The Free Press

The streets of Fernie from above. File Photo

Hosmer woman walks to Fernie, celebrates cancer remission

Every year for the past 20 years, Sandy Lightfoot and her husband Fred walk from Hosmer to Fernie

  • Mar 31, 2020
The streets of Fernie from above. File Photo
The District of Sparwood is seeing a community of people coming together to support each other in these trying times. File Photo

Sparwood comes together to offer support through COVID-19

The community put on concerts, scavenger hunts, and set up a volunteer registry among other efforts

  • Mar 31, 2020
The District of Sparwood is seeing a community of people coming together to support each other in these trying times. File Photo
CrossFit Fernie Mountain Fitness and Athletics is currently offering virtual fitness coaching. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press

The importance of staying active during self isolation

Maintaining an exercise regime is critical to mental health during stressful times

  • Mar 31, 2020
CrossFit Fernie Mountain Fitness and Athletics is currently offering virtual fitness coaching. Soranne Floarea/ The Free Press
COVID-19 has been confirmed in Elkford according to the District’s mayor and council. (File)

District confirms case of COVID-19 in Elkford

Post to District's Facebook page Monday informed residents of COVID-19 reported in community

  • Mar 30, 2020
COVID-19 has been confirmed in Elkford according to the District’s mayor and council. (File)
The City of Fernie is working to support residents and businesses during these hard times. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

City of Fernie responds to COVID-19 pandemic

The city has taken several steps to support residents and business owners at this time

  • Mar 24, 2020
The City of Fernie is working to support residents and businesses during these hard times. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
A sign posted at the Vogue Theatre announces their closure to the public. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press

COVID-19 closures and cancellations in the Elk Valley

An up to date list of all coronavirus related closures and cancellations in the Elk Valley

  • Mar 24, 2020
A sign posted at the Vogue Theatre announces their closure to the public. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press
The Mountainside Community Church in Fernie is one of two headquarters for the Elk Valley COVID Support Team. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Elk Valley COVID Support Team helps residents cope

The group was started by Mountainside Community Church which has campuses in Fernie and Sparwood

  • Mar 24, 2020
The Mountainside Community Church in Fernie is one of two headquarters for the Elk Valley COVID Support Team. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
In an effort to protect their residents, Trinity Lodge is no longer accepting visitors. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press

Elk Valley seniors aren’t alone in facing COVID-19

A number of services have popped up throughout town to support seniors during the pandemic

  • Mar 24, 2020
In an effort to protect their residents, Trinity Lodge is no longer accepting visitors. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press
The Fire Department continues to respond to calls during this time. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press

Emergency response teams continue services during pandemic

The RCMP, SAR, and fire department proceed with operations throughout COVID-19 situation

  • Mar 24, 2020
The Fire Department continues to respond to calls during this time. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press
Fernie Distillers post changes to their regular hours. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press

Fernie holds on to hope in midst of COVID-19

Communities in the Elk Valley are coming together with various initiatives to support one another

  • Mar 24, 2020
Fernie Distillers post changes to their regular hours. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press
The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Fernie remains closed although the food bank and Fernie Fresh are still open. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Food bank and Fernie Fresh offering alternatives to bare grocery shelves

It's almost business as usual for the two essential food service providers amidst COVID-19

  • Mar 24, 2020
The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Fernie remains closed although the food bank and Fernie Fresh are still open. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
The Arts Station has temporarily shut its doors during the pandemic. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press

Local artists struggle due to cancelled shows and closed shops

Creatives everywhere are in search of alternative ways to keep their content going

  • Mar 24, 2020
The Arts Station has temporarily shut its doors during the pandemic. Soranne Floarea/The Free Press
Some local businesses have devised alternative ways to continue to function.

Local businesses feeling the effects of COVID-19

With shops and services throughout B.C. closing their doors, local economies may be hit hard

  • Mar 24, 2020
Some local businesses have devised alternative ways to continue to function.
Pamphlets regarding mental health services adorn a table at suicide information night earlier this year. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

Mental health in the time of COVID-19

Taking care of our mental health is just as important as protecting our physical health

  • Mar 24, 2020
Pamphlets regarding mental health services adorn a table at suicide information night earlier this year. Paige Mueller/The Free Press
The District of Sparwood has a new director of planning and development. File Photo

Sparwood welcomes new director of planning and development

Schaun Goodeve will be joining the District of Sparwood in his new position

  • Mar 24, 2020
The District of Sparwood has a new director of planning and development. File Photo
Teck will be cutting its work force by up to 50 per cent to respond to coronavirus concerns. File Photo

Teck reducing Elk Valley work force by up to 50 per cent

The mining company will be reducing their crews across B.C. and Alberta as a response to coronavirus

  • Mar 24, 2020
Teck will be cutting its work force by up to 50 per cent to respond to coronavirus concerns. File Photo
Teck Resources Ltd. released a press release listing the ways they are responding to the coronavirus. File Photo

Teck responds to COVID-19 pandemic

The company is making alterations to their operations and offices

  • Mar 19, 2020
Teck Resources Ltd. released a press release listing the ways they are responding to the coronavirus. File Photo
Snowy runs on Fernie Alpine Resort. File Photo

Fernie Alpine Resort shuts down for remainder of ski season

Due to matters pertaining to the COVID-19 virus, the resort will remain closed

  • Mar 18, 2020
Snowy runs on Fernie Alpine Resort. File Photo
Nordic skiers dressed in Viking attire competed in the annual Flying Viking Challenge.

Flying Viking challenge hits Nordic Centre trails

The third annual nordic ski race took place on March 15 on a 25 kilometre loop

  • Mar 18, 2020
Nordic skiers dressed in Viking attire competed in the annual Flying Viking Challenge.
The City of Fernie has released the results to their annual satisfaction survey. Paige Mueller/The Free Press

City releases 2020 satisfaction survey results

The survey proves that the majority of respondents think Fernie is pretty good place to live

  • Mar 17, 2020
The City of Fernie has released the results to their annual satisfaction survey. Paige Mueller/The Free Press