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Kiteboarders catching some waves on a chilly Skaha Lake Jan. 2. (Monique Tamminga Western News)

VIDEO: Kiteboarders get past the ice to catch some waves on Skaha Lake

Even in freezing conditions, these kiteboarders were catching major air

Kiteboarders catching some waves on a chilly Skaha Lake Jan. 2. (Monique Tamminga Western News)
From left, volunteer MJ Johnston, a dinner recipient, and volunteers John and Elaine Hansen were part of the project on Dec. 25 that saw the three Rotary Clubs based in Salmon Arm, with help from two churches, provide 600 meals to anyone who wanted a free take-away Christmas dinner. (Photo contributed)

Letter: Resident expresses gratitude for Rotary clubs and churches

600 Christmas dinners provided to anyone who wanted one much appreciated

  • Jan 2, 2023
From left, volunteer MJ Johnston, a dinner recipient, and volunteers John and Elaine Hansen were part of the project on Dec. 25 that saw the three Rotary Clubs based in Salmon Arm, with help from two churches, provide 600 meals to anyone who wanted a free take-away Christmas dinner. (Photo contributed)
The Polar Bear Dip at Tugboat Beach to kick off 2023 in Kelowna. (Trudy Jane Janicki/Facebook)

Sun’s out, buns out: A cool start to 2023 with Kelowna’s annual Polar Bear Dip

Dippers jumped in at 2 p.m. on Jan. 1

  • Jan 2, 2023
The Polar Bear Dip at Tugboat Beach to kick off 2023 in Kelowna. (Trudy Jane Janicki/Facebook)
From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: Jack and Bertha Lyons win a shopping spree from Dave Duncan, the manager of Safeway! Area manager Jim Arthur pops in for the photo shoot. A six pack of Coke is the first purchase! <em>Image courtesy the Salmon Arm Observer collection at the archives at R.J. Haney Heritage Village Museum.</em>

Shuswap history in pictures: Shopping spree

From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: Jack and Bertha Lyons win a…

  • Jan 1, 2023
From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: Jack and Bertha Lyons win a shopping spree from Dave Duncan, the manager of Safeway! Area manager Jim Arthur pops in for the photo shoot. A six pack of Coke is the first purchase! <em>Image courtesy the Salmon Arm Observer collection at the archives at R.J. Haney Heritage Village Museum.</em>
Team Canada forward Marie-Philip Poulin (29) celebrates with her gold medal after defeating the United States in women’s hockey gold medal game action at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. How many medals did Canada win in the 2022 Winter Olympics? THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

QUIZ: How much do you know about the news of 2022?

A lot happened during the past 12 months

Team Canada forward Marie-Philip Poulin (29) celebrates with her gold medal after defeating the United States in women’s hockey gold medal game action at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. How many medals did Canada win in the 2022 Winter Olympics? THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
The cast of the Snowed In comedy tour will be making stops around the Okanagan Shuswap area in January and February, 2023. (Snowed In Comedy Tour/ Facebook)

Snowed In comedy tour making stop in Salmon Arm

Comedic group touring the Okanagan Shuswap area in early 2023

The cast of the Snowed In comedy tour will be making stops around the Okanagan Shuswap area in January and February, 2023. (Snowed In Comedy Tour/ Facebook)
Penticton incorporated as a district municipality in 1908. On Dec. 31, 2022, the city turns 114 years old. (City of Penticton/Contributed)

Happy Birthday, Penticton! Municipality turns 114 on New Year’s Eve

The district municipality later became a city in May 1948

Penticton incorporated as a district municipality in 1908. On Dec. 31, 2022, the city turns 114 years old. (City of Penticton/Contributed)
Tanny the cat and Magnus the dog were rescued by OHS. (OHS)

Busiest year ever for Okanagan Humane Society

More than 1,400 animals rescued

  • Dec 30, 2022
Tanny the cat and Magnus the dog were rescued by OHS. (OHS)
The well-known Burner Bar and Grille is open until Dec. 31 2022 to engage interested potential buyers, as the property is currently for sale. (File photo)

One-of-a-kind Sicamous Burner Grille reopens for limited time

Owner looking for potential new buyers for unique restaurant

The well-known Burner Bar and Grille is open until Dec. 31 2022 to engage interested potential buyers, as the property is currently for sale. (File photo)
Teagan Green, a member of the Salmon Arm Scouts Canada troop, is offering a New Year’s Eve childcare event, supervised by Scout leaders, on Dec. 31 2022. (Contributed)

Salmon Arm Scout hosts New Year’s Eve childcare to fundraise for South Korean trip

‘I want to go so we can represent Salmon Arm in some way’: World Scout Jamboree set for summer 2023

Teagan Green, a member of the Salmon Arm Scouts Canada troop, is offering a New Year’s Eve childcare event, supervised by Scout leaders, on Dec. 31 2022. (Contributed)
From left, volunteer MJ Johnston, a dinner recipient, and volunteers John and Elaine Hansen were part of the project on Dec. 25 that saw the three Rotary Clubs based in Salmon Arm, with help from two churches, provide 600 meals to anyone who wanted a free take-away Christmas dinner. (Photo contributed)

‘It was very successful’: Rotary clubs distribute 600 Christmas dinners in Salmon Arm

Recipients grateful for free meal cooked at Sorrento Centre and served by two local churches

From left, volunteer MJ Johnston, a dinner recipient, and volunteers John and Elaine Hansen were part of the project on Dec. 25 that saw the three Rotary Clubs based in Salmon Arm, with help from two churches, provide 600 meals to anyone who wanted a free take-away Christmas dinner. (Photo contributed)
Salty Dog Enduro solo rider Tim Daeschel rounds a bend on Salmon Arm’s South Canoe Trails on May 15, 2022. (File photo)

Shuswap Trail Alliance looking ahead to exciting new year

Sporting events return to town following community party and auction

Salty Dog Enduro solo rider Tim Daeschel rounds a bend on Salmon Arm’s South Canoe Trails on May 15, 2022. (File photo)
Ice on the ground? Walk like a penguin, with your feet flat and pointed out slightly. (Cornelius Venture Unsplash)

Ice on the ground? Walk like a penguin, suggests city of Penticton

Freezing rain and Monday night’s snowfall has led to slippery conditions

Ice on the ground? Walk like a penguin, with your feet flat and pointed out slightly. (Cornelius Venture Unsplash)
Christmas lights account for much of the light bulb waste found in landfills, according to Product Care Recycling. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

One way to support the Earth this holiday season? Recycle old decorations

Product Care Recycling is urging British Columbians to take care of holiday waste responsibly

Christmas lights account for much of the light bulb waste found in landfills, according to Product Care Recycling. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)
Santa and Mrs. Claus take a well-deserved break after reading through all the Black Press Media papers in Greater Victoria to update the naught and nice list. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

10 questions with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Black Press Media staffers put together a line of questioning for the…

Santa and Mrs. Claus take a well-deserved break after reading through all the Black Press Media papers in Greater Victoria to update the naught and nice list. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Kala Doneyhue pictured inside her 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, after winning Penticton’s Huber Bannister Christmas car giveaway on Dec. 23, 2022. (Logan Lockhart- Western News)

VIDEO: Working 7 days a week with 2 kids, single mom in Penticton surprised with car

Huber Bannister Chevrolet held its second annual Christmas car giveaway on Dec. 23

Kala Doneyhue pictured inside her 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, after winning Penticton’s Huber Bannister Christmas car giveaway on Dec. 23, 2022. (Logan Lockhart- Western News)
A kitten rescued by the BCSPCA in Surrey. (Contributed)

BCSPCA shares tips for keeping pets safe in cold weather

Shuswap branch manager has seen hypothermia affect pets this year

A kitten rescued by the BCSPCA in Surrey. (Contributed)
From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: “Barry and Juanita Bradford on Santa’s knee at Cedarvale Mall.” Image courtesy the Salmon Arm Observer collection at the archives at R.J. Haney Heritage Village Museum.

Shuswap history in pictures: Visit with Santa at Cedarvale

From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: “Barry and Juanita Bradford on Santa’s…

  • Dec 22, 2022
From the Dec. 15, 1982 Observer: “Barry and Juanita Bradford on Santa’s knee at Cedarvale Mall.” Image courtesy the Salmon Arm Observer collection at the archives at R.J. Haney Heritage Village Museum.
Judy Murray and Darlene Galan work their way up a steep section of the Larch Hills Traverse. (File photo)

Salmon Arm’s Larch Hills cancels ladies’ ski due to extreme cold

New ladies ski nights take place Thursday evenings

Judy Murray and Darlene Galan work their way up a steep section of the Larch Hills Traverse. (File photo)
Salmon Arm Recreation is hosting various sports over the winter holidays. (File photo)

Salmon Arm Recreation hosting sports play times over holiday break

Youth and adult basketball, all-ages pickleball among ways to keep busy and active

Salmon Arm Recreation is hosting various sports over the winter holidays. (File photo)