SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE RUNS FOR CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
The white stuff might not be flying yet, but a city council candidate says snow removal needs to be addressed. Jim Watters says any unused snow removal money must be carried forward every year to build up a reserve to clean up after a major snowstorm. In particular, Watters says wants to review windrows in residential areas. He questions the City's liability if an ambulance couldn't easily access your house because of a windrow. Watters has sat on the Red Deer Public School Board of Trustees for the last twelve years.
LIFE JACKET PILOT PROJECT SUCCESSFUL - SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
The Lifesaving Society wants to expand its free loaner life jacket program. For the first time, the Society offered the life jackets at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park. CEO for Alberta and the Northwest Territories Barbara Kusyanto says the program was especially popular among those who weren't planning to go out on the water. She says they're being used and they're being returned by kids and adults. On a busy day, Kusyanto says about 16 life jackets were signed out at any given time.
MOUNTIES IDENTIFY CRASH VICTIM - SEPTEMBER 4, 2010
Mounties say it was an Alix man thta died in a crash on Highway 601 near Stettler. Early yesterday morning, 27 year old Douglas Young died when the truck he was in collided with a Ford Mustang. Seven other people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries. Police say alcohol is believed to be a factor.
CAT MIGHT BE MOVING UPTOWN - SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Central Alberta Theatre could soon be running uptown. The group is working on acquiring the old Uptown Cinemas building that closed down a couple years ago. Executive Director William Trefry says being based out of that building would allow them to put on more performances but also to have other groups use the venue as well. Trefry says he's hoping to have the deal finalized within a month and to begin performances there by early 2011. A cost of the move and renovations is not known yet.
CRASH NEAR STETTLER KILLS ONE MAN - SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
A deadly crash near Stettler Friday morning has claimed the life of a 27-year old man. The two vehicle collision happened on Highway 601, about 20 kilometres northwest of the town at 3am. RCMP Sgt Rowland Schmidt says a pickup truck rear ended a Ford Mustang, killing the driver immediately. The eight other occupants between the two vehicles were all taken to hospital, but one person was airlifted by STARS. All are said to have suffered non-life threatening injuries. RCMP believe alcohol was a factor. The victims name has not been released but Schmidt says everyone involved was from the Stettler-Red Deer area.
LOCAL WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO DRUG CHARGES - SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
A trial date has been set for a woman charged in a downtown Red Deer drug bust this summer. RCMP searched a suite at the low-cost housing units in the old Buffalo hotel in July to find prescription drugs, including oxycodone, as well as drug paraphernalia and cash. Forty-seven year old Velma Umpherville pleaded not guilty to a few charges in court including Possession of Drugs for the Purposes of Trafficking. She'll appear in court again in March for a trial.
FIRE IN PENHOLD LOOKED A LOT WORSE THEN IT WAS - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Penhold and Red Deer County fire crews were called out to battle a structure fire in Penhold on Thursday. But it turns out the blaze looked to be a lot more serious than it was. A couple of boards around the outdoor skating rink caught fire. Fire Chief Jim Pendergast says initially it looked like a small skating shack next to the rink was on fire because smoke and flames were showing. The blaze started after workers were laying down asphalt nearby and it sparked the boards.
NAME OF BASHAW MAN WHO DIED TRAGICALLY RELEASED - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
There's still no known cause in the tragic death of a Bashaw man in Northern Alberta last weekend. The body of 47-year old Brant Berglund was found on Carson Lake, north of Whitecourt on Monday morning. He had rented a canoe the day before and had planned to go fishing. He was wearing a life jacket when his body was found. An autopsy has been done but investigators are awaiting toxicology results. RCMP say alcohol was not a factor in Berglund's death.
AMA WANTS DRIVERS TO KNOW RISKS OF THE ROAD HEADING INTO LONG WEEKEND - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
The Alberta Motor Association wants Central Alberta drivers to have a safe Labour Day long weekend. Kent Dixon with AMA says drivers need to plan ahead because there's no excuse to drink and drive. Dixon is asking drivers to also watch their speed and focus on driving. He says it's important to plan ahead and be well rested before heading out onto the road. He says driver distraction is a contributing factor in 80 per cent of crashes.
RESIDENTIAL PERMIT VALUES CONTINUE TO GO UP IN CITY - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
The value of Red Deer residential permit numbers is up compared to last year. The City issued $7.1 million dollars worth of permits last month. That compares to $6.7 million in August of last year. Year to date though, the City has handed out 955 permits, worth $83-million. At this time last year, 1192 had been issued worth over $93-million.
CHARGES LAID IN BLACKFALDS DRUG BUST - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Red Deer Rural RCMP have charged a man following a small drug bust in Blackfalds on Wednesday. Mounties raided a private residence in the town to find a small quantity of marijuana.They also seized three long barrel firearms. A 30-year old Blackfalds man has been charged with Possession of Marijuana. He'll appear in Red Deer court on October 14th.
SHOTS FIRED IN INGLEWOOD - SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
A scary night for Inglewood residents this week. At about 1:30am Wednesday, some people on Ironside Street heard gun shots. Police showed up and found an empty parked car with a number of bullet holes. Witnesses report seeing a man run from the spot and hop into a car before police arrived. RCMP are asking the public for tips in the investigation.
CHARGES PENDING IN STABBING - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A fight involving 10 to 15 people this week resulted in a man being stabbed in downtown Red Deer. The brawl happened in the 4600 block of 50th ave. around 11pm Tuesday night. RCMP say a 21-year old man suffered a single stab wound. It's believed to be non-life threatening. Mounties seized a knife and arrested a 25-year old local man. Charges are pending against him.
RCMP SEARCH FOR MAN ON CRUTCHES AFTER FIGHT - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A man is being accused of using his crutches to beat up another man in downtown Red Deer early Wednesday morning. A 20-year old man went to the Red Deer Regional Hospital with multiple non-life threatening injuries. It's alleged that he was punched, kicked and hit repeatedly with a crutch during a fight with another man on Gaetz Ave. RCMP say the two were speaking to each other earlier on Tuesday evening at Xstatic nightclub. Mounties are searching for a white man on crutches, about six feet tall with short brown hair with blonde streaks.
MOUNTIES CHARGE TEEN IN MACHETE ASSAULT INCIDENT - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Charges have been laid following an assault with a machete in Red Deer on Tuesday night. An RCMP officer was doing a regular patrol of downtown Red Deer around 10pm when he saw a male running toward him. The male uttered something when he noticed the cop and then took off in a different direction. Soon after, a 53-year old approached the same Mountie with a machete in his hand and told the cop that he had just been assaulted with that weapon. He suffered minor injuries. RCMP have charged a 17-year old boy with assault with a weapon, but they're still looking for the teen.
ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE PUT OVER - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A Red Deer man accused of attempted murder reserved his plea in court this morning. Last month, a woman was bound, smothered, and threatened before she could escape. It happened in the 3900 block of 50th Avenue. Charged is 44 year old Tibor Smode. Smode returns to court on September 8th.
SEX ASSAULT CASE DELAYED - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A Red Deer man accused of sexually assaulting a disabled man reserved his plea in court this. Fifty year old Leo Ducharme was charged with sexual assault early last month. On August 9th, the mother of a 29 year old man found a care worker abusing her son. Ducharme returns to court on September 8th.
DOWNTOWN STABBING - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Red Deer Mounties are looking into an assault involving a knife Tuesday night. Around 9 o'clock, police were called to the 4900 block of 51st Street to break up a fight. It's alleged a 19 year old man pulled a knife on the 39 year old victim and cut him. The 19 year old was arrested and charges are pending.
ENGAGE GROUP LAUNCHES WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
A new group launches today for young business professionals. Engage is similar to the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, but will offer networking opportunities for people age 18-35. President Mike Szyszka is 24 years old and he says seminars offered by the group will be slightly different from what the Chamber offers. He says the content could be anything from how to better use social media to taxes and legal issues. Engage will have some older members on hand to act as mentors.
DELBURNE FIRE LABELLED SUSPICIOUS - AUGUST 31, 2010
A fire at the Delburne Custom Feeds building is considered suspicious. The blaze started in the warehouse and spread to the office part of the building on Sunday night. Deputy Fire Chief Roy Jamieson says the building is completely destroyed. RCMP are now investigating the blaze. Nearly 30 firefighters from Delburne and Red Deer County battled the fire.
BASHAW MAN DIES ON FISHING TRIP - AUG 31, 2010
Investigators believe an accident claimed the life of a Bashaw man, who died on a fishing trip north of Whitecourt on the weekend. The 47-year-old's body was found in Carson Lake by searchers Monday morning, next to his partially submerged canoe. He was wearing a life jacket. The man was alone when he rented the boat Sunday afternoon, but RCMP were alerted when he didn't return by nightfall. Police say conditions were cold at the time and hypothermia may be a factor in the death.
TARA VEER WANTS A THIRD TERM ON COUNCIL - AUGUST 31, 2010
 Another Red Deer City Councillor has thrown her name into the race for City Hall. Two-term councillor Tara Veer is looking for her third. There was speculation earlier this year that Veer would run for mayor but she says she has a lot to accomplish as a councillor. She won't rule out a run for mayor, MLA, or MP in the future. If re-elected, Veer says Council should tie any tax increase to the cost of living.
RED DEER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO CONTINUE FUNDING YOUTH MINISTERS - AUGUST 31, 2010
Wednesday marks the first day of class for Red Deer Catholic students. The division will continue to fund a youth ministry program this year. Superintendent Paulette Hanna says the program was very successful last year. She says youth ministers bring the Catholic faith down to a level the students can understand. Wednesday is also the first day of class for public school students in Red Deer.
TOOLS FOR SCHOOL PROGRAM MEETING NEEDS - AUGUST 31, 2010
Demand is up but donations are slightly down for the Tools for School campaign. The annual program provides the necessary school supplies to low-income children. Executive Director of Central Alberta Women's Outreach Society Barb Barber says her team has helped 963 children so far. She says she's handed out 150 more backpacks this year. Barber says she still has some school supplies for children who are in need.
LATEST CONDOR SCHOOL WATER SAMPLE CLEAR - AUGUST 31, 2010
A water test done at Condor School last week has come back clear. Back in June, traces of E-Coli and coloform were found in the water system forcing administrators to shut down the school for a few days. Students and staff will be provided bottled water to drink from for the next while. Wildrose Superintendent Brian Celli says students would have a pretty tough time drinking from the fountains even if they wanted to as they are close off. Celli says they won't allow students to drink from fountains until they get at least three clear water tests and get the okay from Alberta Health Services. No one ever became ill from the water.
HUNTING HILLS LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM - AUGUST 31, 2010
Hunting Hills High School hopes a new program will graduate its students on time. The Hunting Educational Learning Place allows busy students to complete courses online. Vice Principal Kevin Robertson says there is a teacher in the H.E.L.P. centre throughout the whole day. He says a teacher will help students with any courses their taking and counsel them on what courses they might need for post-secondary education. The graduation rate at Hunting Hills is 91 per cent.
NO MAJOR CHANGES PLANNED FOR CHINOOK'S EDGE - AUGUST 31, 2010
The Chinook's Edge School Division won't see too many changes this year. Instead, Superintendent Kurt Sacher will spend his first year on the job getting to know staff and parent councils. Sacher says he wants to create a shared vision for employees. He says he wants to develop a genuine and shared vision among teachers and staff in the division. Sacher says he wants to work on teacher skill sets, which he says will ultimately benefit students.
FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS - AUGUST 31, 2010
Organizers are calling the second annual 'Run for Those Who Cannot Walk' a success. About 65 participants turned out and they raised over $7,500, up from $5,300 last year. The money goes to Lacombe-based A Better World. The charity will use the money to assist African children who are disabled.
JEFFREY DAWSON RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30, 2010
A familiar face hopes to make his return to Red Deer City Council. Jeffrey Dawson declared this afternoon that he will be running for Council on October 18th. Dawson lost the mayoral race in 2007 and says he did consider giving it another shot. He says many of his supporters would rather see him run for councillor instead of potentially losing the mayoral race and not sit on council at all. Dawson says if he's elected, he wants to reign in city spending.
CENTRAL ALBERTA SUMMER COOL AND WET - AUGUST 30, 2010
It was another cool and wet summer this year. June and July saw precipitation well above average and temperatures held steady around 21 degrees for the most part. Smoke from dozens of B.C. forest fires descended on the region, which Environment Canada meteorologist David Wray says is because of a weather system. He says the smoke got caught in an upper airflow, which brought it to Central Alberta weather. The most rain we saw all summer was in July when 140 millimetres fell, well above the 93 millimetre average.
QUIET SUMMER FOR SYLVAN LAKE MOUNTIES - AUGUST 30, 2010
Cool, wet weather seemed to keep many tourists away from Sylvan Lake this summer. Sargent Duncan Babchuck says business was slow at the Town's detachment. He says his officers have handed out fewer tickets and kept fewer prisoners this year. On Canada Day alone, Babchuck estimates he saw one third of the crowd that normally turns out for the festivities.
MOUNTIES ARREST SUSPECTED THIEF - AUGUST 30, 2010
An 18 year old man is facing robbery charges after an Express 24 store was robbed over the weekend. Police charged 18 year old Scott Smith this afternoon. Early Saturday morning, a lone man entered the Eastview Express 24 when he pulled a knife and demanded cash. Smith will appear in court on Wednesday and was released from custody.
LOCAL FOOD BANK SEES INCREASE IN DEMAND - AUGUST 30, 2010
With school starting up again the Red Deer Food Bank is experiencing a spike in demand. But Executive Director Fred Scaife says the need for food wasn't as high this summer compared to previous years. Scaife says they're also in need of donations, especially cash. He says he kept busy with at least two food drives a week during the summer months.
MOUNTIES RELEASE NAME OF CRASH VICTIM NEAR STETTLER - AUGUST 30, 2010
The name of the Saskatchewan woman killed near Stettler on Sunday in a tragic crash has been released. Forty-seven year old Donna Ann Johnson of Parkside died at the scene. The collision happened at the intersection of Highways 11 and 21. Johnson's 21-year old daughter, who was driving the pickup, had to be taken out of the vehicle with the help of the jaws of life. She was taken to the Red Deer hospital with non-life threatening injuries.The driver of the other vehicle was airlifted by STARS to Edmonton with critical injuries.
CRASH NEAR BRETON CLAIMS LIFE - AUGUST 28, 2010
A tragic crash Saturday morning near Breton. RCMP responded to the collision on Highway 22 where a truck crossed the centre lane and hit another truck carrying a holiday and atv trailer head-on. The crash happened at about 12:30am. The two people in the truck carrying the trailers were uninjured. The man driving the truck succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His name has not been released.
OFF LEASH DOG PARK SHUTS DOWN FOR WEEK - AUGUST 27, 2010
Red Deer dog owners will have to take their canines to Three Mile Bend this week while work commences at the south off-leash park. The Oxbows Off Leash Dog Park, at the corner of 19th street and 40th ave. will re-open on September 3. The City just doesn't want dogs running around when heavy equipment is operating. Planning and Technical Services Supervisor with the City, Dave Matthews says they will be installing an agility course at the park next year. Once complete, the park will offer 30 acres of paved and gravel trails as well as fencing and a picnic area.
SENTENCE FOR MOUNTIE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT - AUGUST 27, 2010
A Red Deer RCMP officer has been convicted of Assault. Twenty-nine year old Darren Ryan was charged last year after a fight at Billy Bob's night club in March 2009. Court heard that the off-duty Mountie threw a woman to the ground during the fight outside the bar. Ryan, who is currently on active Police duty, was given nine months probation. He must perform 100 hours of community service and enroll in anger management classes.
CENTRAL ALBERTA FARMERS SLIGHTLY BEHIND SCHEDULE - AUGUST 26, 2010
Despite a cool and wet summer, Central Alberta farmers aren't doing too bad. But, James Wright with Agriculture Financial Services in Lacombe says warm and dry conditions are necessary if farmers are to have a successful crop. Wright says on average, farmers in the area are about a week to two weeks behind schedule. He says conditions here are a lot better then what farmers have faced in the south when they received record amounts of moisture earlier this spring.
ELECTRIC CAR MADE OF HEMP FIBRE IN THE WORKS IN SYLVAN LAKE - AUGUST 26, 2010
A Sylvan Lake company is currently working on an electric car with doors made of hemp fibre. Fiber-Werx International hopes to get the Kestrel on the road by the end of the year. Owner Scott Getschel says they've teamed up with Red Deer College for this project. He is hoping they'll be involved in both testing and assembly of the car. Getschel says it will be a great vehicle for in-city use as it is only expected to reach speeds of 90 kilometres an hour. He says hemp fibre is stronger and more environmentally friendly than fibre glass.
VANDERSHAEGHE BACK FROM AIDS CONFERENCE - AUGUST 26, 2010
A local woman says we have it pretty good in Red Deer, as far as the treatment and education of HIV and AIDS goes. Jennifer Vandershaeghe, who is the Executive Director of the Central Alberta AIDS Network Society attended this year's International AIDS conference in Vienna. She says it was eye opening. She was speaking with someone from Uganda at the conference and he said he serves the same area equivalent in size to Central Alberta but with a population the size of Canada. Vandershaeghe says the amount of people living with HIV in the drug using population in Eastern Europe and northern Asia is staggering. She says between 32 and 75 per cent are infected.
ASSAULT AT PROPERTY NEAR RIMBEY HAS MOUNTIES SEARCHING FOR SUSPECTS - AUGUST 26, 2010
It's been two weeks since a random assault occured at a rural property near Rimbey. And RCMP are hoping the public can help them track down the three suspects involved. A male was physically assaulted and slashed with a knife on the property in the afternoon of August 12. He suffered serious non-life threatening injuries. Mounties do not know the motive behind this attack. The three suspects are said to be in their early 20's. They were driving a Red truck with four doors, fancy wheels and chrome on the front end.
IT ONLY TAKES FIVE SECONDS TO DETERMINE IF MONEY IS AUTHENTIC - AUGUST 26, 2010
Red Deer Chamber of Commerce members got a first hand look today on how to tell when money is fake. An Analyst with the Bank of Canada was on hand to teach members a quick way to detect counterfeit cash. Sgt. Glen Demmon with the Calgary Commercial Crime Section says if you come across money you suspect is counterfeit you should contact the RCMP. Marc Trudel, with the Bank of Canada says our money is made from cotton fibre, which feels different from paper. New bank notes will be distributed in 2011 that are more durable and more environmentally friendly.
LANGSTRAAT OFFICIALLY ASSUMES ROLE OF SUPERINTENDENT - AUGUST 26, 2010
A new superintendent has taken the reins at Red Deer Public Schools. Pieter Langstraat sat in as Superintendent for the school boards first meeting last night following Don Falk's retirement earlier this year. Langstraat has served on the board for several years and has some new initiatives in the works especially for international and ESL students.
Langstraat says despite stepping in at a time of financial instability, the school board has been prudent in making sure no teachers or students are affected from budget shortfalls.
GH DAWE SCHOOL READY TO GO - AUGUST 26, 2010
Heading into the last week before school, Red Deer Public School's is putting the finishing touches on the new GH Dawe School. Coming in at budget, Associate Superintendent Cody McClintock says students can expect big changes. He adds that the school likely won't be full at the beginning of the year, but that will increase along with enrollment. The official grand opening of the GH Dawe School will happen on November 25th.
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD REMEMBERS STUDENTS AND FELLOW TRUSTEE - AUGUST 26, 2010
It was a sombre Public School Board Meeting in Red Deer last night with trustees taking a moment to remember three students who died in tragic car crashes over the summer. They also had a moment of silence for Gail Holland - a trustee who passed away earlier this month from Cancer after a life-long involvement with the school system. Board Chair Bill Stuebing says Holland dedicated her time to helping special needs children and making sure all students could read. The Gail Holland Memorial Award for literacy is being established to help purchase books for special needs students.
MAN ACCUSED IN STABBING MAKES FIRST COURT APPEARANCE - AUGUST 25, 2010
A Red Deer man charged in a weekend stabbing reserved his plea in court this morning. Twenty-two year old Ryan Bryce is facing several charges including assault and weapons offences. Early Sunday morning, a fight inside the Lotus Night Club spilled out onto the street where a 26 year old man was stabbed. Included on the list of charges is a breach of a court order to stay away from drinking establishments.
SMALL FIRE AT THE RED DEER HOSPITAL - AUGUST 25, 2010
A bit of a scare at the Red Deer Regional Hospital this morning. Red Deer Emergency Services was called to put out a small fire in the laundry area at around a quarter to ten. Chief Training Officer Mike Godwin says it's believed the fire may have started with an ironing unit. He said there wasn't major damage done to the hospital and it didn't spread. Staff were able to contain the blaze and no patients needed to be evacuated from the hospital.
RCMP SEARCH FOR TRUCK THAT WAS SEEN IN AREA OF WHERE LOGAN RAYMOND DIED - AUGUST 25, 2010
RCMP are searching for an older model small Ford truck that was seen near where the body of Logan Raymond was found. The 17-year old boy was found on Highway 2-A at 1:30am on August 12. An autopsy confirmed that the Penhold teen died of a severe head injury. Sgt. Patrick Webb says they're trying to get as much information as they can from tips that come in. Webb says they're looking for a small dark grey or blue Ford truck with a matching topper. It could possibly be an older model Ford Ranger and it has red lettering on the tail gate that says 'Ford'.
MAN FACING SERIOUS CHARGES AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC DISPUTE INCIDENT - AUGUST 25, 2010
An alleged domestic abuse incident in Red Deer this week has resulted in an Attempted Murder charge being laid. Forty-four year old Tibor Smode faces four criminal charges including Forcible Confinement and Aggravated Assault. Mounties were called out to a residence in the 3900 block of 50th ave on Monday night after the report of a woman who was held against her will, bound, smothered and threatened. RCMP say she was able to escape after a period of time and ran to a nearby residence. Smode appeared in court on Wednesday morning. He was remanded in custody and will be back again on September 1.
INMATES WEED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE- AUG 26, 2010
Inmates will soon be responsible for removing invasive weeds in our city. The Red Deer Remand Centre is partnering with the City of Red Deer's parks department to battle noxious and invasive weeds. Inmates will work off fines or community service, starting with weeding behind the Red Deer Lodge on Sunday. The Remand Centre has previously helped clean up litter along area roads.
RED DEER GAS LEAST PRICEY AT PUMPS - AUG 26, 2010
A recent survey of 10 Canadian communities found gas prices in Red Deer to be the cheapest. Regular gas was selling for an average 86.9 cents a litre in our city on Tuesday. That compares with 91.5 cents in Calgary, and 1.019 cents a litre as an average across Canada.
LANDOWNERS TURN OUT AT POWER LINE OPEN HOUSE - AUGUST 24, 2010
AltaLink has refined its plans to build a $1.1 billion transmission line between Edmonton and Calgary. It has come up with two routes with one on the west side of Highway 2 and another on the east side. Wanda Lohman lives near Glennifer Lake and she says there are many existing lines running through her area. She would rather see it on the east side of the highway. Lohman says if a major storm or other event knocked out the power lines west of the highway, the province wouldn't be left in the dark. Other landowners say they want the line to be built on property lines so it lessens the impact on agriculture operations.
PENHOLD SEES 10 PER CENT GROWTH - AUGUST 24, 2010
The recession hasn't stopped people from moving to Penhold. Mayor Julia King says her town experienced huge growth in 2009. She says the town grew to 2,322 from 2,114 residents last year. King says it shows people are confident in the town and that it pays attention to the needs of its residents. The latest census will help the Town put together programming at the new Multiplex.
RED DEER MAN HELPS PAKASTANIS AFFECTED BY FLOODING - AUGUST 24, 2010
Pakistanis affected by major floods will be getting help from a Red Deerian. Joe Talbot left for the country this morning to help build a medical clinic. Canadian Red Cross spokeswoman Leila Daoud says he'll be part of a team with volunteers from a few other countries. She says he's part of a 7 member health team with volunteers from Norway. Daoud says Talbot's expertise lies in building the clinic.
WE CARE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN RED DEER - AUGUST 24, 2010
Organizers of a new campaign called "We Care" want to let Red Deer's homeless know that the community does care. The campaign, which was launched Tuesday morning, aims to dispell misperceptions about homelessness. Stacey Carmichael with the Red Deer and District Community Foundation says there's a significant homeless population in our city. She suspects there's hundreds, many of whom are women and children. Carmichael says they want to decrease the stigma and discrimination surrounding the homeless.
CLUB FIGHT ENDS IN STABBING DOWNTOWN - AUG 24, 2010
A fight at a downtown Red Deer night club landed one man in hospital on the weekend. RCMP say an altercation at Lotus left one man with injuries to the head. A group of people chased the man responsible for the beating outside. That's when another confrontation happened, and a 26 year old was stabbed. He suffered non life-threatening injuries. Twenty-two year old Ryan Bryce is facing assault and weapons charges.
MAN CHARGED IN GUN INCIDENT - AUG 24, 2010
Red Deer City RCMP have arrested one man after seizing a stolen gun at a downtown condo at the 4600 block of 50th Street. Police say they received a complaint that someone was being threatened with a gun just before 6 a.m. Monday morning. RCMP say the suspect was showing a gun to a number of people, and then started making threats to shoot. A .22 calibre rifle was seized. Twenty-six year old Samuel Lomong is facing uttering threats and weapons charges.
ALTALINK RUNS OPEN HOUSES ON CONTROVERSIAL POWER LINE - AUGUST 24, 2010
A series of open houses start in Central Alberta today for Altalink to get further input on a 500 kilovolt power line. Plans call for the line to stretch between Edmonton and Calgary, but Altalink recently made changes to the route, calling for more public meetings. Another transmission line proposal back in 2005 came to a standstill after major opposition from landowners and a controversial spy allegation. The first open house is at the Innisfail Legion tonight, moving to Pine Lake tomorrow, and the Eckville Community Centre will host a meeting Thursday. All sessions run from 4 to 8pm.
VICTORY FOR GLENDALE RESIDENTS - AUGUST 23, 2010
In the end, Glendale residents triumphed at City Hall Monday night. They turned out to tell City Council that they don't want duplexes and a 16-unit apartment building on the former Dentoom's site on Taylor Drive. A plan approved in 1998 calls for single-family homes and Councillor Larry Pimm says it's important Council honour that plan. He says single-family lots are still in demand and he doesn't understand why it wouldn't work. The site has sat vacant since the early 1990s.
ROTARY RECREATION PARK TO GET A FACELIFT - AUGUST 23, 2010
A promenade will be the centrepiece of Rotary Recreation Park in the future. City Council approved the plan Monday night, which calls for many projects including redeveloping the arenas, removing the speed skating oval, and re-purposing the museum. Councillor Cindy Jefferies says the promenade will only enhance the park. She says linking the different pieces will make the entire park stronger. The promenade is also expected to serve the farmer's market, which will free up some parking in the area.
COMMERCIAL SPACE NEEDED IN RED DEER - AUGUST 23, 2010
Red Deer will need a lot of commercial space in the next 20 years. According to a study presented to City Council Monday night, we'll need 3.6 million square feet of it. It anticipates slower development downtown and suggests the City take a phased approach to the proposed Riverlands and Railyards districts. Riverlands is geared towards commercial development and Councillor Tara Veer says that district should be the focus. She says Riverlands will have a larger draw for residents and Central Albertans. Veer says the City would be wise to invest its resources into that district for that reason. The study also suggests developing shopping centres in east Red Deer in the short term.
PUBLIC ART POLICY MODIFIED - AUGUST 23, 2010
Several changes to the City's public art policy means you can help select some of the art. The revised policy says a jury committee evaluating submissions must include up to 3 Red Deerians-at-large. Culture Superintendent Kristina Oberg says it's important to include members of the general public. She says members of the public are the ones who will look at the art regularly. The policy also cut down the amount spent on public art from 1.2 per cent of major capital projects to 1 per cent.
RDC STUDENT WINS TUITION CONTEST - AUGUST 23, 2010
 A first year student at RDC gets a break on his tuition this year. Tyler Flaherty won the "Get a Better Resume" contest. College president Joel Ward knocked on the Edmonton resident's door last week to hand over a $5,000 cheque. Flaherty who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program will also play on the Kings basketball team. People from all over the world including India and Europe took part.
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