march 30 - 2023

TEGART IN TOWN

MLA Jackie Tegart sat down with the Herald to discuss the legislature’s break week and her Fraser-Nicola riding tour. —

/PAGE 3

STILL MISSING

The dissapearance of Miguel Mack has officially been deemed suspicious by investigators. —

/PAGE 5

50TH SEASON OVER

The Merritt Centennials were outscored 28-1 in their final two games of their ‘golden’ 50th BCHL season. — /PAGE 14

The Merritt Centennials played their final two games of the season last week, losing both in lopsided affairs, as the team looks ahead to the off season.

Photo/Christina Jean Photography

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Tegart talks break week, Fraser-Nicola tour

ment that can make decisions in a timely manner so that people can prepare.”

During her time in Merritt for legislative break week, Tegart not only attended the forestry rally, but also the Nicola Valley Women’s Fair, the Merritt Curling Club’s year end wrapup, a public town hall meeting, and a private meeting with city council.

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With B.C.’s Legislative Assembly on recess for the past two weeks, members have been travelling their ridings to connect with constituents and hear concerns firsthand.

Fraser-Nicola

MLA Jackie Tegart is no exception, conquering her rather geographically large riding one community event and meeting at a time.

Tegart told the Herald that her break weeks included several stops in the Nicola Valley, where a number of the riding’s key issues stem from. Merritt

has seen hospital emergency room closures, forestry downturn, fires, floods, and much more. Tegart’s first appearance in the community in the previous weeks was to attend the weekly protest of Aspen Planers’ employees and contractors.

“We held a meeting before the rally, and talked to people who were in the forestry industry, and talked about some of the challenges,” said Tegart.

“It was great to be there to support, and to remind people that government has put together

a process, and it is obviously not working the way that people envisioned it to work. It’s up to government to step up, and do something about that.”

Aspen Planers’ Merritt mill is currently running on reduced shifts, and has recently been closed altogether, due to what their parent company said is a delay in new provincially issued cutting permits. The Ministry of Forests said recently it is working with Aspen Planers and area First Nations around stewardship concerns before issuing the permits, and said Aspen is beginning local harvest

soon on a different timber license. AP Group told the Herald in January that it would import coastal cedar logs at their own cost to keep the mill running as long as possible, but needs new permits to sustain local growth and employment.

Tegart said that Official Opposition continues to ask government for updates on pressing issues in the Nicola Valley, but communication from the province has been less than adequate. Along with her presence, Tegart also brought opposition MLAs Michael Lee and Mike Bernier to the forestry rally, and

has been engaging Health Critic Shirley Bond on Merritt’s emergency room troubles. Unsurprisingly, the topic of flooding also arose when discussing the Nicola Valley.

“Things happen during an emergency, and then it’s all hands on deck, but we find that a year or two years later, that we have a lot of communities and a lot of citizens that have been left behind,” said Tegart.

“Government seems to forget that when we talk about climate change, we need to talk about mitigation, we need to talk about being proactive, and we need a govern-

“It was great to meet with council and talk about the issues around diking, the impact of the forestry issues, and around seniors affordability,” noted Tegart, who met Mayor Goetz and council in their official capacity for the first time this month.

Throughout the rest of the FraserNicola riding, forestry, healthcare, affordability, and housing continue to be issues of importance, noted Tegart. She added that garnering a response from the provincial government has required her to fight ‘tooth and nail,’ with her efforts at reaching a minister often fruitless.

The BC Legislature will resume its spring session this week.

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Merritt Herald reporter Lane Robinson discusses his experience with gardening in the Nicola Valley’s semi-arid environment. As the old saying goes, no planting before the snow is gone off the top of Iron Mountain!

Search ‘SPRING’

CENTS HARDWARE

The Merritt Centennials recently hosted their end-of-season awards ceremony and celebration, where players and other team members gathered to recieve awards and celebrate another season on the ice at the NVMA.

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MLA Jackie Tegart has served the riding of Fraser-Nicola since her initial election in 2013, currently serving her third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Photo/Herald File

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Search continues for Mack

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt RCMP and supporting agencies continue to investigate the disappearance of Miguel Mack, with the Merritt local’s family continuing to organize searches alongside police daily.

The Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) and the Merritt RCMP announced March 23 that Mack’s disappearance is now officially being investigated as suspicious, and could

involve criminality. Mack was reported missing by family on March 3, when they became worried after not hearing from him for several days. The family continues to organize daily search parties outside of city limits and other search effort as police investigate.

“Early on, investigators from SED MCU were called in to support the Merritt RCMP’s investigation,” said Cpl.

“These investigators, having had the opportunity to review all pieces of the investigation, can now confirm that Mr. Mack’s disappearance is being investigated as suspicious and involves criminality.”

The search for Mack has involved police dogs, aerial services, Forensic Identification Specialists utilizing drones, and family volunteers combing Merritt and the area tirelessly, but Mack’s whereabouts

remain unknown. Police said in their press release that the investigation remains a priority, adding that no further details could be released to protect the integrity of their investigation.

Anyone with information about Mack’s disappearance is asked to contact the SED MCU Tip Line at 1-877-987-8477. For more information on daily search efforts by the family, visit the Facebook group, called ‘Search for Miguel Mack.’

Johnny’s on the Rez

James Grandy in a media release.

Marius Auer

Miguel Mack was last seen in Merritt on February 27, 2023. Photo/Merritt RCMP

EDITORIAL

Merritt Centennials are a true community effort

MARIUS AUER HERALD EDITOR

the sport that was previously very, very well hidden. I don’t know that I’d consider myself a fan of hockey, but watching the Cents on their winding path through a disappointing but promising season confirmed to me that I am indeed a fan of local hockey.

Despite the 28-1 pounding the heavily injured Cents roster took between

the last two games of the season, the support of the fans (some of whom have been cheering on the team three times as long as the average age of a Cents player) never wavered. For the season finale against the Vernon Vipers, fans bought 50/50 tickets and placed their bids on sports memorabilia supporting the community owned team with the same

passion of a fan whose team was going to the playoffs at the top of the league’s standings.

Merritt loves the Centennials – and the players clearly love it right back. All year, I saw players engaging with the community they called home for the season, through volunteerism and other means. This season’s Cents ros-

ter supported flood recovery efforts, showed up for community events, and engaged with young athletes and students throughout the Nicola Valley. The best part is, they aren’t the first, and they won’t be the last. The team supports this community – and this community supports the team.

Donations, billet families, countless

volunteer hours, a dedicated staff, and a number of other details all work together to ensure the success of the Merritt Centennials, regardless of the record the team posts that season. The Cents are one of a kind, a true community owned triumph that has survived anything thrown at it. Here’s to fifty more seasons.

Throughout this golden season of Centennials hockey, I’ve found myself discovering my own love for

LETTERS to the editor A call for further federal tuberculosis funding

Editor,

About a quarter of the world’s population is infected with Tuberculosis (TB) with majority of cases in Asia and Africa. In Canada, TB among Inuit is a public health crisis. Reportedly, rate of active TB in Inuit is 300 times higher than the rate for Canadianborn non-indigenous populations.

TB wreaks havoc in the lungs and can affect other parts of the body, like the brain, kidney, and spine. TB has existed for at least a million years and is among the

top ten global causes of death. Nonetheless, TB is preventable and treatable. Have you ever imagined a world free from TB? Eliminating TB would save millions of people from death and disability, reduce healthcare debt, end stigma and discrimination, restore families and livelihoods, and save the world trillions of dollars in healthcare.

Shared vision, technological advancements and concerted global campaigns have helped eradicate smallpox and restrict polio to limited geographies. Stop TB toolbox requires advanced surveillance systems;

quality diagnostics; smooth access and availability of fast acting drugs capable of treating multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB; as well as a new vaccine (current TB vaccine being more than 100 years old). Ensuring treatment compliance through comprehensive nutritional care and adequate social support is indispensable.

The pandemic stalled progress and reversed death counts in 2020. The fight against TB demands renewed focus and investments. Canada has been the front runner in the fight against TB and must maintain its investment of $33 million

over three years in TB REACH to ensure the communities affected by TB can access the care they need.

Therefore, Canadian funding needs To Be to Imagine a World without TB!

Preety Sharma Merritt

Tegart: Great energy from constituents in Merritt

Hotel, which provided fantastic hospitality for our visit.

It was a pleasure to stop in Merritt recently as part of my spring tour of the constituency. A great conversation was had at the Best Western

Residents came to discuss a wide range of issues, including the decline of our health care system. People are rightfully frustrated by frequent ER closures and the lack of timely access to medical services, as well as the challenges with ambulance service which is essential to rural communities. They also want to see improvements to home care services for seniors.

While good work is being done on the ground, it’s clear the system is broken. The Official Opposition continues to raise these issues with the government, noting that it will take more than just money to resolve these serious problems. We need to look at the system, listen to the people working within it, and have some serious discussions about the tangible actions that can be taken to ensure patients’ needs are being met.

Forestry is another key issue. Aspen Planers mill workers should be busy on the job, not holding rallies trying to get the province’s attention and assistance. I continue to press the Premier and Forests Minister to expedite permits and provide certainty to Aspen Planers as quickly as possible. There is also concern about Merritt’s recovery from climate disasters and whether the provincial government is doing enough to support

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RIH ASKS FOR MERRITT DONORS

Approxim ately 4,000 Merritt residents go to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops for different medical needs.

So Paul Battjes, Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Inland Hospital Endowment Foundation, is asking they help support an $8 million appeal for medical imaging equipment.

LETTERS POLICY

efforts to make the city more resilient to these types of events in the future.

Despite the challenges, there was also a lot of positive discussion about how we can work together to grow a healthy and diverse local economy, and I am committed to helping in any way I can.

Thank you to everyone who came to say hello and share their ideas for a vibrant, thriving Merritt!

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

JACKIE TEGART VIEW FROM THE LEGISLATURE

Upper Nicola elects Dan Manuel to lead acclaimed council

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Election season is over for members of the Upper Nicola Band (UNB), following their election for the office of chief.

After the acclimation of UNB’s new council at the end of February, the band’s election was narrowed down to a two person race for the office of chief.

Harvey McLeod, who is outgoing in the role, did not accept a nomination for re-election.

Incoming Chief

Dan Manuel beat his sole challenger, Yvonne Ned, by nearly 100 votes.

“When polls closed on March 18, 2023, 295 people voted, out of the 824 eligible voters,” said a release by Upper Nicola Band.

“Daniel Manuel has been elected Chief with 196 of the 295 eligible votes.”

The numbers represent a 36 percent voter turnout for the small community north of Merritt. General election day was held on March 18, with advanced and online polling opportunities available starting a full week earlier.

Manuel came out on top, and will lead a council made of mostly new faces.

UNB’s new Council will be made up of the following nine band members:

-Kayla J.P. Boston

-Brian Holmes

(incumbent)

-Frederick (Scotty) Holmes (incumbent)

-Dennis MacDonald (incumbent)

-Kevin William Ned (incumbent)

- Craig Shintah

- Eva Marie Tom

- Ira R. Tom

- Jeremy D. Tom

Newly-elected Chief Dan Manuel will lead the new council for their three year term. Manuel told the Herald he is humbled by the win, and looks forward to leading a council that he believes is a “good cross section” of the community.

“The community’s priorities are my priorities, and they’re pretty clear on setting those priorities,” said Manuel, who has served as a councillor for UNB previously.

“It’s an exciting time in First Nations governance, and for First Nations people. We’re starting to see recognition of a lot of the things that we’ve been saying for generations. We have an undeniable Indigenous right to our land and our rights.”

Manuel noted that the band is currently working on a number of economic and cultural projects, including new housing initiatives,

self-governance plans, the construction of a new community centre, and supporting work taken on by the Kʷu Stəmtímaʔ (Grandmothers’ Group).

Looking back on his campaign, and forward to

this term, Manuel said he is grateful for his family and his community. He added that the community is moving in a positive direction, and thanked UNB voters for their confidence in him.

1750

Disposal of Land + Improvements

Notice is hereby given under sec tion 26 of the Communit y Char ter that the Cit y of Merritt intends to dispose of land and improvement s that are not available to the public for acquisition.

The land is the basement meeting room area and fenced outdoor vehicle storage area at Merritt Airpor t , to be acquired by the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue Societ y, for a lease with a term of three years (May 1 2023 - April 30 2026), for a consideration of $1 plus taxes

Legal description of land: A por tion of proper t y legally described as Lot A; Plan Number K AP33801; Sec tion 23; Distric t Lot 121; E xcept Plan 37919, at 4510 Airpor t Road, Cit y of Merritt , B.C

Notice is also hereby given that this acquisition is assistance under sec tion 24 of the Communit y Charter to the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue Societ y, in the form of the disposition of the proper t y described for the term in question at below market value.

Anyone who wishes to make representations about the disposition and assistance may address Council on 11th APRIL 2023 at 6pm in the Council Chamber at Cit y Hall, Merritt , or provide comment s in writing to Corporate Ser vices (corporate@merritt .ca).

Dan Manuel was elected chief of UNB over challenger Yvonne Ned by a margin of 99 votes. UNB council was acclaimed last month. Photo/ Herald File

Merritt residents reminded of proper recycling procedure

Lane Robinson REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The blue lidded recycling bin that is put on the street once a week for pick up could be going into the landfill.

The Curbside Recycling Program (CRP) provides Merritt residents curbside collection of some, but not all, recyclable materials through a partnership with the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

Although there are many different types of recycling, the CRP can only accept paper products, cardboard products, hard plastic products, and metal products. Even though other materials like foam, flexible plastic, and glass are recyclable, the program says there is not enough manpower to sort through these materials. They refer to these materials as contaminants.

“Although the target contamination level is less than 3% by volume of a load, certain types of contamination can pose larger problems,” says Andrew Roebbelen, waste reduction coordinator with the TNRD.

“Just a few plastic bags can entangle many items and make them un-sortable and thus unrecyclable. Glass

can be the same way, one or two broken jars can create a hazard for workers making the load unsortable.”

The contents of the recycling bins are visually inspected at multiple points along the route, from the driver before they pick up the recycling, to the hand-sorting of samples to determine the amount of contaminants. Loads that don’t have noticeable contamination will proceed through the system to be sorted by a variety of methods, including air sorters and optical sorters. Some stages involve hand-sorting of material on a line.

When a load is unsortable, it gets thrown into the landfill, even though the materials are recyclable. The amount of waste per truck load varies depending on the type and severity of contamination.

“Sorting facilities do their best to salvage as much material as possible,” said Roebbelen.

“A curbside truck that has been contaminated could result in small amounts like 10-50kg being landfilled, when the contamination can be isolated. Other forms of contamination can result in the entire load

being rejected by Recycle BC.”

Other types of recycling that the CRP cannot pick up can be taken to recycling facilities such as the Lower Nicola Eco Depot, Merritt Machine Works, Merritt ReturnIt Depot, Home Hardware, and Doctor’s Eyecare Merritt. Types of materials that can be recycled at these places include household and cell phone batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, unused paint, refundable beverage bottles, and some hazardous waste.

“We have a pretty good recycling system here, we can accept many types of packaging that other places can’t like Styrofoam and plastic bags, but the only way this works is if the material in those packages can be delivered to an end user clean and free of contaminants,” added Roebbelen.

“The best way to keep contamination out is at the beginning, with residents sorting into categories. If material is jumbled together it is difficult and costly to sort which would result in less material available, at lower quality and higher prices. Recycling only works when there is a circular economy to support it.”

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS – 2023/2024 ANNUAL BUDGET

Tuesday, April 5, 2023:

A public budget presentation will be made to interested stakeholders at the Merritt School Board Office and live streamed via the School District No 58 Facebook page Representatives from schools’ Parent Advisory Council (PAC), District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), teacher and support staff Unions, Principals, and members of the public are invited to attend this meeting to review provincial funding, District projections for enrolment and funding, as well as provide more specific infor mation regarding the District’s annual budget Stakeholder groups and members of the public are welcome to outline their priorities to the Audit & Finance Committee The meeting will commence at 17:00 The purpose is to discuss priorities and listen to concer ns in order to help set the framework for the 2023/2024 annual budget

Tuesday, April 18, 2023:

Wednesday April 19, 2023:

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

PLEASE NOTE:

The Audit & Finance Committee will meet to study a draft summary which will be presented to Board on April 19, 2023.

A draft summary prepared by the Superintendent and the Secretary Treasurer to be presented to the Board for discussion

Budget bylaw to be presented at the Regular Board Meeting Subject to feedback, the budget for the 2023/2024 year will be adopted at this meeting

Representatives from stakeholder groups or members of the public will also have the opportunity to make a presentation to the Audit & Finance Committee in private if they so desire Individuals or groups interested in making such a presentation should contact the Secretary Treasurer at drichardson@365.sd58.bc.ca by April 7, 2023, to arrange a meeting, supported by a written submission

Cardboard, glass, aluminium, and plastic organized for recycling. TNRD eco-depots have seen high contamination levels of these products in recycling bins. Photo/Herald File

Holmes coaches championship team though apprenticeship

Lane Robinson REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt’s very own JJ Holmes got the opportunity to apprentice coach the champion female U18 Team BC Hockey team at the Canada Winter Games (CWG) this year. The CWG were held from February 18 to March 5, 2023 in Prince Edward Island and saw over 3600 participants. Holmes was part of only 11 coaches from across the country to be part of the Aboriginal Sport Circle’s Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (ASCAACP).

“I started playing when I was 13, a bit of a late start I know, but that’s because I grew up in Douglas Lake. It wasn’t ideal for my parents to drive three boys to hockey,” said Holmes.

“I played a couple years of Junior ‘B’ in Princeton, but I ended it after that because of the fees associated with billeting, it wasn’t the easiest of times facilitating me playing hockey anymore.”

Holmes’ love for hockey didn’t end when he stopped playing, however. Once his children started playing hockey, he took an interest in coaching them and their teams. This eventually led him to the opportunity provided by ASCAACP.

“This was my first year with Team BC, I’ve done probably five years of minor hockey coaching and took

this year off to facilitate the program because it was a bit of a commitment,” explained Holmes.

“BC Hockey brought me into their elite performance program and I was able to go to some camps over the summer where they were selecting the teams. I got to sit in the stands with the Hockey Canada scouts and see the scouting aspect, and I got to jump on the bench with a bunch of different coaches along with goalie clinics. It was a full, rounded experience through this program.”

Holmes described the experience as one that sets him up for success in the future. There were a lot of great coaches, staff, and players that helped to open his eyes to how much goes on to create a great team and a great season.

“I had a lot of great mentors that were really successful and had a lot of great knowledge that they were able to pass on and I can now implement it in my future and my kids future and hopefully some more aboriginal kids futures as well,” commented Holmes.

“It’s been a huge opportunity, Kris Hogg kind of took me under his wing there and I have a gold medal winning coach at my fingertips now that I can lean on and get support from. The whole staff there

taught me a lot, and my eyes have really been opened up to all the different aspects and factors that make a team whole.”

With this experience and knowledge under his belt, Holmes said he plans to support his childrens’ teams and use this experience to help Indigenous children gain equal access to opportunities in hockey that might not have been available without his new contact.

“I’ll definitely be supporting minor hockey next year, either one of my sons’ teams, but we have contacts now with some Junior ‘B’ clubs where I can do some scouting and stuff like that,” added an excited Holmes.

“Right now it’s just something I have in my back pocket, and if the opportunity arises, I can pursue that opportunity.”

Holmes wishes to be able to help

young Indigenous athletes pursue their dreams in hockey, adding that he is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from some great coaches.

Holmes said he values the knowledge and contacts he now has, and wants to use it to support the Indigenous hockey community.

Merritt’s very own JJ Holmes got the opportunity to apprentice coach the champion female U18 Team BC Hockey team at the Canada Winter Games (CWG) this year. Photo/JJ Holmes

Love to Dance Academy dancers shine at Kamloops festival

Lane Robinson REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

After two years of virtual competitions, the Kamloops Festival of Performing Arts (KFPA) this year celebrated its 90th festival by providing a live festival experience to all the performers of its 11 disciplines for 2023. The festival ran from February 26 to March 18 and included disciplines such as piano, speech and dramatic arts, choral, strings and dance, and was judged by eight professional adjudicators, all experts in their fields of the performing arts.

Eight students of Merritt’s Love To Dance Academy (LTDA) once again excelled during

the 2023 KFPA. Teacher Vanessa van Rensburg’s Spanish Dance Performance group presented a well-polished dance performance which was entertaining and inspiring. When teacher Kia Henriksen joined the LTDA team in September 2022, dancers had the opportunity to add five more dance styles to their well-established repertoire of ballet and Spanish, resulting in LTDA dancers receiving a balanced dance education with equal parts exposure, experience, and training, which creates true versatile dancers. Judging for a dance competition is

scored on a scale up to 100. The key areas that judges look for are technique, performance, presentation, choreography, and overall impression.

GROUPS:

Ballet – Elements of Nature – 91% Spanish – Fire Dance – 88%

Contemporary –Ripple Effect – 84%

DUETS & TRIOS:

Tap – Megan Voigt, Kinley Stewart, Kate van Rensburg – 88%

Tap – Anina Miller, Sofia McCulloch – 85%

SOLOS:

Megan Voigt – Contemporary –86%

Megan Voigt –Ballet 85%

Megan Voigt –Tap 86%

Kinley Stewart –

Ballet – 89%

Kinley Stewart –Jazz – 87%

Zoë Andersen – Contemporary –85%

Kate van Rensburg - Ballet –90%

Kate van Rensburg –Contemporary - 85% Kate van Rensburg – Tap –88%

OWN:

Megan Voigt –92%

Kinley Stewart – 90%

“To these girls who participated in the Kamloops Festival, I love and appreciate your approach to this event, every time you stepped on stage, every time you accepted your award, and the way you conducted yourself

throughout,” said Van Rensburg.

“You remained polite, true, and humble, and that is worth more than receiving first place - though there were many! You stepped out onto stage, and surrendered your whole being, leaving an imprint of your soul, creating a moment, a memory, taking the highs, and learning from the lows. I am forever proud to have played a part in your journeys. Congratulations on your exceptional results!”

Everybody at LTDA is looking forward to an exciting and busy spring session of dance which will include two spring dance camps and lots of dancing

fun for recreational dancers, as well as exams, medal tests,

and a wonderful end of year dance event.

Dancepiration 2023

will take place in the Civic Center, June 10.

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC)

1755 Coldwater Ave ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Max well St. • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sundays 9:00 am and 11:00 am

UPPER NICO LA BA ND

NOTICE OF 2023 E LECTION RESULTS

The Uppe r Nicola Ban d held a Chief and Council Election on March 18, 202 3. TO THE OFFICE OF CHIEF

MANUEL , DANIEL

TO THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

BOSTON, KAYLA J.P.

HOLMES, BRIAN

HOLMES, FREDERICK [SCOT TY]

MACDONALD, DENNIS

NED, KEVIN WILLIAM

SHINTAH, CRAIG

TOM, EVA MARIE

TOM, IRA R.

TOM, JEREMY D.

Merritt Centennials finish season with blowout losses

to Vernon on the BCHL trade deadline this year, opened up scoring with a long shot to the back of former teammate Conor Sulivan’s net.

Thomas Tien would add another point to the board for Vernon before the end of the period, making it a 2-0 game. The game’s sole penalty would take place just before the buzzer, with Cents defenseman Kyle Isenberg garnering two minutes in the sin bin for roughing.

make the score 7-1 by way of Diego Johnson’s final goal this season. Before the final buzzer, Griffen Barr, Seiya TanakaCampbell, and Jonathan Horn would all find the back of Merritt’s net for a 10-1 score.

The Merritt Centennials season has officially come to a close, with the team failing to make the BCHL playoffs due to their 12–37–3–2 record this year. The Cents ended their golden season with two major losses, using a roster heavily marred by injuries and dotted with AP players. The Cents will now head into the summer looking to bolster their team in preparing for the 2023/24 BCHL season.

Cents at Warriors - road game, March 24

The Cents visited the West Kelowna

Warriors at Royal LePage Place for their penultimate game of the season, looking for their second win against the team.

Conor Sullivan started in goal for the Cents, who found themselves down on points right from the start. Following a hooking penalty against Merritt’s Jackson Krill, Rylee Hlusiak of the Warriors found the twine behind Sullivan to make it 1-0 just three minutes in. Jake Bernadet of West Kelowna would be the only player to score without the aid of a man advantage in the first period, making the score 2-0 with

a shot to the back of the net. After centre Carter Schmidt garnered a tripping penalty, the Warriors would once again capitalize on the ensuing power play by way of a Riley Sharun goal. The final score before the buzzer sounded happened with three seconds left in the frame, another power play goal by Ben MacDonald, once again on a man advantage. The score was 4-0 heading into the second period.

To start off the second frame of play, Cents AP goalie Ryder Gregga replaced Sullivan behind the crease. Jackson Krill once again earned himself a couple of min -

utes in the sin bin, allowing the Warriors’ Luke Devlin to make the score 5-0.

Brennan Nelson scored next, once again for West Kelowna, making the score 6-0 before the halfway mark of the game. Before the end of the period, Marik Mamic would go on to score his first and second season goals with the Warriors. Jaiden Moriello and Jake Bernadet would also find the net behind Gregga before the end of the second period, making it a 10-0 game for West Kelowna.

The third period would, somewhat predictably by that point in the game, begin with another Centennials pen -

alty. Following Connor Farren’s high-sticking penalty, Michael Salandra of West Kelowna would further increase the team’s double digit lead to 11-0.

Rylee Hlusiak would score his second of the night not long after, followed by two more West Kelowna goals by defenseman Isaiah Norlin and forward Matthew Lee. The final result would be a 14-0 shutout loss fo the Cents, in which Conor Sullivan saved 15/19 compared to Ryder Gregga’s 28/38.

C ents at Vipers - home game, Save on Foods Night season finale, March 25

The Centennials’ sea -

son finale took place on home ice at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, where the Cents hosted the Vernon Vipers for Save On Foods night in support of the BC Children’s Hospital. The game started with an on-ice ceremony, including the presentation of a plaque to the Cents from BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb, who attended the game to commemorate the team’s 50th season and perform the ceremonial puck drop. The first period was a slow start to what would eventually become a lopsided affair. Former Centennial Walker Erickson, who was traded

The second period began quickly, with Anthony Cliche, a Vipers defenseman, scoring his first goal of the season less than two minutes in for a 3-0 score.

Reagan Milburn would score his first of the night not longer after, followed by Thomas Tien’s second, to quickly propel the Vipers to a 5-0 lead. Not half a minute later, the action would continue as Viper Ethan Merner managed to escape Cents defenses to find the back of the net. The score would soon be 7-0, with Lee Parks scoring his 22nd of the season. The next team to find the back of the net would be the Cents, who rallied back to

The tide did not change much for the Cents in the third and final frame, which served only to drive four more nails into the coffin. Julian Facchinelli and Hank Cleaves scored their first goals of the night, with Lee Parks and Reagan Milburn bringing their total for the night to two. At the final buzzer, the score was 14-1 in favour of the Vipers. Conor Sullivan saved 52/66 of the shots peppered at him in the loss.

Next up

The BCHL playoffs will go on without the Centennials, who placed ninth in their Interior Division, starting on March 31. Joining the Cents in the early summer break club are the Coastal Division’s Cowichan Valley Capitals, who also placed last in their division with only 10 wins on the season. Stay tuned to the Herald for all your offseason Cents coverage.

The Cents’ season finale took place on home ice at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, with the team hosting Save On Foods night in support of the BC Children’s Hospital. Photo/Christina Jean Photography

Marius Auer

NV Junior Native Hockey Tournament is back

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley Junior Native Hockey Tournament made its triumphant post-pandemic restriction return last weekend, drawing in hundreds of B.C. players and parents across 20 teams for a weekend of competitive hockey action.

The annual tournament has taken place for 33 years, with the exception of the past three, and provides a space of young Indigenous athletes to engage with the sport of hockey in a competitive and fun way, an opportunity that organizers said has been hard to access in the past and the present.

“I’m quite a hardliner on the fact that society has ignored us for a long time, so there was no diversity or inclusion,” noted Bill Bose,

t to

Prop er t y Pro gram

who has helped organize the tournament for nearly four decades.

“It’s slowly getting a little different, but I still challenge you to go through the BCHL and WHL rosters and see how many natives are in there.”

The four day tournament saw nearly two dozen team join in on the action, with local teams and teams from the surrounding area. Nicola Valley teams picked up multiple podium finishes, including a first place finish for the U18 Nicola Valley Grizzlies, silver for the U15 Warriors, and bronze for the U13 warriors. The Kamloops Crushers won both the U15 and U13 category, while the Chase Lightning and Pukeist Lil Chiefs took U11 and U9, respectively. Despite minor ice

issues and some rescheduled games, the spirit of participants weren’t dampened, as the high octane hockey action kept them busy between two arenas from March 23 to 26. Taking place between the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA) and Lower Nicola’s Shulus Arena, Bose noted the tournament can be somewhat ‘hidden,’ but noted good turnout for the event’s postCOVID restriction return.

“Sometimes I think people don’t even know that it’s here, but it’s happening,” noted Bose.

“Coming from the last three years of COVID, we’re really been knocked down with people quitting and not coming back, so I’m amazed we’re doing as well as we are to start again. This is the first year back.”

Plans for a future tournament are already underway, with organizers moving

full speed ahead to ensure next year’s event is as successful as this year. Bose noted that the tournament attracts young Indigenous athletes from all over the region, bringing both athletic and

economic activity to the Nicola Valley. Full results of the tournament can be found in the Nicola Valley Native Junior Facebook group.

A faceoff between the Sylix Sharpshooters and the Nicola Valley Grizzlies on the tournament’s opening day. Lane Robinson/Herald

Three days of junior hockey action took place between Merritt’s NVMA and Lower Nicola’s Shulus Arena as a part of the annual tournament. Lane Robinson/Herald

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Bela (Bill) Mikita

December 6, 1936 - March 18, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Mikita on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Bill leaves to mourn his lovely wife Maitena (Tina) of 62 years, his children: Alenka (Dave), Andre (Theresa), Joli (Cork), his grandchildren: Stephanie (Tarl) Kyle (Chantelle) , Roxanne (Trey), Ty (Robyn), Lindsay, Shaye (Silas), Brandy, great grandchildren: Kieron, Aimeree and Holly He also leaves to mourn his family in Hungary, his brothers: János (Terézia) and András (Margit) along with many nieces and nephews: András (Ágnes), Tamás (Magdolna), Ágota (Tamás), Andrea (József), Mariann, Attila, many great nieces and nephew and friends

Bill is predeceased by his father András, his mother Mária and his sister Margit

Bill was born in Sajóvámos, Hungary in 1936 and immigrated (during the revolution) to Canada in 1957. Bill arrived in Lytton were he worked for CP Rail and met the love of his life, Tina While living in Lytton, Bill and Tina built a home where they would welcome Alenka and Andre into this world.

In 1966 they moved to Merritt They lived at the Ranchland Motel until they moved into their forever home Bill and Tina then gave birth to their third child Joli Bill worked at Craigmont Mines, Nicola Valley Saw Mill, Aspen Planers, then finished his career at Weyerhaeuser where he was a Millwright/Welder

Bill was an amazing man with a great sense of humour and a great love for his family, working hard all his life to ensure his family’s needs were met Bill would do anything for anyone no matter the situation, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Bill loved the outdoors where he would fish, hunt, camp and explore the backcountry He also had a love of gardening and in his spare time would fix lawn mowers for the people of the community Bill and Tina would faithfully take Sunday drives to explore the back country where they would enjoy each other ’s company Throughout the years Bill and Tina would take turns taking the grandchildren camping, where fond memories were made

We would like to thank Dr McLeod, Dr Edmonds, Dr Hodgins and all the nurses and care aides at Coquihalla Gillis house and the hospitals who helped care for Bill over the last few years Your dedication to your job and the care you provided for Bill is very much appreciated.

There will be no service by request A small gathering will be held in the summer with family and close friends Instead of flowers, a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated

Reinhart (Sam) Jan Kuiper

October 23, 1958 - March 20, 2023

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our brother Sam

Sam was born Merritt BC and passed away in Kamloops BC at the age of 64. Predeceased by his sister Veronica, mother Nancy, father Jan, and brother Rienko.

He is survived by his son Kyle of Calgary AB, his grandchildren Isaiah and Daxton of Calgary AB, sisters: Debbie (Stu) of Kamloops BC, Rhonda (Joe) of Kamloops BC, Lorraine (Rick) of Merritt BC along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends

A final farewell for Sam will be held on Saturday April 1, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Shulus hall in Merritt BC Meal to follow

Glenn Kelley Parkinson

Sunrise: May 4, 1957 - Sunset: March 21, 2023

It is with much sadness that the family of Glenn Kelley Parkinson announce his peaceful passing in the Nicola Valley Hospital with family by his side

“Now Soaring with the Eagles”

Glenn left us with his pride intact; his quick sense of humour; his generosity and kindness to others and his immense love for his family and friends

Glenn loves his wife, Susan; his girls Candice, Natasha (Nick) and adopted daughter Amanda; his grandson Logan and his brothers Rod (Alexis) and Mike (Sandy), his niece and nephews and the many friends who have become his extended family

Glenn’s wishes were for there to be no funeral service But should you wish to make a donation it can be made to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Thank you to the nurses, care aides and doctors at Nicola Valley Hospital A very special thank you to nurse Wendy, we are ever so grateful for the amazing care you gave to Glenn and to Dr Terry Miller for your dedication and care

During the summer the family would like to have a celebration at his favourite lake (Marquart) Bring your boat, book or fishing rod and enjoy this time as Glenn did for many years Date will be posted on Susan’s Facebook page in May

Ken Copley

October 31, 1943 – March 23, 2023

Mr Kenneth Copley passed away peacefully i Merritt BC on March 23, 2023 at the age of 79.

He is survived by his loving wife Jean, son Troy (Kelly) of Cochrane AB and grandchildren Gabby and Grayson, as well as his brother Doug (Marie)

He was predeceased by his father Clarence, his mother Annie and his brother Charlie

At his request, there will be no formal service In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in his memory to the BC Children’s Hospital

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

Coldwater Indian Band Job Posting EDUCATION COORDINATOR

The Coldwater Indian Band is seeking an individual to fill the Education Coordinator position. The Education Coordinator is responsible for the planning , administration and coordination of Coldwater Indian Band Education Programs and Ser vices and repor ts to the Band Administrator This position will be wor king from the Mer ritt Office

Responsibilities and Duties

Planning – Annual and Long-ter m Education Plan for Coldwater Indian Band, member ship and as directed.

Human Resource – Super vises and valuates the perfor mance of anyone with direct repor ting relations to the Depar tment when applicable

F inancial – Develops Education Program budgets in consultation with the Band Administrator and administer s the budgets as approved by Chief and Council and all other associated duties.

Policy – Administer s the approved Post-Secondar y Education Policy

Liaison and Representation – Par ticipates as Ex-Officio when required on the Band School SAC; Represents the band in negotiating the Local Education Agreement; Attends School District 58 meetings where applicable; Liaises with Post-Secondar y Institutions/Schools in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Policy and programs; Liaises with SD #58 re: L.E.A., F.N.A.C, and staff where applicable; Advocates for Coldwater students within School District 58 & students attending different PostSecondar y Educational Institutions; Liaise with Indian Ser vices Canada in suppor t of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Depar tment programs

Post-Secondar y Program Administration – Administer s the Post-Secondar y program as per Job Description.

General Education Administration – Administer s all per tinent Education Program funding through Xyntax; Develop and maintain individual student confidential files; Maintains records of all Education programs, ser vices and funding associated with this depar tment; Keeps the Band Administrator infor med of sensitive and impor tant issues and events in relation to the operation of the Education Programs; etc.

Position Qualifications:

• Post-Secondar y Diploma (prefer minimum Business or Public Administration diploma)

• OR an equivalent combination of post secondar y education and directly related wor k experience.

• Proposal writing an asset

Lifestyle consistent with the impor tance of the responsibilities of the position

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, tact, discretion and sound judgement

Demonstrated commitment to fiscal management

• Superior communication skills, written and oral

Wor king knowledge of Xyntax an asset

• Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux and Coldwater Community an asset

Ability to organize and manage wor kload

• Good negotiation skills (Local Education Agreements)

• Able to wor k independently and in a team environment

• Satisfactor y Criminal Records check

• Valid Driver’s License and Reliable vehicle

Send your resume with references and cover letter :

Attn: COLDWATER INDIAN BAND H.R. COMMITTEE c/o Band Administrator (lantoine@coldwaterband.org .) or fax 250-378-5351 PO BOX 4600, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8

Deadline for resumes: April 21, 2023

Only successful applicants will be contacted for an inter view.

is looking for a FULL-TIME LABOURER. $19/hour

• must have a valid dr iver ’s licence

• landscaping exper ience an asset but not required.

• hardwor king individual

• exper ience with power tools

Please fax resumes to 250-378-4166 or email: tlcpond1@telus.net

Dr. Saini’s Dental Clinic is seeking a friendly, outgoing, motivated FT CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT.

Experience an asset but will train the right individual for our team We offer competitive wages and benefits

Please drop off your resume in person to 2199 Quilchena Ave, or email: drskmerritt@gmail.com

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

Noon Hour Super visor - 3322609 Open Until Filled

Merritt Bench Elementar y Summer Student Maintenance 3434413

Relief Clerk Typist

Relief Clerk - Central Dispatch

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www makeafuture ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/.

All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want

Unde r t he dir e c t ion o f t he G e ne r al Manag e r, t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or is r e s p on s ible f or t he or g aniz a t ion and or de r l y main t e nanc e o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, including dail y r e p or t ing t o t he G M on s t a t us o f s upplie s and e quipme n t T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s . T he inc umb e n t als o pr ov ide s g e ne r al dir e c t ion r e t a s k pr ior it ie s t o t he Inve n t or y A s s is t an t

IN V E N T ORY A S S I S TA N T T his p o sit ion ha s t wo di f f e r e n t ar e a s o f r e s p on s ibilit y :

1 Op e r a t ion o f t he F o o d De s k dur ing clie n t ac c e s s hour s (10 a m t o 1 p.m )

2 A s s is t an t t o t he Inve n t or y C o or dina t or T he incumb e n t is r e s p on s ible f or F o o d De s k op e r a t ion s (pr ov iding clie n t s w it h pr o duc t s), a s s is t s w it h t he handling o f pr o duc t inve n t or y, and c an als o b e c alle d up on t o a s s is t t he De li ve r y Van Dr i ve r w it h pr o duc t pick- up and de li ve r y T his p o s it ion wor k s ve r y clo s e l y w it h t he t e am o f F o o d B ank volun t e e r s a t t he he ar t o f t he dail y op e r a t ion s in or de r t o e f ficie n t l y me e t t he ne e ds o f clie n t s

IMP OR TA N T N O T E : In t e r e s t e d applic an t s mus t r e ad t he f ull job de s cr ipt ion s w hich ar e available a t t he F o o d B ank on Q uilche na A ve (har d c opy) or available b y e - mail up on r e que s t (f o o dbank @ t e lus ne t) P le a s e s ubmit your le t t e r o f applic a t ion ac c ompanie d b y a c ur r e n t r e s ume w it h r e f e r e nc e s t o De r landa He w t on, G e ne r al Manag e r, Nic ola

Valle y F o o d B ank C l os ing d a te: Op e n un t il c andida t e cho s e n

SUDOKU

S agebr ush Golf Club is cur r ent l y hir ing p er s onable, f r iendl y, s er v ice or iente d indi v iduals inter e s te d in joining our Golf O p er a t ions and S er v ice Te ams

We cur r ent l y ha ve op enings for t he follow ing p ar t t ime & f ull t ime p osi t ions for t he 2 023 s e as on:

• Ou t side S er v ice s (Golf C ar t and Gener al Cle aning du t ie s)

• F& B Te am (S er ver s, b ar tender s)

• Hous eke eping St af f

• Tur f C ar e Te am (ent r y level p osi t ions)

P le as e for war d r e sume s by email to info @ s agebr ushgolf club com

N ote: onl y succe ss f ul applica t ions w ill b e cont ac te d for inter v iew

Route ME14 Coutlee, Granite, Lauder, Nicola, Quilchena, Douglas, Houston, Jackson, Mar ian 133

Papers Diamond Vale area

Route ME70 & ME38 Ir vine Cressy For ksdale 76

Papers Bench Area

Thursday's Deliver ies Paid Per Paper Great First Job Any age ok Can have papers delivered to your door or they can be picked up at office Please feel free to call or stop by the Office for more info 2090 Granite Ave (250) 378-4241

CASH PAID FOR UNWANTED FIREARMSPreser ve our Canadian Firear ms Heritage

Fully licensed buyer seeking unwanted firear ms; estates single items collections ammunition and reloading ALL FIREARMS LAWS OBSERVED Call Jason: (236) 597 - 4145

Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd.

on April 13, 2023 for non payment

2005 Ford Expedition VIN 1FMFU18555LA58434

Debtor: Tanya Gosselin

Amount owing: 3,187 03

2006 Saturn Ion

VIN 1G8AM15FX6Z112685

Debtor: Leslie Howarth

Amount owing: 4,271 61

Land Ac t: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that, quA-ymn Solar LP, a limited par tnership between shQUAQUash Energy Limited Par tnership and BluEar th Renewables Inc (as limited par tners) and quA-ymn Solar GP Inc (as general par tner), has applied to the British Columbia Ministr y of Forests (FOR), Thompson Ok anagan Region for a License of Occupation to construct a 15 MW solar project situated on Provincial Crown land located at 50.510122° nor th latitude and 120.983000° east longitude; or UTM 10U 642300m east and 5597296 m nor th on the Teck HVC Bethlehem Tailings Storage Facility FOR invites comments on this application. The Lands File is 3413674. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land O fficer, Thompson Ok anagan Region, FOR, at 1st Floor - 441 Columbia St, K amloops, BC V2C 2T3. Comments will be received by FOR up to April 21, 2023. FOR may not be able to consider comments received after this date Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this adver tisement will be considered par t of the public record Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request Visit http://w w w.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

1. Millisecond

5. Narcotic drug

11. Accident

14. Formal submissions

15. Popular 70s rock band

18. Discourage from doing

19. More socially elite

21. Arid

23. A way to look

24. Heroes

28. A surfer rides it

29. Potato state

30. Insect repellent

ACROSS DOWN

1. Woman (French)

2. Province of Pakistan

3. This (Spanish)

4. Transportation device

5. Greater in importance or priority

6. The human foot

7. Within

8. Consumed

9. Respectful Malaysian term

10. Therefore

12. Ceased to exist

13. Type of macaroni

16. English composer

17. Wooded tract

32. Cool!

33. Have already done

35. Collegiate women’s fraternity

36. To the __ degree

39. Gasteyer and de Armas are two

41. Blood type

42. Looked over

44. Language of Cameroon and Chad

46. Species of armadillo

47. Touch softly

20. Tall, slender-leaved plant

22. 36 inches

25. Take too much (abbr.)

26. Allow

27. Individually

29. Journalist Tarbell

31. Bar bill

34. Hong Kong food stall:__ pai dong

36. Not messy

37. Species that includes reedmace

38. Former MLB catcher Ed

40. Northern U.S. state

43. Wilt

49. Part of your upper body

52. Large, stocky lizards

56. Lack of social or ethical standards

58. Congressman

60. Unofficial force

62. As a result of this utterance

63. A main branch of Islam

45. Commercial

48. Bolivian river

50. Nursemaid

51. A car needs four

53. Guns (slang)

54. American state

55. Clusters of fern fronds

57. Body part

58. A person’s brother or sister

59. Breed of sheep native to Sweden

61. Of I