Top Stories – May 17 – Stolen Stuff Saved

Kelowna RCMP discovered weapons, drugs and stolen equipment during an early morning traffic stop last week on Baron Road. The woman driver and her male passenger, both in their 40’s were arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking. Officers are attempting to identify where the tools and catalytic converter were stolen from. (Kelowna RCMP Images)

Interior Health says there has been a covid outbreak at Kelowna General Hospital. As of yesterday, 11 patients and 11 staff members were infected in Unit 3E. It is still safe for people to go to Emergency and other appointments.

Sweden’s prime minister announced that her country will join Finland in seeking NATO membership in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The historic shift that comes after more than 200 years of military nonalignment in the Nordic country. The move came after neighbouring Finland announced that it would look to join the 30-country military alliance.

Kelowna council was given the results of the 2022 Community Safety Survey, when 300 residents were questioned. Results include: 96% of residents continue to feel safe in their neighbourhood during the daytime, but only 77% at night. Property crime remains the most important at 43%, followed by drug-related issues at 29%.

West Kelowna RCMP arrested Aidan McLuskey who was wanted on a warrant for failing to comply with conditions of his release. On Saturday, police along with assistance from Police Dog Services and Air Services, arrested McLuskey in the area of Gellatly Road. He was to appear in court yesterday.

A provincial campaign is reminding drivers to slow down while travelling near road workers. ‘Road Safety at Work’s’ 12th annual province-wide ‘Cone Zone’ campaign is underway. Over the past 10 years in BC, vehicle collisions resulted in 12 roadside workers losing their lives and 221 others being injured.

After a two-year break due to covid, the Knox Mountain Hill Climb is back this weekend. Access to the park will be limited to ticket holders only on Saturday and Sunday and Knox Mountain Drive will be closed for setup on Thursday starting at noon. The park will remain open to visitors until the event begins at 9am Saturday, though the main parking area will be closed from Friday through Monday.

The Regional District received the Community Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability from the Southern Interior Local Government Association. RDCO was recognized for its effort in developing a Regional Flood Mitigation Strategy as part of the on-going Floodplain Management Plan. The project involved extensive input from all local governments, First Nations, and regional partners.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly (joe-LEE) says Canada is prepared to send ships to help Ukraine export its wheat to the developing world. She has held talks with other G7 and European nations about sending ships to ports in neighbouring Romania. Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada has told MPs that Russian troops have been raiding Ukrainian wheat supplies.

Sports

The Battle of Alberta begins tomorrow. Calgary will host Edmonton in the second round of the NHL playoffs in a game that begins at 6:30. Tonight, the Lightning take on the Panthers and it’s St. Louis at Colorado.

In the NHL coaching ranks, the Vegas Golden Knights fired head coach Peter DeBoer after the team failed to advance to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. And the New York Islanders elevated associate coach Lane Lambert to the top job to replace Barry Trotz, who was fired a week ago.

Canada’s record at the World Hockey Championships is now 3 and 0 after a 5-1 win against Slovakia yesterday. Canada is off now until Thursday when we play Kazakhstan.

The Toronto Blue Jays had their first of 3 home games against the Seattle Mariners yesterday and took a 6-2 win. Game 2 is today with the first pitch just after 4.

NFL officials will meet this week with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson as the league continues to investigate whether he violated its personal-conduct policy. Watson is facing 22 civil lawsuits from massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct.