The Rossland Skatepark Association (RSA) has greased their bearings for an intensive design process that, in just a couple short months, will culminate in "pretty pictures and 3-D models" of the skatepark-to-be in the southeast corner of the Emcon lot.

On April 24 we met with RSA director Robin Strachan and skatepark guru Jim "The Pres" Barnum of Spectrum Skateparks on that very corner as the pair discussed initial design considerations before heading to City Hall for another round of meetings.

The modern dating scene might be a perilous one but the modern breeding scene for local frogs, salamanders and toads is just plain deadly.

The Pacific Chorus Frog, the Tiger Salamander, the Long-toed Salamander and the Spadefoot Toad spend their winters among the rocks and trees found in Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park.

Teck Trail Operations would like to remind all members of the public not to access the closed area of land on the southern slope of Red Mountain. This area was closed in 2006 due to ground instability associated with historical mine workings.

Recently, collapsing historical mine workings resulted in a new opening in the closed area of the former Larry’s Loop trail, posing a potential safety hazard.

The closed area has been clearly marked with gates, fencing and signage, and we ask for public cooperation in respecting these signs.

As Rossland congratulates itself on a third consecutive year without increasing taxes, some on council took issue with another large hike in the regional district's (RDKB) requisition.

At the regular council meeting on Apr. 23, Coun. Tim Thatcher said, "I just went over the RDKB budget, there's a lot of money being spent. It's a big budget. I don't know if it seems out of control."