May 7 - 2020

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MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS • www.merrittherald.com The Herald caught up with Merritt’s Party Parade planner, Deb Tasca, to get an update on how the program has been going since beginning just over one month ago. /PAGE 2

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CLIMATEUPDATE CHANGE SCHOOL

The Herald Chief ofsatthedown Lower Nicola The with the Indian Band is bringing a staff at School District 58 wealth to of experience to a provincial get an update on how online panel on climate change. schooling has been going.

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SHELTER OPENING ROAD PROJECT

The Nicola ValleyonShelter Work has begun road Society is ready to open thewill doors to a construction which connect newly-designated winterNicola shelterto Marshall Road in Lower on Nicola8.Avenue.

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PARADING HAPPY HALLOWEEN

ON

A SPOOKY GOOD TIME There were games, prizes, cool costumes, a haunted house and — of course — a whole lot of candy at the well attended City of Merritt Spooktacular. The 2017 edition had the best attendance on record with 1,100 people taking part in the annual Halloween event held on Oct. 20. Michael Potestio/Herald

The CELEBRATION of a lifetime begins here.

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May 7, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS SPRING FLOODING

Serious local flooding unlikely this season, says Nicola Lake dam operator Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Merritt residents may avoid serious flooding this year, according to the operator of the Nicola Lake dam.

Sarah Simon, operator of Nicola Lake dam and a flood safety engineer spoke to the Herald on Monday regarding water levels at Nicola Lake, as well as the rates of inflow and outflow, factors that have caused flooding in Merritt in the past.

“The lake currently is still experiencing increased inflows, these are a result of the melt, all of the snow is essentially gone in the upper catchment,” said Simon on Monday.

“As well there was a bit of rain over the last week, so the inflows to the lake are currently climbing. Yesterday’s (May 3) mean value was 55 cubic metres and we are currently releasing about 30 cubic metres per second. So that means if this rate were to continue, the reservoir would be full in about five days.”

However, Simon also predicted that inflow to Nicola Lake would peak and then slowly begin to decrease.

“I’m starting to see some indication that water levels are peaking in other areas, so I’m hoping that the inflows to the lake will peak in hopefully the next 24 hours, and then the flow should start receding,” explained Simon.

“Although the lake will continue increasing in water level until we are releasing more water than what’s coming in.”

The gates at the Nicola Lake dam, which control the amount of water flowing from the lake and eventually through Merritt, were adjusted

Party Parades still going strong

Audrey Steele, who celebrated her fifty-first birthday recently, waves to passerbys who took part in one of the many Party Parades throughout April. Photo submitted Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Nicola Lake dam, as pictured in this Herald file photo from 2019.

to allow an increased amount of water through according to a freshet video update posted by the City of Merritt earlier this week.

‘‘

“The rate at which snow came off was quite fast, it was similar to 2018 in how quickly it melted for a few days,” said Simon.

“Then it got cooler

‘I’m starting to see indicaton that water levels are peaking in other areas .’

— DAM OPERATOR SARAH SIMON

Director of Corporate Services Sean Smith notified residents in the video that outflows had been increased to roughly 30 cubic metres per second, but both he and Simon assure residents that that rate of outflow does not cause flooding within the city, and likely will not cause significant flooding even if the pressure increases outflow at the gates to 31 or 32 cubic metres per second.

After facing serious flooding throughout the Nicola Valley in 2017 and 2018, there was some worry around the potentially similar melt and weather patterns the Merritt area experienced throughout April.

and it slowed down a little bit, but we don’t have as much snow as we had in 2018. So, I don’t expect water levels on the lake, nor in Merritt to come close to the 2018 flooding levels.”

In the City’s last video update on the spring freshet on the morning of May 5, Sean Smith presented data showing that the flows into Nicola Lake had indeed peaked and would begin to decrease.

“Yesterday (May 4) the Nicola River at the outlet of Douglas Lake peaked at about 48.3 cubic metres per second,” said Smith.

“We were looking to see this peak because we knew

with the amount of snow that had already melted that the rates of increased inflow couldn’t continue forever, and so we were anticipating this over the next couple of days, but it was great to see it happen yesterday. We’ve been in discussion with our provincial hydrologist who operates the Nicola Lake dam and they’ve provided three models, a best case to a worst case scenario, and in all three cases we’re not going to see significant flooding through Merritt, which is excellent.”

Smith went on to say that there was still a possibility for minor flooding, but only in the worst-case scenario.

“In the worst case scenario if these rates of inflow don’t tail off very quickly, it will lead to higher than acceptable levels of Nicola Lake, and there’s still a potential that flows may need to be increased through Merritt,” explained Smith.

“So, know that we’re not saying it’s impossible that flooding could happen right now, in the worstcase scenario there is still a possibility for minor flooding, but as it stands right now conditions are looking favourable.”

One month after Party Parades began in Merritt, organizer Deb Tancsa says they are still going strong.

“April saw 57 Party Parades,” said Tancsa.

“I decided to carry on into May. So far there are eight birthdays, but I find most message a few days in advance.”

Parades are organized on the Facebook group Tancsa started after being inspired by her sister’s participation in a Party Parade in West Kelowna, which has now grown to more than 660 members.

Although the idea had taken off in several communities around the province, some municipal governments stepped in asking that residents desist.

For a while, the fate of Merritt’s Party Parades was up

in the air as well, as Tancsa wondered if she should proactively cancel or wait and see if any official regulations came down ordering the cancellation. However, after reaching out to Mayor Brown, Tancsa was encouraged to carry on celebrating and sharing community spirit – from a safe distance.

“After emailing the Mayor, we have her blessings to continue, until we are told otherwise by the province,” Tancsa said at that time.

When asked if support had dwindled or increased as the pandemic drags on, and we have passed several months in self-isolation, Tancsa said enthusiasm is as strong as it was when the parades began.

“I have a set group that come out almost every parade, then a lot of different faces throughout the month,” See ‘57’ Page 10 Tancsa

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ONLINE SCHOOLING

Online schooling response mostly positive The Herald sat down with SD58 Superintendent Stephen McNiven and staff to discuss the new ways of learning.

ing opportunities in a whole new way.”

In response to the new wat of learning, teachers and staff went through extensive training to continue some sense of normal-

vious technological abilities of teachers and staff.

“We have folks who have engaged readily with technology, and were probably using it in their classrooms already...to folks

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

From pre-kindergarden, right up to colleges and universities, schooling has most likely changed forever.

It has now become a regular way of life for students to learn via online video and teaching programs, and School District 58 in Merritt has had to learn to adapt.

“In many cases, schools are the heart of the community,” said SD58 Superintendent Stephen McNiven.

In terms of how difficult students have found the transition to online learning, McNiven said there has been a wide range of response.

“I think what is most important to note is that the vast majority of it has been positive.

It’s turning our whole education world upside down in many ways, and when you think of people leaving for spring break, and then coming back,we’ve asked our staff, as basically it is across the Province, to turn it upside down and provide learn-

the know.

“Just to figure out how to tlcpond1@telus.net engage, and what will work for 250-378-4166 their students...everybody has really wanted to make those connections with their students, in whatever ways families find to be the best fit for them.

“So even though, I’d say some of them have struggled Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 a little bit, they have struggled kind of happily. Because they Sports ------------------------- 16 know that they are providing a service to kids.”

Classifieds ------------------- 18 All staff involved in the interview, including McNiven, Aziz, and District Principal of Aboriginal Education Shelley Oppenheim-Lacerte and District Principal Student Support Services Jane Kempston, agreed that the school district’s teachers are missing their kids.

“When you talk about teachers struggles, I think that would be the biggest,” said McNiven.

“Just being disconnected from their students in a face-to-face point of view. They have found other tools and strategies to maintain that connection, and we realy focused on the wellbeing part. And connecting with our kids is so important to do that. But teachers go into teaching for their kids.”

More on the Herald’s interview with the school district staff will be coming in the folProvincial Health Officer Dr. lowing weeks.

Bonnie Henry has been nominated for one of the highest honours in Canada for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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cy. McNiven said many teachers already had some skills prepared for online teaching and different digital tools, though for many it was an extensive learning curve to keep their students happy and with as little stress as possible.

“I can’t tell you how super proud I am of the work people are doing. So it’s been pretty positive responses overall.”

Assistant Superintendent Jameel Aziz said that there is quite a cross-section in the pre-

who really have more traditional learning styles, and have really had to learn how to us Zoom for example, it’s been a curve for some folks.”

Zoom has been a major player in the online schooling game since the pandemic, a form of videotelephony for teachers to continue their ‘classes’.

Aziz added that despite the learning difficulties, staff has been very willing to figure it out in order to keep their students in

HIGH HONOUR

Road construction begins following 2017 bridge washout Work has begun on a new road which will connect Marshall Road in Lower Nicola to Highway 8.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Since the main bridge linking the Marshall Road neighbourhood and Highway 8 was washed out in the major flooding event of 2017, residents have had to detour down the abandoned railway line, cross a single lane train bridge, and pass through private property via an easement in order

to access their properties.

“The ministry is constructing a new two-lane road, providing residents on Marshall Rd. with access to Highway 8 on both the east and west side of Guichon Creek,” A Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) media release informed the Herald.

“This road construction will provide access for people in lieu of the Marshall Bridge, which was destroyed by spring flooding in 2017.”

Rather than reconstruct the bridge in the same location as the previously washed out structure, the MOTI decided to reroute, opting to build

Search ‘ORDER’

SHOP LOCAL The Herald spoke with Brittany Blatchford, owner of B’s Bath, in a new regular column focusing on profiling local businesses.

Search ‘B’s BATH’

CRIME REPORT Merritonians will soon have the ability to report small crimes online through the RCMP website, in a program that has seen success across the Province. the new road further west of Guichon Creek, splitting off directly from Highway 8.

“Design is complete, and construction is now

underway,” continues the release.

“The majority of work will take place during May and June. Crews will complete final grading

and paving of the road in October, after the new road alignment has had the opportunity to settle.”

Search ‘RCMP’

THURSDAY, May 44 •• THURSDAY, May 7, 7, 2020 2020

All City Council Meetings will now be held online with live streaming links available at www.merritt.ca and on the City of Merritt social media channels. Public input questions/ information can be submitted prior to the Council meetings to communications@merritt.ca Regular Council Meeting - May 12 - 7 pm Regular Council Meeting - May 26 - 7 pm

THEME THIS WEEK: FACE MASKS FACE OFF

The City of Merritt invites community members to submit inspiring photos around the weekly theme.

Community members are invited to send in photos to info@merritt.ca with the subject “Merritt Photo Contest” and share a few words about each of your photos.

Weekly deadline is Sunday at 11:59 PM.

The City of Merritt reserves rights to use submitted photos for marketing and promotional purposes.

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

City of Merritt reopens compost facility Though with some new changes for safety.

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

Merritonians are once again able to pick up their compost.

The City of Merritt released a statement on Tuesday that the

local compost facility is now officially reopened - with some changes to the process to help maintain social distancing.

Only 24-hour prepayments are being accepted: customers cannot make their payments on-site or at City Hall.

This can be done through the City’s

website, by either credit or debit card.

When picking up the next day, customers are being asked to stay in their vehicles. Public works staff will do all of the loading, and provide a receipt.

Business hours for the facility remain normal: operating from Monday through Friday between the

hours of 7a.m. and 3p.m.

Prices also remain the same, and can be viewed on the public works section of the City’s website.

With gardening season now here, residents now need more than ever to have a safe outdoor activity they can do from the comfort of their home.

of vital events; a disruption in the supply chain; office closure; decreased demand and, most significantly, a drop in revenue.

26% of those surveyed reported a 90%-100% drop in revenue, followed by 21% reporting a 30%-50% decrease in revenue.

18% reported a 50%70% decrease, 16% reported a 0%-30% decrease in revenue, and the smallest category were the 6% of respondents reporting a revenue drop of 70%90%. This data shows that 50% of those surveyed have suffered a drop of 50% or more in their business revenue.

89% believe their business will continue to be impacted

by Covid-19, with 18 respondents citing a potential permanent closure of business.

When asked what measures their businesses were taking during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to increase safety and limit the spread of the virus, respondents chose from four responses: reduced hours, temporary closure, cancelling events and increased sanitization.

In the only perfect 50/50 split, in which one respondent declined to answer, 50% of respondents chose “yes” and 50% chose “no” when asked “During these times, do you feel that you’ve been adequately supported and have access to resources both provincially and municipally?”

Some of the requests made by respondents in the final survey question, which was a text entry ques-

tion rather than multiple choice, were: - Tax deferral - Emphasis on shopping local - Advertising help - Covid-19 loan - Provide more information - Reduce utility costs Following the presentation of the data, Community Futures, the City of Merritt and the Chamber of Commerce provided a written response to businesses who had taken part in the survey.

“While some responses… are specific to either the City, Community Futures or the Chamber (e.g. deferring taxes and reducing utility rates can only be handled by the City) a surprising amount of opportunities for cooperation are presented,” reads the response.

Compost is a safe to use, environmentally sustainable way for gardeners to keep their soil healthy, retain water, and help protect

a plant’s nutrients.

The City of Merritt uses a combination of wood chips, hog fuel, coffee grounds, and nitrogen to create

the local compost, all organic matter recovered from the City’s wastewater treatment facility.

Overwhelming number of local businesses affected by COVID-19 Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Community Futures Nicola Valley partnered with the City of Merritt and the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce to conduct a survey in order to gauge how local businesses have been affected by the Covid19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 Impact Business Survey, which was conducted from April 22 – April 29, 2020, garnered data from 63 Nicola Valley businesses.

The three primary industries were service, retail and tourism, although there were also respondents from the fields of construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, forestry, and agriculture. Most were classified as small businesses, with 1-5 employees being the top response. Followed by no employees (owner-operator), 6-10 employees and 11 or more being the smallest category.

93% of respondents, an overwhelming consensus, indicated that their business had been impacted by Covid-19, 68% indicated that they had experienced a significant negative impact, although two respondents reported a slight positive impact in their business.

Some of the reasons provided for the negative impact included: cancelling own events and the cancellation

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May 7, 2020

VIEWPOINT GOVERNMENT

Passage of Bill C-15

Canada’s Conservatives are committed to helping students and youth who are struggling due to the DAN ALBAS COVID-19 pandemic.

VIEW FROM That is why THE HILL when we received the government’s proposed legislation, we rolled up our sleeves, went through it, and proposed constructive solutions to improve the bill for Canadians.

Recognizing that many businesses, not-for-profits and charities are looking for workers, Conservatives secured amendments to the government’s legislation to ensure that applicants are directed to the Job Bank before receiving the benefit. No government program should disincentivize Canadians, especially our young people, from safely working and contributing to the pandemic response effort. We also ensured there would be a comprehensive parliamentary review of the program including its economic impact, and that it would have a strict legislated end date.

These constructive changes to the bill will ensure that those who need help get it, while also matching students with available jobs in their area.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was clear that students and youth were getting left behind in the programs announced by the Trudeau government. Students need summer jobs in order to pay for tuition and expenses during the school year. That is why Canada’s Conservatives continue to call on the government to create a new program that would match students and youth employees with jobs in the agriculture and agri-food sector, including fish and seafood. This would be an innovative way to help students find work, and to support our food supply chains and See ‘NEW’ Page 7 essential

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Trump and the ‘Yellow Peril’ defence It was completely predictable that Donald Trump would try to blame China for the fact that at least 30 million Americans are unemployed and that 70,000 GWYNNE DYER Americans have THE WORLD already died of STAGE Covid-19. His polling numbers are down and the election is only seven months away. What else was he going to do? Blame himself ?

That’s why we’re now getting the good old ‘Yellow Peril’ defence, fresh from the late 19th century. As a memo sent out by the National Republican Senatorial Committee to Republican candidates put it: “Don’t defend Trump, other than the China Travel Ban – attack China.”

The coronavirus now spreading death across the world certainly originated in China. The Chinese government itself said so, before it started prevaricating after Donald Trump began using China as a scapegoat.

Sales Associate Michele Siddall sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

There was at least a week’s delay in late December when officials in Wuhan didn’t report the outbreak to Beijing, fearing they would be blamed for alarmism, or simply for letting it happen. That’s when Dr. Li Wenliang wrote in a private WeChat group: “7 confirmed cases of SARS were reported [to hospital] from Huanan Seafood Market.”

It wasn’t really Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It was a new coronavirus closely related to SARS, which had caused a much smaller but lethal epidemic in 2002. But Wuhan officials didn’t want to believe it, and on 3 January Li got a warning from the local police to stop “making false comments on the Internet”.

Six days later the first person in Wuhan died of what we now call Covid-19. On the same day, 9 January, the World Health Organisation (which Trump now vilifies as ‘China’s public relations agency”) announced that China had reported the emergence of a new coronavirus like those that caused the SARS and MERS epidemics.

So there was at least a week when Chinese officials at the local or national level had the information and hesitated to publish it, partly because they weren’t sure yet themselves. But only two days later Chinese scientists pub-

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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lished the full genetic sequence of Covid-19 so that researchers everywhere could start working on potential treatments and vaccines.

Other East Asian countries that had experience of SARS understood the seriousness of the WHO warning and promptly began diligent testing, tracing and isolation of infected persons. As a result, they never had to go into lockdown (South Korea has had 250 deaths; Taiwan had 6). China did a partial lockdown, but is now up and running again.

But then the real delay happened, and it had nothing to do with when China reported the disease. The point is that Western countries did nothing serious about the pandemic for an astonishing TWO MONTHS after that.

Trump boasts that he banned travel from China to the United States early, but in fact the United States was the 41st country to declare such a ban, on 2 February. And it was a very leaky ban, affecting only non-US citizens. Another 40,000 US citizens and permanent residents flew in from China during the next two months, many not being checked for coronavirus at all.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@ merrittherald.com

See ‘CHINA’ Page 7

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada

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, May 7, 2020 • 7

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LETTER

to the editor

Lower Nicola road project a burden Editor,

RE: ‘Road construction begins following bridge washout in Lower Nicola,’ online May 4, today’s page three.

Remembering Canadian sacrifice Editor, This May, we remember the Canadians who sacrificed life and limb to help liberate the Netherlands 75 years ago.

I had the privilege of growing up in The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program which was started by war amputee veterans. Through Operation Legacy, amputees like me pay tribute to the veterans who founded the Association and

OPINION China a scapegoat

LN Bridge; lets have the facts.

Yes, the BC Government decided its better, in their opinion, to buy land, disrupt a family’s home,and build a new roadway across farmland; rather than replace the washed out bridge, and use the existing road.

Let’s see the cost benefit of this project.

Nichelle Penney Kamloops

all those who have served our country.

One person I had the privilege to know and will be thinking of during this commemoration is the late Cliff Chadderton (1919 – 2013).

Mr. Chadderton lost part of his right leg while in command of a company of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles battling for the Scheldt Estuary in Belgium and Holland.

His story is told on The War Amps website. During the month of May, please take a moment to remember all of the Canadians, like Mr. Chadderton, who helped bring peace and freedom to the people of the Netherlands.

Jamie Lunn

New student benefit bill a plus From Page 6 services.

The government could also temporarily increase Canada Summer Jobs program funding

to ensure students have income during this crisis and opportunities to gain meaningful work experience. We have heard from organizations across the country that want to hire but can’t access the program.

Conservatives will continue to put forward common sense proposals and make changes to government legislation that benefit Canadians struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting local seniors during COVID-19

A month after stayat-home orders began there is a lot to be proud of as we have come together JACKIE TEGART to flatten VIEW FROM the curve.

LEGISLATURE However, in light of our successes so far, there are still many challenges emerging from the pandemic, one being the difficulties facing seniors at home.

As the most at-risk demograph-

ic, this time may be especially trying for seniors. A reduction in daily freedom, an increase in visitation restrictions, and the socially isolating nature of our current situation have proven to be very challenging for many, most notably when it comes to staying stocked with groceries and supplies.

This is even more challenging for seniors without access to a smartphone or computer, or for those who live rurally who are excluded from taking advantage of the increase in delivery services those in larger cities have readily available. This is why locally-run and locally-supported food delivery programs are so important.

It is so great to hear about community-based operations that are taking up the challenge of helping local seniors in need.

From Page 6 Italy started locking down some municipalities in the country’s badly hit north in late February, but no European country went into national lockdown until 9 March. The United Kingdom waited a further two weeks after that, until 24 March. The United States never did a national lockdown, but most states had social distancing policies in place by early April.

Those even longer delays explain why the UK and the US are on track to be the two countries with the highest Covid-19 death rates, but why did they all wait so long. Why weren’t they at least setting up comprehensive testing, tracing and contacting systems and making more ventilators and protective clothing back in January? Did they think they were exempt?

That’s probably what they did think, and their people are now being punished for their governments’ arrogance. But Donald Trump’s attempt to shift the blame for a huge US death toll and a looming economic disaster onto China is utterly cynical and false. The problem wasn’t a week’s delay in China; it was a couple of months’ delay in America.

If it should turn out that the first human infections with Covid-19 were due to a leak from the Biosafety level 4 Wuhan Institute of Virology, not at the Huanan Seafood Market in the same city, it changes nothing. BSL4 labs (there are around twenty in the world) routinely work with dangerous viruses, because otherwise we’d never develop defences against them.

An accidental leak from a BSL4 lab would be a rare and very serious mistake, but that’s probably not what happened in Wuhan, and in any case it’s clear that no hostile intent was involved.

The US national intelligence director’s office has determined that Covid-19 “was not manmade or genetically modified.”

That will not stop Donald Trump from scapegoating China, even at the risk of causing a new Cold War. Never mind the fate of the world. It’s the fate of Trump’s presidency that’s at stake here.

Gwynne Dyer’s new book is ‘Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work)’.

I also want to highlight BC211, the province-wide information and referral service that can match seniors

‘‘

It is so great to hear about community based operations that are taking up the challenge.

— JACKIE TEGART

whose support networks have been affected by the COVID-19

outbreak with volunteers that are ready to help.

Community members can also sign up as volunteers to help seniors with basic needs, including grocery shopping and pharmacy drop-offs.

For more information visit www. bc211.ca or call 2-1-1.

Going to the grocery store or pharmacy for someone who is unable to can alleviate a lot of worries, so if you can safely help a senior in need or reach out to check in on them, please do so.

Supporting each other is how we will get through this together.

Jackie Tegart is the MLA representing the electoral district of Fraser-Nicola, as a member of the British Columbia Liberal Party.

From the Herald archives: May, 2008

MERRITT GRAD CROWNED One of Merritt’s own will address the Thompson Rivers University 2008 graduating class at convocation next month.

Jamie Schaab, has been named one of four TRU valedictorians. She was selected to represent the school of journalism and will address the faculty of arts and division of student development in the ceremony to be held at the school June 6.

Schaab and two other bachelor of journalism students vied for the distinction of valedictorian.

“It’s the best way to cap off finishing my degree,” Schaab says, adding that she feels honoured to have been chosen.

She says the distinction will look good on herresume, not that Schaab needs much help.

Since she began her studies at TRU, Schaab has gotten her hands dirty in every facet of the journalism field.

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.

THURSDAY, May 7, 7, 2020 88 •• THURSDAY, May 2020

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

CENTURY 21 Moving Real Estate

®

#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392

BC LTD.

250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100 1814 GRANITE AVE

movingrealestate.c21.ca

3023 HILTON DRIVE

ED

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UC RED Fabulous home in the downtown area, perfect for a large family. Has Mill Creek cabinets, huge family room, 2 F/P’s, 5 baths, 6 bedrms & inlaw suite. Double garage + single garage in back.

Under construction, this new quality built 1438 sq.ft. rancher in a great neighbourhood has 3 bedrms, 2 baths, large open concept, Quartz kitchen counter with center island & a 2 car garage. GST applies.

Private Lower Nicola property, nicely landscaped with creek running through front of property. 1 bedrm up & 1 down, open concept kitchen with all appliances & huge master bedrm with ensuite. Woodstove in full bsmt. Large workshop 22x50.

#3165

#3178

#3126

$569,000

$469,900

3027 HILTON DRIVE

1676 GREIG ST

471 WOODWARD AVE

$475,000

UC RED

Nicely finished 5 bedrm, 3 bath home with open design kitchen/living room.

Recent reno’s include flooring, paint, kitchen cabinets refinished with new counters & bathrms. Huge fenced yard, lots of parking.

#3169

$523,000

Beautiful 3 bedroom rancher, move in ready with quick possession possible. Has open concept design with huge living, dining and kitchen area that opens to large covered deck in fenced backyard. High ceilings, crown moldings & all appliances included.

#3177

$454,900

2985 CLAPPERTON AVE.

1967 SAGE PLACE

#210, 2514 SPRING BANK

3001 HILTON DRIVE

#108, 2514 SPRING BANK AVE

Beautifully renovated 5 bedrm, 3 bath home on large corner lot with fenced back yard & fruit trees. Includes 2 bedrm ground level suite. Enjoy the enclosed sunroom year round. Lots of parking.

Spectacular sunset views from this executive 5 bedrm home. Beautiful rancher with walkout bsmt. Open floor plan with Brazkian HW floors, ceramic tile & carpet on main. Mill Creek cabinets and S/S appliances. Large deck in back.

New 2 storey townhouse in Nicola Bluffs with great views. Open concept kitchen with Quartz countertops, vinyl plank floors, gas F/P 3 bedrms up, 4 baths and full bsmt. Has $4,000 appliance package & central A/C. Under construction.

Beautiful 3 bedrm, 3 bath rancher with office/ den, and a fully bsmt. Features 9 ft ceilings, open floor plan with large newly renovated kitchen with island, laundry on the main & 5 pce spa-like ensuite. Bsmt has 2 bedrm inlaw suite. Lots of RV parking in fenced yard.

Beautiful 2 bedrm, 2 bath detached home with large garage. Master bedrm with W/I closet & ensuite with 6 ft soaker tub.

Open concept layout, kitchen has island & pantry. Double sided F/P. New Home Warranty.

#3179

#3171

#3142

$479,000

#3164

$579,900

#3172

$414,900+GST

$569,900

$394,500

2770 PEREGRINE WAY

2760 PEREGRINE WAY

2749 PEREGRINE WAY

2651 COUTLEE ST

2338B COLDWATER AVENUE

Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty. Double garage

New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies

New custom executive home with fantastic views. 3 bedrms on the main with open concept floor plan. Master has 4 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Large private deck in back off the family room.

Large home with 3 bedroom up, large kitchen with oak cabinets & large family rm. Main floor has 2 bedrm suite. Newer roof & HW boiler. Nice fenced yard with garden space. Double garage.

Very clean and comfortable 3 bedroom half duplex in good area. 2 bedrooms up, recently painted and has newer flooring in most rooms. 1 bedrm down, large rec.room and 3 pce bath. Private fenced backyard. Close to amenities

#3174

#3175

#3176

#3170

#3159

$739,9000 + GST

$739,900 3011 HILTON DR

2175 MAMETTE AVE

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$639,900+ GST

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$449,900

2152 MERRITT AVENUE

$249,900

4420 IRON MOUNTAIN RD

FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY

Nice 3 bedrm home in good neighbourhood. Home has many updates of roof, siding, bathrms, paint, U/G sprinklers deck & more. Nicely landscaped, inground pool, RV parking. Quick possession possible.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath rancher in quiet neighbourhood is great for retirees or first time buyers. Open concept kitchen, dining & living room with gas F/P, kitchen has large island. Fenced yard with covered back deck.

#3156

#3155

$375,000

$389,900

3 bedroom bungalow in good area with bright open fl oor plan. 2 bedrms up and 1 down. Large lot with room for garden, has detached 2 car garage and attached workshop. Great for first time buyer or retirees.

1 acre with large rancher of 1600 sq.ft. with full bsmt partially finished,. 3 bedrms on the main, 1 down & another potential.

Open design kitchen with oak cabinets, 3 baths, huge rec.rm. Huge covered deck & a workshop.

We can assist you in renting your investment.

We can assist you in renting your investment.

Grandview Heights

#3163

$329,900

#3166

$419,900

250-315-0000 250-315-0000

www.merrittpropertymanagement.ca www.merrittpropertymanagement.ca Licensed Property Managers Licensed Property Managers DeannaDeanna Rick Rick

DEANNA

Licensed Property Manager

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to #2894 shopping.

RICK

Licensed Property Manager

FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY We can assist you in renting your investment 250-315-1000 www.merrittpropertymanagement.ca

www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/

THURSDAY, May 7, THURSDAY, 7, 2020 2020 •• 99

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

Don Gossoo, Managing Broker

Karen Yakimchuk 315-3076

Brad Yakimchuk

Jared Thomas 778-694-6804

Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554

Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

1425 MILLER ROAD

200 VEALE ROAD

396 WILD ROSE DR

6685 MONCK PARK

1653 LINDLEY CREEK RD

This 4 bedroom custom rancher with walkout bsmt is in exclusive Miller Estates on private fenced 10.87 acre property with fantastic views and setup for horses with hay storage & loafing shed. 3 car garage.

11 acres with drilled well, fenced with good potential and fantastic views. Easy access, located off Coldwater Rd just 10 minutes south of Merritt. Great place to build your dream home.

Enjoy the great outdoors on this 1 acre lot in a great community on Iron Mountain, only 10 mins. From Merritt, 1 hr to Kelowna & 2 hrs from coast. Have your own country estate or hobby farm.

1 acre lake view property featuring stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake. Perfect recreational property or a year round residence.

Nicola Lake offers year round activities.

7874 sq.ft. lot in a growing newer subdivision and the natural slope of the land will allow for a rancher style home in front with a walkout basement. Great views

#3160

#3147

#3152

#3158

#3138

$739,000

#34, 1749 MENZIES ST

$285,000

2725 PEREGRINE WAY

$139,900

$159,900

$64,999

3551 VOGHT STREET

6433 MONCK PARK RD

1898 BLAIR ST

Lot 22, located in growing subdivision with amazing views of the Nicola Valley. Close to amenities. The perfect place to build your dream home.

1.5 acre C-4 lot in great area with good exposure just off freeway and located on Merritt’s motel row. Perfect place for hotel, motel, car wash, garden center & more. Call for zoning permitted uses.

This 1 acre lot with 180 degree view of Nicola Lake is perfect to build your dream home or recreational retreat. Lake access through the boat launch only minutes away. Services available

Fully fenced commercial property of approx. 30,000 sq.ft. with 2 titles. Seller is motivated & will consider carrying mortgage or a joint venture in a building complex

#3105

#3157

#3069

#3137

D

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This 3 bedrm townhouse in great condition has a larger yard being an end unit. Main floor has bright open design, laundry & 2 pce powder room. 3 bedrms up plus office/play room.

Double garage.

#3173

$259,900

$75,000

$495,000

$165,000

$439,000

6449 MONCK PARK RD

2800 PEREGRINE WAY

6348 MONCK PARK ROAD

923 MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD

2845 NEILSON ST

Build your dream home in one of Merritt areas finest development, Nicola Lakeshore Estates.

Water & sewer hookups available. Close to water access. This lake is known for fishing, water skiing & more.

This Lot 7 has 6674 sq.ft. with spectacular views. This is a growing development of custom homes. Water and sewer at property line. Bring your plans.

1 acre waterfront lot on Nicola Lake. Build your dream home or vacation getaway . Land has gentle slope to waterfront. Great location for many water sports and close to Monck Park Provincial Park. Water & sewer to lot line.

Approx. 291 acres with great potential for many different projects. Current plans are for a 2 acre estate lot development with city boundaries. Has fantastic views with city services available.

15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.

#3074

#3108

#3071

#2956

#3090

$159,900

$115,000

LOT A, MIDDAY VALLEY RD

1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

122 acres with multiple zoning of C4, C6, and R1. Buyer should contact the City of Merritt to request suitable zoning for match their project needs. Call for more details.

10 acre development site with CD-1 zoning. Will have city water and sewer (not connected yet). Bring your ideas and call for more details.

#2957

#2958

$1,584,000

$699,000

MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD

Approximately 5 acre parcel, north facing, with fantastic views. City services, not currently connected.

Zoned R-9 High Density Residential.

Great opportunity. Call for details.

#2962

$300,000

$3,990,000

$1,650,000.

LOT 1, HOUSTON ST

1132 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

Approximately 4 acre residential development property. Zoned R1. Bring your ideas and call for more details.

Two 10 acre parcels in the City limits with separate titles. Zoned M1. Located on truck route and easy access to highway.

Great place to start your business.

#2959

#3080

$230,000

$2,000,000

MOVING OUT OF THE BIG CITY?

Spius Creek Estates

Located Off Petit Creek Road

Prices starting at $224,000 Country living at its best! Approx. 10 acres lots located 15 minutest west of Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. These properties have stunning views of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, biking, hiking and more. Call for full details. GST applies.

$425,000

Merritt is a great community to raise your family, have a hobby farm, grow your business, retire or have a recreational property to escape to. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and ranch land, our unlimited recreational activities offers something for everyone to enjoy - fishing, ATV, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing & much more.

Let us help you find the right property that fits YOU!

Give us a call 250-378-6166

#3145

a/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

May 7, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

How’s your hearing?

Ask an Audiologist.

57 Party Parades occur in April

Audrey Steele, who celebrated her fifty-first birthday recently, waves to passerbys who took part in one of the many Party Parades throughout April. Photo submitted

Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

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

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

Call Monday - Friday

315-9688

2076A Granite Avenue, Merritt (Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic)

LAND ACT

Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land From Page 2 said.

“I think people are excited still about the parades. Especially the kids, but the adults enjoy them as well. I love them all but the first one was amazing,” Tancsa reflects.

“I was worried we wouldn’t have vehicles show up, then I turned the corner and saw all those vehicles decorated, waiting.

It definitely brought a tear to my eye.”

While the group focuses on birthdays for those 16 years and younger, there have been instanc-

es where older Merrittonians have been honoured with a birthday parade, particularly if they are at risk, on lockdown or in a care facility and are unable to be with family and friends on their special day.

Michael Steele’s sister Audrey, who has Down Syndrome, recently celebrated her fifty-first birthday with a Party Parade.

“For my sister, this surprise party parade brought her so much joy,” Steele said.

“She is aware that there is something wrong with everyday life and things are not ‘everyday normal’. Down Syndrome adults

count on routines, and disruption is not handled well for most.

Her support workers and friends contacted us in Toronto to let us know what they were going to do.

David and I were thrilled. Audrey lives for birthdays, as anyone who knows her can verify. Her reminders to everyone start at least two months ahead of time,” Steele joked.

“So, this act of kindness and celebration in the form of a Party Parade means she is not forgotten but loved and remembered. For the child in all of us we could all use a Party Parade!”

Smoking determined as cause for Elephant Hill wildfire B.C. Wildfire Service’s investigation has now been completed, and

no further action will be taken in the matter.

Adopt a Pet

View your feature best friend @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

To make an appointment to meet your new best friend Phone/text: (250) 378-5223 (250) 574-1316 email: aarsrescue@gmail.com

Option 1: Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision website at: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?clidDtid=3413326 where details of the application and maps can be found.

Option 2: by mail to Senior Land Officer, Thompson-Okanagan, MFLNRORD, at 441 Columbia Street Kamloops BC V2C 2T3.

Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to June 5, 2020.

MFLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?clidDtid=3413326 for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Office in Thompson Okanagan Region.

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Following an investigation, the BC Wildfire Service has determined the cause of the 2017 Elephant Hill wildfire.

Smoking, or smoking materials, were pointed out as the cause, ranging between matches, to cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, or marijuana.

The July 6, 2017 wildfire burned about 191,865 hectares around the Ashcroft region.

Other potential causes were ruled out, including: - lightning; - escaped campfire; - Category 2, Category 3 or Resource Management Open Fire activity; - arson/suspicious; juvenile fire setter/fire use; equipment use; - railroads; - vehicles; and - electrical transmission/utility line/pole.

Not enough sufficient

evidence was uncovered by the RCMP to determine the culprit. The

The Lands File for this application is 3413326. Comments on this application may be submitted by one of two options:

PL2 .B

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

Take notice that Thompson Nicola Regional District located in Kamloops, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Thompson Okanagan Region, for a licence of occupation proposing to develop 1.8 km of a non-motorized trail along the former KVR rail line. The former rail line right of way is used by area residents as an informal walk or bike path located near the City of Merritt.

0 75 150

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Rail Trail 2.5 m wide

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY MAY 12, 2020 Honouring Our Heros

Nurses Week shines spotlight on frontline workers

M er r

o Glass Spec itt’s Aut ialist s

Nothing comes close to the healing powers of a nurse who truly cares.

Thank you Serving Merritt for over 20 years 2663 Granite Avenue, Merritt

250-378-4531

With Nurses Week coming up on May 11 across the nation, the Herald is focusing on some local and provincial stories of how nurses are coping with the current pandemic and their daily lives.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Nursing has been both a career and a passion for Karen Szabo, who was a nurse in Merritt for 42 years, only just deciding to retire and not renew her licence in February of this year.

However, nursing, and the care and compassion that the job requires, are still in Szabo’s blood. When I called to interview her for the Herald’s Nurses Week feature, she was baking a batch of muffins for the nurses at the Merritt Hospital.

Szabo spent most of her life in Merritt, even before her nursing career.

“I grew up in Merritt actually,

I moved here when I was five,” Szabo said.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes in nursing as well, a lot of changes and lots of renovations at the hospital. I’ve seen the hospital downsized from 45 beds to what it is now, which has been quite a change. We used to do a lot of different surgeries and procedures up there that we are no longer doing. But it’s been a fabulous career, I’m quite surprised I was here in Merritt the whole time, myself. I even experienced the old hospital that was down by, I think Priest Ave. I had my tonsils out there when I was five years old.”

Szabo always knew that she was meant to be a nurse, and hadn’t considered any other career alternatives when she packed up and left the Interior

for a nursing school in Victoria.

“It sounds ridiculous but as a little girl I always wanted to help people, and I always knew I was going to be a nurse and I just followed that dream as a young kid,” said Szabo.

“I went to Victoria, the Jubilee school of nursing back then, there were no universities at that point, we were all being trained in hospital. That was in 1975 when I started, it was a three-year program.”

After graduating from the nursing program, Szabo returned to Merritt, where she would spend more than 40 years working in many areas of the hospital, including maternity, which was one of her favourite positions.

“I guess See ‘NURSING’ Page 14

The cold walls of a hospitals are made friendlier because of nurses.

Thank You

Located in the Royal Lepage building 3499 Voght St. Ph: 250-378-9446 • Fax: 250-378-5257 Check out our website: www.cjrbookkeeping.com

THANK YOU!

Angels come in all forms, but the best ones are called nurses.

Thank you for all your extra efforts, especially now during COVID 19.

Extra Foods would like to give thanks to all front line workers. Each and everyone of you efforts are making a huge impact on our communities.

NEW STORE HOURS: 8am - 8pm 7 Days a Week.

Monday-Wednesday-Friday 7am-8am for customers who need assistance or consideration including seniors and people living with disabilities.

2760 Forksdale Ave.

250-378-1841

12 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

May 7, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Local nurse uses global experience in her practice

You truly are heroes in our community.

For everything you do THANK YOU.

Thank you to all the front line workers during these trying times.

HOURS: 8 am ‘til 9 pm, 7 days a week TEMPORARY HOURS DURING COVID 19 7 days a week: 7 - 8 am for seniors and the most vulnerable.

Railyard Mall (Garcia St.) Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Ashley Fulcher, a nurse, and long time Merritt resident, has had a broad range of experiences since graduating from TRU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012.

Although her main position has been at the Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre, Fulcher has also been active in community nursing and even went overseas to help people in the countries of Guatemala

and Samoa.

“When I think of my different experiences, I’ve been to Guatemala and Samoa in the healthcare setting, and that has been really rewarding as well,” said Fulcher.

“People are people wherever you go, and just to be able to be understanding of different cultures and work alongside different organizations has been really rewarding. But also, working in our small town it’s been cool to be able to bring an awareness of what I’ve learned from those interna-

tional sites, to be able to blend it into my practice today, it’s been interesting as well.”

During these uncertain and difficult times, where frontline workers such as nurses are facing higher risks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Fulcher wants people to know that she and her fellow healthcare consider the safety and care of their patients to be a top priority.

“One thing I want people to know is that it’s our job and the See ‘SAFETY’ Page 13 heart

250-378-5564

NATIONAL NURSING WEEK May 6 -12

ciet y ices So v r e S alth ll the it y He thank a n o u t m y t i m x Co portun Scw’exm to take this op sly ike g tireles ley. l n a i k V r a would l o l o w c eed, n the Ni rld, nurses are eople n t p nurses i n o o w i t e pu atten nd the They ar e and r . t a All arou i c d e e re e h ide t even mo r they n , e y v a e d r e to prov le h w sing er and st ever y o m l whenev a s s r igh stre atient o h p r e e h t d n n u ee .

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Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

WE’RE OPEN TO HELP YOU Here to Help Nurses and Front Line Workers get to where they are needed Fountain Tire is staying open to look after your vehicle.

It is our goal to keep you on the road.

And to keep essential supplies chain vehicles moving We are proud to be of service to our community.

www.fountaintire.com

2649 Granite Ave.

Ph: 378-2442 Fax: 378-2448

‘As we are here for you, so are our Nurses here for all of us.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU. You mean the world to us.’

Carrie Ware, BSc, CPA, CA 1964 Quilchena Ave,

Carrie Ware & Company Inc. P.O. Box 700,

Chartered Professional Accountant Firm Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Tel: (250) 378-2215 • Fax: (250) 378-6061 www.carrieware.ca

Why stress when you can bring it to the best?

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Black’s Pharmacy is proud to be part of the front line workers providing medical services to people in need.

We would like to give a special shout out to our local nurses who continue to provide care to our community when we need it most.

Proud to be part of National Nurses Week THANK YOU TO OUR HEROS

FREE

delivery for seniors & those with restricted mobility.

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Quilchena Ave., Merritt

• Rocky Mountain Soap Co • Essential Oils •

• Greeting Cards • Hair Care • Souvenirs • Lottery • Scarves •

of nursing, I feel strongly about that, is public safety and to keep people safe,” explained Fulcher.

It is was also during these times that Fulcher has realized the amount of support the community has for her and other frontline workers, and how grateful she is to work in Merritt.

“It’s great now to be part of an amazing group of people and in the community,” said Fulcher.

“For a small town we really have a great team. I feel very supported, our physician group is great and all the nurses I work with I really love working with them, so I’m thankful. I also want people to know that we are grateful for their support, especially during this pandemic.

I want them to know that we hear them cheering for us nightly at 7pm, there’s been a couple of parades that have gone through the hospital grounds, with the first responders and then the amber light parade with the Ministry of Transportation and Emcon and YRB. I talked with other nurses and we’ve just been really thankful for the community support. We’re really thankful for the community members that we serve.”

During the pandemic, Fulcher urges people to help nurses by following guidelines laid out by Dr. Bonnie Henry, to practice social distancing and take precautions to help limit the spread of the virus.

“Our community has been really good, but to highlight a couple of resources such as 811 and HealthLink BC and Dr. Bonnie Henry, of course, the Provincial Health Officer,” said Fulcher.

“Our main concern is public safety and those

are just a couple of resources. BC as a whole, we have been able to flatten the curve so that the people who have been sick we have been able to manage as a community, as a small rural site.

Hopefully, we don’t see an increase or cluster of outbreaks, but we definitely have the plans and procedures in place to help people who come in.”

Fulcher went on to say that as a nurse, she feels well prepared to help move the community through the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“This is something that we learn, how to deal with this,” said Fulcher.

“I remember learning in nursing school, them saying this was going to happen, it was just a matter of time. So, I feel like as a nurse and as a healthcare team we are prepared to deal with this, and I think that’s not just our site that’s healthcare providers in general, that’s our job, to deal with infectious disease and sick people.

But I think it affects our lives just as it does for everyone else, we’re social distancing and a lot of colleagues I work with they’re concerned about their families. So, I think it does impact nurses just as it does the community as well.”

When asked if nursing was more difficult during this time, or if she was still happy with her decision to become a nurse, Fulcher said that being a nurse and being able to help people who need her is a blessing.

“I think that it is a privilege to be a nurse, it’s a privilege to work with people,” said Fulcher.

“We often see people when they’re not at their best and when they’re going through difficult things, so I would have to say it is special to work with people at end of life or if they’re going through trauma, or just when life is hard sometimes. To be able to walk alongside people when perhaps they’re most vulnerable.”

We are open regular business hours and available by phone as well.

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From Page 12

FOR ALL YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING NEEDS COME SEE MY TEAM

• C o m p l e m e n t a r y G i f t Wr a p p i n g

Safety and care of patients a top priority for frontline workers

14 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

May 7, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Nursing in former worker’s blood

2090 Granite Ave Merritt, BC

250-378-4241

From Page 11 working in maternity, with the birth of babies was probably my favourite area to work in,” Szabo said.

“And it was really quite exciting to work in the new emergency, I wanted to hang in there until that was open and I did, I worked in it for about a year so that was very exciting, too.”

Another moment Szabo highlights as one of the high points of her nursing career was being asked to work as the nurse manager, which she did for two years.

Szabo’s advice to new and prospective nurses is that although the work is difficult, it’s a career worth pursuing.

“It’s a tough job, it requires a lot of long hours,” Szabo warned.

“Night shifts and

weekend work of course is tough. Sometimes your family life suffers, but all in all it’s a great career, it’s very rewarding. The feedback you get from your patients and helping your patients and your fellow co-workers, working together is just amazing. It’s a career that promotes friendships and camaraderie and it’s pretty special, for sure. Work hard, enjoy your days off, enjoy your moments in the hospital, keep yourself educated and expect a fabulous career.”

Szabo also stressed the importance of self care, especially now with a hospital being such a busy place, and a pandemic pushing nurses and other frontline workers to the limit.

“It’s really important to also look after your-

self,” Szabo said.

“You know, hiking - I love the outdoors - biking, just doing things for yourself and your family, trying to keep yourself healthy is very important, emotionally and physically of course.”

Although Szabo has now stepped back from nursing after a lengthy and much enjoyed career, she isn’t quite ready to give up helping others just yet. When courses resume after the Covid-19 pandemic, Szabo plans to take the training required to become a volunteer for palliative care.

“I find that part of nursing to be a privilege, actually,” Szabo explained.

“To help people out when they’re in that situation and they’re moving on. I always

enjoyed that part of nursing, being able to help the families and support them. That’s an area I would like to do more of.”

After spending more than four decades helping people and working in a constantly changing and evolving field with many ups and downs, good days and bad, Szabo said she wouldn’t have changed her career for anything.

“Nursing today is still a fabulous career, if I had to do it all over again, I certainly would.”

I don’t think there exists another profession where a caring attitude is as equally important as a fancy degree.

THANK YOU for being awesome.

MAY 6-12

THANK YOU for all you do!

NATIONAL NURSING WEEK MAY 11-17, 2020

Compassion, selflessness and never-ending love… that pretty much sums up every day in a nurse’s life.

Thank you for being one.

During National Nursing Week and Year of the Nurse, please join me in thanking and recognizing BC nurses for their unwavering commitment to safe patient care on the frontlines — in hospitals, care homes and in our communities. This week, and every day, let’s support BC nurses.

www.bcnu.org

SHOP: 250-378-5395 2795 Pooley Avenue PARTS: 250-378-3765 1101 McFarlane Way

Christine Sorensen President, BC Nurses’ Union

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 15

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Thank you from Nurses Union

THANK YOU There’s a word that may not exist in medical terminology but sure does in the hearts of nurses… and that word is CARE. Thank you for looking after all our residents’ health and especially their safety.

COVID-19 has changed our lives.

Here in Kamloops, my home and yours, we have seen people come together and respond to this crisis by protecting our loved ones and our community during the pandemic.

Together, residents and health-care workers are living and working through what may be the most challenging and complex public health issue any of us will face.

As president of the BC Nurses’ Union, I am proud to acknowledge the incredible work of

the province’s nurses as we celebrate National Nursing Week from May 11 to May 17.

At the best of times, caregiving requires nurses to rely on their training, experience and teamwork to ensure a patient is given the best possible care.

In recent months, nurses have been put to the test more than ever, around the globe and here in B.C. On behalf of nurses, thank you for doing your part to stay home and keep yourself and others safe. We know it’s hard, but your efforts will

help nurses stay safe and continue providing safe patient care across this province.

While maintaining our commitment to health care, BCNU members know the pandemic is also a threat to British Columbians’ livelihoods and ability to put food on the table.

Food banks in our province are working to keep up with sharply increased demand and decreased donations.

Last month, BCNU members donated $10,000 to Food Banks BC. You may be asking yourself, “How can I

t a e b t r a e h e Nurses are th

help, too?”

Please consider donating to Food Banks BC . Now through the end of National Nursing Week, your donation to the BCNU Fund at the Vancouver Foundation will help food banks in our province.

We hear your cheers every evening at 7 p.m.

Thank you.

We hope you keep staying home and safe so we can keep caring for British Columbians.

Thank you, Christine Sorensen, BC Nurses. Union President

www.theflorentine.ca Phone: 250-378-5300 • 4100 Belshaw St. Merritt, BC

Nicola Valley Radiator We are open for essential services

We can’t even imagine what kind

of toll your job must take on your

personal life. Odd working hours, watching people suffer, dealing with death, going above and beyond your call of duty…

We don’t want to thank you,

We want to salute you for being a

of Healthcare!

hero, every single day of your life.

Nurses are soldiers. Fighting COVID-19 every day with unlimited kindness, compassions, empathy and healing.

WE SALUTE YOU.

FREE DELIVERY AVAILABLE. Some exceptions apply-please contact Pharmacy.

Revised Hours: Monday to Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 11-5

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16 • THURSDAY,

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May 7, 2020

SPORTS

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

INDIGENOUS SPORT

Team BC keeping connected through online Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

The ‘Be the Spark’ campaign is keeping Team BC connected while the Indigenous Games are postponed.

Team BC staff are sharing uplifting messages with athletes, coaches, managers and volunteers to keep them inspired and active following the announcement in March that the Halifax 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) are postponed.

The ‘Be the Spark’ campaign kicked off on April 30 with a video of Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), and Team BC staff offering messages to ignite positivity and to keep athletes motivated to stay connected during these challenging times.

The Games, that were to

bring together over 5,000 Indigenous youth from across North America to experience a major international sport competition and to share and celebrate their cultural heritages, were to be held in July, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Team BC athletes and Development Squad athletes are encouraged to stay in touch with one another virtually through online workouts, video chat meetings, social media and teamwork challenges like the Team BC 19U female basketball Development Squad’s recent video of virtual catch,” said Team BC Chef de Mission Lara Mussell Savage. “We remind everyone to keep moving, keep soaring and Be the Spark.”

I·SPARC, the body that oversees the Team BC performance sport program, has introduced a number of initiatives for athletes and the general public to join them in staying active at home.

Team BC Chef de Mission Lara Mussell Savagres a message with staff and athletes while the team can not be together. Photo submitted

Starting this Friday, FitNation (also run by I·SPARC) program leaders from across the province will share the Home Workout Series. This is a series of videos that will be posted to the

I·SPARC social media channels (including YouTube) every week.

There is four workouts so far that will be launched in the coming weeks - introductory, intermediate, advanced, and chair

modifications. All you need is a little space, a sip of water and yourself. You can get your workout in at any time. That’s what FitNation is all about; anyone, anytime, anywhere.

JUNIOR HOCKEY

Survival not yet in question for Kamloops Storm Marty Hastings KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

Like many teams in the junior A BCHL, teams in the junior B KIJHL are feeling the heat during the pandemic.

Some Kootenay International Junior Hockey League teams may fold without financial assistance from the government, according to commissioner Jeff Dubois.

Kamloops Storm general manager Matt Kolle said his junior B club is treading water, thoroughly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but not in imminent danger of ceasing operation “We can’t make any progress because we’re at home,” Kolle said. “Everything is at a standstill and the outlook on all our revenue generators is not good.”

Kolle offered a caveat — the

Storm are familiar with tempest financial conditions and perhaps better prepared than most to batten down the hatches.

“At some level, we’re in familiar ground from where we’ve functioned the last few years,” Kolle said. “Our plan is to be running this year. We’re not a team out there, right now, that says we’re going black.”

Kolle said the Storm have four revenue streams — player fees, sponsorship, ticket sales and camps. Player fees and camps represent about 90 per cent of the club’s operating budget.

Kolle spoke to KTW in March, before the shutdown, and said his plan for growth centres around lowering player fees by improving in other areas.

That has become impossible.

Camps have been cancelled, sponsors are disappearing instead of hopping on board and turnstiles are locked until further notice.

Frustration percolated when

Kolle spoke about the timing of the pandemic.

A shift in Storm headquarters — back to McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre in 2020-2021 after a failed stint at Memorial Arena — was to bring a boon in off-ice success that would eventually lead to victories and sustained franchise health, he said.

Kolle forecasted between 300 and 400 fans per game (worth an extra $30,000 to $40,000 per season, he said) and noted North Shore businesses were eager to form sponsorship partnerships.

Boosts from those avenues would allow the Storm to charge players much less than $8,000, the current fee, which is among the highest in the league.

It seems unlikely Kamloops will be able to bring that number down if there is hockey this season and Kolle expects other franchises may have to increase player fees.

“Other teams in the KIJHL,

they may have to adopt our operations structure,” he said.

“A lot of them function off fan support, sponsors. They’re the only show in town. They might have to structure based off fees.

But how many families have had their work impacted? Going to families and asking $8,000 a season, the pool of players is going to be a lot smaller.”

The potential for another abbreviated season, cancelled spring tryouts and the likelihood of decreased sponsorship and ticket sales are among reasons Dubois said the KIJHL will apply for provincial and federal assistance.

“When you put all of that together, the impact at the individual team level could very well be in the tens of thousands of dollars,” Dubois said in a press release. “And when you factor in all 20 teams in our league, it wouldn’t be a stretch to project an overall impact of a million dollars or more.”

The commissioner has the Storm’s backing.

“The KIJHL and the BCHL, we have a leg to stand on,” Kolle said referencing the venerable junior A league, noting the Storm will play on the Olympicsize ice full-time when hockey returns. “We pay our taxes.

We’re 100 per cent impacted and we’re eligible for some financial support, as well.”

Kolle is trying to remain positive about returning to the ice in 2020-2021, but doubts persist.

“I don’t want to say it because it’s against all my beliefs and what I want to see, but it looks like things are being pushed further and further into the future,” Kolle said. “We’re in a democracy and it’s something that’s not in our control. For now, let’s be hopeful that we can stay above water. It does look like we’re in a tough position, doesn’t it?”

Story via Kamloops this Week.

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 17

www.merrittherald.com

COMMUNITY BOARD The Merritt Herald is changing up the way we do the community board.

With all events being cancelled throughout the area we thought it would be nice to feature some local businesses. If you would like to nominate a business to be featured please email: publisher@merrittherald.com We want to help all businesses survive this pandemic.

B’s Bath

and employed in the healthcare field, Blatchford faced a busy schedule that was draining both mentally and physically. It was during this time that she acknowledged there was a need for people to care for themselves, and that most people were neglecting to take time for their own rest and relaxation.

“After working in Health Care for six years, I took some time off and realized how much self care can positively impact your well being,” explained Blatchford.

“I’ve always been the creative type, so I tried my hand at bath bombs.

I made WAY too many and after positive feedback from the community and friends, I decided to start doing our local farmers market and fairs, and B’s Bath was born.”

In 2018, after selling her creations for just over a year at markets and fairs, Blatchford decided to take the next step in her business and open a storefront on Quilchena Ave. later moving to a different location on the same street.

Although she is seen as the face of B’s Bath, Blatchford credits her success to the fact that her family has been on board every step of the way and has helped to grow the business into

something they are all proud of.

“We are a small family run business,” said Blatchford.

“Most people see me as the front of the business but the whole family is involved!

Stephanie Blatchford, my Mom, is the backbone of production.

Lindsay Morrison, my sister-in-law always steps in when we have big orders to make.

My Dad, Mike, is our official smell tester and biggest supporter.

We all share a passion for being able to work together and to be able to make such beautiful products. Many hands make light work, and to do it with family makes it that much sweeter.”

Inside the quaint shop, which makes the most of its small space, you will find bath bombs, shampoos, conditioner bars, soaps, deodorant, sugar scrubs, lotion bars, body wash and more.

Each item is handcrafted personally by

Blatchford and her family, using high quality ingredients.

“It’s about quality not quantity when we get ingredients,” Blatchford said.

Thurs. May 7

Cloudy w/Showers Sunny High 18˚C High: 9C Low: 6C Low: 3˚C

Fri. May 8

Fri. Mar. 15

CloudySunny Periods High: 21˚C High: 10C Low: 4C 5˚C Low:

Sat. May 9

Sat. Mar. 16

Mainly Clouds Sunny Variable High: 22˚C High: 8C Low: 4C 7˚C Low:

Sun. May 10

Sun. Mar. 17

WetSunny Snow

High: 21˚C High: 6C Low: 2C Low: 5˚C

Contents are insurable

■

Approved mini-storage

■

On-site rentals

■

Secured

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Sale of New and Used storage containers

Mon. May 11

Mon. Mar. 18

Tues. May 12

Tue. Mar. 19

“We keep our ingredients Canadian and only use reputable suppliers. High quality is easier to work with and presents a luxurious end product. It also makes for a better experience for the customer.”

While the business has had to temporarily shut its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, B’s Bath continues to allow customers to shop safely on their website and social media, with delivery right to your door. Blatchford hopes that her bath and body products will provide people with a form of relaxation and stress release during difficult

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 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.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2451 Spring Bank Ave • 250-378-5603 Worship Service Sunday -10 am • Sunday School -11:10 am

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

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

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:30 pm • 250-280-1268

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

Wed. May 13

Wed. Mar. 20

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • Mainly Sunny Variable Clouds High: 18 ˚C High: 6C Low: 0C Low: 5˚C

Cloudy w/Sunny Breaks SnowRain Showers High: 15˚C High: 7C Low: -1C Low: 4˚C

times.

“My biggest goal for the business is to make people feel comfortable, relaxed and good about themselves,” said Blatchford.

“We pride ourselves on having great customer service, even better product and a knowledge of the benefits natural bath and body products can offer. We also strive to provide our small community with a taste of how wonderful handcrafted natural products can be, right here in our hometown. There’s nothing quite like handmade natural products to help you relax and feel good about yourself.”

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

7 Day Weather Forecast Merritt, - Thursday, May14 7 -- Wednesday, 6, 2020 7 Day Weather Forecast for for Merritt, BCBC - Thursday, March Wednesday,May March 20, 2013 Thurs. Mar. 14

STORAGE

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

e r u t a e F s s e n i s u B

Brittany Blatchford, of B’s Bath, never planned on becoming Merritt’s go to for handcrafted bath and body products, but a hobby and passion for self-care organically bloomed into a service that now provides quality products for people all over the Nicola Valley and beyond.

Originally trained

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

18 • THURSDAY,

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May 7, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS www.merritthospice.org

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Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

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Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: sales2@merrittherald.com Auctions

In Memoriam

Auctions

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Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightening they Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

by Dylan Thomas

Check Out Our Website: vancourier.com merrittherald.com http://classified.van.net

March 21, 1946

Richard

William

Percy,

Not many people know this but my father is an

FUNERAL CHAPEL

Attention

William Percy

Website: www.merritthospice.org Website: www.merritthospice.org unsung hero. He has saved many lives throughout

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RICHARD PERCY 2x12.0000 R0011815810-103354 Richard OBITUARIES

Merritt Hospice ‘Living support Merritt Hospicegroup ‘Living withwith Loss’Loss’ support group group born March 21, 1946.

In person sessions have been Merritt Hospice ‘Living with Loss’ support group Son of Bill Richard Percy meetsMondays Mondays @notice.

1:30pm. meets @ @1:30pm. postponed further and Thelma Smith Percy. meetsuntil Mondays 1:30pm.

One way share your loss is to attend a griefBrother of Ruth Percy Support is still offered the One way totoshare your loss is is toover attend a grief One wayto share your loss to attend a grief and Late Brother James Percy. Husband of late phone, pleasesupport call (250)280-4040 for support group. support group. group.

Elizabeth Kyak Percy and father of Richard any questions, or concerns.

Call 250-280-4040 for more information wife Call 250-280-4040 more information Call 250-280-4040 forfor more information Andrew Kyak Percy.

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

Announcements

In Memoriam

his life time. While working as OPP, he once saved his partners from a drunken shotgun wielding farmer just by taking time to settle the farmer down and talking to him. He was to be awarded a medal for his actions that night but was denied because of political reasons. There have been many lives he has saved while working for search and rescue and never asked for anything in return.

He even saved a man from falling off a cliff, nearly losing his own life in the process. It was with split second choices and his instincts that he managed to grab a small little sapling and hold ďŹ rmly to the person’s straps that he saved both their lives. He spent most of his life on the edge of life and death but always thought of others ďŹ rst.

My father was a great man, had great valor, character beyond compare and an even greater heart. He has had many adventures and has done few things many would never get the chance to do. He has visited all the corners of Canada, ate real Montreal Smoke Meat Sandwiches in Montreal, and interviewed many bands, even Rolling Stones as a radio host. Lived in Jasper, Churchill, Pond Inlet, and Logan Lake. He’s worked security for high end concerts, climbed poles with spurs and worked at a diesel power plant for Hydro, was a Corrections OfďŹ cer, and even managed a youths Baseball team of misďŹ ts. He was a man of many skills and talents. Even though he was sometimes hard to communicate with his strong opinions, he always had everyone else’s heart and wellbeing in mind, even above his own. He loved to laugh and even more so loved when he could brighten up a room by making everyone else laugh with his funny humour and quick wit. One of the funniest moments in his life he always loved, was when I was a little boy and we went to Mr. Mikes for lunch. We were sitting there with several older ladies across from us talking about me. My father thought it would be hilarious to bolster himself a little by asking me, “Andrew, where did you get your brown eyes from?â€? I replied, “From my Mom.â€?

He then would laugh and think he could get one up on me and ask, “Andrew, where did you get your brains from?� Thinking I would say, from him, but without any hesitation I replied, “from my mom.� He looked at me shocked while everyone else blew up with laughter. But deep down he knew I really got my brains and wit from him. He and I have always had a strong bond. He taught me to always be honest with him and to always communicate with him if I ever needed him. There have been times in my life where I would have been in serious trouble and blamed for actions not my own. It was through that honesty and communication, that proved I was innocent and gave my father great pride in the strength of his teachings in how he would raise me in life.

But the greatest act of heroism in my mind was the tough choice he had to make one quiet afternoon. He had to choose to let my mother leave and decide to keep me or not. Even with all the stresses of life and hardships of trying to work, maintain a home, and raise a child on his own, he did a superb job doing so with what little he had.

I can without a doubt say that had my father not chose to keep me, I would not be here today and that I know I would not be alive today if not for him. Thank you for the wonderful life you gave me and I will always miss you. Love you dad.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 • 19

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ON TOP

ce Voice Sin ley’s News Nicola Val JUNE TUESDAY,

11, 2013

com bcclassified.

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S NATION Butcher 66 and said for age at rathon people merrit saw AL he retired par- when and half-ma therald.com inspiration PAGE 25 CHAMPS er was a big the 5K, 10Kthere were about 300 his daught In total, event organizer Mary [triathn him. said Ironma the ticipants, “She’s done the way. [She] said, and led Jorgensen. had 157 runners, I did,� ants. lon] and shedon’t you run?’ so The 5K 100 particip d why ‘Dad, the halfr. well. the 10K attracte people ran said Butche came out to run as ars Thirty-three bcclas Familie sified.com her eight-ye5K on.

Merritt and of e marath Rotary Club Helen AsseltinPaige finished the e e particiFormer er The Darch Oborn old daught r. Her husband Graem president half-marathon race.

THURSDAY were not togethe Isaac having race the , JUNE -old son pated in is an avid runner, 53 27, 2013 and six-yearEven her mother-in-law,5K • MERR 68-year-old three marathons in asked . on the ITT NEW far behind e, 82, took completing weeks ago. When in SPAPERS Bernice Asseltin Country Run. it was days just two es to run so much e race at the her first 5K and Helen time, Oborn how he manag r,â€? “This was period of it while doing it togethewith her do such a short race “You gotta our first time running the answered, young,â€? said about you’re young.to tomorrow, I’m daughter. “Relative Herald.

3 he told the relatively young runner y Run’ Page See ‘Countr Another the half-marathon in from r to take part -old Bruce Butche was 78-year The

Nicola Va lley’s

MERRIT T HERA LD News Vo ice

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Since 19 05

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t R Reform Ac defends NC victims’ rights rcie rClvicartimkes says Bill C-54 protects Familyr ofoftripDa le murde

disorders, with mental than those becomes the statement says. Review Board assent and B.C. gets royal In 2011, the born escorted visits . ing, it s the Schoen the Port r-old Cordon law. bill that remind boards granted community from and five-yea worked where “This is a review old Max, into the psychiatric facility ion Galt have n provincial all Clarke and courts and matter. In fact, it is of victims Coquitlam held. That permiss Minister Stephe we – the families– have been asking with Prime that victimsa reminder that victims General Rob e he was being after opposition from , Attorney than criminally an Heritag lly soon be revoked who said she was Wessel across Canada Harper not more was hopefu Canadi Emily found than By and it will D the bill for: people get better supports - Nicholson matter — statement says.

Clarke’s family, Moore on THE HERAL d.com the the transfer merrittheral responsible ly in place; the commu Minister Jamesyears. They say the law,� also addresses imballiving nearby. newsroom@ request to five protecThe bill surrounding are current Schoenborn’sfacility in Selkirk, for nearly bring victims’ rights rs of a womanby receives the legislation ed Family membe nity as a whole [s]; and the famia psychiatric ed by the B.C. changes will with those of people ances in the not criminally responwere murder are legal to ible. more time in 2008 whose children ry, but has tions [it] deserve those found g that there is no the Man. was approv lly respons readfinally get released into balance Februa in Merritt of the Not in crimina victims of famifather not nt t their lies of found sible, includinnotify members its second Review Board out. Clarke’s a stateme in suppor r to The bill passedof Commons late speaking upResponsible Reform to heal,� reads her cousin, Stacy obligation if a high-risk offendeand yet to be carriedmove as well, saying weband House to s that area.

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by Clarke victims’ advocacy ing in the with a vote of 242 a community ly oppose from a facility, in the Selkirk or escapes ing those with Act. Galt, on the.ca. last month now be reviewed by change the not leavesMARCH she has family classify MADN will found found The act would d on before differently site 4darcie ESS sThe treating and historie born was reason 34 and for those Merritt Seconda and reporte Allan Schoen ible by release reviews ible from annual committee ry School lengthy violent . lly respons the murrespons class of 2013 G third readcriminally hearings every three not crimina its third reading hit the streets basses its disorder for s children, IN HOMES If the bill hearings to Darcie Clarke’s family of mental ST for their grand march G FEATURE and Clarke’ eight-yearLI imbalhis which down Voght an of IN years, ders Street on Kaitlynne, say will correct Friday for G NEW LIST members current review system.

10-year-old commencement.

IN what Full story EW ST ance in the being proposed is By on page 3, LIMicha el Potesti N more photos “What is o THE in section It was Financ B. Emily Wessel/H NEW reporter@mHERAL rancher D bed, 2 bth w/addierrittherald erald ial nice, 2 Manager .com shop Pat SibilleaService••s Very detached Fort 32x18 McMurray.water Merritlate ½ Duplex u’s , last tions t city The City trees, w/ fruit s including • Immacu “It’s of Merrit before she counci l meeting• 51 acres a newmore! down two Kane Valley Road and much t is • Many upgrade adventM3957 & paint. moves She said it’s nothin feature onmanag log home ac ure; to a new positioĂ ooring cul-de-s 1.6 acres ers and g •will • siding, n on against quiet will be a the job there in be bedroom Alberta 3 workin & in any way,â€?

Merrit off -grid level, tank busy one. . M3954 g throug •a 3staff • Located After two with a counci & Privacy, s to H/W said Sibillea t h “I’ll be shortag years “I had • Seclusion • Upgrade l is quite of the summe e for mostM3953 City of Merritt, with the I think a great run here, u. time, what doing there, full- rewarding,â€? Sibillea Merritt more! living -6184 Sibilleau 9 kms from is moving 250-378 r, Chief “Pat’s given I do off I’ve more Admin Fax: acres, u said. • At contrib and 20 of • the 1B8 a corner my desk Creek istrative to some productivity us some real fencing, BC V1K an opport on to pursue M3832 Matt cil gave hermeeting, counsuccess uted • All new Merritt, with a laugh.here,â€? she said Noble saidOfficer administratio es of the na Ave., and she’s improvements Buffalo. unity in Wood applause a round of after a regular counci There, she 1988 Quilche Sibilleau when discuss but an opportn and counci time here,â€?invested a lot of the manag l meeting will be said her l, Tuesday. she depart ing proud of unity Noble said. on plannin er of financi up that I the good is most Mayor ure. Merritt “That said, couldn’t came al g for ship she’s relationSusan Roline down as turn she has an opportunity municipality, the regional established thanked an council during that’s with Sibilleau which include for my careeradvancement hard work for all the fit into her long-ra going to her time Merritt. so I’m on s way in nge plans north.â€? my the city. she has done for and certainly “To be we couldn compete NOW NO N OOW W BLEND ’t BLEN BL Noble with that, LLEEN that kind able to establish M E ENDI ENDI DIING DING NGG can do is of relation so all we departure said Sibilleau’s Independe R R I T really ntly owned ship T leaves a as she’s suppor support her and operated to fill. big hole ted us.â€?

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20 • THURSDAY,

May 7, 2020

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to our donors for making it possible to bring back our printed edition of the newspaper. We would not have been able to do it without you.

Dear valued readers, COVID-19 has changed the way we all plan and do business; we are all in that together. The financial effects are going to be with us all for months to come. As we look forward, our mission at the Merritt Herald is to continue providing printed copies of our paper each week.

Over the past month, community members and people from far away have generously reached into their pockets to help us bring the newspaper back to a print edition. Words cannot express our gratittude to each and everyone one of you.

In the beginning of this pandemic, local businesses had to close down and reduce services. In return we lost adverting revenue, which is what pays for us to provide our print newspaper and online services free for you each week. The Herald has been a free publication for some time now, and we want to keep it that way. Our goal is to continue to persevere – but we can’t do it alone.

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When you fundraise for those who are ill, for those who are in crisis — for instance after a house fire — and for your non-profits, we write your stories, amplify your voices and let our readers know how they can be of service. Together, we’ve helped you help countless community members.

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For a brief time the Herald had to unfortunately give up on their print editions and switch to providing their content, online only, but with community support and hard work, were proud to be back to a print edition, and our mission is to keep printing.

As we begin to plan the next stage of our operations, we know that our business community will expect us to spread the word as business owners get back on their feet and open their doors. More than ever they’ll want – and need – our help sharing their good news. We are eager to support them and want to be ready for them.

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LIST OF DONORS Terence Grams James A Clark Sheila Butler Matthew Starr Stacey Krajci Elizabeth Nel Peter Spencer Rod & Sharon Courtepatte Mary Macgregor Ross Horrocks Sarah Sandusky Emily Wessel Marise Sasges Jeanette & Mike Matthias Terrence Neilson Lavinia Wilson Dara Hill Jurgen Lutter Ellen Nast M.Cooper - BCYR Fundraising Coordinator Ka Fai Simon Ho Brent Campbell Scentman Anne Wray Shirley Dumma Ben Klassen Margaret Carlson Alice Murray James Murdoch Cole Wagner Gayle Munz Barinder Chauhan Joan Negrin Betty Ann Mcdonnell Ted Lund Extra Foods Gordan Swan Diane Quinn Plus a few generous anonymous donors