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RCMP Gives Out Numerous Traffic Violations in a Single Week

traffic violations, RCMP
traffic violations, RCMP

RCMP had a great week recently, giving out numerous traffic violations, but an incident involving the police also occurred during the same week. Many of the traffic violations were issued for exceeding the speed limit. While RCMP was engaged in a routine traffic stop the RCMP vehicle was struck and sustained around $4,000 in damage. This incident was very clearly the fault of the motorist who struck the stopped police vehicle. The accident occurred on Highway 881, and the RCMP Municipal Traffic Service vehicle was parked on the side of the highway while the officer was issuing a citation for speeding to a motorist. The emergency lights on the vehicle were activated and it was parked and stationary when hit by another vehicle.

RCMP flagged a Jeep Liberty on Highway 881 for speeding at the same time that the traffic stop was initiated, and a second RCMP vehicle was pulling over the Jeep Liberty when the driver lost control, colliding with the parked RCMP vehicle on the side of the road. The driver of the Jeep attempted to put his seat belt on before pulling over, and this distraction caused him to lose control. Luckily no one was hurt during the accident, and the police service dog who was in the parked police vehicle was uninjured as well. Other traffic violations observed and cited by RCMP during the week include street racing, and one driver was pulled over and caught with more than 3 grams of methamphetamine in their vehicle on Thursday.

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RMWB Reviews Program for Snow Removal and Ice Control

snow removal, ice control, RMWB
snow removal, ice control, RMWB

The RMWB is reviewing the program in place for snow removal and ice control in order to make sure the program is effective and meeting the needs in the local area. According to councilor Keith McGrath “Certainly what we have been doing is not working. In the dead of winter when it’s dark, people are miserable anyways, but when it’s compounded with not being able to get in your driveway or get on your streets, it just increases the problems we have.” Right now snow and ice are scraped and removed in residential areas just a few times a year, and this is only done when the snowpack reaches 10cm. Some have suggested that more frequent snow removal and ice control are needed, but there are additional considerations with this move.

Robert Kirby, who is the Acting Director of Operations for RMWB, has been planning consultation meetings over the next few months in order to address concerns and determine what changes are needed for better snow removal and ice control. Kirby said “There is a growing number of residents who would like to see snow plowing in the residential areas. This review will clearly identify the satisfaction level of our residents.” Kirby continued by saying “For us to be able to get into the streets and clear them properly, we’re going to need the roadways cleared.” According to councilor Tyran Ault “It was a horrible winter. If it’s the same kind of winter, we’re going to get a lot of flack again.”

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Fort MacMurray Firefighters Win 2 Gold Medals, Take Home 3 Medals Overall

Fort MacMurray firefighters, medals
Fort MacMurray firefighters, medals

Fort MacMurray firefighters showed that they have what it takes by bringing home 3 medals from the national competition, and 2 of the medals were gold. The Scott FireFit National Championships is a competition which tests the skills and team cooperation of firefighters from across the nation so the showing by the Fort MacMurray firefighters was impressive. Frasier O’Neill, the team leader, called the results gratifying and stated “(We’re) pretty stoked. It’s been a lot of hours, hundreds of hours this summer of our own time to go into it, so when it all comes together, to get that ultimate result it’s pretty satisfying for sure. I think everyone did an outstanding job. You’re not going to win it by a single person, you have to have a team coordinate all together.”

Participants in the FireFit Challenge must compete in full fire gear, navigating through a course which includes numerous skill tests and challenges that firefighters can face on the job. The Fort MacMurray firefighters won gold in the mixed NxG2 and in the men’s relay. They placed third in the women’s relay, and 4t place overall for the entire competition. Challenges that were faced included wearing a heavy pack and climbing up stairs, carrying a dummy victim across the finish line, dragging and utilizing a fire hose, and using a rope to hoist up equipment. According to team leader O’Neill “It’s pretty unique to have an occupational sport that makes you better for the occupation. You’re just training what the events are. We try to simulate it the best we can. You just try to mix the training up to make yourself the best you can.”

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Zombies Will Run in Fort MacMurray

Fort MacMurray, zombies
Fort MacMurray, zombies

Expect to see zombies in Fort MacMurray in October, because the Girls Inc. Zombie Run is scheduled. This event is a five and a half kilometer walk/run along a set path, in this case Beaver Trail. As the runners and walkers make their way along the designated path zombies will appear from a variety of locations and positions. Avoiding the zombies while trying to survive to the finish line is the goal of the event, and it was a great time for everyone who participated in 2013. After the Fort MacMurray Zombie Run is concluded a barbecue is held for the participants. If the menu is like last year you can expect to find Brain cupcakes, voodoo cookies, and even baked fingers to snack on.

The Zombie Run is a great way for Fort MacMurray residents to get some exercise, have some fun, and mingle with others in the community. Kids of all ages can enter, and the price is $40 which includes the refreshments after the course is finished. For those who survive the zombies and make it to the finish the sense of achievement can be fantastic. The zombies add an unusual twist to the typical run/walk event, and with Halloween right around the corner now is the perfect time to hold this type of event. Last year the Zombie Run had a decent turnout, and event coordinators are hoping to attract even more people in Fort MacMurray this year. All of the runners and walkers should remember to stay safe out there, and to have a blast as they try to evade the brain suckers who will be everywhere!

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Is Fort MacMurray Ready for Halloween?

Fort MacMurray, Halloween
Fort MacMurray, Halloween

The Halloween season is almost here, but are Fort MacMurray parents, kids, and businesses ready for this holiday? This is one of the most popular holidays for kids across the country and the continent, and the excitement in Fort MacMurray has already started to build as stores start to stock Halloween supplies and trick or treat items. Kids are already pondering what they want to dress up as, and parents are already starting to formulate ground rules and plans in order to keep kids safe on this exciting day. The variety of costumes being offered by local stores can be extensive, and there are costumes for all ages and preferences that can be found. For those who do not see what they want there is still time to order a costume online and have it delivered.

Halloween in Fort MacMurray is a time of fun and excitement, and this holiday is not just for kids. Many adult residents in the area also look forward to Halloween with growing excitement. Seeing the many different costumes and the creative ideas that families come up with is a lot of fun, and the kids can not wait to start trick or treating and collecting candy from local homes and businesses. Many homeowners and renters put up elaborate displays in the spirit of the holiday and the entire area takes on a different appearance. Halloween also reminds the residents of Fort MacMurray that Christmas is not far off, with all the fun and excitement that this holiday also brings.

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Are Fort MacMurray Seniors Prepared for an Emergency?

Fort MacMurray seniors, prepared for an emergency
Fort MacMurray seniors, prepared for an emergency

Many Fort MacMurray seniors are not prepared for an emergency, and this can cause life or death situations to occur. It is important for all seniors to ensure emergency preparedness just in case something happens. The remote location, severe winter weather, and other local conditions may mean that help could take some time in arriving, and Fort MacMurray seniors should be prepared for this eventuality. Fort MacMurray seniors who live independently and do not have friends or family in the same home should take the time to get to know their neighbors, so that there is someone to keep watch if bad weather hits or another type of emergency occurs. It is also important for the elderly to have a large support network so someone can help if assistance is needed.

One of the emergency tips for Fort MacMurray seniors who may have mobility issues is to be prepared for an emergency by keeping extra canes, walking sticks, and other mobility aids on hand. Place these items in various rooms of the home so they are close by if an emergency happens. It is a good idea to keep extra supplies of all types on hand as well. This stash should include medical equipment and supplies as well as the basics like food, water, and candles or flashlights. An emergency plan should be created and shared with all of the people in the support network, so that everyone is aware of what the senior needs and what to do if the power is disrupted and the temperature drops extremely low.