RACING DAYS PLANS FORWARD
Princeton Racing Days Association has received verbal confirmation for a race meet on June 28. Sponsorships will be needed to make up the additional $30,000 required to put on the event, which needs a minimum of $50,000. Some funding is available from B.C.'s central racing association, but this has yet to be determined. Princeton has shared a starting gate with Osoyoos, as well as the starting gate truck. The truck belonged to John Bey. The Bey family will donate the truck to the PXA for use by Racing Days Association, but the truck will be repainted in John Deere green as a memorial to Bey, who was Racing Days president for a number of years. Plans for the race meet are coming together well. There will be an opening ceremony at noon, followed by the first race at 1:00 PM. When the races are over, there will be music and dancing to the Dale Seaman Highway 97 band. Posters for the event will be available soon and new highway signs will replace the old signs. Vendors will be welcome to attend the event, and vendor forms will be distributed at the Cowboy Festival in Kamloops in March. Volunteers are needed for a number of positions: the gate, the fifty-fifty draw, and at the pari-mutual area, as well as a person capable of handling some of the paperwork. Anyone wishing to assist can attend the March 20 Racing Days meeting at the library at 6:30 PM.
TOWN COUNCIL REPORTS
At each Town Council meeting, Mayor and Councillors give reports on their activities. At the February 17 Town Council meeting, Mayor Frank Armitage reported attending a benefit dinner for Tulameen Fire Department at Coalmont Hotel, a benefit dance at Riverside, and a Senior Citizens tea. He praised the efforts of all groups. He had gone to Snowpatch on Family Day, saying it was a great day for a family. He attended the Peewees play-off game on Saturday and cheered for them. In addition to the social activities, Council completed the budget decisions, and met with the Conservation Branch. Mayor Armitage said he expressed his disappointment at the loss of a resident Conservation Officer, and mentioned the loss of many provincial government services to Princeton, beginning with the loss of Forest Service members. Councillor Doug Pateman had had an enjoyable activity on Celebrity Reading Day. He read stories to Grade 3 students, with a very able assistant who instructed him as to when and how to show the pictures in the book. Councillor Kim Maynard reported the Similkameen watershed project is going into Phase 3 this year. He had attended an Okanagan watershed conference, and said Oregon is now checking boats for zebra mussels and many of those boats were heading to southern British Columbia. The threat of zebra mussel invasion is high on the list of Okanagan watershed concerns. Councillor Marilyn Harkness attended a Healthy Communities conference in Penticton and heard a presentation on healthy playgrounds and playground equipment. She advised Council that a representative from Princeton is needed on the South Okanagan Medical Foundation.
Princeton Racing Days Association has received verbal confirmation for a race meet on June 28. Sponsorships will be needed to make up the additional $30,000 required to put on the event, which needs a minimum of $50,000. Some funding is available from B.C.'s central racing association, but this has yet to be determined. Princeton has shared a starting gate with Osoyoos, as well as the starting gate truck. The truck belonged to John Bey. The Bey family will donate the truck to the PXA for use by Racing Days Association, but the truck will be repainted in John Deere green as a memorial to Bey, who was Racing Days president for a number of years. Plans for the race meet are coming together well. There will be an opening ceremony at noon, followed by the first race at 1:00 PM. When the races are over, there will be music and dancing to the Dale Seaman Highway 97 band. Posters for the event will be available soon and new highway signs will replace the old signs. Vendors will be welcome to attend the event, and vendor forms will be distributed at the Cowboy Festival in Kamloops in March. Volunteers are needed for a number of positions: the gate, the fifty-fifty draw, and at the pari-mutual area, as well as a person capable of handling some of the paperwork. Anyone wishing to assist can attend the March 20 Racing Days meeting at the library at 6:30 PM.
TOWN COUNCIL REPORTS
At each Town Council meeting, Mayor and Councillors give reports on their activities. At the February 17 Town Council meeting, Mayor Frank Armitage reported attending a benefit dinner for Tulameen Fire Department at Coalmont Hotel, a benefit dance at Riverside, and a Senior Citizens tea. He praised the efforts of all groups. He had gone to Snowpatch on Family Day, saying it was a great day for a family. He attended the Peewees play-off game on Saturday and cheered for them. In addition to the social activities, Council completed the budget decisions, and met with the Conservation Branch. Mayor Armitage said he expressed his disappointment at the loss of a resident Conservation Officer, and mentioned the loss of many provincial government services to Princeton, beginning with the loss of Forest Service members. Councillor Doug Pateman had had an enjoyable activity on Celebrity Reading Day. He read stories to Grade 3 students, with a very able assistant who instructed him as to when and how to show the pictures in the book. Councillor Kim Maynard reported the Similkameen watershed project is going into Phase 3 this year. He had attended an Okanagan watershed conference, and said Oregon is now checking boats for zebra mussels and many of those boats were heading to southern British Columbia. The threat of zebra mussel invasion is high on the list of Okanagan watershed concerns. Councillor Marilyn Harkness attended a Healthy Communities conference in Penticton and heard a presentation on healthy playgrounds and playground equipment. She advised Council that a representative from Princeton is needed on the South Okanagan Medical Foundation.
Princeton Skaters Show Their Stuff!
Princeton Skater Hanna Gould!
February 18, 2014 - News Leader
WOMAN SENTENCED FOR B&E
A 24 year old Princeton woman, Katelyn LaFleur, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton for sentencing on two charges of break and enter. She had previously entered guilty pleas to the charges and a pre-sentence report had been prepared prior to sentencing. Circumstances presented by Crown Counsel indicated LaFleur had been seen trying doors around Pines Mobile Home Park on the afternoon of June 25, 2013. The police were called and found LaFleur riding her bicycle near the park and stopped her for questioning. As they questioned her, a passing
motorist stopped and said LaFleur had been in her home. LaFleur was arrested and denied she had entered any homes, but police found two cold bottles of beer on her. LaFleur claimed she had found them in the park while she was looking for pop cans to return for money. Further investigation revealed she had entered a home and taken the same brand of beer from a refrigerator. The pre-sentence report indicated LaFleur had mental health and drug issues. She had a prior record for break and enter in 2012 when she had
entered a local restaurant when it was closed and had taken money. She had been given a conditional discharge on that occasion. Judge Shaw sentenced LaFleur to six months house arrest to be followed by 12 months probation. There were numerous conditions attached to the sentence, including an order prohibiting LaFleur from going near Pines Mobile Home Park. Judge Shaw warned LaFleur if she appeared in the future on charges of break and enter she would go to jail.
MURDERER NETS LIFE IN PRISON
Special to the News Leader
by John Moorhouse
Penticton Herald and The Canadian Press
KAMLOOPS - A long-term sex offender, who admitted shooting his landlady twice in the head near Princeton more than two years ago, has been sentenced to life in prison. Roger Badour, 65, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops on Wednesday, February 12. He was sentenced by Justice Ian Meiklem to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 10 years. A number of firearms and other charges were stayed by the Crown. In December 2012, Badour blurted out in court that he had killed 56-year-old Gisele Duckham and fled the scene. Police discovered Duckham's body inside her Osprey Lake Road home on November 9, 2011 the day after Badour had been arrested during a routine police traffic stop in Penticton. RCMP discovered firearms and other evidence allegedly linking him with Duckham. Badour told court he shot the woman after she threatened to turn him in to authorities for other offences he had allegedly committed. Crown counsel Lorne Fisher said Badour befriended Duckham, a volunteer community worker, and she allowed him to live in a camper behind her property. This marks the second time Badour has pleaded guilty to Duckham's murder. An earlier guilty plea was rejected by the court in January 2013, after the accused said he wanted to get past the trial in order to get better treatment for his cancer at a federal prison. Neil MacKenzie, spokesman for the B.C. Criminal Justice branch, explained Wednesday after a thorough review of the situation it was determined that a voluntary guilty plea would be acceptable. "It reached the point where Crown was satisfied it was appropriate to accept the guilty plea to the second degree murder charge and proceed to the sentencing," MacKenzie said. Badour has been in frail health for some time. During a preliminary hearing in Penticton court in September 2012, he suddenly collapsed in the courtroom and was taken by ambulance to hospital. Badour was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant at the time of the murder, after walking away from a halfway house in Victoria in April 2011. In 2001, he was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 20-year-old Penticton woman on November 1, 1999, in the back of a van on Munson Mountain.
A 24 year old Princeton woman, Katelyn LaFleur, appeared in Provincial Court in Princeton for sentencing on two charges of break and enter. She had previously entered guilty pleas to the charges and a pre-sentence report had been prepared prior to sentencing. Circumstances presented by Crown Counsel indicated LaFleur had been seen trying doors around Pines Mobile Home Park on the afternoon of June 25, 2013. The police were called and found LaFleur riding her bicycle near the park and stopped her for questioning. As they questioned her, a passing
motorist stopped and said LaFleur had been in her home. LaFleur was arrested and denied she had entered any homes, but police found two cold bottles of beer on her. LaFleur claimed she had found them in the park while she was looking for pop cans to return for money. Further investigation revealed she had entered a home and taken the same brand of beer from a refrigerator. The pre-sentence report indicated LaFleur had mental health and drug issues. She had a prior record for break and enter in 2012 when she had
entered a local restaurant when it was closed and had taken money. She had been given a conditional discharge on that occasion. Judge Shaw sentenced LaFleur to six months house arrest to be followed by 12 months probation. There were numerous conditions attached to the sentence, including an order prohibiting LaFleur from going near Pines Mobile Home Park. Judge Shaw warned LaFleur if she appeared in the future on charges of break and enter she would go to jail.
MURDERER NETS LIFE IN PRISON
Special to the News Leader
by John Moorhouse
Penticton Herald and The Canadian Press
KAMLOOPS - A long-term sex offender, who admitted shooting his landlady twice in the head near Princeton more than two years ago, has been sentenced to life in prison. Roger Badour, 65, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops on Wednesday, February 12. He was sentenced by Justice Ian Meiklem to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 10 years. A number of firearms and other charges were stayed by the Crown. In December 2012, Badour blurted out in court that he had killed 56-year-old Gisele Duckham and fled the scene. Police discovered Duckham's body inside her Osprey Lake Road home on November 9, 2011 the day after Badour had been arrested during a routine police traffic stop in Penticton. RCMP discovered firearms and other evidence allegedly linking him with Duckham. Badour told court he shot the woman after she threatened to turn him in to authorities for other offences he had allegedly committed. Crown counsel Lorne Fisher said Badour befriended Duckham, a volunteer community worker, and she allowed him to live in a camper behind her property. This marks the second time Badour has pleaded guilty to Duckham's murder. An earlier guilty plea was rejected by the court in January 2013, after the accused said he wanted to get past the trial in order to get better treatment for his cancer at a federal prison. Neil MacKenzie, spokesman for the B.C. Criminal Justice branch, explained Wednesday after a thorough review of the situation it was determined that a voluntary guilty plea would be acceptable. "It reached the point where Crown was satisfied it was appropriate to accept the guilty plea to the second degree murder charge and proceed to the sentencing," MacKenzie said. Badour has been in frail health for some time. During a preliminary hearing in Penticton court in September 2012, he suddenly collapsed in the courtroom and was taken by ambulance to hospital. Badour was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant at the time of the murder, after walking away from a halfway house in Victoria in April 2011. In 2001, he was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 20-year-old Penticton woman on November 1, 1999, in the back of a van on Munson Mountain.
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign!
Brand new highway directional signs were hung at intersections in and around Princeton February 12th replacing old, worn out signs. At least one of the overhead signs replaced dated back to the 1950s. The new signs were a welcome sight as the old ones had deteriorated considerably due to exposure to the elements.
Who's The Anti-Town Council Sticker Bug?
They appeared sometime overnight on Wednesday, February 12th and early the morning of Thursday, February 13th. They were on mostly empty storefronts in downtown Princeton. They were large and said something about Princeton Council although the actual message they were supposed to convey is unclear. With it being an election year, any number of displays are expected to pop up throughout the region over the next few months.
February 11, 2014 - News Leader
EARLE RESIGNS COUNCIL SEAT
The following letter was read at the February 3rd regular meeting of Princeton Town Council: "Dear Mayor and Council, I have been a member of Town Council for 5 years and I have enjoyed serving the Townspeople, as a Councillor and a brief term as Acting Mayor. The work has been challenging, yet very rewarding, some of the milestones and projects that I will remember the most are: 1. The re-instatement of 24/7 Emergency services at Princeton General Hospital; 2. The creation of a framework for sustainable Health Care Service in Princeton; 3. The Riverside Community Centre upgrades; 4. Being awarded the Gold Medal for Gamestown 2010 and; 5. The completion of the Miners Climb rebuild. However, due to changes in my employment, I find myself now working out of town on a regular basis. Recently I have relied on the help of my fellow Councillors, Staff and the Chairs of my respective committees, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of Town Council. It has become increasingly difficult to balance these responsibilities and work obligations and I am feeling I can no longer effectively fulfill the commitment I have made to the people of Princeton. So, I regret that I must, in the best interest of all concerned, resign my position as a Councillor. I would like to thank Mayor Armitage, Councillor Harkness, Councillor Maynard, Councillor Pateman and all of our competent staff for their understanding and support during this time. I would especially like to thank all of my friends and supporters who have made my experience as Councillor as successful as I believe it has been. Lastly, on behalf of myself, April, Dallas and Destiny we would like to wish the Town of Princeton all the best and continued success in the future. Thank You, Jason Earle"
BYLAW RECEIVES THREE READINGS
Princeton Town Council gave three readings to a new bylaw at their February 3rd regular meeting. Officially known as the Town of Princeton Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 884, 2014, it came into being to incorporate charges attached to individual bylaws into a single document. "This makes it easier to administer all of the various fees that we charge," states Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to council. "When a rate review is done only one bylaw needs to be amended and all of our information is in one place." For example, the 2014 water and sewer rates were quickly incorporated in this bylaw later in the meeting. The town bills users for water and sewer charges annually. Flat rates are in place for various user types with water revenue designed to cover the cost of operations and create a reserve for infrastructure replacement. A long term action plan continues this year which will see wells 1, 2 and 4 being used as the main municipal supply wells with upgrades and repairs conducted when needed during their lifespan to optimize their efficiency. The project this year for the sewer treatment plant will be to complete the upgrade with the installation of a new aeration system. The cost will be covered entirely by the Gas Tax Program. Residential water rates increase to $279.00 (after discount) with sewer rates bumping up slightly to $131.00. "On a monthly basis that works out to just over $34.00," states Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to council. "That is less than most outside utility bills, including telephone, power, gas or cable television and far less than residents in our neighbouring communities." For comparison, the Village of Keremeos water rates are at $299.50 with sewer costing $235.00. Summerland charges $386.86 and $238.25, with Peachland rates set at $480.00 and $318.88.
The following letter was read at the February 3rd regular meeting of Princeton Town Council: "Dear Mayor and Council, I have been a member of Town Council for 5 years and I have enjoyed serving the Townspeople, as a Councillor and a brief term as Acting Mayor. The work has been challenging, yet very rewarding, some of the milestones and projects that I will remember the most are: 1. The re-instatement of 24/7 Emergency services at Princeton General Hospital; 2. The creation of a framework for sustainable Health Care Service in Princeton; 3. The Riverside Community Centre upgrades; 4. Being awarded the Gold Medal for Gamestown 2010 and; 5. The completion of the Miners Climb rebuild. However, due to changes in my employment, I find myself now working out of town on a regular basis. Recently I have relied on the help of my fellow Councillors, Staff and the Chairs of my respective committees, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of Town Council. It has become increasingly difficult to balance these responsibilities and work obligations and I am feeling I can no longer effectively fulfill the commitment I have made to the people of Princeton. So, I regret that I must, in the best interest of all concerned, resign my position as a Councillor. I would like to thank Mayor Armitage, Councillor Harkness, Councillor Maynard, Councillor Pateman and all of our competent staff for their understanding and support during this time. I would especially like to thank all of my friends and supporters who have made my experience as Councillor as successful as I believe it has been. Lastly, on behalf of myself, April, Dallas and Destiny we would like to wish the Town of Princeton all the best and continued success in the future. Thank You, Jason Earle"
BYLAW RECEIVES THREE READINGS
Princeton Town Council gave three readings to a new bylaw at their February 3rd regular meeting. Officially known as the Town of Princeton Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 884, 2014, it came into being to incorporate charges attached to individual bylaws into a single document. "This makes it easier to administer all of the various fees that we charge," states Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to council. "When a rate review is done only one bylaw needs to be amended and all of our information is in one place." For example, the 2014 water and sewer rates were quickly incorporated in this bylaw later in the meeting. The town bills users for water and sewer charges annually. Flat rates are in place for various user types with water revenue designed to cover the cost of operations and create a reserve for infrastructure replacement. A long term action plan continues this year which will see wells 1, 2 and 4 being used as the main municipal supply wells with upgrades and repairs conducted when needed during their lifespan to optimize their efficiency. The project this year for the sewer treatment plant will be to complete the upgrade with the installation of a new aeration system. The cost will be covered entirely by the Gas Tax Program. Residential water rates increase to $279.00 (after discount) with sewer rates bumping up slightly to $131.00. "On a monthly basis that works out to just over $34.00," states Director of Finance Shirley McMahon in her report to council. "That is less than most outside utility bills, including telephone, power, gas or cable television and far less than residents in our neighbouring communities." For comparison, the Village of Keremeos water rates are at $299.50 with sewer costing $235.00. Summerland charges $386.86 and $238.25, with Peachland rates set at $480.00 and $318.88.
Local Governments Request Answers!
Four South Okanagan Similkameen governments are calling on the Province of British Columbia to better explain the necessity of increased utility rates undertaken by FortisBC earlier this month. In a letter to Premier Christy Clark, signed by the chair of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the respective Chiefs of the Penticton, Osoyoos and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands, the Joint Council expressed concern "regarding the current and proposed rate increases, the British Columbia Utilities Commission¹s reaction and the lack of response from Fortis regarding requests for consultation and referral."
"Due to the challenge customers face with rising energy costs, heat and electricity have become a luxury in British Columbia," the letter reads. The Joint Council also expressed concern about a proposed dam to be located near the Similkameen community of Princeton. The Joint Council was established in 2013 as a result of a Protocol Agreement signed by the Regional District with the three Indian Bands. It provides a vehicle for consultation, communication, information sharing, education and cooperation among the member governments.
"Due to the challenge customers face with rising energy costs, heat and electricity have become a luxury in British Columbia," the letter reads. The Joint Council also expressed concern about a proposed dam to be located near the Similkameen community of Princeton. The Joint Council was established in 2013 as a result of a Protocol Agreement signed by the Regional District with the three Indian Bands. It provides a vehicle for consultation, communication, information sharing, education and cooperation among the member governments.
They Call It A 'Fun' Day!
Princeton Minor Posse Tykes hosted a Funday Tournament February 8th at Princeton Arena. The teams, made up of boys and girls 6-years of age and younger, played a series of games throughout the day which kept Princeton Arena busy during the entire event. This photo shows Princeton (cream) against Merritt (white). In contrast, the referee in this photo is 14-year old Hanna Gould.
February 04, 2014 - News Leader
WATCH FOR FALLING ROCK
You've seen the bright yellow caution signs with the words above in black. Motorists Monday, January 27th were not watching for rocks on Highway 3 about 8-kilometres west of Standing Rock (some reports said 18-kilometres west of Keremeos) for good reason, the four-lane stretch of the route is situated in a section of the valley where it is wide and open. The highway runs along a hillside, but the tall rock formations are set back enough to not be considered a threat to most who travel that route daily. Shortly after 12 noon on that day (most reports state 12:20 or 12:30 PM) a power outage struck most of the Village of Keremeos and Apex Mountain. The cause was a rockslide that sent boulders "the size of pick-up trucks" down the hill overlooking Highway 3 and took out a number of power poles in the process. Traffic on the highway was not busy but two (some reports say three) vehicles were struck by the rocks and debris that tumbled down and covered the four lanes for about 150-metres. One woman was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the rockslide severed the Similkameen Valley at the core of its most vital transportation link. As news started to spread about the road closure, so did photos of the incident, most of which were taken by Similkameen News Leader's Brenda Engel who was on her way back to Princeton with a carload last week's issue of this paper fresh from the printers and just delivered to newsstands in Keremeos. Engel described the slide site in a radio interview as looking like "a war zone." Power was soon restored to most of the close to 1,300 (some reports said 1,500) Fortis customer affected by the lines knocked down by the rock slide and the highway remained closed for the night. Many reports have since circulated pointing the slide being triggered by an earthquake. The closest one recorded on January 27th was at 2:21 PM (just over two hours after the rock slide occurred) near Highway 3 approximately 9-kilometres SSW of Princeton and had a magnitude of 2.4. Locals will recognize that the 'quake' was actually a quarry blast at the Copper Mountain Mine. A geotechnical crew was set to arrive at the scene at 7:30 AM the following morning to perform site assessment. Once the hillside was considered safe, heavy equipment would arrive and clean up efforts would begin. At the time, Highway 3 was expected to reopen later that day. The road remained closed for a second night and those who needed to travel from one side of the valley to the other used Princeton-Summerland Road or went to Peachland and took the Okanagan Connector to Highway 5A at Aspen Grove. Braver drivers tackled the Green Mountain Road to Nickleplate Road and around that way via the Apex Mountain turnoff. On Wednesday, January 29th, a change in weather, which dumped several centimeters of snow across the entire, Similkameen Valley also played a hand in delaying the reopening of Highway 3. It wasn't until Thursday, January 30th when the highway was cleared for travel with a scheduled 6:00 PM reopening taking place an hour earlier. Highway 3 was closed for 77 hours in total.
TOWN CLEBRATES FAMILY DAY
Town of Princeton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services wishes to extend an invitation to Princeton, Area H and Similkameen Valley residents to the Princeton 'Fun In The Snow Day' on February 10th celebrating BC Family Day at China Ridge from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Princeton 'Fun in the Snow Day' at China Ridge is a time to enjoy an outdoor recreational experience that individuals and families can do in their own backyard. Everyone is welcome to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing, sleigh riding down the tobagganing hill, check out Princeton Search & Rescue equipment, hang out with the Princeton Posse Players, visit with friends around the camp fire and enjoy a hot meal; while on the mountain at China Ridge. China Ridge Trails is just a short 10 minute drive from downtown Princeton; just follow the signs to the longhouse. Don¹t forget your sleigh for the groomed tobaggan hill and mug for hot drinks!
You've seen the bright yellow caution signs with the words above in black. Motorists Monday, January 27th were not watching for rocks on Highway 3 about 8-kilometres west of Standing Rock (some reports said 18-kilometres west of Keremeos) for good reason, the four-lane stretch of the route is situated in a section of the valley where it is wide and open. The highway runs along a hillside, but the tall rock formations are set back enough to not be considered a threat to most who travel that route daily. Shortly after 12 noon on that day (most reports state 12:20 or 12:30 PM) a power outage struck most of the Village of Keremeos and Apex Mountain. The cause was a rockslide that sent boulders "the size of pick-up trucks" down the hill overlooking Highway 3 and took out a number of power poles in the process. Traffic on the highway was not busy but two (some reports say three) vehicles were struck by the rocks and debris that tumbled down and covered the four lanes for about 150-metres. One woman was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the rockslide severed the Similkameen Valley at the core of its most vital transportation link. As news started to spread about the road closure, so did photos of the incident, most of which were taken by Similkameen News Leader's Brenda Engel who was on her way back to Princeton with a carload last week's issue of this paper fresh from the printers and just delivered to newsstands in Keremeos. Engel described the slide site in a radio interview as looking like "a war zone." Power was soon restored to most of the close to 1,300 (some reports said 1,500) Fortis customer affected by the lines knocked down by the rock slide and the highway remained closed for the night. Many reports have since circulated pointing the slide being triggered by an earthquake. The closest one recorded on January 27th was at 2:21 PM (just over two hours after the rock slide occurred) near Highway 3 approximately 9-kilometres SSW of Princeton and had a magnitude of 2.4. Locals will recognize that the 'quake' was actually a quarry blast at the Copper Mountain Mine. A geotechnical crew was set to arrive at the scene at 7:30 AM the following morning to perform site assessment. Once the hillside was considered safe, heavy equipment would arrive and clean up efforts would begin. At the time, Highway 3 was expected to reopen later that day. The road remained closed for a second night and those who needed to travel from one side of the valley to the other used Princeton-Summerland Road or went to Peachland and took the Okanagan Connector to Highway 5A at Aspen Grove. Braver drivers tackled the Green Mountain Road to Nickleplate Road and around that way via the Apex Mountain turnoff. On Wednesday, January 29th, a change in weather, which dumped several centimeters of snow across the entire, Similkameen Valley also played a hand in delaying the reopening of Highway 3. It wasn't until Thursday, January 30th when the highway was cleared for travel with a scheduled 6:00 PM reopening taking place an hour earlier. Highway 3 was closed for 77 hours in total.
TOWN CLEBRATES FAMILY DAY
Town of Princeton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services wishes to extend an invitation to Princeton, Area H and Similkameen Valley residents to the Princeton 'Fun In The Snow Day' on February 10th celebrating BC Family Day at China Ridge from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Princeton 'Fun in the Snow Day' at China Ridge is a time to enjoy an outdoor recreational experience that individuals and families can do in their own backyard. Everyone is welcome to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing, sleigh riding down the tobagganing hill, check out Princeton Search & Rescue equipment, hang out with the Princeton Posse Players, visit with friends around the camp fire and enjoy a hot meal; while on the mountain at China Ridge. China Ridge Trails is just a short 10 minute drive from downtown Princeton; just follow the signs to the longhouse. Don¹t forget your sleigh for the groomed tobaggan hill and mug for hot drinks!
Happy 10th Anniversary, George!
Similkameen News Leader's George Elliott celebrated ten years as Owner/Publisher of the small-town, independently-owned weekly community newspaper on February 1, 2014. There was no celebration. "It's just another day at the office where I'm trying to finish the paper for printing," Elliott said. "I mean, it's a significant milestone that I don't take lightly, but we aren't going to do anything special to mark it." A unique advertising section will appear in February issues of the paper where local businesses have joined in to wish Elliott best wishes. He is pictured at left with a copy of the first issue he published (dated February 3, 2004) and the 500th issue he published (dated November 19, 2013). Congratulations, George!
Groups Partner for Benefit Dance!
by Esther Donovan, Crimson Tine Players
Princeton Rotary Club and Crimson Tine Players have partnered together for a special community event on Saturday, February 15th. As we all know the Rotary Club has worked incredibly hard to provide funds to put in a commercial kitchen in Riverside Centre. They have gone above and beyond to try and get this done, and are just a few thousand dollars short of completion. So together we are providing a great benefit dance on the Valentine weekend at Riverside. All proceeds will go to the kitchen completion. Live music is provided by The Switchmen of the KVR Band and all tickets include pie and coffee or tea. There will also be a cash wine and beer bar. The evening starts with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the band will begin
at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20 each. We will have a great silent auction during the evening with spa tickets, flight around the valley, golf tickets, special baked bread, Robert Bateman print, and many other items. Come and have a great evening of dancing and fun and help us provide the necessary dollars to get this kitchen done.
Princeton Rotary Club and Crimson Tine Players have partnered together for a special community event on Saturday, February 15th. As we all know the Rotary Club has worked incredibly hard to provide funds to put in a commercial kitchen in Riverside Centre. They have gone above and beyond to try and get this done, and are just a few thousand dollars short of completion. So together we are providing a great benefit dance on the Valentine weekend at Riverside. All proceeds will go to the kitchen completion. Live music is provided by The Switchmen of the KVR Band and all tickets include pie and coffee or tea. There will also be a cash wine and beer bar. The evening starts with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the band will begin
at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $20 each. We will have a great silent auction during the evening with spa tickets, flight around the valley, golf tickets, special baked bread, Robert Bateman print, and many other items. Come and have a great evening of dancing and fun and help us provide the necessary dollars to get this kitchen done.