Vernon Local

A drive-thru visit turned into a car crash over the lunch hour Monday in Vernon.
The Dairy Queen restaurant will be closed for the rest of the day, and possibly longer, after an SUV drove into its back door.
It appears the vehicle was trying to navigate the drive-thru, but smashed into the back door instead.
An employee says an older woman hit the gas and drove “right into our back door,” adding that the franchise temporarily closed down after the incident.
The building is currently without power and will need to get an electrician in before the business can reopen.
A woman was treated by paramedics in an ambulance. Her condition is unknown.
RCMP, firefighters and BC Hydro also attended the scene.

Vernon civic leaders to get pay hike starting Nov. 7

Mayor Victor Cu***ng is getting a raise.
And so is the rest of Vernon city council.
At their regular council meeting Monday, staff will present a report on mayor and council remuneration.
“The Council Renumeration Policy, amended August 15, 2022, following the review of the Remuneration Committee, established a policy for an annual increase in remuneration for the Mayor and Members of Council,” the report states.
“As per the policy, the base rate for council is set at $2.44 per capita effective Nov. 1, 2021 The base rate increases with population growth. CPI is calculated on the base rate at the 4 year rolling average, which is 3.7% and equals $4,150 for the Mayor and $1,535 for Council members.”
The base rate adjusts the mayor's salary to $112,776.17 and councillors salary to $41,727.18 as of Nov. 7.
The full report can be see in the City of Vernon council agenda website.

From castanet website

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Did you know that we once had a large and vibrant Chinatown? Numerous businesses and a Lodge. The Masonic Lodge is still there, as the Gateway Shelter you see on the right down the street. There was the Lotus Gardens Restaurant, Hong Kong Village restaurant, Canton Inn and much more. 33rd Street.

Vernon RCMP advise that the woman reported missing earlier this week and who had last been seen in Vernon on Aug. 18 has now been located.
"The 31-year-old woman ... has been located safe and well. The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance," police said in a brief statement.

Vehicles in Vernon will once again be able to drive the entirety of 30th Avenue as the block that’s been closed for the 2900 Plaza reopened on Monday.
The block between 29th and 30th Streets had crews out Monday morning removing picnic tables and ramps. Workers were also cleaning the street and taking down signage blocking off the road.
This section of the road had been shut down since July 6 for the Downtown Vernon Associations third annual 2900 Plaza — a block party with live music, square dancing, DJing and more.
The DVA announced Sunday it would be closing down the event for the rest of the summer. The closure is because of continuing smoke and the resulting environmental and social impacts.
“Considering we cancelled plaza operations four out of the last five days, and with no reprieve from the smoke in sight, it’s logical to reopen the block,” said Keelan Murtagh, DVA executive director.
The DVA said it was a “difficult and disappointing” decision to make, but it believed it was the right one.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who’s been affected by these historic wildfires. Please check our page for information on how to assist those in need.”

Vernon RCMP are asking for the public’s help to find a missing woman.
Jadine Zoe Loftus, 31, was last seen in Vernon on Aug. 18.
Loftus is described as standing five-foot-four, with a thin build, brown hair and blue eyes.
Police said anyone who has seen or heard from Loftus should contact their local police, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).