Merritt Herald - March 11, 2014 by Merritt Herald

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MERRITT HERALD TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

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Council deliberates community grants By Emily Wessel THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

IT’S A BANNOCK DAY Judy Chillihitzia, a foster parent to Merritt Secondary School students, prepares bannock for lunch in the school’s home economics room on Thursday as part of activities for the We Stand Together campaign. Turn to page 3 for the full story. Michael Potestio/Herald

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The City of Merritt’s administration and council deliberated on 28 grant applications last Tuesday, tentatively approving 20 of them. Those 20 grants are a mixture of in-kind and financial contributions and add up to just under $34,000. The largest straight financial grants among them are two $3,000 grants, one for the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce and the other for the Merritt Mountain Biking Association. The grant to the chamber of commerce means the City of Merritt will be a gold-level sponsor of chamber activities, and will get its logo on chamber publications. The grant for the mountain biking group is for the Tom Lacey Legacy Trail, which the organization spearheaded. Council said the trail is a good tribute to Lacey, who spent years working to fireproof the community. Council also said the volunteer power the mountain biking group is using to rough the trail in is a cost-savings for council if the city were to take on the project. Council also approved about $3,100 in in-kind donations to the Merritt Country Christmas committee, which includes dropping barriers for the parade route, rental of the Civic Centre for the weekend, and cleanup. The value of all 28 applications came in at the $50,000 mark — far less than the $86,000 requested by 25 organizations in 2013. However, the $34,000 running total is not necessarily the final one. Council is awaiting more information from at least three applicants. Council deferred a decision on the MSS grad committee’s in-kind

request for rental of the Civic Centre for the graduation dance until council can figure out if the dance is something the city, the school district or a combination of the two should support. Similarly, a $7,000 request from the Tumbleweed Play School Society was put off until council can determine the school district’s responsibility for the preschool. The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council’s request for $7,000 for day-to-day operations was deferred until councillors can see how that group parlays a municipal grant into more funding from the provincial government. In deliberations, councillors also have the option of suggesting alternate grant amounts for applicants. A financial grant for the Merritt Helping Hands Society, which distributes harm reduction supplies in the community, was approved for $1,500 — half of what the group asked for. However, it’s above the $500 recommended by staff as the group’s financial statements also showed funding from Interior Health and Rotary. “We do have an obligation to be part of this,” Coun. Mike Goetz said at the meeting. “I think going from $3,000 to $500 is a little extreme.” Five of the requests were defeated, including a $10,000 application from the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Council cited a federal grant the organization received last year for a senior employee’s wages in its decision. The food bank’s request for $4,850 to purchase fresh food for hampers was also denied as that organization’s application showed a healthy bank balance, council said.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Local name makes Hall of Fame Steffens family recognized for ranching legacy THE HERALD

newsroom@merrittherald.com

A local man and his family will be recognized for their contributions to ranching at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival this weekend. Dr. Jim Steffens will accept the award on his family’s behalf at the festival. Steffens’ grandfather came to the Merritt area from Germany and began a homestead in 1904 with Steffens’ father and one of his uncles. “That fall, they built a cabin. Then he went back to Lytton — they lived at a store in Lytton — and that following year he brought the rest of his family in. Left the two boys for the winter. A lot of people are shocked because they were eight and 10 years old,” he said, noting it was a different era. The rest of the family came over to B.C. and between 1904 and 1930, the family acquired 4,000 deeded acres to add to their ranch. “They started out there, and my grandfather died in 1910 so it left a widow with 12 kids to raise. That’s

where it started,” Steffens said. Steffens’ father was one of the children who took on more responsibilities at the ranch. Steffens opened the first veterinarian practice in Merritt in 1959. He also established the first vet clinics in Princeton and Logan Lake. In those days, he spent plenty of time on the road travelling between his practices. “It was lots of work, lots of mileage,” he said. Having grown up on a ranch, working with animals made sense. “I was interested in medicine and it seemed a logical choice,” he said. In the early 1970s, Steffens bought the ranch outright. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, he downsized it and eventually sold his veterinary clinics. Today, he lives on the remaining acres of the family’s property with his wife. “Got too old to look after it anymore so I sold out and kept a little corner to put a shack on,” he said. Steffens said it’s nice for his family

to be acknowledged for their accomplishments. “They did a lot of good things for a lot of people over the years,” he said, noting the Steffens kept the ranch in the family for almost 100 years. The Steffens family will be inducted to the Hall of Fame by Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon. The B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame is located at the Museum of the Cariboo-Chilcotin in Williams Lake. The BC Cowboy Heritage Society will induct two others to the Hall of Fame at the Kamloops festival and another three at a Williams Lake ceremony. BC Cowboy Heritage Society president Mark McMillan said it’s part of the society’s mandate to promote and preserve cowboy heritage in B.C.

UPPER NICOLA BAND Candidates for Chief

ADVANCE POLL March 15, 2014: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Upper Nicola Health Centre

REGULAR ELECTION POLLS March 22, 2014: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Upper Nicola Health Centre & Band Office

BALLOT COUNT March 23, 2014: 9 a.m. N’Kwala School Gym

“That’s just a great way of doing it — to remember them and what they’ve done,” McMillan said. “These are the people who made our country, our province what it is.” While anyone can submit a nomination for an inductee to the Hall of Fame,

McMillan said inductees are finalized by a unanimous decision from a panel of judges. The panel includes a representative of the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, the BC Rodeo Association, the museum and an inductee. “There are tons of deserving people, but we try to be fairly picky,” McMillan said, quoting one panellist as saying it’s not a hall of average. The Kamloops Cowboy Festival runs from March 13 to 16, and features cowboy poetry, live music and a trade show.

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.

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)

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

NOTICE OF SCHEDULED POWER INTERRUPTION FOR LOGAN LAKE AND OUTLYING AREAS Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When: Sunday, March 23, 2014 Where: Logan Lake and outlying areas, including Lac La Jeune, Meadow Creek Road, Tunkwa Road and Hwy 97C We will be making electrical system improvements in Logan Lake and outlying areas on March 23, 2014. To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately 8 hours.

Daniel (Danny) Manuel Harvey Mcleod

To prepare for this interruption and protect your equipment from damage, turn off all lights, electric heaters, major appliances and unplug all electronics.

Candidates for Councillor

For the ﬁrst hour after the power comes back on, please only plug in or turn on those electronics and appliances that you really need. This will help ensure the electrical system does not get overloaded.

Brian Holmes David L. Lindley Debra Manuel Dennis Macdonald Fred Holmes George Saddleman Kevin Ned Raymond Saddleman Sylvester Cohen Jr. Wallace Michel

For more information call Bernard Manuel, UNB Electoral Officer at 250-315-3457

We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will restore your power as soon as we can. Prepare for outages and stay informed by visiting bchydro.com/outages or bchydro.com/mobile from your handheld device. Please call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) for more information. 4156

By Emily Wessel

TUESDAY, March 11, 2014 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Booze coming to grocery stores in 2015 By Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS tfletcher@blackpress.ca

B.C. residents will be able to buy B.C. wine from grocery stores by early next year, with some stores connected to liquor stores that offer full selection including hard liquor. The provincial government released its framework for a major overhaul of liquor policy Thursday. It proposes a small number of new licences for Vintners’ Quality Alliance (VQA) wine sales from grocery store shelves, with future expansion to include B.C.-made craft beer under the same licences. Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap said all alcohol sales will be rung through at separate cash registers, with staff trained in an expanded “Serving It Right” course to check identification and sobriety.

Artist’s rendering shows liquor store attached to a grocery store. B.C. government photo

Customers will be able to stock up on groceries and alcoholic beverages in the same shopping cart, whether from in-store B.C. wine or products from a connected liquor store. Changes to take effect by this summer include licensing B.C. wine and beer sale and tasting at farmers’ markets, permitting “happy hour” drink discounts at licensed

businesses and removing the requirement for fenced beer gardens at approved outdoor festivals. Yap said the government is adopting a recommendation from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall and other health officials to tie prices to alcohol content in an effort to reduce over-consumption. The government plans to maintain its cap on the number of liquor

stores, with 670 private stores now in operation. Liquor stores are currently restricted to relocating no more than five kilometres from their original location, but that restriction is being lifted so a licence can be sold or moved anywhere in the province. Yap said that would allow either a government or private liquor store to relocate next to a grocery store. Another major change in the works is to wholesale pricing from the government’s monopoly Liquor Distribution Branch. Currently, private stores pay a 16 per cent discount off the government store retail price. Yap said the LDB will move to the same wholesale price for all stores, based on the value of each product, and retail prices will be set by a competitive market.

Students, staff at MSS stand together By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

For two weeks this month, students at Merritt Secondary School (MSS) are standing together. From March 3 to 14, MSS has activities planned for We Stand Together, a campaign connecting First Nations culture with the school system organized by the international charity Free the Children. The nationwide campaign aims to spark a dialogue about aboriginal culture, rights and history, as well as aboriginal issues, challenges and successes today. MSS teacher Shannon Dunn told the Herald the school has taken the Free the Children initiative and built on it with their own resources and activities to make the event their own. Various activities at MSS for We Stand Together include drum performances, lahal games, an aboriginal parent appreciation dinner and a four-part presentation of the CBC

documentary on aboriginal cultures and Canada’s 500-year-old relationship with First Nations peoples 8th Fire. MSS is also bringing in First Nations elders to speak to classes about aboriginal stories and legends, and a wellness coordinator will discuss diabetes and other concerns pertaining to the First Nations population. Dunn said the goal is to bring about awareness of aboriginal culture to nonaboriginal students. “If we don’t know, if we don’t have the knowledge of what has happened in the past to our First Nations people, I don’t think you can fully have that empathy, that understanding,” Dunn said. MSS First Nations support worker Crystal McMaster said the initiative is also a way of showing how resilient the ancestors of her fellow First Nations people were. “I think that the resiliency – to me – that’s a big part of the focus that, yes, we suffered a lot and

we’ve come a long way. We’ve been a very resilient culture,” McMaster said. “I think with that, everybody can be resilient no matter what culture they are.” Tim Manual, aboriginal academy teacher at MSS, is performing smudge ceremonies every morning for the We Stand Together campaign. A smudge ceremony involves burning dried sage and/or cedar and juniper, and wafting it over oneself and a particular part of one’s body. He said people smudge their heads so they have good thoughts, their ears so they may hear good things or their eyes so they may see good things throughout the day. Manual said the act is meant to cleanse one’s aura. He said due to the legacy of residential schools, many aboriginal students at MSS don’t know about smudging ceremonies. He said the purpose of the two weeks of activities is twofold: to create under-

standing of First Nations culture amongst non-aboriginal students and reintroduce aboriginal students to their culture. Grade 10 student Nyssa Justice said the activities at MSS are a good way for younger generations to get in touch with their First Nations roots because their grandparents lost much of those ways through the residential school system. She said her favourite cultural activity she’s participated in so far has been the lahal game. Grade 12 student Amy MacLaren said she watched two parts of 8th Fire. “I’ve always found topics like this kind of interesting. Even though I’m not even native, I don’t have any native in me, I’ve always kind of connected with different cultures. It always interests me to learn conditions of what other people have lived in,” MacLaren said. MacLaren said she thinks it’s important for people to understand other

cultures. “That’s why I like researching other cultures — because you kind of get into their mindset and kind of understand what they’re going through,” she said. In addition to the school’s activities, Free the Children provides daily facts, lesson plans, background information and classroom activities to participating schools. Teachers who choose to participate are asked to read the facts about First Nations to their classes and discuss them, Dunn said. Last year was the first year MSS participated in the We Stand Together initiative, and about 70 per cent of the school’s teachers attempted to incorporate the material into their classes, she said. Daily facts were also read over the school announcements. This year is the fourth annual We Stand Together campaign. Since it began, over 1,000 schools and 49,000 student leaders have participated in the initiative.

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GOOD MORNING! Business --------------------- 5 Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------- 9 Classified ------------------- 10

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: March 1978 RCMP fed up with public apathy to crime in Merritt You only have to spend one Friday night at the Merritt RCMP office to realize that Staff Sgt. Don Walker is not joking when he says crime in this town has got way out of hand. From 10 p.m. to 3 or 4 in the morning, the five-man force is steadily on the go attending accidents, complaints of vandalism and picking up impaired drivers. Seventy-five per cent of the time there is alcohol involved. Friday is, of course, the worst day of the week, but the situation generally is bad enough to win Merritt the distinction of having one of the highest crime rates per 1,000 populations in B.C. In the last four years, Criminal Code offences have more than doubled.

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Alternate approval process for fire hall loan The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt agenda for the regular city council meeting on March 11. Executive summary The city intends to borrow $1 million as part of the financing of the construction of the new truck bay for the fire hall and the purchase of a new fire pumper truck to replace Engine 1. The borrowing bylaw has been approved by the Inspector of Municipalities and council may now proceed with the approval of the electors by the alternate approval process. The purpose of this report is to set the dates and details for the alternate approval process to obtain the authority to borrow

$1 million for the construction of the new truck bay for the fire hall and the purchase of a new fire pumper truck to replace Engine 1 under Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2165, 2014. Policy In accordance with the Community Charter, council may, by loan authorization bylaw adopted with the approval of the Inspector of Municipalities, incur a liability by borrowing for any purpose of a capital nature. A loan authorization bylaw may only be adopted with the approval of the electors which may be obtained either by: 1. Assent of the electors by way of a majority vote in favour

of the bylaw; or 2. Approval of the electors by alternate approval process whereby the electors are provided an opportunity to indicate that council may not proceed with the loan authorization bylaw unless it is approved by assent of the electors under option 1 above. Under the alternate approval process, elector approval is deemed to be obtained if less than 10 per cent of the electors submit written response in opposition to the bylaw. The city’s practice has been to use the alternate approval process as the most cost-effective method of obtaining approval of the electors for loan authorization bylaws.

The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of Casual Lifeguard/Instructors, at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre. Hours of work may include weekend, evening and daytime shifts. Wage Rate is $18.78 per hour plus 16% in lieu of benefits as per the Collective Agreement. For complete job posting details, please visit www.merritt.ca Cover letters with attached resume’s and copies of qualifications should be submitted no later than 4:00 pm Friday, March 14, 2014 to: Carole Fraser City of Merritt 2185 Voght Street P.O. Box 189 Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 cfraser@merritt.ca

the process, at least 10 per cent (550) of the estimated number of electors of the city signs the elector response form indicating that council may not proceed with adoption of the bylaw without first receiving the assent of the electors by voting. If the city publishes the first notice

on Thursday, March 20, the deadline date for the process will be Monday, April 28. Financial implications If approved, the new debenture would be included in the fall 2014 issue through the Municipal Finance Authority. Staff has estimated

that the annual debt servicing costs for this debenture will be approximately $78,580 with the first payments due in 2015. Therefore, there will be no impact on the 2014 budget. The funds received from the issuance of this debenture will go toward capital expenditures.

POSITION:

CITY OF MERRITT JOB POSTING

Lifeguard/Instructor

Process The alternative approval process is one step in the borrowing process to secure debt financing from the Municipal Finance Authority. In accordance with Section 86 of the Community Charter, council must set the date and details for the process. The city must publish in a newspaper the notice of the process once each week for two consecutive weeks as per Section 94 of the Community Charter. The deadline for the process must be at least 30 days after the second publication of the notice. Council may proceed with adoption of the Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2165, 2014 unless, by the deadline date set for

Seasonal Public Works Labourer Position Summary The position will be required to perform general labour duties and relief work as required. Current resumes reÁecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position and detailing education, qualiÀcations and proof of required licenses/certiÀcates/degrees will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. March 14, 2014 by: For complete posting listing see www.merritt.ca Carole Fraser, Human Resources Manager City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca For complete posting listing see www.merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224

TUESDAY, March 11, 2014 • 5

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BUSINESS

Post-retirement tax planning strategies DAVID L. BROWN Managing YOUR MONEY Retirement can be viewed as a series of stops and starts. For example, stop scheduling your life around work hours and start going with your personal lifestyle flow. Stop stressing about your morning and evening commutes and start driving when you want. Stop worrying about project deadlines and start engaging in personal interest proj-

ects and pastimes on your own timelines. Tax planning is one thing that definitely should not stop when your employment stops. Post-retirement tax strategies are vital to maintaining the retirement lifestyle you want for all the years of your retirement. Start with these three income-protecting objectives: Always take full advantage of all the direct tax deductions available to you. Keep your net income and taxable income low enough to avoid such potential pitfalls as the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback or losing out on the age credit and possibly the GST/HST

credit. Ensure that your monthly cash flow is not eroded by increases in the cost of living and that all your investments will last a lifetime. In keeping with these three objectives, here are some other important post-retirement tax-reduction and income-protection strategies: Plan Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawals Withdrawals from investments held in your RRIF are fully taxable – so manage your taxable income by withdrawing only amounts that are required.

Reduce taxes through tax efficient asset allocation Keep fully-taxable, interest-generating investments inside a tax-deferred Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or RRIF as long as possible while keeping assets that are more taxefficient – those that generate capital gains or Canadian dividends – outside your registered plans. Take full advantage of all available tax credits and deductions Don’t forget the age credit for those aged 65 and older, the pension income credit and medical expense credit.

Reduce your taxes by splitting Canada or Québec Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) income with your spouse Use this strategy when your spouse has a lower CPP/QPP entitlement and is in a lower tax bracket. Contribute to a spousal RRSP You must convert your RRSP to an RRIF no later than December 31 of the year in which the owner attains age 71. Talk to your professional advisor about

smart tax-planning and investment strategies that make sense for your retirement – like investing in a Monthly Income Portfolio (MIP) that can protect your income against inflation and generate stable and reliable income distribution (outside your RRIF or RRSP) and potentially higher long-term growth – so you’ll continue to have the income you need for all your retirement years. This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services

Inc. (in Québec – a Financial Services Firm), and Investors Group Securities Inc. (in Québec, a firm in Financial Planning) presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contact your own advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. For more information on this topic please contact your Investors Group Consultant. Contact David Brown at 250-3150241 or at david. brown@investorsgroup.com to book your appointment.

INTERIOR TO LOWER MAINLAND TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Public Safety Notice – Winter recreationalists and snowmobilers

NOTICE OF SCHEDULED POWER INTERRUPTION FOR LOGAN LAKE AND OUTLYING AREAS

Winter recreationalists and snowmobilers should be aware that construction of the Interior to Lower Mainland (ILM) Transmission Line continues. On-site activities include clearing of the right-of-way; construction of access roads and tower foundations; and tower assembly and erection.

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. When: Sunday, March 30, 2014 Where: Logan Lake and outlying areas, including Lac La Jeune, Meadow Creek Road, Tunkwa Road and Hwy 97C

The ILM right-of-way continues to be a construction zone with restricted access. Restricted access is required for worker and public safety to avoid risks associated with such things as guy lines, partially constructed foundations, construction materials, or other potential hazards that may be hidden or partially hidden by the snow.

We will be making electrical system improvements in Logan Lake and outlying areas on March 30, 2014. To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately 8 hours.

Please avoid using the right-of-way for your activities. If you are in the area, use extra care when traveling around the right-of-way.

To prepare for this interruption and protect your equipment from damage, turn off all lights, electric heaters, major appliances and unplug all electronics.

The ILM project is a new 247 kilometre 500 kilovolt transmission line between Merritt and Coquitlam that will expand the electrical system so that BC Hydro can continue to deliver clean and reliable energy to homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

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If you have any questions, please contact BC Hydro Stakeholder Engagement: 1 866 647 3334 or 604 623 4472 or send an email to stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com.

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For more information on the project please visit: bchydro.com/ilm.

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HERALD OPINION Will India swing hard right? By Gwynne Dyer gwynnedyer.com

An Indian election is a marathon, not a sprint. The voting will start in a month’s time, on April 7, but the voting will move around the country on nine phases, ending on May 12. The votes will then be counted — there are 814-million eligible voters — and the results will be known on May 16. But, a lot of people think they know the result now — Narendra Modi of the BJP will be prime minister and India will swing hard right. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata PartyIndian People’s Party) is a socially conservative, Hindu nationalist party that has only had one full term in national office, from 1998 to 2004. Then, it led a broad coalition that restrained its more extreme sectarian impulses. Today, however, many Indian observers claim to detect a “Modi wave” of support that might carry the BJP into power on its own. That would certainly make for interesting times. Modi is best known for two things — the remarkable economic growth and relative freedom from corruption of his home state of Gujarat and his alleged complicity in the massacre of more than 1,000 Muslims during religious riots shortly after he became chief minister of Gujarat in 2001. The prosperity of Gujarat is obviously a political asset for him. The problem is his alleged religious extremism is also an asset in the view of some of his potential supporters. Indeed, that is probably why Modi has never expressed any regret or offered any apologies for the riots, an omission that many see as disqualifying him for high political office.

See ‘India’s parliament’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com

Above average support for “average Barbie”

Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS A new doll that’s supposed to resemble the “average” American woman could arrive on store shelves after a wildly successful kickstarter project to support her first run of production. The “average Barbie,” as she’s being touted by

Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com

Advertising Sales Katie Ottenbreit sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

some, was first 3-D printed by Pennsylvania artist Nickolay Lamm using the average measurements of 19-year-old American females as reported by the Centre for Disease Control. This new gal, which Lamm has called (lamely) Lammily, has wrists, knees hands and feet that can move. She’s got a casual wardrobe, not just ball gowns and high heels. In many ways, by her averageness, she’s the antiBarbie. But Lammily’s hook isn’t that she’s the “average” girl — it’s that she is a fun doll who is also of average body proportions. Lamm has stated in

at least one interview that while the doll is made for young girls, her message of realistic body standards is for parents of young girls. There is a good chance young girls don’t really care about the body image their dolls project, but really just want a fun doll to play with. Having 150 careers, houses, cars, motor-homes and all kinds of accessories for her adventures earned Barbie that fun reputation. This is not the first attempt at a more average-looking doll than Barbie, but they are up against a formidably storied, monied history.

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

But while Barbie’s got the millions for marketing and research, Lammily has plenty of grassroots financial support. Lamm has already surpassed his first production run goal of $95,000, and there are still three weeks left in his kickstarter campaign. However subtle it is, socializing little girls to believe that Barbie represents some pinnacle of beauty to strive for is damaging. It’s a life-ordeath matter in very few cases (think those people who plastic surgery to be “real life” Barbie or Ken dolls), but certainly seeing that representation over and over is not conducive to developing a healthy

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

attitude toward bodies that look different. Little girls growing up to be uncomfortable is not OK, and this is a step in the right direction. While Lammily is not the saviour or the blanket solution, it’s encouraging that she could be a reality soon. And why not give parents more choice in the matter? She’s one tool parents can use to teach kids about body image and self-esteem. It’s not up to toys to teach those things, or worse, the corporations that make them, but it can’t hurt if parents and manufacturers are on the same side.

Office manager Carol Soames 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 British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TUESDAY, March 11, 2014 • 7

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YOUR OPINION

Pick puppy from responsible breeder Dear Editor, Re: Choose adoption over puppy mills, by Judanna Dawn, Feb. 18 Nobody wants to see puppy mills as Ms. Dawn describes them, with dogs living their lives behind walls of horror. If anybody, including Ms. Dawn, knows of such a place, they should report it to the SPCA or proper authorities. I have every confidence such a situation would be quickly rectified.

I have heard of a place outside of Merritt where dogs are kept in cages or pens barking, howling and fighting constantly. I have to wonder how much human affection these dogs get. Is there grass underneath their paws and a clean environment? Has the SPCA investigated and ruled on any physical and physiological conditions of these dogs? How many can be kept in close quarters? I have seen many backyard breeders who operate small businesses or hobbies where they have

the love of the breed, usually keeping no more than two bitches and often seeking out top males to improve the quality of the breed. These dogs are kept in good condition and some even have grass under their paws. It is mostly adult dogs of unknown origin, cross-bred with huge problems that end up being given away, abandoned and/ or abused. I say adopt a mutt of unknown origin at your own peril. People who purchase purebred, registered dogs definitely know

the breed they want and usually go to great lengths seeking out a reputable breeder that provides a loving and dependable home for 12 to 15 years. As a breeder of Canadian Kennel Club registered collies, I urge people to find a reputable breeder of their choice, take your time picking your puppy, sign a nonbreeding agreement and enjoy your new family member. Chloe Gravelle Merritt

“Attitude” doesn’t fit ideas Unexpected insurance premium Dear Editor, I read the branding report to council dated Feb. 6, 2014. It was comprehensive, outlining most of what Merritt stands for, but didn’t emphasize the importance of our location as the hub of the Southern Interior. I thought it was going off the rails at the end as it began using the term “attitude.” It never occurred to me it would become the tagline. The “branding” was on the agenda for the Feb. 11 council meeting. It appears council did not think it through before the motion passed. Hats off to Coun. Kurt Christopherson for expressing concern regarding public reaction and insisting on a public meeting. No need to go into the public’s reaction. Rather than a contest to choose branding, I would

suggest a simple drop box at city hall for suggestions. These could go the branding committee and be narrowed down to four to six for public approval. As an aside, I went to the TOTA website and they hype the visitor information centre in Peachland as the “Gateway to the Thompson Okanagan” and the first stop after Merritt. I disagree. We are the gateway. I agree a decision is somewhat urgent in order to complete signage for the tourist season. Some suggestions are Explore Merritt: The Gateway of the Southern Interior; The Hub of the Southern Interior; The Heart (beat) of the Southern Interior; Country spirit. Ginny Prowal Merritt

Dear Editor, Insurance: you’ve got to have it. When we moved to the area from a condo in Vancouver this past August, we purchased our homeowner’s package from Interior Savings. Who knew, at the time, that insurance would take the form it did? As you know, the weather locally has been unusual this winter. For us, 50 kilometres from Merritt (and off the grid), it has been unprecedented. We’ve had so much snow that we can’t drive out — even after plowing. What to do? I’ll call Jennifer Kightley at Interior Savings and see if she has any suggestions. What? You’re stranded without gas and fresh groceries? Send me the list. Don’t be shy. I’ll be out tomorrow with my mom

Manmohan Singh, India’s prime minister for the last 10 years, said when announcing his retirement in January: “It would be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as the next prime minister. If, by a strong prime minister, they mean you preside over the massacre of innocent citizens on the streets... “I do not believe that is the sort of strength this country needs.” But, the ruling Congress Party is weighed

down by corruption scandals and slowing economic growth and Congress’s candidate for prime minister is none other than Rahul Gandhi, whose father, grandmother and greatgrandfather have all held the job in the past. However, Rahul’s political ideas seem half-formed, his rhetoric struggles under the burden of words like “empowerment” and he is seriously lacking in novelty value. Hence the “Modi wave.” The BJP leads Con-

gress by a wide margin in the opinion polls, so pundits are speculating on how a BJP government would behave if it were led by Modi and had no need of coalition partners. There is no precedent for that. Before, the BJP government was a complicated coalition led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a poet and intellectual of moderate views, and none of its more extreme nationalist and Hindu positions got translated into actual policies. If it were different

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

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Will you check out where Merritt’s schools fall on the recently released Fraser Institute school report card?

PREVIOUS QUESTION

Photo submitted

and we’ll snowshoe from the end of the road. You can meet us coming from the other direction. So we did. Piled the supplies in two sleds and one backpack and hiked two kilometres to where our rig was able to get to. Sometimes, yes, sometimes, you receive insurance you

never knew you had. What a welcome to the neighborhood! When you’re in to see Jennifer, tell her we need eggs. Thank you Jennifer and Lee. Garry and Valerie Martinick

India’s parliament home to 39 parties From Page 6

Speak up

this time, India would be moving into unknown waters and the possibilities would be as alarming as they would be extreme. But, that may just be Indian journalists trying to inject a little more tension and excitement into the story. The reality is probably rather less exciting. Getting to 50 per cent of the vote is almost impossible for any political party in the Indian political system because a good deal of the vote always goes to regional and local parties that are

quite separate from the big, national parties. It’s especially hard for the BJP because it’s hard to imagine any of the 13 per cent of Indians who are Muslim would vote for the BJP. There are 39 parties in the current parliament and there may be even more in the next one. Most of them would be willing to join a coalition government in return for concessions on whatever local or regional issues they or their voters care about, but they will also have

red lines that must not be crossed or they will leave the coalition. Assuming the outcome of the election does leave the BJP as the biggest party, but without an overall majority, those red lines will probably confine Modi to relatively moderate policies on religious issues. If not, India is in for a wild ride and, at the end of it, the country may no longer be known for its tolerance. Gwynne Dyer’s columns appear in publications in 45 countries.

Do you agree with the government’s changes to medical marijuana access in Canada? YES: 63% NO: 37%

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.

ON NOW AT YOUR BC CHEVROLET DEALERS. Chevrolet.ca 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. ‡/†/¥/*Offers apply to the purchase, finance and lease of a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT (1SA/MH9), 2014 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD (1SA), 2014 Chevrolet Trax LS FWD (1SA) equipped as described. Freight ($1,600) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in BC Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. ≠ 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank or RBC Royal Bank for 72/84 months on new or demonstrator 2014 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD/2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 0% APR, the monthly payment is $139/$119 for 72/84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, total obligation is $10,000. 0% financing offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers only. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ¥ 0%/0.9%/0% for 48/60/48 month lease available on all 2014 Cruze 1LT/2014 Trax LS FWD/2014 Equinox LS FWD based on approved credit by GM Financial. Tax, license, insurance, registration, applicable provincial fees, and optional equipment extra. Annual kilometre limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometre. Monthly payments may vary depending on down payment/trade. Example: 2014 Cruze 1LT/2014 Trax LS FWD/2014 Equinox LS FWD including Freight and Air Tax is $20,845/$19,995/$27,735 at 0%/0.9%/0% APR, with $995/$1,395/$1,999 Down payment, Bi-Weekly payments are $99/$99/$139 for 48/60/48 months. Total obligation is $11,334/$14,599/$16,475 plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $9,511/$6,322/$11,270. ¥* $1,800 manufacturer to dealer lease cash available on 2014 Cruze 1LT. Cash credits available on most models. See participating dealer or chevrolet.ca for details. Offers end March 31, 2014. ^^Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ~Includes 6 months trial of Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Turn-by-Turn Navigation not available in certain areas; availability impacted by some geographical/ cellular limitations), advisor assisted-routing available; Visit onstar.ca for coverage map, details and system limitations. Services vary by model and conditions. W Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. + The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license. Consumer Digest Best Buy was awarded to the 2010-2014 Equinox. *^Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). *† Based on WardsAuto.com 2012 Upper Small segment, excluding Hybrid and Diesel powertrains. Standard 10 airbags, ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak. **Based on GM testing in accordance to Government of Canada test methods. ¥¥ Retail and basic fleet customers who purchase or lease an eligible Chevrolet, Buick or GMC delivered from dealer stock between March 1, 2014 and March 31, 2014 will receive one 40¢ savings per litre fuel card (fuel savings card) upon payment of an additional $.01. Cards valid as of 72 hours after delivery. Fuel savings card valid for 800 litres of fuel purchased from participating Petro-Canada retail locations (and other approved North Atlantic Petroleum locations in Newfoundland) and not redeemable for cash except where required by law. GM is not responsible for cards that are lost, stolen or damaged. GM reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer and/or the program for any reason in whole or in part at any time without notice. Petro-Canada is a Suncor Energy business™ Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence. Cards are property of Suncor Energy. To protect your card balance, register online at www.petro-canada.ca/preferred today. †† 2014 Equinox 2LT equipped with the True North Edition are eligible to receive an $800 MSRP credit equal to the MSRP of the Perforated Leather Seating Option (AFL/AFN/AFM). Dealer Trade or Factory order may be required. Offer available to units purchased/delivered from March 1 to March 31, 2014. ^Whichever comes first. See dealer for limited warranty details. ‡‡ Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2013, 2014 or 2015 model year Chevrolet/Buick/GMC/Cadillac car, SUV or crossover delivered in Canada between March 1, 2014 and March 31, 2014. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on all eligible Chevrolet, Buick GMC vehicles; $1,000 credit available on all Cadillac vehicles. Ineligible vehicles: Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado and GMC Sierra. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice.

8 • TUESDAY, March 11, 2014

From Page 1

The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo’s application was turned down as the group already receives property tax exemptions worth about $9,000. Goetz recommended sending a letter to the rodeo group to give it an option between a grant in aid or a tax exemption.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

City initiatives bring people to Merritt Grants in aid can also be in-kind, meaning the city donates goods or services in place of cash. Council supported a $910 in-kind grant to the Merritt Country Run, provided there’s no painted messages on city streets this year. “Sidewalk chalk? Great. But actual paint? That can’t happen. That’s

0% ON SELECT 2014 MODELS

LEASE

$ 139

graffiti, defacing property,” Coun. Dave Baker said. The grants are also classified as either grants in aid (financial and inkind) or city initiatives, which are events that attract people to Merritt. The city initiatives category came into effect in 2010 to keep the two categories separate. The

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money for city initiatives grants comes from one per cent of the city’s annual property tax, which is about $66,000 a year. The 12 grants falling into the city initiatives category total about $22,000 so far. Council said leftover funds in that category can be used to support new events as they arise.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, March 25 at 7 PM 2336 Jackson Avenue

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TUESDAY, March 11, 2014 • 9

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merrittherald.com

bcclassified.com

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

2013-14 Merritt minor hockey awards PEEWEE FEMALE RECREATION Most Sportswomanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Jenna Kane Kyra Prevost Taylia McKeown

BANTAM FEMALE RECREATION Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

ATOM RECREATION Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Cameron Nichols Spencer Nagata Manjot Panghli

Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Troy Holmes Wade Fountain Meisha Naiker

Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player Coaches’ Choice

Chase Cooke Caleb Brackett Max Graham Breanna Ouellet

PEEWEE REP Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Makyla Cooke Justine Tighe Talon Zakall

MIDGET RECREATION 2

Levi Nelson Tre Carmichael Trevor Hillson

Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Rahul Chhabra Shadin Mclour Theodore Talon Tom

OTHER MERRITT MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION AWARD WINNERS Outstanding Jr. Officials Gillian Moore, Connor Ouellet, Jesse Landerkin, Nick Anscomb, Austin Hawkins, Makyla Cooke Outstanding Sr. Official

Brandon Buliziuk

Best Timekeeper

Alex Fraser

Coach of the Year

Chuck Suzuki

Rookie Coach of the Year

Vicky Taylor

Alec Hunchak Memorial Award Leif Ellingsen Ron Ross Memorial Award

ATOM DEVELOPMENT

PEEWEE RECREATION

MIDGET RECREATION 1 Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Courtney Christie/ Jenna Sigurdsson Natalie Sterling-Moses Madeleine Barnes

Nonie Miyazaki

MMHA Outstanding Achievement Award

Marcel Ouellet

MMHA President’s Honour Roll

Janet Moore

MMHA Scholarships

Tyler Edward/ Stephanie Tourand

Sukhi Randhawa Memorial Award

Tyler Edwards

Leonard & Raymond Grebliunas Memorial Award

Dakota Wudrich

Photos by Ian Webster/Herald

BANTAM REP Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Anthony Tulliani Noah Racine Eric Lalonde

MIDGET REP Most Sportsmanlike Most Improved Most Valuable Player

Adam McCormack Jessie Cunningham Sam Suzuki

10 • TUESDAY, March 11, 2014

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Your community. Your classifieds.

250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiÀeds@merrittherald.com Announcements

Employment

Services

Rentals

Transportation

Coming Events

Business Opportunities

Financial Services

Apt/Condo for Rent

Rooms for Rent

Vehicle Wanted

Trucks & Vans

ANNACIS ISLAND Pawnbrokers open ‘till midnight 7 days a week. 604-540-1122. Cash loans for jewellery, computers, smartphones, games, tools etc. #104-1628 Fosters Way at Cliveden. annacisislandpawn brokers.com.

FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT

Looking for mature boarders. Furnished rooms, beautiful home. Must be working, prefer contract workers, close to down town core. Not for permanent residence. Basement for 600 hundred, or upstairs room for 500 hundred. Includes utilities, but does not include food. Call Tracey at 250378-8852

GOT Old Cars or Parts Laying Around? New, upcoming website to connect sellers and buyers. Want to know more? Email us a list of what you have and we will send you a fact sheet. drew@rustedfenders.com

2005 Chevy Uplander van with remote start. $3900 obo 250378-5519

Auto Financing

Don’t miss the Celebration of Rural Living Expo & Trade Show April 26-27, 2014 9am-5pm daily NT Agriplex & Fall Fair Facility 4872 Dunn Lake Rd., Barriere Over 100 booths & displays to peruse. Music, concessions, giveaways. A full lineup of feature speakers. Free draws every hour. $5/adult, $3/stud. or senior, children 12 & under Free. Vendor and Expo info at: www.ruralexpobarriere.com

Information ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

HELP WANTED - Local people needed! Simple, ﬂexible online work. FT/PT. Internet needed. Very easy. No experience required! Guaranteed income! No fees. Genuine! Start immediately. Visit online at: www.OnlineHelp4Cash.com

Career Opportunities PUT YOUR experience to work - The job service for people aged 45 and over across Canada. Free for candidates. Register now online at: www.thirdquarter.ca or Call Toll-Free: 1-855-286-0306.

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

Denied Long-Term Disability Beneﬁts or Other Insurance? If YES, call or email for your FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certiﬁcation, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women. Two year edition- terriﬁc presence for your business.

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GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

DRIVERS WANTED

AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 w/ Airbrake • Guaranteed 40hr. Work Week & Overtime • Paid Travel & Lodging • Meal Allowance • 4 Weeks Vacation • Excellent Beneﬁts Package

Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™

Merchandise for Sale

Firearms

Travel

Must be able to have extended stays away from home. Up to 6 months. Must have valid AZ, DZ, 5, 3 or 1 with airbrake license and have previous commercial driving experience. Apply at:www.sperryrail.com, careers & then choose the FastTRACK Application.

Timeshare

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

A.R.T ENTERPRISES Ltd o/a Subway at A-2190 Vought St, Merritt, BC, V1K-1B8 is hiring ﬁve F/T Permanent Kitchen Helpers. $10.29-$11.50/hour. High School graduate. Duties: Wash & Peel vegetables & fruit. Receive, unpack & store supplies. Remove garbage. Drop-off or email resume: worksubwaymerritt@aol.com

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,897 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSaw mills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT. STEEL BUILDING sale. Big year end clear out continued! 20x20 $3,915. 25x28 $4,848. 30x32 $6,339. 32x34 $7,371. 40x50 $12,649. 47x68 $16,691. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-6685422. www.pioneersteel.ca STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

and protect your right to compensation. 778.588.7049 Toll Free: 1.888.988.7052 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

Employment Automotive EXPERIENCED PARTS person required for a progressive auto/industrial supplier. Hired applicant will receive top wages, full beneﬁts and RRSP bonuses working 5 day work week, plus moving allowances. Our 26,000ft2 store is located 2.5 hours N.E. of Edmonton, Alberta. See our community online at www.Lac LaBicheRegion.com. Send resume to: Sapphire Auto, Box 306, Lac La Biche, AB, T0A 2C0. Or by email to: hr@sapphireinc.net.

Business Opportunities $1000 A week mailing brochures from home! Helping Home-Workers since 2001. No experience required. Start Immediately! Visit us online: www.mailingnetwork.net EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, or New Zealand: Live and work on a dairy, crop, beef, or sheep farm. AgriVenture invites applicants 18-30 for 4-12 month 2014 programs. Apply now! www.agriventure.com or call 1-888-598-4415 GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com UP TO $400 cash daily FT & PT outdoors, Spring/Summer work. Seeking honest, hard working staff. Visit online at: www.PropertyStarsJobs.com

Trades, Technical ENSIGN IS looking for Assistant Drillers, Drillers, Night Tour Pushes, and Rig Managers for our Australian Division. Recruiter’s will be in Nisku, Alberta, March 31 - April 9 to conduct interviews. If you want to hear more about our International opportunities please contact our Global group and apply online at www.ensign jobs.com. Call 1-888-3674460. HIRING in Fort St John, BC. EXPERIENCED MILL ELECTRICIANS. Wage up to $50/hr. Housing & Beneﬁts. Shift-7days on/ 7off. Email resume: tom@fsjelec.com or fax 250-630-2114 Ph: 250-2634350

LICENSED PLUMBER/ GAS FITTER

WANTED: FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation. Licensed Dealer. 1.866.960.0045 website: www.dollars4guns.com.

Real Estate Houses For Sale

1 unit available, 1st Áoor unit ideal for seniors

Available Jan. 1, 2014

$750/month incl. heat & laundry.

100 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENT Newly renovated units “Clapperton Manor” 2775 Clapperton Ave. 250-315-8340

Room for rent in large house on golf course. Cable, internet, furnished. $450/mon. 250-378-7154

Avail Mar. 1/14 One bdrm for one adult only. N/S, N/P, heat & cable incl. $525/mon. Ref’s. 250-378-2954 Sandpiper Unit 109 2 bdrm w/laundry. $750/mon + Hydro Avail Mar. 1/14. 250-378-8104

Home and Land Packages Springbank Ave, Merritt

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Auto Financing

Misc for Rent Basement for rent, shared laundry, kitchen, internet hookup, shared utilities. $600/month. $600 safety deposit. Non drinker, no smoking. Employed mature woman preferred. No pets. Call 250378-6020 or 250-280-2264 for interview

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Mobile Homes & Pads 3 bdrm 2 bath double wide trailer in L.N. Newly reno, 1/2 acre, quiet spot $975 plus damage deposit. Avail Mar. 1st. Call 250-378-4166

Take notice that Marilyn Cooke and Louis Cooke from Merritt, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Thompson Rivers, for a license for Agricultural purposes covering that part of District Lot 745 & 738, Kamloops Division Yale District shown on Plan A136 located near Merritt.

Auto Loans. All Credit Approved. Bad Credit Guru. www.badcreditguru.com or call 1.844.843.4878

Homes for Rent 2000’sqft rancher, 2 bdrm + den, 1 1/2 bath, w/d incl., private courtyard, pool, n/s, no pets, $1200/mon. Avail Mar. 15th or Apr. 1st. 250-378-5519

Rooms for Rent Furnished room for rent $415/mon. Incl. util. Call 250378-5128

Help Wanted

COUNTER SALES AND BOOKKEEPER WANTED. Experienced in bookkeeping & ﬂuent with computers. Phone: 250-378-5104 and ask for Graham

COPPER VALLEY MECHANICAL is looking for a sheet metal mechanic wanted for residential installation.

Req. at Canuck Mechanical in Prince George Must have exp. doing service work & be proﬁcient with trouble shooting heating systems & plumbing problems. Top wages & beneﬁts Email resume to: canuckm@telus.net

Need a Vehicle?

Come and join our busy ofﬁce. Phone: 250-378-5104 or email: coppervalley@uniserve.com

CASUAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKERS

Financial Services

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Toll Free 1-866-573-1288

ICS - Merritt is currently hiring casuals for our Community Inclusion and Home Support programs. CSW or RCA certificate and related experience is required. For a full description check our website www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

7510 Dallas Drive, Kamloops www.eaglehomes.ca

Closes March 19th, 2014 Email resumes to: tbaker@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

The Lands File for this application is 3412872. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land OfÀcer, Thompson Rivers, MFLNRO, at 441 Columbia Street Kamloops BC V2C 2T3. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to April 13, 2014. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit our website http://arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index. jsp 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’ OfÀce in Thompson Rivers. District Lot 745 & 738

TUESDAY, March 11, 2014 â&#x20AC;¢ 11

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GROCERY GIVEAWAY

FEBRUARY 6th - March 31st 2014, SHOP AT ANY OF THE PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

1800 Garcia Street

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1951 Garcia Street

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2144 Quilchena Avenue 250-378-8828

PLANET HAIR & SPA 2049 Nicola Street

250-378-9255

250-378-4618

Nicola Plumbing & Heating

Merritt 0=E:7<5 13<B@3 2076 Coutlee Street

2099 Garcia Streeet

2040 Granite Avenue

250-378-5558

2064 Coutlee Avenue

250-378-4943

MERRITT LUMBER SALES 2152 Douglas Street

250-378-5382

*no purchase necessary

2145 Quilchena Avenue 250-378-4695

2151 Coutlee Avenue

250-378-5104

2052B Quilchena Avenue

250-378-4644

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WATCH FOR THIS COUPON FOR A 2ND CHANCE TO ENTER INTO THE GROCERY GIVEAWAY DRAW!

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GROCERY GIVEAWAY

BONUS ENTRY! THIS COUPON WILL APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH MERCHANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AD IN THE MERRITT HERALD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 6 AND MARCH 31, 2014. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER PERSON. BRING YOUR COUPON INTO EACH CORRESPONDING MERCHANT TO REDEEM YOUR BONUS ENTRY.

2101 Quilchena Avenue 250-378-0331

FIRMAN AUTO PARTS LTD. 2114 Nicola Avenue

250-378-2722

& Appliances Ltd.

2025 Coutlee Avenue

250-378-2332

SEE YOUR MERRITT HERALD THURSDAYS FOR SEMI-FINALISTS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN APRIL 1, 2014

12 â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAY, March 11, 2014

www.merrittherald.com

KICK START

WEIGHT LOSS IN JUST

30 MINUTES

With something new from Curves and Jillian Michaels

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COACHING FOR EVERYONE, EVERY WORKOUT RESULTS AT ANY FITNESS LEVEL BURN FAT LOSE WEIGHT INCREASE STRENGTH

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WE CAN JOIN AND GET A

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CURVES.COM 1.800.CURVES30 *Offer based on fi rst visit enrollment. Not valid with any other offer or discount; no cash value. Enrollment must be for the 12-month minimum check draft program, consisting of either a 12-month Fitness membership or a 6-month Curves Complete/6-month Success membership, billed monthly. Valid only at participating locations. Offer expires 3/23/14. Restrictions apply, see local club for details. ÂŠ 2014 Curves International, Inc. (1401)