Merritt Herald March 14, 2024

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MLA calls out province for abandoning Nicola Valley

“People have died waiting to go home, the community rebuild is paralyzed by a lack of provincial goverment leadership,” MLA Jackie Tegart said about the community of Lytton

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

MLA Jackie Tegart calls out the B.C. government for abandoning Nicola Valley and surrounding communities.

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart gave a heartfelt speech during the Budget 2024 debate, calling out the provincial government for its inaction on housing and health care within her riding.

Despite more than 978 days since the fire of Lytton and $40 million invested in recovery, not a single house has been built.

“People have died waiting to go home, the community rebuild is paralyzed by a lack of provincial government leadership,” said Tegart. “All the right words are said over and over and over again, but it is paralysis by analysis. Bureaucracy gone amuck with no clear processes or accountability.”

BC Housing is investing $291 million

to deliver 2,000 permanent and temporary housing units across B.C. as well as another $1.9 billion over the course of 10 years to develop 14,350 units of mixed income, affordable rental housing for independent families and seniors.

Tegart also touched on the many protests outside the Nicola Valley Hospital (NVH) in response to hospital closures. According to Interior Health Authority statements, NVH suffered from 20 ER closures due to staff shortage in 2023. In 2024, the hospital was closed twice on Feb. 9 and Feb. 12.

“The words that come to mind to describe our health care system today are chaos and crisis. Those are words used by the professionals working so hard within the system and by those who are trying to access the system,” said Tegart.

“Despite the endless announcements and promises by the Health Ministry, the

system continues to crumble and the people of B.C. are losing faith,” said Tegart. “At one time, B.C. was the best place in Canada to have cancer because of the quality of our professionals and the care given. Today, people are dying on waitlists, and we are sending patients to the U.S., you have to wonder, who is leading this health care file?”

The province’s Allied Health Strategic Plan (AHSP) focuses on recruitment, retention, training, and redesigning of the allied health workforce, aiming to ensure people are able to access health care providers.

Announced on Sept. 29, 2022, the AHSP will be implemented over the course of three to five years. Immediate actions from the AHSP include investing $15 million over three years to fund training bursaries with the goal of attracting more students to priority nursing, as

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart gave a heartfelt speech during the budget 2024 debate, calling out the province for abandoning the Nicola Valley. Photo/Government of B.C.

FRONTLINEFILES

Stolen Merritt vehicle found, suspect arrested

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Stolen Merritt

and suspect arrested by Delta Police Department in Ladner.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on March 6, a Delta resident noticed a truck with a snowmobile matching the description of a stolen truck that was circulated on social media. The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day from Merritt.

Upon confirmation of the stolen status of the vehicle, the Delta Police Department (DPD) officers, Air 1 and Integrated Police Dog Service mobilized to the area.

The suspect attempted to flee, entering a farm field. The combined efforts of ground officers, helicopters, and police dogs prevented the suspect’s escape.

The suspect was identified as 32 year-old Tyler Roherty from Kamloops. He was then taken into custody.

Roherty is being charged with possession of property, evading the police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and driving while prohibited.

Additionally, he was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant as his statutory release has been suspended as he remains in custody.

The DPD extends its thanks to a vigilant caller whose swift identification of the stolen vehicle played a crucial role in the apprehension of the suspect. Special appreciation is also extended to officers on scene, Air Services, and K-9 partners for their valuable contribution to ensuring a safe arrest.

The owner of the truck and snowmobile has been informed of the recovery.

Ensuring health care access

From Page 3

well $30 million over three years to establish new senior allied-health leadership roles with the aim to support more effective clinical-practice oversight and education.

“Nearly everyone has received care from an allied health professional at some point in their life,” said Adrian Dix, B.C. minister of health. “Whether it is getting a blood sample collected by a medical laboratory assistant, seeing a physiotherapist for rehabilitation after surgery or talking about mental health resources and community supports with a social worker, allied health professionals are a vital part of team-based health care that people in B.C. rely on. By taking action to support our allied health professionals and grow this workforce, we are ensuring that people in B.C. have access to the health-care provider they need when they need it.”

Breanna.ouellet@remax.net

#113 - 1700 Garcia Street, Merritt

As a dedicated Merrit t- based realtor, my deep local roots of fer a unique perspective on the real estate market Being born and raised here, I possess an intimate knowledge of neighborhoods, histor y, and the vibrant communit y

My passion for real estate is fueled by a genuine love for Merrit t With firsthand experience of the town’s grow th, I can guide you seamlessly through buying or selling I pride myself on personalized and at tentive ser vice, commit ted to making your real estate journey in Merrit t smooth and stress-free

Merrit t is not just a market to me; it ’s home W hether you’re a firsttime buyer, a growing family, or downsizing, let me be your guide in navigating the Merrit t real estate market Together, we can turn your real estate dreams into a realit y in the town I proudly call home

vehicle found

A truck and a snowmobile was stolen from Merritt and recovered by the Delta Police Department. Photo/ Delta Police Department

1657 LINDLEY CREEK RD. MLS#176938 $699,000

TEGART: Budget 2024 leaves Fraser-Nicola behind OPINION

TEGART

When government spends an unprecedented amount of taxpayer funds, we expect to see improvement in areas such as affordability, health care, and public safety in return.

Unfortunately, I am disappointed to say that for the past seven years, the current government has dramatically increased spending while delivering worsening results for our communities. The NDP’s recently released Budget 2024 is more of the same, running a $7.9 billion deficit while doing nothing to improve the daily life of British Columbians.

For the past year, I have listened to the NDP repeatedly boast about “building B.C.” and quite frankly I would like to see where this building is occurring. I look around our communities here in Fraser-Nicola,

and all I see are families who have been promised relief only to be left abandoned.

For two and a half years, residents of Lytton have been forced to live in motel rooms. The government has spent close to $41 million, yet not a single home has been built.

In Merritt, residents are still feeling the impact of the atmospheric river that left homes destroyed. The emergency room has faced an unprecedented number of closures, forcing families in medical distress to make the long trek to Kamloops. Yet we see nothing for Merritt in this

budget.

I am disheartened to see the lack of care and investment in FraserNicola from this government. Time and time again, they tell us they “have our back,” yet when it comes to action, the NDP has left us high and dry.

However, I am confident that a Kevin Falcon-led BC United government will restore confidence in our communities by truly supporting them in times of need. For too long our rural communities have been neglected. It is time for a change –United, we can fix it.

WONG: Could Merritt use a pinball machine?

Those who have read my introduction will know that I have a passion for pinball. The two things I most commonly hear from people when they learn of my passion for this sport is either “Yo! I haven’t played one of those since I was a kid!” or “Pffft, that’s not a sport.”

Pinball is a game of control. The most common mistake people make is they hit the ball as soon as it comes down, this temporary

measure quickly creates a lot of chaos and the ball will eventually go straight down the middle or into one of the side gutters.

This can be prevented by periodically catching the ball and having the ball come to a complete stop. “Nudging” the table is also crucial, however nudging is an art form; too much force and you’ll “tilt” or lock the machine and too little will not affect the ball.

This knowledge is akin to the flick of the wrist in basketball, as one could mindlessly throw balls at the hoop and score, but it is nowhere as effective as utilizing the wrist snap.

Hence, in my opinion, if golf can be considered a sport, so can pinball. I had once taken my friends to a pinball tournament. They said “pinball is not a sport”,

yet within 30 minutes of the tournament, they were catching their breath on the couch. Whilst not as tiring as hockey, it is extremely mentally taxing.

But I am not here to teach you to play, I am only providing necessary context. So, why should Merritt have a pinball machine?

Spare change is not where pinball profits come from - it is events. The standard in B.C. is $10 entry fee for one event. This could potentially be lucrative as truly dedicated pinball players will travel far for tournaments, especially if it is sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA).

When I was living in the Lower Mainland, many of my friends in the pinball community would travel up to Squamish just to play in a tournament.

Merritt is situated in the middle of the Lower Mainland, Kamloops, and Kelowna meaning regular tournaments could potentially be lucrative. Merritt also has a good selection of bars and pubs as well as a bowling alley, pinball machines often make nice compliments to these types of establishments.

Currently, according to the crowd sourced app Pinball Map, there are no pinball machines in the Nicola Valley whilst Kamloops has a total of 11 and Kelowna has 13.

But much more than anything, it is a fun night out with your friends and family and could perhaps become a community within the community.

Speak up

You can

From the Herald archives: March, 1980

Charge dismissed

A man who pulled a knife in a Lower Nicola pub and threatened to “cut up” another patron had charge laid against him dropped on Monday in Merritt Provincial Court.

Raymond Henry Shannon was charged with being in possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.

LETTERS POLICY

Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

JACKIE

VIEW FROM LEGISLATURE

In-province immunotherapy for lymphoma, leukemia

The Canadian Press

British Columbia is beginning to offer an immunotherapy cancer treatment in the province for some patients who haven’t had success with standard chemotherapy or radiation.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell Therapy, commonly referred to as CAR-T, treats lymphoma and leukemia by collecting a patient’s white blood cells and genetically engineering them to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Dr. Kim Chi, the chief medical officer for BC Cancer, says patients who needed the treatment would previously have to be sent outside the province or country.

Provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix says $14.3 million in this year’s budget means up to 20 adults and five children will be able to get treatment at Vancouver General Hospital or BC Children’s Hospital starting this month.

Chi says the therapy is an example of how far cancer treatments have

evolved, driven by “cutting edge” research and technology.

MJ Asrat, whose son Hugo received CAR-T therapy as part of a clinical trial, told the press conference announcing the funding that it made him healthy enough to receive a bone-marrow transplant after more than three and a half years of chemotherapy to treat is leukemia.

She said the eight-year-old is now cancer free and “embracing the joys of childhood once again.”

“To the medical researchers who tirelessly push the boundaries of science and to the selfless donors who give hope to families like ours, we owe you an immeasurable debt of gratitude,” she said.

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.

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.

COLLETTVILLE ELEMENTARY • 250 - 378 - 2230

TNRD increases utility fees to bolster maintenance of water and sewer

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Thompson-Nicola Regional District board of directors approves fee increase between 2024 and 2028 to ensure sustainability of community water and sewer systems.

As a part of the TNRD utility rates bylaw, the fee increases aim to cover operational and maintenance needs for each system. Changes will come into effect in the second quarter of 2024, and reflected in bills sent to customers in July 2024.

Based on direction provided by members of the utility services committee, the estimated average annual user fees will range between $777 and $1,757 for various water and sewer systems.

“Maintaining tiny utility systems with very small tax bases is a challenge for regional districts, since rural utility systems do not have the same economy of scale benefits as larger, municipal water systems. The TNRD Board continues to advocate to the Province of B.C. and Government of Canada for financial support of these systems,” said Mike Grenier, chair of the utility systems committee and director of Electoral Area “J” (Copper Desert Country). “User rates are based on financial needs for each system. Meeting financial targets will ensure funds are available for maintenance of existing equipment and to leverage grant funding for future capital costs of each system.”

Customers will receive quarterly bills for the base rate, irrespective of whether their water is on or off to ensure that

costs to operate each community water system is more evenly distributed among all users.

The parcel tax for each community water and sewer system is set to increase to $250 annually. The Paul Lake sewer system, which relies solely on a parcel tax, will be excluded as its annual fee will climb from $862 to $969 per year. This adjustment marks the first increase in parcel tax rates since its inception in 2016, with the tax serving to cover both capital and operational expenses for properties within TNRD water or sewer service areas.

Funding for TNRD utility systems is primarily sourced from utility customers, with reserve funds staying within each system. In 2023, the TNRD Board designated a onetime $5.4 million grant from the provincial government to address underfunded infrastructure projects,

Photo/Herald file. particularly for water and wastewater systems.

The TNRD oversees 11 community water systems, varying in size from approximately 16 to 325 connections, all developed within local communities and later acquired by the TNRD upon request. Additionally, the TNRD manages two community sewer systems, including the Paul Lake sewer system built in 1996 with about 105 connections; and the Pritchard sewer system built in 1998 with approximately 175 connections.

Prescribed burns set to get underway

Fire Department.

Four prescribed burns are set to be conducted around Merritt.

The BC Wildfire Service announced a pair of burns northeast of Merritt, one southwest of Merritt and one northwest of Merritt, with all of the burns expected to start when conditions are favourable.

The first burn announced about 33 kilometres northeast of Merritt is projected to be around 314 hectares in size, as for the second burn adjacet to Quilchena is set to be around 79 hectares in size. Both of the prescribed fires will be conducted in partnership with Upper Nicola Band and Upper Nicola Fire Department.

Smoke from these prescribed burn projects may be visible to Quilchena, Douglas Lake and Nicola Lake residents, as well as travellers along Highway 5A.

The burn announced about 7.5 kilometres southwest of Merritt is projected to be up to 110 hectares in size, and will be conducted in partnership with Coldwater Indian Band and Coldwater

BCWS alerts that smoke may be visible from Merritt and for travellers along Highway 5.

As for the prescribed burn announced about six kilometres northwest of Merritt, it is expected to be up to 210 hectares in size, and will be conducted in partnership with Lower Nicola Indian Band and Lower Nicola Fire Department.

BCWS also alerts that smoke may be visible to Merritt, Lower Nicola residents and travellers along Highway 8 and Highway 97D.

The four prescribed burns in the region are expected to last until about mid-April.

Also according to BCWS, these prescribed burns in the region aim to reduce build-up of dead grass, promote the growth of traditional foods, aid in community protection through the removal of fuel in Wildland Urban Interface as well as to provide critical cross training opportunities for BCWS personnel and community members and local fire departments.

Photo/ Herald file.

IH issues alert on employee data breach

ensure that personal information is always protected,” Brent Kruschel, IH vice president of digital health, said in the release. “We are reaching out to employees who worked for us during these years to ensure that if their information is involved, that they receive supports, including credit monitoring, if they are part of this investigation.”

Those who have been or know a victim of fraud can contact their local police service to report the crime and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501, even if a financial loss did not occur.

An RCMP investigation has revealed a possible data breach for thousands of Interior Health (IH) employees.

Individuals who have worked at Interior Health, between 2003 and 2009, are being asked to contact a toll-free number to determine if their personal information is included in a recovered document by the RCMP.

In January, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP informed Interior Health about a document discovered during an investigation.

According to a press release published by Interior Health, the document contained personal information of current and former employees of Interior Health.

“The information seized by police included names, dates of birth, social insurance numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and the individuals’ age in 2009,” the release says.

According to the press release, the document provided to Interior Health has more than 20,000 names on it. The health authority has confirmed that approximately 7,000 current employees are listed in the document and is taking steps to notify them, however, isn’t able to accurately confirm the former employee information nor where the information came from.

“No patient information was

included in the document retrieved by RCMP,” the release says.

Those who were employed by Interior Health between 2003 and 2009 are encouraged to call 1-833705-2569 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., from Monday to Friday, to determine whether or not their information is in the document recovered by the RCMP.

Cst. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said that no arrests or charges have been made in relation to this information.

“As part of the continuing investigation, we are releasing this information so potentially impacted individuals can take the necessary steps to safeguard themselves. It is a timely reminder that identity fraud continues to be a persistent threat in our community and brings to light the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard yourself,” he added.

Cst. Terleski also reminded that people can reduce their risk by educating themselves and staying informed about common fraud schemes and tactics as well as regularly monitoring your credit and routinely checking financial accounts for any unusual activity.

Interior Health added that external security experts were hired to conduct a review of the situation and have confirmed that the information is not on the dark web.

“Interior Health’s top priority is to

Laísa

The Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre is governed by Interior Health. Photo/ Herald File

New beginnings, no cost for newcomers in Merritt

Newcomers and immigrants in Merritt are getting extra support from a immigration agency at no cost.

Kamloops Immigration Services (KIS) has announced their plan to provide free assistance to newcomers and immigrants that are moving to Merritt.

Services being offered by KIS include access to English classes, job search support, short-term crisis counselling, document renewals and referral to the community network.

Kate Cheng, settlement counsellor at Kamloops Immigration Services, said the goal is to support newcomers navigate and lead them to the right information.

“We know there’s quite a bit of challenge. People could be facing barriers, such as language barriers, seeking employment, housing or even have legal or immigration issues. So, the whole transition to the new country or the community could be really over -

whelming,” she added. While their head office is located in Kamloops, newcomers in Merritt will also have the opportunity to get in-person services every second week of the month at the local WorkBC.

“We’re just not (only) supporting them through calls and emails or through a video call,” Cheng added. “We’re also there (in Merritt) in person as well.”

By providing these resources at no cost, Cheng also hopes to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among newcomers within the Merritt community.

“We want the community to welcome these newcomers immigrants, to recognize the importance of them, to welcome them and to build this connection between newcomers and the people who’ve been living there for many years,” added Cheng.

Laísa Condé

Photo/ Herald file.

Don’t miss the laughs: Big Daddy Tazz & Dave Copeland

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Comedic duo to perform at the Grand Pub & Grill.

Comedian Tazz Norris, better known as Big Daddy Tazz or Bipolar Buddha, and Dave Copeland will be performing a comedy show at the Grand Pub & Grill on Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m..

Those who wish to attend the event must get their tickets online at EventBrite.

Copeland and Norris have been friends for 30 years. “We haven’t been able to work together because I moved to Manitoba, but he phoned me and said he was working with The Loop, they needed socks or something,” said Norris. “I said, why don’t we do a fundraiser for them?”

Norris is a comedy veteran with over three decades of experience, being featured on the CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival.

He knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a comedian. “I didn’t have a great childhood, so when there was laughs in our house, there was no hitting, there was no alcohol being consumed or anything like that,” said Norris. “I just decided when I was eight years old I wanted to be a comedian, and I just followed my dream, dude.”

Outside of comedy, Norris is also a paranormal investigator and a mental health advocate. To Norris, the lines between comedian and men -

tal health advocate are often blurred. “Somebody called me the Bipolar Buddha because I go on stage, I talk about mental health and I teach people to love themselves,” said Norris.

Norris uses laughter as medicine for mental health. “If we laugh about things that scare us, they’re not insurmountable anymore,” said Norris. “I laughed about my mental health, now I can speak openly about my mental health.”

“The other big thing too is that, in this world, everybody’s being rude to everybody else because of Facebook and people are being a**holes to each other because of differences of opinion,” said Norris. “Well here’s what I want: I want you to not worry about any of that, come to our show, laugh and laugh, leave your world behind for a little bit. It will still be there when we’re done, but at least you’re gonna be able to do it with a smile on your face.”

Comedian Tazz Norris, better known as Big Daddy Tazz or Bipolar Buddha, and Dave Copeland will

performing a comedy show at the Grand Pub & Grill on Saturday, March 23. Photo/Don Windsor

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Delve into madness with debut book

Laísa Condé NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Bookworms might want to get their hands in this new mystery adventure.

Logan Lake-based author Clint Price has achieved a significant milestone by publishing his debut book.

‘The Madness Method’ delves into the journey of its main character Miles Anderson, who is caught in a struggle to grasp his own reality.

“Miles Anderson is confused and he’s trying to figure out exactly what is happening to him,” Price said. “He just gets sucked into this crazy world.”

Price, who describes his book as a call to “embrace your madness”, said that the title for his book came years before he actually wrote the book.

“I was just at work one day and I was kind of losing my mind and the title came to me,” he said.

Price said that the idea for the book came from a dream he had and his curiosity on existencialism.

“Sometimes, it’s best to start something and figure out along the way. I began The Madness Method in my

phone’s notes after a vivid dream,” he said. “I have all these crazy, vivid dreams that I just like to jot down and it just helps me get all my ideas out.”

He calls his debut “the freedom to follow my dream and to start a career around something I’m passionate about.”

“It’s a bittersweet experience finishing a novel. It becomes part of you,” Price added.

His journey as an author started thanks to his passion for creating and being able to get his ideas out.

“(My favourite part of being an author) is getting those ideas out that are always flowing in my head,” Price added. “It just really helps to calm me.”

As Price embarks on this new chapter of his journey as an author, he also looks into what’s next for him.

“I have a sequel in the works already,” he said. “I’m also writing for other books. So, I have two more fiction books in the work, one children’s

book and then I have a nonfiction book that I’m working on as well.”

He added that he couldn’t have published the book without the support he’s received from friends and family, and if anything, it helped him realize that he was capable of doing what he’s passionate about.

“I wasn’t the smartest kid in school and I didn’t get very good grades in English, so I am hoping that people will see that I did it,” Price said. “You can just try things and you can get them accomplished.”

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

K AMLOOPS: 743 VICTORIA ST • 250-377-8808

CHILLIWACK: 44310 YALE RD • 604-392-9969

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 infor mation 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.

Debut author Clint Price makes readers delve into madness with his book ‘The Madness Method’. Photo/Clint Price

S - 7X sizes in stock

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt Mountain Inferno Fest announces 50/50 fundraiser

Kenneth Wong REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt Mountain Inferno Fest Invitational announces 50/50 fundraiser for Merritt Minor Softball Association.

Merritt Mountain Inferno Fest Invitational (MMIFI) hopes to raise $20,000 to benefit the Inaugural MMIFI Youth Softball Tournament and Merritt Minor Softball Association.

This fundraiser is the brainchild of Kathryn Barczi of Delta Inferno Softball and Alana Westerhof of the Merritt Minor Softball Association who worked together to organize this event.

When Westerhof moved to Merritt, she recognized that softball here is very under-resourced so she collaborated with Barczi to organize a tournament. Last year, the duo organized a round-robin tournament in Merritt which brought in four teams from across B.C.

“We had four teams, I think Kamloops, Kelowna, and Penticton, we just sort of felt it out and they loved it,” recalled Barczi. “Then we thought let’s totally go for it and try to raise money for Merritt Minor Softball.”

In this 50/50 raffle, the fundraised funds will be split with half going to a raffle ticket winner and the other half going towards the Merritt Minor Softball Association.

“(With the) raised monetary funds, Merritt can provide more in the way of coaching, basic equipment, helmets, putting the proper bases on the fields, which doesn’t exist right now,” said Barzci.

Ticket entries will be available until Friday, March 15 and the draw to announce the winner will take place on Saturday, March 16, at Central Park.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/merrittmsa .

The tournament will be held at Central Park on June 7, at 6 p.m., with the championship game on June 9, at 4 p.m. This event will also have five accomplished university softball players providing free coaching throughout the weekend run.

“We’re bringing almost 1,000 people into the community for the weekend and so we want it to be fun and big,” said Barzci. “And even if people just come to eat candy, and buy a few 50/50 tickets while they’re there, great, perfect!”

Cents hold sixth place despite weekend setback

Roger White MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials dropped a pair of games to divisional opponents last weekend in BCHL hockey action missing a chance to draw closer to fifth in the tough Interior Division.

On Friday night, Owen Kim’s overtime goal completed his hattrick and helped the Vernon Vipers to a 5-4 win over the Centennials at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

The Vipers came out flying to start the game and eventually built a 4-0 lead before the game was 22 minutes old. However, as the Cents have done all season long, they persevered and scored four times in the second frame to tie it at 4-4.

With no scoring in the third period, extra time was needed setting up Owen Kim’s heroics at 1:09 of overtime. Michard Fesling (16) Michael Stenberg (8), Luke

Phof (11) and Easton Ryan (10) scored for the Cents who outshot the Vipers 35-34.

On Saturday night, another slow start put the Centennials behind the eight-ball against division leader Penticton.

The Vees jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead and staved off the Centennials for a 5-2 win in Penticton. The Centennials were looking for their first victory over the Vees in nearly six years, however Penticton goalie Andrew Ness shut the door, stopping 29 of 31 shots he faced to pick up his 15th win of the season.

Dylan Lariviere (11) and Charles-Thomas Larochelle (10) scored for the Centennials who head to Prince George to play the struggling Spruce Kings on both Friday and Saturday night.

The Cents are three points ahead of Cranbrook for sixth spot in the Interior Division and 13 points better than the Spruce Kings who are mired in the division basement. Gametime on Friday night is 7 p.m. while

puck drop Saturday night is at 6 p.m.

Volleyball fever hits with intense competition

aged to secure third place in the tournament after winning against the Langleybased team West Coast Volleyball Club.

Merritt was buzzing over the weekend as it hosted for the first time ever a Volleyball BC sanction event.

In total, 17 teams came into town to compete and showcase their skills in the U18 Girls Okanagan Super Series tournament in three different venues.

In the tournament, Rachel Rabbit was the only player in court representing Merritt. Rabbit plays for the Kamloops Volleyball Association Pack.

Out of the 17 teams, the Prince George Youth Volleyball Club Kodiaks crowned their victory against the Apex Storm, an East Vancouver-based team.

The Kootenay Volleyball Club man-

Gian Cavaliere, tournament host, said that it was a great weekend to catch some high-level volleyball.

He added that the feedback from spectators and from the organization were very positive and highlighted the fact that Cavaliere and his team went “above and beyond” to host the tournament.

“We kind of pride ourselves in ensuring our tournaments are always organized and are running at the best level we can pull off,” Cavaliere added. “You know, we’re trying to provide opportunities for kids to play and be involved in sports and so we take it very seriously.”

Elementary schools compete in handball tournament

Elementary schools compete in handball tournament

Laísa Condé

Laísa Condé

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt and Princeton students got together for a handball tournament.

Merritt and Princeton students got together for a handball tournament.

Held at the former Coquihalla Middle School in Merritt, Grade 4 and 5 students gathered for a day of thrilling matches and friendly rivalry.

Held at the former Coquihalla Middle School in Merritt, Grade 4 and 5 students gathered for a day of thrilling matches and friendly rivalry.

In total, seven girls teams and 10 boys teams participated in the competition.

In total, seven girls teams and 10 boys teams participated in the competition.

The results are:

The results are:

Girls Tournament

Girls Tournament

First place: Collettville

First place: Collettville

Elementary School

Elementary School

Second place: Merritt Central

Second place: Merritt Central

Elementary School

Elementary School

Third place: Nicola Canford

Third place: Nicola Canford

Elementary

Elementary

Boys Tournament Pool A

Boys Tournament Pool A

First place: Nicola Canford

First place: Nicola Canford

Elementary Team 1

Elementary Team 1

Second place: Collettville

Second place: Collettville

Elementary School Team 1

Elementary School Team 1

Third place: Collettville

Third place: Collettville

Elementary School Team 2

Elementary School Team 2

Boys Tournament Pool B

Boys Tournament Pool B

First place: Vermillion Forks

First place: Vermillion Forks

Elementary Team 1

Elementary Team 1

Second place: Vermillion

Second place: Vermillion

Forks Elementary Team 2

Forks Elementary Team 2

Third place: Merritt Central Elementary School

Third place: Merritt Central Elementary School

Photos/Laísa Condé

Photos/Laísa Condé

Filipino community makes hoops history

Showcasing their love for basketball, the Filipino community in Merritt hosted a basketball tournament in town for the first time ever.

The tournament, held at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, saw a few of the their best players in the Filipino community split into two teams, Team Emac and Team Paolo, for a friendly rivalry in the basketball court.

Team Emac, wearing black jerseys

during the game, started behind the score. However, during third period, the team demonstrated what they were capable of.

Team Paolo, wearing white jerseys, was caught by surprised when Team Emac managed to tie the game right at the last minute of the game.

As the final buzzer sounded, Team Emac crowned their victory with a difference of only four points, setting the final score to 81-77 in a thrilling match.

Team Emac, wearing black jerseys, won by 81-77 in a very thrilling match. Photo/Kenneth Wong

MSS student places third in Youth Remebrance Contest

Wong

Merritt Secondary School student wins $150 after placing third in the Youth Remembrance Contest.

Ryan Ouimet, a Grade 10 student at MSS, placed third out of 6,435 students in B.C. and Yukon.

Students were given the options to create a poster, essay, poem, or video. Entries were judged by the Vancouver Fire Department Station 1 and the RCMP Community Policing Unit E.

Ouimet won with a poem paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during the First World War.

In preparation for the poem, Ouimet watched approximately six hours of First World War documentaries.

“Just kind of diving deeper into research and seeing kind of what really happened in emotions and how people felt,” said Ouimet. “Really high emotions, and a lot of violence and death and sacrifice.”

Ouimet believes his generation does not ‘nearly enough’ understand the significance of the First World War. “There’s not enough people who understand what happened,” said Ouimet. “It affects everybody, but nobody really saw what truly happened. They all don’t really know how to believe it.”

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

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 1:00 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

Ryan Ouimet, a

Do

Do

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!

2764 GRANITE PLACE $534,00 0

1760 FAIRWAYPLACE $569,0 00

62776CLAPPERTONAVE

2026 CLEASBYSTREET $524,950

homehas

MLS#176086

SUITE A400 OPAL DR

Logan Lake - $189,0 00

MLS#176295

One of twoexclusiveunits nthe complexwith 2beds and 1bath i h

2670

6881OLD NICOLA TRAIL

MLS#175247

3121703 MENZIES ST

2282

597

MLS#176809

MLS#175566

Centrallylocated 4bed, 2bathfamily home 2 b h f i

1898 LANGLEY ROAD $550,0 00

537

MLS#174240

Privateyardwith inground pool and enter taining space outdoors. 2 bedroom &2 bath

on good sizedpad.

This

3beds/1bath on the mainwith a1bed in-lawsuite

This 3bed, 2bath home issituatedin adelightful neighborhood i i d i

Agreat 3rdfloor 2bed, 1bath unit for first-time buyers,orinvestors. 1 b h i f

MLS#175726