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The Invermere
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April 30 2014
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Lost cat makes a comeback
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ALLEY CHO
BLADED BLITZ
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Invermere Killer Rollbots took on the Elkford Wildcat Brawers during the East Kootenay Roller Derby League’s season opening game. The bout was at the Canal Flats Arena on Saturday, April 26th, and saw the Rollbots take the win with a score of 221-129. For more photos from around the valley, see page 9.
BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN 1-866-598-7415 TEAMRAVEN.CA Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont
care for 3 Quilters children post-surgery
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MaxWell Realty Invermere
PHOTO BY DAN WALTON
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Weller sentenced to 15 months; Bagri guilty on all counts GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com The hammer of justice fell swiftly in two high-profile cases in Invermere Provincial Court on Monday, April 28th. Invermere resident Kris Weller, 27, was sentenced to 15 months in a provincial prison for his role in an arson in Fairmont Hot Springs in December 2012, while the truck driver accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a California family in July 2011 was found guilty on all four counts. Despite many letters of reference read aloud by Mr. Weller’s family and friends in court prior to sentencing, Judge Grant Sheard concluded that although “it is readily apparent that Mr. Weller has been an otherwise exemplary character,” his actions in enabling the fire that destroyed five half-completed buildings in the Columbia Eagle condominium development required a
significant jail sentence. was delivered on Monday afternoon. “A suspended sentence would be in“It is my submission that both of the adequate,” he said, noting that recent parties were equally responsible,” said changes to the Canadian Criminal Code defence lawyer Buffy Blakley. Crown mean a conditional sentence is no lon- prosecutor Lynal Doerksen noted sevger acceptable for the charge of arson eral motivating factors for the crime, damaging property. including the inspiration Mr. Weller and The total damage Ms. Mason-Lalande caused by the blaze, “His many good drew from the supset by Cheyenne Maposed end of the choices are a true Mayan calendar on son-Lalande after Mr. Weller poured sever- reflection of his character.” that night. al litres of gasoline Mr. Doerksen had HERB WELLER FATHER OF THE ACCUSED sought a sentence on the floor of one of the units at about 3 of 15 to 18 months, a.m. on December 22nd, 2012, amounts while Mrs. Blakley sought a 15-month to just under $1.7 million, according to sentence and a restitution order. Mr. a victim impact statement submitted by Weller will have to pay back $5,000 withthe condominium owners. in two months of his release from prisTragically, Ms. Mason-Lalande took her on, and was ordered to provide a DNA own life in late January 2013, a week after sample within a week. her confession led to charges being laid Mrs. Blakley noted the Weller family against her and Mr. Weller, who was led is “well known for its many, many conaway and handcuffed after the verdict tributions to the community,” and that
VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator 4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Kris Weller, an able builder, is willing to commit to helping rebuild the condos. About a dozen family members and friends spoke of his qualities as a person prior to sentencing, in which sentences handed out in similar cases were considered first by Judge Sheard. Kris’ father, Herb Weller, described Kris as an excellent student, athlete, climber and volunteer who once saved his life during a climbing accident. “His many good choices are a true reflection of his character,” he told Justice Sheard in a shaky voice. “He is the best climbing partner that I could absolutely trust.” “He has been nothing but a joy in my life,” said his mother, Colleen. “I will always love him and always be proud of him.” Friends spoke of his qualities as a lifeguard at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and of his skill as a builder. See A13
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