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By Corey Fischer

VJH Outbreak Over; Others Underway

Dec 19, 2017 | 12:06 PM

A gastrointestinal outbreak at Vernon’s hospital is officially over.

Interior Health says no new cases have been reported since last Thursday, meaning the all-clear can be sounded.

There were nine cases of the illness involving staff and patients since Dec 10th, all confined to the inpatient psychiatry unit.

Interior Health is also reporting a gastrointestinal outbreak on the second floor of the recently opened Hamlets facility in downtown Vernon, and a respiratory infection outbreak at Noric House.

Other Matters

Mechanical Issues
Opening of Lavington Outdoor Pool delayed, again
Once again, people looking to cool off from the summer heat face a delay in accessing a local amenity.The District of Coldstream said the Lavington Outdoor Pool opening had to be pushed back again.The pool was expected to open June 27, but mechanical issues were uncovered that forced its opening to first be pushed back...
10h ago
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Commonage Crash
Motorcyclist hospitalized in crash near Vernon
A motorcycle rider was taken hospital after a crash on Commonage Road south of Vernon.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said officers were called out to the scene near the intersection of Bailey Road around 7:50 a.m. Thursday for reports of a crash.Investigators found that a passenger vehicle had slowed to pull over to the si...
14h ago
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Don't Move a Mussel
New boat launch signage installed to prevent invasive mussel spread
The Okanagan Basin Water Board has taken a new approach to try to prevent invasive mussels from entering the local waterways.As part of the 'Don't Move a Mussel' campaign, first-of-its kind boat launch stencils with messaging urging boaters to clean, drain and dry their vessels have been painted at select spots in West...
14h ago
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Two Deaths in May
Fatal drug poisonings recorded locally in May, yearly totals still down
Two people lost their lives to illicit substances in Greater Vernon in May.The preliminary figures from the B.C. Coroners Service indicated there had just been six fatal overdoses in the North Okanagan community in 2026. Those included the two in May, one in March, and three in January.In Kelowna, there were three drug...
16h ago
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Whistleblower
West Kelowna launches confidential whistleblower reporting service
The City of West Kelowna has launched a confidential third-party whistleblower service for employees, volunteers, contractors and consultants to report suspected wrongdoing involving the municipality.The service is operated by independent investigators with Southern Law LLP and is designed to provide a confidential pro...
16h ago
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Sudden Death
Kelowna RCMP: Death near Mill Creek not suspicious
A death reported near Mill Creek is not considered suspicious according to Kelowna RCMP and is not believed to be related to a drowning.Police responded Wednesday afternoon to the 2600 block of Enterprise Way following a report of a sudden death.RCMP said investigators have determined there is no indication of criminal...
16h ago
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Severe Dry Conditions
Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week
The Okanagan has again been ranked at Drought Level 4.The ranking, which was given for the third week in a row July 9, is the second-highest drought rating and indicates severe conditions.The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the streams in the region had high water temperatures and declining flows. The agency specifical...
17h ago
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Wildfire, Extreme Heat Preparedness
Special workshop to prepare older adults for emergency situations
A special workshop will be held to ensure people are prepared for emergency situations that arise with another hot, dry summer on the horizon.NexusBC Community Centre in Vernon will host its Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Older Adults July 22.The workshop will teach people how to prepare for emergencies that are c...
22h ago
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Locals Honoured
Two Okanagan industry leaders named to BC Restaurant Hall of Fame
Two prominent names with ties to the Okanagan food and hospitality industry will be recognized this fall with induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.Kelowna's Christina Ferreira and Okanagan-born chef Ned Bell are among 24 people selected for the 2026 class by the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. The ...
Jul 08, 2026
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What Matters

Mechanical Issues
Opening of Lavington Outdoor Pool delayed, again
10h ago
Commonage Crash
Motorcyclist hospitalized in crash near Vernon
14h ago
Two Deaths in May
Fatal drug poisonings recorded locally in May, yearly totals still down
16h ago
Severe Dry Conditions
Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week
17h ago
Wildfire, Extreme Heat Preparedness
Special workshop to prepare older adults for emergency situations
22h ago