May 31, 2011 - News Leader
MINISTRY ISSUES SNOW PACK BULLETIN
This is current snow survey and water supply bulletin issued May 24th by the Province of BC. The May 15th snow survey is now complete. Data from 44 snow courses and 55 snow pillows around the province and out-of-province sampling locations, and climate data from Environment Canada, have been used to form the basis for the following reports.
Weather - Weather patterns in May have been dominated by cooler than normal temperatures throughout British Columbia. Weather has been unsettled, and patterns are consistent with the La Niña cycle observed through the winter/spring.
Snowpack - Typically the transition from snow accumulation to snow melt occurs at most locations in the province near the middle of April. However this year, the cool April and May has led to a delay in the onset of snow melt. As of May 15th most snow survey locations have transitioned to melt. The delay in the
onset of melt is about 3-4 weeks later than normal for most of the province. The ongoing delay in melt has led to increases in snow basin indices across the province. Snow basin indices represent the difference between a “normal” year and the current year for given sampling date, in this case May 15. A note of caution in interpreting snow basin indices at this time of year is that with a delay in the onset of snow melt, differences between observed and normal snow pack levels can become large. This is because in a normal year snow water equivalents are lowering because the snow has melted, whereas this years’ snow pack has not melted so the snow water equivalents remain high. Basin snow water indices for BC at May 15 vary from a low of 98% of normal in the Peace to a high of 276% of normal in the Similkameen. Well above normal snow packs (>120% of normal) are present across the province, except in the Upper Fraser, North Thompson, and Peace, where near normal or slightly above normal snowpack levels are observed. BC Snow Basin Indices as recorded on May 15th noting percentage of normal for each basin: Upper Fraser - 117%, Okanagan-Kettle - 173%, Nechako - 137%, Similkameen - 276%, Middle Fraser - 152%, South Coast - 155%, Lower Fraser - 141%, Vancouver Island - 173%, North Thompson - 110%, Peace - 98%, South Thompson - 125%, Skeena-Nass - 139%, Columbia - 109%, Kootenay - 201%
Water Supply Outlook - In general, the main difference in water supply outlook and flood risk potential since the May 1st bulletin is the ongoing delay in the onset of snow melt. Delays in the snow melt season lead to increases in potential flood risk because more water is available for melt later in the season when warmer temperatures are more likely to occur. Snow water equivalents have remained fairly similar to May 1st levels, with some variability across snow pack sampling locations. While the % of normal values have increased for most of the province, these increases are due to the delay in snowmelt, not the significant addition of water stored in the snow pack. Based on elevated snow pack levels (>150% of normal) and delays in the melt season, increased flood risk is present in the Middle Fraser, Kootenay, Okanagan-Kettle, and Similkameen. Whether or not significant flooding occurs in these systems will depend primarily on the weather through the rest of May and June.
This is current snow survey and water supply bulletin issued May 24th by the Province of BC. The May 15th snow survey is now complete. Data from 44 snow courses and 55 snow pillows around the province and out-of-province sampling locations, and climate data from Environment Canada, have been used to form the basis for the following reports.
Weather - Weather patterns in May have been dominated by cooler than normal temperatures throughout British Columbia. Weather has been unsettled, and patterns are consistent with the La Niña cycle observed through the winter/spring.
Snowpack - Typically the transition from snow accumulation to snow melt occurs at most locations in the province near the middle of April. However this year, the cool April and May has led to a delay in the onset of snow melt. As of May 15th most snow survey locations have transitioned to melt. The delay in the
onset of melt is about 3-4 weeks later than normal for most of the province. The ongoing delay in melt has led to increases in snow basin indices across the province. Snow basin indices represent the difference between a “normal” year and the current year for given sampling date, in this case May 15. A note of caution in interpreting snow basin indices at this time of year is that with a delay in the onset of snow melt, differences between observed and normal snow pack levels can become large. This is because in a normal year snow water equivalents are lowering because the snow has melted, whereas this years’ snow pack has not melted so the snow water equivalents remain high. Basin snow water indices for BC at May 15 vary from a low of 98% of normal in the Peace to a high of 276% of normal in the Similkameen. Well above normal snow packs (>120% of normal) are present across the province, except in the Upper Fraser, North Thompson, and Peace, where near normal or slightly above normal snowpack levels are observed. BC Snow Basin Indices as recorded on May 15th noting percentage of normal for each basin: Upper Fraser - 117%, Okanagan-Kettle - 173%, Nechako - 137%, Similkameen - 276%, Middle Fraser - 152%, South Coast - 155%, Lower Fraser - 141%, Vancouver Island - 173%, North Thompson - 110%, Peace - 98%, South Thompson - 125%, Skeena-Nass - 139%, Columbia - 109%, Kootenay - 201%
Water Supply Outlook - In general, the main difference in water supply outlook and flood risk potential since the May 1st bulletin is the ongoing delay in the onset of snow melt. Delays in the snow melt season lead to increases in potential flood risk because more water is available for melt later in the season when warmer temperatures are more likely to occur. Snow water equivalents have remained fairly similar to May 1st levels, with some variability across snow pack sampling locations. While the % of normal values have increased for most of the province, these increases are due to the delay in snowmelt, not the significant addition of water stored in the snow pack. Based on elevated snow pack levels (>150% of normal) and delays in the melt season, increased flood risk is present in the Middle Fraser, Kootenay, Okanagan-Kettle, and Similkameen. Whether or not significant flooding occurs in these systems will depend primarily on the weather through the rest of May and June.
Students Host 24-Hour Famine!
Photo: Des Cosman
Roya Massoudi and Courtney Hassell worked together in their Social Justice class at Princeton Secondary School to raise awareness and in the process collected a large amount of non-perishables for the local food bank. They conducted a 24-hour famine event where numerous students participated and earned a better appreciation for having access to a steady supply of food.
Students Plant Grass Near Airport!
Photo: Morgan Dobbs
A group of Grade 10 students from Princeton Secondary School spent part of three days in the past week planting grass in a plot of land just below the 'new' town water tank at Princeton Airport. The students did everything from site prep to planting and fencing of the area.
May 24, 2011 - News Leader
QUAKE SHAKES PRINCETON
Natural Resources Canada reports a 3.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at 6:37 AM on Wednesday, May 18th near Princeton. The quake was located 7.5-kilometres under the surface of the Earth about 18-kilometres NNE of Princeton and some residents in the Princeton, Tulameen and Three Lakes areas report feeling something that morning. No damage was reported and about eight hours later a second 'fractional' quake occurred. This one, measuring only 1.9 on the Richter Scale, was located 18-kilometres SSE of Princeton at a depth of about 11-kilometres.
HARKNESS TALKS ABOUT DOCTORS
At the May 16 Town Council meeting, Councillor Marilyn Harkness gave a report on the emergency room coverage for the next couple of months. She said Dr. Smith will be on call only until midnight, but will come in for any “life and limb” situation. Dr. Eva is doing a great deal of on call duty as well. The locum program is good to the end of July. A female physician is interested in moving to Princeton, Councillor
Harkness said. The health committee will give her a warm reception when she comes to discuss the situation here. There is a health conference in Kelowna in the near future. Councillor Harkness said there should be a number of recent graduate physicians at the conference, of whom some may be interested in moving to Princeton. Mayor Randy McLean commented on the emergency room coverage, saying, “We’re a growing industrial community. We need on call 24/7 all year.”
RCMP ARREST THREE IN GROW-OP BUST
On May 17th, Princeton RCMP executed a search warrant on a rural property in the 2400 block of Highway 3, east of Princeton. This large rural property housed a sophisticated, multi-level indoor marihuana grow operation that was contained inside a quonset structure. There were two levels above ground, and a bunker under the floor which was created using a 50 foot steel container. At the time of the police search, only one of the grow rooms was in full operation. 1,100 mature marihuana plants were seized along with related equipment including a 70 kVa diesel generator. Sgt. Dave Clare who commands the Princeton RCMP Detachment says that this grow operation had the potential for a significant yield if all the rooms were active, “The calculated yield from the marihuana plants from this seizure would be enough to provide the high school students in Princeton with 1,384 joints each.”
Sgt. Clare adds that, “proceeds from the sale of marihuana and other illicit drugs support organized crime in the province of British Columbia and abroad. The use of illicit drugs, including marihuana, has a significant impact on our families, communities and our social and health systems, which is why this discovery and seizure is significant for us and our community." Princeton RCMP arrested a 45 year-old male, a 47 year-old female and their 26 year-old son, all residents of Princeton. They were released from custody on bail pending their first court appearance on September 15th, 2011. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Natural Resources Canada reports a 3.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at 6:37 AM on Wednesday, May 18th near Princeton. The quake was located 7.5-kilometres under the surface of the Earth about 18-kilometres NNE of Princeton and some residents in the Princeton, Tulameen and Three Lakes areas report feeling something that morning. No damage was reported and about eight hours later a second 'fractional' quake occurred. This one, measuring only 1.9 on the Richter Scale, was located 18-kilometres SSE of Princeton at a depth of about 11-kilometres.
HARKNESS TALKS ABOUT DOCTORS
At the May 16 Town Council meeting, Councillor Marilyn Harkness gave a report on the emergency room coverage for the next couple of months. She said Dr. Smith will be on call only until midnight, but will come in for any “life and limb” situation. Dr. Eva is doing a great deal of on call duty as well. The locum program is good to the end of July. A female physician is interested in moving to Princeton, Councillor
Harkness said. The health committee will give her a warm reception when she comes to discuss the situation here. There is a health conference in Kelowna in the near future. Councillor Harkness said there should be a number of recent graduate physicians at the conference, of whom some may be interested in moving to Princeton. Mayor Randy McLean commented on the emergency room coverage, saying, “We’re a growing industrial community. We need on call 24/7 all year.”
RCMP ARREST THREE IN GROW-OP BUST
On May 17th, Princeton RCMP executed a search warrant on a rural property in the 2400 block of Highway 3, east of Princeton. This large rural property housed a sophisticated, multi-level indoor marihuana grow operation that was contained inside a quonset structure. There were two levels above ground, and a bunker under the floor which was created using a 50 foot steel container. At the time of the police search, only one of the grow rooms was in full operation. 1,100 mature marihuana plants were seized along with related equipment including a 70 kVa diesel generator. Sgt. Dave Clare who commands the Princeton RCMP Detachment says that this grow operation had the potential for a significant yield if all the rooms were active, “The calculated yield from the marihuana plants from this seizure would be enough to provide the high school students in Princeton with 1,384 joints each.”
Sgt. Clare adds that, “proceeds from the sale of marihuana and other illicit drugs support organized crime in the province of British Columbia and abroad. The use of illicit drugs, including marihuana, has a significant impact on our families, communities and our social and health systems, which is why this discovery and seizure is significant for us and our community." Princeton RCMP arrested a 45 year-old male, a 47 year-old female and their 26 year-old son, all residents of Princeton. They were released from custody on bail pending their first court appearance on September 15th, 2011. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Princeton RCMP at 250.295.6911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Keremeos Elks Host 73rd Rodeo!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
May Long Weekend has traditionally been rodeo weekend in Keremeos - a tradition that dates back to 1938! Rodeo weekend saw BCRA rodeo action Saturday and Sunday with a bull riding/ladies barrels event on Monday. A Pancake Breakfast Sunday and Monday mornings in Memorial Park, a Steak BBQ Sunday afternoon in Memorial Park and the annual Rodeo Parade Monday morning.
Hedley Celebrates Stamp Mill Day!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
It was being billed as Hedley Stamp Mill Day and Old Timers' Get Together and that's exactly what it was on May 21st in Hedley. Things started with a Pancake Breakfast at Hedley OAP Hall and continued with Old Timer's Day at Hedley Museum. Activities shifted to Woodlie Park for various children's games and BBQ in the afternoon.
May 17, 2011 - News Leader
GUILTY DRIVER FAILS TO APPEAR
Sammy Holmes did not attend his trial, but that did not stop the trial from proceeding as planned. A civilian witness who filed a report of a possible impaired driver on April 2, 2010, testified what had led her to make the report. She said she saw a Ford Mustang westbound on Highway 3 crossing the center line and speeding. The RCMP officer who responded to the call drove into Princeton in search of the vehicle and was waved to a stop by the civilian who advised where the
vehicle was located. The officer went to that location and found a man in the driver’s seat. When asked for his driver’s licence, the man produced a valid BC driver’s licence issued to Sammy Holmes. The officer asked Holmes to step out of the vehicle, and noted Holmes showed signs of impairment. After reading Holmes his rights, the officer took Holmes to the Princeton detachment office and made a breath demand. Holmes complied and two tests were run, one reading .230 alcohol level, and the second reading .220, nearly three times the legal limit. Judge G. Sinclair found Holmes guilty of impaired driving, and gave an order for Holmes to appear in court for sentencing.
CMMC's JIM O'ROURKE SHARES MABC AWARD
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) announced May 9th this year’s recipients of the Mining Person(s) of the Year award: Jim O’Rourke and Robert Pease. “This year MABC honours two outstanding contributors to BC’s mining sector,” stated John McManus, Chair of the MABC and Senior Vice President, Taseko Mines Ltd. “Both Jim and Rob have played major roles in ushering in BC’s mining renaissance, leading the developments of the Copper Mountain and Mt. Milligan mines, respectively, both now in construction.” Jim O’Rourke was instrumental leading the Copper Mountain management team in completing the final updated feasibility study confirming the economics of the proposed Copper Mountain Mine development. O’Rourke played a vital role in arranging a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Material Corporation, an international diversified materials company. This alliance was essential for the $438 million project to be financed that allowed for the development of the 35,000 tpd copper-gold porphyry Copper Mountain mine that is on track for production startup in June 2011. This new mine will bring 272 well-paying jobs to the community of Princeton, as well as economic growth to the region with spin-off benefits. Through an Impact Benefit Agreement with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the Copper Mountain project will also bring important benefits to local First Nations.
Sammy Holmes did not attend his trial, but that did not stop the trial from proceeding as planned. A civilian witness who filed a report of a possible impaired driver on April 2, 2010, testified what had led her to make the report. She said she saw a Ford Mustang westbound on Highway 3 crossing the center line and speeding. The RCMP officer who responded to the call drove into Princeton in search of the vehicle and was waved to a stop by the civilian who advised where the
vehicle was located. The officer went to that location and found a man in the driver’s seat. When asked for his driver’s licence, the man produced a valid BC driver’s licence issued to Sammy Holmes. The officer asked Holmes to step out of the vehicle, and noted Holmes showed signs of impairment. After reading Holmes his rights, the officer took Holmes to the Princeton detachment office and made a breath demand. Holmes complied and two tests were run, one reading .230 alcohol level, and the second reading .220, nearly three times the legal limit. Judge G. Sinclair found Holmes guilty of impaired driving, and gave an order for Holmes to appear in court for sentencing.
CMMC's JIM O'ROURKE SHARES MABC AWARD
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) announced May 9th this year’s recipients of the Mining Person(s) of the Year award: Jim O’Rourke and Robert Pease. “This year MABC honours two outstanding contributors to BC’s mining sector,” stated John McManus, Chair of the MABC and Senior Vice President, Taseko Mines Ltd. “Both Jim and Rob have played major roles in ushering in BC’s mining renaissance, leading the developments of the Copper Mountain and Mt. Milligan mines, respectively, both now in construction.” Jim O’Rourke was instrumental leading the Copper Mountain management team in completing the final updated feasibility study confirming the economics of the proposed Copper Mountain Mine development. O’Rourke played a vital role in arranging a strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Material Corporation, an international diversified materials company. This alliance was essential for the $438 million project to be financed that allowed for the development of the 35,000 tpd copper-gold porphyry Copper Mountain mine that is on track for production startup in June 2011. This new mine will bring 272 well-paying jobs to the community of Princeton, as well as economic growth to the region with spin-off benefits. Through an Impact Benefit Agreement with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the Copper Mountain project will also bring important benefits to local First Nations.
PSS Hosts Annual Grade 8 Socials Fair!
Photo: Des Cosman
Princeton Secondary School Grade 8 students took part in the annual Socials Fair May 11 & 12. Topics covered included comparing European and Chinese inventions, laws in different cultures, the Black Plague, the seven wonders of the ancient world and many, many more. Sarah Nelson, left, did her project on a comparison of castles in Europe and Japan.
Mayor Issues River Warning!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Statement issued by Town of Princeton Mayor Randy McLean on May 13, 2011:
We are at the beginning of the spring run-off, and we have a higher than normal snow pack as well as temperatures that have been rising very slowly. In discussion with ministry officials we have been advised that although they are not expecting flood conditions, sudden high temperatures and or heavy rainfall could alter that assessment. In order to undertake normal safety measures our administration is initiating meetings with key emergency response agencies to consider the analysis and preparedness of emergency planning and stockpiling of supplies.
We are at the beginning of the spring run-off, and we have a higher than normal snow pack as well as temperatures that have been rising very slowly. In discussion with ministry officials we have been advised that although they are not expecting flood conditions, sudden high temperatures and or heavy rainfall could alter that assessment. In order to undertake normal safety measures our administration is initiating meetings with key emergency response agencies to consider the analysis and preparedness of emergency planning and stockpiling of supplies.
May 10, 2011 - News Leader
TOWN OKAYS FINANCIAL PLAN, SETS TAX RATE
At the May 2 Town Council meeting, the fourth reading of the five year financial plan was approved, and a bylaw to set property tax rates was given third reading with final approval to take place May 16. The new tax rate will see a small increase in residential taxes for the municipality. Council estimates the average single family dwelling will pay $498, up from $480 last year. Other taxes on the property tax bill include hospital tax, Regional District tax, Regional Library tax, BC Assessment Authority tax, for a total of $668 for an average residence. On top of that amount, yet to be calculated, are school taxes and the policing tax. The Town collects all of these taxes, but only 40 percent of what is collected actually goes to the Town.
ATAMANENKO TRUMPS FROM THE EAST
by Arlene Arlow
The British Columbia Southern Interior riding stretches from west of Princeton to northeast of Nelson. As of May 4th, Elections Canada acknowledged that 49,497 votes were cast in Canada’s Federal election in the riding of BC Southern Interior. The NDP incumbent, Alex Atamanenko captured the east part of the riding where the bulk of the population resides: Nelson has 9,813 residents, Castlegar has 8,716 residents and Trail has 9,707. Between those three communities alone, the population is 28,236. Conservative Stephen Hill captured a 2 to 1 majority in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, but the population numbers are overshadowed by trends in the east: Oliver has 4,647 residents, Osoyoos has 4,314 residents and Princeton has 2,706 residents. Those three communities add up to 11,667 voters, less than half of the largest communities in the east side of the riding. As an example, Poll #15 in Keremeos (there were 8 polls in Keremeos) produced 137 votes for Hill (62%), 69 votes for Atamanenko (32%), 5 votes for Hunt (3%) and 5 votes for Lavell (3%). Including the Advance Poll, it is estimated that just shy of 60% of the voters in that poll turned out to cast their vote. In Oliver and Osoyoos, the results were similar: of the 3,836 votes cast in Oliver, 2,437 went to Hill (63%) and 1,399 went to Atamanenko (36%). In Osoyoos, of the 3,072 votes cast, 2,133 went to Hill (69%) and 939 went to Atamanenko (31%). As of Wednesday May 4th in the riding of BC Southern Interior, NDP Alex Atamanenko received 25,176 votes, Conservative Stephen Hill 19,276, Green Bryan Hunt 3,173 and Liberal Shan Lavell 1,872. Only four candidates put their names forth in our riding, but there are more than four options elsewhere in Canada: For each poll, Elections Canada printed scrutineer (observer) badges for the following candidates in the 2011 Federal Election (most do not have official party status): AAEV Party of Canada, CAP, Christian Heritage Party, Communist Party of Canada, Conservative, FPNP, Green Party, Liberal, Libertarian, Marxist-Leninist, neorhino.ca, NL First Party, PC Party, PPP, Radical Marijuana, NDP, WBP, Work Less Party and Independent.
At the May 2 Town Council meeting, the fourth reading of the five year financial plan was approved, and a bylaw to set property tax rates was given third reading with final approval to take place May 16. The new tax rate will see a small increase in residential taxes for the municipality. Council estimates the average single family dwelling will pay $498, up from $480 last year. Other taxes on the property tax bill include hospital tax, Regional District tax, Regional Library tax, BC Assessment Authority tax, for a total of $668 for an average residence. On top of that amount, yet to be calculated, are school taxes and the policing tax. The Town collects all of these taxes, but only 40 percent of what is collected actually goes to the Town.
ATAMANENKO TRUMPS FROM THE EAST
by Arlene Arlow
The British Columbia Southern Interior riding stretches from west of Princeton to northeast of Nelson. As of May 4th, Elections Canada acknowledged that 49,497 votes were cast in Canada’s Federal election in the riding of BC Southern Interior. The NDP incumbent, Alex Atamanenko captured the east part of the riding where the bulk of the population resides: Nelson has 9,813 residents, Castlegar has 8,716 residents and Trail has 9,707. Between those three communities alone, the population is 28,236. Conservative Stephen Hill captured a 2 to 1 majority in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, but the population numbers are overshadowed by trends in the east: Oliver has 4,647 residents, Osoyoos has 4,314 residents and Princeton has 2,706 residents. Those three communities add up to 11,667 voters, less than half of the largest communities in the east side of the riding. As an example, Poll #15 in Keremeos (there were 8 polls in Keremeos) produced 137 votes for Hill (62%), 69 votes for Atamanenko (32%), 5 votes for Hunt (3%) and 5 votes for Lavell (3%). Including the Advance Poll, it is estimated that just shy of 60% of the voters in that poll turned out to cast their vote. In Oliver and Osoyoos, the results were similar: of the 3,836 votes cast in Oliver, 2,437 went to Hill (63%) and 1,399 went to Atamanenko (36%). In Osoyoos, of the 3,072 votes cast, 2,133 went to Hill (69%) and 939 went to Atamanenko (31%). As of Wednesday May 4th in the riding of BC Southern Interior, NDP Alex Atamanenko received 25,176 votes, Conservative Stephen Hill 19,276, Green Bryan Hunt 3,173 and Liberal Shan Lavell 1,872. Only four candidates put their names forth in our riding, but there are more than four options elsewhere in Canada: For each poll, Elections Canada printed scrutineer (observer) badges for the following candidates in the 2011 Federal Election (most do not have official party status): AAEV Party of Canada, CAP, Christian Heritage Party, Communist Party of Canada, Conservative, FPNP, Green Party, Liberal, Libertarian, Marxist-Leninist, neorhino.ca, NL First Party, PC Party, PPP, Radical Marijuana, NDP, WBP, Work Less Party and Independent.
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!
Photo: Adam Gullason
Grade 3 students had a chance to get involved in baking cookies at the Princeton Secondary School cafeteria. Let's just say it was a lot more fun eating the finished product!
Princeton Mining Day Was A Hit!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
May 5th was Princeton Mining Day in downtown Princeton which featured live entertainment, gold panning demonstrations, calf roping demonstrations, face painting, free hot dogs and hamburgers as well as displays from Copper Mountain Mining Corporation. The event filled Veterans Square and carried into the evening with a casino night fundraiser at Princeton Museum to benefit the facility.
May 03, 2011 - News Leader
COUNCIL APPROVES TRAVEL EXPENSES
When traveling on Town Council business, Mayor Randy McLean and Councillors will receive $70 a day for every 24 hour period they are absent from their
homes. This is to cover the cost of meals, gratuities, parking, local phone calls. When travel requires less than 24 hours away from home, members of Town
Council will receive $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $25 for dinner, for a maximum of $60. For using their own vehicles for traveling on official Town business, each member of Council will be reimbursed 52 cents per kilometer. Speaking of the subject of travel, Princeton’s Sister City sent an invitation to Town Council and the people of Princeton to attend their annual Founders Day parade on Saturday, June 4. This is a special occasion full of fun, and Princeton generally enters the parade. Mayor Randy McLean said he would not be able to attend this year, but Councillor Jason Earle will go to Tonasket.
COUNCIL NAMES REFERENDUM GROUP
Princeton Town Council has named the group of citizens given the task of preparing the community for the aquatic centre referendum on September 24. This committee is to provide the community with information that supports an informed decision. Members of the committee are as follows:
Town staff: Lyle Thomas, Pool Supervisor Carol Mack, Recreation Coordinator Nadine McEwen, Public works employee Bob Coyne
RDOS staff: Community Services Director Mark Woods, and Cathy Cowan
Swim Club: Suzanne Holland
Medical Profession: Dr. Eva, Tanya Ter Kers
School District: Gordon Comeau
RCMP: Sgt. Dave Clare
Local Business: Barry Cook, Dierra Maynard
Area H residents: Kelly Cook, John Akerley, Bob Reichert, Charles Weber
Princeton residents: Kirk McConnell, Judy Short, Kevin Sill
Seniors Branch: Keith Parsons or designate
Youth: Scott Musgrove
FALL FAIR EXPANDS PLANS
Fall Fair members met at the fairgrounds on April 26 to continue planning for this year’s fair on September 3rd and 4th. The first day of the fair will feature horse racing for the first time, working in conjunction with Racing Days Association for the first time. This has changed the way some of the planning is done, but the fair will be on during the horse racing. Kaylie Gibb and Fran Murphy are working together to create a special play area for small children, while Lisa Carleton is negotiating to bring special games for older children to the fair. Lisa is hoping to be able to bring laser tag this year.
A work party is planned for May 8, when Fall Fair members will help with grounds clean-up for the rodeo, and will look at some of the repairs and renovations required in the Fall Fair buildings. The Junior Fair building is scheduled for an upgrade this year, and some work will be done on Building #1. Dan Kastor has been successful in booking Marion Valley Drill Team for the Sunday of the fair. This group of young riders, age 7 to 15, will put on drill riding performances and a team penning competition. Young local riders will be welcome to enter the team penning contest. There will be prizes. On May 28, the Fall Fair will be holding a flea market at the fairgrounds for sales of just about anything anybody wants to sell. Proceeds from the flea market support the Junior Fair and children’s activities. Look for advertisements around town and in local newspapers. Tables are $5, contact Dawn at 250.295.6063 to reserve a table. The flea market goes, rain or shine.
When traveling on Town Council business, Mayor Randy McLean and Councillors will receive $70 a day for every 24 hour period they are absent from their
homes. This is to cover the cost of meals, gratuities, parking, local phone calls. When travel requires less than 24 hours away from home, members of Town
Council will receive $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $25 for dinner, for a maximum of $60. For using their own vehicles for traveling on official Town business, each member of Council will be reimbursed 52 cents per kilometer. Speaking of the subject of travel, Princeton’s Sister City sent an invitation to Town Council and the people of Princeton to attend their annual Founders Day parade on Saturday, June 4. This is a special occasion full of fun, and Princeton generally enters the parade. Mayor Randy McLean said he would not be able to attend this year, but Councillor Jason Earle will go to Tonasket.
COUNCIL NAMES REFERENDUM GROUP
Princeton Town Council has named the group of citizens given the task of preparing the community for the aquatic centre referendum on September 24. This committee is to provide the community with information that supports an informed decision. Members of the committee are as follows:
Town staff: Lyle Thomas, Pool Supervisor Carol Mack, Recreation Coordinator Nadine McEwen, Public works employee Bob Coyne
RDOS staff: Community Services Director Mark Woods, and Cathy Cowan
Swim Club: Suzanne Holland
Medical Profession: Dr. Eva, Tanya Ter Kers
School District: Gordon Comeau
RCMP: Sgt. Dave Clare
Local Business: Barry Cook, Dierra Maynard
Area H residents: Kelly Cook, John Akerley, Bob Reichert, Charles Weber
Princeton residents: Kirk McConnell, Judy Short, Kevin Sill
Seniors Branch: Keith Parsons or designate
Youth: Scott Musgrove
FALL FAIR EXPANDS PLANS
Fall Fair members met at the fairgrounds on April 26 to continue planning for this year’s fair on September 3rd and 4th. The first day of the fair will feature horse racing for the first time, working in conjunction with Racing Days Association for the first time. This has changed the way some of the planning is done, but the fair will be on during the horse racing. Kaylie Gibb and Fran Murphy are working together to create a special play area for small children, while Lisa Carleton is negotiating to bring special games for older children to the fair. Lisa is hoping to be able to bring laser tag this year.
A work party is planned for May 8, when Fall Fair members will help with grounds clean-up for the rodeo, and will look at some of the repairs and renovations required in the Fall Fair buildings. The Junior Fair building is scheduled for an upgrade this year, and some work will be done on Building #1. Dan Kastor has been successful in booking Marion Valley Drill Team for the Sunday of the fair. This group of young riders, age 7 to 15, will put on drill riding performances and a team penning competition. Young local riders will be welcome to enter the team penning contest. There will be prizes. On May 28, the Fall Fair will be holding a flea market at the fairgrounds for sales of just about anything anybody wants to sell. Proceeds from the flea market support the Junior Fair and children’s activities. Look for advertisements around town and in local newspapers. Tables are $5, contact Dawn at 250.295.6063 to reserve a table. The flea market goes, rain or shine.
The Travelling Window Artist!
Photo: Brenda Engel
His name is Bernie Bates and up until last month you may have only seen his artwork in Keremeos windows.
Bates popped into Princeton to see if anyone would be interested in his window art and after receiving a couple of bites, he jumped into his job with both feet, a black felt pen and a number of paint brushes and containers of paint. Once one window was near completion someone else would stop and ask him to
paint theirs. Bates told the News Leader that’s typically how it goes. So a stop in Princeton to do only two or three windows turned into almost a week long stay resulting in a lot of dry felt tipped markers. Bates’ biography says: Originally from Williams Lake, British Columbia - writer, cartoonist, poet and entrepreneur B. H. Bates is a person of native heritage, who grew up on a ranch. And as he liked to quip: “I was the only kid I knew that could play cowboys and Indians all by myself!” He has been a professional bullrider, dance choreographer, logger and advertising manager. He contends that it was seeing the highs and lows of life, through the eyes of a native, that have given him his unique perspective. “He obviously likes what he’s doing now the best,” says the News Leader’s George Elliott, who, along with his wife, Brenda, had Bates at their home for Easter dinner. Bates is currently painting windows in Keremeos and can be reached at 250.681.8063 - you will not be disappointed.
Bates popped into Princeton to see if anyone would be interested in his window art and after receiving a couple of bites, he jumped into his job with both feet, a black felt pen and a number of paint brushes and containers of paint. Once one window was near completion someone else would stop and ask him to
paint theirs. Bates told the News Leader that’s typically how it goes. So a stop in Princeton to do only two or three windows turned into almost a week long stay resulting in a lot of dry felt tipped markers. Bates’ biography says: Originally from Williams Lake, British Columbia - writer, cartoonist, poet and entrepreneur B. H. Bates is a person of native heritage, who grew up on a ranch. And as he liked to quip: “I was the only kid I knew that could play cowboys and Indians all by myself!” He has been a professional bullrider, dance choreographer, logger and advertising manager. He contends that it was seeing the highs and lows of life, through the eyes of a native, that have given him his unique perspective. “He obviously likes what he’s doing now the best,” says the News Leader’s George Elliott, who, along with his wife, Brenda, had Bates at their home for Easter dinner. Bates is currently painting windows in Keremeos and can be reached at 250.681.8063 - you will not be disappointed.
Anatomy of a Rock Blast - Part 3!
Photo: Arlene Arlow
The Yellow Lake Highway Improvement Project road closures during the day have allowed for many travellers to stop and see what it takes to remove mountains of rock to allow for widening of Highway 3. This shot, taken by the News Leader's Arlene Arlow, shows dust filling the air after the displaced rock settles back down to earth. This was moments after a blast charge had been fired.