BUSINESS The largest and heaviest piece of the Raptor 2000 arrives. Page 3
COMMUNITY Past president Bob Wicks reveals the latest addition to museum. Page 2 & 10
EVENTS
Jessica McIvor’s Art Show draws large crowd. Page 11
SPOTLIGHT $1.10 Includes TAX
The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 14
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Proudly serving the community since 1948 • www.similkameenspotlight.com
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Three homes, a shed, vehicles and recreation equipment were all destroyed by fire on Thursday, March 27. Photo courtesy of Ellen Truscott
Community comes to aid of fire victims Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Three homes, a garage, vehicles and pieces of recreation equipment are completely destroyed by the fire that started at approximately 10 p.m., Thursday, March 27 on Sunset West and Fenchurch Avenue in Princeton. At approximately 11 p.m., the Keremeos Fire Department was called in to assist the Princeton Volunteer Fire Brigade. Keremeos Chief Jordy Bosscha said his crew returned to home station at approximately 5:30 a.m., Friday morning. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway and any updates will be provided as they are received. Princeton Crisis Assistance was contacted and immediately began working to assist the two young men and the couple who lost everything in the fire. A donation bin has been set up at the The Hut for those who wish to contribute by donating their empty bottles and cans. An account for donations has also been set up at CIBC. Cooper’s Foods is accepting donations at the Princeton store and Copperhill Lanes will host a fundraiser on April 12. Kudos to all the businesses and individuals coming forward to help. On Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 6:30 p.m., come bowl to benefit the folks that lost their homes on Thursday, March 27.
See FIRE - Page 9
Lisa Carleton/Spotlight
Approximately 100 citizens rallied in Veterans Square on Monday, March 31, to show their support and their concern for the Canadian health care system. Canadians are calling on the governments to come together to negotiate a new health accord.
Rally to protect fundamental right Lisa Carleton lisa@similkameenspotlight.com
Princeton joined in with 40 other communities across Canada holding rallies to show their support for a fundamental right—access to health care equality and fair funding. Approximately 100 citizens came together in Veterans Square on March 31 at noon. Signs bearing the words “Keep health care public” red umbrellas and red clothing in support of Canada’s Health Accord were carried and worn by many in attendance. Words of welcome and encouragement were expressed by speakers: Ed Staples president of Support Our Health Care, Lilly Zekanovic on behalf of MP Alex Atamanenko, Mayor Frank Armitage, Area H director Brad Hope and community/
Weather Watch Wednesday
High 10/Low -2
Thursday
High 10/Low -2
Friday
High 10/Low 2
Saturday
High 10/Low 1
Sunday
High 8/Low 2
senior’s representative Walter Hogg. They all had the same message to share — “We can make a difference.” “Our elected officials respond best when they hear from you in a personal way,” concludes Staples. Write, email or call your government representatives: The Right Honourable Steven Harper - Prime Minister of Canada, House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 email: stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca Tel: 613-992-4211 The Honourable Rona Ambrose - Minister of Health, House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 email: rona.ambrose@parl.gc.ca Tel: 613-996-9778 Alex Atamanenko, MP BC Southern Interior House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 email:alex.atamanenko@parl.gc.ca Tel: 613-996-8036
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