Searching for stolen guitarsPenticton 4:36pm – 832 viewsMan not allowed at poolPenticton 4:20pm – 2,234 viewsClosed schools, new lifePenticton/Summerland 11:45am – 2,280 viewsKeeping biz growth localPenticton 4:00am – 3,596 viewsNo jail for shots fired?Penticton 4:00am – 5,095 viewsMake biking miles matterSouth Okanagan 4:00am – 1,966 viewsSave the dates for jazzPenticton Feb 18 – 1,469 viewsEyes peeled for wanted menSouth Okanagan Feb 18 – 18,898 views
Penticton News
Penticton RCMP seeking pricey guitars stolen from a vehicle
Searching for stolen guitars
The Penticton RCMP are looking for tips in an unsolved crime that occurred at the end of January.
Crime Stoppers South Okanagan-Similkameen posted on Thursday, asking for the public’s assistance in providing information about a few high-end guitars that were stolen from a vehicle.
The incident occurred on Jan.30, 2026.
The guitars stolen were:
– Hamer Studio P90 Goldtop guitar
– Suhr Classic J electric bass guitar
– Warwick Pro Series Corvette 4-string bass guitar – “with carvings.”
Some of the guitars are pictured in the photos above.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP and quote the RCMP file number: PN 26-1472.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.sostips.ca
Penticton man sees no jail for breaching ban of being in public spaces near children
Man not allowed at pool
A Penticton man previously accused of child sexual abuse-related imagery charges has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, after showing up in a community pool change room.
Peter Henry Alexander Spek, 64, appeared in Penticton Provincial Court Thursday.
Spek had been charged with possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials and importing or distributing those materials during a May to August 2023 period, according to court documents obtained by Castanet.
Following those charges, he was ostensibly released on bail conditions.
Court heard that Spek breached those conditions in January 2025 when he went to the Penticton Community Centre.At the time, his conditions included a no-go order to any public community area where a person under 16 would reasonably be expected to be present.
A deputy sheriff from the Penticton Courthouse recognized Spek at the pool from his previous appearances in court, and reported the incident.
In court Thursday, the Crown revealed they would be staying proceedings — meaning no further prosecution — on the child sexual exploitation material charges after consultation with RCMP.No further details were provided.
Spek had previously pleaded guilty to breaching his conditions by being at the community pool last year.
Judge Andrew Tam sentenced him to an 18 month conditional discharge with the probation requirements including no contact with people under 16, no internet use for social media, and counselling requirements, among other rules.
Closed elementary schools in Penticton and Summerland get new life through YMCA
Closed schools, new life
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC is partnering up with the Okanagan-Skaha school district to launch a “Community Roots Initiative,” explained as “transforming school gymnasiums into inclusive community spaces.”
Gyms at permanently closed schools Parkway Elementary, Carmi Elementary, and Giant’s Head Elementary will become a site for “affordable programming for children, youth, families, adults, and seniors, bringing recreation, fitness, and community connection closer to home,” according to a press release issued Thursday.
“By reimagining school gymnasiums as shared community spaces, we’re reducing barriers to participation and creating places where everyone can belong,” said Cassandra Thomas, general manager of community services at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
The three gyms will collectively offer 300-plus hours of community-accessible space every week.
That will include low-cost drop-in activities, youth and family supports, beginner-friendly sports and fitness, and more.
“This partnership strengthens connections between schools and communities while ensuring public spaces are used in meaningful ways that benefit residents of all ages,” said James Palanio, School District 67 board chair.
A phased rollout will begin soon, and expansions are planned with community partnerships.
Anyone seeking more information about use of the spaces can contact the YMCA at [[email protected]](https://www.castanet.net/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection).
Major Penticton transport company aims for growth while keeping operations local
Keeping biz growth local
“Community Cornerstones” is a series highlighting the industrial sector in Penticton.
A locally-based transport company that’s expanded its operations over seven decades is looking forward to many more, by integrating new technology with dedicated staff.
Berry & Smith Trucking Ltd started up in 1954 in Naramata with a team of two as a fruit hauling company.
Since expanding with three generations leading at the helm, they now have 160 staff between the shop, school bussing, transit bussing, and trucking divisions.
Parker Berry, who worked his way up through the family business and is now the president, said he’s really proud to continue the legacy that his grandfather started.
“I think our biggest strength is our people.We’ve been really blessed with some remarkable staff over the years, many with over 35-year careers with the company,” he said.
He’s hoping for sustainable growth for the company.
“We’d like to see our trucking fleet surpass some metrics and some goals that we have, so growth into new markets, more into the north, more expansion in our cross-border business and some of our hazardous waste and dangerous goods transport as well,” Berry said.
Vice president Kaolin Mallette said, as a very tech-driven company, they’re constantly looking for the next big thing in trucking.
“Everything’s automated now, we do a lot of AI processing of our documents.
A lot of stuff gets sent off, but that’s a tool that we use,” he said.
“Really want to focus on the people that you have in your organization first.”
Penticton’s industrial area now contributes a total economic impact of between $800 million to $1 billion a year.
“We really feel it’s the backbone of the city.It’s a huge employer.We pay a lot of tax dollars to the city,” Berry said.
“We’d love to see it grow back to where it was.
I think we’ve really seen a recession over the years, and, you know, the exodus of some big manufacturing and local industrial sector businesses.”
Penticton’s Peerless Limited was sold to Doepker Group back in March, which ended up moving manufacturing operations to Saskatchewan.
Even as the operations grow, Berry said they feel strongly about keeping the operation in Penticton.
“As an industry, there’s been a lot of large carriers become insolvent or exit the industry or be acquired by larger organizations.So we’re really proud to keep this local, to keep it in the community,” he said.
Berry said it’s also important to the company to remain strong community members, continuing to contribute to local causes, like the Penticton Regional Hospital expansion, along with giving out bursaries and scholarships.
“We’re really proud to keep this local, to keep it in the community.”
For more information on Berry & Smith and its services, visit their website here.
Former Penticton man seeks to avoid jail after substance-induced shooting near homes
No jail for shots fired?
A former Penticton man is hoping to avoid jail time after shooting his gun in a residential area while in a substance-induced state of paranoia.
David Morris, 39, appeared in Penticton Provincial Court Wednesday for his sentencing.
Court heard that in September 2023, Morris got into a disagreement at the property where his girlfriend at the time “K.G.” lived near Penticton.
Morris left, but then shortly after, she heard the sound of gunshots.
Before the shot, a family friend had arrived at the property with a delivery for K.G., just as Morris’ truck was pulling out of the driveway.
The woman only knew Morris by sight as K.G.’s boyfriend.
According to the woman, Morris began yelling at her as she pulled into the driveway, then Morris’ truck pulled away.
She then got out of her vehicle and went to open its back door to get the items for K.G.
Then she heard gunshots.
Morris was in his truck at the bottom of the driveway on the road, but then drove away.
The woman discovered a bullet hole in the back of her truck, very close to where she had been standing, an experience she later described in a victim impact statement as extremely frightening.
Others in the home heard the gunshots, and two women just across the street with their children in the yard witnessed the whole interaction.
Police response
RCMP were called and arrived within 10 minutes.
They were given a description of Morris’ truck, and roughly 15 minutes after that, the truck was located parked and running behind police vehicles, having returned to the scene.
Morris was behind the wheel.He was arrested, and his truck seized.
There was what appeared to handgun in the back of the vehicle, but it was found to be a replica gun, non-operational.
But after a search warrant was issued, they found bullets and spent ammunition cartridges.
On that same day, a dog walker nearby found a .22 caliber Mossberg rifle, which later matched the cartridges in Morris’ truck.His DNA was also found on the rifle.
Morris said, through his lawyer, that he was called to the property because K.G.told him “people were going to kill her.”
He was on drugs and alcohol and in a state of paranoia, and he thought he and his partner were in danger.
When he saw vehicles arriving, he felt blocked in and fired the gun to get away.
He claims he was not shooting intentionally at the victim because he wanted to harm her specifically, as he had never met her before.
Seeking a turnaround
A pre-sentence report indicates Morris has been seeking treatment, expressing remorse, and has no criminal record.He has been reportedly sober for multiple years.
But while the Crown admitted these were facts in support of leniency for Morris, the reckless discharge of a firearm in a residential neighbourhood is dangerous.
The Crown asked for five years in jail.
The defence, on the other hand, argued for a two year conditional sentence order, meaning it could be served at Morris’ home in Alberta, plus two years of probations.
Morris would be happy to comply with no-go order to Penticton, a weapons restriction, requirements of abstinence, or any other relevant conditions.
Morris apologized to the court, and said his perspective has completely changed after finding sobriety and mental health help and becoming a family man.
“What I did was wrong, reckless and dangerous,” he said.
“Being in that state was dangerous to myself and more importantly to others around me … I want to be the most balanced, positive and loving role model and the best example I can possibly be.
I take recovery and therapy very seriously because I know what is at stake.”
He promised the court he is committed to being a law abiding, responsible citizen moving forward for the rest of his life.
A judge will decide his sentence at a later date.
Penticton non-profit launches ‘Miles that Matter’
Make biking miles matter
There is a new, fun way to get active and support local kids.
The OSNS Legacy Foundation in Penticton has announced “Miles that Matter,” described as a new “peer-to-peer fundraising event” which will take place May 1 to 31
“This exciting initiative will help the OSNS Legacy Foundation secure the long-term financial stability of the OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre, ensuring children and youth across the South Okanagan Similkameen continue to receive vital pediatric rehabilitation services,” reads the press release announcement.
“Whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker, gravel rider, spin enthusiast or simply love to ride, Miles that Matter is for you.The event is designed to fit your lifestyle and schedule.Ride outdoors, hit the trails, or hop on your spin bike at home.”
The event involves:
– Registering as an individual, becoming a team captain, or joining a team
– Setting up your personal fundraising page using the online platform
– Setting a riding goal
– Fundraising by asking for support from friends, family and coworkers to reach your riding goal
“Miles that Matter gives you the flexibility to ride on your own schedule.You’ll track your progress throughout May 2026 using our fundraising platform, which can link directly to Strava if you choose.The event is free to join,” the organizers explained.
“There is a suggested fundraising goal of $500 per participant, but any amount raised is appreciated.”
Motivating goal ideas include riding every day in May, accumulating a total elevation equivalent to Mount Everest, hit a cumulative distance milestone, or completing a “century ride” of 100 kilometres or 100 miles.
“Any level of cyclist is invited to participate.Whether you’re looking for extra spring motivation, a reason to ride with friends, or a meaningful way to give back to your community, Miles that Matter is a great way to make every kilometre count this May.”
Plus, C.J.Greig & Associates will be matching all donations up to $50,000, meaning even more local kids who use the variety of therapeutic and rehabilitation services at OSNS will be supported.
“As a family, we have personally experienced the profound difference OSNS makes, and we believe in the importance of this work.By matching donations up to $50,000, we hope to amplify the generosity of our community and strengthen the support available to children and families who depend on these essential services,” reads a statement from Bernice Greig, board chair and Charlie Greig, owner of C.J.
Greig & Associates.
Register and learn more at www.osnslegacyfoundation.org
Pentastic Jazz Festival announces dates for 2026 event
Save the dates for jazz
It’s time to save the dates for the annual Pentastic Hot Jazz and Music Festival as it prepares for its 28th year of world-class music.
From Sept.
11 to 13 in Penticton, multiple venues will be taken over by talents from around North America.
“If the Cajun sounds of the South get your feet tapping, if rockabilly revs your engine, if the magic of New Orleans stirs your soul, or if gypsy jazz makes you want to dance, you won’t want to miss this year’s festival!” reads a press release from the organization.
Headliners include:
– The Black Market Trust (Los Angeles)
– Tom Rigby & Flambeau (San Francisco)
– Dave Bennett & the Memphis Speed Kings (Detroit)
– After Midnight (Denver)
More talent, including many locals, will be announced in the spring to round out the lineup.
Full festival details can be found at www.pentasticjazz.ca, and tickets will be on sale soon.
Generous support of sponsors and volunteers is key to the festival’s success.Anyone interested in joining the team can call 250-770-3494 or email [[email protected]](https://www.castanet.net/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) to find out more about what opportunities are available.
South Okanagan Crime Stoppers seeking public’s help in finding 4 wanted men
Eyes peeled for wanted men
Crime Stoppers South Okanagan-Similkameen is asking the public to keep an eye out for four men who are “Penticton’s Most Wanted.”
RCMP are looking for Anthony Alvin Davis, Tyler James Marsh, Jarrod Renton Roberts and Virgil Ron Paul.
– Davis is wanted for charges of criminal harassment, breaches of an undertaking and a restraining order, and mischief.
– Marsh is wanted for multiple charges of trafficking drugs, possession of stolen property, and failure to appear.
– Roberts is wanted for charges of possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon, multiple break and enter, and other criminal code offences.
– Paul is wanted for a serious criminal code offence.
Anyone with any information on their whereabouts is asked to call their local RCMP detachment.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or submit a tip online at www.sostips.ca
If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be entitled to a cash reward.Visit the South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers Website at www.sostips.ca for more details and information about the program.
South Okanagan Crime Stoppers warn of scam circulating calling people for donations
Donation scam circulating
The South Okanagan – Similkameen Crime Stoppers program issued an alert for a recent scam that’s been circulating in other parts of the country and may make its ways here.
The organization said a fraudster has been calling people and asking for donations to Crime Stoppers to support an “Elder Scam Brochure.”
“This is not a legitimate call.
Crimes Stoppers does not call and solicit donations and anyone receiving such a call should contact their local police or the Anti-Fraud Center,” they said in a social media post.
The local crime stoppers group continues to aid in arrests and convictions in cases, gathering ongoing tips that come to their organization and passing them onto RMP.
To remain anonymous to report tips, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.sostips.ca
Hope RCMP are seeking suspect in hotel robberies and assault
Wanted in hotel robberies
Police are looking for one of two men charged in connection with a string of break-and-enters of a Hope hotel and the assault of an employee.
On Feb.9, Hope RCMP said they received a call about the men who had broke into the hotel office, assaulted the employee, damaged hotel property, and left with some items.
Westin Ferguson, 26, and Jacob Sihata, 26, were identified as suspects.
Then, on Feb.
10, police received another call about theft at the same hotel.After an investigations, police again identified the suspect as Sihata.
BC Prosecution charged the men with one count of break and enter, one count of assault with a weapon, and one count of theft under $5,000 on Feb.13.
Ferguson remains in jail.However, police have issued a warrant for Sihata’s arrest and are seeking the public’s help locating him.
Sihata was last seen in New Westminster.
Jacob Sihata is described as:
– Male
– 26 years old
– Short black hair
– 5’10 ft
– Thin build
Anyone with information on Sihata’s whereabouts is asked not to approach him and to contact the Hope RCMP at 604-869-7750 or anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
More Penticton News
City of Penticton
Visit Penticton
Penticton Transit
Discover Naramata
Okanagan Falls
Town of Oliver
Town of Osoyoos
Town of Keremeos
Interior Health
Okanagan College
Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber
Penticton Discussion Forum
District of Summerland
Summerland Chamber & Tourism
School District 67 – Okanagan Skaha
School District 53 – Okanagan Similkameen
Okanagan Regional Library
Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society
Don’t Move a Mussel.