The B.C. Coroners Service announced Friday that a public inquest will be held into the death of Sheilah Sweatman, a 29-year-old search-and-rescue (SAR) volunteer from Ymir who drowned while on duty July 29. Presiding coroner Mark Coleman and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to establish the facts surrounding Sweatman’s death. The jury […]

With human-caused fires being the worst cause of forest fires in the Southeast Fire Centre district this year, fire wardens will be out in full force this hot and dry weekend to help prevent any more. Wardens and other fire officials will be patrolling the West Kootenay and Boundary parks and campgrounds this weekend to […]

More than 1.6 million British Columbians participated in the HST referendum, almost matching the turnout for 2009’s provincial election, Elections BC announced Thursday. Roughly 52 per cent of registered voters submitted ballots by the Aug. 5 deadline. However, while the BC government shaved a few million off its costs by switching from the traditional ballot […]

 Habitat for Humanity broke ground for the first time ever in Castlegar last Saturday, and the build continues a steady pace toward fruition. In a ceremony held at 2 p.m., mayor Lawrence Chernoff, city councillor Gord Turner, and other dignitaries got to try their hand with a shovel in honour of the project. West Kootenay […]

 A 55-year-old Castlegar man may soon be facing charges after a boating accident on the Arrow Lakes Saturday. Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew said police were called just before midnight, by a witness who reported seeing a boat drive up onto dry land at Renata Ferry Road.   It took police about an hour to […]

Creativity is soon to abound in Robson, with the first-ever Rock ‘N Art Show Aug. 19 – 21. Organizer Joshau Leeworthy said he hopes any and all artists looking to increase their profile come on out and participate.   “I just wanted a decent venue for local artists and musicians to showcase their work,” he […]

Although the hot and dry weather continues in the West Kootenay, the soaking the region took last winter and in spring has allowed it to have an almost non-existent fire season — so far. There have been no active fires of note or fires larger than 10 hectares in the region since the 23.3 ha. […]

The B.C. restaurant industry is partnering with the Province to provide restaurant customers with the information they need to make the healthy choice the easy choice. The $1.9-million Healthy Families BC – Informed Dining program will give customers the information they need to make healthier choices when eating out. Participating restaurants will add the Informed […]

Ottawa plans to dump inspection of dozens of meat plants on the British Columbia government in a move that could expose BC consumers to heightened risk of eating contaminated meat products, according to the Agriculture Union – PSAC, which represents federal food safety inspectors. After providing meat safety inspection service for decades, the union has […]

The Heritage city’s arts scene comes alive this weekend with the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites during this free, self-guided event (August 13-14 from 10 am – 5 pm). Travel to studios and archives that aren’t normally open, see demonstrations, new exhibitions and collections or meet people […]