Regional News

Nelson resident assists in knocking down fire on Highway 33 outside Kelowna

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Saturday August 20 2022

The charred grass is all that remains from a small brush fire outside Kelowna on Highway 33 that was extinguished by passing motorists Friday evening. — Photo courtesy Josh Georgetti

A Nelson resident joined forces with other drivers outside Kelowna Friday to help extinguish a fire from spreading to a nearby home.

Josh Georgetti of Nelson was driving back on Highway 33 approximately 14 kilometres outside the Central Okanagan City when he noticed fires on both sides of the road west of the Joe Rich Fire Hall.

Georgetti said it was like someone tossed out a cigarette butt.

Special Air Quality Statement for West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes — Slocan Lakes

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Thursday August 18 2022

The Fire Smoke website shows the West Kootenay region engulfed in smoke as wildfires continue to burn. — Screenshot photo

Environment Canada issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the Southern Interior of BC, including the West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes — Slocan Lakes Regions due to wildfire smoke in the area.

Environment Canada said that smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Other regions impacted include, West Columbia, East Columbia, Yoho Park - Kootenay Park, East Kootenay and Elk Valley.

“Wildfire activity over the past 24 hours has contributed to increased haze and smoke over sections of (Southeastern) BC,” Environment Canada said.

Wildfire Update for the Southeast Fire Centre

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Wednesday August 17 2022

The Wren Creek wildfire, located approximately 6.5 kilometres northeast of the Ymir, is demonstrating moderately vigorous surface fire behaviour. — BC Wildfire Service photo

During the past week the Southeast Fire Centre has seen an increase in fire activity a BC Wildfire Service media release said Wednesday.

The BC Wildfire Service said that ground crews and aviation resources have since responded to 87 new fires, 51 remain active at this time — with 15 of these fires are Under Control, 10 are being held and 26 are currently listed as Out of Control.

The BC Wildfire Service said that most of these fires are lightning-caused, high elevation targets.

Illicit drug toxicity death rate drops for Nelson; rises across province

by Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on Wednesday August 17 2022

Nelson recorded a 10.8 per cent death rate — per 100,000 person-years — from January to April this year, with one death being recorded due to toxic drug supply — Creative Commons.

The illicit drug toxicity death rate in Nelson has dropped by over 50 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, according to preliminary data released by the B.C. Coroners Service.

Nelson recorded a 10.8 per cent death rate — per 100,000 person-years — from January to April this year, with one death being recorded due to toxic drug supply.

That figure was down significantly from 2021’s 25.4 per cent, and 29.3 per cent in 2020.

Quick response by police results in arrest in double robbery

by Boundary Sentinel on Tuesday August 16 2022

Grand Forks Detachment Commander, Sergeant Darryl Peppler said swift action from store clerks combined with a quick response from the officers led to the arrest.

A quick response by police to a report of a robbery resulted in an arrest said Grand Forks RCMP in a media release Tuesday.

Just after 8:30 PM on Monday evening, August 15th, Grand Forks RCMP are dispatched to a report of a robbery that just happened at a gas station on the 2700 block of Central Avenue.

RCMP said the caller reported that the suspect demanded money and when refused, left the scene.

RCMP said the suspect was then seen heading toward the Extra Foods store located across the street.

Recent thunderstorm registers more than 2,000 lightning strikes — Southeast Fire Centre

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Tuesday August 16 2022

The aerial view of the Slocan Bluffs lightning caused wildfire that was reported to have started on Saturday, August 13. The wildfire, currently listed at 9.75 hectares, is in the "being-held" stage. — BC Wildfire Service photo

The Southeast Fire Centre said on social media that there were more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded in the region during the thunderstorms that passed over the area on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

Due to the storm, BC Wildfire ground crews and aviation resources responded to 76 new fires, which 59 remain active.

The Southeast Fire Centre said of the active fires, 19 are Under Control, nine are being held and 31 are currently listed as Out of Control.

Daily Dose — Team West Kootenay ready to compete in Canada 55-plus Senior Games in Kamloops

by Sarah Lord on Tuesday August 16 2022

Team West Kootenay opens the tournament Tuesday against Team Ontario. — Submitted photo

The West Kootenay Senior Slopitch squad is taking their game to new level with an upcoming date in the 2022 Canada 55-plus Senior Games in Kamloops.

Team West Kootenay, consisting of players from Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Rossland and Kelowna, begin play Tuesday at the Canadian Senior Games with a contest against Team Ontario.

“It’s competitive but not as competitive if a person was 20 years old," said Team West Kootenay manager Joe Capriglione.

UPDATE: RCMP release name of homicide victim in Castlegar; Major Crimes Unit investigating

by Castlegar Source on Monday August 15 2022

Jean-Luc Noel Levesque.

The BC RCMP Major Crime Unit (BC RCMP MCU) with the assistance of the Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) has now taken over a suspicious death investigation in Castlegar.

On Aug. 11, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Castlegar emergency services responded to a call regarding an unresponsive male near the Castlegar CIBC bank located at 1801 Columbia Avenue. Upon attendance a deceased man was located whose death appears to be the result of suspicious circumstances. 

Police are able to now confirm that the suspicious death is a homicide investigation.

Bats typically on the move during mid-summer — KCBP

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Friday August 12 2022

Baby bats, called pups, are born hairless, but soon grow fur, begin to fly, and may end up in surprising places. Always wear thick gloves if you must move a grounded bat, and contact the BC Community Bat Program for guidance. — Photo courtesy Okanagan Bat Project

The Kootenay Community Bat Project is suggesting people may be noticing more bats around their house or property as mid-summer is a time typically for more activity.

The KCBP said in a media release that landowners typically may notice more bat activity, have bats flying into their house and occasionally find a bat on the ground or roosting in unusual locations.

Environment Canada issues Thunderstorm Watch

by Lone Sheep Publishing on Friday August 12 2022

Severe thunderstorms are likely to develop late this afternoon and could continue into the evening in the Boundary, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay, East Kootenay and Arrow Lakes – Slocan Lakes area. — Screenshot photo

Following Thursday’s light show that saw lighting light up the sky throughout the region, Environment Canada is again issuing a Thunderstorm Watch for most of the southern interior of BC, including Boundary, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay, East Kootenay and Arrow Lakes – Slocan Lakes areas.

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