Merritt Herald October 5, 2023

Students from School District 58 walked the streets of Merritt last week to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Lack of federal action ‘laughable’: Mayor

The City of Merritt is still waiting for funds to buy out the 37 properties that remain uninhabitable after the Nov. 2021 flood.

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It has been almost 23 months since the atmospheric river event caused the Coldwater to alter the course of Merritt both geographically and historically.

Yet, almost two years after the Nov. 2021 flood, dozens of Merrittonians remain homeless and financially destitute, something Mayor Mike Goetz says remains at the forefront of the minds of himself and council.

Almost the entirety of city council attended the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver in mid-September, taking over a dozen meetings with constituents across the provincial government landscape. One such meeting was with Bruce Ralston, minister of forests, a department that Goetz said is crucial to getting the funds to buy out the 37 homes remain uninhabitable.

“We have to work through the Ministry of Forests to get the money to buy the people out where the flood was on Pine Street,” Goetz told the Herald. “So we have a thing called ‘CLAP’ which is the Coldwater Land Acquisition Plan. That’s where we’re going to be buying out the 37 homes that have to be fully or partially bought out, so we can move ahead with the diking. So in order for that to happen, even though it’s federal dollars that will do that, the provincial

government has to be on board and approve it through the Ministry of Forests.”

The information that mayor and council presented to the minister was nothing new that he had not seen before. Instead, Goetz said it was to reiterate the fact that residents are no approaching the second-year mark

Mike Goetz CITY OF MERRITT MAYOR

with yet to be one homeowner bought out.

“They seem to be very for it, they like the plan, it’s well done, now what they do is they go back to Ottawa and again say ‘we’re onboard with this plan.”

Getting these gears in motion would certainly be better sooner rather than

later, as the red tape that comes with any federal decision is aplenty, needing the plan to then go to cabinet to be approved before being put before the treasury board.

“For us and council, the most important thing is to get those people bought out,” said Goetz. “Because we can’t fix the dikes until those properties have been purchased, because the dikes are going to need to take up some of their property. There’s no power to them anymore, there’s no sewer, they’re just derelict homes. Humanitarian cause would be to get these people paid off so that they can get on with their lives. So that’s the first thing that we’re pushing for.”

The frustration at the snail’s pace of the process is palpable.

“We’re way behind schedule. We haven’t turned a single rock on those dikes in two years. And they’re still damaged coming into a third freshet. So to say we’re behind schedule is laughable. We have no schedule. We’re waiting for the federal government.”

The Government of Canada operates a program called the Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund, or DMAF. Though it went cold for 13 months as no money was funnelled into the program, it reopened on July 2, 2022, with the City of Merritt submitting a 165-page application the very same day.

“We have heard nothing back.

SEE VOICES Page 5

Winter or Mud & Snow tires are now required to drive the main highways within B.C., a law that is in effect until either the end of March or the end of April.

Search ‘CAMPFIRE’

Voices unheard for relief

From Page 3

Unfortunately DMAF does not give you updates on where they are in the process. It’s one of the broken things about the system.”

Goetz testified on May 4 this year via Zoom call in the House of Commons as to the problems with DMAF and the ways to fix it. He said that the issue lies with the sharing of responsibilities between the provincial and federal governments, with neither seeming to take the reins.

“Having them go back-and-forth like a ping-pong match, all it does it cause problems for the people that are

caught in the middle, which is us. So we still have no safety on the dikes, no money to buy the people out going into their third year of waiting.”

Though city staff continue to give the federal government constant updates while awaiting action, Goetz said that ultimately the ball is now ultimately in Ottawa’s court to get displaced residents back to a normal way of life.

“Their frustration is real, and our frustration is real.”

Return to in-house licensing

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

The City of Merritt will return to conduct dog licensing as an in-house function starting January 2024.

In 2020, the City entered into an agreement with DocuPet, a company that partners with local shelters and communities across North America with the promise of improving and increasing pet licence sales and decreasing their partners’ workload.

During the three years of the agreement, residents were able to get their licence at any time and do it online instead of at the front counter at city hall. Residents were also able to rely on each other for returning lost pets to their owners, thanks to an online tool that identifies registered lost pets.

However, during the time DocuPet partnered with the City, the local government identified problems that result-

ed from this program.

According to an information item by the City, “a significant reduction in the number of registered dogs” was noticed once the program was implemented. Other problems such as dog owners not receiving proper communications or not being comfortable enough using online services were also identified.

In addition, bylaw officers experienced difficulties to enforce registration, as they could no longer determine if the pets had the correct tag for that year.

Under the City’s Animal Control Bylaw, all dogs over the age of six months are required to be licensed. The owner is requested to pay for an annual dog licence fee, and the income goes towards the City’s dog-related costs, such as returning lost dogs to owners.

After the many issues identified by City staff, the municipal government opted to not renew their contract with DocuPet and return to providing dog licensing services.

Devyn Vande Voort

AUER: Time is a precious commodity

From the Herald archives: Oct., 1989

CHAMBER TACKLES Y2K

It’s been one year since I wrote my first column for the Merritt Herald and when I sat down to write the latest instalment I wondered if time just speeds up as we get older and how it’s possible that we’re already in the last quarter of

2023. I also thought about what changed in the last year and what stayed the same. Last year around this time we were getting ready to vote in the municipal election - remember that? Plenty of candidates for both mayor and council and as soon as the election was over things got quiet; now I have to think hard if you asked me who is governing our city despite all candidates vowing to do better than their predecessors and really connect with the citizens and give regular updates. Different people, same m.o. Surprise, eh?

Of course, to notice a change in something it has to be important to us and we have to pay attention.

There has been a lot of change in the things and for the people I care about: new jobs, new apartments, an upcoming wedding, new illnesses, old illnesses getting worse, it’s a pretty long list. I’ve changed too. Now, more than ever, time is the most precious commodity to me. While I need to measure some of my time in money out of necessity, the time I can give freely is guarded even more closely. I don’t think it’s possible to only do things that make you happy but it’s possible to use your time in meaningful ways. Building strong relationships and being there for the people and causes you care about is one of the best ways to spend your time. It’s

TEGART: Time for a new chapter

Year after year, our region is hit with some of the worst wildfires in the province, and this summer was no exception. My thoughts are with all those who were impacted, and I want to say a sincere thank yo uto every first responder and volunteer who put themselves at risk to keep people and property safe.

Here in Merritt, smoke filled the sky multiple times throughout the summer with high winds spreading fires and blowing smoke into local

neighborhoods. Early in the summer multiple fires broke out near town, one at the former Tolko lumber mill site, a much larger wildfire near Moore Creek, and most recently, a contained fire along the Okanagan connector. Thankfully, these fires were kept mostly under control, and no evacuation orders were issued.

We know that the situation would have been much worse without the invaluable contributions of so many people. Each fire is vastly different and the help of local indi-

not just about you anymore, but at the same time it makes your life better. How cool is that?!?

In Merritt and the Nicola Valley there is no shortage of people and causes that want your time and attention. I want you to be picky with what you’re volunteering for. Don’t give your time for the sake of it, make it count and make sure it enriches your life rather than sucking the life out of you. Because before you know it another year will have passed and you’ll be wondering where the time went. How great will it be when you look back and can say you had a positive impact on someone else’s life - and also on your own.

wild re management

viduals who report these fires to BCWS makes a huge difference.

However, I also believe that our approach to wildfires could be so much better than it is right now. In recent years we have seen numerous examples of outdated approaches to wildfire management, despite reports like the 2018 Abbott/ Chapman report sitting on government shelves for years, with many recommendations still unimplemented. Something has to change.

That’s why our Official Opposition has put forward a new

plan for addressing wildfires, with five key points meant to keep our province safe. A BC United government would modernize firefighting services, utilize local expertise, equip and empower local response teams, ensure swift support for evacuees, and overhaul forest management and prevention.

It’s time for a new approach to wildfire management in B.C. that will protect people across the province and support communities like our own here in Merritt.

Merritt business owners are urged to attend a seminar to learn how to get through the millenium.

“When the clock stikes midnight Dec. 31, 1999, your computer system should be the last thing on your mind,” reads the Chamber notice to business owners.

LETTERS POLICY

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.

KERSTIN AUER LIFE NORTH OF 50

Jackie Tegart Fraser-Nicola MLA

Drug decriminalization not helping

Jake Courtepatte

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Since certain drugs were decriminalized in small portions in B.C. in Jan. 2023, Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has been openly critical of the process and repercussions.

In a recent meeting with Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

Jennifer Whiteside, Goetz said that he spoke with the minister about B.C.’s ‘drug tourism’ problem, meaning that many of the prominent drug users in

the community are not local.

“Many of the people using in our community right now are not from B.C., they’re

SEE MORE OVERDOSES Page 9

Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm class Saturday 10:00am drop in for all students

Instr uctor : Gary Abbott

Studio located at 2151 Quilchena Ave

Small amounts of certain drugs are now decriminalized in B.C., a topic brought up by City of Merritt constituents at the UBCM convention in September. Photo/Herald files

More overdoses means more of a burden for services

From Page 8

from Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba....they come here, they can use here, and it is legal. But back in their provinces, it is not.”

Goetz described what sounds like a ‘revolving door’ process.

“So they come here, they carry, they get into trouble, they get arrested...and (Minister Whiteside) wanted to know how we know this. It is because they are arrested locally and we then find out where they’re from.”

He said that the minister seemed surprised when hearing this.

“I thought, ‘are you kidding me?’ Of course if you’re going to be legal to carry in a certain spot, everybody is going to go there.”

The problem compounds into more overdoses, which Goetz said is a concern for the overworking of B.C. Ambulance Services as well as fire departments.

“They are taxed more than they have ever been to answer these threeto-five overdose calls that we’re having every single day. That’s causing money from our taxpayers that should not be going to that, to be going to that. So we’re subsidizing the province on taking care of the situation.”

The decriminalization project is a three-year undertaking, allowing those 18 years or older in B.C. to legally carry up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.

In terms of measuring the stats, numbers, successes and failures related to the decriminalization, Interior Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton took a provincial tour earlier this year with a goal to create a dashboard outlining the results so far. Goetz said that they are yet to see that dashboard, and recently brought up the topic at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September.

All those who asked were told that the dashboard was not going to come to fruition.

“So there’s your dedication to your program.”

There were 174 overdose deaths in B.C. in August of this year, 190 in July. Goetz called the celebration of such a small decrease, while still being a very high number, is “pathetic.”

B.C. set a new record for overdose deaths in the first seven months of the year through July, marking 1,455.

“We need her (Dr. Fenton) to come up with a better situation, or just scrap the whole thing. One of the two. Because it’s causing more issues for us than anything else. It’s a safety issue, it’s not doing what it’s supposed to do, it’s not stopping any of the overdoses, it’s not helping people get better, it’s not doing anything.

“It’s bad paper, and it no longer should be pushed forward.”

Funding to improve quality of life

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

The B.C. government announced in a press release on Sept. 26 an investment of $15 million to the First Nations Well Being Fund.

Implemented by the First Nations Public Service Secretariat, the fund supports First Nations in their efforts to promote well-being, improve the quality of life for members and reduce poverty at the community and national levels.

In the press release, Sheila Malcolmson, minister of social development and poverty reduction, said the provincial government is funding a “FirstNations-led service delivery, supported by Indigenous culture and teachings.”

“We want First Nations to be full partners in the inclusive and sustainable province we are building together,” she said.

According to the release, there are two streams available for application. The first stream is a maximum of $100,000 per

community-led project that supports First Nations to improve the quality of life for its members.

The second stream is a maximum of $50,000 per project to support First Nations to develop a plan to promote well-being and reduce poverty at the community level through community engagement activities.

Jehan Casey, director of the First Nations Public Service Secretariat, said in the release that the investment will allow First Nations across the province to continue projects that reduce poverty and achieve well-being.

“Through this fund, First Nations have completed food-security projects, engaged in cultural-based training, and delivered skills-building and development workshops,” she said.

According to the release, applications for the fund are open. Both First Nations and Tribal Councils can submit their proposals until Dec. 31, 2023, as successful applicants will be announced in January 2024 and receive the grants right away.

October is

Saluting Survivors Encouraging Awareness Remembering Loves Ones

How to do a self-breast exam

Breast cancer can be a prolonged and difficult battle. Once in remission, having to think about the possibility of recurrence can be a painful process. However, in order to prevent relapse, it is important to maintain breast health for the best possible outcome. RCA Diagnostics notes that the possibility of recurrence is common among breast cancer survivors, but with the right steps, getting to know your breasts again can help save your life.

Following treatment, a woman’s breasts will invariably feel and look different. Self-screening can be a frustrating process for many, and it can at times be scary. Getting to know your body again will aid in the healing process and help to detect any early signs that cancer might return. Through selfassessment, women will be able to get to know the new formation of their breasts

and understand how to find lumps, bumps and abnormalities.

Changes to look for include:

• Dimpling of the skin;

• Discharge from the nipple;

• Lumps;

• Rashes on the breast.

RCA also recommends looking for the following additional signs that could signal recurrence:

• Bone pain;

• Chest pain;

• Abdominal pain;

• Shortness of breast;

• Persistent headaches & coughing.

In addition to self-screening, counselling following treatment, continuing to utilize diagnostic services including ultrasounds and women’s imaging, as well as following a routine of daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also aid in recovery.

In 2022 there were over 2.3 million women in the world that were diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Thanks to early detection and treatment advances, survival rates have improved dramatically, but much room for progress remains. As diagnosis and treatment options continue to evolve, medical experts agree that early detection is a key factor in overcoming the disease, and performing a monthly breast self-exam is often vital to detecting abnormalities, including lumps or tenderness, in the breasts that may indicate illness. Take steps to protect yourself against breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by initiating healthy lifestyle changes, beginning monthly breast self-exams, and talking to your doctor about the appropriate clinical breast exam and screening mammogram schedule for you.

What to know about breast lumps

Manual. They are non-cancerous and feel rubbery.

Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. This benign condition does not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Symptoms often are worse right before one’s menstrual period, and then improve after the period begins.

Additional factors can contribute to the formation of lumps. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that likely go away on their own or may be aspirated to relieve pain. Complex cysts may need to be removed surgically. Sometimes cysts also may form in milk ducts throughout the breasts.

Breast cancer is a cause for concern for millions of women. Each year about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society indicates around 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Globally, data from the World Health Organization indicates roughly 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.

One of the more notable symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast. Though not all lumps are malignant, it’s important that women learn about breast anatomy and lumps as part of their preventive health care rou-

tines.

Mount Sinai says that breast lumps can occur at any age in both men and women. Hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and lumps during puberty, and boys and girls may even be born with lumps from the estrogen received from their mothers.

It is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. The National Institutes of Health says 60 to 80 percent of all breast lumps are noncancerous. The most common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. Fibroademomas are small, smooth, moveable, painless round lumps that usually affect women who are at an age to have children, indicates the Merck

Lumps also may be the result of injury. Blood can collect under the skin and form a type of lump called a hematoma. Other lumps may be traced to lipomas, which is a collection of fatty tissue or breast abscesses, which typically occur if a person is breastfeeding or has recently given birth.

Additional causes of lumps can be discussed with a doctor. Though the majority of lumps are not a cause for concern, it is important for people to regularly feel their breasts to check for abnormalities. Doctors may recommend annual mammograms to women age 40 and older. In its earliest stages, breast cancer may produce little to no visible symptoms, but a mammogram may be able to catch something early on.

What breast cancer can do to the

ly effective, particularly when the disease is in its early stages at the time of an initial diagnosis, women may still experience some side effects of both the disease and the treatment their cancer care teams design. The following are some ways that breast cancer and treatment can affect a woman’s body in both the short- and long-term.

rare yet aggressive form of the disease. Redness or another change in the skin color of the breast, swelling on one side and/or a rash that appears suddenly are changes in the skin that can appear due to breast cancer. Dimpling of the skin over the breast is another change in the skin that can result from breast cancer.

No woman wants to be diagnosed with breast cancer. A potentially fatal disease, breast cancer affects millions of women across the globe each year. Thankfully, survival rates for the disease have improved considerably in recent decades, and women now have a much greater chance of living for many years after successful treatment.

A 2017 study from the American Cancer Society found that the number of women who died from breast cancer dropped by about 40 percent in the quarter century preceding the study. A host of variables, including advancements in detecting and treating the disease and a heightened awareness of the need for screening, have contributed to that positive turn.

Though breast cancer treatment is high-

• Joint and muscle pain: According to Susan G. Komen®, a nonprofit organization that helps to fund breast cancer research, aromatase inhibitors are hormone therapy drugs used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Researchers have found that joint pain and muscle pain are common side effects of aromatase inhibitors. This pain might be most noticeable after sleeping or a period of inactivity. Fortunately, the damage to joints and muscles is not permanent.

• Fatigue: Breastcancer.org reports that breast cancer causes changes in the body that can lead to fatigue. That fatigue could be linked to cytokines, which are proteins released by certain breast cancers that researchers suspect cause fatigue. Breast cancer also can alter hormone levels in the body and cause inflammation, and each of those effects can contribute to fatigue.

• Skin changes: The MD AndersonCancer Center reports that certain changes to the skin are hallmarks of inflammatory breast cancer, a relatively

• Libido and fertility: Breastcancer.org reports that some breast cancer treatments can lower a woman’s libido, which is her desire for sex and intimacy. This side effect is possibly a byproduct of other effects of treatment that can affect a woman’s mental state, including anxiety, depression, weight changes, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, the National Cancer Institute notes that certain types of chemotherapy can cause infertility. Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women over 50, women can still get the disease at any age. Women who hope to have children after a breast cancer diagnosis are urged to discuss that goal with their cancer care teams so their course of treatment does not adversely affect their ability to give birth.

Breast cancer affects a woman’s body in various ways. Though many effects are temporary, women can still discuss strategies to overcome them as they navigate their way through treatment.

ER closures becoming ‘tiring and frustrating’

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt residents gathered once more over the weekend to voice their frustration and concerns over the repeated closures of the city’s emergency room facilities.

The rally held in Central Park on Sunday, Oct. 1 drew a crowd of concerned residents and local leaders who continue to demand a solution to the ongoing healthcare crisis in the city.

The closure of Nicola Valley Hospital’s emergency room has become a distressing pattern for residents, with the facility being temporarily closed five times in September due to staff shortage.

In 2023, there have been 14 closures reported by the Interior Health Authority at the hospital.

These repeated closures have left residents anxious and concerned about their access to timely medical care.

Georgia Clement, rally organizer, addressed her concern.

“I think one closure is too many, you know, that could be the day when people or someone has a catastrophic accident on that highway. You know, we can’t plan for that,” she said.

On Sept. 28, during a press conference to launch this year’s respiratory illness vaccination campaign, Health Minister Adrian Dix was questioned about what is being done to fix the ER closures across towns along the Coquihalla Highway.

Dix said that the ministry is working on attracting a larger base of doctors and nurses, like Grand Forks, with

incentive programs. He also mentioned that the ministry is working closely with the City of Merritt and recognizes that the City is working closely with Interior Health on housing initiatives.

“It’s an absolute priority. We do not want to see any emergency rooms closed,” Minister Dix said at the conference.

Also present at the rally, Mayor Mike Goetz called the situation “tiring and frustrating.”

“It’s tiring that we’re continually out here doing this (a rally) every time we have a closure,” he said.

Goetz, who recently went to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention from Sept. 18 to Sept. 22 in Vancouver, had a chance to meet with Minister Dix and express his concerns on the frequent emergency room closures.

“They (the ministry) are aware of the fact that we’ve been shut down as maintenance that we have, but they have told us we’re a priority,” the mayor said. “I don’t not believe that we’re not (a priority). It’s just that I need to see what that priority means … because right now it’s not looking like we are a priority.”

Goetz also mentioned that the City’s sub-committee to address the ER closures will be created in October, with their first meeting gathering all council, fire chief and Interior Health Authority representatives.

“What we do hope to achieve (is) that we’re all on the same page,” he said. “With whatever problems they’re having, we can help deal with it, we can understand it, we can explain it. Right now, we don’t know what the problems they’re

having. We need to have information sharing between us both so we can get our hospital in a better shape.”

The Herald reached out to Interior Health for comments, but had not received an answer by the time this story was published.

More support for medicare

Girl Guide cookies back

The provincial government announced an investment of $20 million in order to expand medical travel support across British Columbia for patients living in rural and remote communities.

In a news release, Health Minister Adrian Dix said that those who are diagnosed with cancer and must travel to receive treatment deserve all the support they need, which is why the provincial government has partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air to expand their existing programs across B.C.

“By providing grant funding to these two incredible charitable organizations, we are helping patients focus on receiving their cancer treatment at one of the six BC Cancer Centres or 41 community oncology network sites so they can get well as soon as possible,” he said.

Both Hope Air and the Canadian Cancer Society have each received $10 million to expand their travel programs and support cancer patients.

According to the release, the Canadian Cancer Society will expand their three existing programs, which

help cover travels, food and accommodation expenses.

As for Hope Air, the money will be used to expand their services to increase support for patients and caregivers through increased ground transportation, overnight accommodations and meal vouchers for patients.

Hope Air also aims to provide 2,500 flights for patients in the province that are travelling to receive cancer treatment by 2026.

Also in the release, both organizations developed a system to ensure that people that are connected to either of them are able to access the services they need. Patients with a household income of as much as $150,000 are eligible for any of the programs.

Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for rural health, said in the release that by reducing some of the challenges associated with long-distance travel, families and patients can focus on what is really important.

“These changes will allow cancer patients and their families to focus on self-care, supporting loved ones and obtaining the rest they need, rather than dealing with logistical and financial hurdles.”

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

A beloved minty treat is coming back this fall as Girl Guides of Canada kicked off their cookie sales in Merritt this October.

Beginning on

Sunday, Oct. 1, Girls Guide of Canada members are selling their iconic cookies in different locations around town.

Mint cookie lovers can get

their hands on a box of cookies for $6 on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Two booths will be located by Save On Foods and Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants.

The funds collected from the sales ensures

that the guide programming can thrive and girls are able to participate in activities, such as planning a day trip or planning a camp, or towards their supplies. More dates will be announced soon.

B.C. Minister of Health Adrian Dix. Photo/Herald files Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

FRONTLINEFILES

Missing man found near Logan Lake

Jake Courtepatte

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Multiple task forces along with dozens of searchers led to the discovery of a man who had been missing in the B.C. Interior for nine days.

67-year-old John David Young, from Prince George, was last seen in late September heading west on Highway 97D after visiting a friend in Logan Lake, presumably heading towards the Merritt or Ashcroft area.

Kamloops Search and Rescue said the man was found safe after an extensive effort from the

SAR team, the RCMP, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, and many volunteers.

Family member Jeremy Stewart said that Young was found by hunters near Third Lake Recreation Site, a remote area west of Logan Lake.

“I want to thank absolutely everyone who helped out in any way, great or small - when the hunters found David, they knew about the situation from Facebook, and confirmed his identity with a post. In other words, everyone who shared our posts made finding him possible! Thank you so much for having been willing to do so.”

Cents Q+A: Andrew Ballantyne

Callie Langlois SPECIAL TO

1) What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

In 2018 my minor hockey team and I went white water rafting in Ottawa, Ontario and it was pretty crazy. The water levels were a lot higher then normal so it made the rapids a lot bigger but was still really fun.

2) How do you spend your free time during hockey season and off season ?

Most of my free time in the summer goes towards golf or spending time with family and friends.

3) Would you rather go parasailing or sky-

diving?

I’ve always wanted to go sky diving so I’d have to say sky diving.

4) What’s a fun thing on your bucket list?

I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights so that’s definitely one on my bucket list to see and experience.

5) What countries would you like to travel to?

Probably Greece or Japan, the history in those countries is insane and I’ve always been a big fan of history. It would be really cool to experience that one day.

Ladies hockey league looking to expand

MERRITTHERALD.COM

It’s been quite a while since women did more than just figure skate on the ice.

The Nicola Valley Ladies Hockey League is on a mission to expand and strengthen women’s hockey in the region.

Angela Russell, organizer at Nicola Valley Ladies Hockey League, hopes

more women are interested in joining the league.

“I would love to continue to build this sport in Merritt,” she said.

According to Russell, the ladies hockey league has been operating for around 20 years, but has had its challenges throughout the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the five teams that existed at the time turned into four due to the restrictions at the time.

This year, Russell said the league will have the four teams play one game a week and will also offer skills sessions every Wednesday night, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. starting in October.

The classes will be a mix of skills sessions with an instructor as well as scrimmage sessions and will be available to all women of all skill levels. The cost for the skills development program is $165 for the season.

“All players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged,” she said. “We all start somewhere.”

The Nicola Valley Ladies Hockey League season is set to start on Oct. 11 at the Shulus Arena, located at 2164 Neale Rd.

Anyone who wishes to participate or join the Nicola Valley Ladies Hockey League should contact Angela Russell at therussell_family@hotmail.com.

Laisa Conde REPORTER@

Do you have a community story idea? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Every child matters

Students, faculty, family and friends of School District 58 met at Rotary Park in Merritt on Sept. 29 to march for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day.

“Orange Shirt Day is a time to wear orange as a symbol of solidarity with Indigenous survivors...it reminds us of the

Photo/Jake Courtepatte

importance of acknowledging the pain and trauma caused by the residential school system and working towards healing and understanding,” said district Superintendent Stephen McNive in a statement.

1750 Hill Street

Phone: 250-315-3000

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 Times: Sunday 9 am and 11 am 250-378-5104 2151

Ken Gillis

Nov 10, 1943 - Sept 13, 2023

Kenneth Warren James Gillis died on Wednesday September 13, 2023, at Sechelt Hospital He was bor on November 10, 1943 in New Westminster, B.C., Margaret and Warren Gillis The family lived in Surrey Ken graduated in 1962 from Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, and in 1982 received an L.L.B. from the University of Victoria. He married Rosemary Riley in 1964; they had two children, Carole and Charlie His second marriage, to Shelly Lindsey, ended in 2002.

Ken led a varied and enterprising life, driving a concrete mixer, launching a successful towing business and selling Mack trucks He practised law in Kamloops before purchasing and developing a marine landing on the B.C coast Ken returned to the Interior in the early 2000s and won a seat on the ThompsonNicola Regional District board, where he later served as chair He championed numerous initiatives, including volunteer fire services, agricultural and rodeo groups and branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, an organization to which he belonged. He was vocal, sentimental, opinionated, fun-loving and unafraid.

Ken is survived by his wife of three years, Linda Brown; children, Carole, and partner David Comrie; and, Charlie, and wife Judy; and grandchildren, Tavish, Portia, Isabel and Cameron. He is predeceased by sisters, Donalda and Joan.

There will be a service of remembrance at the Hilltop Room of the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre, 1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, on Saturday, October 14 at 1 p.m A reception will follow

Those wishing to contribute in Ken’s memory could donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

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JOB POSTINGS

3 E A R LY C H I L D H O O D E D U C ATO R P O S I T I O N S

Full Time Permanent Position

Bridge River Head Star t/ Daycare program is seek ing an individual to commit to providing high quality care to Children aged 0-6 years with interest in work ing in a unique program and ensuring that there is use of best practice provided during the program deliver y ECE Workers only need to apply

LANDS MANAGER

Full-time Salaried Position

As the Bridge River Indian Band (BRIB) Lands and Resources Manager, you will oversee the management and stewardship of all lands and resources related projects on reser ve and within the BRIB traditional territor y The Lands and Resources Manager repor ts directly to the Band Administrator and to Chief and Council as required. This position is responsible for liaising with other governments regarding reser ves and the community ’s area of interest and using administrative systems for land related business.

Wage: $35.00-$45.00 per hour based on salar y ~ Depending on experience and negotiable

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

HEADSTART/DAYC ARE MANAGER

Repor ting to the Health Manager, the Administrator will be responsible primarily for the overall Super vision of the Headstar t/Daycare program. This includes and understanding to staff super vision and scheduling, ensuring all licensing, and repor ting requirements are being met, and ensuring a quality land-based program is being offered to children and families

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

EDUC ATION COORDINATOR

Under the direction of Chief & Council and Administrator, the Education Coordinator is required to properly super vise and manage the overall Education programs (Provincial Schools, Post-Secondar y, Occupational Sk ills and Training, and Trades)

Wage: $22.00 per hour minimum ~ Depending on experience

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

AMA7 SWA7 NURSE

HOME COMMUNITY C ARE NURSE

Intern Full-time (35 hrs/ week)

Ama7 Swa7 Nurse is responsible for providing quality home care to Xwisten Clients that are referred to the Home and Community Program. The HCCN will repor t directly to the health manager

Closing Deadline: Open until filled

While we welcome all candidates, only those selected for an inter view will be contacted

Please submit your cover letter with resume and contac t for full job description to:

Gar y Forsyth, Administrator, Bridge River Indian Band

E-mail: administrator@x wisten.ca | Fax: (250) 256- 7999

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

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

F ir st Nation Suppor t Worker 3259682 Open Until F illed

Relief ECE (StrongStar t and 3596060 Open Until F illed Seamless Day Kindergar ten)

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing

Relief Secretar y 3256003 Ongoing

Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing

Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

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.

Nlaka’pamux

Health Services Society

Objective: Home Care Assistant working within the Nlaka’pamux Nation 1-year full-time contract position available immediately. Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (35 Hours per week/1hr lunch)

HCA Diploma from a Canadian university or equivalent institution, 1‐year experience in a health care environment, Registered with BC Care & Community Health Worker Registry Must have Lv 1 First Aid and CPR Class 5 DL

For full job posing see https://www.facebook.com/nlxhealth/ Submit resume and cover letter to Andrea Elliott, Operations/HR Mgr at: Elliott a@nlxfn com or Fax to 250-315-0283

This posting will remain open until filled Preference give to persons of Indigenous ancestry as per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act