June 24, 2014 - News Leader
WHAT YOU PAY COUNCIL
The mayor and councillors who serve on Princeton Town Council are paid stipend and expenses. The remuneration and expenses for Council members for 2013 were circulated at the June 16 Town Council meeting. The mayor received $20,347.68 plus $5,509.44 for expenses. Councillor Jason Earle (no longer on Council) received $10,173.84, the basic remuneration granted to each Councillor. His expenses were $339.28. Expenses for Councillor Marilyn Harkness were $302.16, for Councillor Kim Maynard expenses were $7,370.53, and expenses paid to Councillor Doug Pateman totaled $4,772.68 Total expenses for Town Council for 2013 were $18,294.09. Expenses are reimbursed for travel costs and meals for out of town duties, such as attending meetings and conferences. Total remuneration for other Town employees was $990,988.02, and expenses totaled $26,066.52. Expenses are paid for Town employees for trips out of Princeton, which may include required attendance at a meeting or conference, as well as training programs.
COUNCIL PRAISES LOCAL PEOPLE
At the June 16 Town Council meeting, the first item of business was recognition of Allan Bouvette for 10 years of service as an employee of the Town of Princeton. Bouvette was unable to attend the meeting, but will receive his certificate of appreciation and bonus at a private presentation. Mayor Frank Armitage attended the Kokanee Swim Club swim meet and reported the meet went well. He praised the club for their hard work and dedication. Mayor Armitage and Councillor Doug Pateman attended the June 14 First Nations drum and dance event at Veterans Square. Ernie Philip, an elder of the Shuswaps, gave talks on native experience of the past, and explained some of the regalia and dances. High River singers and drummers (Lower Similkameen) accompanied the dancers. Elder Philip, Tiineesha Begaye and her son, performed several dances, then Philip urged spectators to get into the dancing. Both the mayor and Councillor Pateman were among the dancers. They said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and praised Arts Council President Marjorie Holland and her crew for bringing this event to Princeton.
The mayor and councillors who serve on Princeton Town Council are paid stipend and expenses. The remuneration and expenses for Council members for 2013 were circulated at the June 16 Town Council meeting. The mayor received $20,347.68 plus $5,509.44 for expenses. Councillor Jason Earle (no longer on Council) received $10,173.84, the basic remuneration granted to each Councillor. His expenses were $339.28. Expenses for Councillor Marilyn Harkness were $302.16, for Councillor Kim Maynard expenses were $7,370.53, and expenses paid to Councillor Doug Pateman totaled $4,772.68 Total expenses for Town Council for 2013 were $18,294.09. Expenses are reimbursed for travel costs and meals for out of town duties, such as attending meetings and conferences. Total remuneration for other Town employees was $990,988.02, and expenses totaled $26,066.52. Expenses are paid for Town employees for trips out of Princeton, which may include required attendance at a meeting or conference, as well as training programs.
COUNCIL PRAISES LOCAL PEOPLE
At the June 16 Town Council meeting, the first item of business was recognition of Allan Bouvette for 10 years of service as an employee of the Town of Princeton. Bouvette was unable to attend the meeting, but will receive his certificate of appreciation and bonus at a private presentation. Mayor Frank Armitage attended the Kokanee Swim Club swim meet and reported the meet went well. He praised the club for their hard work and dedication. Mayor Armitage and Councillor Doug Pateman attended the June 14 First Nations drum and dance event at Veterans Square. Ernie Philip, an elder of the Shuswaps, gave talks on native experience of the past, and explained some of the regalia and dances. High River singers and drummers (Lower Similkameen) accompanied the dancers. Elder Philip, Tiineesha Begaye and her son, performed several dances, then Philip urged spectators to get into the dancing. Both the mayor and Councillor Pateman were among the dancers. They said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and praised Arts Council President Marjorie Holland and her crew for bringing this event to Princeton.
Car Wash Fundraising Season!
Along with the warmer weather comes car wash fundraisers. It's an inexpensive way for many local non-profit organizations to raise a few dollars for any number of projects. The PSS Grads recently held one and the most recent one was on June 22, 2014 which saw the Princeton Highland Dancers washing vehicles in the former Overwaitea parking lot with the help of some parents and the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department who brought along their pumper truck to assist with the washing.
PSS Class of 2014 - Grand March!
June 17, 2014 - News Leader
DRIVER LOSES LICENSE
Lorne Karl Boehmer appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on June 12 charged with impaired driving and driving while prohibited. He entered a guilty plea to driving while prohibited and was ordered to pay a $500 fine with a 12 month driving prohibition. The same incident resulted in the impaired driving charge. On December 4, 2013, police driving toward Hedley noticed a vehicle being driven at only 50 kmph, and following it, the police officer noted the vehicle crossing the centre line on one occasion and over the fog line on another occasion. When Boehmer pulled over, he failed to take the vehicle completely off the eastbound lane. On stepping out of his vehicle, Boehmer appeared to have a problem with standing and walking. Boehmer told the court he had not had anything but non-alcoholic beer, although the police officer had recorded detecting the scent of hard liquor on Boehmer's breath, and had found a partially empty bottle of vodka under the driver's seat of Boehmer's vehicle. Boehmer stated further that he had had a groin injury preventing him from walking properly and the vehicle had a steering problem. The judge told Boehmer it was fortunate he had not been arrested for dangerous driving. Boehmer will stand trial September 12 on the impaired driving charge.
GUILTY PLEA EARNS FINES
Dean Curtis Stevens entered guilty pleas in Provincial Court on June 12, pleading guilty to assault and mischief under $5,000. He had been charged as a result of a complaint from a woman who had gone to his home on October 24, 2013, to pick up a backpack she had left there earlier in the day. She went to police to say he had shoved her against the wall when she entered the house, and she had fled, with him following. He had caught her and choked her to stop her screaming. Her car was parked on his property but when she managed to get free from him, she ran away and caught a ride with another person. While her car was parked at Stevens' residence, the rear window was smashed, with a replacement cost of $900. Stevens, age 48 of Princeton, had a prior record for assault and mischief. He was ordered to pay a $750 fine for assault, $250 for mischief, and must pay for the car window. He is to have no contact with the complainant, may not own firearms nor a firearms permit for five years, and must submit a DNA sample to the RCMP. He was placed on a 12 month probation with the condition that he not consume alcohol except in his own home.
DRUG CASE GOES TO TRAIL
A preliminary inquiry was held in Provincial Court on June 13 in the case of Dwayne F. Costa, charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. The court heard testimony from three witnesses for the Crown. Costa, representing himself, called no witnesses. Judge G. Sinclair determined there was sufficient evidence to take the matter to trial. A date for a Supreme Court trial will be set on July 21 in Penticton. Costa stood trial on June 13 on a charge of breach of recognizance for failing to appear in court on July 11, 2013, as required by conditions set at a prior bail hearing. Costa, in his own defense, appeared to have been confused between the matter set for July 11 and another date set for a different court matter. Judge Sinclair found him guilty as charged and ordered Costa to pay a $200 fine.
Lorne Karl Boehmer appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on June 12 charged with impaired driving and driving while prohibited. He entered a guilty plea to driving while prohibited and was ordered to pay a $500 fine with a 12 month driving prohibition. The same incident resulted in the impaired driving charge. On December 4, 2013, police driving toward Hedley noticed a vehicle being driven at only 50 kmph, and following it, the police officer noted the vehicle crossing the centre line on one occasion and over the fog line on another occasion. When Boehmer pulled over, he failed to take the vehicle completely off the eastbound lane. On stepping out of his vehicle, Boehmer appeared to have a problem with standing and walking. Boehmer told the court he had not had anything but non-alcoholic beer, although the police officer had recorded detecting the scent of hard liquor on Boehmer's breath, and had found a partially empty bottle of vodka under the driver's seat of Boehmer's vehicle. Boehmer stated further that he had had a groin injury preventing him from walking properly and the vehicle had a steering problem. The judge told Boehmer it was fortunate he had not been arrested for dangerous driving. Boehmer will stand trial September 12 on the impaired driving charge.
GUILTY PLEA EARNS FINES
Dean Curtis Stevens entered guilty pleas in Provincial Court on June 12, pleading guilty to assault and mischief under $5,000. He had been charged as a result of a complaint from a woman who had gone to his home on October 24, 2013, to pick up a backpack she had left there earlier in the day. She went to police to say he had shoved her against the wall when she entered the house, and she had fled, with him following. He had caught her and choked her to stop her screaming. Her car was parked on his property but when she managed to get free from him, she ran away and caught a ride with another person. While her car was parked at Stevens' residence, the rear window was smashed, with a replacement cost of $900. Stevens, age 48 of Princeton, had a prior record for assault and mischief. He was ordered to pay a $750 fine for assault, $250 for mischief, and must pay for the car window. He is to have no contact with the complainant, may not own firearms nor a firearms permit for five years, and must submit a DNA sample to the RCMP. He was placed on a 12 month probation with the condition that he not consume alcohol except in his own home.
DRUG CASE GOES TO TRAIL
A preliminary inquiry was held in Provincial Court on June 13 in the case of Dwayne F. Costa, charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. The court heard testimony from three witnesses for the Crown. Costa, representing himself, called no witnesses. Judge G. Sinclair determined there was sufficient evidence to take the matter to trial. A date for a Supreme Court trial will be set on July 21 in Penticton. Costa stood trial on June 13 on a charge of breach of recognizance for failing to appear in court on July 11, 2013, as required by conditions set at a prior bail hearing. Costa, in his own defense, appeared to have been confused between the matter set for July 11 and another date set for a different court matter. Judge Sinclair found him guilty as charged and ordered Costa to pay a $200 fine.
The 'New' Town Hall is Complete!
An official dedication ceremony took place June 11th to celebrate the completion of the 'new' Town Hall on Vermilion Avenue in Princeton. The former Court House building was reconditioned at a fraction of the close to $850,000 projected in an engineers report. All work was done by local contractors and services which adds to the charm of the building.
The Beauty of Similkameen Falls!
June 10, 2014 - News Leader
COUNCIL APPROVES TRUCK PURCHASE
Princeton Town Council approved the purchase of a bucket lift truck at their June 2nd regular meeting. "This truck has been rented by the town on numerous occasions throughout the year for a number of years," stated Director of Infrastructure and Parks Kevin Huey in his report to Town Council. "The owner has decided to get out of providing the aerial maintenance service and sell the bucket lift truck." The price to purchase the truck is $14,000.00 and the expenditure has been included in the 2014 Town of Princeton Budget. "The town crew is familiar with this piece of equipment and has experience in its use," Huey states. The bucket lift has been certified and the truck has been inspected and verified to be mechanically sound by a certified mechanic. Huey shows in his cost analysis that with an estimated life expectancy of ten years and annual maintenance, repair and fuel costs set at about $3,950.00 the truck will cost $5,350.00 per year to operate. He has further included with his report an annual usage projection which would see the bucket lift truck used a total of 46 days a year doing tasks such as hanging banners, Christmas decorations, placing and removing hanging baskets, tree pruning and related jobs. In comparison to the rental of a Genie unit (there are no bucket lift trucks available for rental) the cost would be $12,650.00 per year based on a $275.00 per day rental fee. Huey says the purchase of the bucket lift truck would save the Town of Princeton $7,300.00 a year. In addition, costs would increase with the use of a Genie unit, as it would require transportation to and from each job site. "The Genie lift is limited in its applications and will require more time to perform some tasks increasing the labour costs," Huey concluded.
POSSE HIRE GLOVER
After an extensive search, the Princeton Posse organization are proud to welcome Cliff Glover as the new Communications Manager. Cliff comes to the Posse with extensive experience in enhancing sponsorship revenue and has a strong resume of establishing many successful fundraisers, including the local Diamond Dinner. A member of the Princeton community for the past 11 years, Cliff has made his impact on the community, currently sitting on the executive board for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56. Cliff will be working out of the Posse offices located at 167 Old Hedley Road, Princeton. When he is not in the office, he will be working around town maintaining sponsor relationships and satisfaction, continually improving the value the corporate Princeton receives from their team. Corporate sponsorship currently makes up a large portion of the team's revenue, which goes directly into the operating costs of the team, and is a vital component of the small market team.
Princeton Town Council approved the purchase of a bucket lift truck at their June 2nd regular meeting. "This truck has been rented by the town on numerous occasions throughout the year for a number of years," stated Director of Infrastructure and Parks Kevin Huey in his report to Town Council. "The owner has decided to get out of providing the aerial maintenance service and sell the bucket lift truck." The price to purchase the truck is $14,000.00 and the expenditure has been included in the 2014 Town of Princeton Budget. "The town crew is familiar with this piece of equipment and has experience in its use," Huey states. The bucket lift has been certified and the truck has been inspected and verified to be mechanically sound by a certified mechanic. Huey shows in his cost analysis that with an estimated life expectancy of ten years and annual maintenance, repair and fuel costs set at about $3,950.00 the truck will cost $5,350.00 per year to operate. He has further included with his report an annual usage projection which would see the bucket lift truck used a total of 46 days a year doing tasks such as hanging banners, Christmas decorations, placing and removing hanging baskets, tree pruning and related jobs. In comparison to the rental of a Genie unit (there are no bucket lift trucks available for rental) the cost would be $12,650.00 per year based on a $275.00 per day rental fee. Huey says the purchase of the bucket lift truck would save the Town of Princeton $7,300.00 a year. In addition, costs would increase with the use of a Genie unit, as it would require transportation to and from each job site. "The Genie lift is limited in its applications and will require more time to perform some tasks increasing the labour costs," Huey concluded.
POSSE HIRE GLOVER
After an extensive search, the Princeton Posse organization are proud to welcome Cliff Glover as the new Communications Manager. Cliff comes to the Posse with extensive experience in enhancing sponsorship revenue and has a strong resume of establishing many successful fundraisers, including the local Diamond Dinner. A member of the Princeton community for the past 11 years, Cliff has made his impact on the community, currently sitting on the executive board for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56. Cliff will be working out of the Posse offices located at 167 Old Hedley Road, Princeton. When he is not in the office, he will be working around town maintaining sponsor relationships and satisfaction, continually improving the value the corporate Princeton receives from their team. Corporate sponsorship currently makes up a large portion of the team's revenue, which goes directly into the operating costs of the team, and is a vital component of the small market team.
Town Goes Green - Without Grass!
The 'new' Town Hall in the Town of Princeton received the last of its finishing touches over the week with new landscaping in the front lawn. The concept, design and implementation was the work local horticulturalist George Harry. He created an interesting rolling landscape with boulders, native plants and shrubs along with bark mulch covering.
He Walks For Peace!
60-year old Normand Schmidt of Montreal is walking for peace. His journey started late last month in Vancouver and brought him through Princeton on June 3rd. His walk was inspired by the 2007 movie 'Shake Hands with the Devil.' Following that Schmidt decided he needed to do something to raise awareness for peace. He chose to spend the day here 'because it is so beautiful,' and will go as far as PEI. He plans a series of back and forth walks. Schmidt was also inspired by a woman who was known as the Peace Pilgrim.
June 03, 2014 - News Leader
OSPREY LAKE FRIENDS CONDUCT CLEAN UP
by Terry Tellier
Friends of Osprey Lake
Twenty volunteers from Osprey, Link and Chain Lakes area participated in the 7th annual roadside cleanup on Saturday May 25th. They picked up garbage on approximately 40 kilometres of roadways, some sections of the Trans-Canada Trail as well as the Osprey and Link Lake Forestry Recreational Campsites. The total weight of the debris clocked in at 410 kg. or 900 lbs. The waste was sorted after it was collected. Categories of the litter included items which could be reused, metal, glass, recyclable bottles and cans, clean Styrofoam, propane cylinders, plastic and landfill material. Two members of the cleanup had to clean up an illegal dump site on a very steep embankment using a winch and rope. The dumped items were likely used for a party crowd and included plastic cups, paper plates, remnants of food and plastic utensils. Also at this site were many plastic garbage bags filled with dirt. The soil was dumped and the bags collected for disposal. The most disappointing part of our cleanup is that no matter how much education we have had, people are still leaving garbage in firepits at the campsites and outside their residences. The bears who have found this food source are no doubt the ones which will have to be destroyed in the future. "A fed bear is a dead bear" is a statement we should all take heed of if we want to preserve nature and our environment. Finally, cigarette packaging and remnants of the filters are one of the most frequently found items. The butts of cigarettes can be ingested by wildlife, birds, fish or turtles. They can cause choking and death for those unsuspecting creatures. The next time you dump your vehicle ashtray or cigarette on the ground consider the consequences for them and for the possibility of causing a forest fire which can lead to criminal charges. Many kudos go to all the volunteers and people who care for our earth and keep it safe and clean for all to enjoy. Special thanks go to Norm Christman, Jill Pelland who took the garbage to the landfill and to Lynne Adams who recycles the bottles and cans. We also would like to commend the Town of Princeton for waiving the landfill fees and the Osprey Ratepayers who advertise the event on their website throughout the year.
ANAMANENKO AGREES ABOUT FATCA
BC Southern Interior MP, Alex Atamanenko supports the Official Opposition's fight against the reckless implementation of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and urges his colleagues to continue to push Conservatives at Finance Committee to remove it from Budget Bill C-31 so that it can be properly scrutinized and amended. "It has become increasingly clear, through departmental and witness appearances at the Finance Committee, that the Conservative government simply has not studied the implications of the FATCA implementation agreement with respect to privacy, constitutionality or cost," said NDP National Revenue critic, Murray Rankin (Victoria). "Rushing it through in an omnibus budget bill without proper study is reckless and unnecessary." "I want to thank my colleague, Murray Rankin, for taking up the gauntlet and fighting FATCA," said Atamanenko. "Ultimately every Canadian will be affected by this flawed agreement," added the NDP MP. The U.S. has delayed the application of FATCA sanctions until January 2015. Canada is already deemed in compliance with U.S. law, and legal experts agree there is enough time to properly study and amend the agreement. The NDP will move a series of amendments at committee to fight the Conservatives¹ attempt to impose FATCA and protect the privacy of Canadians. Atamanenko has been protesting the imposition of FATCA and FBAR law on Canadians since 2011.
by Terry Tellier
Friends of Osprey Lake
Twenty volunteers from Osprey, Link and Chain Lakes area participated in the 7th annual roadside cleanup on Saturday May 25th. They picked up garbage on approximately 40 kilometres of roadways, some sections of the Trans-Canada Trail as well as the Osprey and Link Lake Forestry Recreational Campsites. The total weight of the debris clocked in at 410 kg. or 900 lbs. The waste was sorted after it was collected. Categories of the litter included items which could be reused, metal, glass, recyclable bottles and cans, clean Styrofoam, propane cylinders, plastic and landfill material. Two members of the cleanup had to clean up an illegal dump site on a very steep embankment using a winch and rope. The dumped items were likely used for a party crowd and included plastic cups, paper plates, remnants of food and plastic utensils. Also at this site were many plastic garbage bags filled with dirt. The soil was dumped and the bags collected for disposal. The most disappointing part of our cleanup is that no matter how much education we have had, people are still leaving garbage in firepits at the campsites and outside their residences. The bears who have found this food source are no doubt the ones which will have to be destroyed in the future. "A fed bear is a dead bear" is a statement we should all take heed of if we want to preserve nature and our environment. Finally, cigarette packaging and remnants of the filters are one of the most frequently found items. The butts of cigarettes can be ingested by wildlife, birds, fish or turtles. They can cause choking and death for those unsuspecting creatures. The next time you dump your vehicle ashtray or cigarette on the ground consider the consequences for them and for the possibility of causing a forest fire which can lead to criminal charges. Many kudos go to all the volunteers and people who care for our earth and keep it safe and clean for all to enjoy. Special thanks go to Norm Christman, Jill Pelland who took the garbage to the landfill and to Lynne Adams who recycles the bottles and cans. We also would like to commend the Town of Princeton for waiving the landfill fees and the Osprey Ratepayers who advertise the event on their website throughout the year.
ANAMANENKO AGREES ABOUT FATCA
BC Southern Interior MP, Alex Atamanenko supports the Official Opposition's fight against the reckless implementation of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and urges his colleagues to continue to push Conservatives at Finance Committee to remove it from Budget Bill C-31 so that it can be properly scrutinized and amended. "It has become increasingly clear, through departmental and witness appearances at the Finance Committee, that the Conservative government simply has not studied the implications of the FATCA implementation agreement with respect to privacy, constitutionality or cost," said NDP National Revenue critic, Murray Rankin (Victoria). "Rushing it through in an omnibus budget bill without proper study is reckless and unnecessary." "I want to thank my colleague, Murray Rankin, for taking up the gauntlet and fighting FATCA," said Atamanenko. "Ultimately every Canadian will be affected by this flawed agreement," added the NDP MP. The U.S. has delayed the application of FATCA sanctions until January 2015. Canada is already deemed in compliance with U.S. law, and legal experts agree there is enough time to properly study and amend the agreement. The NDP will move a series of amendments at committee to fight the Conservatives¹ attempt to impose FATCA and protect the privacy of Canadians. Atamanenko has been protesting the imposition of FATCA and FBAR law on Canadians since 2011.
Hartwell Hopes You'll Open Your Heart!
Princeton's Renee Hartwell is on a mission. She will be participating in the 2014 Ride to Conquer Cancer but she needs your help. You can help by making a donation in support of her cause. You can support Hartwell, second from right, by making a donation online at this web address featuring her profile: http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/rhartwell2014
Firefighters Helping Firefighters!
Chief Rob Miller of Hayes Creek Fire presenting fire pumper to Erris President Sandi Lawler for a toonie with members of both departments looking on. This is in the spirit of fire departments helping fire departments in the brotherhood of firefighters. This will put the Erris Fire Department in "business" with their first fire pumper truck and begin an agreement between the two departments of mutual aid. The presentation was made May 25th at the Princeton hosted practice house burn at 1147 Princeton Summerland Road and the burning house can be seen in the background.