Steve Arstad
I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.
Steve Arstad's Stories
Generous donation to hospital care tower fund
PENTICTON - A local businessman has provided a big boost to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20 million fundraising effort. David Kampe, owner of the Peters Brothers Group of Companies, became the first major individual donor with his $2 million donation to the new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital. Kampe said he...
Layoffs announced as Keremeos youth treatment centre closes doors
PENTICTON - A Keremeos residential treatment facility for addicted youth known as The Crossing suddenly closed its doors yesterday, ending the service and sending roughly 20 people out of work. The facility was operated by Portage British Columbia, which confirmed the closure today, March 6. Portage spokesperson Christina Panagio said after a dispute with the...
Work on waterfront walkway resumes
PENTICTON - A more widened walkway will enhance visitors and residents useage of the Okangan Lake waterfront during the coming summer days. The reconstruction of Penticton’s lakefront walkway began for another season today, March 9. The walkway reconstruction project, which began in 2013 and officially opened last year, will connect The Peach with Kiwanis Pier....
Addicted youth suffer from lack of treatment facilities
PENTICTON - The closing of Portage’s youth treatment centre near Keremeos last week eliminated an important treatment facility for addicted Canadian youth, says an addiction specialist and certified interventionist. The Crossing, a residential rehabilitation centre for addicted adolescents between the ages of 14 - 18, closed suddenly last week due to a funding disagreement with...
Local cop walks the beat old style
PENTICTON - Penticton RCMP Corporal Don Wrigglesworth is common sight on Penticton city streets these days. But he’s a rare sight as well. Wrigglesworth is the city’s full-time community policing corporal, and in taking on the job has brought some good old-fashioned tradition to Penticton’s police force. Wrigglesworth is a rare sight because he is...
KOOPMANS TRIAL: More oddities as key witness wraps up testimony
PENTICTON - The key witness in the John Ike Koopmans murder trial continued to grapple with defence lawyers under cross-examination today. Bradley Martin took the witness stand for the third day in Penticton Supreme Court on Friday, March 6. He already told the jury he overheard Koopmans arguing with two other friends, Rose Fox and...
Early morning blaze in West Bench
PENTICTON - The quick response by Penticton firefighters limited damage to West Bench property this morning. Penticton firefighters responded to the report of a fire on Jonathan Drive at 4:36 a.m., Friday, March 6, Penticton Deputy Fire Chief Dave Spalding says they sent two engines with on shift crews, with extra staff called in. The...
Few viable options for reducing “penalizing” electrical connection fees
PENTICTON - Penticton's city councillors are concerned with the high fee the city charges to hook up or to disconnect someone's electricity, but according to the city's utility manager, there's not much they can do about it. The city charges $68 to disconnect the electricity to a home for non-payment and then another $68 to...
Penticton Vees raffles benefit kid’s breakfast and women’s charitable programs
PENTICTON - Penticton Vees “Wicked Wednesdays” events have been a big help to the Penticton Speedway Foundation’s fundraising efforts. The Penticton Speedway Foundation teamed up with the Vees and Underwriters Insurance, raising more than $15,000 through a number of raffles that took place in conjunction with Wicked Wednesdays promotions. The promotions were part of Penticton...
Medical foundation receives funding pledge
PENTICTON - Penticton’s Patient Care Tower Project received a big financial boost from a Summerland fundraising group. The Summerland Health Care Auxiliary, which operates a thrift shop on Victoria Road in Summerland, recently pledged to raise $1 million over the next five years, to go towards the $20 million fundraising effort being undertaken by the...
KOOPMANS TRIAL: Mother describes finding her son shot
'I TOLD THE POLICE TO PLEASE GO HELP MY SON, HE'S STILL BREATHING....' PENTICTON - Jurors in the John Ike Koopmans murder trial heard dramatic testimony today, Feb. 3, as the mother of shooting victim Keith Wharton described finding her son and his girlfriend dead in their Princeton trailer. Carol Wharton’s voice broke as she...
City staff to investigate choices for clothing optional beach
PENTICTON - The solution to the Three Mile Beach clothing optional issue was pared down from a list of 10 staff submitted options to two during Monday's council meeting. The discussion followed a presentation to council by local naturist Kevin Proteau and Canadian Naturist Organization’s Judy Williams. The 10 options were put forward by staff...
What the Irish Rovers have in common with Clancy the cat
PENTICTON - Clancy the cat's incredible story of a journey from the wilderness of the Yukon back to his home town Penticton has caught the attention of a well-known Canadian band. The Irish Rovers were so impressed by Clancy's tale, they decided to help him complete his journey back to a loving home. The legendary...
Two break and enters to start the month in Osoyoos
PENTICTON - Osoyoos RCMP are hoping you can help solve two break and enters on March 1. A garage on 87th Street was entered by thieves who made off with a 1988 black Ford Mustang, a black and yellow coloured Bombardier XP Seadoo and several tools valued at approximately $15,000. On the same date, Osoyoos...
Naturists to present their side in Three Mile Beach controversy
PENTICTON - Penticton City Council will be revisiting a contentious issue this evening. Penticton City council will receive a report from staff suggesting options for resolving the issue of nudity at Three Mile Beach at tonight’s council meeting, March 2. Staff will be presenting 10 potential avenues for council to pursue, including amendments to the...