800 miles of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System were closed down following a spill of thousands of barrels of crude oil south of Fairbanks, Alaska. A power failure following a routine fire-command system test caused relief valves to open and crude oil overflowed near the Fort Greely pump station 9. The...

Rainy weather seems to have dampened some of the less-savoury spirits in Castlegar as local police and fire fighters are reporting an unusually uneventful May long weekend. Fire chief Gerry Rempel said that, beyond a small brush fire and a false alarm or two, it was a great weekend to get local firetrucks and equipment polished...

More than 400 people attended last year’s city street dance, held in conjunction with Sunfest – and this year should see an even better turn-out. City councillor Kevin Chernoff has helped organize this year’s event, and he said there’s some new innovations and fun additions to make sure everyone has a terrific time. “The street behind City […]

Inclement weather was no deterrent for the more than 1,200 people who showed up for the grand opening of the restored Brilliant Suspension Bridge. Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff said it was standing room only Saturday morning at the Brilliant Cultural Centre, where several speeches were offered by local dignitaries before the whole crowd made its […]

British Columbia is sending 93 wildfire professionals to Ontario in anticipation of increased wildfire activity due to extreme fire conditions, Minister of Forests and Range Pat Bell said today. "Last year, more than 2,500 personnel from across Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand assisted us with an extremely challenging...

David Byrne, the former lead singer of 1980s art punk band Talking Heads, is suing Florida governor Charlie Crist over the latter's use of the Talking Heads song "Road to Nowhere" in an election commercial. Byrne alleges that Crist made use of the song in a campaign commercial without the artist's permission, and that if...

 US scientists say that oil from the spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached the Loop Current, which could propel the oil towards the coast of Florida.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), limited amounts of oil have entered the current, and could reach Florida's coast in as few as six days,...

A fundamental piece of Castlegar heritage will once again be accessible to the public after this weekend’s grand re-opening of the Brilliant Suspension Bridge. The bridge stands as testament to the pioneering spirit of the region’s early settlers – and as a symbol of the hopes, dreams and strategies that will guide the region’s future. […]

A huge community potluck picnic is in the works as plans come together for the 10th annual Blueberry Community School Hub picnic. School coordinator Bev George said last year drew 163 people - and they're hoping for even more this year. "The picnic is to get members of the community together, celebrating being a part of our...

With a turn-out of more than 500 people, the first annual Garden and Nature Festival is officially a success. The event, held last Saturday at Millennium Park, featured roughly 50 booths showcasing everything from plants to water conservation to wildlife preservation.Heather McSwan, chair of the festival committee, said...