Regional News

Man remains in custody after smashing windows in downtown Nelson

by Nelson Daily Staff on 22 May 2017
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A few windows were damaged in the downtown core after a man went on a rampage early Sunday morning. — Submitted photo

Nelson Police said a man in his mid-20's remains in custody following a window smashing spree through downtown Nelson early Sunday (May 21) morning.

NPD Sergeant Dino Falcone said police attended an alarm in downtown Nelson at approximately 5 a.m. after it was reported a window had been smashed.

Falcone said while officers were waiting for the property owner to arrive at the business, they witnessed a 25-year-old man pick up a sandwich board and throw it into another business window.

"Nelson Police quickly apprehended the male and arrested him for two counts of mischief under $5000," Falcone said.

Kratom Products Recalled: Serious Health Risks

by Rossland Telegraph on 19 May 2017
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The plant, Mitragyna Speciosa. Photo by Uomo Vitruviano

Health Canada has announced that a company, Garnoff Botanicals, is voluntarily recalling unauthorized kratom products as they may pose serious health risks.

Haven't heard of kratom?  Don't feel bad -- you're not alone.  Kratom is the plant pictured above, or products derived from it.  What health risks does it pose?  Health Canada did  not specify the risks of the particular products being recalled in its announcement, but a Google search uncovers several known risks of kratom:

Bat encounters can put you at risk for rabies — Interior Health

by Nelson Daily Staff on 19 May 2017
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In 2016, 61 people in the Interior Health region were treated for potential exposure to rabies.

Interior Health is advising the public of the importance of avoiding physical contact with bats, the primary carrier of the rabies virus in B.C.
 
IH said rabies is a very serious disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated in time.

In 2016, 61 people in the Interior Health region were treated for potential exposure to rabies.

Cancer Society's Daffodil Dash exceeds goals

by Contributor on 17 May 2017
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Photo by Lauren Derksen

Daffodils are still blooming in Sunningdale, reminding the community of a successful Canadian Cancer Society event that planted hope and support for individuals touched with cancer.

Daffodil Dash Trail held April 30 at Gyro Park in Trail just surpassed its $29,000 goal and raised over $31,000 toward cancer research, prevention and support programs for people living with cancer and their families.

New single regional transit fare structure means rate rise in city

by Timothy Schafer on 16 May 2017
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In order to simplify the West Kootenay Transit Committee’s existing fare structure, city council approved a rise in the single fare structure from $2 to $2.25, but Nelson students will be paying a lot less. — The Nelson Daily file photo
Simplify, simplify, simplify.

City council has approved a new, single, simplified rate for transit, as recommended by a recent BC Transit Fare review, but it comes at a price.

A 25-cent price.

In order to simplify the West Kootenay Transit Committee’s existing fare structure, city council approved a rise in the single fare structure from $2 to $2.25, but Nelson students will be paying a lot less.

Selkirk College Students Visit Remote Calvert Island Research Station

by Bob Hall on 14 May 2017
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Students in the Selkirk College Integrated Environmental Planning Program spent a week at the Hakai Institute in early-April as part of the field trip element of their studies. Hakai Institute researcher Derek Heathfield (left) and Selkirk College student Brent Rayner (right) take part in a 3D drone mapping exercise that is mapping the coastline and determining processes in sand dune formation. — Submitted photo

A group of ten Selkirk College students in the Integrated Environmental Planning Program (IEP) spent a week off-grid on the west coast studying the impacts of climate change on a delicate ecosystem.

Just prior to completing their two-year IEP diploma,students and their instructors traveled from Castlegar to Calvert Island on the central coast of British Columbia. As part of the requirements for a spring field trip, students spent five days at the Hakai Institute applying the knowledge they have gained in the past two years to an entirely different ecosystem.

City moves to prop up paving program with parking meter rate rise

by Timothy Schafer on 14 May 2017
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Meters will still receive quarters, loonies and toonies, but the cost per hour is increasing to $1.25 after council passed third reading of the bylaw to change parking rates. — The Nelson Daily file photo

With parking space already at a premium in the city's downtown, the premium people pay to park is now going up.

City council approved third reading on a change to the per hour rates they charge for metered parking, increasing the cost by 25 per cent, from $1 per hour to $1.25.

There is certainly a range of other issues regarding parking and the condition of city roads that need to be discussed at the council table, said Coun. Michael Daily, but the rate rise for parking was not one of them.

Logging proposal gets frosty response in Ymir

by John Boivin on 14 May 2017
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Ymir residents are alarmed at a BC Timber Sales plan to allow logging in their community watershed.

Residents of Ymir say they’re alarmed by plans of BC Timber Sales to allow logging in their community watershed.

They’re concerned that their tiny community water system could be damaged by forestry operations in the area.

“It’s our only source of drinking, consumable and firefighting water,” says Jay Leus, a resident of Ymir who opposes the idea of logging the area. “It could very well put us into a water crisis, as our community watershed is incredibly small.”

RDKB cancels States of Local Emergency — snowpack remains above seasonal average

by Boundary Sentinel on 14 May 2017
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This is great news as RDKB Chair Grace McGregor happily signing documents to CANCEL States of Local Emergency. — Photo courtesy RDKB Twitter

The Boundary region appears to have dodge a flooding bullet, for now, prompting the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operations Centre to cancel the States of Local Emergency.

“River and stream levels in the Boundary forecasts downgraded significantly (Saturday) morning . . ..River levels expected to be well below last weekend's levels,” the RDKB media release said.

“Although the predicted floods will not happen this weekend, spring melt and runoff is not over. Snowpack at high elevations remain well above seasonal averages.

RDKB issues EVACUATION ALERT for Manly Meadows Area

by Boundary Sentinel on 13 May 2017
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The area of Manly Meadows Evacuation Alert area is circleed in orange.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary issued an Evacuation Alert for Manly Meadows Area.

The RDKB said the alert is being issued due to the potential for a second spike in flooding from the Kettle River in the Manly Meadows Area.

"Predictions are that the water level could exceed those experienced on Saturday, May 6," the media release said.

"Your property is on alert due to concerns associated with responders and resident’s safety considering the potential loss of road access to your property if water levels rise."