'A symbol of hope': Wooden cross stands after chapel destroyed during Hurricane Helene

A chapel in YMCA Camp Greenville in Cleveland, South Carolina is in awe after their building sustained significant damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. However, a wooden cross at the front of the church remained standing. 

"Unfortunately, it's pretty devastating on top of the mountain," said the director of operations for YMCA Camp Greenville in a post on Facebook. "We have thousands of trees down and lots of damage to power lines and buildings. Our staff are all safe and well, but there is a lot of work ahead of us."

Who will end the debate? Political gridlock continues in the House of Commons

Federal political parties appear to be locked in a game of chicken in an increasingly precarious Parliament over a debate that has stalled almost all business in the House of Commons.

The Conservatives have vowed the debate will continue until the Liberals hand over unredacted documents to the RCMP about a green-tech foundation that was found to have misspent government money.

The debate has now stretched into its second week.

Federal ministers were told of increasing 'volume and complexity' of foreign threats

A newly released document shows federal cabinet ministers were warned in May 2022 that hostile states were targeting Canada's strategic interests, the integrity of Canadian institutions and democratic processes, and the ability of the public to exercise Charter-protected rights and freedoms.

The document is a summary of one of four memorandums to cabinet, generally considered closely held confidences, that were provided to a federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference as part of its terms of reference. 

Ottawa invests more money in organic research

The Federal government has announced over $6.8 million over five years for the Organic Science Cluster is geared to research and advancing sustainable practices. 

Allison Squires is president of the Canadian Organic Growers says the organic sector is unique in that it encompasses everything from aquaculture to cranberries to horticulture and field crops.

She says this pot of money will go towards projects in all these different areas, out of the 14 projects two are based in the prairies.

Verse of the Day: October 8

Isaiah 43:11-12

I, even I, am the Lord,
    and apart from me there is no savior.
   I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
    I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.

---

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Keep it simple

Micah 6:6-8

Micah isn't exactly a household word. Too bad. Though obscure, the ancient prophet had his stuff together. Eclipsed by the much more famous Isaiah, who ministered among the elite, Micah took God's message to the streets.

FireSmart vegetation management work begins October 15

The City of Grande Prairie begins FireSmart Vegetation Management work on October 15, 2024.

In February 2024, the City was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) to action a Vegetation Management Program by December 31, 2024. The goal of this initiative is to mitigate wildfire risks by removing dead or fire-prone trees and thinning dense vegetation.

Two treatment areas, identified in the 2019 South Bear Creek Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, are as follows:

Starting today, Albertans will be able to book their annual immunizations against fall respiratory viruses

Eligible Albertans are now able to book their immunization appointments through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System, calling Health Link at 811 for pharmacy or AHS clinic appointments, or by directly contacting a nearby pharmacy. Albertans are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider for guidance on immunizations and what options are best for individuals and families.

Whitecourt RCMP traffic stop leads to significant drug seizure

On Oct. 3, 2024 at around 3:00 p.m., Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Services entered into an investigation of a flight from police after an attempted traffic stop for speeding on Highway 43.  The vehicle had been captured on radar in excess of speeds of 200 km/hr. Whitecourt RCMP soon located the vehicle and the driver at a local gas station. The lone male occupant, was arrested and a subsequent investigation conducted on scene.

Point-in-Time (PiT) count on homelessness taking place October 9

On October 9, the City of Grande Prairie is taking part in a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Alberta and Canada as part of the annual Everyone Counts: Point in Time (PiT) Count of homelessness.

The count tracks homelessness in many forms including people staying in emergency shelters, short-term housing and more to improve understanding of the needs and circumstances of the people who are affected by homelessness in the community.