February 22, 2011 - News Leader
PXA PLANS ONLINE WEBSITE
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) welcomed Adam Gullason, owner of Up ‘n’ Adam Website Design, to the February 15 meeting. Gullason gave a presentation showing a prospective version of a PXA website, and outlining costs of building and maintaining the website.
Following the presentation, PXA members voted to employ Up ‘n’ Adam to build and update a PXA website. As well as featuring the facilities of the fairgrounds and rental rates, user groups will have a section to advertise what they are doing. Each user group will be asked to submit information and photographs to Up ‘n’ Adam for use on the website. Appropriate links will be established for the completed website. A request by Evan Howarth to hold a horse clinic at the fairgrounds on the June 24 weekend was approved. Locally, Paul Bedard and Glenn Krupnik will be working with Howarth to facilitate the clinic. Howarth hopes to present a clinic annually at Princeton’s fairgrounds. Dates are being reserved for other events. May 14 and 15 is reserved for Princeton Rodeo. Fall Fair Flea Market is May 28. The horse clinic is June 24 and 25. Racing Days has tentatively reserved June 30, August 20 and 21, and August 27 and 28 for horse racing. Little Britches Rodeo will be held July 23 and 24. September 10 and 11 are reserved for the Fall Fair. Members discussed rates for groups who wish to attract vendors. The Fall Fair has increased two categories of vendor rates, those using power. PXA members recommended that all user groups charge the same rates for vendors. Rental rates for the fairgrounds or equipment owned by the PXA are going to be reviewed in the next month because changes are required in some rental prices. The next meeting of the PXA will be held at the library on March 15 at 7:00 PM. Anyone having questions about holding an event or renting equipment should attend that meeting.
LALI PULLS OUT OF RACE
The following is a statement issued February 17th by Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali: “Today I am removing my name from the New Democrat Leadership race and will not be filing my papers. I can give you a dozen excuses why I am withdrawing from the leadership race, but they would be just that - excuses -or an easy way out. That’s not my style...and I think you already know that. In all honesty, and politics aside, to paraphrase what my good friend Rich Coleman said in December, ‘The money’s all there, the team’s there...but my heart’s not in it.’ Well, for me, it is the opposite – my heart’s definitely there, but the money and the resources are not. In order to run a competitive NDP
leadership campaign one needs to spend well over $100,000...which means one has to raise at least $215,000 – that isn’t going to happen for me. In talking to members around the province, and meeting with supporters, I have determined that this is not my time. To my family, relatives and friends, to all those people who have supported my leadership bid and volunteered for my campaign, and especially to the thousands of people who took up NDP memberships to support me, I thank you.
And I wish all the remaining candidates well in their efforts to become leader of this great party – they are all great people and each of them would make a great Leader and Premier.”
Princeton Exhibition Association (PXA) welcomed Adam Gullason, owner of Up ‘n’ Adam Website Design, to the February 15 meeting. Gullason gave a presentation showing a prospective version of a PXA website, and outlining costs of building and maintaining the website.
Following the presentation, PXA members voted to employ Up ‘n’ Adam to build and update a PXA website. As well as featuring the facilities of the fairgrounds and rental rates, user groups will have a section to advertise what they are doing. Each user group will be asked to submit information and photographs to Up ‘n’ Adam for use on the website. Appropriate links will be established for the completed website. A request by Evan Howarth to hold a horse clinic at the fairgrounds on the June 24 weekend was approved. Locally, Paul Bedard and Glenn Krupnik will be working with Howarth to facilitate the clinic. Howarth hopes to present a clinic annually at Princeton’s fairgrounds. Dates are being reserved for other events. May 14 and 15 is reserved for Princeton Rodeo. Fall Fair Flea Market is May 28. The horse clinic is June 24 and 25. Racing Days has tentatively reserved June 30, August 20 and 21, and August 27 and 28 for horse racing. Little Britches Rodeo will be held July 23 and 24. September 10 and 11 are reserved for the Fall Fair. Members discussed rates for groups who wish to attract vendors. The Fall Fair has increased two categories of vendor rates, those using power. PXA members recommended that all user groups charge the same rates for vendors. Rental rates for the fairgrounds or equipment owned by the PXA are going to be reviewed in the next month because changes are required in some rental prices. The next meeting of the PXA will be held at the library on March 15 at 7:00 PM. Anyone having questions about holding an event or renting equipment should attend that meeting.
LALI PULLS OUT OF RACE
The following is a statement issued February 17th by Fraser-Nicola MLA Harry Lali: “Today I am removing my name from the New Democrat Leadership race and will not be filing my papers. I can give you a dozen excuses why I am withdrawing from the leadership race, but they would be just that - excuses -or an easy way out. That’s not my style...and I think you already know that. In all honesty, and politics aside, to paraphrase what my good friend Rich Coleman said in December, ‘The money’s all there, the team’s there...but my heart’s not in it.’ Well, for me, it is the opposite – my heart’s definitely there, but the money and the resources are not. In order to run a competitive NDP
leadership campaign one needs to spend well over $100,000...which means one has to raise at least $215,000 – that isn’t going to happen for me. In talking to members around the province, and meeting with supporters, I have determined that this is not my time. To my family, relatives and friends, to all those people who have supported my leadership bid and volunteered for my campaign, and especially to the thousands of people who took up NDP memberships to support me, I thank you.
And I wish all the remaining candidates well in their efforts to become leader of this great party – they are all great people and each of them would make a great Leader and Premier.”
Posse Push Through Play-offs!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The best-of-seven First Round Playoffs in the Okanagan Division of the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference have been challenging for Princeton's KIJHL team. Results are as follows:
Game #1 - Princeton 6, Kelowna 4
Game #2 - Princeton 5, Kelowna 2
Game #3 - Kelowna 7, Princeton 3
Game #4 - Princeton 7, Kelowna 6
Game #5 - Kelowna 6, Princeton 3
Game #6 - Kelowna 7, Princeton 1
Game #7 - Kelowna 6, Princeton 4
The Posse were eliminated losing the best-of-seven series 4-3 but ended up the only team in the Western division to force a full seven game series.
Game #1 - Princeton 6, Kelowna 4
Game #2 - Princeton 5, Kelowna 2
Game #3 - Kelowna 7, Princeton 3
Game #4 - Princeton 7, Kelowna 6
Game #5 - Kelowna 6, Princeton 3
Game #6 - Kelowna 7, Princeton 1
Game #7 - Kelowna 6, Princeton 4
The Posse were eliminated losing the best-of-seven series 4-3 but ended up the only team in the Western division to force a full seven game series.
Drama Queens (And Kings)!
Photo: Des Cosman
Princeton Secondary School student Jessica Dennis started her own Drama Club last week inviting students from throughout the community to participate. Dennis will host various improv games and talent showcases Friday afternoons at the PSS Drama Room. She hopes to eventually have enough students interested in putting on a short play or program.
February 15, 2011 - News Leader
MISCHIEF COSTS $3,000.00
Princeton RCMP report responding to a mischief call at 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 5th at Everything Pets in the Princeton Plaza located at #4-136 Tapton Avenue. Windows at the business had been smashed by unidentified person(s) throwing bowling ball sized rocks at them. The incident occurred sometime after the business closed the previous day and damage to property is estimated at about $3,000.00. Princeton RCMP are still investigating the incident and ask anyone with information related it to contact the local detachment at 250.295.6911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. RCMP have also fielded many complaints in the past few weeks of motorists failing to stop for school buses. “This is an alarming trend which poses serious risk to young children and youth of the community,” states Sgt. Dave Clare of Princeton Detachment. Failing to stop for a school bus is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act of BC and carries a $167.00 fine. “Although this offence carries a monetary fine, the human cost is much, much greater,” Sgt. Clare adds.
COUNCIL CONSIDERS FUNDING STUDENT PROJECT
Teacher Gordon Bibby has been studying Restoration of Natural Systems and wants to involve some local students in a restoration project. The project will restore natural vegetation to a 300 square meter area east of the new water tower. The soil will be enhanced with steer manure and 900 plant plugs will be hand planted. Students will be directly involved in tilling, planting, weeding and monitoring growth. In addition, they will learn about plants native to the area and about invasive plants. To achieve this goal, Bibby submitted a request for a $1,000 Grant in Aid, but his application was a day late. At the February 7th Town Council meeting, members of Council decided it is a good project and will consider it while determining the budget.
TABLES IN VETERANS SQUARE?
At the February 7 Town Council meeting, Council considered a request from Thomasina’s for permission to set up three or four outdoor tables, each with four chairs and an umbrella, in or around Veterans Square. These tables would be set up and removed daily from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, weather permitting. The plan is to serve lunches and beverages at these tables. Thomasina’s is applying for a liquor vending licence to serve beer and wine. The letter to Council stated, “It is our hope that this ‘Old Europe’ style set-up will attract new and especially repeat customers off the highway into the town.” Council has referred the matter to staff for further consideration.
Princeton RCMP report responding to a mischief call at 8:00 AM on Saturday, February 5th at Everything Pets in the Princeton Plaza located at #4-136 Tapton Avenue. Windows at the business had been smashed by unidentified person(s) throwing bowling ball sized rocks at them. The incident occurred sometime after the business closed the previous day and damage to property is estimated at about $3,000.00. Princeton RCMP are still investigating the incident and ask anyone with information related it to contact the local detachment at 250.295.6911 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. RCMP have also fielded many complaints in the past few weeks of motorists failing to stop for school buses. “This is an alarming trend which poses serious risk to young children and youth of the community,” states Sgt. Dave Clare of Princeton Detachment. Failing to stop for a school bus is an offence under the Motor Vehicle Act of BC and carries a $167.00 fine. “Although this offence carries a monetary fine, the human cost is much, much greater,” Sgt. Clare adds.
COUNCIL CONSIDERS FUNDING STUDENT PROJECT
Teacher Gordon Bibby has been studying Restoration of Natural Systems and wants to involve some local students in a restoration project. The project will restore natural vegetation to a 300 square meter area east of the new water tower. The soil will be enhanced with steer manure and 900 plant plugs will be hand planted. Students will be directly involved in tilling, planting, weeding and monitoring growth. In addition, they will learn about plants native to the area and about invasive plants. To achieve this goal, Bibby submitted a request for a $1,000 Grant in Aid, but his application was a day late. At the February 7th Town Council meeting, members of Council decided it is a good project and will consider it while determining the budget.
TABLES IN VETERANS SQUARE?
At the February 7 Town Council meeting, Council considered a request from Thomasina’s for permission to set up three or four outdoor tables, each with four chairs and an umbrella, in or around Veterans Square. These tables would be set up and removed daily from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving, weather permitting. The plan is to serve lunches and beverages at these tables. Thomasina’s is applying for a liquor vending licence to serve beer and wine. The letter to Council stated, “It is our hope that this ‘Old Europe’ style set-up will attract new and especially repeat customers off the highway into the town.” Council has referred the matter to staff for further consideration.
Student(s) of the Month(s)!
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
January PSS Student of the Month Rachel Halipchuk, centre, is joined by December Students of the Month Leigha Driver, left, and Courtney Krenn, right. Driver and Krenn, both Grade 8 students, were nominated for their volunteer work at Little Folks Nursery School. Halipchuk, a Grade 12 student, was nominated for “helping a friend in need.” PSS PAC sponsors the
program.
program.
I Can See My House From Here!
Photo: Adam Gullason
A beautiful view of a part of Princeton you don't normally get to see, unless you are high above the community near Princeton Secondary School.
February 08, 2011 - News Leader
THREE CAR CRASH CLOSES HIGHWAY
A three vehicle collision at 8:00 AM on Friday, February 4th closed Highway 3 for hours. The incident, which occurred east of Hedley, resulted from a westbound Pontiac sedan rounding a curve and hitting a patch of extremely icy roadway. The Pontiac slid head-on into an eastbound Honda mini van. “The male occupant of the Pontiac, a resident of Grand Forks, sustained life threatening injuries and was air evacuated to Kelowna General Hospital,” explains Sgt. H. B. Hallett of RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services. “Two adult occupants of the Honda, residents of Hedley, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Penticton Regional Hospital by ambulance.” While the two vehicles were at rest in the middle of the highway a third vehicle, a Nissan mini van collided with them. The two occupants of that vehicle, residents of Keremeos, were not injured. “Due to the sudden change in road conditions charges are not anticipated,” Sgt. Hallett says. A freezing rain warning was issued for the Princeton area later that morning, at 11:56 AM, by Environment Canada.
SPIRIT FESTIVAL FEATURES PICTOGRAPH WORKSHOP
The Princeton Arts Council and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band are proud to announce educational workshops on the subject of pictographs. Workshops will be held by Archaeologist Brenda Gould and will be offered to each and every student at John Allison and Vermillion Forks Elementary schools during the month of February, along with a number of classes at Princeton Secondary School. The pictograph workshops are a part of the three-part Spirit Festival that also includes a pictograph mural public art installation at Princeton’s Public Library, and a full day Celebration and Mini Pow Wow. The Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival’s Celebration of First Nations and Mini Pow Wow is on Saturday February 26th, at Riverside Centre.
CAWSTON FARMERS TAKE OYF HONOURS
A former model and her husband, a former Vancouver-area bar and restaurant manager have been named the BC & Yukon Outstanding Young Farmers of 2011. Annemarie and Kevin Klippenstein of Klippers Organic Acres in Cawston received the prestigious award from BC Minister of Agriculture Ben Stewart in front of almost 500 people during the annual BC Agriculture Gala in Abbotsford, January 26th. Since acquiring their first five acres in November, 2000, the Klippensteins have steadily expanded their organic orchard and market garden and now farm close to 40 acres. Although their intent was to sell everything they produced at Vancouver-area farmers markets, they have now diversified their operation to include value-added fruit products and summer and winter Community Supported Agriculture box programs allowing them to have year-round income. This past year, they also began a gift certificate program which allows consumers to purchase gift certificates at the beginning of the year and exchange them for produce through the season.
A three vehicle collision at 8:00 AM on Friday, February 4th closed Highway 3 for hours. The incident, which occurred east of Hedley, resulted from a westbound Pontiac sedan rounding a curve and hitting a patch of extremely icy roadway. The Pontiac slid head-on into an eastbound Honda mini van. “The male occupant of the Pontiac, a resident of Grand Forks, sustained life threatening injuries and was air evacuated to Kelowna General Hospital,” explains Sgt. H. B. Hallett of RCMP South Okanagan Traffic Services. “Two adult occupants of the Honda, residents of Hedley, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Penticton Regional Hospital by ambulance.” While the two vehicles were at rest in the middle of the highway a third vehicle, a Nissan mini van collided with them. The two occupants of that vehicle, residents of Keremeos, were not injured. “Due to the sudden change in road conditions charges are not anticipated,” Sgt. Hallett says. A freezing rain warning was issued for the Princeton area later that morning, at 11:56 AM, by Environment Canada.
SPIRIT FESTIVAL FEATURES PICTOGRAPH WORKSHOP
The Princeton Arts Council and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band are proud to announce educational workshops on the subject of pictographs. Workshops will be held by Archaeologist Brenda Gould and will be offered to each and every student at John Allison and Vermillion Forks Elementary schools during the month of February, along with a number of classes at Princeton Secondary School. The pictograph workshops are a part of the three-part Spirit Festival that also includes a pictograph mural public art installation at Princeton’s Public Library, and a full day Celebration and Mini Pow Wow. The Upper Similkameen Spirit Festival’s Celebration of First Nations and Mini Pow Wow is on Saturday February 26th, at Riverside Centre.
CAWSTON FARMERS TAKE OYF HONOURS
A former model and her husband, a former Vancouver-area bar and restaurant manager have been named the BC & Yukon Outstanding Young Farmers of 2011. Annemarie and Kevin Klippenstein of Klippers Organic Acres in Cawston received the prestigious award from BC Minister of Agriculture Ben Stewart in front of almost 500 people during the annual BC Agriculture Gala in Abbotsford, January 26th. Since acquiring their first five acres in November, 2000, the Klippensteins have steadily expanded their organic orchard and market garden and now farm close to 40 acres. Although their intent was to sell everything they produced at Vancouver-area farmers markets, they have now diversified their operation to include value-added fruit products and summer and winter Community Supported Agriculture box programs allowing them to have year-round income. This past year, they also began a gift certificate program which allows consumers to purchase gift certificates at the beginning of the year and exchange them for produce through the season.
Down the Trail to the Tunnel
Copyright 2011 Bengel Publishing Inc.
The Vermilion Trails Society deserves praise for keeping the portion of the Trans-Canada Trail through Princeton plowed and clear for all kinds of traffic. Many residents now use the path year 'round for walks and, thanks to the addition of lights, can do so well into the evening during the short days of Winter.
A Good Reason To Slow Down!
Photo: Shawn Milner
Highway 3 was closed to all traffic for a couple hours in the afternoon of Saturday, January 29th to allow for the recovery of this vehicle, sitting in Similkameen River about 8km East of Princeton. No further details on the incident, or injuries sustained, were available at the time this was posted to the News Leader website.
February 01, 2011 - News Leader
RODEO CLUB MOVES AHEAD
Princeton’s rodeo will be held May 14 and 15. Club members met on January 24 to expand plans for the rodeo. C Plus Rodeo will bring the stock, and Dennis
Halstead will be back again. West Coast Thunder, the ladies drill team, will be part of the grand opening, and the Rodeo queens of Tonasket and Omak will be invited to participate in the grand opening. Mutton bustin’ and a chicken scramble are planned for the youngsters. Committee managers were appointed. President Ken Crompton will seek sponsors and do advertising. Shirley Campbell will organize a crew for the gate. Bob Wicks will manage the show. J.R. Russell will take care of the grounds crew. Committee heads have not been confirmed for managing the youngsters’ activities, the arena and the concession.
COUNCIL SAYS, NO...WE'LL DO IT
A request from Pitch-In Canada for $350 to join the organization met with a refusal by Town Council. The refusal was based on past experience. Councillors feel they did not receive enough in return for their joining
Pitch-In Canada. Town Council believes local citizens who have organized and carried out community spring clean-up events have done an excellent job, and the $350 would be better spent in support of a locally organized clean-up day.
FAIR BOARD WORKS ON PLANS
The first meeting of the new year is always a busy time for the Fall Fair Association. Although the fair is nine months in the future, the success of the fair depends on early planning. The meeting began with an update on who is doing what at the fairgrounds, and when they are doing it. The rodeo is on May 14 and 15. Dusti Henwood reported the Little Britches Rodeo has secured July 23 and 24. John Bey advised of the dates requested for horse racing in Princeton. Racing Days will meet next month on February 24 at Riverside Centre, and dates should be available then. The fair will be held September 10 and 11. The Fall Fair will host flea markets during the warmer months, but no dates have been set.
Princeton’s rodeo will be held May 14 and 15. Club members met on January 24 to expand plans for the rodeo. C Plus Rodeo will bring the stock, and Dennis
Halstead will be back again. West Coast Thunder, the ladies drill team, will be part of the grand opening, and the Rodeo queens of Tonasket and Omak will be invited to participate in the grand opening. Mutton bustin’ and a chicken scramble are planned for the youngsters. Committee managers were appointed. President Ken Crompton will seek sponsors and do advertising. Shirley Campbell will organize a crew for the gate. Bob Wicks will manage the show. J.R. Russell will take care of the grounds crew. Committee heads have not been confirmed for managing the youngsters’ activities, the arena and the concession.
COUNCIL SAYS, NO...WE'LL DO IT
A request from Pitch-In Canada for $350 to join the organization met with a refusal by Town Council. The refusal was based on past experience. Councillors feel they did not receive enough in return for their joining
Pitch-In Canada. Town Council believes local citizens who have organized and carried out community spring clean-up events have done an excellent job, and the $350 would be better spent in support of a locally organized clean-up day.
FAIR BOARD WORKS ON PLANS
The first meeting of the new year is always a busy time for the Fall Fair Association. Although the fair is nine months in the future, the success of the fair depends on early planning. The meeting began with an update on who is doing what at the fairgrounds, and when they are doing it. The rodeo is on May 14 and 15. Dusti Henwood reported the Little Britches Rodeo has secured July 23 and 24. John Bey advised of the dates requested for horse racing in Princeton. Racing Days will meet next month on February 24 at Riverside Centre, and dates should be available then. The fair will be held September 10 and 11. The Fall Fair will host flea markets during the warmer months, but no dates have been set.
When the Sawdust Pile Gets Hot...
Photo: Brenda Engel
A sawdust pile sitting on property along Old Hedley Road near Weyerhaeuser smouldered for part of last week as crews from Princeton Co-Gen worked to cool it down. The pellet plant operated by Princeton Co-Gen uses the sawdust waste from Weyerhaeuser to produce pellets and shavings which are shipped all over North America.
Here's To The "Year of the Rabbit!"
Copyright 2010 Bengel Publishing Inc.
Kung Hay Fat Choy! - Chinese New Year begins Wednesday, and welcomes the Year of the Rabbit (or Cat). The Chinese assign astrological significance to each year, corresponding to the movement of Jupiter around the Sun. The Chinese say the Year of the Rabbit is good luck for some people and not so good for others. Rabbit years are believed to be years of world-wide changes. Intellectual activity pays off in Rabbit years, so it is a good year to study, even if it means just taking a course for the sake of expanding your knowledge. The advantage goes to those who have knowledge.