March 29, 2011 - News Leader
RCMP IDENTIFY ACCIDENT VICTIMS
RCMP report that as a result of the fatal collision that occurred on March 7th, 2 kilometres east of Princeton on Highway 3, the driver of the green Pontiac, Kelly Pockett age 23 of North Vancouver, succumbed to her injuries and died in Kelowna hospital on March 15th. The passenger of the Pontiac, Michael Gibson age 25 of North Vancouver died on Marth 7th. “The Pontiac was westbound on Highway 3 when it entered a left-hand curve,” says Cst. J. L. Peters of (SOTS) South Okanagan Traffic Services at Keremeos RCMP Detachment. “The road was wet with a light covering of snow. The vehicle lost control and hit the cement barrier on the outside of the curve.” The Pontiac bounced off the barrier crossing over the center line rotating sideways into the path of an oncoming white Hummer. The driver of the Hummer, a 58-year old Penticton resident was treated and released from Princeton Hospital. The investigation is continuing along with BC Coroner’s Service.
MUSEUM SOCIETY ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE
Thirty-one members turned out for the annual general meeting of Princeton Museum and Archives Society on March 23. The meeting began with a review of 2010 by outgoing President Kathy Clement. She commented on Princeton’s 150th anniversary celebration and its success, and noted 2010 set a record for the number of visitors to the museum. Councillor Frank Armitage conducted the election of a new Board of Directors. Bob Wicks was elected President, with Terry Malanchuk as Vice-President. Jon Bartlett is Secretary and Jerome Tykstra is Treasurer. Directors are Evelyn McCallum, Diane Sterne and Lori Thomas. President Wicks took the chair to conduct the rest of the meeting, which dealt with current and future activities. He began by saying, “This will be an exciting year.” Speaking of the renovations and development plans in the works, President Wicks stated, “I see a museum the community can be proud of. I think our museum will be a place people will want to come and see.”
NEWS FROM TOWN COUNCIL
Town Council has entered into an agreement with Argo Road Maintenance to exchange winter and summer road maintenance services. This works well, as both the Town and Argo use many of the roads in the same area. The Town has agreed to allow Barry Beecroft Fuel Distributors Ltd. the right to level some of the industrial park area. Beecroft will use the moved material to fill a depression in the area Beecroft will use to construct a new cardlock facility. Patrick Robins has been appointed Chief Election Officer for the civic elections to be held November 19 this year. Shirley McMahon has been appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer. They will organize the civic election procedure and secure additional staff for election day. Members of Town Council were pleased to volunteer to participate in the Keremeos Rodeo parade to be held May 23. They enjoyed themselves last year at this event. Councillors agreed to participate in Earth Hour (March 26th). Councillor Marilyn Harkness has volunteered to serve on the Board of Education Health Promoting Schools Committee in Princeton. The committee will address the health needs of school children, and develop a plan of action to be implemented through education. Councillor Frank Armitage reported on the progress being made in the renovation of the museum building. He had been given a tour, and was impressed with the plans and the adherence to a deadline.
RCMP report that as a result of the fatal collision that occurred on March 7th, 2 kilometres east of Princeton on Highway 3, the driver of the green Pontiac, Kelly Pockett age 23 of North Vancouver, succumbed to her injuries and died in Kelowna hospital on March 15th. The passenger of the Pontiac, Michael Gibson age 25 of North Vancouver died on Marth 7th. “The Pontiac was westbound on Highway 3 when it entered a left-hand curve,” says Cst. J. L. Peters of (SOTS) South Okanagan Traffic Services at Keremeos RCMP Detachment. “The road was wet with a light covering of snow. The vehicle lost control and hit the cement barrier on the outside of the curve.” The Pontiac bounced off the barrier crossing over the center line rotating sideways into the path of an oncoming white Hummer. The driver of the Hummer, a 58-year old Penticton resident was treated and released from Princeton Hospital. The investigation is continuing along with BC Coroner’s Service.
MUSEUM SOCIETY ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE
Thirty-one members turned out for the annual general meeting of Princeton Museum and Archives Society on March 23. The meeting began with a review of 2010 by outgoing President Kathy Clement. She commented on Princeton’s 150th anniversary celebration and its success, and noted 2010 set a record for the number of visitors to the museum. Councillor Frank Armitage conducted the election of a new Board of Directors. Bob Wicks was elected President, with Terry Malanchuk as Vice-President. Jon Bartlett is Secretary and Jerome Tykstra is Treasurer. Directors are Evelyn McCallum, Diane Sterne and Lori Thomas. President Wicks took the chair to conduct the rest of the meeting, which dealt with current and future activities. He began by saying, “This will be an exciting year.” Speaking of the renovations and development plans in the works, President Wicks stated, “I see a museum the community can be proud of. I think our museum will be a place people will want to come and see.”
NEWS FROM TOWN COUNCIL
Town Council has entered into an agreement with Argo Road Maintenance to exchange winter and summer road maintenance services. This works well, as both the Town and Argo use many of the roads in the same area. The Town has agreed to allow Barry Beecroft Fuel Distributors Ltd. the right to level some of the industrial park area. Beecroft will use the moved material to fill a depression in the area Beecroft will use to construct a new cardlock facility. Patrick Robins has been appointed Chief Election Officer for the civic elections to be held November 19 this year. Shirley McMahon has been appointed Deputy Chief Election Officer. They will organize the civic election procedure and secure additional staff for election day. Members of Town Council were pleased to volunteer to participate in the Keremeos Rodeo parade to be held May 23. They enjoyed themselves last year at this event. Councillors agreed to participate in Earth Hour (March 26th). Councillor Marilyn Harkness has volunteered to serve on the Board of Education Health Promoting Schools Committee in Princeton. The committee will address the health needs of school children, and develop a plan of action to be implemented through education. Councillor Frank Armitage reported on the progress being made in the renovation of the museum building. He had been given a tour, and was impressed with the plans and the adherence to a deadline.
Rotary Club Supports Pre-School Program!
Princeton Rotary Club President Ken Blower presented a $1,300.00 cheque to Susan Hamilton (Communities For Kids) and Nicki Forde (Little Folks Nursery School) on March 25th in support of the local pre-school program.
Out-of-Print Books Come Back to Life!
Years after the majority of his history/information booklets have disappeared, Similkameen News Leader Owner/Publisher George Elliott has brought them back.
“I guess you can say we are recycling them,” Elliott says. “As the demand continues to be high for historic information about this area I decided to pull out the original booklets I released a number of years ago and repackage them.” The complete “Princeton Area…” series is now available on a single CD for $10.00, including HST. The collection contains “Princeton Area Ghost Towns” which was first published in 1998 along with it’s companion booklet “Princeton Area Points of Interest.” The CD also contains the 1999 release “Princeton Area Unsolved Mysteries” and “Princeton Area Ghost Towns Revisited” from 2000 and the 2001 release titled, “Princeton Area Historic Buildings & Landmarks.” Elliott says the first two titles sold out long ago and that only a few copies remain of the last title. “I still get requests for copies of the earlier versions and up until recently there had never been a cost effective way to reproduce them and make them available to the public,” Elliott adds. The CD, which is available exclusively at the Similkameen News Leader office at 226A Bridge Street or through the website at www.thenewsleader.info.
“I guess you can say we are recycling them,” Elliott says. “As the demand continues to be high for historic information about this area I decided to pull out the original booklets I released a number of years ago and repackage them.” The complete “Princeton Area…” series is now available on a single CD for $10.00, including HST. The collection contains “Princeton Area Ghost Towns” which was first published in 1998 along with it’s companion booklet “Princeton Area Points of Interest.” The CD also contains the 1999 release “Princeton Area Unsolved Mysteries” and “Princeton Area Ghost Towns Revisited” from 2000 and the 2001 release titled, “Princeton Area Historic Buildings & Landmarks.” Elliott says the first two titles sold out long ago and that only a few copies remain of the last title. “I still get requests for copies of the earlier versions and up until recently there had never been a cost effective way to reproduce them and make them available to the public,” Elliott adds. The CD, which is available exclusively at the Similkameen News Leader office at 226A Bridge Street or through the website at www.thenewsleader.info.
March 22, 2011 - News Leader
POLICE NAB SPRAY PAINT ARTISTS
Princeton RCMP received a report of spray paint damage in a back alley behind the commercial buildings on Vermilion Avenue. Police attended the scene at 8:15 AM on Monday, March 14th and launched an investigation. At 11:30 PM the following evening Princeton RCMP observed and arrested four individuals who were in the process of spray painting buildings off of Bridge Street in downtown Princeton. The two adults and two youths were held overnight at the Princeton RCMP Detachment. “One male youth and one female youth have been charged with mischief and were released to their guardians,” says Princeton RCMP Cst. C. Shiell. “These arrests are believed to be related to the recent incidents of spray painting in the area.” If you have any information regarding these incidents you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
SCHOOL BOARD OKAYS PROJECT
At the March 16 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Robert Peacock presented a project to the Trustees. He proposed the development of a program of earth sciences in the school district’s aboriginal languages. The program would combine language skills with exploration of the plants of
the local area. Students would learn to identify plants commonly used by aboriginal people of this area, along with information about the use of the plant. Trustee Troy Hunter, who represents the First Nations people of the school district, said the project sounds good, but those involved in development of the program should consult with the Indian Bands. The Board gave Dr. Peacock permission to explore the project and to find whether there is a cost associated with it. There is a new Parent Advisory President at John Allison Elementary School. Sandy Yee has stepped down after many years, and Tanya Lawes is the new President. The school district budget was presented, totaling nearly $25 million. The budget benefits by funding protection for the district, but Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Tisdale told Trustees the funding protection is not sustainable past 2012. He said the district could use 65 more students. Enrolment is down, and funding depends on enrolment.
RACING DAYS MAKES PLANS
Princeton Racing Days Association met at the library on March 17 to proceed with plans for the coming year. They have been granted two dates this year, June 30 and September 3. On the September date, the races will be held in conjunction with the Fall Fair. Hastings Park has indicated its staff will be ready to assist Princeton in any way it can. President John Bey has applied to John Deere for two sponsored quarter horse races. Bey said the company took a positive view of his request. If the company comes through, the purse will be very good for these races. There will be seven thoroughbred races at each meet. The June 30 start time is 3:00 PM, and the September 3 start time is 1:00 PM. The races will be followed by an evening of entertainment featuring local musicians.
Committee chairs are already at work lining up their volunteers, and sponsorship request letters will be in the mail soon. The next Princeton Racing Days Association meeting will be April 14 at the library.
Princeton RCMP received a report of spray paint damage in a back alley behind the commercial buildings on Vermilion Avenue. Police attended the scene at 8:15 AM on Monday, March 14th and launched an investigation. At 11:30 PM the following evening Princeton RCMP observed and arrested four individuals who were in the process of spray painting buildings off of Bridge Street in downtown Princeton. The two adults and two youths were held overnight at the Princeton RCMP Detachment. “One male youth and one female youth have been charged with mischief and were released to their guardians,” says Princeton RCMP Cst. C. Shiell. “These arrests are believed to be related to the recent incidents of spray painting in the area.” If you have any information regarding these incidents you are asked to contact Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
SCHOOL BOARD OKAYS PROJECT
At the March 16 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Robert Peacock presented a project to the Trustees. He proposed the development of a program of earth sciences in the school district’s aboriginal languages. The program would combine language skills with exploration of the plants of
the local area. Students would learn to identify plants commonly used by aboriginal people of this area, along with information about the use of the plant. Trustee Troy Hunter, who represents the First Nations people of the school district, said the project sounds good, but those involved in development of the program should consult with the Indian Bands. The Board gave Dr. Peacock permission to explore the project and to find whether there is a cost associated with it. There is a new Parent Advisory President at John Allison Elementary School. Sandy Yee has stepped down after many years, and Tanya Lawes is the new President. The school district budget was presented, totaling nearly $25 million. The budget benefits by funding protection for the district, but Secretary-Treasurer Bruce Tisdale told Trustees the funding protection is not sustainable past 2012. He said the district could use 65 more students. Enrolment is down, and funding depends on enrolment.
RACING DAYS MAKES PLANS
Princeton Racing Days Association met at the library on March 17 to proceed with plans for the coming year. They have been granted two dates this year, June 30 and September 3. On the September date, the races will be held in conjunction with the Fall Fair. Hastings Park has indicated its staff will be ready to assist Princeton in any way it can. President John Bey has applied to John Deere for two sponsored quarter horse races. Bey said the company took a positive view of his request. If the company comes through, the purse will be very good for these races. There will be seven thoroughbred races at each meet. The June 30 start time is 3:00 PM, and the September 3 start time is 1:00 PM. The races will be followed by an evening of entertainment featuring local musicians.
Committee chairs are already at work lining up their volunteers, and sponsorship request letters will be in the mail soon. The next Princeton Racing Days Association meeting will be April 14 at the library.
Hot Dogs Save Horses!
Photo: Brenda Engel
Gena Sandli, centre, served up hot dogs for most of Saturday, March 19th on Bridge Street in Princeton as part of ongoing fundraising efforts. Sandli operates Outbackjacks Horse Rescue Thrift Shop located just behind the News Leader office.
Rotary Club Hosts Annual WineFest!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton Rotary Club hosted their annual WineFest on Saturday, March 12th at Riverside Theatre. It's the first time the local community service group held their popular event in the Theatre. It also marked the official kick-off to fundraising for the Riverside Kitchen Project. Youth Ambassador Taylor Kostiuk, left, greeted each attendee at the event with a smile.
March 15, 2011 - News Leader
ACCIDENT KILLS NORTH VANCOUVER MAN
A fatal collision occurred 2-kilometres East of Princeton on Highway 3 near Darcy Mountain Road. The crash, at 7:30 AM on Monday, March 7th, happened when a green Pontiac driven by a 23-year old North Vancouver female, heading west on the highway entered a left-hand curve. “The road was wet with a light covering of snow,” says Cpl. B. Petersen of South Okanagan Traffic Services in Keremeos. “The vehicle lost control and hit the cement barrier on the outside of the curve.” The Pontiac then bounced off the barrier crossing over the centerline, rotating sideways, into the path of an oncoming white Hummer. A 23-year old male passenger in the Pontiac, also from North Vancouver, was killed in the accident. The female driver was air lifted to Kelowna General Hospital and was in critical condition. The 58-year old female driver of the Hummer, from Penticton, sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Princeton General Hospital. Police continued their investigation last week with the BC Coroner’s Service.
FROM PRINCETON PROVINCIAL COURTS
Woman pleads guilty - Nicole Haller, formerly of Princeton, was charged with trafficking of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Although charges were laid in Princeton, she is now a resident of a lower mainland community and had her charges waived to the lower mainland where she entered a guilty plea and was sentenced.
Youth enters probation - A Similkameen Valley youth appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on
March 10 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of assault with a weapon. The youth had cut another youth with a crafter’s knife during an argument. The youth said he had not intended to harm the other youth. The youth was sentenced to one year on probation with recommendations for counseling, as well as a weapons prohibition and a compulsory DNA sample.
Man loses driver’s licence again - James Ferguson, of Princeton, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of driving while prohibited on April 19, 2010.
A police officer who knew Ferguson was prohibited saw him driving and stopped him. Ferguson was ordered to pay a $500 fine and is prohibited from driving for one more year.
Drugs lead to fine - A 34 year old Abbotsford resident, Gordon M. Threlfal, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10 to plead guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance. On October 3, 2010, local police had observed him speeding. When he was stopped, he complained of not feeling well but did not ask for medical assistance. His vehicle was searched, and small containers of hallucinatory mushrooms and marijuana were discovered. When questioned by police, Threlfal admitted he had smoked marijuana just one-half hour before police stopped him. Threlfal was fined $750 plus a 15 percent victim fine surcharge.
Judge issues warrant - Glen A. Renaud failed to appear in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10. He was scheduled to appear to confirm his trial would commence on April 7. Judge G. Sinclair issued a warrant for his arrest and cancelled the trial date.
Man pleads guilty to breach - In Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10, Donald M. Neumann entered a guilty plea to a breach of a recognizance under which he was to have had no contact with Rebecca Williams. While under the recognizance, Neumann and Williams had been together on several occasions, resulting in other charges. As a result of the combined charges, Neumann had served 21 weeks in custody and four months in an alcohol rehabilitation center. Neumann was sentenced to time served plus one day, with an additional six months probation, with a six month weapons prohibition and was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.
A fatal collision occurred 2-kilometres East of Princeton on Highway 3 near Darcy Mountain Road. The crash, at 7:30 AM on Monday, March 7th, happened when a green Pontiac driven by a 23-year old North Vancouver female, heading west on the highway entered a left-hand curve. “The road was wet with a light covering of snow,” says Cpl. B. Petersen of South Okanagan Traffic Services in Keremeos. “The vehicle lost control and hit the cement barrier on the outside of the curve.” The Pontiac then bounced off the barrier crossing over the centerline, rotating sideways, into the path of an oncoming white Hummer. A 23-year old male passenger in the Pontiac, also from North Vancouver, was killed in the accident. The female driver was air lifted to Kelowna General Hospital and was in critical condition. The 58-year old female driver of the Hummer, from Penticton, sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Princeton General Hospital. Police continued their investigation last week with the BC Coroner’s Service.
FROM PRINCETON PROVINCIAL COURTS
Woman pleads guilty - Nicole Haller, formerly of Princeton, was charged with trafficking of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Although charges were laid in Princeton, she is now a resident of a lower mainland community and had her charges waived to the lower mainland where she entered a guilty plea and was sentenced.
Youth enters probation - A Similkameen Valley youth appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on
March 10 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of assault with a weapon. The youth had cut another youth with a crafter’s knife during an argument. The youth said he had not intended to harm the other youth. The youth was sentenced to one year on probation with recommendations for counseling, as well as a weapons prohibition and a compulsory DNA sample.
Man loses driver’s licence again - James Ferguson, of Princeton, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10 to enter a guilty plea to a charge of driving while prohibited on April 19, 2010.
A police officer who knew Ferguson was prohibited saw him driving and stopped him. Ferguson was ordered to pay a $500 fine and is prohibited from driving for one more year.
Drugs lead to fine - A 34 year old Abbotsford resident, Gordon M. Threlfal, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10 to plead guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance. On October 3, 2010, local police had observed him speeding. When he was stopped, he complained of not feeling well but did not ask for medical assistance. His vehicle was searched, and small containers of hallucinatory mushrooms and marijuana were discovered. When questioned by police, Threlfal admitted he had smoked marijuana just one-half hour before police stopped him. Threlfal was fined $750 plus a 15 percent victim fine surcharge.
Judge issues warrant - Glen A. Renaud failed to appear in Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10. He was scheduled to appear to confirm his trial would commence on April 7. Judge G. Sinclair issued a warrant for his arrest and cancelled the trial date.
Man pleads guilty to breach - In Provincial Court in Princeton on March 10, Donald M. Neumann entered a guilty plea to a breach of a recognizance under which he was to have had no contact with Rebecca Williams. While under the recognizance, Neumann and Williams had been together on several occasions, resulting in other charges. As a result of the combined charges, Neumann had served 21 weeks in custody and four months in an alcohol rehabilitation center. Neumann was sentenced to time served plus one day, with an additional six months probation, with a six month weapons prohibition and was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.
February Student(s) of the Month!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
PSS Students of the Month for February are Ciara Bamford, left, and Katelin Marshall. Bamford, a Grade 10 student, was nominated for her positive outlook and willingness to help other sport teams. Marshall, a Grade 12 student, was honoured for her social justice presentation. Student of the month is sponsored by PSS PAC.
Paul Brings Home Gold (and Bronze)!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Princeton's Paul Gabriel came home a winner following the Special Olympics Winter Games March 3rd and 4th at Crystal Mountain, West Kelowna. Gabriel took Gold in the Alpine Skiing Intermediate Giant Slalom and Bronze in the Alpine Skiing Intermediate Slalom. His Coach is Bob Wicks.
March 08, 2011 - News Leader
RACING ASSOCIATION SETS DATE
There is a possibility that Princeton may have more than one race meet this year, but the major annual thoroughbred horse racing will take place on Thursday, June 30, beginning at 3:00 PM. This will launch the start of the Canada Day weekend in Princeton. At the February 24 meeting, members of the Racing Days Association discussed plans. The group will begin seeking sponsors in the next couple of weeks. Sponsors support the purse (prize) money which attracts horse owners to bring their racing stock. The better the purses, the better and more exciting the races. The rest of the Racing Days celebration has always been built around the races. As Racing Days President John Bey has often said, Princeton does it right. He is hoping for great support from the senior racing association as well as from local sponsors providing regular support of the annual tradition. Decisions have been made regarding advertising. Racing Days Association will participate in the website undertaken by Princeton Exhibition Association and will advertise in the tourist guide in addition to regular signage, posters and newspaper advertising. The next meeting will be held March 17 at 7:00 PM at the library. Anyone interested in participating in the plans for Racing Days is invited to attend.
LOCAL AUTHOR CELEBRATES COALMONT
Most people think Coalmont is just a place they pass through on the way to Tulameen. Author Diane Sterne, who lives in Coalmont and loves it, has written a book to prove there is a lot more to Coalmont than meets the eye. Diane Sterne, with the assistance and encouragement of her husband, Bob, has delved into the past lives of Granite Creek, Coalmont and Blakeburn as a project to celebrate 100 years since Coalmont was founded. Her book, White Gold and black Diamonds, talks about the natural treasures of the place she calls home, but it soon becomes clear to the reader that the most valuable treasures are not the gold or the coal, but the people. Sterne has done a lot of research through documents, but she has interviewed people whose families lived the history of the Coalmont area. Her book is itself a treasure trove of stories of people making history, and an amazing collection of historic photographs, many of them published for the first time. Did you know there was a local woman tried for murder way back when? Did you know citizens chased robbers and gunmen clear to the U.S. border to see justice done? Did you know there were nearly two dozen saloons at Granite Creek? Did you know that Coalmont once had a district of houses filled with shady ladies? Perhaps the most interesting tidbits are the names of people who owned businesses or in some way were part of the fabric of the community. Their descendants are still living in our area. For those who are no longer youngsters, the book will bring back many memories. This book is a keeper. To purchase this book, contact Diane Sterne at 250.295.4355, or go to [email protected]
COUNCIL WANTS INDUSTRIAL SITE CHANGED
The former Mego Wood industrial site located at the west end of Similkameen Avenue (near the tunnel) was a topic at the February 21 Town Council meeting. This land is Crown property. Town Council does not want the province to lease it for industrial use in the future. Mayor Randy McLean stated Council is making an effort to have the provincial government understand that the community wants this land to be used for residential development. Princeton Town Council will be designing a neighbourhood plan for the area. At this time, there are no plans for the Town acquire this land, as matters are at a preliminary stage. The goal at this time is merely to prevent the land being leased for industrial use.
There is a possibility that Princeton may have more than one race meet this year, but the major annual thoroughbred horse racing will take place on Thursday, June 30, beginning at 3:00 PM. This will launch the start of the Canada Day weekend in Princeton. At the February 24 meeting, members of the Racing Days Association discussed plans. The group will begin seeking sponsors in the next couple of weeks. Sponsors support the purse (prize) money which attracts horse owners to bring their racing stock. The better the purses, the better and more exciting the races. The rest of the Racing Days celebration has always been built around the races. As Racing Days President John Bey has often said, Princeton does it right. He is hoping for great support from the senior racing association as well as from local sponsors providing regular support of the annual tradition. Decisions have been made regarding advertising. Racing Days Association will participate in the website undertaken by Princeton Exhibition Association and will advertise in the tourist guide in addition to regular signage, posters and newspaper advertising. The next meeting will be held March 17 at 7:00 PM at the library. Anyone interested in participating in the plans for Racing Days is invited to attend.
LOCAL AUTHOR CELEBRATES COALMONT
Most people think Coalmont is just a place they pass through on the way to Tulameen. Author Diane Sterne, who lives in Coalmont and loves it, has written a book to prove there is a lot more to Coalmont than meets the eye. Diane Sterne, with the assistance and encouragement of her husband, Bob, has delved into the past lives of Granite Creek, Coalmont and Blakeburn as a project to celebrate 100 years since Coalmont was founded. Her book, White Gold and black Diamonds, talks about the natural treasures of the place she calls home, but it soon becomes clear to the reader that the most valuable treasures are not the gold or the coal, but the people. Sterne has done a lot of research through documents, but she has interviewed people whose families lived the history of the Coalmont area. Her book is itself a treasure trove of stories of people making history, and an amazing collection of historic photographs, many of them published for the first time. Did you know there was a local woman tried for murder way back when? Did you know citizens chased robbers and gunmen clear to the U.S. border to see justice done? Did you know there were nearly two dozen saloons at Granite Creek? Did you know that Coalmont once had a district of houses filled with shady ladies? Perhaps the most interesting tidbits are the names of people who owned businesses or in some way were part of the fabric of the community. Their descendants are still living in our area. For those who are no longer youngsters, the book will bring back many memories. This book is a keeper. To purchase this book, contact Diane Sterne at 250.295.4355, or go to [email protected]
COUNCIL WANTS INDUSTRIAL SITE CHANGED
The former Mego Wood industrial site located at the west end of Similkameen Avenue (near the tunnel) was a topic at the February 21 Town Council meeting. This land is Crown property. Town Council does not want the province to lease it for industrial use in the future. Mayor Randy McLean stated Council is making an effort to have the provincial government understand that the community wants this land to be used for residential development. Princeton Town Council will be designing a neighbourhood plan for the area. At this time, there are no plans for the Town acquire this land, as matters are at a preliminary stage. The goal at this time is merely to prevent the land being leased for industrial use.
Grade 8 Scientists Show Their Stuff!
Photo: Des Cosman
Last week saw the Princeton Secondary School Science Department host their annual Grade 8 Science Fair. Students, including Samantha Simons, left, explored a variety of topics and explained their project, goals, experiments and conclusions in their displays.
One Spirit, One Valley!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Robin Lowe, Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival Co-ordinator, left, takes a short break during the 1st annual event February 26th at Riverside Centre. Hundreds of people stopped by during the day to see the mini pow wow, snack on traditional foods and explore displays and events celebrating First Nations people in the Similkameen Valley.
March 01, 2011 - News Leader
MARE PLEADS GUILTY
Donald William Mare of Princeton entered guilty pleas on three charges in Provincial Court in Penticton February 23rd. The oldest charge, the making or publishing of child pornography, dates back to September 1, 2003. The other two charges were secretly observing/recording nudity in a private
place (dating back to January 1, 2008) and possession of child pornography (dating back to August 19, 2009).
Mare is to return to Penticton Provincial Court for sentencing on March 16th.
SVPS STUDIES WATER AND DAM
At the February 16 meeting of the Similkameen Valley Planning Society, representatives of the various constituencies in the valley continued discussions centered on water supply and water sustainability. An assessment of water use in the Similkameen watershed will establish a base line for the future. This assessment will take some time, but will be valuable in years to come. At the same meeting, FortisBC vice-president Don Desbiens discussed a preliminary feasibility study of placing a dam in the upper Similkameen Valley, in a canyon near Copper Mountain Mine. First Nations are in agreement with the need for a dam, and the Americans are interested in having a dam on the Similkameen River. The next step after the preliminary study is a full-fledged feasibility study, and a great deal of discussion with provincial and federal governments, and state and federal governments in the United States. It will be several years, probably around 10 years, before a dam is constructed if it is permitted.
TOWN UPDATES BUILDING FEES
The Town of Princeton has been losing money on building inspection. The Town pays the inspector and needs to recover the cost through charging inspection fees. The Town is working on a more modern version of the existing building permit bylaw. The updated bylaw will be available in a month. At the February 21 Town Council meeting, the new bylaw was given first, second and third reading. Schedule A, the new building permit and building inspection fees, are attached to the bylaw. The minimum fee is $150 for a permit or series of permits on the same parcel of land, and a fee of $150 will be charged for plan processing.
Donald William Mare of Princeton entered guilty pleas on three charges in Provincial Court in Penticton February 23rd. The oldest charge, the making or publishing of child pornography, dates back to September 1, 2003. The other two charges were secretly observing/recording nudity in a private
place (dating back to January 1, 2008) and possession of child pornography (dating back to August 19, 2009).
Mare is to return to Penticton Provincial Court for sentencing on March 16th.
SVPS STUDIES WATER AND DAM
At the February 16 meeting of the Similkameen Valley Planning Society, representatives of the various constituencies in the valley continued discussions centered on water supply and water sustainability. An assessment of water use in the Similkameen watershed will establish a base line for the future. This assessment will take some time, but will be valuable in years to come. At the same meeting, FortisBC vice-president Don Desbiens discussed a preliminary feasibility study of placing a dam in the upper Similkameen Valley, in a canyon near Copper Mountain Mine. First Nations are in agreement with the need for a dam, and the Americans are interested in having a dam on the Similkameen River. The next step after the preliminary study is a full-fledged feasibility study, and a great deal of discussion with provincial and federal governments, and state and federal governments in the United States. It will be several years, probably around 10 years, before a dam is constructed if it is permitted.
TOWN UPDATES BUILDING FEES
The Town of Princeton has been losing money on building inspection. The Town pays the inspector and needs to recover the cost through charging inspection fees. The Town is working on a more modern version of the existing building permit bylaw. The updated bylaw will be available in a month. At the February 21 Town Council meeting, the new bylaw was given first, second and third reading. Schedule A, the new building permit and building inspection fees, are attached to the bylaw. The minimum fee is $150 for a permit or series of permits on the same parcel of land, and a fee of $150 will be charged for plan processing.
News Leader Youth Rep Meets MP!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Similkameen News Leader Youth Rep Des Cosman had an interesting visitor to her Law 12 Class on February 24th - BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko. Cosman had written the MP a letter concerning lowering the voter age and Atamanenko thought she had a pretty good idea and wanted to explore her suggestion further.
Similkameen Country 'wows' Crowd!
Photo: Arlene Arlow
Charles Cornell, BComm and Business Analyst with Community Futures in Penticton reminded entrepreneurs that Community Futures can help you
identify your market. Cornell was one of five speakers featured February 17th at Victory Hall in Keremeos. Similkameen Country organized the 'Expert Speaker Series' which was attended by many residents from the region.
identify your market. Cornell was one of five speakers featured February 17th at Victory Hall in Keremeos. Similkameen Country organized the 'Expert Speaker Series' which was attended by many residents from the region.