News Leader News for March 17, 2009
NEWS LEADER MAKES CHANGES
The theme has been a simple one: We're different, and we like that.
"It's sort of our new company focus," says Similkameen News Leader Owner/Publisher George Elliott.
"We've always been different than other newspapers and it's something we've always been proud of. Now we're going to emphasis this difference with a complete face lift."
Over the next few weeks the Similkameen News Leader will slowly transform into a completely different looking newspaper. This week's front page is the first stage with other elements within the weekly paper to change as well.
"Along with our 'face lift' there will be more interactive elements weaved into our weekly product. We started last month with the announcement of giving away $2,500 in advertising, we'll be adding more contests and giveaways in the coming months."
The announcement of the winners of $2,500 in advertising will be made next week.
"That was actually harder than we thought. Our panel of judges ended up splitting the advertising prize into three parts for three different and deserving community groups."
As for why the News Leader is making changes Elliott points out, "It was time for a change. I think our new look will not only be more attractive to the eye, but it should also make for a more interesting read from front to back."
Plans are to continue to provide as much local news on activities going on in and around the Similkameen Valley as possible.
"This seems to be what has attracted a lot of readers to our paper. We stick to the facts and just tell it like it is. We try hard not to go over the top on issues and that seems to be what our readers want and expect from us, so that's what we're going to keep doing."
A sister publication produced by the Similkameen News Leader, Princeton BC News, continues to skyrocket in popularity.
"It's a very nice surprise to see all that effort pay off. I'm very proud of that product and we intend to keep producing it as long as there's interest," Elliott says.
The third issue in less than a year came out earlier this month. Issue #04 is scheduled for publication in June 2009.
MILLS TAKES LOCAL HISTORY ON THE ROAD
Last Tuesday, March 10th, an audience approaching one hundred attended the lecture theatre at Penticton Museum on Main Street to hear Nick Mills, Operations Manager at Princeton and District Museum and Archives, give an illustrated lecture on the history of Princeton.
Titled "Princeton 150 years of Similkameen History 1860-2010" the talk not only included many pictures illustrating the area's long history, but some suitably protected documents and photographs were circulated, including a framed photograph of the infamous ghost of the now-gone Princeton Hotel that had been taken back in the 1920's, and which the attentive audience seemed to be particularly fascinated with!
Following the hour long presentation, Mills was asked to return at a future date to continue the interesting story of Princeton's past. He readily admitted, "To condense 150 years in detail into sixty minutes is nigh impossible!"
Many of the audience had past and current ties to Princeton, but all were quick to point out that Penticton was a "Youngster" by comparison as the City had only celebrated its 100th birthday last year in 2008!
Throughout 2009, Mills, on behalf of the Museum and Archives Society, intends to make similar presentations for any group or society in preparation for Princeton's own 150th birthday celebrations in 2010. Anyone interested can contact him for further details at the Princeton Archives which is situated in the Skills Centre Building on Vermillion Avenue. Phone (250) 295-7588 or send an e-mail to: princetonmuseum@telus.net.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITION
A number of Princeton Secondary School students participated in the Skills Canada Regional Competition at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.
The event was held on Saturday, March 7th and the list of participants is below:
Welding - Dustin Haigh
Cabinet Making - Mike Davis
Culinary Arts - Adam Dobbs (4th)
Junior Skills:
Mimi sumo Robots - Ben Beeler (1st - Gold), Adam Gullason (2nd - Silver), Morgan Dobbs (3rd - Bronze). Ben moves on to the Provincial Competition in Abbotsford at the Tradex Centre on April 22nd.
Three Virtual Competitions were held at PSS. Students were to produce a project in a set amount of time. They did not know the topic chosen until time started. Results of the Virtual Competitions will not be known until the end of May.
Good luck to the following participants: Mechanical CAD - Mitch Lamoureux Architectural CAD - Miranda Newman TV & Video Production - Sydney Jensen
The event sponsors, mentors and teachers were:
Culinary Arts - Mr. O'Mally and Mr. Kaiser
Mini sumo Robots - Andrew Nordquist
TV & Video Production - Mr. Kitts
Welding, Cabinet Making and Drafting - Mr. Newman
