Quantcast
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

About Us

The Similkameen Spotlight was established in 1948. Anne Gaustin used this medium to obtain the local 'scoop' for the Similkameen Valley including Princeton, Hedley, Keremeos, Coalmont and Tulameen. The original Spotlight building was Princeton's morgue in the earlier years. Until 2000, a thick marble slab was used in the Spotlight's print-shop as a worktable. It was actually used for body preparation in the morgue. Over the history of the Spotlight, there have only been six owners. The paper is now owned by Black Press Group. The long history of this community newspaper is available for viewing in the Spotlight office archives.

Your Community News Team

Lisa  Carleton Associate Publisher, Staff
Lisa Carleton
(250)295-3535
Lisa is a mother of three, who has lived and worked in Princeton for the majority of her life. Her career with the Similkameen Spotlight began in 2003 as classifieds manager and graphics designer. Throughout the years, Lisa has gained experience to include writing and sales, but her joy is held within the happiness of customers with her designs.
     
Michaela  Garstin Editor
Michaela Garstin
250-295-3535
Michaela came to the Spotlight in January, 2012 from the Dawson Creek Daily News. She is a graduate of Langara's journalism program and has a degree in anthropology - specializing in First Nations studies - from the University of British Columbia. She has freelanced for The Province and The Canadian Press, and worked for Olympic Broadcast Services. In her spare time she likes to ride her bike, read and hang out with her two cats.
     
Wendy  Bentley Classifieds Manager
Wendy Bentley
250-295-3535
Wendy is a mother of four who has lived in Princeton since 1999. Wendy began her career with the Similkameen Spotlight in June of 2007, as the office assistant, and is now the office and classifieds manager.
     
Columnist, Freelancer
John Sandness
John Sandness was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He taught high school science and woodshop in Washington, Oregon, and Princeton, B.C., retiring in the Similkameen Valley. He enjoys the beautiful B.C. countryside, fishing, photography, hiking, tying flies and fishing.
     
Sandi  Nolan Advertising Consultant
Sandi Nolan
250-295-3535
Sandi joined the Similkameen Spotlight after 21 years in the advertising industry, including working at the Grand Forks Gazette. She lives in Twin Lakes with her husband, two dogs and cat. She has three adult children who have now left home. In her spare time she likes to read books by Canadian authors on her e-reader, cross stitch and do crossword and sudoku puzzles.
     
Columnist, Freelance
Nelson Lewis
Nelson Lewis was born in Nova Scotia. He has travelled Canada several times, has driven the Alaska Highway six times, and lived in Whitehorse for 15 years. Nelson began his writing career at the age of 10 and has been published in several newspapers. Nelson is a food columnist for the Similkameen Spotlight in Princeton, B.C.