Cranbrook resident T. Senetza won the grand prize in the 2023 B.C. Wildlife Federation Conservation Lottery, a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro Double Cab pickup truck supplied by Wood Wheaton Supercentre. The main jackpot for the 50/50 portion of the draw totaled $408,530. Winner W. Andersen of Hagensborg, B.C. walks away with half the pot, $204,265. Proceeds […]

The B.C. Wildlife Branch reports that cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) have been confirmed in two deer in the Kootenay region, south of Cranbrook. These are the first known cases of CWD in British Columbia. “We have been watching CWD spread province to province, state to state for at least 20 years, so this […]

From educating residents on how to lower the risk of wildfire, to reducing the amount of vegetation that could fuel a fire, there are many ways a community can act to keep the threat of wildfire at bay. Now, 10 communities in the Columbia Basin are undertaking such projects with support of nearly $1.8 million […]

Canadian beekeepers have won several first place awards at both the North American Honey Show and the American Honey Show, two prestigious juried events showcasing the best honey products on the continent. Amanda Goodman Lee and Jeff Lee, who own two honey brands, Honey Bee Zen and Swan Valley Honey, of Creston, B.C., won first […]

People in the Columbia Basin rely on their communities for many reasons, including being able to turn to them for protection during disasters. To boost this ability, 13 projects supported by Columbia Basin Trust aim to help communities be prepared during situations like floods, wildfires or sustained power outages. “People and communities in the Basin […]

BC Highway Patrol – Kootenay has found a shocking number of drivers operating vehicles without valid insurance. From December 1, 2023, to January 11, 2024, BC Highway Patrol – Kootenay has located 177 drivers operating uninsured vehicles. Each driver received a violation ticket for no insurance for $598 dollars. As a result, BC Highway Patrol […]

On Jan. 19,  at approximately 6:30 a.m., Osoyoos Fire Rescue and Osoyoos RCMP supported by other first responders attended to a mobile home fire at the Avalon Mobile Home Park on Main Street in Osoyoos, according to Penticton/South Okanagan/Similkameen RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Jason Bayda  . He said that, although numerous fire crews responded quickly, the […]

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to announce the opening of three organic waste disposal sites. Starting January 22, 2024, all customers, residential and commercial, will be able to utilize the new service of separated organic waste disposal. Grohman Narrows, Ootischenia, and the Central (Salmo) facilities will be able to accept organic […]

This past Fall the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) concluded another year of the Communities Protect Freshwater Together: Riparian Restoration in the Kootenay Region Eco Action Project, the Society is thrilled to showcase the remarkable accomplishments and community-driven efforts that have shaped the second year of this three-year initiative. Focused on engaging and inspiring […]

Castlegar RCMP are singing the praises of Castlegar Search and Rescue (SAR) after a dramatic save on Sunday. “Just before 6 a.m. on Jan. 14, the Castlegar RCMP received a report that SOS emergency beacon had been activated by a device owner,” said Castlegar RCMP NCO/ic Sgt. Monty Taylor. “The emergency beacon company had contacted […]