Merritt Herald April 18, 2024

WANTED MAN

Raymond Francis Thiffault is wanted by multiple RCMP detachments, including Merritt.

/PAGE 5

School District 58 students had the chance to use heavy machinery at the district’s new program. SD58 ROCKS

/PAGES 14-15

The Merritt Centennials bid farewell to the BCHL as the team gets knocked out of playoffs against Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Page 18. Photo/Laísa Condé

City gears up for water restrictions

As drought season draws closer, council is looking at enforcement of water restrictions

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Council discusses water usage and restrictions.

As drought season draws closer, council is looking at enforcement of water restrictions.

“We felt like it was really important to put this into open discussion and so that council would feel comfortable to community members to come and ask them about what we think is our best plan to action for managing water usage during drought conditions,” said Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia White.

Currently, Merritt is at Level 3 water restrictions meaning that residents are able to water their lawns two times per week (hand water is not exempt); use garden sprinklers two times per week. Hand watering of vegetable gardens, trees and shrubs is allowed anytime but hoses must have an

auto shut-off valve.

Under Level 3, cleaning vehicles is allowed anytime for hoses with auto shutoff valves, wash over grass or gravel when possible. Pools may only be topped up. Drip irrigation is allowed anytime.

At Level 5, only hand watering and drip irrigation of vegetable gardens will be allowed, all aforementioned water amenities and utilities will not be permitted.

As of April 12, 2024, Merritt’s groundwater levels are approximately 0.6 metres underneath the historical daily median. “Decisions for further higher-level restriction will hopefully not be required until June, and will depend largely on the amount of precipitation between now and then,” said Director of Public Works and Engineering Services Rick Green.

Green also noted starting this week, violators will be sent warning letters with letters being mailed to property owners and hand delivered to occupants.

“The general idea is not to fine people, I don’t want anybody’s money on this stuff, all we’re looking for is compliance, understanding, and understanding the situation that we’re in,” said Green during a council meeting. “So the goal here would be to identify somebody watering or using water outside of the restrictions, send them a letter… and let them know that this has been noticed and the first letter obviously is a warning.”

“But if we’re not getting the point across, I think I’d like to be able to turn water off if necessary, or at least throttle back to the point where: yes, they have water but not a lot of water, it’s gonna get their attention, it’s gonna get them calling us and we’re gonna be able to go and explain it to them,” said Green. “Once again, I don’t believe in fines for this type of thing, what I believe in is that we all do what we can to conserve water, so taking people’s money is not the goal.”

On April 17, nurses at Nicola Valley Hospital protested on the ongoing crisis at the emergency room.

Currently, Merritt is at Level 3 water restrictions. Photo/Herald file.

MASSEY: Geometry, drafting, art, and happiness

NV ARTS COUNCIL

ART AT HEART: JOJO MASSEY

For me, filling my creative passion is a combination of visual and tactile. The colours and patterns can

elicit calmness, and the texture of craft materials and the motion of creating help to increase dopamine, and that makes me happy.

My earliest memory of being creative was my first day of Kindergarten. We were given a 4”red square of construction paper, and a pair of scissors. Our task was to cut corners in single straight cuts until we had formed a circle. At this young age, the colour and texture of the paper, the feel of the snip of the scissors, and the challenging goal to make a circle out of a square resonated with the undiscovered “creative” within me.

A few years later, my yearnings to be creative were satisfied by playing with my favourite toys; Spirograph

LETTERS to the editor

and Etch A Sketch. I found geometry to be a stable base that I could rely on in a somewhat chaotic world.

In Grade 11, I enrolled myself in a Drafting Class for an elective. I had no idea what “Drafting” was, but it sounded like more fun that Home Economics. I was seated at a tilted board, with a parallel rule and some triangles and a compass. Heaven. I went on to become a Drafter/Designer, and my career evolved through pencil; paper, 2D Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 3D modeling and printing, and now virtual reality (VR).

Although I love digital design, I also engage in the tactile geometrybased craft of crochet.

The patterns that the combined stitches create, and the relationship between yarn thickness, hook diameter and tension continue to challenge and fascinate me. Recently, I went “small” and learned how to crochet earrings. As a frequent traveler, it is easier to pack very small hooks and thread in my suitcase. It took a few months for my brain and hands to recalibrate to the tiny size of the earrings, but I got there, and it has been rewarding.

Now, I am learning Needle Tatting, also known as lace-making. I am very thankful that there are still so many wonderful crafts to learn.

Acts of kindness shine bright in Merritt

Editor,

March 25 started like any other usual day. But then, around 11:30 a.m., our little boy went into a terrible distress situation. We tried to calm him to no avail. Brian thought he may want out. And he was gone. He was running full out. Our friend and neighbour Mike and another neighbour Richard both saw him running past their houses.

With no questions, they got their cars out and went looking. Brian went out on foot, I went out also following them. I got on Coldwater Avenue and saw an Angel and her girls. I went and got Brian and we came back to them.

Sadly, our little guy was gone, but our Angel stayed. She saw he was in trouble and stopped to help him. We never got your name and I hope we thanked you, if not, I’m sorry we will be eternally grateful to you for being there. And thanks to Mike and Richard for being there for us.

The people of Merritt are truly wonderful people. Always willing to help.

Gizmo 17-05-2009 – 25-03-2024

Mary & Brian Williams

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merrittonians receive awards from B.C. Snowmobile Federation

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

B.C. Snowmobile Federation presents awards at Nicola Motorsports.

On Thursday, April 11, Adam McDonald of the B.C. Snowmobile Federation presented awards to Melvina White and Grant Klassen outside Nicola Motorsports.

President of Tourism Nicola Valley Melvina White was presented the Tourism Development and Promotion of the Year Award. “I think it is testament to all the hard work that the group puts in to see that we have a tourism aspect to our group,” said White.

Grant Klassen of Nicola Motorsports won the Dealership of the Year Award. “I think it’s the big win for the community, this is pretty big, being recognized B.C. wide with what’s going on in town,” Simon Rizzardo said at the ceremony.

“It shows that we’re a four season destination group,” said Rizzardo. “Come in wintertime, come in summertime, Grant kind of does both with the quads and the ATVs and snowmobiles.”

White has worked at Tourism Nicola Valley for approximately 15 years. “(Tourism has) changed immensely, there’s always been trying over the years but I honestly don’t know why it’s taken so

SD58Rocks THANKYOU

SD58Rocks2024—Donorand DonorList

SD 58 ROCKSSTEERINGCOMMITTEEMEMBERS:

Dave Andersen,Darrell Finnigan, JJ Holmes,JaneKempston, KevinMcGifford,TrevorRooke.

SD 58 ROCKSOPERATIONS& ON-SITEPLANNING: Dave Andersen, Darrell Finnigan, KevinMcGifford,TrevorRooke.

SD 58 ROCKSCOMMUNICATIONS& SUPPORT: VickiKlassen.

Arnica

Boston Pizza-Merritt

Ministry of Transportation

andInfrastructure

SaxonPeters& TylerOlsen Mini Excavator

Gary andLeanne DixonLunchsupport &delivery

Justin Jepsen Site Access

Emcon SimonRizzardo, Excavator, Rock Truck &SalmonArm Crushing

Infracon

Mar-King

Dean Obayashi,Filip HorakWheel Loader,Skidsteer

JimNelsonGrader& SkidSteer

ScottWebberPortableToilets

Millco PatrickMillerFirst AidServices

Merritt SecondarySchool

Parent Advisory Council

Nadina Logging

MSSPAC ExecutiveLunchDonation

FrankEtchart &CoryWoodsSkidder

Nicola Chainsaw GrantKlassen Zoom Boom &Sidex Side

NomadHauling

LNSS

RSI

SecuriguardServices

Southern Interior

Construction Association

WorksafeBC

YRB

JamesMcNaney EquipmentDeliveries

Bill Campbell Operator andFuel

LesEvans Bulldozer

RobWynnSiteSecurity

Leanne HendricksonLunchDonation

Dean RedknapSafetyMeeting

Jordan McDougall

Tony DiMarco- Wheel Loader EquipmentOperator

Tourism Nicola Valley outside Nicola Motorsports after receiving awards from B.C. Snowmobile Federation. Photo/Kenneth

THET HRIF TSHOP

The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary GIVESBACKTOTHE COMMUNITY

Originally formed in 1912 as the“Hospital Auxiliary” theNicolaValleyHealth CareAuxiliaryisa registered non-profit society and charitable organization, and amember of theBritish Columbia AssociationofHealthcareAuxiliaries. We areagroup ofdevoted volunteers committed to raising funds to support avariety of health careneedsfor ourcommunity.

$150,000 donatedtothe 2019 upgradeofthe Nicola ValleyHospitalEmergency Department

$10,000 each to theRed Cross, Merritt Rotary Club and Samaritan’sPurse forNovember2021 flood reliefefforts

Knowing that manyNicola Valley residents travelto Kelowna for cancer treatment, theAuxiliary donated $20,000 to the SystemicTherapySuiteexpansion project of the Kelowna Cancer Foundation.

Each summer we employ students to run the ThriftShop, providingthem with retail work experienceand the opportunity to learnnew skills.

$15,000 to purchase2 specialtymattresses forpalliative careatGillis House. These mattresses lower therisk of developing pressure ulcers, help keep patients morecomfortable, and reducethe riskofstrain or injury to the caregiver.

$20,000 donated in 2022 and in 2023 to Nicola Family Therapy for Men’sMental Healthcounseling.

$100,000 donated in 2021 to theRoyal Inland Hospital recognizingthatmanyNicolaValley residents must accesshealth caretreatmentsinKamloops

We donate to other organizationsinour community including: NicolaValleyFood Bank, theSoupBowlSociety, Ska-lu-la Workshop, Berta Fraser AdultDay Services, theRed Cross loan cupboard, Merritt Hospice Society, and the RoyalCanadian Legion poppy fund.

AtChristmas we provide plattersfor staff at Gillis House, theHospital, RCMP,Firehall andAmbulancecrews

Some of the recent initiatives include:

It is important to recognize those whowork through holidays and arethere if needed in amedical crisis

$15,450 to Gillis House to purchase a Tovertafel inter-active projector andprograms that utilizemotion andtouch on clean surfaces to stimulate and engageseniors with dementia

Four$2000 Bursariesare awarded each year to students in theNicolaValley entering thehealthcarefield.

$46,000 donated in 2023 to Gillis House to replace 26 resident’s bedside tables anddressers.

It is the unwaveringsupport from thecommunityand the work of our dedicated volunteersthatmake these donations possible. OurThrift Shopisopen Tuesday,Wednesday,Friday and Saturday to providelow-cost household andclothing options for shoppers and to accept donations from the community. Any itemsnot sold at the storeare forwarded to anotherorganizationwherethey can be repurposedfurther.

On the dayswhenthe ThriftShop is notopen, thevolunteers arestill there,sorting,pricingand restocking for the next week.

Volunteeringfor an organizationthat benefitsthe entirecommunitymakes atangible difference in people’slives.

Volunteering just four hours aweek can inspire alifetime of change. If you areinterested in joiningthe Auxiliary,wewouldlove to hear from you! Weinvite youtostop by,meetsomeofour volunteersand pickup an application to join the Auxiliary.

In the words of Helen Keller“Alone we can do so little; together we candosomuch”

Get to know: Peter Coghill

With the byelection quickly approaching, it is important for voters to become familiar with the people that are running to fill late Coun. Claire Newman’s position at city council.

Peter Coghill is running for the first time for office and is one of the four candidates running for city councillor.

Coghill has decided to put his name in the poll after his family gave him the encouragement to put his name forward.

“I wanted to get involved with the community and to see what I can do. Being a councillor to help to revitalize the community, and to try to get the community to be tighter together,” he said. “A tight knit community along with the bands and societies that are out there.”

Despite not being from Merritt and only moving into town in 2018, Coghill said he has learned to love the community.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re here for five generations or not, you have more appreciation for it (Merritt).

But it’s trying to have the pride of the community, try and get the pride with the community,” Coghill stated. “I believe I am very proud of this community and I know the potential in this community and I’d like to see it flourish.”

One of the main priorities in his platform is to help revitalize Merritt back into what it used to be.

“I’ve talked to some people and they’re concerned about it. In the last 10 years, it has been going one way and they would like to see it change around and be revitalized back to the way it was before and that’s one of the things I’d like to help with,” Coghill said.

He said that long experience in logging and power engineering makes him a versatile person, being able to adapt to different scenarios and challenges.

“I think that will help me out quite a bit with interacting with the forest industry community, from logging, sawmill,” he said. “The other one (skill) I have is my ability to actually learn in what I do. One of the things I’ve done was I went back to school and got my power engineering and started that. So being able to adapt to a totally new job site, having the knowledge of the challenges that are there.”

At the end of the interview, Coghill stated he hopes people will vote for him.

“Come and vote because it’s the voice of the people that will elect who they think is the best candidate for that position and I think that I can bring a lot to the table.”

Photo/Laísa Condé.

Tourism expanding

From Page 14

it has the assets, all the outdoor assets,” said White. “It’s just a matter of expanding on them and letting people know that they are here and we’re doing what we can to improve them and compete with other communities that are already established and we’re coming along.”

In the near future, White says the community can expect to see a ‘number of different tours.’ “We need to work on cross country skiing and snow skiing, and fishing,” said White. “We’re hoping to get

some fishing guides and have rentals avail able out of the adventure centre for the different things that we hope to offer like kayaking and paddle boarding and relax ing.”

“Money’s getting tight to go to any of these places, we’re looking at bringing in outside funds,” said Rizzardo. “Outside money is bringing in new talent.”

City hopes Edison Motors reconsiders leaving Merritt

getting them together to talk about possibly leasing, buying or working on some sort of a project,” Goetz said.

ATTENTION PATIENTS

We aresad to an no unce that Dr.Jae Ch o, whoj oi nedo ur practi ce in Ju ly 20 23,w il lb el eavi ng Me rr it ttop ur suen ew op po rt un it y. Fo r those of yo uw ho neve rg ot to meet Dr.Cho,h ewas awonde rful add it io ntoo ur cl in ic andwea re sadtosee hi mg o, howeve r; He ha sb eenoffe reda n am az in go ppor tu nity to ow na ni mp la nt p ra ct icei nthe lowe rm ai nl and. We areext remel yexcited fo rD r. Ch oa nd wi sh hi ma ll th eb es to nh is next chapte ri nd enti st ry.T he p ra ct icew il lconti nuetoo pe rate with ou rl on g-te rm dent is t, Dr El izab ethD en ison,w ho ha sb eenw ithusfor 17 year s.

WELOMCE TO THETEA M

The City of Merritt is trying to sweeten the pot to help keep electric vehicle maker Edison Motors from leaving the community for a fresh start in Terrace.

Edison Motors founder and CEO Chace Barber says the hybrid-electric logging truck company began in his backyard in the Nicola Valley but is now ready to move north to an old truck factory in Terrace.

“We put it in an offer, the offer got accepted but it’s pending rezoning. We just need a conditional zoning amendment to allow us to do one specific activity on commercially zoned property,” Barber said.

The company is currently working to complete eight orders of its hybrid truck, and wherever they end up they are planning to hire between 40 and 50 employees.

“You just can’t afford anything around here. It’s all being bought up, like I said, by investors who are selling to other investors,” he said.

“We bought the land and a shop in Terrace, an actual shop, for less than a third of the amount of buying just the bare land [in Merritt] and with nothing on it. Like, it’s not economically feasible for businesses.”

Pending the rezoning amendment, Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz said the city would absolutely like to see the company stay. He said the city has a limited amount of land and none that would suit what Edison is looking for.

“We started working with them and some developers around the community,

“All of that falls through, then the city has some acreage that we are developing right now that we would be putting in to lease it out to somebody. It’s about four acres and it’s something that we could look at working with them on a fair lease agreement.”

Goetz said much of the land in Merritt has been purchased by private industry and there isn’t much the city can do to influence the sale of property.

“We’ve begun densification because our borders are full as far as they can go,” he said.

“It’s private people that own these pieces of property and the city doesn’t really have a lot of pull on what they do when they go to sell it. So we would like to see it developed but we kind of get stuck in that game.”

He said while he hopes Edison will stay, ultimately they’ll go with the options that’s best for their company.

According to Barber, Edison has received invitations to set up in the U.S., including in Arizona and Nevada. He said he wants to stay in B.C. to contribute jobs and business to the economy.

“I don’t think the answer to when we look at things and say, ‘Hey, cost of living is going up things are going worse,’ is to just put our tail between our legs and run to the U.S.,” he said.

We area lsover yexcited to an no unce that Dr.J us ti nH aw il lb ej oi ni ng ou r practi ce in Mayofthi syea r. Dr.H ai sa fr iend andcol leag ue of Dr.Cho’s.A s ad ed icated dent is t, Dr.H au phol ds co re va lues of integr it y, co mpas si on, andhon es tcom mu ni cati on with pati ents.Bor na nd ra ised in Va ncouve r, th esep ri ncip lesfor m th efou ndat io nofh is practi ce. Grad uati ng from UBCw ithBache lo rs in Sciencea nd Dental degrees, he br in gs awea lthofk nowl ed ge and ex pe rt isetopat ient ca re.

Dr iven by apas si on fo rd enti st ry,D r. Ha is ad etai l- or iented indi vi dual w ho co nt in uo us ly st rivesfor better qual it yi ncare. Hi sg oa li stoensure pati ents feel re la xeda nd at ea se du ri ng treatm ents,fos te ri ng an atmosp he re of tr us ta nd co mfor t.

Beyo nd dent is tr y, Dr.H ai nd ul gesi nvar io us hobb ies, in cl ud in g p hotograp hy,s tayi ng acti ve,exp lo ri ng di ve rsecui si nes, and travel.E mb ra ci ng al ifel on gl ea rn in gm indset,h econ stantl yseeks op po rt un it iestoa cq ui re news ki ll s, en ri ch in gb othh is pe rson al and p rofess io na ll ife.

Both Dr.D en ison andD r. Ha wi ll be ta ki ng ca re of al lofo ur pati ents andthe ir dental need sfor th is tran siti on ti me.Wea pp reci ateyou r unde rs ta nd in ga nd wa nt to reas su re al lofo ur pati ents that we look for wa rd to co nt in ui ng to st rive to provid ethe best qual it yofcareat Ca scad eF am il yD enta l.

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Josh Dawson CASTANET City

SD 58 students get chance to try heavy machinery

SD58 Rocks gives Grade 11 and Grade 12 students opportunity to get hands on experience with heavy machinery

Kenneth Wong

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

School District 58 hosts SD58 Rocks Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Experience event.

On April 12 and 13, seven students from Merritt Secondary School and one Princeton Secondary School student got the opportunity to get hands-on experience using heavy machinery.

2024 marks the first year SD 58 has done an event like this. “Heavy equipment experience runs out of SD 73 and Williams Lake districts,” said SD 58 career programs dual credit coordinator Kevin McGifford. “So we’ve seen that the events happen at a much larger scale and that inspired us to work together with local companies to create an experience for the students.”

SD 58 collaborated with Arnica, Boston Pizza, B.C. Ministry of Transportation, Emcon, Salmon Arm Crushing, Infracon, Mar-King, Millco, MSS PAC, Nadina Logging, Nicola Chainsaw, Nomad Hauling, LNSS, RSI, Securiguard Services, Southern Interior Construction Association, WorksafeBC, and YRB to make SD58 Rocks possible.

The event was attended by eight Grade 11 and 12 students out of approximately 15 applicants.

“Our intention is to put students on track for a career

path at a time in their lives when we can support them entering into the trades experience,” said McGifford. “In the past, it was typically trades areas, for example, construction, plumbing, electrical, welding, but recent years, we’ve expanded into early childhood education and healthcare.”

Princeton Secondary School student Madison Paige Letourneau wants to enter into the mining or trades industry after high school. “I’m just trying to get out there, do as much as I can, try new approaches and this was free and it was offered to me so I decided to take it,” said

Opportunities and memories

From Page 14

“You do get a certificate from this and I’ve already gotten my construction site safety and WHMIS certificate from doing this which was free and provided to me,” said Letourneau. “Being able to say this, ‘yeah I did this,’ having this resume, being able to explore if I want to jump in the mine, I already have this prior experience.”

“I hope they come back with a memory that’ll sit with them for a long, long time; I hope they’ve built some connections with the operators and the local companies that are supporting the event, and perhaps it’s inspired them to dig a little deeper and to pursue working in industry as a career,” said McGifford.

Get MOO-ving, Merritt!

The Grasslands 4-H club would like to challenge other local clubs, groups, and businesses to pick up as much garbage as possible on April 22 for Earth Day.

Post pictures of your group and garbage to our Facebook page for a chance to win prizes!

We would like to thank Sarah Molnar and United Wat for supporting us with their Local Love microgrant.

Lets work together to clean up our community. See you on Earth Day, Merritt!

Student tries excavator at SD58 Rocks program. Photo/Kenneth Wong.

Letourneau.

Heavy machinery students were able to get hands on experience for at SD58 Rocks program.

Photo/Simon Rizzardo

From Page 14

“I think we should stay and make Canada and make British Columbia a better place to live, rather than just tucking and running down to the U.S. That’s not a solution.”

Barber said Edison Motors began two and half years ago after spending several years prior pitching around the idea with his co-founder and Edison CTO Eric Little.

“The first two years was just drinking beers and saying cool ideas, I’m not gonna lie,” Barber said. “And we just grabbed some mechanics and started pulling wrenches.”

“This truck was built by beer and mechanics,” he joked.

Barber said logging in B.C. would be one of the most practical uses for a hybrid diesel-electric truck.

“Up here you’re logging, so you’re going up the mountain empty, and you’re coming down hill loaded with logs, so you can recharge those batteries on your way down and then you go back up again empty,” he said.

Through attention they received online by documenting their project, Barber said they were able to crowdfund enough to cover the $300,000 cost of the first model, as well as the $1.5-million cost to develop their second model.

He said the videos also attracted experts who would recommend parts or assist in the development of the vehicle. He said approximately 130 people contributed to the first model.

“It’s really been a huge community thing where local mechanics, engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, all kinds came together,” Barber said.

Barber said he reserved a Tesla semi-truck when it was first announced, but became annoyed after seeing no finished product after several years and decided to withdraw his deposit.

“I’m calling it Edison because we’re stealing Tesla’s idea to build an electric semi. Give me my money back, I’ll start my own company,” he said.

“And that was the fundamental thing. So that $25,000 that we got refunded from Tesla actually went to build this truck.”

Wildflower Bloom Campaign

In April, we’respotlightingt he vitalser vices provided by hospicesocieties in BC.Hospice Societies arevaluablemembers of healthcare teams, of fering a diversityofser vicesaimed at improvingt he qualityof lifeofindividuals livingwit ha seriousillnessand their lovedonesand caregivers

CONTACT merritthospice@shaw.ca •250 280 1701 www.merritt hospice.org

Fundraising forthis campaignwill go towardsthe continued delivery of quality grief andbereavement support, symptom management, wellness programs,education and resource lending, respite andmanyother services to our community. ng for this cam i or PURC HASE your flowers through t hese participatingbusinesses Purity Feeds, Dr.GageChiropractor or Carrie Ware Accounting

Photo/Kenneth Wong

What to know about dental cleanings while wearing braces ORAL HEALTH MONTH

Dental cleanings and home care are necessary to keep teeth healthy while braces are in place.

Braces are used to correct any number of dental issues that affect both children and adults. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists says more than four million Canadians and Americans wear braces and are in the care of orthodontic specialists. The reward for wearing braces is straighter teeth that are less vulnerable to decay and injury. A beautiful smile also may boost self-esteem.

While patients’ specific needs will determine how long braces must be worn, the average time spent in braces is anywhere from 18 months to three years. During that time, patients must maintain optimal oral health.

Cleaning one’s teeth while braces are on can be tricky but it’s highly necessary. Failure to clean teeth effectively while braces are in place can cause white spot lesions, which are white stains around the brackets caused by decalcification. This is just one reason to stay on top of oral health. Here’s how to do it successfully.

Consult with your dentist

Dental hygienists and dentists are experienced at cleaning teeth that have braces. Typi-

cal visits for routine cleanings will not be much different than visits without braces. The staff will take X-rays and conduct a thorough examination of the teeth. Hygienists know how to manipulate cleaning tools around braces to clean effectively. Very often, cavities can be filled and even root canals performed with braces on teeth, so there’s no need to worry. Should braces be in the way, the dentist can work with the orthodontist and have a bracket temporarily removed and replaced to facilitate treatment.

Clean at home

The Baltimore-based Orthodontic Associates advises braces wearers to purchase a highquality toothbrush. Ask the orthodontist for a recommendation. While brushing, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth and braces, remembering to scrub around each bracket. Use the same angle to brush the backs of the teeth. Pay special attention to the molars and the gumline where tartar builds up. Special “pipe cleaner” brushes can get in between the wires and brackets, pushing out any food particles that are missed by larger toothbrushes. Floss can be snaked under wires to get in between teeth as well; it just requires some finesse. Waxed floss generally is easier to use as it less likely to get stuck.

Some orthodontists recommend brushing three times per day instead of two while wearing braces. The extra time comes after eating lunch. A water flosser also may be a handy investment. Water flossers are easier to use than traditional floss while wearing braces and they can remove food particles and plaque effectively.

Individuals who wear braces should bring any cleaning or oral health concerns to their dentists’ or orthodontists’ attention.

Cents knocked out of playoffs

The Cents faced the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for games five and six of the first-round of playoffs, on April 12 and 13.

The 2023-24 season has officially wrapped up for the Merritt Centennials.

Friday, April 12 – Salmon Arm Silverbacks 1, Merritt Centennials 0

The Merritt Centennials hit the ice on April 12 against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for their fifth game in the seven-game series at Shaw Centre.

It was a goaltending duel during the first-round playoff series between the Centennials and the Silverbacks Friday night, and Silverbacks’ goalie Eli Pulver came out on top.

The first period saw the only goal of the game as Silverback’s Jonah Aegerter found the back of the net during a power play at 15:30.

Pulver stopped all 17 shots the Cents threw at him for the 11th shutout of his career, and first in the postseason.

Like Pulver, Andrew Ballantyne was incredible in net for the Centennials, making 36 saves on 37 shots.

The Cents fell 1-0 against the Silverbacks in game five in

the best-of-seven games.

Saturday, April 13 – Merritt Centennials 1, Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4

The Centennials hosted the sixth game in the playoff series against the Silverbacks on Saturday, April 13.

Silverbacks’ Nathan Mackie found the back of the net over four minutes in the first period.

In the second period, Silverbacks’ Cole Cooksey added another goal to the visitors’ team, scoring his third goal during the postseason.

Jaxson Murray added a goal for Merritt, scoring his third goal during the postseason and decreasing the Silverbacks’ lead to one goal.

The third period was marked by two unanswered goals by Silverbacks’ Isaac Lambert and Cole Cooksey, which crowned the 4-1 victory to Salmon Arm.

After 51 years in the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League, the Cents said goodbye to an era on Saturday, April

13, at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

The Cents will make a fresh start next season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).

The Silverbacks are moving on to round 2 of the BCHL playoffs, in which they will face either West Kelowna Warriors or Cranbrook Bucks.

Centennials bid farewell to BCHL

the Centennials.

It’s the end of an era.

The 2023-24 season is officially over for the Merritt Centennials after the team was knocked out of the playoffs in a 4-2 series against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

Staff, players, volunteers, board members, members of the press and city officials were invited to The Grand Pub & Grill to celebrate the 51 years of the Centennials and wish everyone in the organization well in their next endeavours.

“Thanks everybody, it’s been our pleasure to help you along the way all these years and you guys did a great job this year,” Coun. Dana Egan said. “Thank you all the board and volunteers. Without a community like this backing the team, there’s no way this could ever happen. I’m still looking forward to the future.”

At the dinner, Mayor Mike Goetz also said he is looking forward to what’s next for

“I just want to say thanks to Kevin and everybody that was involved with that, to get to where it needed to go and do all the hard work, because it was extremely hard work, and I want to thank people like Rusty, Brian and Sandy and everybody that’s made this work over the years,” he added.

Mayor Goetz added that the last puck dropped by the Centennials in the BCHL will be showcased at city hall.

After playing in the British Columbia Hockey League since 1973, the Merritt Centennials will make a fresh start in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) in the 2024-25 season.

The team will join the Bill Ohlhausen division, taking the place of the Summerland Steam following that franchise’s relocation to Williams Lake. Laísa Condé

The Cents will move from a community to a private ownership under the leadership of Brad Anstey and Daniel Schofield.

Photo/Laísa Condé

The Merritt Centennials players, staff, volunteers alongside with board members, members of the press have gathered at The Grand Pub & Grill for a final goodbye. Photo/Kenneth Wong

Spike-tacular weekend at U13 tournament

Laísa Condé

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

In a whirlwind of spikes, serves and saves, volleyball was back in Merritt for the weekend.

The Volleyball BC U13 Girls Regionals Championships transformed the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and Merritt Secondary School courts into a battleground of young and enthusiast athletes.

In total, 17 teams from the surrounding communities have participated in the tournament, including the Merritt Misfits.

Merritt Misfits coach Gian Cavaliere said that the goal for the team was to leave the tournament with a higher ranking than what was given to them when they’ve entered it.

“We definitely did that, which was great for our team,” he said. “I think it was by far our best weekend as a team together, in terms of clicking, of our efforts or energy. Just building that family

culture piece as well, I just felt that was our best weekend in all those variables.”

Cavaliere sees it as the right time to bond, since the Misfits will participate in the U13 Girls Provincials in Abbostford in two weeks.

“It’s exciting to see the developments and how much they’ve improved, it’d be nice to enter Provincials with that momentum,” he added.

He added that feedback from the other teams about the tournament was very positive.

“They just love coming here because they love the energy that we bring as a team and the energy that we bring as hosts as well,” Cavaliere said. “It was a great tournament for all 17 teams and ... they all were like ‘we would do this again in a heartbeat’.”

The results of the tournament are:

First place: Kodiaks Red

Second place: Sky Silver

Third place: KVC Krush Black Merritt Misfits ended the tournament in 12th place.

Merritt Misfits have participated in this past weekend’s U13 Girls Regionals Championships hosted in Merritt. Photos/Laísa Condé

Central celebrates Vaisakhi & Eid

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt Central Elementary School celebrates Vaisakhi and Eid for the first time.

Last weekend, Sikhs around the world celebrated Vaisakhi whilst Muslims celebrated Eid last week.

Marking the first month of Vaisakh, traditionally celebrated by the Sikh people on April 13 or 14, Vaisakhi is a harvest festival that sees parades and dancing.

For Muslims, Eid al-Fitr or Eid marks the end of dawnto-sunset fasting for Ramadan. Eid begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. If the moon is not observed immediately after 29 days of the previous lunar month, Eid begins the following day.

This year Eid was celebrated from April 10 until April 12.

Educational assistant Nitu Chhabra highlighted Vaisakhi parades around B.C. in cities such as Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna and Kamloops. “There’s a lot of festivities of dancing and there’s martial arts from the Sikh community in there… and there’s lots of stalls for foods and stuff that’s being given out,” said Chhabra.

“Merrittonians can celebrate, they can visit Sikh temple for more festivities as well and just dress up and enjoy the food and take part in the parades in the closest town they

can be in,” said Chhabra.

For Merritt Central Elementary School, students and staff celebrated with an assembly showcasing Vaisakhi and Eid presented by former Central Elementary Student Diya Chhabra, as well as sharing samosas.

“We have made a commitment to anti-racism and inclusive education, at the beginning of the year, one of our bulletin boards you’ll see has handprints and a commitment written out that we are going to be accepting of all,” said principal Natashi Omori.

“We have an assembly every Monday so instead of doing our regular social emotional learning, for the assembly, we decided we would share the celebrations and cultural experiences of a lot of our student body and hopefully open the minds of some of the students who have never experienced or heard of some of these holidays,” said Omori.

Celebrating Vaisakhi and Eid at Merritt Central Elementary School has inspired Omori to reach out to other students and families of different backgrounds and hopes they can share their cultural traditions with the rest of the community.

“If there are other holidays that come up, then we would like to teach everybody about all the cultures that make up Central Elementary School,” said Omori.

Merritt Central Elementary School celebrates Vaisakhi and Eid for the first time. Photo/Kenneth Wong

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

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

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 Times: Sunday 10 am

Kenneth Wong

Robert Bernon Mumford

October21, 1943 -March 3, 2024

Bernon waspredeceased by hisparents John &BuenieMumford also of Merritt.

Hisissurvivedbyhis sister Juli Kamp (Roger) as well as nieces Lana McAdam (Blair)and Lisa Tisdale(Jeremy). He also leaves 5great-nieces,5great-nephews and1great-great niece as well as 2great-great nephews

Bernon travelledoften duringhis workinglifeand thus made numerous friendships.Hewill be missedbysomany.

Special thanks to Tammy,Emily andstaff at Nicola Meadowsaswell as themedical staffatNicolaValleyHospital.

Pleasejoinfamily andfriends fora memorial servicetobeheldatthe Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’sWitnessesonSaturday, April20that2 pm

DianeJeanne Smith

April4,1941 -April 4, 2024

Mrs. DianeJeanne Smithpassedawaypeacefully with family by hersideonApril 4th, 2024, her83rd birthday. We will holdher tight in our hearts;she loved to shareher delicious baking as much as shecould. Momis now safe in thearmsofJesus

Sheissurvivedbyher sons Glen Smith, Donald Smith,ofPrinceton BC, daughtersDorothy JonesofNanaimo,Laurie(Tim) Mierau of Merritt, 7grandchildren, and14great-grandchildren, brothers:Bill (Jenny) Ashley,Butch (Marcy)Ashley, Neil (Jill) Ashley,Noel(Alli) Ashley, sisters: JeannetteHerrick,June (Bob)Hanik,manynieces andnephews, andcherished friends.She is predeceased by herhusband Carl Smith and sistersMarilyn(Les) McKenzie,Loretta (Buster) Hughes.

• Wages: starting $20 to $28

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

ACelebration of Life will be held at theLower Nicola Community Hall on April27that1 pm with Pastor Narayanofficiating. Refreshmentswill follow. Shouldanyone desire,donations maybemadetothe Heartand Lung Association.

In loving memory of Ce lebrat io n of Life

on Saturday,A pril20, 20 24 at 10:0 0A M at the Sacr ed He ar tC hurch in Merritt .

• Will train TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS Excellent medical & dental plan Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161

JUAN MA RITORE NA

MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Ther ew illbea for www.merritthospice.org

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

Boss/Davis recreation sites. You must have a self contained RV This is dr y camping, a generator is an asset. You must be able to pass a criminal records check. This is a busy job so it would be best suited for a couple Wages are 60% of the camping fees collected The season begins towards the end of April and finishes af ter Thanksgiving weekend. For more information please contact us at f.h.forestryltd@gmail.com

Children grieve too. Remember, like adults, each child reacts differently to loss. Sharing your grief with your child is one way to help them learn about grief. P: 250-280-1701 VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT)

Expression of Interest for developing All-Seasons Resort in the South Anderson Valley

The Province has received an Expression of Interest from a Proponent for the development of an all-seasons resort in the South Anderson Valley northwest of the Coquihalla Summit Recreation area.

The Province invites public comment on the Expression of Interest proposal. Feedback can be provided through an online questionnaire located at: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/engagement/south-anderson-resort/

Comments can be provided by mail to: Mountain Resorts Branch, 510-175 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5W1.

The deadline for comments is May 24, 2024.

Expressions of interest from other parties who may have an interest in developing an all-seasons resort in the area can be submitted during the public comment period. Inquiries on submitting an expression of interest should be directed to Mountain Resorts Branch. For contact information and details on the All-Seasons Resort Policy and Guidelines for submissions visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industr y/natural-resource-use/resortdevelopment

Disclaimer This advertisement is paid for by the proponent as part of the Expression of Interest review process. It does not constitute approval of the development project by the Ministr y of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

Please be advised that Aspen Planers has published a FOM which is publicly available for review and comment. A FOM depicts the locations where harvesting and /or road construction may occur.

The Public may access and review the map the following ways during the period of April 18, 2024 - To May 18, 2024

In person at Aspens place of business located at 1375 Houston street during normal operating hours of 8:00 am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Online at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects

Public review and comment begins on April 18, 2024 and ends May 18, 2024. Those wishing to submit comments may do so the following ways

By accessing the FOM website listed above and providing comments through the online public website.

By personal delivery at the physical address listed above, during normal operating hours.

By mail c/o Planning forester, Aspen Planers Ltd, PO Box 160, 1375 Houston Street, Merritt BC V1k 1B8

By email at apfom@apgroup.ca

This notice is applicable to the following projects listed below. Aspen Planers may rely upon these maps for three years commencing on April 18, 2024 for the purpose of applying for a cutting authority or for a road permit.

Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd.

2900 Pooley Ave

the following vehicle will be auctioned on May 2, 2024 for non payment

2010 GMC Sierra VIN 1GTSKUEA8AZ117432

Debtor: Barbara Brabant

Amount owing: 4,304.85

2004 Nissan Frontier VIN 1N6ED29Y74C444444

Debtor: Gerry Jay

Amount owing: 4,925.59