Kimberley Vlasic

Teck Coal operates two mines near Elkford. File photo

East Kootenay polluters fined $24,000

Province fines Teck Coal and Mark Spittael for environmental offences in Elkford, B.C.

Teck Coal operates two mines near Elkford. File photo
Kootenay dad looks to U.S. after cancer treatments prove unsuccessful in B.C.

Kootenay dad looks to U.S. after cancer treatments prove unsuccessful in B.C.

Cutting edge treatment in U.S. last hope for Barry Marchi; June 21 fundraiser to help cover costs

Kootenay dad looks to U.S. after cancer treatments prove unsuccessful in B.C.
How should B.C.’s private forests be managed?

How should B.C.’s private forests be managed?

About 818,000ha of private land in B.C. falls under the Private Managed Forest Land Program

How should B.C.’s private forests be managed?
Nelson is co-founder of Stick & Stone, a retail store proposed for Fernie, and hopes to educate people on the uses and benefits of cannabis. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

Cannabis yoga a budding trend in East Kootenay

Yoga studio, cannabis educator team up to offer Fernie’s first cannabis yoga classes from May 17

Nelson is co-founder of Stick & Stone, a retail store proposed for Fernie, and hopes to educate people on the uses and benefits of cannabis. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press
The Elko sawmill resumed operations on Monday, May 6 after a week-long curtailment. File photo

Canfor sawmills back up in B.C. after week-long curtailment

Canfor curtails production due to lumber prices and the high cost of fibre

The Elko sawmill resumed operations on Monday, May 6 after a week-long curtailment. File photo
Fallen East Kootenay workers remembered

Fallen East Kootenay workers remembered

There were five work-related deaths in the East Kootenay last year, and 131 in B.C.

Fallen East Kootenay workers remembered
B.C. communities mark National Day of Mourning

B.C. communities mark National Day of Mourning

In 2018, there were 131 work related deaths in B.C.

B.C. communities mark National Day of Mourning
Mainroad crews will commence snow removal operations in the East Kootenay region as required. File photo

Isn’t it spring? Forecast calling for snow in the Kootenays

Up to 10 centimetres expected over the next two days, Environment Canada said

Mainroad crews will commence snow removal operations in the East Kootenay region as required. File photo
A Karelian Bear Dog has been stolen from an Elko home. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Family dog stolen from Kootenay backyard

RCMP appealing for information on pregnant Karelian bear dog missing from Elko, B.C.

A Karelian Bear Dog has been stolen from an Elko home. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka. File photo

Sierra Club, Kootenay MLA clash over mining

Tom Shypitka, Sierra Club BC butt heads over petition opposing new mining activity in the Valley

Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka. File photo
Fernie woman to represent Kootenay-Columbia riding in Parliament

Fernie woman to represent Kootenay-Columbia riding in Parliament

McKinley Richards is one of 338 women chosen for the Daughters of the Vote program in Ottawa

Fernie woman to represent Kootenay-Columbia riding in Parliament
The B.C. government has thrown search and rescue groups a lifeline, announcing $18.6m in funding over three years. File photo

East Kootenay search and rescue managers welcome new funding

Province announces $18.6m; funding to be divided according to groups’ response capabilities and needs

The B.C. government has thrown search and rescue groups a lifeline, announcing $18.6m in funding over three years. File photo
Avalanche warning issued for all B.C. mountains

Avalanche warning issued for all B.C. mountains

Warm weather to increase avalanche risk: Avalanche Canada

Avalanche warning issued for all B.C. mountains
Fernie Memorial Arena closed off following the deadly ammonia leak. File photo

WorksSafeBC almost done ammonia probe 1.5 years after Fernie arena tragedy

Statutory agency inspects ammonia-based fish processing facilities, follows up outstanding orders

Fernie Memorial Arena closed off following the deadly ammonia leak. File photo
The Province is yet to announce a long-term funding model for B.C.’s 80 Search and Rescue groups. File photo

Kootenay government leaders join search and rescue funding calls

Resolutions to put pressure on Province for stable funding; EMBC in negotiations with BCSARA

The Province is yet to announce a long-term funding model for B.C.’s 80 Search and Rescue groups. File photo
Motorists are encouraged to drive to conditions with up to 20cm snowfall expected over the next 24 hours. File photo

Snowfall warning issued for Kootenays

Up to 20cm expected by Wednesday morning; motorists encouraged to drive to conditions

Motorists are encouraged to drive to conditions with up to 20cm snowfall expected over the next 24 hours. File photo
Fernie Memorial Arena closed off during the winter. File photo                                Fernie Memorial Arena closed during winter following the deadly ammonia leak. File photo

Employer fines still possible after Fernie arena tragedy

WorkSafeBC considers enforcement action against City of Fernie, CIMCO Refrigeration

Fernie Memorial Arena closed off during the winter. File photo                                Fernie Memorial Arena closed during winter following the deadly ammonia leak. File photo
BREAKING: Teck fined $37,500 for exceeding air emissions at Kootenay coal mine

BREAKING: Teck fined $37,500 for exceeding air emissions at Kootenay coal mine

Half of stack tests at Elkview Operations from 2014 to 2019 exceeded the permit limit

BREAKING: Teck fined $37,500 for exceeding air emissions at Kootenay coal mine
Provincial funding helped Sparwood Search and Rescue rebuild after a fire in December 2016 gutted the facility, causing $350,000 in damage. File photo

B.C. search and rescue funding uncertainty causes concern

Province yet to announce new funding for B.C.’s 80 SAR groups with cash flow to dry up March 31

Provincial funding helped Sparwood Search and Rescue rebuild after a fire in December 2016 gutted the facility, causing $350,000 in damage. File photo
Recent CanWel clearcutting north of Fernie. Photo by Eddie Petryshen/Wildsight

RDEK director admits defeat in Fernie logging fight

Regional District of East Kootenay won’t intervene in private land logging issue: Area A Director

Recent CanWel clearcutting north of Fernie. Photo by Eddie Petryshen/Wildsight
Pop-up banner image