Dec 1 full document

merrittherald.com

LOCAL FILM MAKING WAVES

HOCKEY ACADEMY?

The accolades are piling up for a film that was shot right here in / Page 2 the Nicola Valley

Merritt’s high school explores the possibility of an enhanced on-ice program / Page 10

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

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MERRITT HERALD FREE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

STANDOFF Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

Two alleged car jackers are in custody after a nearly five-hour standoff with police this past Wednesday.

The accused, Samantha Kathleen Vleeming (born 1990) and Cory Claudio Battilana (born 1979) made their first appearance in provincial court in Kamloops this past Friday for a bail hearing.

Battilana is charged with using a firearm in committing an offense and assault with a weapon, while Vleeming and Battilana were both charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Battilana is also facing two breaches of undertaking.

Prosecutor William Burrows told the Herald the two were remanded in custody Friday and made another appearance in court on Tuesday. The details from that hearing were not known by the Herald’s press deadline.

The incident ended the afternoon of Nov. 25 when the RCMP’s emergency-response team (ERT) stormed a hotel room, and took Battilana into custody.

See ‘Alleged’ Page 5 TOP/BOTTOM LEFT RCMP officers patrol the perimeter of the Road Runner Motel prior to the arrival of the ERT unit from Kamloops.

BELOW MIDDLE The ERT unit brings the suspect out of the room without incident.

BELOW RIGHT A member of the ERT gears up across the street from the motel.

Michael Potestio and David Dyck/Herald

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2 • TUESDAY, December 1, 2015

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS

Locally-shot film racking up international acclaim Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

The accolades continue to pour in for the locally filmed 2012 movie Shana: The Wolf's Music, which featured a cast of first-time Nicola Valley actors.

The Swiss-Canadian coproduction in partnership with the Lower Nicola Indian Band was awarded its 23rd and 24th international awards, winning the Best Long

Feature Film award at the 11th Rolan Int’l Film Festival for Children and Young People in Armenia, and a Special Award at the 30th KinderFilmFest Düsseldorf in Germany just last month.

In fact, the movie has won 11 international awards in 2015 alone.

Most of this film was shot in Merritt, and has been shown at 65 international film festivals to date.

A spokesperson for Red Cedar Films —

the company that produced the film — told the Herald the film is already booked to be shown at three more festivals in early 2016.

The movie features Merritt youth Sunshine O'Donovan, who played the protagonist, Shana, along with a cast and crew that was made up primarily of residents from the Nlaka’pamux Nation.

In addition to being seen at film festivals around the world, the Nicola Valley and the Merrittonians in Shana: The Wolf's Music

can soon be seen on DVD. The movie will become available for purchase for the first time in Canada on Dec. 7 at shanafilm.ca.

Shana: the Wolf's Music tells the story of a teenager who lives with her father in a small First Nations village in B.C. A talented violinist, Shana learns to overcome the death of her mother thanks to the force of music, the encouragement of a new teacher and an encounter with a wild wolf.

PASSPORT TO CHRISTMAS Don’t forget to collect your stamps at the participating local shops for your chance to win BIG! Also, locate a smiley face & bring a nonperishable food item into the participating merchant to receive double stamps!

ALL COLLECTED FOOD IS DONATED TO THE NICOLA VALLEY FOOD BANK.

FIRST AID Mackenzi Billy, age 8, practices putting her sister Lacey, age 8, into a resting position, under the supervision of Merritt paramedics. The sisters were taking part in the Community CPR Awareness Program at the civic centre on Nov. 22. David Dyck/Herald

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TUESDAY, December 1, 2015 • 3

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

A VERY Merritt CHRISTMAS

Find the Herald online www.merrittherald.com Merritt Herald @MerrittHerald

INSIDE Opinion --------------------- 8-9 Sports ----------------------- 10 Classifieds ----------------- 11

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: December, 2002

LOWER NICOLA SCHOOL OFFICIALLY OPENED

Carrie Ware and Co.’s Polar Express float took four out of the five categories in the 2015 Light-up Parade on Friday, Nov. 27. It won for best theme, most original, best lights and best overall. The other winners were Santa with most enthusiasm, and Tumbleweed Play School with best school spirit.

The Merritt Country Christmas week has come to a close, but that means that Christmas season has only just begun! Look for more photos in the Thursday, Dec. 3 issue of the Herald.

CITY BEAT

Gold Country membership renewed New agreement spans three years, costing the city a total of $25,200 Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

Merritt city council has committed to enter into a three-year tourism and marketing membership with Gold Country Communities society for $8,400 per year.

For the past few years, the city has entered into one-year agreements with the non-profit tourism and economic development organization, but before that multi-year agreements were commonplace.

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The city renewed a one-year membership with Gold Country this past May with the city's previous economic development manager telling council that maintaining the city’s agreement on a year-to-year basis encourages organizations such as Gold Country to work harder for the community’s participation each year.

At last Tuesday's regular council meeting, Coun. Dave Baker asked staff what the rationale was for changing from year-to-year agreements back to a multi-year deal.

Chief administrative officer Shawn Boven told council that he noticed these agreements moved from multi to single year when the

city employed an economic development manager.

"It gave them a sense that they were doing something and managing something by renewing it year-to-year and putting the squeeze on them," Boven said noting that a multi-year deal is more efficient.

In his report to city council in Tuesday's agenda, Boven stated that a three-year agreement would provide certainty for continued operation, and coincide with the rest of this council's term.

The motion to enter into a three year agreement passed 5-1 with only Coun. Goetz opposed. Coun. Ginny Prowal declared a perceived conflict

PLUS...

of interest and excused herself from the vote.

The city's current membership with Gold Country expires this month.

Gold Country Communities Society supports Merritt in tourism and economic development.

Through its membership with Gold Country Communities Society, the City of Merritt receives three pages in the Gold Country visitor’s guide, promotion of Merritt events on the Gold Country website, coverage of activities in Merritt on Facebook and Twitter, as well as promotion of Merritt as a geocaching community.

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Once construction was finally started, it didn’t take that long to build. But it took a decade to get the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) school off the drawing board.

Situated just across Highway 8 from the band’s two other newest developments — the Lower Nicola Community Arena and the community health facility — the LNIB school and community centre is approximately 23,000 square feet in area and cost $5.6 million to build.

Designed by Lubor Trubka of Vancouver, the school is built on a curve and after additional phases are built will form a full circle.

“It’s a really super structure,” said LNIB capital and public works manager Stephen Dick. “It’s a full wood structure building on a concrete foundation.

Most schools are usually built with steel and brick.”

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4 • TUESDAY, December 1, 2015

www.merrittherald.com

Regular council meeting recap — Nov. 24, 2015 GENERAL MATTERS Delegations and Recognitions Pastor S. Peterson expressed to council her gratitude to be able to attend the Fire Fighter Chaplains’ Conference and the benefits she has been able to bring back to the Merritt Fire Rescue Department.

Pastor Peterson provided highlights of the conference including: • Debunking the stigma of PTSD among firefighters.

• First hand testimonials of the devastating effects of physiological injury.

• Protection and healing for physiological injury through peer support networks, counselling and recovery programs and family support and counselling.

• Implementing the information with resource and educate for overall wellness for our firefighter family, support and encourage, networking and continuing to learn.

Mr. M. Lynn presented to council an update on the Sagebrush Agri Park Society including a new site proposal.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS THAT council give direction to staff to craft a more comprehensive policy and procedure specifically to recognize outstanding citizens of Merritt.

THAT council approve the sewer servicing agreement for the City of Merritt to provide sanitary sewer service to Sterling Hunt (GP) Ltd; AND THAT Council authorize the mayor and chief administrative officer to execute the agreement.

BYLAWS City of Merritt Five Year Financial Plan (20152019) Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2203, 2015 was read a first, second and third time

You’re Invited! to meet with Mayor Menard on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street.

Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say hello and discuss issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.

If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor at a Drop-In session please call reception at City Hall 250-378-4224.

City of Merritt Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 2204, 2015 was read a first, second and third time City of Merritt Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw Amendment Bylaw 2201, 2015 was adopted.

NEW BUSINESS THAT Council directs the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a three-year tourism marketing and development membership agreement with Gold Country Communities Society in the amount of eighty four hundred ($8,400) dollars annually THAT Council approves the application made

by Rattan Hospitality Inc. (d.b.a. Best Western Plus) for a revitalization tax exemption for 3639 Crawford Avenue; and issue a Revitalization Tax Exemption Certificate to Rattan Hospitality Inc. subject to issuance of an Occupancy Permit.

THAT Council approves the application made

by Tegh Holdings Ltd. for a revitalization tax exemption for 3713 DeWolf Way; and issue a Revitalization Tax Exemption Certificate to Tech Holdings Ltd. subject to issuance of an Occupancy Permit.

Council direct staff to amend City of Merritt Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw No. 2128, 2012 to clarify the process ambiguity that exists in Schedule 1 of that bylaw.

See www.merritt.ca

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.

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the positions of Aquatic Fitness Instructors for the Leisure Services Department.

Please see the website at www.merritt.ca for complete employment opportunity posting.

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualifications and proof of required licenses/certificates/degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 04, 2015 by: Carole Fraser, Human Resources City of Merritt - PO Box 189, 2185 Voght St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by e-mail: cfraser@merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 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 1, 2015 • 5

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS COVER STORY

Alleged car jackers tracked to motel He was at the time suspected by police to be in the possession of a firearm, and had barricaded himself in a room at the Road Runner Motel on Nicola Avenue after he and Vleeming had apparently attempted to steal a car.

At about 10:30 a.m. that morning, police received a call from a man who said he had been car jacked.

The victim had picked up two stranded motorists — one male and one female — on Highway 97C. The pair asked him for a ride to Merritt.

Once in Merritt, Vleeming and Battilana had the good Samaritan drive them to a remote location and attempted to steal his vehicle.

After a brief struggle, the two took off on foot towards Merritt.

“The report was that they had a firearm and tried to get the vehicle,” RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore told reporters after the standoff.

“They assaulted the gentleman, Dunsmore said, adding he was treated for his wounds at the local hospital and released. The man is a Kelowna resident.

“He received quite a few injuries to his head and facial area.

I observed bruising above his eye and on his ears, and to his face,” Dunsmore said.

They were unsuccessful in actually stealing the vehicle. Dunsmore said she thought that they had broken the key off in the ignition. The two took off in the snow, and police tracked their footprints to a nearby ranch in the Collettville area.

Collettville Elementary School was locked down as a precaution, but the school wasn’t under threat, Dunsmore said.

“Our helicopter just happened to be in the area at the time and heard the dispatch, so they were able to help us, hovering over the area at the ranch,” she

said. RCMP spoke to the gentleman who lived at the ranch, who told them that a couple had arrived on foot and left in a cab.

“There was no indication to him that they were any threat, they just asked for a cab,” said Dunsmore.

The cab driver informed police the duo had been dropped off at the Road Runner Motel.

RCMP arrived at the motel just before noon where they arrested Vleeming outside the building.

“It looked like when we took her into custody that she was in the process of moving out,” Dunsmore said. “They had packed up most of their things [which] were in garbage bags.”

The woman who was arrested fit the description provided by the victim.

Police then made several attempts to contact somebody within

the hotel room. They knocked on the door, called the hotel from the office, and made several attempts to call the suspect out.

The female in custody was not co-operating with police, and did not disclose if the man was inside.

“There was indication from the taxi driver and the manager of the hotel that they had both arrived together, so we had reason to believe that he was in the motel room,” Dunsmore said.

According to the victim’s report, there was also a gun involved. That prompted police to call ERT. Police surrounded the motel while waiting for ERT to arrive, and cordoned off Nicola Avenue between Houston Street and Menzies Street.

Police also relocated other residents of the motel during the standoff.

ERT members

dressed in military camouflage arrived on scene at about 2:30 p.m. and could be seen loading their guns across the street in the parking lot of the Knights Inn before amassing outside the Road Runner room.

The road block was extended and ERT remained on scene.

Police could be heard calling for the man to exit the room before storming it at about 4:30 p.m. and taking the male suspect into custody without incident.

No gun was found on the man when he was taken into custody, however police confirmed Monday that a magazine for a pellet gun was found in the victim’s car.

Dunsmore said the two suspects are from the Lower Mainland known to travel together and are known to police.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects’ vehicle abandoned on Highway 97C had

been reported stolen from Kelowna.

The investigation is still ongoing. Look for more details online and in the Thursday, Dec. 3 edition of the Herald.

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God

the Word, the World

By Herman Kneller

When we came to the end of the 70th week prophecy in last week’s article, Jesus had preached the Àrst half of the 69th prophetic week, and the apostles preached the second half.

Their was a bit more to the prophecy.

The 70 weeks were given to the Jews as God’s special people, but that now had come to an end. The gospel was now to go to the Gentiles. They were given the same standing as the Jews.

the people that when you shall see the city encompassed with armies, then Áee. It was good advice, but too little too late. Then Jesus said to pray that your Áight be neither in the winter nor on the Sabbath day.

The winter weather is too unpleasant, and the Sabbath day was set aside at creation for a day of rest from our work and to remember who God is. In the Commandments He said to remember that He is the Creator who provides Before God, all were now equal. us with all the good and need of life.

The Jews had missed their last chance We should take that day for rest and because of their greed and lust for worship. power. What a lesson that should be for all of us.

When we look at what happened after the death of Jesus and Him going Going back to Daniel’s prophecy, to Heaven, and believers spreading which was not part of the 70 weeks, the news, and the time for the Jews as where he said that the city would be a special people had ended, we Ànd destroyed, we see that when Jesus one problem. Jesus was, they thought, came out of the temple for the last time, supposed to free them from the Romans. before His death, the disciples drew His When He did not, they rejected Him, but attention to the beauty and strength of at the same time they did not give up the temple then. Jesus told them that their hope for freedom from Rome. the time would come when all of that would be destroyed.Then, Jesus said to More next week. Stay warm.

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CHURCHES OF MERRITT RCMP members about to storm the room that the suspect had barricaded himself in for five hours last Wednesday. Michael Potestio/Herald

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

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HERALD OPINION EDITORIAL

Liberals are right to revisit refugee deadline In last week’s MP report I committed to providing further updates as they become DAN ALBAS availView from the able with HILL respect to the Liberal Government’s plan to relocate 25,000 refugees to Canada prior to the end of 2015. This week more information has been provided on this topic that continues to be raised daily by citizens in Central Okanagan-SimilkameenNicola.

The most significant announcement from the Liberal government this week is that the timeline to relocate 25,000 refugees prior to the end of 2015 will not be met.

Instead the revised deadline has been extended into March of 2016.

Other changes include privately sponsored refugees now being included within the total number of 25,000 refugees relocated to Canada. It has also been announced that refugees who are women, children, families and men that may be members of LGBT communities will be prioritized for refugee status.

How does this process work?

Canada will accept referrals from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) who has identified refugees from Jordan and Lebanon that meet the criteria.

Refugees who are accepting relocation to Canada will complete an iris scan to confirm their identity.

Once identity has been confirmed, the government has indicated that the process will include a medical examination, screening for communicable diseases. There will also be security screening, including biometric scans that includes finger printing and digital photo identification.

Turkey: Only seventeen seconds

GWYNNE DYER The international STAGE The key fact is that the Russian plane, by Turkey’s own admission, was in Turkish airspace for precisely seventeen seconds. That’s a little less time than it takes to read

this paragraph aloud. The Turks shot it down anyway — and their allies publicly backed them, as loyal allies must.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared: “We stand in solidarity with Turkey and support the territorial integrity of our NATO ally, Turkey.” President Barack Obama called his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to assure him that the United States supported Turkey’s right to defend its sovereignty. But privately, they must have been cursing Erdogan.

They know what he’s up

to.

This is the first time in more than fifty years that a NATO plane has shot down a Russian plane, and it happened in very suspicious circumstances.

Even if Turkish radar data is to be believed, the two Russian SU-24s only crossed the bottom of a very narrow appendix of Turkish territory that dangles down into Syria. As Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Our pilots, planes did not threaten Turkish territory in any way. ” What harm could they have done in seventeen seconds?

According to the Russian radar data, it was the Turkish planes that crossed into Syrian territory. In this version of the story, the Russian planes were following a wellestablished route just south of the Turkish border, probably turning into a bomb run against Syrian rebels in Latakia province.

How strange that there was a Turkish TV crew in northern Syria, positioned just right to film the incident. (The Russsian plane crashed 4 km. inside Syria.)

Either way, it seems quite clear that President Erdogan really wanted to

See ‘New’ Page 9

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

shoot down a Russian aircraft, and that the Turkish pilots were under orders to do so if they could find even the slightest pretext.

So why would Erdogan want to do that?

President Putin said bitterly that Erdogan and his colleagues were “accomplices of terrorists”. That’s hard to deny: Erdogan is so eager to see Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad overthrown that he left the Turkish-Syrian border open for four years so that recruits and supplies could reach the Syrian rebel groups, notably including Islamic State (IS).

See ‘Russia’ Page 9

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TUESDAY, December 1, 2015 • 9

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YOUR OPINION OPINION editorial

New citizens Cents get a lesson in ranching should be welcomed

By Joe Martin

Many thanks to the Douglas Lake Ranch, which gave our team a firsthand look at what it’s like living and working on a large scale ranch.

This past Sunday, Nov. 22, Steve Brewer gave our players, staff and executive a tour of the historic Douglas Lake Ranch, something we will never forget.

I’ve been living in Merritt for five years and this was my third time at the ranch. The first two times I stopped at the store but just drove on by the operations.

This time I was on the inside. I was blown away with the history, the people we met, the obvious vastness to Douglas Lake Ranch and the employees who work there.

When asked by future Centennials players and families what it’s like to

From Page 8 This will then be cross referenced with various immigration, law enforcement and security databases.

Refugees who successfully pass through this screening process will then be issued permanent resident visas and flown free of charge (in the past refugees were loaned airfare fees) via private charter aircraft to either Montreal or Toronto airports.

After landing in Canada refugees will be resettled in 36 different cities across Canada — 13 in Quebec and the remaining 23 outside of Quebec, including several here in British Columbia.

At this point the full list of cities and breakdown of numbers for each of these cities has not been publicly released. It is expected in the near future.

Some will view these recent changes as broken election promises from the Liberal government. From my perspective the original timeline announced by the Liberals was an arbitrary political one and I will credit the government for recognizing that taking the time to process and resettle refugees properly are far more important considerations than meeting its own politically selfimposed timelines.

While all Canadians may have different views on this topic, I believe we are united in the desire to see new citizens welcomed in a manner that offers the best possible chance for success for everyone as we grow our Canadian family.

Also occurring this past week was an announcement by the Leader of the official opposition, Hon. Rona Ambrose appointing the opposition critic positions.

It is an honour for me to be named as the critic for inter-provincial trade which also includes labour mobility.

As Canada enters into an unprecedented new era of international trade deals it remains critically important that our local producers have full and free access to our Canadian domestic market across provincial borders.

As always, I welcome your comments, questions and concerns. I can be reached at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca or toll free at 1-800665-8711.

ORIES D-DAY MEM3 PAGE

ORGA

PAGE 4

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The Merritt Centennials with Rusty Brewer and Mayor Neil Menard on the left. Submitted photo

live in this area of B.C., I will be telling the story of Douglas Lake Ranch.

When you drive the B.C. highways like we do, you often pass by ranch land without giving it a second thought.

But not now. After listening to Foreman Cowboy Steve Brewer, I understand why our local ranchers are so concerned

about the grass, waterways and timber.

Simply put, they are the lifeline to good beef.

Beef that is being fed on most families’ tables.

Our players learned much more than a few good cowboy stories.

They learned about respecting land, where quality beef comes from, and the care that goes into

every detail of ranch life.

We see that same care on display in our own community of Merritt.

Thanks to Steve for the tour, Lori for the snack, and all of the people at Douglas Lake Ranch who support us. We support you.

Joe Martin is the coach and general manager of the Merritt Centennials

Russia/NATO confrontation looms From Page 8 Erdogan is utterly determined that Assad must go, and he doesn’t really care if Assad’s successors are Islamist extremists. But he also wants to ensure that there is no new Kurdish state on Turkey’s southern border.

That is a problem for him, because that state already exists in embryo. It is called Rojava, a territory that the Syrian Kurds have carved out in the far north of the country along the Turkish border, mainly by fighting Islamic State.

Indeed, the Syrian Kurds are the US-led coalition’s only effective ally on the ground against IS. When Erdogan committed the Turkish air force to the Syrian war in July, he explained it to the United States as a decision

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola

Speak up

to fight against Islamic State, but in fact Turkey has made only a token handful of strikes against IS. Almost all Erdogan’s bombs have actually fallen on the Turkish Kurds of the PKK (who had been observing a ceasefire with the Turkish government for the past four years), and above all on the Syrian Kurds.

Erdogan has two goals: to ensure the destruction of Assad’s regime, and to prevent the creation of a new Kurdish state in Syria.

He was making some progress on both objectives — and then along came the Russians in September and saved the Syrian army from defeat, at least for the moment.

Worse yet, Putin’s strategy turns out to be quite pragmatic, and even rather attractive to the United States despite all the ritual anti-

Russian propaganda emitted by Washington. Putin wants a ceasefire in Syria that will leave everybody where they are now — except Islamic State, which they can all then concentrate on destroying.

This strategy is now making some headway in the Vienna ceasefire talks, but it is utterly abhorrent to Erdogan because it would leave Assad in power in Damascus, and give the Syrian Kurds time to consolidate their new state. How can he derail this Russian-led project?

Well, he could shoot down a Russian plane, and try to get a confrontation going between Russia and NATO. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

What was your favourite part of the Merritt Country Christmas week?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Should Trudeau keep his promise to allow 25,000 refugees into Canada by 2016?

YES: 22% NO: 78%

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MSS exploring possibility of a hockey academy Ian Webster THE MERRITT HERALD

Close to 40 parents and other interested parties gathered at the Merritt Secondary School library on Nov. 17 to hear a presentation by Craig Millin and Holly Rogers of RPM Hockey Ltd., a company based out of Maple Ridge.

The topic up for discussion was the possibility of having a hockey academy operate out of Merritt Secondary School beginning in September of 2016.

Also in attendance were MSS principal Bruce Bidney, viceprincipal Karen Goetz and high school teacher Molly Brigden.

“Growing up and going to school in Victoria, I was quite familiar with the various academies that operated at schools nearby,” Bidney said. “I followed their success stories very closely.

“When I came to MSS, I just thought that as part of the rebranding, academies would allow the school to offer more opportunities for more students across all areas.

Hockey just happens to be the avenue I feel most comfortable travelling down first.”

For his part, Millin has owned and run RPM Hockey for 33 years.

It is a large company that offers and teaches a broad spectrum of hockey-related programs, including power skating, skills development and coaching certification.

Currently, RPM Hockey and its subsidiary, Pacific Rim Hockey Academy Ltd. (PRHA), operate 16 hockey academies in B.C. schools throughout the province — from Prince Rupert and Chetwynd in the north to communities on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island and throughout the Lower Mainland. The company expects to add several more locations to that list in 2016 and 2017.

“About 12 years

ago, I was asked by the Ministry of Education to put togther a model for a hockey academy in a school setting,” Millin said. “Academies are nothing new. Schools have put them in place to keep kids engaged in their learning, and to keep kids in their communities. Where I come from, in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, there are all manner of academies — for hockey, golf, soccer, equestrian, for culinary and fine arts, and for graphic and communication arts.”

Nearby school-based hockey academies exist at Valleyview Secondary in Kamloops, and at Rutland Secondary in Kelowna.

“A hockey academy is a very comprehensive program,” Millin said.

“There are a lot of different components. Our content meets or exceeds the academic standards set out by the Ministry of Education for a [school] board approved course.”

Each school decides whether it wants to run the academy as an elective or as part of a P.E. program. It is typically offered as a first-semester option, running from September to the end of January, because that’s when ice is available at the local community arenas. Participants receive four academic credits for successful course completion.

Millin said that all their academies throughout the province are designed and implemented consistently, regardless of the location. Every student participates in the same identical programs.

Since their inception in 2004, all Pacific Rim Hockey Academies have been guided by an outcome-based format.

“Students are assessed as individuals, not in comparison to the group,” Millin explained.

“That’s why you can have kids of all ages and skill levels together. That’s why you can have girls and boys together.

RPM Hockey Company Ltd. owner Craig Millin and adminsitrative assistant Holly Rogers spoke to about 40 interested persons at Merritt Secondary School on Nov. 17. Another information meeting is tentatively scheduled for the new year.

Ian Webster/Herald

HOCKEY EXCELLENCE RPM hockey academies are currently being run in 16 middle and secondary schools throughout the province. They are open to boys and girls of all ability levels in Grades 8 through 12. RPM Hockey.com

“That said, in order to be part of the hockey academy, students must maintain good grades in all their other subjects, and be in good standing.

Kids can’t float through the academy with poor grades. That defeats the purpose of the program in the first place.”

Millin went on to describe a typical academy format.

“In a semester program, the academy runs five days a week, with onice sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and off-ice, classroom or special events components on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Monday’s on-ice session is usually dedicated to powerskating, Wednesday’s to skill development, and Friday’s to tactical and game play.”

Rogers, the administrative and special programs manager with RPM, went on to describe some of the office components.

“Classroom sessions include health and nutrition, goal setting, personal growth, leadership and career planning,” she said. “The conditioning is all sport-specific. We do agility training, foot speed, core, endurance, strength, power and flexilility. All of our instructors are kinesiology or

human kinetics trained.”

Millin said that in terms of instruction, RPM attempts to draw on expertise from within the local community as much as possible, or from nearby communities whenever necessary.

“It’s my responsibility to create an instructional team, train them, and make sure that they deliver the program,” he said.

“Typical on-ice instruction will see four people: two regular instructors, one goalie instructor and one high school teacher. The program strives for a 1:5 or 1:6 ratio.”

Rogers said that the hockey academy also plans a number of special events, depending upon what’s available in the community, in order to expose kids to a broad range of different activities “For a lot of youngsters, hockey is 24/7, and we want them to understand that there’s more to life than just hockey.”

“A school teacher is on-site with the academy students at all times,” Millin said. “They’re responsible for assessing the students and determining whether or not

they meet the necessary requirements to successfully complete the hockey academy.

“The rest of it we do — the content and curriculum, staffing, promotion, registration, fee collection, and so on. There’s a fine line between our respective duties and obligations, but we know where that line is.”

“At the beginning of each semester, we get the kids to set goals in terms of school, home, community and hockey, and then we monitor their progress,” Rogers said.

“There’s performance testing and baseline testing in every aspect of the academy,” Millin added. “We want to be able to track progress and improvement.”

Class-size in a hockey academy program is usually between 20 and 30 students — comparable to any other in-school class.

“It’s up to the individual school to decide the exact numbers it can accommodate,” Millin said. “Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the school reserves the right to accept or refuse applicants.”

“The cost of one academy semester is $1,220,” Rogers said.

“Payment can be in its entirety, or in five equal payments of $244 over the duration of the semester.

“Insurance-wise, our academies carry $5 million in general liability.

We insure everything, and the school district has the document on file.”

Bidney indicated that this first meeting with RPM was very much exploratory, and an opportunity to gauge interest within the community. Any proposal for a hockey academy would have to still go before the School Board for final approval.

One of the parents in attendance, Lisa DeWinter-Garcia, said she initially went to the meeting apprehensive that there would be a potential conflict between an academy and local minor hockey. She has three youngsters currently involved in the MMHA. “I don’t feel as concerned now. [Craig] did a really good of explaining how they work together and complement each other.”

DeWinter-Garcia liked the idea of a hockey academy helping to keep kids engaged in their schooling, and the commitment to individualized assessment.

“I work with students who have developmental difficulties up at the college (NVIT), and inclu-

siveness is very important to us. I like seeing that model being used everywhere.”

DeWinter-Garcia felt a bit overwhelmed at the amount of information that was presented in a short time frame, and is looking forward to a follow-up session in January or February. She would love to hear more from parents and participants currently involved in academies elsewhere.

A second parent, Janet Moore, came to the meeting with a bit more background knowledge.

Her oldest daughter, 14, currently plays female rep hockey in Kamloops, and several of her teammates attend Valleyview’s hockey academy.

“The program up there is very popular, and there’s a waiting list,” she said.

Moore has a second hockey-playing daughter who will be entering MSS this September and is very excited about the prospect of an academy.

“I liked the presentation, and the fact that it wasn’t all about hockey,” Moore added. “I liked the community-service aspect that was discussed, and the degree of academic accountability.”

Since the Nov. 17 meeting, both Bidney and Millin have received a large number of inquiries from individuals who were unable to attend.

The MSS proposal goes before the school board at its Dec. 9 meeting in Princeton.

TUESDAY, December 1, 2015 • 11

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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 www.canadabeneďŹ t.ca/free-assessment

Travel

POWELL RIVER & Region Transition House Society has a job posting for a Stopping the Violence Counselor, closing on Dec. 30, 2015.

Contact: chamberj@telus.net

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

No risk program stop mortgage & maintenance payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

Travel SAVE 30% on our Greenland and Wild Labrador voyage until December 18, 2015 - See Labrador as it was meant to be seen - By Sea - Aboard the comfortable Ocean Endeavour. No extra charge for singles! Quote community newspapers! Call tollfree: 1-800363-7566 or visit: www.adventurecanada.com.

(TICO # 04001400).

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT This position is suited to an applicant that has a forestry or strong manufacturing based accounting in their background.

A recognized Accounting Designation (CMA, CGA) is required with a minimum of three years experience.

The ideal candidate will be a leader and hands on type of senior accountant, that has the exibility to perform tasks at all levels including ďŹ nancial statements.

Send cover letter and resume to: johnt@ porcupinewood.com www.porcupinewood.com

Employment Business Opportunities GET FREE vending machines can earn $100,000 + per year.

All cash-locations provided. protected territories. Interest free ďŹ nancing. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629 Website www.tcvend.com HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in walking/dressing? Disability tax credit $2,000 tax credit $20,000 refund. Apply today for assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Career Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools HUGE DEMAND for Medical Transcriptionists! CanScribe is Canada’s top Medical Transcription training school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-4661535. www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training!

Funding & Housing Avail!

Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certiďŹ cation proof.

Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com

BAND Mgr. sought by Kwakiutl Band in Pt. Hardy. Deadline to send cover letter, resume and salary expectation is 4 PM on Dec. 7 to manager@kwakiutl.bc.ca or fax 250949-6066. Pls request & review job description before applying.

START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

N.V.C.L. VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT Production Workers: $14-20/hr.

Steady employment with overtime available.

CertiÀed Fork Lift Operators with sawmill experience Class 1 Drivers Required for in town and out of town lumber transfer runs: Wage dependant on experience Steady employment Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161

REDUCE REUSE REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE RECYCLE Nicolla Valley Chevron/ Triple’O is looking for

Assistant Managers & Staff Members.

Please call at 1-604-749-7004 and speak to Furqan.

Employment

FRONT DESK CLERK Must be proďŹ cient with computers Must be able to work exible hours.

Apply in person with resume to 3571 Voght St. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

The link to your community

Services

Financial Services NEED A loan? Own property?

Have bad credit? We can help!

Call toll free 1-866-405-1228 ďŹ rstandsecondmortgages.ca

Plumbing

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. 40’ containers as low as $2,200DMG. Huge freezers.

Experienced wood carvers needed, full time. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866-528-7108 or 1778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

ClassiďŹ eds Get Results!

Merchandise for Sale

If you see a wildďŹ re, report it to

1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.

Misc. Wanted Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins, Estates Jewelry+ Chad: 1-778-281-0030 Local.

TRY A CLASSIFIED AD

Rentals

Misc. for Sale

Mobile Homes & Pads

WANTED experienced commercial tire person for a busy shop in Port Coquitlam B.C. Top wages and beneďŹ ts paid. Please send resume to: tireperson@outlook.com

FULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928

ROMANCE Your Christmas Local BC Adult Retailer Shop Online Now & Receive 25% OFF! www.shagg.ca

Double wide mobile home, 3 bdrm, wood stove, f/s, w/d, pay your own Hydro & gas.$1,100/mth 250-378-4166

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Auto Financing

Auto Financing

Job Posting

Need a Vehicle?

Call the

IT and Communications Coordinator ‡Â?’‘”ƒ”› ‘•‹–‹‘Â? Č‹ Â’ –‘ Íś ‘Â?Â–ÂŠÂ•ČŒ

(Webmaster) The Upper Nicola Band is seeking applications for the position of IT and Communications Coordinator (Webmaster).

Duties and Responsibilities: (include the following but other duties may be assigned.) r Provide information technology (IT) support to all employees, including Chief and Council, of the Upper Nicola Band r Be the technical lead in the use of Doculinx, electronic filing system r Coordinate a communication strategy that includes press releases and release of other information to external partners such as the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and the Nicola Tribal Association (NTA) r Updating on a continual basis the content and structure of the UNB webpage and Facebook page r Train UNB personnel in all IT functions such as email, electronic calendars, internet use, etc.

QualiďŹ cations: r Two years experience working in an IT or Communications role r A two year diploma (or equivalent) in Information Technology, Communications, Computer Science, Business Informatics, or similar field r One year experience in web development and email support r Experience in the creation and publishing of brochures, newsletters, and posters r Experience working in a band office and/or with First Nations peoples (preferred) Term: 5FNQPSBSZ 6Q UP NPOUIT (32 hours/week) Salary: Depends on Experience and Qualifications The deadline for this job posting is ‘Â?Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ ‡…‡Â?„‡” ͚ǥ ʹͲͳ͡ at 12 noon.

Submit cover letter and resume to: ‡…‡’–‹‘�

Upper Nicola Band Box 3700 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 350-3342 Email: ”‡…‡’–‹‘�@uppernicola.com

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Available 24/7 • mycreditmedic.ca

Guaranteed Approvals

r (PPE $SFEJU r #BE $SFEJU r /P $SFEJU r %JWPSDF r #BOLSVQU

IF YOU WORK,YOU DRIVE

Call Steve Today 1.855.740.4112 t murraygmmerritt.com

12 • TUESDAY, December 1, 2015

www.merrittherald.com

JOIN THE BATTLE ONLY AT:

Kamloops Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

YOU COULD

WIN $10,000 IN CASH!

*

PLUS INSTANT PRIZES!*

SHARE & WIN UP TO $2,000 IN INSTANT PRIZES!**

0%

FINANCING (2)

‘15 DODGE DART SE

IN PRICE ADJUSTMENTS!

MB#PFDH41-25A

up to

17,498 $48/WK 3.49%

$

(5)

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

1,500 BONUS CASH

$

‘15 DODGE JJOURNEY CVP

‘15 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CVP

19,998 $55/WK 3.49%

$

(5)

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

M MB#RTKH53-29E

10,845

$

MB#JCDH49-22F-WFU M

FOR 72 MONTHS!(1)

$

19,998 $55/WK 3.49%

(5)

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

DIESEL DIES SEL ENGIN ENGINE(4)

$

‘15 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT

19,998 $55/WK 3.49%

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

(5)

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

MB#KLTL74-24A

NO CHARGE

MB#UFCE41-28A

‘15 CHRYSLER 200 LX

$

24,998 $68/WK 2.99%

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

(5)

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

MB#DS6L41-25A AGR,XFH

FOR FO OR O R CURRENT CUR CU RRENT RRE N TRUCK NT TR RUC CK CK OWNERS & JOURNEYMEN(3)

‘15 RAM 1500 SXT QUAD CAB 4X4 Q

28,398 $78/WK 2.99 %

$

+TAX & $595 ADMIN. FEE

(5)

FOR 96 MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN

LOG-IN: WWW.KAMLOOPSWINNER.CA OR CALL-IN: 1.844.332.1310 All images are for display purposes only. No two offers can be combined. One offer per customer only, limit two vehicles per household. At time of printing all vehicles were available. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Dealer retains all rebates, discounts, and incentives in order to achieve prices and payments shown in this flyer. All dealer rebates, discounts, factory incentives, prices and interest rates subject to change or end without notice as new Retail Incentive Programs are announced. Vehicle offers end Monday, November 30, 2015. *Contest begins Monday, August 10, 2015 and ends Thursday, December 31, 2015. No invitation/flyer and/or direct mail piece presented after this time will be valid. In order to be entitled to claim your prize, you must be at the least the age of majority as of October 1, 2015 and attend in person at Kamloops Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 2525 E. Trans Canada Hwy., Kamloops, BC (“Event Headquarters”) on or before Friday, December 31, 2015 and present/surrender your mailpiece, and answer a skills testing question. All winning prizes shall be determined by Kamloops Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, in their sole and absolute discretion. The Grand Prize is $10,000 cash. A contest will be held with respect to the Grand Prize. For full contest rules and regulation, see Kamloops Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram or go on-line to WWW. KamloopsWinner.ca. Winner is responsible for all taxes, fees, and all registration, according to the rules of dealership and the Canada Revenue Service. **Discounts, Services or Products worth up to $2,000. Purchase may be required. Certain conditions may apply. Redemption is at sole discretion of dealer. Amounts may vary per product, service or discount. (1) 0% purchase financing for up to 72 months available to qualified customers on approved credit. Rate/Term varies by model/option package purchased. 0% financing not available on Ram Regular Cab and Chassis Cab models. Factory offer, subject to change or end without notice, certain conditions may apply, see dealer for details. Example: $20,000, with a $0 down payment, financed at 0.0% for 72 months equals monthly payments of $417; cost of borrowing of $0 and a total obligation of $20,000. (2) Up to $10,845 in rebates and discounts. Example: In stock 2015 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks (2500/3500) models. Discount includes no charge Cummins Diesel, and $1,500 loyalty bonus cash. Amount of discount varies by model/option package purchased, plus taxes, on approved credit. (3) $1,500 Ram Truck Loyalty/Conquest/Skilled Trades Bonus Cash is available on the retail purchase/lease of 2015 Ram 1500 (excludes Regular Cab), 2014/2015 Ram 2500/3500, or 2015 Ram Cargo Van and is deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. Eligible customers include: 1. Current owners/lessees of a Dodge or Ram Pickup Truck or Large Van or any other manufacturer’s Pickup Truck or Large Van & Customers who are skilled tradesmen or are acquiring a skilled trade. See your retailer for complete details. (4) $9,345 N/C Diesel Discount amount represents the MSRP of the No Charge Cummins Diesel engine offered on already equipped new 2014/2015 Ram Heavy Duty models. See your retailer for complete details. (5) VEHICLES MAY NOT BE EXACTLY AS ILLUSTRATED. All incentives and rebates are reflected on advertised vehicles including no charge options and conquest bonus. Advertised prices include all factory incentives, GST/PST and $595 Admin. fee are extra, on approved credit. All payments are based on 3.49% APR (Except MB#KLTL74-24A and MB#DS6L41-25A, AGR, XFH, based on 2.99% APR) for 96 months with $0 down payment. Factory order/Dealer Locate may be required on all advertised units. MB#UFCE41-28A, Cost of Borrowing (CB): $2,928, Total Obligation (TO): $22,926; MB#RTKH53-29E, CB: $2,928, TO: $22,926; MB#JCDH49-22F, WFU, CB: $2,928, TO: $22,926; MB#KLTL74-24A, CB: $3,116, TO: $28,114; MB#PFDH41-25A, CB: $2,562, TO: $20,060; MB#DS6L41-25A, AGR, XFH, CB: $3,615, TO: $32,613. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specifications may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors without prejudice or penalty to ourselves. We are not responsible for typographical errors, nor are we responsible for late receipt of mail. Contact dealerships knowledgeable and professional sales consultants for any question or more information.