Andru and I realised the true potential and value of a community newspaper only after starting one. We were never short of issues or features to write about.

Living in a rural community has given us the opportunity to learn many perspectives from the people we’ve met.

Some great letters from our very last issue.

By Andru McCracken

For some residents it’s been an eye opener to discover just how little protection there is for ground water in the province of British Columbia. So much so, that in reaction to a proposed water bottling plant just north of Valemount, a group has formed to try and protect ground water in the area and discourage the sale of bottled water.

By Andru McCracken

Concerns expressed by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to the Crown land office in Prince George have delayed a decision on an emulsion explosives plant near Crescent Spur, according to Crown land planners and the Minister responsible for Crown Land. In interviews on CBC radio and with Opinion250.com, Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell said that Crown land employees are working with the Lheidli T’enneh.

By Jennifer Quam

Margaret Graine, a former Alberta resident with a business in McBride, has been named the new Economic Development Officer. The position is held through the Village of McBride.

Graine moved to McBride in 2006 and opened House of Jasper, a fine jewellery studio, this past spring.

By Jennifer Quam

The new principal for the McBride Secondary School has been named. Successful candidate Derrick Shaw was appointed to the position about a week ago.

By Andru McCracken

Andrea Lehenbauer, Valemount’s resident physiotherapist, said that a forum aimed at developing a fitness centre turned up many supporters.

We’re very pleased to present our first newspaper. Clearly there is a lot to be done, and a lot to be learned, and that’s not a bad thing. That’s part of the reason we are here.

There are many good reasons not to make artificial divisions between rural and urban communities in the Robson Valley,

There is power in numbers, when any community in the valley succeeds it is the better for us all.

We’re a community newspaper and our goal is to help build community. We have to do that by being a good newspaper. We need to be accurate, trustworthy and objective. Tough things to be, but we endeavour to be them.

Everything old is new again

By Helen Burchnall

As a child in the “dirty thirties”, and a young bride during Second World War food rationing, my mother learned how to be frugal. She never threw anything away. All the gift wrap was carefully smoothed out, folded, and put away for next Christmas.

At the ‘Life of the Times’ celebration in Dunster on Friday, I was reminded of our coverage of the Daam property fiasco in 2004 by Chuck McNaughton, a long time resident and friend of the Daams.

At the time I was touched that Chuck and his neighbours Curtis Culp and Claude Hill would ask me for help.

To this day, Chuck is under the impression that the newspaper coverage had something to do with the land not being logged and turned back into ‘friendly hands.’ I’m not sure it’s true, but I am very proud of this story and proud of the community for the actions taken to get the land back! - Andru McCracken

By Mike Austin

When most people contemplate a life-altering move they do a little research, check on a company transfer or at the very least consult a recruiter to get that great new job in a new town.

Where to start? The end of something is usually quite difficult to face, but somehow, I have learned over the years that the end of something is usually the beginning of something even more special. I feel an excited anticipation!