6662
SUMMARY OF CITY OF MERRITT SNOW REMOVAL POLICY This procedure outlines the responsibility of the City, residents, businesses and contractors as it pertains to snow removal in Merritt. NOTE: For purpose of this procedure “Area 1” is designated by heavy black line and “Area 2” is all remaining streets.. Service Level based on Snow Accumulation: 0 – 5 cm: Area 1 only sanded AS PRIORITY 5 – 20 cm: City streets are graded and sanded in the following time frame: Area 1 – within eight (8) hours Area 2 – within thirty (30) hours Over 20 cm: Exceptional Snowfall – will call out such manpower and equipment as may be available and required to maintain city streets in as passable conditions as possible. Priorities: No.1 Emergency access routes to essential services such as hospital, police, fire, ambulance, City services. Dangerous roadways including hills and intersections. No.2 Schools; No.3 Downtown Business Core; No.4 Highway Commercial properties; No.5 Residential properties Disposal: Residents, businesses and contractors are not permitted to blow or plow snow from private property onto right-of-ways, streets, lanes or walkways. Residents and businesses in areas with City sidewalks adjacent to roads shall be permitted to place snow from the walk on the road.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
MERRITT LEISURE GUIDE PUBLICATION & DESIGNATION AS THE CITY OF MERRITT’S OFFICIAL 2015 VISITOR GUIDE The City of Merritt is seeking Requests for Proposals from qualified proponents for the publication of its Leisure Guide and being granted the designation as the City’s official “2015 Visitors Guide” for Visitor Guide Publication. This project includes the preparation of the City’s Leisure Guides for 2015 (three publications) including layout, design and production work, and the rights to be designated as the City’s official 2015 Visitor Guide, for publishing of a Merritt Visitor Guide. RFP documents are available on the City’s website: www.merritt.ca and on the BC Bid website.
Sidewalk Clearing: Every owner or occupier of residential zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalks or pathways abutting the said property within twenty-four (24) hours of accumulation except for weekends and holidays. Every owner or occupier of real property shall immediately remove snow, ice or rubbish from the roof or other part of a structure adjacent to a highway or pathway or sidewalk where such snow or ice or rubbish presents a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Every owner or occupier of commercial or industrial zoned property shall remove snow or ice from sidewalk or pathways abutting the said property by ten (10) a.m. of any day and, as needed, following the accumulation of snow or ice. Complete copies of this procedure can be obtained at City Hall during regular business hours.
Completed proposals must be received in a sealed envelope and labelled: RFP 11/14 - City of Merritt Leisure Guide and Visitor Guide by 2:00pm, December 19, 2014 at: Merritt City Hall 2185 Voght St., Merritt, BC
V1K 1B8
Any and all inquiries must be submitted in writing to: Larry Plotnikoff Leisure Services Manager, City of Merritt lplotnikoff@merritt.ca 250-378-4224 ext. 206
The City of Merritt reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, modify the terms of the proposal at any time, to waive defects in any proposal document and to accept the proposal which it may consider to be in the best interests of the City. The lowest cost proposal or any proposal will not necessarily be accepted.
Next council meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca
City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224
TUESDAY, December 9, 2014 • 5
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Bacon & Eggs any style
Arrest in Kamloops cop shooting Music for merry X-mas From Page 3 It’s also a personal venture for Riddle, who said she was inspired to do something for Christmas in memory of her brother Jimmy and his wife Candy, who loved Christmas. “He loved tools but he wasn’t very good with them,” she said with a laugh. “I used to humour him and every chance I got, I bought him some kind of a tool and he’d get so excited, so I bought a set of tools for the dad of one of the families in memory of my brother.” Riddle said the idea
of her group is to help people who may not seek help for themselves, but for whom things get pretty tight around the holidays. “Our hope is, when they do get on their feet, they’ll kind of pay it forward down the road,” Riddle said. Tickets for the concert are $10 and are available in advance from Carrie Ware and Company at 1964 Quilchena Ave. or by calling 250-280-1595 or 250-378-7514. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Culture Club on Granite Avenue. The music gets underway at 7 p.m.
*6:00-9:00am only. Expires Jan. 31st, 2015.
JACKIE TEGART View from the LEGISLATURE On Nov. 27, we wrapped up the third session of the 40th Parliament. Over the course of the session, MLAs discussed many pieces of legislation and issues that are important to British Columbians. I had the pleasure of delivering a number of statements in the house, including recognizing the contribution of B.C. women in the legislature, rural fall fairs, First Nations economic development initiatives taking place in our region and, most recently, speaking about the benefits of the new Merritt Green Energy Project. I was proud to make the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Advanced Education of the new trades training facility at NVIT, which will create spaces for an additional 40 electrical, plumbing and piping students each
election. I am looking forward to working with all of you over the next four years to build a stronger, better community. I would also like to give my personal thanks to former mayor Susan Roline for her dedication and service to our community. The weather is getting cooler, which means snow and ice on our roads and highways. Drivers need
to shift into winter. Anyone travelling on B.C. highways, especially the Coquihalla, must have winter tires with the mountain/ snowflake symbol or tires with the ‘M+S’ designation. Also, take precautions before you travel on our roads and visit drivebc.ca for the latest road conditions across B.C. We want to make sure you and your family arrive safe and
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Checking in from B.C. parliament year. Our government invested $1.5 million in the project as a part of the B.C. Jobs for Skills Blueprint. When complete, spaces will be available to students interested in the trades, allowing them to pursue their passions. November was also a busy month for local government. I would like to congratulate mayor-elect Neil Menard and members of council on their
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rested during the course of the investigation into the shooting, but it’s not known yet what charges, if any, they could face. Michaud was conducting a traffic stop at about 2:45 a.m. that morning. As he approached a white Chrysler Intrepid, he was struck by gunfire from the vehicle. A backup officer from another car in the area returned fire but the vehicle fled. Michaud was critically injured and underwent emergency surgery after the shooting. As of press time on Monday afternoon, the 13-year veteran of the RCMP remained in stable but critical condition in hospital. Michaud, 40, has a wife and two young children. Police have seized the Intrepid.
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PREVENT THEFTS FROM YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE inside vehicles overnight. 2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit. 3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight. 4 Park in a well lit area. 5 Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police
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A 36-year-old man with a history of firearms-related offences is in custody after he was arrested for last Wednesday’s shooting of an RCMP officer in Kamloops. Kenneth Michael Knutson was arrested around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 after a 12-hour manhunt for him. He faces four charges in connection with the shooting of Kamloops RCMP Cpl. JeanRene Michaud, including attempted murder and aggravated assault of a peace officer. Knutson has a previouslyimposed lifetime ban on owning firearms because of prior convictions. Police arrested Knutson after a manhunt shut down the Batchelor Heights area of Kamloops for most of that day. Three women were also ar-
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6 • TUESDAY, December 9, 2014
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HERALD OPINION Premier’s view is puzzling By Dale Bass
KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK dale@kamloopsthisweek.com
Almost a quarter-century ago, the newsroom where I worked went on strike. At the time, my oldest child would have been about 10 years old and she was curious about why mommy was going from hours of meetings — I was on the bargaining committee — to then walking in front of the office for hours, stopping trucks and talking to passersby about why the only newspaper in town wasn’t publishing. I explained to her the situation from my point of view, that we were on strike for a first contract, a first set of rules that would make working in the newsroom clearer for everyone. And — sign of the times then — the real reason we were on the street rather than at our desks was our belief the paper’s owners should be paying eight women the same wage it was paying several men, all of whom were doing the same type of job. One would be hard-pressed these days to see any workplace walk out in solidarity for just a handful of employees, but we had the numbers — more than 180 in the newsroom — and the belief pay equity should be a right, not a bargaining chip. My daughter asked to join me one day on the picket line because she also agreed men and women should be paid according to the work they do — and not according to their genetic makeup. That decision didn’t seem strange to me. When I was about her age, I accompanied my dad to a strike at a jail in Ontario, one he was working with for the union that employed him and represented the staff there. A few years later, I was protesting at grocery stores in the heat of the California-based grape and lettuce boycotts called for by Cesar Chavez and his United Farm Workers.
See ‘Premature’ Page 7
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
Hoping for justice for Monica Jack Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS Last week, huge news about a breakthrough in a decades-old unsolved murder in Merritt came out. The number of shares (46), likes (43) and comments (11) our story about the arrest announcement received on Facebook indicates just how many people in town remember and are touched by that
Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com
Advertising Sales Terresa Rempel sales2@ merrittherald.com
MERRITT HERALD 2090 G
story. And that’s not including the estimated 4,450 people who had access to our post via people sharing the news with their friends on Facebook. The news reached far and wide and garnered national headlines. I was still more than a decade away from being born the day Monica Jack disappeared, but when the news of an arrest in her murder came out, I was immediately moved. It’s certainly a case that can tug at even the coldest heartstrings. No person deserves to be murdered. There is absolutely no sense in the murder of a little girl. I combed back through
the archives of the Merritt Herald and followed the progression of the case — or lack thereof, in the case of the 1978 papers. Things took a turn in the book holding the 1995 editions of the paper, wherein the finding of bones by forestry workers and the subsequent identification of the bones is chronicled. Monica’s mother was candid with the Merritt Herald in a story published in 2001, wherein she’s quoted as remembering Monica as “a little sweetheart” and “always so happy.” And that’s how kids should be. It absolutely amazes me that nearly 40 years later, investigators have
Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com
RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241
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made a breakthrough and have charged a man with murdering her. He is also charged with first degree murder in the case of Abbotsford’s Kathryn Mary Herbert, an 11-year-old who went missing in 1975. Her body was found partially nude and partially concealed in an undeveloped area near Abbotsford about two months after her disappearance. The fact that Monica’s and Kathryn-Mary’s lives were robbed from them and they were stolen from their families is unfathomable and cruel, as is the cold truth that no matter what the outcome of the case is, those families can’t get their girls back. Many people decry
Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com
Canada’s justice system and criticize it for being too lax on certain offences by their standards. I have felt that way many times, and it’s an emotional gut reaction that is elicited by the horrific acts people are capable of committing against one another. It will be many months until there is a verdict in the case, but I’ll bet there are thousands out there who are hoping for some justice for Monica Jack after all. What that justice looks like is anyone’s guess, and my money’s on whatever semblance of peace of mind a resolution may finally offer her family. It’s been a long time coming.
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FAX (250) 378-6818
Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org
TUESDAY, December 9, 2014 • 7
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Non-Fiction
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Idiot’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety Idiot’s Guide to Guitar Theory Idiot’s Guide to People Skills
HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Fiction David Baldacci Mary Higgins Clark Janet Evanovich Sarah Jio
The Escape The Cinderella Murder The Job The Look of Love
To vote, go online to merrittherald.com
Young Adult Paul Blackwell Kiera Cass Lex Thomas
Undercurrent The One Quarantine
Do you think your monthly rent or mortgage payment is reasonable? DELICIOUS DONATION Food bank manager Marlene Fenton (left) receives a cheque for $500 from Barb Puga, the vice president of the Xi Gamma Theta sorority. The organization raised the money for the food bank by selling chocolates. Michael Potestio/Herald
Premature criticism of protesting parents From Page 6
GIFTS GALORE Merritt donated a grand total of 324 shoeboxes to the Operation Christmas Child campaign this year, which is just over last year’s total of 320. Organizer Grace Bergmann said the gift-filled boxes will benefit needy children in South America. Submitted
Those experiences for me and my daughter no doubt fuelled our strong social consciences, our belief that sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in, even if others disagree. Like Premier Christy Clark. Apparently the woman who once ran a red light with her son in the car as they drove to hockey practice is appalled some parents let their children join the protests against Kinder Morgan on Burnaby Mountain. Without a single notion of how the parents have addressed the issue with their children, Clark has taken it upon herself to chastise parents for their actions, saying
they are teaching their children it’s OK to break the law. Ignoring the legal detail that the protesters actually weren’t breaking the law — due to a mistake the company behind the Trans Mountain pipeline extension made in its court application to stop the protests — Clark’s reaction is surprising. After all, this is the same woman who was described by a former colleague — Martyn Brown, chief of staff to former premier Gordon Campbell — as being steeped in politics since she was a child. In fact, last year, journalist Dene Moore, in writing a story on Clark’s life, said Clark has had her eye on the premier’s office for most of her life.
No doubt being exposed to politics when her dad ran three times for an MLA seat helped steel Clark’s resolve. Here’s hoping those kids learned a lot from their time on the other side of the police line in Burnaby. Let’s hope they learned that even kids have the right to express their viewpoints, to take a stand, to speak out for the land on which they live and play. Maybe in a decade or two, those kids will take their beliefs to another level, volunteering with an NGO or helping rally others to their cause. Maybe, just maybe, they may even run for political office. dale@kamloopsthisweek.com Twitter: @mdalebass
Friends & Neighbours Please bring them in to:
The Merritt Herald is looking for COMMUNITY-SUBMITTED STORIES about your Friends & Neighbours.
MERRITT HERALD Ph: 250.378.4241 Fax: 250.378.6818 reporter@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.
PREVIOUS QUESTION Do you decorate your house for the holidays? YES: 83% NO: 17%
LETTERS POLICY The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
8 • TUESDAY, December 9, 2014
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BUSINESS Visit www.merrittherald.com for up-to-date news coverage.
9
378-099
PO Box 98 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Custom welding and bending. On radiators and mufflers.
894 Coldwater Road, Merritt, B.C.
How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist. GIVING BACK Aspen Planers employees donated $5,498 to five local causes last Tuesday: Merritt Secondary School, Nicola Valley and District Food Bank, Merritt Bread Basket, Nicola Family Therapy, ASK Wellness, and local elementary schools. The funds were donated by mill employees and matched by the company at various social events, including Aspen Planers’ annual golf tournament and Christmas party. Emily Wessel/Herald
Merritt Hearing Clinic A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Ser vices Ltd.
Call Monday - Friday
Planning for fun in retirement DAVID L. BROWN Managing YOUR MONEY Remember when the perfect picture of retirement was a grandmotherly woman and a grandfatherly man sitting on a porch knitting and whittling away their sunset years? Well, maybe that was once an accurate depiction of retirement but it certainly isn’t today. Today’s retirees are active and looking forward to many years of excitement, fulfillment and fun! What have you got planned for retirement — travel to terrific locations, RV-ing across the continent, volunteering for your favourite charity, adding to your education, or even starting a new business? Whatever your retirement plans, you need a few things to make your retirement dreams come true: good health, a positive attitude and, of course, money. That’s
why you’ve built your retirement savings for so many years — because you know your good financial health is essential if you want your third age to be as wonderful, personal and funfilled as you wish. Sure, you’ll have to use some of your nest egg income to cover essential expenses for food, health care, utilities and other everyday living costs. But how you choose to use the rest of your money is entirely up to you. The key is to make sure you have enough money to fund your essential needs and fun interests — whatever they may be — for all your retirement years. And that takes planning — the same kind of planning that went into building your retirement nest egg in the first place. Your retirement financial plan should make sure your hardearned investments last longer and go farther. It should ensure a steady, predictable cash flow that will cover all your expenses. And that means being very selective about your investment options. Talk to your professional advisor about the
best ways to cash in on the retirement of your dreams — and keep them well-funded for life. Want to know how ready you are for retirement and how to get the most out of your retirement years? Go to www.investorsgroup.com and take the interactive Investors Group Retirement Readiness™ Quiz. It’s a great way to assess your emotional, financial, social and physical preparedness for retirement. And don’t forget to have fun. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant. Contact David Brown at 250-3150241 or at david. brown@investorsgroup.com to book your appointment.
Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)
315-9688 2076A Granite Avenue, Merritt (Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic)
Authorized by: WCB First Canadian Health Veterans Affairs Registered under the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)
MERRITT AREA TRANSMISSION PROJECT HELICOPTER WORK Construction work for the new transmission line continues. As part of this work, helicopters are required in some areas along the right-of-way between the Highland and Merritt substations. These helicopters will be stringing a temporary rope line, which will be used to pull the permanent transmission line (conductors) into place. This work is planned to be completed over 3 to 5 days by mid-December. The contractor has obtained the necessary permits and permissions and is in compliance with Transport Canada requirements. Wherever possible, helicopters follow routes and schedules that minimize disturbances to residents. The Merritt Area Transmission Project will ensure that Merritt’s homes and businesses continue to have clean and reliable electricity for the next 30 years. For more information please visit bchydro.com/mat or contact BC Hydro at stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com or at 1 866 647 3334.
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TUESDAY, December 9, 2014 • 9
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HERALD SPORTS Skating with Santa and the Centennials Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com
SANTA AND FRIENDS Santa Claus and the Merritt Centennials joined in the fun at public skating on December 1 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. (Clockwise from above) Santa and Cents Brandon Duhaime, John Schiavo and Josh Teves; Jenny Stirling and son Covin; Cents head coach Luke Pierce and sons Bennett and Austin; Centennial Rhett Willcox and billet sister Ashley Cavaliere; Cents rookies Colin Grannary, Tyrrell Buckley, Anthony Pupplo, Nick Fidanza and Josh Teves; Cent Malik Kaila leads a crack-the-whip; Cents Buckley and Duhaime with billet family members Olivia and Lucas Schmid; Big Sisters’ Tammy Strayer with her Little Sister Taleesha Clarke; John Schiavo with billet buddies Corbin and Jaxsin Vaughan. Ian Webster/Herald
Elementary volleyball wraps up another stellar season of play By Ian Webster THE HERALD
sports@merrittherald.com
A host of eager, young volleyball players descended on the former Coquihalla Middle School gymnasium last week for the finals of the SD 58 elementary school championships. Teams came from Bench, Central, Collettville, Diamond Vale and Nicola Canford in the Merritt area, along with Vermilion Forks from Princeton. Competition took place on both Wednesday and
Thursday afternoons at CMS with round robin play followed by playoffs. On Wednesday, it was the Central Elementary Hawks emerging victorious with a thrilling 25-23 win over Les Chats Sauvages from Collettville in the gold medal game. Third went to the Diamond Vale Cougars, while Nicola Canford’s two teams of Coyotes rounded out the field. Thursday, it was the Thunderbirds from Princeton who took home the title, edging the Bench Bears 27-25
in another exciting final game. Diamond Vale again took home third-place honours. Collettville finished fourth. Convenor Nicole Mackay-Smith from Collettville called this year’s elementary volleyball season a great success. Interschool elementary sports has now finished until after Christmas. In January, Grade 4 and 5 students will begin European handball, while the Grade 6 and 7 classes take up basketball.
ON TOP OF THEIR GAME (Left) Collettville’s Reese Paterson shows good form in her underhand serve. (Right) Bench’s Leif Ellingsen keeps his eyes on the ball as he makes a forearm pass. Ian Webster/Herald
10 • TUESDAY, December 9, 2014
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Announcements
Information
Trades, Technical
Misc. for Sale
SKILLED TRADES! Experienced welders and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure, Sand Blasters, Painters, Insulators. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided. Alberta wages without the expenses! send resume to: hr@westernmanufacturing.ca www.westernmanufacturing.ca
STEEL BUILDINGS. “Really big sale!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Call Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit online: www.pioneersteel.ca
Personals MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.
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Travel RV LOT rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593
Children Pre-Schools SALMON Arm BC. A fun play based Licensed Group Daycare looking for ECE’s or ECE Assistants! Great wages, benefit pkg, flexible holidays. send resume or questions to melissaht@telus.net.
Employment Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full Details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com
Education/Trade Schools Train To Be An Apartment Manager
Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justiÀed by a bonaÀde requirement for the work involved.
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COPYRIGHT
Medical/Dental MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com Production: production@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.
Work Wanted RESIDENT FARM Supervisor available spring-fall. Start-ups. Diversification. Succession. Sales, purchasing and shop experience. Ranch. Nursery. Vegetable. Greenhouse builder. Fair Spanish. Bob Crocker 604-842-2378.
Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 250-499-0251. Local. Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 778-281-0030. Local.
Services
Real Estate
Health Products
Commercial/ Industrial Property
RESTLESS LEG Syndrome & leg cramps? Fast relief in one hour. Sleep at night. Proven for over 32 years. Website: www.allcalm.com Mon-Fri 8-4 EST 1-800-765-8660.
Financial Services ARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help reduce a significant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783. GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com
Home Improvements FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.
Merchandise for Sale
Heavy Duty Machinery
RESORT VILLAGE of Candle Lake, SK. Newly renovated restaurant on a .47 acre lot 2nd floor residential, 3 bedrooms. Sale incl: land, building, equipment, business. Call 306-929-4999.
Houses For Sale
Home and Land Packages Springbank Ave, Merritt
Completely Serviced City Services Turn Key STARTING FROM
$249,900.00 Call 250-573-2278
A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. Trades are welcome. 40’Containers under $2500! DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift. Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator. Ph Toll free 1-866-528-7108 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com
Toll Free 1-866-573-1288
Misc. for Sale
Homes for Rent
STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.
4 Bedroom House W/D,F/S,N/S. $1,400/mth (250) 378 - 9660 House For Rent :3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, New Paint & New Carpets. (250)378 - 4392
Auto Financing
Auto Financing
Need a Vehicle?
7510 Dallas Drive, Kamloops www.eaglehomes.ca
Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent Sandpiper Unit 204 2 bdrm w/laundry. $700/mon + Hydro Avail Jan 01. 250-378-8104
Call the
Trades, Technical
MERRITT HERALD Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818
Merchandise for Sale
CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or visit online www.canadabenefit.ca.
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CEDA is Hiring! Labourers & Operators – Turnaround Projects • • • •
Qualifications include: Physically demanding Clean driver’s abstract Travel within Alberta Class 1/3 driver’s license an asset To submit resume please visit online: www.cedagroup.com
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IF YOU WORK,YOU DRIVE
Call Steve Today 1.855.740.4112 t murraygmmerritt.com
12 • TUESDAY, December 9, 2014
www.merrittherald.com
Drinking king and and Driving Driving Shatters Shatters Lives. Lives Be safe and have a designated driver.
This message is brought to you by
inc.
PHONE: 250-315-5074
Please be Safe
“Don’t Drink & Drive”
Which is less expensive?
a lawsuit, a new car, A Funeral... or a taxi
250-378-2030 2338 Nicola Ave.
ARRIVE ALIVE! Please Don’t Drink & Drive this holiday season.
www.marios-towing.com 2676 Nicola Avenue TF: 1-888-292-1581
250-378-9241
Help Save Lives DON’T DRINK & DRIVE
From Dr. McLeod, Dr. Ross & everyone at the Nicola Valley Medical Centre
NICOLA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTRE 2087 Granite Ave. 250-378-5115
Every day 3 people die in a car crash as a result of drunk driving.
Don’t be another statistic. This message brought to you by
TRI-PEAKS TRI TR T I AUTO REPAIR
2865A Pooley Ave Merritt, BC 250-378-2272 TRIPEAKSAUTO@yahoo.ca
Especially during the holidays please be responsible
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE Accidents happen!
Aspen Planers Ltd.
think about it. don’t drink and drive
Too many people are arrested every holiday season after failing breathalyzer tests at police roadside checkpoints. Driving while intoxicated puts your own life in danger, but the worst thing is that it endangers the lives of other road users as well. Make sure that this festive time of year doesn’t end in tragedy for you or anyone else. Christmas time often means one party after another with drinks galore. When you accept an invitation, plan ahead of time how you’re going to get home. Members of the same family or group of friends can designate a driver, arrange to share a taxi at the end of the evening, or use a free or for-hire drive home service. Even if your alcohol consumption is moderate you still ought to check that you’re still capable of driving safely. Use a personal breath alcohol tester to find out if you’re over the legal limit; they are on sale at most provincial liquor and wine stores. It might be hard to remember this when under the influence, but a person’s behaviour and faculties are altered by alcohol. When blood alcohol content is over 0.5 g/l, a driver’s field of vision shrinks, distance perception changes, visual reaction times increase, there is more sensitivity to glare, and vigilance and resistance to fatigue are reduced. Perhaps the ultimate danger is that alcohol consumption results in a loss of inhibition, which causes drivers to “You tell her Mom under-evaluate dangers and break traffic laws.
you only had one.”
250-378-9266
2399 Quilchena Ave., Merritt
A MESSAGE FROM
OVER THE LIMIT, UNDER ARREST!
Is it worth it? 2601 Nicola Avenue
250-378-5141
YOU BOOZE, YOU CRUISE, YOU LOSE. 1301 Nicola Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-5121
A Message from
Drinking and Driving, they don don’t mix. Be safe this holiday season,
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! 1750 Lindley Creek Rd., Merritt
250-378-2224
DRINKING &
DRIVING CAN
STOP YOU
DEAD For up-to-date road and weather conditions please check Drive BC
at www.drivebc.ca
For up to date road and weather conditions
This ad is sponsored by:
250-378-9255 2049 Nicola Avenue, Merritt
www.murraygmmerritt.com
EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, MADD ASKS DRIVERS TO PUT A MADD RED RIBBON IN A VISIBLE LOCATION ON THEIR VEHICLE AS A REMINDER TO PLAN AHEAD AND DESIGNATE A NON-DRINKING DRIVER.