S I N C E IL
TH
E
TRA
NEWS
TRA
IL
We can directly bill most extended health care plans electronically!
1 8 9 5
DA Y IL
ES
CREEK NEW
S
TIM
IL
TR A E
TH
Smartphone!
No Contract! Get more for less!
*prices subject to change without notice
Find out more at
Rock Island Tape Centre Ltd
1479 Bay Ave, Trail, 250-368-8288
Joy DeMelo cell 250.368.1960 bus 250.368.5000 ex.29 TF 1.877.368.5003 jedemelo@telus.net
All Pro Realty Ltd.
1148 Bay Ave, Trail BC
Les Schultz
AUTOBODY & GLASS
ICBC Accredited Car Shop
8045 Old Waneta Rd, Trail
250.364.2639
8am - 4:30pm Mon to Fri “When friends meet by accident”
THURSDAY
IM ES
TRAIL T
KOODO Free
1895 - 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2015 Vol. 120, $ 05 Issue 203
1
INCLUDING GST
Chiropractic is proven to be safe & effective.
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Located upstairs in Waneta Plaza, suite #225
250.364.1322
www.trailchiropractor.com
Dive headfirst into New Year with Polar Bear Swim SHERI REGNIER Trail Times
Just thinking about plunging into the icy Columbia River this time of year can send a shiver down the most valiant spine. But for over 30 years, hundreds of brave locals have taken the thought one step further and jumped headfirst into the freezing water to start the new year off with gusto. For Shane Batch, dipping into the cold became an annual tradition decades ago following his inaugural Polar Bear Swim at the river shore in Trail. “I remember the first time standing on the beach,” says Batch, now a Warrant Officer and Squadron Sergeant Major with the 44 Engineer Squadron and 39CER (39 Combat Engineer Regiment). He was geared up in fatigues and fighting order (helmet and webbing), but his mind was not so resolute. “(I was) saying to myself, ‘Shane, what are you thinking?’” he recalled of that day in ‘98. “But being surrounded by 20 of my brothers in arms, I was in no position to back out and be labelled a coward,” Batch chuckled. “We went into the not quite freezing water and I can honestly say, I have never been so awake. “From there on, I knew this was how I wanted to start every year.” For the past few swims, Batch had
his number one fans in tow until they reach the water’s edge. “I have two kids, who every year say they are going to do the swim, but they usually chicken out,” he laughed when speaking about his children, nine-year old Ethan and Kaitlyn, 6. “They both claim they will be participating this year but who knows, when we actually get on the beach what they will decide,” Batch shared. “I didn’t have to do much talking for them to want to participate, they have been to the event every year to watch Daddy go in, so it’s only a matter of time for them to want to join in.” The Trail military members have been organizing the Polar Bear Swim every Jan. 1 since 1988. “It has been a tradition in Trail, and as a Squadron of 39CER, I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” says Batch. “It’s an event that our members enjoy participating in and we feel that it’s worth the added effort to make sure it gets better every year.” The Polar Bear Swim begins at noon at Gyro beach, following registration which opens at 10 a.m. the day of the event. There is no cost, but to be eligible for the prizes, each swimmer must be registered. All participants are required to sign a letter of consent/waiver, and swimmers under 18 years must be accompanied by a legal guardian to sign the form.
Liz Bevan photo
Regional fire’s rescue boat will be out patrolling the water as a safety precaution Friday when participants start off their new year with a brave dip into the frigid Columbia River water. A beach bonfire and hot beverages there’s always people who need somefrom the Gyro Park concession will be one to hold their stuff and take lots of available to fight off the chill as well pictures.” as heated change rooms open for use Alcohol is not permitted, and Batch before and after the swim. reminds swimmers to keep open con“Once you’ve tried it, you will want tainers off the beach. to do it again every year,” encourages Signs will be posted at the entry Batch, though he notes the event isn’t points and the regional fire departjust for those with the gumption to ment will have their rescue boat out swim. “Even if you don’t want to go in, on the water.
YEAR IN REVIEW
frost y’s
liquor store -3º
Teck announces workforce reduction The Trail Times continues its recap of 2015 with the final issue highlighting October-December
EXTREEEEEEEMLY
COLD
12 PACK
BUDWEISER
$15.99
at the award winning
Columbia River Hotel Trail
Open 9am -11pm daily
October 1 – A bear and her cub shot in Sunningdale sparks outrage aimed at residents who continue to leave un-picked fruit and garbage as attractants. 3 – Trail earns a five-bloom rating and bronze title in the international category at the annual Communities in Bloom national symposium in
frost y’s
liquor store Located in the award winning
Best Western Plus Columbia River Hotel, Trail
Kamloops. 5 – Elections Canada rescinds a number of voter cards to Trail residents after incorrect information directed them to Warfield for advance polling. 6 – Over 200 people were at the Cominco Gym for an all-candidates federal election forum. Representatives were on hand to answer a variety of questions from the floor ranging from Bill C-51 to representation in such a large district with varied interests. 12 – A steady stream of voters made their way to
CHEAPEST . COLDEST Molson Canadian, Sawmill Old Milwaukee Creek or Budweiser 12pk cans
15
$
99
Open 9am - 11pm daily
Dry White
6
$
99
in the
advance polling stations in Greater Trail and across the country. Veteran election workers reported a high advanced voter turnout. CONTINUED ON A12
The Trail Times office will be closed January 1st Regular office hours will resume on Monday
KOOTENAYS
Sawmill Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
7
$
79
Canadian Club 750ml
250.368.3355
Alberta Pure Vodka 750ml
1999 ea
$
Contact the Times:
Phone: 250-368-8551 FineLine Technologies JN 866-897-0678 62937 Index 9 Fax: 80% 1.5 BWR NU Newsroom: 250-364-1242
Canada Post, Contract number 42068012
Bacardi White Rum 750ml
www.bestwesterntrail.com