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Regional News

West Kootenay Wildcats Provincial U18A Female Champs

The West Kootenay Wildcats include, back row, L-R, coaches Jim Maniago, Paul Matteucci and manager Michael Conci. Middle, Gabriella Campbell, Tia Mackie, Jadyn Ferreira, Siarrah Corfe, Taylor Robertson, Ashlyn Dewitt, Molly Taylor, Brennin Sjoden, Isabella Conci and Emily Maniago. Front, Natalie Barbe, Hannah Palumbo, Jordana Jones, Elisha Caplin, Melanie Brooks, Brooke Robertson and Jesse Chochinov. Missing, coaches Chelsea McLean and Katie Borsato. — Submitted photo

Players from Nelson, Trail, Castlegar Grand Forks and Rock Creek joined together to capture the BC Hockey U18A Female Hockey Championship held recently in Williams Lake.

The West Kootenay U18 Wildcats defeated Victoria Reign 5-2 to claim the overall title.

The Wildcats went 2-1-1 during the round robin before edging Vancouver IHA 3-2 in overtime to advance to the final.

The team is coached by Jim Maniago, Paul Matteucci, Chelsea McLean and Katie Borsato. Mike Conci is the team manager.

Bat fungus that causes white nose syndrome detected in Grand Forks area

Sleeping bat – a healthy Myotis bat found hibernating in a woodpile - reporting sleeping bats helps researchers learn what is normal. — Photo courtesy C Buick

The fungus that causes white nose syndrome in bats has been detected in bat guano in the Grand Forks area.

Since the arrival of the fungus on the west coast of the United States in 2016, the Province has been monitoring for its arrival in B.C.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is working with multiple partners to implement enhanced surveillance for the disease, as well as reduce threats to bat habitat.

Since bats eat a wide variety of insects and pests, they are essential for keeping B.C.'s ecosystems in balance.

Creston angler turns 52 fish heads in to $1000 in prizes

John Kennedy of Creston won $1,000 in prizes in the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program. — Submitted photo

John Kennedy has been fishing Kootenay Lake for about 30 years, but never as profitably as this winter, when a bag of frozen fish heads netted him $1,000 in prizes in the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program. 

“I finally ran out of room in my freezer,” said the transplanted Calgarian. 

Last month, Kennedy entered 52 trout heads in the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program, one from every trout he has landed since October.  

BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute hosts pair of events in West Kootenay

High School students and members of the community are encouraged to explore careers in health sciences while interacting with world-class researchers and health professionals. Registration is open until April 12, 2023. — Submitted photo

For the first time, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute will be travelling to the Kootenays with two free programs aimed at giving senior high school students and the community the opportunity to explore careers in health sciences, interact with world-class researchers and health professionals, and discover the latest innovations in health research.

During the first week of May 2023, distinguished scientists and researchers from BC Children's Hospital will be hosting a pair of events in Castlegar (May 4) and Nelson (May 5).

Environment Canada issues Special Weather Statement for Highway 3 — Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass

Environment Canada said for the Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass the onset of snow is delayed until (Friday) afternoon and will ease in the intensity Saturday morning.

A powerful frontal system has prompted Environment Canada to issue a Special Weather Statement for highway passes in BC.

Beginning Friday morning, and into Saturday night, higher elevation highways, including Highway 3 — Paulson Summit to Kootenay Pass — can expect possible snowfall accumulations of up to 25cm.

“A robust frontal system sliding down the coast tonight will begin to spread light to moderate snow to the Coquihalla Highway starting this morning,” Environment Canada said.

“Freezing levels are expected to remain below summit level this afternoon.”

Canadian icon Rick Mercer headlines Columbia Basin Trust symposia

Rick Mercer, one of Canada’s funniest satirists, is the keynote speaker. — Submitted photo

Columbia Basin Trust is inviting Basin residents to celebrate the region together and discuss the future at three symposia taking place in Cranbrook (May 26 and 27, College of the Rockies), Trail (June 9 and 10, Trail Memorial Centre) and Golden (June 23 and 24, Golden Civic Centre).

Attendees will enjoy local food, music and stories — and hear from keynote speaker, noted Canadian comic and television personality Rick Mercer.

RDCK Steps up its game in the new construction industry

New buildings are going to be 20 per cent more efficient starting May 1 in the RDCK.

Builders in the regional district are taking one more step along the road to energy efficiency.

New buildings are going to be 20 per cent more efficient — than an equivalent building constructed prior to the 2018 Building Code — starting May 1 as the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) moves toward implementation of Step Code 3.

KIJHL mourns passing of Posse’s Morton Johnston

The Princeton Posse assistant coach died in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is saddened to share news of the passing of Princeton Posse assistant coach Morton Johnston, who perished in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday.

Prior to serving as a coach with his hometown team, the Princeton, BC product also suited up for the Posse in 159 regular season games over four seasons from 2014-2018. He was a tenacious and energetic player and beloved teammate.

UPDATED: Driver that left accident scene turns himself in to police

RCMP said the driver of the GMC pickup truck has been arrested and released on an Undertaking to appear in court on May 31st in Castlegar BC. — RCMP photo

RCMP said police have identified the driver that left the scene of an accident Tuesday, March 21, 2023, near the intersection of Highway 3A and 6 near Playmor.

RCMP had requested public assistance following the accident after the driver of the Grey or Silver ½ ton GMC pickup left the scene of the accident that involved three vehicles.

“The driver of the truck has turned himself in to the Castlegar RCMP after seeing the media release with the photo of his truck,” RCMP said in an emailed statement.

“The investigation is currently on going,” RCMP added.

Threats, online intimidation resulting in postponement of Drag Storytime treated as suspected hate-motivated incidents — NPD

Nelson Police said the department takes a proactive stance against hate crimes and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all community members.

Nelson Police said Tuesday that the department is stepping up investigations following the recent postponement of the “Drag Storytime Children’s Program” at the Nelson Library on Saturday March 11th, 2023.

The program was cancelled by organizers before the event was schedule to happen after staff and storytellers received threats and online intimidation.

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