Tonight’s city council meeting will almost certainly see disgruntled residents and representatives, after Castlegar’s emergency ward was closed without notice Saturday. People – even first responders – seeking medical care were met, at the hospital doors, with a sign that read, “Emerg dept closed for today (Sat Feb 4) Please head to Trail or Nelson […]

By Bruce Fuhr, The Nelson Daily First find a location and then build a course. For those keeping score at home the North Face at Balface Lodge near Nelson just happened to be the place of choice. Lobby a major sponsor to bank roll the event before inviting a few friends, who just happen to some of the best boarders in the...

The City of Castlegar unveiled its $19-million 2012 budget to less-than thunderous applause Wednesday, as only seven people (not including city staff and council) showed up for the public meeting. The turnout was disappointing, but not surprising, according to city councillor and finance committee chair Russ Hearne. “It’s similar to the turn out we’ve had […]

A massive cougar apparently made a pit-stop in Blueberry last weekend, which is only one of many good reasons for residents to keep their pets indoors. Area resident Colleen Kalnins said she was preparing to go to bed Saturday night when she saw the big cat. “It was about 11 p.m. and I was turning out my lights,” she said. ...

The Kootenay Ice bounced back from a previous night collapse to double the South Island Thunderbirds 4-2 in B.C. Hockey Major Midget League action Sunday at the NDCC Arena. Justin Post of Nelson, Castlegar’s Darren Medeiros and Jake Lucchini of Trail scored in the third period to lift the Ice to its first win of the season ...

New Democrat leader Adrian Dix and the party advanced education critic Michelle Mungall joined students at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna Wednesday to call on the B.C. Liberal government to reinstate needs-based student grants. The gathering was part of the February 1 National Day of Action for post ...

New Democrat MP for Southern Interior of B.C., Alex Atamanenko is “angered” by the recent announcement that the Conservatives are looking at making changes to the Old Age Security pension. The government claims that the present system is becoming unsustainable because of the aging demographics of Canadians. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s surprise plan included a […]

It’s been said there are many differences between Canadians and Americans. Groundhogs can now be added into the mix. In Ontario, Canada’s weather expert Wiarton Willie failed to see his shadow this morning, which bodes well for Canadians as according to tradition, an early spring is on its way. Ditto for Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam. […]

To a snowboarder meeting Travis Rice is like having Sidney Crosby come to a hockey player’s house. Which is why boarders young and old flocked to the Tribute Boardshop for an autograph session Wednesday evening. Rice and Lucas Debari were joined by a few special guests during autograph signing session that attracted a crowd of […]

Shea Weighill continues to be one of the bright lights on the Kootenay Wildcats Female Hockey team. Earlier this week the Nakusp star was recognized by B.C. Hockey as the Female Midget AAA League’s player of the month for December. Weighill, 17, has been a big part of the Cats success this season scoring three […]