One person is dead following a crash Thursday afternoon that closed Highway 97 north of Summerland for several hours.
An eyewitness said a small car lost control, spun out and crashed into an oncoming semi-truck near Callan Road.
The passenger in that car died – the driver and the driver of the truck were taken to hospital with minor injuries
Snow Geese
I have been asked about possible damage to fruit trees and vines with the cold weather. There are a number of variables to consider. So I went exploring. I talked to farmers I know and from various parts of the valley. We are talking about a large area with interspersed micro climates.
The Central and North Okanagan have considerably more snow than the South. This is important as snow is like an insulation blanket protecting root systems from cold temperatures and the even colder dew point or ground surface temperature.
Parts of the Okanagan valley have had a blizzard and cold temperatures with high winds affecting wind chills.. Some of the old guys like me say “It has been colder than this” – and that is true but the big old Mac Trees had bigger and deeper root systems.
If you go by which crops are the most vulnerable, the first to suffer would be grape vines, followed by apricots, peaches and cherries followed by apples. For those asking, in my opinion, which is part of a collective opinion of growers up and down the Valley is we are not at the level of damage yet. If this were closer to spring by six weeks it might be a different story.
I will know more hopefully after the BC Fruit Growers Convention February 11th and 12th. Even though I am retired, as a life member of the BCFGA I am interested in the industries well being. I will have a report on it’s health later. The truth is, we won’t know whether the buds have been damaged until the warmer days of spring at the earliest mid February. I’ll keep an eye on what the verdict is and keep you posted.
Fred Steele
McKinney Rd Thursday morning – heading up the hill
Obituary for the late Martha Goltz
January 14, 1935 – January 6, 2020
On Monday, January 6, 2020, Mrs. Martha Dores Goltz of Oliver passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 84 years.
She will be fondly remembered by her loving family and friends.
A private family service was held on January 10, 2020. Donations are gratefully accepted for the:
Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Suite 103 – 2003 – 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3N4 or cdss.ca
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Trail Advocates meet to discuss linking Trails across the Canada / US Border
The idea of connecting trail advocates on both sides of the border was born out of an observation made at the recent International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Kelowna. Arnie Marchand, First Nations Leader from Oroville, Washington stated “One of the things I noticed at the conference in Kelowna, that the people in the Okanogan down there and the people in the Okanagan here are doing the same work, they don’t even know each other. *
So I wanted to set up a face to face meeting to bring people together. So we can start communicating.” The result was a meeting held in Osoyoos on December 19th that was attended by 13 Trail advocacy groups and communities from both BC and Washington.
“There are several advantages to linking the hiking/cycling trails in the South Okanagan to those in Washington” says Trail of the Okanagans Society representative Don Gemmell. “The proposed trail is in much demand. Last year the Okanagan Rail Trail alone exceeded expectations when it blew through predictions by over 5 times in its first year of operations with almost 500,000 visits.” This mirrors experiences and trends elsewhere in the world where unused rail beds are being converted to recreational trails. The advantages to linking trails across the international border include:
The discussion at the meeting focussed on sharing information on current projects and the economic and tourism potential and benefits of linking trail networks of the South Okanagan, the Boundary region, and Washington State. Specific suggestions were made for loop tours on linking trails across the border with an emphasis on First Nations partners and Indigenous history and experiences along the routes. Commitments were made to continue to meet and to share information with the next meeting to be held in February.
“We hope this initiative shows Okanagan communities the potential of the Trail and that they in turn help by focusing on gaps in the Trail” says Janice Liebe, director with the Trail of the Okanagans Society. “We are very close to having a fully connected trail north of Kelowna all the way to Sicamous. South of the Bennett Bridge there are approximately thirty smaller sections and some challenges due to terrain. But there is a solution and a proposed route. All it needs is more active help by all levels of government and volunteer groups to help stitch the final stretches together. ”
For further information, please contact 778-392-6536 or trailokanagans@gmail.com
Website: https://www.trailoftheokanagans.com/
Janice Liebe
Trail of the Okanagans Society
* So not true Arnie – Arnie and I met on a joint committee of US and Canadian supporters of the Hwy 97 travel route many moons ago. Arnie old buddy so good to hear your “drum”d beat …..anytime………
This is a provisional or draft budget – not to be finalized until March. It does show an increase overall in $$$ of 5.9 percent
Oliver Town up $81, 393
OIliver Rural up $169, 811 – the largest increase of rural areas in the Regional District
Left to right: Andrea Lester (TEN School Pac), Karen Somerville (SOSS Pac), Meghan Vetsch and Jocelyn Kirs (OES Pac) and Val Allen, principal (Sen Pok Chin elementary)
Presenter and chief Cook at the Sunday Elks Breakfast Carol Bonaldo.
All cash awards granted by the BPOE Lodge 267 to a Parent Advisory Council at each school in Oliver.
Busy year for the local Oliver Fire Department with Chief Bob Graham attending the regular meeting of council Monday night to comment on the annual report issued December 31st. Graham told council 2019 one of busiest years ever with 205 calls – 89 in Town, 81 Rural and 35 on OIB Land.
Of the 205 calls – 15 structure fires, 18 Brush Fires, 9 vehicle fires, 29 Motor Vehicle Incidents and 57 alarms responded to. Graham said the Fire Department active in the summer at time when the Eagle Bluff Fire in progress to the north and east of Oliver.
There are 33 members and 7 officers – 28 of those certified for Interior Fires – a certificate authorizing a member to enter a building on fire – the highest recognition of training.
***
Outdoor Public Space Naming Policy – Council adopted the Outdoor Public Space Naming Policy. The policy establishes criteria for naming Town of Oliver’s outdoor public spaces such as parks, public squares or space used for community gatherings, beaches, and trails.
Proclamation Policy – Council adopted the Proclamation Policy. The policy establishes a framework for Council to consider a proclamation and fulfill the request. A proclamation provides a means for Council to recognize a particular day, week, or month, or to light up Town Hall, to acknowledge the effort and commitment of an individual, organization, or community group.
Water Quality Report for December 2019 – The water distribution system is in winter mode using ground water for domestic use only. Three bacteriological tests were conducted with all results for coliform and e.coli coming back negative. Oliver had a total of 16.8 mm of precipitation recorded in December in comparison to normal levels of 34.2 mm.
Airport Runway Extension Grant Application – Council endorsed the resolution from the Airport Advisory Committee to submit an application under the British Columbia Air Access Program (BCAAP) to extend the Oliver Airport runway. BCAAP will fund 75% of the project, which is estimated at $74,800 to extend the runway.
United Way Southern Interior BC 2020 Youth Initiative Grant opportunity – Council forwarded the grant opportunity to South Okanagan Secondary School and Oliver Parks & Recreation for their consideration. The deadline for applications is March 2, 2020.
Oliver Radio Control Model Flying Club – Council supported the Oliver Radio Control Model Flying Club (ORCMFC) request to use the Oliver Airport for flying model aircraft. The agreement provides the ORCMFC the ability to apply for liability insurance under the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada.
Proclamations:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Appreciation Day – Council proclaimed February 1, 2020 as “Royal Canadian Mountain Police Appreciation Day”.
Exciting Job Opportunities at Osoyoos Desert Society
Mark Friday, January 31st on your calendar and don’t miss Lizzy Hoyt in concert at Venables Theatre, Oliver. Arriving under the auspices of the South Okanagan Concert Society, Lizzy has a crystalline voice of rare beauty. Acclaimed as a songwriter and a multi instrumentalist on fiddle, guitar and Celtic harp, she delivers soaring melodies rooted in Celtic and folk traditions.
Lizzy is known for bringing stories and history to life with themes of home, war, immigration and love. She is able to poignantly connect with our deepest memories and feelings. In 2013 the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was awarded to Lizzy for her work commemorating Canadian veterans and Vimy Ridge history through music. The program for the Oliver concert includes some of these songs as well as traditional jigs, the Irish “Star of County Down” and pieces from her newest album “New Lady on the Prairie” that blend Celtic influences with bluegrass and folk traditions. Her songs are touching, poignant and lyrically rich.
Keith Rempel, an Edmonton bassist, has been working with Lizzy as both bassist and harmony singer since 2009. Chris Tabbert, guitarist and accomplished mandolin player, singer and songwriter joined to form a trio in 2010 . The three tour across the country and will be at Venables Theatre together.
Tickets for the 7:30 pm concert are available on line at or at the theatre box office Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 to 3 pm. Generous sponsors make ticket prices exceptionally affordable. Two or more tickets in advance are only $21/ticket. Single tickets in advance are $23 and at the door $25. Youth are ‘almost free’ at $2.50 so they have opportunity to experience fine live music.
While many folk artists concentrate mainly on their songwriting, Lizzy Hoyt places equal emphasis on her musicianship and plays and sings with clarity and precision. Music runs in her family for a number of generations. Her parents are both professional classical musicians. Lizzy graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta and she has become a sought-after instrumentalist and adjudicator for music festivals as well as the recipient of many awards. Her distinct combination of lyricism, gentleness and passion place her among Canada’s best.
Janet Marcotte, President of the SOCS, invites the audience to come early to Venables Theatre prior to the concert. There will be several students of the South Okanagan Branch of the Registered Music Teachers’ Association playing. This is part of the Canadian Federations ‘Branching Out’ initiative. It is called “Music on the Move” and encourages students to perform in the community more. Come and enjoy some young talent.
ODN is paid to post obituaries
Sometimes family members are given the option of what is published where.
In this instance the family of Martha ……….chose to utilize Oliver Daily News… but that is not what this all about.
Martha was a part of our team at Riverside Villas …. I had moved here in 2003, Martha was the President of the strata council and soon I served as Treasurer with her.
When I sought a Town council aldermanic seat – I walked across the narrow street and said to Nick and Martha – can you sign this document. 12 years later I cannot remember a time when Martha was asked and did not do the following… sign a document she wanted to send. A letter to the strata council or whatever.
Martha was a great gal, a grandmother, a mother, a wife and a friend to many – especially here at Riverside Villas and they know who they are.
To Linda, Marge and the Lutheran ladies – thank you.
To all the family members this has been a tough time for all. But I know one thing – Martha acknowledged the tough times in her life and was fierce in her conviction to her religion, to her family and to her friends.
To Robert, Kevin and Lloyd – what a great mom you had.
This is the most current word from Env Can – quite a change from previous warnings about low temps
Canada Weather (Environment Canada) was predicting a Tuesday temperature of minus 26 Celsius.
I was raised as a teen on an orchard but profess no knowledge about root stock, buds, or damage to wood during a deep freeze.
So two things
I consulted a long standing orchardist and packinghouse operator
ODN wants this story to generate some interest from ALL farmers, orchardists and vineyard owners in the South Okanagan.
Research and historical records most likely hide inside the “dark” web or in files at BCTF or the Research Station at Summerland… I just do not know.
Here is the scoop – if temperatures in the next couple of nights dips to minus 28 Celsius or a larger number there could be serious damage to all wood stock – meaning
buds, vine, trees, and roots.
Most orchardist will cross their fingers and hope the temperature stays in the -15 to minus 20 range with limited wind.
Wait to hear the fans, the wind machines. In my day – fruit growers would burn hot pots in the orchards in a vain attempt to warm things up.
Couple of questions?
Are you worried?
What can you do and will you do it?
What do you know that will expand this story beyond my memories of orchard life in the 50’s
The owl in the back yard on Island Road.
submitted by Frank Halliburton
Osoyoos Blues Society and Venables Theatre Presentation
Windy Night
That it was….
and I say….
Tuesday to be cold
Looking southeast to Bonaparte Mountain Washington State, elevation 7257 ft, from Baldy Trail at 5700 ft. at base and 2000 feet more at peak
Mount Bonaparte above sea level Okanogan Highlands 48°47′07″N 119°07′20″W
The highest mountains in Washington about twice that size.
corrections made to copy based on feet vs metres
based on comparison to Mt. Baldy and other Washington state Mountains.
What Where Why
First posted January 31st 2012 – ODN had a lot of fodder for these types of mysteries – and we got most of them published in ten years – but the oddities are running out.
Early Days – Lasting Lessons
My father died twenty years ago this year. He was born on an Alberta ranch, finished Grade 8 in a one-room school, and left home on his horse for good reason at the age of 16 in the Spring of ’37 to do the only thing he knew – cowboying. He didn’t even come home in the Winter of ‘37/’38 after he washed his long underwear in hot water.
He spent the Winter of ‘38/’39 packing supplies without a horse from town to a logging camp in the foothills. He would pack 100 pounds a mile down the road, leave it and go back to the start to pack another 100 pounds two miles down the road, leave it and go back a mile to the first one and take it two miles further. Rinse. Repeat. Come Spring, the boss refused to pay him. He moved on and never went back to Alberta.
He spent the Winter of ‘39/’40 in the Britannia Mines until some fool set off a charge without warning. He took the next boat out and never came back. He spent some time in a lumber mill on Burrard Inlet but left after seeing too many guys get chewed up in the saws.
Before the end of 1940, he was in the RCAF. I have his enlistment papers: Lorne Thompson Syme, age 20, five foot eleven, two hundred and four pounds, twenty-eight-inch waist, and flaming red hair. He came back from wartime England with the nickname “Lucky”. Never told me how he got it. After one of my trips to the UK, I mentioned being down in Devon. He asked if I had been to Exton. I hadn’t and probably missed a clue. He was Lucky until he hung up the uniform in ’68 and then he was Lorne.
He spent the Winter of ‘45/’46 in a Newfoundland backwater. Just him and four others who had opted to stay in after the war. They had one Norseman. They flew medevacs, sometimes on skis, sometimes on floats, sometimes on wheels. You might think this posting was a reward but actually these five had been sent there to atone.
My most vivid childhood memories begin in the early ‘50’s at an RCAF Station in Manitoba. Good place for a kid to grow up. By this time he had a dozen years in and was a very good metal-worker machinist. He was a Corporal and the pay was poor. We didn’t have a car, a TV, or even a phone. But neither did most. A few had cars and dad would borrow one once a month for grocery shopping and doctor appointments in Portage la Prairie about 20 miles away. That’s right – once a month to Safeway, and doctors had office hours on Saturdays for rural folks. Bread, eggs, and milk were delivered every week. Many of our neighbours went hunting or fishing and it was not uncommon to have ducks, venison, and fish come in the back door. It was a family of ninety-nine air force households.
He was in his early 30’s then. He played fastball in the Spring, curled in the Winter, and was Akela to the Cub Pack all year round.
On every station there was a hobby shop. They were equipped with tools and benches, and stocked with wood and leather. You could buy all the materials for your project right there, work on it right there, and leave it on one of the benches until you had time to return to it. My father took the job of running the hobby shop. He was there some evenings and every weekend. The pay would buy a car eventually – I remember a three-year old Austin that really didn’t like the Manitoba winters. Meanwhile, he could do a few of his own projects in leather and wood. And, because he was good at it, lots of people valued his advice and help.
Came the day when the Air Force Police showed up and took him over to their place. They left him in a room with two pieces of paper and instructions to think about what he had done.
It took about a minute to realize that one piece of paper was his monthly stock inventory from the hobby shop and the second piece of paper was the auditor’s inventory of the same stock. The dollar values were different but the quantities were pretty much the same.
When the investigator returned to confront his suspected thief, he was met with the simple explanation that the monthly inventory has always been valued at wholesale not retail. Somebody should tell the auditor.
He left the keys on the table and walked out the door.
Stuart Syme
The buzz is we are going to have a cold snap the like we have not seen before. Really……. I am willing to bet some older folks remember some very cold winters in the past. For those more recent arrivals to the valley, you have been living in a false winter paradise.
Our family moved to the Central Okanagan in nineteen forty-eight. The winters of 1950 and 51 were severe to say the least. The spring of 1950 saw temperatures so cold they froze the tree roots and nearly wiped out the tree fruit industry.
I remember old timers of the day reminiscing about the days when one could drive a car across the frozen Okanagan Lake. The subject came up in 1956 because the lake froze over causing problems for the lakes ferry operations. I was ten that year. It was also a harsh year for flying. Four Saskatchewan Roughriders and one Winnipeg Blue Bomber were among the passengers of a Trans Canada Airlines Plane that went down in bad weather in the BC mountains.
The reverse was true in 1958 when we were blessed with a number of Chinooks and visits by a warm air system we call the pineapple express.
Want to talk about cold and snow? Try to remember the winters of 1964 and the cold one in 1968. both saw ice on Okanagan and on Kalamalka Lake as well. I particularly liked Kal Lake freezing and here’s why. What you see as a green bottom on Kal lake is really not from a green bottom at all. The bottom is really composed of a gray glacial silt that reflects back as green.
I know because we had beach front on Kal Lake at Oyama, the reason I mention it is because on a cold winter night we played hockey on the ice. The full moons light reflected from the lake bottom and it was like playing in a lit arena.
We got some pretty standard winters after that without much variation until the snow year of 1996. The snow came early and stayed so long many thought spring would be canceled.
For those cursing the snow keep in mind the fluffy white stuff is natures blanket protecting tree roots and sleeping outdoor plants, it also provides for enterprising folks who can print up T Shirts saying “I survived the frozen Okanagan winter of 2020.
Two important chores to take care of. Make sure your furnace is ready for the extra load and protect against frozen pipes.
Ok, get out your toque and gloves, it’s gonna get cold eh?
Fred Steele
The man accused of a 2017 armed kidnapping in Okanagan Falls has been acquitted of all 10 charges against him, marking the end of one of the longest and bizarre trials in recent memory.
Afshin Maleki Ighani, 46, had his head down in the prisoner’s box as Justice Nitya Iyer delivered her verdict Friday afternoon in Penticton Court.
The judge pointed to “numerous frailties” in the testimony, or lack thereof, of the Crown’s *two key witnesses (Jodie Walker and Christopher Gliege) ……the alleged victims in the case.
Credits: Castanet above – Penticton herald below
After one year of firing lawyers, self-representation and numerous other delays, one of the South Okanagan’s most notorious criminals has been acquitted of all charges.
Ighani who pled not guilty to 10 criminal offences including two counts of kidnapping using a firearm and assault with a weapon, was acquitted of all charges Friday in B.C. Supreme Court due to inconsistencies in statements by the case’s *two alleged victims.
“I accept that it is certainly possible that Mr. Ighani committed some or all of the offences for which he is charged, (but) the standard of proof in criminal law is proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” Judge Nita Iyer told the court.
Ighani was accused of having taken *Jodie Walker and Christopher Gliege captive on April 22, 2017, after they agreed to give him a ride from Okanagan Falls to the Lower Mainland in exchange for $400.
At one point during the trip, Ighani was alleged to have ordered the vehicle be driven up a logging road between Manning Park and Princeton.
Back story
Ighani came to Canada from Iran – he married, he had two children and his family lived in Oliver. He has been before the court in previous times and was even ordered deported to his place of birth.
But to no avail – meaning courts in Canada did not want to send him back to Iran.
In a separate story – Ighani was connected to an altercation in Oliver where the victim was shot in the hand but died of an overdose later and could not testify in court.
Ighani has been in jail a long time and when a final sentence is passed he may be eligible for immediate release.
Depends on a conviction, a sentence and the number of days served.
