February 03, 2015 - News Leader
RCMP NAB SERIAL ROBBER
On January 30th, 2015, at approximately 2:30 PM, RCMP serious crimes branch - general investigation section, with the assistance of the RCMP Grande Prairie Detachment and K Division Emergency Response Team arrested a 26 year old male at a motel located in the area of 109th Street and 100th Avenue, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. No one was injured during the arrest. Three days before, on January 27th RCMP issued a request for assistance in identifying a serial robbery suspect. The RCMP from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, as well as the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, requested the public's assistance in identifying the suspect who was believed to have committed eight armed robberies across the three provinces. The robberies occurred on/at the following dates and locations: - December 1st, 2014 at 2:42 PM at a financial institution in Princeton, British Columbia. - December 9th, 2014 at 4:37 PM at a financial institution in Vernon, BC. - December 19th, 2014 at 4:55 PM at a financial institution in High River, Alberta. - December 23rd, 2014 at 4:54 PM a financial institution in Merritt, British Columbia. - January 8th, 2015 at 7:16 PM at a financial institution in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. - January 13th, 2015 at 5:55 PM a financial institution in Lethbridge, Alberta. - January 16th, 2015 at 3:30 PM at a financial institution in Claresholm, Alberta. - January 21st, 2015 at 5:55 PM at a financial institution in Aldergrove, British Columbia. He hit his ninth spot the day after RCMP issued their joint release on January 28th, 2015 at 4:00 PM at a financial institution in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. All robberies involved a weapon; either being produced or mentioned. In all instances, the suspect exited the financial institutions with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot. No employees or customers present in the financial institutions at the time of the incidents were physically injured.
TOWN TO HIRE DEER MANAGER
In the spring of 2013 the Princeton Deer Committee conducted a deer survey and by late fall the results were available. The majority of comments call for something to be done. Relocation, Euthanization and Education were the three most requested courses of action. Town of Princeton Councillor Rosemary Doughty, with help from volunteers conducted six deer counts in a 13 month period to get a consistent estimate of the deer population within the Town of Princeton¹s boundaries. Recently, Councillors Doug Pateman and Doughty attended a UBCM sponsored Urban Deer Seminar that explored the strategies necessary for controlling urban deer populations. The Seminar provided municipal representatives with ideas to address urban deer populations. Councillors Doughty and Pateman, along with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen are developing a Regional Wildlife Management Strategy. Currently, education has been identified as the method available to provide residents with tools to help discourage deer from remaining in the community. In support of their commitment to alleviate urban deer populations, Council has applied to the WildSafe BC for a grant. The grant monies will be used to hire a Wildlife Coordinator who will assist in the development of a Wildlife Control Strategy for the Town of Princeton. Council will involve the public in the process of the development of this strategy.
On January 30th, 2015, at approximately 2:30 PM, RCMP serious crimes branch - general investigation section, with the assistance of the RCMP Grande Prairie Detachment and K Division Emergency Response Team arrested a 26 year old male at a motel located in the area of 109th Street and 100th Avenue, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. No one was injured during the arrest. Three days before, on January 27th RCMP issued a request for assistance in identifying a serial robbery suspect. The RCMP from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, as well as the Lethbridge Regional Police Service, requested the public's assistance in identifying the suspect who was believed to have committed eight armed robberies across the three provinces. The robberies occurred on/at the following dates and locations: - December 1st, 2014 at 2:42 PM at a financial institution in Princeton, British Columbia. - December 9th, 2014 at 4:37 PM at a financial institution in Vernon, BC. - December 19th, 2014 at 4:55 PM at a financial institution in High River, Alberta. - December 23rd, 2014 at 4:54 PM a financial institution in Merritt, British Columbia. - January 8th, 2015 at 7:16 PM at a financial institution in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. - January 13th, 2015 at 5:55 PM a financial institution in Lethbridge, Alberta. - January 16th, 2015 at 3:30 PM at a financial institution in Claresholm, Alberta. - January 21st, 2015 at 5:55 PM at a financial institution in Aldergrove, British Columbia. He hit his ninth spot the day after RCMP issued their joint release on January 28th, 2015 at 4:00 PM at a financial institution in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. All robberies involved a weapon; either being produced or mentioned. In all instances, the suspect exited the financial institutions with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot. No employees or customers present in the financial institutions at the time of the incidents were physically injured.
TOWN TO HIRE DEER MANAGER
In the spring of 2013 the Princeton Deer Committee conducted a deer survey and by late fall the results were available. The majority of comments call for something to be done. Relocation, Euthanization and Education were the three most requested courses of action. Town of Princeton Councillor Rosemary Doughty, with help from volunteers conducted six deer counts in a 13 month period to get a consistent estimate of the deer population within the Town of Princeton¹s boundaries. Recently, Councillors Doug Pateman and Doughty attended a UBCM sponsored Urban Deer Seminar that explored the strategies necessary for controlling urban deer populations. The Seminar provided municipal representatives with ideas to address urban deer populations. Councillors Doughty and Pateman, along with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen are developing a Regional Wildlife Management Strategy. Currently, education has been identified as the method available to provide residents with tools to help discourage deer from remaining in the community. In support of their commitment to alleviate urban deer populations, Council has applied to the WildSafe BC for a grant. The grant monies will be used to hire a Wildlife Coordinator who will assist in the development of a Wildlife Control Strategy for the Town of Princeton. Council will involve the public in the process of the development of this strategy.
February 10, 2015 - News Leader
WATER AND SEWER RATES INCREASE
The bylaw that will see increases to the Town of Princeton water and sewer rates received three readings at the February 2nd regular meeting of Town Council. It will receive fourth and final reading at the next meeting. Known officially as Fees & Charges Amendment Bylaw 898, 2015, the document sets out various fees and rates charged by the Town of Princeton for different kinds of service. The increases for 2015 are not significant for residential users. Home owners will see their 2015 water rate go up to $293.00 (after discount) and $137.00 for sewer which breaks down to slightly over $35.00 per month. The Town of Princeton points out that this amount is, “less than most outside utility bills including telephone, power, gas or cable television.” It is also considerably less than the cost of water and sewer in other communities in the region. For example, in Keremeos water is $299.50 and sewer amounts to $235.00 per year. Olalla residents pay $401.00 per year for water and on the other end of the scale Okanagan Falls residents pay $401.30 for water and $685.00 for sewer. Peachland rates are $640.00 for water and $319.68 for sewer. “I’m very proud when I take a look at the rates of comparable communities that we’re still well below the pack,” stated Mayor Frank Armitage.
FAT DOGS TAKE NOTE
The annual Fat Dog 120 Race will be using Princeton as their race headquarters this year. The ultra marathon takes place from August 13 to 16 and is open to a total of 225 runners. According to Recreation, Culture & Tourism Coordinator Nadine McEwen, this year’s event had 70-percent of it’s registrants as of January 18th. In her report to Town Council on February 2nd she noted, “Fat Dog attracts racers looking for stunning views, daunting distances and unique challenges.” This year’s field of runners includes participants from not just Canada. Some will be traveling from as far away as Peru, Mexico and throughout the United States. “The 120 miles of the Fat Dog Race spans provincial parks adjacent to Princeton including Cathedral, Cascades, Skagit and Manning Park.” Princeton will welcome Fat Dog racers, volunteers and organizers on August 13th at Riverside Centre and they will arrive in town that afternoon and evening. A shuttle will transport all involved to the start of the race the following morning. The start will be on Ashnola Road near Keremeos. “Fat Dog organizers are promoting Princeton this year as the place to stay and visit,” McEwen says. “Local Princeton businesses have come on board and are supporting this event.” There is a local Princeton volunteer team who will be operating an aid station along the race route. Racers who check in will receive a dinner meal pass, first aid attention and encouragement. The aid stations along the route select a theme and this year the local volunteers will be using “Welcome to Princeton” as their theme. The Fat Dog 120 ultra marathon started in 2011 and is considered a world-class event that has been classified as one of North America’s toughest running races. It is rated 9th overall in the toughest ultra marathon challenges in the world listing.
The bylaw that will see increases to the Town of Princeton water and sewer rates received three readings at the February 2nd regular meeting of Town Council. It will receive fourth and final reading at the next meeting. Known officially as Fees & Charges Amendment Bylaw 898, 2015, the document sets out various fees and rates charged by the Town of Princeton for different kinds of service. The increases for 2015 are not significant for residential users. Home owners will see their 2015 water rate go up to $293.00 (after discount) and $137.00 for sewer which breaks down to slightly over $35.00 per month. The Town of Princeton points out that this amount is, “less than most outside utility bills including telephone, power, gas or cable television.” It is also considerably less than the cost of water and sewer in other communities in the region. For example, in Keremeos water is $299.50 and sewer amounts to $235.00 per year. Olalla residents pay $401.00 per year for water and on the other end of the scale Okanagan Falls residents pay $401.30 for water and $685.00 for sewer. Peachland rates are $640.00 for water and $319.68 for sewer. “I’m very proud when I take a look at the rates of comparable communities that we’re still well below the pack,” stated Mayor Frank Armitage.
FAT DOGS TAKE NOTE
The annual Fat Dog 120 Race will be using Princeton as their race headquarters this year. The ultra marathon takes place from August 13 to 16 and is open to a total of 225 runners. According to Recreation, Culture & Tourism Coordinator Nadine McEwen, this year’s event had 70-percent of it’s registrants as of January 18th. In her report to Town Council on February 2nd she noted, “Fat Dog attracts racers looking for stunning views, daunting distances and unique challenges.” This year’s field of runners includes participants from not just Canada. Some will be traveling from as far away as Peru, Mexico and throughout the United States. “The 120 miles of the Fat Dog Race spans provincial parks adjacent to Princeton including Cathedral, Cascades, Skagit and Manning Park.” Princeton will welcome Fat Dog racers, volunteers and organizers on August 13th at Riverside Centre and they will arrive in town that afternoon and evening. A shuttle will transport all involved to the start of the race the following morning. The start will be on Ashnola Road near Keremeos. “Fat Dog organizers are promoting Princeton this year as the place to stay and visit,” McEwen says. “Local Princeton businesses have come on board and are supporting this event.” There is a local Princeton volunteer team who will be operating an aid station along the race route. Racers who check in will receive a dinner meal pass, first aid attention and encouragement. The aid stations along the route select a theme and this year the local volunteers will be using “Welcome to Princeton” as their theme. The Fat Dog 120 ultra marathon started in 2011 and is considered a world-class event that has been classified as one of North America’s toughest running races. It is rated 9th overall in the toughest ultra marathon challenges in the world listing.
February 17, 2015 - News Leader
LOCAL TEEN'S COW NAMED MISS HERFORD WORLD
Cayley Brown, a young Hereford breeder in Princeton was presented with the ‘Hereford Miss World’ title for her bred and owned two-year-old cow CB 122L Lady B 222Z, in a ceremony held in Fort Worth, Texas on February 3rd. The cow she bred and currently owns with Shar-Lo Farms in New Brunswick, was named Supreme Champion Female across all breeds at the 2014 Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) and Canadian National Champion Hereford Female late last year at Regina’s Canadian Western Agribition. Shortly afterwards, the online site HerefordBreeder.net named the female ‘Miss North America’ after evaluation by four online judges, an anonymous judge on-site at the national show and Facebook voters. The female competed against a U.S. National Champion and other world national champions. All owners of continental champions attended a week of scheduled activities, including tours and presentations, coinciding with the 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show Hereford events. Brown started showing cattle at a very early age - age 3 - and with her parents’ guidance, 4-H experience and involvement in the Canadian Junior Hereford Association, has gained tremendous cattle breeding and marketing experience and a few high-profile championships. Still a teenager, Brown’s herd is now 10 cows strong but progeny, embryos and semen are marketed internationally. The Herefordbreeder.net organization, founded by PJ Budler, is growing in profile after its third year. The dam of Brown’s heifer won the inaugural competition in 2012. The presentation of the Miss World award and articles about the event can be found online at HerefordBreeder.net.
CLUB HOSTS MEN'S EVENT
Princeton Curling Club hosted 22 men's teams in a very successful bonspiel during the weekend of February 7th and 8th. The popular event is well attended by teams from Vernon, Penticton, Kelowna, Abbotsford, and the Vancouver area. Under the expert leadership of Bob Paterson, great ice by the hard working ice-making team, and many volunteers who work the kitchen and bar the Men's Bonspiel is the biggest event of the year for the local club. The out of town teams love the old-fashioned hospitality with great ice. Local rinks did well against the competition with the A Event won by Bob Arksey, Rob Kingelin, Ken Gross and Paul Goyer. B Event winners were Mike Munsie, Doug McKinnon, Doug Duffin and Dan Phillips with the C Event taken by Ian Elko, Greg Palmar, Jamie McLeod, and Lloyd Wilson.
Cayley Brown, a young Hereford breeder in Princeton was presented with the ‘Hereford Miss World’ title for her bred and owned two-year-old cow CB 122L Lady B 222Z, in a ceremony held in Fort Worth, Texas on February 3rd. The cow she bred and currently owns with Shar-Lo Farms in New Brunswick, was named Supreme Champion Female across all breeds at the 2014 Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) and Canadian National Champion Hereford Female late last year at Regina’s Canadian Western Agribition. Shortly afterwards, the online site HerefordBreeder.net named the female ‘Miss North America’ after evaluation by four online judges, an anonymous judge on-site at the national show and Facebook voters. The female competed against a U.S. National Champion and other world national champions. All owners of continental champions attended a week of scheduled activities, including tours and presentations, coinciding with the 2015 Fort Worth Stock Show Hereford events. Brown started showing cattle at a very early age - age 3 - and with her parents’ guidance, 4-H experience and involvement in the Canadian Junior Hereford Association, has gained tremendous cattle breeding and marketing experience and a few high-profile championships. Still a teenager, Brown’s herd is now 10 cows strong but progeny, embryos and semen are marketed internationally. The Herefordbreeder.net organization, founded by PJ Budler, is growing in profile after its third year. The dam of Brown’s heifer won the inaugural competition in 2012. The presentation of the Miss World award and articles about the event can be found online at HerefordBreeder.net.
CLUB HOSTS MEN'S EVENT
Princeton Curling Club hosted 22 men's teams in a very successful bonspiel during the weekend of February 7th and 8th. The popular event is well attended by teams from Vernon, Penticton, Kelowna, Abbotsford, and the Vancouver area. Under the expert leadership of Bob Paterson, great ice by the hard working ice-making team, and many volunteers who work the kitchen and bar the Men's Bonspiel is the biggest event of the year for the local club. The out of town teams love the old-fashioned hospitality with great ice. Local rinks did well against the competition with the A Event won by Bob Arksey, Rob Kingelin, Ken Gross and Paul Goyer. B Event winners were Mike Munsie, Doug McKinnon, Doug Duffin and Dan Phillips with the C Event taken by Ian Elko, Greg Palmar, Jamie McLeod, and Lloyd Wilson.
February 24, 2015
TRUSTEES INCREASE BENEFITS
Board of Education Trustees voted themselves a raise at the February 18 meeting. Trustees are paid an annual indemnity to compensate for their time and effort. Board Chair will receive $17,000 per year, Vice-Chair will receive $15,500, and regular Trustees will receive $14,000. At the same meeting, the Board approved a budget bylaw in the amount of $28,865,990 for the 2014/2015 school year. This is an amended budget. At the beginning of the school year, the budget is guesswork based on the enrolment at the end of September. By February, the situation is much clearer, and the budget is amended to reflect reality. A new budget will be created for the 2015/2016 year, again based on expected enrolment in September. A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) budget survey is being sent to all schools, and a meeting will be held March 10 to discuss the PAC budget.
GRANITE CREEK SCORES THIRD LISTING
The Granite Creek Preservation Society has been a busy group since their inception in late 2013. The group announced February 19th that they had succeeded in getting the ghost town of Granite Creek on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. "This is a huge step for us," states GCPS Chair George Elliott. "It's the third such list we have been able to get Granite on which enables us to move forward with our preservation plans without fear of losing the work we have put into this project to date." Granite Creek is also on similar historic place registries in British Columbia and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. Elliott was returned to Chair the committee for another term at the AGM held as part of the same meeting. Diane Sterne continues as Vice Chair, Jon Bartlett Secretary, Bob Sterne Treasurer and Directors Todd Lester and Ole Juul. The group has an extensive online archive located at their website www.GraniteCreekBC.ca as well as minutes to all previous public meetings of the group. The GCPS meets at 1:00 PM the third Thursday of each month in the George Kassa Research Room in Princeton Museum.
Board of Education Trustees voted themselves a raise at the February 18 meeting. Trustees are paid an annual indemnity to compensate for their time and effort. Board Chair will receive $17,000 per year, Vice-Chair will receive $15,500, and regular Trustees will receive $14,000. At the same meeting, the Board approved a budget bylaw in the amount of $28,865,990 for the 2014/2015 school year. This is an amended budget. At the beginning of the school year, the budget is guesswork based on the enrolment at the end of September. By February, the situation is much clearer, and the budget is amended to reflect reality. A new budget will be created for the 2015/2016 year, again based on expected enrolment in September. A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) budget survey is being sent to all schools, and a meeting will be held March 10 to discuss the PAC budget.
GRANITE CREEK SCORES THIRD LISTING
The Granite Creek Preservation Society has been a busy group since their inception in late 2013. The group announced February 19th that they had succeeded in getting the ghost town of Granite Creek on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. "This is a huge step for us," states GCPS Chair George Elliott. "It's the third such list we have been able to get Granite on which enables us to move forward with our preservation plans without fear of losing the work we have put into this project to date." Granite Creek is also on similar historic place registries in British Columbia and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. Elliott was returned to Chair the committee for another term at the AGM held as part of the same meeting. Diane Sterne continues as Vice Chair, Jon Bartlett Secretary, Bob Sterne Treasurer and Directors Todd Lester and Ole Juul. The group has an extensive online archive located at their website www.GraniteCreekBC.ca as well as minutes to all previous public meetings of the group. The GCPS meets at 1:00 PM the third Thursday of each month in the George Kassa Research Room in Princeton Museum.