Archives for July 24, 2020

Okanagan Valley – centered in Kelowna is proving to be the province’s current hot spot for coronavirus cases.

The latest statistics from the BC Centre of Disease Control show that 107 cases were reported in the Okanagan between July 10-23.

The only other areas that came close were in the Lower Mainland, with the Fraser South region (Ladner, Delta, White Rock, Surrey, Langley) having the most at 58 cases. Vancouver was next at 49 and Fraser East at 42.

The province reported 340 new cases of COVID-19 during that two-week period, which means the Okanagan accounted for nearly a third of them.

The Ditch – 1919 – 2019

The Town of Oliver unveiled a commemorative bronze plaque to formally celebrate the centennial anniversary of the irrigation canal; often referred to as the Ditch.

Mayor Johansen and Council members met at Fairview Park, across from the secondary school, to recognize 100 years of the irrigation canal delivering water to the semi-arid desert area transforming it into the viable agricultural growing oasis it is today.  An earlier unveiling was cancelled due to COVID-19 where past Alderman, Council members, Engineers, and long-term staff were invited.

“It is an amazing piece of infrastructure”, stated Mayor Johanson, “the engineering involved, using the tools that were available years ago is unbelievable. The irrigation canal has provided a sustainable and reliable water source for 100 years, and with continued maintenance and major repairs scheduled to re-route the siphon at Gallagher Lake, the canal will serve the area for many years to come”.

The unveiling postponed a week ago – media attended then

This week – council only at the unveiling – ODN checking to see if they missed an invite yesterday when we think the event took place.

No announcement but one patron was welcomed in this week.

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On the OR Library site

Throughout July, library branches will be opening their doors to the public

C.C. Jentsch Cellars donating 100% of Viognier Case Sale to Charity

Today C.C. Jentsch Cellars is launching a new wine promotion that has a very positive twist. Yes, it is a great deal. Yes, it is great wine. Yes! 100% of the proceeds will be going to charity.

The chosen charity this promotion will be supporting is the Highway to Healing Support Society (H2H) located here in the South Okanagan. Their mission is simple: To compassionately assist families in our communities of Osoyoos, Oliver and Okanagan Falls, who have a child requiring medical care that is not locally available.

Because of COVID-19, H2H has not been able to execute its usual fundraising efforts. “My wife, Betty and I were trying to think of a way that we could help H2H raise money for their very worthwhile cause,” Said Chris Jentsch, owner of C.C. Jentsch Cellars. “We have allocated 100 cases of our Double Gold Winning 2016 Viognier and are selling it for an unbeatable price.”

The sale is $200 + taxes per case of 12. “It is the perfect blend of great tasting wine combined with a worthwhile cause,” said Tony Munday, Vice President of Highway to Healing. “We were ecstatic when Chris and Betty approached us with the idea. We are so thankful to them for their support.”

You can order this special promotion through the online store at www.ccjentschcellars.com. You can also call the winery at 778-439-2391. Due to COVID-19, C.C. Jentsch Cellars is not doing tastings but they are open for curbside pick-up, Monday to Friday 10am-5pm.

About Highway to Healing Support Society:

H2H’s purpose is to supplement community assistance and be prepared to provide support when travel for medical treatment is required. The Society is also a comprehensive source of information about other organizations that are ready and willing to assist. H2H has provided over $50,000 of financial assistance to 25 families on over 70 occasions since our formation.

The service area for H2H is Osoyoos, Oliver and Okanagan Falls. www.highwaytohealing.org |

Obituary for the late

Owen (Tracy) Mandau
August 26, 1955 – July 18, 2020

On Saturday, July 18, 2020, Mr. Owen (Tracy) Mandau of Oliver passed away suddenly at his home at the age of 64 years.

He was predeceased by his father Bill Mandau.

Tracy will be fondly remembered by his loving family including wife Melodee of 42 years; son Ryan (Trish) and grandson Cohen; daughter Hayley (Bryden) and grandson Dominic; mother Mona Mandau of Penticton; brother Warren (Barb) of Peachland; sisters Roxanne (Ron) Fitzpatrick of Penticton and Hillary (Bob) Dacosta of Penticton; brother-in-law Kim Jorde of Osoyoos; brother-in-law Greg Jorde of Williams Lake; sister-in-law Carol (Chester) Toth of Kamloops; many nieces, nephews and extended family; Gary Venables, best friend since childhood and Gunner, who faithfully was always at Tracy’s feet.
Tracy was born at St. Martin’s Hospital in Oliver on August 26, 1955 and grew up on McCuddy Street. Lots of memories of his childhood always came up and he loved talking about the good times.
He worked for V-Line Construction for several years before starting and becoming owner/operator of White Lake Backhoe Services.

Tracy enjoyed travelling which included trips to Cuba, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic but his favourite was the 5th wheel on Mirror Lake where his boat was steps away, moored on Kootenay Lake. He spent at least a week from May to October every month.

Over the years, Tracy played hockey and slo-pitch as well as volunteered his time on the board of directors for the Sportsmen’s Association and the Oliver Branch of Ducks Unlimited.

He enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp in the Christian Valley, fishing on Kootenay Lake, being on his boat, riding his motorcycle on the backroads, visiting with friends and quadding which included many trips with groups of friends all over the Okanagan and Kootenays.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

BTW loved the ‘marbles’ on your FB page

“Patrons should not pressure servers to pull restaurant and pub tables together for larger groups or to overlook people mixing between tables.

Spending minimal time together and keeping physical distance between people is more effective than using masks,,,, – Dr. Bonnie Henry

To those who attended mass gatherings without facemasks or any other social distancing — shame on you. We hope you enjoyed the weekend. We’re all paying the price. Without using profanity, let’s call the partiers what they are.

Selfish. – James Miller, Editor, Penticton Herald

“C’mon — you’re better than that.”

While he congratulated the majority of British Columbians on their adherence to public-health orders aimed at stemming the pandemic, he cited video footage of large gatherings in Kelowna and Vancouver with disappointment.

“We need bigger spaces and fewer faces,” “We need to make sure that we’re respecting, not just our own space, but other people’s space.”

– Premier John Horgan

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ODN believes in opinions, and quality arguement.

Arguement is not a negative word – it is a debate.

For anyone to say a comment is stupid, an action is stupid belies the fact we are affected by human nature.

Let’s us argue together – it is very healthy but do it with respect that others may NOT agree with you on all issues.

Along the river