The Free Press

Young hockey players celebrate with their medals hanging proudly from their necks. Photo Submitted

Elk Valley Minor Hockey reflects on an abrupt season ender

The hockey club had a fantastic season until COVID-19 forced them to end early

  • Apr 7, 2020
Young hockey players celebrate with their medals hanging proudly from their necks. Photo Submitted
Puzzle piece cutouts could be seen decorating windows as a celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Photo Submitted

Elkford celebrates World Autism Day

Blue tee shirts could be seen throughout town as well as puzzle piece cutouts in windows

  • Apr 7, 2020
Puzzle piece cutouts could be seen decorating windows as a celebration of World Autism Awareness Day. Photo Submitted
This year’s Hot Dog Day was celebrated virtually. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

Exciting online initiatives keep locals amused

Virtual concerts, parties, quiz nights and contests ensure Elk Valley residents stay entertained

  • Apr 7, 2020
This year’s Hot Dog Day was celebrated virtually. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press
Fernie Alpine Resort has been closed since March 15, 2020. File Photo

Fernie Alpine Resort asks public to steer clear of resort

The ski resort released a letter from their general manager early last week

  • Apr 7, 2020
Fernie Alpine Resort has been closed since March 15, 2020. File Photo
The Fernie City Hall stands proud in the summer sun. File Photo

Fernie hires new bylaw officer

Tom Kramer joined the City of Fernie to help ensure COVID-19 health directives are being followed

  • Apr 7, 2020
The Fernie City Hall stands proud in the summer sun. File Photo
The City of Fernie is continuing their operations, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Funding denied for new community centre in Fernie

The City of Fernie was unsuccessful in applications for funding for the proposed community centre

  • Apr 7, 2020
The City of Fernie is continuing their operations, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
The World Health Organization has confirmed newspapers are safe to touch and read. File Photo

Help keep our carriers safe

By following a few simple rules, we can ensure our newspaper carriers stay safe and healthy

  • Apr 7, 2020
The World Health Organization has confirmed newspapers are safe to touch and read. File Photo
Community members look through pamphlets advertising various mental health resources in the Elk Valley at a suicide information evening in Fernie in February. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Mental health and COVID-19: finding balance

By: Dr. Tyla Charbonneau, registered psychologist

  • Apr 7, 2020
Community members look through pamphlets advertising various mental health resources in the Elk Valley at a suicide information evening in Fernie in February. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
Elk Valley RCMP arrested a suspected car thief in Elkford on April 1. File Photo

RCMP arrest suspected car thief in Elkford

Three stolen vehicles from Fernie, Sparwood and Alberta were located this week

  • Apr 2, 2020
Elk Valley RCMP arrested a suspected car thief in Elkford on April 1. File Photo
Signs thanking health care workers can be found all over Fernie. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

Celebrating hidden heroes of the Elk Valley

While many of us self isolate, essential workers still go into work day in and day out

  • Mar 31, 2020
Signs thanking health care workers can be found all over Fernie. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press
A closure notice is pinned on the bulletin board outside of The Fernie Hotel and Pub. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

COVID-19 greatly impacts future of seasonal workers

Faced with job loss and lack of financial support, many overseas workers were forced to return home

  • Mar 31, 2020
A closure notice is pinned on the bulletin board outside of The Fernie Hotel and Pub. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press
The District of Elkford has instituted several mandates to protect the health and safety of residents. File Photo

District of Elkford copes with COVID-19

The business community in Elkford has been hit hard by the economic slow down

  • Mar 31, 2020
The District of Elkford has instituted several mandates to protect the health and safety of residents. File Photo
The Loaf is preparing meals to hand out to those in need at this time. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

Elk Valley holds on to hope while pandemic ensues

Weeks into the COVID-19 crisis, communities in the Elk Valley continue to find ways to spread joy

  • Mar 31, 2020
The Loaf is preparing meals to hand out to those in need at this time. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press
Residents of Mt Trinity Avenue stare out their beautifully decorated window on Monday, March 30.

Elk Valley parents are keeping their kids busy during isolation

Numerous activities are popping up around the Elk Valley to keep children entertained at home

  • Mar 31, 2020
Residents of Mt Trinity Avenue stare out their beautifully decorated window on Monday, March 30.
Elk Valley physicians have penned an open letter to the public regarding COVID-19. File Photo

Elk Valley physicians pen letter to the public

The letter, submitted to The Free Press, is signed by over 30 physicians in the Elk Valley

  • Mar 31, 2020
Elk Valley physicians have penned an open letter to the public regarding COVID-19. File Photo
The closure is a response to staffing issues at the health centre (pictured). File photo

Elkford shuts down emergency department

Elkford residents requiring emergency care are now to visit Fernie and Sparwood's health centres

  • Mar 31, 2020
The closure is a response to staffing issues at the health centre (pictured). File photo
The weekly online meetings are hosted by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Fernie business community rallies together

Weekly online meetings keep business owners and residents informed on all things COVID-19

  • Mar 31, 2020
The weekly online meetings are hosted by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
RE/MAX Elk Valley Realty was forced to close their doors, although realtors are still working online with their clients. Photos Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Fernie real estate market sees effects of COVID-19

The way Elk Valley realtors work amidst COVID-19 is constantly evolving

  • Mar 31, 2020
RE/MAX Elk Valley Realty was forced to close their doors, although realtors are still working online with their clients. Photos Paige Mueller/The Free Press
Fernie Rotary Club donates to help support the Fernie chapter of Days for Girls. Pictured are Patrick Bilyk, Jill Rutherford and Randal Macnair from Rotary alongside Peggy Black and Kim Gietz of the Fernie chapter of Days for Girls. Photo Submitted

Fernie Rotary supports Days for Girls

The Rotary club donated $250 towards the Fernie chapter of the international organization

  • Mar 31, 2020
Fernie Rotary Club donates to help support the Fernie chapter of Days for Girls. Pictured are Patrick Bilyk, Jill Rutherford and Randal Macnair from Rotary alongside Peggy Black and Kim Gietz of the Fernie chapter of Days for Girls. Photo Submitted
The Fernie Women’s Resource Centre is continuing to offer their vital services to women and children in the community. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Fernie Women’s Resource Centre continues to meet community needs

The centre will continue to offer their vital community services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Mar 31, 2020
The Fernie Women’s Resource Centre is continuing to offer their vital services to women and children in the community. Paige Mueller/The Free Press