May 27, 2014 - News Leader
PXA LOOKS AT NEW DEAL
The Town of Princeton has offered Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) a new funding deal. The PXA, a volunteer board managing Princeton¹s exhibition grounds, has relied on grants, donations, grants and volunteer work parties to maintain and expand the fairgrounds facility. Town Council has decided to include the fairgrounds as part of the Town parks and recreation budget, which is cost-shared with Regional District. President Paul Bedard made the announcement at the May 20 PXA meeting. He explained he and other board members met twice with members of Town Council and staff to discuss how the PXA will manage in 2014, as the new funding plan does not begin until 2015. The PXA has received no funds from the Town for 2014, and due to unexpected demands by the fire marshall for upgrades to the grandstand, ongoing projects would leave the PXA bankrupt. The Town has asked for a submission from the PXA outlining what the costs will be to complete the projects and pay expenses. Under the new funding arrangement, the PXA must submit a budget for 2015 by September 2014. In other PXA business, President Bedard praised Princeton Rodeo Club for putting on an excellent event and commended all of the volunteers who worked before the rodeo to prepare the grounds. Paul Bedard has been working on spreading material on the infield to inhibit knapweed growth. The material is donated by Weyerhaeuser and will have a further layer of manure generated on the grounds as a result of horse stall rentals. At some point, this new base of material will be seeded with natural grasses of our area. A new practice arena has been constructed in the infield. This area will take the pressure off the main arena, preserving the quality of footing for competitive events. This practice arena was constructed in one week by volunteers and the logs used to border the new arena were donated. Racing Days Association reported plans set for June 28 and 29. Despite lack of funds for horse racing, there will be a big event at the fairgrounds. Little Britches Rodeo will be held that weekend, along with logger sports, mini golf, a clown, and an ATV Awareness workshop for youngsters with will include rides on ATVs and safety instructions. On Saturday evening, there will be a dance to the music of Dale Seaman and the mechanical bull will be featured. Members of PXA discussed what they might do as an entry into the Rotary Club parade scheduled for Friday, June 27. Stephanie Antonick is organizing horseback riders for the parade. The parade theme is Community Spirit, a quality very evident in the PXA members and the many volunteers and donors who have kept the fairgrounds going for 50 years. The next meeting of the PXA takes place on June 17. This organization welcomes new members at any time.
The Town of Princeton has offered Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) a new funding deal. The PXA, a volunteer board managing Princeton¹s exhibition grounds, has relied on grants, donations, grants and volunteer work parties to maintain and expand the fairgrounds facility. Town Council has decided to include the fairgrounds as part of the Town parks and recreation budget, which is cost-shared with Regional District. President Paul Bedard made the announcement at the May 20 PXA meeting. He explained he and other board members met twice with members of Town Council and staff to discuss how the PXA will manage in 2014, as the new funding plan does not begin until 2015. The PXA has received no funds from the Town for 2014, and due to unexpected demands by the fire marshall for upgrades to the grandstand, ongoing projects would leave the PXA bankrupt. The Town has asked for a submission from the PXA outlining what the costs will be to complete the projects and pay expenses. Under the new funding arrangement, the PXA must submit a budget for 2015 by September 2014. In other PXA business, President Bedard praised Princeton Rodeo Club for putting on an excellent event and commended all of the volunteers who worked before the rodeo to prepare the grounds. Paul Bedard has been working on spreading material on the infield to inhibit knapweed growth. The material is donated by Weyerhaeuser and will have a further layer of manure generated on the grounds as a result of horse stall rentals. At some point, this new base of material will be seeded with natural grasses of our area. A new practice arena has been constructed in the infield. This area will take the pressure off the main arena, preserving the quality of footing for competitive events. This practice arena was constructed in one week by volunteers and the logs used to border the new arena were donated. Racing Days Association reported plans set for June 28 and 29. Despite lack of funds for horse racing, there will be a big event at the fairgrounds. Little Britches Rodeo will be held that weekend, along with logger sports, mini golf, a clown, and an ATV Awareness workshop for youngsters with will include rides on ATVs and safety instructions. On Saturday evening, there will be a dance to the music of Dale Seaman and the mechanical bull will be featured. Members of PXA discussed what they might do as an entry into the Rotary Club parade scheduled for Friday, June 27. Stephanie Antonick is organizing horseback riders for the parade. The parade theme is Community Spirit, a quality very evident in the PXA members and the many volunteers and donors who have kept the fairgrounds going for 50 years. The next meeting of the PXA takes place on June 17. This organization welcomes new members at any time.
Princeton Museum Hires Student!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Brent Davidson of Princeton, left, started working last week with Princeton Museum Operations Manager Robin Lowe, right, as one of her 'summer students.' The 27-year old Davidson graduated from Princeton Secondary School in 2004 and is studying Anthropology at the University of Victoria. Lowe has more positions to fill at the facility.
Old Hedley Road Project Begins!
May 20, 2014 - News Leader
RDOS POSTS DEMOLITION NOTICES AT KENNEDY LAKE
In January 2014 the RDOS won a judgment against the owners of the Kennedy Lake Resort (off Highway 3 just west of Princeton) in order to force them to bring the property into compliance with RDOS zoning and building bylaws. The time given for voluntary compliance has passed, which give the RDOS the right to proceed with demolition of non-compliant buildings/structures. The RDOS has chosen to give the individual tenants and leaseholders an opportunity to bring their buildings into compliance before any demolition occurs. On Wednesday, May 14, RDOS staff attended Kennedy Lake and posted a Demolition Notice on all sites (over 200). The notice gives information on the court order and the RDOS intention to allow them to apply for building permits within 60 days. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has set up a telephone line (250-490-4231) and email address (kennedylakeinfo@rdos.bc.ca) specifically for this project. Callers can leave their contact information on the message line or email inbox and an application package will be forwarded to them. More information is available on the RDOS website located at www.rdos.bc.ca. Choose 'Building Permits' under 'Popular Links' on the right side of the homepage and then click on 'Kennedy Lake' in the blue column on the left side of the department page.
SIMILKAMEEN SIZZLE WANTS YOUR RECIPES
The Similkameen Sizzle planning committee met May 14th to discuss details and projects related to their upcoming pepper festival. Plans are to make the event more Œpeppery¹ in response to feedback that the event doesn¹t have a lot of spicy elements. Speaking of spice, the popular Hot Sauce Contest will be held as part of the 13th annual Similkameen Sizzle on September 20th. Judges have already committed to sample the entries. New activities planned for this year include a 'Best Dressed' series of awards for three different categories. In addition to the Best Dressed Vendor on the day of the event local retailers will be able to get in on the fun this year with the Best Dressed Business and Best Dressed Fruit Stand categories. The guidelines to enter stipulate that the decorations have to have a pepper theme. An ongoing project that will also become a fundraiser is a Similkameen Sizzle Recipe Book. Submissions of spicy and non-spicy pepper dishes will be accepted at the following e-mail address: recipes.sizzle@gmail.com. There is no word on when the first edition of the book will be available, but it will be sold throughout the year to promote the annual pepper festival. Entry forms for vendors, the chili cook-off and hot sauce contest are available at the Similkameen Country office as well as online for download at the Similkameen Sizzle website located at www.gotpeppers.info. Check there and in the News Leader for regular updates leading to this year's event.
In January 2014 the RDOS won a judgment against the owners of the Kennedy Lake Resort (off Highway 3 just west of Princeton) in order to force them to bring the property into compliance with RDOS zoning and building bylaws. The time given for voluntary compliance has passed, which give the RDOS the right to proceed with demolition of non-compliant buildings/structures. The RDOS has chosen to give the individual tenants and leaseholders an opportunity to bring their buildings into compliance before any demolition occurs. On Wednesday, May 14, RDOS staff attended Kennedy Lake and posted a Demolition Notice on all sites (over 200). The notice gives information on the court order and the RDOS intention to allow them to apply for building permits within 60 days. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has set up a telephone line (250-490-4231) and email address (kennedylakeinfo@rdos.bc.ca) specifically for this project. Callers can leave their contact information on the message line or email inbox and an application package will be forwarded to them. More information is available on the RDOS website located at www.rdos.bc.ca. Choose 'Building Permits' under 'Popular Links' on the right side of the homepage and then click on 'Kennedy Lake' in the blue column on the left side of the department page.
SIMILKAMEEN SIZZLE WANTS YOUR RECIPES
The Similkameen Sizzle planning committee met May 14th to discuss details and projects related to their upcoming pepper festival. Plans are to make the event more Œpeppery¹ in response to feedback that the event doesn¹t have a lot of spicy elements. Speaking of spice, the popular Hot Sauce Contest will be held as part of the 13th annual Similkameen Sizzle on September 20th. Judges have already committed to sample the entries. New activities planned for this year include a 'Best Dressed' series of awards for three different categories. In addition to the Best Dressed Vendor on the day of the event local retailers will be able to get in on the fun this year with the Best Dressed Business and Best Dressed Fruit Stand categories. The guidelines to enter stipulate that the decorations have to have a pepper theme. An ongoing project that will also become a fundraiser is a Similkameen Sizzle Recipe Book. Submissions of spicy and non-spicy pepper dishes will be accepted at the following e-mail address: recipes.sizzle@gmail.com. There is no word on when the first edition of the book will be available, but it will be sold throughout the year to promote the annual pepper festival. Entry forms for vendors, the chili cook-off and hot sauce contest are available at the Similkameen Country office as well as online for download at the Similkameen Sizzle website located at www.gotpeppers.info. Check there and in the News Leader for regular updates leading to this year's event.
Cell Service Comes To Hedley!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
In what became one of the most controversial issues to hit this tiny Similkameen Valley hamlet in quite some time, the mono-pole cell tower was erected last week in Hedley. The debate revolved around how the structure would obstruct the landscape as it was expected to be a distracting sight.
It's That Time Of Year!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Warmer weather in the Similkameen Valley usually means the start of road construction season. A project on Highway 3 east of Princeton will see hot-in-place patching of the route between Bromley Rock Provincial Park to Stirling Creek Bridge. The project will cost $1.12-million and is expected to be completed by the Fall of this year.
May 13, 2014 - News Leader
TOWN ADOPTS BYLAWS
Town Council adopted a rezoning application at their May 5th regular meeting that will allow a residence on Copperhead Road to add a secondary suite. The application was first received by the Town of Princeton February 28th of this year and was a request by property owner Dr. Eva Idanwekhai to consider rezoning his home from RS2 Single Family residential (small parcel) to RD Two-Family Residential. As the application was considered consistent with the Official Community Plan it received First and Second readings April 7th, then Third reading on April 22. The final step was adoption. The Financial Plan Bylaw was also adopted at the May 5th regular meeting. Town Council first received the five-year (2014-2018) financial plan April 7th. Under guidelines set out by the Community Charter, municipal five-year financial plans are to include a more explicit form of revenue and tax policy disclosure. To be included in the plan are objectives and policies on the proportion of total revenue that comes from each funding source (as described in the
Community Charter), the distribution of property taxes among the property classes and the use of permissive tax exemptions.
RDOS BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Selected highlights from the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen held Thursday, May 8. Complete minutes of the meeting will be made available to the public following adoption at the next scheduled Board meeting May 22, 2014.
----------
The Vermillion Forks Community Forest Corporation manages a Community Forest Agreement. The Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the Town of Princeton and the Regional District are 1/3 shareholders in the Corporation. The dividends of the corporation to date have been distributed to various projects within Electoral Area ³H² such as the Hayes Creek Volunteer Firefighter Association, Erris Volunteer Fire Association, Missezula Lake Water Works and the Eastgate Fire Protection Society. The Regional Board adopted the creation of the Area 'H' Community Facilities Capital Reserve Fund which will allow dividends to be accumulated and provide guidelines for fund distribution for future projects.
----------
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will be participating in the Community Tourism Foundation Workshop in June. The Community Tourism Foundation program, in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, assists communities to develop a comprehensive multi-year tourism plan. The workshop will bring together a range of stakeholders and organizations that can leverage new regional opportunities through a stronger partnership-based approach.
Town Council adopted a rezoning application at their May 5th regular meeting that will allow a residence on Copperhead Road to add a secondary suite. The application was first received by the Town of Princeton February 28th of this year and was a request by property owner Dr. Eva Idanwekhai to consider rezoning his home from RS2 Single Family residential (small parcel) to RD Two-Family Residential. As the application was considered consistent with the Official Community Plan it received First and Second readings April 7th, then Third reading on April 22. The final step was adoption. The Financial Plan Bylaw was also adopted at the May 5th regular meeting. Town Council first received the five-year (2014-2018) financial plan April 7th. Under guidelines set out by the Community Charter, municipal five-year financial plans are to include a more explicit form of revenue and tax policy disclosure. To be included in the plan are objectives and policies on the proportion of total revenue that comes from each funding source (as described in the
Community Charter), the distribution of property taxes among the property classes and the use of permissive tax exemptions.
RDOS BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Selected highlights from the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen held Thursday, May 8. Complete minutes of the meeting will be made available to the public following adoption at the next scheduled Board meeting May 22, 2014.
----------
The Vermillion Forks Community Forest Corporation manages a Community Forest Agreement. The Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the Town of Princeton and the Regional District are 1/3 shareholders in the Corporation. The dividends of the corporation to date have been distributed to various projects within Electoral Area ³H² such as the Hayes Creek Volunteer Firefighter Association, Erris Volunteer Fire Association, Missezula Lake Water Works and the Eastgate Fire Protection Society. The Regional Board adopted the creation of the Area 'H' Community Facilities Capital Reserve Fund which will allow dividends to be accumulated and provide guidelines for fund distribution for future projects.
----------
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will be participating in the Community Tourism Foundation Workshop in June. The Community Tourism Foundation program, in partnership with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, assists communities to develop a comprehensive multi-year tourism plan. The workshop will bring together a range of stakeholders and organizations that can leverage new regional opportunities through a stronger partnership-based approach.
Thrills And Spills At Rodeo!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The annual Stan Thompson Memorial Rodeo was May 10th and 11th at Princeton Fairgrounds. The wet weather during the Saturday performance did not help attracting a very good crowd, but a bright, sunny Sunday more than made up for it. The event started both days with the Wild Horse Race (left) and the team pictured here won the event Saturday afternoon after putting in some extra effort to get a saddle on the animal.
Keremeos Rockslide #2!
May 06, 2014 - News Leader
PSS ANNOUNCES TERM 3 HONOUR ROLL
PSS - Princeton Secondary School released their Term 3 Honour Roll last week. Students must be enrolled in at least three courses at the school to be eligible for the Honour Roll. PSS Honour Roll designations are: Principal's List (86-100%), Gold List (73-85%) and Honourable Mention (67-72%).
Grade 8
Principal's List
Nathan Silbernagel, Gabe Oliver, Trey Smith, Haley Anderson, Nicholas Cimbaro, Miranda Crucil.
Gold List
Shelby Bothe-Nylund (tied with) Megan Mintzler, Larissa Simon, Jake McCutcheon, Madison Hassell, Veronica Gudbransen, James Hunt, Candice Currier, Ashlin White.
Honourable Mention
Ryan Francis, Marcus Brodie (tied with) Hannah Fidler, Blake Herrick.
Grade 9
Principal's List
Taylor Sanderson, Eric Holland, Michael White, Saki Irie, Bethany Herting (tied with) Eric Ogrinc, Hanna Gould.
Gold List
Isabella Brodie, Shayna Thompson, Adam Kastor, Kyley Barbeler, Chase Rempel, Gale Hatchen, Cody Fidler, Corey Thompson.
Honourable Mention
Kodi Lindley, Kyle Baird, Lane French, Samantha McEwen, Hailey Darby.
Grade 10
Principal's List
Zoe Douglas, Bailey O¹Donnell, Tristen VanderMeulen, Danika Whelpton, Will Zheng, Alexia Boyd, Jessica Musgrove, Bret Shields, Emily McConnell, Brolin Antonick, Jacob Mintzler, Cassidy Westran.
Gold List
Parker Thibert, Abby Phillips, Cache Cook, Darby Adams (tied with) Dylan Paquette, Tyler Warner, Dayton Wales, Seth Cathro, Kelsey Fuller, Sabrina Harris-Kobelsky, Caitlynn Pateman, Tanner Sulentich, Colber-Lee Hepting, Taydra Reichert.
Honourable Mention
Bill Preston.
Grade 11
Principal's List
Ryan Grgich, Morgan Grigg, Morton Johnston, Brooke Bottcher, Reuben Howarth, Shaylyn Douglas, Dylan McEwen, Alex Burke, Brynn Johnson, Kyla Coyne.
Gold List
Kassidy McCutcheon, Kennady Holland-Krenn, Stacey Hunt, Trysten Drewes, Bree Lindley, Brooke Kassa (tied with) Kolten Smith, Mason Michaud, Jes Sandli, Justeen McIntosh.
Honourable Mention
Cameron Vinthers, Breeanna Hyslop, Brett Herrick.
Grade 12
Principal's List
Kassandra Montgomery, Carmen Brodie, Alyssa Leiding, C. J. Cromarty.
Gold List
Andrew Silbernagel, Layne Robillard, Hillary Riel, Trista Draeger, Shania Bertucci, Tierra McIvor, Morgan Whelpton, Hayley Berbeler.
Honourable Mention
Chance Clarke, Leigh Grenier, Greyson Antonick.
PSS - Princeton Secondary School released their Term 3 Honour Roll last week. Students must be enrolled in at least three courses at the school to be eligible for the Honour Roll. PSS Honour Roll designations are: Principal's List (86-100%), Gold List (73-85%) and Honourable Mention (67-72%).
Grade 8
Principal's List
Nathan Silbernagel, Gabe Oliver, Trey Smith, Haley Anderson, Nicholas Cimbaro, Miranda Crucil.
Gold List
Shelby Bothe-Nylund (tied with) Megan Mintzler, Larissa Simon, Jake McCutcheon, Madison Hassell, Veronica Gudbransen, James Hunt, Candice Currier, Ashlin White.
Honourable Mention
Ryan Francis, Marcus Brodie (tied with) Hannah Fidler, Blake Herrick.
Grade 9
Principal's List
Taylor Sanderson, Eric Holland, Michael White, Saki Irie, Bethany Herting (tied with) Eric Ogrinc, Hanna Gould.
Gold List
Isabella Brodie, Shayna Thompson, Adam Kastor, Kyley Barbeler, Chase Rempel, Gale Hatchen, Cody Fidler, Corey Thompson.
Honourable Mention
Kodi Lindley, Kyle Baird, Lane French, Samantha McEwen, Hailey Darby.
Grade 10
Principal's List
Zoe Douglas, Bailey O¹Donnell, Tristen VanderMeulen, Danika Whelpton, Will Zheng, Alexia Boyd, Jessica Musgrove, Bret Shields, Emily McConnell, Brolin Antonick, Jacob Mintzler, Cassidy Westran.
Gold List
Parker Thibert, Abby Phillips, Cache Cook, Darby Adams (tied with) Dylan Paquette, Tyler Warner, Dayton Wales, Seth Cathro, Kelsey Fuller, Sabrina Harris-Kobelsky, Caitlynn Pateman, Tanner Sulentich, Colber-Lee Hepting, Taydra Reichert.
Honourable Mention
Bill Preston.
Grade 11
Principal's List
Ryan Grgich, Morgan Grigg, Morton Johnston, Brooke Bottcher, Reuben Howarth, Shaylyn Douglas, Dylan McEwen, Alex Burke, Brynn Johnson, Kyla Coyne.
Gold List
Kassidy McCutcheon, Kennady Holland-Krenn, Stacey Hunt, Trysten Drewes, Bree Lindley, Brooke Kassa (tied with) Kolten Smith, Mason Michaud, Jes Sandli, Justeen McIntosh.
Honourable Mention
Cameron Vinthers, Breeanna Hyslop, Brett Herrick.
Grade 12
Principal's List
Kassandra Montgomery, Carmen Brodie, Alyssa Leiding, C. J. Cromarty.
Gold List
Andrew Silbernagel, Layne Robillard, Hillary Riel, Trista Draeger, Shania Bertucci, Tierra McIvor, Morgan Whelpton, Hayley Berbeler.
Honourable Mention
Chance Clarke, Leigh Grenier, Greyson Antonick.
Meet the Youth Ambassador Candidates!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The 2014/15 Princeton Youth Ambassador Candidates pause before the annual Ambassador Fashion Show on May 1st at PSS Gym. From left, Owen Bartlett (Copper Mountain Mine), Zach Jwaszko (Princeton Rotary Club), Alex Burke (Princeton Lions Club) and Kassidy McCutcheon (Weyerhaeuser).
Meet the Student of the Month!
Copyright 2014 Bengel Publishing Inc.
PSS Student of the Month for April is Hillary Riel. The Grade 12 student was nominated for her cheerful attitude. The Student of the Month program is sponsored by Princeton Secondary School PAC.