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Amber alert ends in Delta KEVIN DIAKIW Black Press
An amber alert was called off after Delta police, and a combined emergency response team, secured the safety of a 15-year-old Vernon girl. The amber alert – a widely broadcast system in cases of abductions – was initiated in Vernon at 11 p.m. Sunday night, when the girl went missing from her grandmother’s home. “On Sunday, just after 1 p.m., police received a report that the girl’s father showed up at the girl’s grandmother’s residence in the 3700 block of 27th Avenue,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson — Molendyk Gord Molendyk. “The grandmother was allegedly assaulted in an exchange between the two. The girl was reported only wearing a house coat at the time she left.” Vernon RCMP learned that the father and the girl showed up at an address on Westside Road and both left in an older grey mini-van. “Due to the age of the girl and the fact she did not live with the father and other circumstances learned in this investigation, police felt she may be in imminent danger,” said Molendyk. “An amber alert was requested and then issued.” Delta police were notified at about 2:15 a.m. that the girl may have been taken by her father, and that he may be at a family member’s residence near 116 Street and 94 Avenue in Delta. Delta police identified the wanted vehicle in front of the home, and knowing the suspect may be armed and dangerous, police called in the Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team. “We made a call into the residence shortly after 7 (a.m.) and he picked up the phone,” said Delta Const. Ciaran Feenan. “He came out without any incident at all.” Shortly after, police were able to locate the girl who was safe and unharmed. The suspect was taken into custody, where he remains. No charges had been laid as of Tuesday morning. It’s believed the girl left Vernon with her father willingly. With files from The Morning Star.
“Police felt she may be in imminent danger.”
JENNIFER SMITH/MORNING STAR
Vernon firefighters Brad Crawford (left), Mike Stoll and Jodie Bradley bow their heads in a moment of silence Tuesday to remember the victims and firefighters who lost their lives during 9/11, as well as those emergency personnel who have since passed, including Enderby firefighter Dan Botkin. Visit www.vernonmorningstar.com for video footage of the ceremony at the Vernon Fire Hall.
Ironman bid draws debate RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Bureaucratic hurdles are part of preIronman training. Vernon council instructed staff Monday afternoon to prepare a bid package to host Ironman Canada. But a decision on submitting the proposal to Ironman’s parent company won’t be made until Sept. 21. “There are still some gaps we need to fill in,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. Among the issues staff has been asked to look at are finding a major sponsor, bringing regional jurisdictions on board, developing a budget and how to recruit upwards of 4,000 volunteers. “There’s a short period of time (submission deadline is Sept. 24) and a comprehensive bid needs to be put together,” said Quiring. But support for seeking the international event certainly exists.
“I’d like us to proceed on a request for proposals even if we can’t find a local sponsor in 10 days,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The potential economic impact to the host community is $10 to $15 million a year, with many of the benefits coming in the hospitality sector. However, the host community is responsible for a number of items including public works, policing, road services, lifeguards, medical services, waste management and security. A staff report says the minimum budget obligation is about $400,000 a year. Coun. Bob Spiers questions some of the information provided by Ironman’s parent company. “We don’t have 200 police officers within 1,000 miles of this place. Even if we did have 200 officers, that is $130,000 minimum,” he said. There are also questions as to why
Penticton severed its ties with Ironman after 30 years. “There had to have been some significant issues for them to go away from Ironman,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Ironman in Vernon could also be held at the same time as a new event in Penticton, which could impact the availability of athletes and volunteers. As part of discussions Monday, council heard from local running enthusiasts. “We have everything it takes to put this on,” said Melissa Spooner, an Ironman champion. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Vernon needs this, Vernon wants this.” Support for the bid also came from Ingrid Dilschneider, director of sales and marketing at Predator Ridge Resort. “It will have a positive economic impact on Vernon. Vernon needs a win and we believe this is a win,” she said.
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