Lakeland College students will soon see some major changes to a campus hub and more support towards growing student enrolment. 

Alberta’s government is providing $16 million in total to ensure students have safe and reliable learning environments and more options to train and learn closer to home. The Lakeland College received $13.3 million to revitalize the Bentley Building on the Vermilion campus and an additional $2.7 million to support other capital maintenance and renewal projects at the college. 

Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College says modern and interactive learning environments are essential for helping prepare students for the real world. 

“Our thanks to the Government of Alberta for investing in the transformation of the Bentley Building, ensuring Lakeland can continue to produce skilled graduates who will go on to enhance our communities.” 

Lakeland College holds 50 programs ranging from interior design to power engineering and was Canada’s first institution to offer a degree program in agriculture technology. Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education says investing in local communities encourages students to stay close to home while they develop the skills, knowledge and competencies they need for the most in-demand jobs. 

“It also benefits the local economy, as students graduate and use their talents to continue building strong and prosperous communities.” 

The Bentley Building is home to Lakeland College’s award-winning interior design technology and early childhood education programs. It also houses growing human services programs that produce graduates who fill important and in-demand roles that support children, youth, seniors, at-risk families, and advocate for mental health. This is the first substantial modernization of the building since opening in 1969. 

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Update: The man suspected of kidnapping a 26-year-old woman has been arrested by RCMP. According to officials, Shelby Jackson was arrested on Friday. Shelby has been remanded into custody and is scheduled in court on Monday, October 16th.

Update: RCMP has reported Theresa Kathleen Coutre has been located safe; officers continue to search for Jackson Shelby. Shelby is wanted for kidnapping, and Mounties continue to consider him armed and dangerous; the public is advised to call 911 and not to approach him if they see him.

Anyone with information about where Shelby is located is asked to call St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8888 or Crime Stoppers.

[caption id="attachment_38178" align="alignnone" width="300"] (Photo supplied by Cpl. Troy Savinkoff for Alberta RCMP Media Group)[/caption]

St. Paul RCMP are asking for help in an investigation into a possible abduction of a 26-year-old woman. 

Officials responded to a report of threats with a firearm at a residence at Goodfish Lake on Oct. 10, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. but found signs that the home occupant Theresa Kathleen Coutre, was taken against her will and was missing. 

An investigation was launched and is still ongoing, but RCMP believe that Coutre was forcefully taken from the residence by 33-year-old Goodfish Lake resident Shelby Jackson. Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit has been dispatched to the community to assist with the investigation. 

The public is being asked for assistance in locating Theresa Coutre who is described as having a medium complexion with black hair, brown eyes, stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 134 pounds. 

Additionally, RCMP are also trying to locate the suspect Shelby Jackson who is described as having a medium complexion with black hair with brown eyes, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighs about 230 pounds. Shelby Jackson is considered armed and dangerous, and police say if the public sees him to call 911 immediately. 

Both Coutre and Jackson have ties in Eastern Alberta, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Lethbridge. 

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Thresa Coutre or Shelby Jackson, you are asked to 911 immediately. 

The post UPDATE: St. Paul RCMP arrest suspect in abduction investigation appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

Squadrons from 4 Wing Cold Lake will be conducting night flying training over the City of Cold Lake from now until November 3.

The Night flying training is an essential requirement for the aircrew and ground crew. In a press release 4 Wing Cold Lake says the ability to conduct night missions is vital to our operational capability. 

The night flying training is not intended to disrupt the Lakeland' peace and quiet. 

The post 4 Wing Cold Lake conducts night flying training this month appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

Cold Lake will host KNOCS Industries fireworks training at the museum site in Cold Lake on October 19, 2023. 

The launches will start at 8:00 pm and could last anywhere between 10-30 minutes. Part of the training will see four of the largest shells Cold Lake has ever seen launched as part of the upgrades to services. 

KNOCS Industries would like to advise the public that there will be significant noise for that short period of time and of course large bright lights. 

"Please bring in any animals that are adverse to loud noises." 

The public is welcome to spectate but is asked to adhere to warning signs, staff directions for viewing, and road closures in the area. 

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Leanne Jordison, a Kindergarten teacher at Duclos School in Bonnyville, has been selected as a recipient of this year's Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence. 

The awards recognize exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers for their remarkable achievements in education and their commitment to preparing youth for a digital and innovation-based economy. Duclos School Principal Jody Centazzo, as part of Mrs. Jordison's nomination package, says Leanne's drive and ability to reach each of her students and bring the best out of them is exemplary. 

"Her efforts and leadership towards meeting division and school goals have been invaluable through the years of mentorship she has provided to teachers and support staff. We need more teachers like Leanne who put in everything it takes, each and every day, no matter what." 

Since their creation in 1994, the Prime Minister’s Awards have honoured more than 2,100 outstanding Canadian educators.

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One person has been arrested after RCMP recovered a stolen pickup truck from Boyle, AB in the early morning hours of Oct. 5, 2023. 

Police located the vehicle South-West of the Lac La Biche area as it entered multiple rural properties but was stopped with a tire deflation device. The driver fled on foot but was located a short distance away. 

24-year-old Tristin Aaron Buchan has been charged with 10 offences including possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, and resisting arrest among others. 

Buchan was also wanted on 69 outstanding charges out of Ontario and Edmonton for property-related offenses. Sgt. Mike Dunsmore of EAD CRU says this is another example of the Alberta RCMP’s ability to bring resources together quickly to combat rural crime. 

“Through the team work of the Lac La Biche RCMP Detachment, St. Paul PDS, the Eastern Alberta District CRU coordinated by the RCMP K Division Real Time Operation Centre (RTOC) this accused was taken into custody quickly before he could continue to offend.” 

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Buchan was remanded into custody to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on Oct. 11, 2023. 

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The winners of the RCMP 150 Coloring Contest have been released. 

Bonnyville RCMP ran the contest through September and declared the winners on October 5th. There were two winners chosen for each of the three age categories; 6 & Under, ages 7-9 and ages 10-12. 

S/Sgt. Parke awarded each winner with a commemorative RCMP 150 ball cap and some other RCMP 150 swag-like pins and tattoos. The winners were chosen from the roughly 80 entries. 

Bonnyville RCMP gave congratulations to Kaizen Youngchief, Hunter Waynarowich, Hugh Fieger, Hadley Hiemstra, Braxton Westwell, and missing from the photo is Dylan. 

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Lac La Biche RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating Rose Simonelis. 

The 54-year-old has not been seen or heard from since Oct. 5, 2023, and there is concern for her well-being. 

Rose is described as having a fair complexion with blond hair, and brown eyes, standing 5 foot 1 inch tall, and weighing 160 lbs.

[caption id="attachment_38134" align="alignnone" width="300"] (Photo supplied by Cst Kelsey Davidge for Alberta RCMP Media Group)[/caption]

Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Rose is asked to contact Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-404-2500. 

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Fire Prevention Week is set to kick off from now until Oct. 14 in the Lakeland.

Cold Lake Fire-Rescue is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association and will emphasize the theme of "Cooking Safety Starts with You." This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign will work to promote tips, guidelines, and recommendations that can help significantly reduce the risk of having a cooking fire.

Sparky the Fire Dog offers the following tips to keep safe in the kitchen:

• Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cook times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to help monitor them carefully.
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep anything that can burn, such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Sparky also has a coloring contest for a chance to become "Fire Chief for a day" and have a private tour of the CLFR Fire station.

The two age categories kids can enter are 3 to 7-year-old and 8 to 12 year-old.

Parents can download a copy of the sheet and then email the completed masterpiece to communications@coldlake.com with Colouring Contest in the subject line. Physical copies can be picked up at the City of Cold Lake City Hall (5513-48 Ave.) and dropped off there when you are finished.

The deadline to enter is Sunday, October 15, 4 p.m. with winners being contacted and then announced on the City of Cold Lake's social media pages by October 21.

During Fire Prevention Week multiple BBQs and open houses will be hosted to celebrate fire safety where firefighters will be on hand to answer any questions. Cold Lake will see its BBQ on October 10 from 6 pm to 8 pm at either the North Fire Hall (718-10 St.) or the South Fire Hall (5201-55 St.)

Bonnyville`s open house will take place at Station 5 on October 10 from 4-8 p.m.

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Portage College has received $900,000 from the Alberta government to modernize classrooms and improve students’ learning experiences.

Alberta’s government is also reinstating the steamfitter-pipefitter program at Portage College for the 2024-25 academic year.

The classroom upgrades and the return of the steamfitter-pipefitter program at Portage College will look to improve the student experience and meet the needs for skilled workers. Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education says this will also benefit the local economy as students graduate and use their talents to continue building strong and prosperous communities.

“Investing in local communities encourages students to stay close to home to develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies they need for the most in-demand jobs.”

The steamfitter-pipefitter is one of the fastest-growing apprenticeship programs in northeastern Alberta with the four-year program hosting 32 apprentices per year.

Nancy Broadbent, president and CEO, Portage College says they hope to meet the demand for much-needed paramedics and trades professionals in the region.

“Modernizing our classrooms will help ensure our students have an excellent learning experience at Portage College. We’re thankful to the Government of Alberta, Minister Sawhney, and Advanced Education for their support.”

In the government of Alberta`s 2023 budget, Portage College was given $875,000 to create 96 seats in the paramedicine program and $319,846 to support apprenticeship programs.

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The Town of St. Paul has a brand new John Deere TE Electric Gator Utility Vehicle for the St. Paul Golf Course as part of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s through the Electric Vehicles for Municipalities program. 

The Town of St. Paul, CAO Steven Jeffery says making the transition to an Electric Utility Vehicle may be a small step for the Town in its overall reduction of GHG Emissions but it’s a reduction none the less. 

“By placing this Electric Vehicle in the fleet at the golf course we are excited to experience lower operating costs and decreased maintenance time in order for our crews to maximize the daily use of the equipment. Town Council and Administration greatly appreciate the support of the MCCAC in helping our Town move towards becoming a more environmentally friendly community.” 

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a partnership of Alberta Municipalities, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta with the goal of empowering municipalities to be leaders in climate change action through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 

In a Facebook post, the town thanked the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre for helping the town of St. Paul in purchasing the new John Deere TE Electric Gator. 

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The Town of Bonnyville is asking residents what retailers they would like to see open shop in Town. 

The local municipality is conducting a Retail Gap Analysis Community Survey and wants to hear from residents. Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau says the Community Survey will allow the municipality to gather information from residents in the area. 

“A Retail Gap Analysis is important for the Town to see where we are today and where people want us to be in the future in terms of the types of retail and commercial stores in Town. Once we have that feedback, we can re-examine our goals to effectively target the types of businesses residents in the region want to see in Town.” 

The Community Survey will be available until Friday, Oct. 27 and is estimated to take 5-10 minutes. The survey can be conducted online here and physical versions will be available for anyone who lives in Bonnyville and the surrounding area at the Town Hall (4917-49 Ave.) 

“We encourage anyone who resides in the Lakeland who has shopped in Bonnyville to fill out the survey,” expressed Brosseau. “We want to hear from everyone who lives in the area to see how often they shop in Bonnyville, why they might choose our retailers, or why they may go to another community for their retail needs.” 

Those who enter the survey have a chance to win a $100 gift card for Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual Bonnyville. 

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Two Lakeland College interior design technology students claimed first and second place in this year’s National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) prestigious student design competition. 

Tiarra Dyck, Class of 2023, placed first in the kitchen competition while Hannah Tataryn ranked second. The two winners needed to design a kitchen that was aesthetically pleasing and functional in the home of a fictional married couple with two children. Dyck says winning felt surreal. 

“I really put all my effort into the kitchen, and it's just crazy that I won. I still can't believe it.” 

Tiarra Dyck received a $5,000 USD scholarship while Hannah Tataryn was awarded $2,500 USD as well as a trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Expo in Las Vegas. 

This is the 18th year that Lakeland students have been recognized by the NKBA. Tataryn says they were shocked to see the email about the NKBA Student Competition. 

“I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I ran outside and read it again and called my family immediately, jumping up and down and telling them the news. I am beyond grateful and excited!” 

Dyck and Tataryn’s upcoming itinerary includes: 

• Complimentary registration and tickets to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2024 Expo in Las Vegas 
• Admission to the 2024 Design Awards Ceremony at KBIS 
• Airfare and hotel accommodations for KBIS 
• Round trip airfare and three nights hotel accommodations. 
• Winning design featured in Kitchen and Bath Business (KBB) Magazine 

Earlier this summer, Lakeland also received the Excellence in Education Award from the NKBA. Lakeland College’s dean of trades Dave King says they are so proud of Tiarra and Hannah. 

“To receive recognition from a prestigious association like the NKBA is a huge honour, recognizing our students’ hard work and dedication.`` 

Hannah Tataryn also received the Governor General’s medal for the Vermilion campus in July. 

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Cold Lake has claimed first place in Communities in Bloom nationally. 

Communities across Canada were judged and marked on general community appearance, environmental action, heritage conservation, tree management, landscape, as well as plant and floral displays. 

Cold Lake`s Kinosoo Beach Enhancement Project was awarded with a “Five Blooms – Silver” rating, putting it in first place for areas with less than 20,000 population. The judges not only looked at municipal efforts in floral displays, but also community partnerships with industry, businesses, and third-party initiatives such as community gardens. Cold Lake`s Mayor Craig Copeland says he is very proud of the staff and community. 

“The work that is put into making our city stand out is a year-round effort, and this put us on the map of beautiful and sustainable places to see.” 

Cold Lake was up against three other short-listed municipalities: Chipman, NB, Provost, AB, and Wolseley, SK. The award was accepted by a representative from the City of Cold Lake Parks staff and Councillor Vicky Lefebvre at a ceremony in Fort McMurray on Sept. 29. 

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Lac La Biche has a new family physician practicing in the community. 

Dr. Sanjay Shetty is the new family medicine physician practicing at the William J. Cadzow Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre and at the Associated Medical Clinic. With Dr. Sanjay`s arrival, there are now five family medicine physicians in the community. Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche and Minister of Energy and Minerals says the arrival is great for local and area residents. 

“Family physicians are instrumental to the healthcare system, and his desire to practice in our region is greatly valued. We are actively seeking more and better health services in regions that are under-serviced. Albertans deserve the best healthcare in the world, and the Government of Alberta is working towards that.” 

Dr. Sanjay moved to Lac La Biche from Calgary and has served in several countries throughout his career but says he is excited to be a part of the Lakeland. 

“I am looking forward to a warm and welcoming community, which I am already experiencing in Lac La Biche.”

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The George McDougall Healthcare Centre emergency department will be temporarily closed due to the inability to secure physician coverage. 

The Smoky Lake ED will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage for 24 hours from 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 to 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 6. 

The nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed. 

EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding healthcare centres and patients are still asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. 

The closure is a temporary measure and AHS is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. 

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A local grade 10 Assumption Jr/Sr High School student has been given the inaugural Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Student Award from the Alberta School Boards Association.

Corbin Williams made history alongside eight other Alberta students on September 25 at the Government House in Edmonton. The award is given to students who have shown tremendous growth in developing skills to better themselves by demonstrating determination, initiative, and independence leading to success both academically and personally.

“It was an amazing experience,” Williams said. “It was nice meeting all of the other students who were being recognized.”

The awards are presented to students in Grades 6, 9, and 11 from three separate regions in Alberta: north, south, and central.

Williams says he believes it was his kind nature toward students, staff, and others within his school community and the strides he makes toward academics that made him stand out.

“It’s incredible to be among the first students to receive the award,” Williams said, ``I was happy to hear I had won and I am honored to receive the award.”

Each recipient receives a medal, certificate, congratulatory letter from ASBA’s President, and an honorarium from the law firm SB LLP.

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One house has been lost in a residential fire and a Gofundme has been created to help the residents.

Bonnyville Reginal Fire Authority responded to the fire at 3:00 P.M. on October 2 near township 633 and Range Road 435. When crews got to the scene they found the residence completely taken by the flames. Firefighting efforts were taken and backup was requested.

The home has been labeled as a complete loss but no one was hurt in the blaze.

Later a GoFundMe page was set up to help Cindy-Lynn Stepanick and her father Reg Macdonald recover. The pair have been a part of Cold Lake for many years and have lost everything. The page`s goal has been set at ten thousand dollars and has almost crossed the halfway point as of Oct. 4th.

Jamie, the organizer of this fundraiser says Cindy-Lynn is the type of person who would bend over backwards to help anyone in need without expecting anything in return.

``I consider her my mom and I would do anything to help her and her dad get back on their feet. They are amazing people and any bit of help would be greatly appreciated.``

The fundraising page can be found here.

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Bonnyville`s new traffic light is about to be completed.

Construction crews have been hard at work at the intersection of 37th Street and 50th Ave to build the new traffic lights. The lights were part of the capital plans for 2023.

Bonnyville`s Mayor Elisa Brosseau says this will help move the town forward toward future plans.

``The future town for the town in that area will be mostly residential and with the 7-11 there it has brought so much traffic there both foot and vehicle. It has become increasingly unsafe and that is why we have chosen to build some lights there.``

Brosseau says she hopes the lights will help increase safety to the people walking to and from the area.

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Changes to the bylaw about helmets while operating off-highway vehicles in the city of Cold Lake were talked about during the most recent Corporate Priorities Committee meeting. 

Council members were briefed on current provincial laws, as well as city bylaws regarding helmet and OHV use, and asked for feedback. Cold Lake`s Mayor Craig Copeland says they have been asked by some members of the public to consider following the provincial exemptions for helmet use, specifically in the case of the OHV having a roll-over bar. 

“In that case, the province doesn’t require a helmet to be worn, but our bylaw still requires it within city limits.” 

The discussion ended with Council requesting administration to draft amendments to the bylaw to lower some requirements and other potential changes, for the Council’s consideration. 

“These rules are in place for safety of the riders and the general public,” said Copeland. “If they aren’t being followed, then perhaps heavier fines need to be in place.” 

Changes to the bylaw will be brought to a future council meeting for first reading. 

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