Atamanenko opposes closure of prison farms
MP Alex Atamanenko and federal New Democrats today condemned the arrest of peaceful protesters at Kingston Penitentiary in the wake of the Government’s planned closure of a local prison farm and the sale of its livestock. “For the Government to be selling off prison farms at this time is disgraceful. This protest shows just how much […]
Castlegar food bank saved - school supplies needed soon
Castlegar's Community Harvest Food Bank is no longer in jeopardy after a massive campaign brought in staggering donations of money and food. Food bank director Deb McIntosh said the past three weeks have seen donations of roughly $20,000 in cash and gift cards, with another $4,000 worth of food. “This should bring us up ...
Pressure mounts against Florida church plans to burn Quran
A Gainesville, Florida church named the Dove World Outreach Center has drawn international attention to itself with its planned book burning of the Quran. The church urges people to send them copies of the book for burning at a bonfire event to be held on church property this coming September 11. The date marks the ninth...
Fire Bulletin: Smoky conditions expected to return
With shifting winds in the forecast, smoky conditions are expected in the next several days throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. The forecast shows that prevailing winds will change over the next few days. This change is expected to bringing smoke from the central interior regions of British Columbia, where the majority of large fires continue […]
Home invasion/assault sees 65-year-old Castlegar man hospitalized
Castlegar RCMP are investigating a home invasion/robbery/assault that occurred just after midnight on Aug. 6 at the Glade Esso station in Thrums on Highway 3a, according to RCMP Sgt Laurel Mathew. "Suspects broke into the residence that is attached to the Esso station and accosted the 65-year-old male who was staying...
Pets credited with saving man in Castlegar house fire
A fire that completely gutted a house in the 1000 block of 7th Avenue last night may well have taken the homeowner’s life as well, had it not been for the man’s pets. Fire chief Gerry Rempel said the homeowner was the only person in the house, and he was sleeping right through the smoke […]
RCMP: Second grow-op bust in area within days
Police have arrested two people in connection with RCMP's second grow-op raid conducted in the area in the space of just a few days. Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Laurel Mathew said officers executed a search warrant at a suspected marihuana grow operation on Relkoff road in Rasberry, on July 29. "Seized during the search were...
City: quarter-million-dollar air monitoring site for Castlegar; summer paving projects done except in Blueberry
City workers today demolished an old washroom building at Zinio Tennis Court, making way for a new environmental monitoring trailer. “The washroom was condemned several years ago and, as of today, it is no more,” said Chris Barlow, city director of transportation and civic works. City CAO John Malcolm said the city has...
Chamber needs to know: should businesses have a vote in local elections?
The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce is asking for community input as they decide whether to join a lobby calling for businesses to once again have a vote in municipal elections. Chamber executive director Pam McLeod said not all chambers are on board with the campaign, and to properly represent local business,...
RCMP top cop challenges city councillor; radio personality
Castlegar RCMP detachment commander Laurel Mathew has thrown down the gauntlet ... and her challenge has been received and accepted. Mathew said city councillor and food bank manager Deb McIntosh had best be prepared to lose her crown as the city's reigning pie-eating-contest winner, as this Saturday's fundraising carnival...