Martha Wickett

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While the Salmon Arm Marina in Shuswap Lake’s Salmon Arm Bay is deep enough to accommodate boats in September when the water level can be low, the channel outside the entrance to the marina is more shallow and, in 2021, reports were that it was not accessible to many boats beyond Aug.31. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Boaters want Shuswap Lake channel dredged but obstacles deter city

Salmon Arm mayor, staff say cost, government requirements, short life of remedy prohibitive

While the Salmon Arm Marina in Shuswap Lake’s Salmon Arm Bay is deep enough to accommodate boats in September when the water level can be low, the channel outside the entrance to the marina is more shallow and, in 2021, reports were that it was not accessible to many boats beyond Aug.31. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
Splatsin Tkwamipla7 (Councillor) George William, one of the organizers of the Splatsin Walking Our Children’s Spirits Home Journey, walks with Darrel Jones, Splatsin education director on Sept. 10, the final day of the five-day journey. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Hearts fill with emotion as children’s spirits walked from Kamloops to Splatsin

Pain, hope among feelings experienced during five-day journey from residential school

Splatsin Tkwamipla7 (Councillor) George William, one of the organizers of the Splatsin Walking Our Children’s Spirits Home Journey, walks with Darrel Jones, Splatsin education director on Sept. 10, the final day of the five-day journey. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
People’s Party of Canada federal election candidate Kyle Delfing discovered the company from eastern Canada that created his campaign signs did not spell Shuswap correctly. He has since repaired or removed them. (Contributed)

Sign thefts, typo, vandalism all part of North Okanagan-Shuswap election campaign

One camp calls the campaign sign aspect of 2021 election ‘extraordinarily clean’

People’s Party of Canada federal election candidate Kyle Delfing discovered the company from eastern Canada that created his campaign signs did not spell Shuswap correctly. He has since repaired or removed them. (Contributed)
Dash-cam footage taken Sept. 8 about 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of 10th Street SW and the Trans-Canada Highway, with the Shell gas station across the highway from the camera, shows a transport truck about to go through a red light. (Phaedra Idzan image)

Dash-cam footage captures semi on Highway 1 in Salmon Arm running red light

Salmon Arm resident purchases dash-cam because of dangerous encounters on highway

Dash-cam footage taken Sept. 8 about 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of 10th Street SW and the Trans-Canada Highway, with the Shell gas station across the highway from the camera, shows a transport truck about to go through a red light. (Phaedra Idzan image)
The trial of Alexander Vittel Boucher who was charged with attempted murder and other offences was set to begin on Aug. 30, 2021 in BC Supreme Court in Kamloops when the charges were stayed. (RCMP photo)

Trial abandoned for man charged with attempted murder in Shuswap stabbing

Victim, a main witness in the BC Supreme Court trial, fails to show up so charges stayed

The trial of Alexander Vittel Boucher who was charged with attempted murder and other offences was set to begin on Aug. 30, 2021 in BC Supreme Court in Kamloops when the charges were stayed. (RCMP photo)
National and international bestselling author Gail Anderson-Dargatz, pictured here at Salmon Arm Bay with the wharf behind her, has been nominated for a children’s literature prize for her book, The Ride Home. (Mitch Krupp photo)

Renowned Shuswap author nominated for B.C./Yukon children’s literature prize

Gail Anderson-Dargatz nominated for The Ride Home weeks after releasing thriller, The Almost Wife

National and international bestselling author Gail Anderson-Dargatz, pictured here at Salmon Arm Bay with the wharf behind her, has been nominated for a children’s literature prize for her book, The Ride Home. (Mitch Krupp photo)
Interior Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at Hillside Village in Salmon Arm on Sept. 1, 2021 after three staff and one resident tested postive for the virus. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Four people test positive for COVID-19 at Shuswap long-term care facility

Letter from operator of Salmon Arm’s Hillside Village says outbreak does not mean family members sick

Interior Health declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at Hillside Village in Salmon Arm on Sept. 1, 2021 after three staff and one resident tested postive for the virus. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
Chelsea Hobbs added a little humour to her poster during the vaccine card protests along the Trans-Canada Highway in Salmon Arm on Sept. 1. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

People against B.C.’s vaccine card protest along Highway 1 in Salmon Arm

Many gathered between 3rd and 5th Street SW, others seen at different spots on Trans-Canada Highway

Chelsea Hobbs added a little humour to her poster during the vaccine card protests along the Trans-Canada Highway in Salmon Arm on Sept. 1. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
Salmon Arm council requests that residents get vaccinated against COVID-19 for a number of reasons, including being a way to protect children as the number of new weekly cases climbs in the Salmon Arm health area. (File photo)

As COVID numbers rise, Salmon Arm council implores residents to get vaccinated

Elected officials provide a variety of reasons for citizens to opt for the vaccine

Salmon Arm council requests that residents get vaccinated against COVID-19 for a number of reasons, including being a way to protect children as the number of new weekly cases climbs in the Salmon Arm health area. (File photo)
Nalayia Taylor and Rhyan Leggett Grayston raise funds for firefighters at their roadside sales table at the corner of 10th Street SW and 10th Avenue SW on Friday, Aug. 27. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Young Salmon Arm residents raise funds for firefighters

Thoughts of wildfire crews having to sleep in tents and use porta-potties part of inspiration

Nalayia Taylor and Rhyan Leggett Grayston raise funds for firefighters at their roadside sales table at the corner of 10th Street SW and 10th Avenue SW on Friday, Aug. 27. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
Under clear, sunny skies on Aug. 24, 2021, the Salmon Arm Fire Camp on 10th Avenue SW houses a fluctuating population of 150 firefighters and service providers. Crews work 14 days on and then four days off, if the wildfire situation allows it. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Size of wildfire group in Shuswap leads to creation of ‘small city’ within a city

BC Wildfire spokesperson calls Salmon Arm Fire Camp an ‘absolutely fantastic site’

Under clear, sunny skies on Aug. 24, 2021, the Salmon Arm Fire Camp on 10th Avenue SW houses a fluctuating population of 150 firefighters and service providers. Crews work 14 days on and then four days off, if the wildfire situation allows it. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
The trial of Alexander Vittel Boucher who is charged with attempted murder and other offences is set to begin on Aug. 30 in BC Supreme Court in Kamloops. (RCMP photo)

Trial set for Enderby man charged in South Shuswap stabbing

Accused faces charges of attempted murder, robbery and assault

The trial of Alexander Vittel Boucher who is charged with attempted murder and other offences is set to begin on Aug. 30 in BC Supreme Court in Kamloops. (RCMP photo)
Sasha Eugene’s grandmother Audrey Eugene, Sasha’s auntie Sheila Johnny, driver-support Tegan James Spencer Oja and walker Sasha Eugene take time out Aug. 22 at Little Shuswap Lake during her Medicine walk from Kamloops to the Shuswap Nation administration office in Invermere to bring the spirits of the children at the residential school home. (Annie Williams photo)

To honour children, Shuswap woman takes two walks from two residential schools

Medicine walk travels from Kamloops through Salmon Arm to bring awareness, healing

Sasha Eugene’s grandmother Audrey Eugene, Sasha’s auntie Sheila Johnny, driver-support Tegan James Spencer Oja and walker Sasha Eugene take time out Aug. 22 at Little Shuswap Lake during her Medicine walk from Kamloops to the Shuswap Nation administration office in Invermere to bring the spirits of the children at the residential school home. (Annie Williams photo)
The residence of Matthew Heneghan, who lives in Falkland with his family, was one of those evacuated in early August 2021 due to the growth of the White Rock Lake wildfire. (Photo contributed)

Falkland evacuee from White Rock Lake wildfire finds solace in gratitude

Man who grew up in Salmon Arm expresses thanks to all those who contribute to keeping people safe

The residence of Matthew Heneghan, who lives in Falkland with his family, was one of those evacuated in early August 2021 due to the growth of the White Rock Lake wildfire. (Photo contributed)
Greg Taypotat, who is supporting his sister Shayna Taypotat and her daughter Gracie while Shayna carries out A Walk To Healing For All, holds two white eagle feathers which signify change. Shayna, pictured in Salmon Arm on Aug. 18, is walking from Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Saskatchewan to the Kamloops Indian Residential School to bring awareness to the 215 children whose remains were confirmed there in May. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

From Saskatchewan to Shuswap, walker speaks of wish for healing for all people

On the way to Kamloops residential school, healing journey also aimed at bringing awareness

Greg Taypotat, who is supporting his sister Shayna Taypotat and her daughter Gracie while Shayna carries out A Walk To Healing For All, holds two white eagle feathers which signify change. Shayna, pictured in Salmon Arm on Aug. 18, is walking from Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Saskatchewan to the Kamloops Indian Residential School to bring awareness to the 215 children whose remains were confirmed there in May. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
Highway 1 near Kamloops closed on Aug. 19 for about three hours due to a collision that left a Burnaby woman dead and two other people injured. (File photo)

Two-vehicle collision on Highway 1 near Kamloops leaves one woman dead

Crash took place near entrance to Highway 5, Highway 1 closed for about three hours Aug. 19

Highway 1 near Kamloops closed on Aug. 19 for about three hours due to a collision that left a Burnaby woman dead and two other people injured. (File photo)
Chase RCMP were called Aug. 7 to investigate an alleged unauthorized use of a washroom in Sorrento and theft of the materials used there. (File photo)

RCMP called for report of unauthorized use of Shuswap business’ washroom

Items allegedly stolen on Aug. 7 include soap and toilet paper

Chase RCMP were called Aug. 7 to investigate an alleged unauthorized use of a washroom in Sorrento and theft of the materials used there. (File photo)
Lightning struck Copper Island in Shuswap Lake Aug. 16. The fire is believed to be out, but BC Wildfire will monitor it Aug. 17. (Columbia Shuswap Regional District photo)

Lightning sparked fire on Copper Island in Shuswap Lake doused

BC Wildfire will monitor island where tree was hit Aug. 16

Lightning struck Copper Island in Shuswap Lake Aug. 16. The fire is believed to be out, but BC Wildfire will monitor it Aug. 17. (Columbia Shuswap Regional District photo)
This praying mantis was spotted recently in Enderby on the pumps at a gas station. Chélie Elsom-Pharand eventually invited it to crawl onto her hand and she carried it over to a bush. (Chélie Elsom-Pharand photo)

The elusive praying mantis turns heads in the Shuswap

Unusual insect noticed by residents in Salmon Arm and around the region

This praying mantis was spotted recently in Enderby on the pumps at a gas station. Chélie Elsom-Pharand eventually invited it to crawl onto her hand and she carried it over to a bush. (Chélie Elsom-Pharand photo)
The beginnings of a BC wildfire camp and base of operations is set up Aug. 13 in a field at 550 10th Ave. SW in Salmon Arm, across from the fairgrounds. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

BC Wildfire Service sets up camp in Salmon Arm for 100 firefighters

The camp, across from the fairgrounds, is expected to be operating into September

The beginnings of a BC wildfire camp and base of operations is set up Aug. 13 in a field at 550 10th Ave. SW in Salmon Arm, across from the fairgrounds. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)