Phil McLachlan

Tara Higgins stands in her new gallery space, downtown Fernie.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

New art gallery opens downtown Fernie

Two local artists, Tara Higgins and Kerri Holmes have joined forces to open H2 Studio Gallery

Tara Higgins stands in her new gallery space, downtown Fernie.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Cavers descend deeper into Bisaro Anima. (Photo: Jared Habiak/Bisaro Plateau Caves Project)

Search continues for new leads in Mt. Bisaro cave system

Cavers returning October, November to push new leads, extend Canada's deepest cave near Fernie

Cavers descend deeper into Bisaro Anima. (Photo: Jared Habiak/Bisaro Plateau Caves Project)
Mike O’Kane (middle) explains their water quality solutions to a member of the public at their open house last Thursday, August 1.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

North Coal presents water quality solutions to public

The mining company held an open house in Sparwood, August 1

Mike O’Kane (middle) explains their water quality solutions to a member of the public at their open house last Thursday, August 1.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Fernie Mayor says City is committed to hosting Mine Rescue competitions

Fernie Mayor says City is committed to hosting Mine Rescue competitions

Fernie mayor Ange Qualizza says that a rumour alleging the City will not host the National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition is false.

Fernie Mayor says City is committed to hosting Mine Rescue competitions
A suspicious package has closed part of downtown Fernie, August 4. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

UPDATE: Suspicious package deemed not a threat, downtown re-opened

As of 12:35 on Sunday, business returned to normal.

A suspicious package has closed part of downtown Fernie, August 4. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
(Andrew McCormick was the first customer at Summit Cannabis, Friday. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press)

Elk Valley’s first cannabis store opens its doors, serves first customer

Summit Cannabis will open Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for their first full day of business

(Andrew McCormick was the first customer at Summit Cannabis, Friday. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press)
"For the sake of tradition" - Queer Anglican minister reflects on same-gender marriage vote

“For the sake of tradition” – Queer Anglican minister reflects on same-gender marriage vote

Minister feels 'hamstrung' by group of people intent on preserving the traditional view of marriage

"For the sake of tradition" - Queer Anglican minister reflects on same-gender marriage vote
Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton. The Free Press/File

Kootenay Anglican bishop voices favour for same-gender marriages

Kootenay Diocese among 19 out of 30 around country to voice approval for same-gender marriage

Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton. The Free Press/File
File photo

Statistics Canada report shows fluctuations in Elk Valley crime levels

Crime in some parts of Fernie is on the rise, according to a report released by Statistics Canada.

File photo
File photo

Wounded grizzly bear near Fernie never found

One month after a grizzly bear was wounded by authorities in an attempt to destroy it, the location of the bear remains unknown.

File photo
Employers are resorting to hiring youth out-of-province to help fill their labour needs. Phil McLachlan/The Free PressPhil McLachlan/The Free Press

Youth unemployment in Fernie soars, employers suffering

Employers are resorting to hiring youth out-of-province to help fill their labour needs

Employers are resorting to hiring youth out-of-province to help fill their labour needs. Phil McLachlan/The Free PressPhil McLachlan/The Free Press
Heidi Gravelle (right) and her grandmother, Elizabeth. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Heidi Gravelle elected chief, Tobacco Plains Indian Band

The Tobacco Plains Indian Band's newest elected chief is excited to give back.

Heidi Gravelle (right) and her grandmother, Elizabeth. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Elizabeth Gravelle was the first elected female First Nations chief in Canada, 1960. Now 96 years old, she watched her granddaughter Heidi Gravelle be elected chief of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band on July 5. Both spoke with The Free Press about the past, present and future of the band. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Past, present and future of Tobacco Plains

Ktunaxa Nation elder reflects on granddaughter's election, speaks to the future of band

Elizabeth Gravelle was the first elected female First Nations chief in Canada, 1960. Now 96 years old, she watched her granddaughter Heidi Gravelle be elected chief of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band on July 5. Both spoke with The Free Press about the past, present and future of the band. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Free Press/File

Three individuals rescued after stranded overnight on Elk River

Three individuals have been located safe after becoming stranded overnight during a river float trip.

Free Press/File
Two new coaches, at least 10 new players on the way for Ghostriders.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press/File

Ghostriders switch gears, prep for another season

The Fernie Ghostriders are looking forward to another strong season, despite the fact it will be a very different team.

Two new coaches, at least 10 new players on the way for Ghostriders.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press/File
An electrical storm passed over Fernie on the night of July 23. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

VIDEO: Electrical storm passes over Elk Valley

Shortly after Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning on the night of July 23, a massive electrical storm rolled through the Elk Valley and into Alberta. The video below is a compilation of strikes seen from Fernie at around 1:30 a.m., July 24.

An electrical storm passed over Fernie on the night of July 23. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Severe thunderstorm watch issued across Okanagan Valley. (File photo)

Thunderstorms, hail expected in Elk Valley tonight

Thunderstorms and hail are expected to impact the Elk Valley within the next 24 hours.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued across Okanagan Valley. (File photo)
Komatsu Mining Corp. has announced plans to develop a new $40M facility in Sparwood. Pictured is Komatsu Western Canada regional manager, Steven Droste in April 2018, cutting the ribbon to signify the official opening of their current facility. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Komatsu announces plans for $40M, 85k-square-foot facility in Sparwood

Komatsu Mining Corp. has announced plans to develop a new 85,000-square-foot sales and service facility in downtown Sparwood.

Komatsu Mining Corp. has announced plans to develop a new $40M facility in Sparwood. Pictured is Komatsu Western Canada regional manager, Steven Droste in April 2018, cutting the ribbon to signify the official opening of their current facility. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning, right, responds to questions as head coach Travis Green listens during a news conference. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Former Fernie Ghostrider re-signs with Vancouver Canucks

Josh Teves has signed a two-year contract with the NHL team

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning, right, responds to questions as head coach Travis Green listens during a news conference. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Michael Penny's piece took first at the Ron Adamson Libby Chainsaw Event, July 9. Submitted

Fernie chainsaw carver wins big at Logger Days

Michael Penny placed 3rd at Powell River Logger Sports, last weekend

Michael Penny's piece took first at the Ron Adamson Libby Chainsaw Event, July 9. Submitted