January 2 - 2019

CENTS ICEBREAKER LOOK BACK AT SET THIS SEPT.FOR TRUCKING WEEKEND /PAGE1016 CONVOY /PAGE merrittherald.com

LOCAL ARENAS AND CENTS FIND HIGHS RINKSLOWS DEEMED AND IN SAFE /PAGE 17 12 2018-19 /PAGE

Nicola Voice Since Since 1905 1905 Nicola Valley’s Valley’s News News Voice

bcclassified.com

MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2020 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS • www.merrittherald.com

INSIDE...

FREE FREE

CLIMATE CHANGE

2019

The Chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band is bringing a wealth of experience to a provincial panel on climate change.

/ Page 3

SHELTER OPENING The Nicola Valley Shelter Society is ready to open the doors to a newly-designated winter shelter on Nicola Avenue.

/ Page 5

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN The year that was TRAFFIC WOES

More online at

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.

merrittherald.com

The closure of a truck stop at the Wagon West Travel Plaza has led to commercial truckers parking illegally in town, says Merritt’s mayor.

MERRITT FUNERAL CHAPEL

/ Page 11

A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Taking care of each other is what a community is all about.

Local & Caring. Proudly supporting our community since 1929.

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri.: 10:00am - 3:00pm • Wednesday 1:00pm - 6:00pm / 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

On-call 24 Hrs. a day: 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 • www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

2 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

250.378.6941 Ray Thompson 250-315-3377

#112-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

ray@merritthomes.ca

Brenda Thompson 250-315-8377 brenda@merritthomes.ca

Valerie Kynoch 250-280-0994 vkynoch@icloud.com

Janis Post

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

250-315-3672 janis@janispost.com

Melody Simon 250-315-8539

Karen Bonneteau

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

melodyproperty2@gmail.com

250-315-5178 kbonneteau@telus.net

Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results - Contact us for a complete list of listings.

2865 Pooley Avenue

16-1098 Houston Street

6415 Monck Park Road

6601 Monck Park Road

24-1749 Menzies Street

MLS#154492 $35,000 “The Wine Press”. Excellent business opportunity in this well established high earning business. Please note that this is an asset sale only, and the business will need to be moved from its current location.

MLS# 154125 $129,500 Just move right in! Beautifully decorated home in contemporary design. 2017 Furnace, Hot water tank, Fridge, & modern commercial-grade flooring throughout.

2016 new vinyl windows, washer/dryer/stove.

MLS#153694 $179,000 One Acre lake view lot located in the Nicola Lake Shore Estates, just 2.5 hours from the Lower Mainland. Backs onto crown land, easy access for ATVs and exploring.

Community dock access to the water.

MLS#152518 $199,000 One acre lake view property located at Nicola Lakeshore Estates, 2.5 hours from downtown Vancouver. Exquisite property with breathtaking views, experience for yourself!

MLS#154499 $244,900 3BR 2BA unit in popular Sun Valley Court. Open concept main floor w/large front entrance and laundry room off the garage. All three bedrooms are on the second level.

Large master bedroom with ensuite.

2881 Cranna Crescent

1200 Government Avenue

374 Gray Avenue

1775 Blair Street

206-2514 Spring Bank Avenue

MLS#154482 $388,000 Nice family home only minutes walking distance to the downtown core. Three bedrooms up and three down, plus a detached shop w/power. Recent updates include furnace, hot water tank, and more.

MLS#153353 $389,900 Spacious new construction 3 BR 4 BA townhome with a beautiful blend of contemporary and modern finishes.

Full 2-5-10 year new home warranty, attached 2-car garage and much more!

NEW

NEW

MLS#154716 $279,900 Large lot with a detached shop/garage! Great 2, possibly 3 BR, 2 BA manufactured home on a .26 acre lot.

Lovely upgrades with a large addition, great curb appeal, private yard and loads of potential in the interior.

MLS#154680 $325,000 Large lot with a detached shop/garage! Great 2, possibly 3 BR, 2 BA manufactured home on a .26 acre lot.

Lovely upgrades with a large addition, great curb appeal, private yard and loads of potential in the interior.

MLS#150186 $349,000 Spacious 4 BR family home on quiet street in Lower Nicola. 3 BR and laundry on the main floor with gallery style kitchen and bright living room. Double garage and detached cinder block shop!

1887 Nicola Avenue

2337 Reid Place

1549 Quilchena Avenue

5033 Lauder Road

2465 Paige Street

MLS#154580 $419,000 Very nice, move-in ready 3 BR 3 BA rancher within walking distance to downtown Merritt. Attached 2-car garage, detached shop, UG sprinklers, built-in vac, lane access and RV parking, and much more.

MLS#152641 $424,000 Very nice 3 BR 3 BA family home with a 16 X 32 inground pool located on a large lot on a quiet desired street in the Merritt bench area. New roof 2013 and windows 2014, updated kitchen.

MLS#151851 $439,000 All your living can be done on 1500 plus sq. foot main floor in this level entry 2 up and 1 down BR 2 BA rancher. Full partially finished basement, 2017 Roof, Wood Stove for auxiliary heat, 1-car garage and more.

MLS#153316 $449,900 Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cedar cottage on an excellent 2-acre view lot at Glimpse Lake. This beautiful cottage is turn-key, could be used year-round. Many upgrades over the year, new paint and metal roof.

MLS#149981 $450,000 Very nice 4 BR, 2 BA family home on .42 acre in Lower Nicola, just minutes from downtown Merritt. New furnace, new hot water tank, new gas fireplace insert, and more.

2830 Scott Place

5993 Beech Road

3026 Miller Court

1640 Chestnut Avenue

1511 Bann Street

MLS#154502 $459,000 5 bedroom 3 bath warm and inviting family home.

Bright roomy kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, versatile island, and planning center. Gas fireplace in living room. Several updates recently done.

MLS#154120 $479,000 A little piece of heaven in the country. This 4 BR, 3 BA family home is about 15 min. from Merritt, and situated on 1.97 acres, with horse shelter, paddock and double garage. Must see!

MLS#154497 $499,000 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher with many extras, located in a nice subdivision with all newer construction.

Central air-conditioning, built-in vac, attached 2 car garage, privacy fenced backyard with patio and more.

MLS#154507 $519,000 Newly built 1705 sq ft 3 BR, 2.5 BA luxury homes with open concept designs, 10 ft ceilings, white acrylic kitchen, quartz countertops, top of the line stainless steel kitchen appliances, gas f/p and much more.

MLS#153370 $539,000 Beautiful 4 BR 3 BA custom-built home on large lot (.31 acre) with a 3-bay garage (wired) and lots of room for all your toys and RV. Solid hardwood floors, large windows, central vac, central a/c, and more!

1741 Sunflower Avenue

1925 2nd Avenue

2102 Blair Street

2748 Sunshine Valley Road

6557 Monck Park Road

MLS# 154294 $639,900 Beautiful new custom-built basement entry, 2 level home w/many extras for you & your family. This home features 4 bedrooms (possible 5), master w/walk-in closet plus 2 full additional bathrooms. And much more!

MLS#154542 $689,000 Riverfront oasis in the city! 3 bed 3 bath home located on a beautiful 30,000 sq ft park-like lot. Go on a virtual 3D tour and see this fantastic listing with all the amazing features including the stunning master bath.

MLS#153982 $750,000 3 Bay Shop for sale in prime downtown location. 0.4 acre corner lot consisting of 3 titles, highway accessible.

3 Bay shop is 3,164 square feet in size on city water and sewer. C-3 zoning.

MLS#153773 $825,000 14-acre dream property with numerous outbuildings and animal shelters. Immaculate and bright, 4 BR plus an office, country kitchen, spacious dining room, and so much mor

MLS#153296 $1,100,000 Indulge yourself with 3800 sqft of high end living as you enjoy a panoramic view of Nicola Lake. 3 BR 4 BA home with dream kitchen and countless features, plus a full RV pad, 2-car garage, and lake-view hot tub.

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 3

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

INSIDE

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

WORLD JUNIORS

Tkac shining for Team Slovakia at Worlds Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD

The Cents’ own Daniel Tkac provided the late winner for Team Slovakia on Dec. 27, the opening day of the IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Slovakians narrowly avoided an early upset thanks to the quick hands of Tkac, who scored the winning goal with just 2:56 left on the clock to put the Slovaks up 2 - 1. An empty-netter fol-

lowed for a two-goal victory.

Tkac found the back of the net after a smart play from right outside the crease.

Born in Pittsburgh to Slovakian parents, he also added an assist in the winning effort.

With the crossover scheduling format of the tournament, the earliest possibility Tkac and Team Slovakia would have to take on Team Canada will be in the Jan. 2 quarterfinal round.

Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports -------------------------12 Classifieds -------------------14

Online

this week merrittherald.com Daniel Tkac scored the game winner for Slovakia in his World Juniors debut. Garrett James/Submitted

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Herald’s top stories of 2019 PUPPY RESCUE With 2019 in the rearview mirror, the Herald looks back at some of the biggest movers and shakers in the Merritt community over the past twelve months.

Search ‘PUPPIES’

JANUARY 11

Murray United Church lost to arson The 143-year-old Murray United Church burned to the ground on Jan. 11.

With files from Dara Hill THE MERRITT HERALD

The case is yet to be closed in the event of four cases of arson attempts at churches in the Nicola Valley in January.

Fire sparked inside Crossroads Community Church after midnight on Jan. 11. Police and the Merritt fire department responded alongside Crossroads board member Don Loewen after the building’s alarm

Seventeen puppies and two adult dogs were surrendered to the BC SPCA after living in squalid conditions at an interior property.

went off.

While the police and fire departments were attending to the fire at Crossroads Community Church, a second call came in for the Murray United Church, just northeast of Merritt on Highway 5A. Firefighters were unable to save the church in time and the building burned to the ground.

Originally built in 1876, the Murray Church stood among the pioneer buildings of the original village of Nicola.

Surrounded by a small cemetery, the quaint church had all the 19th century fixings — a pulpit at the front, pews waiting to be filled,

Crime Stoppers 24/7 Tip Line

1-800-222-8477

paintings on the wall and stained glass windows at the back.

The historical landmark had just received a facelift last year, after the Trinity United Church — which is responsible for Murray Church — received a grant to refurbish the site, one of the oldest buildings in the Murray United Church was reduced to ash as of morning on Jan. 11. Cole valley.

Wagner and Dara Hill/Herald Regular services at the arrest has led to a new Two churches in church ceased in 1957, trial date set for the Shulus were also vandalbut people continued to summer of 2020. ized on Jan. 11. gather for worship on Details of the allega37-year old August special occasions such as tions against Caprian David Caprian was Easter Sunday. For the are protected under a past four years, members taken into custody on court-ordered publicasuspicions of the arson have congregated at the tion ban, though court six days later.

He was little white church for documents show he released on bail shortly Christmas mass, this year was charged with three after. the final gathering at the A string of court historical church.

See ‘FIRE’ Page 5 appearances since the

TOWN SURVEY WorkBC is giving Merritonians the opportunity to be heard by offering a Thriving Communities Labour Market Study.

Search ‘WORKBC’

YEAR-END TAPE Fraser-Nicola Valley MLA Jackie Tegart has released her first-ever year-end video to the community.

Search ‘TEGART’

Creating Partnerships Against Crime SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Everyone can play a role in helping to improve safety and reduce crime in our community If you can speak up but want to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers If your tip leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a financial reward.

Follow us on Facebook for more information

4 • THURSDAY, January 2, 2020

www.merrittherald.com

Fitness Programs E DE UIID GU Y G TY VIIT TIIV CT AC A

itt r r e M

To prevent program

n 2018 r 2020 Autum Winte

cancellations, please e. register in advanc

The Winter Activity Guide is available for pickup at all City of Merritt Facilities or online at www.merritt.ca

1

50 nt r e 2 5 0 . 315 .10 M e rri t t C ivi c C e

Facilities of Recreation & by the Department Brought to you

Lunch Time Yoga . 14+ yrs Monday/Wednesday/Friday . January – March 12:15 - 1:00 pm . $5 drop in What a great way to get a quick boost to make it thru the long afternoon! (no class on stat holidays) Instructed by Trish Davey Vinyasa Yoga . 14+ yrs Mondays, January 6 – March 2 . 8 wks 5:30 – 6:30 pm . $72 Vinyasa is a creative, flowing yoga experience. Based on the Sun Salutation, we move and stretch the whole body, while exploring the integration of mind, body and spirit. Suitable for all fitness levels. (no class Feb 17) Minimum 6!

Instructed by Trish Davey Yin Yoga . 14+ yrs Mondays, January 6 – March 2 . 8 wks 7:00 – 8:00 pm . $72 Physically and mentally, Yin Yoga is a completely different system of yoga. Practiced mostly seated, we hold the poses for 3 to 8 minutes. Targeting the hard tissue of body, rather than the muscles, we can greatly increase flexibility and mobility, improving the health of the connective tissue. As we hold the poses, the body becomes uncomfortable and the mind wanders. As we learn to manage this stress on our mats, we can strengthen our ability to manage our daily stresses. (no class Feb 17). Minimum 6!

Instructed by Trish Davey

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOW ACCEPTING BUSINESSAPPLICATIONS LICENSE RENEWAL

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Are you between the age of 14-24 living in the Nicola Valley?

Are you seeking leadership experience?

The City of Merritt Youth Advisory Committee is seeking seven youth members for a new opportunity to be involved in the community.

Receive a 10% discount when you apply for a business license renewal before Jan 3��, 4:30pm.

The City of Merritt Youth Advisory Committee members will: · Keep Council informed about important matters affecting youth; · Act as a positive advocate for youth and youth initiatives; · Proactively consider policies, strategies, and proposals which the Deadline to apply: Committee believes could improve the lives of youth in Merritt; until positions · Actively seek input from youth on important matters and matters are filled delegated to the Committee by Council; Fill out your application at www.merritt.ca or pick it up at CityHall.

RECEIVE A

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL ATTENTION EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT BUSINESS OWNERS ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS! 10% DISCOUNT

Receive a 10% discount when you Receive a 10% discount apply for a business license renewal before Jan 3��, when 4:30pm.you apply for a

ONYOUR BUSINESS LICENSE business license renewal

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS!

before Jan. 3rd, 4:30 pm.

RECEIVE A

10% DISCOUNT

ON YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE

Flow Yoga . 14+ yrs Wednesdays, January 16 – March 5 . 8 wks 5:30 – 6:30 pm . $72 A fluid moving yoga class designed to increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility. Enjoy the benefits of yoga and a great workout while creating a better relationship with your body and your mind! (no class Oct. 16) Minimum 6!

Instructed by Trish Davey

Full Body Fitness Tuesdays, January 14 – March 3 . 8 wks 6:15 – 7:00 am . $40 A Cardio and strength class that explores various disciplines to keep your body constantly adapting to new demands for optimal fitness growth. Class is levelled, beginners welcome.

Minimum 6!

Instructed by Krista Minar Dance Fit . 14+ yrs Wednesdays, January 15 – March 4 . 10 wks 6:45 – 7:45 pm . $72 Bust a move, shake your tail-feathers and drop it like it’s hot!

1 hour of heart-pumping, foot-popping tunes from the last century; there is plenty of room to bring in your own flavor, let loose and really enjoy movement as your body allows.

Beginners welcome! Minimum 10!

Instructed by Krista Minar Abs & Arms . 14+ yrs Thursdays, January 16 – March 5 . 7 wks 6:15 – 7:00 am . $40 Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony combined with upper body strengthening. This leads to better balance and stability.

In fact, most sports and other physical activities depend on stable core muscles. Minimum 6!

Instructed by Krista Minar Meditation Wednesdays January 15, February 19 & March 18 6:45 – 7:45 pm . FREE Explore a new chapter with Ros from the Library! She’s bringing her meditation to the Civic Center, so take some time to relax, look inward, and learn simple ways to meditate.

In partnership with the Thompson Nicola Regional Library Instructed by Ros Duclos

Snow Angel Program

16 w w w. m e rri t t .c a

Older than 16?

Care to help out?

W in t e r • 2 0 2 0

Become a snow angel!

We have received many requests from elderly and/or people with disability who struggle to clear their driveway during the snow season.

Make a difference in your community and become a snow angel.

All Snow Angel volunteers will be entered in to a draw to win one of two gi� baskets worth approximately $250 each and will be invited to a City of Merri� Volunteer Apprecia�on event to be held in 2020.

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 5

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

How’s your hearing?

Ask an Audiologist.

JANUARY 28

MISSING: The case of Ben Tyner The 32-year old cowboy went missing Jan. 28.

With files from Dara Hill THE MERRITT HERALD

After seven days combing the backcountry for Ben Tyner, Merritt RCMP and search and rescue crews called off the search for the missing rancher.

Despite frigid temperatures over the weekend of Feb. 1, rescue teams scoured the area surrounding where Tyner’s horse was found on Jan. 28.

But Const. Tracy Dunsmore said no new evidence was uncovered.

“We have searched some of the largest priority areas and without coming up with anything else to put us in another direction or another area it is really just wasting resources at that point,” she said.

Plummeting temperatures and snow on Sunday hindered search efforts somewhat, Dunsmore said, but volunteers continued to search drainage areas and steep terrain with no results.

“Those were some of the last tasks that they were assigned,” she said, noting 130 searchers were hard at work on Saturday and 70 on Sunday. “We did grid searching, we did perimeter searching,

we had dogs, we had trackers. Some of the drainage and gullies are areas that are also high priority so we wanted to make sure we cover those.”

Tyner’s parents and younger brother Jack flew in from Wyoming to aid in the search efforts.

“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts are shattered and our lives have been thrown into turmoil,” Tyner’s mother Jennifer said of her son’s disappearance.

“To think that I will never again see his smile, or hear his infectious laugh, never see him realize his dreams, never have him wrap his arms around me again, is unthinkable.”

Tyner’s brother Jack also spoke to the media.

“I have difficulty finding the words to express the sadness and loss that our family is feeling. When I look at what Ben accomplished during his short time here I am blown away. He touched so many lives on his way to accomplishing his dreams.”

RCMP had not yet deemed Tyner’s disappearance suspicious.

“So we want to make sure we collect any evidence in case it does go in another direction. We will always investigate, take statements, collect

evidence and such,” Dunsmore said. “It’s certainly a mystery.”

The large-scale operation to find Tyner included more than a dozen search and rescue teams, horseback riders, helicopters, police dogs, drones and community volunteers.

Since then, a number of searches have continued to be made for Tyner’s whereabouts. The case was officially deemed by the RCMP to be suspicious in mid-March.

“Sometimes at the onset of an investigation, there are pieces that don’t quite fit and while there is nothing definite, they warrant further investigation,” said B.C. RCMP media relations officer Sgt. Janelle Shoihet in a news release at the time.

“Now, having had the opportunity to review all the pieces, we believe that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tyner’s disappearance may involve criminality.”

The search was back on in early April, when police spent three days scouring Nicola Ranch, finishing on April 10.

Tyner managed the ranch, having moved from Wyoming to British Columbia for the job.

Fire at historic church From Page 3

counts of arson, along with a count of break and enter with the intent to commit and offence.

A memorial service was held in April by Rev. Elaine Diggle, who fell in love with the “little white church” when she first

came to Merritt as a minister.

While plans to rebuild the historic monument sat at a basic standstill for ten months, it was in late November that the group overseeing the fundraising, received notice of an anony-

mous donation of $50,000.

So far about $105,000 has been raised by the enormous donation as well as a GoFundMe campaign, along with other donations at random.

Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

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

Call Monday - Friday

315-9688

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

Ben Tyner went missing from Merritt on Jan. 28 of 2019, when his horse was found on a logging road off Highway 97 near Winnie Flats. A massive search effort has been made to find the 32-year old cowboy, to no avail.

File photo/Herald

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

4th Meridian Art & Vintage Mid-Century Modern

f u r n i t u re & m o re

WE BUY: ART & ESTATES.

We can visit you in the Kamloops/Merritt region.

Inquiries or for an appointment:

original

ART

Leanne 1-250-488-0850 • René 1-250-462-4969

info@4thmeridian.ca

Coming to Penticton?

Visit our shop in the Cannery Trade Centre

#104 - 1475 Fairview Road, Penticton Tuesday - Friday 11 - 4 Saturdays 12 - 3 Visit our web site for access to our

Vintage collectibles & antiques

Etsy Shop & Online Art Auctions

@4th.meridian.vintage @4th.meridian.auctions

www.4thmeridian.ca

Merritt Minor Hockey Association Between the ages of 5-11 and want to try hockey? Register today!

Equipment sizing is January 17th 2019, at MSS. Ice sessions will start once gear arrives!

6 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL

Take time with New Year goals “New Year, new me” - is that not one of the most tiredout sayings Jake Courtepatte we’ve got going?

EDITOR It’s a veritable phrase we see constantly spammed on social media during the holiday season - though sometimes it seems like an empty promise, and that is perhaps because we are thinking too big.

One does not need to make massive life changes just because the calendar switched over from December to January. Instead, it’s important to start small - spend time with your family, reconnect with old friends, go for a run every once in a while.

From those starting points come the loftier life goals. It’s important to make a base for yourself to live a healthier lifestyle, and those basics are the goals that are realistic right from January 1.

I’m certainly no expert on the theory. I spent years trying to live a bigcity life in a tiny condo, all because I thought those were the goals that the assembly line process was supposed to have you constantly moving towards, no matter how happy or sad you are about the situation.

So this New Year, create your own goals, but not the ones others want you to make - start small, and find out what your own goals are that will make you happy.

As this is the country music capital of Canada, I find it apt to include in this New Year’s editorial one of my favourite lyrics from country music star Kenny Chesney, and words that I like to live by: Get along while we can Always give love the upper hand Paint a wall, learn to dance Call your mom, buy a boat Drink a beer, sing a song Make a friend, can’t we all get along.

Malta: dismantling the Mafia State It’s two years since Daphne Caruana Galizia, the best investigative journalist in Malta, was killed by a car bomb. She had been using the huge leaks of financial GWYNNE DYER data in the ‘Panama The international Papers’ to track STAGE down suspicious dealings by members of the Maltese government, and she was getting too close for comfort.

At first the assassins planned to shoot her at her home, through a window where she often sat while working at her laptop, but in the end they decided on a car bomb.

They bought it from Maltese gangsters (who probably got it from the Italian mafia), and planted it under the driver’s seat of her car.

They triggered it remotely as soon as she got in, and there wasn’t much left.

The actual killers were arrested in December 2017, but they did not reveal who ordered the hit. Fast forward two years, and a spaniel called Peter, a police sniffer dog at Malta’s Luqa airport, raises the alarm. He

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

has smelled something different in the bags of a passenger bound for Istanbul. When they are opened, they turn out to contain 233,000 euros (US$ 260,000) in cash.

That’s twenty times the maximum amount you can take across a border without declaring it, so the cash is confiscated. The police then trace it to Melvin Theuma, part-time taxi-driver, full-time operator of a numbers racket, and fixer to the rich and the low-lifes alike. When they search his home, they find more than 2 million euros in cash.

Theuma is arrested on the following day, 14 November, by the Malta police’s economic crimes unit – and he starts singing like a canary. He was the middleman in setting up the contract killing of Caruana Galizia in 2017, he says, and he will name names in return for an amnesty on all charges against him and ‘protection’.

He got the amnesty, but ‘protection’ from whom? The moment he was arrested, Theuma asked for lawyers – and the two lawyers he requested were both members of parliament for the opposition Nationalist Party who have been accusing the incumbent Labour government of corruption. Both refused to represent Theuma, but he clearly knew that he was going to need help at the

Sales Associate Michele Siddall sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

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

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@ merrittherald.com

political level.

Next thing you know, Malta’s richest man, Yorgen Fenech, leaves the island on his yacht after he is tipped off that Theuma has identified him as the man who paid to have Caruana Galizia killed. He is arrested at sea and brought back to Malta, and he starts to sing too.

Fenech has large property and gambling interests in Malta, and he has friends in high places. His tip-off came from Keith Schembri, the chief of staff to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who Fenech now claims was the real mastermind of the Caruana Galizia murder. In return for a pardon, Fenech will tell all he knows – but Muscat’s cabinet refuses to make that deal.

Curious.

Schembri resigns and is briefly arrested, but he is soon released without charge.

Fenech says “If I go down, Schembri goes with me.” Prime Minister Muscat announces that he will step down , but only after the investigation is completed. Hmm. It’s a great plot for a crime novel, but why should we be interested?

See ‘CORRUPTION’ Page 7

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

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

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

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

OPINION Corruption, violence frequent in Malta’s state institutions From Page 6 Malta was once strategically important because it sits in the choke-point between the Eastern and the Western Mediterranean, south of Sicily and north of Libya, but that doesn’t matter much in a globalised world. It’s a financial hidey-hole for ‘high-net-worth individuals’, and the diving is good, but really, what’s the point of all this?

The Maltese live in a part of the world where corruption, frequently accompanied by violence, is the norm, and where even governments are often controlled by the crooks. You can certainly see echoes of that tradition in the current events in Malta, but in fact, Malta’s state institutions

are mostly working as they should to clean up the mess – and the credit for that goes to the European Union.

The EU, despite the delusions of Britain’s Brexiters, is not mainly an economic organisation. It was created in the 1950s, after two devastating world wars that began in Europe, to prevent any return to that catastrophic past.

Economic integration is part of the strategy, but the bigger part is that the EU protects and promotes democracy and the rule of law in all its members.

That’s why the nascent ‘mafia state’ in Malta is being exposed and dismantled. The EU has no legal power to give orders to the Maltese gov-

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

ernment, but EU membership is so important to Malta economically, strategically and even culturally that an expression of strong disapproval by Brussels has almost the force of law in Valetta.

An EU parliamentary delegation visited Malta early this month, and said that Joseph Muscat’s reasons for postponing his resignation until midJanuary are “not convincing”. He’s still toughing it out, but he WILL have to resign from the prime ministership next month, and the various suspects WILL get fair trials in due course. And justice will probably be served in the end.

?

THE HERALD WANTS TO KNOW To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Will Harry Lali succeed in his bid for the B.C. NDP leadership?

TRAVIS: Make the changes you want to see in the Year 2020

Dermod Travis INTEGRITY BC

This time last year, I was hoping 2019 would have a lot less 2018 in it. Didn't quite work out so well.

But not to despair, we can still hope and set some resolutions for 2020.

These first ones are for all of us. Social media seems to bring out the worst in people (including me). It's too easy to flip someone off online.

So, time to assign lines.

Write the following 100 times on your Facebook wall on January 1: I will make a conscious effort to improve my online etiquette in 2020. Copy and paste is not allowed.

A few of you need to stop working yourself up into such a lather over every tweet from Global B.C.'s Keith Baldrey. It's not good for your health.

Four out of five doctors recommend that you keep it to one or two of his tweets out of 10 per day next year.

While we're on the subject, stop calling female politicians – any female for that matter – words you would never allow someone to call your daughter.

If you're a page administrator on Facebook or Twitter, resolve to use hide and mute first, over ban and block.

Want to change a government policy? This resolution is for the Insurance Bureau of Canada and all those groups that try.

Commit yourself to putting forward the warts and all with your alternative. When you paint a nirvana, it had better check out. If it doesn't, you're sunk.

Also? Doesn't look good when your head of communications tweets “get a life” to one of your critics (see above on social media). Although some of you may agree with his sentiment when you learn I was that critic.

For B.C.'s MLAs, all 87 of you: If a constituent or a resident of B.C. takes the time to write you, have the decency to reply.

Consider this illustration from the federal level.

Richard Lee – the former B.C. Liberal MLA for Burnaby and former 2019 federal Liberal candidate in the Burnaby South byelection – didn't get a response to his Jan. 1, 2019 letter to the Prime Minister until Global News's Sam Cooper delivered a gentle nudge, nearly a year later.

Trudeau’s office then emailed Lee “to acknowledge receipt of (his) correspondence.” Nice of them. And for a former candidate to boot.

For the leader of the official opposition, Andrew Wilkinson: resolve to stop leading with your chin in 2020.

If you broke it (BC Hydro, ICBC, the B.C. Lottery Corporation, etc.), you can't blame the other guys for it or have much to say about how they're trying to clean it up unless it's constructive.

Instead champion issues like Mary Polak's private member's bill “to require companies to pay contractors within 28 days of receiving an invoice, and contractors to pay subcontractors seven days thereafter” or approaches to addressing Vancouver's absurd business property tax rates where “assessments are based on the development potential of a zoned lot, not the building in its current form.”

‘‘

‘Write the following 100 times on your Facebook wall January 1: I will make a conscious effort to improve my online etiquette in 2020.’

HARD ICE-CREAM, FRESH SALADS, COLD SANDWICHES AVAILABLE! BUTTER CHICKEN • SAMOSAS • FRESH FISH & CHIPS

Two week SPECIAL EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Starting January 2 - 15, 2020 Hours: Mon. to Thurs.: 10am - 6pm, Fri.: 10am - 7pm, Sat.: 11am - 5pm

2052 Quilchena Ave.

250-378-6292

Cheeseburger

3pc Chicken Strips

with fries and a can of pop

with fries and can of pop

Only.....

Only.....

9

99 + tax

PREVIOUS QUESTION

The Liberals may be the opposition for part of one term, a full term or more, but you still have a job to do. Do it well.

For Premier John Horgan, your resolution is simple: find a fix to the forestry crisis in 2020 or you could find yourself singing “I'm a Lumberjack” sooner than you might like.

For those who observe the comings and goings at the legislative precinct: get out of your cocoon more often than you have in the past.

There are real taxpayers out there who don't care about the inter-personal machinations of the legislature.

They don't stay at five-star hotels, they don't get to give themselves a $258,000 retirement allowance or claim for meals they never paid for, they just get left with the tab.

In the same neighbourhood of governance issues, there's something about politicians, senior government officials and expense accounts.

Just because there's no law, policy or rule is not an excuse.

In Ontario, the Office of the Integrity Commissioner “reviews the travel, meal and hospitality expenses for cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants, leaders of the Opposition and their staff, senior executives, appointees and the top five employee expense claimants at selected agencies, boards and commissions.”

So here's a resolution for the Legislative Assembly and the government: adopt Ontario's model for approving expenses.

Give oversight and approval to someone whose hands are far removed from your cookie jar of temptations.

Here's hoping that along the way in 2020, we experience more moments of joy than not. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Until then, Happy New Year.

9

99 + tax

Do you agree with the recall efforts against B.C. Liberal MLAS? YES: 67% NO: 33%

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.

Clubhouse Sandwich with fries and a can of pop

Only.....

9

99 + tax

8 • THURSDAY, January 2, 2020, 2019

www.merrittherald.com

CENTURY 21 Moving Real Estate

®

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

250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100

Don Gossoo, Managing Broker

Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392

BC LTD.

www.century21.ca/movingrealestate

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

Karen Yakimchuk 315-3076

Brad Yakimchuk

Jared Thomas 778-694-6804

Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554

Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

2985 CLAPPERTON AVE.

1476 DUNCAN ST

3011 HILTON DR

#101, 2514 SPRING BANK AVE

1618 FIR ROAD

2651 COUTLEE ST

6965 OLD NICOLA TRAIL

396 WILD ROSE DR

6953 OLD NICOLA TRAIL

MERRITT DRY CLEANING

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.

Affordable 3 bedroom half duplex in good area, close to school. Has newer flooring on the main. Fenced yard with new deck in back yard. Has upgraded windows & new paint. Includes appliances.

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.

Great 4 bedrm, 3 bath rancher with full walkout basement in Nicola Bluffs strata development. 9 ft ceilings on the main, bright kitchen, open concept great room & dining room. Views from the deck.

2 yr old custom rancher with vaulted ceilings, open concept kitchen/nook & great room. Fully fin. basement with large family room & storage. Fenced back yard with garden area & shed. Quick possession.

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.

Waterfront lot of 0.83 acres on Nicola Lake at Quilchena on the Lake development.

Build your dream home in this exclusive neighbourhood. Lake is great for all outdoor water & rec. activities

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.

This 1.6 acres waterfront lot on Nicola Lake in Quilchena on the Lake development, is just 2.5 hrs from Lower Mainland and 15 minutes from Merritt. Great fishing & outdoor water recreation activities. Water & sewer not connected.

Well maintained & established business, a turnkey operation. 3200 sq.ft. building, good parking, comes with all equipment. Numerous building & equipment upgrades. Room for growth

#3140

#3143

#3132

#3152

#3130

#3046

#3142

$479,000

#3150

$209,900

#3155

$399,900

#3139

$419,900

$549,900

$449,900

#107, 1401 NICOLA AVE.

1653 LINDLEY CREEK RD

1602 POPE PLACE

1838 DOUGLAS STREET

471 WOODWARD AVE

2175 MAMETTE AVE

Two bedroom mobile in Eldorado Mobile Home Park overlooking golf course and is a riverfront property.

Very good condition, new hot water tank and new roof to be installed. Has an attached workshop & covered deck. Pad rent $403 per month

The perfect lot to build your dream home. This lot is in a growing new subdivision & the natural slope of the land will allow for a rancher style home in the front with a walkout basement.

Great views

Location! Location! This newer 2 bedroom house has an open concept that’s great for first time buyers, retirees or investors. Master bedrm has large 5 pce ensuite. Yard is fenced with underground sprinklers.

This 3 bedrm, 1.5 bath end unit home is a must see. Has many updates including siding, roof, windows & doors. Large finished rec.rm in bsmt. Fresh paint throughout. Has large fully fenced yard with fruit trees and private deck

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.

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.

#3154

#3144

#3126

#3156

#3133

$75,000

#3138

$64,999

$335,000

2770 PEREGRINE WAY

2760 PEREGRINE WAY

2749 PEREGRINE WAY

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.

#3118

#3117

#3116

$739,9000 + GST

$739,900

$639,900+ GST

$219,500

Call us for a Market Evaluation on your home.

$475,000

#7, 1401 NICOLA AVE.

1992 two bedroom mobile with 24 x 12 addition.

Addition contains mudroom and an enclosed deck. Has carport, small garden area and storage shed plus area enclosed for pet. Pad rent $404 per month.

#3135

$87,900

BUYING IN THE WINTER CAN BE A SMART MOVE!

$375,000

$415,000

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

$139,900

Check out our website for full details on our listings.

$409,900

$499,000

6433 MONCK PARK RD

1898 BLAIR ST

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

#3069

#3137

$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

$450,000

$000,000

$1,650,000.

LOT A, MIDDAY VALLEY RD

1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

6685 MONCK PARK RD

LOT 1, HOUSTON ST

1132 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.

Great 1 acre lakeview lot with stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake. The perfect place to build your country retreat, in neighbourhood of high end custom homes.

Enjoy fishing, swimming & boating

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.

#2957

#2958

#2971

#2959

#3080

There are fewer Buyers to compete with, usually prices are lower than during peak season, and it allows you to see how the home will hold up to the weather. If you’re thinking of buying, give us a call. We can help you find the home to fit your family!

Grandview Heights

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.

$1,584,000

$750,000

$162,900

$230,000

$2,000,000

Happy New Year!!

We look forward to serving you in

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.

#3145

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

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS SEPTEMBER 25

Trucking convoy rolls through Merritt Shulus garden awarded $26,000

Onlookers wave at the trucking convoy that passed through Merritt on its way to Vancouver in September. Dara Hill/Herald

A trucking convoy, estimated to be 14-kilometres long, came through Merritt on its way to Vancouver.

With files from Dara Hill THE MERRITT HERALD

The Coquihalla Highway in Merritt was rumbling with excitement on the morning of Sept. 25.

Some 200 logging trucks gathered before taking off in protest

convoy to demand action on B.C.’s struggling forestry sector.

Truckers from communities in northern B.C. departed in the early hours, and picked up their fellow drivers in Merritt.

The group’s final destination was Vancouver, where ministers and municipal governments — including Merritt’s — gathered for the Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM).

Forestry issues affecting the Nicola Valley

are top of mind for Merritt’s Mayor, city council and staff who have numerous meetings with minister planned.

The city’s strategic priorities, identified this summer, will be top of mind.

The group will be “looking at Merritt’s community forest opportunities and the timber supply staying in the Nicola Valley,” said Will George, the city’s manager of economic development, tourism and communication.

“It is very important to council and we want to stress this with the ministry.”

The convoy rolled into downtown Vancouver around 4p.m. the same day, rolling down Hastings Street into the core, as onlookers watched the close to 14-kilometre spectacle.

Most of the hundreds of those gathered were in favour of the convoy’s goals, cheering and waving signs, some reading “foresty feeds my family.”

AUGUST 20

Shulus Garden Club member Howie Swakum, Trevor Kempthorne, development manager with Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations, Shulus Garden Club members Kay Swakum and George James, Shulus Garden manager Lorna Shuter accept a cheque from Peavey Mart district manager Mike Bruch. Photo contributed

A $26,000 grant helped out the Shulus Garden this year.

The grant was awarded in February to the community garden through the Peavey Mart Community Agricultural Grant program, which supports “innovative ideas that promote community strength and the importance of local food production.”

The grant supports a variety of programming at the community garden, including activities aimed at elders and children. The funding was also used to support a traditional medicine garden.

“The grant exists to nourish the entrepreneurial spirit with a focus on agriculture. We want to help launch good ideas, to give

community stakeholders a reason to come together, and ultimately help strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Peavey Industries president Doug Anderson in a press release.

The Western Canadianbased hardware and agricultural retailer has contributed more than $265,000 in grants since the program began in 2013, according to the company’s website.

The community garden program in Shulus was revived in 2012, after a ten year hiatus.

In 2013, the space expanded to include another garden in the shape of a traditional First Nations medicine wheel.

Pozzobon sculpture finds permanent home Ty Pozzobon’s legacy lives on in Merritt.

One year after Marina Cole unveiled her memorial sculpture of the late bull rider, Aug. 20 marked its final home in Central Park.

A champion bull rider who was remembered as much — if not more — for his jovial personality as his world-beating talent, Pozzobon was nearing the apex of his career when he took his own life in January of 2017.

The mission to erect the memorial sculpture in his honour was led by a committee of citizens who received support from the previous and

current city council.

In addition, countless individuals and groups came together to create a worthy home for the $25,000 work of art.

Matthew Gustafson designed the enclosure and built it along with Tayo Beers, Ray Blackman of R.W. Iron Works, Tom Neels of Home Hardware and A&D Property Maintenance. Rock Solid Industries installed the foundation, and building supplies were donated by Frank Etchart, Alpha Designs, the Gabara family, the Bertoia family, and the citizens of Merritt.

The enclosure has

“Friendly, professional service, from people who care.”

Marina Cole’s memorial sculpture of the late Merritt bull rider Ty Pozzobon.

Dara Hill/Herald

been designed to keep the memorial as safe and protected as possible while giving the

public the opportunity to take in the beauty of the work.

√ Pharmacy Service √ Medication Consults & Reviews √ Compliance Packaging √ Ostomy & Incontinence Supplies √ Home Health Care

Serving the community for over 50 years. √ Giftware & Souvenirs √ Travel Vaccinations √ Mobility Aids & Compression Therapy √ Asthma & Diabetic Supplies √ Lottery

FREE Delivery for Seniors & Those With Restricted Mobility

2037 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

250-378-2155

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS NOVEMBER 20

Trans Mountain woes

Do you want to be part of the

2020 LOCAL

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY ts

| Mileage Chart | Calendar of even

THE CONNECTOR Business Directory | City Maps

20 19 LO CA L TE LE PH ON E DI RE CT OR

Y

“We look forward to working with Trans Mountain to implement this agreement honourably and in good faith,” says Chief Harvey McLeod. Kinder Morgan/Submitted

The Upper Nicola Band reached an agreement with Trans Mountain regarding its pipeline expansion and has accordingly withdrawn its court appeal, the two parties recently announced in a joint November press release.

UNB Chief Harvey McLeod used the release as an opportunity to clarify the scope of his and the band’s agreement with the project, stating that the deal they struck was “the best deal possible under the circumstances” and that, “The

bottom line is that the Consultation process needs to change.”

“We look forward to working with Trans Mountain to implement this agreement honourably and in good faith,” he said.

With regards to UNB, Trans Mountain President and CEO Ian Anderson stated in the joint release that the company “deeply respects Upper Nicola Band and shares their vision of a strong and flourishing community.”

UNB’s withdrawal of its appeal leaves

Coldwater Indian Band as the only Nicola Valley First Nation with an outstanding appeal of the Trans Mountain expansion project.

Chief Lee Spahan travelled to Vancouver in December to challenge the project along with members of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Squamish Nation, and the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribes – a group of seven Stó:lō bands with territories near Chilliwack.

The battle remains ongoing.

“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”

Adopt a Pet

Please make an appointment to visit

Ph: 250-378-5223

email: aarsrescue@gmail.com View other future best friends @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

HITCH Pure bred American bull dog.

2 years of age.

Good with other dogs once introduced properly and walked with new friend first. Very playful and goofy, will always cheer you up! Neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He requires someone with knowledge of his breed, strong leader ship but light-hearted and understanding.

Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739.

This feature brought to you by...

LA – LOGAN LAKE CITY MAPS : MERRITT – LOWER NICO CES OFFI T MEN ERN FIRST NATIONS GOV NCY SERVICE NUMBERS NCES BRIDGE UTILITY SERVICE NUMBERS | EMERGE GLAS LAKE, LOWER NICOLA & SPE CHENA, DOU

QUIL SERVING: MERRITT, LOGAN LAKE,

Do you have a cell phone number you would like listed?

We get new listings from Telus every year, so if you’ve given us changes in the past and want to see them again this year, please give us a friendly reminder call with information again as we do not want to miss anything.

To provide us telephone changes call 250-378-4241 and ask for Ken. WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN THE DIRECTORY PLEASE GIVE MICHELE A CALL AT 250-378-4241

12 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

SPORTS

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

FEBRUARY 23

Cents finish top in Interior, though fall short in playoffs The Cents tied with the Vees for first in the Interior division, though fell in the first round of the BCHL playoffs to the Trail Smoke Eaters.

With files from Cole Wagner THE MERRITT HERALD

It was a series of ups and downs for the Merritt Centennials through February and March.

Riding a four-game winning streak into the final game of the regular season against the Vernon Vipers, on Feb. 23, another couple of points would spell a top spot in the BCHL’s Interior division, alongside the Penticton Vees.

A 4-3 win over the Vipers set off elation at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, where close to 1,500 fans had packed the stands. Playing hero was Mathieu Gosselin in overtime, who has

since taken his talents to the NCAA’s Clarkson University.

He was among four Centennials to finish the season among the top 20 BCHL scorers, alongside Brad Cocca, Nick Granowicz, and Nick Wicks.

Austin Roden, who has since similarly moved on to Division I’s University of Nebraska-Omaha, led the team into the opening round series with the Trail Smoke Eaters from between the pipes.

It was a crowd of 1,055 on March 1 when the Cents hosted game one of what could have been a total of seven, where the hometown team took an early series lead in a 4-2 vic-

tory.

Roden was spectacular in goal in making 29 stops on 31 shots, while it was forward Matthew Kopperud that earned the game’s first star in potting a pair of goals.

Yet just seven days later on March 8 the Cents found themselves fighting for their proverbial lives, having lost three games straight and at the brink of elimination.

The Cents fell behind early in the elimination game, as Trail’s Mack Byers scored his third of the playoffs at 9:47 of the first period.

Trail added to their Mathieu Gosselin bears down on Trail’s netminder Donovan Buskey on Feb. 16. The Cents prevailed by a score of 6-4, thanks to goals lead in the middle from Nick Granowicz (2), Nick Wicks, Matthew Kopperud, Brendan Schneider and Payton Matsui. Bill Stowell/Herald frame, as Owen Ozar found the back of the at 19:34, his tally givand five minutes later, came less than two to battle in the final net midway through the frame. Michael Van ing the Smoke Eaters’ Bryce Anderson put minutes later, tying the period. a 4-2 lead and ending the Smoke Eaters back game at two early in Unen scored to bring Despite being down too early what was the on top. the third. the Cents within one, two goals in an elimina- assisted by Nick Wicks best Cents season in With time ticking But the Cents tion game heading into and Mathieu Gosselin down on the Cents’ sea- decades. couldn’t capitalize the third period, the son, Braeden Tuck put on the energy of the on the power play.

Centennials continue the dagger in the game crowd in the NVMA, Brad Cocca’s tally

Wycotte wins bronze at Pan Am Games With files from Cole Wagner he came away with a THE MERRITT HERALD bronze medal-winning

One of Merritt’s top young martial artists was on the podium on Feb. 17 at a prestigious Pan Am competiton.

Ten-year old Kasey Wycotte took part in the Pan Am Kids International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championship, where

effort, his second time finishing third in as many years at the competition.

Though the competition was wrapped up in a single day, Wycotte’s trip down to California involved a two-week training camp at the worldrenowned Art of Jiu-

Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, Calif.

“There are a lot of kids who come from all over the world because that gym is so famous,” Kasey’s father Matt told the Herald at the time.

“So he met a lot of buddies from Japan and New Zealand — all over the place.”

Merritt Centennials

vs Friday, Jan. 3 - 7 pm WEST KELOWNA WARRIORS vs Friday, Jan. 10 - 7 pm TRAIL SMOKE EATERS

Kasey Wycotte (in black) stood on the podium at the Pan Kids IBJJF Championship Photo submitted

ICE BREAKER IS BACK Saturday Feb. 8th at the Civic Center Doors at 5pm, Dinner at 6:30

Guest Speaker: Former Canuck Enforcer GINO ODJICK Music & Karaoke with Bobby Garcia and The Coquihalla Coyotes.

FOR TICKETS DROP BY 2001C VOGHT ST, OR CALL JARED AT 250-378-3604

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

merrittherald.com

bcclassified.com

COMMUNITY BOARD

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Do you want to list your event? Let us know by emailing: publisher@merrittherald.com Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday prior to publication.

MERRITT DRUM CONNECTION

Please check out Merritt Drum Connection on Facebook for Tuesday evening dates for music circles and drum lessons.

For registration and to borrow a drum phone 250-318-0963 . We start 6:30 p.m. at NVCAC Courthouse. Drop ins welcome!

RED CROSS

The Red Cross Equipment Loan depot is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. untll Noon. Please bring a completed Referral Form from your health care provider to the hospital if you need medical equipment.

SHRINERS

Shriners meet every fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information call 250-3782004.

PENSION BREAKFAST

Conayt Friendship Society Pension Day breakfast will be held on every Pension Day from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at 2164 Quilchena Ave. Everyone is invited.

Elders eat at no charge.

For more information call 250-378-5107.

Volunteer servers and cooks are welcome.

OLD TIME FIDDLERS

The group is actively seeking new members, all instruments welcome but an interest in and appreciation of old-time country music is desirable. The group partakes in two major outings: the Harmon Lake camp-out along with the famous Old Time Fiddlers auction and Christmas party. The goal will be to have monthly music jam sessions. Call 250-2807385 for more info.

MASONS

Masons meet every 4th Monday of the month.

IMMIGRANT SERVICES NOW IN MERRITT

Born outside of Canada?

We can help! Kamloops Immigrant Services is a non-profit agency now offering services in Merritt. We assist all newcomers, including naturalized Canadian citizens, with a variety of services to help you get established in your community. All our services are free of charge for eligible clients. Contact us for additional information at 1-866-672-0855 or e-mail liza@kcris.ca / min@kcris.ca.

NAVY LEAGUE OF CANADA

Join the Navy League every Wednesday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. for our parade. We are located at 1755 Coldwater Ave. Jumpstart does cover the cost of our fees and no child is turned away due to finances. For more information call 250280-6944.

NICOLA VALLEY EXPLORERS

The Nicola Valley Explorers Society’s primary aims are to promote hiking cycling, snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing and other non-motorized trail use in the Nicola Valley. The group aims to assist in the development and maintenance of recreational trails. Membership is open to anyone interested in non-motorized outdoor recreation in the Nicola Valley. For more information please contact Terry at 250-3785190.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Hours are 1

p.m to ? Tuesday through Saturday . Come join us Saturdays for our meat draw. Guests always welcome and will be signed in by a member.

COURTHOUSE ARTS GALLERY

Join us Thursday to Saturday from 12 - 6 p.m. See our current art show or join us for our Friday workshops, different arts and artists, from tea and talk to mosaics, drawing, etc. For what’s new this week at the gallery and the Nicola Valley Arts Council check our website nicolavalleyartscouncil.com, or call 250-378-6515 or 250315-3437.

MERRITT PICKLEBALL CLUB

Play Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 11:30 a.m. at CMS gym., Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Merritt Civic Centre and Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the CMS gym. Come for fun and exercise, drop-ins welcome. Demo paddles and instruction available.

For more information, please contact Gary 250280-0105 or Ayton 250378-5691.

ALANON

meetings are held every Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the United Church hall, 1899 Quilchena Ave.

THE MERRITT CHAPTER OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF CANADA

Invites all persons interested in restoring and enjoying vintage vehicles to join us at our monthly meeting held at the Anglican Church Hall, 1990 Chapman Street, at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Vintage car ownership is not required. Call Ted Lund at 250-378-4195 for more information.

ELKS BINGO

Every Wednesday. Doors open at 11 a.m. and games start at 1 p.m.

DROP IN CENTER FOR ELDERS

The Conayt Friendship Society located at 1964 Quilchena Ave. has a drop-in center for Elders every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Snacks and light lunches are provided. Elders are welcome to assist in preparing menu and lunch.

A sign-in sheet is at the front office. Elders can provide suggested menus and lunch to reception at the attention of the executive director.

MERRITT ARMY CADETS, ages 12-18,

Tuesday from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. 1755 Coldwater Ave. Free. For more info please contact Tracy 250 378 4722.

MERRITT SENIOR CENTRE

Weekly schedule is as follows: Monday: seniors exercises 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., cribbage 1 & 7 p.m. Tuesday: bingo 1 p.m., doors open at 11:00 a.m., bridge 7 p.m., pool tables open.

Wednesday: floor curling 1 p.m., free swim at the pool 9 - 10 a.m., court whist 7 p.m. Thursday: Second and fourth Thursdays physically challenged floor curling, pool opens at 1 p.m.

Friday: seniors exercises 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., rummoli and games 7 p.m.

The second Friday of each month at 1:30 p.m. we have a general meeting, executive meeting at 10 a.m. Last Friday of the month: pot luck supper 5:30 p.m. The hall is available to senior members to use for teas, birthdays, celebrations and get togethers. The games room is complete with a pool table, snooker table, shuffleboard table, dart board, horseshoe pit, library with books, DVD’s and puzzles. For more infor please call 250-3783763.

Thurs. Jan. 2

Cloudy A mix ofw/Showers sun and cloud High 0˚C High: 9C Low: 6C Low: -4˚C

Fri. Jan. 3

Fri. Mar. 15

CloudyFlurries Periods High: 2˚C High: 10C Low: -1˚C Low: 4C

Sat. Jan. 4

Sat. Mar. 16

A mix of sunClouds and cloud Variable High: 3˚C High: 8C Low: 4C -1˚C Low:

Sun. Jan. 5

Sun. Mar. 17

A FewSnow Flurries Wet

High: 6C 1˚C High: Low: 2C Low: -7˚C

Mon. Jan. 6

Mon. Mar. 18

RED CROSS

Merritt Health Equipment Loan Program is looking for volunteers .. You will work with another volunteer who will train you in Red Cross procedures.. Please contact us at (250) 378-3269 or download a volunteer application from the Red cross website at https:// www.redcross.ca/volunteer/apply-now Anyone wanting to research their family trees may contact Al Thompson at 250-2129868. We will open the family history centre by appointment only.

LITERACY MERRITT

Literacy Merritt & Nicola Valley Society is looking for volunteer tutors for the One to One elementary school reading program. For more information email literacymerritt@gmail.com or phone 250-378-7844.

Tues. Jan. 7

On-site rentals

■

Secured

■

Sale of New and Used storage containers

HOSPICE

Merritt Hospice is calling for volunteers to support palliative care clients and their families and to support those who are grieving. Volunteers are also needed for administrative duties such a fund raising, community events and to serve as board members. Contact Jill Sanford at 250-3784577 for more info

TRY ALPHA!

FAMILY HISTORY

Tue. Mar. 19

Approved mini-storage

■

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

Crossroads Community Church is hosting the Alpha Series again on Sunday Nights (January 12 - March 29, 2020) from 6:00-8:30pm....

ALPHA is a place to explore the Christian faith with others. It is a series of sessions focussed on the questions of life, faith and meaning. Each session has food, a talk and a space to discuss and ask questions. FMI or to Register: www.merrittcrossroads.com/alphacourse

Scattered Showers Flurries SnowRain High -4˚C High: 7C Low: -1C Low: -7˚C

Are you interested in losing weight sensibly, then you may want to come to TOPS. We meet Tuesdays at the United Church Hall, 1899 Quilchena Ave. For information call 250-378-5225. Weighin from 7:45 until 8:45 a.m. with meetings from 9 - 9:30 a.m.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

AA meeting will be held every Monday at noon in the United Church, 1899 Quilchena Ave.

MERRRITT SENIORS CURLING

Meet Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 - 3 pm from October 16 until March. If you are 50 and over you are welcome to come join the fun. For more information call George at 250-3786779 or Dee at 250378-5821.

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. Jan. 8

Wed. Mar. 20

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • AVariable mix of sun Clouds and cloud High: -5 ˚C High: 6C Low: 0C Low: -9˚C

TOPS

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, - Thursday, Jan.14 2 -- Wednesday, 8, 2019 7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC BC - Thursday, March Wednesday,Jan. March 20, 2013 Thurs. Mar. 14

Contents are insurable

■

Light SnowBreaks Cloudy w/Sunny High: -4˚C High: 7C Low: 0C Low: -9˚C

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

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

14 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS 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 Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life for

MERVYN HARVIE

will be held at the Coldwater Hotel January 8th at 2:00 p.m. in the banquet room.

Mervyn passed away on Dec. 6th at the age of 82.

Announcements GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 95 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommunitynews.com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222

General Employment Obituaries

Obituaries

DIRKSEN STELLA ARABELLA Oct. 18, 1929 - Dec. 26, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Stella Dirksen, at the age of 90. Stella passed away peacefully at Gillis House, surrounded by her loving family. Stella was born on the Snake Plains Indian Reserve, Saskatchewan, to the late Thomas and Edith Fraser. She was one of nine children, and had many stories to share about growing up in a large family. She met her husband Geert (Jake), when he was a young carpenter building grain elevators in Saskatchewan. They later moved to BC, and their lives were complete with the addition of four children.

Stella will now be reunited with Jake, who passed away in 2001. She was also predeceased by her siblings Violet, Lucy, Albert, Thomas, Cathy, Sam and Billy. Stella is survived by her children Lucy (Mike), Tom (Carol), Delena (Art), and Andrew (Colleen), grandchildren Alicia, Derek, Neil, Alexander, Garnet, Stephen, Jonathan, and Satara, great grandchildren Kai, Naia, Brinley and Oliver, as well as her sister Erna (Gary), and many nieces and nephews.

Stella’s favorite season was Spring, and the family will hold a service in her honour in the Spring of 2020. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Gillis House, who cared for Stella during the last seven years. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC.

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY Every death creates a special pain unique to each survivor.

P: 250-280-4040

FUNERAL CHAPEL

A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

.

The Celebration of a Lifetime Begins Here REGULAR OFFICE HOURS Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m

www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

General Employment

Catch your next job in our employment section.

VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT

PRODUCTION WORKERS GOOD WAGES STEADY DAY SHIFT

STUDENTS WELCOME TO APPLY NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WILL TRAIN. Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C.

250-378-6161

part time/on call

HOUSEKEEPER Days, evenings and weekend shifts.

Apply in person to the front desk 3561 Voght St. No phone calls please

LOOKING FOR REGISTERED PHARMACY TECH OR PHARMACY ASSISTANT Black’s Pharmacy is looking for a part-time/full-time hard working customer service oriented team player.

Experience in Pharmacy beneficial, but not necessary.

Bring in resume to 2037 Quilchena Ave. to apply.

Interviews will be held Jan 2 & 3.

www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

MERRITT

On Call 24 Hours A Day

Wanted

General Employment

ATTENTION

INVENTORS! Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at inventing.davison.com/BC Free inventor’s guide! merittherald.com

LUMBER SHIPPER Aspen Planers is seeking a full-time Lumber Shipper for the Merritt office.

This position requires a self-motivated, analytical, team player that works independently and is able to multi task in a fast paced manufacturing environment. Excellent communications skills coupled with strong organizational, problem solving and computer skills are crucial to success in this position.

Duties include: Shipping lumber and co-coordinating trucks and rail to numerous yards and customers. Keeping accurate inventory at all yards. Preparing border documents, communicating with various rail lines.

If this describes you, please forward your resume in confidence to: shereesimon@apgroup.ca or fax to 250-315-4237

by January 15, 2020 We thank all applicants who express any interest; however only those selected for interview will be contacted.

To advertise in To advertise in Employment Employment call 604-630-3300 Call 250-378-4241

For Sale - Misc INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more.

Adam.s@integritybuilt.com 1-250-351-5374

Legal/Public Notices

Follow us

@MerrittHerald @KamThisWeek

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment Licensing loss?

Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver Record Purge File Destruction Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540. accesslegalmjf.com

Looking for a New Career Direction?

Discover a World of Possibilities in the Classifieds!

Call604.630.3300 250-378-4721totoAdvertise advertise Call

THURSDAY, January 2, 2020 • 15

www.merrittherald.com

Y o u r Local Business Directory ng ti a e H & g in b m lu P la o ic N $75 • 2 Hr - $95 PRICING: 1 Hr - $55 • 1.5 Hr -

Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..

sage sage • Deep Tissue Massage • Relaxing Oil Mas

Light Relaxing Mas

2064 Coutlee Ave • email:

auy.sirijungl@gmail.com • Ph:

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

250-315-7184

JOE & SONS CONCRETE LTD. Specializing in concrete forming, finishing, repair & coatings.

250-525-1555

PLUMBING & HEATING

JOEANDSONS.CA

CONCRETE

THAI MASSAGE

we do EVERYTHING CONCRETE • Home Foundations • Retaining Walls • Stamped Concrete • Pool Decks • Basements • Sidewalks • Patios • Stairs

• Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Crack Filling & Patching • Commercial Foundations • Saw Cutting • Jack Hammering • Grinding • Concrete Leak Repairs • Epoxy Garage Floors

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

PHONE: 250-378-4943

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

TREE SERVICE

MECHANIC

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE

JIM POTTER

MERRITT TREE SERVICE

OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY APPROVED MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE

• Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment

• Tune Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • Suspension • Lube/Oil •Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning Service

➤Schedule your FREE Estimate

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

Solutions for your tree problems!

250-378-1322

2026 Mamette Avenue

BUILDING SUPPLIES MERRITT LUMBER SALES 2152 DOU

DENTIST

GLAS ST., MERRITT, BC

CLEANING SERVICES

CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL

250-378-9410

NOW HIRING

CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING – FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES

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

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE HERE FOR YOU!

250-378-5382 • 250-314-4249

Lumber, Plywood, Fencing SPECIALS

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME

SCREWS, NAILS, ROOFING, INSULATION, JOIST HANGERS & much more

GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE Call

HOURS

250-378-4888

to book your appointment. Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9 9 am - 5 pm

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

LARGE LANDSCAPING BEAMS AVA ILABLE

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

R. Dutt-DMD Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS, Dr.

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

ADVERTISING K ZERS TAL 4 ORGANI PAGE

ON TOP

K ART WAL

com bcclassified.

JUNE TUESDAY,

11, 2013

FREE

PAPERS ITT NEWS • MERR

of the last the He was one Kamloops. finish line but when at to cross the had amassed backsaw crowd, whichline in Voght Park, e THE HERAL com MAS finish, everyon errittherald. the starting g to SAG the E PRO reporter@m to back GRA him headin e even went annual M SUC its fourth cheered. Oborn CESS PAGEons Butcher.

Merritt heldSunday and the event BOWLER ate in jog a bit withstarted running marath 5 Country Runof all ages particip runs.

S NATION Butcher 66 and said merrittheral at age inspiration for saw people and half-marathon parAL when he retired a big PAGE 25 CHAMPS wasd.com the 5K, 10Kthere were about 300 daughter Mary his er total, In organiz n [triathhim. said event the Ironma ticipants, “She’s done the way. [She] said, and led did,” Jorgensen. had 157 runners, I she so and run?’ ants. lon] The 5K don’t you d 100 particip ‘Dad, why r. the halfwell. the 10K attracte people ran said Butche came out to run as ars Thirty-three bcclas Familie sified.come and her eight-ye 5K marathon. Rotary Club of Merritt Helen AsseltinPaige finished the e e particiFormer er The Darch Oborn old daught r. Her husband Graem race. nt not preside THURSDAY half-marathon having race togethe -old son Isaac were , JUNE pated in the 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,” “This was period of it while doing it togethewith her do such a short race “You gotta our first time running the answered, young,” said about you’re young.to tomorrow, I’m daughter.

“Relative Herald. he told the relatively young runner Run’ Page 3 y r ‘Countr rathon See Anothe in the half-ma r from to take part -old Bruce Butche was 78-year The

PRIME ADVERTISING LOCATION!

el Potestio

By Micha D

Nicola Va lley’s

MERRIT T HERA LD News Vo ice

FALL FAIR CATALO GUE INS IDE

Since 19 05

FREE

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

Country the Merritt in the 5K at erald of runners leads a pack as Ontario. Ian Webster/H Calvin Little far away Seven-year-old of life and from as THE RACESnts from all walks OFF TO participa races attracted

Run on Sunday.

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 be , Attorney criminally an Heritag across Canada more than will hopefully soon was revoked who said she was found not than Harper and Canadi on the bill By it D for: people get better supports - Nicholson matter — statement says.

Clarke’s family, Moore THE HERAL d.com the transfer merrittheral nearby. law,” the addresses imbalresponsible ly in place; the commu Minister Jamesyears. They say the living newsroom@ request to five protecThe bill also surrounding are current Schoenborn’sfacility in Selkirk, for nearly bring victims’ rights rs of a womanby receives the legislation ed tric s will Family membe B.C. of people nity as a whole [s]; and the famiances in the not criminally responto a psychia were murder are ed by the with those time change deserve legal children ible. approv [it] 2008 no more balance found is in was get whose ry, but has tions into those lly respons finally in Merritt g that there Not the Man. Board in Februa s famitheir father in support of the lies of victims a statement released found not crimina its second readsible, includinnotify members of r Review out. Clarke’ 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.

Criminally

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 criminally hearings every three not crimina its third reading its third readhit the streets disorder for s children, IN bill basses HOMES for their grand the If hearings to Darcie Clarke’s family of mental URE ST G FEAT march down and Clarke’ LI arVoght Street IN years, which will correct an imbal- ders of his Kaitlynne, eight-ye say on Friday G NEW for commen LIST members current review system.

10-year-old IN cement. Full what is the d in EW ST story on page ance By LIMicha being propose 3, more photos el Potesti N “What is o THE in section It was Financ B. Emily Wessel/H NEW reporter@mHERAL D bth rancher errittherald 2 bed, 2 erald ial nice, Manag .com shop w/addier Pat SibilleaService•s Very detached Fort • 32x18 McMurray.water Merritlate ½ Duplex u’s , last tions t city The City trees, counci w/ fruit s including • Immacu “It’s of Merrit beforeupgrade l meeting• 51 acres a newmore! down two Kane she moves Valley Road and much t • Many ooring & paint. is She said it’s feature on ac manag ure; nothing adventM3957 to positioÁn quiet cul-de-s log home • siding, 1.6 acres ers •will against Merrit and will be a the job there in Alberta a new be 3 bedroomtank on in any way,” off -grid level,workin busy one. . M3954 g throug& •a 3staff • Located After two with a counci & Privacy, s to H/W said Sibillea t h “I’ll shortag “I had a • Seclusion • Upgrade City of Merrityears with the e for most u. time, be doing there, rewarding,” l is quite great run of the Merritt more! living M3953 -6184 summe from I think I’ve fullwhat here, t, Sibillea Sibilleau 9 kms is moving 250-378 r, Chief “Pat’s given more Admin u At the contrib said. of my desk I do off a corner • 20 acres, 1B8 • Fax: Creek and 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,” she said Noble saidOfficer administratio es of the na Ave., a round and she’s improvements Buffalo. unity in Wood applau after a regular counci of investe n There, she 1988 Quilche se when Sibilleau but an opport and counci d a lot time here,” the manag discuss l meeting will said her depart l, proud Tuesday. unity Noble said. of er of financi be on plannin up that I ure. Merrit ing of the goodshe is most Mayor “That said, couldn’t came al g for ship she’s relationSusan Roline t 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.” 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.”

REA

Mothe Emily Wessel

City facing staff shor tage

L ESTATE LISTING INSIDE S

Ph: 250-3

78-6181 1988 Quilche na Ave.

DanAlbas4COSN

2562B Main Street West Kelowna, BC V4T 2N5

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED!

LD T HERA MERRIT Runners convene for Merritt race

d.com merrittheral

@DanAlbas

UNDER DOWN PAGE 9

ce 1905 Voice Sin ley’s News Nicola Val

ES MEMORI D-DAY PAGE 3

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

Orange Ju

Made with

lius JUL IUS It’s Frothy

Real Fruit

& Low Fat

Yogurt

ORIGINALS

& Refreshi

ng

Blended for you atfresh DQ!

for summ er

S’more

the Merri

See ‘Remai

ning’ Page

er

S’more

s Royal Shake

S’mores Froze Hot Choco n late

S’more

2

s Blizzard Treat

Be sure to give us a call if you want to reserve your advertisement in this spot.

ASK FOR MICHELE OR THERESA • 250-378-4241 or email: sales2@merrittherald.com

16 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

January 2, 2020

City Furniture’s Annual

New Years Day

6 HOUR BLITZ

ONE DAY • ONE BIG EVENT • ONCE A YEAR st JANUARY 1 • 11 AM TO 5 PM All 201 and flo 9 Models or mo dels MUST G

O!

0N% CING

FINA

First 25

OAC

$100 Gcustomers get a IF toward T CARD or furn s mattress iture pu

*See sto

re for d

rchase

etails

STOREWIDE SAVINGS Up To

70% Off

Closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 to prepare for this huge event!

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

& Appliances Ltd.

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