Top Stories – Dec 6 – Dogs Poisoned

Some low life in Lake Country is poisoning dogs. RCMP say it happened to 2 dogs Thursday night in the 10,000 block of Beacon Hill Drive when the owner found them foaming at the mouth. A veterinarian confirmed they had been poisoned with antifreeze after the owner located a tray in her backyard with cut sausages and hamburger covered in liquid. The dogs are doing well. Info is welcome at Lake Country RCMP or Crimestoppers.

BC’s property assessment agency is warning homeowners that figures released next month estimating the value of their home will likely be higher than the current market price. Most owners can expect to see a five to 15 percent rise in values. However, it says those figures are based on the real estate market as of July 1, and conditions have changed.

Westjet’s Calgary hub is going to be more International. It’s first-ever flight to Asia will be to Narita, Japan in the Spring. The airline also announced new routes from Calgary to Barcelona and Edinburgh and increased frequency to Dublin, London, Paris and Rome.

Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery is now accepting ornaments. They can be hung on the large tree under the dome at the Promontory Green Internment Garden and on the spruce trees in the Bennett Memorial and Legacy Gardens. The cemetery is at the intersection of Bernard and Spall and is open from 8AM to 5PM daily.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is strongly encouraging families and caregivers to get their children vaccinated against influenza, especially if they’re planning to spend time with elderly loved ones over the holidays. Immunizations are free for everyone six months and older, while children two and older have the option to get a flu shot or a nasal spray vaccine. Those under nine who have never had a flu shot need two doses.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is listening to concerns that some of the firearms his government is looking to ban are, in fact, used more for hunting. Opposition Conservatives say the proposed definition would bar some firearms used for hunting, which prompted the Public Safety Minister to say that is not the government’s intention, and accused Tory MPs of “fearmongering.”

Kelowna RCMP are investigating the theft of approximately 12 high-end sewing machines ranging in price from 6 to 25 thousand dollars from a business in the 900 block of McCurdy. Surveillance video shows a large rental van pull up just after midnight Monday and 4 men gain entrance through the front door. Anyone who saw something or has dashcam footage, is asked to call the police.

Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas wants city staff to begin work on setting up a lobbyist registry… something that would need to be approved by council. It would require developers, residents groups or anyone seeking to influence government decision-making to publicly register. Residents would know how many times anyone met with local government officials to influence decision-making and general information on what the meetings were about.

BC is expected to see slower economic growth through 2023 because of global inflation and higher interest rates. The Economic Forecast Council, a 13-member group of private-sector forecasters is predicting growth of 2.9% this year and just 0.4% in 2023. The next provincial budget, will be released February 28.

Sports

Kelowna Rockets captain Colton Dach has been tagged for the World Juniors Selection camp. It is set for Friday through Monday in Moncton.

In Vancouver last night, it was a 4 goal first period for the Montreal Canadiens, but then something happened with the Canucks and they got 5 in a row. It was tied at 6 at the end of regulation and Elias Pettersson scored 13 seconds into OT for the 7-6 Vancouver win.

Kinda makes you wonder about your job choice. The New York Mets and veteran right-hander and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander agreed on a two-year, $86.6-million contract.

After being told he would be dropped to 3rd on the depth chart, Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield asked for a release and was granted one by the team.