DriveSmart BC: Distracted driving explained
It may be something that you are actually aware of or it may just be another buzz in the background of your life, but March is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in British Columbia. ICBC does the majority of the publicity, the police adjust their enforcement focus and drivers muddle along thinking that they are doing just ...
Adventures in Dating: How not to be a jerk and other tidbits
Ed. Note: Contains some graphic content which may be offensive to some readers. So … dating. It’s been a while since I’ve written about it (mostly because I am in a relationship and my fiance would probably find that weird) … but honestly, it was always one of my favorite things to write about. I mean, let’s face it, there ...
Castlegar cadet conquers competition
On Feb. 23, 10 Air Cadets from the Kootenays participated in local Air Cadet Regional Effective Speaking competition, sponsored by the Air Cadet League of Canada. Each cadet gave a five minute prepared speech, on a topic of their choosing, and then a two minute impromptu speech on the same pre-selected topic. Community members...
Single measles case confirmed in Interior Health
A case of measles infection has been confirmed in the Interior Health region, in 100 Mile House. Interior Health medical health officers have determined that this infection was likely acquired outside of the province and is not linked to cases on the B.C. coast. This is the only confirmed measles case in Interior Health at ...
Hospitals failing to follow legal safeguards for mentally ill patients involuntarily detained, B.C. Ombudsperson investigation finds
The legal rights of mentally ill patients involuntarily admitted to psychiatric facilities across the province are being denied according to an investigative report issued by the BC Ombudsperson today. Ombudsperson Jay Chalke released Special Report No.42,Committed to Change: Protecting the Rights of Involuntary Patients under...
Diligent police work leads to arrest of prolific offender in Castlegar this morning
A local prolific offender was arrested in the wee hours of Thursday morning, according to Castlegar top cop RCMP Sgt. Darren Oelke. “At 1:45 a.m., one of our members on patrol noticed tracks in the fresh snow which led him to believe a vehicle was driving erratically,” Oelke said. “He followed the tracks and found a male...
Two car crashes Tuesday prompt public warning about road conditions
Two separate MVIs Tuesday, within four km of each other, have underlined the hazardous seasonal road conditions. Castlegar RCMP Sgt. Darren Oelke said the first call came in at 12:56 p.m. for a crash on Hwy 3 West, near College Creek Forest Service Road. “The vehicle was driving on a straight stretch with a slight incline, ...
LETTER: Imploring council to reconsider current taxation proposal
Dear Council Members, I am writing to implore you to reconsider your upcoming tax budget. The proposed 34/35 per cent over five years is astronomical, particularly in light of the current three-per-cent cost of living increase. We have all seen groceries and gasoline prices go up much more than that, which impacts us all...
LETTER: In opposition to increased taxation
One of the primary reasons that many citizens are drawn to Castlegar, is the economy. It attracts people who are not wealthy, like retirees and those on fixed incomes. Many politicians want to build arbitrary monuments to themselves. They want to be remembered so they can bask in kudos for re-election. We do not need to become...
Fuel spills draws CFD Hazmat to Columbia Avenue Wednesday afternoon
Motorists may have been startled to see Castlegar Fire Department Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) working along Columbia Avenue near McDonalds today. Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio said it was due to a situation in which a semi tractor-trailer unit had a ruptured fuel tank, which was leaking diesel fuel onto the roadway. "He was...
