T55 Daily News Blast

Thursday April 23, 2036

The Ice Jam watch remains in effect for the Peace and Smoky Rivers.
The ice jam at the mouth of the Smoky River did not move overnight, and officials with the Town of Peace River says it’s still a “waiting game” as to what happens with that front.
Although evacuations are not in effect right now, authorities are saying that residents in low-lying areas like the Lower West Peace, Downtown, the North End, and around the Heart River and Pat’s Creek, are needing to be ready.
Meantime, many jurisdictions are preparing to help Peace River residents, just in case the River Watch becomes a call-to-action.(Claude Rodrigue interview in separate story)
Meanwhile near High Prairie, the East and West Prairie Rivers are now under a flood warning.
Officials with Big Lakes County says that water is currently flowing over the berms that run along the northern portions of those rivers.
Investigations are underway in the heavy Police presence on the west hill in Peace River this morning.
Some witnesses are saying that a body was on the ground in the area around the Petro-Canada gas station, that was taped-off.
Authorities have not released a statement, although updates are forthcoming.
Peace Regional Police are searching for suspects in two Theft cases in Downtown Peace River.
In one case in February, authorities are looking for two suspects, who left a business with unpaid merchandise.
The other case in March had two suspects entering a shed with a crowbar and lifting supplies.
While many Albertans are focused on the melting of snow and ice right now, these is the potential for wildfires to happen with warmer temperatures.
During question period in the legislature this week, Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair brought up the topic of wildfire prevention and control.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen says the government is investing in mitigation efforts like prescribed burns and community fireguards to reduce the risk of fires starting.
Energy Alberta is proceeding into the phase of the Peace River Nuclear Power project with the commencement of the Impact Assessment.
The stage is planned to take the next two years, and will focus on Guidelines, Indigenous partnerships and plans, Public plans, and Cooperation and permitting plans.
Voters are being thanked for their participation in the Growing Home with BASF promotion.
Votes are being tabulated, with the results coming out next week.
The Battle River Ag. Society was in the running, and will receive at least $5,000 towards upgrades to accessability to the facility in the Manning area.
Alberta’s NDP say they will participate in a new review of provincial riding maps, even though they believe Premier Danielle Smith is using it to rig the next election.
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has called the new review “illegitimate”, but he told reporters yesterday that participating is the only way to at least try to hold Smith’s United Conservatives to account.
NHL playoffs tonight… Carolina is in Ottawa, Colorado is in LA, and Buffalo is in Boston.
The Toronto Blue Jays are travelling home today, in preparation for starting a three-game weekend set against Cleveland tomorrow.
The NFL draft starts tonight with the Las Vegas Raiders having the first choice. The Jets, Cardinals, Titans, and Giants round out the Top 5 picks.
Sunny days are sweeping the clouds away in the Peace and Mackenzie, until well into next week.
The Big Lakes will see more clouds, with the possibility of some flurries into this weekend. Daytime highs are around 5 degrees, a little cooler in the Big Lakes.
Overnight lows are between -5 and -10. Digits get warmer, come mid week, next week.