Kamloops-Edmonton flights begin in June

Flights between Kamloops and Edmonton will return later this year as Flair Airlines plans to begin thrice-weekly service between the two cities.

Flair Airlines, an Edmonton-based discount airline that began operating in 2005, will begin the service on June 15.

It will be the first direct Kamloops-Edmonton flights since 2016, when WestJet Airlines cancelled the route after less than a year in service.

To fly from Kamloops to Edmonton with a personal item, but no checked bags and no other options selected, the total return cost, including taxes and fees, is $77.99.

That cost jumps to $185.09 if you want to check a bag and bring one carry-on bag with you.

Options are extra, such as choosing seats (from $10 to $27), changing flights ($10.50), priority boarding ($10 each way) and checking in at the airport in person ($30 for pre-pay and $50 for regular check-in; online check-in is free).

Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.

Convicted killer awaiting sentencing date

A Pinantan Lake man convicted of manslaughter is awaiting a decision on sentencing.

On Sept. 12, 2020, James Sanford, 34, stabbed and killed 33-year-old Daniel Thomas Myles near Canada’s Best Value Inn in the 1300block of Columbia Street in downtown Kamloops.

On Feb. 6, Justice Joel

Groves indicated that a case management conference would be held on Feb. 23 to coordinate services and programs for Sanford before a sentence is delivered.

Sanford, who had no prior criminal record, has been on bail since December 2020, living with his mother in the Paul Lake/Pinantan area under conditions.

JAMES SANFORD

Milobar: Give excess cash to those in need

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar would like to see the province’s budget surplus, mentioned in the B.C. NDP government’s Feb. 6 throne speech, get into the hands of lower-income earners.

Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin told the Legislature the budget surplus of $5.7 billion won’t be there next year as econo- mists are predicting a global slowdown in the face of inflation and other forces.

Milobar, who is the BC Liberal finance critic, said the surplus needs to be handled with caution, noting he is concerned a large portion of the money is likely going to be spent with little time for thought and planning.

“That’s the worry, is they are in a full sprint the next few days to see how fast they can blow money out the door and their track record, even when they’ve taken their time to think out programs, they haven’t been met with any success,” Milobar said.

By law, surplus money not spent by March 31 must go toward paying down B.C.’s debt.