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Charlotte Helston
Police believe Trinity Valley suspects were cooking up crystal meth
VERNON - A six day investigation and clean-up at a North Okanagan property wrapped up over the weekend, leaving authorities strongly suspecting crystal meth was being produced there. A significant quantity of hazardous materials believed to be used in the manufacturing of crystal meth were removed from the Trinity Valley Road rental home and secured...
Why 153 Vernon teachers received layoff notices
VERNON - Over a hundred teachers are being laid off in the Vernon School District, but it’s likely most will be re-hired in September. Superintendent Joe Rogers says the layoffs are all part of an annual process. Unlike most school districts, Vernon grants recall rights to teachers who have worked at least five months, even...
Mother of slain Armstrong teen appeals for support in maintaining daughter’s memorial trail
ARMSTRONG - An Armstrong mother is hoping a trail honouring her slain daughter will be overrun with community support instead of weeds. Marie Van Diest, whose daughter Taylor was murdered by convicted killer Matthew Foerster on Halloween 2011, intends to come before Armstrong city council Monday to appeal for help in maintaining the Taylor Jade...
Burnt pallets add to list of suspected arsons
VERNON - Police and the fire department are burning for answers after responding to another suspected arson. A flaming pile of pallets drew firefighters to an industrial area in the 4600 block of 34 Street shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday. Authorities are calling the fire suspicious and investigating whether it is connected to a recent...
B.C. Supreme court judge awards $2.4M in car crash law suit
VERNON – A Salmon Arm man was awarded over $2.4 million by a B.C. Supreme Court judge in connection with a car crash near Salmon Arm three years ago. Justice Allen Betton awarded the money to 21-year-old Quentin Hermanson. Hermanson, formerly of Vernon, was a passenger in friend Ryan Durkee’s vehicle. They were driving on...
Torched boat latest in series of suspected arsons
VERNON - A torched boat is the latest in a series of suspicious fires under investigation by authorities. Deputy fire chief Jack Blair says an 18 foot recreational ski boat with a For Sale sign on it was set ablaze in a parking lot in the 2300 block of 48 Avenue around 11 p.m. Tuesday....
Trial date set for former Vernon mountie facing child porn charges
VERNON - A former Vernon cop will stand trial in B.C. Supreme Court next March. Ryan Hampton, 35, faces nine charges, including possessing and accessing child pornography. He was arrested in June 2013 and subsequently suspended from the force. He has since resigned from the RCMP. Hampton will be tried before judge alone starting March...
Motorcyclist takes spill on highway through Vernon
VERNON - A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital this morning after taking a spill on Highway 97 in Vernon. Capt. Darren Cecchini with Vernon Fire Services says the 50-something motorcyclist was cut off by a car on 32 Street across from the EconoLodge around 9:30 a.m. Monday, forcing him to halt abruptly and lay his...