March 26 - full document

RODEO ROUNDUP

MANUEL REELECTED IN UPPER NICOLA

Dan Manuel has been named to his second term as Upper Nicola Band Chief.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

The results are in, and the Upper Nicola Band (UNB) has its new council.

The polls were busy last weekend as members voted right up until 8p.m. on March 21 to elect its incoming council, filling both the office of the chief and the nine seats available as councillors.

When the smoke cleared, Dan Manuel had been re-elected as the band’s chief, unofficially garnering 249 votes compared to 91 for Yvonne Ned, the only other member in the running for the office. It was the second time that the two ran head-to-head, after Manuel won his first term as chief in 2023 by a margin of just under 100 votes.

Advance polls as well as online saw UNB members casting votes as early as

INCUMBENTS: continued on page 3

FATHER WARNS AFTER TICK BITE LEAVES CHILD NUMB

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

Six-year-old Milo Stevens has fully recovered after a tick bite left him unable to walk last Thursday.

“It was pretty terrifying,” said the boy’s father, Jamie Stevens.

Stevens said that he and Milo’s mother first noticed symptoms last Wednesday when Milo complained of leg pain, something they attributed to regular growing pains until he was unable to walk on Thursday morning.

“We thought maybe it was something neurological,” said Stevens. “The way he was walking was almost like early cerebral palsy, he was shaking a lot, his legs were buckling, any time he would take a step he would fall.”

Stevens said the tick most likely attached to Milo after a hike they took on the outskirts of Merritt on Sunday. Although Stevens did a thorough hair and skin check afterwards, he thinks the tick may have been somewhere on Milo’s clothing and attached itself to him afterwards.

“The pictures make it look like it was really easy to see,” said Stevens. “But they’re very hard to make out.”

Stevens took Milo to the Nicola Valley Hospital, where he says that doctors there were unable to determine a cause and referred him to a pediatrician in Kamloops.

“We were going to go that day and just bypass the pediatrician to get a second opinion at the Kamloops hospital,” said Stevens. “But then we found the tick.”

According to the British Columbia Centre for Disease

Control, tick paralysis is a rare form of paralysis in animals and humans caused by a toxin released by certain ticks, most commonly the rocky mountain wood tick, and the American dog tick, both of which are typically found in interior British Columbia. The paralysis is caused by a neurotoxin found in the saliva of the tick, and typically requires the tick to feed for a prolonged time period for enough of the neurotoxin to build up in the body.

The condition, if left unchecked, can lead to respiratory

failure and potentially be fatal.

The BCCDC states that they typically receive 0-2 human cases per year, and that children are more often affected than adults. The paralysis is reversed with tick removal, but can take up to 48 hours for those affected to return to normal.

“I don’t think he understood the gravity of what happened, even when he was having trouble walking, he seemed to be in really good spirits,” said Stevens. “It was almost like when you sit on your legs for too long and they go numb, he was still laughing and stuff.”

Five days after the tick had been removed, Stevens said that Milo is “pretty much at 100 per cent”.

Despite everything they’ve been through, Stevens says that he, Milo, and his two siblings won’t stop hiking, but advises other hikers to be extra cautious during tick season.

“Don’t just trust your first checks,” said Stevens. “Measure twice and cut once, that sort of thing.”

The BCCDC says to see a health care provider if you experience symptoms within 30 days of getting a tick bite, and that it’s possible for a single tick to carry and spread more than one disease.

For tick identification and testing, British Columbia residents are encouraged to submit a photo to the eTick program for identification via eTick.ca, and if signs of illness occur, residents are encouraged to see a health care provider immediately.

INCUMBENTS BACK ON UPPER NICOLA COUNCIL

election, which is a strong turnout.”

Results came in just before noon the day after election day, with seven of the nine councillors elected in as incumbents, something Manuel said was a “signal that the community is supportive of the work that the council has been undertaking.”

“Not just in the last term, but the previous terms as well, because we have several longstanding councillors.”

Joining the incumbents as new councillors are Valerie Cindy Lindley and Cebo Tom.

“The community is supportive of the work that the council has been undertaking.”

— Upper Nicola Band Chief Dan Manuel

The newest iteration of Upper Band council will hit the ground running with a number of projects already in the works, like the Boulder-Elkhart Wind Project.

“We have a lot of interest in the energy sector, we had two more projects that were submitted in January,” said Manuel. “So we’re hoping to see a lot of success with those, and we will continue to work with our partners to see if we can find a way to get those projects and the power to market.

“We’ve got work in education, we’ve got work in infrastructure, our new community building will be completed this year.”

The Quilchena Community Centre, which broke ground in April 2024, is expected to open this fall.

“Right now we’re looking at completion of the new facility probably near July, and we have a couple of outbuildings that we will want to get completed as well as exterior works to complement the building,” said Manuel.”We want to have those completed before we celebrate the official grand opening, which will likely take place in September.”

Full unofficial results

Brian Holmes (incumbent) - 257 votes

Jeanette McCauley (incumbent) - 247

Matthew Manuel (incumbent) - 236

one week prior to election day, with 342 ballots cast in total, including three spoiled. It is a slight increase from 2023,

where there were 295 votes cast.

“It was a smooth election,” Manuel told the Herald following his win. “Really encouraged by the voter turnout, we got close to 40 per cent of voters this

Dennis MacDonald (incumbent) - 230

Craig Shintah (incumbent) - 227

Valerie Cindy Lindley (new) - 219

Cebo Tom (new) - 215

Kevin Ned (incumbent) - 196

As for the start of his new term, Manuel said he would like to thank all the community members who came out and voted.

“I want to thank all the candidates for their participation in the election process. And, of course, I want to thank my supporters. In particular, my wife and my children for always supporting me in the work that I do.”

FRONTLINEFILES RCMP ASK FOR CRIME-SCENE CLEANUP REPRIEVE

Staff Sergeant Josh Roda provided city council with February’s monthly policing statistics.

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

Merritt RCMP said February was another “steady” month for policing as they released their update for the month.

Total calls continue to rise

Despite 2025 being called “Merritt’s busiest year in recent history” by Detachment Commander Josh Roda, the first two months of 2026 have seen just over a nine per cent increase in calls to service when compared with 2025’s numbers released by the RCMP. The Merritt RCMP detachment responded to 510 calls for service, which is an increase the RCMP called “significant” from the 446 calls recorded over the same period in 2025. This continues the trend of year-after year increases in B.C following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Homicide still under investigation

On Feb. 20, RCMP were called to the 1900 block of Houston St. for a possible homicide, where the victim was identified as Mr. Clive Hack.

The South East District Major Crimes Unit has taken charge of the investigation, and investigators have asked that anyone who may have information to please contact police.

Victim Services urges provincial government to revise legislation

Merritt RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda contacted Fraser-Nicola MLA Tony Luck regarding a concern raised by Victim Services about the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).

Following the alleged murder of Pam Jarvis on Dec. 16, 2025, CVAP advised Victim Services that they could not cover the full expense of cleaning because provincial legislation limits crime scene cleaning reimbursement at $4,000, leaving the family responsible for a remaining balance of just over $2,800.

Roda has asked Luck whether the provincial government will consider revising the legislation to prevent grieving families from bearing the weight of these costs, and to better reflect the actual costs of crime-scene related cleaning.

Court Statistics

February saw a 65 per cent increase in charge recommendations, rising from 20 in January to 33 in February.

Calls for service summary

Officers responded to a wide range of issues in February, but the most notable increase was in assaults, which police said they made sure to take appropriate investigative and victim support measures.

Mental health related calls were also on the rise in February, an effort that Merritt RCMP said “reflects ongoing efforts to support individuals in crisis”.

Monthly call for services include:

- 17 mental health related calls;

- 23 assaults;

- 15 motor vehicles collisions;

- Three business break and enters, and five residential break and enters;

- 14 incidents of theft under $5,000

- Eight reported frauds

- 75 targeted downtown patrols

- Eight targeted vehicle stops resulting in enforcement action.

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HATCHET-WIELDING SUSPECTS CAUGHT

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Three suspects were taken into custody after an attempted theft at the Royal Bank in Merritt.

Just before 4a.m. on March 23, Merritt RCMP responded to a report of an attempted theft in progress at the branch on Quilchena Avenue. Three men were seen trying to break into the ATM using a hatchet.

All three suspects, who are well-known to police, were found and arrested without incident.

They are set to appear in Merritt court on Aug. 8.

ARSON SUSPECTED IN SHOP FIRE

Firefighters battle the blaze in the 2300 block of Priest Avenue on March 23.

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

A fire in an industrial area of Merritt has sparked a police investigation after the cause was deemed suspicious. Merritt firefighters were called to the scene in the 2300 block of Priest Avenue at 6:01p.m. on March 23, with the first truck arriving three minutes later. In total, 14 firefighters responded to the incident with two fire engines. Upon

arrival, crews found the fire extending into two structures.

“It was brought under control quickly, resulting in limited damage to both,” said Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson.

Staff Sgt. Josh Roda told the Herald that police believe that the fire was intentionally set, and the investigation is ongoing.

Merritt RCMP will provide more information as it becomes available.

OR A LOVED ONE THINKING OF DOWNSIZING OR MOVING?

After many years in the same home, the process of selling and moving can feel overwhelming. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) I am specially trained to help seniors and their families navigate these important transitions with patience, understanding and care.

• Downsizing and preparing your home for sale

• Selling a long-time family home

• Exploring housing options for the next stage of life

• Making the moving process easier and less stressful

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

DIXON: ARE YOU HURTING? A GENTLE NOTE TO SELF

Healthy Conversations

Are you feeling stiff, achy, or slow to get moving in the morning? You’re not alone. Many people wake up with discomfort and assume it’s just part of getting older or something they have to live with. But here’s a simple and encouraging reminder: you can move a little and gain a lot.

Start by paying attention to your body. Make a note to yourself when you feel the most discomfort ~ morning or evening. Do you begin to feel better as the day goes on? Noticing patterns can help you understand what your body needs and when it needs it most.

Before you even get out of bed, begin with gentle movement. Wiggle your toes. Rotate your ankles. Stretch your wrists and fingers. These small motions help wake up your joints and get your circulation going. When you do get up, take it slow and steady. Give your body a moment to adjust.

If you spend a lot of time sitting during the day, this is your gentle nudge to break it up. Aim to stand up every

hour, even for a minute or two. Walk around, stretch your arms, roll your shoulders. These small breaks can make a big difference in how your body feels.

It’s also important to maintain muscle mass as we age. Strong muscles help support our joints, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Simple activities like standing from a chair a few extra times, light resistance exercises, or gentle yoga can help keep muscles engaged and working for you. You don’t need a full workout to feel better. Simple, consistent movement is key. A lovely book called A Morning Cup of Yoga offers easy stretches you can do while your coffee or tea is brewing— such a calming way to begin your day. And if you’re looking for connection, there are wonderful chair yoga sessions right here in Merritt. Movement truly is one of the best ways to maintain flexibility, strength, and confidence. Listen to your body, move gently, and remember ~ every small step counts.

A GRAND ENTRY INTO PALM SUNDAY

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have Faith

This Sunday (March 29) marks the Holy Week in the Christian calendar.

Starting with Palm Sunday and culminating with Resurrection (Easter) Sunday,

Christians will celebrate the most important week each year.

Of the upcoming seven days, Palm Sunday reminds Christians once again the difficult course and experience that Jesus undertook some 2,000 years ago. His processional route from Pilate’s judgment hall to the hill called Calvary was strewn with not only sadness but a whole lot of physical and emotional suffering.

What thoughts surged through the minds of the people that day will never be known fully. Those who loved Jesus were stunned and horrified at the rapid pace with which events had moved to the dramatic climax on that Good Friday.

They still looked for something to take place that would relieve this gentle man of his sufferings, but each moment that passed decreased that likelihood.

Those who had never

made a decision concerning him but had seen the loaves and the fish multiply and other miracles that he did, now watched him as he mounted his last pulpit.

But over it all hung a question that even his enemies asked silently to themselves: Why would this man die?

Two of the convicted convicts had committed crimes that were known, but this man had really done nothing. Insistently, we ask this question even after two centuries. Jesus, who was incarnate goodness, bowed his head before the onslaught of Jewish hatred and Roman cruelty – all of his goodness failed to release him from the bonds of suffering that evil forged about him.

For his kindness he received a crown of thorns; for his gentleness a scourged back; for his love he was given a ross too heavy for him to bear. Does it pay to be a good person today? It depends entirely upon the kind of pay that we want to earn.

Jesus had no earthly reward, but his name

today is more profoundly influential than of any other person ever lived.

No weakling could have cast such a spell upon the ages. Only a man who had learned a secret deeper that any that men had hitherto revealed could have pointed out such a way for people to follow.

Ultimately, we find the problem devolves into a question of selfishness or unselfishness. The man who lives for the moment finds his appetites can be met, his desires can be somewhat realized, and his hopes can be fulfilled. But there is a scant happiness to it all. For man was not meant to live like that and no amount of the material serves to meet the deep-rooted needs of his spirit.

Jesus was crucified because of the stubborn convictions of men.

Judas, believing that this Man had tremendous power, attempted to force him to manifest it. He sold Jesus because he firmly believed that once the shackles of Roman authority were placed about him, the Master would call down fire from heaven and consume all his enemies.

Judas had stubborn conviction that he was right and the way of Jesus was wrong.

Jesus is still a menace to

those who would follow their stubborn and stupid convictions as to the way things ought to be done in this world.

He has offered us a way of life and we have not been willing to accept it because we have been convinced in our thinking that we know much more about modern accidental life than he could ever know.

If Jesus really ruled our thinking and we gave over our convictions to his care that they might be molded in accordance with the principles that he laid down, what different world this would be.

If he was really the Ruler, then war as a method of settling international differences by slaughtering large number of children would be no more.

Our narrow, nationalistic outlook would be broadened so that economic interests would not always dictate our foreign policy.

Our racial problems would sink into the background of an understanding that would sweep all else before the flow of its tide.

May God forgive us that even today we carry with the same conviction.

Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.

Will

family be affected by the closure of Collettville Elementary?

When you have 25 people or more owning a hockey club, how do you organize the structure?

Partnership, limited partnership, limited company, or non-profit society?

Those were the questions faced by the group of potential Merritt Centennials Hockey Club owners assembled in the ValNicola meeting room Monday night.

In the end, the group settled on a non-profit society as the way to go.

There’s still the matter of buying the team from Dave (Tiger) Williams. While negotiations still have to be finalized, the number previously presented to the group by Williams was $75,000.

“Tiger’s been asking me ‘is this group serious?” Team Manager Brian Barrett told the ownership group at the meeting.

National Indigenous Language Day - March 31, 2026

e siƛq t te xʷiʔ ʔesłəkʷminstem e nqʷincutnkt

A day we remember/acknowledge our languages.

COLDWATER ELDER LAUNCHES PODCAST

In his new bi-weekly podcast, Jerry Voght talks about his upbringing and the people, places and things that shaped his life.

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

This Indigenous Languages Day, Jerry Voght, a Coldwater Indian Band Elder and nɬeʔkepmxcín advisor for Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), has initiated a new bi-weekly podcast named y éy, reflecting his memories about people, places and

teachings while growing up in nɬeʔkepmx territory. Voght grew up immersed in nłeʔkepmxcin and nłeʔkepmx ways of life. He did not speak English until he was six years old, spending his early years living on the land and learning directly from his family. The first episode, which is out now on https:// shorturl.at/ghWB9, is about his experience with with

səxʷnéʔm and their healing abilities. Distinguishing səxʷnéʔm from the medically certified doctors, Voght said they were “blessed with spiritual powers to heal and cure”.

səxʷnéʔm is the traditional word in nɬeʔkepmxcín. In English, it is generally known as an “Indian Doctor,” referring to a traditional healer.

Recalling his experience with an Indian doctor when he was six years old, Voght narrated: “My dad shot a bear that came after us. The bear was moving, but dying. As a kid, I started kicking the bear. And the spirit of the bear somehow got into me to take me with him. So, what an Indian doctor does, is they can find that spirit. When I went to a doctor three or four times, he said there was nothing wrong with me. He couldn’t do anything, but I was slowly deteriorating. I couldn’t eat or drink. I was down to skin and bones; I couldn’t even sit up. I couldn’t put a spoon to my mouth. My mother told my dad to go get this Indian doctor that we knew. She started to work on me. To my knowledge, when she was working, she was talking to the Creator, and because he’s the one who gives us the strength and powers for healing people.

“On the second or third day she was able to find the spirit of that bear. She couldn’t find it for a while as it was hiding. Then she finally found it and took that bear’s spirit away from me. I started to heal. It took a month and a half to fully recover. It was just like being reborn because I had to learn how to eat and do everything like a baby does. I had to learn right from there all the way back up.

“So, that’s what an Indian doctor can do. They were doctors with spiritual powers. They can do those things that a medically certified doctor couldn’t see.”

In this podcast, Voght also touches upon the concept of things being passed over from the other

SAVING: continued on page 10

SAVING A NATIVE TONGUE

COLDWATER: continued from page 9

side. The other side is the people who have long passed away.

“You would be wondering how is that possible? We have a story narrating an instance a little over 10 years ago where a friend of mine got a medicine bag in a little pouch for (someone who) had passed away a long time ago,” he said, giving goosebumps to this writer.

The podcast is in English language with words and phrases from nɬeʔkepmxcín sprinkled throughout the conversation with podcast host Jakob Knudsen, ʔesknstwexʷ Media Advisor for CNA, who is also an adamant language learner of both nsyilxcən and nɬeʔkepmxcín.

“If I spoke everything in nɬeʔkepmxcín, nobody would understand it because there aren’t many who know the language, sadly,” said Voght, highlighting the grim reality.

Voght’s efforts are channelled to make

Jerry Voght

nɬeʔkepmxcín accessible while trying every possible avenue to promote it.

“Looking at how much the language is disappearing, I’ve have been thinking about what else I could do? We have been trying to record as much as we can to put it across different platforms for people to access the language and learn it. We also small, dedicated groups of people who are trying their best to promote the language. We perform skits where we use the language

CƏCUʔCINM

that’s easy to understand,” said Voght.

Despite all these efforts, is it still dwindling?

“Yes, because nobody has the time to learn it. I know more people are trying to help teach and speak the language now.

Kanaka Bar Indian Band is doing pretty well with their language. I haven’t seen it, but people there are really eager to learn (the language). The biggest change that can happen for the language could be when people start talking at home. If you can find somebody to talk with at home or even talk to themselves… if everybody commits themselves to trying to learn it, it could (make a massive difference).

“I guess time will tell how interested people get in keeping the language relevant with changing times. It is all about how much effort they put into it,” Voght signed off.

Today, Voght generously shares this knowledge, nłeʔkepmxcin, cultural practices, and history, with the people and communities who wish to learn.

HONOURING Indigenous Languages in Our Schools

We are proud that School District 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is able to offer nɬeʔkepmxcin and nsyilxcən learning in our schools—supporting students’ connection to culture, community, and place, and helping keep these languages strong for future generations.

This work reflects our commitment to reconciliation and to learning that honors Indigenous knowledge, with deep appreciation for the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and families who guide and support it. We are also dedicated to working collaboratively with our Indigenous Education Council and advancing our goals through the Local Education Agreements, ensuring ongoing partnership and meaningful progress for our students and community.

AMY SMITH

is our nɬeʔkepmxcin at Nicola-Canford Elementary School. Mrs. Smith teaches language to students from grades kindergarten through grade 7. Amy is from Springs and her grandparents are Geoffrey and Gloria Sam.

Quote from Amy:

Teaching nɬeʔkepmxcin is deeply rewarding. Learning alongside my students and witnessing their pride in the language is a gift—they teach me something new every day.

Sentence in the language:  hénɬè, hé n skʷést Amy. Tuɬ ptétkʷu kn. ce he Geoffrey peɬ he Gloria Sam nskiʔkiyéʔ.

JOANNE MANSFIELD

teaches nɬeʔkepmxcin grade 8,9 at MSS. She also teaches elementary students at Diamondvale Elementary and Central Elementary. nskʷest Jo-Anne Mansfield xeʔɬkʷúpiʔ kəncéme qʷinxíc  skiʔkíyeʔ Creator helps me speak for the Ancestors.

I am so happy for the opportunity for my Ancestors to have happy, rejoicing tears hearing their grands voices speak their Indigenous language.

NEXPETKO JOE

way x̌ast sx̌lx̌ʕalt, iskʷist Nexpetko Joe, kn tl nłqiłəmlx nał sxaxənx. intúm iʔ skʷists Juanita Lindley. inmístəm iʔ skʷists Lennard Joe. istmtímaʔ iʔ skʷísts Patrisha Manual, uł inkíkʷaʔ iʔ skʷísts twi Allard Lindley.

inqaqnaʔ iʔ skʷists twi Barbra Joe, nał insx̌ax̌paʔ iʔ skʷists Percy Joe I am honoured to be part of the language learning journeys for our young people. Our youth are our power, our youth are our future, and our youth and learning nsyilxcen. kʷu swynumtx.We are Beautiful kʷu pax̌pax̌t. We are smart. kʷu sqilxʷ. We are indigenous.

JOELLA MACKENZIE

teaches nɬeʔkepmxcin at MSS (grades 10, 11, 12)

The strongest way to preserve our teachings is through practice, using our language a little bit every day. nɬeʔkepmxcín is the language of this land, the language of the nɬeʔkepmx, and we encourage everyone to incorporate even small moments of language into their daily lives, wherever you are. Those little steps, taken consistently, grow into lasting impacts.

LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF THE SALISH PEOPLES

ciʔ !

Stop it! / Don’t!

xətmistx ! Careful!

xʷustx ! / xʷustwí !

Hurry up! / Y’all hurry up!

nikanáʔ Gee!

ha ‿ kʷ way ? ki, kn way.

Are you ready? Yes, I am ready.

kaʔkín kʷ ‿sxʷúyaʔx ?

Where are you going?

Did you know one language falls silent every two weeks?

On this Indigenous Languages Day, K’en T’em is pledging where Indigenous languages are not only remembered—but spoken, shared, and thriving. For us, nłeʔkepmxcín is not just a language for communication— it is our identity, our belonging, and our pride!

ha uł ? Oh really?

kl kn‿ksxʷúyaʔx

I am going to ___.

nsyilxcən or nqilxʷcn is the language spoken by the Interior Salish peoples, this includes the community of Upper Nicola Band. As with most Indigenous languages, nsyilxcən, is at a critical point for

nakʷm ! I see!

uníxəx!

That’s right!

revitalization. nsyilxcən, a language that runs deep through the roots of the Okanagan people, is just one example of Salish language spoken word that has seen significant decline since 19th century

e siƛq ̓ t te xʷiʔ ʔesłəkʷminstem e nqʷincutnkt a day that we remember/acknowledge our languages

K’EN T’EM LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

colonization. It is the heritage language not only of the Upper Nicola Band, but Westbank First Nation, Lower Similkameen, Upper Similkameen, Osoyoos, Penticton and Okanagan as well.

QUICK COMMON PHRASES

x̌ast łkʷəkʷʕast- Good morning

x̌ast sx̌l x̌ʕal t- Good day

x̌ast sn yak ʷqín - Good afternoon

x̌ast sk laxʷ- Good evening

x̌ast sn kʷəkʷʔac - Good night nín wis łwikłmn- See you later

kʷu kʷukʷstxʷ- Thank you way - Hello.Goodbye/Yes

EARLY WILDFIRE SPOTTED

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Wildfire season is back for 2026, and Coldwater Indian Band is the first to see a dot in the Kamloops Fire Centre on the BC Wildfire map.

A wildfire was discovered in the area of Coldwater Indian Reserve #1 on March 23, growing to almost one hectare in size and still burning out of control one day later at press time.

“We understand that all members of Coldwater are concerned about the fire that is near the community,” reads a press release from the Band. “This is a

new wildfire, not a planned fire. The fire is unrelated to the prescribed burn on the other side of the river.”

The fire is suspected to be human-caused.

BC Wildfire Service is preparing for a heavy season in 2026, with a record number of approximately 2,400 firefighter applications already in for more than 600 positions. Existing contracts are already in place with more than 700 contract firefighters.

To keep up-to-date with wildfires in the Thompson-Nicola, visit www.wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca.

DUMP FEES INCREASED

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Changes are being made to disposal fees at Thompson-Nicola regional facilities, including the Lower Nicola Eco-Depot.

Bagged garbage rates are set to see their first rate change since they were implemented in 2009, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says the adjustment to the concrete disposal fee reflects actual costs associated with transportation and management of this bulky material.

The following changes will come into effect on April 1, 2026:

- Raising bagged garbage fees from $1 to $2 per bag;

- Increasing concrete disposal fees from $30 per tonne to $50/ton;

- Applying a 5 per cent increase to all other disposal fees and standardizing

minimum charges.

A release from the TNRD reads that despite bagged garbage minimum fees doubling in cost, they remain one of the lowest among comparable communities in B.C.’s southern Interior. It adds that the 5 per cent increase on all other existing disposal fees ensures that TNRD disposal rates are in line with neighbouring jurisdictions, and helps maintain current levels of the Solid Waste and Recycling service without relying on additional funding through property taxes.

The region wants to remind community members that most recyclable materials are free to dispose of at many sites, including household recycling, residential yard waste, scrap metal, appliances, car batteries, tires, propane tanks and more.

NVRA BRINGS IN RODEO PRODUCER

2- day

MORGAN HAMPTON

Contributed

The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association (NVRA) held their Annual General Meeting on Mar. 12, 2026, where several exciting announcements were made as the Association continues to work towards some major goals for the beloved yearly event.

Changes included a shake up of several board members. Both Mary MacGregor and Jan Coghill resigned from their positions and Lis Ladyman and Jacqueline Whitecross retired at the end of their terms. All four were recognized for their significant contributions to the Association.

Mark Elliott, Emery Grismer, and Shane Minnabarriet were all named to the board by acclamation, joining current directors Gert Leslie, Greg Alexander, Randy Rogers, Linda Brown, John Parkes, Dennis Garthwaite, and NVRA President Peter Spencer. The NVRA’s annual Volunteer of the Year award went to Julie Leslie who, for the past

PHOTO/CONTRIBUTED

Former bull rider Tanner Girletz has been named the new producer for the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo.

three years has served as team leader responsible for coordinating volunteers for the Pro Rodeo, a number that Spencer noted can reach as many as 100 people during the event.

These volunteers are the lifeblood of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, not only keeping the event running but also working tirelessly to make it the best it can be. This hard work paid off in 2025, when the Canadian

Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) named the event the sixthbest small town rodeo in Canada, beating out some very stiff competition.

“We’ve been trying for the last several years to raise the bar on the rodeo to make it really a first class rodeo,” said Spencer.

“We have a lot of competition… but we felt that if it was going to continue we needed to do

Offering:

2 Day BCCSA Approved Traffic Control Training Course

DATES: APRIL 23rd & 24th, 2026 TIME: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Offering:

BCCSA Approved Traffic Control Course

Location: Merritt Civic Centre - Meeting room 3, 1950 Mamette Ave

DATE: April 1 & 2, 2015 TIME: 8 am to 4:30 pm

something with it.”

Pre-register at https://tcpgateway.bccsa.ca

LOCATION: 105 – 1121 McFarlane Way, Merritt, BC.

Perhaps the biggest change for 2026 is the appointment of a professional rodeo producer, Tanner Girletz.

COST: $300 (taxes included) PAYABLE BY CASH OR CHEQUE

Cost: $300.00 (Taxes Included) Payable by Cash, Cheque, or Money order to Emcon Services Inc. Unit #105 – 1121 McFarlane Way Merritt, BC

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Formerly an accomplished bull rider, Girletz, an Alberta native, has been directing major rodeos since 2017, including the CPRA Finals and the Calgary Stampede.

Girletz addressed the AGM crowd, discussing his passion for rodeo and presenting some of the ideas he hopes to implement, which included the possibility of hosting clinics at the NVRA grounds with the goal of getting young athletes involved in the sport.

Girletz has a Merritt connection through his friendship with the late Ty Pozzobon, who competed alongside Girletz in professional bull riding.

“The director handles all of the contracting with personnel such as stock contractor, announcer, the clown or entertainment at the intermissions, the

BIG STEP: continued on page 14

Mike Davidson 250-315-5979 or Email: mdavidson@emconservices.ca

Mike Davidson 250-378-1828

Email: MDavidson@emconservices.ca

Living

With Loss Support Group

Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6.• Time: 6 - 7 pm Location: Merritt & District Hospice office at Nicola Valley Hospital basement. Please arrive at the back door next to the ambulance bay. For more information: Call 250-280-1701, email: merritthospice@shaw.ca, website: www.merritthospice.org or visit us on Facebook: Merritt Hospice

Provides support and safe space. Starts Tuesday, January 11 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (every 2nd and 4th Tuesday: Jan 11 and 25) Please call to register, drop ins also welcomed Location: Hospice Office, #12-2025 Granite Ave (Location may change) Call

‘BIG STEP FORWARD’ FOR NV RODEO

NVRA: continued from page 13

grand opening, they call the shots on what they want to do entertainment wise,” explained Spencer.

“They also direct the event, so in other words he’ll be responsible for drawing up the schedule, he handles all of the production side in the arena. Whereas the rest of us will be handling things like security, parking, ticket sales, marketing, commercial sponsorships, concession, food vendors, alcohol sales. The administration side.”

Having Girletz on board will help to reduce the workload on the volunteers, and Spencer also hopes that bringing on some board members from the local ranching community will add a new dynamic to the event as well.

“That’s going to give us some input from the ranching and rodeo side that I think will be helpful,” said Spencer. “It’s exciting, it’s putting new blood on

the board but it’s also allowing us to move forward with some events with the aim of producing something that’s really first class. It’s going to be a lot of good entertainment this Labour Day weekend.”

In 2025, the rodeo came close to being a sell out show with only a handful of tickets left on Saturday, the most popular day for attendance. Reaching 100% ticket sales has now become the working goal of the NVRA for 2026.

With Girletz stepping into his role and with new volunteers and board members, the 66th annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo could be the perfect storm of western heritage, small town charm, and bronc busting, bull riding, barrel racing, roping and riding grit that draws attendees and competitors from all over North America.

“This could be a really big step forward for us… it will move us one more step up the ladder to producing one of the best rodeos in Canada,” Spencer concluded.

•

•

shrubs and trees so there are no hiding spots near doors or windows.

• DON’T ADVERTISE AWAY TIME – Avoid posting travel plans on social media until after you return.

• SECURE VALUABLES – Keep jewelry, cash, and electronics out of sight.

a temEEwuh Solar

Logan BC Solar Project Limited Partnership proposes to develop the m.ah a temEEwuh Solar project, a solar power facility located 5 km north of Logan Lake, B.C. The proposed project would produce up to 208 megawatts of power with an anticipated lifespan of 40 years. Share

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

JUNIOR NATIVE TOURNEY RETURNS

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

65 games, five divisions, and hundreds and hundreds of players, fans, family and friends.

This weekend marks the 36th year of the annual Nicola Valley Junior Native Hockey Tournament, running from Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29. On-ice action will take place across both rinks at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and Shulus Arena, with 30 teams set to lace up their skates, the most in the tournament’s almost four decades.

“We’re just about jam-packed,” said organizer Bill Bose, who has been around the rink for the event as long as it has been in the Nicola Valley.

Yet, teams continue to try to lock down their spot right up until the final week of the highly-touted tourney, with Bose adding that with the right amount of manpower, they could fit in three or four more teams in the next few years. For now, it will be a busy weekend for the 20-25 different set of hands that work

tirelessly on the project to make sure it runs smoothly.

“For something that big, I couldn’t do it on my own. I have some very faithful helpers, and they love it too.”

Remembering a brother and a sister

Though games will be well underway by the afternoon of day one on Thursday, the community is invited to the opening ceremonies at 2p.m. at the NVMA where they will host a special celebration of life for both Randy ‘Moose’ Coutlee and Joyce Dick, both of whom have played significant roles in past tournament years.

“He was a very important part of our group,” Bose said of Coutlee, who passed away in January, adding that Richard Jackson Jr. and the firefighters that Coutlee worked with in Lower Nicola will be honouring their brother.

Bose remembered Dick, who passed last year, as someone who “would do

anything and everything” to make sure that the annual event ran smoothly.

“A lot of workers today don’t want to work. But that wasn’t Moose or Joyce, they worked. And Moose was always pushing me, ‘get it done, get it done’. I guess you need props like that in life, he was very special.”

Thursday’s ceremony is set to be a time for celebration of two lives that touched plenty of hearts throughout the tournament’s history.

“We’re not going to go back to crying, we’ve done a lot of that in the last couple months,” said Bose. “We’re just going to honour (Moose) and Joyce for the work they’ve done. I believe we all should have a few moments of life for people to say, ‘well, they were great people.”

A lifelong memory

Nicola Valley may play host to the tournament, but its participants and fans come from far and away across B.C. and Alberta for a chance to participate.

“Within the Indian community, it’s about getting together and being proud to be together,” said Bose. “I’ve actually had kids who end their careers here, they just love coming here. Some of them have come here for 12 years.”

Bose recalled one player from Hope

who came up to play every year, driving himself up last year as an 18-year-old.

“He was almost crying because it was all over. I’ve had a lot of kids say to me that it’s more than just a tournament. It’s different from minor hockey, you can be playing with your cousin, your brother, sister, friend who has always been on another team. So the kids just love the intermingling.”

An economic boost

Bose gives a conservative estimate of 600 players that will be descending on the Nicola Valley for the weekend, and about the same for out-of-town fans. With players coming from across Western Canada, it’s a shot in the arm for Merritt business.

“We’re going to kind of be economically helping our little town that is struggling majorly in a lot of areas. Getting restaurants going, grocery stores, hotels, gas stations, they should all see a little extra boost.”

Action kicks off at 10a.m. on Thursday morning at both rinks, while championship games will begin Sunday at 12:30p.m. Admission for the public is set at $5/day.

CENT SIGNS WITH LOGAN LAKE MINERS

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald. com

A prominent member of the Centennials’ blue line will continue to defend in the Thompson-Nicola area.

Jobie Siemens has committed to play with the Logan Lake Miners this fall, who represent players from both Nicola Valley Institute of

Technology and Thompson Rivers University.

The Kamloops native joined the Centennials when they became a part of the KIJHL in the 2024-25 season, posting a total of 13 points in 73 games with the Cents over two years as a defenceman.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

FOOD BANK NEEDS MEMBERS

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

The Nicola Valley Food Bank’s 2026 membership drive is now underway, and membership can help the food bank secure critical funding.

According to the food bank’s general manager, Derlanda Hewton, the food bank has seen fewer and fewer donations despite the number of community members who use the food bank remaining steady. As a non-profit organization, Hewton says they rely on donations of both money and food to help serve the community.

“We’re dependent on donations, on fundraising events that people put on in the community for us,” said Hewton. “Grants too, yes, but the grants are becoming so much more competitive and the amount of grant money we have received has declined substantially.”

According to Food Banks BC, a provincial association of food banks, there has been a 79 per cent increase in the number of visits to food banks in British Columbia since 2019, and nearly 1.3 million British Columbians are

experiencing food insecurity, 31 per cent of which are children.

“When we go to apply for grants, sometimes they’ll ask us how many members we have, that shows what the support in the community is for the food bank,” said Hewton.

“We help people by trying to guide them on how they can make changes...we help wherever we can.”

— Nicola Valley Food Bank General Manager Derlanda Hewton

“We want to be able to prove to funders that we do have the support within the community.”

Hewton says that the food bank isn’t just there to give out food, but also to provide vulnerable

members of the community with other forms of aid when possible.

“We help people by trying to guide them on how they can make changes, we refer them to WorkBC,” said Hewton. “We help wherever we can.”

When asked about other ways she’s helped members of the community, Hewton was quick to remember a man who came in recently for the first time in many years.

“He said ‘I remember you’. He said he was living off very little income from CPP disability, and I had said if you go and speak with PWD (Person with Disabilities) they may be able to help you,” said Hewton. “He came in yesterday and said that by me suggesting that to him he didn’t have to come into the foodbank for many years.”

Becoming a member of the Nicola Valley costs just $5 for the year, and membership forms can be found online at their website, nicolavalleyfoodbank.com, or in person at 2026 Quilchena Ave. on Tuesday-Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme)

Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St. • 250-319-8823

Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC)

1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Service Time: 2:30 pm • 250-280-1268

Sunday School Time: 12:15 pm

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502

Service Times: Sunday 10 am

Motion Church Merritt

Sundays 10 am

Coquihalla Middle School (2975 Clapperton Ave) www.wearemotionchurch.ca/merritt

CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE: MONDAY at noon. for that week’s paper.

Bryon C.E. Schmidt

January 27, 1943 - March 10, 2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Bryon C.E. Schmidt. He passed away after a brief bout with Cancer on March 10th, 2026.

VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING

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• Steady day shift work

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Bryon will be fondly remembered by his daughter Lorelei (Dave) of Chilliwack, BC, and his son, Mike (Stacey) of Vancouver, BC. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Connor and Kenzie as well as his sister in law, Dawn (Donny) and many nieces and nephews. Bryon was predeceased by his wife, Denise, and his brothers, Bob and Barry, who he missed deeply. Bryon was born in Merritt, BC on January 27th, 1943 and lived the majority of his life in Merritt. He was a well known part of the community for many years, serving as one of the only barbers in town for decades. Many people remember visiting Bryon in the barber shop whether they needed a haircut or not.

In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball and continued playing into early adulthood. He also enjoyed curling for many years but his true sporting love was found in golf. If Bryon wasn’t at home or in the barbershop, it was a safe bet you could find him out at Quilchena Golf Course or the Merritt Golf and Country Club, which he was involved with from its inception until a few years before his death. He had many friends and acquaintances in the community and will be sorely missed.

A small Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring.

I never dreamed you’d go away, Never thought of

Now my life is all confused

Since you went away. You took a part of me And for help daily pray.

But when God sent you to me He never said that you were mine, That I could keep you always –Only borrowed for a time.

Now, He’s called you home, I’m sad and I shed tears. Yet I’m glad He loaned you to me And we had these many years.

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REQUIRED WITH EXPERIENCE LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

Excellent medical & dental plan PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME IN PERSON TO 1195 Houston Street, Merritt BC • 250-378-6161

DATES: APRIL 23rd & 24th, 2026 TIME: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Merritt Civic Centre - Meeting room 3, 1950 Mamette Ave

Pre-register at https://tcpgateway.bccsa.ca Cost: $300.00 (Taxes Included) Payable by Cash, Cheque, or Money order to Emcon Services Inc. Unit #105 – 1121 McFarlane Way Merritt, BC

LAND ACT: Notice of Application

for

a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I, City of Merritt, from Merritt, BC, has applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Thompson Okanagan Region, for a Statutory Right of Way for sewer/effluent line purpose situated on Provincial Crown land located at unsurveyed Right of Way over that part of Section 11, Township 91, KDYD, containing 0.035 hectares, more or less.

WLRS invites comments on this application, the Lands File is 3413910. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Land Officer, Thompson Okanagan Region, WLRS up to May 9, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

LEGAL NOTICE

Renney Egan Payment for your storage Unit #53T , is overdue. Payment is required on or before April 23, 2026 after which all contenfter which all contents will be disposed of. The items will be disposed of after 30 days of the notice being served or posted, unless the person being notified takes possession, or makes an application to the court to establish a right to possession.

Contain It Storage 1750 Hill St. Merritt, BC V1K 0A1 250-315-3000

LAND ACT: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Shackan Indian Band have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Thompson Okanagan Region for a Nominal Rent Tenure for community and cultural purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located at south end of Chataway Lake – District Lots 2795 and 2796, Kamloops Division of Yale District.

WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File is 3400571. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, Thompson Okanagan Region, WLRS, at: PO Box 9012 STN PROV GOVT; Victoria, BC; V8W 9L6. Comments will be received by WLRS up to April 24, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs. gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.