Paige Mueller

Local youth and SPCA supporters Kirk and Skye pose with the East Kootenay SPCA executive director, Christy King as they celebrate their grant from CFKR. Photo Submitted

Community groups receive funding through annual CFKR grants

Groups throughout the entire Elk Valley were supported through this year’s round of funding

Local youth and SPCA supporters Kirk and Skye pose with the East Kootenay SPCA executive director, Christy King as they celebrate their grant from CFKR. Photo Submitted
The City of Fernie is asking residents to be mindful of new lawn watering restrictions in place as of July 27, 2020. File Photo

City of Fernie takes steps to conserve water

Lawn watering restrictions are officially in place throughout the City of Fernie

The City of Fernie is asking residents to be mindful of new lawn watering restrictions in place as of July 27, 2020. File Photo
Major Kirk Green and Maureen Logan accept a donation of grocery gift cards from recent grads Francesca Caravetta, Isaac Penny, Malemil Deschamps and Layne Corrigan on July 28, 2020 at the Salvation Army in Fernie. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Grad Committee donates leftover funds to food bank

Approximately $3,650 was donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank in Fernie

Major Kirk Green and Maureen Logan accept a donation of grocery gift cards from recent grads Francesca Caravetta, Isaac Penny, Malemil Deschamps and Layne Corrigan on July 28, 2020 at the Salvation Army in Fernie. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
This map shows both the FortisBC gas lines and the various work locations both in and around Sparwood that will be affected in the upcoming months. Photo Submitted

Major construction project to begin in Sparwood

Residents will notice crews working throughout August and September this year

This map shows both the FortisBC gas lines and the various work locations both in and around Sparwood that will be affected in the upcoming months. Photo Submitted
The Fernie Arts Co-op will one of many participating venues in this year’s Columbia Basin Culture Tour from August 8-9. Photo Submitted

Twelfth annual Columbia Basin Culture Tour showcases local artists

Artists from throughout the Elk Valley will be participating in the event August 8 and 9

The Fernie Arts Co-op will one of many participating venues in this year’s Columbia Basin Culture Tour from August 8-9. Photo Submitted
Johnny Elias had a successful season playing with the Fernie Ghostriders this year. File Photo

Whitehorse native Elias joins Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines

Johnny Elias played for the Fernie Ghostriders this past season

Johnny Elias had a successful season playing with the Fernie Ghostriders this year. File Photo
Angel Flight volunteer pilot Todd Weselake (right) is seen with the very first patient to fly out of Sparwood via the Elk Valley Airport. Photo Submitted

Angel Flight, Air Search and Rescue celebrate string of firsts

The new Cessna 182 has made its first official flight for both organizations

Angel Flight volunteer pilot Todd Weselake (right) is seen with the very first patient to fly out of Sparwood via the Elk Valley Airport. Photo Submitted
Himalayan Spice Bistro is now offering breakfast at their location on Second Avenue in Fernie. Photo Submitted

BUSINESS BEAT: Locals adapt and flourish despite pandemic

New menus, expanded retailers and new operating procedures for local businesses

Himalayan Spice Bistro is now offering breakfast at their location on Second Avenue in Fernie. Photo Submitted
Paige Mueller writes her final editorial for The Free Press. File Photo

EDITORIAL: Editor bids farewell

Editor Paige Mueller will be leaving The Free Press team at the end of July

Paige Mueller writes her final editorial for The Free Press. File Photo
The last District of Sparwood council meeting took place on July 21, 2020. File Photo

Sparwood approves bylaw ammendments for patios and retail space

District council met on July 21 to hear from delegations and discuss new business

The last District of Sparwood council meeting took place on July 21, 2020. File Photo
The District of Elkford has officially launched their summer paving program and residents will see some road closures and detours as a result. File Photo

Summer paving project gets underway in Elkford

The work began on July 20 and will likely continue throughout the summer

The District of Elkford has officially launched their summer paving program and residents will see some road closures and detours as a result. File Photo
The District of Elkford has approved their 2019 Annual Municipal Report. File Photo

Annual Municipal Report outlines key activities for Elkford

The report was approved at the July 13, 2020 regular meeting of council in Elkford

The District of Elkford has approved their 2019 Annual Municipal Report. File Photo
The District of Elkford will be improving accessible walking options on Balmer Drive and Alpine Way with help from a government grant. File Photo

District of Elkford to improve walkability

A $500,000 government grant will help improve connectivity in Elkford

The District of Elkford will be improving accessible walking options on Balmer Drive and Alpine Way with help from a government grant. File Photo
Accommodations at Island Lake Lodge will be opening on July 24, 2020. Photo Submitted

Elk Valley businesses move forward in innovative ways

This week’s Business Beat includes Island Lake Lodge, Buds & Blooms, and more

Accommodations at Island Lake Lodge will be opening on July 24, 2020. Photo Submitted
Racers on July 15 and July 16 tackled the Top Gun trail for the SCOTT Downhill Race Series at Fernie Alpine Resort. Photo Submitted

FAR starts new Wednesday night race series for youth

Community appreciation week is also coming up so locals should mark their calendars

Racers on July 15 and July 16 tackled the Top Gun trail for the SCOTT Downhill Race Series at Fernie Alpine Resort. Photo Submitted
This photo shows a wetland area near Cokato Road and Montane Parkway. Photo Submitted

New court date set for Montane Developments Ltd.

The original court appearance was set for July 23, 2020 but has since been pushed back to September

This photo shows a wetland area near Cokato Road and Montane Parkway. Photo Submitted
The District of Elkford met on July 13, 2020 for a meeting of council that discussed various important topics. File Photo

District of Elkford takes steps toward new normal

The Elkford Aquatic Centre was reopened and summer road construction is moving ahead

The District of Elkford met on July 13, 2020 for a meeting of council that discussed various important topics. File Photo
One of the FSA’s sign kiosks was completely destroyed in late June, 2020. Photo Submitted

Fernie nonprofits face bout of vandalism and thefts

Three local nonprofits have been the victims of vandalism in just the past couple of months

One of the FSA’s sign kiosks was completely destroyed in late June, 2020. Photo Submitted
A partnership with the province of British Columbia and the Canadian Government is offering up infrastructure grants to community groups, nonprofits and municipalities. Photo Submitted

Infrastructure grants available for nonprofits, municipalities

The funding comes from a partnership with the B.C. and Canadian governments

A partnership with the province of British Columbia and the Canadian Government is offering up infrastructure grants to community groups, nonprofits and municipalities. Photo Submitted
One part of the newly released infographic explores ways to keep drivers and wildlife safe on Highway 3 through the Elk Valley. Visit the Wildsight website to see the full infographic. Photo Submitted

New infographic summarizes wildlife collisions in the Elk Valley

The infographic takes into account over a decade of research done in the East Kootenay

One part of the newly released infographic explores ways to keep drivers and wildlife safe on Highway 3 through the Elk Valley. Visit the Wildsight website to see the full infographic. Photo Submitted
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