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Steve Arstad
I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.
Steve Arstad's Stories
Sleeping in the wrong place, waking up in a foul mood results in probation
PENTICTON - A Penticton man who "got up on the wrong side of bed” received 12 months’ probation for his crankiness in Penticton court today, December 1. Crown Prosecutor Kurt Froehlich told court Bryson Alexander Diaz, along with his girlfriend, was found sleeping in the vestibule of the Royal Bank of Canada’s Apple Plaza branch...
Penticton gets a peek at new casino plans
PENTICTON - Residents had their voices heard during the second day of public meetings for the casino relocation plans this morning. The second in a series of public meetings to share details of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment’s casino relocation plans, which were announced last week, and hear public input was well attended this morning, Dec....
Penticton police continue to nab impaired drivers
PENTICTON - In what may be a sign of the season, Penticton RCMP found themselves handing out several Immediate Roadside Prohibitions last week, and they weren’t even conducting roadside checks at the time. Detachment officers handed out three 90-day driving prohibitions on Thursday, Nov. 26, alone, Penticton RCMP media spokesperson Corporal Don Wrigglesworth says. A...
Possible cougar encounter near Lakawanna Park in Penticton
PENTICTON - Reports of a possible cougar, or bobcat, in Penticton last night remains unresolved because conservation officers are unable to confirm the sighting. Officers were called to the area of Lakeshore Drive at Lakawanna Park last night, Monday, Nov. 30, after reports of a cougar in the area, Penticton RCMP Media spokesperson Corporal Don...
South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s fundraising efforts continue as Tree of Dreams campaign gets underway
PENTICTON – The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation moved into its Christmas fund raising mode…
Penmar Society working against time to save Penmar building
PENTICTON - It’s do or die this month for the PenMar Community Arts Theatre initiative. The Penmar Community Arts Society has just 15 days to raise $190, 000 to complete the restoration of the Penmar theatre building or the project faces the very real prospect of being lost. As of noon on Monday, Nov. 30, $3,575...
Early morning blaze destroys travel trailer in Okanagan Falls
PENTICTON - Okanagan Falls volunteer firefighters were hampered by cold temperatures and a lack of fire hydrants while fighting a blaze just south of the community early this morning. Firefighters arrived at a property at the corner of Highway 97 and Alba Road at about 1:30 a.m., Nov. 30, to find a travel trailer completely...
Penticton Community Centre leisure pool reopens
PENTICTON - The Penticton Community Centre Pool is now open in its entirety. The leisure pool is fully operational, according to a City of Penticton media release. The leisure pool has been shut down since September when cracks were discovered in the pool’s drains following renovations to the pool deck this summer. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit...
South Okanagan and Similkameen fire department radio upgrades nearing completion
PENTICTON - Cost savings are being realized as the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen moves into the final phase of its region-wide emergency communications upgrade. Planetworks Consultant Doug Joinson told a recent regional district board meeting the elimination of Okanagan Mountain as a radio repeater site saved $750,000 and $70,000 in annual maintenance costs. The...
Penticton emergency photographer answers call, day or night
PENTICTON - A Penticton man’s interest in photography and emergency services has made his photos a sought after commodity among media, police and fire services. Skylar Noe-Vack, 20, has been following emergency vehicles around the city and throughout the South Okanagan since the fire at the Slack Alice bar back in 2012. He documented that...
Free parking on Saturdays in downtown Penticton
PENTICTON – In the spirit of the season, the City of Penticton is pleased to provide free parking in Downtown Penticton for Saturdays in December. Following up on the Downtown Penticton Association’s “I Heart Penticton” campaign, the free parking is to encourage people to shop local. Free parking will be available on the following dates: Saturday,...
Naramata Centre could temporarily house refugees
PENTICTON – Naramata Centre could find new life as a temporary home for several Syrian…
Electrical vehicle charging station opens for business in downtown Penticton
PENTICTON – Residents and visitors will be able to get a charge — literally — from a new partnership between Province of British Columbia, City of Penticton, BC Hydro and FortisBC that has resulted in the installation of an electrical vehicle charging station in Downtown Penticton. Through BC Clean Energy Vehicle Program, BC Hydro is...
Avoid the cold: Indoor things to do this weekend in Penticton
PENTICTON - For those excited about snow and cold weather, Apex Ski Resort opens tomorrow, Nov. 27. For the rest who may not want to spend too much time ouside in the cold, here are a few ways to enjoy the weekend indoors. Indoor activities in the city include a Penticton Vees game Saturday when...
Unique gifts for sale at Indigenous Arts and Craft Fair in Penticton
PENTICTON - A 10-year-old Christmas tradition continues on the Penticton Indian Reserve this weekend. The Indigenous Arts & Craft Fair takes place at the En’owkin Centre from 10 a.m until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Those looking for unique Christmas gift ideas could find what they are looking for a short drive west of...
Penticton firefighters called to garage fire
PENTICTON - Penticton firefighters were called to a garage fire early this morning, Nov. 27. The call came in at approximately 12:50 a.m. for a fully involved garage fire on Middle Bench Road, according to witness Skylar Noe-Vack. Everyone was able to exit the two storey structure safely, according to Noe-Vack, who said two engines, an...
Nursing student rallies to take the chill off Penticton’s homeless
PENTICTON - With the season’s first cold snap upon us, Penticton’s homeless are finding they have a new champion for their needs in Mike Forster. Forster is currently training to be a licensed practical nurse and while talking to harm reduction nurses from Interior Health during his studies, he began to realize the how much...
Trial for four accused in kidnapping moving forward in Penticton
PENTICTON - The trial of four men accused of kidnapping and beating another man continued to move forward in Penticton court this afternoon, Thursday, Nov. 26. Carey Anderson, Kerry James Ellis, Albert Edgar Fontaine and John Marshall Szanto are accused of kidnapping and aggravated assault, and other charges following a May 21 incident on Shingle...
Summerland Christmas Express nearly sold out
PENTICTON - For those wishing to take a ride on the Summerland Christmas Express, the last train with any room on board will be leaving the station sooner, rather than later. Kettle Valley Steam Railway marketing manager Tracey Slattery says this year’s Christmas schedule is nearly completely sold out - and that includes an additional...
Cawston man serves jail time for alcohol-induced assaults, threats
PENTICTON - A Cawston man was handed a court order to stop drinking and given time served as part of a sentence handed down in Penticton court today, Nov. 26. Gabriel Julian Labrosse was sentenced to 47 days time served by Judge Gale Sinclair on multiple charges including assault, assault with a weapon and uttering...
Evidence indicates Penticton dog attacked by deer, not cougar
PENTICTON - A Penticton resident’s pet was subject to an encounter with a wild animal yesterday — but was it a predator? Penticton conservation officer Dave Cox says his fellow officer Jeff Hanratty investigated a report of a dog encountering a cougar on Marina Way at approximately 1:30 p.m., Nov. 25. After meeting with the...
New Interior Health CEO praises South Okanagan-Similkameen health care
PENTICTON - Provincial capital funding for health has been outstanding in the past decade, according to the new Chief Executive Officer of Interior Health. Chris Mazurkewich and other Interior Health officials met with members of the press this week to discuss local health issues as he toured the South Okanagan-Similkameen. “I think the track record...
Apex Mountain Resort opening early amid best conditions in years
PENTICTON - November weather has been kind to Apex Mountain Resort and as a result the ski hill is opening a week early. The ski area, located 36 kilometres west of Penticton, announced this week they’ll be opening Saturday, Nov. 28, under some of the best early season snow conditions seen in years. “We had...
Penticton gets busy with sports, toy drives and agri-food
PENTICTON - The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and with it is an increasing number of events taking place in the city. Wednesday Nov. 26, is a Wicked Wednesday event at the South Okanagan Events Centre as the Penticton Vees take on the Vernon Vipers. Tickets are $5 for adults and seniors, students aged 13...