Top Stories – Dec 14 – Drugs & Weapons

Kelowna RCMP seized a large amount of drugs and weapons from two well-known individuals who were driving a vehicle that was not registered to them. It happened on Sunday on Harvey when an officer ran the license plate as it hung by a single screw in addition to a burnt-out bulb. After pulling it over, a search turned up fentanyl, meth, ketamine, morphine, GHB and lorazepam, along with a replica air soft pistol, axe, knife and scale.

An Alberta company wants to build two rental towers in Kelowna that would have more units than parking spaces…. 258 vs 200. It would be built between Dilworth and Underhill, across from the mall. Initial plans propose a mix of studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom with a den and two-bedroom units. It has not come before council yet.

U.S. scientists say two Hawaii volcanoes have stopped erupting. Mauna Loa began spewing molten rock November 27 after being quiet for 38 years and Kilauea had been erupting since September 2021, after a 2018 eruption destroyed hundreds of homes.

Now that air travel is back in full swing, the folks at YLW have some tips for the holidays. If possible, check-in online; parking lots fill up so pre-book valet or get a ride; arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights or 3 before international, and know what you can put in your luggage. More tips are at ylw.kelowna.ca/holidaytravel .

A reminder that you need to keep wood stoves well maintained. A fire in a mobile home in Prince George appears to have been caused by a poorly maintained wood stove. Authorities say it caused about $10,000 in damage. Experts say that every year owners should have a professional stove dealer or chimney sweep inspect your wood stove. The best time is right before the heating season begins.

The federal and provincial governments appear deadlocked in their negotiations on the future of health care in Canada. The provinces want to see Ottawa cover 35 percent of health-care costs across the country, up from 22 percent. The Prime Minister says now is not the time to just throw more money at the problem and sit back and watch the problem not get fixed. It’s time to improve the system.

Kelowna RCMP say there was a second person in the vehicle that rolled down an embankment near the Apple Bowl on Monday. That person is in hospital with serious injuries. The other person died in the accident. Police say they will not be releasing any names but continue to ask for dashcam or surveillance video of the incident and other witnesses to contact them.

The Regional District says it’s business as usual for curbside garbage, recycling and yard waste collection in the Central Okanagan during the holidays. That’s because Christmas and New Year’s days fall on weekends. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be picked up as usual on your regular collection day. Yard waste collection ends December 30.

A group representing small business wants Ottawa to freeze upcoming increases to Canada Pension Plan and employment insurance premiums. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says the higher payroll deductions planned for the new year will reduce the take-home pay of Canadians at a time when inflation is already eroding spending power.

Sports

The Kelowna Rockets begin their 3 game prairie road trip tonight in Swift Current. Because there is a 2 hour time difference, Regan Bartel’s pregame show on 1047 The Lizard will begin at 4:35 with the face off at 5.

Today’s World Cup semi final has France taking on Morocco at 11. The winner will play Argentina for the championship on Sunday after they shut out Croatia 3-nil yesterday.

The Canucks are in Calgary tonight to take on the Flames at 7.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the rest of the season after an MRI confirmed he tore his ACL in Monday’s loss to the Patriots.