March 1 full document

SPORTS: CURL ACROSS THE NATION SWEEPS THROUGH TOWN /PAGE 9

CITY COUNCIL MULLING INCONVENIENT ‘SECURITY’ GATES /PAGE 3 merrittherald.com

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MERRITT HERALD FREE

TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

CITY BEAT

FUN RAISER

Budget overlooked for lacrosse box facility

Police hockey tourney raises $15,000 for BCCH

Eight-year-old Kaydence Ferris drops the puck for the championship game of the third annual law enforcement charity hockey tournament with help from Merritt Mayor Neil Menard Michael Potestio/Herald Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

The lacrosse box has been maintained using manpower that would have otherwise been spent on other things this past year. Michael Potestio/Herald Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

Either taxes will be raised, surplus funds dipped into or the leisure services department budget slashed for city council to fund an absent maintenance budget.

There is currently no money in the City of Merritt’s budget to maintain the multi-use sports complex and concession building at Central Park — a project

completed last May that incurred more than $300,000 in cost overruns.

“It was built without operating funds added to the budget, so we’re adding them this year,” chief administrative officer Shawn Boven told the Herald.

Councillor Dave Baker said that the facility has been maintained by the leisure services and public works departments since it

opened, but they’ve had to use manpower that would have otherwise been utilized elsewhere.

“They would take an hour here, an hour there from different places,” he said.

“It’s not that it wasn’t getting the maintenance, it was just that we had not set up any kind of a budget for that,” Baker said.

Boven couldn’t say exactly how much an annual main-

tenance budget will cost, but estimated it would not be more than $100,000, nor would it require hiring a fulltime employee.

City council is expected to discuss their options and the leisure services department budget this coming Wednesday (March 2) at a public budget meeting at city hall.

Charity was the name of the game at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena this past weekend as Merritt played host to its third annual law enforcement charity hockey tournament.

It’s an event that aims to give back to the BC Children’s Hospital, and was inspired by Kaydence Ferris — the eight-year-old Merrittonian who was born with a hole in her heart.

Kaydence spent the first six months of her life at the hospital and had to

return just last December to have the battery in her pacemaker replaced.

“She was starting to deteriorate around Christmas time when the battery in [her] pacemaker started to wear out, so we had that replaced and she’s doing a whole lot better now,” said Vida Ferris, Kaydence’s mother and the co-ordinator of the tournament.

Kaydence is currently in good health and on a waiting list to have a heart valve replaced — a procedure she’ll require when in her early teens, said her mother.

See ‘Tournament’ Page 2

CHECK OUT THE HERALD’S VIDEO COVERAGE OF THE EVENT AT WWW.MERRITTHERALD.COM or at See ‘It just’ Page 5 https://youtu.be/5ADfTxyIYWw

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1, 2016

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS HOCKEY CHARITY

Tournament is growing each year From Page 1 Around the rink were other families who have been helped by the BC Children’s Hospital.

Megan and James Rutland travelled all the way from their home in Penticton for the tournament.

The couple’s four year old son Easton and 10-month old daughter Emelia have each received much needed care from the hospital.

Emelia required heart surgery just 10 days after she was born. “She had a valve that wouldn’t close and she also has a narrowing of her aorta, so they went in and completed closing the valve,�

Megan said. “Now she’s just monitored to make sure that everything’s alright with her aorta,� Megan said.

Easton had an airborne allergen that caused him respiratory issues when he was a year old. That led to him losing his hearing and ability to speak.

Nicola Valley Farmers Market ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 10, 2016 At the Civic Centre, Room 2, at 7 P.M.

open to all current members or anyone else wishing to sell their homemade products.

Make, Bake, or Grow Yourself!

Merritt Mixed Slo-Pitch League Registration Open

AGM-March 8th Merritt Desert Inn Banquet Room 6:30pm League Starts April 19th, 2016 Megan Rutland and her 10-month-old daughter Emelia. Emelia needed heart surgery when she was only 10 days old, but is doing well now. Michael Potestio/Herald

“He is doing great now, can hear and is slowly getting all of his speech,� Megan said. “We’re so fortunate to have such a great facility and people at the hospital — and of course across the province all the donors,� said James.

Now in its third year, the charity hockey tournament continues to expand. This year it raised approximately

$15,000, far surpassing its goal of $10,000.

In its inaugural year the event raised $5,000 and last year it brought in $7,500.

In 2014 BC Children’s Hospital tended to 77 patients from Merritt alone, and more than 84,000 people across the province. “They’re absolutely miracle workers, and they’re so passionate during your largest

fear in life, when your kids are sick, they keep you calm and they keep you moving forward,� Megan said.

Check out the Herald’s video coverage of the event online at www. merrittherald.com

Registration & Team Deposit Deadline-April 7th

Merritt Desert Inn Banquet Room 6:30pm

Contact Lisa at 250-315-3127 or Chris at 250-378-7314 or merrittmixedslopitch@gmail.com

NEW TEAMS WELCOME

/VJTBODF .PTRVJUP $POUSPM 4VSWFJMMBODF 1SPHSBN 0QFO )PVTF The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is pleased to announce a nuisance mosquito control service for UIF /JDPMB -BLF BOE -PXFS /JDPMB BSFBT in 2016. For more information about the service go to: www.tnrd.ca/content/ mosquito-control

IINPUT NPUT FROM FR THE PUBLIC IS NEEDED to help guide the direction of mosquito control on the gr g gro ground. round. Two o open houses will be held to provide information regarding the mosquito o control program a and nd o op p rtunities for the public to identify problem areas. Light refreshments will be provided. po vided. opportunities

-PXFS /JDPMB "SFB 0QFO )PVTF

/JDPMB -BLF "SFB 0QFO )PVTF

-PDBUJPO -PXFS /JDPMB )BMM "CFSEFFO 3PBE -PXFS /JDPMB %BUF .POEBZ .BSDI 0QFO )PVTF m 1.

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-PDBUJPO 2VJMDIFOB )PUFM )JHIXBZ " 2VJMDIFOB %BUF 5VFTEBZ .BSDI 0QFO )PVTF m 1.

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If you are unable to attend one of the meetings and would like to provide feedback/information on the location of mosquito problem areas please take our online survey at www.tnrd.ca or at www.surveymonkey.com/r/mosquitos.

If you would like more information regarding the public meetings, please contact us by phone: 250 372-5700 or by email: mosquitocontrol@tnrd.ca.

Follow the TNRD Online For questions about the Nuisance Mosquito Control Program Follow the For questions about the Nuisance Mosquito Control Program or to report mosquito infestations call 250.372.5700 TNRD Online or to report infestations call 250.372.5700 emailmosquito mosquitocontrol@tnrd.ca or visit tnrd.ca email mosquitocontrol@tnrd.ca or visit tnrd.ca

CONTROL & SURVEILLANCE OF

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 • 3

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Council mulls inconvenient ‘security’ gate Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

‘What I was basically saying was that if

The City of Merritt is considering erecting a gate or set of gates across a dirt alleyway behind the South Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES) building in a move the mayor says is a safety and security issue.

However, at a public budget meeting on Feb. 13, Merritt Mayor Neil Menard explained that the budget request to erect two gates would also block the route resident and local doctor Paul Simon and his wife use to access their home.

He referred to this possible course of action as a response to the Simons’ erection of a barricade to one entrance of their property that blocked other residents’ access to their driveway. “I thought well if he wants to make things very inconvenient for that family, then maybe we could make things just as inconvenient for him and put two gates up,�

Menard told his fellow council members at a budget meeting back on Feb. 13.

The mayor told council that he had explored the option of tearing out the barricade the Simons had put across their property before coming to the meeting with the idea of erecting one or two gates. “I put in a request that we put two gates up, one just this side of where he goes in to his place and one just past the school, so he’s got to get out of his truck twice, open it, lock it, open it, lock it and so does she,� Menard said.

In a phone interview with the Herald following the budget meeting, Menard denied that the impetus for the gates is a retaliatory measure, saying that would not be the right way to deal with that issue. “It isn’t specifically to inconvenience the doctor — that might have been taken out of context by me saying, ‘Well if he wants

he can make it inconvenient for that family and the city having to deal with that, then maybe him being a little bit inconvenienced because of what we want to do as far as security is concerned, he should think about that.’ —MERRITT MAYOR NEIL MENARD to inconvenience the city and the good folks that live there, then maybe we should do the same,’ but the decision wasn’t based on that, it was based on safety and security.�

He added: “What I was basically saying is that if he can make it inconvenient for that particular family and the city having to deal with that, then maybe him being a little bit inconvenienced because of what we want to do as far as security is concerned, he should think about that.�

Asked if there would be another way for to doctor to leave his home more easily to attend an emergency call, Menard said that was something for them to discuss. “Maybe he can change our mind,� he said.

The gate or gates Menard has in mind would be placed across the dirt road near the well, though the well site is currently already encircled by a chain link fence.

He said these gates would act as an extra measure of security for the well site.

BACKGROUND In the summer of 2014, the Simons — who live on a large chunk of farmland behind McGoran Place — had a barricade erected separating the public road of McGoran Place from the 20 metres of McGoran Street they own. That portion of

McGoran Street runs from the border of their farmland to the intersection with McGoran Place.

Adding a chain link barrier was within the Simon’s legal rights, but it cut off the driveway access for his neighbours, Darel Redman and Angela Papou.

That family has told the Herald in the past that the barrier has negatively affected the property value of their property, as well as made it difficult to access their home.

The Simons currently access their own home via a road farther east in behind the SCIDES building. Part of that road crosses city land, which the Simons are allowed to legally access through an egress agreement that expires in 2019.

After that, the road running in front of Papau’s driveway will become the only legal access to the Simons’ home.

COUNCIL’S RESPONSE Coun. Ginny Prowal questioned the legality of erecting the gates, to which chief administrative officer Shawn Boven said he didn’t think there would be any legal ramifications, but could get a legal opinion.

Coun. Kurt Christopherson said he liked the idea of putting in security gates, noting they’re not uncommon in town.

Coun. Linda Brown, however,

was concerned that these gates were not being considered for their intended purpose. “I’m not in favour of putting security gates up when the issue is not security. The issue is access for somebody we want to retaliate against, and I am absolutely against that,� Brown said. “I don’t think it’s a professional way to go about it. I don’t like what’s happening there any more than anyone else does, but I don’t believe that this is the way to go about it,� she said, noting a lot of city wells are not gated.

Coun. Dave Baker said erecting the gates could bring about a scenario where the bylaw office would have to monitor them and ensure that the Simons didn’t merely keep them open. “Excuse the word, but I think this is becoming a bit of a pissing match between us and him,�

Baker said, noting he wasn’t opposed to the gates as an added security measure.

He did say he thought putting a second gate up in front of the Simons’ house was excessive. “Because now all we’re saying is that we’re keeping you out of there,â€? Baker said. “If we put one gate up, add some signage, give him a key, catch him [not locking the gate] a couple of times — if that’s the case, then we got it made. And if he does do it every time ‌ well, so be it, he’s called our bluff — but I don’t think putting a gate up there is a bad idea for the security of our well,â€?

Baker said. “That’s really my main concern, is the security of our well,�

Menard replied.

He told the Herald the city hasn’t made a decision yet on erecting a gate or gates. “We’re hoping to resolve the issue, but right now that’s where it stands,� Menard said.

‘I’m not in favour of putting security gates up when the issue is not security.’ —MERRITT COUNCILLOR LINDA BROWN ORIES D-DAY MEM3 PAGE

ORGA

PAGE 4

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REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: March, 2010

LOCAL DOCTOR TO HELP IN HAITI

For victims of the earthquake in Haiti, help is still on the way.

Retired ER physician Mark Hyslop is leaving Merritt today to join a medical team of eight Canadian volunteers who will help in the disaster zone.

Hyslop is going with the Canadian Medical Assessment Team (CMAT) in the fourth wave of the organization’s deployment of medical support.

For three weeks he will work at a make-shift hospital in Leogane, a town about 38 km (24 miles) west of PortauPrince.

The hospital is set up on a soccer field next to a tent city, and Hyslop expects that with the coming rainy season in Haiti, living conditions will not be ideal. “It’s going to be rainy, muddy, dirty,� he said.

The team will be living in a very basic tent not far from the hospital. “It’s going to be a real campout experience,� he said.

or email: sales2@merrittherald.com

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City Calendar March 2 9:00 am to 3:00 pm - Career Fair Merritt Civic Centre March 4 6 pm - City Movie Night Merritt Civic Centre March 5 2 pm & 6 pm - City Movie Night Merritt Civic Centre March 5 Annual Wildlife Trophy & Potluck Banquet The Senior Centre March 8 7 pm - Regular Council Meeting Merritt City Hall March 8 6 pm - Nicola Valley Women in Action NVIT March 11 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm - Family Fun Night Aquatic Centre

March 17 7 pm - The Nicola Naturalist Society Monthly Meeting NVIT

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS LABOURER Applications are invited for the position of Seasonal Labourer for the Public Works Department for the City of Merritt.

For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca Detailed resumes attached with a cover letter will be accepted until 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2016 and should be addressed to: Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager City of Merritt PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca

The City of Merritt has registered and we invite interested community members to join us in the Community Boardroom (First Floor City Hall) for the following webinar.

This webinar is to assist our

region’s tourism businesses to improve their sustainability performance in an effort to not only protect the natural environ-

ment that makes us so unique, but also to meet the growing consumer demand for responsible business. Open discussion to follow JOB POSTING: CASUAL MAINTENANCE/ LABOURER – LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Applications are invited for the position of Casual Maintenance / Labourer for the Leisure Services Department in the City of Merritt.

For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca Detailed resumes attached with a cover letter will be accepted until 4:00 p.m., Monday, March 07, 2016 and should be addressed to: Carole Fraser Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager P.O. Box 189, 2185 Voght St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by e-mail: cfraser@merritt.ca

webinar and no cost to attend.

Please RSVP to wgeorge@merritt.ca more info www.greentourismcanada.ca/ tota/.

www.merritt.ca

Temporary Road Closure there will be a temporary road closure on Friday, March 24 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Houston Street from Coldwater Ave. to Priest Ave. for traffic control training.

Coldwater Ave.

Single lane alternating traffic

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PUBLIC NOTICE

March 17th- 10 am-11 am Getting Started With Green Tourism

Houston St.

March 11 to March 18 XploreSportz Spring Break Camp Merritt Civic Centre

You are invited to attend an upcoming webinar hosted by Green Tourism Canada and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

CLOSURE AREA

March 11 to March 13 Crop Weekend Merritt Civic Centre

UPCOMING GREEN TOURISM WEBINARS

Clapperton Ave.

Priest Ave.

Movies at the Civic Centre

SEWER AND WATER PARCEL TAX ROLL NOTICE is hereby given that the Sewer and Water Parcel Tax Rolls are available for viewing in the Finance Department of City Hall from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except statutory holidays.

A person who owns a parcel included on the parcel tax roll may request that the roll be amended respecting a matter referred to in section 205 (1) [complaints to review panel], but only in relation to the person’s own property; You may make a complaint under Section 205 of the Community Charter to the Parcel Tax Review Panel for one or more of the following reasons: r 5IFSF JT BO FSSPS PS PNJTTJPO BCPVU B OBNF PS address on the tax roll; r 5IFSF JT BO FSSPS PS PNJTTJPO BCPVU UIF JODMVTJPO of a parcel; r 5IFSF JT BO FSSPS PS PNJTTJPO BCPVU UIF UBYBCMF area or taxable frontage of a parcel; r "O FYFNQUJPO IBT CFFO JNQSPQFSMZ BMMPXFE

For complete posting listing see www.merritt.ca

The complaint must be received in writing on or before 10:30 am March 31, 2016 to the attention of:

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ben Currie, Deputy Finance Manager and Collector, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8.

Friday, March 4 - 6 pm Saturday, March 5 - 2 pm & 6 pm

Admission $5 CASH ONLY Concession $1 CASH ONLYLYY 1950 Mamette Avenue For more information call: Civic Centre: 250-315-1050 Aquatic Centre: 250-378-6662

Rated: ed: PG

2185 Voght Street, Box 189, Merritt, BC, V1K1B8 | Phone 250-378-4224 | Fax: 250-378-2600 | email: info@merritt.ca | www.merritt.ca

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS

CITY PROJECT

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

“It just plain got missed”

Tolko fire leads B.C. moving to tighten MFRD briefs oil spill law

From Page 1 “We have to add a person or a number of hours or we have to make due with the people we have, which takes them away from other sources,” Baker said.

Boven said accounting for operational costs are the responsibility of each department manager and in the case of the lacrosse box facility, the former financial services manager and leisure services department head did not do this.

“Anytime you construct a new facility you have to account for what it’s going to cost to operate this thing,” Boven said.

The city parted ways with its leisure services department manager at the end of 2015 shortly after an audit report found him responsible for the cost overruns the project incurred. The city is currently looking for his replacement and has a shortlist of candidates lined up for the new director of recreation and facilities position it has vacant.

When asked how the lack of a maintenance budget for the facility escaped council at last year’s budget meetings, Baker said no one on council asked the question.

“In this case here, nobody asked [and] nobody brought that to our attention,” Baker said. “It just plain got missed.”

Tom Fletcher BLACK PRESS

Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD

The Merritt fire rescue department helped extinguish a fire that had the potential to be dangerous at the Tolko sawmill on Saturday (Feb. 28) A hydraulic oil tank caught fire, but was contained by the mill’s sprinkler system and staff when the fire department arrived on scene at about 1:45 p.m., said Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson.

“We only had to put out some small little bit of fire and use the thermal imagers to check for extension,” he said.

No injuries were reported, and the cause is unknown.

On Sunday, the fire department sent a duty officer to inves-

tigate a fire said to be burning up Midday Valley Road that afternoon.

“It was called an interface fire, but it turned out to be nothing. It was at the old city dump site where there was some slash burning, but it was hardly smouldering,” Tomkinson said.

Tomkinson added that the fire was a controlled burn on private property.

The fire department was also called to a motor vehicle incident earlier that morning on Highway 5 about two kilometres south of town.

The B.C. government has introduced changes to its environmental law to require more oil spill prevention measures and to enforce cleanup and restoration if a spill takes place on land.

Environment Minister Mary Polak said Monday the new regulations and penalties are expected to take effect in early 2017, to fulfil one of the province's conditions for approving new heavy oil transport projects such as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

The goal is to impose "world leading" spill prevention and response capability on land, and to work with the federal government to establish the same standard at sea, which is Ottawa's responsibility.

Polak released a new report from consultants Nuka Research that surveyed other spill protection systems around the world.

It compared practices in Australia, Europe, the U.S., Norway and the ship escort system used in Prince William Sound, Alaska after the crude oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989. The Alaska system includes a network of trained, on-call fishing vessels and crew that can provide an immediate first response to incidents

at sea.

Polak said the legislation and regulations will update a system that hasn't changed since the 1980s.

"Our old regulatory scheme really only placed requirements on industries after a spill had occurred," Polak said. "The biggest change here is the scope of this, where we're requiring them to have plans in place.

We're also requiring them to have plans to prevent a spill from ever occurring."

Nicola Valley Farmers Market ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 10, 2016 At the Civic Centre, Room 2, at 7 P.M.

open to all current members or anyone else wishing to sell their homemade products.

Make, Bake, or Grow Yourself!

Prescribed burns in Monck Park set for next month David Dyck THE MERRITT HERALD

If you see smoke around Monck Provincial Park in mid to late March, there’s not necessarily cause for alarm. BC Parks plans to conduct an eight-hectare burn to rejuvenate the area.

The exact time of the burn has yet to be announced, as it is somewhat dependent on weather, said the Ministry of Environment in a press release. “The project will proceed only if fire behaviour conditions are suitable and will allow for quick smoke dissipation and low-to-moderate fire intensity,” said the release.

Trained firefighters will be on the scene to monitor the blaze.

Smoke is expected to be visible from Nicola Lakeshore Estates, as well as homes west of the park near Monck Park Road, and may be seen from Highway

5A as well.

The purpose for the burns is to get rid of dead, combustable material accumulated in the

grassland and forest areas. “Introducing fire to the park will also help protect a number of values, including riparian

areas, trail beds and park facilities, as well as nearby residential communities and infrastructures,” said the release.

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

2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit.

3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight.

4 Park in a well lit area.

5 Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police

This message brought to you by

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KINDERGARTEN 2016 STUDENT REGISTRATION The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) Full day Kindergarten is offered in British Columbia for all Kindergarten-aged children. To assist with the planning and organization of the Kindergarten program, it is important that parents register their child in their neighbourhood/catchment school as soon as possible.

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE Monday to Friday: February 22 - March 4, 2016 Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 2:30 pm

COLLETTVILLE ELEMENTARY DIAMOND VALE ELEMENTARY MERRITT BENCH ELEMENTARY MERRITT CENTRAL ELEMENTARY NICOLA-CANFORD ELEMENTARY

250 - 378 - 2230 250 - 378 - 2514 250 - 378 - 2528 250 - 378 - 9931 250 - 378 - 2172

For September, 2016

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COPPER VALLEY MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS LTD. 2151 Coutlee Ave., Merritt

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UÊ To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2016.

UÊ Parents/Guardians should bring the child’s Birth Certificate, immunization record, and Care Card when registering.

UÊ Parents should register their child at the neighbourhood school in their location.

UÊ Parents wishing to enrol their child in the French Immersion Program are required to register at Collettville Elementary School.

UÊ Parents interested in a Kindergarten distance education program for their child, can contact the South Central Interior Distance Education School at 250-378-4245.

Success for ALL Learners ~ Today and Tomorrow

6 • TUESDAY, March

www.merrittherald.com

1, 2016

HERALD OPINION MP REPORT

Seeking input Each week I am thankful to receive a significant amount of feedback on my weekly DAN ALBAS MP View from the reports HILL that often also contains suggestions on topics for future reports (for the record I welcome suggestions for future reports).

One subject that has arisen a few times is questions on the differences between being a government MP compared to an opposition MP. It is a good question.

In many ways there are very few differences, particularly here in the riding where helping citizens with Federal government issues remains a priority.

Where the differences are more evident is in Ottawa.

From an Ottawa perspective obviously sitting on the opposition side of the House of Commons is a significant change as is the fact that in a majority government most votes will be won by that government and not the opposition. However, one of the other major changes is the fact that the opposition’s job is to criticize and oppose the government as well as from time to time propose alternative policies and ideas.

Criticizing in opposition is obviously a new role for me, however one aspect of being a critic that is also relevant is the fact that as opposition often you will share information that may not be popular with citizens.

As an example, in last week’s report many citizens did not enjoy learning that of the $5.3 billion in spending commitments made by the new Liberal government, $4.3 billion will be spent entirely outside of Canada.

While some no doubt may have celebrated this news, the vast majority of citizens I heard from were — to put it mildly — angry.

See ‘Liberal’s’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Sales Associate Michele Siddall sales2@ merrittherald.com

Insecticide is the right answer to Zika

GWYNNE DYER The international STAGE It was a typically anodyne statement by the World Health Organization (WHO): “Given the magnitude of the Zika crisis, WHO encourages affected countries and their partners

Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

to boost the use of both old and new approaches to mosquito control.”

Anodyne, that is, until you realize what they mean by “new approaches.”

Zika is a mosquitoborne virus that is spreading panic around the world. It was first linked to hydrocephaly — a developmental defect in infants that results in abnormally small heads, severe learning difficulties, and often early death — only last year in Brazil. WHO estimates that it may infect three to four million people in the Americas alone this year — and its “new approach” is to exterminate the mosquitoes. Literally.

An alternative approach would be to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus — but that would take up to ten years, and the crisis is now. Zika has already been detected in 30 countries, and Brazil is investigating more than 4,300 suspected cases of microcephaly. The pressure is on to do something fast.

By the wildest of coincidences, something fast is available. It’s only twelve years since Austin Burt, an evolutionary geneticist at Imperial College in London, raised the idea of a “gene drive” that would spread some desirable quality (like immunity to malaria) through an entire

Editor David Dyck newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

population in a relatively short time.

With a population of mosquitoes, whose generations are only a month long, you could do it in only a year or two.

Mosquitoes were the obvious first target for the new technology, since their bite transmits lethal diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya and, above all, malaria, which still kills 600,000 people a year. But “editing” a gene was a long, difficult process until CRISPR/Cas9, a fast, accurate, cheap gene-editing tool that was developed in 2012.

Scientists immediately set to work on mosquito

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

genes, and by last year they had a genetically modified (GM) mosquito whose offspring do not survive into adulthood. They die as larvae, before they can breed.

By an even wilder coincidence, the species of mosquito whose genes they edited was Aedes aegypti, best known as a vector for dengue fever.

But Aedes aegyti is also the main transmitter of the Zika virus, and Oxitec, the British-based company that was created to exploit this new technology, is already field-testing the GM version of the insect – in Brazil, as luck would have it.

See ‘Zika’ 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.

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

YOUR OPINION Liberal’s deficit much LETTER to the editor Homelessness is not about poverty larger than promised Editor:

From Page 6

3).

I try to compose reports in a nonpartisan manner that does not provoke an angry reaction from citizens.

The reason why I raise this issue is to seek input on what format you would like to see in future MP reports.

As an example, more time could be spent explaining, or attempting to explain government policy as opposed to relaying the facts of it for readers to decide upon.

Conversely, some have stated a preference for reports more critical of government in areas that are often overlooked by the media.

As always, there is the option to continue my current approach that tends to vary based upon what events are occurring in Ottawa along with some reports based upon questions and or requests from citizens.

Your input on this subject or any other before the House of Commons is greatly appreciated.

On an entirely different theme, this week in Ottawa the Liberal government has presented a fiscal update that indicates the Federal government will soon be running a much larger deficit then what was promised during the last election.

Part of this increased deficit is due to a slowing economy and the deterioration of oil prices and the remainder of the increased deficit will be related to increased governmental spending.

Until the Federal budget is presented on March 22, the exact increase of the rising deficit will be unknown.

The Federal budget is a topic I will provide more information on as it becomes available.

I would also like to take a moment to congratulate Kelowna Lake Country MP Stephen Fuhr on being named as the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on National Defence. One of the priorities of this committee will be the replacement of Canada’s CF-18 fighters, a subject that I believe Mr. Fuhr’s experience in this field can be of benefit to all Canadians.

As always I can be reached at Dan. Albas@parl.gc.ca or toll free at 1-800665-8711.

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

Tickets are available at: Gun Fishin, Ponderosa Sports or at the event.

Re: Urban drug ghettos don't work (B.C. Views, Feb.

Full credit goes to Tom Fletcher for being the first to scratch the surface of our failed "homelessness" model and his observation that money alone will not solve this crisis.

Throughout the world and throughout history, social ills have always been the result of shortages. Shortages of food, water and shelter were the result of a lack of resources. In our society, social ills are a result of excesses. Too much money, too many calories, too much salt, too much alcohol, for example, are the result of oversupply.

Since losing my job in the oil and gas business in Calgary in 2008 I have been a regular user of our "homelessness" services and it is obvious to me that "homelessness" is a result of substance abuse, not poverty. The province has a legal obligation to provide access to housing services but we have an entire arsenal of housing resources on the federal, provincial and municipal level that are being abused.

Once again, congratulations to Fletcher and this paper for the courage to address the reality of this problem.

Eric Hoch Campbell River

Zika threat can be stemmed with systematic, scientific elimination From Page 6 In the town of Piracicaba, Oxitec has a “factory” that produces 800,000 mosquitoes each week that carry the OX513A gene, and a white van that sets them free all over town. In theory they should mate with the local females of the same species, whose children will never grow up to mate themselves, so the local population should go into steep decline. And in practice, it works.

It’s actually a rather labour-intensive process, and the little prototype “factory” is only producing enough GM males to cover a town of 10,000 people. To completely eradicate the local population of Aedes aegypti would take several dozen generations — that is, a couple of years — even if it was not replenished by fertile males from the surrounding area.

Obviously, the enterprise could be scaled up to cover all of Brazil, or even the whole world.

If you are still upset about ‘playing God,’ keep a small breeding population in captivity so you can repopulate the planet with the little pests if you need to.

The question is: should it be?

Human beings have wiped out entire species in the past, starting with the big animals that were wiped out in the “New World blitzes” when human hunters first arrived in the Americas, Australia and various ocean islands. But we never actually intended to exterminate a species before. This time it’s different.

Some environmentalists have already attacked the idea, ostensibly on the grounds that removing an entire species of mosquito would upset the ecological balance and possibly cause further extinctions

among the animals that feed on them, or maybe open up an ecological niche that would be filled by an even nastier species.

But one suspects that their real worry is the “slippery slope.”

If we edit Aedes aegypti out of existence today, what species will we next choose to remove for our own convenience?

That is a legitimate concern, but nothing can make mosquitoes cuddly, whereas healthy babies definitely are cuddly. The threat of Zika will trump all their arguments.

Besides, there are some 3,000 species of mosquitoes (only 200 of which bite human

beings), so some other species will just fill the niche left empty by Aedes aegypti and no other bird, fish or insect will go hungry. If you are still upset about “playing God,” keep a small breeding population of Aedes aegypti alive in captivity so you can repopulate the planet with the little pests if you need to.

The great American biologist and champion of biodiversity E.O. Wilson gets the last word on this. In his book “The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth,” he makes an exception for Anopheles gambiae, the mosquito that spreads malaria in Africa. “Keep their DNA for research,” he writes, “and let them go.”

The same goes for Aedes aegypti. We are going to commit insecticide. And we should.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

You’re invited to our annual

POTLUCK TLUCK DINNER & TROPHY AWARDS NIG NIGHT Saturday, March 5, 2016

PLEASE SENIOR’S CENTRE (MUSEUM) BR A POT L ING Cocktails at 5:30 PM UCK for family Dinner begins at 6:30 PM DISH! Refreshments will be available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Raffle and silent auction after dinner. Paul Komonoski at 250.378.4904 or Ed Collins at 250.378.2547

$10 or for single

$15

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

?

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

Do you feel the use of beet juice has made our highways safer?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Should the city invest in sidewalks for Collettville?

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.

8 • TUESDAY, March

www.merrittherald.com

1, 2016

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

POLICE COMMITTEE BRIEFS

by Michael Potestio

Members of city council and RCMP staff Sgt. Sheila White sat down for another police committee meeting on Feb. 25. Here’s a look at some of the topics they discussed.

Police to deal with parking Dude, you’re issue on River Ranch Road getting a cell!

The police committee has asked the RCMP to keep watch and issue tickets or warnings to drivers that stop along River Ranch Road.

Commercial trucks and other vehicles have been known to idle along this road in areas where they are prohibited to stop under the city’s bylaws.

In response to city council’s concerns, RCMP staff Sgt. Sheila White said her officers and the Central Interior Traffic Services will be asked to keep an eye on the area.

“Anytime they see a vehicle that’s not supposed to be there [they will] interact with the driver, and either issue an warning, issue a violation ticket or third possibility have the vehicle towed,” She told the Herald.

Menard told White at the meeting that he’s seen instances where RCMP members will be sitting in the Tim Hortons along River Ranch Road while ignoring trucks that are idling in a prohibited spot along the street.

“We have rigs, buses, motor homes, horse trailers, and they all park on either side [of the street],” Menard said, noting the smell of gasoline and noise is a nuisance for residents along that road.

Coun. Diana Norgaard suggested

council make a bylaw change to have the vehicles of violators towed to deal with trucks from out of town parking illegally on the street.

“I have watched so many people nearly get hit there because people are trying to get around [the parked vehicle],” Norgaard said. “It’s become a danger.”

Commercial trucks are prohibited from stopping at certain areas in town unless they are making deliveries, River Ranch Road being one of them.

8 RCMP complaints registered for 2015

Staff Sgt. Sheila White informed the police committee that the detachment’s shortage of cell phones for its members has been resolved.

White said the detachment has received some needed cell phones required to do their jobs, thanks to lobbying efforts.

“We’re full with cell phones now,” she told the Herald, noting every officer has a phone now.

White had previously said that about 80 per cent of the time, officers working at the Merritt detachment use their personal cellphones to do their work.

In order to purchase items such as cellphones, police must get approval from Shared Services Canada. The resolved issue was that due to the size of the Merritt detachment, it wasn’t considered a priority.

Shared Services Canada was established in 2011 to consolidate, streamline and improve Government of Canada information technology and infrastructure.

Staff Sgt. Sheila White revealed the 2015 numbers for public complaints against her officers or detachment, totalling just eight complaints in the 12 month stretch.

Of the complaints, only one was found to be legitimate by police, the details of which are confidential.

When a complaint is founded, White has grounds to enact disciplinary actions such as additional training.

The eight complaints this past year were made by five individuals.

“Sometimes there’s a lot of complaints and some times there’s not,” White said.

Every complaint that comes in to the detachment, criminal code infraction or

not, is investigated.

Complaints to the RCMP are made either directly to the detachment from the complainant or via the public complaint’s commission.

The police committee discussed the burden of frivolous complaints on the detachment, and councillor Dave Baker suggested council and the RCMP notify the public complaint’s commission.

He said staff Sgt. White and the mayor should draft a letter informing the commission of individuals who continuously make complaints found to be frivolous.

“And they can still make the final decision, whether they want to proceed or not,” Baker said.

God

the Word, the World

By Herman Kneller

Proposed Closure on Goose Lake Road The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure gives notice pursuant to Section 60(2) of the Transportation Act that a portion of Goose Lake Road #2024, being an approximate total of 6.8 km, is to be closed through the NE1/4 of Section 34, Township 18, Range 18, W6M, KDYD to the SW ¼ of Section 18, Township 19, Range 17, W6M, KDYD. A plan showing the proposed road closure may be viewed at the Ministry’s Thompson Nicola District Office during the office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Anyone wanting to provide comments on the proposed road closure should do so in writing no later than April 11, 2016 to the Thompson Nicola District Office.

For more information about this closure, please contact the Thompson Nicola District Office by mail at #127-447 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3 or by email at TNDistrictDevapps@gov.bc.ca.

Last week we looked at a person confessing and is forgiven. Now he is to be cleansed. That is, he must completely put that out of his mind, and that may not be so easy, especially if it is regarding an addiction.

yes, even yours.

If you have a sin, and have confessed it and have overcome it, then Jesus, who had no sin, will give you credit for His sinless life.

That way He did for it, and you don’t have to. What a beautiful plan Jesus has for all We do not have to Àght it alone. Daniel, people who love Him.Jesus said, “If you love the prophet, said of God, “Call upon Me in Me, keep My commandments.” He says that the time of trouble and I will deliver thee and they are not that hard to keep. thou shalt glorify Me.” Jesus’ life and His love is laid out quite Jesus comes to our aid if we have neatly in His book, the Bible. It might be problems and ask Him for help. There is a good idea to get it out and read it. Be no question, we all will have problems on careful how you read for so much of it can be coming. They may be long haul problems, interpreted into our own thoughts at the time. but Jesus loves all and He knows about Don’t go by what you remember somebody problems for He faced them before He died saying or what you think, read what it says so He’d understand.God is glad to help us for and go by that. we are His children and wants to be involved When we see a court case where in our lives. somebody is being sued for something, why There is a place that says that the soul do some of these take so long? It is because that sins shall die. So, what about the sin nobody really tells all the truth. All want things you committed? Would you die for it? Or, to go their way. They want the outcome to would you rather confess it, repent, and be beneÀt them. Heaven is different. No body is forgiven. If you do that Jesus comes in and trying to protect their own interests in the Bible washes your sin away as He died for all sin, so we can go by what it says.

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TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 • 9

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

comes to Merritt Ian Webster THE MERRITT HERALD

The Merritt Curling Centre had a very special guest drop by on Feb. 16 to throw a few rocks with the locals.

Rob Swan hails from the little village of Harvey Station in New Brunswick. When he’s not curling, he works at an electrical plant in northern B.C. For the past two years, the 49-year-old Swan has been crisscrossing this great nation of ours in his

spare time — playing the game he loves anywhere he can and with anyone who’ll have him.

“It all started out as a fundraiser for the Harvey Station Curling Club,” Swan told a reporter from the Truro Daily News a year ago.

It seems the local Harvey Station ice facility, which was originally built in 1961, has seen better days and is badly in need of some repairs.

Swan decided to see

if he could raise some much-needed monies by curling 100 games in 100 different rinks across Canada, and getting sponsors to donate to his cause.

Swan’s campaign has been so successful that it’s taken on another life of its own.

“There is a second agenda,” he told the Truro newspaper. “We want to raise the awareness of the sport in small towns and everywhere across Canada.

A lot of curling clubs

are hurting because of the lack of support.”

Call Swan curling’s ‘good-will ambassador’ if you want. He loves the game and wants to champion it whenever and wherever he can.

Swan achieved his goal of 100 games in 100 rinks way back in March of 2015. His latest objective is considerably more ambitious.

Swan figures there are over 1,000 curling clubs in Canada. He’s intent on hitting every one of them, and rais-

XploreSportZ keeps them coming back

The month of February saw two more very successful oneday XploreSportZ camps held in Merritt. Run by the local branch of PacifSport Interior, the first camp had children learning gymnastics and lacrosse. (Left) Instructor Josée Warren demonstrates a dive roll for her young campers.

The second camp included a session on cheerleading. The instructor was Thompson Rivers University head cheerleader Mikayla Levy. (Top) Youngsters learn how to use pompoms and how to perform team lifts.

There will be two week-long XploreSportz camps during spring break. Ian Webster/Herald

GOOD-WILL AMBASSADOR Rob Swan (centre front) from Harvey Station, New Brunswick stopped by the Merritt Curling Centre recently for a game with the locals as part of his ‘Curling Across the Nation’ tour of clubs around the country. Photo submitted

ing awareness about the great sport along the way.

Swan is understandably very proud of his own community’s support for Canada’s other frozen game. Harvey Station has a population of less than 400 inhabitants, 100 of whom are members of the local curling club.

In contrast, the city of Winnipeg — long considered the mecca

of curling — has seen the number of clubs in the community diminish from 27 down to 16 in recent years.

High-calibre curling events, such as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Brier, the World Championships and the Winter Olympics all generate considerable spectator interest, however the decline in the number of players — in Canada par-

ticularly — continues.

As one generation of curlers ages out, there does not appear to be a substantive new generation ready to pick up the broom and put a fresh foot in the hack.

If he has his way, Swan is hoping that his ‘Curling Across the Nation’ journey will make a difference — one curling club at a time.

On Board!

Merritt’s Bill Brewer has been enjoying considerable success in the sport of snowboarding this winter. Competing for the First Nations Snowboard Team (FNST), the 14-year-old Brewer finished fifth and sixth overall in the U15 boys snowboard cross event at a major two-day competition at Big White Ski Hill, located east of Kelowna. Brewer trains at Sun Peaks Ski Hill north of Kamloops. He is in his second season with the FNST squad. Brewer will be back in action at Big White this coming weekend. Photo submitted

10 • TUESDAY, March

www.merrittherald.com

1, 2016

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Saddleman, Josephine February 23, 2016

Josephine Saddleman (nee Saul) aged 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 23, 2016. She was born on May 4, 1928 at Douglas Lake. Devoted mother of George Saddleman and Charlotte Ned. Loving grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, she will forever be missed by many. Josie had been a resident of Coquihalla-Gillis House in Merritt for the past 3 years. She was a strong and feisty woman that made every day a treat. Funeral services for Josie were held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Douglas Lake (Spahomin). Online condolences may be left at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

MERRITT FUNERAL CHAPEL entrusted with arrangements

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Ida Erma Mary Vezina (nee Van Hove) passed away peacefully on February 20th 2016, at age 82.

She is survived by her 3 children, Maurice Vezina (Shiela), Marie Davis (Fred) & Pauline Campitelli (Martin) and her grandchildren, Adam, Brody, Cortney, Jessica Robson (Derek) and Mandi Farrell (Dave) and her great grandchildren, Carter & Caymen Robson and Hendrix Farrell. She is also remembered by her brothers George (Lydia), Joe (Shirley), and the youngest, Moses (Jayne) Van Hove.

Ida was predeceased by her father Charles in1968, her sister Marie in 1989, her husband Philippe in 2004 and her mother Rosey in 2011.

Ida was born in the small town of Alcomdale, Alberta on December 21, 1933, to Charles and Rosey Van Hove. She was the eldest of 5 children.

Ida was a hard worker, doing chores on the farm as she grew up. She went to school in Alcomdale Ànishing her grade 11. Besides helping on the farm she did babysitting jobs as well.

She met the love of her life in the 50’s and married Philippe Vezina on July 5th, 1955 and moved into Edmonton where their Àrst child, Maurice, was born in 1957.

Ida was a house wife and loving mother. She did not judge and cared for all and helped anyone who asked. In 1958 they visited Phil’s sisters and fell in love with Merritt where they stayed. In 1962 their second child Marie was born in the Nicola Valley General Hospital and a few years later in 1965 Pauline was born.

Ida joined the Catholic Women’s League shortly after they moved here and was active ever since. She also was an Eucharist Minister for a time and served on the parish council as well. She was also an active member of the Merritt Seniors Association.

As a family we enjoyed taking holidays every summer back to the Van Hove farm. We did a lot of Àshing and camping on the weekends around the Merritt area too.

Mom & Dad were also active in square dancing for many years - great exercise and good friends.

After Phil passed away she remained living in her house just kitty-corner to Sacred Heart Church. Ida enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, camping & Àshing. Some of mom’s last words were that she would not have changed anything in her life.

In lieu of Áowers please consider a donation in her name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Prayers will be held at 7p.m. on March 4th 2016 and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on March 5th 2016 at Sacred Heart Church in Merritt.

There will be a luncheon in the parish hall, following the Interment at the cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

Remembering Our Loved Ones

MERRITT HERALD

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1-800466-1535 info@canscribe.com CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment

Denied Long-Term Disability Benefits or other insurance?

If YES, call or email for FREE initial legal consultation and protect your right to compensation.

778-588-7049 Julie@LawyersWest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca HIP OR knee replacement?

Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Light Delivery Service Within City limits. Great prices and timely deliveries.

Call Mike (250) 378 - 9577

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR timeshare.

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

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT SCHOOL. Hands-On Tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training!

Funding & Housing Avail!

Job Aid! Already a HEO? Get certification proof.

Call 1-866-399-3853 or go to: iheschool.com START A new career in Graphic Arts, Healthcare, Business, Education or Information Tech. If you have a GED, call: 855-670-9765

Help Wanted

Fight NOW HIRING Back.

HOUSEKEEPER: Volunteer Must be able to work yourflexible time, hours. energy and Apply in person with skills today.

resume to 3571 Voght St. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Travel SAVE 30% on our Heart of the Arctic adventure. Visit Inuit communities in Greenland and Nunavut aboard the comfortable 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour. Call for details! 1800-363-7566 or visit online www.adventurecanada.com (TICO#04001400)

Employment Business Opportunities NEW EXCITING mini VLT’S. Produce buckets of cash monthly. Attracts customers like money magnets. Locations provided. Ground floor opportunity. Full details call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com

Help Wanted

NOW HIRING FRONT DESK CLERK Must be proficient with computers Must be able to work flexible hours.

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

Help Wanted

NICOLA MOTORSPORTS AND NICOLA CHAINSAW & EQUIPMENT RENTALS NOW HIRING:

• Customer Service/Parts Person • Customer Service/Rental Counter Person • Service Technician –Motorsports • Service Technician - OPE

Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818 Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com Production: production@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

IDA VEZINA

www.habitat.ca

Part time/Full time positions available Apply in person at 2626 and 2602 Nicola Ave, Merritt, BC

www.merrittherald.com

Services

Financial Services 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 LARGE FUND Borrowers Wanted Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts.

We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

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

Misc Services SOSBUYER.CA is buying estate jewelry,coin collections, gold nuggets.We come to you, cash paid. Call Vanessa @250-852-3056 or visit our website

Merchandise for Sale

Heavy Duty Machinery A-Steel Shipping Storage Containers. Used 20’40’45’53’ insulated containers. All sizes in stock. Prices starting under $2,000. Modifications possible doors, windows, walls etc., as office or living workshop etc., Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866528-7108 or 1-778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale POLE BARNS, Shops, steel buildings metal clad or fabric clad. Complete supply and installation. Call John at 403998-7907; Email to: jcameron @advancebuildings.com REFORESTATION Nursery seedlings of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping. Spruce & Pine from $0.99/tree. Free Shipping. Replacement guarantee.

1-866-873-3846 or www.treetime.ca SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.

Misc. Wanted Local Coin Collector Buying Collections. Gold Silver Coins Estates 1-778-281-0030 Chad

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent 2 Bedroom Townhouse $775.00/month. 6 appliances included. No Smoking/No Pets Available Now. 250-378-9880

Homes for Rent

FOR RENT 2 or 3 bedroom house & 1 or 2 bedroom apartment available.

No pets / smokers.

Washer and dryer included.

Call for more details available immediately 250-280-7644

Suites, Upper 3 bdrm suite for rent. Close to downtown. N/S, N/D,no pets, ref. req., fenced yard. $750/month. 250-315-7484

TUESDAY, March 1, 2016 • 11

12 • TUESDAY, March

www.merrittherald.com

1, 2016

Kamloops SOMETHING G IN IS HAPPENO PS O L AT KAM .

DODGE E

TH COME FEEL FOR E C N DIFFERE LF! YOURSE

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE NORTH

2015 CHRYSLER 200 LX

2015 JEEP COMPASS 4X4 HIGH ALTITUDE

STK# 151286

$84/WK SAVE

$

7,500

$

33,32500

SAVE

$

$0 CASH DOWN, 96 MONTHS AT 5.99%, TAXES EXTRA OAC

2013 RAM 1500 SPORT

MSRP $33,10000

MSRP $25,20000

5,300

$98/WK

$66/WK $

19,90000

$

$0 CASH DOWN, 96 MONTHS AT 5.99%, TAXES EXTRA OAC

47,211KMS STK#U7486

- HEATED SEATS - FOG LIGHTS 45,000KMS STK#151210A

Dealing with the Johnston Auto Group has it’s benefits. We are the largest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealer in the B.C. Interior.

We beat the competition with the lowest overhead and the strongest buying power.

SALE PRICE

34,900

$

2012 RAM 3500 CREW LONGHORN 94,304KMS STK#161200A

SALE PRICE

$

51,900

$

2013 RAM 2500 MEGA SLT - DIESEL - 4X4

- MANUAL 27,524KMS STK#151304A

SALE PRICE

34,900

$

2014 DODGE DART SXT - RARE FIND - 8.4” U-CONNECT DIALOG SCREEN

OUR BEST SERVICE ON A TOP DODGE PRODUCT!

46,000KMS ST#161072A

SALE PRICE

49,900

13,900

2015 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT SUV

KAMLOOPS DODGE YOUR BEST PRICE AND

SALE PRICE

3,200

33,10000

$0 CASH DOWN, 96 MONTHS AT 5.99%, TAXES EXTRA OAC

2011 DODGE AVENGER SXT

WHY BUY FROM US?

- CREW CAB - MANUAL

$

SAVE

64,000KMS STK#151172A

SALE PRICE

17,900

$

$

LOOK F UNDEROR US THE

2009 JEEP WRANGLER

2015 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT

CANAD IA FLAG N

UNLIMITED RUBICON

- MANY CUSTOM EXTRAS - AUTO 135,577KMS

- AUTO 17,000KMS

ON THE KAMLO OPS AU TOMAL L

ST#151383A

SALE PRICE

29,900

$

ST#151372A

SALE PRICE

23,900

$

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

1968 SinceYYESCREDIT

Contact dealership for any further information and d some restrictions t i ti apply. l V Vehicles hi l may nott be b exactly as shown.

YOUR BEST DEALS

The easy way to your new vehicle!

NOW AT KAMLOOPS DODGE

DL#C3287

WWW.KAMLOOPSDODGE.COM

1-866-374-4477

DEREK SALES MANAGER

DALE SALES MANAGER

KARI BUSINESS MANAGER

NAOMI BUSINESS MANAGER

GRANT SALES

NIGEL SALES

BRETT SALES

DEVON SALES

TYLER SALES

JUSTIN SALES

2525 E. TRANS CANADA HWY, KAMLOOPS, BC

TRAVIS SALES

JOHN FLEET LEASE & COMMERCIAL SALES

NO CREDIT BANKRUPT DIVORCE SLOW CREDIT PAYER