Regional News

Jogger narrowly escapes predaceous Black Bear during trail run near Hills

by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday May 28 2020

The sign posted by the Hills Emergency Services Society (HESS) cautioned the public of a bear in the area. — Submitted photo

The Valhalla Wilderness Society said in a media release a local runner got more than he bargained for during an afternoon jog through the Rail-Trail in the small West Kootenay community of Hills, BC, during the Victoria Day long weekend.

Francis Levasseur was jogging on the railbed trail near a friend’s farm when he came into contact with a less-than-hospitable black bear.

Initially, there was no interaction between the bear and Levasseur.

RDKB issues two evacuation alerts in City of Grand Forks due to erosion

by RDKB on Wednesday May 27 2020

Erosion is a major hazard during freshet, and the RDKB wants residents to stay well away from riverbanks and the edges of creeks. Two evacuation alerts were issued in the Grand Forks area on May 27 due to bank erosion. — Submitted photo

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) issued two more evacuation alerts on May 27 bringing the total number of properties on evacuation alert in the Grand Forks area to sixteen.

ANKORS issues Drug Alert for Nelson area

by Nelson Daily Staff on Tuesday May 26 2020

Drug samples sold in the Nelson area were found to contain a toxic combination of benzodiazepines and fentanyl.

ANKORS (AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society) in Nelson issued a New Drug Alert Tuesday after samples sold were found to contain a toxic combination of benzodiazepines and fentanyl.

In a media release Tuesday, ANKORS spokesperson said there have been recent reports of overdose associated with the use of this substance as described in the Nelson area.

“Benzodiazepines are depressants and increase the likelihood of overdose when mixed with toxic fentanyl or fentanyl equivalents,” the ANKORS release said.

Selkirk College Forest Technology Student Explores the Edge

by Bob Hall on Monday May 25 2020

Kelsi Littler graduated with the Selkirk College Class of 2020 with a diploma Forest Technology. Now operating a small silviculture company, she is also self-publishing an outdoor-inspired book of words and art titled The Edge Effect. — Submitted photo

It started with an instructor’s challenge to look at climate change on a personal level and ended with a creative outburst by students that breaks down walls to better understanding the future of the forest industry.

In November, Forest Technology Program instructor Jesper Nielsen spurred his second-year students with a contest focused on thinking about their future in the industry. “It Starts With Me” set very few parameters on the final product other than wanting learners to think about the marketplace differently than how it is generally perceived.

Castlegar man arrested after seizure of suspected fentanyl and cocaine

by Castlegar Source on Saturday May 23 2020

On May 22, the Castlegar RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) executed a search warrant on a residence situated in the 600-block of 11th Avenue of Castlegar B.C. The search warrant was authorized as part of an active police investigation into suspected drug trafficking in the Castlegar area.

Two men were taken into police custody during the execution of the warrant.

BC Parks campsites closed to non-residents this summer

by Nelson Daily Staff on Friday May 22 2020

BC Parks said in a statement that the health and safety of our BC Parks staff, park operators and visitors continue to be a priority.

BC Parks should be a lot easier to book this summer for locals after the BC government announced the closing of campsites to out of province residents.

The decision by BC Parks was made as public health officials adjust rules to deal with ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-residents of BC, who have made reservations, must call before June 15 to cancel and receive a full refund.

Reservations made by non-residents after Monday, May 25, will be subject to immediate cancellation without refund.

All-season ski, boarding and bike resort proposed for near New Denver

by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday May 21 2020

The proposed location for Zincton, a ghost town, is within the Goat Range of British Columbia’s Selkirk Mountain Range, approximately 10 mins east of New Denver along Highway 31A, in the Regional District of the Central Kootenay.

The Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Recourses Operations and Rural Development, represented by Mountain Resorts Branch (MRB), said an 

    • New measures allow BC Transit to align with BC's Restart Plan

    by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday May 21 2020

    Starting June 1, 2020, Nelson Transit busses will resume front door loading and fare collection. — The Nelson Daily photo

    BC Transit, which includes locally operated Nelson Transit, Trail Transit and Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Service, is gearing up to respond to COVID-19 by implementing additional practices and procedures to align with BC’s Restart Plan. 

    In a media release Thursday, BC Transit said the company would restart under the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafeBC as well as drawing on the best practices of the transit industry worldwide.

    Special Weather Statement for Highway 3, Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass

    by Nelson Daily Staff on Thursday May 21 2020

    Environment Canada said a weather system over southern BC will see snow levels lowering to 1300 to 1500 metres Thursday night before rising to 1700 to 1900 metres Friday afternoon.

    UPDATED:

    Environment Canada said a weather system over southern BC will bring showers to the region Friday with snow levels lowered to 1200 to 1400 metres during the morning. Those snow levels are forecasted to rise to near 1700 metres Friday afternoon.

    "Snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm are expected this morning over highway 3 - Paulson summit to Kootenay Pass and over the Okanagan Connector. Lesser amounts of 2 to 4 cm are possible over Allison Pass and Coquihalla Highway - Hope to Merritt," Environment Canada said.

    Saints coaching staff continues to load up on top Jr. A recruits

    by Bob Hall on Wednesday May 20 2020

    With 122 games of BCHL experience with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, forward Jackson Doucet has joined the 2020 Selkirk College Saints recruiting class. - Darren Chaisson photo

    Even in these highly unusual times, Selkirk College Saints head coach Dave Hnatiuk has managed to bolster the program’s roster with talented recruits who are eager to start their post-secondary journey.

    The former assistant coach with the University of Regina Cougars, Hnatiuk took the reins of the Selkirk College program last June. Though not optimum timing to sculpt a roster through proper recruiting, the rookie head coach iced a team for the 2019-2020 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) season that held its own.

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