October 2025

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma is calling for Ottawa to tighten bail and sentencing rules as Prime Minister Mark Carney alludes to potential changes to the Criminal Code. Sharma and B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger recently met with their federal, provincial and territorial counterparts. Carney has detailed $1.8 billion over four years to increase […]

A former Vernon RCMP superintendent has again been charged with assault with a weapon, this time in relation to an incident near Bella Coola this past summer. Steven McVarnock, born in 1961, was charged with assault with a weapon in relation to one complainant, and simple assault in relation to a second complainant, both stemming

B.C. RCMP are investigating three reports of cattle being shot and poached. Over the weekend of Sept. 26-28, police received a report of a steer calf that was shot and poached on Brookemere Road near Merritt. Evidence was collected from the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. An additional two separate incidents of cattle being

A new winner was crowned for their giant pumpkin at this year’s Whonnock Giant Pumpkin Contest. In the more than 300-pound category, Yuri Ka won for their 642-pound gourd, dethroning Trevor Halliday – who had won the contest for the past six years. Second prize was snagged by Steve Harris with his 559 pound pumpkin,

April 19, 1929 – October 7, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Doug at age 96½. Born in 1929 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, Doug grew up in that seaside resort with his eight older siblings by his side. As a teenager, Doug was posted into the British Army for