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Summerland
Fire risk closes Giant’s Head Mountain Park to vehicle traffic
SUMMERLAND - Because of the high risk of person-caused fires, Giant’s Head Mountain Park Road is closed to vehicle traffic. The closure is effective immediately due to dry vegetation along the roadside. The fire danger rating is currently high but is expected to reach extreme in the next couple of days. “We have moved to...
Summerland power outage to last until at least 2 p.m.
SUMMERLAND - A power outage has been affecting the majority of Summerland residents since earlier this morning and Fortis B.C. says it will be at least 2 p.m. before power is restored. Fortis B.C. says crews are busy on site and were inspecting a problem with a transformer on the feed to the city. Interior...
Heat wave could force water restrictions in Summerland
SUMMERLAND – If the heat wave resumes the Summerland Treatment Plant could be forced to issue measures to reduce water use in the area. Due to increased demands the Summerland Water Treatment Plant has been operating at maximum capacity the last week, according to a media release issued today, June 29. If the demand rises...
Beading a path through the Okanagan
PENTICTON - An Okanagan artist and entrepreneur turned a daydream into a unique business opportunity which continues to grow with each new tourist season. Karen Griggs was looking for a way to make a living while following her passion when she came up with the idea of the Bead Trail. According to her blog, a...
What the Supreme Court decision on marijuana means to a three-year-old Summerland girl
KELOWNA – Kyla Williams' family is breathing a sigh of relief this week — they…
Amazing Race Canada returns to the Okanagan
PENTICTON - The Summerland area is about to get some nationwide publicity thanks to a popular national TV show that just finished taping in the area. The Amazing Race Canada recently wrapped up a shoot in the South Okanagan with a segment that is expected to air sometime in July. The Summerland Waterfront Resort was...
Cannabis oil stopped her seizures, now family trying to help others
SUMMERLAND – The family of a young girl from Summerland say her only relief from debilitating seizures has come from an oil derived from marijuana, and they are holding a fundraiser to help other families in the same situation. Kyla Williams, 3, has a rare form of epilepsy that causes her as many as 300...
Two Okanagan wind farms get green light
OKANAGAN – The first wind farms ever built in the Okanagan will be producing electricity by 2016. Agreements between B.C. Hydro and Zero Emission Energy Development have been inked for wind farms west of Summerland and west of Kelowna, according to a media release from the B.C. Liberal caucus. The White Rock-based company will be...
Summerland man enters guilty plea
PENTICTON - A Summerland man has pleaded guilty to a criminal charge stemming from an inappropriate relationship with a minor. Joshua J. Roberts entered the plea to sexual exploitation from a relationship with a 17-year-old girl that lasted for almost a year. Roberts originally faced five counts from what was described as a consensual relationship...
Okanagan company behind genetically modified apple sold to American firm
SUMMERLAND – Just a couple weeks after getting approval to sell two of it’s controversial apples in the U.S., Okanagan Specialty Fruits has been sold to a synthetic biology company in the States. Interxon is paying about $41-million in stock and cash for the Summerland company that created an apple genetically engineered not to turn...
Summerland woman putting the pedal to the metal at ARCA racing event
SUMMERLAND - A Summerland woman is getting ready for the ride of her life as she prepares for an Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) race at Daytona. Sarah Cornett-Ching has been driving for half her life — and she’s only 24. She began her racing career at Penticton Speedway, where she first got behind the...
IH secures enough flu vaccine to open postponed clinics
OKANAGAN - Some flu clinics postponed last week have been rescheduled now that Interior Health has secured enough vaccine. An additional 10,000 doses of influenza vaccine means IH can open their doors for public flu clinics starting next week. There are multiple options for those seeking the jab. Kelowna – The December 15 public drop-in...
Free flu clinic postponed due to high demand
SUMMERLAND - Don't roll up your sleeve just yet — a public flu clinic in Summerland will be rescheduled because demand is exceeding supply. Public flu clinics at St. John's Lutheran Church Dec. 4 has been postponed, but a new date and location will not be chosen until additional vaccine is ordered, according to a...
RCMP officers honoured for going above and beyond
WEST KELOWNA – In between the traffic stops and routine patrols, RCMP officers are sometimes called on to risk their lives to serve the public. Officers from West Kelowna, Lake Country, Kamloops, Salmon Arm and Summerland were recently recognized for their bravery at the Police Honours Night in Victoria hosted by Governor General Judith Guichon....
UPDATE: SNOWED IN: Weather wreaks havoc on roads, power
SNOWFALL WARNING ISSUED FOR NORTH THOMPSON THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Heavy snow has fallen throughout the region and another 25 centimetres is expected in the North Thompson and Columbia regions by Thursday morning, though the snow will change to rain late tonight or Thursday morning in the more southern regions. While parts of the region struggle with...
ELECTION 2014: Who won in the South Okanagan
SOUTH OKANAGAN - You voted and the results are in for the mayors and councils of the South Okanagan who will start their four-year terms in December. Summerland welcomes new mayor Peter Waterman, who won with 1,197 votes. Joining him on council is Toni Boot with 2,819 votes; Erin Trainer with 2,214 votes; Erin Carlson...
Local history comes to life in bigger, better book
OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN – One of the regions longest running traditions is back, bigger and better than ever before. The Okanagan Historical Society Annual Report is a collection of essays that explores the varied and rich history of the valley. David Gregory is the editor of the publication and he says the 78th issue is one of...
B.C. Hydro to conduct study on secondary power line to West Kelowna
WEST KELOWNA – District of West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater says last night’s line failure that cut power to thousands of homes for nine hours would have been very serious if it happened just one month from now. The failure was caused by a fire that started atop one of hundreds of poles supporting West...
Wild horse carcass left by South Okanagan roadside for three days
PENTICTON - Last week, a feral horse was struck and killed by a passing motorists and left on the side of the highway for three days just south of Penticton, according to Global Okanagan. The young animal was discovered in the ditch beside Highway 97 Monday afternoon. It had two broken legs. It was later...
Summerland man hit by semi dies in hospital
SUMMERLAND – A 77-year-old man hit by a semi in downtown Summerland Monday morning has died from his injuries. The Summerland man was hit at the uncontrolled intersection at Highway 97 and Steuart Street and rushed to hospital. According to RCMP, he was crossing the highway on foot when he was hit by a southbound...
Summerland boil water notice lifted
SUMMERLAND – The boil water advisory for the Summerland water system has been lifted. The District of Summerland announced Friday Interior Health had lifted the boil water advisory issued on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The health authority was concerned about high bacteria counts found in tests of the raw water supply. A boil water notice was...
UPDATE: Highway 97 open after falling rock near Summerland
SUMMERLAND – Falling rock closed a portion of Highway 97 just north of Summerland Sunday and is responsible for injuring two people. The small slide closed the southbound lanes 2 kilometres north of the town at about 11:28 a.m. The highway reopened to single lane, alternating traffic about an hour later at 12:20 p.m. as...
Found amongst the damage; beaver poached at Headwaters bush party
"WE USUALLY FIND SOME GARBAGE BUT THIS SITE WAS PRETTY DISTURBING." SUMMERLAND – A weekend party at Headwaters in Summerland caused thousands of dollars in damage and may result in poaching charges if the culprits are caught. South Okanagan Conservation officer Sgt. Jim Beck says he received several complaints of gunfire and damage over the...
VIDEO: Horse rescued from river
PENTICTON — A wild horse was rescued from Trout Creek in Summerland this weekend, with efforts from fire crews and volunteers. The female horse named River, fought hard against the water to get to the shore, where she collapsed from exhaustion, reported Global News. She is recovering at O.A.T.S. Horse Rescue, they said. If you...