Merritt Herald November 3, 2022

Merritt inaugurates newly elected officials

inaugural council meeting was held. The new Mayor and Council appointed Mayor Goetz as Merritt’s TNRD director, with Councillor Newman as a back up. The council meeting schedule for the upcom ing year was also passed.

that’s here,” added Goetz.

Classifieds

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Meritt’s new Mayor and Council were sworn in on Tuesday night, taking their oath of office during a ceremony and inaugural council meeting at City Hall. Roughly 50 attendees witnessed Mayor Mike Goetz, Councillors Adam Etchart, Claire Newman, Dana Egan, Manuel

Olguin, Wendy Charney, and Paul Petroczi affirm their commitment to the community and their newly elected positions. The inauguration followed a highly contested election which saw only one incumbent retain a seat at the council table.

The inaugura tion ceremony

started with a traditional hand drumming wel come song and an address from CAO Sean Smith, who then introduced Coldwater Indian Band Chief Lee Spahan. Spahan commented that he was looking forward to build ing a positive and productive relationship with the new Mayor and Council. The Hon. Judge Smith

of Kamloops led the ceremony, beginning with the swearing in of Mayor Mike Goetz.

“Tonight you’ll notice I took my oath with my granddaughter’s hand in mine,” said Goetz, emotional in his first address as Mayor.

“I would never want to disappoint her, ever. I take the oath holding onto her hand, knowing that she inspires me. Family is strength for me, and my family is very strong.”

Following Goetz’s oath of office, all six councillors were sworn in. Each individual read and signed their oath of office in front of Judge Smith, who administered the oath. Following the swearing in ceremony, a brief

After his inau gural address as Mayor, Goetz opened the floor to councillors, who echoed his hopes of a uni fied council and thanked the com munity for their support. The newly elected Mayor, who previously served 10 years as a councillor, said he was excited at the potential of his new council and reaf firmed the group’s commitment to Merrittonians.

“This council is exciting, I’m excited for every council member

“If you look at all of us, and our backgrounds, we cover all the aspects and spectrums that this City is looking for. The Mayor’s chair and the office is always open, any time you need to talk to me, you talk to me. Same with council.”

The evening ended with a pub lic reception at the Merritt Civic Centre, where com munity members had the oppor tunity to mingle with their newly elected representa tives while enjoying light refreshments. Mayor, council members, and city staff were in atten dance.

For more infor mation on Merritt’s newly elected Mayor and council, visit www.merritt. ca/city-council/.

WEATHER

WEATHER

Nov. 3: 80% Slush 4°/-10°C

Nov. 4: 80% Rain 11°/1°C

Nov. 5: 80% Snow 3°/-5°C

Nov. 6: 60% Snow 2°/-7°C

Nov. 7: 60% Snow -2°/-7°C

Nov. 8: 60% Snow -2°/-9°C

FLOODING PREP

In light of last year’s extreme flood ing event that took place throughout B.C., the Province is taking action to keep people and communities safe in the event of flooding:

Search ‘FLOODING’

HEALTH WORKFORCE

The provincial Ministry of Health looks to address the healthcare crisis through its new health workforce strat egy, in addition to an increase in incen tives for family doctors starting practice in B.C.

‘STRATEGY’

Mayor Mike Goetz takes his oath of office alongside his granddaughter, kicking off the swearing in ceremony for the 2022-2026 council. Marius Auer/Herald

Burning prohibition ends

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The BC Wildfire Service ended its extension of the Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibition throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. This prohibition was extended to help prevent humancaused wildfires and protect public safety due to continued unseasonably warm and dry conditions.

Originally set to expire on Oct. 15, 2022, the prohibition remained in effect until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2022, or until rescinded.

“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility,” said the Kamloops Fire Centre in its recent press release. “Humancaused wildfires are completely prevent able and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires.”

The prohibition was put into effect on August 4, and initially had included campfires defined in the Wildfire regula tions. Later on, the extension maintained prohibition of the following equipment and activities throughout Kamloops Fire Centre before everything was allowed back on October 28:

• Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;

• Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation;

• Fireworks;

• Sky Lanterns;

• Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description, except when used for a campfire as defined by the Wildfire Regulation; and,

• Binary Exploding Targets.

The prohibition did not apply to cook ing stoves that use gas, propane, or bri quettes.

All public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre jurisdiction, including Merritt and surrounding areas, were prohibited from these activities and equipment, unless specified otherwise in an enactment (e.g. in a local govern ment bylaw). The need for open burning prohibitions is continually assessed based on current and forecasted conditions and resource availability.

Though there are increased overnight recoveries and relative humidity within the Kamloops Fire Centre, the public is still encouraged to exercise caution with any campfire use or activity that could poten tially spark a wildfire. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner.

Before lighting a campfire, the public is encouraged to check with local govern ment authorities to ensure there are no restrictions in place. Anyone found in con travention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or con tributes to a wildfire, the person respon sible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To learn more about the different cat egories of open burning, visit the Open Burning webpage at https://e1.envoke. com/ct/4633/2720081/779475670/529e 58984f68cf06f7da6b6555d09271.

Kamloops Fire Centre’s Category 2 and 3 open fire prohibition ended its prohibition extension Oct 28, 2022. Photo/Herald File

Izaiah Reyes

Atmospheric rivers are normal

Atmospheric river was a concept new to me when I first started at the Herald back in February. From covering all the stories of the people impacted by last year’s extreme flooding event, I have developed a negative connotation with the concept and have thought of it as a very rare occurrence. Hearing the news this past weekend, however, opened my eyes to see that this is not the case.

Hearing reports on Global News about atmospheric rivers hitting Southern B.C. made me tense up and think that last year’s devastation might happen again, but in watching the report and talking to some people, I learned that atmospheric rivers are just par for the course. It is something that is to be expected after long dry seasons and could happen annually.

So hearing there is an atmospheric river event isn’t something that should be a cause of panic but it still needs to be acknowledged and prepared for. In the same report I watched it said that people living near river banks still need to keep a close eye on the levels of the river. Rain fall can quickly raise those levels and the reports this past Sunday forecasted approximately 50 mm of rainfall. Today, it is projected that there will be as much as 80 mm of rainfall on Vancouver Island, quite a ways away from the Nicola Valley and not nearly comparable to the estimated 300 mm of rainfall that caused the flooding events last year.

My takeaway is we need to be always aware of forecasts and have planning prepared so we do not get caught off guard.

VIEWPOINT

OPINION

Herald Junior Reporters

Link Leaders play ‘Among Us’ at MSS Library

from a game titled ‘Among Us.’

The Link Leaders of Merritt Secondary School (MSS) had their first after school game night on October 17 to celebrate the hard work they have put in so far.

Link Leaders are Grade 11 and 12 students who are a part of an extracurricular mentoring program for the Grade 8 students. On the first day of school, link leaders met up with their assigned freshmen to help sort out their schedules, tour the school, and introduce them to the rules of MSS. Once a month, Link Leaders meet up with their assigned Grade 8s to play games, help with work, and answer any questions they may have about high school.

Their theme this year comes

On Monday, October 17, the leaders played a real-life version of the game created by their wonderful supervisors Krystal Thompson and Molly Brigden. Before they started the fun, the group had cheeseburgers and mini apple pies, donated by McDonalds.

The link leaders were given envelopes to determine if they were a crewmate or an imposter, a concept players of the online game are very familiar with. Crewmates were given a task list containing items they needed to bring to the library. Imposters had a sheet of stickers they used to eliminate crewmates. Once the envelopes were distributed, the game commenced. Everyone ran off to open their

envelopes in secret. Crewmates were trying frantically to find the items on their task lists while imposters were determined to catch their friends and eliminate them. It seemed that all imposters had one thing in common – cornering their friends to eliminate them first.

They played two rounds of the game, leaving everyone sweaty and

exhausted. After returning all the items and restoring each classroom to its original state, players wrote thank you cards to all the teachers and janitors to thank them for their hard work, too! Overall, it was a fun night with memories made to last. We cannot wait to see what the link leaders continue to do as the year goes on!

Speak up

From the Herald archives: November, 1965

DEER INJURES DRIVER

TEGART: “A safe haven for heroes in need”

day, and we thank them for their tireless efforts to keep people safe. But we also acknowledge these are the most stressful and dangerous of jobs, that can take a toll on one’s mental health.

peace and comfort, and better equip them to navigate the emotional and physical stresses of their jobs. These services are offered to our valued military veterans as well.

Our uniformed responders — whether they be military veterans, police officers, paramedics or other emergency workers — are the people who rush into situations most of us would run from. They exercise bravery and courage every

That’s where Honour Ranch, just outside of Ashcroft, comes in. Honour Ranch is a tranquil retreat and place of recovery for operational stress injuries including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Their goal is to help these first responders find

Earlier this month a Nlaka’pamux Tmixw Land Acknowledgement and Smudging Ceremony was held at the site.

This event included a roundtable discussion with Honour Ranch representatives and local First Nations leaders about the

need for this facility and the support it provides, as well as First Nations values and healing practices and opportunities to include them. This meaningful event opened the door for further learning, understanding and discussion.

I want to thank the many people who have worked tirelessly to make Honour Ranch a reality, in particular the volunteers, tradespeople and donors who have given their time, energy and resources so gener-

ously. It is making a world of difference to our uniformed responders in their darkest hours.

I also want to extend my deep-

est condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of Burnaby RCMP Const. Shaelyn Yang, who tragically lost her life on

the job this week.

My heart goes out to her police family struggling to comprehend the loss of this hero, taken far too soon.

Carl Langlois smashed his pickup truck when he attempted to avoid a deer that ran out on the road. The accident occurred about 19 miles west of Merritt on No. 8 Highway, on October 26, injuring the driver in the process. Langlois was taken to hospital following the accident, but has since been released.

Damages totalled over $2,000 and no charges are contemplated.

LETTERS POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

JACKIE TEGART

VIEW FROM LEGISLATURE

This Honour Ranch was unveiled on October 2019, 10 kilometres outside of Ashcroft.Photo/Honour Ranch

Franchesca Adams MSS

Link Leaders are divided into crews, about 4 - 6 link leaders and about a dozen Grade 8’s. Photo/Link Leaders

Local computer technician warns Merritt about Internet scammers

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It is no secret that the Internet is now a big part of everyday life. The connec tivity provides many users information about any conceivable topic. However, for how useful it is as a tool, the Internet is also an open platform for scammers to steal personal information or swindle users out of their money.

Unfortunately, the less tech and Internet savvy users in the Nicola Valley have been falling into traps laid out by scammers. A local computer tech service here in the Nicola Valley said that the recent rate of calls he has been receiving to deal with scamming cases have dra matically increased.

The Herald spoke with Michael Hall of Mike-Rochips Computers to discuss the rise of Internet scams in Merritt, what could be potential consequences and what to do when faced with malware ads and other sorts of Internet scams.

“Hackers get into the webpages and they will divert a hyperlink, which means when people click on a link, intending to visit a specific page, they are instead taken to a webpage, set up by the hack ers,” he explained.

“Let’s say you’re looking for a recipe webpage and you see one for chocolate chip cookies. When you click on that link, it would take you to a different page. The hackers have added a hidden link to that cookie link to make you go somewhere else.”

“Now a page will come up saying you have driver problems, malware, or viruses on your computer. Scammers can have this set up so the pop-up windows com pletely fills the screen and you are unable to see your taskbar or anything else so you can’t close it.”

Hall explained that in panic of the situation brought on by the diverted link, people often times will call the number that would usually be located on the popup windows.

“The page might also ask you to call Windows support or Microsoft support to help you fix this but it gives you the scam mers’ contact. What they are really try ing to do is to get access to data on your computer,” said Hall.

“It’s a scare tactic to get you to phone them and give them remote access into your computer. They do this by asking you to download a modified version of the program Ultraviewer. While pretend ing to be technical support, they give you

a link and you download the software which installs things that you don’t even know is there.”

According to Hall, scammers aim to take money from unsuspecting users in a variety of ways.

“Some are strictly looking to get into your banking and get credit card infor mation off of your web browser. If they are not doing that, then they will sell you on a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist,” he explained.

“I’ve had one customer lose $2000,

another got scammed for $3000, and one had his bank account cleaned out completely. One got sold a totally bogus software to the tune of $1500.”

Over the last few months, Hall observed the trend of scam cases he has been receiving shows seniors to be the most vulnerable victims.

“I’ve noticed lately that there’s been so much of it,” he said, “I’ve probably had 20 calls in the last week when normally I

Screen shot sample of an internet scam popup window. Photo/Michael Hall only get one or two per month. Most of them are seniors. They are the most vulnerable because they grew up at an age when these kinds of stuff didn’t happen so they think it’s real when they see it and they don’t question it.”

To warn users in Merritt, Hall has compiled a list of steps to take when facing a potential Internet scam:

• Do not call the support number shown in the pop-up window

• Close the webpage if anything comes up about malware, viruses, driver problems, or any other computer problems.

• If unable to close, press the [Ctri] [Alt] and then the [Delete] keys to bring up a blue screen. Click on “Task Manager” found right above [Cancel]. A list of running programs will appear, click on your browser (Edge, Google Chrome, FireFox etc.), then click on [End Task].

• Reopen your browser. If a box appears asking if you want to restore your last browsing session, click on the X or select no.

• Clear browsing history by pressing [Ctri][Shift]and then the [Delete] key to bring up the “Clear browsing history” window.

• If still unable to close, turn off the computer by holding the power button for 5 seconds. Ignore any warnings about data loss.

• Call a computer technician to check if the computer is now safe to use.

• Set up download alerts for browser to be warned about any future malware or virus.

Hall specializes on Microsoft computers but said that the same concept of these steps can be applied to Macs and other operating systems.

Forestry council career fair in NVIT

engage employers, and learn more about the forestry industry.

“It went great, we were so happy with the turnout, and NVIT was a wonderful host,” said Christiana Jones, communica tions manager with the BCFNFC.

“We had a bunch of fantastic exhibitors there from across the forestry sector, and it went really well. We’re so glad to see so many students, younger people, and older people alike coming out and participating here in Merritt.”

Attendees of the fair had access to a number of employment resources, educa tional programming and speakers, as well as a number of booths set up by prospec tive employers and organizations in the forestry industry. The BCFNFC will host an online career fair in the coming week, where they hope to showcase an exciting new online tool. Along with their events and resources, the BCFNFC continues to engage provincial and federal government on forestry issues.

HALLOWEEN SKATE

With B.C. facing an unemployment rate of 8.7 percent, a number that has climbed steadily since the beginning of the pandemic, a number of organizations and businesses are actively working to recruit and employ a new workforce. The BC First Nations Forestry Council (BCFNFC) recently hosted a series of career fairs, including a stop at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology’s (NVIT) Merritt campus.

The BCFNFC is an advocacy organiza tion that looks to increase First Nations participation in the forestry sector, and supports them in their efforts to increase First Nation’s role in the governance and stewardship of forest, lands, and natural resources. The organization is run by local Indigenous forester and CEO, Lennard Joe. One of their recent initiatives is a run of career fairs, including a first stop in Nanaimo, and a fair at NVIT on October 27. Students and community members came in full force to support the event,

“We collaborate with the provincial government, for example, we have some upcoming provincial engagements where we’re helping to facilitate engagement between First Nations and the province regarding forest sector policies, and things of the like,” added Jones.

“We have an online event, sort of like an online career fair, happening on November 8. We’ll be using some videos that we took at the career fair at NVIT, as well as going over our new virtual plat form, Forestry Connect. It’s an online plat form that sort of serves as a central hub for all things forest sector in the province. Students, especially Indigenous students, are encouraged to sign up for Forestry Connect.”

Jones said her highlight was seeing the interaction between Indigenous youth and employers, which was positive and full of engaging conversation. She added that she hopes to continue seeing Indigenous youth be engaged in this way.

For more information on the BC First Nations Forestry Council, including future programming, visit www.forestrycouncil.ca.

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On Sunday, October 30, The Nicola Valley Memorial Arena opened its rink for a public skate session in celebration of Halloween. Kids from

the Nicola Valley were invited to come out dressed in their costumes for a fun filled session of skating with friends and family. Music was played and an appearance by the Merritt Centennials was made, who also donned their cos tumes.

NVIT students and community members alike connected with employers and organizations in the forestry sector during the Indigenous Forestry Career Fair. Marius Auer/Herald Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt Elks thank donating organizations

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt’s chapter of the Elks of Canada held a ceremony on Wednesday, October 26, giving plaques and thanks to a number of individuals, businesses, and organizations who donated to the Elks’ recovery efforts.

Multiple donations from community stakeholders and non-profit organizations have allowed the Elks to keep the lights on. In November, the organization’s hall on Coldwater Avenue was devastated by flooding. Water quickly filled the base ment, causing an estimated $50,000 damage as it destroyed the building’s two furnaces, hot water tank, leaving mud and silt everywhere. The ensuing recovery efforts were funded by community dona tions, a change from the Elks’ usual M.O. of distributing raised funds rather than using them to repair their building.

“Tonight is to thank all the people who helped us put this all back together. During the pandemic, we had to close down, so we couldn’t hold bingo and things like that. And we had to put new

furnaces in after the flood, with the money we had donated,” said Brenda Moffat, secretary for the Elks Lodge 441.

On October 26, an appreciation event was held at the Elks Lodge, where donors and supporters were recognized, and personally thanked by the organiza tion’s Exalted Ruler, who leads the local Elks Lodge. Glass plaques were given to donors, and a reception was held follow ing the official proceedings. It is clear the Elks appreciated the support and recogni tion of the community, and were happy to reciprocate.

“We do a lot for the town, and a lot of it nobody ever even sees,” added Moffat.

“Our goal is to help children, should they have healthcare needs like hearing aids or mobility aids. We also help the Food Bank and other organizations.”

For more information, or to support the Merritt Elks of Canada, contact Angele Grenier at 250-280-0920, or angelegre nier2010@gmail. com.

TheMerritt&DistrictChamberofCommercewantstothankallofthepartners, businesses,andpeoplethatmadeour2022yearsofullofactivityandlocal success!

Inearly2022,theMerrittChamberhostedourShopLocalprogram-across ShopLocalandtheLoveYourLocalssub-event,wecollectedclosetoa thousandreceiptentriesfromlocalshoppersandhandedoutoverathousand dollarsinprizespurchasedatlocalChamber memberbusinesses!

ShopLocal2022couldn'thavebeenthesuccessitwaswithoutMerrittonians supportinglocalandMerrittbusinessesparticipating.Thankyou!Andstay tunedinformoreShopLocalnewsverysoon...

AreyoualocalbusinessownerwhowouldliketoparticipateinanewShop Localprogram?Contactuswiththeinformationbelow!

The Merritt Elks’ ceremony on October 26, gave thanks to the organizations who supported them through COVID-19 and the floods. Marius Auer/Herald Marius Auer

Lower Nicola Indian Band acquires Tunkwa Lake Resort

Izaiah Reyes

The Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) announced that, effective October 14, 2022, it has become the owner of Tunkwa Lake Resort Ltd.

The First Nations community has closed the deal, giving them the rights to the resort located near Logan Lake, B.C.

“We are thrilled to become the new owners of Tunkwa Lake Resort and extremely proud to be able to welcome visitors to this beautiful destina tion within LNIB’s traditional terri tory,” said Kari Reilander, execu tive director of LNIB and interim CEO of the resort.

LNIB leadership came together dis cussing the possibil ity of a purchase after coming across the opportunity.

“We convened as a council whether or not we would entertain the possibility of a pur chase,” said newly reelected LNIB Chief Stu Jackson. “After coming to an agreement we had our team reach out to express interest in the purchase of

a resort.”

Tunkwa Lake Resort falls on the unceded ter ritory of the Nlaka’pamux Nation which LNIB is a part of. The idea of buy ing back the land where people can continue to prac tice culture and tradition was one of the main driving factors behind the band’s purchase.

“Our immedi ate thought about this purchase was its socioeconomic impact on LNIB but the most important reason for our decision was to take this opportunity of tak ing some of our land back,” said Jackson.

“Our people occupied that land before it was a resort. I hear sto ries from our elders and knowledge keepers about their first experiences fishing on that lake and camping in that area for hunt ing, fishing, and picking berries and medicine. Much of our culture that we practice today were practiced in Tunkwa Lake his torically as well.”

Located in the

southern inte rior Thompson Nicola region of British Columbia, a short drive from Kamloops and Logan Lake, Tunkwa Lake Resort is a premier destination for British Columbians and guests from across the globe who come to enjoy the abundant opportunities it affords for hiking, biking, bird and wildlife viewing, and fishing for the world famous Kamloops rainbow trout.

“Tourism may not be new to the valley but it’s definitely new to our community,” Jackson explained. “We are wrapping our head around what tourism looks like in our commu nity and what we need to do to make sure it succeeds. There is definitely a commitment from LNIB to ensure that resort becomes success ful. The resort was built over a period of time and we understand that and we appreciate and respect it.”

The Resort’s current staff and management are being retained through the acqui

sition and will continue to oper ate the resort as they have done for decades.

Paul Patton, speaking on behalf of the resort’s for mer owners, said: “As an ownership group, we have worked extremely hard for the past 15 years to grow the resort and feel gratified that we are leaving it in the hands of local community with the deepest possible roots in the area.”

“The full pur pose is for it to continue to be an attractive resort for everyone,” said Jackson.

“Hopefully in the future, we can look at a potential transition of some type, what that looks like remains to be seen. Ideally, we want this resort to be a showcase of LNIB and the Nlaka’pamux peo ple, which could lead to indigenizing of the resort.”

The Resort, which is surround ed by Tunkwa Provincial Park, features waterfront housekeeping cab ins, tenting camp sites, RV sites, boat, kayak and paddle board rentals, and many other ame

nities.

A commemora tion ceremony for the acquisition of the resort is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

For more details on Tunkwa Lake Resort, visit: https://www.tunk walakeresort.com/

Tunkwa Lake Resort is located in Logan Lake, B.C., 45 minutes north of Merritt. Photo/Tunkwa Lake Resort

SPORTS

Son of local pro motorcycle racer hits the tracks

Watching other races from the stands, according to Nicole, was another one of his favourite activities. Pro Mods and Doorslammers are some of the young boy’s preferred classes to watch.

“When I’m at the track, I don’t have time to watch other races because I’m so busy with my own stuff and my cus tomers’ stuff that I don’t get time to go on the stands until we’re done rac ing for the day,” Matt Mackay-Smith explained.

“Linden always want to be in the stands, watching. Even if the rest of the family wants to go back to the motor home or take a break, he would just stay in the stands, watching all the races.”

The couple gifted their son a junior version of a full sized dragster for Christmas at the age of five.

solo, practicing, and setting personal bests.

“I like driving my junior down the racetrack and going really fast,” said the young racer.

To recognize his courage of making his first pass, Linden was awarded with a trophy by the Prince George race track.

“Getting my trophy from Prince George and making my fastest pass at the Kelowna racetrack were the most exciting part about racing this summer. I want to go faster and win a race next year.”

Another drag race season has con cluded this year, and as local racer Matt Mackay-Smith sped his way to personal bests, another member of his family got in on the action. With his son Linden showing potential at the tracks, it is no doubt that the Mackay-Smith’s will be in the racing scene for a long time.

It has been seven years since Linden Mackay Smith’s name was mentioned in the Herald. Back then it was to note how, at only 10 days old, the infant was already at the Eagle Motorplex in Ashcroft, cheering on his father, as he won the Super Bike Division of the 2015 High Desert Nationals. This sum mer, Matt Mackay-Smith’s eldest child took his Junior Dragster to a couple of tracks, clocking in a personal best of 52 mph at the ⅛ mile course.

“Linden has been exposed to drag racing ever since he was born, maybe even just in the womb,” said mother Nicole Mackay-Smith.

“He’s been around racing since day one, between his dad who races motor cycles, his one grandpa who drag races a car, and his other grandpa who drag

races a bike as well.”

Over the years, young Linden contin ued to attend racing events, even getting involved with some pit work.

“He’s always been in the pit with us, always involved with the wrenching part of it, working on the engines with his dad and his grandpas,” said the young racer’s mom.

“Though I race bikes myself, there’s no junior bike class in drag racing,” said Matt. “If you want to drag race as a kid, you have to start in a junior drag ster.”

“He was thrilled to receive it,” said Nicole. “He wanted to shine it up, add stickers to it.”

His parents recalled the seven year old being intimidated by the dragster at first, only riding around their property just outside of Merritt. There he built up the confidence to control the vehicle.

“Once he had it in his mind that he was ready to race, he was set on it and he wanted to be on the track,” said Nicole.

This past summer the young racer asked his parents to take him onto the tracks. He was able to go on the tracks in Kelowna, and Prince George, which Matt said was a request Linden had made.

“He is showing good potential but the main thing for us is he is having fun with this,” he said. “He’s very competi tive so I’m sure he’ll want to do good, but I don’t like to push kids too hard. When they’re young it’s all about having fun.”

Linden did time only for his ride on the tracks. This means he was racing

“He has to do throttling and break ing,” said Nicole. “He knows how to do burnouts and stage it, which means setting the bulbs so that it would count down for him. He would then hit the throttle, go all the way down the track, and then shut it back down at the end of the track.”

The young racer was able to record personal bests during his ride in Kelowna, with a top speed of 52 mph or 84 km/hr. He also clocked in 12.11 seconds for his best elapsed time at the ⅛ mile course.

“Next year he will be racing against competitors,” said Matt. “They have quite a junior dragster class down in Mission, which is where our home track is.”

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Linden Mackay-Smith working on a dragster inside a garage

Photo/Nicole Mackay-Smith

Linden Mackay-Smith with father Matt. Photo/ Nicole Mackay-Smith

Linden Mackay-Smith holding up race results. Photo/Nicole Mackay-Smith

Centennials break the ice with return of annual fundraiser

Toneff.

“We haven’t played a lot of home games yet this year, but now when we play more down the road people will already know each other and make them feel more comfort able.”

For more information on the Merritt Centennials, including schedules and current stand

ings, visit the team website at www. merrittcentennials.

com, or the BCHL site at www.bchl.ca.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials Icebreaker is back in full force, and members of the community came out to support their local hockey team at the first gala since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual charity event takes place dur ing the team’s parents weekend, where parents and guardians of team members visit Merritt for a weekend of hockey, socializing, and community events. Hundreds gath ered at the Merritt Civic Centre to mark the occa sion, and celebrate the Centennials second win of the season the day before, against former head coach Joe Martin and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

“The Icebreaker brings everyone together,” said Curtis Toneff, head coach and GM.

“Parents, billets, sponsors, board members, and the team got together.

It’s something that was a regular event in the past, but COVID put a damper on that. It’s nice for people to start to get together again.”

The evening began with an address and a welcome from coaching staff, fol lowed by cocktails and a social hour preceding dinner.

Scott Casey, service officer at Merritt’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96, was the keynote speaker for this year’s Icebreaker.

The Coquihalla Coyotes played a show following Casey’s talk, and parents, team mates, and com munity members hit the dance floor.

Cents coach ing staff said the event was not only an oppor

tunity to raise funds supporting the community owned team, but also a chance for network ing. The Merritt Centennials can often be seen out in the community at events and social gatherings, giving players a chance to connect with Merrittonians.

“We intro duced the team to the community, and put names

to faces,” added

The Cents Icebreaker event was back this weekend as part of the team’s parents weekend, heralding the return of the social fundraiser after a pandemic pause. Photo/Merritt Centennials

COMMUNITY

‘Halloween Extravaganza’ at the Civic Centre

events bigger and better, providing more prizes and opportunities for fun for community members.”

There were a number of activi ties available for the young ones to enjoy at the Extravaganza.

There was a kids dance party, face painting, child (0 - 12) and youth (13 and up) activ ity rooms featuring arts and crafts, movies, and a cos

tume contest.

“We really encouraged everyone to come dressed up,” she said. “We had

candy there so the kids can do some trick or treating right inside the building.”

CONTAIN-IT

To celebrate Halloween this past Monday, the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), in collaboration with other organi zations, invited kids and their families

to the Merritt Civic Centre for some indoor trickor-treating and other Halloween fun.

The Halloween Extravaganza is a collaborative

event that was held at the Civic Centre on Monday, October 31, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“It’s a collabo ration event with multiple orga nizations in the Valley,” said CNA Communications Lead Robin

Peterson. “It’s a family friendly event and every body was wel comed to attend. I think the main goal of this is to provide a safe place for fami lies to come and gather for an event promoting fun on

Halloween.”

CNA, Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society, Nlaka’pamux Health Services, Conayt Friendship Society, Lower Nicola Indian Band, and Scw’exmx Child and Family Services have all collaborated to make this Halloween event possible.

“I think this is the first one (Halloween event) since the COVID19 pandemic that everyone was able to collaborate on,” said Peterson. “Now that we’re able to gather together, we’re looking at differ ent ways to work together and make

1750HillStreet ■ Phone:250-315-3000

THECHURCHESOFMERRITTWELCOME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service Time:Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue(atOmre) Sundayservice10am, Phone(250)378-2464

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

Service Time:3rdSundayeachmonth1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church CornerofJackson&Blair•250-378-2919

Mass Time:Sundays 9:00a.m.

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

Service Times:2ndand4thSundays only-10:00a.m.

TrinityUnited Church Cornerof Quilchena&Chapman•250-378-5735

Service TimeeverySunday-10am

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

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. •250-378-9502

Service Time:Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Booths of different local Indigenous organizations were set up handing out treats and other goodies to attendees of the extravaganza. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes

RonaldRoyJohnsonlivedhislifetothefullest.Roy passedawaypeacefullyonOct.21,2022attheageof85. BornonJuly12,1937inNanton,Alberta,hewastheyoungestoffourchildren.Roywasalwayssmiling,anambianceof energythatlituparoom.Quickwitted,helovedtoteaseandtellstories toanyonewhowouldlisten.Roywouldgivetheshirtoffofhisback.Hemade friendseasily,asstrangerswerejustfriendshehadnotyetmet.

Roywasalwaysarancheratheart,attheageof12,RoystartedworkingasaranchhandherdingcattlewithMaxineChattaway,whotreatedhimlikeason.Royloved toentertainfamilyandfriendswithhisstoriesofhisearlycowboydaysandfond memories.InRoy’searly20’s,hestartedhisfirstsawmillatChimneyRockonLaurelMiller’sproperty.Laurelhadaniece,Thelma,whoRoytookashineto.Thelma, 18atthetime,becametheloveofhislife.Royproposedtoheratthedrive-inmovie theatre,andtheyweremarriedayearlater.

RoyandThelmamovedtoEvansburghforashortduration,whereRoyworkedat thesawmillandtheystartedtheirfamily.LylewasbornandCherylfollowedafew yearslater.

In1969theymovedtheirfamilytoFortSt.James.Roystartedasamillwrightat TaklaForestProducts,overtheyearsheworkedhiswayuptomaintenancesuperintendentwherehementoredmanypeople.Helovedhiscommunity,Roywaspresidentofthefallfair,wherehehelpedbuildthefallfairgrounds,hewaspresidentof the4-Hclubandcoachedminorhockey.Inhissparetimewhenhewasn’tworking orvolunteering,Roywashayingwithhisfamilytofeedhis70headofcattle,over twentyhorses,onemilkcow,andchickens.

Thelmawasaconstantbyhisside.Sheorganizedhisscheduleandmadesureheate andsleptenough.Thelmasoldmilkandeggstoalltheneighboursformanyyears. Theylivedon5acres,ownedanother160acres,whileRoyalsoleasedanother400 acres.Roywaslivinghiscowboydreamandhisfamilywasbyhisside.Theyloved attendingbarndancesandtwostepping.

In1985RoyandThelma,andalltheiranimalsmovedtoMerritt.Theybought 75acresandRoyworkedasamillwrightatTolko.TheyboughtTNTJanitorial Services,startedWindingRiverGuestRanch.Roy’sdreamwasinfullmotion.The GuestRanchattractedpeoplefromallovertheworld.RoyandThelmalovedto entertainthemwithtrailrides,campfires,ands’mores.

InRoy’searly70’s,RoyandThelmadownsizedto2acresinLowerNicolawith theirtwohorses,ShadyandShera,andtheirthreedogsTiny,WilburandDarkie. RoyandThelmarenovatedtheloghousewithRoy’scarpentryandRoystarteda garden.Thegardenflourishedandprovidedtheentireextendedfamilyandneighbourswithfreshproduceformanyyears.

Laterinlife,RoycouldbeeasilyfoundhangingoutatLynda’sCafé,theColdwater Hotel,ortheHomesteadwithThelmabyhisside.

ThefamilywillbeforevergratefultoThelma,hisloveforover60years,whotook careofhiminthecomfortofhisownhome.AspecialthankyoutoJack,Deniseand Laurafortheirsupportthroughoutthelastfewyears.

RoywillbelovinglyrememberedbyhiswifeThelma,sonLyle,andhisfamily whichincludedShannon,Rochelle,Scott,Aaron,Alicia,Ale,OsirisandAxel,his daughterCherylandherfamilySvenandTyeandhisgreatgrandchildren;Ashton, RobertandMadeline.Royalsoleavesbehindhis3siblings;Florence,Bettyand Dale(pre-deceased),nieces,nephews,aswellasmanyfamilyandfriends.

Acelebrationoflifewillbeheldatalaterdate. InlieuofflowerspleasedonatetotheNicolaValleyHospital.

VictorYork

March6,1942-October15,2022

VictorYorkenteredintorestattheMerritt HospitalonOctober15,2022,aged80years.

LovinglyrememberedbyhislovingwifeJeanYork, daughters:SheilaMonkmanofEdmonton,Alberta,Alanna CowanofSpencesBridge,AlbertCowan/GuyofSpencesBridge,ChadYork ofSpencesBridge,grandchildren:Stefanie(Justin)Seifert,BarryJurick/Sonya Hall,LonnyMacDonald,greatgrandchildren:Brook,KailenandHarleySeifert andAdmasiusJurick,brothers:KenYork,IvanShuter,RandyCoutlee(Moose) andsisters:JoyceBill,DoreenPeterson,ClaraMonsosMurdock,CindyShuter, nieces&nephews,aswellasmanyfriendsandrelatives.

Heis predeceasedbyAlbert&EdnaYork,EddieMurdockandJosphine Coutlee.

AcelebrationoflifewasheldonOctober29,2022at11amattheLower NicolaBandSchool.Shouldfriendsdesire,donationsmaybemadetofurther cancerresearch.

On-linecondolencesmaybeexpressedatwww.MerrittFuneralChapel.com ServicearrangementsentrustedtoMerrittFuneralChapel,250-378-2141

LynneMcKenna

April9,1964-October25,2022

LynneMarieMcKennapassedawayatage58, atMerrittBCintheGillisHouseintheearlyhours ofTuesdayOct.25,2022afteracourageousbattle withGallbladderCancer.

Lynnewasakindandlovingpersonwhocherishedhergrandchildren aboveallelseandlovedspendingasmuchtimewiththemaspossible.She lovedcampingandspendingtimewithfriendsandfamily.Lynnefought veryhardtobattlecancerwhichshewasdiagnosedwithMarch2021.She isSurvivedbyDaughters:Misty(Daniel),Tanya(Cody).Grandchildren: Sierra,Stetson,Chanel,Benjamin,Tristan,Saturn,Killian.Brothers:Rick (Jean),Lawrence(Karen),Jack(Kim),Greg(Michelle).Sisters:Carol (Ken),Diana.Aswellasmanyniecesandnephews.

SheisPredeceasedbyherMotherBetty,FatherRonald,BrotherRon, andSistersMargretandLinda.ACelebrationofLifewillbeheldonalater date,yettobedetermined.PleasecontactDaughterMistyatmis_t_i@live. caor250-315-3041forfurtherdetailsandtobenotifiedofadatewhen itsbeendecided.

Inlovingmemoryof RonaldRoyJohnson July12,1937-Oct.21,2022

fred.singer@royallepage.ca