Meaghan Archer
Teachers on twitter: Strike news shared on social media
PENTICTON - Teachers across the province began striking this morning for better wages and smaller class sizes, among other reasons. The rotating strike is an effort to move along negotiations with the province. Here's a look at what teachers, parents and students have been saying on social media: %%Embed1%% To contact the reporter for this...
Conservation group rallies for support with video
PENTICTON - A national nature group made a video to support turning Okanagan land into a national park, in order to protect endangered species and grasslands wildlife. There has been controversy in the last few months around the Okanagan grasslands and how to keep them protected. Earlier this spring, the Nature Trust of British Columbia,...
Community Centre offers activities for kids impacted by teachers’ strike
PENTICTON - The Penticton Community Centre is hosting Day Camp for kids Monday May 26, for anyone looking to have some fun swimming, crafting and playing games. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $27 per child. Day care is available for parents needing to drop kids off early (8 to...
Ceremony held to celebrate beginning of corrections facility
OLIVER - Ground was officially broken today by justice, city and Band officials to launch construction of the Okanagan Correctional Centre. The ceremony began with members of the Osoyoos Indian Band riding in on horses, drumming and singing traditional songs. “Thank you for honouring our land,” said Bob Etienne, a Band member who performed a...
It was falling on ice that did him in, not the two car crashes
PENTICTON - Four years ago, Leon Ray was driving a bus up the road to Apex Mountain Resort. A car driving down the hill lost control and collided with his bus. No one was injured. Then another vehicle coming down the mountain lost control and crashed into the bus. Again, no one was injured. Police...
Bond to serve jail sentence in community for grow op
PENTICTON — A Princeton man will serve a conditional jail sentence for a 'highly-sophisticated' marijuana grow operation he ran on his property for three years. James Bond, 48, pleaded guilty to charges of producing marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.In Penticton Provincial court today, Judge Meg Shaw ordered Bond to serve an 18-month conditional jail...
Residents and councillors disapprove gas bar and Tim’s project
PENTICTON - Residents of Roy Avenue spoke out against the potential construction of a gas bar and Tim Horton’s on a property adjacent to their street, saying it would be too noisy, smelly and just plain unnecessary. The gallery was full at Tuesday’s public hearing and council meeting. Both residents and councillors expressed their disapproval...
RCMP aren’t ruling out the possibility of other suspects in hockey association fraud
“IT’S LIKE A PUZZLE AND NOBODY’S BLEEDING.” PENTICTON - As RCMP begin their investigation into the hockey association’s fraud case, they are not ruling out other possible suspects of the crime. The late Sandy Elder is the main suspect for embezzling $315,000 from the Penticton Minor Hockey Association during her time as Treasurer on the...
Sewage connection system with Skaha Hills costs City
PENTICTON - The City faces new costs for sewage connection lines to Skaha Hills, an agreement being made between the City and the Penticton Indian Band. The Skaha Hills project is being developed by the Penticton Indian Band on the Southwest end of Penticton. The development consists of a vineyard and winery, a golf course...
Man found guilty for drug trafficking wants evidence excluded
PENTICTON - Defense counsel made an application for exclusion of evidence used in the trial of a Surrey man found guilty earlier this month of cocaine possession with intent to sell. Graham V. Jordan was found guilty during a trial in Penticton Supreme Court, May 5 and 6 by Justice Selwyn Romilly. Jordan was arrested...
An evening for adults at the Children’s Festival
PENTICTON - Adults have their chance to be entertained Friday evening after the Okanagan International Children’s Festival, taking place Thursday through Saturday. Wine, champagne and appetizers will be offered to guests while they enjoy presentations from stilt walkers, and African and Middle Eastern dancers. Lanterns, hand-made by the kids, will be for sale, lit up...
Don’t let the weather dampen your mood this long weekend
PENTICTON - The weather may be a tad dreary this May long weekend, but don’t let that ruin an extra day of rest. Sunday and Monday will see temperatures in the mid-teens, with light rain and chances of clouds. The cool weather may be perfect for a hike through the Okanagan-Similkameen, part of the Meadowlark...
School board nixes jobs to fix deficit
PENTICTON - Local school board approved the 2014-15 budget this week, which includes job cuts to help pay off a $1 million deficit. In order to cover CUPE salary and benefit increases, totalling $330,000, clerical, custodial and delivery staff jobs were cut as well as $180,000 in supplies and services. To cover the remainder of...
Challenge Penticton announces Valley First as title sponsor
PENTICTON - Valley First announced it will be the title sponsor for this year’s Challenge Penticton race, taking place August 24. President Paulette Rennie made the announcement this morning alongside Diana Stirling, Vice President of the Challenge board of directors, community and staff. “I couldn’t be happier with this partnership,” Rennie said. “Last year Valley...
Okanagan International Children’s Festival is back
PENTICTON - Children’s favourite performers such as Fred Penner and Kaput will be puttin’ on a show next weekend as part of The Okanagan International Children’s Festival. The festival begins Thursday, May 22 and runs until Saturday May 24. Child entertainers will perform on the Main Stage at Okanagan Lake Park and Marina Way Park....