• Randall Krall

    November 6, 1947 – November 4, 2025
    A native son and lifelong resident of Nanaimo, Randall passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov 4, 2025
    Randy is predeceased by his parents Steve and Jean, his brother Stephen James (Jim) and his sister Sandra Jean (Sandy)
    He is survived by his wife Janaya, stepsons Christopher (Deborah) and Michael (Kim), nephew Stephen, nieces Diana (Declan) and Michelle (Rob) as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren and grandnephews
    He will be rememb
  • B.C. hikers rescued after 3 nights spent stranded by mountain snowstorm

    Four hikers stranded in the Golden Ears Mountains during a winter storm were rescued on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
    Rick Laing, spokesperson for Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue, said his team got the call on Saturday, but could only get the group off the mountain after they spent three nights there. Fortunately, they found the emergency shelter at Panorama Ridge.
    The men, all in their 20s, and from Coquitlam, had decent gear and experience in the outdoors, said Laing, but not with the challenges of alpine
  • West Kootenay man in middle of Team Canada skeleton controversy

    The International Bobsled Skeleton Federation (IBSF) is conducting an investigation into Bobsled Canada Skeleton head coach Joe Cecchini’s actions at the North American Cup.
    The former Greater Trail athlete made a decision to pull four of six female skeleton athletes from competing in the final of three races in Lake Placid, NY on Sunday.
    U.S. skeleton competitor Katie Uhlander accused Cecchini of manipulating the system and alleges that he sabotaged her opportunity to qualify for the Olym
  • BREAKING: B.C. health minister says decriminalization pilot to end Jan. 31

    B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne announced on Wednesday that the province will not be asking the federal government to renew the exemption that allowed the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs.
    This ends the three-year pilot program, effective Jan. 31.
    “The intention was clear: to make it easier for people struggling with addiction to reach out for help without fear of being criminalized,” Osborne said in a news release. “Despite the hard work and good intentions behin
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  • Overcrowded Edmonton hospitals refuse patients from Red Deer hospital

    About 35 patients were stuck in Red Deer’s emergency department beds waiting to access a hospital ward for surgery or treatment on Tuesday morning.
    Dr. Paul Parks, president-elect of the section of emergency medicine with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), said Red Deer emergency doctors are routinely squeezed, unable to move patients into higher levels of care either at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre or another hospital.
    In recent weeks, Edmonton Zone hospitals have been overcrowde
  • Larry Bruce Walter Greenwood

    In Loving Memory ~
    February 13,1 942- December 16, 2025
    It is with Deep Sadness that I tell you of the passing of Larry Bruce Walter Greenwood. Born on February 13, 1942, Larry passed on December 16, 2025 at the age of 83 in Nanaimo, BC with his loving wife by his side. We remember Larry’s incredible talent on the drums, and, later in life, as a singer/songwriter/ performer, Larry’s stage presence was electrifying. There will be no memorial in accordance with his wishes.
  • Beefs & Bouquets, Jan. 14

    BEEF to the runner on the trail at Westwood Lake who ran through a group of hikers, striking one hard enough on the arm to leave a significant bruise. No apology – just kept on running.
    BOUQUET Thank you to the gentleman who decorates his garden for all occasions. I live on Salmon Road and get to enjoy every day in passing.
    BEEF To the wannabe skater who aggressively yelled at me to watch where I was going as I was walking towards the store because he didn’t move out of the way.
    BOUQ
  • Train derailment leads to road blockage near Elkford

    Updated on Jan. 14 at 12:02 p.m.
    A train carrying coal derailed near Elkford on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and blocked Fording River Rd.
    CPKC spokesman Terry Cunha said there were 22 cars carrying coal that went off the rails around 7:30 a.m., approximately 25 kilometres north of Elkford.
    Elk Valley RCMP Sgt. Svend Nielsen said cars piled up in the 1500 block of Fording River Rd. Two to three feet of coal spilled on to the road and fully blocked passage.
    There were no injuries or fatalities reported.
    Cre
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  • Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crimes Unit probing death of Nanaimo man

    Police are investigating the death of a 62-year-old Nanaimo man who sustained life threatening injuries during an assault in south Nanaimo.
    Allan Dudeck, whose identity was confirmed by his family, was found unconscious south of Fifth Street in an alley between Shepherd and Georgia avenues with life-threatening injuries Dec. 1.
    According to an Nanaimo RCMP press release at the time, Dudeck was found unresponsive by first responders and was airlifted to hospital, but died of his injuries several
  • Anti-hate, or anti-free speech? B.C., Ontario MPs push back against Bill C-9

    Freedom of speech and religious freedom are in jeopardy, according to some Conservatives.
    Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee MP Scott Anderson says the looming Bill C-9 is cause for concern and he will be discussing it at an Emergency Town Hall.
    The event at the Schubert Centre Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m., is with Ontario MP Andrew Lawton, who has been actively working on Bill C-9 and proposed amendments.
    The Department of Justice states Bill C-9 is an act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaga
  • THE MOJ: Vancouver Canuck fans brace yourself, the tank has arrived

    Another night and another loss for your Vancouver Canucks as this time the Ottawa Senators came away with a 2-1 win at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday night.
    Newsflash: get used to it.
    It was the eighth consecutive loss for Vancouver and the fifth straight on this Eastern road trip, with a stop in Columbus yet to come before the Canucks return to Rogers Arena to begin an eight-game homestand.
    That won’t be an elixir for Vancouver either as the team sports an NHL-worst 4-12-3 mark on ho
  • B.C. staying the course as rents fall, vacancies rise and warning signs surface

    Housing Minister Christine Boyle says the province plans to stay on course with its housing strategy amid a softening rental market.
    “We know the rents are still too high in so many places and we know there’s more work to do,” Boyle said in an interview with Black Press Media.
    Others say it is becoming difficult for landlords to make ends meet. And purpose-built rental construction is beginning to slow, a warning sign about market profitability.
    “The challenging part for
  • Vancouver Island murder victim remembered as devoted mom, passionate instructor

    Greater Victoria organizations are sharing their grief after a local woman was killed in an alleged intimate partner violence incident in Saanich.
    “This tragedy represents far more than a single loss – it is a stark reminder that gender-based violence continues to claim lives in our community,” noted a Facebook post from the Victoria Women’s Transition House.
    On Jan. 5, Saanich police and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit started investigating the homicide
  • 911 operator hang-up on Victoria dry cleaner mishandled, officials acknowledge

    A Victoria business owner says a 911 operator hung up on him after reporting a person he felt was putting him and his staff at risk.
    Peter Quackenbush, owner of One Hour Cleaners, said the incident occurred on Dec. 27, when a man climbed onto the exterior of his building and became aggressive after being asked to leave.
    “He was yelling, screaming and advancing toward me while waving a stick,” Quackenbush said.
    Quackenbush said he called 911 but was told the situation wasn’t an
  • Legislation could restore ‘missing middle’, revolutionize B.C. housing: developer

    Controversial legislation allowing for more multi-unit housing is being primarily seen as welcome news by developers, as the province attempts to remove red tape and build more “missing middle” housing.
    Following the passing of Bill 44 in 2023, Greater Victoria residents witnessed a plethora of new housing projects throughout the region after municipalities were required to allow more small-scale multi-unit housing on lots that were once zoned to only allow for single-family homes.
    A
  • Notice of Disposition: February 7, 2026

    I am disposing of Michael Morrisette’s belongings February 7, 2026.
    If you have a legal claim to his belongings please call kerry at 250-885-8829
  • ‘Near zero’ visibilty possible as eastern Vancouver Island wakes to heavy fog

    Vancouver Island drivers from Victoria to Sayward face heavy fog, reducing visibility to near zero early Wednesday (Jan. 14).Visibility could be near zero at times, Environment Canada warns, as a ridge of high pressure over the south coast traps cool and humid marine air creating the widespread fog.
    Conditions are expected to improve later in the morning as a weak front mixes some of the moisture out.
    The warning specifically includes the eastern half of Vancouver Island from Victoria as far nor
  • ‘Near zero’ visibility possible as eastern Vancouver Island wakes to heavy fog

    Vancouver Island drivers from Victoria to Sayward face heavy fog, reducing visibility to near zero early Wednesday (Jan. 14).Visibility could be near zero at times, Environment Canada warns, as a ridge of high pressure over the south coast traps cool and humid marine air creating the widespread fog.
    Conditions are expected to improve later in the morning as a weak front mixes some of the moisture out.
    The warning specifically includes the eastern half of Vancouver Island from Victoria as far nor
  • Vancouver Island photographer captures global recognition for Sooke Potholes shot

    A local photographer was awarded bronze in an international competition for a photo taken at Sooke Potholes.
    The Exposure One Awards celebrate the art of black-and-white photography. They recently announced the winners of their Nature Photography Contest for 2025, and among the talent was Sooke’s Pascale Navarro in the Earth’s Textures category for an image taken at Sooke Potholes.
    Captured on Christmas Eve in 2024, the long exposure shot was taken in monochrome mode, featuring the r
  • Janice Perrino re-appointed as Nanaimo Regional Hospital District chairperson

    Janice Perrino will serve a second term as chairperson for the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District.
    Perrino, a City of Nanaimo councillor and Regional District of Nanaimo director, was acclaimed at a hospital district board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, where Ian Thorpe was acclaimed as vice-chairperson, also for a second term.
    She previously served as Nanaimo and District Hospital foundation CEO for six years before retiring in 2022.
    In a press release, Perrino said she looks forward to continuin
  • With ongoing agreement talks, Nanaimo-Ladysmith teachers reiterate importance of class size

    Operating under a collective bargaining agreement that expired last June, the Nanaimo and Ladysmith teachers’ union wants to raise awareness about class size and composition.
    Negotiations with the B.C. government are ongoing, said Megan Simmer, acting Nanaimo and District Teachers Association president, and the union will be staging campaign rallies, including a “mark-in” event Friday, Jan. 9 at Woodgrove Centre, with teachers wearing red for B.C. education.
    Better class size w
  • Petitioners call for new B.C. road link link between Penticton and Kelowna

    A parliamentary petition proposing a federally funded second route from Penticton to Kelowna has the backing of the local Member of Parliament.
    Helena Konanz, who represents the Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay riding, shared the petition on her social media.
    In August, Konanz had also joined Okanagan Lake West-South Kelowna MP Dan Albas and regional MLAs in August for a press conference pushing for an alternative to Highway 97 in the case it has to close again due to an emer
  • Petitioners call for new B.C. road link between Penticton and Kelowna

    A parliamentary petition proposing a federally funded second route from Penticton to Kelowna has the backing of the local Member of Parliament.
    Helena Konanz, who represents the Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay riding, shared the petition on her social media.
    In August, Konanz had also joined Okanagan Lake West-South Kelowna MP Dan Albas and regional MLAs in August for a press conference pushing for an alternative to Highway 97 in the case it has to close again due to an emer
  • January good time to check forgotten fees taking a bite out of your bank balance

    January is a month when many people would prefer not to look at their credit card or bank statements, but the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland BC (BBB) is cautioning people to check for unexpected subscription renewals and hidden fees, which often pop up at the start of the new year.
    The start of the new year is a common time for people to notice these recurring charges, many of which were forgotten about, never cancelled, or quietly converted from so-called “free trials” afte
  • Canucks see winless skid reach 8 games, fall 2-1 to Ottawa Senators

    The struggles continue for the Vancouver Canucks.
    Vancouver’s winless skid reached eight games on Tuesday night, as they fell 2-1 to the host Ottawa Senators in NHL action at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ont.
    Artem Zub and Jordan Spence scored for the Senators (21-19-5), with Leevi Merilainen earning the win in goal, making 18 saves.
    Centre Elias Pettersson replied for the Canucks (16-25-5), with Kevin Lankinen sharp in goal, stopping 37 of 39 shots.
    The Sens dominated the first per
  • Maple Ridge firefighters rescue household, woman in wheelchair, from flood

    Four people, including one in a wheelchair, had to be rescued from a flooded house surrounded by rushing water on Monday morning, Jan. 12.
    The property near the junction of 224 Street and 132 Avenue flooded rapidly in the latest atmospheric river to drench the Lower Mainland.
    Melanie Brooks had moved into the property as a tenant in April, and was shocked by the rising water. At about 5:30 a.m. she looked outside to see water on the property was up to the doors on her car, and almost at the deck
  • Zeballos and Ehattesaht First Nation without power overnight Tuesday

    The Village of Zeballos and Ehattesaht First Nation on Vancouver Island’s northwest coast will be without power overnight Tuesday due to damage to a power line.
    According to BC Hydro, poor weather prevented a full helicopter patrol on Jan. 13, and a ground patrol was unable to determine the cause of the outage.
    If conditions improve tomorrow, a helicopter will patrol the line and transport crews and materials to the damaged section so repairs can begin.
    BC Hydro said it will share updates
  • B.C. poverty ministry ‘decades’ away from 10-minute response standard: ombudsperson

    B.C.’s ombudsperson says it will take “decades” before the Social Development and Poverty Reduction Ministry reaches its own service standards for call wait times.
    Ombudsperson Jay Chalke’s office released the update report Tuesday (Jan. 13), eight years after his office identified core problems when it came to the ministry’s response time to calls for income and disability assistance. Tuesday’s updated report follows an investigative update in 2020 and the or
  • Groundbreaking held for 92-unit co-op housing project in North Cowichan

    Officials from a number of levels of government were on hand for the Jan. 13 groundbreaking on a new approximately $65-million co-op housing project with 92 homes in North Cowichan.
    The planning for the affordable co-op housing project, the first of its kind north of the Malahat, at 3181 Sherman Rd. has been ongoing for years.
    The project is expected to be completed in early 2028 and will be owned and operated by the Community Land Trust.
    Stephanie McLean, the secretary of state for Seniors and
  • 24 years later, murderous hitchhiker returns to B.C. to answer for his crime

    It was Sept. 10, 2001, a week after Labour Day. The night air near Hixon felt like autumn.
    Two men on motorcycles visiting from the United States pulled off Highway 97 at the Woodpecker Rest Area, 46 kilometres south of Prince George.
    Something caught their attention. Rustling in the bushes. A bear spray can, a hammer and two pools of blood that contained someone’s dentures.
    They called 911. They didn’t know it, but those were the first clues to the killing of one American by another

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