BELLS RINGING | Salvation Army kettle campaign raises much-needed funds for less fortunate [A5]
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 P R O U D L Y
Star opens early Morning Star Staff
There’s good news for skiers. The alpine season doesn’t officially start until Nov. 26 but recent snowfall means a bonus weekend at Silver Star Mountain Saturday and Sunday. “The entire Silver Star team has pulled together so skiers and boarders can enjoy first tracks this Saturday. The season is certainly shaping up to be a good one,” said Anne Haight, sales and marketing director. With a 72-centimetre alpine snow base and a 148-centimetre cumulative snowfall to date, the resort will open up three chairlifts and a minimum of 25 runs at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Lift tickets are half price. With snow falling steadily over the past two days and more in the forecast, more than 25 runs may be open in time for Saturday. After the bonus weekend, Silver Star will close for three days and open Nov. 26 for full winter season daily operations. Cross-country skiing has been underway since Nov. 12. “As the snow base accumulates almost daily, we’re able to groom more trails all the time,” said Guy Paulsen, winter sports manager. “For snowshoeing, all the trails are accessible and we’re currently at about 50 kilometres for cross-country.”
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Erik Jaggard (left), 13, Liam Leibel, 14, and Adam Schauer, 14, tour a Metroliner II from Carson Air in Kelowna during an open house at Okanagan College’s Vernon Aerospace Campus Saturday. Markus Enns (below) and brother Chris check out a plane engine during the event.
VERNON DODGE
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4607 27 ST, VERNON • VERNONDODGE.COM
Concerns drive talks RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
A co-operative approach is being developed to address public safety issues downtown. Officials from the Downtown Vernon Association, Partners In Action and the City of Vernon took part in a workshop Tuesday after some concerns arose about aggressive panhandling. “More discussion needs to happen,” said MaryJo O’Keefe, DVA president, when asked about next steps. “There is a concern among our merchants about the general safety of downtown.” O’Keefe isn’t sure what the options are, but says one possibility could be the return of private security if a funding source is found. “We want to reassure people that downtown is vibrant. They are missing out if they don’t believe downtown is safe,” she said. Mayor Akbal Mund insists public safety is a priority for the city. “We are moving forward and will continue to work with the DVA,” he said, adding that it wasn’t a panhandler involved in a recent alleged attack. “Let’s not label one group as the root of the problem. Most panhandlers are respectful.” Mund also says the city faces challenges because the Constitution allows people to congregate. “You can’t just say, ‘Move along.’ We need to find other solutions.” During the workshop, community policing, the city’s bylaw department and the RCMP provided strategies on how to manage safety concerns. “It’s important for people to call the police when a crime is in progress. We need the information to respond quickly,” said Sgt. Kara Triance, with the local RCMP detachment. “The police actively conduct foot patrols. There is a minimum of one daily and one nightly. We are out there.” Community agencies were also available to make merchants aware of why some individuals are homeless and what resources are available. “Every community our size has some issues. We’ve got a beautiful, vibrant downtown and I feel comfortable downtown but we don’t want to ignore the concerns,” said Annette Sharkey, with Partners In Action. Coun. Scott Anderson, who spoke about aggressive panhandling at the Nov. 9 council meeting, was pleased with the discussion Tuesday. “Council is aware that there is an issue which is a major step forward. Hopefully we can work together to address the issue,” he said.
BANNISTER HONDA “A Family Business, with Family Values ”
6425 Hwy 97 N, Vernon BC • bannisterhonda.com 250-545-0531 • 888-545-0531 DL# 8718 †$2,500 Honda cash purchase incentive is available on select 2015 Civic models (2D LX, 2D EX, 2D EX-L Navi, 2D Si, 4D DX, 4D LX, 4D EX, 4D Touring). Honda cash purchase incentive will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance offers. **MSRP is $17,245 based on a new 2015 Civic 4D DX 5MT FB2E2FEX including $1,495 freight and PDI. Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $30.31 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery and covered by the dealer on behalf of the customer. Taxes, license, insurance and registration are extra. Offers valid from November 3rd through 30th, 2015 at participating Honda retailers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers valid only for British Columbia residents at BC Honda Dealers locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.bchonda.com or see your Honda retailer for full details.