-A warning from Redcliff RCMP, as they’ve been getting a lot of reports of scams involving the sale of hay and straw bales.
Since October, they say there have been ads on Facebook from someone using the name “Maxwell Jakes”, who claims to have bales in the Cypress County and Medicine Hat regions.
But once a farmer or rancher sends money by e-transfer, that producer finds out there are no bales, and he or she is out their money.
******************************************************************************************
-There was a deadly collision yesterday morning on Highway 39 and Range Road 45.
RCMP say the drivers of both vehicles died at the scene.
One was a 41-year-old man from Red Deer, the other a 63-year-old man from Drayton Valley.
*************************************************************************************************
-An Edson teacher has been charged with sex offences involving a child.
RCMP began investigating after getting word of sexual interference involving a child last month.
Mounties have since charged a 50 year old teacher from Fort Assiniboine.
They say he works at Ecole Pine Grove Middle School in Edson.
He’s due in court in February.
*****************************************************************************************************
-RCMP are investigating after four RV’s were stolen from two dealerships in the Edmonton area in the past few weeks.
Two were taken from Vision RV in Acheson, while two were taken from Outback RV in Sherwood Park.
In each case, security footage shows someone driving a light coloured pickup with flashing lights and “security” written on the side, taking off with the vehicles.
***********************************************************************************************
-Indigenous leaders are calling on the Winnipeg police chief to resign.
It comes after Chief Danny Smythe said even though they believe the remains of two Indigenous women are in a landfill just north of the city, the chance of finding them is low, and they won’t be searching for them.
Work at the landfill has since been paused.
The women are believed to have been killed and their bodies dumped by a man suspected of being a serial killer.
**********************************************************************************************
If you’re planning to get someone a gift card this Christmas, check for expiration dates.
Scam Alert’s Julie Matthews says gift cards that have a cash value aren’t supposed to expire in Alberta, but a gift certificate for a service, such as massage or pedicure, are allowed to.
She says you need to really watch for the ones that are tied to credit card companies and banks–as they come with a lot of extra fees.
**********************************************************************************************
The Ben Stelter Fund became a reality yesterday, as it was launched to help kids who are fighting cancer.
Mike Stelter says it will keep his son’s legacy alive by supporting medical research, providing medical equipment at home and “magical experiences” for kids with cancer.
Ben became a household name after the Oilers took the superfan under their wing.
He died in August, while continuing to battle brain cancer.
***********************************************************************************************
-The town of Mayerthorpe has received some good news, as the latest census shows there’s been a slight increase in their population.
There had been concerns with the count that was done in 2021, and when Stats-Can took a closer look, they said there were 84 more residents than first thought.
There are now more than 13-hundred people living in Mayerthorpe.
The Mayor says it’s important, because population count affects everything, starting with grant funding.
***********************************************************************************************
-Have you mailed parcels anywhere this season?
Canada Post has been hiking its fuel-based surcharge on parcels to cover the high cost of diesel.
Last week, that surcharge hit about 40-percent, and it’s based on the average price of diesel.
But if you’re sending something no matter what, Canada Post says make sure it’s on the way between December 9th and 19th, if you want it to get to where it’s going in Canada by Christmas.
***********************************************************************************************
The city of Leduc will be hosting the Alberta 55-plus Summer Games in 2025.
About 12-hundred athletes and their people will be travelling to the region, and they’re expected to pump about 650-thousand dollars into the local economy.
The games feature track and field, swimming, golf, cycling, bocce ball and much more.
***********************************************************************************************
-A minor hockey team in Sherwood Park is part of a snow-removal program run by a non-profit group called “Volunteer Strathcona.”
Seniors who want to stay in their homes but who aren’t as mobile as they used to be, say it’s a huge help.
The Sherwood Park Raiders say they’re happy to help.
***********************************************************************************************
-RCMP say they will not be laying criminal charges in connection with the rollover of a tour-bus on the Columbia Icefields two years ago.
It happened in July of 2020, when the vehicle dropped down an embankment.
Three passengers died, while 14 were hurt.
The tour bus operator is facing a number of other charges, in addition to several lawsuits.
Since the incident, the vehicles come equipped with seatbelts.N