April 30, 2013 - News Leader

PXA HONOURS DEDICATED WORKER
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) met at the fairgrounds office on April 23 and the first order of business was to present Carol Ruoss with a plaque expressing gratitude for her 27 years of dedicated service to fairgrounds user groups and to PXA. Ruoss began as a member of Princeton Rodeo Club, then worked with the Agricultural Fair Association and Princeton Racing Days Association. She continued as Secretary-Treasurer of the PXA until health issues forced her retirement from all of the groups. Work is underway at the fairgrounds to upgrade the electrical system. New energy efficient lighting has been installed in the Ag barn and users of the barn are delighted with the improvement. Other lighting is being changed and improved in this ongoing project of Hayes Electric. The Ag barn has been well used during the winter months resulting in income from stall rentals. Grgich Construction is working on necessary repairs and improvements to the grandstand as required by the structural engineer hired to assess the grandstand, and working with the fire marshall and building inspector. In May, Jody Woodford begins repairs and renovations of the horse barns in preparation for the horse races scheduled for June 29 and 30. Work on what is known as the 'heritage' building will begin as soon as the contractors can do the work. This area will have a concrete floor installed and electrical service. Racing Days Association will be improving the horse parade paddock with a sand base and repaired fencing. The Rodeo Club has scheduled a grounds work party in preparation for the Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping May 10 and the rodeo on May 11 and 12. This is the first major event of the season at the fairgrounds. Jen Bernard and her crew will be preparing the concession, with Gerry St. Laurent making arrangements for the refreshment area. There is a lot of work to be done and anyone wishing to help out on Saturday will be most welcome. All of this preparation work is done by volunteers. The next PXA meeting will be May 21, 7:00 PM at the fairgrounds. Meetings of the PXA and user groups will be held at the fairgrounds until November. Rodeo Club meetings are held in the Jim Lind building. Other meetings are held in the fairgrounds office under the grandstand.
TOWN WILL SERVICE ROAD
An update on the road leading to the Chamber of Commerce building on Highway 3 was received at the April 15th regular meeting of Princeton Town Council. "Earlier this year I recommended to Council that the Town not clear the snow from the road access into the Chamber office as it is a private road," stated Interim CAO Robert Wilson in his report to Council. "Subsequent research and discussion with the land surveyor reveals that the driveway is in fact a public road and not a private driveway," Wilson added. Wilson says since it is now determined to be a public road, the Town will sweep it and plow it in the winter with the snow removal policy to be amended accordingly. "It is a public road therefore it is our responsibility," Wilson told Council during the meeting.
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) met at the fairgrounds office on April 23 and the first order of business was to present Carol Ruoss with a plaque expressing gratitude for her 27 years of dedicated service to fairgrounds user groups and to PXA. Ruoss began as a member of Princeton Rodeo Club, then worked with the Agricultural Fair Association and Princeton Racing Days Association. She continued as Secretary-Treasurer of the PXA until health issues forced her retirement from all of the groups. Work is underway at the fairgrounds to upgrade the electrical system. New energy efficient lighting has been installed in the Ag barn and users of the barn are delighted with the improvement. Other lighting is being changed and improved in this ongoing project of Hayes Electric. The Ag barn has been well used during the winter months resulting in income from stall rentals. Grgich Construction is working on necessary repairs and improvements to the grandstand as required by the structural engineer hired to assess the grandstand, and working with the fire marshall and building inspector. In May, Jody Woodford begins repairs and renovations of the horse barns in preparation for the horse races scheduled for June 29 and 30. Work on what is known as the 'heritage' building will begin as soon as the contractors can do the work. This area will have a concrete floor installed and electrical service. Racing Days Association will be improving the horse parade paddock with a sand base and repaired fencing. The Rodeo Club has scheduled a grounds work party in preparation for the Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping May 10 and the rodeo on May 11 and 12. This is the first major event of the season at the fairgrounds. Jen Bernard and her crew will be preparing the concession, with Gerry St. Laurent making arrangements for the refreshment area. There is a lot of work to be done and anyone wishing to help out on Saturday will be most welcome. All of this preparation work is done by volunteers. The next PXA meeting will be May 21, 7:00 PM at the fairgrounds. Meetings of the PXA and user groups will be held at the fairgrounds until November. Rodeo Club meetings are held in the Jim Lind building. Other meetings are held in the fairgrounds office under the grandstand.
TOWN WILL SERVICE ROAD
An update on the road leading to the Chamber of Commerce building on Highway 3 was received at the April 15th regular meeting of Princeton Town Council. "Earlier this year I recommended to Council that the Town not clear the snow from the road access into the Chamber office as it is a private road," stated Interim CAO Robert Wilson in his report to Council. "Subsequent research and discussion with the land surveyor reveals that the driveway is in fact a public road and not a private driveway," Wilson added. Wilson says since it is now determined to be a public road, the Town will sweep it and plow it in the winter with the snow removal policy to be amended accordingly. "It is a public road therefore it is our responsibility," Wilson told Council during the meeting.
Similkameen Valley Re-brands Itself!
Plane On A Pedestal At Princeton Airport!
April 23, 2013 - News Leader

RODEO CLUB LOOKS AT DEADLINE
Princeton Rodeo Club met April 15 to review plans for the May 10 Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping and the rodeo on May 11 and 12. Sponsorship money is coming in but is still $18,000 short of the goal. Sponsors are given VIP treatment at the rodeo. Members discussed the concession and refreshment set-up. The dance on Saturday evening, May 11, features Ken McCoy, a very popular band. To ensure better conditions in case of inclement weather, two large tents will be set up on either side of the dance floor. However, everyone was urged to pray for great weather. Everyone attending the rodeo on Saturday will attend the dance at no extra cost, but those attending the dance only will pay $15. There is a lot of work to be done at the fairgrounds prior to the rodeo weekend. The April 27 weekend and the May 4 weekend will see a lot of volunteers at the grounds getting ready for the first big event for the fairgrounds. A number of ranchers and a landscaper are bringing their equipment to the grounds to help bring the grounds up to operational level for the coming season of events. The Rodeo Club will be looking for more volunteers to help during the rodeo. There are still a few last minute problems to solve, but all in all, it looks as if the major problems have been solved and only the actual on-the-ground work is left to do. With good weather and plenty of help, the team roping and rodeo should be a great success.
COUNCIL RECEIVES WASTEWATER REPORT
The report on the 2012 operation of the Town of Princeton¹s Wastewater Treatment Plant was received at the April 15th regular meeting of Town Council. The Town is required by their Wastewater Management Permit to provide an annual report presenting influent quantity and influent/effluent quality data for the wastewater treatment plant, quantity and quality data for the effluent irrigation system, and groundwater monitoring data down gradient of the wastewater disposal system. The report shows the 2012 total influent volume into the system was down about 10 percent from 2011. Maximum flow into the plant is below the permit specified maximum with inflow and infiltration remaining a significant component of the total influent volume into the system. The influent sewage quality averages for 2012 continue to represent low strength domestic waste with the average effluent sewage quality measuring well within the permit specified maximums and consistent with results from 1998 to 2011.
THIRD SPIRIT FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH
The Princeton Community Arts Council has partnered once again with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band in offering the 3rd annual Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival. This year's planned Festival will run for the month of May 2013 and will include student workshops, cultural talks and at the heart of the event the 3-day traditional Pow Wow taking place on May long weekend at the Princeton Secondary School. In 2011 the Princeton Arts Council started the festival with a special grant from the provincial government for Spirit Festivals and took the opportunity to build a relationship with the USIB by creating a festival that celebrated all forms of First Nations life. Although the funding was only available for one year, the USSF Pow Wow continues on due to overwhelming support from our community, and the USIB. The festival has become a symbol of the spirit of cooperation in our local community between local industry, such as Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, local government, the Princeton Arts Council, and the USIB. Last year's event drew great support from the community in both volunteer hours and attendance at the Pow Wow and we received excellent feedback from the performers.
The Pow Wow will take place at Princeton Secondary School, 201 Old Merritt Highway at the following times:
- Friday, May 17th 7:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday, May 18th 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday, May 19th 12 Noon - 5:00 PM
The 3rd annual Spirit Festival will feature traditional Pow Wow
performances, full on site concession, kids craft stations, 50/50 draws and many vendor tables.
Princeton Rodeo Club met April 15 to review plans for the May 10 Stan Thompson Memorial Team Roping and the rodeo on May 11 and 12. Sponsorship money is coming in but is still $18,000 short of the goal. Sponsors are given VIP treatment at the rodeo. Members discussed the concession and refreshment set-up. The dance on Saturday evening, May 11, features Ken McCoy, a very popular band. To ensure better conditions in case of inclement weather, two large tents will be set up on either side of the dance floor. However, everyone was urged to pray for great weather. Everyone attending the rodeo on Saturday will attend the dance at no extra cost, but those attending the dance only will pay $15. There is a lot of work to be done at the fairgrounds prior to the rodeo weekend. The April 27 weekend and the May 4 weekend will see a lot of volunteers at the grounds getting ready for the first big event for the fairgrounds. A number of ranchers and a landscaper are bringing their equipment to the grounds to help bring the grounds up to operational level for the coming season of events. The Rodeo Club will be looking for more volunteers to help during the rodeo. There are still a few last minute problems to solve, but all in all, it looks as if the major problems have been solved and only the actual on-the-ground work is left to do. With good weather and plenty of help, the team roping and rodeo should be a great success.
COUNCIL RECEIVES WASTEWATER REPORT
The report on the 2012 operation of the Town of Princeton¹s Wastewater Treatment Plant was received at the April 15th regular meeting of Town Council. The Town is required by their Wastewater Management Permit to provide an annual report presenting influent quantity and influent/effluent quality data for the wastewater treatment plant, quantity and quality data for the effluent irrigation system, and groundwater monitoring data down gradient of the wastewater disposal system. The report shows the 2012 total influent volume into the system was down about 10 percent from 2011. Maximum flow into the plant is below the permit specified maximum with inflow and infiltration remaining a significant component of the total influent volume into the system. The influent sewage quality averages for 2012 continue to represent low strength domestic waste with the average effluent sewage quality measuring well within the permit specified maximums and consistent with results from 1998 to 2011.
THIRD SPIRIT FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH
The Princeton Community Arts Council has partnered once again with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band in offering the 3rd annual Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival. This year's planned Festival will run for the month of May 2013 and will include student workshops, cultural talks and at the heart of the event the 3-day traditional Pow Wow taking place on May long weekend at the Princeton Secondary School. In 2011 the Princeton Arts Council started the festival with a special grant from the provincial government for Spirit Festivals and took the opportunity to build a relationship with the USIB by creating a festival that celebrated all forms of First Nations life. Although the funding was only available for one year, the USSF Pow Wow continues on due to overwhelming support from our community, and the USIB. The festival has become a symbol of the spirit of cooperation in our local community between local industry, such as Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, local government, the Princeton Arts Council, and the USIB. Last year's event drew great support from the community in both volunteer hours and attendance at the Pow Wow and we received excellent feedback from the performers.
The Pow Wow will take place at Princeton Secondary School, 201 Old Merritt Highway at the following times:
- Friday, May 17th 7:00 - 11:00 PM
- Saturday, May 18th 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday, May 19th 12 Noon - 5:00 PM
The 3rd annual Spirit Festival will feature traditional Pow Wow
performances, full on site concession, kids craft stations, 50/50 draws and many vendor tables.
Skate Club Presents Awards!

Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Skating Club presented awards during their annual general meeting April 17th to mark individual achievement. Major award winners were: Madelon Wessel (Junior Canskate Champion), Kirsten Boyd (Senior Canskate Champion), Zoe Rykonen (Most Improved Academy), Tallis Dixon (Canskater of the Year), Takumi Irie (Most Improved Power Skate), Danika Sulentich (Most Improved Starskate 1), Jessica Musgrove (Most Improved Starskate 2) and Hanna Gould, pictured at left, (Skater of the Year). The awards were presented to skaters by their coaches Janelle Morcombe and Diane Blank.
Spring Run-Off Fills Highway 3A Ditch!
April 16, 2013 - News Leader

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ENDS IN COURT
In Provincial Court on April 11, two cases of assault resulted in the issuance of two peace bonds. Shane K. L. Simon entered into a peace bond resulting from an incident on December 15, 2012, when Simon refused to leave the residence of his former girlfriend. Alcohol was involved. Judge Sinclair allowed the peace bond with several conditions, including be required to leave her residence on demand and to take any counseling recommended by his bond officer. A similar situation resulted in Brandon S.J. Morris entering a peace bond..
He had assaulted his girlfriend during an argument. He was ordered to leave her residence on demand and to take recommended counseling. Gary Allan Lind requested a change in an undertaking issued after he assaulted his spouse. The court had concerns about allowing him contact with his wife as a teenage child had been a witness to the fighting. Lind said he wanted to go home again, and had signed up for alcohol and anger management counseling. Judge Sinclair allowed him to return home, but Lind must leave if there is any argument, he is to consume no alcohol or controlled substances, and is banned from entering any place where liquor is sold and may possess no weapons. Judge Sinclair amended the recognizance on which Swanhild L. Moen had been placed following an incident on March 1, when she had become uncontrolled and caused injury to her husband. Moen told the court she had had a nervous breakdown. She had been living away from home by court order, but was allowed to be reunited with her family, with conditions. Crown Counsel expressed concern because two teenage children had been party to the family problems, but Moen expressed great remorse for her behaviour.
THIS COMEDY IS IN THE DARK
Brindsley Miller is about to make it big. The world's richest man is interested in buying some of Brindsley's art and his girlfriend Carol has just agreed to marry him! If he can impress the art collector and his future father-in-law he will have it made. To seal the deal Brindsley has a plan, he'll "borrow" some fancy furniture from his traveling neighbor and invite both gentlemen over for drinks. What could possibly go wrong? Black Comedy is a British farce that takes a silly look at what can go wrong when you need everything to go right. It takes its title from a key situation in the play where the power goes out. The play starts in complete darkness with the characters acting as if they can see. When the power goes out, the stage lights come on and the audience can see what happens "in the dark". What happens of course is a complete crumbling of Brindsley's hopes and dreams as his neighbor returns, his mistress shows up, and the millionaire is unpardonably late.
Black Comedy runs through Arts week at the Riverside Centre:
- Friday, April 19 at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, April 21 "Pay-What-You-Can" matinee at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, April 21 at 7:00 PM
- Friday, April 26 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 28 matinee at 2:00 PM
- Saturday, April 28 7:00 PM
Tickets are Adults $15, Seniors and Children $12 and are available in advance at Shopper's Drug Mart and the Sunflower Art Gallery for $10. Doors open 30 minutes before the curtain.
POSSE HOST TRADE SHOW
Princeton Posse Junior B Hockey Club will be more visible in the off-season than in previous years. The group is attempting to raise funds for the coming season and has put together a Spring Into Summer Home and Trade Show for May 31 to June 2 at Princeton Arena. President John Babiak told members at the April 10th regular meeting of Posse Board of Directors that four registrations were already received with another 30 verbal commitments being made. He projects a total of 50 exhibitors signing up for the event with a total of 2,000 paid attendees over the weekend. The Home and Trade Show will also feature a large outdoor Flea Market in the Arena parking lot. Exhibit booths cost $350.00 with Flea Market tables costing $100.00. For more information, or to book a space, call Babiak at 250.295.1788.
In Provincial Court on April 11, two cases of assault resulted in the issuance of two peace bonds. Shane K. L. Simon entered into a peace bond resulting from an incident on December 15, 2012, when Simon refused to leave the residence of his former girlfriend. Alcohol was involved. Judge Sinclair allowed the peace bond with several conditions, including be required to leave her residence on demand and to take any counseling recommended by his bond officer. A similar situation resulted in Brandon S.J. Morris entering a peace bond..
He had assaulted his girlfriend during an argument. He was ordered to leave her residence on demand and to take recommended counseling. Gary Allan Lind requested a change in an undertaking issued after he assaulted his spouse. The court had concerns about allowing him contact with his wife as a teenage child had been a witness to the fighting. Lind said he wanted to go home again, and had signed up for alcohol and anger management counseling. Judge Sinclair allowed him to return home, but Lind must leave if there is any argument, he is to consume no alcohol or controlled substances, and is banned from entering any place where liquor is sold and may possess no weapons. Judge Sinclair amended the recognizance on which Swanhild L. Moen had been placed following an incident on March 1, when she had become uncontrolled and caused injury to her husband. Moen told the court she had had a nervous breakdown. She had been living away from home by court order, but was allowed to be reunited with her family, with conditions. Crown Counsel expressed concern because two teenage children had been party to the family problems, but Moen expressed great remorse for her behaviour.
THIS COMEDY IS IN THE DARK
Brindsley Miller is about to make it big. The world's richest man is interested in buying some of Brindsley's art and his girlfriend Carol has just agreed to marry him! If he can impress the art collector and his future father-in-law he will have it made. To seal the deal Brindsley has a plan, he'll "borrow" some fancy furniture from his traveling neighbor and invite both gentlemen over for drinks. What could possibly go wrong? Black Comedy is a British farce that takes a silly look at what can go wrong when you need everything to go right. It takes its title from a key situation in the play where the power goes out. The play starts in complete darkness with the characters acting as if they can see. When the power goes out, the stage lights come on and the audience can see what happens "in the dark". What happens of course is a complete crumbling of Brindsley's hopes and dreams as his neighbor returns, his mistress shows up, and the millionaire is unpardonably late.
Black Comedy runs through Arts week at the Riverside Centre:
- Friday, April 19 at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, April 21 "Pay-What-You-Can" matinee at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, April 21 at 7:00 PM
- Friday, April 26 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, April 28 matinee at 2:00 PM
- Saturday, April 28 7:00 PM
Tickets are Adults $15, Seniors and Children $12 and are available in advance at Shopper's Drug Mart and the Sunflower Art Gallery for $10. Doors open 30 minutes before the curtain.
POSSE HOST TRADE SHOW
Princeton Posse Junior B Hockey Club will be more visible in the off-season than in previous years. The group is attempting to raise funds for the coming season and has put together a Spring Into Summer Home and Trade Show for May 31 to June 2 at Princeton Arena. President John Babiak told members at the April 10th regular meeting of Posse Board of Directors that four registrations were already received with another 30 verbal commitments being made. He projects a total of 50 exhibitors signing up for the event with a total of 2,000 paid attendees over the weekend. The Home and Trade Show will also feature a large outdoor Flea Market in the Arena parking lot. Exhibit booths cost $350.00 with Flea Market tables costing $100.00. For more information, or to book a space, call Babiak at 250.295.1788.
There's Something In The Air!

Photo: Brenda Engel
Princeton Airport will soon have an interesting feature at the entrance to the facility just off Highway 5A. Thanks to the efforts of a handful of locals, a Canadair CT-133 Silver Star trainer jet will welcome pilots and visitors to the local airfield. According to Airport Manager Dave Woodruff, the vintage 1952 jet came from the Brazilian Air Force. The craft was in the Okanagan for service and local pilot Dave Eccott eventually ended up with it. Roy Harker took on the task of restoring the jet, with some expenses out of his own pocket, to be displayed at Princeton Airport. Woodruff says the idea was first brought to the Town of Princeton Airport Committee a couple years ago. The story of the CT-133 is interesting. The Canadair CT-133 Silver Star is the Canadian licenced-built version of the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, which was a jet trainer. The 1951 contract was to provide the RCAF with Shooting Star trainers of which Canadair built 656. The Princeton Airport project will see the jet mounted on a pivot with bearings, which will move the plane with the wind, acting as a giant weather vane or windsock. A number of pole-mounted planes are located throughout North America but ones that will move like the Princeton Airport project are rare and unique. Woodruff told the News Leader that he is looking forward to completion of the project and showed his enthusiasm saying, 'I love it' and 'that's just great!'
April 09, 2013 - News Leader

ARREST MADE IN HEDLEY FATAL
The South Okanagan Traffic Services (SOTS) has been aggressively pursuing all avenues of investigation into the March 30 fatal motor vehicle incident on Highway 3 east of Hedley. Forensic experts, pathologists, and collision reconstruction analyst have been assisting in the investigation. On April 5, 2013 the SOTS and Keremeos Detachment members arrested a 24 year old Hedley male. The man was arrested near Keremeos. The arrest was made as part of the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and remains active. Any persons that have direct knowledge of this collision are asked to contact Cst. Rodrigues of the South Okanagan Traffic Services. SOTS would like to thank those who to date have provided assistance on this matter.
SPEAK OUT ABOUT PARKS
A parks and recreation strategy is being developed by Town Council. On April 3, the company hired to do the mapping and gathering information showed maps at Riverside Centre so the public could see the parks and
identify the recreational facilities. At the public open house, those attending were invited to comment, but the majority of comments will be made through a survey available online at http://www.survey monkey.com/s/PrincetonParksandRec. The News Leader went to the site and answered the survey. It is an easy survey to complete, and covers all the topics one might expect in such a document. Completing the survey may take up to 40 minutes, but it is important to put your opinion forward. Although a great deal of it is simply checking boxes, the best thing about this survey is the opportunity to fill in comments. If you live in Area H, your comments are invited, too, and should be, as Area H contributes to in-town recreation costs. The survey will have impact on future development of parks and recreational facilities and could impact your taxes in the future. Be sure to have your say. If you do not have internet access, printed copies are available at Town Hall. You can fill out the survey and return it to Town Hall.
TOWN RECEIVES AIRPORT LAND
The Town of Princeton officially received 20.7 hectares of Crown Land, to be used for airport purposes, at the April 2nd regular monthly meeting of Town Council. While that may sound as a bit of an odd piece of business to take place at such a meeting, Interim CAO Bob Wilson explained it simply as a "housekeeping error that took a long, long time to resolve." In his report to Council, Wilson stated, "Finally, we have received the long awaited free Crown Grant for the lands basically covering the west end of the runway at the airport." The conditional title, which stipulates the land must be used only for the purpose of a regional airport, will arrive in a couple of weeks but Order #162 describes the piece of Crown Land as Lot 1, District Lot 1823, Similkameen Division, Yale District, Plan EPP21643.
The South Okanagan Traffic Services (SOTS) has been aggressively pursuing all avenues of investigation into the March 30 fatal motor vehicle incident on Highway 3 east of Hedley. Forensic experts, pathologists, and collision reconstruction analyst have been assisting in the investigation. On April 5, 2013 the SOTS and Keremeos Detachment members arrested a 24 year old Hedley male. The man was arrested near Keremeos. The arrest was made as part of the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and remains active. Any persons that have direct knowledge of this collision are asked to contact Cst. Rodrigues of the South Okanagan Traffic Services. SOTS would like to thank those who to date have provided assistance on this matter.
SPEAK OUT ABOUT PARKS
A parks and recreation strategy is being developed by Town Council. On April 3, the company hired to do the mapping and gathering information showed maps at Riverside Centre so the public could see the parks and
identify the recreational facilities. At the public open house, those attending were invited to comment, but the majority of comments will be made through a survey available online at http://www.survey monkey.com/s/PrincetonParksandRec. The News Leader went to the site and answered the survey. It is an easy survey to complete, and covers all the topics one might expect in such a document. Completing the survey may take up to 40 minutes, but it is important to put your opinion forward. Although a great deal of it is simply checking boxes, the best thing about this survey is the opportunity to fill in comments. If you live in Area H, your comments are invited, too, and should be, as Area H contributes to in-town recreation costs. The survey will have impact on future development of parks and recreational facilities and could impact your taxes in the future. Be sure to have your say. If you do not have internet access, printed copies are available at Town Hall. You can fill out the survey and return it to Town Hall.
TOWN RECEIVES AIRPORT LAND
The Town of Princeton officially received 20.7 hectares of Crown Land, to be used for airport purposes, at the April 2nd regular monthly meeting of Town Council. While that may sound as a bit of an odd piece of business to take place at such a meeting, Interim CAO Bob Wilson explained it simply as a "housekeeping error that took a long, long time to resolve." In his report to Council, Wilson stated, "Finally, we have received the long awaited free Crown Grant for the lands basically covering the west end of the runway at the airport." The conditional title, which stipulates the land must be used only for the purpose of a regional airport, will arrive in a couple of weeks but Order #162 describes the piece of Crown Land as Lot 1, District Lot 1823, Similkameen Division, Yale District, Plan EPP21643.
'Ask The Doctor' Brings Interest!

Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Dr. David Smith hosted his first 'Ask The Doctor' session in Princeton April 3rd at the Seniors' Hall, which attracted about 20 residents. He has hosted similar casual meetings in the past and explained the formal as an opportunity to share concerns and information. "You can ask the doctor anything within reason and I'll answer to the best of my ability." Personal matters were not allowed, but questions of general interest covering anything from medical issues to politics of medicine were welcome. Dr. Smith explained the incentive that brought about his original 'Ask The Doctor' meeting years ago came from his noticing that a lot of questions patients ask in the clinic resulted in not enough time for a complete answer. Patients returning to the clinic asking the same questions revealed that answers were not completely understood. The majority of the April 3rd session revolved around diabetes which Dr. Smith referred to as "the biggest scourge in this country" and gout. Another evening of 'Ask The Doctor' will come in a couple of months.
Power Pole Replacement!
April 02, 2013 - News Leader

CHARGES LAID IN TRIPLE SHOOTING
On April 1st, two charges of 2nd degree murder and a charge of attempted murder were laid against a 49 year old Princeton man. The accused will be making his first court appearance April 2nd at 9:30 AM in Penticton Provincial Court, his name is not being released at this time. The charges relate to the murders of Robert (Keith) WHARTON (44 years of age) and Rosemary (Rose) FOX (32 years of age) and the attempted murder of a 48 year old male on the evening of March 30th, 2013 at a property located on Old Hedley Road in Princeton, B.C. All of the victims are residents of the community of Princeton. No further details regarding the investigation are being released at this time.
NEW SITE OPERATOR, PLANNING FOR GRIST MILL
The Grist Mill, one of the Similkameen region's most prized historic gems, will have a vibrant future with a new site operator and conservation management plan, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson on March 25th. The Grist Mill Conservation Management Plan lays out the goals and strategies for transitioning the site toward a more economically sustainable operation. The new site operator, Chris Mathieson of Mathieson Heritage Services, was chosen through a request for proposal process. Mathieson has an extensive and successful background as a 14-year veteran of the B.C. museum community. Most recently, he helped increase visits to the Vancouver Police Museum from 4,000 to 21,000 visits annually. Mathieson's skills and experience will help to ensure the long-term success of the historic Grist Mill site. The site operator term runs April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014, with an option to renew for an additional year. This term provides the Heritage Branch time to explore new business model options with the operator and to consider the recommendations of the conservation management plan. The B.C. government's recently released Heritage Strategy for British Columbia: Our Heritage, Historic Places outlines the Province's future plans to ensure B.C.'s historic places remain an active and dynamic part of B.C.
communities.
WATCH OUT FOR TICKS
The annual invasion of ticks begins as soon as temperatures rise to between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. These ticks live on the ground in grassy areas, particularly along wildlife trails. The ticks feed on blood, attaching themselves to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and sucking blood until they are full and drop off. These insects can be black, brown, or spotted, and are shiny and shaped like a tiny crab with a pointy head. Some of these ticks carry a serious disease called Lyme disease. Due to the potential for Lyme disease, anyone discovering a tick attached to their skin should have it removed at a physician’s office or an emergency room. The tick should then be sent to a medical laboratory to determine whether it is carrying Lyme disease. Ticks most often attach themselves to the softer areas of the body, especially behind the knee, in the groin, underarms and at the hairline on the neck. Do not attempt to pull the tick loose by squeezing it. If you are out in the wilds where you do not have rapid access to medical help, the best method is to cover it with a heavy oily substance such as petroleum jelly, as this clogs the insect’s airways and it will back off. Then take the tick to a medical treatment center to have it sent out for analysis. Lyme disease is difficult to detect if the infected person does not inform a medical practitioner of a tick bite. Lyme disease can mimic many other diseases. Initial symptoms include flu-like conditions of aching muscles, and can go on to become much more severe. People are often told to watch for a rash after a tick bite, but according to the Arizona Lyme Treatment Center, half those infected with Lyme disease show no rash, so it is essential to have the tick analyzed. Lyme disease can lead to neurological problems, heart problems, vision and/or hearing problems, and chronic muscle and joint pain. It is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and lupus. When properly diagnosed through a laboratory test specific for Lyme disease, treatment is successful by administering antibiotics.
On April 1st, two charges of 2nd degree murder and a charge of attempted murder were laid against a 49 year old Princeton man. The accused will be making his first court appearance April 2nd at 9:30 AM in Penticton Provincial Court, his name is not being released at this time. The charges relate to the murders of Robert (Keith) WHARTON (44 years of age) and Rosemary (Rose) FOX (32 years of age) and the attempted murder of a 48 year old male on the evening of March 30th, 2013 at a property located on Old Hedley Road in Princeton, B.C. All of the victims are residents of the community of Princeton. No further details regarding the investigation are being released at this time.
NEW SITE OPERATOR, PLANNING FOR GRIST MILL
The Grist Mill, one of the Similkameen region's most prized historic gems, will have a vibrant future with a new site operator and conservation management plan, announced Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson on March 25th. The Grist Mill Conservation Management Plan lays out the goals and strategies for transitioning the site toward a more economically sustainable operation. The new site operator, Chris Mathieson of Mathieson Heritage Services, was chosen through a request for proposal process. Mathieson has an extensive and successful background as a 14-year veteran of the B.C. museum community. Most recently, he helped increase visits to the Vancouver Police Museum from 4,000 to 21,000 visits annually. Mathieson's skills and experience will help to ensure the long-term success of the historic Grist Mill site. The site operator term runs April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014, with an option to renew for an additional year. This term provides the Heritage Branch time to explore new business model options with the operator and to consider the recommendations of the conservation management plan. The B.C. government's recently released Heritage Strategy for British Columbia: Our Heritage, Historic Places outlines the Province's future plans to ensure B.C.'s historic places remain an active and dynamic part of B.C.
communities.
WATCH OUT FOR TICKS
The annual invasion of ticks begins as soon as temperatures rise to between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. These ticks live on the ground in grassy areas, particularly along wildlife trails. The ticks feed on blood, attaching themselves to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and sucking blood until they are full and drop off. These insects can be black, brown, or spotted, and are shiny and shaped like a tiny crab with a pointy head. Some of these ticks carry a serious disease called Lyme disease. Due to the potential for Lyme disease, anyone discovering a tick attached to their skin should have it removed at a physician’s office or an emergency room. The tick should then be sent to a medical laboratory to determine whether it is carrying Lyme disease. Ticks most often attach themselves to the softer areas of the body, especially behind the knee, in the groin, underarms and at the hairline on the neck. Do not attempt to pull the tick loose by squeezing it. If you are out in the wilds where you do not have rapid access to medical help, the best method is to cover it with a heavy oily substance such as petroleum jelly, as this clogs the insect’s airways and it will back off. Then take the tick to a medical treatment center to have it sent out for analysis. Lyme disease is difficult to detect if the infected person does not inform a medical practitioner of a tick bite. Lyme disease can mimic many other diseases. Initial symptoms include flu-like conditions of aching muscles, and can go on to become much more severe. People are often told to watch for a rash after a tick bite, but according to the Arizona Lyme Treatment Center, half those infected with Lyme disease show no rash, so it is essential to have the tick analyzed. Lyme disease can lead to neurological problems, heart problems, vision and/or hearing problems, and chronic muscle and joint pain. It is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and lupus. When properly diagnosed through a laboratory test specific for Lyme disease, treatment is successful by administering antibiotics.
Pet Owners Will Like This!

Copyright 2013 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Melissa Joe demonstrates how a pet oxygen mask would be used on her dog Djinni. Three sets of masks (with three sizes - small, medium and large) were donated last week by Princeton's Bob Smylie to the fire department, search & rescue and highway rescue crews. The kits can be used on dogs, cats, ferrets and just about any pet you can think of. Smylie hopes other pet owners will purchase kits and donate them to their local volunteer fire departments.
We All Need To Vent Sometimes!

The Ministry of Environment provides the daily Venting Index. The index revolves around what is called a Smoke Control Forecast with values and levels (poor, fair, good) used to basically identify whether or not it would be a good day to, for example, burn branches in your backyard. The problem with the index is that the Similkameen Valley is not identified. The closest data source is the Okanagan and chances are very good that if the VI for the Okanagan is rated as 'good' it could be an overcast day in Princeton. Those concerned with air quality would see this as a problem.