Latest news with #Arnason
Global News
22-07-2025
- Global News
Calgary couple survives ‘frightening' encounter with grizzly bear
Saturday seemed like the perfect day to celebrate 11 years of marriage for Howard Mah and Lori Arnason. 'I said to Howard, 'what should we do today?' Arnason recalls. 'We thought, 'let's go out to the mountains.' The Calgary couple travelled to Kananaskis. Surprised by the lack of hikers on the usually-bustling Troll Falls trail, the couple enjoyed the serenity. Mah was just about to take a picture of his wife when they were greeted by one of the locals. 'I'm walking ahead and then he said 'No Lori… Stop! Come back,' Arnason said. Just up the trail from Arnason was a grizzly bear. 'In some respects, it's kind of like 'Wow,'' Mah said. 'Neither of us had seen a grizzly in real life before.' Story continues below advertisement The pair slowly backed away from the bear, which ventured onto the trail towards them for roughly 10 minutes — a stretch of time that felt much longer. With his phone still out, Mah captured a heart-stopping video of the bear following them back down the path. 'I think somehow we thought it would just follow us for a little bit and get bored with us,' Arnason remarked. 'But it continued to follow us… so we quickened our pace a little bit.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Mah and Arnason say the bear finally went on its way once they made themselves large and started roaring at it. 4:31 Bear Days looks to educate Albertans bear awareness Wildlife expert John Clarke says the wet weather in southern Alberta this year has changed wildlife patterns — something hikers should note. Story continues below advertisement 'So far with the amount of moisture we're getting, that's perfect for berry growth. With the ripening of these berries, you're going to see the bears cruising 24/7 looking for that food source,' the owner of Canadian Bear Safety Authority said after watching Mah's video. 'In this case, the bear was on a mission to go somewhere, using the same trail … they just bumped in to each other. If it was a bluff charge, there would have been a lot more happening — I think the bear was more curious and standing up.' Clarke says the couple did the right thing by backing away slowly, but says no one should use their phone during an encounter like this. 'This is a predator.' Mah and Arnason were quick to admit they didn't have bear spray — a mistake they say they won't make again. 'We were basically not prepared for hiking in bear country,' Mah said. 'Most people know that you should be talking loudly (if you encounter a bear), and we did know that — I don't know why we weren't,' Arnason said. 'When you see something like this, go talk to a Fish and Wildlife Officer or a Conservation Officer,' Clarke said. Story continues below advertisement 'If you're going to spend time in the wilderness, carry bear spray with you … take some courses and know how to use it.' Clarke adds bears aren't the only wildlife you should be aware of on the trails — the area is also frequented by cougars and moose, among other predatory species. 'Take five minutes. Stop, look and listen. If you hear a squirrel yipping, they always chatter if they see something walk by them. If you see a deer run away for no reason, maybe something is chasing them.' The couple made it back home safe and sound — and warned other hikers at the bottom of the trail. Alberta Parks has issued a bear warning for the trail in light of the incident. For Mah and Arnason, the encounter only resulted in an uncommon story — and a lesson learned from an experience that could have ended much worse. 'That was really frightening,' Arnason said.
Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Straits Times
Iceland engulfed by volcanic cloud
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Tourists watching smoke and lava emanating from a volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula on July 16. REYKJAVIK - Iceland experts on July 21 blamed a lack of wind for a volcanic cloud that has lingered over much of the island since an eruption last week. Two craters of a volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula spewed out the sulphur-packed cloud on July 16. The thick haze has left the capital Reykjavik and the south-west of the country in a pollution red alert, the highest level in Iceland's monitoring system. Mr Hylnur Arnason, of the Icelandic Energy and Environment Agency, said that volcanic eruptions normally cause air pollution, mainly from the sulphur dioxide that is emitted. The gas becomes sulfate in the atmosphere, creating a volcanic fog. 'It's completely misty in large parts of the country,' said Mr Arnason. 'Usually in Iceland, we have lots of wind, which would carry the pollution away, but right now we don't,' the expert added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US passenger jet has close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety 'Now it's kind of just sitting over the whole country.' Mr Arnason said the gas was not toxic but could be an 'irritant'. The environment agency has recommended that vulnerable people should remain at home and take precautions against the pollution. The wind was expected to start strengthening again late on July 21. AFP
Winnipeg Free Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Keplin-Arnason partnership riding the wave of success
The mood was jovial Friday morning at trainer Steve Keplin, Jr.'s barn, and for good reason. The 32-year-old Turtle Mountain Chippewa from Belcourt, N.D., won three of the four $50,000 stakes carded at Assiniboia Downs this week and opened a commanding lead in the trainer standings. His horses had to survive three foul claims to do it. Keplin won the $50,000 Free Press Stakes for older horses on Tuesday with Judo for owner James Parisien and followed up Wednesday with wins by Ginas Serenade in the Chantilly Stakes for three-year-old fillies for owner Arnason Farms, and the La Verendrye Stakes for older fillies and mares with Sophia's Storm for ownership partners Arnason Farms, Parker Wallette and James Keplin. George Williams / Winnipeg Free Press Tuesday's Free Press Stakes winner, Judo, with James Keplin, assistant trainer for Steve Keplin, Jr. The Stewards' decisions went their way in all cases, and now Keplin sits atop the trainer standings with a 17-8 lead over his nearest competitors, winning at an exceptional 41 pre cent clip. 'It feels pretty good,' said Keplin. When asked how he plans to keep his head out of the clouds after his fast start and big wins, he was philosophical about racing's cyclical nature. 'Eventually we'll get brought back down to planet earth,' he said. 'But everything's running good right now so we'll just enjoy it.' 'We'll ride the wave until it crashes,' said owner Barry Arnason, who is a partner in the successful construction company Arnason Industries. 'And just get some more bullets if we need them.' Arnason knows full well the ups and downs in the racing industry, having been to the top of the game in North America with the best mare in Manitoba history, Sovereign Award-winning champion Escape Clause. For Arnason, the early-season success represents a remarkable turnaround and the fruition of an aggressive investment strategy. 'I decided I'm either gonna get out of this thing or I'm gonna go all in and kick some ass, you know?' The partnership between Keplin and Arnason came together over the winter when Keplin was deciding whether to commit to full-time training at the Downs. 'We had a horse a couple years ago,' said Keplin, who was previously commuting back and forth with horses and trying to decide whether to go full time or not. Arnason helped make Keplin's decision easier. 'I told him when you're ready to rock and roll, so am I. And then he decided he was going to go for it and I said, 'Let's load up', and we went shopping. I said 'Hey, I've got the money, you've got the time, let's go.'' Their claiming strategy has been aggressive and successful, and includes Keplin's younger brother and assistant trainer James. 'How many have we got?' said Keplin to his partners. 'I think we claimed four or five this winter, but we lost a couple, so we're trying to get more. Our goal was to have 18 to 20 horses here, and I'm short about four or five right now.' Keplin currently has 14 horses in the barn, the partners are actively looking to expand, and new horses can come from anywhere. Ginas Serenade was a $12,000 purchase in a digital sale 'The digital sales were just getting started, and I've had good luck with them,' said Arnason. Sophia's Storm was purchased in Florida, and she has proven adaptable to different distances and conditions. 'She's won 12 races,' said Keplin. 'But she won nine in Florida.' And eight of those wins came in high claiming or allowance races at Gulfstream Park. The six-year-old mare has a versatile running style and the partners are looking forward to stretching her out, trying to build on her record current of 12-7-3 from 40 starts for earnings of over US$270,000. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Despite their current success, Keplin remains grounded in the reality of horse racing. 'We're pretty loaded this year, we've been pretty lucky,' he said, acknowledging fortune's role in the game. For Arnason, who has tasted success at the highest levels, the current run is particularly meaningful. 'I'm getting older, so I'm pressing,' he said. 'You know, I've got enough to get to the old folks home no matter what I do. So I'm gonna press, and I'll do it here.' The veteran owner appreciates Keplin's professionalism and communication style. 'The one thing I love, besides the fact that we have nice horses, is the good communication we have, we're on the same page.' With three recent stakes victories and a commanding lead in the trainer standings, the Keplin-Arnason partnership represents one of racing's feel-good stories right now, a perfect combination of aggressive claiming, smart partnerships, and the wisdom to ride the wave while it lasts. As for the future, both men are optimistic about their partnership and their horses. 'I'm looking all over the place for horses,' said Arnason. 'I'm ready to rock and roll, and I ain't shy.'
National Post
02-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
Did you visit an Ottawa Food Basics or Costco last week? Health unit warns of possible measles exposure
Article content 'We have been concerned about people with measles infections coming to our doorstep for awhile now,' said Thampi. Article content Two more cases of measles, the area's first, have also been confirmed in Renfrew County, according to Public Health Ontario (PHO). Article content There have been a total of 1,242 cases of measles confirmed in Ontario since January 1 – the largest outbreak in decades of an illness that was considered eliminated in Canada because of high vaccination rates. Of those 1,242 cases, all but 36 were linked to a multi-jurisdictional outbreak that began in October during a Mennonite gathering in New Brunswick. Between October and May 1,243 measles cases in the province were linked to that single outbreak. Article content Public Health Ontario is reporting 223 new cases in the past week alone. That does not include the two cases identified by Ottawa Public Health. Two new health units, including Renfrew, were also added to the list of regions with measles cases, which is now up to 17. Ottawa's cases, which are not part of the PHO report, bring that total to 18 health units, encompassing much of the province. Article content Article content A total of 84 people have been hospitalized and eight have been admitted to intensive care with measles. The vast majority of those affected were unimmunized infants, children or youth. There have been no deaths associated with the ongoing outbreak or other unrelated cases. Article content This year's case count is now more than ten times as large as all the cases in Ontario in the decade between 2013 and 2023, when there were 101 measles cases. In 2024, there were 64 cases. Article content Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, white spots in the mouth and red watery eyes that may be sensitive to light. A red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body to the arms and legs usually appears a few days after symptoms begin. Article content Measles can cause severe illness, disability and even death in severe cases. Article content People born before 1970 are generally considered immune because they likely had measles in the past. Those born after 1970 are considered fully protected if they have had two doses of vaccine. Article content Arnason said vaccination rates in Ottawa remain quite high and there are no large pockets of people who are unvaccinated. Still, childhood immunization levels have lagged since the pandemic. Public health officials in Ottawa have issued suspension notices to 17-year-old and seven -year-old students in the city as part of an effort to close vaccination gaps. The time-consuming effort is making a difference, said Arnason. Article content Article content Children are generally vaccinated at 12 months and between four and five, but children who will be travelling to high-risk areas — which includes overseas as well as parts of southwestern Ontario where the measles outbreak is centred — can get a measles vaccine as early as six months and can receive a second dose as early as 18 months. Article content Thampi of CHEO said the cases in Ottawa are a reminder that everyone should be aware whether they and their loved ones are fully vaccinated. Article content 'If people didn't pay attention to the outbreak in southern Ontario before and are wondering what to do now, my recommendation is to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. For those not eligible (such as infants under six months) ensure people around them are protected.' Article content
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More funding needed to support Ottawa's overdose prevention strategy: report
Ottawa's top doctor is asking the city's health board to petition the province for long-term overdose prevention funding as toxic drug death numbers continue to surpass pre-pandemic levels. According to a report by Ottawa Public Health, 207 opioid-related deaths were reported in 2023, a nearly three-fold increase from 2019 (65). The highest number of deaths occurred in the first quarter of 2023, with the most deaths occurring in the ByWard Market, Lowertown East, Wateridge Village and West Centretown neighbourhoods. This is the highest number of opioid-related deaths among Ottawa residents in recent years, OPH said. OPH also said there were at least 123 opioid-related deaths between January and September 2024, comparable to the number of deaths in the same period of 2022 but lower than 2023. Data for Q4 2024 is not yet available. The majority of opioid-related deaths were deemed accidental, and many were people aged 25 to 44 years old. The majority of those were also unemployed, with numbers reaching 54 per cent in 2023. 'There continues to be an urgent need for additional supports to more effectively address the ongoing toxic drug supply and the interconnections between a lack of safe, supportive and affordable housing, poverty, trauma, and additional harms that people can experience from substance use,' wrote Dr. Trevor Arnason, Ottawa's interim medical officer of health. But Arnason said the closure of one of four supervised consumption sites in Ottawa has left people who need access to lifesaving services with little to no options, exacerbating existing disparities and placing additional pressures on other sites and surrounding neighbourhoods. Last August, the Somerset West Community Health Centre's supervised consumption site was forced to shut down after the Ontario government banned the sites within 200 metres of schools and childcare centres. The move blindsided CTS officials in Ottawa, who warned it would lead to more overdose deaths. Around 19 per cent of people who died from accidental opioid overdoses were experiencing homelessness at the time they died, according to OPH data. The 2024 Point In Time survey found that 49 per cent of respondents stated a dire need for supportive housing services, 46 per cent needed food security resources and 33 per cent needed mental health resources. 'When asked about health challenges in the 2024 survey, 42 per cent of respondents stated they had a mental health issue and 37 per cent stated they had a substance use issue, with 57 per cent stating they had one or more health condition(s),' the OPH's report read. Arnason said a community-driven approach will continue to be a priority in 2025, which includes initiatives to expand overdose prevention initiatives, enhance outreach efforts and improve access to treatment and safer spaces for drug users. This also includes efforts to advance stigma reduction efforts, strengthen data and surveillance, and improve patient experience in acute care settings. 'The priority areas reflect the need to increase and co-ordinate outreach efforts to truly meet people where they are at, providing a wide range of immediate lifesaving services including overdose prevention and response as well as providing basic necessities and connections into spaces that offer wrap-around services,' he wrote in the report. Arnason also noted that while the two Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment hubs announced for Ottawa is a 'positive step forward,' gaps still persist in wraparound services for drug users. The HART hubs will not provide key harm reduction services such as supervised consumption services or needle exchange programs, which he said are key to reducing deaths and blood-borne illnesses among drug users. 'A sustainable, multisectoral, and multi-governmental response is needed to implement long-term, well-funded solutions across all seven pillars of the Overdose Prevention & Response Strategy. 'Central to this is the urgent need for safe, affordable, and supportive housing. In the immediate term, expanding coordinated outreach services that connect people to safer spaces and wraparound supports—including treatment that is available when and where people need it—has been highlighted as a priority,' the report read. But the report also note that sustainable long-term funding is crucial to combat the toxic drug crisis and expand efforts. Community-based services and social service providers need appropriate and sustainable funding to develop 'innovative solutions,' he said. This includes effective data collection, which is needed to drive effective decisions. Sustainable funding is also key to employ and retain health and social service workers who are already struggling with ongoing workforce challenges. 'Without adequate funding, organizations struggle to offer competitive wages, provide necessary training, and equip staff with the tools they need—leading to burnout, low morale, and the loss of skilled professionals,' Arnason wrote. Ottawa's interim medical officer of health is also asking for increased sustainable funding for services and resources for Indigenous, Inuit and Métis communities. This includes developing a new Indigenous Family Healing Lodge, supporting the Inuit Violence Against Women Shelter and supporting the Aging Out initiative, which helps Indigenous youth aging out of the foster care system/. 'This recommendation comes directly from First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders,' Arnason said. Arnason's report will be discussed in the Ottawa Board of Health meeting on Monday, April 14. With files from Elizabeth Payne, Postmedia. Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed.
