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Opinion

ARCHER: Shoutout to all the fire crews

Last week the Thompson-Okanagan was literally on fire, as I’m sure most of you know—it’s hard not to ignore large puffs of smoke coming from mountain tops, hazy skies that make it hard to breathe and endless news articles on fire updates and evacuation notices. Most of us watch these fires spread from a distance,...

HELSTON: You’re never planning on getting into trouble on the water

When you’re packing up for a day on the water, toss in a floatation device along with your suntan lotion, snacks and iPhone. It might save your life, or someone else’s. I’ll be the first to admit that packing safety gear can feel like a big nuisance. It’s certainly not as fun as loading a...

PROSKIW: What’s a dog owner to do?

PROSKIW: There’s been a lot of discussion about dogs being left in vehicles lately, and as a dog owner for the last 14 years I understand the frustration being felt right now. Bringing your dog with you in a car now means getting almost nothing else done. I don’t even want to leave my vehicle...

GOG: Exactly how ridiculous you look with that weird beard

Male grooming fascinates me. Well now, that didn’t sound quite right, did it? What I mean is, I am perpetually astonished by the fact that grown men go to such absurd lengths to make themselves look… well, absurd. Take the current obsession with facial hair. Everywhere you turn, otherwise sensible adult males have sprouted ludicrous...

LOEWEN: Okanagan Uber Alles?

Politically-speaking, the Okanagan Valley is one of the “safest” ultra-conservative regions in Canada. Enlist as a political candidate a dog with a Conservative Party of Canada or a B.C. Liberal sign around its neck, and the pooch will be invariably barking happily towards the backbenches of the nearest parliament or legislature come election time. Even...

PARKER: Rolling up her sleeves for the millennial generation

PREPARING FOR BATTLE AGAINST GENERATION Z When was the last time you put in a hard day’s work? Like, I don’t mean you busted your ass at CrossFit and did 57 kettlebell swings. I mean, when was the last time you put in a hard day’s work for someone else? Millennials seem to have a...

Smith Creek fire approaching main Westside power feeder

WEST KELOWNA - Power outages are possible because of the Smith Creek fire and residents need to prepare. A press release from the District of Central Okanagan statest the fire is burning within 100 metres of the main feeder line serving Peachland, Westbank and West Kelowna.  Crews from West Kelowna, Peachland, Kelowna, Lake Country along...

STAHN: Tax payers should find another way

The City of Kamloops spent $45,000 this year on a temporary tax office just to help residents who insist on paying their tax bills in person avoid the construction taking place outside of City Hall.  Does that make sense in 2014? Only 2,600 people used the temporary office at McArthur Island working out to a cost...

HELSTON: When council calls the shots on local sports

Local government has had its mitts all over three newcomer sports over the past year: longboarding, pickleball and mixed martial arts. The sports have virtually nothing in common except for the fact they are relatively new, emerging activities that are gathering fierce followings and lots of reaction from local politicians. But what is the government’s...

ARCHER: Appreciate local history before it’s lost

There’s an old adage that says “You never know what you had until it’s gone.” Yes, it’s a bit tacky to use cliches but it may be worth taking a closer look at the people and places in your life and recognize them before they go up in smoke. Earlier this week, Keremeos lost one...

GOG: Well ain’t life just some beach

Last weekend I made a ghastly mistake, one that will affect my life forever. I went to the beach.  I should have known better, but it was stiflingly hot at home and I thought an afternoon at the beach would be one of pleasure and relaxation. My mistake began to become apparent when I tried to...

LOEWEN: Youth and that contrived conviviality called “Fun”

“Fun.” Is there possibly a more risible and contemptible three-letter noun in the contemporary lexicon? Fun: it’s everywhere these days. It’s there on the margins of whatever screen you happen to stare into. It’s calling you over the airwaves of whatever radio station you’re currently dialed into. And television, of course, is awash in Fun,...