Athabasca News

The Athabasca Multiplex has been a buzz of activity since the Slave Lake evacuation, and two notable politicians saw that for themselves last weekend.

Fort McMurray-Athabasca MP Brian Jean visited the Regional Multiplex Saturday afternoon. During his travels throughout the region he has heard some positive feedback from those affected by the wildfires in and around Slave Lake.

The generosity of the Athabasca community has turned up around every street corner during the past few days.

Last Sunday afternoon, fire broke out in the backcountry by Ellscott, a hamlet near the Village of Boyle. The fire raged uncontrolled overnight Sunday and all day Monday.

Talk of municipal amalgamation turned to silence last Tuesday, as Athabasca town council declined to make a motion to formally explore the idea.

Several fires tore through the local countryside last weekend, and some continue to rage as prevailing winds and warm temperatures compound the danger level.

With a swift call to action, the Athabasca community has opened its doors and its hearts to the evacuees of the fire that is devastating Slave Lake.

The volunteer appreciation lunch for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) last Wednesday had the group dressed up in turn-of-the-century attire. (back row, l-r) Amber Mindus, Samantha Weppler, Jasmine Rice, Debbie Wood, Terry Smith, Karen Wintonyk, Cheryl Balay, Jenene Ganske, (front row, l-r) Kim Lewis, Mandy Smith and Diana Thomas.

Former Athabasca youth worker Jason Andrew Keough was sentenced Friday to 27 months in prison on charges related to voyeurism and possession of child pornography. Keough, 37, was convicted Jan.

Any talk about municipal amalgamation won’t include the Village of Boyle. At the Village of Boyle council meeting last Wednesday, Mayor Don Radmanovich added the topic of amalgamation to the agenda.