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Red Deer Advocate TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014
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Murder charges pending FAMILY OF MISSING BOY, GRANDPARENTS WON’T GIVE UP ON FINDING THEM ALIVE BY BILL GRAVELAND THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — Police say murder charges are pending in the mysterious case of a missing Calgary boy and his grandparents, but one relative says the family still hopes they’re alive. In an email to The Canadian Press, Teena Prevost, a sister-in-law of Kathryn Liknes, said her family is praying police are wrong. “Until the police can show us the bodies of our loved ones we will not believe they are deceased,” she wrote. “Praying we will find them alive.” Calgary police Chief Rick Hanson told reporters a man was arrested early Monday, but couldn’t be identified until he appeared before a justice of the peace on the charges later in the day or early Tuesday. The man is to face two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Alvin and Kathryn Liknes. One charge of second-degree murder is to be laid in the death of five-year-old Nathan O’Brien. Hanson said the man in custody is from Airdrie, a community north of Calgary, but would not confirm media reports that it is Douglas Garland. The 54-year-old lives on an Airdrie acreage with his parents and was earlier questioned as a person of interest in the case. Hanson would only say police are not looking for any other suspects. The missing family members were last seen two weeks ago, on June 29. The couple held an estate sale at their home that weekend and their grandson stayed for a sleepover. When his mother went to pick him up the next day, no one was home. Police have said there was evidence something violent had happened in the grandparents’ house, but always believed there was a chance they could be found alive. Shortly after the three disappeared, Nathan’s parents issued a tearful plea through the media asking for their return and urging their “superhero” son to be brave. “Even as the days went by there’s always a hope, there’s always a glimmer of hope,” Hanson said. “Unfortunately with the laying of the charges, we’ve taken that hope away from the family. So they are devastated.” After news of the arrest, flowers starting piling up in front of the grandparents’ home. A note next to some candles read, “I believe.” “I hope they’re wrong and they will find them,” said neighbour Natalie Stevenson. “To think of losing my parents like that or my son would just be a nightmare.” While refusing to discuss the evidence in any detail, Hanson said there is no “smoking gun” that finally led to the arrest and the belief the three are dead. Investigators met with Crown prosecutors on Sunday to go over evidence that had been gathered over the two weeks, he said. They determined charges were warranted. An Amber Alert issued shortly after the family members were reported missing was also cancelled.
Please see MURDER on Page A2
WEATHER Sunny. High 29. Low 14.
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Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff
Dwayne Wilson of Chilliwack B.C. pieces together the Super Shot — a vertical-drop thrill ride — at the Westerner grounds Monday morning. Most of the rides, concessions and games were set up within a matter of hours in preparation for Westerner Days, which begins Wednesday. The midway opens at noon.
Old forest, heat fuel fire BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF Old forest untouched by fire for decades or more and hot, dry conditions have proved a challenging combination in the West Country. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development wildlife officer Barry Shellian said conditions are unique for many reasons in Banff National Park where Spreading Creek Wildfire is approaching 17,000 acres burned. The Kootenay Plains is typically dry anyway but the recent heatwave and absence is significant rainfall has exasperated that. “The other couple of items were dealing with out there is a particularly old forest as well. “Many of these areas haven’t seen a wildfire for a particularly long time.” Wildfire is a natural part of the ecosystem and is key to regenerating forests from time to time. “When you look across the land base we’ll see a mosaic, sort of a jigsaw puzzle of different ages and species. These fires are a regulator of natural processes.” In the Spreading Creek area, it has
Contributed photo
The Spreading Creek Wildfire is a managed wildfire which will continue to grow and is classified as being held. The wildfire is 6,816 hectares. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development is continuing to manage this naturally occurring wildfire with 108 firefighters, seven helicopters and heavy equipment. been decades — and in some places centuries — since a fire swept through. Shellian said the fire is being held. “The fire is going to continue to grow but it is not out of control.” About 125 firefighters from the prov-
ince and Parks Canada and seven helicopters are working the borders of the fire and using natural barriers such as high ground and rivers to contain it.
Please see FIRE on Page A2
Exercise caution while floating down the Red Deer River BY RENÉE FRANCOEUR ADVOCATE STAFF
Photo by RENÉE FRANCOEUR/Advocate staff
The Bartlett family casts off from Fort Normandeau on Monday afternoon for a river ride to beat the heat.
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A scorcher of a Monday called for a jump in the river for the Bartlett family. Or at least a long, leisurely float down river, said mom Tanis. Tanis, her husband, Brian, their three daughters and family friend Chloe Hollings, all piled onto a giant inflatable tube and dinghy at Fort Normandeau for a drift down to the 67th Street bridge. It’s a popular summer pastime for Central Albertans who take to the Red Deer River at various spots, such as the Penhold Bridge, with all kinds of rafts and inflatables — some durable and some that shouldn’t be used out-
side a pool. “It’s time to veg out, spend time with each other and just soak up the sun,” said Tanis. “I really like how you see Red Deer from a different perspective, too. It’s beautiful.” Daughter Nisa, 18, agreed, pointing out the various species of birds and wildlife you can see from the river. She said going for a float feels like a vacation. It’s only the second time the Bartletts, who live in Red Deer, have gone floating. Two summers ago, at the end of August when the water level was extremely low, they also went for a ride in a big inner tube. “That time it took us three hours from here down to 67th,” said Tanis.
Please see FLOAT on Page A2
Canada ‘mourns’ Gaza deaths The Conservative government has expressed its first overt sympathy for the death of innocent Palestinian civilians. Story on PAGE A5
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