The Ministry of Environment is launching a website that brings environmental reporting into the 21st century by translating complex scientific data into interactive features and story-telling graphics that help British Columbians understand the environment.

The B.C. government is helping to bring the 2014 Tim Hortons Brier to Kamloops by committing $100,000 of provincial funding to the event, plus an additional $100,000 from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

Effective at 12 noon on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, all open fires will be permitted within the Kamloops Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined by B.C. Chamber of Commerce president and CEO John Winter and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake at Lee's Music Experience in Kamloops today to announce a consultation process with British Columbians for the B.C. Small Business Accord.

Effective today, Oct. 15, 2012, campfires and all open fires will be permitted in the Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Students at Thompson Rivers University's law school will enjoy new, state-of-the-art lecture spaces and upgraded facilities through a provincial investment of up to $7.4 million.

With unseasonably warm and dry weather conditions expected to continue over the Thanksgiving Day long weekend, the Kamloops Fire Centre is urging the public to continue to be cautious with their outdoor activities.

The Wildfire Management Branch is working with the Keremeos Fire Department to control a wildfire five kilometres south of Cawston. The fire is estimated at 16 hectares.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, open fire prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre will be extended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public. Due to recent warm and dry weather, 70 per cent of the region remains at a "high" or "extreme" fire danger rating.

Five B.C. mines were recognized for their outstanding achievements in reclamation practices at the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Awards banquet in Kamloops on Sept. 19.