March 31, 2009 - News Leader
ARTS AND
CULTURE WEEK SCHEDULE
The theme of Arts and Culture Week, April 19 to 25, is “Riverside Shines 2009”. The week begins with a special unveiling of the pottery mural in the foyer of Riverside Centre. The Potters Guild has worked on this project for a year. The foyer will be redecorated before the mural is mounted on the wall. The unveiling of the mural will take place at 6:30 PM Sunday, April 19. One hour later, Ballet Kelowna will perform in Riverside Centre Theatre. If you saw them on their first show in Princeton two years ago, you will appreciate how good they are. The dancers mix a combination of traditional ballet with modern interpretations for an exciting presentation. Tickets are $25 each, $20 for seniors (age 60 and over). Only 270 tickets are available. Go to the Winking Pedlar on Vermilion Avenue to pick up your ticket. On Friday, April 25, Riverside Centre Theatre presents The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, an Oscar winning movie about a man who keeps getting younger. The movie begins at 7:00 PM. Two special events take place at Riverside Centre on Saturday, April 25. There is a second session of the acrylics painting workshop featuring Dale Matthews (it is fully booked). Cst. Mike Leiding and friends meet at Riverside Centre on Saturday morning to begin the annual Clean Up and Green Up event. This project involves volunteers who clear trash from roadsides. If you cannot turn out to be part of Mike’s crew of volunteers, you can help by cleaning up the street in front of your own residence. This is the same weekend the Town sponsors Free Dump Day. You can get rid of things you ordinarily would not put in your garbage or take to recycling and you will not be charged a fee. The incentive is to make Princeton area far more attractive. If you live in Area H, you are included in Clean Up and Green Up Day.
THE RCMP REGIMENTAL BALL
The Head Table list read like a who’s who in BC policing and politics. Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, Chief Superintendent Don Harrison, Solicitor General John van Dongen, Mayor Randy McLean, Sergeant Gary Macahonic and respective spouses. The Master of Ceremonies was Constable Mike Leiding and other notable guests included Area H Director Brad Hope, Yale-Lilloett MLA Harry Lali and many present and retired RCMP officers for the first ever Regimental Ball held in Princeton. Regimental Dinners and Regimental Balls play a key role in RCMP culture by fostering high morale, fellowship and esprit de corps as well as providing occasion to recall and honour past deeds and traditions in an atmosphere of formality and ceremony. The correct form for an RCMP Regimental Ball follows the universal convention for formal dining, differing only in the addition of certain ritual and traditional RCMP customs. Formality must be observed if the occasion is to retain any degree of purpose or significance. A formal dinner with one’s colleagues symbolizes mutual respect, self-esteem and pride of profession. Regimental Balls are ‘family affairs’ which is to say in the purest sense they are for only members of the Regiment. Recognizing that policing has changed over time, and that community partnerships are key to the ability to effectively police the diverse communities in Canada, RCMP Balls organized by the members of the Detachments provide a like opportunity for members of the Regiment to meet in a similar fashion, with the same friendliness and formality, to share traditions with members of the community. The RCMP Regimental Ball held March 28th at RockRidge Canyon was a first for Princeton Detachment members to organize in their community. It was also an ‘alcohol-free’ event with proceeds to support the youth DARE Program.
The theme of Arts and Culture Week, April 19 to 25, is “Riverside Shines 2009”. The week begins with a special unveiling of the pottery mural in the foyer of Riverside Centre. The Potters Guild has worked on this project for a year. The foyer will be redecorated before the mural is mounted on the wall. The unveiling of the mural will take place at 6:30 PM Sunday, April 19. One hour later, Ballet Kelowna will perform in Riverside Centre Theatre. If you saw them on their first show in Princeton two years ago, you will appreciate how good they are. The dancers mix a combination of traditional ballet with modern interpretations for an exciting presentation. Tickets are $25 each, $20 for seniors (age 60 and over). Only 270 tickets are available. Go to the Winking Pedlar on Vermilion Avenue to pick up your ticket. On Friday, April 25, Riverside Centre Theatre presents The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, an Oscar winning movie about a man who keeps getting younger. The movie begins at 7:00 PM. Two special events take place at Riverside Centre on Saturday, April 25. There is a second session of the acrylics painting workshop featuring Dale Matthews (it is fully booked). Cst. Mike Leiding and friends meet at Riverside Centre on Saturday morning to begin the annual Clean Up and Green Up event. This project involves volunteers who clear trash from roadsides. If you cannot turn out to be part of Mike’s crew of volunteers, you can help by cleaning up the street in front of your own residence. This is the same weekend the Town sponsors Free Dump Day. You can get rid of things you ordinarily would not put in your garbage or take to recycling and you will not be charged a fee. The incentive is to make Princeton area far more attractive. If you live in Area H, you are included in Clean Up and Green Up Day.
THE RCMP REGIMENTAL BALL
The Head Table list read like a who’s who in BC policing and politics. Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass, Chief Superintendent Don Harrison, Solicitor General John van Dongen, Mayor Randy McLean, Sergeant Gary Macahonic and respective spouses. The Master of Ceremonies was Constable Mike Leiding and other notable guests included Area H Director Brad Hope, Yale-Lilloett MLA Harry Lali and many present and retired RCMP officers for the first ever Regimental Ball held in Princeton. Regimental Dinners and Regimental Balls play a key role in RCMP culture by fostering high morale, fellowship and esprit de corps as well as providing occasion to recall and honour past deeds and traditions in an atmosphere of formality and ceremony. The correct form for an RCMP Regimental Ball follows the universal convention for formal dining, differing only in the addition of certain ritual and traditional RCMP customs. Formality must be observed if the occasion is to retain any degree of purpose or significance. A formal dinner with one’s colleagues symbolizes mutual respect, self-esteem and pride of profession. Regimental Balls are ‘family affairs’ which is to say in the purest sense they are for only members of the Regiment. Recognizing that policing has changed over time, and that community partnerships are key to the ability to effectively police the diverse communities in Canada, RCMP Balls organized by the members of the Detachments provide a like opportunity for members of the Regiment to meet in a similar fashion, with the same friendliness and formality, to share traditions with members of the community. The RCMP Regimental Ball held March 28th at RockRidge Canyon was a first for Princeton Detachment members to organize in their community. It was also an ‘alcohol-free’ event with proceeds to support the youth DARE Program.
March 24, 2009 - News Leader
MAYOR
VENTS ON HIGHWAY 3
Ministry of Transportation representatives got an earful when they attended the March 16 Town Council meeting. The Ministry reps were there to explain how the Ministry is set up, but when they were finished their presentation, Mayor Randy McLean launched into the issue of the lack of action on the Hope- Princeton Highway. Mayor McLean spoke of 15 years of frustration. He reminded the Ministry representatives of the government promise made when the Coquihalla Highway was constructed. Princeton, along with all other communities on Highway 3, had been assured the toll money from the Coquihalla Highway would be used to upgrade highways adjacent to it. Mayor McLean told of the group of mayors from Highway 3 communities who had gone to Victoria more than once to request capital improvements on the Hope-Princeton Highway. He noted that even the mayor of Summerland gave priority to Hope-Princeton Highway improvement. The response from Victoria has always been “there is not enough traffic on the Hope-Princeton.” The Highway 3 communities have presented plans to the Ministry of Transportation to show how the highway could be improved, and how those 20, 30 and 50 kilometre corners could be avoided. He mentioned the number of transport trucks going off the highway during the winter months due to poor conditions on the Hope-Princeton. The Ministry representatives gave a very diplomatic response to Mayor McLean. It was obvious they had come to promote what the Ministry does in the Okanagan-Shuswap region, and were unprepared for the onslaught from Mayor McLean.
MUSEUM PLANS LATER OPENING
Princeton Museum will open a little later this year due to staffing requirements. The museum will open May 18 and close after the last weekend in September. This is a shorter span than in past years, primarily because of the need to reorganize. Hours of operation will be 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM seven days a week, with longer hours, to 7:00 PM, in July and August. The museum can be opened beyond those hours for special tour groups.
Ministry of Transportation representatives got an earful when they attended the March 16 Town Council meeting. The Ministry reps were there to explain how the Ministry is set up, but when they were finished their presentation, Mayor Randy McLean launched into the issue of the lack of action on the Hope- Princeton Highway. Mayor McLean spoke of 15 years of frustration. He reminded the Ministry representatives of the government promise made when the Coquihalla Highway was constructed. Princeton, along with all other communities on Highway 3, had been assured the toll money from the Coquihalla Highway would be used to upgrade highways adjacent to it. Mayor McLean told of the group of mayors from Highway 3 communities who had gone to Victoria more than once to request capital improvements on the Hope-Princeton Highway. He noted that even the mayor of Summerland gave priority to Hope-Princeton Highway improvement. The response from Victoria has always been “there is not enough traffic on the Hope-Princeton.” The Highway 3 communities have presented plans to the Ministry of Transportation to show how the highway could be improved, and how those 20, 30 and 50 kilometre corners could be avoided. He mentioned the number of transport trucks going off the highway during the winter months due to poor conditions on the Hope-Princeton. The Ministry representatives gave a very diplomatic response to Mayor McLean. It was obvious they had come to promote what the Ministry does in the Okanagan-Shuswap region, and were unprepared for the onslaught from Mayor McLean.
MUSEUM PLANS LATER OPENING
Princeton Museum will open a little later this year due to staffing requirements. The museum will open May 18 and close after the last weekend in September. This is a shorter span than in past years, primarily because of the need to reorganize. Hours of operation will be 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM seven days a week, with longer hours, to 7:00 PM, in July and August. The museum can be opened beyond those hours for special tour groups.
March 17, 2009 - News Leader
LOCAL
SCHOOLS STUDY EACH CHILD
What happens in our schools when a child is having problems? On March 11, Principal Barry Clark explained to the Board of Education what local schools do. Each child attending school in Princeton has a profile telling about their level of academic achievement, any physical problems, how socially and emotionally mature they are, and so on. When a child is having problems, teachers and education specialists put their heads together to determine what services the child may need. Working together, and with parents and perhaps health care providers, they can set up a program that may involve learning assistance, counselling, or special health care provisions. The child is looked at from the point of view of the whole child, not merely as a child who may have problems reading or doing math. Teachers meet and find out what is working for the child and what is not. Special Education teacher Julie Haazen told the Board she had begun in Princeton in January and found the student profile information valuable in ensuring students are receiving the services they need. The goal of this process, which began last year, is to reduce the number of students who may be at risk of failure or eventually dropping out of school. Trustee Ken Heuser praised the work of teachers and staff for the work they are doing on behalf of local children.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITION
A number of Princeton Secondary School students participated in the Skills Canada Regional Competition at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The event was held on Saturday, March 7th and the list of participants are: Welding - Dustin Haigh, Cabinet Making - Mike Davis, Culinary Arts - Adam Dobbs (4th). Junior Skills: Mimi sumo Robots - Ben Beeler (1st - Gold), Adam Gullason (2nd - Silver), Morgan Dobbs (3rd - Bronze). Ben moves on to the Provincial Competition in Abbotsford at the Tradex Centre on April 22nd. Three Virtual Competitions were held at PSS. Students were to produce a project in a set amount of time. They did not know the topic chosen until time started. Results of the Virtual Competitions will not be known until the end of May. Good luck to the following participants: Mechanical CAD – Mitch Lamoureux, Architectural CAD – Miranda Newman, TV&Video Production – Sydney Jensen. The event sponsors, mentors and teachers were: Culinary Arts - Mr. O’Mally and Mr. Kaiser, Mini sumo Robots – Andrew Nordquist, TV&Video Production - Mr. Kitts, Welding, Cabinet Making and Drafting - Mr. Newman.
What happens in our schools when a child is having problems? On March 11, Principal Barry Clark explained to the Board of Education what local schools do. Each child attending school in Princeton has a profile telling about their level of academic achievement, any physical problems, how socially and emotionally mature they are, and so on. When a child is having problems, teachers and education specialists put their heads together to determine what services the child may need. Working together, and with parents and perhaps health care providers, they can set up a program that may involve learning assistance, counselling, or special health care provisions. The child is looked at from the point of view of the whole child, not merely as a child who may have problems reading or doing math. Teachers meet and find out what is working for the child and what is not. Special Education teacher Julie Haazen told the Board she had begun in Princeton in January and found the student profile information valuable in ensuring students are receiving the services they need. The goal of this process, which began last year, is to reduce the number of students who may be at risk of failure or eventually dropping out of school. Trustee Ken Heuser praised the work of teachers and staff for the work they are doing on behalf of local children.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITION
A number of Princeton Secondary School students participated in the Skills Canada Regional Competition at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The event was held on Saturday, March 7th and the list of participants are: Welding - Dustin Haigh, Cabinet Making - Mike Davis, Culinary Arts - Adam Dobbs (4th). Junior Skills: Mimi sumo Robots - Ben Beeler (1st - Gold), Adam Gullason (2nd - Silver), Morgan Dobbs (3rd - Bronze). Ben moves on to the Provincial Competition in Abbotsford at the Tradex Centre on April 22nd. Three Virtual Competitions were held at PSS. Students were to produce a project in a set amount of time. They did not know the topic chosen until time started. Results of the Virtual Competitions will not be known until the end of May. Good luck to the following participants: Mechanical CAD – Mitch Lamoureux, Architectural CAD – Miranda Newman, TV&Video Production – Sydney Jensen. The event sponsors, mentors and teachers were: Culinary Arts - Mr. O’Mally and Mr. Kaiser, Mini sumo Robots – Andrew Nordquist, TV&Video Production - Mr. Kitts, Welding, Cabinet Making and Drafting - Mr. Newman.
March 10, 2009 - News Leader
POLICE
REPORT TWO FIRES
At 10:10 PM on Sunday, March 1st Princeton RCMP and Princeton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire deliberately set in a garbage dumpster. The dumpster was located behind Princeton Petro-Can on Bridge Street and was fully engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived. Crews managed to quickly extinguish the fire and there was no damage to the building. On March 2nd Princeton RCMP were called to the Living Water Foursquare Church on Kenley Avenue. Someone had set fire to a number of signs on the building. The signs were melted but there was no further damage to the church. Police speculate that since the church is located only a couple blocks from the Petro-Can gas station that the fires could be linked. If you have any information regarding these two incidents you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at (250) 295-6911 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
TOWN PASSED CLEAN UP BYLAW
If you have a messy lot in the Town of Princeton, you may receive a warning to clean it up. Town Council has approved Bylaw 813 regarding the maintenance of property. The bylaw is enforceable under the regulations of the Community Charter, which allows municipal governments the right to issue warnings followed by fines. The new bylaw states no person shall cause or permit refuse or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect or accumulate around lands or buildings owned or occupied by them. The word “refuse” includes food waste, combustibles like paper and yard trimmings, ashes, bulky wastes such as old furniture and appliances, tires, stumps, construction and demolition wastes, and unlicensed, unused or stripped motor vehicles, trailers, boats, machinery, and mechanical or metal parts. In addition, stagnant water accumulation is not permitted due to attracting mosquitoes. In short, if you have a pond, hot tub or swimming pool, it must be kept very clean and free of mosquito larvae. People are not permitted to throw bottles, broken glass or any refuse in any open place. Any accumulation of building materials must be kept in a covered building unless the resident has a valid building permit. This bylaw treats graffiti as an offense, and the graffiti must be removed from private property. The bylaw addresses fences: “No person shall cause or permit a fence to become unsightly, unstable or unsafe.” The bylaw deals with vacant property and specifies it must be clear of brush, trees, noxious weeds, or other growths that become unsightly, and any grass over 30 centimeters (1 foot) tall. If property becomes infested with caterpillars or any noxious or destructive insect, the property is to be cleared of these. The Town bylaw officer has the right to enter and inspect any property in Town to ascertain whether or not Town requirements are being met. If not, the officer may issue an order to comply within 14 days. If nothing is done to correct the situation in 14 days, the Town may fine the owner or resident $100. A ticket, something like a traffic ticket, will be issued. Failure to comply following the first fine will result in higher fines. Property owners should make themselves familiar with the details of this bylaw.
At 10:10 PM on Sunday, March 1st Princeton RCMP and Princeton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire deliberately set in a garbage dumpster. The dumpster was located behind Princeton Petro-Can on Bridge Street and was fully engulfed in flames when the fire department arrived. Crews managed to quickly extinguish the fire and there was no damage to the building. On March 2nd Princeton RCMP were called to the Living Water Foursquare Church on Kenley Avenue. Someone had set fire to a number of signs on the building. The signs were melted but there was no further damage to the church. Police speculate that since the church is located only a couple blocks from the Petro-Can gas station that the fires could be linked. If you have any information regarding these two incidents you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at (250) 295-6911 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
TOWN PASSED CLEAN UP BYLAW
If you have a messy lot in the Town of Princeton, you may receive a warning to clean it up. Town Council has approved Bylaw 813 regarding the maintenance of property. The bylaw is enforceable under the regulations of the Community Charter, which allows municipal governments the right to issue warnings followed by fines. The new bylaw states no person shall cause or permit refuse or noxious, offensive or unwholesome matter to collect or accumulate around lands or buildings owned or occupied by them. The word “refuse” includes food waste, combustibles like paper and yard trimmings, ashes, bulky wastes such as old furniture and appliances, tires, stumps, construction and demolition wastes, and unlicensed, unused or stripped motor vehicles, trailers, boats, machinery, and mechanical or metal parts. In addition, stagnant water accumulation is not permitted due to attracting mosquitoes. In short, if you have a pond, hot tub or swimming pool, it must be kept very clean and free of mosquito larvae. People are not permitted to throw bottles, broken glass or any refuse in any open place. Any accumulation of building materials must be kept in a covered building unless the resident has a valid building permit. This bylaw treats graffiti as an offense, and the graffiti must be removed from private property. The bylaw addresses fences: “No person shall cause or permit a fence to become unsightly, unstable or unsafe.” The bylaw deals with vacant property and specifies it must be clear of brush, trees, noxious weeds, or other growths that become unsightly, and any grass over 30 centimeters (1 foot) tall. If property becomes infested with caterpillars or any noxious or destructive insect, the property is to be cleared of these. The Town bylaw officer has the right to enter and inspect any property in Town to ascertain whether or not Town requirements are being met. If not, the officer may issue an order to comply within 14 days. If nothing is done to correct the situation in 14 days, the Town may fine the owner or resident $100. A ticket, something like a traffic ticket, will be issued. Failure to comply following the first fine will result in higher fines. Property owners should make themselves familiar with the details of this bylaw.
March 03, 2009 - News Leader
RCMP SEIZE
POT PLANTS
Princeton RCMP report the execution of a CDSA (Controlled Drug & Substances Act) search warrant at a residence on Darcy Mountain Road at 12:45 PM on Monday, February 23rd. “In total, 101 marihuana plants were seized along with equipment to facilitate the illegal grow,” says Sgt. Gary Macahonic of Princeton RCMP Detachment. A local resident of Princeton is facing charges for cultivation and possessio under the CDSA and will be appearing in Court at a later date. Anyone with information in relation to illegal activity is encouraged to contact Princeton Detachment at (250) 295-6911 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call information in to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
IMPAIRED DRIVER HITS SEMI IN KEREMEOS
Keremeos RCMP, BC Ambulance and Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department attended the scene of an accident in downtown Keremeos just after midnight on Saturday, February 28th. “A 28-year old male driver and his passenger collided with a semi truck trailer unit at the intersection of Main Street and 5th Street after the driver of the car failed to stop at the stop sign,” explains Cst. Myrl Stus of Keremeos RCMP. The car ‘t-boned’ the trailer and was dragged half a block before the semi truck came to a stop. “Given the extensive damage to the car, a 1990 Chev Cavalier, both occupants suffered only minor injuries and were treated at the scene, refusing to attend the hospital.” The driver was detained and investigated for impaired driving, providing samples of his breath that were 70 and 60 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, under the legal limit. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition as well as a violation ticket for driving contrary to restrictions and failing to stop at the stop sign. “The driver of the car involved is a ‘Novice Driver’ and is to have zero alcohol in his system,” Stus adds.
Princeton RCMP report the execution of a CDSA (Controlled Drug & Substances Act) search warrant at a residence on Darcy Mountain Road at 12:45 PM on Monday, February 23rd. “In total, 101 marihuana plants were seized along with equipment to facilitate the illegal grow,” says Sgt. Gary Macahonic of Princeton RCMP Detachment. A local resident of Princeton is facing charges for cultivation and possessio under the CDSA and will be appearing in Court at a later date. Anyone with information in relation to illegal activity is encouraged to contact Princeton Detachment at (250) 295-6911 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call information in to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
IMPAIRED DRIVER HITS SEMI IN KEREMEOS
Keremeos RCMP, BC Ambulance and Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department attended the scene of an accident in downtown Keremeos just after midnight on Saturday, February 28th. “A 28-year old male driver and his passenger collided with a semi truck trailer unit at the intersection of Main Street and 5th Street after the driver of the car failed to stop at the stop sign,” explains Cst. Myrl Stus of Keremeos RCMP. The car ‘t-boned’ the trailer and was dragged half a block before the semi truck came to a stop. “Given the extensive damage to the car, a 1990 Chev Cavalier, both occupants suffered only minor injuries and were treated at the scene, refusing to attend the hospital.” The driver was detained and investigated for impaired driving, providing samples of his breath that were 70 and 60 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, under the legal limit. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving prohibition as well as a violation ticket for driving contrary to restrictions and failing to stop at the stop sign. “The driver of the car involved is a ‘Novice Driver’ and is to have zero alcohol in his system,” Stus adds.