Top Stories – Oct 18 – Slow Down!

BCAA and the Kelowna RCMP will be out on local roads today to remind drivers to follow the law, slow down and move over when approaching stopped vehicles displaying any colour of flashing lights. This includes maintenance and utility workers, police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, animal control, garbage collectors and other roadside workers. Police will be handing out warning letters telling drivers of the rules of the road and reminding them to drive safely.

Members of the BC General Employees’ Union have ratified a new contract agreement. The 30,000 workers are employed in areas such as Liquor Stores, sheriffs and correctional officers and the BC Pension Corporation. It’s a 3 year deal which could see overall wage increases of 12 percent over the term of the deal when adjusted for inflation.

Canada’s biggest grocer is freezing prices on all its No Name products until next year as double-digit food inflation sends grocery bills spiralling. Loblaw, which owns Real Canadian Superstore, says it has locked in prices of the house brand, which includes more than 1,500 grocery items, until the end of January.

With the days getting cooler, seasonal closures begin this week at Kelowna’s parks and sports fields. Some park washrooms and water fountains, including water services at off-leash dog parks, are now closed for the season. However some washrooms remain open year-round.
City Park: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Gerstmar Park: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Boyce-Gyro Beach Park: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rowcliffe Park: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Stuart Park: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Queensway Transit Exchange: 7am-8pm

Vernon RCMP are investigating threatening letters that were reportedly sent to local law offices. The letter said “Time to pay for what you have all done – We are coming for all of you.” They were not signed but also say “We have proof of the damage the vaxx has caused” and “You are responsible for every child and person that dies daily.”

Food delivery app Uber Eats and Leafly have joined forces with local suppliers to offer cannabis delivery in Toronto. The companies say it’s the first time cannabis will be offered on a major third-party delivery platform. Leafly, which is based in Seattle, is an online cannabis marketplace and information resource.

Kelowna’s Byron Treasure, can now afford a few more ‘treasures’ after winning half a million dollars on a Lotto Max Extra. He travels to the coast a lot so expects to get an upgrade for his hotel room, but Treasure expects to put most of his winnings toward a house purchase.

Following two days of productive meetings with ministers responsible for justice and public safety, BC has secured a commitment from Ottawa on addressing repeat offenders countrywide. Recently, the Province and the BC Urban Mayors Caucus, received an independent report about the challenges of repeat offending and unprovoked, violent stranger attacks that some communities are facing.

Applications are open until November 1 for a $600-a-month rent supplement to support youth from government care to pay for housing costs. Recipients will receive the supplement for two years or until the month of their 27th birthday. For more info, Google ‘BC youth rent supplement program’.

Sports

NHL in Washington last night saw the Canucks blow another 2 goal lead and lose 6-4 to the Capitals to remain winless this season. Vancouver is in Columbus now to take on the Blue Jackets at 4 today.

Veteran free-agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson is scheduled to visit Baltimore today. The 35-year-old caught 20 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns last season between the Rams and Raiders.

At the BC Hockey League showcase tournament in Chilliwack yesterday, the West Kelowna Warriors beat Victoria 5-3. The Warriors take on Powell River this afternoon at 1.

In the NFL, Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is facing four-to-six weeks off after fracturing the ring finger of his throwing hand. It happened in Washington’s win over Chicago last week.

The Rangers have returned 6’8″ goaltender Talyn Boyko to the Kelowna Rockets from their ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen. He signed his entry-level contract with New York last week. The Rockets also placed Captain Colton Dach in concussion protocol.

Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium in L-A,… the Broncos led the Chargers by 3 at half time, and they were tied at the end of regulation time. In overtime, Los Angeles injured kicker Dustin Hopkins nailed a 39 yard field goal for a 19-16 win.