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Regional News

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).

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.

Snowpack lower than normal with predictions pointing to colder than normal spring

The Ministry of Forests Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin (March) has the West Kootenay pegged at 90 per cent of normal.

The West Kootenay region is lagging behind much of the province when it comes to snowpack and sits lower at this time of the year than it normally does.

The Ministry of Forests Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin (March) has the West Kootenay pegged at 90 per cent of normal, below the average of 94 per cent from across the province.

But with 80 per cent of the seasonal snow pack having already accumulated, on average, by March 1, the West Kootenay is looking at drier conditions as the warmer months settle in.

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.

Provincial old growth logging statistics not telling the real story: Prior

Incomappleux River valley looking downriver; Boyd Creek entering from the left. 1974 — Creative Commons.

The Province of B.C. is ‘logging for extinction’ despite its claims to be reducing logging in old growth forests, claims a long-time Nelson activist.

Tom Prior said the provincial government recent contention that logging of old growth has declined by 42 per cent in B.C. — from an estimated 65,500 hectares in 2015 to 38,300 hectares in 2021 — is not quite as it seems.

Lifeguard shortage to likely shorten pool hours across RDCK

People are advised to double-check the schedule since information may change quickly — Creative Commons.

A growing shortage of lifeguards in the region has resulted in the reduction of operating hours at the three indoor swimming pools the RDCK operates.

What those reduced hours will be is expected to be shared daily on each facility’s recorded phone greeting, on facility signs, social media and on the regional district’s website. People are advised to double-check the schedule since information may change quickly.

Theft of purse leads to fraud investigation

RCMP encourage the public to take steps to deter thefts by removing or hiding valuables.

On March 15, 2023, Grand Forks RCMP were made aware of a theft from a motor vehicle that occurred on March 4, 2023 at the Paulson Cross Country ski area off Highway 3.

Police said that while the driver secured their vehicle, someone came by, broke into the vehicle and stole a purse including credit cards.

After contacting the bank, RCMP said the person discovered that the cards had been used at various locations in Christina Lake and Grand Forks.

Officers are investigating the matter in hopes of identifying a suspect or suspects.

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