Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.

Armed Robber Sentenced

Feb 8, 2017 | 3:06 PM

One of two men involved in an armed robbery at the Mac’s convenience store in Lumby last year has been sentenced.

34-year old Thomas Belanger was found guilty of robbery and unlawful confinement.

He will spend his next 23 months in jail serving out a 37 month term, and then is on probation for 3 years for pulling a knife on a young female clerk.

The other suspect, 21-year old Keegan Reed heads to trial March 28.

Other Matters

Cost increases
City of Kelowna staffing salaries
A higher price tag on city operations is drawing attention to how much the City of Kelowna is spending on staff and services.New figures show payroll costs rose roughly eight per cent in 2025, with wages and related expenses reaching about $126 million. That reflects nearly 14 per cent of the city's $908 million budget...
20h ago
Read More
Join the fun!
World Cup Watch Party
Kelowna soccer fans will have a chance to catch World Cup action on the big screen when a free watch party takes over Waterfront Park on July 2nd as part of the Touchdown Kelowna Festival.Matches will be shown live at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on two giant LED screens, with music, food trucks, drinks and giveaways adding to th...
Jun 20, 2026
Read More
Investigation results
Kalamoir wildfire likely an escaped camp fire
The Kalamoir Park Wildfire in West Kelowna earlier this week that forced hundreds of evacuations was likely caused by an escaped camp fire.That's the deduction of an investigation by the BC Wildfire Service, RCMP and West Kelowna Fire Rescue.Camp fires are banned in local and regional parks.The fire was determined to h...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
Park Still Closed
Kalamoir Regional Park remains closed following wildfire, reopening plan underway
Kalamoir Regional Park remains closed as recovery work continues following the June 16 wildfire, with officials beginning planning for a phased reopening of unaffected areas.West Kelowna Fire Rescue is still on site conducting mop-up and extinguishing hot spots. Smoke and firefighting equipment may still be visible in ...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
Hefty Haul
Search warrants target alleged drug trafficking network in Kelowna-area investigation
A months-long investigation has led to multiple search warrants, major seizures and several arrests in Kelowna and West Kelowna, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.The RCMP's Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, with support from the Southeast District Emergency Response Team, executed coordinated warrants on Ju...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
Two Vehicle Crash
Impaired driving blamed in Lake Country head-on crash
An impaired driver is facing penalties after a head-on crash in Lake Country.Police say it happened on Tuesday and sent one person to hospital. It left two vehicles heavily damaged, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.Police say officers were called to Glenmore Road at Shanks Road at about 9 p.m. on June 16,...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
More officers added
Making Rutland safer
The City of Kelowna is boosting community safety efforts in Rutland with more bylaw officers, expanded cleanup programs and added support services.The neighbourhood now has four dedicated bylaw officers, double the previous number.City officials say the goal is safer, cleaner public spaces through stronger partnerships...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
Preparedness warning
Lake Country urges residents to prepare as wildfire, weather risks rise
The District of Lake Country is urging residents to get prepared now as warmer, drier conditions increase the risk of wildfire and other seasonal emergencies across the Central Okanagan.Fire Chief Darren Lee says preparedness begins at home, encouraging residents to develop emergency plans, build grab-and-go kits, and ...
Jun 18, 2026
Read More
Road Upgrades
Vernon investing $1.8M in road upgrades through rehabilitation program
The City of Vernon is moving ahead with its annual road rehabilitation program, aimed at improving safety and driving conditions across several key corridors this construction season.The city says it will invest $1.8 million in 2026 to rehabilitate about 4.4 lane kilometres of roadway as part of ongoing infrastructure ...
Jun 18, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Missing person
Public asked for assistance locating missing youth
Jun 17, 2026
Policing
RCMP searching for missing Vernon woman
Jun 17, 2026
Underused Facility
Local MP calls for Vernon cadet camp be used for Armed Forces expansion
Jun 17, 2026
Hot, Dry Conditions & Elevated Risks
Wildfire, drought risks high heading into summer: B.C. Government
Jun 16, 2026
149 Hectare Blaze
Wildfire near Stump Lake Being Held, Evacuation Alerts still in place
Jun 16, 2026