E S T. 1905
g n i t a r b e l Ce
120 YEARS OF THE MERRITT HERALD
A look back on the Merritt Herald - Page 9 to 17
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A MOTHER LOST
TWO-LANE REOPENS
A Merritt man is facing second-degree murder charges after a mother of six died in hospital from significant injuries.
For the first time since the atmospheric river of November 2021, Highway 8 is reopen to two-lane traffic.
THURSDAY, DEC. 25, 2025
merrittherald.com | x.com/merrittherald
PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY SKATING CLUB
GLIDING INTO CHRISTMAS – The Nicola Valley Skating Club held its annual Family & Friends Christmas Skate on Dec. 17. More on pg. 20.
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2 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
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In great location close to park, this 3 bedrm basement entry home on a quiet street. Hardwood & ceramic floors, huge oak country kitchen with open dining rm, 5 bedrms 4 baths, 2 gas F/P’s & 2 bedrm suite.
Country living at its finest, set on 9.91 acres with views of Sunshine Valley. This spacious family home has 4 bedrms, 3 baths, spacious living & dining areas with sprawling deck. The walkout basement has an inlaw suite. Has detached outbldgs for storage.
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2099 CASTILLOU CRESCENT
#35, 1098 HOUSTON ST
Approx. 272 acres of land with great potential for many possibilities. Current zoning is for a development of min. 2 acre lot, within city limits. Rural living within close proximity of city amenities. Fantastic views of the valley.
Expansive home of over 3700 sq.ft. on 5 acres with panoramic views. Home has 1730 sq.ft. on the main with an unfin. bsmt of 1130 sq.ft., 3 bedrms & 2 baths. Being sold “as is where is”. Call for more details.
Fantastic 4 bedrm, 2 bath family home on quiet backside of Bench in desirable area. Spacious living area & functional layout for everyone to enjoy. Features covered front porch, Attached single car garage, large fully useable back yard, ideal for kids & pets. RV parking in back. Close to school.
Like new, 2013 mobile home in River MH Park, with amazing river views from your deck under your gazebo. Home features 2 bedrms, 2 full baths, open floor plan & comes with appliances. Fenced back yard.
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$3,200,000
$568,900
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2438 JACKSON AVENUE
1304 SPRUCE AVENUE
1675 CANFORD AVENUE
1561 BANN STREET
3311S COLDWATER RD
New full side by side duplex, under construction. Live in one side & rent the other. Each unit has 3 bedrms, 2.5 baths, den, large great room, kitchen & dining room. 2 car garage. Comes with A/C, landscaping & New Home Warranty. GST applies
A delightful blend of vintage charm and modern updates, set on a 9,000 sq.ft. lot, in central location. Home has 2 bedrms, 1 bath, and a partial bsmt with rec.room & storage. Has had many reno’s including electrical, flooring & paint.
House under construction – New rancher with open concept style kitchen with quartz counters, spacious living room, central A/C, 2 bedrms & 2 full baths. 2 car garage & covered patio in back. GST applies. Call for full details.
5 bedrm, 3 bath home, close to schools & shopping. Features large kitchen that opens to dining room, large living room on main with a family room on the upper level. Has lane access and lots of parking plus a double garage.
Spacious family home with 5 bedrms, 5 baths, granite counters in kitchen with island. Many recent upgrades of new flooring, paint, light fixtures, solar roof panels & Generac generator. Private back yard is a gardeners paradise.
Semi custom home of 3942 sq.ft. on 5.6 acres along the Coldwater River. Home has 3 bedrms, 3 baths, open Mill Creek kitchen with granite counters, huge centre island, custom ceiling in formal dining room, large family rm, den & a wine cellar.
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2564 COUTLEE AVENUE
1661 BANN STREET
3020 PROSPECT CREEK
2498 CHAPMAN STREET
#305, 1703 MENZIES ST
1407 FIR AVENUE
Charming updated rancher with 3 bedrooms, a bright & welcoming kitchen that opens to living room, perfect for both relaxing & entertaining. The large backyard provide plenty of room to garden. Quick possession.
Spacious 5 bedrm, 3 bath family home with office & family room plus 2 bedroom suite mortgage helper with privat entrance. On large 10,208 sq.ft. lot, with beautiful back yard, valley views & double garage.
9.8 acres, fully usable, along Spius Creek, just 20 mins. from Merritt. 2021 modular home has 3 bedrms 2 baths, vaulted ceilings, large windows, gourmet kitchen with island & pantry, plus a large family room. 2 large sheds.
Charming 2 bedrm, 1 bath rancher on quiet cul de sac, on 0.3 acre lot near Nicola River, with views of the mountains & golf course. Has detached 2 car garage, ideal for parking, storage or hobbies. Subject to Probate.
Great investment in Nicola Apartments! This 1 bedrm unit on the 3rd floor with freshened up kitchen cabinet doors and counter, upgraded bathrm vanity and a full wall unit for TV & books. Currently tenanted.
Approx. 3000 sq.ft. home in good area. Has 3 bedrms up, 2 baths, kitchen has oak cabinets & open design and a large family. Basement has 2 bedrm suite with new flooring & 5 pce bath. Large deck in fenced yard.
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6945 OLD NICOLA AVENUE
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740 KANE VALLEY ROAD
2301 CLAPPERTON AVENUE
Spacious 4 bedrm home on 8250 sq.ft. lot with room for gardering or future expansion. Has large living area that flows into the kitchen & dining space. Has fully finished bsmt. Central A/C, newer HW tank & furnace. Close to school & shopping.
Live the dream on this Nicola Lake waterfront property of 1.83 acres at Quilchena on the lake development. An exclusive neighbourhood of spectacular custom homes. Water & power at lont line. Close to golfing.
Impressive 3,000+ sq.ft. family home in prime location with views over the Nicola Valley. This spacious home has 4 bedrms, 3 bath, recent modern upgrades, updated furnace& a kitchen island. Fenced yard with inground pool.
Spacious corner unit in Lower Nicola MH Park. Home offers 2 bedrms plus den. Enjoy the extra outdoor space the corner lot comes with including large covered deck & 2 sheds. Pad rent $474 per month.
10+ acres with seasonal creek that runs through property. This 3 bedrm 2 bath rancher has a bright open plan with a country kitchen. Property backs onto crown land. Has several outbuildings.
NEW AD – with picture – 2301 CLAPPERTON AVENUE Great rancher for retirees or first time buyers, close to shopping & schools. Features 3 bedrms, 2 baths, and comes with appliances. Has fenced back yard with access to yard for RV parking. Has patio, shed & kennel.
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NICOLA VALLEY
NEWS
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 3
GOT NEWS? Contact Jake at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SUPPORT FAMILY AFTER MOTHER’S DEATH support her six children, with an initial goal of raising $20,000. “Six children woke up today in a different reality than the one before,” said fundraiser organizer Leanne Dixon. “One now in the limelight of an entire town and in the social media eyes of thousands more. Knowing their worst pain. Their complete loss. I, like so many of you, spent the day reeling for each one of them and the heart break that really only they will REALLY feel.... so multiple all your feelings exponentially. Six young adults/youth left to raise
each other...for Pam, her children were her everything. Every child, every sport, every moment. Please help be the family they need right now and beyond, for her.” As of press time on Dec. 19, that goal has been surpassed and then some, sitting at close to $50,000 and still climbing. The GoFundMe description says that the funds will be used for financial stability for Jarvis’ children, to help finish schooling, and simply to “become adults”. The fundraiser can be found by going to www.gofundme.com and searching ‘Pam Jarvis’.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS JAKE COURTEPATTE
and there is no risk to the general public.
The community of Merritt was sent reeling this week after the tragic loss of one of its own and a mother of six. Merritt RCMP received a call from BC Emergency Health Services on Dec. 16 about a disturbance at a home in the Bench neighbourhood. Police arrived at the house with paramedics to find Pamela Jarvis, 45, suffering from significant injuries. She was transported to Nicola Valley Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Charged in her death is her husband, 49-year-old Christopher Bernard Jarvis. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival, but was located and arrested shortly after. He appeared briefly in Kamloops court the following day for an initial bail hearing in a second-degree murder charge and remains in custody. He is set to return to the Merritt courthouse on Jan. 6, and will remain behind bars until then. Merritt Detachment Commander Josh Roda told the Herald that the incident was isolated
A community mourns a lost mother
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Support for Jarvis’ family, including her six children, has poured in in waves across the community. “There are no words that fit what happened this week,” said one supporter on social media. “Pam was kind, caring, and gentle,” said Dana Egan, who owns the Grand Pub and Grill where Jarvis worked as a server. “Loved to meet new people, make silly jokes, and do whatever she could for ANYONE! She loved her job, animals but mostly her children. She’d do anything for them.” A donation jar has been set up at the pub’s location on Nicola Avenue. Tens of thousands raised The rally cries of a small-town community are often the loudest, and Jarvis’ passing is a reflection. A GoFundMe page was quickly created to
PHOTO/THERESA ARNOLD
Conayt Friendship Society in Merritt celebrated its 50th anniversary on Dec. 11 at its location on Quilchena Avenue, joined by family and friends to honour the organization’s founders, staff, directors and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. One of those founders was Pearl Clayton, whose family spoke at the event, including Teri Clayton (middle). To her left is Board President Betty Ann McDonnell, and to her right is Board Vice President Leona Dumont.
4 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
HIGHWAY 8 REOPENS TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC
RSVP 250-378-5151 or info-merritt@workbc.ca Come in person to WorkBC Merritt or connect online!
PHOTO/MOTI
Work continues on Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt.
JAKE COURTEPATTE
newsroom@merrittherald.com
More than four years after it was left devastated by the November 2021 atmospheric river event, Highway 8 between Merritt and Spences Bridge is once again open to two-lane traffic. The major milestone in B.C.’s flood recovery efforts means that 23 of the 25 damaged Highway 8 sites have now been permanently repaired, marking “significant progress” in B.C.’s Highway Reinstatement Program, according to a release from the province. It was overnight on Nov. 14, 2021 that the Coldwater River’s waters began to rapidly rise around the communities of Spius Creek, Petit Creek and Nooaitch. By the following morning, residents awoke to find that the Spius Creek bridge had been washed out due to the unprecedented water flows, setting off a chain reaction that effectively cut off the communities from the rest of Thompson-Nicola. The highway was reopened in a limited capacity 11 months later, thanks to a collective restoration effort between six different contractors and five First Nations bands. Since then, the extensive rebuild has
included reinstating and retrofitting three compromised bridges, constructing two new climate-resilient bridges and restoring 13 kilometres of laneway lost to flooding. These upgrades are expected to improve safety and reliability along the corridor and strengthen its ability to withstand weather-related events. Environmental enhancements were also added along the corridor to help offset the impacts of highway reconstruction, including planting vegetation along stream banks and creating side channels to support fish habitats. These improvements will help accelerate ecosystem recovery following the damage caused by the atmospheric river. The province said drivers should expect intermittent lane closures as crews complete the final work projects, which are scheduled for completion by September 2026. Remaining work includes additional environmental restoration, resurfacing of remaining sections of roadway, removal of two temporary bridges and rip-rap placement at sites 9 and 10 to protect the new structures.
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www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 5
PIPELINE DEVALUATION CANCELLED, TAXPAYERS SAVE Thompson-Nicola taxpayers will not be footing a bill that was estimated to be around $1.3-million. newsroom@merrittherald.com
A proposed pipeline valuation change has been scrapped by BC Assessment, effectively saving Thompson-Nicola taxpayers over $1-million. The ThompsonNicola Regional District (TNRD) was informed on Dec. 17 that after urgent requests to the government body, the previously-planned changes to the valuation of “Gathering and Transmission Pipelines” for 2026 were cancelled. The proposed change by BC Assessment would have decreased pipeline tax values by between 23 and 30 per cent next year, shifting a significant amount of annual TNRD property taxes onto residential and business properties rather than pipeline companies. Instead, it was announced by BC Assessment that pipeline tax values within TNRD boundaries will be increasing by approximately 7 per cent in 2026. “The announcement that the regulated rates
valuation model for pipelines will not change for the upcoming 2026 Assessment Roll Year is very good news for the many regional districts and municipalities that were dealing with the impacts of the proposed changes,” said TNRD Board Chair Barbara Roden. “It’s especially good news for other property classes – particularly residential and business – which would have had to shoulder the burden of the proposed changes. The TNRD would have seen residents
CANNABIS STORE UNITYCANNABIS.CA the Ministry of Finance to request that the devaluation be immediately postponed, to give local governments the time for thorough consultation to ensure fairness and transparency. The change would have shifted 3.3 per cent of the tax requisition for the 2026
“It’s especially good news for other property classes, particularly residential and business.” — TNRD Board Chair Barbara Roden and businesses have to make up $1 million in lost pipeline revenue through increased taxation if the change had gone through.” The valuation comes just two days after the TNRD board wrote an urgent letter to
TNRD budget, with the total amount of property taxes being shifted from pipeline companies to residential and business properties in the TNRD to be approximately $1.3 million each year, beginning in 2026, something Roden said would have
had “substantial negative impacts” for taxpayers. Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz told the Herald in November that he found the devaluation to be unfair, and would be working with Fraser-Nicola MLA Tony Luck to oppose the changes. “The TNRD was one of the first local governments to realize the implications of the proposed changes, and has been leading the way in advocating for these changes to be postponed,” added Roden. “We are grateful that our suggestions have been listened to, and thank BC Assessment and the Province of BC for this decision. “We look forward to working with BC Assessment and the Province to ensure that any future changes are done with fairness and transparency.”
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NICOLA VALLEY
VIEWPOINT
DIXON: FINANCIAL PEACE PLENTY OF WORK OF MIND AT CHRISTMAS TO DO: MLA LUCK BONNIE DIXON Healthy Conversations As Christmas approaches, you may notice yourself vibrating with anticipation… or with dread. That quiet thought creeps in: I have to get something for someone, but the pocketbook is empty. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone ~ and it may be an invitation to pause and remember what this season is truly about. Christmas was never meant to leave us anxious, overextended, or regretful come January when the bills roll in. Some of the most meaningful gifts don’t come from a store at all. A simple card offering to clean a house, share a cup of tea, cook a meal, watch the kids, check in on a grandparent, or walk the dog can carry far more love than something wrapped in shiny paper. It can feel uncomfortable when someone gives us a gift and we believe we must give something of equal value in return. Yet relationships aren’t built on keeping score. They grow over time through kindness, presence, and genuine care. This is also a good moment to look inward. What is your relationship like
with yourself? Are you overgiving? Do you feel spent, resentful, or disappointed when expectations aren’t met? If so, take a moment right now and breathe. Peace begins there. One of my friends is doing something I love ~ instead of more things under the tree, they’re planning a short family trip next year as their Christmas gift to themselves. Memories, time together, and shared experiences last far longer than any purchase. My mother delighted in gifting charitable donations and then telling the recipient about it ~ especially the year she bought goats for families in Africa, which gave us all a good chuckle. Locally we give to the food bank. It is easy to pick up an extra can of tuna, chicken, or other staple to make the holiday bright without overspending. This season, give yourself the gift of peace of mind ~ and peace in your pocketbook. Be a blessing, to others and to yourself. That may be the greatest gift of all. Peace and blessings.
TONY LUCK View from the Legislature As we approach the Christmas season, Wanda and I want to extend our heartfelt wishes for peace, joy, and togetherness to everyone across the beautiful communities of Fraser-Nicola. From Merritt to Lillooet, Hope to Deroche, and every small town and rural valley in between—this is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and look forward with hope to the promise of a new one. Christmas reminds us of what truly matters: family, friendship, faith, and community. It’s a season of giving and gratitude—to lend a hand to those in need, to share a meal with a neighbour, to check in on someone who might be alone, and to celebrate the light and love that unite us all. As your MLA, I’ve been deeply grateful for the chance to represent and serve the hardworking people of this region. Whether advocating for more local control in housing and infrastructure decisions or pressing the government to move faster on rebuilding communities like Lytton, my focus has always been on ensuring rural voices are heard loud and clear in Victoria. This past year, I’ve pushed for faster permitting for fire-damaged timber so mills can stay open. I’ve called for a motion to ask
the Federal government to begin a process of protecting private property rights in the Constitution. And I’ve been fighting to make sure municipalities have the funding and flexibility they need to meet local needs— because the people who know what’s best for a community are the ones who live there. There’s still plenty of work ahead in the new year. In 2026, we’ll continue to stand up for local decisionmaking, economic opportunity, and respect for rural B.C. We’ll be hosting town hall meetings throughout Fraser-Nicola early in the year, and I truly look forward to hearing directly from you—your ideas, your concerns, and your hopes for the future. Together, we can build communities that are stronger, safer, and full of opportunity for the next generation. As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s take a moment to remember the true spirit of Christmas—kindness, compassion, and love. Let’s carry those values forward into the new year, helping our neighbours, supporting our local businesses, and keeping that sense of small-town generosity alive in everything we do. From my family to yours, may your homes be filled with laughter, your hearts with peace, and your new year with hope. Please travel safely, take care of one another, and may your Christmas be as bright as the stars over our mountain valleys. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2090 GRANITE AVE., P.O. BOX 9, MERRITT, B.C. Phone: 250-378-4241 The Merritt Herald is a Canadian-owned, locally operated community newspaper, proudly owned by K’en T’em Limited Partnership — 100% Indigenous owned — and distributed every Thursday throughout the Nicola Valley. Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form must be obtained in writing from the publisher.
PUBLISHER Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
SALES REPRESENTATIVE/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Michele Siddall admin@merrittherald.com
EDITOR Jake Courtepatte newsroom@ merrittherald.com
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.
A VISITOR FOR CHRISTMAS NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have Faith Are you really expecting The Visitor to visit you this Christmas? A modern-day paraphrase of the Biblical story of Christmas can read: And there were in the same country children keeping watch over their stockings by the fireplace. And, Lo! Santa Claus came upon them; and they were sore afraid. And Santa said unto them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people who can afford them. For unto you will be given great feasts of turkey, dressing and cake; and many presents; and this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the presents wrapped in bright paper, lying beneath a tree adorned with tinsel, coloured balls, and lights. And suddenly, there will be a multitude of relatives and friends, praising you and saying, “Thank you so much, it was just what I wanted.” And it shall come to pass as the friends and relatives have gone away
into their own homes, the parents shall say to one another, “Darn it! What a mess to clean up! I’m tired, let’s go to bed and pick it up tomorrow. Thank goodness, Christmas only comes once a year!” The above paraphrase, contributed by a passionate observer and modern-day critique of the festival, sounds dismally discouraging and meaningless. Is that all that the season proclaims? Is that what we are expecting this Christmas? Who are we expecting this Christmas? Are we expecting some, or all of our family home for the holidays? Are we expecting lots of presents under the tree? A four-year old little girl had a wonderful Christmas with lots of gifts. A few days later, she was talking with her older sister about what a great Christmas she had and blurted out: “I sure hope Joseph and Mary have another baby.” God wants to get under our skin. He wants to get face to face with us. That’s why He
sent Jesus. Jesus is God in the flesh come down to earth to get ‘personal’ with us. We are born to live as many years as possible depending on our health and medical care. But isn’t it quizzical that the Messiah Jesus was born to die at the prime age of around 33? Nearly 2,000 years ago, there must have been a very special farewell in heaven, when the Son of God said to His heavenly Daddy, “see you later.” In the New Testament, it says: “Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me…here I am…I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb. 10:5,7). In other words, Jesus was saying to the Father, “Father I understand sacrifices, as provided for in the Old Testament economy, do not cover sins. When a person sins, he has to offer sacrifice, and as he kept on sinning, the sacrifices became meaningless.” This passage gives us a picture of the True Sacrifice. Jesus’ body had been divinely prepared for a specific purpose. Those tiny little hands were formed in Mary’s womb so that spikes
could be driven through them. Those little pinky feet, unable to walk, would one day walk up the dusty road to the cross. The sweet little infant head with the sparkling eyes were formed so that some day men might press a crown of thorns over it. The tender, precious little body, warm and soft, would one day be ripped open. Jesus was born to die and He knew it. Do we realize that the Bible places little emphasis on the birth of Christ? It is simply recorded as a fact – “in the fullness of time Jesus came” – very cut and fry! The Bible gives more space to His life and much more to His death. There was no salvation in Jesus’ birth. If He had come precisely the same way that He did and not died for our sins, then His coming on first Christmas would have been useless. The sinless life of Christ had no redemptive force of its own. He had one supreme reason for being born – to die! Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 7
CORRECTION
An article on pg. 20 of the Merritt Herald, ‘Online fundraiser for Coquihalla crash victim’, incorrectly stated that Katie Chenier is a resident of 150 Mile House. Chenier is a resident of Merritt. The Herald regrets the error. The fundraiser can be found by going to www.gofundme. com and searching ‘Katie Chenier’.
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What area of town needs revitalization the most? QUILCHENA AVE. SPIRIT SQUARE PARKS OTHER
AFromLOOK BACK the Herald archives DECEMBER 22, 1965
ASH TRAYS ARE USEFUL AS WELL AS DECORATIVE Having plenty of ash trays around the house, particularly if you have holiday guests who smoke, is the best way to prevent burns on tabletops and rugs, and at the same time perhaps avoid a serious fire within the home. See to it that you have ash trays in every room, particularly in guest rooms, before the holiday festivities begin, says the Canadian Underwriters’ Association. In additon, ash trays should be emptied often whether you have guests or not.
John and Debbie Isaac, along with their family, James Joshua and Tash Would like to wish everyone they know, As well as everyone else in our wonderful city.
A Very Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
52% 13 12% 3 16% 4 20% 5
8 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com DECEMBER 25, 2025
2026
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DECEMBER 31, 2025
EVE
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GRANTS-IN-AID are provided to non-profit and community groups that encourage innovation or contribute to the community and the goals of Council.
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Grants-in-Aid are provided at the discretion of Council. Applicants are requested to submit an application, along with financial statements and a report on past grants received.
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NICOLA VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE DECEMBER 25 | C L O S E D DECEMBER 26 | C L O S E D DECEMBER 27 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM DECEMBER 28 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM DECEMBER 29 | 8:30AM – 4:00PM DECEMBER 30 | 8:30AM – 4:00PM DECEMBER 31 | 8:30AM – 4:00PM JANUARY 1 | C L O S E D JANUARY 2 | 8:30AM – 4:00PM
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| THURSDAY, Mon. XX, 25 2025 |5 9 wwwwww.merrittherald.com merr hera d com THURSDAY December 2025
120 YEARS OF MERRITT HERALD A look back at the newspaper’s chequered history over the century and a couple of decades i A f J 19 1911
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THE MERRITT HERALD ^ C r o
<<JANUARY 13, 1911 “The circulation doubles that of any other local newspaper” is proudly displayed on the masthead.
i a , ®-
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AND NICOLA VALLEY ADVOCATE
1 1 e Circulation of The Herald is Double T hat of Any Other Local Newspaper
Price 5 Cents
M ERRITT, B.C., CAN., JANUARY 13, 1911
Vol. 7 No. 2
LOCAL MINERS HAVE PLACED FOUR CANDIDATES IN THE FIELD FOR MUNICIPAL HONORS NICOLA VALLEY IN THE' GRIP OF THE STORM THAT HAS PARAUZED THE WHOLE WEST U S I B IIP TRADE l E l l l L f f l :
IT APPROVE OF THE THAT WERE OPERATED OK SLATE MAKERS
COMING OUR WAY /
CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS ON MAIN LINE
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' FOUR GOOD STROKE DTK HOMED B l IRE HIKERS - MR. EISTKODO Mil | ROOD IMPRESSION IT THE HEKZIES' RILE MEETING
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Tuesday’s Passengers on No. 2 Had Narrow [scape at ’Cisco
A t a w ell attended m eeting o f » m*dn* a d °°d run. i hat the position o f ! the m iners in the b ig haU over The Herald the origu,.!.tele , , , , was well taken in evidenced by the T h e storm which has swept M o rgan s store, last Saturday lact lhat lhe alale haa allice across u ie northern pai i oi u*c night, it w as decided to enter four I disorganized and up re have been two continent did not o v en o o x the i or th ree ueseriiuli**. men in the field as candidates for Aside (rum me nomination o f {he local district by an y means. A heie uic m unicipal council boaid. A j miuvr candidates *duiida> night's meetw a s a heavy tail o! snow tim ing Dauot wa* taxeu and th e choice |mg in Meiizies' halt d o not develop Sun d ay night follow ed by a serious tell to David C raw tord , b reu Oay, j anything ol unusual interest. Other decline ot the thermometer. T h e |candidates in attendance were J. A. j L m n c a n M unro and How ell Johns. Menzie-s. Archie* Jackson and T. V. m axim u m cold was 24 degrees ilie reiusai oi A ir. jo n u s to stand, L jurim. Uaac Eastwuod, Mayoralty below zero which was registered I how ever, has resulted in the ap- candidate, was furtnally ei durst o by W ed n esd ay night and even yet I poiuim eut o f N e id M c M illa n as the rnee mg. It is not likely that there K in g Frost holds sw ay, though i uic tuurth candidate. U M w E «. * I woud s election, there are indications ot a model uj A general protest w as entered |n atiure&Sing the meeting Mr. Eastlion. again.il the action ot a tew citizens wood made it clear that he would ai*ud Business generally has been u iio named a slate at a recent a ciean town it elected. He would parahjr.eU ami with two feet ot m eeting in H y la n d 's hall, and in- j use his efforts to prevent grait ul any j LIVE STOCK I |Kinu and to conduct the busi.ics* of the snowTis w ell as the cohl to combat tense w as the uuiignatioii over the oi.y on a strictly honest and busiueathere are very few com ing in iroin I refusal of these slate m akers to like basis, lie knew that there woUid the outside points. Construction |g iv e consideration to the miners, ;>e many difficulties to combat but he s » . a w ork oil the K ettle V alley railway Id do his best and if elected he j O n the other hand the attitude ot I woe u p the C old water had to be suswould ?ee to it lhat Merritt got iu T h e H e rald in condem ning the rights in every way. The platform pended and w ill be resumed as the! ! methods o f the m eeting and ap- organized at a previous meeting waa weather becomes a little warm er. S e & A w vJ B & tij 'p e a lin g for representa'ion for t h e ; reviewed and on each of the planks N in e miles of steel have now been ! miners w as approved, and the j Mr. Eastwood took a firmer stand. His Maid. tddrpss created a profound impression : paper cam e in fur enthusiastic com - j ind he was fr< quern ly applauded. liven the mines at M iddlesboro ! uiendation. Candidates Jackson and Curtin rehad to bow to the w ill of the w ea1 CANAO/AM T h e discussion w as full and f r e e ,' •leweil rii*»ir allegiance to i.he platform ther man and they w ere closed /90RTHERN land it was the popular w ill that; wi>h which was associati d their notnin-, dovyu yesterday and today. T h e iliun. Mr. Cay was of i he opinion lhat ■m e miners should have represeiila- j superintendent reports that w ork •»o man ini«*rcst»-d in Hny way in the [ uon on the council Board. " M in - 1 hotel business should have a place at w ill start ugaiu tom orrow. T h e : m g is uur basic industry. It is the I W council l»oaid. H's* words precipibuilders have had to quit for the ! producing agency and the means of |tated a brief but interesting discussion tim e being and the crew busy in ssubsis ence for ihe town o f M e r - ; of matters temn ranee and though a stalling the electric light plant tind *ew glrtrmv scenes ensued quiet was I ru t, and we should have represent- ] finally restored and the meeting purit im possible to string wire. ation in the cou ncil. ’ ' So ueclared sued its peaceful course. O n the m ainline of the C . P. R. one o f the speakers, and his w o r d s ! conditions have been serious. S e v learned unm istakable endorsation. j eral b ig snow slides just east of | W h e n it came to the matter o f ' F ield completely tied up the line j policy it w as easily apparent that j and there has been nothing through the miners were capable o f grapirom the east since Sunday night. pliug with the most com plex prob- L t u • *• r ^ T ruin N o . 2 from Vancouver has IB leuis. T h e interests of the w o rk been cancelled for tw o days but in g m an w ill certainly be well I N o . 96 is put through every day As the Key to the Hope Pass Merritt is a Strategical Point on the Railway Map protected, for that w ill be one o t . Despite the distresbing weather cod* on ly to be turned at G old en and the principal planks. A s to edu ! seut back as a local, alw ay s several ditions i nd the resultant trouble to cation, the meeting resolved to! wires the press service of The Herald hours late. secure for M erritt the highest |was uninterrupted, and at a reasonable Most of the trouble on the west standard o f education and au ade i hour last night returns were to hand end seems to center around Spuzquate zum and N o rth Bend where huge .. school system. |froui most of the important centres. T h e p atforni adopted at the- jlofe municipal elections had been ia snow slides and drifts m ake ii a lI "'ee tiiig ot lh e slate makers is eas the d, y. most impossible to get trains On the eve of his departure from Despondent because he could not seb o b i n s o n w o n AA81LY O n e of British C d u m b ia ’ s grau u u y apparent, aud would be giasped through. A ll freights have been M l o d l c b b O l o lu C lb ) but l i n i i u c lie Will cure Mora ana wua without lunus bee n id i was rcinuvcu iu m e ucath by anyone. W e know that s a n i-! , _ cancelled. A t the local depot there la k e o v e r the m anagem ent o f the tire Locsiie, age 45 years, eiidetl his life by olu aHK NH , • • a— H i .. J M S a l . Kamloops. Jan. 12—JohnT. Kobinsen as well as adequate fire and WBg re^ 1^ u.(1 Iniiyor of Kamloop. u». has been no freight for five days. clay mines, Hugh Uideapie, fo r some the Sulcitle route at camp No. ~ of the .,1 Oco.Ke e l uu^ail, to.-roer g o v - : niiieni agent ami gold co m in is-; police protection are am ongst the j ay by a big majorit} over two oppoW ire s a ie put up only to go tune boss a t N o. Z mine, was on WeU- Kellie Valley cousiruciloii 1 uestlat ...... MtGill, former | - - f f iChie h evening me guest of honor ai a moridug drowning hiu^eif in the Uolu- siuncr at K am loops. dow n again and there is no end o f h T h e cno j n o re urgent needs o f the town, and nents. Neill W W , • .. smoking concert in the club house at waier river. Leslie come lu M..rrili came sm ulciuv last Saturday morn- these w ill be plank* in our platform P °lice» Owen Norris. trouble. It is the worst sfcn u m U luMlcsl,0,.0. WM| from Hazleton wnere he own. tonsitlerm g amt u as a distinct shock to III*| ^ w ell. T h is declaration soon 200 Norria 24 3, toUl years aud even from W in n ip e g to able expression of the universal tsieem .tble mining property. He has sought employment as cook . i ic-mls UnotighoiH uic province, iouud the concrete form o f resolu- j poiiT^l 474. V ancouver it extends. Vnucou- anil goodwill with winch lie is regarded v e r's usual w arm winter has been ! locttl,y H,‘d « beautiful worded address, vviLh several of the contractors anti j K eUirning a tew days ago from a cion, and w ent through a-sailin g. j por aldermen (six to be elected)— | j : f .. I presented by Felix Graham, put into .'iieeliug with naught but disappoint. . . H H H . i Mat Crawford 341, Temple Corn w ill .. 1 he ka a J i.r n broken by the intrusion of t h e , | g g § | § M 9 lhe maliy | H | g | § ineut finally became despuiideiii anu juiiincy J * t i Lalitorm u . willt . . his son Ulc ■ ■ ■ , 1 w n e„ The mU,nU:1Pal “ mP«W n 18 W M W 340. Richard B ay n fn 314. Ru.hton H B prairie k in g and the thermometer that would otherwise have been said tired of lif*-. 1'hatsu c de wa» premed- ,1C VVa** ,1‘ lie best spirits I.CPI ot oi *1 111 th when wnen Ilora Mml m0re mtereating every day. Bulman 267, W. C. Graham 263; J. L. itated is easily apparent because he |ne rea d icU ins old tioiue I I I K aui- following up the auggeaiiona of The Brown 246, J. F. Smith 238. Gilbert for tw o m ornings w as w ell below j of Mr. Gillespie. zero. T h ere is over oue foot o f ' Chas. Graham was in the chair and nade two d -liberate attempts the lat loops ugaiu. b u o ru y atlerw ard> Herald the miue/s are now taking an Lawrence 169, spoiled ballots 2, total rer of which wae successful. ic was taxen 1 I1 aiui removed lu tetive part tn the fight and have four 473. snow and g o in ** g on the slippery 1 the P" * ™ " 1 'VM * j , compristhg song, reciiaii«»ns, uistrui•r On Sunday he was brought into No. 2 andidatea in the field. The slat pavem en’s IS hard. ! menial music and addrrsses. It was -amp by an Indian who said ihathehao „c » u t f c uc uicu r kT r r : ; r . r o ^ ^ a w . u ; thae“ 'rh* br '8w A t North Bend a light engine one of those good I ) l d fashioned ■ime> found him bv the roadside in a helpless cu.m , it is Uioiigtil luai lie bau »wn position and lo to erate the advent the erection of a new hospital building ’ondit ion presumably effected bv a fall. •iol lu ll) ic tu ic ic u irom the eficets .f miner, imo th. cnnt.st. ran into a stuck train and several! gives j«»v to all and Mr. Gdlespi I E 9 ca^ - d K a" ma: The officers i»f the cninp look charge of cars w ere spilled over the station ! nmst surely have been « pn.u,I David Crawford, Duncan Munro and th® ,ute “tandln*f 433 ,or . t knew that he had so many good mends, Leslie and gave him gm^d aceomnnala- •I a p.iiai) tic stiokc with wmci Fred S. Gay have beeu named as the K ** * platform . N o one w as hurt. It : Graham proponed Ilv* loant to ih* finn and when they left him in his tent .tc waa M iickcu last fail. niner candidates and they should make TAYLO R’S GREAT VIC TORY is the worst I ever s a w " declared Jgu**at of the evening in fel:ci'ous wnrfl m Monday night he was in the best of Kainloot.e» paui tribute to the —------------------ ---------— | Vancouver, Jan. 12— Mayor Taylor Superintendent G rah am and even j and the reply waa a feeling one. Ther spirits iiouorcu tieatl 011 T u e s d a y , when T h e late M r . T unstall came from 1 reV*leCttd by a majority of Early Tuesday morning breakfast m e last remains were laid at rest BGE| as he spoke advices o f further was an abundance of refreshments and . it c i ; 1677, after one of the hardest fought while the elements outside w*re any- ..as taken to Leslie and the peculiar .he fam ous T unstall fam ily m ail(j bitterest campaigns in the history trouble came ticking over the w ire. thing but satifaetnrv th-* me'TV com.lung was that he hid his head under in the cemetery. Busiuess was M ontreal. H is lather was at one of the city. pany were too much absorbed in i h«* suspended and the citizens geuer* The severe weather of the past few pleasure of the evening to give th- the bed clothes though no suspicion was time colonel of a regim ent couspic- j Alexander Morripon, his opponent, aroused, the breakfast being left by the a ll) Jeriucu in givin g expression days together with the large snowfutl frosL king a thought. o f lh a t ! ^ a* , de^ ated ' n ° f,,e lhe , U side of the bed. But larer develop- to the m uvci*al sorrow which hi> nous. .in. the early, settlement played navuc with the Canadian Pacific i i - »- i w *rds hut one. The final count ravo ments disclosed the reason for this threat city. Montreal was Ins birth- Taylor 4577 and Morrison 2900. Tho railway and traffic was utmost comileaih occasioned. T h e late M r. The pronint actions of a few prevented pletely demoralized for several days. the destruction by fire of |l»e offices »>* qu *er act for Leslie Imd made an effort Tunstall w as as w ell known through Mace, and at the time of his death wea*her c^^ditions during the polling ie w as 74 years o f age. C om ing I wer* anytl in r but satisfactory, The trouble appeared lobe g.-neral aud the coal company at Middlesl*»ro on to take his own life by slashin? his *hroat with a razor. Though he inflicted the N icola and Similkauieeii disno section of chi hue bjiw eeii C algary Tuesdav. tfcNRiSE I r n o r t h v a n o o u v b r <eriotis wounds no fatal results followed li i d s as lie was in Kainlooiis, anti iver the W in n ip e g trail in 1862 and Vancouver was without its trials M r. Tunstall went into the C arilioo I Alderman William NcNeish waa School was discontinued tlii week and fearing discovery he walked down and tribu'ations. to the river and deliberately jumped Ins passing w ill be m ourned b) where for 17 years he was in the elected as Mayor o f North Vancouver From Monday evening until early Ixcause of the coM weather. every citizen of this valley. Wednesday nvrning there was no conA. L. Dingee was up from ihe coast through ihe w»t»*r hole in the ice into government em ploy as gold e o m - bv a J " t! ^ ,mntu 1 H,,v- H® * “ . . , opposed by ex-Mavor Kealy H e was a gran d old m an— nection with the west. Monday morn- for a couple of days this week, re- *he r»v- r. When his bndv wa« rescued an a governm ent agent. ______________________ from ’h~ icy waters he was quite dead. everylwwlv’s frieu 1 —-generous t< •nissinner ing's No. 96 was turned at Viuiden and turning on Tuesday morning. . . IT I L B B IN W ESTM INSTER In 79 he came In K am loops in a . . . . . Dr. G. II. Tutill. coroner, was adsent back to the co..st as u local t o ! - * a fault arm endowed with a 1in tun : iilar •« ■, 1 T. Lee re-eb-rled M»T#r T , asT ___ -m capacity to succeedi the .John .. . was . ._____, replace Nos. 1 and 97 they having ueeu ' bank, This alone saved the pa-»ieii„er.- vised an! nr. c *ed» d to th" camp wher* -o f New Westminster ov- r T. J. 1 r«pp. and Character that w ere the ts annuled. The snow plows have hud a Itom a grave disaster because tile eol be immediately organ’Zed an inquest. late John N$*her .w h o had , r ^ w The .Campaign was brief lut exciting. busy time of it aud train crews have listen occurred between the tunnel and •\fter enquiring fully into the «**ri*i»m sence «*t goo«H iiess and kindlmens killed hv the \lcLeans, W ith tlie Trapp represented Hhe element responWoikta uvroicai^y through the cold days the bridge at Cisco. Had the passenger stances the jury retnrn€^l a verdict to N o one appealed to mm in vain, sible for the mcenr civic enquiry. and nights to open up the line wherever oeeh a Utile earlier a catastrophe the effect that deceas'd came ro h"* and theie was alw a y s the same exception of ilu ee vearsat G ranite death hv drowning himself *n the ColdM ORLBT IN VICTORIA C reek, from ’85 to '87, as govern a blockade occured. In the Selkirks- would have occurred. helping hand for those in distress conditions are worsj« than they have North Bend seems to hav e been a water river during a fit of despondency. Figures at a b»*,e hour indicated the metit agent and gold commissioner It mattered not if it w as friend o* been for many winters and at Rogers hard luck spot. Tne tail end tars ul No. 'n Vietori* Ky he had been in K am loops rotitiriu- return of Mayor Pass the trains pass through between 96 jumped the track and were buried in The elec*ric lights will t e turned on stranger, they shared alike, foa majoritv *•( .Wi. f {» I ad * wo oppowalls of snow easily twenty-five fe i several feet of snow. A slock train hv Tuesdav i( the wetther nm«lera»ra. t getterositv. sterling worth of char otislv. It is less than a year since nents, W . E. Oliver and J. F. Tam er. -s hut but , . iu height. he_ w as superannuated. _ came to g ri-f and the cattle almost The plant is in shape an*l it r*-quir-i __ _ L B O IS L A T rR N i n s * 88 TON Passengers on No. 2 Tuesday after- perished. A ouming car was rescued 1 few hours of moderate weather to ncter and a disposition that wa?noon had a close call when the i from an adjoining car of dynamite only complete the wiring. |good fellow ship itself, were Andrew Dickie |^ft yesterday m om -. Virtoria. Jan. 13— 'Hi** p ru isH al train collided with a runaway tender i to set fire to the coal hunkers. Th**n in j amongst it> strongest virtue^. H e ing with his family and has gone to legislature opened yesterday and wil) lhat had broken away from the engine I putting out the flames the turntable Nikola \*aHev’s second tell fair has dead b lit h e lias gone dow n to Clavhurn. where he has accepted^ a ! ^ontinne for five works. Alex. I.urap, attached to a snow plow on the **Y” was filled with wa*er and now no engines K eo fixed for September 7th. the date fhe v#t ilon0rwi _ _ J mn|irn^ i position in the fire Hay mines. The Yale’s new metnher was formally in* a couple of nrles west of Lytlon.. The .jean............... he turned. accidents — Orher - — - .......... - h*v*» ; hav;n ' nrrqn«red a» rip* meet*ng o f) . . * removal of th’s family from Merritt I'rodneed and reeeived with cheers
M ER R IT
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Results of Mayoralty flections Bis C tttra — legislature io Session
FAREWELL FOR MR. GILLESPIE
Popular Mine
TOOK HIS OWN LIFE
GRAND OLD MAN GONE
Official Tendered Address Dee Leslie Was Despondent and Jumped Death of George C. Tunstall Causes Uni-! Into Kiver vtrsal Sorrow Before leaving
THE HERALD GOES HOME
E S T A B _ I S H E D
1905
S P L E N D I D R O A D S L A K E S F U L L O F F I S H
C IR C U LA TE S IN N IC O LA
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The front page of the Merritt Herald, formerly known as The Nicola Herald, when it was published for the first time on May 18, 1905.
Mwalò MERRin, B.C., WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
24 PAGES
M erritt teens linked to rash of car thefts Steph Troughton Herald Reporter
Pilots from Chilliwack were buzzing over the Nicola Valley planting seeds from the air.
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Merritt Secondary School Rodeo Club held its rodeo on the weekend.
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i Column There are good and bad mushrooms in the world of religion. Monte Vigh provides the details.
Adam VIodder (standing) discusses with Scott Abels who is going to play first base for the second inning of a T-ball game at Okanagan Regional Correspondence School Thursday. PHOTO BY COLIN RUMAK
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i Recipe Scone bread makes a nice treat to serve afternoon guests
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I Real Estate Your copy of Merritt Real Estate Weekly has all the latest listings of property in the Nicola Valley.
i Weather May 3 - May 9
Police in Merritt and Kamloops are hoping they put a stop to a rash of vehicle thefts. On May 7 at approximately 4:30 p.m., Kamloops RCMP apprehended five teenagers, four from Merritt, who are believed to be involved in a Toyota auto theft ring. Both Merritt and Kamloops RCMP had been watching for suspicious incidents for a long period o f tim e as both groups o f officers had found num erous stolen Toyotas in both cities. P o lice estim a te about 20 T oy o ta v e h ic le s w ere sto len in Kamloops during the last week. According to reports, Kam loops police saw a stolen Toyota leaving M cArthur Island near M ackenzie Ave. ju st before the teenagers were arrested. Numerous young people were said to have been in the vehicle, then fled on foot as the o fficers approached. The group was arrested with the stolen vehicle. Last week Merritt RCMP had to deal with an incident o f a stolen Toyota pickup from Kamloops that was recovered by Cpl. Mike Orton in the Diamond Vale area. “It (the rash of thefts) was rather strange. Everybody was on the look-out for the stolen vehicles . . . “ he said. The same day Orton recovered this abandoned Toyota truck, a second stolen Toyota pickup was also recovered in the same area. A police report from the Merritt RCMP stated a pickup parked on Clapperton Ave. had been tampered with and was discovered the same day the other two vehicles were found. Also on that day, M erritt police found a stolen 1982 Toyota pickup in the Coldwater River after it had crashed through a fence beside the Coldwater Road near Merritt. Although police hope they have put an end to these auto thefts, they haven’t stopped them all. On Sunday, M erritt RCMP arrested a group travelling south in a Ford pickup truck on Highway 5, Orton said. “No connection has been made with the Sunday night incident. It was a different scenario.” An officer was doing a random vehicle check on the Ford pickup at the Comstock highway exit when he discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Princeton. One adult and three youths were arrested at the time. An investigation into the Toyota thefts is continuing in Merritt and Kamloops.
Skills Now will enhance school district's programs The provincial government’s Skills Now will further enhance programs Merritt School District 31 already has in place. District superintendent Mike Henderson said Skills Now will help the school district by adding new programs and adds that many of the programs introduced in the plan are already functioning in Merritt. The plan was unveiled by B.C. Premier Mike Harcourt last week and will see $200 million pumped into the training of “real skills for the real world” over the next two years. “Our goal is to ensure British C olum bians have the skills needed for new Jobs in B .C .’s changing econom y,” Harcourt said. There are four building blocks the government will tackle with
this new funding and one of those is linking the high school with the workplace. One o f the initiatives in the building block is the mandatory career planning by students. The school district has recently hired Monte Gilchrist as a career preparation coordinator who will be responsible for ensuring students are planning for the future. “One of his major roles is to come up with the skills initiatives,” Henderson said. He added that once these initiatives fall into place the district will be able to tap into some of the money being offered in the Skills Now plan. Henderson said career planning will begin at the grade seven level which is the best time for the student to start planning for the future.
“The ministry wants them to start setting it at the grade seven level.” By getting the plan for the future set at that age level, Henderson said the students will have a b etter idea of which classes are needed to accomplish their goals. “If your plan is to become an engineer, you have to take math 12 - don’t look for the easy way out. “T his m akes them w ant to think about it a little bit sooner.” Another of the points in the government’s building block is the awarding of post-secondary credits while the student is still in high school. MSS is currently w orking w ith the U niversity College of the Cariboo on courses which relate directly to this plan. It was announced earlier this
year that students taking auto mechanics can now opt to work on UCC credits while taking auto class if that is the direction the student should choose. “The UCC is talking to us really seriously,” Henderson said, adding that English 100, a postsecondary entry level English
class, may also be available to students. Because Merritt is linked with Kamloops through a fibre optic telephone system, the English class would be held by an instructor over a video telephone system. “It’s a terrific thing for us.”
Man escapes custody One man facing court in Kamloops tried to escape from police authorities Tuesday morning in front of the Meiritt Provincial Court. Neil Macneil, charged with breaking and entering, was being taken to Kamloops in handcuffs when he got away from a deputy sheriff in front of the Meiritt court house. He was reported to be on the loose for approximately 10 minutes before authorities caught up with him. Macneil will now also face a chaige of escape of lawful confinement.
Pilot offers reward for unsolved plane fire
High
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A M erritt pilot is offering a $1,000 rew ard fo r a crim e th at has gone unsolved. On Nov. 5, 1993 at 2:30 p.m., Ed Gott lost control of his plane when flying over the Nicola Valley. In a single-engine Mooney with two Merritt passengers, Gott crashed his plane into a hillside, approximately five kilometres south of Merritt. The next day people who went to see the wreck were witness to a plane in flame. At the time, police said someone might have set the fire on purpose.
“We know that somebody took property from it which didn’t belong to them later that day so it is p o ssib le,” Ken Porter, the Merritt Staff Sgt, at the time, said. Gott is convinced the plane was vandalized. ’Those bloody things don’t catch fire by themselves,” he said. He is so certain of this fact he feels he will be able to catch the culprit(s) with this reward. “I think for a $1,000 somebody’s going to talk.”
The reward Gott has posted states the $1,000 will be given to the person who gives information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting the fire. Merritt RCMP Cpl. Rick Gardiner said last week it is probably in the interest of Gott to offer the reward as his insurance does not cover mischief. Police did conduct an investigation following the incident, but they came up with nothing, Gardiner said. “We’ve done all we can from an investigation point of view.
“We’re at a dead end.” For about six years Gott owned the plane that was destroyed last year. He estimated its value at more than $40,000. W hat could be salvaged was “ m aybe worth $200,” he said. The reason he didn’t offer a reward sooner was because he feared the people responsible might go into hiding, but he decided enough tim e has past that he might be able to find something out. If people do have any inform ation about the incident, they are asked to call Ed Gott at 378-4516.
MAY 11, 1994 The Merritt Herald has a coloured front page for the first time ever. It is a $50c, 24-page edition. Trend: There was a trace of precipitation during the past week.
SERVING MERRITT AND THE NICOLA VALLEY SINCE 1905
P U B L I S H E D
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No. 51
MERRITT HERALD SOLD
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Thursday, December 24, 1959
Merritt Herald’s office on Garcia Street when the newspaper shifted from Nicola to Merritt in 1908. Pic: Nicola Valley Museum & Archives
Pooley, Mountain High School Closing Re-Elected
Excellent Program
fugitive tender run down grade foi j occurred at North B “tiJ and the yards 1the Kali Fairs’ 1° Nictot a | rltisn (.nlunihis has lost o n f will he generally regretted because I The «nee«*h frnm the Throne forecasted It is with mixed feeling, that I announce the sale of The three miles aud came to grief in a snow . ar« in a badly complicated state. I this week. its best citizens in his passing. they were universally liked. ! mportaut legislation. M=rritt Herald. The new owner, Mr. Oswald Elsaesser will take Harold Pooley a n d James over the first of the New Year. He comes to Merritt from Prince Mountain w e r e returned as r George, where he has been associated with the Prince George On 'Thursdiay evening t h e Commissioners of the Village Citizen. Merritt High School entertained Council. There were 868 names on the their parents and friends at Mixed ifiaelings are unavoid- Country and in British ColumThe Cainada Caife entertained voters’ list and of these 525 or their Annual Christmas Closing. bia. He is a family man who has able in making an announcethe Mldirltt Volunteer Fire De- 60.48% voted. Last year there They provided a very fine conment of this nature. I have been chosen Merritt for his life’s partment at a dinner held in were 716 names and 71.21% cert of music, plays and drills. operating alone a little over 13 work, not only because this the diifing room of the cafe on voted. The young sollsts, Albert A tAnother well attended ‘Shoot’ years, since the loss of my hus- beautiful valley offers desirable Wednesday night. Grace was Results were Commissioners, kinson, Yvonne Suzuki, Eddie I ended with a varity of prizes band—^the late Ernest B. Mayon living conditions but also be- said by Magistrate Peter Moyes. 2 year term; Harold Pooley 425, Moroz, Paul Steffens and Jerry I being given out to quite a nuni— who purchased The Merritt cause the continuing growth of After the dinner, genial host James Mountain 414, Robert Graham were pleasing as was I iber of people. Herald frofn Jim Ellis in Jan- the Merritt district offers a Bill Wong said “ the Mania|gement Turnbull 152. Elected were Har- Nellie Girebliunas reciting. “The j Winners o f Turkeys, Hams uary 1928: so la feeling of satis- challenginig newspaper oppor- and the staff are very happy to old Pooley land James Mountain. Last Day of School.” Amy Dryer and Hampers in the Turkey faction has come to me from tunity. The Council also consists of with the saxophone and John 'T arget Novelty were: S. Godwelcome you, the Fire DepartI feel sure the new owner will serving the district of Merritt’s ment and Corporal Rogers, and (Chairman Allan Collett and MacPherson on E Flat Alto dard, J. Irving Jr., Allan Stef.need for a local paper. I will apply himself to his new task our special guests Mrs. E. Tur- (Commissioners J a c k DeWolf Horn . gave a fine reoidltlon of ificns, K. Lancour, R. Gush, R. always have a warm feeling for with the best interests of the ner, Peter Moyes and Johnny and Ian Bremner, who are com- “O Holy Night” as a duet. The I Lancour, O. Williams, Mrs. Patthe many kindnesses shown to district in mind. And in ex- Biann. I f it had not been for you pleting their 2-year term. choir, in opening chorus and rie,Caroline Hanna, Jack Okert, pressing m y personal gratitude me over the years and treasure closing carols, sang exception- H. Polmans, Bud Lancour. --- ------------------ 0— — — gentlemen we would not have to readers, advertisers and citithe ifriendships I have made. ally well. The majorettes added The Bow and Arrow Shoot a Canada Cafe to wedcome you However, the timie has come zens generally, for the friend- to. We thank you very much color in their precise and d if- .which proved quite popular with to turn the Herald over to ship and cooperation: I bespeak and wish you a very merry ficult routine. the kids a t a 100 yd. riile target younger a n d more vigorous ifor your new publisher a warm Christmas and a Happy New which was fixed to three bales The four plays were well prewelcome to Merritt and the hands. of hay and the shooters shot at Year.” sented. The costuming and stage same measure o f support which it with the bow and arrow from Mr. Elsaesser brings to the Fire Chief Haddad thanked settings were very attractive. has been accorded the Mayon .about 50 ft. A large numbar Herald and to Merritt a number Bill Wong for the splendid dinfamily these many years. Santa Claus’ Workshop offer- missed the bales of hay, never of years experience in the printner served and though the fireed interesting variety o f cos- mind the target. Winners were: ing business, both in the Old —Z. C. Mayon. men were only doing their job, Albert Finnegan, a box of choctumes and comedy. it was certainliy nice to know olates; Floyd Ck)utlee, a Xmas they were appreciated. He also “ All at Sea” had Captain cake; Albert Finnegan, another said the fire rates would not be Lloyd GaveOin entertaining his box of chocolates; Steve Lott, raised on account of these last passengers with music provided chocolates; Mrs. Petrie, Xmas two fires but would remain the by Ruth Sherwood, Pat Curnow, cake; Mrs. J. Riley chocolates; aame as previously. Dorothy Norman, Juanita Mul- C. Burnett, chocolates. All of the guests spoke, highly lins. Amy and Gwen Dryer and On the 75 yd. range there was commending the firemen on John MacPherson. This was en- close competition and the shootThe Ladies Auxiliary to the tertaining and .attractive. The happy smiles on Jack rioal, set of six insulated glasses; their seemingly thankless job, ers had to have jheir shots in A toast was proposed by Tom- Nicola Valley General Hospital Okeit’s land Ambrose Regnier’s 4tih biggest t^^'o-.point,' Tookie The Christmas P l a y “No pretty close to be in the running faces leave no doubt who are York, rifle cleaning 5th my Riodgers to fireman Bdb have again this year collected Room at the Inn’ told the story WhmerS were: H. McGowan, the kingpin hunters in this smallest span, Denis Sam^ a MiuTay w ho is in Vancouver g i ^ >from the local merchants of Birth of Christ with Ken chocolatesj^ J. Howarth, turkey; for the first baby bom in 1960. area. D. -S t^ ea is, turkey; J. Neale, hunting knife. Hidden prizes: recuperating -from an operation. Many o f the firemen spoke in Cases o f milk and baby food, Moyes as the Innkeeper, doing a turkey; W. McBachren, turksy; Jack holds in his hands the D. Ournow, shoigun cleaning fine job. Scenery, costumes and Adelphi Deier Trophy which was kit; B. Lancour, bait shell hold- appreciation of the fine dinner baby clothes, oils, g ift certifi- actinig were all very good. H. Moberly, hamper; J. Riley, presented to him by Bill Kraus, warden inspector of “C” divi- including George Cressy, R. E. cates and othr gifts have been turkey; W. Burnet, hamper; promised. Hqgg, and George Fairley. The highlight of the whote Bud Lancour, turkey; R. Lanbrother of the donor Ed Kraus. sion; Pat Martin, regional game progi^am was the play “The j cour, ham; J. Neale, turkey; E. Jack also holds the smaller tro- er; C. Noakes, red hunting hat; Ghost of a Chance”—^an excel- Underwood, hamper. phy given him by the Nicola Val- G. Hencheroff, a hunting knife. lent piece o f work. Gillian Farr, With the shotguns in an eliSharon Atkinson, Phyllis Green, Rodney Bedford and Allan Stef- mination shoot, miss one and fens as ghosts re-^enacted on you are out, J. Neale won a ham, event which happened during S. Hanna, turkey; J. Rose, pair shot trap, H. McGowan, pa r of Each year at this time, families throughout the their lives. The setting was atChristian world join in the observance of the most itractive, the costumes beauti- of ladies nylons; and in the 5 ^ >, joyful and significant day in our history. ful and the actors performed nylons. ____ ii____ Here in British Cokiimbia, Christmas is an occasion-— with this poise and assurance of Balloon shoot, D. Steffens a not just for celebration, but fo r thianks—thanks for the veterans. They were well sup- box of chocolates. PROVINCIAL LIBRARY and Dec 6? good life conferred on us by a generous Providence, ported by the humans. This was P a r lia m e n t B u ild in g s Tack target, Bill Markin rethanks for the promise of a ipeaceful the finest acting yet done by VICTORIA,and B .C . plentiful ceived $6.10 on a b-t with H. Mcfuture. our High School pupils. Gowan. Tony Grebllnus lost a Strengthened by the Christian faith which has Refreshments were served by bottle of ‘cheer’ as he bet this given us courage and unity through nearly 2000 years, the ladies of the Parent-Teach- turkey shoot woudn’t show more may w e continue to merit these bounties in the years ers Association. The Rhythm than 50% o f the last shoots ahead. And may they be extended, too, to men of good Ranch Hands provided music profit, and it nearly equalled The Voice of the Valley - Established 1905 - Serving Merritt and the Nicola Valley will thi’oughout the world. for a dance to complete a very last weeks, giving the club a The campaign to force a and requirements, T o all of you, Christmas a Happy New SIXTY-FIRST YEAR - NUMBER MERRITT, B.C. - WEDNESDAY, 4969 COPY a lOi^Merry kr referendum over the proposed A referendum would have fanjoyable evening. little extra money. Year. water extension by-law ap- been called on the strength of
Canada Cafe Entertains Firemen
P c N co a Va ey Museum & A ch ves
VOL 90 — NO. 19
FIFTY-FOURTH YEAR
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Rod & Run M Turkey Shoot Winners
JANUARY 1960 Merritt Herald’s new owner Oswald Elsaesser takes over. ZC Mayon operated the newspaper Trophy Winners single-handedly for 13 years after her husband In Antler Contest Ernest Mayon passed away. He had purchased the newspaper from Jim Ellis in January 1928.
N cola Herald (N cola BC)
OC O H A
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MERRITT HERALD
May 18 1905 o December 27 1907
Gifts For The New Year’s Baby
(Elyrtfitmaa ifflraaa^p iFrnm Mmmtt
N cola Herald (Merr tt BC) March 19 1908 o Augus 20 1909
When Merritt had a beauty contest “ S i-«
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Water protest petition
declared null and void
to have failed. only 136 corect signatures. The 177-signature petition Ken Moyes, chairman of the Steelworkers elect Page 1 Brighten up town for ^ew banner pears submitted to the Council last re-activated ratepayers’ asweek has been disqualified. sociation and the driving forHow Herald ley Rod & iGun Club which The game banquet was thoAbout two thirds of the force behind the campaign, observent are you? Did
Fishing July 1bycelebrations will be engraved. He also won roughly ¡enjoyed the diners new officers
v'gnees apparently failed to you, for instance, notice any- comply with the strict require- said yesterday he had received no official notification of thing different about the ap- raents laid down in section the disqualification. of juniper, stove which amid a setting V. E. Lawrence; inLocal 6523 of athe Coleman United treasurer, camp The centennial committee | thepine announcement of the pearance of today’s Herald? 178 of the Municipal Act, He stated, however, that if For your informàtion, the Steelworkers of America went side guard, P. Dofher, outside appealed to the public Monday I beauty queen contest winner’s which states: the petition was invalidated table had a small was given him jointly by and fii*. Each to the polls last Wednesday to guard, A.toAuclalr. to brighten up the town with name and the crowning cere- heading has been enlarged over technicalities, he would and altered. The attractive “Every petition presented to seek legal advice on the matchairelect the 1967/68 officers. The Grievance mony. flags and bunting, for Sat- loaned Fishing been fair to animal or bird Ed Kraus andcommittee: bhia Nicola Val-has stuffed outcome of the voting, which man, G. Cox; committeemen, good throughout the area this urday’s July 1 celebrations. Bingo will be played for new banner is in Old English a Council shall include the ter. itallic lettering and was denames of each petitioner with R. Finlay and J. week and reportsby cash prizes totalling $1000 and was heavy, was asleiy follows: Rod R.&J. Reid, Gun Club. Harry Collett and at the side indicate betA special meeting of the The committee allocated a large amount of merchan- signed by-Lee Holmes of Mer- his address and description of President, J. J. Diamond; Kowalchuck. ter catches: Council has been called $700among for decorations inevergreens pre- dise. ritt. the property of which he is the vice-president, R. J. Reid; Ambrose Regnier holds the of the hall The following committees the tomorrow evening ai the 'Town Mamette - good catches. ference to spending the monowner or which he occupies in i*ecording secretary, J. Lowe; will stay as constituted unless There is something for evHall, starting 7:30. on deer a fireworks display. and Coldwater Hotel Moose trophy antlers to 3 lbs. were the ey25 the municipality. In the case financial secretary, A. Roy; changes are requested by the trout eryoneon in the action-packed Members of the ratepayers' of a corporation, the authority membership: Alderman association will be in attendDouglas of a were which wias presented to him by- onea report table theHugh 15McGowan mooseprogramme ant- — a cabaret, given by the corporation to intimated that the Council ball-and-hose game by the Contract committee: V. B. limit of trout to 2 1 /2 lbs. ance. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Clare might see its way clear to pur- fire brigade, a pie-eating con- Indseth at Nicola Valley Ge- sign the petition shall be proLawrence for (chairman), J. T. Allan Collett the donor, Jack lers. Craig Barcley commented Minnie - several reports of chasing several hundred dol- test, a tug-of-war, the kiddies’ neral Hospital on June 5, duced in connection there- yesterday: “This is far from Rabbitt, J. J. Diamond, G. Cox. Moffat. Sick and Welfare - J. Gies- fish to 6 lbs. The club presented each lars worth of flags and buntraces, of a power-saw contest, 1967, a boy, Brent Clare, 8 with.” being a dead issue. the mile, half-mile and quart- pounds, 4% ounces. brecht (chairman), G. Padley, Glimpse - improved since ing as well. “Whether or not the reasons When the errors were disguests, Mrs.er-mile Pat races and many more R. Archer. Ambrose also received lasta week. re- the women Alderman Leo Heroux pointA girl. Tammy May, was covered, advice was sought on for disqualifying the petition Safety Committee - R. Pined out that these decorations born to Mr. and Mrs. Pat the matter from Victoria. The were valid, the fact remains Len Smith, events. Mrs. Peter on Hope - Martin, should be bet- Mrs. plica oflay a(chairman), mooseW. Inglis, mounted could look pretty insignificant Prize livestock and indust- Cox at Nicola Valley General Council was informed that the that more than the required ter by weekend. Bonus Committee - W. on their own. And through rial exhibits are being brought Hospital, June 16, weighing petition was null arid void un- ten per cent of the voters Earl Martin, Mrs. Allanthe Collett a mahogany Penask - limit catches re- press he appealed to the pub- in for the show. Beaudoin base; (chairman),this G. trophy less it met all the necessary signed the petition.” seven pounds, 7 ounces. ported. Broad,him R. J. Reid. Kraus, with corto brighten up their homes was given by the Rod and and Mrs.licBill Resolutions Committee - J. Paradise - limit catches to and businesses for the octhe Gold Sand FlowTown Hall staff expects to T. and Rabbitt will (chairman) J. 16 inches. casion. Gun Club haveJ. his name sages from be busier than usual this week Diamond, R. Finlay. The chairmen of the various also supplied the Island - a gooder limitShop catches which when tax payers will be mak- Theon engraved it. Hehas also Kinsmen July 1 committees new executive start- won ing special efforts to pay their ed the wheels in motion out- to 14 inches. been busy this week centre pieces for the hunting jacket given beautiful have 1967 taxes and avoid the 5% lining the new and policies hat that Salmon - a number of good making last minute arrangepenalty which will be applied will be implemented dming catches reported. ments. by Jack this Moffat and the Rod and head table. July 3rd, The word is that four mem,next term. Watch the For full details turn to Hugh Bona fide owner-occupiers The food in particular the bers and of Penticton Parachuting Merritt Herald for further in- McGowan’s rod and gun colGun Club. of property are eligible this formation. Club will definitely be on h ^ d umn. and the fish were very year to a total GrantBoth of $120. Jack Okert to demonstrate thrills and and Am- game meats which is forfeited if not chills of free fall aerobatics. and served by the claimed within the taxationRegnier are the first to well cooked brose They will be making drops year. into on Voght Park throughout plates; pre-heated (hiave thair names inscribed on Legion L.A. Whether property owners the day, using flares. If conare able to pay on their taxes The Kamloops trout was donatditions permit, the four jumpthese or not, they are urged to claimtrcphies. Jack’s deer had ers will attempt a spectacular, the home owner edlost by Frank Haddad. a bit of (Promspan the Princeton Si- Jim Norman has a grant 34 if-inch and Ambrose’s high altitude link-up. applicable, to avoid having to milkameen Spotlight) weight now, but, when he The first jump will be made pay the 5% penalty on the 52-inch moose span. speaker, champ ofSmith, parade reaches soon after theguest We were surprised to learn was heavy-weight Len grant portion. Besides saving in the thir- the park. The parade itself that the Aldermen of Mer- the Similkameen a short talk at on asthe penalty, claim Judges for the rittwere Len few mengave dared tackle will assemble 8:30 some a.m. feel that they Smith, can de- ties,game grant enables the municipalOrganisers stressand that mentionit is feat our Village Commis- him. jjects of 'his work ity to recover the biologist; amount from AllanAl- Collett. And our Chairman is a ma- vital for all participants to sionersand in a tug-o-war. the provincial government. gather on time so the area. chinist and a blacksmith and ed his spot checks inthatthis derman Leo Heroux tossed Oth'3r winners in the contest out the challenge last week believe me he has the strong- parade can begin as scheduled Gordon at 9Toombs, vice-presia.m. laxms in Princeton. and ^he saidYork, that he 2nd didn’t est were: Tookie Moose Produceeding via Garcia It will be interesting to feel .there would be any difjdent Zone, Street, Interior Quilchena Avenue and who outcome, but“ of come the with the iicultygreatest whatsoever innumber out- note thèof Racing Days, July 13th, we Coldwater Avenue to Voght tugging our boys. points, 14-piece laluminum cook- droppsd in unexpectedly comWe are quite sure that by will bet the Editor of the Park, the parade is expected well in excess Merritt Herald a box of to comprise plimented the club on ofall the referring our “small” Charles ingLtd. set; 3rd to moose, Diamond Motors for20 floats. council members, he must goodies that our boys will merly Royal Service, is to be- smallest span, 2 winquart will be haveAvenue accomplished in a walk.“firsts” weQuilchena Slater, have forgotten some of our gin operating Saturday, unwith “no parking” signs from men. this the Coldwater completion der the partnership of A1 Adelphi to-the Ed. Note; We’ll acceptyear your the and thermos; 2nd deer, W. Huston, It isn’t generally known bet for a box of goodies. during the parade. Jack Milne of is a points former The centennial committee greatest that number (16), of other activities. fireman and “knows the is offering cash prizes for an Estwin axe; 3rd Pat Martin, gave an$45interestropes”. hunting The two Scandinafloats and costumes: for vians, Eric and Carl, are big the best float, $25 for the best (Continiued Back deer, Ken most strongKnapp, men. Eric (Jake) can symetcostumeon family, and $15 Page) each outwork five men and we ior the best male and female don’t have any qualms there. A special. meeting of the costume.- • ■ Carl is a former cat man, Council has been called for At around 10 a.m.. Mayor logger and milkman, and tomorrow at 7 p.m. to discuss George Fillinger will make the that in “pertinent” business. Press oiiicial opening address in the .|r • 'f kind. .of combination . park. This will be followed by a tug-o-war is formidable. and public are invited.
Births
Friday is deadline for taxes
Merritt aldermen learn hard way says Princeton newspaper
Diamond Motors open Saturday
Special Council meeting tomorrow
Caravan, vintage cars and Al Gustavson
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military band for Merritt
Merritt is to be visited by ium. The arena would have be given to the vintage car the confederation caravan, a ice in it by that time and club towards the cost of food. motorcade of vintage cars and would prove too cold for per- All other arrangements, inthe band of the Royal Cana- formers and spectators alike. cluding the provision of transdian Engineers. There will be no admission portation from Voght Park to Four beauty contestants, and one a winner. The Kinsmen Beauty Queen candidates pose for the panel of judges at The three events — in July, charge for the concert. their hotels, will be attended the Grasslands Hotel pool Saturday afternoon. From left to right, the girls are Rita Swakum, Judy Kinvig, Jody August and October, respectThe arrangements for all to by the centennial commitMakaro and Nettie Stewart. ively - are being sponsored by three events are being handled tee. the B.C. Centennial Commit- by the local centennial comAbout $75 was allocated by mittee. the committee to cover “extee. The caravan arrives July 30 Members met again Monday tras“ incurred by the otherand will be on display in evening to discuss allocation wise free army band concert. of funds for these and other Voght Park. The Committee decided to award cash prizes for best It has been suggested that centennial year events. It was felt that as much floats and costumes displayed a brief welcoming ceremony There must be one or two be arranged, to which the as possible should be done to during the July 1 celebrations. expectant mothers in Merritt member of parliament and make the visit of the confed- The prizes were fixed as: $45 who are hoping that the stork member of the provincial leg- ation caravan a momentous for the best float, $25 for the will arrive Saturday. George Cartwright occasion. Fifty dollars was best outfitted family, and $15 islature would be invited. For a birth on Saturday On Friday, August 11, about earmarked for advertising and each for the best individual means a $1,000 government Gustavson and George Cart- thirty vintage cars will be $100 for the hiring of a band male and female costume. bond for the new arrival. wright. . The biggest expenditure rolling into town. A dinner etc. Merritt’s birth rate averages Both men have been in the will be held for the drivers Alderman Leo Heroux said authorised by the committee 15 new arrivals a month automotive business for more and passengers. he hoped that as many people was the purchase of $700- which theoretically means than 12 years. The cars will probably be as possible could be pursuaded worth of flags and bunting that about half a dozen Al, formerly manager of on display in the arena. to take part in the arrange- for Saturday’s celebrations. youngsters are scheduled to Ranchlands Motors, Merritt, More on that in our July 1 re- arrive during the seven days A concert by the 35-plece ments. has worked at Kamloops and Royal Canadian Engineers It was stated that the ar- port. throughout the Okanagan. band is scheduled for October rival of the confederation carweek. George, who also worked at 16. avan would be preceded by a And the cash box in the Ranchlands, has lived in The local centennial com- visit from the caravan’s public coke m Merritt two years. Previously, mittee discussed the concert relations man. The commitCigarettes and cash were he worked throughout B.C., Wednesday a n d concluded tee agreed to meet with him stolen from Kay Gordan’s gaining wide experience in that the best place to hold it to finalise arrangements. would be the school auditorOne hundred dollars is to store at Lower Nicola this the automotive business.
$ l§ government bonds to all babies born Ibis Saturday
Petty thefts
$1000
Merr tt Herald & N cola Valley Advocate
<<JUNE 5, 1967 Augus 27 1909 Miss Merritt o January 23 1920 contestants pose before the panel of judges. Merr tt Herald For the record, (Merr tt BC) Nettie Stewart 30 1920 won the title in January T Da e case you are Source curious to know. roya bcmuseum bc ca
Too ew o un ee s cou d spe end o Coun Ch s mas
JANUARY 2008 The newspaper s publ shed b weekly Wednesdays and Fr days
Ain’t this taxing for them?
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10 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
HOT METAL TO HARD DRIVES: VOICE OF THE VALLEY CARRIES ON MARIUS AUER
mauer@kentem.ca
When the Merritt Herald began publishing at the turn of the 20th century, making the paper meant building it from the ground up, one letter at a time. Type for the paper was set by hand using individual pieces of hot lead, arranged into words, and locked into heavy metal frames. Once inked and pressed, those pages became the paper the valley read. If a line was wrong, it had to be taken apart and rebuilt. In the early 1900s, that process changed with the introduction of linotype, a hot-metal printing system that cast entire lines of type from molten lead. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, linotype allowed printers to produce “entire lines of type at once,” increasing speed while still requiring skilled operators. For decades, linotype and other hot-metal systems defined newspaper production across Canada, including at the Herald. Those fundamentals carried on even as the machinery changed. Offset presses eventually replaced hot metal, and page layouts moved from lead and steel to film and plates. The tools evolved, but the paper remained the centre of the operation. When Theresa Arnold started at the Herald in 1993, that print-first mindset was still firmly there. “You thought about the paper before anything else,” Arnold said. “The size of the
PUBLISHER Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
page, the columns, the ads, everything worked toward press day.” Desktop publishing was beginning to replace paste-up boards, but it didn’t make the work easier. Space was still finite. Deadlines were still hard. Errors still had consequences. “There was this idea that computers would simplify things,” Arnold said. “What they really did was change where the pressure sat. You could move things around more easily, but you were still closing a paper.” Through the late 1990s and early 2000s, production shifted gradually. Pages were built on screens instead of boards. Files replaced film. The weekly edition was still the final product. Everything else supported it. Digital publishing arrived as an extension of that process, not a replacement. Stories began appearing online, but they were still written with the paper in mind. It was a matter of balancing what would run, what should wait, and what could fit. “You’re still thinking in terms of the paper,” Arnold
said. “That hasn’t gone away. People still want something they can hold onto. The Herald is a paper that is picked up and read.” For Arnold, reaching the Herald’s 120th year reflects more than changing technology. It reflects the people who have sustained the paper over generations. “Reaching 120 years is something no newspaper does on its own,” she said. “The Merritt Herald has been sustained by the loyal support of our advertisers, who believe in the value of local journalism and community connection.” She also credits the many people who worked behind the scenes to make the paper happen each week. “I am equally grateful to the many employees, past and present, whose hard work and dedication to their job does not go unnoticed,” Arnold said. Arnold also acknowledged the publishers who helped shape her career and the Herald itself. “To Dale (Stoppler) and Rick (Proznick), who taught me many lessons, I thank you,” she said. “I can only hope I am even one tenth the boss you were to me.” From hand-set type to linotype, offset presses to desktop and digital platforms, the tools behind the Merritt Herald have changed repeatedly over 120 years. What has remained constant through that time is the role the paper plays in our communities, documenting local life in a form readers recognize and trust.
Community Futures Merritt was established in 1989 as a non-profit organization to assist the residents of Merritt and the surrounding Nicola Valley with local economic development, business support, community initiatives and funding.
2181 Quilchena Ave, Merritt, BC 250-378-3923
For 120 years, the Merritt Herald has shared the stories that connect our community.
FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS, STOYOMA DENTAL CLINIC HAS BEEN PROUD TO CARE FOR THE SMILES OF MERRITT FAMILIES AND TO GROW ALONGSIDE THE PEOPLE WE SERVE. We congratulate the Herald on this incredible milestone and thank them for continuing to strengthen local connections through trusted journalism.
www.stoyomadental.com Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. 2088 Quilchena Avenue
Ph: 250-378-5877
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 11
COLDWATER HOTEL A Landmark of Merritt’s Past, Present & Future
Standing proudly at the corner of Voght & Quilchena since the early 1900s, the Coldwater Hotel has long been a defining feature of downtown Merritt. First built in 1908, with the present hotel opening shortly after, its iconic copper-topped cupola remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the city — and a favourite backdrop for visitors and locals alike.
For generations, the Coldwater has been more than a hotel. Its rooms, restaurant, pub and banquet spaces have served as a gathering place where stories are shared, milestones are celebrated, and community connections are made. It is a living link to Merritt’s history and a symbol of the vibrancy of the downtown core. In recent years, through years of dedicated effort by current owners Carson Wang and Grace Jiang, the Coldwater Hotel has undergone comprehensive interior and exterior renovations. Great care has been taken to preserve the hotel’s historic character while thoughtfully updating the building for modern use. Preservation-focused improvements — including exterior restoration, refreshed façades, upgraded windows and ongoing interior enhancements — ensure this cherished landmark remains welcoming, functional and true to its roots.. By protecting and maintaining one of Merritt’s most visible heritage buildings, the Coldwater Hotel continues to support local jobs, tourism and community events — proving that history isn’t just something to remember, but something to live in every day.
A PLACE WHERE MERRITT’S HISTORY STILL GATHERS
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anMaximum H&R Block Tax Professional today Our Maximum Refund Guarantee* ensures you get get all all Refund Guarantee* you Open Monday - Friday Speak 9 am - to 6Our pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm ensures Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. Speak to anantoH&R Block Tax Professional today Speak an BlockTax Tax Professional today 2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BCH&R Block today Open Speak Monday - to Friday 9 H&R am - 6 pm Saturday 9Professional am - 5 pm Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today Ian Webster played a number of roles inPhone: the Merritt Herald Speak to an H&R Block Tax Professional today 250-378-4695 Fax2145 250-378-2106 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, Open Monday - Friday 9 am - 6BC pm Saturday 9 am - 5 pm newsroom since the 1980s, and recalls how he has seen the Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax 250-378-2106 2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Open Monday Friday 9 am 6 pm Saturday am-9-5-5am 5 pm- 5 pm OpenMonday Monday Friday am 6pm pm Saturday Saturday Open Monday - -Friday 99 am Saturday Open - -Friday 99am pm 999 am pm Open Monday Friday am --6-6-6pm Saturday 9amam -pm 5 pm Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax 250-378-2106 2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC industry change over the decades. 2145 Avenue, BC International 2145Quilchena Quilchena Avenue,Merritt, Merritt, BCBC 2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, IAN WEBSTER Contributed
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2145 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax250-378-2106 250-378-2106 Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax
Phone: 250-378-4695 Fax 250-378-2106 Phone: Fax250-378-2106 250-378-2106 Phone:250-378-4695 250-378-4695 Fax
the newbies were eager to learn, committed, and Congratulations to the appreciative of the opporMerritt Herald on 120 years hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) of outstanding service to tunity to hone their craft. I hrblock.ca 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) hrblock.ca | |800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) the people of the Nicola enjoyed immensely helping © H&R Block Canada, Inc. Valley and beyond. I am them get their feet on theSome restrictions H&RBlock Block Canada, Inc. ©©H&R Canada, Inc. At participating offices. may apply. See office for details.*If H&R Block makes an error in the preparation of your tax return, that costs participating offices. Somerestrictions restrictionsmay mayapply. apply.See Seeoffice officefor fordetails.*If details.*IfH&R H&RBlock Blockmakes makesananerror errorininthe thepreparation preparationofofyour yourtax taxreturn, return,that thatcosts costs ©AtAt H&R Blockdue, Canada, Inc. participating offices. 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The Nicola Valley Teachers’ Unionhrblock.ca thanks | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625) history and happy to share has evolved tremendously © H&R Block Canada, Inc. a few of my recollections in the past 20 years or so, © H&RHerald Block Canada, Inc.for consistently highlighting the At participating offices. Some restrictions may apply. See office for details.*If H&R Block makes taxanreturn, that costs At participating offices. an Someerror restrictionsin maythe apply.preparation See office for details.*Ifof H&Ryour Block makes error in the preparation of your tax return, that costs © H&R Block Canada, Inc. Ian Webster with readers.you any interest or penalties and it was a thrill to be you any interest or penalties on students, additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes,the we will reimburse you for the on additional taxes due, although we©do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for local schools, and the stories At participating offices. Some restrictions may apply. See office for details.*If H&R Block makes an error in the preparation of your tax return, that costs H&R Block Canada, Inc. interest and penalties. When my wife and I along for the ride. interest and penalties. you any offices. interest orSome penalties on additional taxes we details.*If do not assume the liability for the taxes, we will reimburse the that cos At participating restrictions mayeducation apply.due, Seealthough office for H&R Block makes an additional error in the preparation of youryou taxfor return, that connect to our community. interest and penalties. on additional taxes due, although we do not assume the liability for the additional taxes, we will reimburse you for the politicians and blowhards, moved to Merritt in 1978, it Centuries-old manual you any interest or penalties interest and penalties. or humorously stirring the did not take us long to typesetting has given way We wish you continued success for years to come. pot of the latest controrealize that the Herald was to computer-generated indeed the ‘Voice of the layout, reporter’s primitive versy or topic of debate at A message fromLEGION the Nicola Valley ROYAL CANADIAN BRANCH 096Teachers Union Valley’ – faithfully covering notepads have been the corner coffee shop. 1940 QUILCHENA AVE.BRANCH MERRITT events, highlighting replaced by handheld To give the Herald’s ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION 096 250-378-5631 individuals and groups, and beleagured reporters some micro-recorders, traditional The mission of The Royal Canadian Legion 1940 QUILCHENA AVE. MERRITT E-MAIL: LEGION096@OUTLOOK.COM reporting on issues film cameras have morphed precious time off on 250-378 250250 378-5631 378378 5631 is to serve Veterans and their dependents, important to its citizenry into digital wunderkinds, weekday evenings, on E-MAIL: E -MAIL: LEGION096@OUTLOOK.COM to promote Remembrance and to act in the since the start of the 20th and dark rooms have been weekends, and in the service of Canada and its communities. century. summer, I began helping the subjugated by Photoshop. This tradition dates back to the First World War As an elementary school The early days of these newspaper more and more when the guns fell silent, marking the end of teacher with a love for transitions were fraught with its sports coverage in military conflict and the Remembrance of those language, as the son of a with technical problems, the ‘90s, including high would never return home. The National magazine editor, writer and system failures, lost stories school athletics, a broad Recently Renovated! Clean, Bright, Welcoming Pubwho Atmosphere! Poppy and Remembrance Campaign raise photographer, and as an and photos, shifting range of community teams THEBright, LANDING ZONEPub Atmosphere! Recently Renovated! Clean, Welcoming Now Serving Food! THE ZONE avid sportsman, it wasn’t deadlines, frozen screens, and clubs, and even the ROYAL LANDING CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 096 funds for veterans and their families, the new 1940 QUILCHENA AVE.BRANCH MERRITT ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Now Serving Food! long before I was on a machine malfunctions, BCHL’s Merritt Centennials. Fully Stocked Bar! 096 military and others who are disadvantaged. 250-378-5631 1940 QUILCHENA AVE. MERRITT E-MAIL: LEGION096@OUTLOOK.COM first-name basis with most delivery issues...you name From very early on, I 250-378 250250 378-5631 378378 5631 Fully Stocked Bar! Merritt Legion 096 has been going since Live Music! E-MAIL: E -MAIL: LEGION096@OUTLOOK.COM of the Herald staff of the it. These were trying times came to realize that the 1928. The Legion has been totally updated Music!from 2:30 to 5:00! day – alerting them to Merritt Herald, like so many for even the most seasoned Meat Draw EveryLive Saturday upstairs and downstairs over the last 10 upcoming district activities, local newspapers, was very of reporters, editors and Meat Draw Every Saturday from 2:30 to 5:00! 50/50 Draw Every Saturday! years and is now a pleasure to go to. Many feeding them scores, publishers. much a training ground for Recently Renovated! Clean, Bright, Welcoming Pub Atmosphere! community members are using the facility to 50/50 Draw Every Saturday! standings and summaries, The actual printing of the young cub reporters and Pool Table, Dart boards, Shuffleboard, Lottery, Pull-tabs, Keno! Recently Renovated! Clean, Welcoming Pub Atmosphere! NowBright, Serving Food! enjoy birthdays, anniversary’s and Veterans are and even contributing the Merritt Herald has also editors fresh out of Now Food! FullyServing Stocked Pool Table, Dart Event boards, Shuffleboard, Lottery, Pull-tabs, Separate Space with BarBar! Available for Rent!Keno! occasional picture. The modernized and centraljournalism school. Staffing FullyLive Stocked Bar! having celebrations of life. Music! EventMeat Space with Bar from Available for Rent! Live Music! frequently overworked at the Herald was literally a ized. Gone are most ofSeparate the Draw Every Saturday 2:30 to 5:00! Meat Draw Every Saturday 2:30 to 5:00! 50/50 Draw Everyfrom Saturday! reporters at the paper were revolving door, with few in-house presses and the Next year 2026 Purchase is the Legion’s 100th Anniversary Check Us Out on Facebook! Your Membership Online* Every Saturday! Pool Table, Dart 50/50 boards,Draw Shuffleboard, Lottery, Pull-tabs, Keno! always grateful to receive personnel staying more team of weekly Wednesday Pool Table, Dart boards, Shuffleboard, Lottery, Pull-tabs, Keno! happening during the year. https://www.facebook.com/ Event Space with Bar Available for https://www.legion.ca/ Rent! with many celebrations my contributions. than a year or two, as they local part-timers who Check Us Out on Facebook! Separate Purchase Your Membership Online* Separate Event Space with Bar Available for Rent! For a few laughable years inevitably set their sights collated and stuffed the https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.legion.ca/ Check Us Out on Facebook! Purchase Your Membership Online* in the 1980s I added on ‘big city’ papers and the paper onsite. Everything https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.legion.ca/ Check Us Out on Facebook! Purchase Your Membership Online*Purchase Your Membership Online: political cartoonist to my reporting of ‘breaking’ news has been shifted out-ofhttps://www.facebook.com/ https://www.legion.ca/ www.legion.ca expanding role with the stories of provincial, town to the likes of Vernon Herald. I generated more national and international Quilchena Ave. Merritt | 250-378-5631 than a few chuckles by consequence. Hiring and MANY FACES: continued on legion@outlook .com gently poking fun at local training at the Herald was page 13 *Legion Membership Encouraged but Not Required to Attend
Congratulations
to the Merritt Herald on 120 years of serving our community.
hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5625)
hrblock.ca | 800-HRBLOCK (472-5
THE LANDING ZONE THE LANDING ZONE
*Legion Membership Encouraged but Not Required to Attend *Legion Membership Encouraged but Not Required to Attend
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www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 13
MANY FACES MET OVER THE YEARS A THRILL: continued from page 12 and Abbotsford. I’ll never forget frantically phoning down to the Lower Mainland hours after deadline and coercising the printers to ‘Stop the Press!’ until I could quickly send them a corrected piece of copy. Despite all the changes in the industry in the last 40 years, and the many different faces at the Herald during that time, in my mind one person has been the constant: Theresa Arnold. She has done it all – from front desk/reception to circulation and production, from sales and advertising to correcting and editing, and finally to her current senior position of publisher. Theresa has always been the steadying force, the problem solver, the fixer, and the quintessential leader in every sense of the word. Her skill, vision, and dedication to the paper and to her community are evident to this day in the newspaper’s content, and the strong and loyal support she receives from both the readership and business sector. I will always be indebted to Theresa for allowing me to be a part of the
Herald team and follow my passion. It was with Theresa’s guidance and support that I gradually expanded my role with the Herald, even after retirement from teaching in 2009. I became the principal sports writer and photographer for the next 10 years, and even contributed articles and photographs on other notable community events such as Remembrance Day ceremonies, MountainFest and Country Christmas. When you cover and report on a diversity of stories, you meet all manner of great people, and the Nicola Valley has no shortage of them. I feel honoured to have made the acquaintance of literally hundreds of dedicated, hard-working individuals who gave it all for their community. I loved telling and sharing their stories. The people and their stories will always be there, and the need for a local newspaper to publish them should always be there, too. I wish the Merritt Herald the best of luck in the future and another 120 years of success down the road.
PHOTO/HERALD ARCHIVES
‘Nature Boy’ Paul Desnoyers, a beloved part of Merritt’s history whose story is both an enigma and the source of many rumours, was a favourite subject of Webster throughout his years writing for the Merritt Herald. Webster kept this photo above his office desk.
Corbett Lake Lodge is a long-standing destination fly fishing lodge and an important local venue for Merritt and area.
Peter McVey
In the early 1940’s a Lodge was built on the current site by the Granby Consolidated Mining Co. situated near Princeton, as a company retreat. At some point the lake was dammed for irrigation, and subsequently stocked for sport fishing in the1960’s. Cedar Pan Abode cabins were placed on site as well. Corbett Lake Lodge’s “claim to fame” is its international reputation for trophy trout fishing, hospitality and fine dining. In fact, it has been featured in many fishing magazine articles and books as a premier North American fly fishing lake. The lake is known for it’s pristine and crystal clear waters providing a productive habitat for its trophy Kamloops rainbows. Peter McVey owned the Lodge for 42 years, and became a local legend. His legacy of great fishing, hospitality and fine dining set the tone for the continuance of Corbett Lake Lodge’s reputation, which the current owners have maintained and built upon since 2013. Many ‘Merritonians’ have been married and celebrated their important events at Corbett Lake over the years, creating wonderful memories associated with the Lodge. The Lodge is a preferred venue as well now, for international fly fishing competitions, most notably the World Master Championships in 2023 with 13 countries participating.
15 mins. east of Merritt on Hwy 97C
Cabins and Rooms Available
Visit www.corbettlake.ca for more info
Phone: 250-378-4334
14 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
A PERSONAL TOUCH FOR THE COMMUNITY: GOETZ As the Merritt Herald completes 120 years as one of the oldest community-based newspapers in B.C., we caught up with Mayor Michael Goetz to reflect his thoughts on the newspaper’s milestone, what it means to the City of Merritt and what Merrittonians can expect in the coming year with the city on the cusp of expansion. HARIT JOSHI
hjoshi@kentem.ca
What are your thoughts on the newspaper completing 120 years? When I first came to the town in 1977, it was the voice of the Valley. At that time you had to pay for it to have a subscription. I got one as my Christmas gift for one year. It kept you informed about what was happening in the city. It’s always been a part of the city. It’s where you find your information, it’s where you find birthday wishes, obituaries. So, it’s always been a voice of the community. You can be brought up with information that is correct, and in this day and age, especially with the internet and AI (Artificial Intelligence). We’ve got a paper that brings you the information that’s correct. And if there is a mistake, then they update it the next week or the week after. It’s a trusted source, and it always has been. What does this newspaper mean to the City?
It is like a personal touch for this community. The Merritt Herald (is) named after the city. Of course, everybody’s now relying on the internet and stuff like that it’s instantaneous… still a few of us like the the printed word and like to hold on to a paper and read it. And I think that’s where the Meritt Herald has come in to be something that’s really special for us. So, we’re hoping for another 100 years.
It would be much harder to do that without that paper. I mean, we could do it on our websites and everything, but there’s a lot of people, I had a gentleman in here yesterday (on Monday), that simply does not do computers. No Facebook, nothing. He doesn’t even have a phone. Believe it or not.
Would you like to provide any feedback for the newspaper?
We have the Mako Furniture coming in. That’s going to be a fair number of jobs, over 100 jobs for that. We should see them up by summer of this (next) year. We have the AI Centre coming in up at the airport, a new extension to the hotel, which is now underway. We also have the Gateway 286 project, which is now underway, as well as Mr Rizzardo’s Phase Four is up there. So, we see a lot of development, and that means those people have confidence that the City is going to grow. So, that’s a good stamp that things are growing.
It’s under new ownership, that would take some time (to evolve). But I do notice that the paper is now a bit larger. There’s more variety of stories. There’s more inclusion in the paper. The City (of Merritt) is very happy to have our page in it that we’re able to get our information out factually to people who want to know what’s going on. We thank the paper for getting that in the paper for us so we can get that information out and keep the community informed.
What can the people of Merritt expect in 2026?
Merritt Home Hardware Building Centre: TRULY LOCAL
Merritt Home Hardware Building Centre demonstrates daily what it means to be a truly local business. More than just a retail outlet, it is a cornerstone of the community, woven into the fabric of Merritt through decades of local ownership and a genuine commitment to the people who live there.
DEEP ROOTS IN THE VALLEY Owners Peter Moyes and Fred Riley are not just business partners; they are Merritt locals who were born and raised in the community. The beginnings of the store date back to 1975, when Peter’s family business, Seyom Building Supplies, expanded. This long-standing presence has allowed the store to grow alongside the town, into the facility on Voght Street that residents rely on today.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE Customers frequently highlight the friendly, approachable nature of the dedicated team of 30 staff. If you’re a regular customer they will know your name, and are always happy to help you find everything you need for all your projects.
COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE Because the owners live where they work, their commitment to Merritt goes far beyond the sales floor. Merritt Home Hardware is a frequent supporter of local initiatives that make the town a better place to live, from offering special pricing after the 2021 flood to supporting local non-profits with donations, and much more.
www.merrittheraldhardware.ca 1701 Voght St., Merritt
Locally Owned & Operated
250-378-4215
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 15
MERRITT’S MOMENTS IN HISTORY Follow along to some of the City of Merritt and the Merritt Herald’s biggest and brightest stories throughout its 120 years. 1920 City gets RCMP detachment
1912 A Red Letter Day for Merritt April 20 marked a significant development in Merritt when two of the finest and most necessary buildings in the city — a public school and the Nicola Valley General Hospital were officially declared open by the minister of provincial legislature, Hon. H.E. Young.
Inspector Fletcher of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrived in Merritt on March 3 from Vancouver to install the promised RCMP detachment for the Nicola Valley. Constable AD Hilliker from Kamloops was in charge of the local detachment. 1937 A plea for children
1913 New school in Lower Nicola Work started on the development of a new school in Lower Nicola, which will be of he same size and design as the one in Nicola. The school is being constructed on Capt. Tynner’s property, opposite to Col. Flick’s residence. This will be the third school has erected in the Valley during the last two years. 1918 Merritt dies
A notice was put in the Merritt Herald regarding five children, who were of school age, but were not going to school as they didn’t have clothes and shoes fit to go out in, especially during the cold and snow. Instead of going to school, the children were spending their days huddled around the stove. Anyone who had clothes and shoes that would be suitable for the children were asked to contact the Herald. 1943 Mercy appeal for the Greeks
Lieutenant Colonel William Hamilton Merritt, after whom the City of Merritt was named, died at St Catherines, Ontario in the last week of October. In 1887, dressed as an inspector, he rode in from Similkameen. Having read Prof Dawson’s report, he prospected and found coal in what is known as Pot Hole, west of the reserve. He successfully got the railways to Spences Bridge and found the first coal in the Nicola Valley.
The Merritt Herald issued a mercy appeal, reminding the residents that the Greeks were the first of our allies to defy and fight our “foes”. The Herald detailed men, women and children (especially children) were dying from starvation by the thousands in Greece. Merritt and the Nicola Valley were THROUGH THE YEARS: encouraged to join the Canadian effort to raise $500,000 to continued on page 17
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Merritt, British Columbia has been operating for over 30 years in the local Gasoline Alley district. For 30 years, Dairy Queen in Merritt has been more than a place for treats — it’s been a constant in the community. Through changing seasons, generations of families, first jobs for local youth, and countless celebrations, it has remained a familiar gathering spot where memories are made. Its longevity speaks to the strength of local support and the value of businesses that grow alongside the town they serve, becoming woven into the everyday life and shared story of Merritt.
for online cake orders go to www.dqcakes.com
3673 DeWolf Way, Merritt BC • 250-378-5030
16 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
OBLIGATION TO CARRY A LEGACY MARIUS AUER
mauer@kentem.ca
For 120 years the Merritt Herald has documented life in the Nicola Valley. It has reported on Merritt council decisions, court cases, floods and fires, births and deaths. As the paper reaches that milestone, Christine Walkem, Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, says its longevity speaks to something deeper than survival. “A local newspaper is part of the backbone of a community,” Walkem said. “It records what matters at the time and becomes the record people look back on to understand who they were and how they got here.” Walkem, who chairs the board of new Herald owners K’en T’em Limited Partnership, says the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the role local media plays in shaping relationships and understanding, particularly in communities with layered histories that include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous experiences. “For a long time, Indigenous voices were either missing or misunderstood in local reporting,” she said. “That has changed, but the work continues. Trust between media and community does not happen automatically. It has to be built over time.” She said that includes expanding space for Nlaka’pamux voices
K’EN T’EM BOARD CHAIR/COOK’S FERRY CHIEF Christine Walkem
across the Nicola Valley and surrounding communities, and ensuring those stories are told with care, accuracy and cultural understanding. Trust, Walkem said, comes from listening, thorough research and providing context, not just reporting moments of conflict. She added that responsible journalism also means being actively involved in the ongoing pathway to reconciliation with the communities local media coexist with. Local newspapers, she said, are uniquely positioned to do that work because they live in the communities they cover. “They are accountable to their neighbours,” Walkem said. “That matters.” The Herald’s 120-year history spans dramatic changes in how news is produced and consumed. Walkem acknowledged that the pressures facing local journalism are real, but said relevance comes from remaining rooted in community rather than
chasing trends. “The challenge is to evolve without losing the heart of what makes a community paper valuable,” she said. “That means telling local stories well, doing the due diligence every story deserves, and making space for voices that reflect the whole community.” Looking ahead, Walkem said she hopes the Herald continues to serve as a place where people see themselves and their concerns reflected fairly and accurately. She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for younger generations to learn journalism locally. “If we want strong local media in the future, we need to invest in people now,” she said. “That includes training, mentorship and giving young reporters the chance to tell their own stories.” For Walkem, the anniversary is not just about celebration, but also responsibility. “One hundred and twenty years is a long time,” she said. “It comes with an obligation to carry that legacy forward in a way that serves the community today and tomorrow.” As the Herald turns the page on its next chapter, Walkem said its role remains clear. “Local journalism helps a community understand itself,” she said. “That is as important now as it was 120 years ago.”
A Piece of Our History The society behind NVACJP has roots going back to the 1970s in the Nicola Valley. Formalized services under what became the current society began in 2003, when the Nicola Valley Family Justice Services Society was formed and included the Nicola Valley Advocacy Centre and early justice services. In 2006 the organization was renamed the Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society (NVCJSS). Around 2020, the Nicola Valley Aboriginal Community Justice Program was renamed the Nicola Valley Restorative Justice Program as part of an evolution of services, including operation of the Indigenous Justice Centre in partnership with the BC First Nations Justice Council. CONGRATULATIONS MERRITT HERALD ON 120 YEARS! NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY JUSTICE SERVICES SOCIETY
1999 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC
250-378-5010
Great Smiles for the Whole Family Dentistry@Merritt has been operating since May of 2013. That means as of 2025, the practice has been operating for over 12 years — providing general, restorative, and orthodontic dental care to patients in Merritt and the surrounding area. Dentistry@ Merritt is proud to care for smiles at every stage of life — from first checkups to lifelong dental health. As a trusted part of the Merritt community, their friendly team is dedicated to helping local families feel comfortable, confident, and cared for at every visit.
DEN “W
@ MERRITT Y R T TIS
HE
N XATIO A L E RE R
E MEETS CAR ”
www.dentistryatmerritt.ca www.dentistryatmerritt.ca
2731 Forksdale Avenue • Ph: 250-378-4888
THROUGH THE YEARS MERRITT’S MOMENTS: continued from page 15
1944 The Herald travels across the seas The Merritt Herald was a suggested gift to young servicemen during the World War II as something to remind them of home. 1947 Nicola Indians stand up for their rights Indians of the Upper Nicola Bands plan to speak for themselves at Ottawa. Writing to The Daily Province, Chief Daniel Manual said: “We handle our own responsibilities, we the Interior Indians.” He denied any association with Andrew Paull in the North American Indian Brotherhood and said that at a meeting in Vancouver in July, “I told A Paull I did not give him authority to represent us at Ottawa on our problems and requirements in our Indian rights, our titles and the revision of the Indian Act.” 1948 Merritt Herald damaged by fire Although the Herald was published during the week of December 10, 1948, it was delayed by a fire, which broke out at 1AM on December 7. 1952 Merritt Theatre opens In October, the $50,000 Merritt Theatre had its first official opening. The modern theatre with 450 people seating is soundproof and also features a “crying room”
Merritt Herald
2025 People’s Choice AWARD
where mothers with babies can watch the movie without disturbing others. The theatre offers two shows each night, one at 6:50pm and the other at 8:45pm, and a matinee on Saturday afternoons. 1963 Herald closes for a week The Merritt Herald moved in August to a new location. During the week that the Herald was closed as the existing Herald building was downtown and a new building built around.
PEOPLE’S
CANNABIS STORE
BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY
1970 Library celebrates golden anniversary The Merritt Library, officially opened on November 4, 1920 celebrated its golden anniversary with new books and visits from local residents. 1980 We are a city! In a document dated May 15, current Provincial Lieutenant Governor HP BellIrving declared the Tow of Merritt to be a city. The declaration was long overdue. 1986 Coquihalla highway opens The Coquihalla highway opened up for traffic on May 21, 1986.
Congratulations
to the Merritt Herald on 120 years of serving our community. The Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union thanks the Herald for consistently highlighting local schools, students, and the stories that connect education to our community. We wish you continued success for years to come. A message from the Nicola Valley Teachers Union
UNITY proudly planted its roots in the Merritt community in 2021 and has been serving local customers for the past four years. We look forward to growing alongside this community for many years to come.
THANK YOU, MERRITT, FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
OPEN
19+
Must be
send food and medicines to Greece.
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 17
We Deliver
EVERYDAY FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM
#104 - 2101 Quilchena Ave
250-378-0450
UNITYCANNABIS.CA
18 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
MERRITT Drink Responsibly. Come visit The Landing Zone Lounge Tuesday to Thursday, Noon to 6:30 pm, Friday & Saturday, noon to 8 pm EVERYONE WELCOME! 1940 Quilchena Ave.
Wishing everyone a safe & happy holiday season. Please Don’t Drink & Drive! We’ve seen the lifelong impact that impaired driving can have on families. This season, and every season, please make safe choices.
DON’T DRINK, SMOKE & DRIVE.
T
he ratio of alcohol to blood in the body is called the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Two people drinking the same amount of alcohol can have drastically different BACs. Body weight, drink strength, amount of food in the stomach, time between drinks and even gender can all affect a person’s BAC and level of impairment. While a BAC of .08 is typically the legal limit, impairment can occur at much lower levels. A driver can be arrested with a BAC lower than .08 if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe the driver is impaired. More importantly, any level of impairment significantly increases the likelihood of a traffic crash, putting your life and the lives of others in danger. The bottom line? If you plan on drinking, getting behind the wheel is always a bad idea.
3 WAYS ALCOHOL IMPACTS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE 1. Inhibitions are lowered, affecting judgment and coordination, even after one drink. 2. Reaction times are slowed, even after two beers. 3. Vision, balance, speech and movement are adversely affected. Source: AAA
“If you feel different, you drive different.” Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is illegal. In 2017,
45 percent of drivers killed in fatal crashes who were tested for drugs, tested positive. Whether obtained
legally or illegally, drug-impaired driving can be deadly for drivers, passengers and others on the road. - NHTSA
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
NVTU
A message from the Nicola Valley Teachers Union
Make memories, not tragedies. Choose a sober ride.
From all of us at
DENTISTRY @ MERRITT
“WHERE RELAXATION MEETS CARE”
www.dentistryatmerritt.ca
2731 Forksdale Avenue
Call: 250-378-4888
Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society 1999 GARCIA ST., MERRITT, BC • TEL: 250-378-5010
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 19
Don’t Drink & Drive Here are some precautions holiday hosts and revelers can follow to avert drunk driving disasters, provided by the American Safety Council:
HOST THOUGHTFULLY
@YRBNicola
CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY
• Agree on a designated driver before • Offer a mocktail, alcohol-free beer you go out for the evening. or other nonalcoholic beverage for • Save the number for several local guests choosing not to drink. cab companies in your phone if you • Ask guests who are drinking if plan to drink, or make sure you have they have a designated driver or a ride-share app downloaded to your transportations plans. phone. • If someone has been drinking and • Ask a friend if you can crash on his or might drive, offer your couch as a her couch for the night if you’ve had place to sleep. too much to drink. • Help guests who have been drinking arrange transportation through a ride- • If you’re attending a party and are concerned you may drink too much, share app or taxi service. give your keys to the host at the start of the evening, so he or she can hold on to them unless you are sober.
STAY ALIVE
DON’T DRINK & DRIVE New Patients Always Welcome OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
2088 Quilchena Avenue (next to the Royal Bank) PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Don’t drive if you’re Tipsy, Buzzed or Blitzen. Call: 250-378-5877
20 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
NICOLA VALLEY
SPORTS
GOT SPORTS? Contact Jake at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
SKATING INTO THE HOLIDAYS
Nicola Valley Skating Club held its annual Holly Jolly STARskate exhibition and Family & Friends Christmas Skate on Dec. 17. Skaters were in their best festive attire, highlighted by performances from the Jr. Academy as well as Jr. STARS and STARskate soloists.
NEXT HOME GAMES Jan 2 vs Sicamous 7pm Jan 9 vs Spokane 7pm
Happy Holidays To all our supporters
Huge Thank You! to all our players, staff, billet families, sponsors, volunteers and you our loyal fans!
GAME TICKETS AVAILABLE AT NV SPORTS & GAME DAY AT BOX OFFCE & THROUGH SHOWPASS
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 21
NICOLA COMMUNITY VALLEY
GOT STORIES? Contact Jake at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241
EXPANSION EYED FOR FAIRLEY PARK
PHOTO/JAKE COURTEPATTE
Fairley Park is located on the corner of Quilchena Ave. and Cleasby St.
JAKE COURTEPATTE
newsroom@merrittherald.com
The City of Merritt is looking to expand one if its most used parks for families with toddlers. The revitalization of Fairley Park at the corner of Quilchena Avenue and Cleasby Street is one of three improvement projects outlined in the new Concept Design and Revitalization Strategy, developed by Modus Planning Design and Engagement alongside city staff. And with room for expansion on the
south end next to the active transportation trail, a number of new amenities were on the drawing board in the initial presentation to city council. “Fairley Park continues to be a destination park for families with toddlers in Merritt, and a place to remember and honour firefighters who serve the community,” reads the strategy report. “Renewed play amenities that are inclusive to a range of abilities provide a welcoming place for children to grow.” Fairley Park is
named after George Fairley, a member of city council and a volunteer firefighter. In September of 1967, Fairley suffered from a fatal heart attack while attending the scene of a fire creating the namesake for George Fairley Memorial Park, which was developed by the Firefighters Association and shortened to simply Fairley Park years later. Currently, Fairley Park boasts a play structure in need of repair or replacement, swings, picnic tables and a washroom, with
more shade, a pump track and a fountain among the amenities initially considered for the project. “Renewed play amenities that are inclusive to a range of abilities provide a welcoming place for children to grow,” continues the report. “Amenities support diverse needs, from building gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing and balancing) to social skills. “With amenities to support comfort (such as shade and washrooms) caregivers love that they can linger for longer periods of time in Fairley Park.” The project has been phased into a two-step process as funding becomes available, with ‘Phase 1’ including the renewal of the current playground. This includes removing the existing playground
and locating a new picnic structure in its footprint, as well as integrating the new play equipment with the existing swing along the western edge of the park. Room for expansion Plans are already underway to incorporate exercise equipment into the city-owned open area next to the trail, leaving an unused space behind the park’s current play area for expansion considered ‘Phase 2’ of the revitalization. “Expanding the park to occupy the right-of-way adjacent to the trail provides the opportunity to better connect with the trail and to incorporate the pumptrack and slide.” With the strategy in its infant stages, the ideas laid out in the report are not
issued for construction, but rather for discussion and possible future implementation.
CONTAIN-IT STORAGE
Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■
1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000
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
IS YOUR FURNACE READY FOR WINTER Don’t get caught off guard by a broken heater when you need it most. Give your furnace a tune-up before the cold hits.
BE SURE TO KEEP THE FAMILY WARM & SAFE THIS WINTER
250-378-5104
2151 Coutlee Ave., coppervalley@uniserve.com
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. or email: publisher@merrittherald.com
22 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED AD – IN PRINT AND ONLINE!
CLASSIFIEDS
Call 250-378-4241
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DEADLINE: MONDAY at noon. for that week’s paper.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
Help Wanted
Evelyn Smyth
Merritt Funeral Chapel
December 14, 2025 Evelyn Smyth passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025. She is survived by her husband, three children and cherished grandchildren. The family will gather for a celebration of her life in the spring. In place of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Merritt Hospital and Kamloops Hospital for the excellent care Evelyn received.
Help Wanted
A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC
Celebrating each life like no other REGULAR OFFICE HOURS On Call 24 Hours A Day
Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m
www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC
250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379
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.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
ACROSS
SUDOKU 1. American automotive 19. Connected with titan touch 4. Tire term 21. Pen stain 7. Two-year-old sheep 23. Monetary units 10. Indigenous people 24. School kids’ art of Thailand project 11. Anti-Soviet Cold 25. Early Bell Canada War group executive 12. Actress de Armas 26. Sword 13. Not moving 27. Hates 15. Cool! 30. Fixed in one place 16. Plants of the arum 34. Pie _ __ mode family 35. Moved swiftly on foot
36. Carrier on vehicle 59. A way to cause to 41. A path to get be swollen through 60. One and only 45. “Rule, Britannia” 61. You might get one composer in summer 46. Spiritual leader 62. Wreath 47. Flowing 63. Thus far 50. Respectful 64. They __ compliments 65. Employee 54. Cure reference number 55. Soft, lightweight fabric 56. Building material 57. Japanese delicacy
DOWN
OBITUARIES
1. Policemen (French) 17. Written account 2. Toy dog 18. Consumed 3. Intestinal condition 20. Opposite of first 4. Muscular 22. No (slang) weaknesses 27. Government 5. Helps little firms lawyers 6. Alphabetical lists 28. NY Giants great 7. Takes down 29. Small amount 8. Facilitates 31. A way to save for 9. Ethnic people of your future Ethiopia 32. Fall behind 13. Engine additive 33. Midway between 14. Explorers group northeast and east
37. Head pain 48. Paddle 38. Wildly popular 49. Oneness sport 51. Bitter chemical 39. “Princess Diaries” 52. Not around actress Hathaway 53. Very fast airplane 40. Boat race 58. Main tributary of 41. About fish the Rhine 42. Nursemaid 43. Able to be marketed 44. Not as large 47. Parts per billion (abbr.)
Local
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
www.merrittherald.com | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | 23
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Stoyoma Dental Clinic EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
POSITION TITLE: Receptionist (24–40 hours per week) REPORTS TO: Dental Clinic Manager POSITION OVERVIEW: Stoyoma Dental Clinic is seeking a friendly, organized, and patient-focused Receptionist to join our team. As the first point of contact for our patients, the Receptionist plays a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment. This position works closely with the oral health-care team to ensure high-quality patient care. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Greet patients and serve as the first point of contact for all inquiries • Answer phone calls and schedule, confirm, and manage patient appointments • Process patient payments and assist with insurance pre-authorizations • Complete general administrative duties with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail • Support dental services that are open to the public, with a focus on meeting the diverse and complex needs of local First Nation community members • Promote the safety and well-being of patients and report concerns to appropriate team members • Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and patient-centered clinic environment We offer a competitive salary of $25/hour based and Full benefits package following successful completion of a 90-day probation period
TODAY ' S PUZZ LE A NSW E RS
HOW TO APPLY. Please submit your resume by email to stoyomadental@schss.com (Attention: Manager) or drop it off in person at 2088 Quilchena Avenue.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
TREE SERVICE
JIM PO TT ER
MERRITT TREE SERVICE
• Fu lly ins ure d, cer tif ied fal ler • WS BC co ve red • Da ng ero us tre e as ses sm en t ➤Schedule your FREE Estim ate
CALL JIM at 250-378-4212
Solutions for your tree prob
lems!
HOME RENOVATION VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT
PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT) • 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 LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS Excellent medical & dental plan
PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME IN PERSON TO
1195 Houston Street, Merritt BC • 250-378-6161
CHILLIWACK SAWMILL HIRING EXPERIENCED SAWFILERS AND MILL WRIGHTS. PLEASE EMAIL RESUME chilliwackmill@outlook.com
S
Park Family Contracting m Transform your bathroo RT, & shower with EXPE s. on uti complete sol
ity novations with qual EXPERT home re detail! d attention to an ip sh an m ts craf
-0145 For FREE ll 604-760 estimates ca
PLUMBING & HEATING
N ic ol a P lu m bi ng & H ea ti ng
FULLY QUALIFIED TRADESMAN IN:
Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.
t metal.
Service work, furnace service and custom shee
!
today Certified Plumbers & Gas Fitters wanted - apply
com www.nicolaplumbingandheating. TSBC Licence email: nicplumb@telus.net 206 4 Coutlee Ave.
#LGA0 002534
Ph: 250-378-4943
24 | THURSDAY, December 25, 2025 | www.merrittherald.com
. . . l a nnu
a s ’ e itur
rn u F City
~ DOOR CRASHERS ~
DAY DECEMBER 26 • 9 - 4 PM
0% Up to 70% Off Storewide FINANCING OAC
NEW YEARS DAY BLITZ Thursday, Jan. 1•11am - 4 pm SHOP LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL, PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE! • BUY IT TODAY - TAKE IT HOME TODAY • STATUS CARDS ACCEPTED
2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt Phone: 250-378-2332
& Appliances Ltd.
HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sundays: Closed