Top Stories – Sept 14 – Anything Yours?

Late last week, a Kelowna RCMP officer found a bike that he verified was stolen at the start of the trail that led to a sophisticated camp with what appeared to be a Bike Chop Shop. There were 5 guys living inside the camp and the cop was told there could be a gun. More police arrived and arrested everyone and found a lot of cash, loaded firearms, knives, bear spray and other property believed to have been stolen. Call the non-emergency line if you’re missing some stuff.

The weather network has released its fall forecast, and as they say in the weather biz, it’s a mixed bag. For BC a warm and dry start to the season means the risk for wildfires will continue later into the fall than normal. However, a much wetter pattern is expected to return during October and November, with near-normal temperatures.

The Queen’s casket is now in London and will be lying in state until early Monday morning before her State funeral is held. People have been told to be prepared to wait in line for up to 30 hours to pay their respects 24 hours a day at Westminster Hall.

West Kelowna RCMP are hoping one of the drivers involved in a road rage incident on highway 97 by Boucherie yesterday morning will come forward. It ended in the Bylands parking lot where the driver of a black truck that had been engaged with a green one got out and pounded the other driver in the head to the point where he needed to be taken to hospital after being found face down in a ditch. Anyone who witnessed the incident about 7:30 and can help with the investigation is asked to call RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Both wildfires along major travel routes in Southern BC saw some growth yesterday. The Heather Lake fire in Manning park was estimated at just under 11,000 hectares, while the Flood Falls Trail fire west of Hope grew to 545. So far, both the Hope-Princeton and Trans Canada highways remain open. The Heather Lake fire is about 5 kilometres away from Manning Park Lodge.

Prime Minister Trudeau has declared next Monday a National holiday for federal government employees in Canada to mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral. BC has also declared it a holiday meaning there will be no school and most Crown Corporations will be closed. It’s up to private sector companies to make the decision for their employees.

A man is dead and a woman is in hospital after the RCMP Emergency Response Team tried to arrest them on Highway 3, west of Keremeos yesterday morning. Police say the man pulled a gun and he was shot by the ERT. The woman was also hit. The Independent Investigation Office has been called in to determine what happened.

The Bridge and Youth & Family services in Kelowna is one of the recipients of a 15-thousand dollar community giving award from Fortis BC. Nominated by Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, Bridge provides support to children, youth and families in marginalized communities in the Central Okanagan. The funds will help the Etcetera Youth Program, which facilitates a space where youth can come together in a supportive environment to explore identity, create friendships and find resources for mental and physical health.

At a caucus retreat in New Brunswick yesterday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the first policies to directly respond to the cost of living crisis in Canada. He outlined a plan to double the GST benefit, introduced a temporary dental care benefit for most families with kids under 12, and provide a one time $500 payment for low income renters.

Sports

The Kelowna Rockets sent the local fans home happy as Jake Poole scored twice in the third period to help Kelowna to a 5-3 win over Victoria. The Rockets wrap up the pre season with a home and home series against the Vancouver Giants beginning Friday night at Prospera Place. In the meantime, rocketfan.ca is your home for all things Rockets.

Politicians in Quebec are pleased that the Montreal Canadiens named 23 year old Nick Suzuki captain. Now the Liberal, Parti Quebecois and Coalition Avenir leaders say it’s time he learned French.

The West Kelowna Warriors will try and make it 2 & 1 as they wrap up their pre season tonight in Vernon. The regular season begins next weekend on Vancouver Island.

Canadian women’s hockey team veteran forward Rebecca Johnston has been hired by the Calgary Flames. The 3 time Olympic gold medalist will work in player development, prospect evaluation and on ice instruction as well as with the Flames Foundation in community programs.

In a double header yesterday in Toronto, the Blue Jays lost the 1st game to Tampa, but in the nightcap, had a 4 run, 7th inning en route to a 7-2 win. They’ll play game 4 of 5, today at 4.

The NBA has suspended Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for one year, plus fined him $10 million. An investigation looked into allegations that Sarver had a history of racist, misogynistic and hostile incidents… or what the league called “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies.”