Islander

GABRIOLA — Gabriola Island residents say there could be severe economic fallout if ferry service reductions go ahead as planned.

DUNCAN — Former Duncan mayor Jim Quaife died at Cowichan District Hospital on the morning of Jan. 9 after a battle with cancer.

NANAIMO — A new network of sirens, set up to warn of imminent dam failure in the Harewood neighbourhood of Nanaimo, was tested in conjunction with an evacuation drill at John Barsby Community School.

PORT ALBERNI — Shipping activity increased sharply at the Port Alberni Port Authority in 2013. According to data from the port authority, there was an increase of 177,284.

Alumni of Oaklands Elementary School would have felt a sense of nostalgia last week as they visited their old stomping grounds during the school’s centennial celebrations.

NANAIMO — While the City of Nanaimo considers the possibility of a waste-to-energy garbage incinerator, other bodies are waging conflicting information campaigns.

NANAIMO — A distiller in Nanaimo hopes to bring a locally crafted absinthe to market. Arbutus Distillery is months away from releasing its brand of craft liquors such as vodka, gin and eventually absinthe.

CAMPBELL RIVER — Danielle Girard says support has been ongoing since daughter Anabelle arrived early on Christmas Eve. Due on March 21, Anabelle was born when Danielle suffered complications and went into early labour.

PARKSVILLE — When Carmen Hammond went for an ultrasound eight weeks into her pregnancy, she was expecting to get a glimpse of a single healthy baby. Instead, the ultrasound technician looked concerned.

Volunteer effort provides good food to those who need it most