Top Stories – Aug 29 – Rail Trail Arrests

Kelowna RCMP say three suspects have been arrested and released with conditions, in a crime that caused major injuries to a 17 year old last November. He was assaulted on the Rail Trail east of Dilworth and suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs, nasal and dental fractures, a mild concussion and extensive bruising. Police kept the investigation going and arrested the 3 Kelowna-area men last week.

The agency that facilitates film and television projects in the Okanagan is looking for new locations for the growing industry. Okanagan Film commissioner Jon Summerland says as the valley’s film activity continues to expand, there is a high interest for certain types of locations and buildings. They’re looking for things like derelict buildings, houses, barns, and even old warehouses.

Four people have been arrested in Australia after more than $140-million worth of illegal drugs were discovered in a vintage car shipped from Canada. Officers X-rayed the contents of a 1960 Bentley S2, and discovered a large quantity of meth hidden behind the headlights. Police recovered a total of 161 kilograms of meth and 30 kilograms of cocaine.

The prolific offender who has 423 files with the RCMP, spent the weekend in jail and will be there for a while after his bail was revoked. Justin Collins was picked up Thursday morning, shortly after being released after another run-in with police. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 8th.

A big sigh of relief in the south Okanagan/Similkameen as the Keremeos Creek wildfire is now classified as ‘being held’. BC Wildfire says behaviour is minimal around the perimeter of the 7,000 hectare fire but there are still burning stumps and single trees. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 3A and surrounding communities until there’s significant rainfall.

A Bell Media executive is taking a leave from his job amid the fallout from the firing of Lisa LaFlamme as anchor of CTV’s flagship newscast. An internal memo says vice-president of news, Michael Melling is taking leave effective immediately to spend time with family. It says the decision reflects his and Bell Media’s desire to support the newsroom and do what’s best to help the team move past the ‘current circumstances.’

Today’s the day a good portion of Kelowna’s Parkinson Rec Centre closes for annual maintenance. The pool, hot tub and steam room are shut down until September 18th. The gym will be closed from September 7-18. Members can use the facilities at the Kelowna Family Y on Hartman Road in Rutland during the closure.

The man who was president of Big White from 2002 until he retired in 2014 unexpectedly passed away on the weekend. Peter Schumann was 71. His father, Desmond, purchased the resort in 1985 and the family is credited with helping turn it into the year-round resort that it now is.

The fallout from the BCGEU strike continues as cannabis stores are now closing shop and laying off staff because they don’t have product. One store in Vancouver had nothing but a few vape cartridges left. The Retail Cannabis Council of BC expects 70 percent of private retailers will have empty store shelves by tomorrow.

Sports

Team Canada is off today at the Women’s World Hockey Championships before they wrap up the preliminary round against the United States tomorrow. On the weekend, Canada beat Switzerland 4-1 and Japan, 9-0.

The Okanagan Sun defense showed no mercy in a 35-0 victory Saturday afternoon over the Prince George Kodiaks. Now 5 & 0, the Sun earned themselves a much needed bye week and focus their efforts on the road Saturday September 10th when they have a rematch with the Westshore Rebels.

The PGA Tour Championship, the FedEx Cup and the 18-Million dollars that go with it, were won by Ireland’s Rory McIlroy at 21 under par. He was 6 shots behind beginning the last round at East Lake in Atlanta. Canadian Corey Conners was 26th and pocketed just over 500-thousand.

At the LPGA’s CP Open in Ottawa, Paula Reto from South Africa took the title and the 352-thousand dollar first prize money. Top Canadian, 9 shots back was Hamilton’s Alena Sharp, who won 26-thousand.

The Chicago Cubs are in Toronto for 3 games starting today. Against the LA Angels on the weekend, the Jays lost all 3 games and need to get it together to keep their hopes alive for a wildcat spot in the playoffs.