Solution to bridge delays

Here’s an outrageous solution to solving traffic tieups at the Bennett Bridge, like the one we had on Tuesday where cars were backed up for up to three hours.

Perhaps the Ministry of Highways should do what major cities do by placing a handful of large, electronic signs along the route from Peachland to the bridge advising motorists of any significant accidents.

“Traffic stalled due to accident — two hour wait.”

Then, many of the cars can jump on the nearest offramp, return to wherever they were coming from, and work from home for the day. If that’s not possible, go shopping or sit in a coffee shop until traffic clears.

I don’t think it would be an expensive fix. Gene Clark of the Byrds was gone far too soon.

Sharon Mansiere is not running for the Okanagan Skaha School District in Summerland. She was recently elected president of the Okanagan College Faculty Association.

Summerland councillors Erin Trainer and Erin Carlson both had babies in the past year and remain undecided if they will seek re-election to council on Oct. 20.

But, wouldn’t they make wonderful school board trustees, especially now that they will soon have children in the system? Their experience in municipal government would be a huge asset. It would also be nice to see some newer, younger faces on the board — Erin & Erin.

For those who don’t see the value in including LGBTQ and transgender in the school curriculum, an article which appeared in Rolling Stone magazine in February 2012 should be mandatory reading.

Google: “One town’s war on gay teenagers” to see how poorly the Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota handled the issue.

There’s apparently a shortage of hospitality workers in Penticton, so much so that the Penticton Lakeside Resort — already paying above minimum wage — is offering a $200 signing bonus for housekeepers.

Happy birthday to my friend, Helen Little, an auxiliary matriarch at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Penticton. Helen will celebrate her 90th birthday today, appropriately enough, with friends and loved ones at the Eagles, following the club’s installation of officers.

The Eagles never receive the recognition they deserve. They raise a ton of money in the community. And that’s thanks, in part, to fine people like Helen.

Stevie Nicks turns 70 today. Her work with Fleetwood Mac (circa 1975-1987) overshadowed her solo career. “Bella Donna” was one of the best albums to come out of the 80s.

My condolences to the family of Bonni Jenic, who died this week in Penticton. Bonni was one of the first people I met when I moved to the Okanagan Valley and she always had a smile on her face. She’s known locally for owning and operating Taco Time for nearly 20 years with her husband Des, and as a loyal fan of the Vees’ hockey team. She was a really cool lady and I will miss her.

James Miller is valley editor for Okanagan Newspaper Group.