Merritt Herald July 11, 2024 by Merritt Herald

ER faces two closures in one week

Merrittonians who use the Voyent Alert app received a notification shortly after 8 a.m. on July 7 that has become all too familiar: the Nicola Valley Hospital Emergency Department will be closed for 48 hours.

Interior Health states that this closure is due to “limited physician availability”, and directs patients that need care to either Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital, distances of 87 kilometres or 127 kilometres, respectively, from Merritt.

People who are facing lifethreatening emergencies such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding should call 911.

This is the second closure the Merritt ER has faced in the past week, with another occurring from 6 p.m. on Thursday. July 4 to 7 a.m. on Friday, July 5.

Georgia Clement, who has spearheaded a citizen response to the closures, is becoming increasingly frustrated with the state of healthcare in Merritt.

“This is a pretty serious situation we have going on right now,” said Clement, who went on to echo the sentiments of the Williams Lake mayor, who also faces ER closures in his community.

“Whatever the Health Authorities are doing right now,

it’s not working. They have to do something about this... it’s a matter of time until someone dies on the doorstep there.”

Clement suggests that the “stringent hurdles” that prevent people from entering the medical profession, and keep qualified professionals from other countries from practicing here, could be relaxed.

“And we go back to the situation where there’s Dr. Granger here in Merritt, he’s a general surgeon at the coast and he’s offered to fill physician vacancies from time to time and IHA won’t even return his calls,” explained Clement.

“They had a meeting scheduled to speak with him and then they cancelled the meeting at the last minute, so instead of using his services they’d rather close the doors to our emergency room... he’d like to help his home town out and IHA is telling him he’s not wanted.”

Clement also claims that the Interior Health Authority (IHA) provides incentives for nurses to work at RIH, which draws them away from the Merritt Hospital where they are so desperately needed.

Clement believes that the problems within IHA are systemic, and that the root of the issue travels all the way up into the Provincial government.

See MAYOR Page 3

Under The Sun horse show. Page 17.

Photo/Morgan Hampton

Morgan Hampton Contributor

Mayor Goetz: “After 23

“IHA is overpaid and they’re not that useful,” said Clement.

“If their mandate is to staff hospitals and deliver healthcare to the people of our area then they’re failing us miserably. And this government needs to really be shamed. Mr. Dix (BC Minister of Health Adrian Dix) at one point told us: ‘we are throwing everything at it we can’, well obviously whatever they’re doing it’s not working. Centralized healthcare in British Columbia has been a dismal failure. I don’t think anything is going to change with the government that we have now, I don’t know that any other government has any better ideas but whatever this government’s doing it’s not working... these folks have had eight years. We want our hospital back.”

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz expressed similar frustrations.

“After a total of 23 closures in 19 months I am not sure what is left to say,” stated Goetz.

“But I can assure you that this mayor and council will never sit back and accept a single closure and shrug our shoulders and hope things will get better, we will always be in the media and on the government to get a hold of this Provincial problem and look to get it under control.”

Goetz has offered many criticisms of IHA and the Provincial government, but feels that his - and Merrittonians - woes are fall-

ing on deaf ears.

“We have heard the same tired rhetoric over and over for close to two years and it is only getting worse. As we are coming into an election only three months away I will call on this government and all candidates to provide a blueprint on how we move ahead and make sure our communities in BC have a fully functioning hospital that will serve the needs of the tax payer. A tax payer who pays in advance for these services, only to find out that they will not get what they paid for.”

Previously, Goetz announced that he would be sending a bill to the Province for services paid for but not rendered, and also the additional financial burden placed on the Merritt Fire Rescue Department, who responds to medical calls as needed. Goetz maintains that he is not backing down from this position.

“Later this week I will be sending out our bill for the 19 missed days in 2023 as well as the cost overrun for our Fire Dept. and remind them we are now five days into 2024 of which I expect reimbursement. We will also be looking at involving the Federal government as we feel we are looking at a state of emergency when you have eleven hospitals down in ten days during the hottest time of the year and no relief in sight. Something has to be done.”

Enbridge plans new powerline from Merritt to Kingsvale

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Enbridge proposes plan to construct power line from Merritt to Kingsvale.

As a part of Enbridge’s Sunrise Expansion Program, Enbridge has proposed plans to construct a powerline from Merritt to Kingsvale which will power a compression station in Kingsvale.

The Sunrise Expansion Program will increase the southern portion of Enbridge’s B.C. pipeline system, known as T-South, providing up to 300 million cubic feet of natural gas everyday.

“It’s an extension program of the southern portion of our BC pipeline system, or it’s

also known as the Westcoast system,” said Enbridge senior communications advisor Rawnna Low. “This Westcoast system or BC pipeline system has been transporting natural gas across the region, Alberta, Alberta, and US Pacific Northwest for almost 70 years.”

The expansion program would add an additional 137 kilometres of pipeline loops as well as upgrading four compressor stations across the pipeline from the Huntington and Sumas border all the way up to Chetwynd. One of the compressor stations planned to receive an upgrade will be in Kingsvale.

“It’s like building a passing

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

More than 500 jobs if approved

lane in an existing highway, instead of a totally new highway to have more flow of cars and traffic,” said Low. “First we’re adding capacity, that’s why we’re also needing to add compressor units in our existing compressor stations.”

Additionally, Enbridge plans to build a total of 11.1 kilometres of 42 inch diameter pipeline loop within the TNRD outside of the Nicola Valley with seven kilometres of pipeline loop west of Lone Butte and and 4.1 kilometres worth of pipeline loop South of Savona.

Enbridge estimates that the Sunrise Expansion Program will create approximately 500 jobs across the TNRD. “During (the) construction period for the TNRD area, we’re expecting 500 workers to be employed in the pipeline work during

peak construction, and then 100 workers for the (Kingsvale) compressor station work,” said Low.

If approved by the Canadian Energy Regulator, construction for the Merritt to Kingsvale powerline can begin as soon as early 2026. “Hopefully, what we anticipate is by early 2026, we’ll be able to start construction once we get approval,” said Low. “It takes about 450 days for the Canada Energy Regulator to provide their approval for the project.”

“Eventually when the project is operational, the pipeline system is in service, hopefully by (the) end of 2028, we’re anticipating almost 1.2 million of municipal property taxes that goes to the Thompson Nicola Regional District over a 35 year period,” said Low.

Fire ban in effect July 12

Jake Courtepatte admin@merrittherald.com

With extreme heat scorching the Nicola Valley, all campfires are banned in the Kamloops Fire Centre as of Friday, July 12.

Just shy of two months since the banning of Category 2 fires, which include the burning of piles up to two metres in height, a Category 1 ban will include all sizes of campfires, and will remain in effect until Oct. 11, 2024 unless previously rescinded.

Additionally, restrictions are also in effect for the following:

- Fireworks

- Sky lanterns

- Binary exploding targets

- Air curtain burners

- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description

- Chimineas

- Tiki and similar kinds of torches

Those caught in contravention of the ban may face a fine of $1,150, be required to pay an administrative fee of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

The ban comes on the heels of an extended heatwave that has swept through the B.C. Interior, with temperatures around the Thompson-Nicola Regional District topping 40 degrees. On July 7, a new record was set in the City of Merritt for the calendar date, with the mercury hitting 35.7 degrees.

The Kamloops Fire Centre includes Kamloops, Merritt, Princeton, Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Lillooet and Clearwater.

Photo/Herald file

By Laura Belliveau

AUER: Finding support in pain, safe haven for chronic pain

KERSTIN AUER

LIFE NORTH OF 50

How ‘bout them Oilers, eh?

Actually, what’s been on my mind more than the Stanley Cup is, well, everything because I don’t care about hockey.

HENRIKSEN:

That’s right, I said it - and I stand by it. It’s been a hot minute since my last column, and I’m excited to catch up.

In the last 6 months, my life has been filled with a lot of pain. More emotional pain for me than anything else, for the people in my life it has been physical pain plus the emotional pain that comes with it. My husband’s pain has been ongoing for years; he’s in pain every day even if he does not look like it and you see him around town walking our dog. My son was recently diagnosed with an auto-immune disease and also deals with pain daily, even if it’s not visible because he’s not suffering from an apparent injury.

He decided to host an event a few weeks ago, called Healing Connections, to bring people with pain (and their support systems) together and see if we could start a support network. The turnout was great; we heard from many that there is a need for support and resources, so we decided to go for it, set up a Facebook group (search for Merritt Healing Connections) and recently had our inaugural meeting. And when I say “meeting” I don’t mean that everyone has to introduce themselves and talk about their illness and pain - we come together as a group to make a list of topics we want to learn more about (like nutrition or meditation),

we plan art activities and coffee dates, we work on a list of resources together, and more. Think of it as a group of friends who get how you’re feeling, who know that pain is different for everyone and don’t judge you, and who will offer a safe space to talk if you want to. We’re currently planning the next meetings and I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to anyone in Merritt and the Nicola Valley who suffers from chronic illness or pain (and their support systems) to join the Facebook group and if you want, the inperson meetings. You don’t have to go through this alone.

The power of dance, art, expression and inspiration

NV ARTS COUNCIL

ART AT HEART:

KIA HENRIKSEN

My name is Kia Henriksen, and I’m thrilled to be working with The Arts Council this summer!

Art has always been a big part of my life. I love to draw and paint, but dance is where my heart is.

I started dancing at the age of three and explored every genre available to me. By eight years old, I was dancing for multiple hours each night, four to five nights a week. However, my true passion was unlocked at age sixteen when I began teaching. I love sharing my passion for dance with the next generation. The most rewarding part of my job is fostering students’ creativity and providing them with

a safe space to explore it.

I’ve always been fascinated by choreography and the process of creating a piece. Ask my younger sister— I used to make her learn the dances I created in our living room or perform with me a play I had written. From song selection to costumes, from staging to every detail in between, there can be intention and purpose behind each element. Even better, everyone can interpret their own meaning and significance.

The ability to express oneself through movement and music has always felt like magic to me. But when I realized that I could

“speak” on matters of importance through my choreography, that was when I truly began to appreciate the power of dance. The power of art. It is a universal language that requires no words. Essentially, art can express every aspect of humanity and the way we perceive our world. Art is life. Life is art.

This summer, catch me at the Art in Motion trailer during events and park days! I’ll be busy assisting with our creative art activities, leading engaging Active Stories sessions by Literacy Merritt, and dancing every chance I get!

From the Herald archives: July, 1994

MOTHER SEEKING JUSTICE Jenny Charters said her son and three other boys, all aged 14, went camping at Lily Lake on the July long weekend. “It was the first time I let them go by theselves.” At approxmately 10 p.m. on July 2, the four boys were rudely interrupted by a man who allegedly assaulted all of them, “for no reason.”

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

with fries andgravy

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt denied millions over ‘technicality’

The mayor of Merritt is contesting a “technicality” that saw the City of Merritt’s application for federal flood protection funding denied last month, as city officials say the community is now less protected than it was before the devastating 2021 atmospheric river flood.

The mayors of Merritt, Princeton and Abbotsford slammed the federal government last month after each of their applications for funding through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund was denied.

According to Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz, Merritt’s application for $38 million in funding was denied because of a “technicality.”

He said Merritt’s DMAF funding was bundled with further funding from the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program in the application.

“It was kind of suggested that we put the DMAF and the DFAA all in one scope, and we went ahead and did that and that’s why we were denied,” Goetz said.

Goetz maintains that both funding streams are allowed to be bundled in the city’s DMAF application, citing the application guide from the federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Eligible projects could include bundled sub-projects if it is demonstrated that each of the multiple mitigation/adaptation investments work systematically as a whole to reduce the same risk within the same time period,” the guide states.

While the ministry acknowledged the guidelines in a statement to Castanet, it said it doesn’t comment on individual funding applications to maintain “partner confidentiality and the integrity of application processes.” It said the reasons are communicated directly to the applicant.

‘Living on an active volcano’

Goetz called his city’s application a “waste of taxpayer’s dollars.”

“When I hear technicality, it means that we weren’t even in the running, which kind of makes you a little upset considering the application for DMAF was 500-plus pages that cost $383,000 to produce,” he said.

According to Merritt’s director of flood recovery and mitigation, Sean Strang, the DMAF funding would cover the cost of new dikes while the DFAA funding would cover 2.8 kilometres of dikes that would be rebuilt to new flood standards.

He said both dike projects make up the majority of a larger $141 million flood mitigation project comprised of over a dozen different funding sources.

Without the dikes in place, Strang said, “It’s like living on an active volcano.”

“DMAF would’ve put us in a better place, but we aren’t even where we were before — Merritt is just waiting for another disaster,” Strang said.

“Merritt will flood at something that looks like a normal spring freshet, at something that looks like a normal fall atmospheric river flow.”

DFAA funding at a standstill

The city of Merritt has previously said it has received a $46.5 million commitment from the federal government through the DFAA program for rebuilt and expanded dikes.

The federal funding is cost-shared with the province and if the dikes aren’t built in five years from the disaster then the federal commitment vanishes and the province is left with the bill.

Strang has previously stated the federal commitment can’t be used unless the province ponies up another $21 million to acquire the land for the dike expansions to be built on.

Without money for the land, the dikes can’t be rebuilt, according to Strang.

“We were told in May and June that the province was looking at funding the land acquisition program,” Strang said.

“We’ve since been told that that funding request is not going through because of unspecified reasons at the current time.”

‘There’s no quit’

HICC said in its statement that funding applications for eligibility and merit are assessed on the content and completeness of the application. It said “strong rationale and reliable sources” are “essential,” including when determining hazard risk, resilience and return on investment.

“The DMAF has been oversubscribed since its inception and not all DMAF applications could be considered for funding due to the highly competitive nature of the application process,” HICC said in its statement.

After the mayors took issue with their funding denial, B.C. premier David Eby penned a letter urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s attention on priorities in the Province, including addressing the funding denials.

“To safeguard British Columbians from the ongoing threat to future catastrophic flooding, we need

Josh Dawson Castanet

Mayors rally against DMAF

immediate engagement from Canada on the recent DMAF denials for Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton to address this funding gap,” the letter reads.

Goetz said it was “nice” to see the premier on board, but took issue with how the funds are distributed through the DMAF program in the first place.

“You’ve got to have a fund that is replenished every year and it shouldn’t have to be an application where you’re fighting with another community to get funding,” he said. “This isn’t like Thunderdome.”

“We shouldn’t have to be doing this — three communities come in, one comes out — absolutely never should be happening.”

Goetz said the three mayors are “getting their ducks in a row” before heading to Ottawa in the fall to plead their case. He said he was hopeful their cause would gain some traction following Eby’s letter.

“The three mayors, there’s no quit. We’ll continue to work towards a settlement,” he said.

Water restrictions in place after Voght Well failure

On the morning of July 9, the City of Merritt announced that there was a major failure of the Voght Well, which is the main well that supplies the community with water.

As such, the City is calling on residents to limit all non-essential water use and lawn watering is strictly prohibited until the failed pump in Voght Well is repaired.

Merrittonians should conserve water by any means necessary. No washing vehicles, sidewalks or the exterior of houses or outbuildings, filling pools. Limiting the use of dishwashers and washing machines, and curtailing water use for ornamental plants and landscaping is also beneficial.

The City hopes to maintain adequate water supply for essential use and to maintain fire protection services as the hot weather continues and the fire danger rating currently sits at extreme.

Sources at City Hall said the break down of the Voght well pump was due to a leaking gasket which sprayed water on the electrical system. As of press time the gasket had been replaced and was in the process of being tested, with electrical testing to follow; repairs as of press time are still ongoing.

The City could not provide a timeline as to when the repairs would be completed and the pump back on line.

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

CO LDWAT ER

S CHOOL

Nursery to Grade 7

Registration for 2024 – 2025

 Full-timeNursery/HeadStart (mustbeturning 4years oldbyDecember31, 2024)

 Full-timeKindergarten(must be 5years oldbyDecember31, 2024)

NcʼɬletkwuSchoolCulture and Language Program

OutdoorNatureWalks,traditional games,music and local stories.

Hands on projects andfield tripsmay include:

 making tule mats

 making hemp

 tanninghides

 hand drums

 gathering tea

 pickingberries

 SpiusCreek Hatchery program

 winter fun

 identifying plants

DAILYBREAKFAST &LUNCH PROGRAM

Formoreinformation please contactusat Tel:250-378-9261orEmail: ncletkwu@coldwaterschool.ca

@FaceBook ColdwaterSchool 709-170th St |Merritt, BC|V1K1B8

Benefits of ourClasses

 strong focusonlocal culture

 smallclass size

 loving andcaringenvironment

 individual educationplans

 dedicatedteachersand staff

Aboriginal Headstart

Planters,big rocks, sand,Sheeshtkin, andmore!

As always,the ColdwaterSchool will be followingall provincial guidelines to ensure theongoing health and well-being of ourchildren.

Registration formscan be picked up from theschool or we canemail/fax them directly to you.

Morgan Hampton

Contributor

Fire at Lower Nicola land ll

“With the assistance of an excavator, firefighters were able to control the fire quickly,” said Tomkinson.

Fire crews were called to the scene when black smoke was spotted drifting into the sky west of Merritt on the evening of July 5, 2024.

“The Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) was dispatched to a ‘sight of smoke’ near the Lower Nicola Eco Depot at approximately 9:00PM on Friday, July 5th,” said MFRD Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson.

“Upon arrival, it was determined that the landfill was on fire. Initially, firefighters were hampered in gaining access until bystanders assisted and breached the access gate.”

After several unsuccessful attempts using various methods intended to remove the lock and chain from the gate by the fire crew, a local man was able to provide a battery operated grinder equipped with a zip cut disc, after which firefighters were able to approach the fire.

“Water had to be shuttled to the site by the department’s water tender. In total nine firefighters responded and were able to clear the incident at 11:00 PM.”

The fire, the cause of which is still undetermined, falls within the fire protection service area agreed upon between the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the City of Merritt. Thanks to a new five-year contract adopted in April 2024, 772 registered addresses will now have fire protection across an area ranging from Nicola Ranch to Harmon Estates to Coldwater Rd. to Miller Estates.

Lower Nicola is also included in the fire protection area, as well as the site of the Eco Depot.

The TNRD, which is responsible for the Lower Nicola Eco Depot, had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

LNIB sheries team to assess Guichon Creek salmon habitat

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Fisheries Team will be conducting fish habitat assessments along Guichon Creek from July 2, 2024 to July 31, 2024. 2017 saw higher than normal snowpacks and warm temperatures which caused Guichon Creek to overflow its banks in May of that year. This prompted evacuations along Fyall Rd., in the Guichon Creek Mobile Home Park, and closure of the Hwy 8 bridge over Guichon Creek.

In 2018 yet another flooding event forced evacuations and caused serious property damage.

According to a report released in Feb. 2020 by the Fraser Basin Council: “... there are concerns that aquatic habitat for salmonids has been negatively affected by widespread channel change.”

Guichon Creek, a tributary of the Nicola River, is noted as a habitat for Coho Salmon.

The LNIB Fisheries Team, alongside their senior Biologist and Fisheries Research Assistant will be accessing Guichon Creek and salmonid presence behind properties on Marshall Rd., Fyall Rd., Turner Ave., Carrington St., and Guichon Ave.

Photo/Kenneth Wong

Morgan Hampton

Contributor

Morgan Hampton

Contributor

Photo/City of Merritt.

Lunar Foods delivers cosmic sweets

Morgan Hampton Contributor

Freeze dried treats have popped up on the boutique food scene and are all the rage with candy fans looking to try something new. Lunar Foods, a Logan Lake based company, are ready to serve up some delicious treats that are out of this world.

“We picked Lunar Foods as it was a clever play on a space theme,” explained Rhett Hoffman, one half of the husband and wife team which includes Kelsey Hoffman.

“Our machine is capable of replicating the same food and snacks that astronauts have used for many years.”

Freeze drying is an effective and popular way of storing food long term, whether for home use, survival scenarios, or in cases where space and refrigeration are limitedsuch as on a spacecraft.

Freeze drying refers to a specific type of dehydration wherein the product is first frozen and then dried at low pressure through sublimation, meaning the water content passes from the solid state to the gaseous state without ever becoming liquid.

This helps to preserve food quality because food is not heated, and a lack of moisture helps to prevent bacteria or mold from forming. Properly stored freeze dried foods may last up to 30 years.

A year and a half ago, the Hoffmans were discussing how a freeze dryer might

Healthcare Auxiliary honours volunteers

The Nicola Valley Healthcare Auxiliary (NVHCA) hosted their annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on June 24 and the event was a resounding success.

The luncheon, which was held at the Merritt Senior Centre, was catered by several of the volunteers themselves, who prepared a delightful spread as a way of sending the volunteers off with great thanks on what Ellen Miller, Auxiliary President and event organizer, calls their “summer vacation.”

This year Community Policing Coordinator Marlene Jones was also on hand to give a presentation about staying safe, as seniors are often seen as a more vulnerable target and conflicts with the transient population downtown have increased of late.

“We provide a lot of medical equipment for Gillis House, the hospital, we support Ska-Lu-La workshop for people with disabilities, the Soup Bowl, the Food Bank, the Legion, Red Cross, Ask Wellness. We provide so many donations in all of these areas.”

Significant donations have also been made to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, which is where most Merrittonians go for more advanced medical care than can be provided locally.

This year saw some impressive awards handed out to the dedicated volunteers that keep the wheels turning.

Ilean Heppner, Lorna Valois, Sandy Truman, and Hiro Yasuda were all awarded 20-year service pins.

be a worthwhile investment when they hit on the idea for Lunar Foods.

“My wife loved the capabilities the freeze dryer had for preserving fruits and vegetables, and I liked the candy side of it,” said Rhett.

The couple offers a wide variety of candies including gummy worms, chocolate chews, saltwater taffy, peppermint patties, Nerd clusters, and more. But the customers have a particular penchant for sour candies.

“We like to make sour candies,” said Rhett, who has a personal fondness for these goodies.

“They taste the best and everyone loves anything sour it seems.”

With summer fully upon us, it is peak market season and Lunar Foods is turning out as many freeze dried candies as possible, setting up at a variety of locations including the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market (NVFM) and the downtown “First Friday” Markets hosted by the Merritt Chamber of Commerce.

The NVHCA is staffed almost entirely by volunteers who work from September to June each year. At the end of June, positions are filled by summer students. These positions are usually covered by government grants, but the 2024 summer season saw no grant funding awarded to the Auxiliary. To maintain the much deserved time off for the volunteers, the Auxiliary is covering summer student expenses out of pocket this year. This will keep the Thrift Store open and still bringing in funds.

“All the money that is raised by the Healthcare Auxiliary goes back into the community,” explained Miller.

Grace Mader received a 30-year service pin.

Del Lawrence received a 35-year service pin.

And Lifetime Memberships, pins, and flower bouquets went to Betty Doberstein for 43 years of service, and Jacquie Hall for 41 years.

“It’s pretty amazing what we do there,” said Miller.

“In 2023 alone we had over 11,400 volunteer hours put in. We are always looking for volunteers. And it’s a really nice atmosphere, everybody gets along and everybody looks forward to going in.”

“We attend smaller outdoor markets,” said Rhett.

“My family comes out to participate in the markets as much as time allows it. At the NVFM we enjoy the atmosphere, the busker who plays is simply fantastic! The last weekend we had a food truck attend, WOODS smoking BBQ pit; it makes for a great event to take the family out for.”

Photo/Morgan Hampton

Morgan Hampton Contributor

LowerNicola Band School

THELOWER NICOLA BAND SCHOOL

INVITESALL CHILDREN (First Nations/NonFirst Nations)

To Register for KINDERGARTEN to Grade7

FULL-TIME KINDERGARTEN

•Mustbe5 yrsbyDec 31, 2024

•Bus Services Provided to most areasofMerritt

HEAD STARTSERVICES:

•3 &4 year oldProgram (K4mustbe4 yrsold by Dec. 31,2024)

•HomeVisitingProgram

•Transportationprovidedfor allHeadStart programs

•Mom’s &Tot’s Services 0to6 yearsold

CURRICULUM:

•BcEducation Curriculum

•Two RecessesPlusA Lunch

•Nle?Kepmxcin(K-7)

•CulturalStudies

•LearningAssistanceProgram

•School SuppliesProvided

•Skate/Hockey Program

•Science of Reading

FACILITIES:

•Full-Size Gymnasium

•Classroom Libraries

•A CalmingSpace

•Baseball/Soccer Field

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

•Climbing Wall

•BasketballCourt

•Spinner

•Literacy& Numeracy BlitzesAfter LunchEvery Day

• We ParticipateInThe District Elementary Sports Program

•WeAre On TheLandFor FieldTrips Often

• We AreA Play Is TheWay School

LNIB GRADUATES 2023-2024

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

SECONDARY

CERTIFICATE

Photos Not Available:

Lincoln Sterling NVIT – Carpentry Foundations

Alyssa Ledene, U of C – Leadership in Human Services

Casey Allen, CMC – Education Assistant

Sydney Joe – NVIT Indigenous Early Childhood Education

DIPLOMA POST

DEGREE

Daniel Cox, U of S – Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing

Jonathan Gilchrist, TRU – Bachelor of Science in Math & Physic

Charity Honeywell, VIU –Bachelor of Visual Arts

GRADUATE

Not Available:

Ayana Brown, U of U – Masters in Accounting

Anna Brown – SFU Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Matthew Peterson, U of U – Executive Master’s in Business Adminstration

Franchesca Adams

Brooke Shintah Tyrese Basil Sophie Sterling Lane Charters

David Sterling Keira Heard

Simon Cisco Corbin Vaughan

Isaiah Davis Jaxsin Vaughan

Brooke Gray

Domanic Beckett

Photos Not Available: Mateo Peterson, Bella Anderson, Jade Wynne, Jonas Demmitt

Landan SwakumWayne Voght

Shawna Coutlee, NVIT – Welder Foundations

Photos Not Available:

Michael MansﬁeldSterling, NVIT – Health Care Assistant

Moses Moore, NVIT – Culinary Arts Professional Cook 1

Jaime Swakum, NVIT – NLEK

Molly Toodlican, NVIT – NLEK

Shawna Harris, NVIT –Indigenous Human Ser vices

Photos Not Available:

Susan Aguinaga, BTC – Medical Administration

Tylar Clark, OC – Human Service Worker

Kirstyn Isaac, UNBC - Bachelor of Arts

Photo

Nicholas Peterson, TRU – Masters in Environmental Science

Marshal Polykovskiy (Kraus), TRU –Masters in Business Administration

Ansel Peterson

Alice (Jaime) Grismer, TRU –Master’s in Business Administration

Beloved teacher releases magical tale

Lower Nicola Indian Band School teacher and children’s book author Jeff Bloom releases new book ‘The Secret Angel Hat.’

Jeff Bloom is a children’s book author who has been teaching in Nicola Valley for 48 years.

Bloom’s new book The Secret Angel Hat is about a girl who receives a magic hat from her grandmother. “It’s based on the idea of importance of family, family tradition, particularly intergenerational connections between families which we have kind of lost with how mobile people are,” said Bloom.

“We have parents here and their kids have moved off and they’re in Alberta or they’re back in Ontario, I even know some people with children living in Tasmania, so it’s hard to be really connected that way with family, so this is sort of a plea for that in a sense, with a real emphasis on grandmothers in particular.”

Bloom was inspired to write this book because of his stepmother. “This book was a story that emanated from a little story that she told me about her actually doing just that,” said Bloom. “She’s a seamstress and so she made a hat for one of her granddaughters and it had really helped in a situation where the girl wasn’t being as helpful as she could have been.”

“My stepmother made her this hat and told her that it would really help her to be helpful, because it would make her feel that way,” said Bloom. “I went to bed that night after hearing that little story and woke up in the middle of the night with the whole

book in my head, and I started writing, I wrote from about 2 o’clock in the morning until six when I had to run off and try to catch a ferry out of Nanaimo and finished writing it on the ferry then on the way over to the mainland.”

Bloom’s motivation in writing is fun. “What keeps me motivated in that sense is that it’s a fun thing to do, it’s a fun thing to recall your memories, it’s a fun thing to see the reaction on kids’ faces, on peoples’ faces, when they read a story or they hear me read a story or hear me tell a story,” said Bloom. “It’s easy to be motivated when people appreciate your reading or your telling.”

Parents, teachers and children can get their hands on Bloom’s books at the Bailey House, Nicola Valley Community Arts Council or directly through Bloom himself.

&HEATING

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Photo/Kenneth Wong

SPORTS

New era for Merritt Centennials with owner Brad Anstey

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to pursue a career in hockey.

young guy growing up,” said Anstey. “I just feel that the sport has such a huge impact on people’s lives and I’ll help them, the players, the men and women who play, to grow and mature and help them to become better people.”

Outside of hockey, Anstey is an avid hunter. “I love hunting, I love hunting for dall sheep up in the Mackenzie Mountains in Northwest Territories, and mountain caribou, and moose, and bear,” said Anstey. “I believe it helps with the conservation of animals, not only that, you get to learn a lot about yourself when you’re hiking, traveling by foot in the mountains for dall sheep, you get to learn and challenge yourself through some very tough emotional times.”

As for Merritt, Anstey has quickly fallen in love with the town. “It just has that charm, that thing that draws you right into it,” said Anstey. “I feel like I’ve been there for 20 years, just the way that people talk to me, they don’t know who I am but people are just friendly, they smile and they talk.”

all the history in there so that people can search back and see all about the Centennials,” said Anstey. “I think that it’s important to keep talking about the Centennial’s history, keep talking about what made them successful in the last 51 years and calling upon the people to share those experiences.”

“I know a lot of people are probably anxious about wanting to know who we are, what we stand for, what our plan is,” said Anstey. “But there’s a process, and everything just can’t happen overnight and we understand that, we don’t expect people to support us right off the start, but we’re going to earn their respect, we’re going to earn their support, by building and delivering a strong program that the community can count on.”

New Merritt Centennials owner Brad Anstey hopes to make Cents the heartbeat of Merritt.

After 51 years in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), the Centennials became the latest addition to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) back in April 2024.

New Merritt Centennials owner Brad Anstey has had a 28 year career in hockey. Originally from Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, Anstey graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1996 where he would then move to

“I moved to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories that summer and I got involved in coaching right away that season,” said Anstey. “Then I moved on to having various positions in the Yellowknife Minor hockey executive board which led into being the president of Hockey NWT and vice president of Hockey North.”

Anstey also played a role in coaching teams at the Arctic Winter Games, coach of Team NWT at Canada Winter Games in 2015 and director of operations in 2019.

“I’m pretty passionate about hockey, I love the sport, I played as a

“As I got to know more and more people in Merritt, I realized that Merritt is a great town, I don’t know why I’m having such a loving for the community that’s there, they treated me so well,” said Anstey. “I just feel the town needs hockey.”

Starting the team from scratch, Anstey’s vision for the KIJHL Merritt Centennials has community and culture as a foundation. “We need to concentrate on having that right culture with the right character guys who’re gonna want to support the community, who want to volunteer, who want to be in the community,” said Anstey.

Despite starting from scratch in a different league, Anstey hopes to honour the Merritt Centennials’ 51 year legacy. “We understand the rich history; we’re keeping the website with

One of Anstey’s long term goals is to develop a hockey academy in Merritt. “We want to build a community so that other users can enjoy the facilities, help build other programs with minor hockey,” said Anstey. “We have a vision that one day a hockey academy can exist in Merritt, just bring other economic development opportunities to the community and help the community grow.”

“That’s important; it’s not just what happens on the ice, it’s also how the Centennials impact the community,” said Anstey.

“I think the community can expect a partner in helping build the community,” said Anstey. “I think what’s important is to know that we’re not here to take from the community, we’re here to give to the community.”

“And I’m not saying that the previous board didn’t do that, I know they did, they gave so much of their time and effort; it’s just that we’re bringing in some new energy, some new life, some new ideas,” said

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Photo/Brad Anstey Twitter

Anstey. “We want to make sure that our players are deeply involved in the community, we want to become the heartbeat of Merritt.”

“The heart is beating already, but we want to get it ramped up, we want people to know it’s all love; and we want the youth to have a dream, that one day I want to grow up and play with the Merritt Centennials,” said Anstey.

“We actually have that in Cooper Harrington, I asked him in our camp back in April ‘what are you doing next year?’ and he says ‘I’m playing right here,”

recalls Anstey. “I said ‘what, why do you want to play here?’, he says ‘that’s been my dream.’”

“I kind of broke down a little bit, I kind of do everytime I think about that, because to me that’s what it’s all about,” said Anstey. “I think our youth need to have dreams, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming and thriving and trying to achieve those dreams.”

Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds hosts Under The Sun show Centennials: The heartbeat of Merritt

Photo/Morgan Hampton

Merritt Bowling Centre undergoing major renovations

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Merritt Bowling Centre closing for concourse renovations.

Scott Turner, the owner of the Merritt Bowling Centre is working on redoing the floors, windows, counters, bathrooms and walls as well as building new tables for the upstairs concourse.

For the counters, Turner will be recycling wood from other closed down bowling alleys. “We purchased a bunch of wood from some other bowling alleys that have closed and what we’re doing is that’s what all the countertops are going to be made out of this old bowling alley wood,” said Turner.

Along with the legacy of previous bowling alleys, Turner would like to use the countertop design to honour his family. “My folks bought this place on July 1, 1974, so literally two days ago (at the time of the interview) this bowling alley has been in my family for exactly 50 years, so I’m going to acknowledge it and in part of the renovations and just take the liberty of honouring my family at the same time,” said Turner.

Aside from physical renovations to the buildings, returning bowlers can expect some changes on the drinks menu.

“What’s really unique this year is that we’re putting in some kegs and we’re gonna be getting craft brews from many of the different craft breweries around British Columbia,” said Turner. “And we’re going to be doing it on a rotating basis, so every month or every quarter, or however it works out, we’re gonna be getting a new sponsor on a monthly basis and so it’s going to be continually rotating.”

Turner also hopes to get a liquor license for the main bowling area downstairs so that bowlers can drink uninterrupted. “That just makes it easier for bowlers as opposed to having an invisible line up top where only they can drink, and then hopefully we’ll get approved for that and then they’ll be able to drink down below as well.”

Turner hopes that doors will be open for bowlers to return on August 1. “I’ve estimated one month, but the renovations that we’ve done the last few years, I’ve been way off on my timeframe so if we can open up again,

August 1, that’d be great but we’re definitely going to be open and ready to go for September 1,” said Turner.

“I’m just really looking forward to the whole new, modern, clean look and I think all of our customers that come in, whether they just come in for a pizza and a beer or whether they come in and they do some bowling as well, that everybody’s really really going to like what the place is going to like in here.”

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 Orme) 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

Times: Sunday 10 am

CLASSIFIEDS

OPEN HOUSE

And hand in hand, On the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of themoon

It’sbeen 10 years now.Weall miss you everyday. We love you both.

Love, Cathy, Dwight, Christy, Patrick, Soﬁa,Josie, Joel, Heather,Charlie, Walker,Sawyer,Cindy,Heidi, Cody,and Jessica

Sergio,borninBogotáColombiapassedawayin Kamloops BC at theage of 65.

He will be remembered forbeing akind, generous and loving son, brother, father,grandpa andfriend. Formostofhis life he wasknownfor hisexcellent mechanical skills,maintenance andrepair work of anything on wheels, particularly heavydutyequipmentand vehicles When Sergio wasn’t workingheenjoyedtravellingtowarmerclimates and camping in hisﬁfthwheel with hisbelovedfriendand partnerSandy Dey. He isalsosurvivedbyhis son, Dillon; grandchildrenSavannah, Connerand Maite; mother,Ida Aimola (nee Salvatore);brothersFrank (Sophie),Alfredo (Tina), sister Patricia (Ed) also severalnieces,nephews &family in Canada,Colombia andItaly.Predeceased by hisfatherAmerico;daughtersMarca &Alisha;sister Maria.

Thefamily is most grateful forthe carehereceivedfromthe staffatthe Trinity CareUnitofOverlanderinKamloops,BC.

Amemorialcelebrationoflifewill take place on July 13thatThe Boardroom, 2114NicolaAve,Merritt, BC. Open housebetween 1-5pm

Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries

In loving memoryof WRIGHT, Harold DeWayne

Coldwater Indian Band Job Posting

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS YOUTH NAVIGATOR

Januar y21, 1928 ~Januar y3,2022

(Full Time – 35 hr s/wk)

DESCRPTION: Repor ting to the Social Development Coordinator, the Community Connections Youth Navigator will be sponsibl fo helpi Th Community Connections e appr com with the apacity. deliv tions Yo ations C rent iver’s Ab enings 2024 tacted ter to velopment V1K 1B8

VALUE ADDED LUMBER

Scw’exmx Communit yH ealthS er vicesS ociety

POSI TI ON TI TLE: CERTIFIEDDentalAssistant

REPO RT STO: Dental Clinic Manager

RESPON SI BI LI TI ES:

S (FT/PT) to $28 work o apply essary

LASS 1 rk UARDS

ntal plan

erson to ritt B C

AUCTION TION

The More You GIVE

by Teresa Piercey-Gates

The moreyou give, the moreyou get,

The more youdo unselﬁshly

The more youlive abundantly.

The moreof everything you share,

The moreyou laugh, the lessyou fret.

•The CDAhas astrongknowledge of chairsidedentalassisting.Theyare es sential to creating ac onnectionbet ween clientsand dentists.The incumbentmaintains a collaborative relationship with clientsand allmembers of theoralhealth- care team to deliverthe highestlevel of client-c enteredc are.

ONLINE TIMED AUCTION /*REGISTER/BIDNOW*

2Harold Wright passed from this worldatthe age of 93. Harold wasborn in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Heissur vivedbyhis loving wifePatrecia anda beautiful family who will miss himdearly. n(Stan)and Michael (Lynne). GrandchildrenTeri-Lynne (Oscar), Michael ), and Sherilyn (Je ). Great grandchildren Katie(Seth), Kristie (Harrison), Cody (Emily), Brett, and Allison. Great- greatgrandchildren Jace,Noah, Liam, sley andJudah.

•Weare seekinga positive team member,who is energetic, organizedand is a compas sionatec aringindividual. Ourdentalser vicesare availabletothe public with a focusonser ving andmeeting thec omplex needs of localFir st Nation indivi duals.

by his brother Jack and hissisterOleva, andinfant sonDavid whilesur vived and Loren.

•Promotesthe safety andwell-beingofclients whileinser vice andwhennecessary, communicates immediateconcernstoappropriate StoyomaDentalstaff forfur ther follow up

•Committed to positive andinc lusive dental prac ticestoprovi de thebestpatient experience

•A pplies at tentiontodetailand ac curacy in allrep or ting

We of fe ra comp etitivesalar yof$ 27-$ 31/hrbased on experi ence andfullb en eﬁts with pension. This position is perman entaveraging 3- 5d aysp er we ek Mond ay to Frid ay.

Please submit resume to: StoyomaDentalClinic 20 88 QuilchenaAvenue- PO Box3 09 0Merritt,BCV1K 1B 8 or email: palmgren.d@s chss.c om

VIEWING: DODDS SHOWROOM -VERNON Thu/Fri (July 11/12) -8:30 am -5 pm & Sat(Jul 13) -8:30 am -Noon

Ashcroft, British Columbia with hisfamilyin1976whereheplantedroots unityand quick ly becameloved by all.His love and passionfor peopleand hevery aspect of hislife. He pouredhis life and love into the community, church. He became ever ything to ever ybody -ifyou knew him, youk new ufeltthatwhereverhewas,thatwas home.

Partial List Includes: 1914 &1925 Studebakers, Ford Model T, 19’ Reinell Boat &Trailer w/Mercruiser,High-End Jewellery,Coins/ Bills,Silver Bars/Rounds, Stamps, Antiques/Collectables, Vintage Standard Oil Blue Crown Gas Pump, Custom 6’ Metal Terminator Statue, Sectional Sofa, SS Fridges &Stoves, TVs, Stereos,Laptops, Records, A/Cs, Fans, Chainsaws, Greenhouses, Patio Furniture, BBQs, Kayaks, Paddle Board, Fishing Rods/Reels, Camping Gear, Compressor,Generators, Welders, Mitre Saws, 35 Pairs of New Cowboy Boots, PlusMuch More!! Saturday 9 – 2, Sunday 10 – 2

June 1, 2, 15, 29 & 30

July 13, 14, 27 & 28

August 10 & 11

Harold joined the navy andafter he nishedhis tour withthe navy and was nt manyyearswork ingand managing sheep and cattle ranchesinCalifornia. zedanoppor tunitytomanage acattle ranchinRichterPass in Osoyoos Canada.

oming good friendswitha loggingcontractorinCawston,his alwayspresent

The more you’ll always have to spare.

The more you love, the more you’ll ﬁnd

That life is good and friends are kind.

For only what we give away,

Enriches us from day to day.

2024 Fall Fair Giant

Garage Sales Garage Sales

BUSINESS

Auto

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Dog/Cat Groomer

Fitness

Gas

Grocery

Spa

Accountant / Bookkeeper

25% of categories must be lled in for your votes to be count. Contest closes Wednesday, Sept.6 at noon. One entry per household per week. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Teacher/Educator (Elementary School)

Teacher/Educator (High School)

Veterinarian (name of vet)

Volunteer

FOOD AND BEVERAGE Breakfast

(Include Name & Business Name)

TOP BUSINESSES

Business Of The Year

Business Overall (Under 10 Employees)

Business Overall (Over 10 Employees) New Business - 2 year’s or less in business

Are you interested in joining an important initiative to naturalize a crucial habitat area at the conﬂuence of the Nicola and Coldwater Rivers? The City of Merritt, led by the Flood Mitigation Department, invites residents to apply for the role of Community Representative on the STUWI(x) Steering Committee.

LICENSED CANNABIS

One Community Representative position is available for up to a two-year term, commencing August 2024.

As a Community Representative, you will collaborate with fellow steering committee members, the Chair, and a Facilitator to guide the implementation of the STUWI(x) Naturalization Project. This project aims to enhance water quality, wildlife habitat, natural vegetation, and fish habitat, while also supporting the river’s natural stream flow to reduce bank stress and flood hazards both at the confluence and upstream.

In 1968 afterbecoming good friendswitha loggingcontractorinCawston,his alwayspresent sense foradventuretook himfromranching to logging.Moving between Cawston, Keremeos and Princeton, he continued workingfor di erentlogging contractors. In 1973with afew dollarsand adream, he boughtsomelogging equipmentand star tedhis owncompany. (Spentmoretimeworking on the equipmentthanrunning it).1976 broughthim to Ashcroft where he logged and developed much of theVenables,Twaal and Blue Ear th Valley ’s as well as Pimainus and the InkikuhinHighlandValley.Heretired in 1987. Thelogging company is still operational in theMerritt area andmanaged by his grandsonDavid. In hisretirementheboughtthe Ashcroft Honda shop.Hecouldnever do “nothing”. He devoted his lateryears to helpinghis sonand daughter on theirpropertiesfencingand sprayingweeds (hehated weeds) rightupuntil adiagnosis of Parkinson’sand itsa ects left himunable.Alwaysthe adventurer it washappy trails,whetheritbeasheep,cow or skid trail.

Community Representatives are expected to contribute to the Steering Committee in the following ways:

Even though he will be missed more than wordscan explain,weknowhis legacy andhis home wasbuilt foreternity.

• Be prepared to commit time and energy to the project. Time spent in bi-monthly meetings and travel expenses to/from meetings will be compensated.

• Attend meetings in person on a bi-weekly basis, held within the Merritt area.

• Be committed to examining various issues and ideas objectively and collaboratively

Heartfelt thankstothe sta of Jacksonhouse,they areamazing.Inlieuof owers,please donatetothe Jackson House.

• Ser ve for up to two years (with the possibility of subsequent time).

• Be familiar with the council-adopted Terms-of-Reference and be committed to upholding the terms and goals of the project.

APrivateGathering will be held at alater date.

• Receive and respond to correspondence by e-mail.

• Have no conﬂict of interest with the site.

Onlinecondolences maybemade at www.tvfh.ca

Preference will be given to applicants who:

Pennies From Heaven

by Charles L. Mashburn

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR

School District No. 58 is acceptingapplications for Hot Lunch Program Coordinator at Merritt Bench Elementar ySchool. 5daysper week |4hours per day. Musthavecompleted food safe course. Previous experience dealing with students and running akitchen wouldbeanasset.

If interested, please send your resume along with three references to Dena McDermott at dmcdermott@365.sd58.bc.ca or on-lineat www.sd58. bc.ca,click on Jobs,Support Positions, and Current JobOppor tunities (Job Code 3170309).

• Have a demonstrated track record of positive community involvement or committee experience.

• Have a strong connection whether through professional certiﬁcation, r naturalization.

• Reside in the City

For more information Representatives and of the STUWI(x) Steering Committee, applicants should review the following:

• City of Merritt Flood Mitigation Plan (2022) (link available at merritt.ca/stuwix)

• GreenARDM Grant (link available at merritt.ca/stuwix)

• STUWIx Terms of Reference (email Chair: Charlene Joe: cjoe@merritt.ca for a copy)

Ready to apply? Please summarize your interest positively impact this project in 350 words or more, by July 15, 2024: By email (preferred) to the STUWI(x) Chair: Char Quote “STUWI(x) Steering Committee Expression

Thank you for your interest! Short-listed

Ifound apenny today, Just laying on theground Butit’snot justapenny, This li le coin I’ve found. “Found”pennies come from heaven,

That’s whatmy Grandpa toldme

He said angels tossthem down;

Oh,how Ilovedthatstory

He said when an angel misses you, They tossa penny down

Some mes justto cheer youup, Make asmile out of yourfrown

So don’tpass by that penny, When you’refeelingblue It maybea penny from heaven

That an angel tossed to you.

RELIEFEDUCATION ASSISTANTS

School District No. 58. (Nicola-Similkameen) is currently accepting applications for the position of Relief Education Assistant. Applicants must have or be currently enrolled in the Education Assistant Cer ti cation program. CPI and POPFASD arerequired courses in order to gain aregular position in the District. This is an ongoing posting and applications will be kept on le for six months.

Please apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca (Job Code 3064466 forMerritt and 3064470 forPrinceton) by providing adetailed resume with aminimum of three professional references to: