NEWS Vote now to help Tulameen win! Page 1 and 2
COMMUNITY Incredible talent and a gift to share Page 8
SPORTS
Local players look forward to tournament Page 11
SPOTL SPOT SPOTLIGHT LIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 64 Issue 50
Wednesday, December 12, 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.
Increase on electricity rates starts January 1
KELOWNA, B.C. December 7, 2012: Starting Jan. 1, 2013, FortisBC residential electricity customers will see a 4.2 per cent increase on their electricity bills from the recent BC Utilities Commission revenue requirements decision, along with a 2.3 per cent increase from rate rebalancing. The cumulative rate adjustment for residential customers will mean an increase of 6.6 per cent. For the average residential customer using 1,050 kWh per month, the change is an increase of approximately $7.07 per month. “FortisBC works to provide our customers with safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost,” said Tom Loski, FortisBC vice president of customer service, “but changes in the external environment are causing pressure on our rates such as financing system maintenance and improvements, along with increased purchases of power.” The BC Utilities Commission approved the 4.2 per cent increase for FortisBC electricity customers as part of the utility’s 2012/2013 revenue requirements. Further adjustments to
Contributed By Rick VanSkiver
Justin Manke enjoys the hills out in Tulameen. Snowmobiling is just one of the numerous outdoor recreational activities that are popular and have made Tulameen widely known as a recreational paradise.
Cast your vote for Tulameen now
See RATES - Page 2 DEADLINE NOTICE for the
Dec. 26 Edition and the Jan. 2 Edition
All Ads & Insertions must be received by THURSDAY December 20 at NOON.
Spotlight Office Holiday Hours:
Dec. 24 closing at Noon. CLOSED: Dec. 25, 26, 29 & 30. Dec. 31 closing at Noon. CLOSED: January 1.
Weather Watch Wednesday
High -1/Low -4
Thursday
High -1/Low -5
Friday
High -1/Low -5
Saturday
High 1/Low -3
Sunday
High -1/Low -3
Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Tulameen has received three separate nominations for the town with the most community spirit in the Readers Digest Canada’s most interesting towns contest. As of press time, over 74083 votes have been cast placing Tulameen within the top four communities in the contest. The grand prize for the winning submission is $5000. The winning town will receive $5000 towards a civic improvement project of the towns choice, and there are also seven runner up prizes of $1000 each. Tulameen has become known as a recreational paradise given that it truly does have four seasons full of recreational opportunities. Spring, summer, fall and winter hold an abun-
Princeton
dance of outdoor recreational opportunities in an area that hosts a natural beauty that just can’t be beat. Whether you enjoy the fresh air freedom on a quad or snowmobile, the quiet beauty while you cross country ski or canoe on the lake, “roughing it” while you camp, hike, hunt and fish, just enjoy relaxing on the beach or walking/biking/horseback riding along the Trans Canada Trail, this community is perfect for you to enjoy. The population of the small community of Tulameen grows by thousands over the Tulameen Family Fun Days every August long weekend. The approximate 250 residents join forces to put on a terrific weekend of family fun
See TULAMEEN - Page 2
2,000 Appliances Available Right Here! Why Make the Drive? •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
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