# south okanagan (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover south okanagan. Page: Feed: --- ## [Trump’s “big deal” scorecard](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/25/trumps-big-deal-scorecard/) _2026-08-25 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ Photo by K K on Unsplash Thoughts from Eileen Workman Trump seems entirely incapable of getting out of his own way. I say this because, as I’ve observed: Mr. “Art of the Deal” seems unable to make any sustainable deals that actually help the American People. His fallback is always to use force, punishment, shaming,... Continue Reading → ## [Remembering Larry](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/24/remembering-larry/) _2026-08-24 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ Few people, if any, name their plants; I am likely the only one. I named my Tropical Green Blood Leaf plant with pink stems Larry for no particular reason. The name felt right at the time. I bought him (gender assigned) from a local greenhouse back in the Spring thinking he could fill an important... Continue Reading → ## [Rae is raving mad — With thanks to Thomas Paine](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/23/rae-is-raving-mad-with-thanks-to-thomas-paine/) _2026-08-23 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ On December 13 1776, in the dark days of the US War of Independence, Thomas Paine wrote a little book called “The Crisis”. He began with these words – “THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country;... Continue Reading → ## [Wind gusts topple tiki hut in Osoyoos](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628874/Wind-gusts-topple-tiki-hut-in-Osoyoos) _2026-08-22 · Casey Richardson · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ An Osoyoos resident said her tiki hut was destroyed by major winds that blew through Osoyoos around noon Saturday. "A huge microburst wind blew through Osoyoos. Some damage in Vintners Creek," Kathleen Davis said. The wooden structure previously took six people to move, Davis noted... ## [Fireside chat](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/22/fireside-chat/) _2026-08-22 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ I have always imagined a “fireside chat” as the place where two people enjoy conversation and libations in front of a roaring fireplace in an English country house. or a remote Canadian cabin. I have enjoyed both over the years, where the conversation included politics of all sorts and stripes, religion, photography, biography, literature, music.... Continue Reading → ## [Hearts for Heroes, RCMP Musical Ride coming to Osoyoos Sunday](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628697/Hearts-for-Heroes-RCMP-Musical-Ride-coming-to-Osoyoos-Sunday) _2026-08-22 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Osoyoos' big summer celebration Hearts for Heroes and RCMP Musical Ride is finally coming to town this weekend. On Sunday, the event celebrating first responders from across the province will be taking place at Desert Park. At 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., the RCMP Musical Ride will be underway with a s... ## [Sprinkler vandal costing Town of Osoyoos money, water](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628787/Sprinkler-vandal-costing-Town-of-Osoyoos-money-water) _2026-08-21 · Chelsea Powrie · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Someone has been messing with sprinkler heads in Osoyoos, and the town wants to know who. Sprinkler heads on town properties have recently routinely been kicked and broken , totalling dozens in different locations in just one night. At $8-250 a pop plus staff time for a replacement, it is expe... ## [Gratitude](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/21/gratitude/) _2026-08-21 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ A lovely post from Summerland resident, Dorothea Atwater We went into Summerland today to visit the Evacuees Resource Centre set up on the top floor of the George Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre. Everyone was very nice and helpful. Then we went downstairs where the Summerland Community Arts Council has a lovely little arts and... Continue Reading → ## [Get ready for Oliver's biggest party of the year with Wine Capital Weekend](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628702/Get-ready-for-Oliver-s-biggest-party-of-the-year-with-Wine-Capital-Weekend) _2026-08-21 · Contributed · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ "Be Surprised in Oliver" is a collaboration between Castanet and Visit Oliver, inviting readers to discover hidden gems and seasonal highlights in a town full of unexpected delights. Follow along every second Friday morning. While Oliver may be best known for its wine, fruit and sun-s... ## [Town of Osoyoos reduces water use as drought conservation efforts expand](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628678/Town-of-Osoyoos-reduces-water-use-as-drought-conservation-efforts-expand) _2026-08-21 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The Town of Osoyoos is reducing water use at facilities to help with water conservation efforts. In a Thursday notice, the municipality said operating hours at Jack Shaw Splash Park have been reduced to the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. "The Osoyoos area is experiencing an unprecedented Stag... ## [From any door to your door (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/sdupvIBuYgZc) _2026-08-21 · **Sponsored**_ Book rides, errands, deliveries, groceries and home help in one app ## [Osoyoos tourism takes hit from Bald Range wildfire, smoke](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628647/Osoyoos-tourism-takes-hit-from-Bald-Range-wildfire-smoke) _2026-08-20 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Destination Osoyoos says tourism is down due to the Bald Range wildfire, but the town has also been a safe space for evacuees. "Unfortunately, the numbers have dropped like a stone, so we're not able to really talk to people in the Visitor Centre, and that happened literally the day after th... ## [BC SPCA seeks owner of cat found in Keremeos](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628551/BC-SPCA-seeks-owner-of-cat-found-in-Keremeos) _2026-08-20 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The BC SPCA South Okanagan/Similkameen is looking for information on a cat found in Keremeos. On Wednesday, the animal rescue couldn't verify if the cat was domestic or a stray. It is off-white with grey and peach markings around its ears. "This lovely lady was brought in by some kind Sam... ## [Oliver Fire Department responds to possible ammonia leak at Co-op Avenue building](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628586/Oliver-Fire-Department-responds-to-possible-ammonia-leak-at-Co-op-Avenue-building) _2026-08-20 · Josh Dawson · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Oliver firefighters are responding to a possible ammonia leak Wednesday evening. In a social media post shortly before 8 p.m., the Oliver Fire Department said crews were on scene at the BC Tree Fruits building off Co-op Avenue. The fire department said a safety zone is in place on Co-op Avenue... ## [HOME](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/19/home-2/) _2026-08-20 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ This picture is misleading. The town looks lovely — even green. Closer inspection will reveal that the mountain from mid-image over to the far right is crispy, dark, and burned. When we left, the fire topped over the ridge and was coming straight for us. Thankfully, the wind changed though widespread damage occurred elsewhere. The... Continue Reading → ## [Paws down — A warning to pet owners returning home following evacuation](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/19/paws-down-a-warning-to-pet-owners-returning-home-following-evacuation/) _2026-08-19 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ With thousands of Summerlanders we are now cleared to return home. We are excited to finally return. Our almost 7-year-old Labradoodle, Juno, shares our joy. We know our home escaped damage; likely the worst evidence of the Bald Range Wildfire will, for us, be smoke and ash. A local pet owner posted just yesterday a... Continue Reading → ## [What really is best for Canada — Trying to please Trump gets us nowhere](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/18/what-really-is-best-for-canada-trying-to-please-trump-gets-us-nowhere/) _2026-08-18 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ Andrew Coyne just made an argument that goes straight to the heart of Canada’s Trump problem. If Washington is going to punish Canada no matter what Canada does, then at some point Canada has to stop making every decision based on how Donald Trump might react. Coyne’s point was simple: “If you lose no matter... Continue Reading → ## [South Okanagan General Hospital to close ER overnight](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628300/South-Okanagan-General-Hospital-to-close-ER-overnight) _2026-08-17 · Chelsea Powrie · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The South Okanagan General Hospital emergency room experience a temporary closure tonight. Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, until 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. During that time, patients can access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital. All other in... ## [Local Osoyoos fire crews reflect on helping at Bald Range wildfire](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628299/Local-Osoyoos-fire-crews-reflect-on-helping-at-Bald-Range-wildfire) _2026-08-17 · Chelsea Powrie · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Osoyoos Fire Rescue is wrapping up its deployment at the Bald Range wildfire, and reflecting on the experience. The team spent ten days assisting at the fire, which is still active in the Summerland area. "Throughout the deployment, 19 of our members rotated through the assignment, worki... ## [Preserving our memories — A Summerland legacy project](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/17/preserving-our-memories-a-summerland-legacy-project/) _2026-08-17 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ From Paws n Tails Photography, Summerland BC I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do with my photography after everything that has happened here. I had planned an August opening special to introduce Paws N Tails Photography to Summerland. But after the fire, that just didn’t feel right anymore. We are so... Continue Reading → ## [“The roots of true community are fireproof” — A Wildfire Worship Experience — Sunday August 16, 2026](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/16/the-roots-of-true-community-are-fireproof-a-wildfire-worship-experience-sunday-august-16-2026/) _2026-08-16 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ An archival shot from Cartwright Mountain, an area likely destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire. Resources and thoughts assembled by me, the Very Rev. Ken Gray, all in light of the Bald Range Wildfire in and around Summerland, BC as we and over 20,000 others are evacuated from our homes and community for an indefinite... Continue Reading → ## [Follow Releases, Get Reminders (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/tF8w2mPz39kQ) _2026-08-16 · **Sponsored**_ Follow a genre or a name and receive reminders on release day — free. ## [Hope in the age of wildfire](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/15/hope-in-the-age-of-wildfire/) _2026-08-16 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ After one week evacuated from our home in Summerland, an exodus forced by the Bald Creek wildfire, one of the worst in the history of British Columbia, we join another 20,000 home and business owners hoping for an imminent and safe return to our homes and our little Town. A very small section of Summerland... Continue Reading → ## [Make Pete Hoekstra Persona Non Grata](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/15/make-pete-hoekstra-persona-non-grata/) _2026-08-15 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ Charlie Angus / The Resistance – Aug 12, 2026 It’s the dog days of summer, and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re getting tired. There are days it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the constant threat, chaos and menace. Those feelings become more corrosive if we start thinking that we’re facing the threats alone.... Continue Reading → ## [Construction mishap causes temporary water outage in parts of Osoyoos](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628085/Construction-mishap-causes-temporary-water-outage-in-parts-of-Osoyoos) _2026-08-14 · Casey Richardson · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The Town of Osoyoos said construction work hitting a connection line is causing a water service disruption on Friday afternoon. The connection was hit during construction work on 89th Street and now requires repair. A temporary water service outage is in effect for residents along 89th Street ... ## [Osoyoos' Mojave build holding open house for peek at show home](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/628057/Osoyoos-Mojave-build-holding-open-house-for-peek-at-show-home) _2026-08-14 · Chelsea Powrie · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ Curious about new housing options in Osoyoos? The Mojave complex is holding an open house. Described as "modern desert inspired living," Mojave is rolling out a phase two release of homes soon. All are welcome to pop by the complex at 4601 97th Street Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m... ## [Local research tracks how Meta’s Canadian news ban and a decade of wildfires have eroded trust in the information Canadians rely on during fire season](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/14/local-research-tracks-how-metas-canadian-news-ban-and-a-decade-of-wildfires-have-eroded-trust-in-the-information-canadians-rely-on-during-fire-season/) _2026-08-14 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ \[Ken Gray – As evacuated Summerland residents continue to receive news of safe return, social media channels are rife with misinformation, some mischievous, some ignorant, some ill-informed, and some raw with anger. The research described below offers analysis and possible solutions.\] First published by UBC Okanagan News August 5, 2026 On August 1, 2023, a... Continue Reading → ## [Communities across South Okanagan-Similkameen mobilize to help evacuees](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/627989/Communities-across-South-Okanagan-Similkameen-mobilize-to-help-evacuees) _2026-08-14 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ South Okanagan-Similkameen communities are delivering truckloads of support for Bald Range wildfire evacuees and neighbours. The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is encouraging business owners affected by the Bald Range wildfire to share supports they need to execdirector@sochamber.ca. "... ## [Osoyoos opens indoor activities to evacuees amid wildfire smoke](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/627922/Osoyoos-opens-indoor-activities-to-evacuees-amid-wildfire-smoke) _2026-08-13 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The Town of Osoyoos is inviting evacuees and others to participate in indoor activities to get out of the smoke. On Tuesday, the municipality shared a variety of activities and community spaces to stay cool as the South Okanagan remains on an Orange Air Quality Warning, indicating a high impact, ... ## [A day-5 evacuation story](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/13/a-day-5-evacuation-story/) _2026-08-13 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ Image: Hope, Susan Norie From Facebook \[Ken Gray – I don’t know Banu Tülümen’s but they tell a beautiful story admist so much uncertainty.\] I don’t quite know how to describe these past five days. There are stories everywhere. Some heartbreaking. Some heroic. Stories of loss and uncertainty, but also extraordinary stories of kindness, generosity... Continue Reading → ## [Lightning strikes prompt South Okanagan wildfire vigilance](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/627838/Lightning-strikes-prompt-South-Okanagan-wildfire-vigilance) _2026-08-12 · Sarah Crookall · Castanet.net - Oliver/Osoyoos_ The South Okanagan has seen some lightning strikes on Wednesday, prompting a local fire department to urge vigilance. On Wednesday afternoon, BC Wildfire Service confirmed reports of lightning strikes in the South Okanagan, including west of Osoyoos. Several residents said on social media they... ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/6p9lk8lEinnU) _2026-08-12 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## [Picture this — Wildfire](https://take-note.ca/2026/08/12/picture-this-wildfire/) _2026-08-12 · kennethjgray · Take Note – Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray_ These images were created prior to our evacuation from Summerland late Friday night. Given our hurried packing there was no time to take shots of the fire itself though we did witness the Cartwright Mountain Ridge (our dog walking area) fully aflame. Many such images are sprinkled throughout social and news media. Our evacuation story... Continue Reading →