Happy Friday!

What a week this has been, with Canadians celebrating Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in addition to an array of stories from all over the Okanagan-Shuswap.

Before you hunker down and enjoy some cozy times this weekend, catch up on some of the week鈥檚 biggest stories.

Former 琉璃神社 social worker pleads guilty to defrauding youth in his care

Former social worker Robert Riley Saunders has pleaded guilty to three out of 13 criminal charges against him.

Saunders worked with at-risk youth in 琉璃神社, and he has now admitted to stealing money from them while they were in his care. The money was meant for the youths鈥� shelter and food.

Saunders is also accused of forging his university degree, which he used to get his social worker job.

Penticton Indian Band鈥檚 Chief and his council denounced the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Chief Greg Gabriel and council members said there weren鈥檛 substantive actions so far to show 鈥渁 sincere commitment to reconciliation鈥�.

He said it鈥檚 not quite time to celebrate the day yet, until there are solid actions taken beyond towards repairing Canada鈥檚 relationship with the Indigenous community beyond the holiday.

A 45-year-old father was struck and killed by a pickup truck in Coldstream late last week.

As a result of the incident, Highway 6 was closed for a few hours. The man鈥檚 12-year-old son witnessed the tragic incident and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are asking those with information to come forward.

Reality TV show star Mike Hall has amassed quite a collection: more than 500 cars, which will go on auction this weekend in Tappen.

Hall, who stars in Rust Valley Restorers, said he loves the cars so much that he plans to hold on to at least 50 of them.

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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