Tag: Fort MacMurray

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Ft Mac

Drug Raids in Fort McMurray Lead to 6 Arrests

drug raids, Fort MacMurray

Two different drug raids in Fort McMurray in the last few weeks have resulted in 6 arrests and the seizure of drugs in an effort to make the local community a safer place and get illegal drugs off the street. According to local law enforcement the police found 300 grams of crack cocaine and almost $35,000 in cash money during the raids which occurred on September 9, 2015 and September 18, 2015. ALERT detailed the raids and revealed that a total of 23 individual charges were listed. The 6 people who were criminally charged as a result of the drug raids were arrested. The charges that were laid include trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of stolen property.

When questioned about the Fort McMurray drug raids ALERT Insp. Chad Coles stated “It’s a significant amount for a community such as Fort McMurray. And you factor in the cash proceeds of crime that were seized as well, that’s $35,000, it’s significant. It’s indicative of…a business operation.” ALERT and the Wood Buffalo RCMP collaborated together on the Fort McMurray drug raids. Wood Buffalo RCMP Cpl. Jesse Jones told the media “Obviously, it’s no secret that drugs and violence do go hand in hand. Any time you get drugs off the street, it’s going to contribute to public safety astronomically.” Drugs and violence are frequently mentioned in news stories about the local community, and an unacceptable number of shootings have occurred in the last few months. The recent drug raids show that the RCMP is taking crime seriously and working hard to keep people in the community safe.

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Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Shooting Victim is Improving, Upgraded to Stable but Serious

Fort MacMurray, shooting victim

The most recent Fort MacMurray shooting victim is improving after being shot on Friday, July 24th. Initially the 38 year old victim was taken to the local hospital for injuries that were life threatening, but his condition was upgraded to stable but serious condition last Tuesday. RCMP spokesperson Mylene Michon explained that the victim still faces challenges, cautioning that “There’s always the risk of complications.” The victim was found at around 2 am on the morning of Friday, July 24th, and the press release about the incident stated that the victim was unresponsive when found in the Fort MacMurray area of Quarry Ridge. Police found the male after receiving a report of gunshots in the area. No description of any suspect has been released yet. Police ask that anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity or suspicious people on the date of the shooting in the vicinities of Beacon Hill and Gregoire to report what they know.

According to an RCMP release about the crime and the Fort MacMurray shooting victim “It is unknown at this time, if this incident is related to other recent events involving firearms in the greater Fort McMurray area.” This hooting is just the last in a number of local shootings that has some in the community on edge. There were several shootings in May, and also one in June, in addition to this latest crime. This has led some to question whether the community is safe, and right now the police are not discussing whether some of the crimes are connected or related in any way.

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Ft Mac Health

Multiple Sclerosis Mobile Clinic Will Come Back to Fort MacMurray for Second Year

Multiple Sclerosis mobile clinic, Fort MacMurray

Starting in September residents in Fort MacMurray and the greater Wood Buffalo area will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment with the Multiple Sclerosis mobile clinic again. The reason given by the Multiple Sclerosis Society for bringing back the mobile clinic was that area residents did not have access to permanent services for this condition so there is definitely a need for this type of service. Last year was the first year that Fort MacMurray residents and those in the greater Wood Buffalo area had access to the mobile clinic according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society local chapter coordinator Cait Evans. There will be informational sessions held to educate residents on MS, as well as treatment services available for those who have been diagnosed with this condition.

The Multiple Sclerosis mobile clinic in Fort MacMurray will have staff that includes a nurse practitioner and a neurologist. According to Evans “Leading up to the clinic last year, I had a few clients that hadn’t been to see a neurologist in a couple of years. And that’s quite important to keep up with your neurologist and keep going in for check-ups, even if nothing is changed, it’s always important to know what really is going up there. We had a few clients mention that they heard about (mobile clinics) in other places, and we kinda pushed for it last year. It went really well last year so we thought we’d do it again.” There is no permanent neurologist who practices in Fort MacMurray, so without the Multiple Sclerosis mobile clinic patients may need to travel to Edmonton or even British Columbia to get treatment. More information about the clinic and appointments can be found by calling 587-646-2146.

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Ft Mac

Fort MacMurray Plane Crash Still Under Investigation

Fort MacMurray, plane crash

A plane crash near Fort MacMurray last week is still under investigation, and the investigators have stated that there is no way to know who was piloting the Cessna 172 immediately before the aircraft crashed. The plane collided wit another aircraft and then crashed to the ground last Sunday. According to Edmonton regional manager for the Transportation Safety Board Jon Lee it is not possible for the investigators to determine whether the flight instructor from Fort MacMurray Aviation was in control or if the student was flying the plane when the mid air collision occurred. “Those (training) aircraft are equipped with dual flight controls, so the instructor, who sits in the right seat, can fly the aircraft as well. In a dual training flight scenario, either pilot could have been flying … we’ll never know.”

Fort MacMuuray Aviation flight instructor 33 year old Nabeel Chaudhry was killed in the plane crash along with his student, 32 year old Amjed Ahmed. The collision is believed to have happened 1,300 feet above the ground, and it was the 4th training flight for Ahmed. The Cessna 172 hit a Cessna 185 in the air. The pilot and single other occupant of the Cessna 185 both survived and were interviewed. Jon Lee explained “The 172 was — in our terminology, we call it destroyed. So both wings came off the aircraft, the cabin or the fuselage was severely disrupted, the roof was torn off.. All that to say, is that it’s not looking like an airplane anymore.”

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Ft Mac Health

Fort MacMurray Gains A New OB/GYN

Fort MacMurray, OB/GYN

Fort MacMurray has gained a new OB/GYN, a sorely needed addition in the local medical community. This is the second OB/GYN specialist that has been recruited to the area this year by Alberta Health Services. Earlier this year it was announced that Dr. Nnabuike Ngene would open a maternity and women care practice in Fort MacMurray later this summer. The newest physician to come to the local area and specialize in gynecology and obstetrics is Dr. Nnamdi Okoroafor. Recruitment efforts by AHS managed to convince Dr. Okoroafor to leave his position in Labrador City, N.L., and come to Fort MacMurray instead. The goal is to increase the access that women in Wood Buffalo have to obstetrical and gynecological services, something that many agree needs to be addressed.

Fort MacMurray Mayor Melissa Blake discussed the new OB/GYN specialists and the need for these services, saying “The birth rate in Wood Buffalo continues to rise and the community has long been rallying for increased obstetrical support. The recruitment of Dr. Okoroafor is great news for the entire region.” According to Kim Fleming, a physician resource planner, “We continue to work closely with community members and stakeholders to secure family medicine physicians and specialists – particularly those who specialize in obstetrical care – a critical need in Wood Buffalo.” AHS spokesperson Kirsten Goruk there were two OB/GYN practitioners in Wood Buffalo and Fort MacMurray before recruitment efforts started. With the two new physicians recruited this means that there will be 4 specialists in women and maternity care that residents can use for these services.

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Alberta Ft Mac Politics

Fort MacMurray Legend Norman Weiss Passed Away at 79 Years Old

Norman Weiss, Fort MacMurray

Norman Weiss, a well known Fort MacMurray legend, passed away on June 2, 2015. Weiss was known as a tireless champion for the Fort MacMurray area, serving as an MLA from 1979 to 1993, and as a business man in the community who always seemed to have plenty of energy for things that he believed in. Weiss was known for helping the region during the period of rapid development and it was always clear that he believed in the people and the area without reservation. Carol Weiss talked about her husband, saying “Well they used to joke about him. Because he used to say ‘Gee it’s a sad day if […] some of the MLAs in farm communities don’t ask for something.’ And at the same time these same farmers said, well Norm it’s a sad day if you’re not asking for something for McMurray too. So he was well known for that.”

The Fort MacMurray community lost an ardent supporter when Norman Weiss passed away, and many residents still remember him as a beloved businessman and a politician who actually cared about his local community. Carol Weiss remembered her husband’s passion for Fort MacMurray and helping his community. “He loved to help people. If there was an underdog in the area, he definitely would find them. Life was never dull with him, that’s for sure. He should have been a buyer for the government. He would have saved them millions, because he loved to look for bargains.” Brian Jean also remembered Norman Weiss fondly, saying “He made it possible that I could practice law, and because of him my career has unfolded as it has. He was a great man, and should be remembered as a great man.”