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Last updateFri, 20 Dec 2024 5pm

RCMP lay two impaired charges, five 24 hour suspensions over holiday

    The holiday season is on its way out, and for the most part it appears residents were responsible when it came to avoiding hitting the highway after a night of drinking.
    Throughout the holiday, Drumheller RCMP conducted a number of check stops. According to Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins, two impaired driving charges were pursued; one on Christmas Eve and one on New Year’s Day.
    In addition, the Drumheller RCMP issued four 24 hour suspensions for drivers who appeared to be impaired by alcohol. These came on December 17, two on New Year’s Day and one on January 2.
    While these numbers appear low, Hopkins says they are on the rise. Last Christmas check stops resulted in no impaired charges being laid.
    “We did see an increase in drinking and driving,” said Hopkins, “and that is sort of the standard across the country too.”
    In addition to the 24 suspensions for possible drinking and driving, RCMP also issued a 24 hour suspension for a person believed to be impaired by drugs. The Drumheller detachment has two officers trained to determine impairment by drugs.


RCMP looking for owner of bicycle found near break-in

    Drumheller RCMP is hoping a bike left near the site of a break and enter in the Riverside area may provide clues as to the identity of a possible suspect in a number of break-ins.
    A mountain bike was found on 15th Street East on December 29 after police responded to a possible break and enter around 7 p.m. in the evening. A resident of the neighbourhood called RCMP after they noted a light on at a neighbour’s house. The witness  knew the owners of the home were on holidays. He approached the front door and noted there were signs of it being kicked in.
    The witness could only describe the culprit as wearing a dark hoodie.
    A blue Supercycle 18 speed mountain bike with a missing front brake was discovered on the front street near the residence. The next morning another residence near where the bike was discovered was found to have been broken into.
    Drumheller RCMP say there have been a number of homes in the Riverside area over the past few weeks that have been broken into.
    If anyone has further information on this or any other crime they are asked to call the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590, or if they wish to remain anonymous they can call Crimestopers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Lieutenant Governor honours Legion Veterans dinner

    The Drumheller Legion has invited a special guest to their  Veterans Dinner on Saturday, January 14. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Colonel (ret’d) Donald S. Ethell, will be attending the dinner.
    “I’ve been at meetings with him, so I knew him,” said Bob Hannah, president of the Drumheller Legion. “It’s something for Drumheller and especially the Legion.”
    This will be the most distinguished guest ever to have been invited and attended the annual event.
    “It’s historic because we’ve never had a Lieutenant Governor here before,” said Hannah.
    Ethell was named Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on May 11, 2010. His appointment followed a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, civilian service as a military advisor, and a volunteer with humanitarian causes.
    Colonel Ethell is a veteran of 14 peace support operations, including his last missions to Croatia and Bosnia in the early 90’s. Colonel Ethell retired from the military in 1993 and is one of the most highly decorated officers in Canada.
    It is thought that the presence of Ethell and his storied career will prove to be an inspiration to the cadets who will be serving the meal, veterans, and guests present at the dinner.
    “He’s the one of the most highly decorated peacekeeping officers in Canada,” said Hannah. “The cadets will love it.”
    The veterans dinner is an annual event meant to honour the veterans in the Drumheller area. This year is especially important considering the bulk of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan were withdrawn as of July, 2011.
    “We have four Afghanistan veterans in this area. The whole dinner to honour them, and our other veterans and peacekeepers for all they’ve done,” said Hannah.
    For the event, the Legion will be serving a traditional roast beef dinner. The dress for the dinner is semi-formal. To attend the Veterans Dinner please contact the Legion at 403-823-5611.


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