May 23rd

Fire East of Donatville...

Crews from Athabasca County and the ESRD are continuing to work on a fire that is burning east of Donatville.

Athabasca County Communications Co-ordinator Alex Denonville says that the Fire Departments from Boyle and Grassland were the first on the scene.

Authorities are asking the public to stear clear of the site, so crews can work.

Meanwhile, ESRD spokesman Leslie Lozinski says the Forest Protection area for Lac La Biche is under an extreme fire hazard reading, at present.

The Fire bans continue for the Town and County of Athabasca, as well as the Village of Boyle.

Town Council Delegations...

Athabasca Town Council has some projects to think about.

May 22nd

BREAKING NEWS (10:45am)

Fire Happening East of Donatville

Reports and details are coming into the radio station regarding  fire that's burning, east of Donatville.

Athabasca County officials are saying the fire has County and ESRD crews, as well as contractors working on-scene.

Athabasca County Communications Co-ordinator Alex Denonville says that the Fire Departments from Boyle and Grassland were the first on the scene.

Authorities are asking the public to stear clear of the site, so crews can work.

Meanwhile, ESRD spokesman Leslie Lozinski says the Forest Protection area for Lac La Biche is under an extreme fire hazard reading, at present.

The Fire bans continue for the Town and County of Athabasca, as well as the Village of Boyle.

May 22nd

Traffic Enforcement Busy...

Athabasca RCMP were busy during the long weekend.

Authorities are reporting that Police arrested and charged two impaired drivers, between Saturday and Monday.

The Traffic enforcement Unit was also active patrolling the area.

In the process, they issued over 40 violation tickets for a variety of offenses.

Police Seek Public's Help...

(Alberta Licence Plates in Brackets)

Athabasca RCMP are looking to the public for help in solving cases of theft.

In the first case, Police reports indicate on Monday morning, a grey diesel GMC one-tonne "dually" pick-up truck (BBP 0360), along with a black eight-foot covered utility trailer (Z49868), containing a variety of tools and a "KTM" quad (77 on side), was stolen from a location on Canyon Road.

Police also say a second residence on Canyon Road also had a "Honda" 250R quad stolen on Monday morning as well.

In the second case, also on Monday morning, Police say a white Ford F-350 pick-up truck (BJP 9786) with a quad deck and two red Honda Quads (DUB 73) (DUB 77) loaded on it, was stolen from the Biological Station in Meanook.

A third quad, that was parked nearby, was also taken from the Station.

In the third case, Police are reporting that early yesterday morning, a black and orange covered "KTM" XC 525 Quad was stolen from a residence in Rochester.

Police are looking for the public's input on these cases.

Any information is to be forwarded to Athabasca RCMP or Crimestoppers.

May 21st

Fire Bans Still in Effect...

Despite the small amount of rain received on Monday morning, everything is status-quo on the Forest Fire front.

The Town of Athabasca, the County of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle are still under complete fire bans.

The bans were issued last week because of the dry conditions and gusty winds.

The bans are in effect until further notice.

Deadly Weekend in Northern Alberta

May 17th

Fire Ban Issued, Gas Prices Up...

The May Long weekend has gotten off to a rather costly start.

First, Gas prices have shot up like a firework.

Two weeks ago, the price of gas was at $1.11.9 per litre.

Yesterday, the price went up another 7 cents to $1.24.9 per litre.

That's a jump of 15 cents per litre in the last two weeks.

---

The dry weather has also cost weekend campers to enjoy their campfires.

Athabasca County joins the town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle in issuing Fire Bans.

The County issued the ban yesterday.

The ban restricts all open fires including recreational fire pits, burn barrels, fireworks and charcoal barbecues.

Gas fired appliances are still permitted.

Existing fire permits are hereby suspended and no new permits will be issued.

Recent dry and windy conditions have caused vegetation to dry out and fire hazards to rise.

The ban is on in the Town, County, and Village until further notice.

May 16th

BREAKING NEWS (3:00pm)

Fire Ban Issued in County

Athabasca County have issued a total Fire Ban for the region

They join the town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle under Fire Ban regulations

The ban restricts all open fires including recreational fire pits, burn barrels, fireworks and charcoal barbecues. 

Gas fired appliances are still permitted. 

Existing fire permits are hereby suspended and no new permits will be issued.

Recent dry and windy conditions have caused vegetation to dry out and fire hazards to rise.

The ban is issued in the Town, County, and Village until further notice.

May 16th

Fire Bans in Effect...

Due to the dry conditions, jurisdictions have had to take measures of safety.

Total Fire Bans have been issued for the Town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle.

Recent dry and breezy conditions have caused vegetation to dry out and raise fire hazard readings.

At this point, no open fires, use of fireworks or new burn permits will be permitted or issued until further notice.

All existing burn and fire permits are currently suspended.

In the meantime, a Fire Advisory is still in effect in Athabasca County.

They are encouraging everyone to use extreme caution when working or driving in grassy areas.

They also say anyone who has conducted open burning during the winter is reminded to check their burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished.

May 15th

County Council Meeting...

The County of Athabasca has received results for information.

At yesterday's Council meeting, the County received the results from the Regional Waste Surveys that were mailed out or received on-line.

The response shows that the survey garnered 76 responses and over 80% said "NO" to the proposed pick-up services.

Communications coordinator Alex Denonville says that cost was the greatest concern to most of the survey respondants.

The survey was sent out to gather feedback for proposed waste and recycle services for the hamlets of Grassland, Wandering River, Rochester and Colinton.

---

The County also received information on the Roadside and Hamlet Cleanup project.

In total, 13 club and organizations took part with the County paying out over $5,000 to the groups.

May 14th

Axle Weight Restrictions Issued...

Athabasca County has issued Axle Weight Restrictions to certain roads in the County.

Township Road 670 east of Range Road 215 and West of range Road 220 has a 50% restriction.

The Caslan North Road, the Golden Noddings Road, the Westwind Trailer Park Road, the ALPAC "C" Road, all paved Multi-Lot Subdivisions, and all paved streets in the Hamlets of Atmore, Caslan, Colinton, Grassland, Rochester and Wandering River have 75% restrictions.

And Grosmont Road, Pine Grove Road, the South Athabasca Road, Century Road, and Skeleton Narrows Road, all have 90% Axle Weight restrictions.

The road restrictions came into effect yesterday, under the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act and a County By-Law.

More information can be found on Athabasca County's website.

May 13th

AHS Mental Health Week

The program is aimed at the adults, but the goals are for the kids.

Alberta Health Services celebrated Mental Health Week, throughout the province last week.

The program, "Simple Connections, Stronger Kids", shows adults that seemingly small actions can have a powerful influence on the positive development of children and youth.

Tracey Zimmer is a Mental Health Promotions Facilitator with AHS in Athabasca.

She says a specific goal is the aim of the campaign.

Many activities happened throughout the province, to bring awareness to the program, including here in Athabasca.

May 10th

Outdoor Show This Weekend

Spring is in the air, and that means it's time to start thinking about heading outdoors.

The annual Athabasca Outdoor Show happens this weekend at the Multiplex.

Over 40 businesses will be on display in the fieldhouse, and various associations will be taking the main stage for presentations.

Prizes will be drawn for, including a Belize getaway, a Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventure, and tickets to this year's Big Valley Jamboree.

The Outdoor Show happens today from 3-8 and, tomorrow from 10-5.

Admission is $3, and 94.1 The River is proud to host the event.

94.1 The River will also be on location at the Athabasca Outdoor Show, both today and tomorrow.

May 9th

PRAAC Has New Website

It is a brand new resource to access for people who may need help.

The Athabasca Chapter of the Prevention of Relationship and Abuse Action Committee has launched a new website for people who are looking for information, education and support.

Brenda is the Committee and she says it is a good resource to have.

The brand new website is athabascapraac.org.

May 8th

Highway On-time, Will be Finished On-time

They say the project is on-time, and will be finished on-time.

The Provincial Government is reassuring the twinning project on Highway 63 is proceeding at a rapid pace.

Transportation Minister Ric McIvor says they keep reminding themselves of the deadline for this portion of the project.

The Government is hoping the twinning of the Highway between Wandering River and Fort McMurray will be finished by 2016.

May 7th

Smoke Reducing Visibility on Hwy 63

It's slow going on Highway 63 this morning between Newbrook and Boyle.

A grass fire has reduced visibility, and reduced the speed limit, thanks to the smoke.

511 Alberta is reporting that the fire is under control, and the Highway is open, although it was closed for a time at around 5:00 yesterday afternoon.

Authorities are reminding motorists to be careful, and to obey posted speed limits along the highway.

Fire Hazard High...

May 6th

County Council Meeting...

Athabasca County will be having some financial decisions to make regarding local endeavours.

At their recent Council Meeting, Council heard a delegation from the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Association.

While the Association didn't come out and say they were requesting donations, the association did thank the County for their partnership over the years.

The associatrion did announce that the Alberta Snowmobile Jamoree will be taking place in Athabasca in the third week in February of next year.

The association is anticipating over 400 people to be in attendance for the two-day event.

---

Council heard a delegation from the Athabasca Farmer's Market.

Spokesman Mandy Melnyk did request $5,000 from the Countyfor the Market's budget for 2013.

Melnyk says they expect their revenues to be around $11,000, but their expenses will be around $20,000 in 2013.

Melnyk did point out that the they have received $2,500 from the town.

No decision was brought forward from the County at the meeting.

---

The County also heard from Angela Betts of the Alberta Energy Corridor.

Betts presented the AEC's budget for 2013 for information purposes to the County.

May 3rd

Metis Bill Introduced by Provincial Government

They are trying to build long, sustainable futures for the Metis settlements in Alberta.

The provincial government has introduced a bill, which will support the recently announced Metis Settlements Long Term Arrangements and promotes accountability and good governance of the settlements.

Provincial Aboriginal Affairs Minister Robin Campbell says teamwork is the framework of this agreement.

Some of the highlights include; an official Code of Conduct for Settlement councils,

- a clear division between the role of councils and administration,

- an independent committee to review councillors' salaries and make public recommendations,

- councils being required to develop annual three-year business plans,

- elections being held every four years instead of three, and

- increased accountability measures including standardized financial reporting.

The amendments are the result of negotiations with the Metis Settlements leadership over the last year.

May 2nd

Highway 63 Open Again...

Traffic is getting back to normal on Highway 63 near Newbrook this morning.

This after reports of a two-vehicle collision, that closed the Highway for 12 hours yesterday.

Redwater RCMP say the accident happened at Township Road 624.

The victim's name hasn't been released.

The Highway re-opened just after 8:00 last night.

Village Council Meeting...

The Village of Boyle is continuing with their transition period.

At yesterday's Council meeting, CAO Charley Ashbey stated in his report that progress is continuing with renovations to the Old Town Hall.

Ashbey also stated that Premier Alison Redford will be in attendance at the Grand Opening of the Boyle Integrated Traffic Unit Office on June 15th.

---

In other Village news, Ashbey stated that Superintendant of Public Works Alex Newman and the Public Works Department will be commencing work on filling potholes in the Village, starting on Monday.

May 1st

BREAKING NEWS (11:15am)

Hwy 63 Closed Due to Collision

Redwater RCMP has responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 63 between Highways 661 and 831.

Police are reporting that traffic in both directions are being re-routed onto Highway 831.

Police say the Highway will be closed until further notice, as the investigation continues.

More information is to come forward, as it becomes available.

May 1st

RCMP Need Public's Help

Athabasca RCMP are looking for the public's help in solving a case of Break, Enter and theft.

Police are reporting that early on Monday morning, Neighbor's Pub was broken into.

Police are looking for the public's help in this case.

Any information is to be forwarded to Athabasca RCMP or Crimestoppers.

April 30th

RCMP Seek Public's Help

Athabasca RCMP need the public's help in solving a case of hit and run.

Police reports indicate that during the overnight hours of Friday night, a suspect or suspects became involved in the hit and run on 52nd Avenue in Downtown Colinton.

The vehicle that was hit was a 2000 Toyota Echo.

Any information on this, or any other crime, can be forwarded to Athabasca RCMP or Crimestoppers.

New and Replacement Schools Coming...

Courtesy: NewCap News Network

Northern Alberta is going to benefit from seven new schools that have just been announced by the provincial government.

Education Minister Jeff Johnson says new and replacement schools are going to be added in Beaverlodge, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Grimshaw, Joussard, Neerlandia and Sexsmith:

The new schools will provide up to 31-hundred student spaces throughout northern Alberta.

Accidents During Yesterday's Snowfall...

Courtesy: NewCap News Network

No injuries were reported from a 5 vehicle crash on Highway 2, 4 kilometres north of Morinville during yesterday's snowfall.

At 3:15 PM, Morinville RCMP along with Alberta Health Emergency Medical Services and the Morinville and Sturgeon County Fire & Rescue Departments were dispatched to the area where traffic was re-routed for about 2 hours.

The investigation is ongoing.

Weather and road conditions may have been a factor in this multi vehicle collision.

There was also a collision between a semi and a train in Slave Lake.

The road was closed for several hours, the driver of the semi was treated and released from hospital.

April 29th

BREAKING NEWS (6:30 PM)

Snowfall Warning in effect

Winter is not done yet...

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Athabasca area.

They say that 5-10 additional centimetres of snow is expected in the overnight hours tonight, and will end tomorrow morning.

Accompanying the snowfall will be winds of up to 50 km/h, making for potentially hazardous driviong conditions.

As of 6:30pm, 511 Alberta is reporting the roads to be partially covered with snow and ice, due to the wet snow and cooler temperatures.

Authorities are reminding motorist to take extra caution when getting to and from your destination tonight.

April 29th

Spring Thaw on Athabasca River in Effect...

With the weather warming up and the snow and ice melting, watching levels on the Athabasca River will be on the back of everyone's mind.

Here in town, the elbow of the Athabasca river did have the ice break over the weekend, and the water is now flowing downstream.

Alberta Environment is continuing with it's river break-up advisory, and water levels will continue to be monitored.

At this point, water levels are being read at just over 2.8 meters in depth, but will likely rise throughout May as the snow from the mountains continues to melt.

As well, 94.1 the River will continue to monitor water levels on the Athabasca, as the spring rolls along.

April 26th

Calling All Volunteers...

Last call for volunteers...

Athabasca County is puting out the call for volunteer community groups interested in cleaning up the County, and earning a little pocket money.

The County is making available over $5,000 through the Hamlet & Roadway Cleanup program.

Communications Co-ordinator Alex Denonville says organizations can apply to clean up garbage on stretches of roads or within hamlets.

The County will pay rates for areas cleaned up, specifically the ALPAC connector roads, north of Hwy 55 and West of Hwy 63 at $100 per mile.

Also, the hamlets of Caslan, Colinton, Grassland, Rochester and Wandering River at $500 each.

And the hamlets of Atmore, Breynat, Ellscott, Meanook and Perryvale at $200 each.

Denonville says this program is a great way to fundraise for the group, and helps support all the volunteers.

The deadline for application is Tuesday.

April 25th

Hwy 831 Closed Yesterday Afternoon

The compounds have been idenified and the containment is continuing.

This after a spill on Highway 831, near Boyle.

Redwater RCMP closed the roadway from Highway 661 to Boyle yesterday afternoon because of as motor vehicle collision.

Reports indicate two tractor-trailer units collided on the Highway, causing the spill.

Traffic was being re-routed to Hwy 63, while the scene was being cleaned up.

April 24th

Village Council Meeting...

The Village of Boyle is preparing for an exciting summer.

At their recent Council meeting, CAO Charley Ashbey stated in his report that the lease has been signed for the Old Town Hall to be transfered to the RCMP.

While Ashbey says that some issues with janitorial services need to be ironed out, he does say that renovations are nearly complete upstairs.

Ashbey says they are planning an opening ceremony for mid-June, and he hopes that Premier Alison Redford will be in attendance.

---

In other Village news, Superintendant of Public Works Alex Newman states in his report that the possibility of looking into a new street sweeper might be in the cards.

Newman says the one in Boyle is aging, and are possibly looking into the one that the Town of Athabasca is selling.

Snow Mold Setting In...

The snow is melting and the allergy season is coming into full-bloom.

Alberta Health Services is warning people about the on-set of Snow Mold.

The melting snow, along with the on-set of springtime allergies, will be beginning to take full effect, soon.

Dr. Katheryn Koliaska is a Senior Medical Officer of Health in the North Zone with AHS.

She says Snow Mold is quite common at this time of the year.

Dr. Koliaska says that if symptoms of allergies persist, to contact a physician.

April 23rd

MSI Funding Coming to Municipalities

MSI Funding has been handed out by the Province of Alberta.

Municipal Affairs says that $896 million dollars will be provided to municipalities in 2013, subject to legislative approval.

That's down from $3.9 billion dollars last year.

Here in the Athabasca region, over $641,000 will be received by the town of Athabasca.

Over $275,000 will be received by the Village of Boyle.

And nearly $2.5 million dollars will be received by Athabasca County.

The province says that fiscal challenges facing the province will make them reassess grant programs in the coming years.

The government also says that the MSI will decrease to $30 million next year, $15 muillion in 2015, and be eliminated in 2016.

Funding for Municipalities...

Towns...

Athabasca - $641,342

Redwater - $517,345

Villages...

Amisk - $183,740

Boyle - $275,310

Summer Villages...

Bondiss - $100,117

Island Lake - $127,708

Island Lake South - $77,994

Mewatha Beach - $91,689

South Baptiste - $75,184

West Baptiste - $80,150

Whispering Hills - $92,015

Metis Settlements...

Buffalo Lake - $196,370

Kikino - $ 208,244

County...

Athabasca County - $2,471,281

April 22nd

Town Council Meeting...

The Town of Athabasca is keeping busy.

At their recent council meeting, CAO Ryan Meier stated in his report that the Athabasca Fire Department have been responding to various calls, through the first two months of 2013.

Meier says that they were called to 13 MVA's, one lift assist, one County Fire, three false alarms, and one car fire.

Meier also says the Fire Department has also conducted Ice Rescue Training, as well as their weekly training.

---

Meier also stated in his report that snow removal, and sanding of the streets has been the main focus of Outside Services over the past month.

Now, Meier says the priority is ensuring catch basins, culverts, and storm drains are clear to allow the proper flow the remaining melting snow.

---

The town has also entered into a lease agreement with the Athabasca Heritage Society.

The basis of the agreement is the leasing of the Train Station for the operation of the Visitor Information Center, and the Director of Community Development to operate out of the location.

But CAO Ryan Meier says that both parties are seeking  a lease agreement that is long-term to keep both operations going.

---

Town Council has passed a resolution regarding the parking signs in front of the Grand Union Hotel.

The BUS PARKING ONLY signs will be removed, since Greyhound doesn't operate from there anymore.

Also, a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign will be placed on the street near the alleyway behind the hotel.

This is due to the blindness of the alleyway.

Also, the request of taxi cab and handicap parking on 50th avenue on the north side of the hotel has been denied by the town.

---

Grant requests were also made by the Northern Lights Library System, the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club, and the Athabasca United Church.

CAO Meier says the requests have been passed along to the town's Grant Committee for consideration.

At Tuesday's Council Meeting, they heard from concerned citizens regarding the state of 47th street.

Over 20 people were in attendance to show their concern about the possible future paving of the road.

They say the road needs paving to control the dust that comes from traffic, since some of the residents suffer from respiratory ailments.

---

A second delegation came from a representative from St. Gabriel's church.

They are asking for assistance from the town regarding a sinking parking lot.

The church is also saying that water is coming into the building and has been for a while.

It is being said that that Parking lot of the church is sinking because of a past Water Main Break.

Both the church and the town will be meeting to discuss what can be done.

---

A third delegation came from the Athabasca Fire Department.

The Department is looking into the future purchase of a new pumper truck.

They are looking at a delivery date of 2015, since their current truck will be 20 years old at that time.

Both the town and the Fire Department are agreeing that the purchase of the new truck would be in the $400,000 area.