Interior Health CEO Susan Brown resigned after IH concerns raised.
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
WILDFIRE RAGING NEAR LYTTON
Four years after a devastating blaze burned the town to the ground, another wildfire has broken out near Lytton First Nation grounds.
JOSH DAWSON Castanet
UPDATE: 12:31 a.m., July 1.
Several Lytton First Nation reserves have been put under an evacuation alert after a fire sparked Monday evening.
The fire is burning across the Fraser River from the Village of Lytton.
Just after 10 p.m. Monday, the Lytton First Nation issued an evacuation alert for reserves Papyum 27, Papyum 27A, Lytton 27B and Nohomeen 23.
The alert urges residents and visitors in those areas to be prepared to evacuate if an order is issued.
In an update online, the BC Wildfire Service said crews will remain on site throughout the night.
BCWS said the west flank of the fire was burning in grassy fuels that have mostly burnt away. Crews are focused along the fire’s north flank, where they are establishing hose lay and using direct attack
FIRE: continued on page 3
FIRE SEASON IN SWING
Fire season has started, from flames at the Comfort Inn to destructive wildfires in the brush and in Lytton.
LYTTON: continued from page 1 methods on the fire’s edge.
Structure protection assessments are being conducted as well.
“Lytton First Nation is supporting crews with a water tender for water delivery to the fire,” BCWS said.
“They also have a crew conducting proactive fuel mitigation work on properties in the vicinity of the fire.”
There are 12 BCWS firefighters and one response officer responding to the blaze.
The fire comes four years to the day after a fire destroyed most of the village on June 30, 2021, killing two people.
UPDATE 9:57 p.m., June 30
A BC Wildfire Service crew and helicopters have been assigned to a wildfire that sparked on a Lytton First Nation reserve Monday night.
The fire is burning on one of the reserves across the Fraser River from the Village of Lytton. Four years ago to this day, the village was almost entirely destroyed by a wildfire in 2021.
BC Wildfire Service fire information office Taylor Shantz said crews are on their way to the blaze.
“We are sending one initial attack crew and diverting two helicopters to support,” Shantz said.
The fire is listed as 2.1 hectares in size and is
suspected to be human caused.
Shantz said the official cause is still under investigation.
ORIGINAL 9:40 p.m., June 30
A wildfire has sparked on a Lytton First Nation reserve Monday night, according to a regional district director in the area.
Thompson-Nicola Regional District director for Electoral Area I Tricia Thorpe said the fire appears to be burning on one of the Lytton First Nation reserves, across the Fraser River from the Village of Lytton.
“I’m a couple of miles away, but I can see some pretty good flames,” Thorpe said.
She said a BC Wildfire Service crew took the ferry across the river around 9:10 p.m. and water tenders were en route as well.
She said some residents in the area were combatting the blaze.
“There is a West Side group and they’re already on site by now,” Thorpe said.
“They’ll be there trying to keep it back until the wildfire crew can get there.”
Thorpe said there are structures in the area of the fire.
Editor’s note: This story is being continiously updated by Castanet as the story unfolds. Keep up to date at https://www. castanetkamloops.net
‘I NEED TO GET THESE PEOPLE OUT’: MERRITT TEENS GET OVER 50 OUT OF BURNING BUILDING
TY LIM
reporter@merrittherald.com
It doesn’t matter who you are, the question, “would you run into a burning building?” is one you can’t know the answer to until you find yourself in that situation. Two Merritt teens have answered that question for themselves.
In the early hours of June 13, Merritt Secondary School students Jayda Bonner and Jacob Sutherland were the first to witness the Comfort Inn go up in flames.
“We were at McDonald’s. We look up and just see flames. And then Jacob’s like, ‘do we go over there?’ And I was like, ‘yeah.”
Bonner said the two phoned 911 and went to warn staff of the growing fire. But it soon became clear to them that help wasn’t arriving in time. Sutherland estimates it took police about 15 minutes to arrive with fire services coming soon after.
On Bonner’s side, she said there were no alarms going off in the hotel, and the person at the front desk had disappeared once she told them there was a fire.
hallway.
“I took a few steps out into the hallway and it was just black smoke. I couldn’t see the hallway, and at that point, I didn’t know where the fire was,” she said.
She said she screamed a warning into the hall in case anyone was still there before she left downstairs.
After getting many people out before the fire spread, Bonner and Sutherland talked to some of the people she rescued.
Bonner said a mom with her family told the highschooler that she didn’t think she would have been able to get out of the building on her own, or even know there was a fire before it was too late.
“Then I ran up the stairs to go start banging on people’s doors. No one knew that there was a fire or anything,” she said.
As Bonner ran through the hotel to start warning people, she said she didn’t even really think about the potential danger to herself.
“(The decision) was something kind of instant. I thought no one was outside and (the building) was burning and I was like, ‘I need to get these people out.’ Nobody else was there, nobody knew about it so we had to do something,” Bonner said.
Bonner said she knocked on over 50 doors as she made her way through the hotel. She only stopped on the third floor, as she saw clouds of black smoke in the
Sutherland said he thought most people wouldn’t even have been suspicious at an alarm going off.
“Most people would hear the alarm go off and think some kid pulled the alarm and there’s no danger,” he said.
Luckily for the hotel guests, the fire was able to be seen by these two. According to Sutherland and Bonner, they were lucky to have been in a position to help in the first place.
Bonner said she was at the emergency room at Nicola Valley Hospital getting her arm checked out after an e-scooter accident. She said from there, she decided to take the highway back to the other side of Merritt.
“There’s a good chance somebody could have died in there if we hadn’t gone in there knocking on the doors. Nobody else was doing that and the fire alarm didn’t go off, and it seemed like the fire was going hard,”
Sutherland said.
The two say they are proud of their actions.
“It feels pretty great to me, just knowing that I saved these people.”
PHOTO/MERRITT RCMP Comfort Inn fire at its peak.
MERRITT FIREFIGHTERS SENT TO FORT NELSON TO BATTLE WILDFIRE
MFRD
Liuetenant
said the experience has brought valuable insights to what FireSmart can do.
Three Merritt firefighters were sent to Northern B.C. to battle one of this year’s largest wildfires.
As part of Province-wide deployment opportunity, three firefighters including Merritt Fire Rescue Department’s (MFRD) Lieutenant Steve Rempel were sent to Fort Nelson, joining an army of hundreds of other firefighters from other municipalities and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) in extinguishing the once 301 hectare wildfire.
Recently, BCWS reported that their wildfire fighting efforts have been successful in Fort Nelson. The Kyklo Creek wildfire was more than halved in size from the beginning of the year from 301 hectares to just under 138 hectares.
For Merritt’s deployment crew, this was the first time the three had fought a fire of this size.
“Myself and the crew were looking forward to being part of something that was going to help out another community. So that was a little nerve wracking at times,” Rempel said. “They’re huge and very intense, and it was very dry conditions, especially for that region, which typically sees a lot of precipitation. So big amounts of fuel, lots and lots of very dense forest surrounding so the fire was very large,” Rempel said about the size of the fire.
The Merritt crew were tasked with structure protection. The crew had led a task force of a total of around 18 firefighters and had brought their type-six fire engine bush truck. The new truck was able to maneuver through difficult terrain.
“You’re able to get into, you know, some spots that the typical type one engine, which is our big, big engines, they can’t get into,” Rempel said.
He said the opportunity was good for his
team’s personal experience, but it also helped the City of Merritt. He said when other municipalities are called on to help fight these massive fires, the province pays those cities.
For the experience for the Merritt crew it was invaluable. This was Rempel’s first deployment elsewhere. It was also the first time for paid-on-call member Tim Hustins and work experience firefighter Katherine Benskoa.
One thing Rempel was able to take away was the effectiveness of FireSmarting one’s property, even against large magnitude fires.
“One thing that I did see up there was first hand experience of homes and properties where they actually had fire smarted their property, and they had done this year. And those structures, they didn’t catch fire, and I feel, that is a direct result from FireSmart,” he said.
Residents near Fort Nelson practiced FireSmart which meant clearing grass, firewood, furniture and anything else combustible from five feet from their home in the “immediate zone”.
“These homes were very resilient out there. They showed all these FireSmart principles and practices around their house, and that directly resulted in saving their properties,” he said.
As wildfire season continues a trend of worsening in the 2020s, Rempel remains passionate about his work.
“Every summer, I find the seasons are getting longer. They’re getting drier. It’s a little nerve wracking,” he said. “As a firefighter, it’s a little nerve wracking. Once fire season comes around, we’re definitely on our toes. Here, we up our training on wildfire fighting tactics. Every spring, everybody, we go through the course all over again. We train very hard.”
MFRD members left to right; Tim Hustins, Steve Rempel and Katherine Benskoa .
WILDFIRE BURNS NEAR NICOLA LAKE
Car crash into bushes ignites small wildfire. Driver handed 90-day Roadside Prohibition
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
A small wildfire on the north end of Nicola Lake was started over the weekend as a car crashed into the surrounding bushes.
On Sunday, June 29, local RCMP were called out to Nicola Lake to deal with a single-car collision.
According to witnesses speaking to RCMP officers, the driver of the crashed car had swerved their vehicle off-road while trying to avoid a fox who wandered onto the highway.
The ensuing crash started a fire from inside the vehicle which quickly spread to the vegetation around the car.
BC Wildfire were called onto the scene soon after, putting out a fire that reached 1.4 hectares in size.
As of Monday, June 30 the fire is listed as “under control” and is nearly put out.
On June 29, RCMP officers on scene were led to believe the driver of the crashed car was under the influence of liquor during the incident.
Following up on their suspicions, the officers demanded the driver to provide samples of their breath through a breathalyzer to test if they were impaired.
After the driver refused to give the samples, the officers issued them an Immediate Roadside Prohibition which will restrict the driver from operating a vehicle for 90 days, while their vehicle has been impounded for 30 days.
RCMP say they currently aren’t investigating the driver for starting the wildfire.
“The Merritt RCMP continues to remind the public about and enforce impaired driving. There is zero leniency with driving while impaired. We are grateful for our partners with BC Wildfire for their swift action in containing the blaze and the public who stayed on scene and were able to provide key information to the officers for their investigation” said Cst. Blake Chursinoff - Merritt RCMP in a statement issued June 30.
PHOTO/TY LIM
slightly on north end of Nicola Lake on June 30.
BCWS member on scene of Nicola Lake wildfire on June 30.
NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT
GODZILLA MINUS ONE - THIS FILM IS MORE THAN A MONSTER MOVIE
TTY LIM MOVIE’S CORNER
o me, monster movies have nothing more than cliche scripts that serve one point: to get to the poorly inspired and directed fight scenes between two CGI creatures.
In recent monster movies like Warner Bros’ Godzilla and King Kong franchises, the characters and plot feel non-existent. As a result, any action sequences that these movies live off of feel like they have no weight.
Despite its good reviews, when I first watched 2023’s Godzilla Minus One I didn’t have the expectation that my opinion on these movies would be changed.
Directed by Japan’s Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus One attempts to reel back on the action prevalent in modern incarnations of the creature. He tries to return the series to its roots, drawing from multiple older films for inspiration such as Jaws and the original 1954 Godzilla.
Aside from restraining the action, Yamazaki does another unique thing with the series; he makes you care about the characters.
As I watched the film, there were many points where it didn’t feel like a monster movie at all. In fact, the protagonist’s growth and challenges could have made a good drama even without the monster content.
At the end of the day, Godzilla Minus One isn’t the story of Godzilla or its origins. It’s the story of life in Post-WW2 Japan.
The protagonist, Koichi Shikishima, was a failed kamikaze pilot during WW2. In most movies about the pacific war, the Japanese are shown as brutal and cold humans, who live and die for their nation. Distinctly, in this film, Shikishima and the other group of veterans are just human.
In content about the end of WW2, we are commonly left with images of parades in the streets in America or the U.K. as soldiers return home from war.
This film shows the same story, but with a much different tone. Shikishima comes home defeated, and ashamed for cowering out of his duty as a kamikaze pilot. And the home he comes back to is barely anything more than piles of rubble from American bombing raids.
The movie shows a life of poverty, as women and children who had nothing to do with the war are starved. In fact, Shikishima survives off of scavenging or doing odd-jobs around Tokyo for years as he and a woman and her baby live in a shack of scrap metal.
As I mentioned earlier, the rest of the veterans in this movie are not war-crazed maniacs. They are doctors, mechanics and kids who found themselves drafted or forced into war.
Godzilla itself isn’t just some monster either. It can be seen as a comparison to the destruction of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or the devastating natural disasters that frequent Japan such as earthquakes or floods.
The characters in Godzilla Minus One fight against the monster, not for their country or flag, but for themselves, their homes and their family. Doing so is a way of healing their trauma from the war.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY, JULY 5
BBQ & PLAY IN MERRITT
Join Kamloops Immigrant Services for BBQ & Play in the Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — a day full of delicious food, good vibes, and kid-friendly activities!
A TASTE OF B.C.
Purity Feed is bringing you LOCAL BLUEBERRIES and lots more on Saturday, July 5 – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! This one-day-only pop up market will have lots of delicious local goodies, all from around our province.
PIERRE BENSUSAN
The French-Algerian acoustic guitar virtuoso, vocalist and composer brings his world tour back to Canada. He will be performing at the Effie Arts Collective in Kamloops.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
ROLLING CAR SHOW
Join the Nicola Valley Cruisers for a Wednesday evening Rolling Car Show on July 9. Parade route leaves from Voght Park at 6 p.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
NICOLA VALLEY BARREL SERIES
Riders from all over the province will prove themselves at the Nicola Valley Barrel Series at the local rodeo grounds – event starts at 5 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
BASS COAST
This year’s Bass Coast Festival edition will take place from July 11 to July 14, at the Merritt Music Festival Grounds just outside of Merritt.
For more events listings, check out merrittherald.com
Send us your event: events@merrittherald.com
LETTERS to the Editor
LOVE TO DANCE SAYS THANK YOU
Editor,
The Merritt Dance Society would like to extend sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Merritt and surrounding Nicola Valley communities for their support of the Love To Dance Academy students at our recent spring recital entitled “Game Night”.
Big thanks to Cecilia Dyck and her instrumental music students that elevated our recital performances with live musical accompaniment.
Much gratitude to each of the 35 local businesses that contributed to our fundraising efforts - your donations and contributions were happily received by our raffle winners.
As always, huge thank you to all the backstage volunteers and dance families that made the show a success for the dancers and a fun time out for the audience members.
Love To Dance Academy students, Miss Kia and Miss Megan, and the Merritt Dance Society board of directors feel truly fortunate to have such strong community support.
See you on the stage again in November!
– Toni Stewart, Merritt, B.C.
WE NEED MORE THAN JUST MILITARY
Editor,
With the collapse of the postwar global order, Canada scrambles to redefine itself on the world stage. Mostly this is about trade and military buildup. But there’s a critical factor that’s been absent from news cycles, and that’s our role to fill the chasm left by the abandonment of the US in the
arena of global development.
Too often foreign assistance is met with platitudes about spending the money here, and our needs come first. But this simplistic notion is blind to the fact, as we’ve seen all too clearly in the last few years, that Canada doesn’t exist in a self-sufficient vacuum.
What happens around the world has a direct impact on our economy and indeed our very health. Helping the development of emerging countries into robust trading partners, with stable democratic leadership and the capacity to fight emerging diseases, is to our own benefit. The alternative is to push these states into the arms of hostile regimes.
Along with a greater military presence in the world, it’s critical that Canada also adopts a greater humanitarian stance through foreign assistance.
– Nathaniel Poole, Victoria, B.C.
INFORMATION NEEDED
Editor,
Seeking information on suspicious activities at Sandpiper Apartments between 8:30 p.m. on Thursday June 26, 2025, and Friday 8 a.m. June 27, 2025, around resident vehicle parked in 200 block. Text 250-315-2249 or email execo@live.com. Reward offered.
– Evelyn Egely, Merritt, B.C.
Have your say at merrittherald.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Are you feeling the effects of the crime increase in Merritt?
A LOOK BACK
From the Herald archives
JULY 8, 1987
MERRITT RCMP TAKE TO THE SKY
The Merritt RCMP has enlisted the services of an airplane in its efforts to police the section of Highway 5 between here and Kamloops.
The craft, which is operated out of Kamloops, observes the traffic from the sky and reports offenders to waiting patrol cars.
JULY 8, 1987
RADIO SHACK READY FOR CUSTOMERS
When the Merritt Radio Shack store re-opened its doors last week, customers were greeted with an entirely different look. For starters, the shop is under new ownership. Local entrepreneur Ron Brown decided to make electronics his latest business venture, and he wanted it done right.
In accordance withsection26 of the CommunityCharter, theCity of Merritt herebyprovidesnoticeofitsintention to disposeof.03hectaresofunopened roadallowancelegallydescribedasPID 032-485-581 That part of DL122KDYD shownonPlanEPP124029. Thelot will besold to AlkonInvestments Ltd. at the agreeduponpriceof$79,399.17.
Noticeisherebygiven that theCit yofMerritt Council will consider Zoning AmendmentBylaw No.2403, 2025for thepropert yat1750Lindley CreekRoad(subjec tpropert yshown on map) in the Regular CouncilMeetingscheduled July 8, 2025
As perthe Official Communit yPlan, thepropert yis designatedfor Industrial.The proposed Rezoning is alignedwiththisdesignationand thegener al vision of thecorrespondingOCP sector of Middlesboro –toinclude amix of lowand medium densit y residential,parks,and industrial uses
SincethisRezoningA pplicationisconsistentwith theCit yofMerrittO fficialCommunity Plan,a PUBLIC HE ARINGWILLNOT BE HELD.
PROVINCIAL PROHIBITIONONPUBLICHEARING: Pursuant to theLoc al Government Ac tsec tion464 (3)the City is prohibited from holdingapublichearing regardingthe proposed bylaw. Consis tent with provinciallegislation,members of thepublicare not permittedtoaddress Councilregarding theproposedbylaw during theCouncil meeting.
MORE INFORMATION: Acopyofthe proposed Bylawamendment smay be viewed Monday toFriday8:3 0amto12:00 pm and1:15pmto4:3 0pmatCit yHall, 2185 VoghtStreet, Merritt BC ,untilJuly8,2025, excludingstatutory holidays,oronlineatany timeatw ww.merritt.ca
MERRITT WATCH GROUP CITIZENS ON PATROL GETS LEGITIMIZED
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Merritt’s nighttime watchdog group Citizens on Patrol are becoming an official society or non-for-profit group, opening new doors for funding and collaboration.
Citizens on Patrol is a group of volunteers in Merritt who wander the streets at night watching out for criminal activity.
While the group acknowledges there are dangers that come with the job, they do not actively put themselves in risky or violent situations. The organization previously stated many times that they are not a “vigilante group” and that they are only there to observe crime and report it to the police.
Co-founder of Citizens on Patrol Bryan Halfordilo said since starting this revitalized version of Citizens on Patrol in the fall of last year, he’s seen less activity on the streets while they are active.
Before becoming a society, though the group has garnered much popularity since its inception in the fall with over 860 members on their facebook group, Citizens on Patrol were dealing with a few issues, most of which stem from not being properly registered as an official society within the B.C. Societies Act. For one, the organization has not been able to take any charitable donation of money, as it would risk their future status of applying for society status.
Halfordilo said they have had to turn down multiple people who were interested in donating cash.
At the moment, the group has mainly received donations of food items like snacks and water bottles.
Their former status as an unregistered society has hamstrung their ability to work with other organizations as well.
Halfordilo said he wants the group to work more with the City of Merritt and with the Mayor Mike Goetz and city council.
Halfordilo said Goetz previously stated he was interested in going on patrols with the group, but their status as an organization has tied his hands and made him unable to participate without liability.
Halfordilo also mentioned that the group will have greater participation channels with the RCMP as well as a
society.
“Their hands are tied until we become that society, right? It’s a legal thing for them, you know, because they’re possibly putting us at risk, right? So it’s a liability issue as well. Once we’re in this society, there’s no liability issue, we can work together,” he said.
Another issue they have been facing is a shortage of volunteers. While Halfordilo said he and the group are grateful for the donations of food, radios and spaces to meet in, he also said he’d like to see more people support the group by coming out on patrol.
“(If) They see us when we’re out at night, and lots of us. I think if we get more people for the weekdays, it will be totally beneficial. I think it’ll help us a little bit more and keep the crime down a little bit more in Merritt,” he said.
Currently Citizens on Patrol is only able to operate at full-capacity during the weekend as some of their members have jobs during the week.
While he thanks everyone who is interested in coming out with the group, he also clarified the group is looking for people with the right intentions and are not looking to go out and hurt people.
There is also the danger factor to consider for new applicants. Illegal guns appear to be an issue in the streets as the RCMP have siezed 70 this year.
Halfordilo wants to minimize the risk to the group by having most members stay in the vehicles during the night.
Citizens on Patrol is planning on sending their paperwork to become a society in the coming days or weeks.
As an official society, a board of six members will be formed. Halfordilo mentioned city coun. Paul Petrozi as someone he is interested in having on the board.
One of their first acts would be to provide first-aid training to all members-on-patrol.
“(First aid) that’s the first thing we’re going to fundraise for, because we’re out at night, we see things, I think we should help (sometimes),” Halfordilo said.
This would be done through fundraisers and grants that they can now apply for.
“For me, the more information the public has, the safer they feel,” Halfordilo said. “Once we become a society, we’ll have to do monthly meetings.”
IH CEO STEPS DOWN AMID PEDIATRIC WARD CLOSURE
IH CEO STEPS DOWN AMID PEDIATRIC WARD CLOSURE
KATHY MICHAELS Castanet
KATHY
MICHAELS Castanet
Interior Health’s CEO is stepping down amid the ongoing pediatrics ward closure at Kelowna General Hospital and a rising tide of criticism about her leadership.
Interior Health’s CEO is stepping down amid the ongoing pediatrics ward closure at Kelowna General Hospital and a rising tide of criticism about her leadership.
In an email distributed Friday morning, the health authority said Susan Brown, who previously announced she’d be retiring in December, concluded her tenure as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Health authority officials confirmed it was Brown’s decision to step back and said until December, her focus will be on transitioning in a new leader of the health authority.
In an email distributed Friday morning, the health authority said Susan Brown, who previously announced she’d be retiring in December, concluded her tenure as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Health authority officials confirmed it was Brown’s decision to step back and said until December, her focus will be on transitioning in a new leader of the health authority.
Sylvia Weir, the current chief financial officer and vice president of corporate services has been appointed interim president and CEO.
Sylvia Weir, the current chief financial officer and vice president of corporate services has been appointed interim president and CEO.
Brown, who made $472,607 in the 2023/2024 calendar year, became a divisive figure in recent weeks when issues within the hospital spilled into the public view.
Brown, who made $472,607 in the 2023/2024 calendar year, became a divisive figure in recent weeks when issues within the hospital spilled into the public view.
In an op-ed Brown, who had to shoulder much of the public criticism during what some have deemed a health care crisis, fended off a call for her resignation and vaguely fired back at critics in a two page missive.
In an op-ed Brown, who had to shoulder much of the public criticism during what some have deemed a health care crisis, fended off a call for her resignation and vaguely fired back at critics in a two page missive.
“I have heard some concerns about culture in the Emergency and Pediatrics Departments and I share those concerns,” Brown said.
“I have heard some concerns about culture in the Emergency and Pediatrics Departments and I share those concerns,” Brown said.
“I’ve also seen behaviour that is unproductive and not in alignment with the values of IH – quality, integrity, compassion and safety.”
“I’ve also seen behaviour that is unproductive and not in alignment with the values of IH – quality, integrity, compassion and safety.”
The health authority was contacted to clarify who those statements were made about and didn’t do so.
The health authority was contacted to clarify who those statements were made about and didn’t do so.
Emergency room Dr. Jeffrey Eppler, however, said at the time that the belief among his peers is that they were under attack, despite the nebulous wording.
Emergency room Dr. Jeffrey Eppler, however, said at the time that the belief among his peers is that they were under attack, despite the nebulous wording.
“It’s hard not to read between the lines … that was a very subtly veiled attack on our group of [emergency doctors], and it was extremely unfounded, and it was inappropriate,” Eppler said.
“It’s hard not to read between the lines … that was a very subtly veiled attack on our group of [emergency doctors], and it was extremely unfounded, and it was inappropriate,” Eppler said.
“It demonstrated poor leadership, and it was insulting to us, because we have not made this personal…. I haven’t gone out of my way to blame anybody, we are more interested in finding solutions.”
“It demonstrated poor leadership, and it was insulting to us, because we have not made this personal…. I haven’t gone out of my way to blame anybody, we are more interested in finding solutions.”
Kelowna Mission MLA Gavin Dew has also been critical of Brown’s leadership and said that Friday’s announcement was an “overdue step in the right direction.”
Kelowna Mission MLA Gavin Dew has also been critical of Brown’s leadership and said that Friday’s announcement was an “overdue step in the right direction.”
“This is what the minister should have
“This is what the minister should have
done a month ago,” Dew said. “We have wasted a lot of time on political spin and gaslighting the public. This is what needed to happen.”
done a month ago,” Dew said. “We have wasted a lot of time on political spin and gaslighting the public. This is what needed to happen.”
Nevertheless, from within the health authority, Brown is getting well wishes on her way out the door.
Nevertheless, from within the health authority, Brown is getting well wishes on her way out the door.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Susan Brown for her unwavering commitment and service to Interior Health and the health and well-being of the communities we serve during the particularly challenging times of COVID-19 and a global health care worker shortage,” said Dr. Robert Halpenny, Interior Health board chair.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Susan Brown for her unwavering commitment and service to Interior Health and the health and well-being of the communities we serve during the particularly challenging times of COVID-19 and a global health care worker shortage,” said Dr. Robert Halpenny, Interior Health board chair.
“The board thanks Susan for her continued support to Interior Health and availability to advance the leadership transition plan as her successor is identified.”
“The board thanks Susan for her continued support to Interior Health and availability to advance the leadership transition plan as her successor is identified.”
In the backdrop of this shift at the top of the health authority, Kelowna General Hospital will not be opening its pediatrics unit.
In the backdrop of this shift at the top of the health authority, Kelowna General Hospital will not be opening its pediatrics unit.
“We are pleased to announce four new physicians have signed offers to join the department. However, at this time, IH does not have the required number of pediatricians available to safely re-open the 10-bed inpatient unit.
“We are pleased to announce four new physicians have signed offers to join the department. However, at this time, IH does not have the required number of pediatricians available to safely re-open the 10-bed inpatient unit.
“We continue to work towards resuming services and will provide timely updates to the community,” an update read.
“We continue to work towards resuming services and will provide timely updates to the community,” an update read.
Several key actions have been taken by the board of directors, senior executive team and KGH medical leadership to reopen the department as soon as possible.
Several key actions have been taken by the board of directors, senior executive team and KGH medical leadership to reopen the department as soon as possible.
They are working at continued collaboration with the medical staff association and Doctors of BC through an established joint action committee to develop a comprehensive plan to address the staffing challenges and stabilize services over the long term.
They are working at continued collaboration with the medical staff association and Doctors of BC through an established joint action committee to develop a comprehensive plan to address the staffing challenges and stabilize services over the long term.
Interior Health has appointed a neutral, third-party facilitator as soon as possible to make recommendations to the IH board of directors on further actions to support strengthening pediatric services at KGH.
Interior Health has appointed a neutral, third-party facilitator as soon as possible to make recommendations to the IH board of directors on further actions to support strengthening pediatric services at KGH.
Further, efforts will continue to reopen KGH’s in-patient pediatric unit as soon as possible and we are committed to keeping the community updated as progress continue. KGH remains equipped to support any children requiring emergency care although pediatric in-patients will not be admitted at this time.
Further, efforts will continue to reopen KGH’s in-patient pediatric unit as soon as possible and we are committed to keeping the community updated as progress continue. KGH remains equipped to support any children requiring emergency care although pediatric in-patients will not be admitted at this time.
SHOPPERS TO FARMERS’ MARKET
TARIFFS AND INFLATION DRIVE SHOPPERS TO FARMERS’ MARKET
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
With the economic uncertainty and new tariffs affecting imported food products across Canada, Canadians have been more motivated than ever to support products that have been produced locally, and often are turning to local farmers’ markets.
“Farmers’ markets are a trusted
passport to B.C. and Canadian food and artisanal goods,” Heather O’Hara, executive director at BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, said.
“Our markets are filled with local stories of makers and flavours. For those seeking a meaningful way to travel B.C. and support our province, choose B.C. farmers’ markets.”
In a 2023 economic impact study, the
Join the 2025 BC Farmers’ Market Summer Challenge and support B.C. farmers, small
PHOTO/HERALD FILE
Join the 2025 BC Farmers’ Market Summer Challenge and support B.C. farmers, small businesses, and food entrepreneurs.
MORE: continued on page 11
MORE VISITORS AND VENDORS THAN PAST FEW YEARS
numbers showcase that farmers’ markets across B.C. contribute over $232 million to the local economy and generate positive ripple effects for surrounding businesses.
With farmers’ markets across the province now in full swing for the summer season, the BC Association of Farmers’ Market has launched a new five-step challenge to help turn that local love into action.
The challenge encourages participants to:
Shop local – buy from B.C. farmers and makers;
Plan a Visit – make markets a weekly or monthly part of your routine;
Go Green – walk, bike or take transit to a market at least once this season;
Explore BC – add farmers’ markets to your summer travel itinerary using the BC Farmers’ Market Trail tool;
Stay connected – follow your favourite markets online or subscribe for updates;
“It helps us out, not only with our local businesses, but it also helps the customers know that they’re supporting their local businesses which is super important in these times with all the tariffs coming down,” Leanne Gledhill, market manager of the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, said. Gledhill also highlighted the impact that this new challenge will have in the Nicola Valley.
“I think for the people in town, you’ll be able to see exactly what our local farmers are growing, and what they have to offer,” she said. “Some of our farmers, beyond the farmers’ market, have their own subscription services and you can order from them independently of the market, but it’s a
good way to introduce them to everybody.”
According to Gledhill, the contribution of the local farmers’ market to the region’s economy is significant and she noticed that more people are making the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market part of their routine now.
“We’re seeing more of an increase of people coming in, especially now that the farmers’ market nutritional coupon program is in effect, which is a great program in itself,” she added.
Gledhill said the market is growing in both popularity and variety, noting that vendor numbers are up significantly this season.
“We were averaging about 14 vendors before, but this week we’ve got 22,” she said. “We’ve already seen a few people come through using the coupon program, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a lot more as holiday season kicks in.”
She added that the ‘Go Green’ step of the challenge is especially doable in Merritt.
“Most of Merritt is pretty walkable, and we’ve got a not-too-bad transit system,” she said. “Walking or biking is a great way to get some exercise and also helps with parking, since we do get pretty busy.”
The Nicola Valley market, she said, is more than just produce.
“We’ve got several food vendors, lots of baked goods — including sourdough
MEASLES DETECTED ACROSS INTERIOR CITIES
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Measles is spreading throughout the Interior as Interior Health has identified multiple cases in a few cities. In a press release issued June 26, Interior Health said it has found cases of measles in Kamloops, Kelowna, Salmon Arm and the Nelson area.
Interior Health is currently contacting people who have been exposed to the virus. The news is coming just two days after 2025’s first case of the
and sausage rolls — and a ton of unique, handmade items,” she said. “Everything from local landscape paintings to knit stuffies and 3D-printed toys. There’s a lot to offer.”
Staying connected through social media is another key step.
“Our market has an Instagram and Facebook page where we post updates, usually twice a week, and again on
Saturdays to show who’s coming. That way, if someone missed a vendor last week, they know to come back when they’re here.”
Gledhill said the message is simple.
“There shouldn’t be anything holding you back. It’s a good way to get out, meet your local growers, and spend a day being part of your community.”
Summer Reading Club
2 - August 14
At the Merritt Library
Participate in free & fun weekly events
Ages 0-5
Weds. 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Ages 6-12
Weds. 1:00 - 2:00 PM Thurs. 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Call for details! 250-378-4737
highly infectious disease in the Interior was confirmed in Kamloops.
Interior Health is urging people with measles-like symptoms to contact a medical professional. Symptoms include; a fever, dry coughing, a runny nose, red eyes and a rash starting from the face that works its way to the body. Those with symptoms can contact 8-1-1 for an initial assessment.
Interior Health notes that those unvaccinated to the disease are especially at risk.
NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS
YOUNG MERRITT DANCER DANCES HER WAY
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
For Merritt’s Alex Cavaliere, qualifying for the provincial dance competition felt like a dream just out of reach, until it wasn’t. This year marked her very first time making it to provincials, and the surprise was still sinking in when her name was called as one of the top three dancers in her category.
“I was so, so, so happy when I found out I made top 3 in the province,” said Cavaliere. “I didn’t think it would ever be possible in my life. When they called my name, all the kids seemed so happy for me too!”
Although she was one of the older dancers in her age category this year and had placed first in both of her solos at the qualifying festivals, she said making it this far still felt surreal.
While Cavaliere admits to feeling a bit disappointed not to take the top spot, the experience of dancing in the finals concert among top performers from across B.C. outweighed everything.
said. “You also need to figure out the adjudicator’s values and style and try to incorporate those into your own dancing.”
She credits all of her instructors for helping her grow as a dancer, but says her choreographer Heather Clark played a special role in preparing her for provincials.
“Heather has given me a way of feeling like my true, vulnerable self on stage,” said Cavaliere. “She helps me find meaning in my solos and become my own artist, while also working on technique and teaching me where the styles come from and how they’ve evolved.”
Training for the event involved “lots and lots of classes in different styles”, everything from technique and strength to choreography and combos.
I was so, so, so happy when I found out I made top 3 in the province. I didn’t think it would ever be possible in my life.
“I was just so grateful and shocked that I had already made top 3 and got the honour to dance in the finals concert with all of the amazing ballet, modern and stage dancers from age 10 to 18,” she said.
Alex Cavaliere
Although her modern solo earned her the provincial spot, it was her secondary piece — a contemporary solo — that was chosen for the finals show. The contrast between her soft, flowing choreography and the more dramatic, powerful routines of the other two finalists made her performance stand out.
“I loved how it had so much texture,” she said. “A nice contrast of soft and flowy moves with powerful and sharp ones.” At provincials, dancers are judged not just on two solo performances but also through four adjudicated technique classes taught on the spot, something Cavaliere found particularly challenging.
“The adjudicator taught us the moves but didn’t give us the timing, so I tried to feel it on my own. Most of the time it worked,” she
Her contemporary solo was learned in a single session, while her modern piece took a few. Both were polished and refined over time.
Looking ahead, Cavaliere has her sights set on qualifying again next year, though she knows it won’t be easy.
“It will be much harder because I’ll be the youngest in a three-year age category,” she said.
Still, she’s motivated to continue learning, meeting new dancers and teachers, and mentoring younger students as a junior teacher and future choreographer.
Her passion for the art form shines through not just in competition, but in the way she celebrates others, like this year’s category winner, who also took first last year and was the only boy competing in their age group.
“I thought that was really brave,” Cavaliere said. “It was cool to see how they interpret movement differently, with more power and a different texture, but just as much emotion.”
When asked to sum up the experience, Cavaliere didn’t hesitate.
“Exciting, powerful, and heartfelt learning, connection, growing and performing.”
INTO B.C.’S TOP
PHOTO/CONTRIBUTED
Alex Cavaliere performs her contemporary solo at the B.C. provincial dance finals, earning a topthree finish.
JUNIORS SHINE IN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
The Junior Club Championship was held on Sunday, June 29, with eight junior golfers competing in the 18-hole challenge.
Kolton Brigden was crowned the new club champion with a winning score of 77.
Ethan Pickering earned second low net with a 69.
Cooper Harrington took second low gross with a score of 78, while second low net went to Alex Lambe with a 71. Logan Paskaruk followed with a 3rd low net of 71.
Fourth low net went to Andrew Denton with a 79, and fifth low net was awarded to Ryan Lambe, who shot an 86.
BC 1000 BIKE RACE RIDES TACKLE
PHOTOS/MERRITT GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
CENTRE: Kolton Brigden, Ethan Pickering, Ryan Lambe, Alex Lambe, Logan Paskaruk, Cooper Harrington, Andrew Denton, Will Hubbard are the eight juniors that participated in the 18 hole challenge this year.
TOP RIGHT: Bill Blair, president of the Junior Club, presents the trophy to winner Kolton Bridgen.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Golfer mid-swing.
PHOTOS/MATTHIAS WIEGAND Racers hit the trail on the first leg of the 1,000 km journey to Fernie. Riders rely on their own strength, supplies, and strategy in this self-supported race.
We wouldliketothankthestaff atNVGHandDr.Rossfortheirsupportand comfort.ThecareyouallshowedtowardsPapawasaboveandbeyondduring theentireprocess. We willbeforevergratefultoeachofyou. We alsowantedto extendourthankyoutofamily, friendsandthecommunityas awhole,whohave beenincrediblysupportiveduringthisdifficulttime.
Sunrise: April 22, 1938 - Sunset: June 12, 2025
A loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunty and friend.
Survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Archie Blankinship; Daughters: Jennie & Pam. Sons: Dwayne, Mel & James. Grandchildren: Robbyn, Lee (son: Gavin), Jedi, LeTeesh (son: Damon), LeSandra (daughters: Humming & Autumn), Melissa (daughters: Taliyah & Tianna), Candace (son: Lucious), Jaime, Brycen, Madeleine and Marlon.
On-linecondolencesmaybeexpressedatwww.MerritttFuneralChapel.com. Inlieuofflowers,donationscanbemadetotheBCLungFoundation. Papa,youalwaystoldothershowproudyouwereofyourfamily. We areso proudofyouforthelegacyyouhaveleftbehind.
Edna has many extended family members in Bonaparte and Skeetchestn. Edna dedicated her life working as a First Nations Homemaker (Home Care Aide) starting in Williams Lake and then the Nicola Valley. She loved working with the elders where she learned traditional teachings, history, protocol, the genealogy of families and the importance of elder care and parenting skills. Edna loved her family, especially her grandchildren.
The Blankinship family would like to thank all who attended the wake and funeral. We greatly appreciate the donations, volunteers, hand-drummers, cooks, seamstresses, fire keepers, horse riders, photographers, prayer warriors, and everyone who surrounded our family with love and kindness. Thank you Sonni Kiitokii (Justin) for carving Edna’s headstone and for being the MC. And, Marilyn for guiding us through protocol.
We are extremely grateful for the dedication and loving support of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, the LNIB Home Care Aid staff and Interior Health who helped make Edna’s homestay possible.
Once ANursealways aNurse CelebrationoflifewillbeheldJuly12,2025 TrinityUnitedChurchinMerrittat2:00pm
John James (Jim) IRVING
May 24, 1936 – June 19, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Irving Sr., who left us on June 19, 2025, at the age of 89.
Jim was a proud Merrittonian, born and raised in the Nicola Valley, where he also met the love of his life, Donna. Jim and Donna were married on June 29, 1956, and together they raised a family built on love and commitment.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife Donna in April 2022, and by his brother Bob in November 2022.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: Jim (Brenda) and Terry (Karen); grandchildren: Janis (Dan), Ryan (Maria), and Naomi (Alan); and greatgrandchildren: Nolan, Niah, Tenley, Scarlett, and Aubrey.
As per Jim’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Jim received while living at Pine Grove Place in Kamloops, BC.
Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety(SCHSS)isseekinga qualifiedCounsellor(MastersDegree)committedtoenrichingthe livesofindividualsandfamilies,andcommunities.This roleoffers ahighdegreeofautonomywithinaverysupportiveteam.A BaccalaureateDegreeinPsychology,Social WorkorHumanServices fromanaccrediteduniversitymaybeconsidered. Ourorganizationiscommittedtoservingtheneedsofour communities. We askthatallIndigenousapplicantsself-identifyin our recruitmentandstaffingprocesseswherepreferencemaybe giventoqualifiedIndigenousapplicants. We offeracompetitive remunerationpackagethatincludesbenefitsandpension. Formore informationaboutthepositionpleasecontactus. A resumewithacoverletteroutliningyourabilitytomeetthe requirementsofthepositionis required.
It would consideramendments tothe CD2:ComprehensiveDevelopment zoneona portionofthepropertylocatedat6500 Kamloops-MerrittHighway5Ain Quilchena,BC(PID: 012-977-365),as shownoutlinedontheadjacentmap,toadd recreationalvehicle parkuse under Section 33.1(a)aswellasnewrecreationalvehicle parkConditionsofUse underSection33.4.
Allpersonswhobelievethattheirinterestin propertymaybe affectedbytheproposedbylawshallbeaffordedareasonableopportunitytoprovideinput atthePublicHearing.AnyonewhowishestopresentattheHearingvirtually(viaZoom)mustcontact Legislative ServicespriortonoononJuly15,2025,to arrange virtual access Anyonemay alsomake written submissionsonthe matter ofBylaw No.2884,2025,(viathe optionsbelow),whichmustbereceivedat our officepriortonoononJuly15,2025.Theentirecontentofallsubmissionswillbemadepublicandformpart of the public recordfor this matter.
Norepresentationswill be received bythe Board of Directors afterthePublicHearing has beenconcluded. A.Krause, General ManagerofDevelopmentServices
PUBLICNOTICE
NoticethatStuwix Resourceshasposted ForestOperationsMap(s)(FOM) to https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects forpublic reviewandcomment.
Tulameen
Reviewperiodstarts July 3rdending30days afterandtheinformationmaybe used forup to 3 years. PublicmayalsoviewtheFOM(s) weekdays 8-4pmat2-98Hwy8,MerrittBC, V1K0A7–250-378-2277orcommentsemailed to planningforester@stuwix.com
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Used of a number or amount not specified
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Hosts film festival
British place to house convicts
Made of fermented honey and water
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Fulfills a debt
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Disturbance 33. “The Martian” actor Matt
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
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