Vernon News

Twenty-plus traditional long canoes take to Okanagan Lake this week in an effort to promote intercultural harmony and positive relations with police and native people in the province.

The sight promises to be spectacular as upwards of 300 canoeists paddle from north to south down the lake between Sunday and next weekend.

With Lieutenant Governor Steven Point officiating, the Pulling Together Canoe Journey 2009 kicks off Saturday with the official opening ceremony, the official naming of a new elite canoe, and a feast.

The ceremony takes place at Komasket Park on the Okanagan Indian Band on Westside Road from 4 to 6 p.m. The public is invited.

This the ninth annual Pulling Together journey, sponsored by the Penticton Indian Band, is taking place on Okanagan Lake for the first time, according to Cpl. Dan Moskaluk, RCMP news media relations officer.

The week-long event is a joint aboriginal-police effort to improve their relations.

The crews pull out on the water Sunday at 5 a.m. for the 18-kilometre run to Fintry the first day, where they will overnight.

They paddle to Westbank on Monday, Rattlesnake Island and Peachland on Tuesday, and Summerland and Penticton on Wednesday. The complete itinerary is available on www.pullingtogether.ca

Aboriginal and non-aboriginal residents and even tourists are encouraged to attend and participate at every stop, according to Michaluk, where there will be traditional songs, dance, drumming and games.

RCMP in the North Okanagan are asking for the public's help in locating a missing Lumby man.

Cory Lee Romanick, 21, is believed to have left his home on Trinity Valley Road on foot sometime after 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

He was reported missing two days later.

RCMP spokesman, Gord Molendyk, says Romanick has not contacted his family or his employer and has not accessed his banking options.

"He may have been in possession of a single barrel shotgun," says Molendyk.

"It may be that a passing motorist may have seen him in the area at the time he left his home."

Molendyk says Vernon Search and Rescue, assisted by three other local teams, have scoured the area for the past week with no results.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lumby RCMP.

It should be a great night for fireworks in the North Okanagan.

Vernon Fire – Rescue is anticipating an excellent evening for viewing the Canada Day Fireworks show.

Media liaison for the City of Vernon, Liz Williams, says weather and other related conditions are expected to cooperate.

“The public will see approximately $10,000 worth of fireworks shot at 10 p.m. from the DND grounds. Traffic and parking congestion is anticipated and the public is asked to obey all traffic marshaling and flag persons and to exercise extreme caution and patience, especially leaving the DND site,” says Williams.

She says left turns onto Highway 97 will not be permitted and vehicles will be directed to make alternative decisions to exit following the show.

“The public is also asked to leave pets at home and make provisions to ensure they are safeguarded in the event the fireworks are distressing. The show is anticipated to last approximately 15 minutes and Vernon Fire – Rescue considers public safety a top priority and asks for public cooperation for all the Canada Day celebrations.”

An elderly couple is in hospital in the North Okanagan following a vehicle rollover.

The two Vernon residents, both believed to be in their 70s were driving on Westside Road around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says the car left the road after catching on the shoulder.

“The driver over corrected and that caused the car to flip. It rolled and landed on the side of the road,” says Molendyk.

He says both occupants were taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

A woman is facing charges related to a break and enter in the North Okanagan.

Vernon RCMP responded to the reported B&E at a residence in the Kidston Road area around 5 p.m. Saturday.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says the suspect broke in through a bedroom window.

“The owner reported that their 2005 Jimmy was stolen. Inquiries by officers learned that a female was seen driving the vehicle away,” says Molendyk.

He says at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, an officer spotted the vehicle being driven on 27th Street.

“A 27-year-old woman was arrested. She was released on a promise to appear and an undertaking.”

The woman will appear in court at a later date.