Merritt Herald December 30, 2021 by Merritt Herald

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD

2021 THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 •

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Inside, the Herald recalls the top six stories of the year that was 2021.

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$659,000

Very nice 4-bed, 3-bath family home located on a double lot in a great location, w/ an inground pool & private yard. The home features vaulted ceilings in the living room, open to the family room, kitchen w/ lots of cabinets, eating island & dining room & lots of bright windows.

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$412,000

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 3

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The Herald’s top stories of 2021 Fires, floods, and more. 2021 was a doozy of a year for all of Merritt, and British Columbia. Here are six of our top stories from the past twelve months.

1. Merrittonians convoy to Kamloops Nearly thirty trucks left Merritt on the morning of June 5, heading to Kamloops in solidarity for the 215 children found buried there.

Morgan Hampton REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD. COM

The discovery of the 215 children buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School has sent the province and the nation reeling, with people wondering how they can possibly help. Mike Otto, a professional truck driver from Kelowna came up with an idea that would help blue collar workers show support for the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc people, on whose land the former school now stands. A mutual friend then passed Otto’s contact information along to Merrittonian Jim Beckett, who liked the idea immediately and wanted to gather together truck drivers from the Nicola Valley to take part. “The response that we’ve received, I’m so blown away, it’s phenomenal,” said Beckett. “It’s crazy what we’ve gotten from companies locally and around BC. A lot of companies are sending multiple trucks and wanting to show their support as well. We definitely thank the trucking industry for all of this.” Nearly 30 trucks and 20 passenger vehicles gathered at the truck stop in Merritt bright and early the morning of Saturday, June 5. There, they were joined by supporters including drummers and dancers, many wearing the orange shirt that is a symbol of Residential School victims and survivors. Beckett hopes that the event will serve as a reminder to people of what Indigenous people across Canada have suffered through several generations of abuse and cultural annihilation in the Residential School system. “I’m hoping that it brings more awareness,” said Beckett. “I know First Nations have tried to be heard for years, and it’s been falling on deaf ears, per se. It’s time to be heard, it’s time for Canada to get some answers to First Nations and some justice. It makes a guy sick to his stomach to even think of what these fami-

INSIDE THE HERALD Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------ 26-27 Classifieds ---------- 29-31

WEATHER Dec. 30: Partly Cloudy -13°/24°C Dec. 31: Partly Cloudy -14°/-22°C Jan. 1: Snow -7°/-8°C Jan. 2: Snow 0°/-7°C Jan. 3: Snow -2°/-9°C

lies are going through, or have gone through with the Residential Schools and then the finding of these children,” Beckett continued. “I just couldn’t imagine if it was one of my own children and this happened to them. Us truckers are saying, ‘we’re on your side, we stand with you, and we hear you loud and clear.’ It’s time for Canada to acknowledge that as well.” The crowd was addressed by several Indigenous elders, including Chief of Shackan Band Arnold Lampreau, himself a survivor of Residential School. Prayers and a blessing were bestowed on the convoy, after which traditional dancers performed, including a Bear Dance, in which a dancer dons the hide of a bear and dances around a circle of observers, praying for an end to sadness and sickness. Leaving the truck stop to begin their journey up the Coquihalla to Kamloops, the convoy was ushered on their way with drumming and singing. Once in Kamloops, RCMP were on hand to provide traffic control as the convoy from Merritt joined with two others from Kelowna and Williams Lake. Only a few selected trucks were permitted to turn into the KIRS grounds where they were greeted by an emotional crowd and members of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. “By time we hit the Residential School we had well over 300 trucks in the convoy,” said Beckett. “I am not sure on the exact amount as I have heard many different totals, from 275 trucks to over 450 but safe to say well over 300 semi-trucks partook on Saturday. The convoy reached for miles.” Beckett reports that people from as far away as Australia and Norway heard about the event and followed along on social media. Due to the success and the awareness that has come from the show of solidarity, there are already plans in the works to make it an annual event.

Jan. 4: Snow -3°/-14°C

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TMX AGREEMENT

Employees at the TMX camp in Merritt have voted unanimously to accept the collective agreement negotiated with the BC Regional Council of Carpenters.

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COLD BLAST

Stay up to date with the latest on the cold weather warnings hitting the Nicola Valley to end off the year.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 5

NOVEMBER 15

2. Entire City of Merritt ordered to evacuate Our list continues with the moment on Nov. 15 when

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An Evacuation Order has been issued for the entire City of Merritt. “Our staff have been working diligently throughout these changing circumstances with one main priority in mind: the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” reads a statement from the City of Merritt. The flood waters have now inundated two bridges across the Coldwater River, and flood waters prevent access to the third. High flood waters have rendered the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant inoperable for an indefinite period. Continued habitation of the community without sanitary services presents risk of mass sewage back-up and personal health risk. Residents with friends or family outside of the community should make plans to stay with them and evacuate to that location. For anyone who does not have somewhere to stay, please proceed to Kamloops or Kelowna. If you have any support available in either location, go there. If you do not, residents of odd numbered houses please proceed to Kamloops, residents of even numbered houses proceed to Kelowna. The Kamloops ESS Reception

Centre is located at McArthur Island (1655 Island Parkway). Directions: proceed North on Highway 5. The Kelowna ESS Reception Centre is located at 1480 Sutherland Avenue. Directions: take highway 97C East to Kelowna. Evacuees can register online https:// ess.gov.bc.ca/ or contact 1-800-5859559 for more information. A muster point has been established at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (2075 Mamette Ave), where there will be bus evacuation services for individuals with mobility issues and those without access to vehicles or otherwise unable to find alternate transportation. The City of Merritt has requested that all gas stations remain open for residents leaving the city. Mayor Brown said: “Merritt is and will remain strong. At this time, we need everyone to proceed in a calm and orderly manner to safe locations in nearby cities. For your own safety, you must now leave Merritt, for the time being. Please, offer help to your friends, families, and neighbours, drive safely, and take care of yourselves. We will meet each other again, in our homes, where we belong.”

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6 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

VIEWPOINT

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ALBAS: Parliament working together Last week was the final sitting of the House of Commons before the winter break. As is often the case, the government is typically in a hurry to pass certain bills before the House adjourns. This year was no differ- DAN ALBAS ent as Bill C-3 “An Act to VIEW FROM amend the Criminal Code THE HILL and the Canada Labour Code” was deemed a priority as it contained a provision to provide 10 days of paid sick leave in federally regulated workplaces. In a majority situation, a sitting government always has parliamentary tools available such as “closure” and “time allocation” to essentially force a bill

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

MERRITT HERALD

through Parliament. However, in a minority Parliament where a sitting government can be outvoted by the opposition parties, it becomes trickier for the government to pass a bill. This is often where backroom deals and agreements are made between the government and one or more opposition parties. In the case of Bill C-3, in the effort to reach an agreement between the government and the official opposition, a different approach was used. In this case my Conservative colleague, MP Scott Aitchison from Parry Sound-Muskoka, proposed amending Bill C-3 to include a proposed Conservative MPs private members bill that would provide bereavements benefits to parents who have lost a child. This Private Members Bill was authored by MP Tom Kmiec from Calgary- Shepard who, in 2018 sadly experienced the loss of a child and proposed this

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

bill to help other parents in this tragic situation. For this proposal from MP Scott Aitchison to work, it required support from the Liberal Government. On that note Liberal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan from St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, was the champion on moving this important proposal forward within the Liberal Government. Ultimately this agreement reached between the government and the official opposition helped pave the way for Bill C-3 to have an expediated passage through Parliament. Subsequently the Senate has also now passed Bill C-3 and this bill has received royal assent. The reason I have shared this experience is because it is an important example of our Canadian Parliament working together to benefit Canadians. As MP Aitchison pointSee ‘PARLIAMENT’ Page 7 ed out “no parent should

Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

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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.

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 7

OPINION

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

LETTER to the editor

Coldwater needs to be dredged Editor,

A few thoughts from an old guy: Why do we have so much water around? Yes, weather has changed since the beginning of time. However there have been floods and fires before so: Growing up in the Mission/Abbotsford area, as children we used to tramp around the mountains. The mountains/hills of Abbotsford, there was nothing but trees, bush, and blackberries. As I recall there were two gravel pits and one auto wrecking yard. Today, driving past Abbotsford towards Chilliwack what do we see? Hundred of houses (thousands?), paved roads/driveways, cement sidewalks, paved parking lots, roofs and/or other surfaces which water drains off. Each house has one or more occupants – showers are used at least once a day; washing machines, dishwashers, power washers - washing cars, trucks, RV’s, driveways, etc. This water is brought in from somewhere else or from deep down below the surface. With rainfall added, where does this water go. Water goes to the place of least resistance. It is quite evident where it went this year, as with other areas with the same problem. Merritt is a lovely little town, and when we visit we see the river meandering through

Parliament not sitting as often as needed

Merritt either going to flood/flooding/or after the flood. Every year there is the same concern and this year more than others. Today, in Merritt, more housing, etc, etc, as in other areas. What can be done???? Growing up alongside the Fraser River – it has/had the same problem. As all rivers silt up. When finally they silt up higher than the land beside them they overflow their banks, and as noted, taking the path of least resistance make a channel in any lower ground. If the Fraser River was not dredged it would become unnavigable. To solve the flooding problem, the river going through Merritt needs to be dredged. The river should be straightened as much as possible as bends in the river lead to erosion during floods. What is dredged out of the river can be put on the sides for dikes and road access. Every so many miles (kilometers) there need to be spillways and small dams; also in convenient places small lakes could be made so all this water could be controlled, and at the end of the wet season the river/lake could be full. The Farmers would love it – irrigation - more production on their farms – more revenue for Merritt; and also when fire season comes (and it always does) water could be used for fighting fires. If pumping stations were

installed, it would be more efficient than a helicopter with a bucket of water. Also give sections of forest to the logging companies so fire breaks could be made and maintained, which would also make road access into these areas. This is kind of common sense which is rare these days. If fisheries and/or other important groups say you can not do this – have legal documents ready for them to sign so you can have someone to hold responsible for the next flood/ fire just incase they have no common sense. Also rather than building homeless shelters, allow the farmers to build cabins for the homeless where they can now find work (as the farms with plenty of water will be much more productive). Water ways would also encourage/provide more recreation/tourists, in turn bringing more revenue into Merritt. To the people of the Nicola Valley, does this make sense? Let’s hear your comments – flood the paper with your comments and common sense. When I went to school (which is awhile back) we learned that Government is by the people for the people. Laurie Langill Powell River, BC

From the Herald archives: December, 1974

POLAR BEAR SWIM AT NICOLA LAKE About eight hardy people will be making the New Year’s Day swim in Nicola Lake this year and an invitation goes out to any and all who would like to join them. This year, the lake isn’t frozen over, so the swimmers won’t have to carry axes and picks as part of their gear. The swim starts at 8AM and participants are welcome to warm up in Art MacDonald’s sauna at Kokanee Beach free of charge after taking the icy plunge.

LETTERS POLICY

From Page 6 have to choose between going to work and mourning the loss of a child”. Thanks to the efforts of these Parliamentarians, this private member’s bill is now part of a Government Bill that has become law. These are some of the important things that can and do occur when Parliament is sitting (virtually or in person) when MPs are doing the work in the House that Canadians elected us to do. Regular demonstrations of accountability such as debate on bills, Ministers presenting themselves and their policies open to scrutiny at committee and ultimately confidence votes are all fundamental to our system of responsible government- where a government must show it maintains the confidence of the House. I believe we need our Canadian Parliament to sit more frequently as has been the case in previous years but has deteriorated considerably under the current government My question this week: Are you concerned about our Parliament sitting less frequently? I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

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.

Happy New Years and best wishes for 2022 from the

MERRITT HERALD

8 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 9

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

DECEMBER 10

3. Stay-behinds question City’s methods Residents of Merritt who stayed behind following the Evacuation Order cried foul about the way they say they were treated by the City of Merritt, RCMP, and security firms. Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM A rapid rise in the Coldwater river prompted evacuations of low lying areas of the city early on the morning of Nov. 15. While some underestimated the flood waters and had to be rescued by Search

and Rescue teams and even, in some cases, by helicopter, most residents in the the floodplain evacuated immediately as the Coldwater breached its banks and they witnessed the roiling water fill their yards and homes in a matter of minutes. Later that morning, shortly after 10:00AM, the City’s wastewater treatment plant and potable water system failed. This prompted the City to issue an Evacuation Order for the entire municipality. Residents with odd-numbered addresses were sent to Kamloops and those with even-numbered addresses were directed to Kelowna. However, much of Merritt’s residential neighbourhoods were well out of the flood zone, and, feeling no threat of flood, many citizens opted to stay behind despite the Evacuation Order. Reasons for staying ranged from a lack of immediate transport, fear of leaving pets behind or being unable to secure lodging with their pets in their host cities, a lack of Emergency Support Services (ESS) assistance and, perhaps most often cited, a fear of See ‘RESIDENTS’ Pg. 10 looting.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

From Page 9 “We have an Evacuation Order but I stay home because we have to protect the house,” local butcher Othmar Vohringer told Global News. “Because loads of criminals come up here. It’s a bit of a drug haven up here, drug dealers are next to our house and if we leave they’ll be in the house in five minutes.” Aware that they would have to make do without running water and sewer as those systems were compromised and shut down, residents made arrangements as best they could to get by for what they hoped would be a few days, a week at the most. Within days, roadblocks were established at the entrances to Merritt, monitored by traffic control, private security and RCMP. Those deemed essential to getting city services up and running were issued wristbands to allow them to move freely within the community, but all others were considered persona non grata. Offers of help came in from those safely outside of the city in areas such as Lower Nicola and Coldwater Rd. Bottled water, pet food and groceries were delivered to the roadblocks in order to facilitate a hand over without entry into the restricted areas. These operations, however, were promptly shut down by city officials. Debbie Towers, a woman who remained in Merritt following the Evacuation Order, explained that she, and

others, were receiving water from a woman with a 480’ well just outside of the city limits. They would meet at the checkpoint on Pooley Ave. at which point she would fill the water jugs and return them. “I handed the two jugs to Rhonda and she went to fill them,” explained Towers. “When she came back she was upset and told me I was her last fill because the city called the person stationed at the checkpoint and told them to shut her down immediately. She was not allowed to give any citizen in Merritt any water.” A few gas stations within the city were permitted to remain open, mainly so that those who planned to leave Merritt would be able to fuel up their vehicles before heading to Kamloops or Kelowna. It soon became clear that essential workers would also need a place to purchase fuel, food and drinks. These few gas stations became the sole option for supplies for those remaining inside the city, but even that was complicated due to the fact that anyone caught outside of their homes while actively under an Evacuation

Order could face arrest and be subject to a $10,000 fine or up to one year in prison, as outlined by the Emergency Program Act. “Me and my girlfriend went to Canco one day for water for our dog, and an out of town guard pulled over beside us and was yelling and swearing at us that we cant be outside no matter what,” said resident Claytyn Mcdonald. “I told him I was just getting water for my dog and showed him the bag with it. He said he didn’t give a shit and he would drag our asses out of town if he saw us again.” Owner of Coldwater Plumbing, Pat Tent, opted not to evacuate his home due to having day old puppies he felt should not be moved. When the waters had receded, calls came in for his services as a red seal plumber. Tent went to City Hall in the hopes of being granted a wristband in order to fix a customer’s furnace. “I said look, there’s a customer that has no heat and I need to go take care of it,” See ‘TREATED’ Pg. 13 explained Tent.

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12 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 13

“Treated as outsiders in our own city” From Page 10

“She said no, you can’t go fix that. I said, there’s a cold snap coming, it’s going to get well below zero in the next couple of days and if his house freezes up it’s going to do a lot of damage. They said to me, we don’t care they’re not supposed to be here they have to leave town.” Tent attempted to reapply for a wristband as an essential worker, which would also allow him to leave town to purchase parts for repairs and then return. He was once again denied. “Friday I got a call from George Mountain Hotel... he said there was a bad leak, second floor, first floor, filling the basement, lots of damage, and please come quick,” said Tent, who returned to City Hall to explain the situation and tell officials that he was going to the George Mountain Hotel to complete the repair. He claims he was then met at the hotel by a contingent of police officers. “I asked him if he knew who I was and what I was doing here,” Tent said of his conversation with an officer. “He looked at me and said, we know exactly who you are, Mr. Tent and you’re under arrest. They handcuffed me hard enough to cut my wrists and put me in the back of a police car.” Tent alleges he was kept in the back of the police car for over an hour while an arrangement was made to tow his van to the Esso gas station, after which he claims he was told he had to leave town. “My wife is on a federal disability, I’m her primary caregiver, I have to go back and see her,” Tent said, admitting to becoming irate when he was not permitted to return home. “I was the most disagreeable, mean SOB they probably ever had the misfortune to deal with, I was very upset.” Tent is concerned for his wife’s wellbeing, and also about the secondary damage in his customers’ homes, damage that he and other plumbers could help mitigate. “We should be minimizing damage,” said Tent. Almost immediately after the flooding, Black’s Pharmacy began to fill emergency prescriptions for those stranded without medication. This practice was suspended on Nov. 18. “We have now been told by the City and RCMP we are allowed to assist residents of the Nicola Valley if you are OUTSIDE the City of Merritt.” Purity Feed Farm and Garden, located in Phase 3 of the City’s return home plan, faced the same decree. Deliveries of pet and livestock feed could be taken to the barricades at the entrances to Merritt, but none could be provided to residents within Merritt. The Nicola Valley Food Bank sprang into action to help evacuees with food and other essentials, but had to do so from the Lower Nicola Community Hall. When citizens of Phase 1 and later Phase 2 were allowed to return home, they had the ability to shop at the newly reopened stores, but any residents who remained in Phase 3 and Phase 4 could not. City staff focused on the lack of services, including potable water and wastewater, but residents, who had begun to joke about their lives in the “gulag” or “cell block 1, 2, or 3” depending on which phase of the return home plan they belonged to, say they weren’t concerned about City services. “We are not asking the city to provide us with anything, we are not asking the city to turn on the water and get the sewer fixed so we can have things normal again,” said Towers. “We are asking friends to drop off essentials for us at the check points. Even

Princeton brought in essentials for their citizens... People in town have been trying to find ways to have things smuggled in. Can you imagine having to smuggle in things like water in this day and age because your city will not allow you to have it?” Residents resorted to collecting snow and rain for water, trading amongst each other various methods of purifying the water to make it safe to consume. Colleen Hentze, a resident and small business owner in Merritt, posted an emotional video to social media ten days after the evacuation. “It’s like they’ve put their hands around our throats and they’re trying to choke us out,” said Hentze. “People are taking care of other people’s animals, people are taking care of strays, they’re running out of resources, so what do we do now? Starve those animals? No, not as long as I’m alive and breathing here.” All residents have now been given the green light to return to their homes, but that doesn’t soften the blow some Merrittonians felt they were dealt through the course of the evacuation. “I’m hurt,” said Towers. “Not because I can’t flush my toilet or turn on the tap, though that would be nice, but because we are treated as outsiders in our own city. We are disrespected.”

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Happy New Years

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14 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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NOVEMBER 4

4. Braving the firestorm: a local story An intense series of fires razed much of BC in the summer of 2021. In early November, the Herald spoke to the owners of Bar FX Ranch to hear their story. Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On June 30 a wildfire of undetermined origin tore through the Village of Lytton, destroying 90% of the town and causing widespread damage to the surrounding Lytton First Nation communities. Spurred on by extreme heat and strong winds, the wildfire, officially dubbed the Lytton Creek Wildfire by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) then began a cross country rampage that lasted more than two months and burned over 83,000 hectares. “We had a friend phone us and tell us the fire had gone through Lytton, and he said if it keeps going the way it’s going, you guys better be ready,” said Rhonda MacDonald, who owns the Bar FX Ranch with her husband Wayne MacDonald, approximately 30 minutes northwest of Merritt. And thus began a summer of fear, anxiety and being governed by the whims of Mother Nature, a story familiar to numerous rural British Columbians over the course of the 2021 fire season. The MacDonalds immediately began to prepare their property to withstand a wildfire. They removed flammables, pallets, and tires from around their home and outbuildings, cut and trimmed weeds as well as trees and pulled out shrubs. Around the numerous power poles on their driveway and property they created a twelve-foot firebreak, scraping down to bare dirt around each one. Conditions didn’t improve and the Lytton Creek fire didn’t slow in its progression, by this time it had begun to affect the Bar FX rangeland. “We started rounding up our cattle on July 21,” said Rhonda. “We went out on July 21, 22 and 24, and then we were out from the 26 to the 31,

every day, then Aug 2, 3, 4.” Soon, the McDonalds ran out of “horse power”, their mounts becoming too tired and sore to keep up with the unrelenting search of 100,000 acres of range. Fellow ranchers loaned their horses and their help to the pair, who by this time were behind a roadblock erected in the wake of an Evacuation Order for the area. “On July 27 we got word from our liaison between us and BCWS that they weren’t expecting to be able to stop the fire and we had best concentrate our efforts to get our cattle off the range,” said Rhonda. This was complicated by the fact that cattle who spend their summers on the range are programmed to go further up the mountain and deeper into their preferred grazing areas at that time of year and are extremely reluctant and stubborn when the script is flipped and they’re expected to return home. “They are programmed to go up that time of year, not come down,” said Rhonda. “We did our best. We wore out horses, we wore out dogs, we wore out our friends and ourselves, and it just got too dangerous to be going up there anymore.” Knowing they would need help, Rhonda put out a plea on Facebook and was floored by the amount of support she received. The next day, 19 extra riders showed up, including complete strangers from as far away as Deadman and 70 Mile House. Throughout this time, the Lytton Creek fire continued to make its way some 30 km eastward, mainly unchecked, observed by the MacDonalds as they scrambled to bring their livestock in off their range. “The sad part is that we were up on the range every day, we had a clear view of what was going on with the fire,” said Rhonda. “We could see from on our range over towards Lytton and the Nicomen Plateau exactly where the fire was burning. And on Aug. 7 or 8 the fire was burning in five little spots across Platt Creek, and for all intents and purposes, it was out on the west side of Shackan Creek at the community of Shackan. It was smoldering but there was really no major fuel left to burn on the west side of Shackan Creek. By this time, they were building fire guards and they were pretty much complete.” The entire valley from Spences Bridge to Sunshine Valley was collectively holding its breath, placing their faith in the See ‘SAVING’ Pg. 15

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 15

Saving property from raging fire From Page 14 newly constructed fire guards and BCWS ground crews and aerial operations. This is when, according to the MacDonalds and others in the area, a baffling decision was made to fight fire with fire, and resort to the ignition of back burns under some of the worst conditions ever presented by a BC wildfire season. “The afternoon of Aug. 9 they lit a back burn at a ridiculous time in the afternoon,” said Rhonda. “We first saw the plume of smoke about 3:00 in the afternoon. It was 37 degrees out and windy. Before that, if they would have had an air tanker spend four hours on those spot fires and then a couple of days with a couple choppers with buckets and some ground crews, it would have been out. But them lighting the fire, it was like they had to justify the guards that they had built and all the work that had been done up there.” The MacDonalds approached BCWS staff and asked what many across the province had begun to ask over the course of the summer, why were back burns being utilized on days plagued by high heats and strong winds? “How can you even consider lighting a back burn in those conditions?” the couple asked, having observed the volatile situation, knowing that the temperatures were hot and that the wind was gusting in two different directions in a few km radius. Less than one week later, strong winds were forecasted. On Aug. 13 two smoke plumes were observed by the MacDonalds as the fire began to take off again. By Aug. 14 it was visible from their yard and the decision to move

the Bar FX cattle out on cattle liners was made. “As we were finishing loading the second liner the fire came over the hill, and the wind was epic,” said Rhonda. “It wasn’t a wildfire that we saw it was a fire tornado.” A wildfire of such a magnitude creates its own weather, which includes incredibly powerful winds. “It took mature fir trees and it ripped them out of the ground, it pulled the root balls out and everything,” Rhonda continued. “The ones that are dead that still have needles on them, the needles are all frozen, sticking out in one direction.” The MacDonalds had earlier made the decision not to leave their property, and to stay and fight the fire as long as it was safely possible. “We had always figured we would stay and fight the fire… but we also kind of decided that if we lost power, that was probably our turning point,” explained Rhonda. “When we saw it coming over the hill and how aggressive it was, we could hear it before we saw it. We heard it over the two cattle liners running and the cattle bawling.” Any cattle that didn’t fit in the cattle liners Rhonda attempted to load in their stock trailer which she then drove out of the fire zone to Kamloops, leaving Wayne and the couple’s two sons and their girlfriends behind to load vehicles with household items packed for evacuation. “As I drove by the house with the stock trailer, we had a big irrigation gun on the front lawn and it quit, and I knew that that was when the power went out,” Rhonda said. The fire had long since jumped both the Nicola River and Hwy 8 and was burning aggressively on all fronts. Despite the firestorm tearing through the area, which ended up destroying the homes of several of their neigh-

Wishing you Health and Prosperity in 2022

bours, Wayne never left the evacuation zone, only going four km up the highway to Shackan where his mother lives and across the Nicola River at one point to check on a friend before returning to the ranch. “There was a lot of adrenaline, at that time the fire was coming back down from the highway behind the shop and approaching the house,” said Wayne, who went to check the driveway that lead to Hwy 8, the main route of escape. “All the power poles were burned off, the powerlines were hanging five or six feet in the air, there’s no way you’re driving anything up the driveway, so I’m stuck in here, other than the fact that I can cross the river and get away if I have to. By that time the fire jumped their guard up there on the Kwoiek power line, which was a back burn and they lost all control of it. It came down the Agate on the Manning, and then when the winds changed it blew down on top of everybody here. Then the wind carried it back west again. So now it’s heading for Shackan community once again, and the fire actually jumped over the power line again, now it’s going full circle this fire.” While the majority of the ground crews battling the Lytton Creek fire were from BC, albeit not immediately local, the MacDonalds were informed that a back burn specialist had been posted to the wildfire, from Australia. “Why are they not taking advantage of their local resources?” Rhonda questioned. “Loggers, ranchers, hunters, we all know the back country, we know how our weather systems and winds work.” The MacDonalds expressed their frustration with the process, and the lack of communication and information flowing from BCWS, who at one point told them they would need 24 hours’ notice

See ‘RANCHERS’ Pg. 16

Happy New Year 2021 has brought many challenges to Merrittonians, and I wish you all a healthy, safe, and brighter New Year!

JACKIE TEGART MLA | FRASER-NICOLA

MERRITT

1940 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-5631

250-378-8831 Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca /TegartJackie

A message from your local MLA

16 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Nicola Valley Restorative Justice Program

May 2022 Bring you Peace and Prosperity BOX 819, 2025 GRANITE AVE. , MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 TEL: 250-378-5010 • FX: 250-378-5014

Ranchers have questions for BCWS From Page 15 before they headed up into the backcountry to collect their cattle off the range but failed to notify them in a timely manner of where the fire was moving or that they planned on igniting back burns. Although the ground crews were exceptionally hard working and cooperative, giving their all to fighting the fire and helping local residents whenever possible, those observing the fire and conditions wonder why they were given directions that seemingly were unhelpful for the fire and crews alike.

Happy New Year!

May the new year bring you peace, joy, and prosperity.

Aspen Planers Ltd. www.aspenplaners.ca

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“The people on the ground were just amazing,” said Rhonda. “But Mr. Australian Backburn Specialist? I’d like to take him up to have a look at our cows. It’s so frustrating, I don’t understand what the hell the thought process is. I understand logically what a back burn is supposed to do, but would it not be more prudent to actually put the fire out when you have a chance to?” According to Rhonda, a text from the BCWS liaison officer implied that the fire would not be put out until Mother Nature played a role in the firefighting efforts. “Right from the start, they had no intention of putting the fire out,” said Rhonda. “But it was worded that they expect that they won’t be able to control the fire; it’s too hot, it’s too windy, there’s too much fuel. I understand that part, but they definitely had lots of opportunity to control it.” “The resources were here,” Wayne added. “There was a logging contractor in the area, three, maybe four excavators from Lillooet, a couple of dozers, there was lots of heavy equipment. It was just the way they managed it.” Wayne approached the acting fire chief for Shackan, a community of which the MacDonalds are a part, asking him to convey a message to the Shackan community Chief to direct resources to the Platt Creek area well before the fire became a raging inferno in mid-August, noting “time is running out”. “I was up there riding and on the ATV as well, and then back up on saddle horse and there was no effort to put that fire out,” said Wayne. “And I told them at the Band Hall, you need to put that fire out because if you don’t put that one out when you have it cornered right now it’s going to jump Platt Creek and then it’s going to jump Shackan Creek and then when the winds grab it, it’s going to go straight up the back of Tent Mtn. and then it’s going to go to Edgar Creek and then Spius Creek, and then Pony Creek.” This did indeed turn out to be the trend the fire followed, stopping just shy of the Spius Creek area. “We had the resources, we had the manpower to go to Platt Creek,” Wayne alleged, also believing that he witnessed a mismanagement of those resources and a skewing of priorities. “Here they’ve bunched logs in strips, 200 or 300 metre sections and they’ve got water lines running down to these log decks, and they’ve got sprinklers on the log decks,” said Wayne, adding that he believed water lines running from the Nicola River and his hay fields were pumped into bladder bags ten to twelve kms away and used to wet the log decks along the newly constructed fire guards. After enduring one, and in some cases two, passes of the intense Lytton Creek fire, those logs were See ‘I’M’ Page 17 reduced to ash.

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“I’m stuck in here”: riding out the firestorm These are all practices that are considered “tried and true” and have been used with a reasonable success rate on wildfires in years past. The trouble arises from the fact that the 2021 fire season was unlike any other, arguably the most intense and damaging in recorded history, thwarting typical suppression tactics. “The firefighters had gone down the highway when the smoke started getting thick,” said Rhonda, referring to the point at which the Bar FX cattle were being loaded and shipped out of the fire zone. “They were down there with firetrucks and stuff, but they couldn’t do anything because it was so out of control and burning so hot.” Ultimately, due to a combination of tireless preparation and a certain degree of pure, dumb luck, the MacDonalds’ home was spared, as were their outbuildings. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all of their cattle. Despite their best efforts, nearly two dozen animals could not be located and brought down to safety. Eleven cow calf pairs were killed by the Lytton Creek fire, for a total of 22 animals. The toll rises to 33 if you consider that each cow was pregnant. A helicopter pilot flying over the burn spotted the remains and passed on the approximate coordinates. “We could smell them before we saw them because it was eight days afterwards,” said Rhonda. “And they didn’t burn to death, we could still see the colours. You could tell which one was red and which one was black and had a white face. Their ear tags were somewhat melted, but lots of them I recognized, I knew them, I calved them out.” It may surprise those unfamiliar with ranchers to hear that, despite running a large operation which handles numerous cows and calves, the MacDonald’s recognized by sight the animals they had lost, and how strongly their deaths affected them. “That’s what people don’t understand, they’re not just cattle,” said Rhonda. “They have a history with us. We selected those cattle, they weren’t just feeder cattle, they’re breeding stock. We selected those cattle for a reason. The calves that we lost out there, there were at least two heifer calves that I had picked out for replacements, they weren’t going to be sold, they’re part of our herd. They were our future, and people don’t understand that. That is the last thing that anybody wants to see. And what is even more agonizing is knowing how they died. It wasn’t a nice death, they didn’t burn, they suffocated from the smoke and lack of oxygen… they were all facing the trail out, they were making a run for it,” Rhonda continued, railing against the needlessness and waste of their deaths. “We make every effort that we can to treat our animals humanely and give them a good life and a good death as well. They

have a purpose in life, and they didn’t get to fulfill their purpose in life, and they sure as hell didn’t have a humane death. It’s heartbreaking,” Rhonda concluded, becoming visibly emotional. We are well into October now, and the cool temperatures, accompanied by frost, rain and early season snow have alleviated the fear and stress of wildfires for much of the population. But for farmers and ranchers and those who live rurally in areas affected by wildfires, the recovery and clean-up will be a years-long process. The See ‘FRUSTRATION’ Page 18 Bar FX

THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 17

All of us at Miss Vicki’s would like to thank you for your support in 2021. Happy New Year and may we all have a peaceful 2022

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18 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

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Frustration over fire control process From Page 17 range is roughly 100,000 acres and the MacDonalds estimate that around 70% of it has been “roasted”. “We can’t put cattle up there next year and the following year cattle will probably be limited capacity,” explained Rhonda. “You have to give the land time to regenerate and reseed. And our next battle is going to be mudslides.” Heavy rains have already indicated that

some areas are going to face significant slide activity. A portion of Hwy. 1 was even closed for part of September in expectation of post-fire landslides. “It’s not only what nature is going to do now, it’s the fact that on range land and on private land, all the fences are gone,” said Rhonda. Although the province and landowners began cleaning up and re-fencing as soon

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as it was safe to do so, there are still areas where fencing damaged or destroyed by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires haven’t been replaced. Frustrations keep circling back to the grand question on everybody’s mind: Why? Why were fires not brought under control at the earliest opportunity? Why were ineffective tactics employed repeatedly for months? Why were local stakeholders excluded from providing knowledge and resources? “This didn’t have to happen,” said Wayne. “You’ve got 80,000 hectares up there roasted. BC Timber Sales had six blocks laid out on the face of the mountain here and they were going to start logging it next June… so there’s loggers out of a job because touching that stuff now is going to cause a huge erosion problem so it’s probably best if it just stays there. The mill’s out the wood, the stumpage money is gone, so the economic impact of this stupidity is huge.” Wayne also questions why BCWS staff are laid off when there is no further firefighting to be done. “Everybody’s laid off collecting EI, because there’s no fire’s to fight, but there’s all this clean up and shit to do. They should be here getting rid of the danger trees, winding up the wire, getting the posts off the mountain, clearing the right of way… some of them have to go back

to school, I get that, but there’s a bunch of them that could be up there mopping things up and cleaning things up properly.” These are all things that ranchers and property owners are having to do themselves, at their own expense. “You’ve got BCWS running around lighting back burns, burning shit down, infrastructure down, and in the end, the rancher has to fork out the money or find a way to get things back in place,” said Wayne. “Where’s BCWS now? Why don’t they come down and clean all the trees up that we had to tip over on the right of way? Why don’t they pay for the fuel for the excavator to do all that work? It’s their gong show. Everybody that’s affected by the fires is basically chucked into the penalty box, for no apparent reason other than that the back burn was stupidity.” Despite the hardships, the MacDonalds, like hundreds of other ranchers across BC, have no intention of hanging up their spurs. Ranching is not merely a job, but rather a way of life. And Bar FX is not merely an expanse of land for feeding cattle, it’s a home, scars and burns included. Still, after enduring horrific wildfire seasons in three of the last five years, there is a pressing need for change. The only hope for those suffering losses such as those brought about by the Lytton Creek wildfire, is that change is implemented before it is, once again, too late.

After such a challenging year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the first responders and front line workers that have kept us safe and held our communities together over the last year. In many communities across the Similkameen and Nicola, people are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and alone. They need your kind words and thoughts. Now is the time to help where you can or donate to your favourite local charity. Let us all continue to look after each other. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to wish you all a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com MP \ CENTRAL OKANANGAN–SIMILKAMEEN–NICOLA

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 19

HAPPY NEW YEAR

JULY 1

5. Village of Lytton engulfed by fire

On the afternoon of June 30, the Village of Lytton was effectively burned to the ground during a record dry spell. A wildfire that was sparked yesterday afternoon, Morgan Hampton June 30, in Lytton, prompting the evacuation of the REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM village, continues to spread. The TNRD has issued further evacuation alerts for several properties north of Lytton along the Fraser River. Unconfirmed reports from residents of Lytton who were forced to flee their community, some as their homes were already caught in the blaze, suggest that the village itself has been razed by the out-of-control fire. Posts on social media by Lyttonites suggest that many homes and businesses have been lost. Mae Webster, the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) unit chief for Merritt reported that the hospital and ambulance station had been claimed by the fire. Lytton mayor Jan Polderman told News1130, a Vancouver radio station that, “The fire, it took maybe 15 minutes to engulf the whole town. People, basically they just grabbed their keys and ran out the door. That’s how quick the fire happened.” He went on to say that he “drove through town. I noticed there was some smoke on the south end of town. I made two telephone calls, that took about six minutes, and everything was on fire. It was that fast.” The Village of Lytton recently made international news for breaking temperature records three days in a row, reaching the highest temperatures ever recorded in Canada, eventually reaching a scorching 49.6°C, smashing the previous record of 45°C set in Saskatchewan in 1935. Polderman also told News1130, “it would be a miracle if everyone made it out alive” and that flames “were one end of town to the other end of town.” Nearby communities scrambled to help, with evacuees fleeing south to Boston Bar along the closed Highway 1, southeast to Merritt via Spences Bridge or northeast to Kamloops, where a reception centre has been established for other evacuees from area wildfires at McKay Creek and Sparks Lake.

From all of us here at Norgaards Redi Mix, thank you to all of our clients and friends this past year. Have a wonderful holiday season.

We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

As it became clear yesterday evening that the people of Lytton would be displaced indefinitely, the City of Merritt activated their Emergency Social Services (ESS) building at 1721 Coldwater Ave. to function as a reception centre. In order to track people’s movements and ensure they have escaped the fire safely, all evacuees coming to Merritt must register at the ESS. For those evacuees who do require assistance, after they have registered, they can be provided with up to 72 hours of lodging and incidental resources. Many hotels in the area are booked due to the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions and the Canada Day long weekend, however, Emergency Group lodging and incidental support is being provided for evacuees at the Merritt Civic Centre at 1950 Mamette Ave. Evacuees were reported to be arriving at the reception centre last night.

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we sincerely say Thank You and Best Wishes for the holiday season and a Happy New Year! From all of us at Dentistry@Merritt

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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OCTOBER 29

6. Ultrarunner Darius Sam recounts his latest accomplishment In October, Darius Sam took on his toughest challenge yet in the Moab 240.

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM Despite his rigorous training and past experiences, Darius Sam’s latest endeavour was almost too much to handle. It was around the 167-mile mark of the Moab 240, a single-loop footrace of

240+ miles through the tough Utah terrain, when Sam thought that he would be throwing in the towel. He was running on fumes, after days of no sleep. He was determined that he was on his last few steps. “We can See ‘SAM’S’ Page 21 get pretty high

Happy New Year to the best customers we know!

Thank you for your patronage throughout this most challenging year and we’re looking forward to serving you in 2022 HOURS: 8 am ‘til 9 pm, 7 days a week

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 21

Sam’s latest feat on a new level

“When I woke up, everything changed. It’s like my mind reset, I went that last 70 miles and passed, like 50 people. I don’t know what happened, it’s just one of those things that I can’t explain.” It was just before 9:30a.m. Mountain Time on Oct. 12 when Sam crossed the finish line, four days, three hours, and 28 minutes after taking off from the same location, over one week from the time he pulled into Moab and found himself a place to park where he could rest his head. “I got set up in this tiny little parking lot. I was the only one there for days, but then as soon as the race day came, everybody piled into this parking lot.” Sam admitted that, despite his past athletic accomplishments, including his road run in the summer of 2020 that brought in a six-figure amount for the Nicola Valley Food Bank, this latest feat was on a level that he had never reached before. “The night before, I was just nervous. I’d never done anySee ‘RUNNER’ Page 22

From Page 20 out here (in Merritt), but I knew the elevation there was gonna pose me with a challenge. Getting up about 10,000 feet, I’ve never done that before. Breathing gets a lot harder, your heart rate goes up, you start burning a lot more calories.” He was just rolling into the most nearby aid station. He laid down on a wool blanket on the ground, warming pack over his stomach, and finally got around five hours rest, after more than 70 hours awake. “I said I’m done. This is over.” That’s when the second wind hit. A fellow British Columbian inspired Sam to keep going. He motivated the young Merrittonian to get up, turn off his alarm, and get back on his feet.

We would like to thank all of our clients for your ongoing support throughout the year and look forward to serving all of your dental needs in 2022. New Patients are always welcome

Ph: 250-378-5877 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm 2088 Quilchena Ave (Beside the Royal Bank)

Happy New Year!

Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with hope, dreams, and ambition. Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy New Year full of happiness! Your local RE/MAX Legacy Experts providing you with the highest level of care. https://legacy.britishcolumbia.remax.ca/ #113-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 250-378-6941

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Runner looking towards the future From Page 21 thing like this in my life, I’ve never even raced a 100-miler in my life. So I didn’t really know what to expect.” Other than a restless night, Sam was fully prepared for his journey - everything was laid out the night before. The realization that the moment was here, one year in the making, seemed to have come in an interaction Sam had with a race official the next morning. “She reminded me, ‘you’re the youngest person that’s ever going to have done this. See you at the finish line. “It’s just the constant reminders of how tough this actually is.” With competitors converging from across the globe, many from Europe, Sam got to

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know his fellow ultrarunners along the journey. He entered into a pact with the secondyoungest runner on the course, hailing from Houston, Texas, that they would stick together for the first 100 miles. “Just to be able to put our minds together, and find the little footholes, and things to hold onto.” Throughout his training, Sam had his coach by his side. In Utah, however, he was running solo - something he said he found quite tough, in an environment he had never experienced before. “If I was ever going to do it again, I’d probably bring a crew and pacers. Being by myself was tough. I messed everything up... like I put my drop bags in the wrong places.” Sam recalled nearly reaching the top of a big climb around Mile 120. He had a drop bag at the location around 9,000 feet in the air, containing simply a t-shirt and shorts, at around 1a.m., with the mercury at about -7 degrees celsius. A whiteout storm even hit on the final evening, forcing Sam to use his cell phone light to see in front of him after his headlamp died. Meanwhile, he watched fellow competitors, who may have been a little more ‘seasoned’ in the running game than the 21-year old Sam, hopping into state-of-the-art Sprinter vans to rest and recover. “I just had no idea what I was getting myself into...I had never done more than a 100miler. I was just kind of feeling it out.” In Sam’s mind, this experimentation had no goal pace. Though, he says in the future, he’s sure there will be. “I didn’t even have a watch on. I was just focused on getting from aid station to aid station, I didn’t even know what time it was. The sun came up, the sun went down, and that’s it.” So, what’s next for the intrepid athlete? The ultrarunner’s Mecca - the Tor des Geants, a footrace of approximately 215 miles through the Aosta Valley of Italy. Just last week, Sam completed his pre-race signup for the event in Sept. 2022. “This race is way different from what I just did. You go through the Alps. It’s got 90,000 feet of elevation.” To put that number into context - the elevation gain for the Moab 240 was around 29,000 feet. A monumental challenge for the runner, but since he burst onto the ultrarunning scene in 2020, he has been up to the task.

Happy New Year Government Provider: FNHA, DVA, Welfare and Disability

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May the New Year start with fresh joys and a life filled with peace.

May you experience the warmth of your loved ones words and the peace

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE GLASS, SILICONE, ASHTRAYS, JUICE, CIGARS, TOBACCO, GIFTWARE AND ADULT NOVELTIES.

THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 23

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Please Don’t Drink, Drug & Drive Ph: 250-378-9446 3499 Voght Street

Planning on hitting the bars this weekend

Don’t drink/drug drive

Some of the most festive times of the year are associated with an increased risk of automotive accidents due to impaired driving. Any time alcohol, drugs, exhaustion, distractions, and driving are mixed, the results can be unsafe driving conditions that increase the risk of injury or death. IMPAIRED DRIVING Twenty-eight people die each day in the United States in vehicular accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, accounting for one death every 51 minutes, offers the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statistics Canada points out that impaired driving remains one of the most frequent criminal offenses in Canada and is among the leading criminal causes of death. While alcohol-impaired driving has decreased over the past several decades, drugimpaired driving is on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says alcohol and certain drugs reduce functions of the brain and impair thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. These are all skills that are essential to the safe operation of motor vehicles. Some of the typical effects of impairment increase proportionally to the level of blood alcohol concentration. Furthermore, interactions between alcohol and other substances in the body can increase the level of risk when driving. Impairment laws vary by area. Blood alcohol concentration laws typically consider a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of .08 percent or above as criminal. The NHTSA says that a BAC of .08 or higher contributes to poor muscle coordination, leading to slower reaction control, decreased balance and impaired vision and hearing. Memory may be diminished and self-control and reasoning are compromised at this point as well. Impaired and distracted driving is no joke. It is a problem throughout the year, but one that is largely preventable.

Don’t Drink and Drive

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@YRBNicola

The Conayt Friendship Society The Conayt Friendship Alcohol and Drug ProgramSociety is very concerned about Alcohol and Drug Program is very DO NOT drink, drug and drive. concerned about PLEASE BE SAFE DO NOT drink, drug and drive. this holiday season!

PLEASE BE SAFE this holiday season!

New Patients Always Welcome OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Don’t drive if you’re Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen.

2088 Quilchena Avenue (next to the Royal Bank) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Call: 250-378-5877

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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Please Don’t Drink, Drug & Drive Wishing everyone a safe & happy holiday season. Please Don’t Drink & Drive!

YOU BOOZE, YOU CRUISE, YOU LOSE. 1301 Nicola Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-5121

BECAUSE SAFTETY IS KEY,

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SPORTS

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

New Cents coach looks to right the ship Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM There’s a new sheriff in town for the Merritt Centennials. The Cents have parted ways with Head Coach and General Manager Dave Chyzowski, around the midway mark of his first season on the job and with just one win under his belt. “We had our evaluation meeting with the Board of Directors and it was decided to relieve Dave of his duties and move in a different direction, and that’s what we’ve done,” said Centennials President Kelly Bartch. Taking up the job will be Curtis Toneff, a young, but experienced ex-junior player himself and former assistant

coach of the Humboldt Broncos. “There is an incredible opportunity for me to help the Merritt Centennials get steered back in the right direction as a franchise, and it was one I couldn’t turn down,” said Toneff in a Broncos media release. “I’m excited and humbled at the chance given to me by the organization.” The 28-year old Nanaimo native spent his playing days bouncing around junior leagues across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC, including a stint with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the 2013-14 BCHL season. Upon retirement, he has held coaching jobs with teams like Trail, the Nanaimo Buccaneers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, and most

recently Humboldt in Saskatchewan. Toneff took over behind the bench for the first time after the holiday break on Dec. 29, when the Cents hosted the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena following press time. The coaching change will hopefully light a spark under a Cents team that has gone 1-20 in the first half. “He’s got playing and coaching experience in the BCHL and (had) some very good success coaching at the junior B level,” said Bartch. “We think Curtis will be a good fit (with the organization) and he’s going to fit into the community. He’s going to reside here (in Merritt) and we look forward to having him on board.”

BCHL cancels All-Star festivities Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

The BCHL will not be celebrating its 60th anniversary in Penticton in the new year, with the recent cancellation of the All-Star

festivities. The event was to host an All-Star game, skills competition, alumni game, and a Top Prospects game, all on a newly-built outdoor arena. “We are extremely disappointed to announce today’s news that, in the interest of public safety, we have decided to postpone our 60th Anniversary event

to next year,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb on Dec. 23. “We are disappointed for our loyal fans that were planning on attending the event, but we feel the worst for the 50 players who were set to participate in the weekend’s festivities. “We are grateful to all our event and league partners who supported us and are eager to work with them again next year to make the event even bigger and better.” The Merritt Centennials’ Tristan Allen was pencilled in to skate with the Interior All-Stars, while

Merritt Centennials vs

defencemen Tristan Allen and Jacob Dewitt were scheduled to compete in the Top Prospects game. “We are disappointed that the BCHL 60th Anniversary celebration and Save Pond Hockey event is unable to go ahead in January, but understand that with current pandemic restrictions and conditions it is the right thing to do,” said John Vassilaki, Mayor of Penticton. “We look forward to supporting the event in January 2023 at our new outdoor rink.”

COME KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH THE MERRITT CENTENNIALS AT NICOLA VALLEY MEMORIAL ARENA! JAN. 2 CRANBROOK BUCKS, 7:00P.M. JAN. 5 - WEST KELOWNA WARRIORS, 7:00P.M.

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

THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 27

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WHL’s Pats sign Merritt brothers

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM

The first and second round picks of the WHL’s Regina Pats are already quite familiar with each other. Merritt natives, and twins, Jaxsin Vaughan and Corbin Vaughan were selected by the Pats in the 2021 WHL Draft in the first and second round respectively. Both signed their contracts this week to skate with the major junior club. “We are excited to get Jasxin and Corbin signed and officially wel-

come them to our organization,” Pats Head Coach John Paddock said. “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact they have both immediately and in the future.” At just 15 years old, the twins bring a wealth of experience and skill - Jaxsin has cut his teeth with the Rink Hockey Academy out of Kelowna, putting up 14 points in 15 games this season with the Under-18 team. Corbin, skating for the same team as a defenceman, has posted six points in twelve games with the Academy this season.

Fate of curling championships still up in air Chris Foulds KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK Curl BC’s announcement that the provincial men’s and women’s curling championships will take place in Kamloops next month may have been premature. The championships — scheduled for Jan. 4 to Jan. 9 at the curling clubs on McArthur Island and downtown — were initially cancelled due to being caught in the provincial health order of Dec. 17 that nixed all sports tournaments until Jan. 31. The public health order was implemented in response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading rapidly in B.C. On Dec. 23, however, Curl BC

said discussions with provincial health officers led to an exemption to allow the Kamloops championships to proceed from Jan. 4 to Jan. 9. On Dec. 24, however, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry clarified the situation. “I will say the ultimate decision has not yet been made on whether that will go ahead,” she said. “It much depends on what happens in the next week.” The provincial government website detailing public health orders now notes all sports tournaments are cancelled “except for high-performance athletes.” Henry said it is about trying to have higher-level competitive sports

being able to hold events in certain ways, including no spectators and other rules. Adding to the urgency of a decision being made on the men’s and women’s provincial championship events in Kamloops is the fact the national men’s and women’s curling championships are taking place soon. The Scotties national women’s tourney is set to take place from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6 in Thunder Bay. The national men’s curling championship is set for Lethbridge from March 4 to March 13. The championships were set to be played in Kamloops in January of 2021, but were axed then due to the pandemic.

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Consider being a carrier for the Merritt Herald. You will earn extra money delivering an award winning community newspaper once a week to the homes in your neighbourhood.

If anyone in your family is interested in being a paper carrier, call Ken at 250-378-4241

28 • THURSDAY, December 30, 2021

YEAR IN PHOTOS

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CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■

The Herald takes a look at some of the lighter sides of the past calendar year.

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church

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

Merritt Baptist Church

Sunday service (indoors), 10 am. Phone (250)378-2464 for more info and for prayer support.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

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

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

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

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY www.merritthospice.org

LIVING WITH GRIEF & LOSS GROUP Provides support and safe space.

Have you ever lost a loved one? Do you feel alone? Need someone to talk to?

Starts Tuesday, January 11 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (every 2nd and 4th Tuesday: Jan 11 and 25) Please call to register, drop ins also welcomed Location: Hospice Office, #12-2025 Granite Ave (Location may change) Call Hospice at 250.280.1701 for more information. Visit us on Facebook at Merritt Hospice

IS YOUR FURNACE READY FOR WINTER Don’t get caught off guard by a broken heater when you need it most. Give your furnace a tune-up before the cold hits.

BE SURE TO KEEP THE FAMILY WARM & SAFE THIS WINTER

250-378-5104

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 29

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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 Announcements

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THE TIME IS NOW If you are ever going to love me, Love me now, while I can know The sweet and tender feelings Which from true aﬀection ﬂow. Love me now While I am living. Do not wait until I’m gone And then have it chiseled in marble, Sweet words on ice-cold stone. If you have tender thoughts of me, Please tell me now. If you wait until I am sleeping, Never to awaken, There will be death between us, And I won’t hear you then. So, if you love me, even a little bit,

Obituaries

WAGAR

∏ FACEY

Joseph Jordon December 17, 1944 ~ December 18, 2021

∏ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Jordon Facey, age 77. After a long, 12-year battle with cancer, Joe decided it was his time and passed peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, Malou, at the Maple Hills Centre in Langley. He now watches over his family and many friends including Malou, his daughter April (James), his son Scott, his favourite grandson Ryder, and Ryder’s dad Jeff. Joe remained valiant and strong throughout his fight, always with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Joe attended Kitsilano High where he played football for the Meralomas. He graduated in 1964 as class President and was a member of the student council. Moving to Vancouver Island in 1966, Joe started his long career in the forestry industry where he spent 47 years. An avid fisherman, Joe has spent much of his time on the lakes, oceans, and rivers around British Columbia and the world, including one of his favourite spots, Mexico. Over the past decade, Joe picked up a passion for photography, where he gained so many friends including his close friend Dennis Ducklow. Joe was a natural leader who was generous, kind and loving to those he knew. A special thank you to all of his doctors and nurses who cared for him over the years, including Dr. Cass and the nurses in his final days at the Maple Hills Centre. A celebration of life will be planned in the New Year. Please make any donations in Joe’s name to the BC Cancer Foundation. Don’t cry for me, I’m not gone. My soul is at rest, my heart lives on. Light a candle for me to see and hold on to my memory, but save your tears for I’m still here, by your side through the years.

Let me know it while I am living So I can treasure it.

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY When you provide an opportunity for a dying person to tell their story, it tells them that their life had value.

Merritt Funeral Chapel A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Celebrating each life like no other REGULAR OFFICE HOURS On Call 24 Hours A Day

P: 250-280-1701

Obituaries

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

Love’s greatest gift is remembrance.

LEROY MICHAEL

1934 - 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leroy Michael Wagar of Merritt, BC, on December 18th, 2021 at 87 yyears of age. Leroy is survived byy his loving wife Therese, children n Miichael Wagar of Nanaimo, BC, Daniel Wagaar of Campbell River, BC, Robert Wagar W McMurray, AB, and Donna Wagar of o Prince of Fort M George, BC, stepchildren Elywin Cartwright of Calgary, AB, Lyle Cartwright of Lantzville, BC, Gary Cartwright of Williams Lake, BC, Bob Cartwright of Calgary, AB, and Richard Meyer of Calgary, AB. Also left to cherish Leroy’s memory are 22 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Leroy was predeceased by his father Denver Wagar, mother Cora Wagar, and brother Lorne Wagar. This is my Dad, Leroy Wagar, one of the toughest and most fearless guys I ever knew. He did things that I don’t know if I could have done myself. He joined the Air Force at age 18 and spent three years in post-war Europe. This is when the place was still in tatters and the UN had peacekeeping forces there during the rebuild. He visited the concentration camps. This is why anti-Jewish sentiment gets me so upset. We moved a lot when I was young. I don’t remember all the places, but he would typically move, get a place all set up and furnished, and then go look for a job. He had no fear of the unknown or the future. He did a lot of jobs too. He probably drove truck the most. He used to load trailers onto the old CPR Ferry in Nanaimo, and they had to be backed on. It was said that he probably backed up more miles than a lot of people drove forward in those days. His favourite beer was Pilsner Old Style. I think he liked the old-fashioned sentiment with the picture of the biplane, jalopy and train, but also because they started making it in 1934, the year he was born. He was a simple man with simple likes. A beer, cigarette, and a good conversation out on the porch kept him happy. A few months ago, when he was in the hospital for another malady, a rumour was going around Merritt (where he lived) that he had died. So, the local branch of the Legion put their flag at half mast because of the news. My Dad got quite a kick out of that. He kind of liked the notoriety. He was the president of the Legion there for a number of years, and he was darn good at it too. Another thing about Dad was that he was usually lucky. He won more than his fair share of meat draws at the Legion. He used to be really good at poker too. It was once said of him that he was so lucky, he had horseshoes up his arse, and it did no good to kick him because you would just drive them up further. Well Dad, the Merritt Legion has their flag at half mast for real this time and we love you more than you’ll ever know, and we are going to miss you <3. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at Royal Inland Hospital. A Celebration of Leroy’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Leroy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Condolences may be expressed to the family from www.myalternatives.ca

Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m

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

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair To advertise in Classifieds call: 250-378-4241

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Employment

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing Bagadar Singh Mann. Bagadar passed away peacefully in Kamloops, BC on December 25, 2021. Known to many as “Bags” he was born in the village of Khudi Kalan in Punjab, India. The second oldest child of Bhag Singh and Mohinder Kaur Mann he immigrated to Canada in 1959 at a very young age. He lived nearly his entire life in Merritt, B.C. where he met the mother of his children and wife of almost 40 years (Debbie Mann). Bags raised his family, supporting them with a 40 year career with Tolko Industries. Bagadar was proud of and loved his work. He believed in the value of hard work and earning a dollar. Bagadar would say "I loved earning a paycheck. It allows a person to walk in dignity and made you feel alive".

FIRST NATIONS SUPPORT WORKER School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is accepting applications for a Temporary First Nations Support Worker for Merritt for 7 hours per day, 10 months per year starting January 2022 to June 30, 2022. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing social/emotional support, communicating with students and parents/guardians, tutoring, and cultural education. Electronic application submissions are accepted at www.sd58.bc.ca {click on Employment, Current Job Postings, (Job Code # 3157173) and follow the prompts}. Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until filled, with a start date of January 3, 2022. Please forward to: Attention: Lindsey Henderson Manager of Human Resources School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

You Want It We’ve Got It Find Whatever You’re Looking for in the Classiﬁeds.

Bags could always be found at the local pub and many will recall his outgoing nature and charismatic humor. Bags was a unique character who loved music, sports and “shooting the shit.”

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) NOON HOUR SUPERVISORS School District No. 58 is accepting applications for Noon Hour Supervisors at: 

Merritt Bench Elementary

This position may be Monday to Friday, five (5) days per week and one (1) hour per school day. Previous experience working with students would be an asset. If interested, please send your resume along with three references to Kevin McGifford at kmcgifford@365.sd58.bc.ca or online at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Support Positions, and Current Job Opportunities (Job Code 3163396). Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Predeceased by his parents and loving son Clayton Mann, Bagadar leaves behind his daughter Teela Boldt (Mike), brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. You will be missed by many Bags! Love Ya!

Employment

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

Bagadar Singh Mann May 10, 1952 - Dec 25, 2021

Employment

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THURSDAY, December 30, 2021 • 31

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Merritt Herald December 30, 2021

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