Top Stories – Feb 24 – Russia Attacks

Last night, after Russian president Vladimir Putin said military action in Ukraine had started, there were explosions from missiles in the capital of Kyiv. That city is far away from the disputed two eastern provinces of the country that Putin earlier recognized. A member of the US Congress Intelligence Committee said he believed a full invasion was underway and expected a massive military campaign by the Russians. Satellite imagery earlier showed a number of new deployments in western Russia, many of them within 16 kilometres of the border. Ukraine’s Interior Ministry confirms missiles have struck at the centre of the Military Administration, airfields, and military depots. Also there has been artillery shelling at border areas and Ukraine imposed martial law nationwide to gather troops to fight an invasion by Russian troops

The Central Okanagan school district has responded to reports of an alleged sexual assault. Recently, small groups of students have expressed concerns through planned protests, about that and things they have seen online. The District says it has contacted the RCMP and the social media platforms to ask that they help stop hate-filled posts.

Doctor Bonnie Henry again said info about covid restrictions will be updated before Spring Break and Easter. Boxes of Rapid Tests will be available for those 70 or older starting Friday at some pharmacies, while K-12 students get access to 1 box of 5 tests starting this week. Yesterday, there were 799 new covid-19 cases in BC and 280 in Interior Health, the most of any health authority. Links to covid and rapid testing info in BC are below:

Covid info: http://gov.bc.ca/covid19

New Treatments: http://gov.bc.ca/covidtreatments

Rapid Tests: http://gov.bc.ca/rapidtests

Novovax Vaccine: 1-833-838-2323

The Ramada Hotel in Kelowna will have to take its redevelopment plans to council again after a big revision. Gone is the proposed 12-storey wood-construction tower. They now want to have a 6-storey building with 160 suites and run along Dilworth from Harvey to Enterprise.

Central Okanagan residents can help the Regional District draft a new plan to guide management of the 27.6-hectare Kalamoir waterfront park. Head to yoursay.rdco.com to get involved and complete a survey, sharing how you use the park now and your thoughts on what priorities the RDCO should consider in the new park management plan. The survey is open until March 15.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revoked the Emergencies Act just 10 days after he invoked it for the first time in Canada’s history. Trudeau said the threat remains, but order has been restored. Some powers under the act require banks to freeze accounts of people participating directly or indirectly in the protest, and designate no-go zones for public gatherings.

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting, the City of West Kelowna will host an in-person open house on Phase 3 of the Official Community Plan and Phase 1 the Transportation Master Plan. It will take place next Thursday, from 4-8pm at the Cove Lakeside Resort. Online input also continues at OurWK.ca.

Ottawa Council voted to temporarily close Wellington Street, which runs directly along Parliament Hill, to traffic until a new council is elected. Meanwhile the city will work with the federal government on a permanent plan for changes to security. The mayor says they don’t want in the short term or long term, another caravan coming and invading that very important space.

Sports

The Canucks are back on the ice tonight before they hit the road for 4 games. The Calgary Flames are at Rogers Arena for a 7pm face off.

Flames assistant GM Craig Conroy isn’t concerned about signing pending unrestricted free agent Johnny Gaudreau to an extension. He leads the Flames 44 assists and 64 points through 49 games.

At Rutland Arena last night, the Summerland Steam took a 2 games to none lead in their KIJHL playoff with the Kelowna Chiefs with a 5-0 shutout. The next 2 games are tomorrow and Saturday in Summerland.

The PGA Tour makes it’s first Florida stop of the year for the Honda Classic this week. Aussie Matt Jones is the defending champion at the PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens.

In Prince George last night, two third period goals lifted the West Kelowna Warriors to a 3-3 tie and extra play with the Spruce Kings. It went to a shootout where West Kelowna won. Next for the Warriors is a road trip to Wenatchee and Trail next week.

After retiring from the NHL a decade ago, Sean Avery wants to make a comeback. The now 41-year old has signed with the Orlando Solar Bears of the East Coast Hockey League and says he has 7 months to get ready for training camp.