Phil McLachlan

Motor vehicle incident in Sparwood results in death of dump truck driver

Motor vehicle incident in Sparwood results in death of dump truck driver

An individual has died after the dump truck they were driving went off Lower Elk Valley Road.

Motor vehicle incident in Sparwood results in death of dump truck driver
Cannabis stores in Fernie get green light, open in one month

Cannabis stores in Fernie get green light, open in one month

Two cannabis stores in Fernie could be open for non-medical sales in one month's time.

Cannabis stores in Fernie get green light, open in one month
Mariano Santander-Melo (right) pictured with Aaron Jones of Calgary (left) celebrating together one day after Jones saved Santander-Melo from a near-drowning incident at Suzanne Lake. Santander-Melo says he’s now viewing life through new eyes. Turn to page A5 to read the full story.  SubmittedMariano Santander-Melo (right) pictured with Aaron Jones of Calgary (left).  Submitted

Survivor of near-drowning in Elk Valley lake viewing life through new eyes

"If I died that day, the baby wouldn't know his dad," said 31-year-old Mariano Santander-Melo.

Mariano Santander-Melo (right) pictured with Aaron Jones of Calgary (left) celebrating together one day after Jones saved Santander-Melo from a near-drowning incident at Suzanne Lake. Santander-Melo says he’s now viewing life through new eyes. Turn to page A5 to read the full story.  SubmittedMariano Santander-Melo (right) pictured with Aaron Jones of Calgary (left).  Submitted
Calgary's Bogdan Szafranowicz finished second overall in the 16th annual Lizard Range/Fernie Tourney disc golf tournament, last weekend. Sixty-one athletes competed, and a Fernie man took top spot in one of the many categories. Turn to page A14 to read more. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

American Kevin Sheehan crowned champion at Fernie disc golf tournament

Close behind was Calgary's Bogdan Szafranowicz and American Brian Bjortomt

Calgary's Bogdan Szafranowicz finished second overall in the 16th annual Lizard Range/Fernie Tourney disc golf tournament, last weekend. Sixty-one athletes competed, and a Fernie man took top spot in one of the many categories. Turn to page A14 to read more. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Fernie woman creates sanctuary for people of all ages, abilities
Fernie woman creates sanctuary for people of all ages, abilities
Structure fire near Elko quickly contained, spreading prevented. Photo courtesy of RDEK

Structure fire near Elko quickly contained, spreading prevented

A quick response by local firefighters today prevented the spread of a structure fire near Elko, in the Rock Creek area.

Structure fire near Elko quickly contained, spreading prevented. Photo courtesy of RDEK
Fernie SAR/Facebook

Fernie SAR rescues injured biker

Fernie Search and Rescue was called out the evening of July 7 for a biker injured on the Lazy Lizard trail.

Fernie SAR/Facebook
(Black Press file image)

Fisherman called hero after saving man from drowning near Fernie

"I didn't really think about anything I was doing, I just kind of did it," said Calgary's Aaron Jones.

(Black Press file image)
Stock photo
Stock photo
Emergency services responded to a ‘blast’ on a rooftop downtown Fernie, July 2. Submitted

Roofing employees injured after ‘blast’ downtown Fernie

Two roofers sustained injuries after a 'blast' occured while they were torching a roof downtown Fernie on July 2.

Emergency services responded to a ‘blast’ on a rooftop downtown Fernie, July 2. Submitted
Three individuals are facing multiple charges after a series of events which took place around the Elk Valley on Thursday, July 4.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Three suspects in Elk Valley carjacking spree, police pursuits appear in court

Suspects facing multiple charges including resisting arrest, theft, assaulting peace officer, more

Three individuals are facing multiple charges after a series of events which took place around the Elk Valley on Thursday, July 4.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Elkford Thunder crowned provincial softball champions

Elkford Thunder crowned provincial softball champions

U19 softball team takes victory on home turf during Wildcat Days weekend

Elkford Thunder crowned provincial softball champions
(Black Press stock photo)
(Black Press stock photo)
Tobacco Plains Indian Band hosts first annual powwow

Tobacco Plains Indian Band hosts first annual powwow

Many years ago, indigenous groups around North America would welcome in visitors for annual powwows. As time has gone on, this tradition has been lost for many groups. This year, the Tobacco Plains Indian Band rewrote history.

Tobacco Plains Indian Band hosts first annual powwow
Racers depart from the start line at the Fernie Nordic Centre, running to complete their lap and return before the time expired.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Huge turnout to Lone Wolf endurance race

The 2019 Lone Wolf race in Fernie attracted 175 racers from far and wide to take on its unique challenge of running a 6.75km lap within a one-hour time frame. If racers completed the lap before the time ran out, they could rest. If they arrived back after the hour had expired, they were eliminated. This method of elimination applied to both solo runners, and teams.

Racers depart from the start line at the Fernie Nordic Centre, running to complete their lap and return before the time expired.  Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
The Mountain High Adventure team celebrates their opening day at the Fernie RV Resort. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Mountain High Adventures opens new doors

On Thursday, June 20, Mountain High Adventures opened the doors to their new Adventure Centre, built out of a mega Yurt at Fernie RV Resort.

The Mountain High Adventure team celebrates their opening day at the Fernie RV Resort. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
Canadian country music star Kenny Hess will be performing at the Fernie Community Centre on July 13.  Submitted

Even in the limelight, country star Kenny Hess remembers his roots

A familiar face is soon to return to the Elk Valley, easily recognizable by his cowboy hat and blue denim shirt.

Canadian country music star Kenny Hess will be performing at the Fernie Community Centre on July 13.  Submitted
File photo

UPDATE: Location of wounded grizzly bear remains unknown

Information about location of wounded grizzly? Call RAPP line (1-877-952-7277)

File photo
The Chief Cliff singers lead the procession across the Montana border, Friday morning. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Watch: Tobacco Plains celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day

In commemoration of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Tobacco Plains Indian Band walked across the Canada/U.S. border into Montana to honour their Indigenous rights and show support and unity to their southern brothers and sisters.

The Chief Cliff singers lead the procession across the Montana border, Friday morning. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press
The proposed area for the new intersection, close to Woz Mechanical and Snowy Peaks RV.  Google Maps photo

Proposed Hosmer intersection set to improve safety

A proposed intersection in Hosmer aims to improve the safety of those turning off of Highway 3.

The proposed area for the new intersection, close to Woz Mechanical and Snowy Peaks RV.  Google Maps photo