ROYAL REIGN | Vernonite crowned Miss BC Interior at provincial pageant [A5]
Morning gStar
2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE
0%
The
Friday, July 4, 2014
P R O U D L Y
S E R V I N G
O U R
N O R T H
FOR 84 MONTHS!
$ STK# 14-397
C O M M U N I T I E S
F O R
2 5
*
B/W
*Finance over 84 months at 0%. Includes taxes, $2500 down, vehicle owner loyalty & plus $499 doc fee.
w w w. v e r n o n m o r n i n g s t a r. c o m
O K A N A G A N
87
10
BANNISTER
Y E A R S
4703 - 27th St. VERNON • 250-545-0606
GM DL#9133
Barriers increase Highway 97 safety RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Motorist safety will be improved on a deadly stretch of North Okanagan highway. It was announced Wednesday that concrete barriers will be installed along 11 kilometres of Highway 97 between Coldstream and Lake Country to ensure motorists do not cross the centre line. “I have known people who have unfortunately lost their lives,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA. The most recent accident claimed the life of an Oyama man June 4. Barriers are currently along a portion of the highway but the announcement means the remaining sections will also be barricaded through the $5 million project, which will begin this fall. “We’re constantly working to improve highway safety,” said Transportation Minister Todd Stone, adding that there is a need to take action as about 20,000 vehicles a day use the highway. Also on Wednesday, Stone announced that the speed limit on Highway 97, from Gatzke Road in Oyama to College Way in Coldstream, will be increased from 90 to 100 kilometres. However, that won’t occur until the concrete barriers are in place. One safety improvement that is not moving ahead yet is realignment of the Birnie Road intersection. “I’m familiar with Birnie Road and the concerns expressed,” said Stone of demands from the Regional District of North Okanagan that something be done to ensure the safety of people leaving the Greater Vernon landfill and entering on to the highway from Birnie Road. However, Stone says his ministry must balance investment in highway infrastructure with taxpayers’ ability to pay for such work.
JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster (left) helps Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone unveil a $5 million Highway 97 barrier project Wednesday at the Kalamalka Lake lookout. The highway has claimed two lives, in separate accidents, in recent weeks. For a video of the announcement visit www. vernonmorningstar.com
When asked where Birnie Road was in terms of priorities, Stone said, “We’ll talk that through with the regional district.” Stone met with representatives from RDNO, Vernon and Coldstream Wednesday. The Ministry of Transportation wants to make it right-in only for motorists leaving the highway to get on to Birnie Road and
right-out only for motorists entering back on to the highway. RDNO wants a bridge constructed over
the highway so traffic leaving Birnie Road can get back on to the highway northbound safely.
Coroner investigating water skiing fatality Morning Star Staff
The B.C. Coroners Service is now handling the investigation into the death of a water skier on Sugar Lake near Lumby on Canada Day. Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday,
Lumby RCMP responded to a call about an unconscious woman involved in a water skiing accident on the lake. “The 46-year-old Coldstream resident was water skiing on Sugar Lake with her husband as
water.” Kovacs said family members began CPR on the victim while being transported to shore, and then in a family vehicle while travelling to meet emergency medical services personnel.
WE WANT YOUR TRADES!
VERNON
TOYOTA
the operator of the motor boat and family members as spotters,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Gerry Kovacs. “The victim fell into the water and was found unconscious when pulled out of the
DL# 30382
PH 250-545-0687 • 3401 - 48th Ave Vernon, BC VISIT US 24/7 AT VERNONTOYOTA.COM
TOYOTA
VALUES
LOWEST MAINTENANCE COST HIGHEST FUEL ECONOMY BEST DEPENDABILITY & RELIABILITY HIGHEST RESALE VALUE
The woman was transported to Vernon Jubilee Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Kovacs said no alcohol was involved in the incident. The RCMP will assist the coroner in their investigation.
TOYOTA FACTORY
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE
EVENT A-13