Reach

A look at news events in January 2023:

4 – Canada marked the first National Ribbon Skirt Day, after a bill to recognize the event every Jan. 4 passed in Parliament late last year. It was inspired by a 10-year-old girl who wore a ribbon skirt to her rural Saskatchewan school in December 2020. Isabella Kulak wore the colourful garment as part of a formal day, but her family said at the time that a staff member told her the outfit wasn't formal enough. The school division later apologized. 

Luke 2:28-32

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

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

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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

Luke 2:11-14

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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

A federal inquiry into foreign interference has asked to delay its first report by about two months in order to allow sufficient time for a public process and hearings on the issues.

Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue said in a press release Friday the requested postponement until May 3 is aimed at giving "meaning and purpose" to preliminary hearings, and to allow more time to maximize transparency.

Ensuring classified information is put into a form that can be released to the public is a long and complicated process, she added.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is reporting another death from a salmonella outbreak involving cantaloupes, bringing the total to seven. 

The agency says there have been 164 lab-confirmed cases of salmonella in eight provinces linked to Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes so far.   

Quebec has been hardest hit with 111 of those cases. There have also been illnesses in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The City of Grande Prairie is delighted to announce they are bringing back the free community sandbox for residents. This initiative aims to provide an accessible resource to enhance traction on residential sidewalks, promoting safety and ease of movement during the winter months.

The community sandbox is conveniently located at the City Service Centre (9505 112 Street), situated near the south end of 112 Street. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this service, allowing them to collect up to two, five-gallon buckets of sand per person for personal use.

The City of Grande Prairie has released an updated Retail Market Analysis that identifies the retail market's current state, including demand, spending, and opportunities for business retention and expansion activities.

The study is conducted every 3 to 4 years to help guide retail development and support strategy development.

FBM was contracted to complete the study, who undertook the following steps to understand the local retail market:

How much have you paid in carbon taxes for essential farming operations such as drying grain, heating barns and greenhouses, irrigating land, or preparing feed?

The Agriculture Carbon Alliance (ACA) has launched a campaign around that question asking producers to show the impact the carbon tax is having on their operations.

The '#ShowYourReceipts' encourages producers to upload their receipts showing the carbon tax portion of the bill.

Both the Grande Prairie and Fort St John Salvation Army are still ringing the bells.

Grande Prairie Salvation Army Kettle total as of Wednesday (Dec 20) was 520-thousand dollars toward the 650-thousand-dollar goal. The Fort St. John Salvation Army kettle total is currently at 140 thousand of it's 150 thousand dollar goal. 

Both have kettle shifts to fill leading up to Christmas.