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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE SNEAK PEEK - FEBRUARY 3, 2012
 The mother of the spokes family for Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta
says it is a spectacular, overwhelming feeling of joy and excitement to see the
facility near completion. Lisa Moore is no stranger to Ronald McDonald House.
She spent several months at the Southern Albera location nearly four years ago
when her twin sons were born premature. Moore says it is more than a place to
stay, but rather a network of people supporting each other and that bonds are
formed very quickly. Moore says the new facility will provide comfort to
many Central Alberta families. An open house will be held tomorrow from 10:00
a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to give the public a chance to see the inside for
the first time.
CAANS WARNS OF DANGERS OF TAINTED ECSTASY -
FEBRUARY 3, 2012
The Central Alberta Aids Network Society is doing its part to warn local
partygoers about the dangers of ecstasy. CAANS Nightreach workers are on a seven
day blitz at bars around Red Deer talking to patrons about the risks of PMMA
laced ecstasy the tainted form of the drug that's killed several people in
Calgary and one person in our city. CAANS executive director Jennifer
Vanderschaeghe says they don't tell people not to take ecstasy, but to be safe
when doing so. Calgary Police and Alberta Health Services are also speaking to
students in that city about the dangers of PMMA.
Date Rape Drugs Seized in Red Deer - Feb 3, 2012
A 30-year-old Red Deer man is facing drug charges after the RCMP Street Team
and Organized Crime Unit searched a city home yesterday. Police found meth and
the date rape drugs G.H.B. and ketamine. Seven charges have been laid against
Marty Dickson. They include possession for the purpose of trafficking and
failing to comply.
SENTENCING SUBMISSIONS IN ROBBERY CASE - FEBRUARY
2, 2012
It will be February 27th before a man convicted of
robbery and using an imitation firearm will be sentenced. 35-year-old Brett
Morgan has been in custody since his arrest last October. He was found guilty in
December after a loss prevention officer from The Bay at Bower Place Shopping
Centre testified that Morgan pointed what she thought to be a handgun at her
after confronting him in the parking lot about a theft. The Crown said this
isn't a case of shoplifting and that Morgan terrorized a member of our
community, and is seeking a prison term between four and five
and a half years. The Defence is asking for a two year provincial jail
term.
PONOKA RCMP INVESTIGATE HIT AND RUN - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Ponoka RCMP are on the lookout for an older model Dodge duel extended cab
pickup truck that was involved in a hit and run with a school bus earlier this
week. On Tuesday afternoon, the bus was stopped at the intersection of Highway
2A and 53rd Avenue in Ponoka when it was rear ended by the truck. Two students
and the driver were inside the bus at the time of the collision, but no one was
hurt. The truck headed south on Highway 2A and was last seen driving west
on Highway 53 from Ponoka. Witnesses say the truck had welding equipment in the
back and was very dirty with heavy front end damage because of the collision. If
you have any information on the location of the truck or its driver you're asked
to call RCMP or Crimestoppers.
SIRENS FOR LIFE TOTALS ANNOUNCED - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
The 2012 Sirens For Life blood donor challenge is over with 362 units of
blood collected. Of those, 45 units were donated by RCMP and fire-medics, 33
units were donated by their friends and family and 284 units were collected
from the general public. For the first time this year, fire-medics and RCMP
decided to work together to bring in blood donations in January instead of
going head-to-head to see who could collect the most. The Red Deer Chapter of
Canadian Blood Services says the donations will help more than a thousand
patients. This year's total is down slightly from 2011 when 459
donations were collected.
TRIAL SET FOR MAN FACING FIREARMS CHARGES - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
An October trial date has been set for a Red Deer man facing
several firearms offences. On January 2nd, police observed a driver commit
a major traffic violation and stopped the vehicle. 30-year-old Ricky Severin was
arrested after police found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle.
Severin will go to trial on 10 charges including possession of a prohibited
loaded firearm on October 12th.
NEW TOURISM RED DEER SITE LAUNCHED - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Tourism Red Deer has launched a new website and the Executive Director says
it will be a way to connect better with people. Liz Taylor says revamping the
website is an opportunity to engage with visitors and showcase the services Red
Deer provides. Taylor says a major portion of Tourism Red Deer's budget was used
to redo the website, in addition to funds from the City and County and Travel
Alberta.
PERMANENT MUSEUM EXHIBIT IN THE WORKS - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
Plans for a $1.5 million permanent exhibit for the Red Deer Musuem and Art
Gallery were unveiled today. The City of Red Deer has contributed $1 million
toward the project, and the other $500,000 will be raised through donations,
sponsorships, and grants. Executive Director Lorna Johnson says the exhibit is
in the preliminary design phase. She says a concept plan will be presented
to the public at the end of the month, and the exhibit is slated to open in time
for the 2013 Centennial Celebrations.
ALCOHOL A FACTOR IN SERIOUS CRASH IN INGLEWOOD - FEBRUAY 1, 2012
RCMP say alcohol was a factor in a two-vehicle crash in Inglewood yesterday
afternoon that sent one man to hospital. Investigators say a 1999 Buick Regal
was travelling eastbound on Inglewood Drive when it lost control and hit a
parked vehicle near Ironstone Drive. The 27 year-old driver of the vehicle
wasn't wearing a seatbelt and had to be extricated from the car using the Jaws
of Life. He was airlifted to hospital in Calgary with serious, life threatening
injuries. The investigation is continuing.
STANTEC NAMED ONE OF ALBERTA'S TOP EMPLOYERS - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
For the second year in a row, Red Deer's Stantec Consulting has been named
one of Alberta's top employers. The honour adds to previous achievements in 2011
for the company as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People and one of
Canada's Greenest Employers. Headquartered in Edmonton, Stantec's Red Deer
office has 169 employees.
LOTS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING TICKETS IN RED DEER - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
In the first few months since the distracted driving law came into effect,
more than 630 tickets have been issued in Red Deer. Sargeant Bob Bell says
the most common infraction is using a cellphone behind the wheel. RCMP will
be on the lookout this month as February is Distracted Driving month in
Alberta.
PENHOLD TO OPEN SATELLITE RCMP OFFICE - FEBRUARY 1, 2012
The Town of Penhold is donating space for an RCMP satellite office at the
community multiplex. The part-time office will be open one or two afternoons per
week beginning in the next couple of months once staffing levels at the
Innisfail detachment are back to a full complement. Innisfail RCMP acting Staff
Sargeant A-J Mand says the office will handle minor police business like
criminal record checks and accident reports that people would normally have to
drive south to take care of. Mand says they've been getting more and more calls
to Penhold as the town grows so the satellite office is also a
way for the RCMP to raise its profile in the community and have more of a
presence.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM - JANUARY 31, 2012
Ways to implement technology into classrooms is being explored by Wolf Creek
Public Schools. A technology symposium was held at Bluffton School yesterday to
help teachers and staff learn about things like iPads, green screens, and SMART
boards. Learning Technologies Consultant Jay Cottell says kids want to be
challenged and technology in the classroom gives students something to be
excited about. Cottell says pilot projects with iPads are currently underway in
nine schools throughout the division.
ECSTACY LINKED TO RED DEER DEATH - JANUARY 31, 2012
Tainted ecstacy is believed to be behind seven deaths in the Calgary area
recently, and now it is has been linked to a death in our city. On December
10th, a 38-year-old Red Deer man passed away in hospital from a suspected drug
overdose. Preliminary toxicology tests have now confirmed that the hallucinogen
PMMA was in his system, but police are still waiting final test results. Red
Deer City RCMP are concerned for the public's safety due to the recent ecstacy
deaths in the province and are warning people of the potentially deadly
consequences.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION A PRIORITY FOR RED DEER PUBLIC SCHOOLS - JANUARY 31,
2012
30% of Red Deer Public students do not complete high school within three
years of entering Grade 10, which is slightly above the provincial average of
26%. That statistic was discussed at the school district's town hall meeting
last night. Board Chair Lawrence Lee says the board, schools, and principals are
making improving high school completion rates a priority. The district's two
other priorities are literacy and inclusion of all
students.
GAS SMELLED IN EDGAR INDUSTRIAL PARK - JANUARY 30, 2012
No one was hurt, but employees at Genivar in the Edgar Industrial Park were
evacuated earlier today after natural gas was smelled. Fire, EMS, and Atco Gas
responded to the scene shortly after 3:30 pm. No gas was detected. It's not
known exactly where the smell came from, but neighbouring buildings were also
checked as a precaution.
CLEARVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ADD UP TO SIX
NEW BUS ROUTES - JANUARY 30, 2012
The Clearview Public School District plans to add up to six new bus routes
in the next several weeks to shorten the ride to and from class for students.
Currently, average bus ride times for kindergarten to grade nine students in the
District is about 60 minutes per day with the average bus ride time for high
school students a bit longer at 75 minutes per day. Board chair Ken Checkel says
the new routes are likely to be in rural areas outside places like Stettler, Big
Valley and Erskine where ride times are getting to be too long. The new routes
are expected to cost the District $100,000 which was included in the extra
education funding from the province in last spring's budget.
MAN CHARGED FOLLOWING STOLEN VEHICLE, DRUG BUST - JANUARY 30, 2012
A 46 year-old man is facing several charges after RCMP raided a rural home
north of Rocky Mountain House on Thursday. 13 stolen vehicles were seized in the
bust along with marijuana and magic mushrooms. The vehicles ranged from lawn
tractors to large trucks. Steven Lindsay of Rocky is charged with offenses
including possession of stolen property and possession for the purpose of
trafficking. He'll be in court next month.
SCHOOL BOUNDARY CHANGES MULLED - JANUARY 30, 2012
Red Deer Public Schools will soon start talking to the community about
boundary changes for elementary schools. With the new Timberlands school set for
a September 2014 opening, officials need to possibly re-draw the boundaries to
determine which neighbourhood kids attend which schools. Meetings have been set
aside for February 16, March 5, and March 20 to get family input. For more
information starting Feb 6, go to www.rdpsd.ab.ca.
RED DEER PUBLIC TOWN HALL MEETING TONIGHT - JANUARY 30, 2012
A town hall will be held tonight to discuss the Three Year Education Plan for
Red Deer Public Schools. Bruce Buruma with the District says the
board wants to get perspectives from the community on their top three
priorities. More than 200 people have been invited to attend tonight's meeting
at Westerner Park.
WESTERNER BOARD RE-ELECTS DONLEVY, OLSEN - JANUARY 30, 2012
The Westerner Park Board of Directors has re-elected Michael Donlevy as
president and re-elected Kent Olsen as vice-president. Donlevy has been on
the Westerner board for nine years. Olsen has been a member for the last
five years.
ALBERTA'S NDP WANTS TO REGULATE POWER PRICES - JANUARY 27, 2012
The leader of the provincial Opposition NDP says this month,
Albertans are paying the highest electricity prices in the province's history.
Brian Mason was in Red Deer this morning with his petition campaign to regulate
the energy industry. Mason says families are being gouged while power companies
make more money. Mason say a regulated system would mean lower power prices and
less fluctuation. A petition is on the NDP
website.
RDC WILL TRAIN MORE HEALTH-CARE AIDES - JANUARY 27, 2012
Red Deer College will be doing its part to help train some of the four
hundred health-care aides that will be used to fill an urgent need in both acute
and continuing care in Alberta. The province plans to offer grants to
students that are taking the course including those at RDC.
Vice-president Academic Brad Donaldson says they're happy to help with the
initiative. Donaldson anticipates the program will end up expanding because
of the expected interest through the grants.
FAMILIAR PROMISES FOR CONTINUING CARE - JANUARY 26,
2012
The Liberal candidate for Red Deer North says the province's announcement of
a continuing care centre for Red Deer is all to familiar. Michael Dawe says
this in now the third time the government has promised such a facility on the
eve of an election. He says, while he is confident this centre will be
built, it won't work without ongoing provincial funding. Dawe says there is
still a vacant lot on 47th Avenue, which is where the previously promised Hewson
Centre was supposed to be built.
SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING DJ FROM RED DEER - JANUARY 26, 2012
 The search continues for a Whistler DJ originally from Red Deer,
and a family member says time is not on their side. Mike Grefner, 34, (pictured)
was last seen January 17th near Whistler. His sister, Katherine Grefner, says
many friends and family are trying to track him down. Search parties have been
searching the snow and using psychics for clues. Grefner says her brother may
have fallen somewhere outside after a night of partying, or, she says they're
not ruling out that he may have wanted to just disappear.
LARGE WEAPONS BUST IN PONOKA COUNTY - JANUARY 26, 2012
A 38 year-old Ponoka County man is facing 15 charges following a large
weapons bust south of Crestomere yesterday. More than 70 long barreled weapons
and eight handguns were seized from the home. The suspect's charges include
possession of prohibited weapons, possession of explosives, unsafe storage of
firearms and charges under the provincial Wildlife Act. His name hasn't
been released. Numerous RCMP units participated in the bust along with Alberta
Fish and Wildlife.
DISASTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION DATE - JANUARY 26, 2012
The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County will host a joint registration centre
for the province's Disaster Recovery Program at the beginning of next month. The
centre will be located at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on February 7th from 9 am
to 7 pm. Those who can't make it then will be able to register at Lacombe
City Hall beginning the next day. Another $1.5 million was provided to Central
Alberta by the province last week to help residents recover from
uninsurable damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in July. If you
want to apply for assistance you need to bring photo ID, a letter from your
insurance company saying what damage isn't covered and a detailed list of
all property damaged or destroyed.
UNITED WAY RAISES OVER $1.93 MILLION - JANUARY 26, 2012
 It didn't quite reach the goal, but organizers are still calling this year's
United Way Central Alberta fundraising campaign a success. Oaktree Property
Service Inc. employees repelled off the roof of the Millennium Centre this
morning to display the total amount in the window of the Donald School of
Business. CEO Robert Mitchell says over $1.93 million was raised, which fell
just short of the $1.96 million goal, but that organizers are still very pleased
with the amount. Mitchell says the goal next year is to hit the $2 million
mark.
PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW CONTINUING CARE FACILITY FOR RED DEER -
JANUARY 25, 2012
 100 new continuing care spaces are on the way for our city. Minister of
Health and Wellness Fred Horne announced today that the province is partnering
with Covenant Health to build two facilities, one in Clearview Ridge here in Red
Deer, and the other in Calgary. Horne says the sites will allow seniors to
age in place without being moved from one facility to another and are very
community-based. The two facilities come with a combined price tag of about $55
million and are expected to open in 2014.
MAN AIRLIFTED FOLLOWING VEHICLE-TRAIN COLLISION IN
OLDS - JANUARY 25, 2012
 A collision between a vehicle and a train in Olds late last night has
critically injured an 18 year-old man. Cam Heke with STARS Air Ambulance says
they flew the man to a Calgary hospital following the crash between the
westbound pick-up truck and the southbound train at the intersection of 50th
Avenue and 50th Street. The 20 year-old female driver of the truck and a 20
year-old male passenger were taken to hospital in Olds with non-life threatening
injuries. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor. Investigators say the
railway crossing arms and lights were working at the time of the
crash.
$15,000 WORTH OF SMARTPHONES STOLEN - JANUARY 25, 2012
Wetaskiwin RCMP are looking into the theft of 23 smartphones from
an electronics store early this morning. Just before 2:30, police say the store
in the 43rd Avenue and 57th Street area was broken into and 21
Blackberries and two I-Phones were stolen. The total cost of the items is
estimated at about $15,000. RCMP forensics experts are now
investigating.
KLOOSTER TO HOST POVERTY FORUM - JANUARY 25,
2012
The Alberta Party candidate for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
wants to put the spotlight on poverty in her community. Danielle Klooster will
host a discussion forum in Sylvan Lake tomorrow night to give people an
opportunity to bring their ideas, stories and concerns about the issue to the
table. Klooster says she hopes the discussion will bring about some ideas to
improve the quality of life for local residents. Town councillor Sean McIntyre
and members of the Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance will also
attend.
PDD BOARD DEFENDS MEMBERS - JANUARY 25,
2012
The Persons With Developmental Disabilities Board says it didn't reimburse
members for purchasing tickets to a Premier's fundraising dinner in Red Deer
back in 2005. Board spokesman Stephen Golub says members bought their own
tickets to the event. Golub says the honoraria claims were meant to reimburse
members for their time spent outside of normal board business. A release sent
out by the Liberals on Monday claimed that PDD board members purchased tickets
to the Premier's dinner and submitted claims for reimbursement
with taxpayer money. Golub says they only used taxpayer money to purchase a
ticket for an award recipient so he could attend the
dinner.
HIGHWAY 11 AND 781 INTERSECTION A HOT BUTTON ISSUE - JANUARY 24, 2012
 The Sylvan Lake community is being ignored. That's the conclusion Wildrose
Leader Danielle Smith came to today after an open forum on the Highway 11 and
781 intersection. The problem intersection was changed to a right-in, right-out
in October and Smith says it's clear to her that it is "ineffective" and
"dangerous". Smith says the local Wildrose candidates will make the
intersection a top issue in the next election. Many residents have said they
want to see traffic lights installed.
PLAN FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN PINE LAKE - JANUARY 24, 2012
A plan for future residential and commercial developments in Pine Lake
doesn't sit well with many residents. About 50 people attended a public hearing
today to voice their concerns, which included safety issues with an increased
population, traffic and speeding, and litter. Pine Lake resident Bill
Weisenburger says he agrees that a plan is needed, but that increasing the
population in the area could be dangerous. Red Deer County Council adopted a
Concept Plan that will act as a guideline as opposed to being bound by an Area
Structure Plan.
MOUNTIES ARREST ONE FOLLOWING HOBBEMA POT BUST -
JANUARY 24, 2012
RCMP have made one arrest and are looking for a second suspect following a
bust on the Samson First Nation last night. Maskwacis Mounties and the
Wetaskiwin Police Dog Unit searched the home and seized $1,100 worth of pot
as well as weapons. 31 year-old Shawn Simon has been taken into custody and is
facing charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession for the
purpose of trafficking. Police are also searching for 29 year-old Allen Wade
Simon in relation to the bust.
RED DEER PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS OUT - JANUARY 24,
2012
More than 37,000 Red Deer homeowners should have received their property
assessment notices in the mail this past week. Assessment values saw an
overall decrease of about 2.1%. City Assessor Brian Lutz says the assessments
are based on market value. Anyone planning to appeal their assessment has
until March 19th to do so.
PILOT PROJECT SEES SUCCESS IN RED DEER - JANUARY
24, 2012
The recent success of a pilot project here in Red Deer has led to the
development of a one-stop location for Alberta's social programs. The single
access approach is available through Alberta Supports and can help you find
information on more than 30 social-based programs from seniors to employment and
training. You can access the information on AlbertaSupports.ca, by phoning the
information line or in-person.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING CONCERNS FOR PROPOSED FRANCOPHONE SCHOOL - JANUARY 23,
2012
The city received nearly 200 letters against a proposed Francophone
school in Aspen Ridge, stating concerns with traffic and parking. But Nicole
Lorrain, Trustee for the Greater North Central School Division is addressing
some of those concerns, saying she doesn't anticipate many students will drive
to school. Lorrain also says students are bussed to school for free, which will
cut down on traffic. Council approved first readings on area structure plans to
allow for the K-12 school and a public hearing was scheduled for March 5th.
ANGLE PARKING IN CUL-DE-SACS A CONCERN - JANUARY 23, 2012
Angle parking in cul-de-sacs is currently illegal in our city, but that may
soon change. A review on the policy will be done and Councillor Tara Veer says
she hopes angle parking will eventually be allowed. Veer says they will need to
address things like access for emergency vehicles and snow removal. The report
is expected back sometime before August 20th.
ASSAULT IN RIVERSIDE MEADOWS APARTMENT - JANUARY 23, 2012
A booze-fueled fight at a Riverside Meadows apartment has led to
multiple charges for a Red Deer man and multiple cuts and bruises for a 30
year-old woman. The altercation took place early Sunday morning when
the woman got into an argument with a male visitor inside her apartment which
resulted in her being slashed and punched and kicked repeatedly in the face,
head and chest. The woman eventually was able to lock herself in the bathroom to
escape the brutal assault and the suspect left. He was arrested outside the
building by R-C-M-P. Charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon
and mischief have been laid against 34 year-old John Profeit.
POLICE SEIZE DRUGS AND STOLEN PROPERTY - JANUARY 23, 2012
The search of a home on 51st Avenue near the hospital last week
has netted R-C-M-P drugs and stolen property. Meth, magic mushrooms, drug
trafficking paraphernalia and about two thousand dollars cash were seized
on Thursday along with the property believed to have been stolen in a break and
enter earlier this month. Six charges including possession for the purpose of
trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime and break and enter have been laid
against 23 year-old Stacey Hogg. Charges including possession of illegal drugs
have also been laid against a 30 year-old woman whose name hasn't been
released.
PDD FUNDING CONCERNS - JANUARY 23, 2012
Some extraordinary claims this afternoon from the Opposition Liberals against
the Persons With Developmental Disabilities Board in Red Deer. Seniors and
Community Supports critic Harry Chase claims the board used some of its
operational funding to reimburse members for attending a Progressive
Conservative fundraiser. Earlier today, Chase released the minutes from a P-D-D
Central Alberta community board meeting from 2005 that show board members were
to purchase tickets to an upcoming Premier's fundraising dinner and submit
honoraria claims for reimbursement. He says the document is proof that taxpayer
money, meant to support people with developmental disabilities,
actually was used to support the partisan work of the Progressive
Conservative Party. Members of the P-D-D board have been unavailable for comment
so far.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS WILL IMPROVE LACOMBE STORM WATER SYSTEM - JANUARY 23,
2012
Lacombe has unveiled plans for several construction projects aimed at
improving the city's stormwater management system. The city
recently comissioned a review of its storm water system following floods
and sewer backups the past two years due to heavy rainfall. The report
is recommending several upgrades including the installation of a new, wider
sewer line on 45th Street and the expansion of the Bruns Storm Pond. Both
projects are expected to improve how much water can be moved and stored
during intense rainstorms. The cost of the projects are included in the
city's 2012 Capital Budget.
MAN STABBED AT DOWNTOWN NIGHTCLUB - JAN 23, 2012
A 25-year-old man remains in intensive care at the Red Deer Regional Hospital
following a stabbing at a downtown nightclub early Sunday morning.
Police say the man was stabbed in the torso following a dispute between two
groups of men at Tequila Nightclub on 48th Street. Investigators say the
suspect is a regular at the club and possibly goes by the name of James. He's
described as darker skinned, about six feet tall and 250 lbs with a goatee.
He was wearing a grey sweater, black t-shirt and black hat at the time of the
incident.
REALTORS PREDICT GROWTH IN 2012 - JAN 23, 2012
The Central Alberta Realtors Association says they've got good
momentum going into 2012. President Tracey Christensen says 2011 was a
good year, with sales up 22 per cent in Red Deer. She predicts a modest increase
in sales of 9 -11 per cent this year, and a rise in home prices of just 2- 3
per cent. Home prices dropped at the same time by 3.76 per cent, to an average
$332, 500.
CITY GAS STATION ROBBED - JANUARY 23, 2012
Red Deer City RCMP are looking for a woman who held-up the downtown Mohawk on
Gaetz Avenue this morning shortly before 8:30. She had a knife and after
getting some cash, she left the area on foot. The suspect is aboriginal, heavy
set with pierced eyebrows. She was wearing a black jacket with white stripes
down the arms and a blue hat and jeans. If you know who this may be, call the
RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
POPULAR RED DEER DJ MISSING IN BC - JANUARY
20, 2012
 A popular DJ originally from Red Deer who moved to Whistler, B-C to pursue
his music career has gone missing. Hundreds of people, including the RCMP, have
taken up the search for 34 year-old Michael Grefner who hasn't been seen or
heard from since early Tuesday morning. Friend Candace Wood had dinner with
Grefner Monday evening before he went to a night club. She says she became
concerned when she heard he didn't show up for a DJ gig the following night
which she claims is out of character. An investigation has been launched by
police, but they say there's no reason to believe Grefner's disappearance was a
result of foul play. AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR RDC REVEALED - JANUARY 20, 2012
A shortage of healthcare workers in the province means there is a critical
need for a facility and programs to train new workers in Central Alberta. That's
according to Red Deer College President and CEO Joel Ward, who says they
are anxiously awaiting the go-ahead from the provincial government to break
ground on a new Health, Education, and Wellness Facility. Ward says it is in the
province's Capital Plan. Other future plans for the college revealed today
include a sports multiplex and more student
residences.
MORE DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR LACOMBE-AREA
RESIDENTS - JANUARY 20, 2012
Another $1.5 million has been allocated under the province's Disaster
Recovery Program to help those in the Lacombe area recover from heavy
rainfall and flooding in July. In the fall, the province made $3.5 million
available to help cover uninsurable damage caused by the flooding.
However, Municipal Affairs minister Doug Griffiths says they decided to take
another look at the event because the rain fell on already saturated soil which
exacerbated the problem. A date and location to register for the new
program hasn't been announced yet.
LIBERALS SELECT DAWE AS CANDIDATE IN RED DEER NORTH - JANUARY 20,
2012
An Alberta Liberal Party nomination meeting last night produced Michael
Dawe as the party's official candidate for Red Deer in the upcoming election.
Dawe, a city historian and former board member with the local hospital
board, was acclaimed. Also at the meeting, Jason Chilibeck announced his
intention to seek the nomination in Red Deer
South.
KEVISVILLE FIRE - JANUARY 20, 2012
No injuries have been reported following an early morning fire
yesterday at an abandoned dairy barn in Red Deer County. The blaze
completely destroyed the barn in Kevisville, just west of Spruce View.
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause, but it's believed the
fire may have started from a small space heater in the building. Red Deer County
fire officials are reminding residents to be careful when using portable heating
devices, especially by keeping combustibles clear of any direct
heat.
GAS N DASH IN STOLEN VEHICLE CAUGHT ON VIDEO - JANUARY 19, 2012
 A gas n dash with a vehicle stolen from Calgary was caught on camera in Three
Hills. Police say the vehicle was stolen from Calgary this past Saturday, and
was caught by a surveillance camera at around 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. The
male suspect is between 25 and 35 years old, with a goatee or beard, and was
wearing a black toque. Anyone with information is asked to contact Three Hills
RCMP.
RED DEERIANS CAN PROVIDE INPUT ON FEDERAL BUDGET - JANUARY 19, 2012
Red Deer's MP Earl Dreeshen is giving residents an opportunity to have their
voices heard in regards to the economy. Dreeshen is encouraging Red Deerians to
send ideas on how the federal government can grow the economy and create jobs in
advance of the upcoming federal budget. Responses can be sent to Dreeshen's
constituency office where he will compile them and present them to the Minister
of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty. Dreeshen says this is a
good way to get ideas on how to help the economy locally and
nationally.
BITTER COLD FILLS HOMELESS SHELTERS - JANUARY 19, 2012
The frigid temperatures this week means city homeless shelters have been full
every night. Kath Hoffman with the Safe Harbour Society says it is
important to have programs like People's Place, the Mats program, and the Winter
Inn especially during cold snaps. Hoffman says between 20 and 30 people are
sheltered every night at the Winter Inn. She says there is always a need
for donations of mitts and gloves, toques, boots, and jackets and all donations
are greatly appreciated.
CLOSURES, CANCELLATIONS - THURS, JAN 19
A FEW BUS CANCELLATIONS IN THE WILD ROSE SCHOOL DISTRICT: all buses to Rocky
schools are cancelled...in the Corridor, routes 10, 29, 30, and 32 cancelled...in
Caroline, routes 18, 47, and 49 cancelled
CHINOOK'S EDGE: all buses to Sundre are cancelled.
Parkland School in Red Deer is open, but there are no buses running.
K-C Community Services in Sylvan Lake is closed.
Alberta Institute of Massage cancelled
Red Deer Montessori preschools cancelled
SYLVAN LAKE RESIDENTS ATTEND TOWN HALL ABOUT URGENT
CARE CENTRE - JANUARY 19, 2012
Sylvan Lake residents need to be vocal about their
desire for an urgent care facility in their town. That was the main message of a
town hall meeting held last night in which hundreds turned up for despite the
frigid temperatures. Resident John Passmore says having an urgent care centre
would mean a lot to him and his family. A committee was formed a few months ago
to try to move plans ahead for the facility, which they hope will provide
24-hour laboratory, x-ray, and nursing services. A proposal will be presented to
Alberta Health Services in September.
RED DEER PUBLIC LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO BOOST HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION RATES -
JANUARY 18, 2012
A new initiative has been launched by the Red Deer Public School
District in the hopes of boosting high school completion rates.
Currently, only about 69% of students in the division are graduating and
officials say they want to increase that number through new ideas.
Superintendent Piet Langstraat says they're asking the public to visit their
website and tell them what they'd do to improve high school completion
rates if they were in his shoes for a day. Feedback gathered from the
online conversation will be presented to trustees at their March board
meeting.
CALGARY MAN CHARGED FOLLOWING SYLVAN POLICE PURSUIT - JANUARY 18, 2012
A 24 year-old Calgary man is in custody after leading police on a
chase near Syvlan Lake. After police detained a driver for being
impaired early yesterday morning, the vehicle's passenger hopped in the driver's
seat and fled. Police used a spike belt on Highway 11 and caught up with
him west of Eckville. The suspect is alleged to have been under the influence of
drugs and alcohol, and is facing 11 charges including impaired driving,
dangerous driving and resisting arrest.
LOCAL HOME BUILDERS LOOKING FORWARD TO BUSIER 2012
- JANUARY 18, 2012
Local home
builders are looking forward to an increase in activity in 2012, after a couple
of years of declining home starts. The CMHC predicts a nearly 10% increase in
single-detached construction in Central Alberta. Canadian Home Builders
Association - Central Alberta president Dan Ouwehand says last year in Red Deer,
new homes had to compete with a large selection in the resale
market.
Ouwehand says both baby boomers and first-time buyers are looking for
smaller homes, with the CMHC predicting multi-family growth of 14% this
year.
OLDS COLLEGE CELEBRATES LARGEST DONATION EVER -
JANUARY 18, 2012
Olds College is celebrating the largest individual gift to the school in its
99 year history. 84 year-old Calgary-based businessman Jack Anderson has donated
one hundred vintage cars and trucks, valued at roughly $2.5 million dollars, to
the college that will be auctioned next year with all proceeds going to the
school. Vice-president of advancement Jordan Cleland says Anderson isn't an Olds
College alumni, but he might as well be. Cleland says the impressive collection
includes numerous vintage models like Corvettes, a Corvair, Rolls-Royces,
Jaguars and a Model-A Ford.
URGENT CARE CENTRE MEETING TONIGHT IN SYLVAN LAKE -
JANUARY 18, 2012
The need for an
urgent care centre in Sylvan Lake has prompted the community to hold a town hall
meeting tonight. Mayor Susan Samson is scheduled to speak at the gathering as is
Doctor Brad Bahler who will be talking about the nature of urgent care centres,
why one is needed in the town and how residents can help lobby the government to
build one. The meeting starts at 7:00 at the community centre on 43rd
street.
NDP WANTS MORE STUDY DONE ON FRACKING SAFETY - JANUARY 17, 2012
The blowout of an oil well in Central Alberta during a hydraulic fracturing
job on a neighbouring well has the province's Opposition NDP calling for a study
on fracking safety. NDP Environment critic Rachel Notley says there's been
studies done in other areas and they should be done here as well. On
Friday, a plume of black fluid, which included a mix of oil, nitrogen and sand,
spewed from a pump jack close to where the Red Deer River flows into the
Gleniffer Lake reservoir. The incident has raised nervous questions among
rural landowners about damage to nearby aquifers, but the Energy Resources
Conservation Board insists it's rare for blowouts to happen and, when
they do, they quickly work to clean it up.
COUNCILLORS GO ONLINE TO GATHER FLUORIDE FEEDBACK - JANUARY 17, 2012
Red Deer city councillors are going online in their final effort to hear what
residents are saying about the decision making process around fluoride. Over the
course of the next week six councillors, along with mayor Morris Flewwelling,
will take part in seperate, virtual one hour chats with the public on the
city's website to hear opinions on how Council should make a decision on
water fluoridation. City spokesperson Tara Shand says it's just another way for
them to gather feedback and allow everyone who's interested to voice their
opinion. Council will see a final report on February 6th detailing the findings
of the consultation process.
FUNDING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT PROGRAM - JANUARY 17,
2012
Older workers wanting to get back into the
workforce will benefit from some Federal and Provincial funding. Red Deer MP
Earl Dreeshen says Aboriginal workers will be targeted in the Central Alberta
region. $175,000 will go toward the Programming for Older Workers program,
which provides employment assistance services for people aged 55 to 64. 15
Central Alberta Aboriginals will benefit from the funding.
TOURISM RED DEER PARTNERS WITH MEETINGMAX SYSTEMS -
JANUARY 17, 2012
Booking events in our city will soon be easier for organizers thanks to a
partnership between Tourism Red Deer and Meetingmax Systems. Executive Director
Liz Taylor says Tourism Red Deer will manage the system which will be used for
reservations of hotel rooms and event spaces. She says it will allow organizers
and hotels to work closer together. Taylor says Tourism Red Deer will be helping
event organizers get familiar with the system and that it should be up and
running in a month or so.
LACOMBE CHAMBER'S NEW DIRECTION - JANUARY 17, 2012
The new board of the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce says they're
starting the new year trying to let people know more about what they do.
President Keith Meyers says in 2012 they will continue efforts to
attract new businesses, and work with the city on making Lacombe more
business-friendly. He says they want to attract hotels, and introduce signage on
Highway 2. Meyers says he's excited about development at the industrial park,
and new housing in the north.
BUS CANCELLATIONS - TUESDAY, JAN 17, 2012
DUE TO THE COLD................
THERE ARE NO BUSSES TO GATEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, THE PARKLAND SCHOOL OR
THE ASPIRE SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE CENTRE TODAY.
THE SCHOOLS ARE OPEN.
.........................
RED DEER MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLS AT BOTH GRANDVIEW AND WESTPARK ARE CLOSED
TODAY.
THE EXELTA GYMNASTICS PLAY SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE CANCELLED.
K.C. COMMUNITY SERVICES IN SYLVAN LAKE IS CLOSED.
..........................
WILD ROSE DIVISION HAS NO CAROLINE BUSSES RUNNING AS WELL AS ROCKY ROUTES 5
AND 38.
TRANSIT VANDALS SOUGHT - JAN 17, 2012
Red Deer RCMP are hoping someone has more information about vandals
throwing rocks at city transit with the potential for serious consequences.
At least six times in December in the Pines, Mountview and Glendale, someone
threw a large rock at the driver's side window, shattering it while
the buses were in service. Drivers have dealt with shattered glass, and one
suffered cuts to his face and a chipped tooth. Witnesses say a small, dark,
older-model car, possibly a Cavalier or Sunfire, was
involved.
4.32% TAX INCREASE WITH 2012 BUDGET APPROVAL - JANUARY 16, 2012
After two weeks of presentations and debate, City Council has approved the
2012 Operating Budget with a tax increase of 4.32%. Mayor Morris Flewwelling
says passing the budget takes a lot of patience and
persistance and he says he is pleased with the results.
Councillor Chris Stephan says taxpayers are getting the raw end of the deal, and
Councillor Tara Veer says the tax increase doesn't sit well with her because she
would have liked to see more reductions.
BUDGET COST SAVING MEASURES - JANUARY 16, 2012
Hours at city rec centres will be reduced on stat holidays in order
to cut down on costs. The Dawe and Collicut Centres will now be open from 11am
until 5pm on all stat holidays, except Remembrance Day when the hours will be
1pm until 7pm. Meantime, late night transit service will be reduced to one-hour
frequency starting at 10:45pm. There was some debate on whether the reduction
should start at 9:45pm in order to cut more costs, but most Councillors agreed
that might be too early. Council has also approved an increase to parking
meter rates. Effective July 1st, 2 hour parking will increase to $1.15 per
hour, while 8 hour parking will increase from $0.60 to $0.70. A monthly parking
pass for the parkade will increase to $90 per
month.
COLLICUTT CENTRE CLOSED DUE TO AMMONIA LEAK -
JANUARY 16, 2012
The City of Red Deer says the Collicutt Centre will remain closed until
tomorrow morning following an ammonia leak in the facility this morning. Just
before noon, several hundred people were evacuated when a line in the
facility's ice plant began leaking. Ammonia is dangerous to the respiratory
system if inhaled. The City says nearly all the ammonia has been vented from
the facility, but they've decided to close until tomorrow as a
precaution. Red Deer Emergency Services says they'll continue to monitor
air quality until the facility re-opens.
CITY RCMP INVESTIGATE THEFT - JANUARY 16, 2012
Red Deer City RCMP are investigating the theft of a Caterpillar Skid Steer,
snow bucket and angle blade from the southeast corner of the old AMA
building parking lot on Bremner Avenue. The theft took place late Friday
night or early Saturday morning. Investigators say those responsible loaded the
equipment onto a trailer. Mounties estimate the total haul to be worth
about $50,000.
RCMP LOOK FOR DRIVER - JANUARY 16, 2012
Red Deer City RCMP are hoping to find the driver of a Silver SUV that caused
a 2 vehicle crash on December 14th. The vehicle cut in front of a Red Mazda at
the intersection of Gaetz Avenue and 19th Street about ten to four in the
afternoon. When the Mazda driver swerved into another lane to avoid a collision
it was hit by a White Pontiac. The SUV driver did not stop. If you have any
information on the crash, call the RCMP or
Crimestoppers.
LACOMBE COUNTY COUNCILLORS TO GET I-PADS - JANUARY 16, 2012
Lacombe County councillors are going high tech. Council plans
to purchase IPad 2 tablets for all councillors to replace their County
issued laptop computers. It's expected that the tablets will provide
councillors with real-time connectivity and improve
efficiency.
NO NEW POLICE OFFICERS - JANUARY 16, 2012
Disappointing, concerning, and a huge mistake...that's how Councillor Chris
Stephan feels about Council turning down funding for more police officers.
Stephan says crime in the city has been escalating and that having more officers
on the street will prevent crime. Council did approve funding for a
Criminal Analyst position for the RCMP.
REDUCTION IN FUNDING RESULTS IN SMALL TAX BREAK - JANUARY 16, 2012
A small tax break for Red Deerians after Council agreed to reduce ongoing
funding of $300,000 the Safety Charter by $100,000. Councillor Tara Veer voted
in favour of the reduction, saying it is important to allocate some funding
and that Council can still make significant headway with $200,000. $100,000
works out to about a 0.01 percent difference in the tax rate.
TRANSIT DEPARTMENT GETS FUNDING FOR MAINTENANCE - JANUARY 16, 2012
$475,000 was approved to cover increases in fuel and maintenance costs of
city busses. Councillor Dianne Wyntjes says it is important to maintain the
transit service. Funding was also approved for increased service of the Action
Bus, and for bus stop snow removal.
NO MORE FUNDING FOR CITY PARKS - JANUARY 16, 2012
Red Deer has the greatest park system in Alberta, and maybe even the country
according to one City Councillor. Chris Stephan was the only Councillor in
support of over $193,000 in funding for Parks Growth, saying the community wants
park expansion. City Manager Craig Curtis says a park plan has already been
developed using the resources the city already has, which is why he didn't
recommed the increase in funding.
COUNCIL APPROVES FUNDING FOR ARTIST AWARDS - JANUARY 16, 2012
Council approved funding to help plan the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta's
Distinguished Artist Awards and Gala slated to take place in Red Deer in 2013.
Councillor Lynne Mulder says it is a big boost to the community to be chosen to
host the awards. $7,500 will go towards planning in 2012, and over $44,000 in
2013.
RED DEER PUBLIC SUPPORTS WIND ENERGY PROJECT - JANUARY 16, 2012
The Red Deer Public School District is one of about 40 school divisions in
the province expressing interest at harnessing the power of the wind. The
proposed Alberta Schools Wind Power Project would see up to 50 wind turbines
built near Provost at a cost of up to $200 million which would be shared by the
school districts and a renewable energy company. Red Deer Public Schools
associate superintendent Cody McClintock says the project would provide
environmentally friendly power to schools and save them money. The Chinook's
Edge School Division is also looking at joining, but says it will study the
initiative more closely before making a final decision. If the project is
approved, the wind farm could be fully operational by January 2014.
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