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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
Striking workers continue picket after closure notice at Naramata Centre
PENTICTON - Employees of The Naramata Centre remain on picket lines days after management issued a press release announcing the permanent closure of the facility. Tom O’Leary, National Representative for the Canadian Union of Pubic Employees, said on Jan. 23 the announcement was not unexpected. “It was always their option. What’s puzzling is the timing,...
No appeal for man convicted of assaulting woman, biting her labia
PENTICTON - Brian Douglas Louie will remain behind bars for the completion of a 2.8 year sentence after losing his appeal on Jan. 20. Louie was convicted of aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm for a violent attack on a woman in 2012, during which he bit off a piece of her labia during...
Snowbirds returning to thrill Penticton
PENTICTON - You will have to look up, way up, to see the highlight of the Peach Festival this year. The Snowbirds are returning to Penticton after a two year absence to kick off the August celebration. The precision flying squadron will perform over Okanagan Lake in celebration of the Peach Festival opening day on...
Low income buildings acquired by South Okanagan Brain Injury Society
PENTICTON - Two low income housing buildings in Penticton have new owners after being acquired by the South Okanagan Brain Injury Society at the beginning of the year. On Jan.1, Abbott Towers and Columbus Park transferred ownership to the SOSBIS at no cost.The two previous non-profit societies that looked after the buildings are in the...
NDP endorses new candidate
PENTICTON - The new NDP candidate in the Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola riding believes everyone’s vote counts. Hedley resident Angelique Wood received a unanimous endorsement from the New Democratic Party on Jan. 17. Wood is a former Director for the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen, serving one term as Area “G” representative. She is an Emily...
Six more months in jail for killing his brother
PENTICTON - Kyle Louie will spend the next six years under the close eye of the corrections system for killing his brother Reece Louie after days of drinking and no sleep—but only six months will be behind bars. Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen sentenced him for manslaughter to 75 months in prison, less credit for...
Alcohol and drugs led to manslaughter by brother, court told
PENTICTON - Days without sleep combined with an excessive intake of alcohol and drugs led to the manslaughter of Reece Louie at the hands of his brother, Kyle Louie, Penticton Supreme Court heard today, Jan. 21. Crown Prosecutor John Swanson presented B.C. Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen recommended Kyle serve more than six years in...
Penticton making plans for 2016 B.C. Winter Games
PENTICTON - Penticton is preparing for the arrival of 2,000 athletes next February when the city once again hosts the 2016 B.C. Winter Games. Bill Bidlake, President of the B.C. Winter Games Board of Directors spoke to Penticton council at the Jan.19 meeting, reminding the board of the games beginnings in the Peach City when...
Area 27 a new concept in tourism for the South Okanagan
PENTICTON - A new concept in tourism will put motorsports within reach of tourists and residents of the South Okanagan. Bill Drossos, President of South Okanagan Motorsports Corporation and Area 27 said his company and the Osoyoos Indian Band recently completed the designation process for the Area 27 Motorsports Country Club. “We still have to...
Penticton Hospitality Association optimistic about 2015
PENTICTON - It’s a new year for the Penticton Hospitality Association as the conflicts of last year between city and the PHA fade into history. “We’re delighted last year is behind us, for a number of reasons. We’re looking forward to a fresh start,” operations director for PHA Tim Hodgkinson said. Hodgkinson did not elaborate...
New award in memory of Okanagan College professor
PENTICTON - A respected Okanagan College professor will be remembered through an annual award. Professor Tom Santosham died when his car slid into a lake near his Penticton home on Oct. 31, 2014, and shortly after his family decided to create an annual award in support of business students at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus, where...
“Weird Al” Yankovic’s one rule at the South Okanagan Events Centre is Mandatory Fun
PENTICTON - If it Smells Like Nirvana in Penticton, it means Weird Al Yankovic has arrived for his show at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Weird Al announced his Mandatory World Tour on Jan. 20, and takes to the stage in Penticton Wednesday, September 9, 2015. It turns out Yankovic’s latest album, "Mandatory Fun" was...
New partnership to aid in immigrant support
PENTICTON - South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services has entered into a new partnership with Citizen and Immigration Canada to improve services to Penticton and the South Okanagan’s increasing ethnic population. “We are one area in B.C. selected to take part in this federal program, that began in Ontario in 2008,” said Nora Hunt-Haft, local...
Hydro rates too high in the city, says city councillor
PENTICTON - Changing to wholesale rates could save city residents money on their hydro bill according to a Penticton City Councillor. Counc. Helena Konaz hopes the city will reconsider the way it charges customers for electricity and plans to introduce a motion during the regular meeting Jan. 19. “Traditionally council has agreed to a higher...
Rash of attempted truck thefts plague Oliver
PENTICTON - An Oliver thief, or thieves with a penchant for late model Ford pickups in the Park Drive area had little success last week. Oliver police responded to a number of attempted thefts of pickups in the community last week, followed by a break-in at Tim Hortons. An Oliver resident reported damage to the...
Mount Baldy opens to fresh powder and sunshine
PENTICTON - Fresh powder greeted skiers returning to Mount Baldy when the ski area officially reopened on Friday, Jan. 16. The resort was closed during the 2013-14 ski season. The resort’s Facebook page Mount Baldy Capital Corporation President Fred Johnston says the re-opening was blessed with “sunny skies and amazing support from the local...
Last day for Penticton arts awards nominations
PENTICTON - Do you know someone with creative talents in art, music or dance? Someone who can express themselves, or tell a story well without using words? If so, Penticton Arts Council would like to hear from you. Monday, Jan. 19 is the last day to submit nominations to the Pencticton Arts Council Second Annual...
School district shocked with high Penticton electrical rates
PENTICTON - Okanagan Skaha School District trustees are grappling with the high cost of electricity in Penticton. The board passed a motion at their Jan. 12 board meeting to invite Penticton city council to meet as soon as possible to have an in depth conversation with regard to electrical rates charged by the city. The...
City cuts through red tape and gets short listed for Golden Scissors
PENTICTON - The Canadian Federation for Independent Business has recognized the City of Penticton for its initiatives to reduce red tape for businesses locating in the city. The city is on the CFIB’s short list of Golden Scissors Awards nominees for its actions in reducing small business red tape. The introduction of a 30-day conditional...
Thieves wrestle away safe
PENTICTON - RCMP are on the lookout for one or more brazen and beefy thieves after a safe was stolen from a Penticton jewellery store. Police were called at 8:22 a.m. on Jan. 9 and arrived to find the lock on a door leading to a common hallway at 311 Main St. damaged and insecure. The...
UPDATE: Accident shuts down Highway 97 south of OK Falls
PENTICTON - A serious motor vehicle accident that shut down Highway 97 in both directions just south of Okanagan Falls sent two to hospital yesterday afternoon. Police were initially led to respond to calls of an accident near Kaleden and south of Okanagan Falls at Alba Road prior to receiving word of the proper location...
Council advances downtown improvements
PENTICTON - Another step forward for the downtown Penticton revitalization project at today's, Jan. 12, council meeting. Phase one improvements to Main Street were advanced with the adoption of a bylaw that will establish a local service area in addition to giving the go ahead to construct street improvements in the first phase. Council also...
Okanagan Nation protests at court appearance for woman accused of killing Roxanne Louie
PENTICTON – Members of the Okanagan Nation Alliance gathered in front of Penticton courthouse today,…
Learning Lunch series returns with a topic meant to put you to sleep
PENTICTON - Be prepared to come away from this workshop with a good night's sleep on your mind. The Learning at Lunch program returns to Penticton Public Library Museum auditorium on Friday, Jan. 16, from noon until 1 p.m. Cheryl and Arthur Halsted will present a COSCO Senior’s Health and Wellness Institute workshop that will...