New COVID infections hold at eight

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
New COVID infections hold at eight

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For the second straight day, new COVID infections in the North Central zone held at eight and 16 people are still in the hospital fighting the virus.

The new cases means the zone has 129 active cases and 4,550 people have recovered.

There were also 122 new doses of vaccine administered, with 74 new people fully vaccinated, meaning 48 first doses were given out and 44,565 residents are now fully vaccinated.

Deaths remain the same at 62.

Overall, the North Central zone has had 56 confirmed cases of the Delta variant.

On Tuesday, the province also approved giving additional doses of vaccines for residents who may need them for international travel, effective immediately.

Some countries are asking for proof of vaccination of the same mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer or Moderna.

People who have been given a combination of vaccines, like AstraZeneca can also get a third dose of vaccine as long as the last one was Pfizer or Moderna.

Individuals who received two doses of Covishield or Astra Zeneca are able to complete a schedule to support international travel requirements with two additional matching mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer or Moderna.

Individuals should check on the approved vaccines for the country, venue or destination they are intending to visit.

Proof of intent to travel will not be required to receive the vaccination.  Appointments can be booked at pharmacies offering vaccinations or watch for a pop-up clinic in a nearby location.

Elsewhere in Saskatchewan, as of August 17, there are 79 people in hospital, 68 are receiving inpatient care and 11 are in intensive care.  Sixty-one of the people in hospital (77 per cent) are not fully vaccinated.

Between August 11 – 17, the province reported 820 new cases of COVID, with 28 confirmed as variants of concern.

In the same week, two new deaths were reported.

So far, the province has seen three deaths under 19, 22 people between the ages of 20 and 39 have died, 68 people in their 40s and 50s have died, 222 in their 60s and 70s and 271 people ages 80 and older have died.

From August 11 – 17, 13,758 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in Saskatchewan, bringing the total number of vaccines administered in the province to 1,448,368.

As of August 17, 76 per cent of those 12 and older have received their first dose and 66 per cent of those same ages are fully vaccinated.

Council adopts arena design

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Council adopts arena design

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Albert Daily Herald.

After considering a circular and an oval design, Prince Albert city council opted in favour of the horseshoe-shaped design recommended by a steering committee.

The committee cited six reasons for liking the horseshoe design, including having the most seats as close as possible to the sports floor.  Another is the roof design which they say will reduce the cost of the building. 

The large arena portion of the project has an estimated $60 million budget. 

Councillor Zepp asked about the cost differences of the three options the committee looked at. 

“At this stage in the conceptual design, no costs were considered in the selection process,” said Wes Hicks, director of public works. “It’s more about the seating and getting as close as you can to the actual action on the ice. But as you can see in the report, the other two options had a greater roof span, which would have made them more expensive.”

He said it was clear to the steering committee that the horseshoe design was superior so they did not “dig down” into the costs of the other two options. 

The cost of the schematic design is included in the $3.2 million budget that will also pay for the conceptual and detailed design. 

The money was approved previously and the money has been set aside in the City budget. 

most seats as close as possible to the sport floor, the seating is ideal for concerts because of the amphitheatre shape, there will be minimal seat loss for an end stage concert, lots of back of house spaces, no loss of parking stalls and it has the smallest long span distance for the high room structure, making it more cost effective.

Councillors Zepp, Tony Head and  Charlene Miller all voted against the motion. 

The carried motion also gave the job to consultants BBB & KSA. 

New roadwork causes traffic issues for businesses

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
New roadwork causes traffic issues for businesses

Susan McNeil

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Daily Herald

A lack of communication and a newly installed concrete divide almost caused a delay in the road construction on 15th Street East, which is scheduled to be done in weeks. 

Multiple councillors said during the City’s regular meeting on May 16 that they were willing to put the portion of the project affecting the area on hold in order to ensure better access for businesses between Fourth and Fifth Ave.

Several councillors, starting with Blake Edwards, then Zurakowski and on to Tony Head all said that something needed to change to accommodate the businesses.

“I invite you to show up with me after dark with your sledgehammer and knock it out,” said Councillor Ted Zurakowski after stating his opposition to the project in its current form.

At issue is a new meridian that stops traffic from turning both ways and into businesses such as Dr. Java’s, limiting vehicle access to one side of the street only. 

Brandy and Chad Mogg, owners of Dr. Java’s Coffee House, were at the council meeting on Monday. They said that it was not made clear to them that the new construction would limit access to their business and eight others in the vicinity 

“Obviously construction has impacted us, which we expected and have more than willingly accepted because the goal is to have better traffic flow, which we also believe will increase the access to our customers to get in and out safely,” Brandy said. “Coming to work on Thursday (Aug. 12) and seeing one single meridian and having no openings from Fifth all the way to Fourth Street, … we immediately called in to question the City (about) what was going on and why there was no access points to any of us. We were informed that this was a permanent change. We went straight to all of the councillors.”

She said that the package dropped off by City staff did not make clear that a cement meridian would stop traffic from turning from both directions. 

Wes Hicks, director of public works, said that having an access point there is dangerous as there is not enough distance to accommodate accelerating lane traffic as well as providing a protected turning lane for the newly built Peavy Mart and that is why the initial decision was made to eliminate it. 

He cautioned council that stopping the project even for two weeks could lead to much longer delays as the construction season nears an end. 

“If there is any kind of real delay, we could lose our season and not be able to complete the project,” he said, and Peavy Mart was promised it would be done by the end of August. 

A position of safety first was taken by Mayor Greg Dionne—one he would not budge from. 

That street sees just under 30,000 vehicle movements daily and the volume of traffic increasing the chances of a collision. 

“If we cut a hole in that curb and somebody goes across there to get a cup of coffee and somebody gets killed or maimed, I wouldn’t be able to sleep with myself,” Dionne said. 

He acknowledged that the City failed in the communication it sent out to the impacted businesses. 

“There was a lack of communication. That part I acknowledge,” he said. 

Dionne was the sole vote against the motion to have staff prepare a report to “ensure improved proper access is provided for the affected businesses on the south side of 15th Street East from both east bound and west bound traffic”.

For others, however, it was a matter of giving one business an advantage that also removed advantage for previous businesses. 

“We made a mistake and we need to fix this,” said Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick. “We did something great for Peavy Mart at the cost of businesses on the south side.” 

For the Moggs, they took heart from the comments of the councillor support they got and the motion that directed staff to find a way to resolve the problem. 

New cases total 15

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
New cases total 15

North Central has seen another double digit increase in COVID cases with 15 new positives announced on August 15.

That followed another 22 cases the day before and leaves the region with 125 active cases.

There are 17 people hospitalized, a reduction of one from Saturday.

Also on August 15, 195 doses of vaccine were reported, with 126 additional people now fully vaccinated.

That means 69 were a first dose and there are now 44,491 fully vaccinated people in the North Central region.

Provincially, 143 total cases were announced today and 74 people remain in the hospital. No new deaths were reported.

Saskatchewan has 1,043 active cases of COVID, an increase of 85 from yesterday.

Across the province, 2,283 doses of vaccine were administered and 1,566 more people became fully vaccinated with a total of 676,065 people having received both doses.

Nationally, British Columbia leads new infections with 5,030 new cases in the last two weeks followed by Ontario with 4,614 then Alberta with 4,404 new cases.

Quebec has had 3,969 new cases and Saskatchewan ranks fifth with 1,138 new cases.

For vaccinations, Saskatchewan sits second last in the percentage of the provinces with eligible population that has received at least one dose of vaccine at 75.83 per cent. Only Alberta is lower with 74.74  per cent of residents 12 and older who have had at least one dose of vaccine.

Prince Edward Island has the highest vaccine uptake with 89.26 per cent of eligible people vaccinated.

Big jump in COVID cases since yesterday

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Big jump in COVID cases since yesterday

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

North Central recorded 22 new cases of COVID on August 14, the largest increase in weeks and now has 112 active cases of the virus.

Hospitalizations sit at 18 and so far, 4,538 people have recovered from the virus.

The SHA also reported 135 additional doses of the vaccine being administered, with 95 of those being people that are now fully vaccinated which means that 40 were first doses.

Provincially, there are 77 people in the hospital and a total of 958 active cases, with the largest chunk of those (226) in Saskatoon.

The Far North East has 121 active cases and the second highest infections while North Central has the third highest.

Today, the province as a whole had 122 new cases and no new deaths were reported.

People still wanting to get their vaccine can do so through a participating pharmacy. The province maintains a list of participating pharmacies, which is accessible through their website and by following the links relating to vaccines.

Arena concept proposal gets vote on Monday

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Arena concept proposal gets vote on Monday

City council will vote on Monday on whether to approve a proposed horseshoe design concept for the new large arena and event centre on the south end of town.

The steering committee that has been overseeing the project is recommending that one concept get a green light along with the approval of hiring BBB & KSA consultants to create a schematic design.

“The steering committee heard from the consultants on the proposed design and it was an obvious choice which option was superior,” said Mayor Greg Dionne. “It’s by far the most popular design for similar facilities.”

In the documentation attached to the council agenda package, six reasons are given for wanting the proposed concept to go ahead including; it has the most seats as close as possible to the sport floor, the seating is ideal for concerts because of the amphitheatre shape, there will be minimal seat loss for an end stage concert, lots of back of house spaces, no loss of parking stalls and it has the smallest long span distance for the high room structure, making it more cost effective.

If the concept is approved, the next step is the creation of the schematic design for the layout of the facility.

One man arrested following search near Macdowall

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
One man arrested following search near Macdowall

A man is facing several charges in connection with a second incident north of the city on Tuesday, which is not connected to a different event in La Loche.

In the second incident, a stolen SUV from the Prince Albert detachment was was reported missing on August 10, allegedly containing firearms.

Officers found the vehicle abandoned near Macdowall and then acted on a tip from the public regarding a man carrying a firearm, walking southbound on a wooded trail on the edge of the Nesbitt Forest in the same area.

Prince Albert RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services responded to the scene and began a search that extended into the evening.

“The teamwork between all involved units and officers was ultimately what led this investigation to a safe resolution for everyone involved,” said Insp. Murray Chamberlin, North District RCMP Operations Officer in a media release. “Imagine being in full police uniform with all your safety equipment and gear on, running through the woods and down makeshift trails for six kilometers with an RCMP police service dog in the darkness. You’re being guided by partners in the air and supported by additional officers on the ground, running towards an individual who reportedly has a firearm. Challenging doesn’t begin to describe situations like this. I’m extremely proud of the work of everyone involved and so thankful the situation ended without further incident.”

Saskatoon Police Service had been contacted and asked if they would be able to provide air support to help locate the individual.

They were successful in spotting the man in a heavily wooded, remote area southeast of Macdowall.

A 35-year-old male was arrested without further incident by police officers and a firearm was seized from the scene.

 William “Billy” Sanderson was arrested and is charged with:

·       Carry a Weapon For a Dangerous Purpose – Section 88 CC

·       Possession of Firearm While Prohibited – Section 117.01(1) CC

·       Carry a Firearm in a Careless Manner – Section 86(1) CC

·       Point Firearm – Section 87 CC

He also had multiple outstanding warrants from Melfort RCMP and Prince Albert Police Service. He appeared in court and was remanded for August 26, 2021, 10 am, in Prince Albert.

La Loche police seize cash and drugs from residence

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
La Loche police seize cash and drugs from residence

Police in La Loche seized suspected cocaine and fentanyl along with $4,000 in cash and fake identifications from a residence in the community on August 12.

The suspected cocaine weighed 283 grams (over 1/2 a pound) and was found along with 15 grams of fentanyl, quantities of other drugs and numerous fake identification along with cell phones after RCMP officers execute a search warrant around 6:30 am.

The warrant was issued in relation to an ongoing investigation.

Yeamet Obong, age 22, of Calgary is charged with:

Yeamet OBONG (B: 1999/01/01) from Calgary, Alberta, is charged with:

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Cocaine, Section 5(2) of the CDSA

– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, Section 354(1)(a) of the CC

– Fail to Comply with Release Order Condition, Section 145(5)(a) of the CC

– Resists/Obstruct Peace Officer, Section 129(a) of the CC

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Opioid (Fentanyl), Section 5(2) of the CDSA

– Use/Traffic/Possess a Forged Document, Section 368(1) of the CC

Obong will appear in La Loche Provincial Court on August 16, 2021 at 1:30 pm.

Fabiana Janvier, age 32, from La Loche, is charged with:

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Cocaine, Section 5(2) of the CDSA

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Opioid (Fentanyl), Section 5(2) of the CDSA

– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, Section 354(1)(a) of the CC

Janvier will appear in La Loche Provincial Court on August 16, 2021 at 10:00 am.

 A male teen, who can’t be identified as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with:

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Cocaine, Section 5(2) of the CDSA

–  Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Opioid (OxyNEO/Oxycodone), Section 5(2) of the CDSA

– Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000, Section 354(1)(a) of the CC

– Fail or Refuse to Comply, Section 137 of the YCJA

– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Schedule I: Opioid (Fentanyl), Section 5(2) of the CDSA

He will appear in La Loche Provincial Court on August 16, 2021 at 10:00 am.

Passion for protecting the vulnerable helps lawyer work with Human Rights Commission

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Passion for protecting the vulnerable helps lawyer work with Human Rights Commission

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Making life better for everyone in Saskatchewan is a passion for Barry Wilcox Q.C., a Prince Albert lawyer recently appointed as the interim Chair of the provincial Human Rights Commission.

His appointment marks the first time in the last decade that a person outside of Saskatoon has held the position. 

Wilcox has spent his life and career in the city and has been on the board of the commission since 2011. 

“I have a passion for human rights and I have a passion for assuring that we protect the more vulnerable. By doing that and by improving life in Saskatchewan for everybody, it makes it a lot better place to live,” he explained in a telephone interview on August 12.  

The Human Rights Commission was first created in 1972 but was given an updated Code to work with several years ago. Wilcox is a firm believer in the direction the commission has been going. 

“The HRC has an enforcement process, but it is highly directed towards mediation,” he explained. “We look for resolution between the parties themselves rather than having it imposed on them.” 

This is an approach that makes Saskatchewan have the best human rights council in the country, he said, and has made it of note internationally as well. 

“I am firm believer in the direction that has been created for the SHRC over my 10 year tenure,” Wilcox said. 

The Saskatchewan commission focusses on mediation and education over other methods of reaching their goal of an equal society. 

“Myself and the previous chief were in agreement pretty much entirely in direction we wanted to take the SHRC,” he said. “We use education so we can educate people on their rights and responsibilities and the need for respect for all of their fellow citizens. If people do that, it ultimately addresses things like bullying and racism.”

The Commission is also connected to a program that sees anti-bullying messages and related issues taught in schools starting in kindergarten. 

“It teaches responsibility and respect right from the get-go,” Wilcox explained. “You can’t start addressing bullying and racism from an educational perspective in Grade 12.You have to start early and keep expanding on it, so that’s what we have been trying to accomplish.”

Wilcox was named Interim Chief of the Commission on August 9, a sudden measure after the previous Chief, David Arnot, was appointed to the Senate. 

Senate appointments require the appointee to immediately resign from all other positions which, in Arnot’s case, meant the Human Rights Commission as well as a job as a provincial court judge. 

The board itself has a variety of backgrounds that help it do its job. With the departure of Arnot, Wilcox is the only member with a legal background and other members have perspectives that include a disability commissioner, a Jewish commissioner, a Muslim commissioner and a Filipino representative as well. 

“It’s a really broad spectrum of people and we try to get different perspectives because that’s what makes an organization stronger,” he explained.

Most people that do run ‘offside’ of the Code are not doing it deliberately, they lack an understanding of how the Code was designed to work, Wilcox said. 

“It’s not only about protection, it’s about creating an environment where everybody is as equal as possible. Everybody gets to enjoy the same amenities of life without interference,” he stated. 

While progress has happened, there is much work to do and it will likely never end. 

“We know bullying is an issue. We know racism is an issue. There’s a long ways to go and it’s going to take many, many years. Every journey starts with a single step and we’ve done more than a single step. We’ve actually started to walk down the path.” 

Wilcox is a familiar face in Prince Albert, having been born and raised in the city and having spent his professional career practicing law here. 

Along with graduating from the College of Law at the University of Saskatoon in 1977, he has left the profession temporarily to pursue business interests, played for the Huskies football team for two years and volunteers with various organizations including the Lakeland Citizens on Patrol, the Neighbourhood Watch and Prince Albert Crimestoppers.

62nd COVID death a person in their 30s

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
62nd COVID death a person in their 30s

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Another person has died of COVID in the North Central region, bringing to 62 the number of deaths reported since the start of the pandemic. The province confirmed that the person was in the 30 to 39 age range.

The death was reported on August 12.

The same day, nine new cases of the virus were confirmed which means there have now been 4,666 cases in this area.

Of the 79 active cases, 17 people are in the hospital.

A little further afield, the Saskatchewan Health Authority issued a COVID exposure alert for the Shorebird Inn at Tobin Lake.

The exposure times ran from July 31 to August 2 starting at 6:00 pm and lasting until 2:00 am.

All people who were at the Inn during those date and time periods should immediately self-isolate and remain isolated until August 16.

They should also seek testing for COVID-19 immediately.

People who may have been exposed but have had both of their vaccinations, with the most recently dose on or before July 18 do not need to isolate unless they start developing symptoms of the virus.

Self isolation means staying home and avoiding contact with anyone not fully vaccinated and staying away from work, school, stores, social events or any other public setting.

Since yesterday, 208 new doses of vaccine were administered and 148 additional people became fully vaccinated in the region.

So far, 95,551 doses have been given out in the North Central zone.

1...323334...36Page 33 of 36