November 26, 2013 - News Leader
LOCAL HORSE RACING MAY DIE
The annual general meeting of Princeton Racing Days Association on November 21 was suspended due to no candidates willing to stand for the positions of President or Vice-President. Very few people showed up to renew their memberships, and no new members attended. Future horse racing meets in Princeton appear to be unlikely. The problem is not merely the lack of a President and Vice-President. The problem goes deeper than that. Putting on a horse racing event takes months of planning and, although many local residents are willing to volunteer their time on the date of the event, more people are needed to do the preliminary work. Only six people renewed their memberships. Six is too few to do what has to be done. Like everyone else, the six members have lives and work to do in addition to what they do for the community. The few members in attendance agreed to try one more time to put together a Board of Directors by re-scheduling the annual general meeting for Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 PM at the library conference room. If the same few are the only people in attendance at that meeting, it is likely there will be no horse racing in 2014.
URBAN DEER STILL HOT TOPIC
Doing something about Princeton's deer problem is still on the agenda for Princeton Town Council. At the November 18 public meeting, Councillor Doug Pateman told Council the deer committee met and resolved to invite an expert on urban wildlife to meet with the committee in the new year. Councillor Pateman said many communities have urban wildlife problems ranging from deer to bear, coyotes, snakes and any other wild creature that finds it convenient to live in towns. The expert had told him the deer naturally come down out of the mountains to the valley floor in winter, and when they find a nice safe place with food available, they are likely to stay. Councillor Pateman advised Council there is excellent educational material on the Regional District website which can be printed out in pamphlet form. Brian Harris, from Wildlife Branch, will be invited to speak at the December 2 public meeting of Council.
The annual general meeting of Princeton Racing Days Association on November 21 was suspended due to no candidates willing to stand for the positions of President or Vice-President. Very few people showed up to renew their memberships, and no new members attended. Future horse racing meets in Princeton appear to be unlikely. The problem is not merely the lack of a President and Vice-President. The problem goes deeper than that. Putting on a horse racing event takes months of planning and, although many local residents are willing to volunteer their time on the date of the event, more people are needed to do the preliminary work. Only six people renewed their memberships. Six is too few to do what has to be done. Like everyone else, the six members have lives and work to do in addition to what they do for the community. The few members in attendance agreed to try one more time to put together a Board of Directors by re-scheduling the annual general meeting for Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 PM at the library conference room. If the same few are the only people in attendance at that meeting, it is likely there will be no horse racing in 2014.
URBAN DEER STILL HOT TOPIC
Doing something about Princeton's deer problem is still on the agenda for Princeton Town Council. At the November 18 public meeting, Councillor Doug Pateman told Council the deer committee met and resolved to invite an expert on urban wildlife to meet with the committee in the new year. Councillor Pateman said many communities have urban wildlife problems ranging from deer to bear, coyotes, snakes and any other wild creature that finds it convenient to live in towns. The expert had told him the deer naturally come down out of the mountains to the valley floor in winter, and when they find a nice safe place with food available, they are likely to stay. Councillor Pateman advised Council there is excellent educational material on the Regional District website which can be printed out in pamphlet form. Brian Harris, from Wildlife Branch, will be invited to speak at the December 2 public meeting of Council.
This Is How You Solve A Crime!
Princeton Museum Operations Manager Robin Lowe 'paints' the bottom of a shoe prior to making an impression of it on paper. The process was followed in order to assist a group of homeschoolers solve a staged 'crime' at the facility. It was part of a 'CSI Day' which included assistance from Princeton RCMP Cst. Anthony Pankratz who walked students through the steps required to solve a crime using fingerprints and shoe prints.
New Princeton Town Hall Interior Tour!
November 19, 2013 - News Leader
PSS ANNOUNCES HONOUR ROLL
Principal's List (86-100%)
Grade 8
Nathan Silbernagel, Marcus Brodie, Haley Anderson
Gabe Oliver, Madison Hassell, Megan Mintzler 1, Trey Smith 1, Shelby Bothe-Nylund, Nicholas Cimbaro, Miranda Crucil
Grade 9
Eric Holland, Isabella Brodie, Michael White, Adam Kastor, Taylor Sanderson, Eric Ogrinc, Saki Irie, Hanna Gould
Grade 10
Tristen VanderMeulen, Zoe Douglas, Bailey O'Donnell
Cache Cook, Danika Whelpton, Emily McConnell, Jacob Mintzler, Darby Adams, Bret Shields, Dayton Wales, Parker Thibert, Cassidy Westran
Grade 11
Morgan Grigg, Ryan Grgich, Reuben Howarth, Morton Johnston, Brynn Johnson, Shaylyn Douglas, Brooke Bottcher, Kennady Holland-Krenn
Grade 12
Kassandra Montgomery, Hillary Riel, Destiny Earle, Andrew Silbernagel, Harrison Whitlock, Jeannine Mclntosh, Chance Clarke
Gold List (73-85%)
Grade 8
Seth Stein, Ashlin White, Jake McCutcheon, Hannah Fidler, Larissa Simon, Ryan Francis, James Hunt, David Tomlinson, Veronical Gudbranson, Dillon Marsel
Grade 9
Bethany Herting, Travis Fedun, Chase Rempel, Samantha McEwen, Corey Thompson, Kyle Baird, Vance Goodman, Gale Hatchen, Kate Hamilton, Kodi Lindley, Taneal Whitecotton, Nicholas Nelson, Amika Caruso, Cody Fidler, Kyley Barbeler
Grade 10
Jessica Musgrove, Tyler Warner, Abby Phillips, Shelby Maynard, Tanner Sulentich, Caitlynn Pateman, Alexia Boyd, Connor Clarke, Brolin Antonick
Grade 11
Alex Burke, Stacey Hunt, Cooper Prechel, Brooke Kassa, Kyla Coyne, Justeen Mclntosh, Kassidy McCutcheon
Grade 12
Layne Robillard, Trista Draeger, Curtis Sexsmith, Carmen Brodie, Spencer Huff, Shania Bertucci, Tierra McIvor, Jennifer Hilton
Honourable Mention (67-72%)
Grade 8
Blake Herrick, Dale Furgason
Grade 9
Kate-Lynn Bartlett, Kris Gullason, Hailey Darby 1, Zane Gibson 1, Jodi Mclntosh
Grade 10
Kelsey Fuller, Kylee Holland-Krenn, Will Zheng, Sabrina Harris-Kobelsky
Grade 11
Mason Michaud, Leigha Driver
Grade 12
Hayden Riel, Krystoffer Krenn, Kendall Biro 1, Kendra Hill 1
1 indicates a tie
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three courses at PSS to be on the Honour Roll. Grade 8 and 9 Honour Roll is based on report card marks only.
Principal's List (86-100%)
Grade 8
Nathan Silbernagel, Marcus Brodie, Haley Anderson
Gabe Oliver, Madison Hassell, Megan Mintzler 1, Trey Smith 1, Shelby Bothe-Nylund, Nicholas Cimbaro, Miranda Crucil
Grade 9
Eric Holland, Isabella Brodie, Michael White, Adam Kastor, Taylor Sanderson, Eric Ogrinc, Saki Irie, Hanna Gould
Grade 10
Tristen VanderMeulen, Zoe Douglas, Bailey O'Donnell
Cache Cook, Danika Whelpton, Emily McConnell, Jacob Mintzler, Darby Adams, Bret Shields, Dayton Wales, Parker Thibert, Cassidy Westran
Grade 11
Morgan Grigg, Ryan Grgich, Reuben Howarth, Morton Johnston, Brynn Johnson, Shaylyn Douglas, Brooke Bottcher, Kennady Holland-Krenn
Grade 12
Kassandra Montgomery, Hillary Riel, Destiny Earle, Andrew Silbernagel, Harrison Whitlock, Jeannine Mclntosh, Chance Clarke
Gold List (73-85%)
Grade 8
Seth Stein, Ashlin White, Jake McCutcheon, Hannah Fidler, Larissa Simon, Ryan Francis, James Hunt, David Tomlinson, Veronical Gudbranson, Dillon Marsel
Grade 9
Bethany Herting, Travis Fedun, Chase Rempel, Samantha McEwen, Corey Thompson, Kyle Baird, Vance Goodman, Gale Hatchen, Kate Hamilton, Kodi Lindley, Taneal Whitecotton, Nicholas Nelson, Amika Caruso, Cody Fidler, Kyley Barbeler
Grade 10
Jessica Musgrove, Tyler Warner, Abby Phillips, Shelby Maynard, Tanner Sulentich, Caitlynn Pateman, Alexia Boyd, Connor Clarke, Brolin Antonick
Grade 11
Alex Burke, Stacey Hunt, Cooper Prechel, Brooke Kassa, Kyla Coyne, Justeen Mclntosh, Kassidy McCutcheon
Grade 12
Layne Robillard, Trista Draeger, Curtis Sexsmith, Carmen Brodie, Spencer Huff, Shania Bertucci, Tierra McIvor, Jennifer Hilton
Honourable Mention (67-72%)
Grade 8
Blake Herrick, Dale Furgason
Grade 9
Kate-Lynn Bartlett, Kris Gullason, Hailey Darby 1, Zane Gibson 1, Jodi Mclntosh
Grade 10
Kelsey Fuller, Kylee Holland-Krenn, Will Zheng, Sabrina Harris-Kobelsky
Grade 11
Mason Michaud, Leigha Driver
Grade 12
Hayden Riel, Krystoffer Krenn, Kendall Biro 1, Kendra Hill 1
1 indicates a tie
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three courses at PSS to be on the Honour Roll. Grade 8 and 9 Honour Roll is based on report card marks only.
Homeschoolers Learn Local History!
Students in the Princeton area who are not part of the regular school system (homeschoolers) spend Fridays at Princeton Museum. November 15th the group were visited by long-time resident George Kassa who shared stories of the historic past in the community. Other guest speakers and presentations centred on the theme of Pioneers and Local History.
Remembrance Day In Hedley!
The Hedley Remembrance Day Service on November 11th was attended by 92-year old veteran James McCullogh (second from right) who was assisted by Alda McCulloch. In the words of Electoral Area G Director Angelique Wood, McCulloch "proceeded with pride but difficulty to the Cenotaph to place his wreath." Remembrance Day Services were held across the Similkameen in Princeton, Hedley and Keremeos.
November 12, 2013 - News Leader
COUNCIL GIVES BYLAW THIRD READING
Town of Princeton Bylaw No. 883, 2013 that will amend the Official Committee Plan Bylaw No. 808, 2008, moved one step closer to adoption at the November 4th regular meeting of Town Council. A motion made by Council Doug Pateman and seconded by Councillor Marilyn Harkness, gave the amendment to the bylaw third reading. It received first and second readings at the October 7th Town Council meeting. The amendment resulted following a review of the new Zoning Bylaw (No. 880, 2013) land use map and when it was being compared to the Official Community Plan land use map an error was noted. The error on the OCP map showed a portion of Town owned land near the landfill, more specifically the rifle range at 304 Laurie Currie Way, was in the wrong land use category. The OCP map had it identified as being in the Country Residential (CR) category where it should have been in the Industrial (I) category. A public hearing was held prior to the November 4th Town Council meeting which focused on the OCP Amendment and the Zoning Bylaw where a couple of presentations were made but did not adversely affect either of the bylaws. The Zoning Bylaw basically replaces the Town of Princeton Zoning Bylaw No. 646, 1994 and did the Town of Princeton receive the result of two grants. Funding from both the 2013 Age-Friendly Community Projects & Planning Grant and the General Strategic Priorities Fund and Innovations Fund were used to update the existing zoning bylaw, which was a priority of Town Council's in 2012. Urban Systems assisted with workshops and meetings and used data gathered to produce a final draft of the new zoning bylaw. The Town of Princeton Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 808, 2008 Amendment (304 Laurie Currie Way) Bylaw No. 883, 2013 and Zoning Bylaw No. 880, 2013 will be adopted at the November 18th Town Council meeting which will bring conclusion to the process of updating the zoning bylaw.
REMEMBER TO BURN SMART
The arrival of cooler weather announces the beginning of wood stove heating in our community. With access to a plentiful supply of wood and wood byproducts, it's no surprise that a large percentage of Princeton and area residents use wood and pellet stoves to heat their homes. Princeton, like so many communities in the interior, is located in a narrow valley. This geographic location, combined with frequent temperature inversions, results in several days during the winter months where wood smoke and other air pollutants are trapped and accumulate into levels that are hazardous to our health. According to the BC Air Quality website, "wood smoke is much like cigarette smoke, containing a mixture of tiny particles (called particulate matter, or PM) and gases. The smaller particulate matter, PM2.5 can be breathed into the deepest reaches of our lungs. They are associated with serious (sometimes fatal) breathing and heart disorders. Particulate matter also tends to pick up other hazardous pollutants, giving them a free ride into the lungs." The BC Ministry of Environment has set clear air quality standards aimed at reducing air pollution and improving the health of the province¹s citizens. They are working with industry to turn more wood waste into energy and encouraging companies to use the cleanest available technologies. In addition, they provide information to BC residents aimed at improve air quality.
Here are some things that we can all do to improve the air we breathe:
- Instead of burning your garden leftovers, use the leaves, clippings and branches to make compost or wood chips (mulch). Or you can take your garden materials to the landfill site where they will recycle it, free of charge.
- Don't burn your garbage or building materials (e.g. plastics, tires, garbage, painted wood, paper and cardboard). These can release very toxic substances when they are burned. Reduce your waste by avoiding over-packaging. And recycle everything you can.
- When you burn wood to heat your home, make sure the combustion is efficient, releasing the least possible amount of smoke:
- Wet or green wood produces a lot of smoke. Wood should be properly seasoned in a dry place for at least six months.
- Do not burn wood that is treated, painted, or laden with salt from exposure to sea water.
- Use an efficient, certified wood stove that's just the right size for your home. Install and operate it correctly. Overloading your stove or starving the fire of air are both harmful.
- Think of your neighbors' health, not to mention your own ‹ avoid burning when the smoke won't dissipate from the area, such as on cold, clear and calm nights.
- Be aware of the "no-burn" periods in your community, and don't bend the rules! (BC Ministry of Environment: BC Air Quality). For more information on ways to improve our community's air quality, visit the BC Air Quality website located online at www.bcairquality.ca/plans/index.html.
Town of Princeton Bylaw No. 883, 2013 that will amend the Official Committee Plan Bylaw No. 808, 2008, moved one step closer to adoption at the November 4th regular meeting of Town Council. A motion made by Council Doug Pateman and seconded by Councillor Marilyn Harkness, gave the amendment to the bylaw third reading. It received first and second readings at the October 7th Town Council meeting. The amendment resulted following a review of the new Zoning Bylaw (No. 880, 2013) land use map and when it was being compared to the Official Community Plan land use map an error was noted. The error on the OCP map showed a portion of Town owned land near the landfill, more specifically the rifle range at 304 Laurie Currie Way, was in the wrong land use category. The OCP map had it identified as being in the Country Residential (CR) category where it should have been in the Industrial (I) category. A public hearing was held prior to the November 4th Town Council meeting which focused on the OCP Amendment and the Zoning Bylaw where a couple of presentations were made but did not adversely affect either of the bylaws. The Zoning Bylaw basically replaces the Town of Princeton Zoning Bylaw No. 646, 1994 and did the Town of Princeton receive the result of two grants. Funding from both the 2013 Age-Friendly Community Projects & Planning Grant and the General Strategic Priorities Fund and Innovations Fund were used to update the existing zoning bylaw, which was a priority of Town Council's in 2012. Urban Systems assisted with workshops and meetings and used data gathered to produce a final draft of the new zoning bylaw. The Town of Princeton Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 808, 2008 Amendment (304 Laurie Currie Way) Bylaw No. 883, 2013 and Zoning Bylaw No. 880, 2013 will be adopted at the November 18th Town Council meeting which will bring conclusion to the process of updating the zoning bylaw.
REMEMBER TO BURN SMART
The arrival of cooler weather announces the beginning of wood stove heating in our community. With access to a plentiful supply of wood and wood byproducts, it's no surprise that a large percentage of Princeton and area residents use wood and pellet stoves to heat their homes. Princeton, like so many communities in the interior, is located in a narrow valley. This geographic location, combined with frequent temperature inversions, results in several days during the winter months where wood smoke and other air pollutants are trapped and accumulate into levels that are hazardous to our health. According to the BC Air Quality website, "wood smoke is much like cigarette smoke, containing a mixture of tiny particles (called particulate matter, or PM) and gases. The smaller particulate matter, PM2.5 can be breathed into the deepest reaches of our lungs. They are associated with serious (sometimes fatal) breathing and heart disorders. Particulate matter also tends to pick up other hazardous pollutants, giving them a free ride into the lungs." The BC Ministry of Environment has set clear air quality standards aimed at reducing air pollution and improving the health of the province¹s citizens. They are working with industry to turn more wood waste into energy and encouraging companies to use the cleanest available technologies. In addition, they provide information to BC residents aimed at improve air quality.
Here are some things that we can all do to improve the air we breathe:
- Instead of burning your garden leftovers, use the leaves, clippings and branches to make compost or wood chips (mulch). Or you can take your garden materials to the landfill site where they will recycle it, free of charge.
- Don't burn your garbage or building materials (e.g. plastics, tires, garbage, painted wood, paper and cardboard). These can release very toxic substances when they are burned. Reduce your waste by avoiding over-packaging. And recycle everything you can.
- When you burn wood to heat your home, make sure the combustion is efficient, releasing the least possible amount of smoke:
- Wet or green wood produces a lot of smoke. Wood should be properly seasoned in a dry place for at least six months.
- Do not burn wood that is treated, painted, or laden with salt from exposure to sea water.
- Use an efficient, certified wood stove that's just the right size for your home. Install and operate it correctly. Overloading your stove or starving the fire of air are both harmful.
- Think of your neighbors' health, not to mention your own ‹ avoid burning when the smoke won't dissipate from the area, such as on cold, clear and calm nights.
- Be aware of the "no-burn" periods in your community, and don't bend the rules! (BC Ministry of Environment: BC Air Quality). For more information on ways to improve our community's air quality, visit the BC Air Quality website located online at www.bcairquality.ca/plans/index.html.
The Fundraising Never Ends!
Outbackjacks Horse Rescue hosted a Flea Market Saturday, November 9th at St. Paul's United Church Hall in Princeton. The tables on site offered various items including clothing, preserves, collectibles and many great early Christmas gift ideas. A portion of the proceeds collected during the event was donated to the church.
Tulameen Raises The Roof!
November 05, 2013 - News Leader
FAIR LOOKS AT TIGHT MONEY
The annual agricultural fair lost money this year. Attendance was poor, particularly for the Saturday evening entertainment. When the Agricultural Fair Association met on October 29, they agreed they will no longer host a Saturday evening dance and there will be no alcohol served during the fair next year. The cost of such entertainment is high and has given no returns for three years in a row, leaving the Fair Board with an extremely tight budget for the 2014 fair. Members of the Fair Association decided to hold a series of basket raffles during the coming year in order to raise funds for activities at the next fair. The first will be a Christmas goodies basket. Concern about the huge knapweed problem was discussed at the October 29 meeting. President Dan Kastor is trying to access the resources of experts, and would like to see a plan developed between the fairgrounds management and the Town of Princeton for dealing with the knapweed problem. The next meeting of the Fair Association is the annual general meeting to be held at 6:00 PM at the library conference room on November 28. New members are always welcome.
HALLOWEEN PARTY HELPS COMMUNITY
The annual Halloween party was great fun for everyone. Special mention goes to Northern Lights Fireworks and pyrotechnician Gerry Brooks. Special Thanks goes to Town of Princeton, Copper Mountain Mine and Princeton Rotary Club, who chipped in to pay for the fireworks. Princeton Rodeo Club, Racing Days and Fair Association split the cost of the food and drinks for the party. French fries, hamburgers, onion rings and hot beverages were prepared in return for donations to Kokanee Swim Club or Posse Junior B Hockey. The swim club received $449 and the Posse received $360.90. Admission to the party was free but people were asked to donate a non-perishable item or two for the Christmas hamper drive. People were very generous and kicked off the hamper drive with about $200 worth of food. The United Steelworkers added $200 cash to the Christmas hamper drive. Organizers of the Halloween event did an excellent job, The Spook House, constructed by Doug and Jim Bernard, was a hit. Face painting, crafts, games and treats made the night exciting for youngsters of all ages. Fire Department volunteers kept the bonfire burning safely, helped the Posse with games, and emergency service personnel helped all around. The Halloween party takes a lot of effort, and it could not happen without all of the volunteers who manned the concession and worked in the Spook House and children's play areas. Sadly, there were very few volunteers the following morning to do the clean-up work. It was done anyway. This is the final event of the season at the fairgrounds. The public portion of the grounds will be shut down this week, leaving only the barns
area in operation.
The annual agricultural fair lost money this year. Attendance was poor, particularly for the Saturday evening entertainment. When the Agricultural Fair Association met on October 29, they agreed they will no longer host a Saturday evening dance and there will be no alcohol served during the fair next year. The cost of such entertainment is high and has given no returns for three years in a row, leaving the Fair Board with an extremely tight budget for the 2014 fair. Members of the Fair Association decided to hold a series of basket raffles during the coming year in order to raise funds for activities at the next fair. The first will be a Christmas goodies basket. Concern about the huge knapweed problem was discussed at the October 29 meeting. President Dan Kastor is trying to access the resources of experts, and would like to see a plan developed between the fairgrounds management and the Town of Princeton for dealing with the knapweed problem. The next meeting of the Fair Association is the annual general meeting to be held at 6:00 PM at the library conference room on November 28. New members are always welcome.
HALLOWEEN PARTY HELPS COMMUNITY
The annual Halloween party was great fun for everyone. Special mention goes to Northern Lights Fireworks and pyrotechnician Gerry Brooks. Special Thanks goes to Town of Princeton, Copper Mountain Mine and Princeton Rotary Club, who chipped in to pay for the fireworks. Princeton Rodeo Club, Racing Days and Fair Association split the cost of the food and drinks for the party. French fries, hamburgers, onion rings and hot beverages were prepared in return for donations to Kokanee Swim Club or Posse Junior B Hockey. The swim club received $449 and the Posse received $360.90. Admission to the party was free but people were asked to donate a non-perishable item or two for the Christmas hamper drive. People were very generous and kicked off the hamper drive with about $200 worth of food. The United Steelworkers added $200 cash to the Christmas hamper drive. Organizers of the Halloween event did an excellent job, The Spook House, constructed by Doug and Jim Bernard, was a hit. Face painting, crafts, games and treats made the night exciting for youngsters of all ages. Fire Department volunteers kept the bonfire burning safely, helped the Posse with games, and emergency service personnel helped all around. The Halloween party takes a lot of effort, and it could not happen without all of the volunteers who manned the concession and worked in the Spook House and children's play areas. Sadly, there were very few volunteers the following morning to do the clean-up work. It was done anyway. This is the final event of the season at the fairgrounds. The public portion of the grounds will be shut down this week, leaving only the barns
area in operation.
Atamanenko Announces Retirement!
After three terms in office, NDP MP Alex Atamanenko has announced that he will not be running in the next election. "I've been proud to serve the people of BC Southern Interior," said Atamanenko. "As I look ahead to retirement in two years, I'd like to thank my constituents for electing me to represent their interests in Ottawa." Atamanenko has served the people of BC Southern Interior since his election in 2006. In that time, he has held several critic portfolios, including Food Security, Rural Affairs, and Agriculture. "I'd like to thank Alex for his contributions to our caucus and our movement," said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. "He has been a great representative for BC Southern Interior."
Good Luck, Jen!
Similkameen Country's Colleen Christensen will miss Jenifer Sparkes, above. Sparkes finished her time at the Keremeos InfoCentre last week. She had been working there since the beginning of summer and in addition to various Similkameen Country related tasks, Sparkes became a valued assistant to Christensen. Jenifer moves to the Lower Mainland this week to follow up her post-secondary school plans. Good luck, Jen!