Grand Forks has a new full-time fire chief, who is also a familiar face at Grand Forks Fire/Rescue. Grand Forks City Council on Monday confirmed the appointment of Rich Piché as Fire Chief. A news release stated Piché is a long-time member of Grand Forks Fire/Rescue, where he started as a volunteer with Grand 16 years ago and was hired as a Deputy Chief for the department in late 2018. He’s been acting fire Chief since former chief James Runciman after he was dismissed this past January after he turned himself in to Kelowna courts due to a civil suit in regards to unpaid contract...… Grand Forks has a new full-time fire chief, who is also a familiar face at Grand Forks Fire/Rescue. Grand Forks City Council on Monday confirmed the appointment of Rich Piché as Fire Chief. A news release stated Piché is a long-time member of Grand Forks Fire/Rescue, where he started as a volunteer with Grand 16 years ago and was hired as a Deputy Chief for the department in late 2018. He’s been acting fire Chief since former chief James Runciman after he was dismissed this past January after he turned himself in to Kelowna courts due to a civil suit in regards to unpaid contract...WW…

Powell River’s name currently reflect a man whose main goal was to assimilate Indigenous people It was first in May 2021 that the idea for Powell River to change its name was brought forward to city officials in the coastal B.C. community. What followed, however, were bureaucratic delays and heightened tension among residents, leaving some wondering if their recommendations toward reconciliation becoming more than just words would ever actually become reality. For Harmony Johnson, changing the name of the community she is from – which currently reflects a man whose main goal was to...…Powell River’s name currently reflect a man whose main goal was to assimilate Indigenous people It was first in May 2021 that the idea for Powell River to change its name was brought forward to city officials in the coastal B.C. community. What followed, however, were bureaucratic delays and heightened tension among residents, leaving some wondering if their recommendations toward reconciliation becoming more than just words would ever actually become reality. For Harmony Johnson, changing the name of the community she is from – which currently reflects a man whose main goal was to...WW…

Spring is the start of gardening season in Canada. Whether you are planning to plant a garden this year or spend the day at an immaculately groomed public garden, this is the time to watch as the plants grow. Or, for those who choose to participate, World Naked Gardening Day is held on the first Saturday of May each year. How much do you know about gardens and gardening? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions. Good luck. READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about democracy? READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about Canada’s growing population? READ ALSO: QUIZ: A...… Spring is the start of gardening season in Canada. Whether you are planning to plant a garden this year or spend the day at an immaculately groomed public garden, this is the time to watch as the plants grow. Or, for those who choose to participate, World Naked Gardening Day is held on the first Saturday of May each year. How much do you know about gardens and gardening? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions. Good luck. READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about democracy? READ ALSO: QUIZ: How much do you know about Canada’s growing population? READ ALSO: QUIZ: A...WW…

Submitted by the Columbia Basin Trust Kaslo Mayor Suzan Hewat is joining the board of directors of Columbia Basin Trust, becoming part of the 12-member board which helps ensure that the organization continues to support the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. From Kaslo, Hewat replaces Aimee Watson as the Regional District of Central Kootenay nominee and joins three other new members announced earlier this year: Angus Graeme from Nelson, Karen Hamling from Nakusp, and Christine Hoechsmann from Cranbrook. “We are thrilled to have Suzan join the Board, adding a Basin-focused...… Submitted by the Columbia Basin Trust Kaslo Mayor Suzan Hewat is joining the board of directors of Columbia Basin Trust, becoming part of the 12-member board which helps ensure that the organization continues to support the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. From Kaslo, Hewat replaces Aimee Watson as the Regional District of Central Kootenay nominee and joins three other new members announced earlier this year: Angus Graeme from Nelson, Karen Hamling from Nakusp, and Christine Hoechsmann from Cranbrook. “We are thrilled to have Suzan join the Board, adding a Basin-focused...WW…

It was a good year for young competitive Nordic skiers this past winter, despite the unusually warm conditions. The 2023-24 season was one for growth for most of the programs, with 25 youth skiers registering, explained Tristan Sjoden, head coach for Skier Development Programs at Phoenix Nordic Ski club. This past season also marked an inaugural year for a racing team involving students between the ages of five years and 14. “The kids did really well, with lots of firsts for everybody,” Sjoden said. “All of them made some kind of progress, whether it was a first race or first time...… It was a good year for young competitive Nordic skiers this past winter, despite the unusually warm conditions. The 2023-24 season was one for growth for most of the programs, with 25 youth skiers registering, explained Tristan Sjoden, head coach for Skier Development Programs at Phoenix Nordic Ski club. This past season also marked an inaugural year for a racing team involving students between the ages of five years and 14. “The kids did really well, with lots of firsts for everybody,” Sjoden said. “All of them made some kind of progress, whether it was a first race or first time...WW…