Karly Blats

From left, Linda Nicklin, her husband Ray Nicklin, Jan Charlesworth and her husband Ted Charlesworth prepare for Alberni Fitness’ West Coast Rock Steady Boxing program for those affected with Parkinson’s disease. The program will begin March 14.

Valley programs to help those with Parkinson’s disease

Two Port Alberni residents and their husbands, who are affected with Parkinson’s disease, hope to start a support group in the Valley.

From left, Linda Nicklin, her husband Ray Nicklin, Jan Charlesworth and her husband Ted Charlesworth prepare for Alberni Fitness’ West Coast Rock Steady Boxing program for those affected with Parkinson’s disease. The program will begin March 14.
Aaron Watts of the Tseshaht First Nation, teaches SD70 students about Indigenous culture and history.

Students in the Valley learn Indigenous teachings and culture

Elementary school students visited the Tseshaht long house to learn about First Nations history and traditions

Aaron Watts of the Tseshaht First Nation, teaches SD70 students about Indigenous culture and history.
Artist Tom Torraville, left, and Shyla Jago, right, of Northern Hart Designs currently have an art exhibit on display at Burde Beans Coffee and Things that will run through March.

Artist exhibits 3D carvings at Burde Beans

Tom Torraville of Northern Hart Designs will display his 3D wood carvings at Burde Beans coffee shop through March.

Artist Tom Torraville, left, and Shyla Jago, right, of Northern Hart Designs currently have an art exhibit on display at Burde Beans Coffee and Things that will run through March.
A family of eight were rescued Sunday night after becoming lost in Rogers Creek Nature Trail.

Family of eight rescued in Rogers Creek Trail

The three adults and five children were found at 9:30 p.m.

A family of eight were rescued Sunday night after becoming lost in Rogers Creek Nature Trail.
Port Alberni residents begin their walk during the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Port Alberni coldest night fundraiser surpasses goal

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser raises close to $34,000 for ACAWS

Port Alberni residents begin their walk during the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Aaron Colyn, owner of Twin City Brewing, fills a 64oz Growler with the shop’s craft beer.

Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewing set to open soon

Owner Aaron Colyn is hoping to open the doors early March.

Aaron Colyn, owner of Twin City Brewing, fills a 64oz Growler with the shop’s craft beer.
Up against another Vancouver Island resident, Port Alberni’s Darren Deluca hopes to be the official MLA candidate for the BC Liberals in the upcoming election.

Alberni’s Darren Deluca hopes to be the next MLA candidate for BC Liberals

On March 11 Deluca will know if he can run for Liberal seat

Up against another Vancouver Island resident, Port Alberni’s Darren Deluca hopes to be the official MLA candidate for the BC Liberals in the upcoming election.
Artist Ariane Terez paints scenic images of places she’s explored on the West Coast

Artist portrays love for West Coast through paint

Ariane Terez finds inspiration for her acrylic paintings by exploring Vancouver Island

Artist Ariane Terez paints scenic images of places she’s explored on the West Coast

City of Port Alberni’s Parks, Recreation and Heritage department obtains grants

Kiwanis club takes on Canal Beach as a project; improvements planned for summer

BC budget proposes PST relief for business and industry electricity bills

In their 2017 budget, the province announced a plan to cut the PST on electricity in half effective Oct. 1, from seven per cent to 3.5.

Doug Blackwell, the Sockeyeking, paints salmon with acrylic paint and makes fish print canvases.

Doug Blackwell the Sockeye king turns fish into art

When not commercial fishing, artist Doug Blackwell creates fish prints using salmon and acrylic paint

Doug Blackwell, the Sockeyeking, paints salmon with acrylic paint and makes fish print canvases.

More discussion needed for replacing Echo Aquatic Centre

Before outlining a detailed plan to replace the aging Echo Aquatic Centre, more discussion is needed between the city and regional district.

Valley residents weigh in on city budget

City of Port Alberni’s first e-town hall budget meeting allowed the public to comment on the draft five-year financial plan

Spencer the search and rescue dog drops the puck for Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ captain Jordan Sandhu, right, and Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ captain Carson Bolduc before their Saturday, Feb. 11 game.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs honour first responders

The Valley's first responders were recognized at a Feb. 11 Bulldogs vs. Silverbacks game.

Spencer the search and rescue dog drops the puck for Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ captain Jordan Sandhu, right, and Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ captain Carson Bolduc before their Saturday, Feb. 11 game.
A group of student artists from Eighth Avenue Learning Centre and artist Connie Watts, right, unveil three paintings that they have been working on for three months. The pieces are part of the Onesness of Nature project and hang in the Eighth Avenue school.

Students reflect culture through paint

Students unveiled three paintings at Eighth Avenue School as part of the Oneness of Nature project.

A group of student artists from Eighth Avenue Learning Centre and artist Connie Watts, right, unveil three paintings that they have been working on for three months. The pieces are part of the Onesness of Nature project and hang in the Eighth Avenue school.
Mike Irg, manager of planning and development at the ACRD, left, and Penny Cote, Sproat Lake director, provide information at the regional district’s booth during the Island Agriculture Show on Friday, Feb. 3.

Valley highlights agriculture

Port Alberni was host to the Islands Agriculture Show, which was a big success in helping to promote the Valley’s agricultural industry.

Mike Irg, manager of planning and development at the ACRD, left, and Penny Cote, Sproat Lake director, provide information at the regional district’s booth during the Island Agriculture Show on Friday, Feb. 3.
Janette Cormier and Matt Kupnicki have joined together to offer Port Alberni residents a community acupuncture clinic. The new clinic is located in the Integrative Health Unit at 4711 Elizabeth St.

Community acupuncture clinic opens in Valley

The new Elizabeth Street clinic is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Janette Cormier and Matt Kupnicki have joined together to offer Port Alberni residents a community acupuncture clinic. The new clinic is located in the Integrative Health Unit at 4711 Elizabeth St.
Lt.-Gov Judith Guichon, right, listens to Kathy Robinson, Tseshaht First Nations elder, left, and her daughter Irene speak during the Islands Agriculture Show welcome ceremony on Friday, Feb. 3.

Agriculture show brings hope for Valley’s future

Local food producers, government and First Nations representatives and organizers were brought together for a welcome ceremony on Friday.

Lt.-Gov Judith Guichon, right, listens to Kathy Robinson, Tseshaht First Nations elder, left, and her daughter Irene speak during the Islands Agriculture Show welcome ceremony on Friday, Feb. 3.
Armada wrestler Darien Van Ingen, top, attempts to pin an opponent in a Saturday, Feb. 4 match.

Success for 34th wrestling invitational

Despite a snowy weather delay, the Armada Wrestling Invitational saw more than 500 wrestlers from 78 different high schools.

Armada wrestler Darien Van Ingen, top, attempts to pin an opponent in a Saturday, Feb. 4 match.
Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon gives a speech during a welcome ceremony for the Island Agriculture Show on Friday, Feb. 4.

Video: Lt. Gov Judith Guichon’s speech at agriculture show

Lieutenant governor Judith Guichon and other local government representatives gave speeches during a welcome ceremony at IAS.

Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon gives a speech during a welcome ceremony for the Island Agriculture Show on Friday, Feb. 4.