Local News

 CHECK HERE FOR ANY POSTED WEATHER WARNINGS

  CHECK HERE FOR AMA ROAD REPORTS 

NORMANDEAU DRUG BUST (FEB 8) - TEAMWORK FROM RCMP MEMBERS HELPED PUT A DENT IN THE DRUG SUPPLIES IN OUR CITY. SATURDAY MORNING, OFFICERS ACTED ON A SEARCH WARRANT IN THE NORMANDEAU NEIGHBORHOOD. THEY FOUND OVER FIVE HUNDRED TABLETS OF ECSTASY, PLUS MARIJUANA, CASH AND TRAFFICKING ITEMS. 27- YEAR-OLD JASON ANDERSON NOW FACES TRAFFICKING CHARGES. HE'LL BE IN COURT ON THURSDAY.

ROCKY MAN SURRENDERS (FEB 8) - A MAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH A SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A YOUNG CHILD IN THE ROCKY REGION TURNED HIMSELF IN MONDAY. DEXTER STRAWBERRY WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITH HE SHOWED UP AT THE ROCKY DETACHMENT.  HE'S FACING CHARGES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, EXPLOITATION AND INTERFERENCE WITH A CHILD UNDER SIX. STRAWBERRY WAS REMANDED IN CUSTODY AND WILL APPEAR IN ROCKY COURT FEBRUARY 17TH.

TRAGIC CRASH IN RED DEER CLAIMS PARENTS OF FIVE(FEB 7) -- A RED DEER COUPLE WITH FIVE CHILDREN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE VICTIMS OF A HORRIFIC COLLISION IN SOUTH EAST RED DEER EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. RCMP SAY A PICK-UP HIT A CHRYSLER NEON AT THE INTERSECTION OF 30TH AVENUE AND IRONSTONE DRIVE. THE TWO PEOPLE IN THE NEON,  34 YEAR OLD BRAD HOWE, AND HIS 35 YEAR OLD WIFE KRISTA WERE KILLED.    A FACEBOOK SITE HAS BEEN SET UP IN THEIR MEMORY.  (picture from facebook)  THERE IS A BRAD AND KRISTA HOWE MEMORIAL TRUST FUND SET UP AT THE FOAM LAKE CREDIT UNION.  DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT ANY CREDIT UNION.  Route and Transit # 80838889  Account # 820000016171. THE DRIVER OF THE TRUCK WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL.   22 YEAR OLD CHAD OLSEN FROM SEDALIA, NORTH OF OYEN, FACES SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING IMPAIRED AND DANGEROUS DRIVING. HE MADE A COURT APPERANCE MONDAY.  THE DEATHS WERE  THE FIRST TRAFFIC FATALITIES IN RED DEER SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2008. 

RED DEER'S TOP COP HELPS HEAD OLYMPIC SECURITY TEAM ( FEB 8) --WITH THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES JUST DAYS AWAY, RED DEER CITY RCMP ARE SENDING SOME OF THEIR FINEST TO HELP WITH SECURITY.  RED DEER'S TOP COP,  SUPERINTENDENT BRIAN SIMPSON,  IS ONE OF FOUR GOLD COMMANDERS LOOKING AFTER DAY TO DAY SECURITY CONCERNS.  SIMPSON HAS PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE WITH LOOKING AFTER SECURITY AT MAJOR EVENTS. HE WAS ALSO HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH SECURITY FOR THE G-8 SUMMIT IN KANANASKIS IN 2002.  HE SAYS ABOUT 24 MEMBERS FROM THE RED DEER FORCE WILL ALSO BE HELPING WITH SECURITY.  THE WINTER GAMES START ON FRIDAY.

POSITIVE HOUSING STATS (FEB. 8) -  NEW HOUSING ACTIVITY IS ON THE RISE ACROSS MOST OF THE COUNTRY, WITH ALBERTA ONE OF THE BRIGHT SPOTS.  THE CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION SHOWS HOUSING STARTS IN ALBERTA'S SEVEN MAJOR CENTRES JUMPED 52 PERCENT FROM JANUARY OF LAST YEAR TO THIS JANUARY.   A GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR FOR HOUSING IN RED DEER, WITH 49 NEW HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN JANUARY OF 2010, COMPARED WITH ONLY 17 IN JANUARY OF 2009.

EDUCATION TOWN HALL MEETING MONDAY (FEB 8) --THE RED DEER PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU. A TOWN HALL MEETING IS ON TAP MONDAY NIGHT.  THE BOARD IS ENCOURAGING PUBLIC INPUT ON IMPORTANT ISSUES, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF PROVINCIAL FUNDING CHALLENGES.  THE INPUT HELPS TRUSTEES SET FUTURE PRIORITIES FOR THE DISTRICT.   THE MEETING STARTS AT 6: 45 PM MONDAY AT THE WESTERNER'S HARVEST CENTRE.

LACOMBE ARRESTS ( FEB 8) -- TWO MEN ARE IN POLICE CUSTODY IN LACOMBE FOLLOWING A PAIR OF BUSINESS BREAK-IN'S EARLY YESTERDAY (SUN).  POLICE OFFICERS WERE RESPONDING TO AN ALARM AT A BUSINESS IN A INDUSTRIAL AREA IN SOUTHEAST LACOMBE WHEN THEY SPOTTED A TRUCK TRYING TO FLEE THE AREA.   POLICE WERE THEN ABLE TO FOLLOW TIRE AND FOOTWEAR IMPRESSIONS, LEADING TO THE ARRESTS.   FACING CHARGES ARE 44 YEAR OLD DAN MYSHAK AND 48 YEAR OLD MURRAY CALLIHOO.

SAVE ON ASSAULT SUSPECT SOUGHT (FEB 7)-- RED DEER MOUNTIES ARE HOPING IMAGES FROM A SURVEILLANCE CAMERA WILL LEAD TO AN ARREST IN AN ASSAULT CASE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. A MAN STOPPED FOR  SHOPLIFTING AT THE NORTH SAVE ON STORE ASSAULTED A STORE EMPLOYEE IN THE PARKING LOT.  THE SUSPECT THEN PULLED A KNIFE BEFORE TAKING OFF -- LEAVING THE STOLEN ITEMS BEHIND.   THE EMPLOYEE WAS NOT HURT. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JAN 23 AROUND 9:15 PM.  ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL CITY RCMP AT 403.343.5575, CRIMESTOPPERS AT 1.800.222.8477 OR ONLINE AT www.tipsubmit.com

CRASH KILLS TWO (FEB 5) - A CRASH NORTH OF SUNDRE FRIDAY MORNING KILLED TWO MEN AND CLOSED HIGHWAY 22 FOR SEVERAL HOURS. SUNDRE RCMP SAY A PICK UP TRUCK AND CAR COLLIDED ABOUT FOUR MILES NORTH OF SUNDRE AT 7:45, EACH CARRYING ONLY A DRIVER. THE DRIVER OF THE PICKUP IS IDENTIFIED ONLY AS A 36 YEAR OLD MAN FROM SUNDRE, AND THE CAR WAS DRIVEN BY A 26 YEAR OLD B.C. MAN. BOTH MEN DIED AT THE SCENE. NAMES ARE BEING WITHELD UNTIL NEXT-OF-KIN ARE NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE COLLISION IS PENDING, BUT ALCOHOL, WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS AREN'T BEING CONSIDERED AS FACTORS.

TACKLING HOMELESSNESS (FEB 5) - THE CITY OF RED DEER IS CALLING FOR LETTERS OF INTENT TO RECEIVE OPERATIONAL GRANTS THAT ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS.  CITY SPOKESPERSON ROXANA NIELSEN STEWART SAYS THE LETTER'S NEED TO BE IN BY FEBRUARY 25TH AND WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMUNITY HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD. THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE CITY'S 2008 PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS WITHIN TEN YEARS. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE, REDDEER.CA.

NO NEW CURLING RINK IN RED DEER (FEB. 5) -  THERE'S BEEN A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN PLANS TO BUILD A NEW CURLING RINK IN RED DEER.   INSTEAD OF BUILDING A 14 MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY  NEAR MICHENER CENTRE IN NORTHEAST RED DEER THERE WILL BE A 4-5 MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATE TO THE DOWNTOWN STRUCTURE.  LYNN RADFORD BUILDING CHAIR FOR THE CURLING CLUB SAYS TENTATIVE PLANS CALL FOR A NEW 12 SHEET ICE SURFACE AND UPGRADES TO THE FRONT END OF THE OLD FACILITY.  CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETE NEXT JANUARY (2011).

9-1-1 CAN BETTER TRACK CELL PHONES ( FEB 5) -- CANADA'S PHONE COMPANIES HAVE ROLLED OUT A NEW 9-1-1 TECHNOLOGY TO HELP TRACK CALLS FROM CELL PHONES. THE E9-1-1 SERVICE ALLOWS EMERGENCY OFFICIALS TO PINPOINT A CALLER'S LOCATION WITHIN 50 METRES USING GPS AND TRIANGULATION TECHNOLOGY. PREVIOUSLY -- EMERGENCY OFFICIALS WERE ONLY ABLE TO TRACK A CELL CALL BY THE NEAREST TOWER. RED DEER'S DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF BART ROWLAND CALLS IT A VITAL STEP FORWARD -- NOTING OVER 50 PERCENT OF THE CALLS RECEIVED BY THE CITY'S REGIONAL 9-1-1 CENTRE ARE FROM CELL PHONES.

AB JOBLESS RATE UNCHANGED ( FEB 5 ) -- ALBERTA'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HELD STEADY LAST MONTH AT 6.6 PER CENT, WHILE THE JOBLESS FIGURE FOR THE RED DEER REGION CLIMBED A NOTCH TO 7.2 PER CENT. ALBERTA LABOUR OFFICIALS NOTE THE NUMBER OF FULL TIME JOBS WAS UP LAST MONTH IN OUR PROVINCE, WHILE PART TIME JOBS DROPPED AFTER THE BUSY CHRISTMAS SEASON.   THE NATIONAL JOBLESS RATE WAS DOWN A TENTH OF A POINT TO 8.3 PER CENT.

BODY IDENTIFIED (FEB 4) - POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED A BODY FOUND SATURDAY  SOUTHWEST OF STETTLER AS 50 YEAR OLD LAWRENCE BRUCE THACKER.   KNOWN AS BRUCE THACKER, HE WAS REPORTED MISSING NOVEMBER 19TH FROM INNISFAIL.  HIS BODY WAS DISCOVERED BY SNOWMOBILERS RIDING ALONG THE RED DEER RIVER WEST OF BIG VALLEY. THEY FOUND AN ABONDONED TRUCK AND THACKER'S BODY NEARBY.  A CORONER IN CALGARY HAS RULED THE CAUSE OF DEATH AS NON-SUSPICIOUS.

WANTED FOR 1994 MURDER (FEB 4) - RCMP ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN LOCATING A WANTED MAN. 52 YEAR OLD DONOVAN HARTMAN IS WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER, STEMMING FROM AN INCIDENT IN LANGLEY, B.C. IN 1994. HARTMAN WHO WAS WORKING AS A CARNIVAL WORKER AT THE TIME, ALLEGEDLY STABBED A CO-WORKER IN THE CHEST AFTER AN ARGUMENT. MOUNTIES SAY HE THEN FLED TO CALGARY WHERE HE WAS LATER LOCATED AND BROUGHT BACK TO COURT IN B.C. HE WAS RELEASED TO APPEAR IN COURT AGAIN BUT FAILED TO SHOW UP THE NEXT TIME AND HAS BEEN MISSING EVER SINCE. POLICE BELIEVE HE MAY BE LIVING IN ALBERTA DOING ODD JOBS. (PHOTO COURTESY OF RCMP)

WANTED FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT (FEB 4) - AN ARREST WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 54 YEAR OLD DEXTER STRAWBERRY AFTER A REPORT OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT POSSIBLY INVOLVING A YOUNG CHILD. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE RCMP WERE CALLED TO A SUNCHILD FIRST NATIONS RESERVE HOUSE JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY MORNING. INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE THE YOUNG CHILD MAY HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY A MAN WHO HAD BEEN LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD AS THE CHILD'S PARENTS.  THE YOUNG CHILD WAS TRANSPORTED TO A CALGARY AREA HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ASSESSMENT. STRAWBERRY IS WANTED ON CHARGES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, SEXUAL INTERFERENCE WITH A CHILD UNDER 6, AND OTHER CHARGES INVOLVING TWO OTHER YOUNG PERSONS, REPORTED IN 2007. MOUNTIES SAY STRAWBERRY REMAINS AT LARGE AND IS ACTIVELY BEING SOUGHT BY RCMP DETACHMENTS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA. THE IDENTITY OF THE VICTIMS CAN NOT BE RELEASED. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE RCMP AT 403 - 845 - 2882 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 1 - 800 - 222 - 8477 (TIPS), OR ONLINE AT  www.tipsubmit.com. (PHOTO COURTESY OF RCMP)

LEGISLATURE TO BEGIN (FEB 3) - PREMIER ED STELMACH IS PREPARING FOR THE OPENING OF THE  ALBERTA LEGISLATURE THURSDAY.  STELMACH SAYS WE ARE GOING THROUGH SOME DIFFICULT TIMES AND THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS ON THE MINDS OF ALBERTANS. BUT THE PREMIER SAYS WE'RE GOING TO COME OUT OF THIS STRONGER THAN EVER AND LEAD THE COUNTRY FINANCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY. THE PREMIER IS GETTING SET FOR THE THRONE SPEECH AND THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET COMING DOWN NEXT TUESDAY.

PANDEMIC PLANNING FOR BUSINESS (FEB 3) - PLANNING FOR A PANDEMIC CAN BE COMPLICATED, BUT HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES IN RED DEER. A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT THE RED DEER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE FROM 3 UNTIL 4:30. IT'S BEING PRESENTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND WILL COVER TOPICS SUCH AS HOW TO CONTINUE BUSINESS WHEN MANY EMPLOYEES ARE OFF SICK, OR HOW TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. THERE IS NO COST FOR THE SEMINAR, AND IT'S BEING OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ICDC AND THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

TRAFFIC STOP NETS DRUGS (FEB 3) - A TRAFFIC STOP IN NORTH RED DEER TUESDAY NIGHT (TUE) RESULTED IN POLICE TAKING A 29 YEAR OLD MAN INTO CUSTODY. CITY RCMP SAY THEY STOPPED A WHITE CHRYSLER INTREPID ON NASH STREET IN THE NORMANDEAU AREA AROUND 8:15 BUT A BAG HAD BEEN TROWN FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BEFORE THE CAR WAS STOPPED. MOUNTIES SAY THE BAG CONTAINED METHAMPHETAMINE, MONEY AND TRAFFICKING PARAPHANALIA. DELMOND KROETSCH NOW FACES THREE COUNTS AND WILL APPEAR IN COURT THURSDAY.

GULTY PLEA IN PIPE BOMB CASE (FEB 3) - A GUILTY PLEA IN THE CASE OF KEVIN SCOTT SINCLAIR OF RED DEER. SINCLAIR PLED GUILTY WEDNESDAY TO A CHARGE OF USING AND POSSESSING EXPLOSIVES WITH THE INTENT OF DAMAGING PROPERTY. THE CHARGE STEMS BACK TO AN INCIDENT OCTOBER 30TH WHERE AN INPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE, OR I.E.D. WAS DETONATED OUTSIDE OF A JOHNSTONE PARK HOME. OTHER CHARGES AGAINST SINCLAIR WILL BE DROPPED UPON SENTENCING, WHICH IS SET FOR MARCH 10TH.   26 YEAR OLD MICHAEL TOEWS HAS ALREADY BEEN SENTENCED, AND 27 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER SINCLAIR HAS A PRELIMINARY HEARING LATER THIS MONTH.

BAIL GRANTED IN ROLLOVER CASE (FEB 3) - BAIL HAS BEEN GRANTED IN THE CASE OF A SINGLE-VEHICLE ROLLOVER NEAR SYLVAN LAKE THAT TOOK THE LIFE OF A DELBURNE MAN. 22 YEAR OLD MATTHEW DUDA IS FACING CHARGES OF DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING DEATH AND FAILING TO REMAIN AT THE SCENE IN CONNECTION WITH THE JUNE 4TH, 2008 CRASH. ROSS LOBLAW, DUDA'S UNCLE DIED AT THE SCENE. WHILE DUDA HAS BEEN GRANTED BAIL IN THE CASE, HE IS CURRENTLY SERVING TIME AT BOWDEN INSTITUTION ON A SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE. HE RETURNS TO COURT ON FEBRUARY 26TH.

PREMIER PREPARES FOR LEGISLATURE (FEB. 3) - PREMIER ED STELMACH IS PREPARING FOR THE OPENING OF THE  ALBERTA LEGISLATURE THURSDAY.  STELMACH TOLD KG COUNTRY AND ZED 99 NEWS WE ARE GOING THROUGH SOME DIFFICULT TIMES AND THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS ON THE MINDS OF ALBERTANS.   BUT THE PREMIER SAYS WE'RE GOING TO COME OUT OF THIS STRONGER THAN EVER AND LEAD THE COUNTRY FINANCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY.     THE PREMIER IS GETTING SET FOR THURSDAY'S THRONE SPEECH AND THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET COMING DOWN TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9TH.

HEALTH CARE REPORT RELEASED (FEB 2) - RED DEER RESIDENTS NOW HAVE THE RESULTS OF HEALTH CARE FORUMS THAT WERE HELD IN THE FALL BY THE NDP. PROVINCIAL NDP LEADER BRIAN MASON STOPPED BY RDC LAST NIGHT WITH COPIES OF "WHAT PEOPLE WANT", HIS PARTY'S REPORT ON HEALTH CARE. THE REPORT FELL ON A MOSTLY RECEPTIVE AUDIENCE, BUT FINANCIAL SERVICES STUDENT RYAN LANGDALE IS SKEPTICAL ABOUT HOW MUCH ENHANCING HEALTH CARE WILL COST. THE REPORT SAYS ALBERTANS WANT HIGH QUALITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AFFORDABILITY AND TIMELINESS WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE. ABOUT 50 PEOPLE TURNED OUT TO HEAR THE RESULTS, WITH MANY SENIORS AND MANY INVOLVED IN THE HEALTH-CARE FIELD.

PRECIOUS RESOURCE (FEB 2) - WATER CONSERVATION ON THE MINDS OF RED DEER COUNTY COUNCILLORS. A NEW BYLAW HAS BEEN PASSED WITH AN AIM AT CUTTING THE AMOUNT OF WATER USED BY RESIDENTS WHO ARE HOOKED UP TO COUNTY WATER LINES. OFFICIALS SAY WATER CONSUMPTION INCREASES BY AT LEAST 50 PERCENT DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS . HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEW POLICY INCLUDE A NO WATERING RESTRICTION FOR LAWNS AND GARDENS BETWEEN NOON AND 7 PM , ALONG WITH AN ODD-EVEN WATERING POLICY. THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IN PLACE FROM MAY FIRST TILL THE END OF SEPTEMBER.

LOOKING TO THE PAST (FEB 2) - PRESERVING THE HERITAGE OF RED DEER COUNTY IS THE GOAL BEHIND A NEWLY ADOPTED HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN. THE PLAN SURVEYED 88 SITES IN RED DEER COUNTY, IDENTIFYING 27 OF THEM AS HERITAGE SITES, WITH TWO OF THOSE ALREADY BEING DESIGNATED AS MUNICIPAL HISTORIC RESOURCES. CREATING A HERITAGE WORKING COMMITTEE IS ONE OF THE SHORT TERM RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PLAN.

END OF AN ERA (FEB 2) - IT WAS KNOWN AS THE BIGGEST LITTLE FAIR IN THE WEST, BUT IT WILL BE NO MORE. THE OLDS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY HAS DECIDED TO CANCEL IT'S MID-AUGUST FAIR AND RODEO. THE EVENT HAS BEEN GOING SINCE 1899, BUT SOCIETY MANAGER TAMI GARDNER SAYS EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A GREAT FAIR, NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE CAME ANYMORE. INSTEAD THE AG SOCIETY WILL FOCUS ON HOSTING OTHER 'STAND ALONE' EVENTS, SUCH AS A HEAVY HORSE SHOW, OR A YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW. THERE WILL STILL BE PONY CHUCKWAGON RACES IN OLDS ON THE TRADITIONAL FAIR WEEKEND.

FUNNY MONEY (FEB 2) - THREE HILLS RCMP ARE WARNING LOCAL RETAILERS TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR COUNTERFEIT AMERICAN MONEY. MOUNTIES SAY A MAN WENT TO A NUMBER OF THREE HILLS BUSINESSES LAST WEDNESDAY PASSING OFF COUNTERFEIT AMERICAN 50 DOLLAR BILLS. SEVEN BILLS WERE PASSED WITH THE MAN PURCHASING ITEMS WITH A SMALL DOLLAR VALUE AND POCKETING THE CHANGE IN CANADIAN CURRENCY. THE SUSPECT WAS WITH A SMALL GIRL AND DRIVING A RED CAR. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL POLICE.

COPS LOOKING FOR WANTED MAN (FEB 1) -- RED DEER CITY RCMP ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN LOCATING A WANTED MAN. 37 YEAR OLD LESLIE PAUL SCHERGER, ALSO KNOWN AS PAUL LESLIE SCHERGER HAS NUMEROUS OUTSTANDING WARRANTS FOR HIS ARREST AND WAS LAST KNOWN TO BE LIVING IN RED DEER. MOUNTIES SAY HE HAS A LENGTHY CRIMINAL HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1991, WITH HIS CHARGES RANGING FROM THEFT TO FAILING TO APPEAR. 

POSSIBLE RESOLUTION FOR PRISON STABBING CASE (FEB 1) -- A DEAL BETWEEN LAWYERS COULD BE IN THE WORKS FOR AN INMATE AT THE BOWDEN INSTITUTION CHARGED IN THE STABBING OF ANOTHER INMATE. 45 YEAR OLD JOSEPH MASON IS CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AFTER A NOVEMBER 2008 INCIDENT IN WHICH A 46 YEAR OLD INMATE WAS STABBED IN THE STOMACH, CHEST AND BACK. CROWN COUNSEL IS EXPECTED TO OFFER THE DEFENSE A RESOLUTION OFFER WHEN MASON RETURNS TO COURT ON THURSDAY.

DELAY IN SYLVAN DRUG BUST CASE (FEB 1) -- A LENGHTY TRIAL COULD BE ON THE WAY FOR A MAN FACING DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES IN A SYLVAN LAKE BUST LAST YEAR. 24 YEAR OLD SAMIR MOHAMED OF NO FIXED ADDRESS MADE A BREIF COURT APPEARANCE MONDAY AND FACES 11 COUNTS. IT'S EXPECTED HE'LL HAVE A NINE OR TEN DAY TRIAL WITH THOSE DATES TO BE SET AT HIS NEXT COURT APPEARANCE FEBRUARY 22ND. MOHAMED WAS CHARGED AFTER SYLVAN RCMP STOPPED A VEHICLE FOR MAKING AN ILLEGAL U-TURN AND FOUND COCAINE, POT AND A LOADED HANDGUN INSIDE.

STRONG START FOR RED DEER PERMIT VALUES (FEB 1) -- PERMIT VALUES ARE OFF TO A GOOD START IN RED DEER THIS YEAR. CITY OFFICIALS SAY OVERALL PERMIT VALUES ARE UP NEARLY 964 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM JANUARY OF LAST YEAR, AS OVER 7 MILLION IN PERMITS WERE ISSUED. THE BIGGEST GAIN CAME FROM THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET LOWER COMMERCIAL PERMIT VALUES.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT MINISTER STOPS IN RED DEER (FEB 1) -- FUNDINGA 10 TO 15 PERCENT REDUCTION IN FUNDING IS WHAT ALBERTA'S ARTS AND NON-PROFIT SECTORS CAN EXPECT WHEN THE PROVINCE ANNOUNCES IT'S BUDGET NEXT TUESDAY. THAT ACCORDING TO CULTURE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT MINISTER LINDSAY BLACKETT WHO STOPPED IN RED DEER MONDAY. HE SAYS THE ARTS COMMUNITY HERE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THINGS LIKE A NEW PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE A REALITY. BLACKETT SAYS THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING TO FIND GREATER EFFICIENCIES IN THEIR SPENDING.

BIG VALLEY BODY (FEB. 1) -  STETTLER RCMP MEMBERS ARE INVESTIGATING A DEATH IN THE REGION. SNOWMOBILERS ALONG THE RED DEER RIVER SATURDAY NIGHT DISCOVERED AN ABANDONED TRUCK WEST OF BIG VALLEY. A MAN'S BODY WAS NEARBY. AT THIS POINT, FOUL PLAY HAS BEEN RULED OUT.  THE RCMP HAS NOT IDENTIFIED THE MAN BUT SAY THE BODY HAD BEEN THERE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.

RED DEER MURDER CASE (FEB. 1) -  A CALGARY MAN CHARGED IN THE MURDER OF A RED DEER MAN NEARLY THREE YEARS AGO WILL HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER MONTH BEFORE SETTING A TRIAL DATE. CROWN COUNSEL TOLD COURT TODAY (MON) THAT SOME PROCEDURAL MATTERS HAD TO BE IRONED OUT BEFORE A TRIAL DATE COULD BE SET FOR 45 YEAR OLD BRENT CROUSE. THE MATTER HAS NOW BEEN PUT OVER TO MARCH 1ST. CROUSE IS CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT IN THE APRIL 2007 DEATH OF 46 YEAR OLD SHELDON HILLER WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND IN A DITCH NEAR RAVEN. A SECOND MAN CHARGED WILL HAVE HIS TRIAL IN SEPTEMBER, WHILE A THIRD MAN CHARGED WAS EARLIER SENTENCED TO TIME SERVED LAST YEAR.

DELBURNE SEX CASE (FEB. 1) - A DELBURNE MAN CHARGED IN AN ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A DELBURNE WOMAN LAST YEAR, WILL HAVE A FOUR DAY JUDGE ALONE TRIAL THIS NOVEMBER.  49 YEAR OLD BRIAN VOLKER IS CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM,UNLAWFUL CONFINEMENT AND POINTING A FIREARM AFTER THE JANUARY 2009 INCIDENT.  HE'LL ALSO HAVE A PRE-LIMINARY HEARING IN MARCH IN REGARDS TO NUMEROUS OTHER CHARGES FROM A SEPARATE INCIDENT, INCLUDING FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF A DELBURNE WOMAN LAST FEBRUARY.

RED DEER NIGHTCLUB FIGHT (FEB. 1) - A RED DEER NIGHTCLUB WAS THE SITE OF A WEEKEND DISTURBANCE.  AROUND 2:30 SUNDAY MORNING MOUNTIES RESPONDED TO A COMPLAINT AT THE URBAN RODEO NIGHTCLUB . THERE WERE COMPLAINTS OF A PHYSICAL ALTERCATION BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE HELLS ANGELS MOTORCYCLE GANG AND A NUMBER OF FEMALES.  POLICE ARRESTED A 58 YEAR OLD MAN FROM SPRUCE GROVE. HE'S TO APPEAR IN COURT MARCH 23RD FACING TWO COUNTS OF ASSAULT.  TWO RED DEER WOMEN, AGED 20 AND 21 RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.

RED DEER MAN CHARGED IN POLICE PURSUIT (FEB.1) -  A HIGH SPEED POLICE CHASE IN NORTHERN ALBERTA HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF A RED DEER MAN.   22 YEAR OLD EARLY CHARLES BRUYEA WAS PICKED UP AFTER A STOLEN SEMI LED RCMP IN VALLEYVIEW ON A CHASE FRIDAY NIGHT.    A TRUCKING COMPANY CALLED MOUNTIES AROUND 10 PM. POLICE PULLED IT OVER, BUT THE SEMI TOOK OFF AGAIN, STOPPING ONLY AFTER A SPIKE BELT TOOK OUT THE TIRES.   BRUYEA IS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY, FLEEING POLICE AND DANGEROUS DRIVING.  HE'LL BE IN VALLEYVIEW COURT ON THURSDAY.

POWER LINE MEETINGS (FEB. 1) - A NEW SERIES OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES GETS UNDERWAY MONDAY REGARDING A PROPOSED ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE FROM EDMONTON TO CALGARY.  TONIGHT'S MEETING WILL BE HELD BY ALTA LINK AT THE INNISFAIL LEGION.  TUESDAY, THE INFO MEETING MOVES TO THE PONOKA KINSMEN COMMUNITY CENTRE. THERE WILL ALSO BE MEETINGS IN ECKVILLE, THE PINE LAKE HUB, RIMBEY AND OLDS THIS MONTH. A SPECIFIC ROUTE FOR THE 1.1 BILLION DOLLAR TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT HAS YET TO BE ANNOUNCED. 

DAWE CENTRE READY THIS SUMMER (FEB. 1) - CITY RECREATION STAFF ARE GEARING UP FOR THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE G.H. DAWE COMMUNITY CENTRE.  RECREATION SUPERVISOR KAY KENNY SAYS STAFF HAVE BEEN RE-DEPLOYED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS, AND THEY'RE ANXIOUS TO RETURN.  KENNY SAYS INITIALLY THEY'LL BE ABLE TO FULLY STAFF THE AQUATICS AREA, BUT SOME MULTI-PURPOSE SPACES AT THE DAWE WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR STAFF UNTIL 2011 OR 2012.  AS OF JULY 1ST, THE DAWE WILL OFFER A FULL AQUATICS PROGRAM AND MORE PROGRAMS WILL BE OFFERED IN THE FALL.

HAYDEN SPEAKS (JAN 29) - NEWLY-APPOINTED AGRICULTURE MINISTER JACK HAYDEN MADE A STOP IN RED DEER FRIDAY. ADDRESSING THE FEEDER ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA, HAYDEN URGED THEM TO "HANG ON" DURING THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES.  HAYDEN SAYS IF ALBERTANS BELIEVE  THEY ARE IMMUNE TO WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REST OF THE WORLD, THEY'RE KIDDING THEMSELVES.  HE SAYS ALBERTA CAN HELP OTHER COUNTRIES OUT OF THEIR OWN ECONOMIC SLUMPS BY PROVIDING THE ENERGY AND FOOD THEY NEED. HAYDEN WAS APPOINTED AGRICULTURE MINISTER JUST TWO WEEKS AGO IN PREMIER ED STELMACH'S CABINET SHUFFLE.

BEAR WITH IT (JAN 29) - PILES OF SNOW AND WINDROWS ARE CAUSING A LOT OF HEADACHES FOR CITY RESIDENTS, BUT CITY OFFICIALS ARE ASKING PEOPLE TO BE PATIENT. ROADS SUPERINTENDENT JIM CHASE SAYS THE WORK IS BEING DONE TO AVOID MAJOR PROBLEMS WHEN THE SNOW MELTS IN SPRING, CREATING A SLUSHY MESS. IN ADDITION, CHASE SAYS PEOPLE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE THEIR OWN OFF-STREET PARKING. CHASE IS ASKING PEOPLE TO BE PATIENT, AND ADDS SOME RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ABUSIVE TO SNOW PLOW OPERATORS.

SYLVAN CONTINUES BEAUTIFICATION (JAN 29) - LOTS OF ORANGE ROAD SIGNS WILL BE SEEN THROUGHOUT SYLVAN LAKE THIS YEAR. PHASE TWO OF A FIVE YEAR LAKESHORE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WILL BE GETTING UNDERWAY THIS SPRING WITH PARKING AND TRAFFIC ALONG LAKESHORE DRIVE BEING IMPACTED THE MOST. MAYOR SUSAN SAMSON SAYS IT'S A 24 MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT. SAMSON SAYS THE PROJECT WILL CREATE PEDESTRIAN PROMENADES, BETTER WASHROOMS AND RECREATION AMENITIES AND NEW PARKING LOTS AS WELL.

INFORMATION SOUGHT (JAN 28) - RED DEER CITY RCMP AND CRIME STOPPERS ARE HOPING THE PUBLIC WILL COME FORWARD WITH INFORMATION ABOUT TWO BREAK-INS AT BIKE WERX. THE BUSINESS IS LOCATED IN THE 58 HUNDRED BLOCK OF 51ST AVE, AND WAS BROKEN INTO NOVEMBER 13TH AND DECEMBER 29TH. NUMEROUS ITEMS WERE STOLEN, RANGING FROM BIKES TO SKIS, TO CLOTHING. A WHITE HATCHBACK POSSIBLY CONNECTED TO THE BREAK-INS WAS SPOTTED AT THE TIME. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT RCMP OR CRIMESTOPPERS.

REAL ESTATE UPDATE (JAN 28) - MODEST GROWTH IN A MORE STABLE MARKET IS HOW THE CENTRAL ALBERTA REALTORS ASSOCIATION IS FORECASTING 2010. PRESIDENT SANDI GOUCHIE SAYS SALES ACTIVITY IS EXPECTED TO RISE BETWEEN 4 AND 5 PERCENT, WITH HOME VALUES TO INCREASE ABOUT 3 PERCENT. SHE ADDS, NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION IS ALSO EXPECTED TO SLOW DOWN AS SUPPLY AND DEMAND GROW CLOSER TOGETHER FOR A MORE BALANCED MARKET. THE MEDIAN PRICE FORECAST FOR A SINGLE FAMILY HOME IN RED DEER FOR 2010 IS 325 HOUSAND DOLLARS.

FISH HUT B & E'S (JAN 28) - SYLVAN LAKE RCMP ARE INVESTIGATING A LARGE NUMBER OF BREAK AND ENTERS INTO ICE FISHING HUTS ON THE LAKE. MOUNTIES SAY BETWEEN SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY, UPWARDS OF 20 HUTS HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO WITH VARIOUS ITEMS BEING TAKEN. WEDNESDAY NIGHT A RURAL PROPERTY WAS SEARCHED AND SEVERAL STOLEN ITEMS WERE RECOVERED. THREE TEENAGE BOYS ARE CURRENTLY BEING QUESTIONED WITH CHARGES PENDING. POLICE WANT TO ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHOSE HAD THEIR ICE FISHING HUT BROKEN INTO, TO REPORT IT TO POLICE. THEY WOULD ALSO LIKE TO REMIND YOU TO NEVER KEEP ANY VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR FISHING HUT WHEN IT'S UNATTENDED.

ROAD WORK COMING (JAN 28) - LOOK FOR SOME HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS TO BEGIN IN CENTRAL ALBERTA SHORTLY. BOTH THE FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE ANNOUNCED MILLIONS IN FUNDING TO NOT ONLY IMPROVE PROVINCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUT TO ALSO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY. IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE DONE SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 53 NEAR RIMBEY, SOME CONCRETE OVERLAY ON THE OVERPASS OF HIGHWAY 12 AT ALIX AND NEW OVERLAY ON HIGHWAY 22 NORTH OF ROCKY. OTHER IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE A FULL REPLACEMENT OF ALL UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE WESTVIEW CRESCENT LOOP IN BOWDEN. 

WAY TO GO (JAN 28) - CONGRATULATIONS TO CHAIR DARCY MYKYTYSHYN AND EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL ALBERTA.  AT THE HUB IN DOWNTOWN RED DEER THURSDAY MORNING,  ORGANISERS MADE THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL 2009 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN. OVER 1.8 MILLION DOLLARS HAS BEEN RAISED TO HELP THE 33 CENTRAL ALBERTA AGENCIES FUNDED BY THE LOCAL UNITED WAY, FALLING A LITTLE SHORT OF THE 2.1 MILLION DOLLAR GOAL.   OFFICIALS OF COURSE ARE STILL THRILLED WITH THE TOTAL IN LIGHT OF A TIGHT ECONOMY. TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE, THE GOAL A DECADE AGO IN 1999 WAS ABOUT 800 THOUSAND DOLLARS AND NOW THE UNITED WAY IS RAISING CLOSE TO 2 MILLION BUCKS A YEAR

CHANGES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS (JAN 28) - STUDENTS AT GLENDALE, G.H. DAWE, AND NORMANDEAU SCHOOLS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SHOULD FIND THEMSELVES INCLUDED TO A GREATER EXTENT THIS FALL, IF A NEW PILOT PROJECT GOES AS PLANNED. UNDER THE PLAN, THE THREE SCHOOLS WILL RECEIVE LEARNING ASSISTANCE TEACHERS TO HELP SUPPORT THE INCLUSION OF STUDENTS IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. THE "FOUNDATIONS" PLAN WILL NO LONGER ENCOMPASS YOUNGER GRADES, BUT INSTEAD FOCUS ON GRADES 5-8. YOUNGER STUDENTS ALREADY IN FOUNDATIONS WILL REMAIN. THE PILOT PROJECT WILL RUN FOR TWO YEARS AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE RED DEER PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION BY USING STAFF ALREADY IN PLACE. IT'S PART OF A PROVINCIAL INITIATIVE CALLED "SETTING THE DIRECTION".

JABLONSKI ADDRESSES CONCERNS (JAN 27) - SOME REASSURANCE TO PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY THE PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES OR PDD PROGRAM. SENIORS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTS MINISTER MARY ANNE JABLONSKI SPOKE TO THE MEDIA WEDNESDAY TO QUELL FEARS THAT CUTS WERE COMING TO THE PROGRAM.  JABLONSKI SAY THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THOSE SUPPORTED BY THE PDD PROGRAM IS PARAMOUNT, EVEN AS THEY LOOK FOR SAVINGS.SHE IF SAVINGS ARE FOUND, THEY WON'T BE AT THE COST OF HEALTH AND SAFETY. JABLONSKI POINTS OUT THAT THE PDD PROGRAM BUDGET IS 600 MILLION DOLLARS...THAT'S 20 MILLION MORE THAN LAST YEAR, AND ABOUT 60 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR EACH OF THE 92 HUNDRED ALBERTANS USING THE PROGRAM.

 EXCITING CHANGES (JAN 27) - LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT, INTERESTING ARCHITECTURE, AND MANY NEW AMENITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS TO THE G.H. DAWE COMMUNITY CENTRE THIS JUNE. THAT'S WHEN THE DOORS RE-OPEN AFTER 18 MONTHS OF RENOVATION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK. INCLUDED IN THE NEW DAWE WILL BE THE NEW GH DAWE BRANCH OF THE RED DEER PUBLIC LIBRARY, WATERSLIDES, AND A REFURBISHED GYMNASIUM THAT FORMERLY BELONGED TO G.H. DAWE PUBLIC SCHOOL.   RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ASIDE, THE FACILITY IS BEING BUILT TO "LEED SHADOW" STANDARD, MEANING IT HAS ACHIEVED HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS. TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE PROJECT IS 29.9 MILLION DOLLARS AND PROJECT SUPERVISOR JERRY HEDLUND SAYS THEY'RE MEETING THAT BUDGET, AND THE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED ON-TIME.

LOCAL OLYMPIAN NAMED TO CANADA'S SKELETON TEAM (JAN 27) -- THE NUMBER ONE RANKED SKELETON SLIDER IN THE WORLD HAS BEEN NAMED TO CANADA'S OLYMPIC SKELETON TEAM. ECKVILLE'S MELLISA HOLLINGSWORTH WAS NAMED TO THE SIX PERSON ROSTER WEDNESDAY AND IS HONOURED BY HER SECOND NOMINATION TO THE OLYMPIC TEAM. HOLLINGSWORTH WON BRONZE AT THE TURIN GAMES IN 2006.

NEW ABORIGINAL STUDIES COURSE OFFERED BY RED DEER PUBLIC SCHOOLS (JAN 27) -- THERE'S A NEW COURSE BEING OFFERED BY THE RED DEER PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION, FOCUSING ON ABORIGINAL STUDIES.  SPOKESPERSON BRUCE BURUMA SAYS IT'S BEING OFFERED THROUGH THEIR OUTREACH PROGRAM AND WILL QUALIFY FOR 5 HIGHSCHOOL CREDITS. HE SAYS IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS, NOT ONLY FIRST-NATIONS, AND THEY ARE HOPING TO ATTRACT STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE CITY. BURUMA SAYS THEY WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS FROM HISTORY TO SYMBOLISM TO POLITICS.

FULL HOUSE (JAN 26) - A PANEL DISCUSSION REGARDING THE UPCOMING PROVINCIAL BUDGET AND ITS POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS DREW A HEFTY CROWD IN RED DEER. ABOUT 150 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE "JOIN TOGETHER ALBERTA" CAMPAIGN'S PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE GOLDEN CIRCLE. CITING THE BAD EFFECTS OF RECENT CUTS TO HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION, ORGANISERS WANT ALBERTANS TO UNITE AND LET THE FINANCE MINISTER KNOW THEY DON'T WANT ANY MORE JOB CUTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. THEY'RE URGING PEOPLE TO WEAR THE GREEN ALBERTA TARTAN TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS.

WELCOME TO RED DEER (JAN 26) - PLANNING A STAY-CATION THIS YEAR? YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT THE 2010 RED DEER AND AREA VISITORS GUIDE LAUNCHED TUESDAY.  TOURISM RED DEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DARREN KUZ SAYS THE GUIDE IS BEING DISTRIBUTED NATIONALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD AND IS A BIG REVENUE GENERATOR FOR THEM.  YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT ONLINE AT WWW.TOURISMREDDEER.NET. KUZ SAYS TOURISM GENERATES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

MORE JAIL TIME FOR BRADLEY (JAN 26) - IT'S MORE TIME IN THE SLAMMER FOR A RED DEER MAN CONVICTED OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AFTER HE BIT OFF PART OF ANOTHER MAN'S EAR IN A FIGHT LAST NOVEMBER. 25 YEAR OLD SETH BRADLEY HAS BEEN SENTENCED ON FIVE COUNTS AND WILL SPEND ANOTHER 18 MONTHS BEHIND BARS AND WAS GIVEN A LIFETIME FIREARMS BAN. HE WAS ARRESTED A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER A REMEMBRANCE DAY FIGHT WITH HIS LANDLORD WHO WAS TRYING TO EVICT HIM FOR DAMAGING A WALL IN HIS BASEMENT.

THIEVES AT WORK (JAN 26) - RED DEER MOUNTIES ARE INVESTIGATING A NUMBER OF DAYTIME RESIDENTIAL BREAK AND ENTERS MONDAY. RCMP SAY THEY WERE ALL IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO EACH OTHER IN THE PARKVALE NEIGHBOURHOOD. COMMON ITEMS TO BE TAKEN ARE MONEY, JEWELLERY, LAPTOPS, IPODS AND MP3 PLAYERS. POLICE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE SEEN ANY SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE, VEHICLES OR ACTIVITY IN THE AREA.

CEMETARY SPRUCE-UP (JAN 26) - A LOCAL CEMETARY CELEBRATED A GRAND RE-OPENING TUESDAY. THE ALTO RESTE CEMETARY ON HIGHWAY 11, JUST EAST OF RED DEER, RE-OPENED WITH A NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE SHOP LAST NOVEMBER WITH MEDIA TOURS TAKING PLACE TUESDAY. OFFICIALS SAY THE FACILITY NOW HAS MORE SPACE AND AMENITIES AND WILL ALLOW FOR ENHANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS EQUIPMENT? (JAN 26) - CITY RCMP ARE SEARCHING FOR SOME STOLEN EQUIPMENT TAKEN FROM THE BURNT LAKE INDUSTRIAL PARK WEST OF RED DEER THIS MONTH. MOUNTIES SAY A DITCH WITCH WAS STOLEN FROM BRANDT TRACTORS SOMETIME BETWEEN JANUARY 5TH AND 15TH AND IS VALUED AT 18 THOUSAND DOLLARS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL CITY RCMP OR CRIME STOPPERS.

URBAN BLIGHT? (JAN 26) - THE USE OF SHOW HOME AND OPEN HOUSE SIGNS CAME BEFORE RED DEER CITY COUNCIL MONDAY. FIRST READING WAS GIVEN TO A BYLAW AMENDMENT THAT STIPULATES SHOW HOME AND OPEN HOUSE SIGNS CAN ONLY BE PLACED ON BOULEVARDS IN OR ADJACENT TO NEIGHBOURHOODS WHERE THE SALE IS TAKING PLACE. AND, THIS IS FOR A PERIOD OF UP TO TWO HOURS BEFORE AND AFTER THE OPEN HOUSE OR SHOW HOME IS OPEN.  A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS WILL TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 22ND.

PLANS SET BACK (JAN 26) - A DELAY FOR CHANGES TO A PAIR OF AREA STRUCTURE PLANS IN RED DEER. CITY COUNCIL HAS TABLED FOR UP TO A MONTH, AMENDMENTS TO THE WEST QE2 MAJOR AREA STRUCTURE PLAN AND THE QUEENS BUSINESS PARK INDUSTRIAL AREA STRUCTURE PLAN. THEY HOPE CITY STAFF CAN CLARIFY FOR THEM THE POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF THOSE CHANGES ON LANDOWNERS AND BUSINESSES. CHANGES INCLUDE EXPANDING THE DIRECT CONTROL DISTRICT TO ALLOW MORE ROOM FOR AUTO DEALERSHIPS AND CHANGES TO THE ROAD NETWORK AND SPACE ALLOTED FOR ECO-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.  THE LAND IS LOCATED SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 11A, WEST OF THE QE2 AND INCLUDES THE QUEENS INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS PARK.

ELECTION YEAR BEGINS (JAN 26) - RED DEER CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY STAFF TO PROCEED WITH PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2010 MUNICIPAL ELECTION. HOWEVER, THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A WARD SYSTEM IN RED DEER IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE 2013 ELECTION. ANYONE WANTING TO RUN IN THE CIVIC ELECTION MUST HAVE THEIR NOMINATIONS IN ON SEPTEMBER 20TH. ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 18TH.

SIGN OF THE TIMES (JAN 26) - THE CITY OF RED DEER IS SEEMINGLY ONE STEP CLOSER TO HAVING A NEW BYLAW REGARDING THE USE OF DYNAMIC SIGNS. COUNCIL HAS PASSED FIRST READING OF A BYLAW THAT WOULD REGULATE ANY FUTURE DYNAMIC SIGNS IN THE CITY AND GRANDFATHER EXISTING ONES FROM THE NEW REGULATIONS. HOWEVER, MAYOR MORRIS FLEWWELLING SAYS THEY WANT TO ESTABLISH A VISION FOR GAETZ AVENUE BEFORE DECIDING ON WHETHER TO ALLOW MORE DYNAMIC SIGNS THERE.  A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE DYNAMIC SIGN BYLAW WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 22ND.

RATE HIKE (JAN 26) - UTILITY RATES IN RED DEER ARE GOING UP MARCH 1ST. COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A REQUEST FROM THE CITY'S ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO INCREASE THE RATES FOR WATER AND WASTE WATER, GARBAGE COLLECTION, RECYLCING AND LANDFILL TIPPING FEES. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MANAGER TOM WARDER SAYS RATE INCREASES RANGE FROM 5.7 TO 13 PERCENT.

COUNCIL NOTES (JAN 26) - RED DEER CITY COUNCIL HAS RECONFIRMED IT'S BUDGET DOLLAR AMOUNTS FROM THE 2010 OPERATING BUDGET DELIBERATIONS THIS MONTH. THE RESOLUTION WAS PASSED UNANAMOUSLY ON MONDAY. ALSO OF NOTE, COUNCIL HAS AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO RE-ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT FOR 8 THOUSAND SQUARE FEET OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE PROFESSIONAL BUILDING DOWNTOWN ON ROSS STREET.  THIS WOULD EXTEND THE INITIAL THREE YEAR LEASE BY ANOTHER FOUR YEARS TO 2016 AT A COST OF OVER 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS OVER THE FOUR YEARS.

COMMUNITY LEARNING CAMPUS NAMED KLEIN CENTRE (JAN 25) -PREMIER ED STELMACH WAS IN OLDS MONDAY AFTERNOON TO PRESENT 750 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FUNDING TO THE COMMUNITY LEARNING CAMPUS. FORMER PREMIER RALPH KLEIN WAS ALSO THERE TO CELEBRATE THE FACT THE LAST BUILDING IS BEING OFFICIALLY NAMED THE RALPH KLEIN CENTRE. OLDS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE FULLY INTO THE NEW KLEIN CENTRE FEBRUARY 22ND. ALSO LAUNCHED WAS THE FRIENDS OF RALPH KLEIN INITIATIVE TO RAISE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE FACILITY WHICH INCLUDES THE HIGH SCHOOL, THREE GYMS, A FITNESS CENTRE, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

TRIO WANTED IN ASSAULT (JAN 25) - THE RED DEER RCMP IS LOOKING FOR THREE MEN WANTED IN AN ASSAULT CASE. MEMBERS WERE CALLED TO A HOUSE ON HALIBURTON CRESCENT JUST BEFORE 11:00 SATURDAY NIGHT. AN 18-YEAR-OLD MAN HAD BEEN ASSAULTED WITH A WEAPON AND BEAR SPRAY BY THE TRIO. THE VICTIM WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT, AND THEN RELEASED.THE RCMP CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE AND ASKS ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT TO CALL CRIMESTOPPERS.

GROCERY STORE ASSAULT (JAN 25) - THE RED DEER RCMP IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A SUSPECT FROM AN ASSAULT SATURDAY NIGHT. OFFICERS WERE CALLED TO THE NORTH SAVE-ON FOODS ABOUT 10:30PM WHEN A SUSPECTED SHOPLIFTER HEADED OUT OF THE STORE. THE FIRM'S LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER TRIED TO STOP HIM AND IN THE ALTERCATION, THE SUSPECT PRODUCED A KNIFE. HE FLED ON FOOT, NORTHWEST FROM THE STORE. THE STORE WORKER WASN'T HURT. THE SUSPECT IS A WHITE MALE, WITH RED HAIR AND BLUE EYES. HE'S ABOUT SIX THREE, AND TWO HUNDRED POUNDS. HE WAS DRESSED IN BLACK AND WEARING BLACK AND WHITE SKATER SHOES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL CRIMESTOPPERS.

CHARGES IN STABBING CASE (JAN 25) - CHARGES HAVE BEEN LAID IN CONNECTION WITH A STABBING IN RED DEER EARLY FRIDAY MORNING IN THE WASKASOO NEIGHBORHOOD. THE THREE PERSON FIGHT SAW A WOMAN AND A MAN INJURED. 22-YEAR-OLD JORDAN RUDOLPH OF RED DEER HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT WITH A WEAPON AND UTTERING THREATS. HE'LL BE IN RED DEER COURT THURSDAY MORNING.

RIVERSIDE ROBBERY (JAN 25) - THERE WAS AN EARLY MORNING ROBBERY SATURDAY AT THE SHORT STOP FOOD STORE IN RIVERSIDE MEADOWS. THE RCMP SAYS A MALE DEMANDED CASH FROM THE CLERK, JUST BEFORE THREE AM. HE FLED WITH SOME CASH AND WAS LAST SEEN ON FOOD HEADING SOUTH FROM THE STORE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DOG TEAM WAS CALLED TO HELP BUT THE SUSPECT WASN'T FOUND.POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR A WHITE MALE IN HIS EARLY TWENTIES, ABOUT 5'10". hE WAS WEARING A BLACK JACKET WITH A CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN AND BLACK JEANS.

BIG JOB IN THE STREETS (JAN 25) -  WORK CONTINUES THIS WEEK ON CLEARING RED DEER STREETS OF SNOW.SINCE LAST MONDAY, GRADERS AND BOBCATS HAVE BEEN OUT AGAIN PLOWING SNOW AND ICE FROM RESIDENTIAL STREETS IN HOPES OF MAKING TRAVEL SAFER AND BETTER FOR EVERYONE. ACTING ROADS SUPERINTENDENT ANDY HOGBERG SAYS THEY HOPE TO BE FINISHED AROUND FEBRUARY 6TH.HOGBERG SAYS THIS ROUND OF SNOW CLEARING COULD COST THE CITY BETWEEN 450 AND 500 THOUSAND DOLLARS.

CHARITY SCAM WARNING (JAN 25) - THERE'S A FALSE CHARITY SCAM ALERT OUT FROM THE RCMP. IT'S A GENERAL ALERT REMINDING PEOPLE TO BE ON GUARD FOR PEOPLE SOLICITING MONEY FOR EARTHQUAKE RAVAGED-HAITI.POLICE SAY DISASTERS SUCH AS THE HAITI QUAKE BRING FRAUD ARTISTS OUT OF THE WOODWORK TO PREY ON YOUR GOOD INTENTIONS. POLICE ADVISE YOU MAKE SURE THE CHARITY YOU DONATE TO IS REPUTABLE, BY ASKING FOR I.D., CHECKING OUT THEIR REGISTERED CHARITY STATUS, AND REFUSE HIGH-PRESSURE APPEALS. LEGITIMATE FUNDRAISERS WON'T PUSH YOU TO GIVE ON THE SPOT. AND FINALLY, AVOID GIVING CASH BECAUSE IT CAN BE LOST OR STOLEN.

JOIN TOGETHER ALBERTA CAMPAIGN (JAN 25) - STOPPING CUTS TO PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS AND CHALLENGING THE PLAN TO CUT 2 BILLION FROM THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET IS THE FOCUS OF A TOWN-HALL MEETING TONIGHT IN OLDS. A CAMPAIGN CALLED “JOIN TOGETHER ALBERTA” IS MAKING STOPS ACROSS THE PROVINCE IN ADVANCE OF TWO LARGE EVENTS IN CALGARY MID-FEBRUARY. SPOKESPERSON BILL MOORE-KILGANNON SAYS ALBERTANS WON'T BE FOOLED BY FINANCE MINISTER TED MORTON'S HARSH BUDGET TALK. HE SAYS THEY'LL TALK ABOUT WAYS THE JOB CUTS CAN BE AVOIDED, AND THEY HOPE TO HEAR FROM THE ATTENDEES AS WELL. TONIGHT, THE CAMPAIGN STOPS AT THE OLDS COLLEGE FACULTY CENTRE ROOM FROM 7-9, AND WILL BE AT THE GOLDEN CIRCLE IN RED DEER ON TUESDAY. WEDNESDAY, JOIN TOGETHER ALBERTA WILL VISIT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE AT THE WALKING EAGLE INN.(7-9)

WOMAN STABBED (JAN 22) - A 22 YEAR OLD MAN IS IN CUSTODY AFTER A REPORT OF AN EARLY-MORNING STABBING IN RED DEER. CITY RCMP WERE CALLED TO THE WASKASOO AREA OF RED DEER JUST BEFORE 3 AM FRIDAY. A VERBAL FIGHT HAD BROKEN OUT BETWEEN TWO MEN AND A WOMAN OUTSIDE OF A HOME IN THE 57 HUNDRED BLOCK OF 45TH AVENUE. POLICE SAY THE FIGHT BECAME PHYSICAL WHEN ONE OF THE MEN PRODUCED A KNIFE.  A 39 YEAR OLD RED DEER WOMAN WAS STABBED, AND A 33 YEAR OLD MAN WAS INJURED IN THE FIGHT, AND BOTH OF THEIR INJURIES ARE NON-LIFE THREATENING. CHARGES ARE PENDING.

ARSON SUSPECT ARRESTED (JAN 22) - A SUSPECT IS NOW IN CUSTODY IN WETASKIWIN RELATING TO FIRES AT THE UNITED CHURCH AND ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH IN OCTOBER. 23 YEAR OLD PETER TERENCE JONES WAS ARRESTED BY POLICE IN WAWA, ONTARIO ON WEDNESDAY.  HE IS CHARGED WITH 2 COUNTS OF ARSON AND 3 COUNTS OF BREAK AND ENTER. JONES WILL BE IN WETASKIWIN PROVINCIAL COURT ON TUESDAY.

POT SEIZED (JAN 22) - A HUGE DRUG BUST IN AIRDRIE FRIDAY MORNING.  THE ALBERTA COMBINED FORCES SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT UNIT GREEN TEAM SOUTH, RCMP EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM AND AIRDRIE RCMP DID A SEARCH OF A RESIDENCE AND FOUND 833 POT PLANTS INSIDE. MOUNTIES SAY THEY HAVE A STREET VALUE OF WELL OVER A MILLION DOLLARS. TWO MALE OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED WITH CHARGES PENDING AGAINST BOTH. THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

NIGHT GONE RIGHT (JAN 22) - THERE'S A NEW CAMPAIGN IN RED DEER AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG WOMEN TO CONSIDER SAFETY WHEN THEY'RE PLANNING AN EVENING OUT. IT'S CALLED THE "NIGHT GONE RIGHT" CAMPAIGN AND IT PROMOTES HAVING FUN, STAYING SAFE, AND NOT DRINKING TO THE POINT OF BEING OUT OF CONTROL. 474 YOUNG RED DEER WOMEN WERE SURVEYED AND THE MAJORITY BELIEVE IT IS NOT OKAY TO DRINK TO THE POINT OF BEING OUT OF CONTROL, YET MANY WOMEN BELIEVE THEIR PEERS THINK IT'S OKAY. "NIGHT GONE RIGHT" EVENTS TEAMS WILL BE IN LOCAL BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS PASSING THAT INFO ON, AS WELL AS PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS. THE "NIGHT GONE RIGHT" CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE PLACE OVER THE NEXT THREE WEEKENDS.

RED LIGHT FOR CAMERAS (JAN 22) - CITY OFFICIALS ARE PUTTING THE BRAKES ON SPEED ON GREEN CAMERAS IN RED DEER. THAT ACCORDING TO COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR COLLEEN JENSEN WHO SAYS RECENT STUDY RESULTS INDICATE NO MAJOR ISSUES OF CITY DRIVERS SPEEDING THROUGH INTERSECTIONS ON GREEN OR YELLOW LIGHTS.  JENSEN SAYS HOWEVER THAT THE ISSUE MAY BE LOOKED AT AGAIN IN TWO OR THREE YEARS. SPEED ON GREEN CAMERAS WOULD BE USED AT RED LIGHT CAMERA INTERSECTIONS TO CATCH DRIVERS SPEEDING THROUGH INTERSECTIONS.

SUBDIVISION GETS INITIAL APPROVAL (JAN 22) - RED DEER COUNTY COUNCIL HAS GIVEN FIRST READING TO A BYLAW TO ALLOW A NEW SUBDIVISION BETWEEN BENALTO AND SYLVAN LAKE. THE 116 LOT PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE LOTS RANGING FROM .33 TO THREE ACRES. SEVERAL LETTERS OF CONCERN HAVE BEEN FILED BY AREA LANDOWNERS, AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATION ARE GENERALLY NON-SUPPORTIVE OF THE PLAN AS IT STANDS. THEY CITE PROBLEMS WITH NON CONFORMITY WITH AREA LAND USES, AND SETBACKS. GIVING THE BYLAW GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS TO BE HELD AND MORE INFORMATION TO BE GATHERED.

HOLD UP AT NORTH END BUSINESS (JAN 22) -- CITY RCMP ARE INVESTIGATING AN ARMED ROBBERY IN NORTH RED DEER EARLY THIS MORNING. IT HAPPENED AROUND 1:15 AT THE ALADDIN MOTOR INN ON GAETZ AVENUE. MOUNTIES SAY A MASKED MAN WITH A WEAPON DEMANDED CASH FROM THE CLERK AND WAS ABLE TO LEAVE WITH SOME DOUGH. HE FLED WEST ON FOOT, SCALING A FENCE AT THE EDGE OF THE PROPERTY. THE POLICE DOG TEAM WAS CALLED IN BUT NOT ABLE TO FIND THE SUSPECT WHO MAY HAVE BEEN PICKED UP BY A NEARBY WAITING VEHICLE. (PHOTO COURTESY OF RED DEER CITY RCMP)

FLEWWELLING TO SEEK MAYOR'S CHAIR FOR THIRD TERM (JAN 21) - RED DEER'S MAYOR HAS DECIDED TO RUN FOR A THIRD TERM IN THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION THIS FALL. 68 YEAR OLD MORRIS FLEWWELLING SAYS HE ENJOYS THE WORK, IS IN GOOD HEALTH AND THERE'S WORK STILL TO BE DONE. MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ACROSS THE PROVINCE OCTOBER 18TH. HE SAYS IF HE'S ELECTED FOR A THIRD TERM AS MAYOR, HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY BECOME AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE.  HE CITES BYLAWS, POLICIES, BUDGET'S, COUNCIL, SOCIAL PLANNING AND THE ENVIRONMENT AS AREAS TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER.

REAL ESTATE FRAUD (JAN 21) - CITY RCMP HAVE LAID CHARGES AGAINST A RED DEER WOMAN AFTER A LENGTHY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT FRAUD INVESTIGATION. 50 YEAR OLD CELINE DE CASTRO FACES A TOTAL OF 14 COUNTS AND HAS BEEN RELEASED ON BAIL TO APPEAR IN RED DEER COURT FEBRUARY 9TH. MOUNTIES SAY DE CASTRO RECEIVED UP TO 200 THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM VICTIMS WHO GAVE HER MONEY TO PURCHASE RED DEER PROPERTIES ALLEGEDLY FOR SALE FROM BANK FORECLOSURES, HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT FOR SALE LEGITIMATELY. POLICE SAY AT LEAST TEN VICTIMS HAVE COME FORWARD SO FAR.

FURTHER DELAY IN TOEWS' CASE (JAN 21) - A BRIEF COURT APPEARANCE THURSDAY FOR A RED DEER MAN CHARGED IN AN ATTACK ON AN ELDERLY WOMAN LAST SUMMER. 25 YEAR OLD JESSE TOEWS IS CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT, FORCIBLE CONFINEMENT AND ROBBERY AFTER A WOMAN WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, BEATEN AND ROBBED IN NORTH RED DEER LAST JULY. TOEWS IS TO RETURN TO COURT FEBRUARY 4TH WITH HIS LAWYER REQUESTING TOEWS BE KEPT IN RED DEER FOR BETTER ACCESS TO HIS CLIENT, HOWEVER, IT'S NOT CLEAR IF THAT WILL BE POSSIBLE. A POSSIBLE OFFER FROM THE CROWN COULD RESOLVE THE CHARGES AT THAT TIME.

RESOLUTION IN EXPLOSION CASE? (JAN 21) - A RED DEER MAN CHARGED WITH MAKING A PIPEBOMB THAT EXPLODED OUTSIDE A WOMAN'S RESIDENCE LAST FALL, COULD SEE HIS CASE RESOLVED EARLY NEXT MONTH. THE LAWYER FOR 29 YEAR OLD KEVIN SINCLAIR SAYS HE AND THE CROWN HAVE REACHED A DEAL THAT COULD SEE RESOLUTION ON FEBRUARY 3RD WHEN SINCLAIR RETURNS TO COURT. HE'S CHARGED WITH MAKING AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE, CAUSING AN EXPLOSION AND MISCHIEF ENDANGERING LIFE. ON OCTOBER 30TH AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DETONATED OUTSIDE A RESIDENCE IN JOHNSTONE PARK BUT NO ONE WAS HURT.

NO BAIL FOR FORSETH (JAN 21) - A RED DEER MAN CHARGED IN A STRING OF ROBBERIES LAST FALL HAS HAD HIS BAIL DENIED IN COURT. 28 YEAR OLD ANDREW FORSETH FACES A TOTAL OF 13 COUNTS AND WILL RETURN TO COURT JANUARY 27TH. HE WAS ARRESTED IN NOVEMBER AFTER A PAIR OF ROBBERIES AT THE WESTPARK FAS GAS, ANOTHER PAIR AT THE DEER PARK LIQUOR STORE, ANOTHER AT THE EASTVIEW EXPRESS 24 AND ONE AT THE CANADIAN TIRE GAS BAR. THE ROBEBRIES TOOK PLACE BETWEEN OCTOBER 9TH AND NOVEMBER 4TH OF LAST YEAR.

RELIEF IN HORSE COMMUNITY (JAN 21) - WORD THAT CHARGES HAVE BEEN LAID IN CONNECTION WITH AT LEAST ONE INCIDENT OF A WILD HORSE KILLING IS BEING WELCOMED BY A GROUP DEDICATED TO THEIR PRESERVATION. BOB HENDERSON OF THE WILD HORSES OF ALBERTA SOCIETY IN OLDS IS RELIEVED THERE'S BEEN SOME ACTION TAKEN. JASON NIXON OF SUNDRE FACES NUMEROUS CHARGES, INCLUDING SEVERAL FROM AN ALTERCATION DURING THE INVESTIGATION. ALSO CHARGED IS EARL ANDERSON AND A 13 YEAR OLD YOUTH. CHARGES ARE PENDING AGAINST A CALGARY MAN, ALSO RELATED TO THE SHOOTING. THE FIRST COURT APPEARANCE FOR THE TRIO IS MARCH FIRST IN DIDSBURY.

BOB BARKER APPROVED (JAN 21) - THE CITY OF RED DEER'S SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAM IS ONCE AGAIN BEING OFFERED TO DOG OWNERS. OWNERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEIR DOG SPAYED OR NEUTERED MAY QUALIFY TO HAVE THE PROCEDURE DONE FREE. TWO DOLLARS FROM EVERY DOG LICENCE SOLD LAST YEAR GOES TO FUND THE PROGRAM. DOGS WHICH HAVE ALREADY HAD A NUMBER OF LITTERS, OR ARE AGGRESSIVE MAY ALSO QUALIFY. APPLICATIONS CAN BE FOUND ON THE CITY WEBSITE, AT CITY HALL, AS WELL AS THE SPCA AND ALBERTA ANIMAL SERVICES. THEY NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 26TH.

HOUSING SALES UP LAST MONTH (JAN 20) - SOME POSITIVE NEWS ON THE LOCAL HOUSING FRONT. THE CENTRAL ALBERTA REALTORS ASSOCIATION SAYS RESIDENTIAL SALES ACTIVITY POSTED BIG GAINS IN DECEMBER. THERE WERE 182 HOMES SOLD LAST MONTH, UP 56 PERCENT FROM DECEMBER OF 2008. OFFICIALS SAY THIS IS BELOW THE PEAK YEARS OF 2005-2007 BUT ABOVE ALL OTHER DECEMBERS. ANNUAL SALES ARE STILL DOWN THOUGH BY 11 PERCENT.

MUGGING SUSPECTS CAUGHT (JAN 20) - CHARGES HAVE NOW BEEN LAID IN CONNECTION WITH A RED DEER ROBBERY LAST WEEK. 25 YEAR OLD VINCE GOUDA OF RED DEER FACES THREE COUNTS INCLUDING ROBBERY, WHILE 25 YEAR OLD AARON GOUDA OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE FACES A SINGLE ROBBERY CHARGE. MOUNTIES SAY A 17 YEAR OLD BOY WALKING WITH A FEMALE COMPANION ON THE NORTHBOUND GAETZ AVENUE BRIDGE LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT WERE STOPPED AND ASKED FOR SMOKES. WHEN THEY DID NOT COMPLY, THE BOY WAS ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED. HE WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL WITH UNDETERMINED BUT NON-LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE GOUDA'S WILL BE IN COURT FRIDAY.

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM (JAN 20) - FRIENDS OF MEDICARE ARE CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN A REVIEW OF ALBERTA'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. THAT ACCORDING TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID EGGEN WHO SAYS SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GOOD BUT STILL LACK SUBSTANCE.  RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THE PROVINCE HAVING IT'S OWN HEALTH ACT AND MORE CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO PUT THEM FIRST IN A PUBLICLY FUNDED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

REMAINS IDENTIFIED (JAN 20) - RED DEER CITY RCMP NOW HAVE A POSITIVE I.D. FOR HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN THE CITY'S NORTH END ON FRIDAY. THE REMAINS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 49 YEAR OLD JEROME WILLIAMS OF RED DEER. CONSTABLE SABRINA GRUNOW SAYS AT THIS POINT, THERE WILL WILL BE NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY CITY RCMP. GRUNOW SAYS THE DEATH IS NOT CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS, AND SHE SAYS WILLIAMS HAD NOT BEEN LISTED AS "MISSING". WILLIAM'S REMAINS WERE FOUND IN A REMOTE WOODED AREA NORTH OF 67TH STREET AND WEST OF 30TH AVENUE, AND POLICE BELIEVE THE REMAINS HAD BEEN AT THAT LOCATION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD.

CHARGES IN HORSE SHOOTING (JAN 20) - SUNDRE RCMP HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CATCH SOME SUSPECTS CONNECTED TO WILD HORSE SHOOTINGS NEAR SUNDRE. THE RCMP HAVE CHARGED TWO MEN AND ONE YOUTH RELATING TO ONE CASE OF A HORSE BEING SHOT, WHICH OCCURRED BETWEEN MAY AND OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR. SUNDRE'S 29 YEAR OLD JASON NIXON AND 40 YEAR OLD EARL ANDERSON AND A 13 YEAR OLD BOY FACE CHARGES OF WILLFULLY KILLING LIVESTOCK, AND CARELESS USE OF A FIREARM. CHARGES ARE PENDING FOR A 35 YEAR OLD CALGARY MAN AS WELL. THE THREE HAVE ALSO BEEN CHARGED WITH WILDLIFE ACT OFFENCES. IN ADDITION, NIXON FACES A COMMON ASSAULT CHARGE AGAINST A WITNESS, AND UTTERING THREATS TO A FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICER, STEMMING FROM A JANUARY 4TH INCIDENT DURING THE INVESTIGATION. ALL THREE WILL MAKE THEIR INITIAL COURT APPEARANCE MARCH FIRST IN DIDSBURY.

LUXURY IN SYLVAN LAKE (JAN 20) - THIS YEAR'S STARS LOTTERY HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN WITH THIS YEAR'S TOP PRIZE LOCATED IN SYLVAN LAKE. IT'S A 900 THOUSAND DOLLAR, 25 HUNDRED SQUARE FOOT LUXURY HOME BUILT BY FALCON HOMES. DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING JOHN MCKINNON SAYS STARS RELIES HEAVILY ON THE LOTTERY AND OTHER FUNDRAISERS TO KEEP THEIR HELICOPTERS IN THE AIR SAVING LIVES. THIS IS STARS' 17TH ANNUAL LOTTERY, AND MCKINNON SAYS THEY'RE HOPING TO NET 10 MILLION DOLLARS. TICKETS FOR THE THREE THOUSAND PRIZES ARE ON SALE NOW, WITH A FINAL DRAW SET FOR APRIL 23RD.

TEEN MISSING (JAN 20) - RED DEER CITY RCMP AND CHILD FIND MANITOBA ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN LOCATING A MISSING TEEN. 15 YEAR OLD DUSTIN GLOW IS FROM WINNIPEG AND WAS LAST SEEN IN RED DEER TWO WEEKS AGO ON JANUARY 6TH. HE'S DESCRIBED AS 5'8, 134 LBS WITH BROWN EYES AND SHORT BROWN HAIR.  ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE RED DEER RCMP AT 403-343-5575 OR CHILD FIND MANITOBA AT 1-800-532-9135. 

RV MAKER DECLARES BANKRUPTCY  -- (JAN 20)  THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, HIGH GAS PRICES AND THE RISING LOONIE ARE BEING BLAMED FOR THE BANKRUPCTY OF A CANADIAN RV MANUFACTURER.   GLENDALE INTERNATIONAL IS THE PARENT COMPANY OF THE TRAVELAIRE PLANT IN RED DEER .  GLENDALE CEO EDWARD HANNA TOLD COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS  THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A SIGNIFICANT REBOUND ON THE HORIZON FOR THE CANADIAN RV INDUSTRY OR FOR THEIR PRODUCTS USED BY THE ENERGY SECTOR. THERE'S NO WORD HOW THE BANKRUPCTY WILL AFFECT THE RED DEER RV PLANT.

UPDATE - ROCKY PARENTS FIGHT FOR BABY'S LIFE ( JAN 19 ) -- A BABY BOY WHO DOCTORS SAY IS BRAIN-DEAD WILL NOT BE REMOVED FROM LIFE SUPPORT AS SCHEDULED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
DOCTORS AT AN EDMONTON HOSPITAL HAD NOTIFIED THE PARENTS OF THREE MONTH OLD ISAIAH MAY THAT ANY MORE MEDICAL TREATMENT IS FUTILE. THE INFANT FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE SUFFERED OXYGEN DEPRIVATION AT BIRTH.  THE PARENTS WENT TO COURT IN EDMONTON ON TUESDAY  SEEKING AN INJUNCTION TO PREVENT THE HOSPITAL FROM TURNING OVER ISAIAH’S RESPIRATOR. ISSAC AND REBECKA MAY SAY THEIR BOY IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.  A JUDGE GAVE THE COUPLE A WEEK TO FIND A SECOND MEDICAL OPINION. THE CASE WILL BE BACK IN COURT JANUARY 27TH.   (Facebook picute ) CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK SITE FOR ISAIAH HERE

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE.... (JAN 19) - NO ONE HURT AT A HOUSE FIRE IN PENHOLD TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THAT'S ACCORDING TO PENHOLD FIRE CHIEF JIM PENDERGAST WHO SAYS A FIRE AT A HOUSE JUST OFF HIGHWAY 2A WAS PUT OUT IN MOMENTS AFTER THEY FORCED THEIR WAY IN. HE SAYS A NEIGHBOUR SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE CHIMNEY AND CALLED 911 AS THE CHIMNEY HADN'T BEEN USED IN YEARS. PENDERGAST SAYS THE OWNER HAD A FIRE GOING IN THE FIREPLACE AND THEN LEFT THE RESIDENCE, LEAVING THE HOME UNOCCUPIED AND THE FIRE UNATTENDED. PENDERGAST REMINDS RESIDENTS TO NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.

CANYON DEAL IN QUESTION (JAN 19) - A LOCAL SKI HILL IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE MARKET. OWNERS OF THE CANYON SKI AREA JUST EAST OF RED DEER SAY THE FACILITY STILL DOES NOT HAVE A NEW OWNER IN PLACE TO TAKE OVER AFTER THIS SEASON. CO-OWNER LORRAINE MARTINEK SAYS THEY WISH TO RETIRE AND IF A NEW OWNER ISN'T FOUND SOON, CANYON WILL CLOSE AT SEASON'S END.  BOTH THE CITY AND COUNTY HAVE BEEN IN TALKS WITH THE OWNERS OF CANYON SKI AREA TO PERHAPS PURCHASE THE FACILITY BUT NO DEAL HAS BEEN REACHED SO FAR.

PLASCO DELAYED BUT MOVING FORWARD (JAN 19) - RED DEER COUNTY COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED AN UPDATE FROM PLASCO, THE COMPANY PROPOSING TO BUILD A GASIFICATION PLANT AT HORN HILL. PLASCO CEO AND PRESIDENT ROD BRYDEN PERSONALLY MET WITH COUNCIL TUESDAY TO REASSURE THEM THAT THE PROJECT WILL PROCEED. BRYDEN SAYS THEY'RE OPTIMISTIC. PLASCO OFFICIALS RECEIVED A THREE MONTH EXTENSION TO THEIR APPLICATION FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH ENDS IN MARCH. THE WASTE TO ENERGY GASSIFICATION PLANT WILL COST ABOUT 100 MILLION DOLLARS TO BUILD, AND BRYDEN SAYS THEY'RE WAITING ON WORD FOR ABOUT 35 PERCENT OF THAT FROM THE FEDERAL GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM.

GRAVEL PIT ON HOLD (JAN 19) - RED DEER COUNTY MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION HAS PUT THE BRAKES ON APPROVING A GRAVEL PIT PROPOSED FOR A SITE 5 KILOMETRES WEST OF PENHOLD. THE SITE IS PROPOSED BY BURNCO ROCK PRODUCTS OF RED DEER. MPC HAS DEFERRED THE ISSUE FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE RESULTS OF AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-SENSITIVE AREA STUDY WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETE IN FEBRUARY. RESIDENTS CLOSE TO THE PROPOSED SITE APPEALED TO MPC TODAY, WORRIED ABOUT THE PITS POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON THE FLOOD PLAIN OF THE RED DEER RIVER, WILDLIFE, WELLS, AND PROPERTY VALUES.

NO BAIL IN ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE (JAN 19) - BAIL HAS BEEN DENIED IN RED DEER COURT TO A MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER. 31 YEAR OLD JUSUF IZAIRI IS ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL ANOTHER MAN DURING AN ALLEGED EXTORTION ATTEMPT LAST MONTH WHERE A MAN WAS BEATEN, ROBBED AND THREATENED WITH A GUN. IZAIRI FACES SEVERAL CHARGES AND RETURNS TO COURT ON THURSDAY.

ROCKY PARENTS FIGHT FOR BABY'S LIFE ( JAN 19 ) --THE DOCTORS SAY THERE'S NO HOPE OF RECOVERY..  BUT THE PARENTS OF A THREE MONTH OLD ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE BOY ARE TRYING TO STOP THEIR SON FROM BEING TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT. ISAIAH MAY WAS BORN WITH SEVERE BRAIN DAMAGE IN OCTOBER AND DOCTORS WANT TO TAKE HIM OFF A VENTILATOR AT AN EDMONTON HOSPITAL TOMORROW. HE WAS NOT BREATHIHG WHEN HE WAS BORN AT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE HOSPITAL OCTOBER 24TH, AND WAS RUSHED TO THE STOLLERY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN EDMONTON. THE COUPLE'S LAWYER GOES TO COURT TODAY TO TRY AND GET A 90 DAY INJUNCTION TO STOP ISAIAH FROM BEING TAKEN OFF A VENTILATOR. ISSAC AND REBECKA MAY SAY THEIR BOY IS SHOWING SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.  (Picture courtesy of facebook) CHECK OUT THE FACEBOOK SITE FOR ISAIAH HERE

LACOMBE MEN HEAD TO HAITI  (JAN 19) -- THREE LACOMBE MEN ARE HEADING FOR HAITI  TUESDAY  TO HELP WITH RELIEF EFFORTS. THE MEN, REPRESENTING A BETTER WORLD -- BASED IN LACOMBE -- WILL JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL HOPE AND RESCUE TEAM.  A BETTER WORLD CO-FOUNDER ERIC RAJAH SAYS RELIEF WORK IS NOTHING NEW FOR THE GROUP, THEY'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN EFFORTS TO HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA AND THE INDONESIAN TSUNAMI.  ASIDE FROM IMMEDIATE AID IN HAITI THE GROUP WILL ALSO SCOPE OUT WHERE A BETTER WORLD CAN BE INVOLVED IN THE LONG TERM.

(Pictured Left to Right. Rob Weich, Volunteer Bolivia Project Manager for A Better World and Volunteer Firefighter in Lacombe, Shanon Hedgecock, Manager for Bosco Homes, and Levi New, Construction worker.

MOUNTIES RELEASE NAMES IN DOUBLE FATAL CRASH (JAN 18) -- RCMP FROM DRAYTON VALLEY HAVE RELEASED THE NAMES OF TWO PEOPLE KILLED IN A COLLISSION NEAR TOMAHAWK ON FRIDAY. MICHAEL DEUTCH OF ST LBERT DIED WHEN THE VEHICLE HE WAS DRIVING COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVEN BY NORMAN BOTTERILLl OF DRAYTON VALLEY.

MOUNTIES RELEASE NAME OF PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON QE2 (JAN 18) -- AIRDRIE RCMP HAVE NOW RELEASED THE NAME OF A MAN KILLED ON THE QE2 SATURDAY NIGHT. HE'S BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 54 YEAR OLD RICHARD CULBERT OF AIRDRIE. MOUNTIES SAY A PEDESTRIAN TRYING TO CROSS THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF THE QE2 AFTER HIS VEHICLE BROKE DOWN, WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. POLICE SAY THE VICTIM DIED AT THE SCENE.

PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS ARE IN THE MAIL (JAN 18) -- RED DEER PROPERTY OWNERS WILL BE GETTING THEIR ASSESSMENTS IN THE MAIL THIS WEEK. CITY ASSESSOR BRIAN LUTZ SAYS THE ASSESSMENTS ARE USED TO CALCULATE PROPERTY TAXES. HE SAYS ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES HAVE SEEN NO INCREASE OR A DECREASE IN THEIR PROPERTY VALUES. COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES MOSTLY SAW A RISE IN VALUES. HOWEVER, LUTZ SAYS TO CONTACT THE CITY IF YOU HAVEN'T RECEIVED YOURS BY THE END OF THE MONTH. APPEALS ARE TO BE IN BY MARCH 15TH AS TAX NOTICES ARE MAILED OUT IN MAY AND DUE BY THE END OF JUNE.

WORK ON NEW STRIP MALL TO BEGIN THIS SPRING (JAN 18) -- CONSTRUCTION ON A NEW STRIP MALL FOR RED DEER'S SOUTH HILL IS EXPECTED TO GET UNDERWAY THIS SPRING. THAT ACCORDING TO PROJECT SPOKESMAN GEORGE BERRY OF BERRY ARCHITECTURE WHO SAYS THE 20 BAY DEVELOPMENT MAY INCLUDE A WALK-IN CLINIC, PHARMACY AND SOME MOM AND POP SHOPS. HE SAYS CONSTRUCTION WOULD TAKE ABOUT 8 MONTHS WITH OCCUPANTS IN BY CHRISTMAS OF NEXT YEAR. PROJECT APPROVAL WAS GIVEN BY THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY.

HURDLE CLEARED FOR HABITAT DEVELOPMENT (JAN 18) -- HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TO HAVING A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN RED DEER. THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION HAS GIVEN APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE A PROPERTY IN EASTVIEW THAT WOULD CONTAIN A DUPLEX. THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE LOCATED ON 44TH STREET.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE RECEIVES RBC DONATION (JAN 18) -- A BOOST FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN RED DEER. RBC HAS MADE A $25,000 DONATION TO THE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN. THE MONEY RAISED SO FAR HAS PASSED THE 4.5 MILLION MARK, WITH 8 MILLION NEEDED TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION. THE 11 SUITE CENTRAL ALBERTA RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE WILL PROVIDE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME FOR FAMILIES WITH SICK CHILDREN WHO ARE BEING TREATED AT RED DEER'S HOSPITAL.

OLDS COLLEGE NAMES 2010 PARTNER OF THE YEAR (JAN 18) -- OLDS COLLEGE IS "GOING BIG" AT THIS YEAR'S "GROWING THE LEGACY GALA". THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY HAS BECOME THE OLDS COLLEGE 2010 PARTNER OF THE YEAR. THE COLLEGE BEGAN ITS FIRST HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PROGRAM IN FEBRUARY OF 2007 AND HAS SINCE PREPARED A STREAM OF STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN THE INDUSTRY. IN ADDITION, FORMER PREMIER RALPH KLEIN WILL BE THE GALA'S KEYNOTE SPEAKER. KLEIN IS CREDITED WITH MANY BENEFITS TO RURAL EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE CREATION OF THE SUPERNET. THE GALA WILL TAKE PLACE MARCH 12TH.

CITY SIDE STREETS TO BE PLOWED ( JAN 18) -- HELP IS FINALLY COMING FOR RED DEERIANS  FED UP WITH SNOW-FILLED  STREETS.  CITY CREWS ARE STARTING TO CLEAR RESIDENTIAL  STREETS MONDAY. PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER GREG SIKORA SAYS THE PLOWING WILL HELP THE CITY BETTER HANDLE THE SNOWFALL THAT IS EXPECTED FOR THE REMAINING WINTER, AND PREPARE FOR THE SPRING MELT AS WELL. SIGNS WILL BE POSTED RESTRICTING PARKING IN ADVANCE OF THE PLOWS.  IF VEHICLES ARE ON THE STREET DURING RESTRICTED TIMES, THEY WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED.   IT'LL TAKE THE PLOWS ABOUT 3 WEEKS TO FINISH THE WORK.