Merritt Herald April 2, 2026

CANNABIS SHOP CHOPPED

Merritt City Council voted unanimously against the opening of another retail cannabis location.

ULTRA RUNNER THE LAST ONE STANDING

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

Local endurance athlete Mark Nendick ran more than 300 km to take home first place at the Fatdog Backyard ultra marathon on March 14.

A backyard ultra marathon is a “last person standing” endurance race where athletes must complete 6.706 km loops every hour, on the hour, until one runner is left standing. The race, held in Abbotsford, has no set finish line, and racers must choose how they wish to complete their laps.

Some racers opt to run faster laps, allowing for more rest time at the cost of expending more energy, while others prefer to conserve energy at the cost of less rest. “Strategy and mental toughness are as much a part of success as physical fitness” according to the Fatdog event website, and Nendick says he made sure to learn from his first attempt at the race in 2025.

“I lasted for 28 hours last year, came in fifth place. I made a bunch of mistakes, I was just inexperienced,” said Nendick.

ORGAN DONATION MONTH

April

Organ Donation Awareness Month,

Want news straight to your inbox? Scan the QR code to subscribe to our daily newsletter.

MERRITT RUNNER: continued on page 20

Tony Luck MLA for Fraser Nicola

MERRITT AI CENTRE SET TO GO LIVE

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Almost one year in the making, Bell Canada’s new AI data centre is opening in the next few weeks in Merritt.

The facility was first announced in May 2025, when the telecom giant announced it is opening six AI data centres in B.C. creating what they call “the country’s largest AI compute project.”

Mayor Mike Goetz called the project a “smart, forward-looking investment in Merritt’s future.”

“Bell’s decision to invest in Merritt reflects our unique strengths — clean energy, affordable land, and a central location that connects key regions of B.C.”

In terms of computing power, the five-acre site adjacent to the Merritt Municipal Airport is set to open with 6.5 MW of gross capacity, allowing the Merritt data centre to be “specifically engineered to handle AI’s most intense computational demands”, according to a release from Bell Canada on March 25.

“Powered by BUZZ HPC’s specialized high-density, liquid-cooled infrastructure and accelerated GPU compute, the facility provides the design,

m.ah a temEEwuh Solar

implementation and scaling expertise required for complex AI workloads, including inference and training.”

A need for water conservation

The data centre is set to work on a closed-loop water cooling system, conserving water usage. The water is recirculated continuously in sealed pipes or coils that cool the servers without directly exposing water to air. Because the water isn’t evaporated to the environment, losses are minimal. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, closed-loop systems can reduce freshwater usage by up to 70 per cent compared to an evaporation system.

The Herald reached out to Bell Canada for more details on water usage at the Merritt facility, with Bell AI Fabric

President Dan Rink stating that the closed-loop design does not draw from municipal water resources.

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 your thoughts

March 17 to April 16, 2026 The EAO is seeking public feedback on the initial project description

In-Person Open House

March 31 | 4:00-7:00 pm PT

Logan Lake Recreation Centre

31 Chartrand Avenue, Logan Lake, BC April 7 | 12:00-1:30 pm PT Online Info Session

To register, visit the link or QR code on right.

COUNCIL VOTES DOWN NEW CANNABIS STORE

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

City council voted unanimously against approving One Plant Cannabis, a retail cannabis store proposing to open up shop within the Railyard Mall plaza.

The proposed location at 108 - 1700 Garcia St. would have been the fourth retail cannabis location in Merritt, and under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, needed a positive recommendation from city council to be issued a retail store license.

Hundreds of pages were submitted in opposition of allowing the fourth store to open, with many citing their opposition to a large chain retailer pushing out local store owners, and a need to bring more diverse business to Merritt’s downtown

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to walk downtown and see that downtown is really changing. A lot of our former retail space has been turned into office space, and office space isn’t really productive,” said Steve Hagen, the owner of Quilchena Cannabis. “I’m not against competition, but I don’t want to have to compete with a Wal-Mart like chain that has 77 locations across the country.”

Councillor Manuel Olguin also questioned the necessity of opening up a fourth store when other cities like Kamloops have considerably less cannabis stores per capita.

“When we as a council review an application from the outside we need to understand what the benefit is that it

brings to our community,” said Olguin. “If it’s a product or service, I usually look into whether that product or service has been provided within the community or not. In this case, we already have three locations in our community.”

Councillor Wendy Charney agreed with Olguin and with the many community members opposed, but added that she was also concerned about the health risks to Merritt’s youth.

“I think that a fourth store would saturate the market and our market is already served adequately, so I don’t see the necessity.”

— Merritt City Councillor Wendy Charney

“I think we as a council have to support

local businesses over chains, I think that a fourth store would saturate the market and our market is already served adequately, so I don’t see the necessity,” said Charney. “I wanted to go one step further. Cannabis is not a gateway drug, but long-term use can have health risks, psychosis, anxiety and depression. A fourth store would make the availability of cannabis much greater, especially for our youth. T hat’s where I have a concern, in cannabis consumption for our youth.”

RCMP SEIZE CASH, FIREARMS IN DRUG BUST

the home and arrested on-scene.

A search warrant on Nicola Avenue has led to the seizure of a number of items consistent with drug trafficking.

On March 27, Merritt RCMP alongside the Southeast District Emergency Response Team executed the warrant on a residence in the 2600 block of Nicola Avenue, where multiple people were found inside

During the search, officers seized a quantity of suspected drugs, cash, firearms and other items that could be related to the drug trade.

“All of the officers involved demonstrated strong teamwork and professionalism during this investigation,” said Staff Sgt. Josh Roda of the Merritt RCMP. “Removing illicit drugs and weapons from our community

remains a priority for this detachment, as these items pose a significant risk to public safety.”

All those arrested were later released without charge pending further investigation, which remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on the investigation or a nything related to criminal activity in the Merritt area is encouraged to contact M erritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.

TORY LEADER TOURS MERRITT AMONG FORESTRY CRISIS

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

The interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives took a whirlwind tour of Fraser-Nicola MLA Tony’s Luck’s riding on March 28, with a stop at the Aspen Planers facility in Merritt to talk shop. Trevor Halford was named the Leader of the Opposition in B.C. in December 2025, when former party leader John Rustad resigned. He and Luck, who also serves as the Critic for Municipal Affairs and Local Government in Victoria, were joined by Conservative Critic for Forests Ward Stamer.

The trio met with local forestry leaders to talk agriculture,

“If we keep going down this path, we may not recognize this industry in a few years, and we may never get it back.”

— Conservative Critic for Forests Ward Stamer

economic development and access to e ducation.

“Forestry workers are being squeezed from every direction from fibre availability, allocation, stumpage, to red tape,” said Stamer.

“If we keep going down this path, we may not recognize this industry in a few years, and we may never get it back.”

Luck said that within his riding, he has been hearing from those in the once-proud forestry sector that they are being left behind.

“Programs are disappearing, industries are being strangled by red tape, and young people are being pushed out of the communities they grew up in. We have to be courageous enough to change that, to bring opportunity back, to restore common sense, and to make sure our kids can stay, work, and build a future right here at home, where they were born and raised.”

Halford added that “families are fearful and communities are uncertain”, while placing the onus on the provincial government in power.

“The NDP has left those relying on a living forestry sector high and dry.”

N’kwala School 2026/27 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

ART-TASTIC!

DIXON: HEALTHY MEALS FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS

BONNIE DIXON Healthy Conversations

When I was young, Easter meant a full house—about 14 people gathered around the table. The morning was all about Easter baskets, brightly colored eggs, and, of course, chocolate bunnies. Dinner was simple and familiar: ham, macaroni salad, Jell-O, and soft rolls. It was joyful, comforting, and full of tradition.

Today, many of us are looking for ways to keep that same warmth while adding a fresh, healthy twist. The good news? It’s easier than ever to create a spread that’s both fun and nourishing for everyone at the table.

One of the simplest ways to modernize your gathering is with a vibrant charcuterie board. Think beyond meats and cheeses—fill it with high-fiber, nutrient-rich options like mini carrots with hummus, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and whole grain crackers. It’s colorful,

inviting, and encourages everyone to snack mindfully. If you’re looking for something new to try, red lentil crackers they are a delicious and easy homemade option. Packed with protein and fiber, they pair beautifully with veggie pâté or your favorite dips.

Lettuce wraps are another crowd-pleaser. Add a fresh veggie tray or a bright fruit platter to balance things out. For a modern take on a classic, try a high-fiber macaroni salad. Use whole grain pasta and mix in diced cucumbers, mini tomatoes, celery, red onion, and olives for extra crunch and flavor.

Want to surprise your guests? Thread pineapple chunks and grapes onto skewers for a simple, naturally sweet treat that both kids and adults will love.

HEALTHY: continued on page 7

This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

BROOKMERE RESIDENTS AGAINST KRV CLOSURE

Editor,

The Brookmere Property Owners Association (BPOA) formally objects to the Province’s decision to decommission the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail, and to the lack of meaningful engagement and consultation with those stakeholders who will be directly and negatively affected.

The community of Brookmere exists because of the Kettle Valley Railway. The Trail remains an important part of our history and culture, and features strongly in regional tourism and recreational opportunities. For over a century it has connected Brookmere with other communities in the Nicola and Similkameen Valleys.

Furthermore, the eight kilometer stretch of Trail between Brookmere and Coalmont Rd. is a vital alternate route for the residents of Brookmere. In cases of emergency evacuation, which Brookmere has experienced several times in the past decade, it serves as the only alternate evacuation route from the Brookmere Rd. It does not require a large vehicle or four wheel drive to utilize, and therefore is safe and accessible for all residents. In three separate incidents of wildfires in the 2000s the KVR trail was used for evacuation, taking people safely to the Coalmont Rd. This portion of the trail is not as heavily damaged as other sections and would require minimal effort and expense to return to a roadworthy state. In fact, a stretch of this trail was flood damaged 20+ years ago and subsequently repaired by Brookmere residents with excellent results.

While the BPOA and residents of Brookmere understand that the Province must prioritize infrastructure funding and focus on critical infrastructure, our community maintains that the KVR is critical. The BPOA also refutes the estimated cost to repair this section of the trail, which is far more straightforward and less complex than many sections that have been revitalized and brought into public use in the past.

The BPOA requests an immediate pause to the deactivation plans and calls on the Province to come to the table with the BPOA Board, alongside other stakeholders, to discuss alternatives and solutions that will preserve and maintain our longstanding and integral use of the KVR Trail, respecting our right to have an adequate say in decisions that drastically affect our community.

– The Brookmere Property Owners Association Brookmere, B.C.

HEALTHY, YET TASTY EASTER TRADITIONS

For light entrées, consider serving spanakopita or a hearty vegetarian lasagna. These dishes add comfort and flavor while keeping things balanced and satisfying. And of course, no Easter gathering would be complete without a few chocolate eggs to

finish—because some traditions are just too sweet to change.

Gatherings are about connection, laughter, and sharing good food. With a few thoughtful choices, you can keep traditions alive while supporting the health and energy of everyone around your table.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you believe gaps in local services are holding back Merritt’s economic growth?

Have your say at merrittherald.com How do you think the 2026 wildfire season will compare to 2025?

KENGARD MANOR COMES DOWN

Selective demolition of the Kengard Manor apartment complex got underway Monday, the same day a twoweek extension of food and housing subsidies offered to the displaced residents officially ended.

The now-demolished north wing of the Kengard Manor complex incurred significant fire damage on March 16, while the south wing was engulfed in smoke but did not burn, explained Merritt’s Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson.

If the building must be demolished entirely, the fire department could be forced to conclude their investigation of the c ause of the fire, Tomkinson went on to explain.

Meanwhile, the Merritt Chamber of Commerce is working with a group of Merrittonians to decide how best to distribute the funds collected on behalf of those displaced by the fire.

The ASK Wellness Society’s housing team connected with 62 residents in the aftermath of the fire, said Cher Doolan, director of operations for ASK Wellness in Kamloops and Merritt.

Over the next month, City representatives will be visiting areas throughout the community, including mobile home parks and strata developments.

The sole purpose of these visits is to collect accurate location and addressing data to support the new Next Generation 9-1-1 system and updated mapping.

Currently, some locations do not have proper address points, which may make it difficult for Police, Fire, and Ambulance services to respond quickly in an emergency. This work will help ensure faster, more accurate emergency response in the future. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve public safety in our community.

This federally-mandated requirement is funded through a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN APPROVED

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

Merritt city council voted unanimously to implement the new and improved Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) at a scheduled city council meeting in March.

The new plan has many similarities according to Fire Chief David Tomkinson, but has been updated to use the newest information available, and has a slightly changed geographical scope. The updated CWRP was designed by Blackwell Consulting, a forestry consulting service established in 1988 based out of North Vancouver.

According to the document, approximately 58 per cent of the area covered in the CWRP is privately held land, and represents a majority of the infrastructure and values at risk. Roughly 30 per cent is crown land, and just 5 per cent is municipal land, most of which being parks and green spaces.

“It really breaks in to having two foundational parts, where one foundation part is a localized risk assessment for the plan area, a large part of this incorporates various locally identified values at r isk, and it also incorporates spacial wildfire threat analysis,” said Quentin Schmidt, a registered forester with Blackwell Consulting. “That generally uses the three overarching components of the fire behaviour triangle, so fuel, forest types, weather and topography.”

The contract for the plan was originally signed in April of 2024, and went through

2- day

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

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

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

: $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

For More Information:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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

Mike Davidson 250-378-1828

Email: MDavidson@emconservices.ca

months of background review of previously community wildfire plans, as well as how other municipalities with similar risks adopted CWRPs.

Schmidt says that consulting was key during the process, and that in the summer of 2024 they began the field assessment stage to put a draft together to be reviewed by Merritt Fire Rescue and B.C Wildfire services in the fall.

The plan then went through more adjustments before being finalized in early 2025. Schmidt says that the plan can be used in a number of ways, to inform updates for municipal plans, to expand emergency response capacity, or to expand pre-existing FireSmart education programs or fuel treatment programs.

“Wildfire preparedness continues to be an important priority for our community,” said Fire Chief David Tomkinson. “These efforts earned the city of Merritt the community resilience recognition award in 2023, presented by Firesmart B.C.”

The plan also continues the efforts of previous programs for community members to help prevent wildfires, like scheduled chipping days and free pick up for flammable plant materials.

“That’s all been 100 per cent funded through grant funding. So no rooftop taxes have paid for any fuel mitigation or any of those other mitigation activities,” said Tomkinson. “I might as well just stand on the soapbox right now. We don’t know the future of the CRI (Community Resiliency Investment) funding right now with the provincial budget that’s been put forward, but we’re anxiously waiting.”

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS – 2026/2027 ANNUAL BUDGET

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

A public budget presentation will be made to interested stakeholders at the Merritt School Board Office and live streamed (instructions to be provided on the school district website news feed). Representatives from our rights holders, schools’ Parent Advisory Council (PAC), District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), teacher and support staff unions, principals, and members of the public are invited to attend this meeting to review provincial funding, district projections for enrolment, as well as provide more specific information regarding the district’s annual budget. Stakeholder groups and members of the public are welcome to outline their priorities and provide input into the budget planning process during the question period. The meeting will commence at 5:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

First reading for the new Budget bylaw will be presented at an Open Board Meeting, May 13, 2025, 6:00 PM with second and third readings scheduled for the Open Board Meeting, June 10, 2025, 6:00 PM.

PLEASE NOTE:

Representatives from stakeholder groups or members of the public can also make a presentation to Finance Representatives in private if they so desire. Individuals or groups interested in making such a presentation must contact the Secretary Treasurer at mfriesen@sd58.bc.ca by April 15, 2025, to arrange a meeting, supported by a written submission.

BASS COAST WINS CHANGEMAKER AWARD

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

The Bass Coast music and arts festival took home the Changemaker of the Year award earlier this month at Women In Music Canada’s honours ceremony in Toronto.

The award is given to individuals and organizations driving significant change, mentorship, and gender equity in the Canadian music industry. Bass Coast won this year’s award for their efforts in harm prevention and reduction.

This year’s nominees included Micah Smith of Crescendo Fest, Neesha Hothi of Neesh Communications, Gabrielle Rubaine of Music Managers Forum, Tara Barnes of Thunderhaus Management, and Andrea Graham, Liz Thomson, and Stacey Forrester of Bass Coast Music Festival.

“We started out very small, it was just me and a few of my friends, some of whom were nurses, just setting up a little tiny harm reduction space, and over the years as we’ve built trust in Merritt and anchored ourselves, we’ve grown,” said Stacey Forrester, Bass Coast’s harm reduction manager for the last 13 years. “My team is now a team of about 65 people. We have around the clock harm reduction services for people who are in non-medical crisis. We’ve developed our own training program so when volunteers sign up for that team they go through a course before arriving on site.”

Forrester has been the harm reduction

FRIENDS &Neighbours

MORE HELP NEEDED FOR BASS COAST 2026

manager of Bass Coast since the festival moved to Merritt in 2013, and has seen the festival grow year over year.

According to data gathered by Bass Coast, the festival generated approximately $4.3 million in direct spending in Merritt and Nicola Valley in 2025, and 77 per cent of festival goers stopped in Merritt for groceries, fuel, meals, and other supplies.

“We really want to be good guests to the community of Merritt and to the land that we’re on,” said Forrester. “That’s very central to the way Bass Coast operates, that includes not being a drain on local resources. There was one year where a woman came in and took stuff for her grandchildren off the supply table. It’s nice to also be able to offer resources to locals.”

Part of being a good guest to the community is making sure that the event is as safe for everyone involved, says Forrester, including volunteers, guests, staff and artists. Bass Coast’s award-winning harm reduction program includes partnering with Interior Health to introduce drug testing, creating detailed policy and implementing new proactive efforts to prevent sexual violence.

“It was just such an honour to be nominated… When we won it was quite a shock but also quite an honour,” said Forrester. “Everyone we were able to connect with said we set a new norm in the industry. It’s not just about those four days, it’s about setting a really strong example for other events.”

Contributed

This year’s theme is “into the deep blue”, and guests are encouraged to wear blue or bring blue accessories. The festival has already announced its first round of featured artists, including Canadian electronic music veteran Daphni, Addison Groove, Bushbaby and more. This year’s

iteration of Bass Coast will also have a number of new and exciting art exhibits, like headsets for augmented reality experiences on site.

The Bass Coast team is still looking for more community volunteers, and is hiring for a number of paid positions as well. Information on those positions can be found on their website at basscoast.ca.

BROTHERHOOD THE GOAL AT MEN’S EVENT

and this community truly need.”

Event Details

The morning will feature a full breakfast, a panel of local men, a keynote ddress, and a bit of friendly competition to foster that essential spirit of amaraderie.

- What: Men of Mettle Pancake Breakfast & Event (Open to all men)

- When: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Doors open at 9:00 AM

- Where: The Hall of Honour, Merritt

- Purpose: Leadership, mentorship, and raising funds for the Tiny Sparks Foundation (tinysparks.ca).

Tickets available at Nicola Valley Sports or Community Futures, or at the

“As we look toward April 11, the invitation to the men of Merritt is simple,” said MacDougall.

“Come for the breakfast, stay for the brotherhood, and leave sharpened.”

ORAL HEALTH HYGIENE TIPS FOR KIDS

Proper oral hygiene starts at a young age, with routine maintenance the key to your child’s healthy mouth.

Dental visits typically are bi-annual events to maintain oral health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a dental visit for everyone at least once a year, but some people may need to go to the dentist more frequently. Dentists do more than offer a polishing and pat on the back each visit. Brushing and flossing can remove a lot of bacterial film and plaque on teeth, but not all of it. Dental visits help remove it more thoroughly. Dental visits also give dentists a chance to spot signs of dental and oral health problems, offers Penn Dental Medicine. Dentists look for signs indicative of oral cancer and other cancers. Dentists also offer guidance about generalized oral care. The importance of visiting the dentist cannot be overstated. And dental checkups are something that both children and adults should participate in regularly. Parents may wonder when they should begin to focus on oral hygiene for their children. This timeline can help guide the process.

Before teeth erupt

Children are not born with teeth, but keeping their mouths clean is still important. From birth to the arrival of the first tooth, experts recommend gently wiping your baby’s gums, tongue and inner cheeks with a damp washcloth or gauze after feeding to remove bacteria and prevent plaque formation. This helps a baby grow accustomed to the sensation of oral care.

The first tooth arrives

The Better Health Channel says the first tooth usually appears around six months of age. When this occurs, you should brush the tooth with a soft children’s toothbrush and water twice a day. Speak with a pediatrician before using fluoride toothpaste at this time, as there are conflicting recommenda -

tions. As more teeth e rupt, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and help toddlers and preschoolers learn to brush their own teeth. The American Dental Association says parents should supervise the brushing process until children are around age seven or eight, when they’ll have the dexterity and skill to handle the task alone.

Visiting the dentist

Stanford Children’s

Health advises parents to bring their child to the dentist for a first dental visit by 12 months of age, or within six months of the first tooth erupting. During this visit, the dentist will advise about baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, teething, pacifier use, and finger-sucking habits. Children typically are advised to see a dentist every six months, just like adults.

It is essential that parents emphasize strong oral health care skills so kids grow accustomed to visiting the dentist at an early age. This can set children up for a lifetime of oral health.

April Is Organ Donation Awareness Month

HOW TO SAVE A LOVED ONE

Sydney Ross was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age, and a perfect match with her aunt has now led her to a normal, fulfilling lifestyle.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

A local kidney transplant recipient is sharing her story to teach the importance of being an organ donor, whether it be a stranger or a loved one.

Sydney Ross was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at a young age. She was only 12 years old when she found out she has Henoch-Schonlein purpura, otherwise known as ‘HSP’, which causes the small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed.

“You get these kind of purlpe bumps all over your legs from the blood vessels bursting,” said Ross. “I would occasionally go into kidney distress or kidney failure if I got sick.”

Kidney damage is the most serious health issue linked to Henoch-Schonlein

purpura, where the risk is greater in adults than in children. She was placed on immunosuppressants, which helped at the time, though it served as temporary ‘bandaid’ solution to the problem.

“By the time I was 15 or 16, my doctor wanted to take me off of them because she knew I would need a transplant eventually anyways and she just wanted me to be healthy for awhile.”

After being off of the medication for a few years, HSP reared its ugly head at the age of 19 when Ross suddenly went into acute kidney failure. It was time to start looking for a new kidney.

“My kidneys had been kind of stable at about 60 per cent, and then all of a sudden, within a couple of weeks, they went down to about eight per cent, which is next to nothing. It was pretty terrible.”

Adding insult to injury was the peak of

COVID-19 in British Columbia, meaning Ross could not be taken on by an adult nephrologist (kidney doctor) right away after spending her lifeprior in pediatric care.

“I was at home for about a month, basically in kidney failure. I was so sick, I kept having to go up to emergency and they would say ‘well, you need dialysis but there is nothing we can do about it.”

Eventually, Ross was hooked up with a team at Kelowna General, who immediately put her on a catheter to extract all of the waste that her kidneys were no longer able to dispose of.

“It honestly didn’t worked well for me, I was on it for about five months,” said Ross. “It was nice that I could do it at home, but then I got a tear in my lining.”

With fluid starting to build up around her lungs, doctors saw that the sugary

solution from the catheter was leaking.

After spending another week in hospital, next up was a hookup to a homodialysis machine, where your blood is extracted from your body and filtered before being reintroduced.

Dialysis continued for another six months, something Ross would not wish on anybody.

“It’s tough. My mom drove me because I was so sick. It just takes so much out of you, and you can pass out. I would get really nauseous because your kidneys also produce your urine. It wasn;t painful, but when they took your blood, they would also pull your excess fluid and it would dehydrate you...such a shock on your body.”

However, despite a number of setbacks,

TESTING: continued on page 14

TESTING FOR THE PERFECT MATCH

Ross was finally on track with a great team of nurses in Kelowna and, just as importantly, a great support system at home.

“My mom did literally everything for me.” One of those things her mom, as well as her Aunt Kacey and brother, was doing during this time was testing to see if they could be organ donors. Ross’ brother was disqualified due to slight hypertension, something she said really disappointed him.

In the end, her mom was approved, but it was her aunt that turned out to be the best match.

“They test all of your antibodies and they want to make sure they can find the absolute best donor,” said Ross. “That’s why it takes them that long, for them to go through testing for about a year.”

With the approval process complete, the countdown began for the surgery date in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital.

For such a life-altering surgery, the leadup seems endless. Ross, her mom and her aunt all moved down to an apartment in Vancouver, where just a couple days

before the transplant they hit another roadblock in the form of Ross’ COVID-19 diagnosis.

“My surgery was cancelled, and it felt like the end of the world,” said Ross. “We were so ready. We just had to move back home.”

The wait was extended for about another month when the new surgery date finally arrived and without complication. Aunt Kacey was first to go in to the operating room at about 5a.m., with Ross following a few hours later after a successful extraction of the healthy kidney.

“ She was already out of surgery by the time I got to the hospital, and I just remember asking the surgeon, ‘how is she doing? How’s the kidney?’ And they told me Kacey is doing well, and your kidney is sitting in a nice cool bath of saline solution.

“So I just imagined it there, sitting and waiting for me. It was surreal.”

Ross said that she doesn’t remember a whole lot from that day, with medication fogging her brain and memory. She does

DONATION CAN SAVE A STRANGER

: continued from page 14

remember, however, waking up to blood on her sheets, something that was not part of the planned schedule.

Despite that, she was told to expect a hospital stay of one week. She was out in five days.

“You can’t leave until you can get up by yourself and you can walk around the entire unit just to show that you’re okay. Oh my god, it was so painful, but I wanted to go home, so I was able to do it.”

After a long and complicated road, Ross was on her way home with a functioning kidney.

“My kidney was instantly working. It was amazing. Like they said, it was a perfect match.”

So what makes a transplanted organ the touted ‘perfect match’?

“They just tell you that it’s a perfect match and it ended up being that way,” said Ross. “My mom would have been a really good match as well, but Kacey was a bit younger and there’s just so many tiny little things that they test, to make sure that your body won’t want to reject it. My body would still reject it if I wasn’t on immunosuppressants, but it was as perfect as it could be.”

With two sides to every organ donation, Aunt Kacey came out of surgery successfully as well, and just had her second baby about two weeks ago.

“She’s doing really well, She was definitely tired, like I

was feeling better than her because I had a kidney that was working and she had just lost an organ. So I felt better than her for awhile, actually.”

Ross added that Aunt Kacey is doing great now, and that she was incredibly satisfied with how everything went.

“She didn’t like me constantly thanking her,” joked Ross. “She was like, ‘anyone would have done it’. The thing is, not everyone would do it.”

Ross is grateful to have a support system that wanted to help her throughout the entire journey.

“I didn’t ask anyone. She was just all of a sudden testing, and so was my mom, and she was like, ‘well obviously, you’re dying, so why wouldnt I give you an organ?

“She literally saved my life.”

Ross said she still has to be careful, especially out in crowded places. Staying focused on hydration is key to keeping up with the implanted organ, but otherwise, she lives a normal, fulfilling life thanks to the wonders of organ donation.

“You have to think of it like a princess, you just have to take really good care of it,” said Ross. “Keep it hydrated, keep it happy. That’s what it wants is water, I drink a ton.”

The surgery date that changed Ross’ life forever was Sept. 12, 2022, the day she was afforded a new lease on life. A transplanted kidney should last about 20 years in its new host, when Ross said she will be prepared for the journey all over again.

Be an Organ Donor Gift the Gift of Life

“I might need even two more if I live long enough. I’m not out of the woods yet, but I don’t like thinking about needing another organ. I just like thinking, I’m good for now.”

Ross understands and is grateful for the support system she has had around her during her lifelong battle with her autoimmune disease. She also understands just how much more taxing it can be for those who don;t have such valuable resources.

“It can be years on the waitlist,” said Ross. “It depends on your blood type.”

Enter what Ross calls ‘the kidney chain’.

“ Say my mom wasn’t a match for me. She could still donate her organ to someone else. And then whomever they had for organ donation, even though they couldn’t give it to their loved one, that person could get that kidney.

“It’s called a kidney chain and it speeds up the process. So you can eventually get an organ through someone that you don’t know.”

Ross’ story is a strong reminder that there is a match out there for everyone, and everyone can pitch in whether they match with a loved one or not.

“Some people die waiting on the list. Sometimes you never go on.”

GO GREEN FOR ORGAN DONATION

Green Shirt Day takes place each year on April 7. It is a day to raise awareness of organ donation and register organ donors across Canada. Championed by the parents of Logan Boulet, a young hockey player on the Humboldt Broncos who became an organ donor after the terrible bus crash that took his and 15 other lives.

Canadians were inspired to rally together in support of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team in April 2018 following the tragic bus crash that killed 16 people.

Logan Boulet, a 21-year old defenceman, was one of the players who did not survive. He had registered as an organ donor just weeks before and had spoken to his father about his wishes a year before.

Logan was able to save or help improve six people’s lives through organ and tissue donation.

Though other victims of the Humboldt crash may have wished to become donors, only Logan died in such a way that allowed for donation to be possible.

organ donors due to one event or person.

This became known as the “Logan Boulet Effect”.

On April 7, the anniversary of the day Logan Boulet became an organ donor, Canadians recognize Green Shirt Day by wearing green and talking about the powerful impact of organ donation. April is also Organ Donation Awareness Month across

The purpose of Green Shirt Day is to honour and remember all the victims and families involved in the Humboldt tragedy, and continue Logan’s legacy of inspiring Canadians to register as organ donors.

REGISTER FOR DONATION AT HERALD OFFICE

Signing up to be an organ donor can save lives, and all it takes is a few minutes.For the month of April, the Merritt Herald will open our office to help anyone who wants to register as a donor - we’ll guide them through the process.Anyone with a BC Personal Health Number can register to be an organ donor - a title you can carry with pride.Stop by the office this month and we can personally help you join the other 1.6 million organ donors in British Columbia.

As news spread of Logan’s generous act, thousands across the country and world were inspired to register as organ donors.

More than 100,000 Canadians registered to become organ donors in the weeks following the tragedy—the largest number of Canadians registering as

Green Shirt Day shows that there is always hope, even in the most tragic situations.

The Broncos’ team colours are green and gold. Green is the colour of organ donation awareness.

Visit GreenShirtDay.ca for more information or to order an official shirt.

FIVE TIPS TO PREPARE TO FILE YOUR TAXES

It’s almost time to get income taxes in order. Certain tips can make the process go more smoothly.

Tax season isn’t something most people look forward to, particularly if they suspect they owe money. However, a few tax prep tips can make the process of filing a return and, if necessary, paying back taxes as pain-free as possible.

1. Call your tax preparer early. If you use an accountant or another tax preparer, be sure to book the appointment as soon as possible because slots f ill up quickly. You don’t want to wait until the last minute and find there are no remaining appointments.

2. Establish a tax preparation folder. Beginning in January, certain documents will arrive in the mail that will be needed to file your taxes. Documents include earnings statements, banking interest statements and documents indicating investment profits. When items arrive, stash them in your tax folder so you’ll have all necessary paperwork at the ready.

3. Avoid tax scams. As tax season draws near, tax scammers target unsuspecting individuals. You may find that you receive calls or texts from those

purporting to be with the Internal Revenue Service. However, financial experts say that the CRA will never call you on the phone; their mode of contact is via Canada Post. Another scam is individuals advertising a bigger refund when you use their services. This is not how tax laws work nor is it possible to get a return larger than what is owed. Avoid anyone promising a bigger return, advises Bankrate.

4. Consider increasing health spending account contributions. Lisa GreeneLewis, a blog editor at TurboTax, says HSAs are triple tax-advantaged, meaning you get an “above-the-line” deduction for contributing, and the growth in these accounts as well as withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified health expenses. If you need to lower your tax burden, HSAs may be a safe and legal way to do so.

5. Utilize tax software. If you’re not using an accountant and have a relatively cut-and-dry financial situation, modern tax software can be an easy and inexpensive way to do your taxes. These s ophisticated programs ask a series of detailed questions and the entire process can be completed in relatively little time.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

CROWN RACE RETURNS TO MERRITT

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

Merritt is set for some downhill thrills with the ninth annual Crown Bike Race taking place on June 13.

Known for its grueling experience and taxing terrains, the 120-kilometre full Crown adventure with over 3,000 metres of elevation will test the endurance of bikers to the core, exhausting every ounce of energy left in their bodies.

Crossing the finish line would give a Tour de France-like high after being on the course for almost 12 hours.

“I would like to call this a Type-2 kind of fun. If you are ready to suffer and have a lot of fun, then head to Merritt to participate in the Merritt Crown Race. This race will test all your limits,” said Jeremy Rolle, race director for Heads or Trails, the organizer of the event.

The Merritt Crown race concept was a brainchild of Darch and James Oborne in 2017. The father-son duo began with the intention of celebrating Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary and promoting tourism in Merritt.

“We will have bikers coming from all

over BC and some parts of Canada as well as from the United States of America,” said Rolle.

The registration fee for the Crown race is $217.50. For the Half-Crown 60-km race (1,500m elevation), it is $185.19.

The two-person and four-person relay is $142.11 and $125.95 respectively.

According to Rolle, Merritt’s course offers a unique “all-in-one” experience for bike racers.

“It has a feel of canyons, grassland, steep ascents and challenging downhill. All kinds of experiences are packed in one, which makes it a unique race in terms of landscape,” said Rolle.

While the full Crown race might be the best fit for endurance athletes, the Half-Crown and relay events are perfect for those looking to test their fitness and get a feel for bike racing.

“We will have a Search & Rescue team on site as well as three first aid stations. We will have enough volunteers to swing into action if need be. All participants will have free camping facilities on the race weekend and a complimentary barbecue after the race,” added Rolle.

MERRITT RUNNER DARTS TOWARDS NATIONAL SPOT

ULTRA: continued from page 1

“And so we went back this year with the secret goal to win, but overall just wanted to go there and go as far as I could possibly go.”

To prepare for the race, Nendick says he does regular weight training on top of distance running six days a week, and goes out of his way to train outside in miserable conditions to prepare himself for the potential difficulties of the race.

“The race restarts every hour… so there’s a lot of strategy involved depending on what your goal is,” said Nendick. “For the start of the race I just wanted to take it easy, I was doing roughly 50 to 53 minute loops which was a very comfortable pace for me. That would give me 7 to 10 minutes of rest and then if I needed to do some extra nutrition or I needed a bathroom break then I could pick up the pace and do a 47 or 48 minute loop.”

Ultra marathons offer a number of challenges, balancing nutrition, exhaustion, the weather and more are all part of the preparation and balance of running an ultramarathon, but Nendick says the most

difficult challenge is the most obvious one.

“It’s really freaking long,” joked Nendick. “When you want to go far in a race like this you have to make peace with the fact that you’re going to be there for a long time. The first 24 hours when you’re going to go alone is monotonous, because you just want to get to the race part, but you have to pay the 24 hour toll to get to the good part.”

When the first 24 hours had passed and the last few competitors remained, Nendick was faced with the very thing that ended his run prematurely in 2025, pouring rain, but this time around, he had learned from last year’s mistakes.

“When I did it last year I was not prepared properly, I didn’t have the right jacket, I didn’t have the right clothes. I got wet last year and it probably ended up being what took me out,” said Nendick. “This year in between loops I was changing out jackets, changing out hats, I changed out shoes back and forth. You’re obviously always going to be wet, but there’s a level of comfort when you can change clothes.”

Once all the other racers have dropped out, the winner is required to do one final loop to secure their place as the last person

standing. After 49 hours Nendick said the feeling of having one last lap was “surreal”.

“I didn’t think he was going to stop at 50, I was mentally prepared to go for another day,” said Nendick. “When he decided to stop, the feeling of elation, I couldn’t believe I’d done it. I trained for months leading up to this event.”

The Fat Dog Backyard Ultra is a bronze ticket race, meaning winning it doesn’t guarantee a spot on the Canadian national team. Bronze ticket races do provide athletes with the chance to be entered into a wildcard-like pool where those with the longest runs can be chosen to be one of the 15 athletes to represent Team Canada in Sicamous this fall. Nendick’s 50 loops currently has him as a frontrunner for one of those spots.

Despite the toll the race took on Nendick, he’s already begun training for a silver ticket event on May 2nd, and winning that race would mean guaranteeing his spot on team Canada. Nendick says that the ultramarathon community has been extremely supportive, and that until the last few runners are left standing the event feels more like a festival than a

competition. He says he believes the main message is that anyone can be healthy at any age, and that taking care of one’s body can help people live more fulfilling lives.

“I want to thank my family, Kelly, and my kids. The training is grueling, events are grueling, they’ve made space for me to do that. Without my family I’m not doing these races.”

Nicola Valley Junior Native Hockey

says a big

THANK YOU

to all who made our 36th Annual Jr. Hockey Tournament a rousing success.

• To all the fans who came out and visiting teams from all over BC

• The reffing crew led by Dave Garcia

• Max Bose and his timing crew

• Deliliah Dick, Annie Major and Doreen Harry and others at admittance and raffle table.

• Cheslie and Sondra Tom on registration

• Robert McLean, Dee Dee Coutlee on first aid crew

• James, Carl, Rober Moses Jr., Celo Sue, Phile S, Phil D, & Landon on gopher duties

• To all who contributed to the hockey program

• Coaches and managers of all teams for a very difficult job, well done.

• Merritt arena and Shulus arena crews, thanks for all your hard work.

• Kim Harry and all workers who sold 50/50 and so many others. Thank you for your splendid work.

We really appreciate the businesses in the community that supported our tournament. The tournament generates a lot of revenue for the community and we hope to gain continued support for years to come.

It takes a lot of dedicated workers to complete 65 games so thanks everyone, Sorry if we missed anyone.

Yours in hockey - Wiliam “Punch” Bose

ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND FOR JUNIOR NATIVE HOCKEY

Hundreds of skaters both local and across B.C. and Alberta converged on Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and Shulus Arena for the 36th annual Jr. Native Hockey Tournament.

Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) MOVING AFTER MANY YEARS IN THE SAME HOME CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) specially trained to help seniors and their families navigate this transition 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

If you or a loved one are considering a move, I would be happy to help answer all your questions

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

PHOTOS/CONTRIBUTED

Top left: U9 Champion Barnes lake Bucks

Top right: U11 Champion Nicola Valley Grizzlies

Middle left: U13 Champion Stampeders

Middle right: U15 Champion Syilx

Sharpshooters

Bottom left: U18 Champion Okanagan Eagles

YOUR DAILY DOSE

of trusted local news headlines, delivered straight to your inbox five days a week.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

4-H CLUB HOSTS COMMUNICATION DAY

The Grasslands 4-H club had recently hosted the communication day of 2026. Members had worked hard, perfecting their speeches, built courage, and gained confidence as young speakers. Every speaker shared something funny, informative or a valuable lesson. Each speaker showed g reat confidence in public speaking and will all grow to have that very important life skill as they go

go towards the club.

A congratulations to our winners of this year’s communication day, who will be moving on to the district level in Kamloops on April 19.

Thank you again for all your support and congratulations to all our 4-H members.

■ Approved mini-storage

■ On-siterentals

■ Secured ■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers

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.

Valerie Shackleton

September 19, 1930 ~ March 18, 2026

Valerie Shackleton passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 at the age of 95.

Born on September 19, 1930 in Ystrad Mynach, a small town 25 miles out of Cardiff in the Welsh Valleys, to Elenor and William Davies.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Dick Shackleton, and her sisters Barbara and Betty.

She is survived by her sons John (Mary-Kate), David (Linda), her grandchildren Stephanie and Trevor and her great-grandchildren Kayde, Bristen and Axton.

Also very special family friends the Nyeste Family; Isabel, Bernadette, Steven, Chad(Kassie), Bret (Stacy) and Bryn (Mitch) and all their children. Also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

2-bedroom apartment for rent in the Sandpiper, 2295 Blair St. Available April 1. References required. No pets. For more information, call Don at 250-378-7502.

• Wages: starting $20 to $28 (depends on experience & attendance)

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

• Will train

CERTIFIED MILLWRIGHTS REQUIRED

CARPENTERS REQUIRED WITH EXPERIENCE

Val grew up in Wales where her parents ran a bar in Hengoed. She was an avid Tennis player and swimmer and had many stories of her time spent in Broad Haven and Little Haven on the coast. She met Dick while they were both working at an office in Newport. They married on January 4, 1955 and moved to Canada shortly after that where they began their family. They lived in Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey and Prince George before finally settling in Merritt in 1968 when they bought The Grand Hotel and the Lariat Motel. They owned and worked the Hotel until it was sold in 1982.

Val had an integral part in helping Loretta Kampa start the Home Care program in Merritt many years ago. She had many dear friends in Merritt who met regularly for coffee at McDonalds until she was no longer able to get out on her own. She loved to laugh and had a wicked sense of humour.

She will be missed!

There will be no funeral service at Val’s request but a Celebration of Life will be planned.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH - 8 AM (lots start closing) REGISTER/BID (coming soon)

Partial List Includes: Trucks, Tractors, Forklift, Trailers, C-Can, Tools/Equipment, Office, Plus Much More!! Viewing - On-Site - Kamloops (address provided closer to Viewing Dates) Thursday/Friday (April 16/17) - 9 am - 4 pm

can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

PAUL BOWMAN

May 19, 1964 - February 13, 2026

It is with incredible grief and sadness I announce the sudden passing of my father, Paul Bowman.

Paul was born in St. Asaph, Wales, on May 19, 1964. At the age of 5, Paul and his family immigrated to Canada. The family travelled across the country to live in BC where Paul graduated high school in Nanaimo. After graduation Paul moved to the interior where he started work in the Logging industry operating a Grapple Skidder for many years and then hauling logs. He changed industries in 2007 after being hired by Highland Valley Copper Mine in Logan Lake where he worked for 18 years as a haul truck driver and a driller.

NOW HIRING

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

FRONT STORE SUPERVISOR/RECEIVER

Location: Black’s Pharmacy | 2037 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC

Job Type: Full Time

Start Date: Immediately

SUDOKU

Paul loved being outdoors; playing slow pitch in the Merritt beer league, golfing, camping, fishing and exploring the back trails. Sundays were for sports. He could always be found in his recliner on these days talking to the TV, telling it how the games should be played.

Paul loved travelling to warmer destinations with his wonderful girlfriend Leah and came to enjoy the cruising life visiting different ports of call and enjoying the beaches along the way.

Paul was predeceased by his stepfather Ron Parkinson. He leaves behind his daughter Michelle (Dustin), mother Rita Parkinson, father Trevor Bowman, stepmother Linda Bowman, brother Gary Bowman, sister Caroline (Bob) Hammond, grandson Logan Hughes and his girlfriend Leah.

I would like to give special thanks from the bottom of my heart to Randy for always being there for my dad. You were, and always will be his best friend. We love ya bud.

Paul wanted to leave quietly and requested that there be no funeral service.

PUZZLE ANSWERS

Black’s Pharmacy in Merritt, BC is looking for a reliable and organized Front Store Supervisor/Receiver to join our team. In this role, you’ll manage the daily operations of the front store, oversee inventory control, and provide exceptional customer service to our valued clients.

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

Requirements::

• Previous retail or pharmacy front store management experience preferred

• Ability to lift and manage stock (up to 40 lbs)

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Familiarity with POS systems and inventory management software

• Dependable, detail-oriented, and customer-focused

What We Offer:

• Competitive wage based on experience

• Staff discounts and health benefits

• Friendly, supportive work environment

TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter to blacksrx@telus. net or apply in person at Black’s Pharmacy, 2037 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC For inquiries, please call: 250-378-2155

1. Absence of difficulty

5. Preserve a dead body

11. Gratitude

14. The act of coming together again

15. More cushy

18. Visionaries

19. Large fish-eating bird

1. Body part

2. Mimics

3. Expel or eject (variant sp.)

4. Sea eagle

5. Taxonomic category

6. Chinese languages

7. Mr. T’s “A-Team” character

8. Consumed

9. Chinese dynasty

10. NFL legend Randy

21. Indicates near 23. Former CIA and CIA critic

24. Icelandic poems

28. Pop

29. Hammer is one

30. Selfs

32. Thyroidstimulating hormone

33. Nowhere to be found

12. Ireland

13. Palm trees with creeping roots

16. Fungal disease

17. Tall, slender-leaved plants

20. Affirmative! (slang)

22. It says who you are

25. Atlantic coast state

26. Grow older

27. Associations

29. Woman (French)

Pennies From Heaven

by Charles L. Mashburn

35. Electronic data processing

36. Drivers’ licenses and passports are two

39. Snake-like fishes

41. Air Force

42. Popular personal computers

44. Stages in ecological succession

46. Wings

31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader

37. Indigo bush genus

38. Burn with a hot liquid

40. Junior’s father

43. Mackerel genus

45. Morning

48. Straight line from side to side (abbr.)

50. Type of molding

47. In the center

49. Pleasantly smooth

52. Jeweled headdress

56. In slow tempo

58. __ Falls

60. Reiterations

62. Eras

63. Hyphen

51. Small, thin or twisted bunch

53. Worn by exposure to the weather

54. Mars crater

55. Humanities

57. Relating to the ears

58. “To the __ degree”

59. Residue when something is burned

61. It cools a home

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.

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.

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

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

Helping homeowners and buyers navigate the spring market with clarity and confidence.

3499 Voght St.

www.royallepage.ca/merritt

Helping you is what we ™do.

Quite a feat for our little town!

We would also like to congratulate Jennifer Kightley on her outstanding achievement of the Royal LePage Ruby Award. This recognition places her among the top 5% of Royal LePage agents across Canada—a wonderful milestone.

Independently owned and operated

In her very first year of sales, Michelle has achieved Gold Certification—an incredible accomplishment. Congratulations, Michelle! Your hard work truly pays off.

Royal LePage is proud to congratulate our newest agent, Michelle Bacon, Licensed Property Manager and Sales Representative.

Merritt Real Estate Services Ltd.

Once you have your letter, avoid “financial shocks.” Do not change jobs, make large purchases on credit, or co-sign other loans, as these can cause a lender to withdraw their commitment.

Maintain Your Status:

Liabilities: Details on car loans, student debt, and credit card balances. Submit the Application: Complete the formal application and consent to a credit check. Online tools can sometimes provide a response in as little as an hour if your documentation is ready.

Assets: Bank and investment statements proving your down payment and ability to cover 1.5% to 4% in closing costs.

Income: Recent pay stubs and a letter of employment (or the last 2 years of Notices of Assessment if self-employed).

Identity: Government-issued photo ID.

Be ready to provide:

Assemble the “Paperwork Package”:

errors that could derail your application.

Audit Your Credit: Most prime lenders require a score of 680 or higher. Check your report early for

Choose between a major bank or a mortgage broker. Brokers often have access to multiple lenders and can find more competitive rates for complex financial situations.

Select Your Partner:

Getting pre-approved is a free process that doesn’t obligate you to use that specific lender. Follow these steps to secure yours:

We would love to feature you in

HOME BUILDER,

YOU A REALTOR,

Don’t be misled by the terminology. A -pre-qualifi cation is a preliminary estimate based on self-reported data and usually does not involve a credit check. A pre-approval is a formal, rigorous process where the lender verifies your financial documents and performs a hard credit pull.

Pre-Qualification: Know the Difference

Pre-Approval vs.

Negotiation Leverage: To a seller, a pre-approved buyer is a “serious buyer.” In competitive urban hubs like Vancouver or Toronto, a pre-approval letter can make your offer stand out against those with financing conditions, potentially speeding up closing by weeks.

The “Rate Lock” Shield: Most lenders guarantee your interest rate for 90 to 120 days. In an -environ ment where fixed rates may face upward pressure due to high bond yields, this lock serves as “cheap insurance” against market fluctuations.

A pre-approval is a lender’s conditional -commit ment to provide you with a specific loan amount at a locked-in rate. It offers three critical advantages in today’s landscape: Precision Budgeting: It moves you beyond “guesstimates” to a verified borrowing limit. This prevents the emotional toll of falling in love with a home that is financially out of reach.

The Benefits: More Than Just a Number

As we navigate 2026, where national average home prices are projected to edge up by approximately 2.8% and interest rates show signs of stability, being “finance-ready” is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity.

In a housing market defined by “measured recovery” and a fundamental reset of expectations, the difference between a successful purchase and a missed opportunity often comes down to a single document: the mortgage pre-approval letter.

The Strategic Edge: Why Mortgage Pre-Approval is Your First Move in 2026 ARE