The Similkameen Spotlight

Founded in 1948, the Similkameen Spotlight has been a key source of news for the Similkameen Valley, covering areas like Princeton, Hedley, Keremeos, Coalmont, and Tulameen. Initially, the Spotlight operated out of a building that once served as Princeton's morgue. Remarkably, until the year 2000, a heavy marble slab from the morgue was repurposed as a worktable in the print shop. Throughout its existence, the newspaper has had only six owners and is currently part of the Black Press Group. The extensive history of the Spotlight can be explored in the archives located at its office.

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Highway intersection is the worst for collisions in Princeton

3 weeks ago | similkameenspotlight.com | John Arendt

The intersection of Bridge Street and Highway 3 in Princeton was the community’s most dangerous intersection, according to figures from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. During the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the intersection was the site of 16 collisions. Another highway intersection in Princeton also saw its share of collisions, according to the statistics. Highway 5A and Old Hedley Road was the site of 12 collisions during the same time period.
South Okanagan students excel in track and field events

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | John Arendt

Students from Summerland and Penticton set records at the Okanagan Valley High School Championships in Kelowna. The event was held on May 20, and featured athletes from around the region. Peter Kunka, a Grade 12 student from Summerland Secondary School, set records in the 1,500-metre and 3,000-metre events, with times of 4:01.90 and 8:43.18, respectively.
Historic Adra Tunnel above Naramata reopens for public use

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Logan Lockhart

Up in the hills of Naramata, a more than 100-year-old Okanagan attraction is back open. Adra Tunnel — located along the KVR Trail — has reopened for public use following the completion of a restoration project, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) announced on May 21.
'Beyond thrilled': B.C.-wide recognition for Penticton winter carnival

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Logan Lockhart

Less than two years after it was created, Penticton's newest winter festival has been honoured as among the province's best. The BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) has awarded Penticton with the 2025 Events and Festivals Award of Excellence, in recognition of Valley First Frost Fest.
Stampeders carry on with new Vernon member

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Roger Knox

You might see drummer Kim Berly out trekking the local trails. And, according to original guitarist Rich Dodson, you might see new bass player Dave Chabot in the aisles at Superstore. Two-thirds of the legendary Canadian band The Stampeders have made the North Okanagan their home. The band's drummer/vocalist Kim Berly, originally from Dawson Creek, now lives in Vernon. New bass player Dave Chabot lives near Vernon. Dodson lives out east.
Okanagan pharmacists define excellence

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Roger Knox

One is on his third career. One is part of a body that oversees that career. Vernon's Brad Adams and Kelowna's Steven Hopp were among nine provincial community pharmacists and two pharmacy students honoured at the BC Pharmacy Association's annual awards gala May 2 in Victoria.
Kelowna fruit family welcomes court action after warrant issued for blogger

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Jacqueline Gelineau

After defying court orders and continuing a prolific campaign of publishing unfounded allegations about a Kelowna-based family and their fruit-packing business, a Supreme Court Justice has issued an arrest warrant for the man behind the blog 'Gangsterism Out.' The defendant, Daryl Grant MacAskill, is known by multiple online aliases including the name Ace Ventura, which he uses on the Gangsterism Out blog and associated emails to media outlets.
Mussel-sniffing dogs trained to detect invasive species at B.C. lakes

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Jenna Hauck

A German shepherd named Major excitedly walks around the outside of a boat at Cultus Lake, as handler Sgt. Denny Chrétien points at various spots along the way. Soon Major stops and sits and receives an enthusiastic "good boy!" from Chrétien. The canine successfully found an invasive species of freshwater mussel that was hidden on the boat.
Lieutenant Governor of B.C. showcases Okanagan businesses on Kelowna visit

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Brittany Webster

B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia hosted the province's Consular Corps, representing more than 20 countries, during the Okanagan Business Showcase, in Kelowna from April 30 to May 2. The Lt. -Gov and the Consular Corps were able to meet with Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Kelowna Chamber President Derek Gratz, during the first day of the showcase.
Wildfire reported in South Kelowna now under control

1 month ago | similkameenspotlight.com | Jordy Cunningham

UPDATE: 12:07 p.m. The wildfire that sparked Thursday morning in the Bertram Creek area of South Kelowna is now considered under control. The blaze was first spotted at about 9:30 a.m. and BC Wildfire deployed crews to the scene. By 11:30 the wildfire was brought under control and is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter. According to BC Wildfire, the blaze is human-caused. A wildfire has been spotted in South Kelowna on Thursday, May 1.