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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
Jail time for fourth participant in winter crime spree
PENTICTON The fourth man involved in a Naramata crime spree was sentenced in Penticton Provincial court today, Oct. 27. Damian Tyler Baptiste entered guilty pleas to two counts of possession of stolen property and breach of bail conditions, charges stemming from incidents occurring on December 29, 2014. He will serve 45 days of an intermittent...
Break-ins highlight police calls in Penticton
PENTICTON - A number of break-ins and thefts kept officers with Penticton RCMP busy last week. Penticton RCMP responded to a reported break in to a tire bin at Murray Buick GMC, 1010 Westminster Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 22. Investigation could not determine if any tires were taken though, according to police media spokesman Rick...
Penticton court shows mercy on suspended driver with lengthy driving history
PENTICTON - A Naramata man with a notorious driving record was given a break in Penticton court on Monday, Oct. 26 because of his personal circumstances. Peter John Roberts appeared before Judge Meg Shaw on Monday after pleading guilty to one count of driving while his license was suspended. Crown Prosecutor Kurt Froehlich told court...
Cougar stalks couple hiking Skaha Bluffs near Penticton
PENTICTON - A couple hiking the Skaha Bluffs had an usettling encounter with wildlife earlier this week. Penticton RCMP received a call from a man around 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, after the man and his wife encountered a cougar while hiking in the Skaha Bluffs area. The man told police the cougar was stalking...
Third quarter projections anticipate budget surplus at Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District
PENTICTON - The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is looking forward to a budget surplus this year, based on its third quarter financial report. Finance Manager Sandy Croteau says an overall surplus of $745,000 was anticipated on this year’s $37.2 million budget, amounting to two per cent of the budget total. Croteau reported a $50,000...
Penticton Sears store reopened on the weekend
PENTICTON - The Penticton Sears store closure was only temporary, Sears officials confirmed on the weekend. Sears communications officer Alicia Richler says in an email, Sears Canada took over the Penticton Sears store and reopened the business on Saturday, Oct. 24. A sign on the door last week indicated the closure was temporary, but the...
Continuing upgrades announced for Olalla’s water system
PENTICTON - The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has announced the awarding of the engineering design for water main upgrades to Olalla's water system. The upgrades are part of a continuing program to renovate the Olalla water system, part of which was upgraded in 1999 when a new well, pump, concrete reservoir and pump house was...
Martin Street Outreach centre officially opens doors
PENTICTON - The Martin Street Outreach Centre has officially opened its doors. The primary and community based care centre has been operating at 437 Martin Street since May, but had it's officially opening today, Oct. 23. The Outreach Centre is already serving 350 clients, according to Penticton physician Dr. Kyle Stevens, who has played a...
Oktoberfest in Penticton this weekend
PENTICTON - Crisp, sunny days and cool, frosty nights may be a sign of the impending winter season, but there is still lots going on this weekend in Penticton. The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre plays host to the sixth annual Penticton Oktoberfest, which takes place on Saturday, October 24 starting at 6 p.m. The convention centre...
Hot drink sales at downtown Penticton store donated to Soupateria
PENTICTON - As the days get cooler and nights get longer, the need for a food becomes a higher priority for people in need in Penticton. SmartShopper Value Variety Convenience store owner Leigh Follestad is helping the Penticton Soupateria out today, Oct. 23, by donating 100 per cent of money he makes through the sale...
Community Foundation initiative aims to strengthen neighbourly relations
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton is giving the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan-Similkameen $5,000 toward a fund to help residents pay for neighbourhood events like block parties. The Foundation's executive director Aaron McRann approached city council with a request to match funds with the organization in order to leverage equal funding from the...
Penticton to play host to 2017 Western Canada Cup
PENTICTON - The road to the 2017 National Junior A hockey championship, the RBC Cup, will pass through Penticton in two years. The Penticton Vees will host the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup between April 29 and May 7, 2017. The Vees will participate in a five team tournament that will also include the...
City hopes economic investment zone keeps casino in Penticton
PENTICTON - City hall staff hope to build on the success of Penticton’s Economic Incentive Zones with the introduction of a new city-wide tax break for developers which is aimed at keeping Gateway Casino in town. After hearing the Penticton Lakeside Resort will not renew the Lake City Casino lease when it expires in May...
Action packed afternoon on Sunday at Penticton Speedway
PENTICTON - It’s the final weekend for racing events at Penticton Speedway and the track is going out with a bang — literally. Penticton Speedway owner John Aantjes says the Halloween Destruction stock car races on Sunday will include a hit-to-pass event involving race cars towing boats and travel trailers. “It’s great family entertainment, I...
Police act quickly after young Penticton girl subjected to offensive sexual remarks
PENTICTON - Inappropriate comments made to a school girl by a 40 year old intoxicated man resulted in quick police action by Penticton RCMP on Tuesday, Oct.20. Penticton RCMP Staff Sgt. Kurt Lozinski said today, Oct. 22, RCMP responded to an incident at Carmi School just before 3 p.m Tuesday. It involved a man who...
City seeks to smooth out casino relocation with bylaw amendment
PENTICTON - City Council is smoothing the way for Gateway Casinos to relocate on city-taxed property. A zoning amendment that would include casino operation as a defined use was requested by staff at a council meeting earlier this week. Director of Development Services Jules Hall said staff were alerted through media reports the Penticton Lakeside...
City park concession operator seeks public input to improve location
PENTICTON - One of Penticton’s concession contractors wants public input on how his concession might be improved. Gord Ferguson told Penticton City Council this week he is looking for ways to improve Lakawanna Park, including the building and services offered by his food concession. Calling the building 'an absolute eyesore,' Ferguson said the park, with...
Photo contest awards best in local escapes and landscapes
PENTICTON - Photographers of the South Okanagan got out their cameras in response to the Sep.t 21 launch of a photography contest sponsored by Tourism Penticton. The organization announced the winners of their “Escapes & Landscapes Photography Contest" on Oct. 19, selecting the top three photos from more than 130 entries. Doug Cox took first...
Penticton set to add more snow removal equipment to roster
PENTICTON - City staff are preparing for winter with a pitch to city council for more snow removal equipment. Buiding and Permitting Manager Ken Kunka asked council for an additional $20,000 to purchase more ice and snow clearing equipment. The request was made to facilitate clearing of nearly 10 kilometres of city lanes that will...
Fentanyl confirmed in some South Okanagan overdoses
PENTICTON – Test results have confirmed the drug fentanyl was present in some of the…
Penticton council considers conservation fund
PENTICTON – Environmental projects and programs within the city could soon be funded by a…
Penticton police bust boozy driver, catch car thief
PENTICTON - A man wanted for several crimes and an impaired driver were removed from city streets last week. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Penticton resident Jesse Armstrong was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle dating back to Sept. 17. A video from local businesses showed him associated with the vehicle in question. He also...
Backpack full of bloody items found in Penticton
PENTICTON - A backpack containing some concerning contents was found outside a Fairview Road business last weekend, and at this point RCMP are unsure whether it is linked to any other crimes in the city. A woman arriving at work found the backpack near Accent Fireplace Gallery at 1295 Fairview Rd. on Saturday, Oct. 17,...
Arrests made in kidnapping and extortion incident in Penticton
PENTICTON - A call from an upset grandmother tipped police off to a kidnapping in Penticton this past weekend. Police received a call from the victim's grandmother early Sunday, Oct. 18, who said her grandson and his dog were going to be shot by a kidnapper if he didn’t pay the man money, according to...