Fort St. John RCMP and the public continue to look for James Joseph Edmund Barnes who was reported missing to Fort St. John RCMP on the evening of Friday, October 18, 2024, after failing to return home from a hunting trip. Photos from media release In a media release, Police stated that they believe James may have been hunting grouse in the Chetwynd area and Chetwynd RCMP were also notified of the file just after midnight on October 19, as search areas were expanded.   James

A proposed location for a new aquatic’s facility is being discussed in the North Peace, following a signed letter of intent from the City of Fort St. John with XJ Evergreen Estate Corp. Photo from the City of Fort St. John's media release The City of Fort St. John has taken another step toward building a new aquatics facility, signing a Letter of Intent with XJ Evergreen Estates Corp. to explore a potential site within the Parkwood Southlands development.   The proposed locat

'Lets Get Rolling’ by Print Artists North is currently on display and features wonderful pieces that combine technical skill with artistic vision. The opening reception for the latest art exhibit at Peace Gallery North was held on October 3 and will remain open until November 1. This exhibit features intricate linework, rich textures, and depth that digital images can’t fully capture.   Print Artists North (PAN) are printmakers that have been part of the Flying Colours Artist

Bear Flat Dispatch October 9, 2025 I find it difficult to become motivated enough to sit down and write during the summer, but I do feel more compelled to punch out a missive on the old keypad now that fall is firmly here.  Perhaps if my livelihood depended upon writing I would not be so lazy, but fortunately that is not the case.  I believe it was springtime when I last checked in, and like a child returning to school, I now feel rusty putting my brain back into writing mode

Fort St. John RCMP are asking the public for assistance in identifying a suspect following a break and enter at an apartment complex near Northern Lights College, via a media release.   Photo from the RCMP media release. On Sept. 22, 2025, at approximately 2:00p.m. the Fort St. John RCMP received a report of a man breaking into an apartment near the Northern Lights College in Fort St. John. Frontline officers swiftly responded to the scene and started their investigation.   R

The disappearance of Jesse Twain in the North Peace has left police searching for clues and residents wondering what might have happened. Photo from Jesse Twain's Facebook. Police in the region confirmed on Friday that they are looking for 29-year-old Jesse Thompson Twain, whose mother told Alaska Highway News that she has given her DNA to police. Twain was last seen on or around October 10 and was reported missing to Fort St. John RCMP on October 12.   In a news release, the

Photo from media release. Emergency crews responded to ON-IT Towing on 44th Avenue just before 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 after multiple vehicles parked inside the company’s impound lot caught fire, according to a media release. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading outside the fence line, minimizing potential damage to other businesses and properties in the immediate area.   Police are investigating and say evidence at the scene is consistent with arson. This

The local RCMP recently asked for the public’s assistance in locating 46-year-old Chad Cameron Travis, who is wanted in connection with several warrants. Photo from the RCMP media release The outstanding warrants are for assault, three counts of uttering threats, and theft of a motor vehicle. Fort St. John RCMP say that Travis is considered armed and dangerous and ask that the public refrain from approaching him.   In a media release, Travis is described as an Indigenous man

Funding supports expansion projects for North Pine Farmers Institute and Optimum Grain Inc., strengthening rural food production.   The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (Ag Fund) has approved $1 million in new funding for two projects aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in the Peace region. “The BC Hydro’s Ag Fund is providing essential financial support to those who are growing and producing in the Peace region,” said Rick Kantz, BC Hydro PACF Member-

Each year, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention gathers municipal leaders and staff from across British Columbia to work together, discuss key issues, vote on policy resolutions, and engage directly with provincial ministers.   The 2025 UBCM took place in Victoria from September 22 - 26 and provided City of Fort St. John council and staff with the opportunity to lobby on behalf of the North Peace.   “The annual UBCM Convention is a vital opportunity for Fort St. J

A heavy police presence drew attention outside Kelly’s Convenience earlier this week, after officers surrounded a vehicle in the parking lot. Witnesses reported seeing multiple RCMP units on scene, with at least five police vehicles responding. Officers were observed searching a car and removing what appeared to be a firearm.   The area was briefly secured as officers conducted their investigation. One RCMP member on scene confirmed there was no threat to the public. The inci

Over 100 local women attended the 11th event on September 23 and collectively donated $10,100 to the Fort St. John Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 102. Supplied photos The idea is simple and impactful as 100 women, each contributing $100, come together for one evening to support one local cause. Their combined donations raise at least $10,000 for a non-profit chosen by vote at the end of the night. The more who take part, the greater the difference they make. The 100 Women Who

Fairy tales came to life recently as local dads and daughters shared a night fit for royalty at the community’s Princess Ball.   The Oil Wives Club of Fort St. John & the Alcan # 91 Order of The Eastern Stars hosted the Daddy Daughter Princess Ball on September 27 at the Pomeroy Hotel in the North Peace.   The event offered a special opportunity for dads and daughters to spend quality time together, creating memories that will last long after the ball gowns are put away. Laug

On Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Peace Region came together not just to fish, but to reflect while casting lines alongside one...

Communities that go the extra mile to support nurses are now getting some well-deserved recognition, thanks to a new award for local governments. Photos from the media release The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) Health Care Champion Award was recently presented to the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) Mayor Rob Fraser and municipal staff during the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention on September 24. This new award shines a spotlight on communities that have gone

Enbridge recently hosted the first open house in Taylor, BC, for the proposed Birch Grove Program which aims to add up to 178 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity. Photo by Rawnna Low, Senior Communications Advisor An affiliate of Enbridge, Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership (Westcoast) has proposed an expansion of the northern section of their natural gas pipeline system Transmission North (or T-North) called the Birch Grove Program. This progr

Peace Gallery North is inviting the community to wander through the colours, textures and stories created by the hands of Julene Gunther before the exhibit closes on September 27. The opening reception for 'The Sky's The Limit' at Peace Gallery North was held on Sept. 5, drawing a packed house that filled the gallery with community spirit, conversation and colour.   Anchored in acrylic and oil on canvas, the show also features striking pieces that incorporate glass and maps i

September is a month of many anniversaries. I would like to start with a message of utmost gratitude to my heart donor and their family. Without their incredible loss and thoughts of care and giving at a most difficult time, I would not be here. It has been the gift of this family that has been the largest driver helping me to get back-up and live my best life! I received my heart transplant on the first day of fall 2022.The beginning of autumn often symbolizes reflection, le

A sombre but united crowd of residents attended an event in Fort St. John’s Centennial Park on Friday to honour and remember Charlie Kirk...

RCMP engaged in a day long manhunt on Sept 11, searching high and low for a Fort St. John man with warrants before making their arrest...