Late-night mill fire prompts impressive regional effort from three fire departments
A late-night fire at Kalesnikoff Lumber Thursday served to underline the importance of mutual-aid agreements between fire departments in our region, according to Tarrys Fire Chief Greg Patterson. Patterson said they got a call at 11 p.m. from Trail fire dispatch reporting a structure fire at Kalesnikoff Lumber (just off Highway...
Mental health system could do more to ensure people can access specialized services
Auditor General of British Columbia Carol Bellringer issued her latest audit May 17: Access to Adult Tertiary Mental Health and Substance Use Services. Bellringer's team looked at how B.C.'s health system manages access to the highest level of mental health and substance use services. They found pockets of good practice, but...
Cougar sightings in Castlegar, Trail, Montrose, Blueberry
Multiple cougar sightings in several communities: three in Castlegar this month, at least one in Trail, and more in Montrose and Blueberry – have Conservation reminding residents that this is the season for it, and to secure any and all attractants that might lure a cougar to your home. “There's still snow high up in the...
SD 20 approves fees for riding school bus
Not even SD 20 trustees were happy about voting in favour of user-fees for school busing, according to Trail trustee Toni Driutti, after the board approved the fees at their regular meeting Monday evening. Driutti pointed to decreasing ministry funding and wage increases the ministry negotiated but isn't funding, as the reason...
DeGroot shooting now oldest open IIO investigation
An officer-involved fatal shooting dating back to Oct. 13, 2014, has now become the oldest open investigation being handled by the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO). (For coverage of the shooting, click here). The sixth-oldest open IIO investigation is also local, after a fatal shooting on Kinnaird Bridge in...
Chief addresses fire preparedness in Castlegar and area
After last year's frightening fire season and the massive fire in Fort McMurray this season, residents are understandably wanting to know what the Castlegar Fire Department (CFD) is doing to protect our community from interface fires. To clarify, the province defines wildland/urban interface as the geographical point where ...
RDCK residents can now get emergency alerts via text message or landline
Emergency communications in the RDCK are getting a big boost from a new system that will notify residents and visitors about emergency events throughout the region. The Emergency Alert notification system is a free and easy program that enables users to receive free text messages and landline calls notifying them of emergencies...
Nelson man 'put his life at risk' to save BOB jumper
Ryan Labbe was preparing to enjoy some quiet time Friday (May 13) night at Lakeside Park. The City of Nelson worker had just pulled his vehicle up to the Lakeside Park boat launch when he heard yelling coming from the Big Orange Bridge deck. Labbe said there was a distraught man on the bridge that was screaming he was going...
Selkirk College School of Environment & Geomatics Students Awarded for Superb Work
Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) Regional Manager Bruce Stevens attended the Selkirk College graduation ceremony last month to honour five students from the School of Environment & Geomatics for their presentations made during the recent applied research conference. The students...
SD 20 students get to participate in Selkirk College's Project Heavy Duty
A group of 20 high school students from School District 20 will get a chance to take their keen interest in the trades and local industry one step further with a hands-on experience that could cement their future. Project Heavy Duty is being offered for the first time in this region as a way to connect employers, educators ...
