Fruit group wants former fruit packing area cleaned up
NARAMATA - If the concrete bones of a former fruit packing plant are put to rest it will leave the area "far more appealing." The Okanagan Tree Fruits Co-operative wants the permission of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board, which meets on Thursday, to tear up the concrete foundations just north of Robinson Road...
Another small step toward new Okanagan prison
OSOYOOS - The proposed Okanagan prison will open its gates to the public early next month. B.C. Corrections officials will meet with Osoyoos Indian Band members on Oct. 8. They plan to hold public information sessions in Oliver and Okanagan Falls on Oct. 9 and in Osoyoos on Oct. 10. That's when you can get...
Britco benefits from $100M contract, premier visit
PENTICTON - The wide-ranging benefits of liquid natural gas was the message shared by Premier Christy Clark and Britco today. The premier was in town touring Britco for the second time to talk about the province's natural gas resources, B.C. Jobs Plan and what the B.C. government has done to up employment. She and Britco...
Speeding problems need data before decision
PENTICTON - Slapping a solution on Kinney Avenue's speeding traffic problems without studying the problem might make things worse. Creative Transportation Solutions president Jan Voss says a municipality needs data, such as numbers of cars going east and west, how many are zooming by at different times of the day, the place they begin to...
Thousands try for high-five world record
PENTICTON - Thousands turned out for the high-five world record attempt at the South Okanagan Event Centre but it didn't appear any record was broken. The Guinness world record attempt occurred just before the Penticton Vees home opener on Friday. Dozens of cameras were used to capture the record attempt. Hands were smacked together several...
Fall forgets the script, steals spring’s showers
PENTICTON - Seven days of rain starting today is expected to drench the area but accompanying low temperatures will make it difficult for anyone wishing to do a live performance of Singing in the Rain. Friday has a high of 13 C, lots of clouds and rain ending only in early afternoon but 30 per cent...
South Okanagan Events Centre generates millions
PENTICTON - City of Penticton officials are singing the praises of the South Okanagan Event Centre for generating $23.9 million over a five-year period. An economic impact study found the $23.9 million was earned through direct spending. Add the economic spinoffs and the revenue becomes $33.9 million. It has been five years since the centre...
Online project gives safe environment for bad choices
PENTICTON - An online choose-your-own-adventure experience offers youth a safe way to find out the consequences of drinking and driving and other bad decisions. The Mike and Vicki Project's motto is a safe place to make bad choices. The program follows two high school youths, Mike and Vicki, as they plan their weekend and attend...

Community takes back the night tonight
PENTICTON - Tonight the community will walk together and take a stand against violence of all kinds. The Take Back the Night march has evolved beyond just raising awareness on violence against women. It recognizes both men and women experience violence and abuse and the movement now has international reach. March organizers will provide materials...
New fish hatchery to restore stream spawn kokanee
PENTICTON - It's instinct for fish to follow the river upstream to spawn, and every year B.C. fishers and wildlife enthusiasts seem to be following their own as they line the railing where Penticton Creek passes North Street to watch the kokanee. It's the kind of thing the Penticton Fly Fishers want for Ellis Creek....

Wiens files appeal: “That’s just who he is”
PENTICTON - Convicted killer Keith Wiens should "be a man and do his time" instead of appealing his conviction for second-degree murder, according to family members of Lynn Kalmring, his common-law partner who he shot in the face in an argument over money. Former Mountie Wiens, 58, filed an appeal on Aug. 23 Crown spokesperson...
Mine to resume operations following coal water spill
OSOYOOS - A mining company will pay to scrub the shorelines of Tulameen River following an Aug. 25 spill of 13,000 gallons of tailing water. The tailing water, mostly made up of coal dust and water, overflowed the coal mine's emergency pond near Collin's Gulch and turned large parts of the river black. The Coalmont...
Problem property getting closer to wrecking ball
PENTICTON - There'll be "no mercy" from one councillor for the owners and realtor of problem property 555 Wade Ave. East. Those were Coun. Katie Robinson's exact words at Monday's council meeting to real estate agent Rick Appleton if the boarded-up and derelict building on Wade Avenue East is not dealt with as soon as...
Speeding Smythe Drive problems not fault of winery
PENTICTON - Speeding problems on Smythe Drive will not increase due to a winery expansion city council explains — it's been a problem for years. Painted Rock's winery expansion, to include a lounge area so patrons can have whole glasses of wine instead of just sips in the tasting area, got the nod at Monday's...
Council wants gas station issue solved
PENTICTON - City council has no problem with the Cherry Lane Mall owners expanding their liquor store operations. They just want something done with the Main Street gas station out front. The owners want to build a new 5,000-square foot liquor store which will absorb the location of their old one but leave the gas...