Phil McLachlan

Entrepreneur Keegan Street is bringing a new cafe and roastery to downtown Fernie. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Brewing up a fresh cup at Rooftop Coffee Roasters

Years ago, Keegan Street had a dream; start a coffee company. Years later this became a reality, when Rooftop Coffee Roasters produced its first batch of coffee and started to sell their products around Fernie. Now, the dream has grown beyond what Street originally envisioned. Soon the young entrepreneur will open the doors to his own cafe, which will act as both a roastery and a coffee shop.

Entrepreneur Keegan Street is bringing a new cafe and roastery to downtown Fernie. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Entrepreneur Keegan Street is bringing a new cafe and roastery to downtown Fernie. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Brewing up a fresh cup at Rooftop Coffee Roasters

Years ago, Keegan Street had a dream; start a coffee company. Years later this became a reality, when Rooftop Coffee Roasters produced its first batch of coffee and started to sell their products around Fernie. Now, the dream has grown beyond what Street originally envisioned. Soon the young entrepreneur will open the doors to his own cafe, which will act as both a roastery and a coffee shop.

Entrepreneur Keegan Street is bringing a new cafe and roastery to downtown Fernie. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
The Fernie Ghostriders climbed into second place for the Kootenay division after this game against the Nelson Leafs Thursday night. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Ghostriders secure win against Nelson

After a 6-4 win against the Nelson Leafs Thursday night, the Fernie Ghostriders climbed into second in the Kootenay Division, ahead of Creston by one point and behind Kimberley by six.

The Fernie Ghostriders climbed into second place for the Kootenay division after this game against the Nelson Leafs Thursday night. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Jordan Kromm will be playing for the University of Jamestown in North Dakota next season. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Kromm to join fellow Ghostriders in North Dakota

Joining Greg Susinski in North Dakota is Fernie Ghostrider forward Jordan Kromm, who has committed to the University of Jamestown for the 2019/20 season.

Jordan Kromm will be playing for the University of Jamestown in North Dakota next season. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
The proposed passing lane is designed to provide drivers with safe passing opportunities. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Positive feedback for Jaffray passing lane

Jaffray residents seem to be in favour of a new proposed Highway 3 passing lane, according to feedback in an open house on November 13.

The proposed passing lane is designed to provide drivers with safe passing opportunities. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
The Grasmere Post Office has been closed since November 1. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press/File

Temporary solution for Grasmere Post Office, future uncertain

Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament Rob Morrison says he's hoping for a positive outcome

The Grasmere Post Office has been closed since November 1. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press/File
Greg Susinski has committed to the University of Jamestown in North Dakota for the 2020/21 season.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Ghostriders defenseman commits to North Dakota university

Ghostriders defenseman commits to North Dakota university

Greg Susinski has committed to the University of Jamestown in North Dakota for the 2020/21 season.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Left, fans of goaltending coach Thomas Skelton attended Friday’s game. Right, Fernie’s goaltender Chance Griffith shows relief as the game ends.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Ghostriders climb Rockies in nail biting home victory

The Ghostriders took a nail biting 6-5 victory at home against the Columbia Valley Rockies, a battle not easily won.

Left, fans of goaltending coach Thomas Skelton attended Friday’s game. Right, Fernie’s goaltender Chance Griffith shows relief as the game ends.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Editorial: Free Press editor bids farewell

Editorial: Free Press editor bids farewell

Not too long ago the thought crossed my mind that I might stay in the Elk Valley forever. This conglomerate of communities I landed in almost by accident turned out to be the place I call home, more than any other place I have lived in before. For the first time I have purpose, a sense of belonging, and feel welcome.

Editorial: Free Press editor bids farewell
Edmonton artist showcases work

Edmonton artist showcases work

On October 31, Edmonton artist Jennifer van Popta presented a gallery of her work at The Arts Station.

Edmonton artist showcases work
City of Fernie hires new Chief Administrative Officer

City of Fernie hires new Chief Administrative Officer

Michael Boronowski is set to start in January, 2020.

City of Fernie hires new Chief Administrative Officer
A moose has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in northwest Montana. (File photo)

Moose tests positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in northwest Montana

This is the first time the disease has been detected in the species in Montana

A moose has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in northwest Montana. (File photo)
The Fernie Secondary School senior boys volleyball team is off to provincials in Castlegar, after winning against Sparwood, and taking second against

Fernie volleyball athletes qualify for provincials

Provincials take place in Castlegar, hosted by Mt. Sentinel, Nov. 21 to 23

The Fernie Secondary School senior boys volleyball team is off to provincials in Castlegar, after winning against Sparwood, and taking second against
Unearthed pipes lie on Vancouver’s East 12th Avenue, which is undergoing construction to replace a water main on July 14, 2019. According to the City of Vancouver, the existing water main is predicted to be over 100 years old, having been installed between 1906 and 1909. In Canada, where provinces, not the federal government, set water safety rules, the main source of lead in drinking water is antiquated pipes.  Mackenzie Lad/Institute for Investigative Journalism/Concordia University via AP

Lead not a concern in Elk Valley drinking water; municipalities

The City of Fernie, District of Sparwood and District of Elkford have confirmed that their towns contain little to no lead piping or fittings.

Unearthed pipes lie on Vancouver’s East 12th Avenue, which is undergoing construction to replace a water main on July 14, 2019. According to the City of Vancouver, the existing water main is predicted to be over 100 years old, having been installed between 1906 and 1909. In Canada, where provinces, not the federal government, set water safety rules, the main source of lead in drinking water is antiquated pipes.  Mackenzie Lad/Institute for Investigative Journalism/Concordia University via AP
On Wednesday, November 6, representatives from TransCanada were in Fernie to present the truck to the Fire Department.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Truck donation paves way for valley-wide emergency services

On November 6, the City of Fernie and Fernie Fire Fire Department received the donation of a truck from TransCanada Energy, which will be used to tow the Elk Valley Emergency Social Services trailer.

On Wednesday, November 6, representatives from TransCanada were in Fernie to present the truck to the Fire Department.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Twenty-one vendors from all over the Elk Valley participated in the Hosmer Craft Fair.

Hosmer hosts first craft fair in approximately five years

On Saturday, November 2, the Hosmer Community Hall hosted a craft fair for the first time in approximately five years. Many vendors, some with strictly handmade goods or homebased businesses, were looking for craft fairs to showcase their work. Organizer Robin Hutchinson said they wanted to provide a venue for these artists, allow them the opportunity to enter the craft market, as well as earn an income and support their business.

Twenty-one vendors from all over the Elk Valley participated in the Hosmer Craft Fair.
File photo

Fernie curlers return to the ice after two-year hiatus

Registration hits all-time high

File photo
File photo

Animal remains near Hosmer trail sparks concern

Trail user described the remains as being left near the Trans Canada Trail, just outside Hosmer

File photo
File photo

Highway delays today between Fernie and Hosmer

Motorists can expect minor delays and single lane alternating traffic, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

File photo
Jody Moench and Eric Epperson of Funky Goat Pizza. Missing is co-owner Ryan Gerard. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Pizza shop adds ‘funk’ to Fernie’s culinary scene

Three young entrepreneurs have proudly opened their doors to their new shop in Fernie; Funky Goat Pizza, an artisan pizza restaurant located at Unit C, 362 2 Avenue.

Jody Moench and Eric Epperson of Funky Goat Pizza. Missing is co-owner Ryan Gerard. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press