WATER WOES | Art gallery springs a leak, putting cultural treasures at risk [A5]
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Student spreads green message RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Politicians are being told not to abandon younger generations. Neave Allen, a Grade 5 student at Beairsto Elementary, asked Vernon council Monday to be aware of the impact of climate change. “You must make reducing emissions a priority. You can stop development far from the city core,” she said. “You should encourage green roofs and solar panels on roofs.” Allen also encouraged Vernon council to lobby the provincial and federal governments. “They are not acting enough and they need to hear from you,” she said. Allen’s message resonated with Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “There’s no question all levels of government could do more,” she said. “I’m encouraged to see a young
person so passionate and aware about this.” Mayor Rob Sawatzky says he was impressed with the presentation but admits municipalities are limited in what they can do about the environment. “The big thing here are the federal and provincial governments,” he said. “The federal Conservative government has no interest in climate change and doing anything about it. They don’t pay attention to the science.” During a media interview, Allen reiterated her message. “I want people to think more about our environment. There’s a lot more we can do to help the environment,” she said. She has several ideas for communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a bicycle sharing program. “Make parking lots smaller to force people to walk more,” she said.
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Grade 5 Beairsto Elementary student Neave Allen speaks to the media Monday after making a presentation to Vernon council about the environment.
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Brynne Stark helps her swim instructor Natalie Kriening collect floatation devices for swim lessons Saturday in the aquatic centre at the Vernon Recreation Complex.
A serious rise in residential break-and-enters throughout the region has Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP alerting homeowners and neighbours. Since Dec. 14, there have been 43 break-and-enters at homes from Enderby to Lumby. “This is a real spike over the whole detachment area,” said RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. “Generally, on the norm, we have one every two-to-three days.” Molendyk said thieves have been targeting jewelry and electronic items once inside the homes, and have mainly been gaining access by either a front or rear window. Similarities between some of the break-ins lead police to believe the incidents are being committed by “probably just a few individuals,” said Molendyk. Police are asking everyone to watch out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhoods. “Watch for vehicles that normally do not park on your street, or might be acting suspiciously like driving slowly on the street or appear to be checking if people are home,” said Molendyk. “We are asking the public to call the police if you see this type of activity. Please record the type of vehicle and plate number if possible.” Most of the break-ins have occurred during the day, approximately at midmorning.
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