UPDATED: Death of Serena Vermeersch – Arrest Made and Charges Secured
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) released the name of the man charged with second degree murder in connection to the homicide of Serena Vermeersch as 43-year-old Raymond Lee Caissie. Inititally there was a publication ban on the release of suspect, but that has since been lifted said Staff Sergeant Jennifer...
Annual Mir Centre for Peace Series Takes On Important Issues
Bringing important peace and social justice issues to the forefront in the region, the Selkirk College Mir Centre for Peace has embarked on a new season of lectures and peace cafés. Since 2007, the Mir Lecture Series and Mir Peace Cafés have brought a diverse selection of local and international speakers to the West...
Cops find grow op on Crown land
An illegal marijuana grow has been found and dismantled by police, according to RCMP Cpl. Darryl Orr. Orr said that on Sept.17, police followed up on a tip and discovered 77 marijuana plants with a street value of roughly $10,000, in a remote location about a kilometre off the Rialto Forest Service Road (which is about 10km...
Nelson's Wayne Naka excited to take on challenge of 55-plus BC Games
Coaching in the Western Hockey League, Wayne Naka truly experienced the meaning of pressure. Those skills were definitely an asset after the Nelson native left the rigors of Tier I hockey for a principal position in the Kootenay-Columbia School District 20. However, the 59-year-old instructor will need to bottle up every bit...
Kootenay Rock Climbing Festival Returns September 20th
The Kootenay Rock Climbing Festival is pleased to announce that Australian mountaineering and climbing legend John Fantini will be guest speaking at the event. Fantini, who now resides in Penticton, BC, has innumerable first alpine and rock climbing ascents to his credit around the world and, at 71 years old, is still going...
GF man dies in crash near Kelowna
A Grand Forks man, Jeffrey James McNeil (46), has been identified as the victim of a motorcycle accident near Kelowna, (Friday) September 12. McNeil, was riding southbound on Highway 33 near Kelowna when he lost control of his motorcycle. According to the BC Coroner's Service, emergency personnel responded and he was taken...
Local cop gets warm welcome home after Cops for Kids ride
He spent all summer training and fundraising, and then another 11 days on the road cycling for local children. Castlegar RCMP Const. Rob Gardner returned Sunday from their 10 day, 1,000-km cycling journey across South Eastern B.C. as a part of the Cops for Kids Ride Team. The annual event raises funds and awareness for...
Open fires remain banned within Southeast Fire Centre
Southeast Fire Centre sent out a media release Monday saying the ban on open fires is continuing to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The Southeast Fire Centre said the prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. Specifically, prohibited activities include: the burning...
BC Senior Games gets new brand and new president in Nelson's Wayne Naka
Nelson native Wayne Naka was officially named the new president of the B.C. Senior Games during the recent competition held this past week in Langley. And with the new president comes a new games as BC Seniors Games Society officially rebranded its annual multi-sport event as the 55+ BC Games starting in 2015 with the North...
West Kootenay Toy Run once again a huge success
Rob Hiscox of Blewett was one happy ticket holder when his name was called as the winner of the 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide during the West Kootenay Toy Run celebration. Hiscox bought the winning ticket at Taghum Shell. Joey Bella of Trail won $1000 second prize while Sherry Chrastensen of Genelle took home the $500...
