Top Stories – Nov 24 – More Atmospheric Rivers

It looks like the Okanagan won’t escape the effects of two more Atmospheric Rivers that are set to hit the south coast over the next few days. The temperatures here are forecast to rise to just under 10 degrees with rain or showers. Normal for this time of year is a high of +1 and a low of -4 .

Even as air travel tries to return to normal, it is going to cost more to park at Kelowna International Airport. Starting in January parking rates across the board are going up, from long and short term, to valet and weekly. The last time parking fees went up was December 2018.

In the Liberal government’s Throne Speech, they said they would bring the coronavirus pandemic to an end, but didn’t really say how other than vaccination. The government will also strengthen action to fight climate change and said it would continue gun control efforts by implementing a mandatory buyback program for banned assault-style weapons.

Registration is open for kids aged 5-11 for the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine. As has been the procedure before people will be notified as soon as it’s time to book an appointment which should start next week. There are 350-thousand kids in that age group in BC and 90-thousand are already registered.

Beginning Monday, a major flood protection project will begin on the Mill Creek corridor. Enterprise Dog Park and the Okanagan Rail Trail will be closed near the project limits. Okanagan Rail Trail traffic will be detoured along the existing gravel trail network on the South side of Mill Creek. The project is anticipated for completion in the Spring.

An international study led by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests repeated use of small doses of psychedelics such as LSD can be a valuable tool for those struggling with anxiety and depression. It demonstrated fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and greater feelings of wellbeing among individuals who reported consuming psychedelics in small quantities, or microdosing, compared to those who did not.

About 630 of the 25-hundred properties on septic systems in Kelowna will be converted to sewer service. It comes thanks to a 9 Million dollar grant from the federal government and will help areas of Central Rutland, Rio/Rialto and the future Hall Road area. Work will start next year and homeowners will be responsible to install connections to the sewer lines.

Central Okanagan Crimestoppers received the award for Productivity/Total Property and Drugs Recovered in the up to 300,000 population category from CrimeStoppers International. Since 1987, the local chapter has received over 30-thousand tips, resulting in the recovery of almost $5.2-million in stolen property and over $88-million worth of illegal drugs.

The BCCDC reported 324 new covid-19 cases in the province yesterday, of which 77 were in the Interior. There are 595 active cases in our area. Between November 8-21, people not fully vaccinated accounted for 69% of hospitalizations. Interior Health declared the outbreak over at Mar Jok Elementary in West Kelowna and the school reopened.

Sports

The Canucks begin a 5 game road trip today to the U-S midwest and east coast. They are in Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins with the puck dropping at 4.

At Royal LePage Place last night, the Penticton Vees doubled the West Kelowna Warriors 6-3. Saturday’s BCHL game against Chilliwack has been postponed and the Cranbrook Bucks will make the trip to the Okanagan instead.

The New York Giants fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett following Monday’s loss to Tampa. Garrett joined New York last season after coaching the Dallas Cowboys from 2011-19. The 2016 Coach of the Year spent only 26 games with the Giants.

The Kelowna Rockets are in Washington State tonight. Face off against the Spokane Chiefs is at 7 before the two teams play again Friday at Prospera Place.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is frustrated that wide receiver Amari Cooper is missing time because he’s not vaccinated. Cooper tested positive Friday and missed Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and also won’t face the Vegas Raiders tomorrow, as unvaccinated players are required to quarantine for 10 days upon testing positive.

The initial 18 skaters that will participate in the BC Hockey League 3-on-3 outdoor All-Star Tournament on Jan. 15 in Penticton were released One skater from each team was voted onto the roster after a poll of all 18 coaches. Forward Felix Trudeau was the selection from the West Kelowna Warriors.

After a 2-1 shootout win against Osoyoos at Rutland Arena on the weekend, the Kelowna Chiefs are in the south Okanagan to take on the Coyotes tonight at the Sun Bowl Arena.