July 26, 2011 - News Leader

MORE $$$ FOR RURAL HOSPITALS
At the July 18 Town Council meeting, Mayor Randy McLean and Councillor Marilyn Harkness discussed a recent government plan to allocate more money for rural hospital emergency services. How the government will use the money is not specific at this point. Councillor Harkness will look into how it can benefit the situation at Princeton General Hospital. In a health related matter during question period, a local citizen raised the question of whether Council would consider a plan presented by Bob Sterne of Coalmont. This would be an alternative to building an aquatic centre. Sterne’s idea was to have Council buy a home and then offer it to a doctor as an incentive to stay in Princeton. For every year the doctor would stay, he or she would earn equity in a home. Mayor McLean said Council has already launched the referendum process, meaning it is too late to offer alternatives on a formal basis. Mayor McLean did suggest making the public aware of the alternative might influence votes in the referendum. Councillor Harkness said the Health Committee, which is responsible for recruiting health care professionals, found that young doctors are interested in lifestyle, not in acquiring a home, and they are not interested in long term commitments.
SEGO STARTS DRILLING PROGRAM
Sego Resources Inc. ("Sego" or the "Company") has received a Multi-Year Area Based Permit from the Ministry of Energy and Mines that is valid for 5 years. The permit is for percussion drilling, diamond drilling and trenching on Sego's Miner Mountain Project near Princeton. Percussion Drilling will start on July 25th with an initial percussion drill program as recommended by consultant Vic Preto, Ph.D., P.Eng. in his report of June 17, 2011. This report is available on Sego's website www.segoresources.com.
MANNING PARK PART OF EXPANSION
The Ministry of Environment and Encorp Pacific are continuing their initiative to bring a ‘bear smart’ recycling program to B.C. provincial parks with the goal of keeping parks safe and clean. The specially designed bear-proof metal bins encourage park users to be diligent about recycling their used beverage containers. Sixty-one new bear-proof recycle bins are being placed in eight popular BC Parks including Manning Provincial Park between Hope and Princeton. Encorp Pacific has contributed 121 recycling bins to the program with a total value of $184,000.
At the July 18 Town Council meeting, Mayor Randy McLean and Councillor Marilyn Harkness discussed a recent government plan to allocate more money for rural hospital emergency services. How the government will use the money is not specific at this point. Councillor Harkness will look into how it can benefit the situation at Princeton General Hospital. In a health related matter during question period, a local citizen raised the question of whether Council would consider a plan presented by Bob Sterne of Coalmont. This would be an alternative to building an aquatic centre. Sterne’s idea was to have Council buy a home and then offer it to a doctor as an incentive to stay in Princeton. For every year the doctor would stay, he or she would earn equity in a home. Mayor McLean said Council has already launched the referendum process, meaning it is too late to offer alternatives on a formal basis. Mayor McLean did suggest making the public aware of the alternative might influence votes in the referendum. Councillor Harkness said the Health Committee, which is responsible for recruiting health care professionals, found that young doctors are interested in lifestyle, not in acquiring a home, and they are not interested in long term commitments.
SEGO STARTS DRILLING PROGRAM
Sego Resources Inc. ("Sego" or the "Company") has received a Multi-Year Area Based Permit from the Ministry of Energy and Mines that is valid for 5 years. The permit is for percussion drilling, diamond drilling and trenching on Sego's Miner Mountain Project near Princeton. Percussion Drilling will start on July 25th with an initial percussion drill program as recommended by consultant Vic Preto, Ph.D., P.Eng. in his report of June 17, 2011. This report is available on Sego's website www.segoresources.com.
MANNING PARK PART OF EXPANSION
The Ministry of Environment and Encorp Pacific are continuing their initiative to bring a ‘bear smart’ recycling program to B.C. provincial parks with the goal of keeping parks safe and clean. The specially designed bear-proof metal bins encourage park users to be diligent about recycling their used beverage containers. Sixty-one new bear-proof recycle bins are being placed in eight popular BC Parks including Manning Provincial Park between Hope and Princeton. Encorp Pacific has contributed 121 recycling bins to the program with a total value of $184,000.
Kids' Rodeo A Huge Success!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Little Britches Rodeo was held over the weekend of July 23rd and 24th and set a record for number of entrants. For example, on the Saturday, one event had 19 participants while four more had 18 each. Combined with the fabulous warm weather and tremendous sponsor support, the combination spelled success.
Theatre Group Goes Barefoot!

Photo: Brenda Engel
River Road Theatre actors take a bow following the July 22nd evening performance of 'Barefoot in the Park.' From left, Benjamin Wardle, Chelsea Turner, Marcus Stusek and Heather Motut. The group came to Princeton to present three different plays during the summer at Riverside Theatre. Their final show, 'The 39 Steps' opens this we
July 19, 2011 - News Leader

HAVE YOU SEEN WANDA?
Princeton RCMP are requesting your assistance in locating a missing person. Princeton resident Wanda Foss has not been seen or heard from in approximately three weeks. In a release issued July 16th, RCMP say Foss is 60-years old, weighs 119
pounds, stands 5-feet, 5-inches tall with curly blonde hair and brown eyes. Foss may also go by the name Wanda Nothstein. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Foss contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911.
HEDLEY DISPUTE SETTLES ON PEACE BOND
Former Hedley resident Barry Hildebrandt appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on July 15 to answer to two counts of assault. The charges arose as a result of a spousal dispute on May 12, 2010. After consultations with both Hildebrandt and his estranged wife, both parties agreed to a peace bond. Hildebrandt is placed under a $1,000 peace bond with the conditions as
follows: for the coming year, he is to have no contact with his estranged wife, he is not to go within 100 meters of her or her residence or an adjacent property owned by them, and he is allowed to visit Hedley three
times per month for an hour each time, and he is to notify Princeton RCMP at least one day in advance of his intention to go to Hedley. A violation of any of these conditions will cost him $1,000 and a probable arrest for breaching the recognizance.
Princeton RCMP are requesting your assistance in locating a missing person. Princeton resident Wanda Foss has not been seen or heard from in approximately three weeks. In a release issued July 16th, RCMP say Foss is 60-years old, weighs 119
pounds, stands 5-feet, 5-inches tall with curly blonde hair and brown eyes. Foss may also go by the name Wanda Nothstein. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Foss contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911.
HEDLEY DISPUTE SETTLES ON PEACE BOND
Former Hedley resident Barry Hildebrandt appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on July 15 to answer to two counts of assault. The charges arose as a result of a spousal dispute on May 12, 2010. After consultations with both Hildebrandt and his estranged wife, both parties agreed to a peace bond. Hildebrandt is placed under a $1,000 peace bond with the conditions as
follows: for the coming year, he is to have no contact with his estranged wife, he is not to go within 100 meters of her or her residence or an adjacent property owned by them, and he is allowed to visit Hedley three
times per month for an hour each time, and he is to notify Princeton RCMP at least one day in advance of his intention to go to Hedley. A violation of any of these conditions will cost him $1,000 and a probable arrest for breaching the recognizance.
3rd Princeton Air Show Flies High!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Aside from isolated showers and a short downpour, the 3rd annual Princeton Air Show was a delight for all who attended. The event featured 442 Squadron Search & Rescue, Bud Granley (T6 aerobatic routine), Team Rocket Duo aerobatic routine), Blender Airshows (Bi-plane aerobatic routine) and much more!
Happy Trails, Mr. Rodeo!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The man who will always be known in Princeton as Mr. Rodeo, Stan Thompson, passed away July 10th. Thompson was instrumental in the establishment of Princeton's annual Rodeo. He also put a lot of unpaid time with his equipment (Model Transfer) digging holes, fixing leaks and general work at Princeton Exhibition Grounds - the home of Princeton's Rodeo. Thompson, seen here on the right with longtime cowboy friend Bob Lind, was honoured May 14th this year with Stan Thompson Day at the Princeton Rodeo.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 16 at Princeton Arena. A Wake, hosted by Princeton Rodeo Club, followed at 5:00 PM at the Fairgrounds.
Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM Saturday, July 16 at Princeton Arena. A Wake, hosted by Princeton Rodeo Club, followed at 5:00 PM at the Fairgrounds.
July 12, 2011 - News Leader

HIGHWAY PROJECT UPSETS FISHERMEN
The design of the Yellow Lake Highway Improvement project does not sit well with at least one Similkameen Valley group. Doug Boult, President of Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association (K-CSA) says the project will actually restrict fishing access at the lake.
“At the completion of the project, the five current highway pullouts allowing access to the lake will be downsized to three. The north and south end recreation areas as well as a small pump house access. The two other large pullouts will be blocked off by concrete roadside barriers (CRB), making safe lake access to these locations difficult.” Why is K-CSA interested in the lake located at the far eastern end of the Similkameen? “Yellow Lake is an extremely important, highway access lake in the Southern Interior, with unique shore fishing opportunities. Hundreds of anglers spend thousands of fishing days on this lake year round. Cutting off mid-lake access would, without question, limit the ability of local residents and tourists alike to enjoy what this lake has to offer.” Boult says that the Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association as well as the Okanagan Region of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, feel that this is unacceptable. The group is planning an informational meeting with concerned organizations to take place at the Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association Clubhouse (2486 Upper Bench Road in Keremeos) later this month. The project manager, Rampaul Dulay of the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure has been invited to attend. “This is an important issue for all residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen.”
PROGRAM INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO TRADES
The program is called Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training, but it is better known as just YES2IT. It has been a regular part of the Princeton Secondary School lesson plan for a number of years. In a nutshell, YES2IT is designed to raise awareness of trades amongst students (typically grades 6 to 9) as well as their parents, teachers and local community. The program traces a building project from start to finish. This year the YES2IT Program created a greenhouse in the courtyard of PSS. Students were involved in all parts of the construction from site preparation to completion of the structure. The success of the program in Princeton comes from various sources and includes donations of materials and supplies from Weyerhaeuser, Irly Bird, Princeton Redi-Mix and Reichert Rentals and Construction and regular participation of tradesmen. This year trade partners included Glaziers Lloyd Allen (Princeton Glass), Wayne Heimen and Dylan Thompson (Everlast Greenhouses & Solariums, Oyama), Contractor Tom Reichert (Tulameen) and Carpenter Ryan O’Neil (School District 58). PSS teacher John Kitts coordinates the YES2IT Program at the school and says there are even more successes measured at the end of the program. “It increases student self-esteem, pride and increased their interest in construction, cement finishing and glazier trades.” Kitts says the highly visible construction project also created a heightened awareness of trades in the school and increased awareness of career opportunities in trades. “It also increased child-parent communication concerning school programs.” Although only a few parents got involved as volunteers during the program, Kitts is encouraged by the end results of YES2IT. The completed greenhouse, which took a total of four school days to complete, will be auctioned off on the School District website.
The design of the Yellow Lake Highway Improvement project does not sit well with at least one Similkameen Valley group. Doug Boult, President of Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association (K-CSA) says the project will actually restrict fishing access at the lake.
“At the completion of the project, the five current highway pullouts allowing access to the lake will be downsized to three. The north and south end recreation areas as well as a small pump house access. The two other large pullouts will be blocked off by concrete roadside barriers (CRB), making safe lake access to these locations difficult.” Why is K-CSA interested in the lake located at the far eastern end of the Similkameen? “Yellow Lake is an extremely important, highway access lake in the Southern Interior, with unique shore fishing opportunities. Hundreds of anglers spend thousands of fishing days on this lake year round. Cutting off mid-lake access would, without question, limit the ability of local residents and tourists alike to enjoy what this lake has to offer.” Boult says that the Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association as well as the Okanagan Region of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, feel that this is unacceptable. The group is planning an informational meeting with concerned organizations to take place at the Keremeos-Cawston Sportsmen Association Clubhouse (2486 Upper Bench Road in Keremeos) later this month. The project manager, Rampaul Dulay of the Ministry of Transport and
Infrastructure has been invited to attend. “This is an important issue for all residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen.”
PROGRAM INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO TRADES
The program is called Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training, but it is better known as just YES2IT. It has been a regular part of the Princeton Secondary School lesson plan for a number of years. In a nutshell, YES2IT is designed to raise awareness of trades amongst students (typically grades 6 to 9) as well as their parents, teachers and local community. The program traces a building project from start to finish. This year the YES2IT Program created a greenhouse in the courtyard of PSS. Students were involved in all parts of the construction from site preparation to completion of the structure. The success of the program in Princeton comes from various sources and includes donations of materials and supplies from Weyerhaeuser, Irly Bird, Princeton Redi-Mix and Reichert Rentals and Construction and regular participation of tradesmen. This year trade partners included Glaziers Lloyd Allen (Princeton Glass), Wayne Heimen and Dylan Thompson (Everlast Greenhouses & Solariums, Oyama), Contractor Tom Reichert (Tulameen) and Carpenter Ryan O’Neil (School District 58). PSS teacher John Kitts coordinates the YES2IT Program at the school and says there are even more successes measured at the end of the program. “It increases student self-esteem, pride and increased their interest in construction, cement finishing and glazier trades.” Kitts says the highly visible construction project also created a heightened awareness of trades in the school and increased awareness of career opportunities in trades. “It also increased child-parent communication concerning school programs.” Although only a few parents got involved as volunteers during the program, Kitts is encouraged by the end results of YES2IT. The completed greenhouse, which took a total of four school days to complete, will be auctioned off on the School District website.
Museum Hits Motherlode!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton’s Copper Mountain Mining Corporation delivered on their promise of supporting Princeton Museum July 8th with a $10,000 cheque. The money represents proceeds from the highly successful Princeton Mining Day celebration held in Veterans Square May 3rd in association with the Mining Association of British Columbia and the Town of Princeton. One of the events held during the celebration was an evening Games Night and Casino where all proceeds were earmarked for Princeton Museum. Town of Princeton Museum Representative, Councillor Frank Armitage presented the cheque on behalf of Copper Mountain Mining Corporation to
Princeton Museum Past President Kathy Clement.
Armitage told the News Leader the fundraiser was a huge success and a ‘top up’ donation from CMMC rounded the figure out to an even ten thousand. Laurie Gullason, Christine Woodward, Don Bishop and Don Ibey were all credited with making major contributions to the organization of Princeton Mining Day events. Princeton Chamber of Commerce Manager and Museum Director Lori Thomas said it best with the comment; “We couldn’t do any of this without contributions like this.”
Princeton Museum Past President Kathy Clement.
Armitage told the News Leader the fundraiser was a huge success and a ‘top up’ donation from CMMC rounded the figure out to an even ten thousand. Laurie Gullason, Christine Woodward, Don Bishop and Don Ibey were all credited with making major contributions to the organization of Princeton Mining Day events. Princeton Chamber of Commerce Manager and Museum Director Lori Thomas said it best with the comment; “We couldn’t do any of this without contributions like this.”
Coalmont Celebrates Centennial!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
July 9th saw the tiny village of Coalmont celebrate 100 years of life in the Similkameen Valley with a BBQ and a Dinner welcoming past and current residents to a relaxed gathering. This year's annual Blakeburn Reunion was combined with the Coalmont Centennial which made for a good time for all who attended.
July 05, 2011 - News Leader

COMPANY ENDS COALBED GAS PROJECT
Six years since its first test well was drilled by PetroBakken Energy, a Petrobank company, announced June 30 it is concluding its coalbed gas evaluation program in the Princeton area. A comprehensive evaluation of the results of that first well plus an analysis of existing production technologies showed that the appropriate technology does not yet exist to commercially produce natural gas from this reservoir. “It’s disappointing that we will not be continuing our evaluation program,” said Gregg Smith, Chief Operating Officer of PetroBakken. “But, the facts are the facts: it’s a good business decision to stop the program if the technology just isn’t there yet to make it commercial. Of course, it’s even more disappointing knowing that many people in the community support clean-burning natural gas production and see the economic value that a commercial program would bring to the area,” he added. PetroBakken commissioned in 2010 a study conducted by NRG Research Group which polled 300 residents in and around the Princeton area. Some of the findings include that:
· 97 per cent recognize the importance of energy in their life
· 86 per cent believe that natural gas is an important source of energy
· 74 per cent believe that natural gas is a clean source of energy
· 72 per cent feel energy development will contribute to the local economy
· 70 per cent understand that oil and gas companies are searching for new sources of energy due to increased demand for energy
· 57 per cent approve of energy development in the region
The research was conducted in May and is accurate within ±5.45%, 19 times out of 20. Coalbed gas is just one form of natural gas that is abundant in British Columbia. PetroBakken will continue to operate elsewhere in the province where the company is bringing the latest technologies to natural gas production to produce more energy for people while limiting environmental footprint.
Six years since its first test well was drilled by PetroBakken Energy, a Petrobank company, announced June 30 it is concluding its coalbed gas evaluation program in the Princeton area. A comprehensive evaluation of the results of that first well plus an analysis of existing production technologies showed that the appropriate technology does not yet exist to commercially produce natural gas from this reservoir. “It’s disappointing that we will not be continuing our evaluation program,” said Gregg Smith, Chief Operating Officer of PetroBakken. “But, the facts are the facts: it’s a good business decision to stop the program if the technology just isn’t there yet to make it commercial. Of course, it’s even more disappointing knowing that many people in the community support clean-burning natural gas production and see the economic value that a commercial program would bring to the area,” he added. PetroBakken commissioned in 2010 a study conducted by NRG Research Group which polled 300 residents in and around the Princeton area. Some of the findings include that:
· 97 per cent recognize the importance of energy in their life
· 86 per cent believe that natural gas is an important source of energy
· 74 per cent believe that natural gas is a clean source of energy
· 72 per cent feel energy development will contribute to the local economy
· 70 per cent understand that oil and gas companies are searching for new sources of energy due to increased demand for energy
· 57 per cent approve of energy development in the region
The research was conducted in May and is accurate within ±5.45%, 19 times out of 20. Coalbed gas is just one form of natural gas that is abundant in British Columbia. PetroBakken will continue to operate elsewhere in the province where the company is bringing the latest technologies to natural gas production to produce more energy for people while limiting environmental footprint.
2011/12 Youth Ambassadors Go Pink!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Canada Day weekend activities also included the Princeton Youth Ambassador Coronation on July 1st following the Rotary Club Parade. The selected trio were out and about July 2nd during the annual Show 'n' Shine in downtown Princeton. They picked this car to pose in front of for the News Leader (good choice!). From left, Friendship Ambassador Felicia Northway, Youth Ambassador Roya Massoudi and Vice Ambassador Taylor Robillard.
Busy Weekend of Celebrations!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The 43rd running of Princeton Racing Days on Thursday, June 30th at Sunflower Downs was truly a local horse race meet with more local horse owners involved than in recent years. Renee Willis, Dusti Henwood, June Dunte and Dave and Lynda Gould entered a total of six horses, all trained by Gould. Add to that figure three more horses entered by Murray Cunard, who was born and raised in Princeton and horse race fans had no less than one local horse in each of the seven races to bet on – which they did. The handle for the event totaled $22,927.00. Other weekend celebrations included a huge Canada Day event on the grounds outside Princeton Museum and included the Grand Re-Opening of the recently renovated facility on July 1st. Cutting the ribbon to official 're-open' the Museum were volunteers Terry Malanchuk, left, and the News Leader's Dawn Johnson, right. Museum President Bob Wicks, centre, was on hand to MC the event which attracted many to the downtown core.
Singing Sisters Steal The Show!

Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Ryleigh (16) and Robyn (19) provided all the live entertainment during the July 2nd Show 'n' Shine in downtown Princeton. "They sound like angels," said Similkameen News Leader Owner/Publisher George Elliott. You can find out more about the singing Gillespie sisters by visiting their website located at http://www.robynandryleigh.com