Monique Tamminga

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Jessica is running more than 900 kilometres from Nelson to Victoria as part of “Aubrey’s Run Across B.C. to End Toxic Drug Death,” passing through the Okanagan and stopping in communities for events along the way. She is running in memory of her son Aubrey, who died from toxic drug poisoning on Aug. 30, 2022. (Bill Metcalfe photo)

Running for Aubrey: Grieving B.C. mom hits pavement to Penticton for safe supply

Jessica Michalofsky will be at the Peach at 3 p.m. on Sunday

Jessica is running more than 900 kilometres from Nelson to Victoria as part of “Aubrey’s Run Across B.C. to End Toxic Drug Death,” passing through the Okanagan and stopping in communities for events along the way. She is running in memory of her son Aubrey, who died from toxic drug poisoning on Aug. 30, 2022. (Bill Metcalfe photo)
A 22-year-old woman who police said failed a breathalizer and admitted to police that she drove her Nissan into a parked car which caused both cars to catch fire on Monday night in Penticton’s Westminster Ave W. (Deb Antonick Facebook)

Impaired driving suspected in fiery crash with parked vehicle in Penticton

A Nissan slammed into a parked car, setting the two vehicles ablaze Monday night

A 22-year-old woman who police said failed a breathalizer and admitted to police that she drove her Nissan into a parked car which caused both cars to catch fire on Monday night in Penticton’s Westminster Ave W. (Deb Antonick Facebook)
Oliver Elementary was the first school in B.C. to trial the Seamless Day Kindergarten. (Google Maps)

B.C. pilot that turns Kindergarten classrooms into daycare spaces deemed huge success

The program integrates before- and after-school care into the kindergarten classroom

Oliver Elementary was the first school in B.C. to trial the Seamless Day Kindergarten. (Google Maps)
The BC Housing project fronting Skaha Lake Road is ready to take residents in June. The recovery based model may be the first of its kind in B.C. (Monique Tamminga Western News)

Penticton’s new recovery housing may be first of its kind in B.C.

The BC Housing will be run by Ooknakane Friendship Centre and Ask Wellness

The BC Housing project fronting Skaha Lake Road is ready to take residents in June. The recovery based model may be the first of its kind in B.C. (Monique Tamminga Western News)
Two Lower Mainland gang members have been arrested and charged in the murder of Naramata’s Kathy Richardson. (File photo)

Lower Mainland gang members charged in murder of B.C. volunteer firefighter

Men set to appear for a bail hearing in Kelowna court April 18

Two Lower Mainland gang members have been arrested and charged in the murder of Naramata’s Kathy Richardson. (File photo)
Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver has won the B.C. Winery of the Year for 2023 from Great Northwest Wine Magazine. (Hester Creek)

Hester Creek Winery in Oliver named B.C. winery of the year

Hester Creek winemaker gives away secret to creating the perfect sparkling too

Hester Creek Estate Winery in Oliver has won the B.C. Winery of the Year for 2023 from Great Northwest Wine Magazine. (Hester Creek)
Three Vancouver residents Daniel Ferrer, Bruno James and Henry Reis are being hailed for their bravery in rescuing a man from drowning on Skaha Lake last June. (Submitted)

‘Heroes’ who saved young man from drowning in Penticton lake awarded medal of merit

Three men vacationing at Skaha Lake leapt into action during late night swim in the Channel

Three Vancouver residents Daniel Ferrer, Bruno James and Henry Reis are being hailed for their bravery in rescuing a man from drowning on Skaha Lake last June. (Submitted)
Commando Bay was a secret training base for a special operations unit called Operation Oblivion where Chinese Canadian volunteer soldiers were selected to train to go behind enemy lines. The wharf in this picture is no longer there, nor is any evidence of the camp except a plaque. (Okanagan Historical Society/Greater Vernon Museum & Archives/Rick Wong)

Top secret WW2 training base once existed north of Naramata

Only a plaque remains for Chinese-Canadian soldiers who spent 1944 summer training there

Commando Bay was a secret training base for a special operations unit called Operation Oblivion where Chinese Canadian volunteer soldiers were selected to train to go behind enemy lines. The wharf in this picture is no longer there, nor is any evidence of the camp except a plaque. (Okanagan Historical Society/Greater Vernon Museum & Archives/Rick Wong)
This was the Connector Saturday evening, March 11. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Highway 5, 3 and 1 with up to 25 cm falling and extreme driving conditions. (Facebook)

Heavy snowfall warning issued on 3 major southern B.C. highways

Extreme driving conditions and up to 25 cm to fall on Highways 3, 5 and 1 Sunday to Tuesday

This was the Connector Saturday evening, March 11. Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Highway 5, 3 and 1 with up to 25 cm falling and extreme driving conditions. (Facebook)
Penticton resident Doreen Abbott ‘Nana’ failed to arrive at a friend’s house on the evening of Jan. 27 and has not been seen since. Her vehicle was found stuck in snow up Greyback Mountain Rd. on Jan. 28. (Facebook)

Penticton senior missing for 5 days; police call for dash-cam footage

Police are also asking to leave the search to the experts due to difficult terrain, cold weather

Penticton resident Doreen Abbott ‘Nana’ failed to arrive at a friend’s house on the evening of Jan. 27 and has not been seen since. Her vehicle was found stuck in snow up Greyback Mountain Rd. on Jan. 28. (Facebook)
An unidentified man dressed as Jesus was escorted out of the Anthrax concert by Penticton police on Jan. 21. (Sarah Tucker-Facebook)

‘Don’t worry he will be out in 3 days’: Man dressed as Jesus arrested at Penticton Anthrax concert

The man dressed as Jesus was escorted out of the concert and into a police vehicle

An unidentified man dressed as Jesus was escorted out of the Anthrax concert by Penticton police on Jan. 21. (Sarah Tucker-Facebook)
(Mike Biden photo)

Oh Deer! Penticton firefighters make frigid rescue

Firefighters saved a deer stuck in the ice on Okanagan Lake

(Mike Biden photo)
Penticton nurse Manny Labrador has been barred from practising for five years in B.C. after being convicted of sexual assault. (Unsplash)

Penticton nurse barred from job for 5 years after sexual assault conviction

Manny Labrador, a Licensed Practical Nurse, was convicted last October

Penticton nurse Manny Labrador has been barred from practising for five years in B.C. after being convicted of sexual assault. (Unsplash)
Kandace with her kids, age 7 and 11. Kandace works full time at the Penticton hospital and still can’t make ends meet. She worries how she’ll keep a roof over their heads in 2023. (Submitted)

Penticton mom, kids facing homelessness after employment disqualifies her from subsidies

With the rise in costs, rent expected to go up, Kandace Sztepanacz can’t make ends meet

Kandace with her kids, age 7 and 11. Kandace works full time at the Penticton hospital and still can’t make ends meet. She worries how she’ll keep a roof over their heads in 2023. (Submitted)
Steven Dahnert with his grandson in 2020 before the Penticton Okanagan College instructor was killed in a head-on collision where a driver crossed into oncoming traffic on Highway 33 in Kelowna on Thanksgiving Day 2020. (Submitted)

Widow of Penticton man reacts to $2K fine levied against driver who killed her husband

Steve Dahnert’s family got a life sentence and the driver has a year to pay her fine, said wife

Steven Dahnert with his grandson in 2020 before the Penticton Okanagan College instructor was killed in a head-on collision where a driver crossed into oncoming traffic on Highway 33 in Kelowna on Thanksgiving Day 2020. (Submitted)
Penticton Search and Rescue responded with a dozen volunteers including two ground units and later their air operations team to assist in the rescue of a road grader who spent the night trapped near Chute Lake. (PENSAR)

B.C. road worker spends night down 80-foot embankment; airlifted to hospital

Penticton Search and Rescue had to airlift the victim suffering from severe exposure

Penticton Search and Rescue responded with a dozen volunteers including two ground units and later their air operations team to assist in the rescue of a road grader who spent the night trapped near Chute Lake. (PENSAR)
Gord Portman and his dog Zippy sit at Marina Way Park while holding a picture of a bench he would like to have installed in memory of those who have lost their lives to an overdose. (Mark Brett photo)

Penticton hero’s dog ingests cocaine and meth while working outreach

Gord Portman’s dog Zippy is still in serious condition and needs help

Gord Portman and his dog Zippy sit at Marina Way Park while holding a picture of a bench he would like to have installed in memory of those who have lost their lives to an overdose. (Mark Brett photo)
A person living in a tent (not pictured) was run over and dragged by the driver of a Dodge Ram at the Rail Trail homeless encampment. The person was taken to hospital with significant injuries. (Facebook)

UPDATE: Charges laid after man dragged through encampment by truck

Driver arrested; Victim taken to hospital with serious injuries

A person living in a tent (not pictured) was run over and dragged by the driver of a Dodge Ram at the Rail Trail homeless encampment. The person was taken to hospital with significant injuries. (Facebook)
This black bear was caught on video playing with the water feature in South Okanagan West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings’ backyard on Sunday. (Twitter)

VIDEO: Black bear plays in B.C. MP’s bird bath

Richard Cannings shared a video of the bear playing with a water fountain

This black bear was caught on video playing with the water feature in South Okanagan West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings’ backyard on Sunday. (Twitter)
This burned tree along Highway 3A is a hazard and could come down onto the road. It’s an example of the dangers of opening the highway too soon, said BC Wildfire. (BC Wildfire)

Some Keremeos Creek fire evacuation orders and alerts rescinded

Evacuations lifted for over 40 properties along Hwy 3A corridor

This burned tree along Highway 3A is a hazard and could come down onto the road. It’s an example of the dangers of opening the highway too soon, said BC Wildfire. (BC Wildfire)