Merritt Herald - November 12, 2013

Page 1

ROAD CONDITIONS WORSEN PAGE 3 merrittherald.com

WOLF POPULATION BOOMS PAGE 5

COPS FOR KIDS PAGE 9

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

bcclassified.com

MERRITT HERALD FREE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

Groups hope to send local actors to film premiere

A screen shot from Shana: The Wolf’s Music, which was shot locally and stars Lower Nicola Indian Band member Sunshine O’Donovan. Submitted

By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

Two Nicola Valley groups are hoping to send two local actors to Zurich, Switzerland for the premiere of the locally-shot movie they starred in. Merritt SaySo Expression Society president Mil Juricic and Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce manager Etelka Gillespie are spearheading an initiative to raise funds to send the two lead actors from the movie Shana: The Wolf ’s Music to the premiere of the Swiss film. Come March, they are hoping to send Lower Nicola Indian Band

member Sunshine O’Donovan, who plays the main character, Shana, and fellow cast member Delilah Dick, who plays Shana’s teacher and mentor, to the film’s premiere in Zurich. Juricic and Gillespie are looking at ways to fundraise for the trip. Juricic told the Herald the nonprofit SaySo and the local chamber of commerce recently put in a grant proposal with Rotary Club of Merritt Sunrise. Juricic said they are looking at sending the pair to Zurich for 10 to 12 days. Gillespie said it should cost about $7,000 to send the pair on

M E R R I T T

Phone: 250-378-6181

www.realtor.ca

See our full Real Estate Review inside the Thursday edition of the Merritt Herald.

submit the film to be shown at some film festivals, such as the Berlin Film Festival or even the Sundance Film Festival. The film will also likely see a debut in Canada and Juricic said they are lobbying to get that premiere brought to Merritt next spring. Juricic said SaySo, the chamber of commerce and the ThompsonNicola Film Commission are working to promote the locallyshot film as much as possible. “There’s been a number of films, Hollywood included, that have done films in this area. This one is particularly precious because it’s about this area,”

Juricic said. The film was directed by Switzerland’s Nino Jacusso and made in conjunction with Switzerland’s Reck Filmproduktions and Vancouver’s Red Cedar Films. There are 50 speaking roles in the movie — including six lead actors — and 95 per cent of them are First Nations. Even Juricic has a small speaking role in the film. “What’s unique about this production is that it hasn’t been peppered by famous Hollywood actors or anything.”

See ‘SaySo’ Page 2

FEATURE HOMES

Helping you is what we do.™

1988 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 • Fax: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt

the roundtrip to Switzerland. “We’re doing stuff on the cheap here,” Juricic said. The two actors plan to take some of the dresses they wore in the film to wear at the premiere as well. “It’s [about] creating a presence and enough of a profile that people say ‘Oh, gee, we want to see that film in our country,’” Juricic said, noting the hope is there will be film distributors at the premiere. Gillespie said the actors also plan to tour schools around Zurich to talk about the film and Canadian life in Lower Nicola. Juricic said he also hopes to

ING

ING

LIST W E N

• • • • •

UNIQUE PROPERTY 13+ acres close to Merritt House is 3 years new 3 bdrm, 3 bath, family home Detached garage/shop & 2 wells.

$755,000

M4036

ING

LIST W E N

• • • •

Amazing kitchen w/granite Easy care yard 5 BR, 4 bth family home w/pool New roof & remodeled bathrooms

$439,000

M4039

LIST W E N

• • • • •

PROFITABLE LOCAL BUSINESS Perfect family enterprise Training can be provided Beautiful storefront and deli. 2 walk-in coolers, large quick freeze.

$150,000

M4030

ING

LIST W E N

• • • •

Great Investment Opportunity! Prime development potential. Ideal location for your business. Mixed use commercial.

$570,000

M4038


2 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Child care workers extend knowledge By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

The Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Centre held a two-day workshop called “Coming together to learn” for community child care providers and educators in Merritt. The workshop was held at the Crossroads Community Church on Nov. 1 and 2. Supportive child development consultant for the organization Brenda Gustafson said the workshop was the first the organization has held in Merritt and she intends to host another one in the spring. At the workshop, childcare providers of Merritt attended lectures by three presenters, one of which was about strategies to increase a child’s positive behaviour, Gustafson said.

There was even a yoga session in between presentations for the participants. The yoga was to get them moving after a morning of sitting, Gustafson said. In total, 56 people attended the workshop, Gustafson said. Ellen Maclaren from Tumbleweed Playschool Society said the workshop was informative for her. She said she learned about new ideas on positive attitudes in dealing with children on a daily basis. At the workshop, Gustafson told the Herald the childcare providers got to learn a variety of techniques on how to run their programs. Children’s Therapy and Family Resource Centre is a provinciallyfunded agency based out of Kamloops, but has a Merritt office.

“All the acting is done by real, local people who are in the film,” Juricic said, noting the Nicola Valley isn’t portrayed as a different part of the world in this movie, but rather as itself. The film is about a 13-year-old Canadian First Nations girl who is a gifted violinist. After her father sells her violin to pay a debt, Shana

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Twelve Months in Merritt - a dance recital presented by the students of the Love to Dance Academy. Free. Civic Centre doors open at 6 pm, program starts @ 6:30 pm. Raffles & silent auction.

CRAFTER’S MALL at the Civic Centre. Doors open at 2:00pm and close at 10:00 pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 ANNUAL COMMUNITY CONCERT Doors open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is by donation at the door. This is an event that you won’t want to miss so come early! For more information call Kurt at 250-378-4909 or email: countrychristmas@merrittchamber.com

CONCESSION - at the Civic Centre, operated by Mandolins open 2:30 pm-5:00 pm

Cris Derksen Thursday, November 14th, 7:30pm NVIT Theatre crisderksen.virb.com

2013/ 2014 CONCERT SERIES Tickets Black’s Singles Singles

at Baillie House, Pharmacy & Mandolin’s Coffeehouse Adults $22 • Singles Seniors & Students $17 Children $12 • Children 5 & under FREE

Nicola Valley Community Arts Council SPONSORS • BC Arts Council • BC Touring Council • City of Merritt • Q101 Clara & Henry Norgaard • Black’s Pharmacy • David Brown & Investors’ Group Royal LePage Real Estate • Tourism Nicola Valley • Carrie Ware & Co. Inc.

TOURISM NICOLA VALLEY

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The public and all interested parties are invited to attend the

Annual General Meeting for Tourism Nicola Valley, to be held Thursday, November 14th 2013, commencing at Noon at the Merritt Desert Inn, at 2350 Voght Street Merritt, BC. For further information please call Rob Miller at 250-378-3923 or email: rmiller@cfdcnv.com

MIDNIGHT MADNESS hourly sales & a youth Christmas card display & sales with proceeds to the food bank

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

SANTA’S VILLAGE opens in the Culture Club, 2058 Granite Ave., after the parade and will remain open until 10:00 pm

CRAFTER’S MALL 9:00 am-4:00 pm, at the Civic Centre SANTA’S VILLAGE opens in the Culture Club, 2058 Granite Ave. 10:00 am-12:00 noon and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm BAILLIE HOUSE Bake Sale 10:00am-4:00pm

MERRITT COMMUNITY BAND will perform in the foyer at the Civic Centre after the parade

CONCESSION - at the Civic Centre, operated by Mandolins open 9:00 am-4:00 pm

BAILLIE HOUSE after the parade - free cocoa, coffee, tea • Bake Sale until 10 pm

Q 101 - Q BEAR FUNDRAISER Spirit Square, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Proceeds from bear sales to Merritt Soup Kitchen

SANTA PARADE Call Darrel at 250-315-8247. Applicatons at Chamber Office, Baillie House, & Country Bug Books. Starts 7:00 pm

Custom welding and bending. On radiators and mufflers.

894 Coldwater Road, Merritt, B.C.

steals it back, takes to the wilderness and discovers a new form of musical expression leading to her acceptance to a Vancouver music school. While in the wilderness, she connects with a wolf that protects her. The film was filmed in the Nicola Valley last summer. Juricic said anyone who has an idea for fundraising for this cause can contact the chamber of commerce office at (250) 378-5634.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

PO Box 98 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Ellen Maclaren and a group of other child care workers participate in a yoga session in between lectures at the first Children’s Therapy and Family Resources workshop on Nov. 1 at the Crossroads Community Church. Michael Potestio/Herald

SaySo, chamber of commerce looking for fundraising ideas for Swiss trip From Page 1

9

378-099

www.tourismmerrit.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 9 – 11 am at the Civic Centre. Tickets available at the Civic Centre and Aquatic Centre in advance for $5.00 or $7.00 at the door

Events Sponsored by: CITY OF MERRITT, MERRITT PRINTING, MERRITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY FUTURES NICOLA VALLEY, Q 101, MERRITT HERALD

DESIGNED BY MERRITT PRINTING


TUESDAY, November 12, 2013 • 3

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ merrittherald

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/MerrittHerald

GOOD MORNING! Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------ 8 Classified ------------------- 10

REMEMBER WHEN?

BABY BETS OFF The bets on when Brambles Bakery co-owner Sarah Molnar (centre) would welcome her baby to the world are off: baby Rufus was born Oct. 5. To celebrate, Brambles hosted a month-long “baby pool,” where a $2 donation to the food bank bought each donor a guess on Molnar’s delivery date. The pool ended up raising $109 for the food bank, which manager Marlene Fenton (left) accepted on Oct. 31, and earned pool winner Rachelle Vogt (right) lunch for two at the restaurant. Emily Wessel/Herald

Winter road conditions hit Coquihalla By Michael Potestio THE HERALD

reporter@merrittherald.com

As road conditions worsen, Merritt RCMP members are reminding Merrittonians to be careful when they’re travelling on highways. Now that winter driv ing conditions have arrived in the Nicola Valley, drivers need to slow down and drive at a speed appropriate to road conditions, Merritt RCMP Cpl. Doug Hardy said. “This time of year [in the] early morning [and] later part of the afternoon, be careful in shaded areas because that can frost up pretty fast,” Hardy said. He said in those areas it’s easy not to notice ice and frost

developing on the road. Roadway conditions can change quite rapidly, Hardy said. A Merritt police cruiser was struck by a vehicle on the night of Nov. 3 on the Coquihalla Highway near Surrey Lake Summit. Hardy said the police car was attending the scene of an accident when a Pontiac Grand Am rear-ended it. A female officer was inside the police car at the time but wasn’t hurt in the incident, Hardy said. He said none of the four occupants of the Grand Am were injured. There was, however, about $4,000 worth of damage to the Pontiac, and about $6,500

in damage to the police cruiser. That day, there were slushy and slippery sections on the Coquihalla Highway and multiple reported vehicle incidents north of Merritt, according to Drive BC. Hardy said Merritt police responded to about eight accidents that weekend. Hardy also said he thinks the conditions on the Coquihalla were not good, and doesn’t believe people slowed down for the conditions as many calls were of cars that had gone off the road and into ditches. “A lot of them just went into the ditch,” Hardy said. “There wasn’t any damage. The ones we responded to

obviously had damage, maybe even minor injuries,” Hardy said, noting there were no incidents involving serious injuries or fatalities in the Merritt area that weekend. BCAS offers safety tips The BC Ambulance Service is warning pedestrians and drivers to be careful on the road, especially in the weeks following the time change. The provincial emergency service reports it responded to 19 per cent more calls for pedestrians being hit by cars in the four weeks following the change from daylight savings time to standard time compared to the previous four weeks.

The service recommends pedestrians wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight; use sidewalks where available or walk facing traffic; use crosswalks; stay off highways; be careful walking around hedges, parked cars and buses; make eye contact with drivers; and avoid headphones or talking on cellphones. BC Ambulance Service recommends drivers slow down in the wet, dark winter months, especially around crosswalks; shoulder check when turning right to make sure no pedestrians are walking; be attentive, particularly around schools and residential neighbourhoods; and never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

Province looking to award community achievers Do you know someone who puts time, energy, talent, and hard work into making their community in the Nicola Valley a little bit better? The B.C. government is taking nominations for British Columbia Community Achievement Awards and is seeking applicants who are dedicated to making arts and culture,

sports and recreation, multiculturalism, the environment, health care, education, civic duty, business innovation, voluntarism, philanthropy, and youth and senior leadership more vibrant in their communities. “Each year, we encourage communities to consider their citizens who make a difference,” said Keith

Mitchell, chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, which administers the awards. “Take the time to nominate the special people who contribute to your communities — either as a volunteer or in the course of their work — and who inspire by their example.” The recipients are selected by an

independent council of community leaders and will be honoured at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria in the spring. Nominations can be submitted online and are due by Nov. 15. For more information about the process, visit bcachievement.com or call (604) 261-9777 or 1-866-882-6088 toll-free.

Friends & Neighbours Please bring them in to:

The Merritt Herald is looking for COMMUNITY-SUBMITTED STORIES about your Friends & Neighbours.

MERRITT HERALD Ph: 250.378.4241 Fax: 250.378.6818 reporter@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

From the Herald archives: November, 1976 Another new business: the Yarn Barn for Merritt A new business is opening in Merritt this week and will be a welcome addition to the downtown shopping area. The Yarn Barn, owned and operated by Rebecca Warren and Donna Gilbertson, both Merritt residents, is opening Thursday, Nov. 4 at 9:30 a.m. Both these ladies have loved to work with wool and have found that Yarn Barn offers quality and such interesting combinations, as well as the experience of selecting combinations and weights at a very reasonable price. Mrs. Warren, a keypunch operator, says it is a first time into business for her and her sister-inlaw, Mrs. Gilbertson, and they are both looking forward very much to their new venture.


4 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Trust at centre of Senate scandal DAN ALBAS View from the HILL Hearing from constituents is, in my view, a critically important part of elected office. Many citizens take the time to offer constructive advice that can help public office holders do a more effective job in representing constituents. From my own perspective, I greatly value the comments and feedback that I receive back each week in response to my weekly reports. In last week’s discussion, I raised the topic of the Senate and in particular recent efforts to suspend a number of senators without pay. I also shared some of the feedback I had received on this subject that was overwhelming outrage as most citizens feel strongly that senators should be held to the same standards as everyday citizens. One criticism I heard from a number of individuals is that I did not firmly state my position

on this subject. Having since re-read last week’s report, I agree with my critics in that I did not clearly state my stance on this issue as clearly as I should have and in this week’s report, I would like to remedy that. For the record, I fully support the suspension of these senators without pay and while the majority of citizens I have heard from also strongly support this position, there are a few who disagree. The argument most frequently made from those who support the senators not being suspended is “due process� should be the guiding factor. The challenge with that from my experience (as I stated in last week’s report) is “due process� as it pertains to elected officials spending tax dollars usually amounts to finding a loophole to justify an expense and arguing that it did not technically break any rules and as such there should be no consequences. As I also passed on last week (with an example), this practice has clearly gone on in Ottawa for far too long – this is why there are literally entire chapters of rules governing members’ business in

order to close previous loopholes that have allowed for the exploitation of tax dollars by elected officials. I should also add this is not a partisan issue; there have been many examples over the years from members representing all major political parties that have abused tax dollars in expense claims.

‘‘

show up for work and as legislators, to not break the law. For the vast majority of citizens I hear from, if they were to misuse use tax dollars or abuse funds from an employer, they would expect serious consequences for that behaviour. This same expectation extends not just to the Senate but to all elected

‘This is an issue of trust — the public trust.’ — MP DAN ALBAS

The message that I hear loudly from citizens and what I believe needs to be understood in Ottawa is that this issue is not about a procedural argument finding a way to suggest a rule was broken or not. This is an issue of trust – the public trust. When Canadians elect fellow citizens to represent them in government, they expect tax dollars to be respected and used fairly and ethically when it comes to the expenses of public office. It’s no different than citizens expecting elected officials to act honourably, refrain from using profanity, to

officials. Last year I posted an annual accountability report. In this report, I attempted to provide as much information as possible on a variety of different subjects including travel, sponsored travel, meetings and other activities related to my position as a member of Parliament. After doing this report, I received a strong level of support from citizens who appreciated the information and effort for increased transparency. As a result of that feedback, I am currently in the process of preparing what will become an

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.

annual accountability report summarizing my actions and expenses over the past year. Although there is no formal requirement for a member of Parliament to issue annual accountability reports beyond what is already publicly available, I believe increased transparency helps to maintain the integrity of our democratic process. While Canadians may differ on what policies will best serve the public interest, such as more free trade versus protectionism or perhaps the desirability of lower versus higher taxes, there is one thing we agree on: the need for elected officials to serve in a way that respects the public trust. It is my intention to have my annual accountability report released within the next few weeks and I will welcome your questions and feedback. I can be reached via email at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-6658711. I look forward to hearing from you.

Merritt Hearing Clinic A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Ser vices Ltd.

Call Monday - Friday

315-9688 2076A Granite Avenue, Merritt (Located at Nicola Valley Chiropractic)

1905 Since LUED RS VA s Voice NTEE s New VOLU PAGE 4 Valley’ Nicola

Black Friday will never be the same.

Dan Albas is the member of Parliament for OkanaganCoquihalla. His blog is DaninOttawa.com and previous MP reports can be found at danalbas.com.

d.com rittheral

&

“Breaking the Chain of Abuse�

ified.com bcclass

ALD T HER T I R MER

FREE

OLADES IC ACC ACADEM y nters and , prese the Nicola Valle g recipients ds for Awards applaud durinyear-end awar in spectatorsof Technology About $45,000 ds awar Institute on Saturday. -sponsored 2012-13 ips, communityds were given us. scholarsh use NVIT awar Merritt camp ets and in-ho nts at the nted with blanknts stude prese to NVIT for stude in were also Awards and Donors ceremony. — in Merritt the uses during 000. NVIT camp at both — totalled $60, Burnaby rald Potestio/He Michael

CARRIERS NEEDED IN THE BENCH AREA

Adopt a Pet Please make an appointment to visit Ph: (250) 378-5223

E: gwc.9@hotmail.com View other future best friends @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

ns projectio nt above e lm o r n istrict e School d

, $19,500 hing staff teachextra teac d to fund 620 adde will be se time and $73,classistry of the Min relea extra ing from it er be used for as CEAs such will district Education. cipals subm Grade support prin school School osals to thets a room ergarten and for the a funding prop money extr kind draf take l the because any ents would - spending ndent who with for es. funds will fund superinte , consults - 1 class now unti ly e stud aining semesict’s from mor rem distr main plan pres The for next students ember, take a for y from the spending and then Sept ined stuend of those students ol,� awa protection. always good local unions, to the school be reta ock said. ester, d 809 ing plan d it’s the projecte surpassed by because back to scho ter, Peac second sem aSD58 ents the get it He adde e students in ol “In the the configur e to 936 is which while to told the scho at dents, ents. board. ock said $39, fied have mor Potestio n plac look ock to l nce hael take stud Peac we’l Peac go to certi As) ld eight lment in dista By Mic HERALD that have is needed to system. s, for board. ock told the Hera ol THE Enro ment expected assistants (CE,071 tions re support rs,� program ses by al whe Peac ndary Scho g dolla improve educationwho take cour ide educationremaining $271 ols. see the remainin Herald. rning 58 has ritt’s Seco District Merritt t 635 of Mer ceton, Lea ds for the also to scho students ndence or outs told the School enrolment Prin fun school board distrib- and be allocated atively abou room its Peacock ent correspo itional class ents has 4 students. In projection The ess for ,007 will ock said tent d for exceeded ns for the curr its Peac the proc be adde of a trad at 100 stud ected 1,58district met Peacock heard district’s $311 t projectio . ,560 will the ents, year school board setting, sits e the proj men the $162 g ol stud rove utin scho first of 437 Sept. — well abov ning imp al fund er At the the year on nate in lear h is annu . the high of 65. ever, in the alterenrol- saidPeacock said students funds, whic MES meeting rintendent Bobict lled e How URE HO HIGH district’s 82 of enro 18, supe said the distr the FEAT ram, the projected number slate into mor MILE Peacock 2 students at stu- prog t fell from a to 62. won’t tran G has 1,14 ry level — 43 n of men ents this year up more LISTIN stud tend to pick NEW R NICOLA elementa e its projectio “We LOWE dents abov level, 1,099. high school the At

Helping you is . do what we T T-6181 I R R 250-378 www.realtor.ca M E Phone: rritt inside . me iew Herald Rev ge.ca/ rritt ate yallepa l Est the Me of www.ro full Rea ition our See ay ed Thursd the

Authorized by: WCB First Canadian Health Veterans Affairs Registered under the Hearing Aid Act (B.C.)

Mauve Friday is Coming.

W TO TO MES PFR CO PAGE 9 LS WHEE NEW GETS GE 5 CITY PA

Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

Need More

EXERCISE? ★ Earn extra money, tax-free ★ Get exercise while getting paid

Juliet

Donations desperately needed for spay and neuter services.

★ Job experience with references

For more info please phone: 250-378-4241 Email: circulation@merrittherald.com

Spatch

Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society at The Interior Savings Credit Union, Account #1193739. AND WIN CENTS LOSE 28 PAGE

KICKS OFF KICKS RIES KI RT SERIES CERT CONC CONCE C PAGE 3 PAGE

★ Ideal starter job for kids

Winston

on is is a yo young young, ung n neutered eutere eut tere ed male, Spatch is a 4 - 6 year old, neutered Juliet is a 1.5 year old Black Lab/Border Winston Collie cross. She enjoys learning new life St. Bernard. He needs to learn to trust male, German Sheperd cross. He and love. He is not yet available but is kind, easy to manage and low experiences and is kind and trustworthy. inquiries are welcomed. maintenance. His training is well started and he ďŹ ts right in!

y’s News Voice Valle Valley’s la Va cola Nico N

2

T WEEK ST ES RES FORES NATIONAL IO NB ON SECT O SECTIO

Since 1905

ld.com merritthera

GARLIC FEST PREV IEW PAGE 3

Nicola Vall ey’s

• MERRITT ER 19, 2013 CENT S ROOK AY, SEPTEMB THURSD IE SHIN

MERRIT M HUBC ERALD Check inTfrom News Voic e

PAGE

Since 190 5

THURS DAY, SEPTEM is a fairly simple BER 26, purchase “Our request 2013 • we’re just looking to Potestio one,MERRIT Goetz said. “We’re not By Michael T like some land,â€? giftNEWSPA THE HERALD or anything PERS ld.com a asking for reporter@merritthera based on that.â€? Susan Roline, the land is Susan Merritt Mayor Jackie Tegart The cost of a MLA Merritt Mayor Fraser-Nicol Mike Goetz, market value, and city councillors Roline said. province gives them Harry Kroeker the city Once the Dave Baker, son are in to purchase, the Union and Kurt Christopher the approval to get three appraisals this week at Vancouver es conference. would need the average cost would of B.C. Municipalitigot started on of land and value, she said. the The conferencegroup from city determine the they also talked with disRoline said project Monday and a few ministers to Gateway 286the city’s hall met withprojects. about the mentioning million in they met cuss various Thomson, Goetz said over $2 Coun. Mike Forests, Lands and the area already invested service of to e Steve with Minister Operations the infrastructur to see the project is to discuss Natural Resource and are eager as that investment on Monday Thomson to purchase 100 acres move forward. area that city’s desire deteriorating attended the fourth the bench also for behind Caucus, into Roline of land been looking the BC Mayors mayors the city has meeting of together 124 to about a year. the city would like which broughtthe province. l-related yet,â€? Goetz said from around technologica attendance “Our largest bring in more town. Not wantinto in an said. industries those industries to Roline ing to locate the city is looking the bench Page 4 industrial area, land behind See ‘Pipeline’ purchase the development. area for future

This feature brought to you by...

.com bcclassified

LD T HERAL ITT RIT RI RR MER

HIT AND RUN PAGE merritth erald.com

FREE

ERS NEWSPAP

ES

21

bcclassif ied.com

MERRITT HERALD

FREE REVVED

UP RAFFLE

Merrittonian Cowie got s Don and Karen the 13th lucky on Friday and won Kamloops the 2013 Stoppers and District Crime car raffle. Cowies were The ing a weddingin Italy attendwhen the was made draw returned and have just home to The pair Merritt. received to their new the keys Kamloops vehicle from Stoppers and District Crime Lee DoddsSociety president (right).

night for Centre on Saturday bar, at the Civic a milkshake a shook up all hamburgers, had the audience eevent featured gourmet artist Jeff Bodner and ’60s-themed to match. Emily Wessel/Herald UP Elvis tribute The 1950s decorations ALL SHOOK Stoppers fundraiser. poodle skirts, and decoration Crime oodles of the annual a silent auction, vintage cars,

Submitted

today resolutions on city-driven

Tentative deal reache to vote dUB for CM school support wo rkers

communithing holds this kind of years,� Goetz said. ties back for application process ious together. A simpler time it By Michael non-con non-content Goetz the ALC. down on the Given the resolution, Potestio lands from resolu would cut THE HERALD process to remove those their resolution through a Grade 12 to pass. reporter@merrit nature of theirsee it failing fai for agritakes to go off the ALC, which therald.com Goetz said acquisition of support CUPE education is maintained said he can’tnot just G A tentative Gateway 286. the staff, who get the land tural land he said. Goetz said. been would make lands for non-agriculdeal Thompso see school have “And it’s is we’re n said can take years, resolution won’t cultural purposes, would call on support that will a year.without a contract trying to do union receive agricultural easier. Michael Potestio more workers By What we’re for ship has a good the a to Though this The resolution that process to ratify. relationhas been 3.5 per cent raise The two-year THE HERALD tural purposes with government sored resoluproblems associld.com trying to makeeasier for everybody reached solve all the 58 and School District the provincial ment provides agreerecognize The school 286, it will in the Canadian reporter@merritthera Both Merritt-spon between doesn’t a process to governavailable and and that’s why we savings,� district voted on today. need to believe hurdle ratifying cent increase a one per ated with Gateway Union of establish Public Employee will ves from Merritt find Peacock to local tions will be land involved in at least one said. in the province ing that drawbacks incorpora the funding problem. the deal will be Representati said, not-potential July 1, 2012; dating from knock down union represent s (the savings forward, Goetz forward,� He said the project is noncouple of to be the a is outstandi will needthe and have tea the new raise brought it you 286 lands cent increase a two per Susan Roline “We’re cation support ing eduMerritt. are sponsoring mentstooutweigh to certain Union of B.C. the ongoing process where the Gateway theschool incorpora said. for ng,� Peacock Merritt Mayor will also help approveat its on Feb. mistic and cautiously opti- resolutions of retaining 2014 and raise staff) and trustees the B.C. in “You get a unusable land, te for benefits 1, reserve the to each the resolution the plan conference is sending es 0.5 The agreemen farmable. really is no agricultural lands year. the situation reality of before could Peacock on May said this unsuitable EmployerPublic Schools it to the say ‘OK, this Municipaliti which y take it out with other deemed said he 1, 2014. per cent “There reached s Associatio is we’re of Education for the Ministry the some ideas this week, has because nothing future growth The new without t was here Vancouver The two kids, we Crown n. we’ll just automaticall on how descrip description. they’ve cessionsthe for involves school agriculture. any con- up there a hurdle in tumblethe kids, work it becomes retroactiv agreement the The announce groups that fit this Ro on the part concern deadline approval. modatedistrict eliminate we’re about with help is The of ALR and is much easier to e and Roline said up there except willresolution CUPE members. d they’ve the agreemen kids,� Thompso to ratify accomgrows of an agreemen Land Commission adding in all Goetz and support on the 286 tproject. the reached just over nine will expire raise in land, which project than ALR at the budget, theAgricultural Goetz said, he’s never seen of is Dec. LandCo-opera up20. The months lot ing the t under n said, not- Gateway now. a School their weed,� 2012 Co-opera a looking but from general the there’s preferred “We’reDistrictproject, and Agricultural Gains aims to tive his years in Merritt and to move into superinte there. received from oother communities consensus is not to andMandate mention Act tive Mandate of Local CUPE not said. 286 58 ndent have a strike. those ideas Regulations resolution to use weeds growing employer last week. Gains states until Peacock Bob land,’� Goetz [Gateway] pertaining into these types in Wade Thompso president Each they areReserve The provincia anything but due to the large s (in this that we wantwith said there that have run the regulations discussed could’ Page 5 every school districts) needs case board willschool district the deal landtoupcome n said change by the ALR district the trustees. work for l frameGoetz said multiple that See ‘Resolution need to situations. up with Reserve],� savings is still governed with their need to meet resolutions, rolled “I would to these lands. find savings ratified still needs to be to figure out sored that plan reached the deal was by number of within their say at the l Landa on Wednesda Merritt-spon to show “It’s not hard budgets most, in their bers, and the union mem- chapter andlocal CUPE will often be the 27,000 [Agricultura where orALC lands said. like in two weeks,Another on budgets Goetz resolutions he hopes collectiveto within kindergar y for up a and voted for the agreemen formulate to be moving we’d pertaining and the money to set Coun. date raise Mikethe resolution agreemen an ten to one “block� process themodest more com- with from. It is will all of theirt dealing with forward ts to into within the to ratify the deal alsocome and it,� Peacockwould simplifyfund compensa local issues week. to as the ALC increases said. to gain approval create a He said) “That’s final agreemen to monly time it takes warrantedfor workers tion thereferred Commission organizat he’s happy process we’re now which each l Land if the that . ions t agriculHome in, (Agricultura have a deal side will to takeis to ensure in place. look at The provincia M E a Hardw need our its goal IndependentlyR R I governme l where andbudget are owned and

T T

operated

REA ESTA L TE LISTINGS INSID E

ROOFING

& SHINGLES

helps you

get the

we can

job done

Your ROOF

ING and

Ph: 250-378

1988 Quilchena-6181 Ave.

GET THE JOB DONE

BEFORE

WINTER

and see get ongoing

right

“Any time labour peace you can get without rupting disthe school system

the T T Irst RďŹ time! M E R SHING LE Specia lists owned and

operated

• product Independently • crane is guarante ed service to help and warrante bundles you to ed • let us help the top of the lift those of product you calculate roof done right you will need the amount to get the Àrst the job time with our 181 no fee Ph: 250-378-6Ave. Home Quilchena Card 1988 1

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS INSIDE

be fundingnt is not going within the wage increasesto according public sector, Education to a Ministry of spokesper son.

Home

-5030

newhardwareBliz lizzzaardd buil ding cen Blizzard tre 1701 Locally

Owned

Voght St.,

& Operated

Merritt,

www.m B.C. erritt homeh ardwar e.ca

ÂŽ

3673 DeWolf eat rea reea TTre Treat

Way • 250-378

Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com Ph: 378-4241 • Fax: 378-6818 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.


TUESDAY, November 12, 2013 • 5

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Susan Haynes Investment Advisor

As of Market Close on November 8, 2013

Indexes ROYAL REWARD Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 in Merritt members Jan Oswald (left) and Randy Poehnell middle) display a cheque for $8,000 that represents the legion’s contributions to various community organizations over the year. The funds were generated by the poppy campaign and the legion’s Saturday meat draws. Submitted

Wolf population booming in area OTHMAR VOHRINGER The OUTDOORSMAN Merritt has been in the international headlines again. This time it had nothing to do with feral cats or bobcats roaming in our city. This time it was much more serious. The headlines read: “Aggressive wolf pack attack near Merritt prompts warning.” The encounter was serious enough for the BC Forestry Safety Council to issue a warning to all their employees and people living in the Merritt area. As much as some try to convince us that this is just a singular case, it happens more frequently each passing year. The provincial government has stated that the wolf population in our province is growing each year and in some areas has reached the point of over-population. The regular readers of this column may remember my article about the peril of the B.C. mountain caribou. Part of the problem is a growing wolf population killing off these endangered animals at a rate that puts the survival of the entire herd in jeopardy. There are gov-

ernment reports that elk and moose population in some areas are facing similar pressure from wolves. With a growing wolf population, the danger to humans increases dramatically too. Once the wolves have decimated their natural prey, they quickly learn that human-inhabited areas within their range are an easily accessible food source. Each year, there are reports of farmers and ranchers who lose cattle and horses to packs of wolves. In one case, it was reported that two wolves in a single night killed over 170 sheep. Wolf advocates try to convince us that wolves only kill what they need for food. Not quite true. Research has shown, time and again, that in areas where wildlife and livestock exist in large numbers, wolves, for reasons not fully understood yet, will indiscriminately kill every animal they can catch. Humans in these areas are also attacked more frequently. Wolves can become a real danger to humans when they come close to our towns. I discovered this year that they are closer to Merritt than I would ever have imagined. At the start of the hunting season, I noticed the deer in my favourite hunting spot just outside Merritt appeared to be more skittish than in previous years, and

I kept wondering why that might be. I got the answer when I shot a bear in mid-October and went back in the evening to retrieve one of my treestands. Passing about a hundred metres by the field where I took the bear, I noticed crows and eagles feasting on the intestines and organs I left behind. I also noticed what I thought at first were two big coyotes nearby; they were unusually large so I had to have a closer look at them. To my astonishment, I saw that they were, in fact, wolves. Now if we are to

believe the pro-wolf advocates, we all should learn to co-exist with wolves. Of course, such talk emanates mostly from people who live in cities where no one has to co-exist with any wildlife and certainly not with wolves. On the other hand, we have researched expertise from wildlife authorities such as wildlife biologist Dr. Valerius Geist who has studied wolves to a great extent and concluded that wolves indeed can be a tremendous menace on wildlife populations and livestock, and have no

hesitation whatsoever to take on humans too if their populations are not strictly managed. Wolves live in large packs of up to 30 and 40 animals strong, but they do not run together at all times. They split up in small groups in search of prey — meaning if you see one or two wolves, there are 20 or more you don’t see. Our government has recognized the problem of an ever-growing wolf population throughout the Thompson region and is considering lifting all remaining wolf harvest restrictions.

PREVENT THEFTS FROM YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE Here a few helpful hints to help prevent motor vehilcle break-ins: 1 Don’t leave purses or valuables inside vehicles overnight. 2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit. 3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight. 4 Park in a well lit area. 5 Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police

This message brought to you by

STOP BY AND SEE OUR NEW SELECTION OF

S&P/TSX DJIA S&P 500

Currencies

13294.20 $CAN/US 15594 $US/CAN 1747.15

Money Rates Canada Prime 1 Year GIC 5 Year GIC 10 Yr. CDA Bond

3.00% 1.80% 2.72% 2.47%

0.950 1.040

Commodities Gold am/pm fix London 1307.25 Copper Highgrade 3.26 Lumber (day session) 377.10 Live Cattle 132.30

Mutual Funds Brands Sionna Cdn. Eqt11.53 IA Clarington Cdn. Eqt 26.68 IA Clarington Glbl. Eqt 16.66 CI Harbour Fund 23.30 Dynamic Cdn Value Cls 14.44 Fidelity Asset Allocation 26.42 Fidelity Disp Cad Eqt 30.32

Fid Intnl Portfolio Ivy Cdn Fund Ivy Foreign Fund Bissett Cdn Equity RBC Balanced Fund RBC Cdn Div. Fund CI Signature Select Cdn

30.24 31.72 38.83 85.88 13.18 56.21 21.48

THIS WEEK’S MARKETS .... Equity futures are pointing to a flat open for major North American indices. The commodity complex is mixed amid subdued trading, with natural gas rising 1.5% to $3.57 per MMbtu, WTI falling 0.1% to $94.11 per bbl, gold bullion up 0.1% to $1,308 per oz and copper lower by 0.3% to $3.24 per lb. U.S. Treasuries prices are stable, with the 10-year note yield holding at 2.61% and the 30-year at 3.71%.

Canadian Common A&W Revenue Royalties 22.13 ATCO Ltd. 47.76 Arc Resources Ltd. 29.53 BCE Inc 45.89 Barrick Gold Corp 18.98 Ballard Power Sys 1.35 Bonavista Energy Corp 11.45 Bombardier 4.62 Bank of Montreal 72.44 Bank of Nova Scotia 63.70 Can. National Railway 116.49 Canadian Tire (NON VTG A) 96.97 Cameco Corporation 19.85 CIBC 88.68 Canadian Utilities Ltd. 37.78 Can. Real Est. Trust 41.46 Can. Nat. Res. Ltd. 32.61 Enbridge 46.28 EnCana Corporation 19.10 Finning 23.69 Husky Energy Inc. 29.69 Imperial Oil 44.31 Kinross Gold Corp 5.11 Loblaw Companies 47.31 Maple Leaf Foods 15.63 Molson Coors Can Inc. 55.40 Manulife Financial 19.22 Pembina Pipeline Corp. 34.56 Potash Corp of Sask 33.66 Pengrowth Energy Corp. 6.42 Power Financial Corp. 34.30 Precision Drilling Corp 10.42 Rogers Comm Inc. 47.00

Royal Bank Blackberry Ltd. Sun Life Financial Inc Shaw Comm Inc Shopper’s Drug Mart Suncor Energy Inc Toromont Inds Ltd Toronto Dominion Bank Transcanada Corp Telus Corp Tim Hortons Inc

69.82 6.77 36.27 24.85 60.84 36.09 24.75 95.85 47.80 36.28 62.79

U.S. Common Alcoa Inc. American Express Co. Mellon Corp Cisco Systems Inc. Deere & Co. Walt Disney Co. (The) Gap Inc. General Electric Co. Home Depot Inc. Johnson & Johnson Macy’s Inc. Microsoft Corp. Sprint Nextel Corp Pfizer Inc. Pepsico Inc. AT&T INC Staples Inc. United Tech Corp Walmart Stores Inc. Wendy’s Arby’s Gr.

8.95 80.92 32.01 23.11 81.56 67.15 37.75 26.60 75.69 92.69 45.96 37.50 6.99 30.91 85.30 35.11 15.50 107.27 77.51 8.05

Susan is an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities specializing in retirement and estate planning. Any questions or comments can be directed to her at 1-855-445-8312 or e-mail susan.haynes@rbc.com

DID YOU KNOW. . . .

beachcomber HOT TUBS

COPPER VALLEY MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS LTD. 2151 Coutlee Ave., Merritt

250-378-5104

There is no mention of the month of November in any of Shakespeare’s plays or sonnets. This article is supplied by Susan Haynes, an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. RBC Dominion Securities is a member company under RBC Investments. The member company and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities that are affiliated. Member CIPF. (tm) Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. ©Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.


6 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

HERALD OPINION The Asian race to Mars By Gwynne Dyer

INDEPENDENT COLUMNIST editor@kamloopsthisweek.com

The Curse of Mars also applies to Asian countries. About two-thirds of the attempted missions to Mars have failed, many of them even before leaving Earth orbit, and most of the rest when they tried to land. Japan’s only Mars mission failed in 1998. China’s first attempt failed when the Russian rocket carrying its Mars orbiter into space fell back to Earth in 2011. So, India seized the opportunity to be the first Asian country to go to Mars. Fifteen months after the decision was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in Delhi, India’s half-tonne Mangalyaan vehicle blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on the country’s east coast on Tuesday, Nov. 5. It is already in Earth orbit and, within two weeks, it will set course for Mars. Unless the Mars Curse gets it, of course. There is something faintly ridiculous about India and China racing to be the first Asian country to reach Mars, but it’s no more ridiculous than the Russian-American space race of the 1960s. Besides, to be fair to the Indian Space Research Organization, the launch window for making a relatively low-energy transition to a Mars orbit will close before the end of this month — and it won’t open again for more than two years. Once Mangalyaan gets there, if it does, it will go into orbit around Mars and carry out various scientific experiments, notably a search for methane (an indicator of the presence of life) in the Martian atmosphere. At this point, various arrogant and/or sanctimonious people will point out the American Mars rover

See ‘Nationalism’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold production@ merrittherald.com

Ever wondered about that other Merritt?

Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS Since I moved to Merritt over a year ago, my Google alerts have insisted on alerting me to news from Merritt Island, Florida. So, late last week, I decided to actually read up on this unincorporated “town” that Internet robots want me to know so much about and share what I’ve learned with the rest of you. Here are the basics about our doppleganger

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

to the south. Just under 35,000 people call this island home. It is located off the east coast of Florida but is actually connected to the mainland to the west and another island to the east by causeways. It’s about an hour’s drive to Orlando on the mainland, and a quick 15-kilometre jaunt across Banana River to the famous Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Merritt Island starts wide in the sparsely-populated north and tapers off to a skinny point in the more populated south. It is home to a number of unincorporated towns, including Merritt City. Residents of the area overwhelmingly defeated a bid to incorporate the island in 1988, and it remains governed by Bre-

vard County. The average temperature in November ranges between 15 and a balmy 26 degrees Celsius. Most famously, Merritt Island is home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The population of the island boomed in the 1950s and ’60s during the space race, when the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. battled for firsts in space exploration and ultimate cosmic supremacy. The kind-of former Floridian island is also home to a 140,000-acre nature sanctuary. Some of the resident wildlife includes sea turtles, alligators, manatees, bald eagles, and bobcats (hey, we’ve got those!). About 12,000 feral pigs call North Merritt Island home as well (and you thought our feral cat

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

RANITE AVE., PO BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. PHONE (250) 378-4241

population was large!). Some of those animals have made Merritt Island headlines, including one nine-foot alligator that a man was surprised to find in his front yard. The roaming reptile was eventually cornered under a car and removed by wildlife officials. In other strange finds news, a woman came across a treasure in her son’s bag of Halloween candy: a gold ring. The woman posted on Facebook that she found the ring and other news sources reported on it, but didn’t show a picture of it in the hopes it would lead to an honest identification. As of late last week, the woman reported four people contacted her about lost rings, but sadly, the one she found wasn’t theirs.

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

The causeways around Merritt Island cause their fair share of accidents, including a fatal motorcycle crash recently. Other crashes in recent news from the area include a small plane that took off from Merritt Island and crashed in south Georgia, killing one. Back on land, a man crashed his Cadillac into a Merritt Island resident’s house. So there you have it, a quick snapshot of life on Merritt Island, our town’s twin in title, its double in denomination, its nemesis in nomenclature. Well, maybe nemesis is a bit much, but it’s hard not to be jealous of pictures of Merritt Island’s white sandy beaches under the sun while winter edges closer and closer to our little Merritt of the north!

Office manager Carol Soames classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org


TUESDAY, November 12, 2013 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

YOUR OPINION A heartfelt thanks for help, support Dear Editor,

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS Aspen Planers presented donations to the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank ($3,000), the Soup Bowl ($700), the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society ($600), and Nicola Family Therapy ($600) on Nov. 6. The money was raised over the past year at company functions. The company also donated $200 to each elementary school. Aspen Planers employees and management donated $2,950 at their Christmas party and the company matched it for a total of $5,900 raised. Michael Potestio/Herald

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Merritt who have shown me such kindness in the search for my missing son, Dean Kelly Morrison. Everyone has been very supportive and willing to put up the flyers I have given out. Dean, your family and friends love you and are missing you very much. Please phone your mom and let her know you are all right. Elizabeth Faber Merritt

Nationalism, glory behind new space race From Page 6 Curiosity has already reported finding no methane on Mars and that India is too poor to be indulging in such foolishness anyway. The Indians will reply that NASA, the American space agency, also said there was no evidence of water on the Moon — until the Indian lunar orbiter Chandrayaan-1 reported the presence of water molecules in the lunar soil in 2008. They might also mention that if the United States waited until there were no more poor Americans before sending people to the Moon, the first U.S mission might leave 50 years from now. Or maybe not even then. The Indian space programme operates on an amazingly small budget (about $1 billion a year), but

it has put dozens of satellites in orbit that provide practical benefits for earthbound Indians: Remote sensing, flood management, cyclone alerts, fishery and forest management, etc. But, that’s all in near space. The question is really whether long-range space exploration is a rational proposition. Nationalism is part of the motivation behind every country’s space program and, while it has its comical side, it does at least persuade the political authorities to provide large sums that are needed. China is planning to land a rover on the Moon next month and is talking about a manned landing there by 2024. That will certainly speed up India’s manned space program.

Like the old RussianAmerican space race, the Chinese-Indian one will accelerate the development of new technologies and techniques. It will fill some of the gap left by the loss of momentum in the older space powers and some useful science will get done. But, the biggest reason for welcoming the entry of major new players in space exploration is the one everybody is too embarrassed to mention — the future of the human race. Well, almost everyone. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, the private company that aims to dominate the delivery-toorbit service once provided by NASA, actually wants to create a human colony on Mars in his own lifetime — and he’s 41 now.

Musk is a serious player whose large fortune (derived from his creation and subsequent sale of PayPal) is now devoted to manufacturing electric cars and building space-transportation systems. Both projects are prospering and he sees them as providing the financial and technological basis for pursuing his real goal — spreading human beings beyond this single planetary habitat while the launch window for that is still open. Musk was quite frank about that in an interview with Rory Carroll in the Guardian newspaper in July. “The lessons of history suggest that civilizations move in cycles,” he said. “You can track that back quite far — the Babylonians, the Sumerians. We’re in a very upward cycle right now

and, hopefully, that remains the case. But, it might not. “There could be some series of events that cause that technology level to decline. Given that this is the first time in 4.5 billion years where it’s been possible for humanity to extend life beyond Earth, it seems like we’d be wise to act while the window was open and not count on the fact that it will be open a long time.” I’ll let you in on a little secret. That is a big part of the motivation (though a rarely admitted part) for half the people who work in any of the national space programs, including India’s. They value the science and they may even revel in the glory from time to time, but that’s what it’s really about.

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

?

HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com

Do you think Toronto Mayor Rob Ford should step down after admitting he smoked crack cocaine?

PREVIOUS QUESTION Will you attend the Remembrance Day service in Merritt? YES: 50% NO: 50%

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, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

Use the equity in your home to

Consolidate Debt, Top Up RRSPs, or Tackle Renovations. Call Harry Howard YOUR LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER (250) 378-9177 www.harryhoward.ca Harry@harryhoward.ca

the mortgage


8 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

merrittherald.com

bcclassified.com

HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

Canada West in bronze medal game By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

As this edition of the Merritt Herald went to print on Friday (due to Remembrance Day), Team Canada West (with the Merritt Centennials’ Dane Birks and Jeff Wight) had earned a place in Sunday’s bronze medal game of the World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. With the grandson of famous netminder Vladislav Tretiak in goal, Russia scored five unanswered times to defeat Team Canada West 5-2 in one of two WJAC semi-final games played on Friday at the Mariner’s Centre in Yarmouth. The United States and Switzerland were scheduled to play in the second semi-final game later on Friday to determine who will meet

Russia in the championship game and who will meet Canada West in the battle for third spot. Canada West earned a bye into the semi-finals thanks to a perfect 2-0 record in Pool B preliminary round play. They defeated Switzerland 4-3 on Nov. 4 and the Czech Republic 4-1 on Nov. 5. The United States won Pool A with a 2-0 record after defeating Russia 8-3 and Team Canada East 4-2. In quarterfinal action, Switzerland edged Canada East 5-4 in overtime, while Russia downed the Czech Republic 3-1. Sunday’s gold medal game between Russia and either the United States or Switzerland will be Russia’s first appearance in the championship game in the eight-year history of the World Junior A

Challenge, dating back to 2006. It will also be just the second time that Team Canada West is not in the gold medal game. Canada West has won the gold medal at the WJAC on three occasions (2006, 2007, 2011). The Merritt Centennials’ Casey Pierro-Zabotel was on

the first two championship Canadian teams while the Cents’ Reece Willcox played on the 2011 gold-medal team. Going into the bronze medal game on Sunday, both Birks (one goal, two assists) and Wight (two goals, one assist) had three points for Team Canada West at the 2013 WJAC.

MERRITT’S VERY OWN (Left) The Merritt Centennials’ Dane Birks during warm-up prior to Team Canada West’s game against Switzerland. (Above) The Centennials’ Jeff Wight celebrates his goal in Canada West’s 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Photos courtesy of Tina Comeau/ Yarmouth Vanguard

TEAM CANADA WEST The Merritt Centennials’ Jeff Wight and Dane Birks are in the middle row, third and fourth from the left respectively. Photo courtesy of Matt Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images


TUESDAY, November 12, 2013 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

SPORTS

Cops for Kids fundraiser a huge success By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

The second annual Cops for Kids fundraising volleyball tournament, held on the Nov. 2-3 weekend at the Lower Nicola Band School, was a complete success, according to its prinicipal organizer, Const. Lurene Dillon of the local RCMP detachment. “We had a total of eight teams take part and we raised over $1,100 for the program,” said Dillon. In the best-of-three final match on Sunday, it was the Dinosaur Crushers who disposed of the Rockin’ Rambos, 2-0. “I was the one that chose the team names,” said Dillon with a laugh. The RCMP constable was very appreciative of all the assistance she received from Brandon Dechert of the local RCMP Community Policing Office, and from the local McDonald’s

restaurant and its managers, Brandy and Graham Walker. “[McDonald’s] provided us with all sorts of supplies like coffee and muffins,” Dillon said, “and they even put together a volleyball team (Big Macs) made up of employees at the last minute when we had a team drop out.” Dillon also noted the generosity of principal Angie Sterling who made the Lower Nicola Band School gymnasium available all weekend for the event at no charge. Annually, the B.C. Southern Interior branch of Cops for Kids raises close to $100,000 to assist children throughout the region who are in medical, physical or traumatic need. “Recently, we had a specialized bike purchased for a local girl who has cerebral palsy,” said Dillon, “and we also donated some funds to a Merritt Youth and Family Services event.”

A REAL HIT (Left) Sonny Billy and John Cavaliere contest the volleyball at the net during a game between the Dinosaur Crushers and the Rockin’ Rambos. (Right) As teammate Miguel Mack looks on, Tiana Collins of the Big Macs team focuses on her forearm pass. Ian Webster/Herald

The Cops for Kids major fundraiser each year is a grueling 10-day bike ride around the southern Interior of the province by RCMP officers. The 2013 event raised almost $94,000. Online requests for financial assistance from the Cops for Kids program can be made by individuals, families

or groups directly, or by a second or third party on behalf of someone else in need, said Dillon. The financial aid can go towards things like registration costs, equipment purchases and even travel assistance. For more information on the Cops for Kids program, contact Dillon at 250-315-9877.

DINO-MITE! The winners of the Cops for Kids fundraising volleyball tournament were the Dinosaur Crushers: (from left) René Thomsen, Rob Dunsmore, Rita Cavaliere, Wendy Farmer (holding trophy), Liz Cavaliere and John Cavaliere. Photo submitted

Soccer Quest developing Merritt’s youth By Ian Webster THE HERALD

sports@merrittherald.com

Soccer Quest Academy, based out of Nelson, has had a strong presence in Merritt for close to 10 years now. “We’ve been putting on week-long camps every summer for quite awhile,” said Quest owner and senior instructor David Spendlove. “We’ve also been involved in pre-season coaching clinics for Merritt Youth Soccer for the past several years.” Spendlove and his coaching team have increased their visibility in the Nicola Valley even more this fall by offering an 18-week indoor program for young soccer players at Collettville

School on Monday nights. “We’ve got two groups at present,” said Spendlove, “a U11 group that meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a 12-plus group that goes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. “The current session runs from September to the early part of December,” added Spendlove. “We’ll take a bit of a break and then offer another 18-week session starting in February.” Spendlove said the weekly soccer sessions are all about teaching the basics of the beautiful game. “We work on the Canadian Soccer Association’s LTPD (Long Term Player

Development) program. It’s a grassroots skill development program that is used across the country.” Spendlove really likes what he sees happening with youth soccer in the Merritt area. “The people who run Merritt Youth Soccer, and have been involved for the last six to seven years, have done an excellent job in developing soccer in the community. We’ve given them a lot of help and they’ve done fantastic.” The 58-year-old Spendlove has spent a good part of his life honing his craft. “I originally came over to Canada from England in 1979,” he said. “At the time, I

was just the third fulltime head coach of a youth soccer program anywhere in Canada. Today, there are thousands.” Spendlove worked in Toronto for almost 25 years before coming to Kamloops in 2001. After five years with KYSA, he decided to create the privately-run Soccer Quest Academy. Today, Soccer Quest operates programs for over a thousand youngsters throughout the Kootenays and in communities like Kamloops and Merritt. The easiest way to register for any upcoming Soccer Quest programs is to call their head office at 250-3524625.

GAME ON Soccer Quest players (from left) Wade Kanigan, Mathew Desmond, Beckett Finch, Koen Hales and Sebastien Myram take part in a lively scrimmage at the end of their Monday night session at Collettville School. Ian Webster/Herald


10 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.378.4241 fax 250.378.6818 email classiÀeds@merrittherald.com ADVERTISING DEADLINES WORD CLASSIFIEDS

Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday

DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Tuesday issue noon the preceding Friday Thursday issue noon the preceding Tuesday

INDEX IN BRIEF

Family Announcements Community Announcements Employment Business Services Pets & Livestock Merchandise For Sale Real Estate Rentals Automotive Legals

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any display or classiÀed advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event to failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassiÀeds.com cannot be responsible for errors after the Àrst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors after the Àrst day of publication of any advertisement. Notice or errors on the Àrst day should immediately be called to the attention of the classiÀed department to be corrected for the following edition.

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Information

Professional/ Management

Trades, Technical

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women. Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca

Lost & Found New boys bike found off Coutlee Ave. Call 250-378-4718 to identify

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. No risk program. Stop mortgage and maintenance Payments today. 100% money back guarantee. Free consultation. Call us now. We can help! 1-888-356-5248.

Employment Help Wanted Front end wheel loader operator required. Local day or night shift. Wage determined on ability. Call 250-378-3559

GENERAL LABOURERS OIL & GAS INDUSTRY GUARANTEED Job Placement

bcclassiÀeds.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiÀed.com Box Replay Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justiÀed by a bonaÀde requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiÀed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

MERRITT HERALD Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818 Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com Production: production@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.

• Labourers • Tradesmen • Class 1 Drivers

Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

YUKON Zinc, Wolverine Mine is looking to fill the following positions: Advanced Care Paramedic, Mill Trainer and Journeyman Millwrights. Visit our website at www.yukonzinc.com to apply

Located 150km Northwest of Prince George, BC Mount Milligan is one of British Columbia’s first major metals mine of this century.

Services

Financial Services Need Cash? Own A Vehicle? Borrow Up To $25,000 Snapcarcash.com

1-855-653-5450

FRASER SHINGLING & EXTERIORS LTD. Wanted Aluminum and Vinyl siding installers. Full Crews with own equipment only. Contact Giselle at 780 962 1320, or at giselle@fraserexteriors.com FRONTLINE is seeking certified electricians and millwrights with industrial experience for work in BC/Alberta. FEC offers competitive wages and benefits package. Forward resumes to: frontlinehuman resources@gmail.com. JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages from $32/hour, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop. Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info online at: hannachrylser.ca. Fax 403854-2845 or email to: chrysler@telusplanet.net LOCALLY-OWNED, well-established vacuum truck company looking for Class 1, 3, Vacuum and Gravel Truck Operators. Oilfield tickets an asset but not necessary. Incentive package available. Blue Cross after three months. Must be willing to relocate or work three weeks on and one week off. Fax resume and driver’s abstract to 403-8453903.

Help Wanted

Advertising Sales Representative Merritt Herald

Trades, Technical CLEARWATER OILFIELD Services, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta requires Class 1, 3 Vacuum Truck Drivers, Swampers. Local work. No day rating. Full benefits after six months. Fax 403-8449324.

Help Wanted

We are currently recruiting for the following positions: Mill Operations Superintendent Chief Metallurgist Manager: Environment, Health & Safety

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Mill Electrical / Instrumentation Supervisor

Please apply online at www.mtmilligan.com/ careers LOUISIANA-PACIFIC Canada Ltd. requires an experienced Journeyman Electrician for our EWP Operation in Golden B.C. Email resume to: Audra.Stanton@LPCorp.com or fax to 250-344-8859.

The Merritt Herald, an award winning twice-weekly newspaper, published in the Nicola Valley, is seeking a full time advertising consultant to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a rewarding career in advertising and marketing. If you are a highly creative individual, with an ability to multi-task in a fastpaced team environment and have good interpersonal and sales skills, a valid drivers licence and reliable vehicle - we would like to meet you. While experience is an asset, it is not a prerequisite. To apply, please forward your resume with a cover letter to: Theresa Arnold, Publisher Merritt Herald 2090 Granite Ave., P.O. Box 9 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 e-mail: publisher@merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD

Services

Financial Services DROWNING IN Debt? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free Consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1-877-556-3500 BBB Rated A+ GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple. Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Medical Health VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg. Generic. 40 tabs + 10 Free all for $99 including Free Shipping. Discreet, Fast Shipping. 1-888-836-0780 or metromeds.net

SNIFF out a new

CAREER

FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

Go ahead and dream …

about just how great vacationing in British Columbia can be.

Make you your r dreams into reality by logging logging onto www.getawaybc.com to plan your special getaway.


TUESDAY, November 12, 2013 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Heavy Duty Machinery

Shared Accommodation

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53’and insulated containers all sizes in stock. SPECIAL Trades are welcome. 40’ Containers under $2500! Call Toll Free Also JD 544 & 644 wheel loaders JD 892D LC Excavator Ph 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Roommates wanted. 4 bdrm fully furnished home. $550 per/mon. Everything incl. Must be employed, males preferred. Call 250-315-9719

Become a GREEN SHOPPER!

Misc. for Sale 4 winter tires: Arctic Claw size: 215/TOR15. $400. Call 250-378-5595 STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca WOLFERMANS’ TREAT Your Friends and Family! Wolferman’s English Muffins! Perfect Holiday Assortment, Variety of Sweet & Savory Muffins $29.95 – Use Code “Favorite” Free Shipping! 1800-999-1910 Or www. Wolfermans.com/go/bb016

Misc. Wanted Local Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins etc 778-281-0030

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

www.pitch-in.ca Suites, Lower 2 bdrm basement suite, with all appliances, fully furnished, no smoking, no pets. $850/mon. including utilities. 250-315-3548

Suites, Upper 2 bdrm suite, with all appliances, fully furnished, no smoking, no pets. $950/mon. including utilities. 250-315-3548

Transportation

FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT

Auto Financing

2 units available, 1st Áoor unit ideal for seniors

Available immediately

$750/month incl. heat & laundry.

100 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENT Newly renovated units “Clapperton Manor” 2775 Clapperton Ave. 250-315-8340 $

Auto

Financing

-

Dream

Catcher,

Apply

Today!

Drive Today!

1.800.910.6402

2 bdrm upper unit apartment for rent. F/s, w/d, dw, nosmoking, no-pets, avail Dec. 1st. $650/mon. + util. 1-604701-6493

Duplex / 4 Plex 1/2 duplex for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, n/pets, ref. req. $1050 plus util. 250-378-8188

Misc for Rent 3 bdrm house on the Bench. $1450/mon. Avail. Dec. 2. 250-378-5276. Quiet Country living 26 km W. of Merritt, 2 bdrm mobile with addition, wood/oil heat, w/d, f/s, d/w hs intern. must be capable of yard work, Ref. required. appt to view. $800/mon. + util 250-378-5865

Career Opportunities

Trucks & Vans 2005 Chevy Uplander van with remote start. $3900 obo 250378-5519 ‘97 Dodge Dakota 169,000km runs real good. 250-315-1090

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

l Like working close to home! www.localwork.ca blackpress.ca ◾ metroland.com


12 • TUESDAY, November 12, 2013

www.merrittherald.com

MAINTAIN YOUR SAFETY & INDEPENDENCE for a longer period of time...

S B U T R E with ZOOM • •

Do you or do you know someone who has difficulty getting into a tub? Are you afraid everytime you climb into the tub you risk the chance of becoming injured? Can’t afford a complete renovation, so you can feel safe in your own home?

TUB TO A SHOWER in just a few short hours!

Then ZOOMER TUBS is for you!

STEP IN . SAFtsEyoLurY existing

Zoomer conver cessible bathtub into a safe and ac w hours. step-in shower in just a fe WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE ZOOMER TUBS • Fast, affordable and without the mess and expense of a renovation, Zoomer cuts away a section of your tub and installs a custom-Àt threshold. It’s that simple. • Convert any conventional tub • We offer many other safety solutions contact us for more information •

5 Year Warranty

ZOOMER TUBS SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE TUBS

FREE

Estimates!

Lawrence (Sach) Sarcharuk

250.936.9909 1-800-936-2806

www.zoomertubs.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.