news Premier visits Penticton Hospital Page 2
EVENTS Copperhill Lanes hosts provincial tournament Page 10
Community
Outbackjacks wants help to change rules Page 12
SPOTLIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 64 Issue 08
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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.
Consultation results released Dr. Barbara Pesut and her research team have prepared a report containing a summary of the data collected at the Community Consultation. Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
The purpose of the consultation was to explore current healthcare strengths and challenges from the perspectives of citizens in the community. Views on strengths of current health care delivery were reported as: the dedication of healthcare providers; care of seniors; services that enhance care: walk in clinics, victim services, end of life care and hospice, nurse practitioner and responsive EMS service; visiting services such as a cardiologist, pediatrician, physiotherapist...Also viewed as strengths were the healthcare delivery infrastructure like Vermilion Court, Ridgewood Lodge, Princeton Hospital, the airport and the two pharmacies. Grouped into five themes were the challenges viewed on current healthcare delivery. Physicians and 24/7 emergency room coverage received the highest priority. Escalating downsizing of services, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (closures of the emergency room were perceived to have a cascading effect onto EMS services), commuting for care and conflicts in responsibilities and accountabilities for healthcare. The information contained in the report will be used to develop an action plan designed to improve the healthcare model in the community. To view the complete report, visit the Save Our Hospital Coalition website at www.savepgh.ca.
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 2/Low -8
Thursday
High 2/Low -10
Friday
High 3/Low -7
Saturday
High 2/Low -5
Sunday
High 3/Low -3
Top up for food bank Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Thanks to the great support of the Cooper’s Foods fundraiser during the Christmas season (Food Bank Bags), Rob Bett manager of Cooper’s Foods in Princeton is pleased to present $2300 worth of groceries to Princeton Crisis Assistance Society. Society president, Allan Kovaltsenko and his wife Shareyl picked up the two skids of food. “This is great,” said Kovaltsenko, “it’s just in time—tops us up after Christmas.” Bett extends his thanks to Cooper’s Foods customers for their support.
Princeton
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