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Vernon news

Vernon nurse left in a wheelchair after hit and run could use your help

VERNON - The life of a Vernon mother and nurse changed forever when she was struck in a hit and run last December. The woman, in her 40s, was left a quadriplegic and is currently receiving treatment in Vancouver. Friends have launched a fundraising page to help with her recovery. “Robin has spent her career...

Countdown already on for 2016 Mardi Gras Winter Carnival

VERNON - Vernon will have ten days of Mardi Gras celebrations as part of the 2016 Winter Carnival. Hot on the heels of the 2015 Carnival of Rock and Roll, organizers are already gearing up for next year. Executive director Diana Williamson says the board received over 100 suggestions for the theme but narrowed it...

Many hands might make light work if co-housing comes to Vernon

VERNON - A local woman hopes to introduce a new way of living to Vernon. It’s called co-housing, and Barbara Van Sickle is passionate about it. With a blend of private homes and common areas, co-housing neighbourhoods foster community, group decision making and the philosophy that many hands make light work. “Socially, it’s much more...

Lumby students dominate college spaghetti bridge contest

KELOWNA - It came down to a battle between three friends from Lumby at Okanagan College’s 32nd annual Spaghetti Bridge Contest held at the Kelowna campus today. Grade seven student Adrian Schartner from Lumby placed first with his bridge weighing 982.6 grams and supporting 275.6 kilograms before spectacularly collapsing in front of cheering friends, peers,...

When to start reserving provincial camping sites

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Camping enthusiasts can set their alarms for the 9 a.m. opening of the online camping reserve system, Sunday, March 15. The interactive reservation website displays availability, layout and amenities for 115 front country campgrounds in 99 provincial parks. Reservations can also be made on the go using smartphones, but you aren't limited to...

Ringette players from around B.C. converge in Vernon

VERNON - Thirty seven ringette teams from around the province will gather in Vernon this weekend. The occasion is the provincial A and B Championships featuring divisions from under 14 to under 18. Games began at 7:15 a.m. Friday and continue all weekend with the gold medal games set for Sunday afternoon. An opening ceremony...

February home sales best in years says real estate board report

KELOWNA – After a disappointing start to 2015, the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board is reporting a 34 per cent improvement in home sales in February compared with the same month in 2014. “After a more than usual slowdown in January, Okanagan-Shuswap home sales rallied along with consumer confidence during February despite weaker economic conditions...

Speeding driver plays chicken with Vernon cop

VERNON – The hunt is on for a driver who tried to play chicken with a Vernon RCMP cruiser early this morning. At around 3:35 a.m., Monday, March 2, an officer tried to pull over a Honda in the area of 29 Street and 39 Avenue near the Civic Arena, according to RCMP spokesperson Gord...

Charges laid in crash that took the life of a Vernon nurse

VERNON - Charges have been laid in relation to an accident on 32 Street that took the life of a Vernon nurse in the early morning hours of Oct. 23, 2014. Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says Lori Victoria Vance will appear in court March 19 to face charges of impaired driving causing death and...

Fire and vandalism draw authorities to Armstrong middle school

ARMSTRONG - A fire at Lenwood Middle School in Armstrong had 32 firefighters jumping out of bed at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Initially reported as a structure fire, members feared the worst. But Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian Cummings says it was just a small fire in a garbage can a few feet from the school. “There...

Suspects take two guns during terrifying home invasion

VERNON - RCMP are asking for public assistance to help them find several suspects who forced their way into a Vernon home to steal guns from a safe at The Strand Lakeside Resort. The resort is located along Okanagan Landing Road near Okanagan Landing Elementary School. The 34-year-old victim of the home invasion was restrained,...