March 25, 2014 - News Leader
MP HOSTS COMMUNITY FORUM
BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko hosted another successful community forum March 19th at Princeton's Legion Hall. A total of just over forty people attended the meeting which saw four panelists review issues and concerns related to their specific seats of office. A short question period followed. Atamanenko shared a number of concerns facing him at the national level and stated, "I speak from my perspective" and pointed to the new five-point plan of Canada Post, which could lead to a number of postal employees losing their jobs across the country, as an issue. The concern comes from Canada Post licensing franchise outlets, "We don't want any changes to our universal postal service." Atamanenko also commented that he is appalled at the treatment veterans receive in Canada and that he supports the move to develop a national park in the South Okanagan and Lower Similkameen as long as ranchers still have access to grazing land. As for highlights during his terms in office, Atamanenko commented on how much he enjoys meeting people in his riding. He said he appreciates being able to attend various size functions that allow him to build relationships with residents in BC Southern Interior, "Meeting people and working with you on issues is the highlight," he said. "That's what keeps me going."
Town of Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage reviewed the 2014 priorities set in place for town council. They include improvements to the aging infrastructure (water, sewer and drainage), which included two major projects completed in the past year. Armitage listed the Mayne Avenue water main replacement, at a cost of $183,000 and the Ponderosa lift station, which cost $192,000, as key to meeting that goal, "We must maintain and enhance the services available in our community." Armitage added that work is planned for Old Hedley Road near the Weyerhaeuser mill and that blocked river dikes have turned into a legal battle the town intends to win for residents. He also touched on the urban deer management plan, pressure to build an indoor aquatic centre and a possible boundary extension to Copper Mountain Mine as upcoming goals. The mine issue, according to Armitage, could bring another $400,000 annually to the municipality.
Area H Director Brad Hope reviewed progress made in the past year on a number of projects with a special mention of the local health care situation, "We were at a major state of chaos and we have come to a minor state of chaos." Changes to lighting at the PXA grounds and Princeton Arena along with a pump replacement at Missezula Lake have cut utility bills at each location by about 50% which Hope used as examples of how a small amount of change can return larger benefits, "So we can start making that small bit of difference." Other recent projects in Area H include a community hall built above the Osprey Lake Fire Hall, a new Fire Hall at Erris and an addition to the Eastgate Fire Hall with plans for a new Fire Hall at Missezula Lake in the works.
Ed Staples, Chair of the Support Our Health Care group, spoke on the local medical situation, "Although we are not where we want to be, we have made a lot of progress." In his review of the past year, Staples said transportation issues are still being addressed to assist those needing to make local and regional medical appointments. He also used the forum as an opportunity to promote the need for support March 31st at a Rally planned for downtown Princeton. The event, which is part of National Day of Action, is to show residents are concerned about potential changes to medical services in Canada., "We are concerned that the Canada Health Accord will expire on March 31st with no plan in place to negotiate a new one in the future," Staples explained. "We all deserve quality health care," he stated.
BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko hosted another successful community forum March 19th at Princeton's Legion Hall. A total of just over forty people attended the meeting which saw four panelists review issues and concerns related to their specific seats of office. A short question period followed. Atamanenko shared a number of concerns facing him at the national level and stated, "I speak from my perspective" and pointed to the new five-point plan of Canada Post, which could lead to a number of postal employees losing their jobs across the country, as an issue. The concern comes from Canada Post licensing franchise outlets, "We don't want any changes to our universal postal service." Atamanenko also commented that he is appalled at the treatment veterans receive in Canada and that he supports the move to develop a national park in the South Okanagan and Lower Similkameen as long as ranchers still have access to grazing land. As for highlights during his terms in office, Atamanenko commented on how much he enjoys meeting people in his riding. He said he appreciates being able to attend various size functions that allow him to build relationships with residents in BC Southern Interior, "Meeting people and working with you on issues is the highlight," he said. "That's what keeps me going."
Town of Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage reviewed the 2014 priorities set in place for town council. They include improvements to the aging infrastructure (water, sewer and drainage), which included two major projects completed in the past year. Armitage listed the Mayne Avenue water main replacement, at a cost of $183,000 and the Ponderosa lift station, which cost $192,000, as key to meeting that goal, "We must maintain and enhance the services available in our community." Armitage added that work is planned for Old Hedley Road near the Weyerhaeuser mill and that blocked river dikes have turned into a legal battle the town intends to win for residents. He also touched on the urban deer management plan, pressure to build an indoor aquatic centre and a possible boundary extension to Copper Mountain Mine as upcoming goals. The mine issue, according to Armitage, could bring another $400,000 annually to the municipality.
Area H Director Brad Hope reviewed progress made in the past year on a number of projects with a special mention of the local health care situation, "We were at a major state of chaos and we have come to a minor state of chaos." Changes to lighting at the PXA grounds and Princeton Arena along with a pump replacement at Missezula Lake have cut utility bills at each location by about 50% which Hope used as examples of how a small amount of change can return larger benefits, "So we can start making that small bit of difference." Other recent projects in Area H include a community hall built above the Osprey Lake Fire Hall, a new Fire Hall at Erris and an addition to the Eastgate Fire Hall with plans for a new Fire Hall at Missezula Lake in the works.
Ed Staples, Chair of the Support Our Health Care group, spoke on the local medical situation, "Although we are not where we want to be, we have made a lot of progress." In his review of the past year, Staples said transportation issues are still being addressed to assist those needing to make local and regional medical appointments. He also used the forum as an opportunity to promote the need for support March 31st at a Rally planned for downtown Princeton. The event, which is part of National Day of Action, is to show residents are concerned about potential changes to medical services in Canada., "We are concerned that the Canada Health Accord will expire on March 31st with no plan in place to negotiate a new one in the future," Staples explained. "We all deserve quality health care," he stated.
Headhunters Shave for the Brave!
Meet the Shave for the Brave Headhunters!
March 18, 2014 - News Leader
MUSEUM REVIEWS 2013
Princeton Museum Operations Manager Robin Lowe recently made a presentation before Town Council. The presentation was the annual year in review, which has quickly become a trademark of Lowe's work at the local facility. Lowe says 2013 was a year built on reverence, respect and responsibility and local long-time residents played an active role in many of the museum's functions over the past several months. "The elders in this community built what we now know to be Princeton," she explains. "They are often ignored and their knowledge disregarded. Our museum gives their lives a legacy, where their wisdom is celebrated." On the subjects of respect and responsibility, Lowe says, "We are surrounded by the legacies of the hard working small town people who helped to keep Princeton on the map and it is our responsibility to record history from those who lived it, while they are still living." Lowe has had a crew videotaping interviews with local community elders to document their memories of Princeton's past. Other senior members of the community have volunteered their time to pour over archive photos and identify faces, places and things. "This is the true work of a relevant historical organization," Lowe adds. A review of the peak season at Princeton Museum shows some interesting stats. There were a total of 2,500 visitors to the site during the five months it was open to the public and there were three rotational exhibits (Amber Ski Hill, Toys, Toys, Toys! and Wildlife Conservation), three summer students worked July and August (with grant funding from Heritage Canada and HRSDC), archiving and inventory projects ongoing throughout the season, the hosting of a number of week-long summer kids camps and the hosting of the annual Canada Day celebration. The list of accomplishments during the off-season is just as impressive including the launch of a photo digitization and identification project, continued archiving with 20,000 items to be entered, digitization of the complete Granite Creek mining records, the donation of the huge Burr Collection as well as various event rentals, a four week program for homeschoolers, the completion of a Donor Tree and the hosting of various local and visiting school groups. Lowe says all of this, plus much more, is accomplished with "one point-five employee and a few amazing volunteers."
USIB ELECTS NEW COUNCIL
Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) held elections February 28 for positions on the Band Council. There were a number of candidates for each position. Charlotte Mitchell was returned as Chief of the Band, with Mason Squakin and Carmelita Holmes elected as Councillors. They will serve two year terms. USIB Council meets in the administration area on the second floor of Snaza'ist Centre in Hedley. The term ends in 2016 at which time another election will be held to fill the band council seats.
Princeton Museum Operations Manager Robin Lowe recently made a presentation before Town Council. The presentation was the annual year in review, which has quickly become a trademark of Lowe's work at the local facility. Lowe says 2013 was a year built on reverence, respect and responsibility and local long-time residents played an active role in many of the museum's functions over the past several months. "The elders in this community built what we now know to be Princeton," she explains. "They are often ignored and their knowledge disregarded. Our museum gives their lives a legacy, where their wisdom is celebrated." On the subjects of respect and responsibility, Lowe says, "We are surrounded by the legacies of the hard working small town people who helped to keep Princeton on the map and it is our responsibility to record history from those who lived it, while they are still living." Lowe has had a crew videotaping interviews with local community elders to document their memories of Princeton's past. Other senior members of the community have volunteered their time to pour over archive photos and identify faces, places and things. "This is the true work of a relevant historical organization," Lowe adds. A review of the peak season at Princeton Museum shows some interesting stats. There were a total of 2,500 visitors to the site during the five months it was open to the public and there were three rotational exhibits (Amber Ski Hill, Toys, Toys, Toys! and Wildlife Conservation), three summer students worked July and August (with grant funding from Heritage Canada and HRSDC), archiving and inventory projects ongoing throughout the season, the hosting of a number of week-long summer kids camps and the hosting of the annual Canada Day celebration. The list of accomplishments during the off-season is just as impressive including the launch of a photo digitization and identification project, continued archiving with 20,000 items to be entered, digitization of the complete Granite Creek mining records, the donation of the huge Burr Collection as well as various event rentals, a four week program for homeschoolers, the completion of a Donor Tree and the hosting of various local and visiting school groups. Lowe says all of this, plus much more, is accomplished with "one point-five employee and a few amazing volunteers."
USIB ELECTS NEW COUNCIL
Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB) held elections February 28 for positions on the Band Council. There were a number of candidates for each position. Charlotte Mitchell was returned as Chief of the Band, with Mason Squakin and Carmelita Holmes elected as Councillors. They will serve two year terms. USIB Council meets in the administration area on the second floor of Snaza'ist Centre in Hedley. The term ends in 2016 at which time another election will be held to fill the band council seats.
Mining Parts Slowly Arrive!
The Raptor 2000 secondary crusher set for the destination of Princeton's Copper Mountain Mine is still arriving. It was shipped from Italy to Halifax then traveled by rail to Kamloops. This week it will be trucked in pieces to Princeton on special transport vehicles so wide they need permits and will travel very late at night. The crusher will be assembled on site and is expected to be in operation in the middle of the year.
Adding To Their Collection!
Princeton Museum receives interested donations of local artifacts on a regular basis. Recently they were given two complete storage kegs from the former Princeton Brewery. They are in excellent condition and have 'Princeton Brewing Company' stamped on the top of each one.
March 11, 2014 - News Leader
HIGHWAYS PROMISES WORK
The Town of Princeton received a response to a letter sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting information on proposed capital and rehabilitation projects for Highway 3 in the Princeton area in 2014. District Manager W. Murray Tekano provided a list of projects which includes a hot in place recycle paving project which will run for 9.45-kilometres between Bromley Rock and Sterling Creek bridge. Tenders have closed on the project, which is expected to take place in early spring. There is also a project planned to complete the four-laning work at Friday Creek as well as an upgrade to warning signs on Highway 3 at Whipsaw Creek and the recently completed sign upgrades at intersections with Bridge Street and Highways 3 and 5A. Another signage project will see the consolidation of signs located at those intersections to "improve sight lines" and will "focus on incorporating Service and Attraction signs using internationally recognized symbols," Tekano explained in his letter. "I am also happy to advise that design for future improvements to address large commercial vehicle movements at the intersection of Highway 5A and Bridge Street is underway," Tekano added. "Completion of this engineering work and cost estimate will assist us in prioritizing delivery in the future."
COUNCIL CONTINUES WITH ATV PLAN
The Town of Princeton sent a letter to Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson February 6th. In it they requested a prohibition of motorized vehicles on trails located within the municipal boundaries. The Minister responded February 20th with a letter thanking the town for sharing their concerns. "In order to provide you with a thorough and comprehensive response, I have asked ministry staff to compile the necessary information for my review," Thomson wrote. In speaking to the original letter, Town of Princeton CAO Rick Zerr explained at the March 3rd regular meeting of Town Council that, "we don't want motorized vehicles on the trail for the health and safety of others who use the trail." The limitation is to just be in effect on the stretch of the Trans-Canada Trail and other trails that fall within the Town of Princeton boundary. It has also become a 'hot button' issue for many users of the trail system through the community.
COUNCIL DISCUSSES UPCOMING PROJECTS
The condition of Old Hedley Road was discussed at the March 3rd regular meeting of Princeton Town Council. Mayor Frank Armitage stated that the 'hot patching' repair work on the piece of the road near the Weyerhaeuser mill "has been pounded out and it's worse than ever." The Town of Princeton has been gathering quotes for repair work for the past two months with a project slated for Old Hedley Road this year. "It will be repaired to the best of our financial ability," Mayor Armitage added. In regard to development of the industrial/business park, the Town of Princeton has reached out for professional advise from Vancouver. "We've got to get the expertise we require to get it (the industrial park) moving forward," Mayor Armitage explained.
The Town of Princeton received a response to a letter sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting information on proposed capital and rehabilitation projects for Highway 3 in the Princeton area in 2014. District Manager W. Murray Tekano provided a list of projects which includes a hot in place recycle paving project which will run for 9.45-kilometres between Bromley Rock and Sterling Creek bridge. Tenders have closed on the project, which is expected to take place in early spring. There is also a project planned to complete the four-laning work at Friday Creek as well as an upgrade to warning signs on Highway 3 at Whipsaw Creek and the recently completed sign upgrades at intersections with Bridge Street and Highways 3 and 5A. Another signage project will see the consolidation of signs located at those intersections to "improve sight lines" and will "focus on incorporating Service and Attraction signs using internationally recognized symbols," Tekano explained in his letter. "I am also happy to advise that design for future improvements to address large commercial vehicle movements at the intersection of Highway 5A and Bridge Street is underway," Tekano added. "Completion of this engineering work and cost estimate will assist us in prioritizing delivery in the future."
COUNCIL CONTINUES WITH ATV PLAN
The Town of Princeton sent a letter to Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson February 6th. In it they requested a prohibition of motorized vehicles on trails located within the municipal boundaries. The Minister responded February 20th with a letter thanking the town for sharing their concerns. "In order to provide you with a thorough and comprehensive response, I have asked ministry staff to compile the necessary information for my review," Thomson wrote. In speaking to the original letter, Town of Princeton CAO Rick Zerr explained at the March 3rd regular meeting of Town Council that, "we don't want motorized vehicles on the trail for the health and safety of others who use the trail." The limitation is to just be in effect on the stretch of the Trans-Canada Trail and other trails that fall within the Town of Princeton boundary. It has also become a 'hot button' issue for many users of the trail system through the community.
COUNCIL DISCUSSES UPCOMING PROJECTS
The condition of Old Hedley Road was discussed at the March 3rd regular meeting of Princeton Town Council. Mayor Frank Armitage stated that the 'hot patching' repair work on the piece of the road near the Weyerhaeuser mill "has been pounded out and it's worse than ever." The Town of Princeton has been gathering quotes for repair work for the past two months with a project slated for Old Hedley Road this year. "It will be repaired to the best of our financial ability," Mayor Armitage added. In regard to development of the industrial/business park, the Town of Princeton has reached out for professional advise from Vancouver. "We've got to get the expertise we require to get it (the industrial park) moving forward," Mayor Armitage explained.
Grads Take Victory!
The photo at left is from a rare glimpse into the Grad girls locker room at Princeton Arena just prior to the annual Grad Hockey Game March 5th. The event pits a team of girls (and boys) from the upcoming graduating class of Princeton Secondary School against a team of parents, teachers and assorted local emergency first responders. It's a fun event that acts as a fundraiser for the Grad Class and is always well attended and well supported by local residents.
The Princeton Arena Monster!
March 04, 2014 - News Leader
COUNCIL SUPPORTS GRANT, DROPS FEES
Barb Gagnon attended the February 17 Town Council meeting to ask for Council's support for a grant application she is preparing. The grant, called Artists for Life, provides equipment for people who are lonely or physically challenged in some way, such as the elderly or disabled. The grant would cover the expenses for setting up a program to introduce them to artistic endeavours. This type of program has been successfully used to enhance the lives and self-expression of persons living in care facilities such as the long term care facility, Sherbrooke, in Saskatchewan. Council agreed to provide a letter of support. A group of Osprey Lake residents, represented by Terry Tellier, wrote to Town Council to request that landfill fees be waived on May 24. The group of volunteers plans a spring roadside clean-up on that day. It will be the seventh consecutive year Friends of Osprey Lake have picked up roadside litter from Osprey Lake to Shinnish Road. In the past, Town Council has waived the landfill fees to assist these volunteers. At the February 17 Town Council meeting, Council took little time to decide to grant the request.
TRIAL DATE NOT YET SET FOR KOOPMANS
Special to the News Leader by John Moorhouse, Penticton Herald
It will be at least a couple more months before a trial date is determined for a Princeton murder suspect. John Koopmans faces two counts of murder and one charge of attempted murder using a firearm in connection with a March 30, 2013 shooting on a semi-rural property in Princeton. Justice Allan Betton put the matter over to April 28 to fix a trial date following a brief hearing in B.C. Supreme Court in Penticton on Monday, February 24th. Koopmans was committed to stand trial on the charges at the end of a preliminary hearing last week. Keith Wharton, 44, and Rose Fox, 32, were killed and a 48-year-old Princeton man was wounded in the shooting at a residence on Old Hedley Road.
Barb Gagnon attended the February 17 Town Council meeting to ask for Council's support for a grant application she is preparing. The grant, called Artists for Life, provides equipment for people who are lonely or physically challenged in some way, such as the elderly or disabled. The grant would cover the expenses for setting up a program to introduce them to artistic endeavours. This type of program has been successfully used to enhance the lives and self-expression of persons living in care facilities such as the long term care facility, Sherbrooke, in Saskatchewan. Council agreed to provide a letter of support. A group of Osprey Lake residents, represented by Terry Tellier, wrote to Town Council to request that landfill fees be waived on May 24. The group of volunteers plans a spring roadside clean-up on that day. It will be the seventh consecutive year Friends of Osprey Lake have picked up roadside litter from Osprey Lake to Shinnish Road. In the past, Town Council has waived the landfill fees to assist these volunteers. At the February 17 Town Council meeting, Council took little time to decide to grant the request.
TRIAL DATE NOT YET SET FOR KOOPMANS
Special to the News Leader by John Moorhouse, Penticton Herald
It will be at least a couple more months before a trial date is determined for a Princeton murder suspect. John Koopmans faces two counts of murder and one charge of attempted murder using a firearm in connection with a March 30, 2013 shooting on a semi-rural property in Princeton. Justice Allan Betton put the matter over to April 28 to fix a trial date following a brief hearing in B.C. Supreme Court in Penticton on Monday, February 24th. Koopmans was committed to stand trial on the charges at the end of a preliminary hearing last week. Keith Wharton, 44, and Rose Fox, 32, were killed and a 48-year-old Princeton man was wounded in the shooting at a residence on Old Hedley Road.
These Little Fellas Need Your Help!
The Evening Grosbeak population in the region has taken a huge hit in recent years. Residents in Tulameen are noticing these hungry little birds are feeding on the side of the road approaching the community. Concern is that some may be hidden behind snow, get startled by oncoming traffic and fly into the path of a vehicle. You can help by setting up a feeding station in your yard and by driving with caution when approaching Tulameen. This photo, of a young Grosbeak chick, left, being fed by an adult male on a feeder, was taken last August in Princeton.
One More For The Boys!
Princeton Posse 'vets' and coaching staff get together for a final photo following the last Posse game of the season on February 22, 2014. From left, Eric Schmidt (#18), Posse Associate Coach Mark McNaughton, Eric Kubis (#8), Posse Head Coach/General Manager Bill Rotheisler, Andrew Stack (#19), Posse Assistant Coach Dave Clare and Mason Chew (#23). Photos available from: www.marshphotography.ca