Jodi Brak

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Turtle Valley residents are now pushing for official tests to be done on the biosolids mixture that will be applied at the Turtle Valley Bison Ranch, hoping publicly available test results will help bring support for their opposition to use of the substance. (File photo)

B.C. residents seek testing of processed sewage mixture before farm use

Community wants to know what biosolids contain before they are spread

Turtle Valley residents are now pushing for official tests to be done on the biosolids mixture that will be applied at the Turtle Valley Bison Ranch, hoping publicly available test results will help bring support for their opposition to use of the substance. (File photo)
Beverly Smith (centre) grew up in Salmon Arm, becoming one of the star players of the high school basketball team before moving on to play and eventually coach with the University of Oregon. Smith also served as coach of a professional basketball team in Italy and the Canadian Olympic team. She now serves as executive director of Kidsports, pictured here with fellow coach Ronnie Lee and two youth taking part in a Kidsports basketball program. (Image contributed)

Hall of Famer Bev Smith heralds benefits of sport for youth development

Former Salmon Arm woman head of Kidsports, says the court is like a classroom

Beverly Smith (centre) grew up in Salmon Arm, becoming one of the star players of the high school basketball team before moving on to play and eventually coach with the University of Oregon. Smith also served as coach of a professional basketball team in Italy and the Canadian Olympic team. She now serves as executive director of Kidsports, pictured here with fellow coach Ronnie Lee and two youth taking part in a Kidsports basketball program. (Image contributed)
Kiki, one of the mammoth donkeys at the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge. His calm, quiet nature made him a perfect fit to be trained for riding. (Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge/Facebook)

Mammoths roam Shuswap donkey refuge

Big animals prove they have a gentle soul, quiet nature

Kiki, one of the mammoth donkeys at the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge. His calm, quiet nature made him a perfect fit to be trained for riding. (Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge/Facebook)
Human waste as fertilizer proposal prompts opposition in the Shuswap

Human waste as fertilizer proposal prompts opposition in the Shuswap

Chase area residents seek to spread awareness of potential effects of biosolids

Human waste as fertilizer proposal prompts opposition in the Shuswap
Students or families in School District #83 who are having difficulties getting a graduation dress or suit for their big day can get a hand from the Fairy Gradmothers program, an initiative that collects donated grad clothes and helps get them personalized for students. Any student in the district can access the program by talking with their school counsellor. (File photo)

Fairy Gradmothers supply grad dresses to Shuswap students in need

School District #83 educators help make graduation a memorable experience

Students or families in School District #83 who are having difficulties getting a graduation dress or suit for their big day can get a hand from the Fairy Gradmothers program, an initiative that collects donated grad clothes and helps get them personalized for students. Any student in the district can access the program by talking with their school counsellor. (File photo)
Taro Hirose, former Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ forward, holds the puck from his first NHL goal with the Detroit Red Wings against the Boston Bruins March 31. In seven games with the Red Wings, Hirose has tallied six points including thie goal. (Facebook/Detroit Red Wings)

Hirose scores first NHL goal and win for Red Wings

Tie-breaker by former Salmon Arm Silverback against Boston Bruins helps Detroit claim victory

Taro Hirose, former Salmon Arm Silverbacks’ forward, holds the puck from his first NHL goal with the Detroit Red Wings against the Boston Bruins March 31. In seven games with the Red Wings, Hirose has tallied six points including thie goal. (Facebook/Detroit Red Wings)
The Talking Rock Golf Course at Quaaout Lodge in Chase has been voted as the number one golf course in the province through a survey by B.C. Golf. Also in the Shuswap region, the Salmon Arm Golf Club was voted as number seven in the province (File photo)

Two golf courses in the Shuswap voted among best in B.C.

Talking Rock, Salmon Arm Golf Club get rave reviews from golfers surveyed

The Talking Rock Golf Course at Quaaout Lodge in Chase has been voted as the number one golf course in the province through a survey by B.C. Golf. Also in the Shuswap region, the Salmon Arm Golf Club was voted as number seven in the province (File photo)
The City of Salmon Arm announced March 29 they will receive $25,000 from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to identify areas that could be improved for childcare services in the city. (File photo)

Okanagan city receives funding to plan improvements to childcare services

Grant totalling $25,000 will contribute to examination of available services

The City of Salmon Arm announced March 29 they will receive $25,000 from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to identify areas that could be improved for childcare services in the city. (File photo)
Shuswap ringette coach Leigh Robinson has been selected as a high performance scout at the Ringette National Championships on Prince Edward Island in 2019, where she will have a hand in selecting the Canadian national team. (Image contributed)

B.C. ringette coach gets a hand in picking Canadian national team

Leigh Robinson will serve as talent scout during national championships in P.E.I.

Shuswap ringette coach Leigh Robinson has been selected as a high performance scout at the Ringette National Championships on Prince Edward Island in 2019, where she will have a hand in selecting the Canadian national team. (Image contributed)
Wire snare traps such as this are frequently used when trapping small game and pests, and can cause severe injury to animals caught in the trap. They tighten as the animal struggles, making it especially dangerous if caught around a dog’s neck. (File photo)

B.C. needs to update laws to protect pets from dying in snare traps: Animal activists

The Fur-Bearers advocate for new rules on setting traps near public areas

Wire snare traps such as this are frequently used when trapping small game and pests, and can cause severe injury to animals caught in the trap. They tighten as the animal struggles, making it especially dangerous if caught around a dog’s neck. (File photo)
Tick season has begun in B.C., meaning those heading out for some adventures in nature should take precautions and be vigilant in checking themselves for ticks after a hike or activity. (File photo)

Hikers warned to be vigilant as tick season starts in B.C.

Covering exposed skin, checking for bites recommended after outdoor activity

Tick season has begun in B.C., meaning those heading out for some adventures in nature should take precautions and be vigilant in checking themselves for ticks after a hike or activity. (File photo)
Naloxone kits are free, effective tools that can be used to save the life of someone suffering an overdose. Locations for local kits and training in there use is available online at www.towardtheheart.com. (File photo)

Interior Health warns of spike in cartfentanil-tainted opioids

Higher traces of carfentanil linked to spike in overdose cases

Naloxone kits are free, effective tools that can be used to save the life of someone suffering an overdose. Locations for local kits and training in there use is available online at www.towardtheheart.com. (File photo)
Pee-ew: B.C. ranch using processed sewage as fertilizer opposed by neighbours

Pee-ew: B.C. ranch using processed sewage as fertilizer opposed by neighbours

Turtle Valley residents concerned over possible soil, water contamination

Pee-ew: B.C. ranch using processed sewage as fertilizer opposed by neighbours
A view of Salmon Arm from Mount Ida. (Mike Simpson photo)

Commercial space dwindles as B.C. city’s population increases

Realtor says Salmon Arm is a popular destination, but development is challenging

A view of Salmon Arm from Mount Ida. (Mike Simpson photo)
The Yeti Rugby Club’s girls team chases a Kaipara College player up the field to stop a rush during their game in New Zealand, March 18. (Facebook/Kaipara College)

Video: Salmon Arm rugby club takes on New Zealand opponents

Yeti U19 players travel to the South Pacific for training and competition experience

The Yeti Rugby Club’s girls team chases a Kaipara College player up the field to stop a rush during their game in New Zealand, March 18. (Facebook/Kaipara College)
Jeff Zakus lost his dog, Molly, after she was caught in a coyote snare in the bush near his home, unable to recover from the damage to her throat. Zakus and roommate Sheldon Gray are questioning the use of these traps near a publicly accessible trail. (Image contributed)

Salmon Arm dog killed by coyote snare within city limits

Owner questions use of snares near publicly accessible trails

Jeff Zakus lost his dog, Molly, after she was caught in a coyote snare in the bush near his home, unable to recover from the damage to her throat. Zakus and roommate Sheldon Gray are questioning the use of these traps near a publicly accessible trail. (Image contributed)
Some residents of Chase have been dealing with an increasing number of rats this spring. (File photo)

Rat problem arises in the Shuswap

Traps repeatedly selling out as Chase residents deal with unwelcome rodents

Some residents of Chase have been dealing with an increasing number of rats this spring. (File photo)
Monica Kriese and Dr. Richard Currie present their ideas for a Wellness Centre at Salmon Arm Secondary’s Sullivan Campus to the school board. (File photo)

Demand for mental health services increasing with acceptance

Support organization sees growing waitlist, particularly for youth and families with children

Monica Kriese and Dr. Richard Currie present their ideas for a Wellness Centre at Salmon Arm Secondary’s Sullivan Campus to the school board. (File photo)
Case made for free tampon dispensers in schools

Case made for free tampon dispensers in schools

Advocate says access, anonymity key to providing less stressful experience for female students

Case made for free tampon dispensers in schools
Pacu is likely the largest pet fish you’ll find in the Shuswap, and at 28 years old and going strong he is likely the oldest as well. He currently lives a carefree life in his special tank at Ed’s World of Critters and Supplies in Salmon Arm. (Jodi Brak/Salmon Arm Observer)

Video: Meet Pacu, the Shuswap’s largest and oldest pet fish

Relative of the piranha draws new visitors every year

Pacu is likely the largest pet fish you’ll find in the Shuswap, and at 28 years old and going strong he is likely the oldest as well. He currently lives a carefree life in his special tank at Ed’s World of Critters and Supplies in Salmon Arm. (Jodi Brak/Salmon Arm Observer)
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