December 22 full docuemnt by Merritt Herald

MERRITT STOCK CAR YEAR-END AWARDS /PAGE 18 merrittherald.com

SEVENTH ANNUAL CENTS REPORT CARD /PAGE 17

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

bcclassified.com

MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

LOCALS CHIP IN

FREE

INSIDE... MAJOR EXPANSION The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology announced plans to add a new building — valued at $8.9 million — to the campus.

/ Page 3

MURRAY CHRISTMAS For the second year in a row, the Trinity United Church in Merritt will host a Christmas Eve service at the historic Murray Church.

/ Page 10

NALOXONE GIVEN

Members of the Merritt RCMP administered naloxone for the first time to a woman in the midst of an overdose on Monday.

With a dedicated volunteer group, and some help from the local hockey community, building a rink at Central Park has turned into a community-wide project. /Page 2 Ian Webster/Herald

/ Page 15

Thanks Merritt for your support over the last 25 Years!

New

MEAL DEAL

Deluxe Bacon Cheeseburger MEAL

dq.ca

3673 DeWolf Way, Merritt BC • 250-378-5030 ~ 1517 Hugh Allan Dr., Kamloops • 250-372-3705 ~ 811 Victoria St., Kamloops • 250-372-3744 ~ 1122-25 St. NE, Salmon Arm BC • 250-832-4246

2 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS LACROSSE BOX

Outdoor rink at Central Park driven by community effort A few boys lend a hand with the shovelling of the outdoor rink at Central Park on Dec. 18.

Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

For Lisa DeWinter-Garcia and her son Travis, what may have started as an effort to spread a little cheer in the city has transformed into a community-wide project to maintain a sheet of ice on the outdoor lacrosse box at Central Park. “My son and I had discussed that it was going to be cold enough that we should be able to get a good base on the outdoor arena, and if he’d like to help out,” explained DeWinter-Garcia, adding that the initial discussion turned into a meeting with Brad Gilbert, director of recreation and facilities with the City of Merritt. “We talked about what [the City] had planned — I don’t think at that time, they had any intention to get the manpower to get the ice on,” said DeWinterGarcia. “It’s the first time this has happened, so no one really knew what that process would look like — whether it was the city, or volunteers and who had access to what. You can’t just let anyone on there; there are some things you have to be mindful of.” With the city’s blessing, the keys to the lacrosse box were turned over to DeWinter-Garcia, along with access to a shed containing hoses, shovels, and access to a switch to activate the lights around the complex. Saturday, Dec. 17 marked the first afternoon that DeWinter-Garcia and her team of volunteers had opened the box to the public, after a couple weeks of clearing the box of debris, flooding the rink and working to get the ice to a skateable level. Although the recent string of warmer weather forced DeWinter-Garcia to keep the rink closed on Monday and Tuesday, she’s hopeful that lower overnight temperatures in the coming days will allow the rink to be opened again. There isn’t an official channel for DeWinter-Garcia to update the community as to whether the rink is open on a given day, but the group of volunteers are working on a sign for the lacrosse box, she said. Eventually, she added, DeWinter-Garcia would like to see the information distributed through the City of Merritt website. DeWinter-Garcia didn’t have an extensive background in outdoor ice maintenance before taking on the project, she explained, but has learned lots about the process of flooding, shovelling, and maintaining the rink from a group of knowledgable volunteers. And she has no shortage of manpower at the rink, as current and former members of minor hockey teams in Merritt have come out to to lend a hand with the upkeep since Saturday. “We had probably the majority of the boys midget rep team come out and help, and shovelled. Plus people who were maybe coming in for the Christmas holidays jumped on the ice one night, and they helped shovel everything off,” said DeWinter-Garcia. “We had a couple of really young kids, about five of them jumped on the ice before it was ready and said ‘We’ll help shovel!’” For DeWinter-Garcia, these moments are what make the effort to maintain the rink worthwhile. “I just wanted to move forward and have something really positive for the community to look forward to,” she said. “I mean look, we got the mill shut down, families are struggling — but when they see they can go there for free with their kids, and there isn’t another financial burden — that’s important to me.” When the rink is open, the lights will be on in the afternoon, depending on when DeWinter-Garcia gets off of work. In the evenings, the lights will stay on when the rink is open until approximately 10:30 at night — although the rink manager has been known to be flexible if there is shinny action yet to be decided on the ice. “It keeps kids out of trouble — it genuinely does. These kids all want to be out there until 11 o’clock at night doing the arena? Well, why not?” reflected DeWinter-Garcia.

Ian Webster/ Herald

S& W S& W

S& W

S Clothing Company Spaner & Webb & W December 26

STORE WIDE

SALE

10 am - 4 pm

30 - 50% OFF

250-378-5714 • 2032 Quilchena Ave.

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 3

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS POST SECONDARY

$8.9 million expansion coming to NVIT Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

Thanks to an $8.9 million investment from the provincial and federal governments, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) will soon break ground on a 20,000 square foot expansion which will house a full-size gymnasium, lab space and a culinary program. The funding announcement was made by Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart, NVIT president Ken Tourand — who read a statement on behalf of Navdeep Bains, the federal minister of innovation, science and economic development — and Upper Nicola Band Chief Harvey McLeod at the NVIT campus on Dec. 16. Dubbed the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability, the new building will be powered by the very technologies that students in the Upper Nicola Band Chief Harvey McLeod speaks at the announcement of a new expansion environmental resources technology program are studying — turnat the post-secondary institution on Dec. 16. Cole Wagner/Herald ing the building into a teaching tool, explained Tourand during his house, and a new kitchen space which will eventually be the home of speech. a new culinary arts program at NVIT, said Tourand. That teaching tool will come in the form of a clean energy lab, The new gymnasium — along with the accompanying fitness cenfeaturing a geothermal field, wind turbine and solar garden. tre — will be used by students recreationally, and as part of the cur“All three of those will be in there, and students will be able to see riculum for certain programs, he explained. how much energy is being created from the windmill, or from the “Our law enforcement program requires that [gym space]. Right solar panels, and how much energy the building is using,” he said. now, it has been off site, and it hasn’t been the best,” said Tourand. “There will be monitors where you’ll be able to see exactly what’s happening — it’s pretty cool.” See ‘GREENHOUSE’ Page 8 The clean energy lab was featured alongside plans for a green-

TOLKO CLOSURE

Mill closure like a “slow death” Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

The Tolko Industries mill in Merritt is officially closed, but employment opportunities are still available for some workers displaced by the shut down. Troy Connelly, Tolko’s senior general manager of lumber, told the Herald that the company has offered 29 employees jobs at their other mills in a variety of positions, and 11 people have accepted those offers to date. “We did talk to over 150 employees about what their interest would be in transferring, relocating or working elsewhere after the closure,” said Connolly. “A lot of people elected to not Mill worker Eddy Watkinson overlooking the now closed Tolko sawmill. Michael Potestio/Herald leave the community,” he said. brought a mix of emotions for tions and will host a job fair in “We had opportunities, we mill worker Eddy Watkinson durtalked to people about them, and Merritt sometime in January for ing the last two weeks of operathose positions. if they were willing to relocate tion. “Although the mill is closed, and had a skill set, we certainly “Sad and excited and scared we’re still actively working with tried to do that,” he said. — just a lot of different emothe employees that are looking Come April, the company tions,” he said. for work,” Connolly said. expects to have 20 to 30 job “It’s been like a slow death in The shut down of Tolko openings at their other opera-

a way because going to the mill it’s so quiet and you’re always used to it being so loud,” said Watkinson. Given his experience, Watkinson feels he could probably find another mill job — and has even applied to a few of Tolko’s other operations in the southern Interior — but is considering a possible career change. “They say [when] one door’s closing, another one opens. Well I feel like one door’s closing, but I got like a thousand doors in front of me [and] I’m just trying to pick which one to open,” said the 41-year-old father of one. “I just went up to NVIT and signed up for the courses they’re offering for the Tolko workers there, and I’ll see how that goes,” Watkinson told the Herald.

More online at merrittherald.com, search ‘TOLKO’

INSIDE Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 17 Classifieds ------------------- 20

Online

this week merrittherald.com

Shelter goes 24/7 Merritt’s extreme weather response shelter has been given the green light and the funding necessary to remain open all day through to the end of January.

Search ‘SHELTER OPEN 24/7’

Bus fares to rise City council has approved increasing bus fares, selecting the more expensive option suggested by BC Transit in its review of the Merritt transit system.

Search ‘BUS FARES’

Parking bylaw nixed City council adopted a reduction to its pay-in-lieu of parking provision — with a few contentious, last minute changes.

Search ‘BYLAW ADOPTED’

Faithful living Are there real Christian roots for some of our Christmas traditions? The answer might surprise you, as Pastor Narayan Mitra delves into the holiday this week.

Search ‘MITRA’

HO HO HO! Specializing in everything smoke. All your smoking and stocking stuffing needs.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK TILL 9 PM

SHOP ONLINE AT LEMONADESTAND420.COM

GET LUCKY THIS CHRISTMAS...

2013 QUILCHENA, MERRITT 420 TRANS CANADA HWY, SALMON ARM 259 TRANQUILLE ROAD, KAMLOOPS

WITH OUR NEW LARGE ADULT TOY SELECTION! *MUST BE 19+ TO PURCHASE

4 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

YOU’RE INVITED! to meet with Mayor Menard on January 4th from 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street.

City of Merritt

CITY

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

Specialty Programs

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.

Specialty Programs

NOTICE The City of Merritt is seeking a member of the public to sit on the Tourism & Economic Development Committee The City of Merritt has struck a number of committees tasked with providing Council with information and recommendations on a wide variety of issues. Members serving on committees are volunteers from the community, seeking to make a difference.

Kidz in the Kitchen . 5-12 yrs Kidz in the Kitchen . 5-12 yrs Christmas – Saturday, Saturday, Dec. Dec. 33 Christmas Treats Treats – Valentines Sweets –– Saturday, Saturday, Feb. Feb. 44 1:00 – 2:30 pm . $12 1:00 – 2:30 pm . $12 Make some yummy gift ideas for your favorite people or all Make some whatever yummy giftyou ideas for your favorite people all for yourself, choose, come out and enjoyorbaking yourself, with Fridayends some come treats out to share, or not! for whateverand youtake choose, and enjoy baking withinFridayends and .take Kidz the Kitchen 8-14some yrs treats to share, or not!

Application forms are available on the City’s web site at www.merrritt.ca or at City Hall. The Tourism & Economic Development Committee meets every other month. We encourage interested members of the public wishing to sit on this committee to fill out an application form today. Completed applications must be submitted to: Melisa Miles Director of Corporate Services City Hall PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 mmiles@merritt.ca Applications will be accepted until January 03, 2017. For more information, contact Melisa Miles at (250) 378-4224 or by email at mmiles@merritt.ca

Rudolph Cake Decorating – Saturday, Dec. 3

Kidz the Kitchen 8-14 4yrs Sweetin Treats - Saturday,. Feb. 3:00 – 5:30 pm .Decorating $24 Rudolph Cake – Saturday, Dec. 3 Tweens and teens will be able to impress their family and Sweet - Saturday, Feb.cakes, 4 they create by themfriendsTreats with these super cute 3:00 – 5:30 pm . $24 selves! Working with Fondant can be a challenge, but the result is and worth it! will be able to impress their family and Tweens teens Instructed by Darcy Smith (Fanci Shmanci Cakes) friends with these super cute cakes, they create by themPickleball selves! Working with Fondant can be a challenge, but the M/W/F 9:00 – 11:00 am result is worth Monday 7:00 –it!9:00 pm (children & beginners) Instructed by6:30 Darcy Smithpm(Fanci Shmanci Cakes) Wednesday – 8:30 $50 season . $5 drop-in . Oct. - Apr.

Laura Chivers, Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre Staff Members, J’aime & Diana Laura Chivers, Nicola ValleyEtchart Aquatic Centre Staff Lorenz Members, J’aime Etchart & Diana Lorenz

Photo Credits: Merritt Herald, Ian Webster, V22 Photography, City of Merritt Leisure Services,

The City is seeking one (1) member of the community to sit on the Tourism & Economic Development Committee. The Terms of Reference for the committee include providing timely and strategic advice to Council on matters pertaining to economic development, investment and business attraction, tourism, and longerterm economic sustainability.

Pickleball is loads of fun and in turn it can be good for your Pickleball health. Picleball specifically works on your balance and M/W/F 9:00 – 11:00 am agility while it also offers the same benefits of other regular Monday exercise. 7:00 – 9:00 pm (children & beginners) Wednesday 6:30 – 8:30 pm Badminton $50 season . $5 drop-in . Oct. - Apr. Thursdays, Sept. – Mar. 14+ yrs Pickleball is pm loads of fun and in it can 6:30 – 8:30 . $35 session or turn drop-in $5 be good for your There are many health to playing badminton; flexibilhealth. Pickleball specifibenefi cally tsworks on your balance and ity, strength, muscular endurance, heart and lung health and agility while it also offers the same benefits of other regular mobility. (no class’ on any Pro-D day’s or STAT holidays) exercise. **Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult** Community Yard Sale Badminton Sunday, Mar. 12 Thursdays, Sept.pm– .Mar. 14+ yrs 8:00 am – 12:00 $5/table Is your garage, closetsorstarting 6:30 – 8:30 pm shed . $35 or session drop-into$5burst…bring all your “treasures” to the Civic Centre and joinbadminton; others, under There are many health benefi ts to playing flexibilone roof for the annual GIANT COMMUNITY YARD SALE! ity, strength, muscular endurance, heart and lung health and mobility. (no class’ on any Pro-D day’s or STAT holidays) M er r i t t C i v i c C e ntre 25 0. 315.10 5 0 **Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult**

Community Yard Sale Sunday, Mar. 12 8:00 am – 12:00 pm . $5/table Is your garage, shed or closets starting to burst…bring all your “treasures” to the Civic Centre and join others, under one roof for the annual GIANT COMMUNITY YARD SALE!

Meatless Mondays

Meatless Mondays Mondays,Jan. Jan.9/23, 9/23,Feb. Feb.6/20 6/20&&Mar. Mar.66 Mondays, 5:30 5:30--7:00 7:00pm pm. .$75.00/person $75.00/personfor forthe theseries seriesofof55classes classes Ready to get out of your cooking comfort zone? Come join us Ready to get out of your cooking comfort zone? Come join us for a series of 5 vegetarian cooking classes! You will learn how forprepare a serieswhole of 5 vegetarian classes! will sources. learn how to food mealscooking with plant based You protein Atogreat waywhole to create habits in the newprotein year! All food prepare foodhealthier meals with plant based sources. will be provided, local and organic when available. A great way to create healthier habits in the new year! All food Instructed by Holistic Nutritionist, Kate Simpson

will be provided, local and organic when available.

Eat More by Real Food Instructed Holistic Nutritionist, Kate Simpson Mondays, Jan. 16 & 30, Feb.13 & 27 5:30 - 7:00 pm . $50/class for a family of four, Eat$5 More Realadditional Food participant. plus for each What better way there to teach your Mondays, Jan.is16 & 30, Feb.13 & family 27 about health than by cooking delicious and nourishing meals with them? This series 5:30 - 7:00 pm . $50/class for a family of four, of 4 cooking classes will teach basic cooking skills with nutritious plus $5 for each additional participant. whole foods. You will learn how to source local and organic produce meat, how to simple delicious food Whatand better wayand is there to create teach your family aboutmeals. healthAll than by will be provided, local and organic when available. cooking delicious and nourishing meals with them? This series Instructed by Holistic Nutritionist, Kate Simpson

of 4 cooking classes will teach basic cooking skills with nutritious

Dog 14+ yrs wholeObedience foods. You will. learn how to source local and organic proThursdays, Jan. 19 – Mar. 9 . 8 wks duce and meat, and how to create simple delicious meals. All food 7:00 – 8:00 pm . $50 will bewith provided, local andfocus organic available. Work clicker’s we’ll on when sit, heel, down and recalls. But we’ll add fun Nutritionist, stuff like high 5, jump, retrieve, tunnel, Instructed bysome Holistic Kate Simpson playing soccer and more…. Instructed by Yvonne Lord

Dog Obedience . 14+ yrs

K9 Nose Work yrs 9 . 8 wks Thursdays, Jan. .1916+ – Mar. Wednesdays, Jan. 18 – Mar. 22 . 6 wks . 7:00 – 8:00 pm . $50 Beginners . $90 Work– with we’ll or focus 3:00 4:30,clicker’s 5:00 – 6:30 7:00on – sit, 8:30heel, pm down and recalls. Dogs haveadd an some amazing of smell a natural desire to But we’ll fun sense stuff like high 5,and jump, retrieve, tunnel, hunt. The activity sport of K9 Nose Work® is designed playing soccer andand more…. to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their Instructed by and Yvonne desire to hunt theirLord love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical K9 Nose Work . 16+ yrs energy. Instructed by Shauna Moore

Wednesdays, Jan. 18 – Mar. 22 . 6 wks . Beginners . $90 LEIS U R E S ERVI C ES 15 3:00 – 4:30, 5:00 – 6:30 or 7:00 – 8:30 pm Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. The activity and sport of K9 Nose Work® is designed to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy. Instructed by Shauna Moore

For more information on any of these programs LEISURE SERVICES please call the Civic Centre at 250-315-1050

Merritt Civic Centre 250.315.1050

page NOTICE The City of Merritt is seeking a member of the public to sit on the Environment Select Committee. The City of Merritt has struck a number of committees tasked with providing Council with information and recommendations on a wide variety of issues. Members serving on committees are volunteers from the community, seeking to make a difference. The City is seeking one (1) member of the community to sit on the Environment Select Committee. The Terms of Reference for the committee include that the committee review and provide input on existing or proposed bylaws, policies and programs of the City that have the potential to have a positive or negative impact on the quality and sustainability of air, water and land. Application forms are available on the City’s web site at www.merrritt.ca or at City Hall. The Environment Select Committee meets quarterly. We encourage interested members of the public wishing to sit on this committee to fill out an application form today. Completed applications must be submitted to: Melisa Miles Director of Corporate Services City Hall PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 mmiles@merritt.ca Applications will be accepted until January 06, 2017. For more information, contact Melisa Miles at (250) 378-4224 or by email at mmiles@merritt.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE

Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of a permanent full time Community Policing Coordinator for the Community Policing Office. Generally the hours will be Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but will occasionally require flexibility to accommodate evening shifts or shifts on weekends.

With the changing weather, the City of Merritt would like to remind residential property owners and occupiers that they are responsible for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks or pathways abutting their property within twenty-four (24) hours of accumulation (except on weekends and holidays). Business and Industrial owners are required to have snow and ice removed from sidewalks or pathways abutting the property by ten (10) a.m., and as needed, following the accumulation of snow or ice.

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, January 06, 2017 by: Carole Fraser Human Resources Manager, City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Date Posted: December 09, 2016 Posting Expires: January 06, 2017

Thank you for your cooperation, City of Merritt

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 5

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS CITY COUNCIL

Rent request debated favour of a cap on rent. “If you do it for one, then you’re going to have to do it for everyone, and A request to cap the amount Nicola it kind of just snowballs from there,” Family Therapy (NFT) pays to rent said Prowal. space at city hall has Coun. Kurt been earmarked for Christopherson brought discussion at upcoming the idea to discuss the budget meetings, but not rent cap as a notice of before being met with motion after hearing concerns from some city from NFT representative councillors. Sue Sterling-Burr at the “This organization Nov. 22 council meeting. has had some pretty At that meeting, cheap rent from the Sterling-Burr told council city, it’s in a pretty nice that since 2011 they’ve spot just to be in this seen a 69 per cent building [and] we’ve increase in their rent — always included hydro, an average increase of Linda Brown gas, water [and] they’re 13.6 per cent per year. Merritt City Councillor exempted from taxes,” The non-profit said Coun. Linda Brown counselling agency has at the Dec. 6 regular council meeting. been operating in Merritt for 23 years “I think if they can not afford the and runs on between $200,000 and building they’re in, they need to go $225,000 per year, the bulk of which is find a building they can afford to be in. provincially funded. That, to me, is the only way of looking According to Coun. Mike Goetz, at it because the city is in the business NFT’s rent has been capped by the of needing the rent rather than going city before. to the citizens of Merritt and asking Brown said the funding NFT is for the money,” she said. provided by the province should cover Coun. Ginny Prowal also wasn’t in its rent.

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING AT PRICES YOU CAN AFFORD

Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

Bachelor Suite: $1122 1 Bdrm Suite: $1495 • 2 Bdrm Suite : $1895

Providing affordable independent and assisted living, with all of the comforts of home. For more information on our facility and extended services: Ofﬁce Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:30 am - 4 pm Phone: 250-378-4254 2670 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC • www.nicolameadowsmerritt.com

Thank You! The Country Christmas Committee made up of Kurt Christopherson, Mae Ketter, Jack Polmans, Mavis Polmans, Herman Nel, Linda Baird, Carolyn Thompson, Etelka Gillespie and Carrie Ware would like to Thank the Sponsors: Baillie House, Canadian Tire, City of Merritt, Community Futures Nicola Valley, Extra Foods, Lee’s Music, Merritt Chamber of Commerce, Merritt Herald, Merritt Printing, Q 101, Tim Horton’s, Tolko Industries. Special Thanks goes to the City of Merritt Staff, the supporters and participants and all those volunteers who helped make this years’ Country Christmas a great success.

Merry Christmas to All

6 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL

Shinny season is here again I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t skate. (Given that I admitted in an earlier column this Cole Wagner year that COLE’S NOTES I’m also green when it comes to rodeo events, I realize that I’m not doing much to raise my stock in the Nicola Valley). But after spending four years of my life in desolate winter wastes of Ottawa, I realized very quickly that there is a gene inside all Canadians that makes us yearn to skate outside. I’m sure someone more talented than I has waxed poetic about the brisk feeling of winter air on your face, or the satisfying crunch of the ice beneath your blades. But one of the things I learned in Ottawa — a city in which almost every single neighbourhood has a outdoor rink within walking distance during the winter — was that maintaining a sheet of ice for months on end never happens by accident. Behind every community arena was a volunteer — and in some cases, teams of volunteers — who would make it their duty to flood, scrape, and monitor the ice throughout the winter season. These are people with jobs, with families, with often a host of other commitments, who are inexplicably drawn to a time consuming job where 90 per cent of the work is done in freezing temperatures. Something magic about the ice, I guess. Another thing I learned in Ottawa was that on the ODR, everyone was welcome. I might have looked like Bambi on the ice my first couple games, but I never heard it from the group playing out there that day. With the announcement this week

See ‘CANADIAN’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Europe and the Berlin provocation

Twelve people were killed in a Christmas market in Berlin on Monday, mown down by a terrorist in a big truck. Elsewhere in Germany, if it was an average day, another GWYNNE DYER ten people were The international killed in or by motor STAGE vehicles. They are all equally dead; the only difference is the motivation of the man in the truck. Oh, sorry, there’s another difference too. On Tuesday, if it was an average day, another ten people were killed on German roads, and another ten on Wednesday, and another ten on Thursday, and so on ad infinitum — 3,500 in the average year. So is traffic a bigger threat than terrorism? Does this comparison offend you? Why? Would you be offended if I said that driving is more dangerous than flying, because 3,500 Germans die on the roads each year and only fifty a year die in plane crashes? Of course not. Yet if I say that traffic accidents are a much bigger threat to human life than terrorism, it

Sales Associate Michele Siddall sales2@ merrittherald.com

Editor Cole Wagner newsroom@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

sounds almost transgressive. Three other people have been killed in terrorist attacks in Germany this year, so the total this year will be probably end up at fifteen. That’s the highest number since 1972, but there are 80 million people in Germany, so the average German’s risk of being killed in a terrorist attack is considerably less than the risk of drowning in the bathtub. The sensible response to such pinprick attacks is prevention: good intelligence-gathering and smarter security measures, not mass arrests and foreign wars. That will reduce the number of attacks and hopefully keep them small (no more 9/11s). It’s not possible to eliminate terrorism entirely, any more than a “war on crime” can end all crime. It can, however, be kept down to nuisance level. Terrorism is a very small threat that is designed to look very big. It achieves that goal by attracting massive media coverage that inflates it into an apparently huge threat. The media provide that coverage because they know that people are fascinated by violent death: a single murder is more newsworthy than ten thousand peaceful deaths. I’m contributing to that massive media coverage right now. It’s not the content that matters, it’s the volume of coverage. (“If everybody is writing about it, then

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

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

it MUST be very important.”) Terrorists want that wall-to-wall media coverage because it may provoke a huge over-reaction that ultimately serves their own purposes. In the case of the current wave of Islamist terrorism, they hope it will build support in the Muslim world for their revolutionary project and ultimately bring them to power. In the early phase, they wanted to provoke Western invasions of Muslim countries that would drive more Muslims into their arms (as in the case of the 9/11 attacks). Now they are trying to panic Western governments into abusing and oppressing their own Muslim citizens. The basic strategy remains the same, and it has proved very successful. Without the Western over-reaction to the 9/11 attacks (especially invading Iraq), there would be no Islamic State today. And they aren’t doing too badly with the present attacks either. Chancellor Angela Merkel knows that, and her response to the Berlin attack was deliberately low-key: “I know that it would be particularly difficult for us all to bear if it turned out that the person who committed this act was someone who sought protection and asylum in Germany.”

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

See ‘ANSWER’ Page 7

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

OPINION LETTERS

to the editor

Tough times ahead Libs earn no credit Editor: I was very sad to hear that the workers at Tolko have lost their jobs, and the mill that has provided good employment for the people of the Nicola Valley for 97 years has been closed. It makes one wonder if the mill would have remained open had Tolko not been allowed to transport logs from this area to their mill in Vernon. The present government passed legislation in the Forest Act of 2002 that replaced the old legislation, called the appurtenance clause, that required the processing of lumber in the area where it was harvested. Since the 2002 legislation was passed mills all over B.C. have closed and raw logs have been shipped outside of the province to be processed in other countries. Now it is not for me to suggest that a company should lose money in order to keep people working. However, I understand Tolko is doing very well, and could easily keep this mill open. They just stand to make a greater profit this way. Meanwhile, the people of the Nicola Valley go without employment, the town suffers and trucks drive the highways we paid for hauling our logs to a destination two and a half hours further away. And what about the co-generation plant to which Tolko entered into an agreement to supply wood waste. I heard that if the company ever manages to finish building it, Tolko would be hauling the wood waste from all their other mills to have it disposed of here. More trucks on the road. And anyone who attended the big meeting at NVIT extolling the virtues of the plant knows that it takes almost no labour to operate. So once it is built, if it does finally go ahead, we would have no benefit for the working people of the valley. I have lived in this valley for 42 years. I really hate to see the unemployment we had for so long return. But it seems inevitable. I wish those workers well. I hope they are able to find comparable employment without leaving the valley. But I fear most of them will have to go. I encourage the people of Merritt to pull together to try to help our fellow Merrittonians. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a brighter future than I can see coming in 2017. Denise Williams Merritt

John Isaac

250-378-1586

Johnisaac@telus.net

www.realestatemerritt.com

Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt 1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC

M E R R I T T

Editor: The article last week on the opening of the “Centre of Excellence in Sustainability” at NVIT was misleading for two reasons — firstly, although Tegart’s Liberal Party took credit for the endeavour, it is primarily being funded by the federal government; and secondly, when one looks at the BC Liberal government’s record on sustainability, Tegart’s connection to the “Centre” is ironic indeed. This announcement, using the local Liberal MLA, represents the latest in a long line of political window-dressing. An article earlier this year in the Vancouver Sun titled “Re-election politics driving B.C. school funding announcements” laid bare this sneaky practice — “B.C. Liberals have tried to capitalize politically on the funding announcements by having many MLAs use social media messages and press releases to take credit for the funding within their communities.” Credit, where no credit is due. In the case of the NVIT project, the lion share of funds come from the federal purse. The idea of this BC Liberal government supporting a “Centre of Sustainability” is of course ironic, and deeply disingenuous. This government has time and again shown it does not support environmentally friendly practices in any sector — mining, forestry, agriculture, energy etc. As Merran Smith, executive director of Clean Energy Canada has noted, “A climate leadership plan should do two basic things: cut carbon pollution, and help British Columbians prosper from the shift to a clean economy … This [BC Liberal Climate Plan] fails on both counts.” How could they really be about “sustainability” when they are being supported by huge corporate donations from big, dirty energy companies? As the Dogwood Initiative points out, “Data compiled by Integrity BC suggests the oil and gas industry has donated at least $3.8 million to the ruling BC Liberals since 2005 (when Elections BC began keeping records), with another $5.1 million from mining and coal companies.” So — great news for NVIT, and thanks to the federal government for making this possible! But please folks, let’s see less of local MLAs taking credit for things they clearly don’t support either philosophically or financially — it is disingenuous and misleading — and looks like cheap politics. George Christock Merritt

Nothing more Canadian From Page 6 that a group of volunteers have taken responsibility for maintaining the ice at the Central Park lacrosse box, my mind goes to the fantastic experiences I had playing hockey outside in Ottawa. It’s more than an excuse to get outside — it’s a chance to get to know your neighbours, and do a little good in the community. Part of me knows that when I step on the ice for the first time in Merritt, there will be kids half my age deking me out of my jockstrap. And personally, I can’t wait.

No easy answer From Page 6 But Horst Seehofer, the leader of the Christian Social Union, the permanent political partner of Merkel’s own Christian Democratic Union, urged the chancellor “to rethink our immigration and security policy and to change it.” He was implicitly saying that she was wrong last year to give shelter to almost a million refugees, a majority of them Muslims. Frauke Petry, the co-leader of Germany’s far-right ‘Alternative for Germany’ party (AfD), said it more plainly: “The milieu in which such acts can flourish has been negligently and systematically imported over the past year and a half.” Angela Merkel is now under great political pressure to “crack down” on Germany’s Muslims, including millions who have been born there. As for Donald Trump, he was tweeting within hours: “Today there were terror attacks in Turkey, Switzerland and Germany — and it is only getting worse. The civilized world must change thinking!” (He says he has a “big brain,” but even so he should attend the intelligence briefings. The Swiss attack actually involved a Ghanaian-born Swiss citizen shooting Muslims in a mosque.) The U.S. Precedent-elect later expanded on his thoughts: “ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad. These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the Earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners.” So how will he do that? Invade some more Muslim countries? Round up Muslim Americans and put them in camps, like they did to Japanese-Americans in World War II? If he did anything like that, he would only be serving the purposes of the Islamist terrorists. He would be, in Lenin’s famous phrase, a “useful idiot.” Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

From the Herald archives: Dec. 22, 1994

TIE VOTE FORCES DRAW FROM HAT A tie vote meant two Lower Nicola band council members had to put their names in a hat for a four-year seat. Shannon Kilroy and Don Moses were drawing for who would take one of the five four-year council positions. The other three seats were only for two-year terms. When the 250 election ballots were tallied Saturday, Kilroy and Moses each had 104 votes. They were beaten by newcomer Eunice Watson who had 119 votes, James Shuter who had 111 and Bill John who had 110. Kilroy, Austin Sterling and Terry Clayton were all elected to two-year terms. They were up against 26 candidates who were running for Chief and council.

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.

John and Debra Isaac as well as their children James, Joshua and Tashanna

would like to wish all a Merry Christmas Enjoy the season and share the spirit at whichever home your in.

8 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

Greenhouse planned for expansion

From Page 6 “We’ve been without a gymnasium… so now we’ll be able to run intramurals and have students go in there and throw a basketball around, or play volleyball.” Students at NVIT will also soon be able to try their hand at growing their own food, as the institution will add a greenhouse as part of the multi-million dollar expansion. Tom Willms, a registered professional biologist who is an instructor at NVIT’s environmental resources technology program, explained that the facility will allow teachers to bridge scientific knowledge with traditional indigenous teachings about the environment. “We can grow plants that have cultural significance. If the elders want to have a way to join in our program and bring their knowledge to our students, we can do that right here on campus by growing some of these plants that — ecologically — wouldn’t grow on our campus,” explained Willms. The project is expected to break ground soon, according to a press release from the B.C. government, and is expected to be substantially complete by spring 2018. The B.C. government is contributing $2 million towards the project, while the federal government is covering the lion’s share of the budget at $6.9 million. It is the largest capital investment for the postsecondary institution in the past 15 years, noted Tourand.

internet technology for

speed &

reliability.

The TELUS PureFibre™ network delivers the best internet experience. Upgrade today and start enjoying consistent, lightning-fast speeds.

Get Internet 150/150 for

$ 75/mo . on a no-term contract .

†

TELUS STORES Merritt 2025 Coutlee Ave. *Traditional copper wire or copper wire hybrid networks are subject to capacity constraints and environmental stresses that do not affect TELUS fibre optic technology which is based on light signals. Not available in all areas. Internet access speed depends on location, usage within the home network, Internet traffic, applicable network management and server configurations. For a description of TELUS’ network management practices please see telus.com/networkmanagement. †Offer reflects current everyday price, not a temporary promotional price. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for service will be determined by a TELUS representative at the point of installation. Offer not available in all areas. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. TELUS, the TELUS logo, TELUS PureFibre, the future is friendly and telus.com are trademarks of the TELUS Corporation, used under licence. All rights reserved. © 2016 TELUS.

ed rv n se tio e c ll b fun wi xt od ne fo our t a re at y

GREAT FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS & NO STRESS Join us for our

NEW YEAR’S EVE BUFFET! •BSeanatqusetupRotoom60Avpaailtroabnsle

Saturday, December 31 - 4:30 to 8:30 pm Reservations Highly Recommended

THANK YOU MERRITT FOR A GREAT 2016! 4025 Walters St.

(Just off Voght Street next to Quality Inn)

250-378-6333

• Meeting Facilities Up to 20 people • Birthdays • Receptions • Celebrations

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Council mulls permits Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”

Adopt a Pet

Please make an appointment to visit Ph: (250) 315-5276

E: gwc.9@hotmail.com View other future best friends @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

ASK Wellness is looking for approval of a pair of permits for the 30-unit supportive housing complex it intends to build downtown on Quilchena Ave. Council will vote on both a development permit for the project and development variance permit at its Jan. 10 council meeting. Winter Courage Nina This sweet little girl is approx a year and half in This little sweety might be just a year of ages. Nina is a Korean Jindo - 6 yrs old. The project requires a number of She is approx 40lbs, great with other dogs, She is a medium size dog looking for an active age, very mild mannered, sweet and kind. She parking related variances, and has some kind and gentle. She will need basic training adult family to call her own. She is independ- is good with all other animals. She will need and life experience. ent, travels well and is house trained. Experi- basic training and life experience. conditions to meet before construction ence with theneeded breed preferred. Donations desperately for spay and neuter services. can begin. Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739. One condition listed is a request from the Nicola Tribal Association to conduct This feature brought to you by... Artistic rendering of what the 30-unit supportive housing complex on a field reconnaissance on the property Gifts ◆ Jewelry ◆ Native Art to identify any potential cultural features Quilchena Avenue could look like once complete. Photo courtesy of ASK Wellness ◆ Glasses ◆ Contacts that may be impacted by the proposed Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society and development. various other non-profit organizations in the comJeanine Gustafson By a 6-0 unanimous vote at Tueday’s (Dec. 20) munity that the population that is most in need are Optician/Contact Lens Fitter/ABO/NCLE regular meeting, council approved directing staff to people who [are] in the community or coming from give public notice that the permits will be considvisionquestoptical@gmail.com smaller communities around the city that are lackered for approval on Jan. 10, 2017. ing housing,” Hughes said. Vision Q Quest Optical & Gifts Phone: 250-378-2022 Coun. Diana Norgaard excused herself from Hughes told council that he hopes to have the 2001 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Authentic Native Art Gallery voting under a perceived conflict of interest, as facility up and running by this time next year. she is a member of the steering committee for the project. Once the building is constructed, ASK Wellness will provide support services for the tenants. The 30-unit building that will be built at 2270 Quilchena Avenue between Blair and Charters A PROUD Street, is to be geared towards those currently atTRADITION OF risk of becoming homeless. DENTURE CRAFTS ASK Wellness executive director Bob Hughes Robby Jaroudi told council that the residents of this complex Allen E. Goessman would be Merrittonians and people from surrounding communities like Lower Nicola, but not include Professional 603 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC • 250.374.9443 Personalized people from Kamloops. Denture Services #10-2025 Granite Ave. Merritt, BC • 1.888.374.9443 “We’ve identified, through partnership with the

Two Great Locations to Serve You Better!

UP TO 75% OFF!

20cm/8” Sapphire non-stick fry pan. List: $89.99. Now $24.99 25cm/10” Sapphire non-stick fry pan. List: $119.99. Now $29.99 30cm/12” Sapphire non-stick fry pan. List: $139.99. Now $34.99

78% OFF!

4L ClassIIc casserole with lid. 2nd. List: $164.00.

$3499 33% OFF!

30cm/12in carbon steel stir fry wok. List: $44.99.

73% OFF! Our 10pc Avonlea Cookware set is made from 18/10 stainless steel and features an impact bonded base that’s safe for all stovetops of modern kitchens, including induction. Durable riveted handles, no-drip lips, oven and dishwasher safe. Set includes: 1.5L, 2L, 3L saucepans, 5L Dutch oven, 1.5L steamer, 24cm/9.5” stainless steel fry pan, and 4 stainless steel covers. List: $799.00.

$20999

$2999 36% OFF! 3pc paring

40% OFF!

Vegetable spiral slicer. 3 interchangeable stainless steel blades. Available in green or red. List: $41.99.

$2499 56% OFF! Our 8L stock pot

knife set - Commercial Collection. List: $18.99.

with steamer. Perfect for cooking soups, pasta, stews and steaming vegetables. Suitable for all cook tops including induction, oven and dishwasher safe. List: $159.99.

$1199

$6999 ON NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST ONLY AT:

KAMLOOPS

Kamloops Home Hardware Building Centre 1325 Josep Way

1-800-A NEW-POT or www.paderno.com. Not all locations open Sunday. Quantities limited, please be early. Sale items may not be exactly as shown.

MERRITT

Pharmasave Merritt Quilchena Square, 1800 Garcia St.

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS MURRAY CHURCH

Christmas Eve service returns Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

Break out the blankets and fill your thermos with your favourite hot holiday beverage — the Christmas Eve service will be returning for another year at the historic Murray United Church at the Nicola Ranch. Last year marked the first Christmas Eve service the small church had hosted in 60 years. Despite the lack of any heating system and relatively tight quarters for the 50-someodd people who attended, the 2015 event was such a success that the Trinity United Church decided to bring it back for another year. And the service will be extra special for Rev. Elaine Diggle, who took over ministerial duties at the Trinity United Church in October. Diggle had originally suggested to former Rev. Nick Judson that the Murray Church — which is now owned by Trinity United — ing system, churchgoers are encouraged to dress play host to a Christmas Eve service as a way to warm and bring a blanket to the service in the make use of the historic building. afternoon on Christmas Eve, said Diggle. But with Judson and Diggle knew one another from hav- over 50 people packed into the church during last ing attended seminary in Vancouver together, and year’s service, Diggle said the temperature is nothJudson had invited Diggle to take a tour through ing to be too worried about. the Murray Church. Everyone is welcome, said Diggle, adding that “And so we went, and I walked in there and if the church is filled to capacity, they will find a turned around to him and said ‘This would be way to squeeze people in. wonderful to do Christmas Eve service,’” said The Murray United Church is located off of Diggle. Highway 5A, and the service is set to get underJudson and the Trinity United Church followed way at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24. through on Diggle’s idea, and in 2015, for the first time in about 50 years, a Christmas Eve service was held in the church which was originally constructed in 1876. Though Judson left The Thompson-Nicola Regional District office located in Kamloops Merritt in October to and the TNRD building inspection office in Merritt will be closed take over duties at a from 1:00 p.m. on December 23, 2016 through to January 2, 2017 church in Chilliwack, inclusive, re-opening on January 3, 2017. Diggle’s relative proximity to Merritt (she lives in Summerland), and knowl- The TNRD would also like to advise of the following holiday closures: edge of the community All TNRD Libraries will be closed on December 25th, 26th and made her a natural fit to January 1st. Please visit www.tnrdlib.ca to see the hours of take over the ministerial operation for your local library branch and the Bookmobile. duties at Trinity United. It also means that The Lower Nicola Eco-Depot and the Aspen Grove, Brookmere Diggle will deliver the and Upper Nicola solid waste facilities will be closed on December service at the Murray Church this year, after she 25th & 26th and on January 1st. Please visit the TNRD website at helped inspire the holiday www.tnrd.ca for regular hours of operation for these facilities. event in the first place. Because the Murray Best wishes for a happy holiday season. Church is over 100 years old, with no internal heat- Board of Directors

Notice of Holiday Hours of Operation

(Left) The Murray United Church, built in 1876. (Below) The pump organ was brought in from Trinity United Church in 2014. Herald files

Nicola Valley Minor Lacrosse

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Jan 4 at 7 PM at NVIT for more information email us at nicolavalleylacrosse@gmail.com

Crossroads Community Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come join us as we Celebrate Jesus’ Birth. JOY to the World, The LORD Is Come!

Service from 7PM to 8PM

2990 Voght Street (across from RCMP)

ETELKA GILLESPIE is a

ommunity

Builder

ETELKA GILLESPIE THE GO TO GIRL Etelka learned her craft in the small town of High Level in northern Alberta, where she grew up. Living in the north she learned determination, grit, and perseverance, all with a lovely charm that exudes from Etelka when you have the opportunity to spend some time with her. Etelka’s parents emigrated from Hungary. Which explains her love of entertaining, and usually involves a lot of food and fun in her and her husband’s heritage home. Etelka’s parents started the first newspaper in their community and she credits them for her entrepreneurship and business acumen. Her dad was the mayor of High Level for many terms and contributed to the community in many other ways. After 30+ years in the newspaper industry, she has gained valuable insight into people and finds everyone interesting. Having publisher status has given her the opportunity to meet Prime Ministers, the Pope, Royalty, in addition to a lot of other great people. She gained her publisher status at the age of 28 and was the youngest person and first woman in Western Canada. Etelka found her way to Merritt and the Merritt Herald 9.5 years ago. She has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since the age of 21 in every community she has lived in, so when she was offered the chance to become the manager of Merritt’s Chamber of Commerce she eagerly did so. Etelka’s skill at building relationships and networking allows her to partner with people who want to invest in Merritt and serve the community. She is not afraid of trying new things. In her four years with the Chamber, some of the community programs she has worked on and/or created are the Ambassador Program, Rocking River Fest, Bass Coast, Art Walk and the recent Country Christmas which was by all accounts an amazing success. She feels the way to recruit good volunteers is to prove yourself, they will then jump at the chance to be part of something fun and successful. This community builder is sponsored by:

JACKIE TEGART MLA Fraser Nicola Working Hard for Rural Communities

Merritt Constituency Ofﬁce 2-2152 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-8831 • Toll free: 1-877-378-4802 E-mail: Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca www.jackietegartmla.bc.ca

To nominate a person for this column please submit their name and details to Lori.Pilon@leg.bc.ca

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt & Nicola Valley

CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP

Bernier taps Albas Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

The Conservative leadership race currently features a crowded field of 14 candidates, but that didn’t stop Dan Albas, MP for Central OkanaganSimilkameen-Nicola, from throwing his support behind Maxime Bernier’s campaign to lead the Official Opposition. Albas was announced as Bernier’s campaign co-chair for British Columbia last week, a role which has the Conservative MP acting as a sort of campaign surrogate in B.C. for Bernier’s leadership campaign. “My job is to provide some positive leadership in British Columbia, so that those Conservatives when they make that check off on their ballot will have heard a positive message from our campaign, and really know that Maxime is someone who is thinking of them,” explained Albas. Albas noted that Bernier was fully bilingual, a skill which gave him a leg up on other a few of the other candidates in the race who struggled to respond to French-language questions at a recent leadership debate in Moncton, N.B. “We have bilingual provinces, we have people that need to be spoken to in their language, and having the leader that’s a good communicator is extremely Dan Albas important, especially MP for Central Okanaganwhen you’re in oppoSimilkameen-Nicola sition.” said Albas. Albas said he sees Bernier as a leader who could appeal to the growing millennial demographic in Canada. “Mr. Bernier’s talk about supporting more economic freedom, everything from ride sharing to innovations in areas like supply management — I think it’s a positive vision that a lot of young people will want to get behind,” explained Albas. “Because as they start paying taxes, as they start adding up that they are going to be paying for the Liberals’ spending, I think its important for them to know that they have someone who understands how to unleash their creativity in a positive way.” The decision to support Bernier’s campaign for leadership came days after Albas took in another pitch for the Conservative leadership from TV celebrity Kevin O’Leary. On Dec. 12, O’Leary — who rose to prominence as a brash-talking investor on the CBC show Dragon’s Den — hosted an event at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier with a group of Conservative MPs, where he promised to defeat Justin Trudeau’s Liberals in the 2019 election. O’Leary hasn’t officially entered the race however. “I think Mr. O’Leary has some serious talents in his ability to communicate a message. I do know he’s said very positive things about Mr. Bernier, particularly around growing the economy, and making sure that we cap government expenses and unleash the entrepreneurial spirit and competition we have here in Canada,” said Albas. The vote is slated for May 27, with all members of the Conservative Party of Canada who registered before March 28 eligible to cast a ballot.

More online at merrittherald.com, search ‘ALBAS SUPPORTS BERNIER’

Best Bites Dining Guide 1

R OVE 20 S ITEM

CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET 4:30pm - 8pm NEW YEARS EVE BUFFET HOURS OF OPERATION 4:30pm - 8pm Mon to Sat.: 11 am to 8 pm. Sundays: 3 pm to 8 pm LUNCH BUFFET: Mon. to Sat. 11:30 am - 2 pm DINNER BUFFET: Fri & Sat. 4:30 - 8 pm Open Dec. 25: 3 - 8 pm

Eat-in or Take Out

Canada Cafe Canadian & Chinese Restaurant 2055 Quilchena Ave Across from Fields

250-378-5551

Wagon West Diner

cooked to order

East Indian Food at Bob’s Mini Mart

Indian Food that we guarantee will keep you coming back for more!

All Day

• HUGE PORTIONS • GREAT PRICE • SUPERIOR QUALITY

Dec. 25 & 26 Closed • Dec. 31 6am - 4pm • Jan. 01 Closed

250-378-2100 4

3999 Airport Road, Merritt, BC

DELIVERY AVAILABLE FROM 4-8:30PM • 7 DAYS A WEEK WE ACCEPT DEBIT, VISA & MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

Revised Hours

December 17 6 am - 4 pm

FRESH PIZZAS, SUBS, SANDWICHES & WRAPS!

Hours: Mon - Sat 6 am - 9 pm Sundays & Holidays 7 am - 9 pm

Johnn y ’s ON THE REZ

154 HWY 8 WEST, MERRITT, BC • 250-378-9557 TAKE OUT OR PICK UP PIZZA: 250-315-0087

“The best East Indian food we’ve ever ate” - Customer comment Hours: 7 am - 9:30 pm, Dec. 25 Hours: 10am-4pm Restaurant: Monday - Saturday 4 pm - 8 pm 2801 Clapperton Avenue Merritt , BC

www.bobsminimart.com 250-378-6500

QUICK DIRECTORY 1. CANADA CAFE • 250-378-5551 2. WAGON WEST DINER • 250-378-2100 3. BOB’S MINI MART • 250-378-6500 4. JOHNNY’S ON THE REZ • 250-378-9557

12 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

REAL ESTATE REVIEW

www.facebook.com/rlpmerritt

Helping you is what we do.™ M E R R I T T

Holly Tilstra Property Manager

www.pinterest.com/rlpmerritt

Phone: 250-378-6181

1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • Fax: 250-378-6184

SALES TEAM

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Lynda Etchart Property Manager

www.twitter.com/rlpmerritt

Independently owned and operated

Claudette Edenoste Broker/Owner

Crystal Chandler Assistant

250-280-0689

Property Management Team: 250-378-1996 Email: proplepage@gmail.com

claudetteedenoste@ royallepage.ca

Karen Bonneteau Sales Rep

John Isaac Broker

250-315-5178

250-378-1586

kbonneteau@telus.net

Debra Schindler Personal Real Estate Corp.

Melody Simon Sales Rep

250-315-8539

250-315-3548

johnisaac@telus.net

melodydsimon@ hotmail.com

debbieschindler2@gmail.com

Connecting your listings to buyers and sellers world wide. www.royallepagemerritt.com

NG ISTI L E NEW LAK N A LOG

NEW

I LIST

NEW

I LIST

206-1701 MENZIES STREET 4881 PINE RIDGE WAY 76-2776 CLAPPERTON AVE MLS#138023 MLS#138049 $42,500 $425,000 MLS#137991 $154,000

NEW

1876 COLDWATER AVENUE MLS#137633 $135,000

OLA

PRI W E N

IC RN WE

GAN

LAK

19-1749 MENZIES STREE 9 SAPPHIRE COURT 35-254 HIGHWAY 8 2102 MAMETTE AVENUE $ $ 205,000 MLS#138024 $229,000 MLS#133956 MLS#132252 $122,400 MLS#136578 $ 58,000

LAK AN G LO

I LIST

OLA

IC RN WE

OLA

IC RN

E LOW

453 & 461 WILD ROSE WAY 31 BRECCIA DRIVE 2387 COUTLEE AVENUE 2556 Aberdeen Road MLS#136008 $189,000 MLS#125620 $195,000 $177,000 MLS#137616 MLS#132195 $ 198,000

2564 KINVIG STREET 20-1901 MAXWELL AVENUE MLS#136347 $ 291,990 $279,000 MLS#137655

OLA

IC RN

E LOW

2290 MERRITT AVENUE MLS#137154 $285,000

1849 PINERIDGE DRIVE 2397 CARRINGTON STREET 6621 MONCK PARK ROAD 5360 & 5320 MANNING CRK FSRD MLS#135092 $ 599,000 MLS#134647 $ 749,000 $469,000 MLS#137296 MLS#137675 $1,199,000

3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD 3265 CUMMINGS ROAD MLS#136010 $1,499,000 $ 1,486,000 MLS#137578

CHECK OUT OUR LISTINGS ONLINE: WWW.REALTOR.CA AND SEARCH BY MLS# MLS # House # STREET

Merritt up to $200,000 137991 76-2776 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 132252 35-254 HIGHWAY 8 135761 1138 HOUSTON STREET 137633 1876 COLDWATER AVENUE 130290 17-2760 VOGHT STREET 131450 #5-2760 VOGHT STREET 133041 2326 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 138023 206-1701 MENZIES STREET 131538 104-2799 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 137421 1859 GRANITE AVENUE 132661 203-1701 MENZIES STREET 131428 2501 JACKSON AVENUE 137616 2387 COUTLEE AVENUE 133972 1701 ORME STREET Merritt $200,000 to $300,000 138024 19-1749 MENZIES STREET 137175 2575 COUTLEE AVENUE 134248 2113 BLACKWELL AVENUE 136578 2102 MAMETTE AVE 137594 2556 CORKLE STREET 136052 2614 COLDWATER AVENUE 134789 2571 COLDWATER AVENUE 132638 1599 COLDWATER AVENUE 137646 419 DODDING AVENUE 137901 2298 MCGORAN PLACE 137154 2290 MERRITT AVE 137057 2387 REID AVENUE 137206 2398 MCGORAN PLACE 137655 20-1901 MAXWELL AVENUE 136535 1364 VOGHT STREET 137655 20-1901 MAXWELL AVENUE 136535 1364 VOGHT STREET Merritt $300,000+ 135767 1563 COLDWATER AVENUE SOLD 135175 1376 DOUGLAS STREET 137201 2141 TAYLOR PLACE 137271 1565 CHESTNUT AVENUE 137181 1540 BANN STREET 137196 2637 FORKSDALE AVENUE 135092 1849 PINERIDGE DRIVE 135113 3358 PANORAMA PLACE 137461 1761 SUNFLOWER AVE 135151 1502 RIVER STREET 136010 3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD

PRICE 42,500 58,000 94,990 135,000 135,000 140,000 150,000 154,000 159,000 159,000 159,000 175,000 198,000 198,000

205,000 213,000 225,000 229,000 234,900 247,500 249,000 258,000 279,000 279,000 285,000 289,900 290,000 291,990 299,000 291,990 299,000 319,900 325,000 344,900 359,000 389,000 459,900 469,000 480,000 515,000 549,000 1,486,000

MLS #

House # STREET

Homes On Acreage 136008 453+461 WILD ROSE DRIVE 136347 2564 KINVIG STREET 137242 2433 PAIGE STREET 135991 1837 NICOLLS ROAD 132182 DL3520 MILL CREEK ROAD 134647 2397 CARRINGTON STREET 137878 2397 TORGERSON ROAD 137675 6621 MONCK PARK ROAD 137879 1280 MILLER ROAD 137296 5360-5320MANNING CREEK FS RD 136011 3793 PETIT CREEK ROAD 137578 3265 CUMMINGS ROAD Bare Land 132760 1849 VOGHT STREET 135536 1925 COUTLEE AVENUE 137593 4207 FALCON CREST DR 137592 4217 FALCON CREST DR 130261 1914 QUILCHENA AVENUE 137306 2502 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 132195 2556 ABERDEEN ROAD 129746 2980 PANORAMA DRIVE 132723 LOT 1 ABERDEEN ROAD 137445 2819 ABERDEEN ROAD Commercial 137368 1255,59,63MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD 132968 2326 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 134949 2040-52 NICOLA AVE(Business only) 137683 2175 NICOLA AVENUE 132977 2338 CLAPPERTON AVENUE 137384 1898 BLAIR STREET 135428 377 MERRITT-SP BR HWY 134988 2040-52 NICOLA AVENUE Logan Lake 133958 208-279 ALDER DRIVE 129026 67-111 CHARTRAND AVE(Business) 137542 460 OPAL DRIVE 135036 29 TOPAZ CRESCENT 133956 9 SAPPHIRE COURT 125620 31 BRECCIA DRIVE 136183 LOT B TUNKWA LAKE ROAD 133022 227 BIRCH CRESCENT 136185 125 JASPER DRIVE

PRICE 177,000 279,000 385,000 475,000 499,000 599,000 619,900 749,000 845,000 1,199,000 1,486,000 1,499,000 39,900 44,900 68,000 68,000 80,000 165,000 195,000 239,000 899,000 1,900,000 138,000 150,000 160,000 220,000 310,000 369,000 395,000 499,000 62,500 69,900 88,000 99,900 122,400 189,000 198,000 203,000 399,900

Happy Holidays The team at Royal Lepage sends out their warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season. May this Christmas ﬁll your home with joy and laughter.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous healthy New Year! 1502 RIVER STREET

$549,000

GREAT HOUSE, AND HUGE DREAM SHOP! Wonderful heritage home that has been lovingly and completely restored. This fantastic home offers all the modern conveniences combined with heritage charm. Rooms are very spacious and much of the special architectural features have been saved. Home has 3 large bedrooms, 2 fully updated bathroom, wood burning ﬁre place with insert in the living room, lovely den on the main & very spacious dining room with original built-ins and moldings. Shop is every mans dream with 2 bays, and ofﬁce with a 3 piece bathroom. This shop was built to run a business, but the uses are endless. There is also a charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest suite above the shop.

MLS# 135151

THURSDAY, December 22,, 2016 • 13 www.merrittherald.com

www.merrittherald.com 2 • THURSDAY, December 22, 2016

Allow life to thrive, DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

From Dr. McLeod, Dr. Ross, Dr. Edmonds & the staff at the Nicola Valley Medical Centre

NICOLA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTRE 2087 Granite Ave. 250-378-5115

The Conayt Friendship Society Alcohol and Drug Program is very concerned about DO NOT drink, drug and drive. PLEASE BE SAFE this holiday season!

A MESSAGE FROM

Dont Drink and Drive... Your pet won’t understand why you didn’t come home.

OvER thE liMit, uNdER ARRESt!

is it worth it? 2601 Nicola Avenue

250-378-5141

YOU BOOZE, YOU CRUISE, YOU LOSE. Don’t drive if you’re Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen.

2012 Grizzly 700 OfficeEPS HOurs: MOnday - friday 8:00 aM - 4:30 PM

1999 Voght Street, (next to the Credit Union) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

1301 Nicola Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-5121

Call: 250-378-5877

ARRIVE ALIVE!

they don’t mix

Please Don’t Drink & Drive this holiday season.

be safe this season,

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Contain-It Storage

Ride into your Yamaha dealer for these great deals:

1750 hill Street, Merritt 250-315-3000

h Ya m a

out r Doo

DRINKING &

DRIVING CAN

sales

the

event

seven $1100 250-378-9241 STAY SAFE THIS SEASON cash back months 2676 Nicola Avenue TF: 1-888-292-1581

†*

IF YOU DRINK, DON’T DRIVE Offer ends March 31, 2012. Visit yamaha-motor.ca to view rebates on all Yamaha ATVs.

BONUS! You could be eligible for a $49 Plow or FREE Superwinch**

STOP YOU

a’s

www.marios-towing.com Receive up to don’t pay foR

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 please check Drive BC at www.drivebc.ca

RIGHT NOW AT YOUR YAMAHA DEALER!

Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website. *Offer valid on all new, unused 2012 to 2010 Yamaha ATVs. Total rebate dependent on model selected. No payments for 7 months; no interest for 6 months. Finance rates available from 3.49%. OAC. **Superwinch LT3000 lb winch. 54” Tric Plow or WARN Provantage 54” Center Mount Plow. Only available with select models. †

2626 Nicola Ave.,

yamaha-motor.ca

250-378-2416

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.

14 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

‘Tis the season of giving 1

1. The Tolko social club cleaned out their accounts, donating $2,160 to both the Skalula Workshop and Nicola Valley Food Bank. 2.The Merritt Tim Hortons donated money raised through the annual sale of smile cookies to the food bank. 3. Kids and adults from Trinity United Church put together Christmas-care packages to donate to the homeless.

The end of 2016 is approaching fast. Let me help you get that special New Year’s message out there to your family, friends, clients and staff.

I can make advertising work for you! Contact Michele at The Merritt Herald 250-378-4241 sales2@merrittherald.com

Do you want to showcase your creativity, if so, you have a chance to design a logo

CONTEST! If your design is chosen you’ll Diamondvale Elementary’s leadership class donated 198 lbs of food to the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

WIN $300

NVITEA Logo Contest Rules

Marios towing dropped by the Nicola Valley Food Bank with a donation of $350.

The Sihk Temple donated warm bedding and $500 to the food bank.

Artwork must be submitted to the NVITEA Secretary, Anna Brown located in M049, 4155 Belshaw Street Merritt, BC V1K 1R1 on or before January 23rd at 4:30pm. 2. All submissions will be showcased at NVIT between January 24th-January 27th, 2017. 3. All submissions must be 4” x 7” in size. 4. All submissions must be on a plain white background. 5. All submissions must be camera/print ready. 6. No more than 2 colors can be used in the logo. 7. Please ensure the logo is of basic design to ensure shrinkage of the logo is not distorted or too busy. 8. Signatures of artwork should only be on the ﬂip (or back) side of the artwork. 9. NVITEA will select the winning logo submission and will contact only the winning artist. 10. All artwork submitted will become the property of NVITEA and will not be returned. 11. You must be 18 years of age to submit a logo for consideration. Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Employee’s Association (NVITEA) Local 19, is the local voice for faculty and staff at NVIT. Represented by the President and the Executive Team, they represent over 75 members. From lobbying governments to assisting members with grievance handling and collective bargaining, NVITEA works to further the interests of post-secondary educators. NVITEA is a faculty and staff association formed in 1994 to provide educators at NVIT with a provincial voice. NVITEA operates at the local and provincial levels with the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. Each year, NVITEA holds an annual general meeting whereby members participate in workshops and approve policy, priorities and a budget to guide the work of the organization over the coming year, developed at AGMs.

For more inforamtion contact Anna Brown at (250) 378-3361 or email: nvitea@hotmail.com.

The he Merritt Flying Club would like to wish our community a

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 15

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

POLICE FILES

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.

Man turns himself in

Merritt Hearing Clinic A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Ser vices Ltd.

Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

A man wanted for attacking his wife with a machete has turned himself in to police after five days on the lam. Lance Allen Abel showed up to the West Kelowna RCMP detachment last night (Dec. 20) and turned himself in to police, said Merritt RCMP Sgt. Norm Flemming. Abel is facing multiple charges for allegedly attacking his wife with a machete at their residence on Belshaw Street in Merritt last Thursday (Dec. 15). “An argument ensued between husband and wife, he became enraged, and — he makes homemade weapons — so he grabbed a homemade machete off the wall and began hitting his wife with it — fortunately with the dull side,” said Flemming. Abel’s brother-in-law was with the couple and intervened in the attack, managing to push Abel away, Flemming told the Herald. Abel then fled the scene in a vehicle. Police found the vehicle abandoned in West Kelowna, where Abel is originally from. Flemming said Abel’s wife required 16 stitches on her head as a result of the attack, and she has since been released from hospital. “At this time our primary concern is for the safety of [Abel’s] wife,” said Flemming prior to Abel turning himself in. “To my knowledge, there’s a safety plan in place [and] she’s being cared for — she’s in the company of family and she’s being well looked

after and doing the best she can to recover from this event.” Call Monday - Friday Flemming said the couple is fairly new to the community, and police haven’t had any prior engagements with them. Abel faces charges of assault causing bodily harm, assault with 2076A Granite Avenue, Merritt a weapon and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes. (Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic) The 30-year-old was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday (Dec. 21) in Kamloops.

315-9688

Authorized by: WCB First Canadian Health Veterans Affairs Registered under the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)

Congratulations and the

Winners are

The Passport to Christmas program was once again a huge success with over 2 million being spent locally and with several thousand pounds of food being donated to the local food bank. The Merritt Herald and the local businesses would like to thank all of the people for participating again this year. We look forward to even a better year in 2017!

Overdose prevented A woman is lucky to be alive after Merritt RCMP were forced to administered naloxone to reverse the effects of a drug overdose for the first time on Monday (Dec. 19). Police responded to the Prince Motel on Nicola Avenue in the early hours of Monday morning where a 21-year-old female overdosed on morphine, said RCMP Sgt. Norm Flemming. He said the overdose is not suspected too be related to fentanyl. Police administered two doses of the opioid medication, which RCMP in B.C. have been carrying for a few months now. Naloxone counteracts the effects of opioid drugs such as fentanyl, morphine and heroin. “Normally, the one shot will bring them out of it very quickly, but if they’re still having trouble or not responding particularly well and you have to give them a second shot, then they were down A naloxone dose. there pretty deep,” Flemming Herald file photos said. The accidental overdose occurred in one of the rooms of the motel, and the woman has fully recovered, Flemming told the Herald. All officers at the Merritt RCMP detachment have been trained to administer the nasal spray version of naloxone, which they will administer if they are first on scene to an overdose.

Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

1st

Prize

Mayor Neil Menard picking the winners Florenc e Wilkin

son

3rd

2nd

Prize

able ot avail Photo n time at this

Les Ber kes

Sandra

Silvey

16 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

L A N I G I R O S P O O L KAM

8 6 M A R 9 P 1 E E J e E G c D O D n Si CHRYSLER

LOOK FOR US UNDER THE

N FLAG CANEAKADMLIA OOPS AUTOMALL ON TH

Santa's "Good" List!

FINANCING FOR UP TO

FOR EVERY

2016 VEHICLE PURCHASED

250

The best deals of the season just got Santa’s stamp of approval!

MONTHS! STK# 161523A

2014 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED RUBICON

LIKE NEW!

2013 FORD FOCUS ST

2015 200 LX 2015CHRYSLER CHRYSLER 200 LX

LIKE NEW! WELL EQUIPPED!

2013 DODGE RAM 1500 ST HEMI

STK# 161187A

STK#161323B

STK#U161696A

LOADED, LOW KMS!

LOADED!

EXCELLENT CONDITION!

37,950

34,950

$ 2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT. STK#U7627A

EXCELLENT CONDITION!

STK#U7641

VERY LOW KMS!

WINTER READY!

45,950

DL#C3287

1-866-374-4477

34,950

2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE 7 PASSENGER

STK#U7667

STK#161577B

LIKE NEW!

EXCELLENT CONDITION!

10,950

w w w. k amloopsdodge . com

SAVE THOUSANDS!

2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT 7 PASSENGER

21,950

THE STORE YOU KNOW. THE PRICES YOU DESERVE. THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT.

STK#151371B

2010 DODGE JOURNEY SE

27,900

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

35,950

ECONOMICAL!

26,950

2013 JEEP WRANGLER UNLTD SAHARA

GREAT VALUE!

WELL EQUIPPED. GREAT CONDITION!

STK#161681A

STK#U7601A

2011 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT STK#170037A

2012 DODGE RAM 3500 SLT DIESEL

STK#161209A

14,950

24,950

10,900

2015 DODGE JOURNEY SXT AWD

GREAT DEAL!

2013 DODGE RAM 1500 SPORT

2013 DODGE RAM 1500 LARAMIE

STK#161434A

17,900

39,900

19,900

GAS CARD!

2013 MAZDA 3 BX HATCH AUTOMATIC

STK#U7637

STK# 161323B

RECEIVE A

22,900

YOUR BEST DEALS Since 1968 Paul geNeral maNager

scott sales maNager

Naomi BusiNess maNager

aDam FiNaNcial maNager

Nigel sales

DevoN sales

mike sales

travis sales

JohN Fleet lease & commercial sales

2525 e. TRaNs caNada HwY, kamloops, Bc

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 17

www.merrittherald.com

merrittherald.com

bcclassified.com

SPORTS

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

7th Annual Merritt Centennials

Christmas Report Card The mindless and totally subjective holiday revelations of Merritt Herald sports writer and photographer Ian Webster

CENTS SCORING to Dec. 22 # PLAYER NAME GP G A PTS PIM 3 Zach Risteau 30 16 19 Michael Regush 31 12 6 Cade Gleekel 34 9 17 Brett Jewell 35 8 22 Zach Metsa 35 2 13 Henry Cleghorn 26 9 16 Zach Court 35 4 12 Stephan Seeger 23 4 23 Nick Fidanza 34 3 24 Zach Bleuler 34 5 18 Tyler Ward 16 7 10 Chase Bell 29 7 4 MIke Faulkner 25 2 8 Zach Zorn 32 5 11 Rylan Van Unen 32 1 7 Tyrell Buckley 33 1 5 Aaron Murray 13 0 9 Nick Wicks 28 1 26 Michael Van Unen 17 0 27 Tyler Holz 28 0 TEAM TOTALS

11 27 12 15 27 4 17 26 32 15 23 56 17 19 4 9 18 37 14 18 28 12 16 12 13 16 16 9 14 6 5 12 6 5 12 16 10 12 24 4 9 15 7 8 28 7 8 35 6 6 6 3 4 6 3 3 12 1 1 6

# PLAYER NAME GP W

We’re not just talking the blueline brigade here. This is about the entire Centennials team and its commitment (or lack thereof) to stopping the opposition. The simple truth is the other side has had the puck way too much of the time, and made the Cents pay dearly — both early and late in games. While Merritt’s 116 goals-against ranks 7th in the BCHL, the Cents have blown eight third period leads, and lost a leagueworst seven contests in extra innings. That’s 15-plus points thrown away. Simply not good enough.

Offence

The unexpected departure of some highly-regarded off-season recruits, followed by the loss of Tyler Ward to injury in mid-October, has really put a dent in the goal-scoring department. The team is 14th-ranked at just 2.91 goals-per-game (compared to 3.41 last season), and the two highest-ranked Centennials in total points are tied at 51st place in league standings. Of course, you can’t generate opportunities when you don’t have the puck. The Centennials spend far too much time chasing rubber rather than firing it.

to Dec. 22

GAA

SV%

31 Jake Berger 23 10 10 3.12 .919 35 Colten Lancaster 15 2 11 3.27 .909

SPECIAL TEAMS STATS Opportunities Goals

to Dec. 25

Rank

Powerplay

120

28.3

1st

Penalty Kill

143

77.6

12th

BCHL STANDINGS to Dec. 22 Team

Goaltending is not the reason for the Cents’ disappointing 12-14-2-7 record and last-place standing in the Interior division at the break. Most nights, netminders Jake Berger and Colten Lancaster have given the players in front of them a chance to win. Their save percentages of .919 and .909 rank them tied for 3rd and 6th in the league respectively. The odds are stacked against them, however, when the team allows an average of 38 pucks on net per night. It’s time for the rest of the team to rally around the boys between the pipes.

Defence

96 183 279 361

CENTS GOALIE STATS

Goaltending B

INTERIOR DIVISION GP W L T OTL PTS

Special Teams B Where would the Cents be without their PP and PK? While the team has had the fewest powerplay opportunities in the league (120), it has been ruthlessly proficient at scoring with the man advantage (28.3%, ranked 1st) — especially at home. The Centennials penalty kill needs to be cut some slack. Twelfth-ranked doesn’t sound too good, but it’s been very busy. A lack of discipline without the puck has seen Merritt playing a man down far too often — at crucial times in a game. Keep those feet moving!

Coaching

It’s year two of the Martin-Samson era, and the Centennials find themselves in last place in the Interior at the break for the second year in a row. Both bench bosses are personable, hardworking and well-respected — that counts for a lot. They’ve also shown a willingness to make player moves to try and make the team better. All that said, the Cents consistently start games poorly, falter down the stretch, and implode in OT. Maybe it’s time for a bit of John Tortorella 101; it’s working with his Blue Jackets.

Intangibles

This is beginning to sound like a broken record. The 2016-17 Merritt Centennials are once again an engaging bunch of good kids from across the continent that you’d be happy to have sit down at the dinner table. They appear to be focused on and committed to the job at hand. That said, the team continues to struggle with its identity, and to effectively translate words into action. The leaders on the club — those with letters and those with age and experience — need to take the bull by the horns.

Penticton 35 28 6 0 1 57 Vernon 36 18 13 2 3 41 West Kelowna 34 17 16 0 1 35 Trail 36 16 17 0 3 35 Salmon Arm 36 15 18 1 2 33 Merritt 35 12 14 2 7 33 MAINLAND DIVISION Team GP W L T OTL PTS Wenatchee 35 28 5 0 2 58 Chilliwack 35 21 9 0 5 47 Langley 35 16 14 2 3 37 Prince George 34 16 14 2 2 36 Surrey 36 13 21 0 2 28 Coquitlam 36 6 27 2 1 15 ISLAND DIVISION Team

GP W L T OTL PTS

Victoria Powell River Cowichan Valley Nanaimo Alberni Valley

36 23 6 4 3 53 38 21 16 0 1 43 37 19 14 2 2 42 38 14 18 1 5 34 36 11 18 2 5 29

The Merritt Centennials would like to wish everyone a very

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Merritt vs Coquitlam Express Centennials Saturday, December 31 - 4 pm

RAINY DAY GAME

Are you a seasons ticket holder and have tickets that you weren’t able to use? You can use them on December 31, bring a friend or two and enjoy the evening.

NICOLA VALLEY MEMORIAL ARENA

2075 Mamette Ave., Merritt

18 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

SPORTS JUNIOR HOCKEY

Cents head into the Christmas break winless in five Ian Webster THE MERRITT HERALD

Christmas served up a lump of coal to the Merritt Centennials and their dwindling number of faithful fans on the weekend — in the form of a pair of losses to visiting teams at the frigid Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Friday night, the Cents squandered a three-goal, third-period lead and had to settle for a 3-3 tie with the Vernon Vipers. Neither team was able to score in 10 minutes of overtime. Twenty-four hours later, with the Langley Rivermen providing the opposition for the second time in less than a week, Merritt failed to build on four one-goal advantages, surrendered a tying goal with 25 seconds remaining in regulation, and ended up losing 5-4 in OT. The two of a possible four points earned on the weekend were small consolation to a Centennials’ team that is currently winless in its last five outings, and has fallen into a last-place tie with the Salmon

Merritt Centennials’ power forward Michael Regush (19) wasted little time making an impact upon his return from the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alta. The member of Team Canada West at the WJAC scored a goal (above) and added an assist in his team’s 5-4 overtime loss to the visiting Langley Rivermen on Saturday night. Ian Webster/Herald

Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL’s Interior division. Despite being badly outshot by Vernon throughout the game, it was Merritt out front on the scoreboard, thanks to goals by Tyrell Buckley and Cade Gleekel in the second period, and Stephan Seeger early in

the third. As has happened time and again this season, the Cents were unable to put the baby to bed. First, Niko Karmanis and then Austin Adamson and Michael Ufberg tallied for the Vipers to even things at three, and set

Merry Christmas, Merritt! from the Merritt Centennials players

the stage for a couple of entertaining but scoreless extra ends. Jake Berger was tremendous in the Merritt net, stopping 47 of 50 shots. His counterpart, Ty Taylor of the Vipers, turned aside 28 of 31 pucks sent his way. Saturday’s con-

test, the last one for both teams before the Christmas break, was particularly cruel to the Centennials. They never trailed through 62 minutes and 30 seconds of hockey, but still managed to lose the war on ice when everything was on the line.

First, the Rivermen’s Zac Masson scored in the final seconds of the third period to square the game at 4-4. Then Langley’s Andrew Dumarersque added insult to injury with the game winner at 2:30 of the first overtime. It was the league-leading

seventh OT loss for the Cents. Earlier Merritt scorers were Zach Risteau with his team-leading 16th, Zach Court, Michael Regush and Zach Metsa, while John Schuldt, Gavin Payne and Cameron Ginetti replied for Langley prior to the MassonDumaresque goals. Merritt’s Colten Lancaster took the loss in net, despite stopping 37 of 42 shots, while veteran Bo Didur recorded the win with a 35-save performance. Regush’s goal on Saturday was his first since returning from the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alta. The 18-year-old power forward played for Team Canada West, who finished fifth. The Centennials players and coaching staff have a 10-day break for the holidays. They’ll return to practice on Dec. 28, in preparation for their final two games of 2016 — in Penticton on Dec. 30 and at home against the Coquitlam Express at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Pickleball - comin’ on strong!

(Above) On Sunday, Dec. 11, several members of the Merritt Pickleball Club took part in a clinic, put on by Manta Sports representatives from Kamloops. The local club, which was formed just this past spring, boasts over 50 members of all ages. The group is currently playing indoors at the former Coquihalla Middle School, with sessions three mornings a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and two evenings a week (Mondays, Wednesdays) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This past summer, the club played outdoors at the sports box located in Central Park. Membership in the Merritt Pickleball Club is $50 for unlimited indoor play. Dropins are also welcome at $5 per session. Loaner rackets are available for those who are brand new to the sport and wishing to try it out for the first time. A hybrid racket sport that includes elements of table tennis, badminton, tennis and squash, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. For more information on the Merritt Pickleball Club, contact Brian Dafoe at 250-378-7452. Photo submitted

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 • 19

www.merrittherald.com

SPORTS

Local stock car association hands out the hardware

MERRITT STOCK CAR ASSOCIATION 2016 YEAR-END AWARDS FOUR-CYLINDER BOMBER 1st. #32 Tim Fowler, Merritt 2nd. #77 Sean Dandy, Logan Lake 3rd. #33 Terry Mockford, Logan Lake Rookie-of-the-Year #88 Amanda Dandy, Logan Lake Fastest Time #33 Terry Mockford, Logan Lake SIX & EIGHT-CYLINDER BOMBER 1st. #9 Bill Fader, Merritt 2nd. #8 Alex Ruttan, Merritt 3rd. #72 Cayle Gillis, Merritt Rookie-of-the-Year #72 Cayle Gillis, Merritt Fastest Time #9 Bill Fader, Merritt STREET STOCK 1st. #98 Warren Hubick, Penticton 2nd. #52 Lloyd Hill, Logan Lake 3rd. #55 Angela Klassen, Merritt Rookie-of-the-Year #12 Kim Whitteker, Milner Fastest Time #98 Warren Hubick, Penticton HOBBY STOCK 1st. #75 Jake Mills, Merritt 2nd. #44 Grant Powers/Damian Lindberg, Prince George/Forest Grove 3rd. #99 Amy Parsons, Merritt Rookie-of-the-Year #53 Dan Smith, Louis Creek Fastest Time #75 Jake Mills, Merritt OTHER AWARDS Most Popular Male Driver #75 Jake Mills, Merritt Most Popular Female Driver #95 Sarah Forrest, Delta Most Sportsmanlike Male Driver #80 Jack Allgrove, Merritt Most Sportsmanlike Female Driver #95 Sarah Forrest, Delta Fans’ Choice #9 Larry Ruttan, Merritt Most Improved Driver #12 Kim Whitteker, Milner Worst Accident #12 Kim Whitteker, Milner Hard Luck Award #24 Dale Calder, Kamloops Worst Roll Over #14 Adam Nielen, Chilliwack Most Out-of-Town Points #44 Grant Powers, Prince George Mechanic-of-the-Year Bill Fader/Ted Charters, Merritt Outstanding Pit Crew CSC Electric Racing Team, Kamloops Volunteer-of-the-Year Bill Fader/Lance MacLean, Merritt President’s Choice CSC Electric Racing Team, Kamloops

20 • THURSDAY, December 22, 2016

www.merrittherald.com

CONTAIN-IT

BOARD

CHRISTMAS CAROL FAVOURITES

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

Christmas Eve Service at Trinity United Church Saturday, Dec. 24 at 7:00 p.m. (corner of Chapman and Quilchena) A service of carols and readings.

WANT TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF CHILDREN?

Volunteer and help build skills and confidence in young readers. Literacy Merritt and Nicola Valley Society is seeking French and English speaking volunteers for the One to One children’s literacy program in local elementary schools. Volunteer 1.5 hrs/wk for 12 wks. 2016-17 sessions run Oct. to Feb. and Feb. to May. Attend a 2-3 hr training session and school orientation early Oct. Contact Kelly Reid, Literacy Outreach Coordinator at literacymerritt@gmail.com or call 250-378-7844.

MERRITT PICKLEBALL

Anyone interested in playing Pickleball, or just trying it out, please come to the old CMS School (2975 Clapperton) on MWF 9:00-11:00 a.m. or M 7:00-9:00 p.m. or W 6:30-8:30 p.m. Demo paddles are available for use. An easy sport to play, and great fun and exercise. For more information call Brian 250-378-7452; or Gary 250-280-0105.

CONAYT ELDERS DROP IN CENTRE

Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 2164 Quilchena Avenue. All Elders welcome — just come out and visit! For information call 250-378-5107.

MERRITT SENIOR CENTRE

Weekly schedule is as follows: Monday: senior exercises 10:30 a.m., cribbage and whist 2:30 p.m. Tuesday: bingo 1 p.m., doors open at 10:30 a.m. duplicate bridge 7 p.m. Wednesday: carpet bowling 1:30 p.m., court whist 7 p.m. Thursday: floor curling 1 p.m., floor curling (physically challenged) 10 a.m. second and fourth Thursday. Friday: rummoli and games 7 p.m. Last Friday of the month: pot luck supper 5:30 p.m. for more information phone 250-378-4407.

ELKS BINGO

Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. Come in for lunch!

MESSY CHURCH

First Thursday of month, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church. For parents or guardians and children to share fun activities, crafts, games, songs, celebration and sitdown dinner with your family. For more information or to register 250-378-5735 or email tucc@telus.net

MERRITT SENIOR CURLING

Mondays and Tuesday’s at 1:00 p.m.. New members welcome. For more information call 250-378-7638.

Sat.Mar. Dec. 16 24 Sat.

Wetw/Showers Flurries Cloudy

ScatteredPeriods Flurries Cloudy

Flurries Variable Clouds

Low: -5˚C Low: 6C

Low: -7˚C Low: 4C

Low: -14˚C Low: 4C

High: 9C 3˚C High:

High:10C -2˚C High:

High:8C -5˚C High:

■

On-site rentals

■

Secured

■

Sale of New and Used storage containers

LIVING WITH LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

The Living with Loss drop-in support group will be meeting the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at 2025 Granite Avenue, Room 12. 250280-4040.

FOOD BANK FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO

Early bird games start at 5 p.m. at the Elks Hall.

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911 Service Time: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Ave. (Corner of Coutlee and Orme) • 250-378-2464 Service Time/ Sunday School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

CONAYT BINGO

Join Conayt Friendship Society every Thursday for bingo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo starts at 6 p.m. Everyone welcome to come and play! 2164 Quilchena Ave.

THE MERRITT CHAPTER OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF CANADA

Invites all persons interested in restoring and enjoying vintage vehicles to join us at our monthly meeting held at the Anglican Church Hall, 1990 Chapman Street, at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Vintage car ownership is not required. Call Jack Cross 250-378-2662 or Kim Jurriet 250-378-2672 for more information.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

Please come and visit us at the Legion. We’ve extended our hours for the summer. Hours are now Tuesday to Friday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Come join us Saturdays for our meat draw. Guests welcome.

NEW TIMES

The Red Cross will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. Please go to the hospital if you need medical equipment.

NICOLA VALLEY CRUISERS CAR CLUB

Are you interested in cars, cruising and joining in activities related to cars? Nicola Valley Cruisers car club would welcome you as a member. Meetings are monthly on the first Wednesday of the month at the Ramada at 7:00 p.m. For mor info call Russ or Charlotte at 250-378-2290

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

Seventh Day Adventist Church

2190 Granite Ave. • 250-378-2339 Bible Study: 9:30 • Service Time: Saturdays 11:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time/ Sunday School (K - Gr. 4) - 10 am

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

Would you like to see a community performing arts theatre in Merritt? The Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society can use your help!

NICOLA VALLEY EXPLORERS

The Nicola Valley Explorers Society’s primary aims are to promote hiking cycling, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and other non-motorized trail use in the Nicola Valley. We also work to assist in the development and maintenance of recreational trails. Membership is open to anyone interested in non-motorized outdoor recreation in the Nicola Valley. For more information please contact Terry at 250-378-5190.

If you would like to donate to the Performing Arts Theatre, please donate through the City of Merritt and receive an income tax receipt.

For more information call Rich Hodson 250-378-6794

7 Day Weather Forecast Merritt, BC - Thursday, Dec. 22 29,20, 2016 7 Day Weather Forecast forfor Merritt, BC - Thursday, March 14 -- Wednesday, Wednesday,Dec. March 2013 Fri.Mar. Dec. 15 23 Fri.

Approved mini-storage

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

Do you want to list your event? Let us know! Call 250-378-4241 or email publisher@merrittherald.com Deadlines for submissions is noon on Friday prior to publication

Thurs.Mar. Dec. 22 Thurs. 14

Contents are insurable

■

1750 1 17 7 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

Check out ongoing events at: www.merrittherald.com/community-events

Christmas Eve Service at Historic Murray Church (beside Nicola Ranch Store on Hwy. 5A) Sataturday, Dec. 24 at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Elaine Diggle will lead the service. For more information phone 250-378-5735 or 250-378-4528. Bring a warm blanket!

STORAGE

Sun.Mar. Dec.17 25 Sun.

Wet Snow Mainly Sunny

High: 6C -8˚C High: Low: -11˚C Low: 2C

Mon.Mar. Dec.18 26 Mon.

Dec.19 27 Tue.Tue. Mar.

A Mix of Sun & Clouds SnowRain A FewShowers Flurries Variable Clouds

High:6C -5˚C High:

Low: -11˚C Low: 0C

High:7C -2˚C High:

Low:-1C -6˚C Low:

Wed. Dec.20 28 Wed. Mar.

A FewSnow Flurries Light

High:7C -2˚C High: Low:0C -6˚C Low:

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • •

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

Available at Creative Company 2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813

THURSDAY, December 22,, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 21

www.merrittherald.com

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiď&#x192;&#x17E;eds@merrittherald.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINES WORD CLASSIFIEDS

Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday

DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday

INDEX IN BRIEF

Family Announcements Community Announcements Employment Business Services Pets & Livestock Merchandise For Sale Real Estate Rentals Automotive Legals

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any display or classiĂ&#x20AC;ed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event to failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassiĂ&#x20AC;eds.com cannot be responsible for errors after the Ă&#x20AC;rst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors after the Ă&#x20AC;rst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice or errors on the Ă&#x20AC;rst day should immediately be called to the attention of the classiĂ&#x20AC;ed department to be corrected for the following edition.

bcclassiĂ&#x20AC;eds.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiĂ&#x20AC;ed.com Box Replay Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

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 justiĂ&#x20AC;ed by a bonaĂ&#x20AC;de requirement for the work involved.

In Memoriam

Gordon Street

Dec.11,1929 - Dec.23, 2014 I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never part. God has you in His arms, I have you in my heart. Love from Tiny (Barb) and Candy, Lloyd, Kim and Arnold

In Loving Memory of

BRUNET, LORRAINE MARIE ELIZABETH Jan. 24, 1928 - Dec. 21, 2014 Even though you many be gone, your beauty never fades. In our hearts, with every beat, our memories remain. The time we spent together, will never be replace. Heaven gained an Angel, to brighten up the place. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard on earth without you, but know we have been blessed. You were strong, so long, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for you to rest. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never be forgotten, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss you everyday. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be with us every moment, every step along the way. Forever in our hearts, love your family

We love you forever Joseph James Brunet Obituaries

Obituaries

MERRITT

FUNERAL CHAPEL

A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Celebrating lives with dignity

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiĂ&#x20AC;ed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

MERRITT HERALD Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818 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.

â&#x20AC;˘ 24 hour compassion helpline â&#x20AC;˘ Estate fraud protection â&#x20AC;˘ 100% service gaurantee â&#x20AC;˘ National transferability on preplanned funeral services www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday On Call 24 Hours A Day

250-378-2141

or 1-800-668-3379 2113 Granite Ave. Merritt, BC

A FUNERAL PRE PLANNING ADVISOR is available at Merritt Funeral Chapel. Please call ahead for an appointment, and a Personal Planning Guide will be provided.

Obituaries

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Help Wanted

Nicola Lake Water Utilities is looking for a highly motivated, competent, energetic, candidate for the following position:

Maintenance Technician NLWU

What loss calls for is not to be fixed or explained, but to be shared and eventually to find its way to meaning. www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

P: 250-280-4040

Personals MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat Call FREE! 250-220-1300 or 1-800-2101010. www.livelinks.com 18+

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage and Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1888-356-5248

Career Opportunities MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

This Could Be You

Nicola Lake Water Utilities is looking for a fulltime, permanent Maintenance Technician with electrical and mechanical aptitude to maintain Arsenic plant operations, day to day water testing and weekly water testing submissions to Interior Health and water testing facility in Kamloops. You will have good interpersonal skills as you will interact with lot owners regarding water and sewer issues. You will be able to work closely with engineers, other staff and stakeholders to trouble shoot/problem solve as required, as well as, all other related duties to the maintenance of the water and sewer plants. (QYLURQPHQWDO 2SHUDWRUV &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ 3URJUDP LV required to be obtained for this position. New hires are subject to pre-employment drug screening. Applicants are invited to submit resumes, along with current driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abstract, accompanied by references to: Emcon Serivces Inc., 105-1121 McFarlane Way, Merritt, BC. V1K 1B9 Phone: 250-378-4176 ext. 105 Fax: 250-378-4106 E-mail: tsmyth@emconservices.ca

Employment Business Opportunities CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabeneď&#x192;&#x17E;t.ca/free-assessment

Find a New Career in the Classifieds

Help Wanted

Looking for a part time/ full time

RECEPTIONIST FOR OUR MEDICAL OFFICE.

MOA experience not necessary. 0XVW EH ZLOOLQJ WR ZRUN Ă H[LEOH KRXUV DQG VRPH HYHQLQJV 3OHDVH VHQG UHVXPH WR P.O. Box 820, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8. SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

ELECTRICIAN Applications are invited for the position of Electrician with School District No. 58, (Nicola-Similkameen) in Merritt. This is a 12-month per year, 7.5 hours per day position. Salary and beneďŹ ts will be in accordance with the C.U.P.E. Local 847 Collective Agreement. For a complete listing of the job description and qualiďŹ cations please visit the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www. sd58.bc.ca click on Employment/Current Job Postings (Job Code # 1654481) and follow the prompts. Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until January 6, 2017. Please forward to: Attn: Secretary Treasurer School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 378-6263 Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

JR. FINANCIAL ANALYST POSITION MERRITT, BC Proudly Serving Western Canada Since 1988

Emcon Services Inc., a Road and Bridge Maintenance Contractor based in Merritt, B.C. is seeking applications for a Jr. Financial Analyst position in our 0HUULWW RIĂ&#x20AC;FH 7KH PDLQ IXQFWLRQ RI WKLV SRVLWLRQ ZLOO be to provide relevant, reliable, timely and accurate LQIRUPDWLRQ YLD Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO UHSRUWV WR DVVLVW PDQDJHPHQW LQ VWUDWHJLF GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ 7KH SRVLWLRQ DOVR UHTXLUHV DQ LQGLYLGXDO ZKR LV DQ DQDO\WLFDO WKLQNHU YLVXDO SUHVHQWHU KDV H[FHOOHQW DWWHQWLRQ WR GHWDLO LV KLJKO\ RUJDQL]HG SRVVHVVHV H[FHOOHQW YHUEDO DQG ZULWWHQ VNLOOV KDYH VROLG FRPSXWHU H[SHULHQFH DQG NQRZOHGJH LQWHUPHGLDWH WR DGYDQFHG SURĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ LQ ([FHO RU QHZHU H[SHULHQFH ZLWK 0LFURVRIW $FFHVV ZRXOG EH DQ DVVHW Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited WR SUHSDUDWLRQ DQG DQDO\VLV RI ZHHNO\ PRQWKO\ DQG TXDUWHUO\ PDQDJHPHQW UHSRUWV DVVLVW LQ WKH preparation of business forecasts and budgets for regional cost centers (requires come travel), H[WUDFW Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO GDWD DQG GHYHORS UHSRUWV DW WKH UHTXHVW RI PDQDJHPHQW UHYLHZ Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO performance of regional cost centers and report WR PDQDJHPHQW DGKRF QRQ URXWLQH UHTXHVWV IRU analysis from various accounting positions (ie. payroll, LQYHQWRU\ PHFKDQLFDO HWF 7KLV SRVLWLRQ UHTXLUHV above average attention to detail, accuracy and FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQWLDOLW\ :H UHTXLUH WKH LQGLYLGXDO WR ZRUN GD\V SHU ZHHN 0RQGD\ WR )ULGD\ D P WR S P $V WKLV SRVLWLRQ UHTXLUHV RSHUDWLRQ RI &RPSDQ\ YHKLFOHV DW WLPHV SOHDVH LQFOXGH D GULYHUÂˇV DEVWUDFW LQ \RXU DSSOLFDWLRQ DORQJ ZLWK UHOHYDQW HGXFDWLRQ DQG H[SHULHQFH 2QO\ VKRUW OLVWHG FDQGLGDWHV ZLOO EH FRQWDFWHG DQG KLULQJ LV VXEMHFW WR SUH HPSOR\PHQW GUXJ WHVWLQJ Please mail, fax or e-mail resumes to: HR Manager Emcon Services Inc. 0F)DUODQH :D\ 0HUULWW % & 9 . & )D[ ( PDLO WVP\WK#HPFRQVHUYLFHV FD No phone calls please

22 â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

Employment

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Education/Trade Schools

Business/OfďŹ ce Service

Heavy Duty Machinery

Apt/Condo for Rent

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

DENIED Canada Pension Plan disability benefits? Under 65 and want to apply for CPP disability benefits? Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Call 1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.ca

Services

BIG

A-Steel Shipping Storage Containers. Used 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; insulated containers. All sizes in stock. Prices starting under $2,000. Modifications possible doors, windows, walls etc., as office or living workshop etc.,Custom Modifications Office / Homeâ&#x20AC;? Call for price. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866528-7108 or 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Financial Services

Small Ads Get

Results Merchandise for Sale Firewood/Fuel

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS

Open 7 days/wk. 8am - 8pm

Fir Firewood split or rounds delivered. Measured cords. 250-277-4477.

Apply at:www.credit700.ca

Help Wanted

1-855-527-4368

JANITORIAL SERVICES CONTRACT NICOLA VALLEY HEALTH CARE AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP The NVHC Auxiliary Thrift Shop is requesting Janitorial Services at the Thrift Shop building located on 1803 Voght Street in Merritt, BC. Tender information can be requested by email or by phone starting December 23, 2016 at 10:00 am. Contact information for tender documents by email: jshall1@telus.net or by phone at 250-315-3600. The tenders will close on January 6, 2017 at the Thrift Shop. Questions regarding the contract can be emailed to jshall1@telus.net. Services to commence on January 9, 2017.

Work Well With Civeo! Civeo is a global workforce accommodation specialist that helps people maintain healthy, productive and connected lives while living and working away from home. Civeo Premium Services Employees LP is currently seeking interested candidates for two positions at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology: CULINARY LEAD Responsibilities include preparing quality meals for customers, maintaining inventory, ensuring the highest level of food quality, adhering to BC Food Safety Requirements, communicating with the client (Nicola Valley Institute of Technology) about service requirements, issues, and changes required to any aspect of the operation. This individual must also report to the Operations Manager while maintaining a strong, positive working relationship with the other staff members on site, and performs the duties of the Food Service Worker as needed. FOOD SERVICE WORKER Responsibilities include preparing quality meals for customers, maintaining inventory, ensuring the highest level of food quality, adhering to BC Food Safety Requirements, putting away groceries using the First In, First Out method (FIFO), maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining area, operating the cash register and SRLQW RI VDOH Ă&#x20AC;OOLQJ LQ IRU WKH &XOLQDU\ /HDG LQ WKHLU absence, dishwashing after each meal and as needed, keeping the kitchen and food service areas clean, and replenishing desserts, beverages and condiments as needed. Both roles are temporary roles, running from January 9, 2017 to April 30, 2017 with the possibility of extension. They are full time roles; 30+ hours per week for the Food Service Worker and 40+ hours SHU ZHHN IRU WKH &XOLQDU\ /HDG ZLWK WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ for overtime. Work is Monday-Friday daytime work with occasional evenings and weekends. )RU PRUH GHWDLOV LQFOXGLQJ WKH TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQV for the positions, please visit http://civeo.com/ people-careers/job-opportunities/ Civeo Premium Services Employees LP is committed to the principle of employment equity. We welcome diversity and encourage all who are TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG WR H[SUHVV WKHLU LQWHUHVW

Misc. for Sale HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866-8733846. New growth guaranteed. SAWMILLS from only $4,397 MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Misc. Wanted BUYING Coin Collections, Olympic Coins, Gold & Silver etc. Call Chad: 250-863-3082 Coins, Coin Collections, Paper money collections, Buying U.S. Canada & World sets and collections, Royal Canadian Mint World Mint U.S Mint etc. Todd the coin guy 250-864.3521

Real Estate Acreage for Sale CHEAP LAND LIQUIDATION! Humboldt County Nevada. 80 acre parcels only $ 200/acre! Great for investment, farm & recreational use. Limited availability! Call Earl 949-632-7066. wwwcheapruralproperty.com

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

NICOLA APARTMENTS Clean One Bedroom starting at $550/month. NO PETS

ask about the MOVE IN BONUS! 250-378-9880

$675/mth plus hydro. Available Jan 1st. call or text

2bed, 1bath, clean two bed house with detached garage

250-378-9880 Legal Notices

â&#x20AC;˘ Skid Steer Loaders

www.arnicacontractin

inc. g.com CALL 250-315-5074

DENTIST

Available Jan 1st. call or text 250-315-8670

Property Management

MERRITT 1988 Quilchena Ave.

November 22, 2016

Bachelor suite apartment. $600 plus hydro 2 bdrm suite in 6 plex in Lower Nicola. $600 inc utilities. 2 bdrm house. $1000 plus utilities

$1000 plus utilities

For appointment call

â&#x20AC;˘ Grader â&#x20AC;˘ D6 Dozer â&#x20AC;˘ Single Axle Plow Truc k â&#x20AC;˘ Plow and Sand Truck

$$975/mth plus utilities

bedroom apartment.

Move in bonus - 1/2 month free rent

We offer FULL SERVICE SNOW REM OVAL

Homes for Rent

3 bdrm townhouse.

F/S, heat and hot water included. No pets Starting at $750/mth

CONTRACTING

250-315-8670

KENGARD MANOR Spacious 2

Your

Nicola Apartments 1bed, 1bath fully renovated apartment.

WELCOME INS W ALKK-INS WAL NTS & W ATTIEENTS NEW PATI

FREE CONSULTATIONS 2 FULL TIME DENTISTS & ORTHODONTIST ON SITE Call

250-378-4888 to book your appointment. 2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

HOURS

Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Dr. Jaspal Sarao

Dr. Sunil Malhotra

PLUMBING & HEATING

g n i t a e H & g n i b Nicola Plum Fully Qualiď&#x192;&#x17E;ed Tradesmen in..

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters. Service Work & Furnace Service. Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

PHONE: 250-378-4943

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

ADVERTISING MERRITT HERA LD

250-378-1996 Call for all of your Residential or Commercial Property Management needs!

MERRITT REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property Manager: Lynda Etchart

ANYONE HAVING WITNESSED OR HAVING KNOWLEDGE

of a motor vehicle accident that occurred on November 28, 2016 Eastbound on the Coquihalla Highway at or near Merritt, BC, when a dark coloured pick-up truck struck a vehicle causing the vehicle to Ă LS RYHU D PHULGLDQ LQWR RQFRPLQJ WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F ending up in a ditch. If anyone has any information, please contact Christopher Dyson or Jessie Baily RI WKH ODZ Ă&#x20AC;UP RI <HDUZRRG '\VRQ DW 604-513-2333.

Advertising works ! Place your ad in ou r Business Director y! For more informatio n contact Michele at:

250-378-4241

sales2@merrittherald

.com

THURSDAY, December 22, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

www.merrittherald.com

Local Business Directory DENTIST niC Stoyoma Dental Clini Did You Know ?

Serving all citizens of Merritt and surrounding areas Clinic. We are a Not Dental newest Stoyoma Dental is Merrittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s For Profit Society serving all residents of Merritt and the surrounding areas. If you are covered by Status, Healthy Kids, Disability, Ministry or the Emergency Plan you are fully covered for eligible services & no additional funds will be required of you!

1999 Voght Street

MaKe aN appoiNtMeNt toDay!

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8AM - 4:30PM

New patieNtS alwayS welcoMe

(next to the Credit Union) po Box 3090, Merritt, Bc

250-378-5877!

MECHANIC

DRIVING SCHOOL

RVICE FRANKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MECHANICAL SE APPROVED

Solu tion s for you r tree pro blem s!

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

YOUR LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER

the mortgage

BUILDING SUPPLIES MERRITT LUMBER SALES 2152 DOU GLAS ST., MERRITT, BC

250-378-5382 â&#x20AC;˘ 250-314-4249

Lumber, Plywood, Fencing SPECIALS

SCREWS, NAILS, ROOFING, INSULATION, JOIST HANGERS & much more LARGE LANDSCAPING BEAMS AVA ILABLE

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Mon to Fri.: 8 am - 5 pm & Sat.: 8 am - 4 pm

CLEANING SERVICES Dirty Buckets is moving to Merritt!

DAN ALBAS, MP

Licensed, Professional Residential/Commercial

Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola

For more info please contact:

Trish 250- 936- 8055 trishharrison58@gmail.com Jean ette 250- 525- 0257 jeanetteesson@live.com

2562B Main Street West Kelowna, BC V4T 2N5

CLEANING SERVICES CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Featured Service

Cleaning Company

for the past 10 years. We have been operating in Chilliwack y of references. plent with rates nable We offer reaso cleaning needs! your all for We will be available Sept. 6th

Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com

MORTGAGE BROKER

Use the equity in your home to consolidate debt, top up RRSPs, or tackle renovations 1 Ca ll Ha rry Ho wa rd (250) 49 0-6 73

BARKMULCH â&#x20AC;˘ PEELINGS SHAVINGS â&#x20AC;˘ SAWDUST

JIM POT TER

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

BARK MULCH

Call Les Porter at 250-490 -11

TREE SERVICE

â&#x17E;¤Schedule your FREE Estimate

Your

Friendly Family Service Since 1972

250-378-1322

â&#x20AC;˘ Fully insu red, cert ified falle r â&#x20AC;˘ WSB C cove red â&#x20AC;˘ Dan gero us tree asse ssm ent

Ph : 25 0- 80 9- 70 31 tyle r@g etse tt.c a #1

â&#x20AC;˘ Tune Ups â&#x20AC;˘ Brakes â&#x20AC;˘ Exhaust â&#x20AC;˘ Suspension â&#x20AC;˘ Lube/Oil s & Struts â&#x20AC;˘Radiator Service â&#x20AC;˘ Shock â&#x20AC;˘ Air Conditioning Service

MERRITT TREE SERVICE

set t ELE CTR ICA L SER VIC ES LTD .

EXTE NSIV E RESI DENT IAL, COMM ERCI AL, AND HEAV Y INDU STRI AL EXPE RIEN CE. Fully CERT IFIED . SERV ICING THE NICO LA VALL EY, AND SOUT HERN INTE RIOR

Source for

OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY NE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYO

2026 Mamette Avenue

ELECTRICAL

ROOFING

250-378-9410

SIDING

IVANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIDING S aleS & S ervice

â&#x20AC;˘ Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding â&#x20AC;˘ Aluminum Soffit, Fascia & EAVEStrouGhS

CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com TF: 1-877-612-0909

CALL: (250) 378-2786 â&#x20AC;&#x153;When others have come and gone, Ivanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Siding is still going strongâ&#x20AC;?

PLUMBING

SErVING thE NICoLA VALLEY For 40 YEArS!

ADVERTISING The end of 2016 is approaching fast. Let me help you get that special New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message out there to your family, friends, clients and staff.

I can make advertising work for you! Contact Michele at The Merritt Herald 250-378-4241 sales2@merrittherald.com

24 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 22, 2016

...

al u n n a

Y A D G N I X O B City iture’s Furn

~ DOOR CRASHERS ~

9 - 6 PM DECEMBER 26 ONLY

0% FINANCING OAC

Limit One Per Customer No rain checks on Boxing Day sales merchandise. No returns or exchanges during boxing day sale. NO PRICE PROTECTION ON PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED ITEMS.

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION BIG SAVINGS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS 40”4K SMART LED TV

58” SMART LED TV

60” SMART LED TV

65”4K

SMART CURVED LED TV

75” SMART LED TV

Reg. Price $798

Reg. Price $998

Reg. Price $1398

Reg. Price $2098

Reg. Price $2998

SAVE $498 $300

SAVE $300

40TH ANNIVERSARY EURO-TOP BED

SAVE $998 $400

$698

BLACK FRIDSAALEY SALE

$198

SALE

$248

SALE

$298

Single Mattress

Queen Unit

SALE

Double

$998

Mattress

King Unit

SALE

$1498

Queen Mattress

We don’t sell. We help you buy!

HS Plus! 6 &MONT NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS

on appliances & electronics* Same as cash!

UNTILSUMMER 2017!

MAZIN 8PC QUEEN BEDROOM SUITE

Includes: dresser & mirror, chest, 2 nightstand, headboard, footboard & rails.

SALE

• VRT Technology • SelfClean+ keeps tub fresh • Diamond Drum extends clothing life by treating fabrics gently

Up to 70% Off Storewide 1297 Storage drawers optional

Reg $1999 SAVE $702

Pair Price

4.8

7.5 cu.ft.

$297

Reg $429 SAVE $132

OTR Microwave w/ Simple Clean Filter

YOUR CHOICE $1897

• Ceramic Interior • 400 cfm / Stylish Window

FRONT LOAD $997 WASHER & DRYER Reg $1699 SAVE $702

1.8 cu.ft.

Electric Range w/ True Convection • • • •

Hidden Bake Element Soft Close Door Keep Warm Bridge Burner Cooking Surface

$777

Reg $1199 SAVE $422

Top Control Dishwasher w/ Stormwash™ • Digital Leak Sensor • Auto Release™ Door

36” Wide

Reg $3099

Counter-Depth 36” Wide

Reg $3199

SAVE $1302

S.S.

Reg $3199

TUB

SAVE $1302 25.5

cu.ft.

• External Ice & Water Dispener w/ Ice Master System • CoolSelect Pantry™

• Glide out Freezer Drawer • Wide Open Cool Select Pantry

998

• Sensor Dry • Smart Care - trouble shoots straight from your smart phone • Small load care cycle

French Door Refrigerator w/ Twin CoolingPlus CoolingPlus™

33” Wide

Front Load Washer

Front Load Dryer

cu.ft.

SAVE $1202

SAVE $2298 $700

VE SA 0% 6

COMFORT I POCKET COIL TIGHT TOP MATTRESSES

Exclusive BeautyRest Coil for exceptional support. Natural silk combined with cooling gel and air cooled foam provides luxurious comfort.

SAVE $500 $1598

22.5 cu.ft.

• Twin CoolingPlus™ System • Keeps Food In Peak Condition • Faster Ice Production In Less Space

ASHLEY RECLINER SOFA & LOVESET

5.9 cu.ft.

WASHER & DRYER Steam Washer: 5.2 Cu. Ft. Direct Drive, 1200 RPM Dryer: 7.4 Cu. Ft., 9 Dry Programs

4.8 Cu.Ft Washer 7.5 Cu.Ft. Dryer

SALE

1248/ PAIR

1798

BLACK OR GREY LEATHER SOFA & LOVESEAT

SOFA $898 LOVESEAT $868 SOFA $698 LOVESEAT $678

Phone: 250-378-2332 2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt

TOP LOAD WASHER W/ STAINLESS STEEL WASH BASKET & DURADRUM FRONT LOAD DRYER

VE SA500 $ FRONT LOAD,

& Appliances Ltd.

SALE

/ PAIR

Washer • 14 Wash Cycles / Deep Fill • Water Levels + Precise Fill Dryer • Sensor Dry / Quick Fluff • Long Venting Capabilities

SALE

$998/ PAIR

5PC COUNTER HEIGHT DINING SET WITH STORAGE

SALE

$548

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Closed Sundays