Steve Jessel

The Columbia Valley Rockies will hold their home opener against the Golden Rockets on September 15 at 7:30 p.m. following Rockies Day activities.

Columbia Valley Rockies season preview

Hockey season has returned, and the 2012-2013 Columbia Valley Rockies are generating a high level of buzz and excitement.

The Columbia Valley Rockies will hold their home opener against the Golden Rockets on September 15 at 7:30 p.m. following Rockies Day activities.
District of Invermere mayor and RDEK vice-chair Gerry Taft said he hopes the new routes make the Columbia Valley Transit system easier to use.

Columbia Valley Transit looking to increase ridership

BC Transit delivered its annual performance summary for 2011-2012 at a Regional District of East Kootenay meeting.

District of Invermere mayor and RDEK vice-chair Gerry Taft said he hopes the new routes make the Columbia Valley Transit system easier to use.
Award-winning DJ Krafty Kuts will be at Bud's Bar and Lounge on Friday, September 14.

DJ Krafty Kuts in Invermere

Invermere will be coming alive with the sounds of breaks, electro, dubstep, drum and bass and hip hop.

Award-winning DJ Krafty Kuts will be at Bud's Bar and Lounge on Friday, September 14.
Rotarian Todd Fisher serves a Rocky Mountain School District 6 employee lunch during the by-annual congregation of Rocky Mountain S.D. 6 employees at David Thompson Secondary School on Wednesday August 29. Roughly 500 staff attended the meeting, which was focused on preparing staff for the new school year ahead.

Improvement fund gives boost to school district

Rocky Mountain School District 6 (SD6) will see $396,603 of the new provincial Learning Improvement Fund (LIF) this school year.

Rotarian Todd Fisher serves a Rocky Mountain School District 6 employee lunch during the by-annual congregation of Rocky Mountain S.D. 6 employees at David Thompson Secondary School on Wednesday August 29. Roughly 500 staff attended the meeting, which was focused on preparing staff for the new school year ahead.
Employee Deanna Berrington and owner Grey Bradatsch show off two of the pieces in the Artym Gallery's 'Top Secret Show' running until September 7.

The secret is out about the Artym Gallery

The Artym Gallery in Invermere is shrouded with mystery and intrigue this week.

Employee Deanna Berrington and owner Grey Bradatsch show off two of the pieces in the Artym Gallery's 'Top Secret Show' running until September 7.
Darryl Stettler (left) and Gerry's Gelati owner Gerry Taft show off some of the brand new equipment at YPC Fitness in Radium.

YPC Fitness expands to Radium

While summer is drawing to a close, it's never too early to get a start on your beach body for next year.

Darryl Stettler (left) and Gerry's Gelati owner Gerry Taft show off some of the brand new equipment at YPC Fitness in Radium.
Fairmont businesses are still recovering from the economic damage caused by the mudslide in July that forced Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to close for three weeks.

Tourism numbers down in Columbia Valley

The numbers for July and August from the local visitor information centres are in and have dropped from last year.

Fairmont businesses are still recovering from the economic damage caused by the mudslide in July that forced Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to close for three weeks.
Rockies Day action starts at 9 a.m. before the Rockies take the ice for their home opener at 7:30 p.m.

Rockies ready for home opener

Sharpen your skates and get your giant foam fingers ready.

Rockies Day action starts at 9 a.m. before the Rockies take the ice for their home opener at 7:30 p.m.
The Rockies main camp starts on September 3.

Rockies players need homes

The Columbia Valley Rockies will soon be gearing up to hit the ice.

The Rockies main camp starts on September 3.
Not one golfer has claimed the prize in the last 10 years.

$100,000 up for grabs

Heartbeats will be racing and palms will be sweaty next month when over a hundred golfers take their shot.

Not one golfer has claimed the prize in the last 10 years.
Jason Stevens with the Investors Group presents a cheque for $250 to Lake Windermere and DIstrict Lions' Club past president Al Larratt on August 24 as part of James Easthams' hole in one prize. For the full story, turn to page A17.

Ace shot underage

A brief moment of exhilaration turned into disappointment.

Jason Stevens with the Investors Group presents a cheque for $250 to Lake Windermere and DIstrict Lions' Club past president Al Larratt on August 24 as part of James Easthams' hole in one prize. For the full story, turn to page A17.
Kootenay Columbia MP David Wilks  presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal to Windermere resident Anne Picton (center) and Radium resident Phyllis Jackson (center right) at a ceremony on August 24.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals awarded

Two valley women were recognized in a special ceremony with Kootenay Columbia MP David Wilks.

Kootenay Columbia MP David Wilks  presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal to Windermere resident Anne Picton (center) and Radium resident Phyllis Jackson (center right) at a ceremony on August 24.
A group of family and friends who swam across Lake Windermere in honour of Jay Carscadden in July pose before the swim in front of the tree at Windermere beach that was planted in Jay's memory.

Local landscaper helping salvage memorial tree

A Windermere family is hopeful their vandalized tree can be saved.

A group of family and friends who swam across Lake Windermere in honour of Jay Carscadden in July pose before the swim in front of the tree at Windermere beach that was planted in Jay's memory.
The Columbia Valley RCMP detachment is welcomeing two new constables in Cst. Francois Mazerolle (left) and Cst. Danny Butler.

Columbia Valley detachment welcomes new officers

The Columbia Valley RCMP detachment is opening its arms to welcome two new officers.

The Columbia Valley RCMP detachment is welcomeing two new constables in Cst. Francois Mazerolle (left) and Cst. Danny Butler.
The red circle surrounding the fire is retardant dropper by air tankers to help prevent any further spread of the fire.

Fire continues at Brewer Creek

Forest fire season continues as Southeast Fire Centre personnel battle a roughly 25 hectare fire at Brewer Creek.

The red circle surrounding the fire is retardant dropper by air tankers to help prevent any further spread of the fire.

Assistance available to Fairmont

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has been approved for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for Fairmont Hot Springs.

A Braves batter takes a pitch from the Westbank Cardinals during the 2012 Canadian Native Fastball Championships in Cranbrook, where two Invermere teams from the Shuswap band played.

Shuswap dominates at fastball championships

Two Shuswap Band teams take first place in their divisions playing in memory of Randy Martin.

A Braves batter takes a pitch from the Westbank Cardinals during the 2012 Canadian Native Fastball Championships in Cranbrook, where two Invermere teams from the Shuswap band played.
No Island takes the stage at Strand's Old House Restaurant on August 28.

Vancouver-based band ready to rock Strand’s

Indie group No Island brings unique sound and accessible melodies.

No Island takes the stage at Strand's Old House Restaurant on August 28.
Much of the mountain is engulfed in smoke, as seen from this shot taken from helicopter on August 22.

*UPDATE* Fire on Octopus Mountain

A modified response wildfire continues to burn on Octopus Mountain in Kootenay National Park.

Much of the mountain is engulfed in smoke, as seen from this shot taken from helicopter on August 22.

Kootenay July job numbers increase

Region beats national trend by gaining 800 jobs in July.