Rick Mercer is currently nesting on the Island.

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns left West Coast towns today to head over the hump to continue spreading his message about his national cycling strategy and hear from his constituents as part of his 鈥淩ide the Riding鈥� initiative.

Brent and Deborah Hobden have spent a good portion of their summer assisting victims of wildfires that have ravaged a number of communities around B.C. In July, they were part of a five-person team that spent five days in Merritt. Then in August, the couple spent eight days in Prince George.

Two separate open burns were reported last week in the Alberni Valley

Chris Godfrey, the Comox Valley slo-pitch player critically injuring during a game in Courtenay Saturday, remains in hospital in Victoria.

More than $62,000 will go to support YANA programs.

Ladysmith鈥檚 Sean Sherstone tapped into his creative side during a morning run on Wednesday.

At just 26 years, Ryan Hedican died in April from a fentanyl overdose. He was into sports while growing up in Courtenay, but battled addiction for many years. He tried different avenues to overcome the disease, including the Last Door Recovery Society in the Lower Mainland, where he spent the last eight months of his life.

Any plans this weekend?

A large crowd gathered Monday evening, lining the perimeter of a ball field - some wearing team jerseys, some holding candles and others bowing their head in silence.