Merritt Herald July 23, 2023

COUNCILLOR CLAIRE NEWMAN

Served 2022-23 2008-2022

THIS WEEK

SUDDEN PASSING

The Merritt Herald is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of office adminstrator and sales representative Ken Couture.

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HOT-IN-PROGRESS

Merritt City Councillor Claire Newman was killed in an apparent hit-and-run last week.

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A number of road constructions projects, including a hot-in-place recycling initiative for a stretch of Highway 5, are affecting traffic in the Nicola Valley.

BACK TO BASS COAST

See the sights of the tenth Bass Coast Festival to be held in the Nicola Valley, and the 15th annual electronic music and arts festival overall.

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RODA PROMOTED

Staff Sgt. Josh Roda has been promoted from acting detachment commander to detachment commander of the Merritt RCMP.

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Community mourns passing of city councillor, RCMP investigation into hit-and-run still underway

officers arrived at the scene, they found a Nissan Frontier running at the roadside, unlocked and with a dog inside. No other vehicles were found in the area at that moment, although the body of a 46-year-old woman, presumed to be Newman, was found in a ditch nearby.

Also found at the scene was a grey headlight that belongs to a 2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Police said that evidence suggests Newman was hit outside of her vehicle, and would like to speak to the driver as well as anyone who may have been in the area from 11 p.m. Tuesday (July 4) until shortly after midnight on July 5.

The loss is undoubtedly felt by Newman’s family, along with her fellow councillors, the mayor, and city staff, all of whom have expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of working with the late councillor. Condolences have also poured in from mayors, councillors, provincial and federal elected officials, and community members.

“I have loved working with Claire,” said former Merritt CAO Sean Smith in a press release. “She was vibrant, curious, and had a passion for people that was contagious. Saying goodbye to friends is hard. I will miss her. And on behalf of all City staff, our sincere condolences go out to her family.”

Mayor Mike Goetz told the Herald that council was shaken after hearing the news of Newman’s passing, describing the group as a ‘family’ and a council. He also noted that a feeling of anger was involved for him, with his faith in humanity slightly shaken by the presumed hit-andrun that killed Newman.

The Nicola Valley Search and Rescue organization recieved its share of more than $4-million in provincial funding. The province funds 40 per cent of SAR clubs in B.C., with the rest coming from fundraising.

Late Merritt City Councillor Claire Newman served more than 15 years in municipal politics, with most of it in Logan Lake, and since November in Merritt. Police are currently looking for the vehicle which they believe fled the scene after hitting Newman outside her vehicle near Valemount last week. Photo/CityofMerritt

The community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of City Councillor Claire Newman, who was killed in an apparent hit-and-run while driving to visit family last week.

According to a press release put out by the City, Councillor Newman was travelling to visit her family when she was struck and killed by a vehicle outside of Valemount, B.C, while stopped at the side of the road. RCMP added in their own release that evidence suggest that she may have died in a hit-and-run.

Police said they responded late on Tuesday (July 4) to an automated cell phone crash notification on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake, just west of the Alberta border. When

“You don’t have the wherewithal to stop and help somebody? Where’s your humanity? What a coward. There’s nothing else to say, it’s a cowardly act,” said Goetz. “You took somebody that was a light for a lot of people, you ruined a family, and you’ve ruined a community. Not only this one, but Logan Lake, where she was very well loved, as she was loved here.”

Newman was first elected to Logan Lake’s council in 2008, and served until moving to Merritt and running for council successfully in the October 2022 municipal elections. Goetz described Newman as the ‘cheerleader’ of city council, always wanting to see the community succeed and being its biggest advocate despite being a relative newcomer. Goetz also noted that the city has reached out to Newman’s family to offer support and condolences.

In place of its regular council meeting on July 11, an unofficial memorial was held for Newman in the council chambersthat day, offering the opportunity for community members to sign a memory book, leave a card or memento for the family, or share a memory of Newman.

Anyone with information about the ongoing police investigation is asked to contact the Valemount RCMP detachment at 250-566-4466.

In place of its July 11 regular council meeting, Merritt City Council opened its chambers up to community members for an unofficial memorial for Coun. Claire Newman, who was killed in a hit-and-run last week.

Marius Auer

The Merritt Herald announces sudden passing of Ken Couture

Herald Staff

MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Herald is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Ken Couture, the Herald’s office administrator and sales representative.

Beginning his time at the Herald in 2014, Ken quickly became an invaluable member of the team with his positive attitude and willingness to put others before himself. A well known member of the community, Ken loved his work and his clients, always sure to bring a smile with a witty comment.

“Ken was a kind person and a hard worker willing to do anything for his coworkers, clients, and community,” said Theresa Arnold, publisher of the Herald. “We will miss him, his humour, and his presence greatly. Thank you for your years of service, Ken.”

As the Herald navigates this devastating loss to our team, we appreciate

your understanding as return calls and emails could be slightly delayed. Anyone who was currently dealing with Ken on a sales or circulation matter is asked to contact Theresa Arnold at publisher@ merrittherald.com.

Our deepest condolences to Ken’s family and all those who knew him during this difficult time. Ken’s family and Herald staff are asking for privacy during this time, although the Herald phone line and office remain open for advertising, circulation, and editorial inquiries.

SCHSS 25th Anniversary Celebration

Ken Couture worked for the Merritt Herald from 2014 to 2023. Photo/Herald File

EDITORIAL

AUER: ‘stepping it up in the accountability department’

we left the restaurant, I felt completely validated and was glad I hit that “skip tip” button despite feeling bad about it in the moment. I’m lucky that I work from home and don’t have a job where I have to be nice to people on a regular basis, so I generally give people who have to deal with the public the benefit of the doubt and take the high road. Not this time.

left a restaurant without leaving a tip. One of the wait staff was so rude that I decided not to tip, and when they yelled “I hope you have the day you deserve” as

The big difference with being nice to people who are nasty in day-to-day encounters and giving the wait staff a pass is that I paid to eat in that restaurant. I can shrug

off someone cutting me off in a parking lot and yelling at me about it, and just go on with my day. No big deal, encounters like that have no bearing on my life. But spending money I worked hard for and the experience being spoiled by someone rude and unprofessional? That’s where I draw the line. I know tips are a substantial part of some people’s income, but they still have to be earned. And that’s not happening with snippy and rude behaviour, at least not from me.

Yes, we’re all feeling the pinch and some people rely

on that additional income more than ever. So how about putting in the extra effort to give good service, rather than having an entitled attitude? It’s called sucking it up, even when you’re having a bad day.

Gen X invented it, so if you need a lesson, hit me up. I know my generation can take this concept a bit far at times, but I really feel like society just needs to give their head a shake and quit it already with the entitlement and step it up in the accountability department. To put it into social media lingo: it’s time to start #adulting.

LETTERS to the editor

Thank you from a long time Centennials fan

Editor,

Hello Merritt! I have lived in Merritt for almost 25 years as of this summer. If you know me, I absolutely LOVE hockey. I grew up watching the Canucks, and shorty after I moved here in 1998, I went to my first Cents game. Needless to say I was hooked! I had never watched junior hockey before. If you’ve never seen junior hockey, check it out this fall. It’s fast paced, exciting and a relatively inexpensive night

EDITORIAL

out for anyone. Oh, I must mention they make some of the best burgers in town!

So, fast forward 20 plus years, and here we are at the end of the Centennials 50th anniversary season. Did you know that the Merritt Centennials are the longest and most continuously run team in the British Columbia Hockey league)? They are a community owned team and they have a lot of hard working and amazing volunteers that help out every game night and beyond. I do

volunteer as well and if you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer, contact the team. My daughter and I are proud fans and we both can’t wait for next season to begin. It was really awesome to see some new fans at the games this season, and I hope to see more people at the games this fall. The season starts on September 22nd. You might just see me there on any given night.

To the Merritt Centennials: thank you for the excitement you bring and for everything

you do in our awesome community. The team is a huge part of Merritt and we are lucky to have you. I hope everyone is having a great summer and we will see you at the “barn” in September!

Callie Langlois-Torgerson Longtime Passionate Cents ‘superfan’ and board member

MOLNAR: realizing that art can be in everything we do

things with my hands. For the almost 12 years that I owned and worked at Brambles Bakery, I had the daily satisfaction of creating loaves, cakes and treats, watching them be eaten and enjoyed, and then starting the process over again for the next day. I wouldn’t have considered this “creative” - but now looking back I think it actually was a form of art. It certainly was an outlet for a type of creativity, at least.

rack - the same rack that held loaves of sourdough and monster cookies, the granola and croissants, “borrowed” from the bakery and now taken up residence in my basement laundry room.

As a part of the Nicola Valley Arts Council, I have been reflecting on art and creativity and what it means in my life. I’ve realized I appreciate and need the tactile experience and gratification of making

I love to see what my hands have produced at the end of the day, and lately that’s come in the form of mugs and dishes made of clay. I’ve traded the silky, pillowy feel of dough for the slippery, muddy delight of pottery. I make a “batch” and set it out on trays on the baker’s

The stages of solid, wet clay to something functional and pretty are not dissimilar to the stages of baking: raw flour into something alive and growing, to a beautiful and delicious final product. The steps along the way involve precise timing, an awareness of what your material is up to in any given hour, and how long you have before you must get back and attend to its next need. Miss the window and you’ve got over-proofed dough, or too hard clay, and the next step is frustration!

The feeling at the outcome is the same - satisfaction that I’ve produced something for someone to enjoy, and I can be on to the next batch! The only downside is that pottery isn’t consumable, so folks can’t become addicted and need a constant supply (though there’s still granola, available at the NVCAC gallery gift shop, for that!). So while I would not have considered myself an artist, the more time I spend around the inspiring and talented folks in our valley who are part of the Arts Council, the more I realize art can be in everything we do, and you don’t have to define yourself as an “artist” to appreciate the role that creativity can have as an outlet for expression.

FromtheHerald archives: July, 1998

SPEAKING UP FOR YOUTH

A school program for children with special needs is something the community needed, says one special education teacher.

Denise Whalen says members of the Merritt and District Youth Resources Society wanted to establish a program that fir the needs of children with different abilities.

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

Hot-in-place recycling, other construction affecting area traf c

email that a hot-in-place recycling project will take place on Highway 5 this month for 122.9 lane kilometres between Merritt and Helmer Rd. Hot-in-place recycling is a process where existing asphalt is heated and scarified, and mixed with a recycling agent before being paved over the existing surface.

The repaving will commence on July 13, running Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until project completion. Road users are asked to exercise caution around construction, obey zone speed limits, lane closures, and traffic control personnel.

Further north on Highway 5, affecting southbound traffic, DriveBC said paving operations are underway for 2.6 kilometres of highway between Inks Lake Rd. and Chuwhels Mountain Rd. until July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Construction is running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday, including a lane closure.

Multiple construction projects continue to take place along both Highways 8 and 5, between Merritt and Spences Bridge and Merritt and Hope, respectively. Although both are fully open, the highways remain under repair, including a number of paving and bridge repair projects. Drivers are asked to obey traffic signs and personnel, and exercise caution while driving in construction zones.

On Highway 5A, between Junction Hwy 97C and Pennask Lake Rd., utility work is affecting both directions of traffic for 11.8 kilometre stretch near Merritt. The work will be complete on August 3, with work taking place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Single lane alternating traffic is in effect. Drivers are again reminded to watch for and obey all traffic control.

With summer conditions come summer construction projects, and the Nicola Valley’s surrounding highways are no exception.

Road users are reminder that BC roadways are workplaces for tens of thousands of workers every day, with their lives put at risk every day spent on the job. Exercise extreme caution in construction zones and near roadside workers, and always be sure to obey all traffic control signage and personnel.

For the latest information on road conditions, events, and closures, visit www.drivebc.ca.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

To all of the treasured customers of Hack Electric, Robert is no longer working as an Electrical contractor in Merritt and the surrounding areas Eifar and Jolene Zielke are the new owners They both became journeymen electricians in 2004 and have lived for twenty years on a small farm north of Merritt, along with their three young children. Their plan is to continue to PROVIDE THE SAME GREAT ELECTRICAL SERVICE to Merritt and surrounding area communities with the support of their expert team Hack Electric invites you to contact them anytime The name, location and phone number will remain the same

I,willcertainly missthe connections I’ve made overthelast fortyyears with allthe customers we’vehad thepleasureofdoingbusinesswith. Merritthasbeenhometo mefor thelastfifty-five years andthat will notchange. After apprenticing underARB Electricfrom 1977to 1982, we went onto contracting. Albert usedto say“the only people that never make mistakes arethe onesthat neverdo anything” and IknowI’ve madeplentyofthose. Thanks againfor all yourtrust and support overthe years! YoursSincerelyRobertHack

A number of paving and other road construction projects are underway on multiple highways relied upon by Nicola Valley travellers. Photo/Herald File

Representatives of ARC Asphalt Recycling Inc. confirmed to the Herald via

Marius Auer

Fourth bridge repaired, other Coquihalla repairs ongoing

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Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The ongoing reconstruction project along the stretch of Highway 5 between Merritt and Hope has reached the halfway point, officials said in a press release.

The new southbound Juliet Bridge, located 55 kilometres south of Merritt, opened Saturday, July 8, 2023. Other completed bridge projects include the northbound Bottletop Bridge, 50 kilometres south of Merritt, and the southbound Jessica Bridge, 20 kilometres north of Hope, both of which opened in early June. The northbound Juliet Bridge opened December 2022.

Government officials praised the project’s contractors for their skill and quick work.

“Getting to this stage this quickly is a testament to the dedication and skill of B.C.’s world-class road builders and the contractor, unions and ministry staff working on restoring the Coquihalla,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s minister of transportation and infrastructure.

The new bridges were completed by KEA5, a joint venture between Kiewit and Emil Anderson Construction. KEA5 also completed the new Juliet Bridge, with crews on track to complete all six permanent bridge replacements by the end of the year.

All new bridges constructed along the Coquihalla are built on pile footings to withstand high water levels, and feature longer

spans than the previous bridges to reduce the effects of erosion from changing water paths over time, which the province said will further improve the long-term resiliency of the Coquihalla to extreme weather events.

“Making sure there are reliable, climateresilient roads and bridges for residents, industry, and emergency services will keep

‘Making sure there are reliable, climate resilient roads and bridges for residents, industry, and emergency services will keep British Columbians and their supply chains safer.’

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British Columbians and their supply chains safer and more connected during extreme weather,” noted Fleming.

The Coquihalla highway was closed for just 35 days after more than 20 sites were damaged by the extreme rain and flooding on November 14, 2021. Repairs to the site are still ongoing more than 18 months later, with drivers being reminded to slow down and drive to conditions, including ongoing speed and traffic pattern changes.

For up to date road conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca.

The two bridges still needing repair on the stretch of Highway 5 between Merritt and Hope are expected to be complete by later this year. Photo/Herald File

MINISTER ROB FLEMMING

Health Connect Registry looks to connect patients and care providers

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Looking to address a gap in the availability of doctors and nurse practitioners, the province has announced it will expand a provincewide registry that looks to connect primary-care providers with B.C. residents seeking to access them.

Effective July 1, 2023, the province expanded the Health Connect Registry from a pilot project available in select communities only, to all communities throughout B.C. The registry is hosted by HealthLinkBC, and offers patients seeking care the opportunity to input their information and be matched with a medical professional.

The province said in a recent press release that the expansion of the registry, along with physician and nursing recruitment and retention strategies, will allow more British Columbians to access care.

“The Health Connect Registry is a crucial action, delivering on our government’s commitment to strengthen health care, and it will help us provide better, easier access to primary care for generations to come,” said Adrian Dix, the province’ minister of health.

“Between the new doctors who signed

up with our new-to-practice incentive program, doctors who are joining the new payment model, as well as new nurse practitioners and the many more to come, we are ensuring people throughout the province can connect with those primarycare providers and others as medical professionals enter family practice and build their patient panel.”

The release added that a part of the province’s overall healthcare human resources strategy was working directly with Doctors of BC, and Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC to support family doctors and nurse practitioners with new registries, including the Health Connect Registry.

Both organizations voiced their support for the expansion of the registry.

“With the ongoing work to make family medicine sustainable, including implementing the longitudinal family physician model, there is now a need to help doctors and patients navigate getting access to care,” said Dr. Joshua Greggain, president of Doctors of BC.

“The improved Health Connect Registry will make things easier and faster for patients and more efficient for doctors and other health-care providers, while being flexible to ensure the best outcome for everyone – a strong long-term family

doctor/patient relationship.”

The new expansion means the province will have a comprehensive list of who is looking for a primary-care provider and who already has one, as well as which providers and clinics are currently accepting new patients.

Along with the announcement of the expansion came a commitment by the

province to report on progress to add more family doctors and nurse practitioners, and on connecting more patients from the Health Connect Registry to a primary-care provider, beginning November 30, 2023, and continuing quarterly.

For more information on the Health Connect Registry, visit HealthLinkBC.

The province is expanding a provincewide health registry that looks to connects primary care providers with the people who need them. Photo/Herald File

New provincial funding supports trades programs, apprenticeships

New funding will expand opportunities for those getting into the trades, including the completion of apprenticeships. Photo/Herald File

The provincial government is providing a funding boost to a number of organizations that support people entering the trades and help them to complete their apprenticeships.

The $5-million investment,

announced Thursday (July 6), supports six B.C. organizations specializing in attracting workers into the skilled trades and supporting them during their preapprentice training and apprenticeships.

The organizations include the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT), Canadian

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Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC), SkillPlan, and Skills Canada BC. The province said in a press release that the new funding is a first step in the creation of a strong workforce.

“This funding is about making sure that B.C. is training and supporting the next generation of apprentices and journey people,” said Andrew Mercier, provincial minister of state for workforce development. “By investing in apprenticeships today, our government is taking action to ensure a strong workforce is trained and ready to build the homes and infrastructure that British Columbians depend on.”

The province noted in its release that the investment will allow for the removal of barriers to enter the trades or complete apprenticeships for women, Indigenous Peoples and other underrepresented groups, with new and enhanced programming and resources for equity-serving groups, anti-racism, and other inclusivity-based workplace training programs, and student bursaries.

The Electrical Joint Training Committee brings together union leadership and electrical contractors to

place B.C. apprentices with the province’s leading electricians.

“I was at a point in my life where I felt lost and down, struggling with no sense of direction,” said Mathew Sheena, an EJTC apprentice. “But then, I crossed paths with ACCESS and joined the entry-level trades training program at the EJTC. These programs turned my life around, giving me back control over my future, as well as a solid career and big dreams.”

There are more than 80 skilled trade occupations available to those looking to explore the field, with more than half with Red Seal endorsements. In-demand skilled trades occupations in B.C. include cooks, automotive service technicians, and electricians. The province said it expects 83,000 job openings for tradespeople over the next 10 years.

Locally, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology offers a number of trades programs and opportunities for placements and apprenticeships. The postsecondary school offers programs such as automotive tech, carpentry, culinary arts, electrical studies, plumbing and piping, residential construction, and welding.

For more information on NVIT programming, visit www.nvit.ca.

Marius Auer

Sights from the 10th Bass Coast Festival to be held in the Nicola Valley

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Another successful and sold-out edition has come to an end for the Bass Coast Music Festival.

This past weekend’s heat didn’t stop the big-hearted dance music aficionados from gathering at one of the top independent music festivals in the province and throughout North America.

With “a global reputation for showcasing innovative international

talent and providing a springboard for Canadian artists,” Bass Coast continues to impress by combining visual and auditory sensations surrounded by the landscape of the Nicola Valley.

This year’s festival line-up included names such as ChloZee, Eprom, Skeptical, Tim Parker, and fan favourites such as Justin Martin, Paul Woolford, and The Funk Hunters.

Beyond the music, each edition of the festival embodies a unique new theme. This year’s theme ‘Avant Garden’ was an invitation for people to “bloom” their creativity.

The unique atmosphere by a bend of the Coldwater River, gives emerging and established artists the opportunity to showcase their art. Each year, Bass Coast becomes the largest temporary collection of installation art in Canada.

During its 15-year history, the event has seen interactive pieces like the ‘Audio Triage’, created by computer artist Paul Reimer, which consists of acoustic tin can telephones that allow you to “experience live feeds from all the stages before diving in.”

Other art installations such as ‘Life is a Circus’, created by sculptor Sandra Bérubé, a “gravity-defying, circusy interactive” that allows your creativity flows and makes people question if “is it the storytelling of an exciting adventure just about to take off or of a dangerous journey packed with red flags and trickery.”

This year’s Bass Coast Festival edition took place from July 7 to July 10, at the Merritt Music Festival Grounds just outside of Merritt.

Photos/Marius Auer and Laisa Conde, Merritt Herald

Bass Coast this year featured over 60 interactive artistic installations

Provincewide camp re ban now in effect until October 13

The second campfire ban is on the way during this summer season as dry and warm conditions increase the chance of wildfires across B.C.

B.C. Wildfire Service announced in a press release that open fires were prohibited starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, July 7, in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which covers Kamloops, Vernon, Lilooet, Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt.

In addition to the ban, other flam -

mable activities such as fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, tiki and similar torches, as well as chimineas are restricted.

The City of Merritt confirmed that small confined fire permits are also rescinded during the campfire ban.

The campfire prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 13, 2023, or until the orders are revoked.

For more information and updates, check the B.C. Wildfire Service website.

The provincial government has announced a fire ban on campfire across the province following hotter temperatures and increasingly arid conditions in multiple regions of B.C., inlcuding the Kamloops Fire Centre. Photo/ Herald File

In rock we trust: it’s an AC/DC tribute band or bust

You will be thunderstruck at this AC/DC tribute concert happening in Merritt on July 15.

Rock or Bust will shake it all night long at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena on Saturday (well, at least from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.).

AC/DC fans will be able to rock the blues away as they sing along to their favourite songs, such as ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’, ‘Back In Black’, ‘Highway to Hell’ and ‘Thunderstruck.’

With a “high energy rock show that will have you out of your seats rockin’ till the end of the show”, the band founded in 2019 by lead vocalist Kim Kahl aims to match the looks and sound of the original band as much as possible.

Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite.

When: July 15, 2023; doors open at 7 p.m.

Where: Nicola Valley Memorial Arena - 2075 Mamette Ave., Merritt, B.C.

Cost: $43.93 – Limited early bird pre-sale: use the code earlybird; $50 at

Coldwater School

Nursery to Grade 7 Registration for 2023 – 2024

Full-time Nursery/Head Start (must be turning 4 years old by December 31, 2023) Full-time Kindergarten (must be 5 years old by December 31, 2022)

 Bus Services from Merritt provided

Outdoor Nature Walks, traditional games, music and local stories.

Hands on projects and field trips may include:

 drying fish

 making tule mats

 making hemp

 tanning hides

 hand drums

 gathering tea

 picking berries

 Spius Creek salmon hatching program

 winter fun

 identifying plants

New

Rock or Bust, an AC/ DC tribute band, will perform all the hits of the Australian rock band during their Merritt concert this weekend. Tickets are available at the door for those who missed the early bird pricing.

Play

information please contact us at 78-9261 or Email: principal@coldwaterschool.ca

Coldwater School will be following all provincial COVID -19 gu idelines to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of our children

Photo/Herald File

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Elvis Bluemoon Festival happening this weekend, tickets available

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The ninth-annual Canadian Bluemoon Elvis Festival is back to rock Merritt and honour the King of Rock and Roll.

The traditional charity weekend event will take place at Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds, located at 499 Lindley Creek Rd.

During the three-day festival, Elvis Presley enthusiasts will be able to watch tribute artists, such as Matt Cage, Bruno Nesci and special guest Charles Stone, perform Presley’s most beloved songs. One of the organizations being supported by the charity event is B.C.

Wounded Warriors First Responders Foundation, which aims to help veterans and first responders in B.C. that are struggling with any type of physical or mental issues related to their service.

The other organization being helped is Rotary Club of Merritt, which has helped to support families and individuals who have been severely affected by the flooding.

During the last day of the festival, Sunday, July 16, the club will be hosting a pancake breakfast as a fundraiser.

When: July 14 to July 16, 2023.

Where: Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds - 499 Lindley Creek Rd., Merritt, B.C.

Cost: From $25 to $40. More information at https://thecdnbluemoon.ca/.

Construction is under way in your area.

BC Overland Rally coming to Merritt for second consecutive year

During the four-day rally, overlanders, vendors, travellers, and as well as enthusiasts will be able to gather and share stories about their off-road adventures, learn new skills, make friends, and be inspired by the nature surrounding Merritt.

Ray Hyland, founder of the BC Overland Rally, said the purpose of the event is to give people all the skills and confidence they need to explore.

“We’re trying to help people learn all these skills that they need to get out there and explore those remote parts of not just B.C., but the whole world,” he said. “Whether they are on their own or with family, or with friends (in their adventures).”

“It’s not only our backyard, but we realized and recognized the amount of opportunity there is here.”

This year’s BC Overland Rally is in its sixth year being hosted in the province and second time in Merritt.

When: July 20 to July 23, 2023.

Where: The Merritt BC Music Festival Grounds – program your GPS for 1000 Midday Valley Rd., Merritt, B.C., V1K 1M9.

Cost: From $95.20 to $338.91.

More information at www.overlandadventuresrallies.ca.

The event will take place at the Merritt Music Festival Grounds, located at 1000 Midday Valley Rd., from July 20 to July 23.

Hyland said the idea for creating this event was due to his passion for overland exploration and an opportunity to share this culture around the world. His first overland event happened 12 years ago in Washington, U.S., but soon he realized the potential to host events in the province.

“We’ve always wanted to have one (event) here in B.C. as well,” he said.

A new face behind the crease: Centennials sign another goaltender

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Cents have added another goalie to their roster with the recently announced signing of Massachusettsbased netminder Beau Lane.

The new Cents acquisition spent the last two seasons playing U.S. prep school hockey at Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts. In addition, he played 20 games with the Cape Cod Whalers 18U AAA team during the 2022/23 season, amassing an 8–7–3 record and a 2.93 goals-against average.

Cents hockey staff signed Lane following their first-ever camp in Massachusetts last month.

“The Cents’ hockey operations staff was impressed by Lane’s play at their Boston Identification Camp at the end of June, noting that the netminder shows a high level of compete and maintains a calm demeanor,” said the team in a release.

Lane measures in at 6’3″ while weighing 175 lbs., and was the 21st-ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2022 NHL Draft.

Brian Passmore, newly minted head

coach and assistant general manager of the team, said the new signing brings size and further depth to the Cents’ goaltending tandem.

“Beau reads the play well, is quick, athletic, and efficiently makes the saves needed,” said Passmore. “Beau shows a good presence in the crease and we feel we can rely on him to have an impact as he makes the jump to junior hockey this season.”

The team also recently signed goaltender Andrew Ballantyne, coming to the Nicola Valley from Whitby, Ontario. The team said in a recent release that Ballantyne brings a commanding presence to the net after two successful seasons with the Pickering Panthers in the OJHL, where he achieved remarkable statistics and winning records.

Johnny Hicks, the Cents’ starting goalie last season, has signed with the 2022/23 Alberta Junior Hockey League champion Brooks Bandits, and will not return to Merritt.

The Cents will begin the 2023/24 British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) season with a home game against the Powell River Kings on September 22. For more information, visit www.merrittcentennials.com.

A nightly campfire and raffle is one of the highlights of the four day festival. Photo/BC Overland Rally Facebook

Rally this month.

Merritt RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sgt. Josh Roda, stands in front of the newly installed welcome sign outside of the local detachment on Voght St. Roda was previously acting detachment commander, but has since been promoted to detachment commander.

Marius Auer/Herald

Roda promoted to Merritt Detachment Commander

Staff Sgt. and the Merritt RCMP’s newly promoted Detchment Commander Josh Roda was raised among Mounties.

Growing up in Maple Ridge, Roda recalls fond memories of his neighbours, who were mostly RCMP officers, and were a key factor in his interest for the policing career.

“I ended up going on a few ride-alongs and then actually went to an RCMP Youth Academy, and decided it was something I wanted to do,” he said. “So I got into the RCMP when I was 21.”

Roda has been with the RCMP for almost 15 years. He started at the Chilliwack detachment in 2009, where he worked on general duty. He was later transferred within the detachment to the serious crime department.

From Chilliwack, Roda moved to Agassiz to work in their general investigation section, which focused on drugs and property crime investigation. His time at the detachment in Agassiz made him want to adventure on northern posts across the province, as he moved up to Alexis Creek, an unincorporated community located near Williams Lake.

After two years on that post, he moved all the way to Ucluelet, on Vancouver Island, where he policed for a year. His first promotion as a corporal took him back to a place he holds close to his heart, Maple Ridge.

“I worked on the watch in Maple Ridge as a corporal, and then from there, I went into serious crimes,” Roda said.

From his time working on major investigations in Maple Ridge, Roda got promoted once again. His excellent work got him moved to Merritt in 2019, as an operations non-commissioned officer.

Ever since being in Merritt, Roda said the town has been an amazing place to work and live. He also said his coworkers make it easy for him to go to work every day.

“It has a small town feel, but has many big city amenities,” he said. “We have an amazing group of hard working, dedicated officers and staff that truly care about making positive change in our community.”

On his most recent promotion from an operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) to staff sergeant as Merritt’s detachment commander, Roda believes he still has a long way to go.

“I’ve probably only hit halfway (point) in my career,” he said. “I am very happy right now in Merritt. I’m really excited to keep being a part of this detachment in this community.”

From liaising with Merritt’s local government or local partners, to supporting police officers, Roda knows how significant his job as a commander is for Merritt and its community.

“I try to support our frontline officers in the work that they’re doing where they’re combating drugs, property crime, and violent offences,” he said. “I think it’s really important what we do.”

Going forward, Roda said he and Merritt RCMP are working to have a stronger police presence in the downtown core of Merritt.

“I think we’ve seen … an uptake in visible drug use in the downtown core,” he said. “Something that we want to do is really support the local businesses, support the community by being visible in the downtown core and dealing with a lot of those problems.”

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

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

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

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

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

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

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC)

1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

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

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sunday 10:00 am

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

H

CLASSIFIEDS

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

l p us C e lebrate

80th Bir thday

UNCE RTI F I E D TE ACHE RS

TE ACH I NG ON CALL – M E RRIT T

Job Posti ng No: 3 5 3 8712

Merritt Funeral Chapel

ADivision of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Schoo l D i st r ict No 5 8 (N ico l a - Si m i l kameen) se r ves the t wo com mun ities of Me r r it t and Pr i nceton si x F i r st Nations Bands the Méti s com mun it y, and the Conay t F r iendsh i p Societ y I n ou r d i st r ict, we recog n i ze that we l ea r n, teach and wo r k on the ancest ra l, t rad itiona l and unceded te r r ito r ies of the N l e?eKepm x and Sy i l x peop l e and we ack now l edge ou r Méti s com mun ities and thei r cont r i butions to th e Abo r ig i na l ways of bei ng, k now i ng and doi ng The mounta i ns, l akes and va l l eys w ith i n the d i st r ict make it a natu ra l set ti ng fo r fabu l ous yea r- round outdoo r activities We of fe r a wa r m sma l l -tow n atmosphe re w he re rel ationsh i ps a re fundamenta l to ou r succes s Me r r it t, w he re the of fi ce i s l ocated, i s i n the N ico l a Va l l ey and i s the hub of a h ig hway s ystem that l i nk s Kam l oops, Kel ow na, and the Lowe r Ma i n l and Ranch i ng, fo rest r y, hea lth, l oca l gove r nment, and tou r i sm a re the ma jo r i ndust r ies i n the va l l ey

O u r St rateg ic Pl an has a “ Succes s fo r ALL Lea r ne r s” focus, suppo r ted by a ded icated staf f, engaged stakeho lde r s and pa r tne r s w ho sha re a genui ne com m itment to the d i st r ict The d i st r ict of fe r s r ich p rog ram m i ng to j ust ove r 2 075 students, 4 8 % of w hom a re I nd igenous We a re p roud of ou r ongoi ng wo r k towa rds Tr uth and Reconci l iation

S ch o o l D i s t r i c t N o 5 8 (N i co l a -S i m i l ka m e e n) i s a cce p t i n g a p p l i ca t i o n s f o r U N CE R T I F I E D Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l . T h e d i s t r i c t i s se e k i n g h i g h l y s k i l l e d a n d d y n a m i c i n d i v i d u a l s t o j o i n ou r l i s t o f Ca s u a l, U n ce r t i fi e d Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l P re f e re n ce w i l l b e g i ve n t o i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h a d e m o n s t ra t e d wo r k h i s t o r y o r vo l u n t e e r ex p e r i e n ce wo r k i n g w i t h ch i l d re n a n d you t h

Re q u i re d q u a l i fi ca t i o n s a n d t ra i n i n g i n cl u d e:

• Bachel o r’s deg ree o r othe r post- seconda r y education

• Recent succes s fu l teach i ng ex pe r ience and/o r t ra i n i ng p refe r red • Ef fective i nte r pe r sona l and com mun ication sk i l l s

Please

August 5th, 2023

• D emonst rated i nte rest i n wo r k i ng w ith ch i ld ren and youth Schoo l D i st r ict 5 8 i s wo r k i ng to ensu re an i ncl usive d ive r se and rep resentative wo r k fo rce Succes s fu l cand idates w i l l recog n i ze that consi stent w ith the U N D ecl a ration on the Rig hts of I nd igenous Peop l es (U N D RI P) the BC H uman Rig hts Code and the Canad ian Cha r te r of Rig hts and F reedom s, em p l oyment p ractices and p rocedu res at a l l l evel s must refl ect and demonst rate an unde r stand i ng of, and response to, a d ive r se popu l ation

I nte rested app l icants shou ld go to ou r d i st r ict website at w w w sd5 8 bc ca, w h ich p rovides g uidance on how to app l y fo r teach i ng jobs i n ou r d i st r ict App l ications must i ncl ude a Cove r l et te r, resume, copies of post- seconda r y t ranscr i pts and names of t wo supe r vi so r refe rences (i ncl ud i ng the most recent supe r vi so r) O n l y sho r t- l i sted app l icants w i l l be contacted

MERRITT

Some needs of mourning: accept the reality of death – let yourself feel the pain of loss –remember the person who died – develop a new identity – expect all kinds of feelings. P: 250-280-1701

Please RSVP to millcreekcabinets@telus.net or 250-378-6311 so we can plan accordingly www.merritthospice.org Emai :

If you can open your heart and home to foster a pet, please call or visit your local BC SPCA branch today.

PLE A SE NOTE: D ue to the vo l ume of app l ications received, the d i s t r ict i s unab l e to p rovide com menta r y o r feedback rega rd i ng an app l icant’s qua l ifi cations/app l ication no r a re we ab l e to p rovide ca ree r advice/consu ltation

App l ications w i l l be reviewed, and h i r i ng w i l l occu r on an ongoi ng basi s

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

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

F ir st Nations Suppor t Worker

Early Child Educator 3529726 Open Until F illed

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing Relief Clerk Typist 3256003 Ongoing Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing

Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

Noon Hour Super visor - 3322609 Open Until F illed

Merritt Bench Elementar y; Merritt Central; Diamond Vale

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

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

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted.

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Employment Opportunity HEALTH CLERK/RECEPTIONIST

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Health Clerk will assume the secretaria , clerical and recept onist duties under the supervis on of the Executive Director and w ll per for m other dut es as required They are also subject to the Policies and Procedures of the Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) The position will be responsible for the provision of administrative and clerical support to the SCHSS programs

• This posit on will be responsible for ensuring that reports derived from the database accurately reflect the most up-to-date health status of the communities of Coldwater, Shackan, and Nooaitch They will also be responsible for arranging and ensuring payment for medical appointments for clients and establish ng their medical travel elig bility for funding under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program

• Requ res experience with standard office equipment and Microsoft Office

• Experience working w th First Nations communities is an asset

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits

Please submit resume to:

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Attention: Barclay Smith

103-2090 Coutlee Avenue PO Box 3090 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 or ema l smith b@schss com

Deadline for submissions: July 21 2023

OFFICE MANAGER

M e rrit t Prop e r t y M anag e m ent Ltd . in M errit t, BC is immediately looking for a vibrant, organized and detail - oriented O f fic e M anag e r. We are a fast paced of fice needing a team player with a positive demeanor and excellent communication skills.

Re quir e m ents:

• E xperience in an of fice set ting in an administrative role

• K nowledge and proficiency in M S O f fice ( Word, E xcel and Outlook)

• Maintain accounts payable and receivable including payroll

• Familiarit y with QuickB ooks or similar accounting program

• Abilit y to communicate ef fectively - both writ ten and verbal

• Prioritize time management in a multi -tasking environment

• Develop social media plat form marketing

Joining this team provides oppor tunit y for advancement and education in Proper t y Management General of fice hours are M onday to Friday, 8:3 0 am to 4:3 0 pm (sometimes occasional af ter hours and weekends required) S alar y commensurate with experience and ex tended healthcare benefi ts package available.

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Employment Opportunity RECEPTIONIST

REPORTS TO: Dental Clinic Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Receptionist is the front line and first impression of the organization They are essential to creating a connection between clients and dental staff The incumbent maintains a col aborative relationship with clients and all members of the oral health-care team to deliver the highest level of client-centered care

• A key function of th s position includes answering and directing calls, general administrative tasks processing patient payments, booking and confir ming patient appointments The dental services are available to the public with a focus on serving and meeting the complex needs of local First Nation individuals

• Promotes the safety and well-being of clients while in service and when necessary communicates immediate concerns to appropriate Stoyoma Dental staff for further follow up

• Committed to positive and inclusive dental practices to provide the best patient experience

• Applies attention to detail and accuracy in all reporting

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits

Please submit resume to:

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Attention: Barclay Smith 103-2090 Coutlee Avenue PO Box 3090 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 or email smith.b@schss.com

Deadline for submissions: July 21, 2023

DoddsAUCTION AUC TION