Shelley Jordan
Court approves charges in 30,000 litre Slocan Valley jet fuel spill
NELSON, B.C. - The British Columbia government and a fuel-service company are facing allegations under the Fisheries Act in a rare prosecution launched by a member of the public. A provincial court judge approved the charges filed by Marilyn Burgoon, a Kootenay, B.C., resident, over a massive jet fuel spill in July 2013 that caused...
‘Tis the season for togetherness, but some find solace in moments of solitude
TORONTO – The holidays are widely seen as a time of togetherness to gather for dinners, cocktail parties, gift exchanges and outdoor activities, yet whether by choice or circumstance, some find solace in moments of solitude during the festive season.
New research out of B.C. university helps team take bite out of bedbug epidemic
VANCOUVER – A British Columbia biologist has endured 180,000 bites with the intention of sucking the life out of the worldwide bedbug epidemic.
Study involving UBC scientist says Chinook salmon could be wiped out by 2100
VANCOUVER – New climate-change research involving a University of British Columbia scientist predicts that one of the West Coast's most prized salmon stocks could be wiped out over the next 85 years.
Rock and blues legend Joe Cocker dies at 70
COLORADO – Joe Cocker, the raspy-voiced British singer known for his frenzied cover of "With a Little Help From My Friends," the teary ballad "You Are So Beautiful" and a contorted performing style uncannily parodied by John Belushi on "Saturday Night Live," has died. He was 70.
Mounties looking for owners of rare gold-plated coins
KELOWNA - RCMP are looking for the owner of a set of commemorative gold coins turned in to police Wednesday morning. The limited edition coins are struck in gold-plated nickel by the Royal Canadian Mint. They memorialize the 1984 Papal visit of Pope John Paul II and were presented by the Canadian Conference of Catholic...
People caused West Kelowna forest fire
WEST KELOWNA - The Smith Creek forest fire was caused by an unattended campfire located on private property in the bush area above the subdivision. A press release from the District of West Kelowna states two spot fires started when sparks escaped from the campfire late in the evening following a 38 Celcius day and...
Home thought lost in Smith Creek fire saved by helicopter crew
WEST KELOWNA - A home first thought to be decimated by a rank three wildfire burning in the Smith Creek Road area of West Kelowna has been saved. Thick smoke shrouded an evacuated home and outbuilding as the fire passed through the 1800 block area of Dixie Road and firefighters believed the property was destroyed,...
Smith Creek fire at 200 hectares, more than 2,500 evacuated
WEST KELOWNA - The Smith Creek wildfire has grown to 200 hectares as of 10:30 p.m. and remains entirely uncontained, officials say. Fire officials are trying to get a guard around the fire to protect some 1,100 homes in its path. The fire was called in as a grass fire at about 1:20 p.m. July 17,...
Firefighters battling 200 ha West Kelowna wildfire report few overnight flare-ups
WEST KELOWNA - Firefighters battling a 200 hectare fire in the Smith Creek neighbourhood of West Kelowna are reporting some good news this morning, saying the few flare-ups during the night were quickly knocked down. Crews from West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country and B.C. Wildfire Management Branch monitored the fire overnight and are assessing the...
Ontario team takes over Smith Creek fire command
WEST KELOWNA - An incident management team from Ontario has taken command of the Smith Creek fire in West Kelowna, translating into additional support for local staff. The collaborated effort of West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and Kelowna fire departments will continue and personnel from the Wildfire Management Branch will also offer support in varying...
Heavy fines and potential jail time awaits those caught in Smith Creek restricted zone
WEST KELOWNA - To help ensure public and firefighter safety, the Kamloops Fire Centre is restricting access to certain areas in and around the Smith Creek fire zone, even as many are returning to their homes. An Area Restriction Order is in effect immediately and will remain in place until July 31, or until the...
SMITH CREEK LATEST EVAC ORDERS AND ALERTS
July 21, 2014 11:45 a.m. The Emergency Operation Centre advises that the Evacuation Order for the Smith Creek Fire has been lifted for additional streets in the Tallus Ridge Neighbourhood effective 12 p.m. Monday, July 21. The Evacuation Order remains in effect for eight large, rural, private properties in the interface areas immediately above Smith...
Smith Creek fire evacuation alerts and orders to be lifted today
WEST KELOWNA - All remaining evacuation alerts and orders will be lifted for the Smith Creek fire as of 5 p.m. Thursday because the fire is now 100 per cent contained. Containment does not mean the fire is out and the Area Restriction Order in place through the Wildfire Management Branch remains active. A post-wildfire...
Policing and second power line into West Kelowna discussed during UBCM meetings
WEST KELOWNA - Rising policing costs in West Kelowna was just one of the priorities discussed this week during a meeting with Ministers at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Whistler. Local convention attendees included Mayor Doug Findlater and members of West Kelowna Council. The event gave representatives an opportunity for short, face-to-face meetings...