Safety
Government paves over safety feature because of ‘noise complaints’
OYAMA - The Ministry of Transportation is removing a safety feature on the new highway in Lake Country to spare nearby residents an associated rumbling sound. Rumble strips, the grooved edges found on most highways, were installed on the new $78-million section of Highway 97 through Oyama but it seems the feature had an unpleasant...
Teens reclaim social media by spreading #cyberlove
PENTICTON - A couple of Summerland highschool students are encouraging their peers to spread the love online through a new campaign. Caitie Shaw and Dan Nixon started the #cyberlove campaign through the Youth Empowerment Project to connect with and empower youth all over the world to create positive change. The campaign kicks off on October 10—World...
How the Penticton Indian Band is handling wild horses
PENTICTON - Wild horses are becoming a greater problem in Penticton as they continue to wander off band land and onto highways, causing injury to themselves and drivers. But despite the need to remove hundreds of horses, the band chief says there will always be horses on their land. There are over 600 horses on...
Boil water notice issued for Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK - A boil water notice was issued on Wednesday for Trout Creek residents and businesses. It's possible contamination entered the water system on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, according to Interior Health. Residents should boil water for at least a minute before using it for drinking water, cleaning, or cooking. To contact the reporter...
Dogs get between cougars and people during two Osoyoos encounters
OSOYOOS - Two people encountering cougars in Osoyoos were fortunate to be with their dogs when the chance meetings occurred. A cougar was spotted near Magnolia Place (Destiny Beach) on Monday, Sept. 29 around 8:30 p.m. The cougar was chased off by a dog who came back injured but with blood on his mouth, according...
Wildfire burning off Green Mountain Road 80 per cent contained
PENTICTON - The wildfire burning west of Penticton near Shingle Creek and Green Mountain Road is 80 per cent contained as of Tuesday morning. The fire is estimated to be 18.5 hectares in size and was quite visible when it began burning late Monday afternoon. There were five firefighters working overnight, and 26 firefighters are...
Man killed in motorcycle crash identified
PENTICTON - The man killed in a motorcycle accident in Penticton over the weekend has been identified. PENTICTON - Kevin Michael Bradley Vezina, a 41-year-old man from Penticton, collided with a pickup truck at the intersection of Main Street and Industrial Avenue on Saturday afternoon. He was thrown from his bike and suffered injuries which...
Ministry of Environment won’t research proposed Lavington pellet plant
VERNON - The only public consultation and technical information the Ministry of Environment will review as part of its approval process for a pellet plant in Lavington will come from the proponent of the project itself. According to the Ministry, it conducts no further research or discussion with stakeholders in cases such as this, but...
UPDATE: Wildfire burning north of Princeton 90 per cent contained
PRINCETON - A wildfire north of Princeton is 90 per cent contained, as of Tuesday morning. The wildfire has grown to 182 hectares from the 110 ha estimated Monday morning. It is believed to be human caused, said Kayla Pepper, fire information officer with B.C. Wildfire. The fire was first reported Sunday at around 5...
Oliver home engulfed in flames
OLIVER - A home in Oliver was engulfed in flames early Friday morning. Firefighters were able to take control of the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring houses. Police said the home at 6036 Station Street was unoccupied and and it does not appear that anyone was hurt. Police are investigating the fire...
Boil water notice issued for Summerland
SUMMERLAND - A boil water notice is in effect for Summerland after contaminants entered the district’s water stream during a water treatment process Monday. The notice was issued Monday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. While there was only a small amount of contaminants that entered the system, safety precautions needed to take effect, said Devon Van...
Two hikers injured near Ellis Creek Canyon in last 24 hours
PENTICTON - Search and Rescue is conducting a medical evacuation for a woman who fractured her leg while hiking on the Ellis Canyon Trail. Fifteen Ground and Rope team members along with two Rescue trucks were dispatched to the area. PENSAR First Responders conducted emergency First Aid to stabilize and prepare the female patient for evacuation,...
Tubers urged to take care on Shuswap River
ENDERBY - Those participating in a quintessential summer activity in the North Okanagan are being reminded to do so carefully this summer. Floating debris from a landslide in May means there are more hazards for people tubing down the Shuswap River in Enderby. The Shuswap River Ambassadors, who gather and share information for the public,...
UPDATE: Jura Mountain fire 70 per cent contained
PENTICTON - The wildfire burning near Jura Mountain remains 460 hectares in size and is still 70 per cent contained Sunday. The blaze is burning near five kilometres southeast of Missezula Lake. There are 27 firefighters, 4 helicopters, 9 pieces of heavy equipment with air tankers hitting the fire as needed, according to the B.C....
Evacuation alerts lifted for Apex and Jura mountain fires
PENTICTON - Evacuation alerts have been lifted for Apex and Jura mountain fires thanks to slow, steady rain falling in the South Okanagan and the hard work of wildfire crews. Evacuation alerts for the following homes have been cancelled as of Thursday morning, according to the RDOS: For the Apex fire: 146, 108, 22, 26,...