Looking back at what made headlines in 2018 from the pages of the Eagle Valley News.
Here’s a glimpse from December 2018:
• A place to race on two wheels at breakneck speeds down winding trails that overlook beautiful lake vistas.
That is one vision that a Sicamous resident has for what is now a logging cut block near the base of Owlhead Mountain.
In a presentation to the district council, Corbin Selfe spoke about plans for locating a mountain bike park near Sicamous and the benefits it will bring to the community.
• The sound of fire truck sirens filled the early December air, but this time the firefighters were responding to the needs of residents who are undergoing hard times rather than to a towering inferno.
The Sicamous Fire Department took their trucks on a drive around the community for their annual toy and food bank donation collection on Dec. 2.
• Out of a group of 16 of the best snowmobiling towns in B.C., Sicamous is rising to the top.
The BC Portion of Sled Town Showdown, a contest put on by Snoriders, an online snowmobiling magazine, is almost at an end with Sicamous and Tumbler Ridge duking it out in a tight race for top spot.
• A beloved member of Sicamous’ snowmobile community is dead following a tragic accident on Queest Mountain.
Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club general manager Gord Bushell says he and the snowmobiling community are saddened by the loss of Rene St. Onge, who died in an accident on Dec. 9, while riding with a group of sledders on Queest.
An RCMP report states the 51-year-old resident of Sicamous was riding with a group of five other snowmobilers when his sled rolled into a creek bed, pinning him underneath. Individuals in the group administered CPR but were unsuccessful.
Tammy Chopick-Chouinard, a member of the Backcountry Riders club, said she is saddened by his loss but remains committed to continuing on with the causes he championed.
“The guy had a huge heart. He was always willing to assist somebody and help somebody; he was a good teacher and a leader.”
St. Onge was instrumental in the restoration of the historic Eagle Pass Summit fire lookout.
• A leadership class at Eagle River Secondary has stepped up to raise a sizable donation for the Eagle Valley Resource Centre’s food bank. Teacher James Wagstaff said a team of students put in plenty of extra time during their lunch break or before school to organize a raffle at the Christmas Craft and Trade Fair.
Last year they raised $480 and this year’s total was $900.
• An effort is underway to move Sicamous’ popular Ripped Snow Fest to Salmon Arm.
Tammy Chopick-Chounaird and Travis Stewart were at the City of Salmon Arm council chambers on Dec. 10 to request financial support to hold the Sno-Fest, a weekend of snowbike races, snowmobiling and more – at the Salmon Arm Fair-grounds in February.
“This isn’t a new idea, it’s just a different venue for us,” explained Chopick-Chouinard, noting the family oriented event would see attendance of about 6,000 to 10,000 people.
