Merritt Herald September 21, 2023

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2896 Scott Place

9997 Crabtree Place

B.C. government aware of dike problems before

A new report claims the City of Merritt and officials with the British Columbia government were aware of significant problems with dikes years before the 2021 atmospheric rivers that flooded and devastated the community.

The documents obtained through a freedom of information request by the B.C. office of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives include more than 5,000 pages that show that for four years beginning in 2018, inspection reports filed by the City of Merritt to the provincial inspector showed that the dikes were “structurally unsound”.

However, both provincial and municipal governments “did nothing to fix the City of Merritt’s seriously compromised front-line flood protection infrastructure,” Ben Partiff, a resource policy analyst at the B.C. office of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said in the report.

The documents obtained by the independent research institute include annual dike reports made between 2017 and 2021 for Merritt, Abbotsford, Princeton, Richmond and Chilliwack, as well as any communication and response between city officials and provincial dike inspector or their staff.

Under B.C.’s Dike Maintenance Act, dike maintenance is a municipal

responsibility, but local diking authorities are required to file annual inspection reports with the provincial dike inspector. The provincial inspector is responsible to review those reports and order local authorities to take measures on the dike.

According to the report, documents show that back in 2017 the City of Merritt decided “not to hire a professional engineer and had one of its own employees do the dike inspection that year.”

The report from the 2017 dike inspection concluded that the city’s dike was “providing good stability” to the structures. During the following years, the opposite conclusion was reported by Aaron Hahn, a professional engineer hired by the City to inspect its dikes.

Reports made by Hahn showed that “sections of the dike had been undercut or scoured by the river and that reinstating or reconstructing those dike sections was a high priority.”

He also said in his reports that the vegetation along sections of the dike had “severely compromised the integrity of the dike structure.”

Hahn’s June 2021 report, which would be the last report before flooding that happened in Merritt in November 2021, reiterated the same concerns.

Also in Hahn’s report, a map “flagged no less than 19 issues of concern on the left bank of the Coldwater River including evidence of a sinkhole near the dike,

‘severely eroded’ dike sections, ‘irregular’ dike crests and a ‘large slump’.”

A few months later the dikes’ structure failed after Merritt had heavy rains in November 2021, resulting in hundreds of residents losing their homes either temporarily or permanently.

As previously reported by the Herald in February 2023, Merritt received a $2 million disaster recovery fund to help with dike work along the Coldwater River. The provincial grant is part of the $23.4 million Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) which aims to help communities better prepare for, mitigate and respond to climate-related emergencies.

But according to a comment from Mayor Mike Goetz on Partiff’s report, “the estimated cost to replace the dikes along the Nicola and Coldwater rivers ranges between $140 and $160 million”, much farther from the fund the City has received from the Province so far and collects in property taxes.

The Herald reached out to Mayor Goetz to comment on the report and he said the report “makes very obvious” that the provincial government needs to act on what is being reported and not ignore it.

“A city such as ours cannot be expected to foot the bill for these repairs, but can work with the provincial government to keep our community safe,” he said.

With the white stuff possibly in the forecast for the higher mountain passes this week, The Herald will keep readers up-to-date as to the latest in weather watches.

The City of Merritt was hit by a devastating flood in November of 2021.

Photo/Herald File

Former TNRD Chair passes suddenly

Merritt post of ce employee seeks policy review after anti-LGBTQ2S+material delivered

Marius Auer

being elected in 2018.

saved from, nor a fad, and the promotion of such views upholds the systemic discrimination against LGBTQ2S+ people.”

did not contain hate speech, or any

The former head of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has passed away at 79.

The long awaited upgrades to a stretch of Voght Street from Blackwell Avenue to River Ranch Road will get underway next week.

An employee of Merritt’s post office is calling on the national mail service to review their anti-discrimination policies after a publication he said contains anti-LGBTQ2S+ messaging was delivered locally.

The City of Merritt announced in a release that crews will soon begin with part one of the project, upgrading Voght Street from Blackwell Avenue to the Nicola Valley Hospital entrance. The process will start next week in mid-September 2023, and run for approximately one year.

Dean Blackskull, postal clerk for Merritt’s Canada Post, said in an email that on June 21, the June edition of a news publication called ‘Druthers’ “was dropped off and paid for as neighbourhood mail to be distributed in and around Merritt.”

Ken Gillis, husband of former Merritt mayor Linda Brown, died suddenly on Sept. 13.

“I am so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Ken Gillis, a passionate supporter of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District during his three terms as director for Electoral Area “L” said TNRD Chair Barbara Roden.

“Traffic disruptions of single-lane, alternating traffic is expected,” said the city in a statement. “Short-duration detours along Parker and Juniper will be announced when required. Survey and general layout work may be seen on-site prior to mid-September.”

Residents are encouraged to check the City’s official channels, as well as local media, for the status of any detours and road closures.

his family, and his many friends.”

A director for the TNRD since 2011, Gillis chose not to rerun for chair in the 2022 election after first

The June edition of Druthers has in its front page a story headlined as “I Thought I Was Saving Trans Kids –Now I’m Blowing The Whistle”. The story continues on page 8 under the headline “Has Trans Become a Fad?”. Blackskull said over email that “being a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community is neither something to be

“His four years as Board Chair (2018 – 2022) were marked by the pandemic, a horrendous fire season in 2021,

According to the email, Blackskull shared his concerns to Canada Post and The Herald about distributing anti-LGBTQ2S+ material to the community.

Following the completion of the first part of the project, and pending finances, parts two and three will get underway.

He said in the email that he had received a call from the acting local area superintendent the following day saying “it had been determined that the mailing was acceptable for delivery.”

“When funding is available, part two of the Voght Street upgrade will continue the main alignment work from the hospital entrance to Belshaw Street/River Ranch Road,” said the City.

Scott Hildebrand, the former CAO of the City of Merritt and current CAO of the TNRD, said that he was privileged to have worked with Gillis, and that he will “always remember his great sense of humour.”

Druthers defines itself as an independent Canadian newspaper that offers “honest news, important news and information to Canadians that mainstream media ignores, misrepre sents or outright lies about.”

On their website, they also advertise a new subscription feature that allows Druthers to be delivered anonymously in people’s neighbourhoods.

“Part three of the upgrade will cover the roundabouts at two intersections: Grimmett Street and Walters Street.”

Also according to the email, Blackskull was instructed that they were “required to deliver it, an order that comes with implications that noncompliance could result in suspension or termination.”

The city added that the entire Voght Street projects includes active transportation pathways, water, sewer, storm drains, and paving.

and the forensic audit, but through it all, he provided a steady hand as he guided the board through a tumultuous time. I enjoyed working with him and hearing his many stories of a life well-lived, while his songs and anecdotes brightened many an informal gathering. He was a gentleman of the old school who will be hugely missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Linda,

The flags outside of the civic building in Kamloops have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Gillis.

Blackskull said when he noticed that this type of content was being distributed across the community, it made him feel worried.

“I was read a prepared statement that was quite similar to statements that Canada Post provides to the media, with no explanation of who made the determination that Druthers

Johnny’s on the Rez

Johnny’s on the Rez

“It was people within the community that did this. Well, you know, being in a smaller community, people know other people and made me feel uneasy

See ACTION Page 5

the Legion on September 17.

Roger Potter will perform classic rock, country, and Neil Young hits when he hits the stage at the Grand Pub and Grill on August 26 for one night only.

One of Merritt’s Canada Post employee called out the mail service after he says anti-LGBTQ2S+ material in the form of a flyer was delivered

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM

Ken Gillis was a director at the TNRD for over a decade.

Photo/Herald File

ALBAS: Misled on break-even in auto industry

year, reaching around 22.1 billion Euros.

Shortly after news of the Volkswagen deal became public, Stellantis-LG Energy Solutions (LGES), another electric vehicle battery manufacturer, demanded similar treatment. Like Volkswagen, LGES had obtained a subsidy deal of up to $15 billion between the Federal and Ontario provincial governments.

and Volkswagen,” examined the combined subsidies for these two deals, totaling $28.2 billion.

In May of this year, I mentioned the announcement from the Trudeau Liberal Government that Volkswagen would receive “up to $13 billion in subsidies over the next decade” to ensure that the automaker builds its electric-vehicle battery plant in southern Ontario.

I also referred to the report by the business analyst firm Statista, which stated that Volkswagen’s operating profit in the 2022 fiscal year had increased by approximately 14.78 % from the previous

At the time, our federal Industry Minister, FrancoisPhilippe Champagne, defended the 13-billion-dollar subsidy deal with Volkswagen by stating, “The payback is five years. That’s a very good investment.”

This week, the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released a report scrutinizing the Minister’s claim that the subsidy from taxpayers would be fully recovered within five years. The PBO report, titled “Breakeven Analysis of Production Subsidies for Stellantis-LGES

The PBO has concluded that the break-even timeline for the $28.2 billion production subsidies announced for Stellantis-LGES and Volkswagen is estimated to be twenty years. It is deeply concerning that the Minister would suggest a five-year timeline for recovering this investment when the actual timeline is much longer.

This seems to be part of a larger pattern with the current Liberal government and their continued subsidies for electric vehicles. CBC and the Canadian Press recently reported that the federal government has budgeted $768 million between 2016 and 2027 to purchase and install almost 90,000 electric vehicle chargers.

Two different federal programs were involved in this scenario.

One of the programs, which

has been in operation since 2016, funded 43,000 electric vehicle battery charging stations. However, data from this program shows that “fewer than one in five of them are operational.”

The second program, launched in 2019, aims to install an additional 33,500 electric vehicle chargers by 2025. Currently, only 6,697 of these charging stations are operational.

It is important to note that these federal programs are not fully funded and require financial contributions from private sector partners or other levels of government.

This week’s question is: What are your thoughts on federal subsidies for Canada’s electric vehicle battery industry?

I can be reached at Dan. Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

AUER: A momentary glitch in the mental system

I had a moment in the shower last week I need to tell you about. Not a good or juicy moment, I’m afraid. I turned on the water and was trying to pull the diverter to divert the water from the tub spout to the shower head, and it was stuck. When that happens I usually just turn the water off and on again, and that seems to do the trick. Not this time, because I could not remember how to turn the water off. I moved the faucet handle back and forth a bit and tried to push it, but the water kept running. I stood there, looking at the faucet, trying to remember how to operate it and my mind went completely blank.

I called my husband and told him that I think the faucet is broken and cannot be turned off. He turned the handle all the way to the right and the water was off. Then he looked at me and said: “I thought I was the one losing my mind, what’s going on with you?” I

was stunned and didn’t know what to say (which almost never happens!) and I’ve been thinking about that moment ever since.

It’s one thing to forget an appointment, birthday, or even someone’s name - but how to turn off a faucet? That’s not really something I have to remember, that’s something I know. It’s almost like a reflex, I do it without thinking about it. Maybe that was the problem, that I stopped and thought about it?

My husband fixed the diverter and I finished my shower but I was completely spooked. Just shocked that this happened to me. Wondering if it was the first sign of dementia because what else could it be? (Why is it that we always think about the worst case scenario first?) Next I wondered how long it would take before I could not write or drive or work anymore - and then I gave my head a shake and decided I was being overly dramatic and that it was probably just a glitch in my system, a temporary lapse due to being overworked and stressed. I’m happy to report that I’ve taken several showers since then without any problems. I will keep you updated about any future glitches - if I remember.

From the Herald archives: Sept., 1985

MORE COQUIHALLA PROJECTS ANNOUNCED

A $1,528,980 contract has been awarded to Greyback Construction of Penticton to build two bridges on the Coquihalla Highway 42 km north of Hope. The bridges, named Ottomite South and Ottomite North will each be 28 metres long with 28 metre roadways.

About 10 persons will be hired and work is expected to start shortly.

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.

DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology celebrating 40 years in Merritt

a nationally recognized institution dedicated to advancing the educational opportunities for Indigenous communities across Canada.

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is home to over 1,700 students across all its programs and serves 68 per cent of British Columbia’s Indigenous communities.

Founded in 1983 in Merritt, NVIT, now celebrating its fortieth anniversary, has grown from a humble beginning into

Back in the 1970s, Grand Chief Gordon Antoine and Robert Sterling Sr. came together with members within the valley and realized that it was hard for Indigenous people to get out of Nicola Valley for education.

NVIT holds a long and storied

From Page 9

A couple of years later, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) was contracted by the First Nations in the Nicola Valley to deliver a natural resource technology program. From that moment the Indigenous communities realized there was a demand for more than just natural resources

The five First Nations bands in the Nicola Valley – Upper Nicola Band, Lower Nicola Band, Coldwater Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Nooaitch Indian Band – created a society back in 1987, and eight years later NVIT’s status as a society ended once it was designated as a public provincial institute.

Sue SterlingBur, Vice President at NVIT, is Robert Sterling’s descendant and takes much pride in the institute’s origins.

“The first foundational piece is that we were created by our five First Nations bands, that makes us unique in this entire province,” she said.

Sterling-Bur defines the institute as “walking in both worlds”, a place where Indigenous knowledge and Western culture come together.

“As Indigenous people, we need to know how to walk in the Indigenous world and practice our traditions,

but also walk in Western society,” she said.

“They (the Elders) go into classrooms with the teachers and they’ll share some of the teachings that we have from our valley. We get to go on field trips and go pick medicines, go on an experience, go on and learn about some stories from the valley.”

She said they also incorporate other traditions such as hand drumming, a form of Indigenous prayer, every second Friday of the month.

One of the challenges for NVIT, according to Sterling-Bur, is the lack of recognition towards the institute when compared to other post-secondaries.

“I’ve heard the comment that ‘it’s only for Indigenous people’ or ‘it’s not as good as TRU or not as good as UBC’,” she said. “But we offer the same programs as other post-secondaries. So that’s a challenge in that attitude and an old belief that we’re not as good as.”

To Sterling-Bur, the 40th anniversary of the institute serves as a reminder of the resilience, determination, and excellence that have defined its journey.

“NVIT is a form of reconciliation for Canada,” she said. “Because that horrific education got us into the mess that we’re now in with Indigenous people trying to

heal and recover from residential schools. And our education is going to help get us out of that.”

She also said that as NVIT

looks ahead to the next 40 years and beyond, it remains committed to its core mission of empowering Indigenous students and rural commu-

nities.

“It’s changing the systems and the colonial systems that are in place. And we’re able to support decolonization and reconcilia-

FRONTLINEFILES

Crews douse overnight grass re

FRIENDS &Neighbours

Tree of Prayer planted Laisa Conde/ Herald

followed by a prayer.

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A grass fire was safely contained by Merritt fire crews on the morning of Sept. 17 thought to be caused by a nearby encampment.

Local patrolling RCMP members noticed the blaze around 1:30.a.m. near River Ranch Road, behind No Frills,

before notifying the fire department.

Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson told The Herald that the fire was contained to 0.5 hectares before being put out, using two engines.

Personal items found in the nearby area are the reason why the fire is thought to be human-caused.

No injuries were reported.

Ar nica Contracting Inc is adding two key people to their team. The following positions are available immediately, are permanent full time, and come with exceptional compensation packages. Complete job description packages are available for each position. Please contact the Ar nica team for details at admin@ar nicacontracting.com or stop by and see us at 2768 Marian Ave in Merritt.

On Sept. 15, Scw’exmx Community Health Services hosted a tree planting ceremony at N’kwala Park.

A maple tree was planted in honour of those who have passed or are still struggling with addiction. A few Merritt residents were present at the time to pay their tributes for their loved ones.

The ceremony opened with a drumming performance, an important tradition of First Nations cultural practice that represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth. This was

May George, manager of the wellness team at the Scw’exmx Community Health Services, said that it is significant to host this type of ceremony.

“This is a tree of prayer now. Anyone can come here even if they’re struggling … or they are having a good day,” she said. “They can come here and just be with the tree. The tree is medicine for us.”

George said the project started last October when the harm reduction team created a paper tree where people could put names of people who are struggling or have passed

due to addiction. She added that the tree that was planted is a continuation of that project.

“We have a live tree that has been planted, that tree is going to be alive and we’re going to remember those who have lost (their lives) and (those who) are still struggling.

“This is a place for people to come and remember all those that are lost in addiction, (those) who are no longer here,” George said. “Hopefully it will give some peace to people who are still struggling and who are grieving for those people that are coming out here.”

Excavators, dump trucks, civil construction, utilities.

Road & Bridge Construction and Maintenance

Burnt grass is seen following a blaze on the Bench.

Photo/Sharon Courtepatte Jake Courtepatte

Laisa Conde REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

“Friendly, professional service, from people who care.”

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Indigenous youth in B.C.’s care not provided proper compensation: Report

Marius

A newly released report by the BC Ombudsperson says the B.C. government is refusing to compensate a former youth in care for its own mistakes and determine if other youth have been similarly affected.

The report by Jay Chalke, BC’s ombudsperson, is titled Misinformed, and tells the story of a B.C. woman named Alexandra who Chalke says was provided with incorrect information by the ministry. The misinformation resulted in Alexandra believing she was entitled to government supports that a court order from the ministry found she she was not in fact eligible for.

“The ministry is not accepting responsibility for misleading Alexandra, nor is it providing compensation to her,” says Ombudsperson Jay Chalke in the report.

“The situation is fundamental – you make a mistake, you fix it. I am troubled that the ministry is not stepping up to correct an error that financially disadvantaged a young person, likely to the extent of tens of thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, the ministry won’t even look to see if others may have been similarly impacted.”

As a youth, Alexandra was removed from unsafe conditions in her family home five times by the ministry. When the ministry later applied

to the court for Alexandra to be transferred to the custody of her aunt, Alexandra agreed based on that understanding she should be eligible for a range of government-funded supports, including post-secondary supports. Chalke says in his report that the ministry told Alexndra she would be eligible for the supports at the time.

When Alexandra later applied for funding towards her post-secondary education from the ministry, she was surprised to she was not eligible as she was in her aunt’s custody when she turned 19.

“I have been told over and over again that I will be able to get assistance when I want to go to school, and if I had known at sixteen that I would not get financial help if I chose to live with family as opposed to a foster family, I would have chosen differently,” she previously wrote in an email to the ministry contained in the report.

Chalke makes five recommendations to government in his report, including that Alexandra be compensated for the full value of the supports she was led to believe she would receive including tuition, cost of living, and health care expenses. The ombudsperson says along with the rejection of the compensation, the ministry is also refusing his recommendation to conduct an audit to determine if other youth were impacted.

More oversight needed in legal care matters

tion the ministry’s explanation for refusing to look for others similarly impacted was that their own record-keeping cannot be relied on to be complete,” notes Chalke. “Such an explanation should shake public confidence that the best interests of young people are being protected.”

Chalke says the ministry compounded its mistake by not providing Alexandra access to legal advice, which is required by law before the ministry applies for a court order. The report also notes that Alexandra and her aunt did not understand the ramifications of the order when filling out the consent section of the ministry’s court application.

The ombudsperson says that Indigenous youth may be disproportionately impacted by such a lack of legal advice, as many Indigenous youth are involved in similar custody orders.

“In Alexandra’s case, parts of the court application materials that are designed to ensure young people understand the proposed order’s impacts were left blank. That was extremely concerning to say the least,” says Chalke. “These are important legal safeguards that the ministry had a responsibility to ensure were properly applied. They didn’t do that.”

Another recommendation in the report offers that an extra layer of oversight be added by allowing the public guardian and trustee review court applications similar to Alexandra’s, and for that office to provide advice to the court, independent from the ministry, as to whether the proposed transfer is in the child or youth’s best financial interest. Chalke says the ministry rejected this recommendation also.

Despite the number of rejections, Chalke says two recommendations centred around developing strategies to ensure that staff are aware of the benefits and limitations of permanency plans and obligations for providing youth with legal advice were accepted.

“I am hopeful that the ministry will change its mind on the recommendations it has rejected to date. It’s not too late to do the right thing,” Chalke explains.

Read the full report at www.bcombudsperson.ca.

If the amount of delinquent taxes, taxes in arrear, and interest to the first day of the tax sale for which the parcel of land and the improvements are liable for sale are not paid before the annual tax sale, the City of Merritt will of fer the property for sale by public auction at the time and place stated in this notice

If the property is sold at the annual tax sale, a right of redemption will remain in the owner or holder of the charge until the end of the redemption period

The City of Merritt makes no representation expressed or implied as to the condition or quality of the properties being offered for sale Prospective purchasers are urged to make all necessary inquiries to municipal and other government departments, and in the case of strata lots to the strata corporation, to determine the existence of any bylaws,

restriction, charges, or other conditions which may affect the value or sustainability of the property

Any person upon being declared the successful bidder must provide photo ID and immediately pay by cash or certified cheque a minimum of not less than the upset price Failure to pay this amount will result in the property being offered for sale again Purchase of a Tax Sale Property is subject to tax under the Property Tax Transfer Act on the fair

Jay Chalke has served as BC Ombudsperson since being appointed by the B.C. Legislative Assembly in 2015. Photo/BC Ombudsperson

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Abstract gallery opens at Nicola Valley Arts Centre

Honouring the land and looking to show support for several causes, local Nlaka’pamux artist Wyatt Collins is displaying a number of his abstract expressionist style artworks at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre gallery for the next month.

‘Our Tmixw – Celebrating the Land We Are On’ is Collins’ second show at the gallery. His first show came in 2018, when Collins was just 20 years old. The Nicola Valley Community Arts Council said Collins, who navigates the complexities of autism, has a colourful and flamboyant style in his artworks.

“I am happy to have Wyatt back in our gallery to show the art he has been working on,” said Jano Howarth, gallery curator for the NVCAC.

“Wyatt has spent time with several local artists, including Kim Vizi-Carmen and Joel Reid, with whom he has shared skills and inspirations.”

Howarth noted that Collins has had a many experiences in the last five years which have influenced his art. His latest show, running from September 14 to October 15, will highlight Collins’ paintings that honour the Tmixw, the Nlaka’pamux word meaning land, the water, and all living things. The show will includes displays of animals, water, water life, wild flowers, trees, the sky and the

land.

Collins’ artworks include pieces brining attention to issues such as the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, and the newly introduced holiday honouring reconciliation.

“This show was planned at this time of year to bring attention to this thoughtful Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, and we hope that this young artist can bring an extra focus to it in our community,” added Howarth.

“This exhibit highlighting Wyatt’s artwork honouring our land is really worth a visit! Welcome back to Wyatt’s world.”

The show will include two Nlaka’pamux pictograph-inspired designs recently designed by Collins called “All Children Are Loved,” which are tributes to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange t-shirts and hoodies bearing the design will be available for sale.

Art cards from Collins’ current and past shows will also be available, along with stories of the artist’s process. A meet and greet with Collins is planned for September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the gallery.

The Nicola Valley Arts Centre, located at 2051 Voght St., is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

See the work of Wyatt Collins at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre.

Photo/NVCAC

Cents earn the win in nal preseason matchup vs. Salmon Arm

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Better late than never.

The 2023-24 Merritt Centennials were able to breathe a sigh of relief in their final preseason BCHL game against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on home ice, taking a 4-1 win in a mostly one-sided effort.

With Andrew Ballantyne between the pipes for his second time in the four-game preseason, it was Zachary Losier that put the Cents on the board first, followed by Kiernan Poulin and Michael Felsing before the first buzzer, giving the home sqaud an early 3-0 lead.

After a scoreless second period, Michael Stenberg added some insurance in the third, with the Silverbacks only managing to best Ballantyne in the final minute of the game to break the shutout.

Ballantyne earned first star honours for his effort, stopping 28 of the 28 shots he faced.

After dropping two games to the West Kelowna Warriors to open the preseason, the Cents fell to the Silverbacks on the road the night before the win by a score of 3-1.

With the monkey off of their proverbial back, the Cents can bring confidence into their season homeopening weekend on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23, hosting the Powell River Kings on Friday evening at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

The following night features a tough matchup with the Penticton Vees, who have been BCHL champs two years in a row.

Powell River went 2-3 in the preseason, while Penticton played to a record of 3-0.

Both puck drops ar set for 7:05p.m. Tickets and further schedules can be found at www.merrittcentennials.com.

Season tickets will be available prior to Friday’s game at the Centennials office, or at the box office prior to puck drop.

Thanks to coaches everywhere

Shelly Moorhead CONTRIBUTED

Its National Coaches’ Week and over 2 million Canadians coach youth to enrich their lives and the community. One in seven Canadians will coach in their lifetime. There’s no better time to recognize and celebrate the integral role coaches play and the tremendous positive impact they have on athletes and communities across Canada.

September 16-24, 2023, marks the ninth annual National Coaches Week and we’re asking everyone across Canada for your help celebrating! Whether you’re from a National Sport Organization, Provincial / Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body, University, club, or if

you’re a coach, parent, or athlete, we want your help saying #ThanksCoach to coaches across the country.

Why National Coaches Week? National Coaches Week is a week to celebrate the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. It’s an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply

The Merritt Secondary School Sport Management class wants to thank all the community, club and school coaches. Without your dedication, support and knowledge many of us at MSS would not have had the ability to play and fall in love with sports. Thank you!

Air Attack volleyball tournament hits the gyms

The Senior Girls Air Attack

volleyball tournament invaded the gyms of Merritt last weekend, with Merritt Secondary Shcool playing

host, as well as using the facilities of NVIT and the middle school.

MSS was also the venue for a

matchup between UBC Okanagan and Capilano College for students to enjoy on Friday evening.

Results of the tournament will be posted online this week at www. merritherald.com.

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM

COMMUNITY

Classic cars caravan through Merritt

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Some of America’s most treasured and oldest car models made a stop in Merritt on Sept. 15 during a whirlwind tour of B.C.

Jake Courtepatte/Herald

The Classic Car Club of America is currently on its Pacific Northwest CARavan trip, and had lunch at The Grand pub and grill on the way from Sun Peaks to Whistler.

With a few dozen cars attracting the attention of passerby, some Merrittonians may have seen the defunct luxury Packard models for the first time, including the classic Packard 12 and Packard One Eighty.

The Detroit-based company last produced vehicles in 1958.

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

1750 Hill Street

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

June Lillian (Stelmock) Ware

October 15, 1933 – September 10, 2023

It is with greatest sadness that we announce the passing of lifelong resident of Merritt She was our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother She is survived by daughter Debra (Rick), sons Glen (Shannon) and Greg (Denise) Grandchildren Samantha (Aaron), George (DeLayla), Kara, Garrett, Kelsey-Ann, Fred (Dana) and Gorden and great-grandchildren Chase and Addison and predeceased by husband George in 2005

June and George met in Merritt and dated for 5 years before marrying Nov 20, 1954. They were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Mom started her career April 1950 at BC Tel as operator and progressed to Chief Operator until birth of first child returning part time until “dialing” came in to place. Mom was also an Avon Representative for many years.

Triple G Logging Ltd was formed in early 1970’s by George and June, with both being active in day-to-day activities. Glen & Greg were active in the company at an early age, following in parents’ footsteps, which legacy now has grandchildren working in the company

In earlier years we would go camping, water skiing, snowmobiling. Mom and dad were avid square dancers with many friends in that circle. Later during down time from work mom & dad did many worldly trips and cruises.

We wish to thank Gordon Curran for his faithful friendship and Debbie Green for her thoughtful care and friendship with mom Thank you to the staff at Gillis House and The Hamptons in Kamloops, as well as Dr Cribb for her thoughtful care of mom. There will be no service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family from

SUDOKU

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

3. Actor Pitt

4. Container

5. Speak incessantly

6. Relating to algae

7. Jacob __, journalist

8. Rock TV channel

9. Boat’s cargo

10. Most wise

11. Within

12. Chinese industrial city

13. Scotland’s longest river

16. Not capable

18. Footwear

22. Savings account

23. Capable

24. Vaccine developer

25. Tax collector

27. Fencing swords

28. Native religion in China

29. Promotional materials

30. A shot in a lm production

31. A ict in mind or body

33. A passage with access only at one end

35.

OFFICE RECEPTIONIST

Cascade Family Dental, Merritt, British Columbia

B ec ome an O f fi c e Rec eptionist at Cas c ade Family Dental

Earn $20 - $25/ hour star ting today

The Family dif fe r e nc e

Cas c ade Family Dental does dental dif ferently for patients and c linic ians alike, and we want our dental rec eptionists to love their jobs

The O f fi c e Re c e pt ionist

O f fi c e Rec eptionists at Cas c ade Family Dental are a key par t of helping our patients look for ward to the dentist As the fir st and last smile our patients see when visiting our of fi c e you’ll direc tly work to engage with our patients and dental team to b ook ap p ointments, proc es s payments and ensure the smooth operations of the prac tic e Rep or ting direc tly to the O f fi c e Manager we’re looking for an indivi dual who has the flexibilit y to sup p or t various administrative tasks as required

S e r vic e s S che dule: Full -t im e (4 - 5 d ays p e r we e k)

The O f fi c e Re c e pt ionist we ar e looking for is:

• Per s onable and plac es p atient experienc e fir st, and

• A high level of integrit y and dependabilit y and at tention to detail

As a O f fic e Re c e pt ionist at Casc a d e Family D e nt al, you will:

• Provi de exc eptional patient experienc e,

• Manage patient billing ac c urately, and

• Help patients look for ward to the dentist

B e ne fits for d e nt al assist ants includ e:

• Generous c ompensation pac kage ($20 - $25/ hr)

• Medic al benefits, dental benefits, and vision benefits

M or e ab out Casc a d e Family D e nt al

Cas c ade Famil y Dental provi des the best dental c are available, with a s pec tac ular c linic al team and state - of-the -ar t dental tec hnology

O ur dental profes sionals are inc entivized by patient results and experienc e As a loc al dental prac tic e, our foc us is on our c ommunit y O ur c linic ians work in a beautiful dental studio designed to s oothe We c ultivate inc lusive environments that value the indivi dual and praise team ef for t Simply put, Cas c ade Family Dental is a plac e where dental is transformed into the emp owering, human, and joy ful experienc e it shoul d be

Casc a d e D e nt al is an Equal O ppor tunit y Employe r

Cas c ade Family Dental is c ommit ted to promoting a work environment in whic h dif ferenc es are res pec ted, employees are treated fairly, and indivi dual c ontributions are valued and rewarded We are proud to be an Equal O p p or tunit y Employer This p olicy ap plies to all terms and c onditions of employment, inc luding rec ruiting, hiring, plac ement , promotion, termination, layof f, rec all, transfer, leaves of absenc e, c ompensation, and training

Send resume and questions to r e c e pt ion@c asc a d e d e nt al.c a

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.

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd.

the following vehicle will be auctioned on September 28, 2023 for non payment

DoddsAUCTION AUC TION

SELECTION of Top Quality Tools & Equipment incl. Ridgid 535 & 300 Pipe Threaders, Large Selection of Ridgid Acc., Pipe Dollies, Slings, Fall Restraints, Lanyards, Cable Pullers, Airless Paint Sprayer, Lights, Compressors, Ladders, Test Plugs, Airline, Pipe Stands, Hammer Drills, Chainsaws, Bandsaws, Chop Saws, Metal Saws, Hole Hog Drills, Plumbers Bit Sets, Ridgid Roll Groover Toolboxes, Reciprocating Saws, Ridgid Cast Cutters, Cordless Drills, Genie Compressed Air Lift, Ridgid Hole Cutter, Sheet Metal Brake, Alum. Ramp, Victaulic Couplings, Falcon Plank, Genie Super Lift, Job Boxes, Ridgid Tri Stands, Socket Sets, Torque Wrenches, Chain Hoists, Clamps, Ridgid Benders, Flaring Tools, Electrical Cords, Refrigerant, Recovery Tanks, Electrical Cable, Floor Jacks, Sanders, Drain Augers, Angle Grinders, Vacuums, Vac Pumps, Pipe Wrenches, Leak Detectors, Fire Extinguishers, Testers, Flex Duct, Chains, Wire, Parts, Heaters, Safety Gear, First Aid Kits, Nuts & Bolts, Fittings, Fasteners, Calibration Kits, Laser, Crimpers, Glycol, Hand Carts, MovinCool Cooling System, Plus Much More!!

An exciting opportunity exists for a Part-time Staff Administrative Support position at Merritt Funeral Chapel.

The successful candidate shall have the following qualifications:

• Computer, inter net and word processing skills

• Effective communication skills both orally and in writing

• High level of compassion, integrity and confidentiality

Duties will include:

• Greeting persons entering the office for infor mation and assistance

• Receiving incoming telephone calls and assist callers with enquiries; direct calls to appropriate team members

• General maintenance duties

Resumes may be presented in person, or submitted via email to: Angela Texmo@DignityMemorial com

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

VALUE ADDED

LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT

PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT)

• Wages: starting $20 to $25

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

• Will train

TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

Excellent medical & dental plan

Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B C 250-378-6161