Merritt Herald July 2024 by Merritt Herald

BASS COAST VETERAN

Willis ‘The Willsist’ Lombard performs at Bass Coast for 15th year.

/PAGE 8

/PAGE 9

Interior Health urges caution at Nicola Lake after algae bloom

Those hoping to escape the heat and cool off with a refreshing swim in Nicola Lake will be disappointed to find that their plans have been foiled by an algae bloom.

Interior Health (IH) confirmed that they have received reports of an algae bloom, and urges beachgoers to use caution.

“Cyanobacteria, or bluegreen algae, commonly grow in shallow, slow-moving/still waters, and are a natural part of the aquatic environment,” reads a statement on the IH website.

“Excessive growth can cause cyanobacteria blooms to form and may cause the water to look or smell bad. Cyanobacteria can also produce toxins called microcystins, which can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock. Beach users can be exposed to these toxins by accidentally drinking water that contains a bloom, or by getting it on their skin during recreational activities.”

According to HealthLinkBC, “Some (toxins) can affect the nervous and respiratory systems. Symptoms are visible shortly after exposure. Others affect the liver and it takes days before symptoms appear.”

Those who have ingested water contaminated with cyanobacterial toxins may experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, nausea, dizziness, headaches, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, and blistering of the lips. Boiling water will not remove cyanobacterial toxins, and is not an effective treatment of contaminated water.

Contact with water affected by an algae bloom may cause skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes. Rinsing with clean water is recommended even if no symptoms are present.

An algae bloom is also dangerous for pets and livestock, with dogs particularly susceptible to the toxins. An exposure can be fatal for canines and it is recommended that pets not be permitted to wade, swim or drink from contaminated water.

British Columbians are encouraged to submit photos and observations online of suspected algae blooms to BC Algae Watch at the following URL: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/ gov/content/environment/ air-land-water/water/waterquality/algae-watch

Community Airport Day. Page 19.

Photo/Kenneth Wong

Morgan Hampton Contributor

Ameticulously restoredheritagehouseofelegance &charmon0.8acre lotwithR2zoning,agem from1910.Thehomeboasts4bedrms3baths&a newly renovatedMillCreekCabinetkitchenwith appliances.Closetoamenities.

1425 MAIN STREET

Veryprivatehomeon17,587sq.ft.lotwithriver frontage.Thisnicelyfinished4bedrm,3bathhome hasopendesignkitchenwithS/Sappliances, grantetopisland&shakestylecabinets.Living room hasvaultedceilings.Large rec. roomwithwetbar. Theyard isagardener’sparadise!

MLS#179241$949,900

Affordable3bedrmhousehousewithfenced backyard andclosetoschools,storeandwalking distancetoshopping.NeedsalittleTLC,butgreat forinvestor.Nostratafees.

This5bedrm,3bathhomeissituatedonacorner lotwithlaneaccess.Has3bedrms&2bathsupwith largefamily room&greatviewsplusa2bedrmsuite atgroundentry.Closetoschool,&hikingtrails.

kitchenandliving room.Hasdetachedgaragefor handyman.

GLIMPSELAKECharminglakeview retreatwith cabinon2acresoffersrusticcharm&modern comfort.Cabinhas3bedrms,2baths,vaulted ceilings,andmassivedeckwithfantasticviews. Enjoythefishing,snowmobiling& ATV.

Executive retreaton16acreswithfruittrees,fields, workshop&chickencoop.Custombuilthomewith 4bedrms,3baths,hugeoakkitchen,highceilingsin living rm &partlyfin.basement.Relaxonthewrap aroundcovereddecks.Pefectforyoga retreat.

Fantasticviewsfromthistwostoreyhomewithhigh endfeatures,openconceptlivingwith3bedrms, 3baths,spaciouskitchenwithisland,Frenchdoor offdiningareatopatioareaplusafullunfinished basement.Closetoshopping,college&amenities.

Charming3bedrm2bathtownhousecloseto downtownshopping. Wellmaintainedstrata, fullyfencedyard withfromthefrontor rearlane. Stratafeesare$382.92permonth.

Newfullduplex,perfectforinvestororlargefamily. Eachsidehas3bedrms,2baths+denupand onthemainingreat room,kitchen&diningarea pluspowder roon.HascentralA/C,comeswith landscaping&GSTapplies.

4bedrmhoumeon1.56acres,2bedrmsupand 2downwithcountrystylekitchenwithdining room andaccessfromdecktobackyard.Homeneeds someupgrades.Hasgreatviewfromliving room. Theoutbuildingsareusedforstorage.

MLS#178035$569,000

SpectacularBench4bedrm3bathhomewith qualitythroughout&opendesignplan.Kitchen hasQuartzcounters&S/Sappliances.1bedrm infinishedbsmtpluslargefamily room.Low maintenancelandscaping.

ThiscornerunitatSun ValleyCourthasbeen tastefullyupdatedwithHWflooring&newpaint throughout.Brightopenconceptwithliving

Stunning4bedrmhomewith5pceensite,and afabulous2bedrmlegalbsmtsuite.Perfectfor familiesorsavvyinvestors.Hasspaciousmain livingareawithHWondemandandbeautiful landscaping.

Beautifullymaintained4bedrm2bath homelocatedinwalkingdistanceto downtown.Homehaslargeshopwith powerandprivatefencedbackyard.Has 2ndlivingquartersinbasementforpossible rentaluse

with24x24shop.Homefeatures4bedrms,3bath, openconceptfloorplanandmasterbedrmwith 5pceensuite.Kitchenhaslargeisland&S/S appliances.HasU/Gsprinklers,fencedbackyard andcoveredpatio.Lotsofparking

Largefamilyhomeingoodarea&closetoschools with3bedrmsup,spaciousliving roon,largekitchen withoakcabinets,largefamily room,plusground level2bedrmsuite.Hasfencedbackyard with gardenspace

Checkoutthislittle3bedrm,2bathgemthat’s closetodowntown,shoppingandamenities. There’ssomeworktodobutthere issitepotential. R2zoningandlaneaccessthatcouldallowa coachhome,shoporgarage.

Oneofakind5000sq.ft.familyhomeincludes alegalsuiteandaninlawsuiteforallyourfamily needs.Upstairshas4bedrms,1bath&2ensuites. Offthemainisthe2bedrminlawsuitewithitsown access.Bsmthasgym,theatreroom2bedrmsuite.

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Bass Coast returns to Merritt for the

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Bass Coast returns to Merritt for 12th year in a row, bringing in 6,500 people.

Every year, thousands of artists, festival goers, volunteers, vendors, and more flock to the Nicola Valley to attend Bass Coast.

In addition to bringing in thousands of people, according to Bass Coast marketing manager Zan Comerford, Bass Coast generates $4 million to Merritt’s economy.

The festival started back in 2009 in Squamish, B.C. drawing in 450 people. After four years in Squamish, Bass Coast’s attendees had outgrown the site that the festival was hosted on.

“We were looking all over B.C. for the perfect property, which is quite a challenge to find. And we’re just very fortunate that this festival site had actually been here and unused for a few years,” said Bass Coast cofounder and music director Andrea Graham.

“When we came here, we just thought it was in the perfect location, the grounds are just stunning, the river is beautiful,” said Graham. “It was all of the things we were looking for and the town was very open and welcoming to us and they have continued to be right from day one in Merritt.”

For Graham, her favourite part of the Nicola Valley is the people and the landscape. “It’s been such a pleasure getting to know the different community members,” said Graham.

“I think I’ve always been surprised that for such a small town, there’s so many creative people here, it looks like an industry town, but the core of it, there’s a really beautiful creative

community,” said Graham. “There are so many art galleries that focus on local artists, a lot of the businesses started here, nurtured from here and so I think it’s a community and they’ve been very welcoming to us and that would be my number one thing.”

“And I love seeing some of the people that work in more industry related roles in the community come to the tour, discover how their skill set can be utilized in a creative way and it’s really fun to see more community members getting involved all the time,” Graham added.

Co-founder and art director Liz Thompson echoed Graham’s sentiments on Merritt. “It’s the people and when we go to council meetings, everyone walks up to us and says ‘welcome home,’” said Thompson. “That just summarizes the spirit of the people here and how inviting and welcoming that they are, and that’s been just something that was there.”

“During the first year, it was like

getting to know us and then instantly from the second year, it felt like we were at home,” added Thompson.

As long as the community supports it, and artists and festival goers continue to travel across the world to the Nicola Valley, co-founders Graham and Thompson do not see an end to Bass Coast.

“Bass Coast is our life plan, it’s every part of our being,” said Graham. “Liz is an artist, I am an artist, different mediums, but it’s just the core of who we are, and it’s an expression of us and now an expression of our team.”

“We want to continue going as long as we possibly can, we have though, capped our attendance (at 6,500) each year because the community aspect of Bass Coast is really important,” said Graham. “We’re not focusing on growing in numbers, but always growing artistically and in proving things every year and we just hope to be here for a long time.”

Photo/Kenneth Wong

Call renewed for answers in death of Merritt councillor a year later

Valemount RCMP is renewing its call for public assistance in solving the hit and run incident that resulted in the death of Merritt City Councillor Claire Newman.

On July 5, 2023, Valemount RCMP released a press release stating that officers responded to an automated cell phone crash notification on Highway 16 near Lucerne Lake, just west of the Alberta border before midnight on July 4, 2023.

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

Mounties also stated that evidence located at the scene suggested that Newman was outside of her vehicle when she was struck.

The RCMP also said at the time that a grey headlight assembly belonging to a

2016 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee was found nearby the running vehicle.

Newman was elected to serve as a city councillor in Merritt in the 2022 municipal election. Newman also served as president of the Logan Lake City Council Community Forest for 14 years.

Lauren Newman, Claire’s daughter, pleads for anyone with information on the case to come forward.

“With the year marker coming up of my mom’s passing, we have come through a lot of rough challenges over this year. We have had her service on September 2023. Lots of people came and said beautiful things and were very honouring of her,”

Lauren said.

“But I would say not having my mother to talk to and be there to give me that advice really is a hard thing to deal with and shouldn’t have been this way that she passed.”

Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com

Councillor Claire Newman. Photo/City of Merritt

By Laura Belliveau

Nicola Lake Homeowners Demand Government Action on Algae Bloom

Dear editor,

I’m a landowner in Nicola Lakeshore Estates on Nicola Lake. I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the alarming contamination of algae bloom on the lake. This is the second year of this sort.

Can we not get some kind of assistance from the government in the area? I don’t know if you’re aware of Nicola Lakeshore Estates but it is a very large development of affluent homeowners. And growing. The minimum size of homes is 1500 square feet with 1 acre lots. Vacation rentals for some and home residents for others.

The people in this area have money and are investing in this valley. We need help. Don’t scare people away. We need more influx into the Nicola Valley, not people to leave. Merritt is already having a hard enough time as it is, we need more upstanding citizens.

The government needs to pay attention to Nicola Lake right now. It is contaminated with something that can be treated with time and money put into it. Not even that much. Please champion this area.

It’s up to that government to protect this land.

Regards, Sam Ferris

You

MITRA: Power and leadership in a Trump-like era

At the cost of losing his life, Donald Trump has still made it almost to the ‘top’ by being just nominated as a presidential candidate in his second run to White House.

Now that he is preparing to be ensconced in that huge mansion a second time over, the world waits with bated breath to see what use, misuse or abuse of power he will let loose during the next four years of his reign, if he is crowned next November.

Abuse of power is a huge concern (or should be so) to those in leadership and to those affected by it.

History is full of unfortunate miseries resulting from the misuse of power by any individual leader or by groups of people in positions of authority.

Because of above potential concerns, many leaders are afraid to talk about it. They deny and pretend they possess that much power.

Simon Walker, quoting Michael Foucault, emphasized that power is always exercised in any situation and therefore the most dangerous kind of power is the unacknowledged power.

When it goes underground and when it is not recognized and owned, power becomes a liability – just as dynamite turns dangerous unless it is handled with care.

Walker, citing from Understanding Organizations by the management guru Charles Handy, says there are many kinds of power and everyone has power of some kind.

He talks of five different types of power: The power of personality, resource, experience, expertise, and position.

The Old Testament figure, Boaz, was someone who used his position and power for empowering others.

Boaz was a wealthy man and had high standing in society (Ruth 2:1). He used his position for affirming the worth of others instead of suppressing and oppressing them.

He greeted his servants every morning with “The Lord be with you” (Ruth 2:4). This is unusual for rich landlords with which to greet their servants.

When Boaz met Ruth, a young woman working among his

labourers, he did not disdain her but addressed her as “my daughter” (Ruth 2:8) which depicted his utmost respect for others of lower status.

Boaz used his power for protecting dignity of others rather than taking advantage of them.

Following the tradition of the day, Naomi sent her daughter-inlaw Ruth to Boaz’s threshing floor. When Ruth requested him to let her lie at his feet, Boaz could have exploited the situation to his own benefits.

By making such a request, Ruth had factually conveyed her submission to him.

As a lone young woman, she was susceptible. But instead of abusing her, Boaz showed kindness to her by allowing her to lie at his feet without taking advantage of her.

He used his power for honouring the customary practices for common good instead of taking advantage of a situation for personal gain.

As a kinsman-redeemer, he could have manipulated his influence over the family. Instead, being a kind person with huge sense of dignity, he let the nearer kinsman decide the redemption of the family.

The most dangerous kind of person is the one with a great deal of power who denies he has any or who denies that power is a fundamental factor in his leadership role.

All of us, more so those in leadership responsibilities, have power or are stewards of power. Let us not deny or pretend that we as leaders have no power.

Instead, let us acknowledge that power in humility and act as good stewards of the same power.

Let us make the exercise of power explicit and accountable to all we are responsible to minister to.

Let me conclude by asking some relevant questions:

Do we use God-given position and power of leadership as stewards of power for upholding others?

Do we affirm others’ worth, protect their dignity, and uphold customs and cultures that promote the common good?

Or, on the other hand, do we use power to promote our personal agendas and use others as means for accomplishing this?

(Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church) merrittbaptist@gmail.com

From the Herald archives: July, 1969 ‘DEATH TRAP’ INJURIES LOGAN LAKE BOY

A seven-yearold Logan Lake boy is in Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with severe burns after touching a “death trap” set by vandals in the area over the weekend. Gary Wouters was seriously injured when he touched a 14 thousand volt primary in a three-phase kiosk housing B.C. Hydro transformers that serve the Logan Lake Recreation Centre.

LETTERS POLICY Speak

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

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have FAITH

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Valemount RCMP seek public assistance as family seeks closure

From Page 5

She also emphasized the importance of doing the right thing.

“Car accidents happen all the time. Things happen all the time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do the right thing and come forward and give people the closure they need. If anybody knows anything or has any leads or tips, please contact the Valemount RCMP,” Lauren added.

Mounties also highlight that the community’s assistance is crucial in bringing closure and justice to Claire’s family, and added that they are committed to resolving this case and appreciate any help the public can provide.

Valemount RCMP urges anyone with information about the accident, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact the detachment at 250-566-4466 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Merritt Mountain Bike Association and Trans Mountain clash over Coutlee Plateau Trail closure

have no choice in the matter.”

The Merritt Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) is expressing their frustrations with Trans Mountain’s plans to temporarily close a major trail in their network on the Coutlee Plateau.

“Construction of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project is complete in the B.C. Interior region,” explained a spokesperson for Trans Mountain.

“As part of the reclamation process, work will be occurring in the Coutlee Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Network.”

The Coutlee Plateau features an extensive network of trails across a vast area. Trans Mountain will be performing reclamation work in the vicinity of JP Cool and Flojo. Reclamation work includes machine clean up and recontouring, temporary installation or removal of fencing, replacement of structures, vegetation and erosion control, and reseeding of disturbed areas.

JP Cool, a roughly five kilometre trek, has been popular amongst mountain bikers for 30 years. It is accessible from Midday Valley Road, either from the MMBA parking lot or near the Lily Lake Road junction.

“When they reached out to tell us about the trail closures we told them we did not agree with them closing our trail on JP Cool for three months, six days a week, 12 hours a day,” said MMBA President, Jordan Pinto.

“They told us we had no choice in the matter. We asked if they could put up fencing or a safe crossing point in the trail and they just flat out told us no, and again we

While the Flojo closure will only be one to three days, the JP Cool closure will have a significant impact on mountain biking in the region.

According to the Trans Mountain spokesperson, “We anticipate being complete by the end of September; however, it could be finished as early as mid-August. As a result, trail users may notice impacts such as equipment, traffic, work crews, fencing, and temporary trail closures.”

Because it is mostly downhill and there is plenty of shade, as well as a handful of watering holes, JP Cool is a popular summer trail.

“Any local riders and also any tourists that come to ride the Coutlee Plateau trails won’t be able to ride them,” said Pinto.

“JP Cool is one of the most popular trails at Coutlee Plateau.”

Trans Mountain maintains that it is a matter of safety to keep the trail closed while work is ongoing.

“To ensure safety of our crews and recreational users while workers are on site and heavy equipment is in the area, a temporary trail closure is required where Trans Mountain’s right-of-way interacts with JP Cool, users could be exposed to risks,” said the Trans Mountain spokesperson.

“Workers are typically on site between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.”

Pinto believes there is a way to safely accommodate workers and riders.

“The better plan would be to create a safe crossing point with fencing or a gate or

Morgan Hampton Contributor

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Bass Coast veteran The Willsist returns to Merritt

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Bass Coast veteran The Willsist performs at Bass Coast for 15th year. Willis Lombard, otherwise known by his DJ name The Willsist, is a DJ hailing from Vancouver, B.C. who describes his music as “feel good musical melodic drum and bass rollers.”

“Specifically leading into more melodic feel good rollers, medium energy and I tend to like a lot of sorrow in music, I feel like there’s a healing element to that; so a lot of sultry vocals or lower mid range instruments,” said Lombard.

For Lombard, DJing has always been in his life. “My dad was actually a DJ in the 70s so I grew up with vinyl and turntables around, but I didn’t pick it up directly from him,” said Lombard.

“Years later, my parents separated, he moved away, I got into breakdancing and we needed mixtapes to practice to where songs didn’t end,” said Lombard. “So I started digging through his old disco records and was making mixtapes with one turntable and a discman back and forth, that was like (1995 or 1996).”

Lombard started as a hip hop DJ in high school; Lombard took a break from DJing until 2007 when he discovered his love for drum and bass. “I just want to feel good, I want it to inspire and excite and energize, maybe exorcise some demons, but at the end, I wanted to feel good,” said Lombard.

Lombard has performed for every single Bass Coast, all the way back when Bass Coast was still hosted in Squamish B.C.

One of Lombard’s favourite memories from Bass Coast was 2014. “The Mutiny year, when mainstage had half of a sunken pirate ship on it, that was just such a level up in the scale of stage design and the growth of this festival,” said Lombard. “Plus I got to play mainstage that year, so memories for me on that one really kind of ring true, felt like I got to be a part of it more than before.”

“It’s really hard to (choose one particular memory), the big picture is the coolest part, so highlighting any particular element diminishes the overall impact,” said Lombard.

Bass Coast has been described by many attendees and volunteers as having a ‘very unique vibe,’ to Lombard, Bass Coast’s vibe is integrity.

“Especially compared to some other festivals and the party scene in general, and nightlife in general, there’s a more mature artistic integrity to this whole festival,” said Lombard. “It’s still a big party, people are letting loose and getting crazy. But that’s not the goal. The

Photo/Kenneth Wong

goal is to come here and absorb art, be creative, be inspired, experience things with other people, and let loose and have a good time, they’re all tied in.”

“Sometimes people focus on ‘let’s get wasted and have a party,’ that doesn’t seem to happen as much here.”

To Lombard, Bass Coast is all about “expressing yourself in so many ways, seeing other people find new ways and break through their own internal personal boundaries, and inspire each other.”

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about Bass Coast, according to Lombard, is people think it doesn’t have something they’re interested in.

“I find a lot of people are like ‘oh, I really like this, and that’s not there,’ but it is if you look for it,” said Lombard. “The variety that’s actually happening is bigger than what a lot of people have heard of, or have seen; and sometimes if you just turn around and look a little different here, you’re gonna find that it is here also.”

Apart from performing as an artist, Lombard also helps Bass Coast with the build and teardown of the sets, coming a week in advance and staying a week after the main event. The extra time Lombard gets in the Nicola Valley has given him an opportunity to properly experience Merritt.

“It’s usually just a shopping run, but I’ve been out there, had brunch at a café, a couple of restaurants; I used to get to go to the laundromat, which apparently closed,” said Lombard. “That laundromat was legendary.”

Outside of DJing, one of Lombard’s other passions is pinball.

“Pinball is probably my main obsession these days, I do between one and three tournaments a week,” said Lombard. “I bought a machine last year, which is the most expensive thing I’ve ever gotten, kind of a silly purchase, but I don’t regret it for a moment.”

At the time of press, Lombard is ranked 29th in the province of British Columbia under the International Flipper Pinball Association’s 2024 North American Championship Series.

Realestate professionalshaveaccess to exclusive neighborhoodandpropertyinformation to make youa smar terbuyerorseller. NAVIGATEA COMPLEX PROCESS.

Arealestateprofessional canguide youon forms,disclosures,andthelendingprocess to help youavoidcostly mistakesanddelays BEUP -TO-DATE.

Youmay have boughtorsold ahomebefore, butmarketsandtransactionprocessesare always changing.

DOTHERIGHTTHING.

12 3 4 5 6 7

SIMPLIFYYOURSEARCH.

Anagentcaneducateyouoncurrentmarket conditionsandhelpyouﬁndhomes thatmatc hyour criteriausinglocalbrokermarketplaces—knownin thebusinessasmultiplelistingservices.

NEGOTIATELIKEA PRO.

Anagenthasthe expertisetonegotiateterms,from pricetorepairs,onyourbehalf.

HAVE ATRUSTEDALLY.

Youragentcan talk youthrough theprosand cons behindbigdecisionsandshare theirnetwork oftrustedhomeinspectors,lenders,remodelers,andmore.

Make sure youragentisa REALTOR®.REALTORS®arebound by astrictCodeofEthics basedonprofessionalism, consumerprotection,and thegoldenrule.

Wellness and safety at forefront of Bass Coast

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Harm reduction team at ensures safety at Bass Coast.

Stationed by the art exhibit, the harm reduction tent offers a space for people to decompress from the heat, exhaustion, and overdose.

The tent offers a space to lay down and rest, medical supplies, a drug testing site, earplugs, water, and other supplies that prevent unnecessary injury. The harm reduction team works very closely with the first aid team with the tents less than 50 metres away from each other.

“I think a lot of misconceptions that people have about Bass Coast or just music festivals in general, is that it’s all about substances and like getting, like wasted and partying,” said harm reduction co manager Farah Sandhu.

“It really is much more than that… it’s about having a safe space to transcend and really be yourself; there’s wellness workshops here, there’s beautiful artisans sharing their crafts, and there’s installation art; there’s so many more things to experience in the festival world.”

Sandhu commented on the misconception that harm reduction is just enabling drug use.

“(It’s) the contrary, harm reduction is a philosophy that people are gonna engage in risky behaviours, and you’re just going to mitigate those risks,” said Sandhu. “For example, wearing a helmet when going biking, biking can be risky, wearing a helmet is harm reduction; we’re out here in the sun wearing sunscreen, it’s harm reduction.”

“(Harm reduction is) recognizing that we as adults make informed choices and assess those risks and mitigate,” said Sandhu.

People from all over the world travel to the Nicola Valley to volunteer for Bass Coast’s harm reduction team. “We have such an incredible team of humans, we’ve got healers from all over the world; doctors, nurses, social workers, rave moms, rave dads; all kinds of disciplines

See BASS Page 14

Show n’ Shine Car Show

Nicola Valley Car Cruisers celebrating 30 years of chrome and horsepower

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Nicola Valley Cruisers Car Show to celebrate 30th Annual Show n’ Shine on Sunday, July 21.

From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., residents, visitors and enthusiasts will get a chance to check out all types of automobiles, ranging from classics, sports cars, luxury cars, and more at Central Park (2975 Voght St).

The Nicola Valley Cruiser Car Show (NVCCS) started as a small group of enthusiasts back in 1994. “I wasn’t around then, but it would have been a small group of car enthusiasts that just decided to show their stuff,” said NVCCS club president Gerry Kielman.

Since 1994, the NVCCS has run every year, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting at the Vulture Garage in Spences Bridge, parking cars along the highway.

“They weren’t big shows like the one in the park but gave the public a chance to view the cars while maintaining proper distances as required by COVID,” said Kielman. “They were unadvertised shows, so the only ones that came were driving by and happened to see us there.”

According to the City of Merritt, “Food, vendors, swag, prizes, and of course a car and truck show (will be available).”

A few years ago, NVCC opted to provide free parking instead of charging, aiming to attract people to a cost free event. “Everywhere you go nowadays, it seems to cost you money, you get nickeled and dimed to death, so this is something that doesn’t cost unless you want to come and buy a t-shirt or a hat or a hamburger or a little gift or something from one of the vendors.”

“We end up with a lot of different cars, every year we get cars from different areas, different types of cars; we get other

clubs attending, some in small numbers, some in larger numbers.”

Some notable NVCCS legends include Lionel and Linda Nunn’s convertible and hardtop 1963 Chevrolet Impalas; Allen Barney James’ 1956 Dodge Regency; Doug and Norma Mervyn’s 1961 Chevrolet Impala hardtop, 1964 Ford convertible, 1941 Chevrolet, and 1928 Ford Model A.

Kielman’s favourite car of all time is his current car, the 1967 Pontiac Firebird. NVCCS projects that there will be

CANADA’S GARAGE

over 175 cars and 3,000 people in total. “But for the most part, it’s just to come out, show your car, meet your friends that you haven’t seen since last year or a couple of years ago; and just get together, have a lot of fun on a really hot day,” said Kielman.

Outside of the big annual car show, the NVCCS meets every Wednesday, except for the first Wednesday of the month, at 6 p.m. at the A&W on Voght Street.

In 2023, Dave Soball of Kaleden, B.C. won Show ‘n’ Shine with his 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 Fiesta. Soball (right) holds the Mayor’s Choice Trophy. Photo/Mike Goetz

Business Location Map

Nicola Rive

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Bass Coast: a judgement free zone

coming together just take care of their fellow Bass Coaster,” said Sandhu.

“Bass Coast people are super dialed in, so there is an amazing consent culture here where people are able to be more free because they feel safer to see more of themselves,” said Sandhu.

Sandhu shared an account from one of her volunteers on the harm reduction team.

“I was talking to my volunteers here saying like it was her first festival and she’s like, ‘yeah, people are just having their freak flags fly and like, you know, me as like a bigger woman the rolls and everything are out, and just there’s no judgment and there’s all love,’ and it’s inspiring her to love her body more.”

3D printed goodies hit the markets

New St yles in StockSizes S-7X

KAMLOOPS: 743VICTORIA ST •250-377-8808

CHILLIWACK: 44310YALE RD •604-392-9969

OPEN 7DAYSAWEEK 7 DAYS A WEEK

Morgan Hampton Contributor

Tom and Nancy Dent are crafters who have turned their hobbies into a fan favourite booth at the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, selling sublimation and 3D printed items.

“It started after we moved up here to Merritt six years ago,” said Nancy, who met Tom after he immigrated to Canada upon leaving the British Royal Navy.

“My husband purchased me a Cricut as a surprise. Then I needed a flat press but it came with mug, hat and plate attachments. I was making and selling jewelry at the time so I added mugs and tote bags to my inventory.”

Now well and truly bitten by the crafting bug, Nancy was turning out a variety of goods that were a smash success. But her family encouraged her to branch out even more.

“My daughter-in-law found me a deal on a sublimation tumbler press. I purchased that and a sublimation printer and this added more items to my inventory.”

Not wanting to be left out, Tom began a quest for his own creative niche.

“Tom needed a hobby so decided on a 3D printer. He wanted to make items for our grandchildren,” explained Nancy.

“He made quite a few of the ‘Thing’ from The Addams Family and I insisted he sell them on Facebook Marketplace and

Photo/Morgan Hampton

local buy and sell sites.”

It turned out ‘Thing’ was a very popular character and many people wanted to give it a place in their homes. Soon, Tom’s creations were flying out the door.

“They took off and before we knew it he needed another 3D printer just to keep up. Now we sell together at the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, Friday Night Markets, and craft fairs.”

And the couple are not bound only to their own designs, they are adept at creating specialty items requested by their customers.

“My favorite items to make and sell are the custom ones,” said Nancy.

“I love to see people’s faces when their ideas are brought to life. And Tom likes to sometimes make small items for him to give away to make a child happy.”

So how, some people wonder, did they come up with the name Nosy Cat Designs if their products aren’t geared towards pets?

“The name Nosy Cat Designs came about because cats are curious animals and we’ve always had a cat,” explained Nancy.

“The cat was always nearby whatever hobby I was doing; getting into stuff, lying on the keyboard, pawing the monitor, stealing things to play with and always wanting to see what was going on.”

If you would like to see some of Nosy Cat Design’s for yourself, check them out at one of Merritt’s local markets and follow them on Facebook.

BASS COAST 2024 PHOTOS

Photo/Emnesia

Photo/Kenneth Wong

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

SPORTS

Merritt Speedway drives food and toy donations

Morgan Hampton Contributor

The heat didn’t slow down the action at the Merritt Speedway on July 13 and 14.

Drivers put the pedal to the metal and vied eagerly for first place in a variety of cars and events on “B.C.’s Fastest Dirt Track”. In addition to the races, it was the weekend of the Merritt Stock Car Association annual toy and food drive.

“We take donations from the fans and the racers, they bring in any non-perishable food item or any unwrapped new toy,” explained Merritt Stock Car Association President Dale Calder.

“Everything we collect we give back to

the food bank in Merritt.”

Items were collected over the course of two days and delivered to the tower where the track announcer kept a keen eye on the activity below.

“We just want to make sure we’re giving back to the community,” said Calder.

“They support us by coming out and watching our racing and this is just our way of giving back to the community.”

If you missed out on the drive at the Speedway, donations can always be delivered directly to the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

Photos/Morgan Hampton

Merritt Centennials hosts first golf tourney under KIJHL banner

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Merritt Centennials hosts 12th annual golf tournament.

On Saturday, July 13, the Merritt Centennials under the Kootenay International Junior League took the torch and hosted their first golf tournament in this long running Cents tradition.

The event was attended by team sponsors, executives, players, and friends.

“The tournament was a huge success thanks to our tremendous sponsors and supporters. It was also great to see

alumni, familiar faces and some new ones,” said tournament chairperson and alumni Tyler Steel. “I’m looking forward to seeing them around the rink for the exciting season to come.”

The winner of the tournament was ‘The Bowling Boys Team,’ consisting of Digz Stirling, Stu Jackson, Scott Turner and Joe Randsome.

Prizes and plaques were also awarded to the Male and Female Longest Drive winners being Kris Mattis and Jamie Ushko, and Closest to the Pin. A side Putting Competition sponsored by Merritt Funeral Home was won by Luke Halverson.

(Left to right) Winners Scott Turner, Digz Stirling, Joe Randsome, (Stu Jackson missing from photo) standing with Merritt Centennials owner Brad Anstey. Photo/Dan Schofield

Photo/Morgan Hampton

COMMUNITY

Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling

Community Airport Day brings in aircraft and classic cars

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

On Saturday, July 13, Merritt celebrated Community Airport Day at the Merritt Regional Airport.

The tarmac showed off various classic cars and light aircraft from across the province.

Community Airport Day was started by former City of Merritt economic development officer Will George with his friends Ray Robinson and Geoff Scholtens in 2019 to commemorate the 100th year of the first airplane to land in Merritt.

“Each year we get a few more (planes coming in), so it’s getting a little bit better… and we’ve got more food trucks this year so we’re happy about that,” said Tourism Nicola Valley president Melvina White. “We have a lot more participation and a lot more different sponsors and whatnot.”

“It is a community event that hopefully, we can draw outside visitors to Merritt and show off our beautiful city, and what a great place we have here,” said White.

Unfortunately, due to nearby wildfires, the advertised $50 helicopter rides were cancelled. “Nobody could just free up the helicopter, they need them all for the fires,” said White.

In future years, Tourism Nicola Valley hopes to change the date so that Community Airport Day does not run into fire season.

White’s favourite plane at this year’s was a red and white Piper PA-28-181 flown by the Abbotsford Flying Club with the call sign C-GIUK. Fitting one crew and four passengers, the Piper PA-28-181 has a max speed of 133 nautical miles per hour and a normal range of 484 nautical miles.

Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

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

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

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

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

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Times: Sunday 10 am

Tourism Nicola Valley president Melvina’s favourite plane at this year’s Community Airport Day: Abbotsford Flying Club’s Piper PA-28-181 Photo/Kenneth Wong

CLASSIFIEDS

(FullTime–35hrs/wk)

DESCRPTION: ReportingtotheSocialDevelopmentCoordinator,theCommunity Connections YouthNavigatorwillberesponsibleforhelping.TheCommunityConnections YouthNavigatormustuseacollaborativeapproachwithsupportingthemembers.

SpecificDutiesandResponsibilities:

•Provideinformationtoappropriatecommunityservices; •Guideandmotivateyouths.

•Outreachandengagementinthewiththecommunity; •Advocate.

•Supportparticipantstobuildcapacity.

• Participatewithteaminprovidingdeliverableactivitiesorinformation.

• Participateinteammeetings.

•Maintainaccuraterecords.

•Otherrelateddutiesasassigned.

RequirementsofCommunityConnections YouthNavigator Position:

•Experienceworkingwith FirstNationsCommunity.

•AccesstoreliablevehicleandcurrentDriver’s license.

•CriminalRecordCheckandDriver’sAbstract.

VALUEADDED LUMBERREMANUFACTURINGPLANT PRODUCTIONWORKERS (FT/PT)

•Wages:starting$20to$28

•Steadydayshiftwork

•Studentswelcometoapply

•Noexperiencenecessary

•Willtrain TRUCKDRIVERSWITHCLASS1 Localsteadywork

LICENCEDSECURITYGUARDS

Excellentmedical&dentalplan

Pleasesubmitresumeinpersonto 1195HoustonStreet,MerrittB.C. 250-378-6161

•Ableandwillingtoworksome eveningsand weekends. Wage-TBDS

Deadlineforsubmissions:July15,2024

Onlyselectedcandidateswillbecontactedforaninterview.

PleaseforwardResumeandCoverLetterto:

CynthiaJager,SocialDevelopmentCoordinator POBox4600,Merritt,BC,V1K1B8 cynthia@coldwaterband.org

Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety

REPORTSTO: ExecutiveDirector

RESPONSIBILITIES:

•TheHealthClerkwillassumethesecretarial,clericaland receptionist dutiesunderthesupervisionoftheExecutiveDirector,andwill performotherdutiesas required.Theyarealsosubjecttothe PoliciesandProceduresoftheScw’exmxCommunityHealthServices Society(SCHSS).Thepositionwillbe responsiblefortheprovisionof administrativeandclericalsupporttotheSCHSSprograms.

•Thispositionwillbe responsibleforensuringthat reportsderivedfrom thedatabaseaccurately reflectthemostup-to-datehealthstatus ofthecommunitiesofColdwater, Shackan,andNooaitch.Theywill alsobe responsibleforarrangingandensuringpaymentformedical appointmentsforclientsandestablishingtheirmedicaltraveleligibility forfundingundertheNon-InsuredHealthBenefitsProgram.

•Requiresexperiencewithstandard officeequipmentandMicrosoft Office.

•ExperienceworkingwithFirstNationscommunitiesisanasset. We offeracompetitivesalaryandfullbenefits.

Pleasesubmitresumeto:

Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety Attention:BarclaySmith

103-2090Coutlee AvenuePOBox3090Merritt,BCV1K1B8 oremail: reception@schss.com

Deadlineforsubmissions: July26,2024

PUZZLE ANSWERS

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.