Well, how about that weather? Many folks in Radium have been sharing with me what a great winter we have had — they like the mild temperatures which we have experienced since early December. I am pretty sure that not everyone is having the same thoughts as it has been really hard to host any winter events requiring ice.

Winterfest in Radium was hoping to have a fun curling event on our skating rink — it is not looking good right now as the ice has to be created a week before to allow the rings and hacks to be solidly frozen in. Luckily, we have a very imaginative team planning alternate options for indoor and outdoor fun!

The events team is made up of staff and many volunteers; note that we always have a need for more volunteers. So, check in with any council member, the Village office, library, fire department, or the Visitor Centre if you have time and are interested in sharing your talents in some capacity.

At our last council meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss Policing Priorities with Staff Sgt. Shehovac. Council confirmed their support of the detachment priorities, but also expressed their desire to have more visibility of members in the community during the day when people are around.

Suggestions included meeting the business owners, walking and/or bike patrols during events, monitoring speeding along Highway 93 and Forster Landing Road.

This last concern has to do with sheep mortality, gravel being “spit out” at pedestrians, and the visitor experience as many of our guests are taking advantage of our sidewalks and trails. Staff Sgt. Shehovac noted that part of monitoring speed includes writing of tickets!

The last day for applying for Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiative Funds is February 16th. This program is designed to help address the needs of Basin communities.

It is flexible and incorporates community-based funding decisions to better meet local priorities. To determine whether your community group qualifies for this funding, check out www.rdek.bc.ca for more information. If you do apply, be sure to ask for funding from each electoral area or municipality whom you think might contribute, not just one body.

Lastly, I would like to wish a very Happy Retirement to Jacque and farewell to Esso, as well as a hearty welcome to Don and Marilyn and Gas Plus.

Clara Reinhardt is the mayor of the Village of Radium Hot Springs and a Regional District of East Kootenay director for the Columbia Valley.