Lexi Bainas

Low light conditions along Highway 18 don’t give motorists much of a chance to avoid collisions with elk. (Malcolm Chalmers photo)

Lake Cowichan pushing for Highway 18 wildlife solution

Numbers of elk are growing, and they are now showing up in new areas, increasing danger to drivers

Low light conditions along Highway 18 don’t give motorists much of a chance to avoid collisions with elk. (Malcolm Chalmers photo)
Jet skis towing tubers on the river has Lake Cowichan concerned

Jet skis towing tubers on the river has Lake Cowichan concerned

A Transport Canada rep says there is support for the town if they decide on restrictions

Jet skis towing tubers on the river has Lake Cowichan concerned
The girls, Ali (Mackenzie Lee), Sophie (Veronica Meyer), and Lisa (Kari Cowen), have some fun at a rehearsal for Mamma Mia!. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Cowichan Musical Society brings ‘Mamma Mia!’ to Duncan

Abba hits come to life as Cowichan Theatre transforms into a Greek Island

The girls, Ali (Mackenzie Lee), Sophie (Veronica Meyer), and Lisa (Kari Cowen), have some fun at a rehearsal for Mamma Mia!. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Ducks enjoy a swim by a picnic table as water levels rise. (Citizen file)

Flooding has closed several roads in Cowichan Valley

All the usual suspects are involved: overflowing ditches, low-lying spots, and huge piles of snow

Ducks enjoy a swim by a picnic table as water levels rise. (Citizen file)
As far back as 2011, Indian Day School survivors from the Cowichan Valley were gathering for meetings about receiving a proper settlement for a terrible time in their lives. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Indian Day School survivors can now submit claims for $10K-$200K in compensation

Anyone who is part of the class action is being encouraged to start the process now

As far back as 2011, Indian Day School survivors from the Cowichan Valley were gathering for meetings about receiving a proper settlement for a terrible time in their lives. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Justin Pambrun, general manager and dealer partner at Island Ford, says a rash of thefts of gas and other items from vehicles is a real headache for the dealership. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Cowichan Valley car dealerships hit by thefts of gas and more

Drilling and syphoning gas, stealing shocks and converters: car crime is up: dealers say

Justin Pambrun, general manager and dealer partner at Island Ford, says a rash of thefts of gas and other items from vehicles is a real headache for the dealership. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
European gypsy moths (note the feather-like antennae) are an invasive species in North America, but the province is attempting to keep them from getting a foothold in B.C. by spraying for the moths in various parts of the province, including Lake Cowichan. (Photo by Marian Goldsmith/Used Under Common License)

Aerial spraying planned to prevent gypsy moth problem at Lake Cowichan

Invasive insects can travel widely, and cause significant damage: province

European gypsy moths (note the feather-like antennae) are an invasive species in North America, but the province is attempting to keep them from getting a foothold in B.C. by spraying for the moths in various parts of the province, including Lake Cowichan. (Photo by Marian Goldsmith/Used Under Common License)
When Canadian country charmer Madeline Merlo was at Sunfest a couple of years ago, she was such a crowd pleaser that she’s been invited back for 2020. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Dallas Smith, Madeline Merlo lead ‘second wave’ of artists at Sunfest 2020

Keith Urban will be joined on the big stage by a host of great acts, some well known to Sunfesters

When Canadian country charmer Madeline Merlo was at Sunfest a couple of years ago, she was such a crowd pleaser that she’s been invited back for 2020. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
Right: Fred (Abraham Asto), Doris (Michelle Morris) and Susan (Julianna Toft) enjoy a group hug when they realize they are going to be a family with a house in the country.

Review: ‘Miracle on 34th St.’ hits holiday entertainment sweet spot

Chemainus Theatre has lined up a tasty dish for its 2019 Christmas blockbuster

Right: Fred (Abraham Asto), Doris (Michelle Morris) and Susan (Julianna Toft) enjoy a group hug when they realize they are going to be a family with a house in the country.
These ‘chicken tractors’ are like a mobile home for the heritage birds Rylands raises during the summer. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

VIDEO: Healthy, happy pork come from Muddy Feet in Cowichan

Happy Berkshires and heritage Tamworth pigs enjoy a pleasant environment at Muddy Feet Farm

These ‘chicken tractors’ are like a mobile home for the heritage birds Rylands raises during the summer. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Protesters have regularly gathered outside the Duncan courthouse to express their concern about the treatment of Teddy. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)

Teddy the dog trial continues Monday and Thursday

Anderson Joe is in court Nov. 18, Melissa Tooshley on Nov. 21

Protesters have regularly gathered outside the Duncan courthouse to express their concern about the treatment of Teddy. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen file)
‘Stories from Yugoslavia: Reflection on Canadian Peacekeeping’ is a thoughtful suite of compositions by Emily Armour, inspired by moving conversations she has had with veterans of that little-discussed conflict. This photo is of Armour’s partner on duty in Yugoslavia. (Submitted)
‘Stories from Yugoslavia: Reflection on Canadian Peacekeeping’ is a thoughtful suite of compositions by Emily Armour, inspired by moving conversations she has had with veterans of that little-discussed conflict. This photo is of Armour’s partner on duty in Yugoslavia. (Submitted)
It might be a good idea to take down your handicapped card when driving, Susan Lowe suggests, following a scary incident last weekend. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Woman terrified after being stalked by car on rural road near Duncan

On an isolated part of Cowichan Lake Road, two women are almost trapped in creepy incident

It might be a good idea to take down your handicapped card when driving, Susan Lowe suggests, following a scary incident last weekend. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Motorists must stop when the red lights on the school bus are flashing. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)

Vancouver Islanders working on school bus safety

School kids don’t always think about cars when boarding or leaving a school bus: we do it for them

Motorists must stop when the red lights on the school bus are flashing. (Lexi Bainas/Citizen)
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, in a dress by Eliza Faulkner, wave as they go on stage at Liberal election headquarters in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Sophie’s choice: Vancouver Islander crafts election night dress for PM Trudeau’s wife

Sophie Gregoire’s golden dress has a Cowichan Valley connection

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, in a dress by Eliza Faulkner, wave as they go on stage at Liberal election headquarters in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, in a dress by Eliza Faulkner, wave as they go on stage at Liberal election headquarters in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

B.C.-raised designer crafts election night dress for PM Trudeau’s wife

Sophie Gregoire’s golden dress has a Cowichan Valley connection

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, in a dress by Eliza Faulkner, wave as they go on stage at Liberal election headquarters in Montreal, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Cera Qwulshemut, 15, is missing from Duncan. Contact RCMP if you know anything about her. (Submitted)

Have you seen missing Duncan teen Cera Qwulshemut?

15-year-old First Nations girl missing from in front of Shoppers Drug Mart

Cera Qwulshemut, 15, is missing from Duncan. Contact RCMP if you know anything about her. (Submitted)
Two RCMP vehicles vandalized in Duncan over long weekend

Two RCMP vehicles vandalized in Duncan over long weekend

Local Mounties asking for help in finding culprits

Two RCMP vehicles vandalized in Duncan over long weekend
Police look for suspect after man, 85, punched in face in Vancouver Island road rage attack

Police look for suspect after man, 85, punched in face in Vancouver Island road rage attack

Police looking for info after 85-year-old man attacked in road rage incident on Herd Road Oct. 9

Police look for suspect after man, 85, punched in face in Vancouver Island road rage attack
Vancouver Island 85-year-old punched in head in road rage attack

Vancouver Island 85-year-old punched in head in road rage attack

Police looking for info after 85-year-old man attacked in road rage incident near Duncan Oct. 9

Vancouver Island 85-year-old punched in head in road rage attack