Chadd Cawson

Eight-year-old Mason Scargall (left) poses with RCMP officer Wes Richens and supporter Cycle Therapy owner Matt Grossnicken before embarking on a 50 km trek to Lake Cowichan and back which took three hours to complete. Scargall made it his mission to pedal 300 km to raise money and awareness for cancer this year. Mason is donating his proceeds of $400 from his summer farm stand to support Richens goal of $30,000 for this year’s Tour de Rock which will be coming to Lake Cowichan on Oct. 3 (Chadd Cawson/Gazette)

8-year-old Cowichan boy rides 302 km for cancer

Mason Scargall donates $400 from his farm stand proceeds to Wes Richens’ Tour de Rock campa

Eight-year-old Mason Scargall (left) poses with RCMP officer Wes Richens and supporter Cycle Therapy owner Matt Grossnicken before embarking on a 50 km trek to Lake Cowichan and back which took three hours to complete. Scargall made it his mission to pedal 300 km to raise money and awareness for cancer this year. Mason is donating his proceeds of $400 from his summer farm stand to support Richens goal of $30,000 for this year’s Tour de Rock which will be coming to Lake Cowichan on Oct. 3 (Chadd Cawson/Gazette)
Disability advocate Jeff Leggat of Duncan holds up a postcard which will be mailed to Prime Minister Trudeau, and a temporary tattoo in his efforts to raise awareness about the legislated poverty in Canada and to see it end. Leggat had his booth set up in front of Duncan United Church on Sept. 6 before embarking on his Western Canada tour from Sept. 7 to 16. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

Duncan man travelling western Canada to fight legislated poverty

Duncan’s Jeff Leggat will make stops in 7 major cities from B.C. to Manitoba from Sept. 7 to 16

Disability advocate Jeff Leggat of Duncan holds up a postcard which will be mailed to Prime Minister Trudeau, and a temporary tattoo in his efforts to raise awareness about the legislated poverty in Canada and to see it end. Leggat had his booth set up in front of Duncan United Church on Sept. 6 before embarking on his Western Canada tour from Sept. 7 to 16. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Raven Dales describes the beehive to an attentive audience in Mellor Hall at the Cowichan Exhibition 2022. (Andrea Rondeau/Citizen)

Cowichan Exhibition is back for its 155th year

Celebrate Cowichan Valley’s long running tradition and fun for the whole family from Sept. 15 to 17

Raven Dales describes the beehive to an attentive audience in Mellor Hall at the Cowichan Exhibition 2022. (Andrea Rondeau/Citizen)
The Cowichan Valley School District is the third district to sever ties with Camp Qwanoes, following their views on a lack on inclusivity. (Citizen File)

Cowichan Valley School District cuts ties with Camp Qwanoes

Cowichan Valley School District is the third to dissolve partnership with Christian camp

The Cowichan Valley School District is the third district to sever ties with Camp Qwanoes, following their views on a lack on inclusivity. (Citizen File)
Tube Shack employee Alex Sawatsky conquers the amazing feat of carrying 15 tubes during Tube Shack’s first ever ‘Tube-lympics’ as a way to wind down the summer fun among staff members. As of Aug. 31, the video has gone viral across many social media platforms reaching well over six million views, and the number keeps climbing. (Screen shot courtesy of Aaron Frisby)

Lake Cowichan Tube Shack’s ‘Tube-lympics’ video goes viral

Video of tube shack employees carrying 15 tubes during first-ever ‘tube-lympics’ goes viral

Tube Shack employee Alex Sawatsky conquers the amazing feat of carrying 15 tubes during Tube Shack’s first ever ‘Tube-lympics’ as a way to wind down the summer fun among staff members. As of Aug. 31, the video has gone viral across many social media platforms reaching well over six million views, and the number keeps climbing. (Screen shot courtesy of Aaron Frisby)
Three generations of the Denninger family celebrate their birthday on July 13. Whitney stands next to her father Tom Denninger who was given the gift of his beautiful daughter on his 34th birthday. Tom holds his grandson Oliver who was born on Whitney’s 30th birthday, also on July 13. (Courtesy of Pinder Denninger)

Lake Cowichan’s Denninger family defies same-day birthday odds

Lake Cowichan’s Tom Denninger, his daughter Whitney, and now grandson Oliver were all born on July 13

Three generations of the Denninger family celebrate their birthday on July 13. Whitney stands next to her father Tom Denninger who was given the gift of his beautiful daughter on his 34th birthday. Tom holds his grandson Oliver who was born on Whitney’s 30th birthday, also on July 13. (Courtesy of Pinder Denninger)
It was truly special to see members of the Sangha family gather with much pride around the plaque that will forever honour Darshan Singh Sangha in front of the Kaatza Station Museum on Aug. 15. Sangha played an active role in organizing workers in the I.W.A. from 1941 to 1947, and combating the racism that was both present in the workplace and community during that time. (Chadd Cawson/Gazette)

Plaque honouring pioneer labour leader unveiled in Lake Cowichan

I.W.A. member Darshan Singh Sangha combatted racism in both the work place and his community

It was truly special to see members of the Sangha family gather with much pride around the plaque that will forever honour Darshan Singh Sangha in front of the Kaatza Station Museum on Aug. 15. Sangha played an active role in organizing workers in the I.W.A. from 1941 to 1947, and combating the racism that was both present in the workplace and community during that time. (Chadd Cawson/Gazette)
Laketown Ranch has announced that Keith Urban will be headlining Sunfest 2024. Early bird tickets will go on sale on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. (Courtesy of Sunfest)

Keith Urban sure to be red-hot attraction for Sunfest 2024

First tier early bird tickets available to purchase Aug. 22 at 9 a.m.

Laketown Ranch has announced that Keith Urban will be headlining Sunfest 2024. Early bird tickets will go on sale on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. (Courtesy of Sunfest)
Laketown Shaketown has announced that Gwen Stefani will be the headliner for their 2024 music festival which will take place from June 28 to June 30. Tickets go on sale Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. (Courtesy of Laketown Shakedown)

Gwen Stefani announced as headliner for Laketown Shakedown 2024

First tier tickets will be available to purchase on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m.

Laketown Shaketown has announced that Gwen Stefani will be the headliner for their 2024 music festival which will take place from June 28 to June 30. Tickets go on sale Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. (Courtesy of Laketown Shakedown)
Owner Jeff Ross of the Gold Silver Guy commercial store at 48 Station St. stands in front of a smashed window after his store was broken into during the early hours of Thursday morning, July 27, 2023. Ross, who is frustrated, said this is the third time he has been broken into at this location over the span of 11 years. Ross also has store locations in Nanaimo, and Qualicum. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

Island jeweller can’t get insurance after repeated targeting by thieves

19 break-ins over 25 years in his Duncan, Nanaimo and Qualicum stores frustrate shop owner

Owner Jeff Ross of the Gold Silver Guy commercial store at 48 Station St. stands in front of a smashed window after his store was broken into during the early hours of Thursday morning, July 27, 2023. Ross, who is frustrated, said this is the third time he has been broken into at this location over the span of 11 years. Ross also has store locations in Nanaimo, and Qualicum. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Country music sensation Blake Shelton will be the final main stage headliner on Sunday, Aug. 6 for the annual Country music inspired Sunfest at Laketown Ranch in Youbou. (Courtesy of Sunfest)

Sunfest ready to shine on Vancouver Island with headliner Blake Shelton

Country music acts grace 3 stages at Laketown Ranch from Aug. 3 to 6

Country music sensation Blake Shelton will be the final main stage headliner on Sunday, Aug. 6 for the annual Country music inspired Sunfest at Laketown Ranch in Youbou. (Courtesy of Sunfest)
Police are looking for assistance from the community to locate Nicholas Blackwell who was last seen in the Duncan area on July 7. (Twitter)

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP asking for help to locate missing man

Nicholas Blackwell was last seen in the Duncan area on July 7

Police are looking for assistance from the community to locate Nicholas Blackwell who was last seen in the Duncan area on July 7. (Twitter)
On the morning of July 10, at Camp Shawnigan Premier David Eby announced that the province will be providing a $7 million grant to go towards Camp Shawnigan’s new $25 million expansion project which is set to get underway in 2025. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

Premier announces $7 million for Camp Shawnigan

Camp Shawnigan’s new $25 million expansion project is set to begin in 2025

On the morning of July 10, at Camp Shawnigan Premier David Eby announced that the province will be providing a $7 million grant to go towards Camp Shawnigan’s new $25 million expansion project which is set to get underway in 2025. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Generations of The Smith family have been farming in the Cowichan Valley since 1897. They were recently recognized with the Century Farm award celebrating 100 years of farming. Posing in front of their chicken pen with this incredible achievement is Michael K. (left) and wife Sheila, Michael D.’s wife Courtney holding their son Michael J., and Michael D. holding their daughter Charlotte. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

A Michael Smith has been farming Cowichan for more than 100 years

The Smith family receives award for their contributions to B.C. agriculture since 1897

Generations of The Smith family have been farming in the Cowichan Valley since 1897. They were recently recognized with the Century Farm award celebrating 100 years of farming. Posing in front of their chicken pen with this incredible achievement is Michael K. (left) and wife Sheila, Michael D.’s wife Courtney holding their son Michael J., and Michael D. holding their daughter Charlotte. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
The Islands Folk Festival is back in full swing for the first time since the pandemic, with five stages, and more than 50 performers throughout the course of the weekend. More information about tickets, schedules and shuttle services can be found on the Island Folk Festival website. (Courtesy of Island Folk Festival)

Islands Folk Festival back in full swing in Cowichan for 39th year

5 stages, more than 50 performers, plus food and various vendors equals a weekend of family fun

The Islands Folk Festival is back in full swing for the first time since the pandemic, with five stages, and more than 50 performers throughout the course of the weekend. More information about tickets, schedules and shuttle services can be found on the Island Folk Festival website. (Courtesy of Island Folk Festival)
Hercules is a sweet boy with a lot of love to give to his future owner. He is neutered, and has had all his shots, as well as flea and tick treatment. He is high energy, and is currently working on his separation anxiety, and would flourish in a home where he is not alone for extended periods of time. He is looking to be someone’s new best friend. (Chadd Cawson/ Citizen)

Cowichan SPCA looking for a home for Hercules

Hercules is a sweet pit bull and boxer mix with a lot of love to give, and hopes of a forever home

Hercules is a sweet boy with a lot of love to give to his future owner. He is neutered, and has had all his shots, as well as flea and tick treatment. He is high energy, and is currently working on his separation anxiety, and would flourish in a home where he is not alone for extended periods of time. He is looking to be someone’s new best friend. (Chadd Cawson/ Citizen)
Gardens BC launched their new website www.gardensbc.com on May 1 allowing flower and plant lovers an added resource to explore the many diverse gardens across British Columbia, including the BC Tulip Trail in Chilliwack seen here. (Submitted photo)

Gardens BC launches website to help you find gardens to visit across B.C.

New website helps green thumbs nurture their passion and get their hands dirty

Gardens BC launched their new website www.gardensbc.com on May 1 allowing flower and plant lovers an added resource to explore the many diverse gardens across British Columbia, including the BC Tulip Trail in Chilliwack seen here. (Submitted photo)
Aqua was one of the headline acts at Laketown Shakedown in Youbou on the Canada Day long weekend, 2023. (Rob Porter/RMS Media photo)

Laketown Shakedown turns it up on Canada Day weekend

Music lovers of all genres, travelled from all over to take in the jam packed annual music festival

Aqua was one of the headline acts at Laketown Shakedown in Youbou on the Canada Day long weekend, 2023. (Rob Porter/RMS Media photo)
BCSPCA senior manager Leon Davis stands in front of the Cowichan Adoption Centre in Duncan which will be the future home of a new animal behavioural centre, which will be the first of its kind in Canada. While it is in its early planning and design stages, demolition and groundwork is set to begin by mid to late 2024 with a 2025 completion date. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

$1 million for new Duncan SPCA facility

First animal behavior centre of its kind in Canada

BCSPCA senior manager Leon Davis stands in front of the Cowichan Adoption Centre in Duncan which will be the future home of a new animal behavioural centre, which will be the first of its kind in Canada. While it is in its early planning and design stages, demolition and groundwork is set to begin by mid to late 2024 with a 2025 completion date. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)
Cowichan Historical Society president Carolyn Prellwitz stands next to new ducts that were also upgraded as part of the $50,000 CHS received. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)

Cowichan Historical Society puts $50,000 prize money to good use

Countless local, and global votes led to CHS winning Next Great Save competition in February

Cowichan Historical Society president Carolyn Prellwitz stands next to new ducts that were also upgraded as part of the $50,000 CHS received. (Chadd Cawson/Citizen)