Photo courtesy Bronwyn BarterParamedics hit the picket lines Monday after discovering a critical care unit was to be taken out of service for two days to allow for non-essential training.Bronwyn Barter, vice-president of CUPE 873 (Ambulance Paramedics of B.C.), said the picketing was, "in response to the BC Ambulance Service...

The Castlegar police blotter for the past week shows 65 calls for service, most of which, according to RCMP Cpl. Deb Postnikoff, were routine in nature, with the following exceptions:On Aug. 14 at 3:17 p.m., police responded to a single motor vehicle incident involving a motorcyclist who was lying on the side of the road in...

Boaters are being asked to beware of an invasive weed cauding problems in regional waterways, and now showing up here in the West Kootenay.Photo by Barb Houston:  Anneli Schadeli (left) and Claire Schadeli (right) during sign installation.Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) has been a troublesome aquatic invader...

Photo: A close-up of the toxic weed threatening equine food sourcesHoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) is an invasive weed species that has been introduced from Eurasia in “Wildflower” seed mixes and is quickly spreading throughout the West Kootenay, particularly in the Fruitvale, Harrop-Procter, and Lower Arrow Lake areas - and...

Photo courtesy Carrie VoyseyWilf Sweeney (right) of Castlegar recently established an endowment at Selkirk College in the name of his late wife, Doris Sweeney. The two have been long-time residents of Castlegar and supporters of the college. Revenue from the investment of the endowment will be put towards a yearly scholarship...

Story courtesy Fraser HayesThe Columbia Trail, which links the communities of Castlegar and Trail by way of Ootischenia on the east side of the Columbia River, is receiving upgrades thanks to a successful a proposal by Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails (CFPT). CFPT is a registered charitable society established to encourage...

Hopes for a quick decision from the B.C. Supreme Court in a situation mirroring the Celgar/Castlegar tax dispute have been dashed after the presiding judge suffered a death in his family.Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said all parties have been closely watching as the court case unfolds between the coastal community of North Cowichan...

A second meeting between the city and Celgar has taken place in the wake of Celgar's decision to withhold its taxes and, instead, file suit against the city in the B.C. Supreme Court.Mayor Lawrence Chernoff characterized the meeting, held Monday night during council's in-camera session, as positive, saying opening lines of ...

A 9-1-1 call Friday afternoon saw Castlegar RCMP responding to an assault, and the subsequent arrest of a 35-year-old Castlegar man, according to Cpl. Deb Postnikoff.She said the caller indicated a man had just assaulted a family member and was engaged in destroying property in the 800 block of Columbia Road.“(When police...

Photo: Community Harvest Food Bank co-ordinator Deb McIntosh.It's almost that time of year again, and the Community Harvest Food Bank is sending out a plea for donations of school supplies to help ensure local kids can make the most of their educational opportunities.Food bank co-ordinator Deb McInotsh said that, despite Bank...