Glynn Brothen
Two convicted in botched armed robbery
KAMLOOPS – Two Kelowna men were convicted while a third was acquitted on charges related to a botched robbery involving a duffel bag full of weapons. Rick Herd, born 1984, and Joel McLean, born 1987, were convicted of possessing a restricted firearm and ammunition without a proper license. The two were involved in an attempted invasion...
Judge believes ‘very little’ but drops robbery and threat charges
KAMLOOPS - Fabricated stories from both sides resulted in dropped robbery and threat charges for a man familiar to courts. Trevor Wilvers, 36, originally faced several charges alleging he held a knife to the neck of a friend to get cash for a lost motorhome, but the charges were dropped because he suspected no one told...
Dismembered eagles still under investigation
KAMLOOPS – The provincial conservation office received leads following the discovery of 9 eagle torsos in a ditch, but the investigation remains ongoing. "We appreciate what we've received but the more the better," Sgt. Andy Mackay with the Conservation office said. The nine bird bodies were stripped of claws, wings, tail feathers and heads. Eight...
Delays in Snelson manslaughter re-trial
KAMLOOPS – A Kelowna man awarded a new trial for manslaughter—scheduled this time in Kamloops—is still waiting to set a re-trial date as he now searches for a new lawyer. Neil Snelson said his trial lawyer, Wade Jenson—also the lawyer who argued the new trial should be moved to Kamloops—is no longer representing him. Snelson was...
Man involved with drug ring pleads guilty
KAMLOOPS – A local man with ties to an organized cocaine operation pleaded guilty to two drug charges in Kamloops Supreme Court yesterday. Jean-Claude Auger, 38, is one of eight Kamloops men charged after an RCMP sting discovered an organized cocaine dial-a-dope operation. The group operated from February until October of 2012. RCMP uncovered the...
RCMP still investigating links to robberies
SUSPECT HAS LENGTHY CRIMINAL HISTORY KAMLOOPS – Police are still trying to determine if the man arrested in connection to a robbery at Shoppers Drug Mart is connected to several other robberies in town. Joseph Welsh, born 1980, has been charged with one count of robbery, two counts of possessing stolen property and four counts...
Perks of Being a Wallflower book to stay in schools
CONCERNED PARENT SAYS HE WILL NOT FILE AN APPEAL KAMLOOPS – Administration at School District 73 have decided a controversial book will remain in schools, much to the chagrin of a concerned father. Dean Audet received a letter from the district last month. He says the letter stated the decision and outlined reasons to keep...
Trial for accused in death of teen to begin this fall
KAMLOOPS – A man charged with murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend will continue the beginning stages of his trial this fall. Damien Lawrence Taylor, born 1991, is facing second degree murder charges in the death of C.J. Fowler. RCMP told media Fowler and Taylor were dating. Fowler was from Terrace and would regularly visit Kamloops to...
EDITOR’S NOTE: The most comprehensive events listings for the Thompson-Okanagan
How far would you travel to see a show you really want to see? We bet you would drive at least a couple hours to see a good show at Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre, Prospera Place in Kelowna the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops or the Performing Arts Centre in Vernon. We bring you...
Pub assaults land jail time
KAMLOOPS — Two men were sentenced to jail time yesterday for 'wanton and senseless violence' on three men outside of a pub more than three years ago. Jean-Claude A. Auger, 38, was sentenced to 75 and 45 days of imprisonment to be served concurrently for his assaults on Glen Dondaneau and Douglas Hart. Brian W....
An unusual request by an accused murderer
KAMLOOPS – A man facing charges including first degree murder and obstruction of justice was partially granted an odd request before his trial. Peter Ernest Edward Beckett was looking for hard-copies of disclosure documents as he represents himself in court. He was charged with the first degree murder of his wife in August 2010. He...
RCMP warning longboarders of bylaws, fines
KAMLOOPS – RCMP are reminding skateboarders and longboarders to take precautions when it comes to riding on city streets. Cpl. Cheryl Bush says it’s important for riders to take note of the restricted areas in the city, which include the downtown core, the North Shore area around Tranquille road and 16 steep grade roads. Bush...
Police warn of overseas phone scam
THOMPSON OKANAGAN – RCMP are warning the public about a telephone scam in which the caller pretends to be an officer threatening arrest and deportation if a financial penalty is not paid. The caller claims to be with the revenue department of the RCMP – a department that doesn’t exist. The Kamloops detachment received reports of...
The path to a glitzy movie gig begins in a conference room
KAMLOOPS – We all secretly dream of being movie stars. Maybe not even a star but being in a movie is pretty cool, too. What’s not to love about the big screen? There are costumes, celebrities and you get to pretend to be someone else. The road to fame and fortune starts with one step...
Pedestrian hit by elderly motorist
KAMLOOPS – A 13-year-old boy was transported to Royal Inland Hospital this afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk at Westsyde Road and Anderson Terrace. Witnesses say the boy was crossing the street around 3:30 p.m. in the designated crosswalk when he was hit by an elderly driver. The boy sustained minor...