Merritt Herald March 7, 2024

Community members marched alongside Miguel Mack’s family in honour of Miguel, as Feb. 27 marked one year since his disappearance. Page 14. Photo/ Kenneth Wong

Council seeks solution amid housing legislative changes

Deadline of June 30, 2024, has been set for local governments to bring current bylaws into compliance with the province

Merritt’s city council will be taking a closer look into provincial housing legislation changes and its implications for the community.

To address the housing and homelessness issues across B.C., the province is providing one-time capacity building funds to local governments to address the requirements of the new housing legislation.

The new legislation affects municipalities with more than 5,000 people, like Merritt, which will allow multi-unit developments on single-family and duplex lots, with the numbers of units determined by size of a lot and its proximity to transportation, ranging from three to six.

The changes in the legislation will also mandate more frequent updates to zoning bylaws and official community plans (OCP). A deadline of June 30, 2024, has been set for local governments to bring current bylaws into compliance with the province.

During the meeting, Mayor Mike Goetz inquired if a deadline extension would be possible, considering that Merritt is still dealing with flood damage and flood recovery.

“If the province wants us to move in this direction, if they want to buy out all those properties, then we’d be more than happy to have that happen,” he said. “But

that needs to be taken into consideration. Same with Princeton, same with Merritt, same with Cache Creek. We still are not back to 100 per cent.”

During the discussion, City of Merritt’s Chief Administrative Office Cynthia White added that if the City doesn’t update the zoning bylaw, the provincial government can impose a bylaw upon the city.

“If we don’t have a bylaw, the province can impose it, whether or not council approves it,” she said. “We have to weigh those things. We can ask for an extension citing our individual circumstances, you know, we are in a difficult position still because … there’s some areas that are environmental danger zones that are not currently identified based on the new flood data.”

CAO White added that while the city may be able to get an extension, it most likely won’t be an extensive extension.

According to the staff report, municipalities across the province and Canada are creating housing corporations or authorities focusing on low or below market housing rental and ownership options.

Also according to the report, the City of Merritt is able to support housing affordability in a similar way. The city has approximately $4 million remaining in the flood recovery housing fund and the units that were purchased as transitional housing post-flood.

Adding to that, the City of Merritt also owns lands that would be ideal for multiresidential or mixed use/multi-residential housing.

“These resources allow us to engage in developing a housing corporation with built in sustainability,” the report reads.

Coun. Dana Egan expressed concerns regarding whether the city’s infrastructure would be able to accommodate new housing.

“These ones where you’re talking about four housing units must be permitted, six housing units must be permitted, it’s ridiculous,” she added. “Especially when our septic system is still damaged from the flood, you know? You can’t keep adding houses and people … no water, no people, no town.”

For City Councillor Wendy Charney, a lot of the housing project could be accomplished without the city entering into a development themselves.

“I really think we need to have a needs assessment of the housing. We have five BC Housing-assisted housing developments in Merritt,” Coun. Charney said. “We have new rental complexes in Diamond Vale that have just been built and we have 87 houses on the market today. I think that we really need to do a needs assessment of what this town needs.”

Laísa Condé

Photo/Laísa Condé

‘Just because housing is available, doesn’t mean it’s affordable’

From Page 3

She believes that Merritt is in a different situation when compared to Metro Vancouver when it comes to the housing crisis.

On the matter, CAO White added that the idea may not be that the City of Merritt creates housing, but agreements to ensure that there is affordable housing in future housing developments.

“If you have a multi-unit house or multi-unit property that has 10 units for the mustbe affordable and the city can subsidize that,” she said. “There are different ways for us to use housing funding to support affordable housing in the city.”

White also added that it is not of interest to developers to build affordable housing because they can’t profit from it and “affordable housing has to be subsidized at this point.”

Coun. Adam Etchart added that “just because housing is available, doesn’t mean it’s affordable.”

“I remember when people could actually rent reasonable homes for under $1,000 a month and I think right now you’d be lucky to find any kind of apartment in any condition for that kind of money,” he said.

“We don’t want to become these situations where you have these illegal suites that people have put together that are unsafe and maybe people are overcrowded.”

At the end of discussion, council opted to further deliberate on the matter over a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 5.

Primary care providers on the way

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Chapter of the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice announces new primary care providers coming to Merritt.

The Division of Family Practices do not encourage locals without a family physician or nurse practicioner to call clinics directly, rather, register through

the Health Connect Registry online

https://hcr.healthlinkbc.ca/s/ or call 8-1-1 (or 7-1-1 for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing).

Registrees will be contacted directly once a primary care provider has the capacity to take in new patients.

The Rural & Remote Division of Family Practice has the goal of attaching everyone on the waitlist by the end of the year.

Photo/Herald file.

250-378-4241

‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, ush it down’

WATER CONSERVATION SHIRLEY REYNOLDS

Amidst environmental concerns that increase each year, the Herald is excited to unveil a new column dedicated to water conservation tips.

This column aims to provide practical and actionable steps for readers to make a difference. From simple household changes to advocacy for policy shifts, the Herald invites the public and city personnel to share their tips on water conservation.

My tip is to have a jug or small bucket near your sink in the kitchen and fill it with things such as the water from boiling and cooling eggs.

A plastic basin could be placed in the kitchen sink to capture grey water that can be tossed on outdoor plants.

Household members could get in the habit of only flushing down solids not urine every time they use the bathroom – as the old saying goes, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”

- Shirley Reynolds

LETTERS to the editor

Celebrating the success of our U13 hockey team

Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to convey to our community the amount of pride we hold for this amazing team.

I have had the distinct pleasure of coaching this fine group, alongside assistant coaches, Jesse Pierce and Blaine Martens, and team manager, Jenny Stirling. Our team has worked since September to develop strong hockey skills through hard work, determination, and comradery.

Through our season, we ended with a 15-0 record in league play. We placed in a number of tournaments, coming first in our home tournament on the weekend of February 16-18. It was incredible to win at home in front of cheering friends and family who came to support.

Teams from around the province expressed gratitude for the organization of our tournament and the welcoming nature of our community. Comments were made about how friendly everyone in Merritt was, from hotel workers, to rink attendants, to

sandwich makers. It was a weekend where we were all proud of being a part of not only this team, but this city.

Parent volunteers worked to make it a success for everyone participating.

Since the initial article, the U13A team went undefeated in the playoffs, winning a banner and clinching a spot in the U13A Tier 4 Provincials to be held March 17-21 in Revelstoke. We look forward to having the opportunity to compete at this level. Regardless of the outcome, myself and everyone associated with this team (on and off the ice), have many reasons to be proud of this group. They have been a pleasure to coach, and we look forward to bringing our game to the Provincials.

If you know any of these outstanding athletes, pass on a congratulations and a good luck! They deserve all the support we as hockey-loving community can give.

Sincerely,

Brad Denton

THE CROSS (Shobha Mitra)

The cross resonates

Through life’s narrow veil

Between two extremities

Of cold and desolate peaks

Where humans strive in vain

To look beyond the heights

But alas! we hear only

The echo of the wailing cry!!

Tarry a while, wait, and

Listen to the resonating Cross

With gentle whispers

It invites us, “Come, come to me,

All you that are weary and heavy-laden I will give you rest

For I am the Way, the Truth, and Life

Apart from the Way - there is no going

Apart from the Truth - there is no knowing

Apart from the Life - there is no living.

El-shaddai says, “Be in Christ, rest well.” AMEN.

Shoban Mitra is a Merritt resident and a member of the Merritt Baptist Church

STUDENTS

Secondary students

Chris Chong and Lucas Gustafson designed a poster for the second annual Children’s Festival based on the multi-cultural theme Faces of Friends.

The grade 12 students came up with the idea of working portraits of different ethnic backgrounds into an “Olde Worlde” style map.

MSS students unite to stand against bullying

Photo/Kenneth Wong Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On Feb 28, Merritt Secondary School hosted a breakfast for staff and students to commemorate Pink Shirt Day.

MSS had also hosted a Pink Shirt Day breakfast last year. “It was such a success that we really wanted to do it again this year with a couple different twists by throwing in some compliments to people and things like that,” said Math and science teacher Taylor Larter.

MSS serves 600 students from Merritt and the surrounding communities of Mamit Lake, Douglas Lake, Lower Nicola, Nooaitch, and Quilchena.

“I think it was

pretty fun to take care of everyone. It was a different way to show that we care about our community. Everyone got to talk to each other and everyone had to sit next to each other and we had to figure out any issues that came along the way,” said student Nanditha Saritha.

KINDERGARTEN 2024 STUDENT REGISTRATION

Nicola-Similkameen School District

Kindergar ten establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning , as teachers provide dynamic, play-based oppor tunities to help each child grow and learn. Our child-centered programs de velop a sense of well-being and belonging and offer oppor tunities for exploring , creative play, de veloping language and literacy while focusing on social responsibility and cultural diversity.

Kindergar ten provides our young learners with an enriched learning experience at their own unique de velopmental le vel. We look forward to working with each Kindergar ten child’s family as we welcome you to your child’s ne w school community

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

March 1 to 15, 2024

For September, 2024:

To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2024

Parents should register their child at the neighbourhood school

Please visit our website www sd58 bc.ca for a complete overview of our online registration process.

If you are unable to register online, please contact your neighbourhood school

When registering online you will need your child’s Birth Certificate, immunization record, Care Card and proof of ad-dress when registering

Parents interested in a Kindergarten distance education program for their child, can contact the South Central Interior Distance Education School at 250-378-4245

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the French Immersion Program are required to register at Collettville Elementary.

If

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Future of Merritt’s compost facility in question

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The City of Merritt considers options for the future of the Merritt compost site.

On Feb. 27, city council passed a motion to continue the operation of the compost facility and proposed required site improvements in the annual budget.

Currently, biosolid waste is processed at the public works yard where it is then loaded onto a truck and transported to the compost facility by the airport. According to Rick Green, the director of public works and engineering services, this process costs the city approximately $200,000 to $300,000 annually with a 25 per cent margin of error.

After some discussion on potentially leasing to a third party operator, council decided to continue operating the compost facility as a city operation.

“The money side of it is not really the issue right now and really hasn’t been,” said Green at the city council meeting. “It’s the bigger picture of do we want to have an operating facility in town, and do we want to operate it ourselves?”

Green described the current compost site by the airport as ‘very constrained.’

“It’s down the bottom of a very steep hill with a very poor access road to it that’s very steep and dangerous. We have some upkeep issues on the site as far as some processes that aren’t working like the aeration is not working anymore,” said Green. “We have to provide better facilities for the operators

because right now they’re going up to the airport to use facilities when they need to. So there’s really just a number of operational items that we need to deal with out there before we spend money on that site, we want to make sure we’re wanting to continue operations on that site.”

Councillor Wendy Charney also expressed concerns about the road to the compost site. “That road is a real problem and I don’t know how much you would have to improve that road but that is a very dangerous road, either for city employees or an outside contractor so to me that’s one of the biggest deterrence of continuing that site there.”

Council is considering options to move the site to an existing sewage dump site southwest of the airport.

“We actually have a meeting this week set up to go look at a tentative site that we had talked about with council, with the operators,” said Green. “And then we’re going to do a site plan up and how it’s going to operate, and a business plan to go back to Council, which is probably two to three months in the making, and then we’ll see what direction they want to take.”

According to Green, the new compost site gives opportunities for “enhanced safety on site and easier ability to move material in and off site, and also the opportunity, should we ever decide to get into other composting as far as a residential program to expand services in that area.”

invites you to our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Civic Centre, room 4

NVFB Society members, and people interested in becoming members, are urged to attend The more members we have signed up – the better our qualifications for grants to help us build our new facility! Membership is not onerous – the fee is just $5.00 and there is just the one meeting a year However, for those who wish to be more involved, we do have openings on our Board of Directors that need to be filled

Refreshments will be served Our Annual Per for mance Review will be available Learn about our proposed plans/dreams/wishes for our new facility that we will be building on our recently-acquired property!

City of

is analyzing the future of the compost site. Photo/City of Merritt.

City pursues grant to enhance emergency response readiness

The City of Merritt voted unanimously to support an application for grant funding for its emergency operation centre (EOC) during the latest meeting, Feb. 27.

According to a report to council from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Cynthia White, the grant intends to help the ongoing training and development of City of Merritt staff to effectively operate an emergency operations centre.

The EOC grant is looking for a total of $16,000 funded by the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

According to the UBCM website, the CEPF is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resilience of local governments, First Nations and communities in responding to emergencies. The fund also aims to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks.

According to city report, the training plan aims to locally host emergency

operation centre essentials for as many staff as possible; to travel to other inperson training for section leads and secondary staff for 10 staff members; and an incident command system hosted locally for all staff and facilitated by the Merritt Fire & Rescue department.

A permanent emergency operations centre (EOC) has recently been established at the Merritt Airport, a longtime side project of past Emergency Program Coordinator Krista Minar that is now coming to fruition.

As previously reported by the Herald, Merritt is one of only few communities throughout the province now to have a permanent EOC ready to go at any time.

The facility includes a separate generator, internet capabilites, and a kitchen set up.

The area is set up like a war room – desks are lined up and stacked with binders laying out evacuation plans, coloured vests drape over the backs of chairs for task force delegation – all ready to command as an operations centre at the drop of a hat.

Laísa Condé

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Mayor Mike Goetz in the emergency operation centre location at the Merritt Airport. Photo/ Herald file.

Lily Priest: A pioneer in Merritt’s education history

Cameron Bridge MERRITTHERALD.COM

Lily Priest (born Emery), sometimes referred to as “The Lily of the Valley” by her friends, was born in England on Nov. 29, 1878. Lily would meet and marry Harry Priest in England before leaving Liverpool to sail across the Atlantic ocean to Canada. The pair appear to have arrived initially to settle in the Okanagan, or perhaps setting up a fruit orchard in Quilchena, however the city of Merritt, with its rapidly increasing population – as a result of the opening of the coal mines – was where the pair settled.

Shortly after their arrival, Lily was made the first teacher in the history of the district. While she did not have all of the qualifications to be a teacher, she was the most qualified person in the area.

Additionally, while plans for a school appear to have been in the works, Lily was initially forced to operate the school out of a tent located behind where RBC and Fields currently stand.

By late March 1908, Lily moved the school from the tent to Hyland Hall on Nicola Avenue. The facility had two classrooms and a potbellied stove to provide heat. A total of 26 students were registered to take their exams by the end of the school year in 1908, some of her pupils being the children of some of the pioneer families,including the Voghts, Paiges, Brolins, and Wades.

In January of 1909, Ernest Frasier of Lytton arrived to takeover as principal and teacher, so Lily stepped aside and began a career as a highly regarded substitute teacher. She would also become involved heavily in the Ladies Guild of St. Michaels.

It’s also worth noting that Lily had a hand in saving many of her husband’s photos of Merritt, now on display at the Nicola Valley Museum & Archives. It’s said that after the rise of film in cameras, Harry began discarding many of his glass negatives, even allowing the neighbour to shoot them with their bb-gun and at times partaking in it himself. But Lily ensured the preservation of many of those photos that otherwise may have been lost.

Lily Priest passed away on Oct. 11, 1975 at the age of 96. Writing for a memorial in the Merritt Herald shortly after her death, fellow educator Leo Morrisey, recalls how she invited him over to meet her husband and to have his first meal in Merritt.

He also went on to write “I recall little gatherings and card games when she was the life of the party.” and “now that she has gone… we shall miss her, but will, vividly, recall her many little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

In 2023, Merritt residents have packed more than 260 shoes for the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, an increase of 14 per cent over 2022.

In total, British Columbia residents packed in total 53,945 shoeboxes in 2023.

Fresh look, fresh content: Herald unveils new features

MERRITT HERALD EDITORIAL MERRITTHERALD.COM

Updates to the Merritt Herald website bring the paper to the future.

The Merritt Herald is now implementing a page for local events and a YouTube channel.

Underneath the community drop down menu, event hosts will now be able to directly advertise events to our website. Locals looking for something to do in town can also stop by to see what’s happening or what’s to come.

The Herald is also starting to implement more audio-visual media into stories to add more context to stories not possible over text. Readers may find more online articles containing a playable video at the bottom of the article.

Readers may sign up for a daily newsletter to receive the

On the right corner of our main page, readers will be able to find what’s popping in Merritt very easily.

Event hosts and artists are welcome to create their events into our website and reach all the community members all at once.

latest news directly in your email. To sign up for the newsletter go to the homepage of our website.

The Herald’s Opinion Editorial section will now also include a section for water conservation. This new column aims to provide practical and actionable steps for readers to make a difference. From simple household changes to advocacy for policy shifts, the Herald invites the public and city personnel to share their tips on water conservation.

Tips for water conservation can be submitted to newsroom@merrittherald.com and reporter@merrittherald.com.

The Herald seeks to continue its 119 year old mission of informing people of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

On the right corner of our main page, readers are also able to sign up for our daily newsletter. Don’t miss all the latest news in the Nicola Valley.

One year later: March honours Miguel Mack

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Feb. 27 marked the one year anniversary of Miguel Mack’s disappearance.

A year ago, Mack was last seen in Merritt wearing a burgundy hoodie with white text saying “Turtle Island 1491 SECTION THIRTY FIVE.” He was then reported missing to police by his family on March 3, 2023.

On March 1, Mack’s family hosted a march from 2337 Coutlee Ave. around Merritt and ending at Spirit Square to honour Miguel. The march was attended by over 30 community members and the Lower Nicola Indian Band Fire & Rescue. Photos and a video of the march are available online.

Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) believes that it is important to remind the public that the investigation and search for Mack is still ongoing.

“There are people out there with knowledge of Miguel Mack’s disappearance and we are asking those individuals to come forward and contact the police,” said SED MCU Staff Sergeant Jason Smart.

“To date, our investigation has shown that Miguel Mack’s disappearance was the result of foul play and that Miguel Mack is the victim of a homicide. His disappearance and murder are senseless acts and this investigation remains a priority for the SED MCU,” he added. “It is important to police that the person(s) responsible for his disappearance and murder be held accountable and it is even more important for Mr. Mack’s family to be provided with some semblance of closure so that they can begin to heal from this terrible ordeal.”

Following Mack’s disappearance Merritt RCMP received support from SED MCU, utilizing dogs, drones and volunteers.

The investigation remains a priority for the Merritt RCMP and SED MCU. “To protect the integrity of this active and ongoing investigation, no further details can be provided,” said BC RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Grandy.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Miguel Mack is asked to contact the SED MCU Tip Line at 1-877-987-8477.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS – 2023/2024 ANNUAL BUDGET

Tuesday, April 3, 2024:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024:

PLEASE NOTE:

A public budget presentation will be made to interested stakeholders at the Merritt School Board Office and live streamed (instructions to be provided on the school district website news feed). Representatives from our rights holders, schools’ Parent Advisory Council (PAC), District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), teacher and support staff unions, principals, and members of the public are invited to attend this meeting to review provincial funding, district projections for enrolment, as well as provide more specific information regarding the district’s annual budget. Stakeholder groups and members of the public are welcome to outline their priorities and provide input into the budget planning process. The meeting will commence at 5:00 PM.

First reading for the new Budget bylaw will be presented at the Open Board Meeting, May 8, 2024, 6:00 PM with second and third readings scheduled for the Open Board Meeting, June 12, 2024, 6:00 PM.

Representatives from stakeholder groups or members of the public will also make a presentation to Finance Representatives in private if they so desire. Individuals or groups interested in making such a presentation must contact the Secretary Treasurer at drichardson@365. sd58.bc.ca by April 12, 2024, to arrange a meeting, supported by a written submission.

Photos/Kenneth Wong

Nicola Valley Women in Action 2024 nominees

This year, 12 women in the Nicola Valley have been nominated to receive an award for International Women’s Day, a global holiday celebrated annually across the world on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.

Last evening, on March 6, Nicola Valley Women in Action hosted this year’s ceremony at the Merritt Civic Centre. At the ceremony, volunteers hand delivered a certificate and a rose to each nominee for their dedication and impact in the community.

Chelsea Werrun

Chelsea Werrun is an active community member, splitting her time between Girl Guides of Canada, Merritt Youth Soccer, Friends of the Library; all while working for the Cascades Natural Resources Districts as a First Nations adviser and raising her children. In the past, Werrun was also involved in the school PAC and district PAC, as well as the president of the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council.

How does it feel to be nominated?

Awkward. I like to fly under the radar more than get recognized for things.

What you do it for?

I have a passion for it, I love supporting local events and community functions within Merritt and the area, I find it’s really important. Home is what you make it so it’s nice to be able to have

those opportunities to be out and help create positive events and activities in the community and build that up and inspire people to hopefully carry that forward too.

What advice would you give other women?

Make sure you fill your own cup first and don’t be afraid to just jump in whether you feel like you have experience or not. You learn as you go, and that’s not a bad thing.

Debbie Darcel

Debbie Darcel moved from the Lower Mainland to Merritt eight years ago when she retired. After some loneliness, Darcel picked up volunteering after someone suggested it to her, she then started volunteering at the local thrift store and has not looked back since.

How does it feel to be nominated?

I was kind of surprised. I don’t really like the spotlight. So I didn’t really know what to think about it. But I was also happy, I mean, it makes you feel good to be recognized.

What do you do it for?

Ultimately, I do it to raise money for health care because every penny that we make goes back into our community and into health care, not only our community, we donate to Kamloops’ hospital to Kelowna, to the cancer centres there, so every penny goes back to health care and all of us are aging, and we’re all gonna need it at some point. So all of our volunteers are aging people that are at the thrift store, it’s a great place. I do it for

that, and also it keeps your mind going right and keeps you active. And I would probably go crazy if I didn’t have it in the winter.

What advice would you give to other women?

I think women are really resilient and they need to show that by volunteering, getting out there, joining groups. There’s all kinds of things that we can do in Merritt, all kinds of places to go. Baillie House is another place I used to volunteer at, lots of good people out there, just get out meet people and get to know the people in Merritt.

Ewa Olguin

Ewa Olguin is an active community member, working for StrongStart program for SD 58 and volunteering at the daycare. When she is needed, Olguin goes above and beyond. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Olguin would pick up groceries for her friends and drive people to the hospital. During the 2021 floods, Olguin calmed and played with children taking shelter in a Kamloops hospital. “I wanted to remind them that we can have fun even in those times, we can play together, we can distract each other in a good way.”

How does it feel to be nominated?

I am very thankful and grateful and especially being in Merritt where there is so many other amazing woman I appreciate ... we do live in amazing town with so many incredible people and women and I do believe that women help each other. And by doing that and families helping families, we improve our life. Just like First Nation saying is that you know,

‘takes a village to raise a child’ and I strongly believe in that. And I think Wow, thank you for whoever nominated me. Thank you so much.

What do you do it for?

I just love doing that (volunteering), that just comes from my heart, I cannot control it, when I see somebody needs help, I’m just there for them. I just treat them like I would like to be treated.

What advice would you give to other women?

Make sure you take some time to rest, make sure you pamper yourself when you get overwhelmed with things. And when you get overwhelmed, don’t hide ... don’t give up. Simply don’t give up because tomorrow is going to be a better day.

Kayla Dunlop is a 14 year old cancer patient. In spite of her condition, Dunlop continues to go to school and inspire friends and family around her, especially her father.

“(She) inspires me to live a lot better life, in a sense that we don’t know when our time is, we don’t know when a storm could hit us and put us to our knees,” said her father, Jason Dunlop. “It really does inspire you to live each day like it could be your last.”

How does it feel to be nominated?

Pretty honest, I feel honoured.

What do you do it for?

My family always supports me, knowing that I’m not alone.

What advice would you give to other women?

Be strong, look after yourself, keep pushing through even when things get hard.

Kayla Dunlop

Rachel Riley is a leader and organizer for the Merritt Nature Kids chapter. “We live in the Nicola Valley which is a really unique part of the province. We’re surrounded by quite a bit of grasslands. Grasslands in B.C. make up less than one per cent of the total area,” said Riley. “And they are rapidly disappearing due to threats from development, invasive plants and industry. So I just thought it was really important that kids in the area understood what a rare part of the province we live in, and hopefully inspiring kids to enjoy the grasslands will help them want to protect it.

How does it feel to be nominated?

It’s a nice feeling to be recognized for the amount of volunteer hours I put into Nature Kids.

What do you do it for?

I have two of my own young children and I want them to also love the environment so making sure that there’s a fun space for them to do that as they get older, it’s important to me

What advice would you give to other women?

Just follow your passion and what makes you happy, and you can sleep when you’re dead.

Teresa Tonks is an active community member, splitting her time between volunteering at the Soup Bowl Kitchen and at the Nicola Valley Animal Shelter. Tonks calls volunteering an opportunity that can give you more purpose in life. She also assists both Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary Thrift store and the Baillie House with purchasing their supplies.

How does it feel to be nominated?

I don’t really look for affirmation from other people for things that I choose to do or how I live my life, you know … I just do that for myself and what I believe in. I don’t want that recognition, but then I thought maybe it might inspire or help somebody else.

What do you find the most enjoyable about what you do?

Most enjoyable is actually trying to make a difference. So being part of mak-

ing a difference or making a change, or contributing to better the lives a little bit, even if it’s just for a day or an hour or for the week.

What advice would you give to other women? Follow your heart. For my younger self or other women, if I had my life to live over again, I would say follow your heart. There are lots of instances in my life, and I am sure that in people’s lives, when you kind of wanted to go in a certain path or something was drawing you to a certain path, but you sort of dismissed it or excused yourself from it because of all the different challenges or, you know, because somebody else wants you to do something.

Darlene Rodominski

Darlene Rodominski is a compassionate woman that has been supporting the community’s youth for the past 14 years as a youth worker. Her strong presence and dedication in the community impacts especially those who don’t have anyone to turn to.

How does it feel to be nominated?

It did come as a surprise. I feel quite honoured and it’s nice to be recognized for the things you’ve done.

What do you find the most enjoyable about what you do?

It’s gratifying to be able to help somebody and it doesn’t have to cost anybody anything ... for myself, it just makes me know that I’ve done something good.

What advice would you give to other women?

Don’t be afraid to reach out. You can do just about anything you put your mind to. I know I was kind of shy and timid, (but) don’t be afraid to speak out and stand up for what you believe in.

Sarah Desrosier

Sarah Desrosier is a leader and organizer for the Merritt Nature Kids chapter. Desrosier is a mother of two and loves spending time outside with her family. Desrosier and her husband also run a honey farm.

How does it feel to be nominated?

I feel honoured.

What do you do it for?

I just love (being) out in nature. And I love sharing my passion for the outdoors with other families and making connec-

Rachel Riley

Teresa Tonks

tions in the community.

What advice would you give to other women?

Advice that I would give to other women is advice I would give to myself, and it would be to take time in your day to allow for more play, because we’re all children at heart.

Molly Bridgen is an active community member that learned at home the importance of giving back to the community.

How does it feel to be nominated?

It’s very humbling and it’s nice to be recognized for doing all the volunteer work that I do.

How do you think you impact other people’s lives?

I hope they (the kids) can recognize and see a role model and that volunteer time is like I said, what you put in is what you get out of it.

What advice would you give to other women?

I would say take care of you. I think there’s a lot of women that feel that they have to put everybody else first, but recognizing that if you’re not doing well than everything else in your life is probably not doing well.

Susan Doncaster is an active leader and volunteer, splitting between Girl Guides and other community events in town. Doncaster uses dance and guiding to connect with and encourage youth around her.

How does it feel to be nominated?

It was unexpected. I’m incredibly honoured and I am surrounded by some wonderful women in the community that are pillars themselves.

How do you think you impact other people’s lives?

My goal is to just have opportunities for the kids and make some great memories and make some great social connections for myself and support other women at the same time.

What advice would you give to other women?

Don’t be afraid, get out there. Even if you only volunteer once, you never know what they turn into and (it’s) the opportunity to meet some incredible people.

Sheri Bishop

Sheri Bishop dedicates her time to advocate for programs and funding to support victims and witnesses of intimate partner violence. Her work at Nicola Valley Family Therapy helps them in their journey of finding themselves again.

How does it feel to be nominated?

I’ve been on the board that organizes the International Women’s Day for the last 13 years and never really thought of being nominated myself, because I’m always in it. It was really nice to have someone recognize me this year.

How do you think you impact other people’s lives?

I just get to be a part of someone’s journey for a very short period of time. I get to walk alongside them in the healing work that they’re doing, that’s kind of a place of honour for me.

What advice would you give to other women?

You can do amazing things, but we need to remember to be gentle with ourselves in the process.

Megan Fulcher is a beacon of light and hope to those around her, even through life’s challenges. She brings joy and laughter to those around her and serves as an inspiration for so many.

How does it feel to be nominated?

I sit on the board that organizes the event so I know why many of the people have been nominated to be included amongst those, it feels good.

How do you think you impact other people’s lives?

I can talk about how I try to impact people’s lives and I guess it would be with kindness. I try to show people the kindness that I needed or would neet when I was going through a hard time in my life.

What advice would you give to other women or your younger self?

I’d just say just do the small steps. I think for myself, I know I didn’t really get bogged down with or discouraged if I don’t make these big gestures.

Molly Bridgen

Susan Doncaster

Megan Fulcher

Cents streak snapped during homestand split

Roger White MERRITTHERALD.COM

Patrick Raferty’s goal with less than three minutes left in the second period held up as the game winner as the Salmon Arm Silverbacks downed the Merritt Centennials 5-2 on Friday night in BCHL action at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA). The loss snapped the Cents four-game winning streak and gave the Silverbacks their first win over Merritt in three games.

The Cents, who currently occupy sixth place in the Interior Division, got on the scoreboard early on Friday night when Easton Ryan scored his ninth of the season at 3:14 of the opening period. Just over three minutes later, Salmon Arm responded when Ty Paisley picked up a loose puck in the slot and buried it behind Andrew

Ballantyne to make it 1-1.

Both teams traded scoring chances early in the second period looking to break the tie when Cole Cooksey scored his 15th of the year at 3:11 to give the Silverbacks the 2-1 lead.

Dylan Wegner tied the contest for the Centennials at 12:09 with his seventh of the season, before a beautiful three-way passing play between Ryan Gillespie and Ty Paisley ended up on Patrick Raferty’s stick who sniped his third of the season to give Salmon Arm a 3-2 at the end of the second period.

Tanner Walos and Nathaniel Davis capped the Salmon Arm victory with third period goals for a 5-2 final.

On Saturday night, Luke Pfoh scored with one minute left in regulation to give the Cents a close 3-2 win over the struggling Prince George Spruce Kings at

the NVMA. Michael Felsing (15) and Ray Hamlin (3) also scored for the Centennials while Karlis Mezsargs stopped 32 of 34 shots he faced for his seventh win of the season for the Cents who leapfrogged over the Cranbrook Bucks into sole possession of sixth place in the Interior Division with just eight games remaining in the regular season.

The Centennials are back in action with a pair of pivotal games against Interior division rivals this weekend. On Friday night, the Cents host the Vernon Vipers at the NVMA at 7 p.m. while Saturday night Merritt will look for their first win over the Penticton Vees in over five years as the Cents head to the South Okanagan Events Centre for a 6 p.m. encounter. NOTE: Friday’s game vs Vernon is Kids night at the NVMA. All children are asked to wear a jersey of their favorite hockey team.

Bench students triumph at BC Winter Games

Laísa Condé NEWSROOM@

Six Bench Elementary students have participated in the BC Winter Games in Quesnel, between Feb. 22 and 25.

The students represented Zone 2 in the badminton category.

Ronin Sahota and Sophie Paskaruk won

bronze medal in mixed doubles.

The team composed by Ronin Sahota, Sophie Paskaruk, Gavin Morrison, Aubrey de Visser, Mitchell Denton, Addison Illingworth won silver in the tier 2 team event.

Gavin Morrison won a gold medal with his mixed team in the skills competition. Ronin Sahota

claimed the silver medal with his mixed team.

Sophie Paskaruk managed to win bronze medal with her mixed team in the skills competition as well.

The Zone 2 team, which includes the six students, earned the overall fair play sportsmanship award in their sport for the tournament.

TOP: Ronin Sahota, Gavin Morrison, Mitchell Denton, Sophie Paskaruk, Addison Illingworth and Aubrey de Visser. Photos/Jenn Paskaruk

Library’s newcomer’s tea returns with train-tastic celebration

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Friends of the Library to host second Newcomer’s Tea and Train Celebration Event on March 23.

On Saturday, March 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., new Nicola Valley residents, train enthusiasts, and locals will be able to come together at the library for light refreshments.

Hosted by volunteer organization Friends of the Library, last year saw the first Newcomer’s Tea Event. This year’s Newcomer Tea will also celebrate the electric train which has recently been repaired.

“I thought what a better way to celebrate, not only this lovely local community train that people can see maybe for the 100th time or for the first time, but also to kind of have more of a kind of a theme around utilizing that library space,” said Chelsea Werrun, one of the lead organizers for Friends of the Library.

Last year’s Newcomer Tea Event was the brainchild of Shirley Reynolds. “She had this idea and this project and we thought, what a great way to come back and welcome people back into public spaces after COVID had been so isolating,” said Werrun. “We thought like, let’s just bring people together, welcome them back into public space, we’ll have some refreshments and we’ll have some volunteers sitting at tables, meeting and greeting newcomers into the area, making connections and just getting people back into public spaces staying alive and well.

“We are so lucky to have a library in our community and, you know, books are amazing things,” said Werrun. “And so what better reason to celebrate a local free community space, get people into the library as well as just get people out and back into the community so it’s kind of important to build those connections and just bring people together.”

Crossroads

Service

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

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 1:00 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

CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday.

To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com

May 24, 1938 - March 1, 2024

It is with extreme sadness that the family of Bria Ellery Niehaus share his passing, surrounded by fam on March 1, 2024 at the age of 85 in Merritt BC Brian was born May 24, 1938 in St Paul Alberta to Aloysius and May Niehaus Brian grew up mostly in Ladysmith and Chemainus with his 2 brothers Bert and Russ and 2 sisters Marj and Audrey Brian met the love of his life, Audrey at Alexandria BC, where he was welcomed in the family of Ed and Lal Aiken. Brian loved family and loved helping out on the Aiken farm Brian and Audrey and their 3 children moved to Merritt in 1973.

Brian is predeceased by his father, mother and stepmother; his sister Marj and Audrey’s parents, all of whom he dearly loved.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Audrey of 62 years, daughters Valerie (Ron), Sheila and son Stephen. Brian has 4 lovely granddaughters Danielle, Mariko (Ben), Ashley (Derek) and Alana. He is also survived by his brothers Russ(Vera), Bert( Jacquie) and sister Audrey and numerous nieces and nephews There is a special place in his heart for Nathan, Aiden and Kate, his “adopted” grandkids in Merritt He is also missed by his buddy Boots, his cat who followed him everywhere.

In his early days Brian was an excellent softball pitcher, playing in many tournaments throughout BC Many ballplayers will remember being struck out by Brian! Brian took up golf, playing to a low handicap until he was 84 and was a Director at the Merritt golf course for many years Fishing was also a passion, fly fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winters He loved feeding and watching “his birds”. He loved spending time in their beautiful backyard, admiring and working in the garden and enjoying the flowers A travel highlight after retirement was a trip across Canada with Audrey in the RV, and a couple trips to Mexico. Brian most enjoyed going camping and fly fishing, and many golf trips with good friends. In his working career, Brian worked for BC Hydro as a young man and then for the Department of Highways, moving up to his final position of District Technician until his retirement

Audrey and family would like to express gratitude to the staff at the Renal Clinic, Coquihalla Gillis, Royal Inland, Nicola Valley hospitals as well all the doctors that cared for Brian over the years In memoriam donations may be sent to Diabetes Canada, SPCA or Kidney Foundation, with the family’s gratitude.

There will be no service at Brian’s request. Online condolences may be expressed at www.MerrittfuneralChapel.com Arrangements entrusted to Merritt Funeral Chapel.

Brian Ellery Niehaus

Robin loved country music and was a good gui player and singer He retired early and was abl enjoy his favorite activities which included fishing, camping, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. He went on numerous cruises which included Hawaii, Panama Canal, Caribbean and Alaska

He leaves and will be missed by his loving wife Margaret Dell, his mother Eileen Dell, brothers: Gerry (Rose), John (April), Albert (Chris), daughter Lorri (Chris), son Sean, stepsons: Brandon Darrah-McDonald (Shannon), Wyatt McDonald, grandchildren: Brittany, Alyssa, Gabriel, and step grandson Gage, great grandchildren: Braiden, Isaak and Shane Robin will also be missed by many other relatives and lifelong friends

He was predeceased by his father Herbert Dell

The family would like to thank the staff at Coquihalla Gillis House for their care, compassion and friendship over the past six years. No formal service by request

MERRITT LIBRARY IS HIRING!

Summer Programs Assistant

Do you have a passion for creating fun and engaging programs for library patrons of all ages?

Do you want a fulfilling job bringing Summer Reading Club to life in the Nicola Valley?

Apply to be our temporary, part-time Library Aide (Summer Programs Assistant)!

30 hours/week

$19.93/hr

Position runs May 14 to August 17

Application deadline: March 30, 11pm

Apply online at: tnrl.ca/jobs

N ze n’man’ Child and Family D eve lopm e nt C e ntr e S ocie t y Employm e nt opp or tunit y for

ASCD/AIDP CONSULTANT

Ab original S upp or te d Child D eve lopm e nt Program (AS CD) and Ab original Infant D eve lopm e nt Program (A I D P)

Posit ion S ummar y:

The Nzen’man’ Chil d and Family Development Centre Soc iet y, is seeking to hire a FULL-TIME AS CD /A I D P CO N SULTAN T This p osition is open for the A b original Sup p or ted Chil d Development Program (ASCD) and A b original Infant Development Program (AIDP) in the Merrit t area The Consultant will provi de leader ship that inc ludes super vis or y res p onsibilities, ap plying family- c entered prac tic es, c oordinating ac tivities, and sup p or ting ASCD and AIDP St af f The Team Lead will sup p or t families in s c reening and as ses sments, c reate indivi dual program plans, c ollab orate with other agenc ies, sup p or t staf f training and c ommunit y events

Re quir e m e nts:

• A related Degree in Soc ial Work or humanities fiel d OR a or a c ombination of Early Chil d Educ ation (ECE Cer tifi c ate or Diploma) and work- related experienc e

• Minimum of 3 year s experienc e in working in the fiel d with c hil dren and families, preferable experienc e in working in A b original c ommunities

• E xperienc e in A b original Sup p or ted Chil d Development and /or A b original Infant Development or working with c hil dren with sup p or t needs

• Program super vision experienc e in a c hil d / family agency an as set

• E xperienc e in c onduc ting home visits an as set

• Sound under standing of c hil d development, t ypic al and at ypic al development

• K nowledge of Indigenous c ultures and c hil d development programs is a MUST

The I d e al Candid ate:

• Will have knowledge and under standing of Indigenous c ultural per s pec tives in early c hil dhood development, strong organizational and projec t management skills, and ef fec tive c ommunic ation for c ollab oration

• Will be expec ted to buil d and maintain relationships with stakehol der s, c ollab oration with ex ternal organizations, and representation at c ommunit y events are ad ditional res p onsibilities

• Will uphol d organizational values, ensuring c omplianc e with p olic i es and regulations, and promoting diver sit y, equit y, and inc lusion are emphasized

• Must be a mature indivi dual who demonstrates as ser tivenes s, ef fec tive interper s onal c ommunic ation skills, and the abilit y to work c ooperatively and in par tner ship with other programs and res ourc es in the c ommunit y

• Must demonstrate the abilit y to provi de direc t program deliver y experienc e and demonstrate working knowledge of family c entred prac tic e, early inter vention c hil d development, and c ommunit y- based programs

Pay rang e: Negotiable depending on qualifi c ations and experienc e

A par t from the pay, the benefits pac kage inc ludes vac ation days, per s onal days, c ultural days, ex tended health and dental c are, life insuranc e for employees and dependents, an Employee & Family As sistanc e Program, and retirement plans

Interested c andi dates must submit their resume, c over let ter, and 3 referenc es via email to info@nze nman.org with a s pec ified subjec t line by Marc h 15, 2024

Reliable Towing Merritt Ltd.

2900 Pooley Ave

the following vehicle will be auctioned on March 14, 2024 for non payment

2003 Ford F-150 VIN 1FTRW08L93KB37483

Debtor: David Wilson

Amount owing: 4,209.84

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 VIN 3B7KF23Z7XG226281

Debtor: Allison Bradley

Amount owing: 3,139.50

MERRITT HERALD

Hey there, go-getters and multitasking champs! Merritt Herald, the community cornerstone since 1905, is on the hunt for a Sales Dynamo/Office Ninja to spice up our crew. If you’re all about hustling, acing a zillion things at once, and have the hunger to win, hit us up!

POSITION: SALES PERSON/OFFICE GURU

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Channel your inner sales maestro and charm your way into selling ad space at Merritt Herald.

• Juggle circulation like a pro to keep things flowing

• Dive into Accounts Receivable tasks like a boss

• Tackle the mundane office stuff with flair

• Team up for the win on sales and ops goals

• Shower clients and partners with top-notch service

QUALIFICATIONS:

• If you’ve got the gift of gab, love mingling with new faces, and thrive on making connections, this position is calling your name.

• Can you handle a bunch of tasks at once without breaking a sweat? If you’re the multitasking maestro, juggling tasks like a circus pro, then this gig is your ultimate playground

• Self-motivated, goal-crushing maniac

• Clickety-clack proficiency on them computers

• Talk the talk, walk the walk in communication and charm

• AR processes? We’ll teach you the ropes

• Solo flight or team player, you rock it either way

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive compensation with commission opportunities

• Training and mentorship programs

• A chance to be part of a historic and community-centric organization

• Opportunities for career advancement

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter highlighting their relevant experience to publisher@ merrittherald.com. Please include “Sales Person/Office Admin Application - Merritt Herald” in the subject line.

At Merritt Herald, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Join us in continuing the legacy of Merritt Herald as we navigate the future together!

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

2764

2026

1760

1898

SUITE

MLS#176295

6881

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