“Everything will burn, baby, burn . . .”– if we don’t take a bit of time and effort to make it as fire-resistant as possible. These words from the 2001 song by Ash can remind us about the increasing risk of wildfire consuming forests, and overwhelming communities full of homes and businesses.  Local wildfire expert Don Mortimer...

The KERPA Board is very pleased to publicly announce that as of Jan. 1, 2019, KERPA’s emergency vehicle has been fully operational and responding to calls with lights and sirens, as part of a volunteer service agreement with the BCEHS. The public is invited to the Crescent Valley Fire Department Open House on May 4 from 10 ...

Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on? Last October, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report indicating that global emissions are still rising despite more than three decades of warnings. Now we’re on a path to a 3 to 5 C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels by 2100. The...

Some ask, “What’s so bad about those so-called invasive species?  Some of them are so pretty!” Yes, they’re pretty. One example is Himalayan Balsam, also known as “Policeman’s Helmet.” It has beautiful flowers.  And it grows SO easily! The trouble with it is . . . it grows...

I’ve been amused, in past years, by signs posted here and there in Rossland that announce “WARNING:  BEAR IN AREA.”   I’ve suggested that the City should just post warning signs at the entrances to Rossland, announcing, “Rossland is bear country.  Please do not freak out if you see a bear.  Do not approach the bear. Remain ...

Environmentalists have come under fire lately from certain quarters.  Questioning the motivation of environmentalists raises the question:  What are they fighting for?    And the short answer is:  survival.  Not just personal, short-term survival, but the long-term survival of life on earth -- stopping the acceleration of...

Spring has sprung and trailers that have slumbered through the winter are being dragged out of storage and dusted off for use. Check the air in the tires. Light up the lights. Yes, we're good to go for another season! Experience has taught me that "spring cleaning" seldom includes the trailer's surge brake. I would set up at...

Columbia Basin Trust is providing nearly $1.5 million to help build 118 new affordable housing units in Cranbrook, Fernie, Nelson, Trail and Valemount. “These units are a vital addition to the range of housing options in these five communities,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer....

A general overview of discussion items and major decisions from last month's Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) Board of Directors meeting. The next board meeting was held Thursday at the Grand Forks office. Emergency Alerting Software Launched The RDKB Emergency Alerting System was officially launched on April...

Regional health and wellness resources are coming together in Trail to offer free consultations and demonstrations in a one-day event presented by the Trail & District Chamber of Commerce. The Kootenay Healthy Lifestyles Expo, slated for May 4 at the Trail Memorial Centre, offers access to over 70 exhibits and market...