Williams Lake RCMP are still on scene of a very serious crash that happened at approximately 12:00pm this afternoon on Highway 20approximately 17 kms west of Williams Lake.

The Highway was closed at that location for some time during the initial assessment and investigation. Flagging personnel did an excellent job of controlling traffic, and the road was opened to single lane alternating traffic at last report.

BC Ambulance Service and the Central Cariboo Search and Rescue highway rescue team were also on scene.

Enormous smiles were plentiful at the petting zoo the Williams Lake StrongStart centres hosted in Kiwanis Park on Friday, May 11.

Sheep, a horse, a bunny and a white ferret were available courtesy of the Micocene / Rose Lake 4H Club. There were snacks, water and books available for the children as well as a colouring station. Kids entertained each other and parents with creative hand-puppet acts in the ‘theatres’ set up.

At their most recent meeting, Williams Lake City Council received a report outlining the new public communication steps to be taken on the place brand initiative.

Alan Madrigga, Manager of Economic Development, explained that the resolution from last month was to communicate to the public about the place branding rationale and overall process plus some of the results. “We propose utilizing the existing project website and utilizing local media to drive people to that website,” said Madrigga. “We’re going to shoot for that to take place during the last week of this month.”

“In terms of the financial aspect – there did not seem to be any appetite for additional costs, and to a large extent, much of the project is complete,” Madrigga continued. “So, the branding company has agreed to or offered to work with us to gather additional input and look at some new slogan ideas, and those kinds of things at no cost. So, in terms of budgeting, I guess the only City financial issues will be just staff time.”

The Cariboo Memorial Complex is offering a new program: Skateboarding 101 for kids ages 6-12 years starting on Sunday, May 26 and running for four weeks. 

Carly Richardson, the instructor for this course, started longboarding in high school; she saw some older guys doing it and thought it looked fun.  It was more appealing than regular skateboarding, and after the first try she was hooked.

Anglers throughout British Columbia will be reeling in more than just their favourite fish this summer. Coinciding with its 10th anniversary, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is launching a new province-wide research project that requires the help of anglers - in return for rewards totalling more than $15,000.

Beginning this month and continuing through fall 2013, the FFSBC is marking approximately 300 of its catchable size, hatchery-raised rainbow trout with individually numbered neon-pink tags bearing a toll-free number. The trout will be released into 40 fishing lakes around the province. Anglers who catch one of these tagged fish are asked to remove the tag and call the toll-free number. Provided they have a current BC fishing licence and any required stamps, the FFSBC will send the first 150 'tag reporters' a $100 reward. Subsequent tag reporters will receive gift certificates of various values for fishing supplies.

By Jennifer Nickel

This past weekend the Esket First Nation community (Alkali Lake) hosted a ball hockey tournament in honour of local teen, Nick Paul, who passed away in 2012 after a courageous battle with Leukemia.

All proceeds from the multi team tournament went to the Nicholas Paul Foundation, a local organization founded by the family of Nick Paul to support other local families whose children are facing a serious medical crisis.

At approximately 5:30 this morning, the Williams Lake Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire in the back alley of 5th Avenue North, between Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and Carson Drive.

The thick, black smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as Fox Mountain Road and Highway 97.

The first annual Community 10 km Walk/Run, designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, took place in Alexis Creek this past weekend. “What a day we had!” said Kelly Feldinger, Alexis Creek Community Club President. “Warm, sunny weather made the event even more enjoyable.”

Twenty eight of the 31 people who registered to participate, walked, ran and even cycled the route. “Unfortunately, nasty shin splints and terrible colds kept three people away,” Kelly added. The youngest participant was a six year old girl who rode her bike, the most ‘seasoned’ runner was 55+ and many dogs ran alongside their owners, as well.  Garrett Madley came in first in the 19-49 years run category, despite wearing his work boots for the entire run.

(Photos by Krista Mangan.)

The St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School Commemoration Project recently announced a series of events and initiatives in the coming weeks to commemorate and create awareness and recognition of the residential school experience in the Cariboo.

The project aims to encourage, support and engage in a shared First Nations and non-First Nations dialogue on how to achieve reconciliation in the Cariboo region, and to support efforts by all those affected by the legacy of this residential school as they continue on their personal healing journey.

On Saturday, April 27, the Nenqayni Wellness Centre unveiled a monument recognizing the three nations; Chilcotin, (Alexandria, Anaham, Alexis Creek, Xeni Gwet’ln, Stone, and Toosey), Shuswap (Alkali Lake, Canim Lake, Canoe Creek, Soda Creek, Williams Lake) and Carrier (Red Bluff, Nazko, Kluskus, and Ulkatcho).