Author: Chloe Parker

Vernon faced another large power outage this week after balloons struck power lines, cutting electricity to nearly 1,800 homes and businesses. This is the second incident in just over a month where balloons were the direct cause of widespread disruptions in the community. The outage began on September 1 at 6:41 p.m. and lasted almost two hours. Power was restored by 8:35 p.m., but the temporary blackout affected a wide area of the city. The most recent event follows a similar incident on July 27, when balloons also triggered a large outage across Vernon and nearby Spallumcheen, impacting more than…

Vancouver Island looked very different in 1962 than it does today. A new video by Vernon historian and videographer Francois Arseneault captures life on the island more than six decades ago. His work takes viewers on a journey from Victoria to Port Hardy, showing how much has changed over time. Arseneault recently shared a long-lost British Columbia government promotional film made in 1962. “Produced more than 60 years ago, this forgotten film tells the story of Vancouver Island through a mid-century lens,” he said. At that time, neither BC nor Canada had reached 100 years of age. The color footage…

The number of wildfires in British Columbia has dropped sharply after weekend rains helped control several blazes. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports about 65 fires are currently burning, down from roughly 100 a week ago. Only four fires remain out of control. One of the fires now under control is the Boltres Creek fire south of Vernon. A tactical evacuation of about 20 homes was lifted as the fire is now being held. Residents have been allowed to return safely. Officials say the fire is expected to stay within its current perimeter of one square kilometre. Highway 97 has fully…

A Vernon caregiver is seeking support after a devastating house fire destroyed her home. Candace Fijnvandraat lost everything on August 7, leaving her in urgent need of help from her community. Fijnvandraat was on her way to a movie when a neighbour called to alert her about flames engulfing her home at the Sandy Beach Trailer Court near Kin Beach. Her sister, Christina Blackstock, described the loss as “pretty devastating,” emphasizing that Fijnvandraat, a dedicated caregiver, now needs care herself. “She works hard, she’s always caring for others,” Blackstock said. “Now it’s time for her to receive help.” In response,…

The Vernon Jackals have finally captured their first British Columbia men’s rugby championship, breaking a decade-long streak of heartbreaks and missed opportunities. The team clinched the 2024 Saratoga Cup on Sunday, August 10, with a narrow 20-19 victory over the defending champion Terrace Northmen at the Little Mountain Sports Complex in Salmon Arm. For years, the Jackals dominated the Okanagan Rugby Union, winning eight of the last nine league titles. But every trip to the provincial tournament ended without the trophy. Their dreams were often crushed by the same rivals — the Northmen from Terrace and the Rocky Mountain Rogues…

A 75-year-old woman died following a family dispute at a Vernon, British Columbia home on June 20. The incident triggered a significant police response in the afternoon. Just after 4:15 p.m., Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received multiple calls about a fight escalating at a residence in the 2300 block of 34th Street. Police arrived quickly and found the elderly woman’s body on the patio outside the home. A suspect was arrested at the scene, confirmed Cpl. Tania Finn, media officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. The suspect was later released from custody but must follow several court-ordered conditions. A…

As wildfires, floods, and extreme weather become more common across British Columbia, their mental health impact is growing. Many people feel stress, fear, and anxiety even before a disaster happens. To help with this rising concern, mental health teams in B.C.’s Interior and northern regions have joined together to create a network of support. This joint effort is led by branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). They are working closely to share resources, train staff, and strengthen services during emergencies. According to Niki Zelez, director of strategic operations at CMHA Vernon and District, these types of emergencies are…

Three dedicated golf pros from Vernon Golf and Country Club went above and beyond to support people affected by ALS. They played a total of 162 holes in one day and raised $5,145 for the ALS Society of British Columbia. The golf marathon took place on July 3 as part of the 20th annual Golfathon for ALS. The event began early in the morning at 4:45 a.m. under clear skies, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 24°C. Each golfer played 54 holes to complete the challenge. The three golfers—golf operations manager Bradlee Jones, head pro Brooks Jones, and teaching pro Myles…

The Vernon Canadians began the B.C. U18 AA Baseball Championships with a flawless record. As hosts at Marshall Field, they sit at 3–0 after Friday’s morning game. Their strong play all week has nearly guaranteed a spot in the semifinals. On opening day Thursday, the Canadians beat the Richmond City Chuckers by a 5–3 margin. Vernon’s pitching staff held the Chuckers to three runs over seven innings. The offence chipped in five runs with timely hits in the middle innings. Later that day, Vernon thumped the North Delta Rays 13–3. A seven-run third inning broke the game open. The Canadians…

Connor Elliot, a former captain of the Vernon Vipers, is making headlines again—this time off the ice. The Coldstream native has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship through a joint program by the BC Hockey League and Vancouver Canucks alumni. The Canucks scholarship award helps former players with post-secondary education and is given based on academic performance, hockey skills, and community service. While enjoying summer fishing trips and working at a glass company in Vernon to save for tuition, Elliot was surprised and grateful for the support. He called the scholarship a huge help for student-athletes balancing school and hockey. Now…