OP/ED: On Robin Williams, mental health, and us
I’ve reached that truly crappy age when it seems like every day brings with it the death of another childhood icon – but that’s not so bad for me, as I’ve never been one to follow Hollywood buzz. Until recently, I thought a Kardashian was a fictional Star Trek species (and I remain unconvinced that I was far off base on that)....
Wearing my historian’s hat
“I am under no obligation to be the person I was five minutes ago.”--- Facebook poster ( no author ) Pessimism, the incidence of violence, and progress Is there evidence that humanity is on a historical course toward a progressive, better future? Every reader of this column by now understands I am a pessimist, I do not perceive...
Basin Youth to Benefit from Junior Achievement’s Expansion into the Region
This fall, youth in the Columbia Basin will be able to learn about entrepreneurship and the viability of self-employment as a career option when Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) expands into the region. The expansion is possible through a partnership with Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust), which is contributing ...
No injuries in Bombi school bus crash
A school bus crash on Bombi Summit just after 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon proved nowhere near as dire as some onlookers supposed. Castlegar RCMP Const. Ron George said the school bus was, in fact, a decommissioned bus that had been converted into a makeshift RV with only one person inside at the time of the accident. “It went...
OUT OF LEFT FIELD: Grown up - or out of touch?
I had an interaction with a reader in the past week or so, and I went back and read through it, and realized my whole argument boiled down to, “You hurt my feelings.” Are you KIDDING me?!?! How unprofessional. Way to have an appropriately thick skin. Although I maintain his response to me was unfair and dehumanized me, holy...
Ponderosa festival ready for second year of music
All across BC there is outdoor adventure, stunning scenery and amazing communities awaiting discovery. Now, take one of those small communities and add a riverside campground, arts and tonnes of music. This is the making of one incredible summer weekend. Nestled on the banks of the Kettle River sits the small farming community...
Smoky sky advisory issued for region as fires blaze on
Forest fire smoke in the area has caused the Ministry of Environment to issue a smoky skies advisory for Thompson, Shuswap, Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, Boundary and Fraser Canyon regions. According to the Ministry, smoke concentrations can vary depending on the winds, fire behaviour and temperature fluctuations. They...
Staff shortage means truncated hours for Castlegar health centre lab
The following is a press release issued by Interior Health: Due to temporary limited staffing availability, the Castlegar and District Health Centre lab will close an hour early next week. Out-patient (drop-in) lab services will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Aug. 11 to 14. Alternate out-patient laboratory services...
Police update on two recent area deaths
Police continue to actively investigate the deaths of two local people, one in Rossland and one in Ross Spur, according to Trail RCMP Sgt. Darren Oelke. Rossland resident Thomas Feeney, 75, was discovered murdered in his home on June 5 of this year, and Oelke says the investigation is still very much ongoing. “There’s a major...
BC Firefighter Games in Pass Creek this month to be public for first time
This summer will end in a blaze of glory and fire - and we don't mean forest fires. Pass Creek Park will host the first annual firefighter games on August 30 and 31. Eighteen firefighter teams from all over B.C. will compete in nine events which focus on teamwork, strength, endurance and skill. “[Firefighter games] is not...
