No sooner than the sensational finding that Kelowna is the drunk-driving capital of Canada, and along comes further proof of that dubious honour.
If the pictures and stories on today's front page aren't enough to convince you that drinking and driving is just plain stupid, well, you are probably beyond help.
It would be laughable if it weren't so tragic, but hey, at least we're No. 1 at something. Bet the tourism marketing boards can't wait to promote that little gem of information.
Except that this distinction comes with loved ones lost and lives shattered.
The people involved are more than just statistics. They have families and loved ones, too.
Like the child whose life was taken by a drunk driver while crossing the highway with his mother, or the police officer whose patrol car was broadsided by a pickup piloted by a drunk driver.
Let's go back to being known for our award-winning wines, spectacular golf courses, beautiful lakes and world-class ski hills.
The marketing efforts of years can be undone if Kelowna continues to build on its unsavoury reputation for drugs, biker gangs and now this.
"Welcome to Kelowna, home of grow-ops, gang hits and drunken idiots."
Give your head a shake, Kelowna.
We've got too much to lose to let it all go down the drain.
- Managing Editor
Jon Manchester