Merritt Herald September 7, 2023

Aey Arts

CEMETERY DESIGN

Merritt City Council approved a new design for the Cityowned Pine Ridge Cemetery at their most recent regular meeting.

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RODEO RECAP

See the results of this year’s Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, the 63rd annual, along with some action shots from the weekend.

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SILVER AND GOLD

A number of local seniors brought home medals from the 55+ BC Seniors games, including in tennis and floor curling.

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A new mural has been painted by Karianne Kroeker and Brooklyn Harris of the Nicola Valley Arts Council in the back alley of Quilchena and Granite Avenues.

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Pine Ridge Cemetery design approved by Council

will soon recieve a number of upgrades and updates following City Council’s approval of the plans. Photo/Herald File

Merritt’s local cemetery is getting a new design after the city council’s unanimous decision during the latest council meeting on August 22.

According to the City staff’s report presented at latest the council meeting, the city-operated Pine Ridge Cemetery, located at 1675 Juniper Dr., will add two 60 niche columbarium units during phase 2 of the expansion project, as well as retaining walls, landscaping and a scattering garden.

The City of Merritt’s Cemetery

Master Plan of 2017 aims to not only address the city’s growing burial needs but also its commitment to long term sustainability of the cemetery’s operation. In the report made by City staff, a total of 570 cremation interments are needed through 2042.

Rick Green, City of Merritt’s director of engineering and public works, said in the council meeting that the plan for the new design is to work around the existing columbarium.

“We’re going to centre an area now

around where that existing (columbarium) one was and make room for a couple three, two more of them, and then a scattering garden on a smaller scale with a lot less retaining wall,” he said.

Green also said that the new design will also allow to add more niches to the cemetery in a one to five years timeline.

“That’ll give us time to then plan the future depending on how the growth requirements go with the cemetery,” he said. “We’re not stuck with sort of just one small amount here. This is going to be an ongoing development at the cemetery.”

Green also added that the new design will allow them to realign the roads at the cemetery, making sure there’s more space to develop it.

City Councillor Wendy Charney raised questions regarding the grass presented in the new design, considering the water restrictions that are effective at the moment, and if there are any other alternatives.

Green said that areas pointed out by Coun. Charney are “shade of trees, and we can definitely tune things up.”

Mayor Mike Goetz brought up in

the meeting that the Merritt & District Hospice Society has approached him about the ‘wind phone’, a project that was designed in Japan and connects callers to lost loved ones.

“What has been done around the world is a phone that hooks up to absolutely nothing,” he said. “It’s put up there where people can go up and say the words they feel like they need to say, that they didn’t get a chance to say.”

Mayor Goetz said that a phone has already been donated for the project and reminded that the cemetery is a sacred place for a lot of people in Merritt.

Regarding the new design, he said in the meeting that he loves the expansion plan.

“I think it’s really great. I’ve gone up to look at the columbarium, and matter of fact, I talked to a lady up there who had some questions (about the plan) and I think it looks really nice,” the mayor said.

All members of city council voted unanimously to approve the newest design and recommended City staff will continue to detail design tendering and the construction of the project.

Interior Health Authority (IHA) recently released a report outlining their response to the ongoing toxic drug death crisis unfolding across the province, including a number of deaths this year in Merritt.

Canada’s first case of the new COVID-19 variant, BA.2.86, was detected in B.C. last week. Officials said the new case was not unexpected, and pledged to monitor new data.

Pine Ridge Cemetery is located at 1675 Juniper Dr., and

Gymnastics

Dr. Duncan Ross to move medical practice within Merritt

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Local physician Dr. Duncan Ross is relocating his family medicine within Merritt. Ross, who has been practicing for the past 29 years at the Nicola Valley Medical Centre located at 2087 Granite Ave., will be in a new office space starting September 5. The new medical practice location will be within the old HUB building located at 1802 Chapman St.

As of September 1, all his current patients can call 778-661-0355 to book appointments by phone or in person at the new clinic, which is owned and operated by Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society.

Residents without a family physician or nurse practitioner can add their names to the Health Connect Registry online at www. healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry or by calling HealthLink BC at 811.

Those who have registered will be contacted by the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice once a local primary care provider has an opening on their patient panel.

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Dr. Duncan Ross is pictured in this undated photo. Photo/Contributed

by Tanya Lee Dunlop

AUER: on to new adventures, with love and gratitude

for the opportunities I’ve had and stories I’ve had the privilege to tell, that I announce this is my last week as Editor of the Merritt Herald.

And just like that, as mysteriously as he arrived, he was gone. Well, not gone, but taking on a new opportunity. It’s with mixed emotions, and an unending amount of gratitude

I started at the Herald in April of last year as a reporter, my first foray into journalism. In less than 18 months, I covered hundreds of stories, became Editor, and learned so much about this community. All the stories, good and bad, have confirmed to me that the Nicola Valley is a truly caring and tight knit community, where the mentality of lending a hand when necessary is a constant.

The small but mighty crew

at the Herald will undoubtedly go on continuing to report the news and tell stories, as small town journalism is a vital part of any community. I will continue to read and support the paper, as a loss of local newspaper journalism would undoubtedly lead to an increase in apathy and decrease in civic engagement. A local newspaper is the voice of the community, and I encourage you to lend your voice and your support to the Herald by engaging with us in person, through our website, and on Twitter/X.

I would like to to extend a thank you to everyone I have

interacted with in this role for the opportunity to share your voice and hear your story.

Thank you to Theresa Arnold, the Herald’s most staunch advocate and a fantastic publisher, for her constant support and guidance. Thank you to Ken Couture, our late office manager, and his successor, Roger White, who both have never failed to make me laugh.

Thank you to Laisa, who I know will do great things at the Herald.

Most importantly, thank you to my family for your continued support. I look forward to to spending more time with you.

MARIUS AUER HERALD EDITOR

EDITORIAL KANDA: Merritt Ukulele Circle highlights local opportunities

Kathy Kanda MERRITT UKULELE CIRCLE

The Merritt Ukulele Circle (MUC) gathered on Aug. 26, 2023, to celebrate “Play Music on the Porch Day.” Coincidentally, the week also coincided with the 144th birthday of the ukulele! We had a good time connecting with friends again after our summer break, and getting a bit of practice before our fall ukulele schedule began. Our group is looking forward to an active season of jamming and performances.

Richard Lepinsky is leading an adult beginner’s group at the Merritt Library starting

September 20, and Kathy Kanda is leading a children’s beginner’s group through the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council starting October 16. You can be sure to see us perform at various senior facilities this year, and I’m sure we will be back at the community Christmas concert.

We practice together twice a month, and invite adults of all abilities to join us! It is a fun time of jamming, singing and laughing together on the second and fourth Tuesday evening of every month. Connect with us on Facebook, or by emailing richard@richardlepinsky.com to get our latest updates. We all hope you come play in the MUC!

AUER: lessons learned after a decade of self-employment

is one of my favourite things to talk about; I chatted with a friend last week and she asked me about my take on small business in Merritt, so here’s my opinion on that.

than just recommend grants and loans and free webinars. Because starting a business is not the hardest part; to keep it going and make it profitable is.

FUNDING FOR NICOLA VALLEY GENERAL

Patients at the Nicola Valley General Hospital will have a more comfortable stay thanks to $821,435 in funding from the B.C. Ministry of Health.

Yale-Lillooet MLA Harry Lali announced approval of the money at the hospital last Friday.

On September 1, I celebrated my 10-year self-employment anniversary. I started my business at the beginning of 2011, two years and eight months later I quit my day job and have been working full-time for myself since. Business and what it takes to start and run one successfully

My answer to my friend’s question was that most people don’t know what they are getting into and just how much it actually takes to start and run a business that generates a fulltime income and has a chance of contributing to the growth of the community. And while there are several non-profit organizations available to support budding entrepreneurs in Merritt, they lack one thing - someone who is actually an entrepreneur and who can speak from experience rather

So what does it take? Apart from the legal and licensing requirements, you need to know what you want to do, who you’re doing it for, and what problem you’re solving for them. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling a product or a service, those questions are at the core. Drill down deep, especially the part about who your market is (and if it exists to the extend you need in Merritt) and how what you offer will make their life easier. Once you’re clear on that you have to be prepared to either spend

a significant amount of time or money. It can be both, but has to be at least one. Either you do the groundwork or you pay someone to do it. If you think you don’t need marketing - you do. As freelancer Peter Bowerman said: “Other people spend amazingly little time thinking about you.”

Once you’re up and runningor, even better, as soon as you’re thinking about starting a business - connect with other entrepreneurs. Think about how you can collaborate with other businesses for a win-win for your and their customers. Collaborations and exchange of ideas are a vital part of a thriving business community, and in my opinion that’s what’s missing in the Nicola Valley.

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.

The ukulele celebrated its 144th Birthday recently. A number of celebrations for the mighty little instrument were held around the world, by various ukulele enthusiasts. Among them were a handful of members from the Merritt Ukulele Circle, celebrating locally. Photo/Kathy Kanda

KERSTIN AUER LIFE NORTH OF 50

EDITORIAL

A weekend of high-octane action: Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo returns

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds were packed this weekend as dozens of competitors from across the country competed in the 63rd iteration of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo.

The stands were bustling with excitement as rodeo participants, entertainers, and volunteers put on quite the show. Seven different events took place over the two-day rodeo, including a bull riding event dedicated to Ty Pozzobon, a Merritt bull rider who took his own life in 2017.

Peter Spencer, president of the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association, defined the pro rodeo as “a festival celebrating the Western and ranch heritage of the Nicola Valley.”

“It’s much more than just simply what’s going on in the arena,” he previously told the Herald.

The weekend included live music performed by local musicians Ross Fairweather and Patrick Spencer and Coldwater Road. Bobby Garcia once again headlined the rodeo dance on Saturday night, playing country music for rodeo enthusiasts.

Noemy Coeurjoly returned to the rodeo this year to showcase her incredible horsemanship skills, as she confidently stood on the back of two horses at once. She was joined this year by Alberta’s Keely Sutherland, a trick rider that entertained the crowds along with Coeurjoly.

The full results of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, according to Pro Rodeo Canada, are as follows:

Bareback riding: 1. Dantan Bertsch, 86.5 points on Macza Rodeo’s Black Betty, $1,584; 2. Dallas Hay, 83, $1,311; 3. Wyatt Maines, 80, $1,038; 4. Justin Myers, 79, $765; 5. Spur Lacasse, 77, $492; 6. Clint Laye, 73, $273. Steer wrestling: 1. Scott Guenthner, 3.4 seconds, $2,135; 2. Jace Melvin, 3.6, $1,857; 3. Dalton Massey, 3.7, $1,578; 4.

(tie) Harley Cole and Ryan Shuckburgh, 3.9, $1,160 each; 6. Straws Milan, 4.1, $743; 7. Stephen Culling, 4.2, $464; 8. (tie) Landon Beardsworth and Baillie Milan, 4.3, $93 each.

Team roping: 1. Brady Chappel/ Tee McLeod, 4.6 seconds, $2,184 each; 2. Chase Simpson/Travis Speer, 4.7 seconds, $1,899; 3. Dawson Graham/ Dillon Graham, 4.8, $1,614; 4. Jeremy Buhler/Rhen Richard, 5.0, $1,329; 5. Levi Simpson/Logan Cullen, 5.6, $1,044; 6. Kavis Drake/Kasper Roy, 5.7, $760; 7. Roland McFadden/Tyrel Flewelling, 6.0, $475; 8. Brady Tryan/Calgary Smith, 9.6, $190.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Dawson Dahm, 87 points on Macza Rodeo’s Rock Island Express, $1,790; 2. Jake Watson, 85.5, $1,470; 3. Tyrel Roberts, 81.5, $1,151; 4. (tie) Chance Barrass, Kyle Wanchuk, Sawyer Eirikson and Colt Smith, 79, $463 each; 8. Ross Griffin, 78, $128.

Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Austin Hines and Stran Dunham, 8.0 seconds, $2,375 each; 3. Jason Smith, 8.1, $1,878; 4. Beau Cooper, 8.5, $1,546; 5. Jesse Popescul, 8.6, $1,215; 6. (tie) Kirk Robinson and Clay Elliott, 8.7, $718; 8. (tie) Tyler Popescul and Haven Meged, 8.9, $110 each.

Barrel racing: 1. Karli Cowie, 15.63 seconds, $2,013; 2. Brooke Wills, 15.69, $1,726; 3. Taylor Manning, 15.70, $1,438; 4. Shelby Spielman, 15.74, $1,246; 5. Blake Molle, 15.79, $959; 6. Diane Skocdopole, 15.81, $767; 7. Jayden Wilson, 15.88, $575; 8. Vanessa Leggett, 15.90, $384; 9. (tie) Kyla Simmons, Suzanne DePaoli and Kylie Whiteside, 15.91, $160 each.

Bull riding: 1. Dakota Buttar, 87.5 points on Macza Rodeo’s Rock Salt and Nails, $1,813; 2. Jared Parsonage, 85.5, $1,490; 3. Edgar Durazo, 83, $1,166; 4. Chanse Switzer, 82, $842; 5. Brock Radford, 81, $518; 6. (tie) Cody Fraser and Coy Robbins, 80, $259 each; 8. Jordan Hansen, 60, $130.

A rodeo participant wrestles a steer to the ground on day one of rodeo action at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds last weekend. Marius Auer/Herald

Parade kicks off Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo weekend in major return

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

After a four year hiatus, the Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade made its triumphant return in downtown Merritt this pro rodeo weekend.

The parade, organized by Nicola Valley Rodeo Association board member Jacqueline Whitecross and a group of volunteers, featured 19 floats and plenty of onlookers that gathered along the parade route.

“We’ve got a great community, and I think of what children need, as well as adults, they love a parade,” Whitecross previously told the Herald. “To me it’s so important, I just really believe in giving back to the community, I’ve done that all my life.”

The parade began with an escort by a Merritt RCMP patrol vehicle, followed by the Martindale family, a local family heavily involved in agriculture and volunteerism. A number of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses entered floats in the newly revived parade.

Whitecross hopes to see the event grow even larger next year, with planning already underway for the next Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade.

Nicola Valley Search and Rescue was one of many nonprofits who entered a float into the revived Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade, which took place Friday (September 1). Marius Auer/Herald

Jayson Charters, a well known local rodeo clown, made his return to the festivities last weekend after a hiatus of his own. Charters entertained downtown crowds Friday night. Marius Auer/Herald

Missing Merritt man not seen since August 25

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Mounties need your help in locating a missing person.

In a news release, Merritt RCMP said 51-year-old Todd Bradley Boekenkruger has not been seen since last Friday, August 25.

Boekenkruger is described as a white man with white/blonde hair and blue eyes. He is 5’10’’ tall and weighs 177 lbs.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Todd Bradley Boekenkruger is urged to contact their local police, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.

Todd Bradley Boekenkruger is shown in this undated photo, provided by Merritt RCMP. Boekenkruger has not been seen since Friday (August 25). Photo/RCMP

46th Nicola Valley Fall Fair attracts hobbyists of all kinds

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Every year, the community celebrates the Nicola Valley Fall Fair, a time-honored tradition where agriculture skills, hobbies, and a commitment to preservation come together to celebrate rural life.

This year was no exception, with hundreds of attendees, entrants, and volunteers coming together at the Merritt Exhibition Grounds on Lindley Creek Road to make the 46th iteration of the agricultural exhibition a success.

The fall fair provides an opportunity for entrants to exhibit their agriculture skills, and other hobbies, to the community, and is a longstanding community tradition.

The fair’s goal is to raise interest in the agricultural industry, in particular improving the quality of agricultural and other

Public pool closed until October

products. While focusing on the exhibition of the community’s projects, it also puts emphasize on preservation and improvement of food and other necessities, a practice which was once a way of life, and necessary for survival.

Kathy Reimer, a convener and longtime volunteer with the fall fair, previously told the Herald opening the doors and welcoming the community makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“When you open the door and everybody comes in, I think it’s the best feeling,” she said.

Preparations for next year’s fall fair have already begun, with its dedicated core of volunteers preparing for the large-scale yard sales held at the Merritt Exhibition Grounds throughout the year that fund the organization.

Results from the fall fair are being gathered and will be published in a future edition of the Herald.

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merrittonians looking to take a dip in one of the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre’s pools will have to wait until next month. The City’s website said that the entire facility, including the pool and fitness centre, will be closed until October 3 for maintenance. Along with routine repairs and maintenance activities, the pools will also be repainted. The month-long clo-

sure is partly due to the paint’s lengthy curing time.

A ‘Summer Splashdown Pool Party’ was held at the aquatic centre on Friday (September 1) to close out the summer season and give pool go-ers one last chance to practice their butterfly stroke before the closure.

For more information on the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, including hours and confirmation of a reopening date, visit www.merritt.ca/NVAC.

The Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre is currently closed for its annual maintenance shutdown, with the pool scheduled to reopen on October 3. Photo/Herald File

A number of the Merritt Speedway’s racers had their cars on display at the Merritt Exhibition Grounds last weekend as a part of this year’s Nicola Valley Fall Fair. Marius Auer/Herald

The Nicola Valley Fall Fair is held annually at the Merritt Exhibition Grounds on Lindley Creek Road. Marius Auer/Herald

City of Merritt’s Greg Lowis departing to new role with regional district

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has announced that Merritt’s Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis has been hired as their general manager of corporate and legislative services.

Lowis has worked for the City since 2019 in various capacities, including corporate officer, chief election officer, Emergency Operations Centre public information officer, and, most recently, interim chief administrative officer. He will soon depart the City of Merritt for his new role.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the TNRD, and supporting the communities across the region of BC’s best,” Lowis said in a TNRD release.

After emigrating to Canada from the United Kingdom, Lowis completed a law degree at the University of Victoria before working for the City. The regional district noted he has more than 15 years in local government experience.

“We were fortunate to have had many excellent candidates for this position, and are excited to now have Greg join the team with his broad skillset, experience, and enthusiasm. I’m confident that Greg will help us build on positive changes to policies and procedures that we have made as an organization,” said TNRD Chief Administrative Officer Scott Hildebrand, who was Merritt’s CAO prior to joining the regional district.

When Lowis takes over his new TNRD position in late September, the regional district said he will manage three departments in the division, perform the statutory duties of the corporate officer, facilitate legislative processes, and provide procedural guidance and advice to the board of directors and staff.

Lowis replaces Deanna Campbell, who was recently hired as the CAO for the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality.

Annual Tax Sale

As per the Local Government Act (RSBC 2015) Part 16, Division 7, the following parcels of property shall be offered for sale by public auction unless the delinquent taxes with interest are paid by September 22, 2023.

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 offer 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 market value of the property.

Greg Lowis has served as Merritt’s director of corporate services since 2019. Photo/Herald File

Greg Lowis is shown in an undated file photo. Photo/Herald File

Podium performances for Merritt participants at Seniors Games

said.

A few Merrittonians seniors won medals at the Abbotsford 2023 55-plus Games, which was held on August 22 to 26.

Dianne Quinn, 79, was representing Merritt in the tennis’ mixed doubles and women’s doubles. Quinn won a silver medal while playing the women 75-79 doubles with her team partner Maria Russell Martin from Ashcroft.

“We did have quite a convincing win against the last pair we played,” she said.

She also said that the medal represents a great achievement for her, but it is not the reason she plays.

“It’s a game I love. I would be doing it without the medal,” Quinn

Quinn played the mixed doubles 60-65 category with Balwant Bains, another Merrittonian, which she said there were different challenges.

“We were playing against much younger people and teams, you know, they’re used to playing with one another,” she said. “It’s a faster game, especially when it comes to volleys. The desire always is to hit the woman, you know, hit to the weaker one.”

Balwant Bains, 64, also played in the men’s single tennis category in which he won a silver medal at the men 60-64 singles.

Bains said the gold medal and the silver medal he has won during the competition mean a lot to him.

“The most important thing that they mean is that I can still do it. I can still play and achieve something like that,” he said. “I’m proud and looking forward to go back and get a couple more (medals).”

Besides Bains and Quinn, Merritt was also represented by the floor curling team composed of five members. Dot Coburn, Bernard Larocque, Joanne Larocque, Allan Moore and John Emery gave their all and brought a gold medal home.

Joanne Larocque said they were a pretty unique team.

“We had someone who was 91 and another person who had never gone to the games before and he is in his 86,” she said.

The 91-year-old floor curling player was John Emery, who was new in the sport, according to Larocque.

“In the six months (of training), he developed (a lot). He was the lead, the number one person,” she said.

The floor curling team ended up winning five games out of eight, scoring more points than other teams overall, which made them win the gold medal.

“We didn’t think we could do it,” Larocque said. “In fact, on the first day we played, we lost three games and won one game … we thought ‘well, we’re probably going to get maybe lucky to get a bronze now’.”

Larocque said they got back the following day and won all their games.

She encourages everyone who would like to participate in the BC Seniors Games, to give it a try.

“You’ll get a sense of how proud people are and how, you know, how they’re happy to be there and be part of something like that.”

Cents start preseason tomorrow

Dot Coburn, Bernard Larocque, Joanne Larocque, Allan Moore and John Emery of Merritt’s floor curling team pose for their team shot with their gold medals. Photo/Contributed

Laísa Condé REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Dianne Quinn, 79, and Balwant Bains, 64, competed at the seniors games both together and separately.

Photo/Dianne Quinn

The Merritt Centennials main camp took place last week. Tomorrow (September 8), the Cents take on the West Kelowna Warriors in one of two preseason games. The regular season begins for the Cents on September 22 with a home game against Powell River. For more information, visit the team’s website at www.merrittcentennials.com. Marius Auer/Herald

Museum remembers Merritt Drug and Book Store robbery of 1937

Between the hours of 3:15 and 4 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23rd 1937, a group of robbers broke into the Merritt Drug and Book Store owned by A. H. Blumenauer. The Drug and Book Store was located approximately where Superior Pizza is now located, on Quilchena Avenue just east of the Quilchena and Voght Corner.

It is not known exactly how the robbers managed to get inside the store, perhaps they simply managed to pick the two locks on the door, or perhaps one of them managed to stow away under a counter before closing and hit until it was time to strike. The robbers managed to break into the display cases around the store and stole a large quantity of jewelry, watches, rings, cigarettes, razors and fountain pens. In total the amount stolen and damaged was approximately $1000 (approximately $21,000 in today’s money). But that was not just the original plan. The robbers also packed dynamite with them in order to blow open the safe.

The explosion was heard by Charles Isitt, who was watching the Coldwater

Hotel, and Mary Wilson, who was operating the phone lines overnight. But both of them assumed that the explosion was some thunder, as it was a fairly stormy night that night.

The explosion blew off the door, but also sent the safe flying, destroying some nearby shelves and smashing the bottles of acid that were on them onto the ground. It also caused a large amount of damage in the room behind the southern wall that the safe was backed onto. The contents of the safe, which included cash and golden rings appear to have been untouched, implying that the robbers feared that the explosion caused too much noise and that soon the police would be called.

They fled out the back door into the alley and made their escape. The robbery was unnoticed until the morning, when Blumenauer came to unlock his store and found it completely ransacked and destroyed. The robbers left little clues of who they were, only having left a blanket, which may have been used to help muffle the sound of the explosion, and a kit bag. The local police were aided by a local constable and the RCMP for searching for fingerprints. They also received a tip from

a local resident that a vehicle was seen speeding from Merritt towards Kamloops at 4 a.m. that same day.

It didn’t take too long for one of the suspects to be caught. Around two weeks later, Blumenauer was summoned to Penticton, where Phillip Roberts was arrested and suspected of being an accomplice to the robbery. He was found through a man who had purchased a pen off of Roberts. Roberts was known to police, and had a long track record of previous convictions.

Roberts was found with a collection of items, such as a diamond ring, a dozen fountain pens, three watches, and five pencils, which Blumenauer was able to identify as items that were stolen from the store during the robbery, and which bared marks from the Merritt Drug and Book Store.

Throughout his time being questioned, and even during his trial, Roberts remained completely silent and refused to speak, confess to

tune-up before the cold hits.

the crime, or give up any names of any accomplices. He was convicted in August 1937 of holding goods that were known to be stolen and sentenced to two and a half years in a New Westminster prison. As far as we were able to track, no other accomplices were ever found.

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

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

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

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

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

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

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

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

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC)

1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

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

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

Ser vice Time: Sunday 10:00 am

Cameron Bridge NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

A portion of Kenn Toy’s Map that was drawn from memory of what Merritt looked like in the 1930’s. The map is taken from the quarterly “Profiles of Chinese Canadians in the Nicola Valley.” Photo/Nicola Valley Museum and Archives

PLEAS E RECY CLE THIS NE WSPAPE R

Andy Christy

On August 26th, 2023, our family received the news that their son, father, brother, uncle and friend, Andy Christy, passed away at the age of 56 in Me BC Andy is survived by his Mom, Anne Christy, children Kyle (Robyn) and Emma, brother Lorne (Laura), sister Shannon (Glen) and nieces and nephews Jordie (Julia), Kara, Garrett, Kelsey-Ann and Courtney and pre-deceased by his father, Lorne Christy

Andy worked on numerous projects all over the province as a Bridgeman and Welder When not working, Andy could be found in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, digging for gold and spending time on his snowmobile, motorbike or quad. As a brother, Andy was always available to lend a hand whenever and for whatever his siblings needed. Truly the center of Andy’s universe were his children, Kyle and Emma He provided them with lessons on how to do one of the many hobbies he had and a life full of the best memories Andy was a man of few words, but each of his words counted. Wherever he is, we hope there is a lake to fish and plenty of game to hunt

A celebration of life will be held on September 23rd

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

The most natural response to a loss is to establish the significance of the event When a bad thing happens to us, we want someone to know and to acknowledge how bad it is

www.merritthospice.org

P: 250-280-1701

Email: merr tthospice@shaw ca

Valorie Joan McLeod

December 7, 1950 - August 14, 2023

On August 14, 2023, Valorie McLeod passed away in the Kamloops hospital. She is survived by her lifelong friend and loving husband, Gordon, son Scott (Robyn) Tawny, Silas, Oliver and Meredith, son Alex (Mary) Cole and Ty, all of Aspen Grove, as well as her sister Lila (Andy) Rupp of Kaleden, BC, and too many nieces and nephews to name. She is predeceased by her parents, Leslie and Marjorie (Nellie) Bryant.

Val was a force to be reckoned with. She lived and worked in the Merritt area her entire life and whether you knew her as a coworker in the education, logging or ranching industries, as a driving instructor, as a hunting, fishing or camping companion, as a family member or as one of her many, many students, she made a lasting impression. She was a passionate advocate of the kids she taught and loved reconnecting with them as adults in the wider world. Always generous with her time and resources, Val also mentored new teachers and assisted women in obtaining the skills they needed to thrive independently The pride she took in her grandchildren was well-known and their daily visits will be greatly missed. Her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering confidence in those she was closest to is irreplaceable

While there is no service planned at this point in time, the family will be planning a celebration of life at a later date.

1. Number of players on each side in a football game

2. Containing salt

3. Reasoning or knowledge: a __

4. Car mechanics group

5. Leave a place

6. Southern Colombian capital

8. Old English letter

9. Tide

11. Walk heavily

14. Chemical compound (abbr.)

15. Arti cial openings

18. Luteinizing hormone

19. Unit of energy

20. Circular movement of water

22. A way of holding 23. Popular book of words (abbr.)

24. States’ group

It’s under the tree 39. Wood sorrels 41. No (Scottish)

42. Dialect of English 43. Former Steelers’ QB 44. Popular beer

27. Dashes 28. Body part 29. Electronic countermeasures 31. Consumed 32. Small bird 33. Unhappy 34. Football’s big game (abbr.)

35. Valued object o ered in good faith 36. Wild goats 37. Precede in place

45. It can make you sick 46. Tropical tree and fruit 48. Company o cer

Contact lens term 50. Your consciousness of your own identity 51. “Ghetto Superstar” singer 52. Piece of turf

38. Small edible sh 39. Notice of death 40. Body cavity of a metazoan 44. Partner to cheese

Not around

JOB POSTINGS

3 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUC ATOR POSITIONS

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 prac tice 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 projec ts on reser ve and within the BRIB traditional territor y The Lands and Resources Manager repor ts direc tly 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

Posting Closed Date: UNTIL FILLED

EDUC ATION COORDINATOR

Under the direc tion 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

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 Fax (250) 256- 7999

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS

The LNIB Development Cor por ation is seeking qualified individuals interes ting in an appointment to it s Board of Direc tor s The LNIB Development Cor por ation’s Board of Direc tor s will consis t of at leas t t wo elec ted LNIB Member s and three non- LNIB Member appointees Appointment s shall be decided by the LNIB Chief & Council and confir med at the LNIB Development Cor por ations’ Annual Gener al Meeting scheduled for September 26, 2023

Required Skills and/or Experience to Ac t as a Direc tor for LNIBDC:

• Protec t as set s and provide financial over sight (the abilit y to inter pret / analy ze financial s tatement s and make infor med decisions for a moder ately sized entities)

• Organize s tr ategic planning and monitoring

• Contr ac tual awarenes s and under s tanding (the abilit y to under s tand and inter pret the various legal contr ac t s and agreement s involving LNIBDC and any of it s subsidiar y busines ses)

• Gener al commercial awarenes s of the Fores t a nd Natur al Resource Indus tries and/or land management in British Columbia

• A gener al under s tanding of the Gover nance role of Board of Direc tor s and their duties and fiduciar y responsibilities

• The abilit y to comfor tably inter ac t with the LNIB Band Council, LNIB s taf f, executives from various busines ses and cor por ations, and senior Gover nment of ficials

• Be willing to ser ve on various commit tees and/or wor king groups

• Availabilit y to at tend Board meetings during “ nor mal” wor king hour s

• Be involved in Board member recr uitment and per for mance evaluation

• Selec t, suppor t, and review the per for mance of the Gener al Manager

• Respec t and/or an awarenes s of Nlaka’pamux cultur al values and heritage

For more infor mation, please contac t: LNIB Development Cor por ation’s Gener al Manager, Don Gos soo at (250) 315 -9277 or Don Gos soo@lnibdc com

Commencing: A s soon as the appointment has been confir med

Term of Of fice: To be deter mined

Per Diem: $10 0 0/month plus mileage when applic able

Please send your writ ten E xpres sion of Interes t outlining how you meet the above criteria along with your C V or resume to: Don Gos soo@lnibdc com no later than Friday, September 8th, 2023 4:30 pm

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

Until F illed

Central; Diamond Vale

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

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

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