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Lundqvist shuts the door as Habs head to New York down 2-0
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Red Deer Advocate TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
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Innisfail homicide victim identified BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/ Advocate Staff
Runners participating in the Woody’s RV World Marathon and Half Marathon braved the rain as they began their run at 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. The marathon used parts of the trail system for the course, before finishing on 42A Avenue.
Volunteers key to marathon’s enduring popularity 2014 RACE SEES RECORD ENTRIES BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF
ATHLETES ENJOYED WET WOODY’S B1
A record number of runners — more than 1,600 — participated in this year’s Woody’s Marathon, but the marathon wouldn’t have been able to run without the help of its army of volunteers. Janice Dempsey has been involved in some way with the marathon since its start in 1998 as both a runner and as a volunteer. “I’ve run the marathon, I’ve run the half a few times. Last year I ran the half,” said Dempsey. “But in between when I’m not running I always volunteer.” This year she was set up on the race handing out drinks, directions and support for participants. “I love being there and I love the fact that when I’m running there are people out there helping you,
cheering you on, showing you the direction,” said Dempsey. “It’s fun to be part of it all. “I usually like being at the finish line, I like putting the medals on and seeing the faces of the participants as they cross. It’s really exciting.” For four years now Kirsten Barschel has helped out at the race. She used to run herself, but decided to help out in the local running community. “There’s the nervous anticipation of the race before when people are picking up their package and they’re excited to see what their training has done for them,” said Barschel. “On race day when everybody is lining up to go it is excitement, and after the race everyone has those endorphins flowing and everybody is happy with the accomplishment.”
Please see MARATHON on Page A2
Police are working to piece together the events that led to the homicide of Oleg Alex Cusnir, who was found dead in his burned out Ford F-350 last week The Medical Examiner’s Office deemed the death of the 27-year-old Innisfail resident a homicide Friday. Innisfail RCMP were called to a farmer’s field east of Innisfail last Thursday to a report of a vehicle on fire. The field, located south of Hwy 590 on Range Road 273, has been under investigation ever since the event. Sunday morning Innisfail Detachment Commander Staff Oleg Alex Cusnir Sgt. Chris Matechuk held a press conference at the Innisfail police station. He said police know when and how Cusnir died, but are not releasing it at this time. Cusnir was the registered owner of the vehicle and was the sole occupant when it was found engulfed in flames. He had no relation to the property where he was found. “We have persons of interest we are pursuing during this investigation,” said Matechuk, adding they are not in custody. “We have no suspects, but we have persons of interest and we are following up with them.” The Cusnir family is asking for privacy at this time. Though he lived in Innisfail he had previously lived in Red Deer. He emigrated from Moldova at a young age. “Mr. Cusnir was, in a police sense, not known to us, but some members have spoken to him in the past,” said Matechuk.
Please see HOMICIDE on Page A2
Retiring fire chief ready to answer the next call of his life BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF Fire Chief Jack MacDonald is hanging up his helmet after nearly 32 years of putting out fires in Red Deer. His final day at the Mountview Station 2 firehall is on May 30. MacDonald said the timing is right to answer the next call of his life. “There just comes a time when you realize it’s time to spend more energy and time with your wife and family,” said MacDonald, “The job is pretty much 24/7 and there are times when you say no to things. This opens up the opportunity to say yes to a lot more things.” On May 1, MacDonald, 56, marked 12 years as Red
Sun and cloud. High 18. Low 7.
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Please see MACDONALD on Page A2
City of Red Deer fire chief Jack MacDonald is set to retire.
Military central theme of royal tour Prince Charles reflected on Canada’s contribution to the Second World War in Halifax, the first stop of the royal tour.
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Deer’s top firefighter. MacDonald joined the department in 1982 after his wife and friends gently told him his dream of being a professional hockey player wasn’t going to pan out. He quickly rose through the ranks on the station floor as a lieutenant. MacDonald became involved with the local firefighters union and was president for an eight-year stint. “I had the unique opportunity to be at the bargaining table one day with the union and the next day with management,” said MacDonald. “It helped me develop what I hope is a better balanced perspective of understanding both sides.”