2:30 pm – Yesterday, RCMP issued a media release in which three accused’s were identified as being charged with 88 offences. Since that release, Ponoka RCMP have learned that Miles Appenrodt was not involved in the offences whatsoever and is in fact, a victim of identity theft. When arrested, the male – whose name cannot yet be released – produced an Alberta drivers license to police in the name of Miles Appenrodt and held himself out to be that person for the duration of his time in custody. The RCMP deeply regrets this error and apologizes to Mr. Appenrodt for the difficulties this has caused. We are doing all we can to remove any re-posts of the original publication from social media and we are issuing this media release to ensure that its message gets to all forms of media that posted our original statement. The RCMP has now correctly identified the male responsible and a warrant is being sought. The charges will now include personation and possession of identity document, in addition to the original offences.

12:20 pm – After Alberta’s Education school projects announcement this morning, St. Patrick’s Community School is one of seven schools on the list to undergo a modernization. “We are truly grateful for the tireless lobbying from our Senior Administrators and Board Members to the government over the past five years. The announcement of this modernization is wonderful news for all of our students, families and staff. We are excited about the collaborative spaces this will provide our students and teachers, which will enhance their learning environments. We feel very blessed to have been chosen as one of the seven schools in the province to receive this news,” said Principal, Terri Lynn Mundorf at St. Patrick’s Community School. “We are very excited about this announcement. St. Patrick’s Community School has been our number one capital priority for many years as it’s currently at 730 students or 130% capacity. It needs more effective learning spaces for students,” said Board Chair Guy Pelletier at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. A specific dollar amount for the modernization is not yet known but Pelletier estimates it could be in the $8-10 million range. He hopes to see the modernization complete within two years.

11:45 am – A retirement has lead to the naming of a new Associate Superintendent for the Red Deer Public School District. Read More.

10:18 am – More Red Deerians can now keep chickens in their yard. Read More.

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8:56 am – St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School will host an Exhibition of Learning for parents and the community on March 21 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the  Red Deer College Library. Grade 9 students at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School have teamed up with the Biology Department and Library at Red Deer College for a Biology/Biodiversity project-based learning experience. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of biological interactions by presenting posters and showcasing puzzle pieces created through project-based-learning. People will have an opportunity to ask students about their projects, their learning experience, and project-based learning in general. Research shows that students feel a greater sense of ownership of their work when they know it will have an audience beyond their teachers.

8:50 am – What do a non-profit greenhouse in Manitoba, a community fruit orchard in Saskatchewan, a farmer’s potluck mixer in Alberta, and an historical farming exhibit in British Columbia have in common? They are examples of community projects funded by the Peavey Mart Community Agricultural Grant. Since 2013, non-profit groups have received more than $180,000 from the grant, which funds ideas that promise to strengthen towns or cities through community agriculture. This year, a $50,000 grant is up for grabs. “We want people to build on their great ideas by getting community support and feedback, and putting those ideas into plans,” say Jest Sidloski, director of customer experience for Peavey Industries. “A good idea for a community initiative won’t succeed unless it has a good plan.” Sidloski says the grant typically does not fund buildings or renovations. “The focus is on operating community agriculture.” The application form is available on the Peavey Mart website, and applications are accepted until May 31.

8:25 am – Father Henri Voisin School will host an Exhibition of Learning for parents and the community on March 22 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The Exhibition of Learning will showcase students’ project-based learning and hard work over the past year. Grade 1-5 students will share their new discoveries through cross-curricular projects by demonstrating their authentic learning experiences at this event based on curriculum and 21st Century competencies. “This event is a testimonial to the authentic and engaging learning experiences that our students experience through Catholic education,” says Rob Coumont, Assistant Principal. “During this evening, students have the opportunity to share with guests the process and journey of their learning through the different projects they created.” All are invited to walk around and engage students in conversation about their innovative projects.

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