VICTORIA – BC’s independent children’s watchdog says the province needs more social workers to protect vulnerable children. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (right) says the province has fewer social workers now compared to 13 years ago and that the government must hire more by boosting funding for the Children’s Ministry. Turpel-Lafond concludes in a report that consistent […]

“…. the Public Works Department, the Oliver Fire Department and McMullen & Associates Safety Consultants are conducting the annual safety confined space safety rescue on Fairview Road by Road 2….” this morning. All in the picture Town Crew, Ryan Seiling being rescued, held by Fire Captain Steve Nemeth. Assisting – Marty Schori and Adrian Zandvielt. […]

Trestle picture and banner Bob Cameron The Kinsol Trestle is a wooden railway trestle located on Vancouver Island north of Shawnigan Lake It provides a spectacular crossing of the Koksilah River. Note: Travel pictures accepted until Saturday 6pm – after that “poof” you will have to wait until next time. *December 27-30″

Poverty rates, single parent incomes, food bank usage indicate a growing gap between rich and poor. $34,160 – median, Penticton, after tax income in single parent families just below provincial average. Food bank visits per capita in 2014: Summerland 20, Osoyoos 93, Oliver 17, Keremeos 10, Penticton 2.2 Citizen input: “Food Banks were designed to […]