News Leader News
NEW FACES ON COUNCIL
The race for Councillor in the Town of Princeton was a 'ladies first - out with the old and in with the new' affair with two newcomers topping the polls.
Pam Jones finished with 521 votes with Maria Sadegur taking 389 - neither have any previous experience on Town Council.
Jim Manion, who sat on Town Council for two terms in the 1990s, finished with 339 votes while the only incumbent to be returned was Ray Jarvis with 309 votes.
The rest of the results: Incumbent Spencer Coyne 302 votes, incumbent Lorne Esselink 225, Danny Sulentich 188, John Babiak 133 and Darrel Alexandre 125.
This means the Town of Princeton Town Council will have a total of four new faces, three elected last Saturday (Pam Jones, Maria Sadegur and Jim Manion) along with Mayor Randy McLean (elected by acclamation) joining Ray Jarvis.
In other Similkameen Valley Election news, incumbent Walter Despot returns as Mayor of Keremeos beating opponent Kevin Andrews with 442 votes to 187.
Regional District Electoral Area G (Keremeos Rural/Hedley) saw Joe Nitsch beat Elef Christensen 439 votes to 312.
The Opinion Referendum Question: Transfer of the Hedley Improvement District to the Regional District passed with 104 yes votes to 53 against.
The Electoral Areas B, G and Village of Keremeos Referendum Question regarding the Similkameen Swimming Pool failed with 1,115 voting no to 586 in favour.
In addition to Princeton's Mayor being elected by acclamation (Randy McLean), three School Trustees for School District 58 representing Princeton were elected by acclamation: Gordon Comeau, Ken Heuser and Dina Slowikowski-Campbell.
Regional District Director for Area H (Princeton Rural), Gerri Logan, was also elected by acclamation.
RODEO CLUB TAKES ON FIFTH
Princeton Rodeo Club currently sits at a break even point following their annual May event.
The 2005 Financial Statement shows total income at $61,955.84 with Expenses totalling $64,310.85 leaving a loss of $2,355.01 with around $2,500.00 still outstanding in income.
With a total of twenty paid members, things are looking up for the organization.
The fifth annual C. P. R. A. Princeton Rodeo will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14, 2006 and Club President Stan Thompson has high hopes for the event.
"I'd sure like to win Best Small Rodeo from Kamloops," Thompson said referring to an year end award presented by the CPRA. Kamloops has won the 'Best Small Rodeo' award for the past five years.
"I'd like to take that away from them if we can find a way."
The 2006 event will once again feature C+ Rodeo as Stock Contractor with Announcer and Clown positions yet to be filled, although last year's performers have expressed interest in coming back to Princeton.
Just before the election for 2005/06 Board of Directors, President Stan Thompson gave credit where it was due.
"I'd like to thank everyone for working as hard as they did last year. This is our fifth year in our five year plan."
Bob Wicks conducted the election which saw Stan Thompson return to the President's seat, with Ernie Willis back as Vice President, Lynn Willis returned to the Treasurer's spot and Carol Ruoss filling the Secretary role again.
Directors elected were John Bey, John Draper and Mike Theal.
Thompson thanked those members who let their names stand for Directors positions.
"I guess we're in a new year and we're givin' 'er."
Next regular meeting of the Princeton Rodeo Club will be Friday, January 13th at Princeton Town Hall beginning at 7:00 PM.
HELP LINE ELECTS NEW BOARD
Princeton Help Line Society met November 14 to bring the year's business to a close and elect a new Board of Directors.Keith Olsen is the new President, with Ron Armstrong continuing as Vice-President. Myra Harker continues as Treasurer, and Dawn Johnson is the new Secretary. Directors are Marion Marsel, June Anderson, Fran LaBrash and Gail Davidson.
Thanks to donations from Area H, the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Legion, the Help Line Society is in good financial shape for the first time in many years.
The society was formed in 1991 to keep those who live alone in touch with the community and to ensure their well-being. No charge has ever been made to the elderly, shut-ins and mentally challenged for the service. All funds raised are used only for client services and no other purpose. Volunteers make friendly calls daily to specific clients, and if a problem is perceived by the caller, either in health or safety of the client, the caller will contact appropriate authorities or others to provide assistance. For the most part, calls are just for fun, to stay in touch.
With Christmas just around the corner, society members discussed ways to make Christmas brighter for clients of the service.
