In more than two decades of publishing the Crowsnest Pass Herald, I am not sure I have written an editorial that demands more of us than this one.

“The bubble is trying to keep me from writing about the bubble”

I am, right now, experiencing a phenomenon that most of you mercifully will never have to endure. I have a gas bubble in my right eye that has been there since April 26th and it is shrinking, ever so slowly, in size. It is driving me nuts but I am eternally grateful that it is there.  I must add that it is pretty damn awkward and frustrating trying to type while being obstructed this way.

Crowsnest Pass council will provide a letter of support for the concept of building the largest miner’s Davy safety lantern in Canada, but the letter will stop short of committing the municipality to the full project.

Crowsnest Pass council heard a call for a broader local conversation on land use, watershed protection and economic resilience during its June 9 regular meeting.

Elk Valley Resources raised $948,954 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation through this year’s Mining for Miracles campaign, marking the company’s most successful campaign to date.

John Hague has been named the Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area G 2026 Volunteer of the Year.

The Ecosystem Services Value Calculator was developed by the Oldman Watershed Council, Green Analytics and Associated Engineering Alberta Ltd. It allows users to estimate the annual economic value of services provided by different land types, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, riparian areas, shrublands and open water.

Crowsnest Pass council designated the Cameron School property as a Municipal Historic Resource during its June 9 regular meeting, while also advancing a road closure bylaw and hearing updates from council members on recent community events.

Last Thursday, while I was in Edmonton attending the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association AGM, something pretty special was happening back home in the Crowsnest Pass.

Sparwood council delayed further consideration of a proposed traffic regulations bylaw after concerns over truck traffic, speeding and business impacts on Michel Creek Road prompted councillors to seek more public input.

Residents, builders and developers in the Regional District of East Kootenay are being reminded to check development application fees before submitting planning related applications, with selected fee changes set to take effect July 1.

Sparwood council was asked to explore whether a removable seasonal sport floor could turn the Sparwood Arena into a multi-use recreation space when the ice is out.

Sparwood council supported a liquor licence application for Game On: Indoor Playground, Bowling and Rec Room after a short public hearing held before the June 2 regular council meeting.

The Crowsnest Pass Pride Society marked a milestone during Pride Month with its first ever Pride picnic, held during the community’s second Pride Month celebration.

I’ve long been fascinated by the idea of telling our readers about the incredibly talented people who live in Ukraine and whose creativity is one of the country’s greatest assets. We all know that creativity plays an important role in our lives. It not only helps us cope with our emotions but also enables us to discover the sensual and divine side of us that is inherent in us by nature. Creativity forces us to think outside the box and see the world more broadly. I enjoy creativity in all its forms, and I’m glad that many people share my preferences.

Sparwood council approved two recreation related items during its May 26 special meeting, including field rental support for the Sparwood Mixed Slow Pitch League and a contract for structural upgrades at the curling rink.

A proposal for a 50-foot-tall miner’s Davy lantern was presented to Crowsnest Pass council as a potential tourism attraction and tribute to the community’s coal mining history.

Sparwood council voted to apply for a Columbia Basin Trust grant that could help revive the Centennial Plaza stage and washroom project.

Sparwood council approved a new five-year fire protection services agreement with the Regional District of East Kootenay during a special meeting on May 26.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP reported fewer motor vehicle collisions in the first quarter of 2026 while continuing to work through staffing pressures at the local detachment.