Nelson Star

There have been a number of new wildfire starts across the Kootenays following thunderstorms that moved through the region over the last few days, according to the Southeast Fire Centre Between July 15-18, there were 2,400 lightning strikes recorded in the region, resulting in 38 new wildfires, with more anticipated as weather conditions are forecasted to be hot, dry and windy.

BC Hockey announced a junior development agreement with the newly formed British Columbia Hockey Conference (BCHC) and the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL). According to the release, the BCHC, which now has Junior A status, and the PJHL clubs will work together to provide junior hockey athletes with opportunities for affiliation and advancement through the U20 Development and Junior A levels with maximum exposure, flexibility and choice.

Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications. France and England face off at 2 p.m. PT today in Miami in the 2026 bronze World Cup final. The match will be refereed by Jesus Valenzuela. England has won two of three World Cup matches against France: 3-1 in June 1982 during the group stage and 2-0 in July 1966 in London. France defeated England 2-1 in the 2022 quarter-final in Qatar.

February 19, 1942 – July 12, 2026 In Loving Memory ~ It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vera Popoff, who went home to be with her Lord on July 12, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on February 19, 1942, Vera grew up on a ranch in Bonnington, where she spent her days playing the guitar and fostering a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty of nature. She eventually made her home in Nelson.

April 8, 1943 – April 30, 2026 In Loving Memory ~ Terry passed away at his home in Chilliwack on April 30 at the age of 83. Born in Nelson hospital, Terry spent more than half his life in and around Nelson. He loved boating on Kootenay Lake in the summer and curling in the winter. Terry was later part of the Baker St business crowd in the 80’s and early 90’s while being the preeminent real estate appraiser in the Kootenay’s.

The B.C. Lions lost more than a game Friday night. Starting quarterback Nathan Rourke suffered a (non-throwing) shoulder injury on the first drive of the game and didn’t return, as the visiting Lions dropped a 19-17 decision to the Edmonton Elks in CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium. Cody Fajardo threw for 282 yards and a touchdown for the Elks (5-1). Receiver T.J. Luther had the lone Edmonton TD, while Vincent Blanchard booted four field goals and a convert.

To support families across the country, the federal government announced an increase is coming July 20 to the Canada Child Benefit. The tax-free payment provides families with up to $8,157 per child under the age of 6 and up to $6,883 per child aged 6 to 17. Stronger support for families is coming July 20 with an increase to the Canada Child Benefit.

The City of Nelson is encouraging residents to fill out a water conservation pledge on the city’s website. The three-question form asks residents to commit to reducing water consumption in their everyday household. Some suggestions include reducing outdoor watering, taking shorter showers and only running full loads of the laundry or dishwasher. Those who fill out the pledge could win a $200 gift card to a local business.

Premier David Eby says the B.C. government has stretched provincial laws about as far as they can go to combat organized crime, and he now wants the federal government to enact laws similar to those in the United States under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly known as RICO. “I’ll be blunt: currently in Canada, I do not believe that we have the full capacities we need to attack organized crime,” Eby said Friday.

September 22, 1951 – June 26, 2026 In Loving Memory ~ It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Moira Elizabeth Wainwright at home, surrounded by family, on June 26, 2026. Moira was born and raised in Nelson, BC, the youngest of five children, moving to Victoria, BC after high school where she met her future husband John.