NEWS Recruitment packages made and sent out. Page 3
COMMUNITY John Allison students make a pledge Page 13
ENTERTAINMENT
Opening night for A Christmas Story is Nov. 30 Page 17
SPOTL SPOT SPOTLIGHT LIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 64 Issue 48
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
Crime stats show decline in most offences During the third quarter of 2012 the majority of offences were lower or close to the same as in the third quarter of 2011. Decreases range from 17 to 88 percent. Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Sgt. Dave Clare of the Princeton RCMP presented the third quarter statistics to Mayor and Council during the regular meeting of Council on Nov. 19. The majority of selected offences were either close to the same or lower than that of the third quarter of 2011. The only category to show a significant increase was ‘theft from vehicles’ - to date this year an increase of 60 percent compared to 2011. Most often the thefts have been from unlocked vehicles. From July to September 2012, Princeton RCMP investigated seven founded drug offences. Crystal Meth, Crack Cocaine and Marihuana continue to be a concern in Princeton. Traffic safety issues remained a problem during the third quarter as 10 drivers were issued 90 Day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions, one driver issued a 24-hour suspension for alcohol use, one driver was issued a 3 Day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and one driver was charged with impaired driving under the Criminal Code. The Princeton RCMP had a very busy few months supporting community events during this quarter. Members enjoyed participating in a Bocce tournament with Special Olympics Princeton, the Air Show, Canada Day celebrations in Princeton and Hedley, a Golf tournament to support the
See CRIME STATS - Page 5
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 5/Low -3
Thursday
High 4/Low 2
Friday
High 5/Low 3
Saturday
High 5/Low 2
Sunday
High 2/Low 1
Photo Contributed
B.C. Ambulance Service has decided to pull the ambulance and crew it has had stationed at Big White Ski Resort in previous years and relocate it to Lake Country.
Big White Ski Resort looses Ambulance Kevin Parnell Black Press
For the first time in 20 years, the Big White Ski Resort will not have a B.C. Ambulance stationed at the ski hill this season. Management at the resort are questioning the decision by the B.C. Ambulance Service to pull the ambulance just weeks before the opening of another ski season. After an operational review of ambulance services in the Kelowna area, the B.C. Ambulance Service (BCAS) decided to relocate the ambulance that had been deployed at Big White in past years and station it in Lake Country. “This change will not result in a reduction in service for the region,” stated the BCAS in an email to the Capital News, the Spotlight’s sister newspaper. “In fact, the amount of time
Princeton
that the paramedics will be actively providing patient care is expected to increase two or three times compared to when the ambulance was based at Big White.” BCAS also stated that in past years the ambulance at Big White was responding to just one call per day and was only in operation for half the year while it will now provide year-round coverage to the Okanagan Valley area. But the decision to remove the ambulance from Big White is causing concern at the resort which sees more than 600,000 skier visits each season. “This is a bad decision and it needs to be over-turned,” said Michael Ballingall, Big White’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing.
2,000 Appliances Available Right Here! •Fridges & Freezers • Home Electronics • Washers & Dryers • Dishwashers •Barbecues • Lawn Mowers • Treadmills • Vacuums • TVs • Stereos & More “When it’s on sale at Sears, it’s on sale at Princeton Sears”
207 Bridge Street, Princeton BC • 250-295-6933 Locally Owned and operated by Murray White & Cathy Facey
See BIG WHITE - Page 4
Why Make the Drive? We are your Hometown Sears. If we don’t have it in-store, we’ll get it for you, and deliver it to your door.
Princeton