AWARENESS
Read the story of those looking to end the stigma of drug addiction for overdose awareness day.
CLOSURE ON THE TABLE FOR MERRITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
School District 58 cites budget cuts, enrolment decline, and facility concerns
JOSH DAWSON Castanet
The superintendent of the NicolaSimilkameen School District says nobody wants to shutter a school, but two Merritt elementaries will be eyed for closure if trustees vote next month to start the process.
A motion will be presented during the board of education’s Sept. 10 meeting to consider closing either Merritt Central elementary or French-immersion Collettville elementary.
Speaking with Castanet, SD58 Supt. Courtney Lawrance said community consultation will start in October and last until next year if the motion is passed.
“Our board will actually be going out into the community doing consultation, and there’ll be lots of opportunities for parents to express their concerns and thoughts on all of those pieces, because we want to hear what
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RODEO WEEKEND
The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo weekend celebrates Western heritage with skillful performances, parades, and fun for all
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
WILL ENROLMENT STABILIZE?
our parents have to say,” she said.
“The decision [to close a school] probably would be made at the March board meeting.”
While Lawrance said she heard concern next month’s vote will be taken at a meeting in Princeton, she said it is usual practice for the board to splits its meetings between Merritt and Princeton throughout the year.
“This is a longstanding tradition, that’s just where our board meeting happens to be in September, so there’s no nefarious undertone to it,” she said.
One or none
A motion to consider closing Merritt Central was already passed in May. Lawrance said board trustees said they wanted to consider Collettville for closure as well, resulting in a public notice on Monday of the new motion to be compliant with SD58’s recently-reviewed school closures policy.
“Nothing is set in stone, so it might be one school that closes or it might be no school that closes,” Lawrence said.
She said Collettville was selected because of a “steep” decline in enrolment. The recently approved 2025-26 budget axed courtesy busing to the school for students in the walk limit, and the location also lacks some nearby sidewalks.
“Really it was more about the concern that maybe that isn’t the right place for a single-track school, because it’s a program of choice and our students come from all across Merritt,” Lawrence said.
In selecting Merritt Central, she said the school is one of SD58’s oldest facilities, and one of the most at risk of future flooding. It was one of the schools most severely damaged during flooding in 2021 — and maintenance costs are expected to increase.
Declining enrolment and dwindling reserves caused SD58 to cut $1.5 million in this year’s budget, and Lawrance said an estimated $400,000 to $600,000 in savings per year could be found if an elementary school were to shutter.
If a school is approved for closure, she said savings would be found by reducing one administrator job, as well as maintenance, administration, clerical and janitorial work.
Whether or not teaching staff would be lost will
depend on if enrolment in the district stays the same or declines further. Some teaching positions were cut in this year’s budget.
Will enrolment stabilize?
She said enrolment in brick-and-mortar schools has declined by about 100 student FTE over a five-year period, and most of SD58’s schools have available capacity for more students.
Meanwhile, enrolment in the district’s Provincial Online Learning School, which includes local students and others from across B.C., has grown “exponentially.”
Lawrance attributed the growth to positive word of mouth, an increase in the number of students with inclusive needs, and other students that are seeking to get ahead in their studies.
“We suspect we’ll be down for this school year as well in our brick-and-mortar,” Lawrance said.
“Until we have our firm enrolment at the end of September, we’ll need to see have we stabilized in terms of population, or are we continuing to just see a decline?”
‘Nobody wants to close a school’
Interested parties are invited to attend the Sept. 10 board meeting in person at the Princeton Secondary School board room, or to watch the district’s online live stream.
Anyone interested in presenting at the meeting must contact secretary treasurer Mark Friesen by Sept. 3 at mfriesen@sd58.bc.ca, and include a written submission about the presentation.
Lawrance encouraged anyone with questions or concerns about the possible closure to reach out to herself or the board of education.
She said a potential school closure was a difficult choice to make, and SD58 isn’t the only district facing financial pressures.
“Nobody wants to close a school, I don’t want to close a school, our board doesn’t want to close a school, our community doesn’t want us to close a school,” Lawrence said.
“But the really hard choice for our board — and I don’t envy them — is it a building or is it people? Because the only way to find those dollars is typically through staffing, if it’s not another solution.”
NEW DIGITAL SIGN FOR PUBLIC ALERTS
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
In a move to boost public communication and emergency preparedness, Merritt city council has unanimously approved the installation of a new digital information sign along Voght Street, aiming to keep residents better informed and engaged.
The sign will provide residents and visitors with real-time updates on important topics, including fire alerts, council meeting schedules, community events, Crime Stoppers information, and drought level updates.
“What happens is that we often hear from people that we don’t communicate enough, despite the fact that we have the city page, we have often posters around the community, we have Facebook, we have LinkedIn, we have the website, some radio
campaigns,” Cynthia White, chief administrative officer at City of Merritt, said.
“I don’t know that there are a lot of other venues for us to do this or a lot of other streams of communication available to us. So this would be an additional stream that we can use on top of what we currently have.”
According to a city staff report, the sign is designed to improve transparency, streamline communication, and ensure timely access to critical information.
Council also authorized the city to enter into agreements with Crime Stoppers and the selected vendor, BMB Signs, under the City’s standard contract terms. Crime Stoppers has contributed a grant of $14,385.00 toward the purchase
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PROJECT TO BE COMPLETE BY DECEMBER
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and installation of the sign.
Originally intended for signage at the CPO office, the grant was redirected after the office’s closure. The project must be completed by December 2025.
To complete the project, council approved drawing the remaining funds — up to a maximum of $18,000 — from the general capital reserve fund. The total estimated cost of the project is $24,071.00.
The new digital sign will replace the city’s current drought level sign and will conform to updated branding and signage standards.
Considerations for location, visibility, accessibility, and ongoing maintenance were factored into the project planning.
At the meeting, Coun. Wendy Charney inquired city staff on the ongoing maintenance costs of the sign, which despite not having an exact dollar figure as to how much, CAO White said that maintenance should be minimal like bulb changes and software updates every now and then.
Charney also asked if the information at the sign would be the same one already present in other venues like local media and social media.
“Some of it will be duplicated, but we’ll also (add more). The fire chief wants to be able to put the wildfire risk ranting on there as well as our drought conditions,” White said.
“Any other kinds of emergency information that we would have to get out fairly quickly would also be able to go on that sign.”
One question brought up by Coun. Dana Egan was in regards to the material being used to build the sign. She was hoping that the sign would be made of something more permanent, that wouldn’t be so subject to wear and tear.
Coun. Yvette Baxter asked whether additional grants could help reduce the financial burden.
“Not in the time frame that we’re looking at. They have to have this Crime Stoppers, the recipient of the $14,000, have to have this project done by the end of this calendar year,” White said. “We’ve applied for other grants around crime prevention and things like that and haven’t been successful this year. So I don’t know how much success we would have.”
Egan also noted the importance of keeping the sign from being overloaded with information.
“If you’re doing this for Crime Stoppers as well as fire safety, city announcements, you don’t want to overload it too much because you don’t really want people sitting at the bottom reading like a newspaper. It’ll defeat the purpose. They’ll have to wait and wait and wait for the initial thing to come around again. I don’t think you should have a whole lot of co-partners with this.”
The new digital sign is expected to provide a reliable, visible, and flexible way for the city to communicate important information to the community while supporting emergency preparedness and public safety initiatives.
CAMPFIRE BAN PUT IN PLACE
KATHY MICHAELS Castanet
Campers had a good run this summer, but the time to snuff out their marshmallow toasting flames has arrived.
BC Wildfire Service has put a campfire ban into place for the Kamloops Fire Region, last Thursday.
“Category 1 campfires will be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety,” reads the notice.
The prohibition will remain in effect until Oct. 17 at noon or until the orders are rescinded.
If it seems later than usual for such a prohibition to fall into place, you’re not wrong.
BC Wildfire information officer Taylor Colman said in the Kamloops fire zone, said the ban is coming in later than usual. Last year, when a ban went into place on July 12. In 2023 the fire ban went into place June 8, came off shortly after that, then was reinstated it on July 7.
BC Wildfire defines a campfire as any fire
Adopta
no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide and used by any person for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.
In addition to campfires being prohibited, air curtain burners; carbonizers, binary exploding targets, fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC, burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description, controlled air incinerators and sky lanterns are also banned, BC Wildfire said.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Anyone who sees a campfire can call 1 800 663 5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST.
FAMILY PLEADS FOR ANSWERS IN BUDDY RHODES’ HIT-AND-RUN
TY LIM
reporter@merrittherald.com
An investigation regarding the fatal hit-and-run of a Merritt man is resurfacing as RCMP release a plea from family members in a bid to advance the case.
A year ago, Aug. 30, 2024, 24-year-old Buddy Rhodes was found dead on the side of the Coquihalla Highway (Hwy 5) near Exit 286.
Mounties were called to the scene, where they then determined that Rhodes had been dead for a few days – up to six days – before being reported to the police.
RCMP said Rhodes was likely hit by a vehicle travelling south approaching Exit 286 of Hwy 5.
At the time of the incident, BC Highway Patrol were asking for witnesses to the incident, as well as anyone who may have spotted a man wearing a grey hoody and black sweatpants in the area during the time of the incident to talk to them.
A year later, police are once again actively searching for leads on the investigation.
Rhodes’ sister, Alix Legouffe has spoken with RCMP and released a video pleading for any witnesses to come forward.
“If you know something and you haven’t told someone, please come forward,” Legouffe said. “Our families needs the closure, we need some answers, we need to know what happened, not just what-ifs.”
A memorial in the form of a cross was set up on the side of the highway for Rhodes.
“It would mean the world to us if you could just please let someone know and come forward,” Legouffe said.
Rhodes was an uncle to Legouffe’s kids and a cheerful member of the family, according to her.
“Buddy was funny, he was kind, he had the biggest smile. He lit up he walked into with all his energy,” she said.
“The time he spent with my kids, he was a great uncle. I miss everything about him.”
“All of us are going through the firsts (without Rhodes). The first birthdays, the first Christmas, all of the family dinners. I’m getting married in a few weeks and not having my brother there… it’s been tough, but we’re trying,” Legouffe said.
BC Highway Patrol said they are looking for all sides of the story of this investigation, which includes the driver.
“We are open to hearing another side of this story, including from the driver who possibly did not know they hit Buddy, ” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. We need to solve this mystery for Buddy’s family.”
Legouffe echoes the statement.
“If you made a mistake, if you found out after, if you found some damage on your vehicle, please tell someone. It’s been a year now, our family would really appreciate it if you came forward and let us know what happened.”
People with any information related to the investigation are urged to contact BC Highway Patrol – Merritt at 250-378-4262 and quote file (2100) 2024-4262.
PHOTO/BC HIGHWAY PATROL
Alix Legouffe stands by a memorial for her brother Buddy Rhodes who was killed in a hit-and-run last year.
NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT
SWEET DREAMS: THE POWER OF A SLEEP ROUTINE
BONNIE DIXON
Healthy Conversations
When it comes to health, sleep is the number one thing you can do to support your body and mind. The secret? Plan for it! Just like any important appointment, quality sleep requires preparation and routine. A simple evening ritual can make all the difference. Brush your teeth, change into comfortable sleepwear, enjoy a calming cup of tea, and - most importantly- turn off social media at least one hour before bed. Playing soft music, reading something light, or gentle stretching
can signal your body that it’s time to wind down. Of course, new parents and caregivers may find this trickier, but even setting the intention matters.
Why is sleep so important? Think of your body like a car. Without regular maintenance and oil changes, it breaks down. Sleep is the ultimate repair shop, allowing your body to restore, heal, and recharge.
If sleep doesn’t come easily, consider keeping a sleep diary. You may uncover culprits such as stress, latenight work, scrolling online, or gaming. Each of these can be adjusted to protect your rest. If stress is the culprit, consider all the ways you can change what is going on. Then act upon it. Continued stress and lack of sleep can over the long run create more problems like chronic illness, breakdown of relationships, even job loss.
Deep, restorative sleep brings brighter mornings, more energy, and sharper thinking. That alone is worth striving for!
Please be careful with over-the-counter sleep medications. Natural supports often work beautifully without side effects. Chamomile or peppermint tea, magnesium caps, passionflower caps or tea, lavender essential oil on your pillow, or gentle homeopathic remedies like Calms Forte may help. And don’t forget caffeine: cutting it off earlier in the day (my personal cutoff is 2 p.m.) can make a big difference.
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Create a routine that works for you, honor your body’s need for rest, and you’ll wake up ready to embrace each day.
Sweet dreams—and even sweeter days!
PRO RODEO FROM AN OUTSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE
TY LIM Opinion
The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo was another weekend of fun in to go in the history books.
For the riders, it must’ve felt like the culmination of thousands of hours worth of practice wrapped into a half-day spectacle. The whole experience must feel very natural to them.
To me, as a spectator, the experience was quite novel. Being from the city, I realize I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bull in-person, let alone someone try and ride it while it’s angry.
The bravery on display from all the men and women who put their health on the line has my respect. Being from the city is also a totally different culture to the rode grounds.
While the spectacle itself was almost foreign - with the
rugged stadium and cowboy attire everywhere - the feeling was a lot different than anything I would find in the city.
For one, the event felt more personal, localized to a small town.
It might be because my job is to talk to people, but it seemed that everywhere I went there was someone I knew. This was true for both the rodeo and the parade.
From this, I could tell how big a deal the rodeo and the fall parade is for Merritt. Coming from a city that can be largely devoid of intimate social traditions and gatherings, it’s cool to see people from all backgrounds come out and get excited for a good show.
Another aspect of the show I found interesting was learning the story of the late bull rider, Ty Pozzobon and his struggles with CTE.
CTE and brain trauma, especially in sports, is an issue I feel quite passionately about, especially as an aspiring fighter.
I had recently competed in a kickboxing fight in which my opponent and I weren’t exactly defensively minded let’s just say. For about a week after the fight, I felt a little
lost, like there was a piece of my head missing.
Brain trauma and CTE are actively talked about in the fighting community as well as other sports like football.
Still, I don’t believe it is ever talked about enough. While athletes say they understand the risks associated with the sport, the imagination of sports glory usually outweighs the possible failure of their career.
Brain trauma affects everyone, not just the athlete. In some cases entire families are destroyed because the injuries can fundamentally change a person.
As the Ty Pozzobon foundation was set up after his death to advocate for the mental health of rodeo riders, I am keen to see how far into the spotlight the issue of brain damage will be taken.
Many other sports, like the NFL, have changed the way they train to minimize the risk of head trauma.
In the modern age of boxing and cage-fighting, some fighters - e.g. Max Holloway - have heavily cut down on sparring while preparing for fights.
Articles written after Pozzobon’s death showed the stigma around head trauma has already changed. How far will it go?
LETTERS to the Editor
AN OPEN LETTER TO SD58
Editor,
I feel I must send you this email as the Mayor of this City of Merritt but also a grandfather that has a child in one of the schools that your are considering for closure.
I think at this time you maybe moving a bit to quickly on this path, Merritt is growing and by our new industries that are coming in and those projected we could see close to 250-300 jobs and new families in the next 2-3 years, even if half of these families had kids that’s 150 possible new students that will need schools to go to.
Also it does not foster a great environment for those companies that are looking to invest here and see another school close in the valley, that would be by my count 3, Kenguard, CMS and now either Central or Collettville.
I am also concerned that this meeting regarding these 2 schools closing in Merritt will be held in Princeton.
I implore you to reconsider the venue and have it moved to Merritt where those affected can have their say.
I know meetings like this are never pleasant, when we had the town meeting for the new shelter location in the city we did not hold it in Logan Lake we had it here in Merritt.
Yes it was a long meeting and at some points uncomfortable but that is why you have been elected into these positions to shoulder these hard things. Local parents need to be heard and they need to hear your reasonings as you defend them.
I will be putting my name into speak September 10 at the Princeton meeting, but am hoping I can speak here in the community I represent and in the community these 2 schools are in.
– Mike Goetz, Merritt, B.C.
ART-TASTIC!
This week’s submission is by Thanumi Thasanga Jayasinghe, entitled “Flower”.
Community members, teachers and students... Submit your artwork to newsroom@ merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured in print each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.
SD58 AND THE POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS
Editor,
Since moving to Merritt, we’ve watched our property taxes—including school taxes—along with water and sewer fees climb to levels that make me wonder if I’m living in Merritt or Vancouver.
The value we receive for what we’re paying simply isn’t there. If the real estate market were stronger, I would already be considering a move.
What’s especially frustrating is how these costs are being disproportionately shifted onto homeowners who have invested in legal secondary suites— providing much-needed rental housing in the community.
Rather than being encouraged, we’re being penalized. I am hopeful the new water meter program will reduce my bill, since there are often fewer people in both our home and suite combined than in many single-family households in town, but this remains to be seen.
Let me be clear: taxpayers cannot continue to shoulder endless increases simply because School District 58 or other bodies decide to “go back to the well.”
Like any household or business, you must learn to operate within a budget and manage resources more efficiently. If not, Merritt’s much-needed growth— through investment and an expanded tax base—will disappear once it becomes known that property taxes here exceed those in places like Vancouver.
I am watching this very closely to see what level of fortitude SD58 shows with their handling of this issue. Enough is enough. Taxpayers’ pockets are not a bottomless well—like the Coldwater River this time of year, they’re running dry.
– Dave Brewer., Merritt, B.C.
A LOOK BACK
From the Herald archives
SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
RECYCLING COLLECTION A SUCCESS
Sunday’s recycling collection at Claybanks Park was a bigger success than organizers had hoped for.
“It was a huge success – we didn’t expect half that much,” says recycling club member Sherry Huber.
The bins were full and overflowing less than an hour after the gates opened to the public on Sunday morning. And the people and car loads full of goods kept coming and coming says Huber.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
SANGHA WINS TENNIS TOURNEY
A tie breaking match was needed to decide the champion at the Merritt tennis club’s trophy tournament Saturday.
Rob Marshall and Bob Sangha met each other in the final match Saturday afternoon.
The round robin finals started earlier that day and Marshall beat his opponent Kevin Dixon to advance to the finals.
Sangha ended up playing two other matches before he could advance to the finals.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1990
CITY GETS $20K TO FIX ARENA
The City of Merritt has been awarded $20,000 to spend on improvements at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
Provincial secretary Howard Dirks and area MLA Jim Rabbitt announced the $20,000 GO B.C. grant Thursday.
“Because it was built over 30 years ago this upgrading work is essential,” said Rabbitt.
This year the city budgeted about $50,000 for arena improvements and during the summer work has been done in the building.
Renovations include roof repairs, fire alarms, an emergency lighting system and improvements in the dressing rooms and public washrooms.
WaterMeters
FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS
Will watermeters make my waterbill go upimmediately?
Do homeownershave to payforthe meters andinstallation?
Is Merrittrunning out of water?
Arewatermetersjust away fortheCity to chargemoremoney?
Whydoesthe Cityneedthis information?
Once installed,willI have anysay inhow waterratesareset?
Residentialcustomers will continuetopay aflat rate at thistime. Whileusage-basedbillingmaybemore equitable,Councilhasnotmade adecision to move to this structure,andnochangesareexpectedinthenearfuture
No.Thankstoagrant fromtheProvinceofBC,theCity is coveringthe cost of purchasingandinstalling water meters.Notethatresidentsareresponsible formaking provisionstoprovideaccess to theworksite
No.Metershelpquicklyidentifyleaks,preventwaste, and,inthefuture,ensure that peopleonlypayforwhat they use. Communitieswithwatermeters typicallysee a20–25% reductionin wateruse.
No,buttreatedwateris expensive to provide,and Merritt residentsusenearly fourtimestheCanadian average (STATISTICS CANADA) Meters helpidentifywhetherlossesareoccurringin themunicipaldistribution systemoronprivateproperty.
Meters providethemissingdataneeded to plan repairs, determineactualwaterdemand,right-sizethe system forgrowth,applyforgrants,andensure budgetsreflect realneeds.
Anychanges to billingmustbedecided by Councilthrough thepublicprocessinvolvedinpassing abylaw.Asthe Citystillneeds to betterunderstanditswaterusage,this discussionisunlikely to take placeinthenearfuture.
1
CITY BACKS NEWCOMER WELCOME PROGRAM
LAÍSA CONDÉ
editor@merrittherald.com
In a move aimed at strengthening community engagement and supporting local economic development, Merritt city council has approved a new partnership with Merritt Neighbourhood Welcome.
This initiative will see the city collaborate with the grassroots organization to warmly welcome new residents and better connect them with local businesses, services and municipal resources.
At the latest meeting, council voted unanimously to direct city staff to move forward with establishing the partnership.
As part of the initiative, a ‘Welcome to the Community’ package will be distributed to individuals and families that have moved to the area within the last 12 months. These packages will include:
– Community information: essential city services, programs, community events, fire safety, recreation facilities, and other pertinent resources;
– Local business promotions: business directories, promotional items, and service information provided by local partners;
– City-branded items: the inclusion of city-branded swag to foster civic pride; To support this program, the city approved the inclusion of $2,500 in the 2026 municipal budget to purchase city-branded items and facility passes for the welcome packages. The funding is expected to cover materials for up to two years.
Before voting, Coun. Yvette Baxter highlighted that Merritt had a ‘Welcome Wagon’ in prior years, but it wasn’t successful.
“We’ve done this before, we had a ‘Welcome Wagon’, and it was not
successful,” she said at the meeting. “It actually cost tax payers money and it didn’t succeed.”
For Coun. Dana Egan, the ‘Welcome Wagon’ did a good job on informing newcomers on community events, local businesses, among others.
“I thought, for years, the Welcome Wagon did do a pretty good job. I’m not sure exactly what happened to it, but I think that Bara has given us shows that it’s a well-founded group,” she added.
Brooke Bara, area coordinator for Merritt Neighbourhood Welcome, added that despite Merritt Neighbourhood Welcome being a marketing organization, that isn’t their only focus.
“We’re not solely focused on marketing. We want to boost the local economy and we want to help new residents feel welcomed,” she said.
“Our main focus is the welcome aspect of it, which is why I’d like the city to partner because having a letter from the mayor, having any information from the city, that only makes us more credible because we are operating within your city.
But it’s an opportunity for the city to say ‘we’re supporting local businesses, we’re here for you.”
Mayor Mike Goetz highlighted the benefits that it would bring to newcomers and the city, as he shared his experience with the ‘Welcome Wagon’ once he moved into town.
“I remember when we moved, we had a Welcome Wagon that came to visit my family and I when we first moved into this small town many many years ago and it was welcoming, it made us feel like we belong,” Goetz added.
OD AWARENESS GETS LOCAL SUPPORT
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Spirit Square and the N’kwala Park were turned into spaces to educate about overdose awareness last week, as part of a global movement on the subject.
ASK Wellness Society were the organizers for this year’s event, which happened at 12 p.m. at Spirit Square and 10 a.m. at N’kwala Park on Aug. 29.
The event saw support from numerous organizations in the city, such as the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, who all had tents trying to make people aware of the drug overdose crisis and to reduce stigma behind drug use and getting help.
The event was also supported by the Merritt Fire Rescue Department, who also ran a barbeque.
The first part of the event at N’kwala Park involved a memorial dedicated to those who’ve died to drug abuse.
“A couple years ago, this tree was planted (at the park) in honour of folks in our community that we lost to overdose. So it’s become this kind of a memorial space for our community,” said Nicole Hayman, a worker at ASKWellness.
Adorned on the tree and on event tents at N’kwala Park were dream catchers made by recovery participants of one of ASKWellnesses programs. The idea of the dream catchers were to put the name or a photo of a lost loved one onto the dream catcher. At the event there were a few names placed onto them.
The space was also used for people to gather and share their experiences of drug use as well as just to socialize.
The next event, happening at Spirit Square, was more catered to the public, educating about the stigma surrounding drug use as well as teaching practical skills like how to use a naloxone kit.
“It’s a great chance for people to come together and look at the resources we have for people who might be using substances,” said Marissa Kichard, a tenant support worker with ASK Wellness.
For stigma, the organizers wanted to get the message across that some people don’t want to get help with drug use because it’s frowned upon in society. They said that they wanted to make the public more aware of what drug use looks like and to become more tolerant of the issue.
“When you reduce the stigma, you can change somebody’s life,” Kichard said.
“When we look at people who use substances, we have the idea of, ‘oh, they’re homeless,’ but it could be your neighbour next door. It could be the blue collar guy next door who is using substances alone because he feels like he can’t come out and reach out to anybody because it’s so stigmatized. But there is support for people out there who are looking to change their life around,” said Erin Abbott, a health navigator with ASK Wellness.
Another goal of the event was also to spread awareness as to what resources are available to support users on their journey to overcome addiction.
Abbott said she finds many people she works with don’t know what’s available in town.
There were a few speakers at the event who shared their stories with drug addiction.
One of them was Hayman, who took the stage at Spirit Square to tell her story of recovery.
“Like a lot of people, substance use and addiction is part of my story, the story of my entire family for as long back as I can remember,” Hayman said.
Hayman said at 19 she began using illicit substances. Her use of drugs eventually coincided with her becoming homeless in her hometown.
“It got to the point where my family wanted to help, but they weren’t well themselves.”
Hayman said it took a lot of support but she eventually got out of drug use.
“With a lot of community support, things changed,” she said.
One of these community supports were ASKWellness, who she said helped her on her journey. She now raises a family in Merritt.
B.C. GRANT KEEPS DANCERS MOVING
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Merritt Dance Society has received thousands of dollars in grant money to help with the operation of their arts programs.
The organization was the recipient of the 2025 Community Gaming Grant worth $16,500 handed out by the B.C. government.
“Community Gaming Grants are empowering organizations, artists and cultural workers by strengthening arts and culture programming and services to increase opportunities for people in British Columbia to participate in the arts and culture sector,” the B.C. government says on its website.
Merritt Dance Society, and therefore the Love to Dance Academy, will be using the funds to do just that.
Toni Stewart, president of the Merritt Dance Society, said funds will be the wages of their dance instructors.
“(The grant) allows us to offer competitive and fair salaries commensurate with our dance instructors’ qualifications, levels of certification, and teaching experience while keeping up with the increasing cost of living,” Stewart said in an email to the Herald.
“As we are a nonprofit organization, we are not about financial gain but we are responsible to meet the dance studio’s
financial obligations and we try very hard to do so without having to raise our dance tuition fees significantly every year. Striking a balance between offering high quality services and keeping the costs of those services as affordable as possible to as many folks as possible is the challenge.This is where the BC Gaming grant is so very helpful.”
Merritt Dance Society has two official instructors currently; one full-time and one part-time. The organization is also hoping to give the opportunity to two of their older students to teach.
“I think it’s really important to be able to keep high quality staff in the small town,” Stewart said.
Stewart said these days, the club is ever-growing. This year she estimates there are over 100 students, with 20 to 25 more joining every year.
Under the care of their full-time instructor, the dance club has been able to shine in inter-city competitions, often competing with clubs much bigger than themselves.
This instructor, Kia Henriksen, had also brought in a variety of new dance styles since she joined a few years ago. Some of these styles are hip-hop, tap dancing and acrobatics.
Speaker from ASK Wellness Society at Spirit Square talking about drug addiction.
FOOD BANK CALLS ON MORE DONATIONS DURING TROUBLING ECONOMIC TIMES
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
The Nicola Valley Food Bank is sounding the alarm, as the cost-of-living crisis has hampered their ability to serve clientele.
“We’re going through a challenging time,” said Derlanda Hewton, manager of the Nicola Valley Food Bank.
Hewton, who has been tenured to the food bank for years, has gone through the highs and lows of Merritt’s economy.
During times of local instability, like the closure of the Tolko mill, Hewton said she’s seen influxes of new people which temporarily strained the food bank’s resources.
This time, she is seeing an increase in the price of groceries and housing, which is not just straining their clients, but the food bank itself.
“We’ve had a drop in food in both food and monetary donations,” she said, saying she thinks the affordability crisis has also taken people away from donating.
“Our finances and our donations have dramatically dropped from previous years.”
At the same time, another one of the food bank’s primary methods of income - government grants - have also been harder to get recently.
“We depend on donations and grants. Ninety-nine-and-ahalf per cent of grant opportunities have become more competitive, and in the end, the ones that we’ve been able to secure have actually decreased,” Hewton said.
“Our bank account is depleting… there’s so many of us
food banks that are going through this same situation.”
Despite numbers of clients not being as high as the numbers from last year, Hewton said there is still a large population that relies on the food bank.
Hewton said they have serviced 1063 unique individuals this year. Clients can come to the food bank once a week. In total, the food bank served people 9224 times.
This large number of visits also means a large grocery bill for the food bank, as they give their clients a variety of produce.
Hewton said their grocery bill is around $6,000 per month.
With a decrease in donations, Hewton said that what’s coming in isn’t covering their total costs.
“People are finding it difficult to be able to have the extra money for groceries. So the need for our services continues to grow,” Hewton said.
The problem isn’t just a Merritt one, Food Banks Canada is saying more and more people are relying on food banks and that 28 per cent of families with children are looking at using one in the next six months.
She said the Merritt food bank helps people in a variety of situations.
“We also do our seniors, people that are working… minimum wage and they’re just not able to get their bills paid, so they rely on the food bank for that support,” she said.
Hewton said she’s also seen an influx of people who have recently immigrated to Canada use the food bank’s services.
During this time of instability, Hewton wants to remind the public that donations go a long way.
“Everything helps us, so whatever a person can give, we are truly grateful for,” she said. “Ten dollar to $20 donations, it helps us stretch the resources and purchase essentials that we need. We’re looking for monthly donors. They really matter to us because then they provide steady support that we can count on.”
“(Donations) help us provide food security to those who walk through our door.”
Hewton also said that their new, yet-to-be-developed location at 1898 Blair St. is a step towards the food bank being more self-sufficient.
“It is our hope that we will be able to take meaningful steps towards becoming more self-sufficient by developing the space to reduce our reliance on donors and grants.”
In the meantime, Hewton wants to see changes in government policy to help with the nation’s food security issue.
“There needs to be changes made systematically to help with the food security problem that we have in our country.”
The food bank will also be welcoming any new volunteers who want to help out for the fall season.
Hewton also said anyone with questions for the food bank are free to drop by their location at 2026 Quilchena Ave. for a brief tour.
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CITY-WIDE PARADE KICKS OFF RODEO WEEKEND
VALLEY SPORTS CLUB CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT MERRITT GOLF
LAÍSA CONDÉ
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Merritt Golf and Country Club has announced the winners of its 2025 Men’s Club Championship, held Sunday, August 24th.
Ryan Yastremsky claimed the title of Stroke Play Club Champion with an impressive round of 73.
Riley Kinchella secured the Net Club Champion honours with a net score of 69. Participants faced intense heat and a challenging course setup throughout the day. The club extended its thanks to all who took part in the annual event.
CURLING CENTRE GETS UPGRADES FOR FIRST TIME
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
The Merritt Curling Club Centre is getting major renovations for the first time in the building’s 53-year long history.
Renovations worth thousands of dollars in material cost and hundreds of collective hours of volunteer labour are being installed in the second-floor clubhouse of the curling centre.
Susan Newton, president of the Merritt Curling Club, stated the renovations have been a long-time coming and in the mind of the board for over five years now.
getting modifications since it was built in 1972, according to Newton.
Newton said the renovations will help continue the legacy of the sport to the next generation of Merrittonians.
“All of us, including myself, we’re passionate about curling. We want to be able to bring new members in and show them how proud we are of our building, of our sport. Now that we want to move the passion on to younger players,” Newton said.
parties, Christmas parties, they can rent the space and enjoy it and just have a new face lift.”
While the project was originally going to be more scaled back, with the club only looking at the replacement of the floors, Newton said scope quickly grew to encompass the ceiling and the bar.
Even with the increase in scope, Newton said the club was always cost-conscious, a mindset which let the club get the floor on half-price.
All the manpower for the renovation has been conducted by club members on a volunteer basis as well.
The renovations cover a significant amount of area of the clubhouse; the flooring is being replaced along with the ceiling. The entire area is also being painted, and the bar has been replaced with one resin countertop. A new fireplace will also be installed. Other than a few paintjobs, this is the first time the curling centre is
Newton said the revamped room can be used for a variety of social activities. Importantly, the room will be used as a social lounge for curling club members after league games. Still, the room will be available to rent to outside parties for a variety of activities.
to Jackson Foster on playing a remarkable 150 junior hockey games
To Merritt Literacy Assoc and to those who donated 4 buckets full of books dan@merrittcentennials.ca (limited seating)
“We’d like the members especially to be able to have a comfortable social gathering place after their leagues, as well as if anybody has birthday parties or retirement
The club hopes to finish the renovations by their Oct. 1 deadline, before the start of the curling season.
On Sept. 5, the club will be hosting a “thank you” party to thank everyone who had a hand in the renovations.
To John Marshall for the Centennial float, and MacVicar Farm’s for providing the hay bails.
PHOTOS/MERRITT
LEFT: Ryan Yastremsky, Stroke Play champion, poses with his trophy. RIGHT: Riley Kinchella, Stroke Play Net champion, poses with his trophy.
PHOTO/ TY LIM
Merritt Curling Club members carrying a piece of wood for renovations.
A CHAMPION REMEMBERED FOREVER
Merritt’s Ty Pozzobon inducted into rodeo’s Hall of Fame.
LAÍSA CONDÉ newsroom@merrittherald.com
This past weekend, Merritt rose to its feet as Ty Pozzobon was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. The roar of applause that greeted his name was one of the loudest of the day — a testament to a man who touched not only the sport of rodeo but the hearts of everyone who knew him.
For Ty’s sister, Amy Pozzobon, the honour was deeply emotional.
“We were just so, so honored for him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Amy said.
“Words really can’t describe what it means to us. Ty dedicated his life to the sport of rodeo, whether it was competing, raising bucking bulls, contracting, or mentoring young kids.
“Just knowing that the rodeo world will remember and cherish him forever, just like we do, really means the world to us. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it, and about the town of Merritt as well. Merritt has always been such a supporter of Ty — both while he was competing and after, supporting the mission of the foundation.
to be there in person whenever we could, but lots of the time it was parties at someone’s house to watch him compete on PBR TV, and we’d all be screaming at the screen. It was just amazing to watch him be so successful at what he loved to do.”
Amy said Ty had a rare gift for connecting with people.
“He had this amazing quality of making everyone feel seen,” she said.
“He gave everyone the time of day, was genuinely interested in what you were doing. He was goofy, fun to be around, and his energy drew people in. That’s why he had so many great friends. He loved what he did, and it showed in everything around him.”
A Legacy Beyond Rodeo
Ty’s influence didn’t end in the arena. After his passing in 2017, the Ty Pozzobon Foundation became a vital voice in rodeo for concussion awareness and mental health.
Just knowing that the rodeo world will remember and cherish him forever, just like we do, really means the world to us.
“It means so much that we’re able to receive this award at the rodeo. And I know it means a lot to the whole town as well.”
Amy Pozzobon, Ty’s sister
Growing Up With a Brother
For Amy, Ty was more than a champion bull rider — he was a brother whose energy and joy shaped her life.
“When I think back, I remember us being young kids,” she said. “His passion for bull riding and rodeo just started so young. I can remember us in the living room, playing bull riding. He would be the bull, and he’d make me the bull rider. We were having little inside rodeos.
“He would ride all our rope steers with his friends from town and even make me videotape, though I was terrified. As he got older and became more successful, it was exhilarating watching him compete. I grew up competing as well, but sometimes I was even more invested in how he was doing than my own competitions. We always tried
“Rodeo is known for the ‘cowboy up’ mentality,” Amy said. “But over the past seven or eight years, that message has really changed. Families, competitors, and rodeo associations are realizing that every time you hit your head, it matters. Mental injuries need to be taken as seriously as physical injuries.
“With the foundation, the presence of sports medicine at rodeos, and education efforts, we’re continuing to make progress. It means so much that positive change is being made from such a tragedy our family has experienced.”
Ty was also the first rodeo athlete diagnosed with CTE after his brain was donated to science — a study that has contributed to research on head injuries worldwide.
“It’s incredible to see how far his story has reached,” Amy said. “His study has even been cited in research papers in New York City. That shows how much of an impact he’s had beyond the rodeo world.”
Remembering the Person
For Amy, the Hall of Fame honour isn’t just about trophies or titles.
“Of course, he was successful as a bull rider, but more than anything, he was an
impactful person,” she said. “His smile, his laugh, his fun-loving nature, and the way he made people feel — that’s what I hope he’s remembered for. Even people who met him once have stories about how he made them feel special. That’s the legacy we want to carry forward.”
Even in his absence, Ty continues to be a presence in the lives of those who loved him.
“It keeps him close to us,” Amy said. “All his friends — people he brought into our lives — they’re still family to us. That’s part of what makes this induction so meaningful.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
Amy hopes Ty’s story inspires future athletes to care for themselves as much as they care about their sport.
“There’s so much life outside of competing,” she said. “You need to take care of yourself, physically and mentally, to succeed in any sport. Ty was so young, and his injuries affected him, but he showed us there’s more to life than just the sport. You need to prioritize your well-being.”
She imagines Ty’s reaction to the honour.
“He would be so excited. He always
wanted people to see him as more than a bull rider. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame, being recognized alongside so many accomplished cowboys, he would have been proud and honoured. I wish he were here to receive it himself, but it’s amazing that even after his passing, he’s able to achieve it.”
One Ride at a Time
Amy summarized her brother’s ultimate legacy:
“It boils down to a couple of things,” she said. “First, the person he was — kind, generous, open, passionate, and giving his all to everything he did. And second, the impact he’s had on understanding concussions and mental health within rodeo and beyond. Those are the things that will carry forward.”
Ty Pozzobon’s induction into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame is more than a recognition of his athletic achievements. It is a celebration of the person he was, the lives he touched, and the lasting change his story continues to inspire — a legacy that will live on, one ride at a time.
PHOTO/ TY POZZOBON FOUNDATION
Ty Pozzobon passed away in 2017, as he took his own life. Pozzobon suffered from CTE. The Ty Pozzobon foundation was set up to become an advocate for mental health and brain trauma.
DIRT, SWEAT AND TEARS AT 2025 RODEO
Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911
Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899
Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919
Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772
Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735
Service Time every Sunday - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502
Service Times: Sunday 10 am
Motion Church Merritt
Opening Service: Sunday Sept 21 - 10am
Coquihalla Middle School (2975 Clapperton Ave) www.wearemotionchurch.ca/merritt
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In loving memory of CHRISSTOLLER
July8,1934 -September4,2022
“IfTearsCouldBuild aStairway, AndMemoriesa Lane I’llwalkrightuptoHeaven
ProudlyrecognizedasMerritt'sBestBookkeeper/Accountantofthe2019,2020,and2021 People'sChoiceAwards.It'sbeenourpleasureandprivilegetoserveourcommunityforover20 yearsandwelookforwardtobringinganothercommunitymembertojoinouroffice.Attentionto detailandbeingateamplayerisparamount.Salarywillbedependantonexperience.
Maintaingeneralledgersandfinancialstatements. Calculateandpreparechequesforpayroll. Prepareotherstatistical,financial,andaccounting reports. Keepfinancialrecordsandestablish,maintain,and balancevariousaccountsusingSage50. MustbeefficientinMicrosoftExcelandWord. Please email resumeto cjrbook@telus.net, or mail to Attn.ConnieRauch(Owner) CJRBookkeeping&TaxServicesInc. POBox2402.Merritt,BC.V1K1B8
DonaEdithMoses (neeKrause)
October7,1948to August30,2025
Withheavyhearts butfullmemories,weannounce thepassingofourbelovedmomandgrandma,Dona Moses,onAugust30,2025.Dona waskind,friendly, andhappiestwhensurroundedby family,proudlyfollowing everyadventureofherchildrenandgrandchildren.
SheisreunitedwithherbelovedhusbandJon,andwelike toimaginethe twoofthemalreadycatchingup,laughing,and keepingan eyeonusfromtheir favoriteporchswinginthesky—alongsideherparentsHenryandStella,and siblingsDeanandKathy, nodoubtlettingherbossthemaroundonceagain. BornandraisedinMerritt,manywillrememberDonafromthe BigAAMarketinthe70’sand80’s,wherelifelongfriendshipsandgreat memoriesweremade.ShelaterleftMerrittto explorenewopportunities andpassionsbefore eventuallyreturninghome.
From ayoungage,Dona facedmedicalchallengeswithremarkable courage,alwaysmeetingthemwithpositivity,determination,anda fighter’sspirit.Shecarriedthatstrengthrightthroughtothe veryend. ForeverlovedanddeeplymissedbyherchildrenLaine(Tammy)and Shantel(Rick);stepchildrenDale(Denise)andDarcy(Bev);grandchildren Brayden(Chelsea),Jared,Jorja(Brendan),andKarma;step-grandchildren Clayton,Jake,Branden,andJem;siblingsBarb,Judy,Marlien,Henry (Marlene),Dan,andArchie;andbycountlessnieces,nephews,cousins, andfriends.
Asmallcelebrationofherlifewillbeheldatalaterdate.
“Sheleavesuswithlaughterinourhearts, storiesonourlips,andthe remindertoalwaysfindjoyinthelittlethings.”
JanitorWorkAvailable
ColdCreekCommercialCleaningis recruitingfor workforcesite-basedjanitorialpositions. We offeran inclusiveworkenvironment,competitivewagesand abenefitspackageavailablefollowingprobationary period.
PrimaryRole: Janitorsare responsibleforcleaningall commonareasofsite,includingbutnotlimitedtoofficetrailers,washcarts,officecomplex,lunchrooms, dry rooms,hallways,outsideareasandgarbage/recyclingdisposal.
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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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• Validclass5driver’slicensenoNorL
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•Mustbeabletolift,move,push,pull,andcarryup to50lbs.
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tosupporteachpersoninachievingtheirgoals. SpecificDutiesandResponsibilities: PerformsalldutiesandresponsibilitiesinaccordancewiththeColdwaterIndianBand policies,standards,andprocedures,andasdirectedbytheFinanceCoordinator.Maintains confidentialityinallmatterstotheaffairsoftheColdwaterIndianBand. 1.Provideinformationandlinkagetoappropriatecommunityservices; 2.Guideandmotivateduringimportantperiodsofdevelopmentintheirwellnessjourney; 3.AcceptreferralsfromCommunity,SocialWorkers,othercommunityservicesandetc.; 4.Outreachandengagementinthewiththecommunity; 5.Developandmaintainparticipantdrivenintegratedwellnessplans; 6.Advocateforparticipants’needs; 7.Supportparticipantstobuildcapacityinareassuchascommunication, self-advocacy a ndrelationships; 8.Participatewithteaminprovidingdeliverableactivitiesorinformation. 9.Participateinteammeetings; 10.Maintainaccuraterecords; 11.Otherrelateddutiesasassigned.
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Leafy appetizer
Showy ornament
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Deadlineforsubmissions:January26th,2024 Onlythoseapplicantsselectedforaninterviewwillbecontacted.
Vipers
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Wage:$28.00perhourwithbenefitpackageafter90 dayprobationaryperiod
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Tooth doctor
38. A woolen cap of Scottish origin
39. Free from drink or drugs 41. Tunnels 44. Mature 45. More dried-up
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52. Small petrel of southern seas
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Plate for Eucharist
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Choice Awards
TWO WAYS TO VOTE:
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It’s time for people to make their choice. Indicate your top picks for the Merritt Herald People’s Choice Awards on this entry sheet, or using our online ballot form at https://www.merrittherald.com/peoples-choice-2025/ IT’S TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE IN THE
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