Red Deer Advocate, January 07, 2016

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Red Deer Advocate THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

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Tax hike starts at 3.77%

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF Tough times may be ahead as Red Deer grapples with a deep recession, provincial cutbacks and other uncertainties.

On the first day of the 2016 operating budget talks, City Manager Craig Curtis painted a snapshot of the challenges that faced administration as it crunched the numbers to craft the proposed $341.9-million operating budget.

He listed the provincial downloads, elimination of provincial grants, increase in matching Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding and the new carbon tax.

But despite the challenges, Curtis said the city crafted a budget that is responsible and listens to the community.

OPERATING BUDGET TALKS

‘WE HAVE SETTLED ON A SERVICE LEVEL AND THIS BUDGET DOESN’T CHANGE TO ANY MAJOR DEGREE SERVICE LEVEL BUT IT DOES RECOGNIZE ADDITIONAL COST OF MAINTAINING THE SAME SERVICE LEVEL IN AREAS OF GROWTH.’ — CRAIG CURTIS CITY MANAGER

Curtis said the city has kept the tax increase as low as possible without major downgrades in services.

The proposed one-year operating

budget comes with an estimated 3.77 per cent tax increase in the municipal portion on a property tax bill. That means the owner of a home assessed at

$325,000 will pay roughly $6 more per month on their total property tax bill or roughly $72 annually.

“We heard a lot from the community a few years ago that they wanted us to improve services,” said Curtis. “We have settled on a service level and this budget doesn’t change to any major degree service level but it does recognize additional cost of maintaining the same service level in areas of growth.”

Examples include maintaining new roads ($183,640) and parks ($229,087) and a one-time future growth strategy ($150,000).

One per cent of the tax increase goes to the capital amenities fund including work on the Canada Winter Games, said Curtis.

The other 2.7 per cent relates mostly to inflation and growth.

Please see BUDGET on Page A2

HOT POT STUDIO

CHRISTMAS MURDER

Man, 33, charged in death

BY MARY-ANN BARR ADVOCATE STAFF RCMP have charged a 33-year-old man with the murder of a man who was found dead Christmas Day in downtown Red Deer.

Chad Alexander Kulba, of Red Deer, is charged with the second-degree murder of Thomas Patrick Braconnier, 46, also of Red Deer.

The victim’s body was discovered in the early morning hours of Dec. 25, in a business vestibule near 50th Street and 50th Avenue.

RCMP said Wednesday that Kulba had been identified early on as a suspect in the investigation and had been detained Christmas Day by the RCMP for questioning.

While detained, RCMP allege that Kulba attempted to disarm a police officer and was subsequently charged in relation to that altercation and remanded into custody.

He was held in custody on those charges and was subsequently re-arrested Tuesday at the Red Deer Remand Centre and charged with second-degree murder and committing an indignity to a human body in relation to the death of Braconnier.

Kulba appeared in Red Deer provincial court on Monday on charges of assaulting an officer and attempting to disarm a police officer.

At the time, Kulba told judge Gordon Yake that he was being held in custody while police investigated him for murder.

“They’re (RCMP) making it up so they can keep me in jail,” said Kulba of the charges, adding police had searched his residence.

RCMP said the accused and victim were acquainted with each other because they resided in the same general neighbourhood and they are seeking no other suspects in the investigation.

Kulba has been remanded to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Monday by closed circuit television.

“The residents of Red Deer experienced two serious events on Christmas Day that were quite shocking, on what is supposed to be a day of peace and goodwill,” said Supt. Scott Tod, commanding officer of Red Deer RCMP.

Please see MURDER on Page A2

WEATHER Snow. High -12. Low -17.

FORECAST ON A2

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff

Ashley Edmundson, right, and Tamryn Kramer colour their own pottery at the Hot Pot Studio on Wednesday afternoon. The locally owned Hot Pot Studio moved to E15 5560-45 St. in the Cronquist Business Park near Body Basics from their downtown location for the new year, and have extended opening hours. For more information, visit www.hotpotstudio.com.

Lacombe police chief sounds alarm as crime jumps 20% in past two years

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF Words like troubling and disturbing are used by Lacombe Police Chief Steve Murray when describing the surge in crimes in his community.

In the last two years, crime has jumped by 20 per cent — to just under 7,000 calls in 2015 — almost the same increase measured over the preceding six years, when crime grew by 24 per cent. Not only is there more crime, the types of crime show a callousness and disregard by criminals for police and their victims, said Murray.

His 17 officers have responded and investigated a murder, aggravated assault and violent home invasion in

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the last six months of last year alone.

While maybe not uncommon in larger centres, these kinds of crimes were a rarity in Lacombe.

Four Lacombe police cruisers have been rammed, and one officer on foot struck, by suspects fleeing in stolen vehicles, a testament to the STEVE MURRAY threats police are facing.

Statistics released by police on

Tuesday show crime has jumped in every category, in many cases significantly, compared with a year earlier Assaults jumped to 28 last year from 11 in 2014. Firearm offences more than doubled to 11 from five, and 52 drug trafficking offences were investgated, up from 29 a year earlier.

There was a time when residential break-ins were unknown in Lacombe.

Last year, 74 break-ins —both residential and business — were reported, up from 44 in 2014.

Murray said the escalating crime trend was clear by mid-year last year, although he stresses the small city remains a safe community.

Please see LACOMBE on Page A2

Guilty pleas expected in horrific crash The lawyer for an accused drunk driver said Wednesday his client will plead guilty to multiple charges.

Story on PAGE A5

PLEASE RECYCLE

A2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016

Teen accused of sex crimes against 5 children on trial

BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF Tearful youths recounted stomach-churning sex assaults while they were members of Scouts and Cadet groups in Red Deer.

Accused in the matter is a youth who was also a member of the youth groups when the alleged assaults occurred, between 2011 and 2015.

One 17-year-old male victim recounted four assaults over a two-year period. The first came when the two were at a cabin at Camp Woods on Sylvan Lake in 2011 where he was threatened with a small knife to touch the accused in a sexual nature.

The trial began Wednesday for the now 18-yearold charged with five counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault with a weapon and one count each of sexual interference and an indecent act.

The male accused can’t be identified because he was a youth at the time of the offences.

A court ordered publication ban protects the identity of the victims as well.

The 17-year-old youth described three other assaults in his testimony. During a Scouts sleepover at Rexall Place in Edmonton, he said the accused made him touch him and threatened him again. A similar incident occurred at a later date while the two were on a camping excursion.

The three incidents occurred between 2011 and 2012.

Police say shotgun used to pepper three Chilliwack homes CHILLIWACK, B.C. — Mounties in Chilliwack, B.C., believe three shootings in 10 days are connect-

STORIES FROM PAGE A1

BUDGET: Staffing levels questioned Director of Corporate Services Paul Goranson told council the city saved $2 million through process improvements, technology implementation and collaboration in the 2016 budgets. Many of the projects and innovations were driven by staff, he said.

But some councillors had questions about the staffing levels.

Of the $341.9-million budget, $135.7 million is allocated to staffing (40 per cent). It does not include contracted staff which is accounted for in other areas of the budget.

Coun. Lynne Mulder wanted to see a comparison to other municipalities.

Curtis said the city is has a staffing level that is comparable to other similar-sized municipalities and organizational structure.

The city employs roughly 1,523 people including full-time, part-time, temporary and casual staff.

Coun. Buck Buchanan asked administration to take it a step forward and asked for more detailed information related to staffing and service levels.

Curtis said Red Deer not only services the city but provides regional service in a range of areas such as regional dispatch.

He said many of the staff increases over the last few years have dealt with services provided for people outside the city including water, wastewater systems and regional transit.

Coun. Ken Johnston asked about dipping into reserves to lower if not desolve a tax increase. Johnston said he would bring it up during the debate.

If the line of questioning is any indication, Mayor Tara Veer said she expects there will be rigorous debate around the line items in hopes of reducing the 3.77 per cent tax increase today.

“Council was very clear in the budget guidelines that we wanted to find innovations in savings for the community but to do that in a way that did not have service area cuts to the community, ” she said.

Veer said it is very apparent from what she heard from the city manager and the community that this is not a recession like the one experienced in 2008.

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A fourth incident occurred at the accused’s house while the two were playing video games as he performed an indecent act in front of him.

Two female victims also recounted their assaults.

One, a 15-year-old, described waking up on a bus to the accused fondling her in 2014. She got up to leave and said the accused grabbed her wrist and tried to assault her again. She got away.

The second female victim, now aged 17, described two incidents in 2011 and 2012 while the two were members of a local Scouts group.

The victim admitted the two were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time of the first assault, dating for a week. She said she was cornered in a storage space under the stairs of a two-storey cabin where he fondled her against her will. The cabin was at a camp where they were on a scouting activity in the fall of 2011. They broke up shortly after.

In May 2012, the victim described a second assault while the two were cleaning up garbage along the road near Clearview. She said the accused would make sure no one was looking and grab at her breasts quickly. She told him to stop, but he persisted.

Defence counsel Kevin Schollie questioned each witness on whether or not the incidents even occurred, suggesting to the witnesses that they did not even happen.

The trial resumes on Friday in Red Deer youth court with testimony from two more victims and police officers. mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com ed.

Police responded to a report of a shotgun fired at a house on the morning of Dec. 24. Two days later, shots were fired at another house a few minutes’ drive away. Early on Jan. 2, police say a 911 caller reported that a shotgun was used to strike another home just blocks from the other two houses.

“It is a far deeper recession,” she said. “We are anticipating it to be a longer recession than it was in 2008 which will obviously have an impact on the community. But I think it is unique about the circumstances that we find ourselves navigating in the new normal is the fact of the uncertainty of the provincial government and the direct impact it has on municipalities across the province.”

Council will begin debating the line items today starting at 1 p.m. in chambers. The deliberations are live streamed at www.reddeer.ca crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

MURDER: Officers shot, killed another suspect “I am pleased the RCMP have been able to resolve them both in the interests of our residents’ safety and security, but like all citizens of Red Deer, I regret that anyone should die or be injured tragically on Christmas Day.” The second event he is referring to was an officer-involved shooting where two local RCMP officers shot and killed a suspect after a man went on a rampage with a front-end loader. That incident is currently being investigated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.

LACOMBE: People trying to make quick cash As the ripples of the oilpatch slump reached Central Alberta, a gradual increase in crime followed “and then it really ramped up.”

He points to residential break-ins. “We could, literally, go a year or two without having a single residential break-in,” he said.

“Now we see the thefts, the break-ins, it’s the frauds, it’s the bad cheques — all the stuff that comes with people trying to flip some quick cash.”

With layoffs, dwindling shift callbacks and other economic stress came the robberies and assaults and crimes against persons, as they are known in police statistics. Increases in those types of crimes were already being seen in Sylvan Lake and Red

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TODDLER FUN

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff

Brielle Mandrusiak, 2, creates a snowy backdrop for her snowman during “Toddler Fun” programming at the Red Deer Public Library’s Downtown Branch Wednesday morning. The program, geared towards children aged 19 months to three, features interactive storytelling, rhymes, songs, puppets and crafts for children. It is held every Wednesday from 11-11:45 a.m. Toddler Fun is also held Tuesdays from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Dawe Branch.

Deer.

“We knew it was bound to hit us, but the stuff we saw in the last couple of months of ‘15 is really nothing short of shocking for us.”

Adding to the problem is an escape-at-all-costs mentality among criminals that has seen cruisers rammed and an officer almost run down.

“It’s an absolute callousness and such a disregard; it’s troubling, it’s disturbing.”

Given these unwelcome trends, the obvious question is what can police do about it.

Murray said he is reviewing Lacombe Police Service’s business plan to see how best to deal with the changing nature and number of offences, and the often more complex and time-consuming investigations they require.

Making sure he has the resources to respond to calls quickly, make arrests and complete investigations remains Murray’s first priority. To that end, Lacombe Police Service will be taking over its own dispatch beginning next year, a change that is expected to cut police response times in half.

But he sees that as only part of the best community response.

Crime is often a symptom of economic stress, as well as shortcomings in support available to deal with mental health, addiction and troubled youth issues among others.

He wants to see greater co-operation with social service and child welfare agencies, the probation office and other groups. Jail cells are not where people with addictions or mental health issues should end up, he added.

“You can’t just look at disturbing crime trends in isolation. You’ve got to be prepared to look at the big picture.”

That multi-pronged approach has been embraced by the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, which has lobbied the province to bolster community resources.

Murray said when the new police station was designed for Lacombe, which is due to open in October, room was included for other agencies at specific police request.

“It just makes sense to me that we would actually be a team based out of the same place and focused on the same results.”

The last thing that Murray wants to see is a community that has become fearful of its streets.

“That just strikes to the core. That’s a fear that’s really hard to manage.”

PIKE WHEATON

Weather LOCAL TODAY

TONIGHT

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

HIGH -12

LOW -17

HIGH -15

HIGH -15

HIGH -8

Periods of snow.

30% chance of flurries.

Sunny.

Sunny. Low -20.

Sunny. Low -21.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK

TONIGHT’S HIGHS/LOWS (Stk # 31312)

Calgary: today, periods of snow. High -12. Low -16.

Olds, Sundre: today, periods of snow. High -12. Low -19.

Rocky, Nordegg: today, periods of snow.

High -12. Low -21.

Banff: today, periods of snow. High -9. Low -18.

Jasper: today,60% flurries. High -9. Low

-20.

Lethbridge: today, periods of snow. High -11. Low -14.

Edmonton: today, periods of snow. High -12. Low -15.

Grande Prairie: today, 30% flurries High -15. Low -20.

Fort McMurray: today, 30% flurries.

High -17. Low -26.

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RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 A3

CLIMATE CHANGE

Canadian farms more vulnerable to drought

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — New research suggests farms in developed countries may be more vulnerable to longer, deeper droughts predicted to occur as a result of climate change. “(Those farms) are really good in terms of producing high yields in stable climates, but maybe they’re more vulnerable to weather shocks,” said Navin Ramankutty of the University of British Columbia, co-author of a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Ramankutty and his colleagues examined United Nations crop data from 177 countries between the years 1964 and 2007. Yields were correlated with about 2,800 extreme weather events over that time, including heat waves, droughts and floods.

The researchers found that droughts produced the greatest impact on yields. But in what Ramankutty called “a big surprise,” droughts hit farms in North America, Europe and Australia much harder than they hit farms in less-developed countries.

In the developed countries, droughts cut yields by an average of nearly 20 per cent. The drop was just over 12 per cent in Asia and slightly more than nine per cent in Africa. In Latin America, droughts had no significant impact.

Ramankutty suggests the differences may be due to the type of agriculture commonly practised in developed nations — large, intensively cultivated fields sown exclusively to one crop.

Western farmers may need to start thinking differently as climate becomes less and less predictable, Ramankutty said.

“That model works really well when the climate is stable, but it may not work so well when there is an extreme weather event.”

ALBERTA

BRIEFS

Agency clears RCMP after fatal shooting of suspected robber GRANDE PRAIRIE — A police watchdog says a suspected robber shot and killed by RCMP outside a convenience store in northern Alberta wanted to die.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says in a release that the 19-year-old man planned the confrontation with Mounties in Grande Prairie on Jan. 2, 2015.

It says he armed himself with a unloaded pellet gun that looked like a real handgun and ordered the store clerk to call police.

The man later released the worker and, over the phone, warned officers that he had a gun and would kill officers if they did not shoot him first.

When he came out of the store, he aimed at an officer, who shot the man in the stomach and legs.

He later died in hospital.

The agency’s executive director says a review of the shooting determined officers at the scene lawfully did their job.

“The available evidence paints a clear picture of a young man who wished to die at the hands of police and who carefully orchestrated a confrontation which left police with little alternative but to respond with lethal force,” said Susan Hughson.

“The evidence also establishes that, despite clear statements to the contrary, the man never wished harm to come to anyone other than himself.”

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Dr. Andrew MacIntosh (left) and Chris Reynolds, co-owner of a Halifax bar and an expert on craft brewing, sample 100-year-old beer. MacIntosh, an expert on fermentation, says lab tests have confirmed the sudsy liquid inside a century-old bottle found recently at the bottom of Halifax harbour is in fact beer — a type of India pale ale that has an ‘odd, meaty’ flavour.

Expert taste-tests beer in 125-year-old bottle

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS HALIFAX — An expert on fermentation says lab tests have confirmed the sudsy liquid inside a century-old bottle found recently at the bottom of Halifax harbour is in fact beer — a type of India pale ale that has an “odd, meaty” flavour.

Andrew MacIntosh, a professor at Dalhousie University, says he tried a sip of the ancient brew “for the sake of science.” He says it smelled like a burnt barrel with a bit of sulphur thrown in, but he insisted there were lighter tree fruit notes and the distinct bitterness of a once strong ale.

MacIntosh, who works with the newly formed Canadian Institute for Fermentation Technology, talked about his unusual findings during an interview from his Halifax office on Wednesday.

Q: What did it taste like?

A: I wouldn’t refer to it as tasty, but it was a lot better than I was expecting. It was astringent, a little salty. I was able to detect bitterness, but not obscenely so … and there was definitely an odd, meaty flavour, which I presumed was from some of the nitrogen that would break down from the yeast.

I expected far more salt concentration and that it would be much less recognizable as a fermentation product. This had a lot of traits: a little fruity but not citrus … It had characteristics that clearly could be linked to a modern fermentation of barley.

Q: What did it smell like?

A: It had a very strong odour. It wasn’t altogether pleasant, but it was indicative that it wasn’t seawater … There was a burnt, barrel-like smell to it. That wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t completely off-putting.

Q: What did you hope to learn from these tests?

A: We didn’t know that it was beer. It was a mystery liquid going in. As I study fermentation, it would provide great historical perspective to know how they brewed previously and how fermentation techniques have developed over the years We have records of how much grain was used, how much malt was used, how much barley. However, the

techniques for brewing have changed considerably.

Q: How did you test the beer?

A: We used a sterile syringe and we inserted it through the cork … (Under the microscope) it was just utterly swamped with dead micro-organisms, which is to be expected. It’s comparable to what has been found before in shipwrecked bottles of beer.

We looked at density, the colour of the beer, the pH (acidity) and we looked at the bitterness … Every test that we’ve done indicated that is was beer.

Q: What did you find?

A: Beer is typically between 4 and 5 (on the pH scale) … What we found is that this was 4.3, which is exactly comparable to a modern Keith’s … As for the colour, that is something that can be scientifically quantified. What we found was that it was similar to a standard pale ale.

Q: It was swamped with dead microbes?

A: Yes. We have some lovely pictures of those.

Q: You said the beer registered 15 on the bitterness scale. What does that mean?

A: That’s higher bitterness units than you would find in a lot of industrial, large-scale production lagers. They are often under 10 … Even after 120 years, it’s still more bitter than a modern beer. That was quite an interesting find. It seems that the cork had made a very good seal. I’m pleasantly surprised.

Q: What is the Canadian Institute of Fermentation Technology?

A: We work with small brewers and companies supporting craft brewing to bring in technology they can make use of, and to understand the science behind fermentation.

We’re very small and very new. We opened our doors this summer and we’ve had a lot of initial success with some of the products that we’ve been working on. We used to focus on the fisheries. Unfortunately, that industry has not been doing a lot of fundamental research lately. But the craft brewing industry has been exploding in the Maritimes.

Q: As a big fan of craft brewing, I salute you.

A: And, also as a big fan, it’s been quite an exciting ride so far.

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COMMENT

A4

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

City misses with anti-idling bylaw pass The City of Red Deer missed a big Be proactive instead of reactionary. opportunity on Monday to improve its It’s a shame and a bit surprising too, reputation for poor air quality. as the city has appeared eager to make For a city that in each of the last two other environmental improvements in years has failed to meet fedrecent years. eral air quality standards, It’s not about the governone would think they would ment sticking it’s hand in jump at the opportunity for our pocket, it’s about doing a simple step to improve it, the little things to improve even if it turns out to be lipour environment and even stick on a pig. save a little money along It is perplexing why they the way. would reject anti-idling legThe biggest fallacy that islation. we lean on is that we need Their excuse, that it to warm up our vehicles. would be difficult to enWe’re probably all guilty of force, does not pass muster. it at some point, especialThe city itself researched 69 ly on those days when the JOSH other communities across mercury dips down into ALDRICH Canada, including seven the minus-30 degrees Celin Alberta, that have anOPINION sius range. We run out to ti-idling bylaws. Those citthe car, start it and leave ies have found a way to enit warming up for 15-20 force it, so can we. minutes while we eat our breakfast or If we can enforce parking standards drink our coffee back inside. This is all in the downtown core, we can enforce excessive and is killing your mileage, idling bylaws. and many do this every time they warm Education is not enough. If you want up their vehicle regardless of temperato force change in an area of conve- tures. nience, hit drivers in the pocket. And The reality is, it takes just a couple it’s not enough to just say we’re going of minutes for your engine to warm up to wait to see what the province is go- in the extreme cold, basically enough ing to do. time for you to scrape your windows

and catch your breath. In fact, the interior of your car will warm up far quicker with the vehicle in motion. For those couple of minutes of discomfort, it’s Canada, dress appropriately.

Putting the car in motion quicker will also warm up the wheel bearings, the suspension and other systems that are not affected by a long idle.

You will also save a lot of money once you are driving.

An Environment Canada test showed that with a five-minute warm up fuel consumption increased by seven to 14 per cent and with a 10-minute warm up, consumption increased by 12 to 19 per cent.

This doesn’t just apply to warming up your car. This means every time you jump out of your car and leave it running while you pop into Timmies for your double-double, not only are you making your car an attractive site to passing car thieves, you are draining your fuel tank.

But why does this matter? If people want to be careless enough to blow through their gas, why not let them?

Because this is the simplest thing we can all do to decrease our carbon footprint.

According to the Natural Resources Canada website, with 19 million cars,

vans and light-duty trucks in commission in Canada, if all drivers avoided idling for three minutes a day, not only would we save roughly $630 million per year. We would also collectively prevent 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere daily and contributing to climate change. It would be the equivalent to taking 320,000 cars off the road for the entire year.

Even if you do not buy climate change as a reason, the direct health benefits are obvious. Anybody enjoy walking through a parking lot in the dead of winter to a mall or grocery store? Or what about kids meeting their parents after school in a lot filled with exhaust spewing cars, vans and trucks?

It is not good for anyone, especially those already with lung or breathing issues.

With or without the city enacting anti-idling bylaws this is a change we can all make — both those in rural and urban municipalities — that costs zero dollars and in fact saves you money, and at almost no inconvenience.

If Inuvik, N.W.T., can do it, we certainly can as well. jaldrich@reddeeradvocate.com

Advocate letters policy The Advocate welcomes letters on public issues from readers. Letters must be signed with the writer’s first and last name, plus address and phone number.

Pen names may not be used. Letters will be published with the writer’s name. Addresses and phone numbers won’t be published.

Letters should be brief and deal with a single topic; try to keep them under 300 words.

The Advocate will not interfere with the free expression of opinion on public issues submitted by readers, but reserves the right to refuse publication and to edit all letters for public interest, length, clarity, legality, personal abuse or good taste.

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Due to the volume of letters we receive, some submissions may not be published.

Mail submissions or drop them off to Letters to the Editor, Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., T4R 1M9; or e-mail to editorial@reddeeradvocate.com.

An open letter to City Council and Red Deer taxpayers To elected members of city council: In spite of challenging economic conditions for many households and businesses in our community, our city is proposing to increase operational spending.

During this time of hardship, we invite our mayor and council to stand-up for long-suffering taxpayers and not approve any increases in operational spending.

For 2016, our city’s operating budget will be in excess of $300 million. In 2003, operational spending was only about $89 million. Did you know that if our city limited its spending growth to population and inflation growth during this period, this budget would be more than $100 million less? For 2016, that amounts to an amazing $1,000 for every man, woman and child in this city.

We invite our mayor and council to make the city accountable for spending. A critical step would be

CENTRAL ALBERTA’S DAILY NEWSPAPER Published at 2950 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 1M9

by The Red Deer Advocate Ltd. Canadian Publications Agreement #336602 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation Mary Kemmis Publisher mkemmis@reddeeradvocate.com Josh Aldrich jaldrich@reddeeradvocate.com Managing editor

for our council (not our city manager to avoid auditing his performance) to engage the services of a reputable, independent management professional to review the city’s operations on “value for money” or “zero based” budget principles and report savings opportunities to council. Other municipalities, such as Calgary are undertaking these common sense initiatives. Why not here?

In the past, when challenged to provide cost savings, our city manager has offered to council unpalatable proposals for cost savings which punish city residents, such as increasing closure dates for city recreational facilities during periods of high demand. We invite our current council to not accept disingenuous proposals which fail to truly confront the structural inefficiencies in our city’s growing bureaucracies. The city exists to serve taxpayers, not the other way around.

Make no mistake, these persisting inefficiencies come with a real cost to our city, both in lost resources to improve the quality of life for our citizens and in maintaining our economic competitiveness– case in point is the growing exodus of businesses moving

Wendy Moore Advertising sales manager wmoore@reddeeradvocate.com Main switchboard 403-343-2400 News News tips 403-314-4333 Sports line 403-343-2244 News fax 403-341-6560 Email: editorial@reddeeradvocate. com Josh Aldrich, managing editor 403-314-4320 Greg Meachem, Sports editor 403-314-4363 Website: www.reddeeradvocate.com Advertising Main number: 403-314-4343 Fax: 403-342-4051 E-mail: advertising@reddeeradvo-

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cate.com Classified ads: 403-309-3300 Classified email: classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com Alberta Press Council member The Red Deer Advocate is a sponsoring member of the Alberta Press Council, an independent body that promotes and protects the established freedoms of the press and advocates freedom of information. The Alberta Press Council upholds the public’s right to full, fair and accurate news reporting by considering complaints, within 60 days of publication, regarding the publication of news and the accuracy of facts used to support opinion. The council is comprised of public members and representatives

to Gasoline Alley. (Our city’s property tax rates for businesses are uncompetitive with Red Deer County.)

You can stop the compounding costs of prior year failures from overshadowing your positive contributions.

When our city strives for excellence in its responsible use of taxpayer dollars, it makes it easier for individuals, families, and businesses in our community to do likewise.

To all long suffering Red Deer taxpayers: We invite you to visit the website of your Taxpayers Association (www.reddeertaxpayers.ca) and support your Taxpayers’ Association by joining it. That makes a positive difference.

We invite you to become more informed on the uses by the city of your hard earned taxpayer dollars, including the information on www.reddeertaxpayers.ca, and hold our mayor and council to account if they fail to fulfill their oversight responsibilities.

Jason Stephan, C.A., LL.B., T.E.P. President Red Deer Taxpayers’ Association

of member newspapers. The Press Council’s address: PO Box 2576, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8G8. Phone 403-580-4104. Email: abpress@telus. net. Website: www.albertapresscouncil.ca.

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Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Jennifer Neville-Lake, right, and her husband Ed, who lost their three children and their grandfather in a crash with accused drunk driver Marco Muzzo, speak to the media at the courthouse in Newmarket, Ont., on Wednesday.

Guilty pleas expected in horrific crash

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS NEWMARKET, Ont. — The lawyer for an accused drunk driver involved in a horrific crash that killed three young children and their grandfather said Wednesday his client will plead guilty to multiple charges.

Marco Muzzo — a member of one of Canada’s wealthiest families — faces a dozen counts of impaired driving and six more charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle related to the Sept. 27 crash north of Toronto.

His lawyer Brian Greenspan asked a Superior Court judge for permission to have the case return to court next month, when Muzzo will enter his plea.

“Mr. Muzzo has always accepted full responsibility for his actions and his conduct, and has from the first day of our meeting expressed his wish that this matter proceed as expeditiously as possible to this resolution,” Greenspan said outside the courthouse following a brief hearing.

Some of the charges Muzzo faces are “redundant,” Greenspan said, adding that his client will plead guilty to “those charges that the Crown presents to the court” at his next appearance.

The prominent lawyer noted that Muzzo’s legal case is progressing fast — the fastest he’s seen in his long career.

“What’s driving that is his acceptance of responsibility, his acceptance of the misconduct in which he was engaged and his true expression of remorse and contrition in the circumstances of this case.”

Nine-year-old Daniel Neville-Lake, his five-year-old brother Harrison, their two-year-old sister Milly, and their 65-year-old grandfather Gary Neville died in the collision in Vaughan, Ont. The children’s grandmother and great-grandmother were also seriously injured in the crash.

The Neville-Lake children’s parents were in court on Wednesday, wearing the ashes of their children in lockets around their necks.

The Muzzo family released a statement after their son’s arrest saying they were “greatly saddened” by the tragedy, and expressed their “deepest sympathy” to the Neville-Lake family.

The Muzzo family owns the drywall company Marel Contractors and is worth nearly $1.8 billion, according to Canadian Business magazine.

Before the crash, Muzzo had seven non-criminal offences, including a conviction for driving with a handheld device, according to the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Muzzo’s previous offences occurred throughout the Toronto area, from Richmond Hill to Newmarket, Orillia and Mississauga, the ministry said.

Judge warns jurors to view testimony with caution

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

SUITCASE MURDER

TORONTO — Two key witnesses in the case against a man charged with killing his teenaged daughter both had reason to lie, a judge told jurors on Wednesday.

In his day-long charge to the jury, Superior Court Justice Al O’Marra warned the seven women and five men to view the testimony against Everton Biddersingh given by his wife and son with extreme caution.

“A central issue is the credibility of the principle witnesses,” O’Marra said during his lengthy instructions.

“It is up to you to decide how much to believe.”

Elaine Biddersingh testified her “monster” husband beat her daily — testimony not supported by other evidence — and that she had no idea how her 17-year-old stepdaughter, Melonie Biddersingh, died in their small Toronto apartment in 1994.

She did however testify that she accompanied her husband — on his orders — to an industrial area north of Toronto, where Melonie’s charred body was found in a burning suitcase.

O’Marra noted that Elaine Biddersingh was present during the abuse of the teen, and faces her own first-degree murder trial in April.

“She has an interest in the outcome of the case, a strong motivation to lie,” the judge said.

Everton Biddersingh, 60, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his daughter, who experts estimated weighed just 50 pounds — the size of an average eight-year-old — when she died.

Autopsy results showed she had 21 bone fractures in various stages of healing in her lower back, pelvic area

and legs — injuries that might be seen in a car-crash victim — but which were never treated.

Her older brother, Cleon Biddersingh, testified his father inflicted the injuries — at the behest of his stepmother, who he said ruled the roost and believed the teen was possessed by the devil — by kicking and stomping her.

In addition to beatings and food deprivation, the girl was frequently chained to the wall, had her head forced into the toilet which was then flushed, was confined for hours at a time to a tiny broom closet, or shut out on the balcony. In the days before her death, she could barely walk, was incontinent, in pain, suicidal, and couldn’t keep food down, Cleon Biddersingh testified.

“He could see her bones and ribs,” O’Marra said in recounting the sibling’s testimony.

Cleon Biddersingh, who denied any part in the killing or disposing of the body, did say he complied with his father’s orders to beat his sister but was careful not to hurt her — testimony O’Marra highlighted.

O’Marra noted that charges including aggravated assault and criminal negligence were stayed against Cleon Biddersingh as well as several apparent inconsistencies in his testimony.

How the teen died is not certain — it would take almost 20 years to identify her charred remains — but experts said she either starved or drowned.

The defence, which called no witnesses, maintains Elaine Biddersingh was a domestic tyrant obsessed with demons who drowned her.

IN

Witnesses are apparently being flown in from different parts of the country to testify at the Ottawa hearing, which stems from an incident in November 2012.

The fact the military justice system is going after Pear, despite his honourable discharge in September 2013, relates to a Supreme Court decision that gives uniformed prosecutors unlimited discretion on when to proceed with a case.

Pear, who lives in Ottawa, denies the charge of drunkenness, saying he had a couple of drinks at the mess dinner, but they mixed badly with medication for post-traumatic stress disorder and the moment he felt ill, he went home.

He says a conversation with a naval lieutenant was misconstrued into an accusation that he had taunted the officer for not ordering another drink.

BRIEF Ex-soldier faces charges for taunting junior officer OTTAWA — Even though he’s been a civilian for more than two years, former warrant officer Wade Pear faces a court martial for allegedly mouthing a schoolyard taunt to a junior officer at an official dinner.

The veteran of multiple ground tours in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Cyprus faces counts of insubordination and drunkenness — charges that could lead to two years in military prison or hundreds of dollars in fines.

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Rebels sharper than Blades WIN FOURTH IN A ROW WITH SHUTOUT OVER HOST SASKATOON

BY ADVOCATE STAFF Rebels 5 Blades 0 SASKATOON — Could these be the real Red Deer Rebels, a team that is looking more and more like a legitimate Memorial Cup tournament host?

The Rebels posted their fourth consecutive Western Hockey League triumph Wednesday at Saskatoon, blanking the Blades 5-0 before 3,445 fans at the SaskTel Centre.

Coupled with Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders, the Rebels were 2-0 on their mini trip into Saskatchewan and were ultra-impressive in the process, particularly Wednesday evening.

“We were solid and steady. We didn’t give up much and capitalized

on our opportunities,” said Rebels GM/ head coach Brent Sutter. “We played a real solid game.”

Ivan Nikolishin’s 23rd goal of the season, a power-play marker at 17:01 of the opening frame, was the eventual winner. Haydn Fleury and Nikolishin, again, connected late in the second period.

Adam Helekwa potted a power-play goal at 6:30 of the final stanza and rookie Austin Pratt rounded out the Red Deer scoring just under 10 minutes later.

Rylan Toth turned aside 27 shots to record his fourth shutout of the season.

Brock Hamm made 33 saves for the hosts.

“We didn’t give up a whole lot. I thought the kids played hard and played well,” said Sutter.

Toth has allowed just three goals — all in Tuesday’s win at Prince Albert — in his last three games, a welcome sign that he’s playing with confidence.

“He made the saves when we had to get them tonight. They (Blades) had a few chances and Tother shut the door on them,” said Sutter. “We need that kind of goaltending.

“Since Christmas he’s been pretty good. He won the game against Edmonton at home (on Dec. 27) although he might have wished he had been a little better. But he responded well against Brandon (in a 10-0 win last Saturday) and now on this road trip he’s been good.

“He’s had four decent outings since Christmas.”

The Rebels were slated to arrive home at roughly 2:30 a.m. today. The

players will be on the ice this afternoon at the Centrium to prepare for Friday’s clash against the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The two teams are tied for top spot in the Eastern Conference and the ‘Canes are 3-0 versus the Rebels this season.

“They’ve certainly been the better team the three games we’ve played them,” said Sutter. “If we want to finish first (in the Central Division and Eastern Conference) we have to beat the best teams.”

Red Deer also hosts the Vancouver Giants Saturday at 7 p.m.

• The three stars Wednesday were (1) Nikolishin, (2) Fleury and (3) Toth … The Rebels were two-for-four on the power play, the Blades zero-for-five. gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

Ramo leading Flames resurgence

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — Karri Ramo is a patient man in a business that isn’t.

When the then-struggling Calgary Flames put the goaltender on waivers in October, they basically said they were ready to say farewell should another team claim him.

Fast forward 11 weeks and Ramo is back to No. 1 on Calgary’s goaltending depth chart. The Finn has started the last 10 games for Calgary and 25 of its last 28.

As he’s sorted out his game, so have the Flames. Ramo’s resurgence coincides with Calgary’s climb out of the NHL’s basement and into playoff contention in the Pacific Division near the halfway mark of the regular season.

Ramo’s save percentage has risen from .868 in October to .913. After a 3-8-1 month to start the season, the Flames (19-18-2) have won 11 of their last 15 games. Once the worst team in the NHL defensively, Calgary’s goalsagainst average has contracted to 3.10.

“October is long gone,” Ramo said Wednesday following practice at Scotiabank Saddledome. “Obviously at that moment, it’s not the greatest feeling, but in that kind of situation you have to see the bigger picture.

“In the NHL, everything changes so quickly so you can’t just think everything is done. You have to keep moving on. In a couple days, I was back up here. You never know what’s going to happen in this business.”

The Flames will hit the midway point of the season after games at home against the Arizona Coyotes and San Jose Sharks on Thursday and Monday respectively. Flames head coach Bob Hartley said winger Jiri Hudler will be out at least a week with an undisclosed injury.

It’s taken time, twists and turns for the Flames goaltending situation to settle in 2015-16. The team began the season with three goalies — Ramo, Jonas Hiller and Joni Ortio — all under one-way contracts.

Hiller started the majority of games for the Flames last season, but was supplanted by Ramo in the playoffs.

The Flames re-signed Ramo to a oneyear, $3.8-million deal on July 1.

After clearing waivers, Ramo’s Oc-

tober stint in Stockton, Calif., was brief because of an injury to Hiller. Ramo then did what Hartley hoped one his goaltenders would do, which was take the ball and run with it.

The way Ramo sees it, playing a lot of games accelerates improvement because he’s continually forced to execute at high speed and in pressure situations.

“The more you play, the more you always want to be better,” the 29-yearold said. “You change small things all the time. You try to get better stuff into your game and maybe that’s been the key.

“The more you play, the more you can do those things. In a game, you don’t have time to think that much. To make those things automatic, it takes a lot of work.”

Flames goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet say he and Ramo have worked on making him more efficient in net.

“Karri is a huge student of the game,” Sigalet said. “He’s 29 and he’s still trying to learn ways that will make his game easy, simplify his movement.

“The big thing we’ve worked on since the start of the year is just calming him down in the net, bringing him back in his net a little bit deeper and allowing his movements to be calmer and more controlled and not relying on his athleticism all the time, but using it when he needs it.”

Ramo collected his first shutout of the season Saturday with 26 saves in a 4-0 win over the host Colorado Avalanche. Tampa Bay’s late goal in a 3-1 loss to the Flames on Tuesday ended Ramo’s shutout streak at 152 minutes and 55 seconds.

There is a likely correlation between Ramo’s play and the increased production of Calgary’s top defensive pairing of captain Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie.

The duo have been more audacious on the attack lately. Brodie has two goals and 12 assists in his last 15 games while Giordano has contributed five goals and 10 assists in that span.

“You give up the odd chance here and there,” Giordano said. “I think we are playing better as a group but when you give up those big (chances) and he’s making those huge saves … it goes a long way. Our overall team record and play is a big result of that.”

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Calgary Flames goalie Karri Ramo reaches up to pull down his mask during a time out against the Colorado Avalanche an NHL game Saturday, in Denver.

Ramo is a patient man in a business that isn’t. When the Calgary Flames put the goaltender on waivers in October, Ramo saw it as a mere blip in the business that is the NHL.

NHL announces all-star game rosters SIDNEY CROSBY LEFT OFF LIST; OILERS’ HALL, FLAMES’ GIORDANO AND GAUDREAU MAKE CUT

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS NEW YORK — The upcoming NHL all-star game will be missing one of the sport’s top players.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby wasn’t included on the roster list Wednesday for the league’s mid-season showcase in Nashville on Jan. 30-31.

As part of a new format this year, players will take part in a three-game tournament, played in a 3-on-3 format, and featuring teams representing each NHL division.

Veteran centre Evgeni Malkin and defenceman Kris Letang will represent the Penguins on the Metropolitan Division team. Roster limitations — six forwards, three defencemen and two goalies for each division — led to Crosby’s exclusion.

“Growing up, he’s a player I watched all my life.

I’m not really sure what to say,” said Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was named to the Pacific Division roster. “He’s a great player and I’m sure he’ll be there next season and a few seasons following that.”

Crosby, a 28-year-old native of Cole Harbour, N.S., has only appeared in one all-star game (2007), missing three due to Olympic commitments and five because of injury.

His numbers this season are decent but not at their usual level.

Since his 102-point rookie campaign in 2005-‘06, Crosby has averaged over a point per game in every season until this one. His play has improved of late but he still entered Wednesday’s game in Chicago with 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 38 games.

Defenceman Mark Giordano, the other Calgary

player named to the roster, said Crosby’s game is back in form.

“He probably didn’t get out to the start he wanted to, but you can see he’s turning it up now and has really been on fire lately,” Giordano said. “When it’s one of the faces of the game, it’s tough him not being there.”

Malkin, meanwhile, was selected for the sixth time, leaving him behind only Mario Lemieux (13) and Jaromir Jagr (nine) among Penguins players with the most all-star appearances.

Malkin has 37 points (18-19) this season. Letang has 24 points (4-20) and regularly plays over 25 minutes each game.

Forwards Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers and Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks joined Gaudreau and Giordano on the Pacific roster.

“Last year was a lot of fun for me as a rookie to get to attend the skills competition and get to play in the game too,” Gaudreau said. “This year I think it will be just as fun.”

Forward Leo Komarov of the Toronto Maple Leafs and defencemen Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators and P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadiens were named to the Atlantic Division team. Winnipeg defenceman Dustin Byfuglien was named to the Central Division squad.

Earlier, fans voted Jagr, now with Florida (Atlantic), Chicago’s Patrick Kane (Central), Washington’s Alex Ovechkin (Metropolitan) and Arizona’s John Scott (Pacific) as the division captains. Scott, a tough guy with the Coyotes, was voted in despite recording just one assist in 11 games.

Ovechkin will be one of three capitals players, including centre Nicklas Backstrom and goaltender Braden Holtby. Backstrom’s bid drew praise from his captain.

“He deserves it,” Ovechkin said after practice at Boston University. “He’s one of the top players in the league. Finally, it’s not only one guy who goes from Washington. It’s going to be three guys.”

All 30 teams have at least one representative.

Greg Meachem, Sports Editor, 403-314-4363 E-mail gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

>>>>

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Edmonton Oilers’ Taylor Hall (4) takes part in practice, in Edmonton, on Wednesday. Hall has been chosen to represent the Oilers at the NHL’s all-star weekend at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

“I think the game is going to be a lot harder to play,” Giordano said. “One of the things I’m looking forward to is experiencing that new format. Nashville is a great city so it will be a lot of fun.”

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B2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016

Griffey Jr., Piazza get HOF nods

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Ken Griffey Jr. was considered Mr. Clean during 22 years in the major leagues, untainted by accusations of drug use as he climbed the home-run list during the height of the Steroids Era. He nearly made a clean sweep in Hall of Fame voting.

Griffey received 437 of 440 votes in his first appearance on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot, a record 99.3 per cent.

“It’s real simple,” he explained after Wednesday’s announcement. “I’ve always said that I’ve got to look my kids in the eyes and you want to play fair.”

Mike Piazza, the top offensive catcher in baseball history, was elected, too, and will be inducted along with Griffey in Cooperstown on July 24. Among the many muscled sluggers whose accomplishments were questioned during a time when chemists preyed on clubhouses, Piazza was made to wait until his fourth appearance on the ballot. After falling 28 votes shy last year, he was selected on 365 (83 per cent).

He wouldn’t say whether he was upset about being sullied by suspicions.

“That’s the freedom we have,” Piazza maintained.

“You can say these things, and that’s the country we live in.”

Griffey topped the previous high percentage of 98.84, set when Tom Seaver appeared on 425 of 430 ballots in 1992.

The identities of the three writers who did not vote for Griffey was not immediately known.

“I can’t be upset,” he said.

“It’s just an honour to be elected, and to have the highest percentage is definitely a shock.”

A player needs to appear on 75 per cent of ballots to gain election. Jeff Bagwell missed by 15 votes and former Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raines by 23. Trevor Hoffman, second on the career saves list and appearing on the ballot for the first time,

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this 2006 photo, Team USA outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., left and coach Ken Griffey, Sr., right, share a laugh during batting practice at Chase Field in Phoenix. Ken Griffey Sr. said the family was hoping to get the call on his son’s first year of eligibility for the Hall. But to get the highest vote percentage ever was a shock, Wednesday. was 34 short.

Total ballots dropped by 109 from last year after writers who have not been active for 10 years were eliminated under a rules change by the Hall’s board of directors. With a younger average electorate, Roger Clemens rose to 45 per cent and Barry Bonds to 44 per cent, both up from about 37 per cent last year. Clemens has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, and Bonds said he never knowingly took any banned substances.

“They were Hall of Famers before all this stuff started,” Griffey said.

Mark McGwire, who admitted using steroids, received 12 per cent in his 10th and final ballot appearance.

Half of baseball’s top 10 home run hitters are not in the Hall: Bonds (762), Alex

Rodriguez (654), Jim Thome (612), Sammy Sosa (609) and McGwire (583). Rodriguez, who served a yearlong drug suspension in 2014, remains active. Thome’s first appearance on the ballot will be in 2018.

Griffey believes drug-testing, which began in baseball in 2003, should eliminate the possibility of stigma for the current generation of players.

“There won’t be any questions and you’ll know from here on out,” he said.

Some players who admitted using steroids claimed they chose the needle because of pressure to compete. Griffey said he never was tempted.

“I also had a dad that said you’re never going to be the biggest, you’re never going to be the strongest and you’re never going to be the fastest,” he said. “There’s always going to be someone in each of those

categories, but the one thing they can’t do is outwork you.”

“I never really worried about what somebody else was doing, because it was out of my control,” he added. “I was already popular. It wasn’t that I needed to jump out and surprise people.”

Griffey and Piazza had contrasting treks to stardom.

Griffey was selected first in the 1987 amateur draft and became the first No. 1 to make the Hall. Piazza was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 1,390th pick on the 62nd round in 1988 since the draft started in 1965, the lowest draft pick elected to the Hall had been John Smoltz, taken with selection 574 on the 22nd round in 1985.

“It crystalizes how special this game is,” Piazza said. “It separates it from other sports.

Athletic talent definite-

ly helps, but it’s not the only thing that can make you successful.”

Griffey was known simply as “Junior” by many as a contrast to his father, threetime All-Star outfielder Ken Griffey, who played alongside him in Seattle during 1990 and ‘91. The younger Griffey became a 13-time All-Star outfielder and finished with 630 homers, sixth on the career list. After reaching the major leagues in 1989, he was selected for 11 consecutive All-Star Games in 1990.

Wanting to play closer to his home in Florida, he pushed for a trade to Cincinnati — his father’s old team and the area he grew up in— after the 1999 season. But slowed by injuries, he never reached 100 RBIs again after his first season with the Reds, and he moved on to the Chicago White Sox in 2008 before spending his last season-plus with the Mariners.

Griffey is likely to become the first player in the Hall with a Mariners cap.

He wouldn’t say whether his bronze plaque should portray the look he’s most known for.

“I haven’t really thought about the hat backwards,” he said.

Piazza said he was directed not to speak about the hat on his plaque, which ultimately is decided by the Hall. After reaching the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1992, Piazza was dealt to Florida in May 1998 before he could become a free agent, then traded eight days later to the Mets.

He played for the Mets’ 2000 National League champions and remained with New York through 2005, hitting a memorable go-ahead home run in the first game in the city following the 2001 terrorist attacks. During a career that ended with San Diego in 2006 and Oakland the following year, he hit better than .300 in nine straight seasons and finishing with 427 home runs, including a record 396 when he was in the game behind the plate. A 12-time AllStar, Piazza had a .308 career batting average.

Flyers send Lecavalier, Luke Schenn to Kings

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Vincent Lecavalier is ready for one last run at the Stanley Cup, and the Los Angeles Kings are giving him a chance.

The Kings acquired Lecavalier and defenceman Luke Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday in a trade for centre Jordan Weal and a third-round pick.

After playing sparingly for the Flyers over the past two seasons, the 35-year-old Lecavalier plans to end his 17-year NHL career this summer, according to Kings general manager Dean Lombardi.

But the once-dominant centre hopes to go out with a deep post-season run, and the Pacific Division-leading Kings are prime contenders for their third Stanley Cup in five years.

“Vinny, at this stage of his career, it’s all about getting one last chance to win it all,” Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said. “I think he’s hungry, and given his mindset, I think it’s a potentially great fit in his role.”

Lecavalier has been a healthy scratch for much of the season, appearing in just seven games while his career apparently wound down with the struggling Flyers. Yet he also is a former Richard Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goal-scorer and a 108-point scorer who won the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004.

He’ll have a chance to fill a significant role down the middle with the veteran Kings (25-12-2), who are in first place in the division and second place in the Western Conference.

“There’s nothing better than to be

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In this April 7, 2015 photo, Philadelphia Flyers’ Vincent Lecavalier waits for the puck during an NHL game in Philadelphia. Lecavalier is ready for one more run at the Stanley Cup, and the Los Angeles Kings are giving him a chance. The Kings acquired Lecavalier and defenseman Luke Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, in a trade for center Jordan Weal and a third-round pick. on a team that’s been there,” Lecavalier said in a phone interview conducted by the Kings. “If you look at the standings and where they are right now, they’re obviously playing some great hockey. I know the Kings have high expectations for the players, and I love that. … Just to be a part of that, it’s very exciting.”

Lombardi said the Kings couldn’t have made the deal without Lecava-

lier’s assurance that he plans to retire this summer. Lecavalier has two years left on his contract, and Los Angeles needs the salary cap room to sign several key players for next season, including star centre Anze Kopitar.

“We could give him what he wanted, which is a serious shot at going out as a winner, but we could not make that commitment going forward,” Lombardi said. “It kind of fit where he was with

Predators trade Seth Jones to Blue Jackets for Ryan Johansen

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NASHVILLE — General manager David Poile hopes he finally has gotten Nashville the No. 1 centre he’s been trying to land for 18 years.

All it took was one of his best young defencemen.

The Predators traded Seth Jones to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Ryan Johansen on Wednesday in a move Poile hopes boosts Nashville’s offence and position in the Central Division standings.

“A lot of good players come through here and we’ve had some good centres, but I think we have a chance here to have truly a number one centre, something that we’ve been coveting for a long time,” Poile said.

Poile called it a steep price to pay. But Nashville ranks 13th in goals against and only 17th in

goals scored.

Poile said this season has been a struggle with the Predators inconsistent on offence. Nashville currently is in the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference with 45 points, four ahead of Colorado.

“Having Ryan Johansen at centre ice, still with the defence that we have with our top four still being intact, I think this is a better balance for our club and gives us a better chance to win on a nightly basis,” Poile said.

Johansen, 23, played in every game for Columbus the past two seasons, and the 6-foot-3, 218-pound centre from Vancouver, B.C., had six goals and 20 assists in 38 games this season after scoring 26 goals and 45 assists last season.

He has 79 goals and 114 assists in 309 career games and was the fourth overall pick in the 2010

draft. The forward said the trade didn’t come as a surprise with the rumours involving him for Jones the past few days.

“No secret we need defencemen here in Columbus, they wanted a centerman in Nashville,” Johansen said.

“I think both teams might be winning. Seth Jones obviously is an elite defenceman. Every time we play him you know he’s on the ice and you’re aware of him, and I’m hoping I can be that dangerous top line centre in Nashville.”

Johansen said he hoped to arrive in Nashville later Wednesday night and join the Predators in time for a four-game road trip that starts Friday night in Colorado.

Jones, 21, was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft, and the right-handed 6-foot-3 defenceman has played 40 games for Nashville this season with one goal and 10 assists.

his career and his life.”

Lombardi confirmed the Flyers will pay 50 per cent of the salaries for both Lecavalier and Schenn, clearing up their own cap space in the process.

Los Angeles won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014, and coach Darryl Sutter’s club has rebounded impressively this season after missing the playoffs last spring. The Kings have a history of getting revitalized efforts from veteran forwards, including Jeff Carter to Marian Gaborik, during their championship runs.

Lecavalier, who scored at least 20 goals in 13 of his first 15 NHL seasons, has 932 points in 1,170 regular-season games with the Lightning and the Flyers, who signed him as a free agent in 2013 after 14 seasons with Tampa Bay. The Lightning’s No. 1 overall pick in 1998 scored a modest 37 points in his first season with Philadelphia, but has just 21 points while playing in only 64 games since.

Lecavalier signed with the Flyers partly for the chance to play in the system of coach Peter Laviolette, who was abruptly fired three games into Lecavalier’s first season. Although Lecavalier contributed to a playoff run in 2014, he was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career on Dec. 2, 2014, and his fortunes never recovered in Philadelphia.

Schenn, who has two goals and three assists for the Flyers, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but his right-handed shot could fit in well on Los Angeles’ blue line. He is the older brother of Philadelphia forward Brayden Schenn, traded from Los Angeles to the Flyers in 2011 in a deal for Mike Richards.

Capitals sign 1-year deal with Mike Richards

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — In need of centre depth, the Washington Capitals agreed to a $1 million, one-year deal with two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Richards on Wednesday.

Richards had been a free agent after a tumultuous off-season. He was arrested at a Canadian border crossing in June and charged with possession of a controlled substance, and the Los Angeles Kings bought out the remaining five years of his contract.

The Capitals said Richards met with the NHL earlier in the day and was given clearance to resume his career immediately. Washington visits the New York Islanders on Thursday night, and Richards is scheduled to speak to reporters at Barclays Center prior to the game.

Richards had been skating with his former junior team in Kitchener, Ontario, to stay in shape while not playing games.

His legal situation is still pending in the province of Manitoba.

Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said that having a strong organization in place and people around Richards who know his situation will help the 30-year-old.

RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 B3

Raptors hand Nets eighth straight loss

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Raptors 91 Nets 74 NEW YORK — Hours after one of their best defenders had surgery, the Toronto Raptors got back to defending the way they know they can.

Jonas Valanciunas had 22 points and 11 rebounds, and the Raptors handed the Brooklyn Nets their eighth straight home loss, 91-74 on Wednesday night.

Even without DeMarre Carroll, who could be out a while after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee across town, the Raptors held the Nets below 40 per cent shooting and won easily even while missing 18 of their 22 3-point attempts.

“We’re going to have games where we’re not going to be able to score,” guard DeMar DeRozan said. “We’ve got to understand we’ve got to be able to win games in the 80s and keep teams, like tonight, in the low-70s, high-70s.”

Kyle Lowry had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. He made all seven shots inside the arc but was 0 for 7 from 3-point range as Toronto bounced back after giving up nearly 120 points per game in consecutive losses to Chicago and Cleveland.

Brooklyn is at the other end of the Eastern Conference standings, and its poor play at home is one of the reasons. The Nets haven’t won at Barclays Center since beating Philadelphia on Dec. 10.

“We need to work through some things,” centre Brook Lopez said. “It hasn’t all gone as planned.”

DeRozan scored 15 points.

Carroll is one of the Raptors’ best defensive players, but the Raptors had no trouble getting their defence back on track after their back-to-back losses. They have won 15 straight games when holding opponents below 100.

“I thought overall we needed a game like that to show from start to finish we put our defensive imprint on the game,” coach Dwane Casey said.

And it helped on the other end to have a strong game from Valanciunas with their outside shots not falling.

“I think JV just did a good job of being in the right spots tonight,” Lowry said. “He was much more active and going against a true big like Brook he just got up for the challenge.”

Lopez had 24 points and 13 re-

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Toronto Raptors’ Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Brooklyn Nets’ Brook Lopez (11) fight for a rebound during the second half of an NBA game Wednesday, in New York. The Raptors won 91-74. bounds for Brooklyn, which wore black uniforms reading “Los Nets” instead of its usual whites.

But the result was the same as usual at home, where the Nets heard a few boos as the Raptors led by double digits throughout the fourth quarter.

“It was just overall domination,” Nets coach Lionel Hollins said.

The Raptors outscored the Nets 16-2 to close the second quarter, then finished the third with a 13-4 spurt that gave them a 70-56 lead. Toronto quickly pushed it to 18 to put it away.

Joe Johnson, battling a bruised left quad, finished with five points on 2-of7 shooting. He was scoreless until hitting a 3-pointer in the third quarter,

giving him a field goal in 919 straight games, the longest active streak in the NBA. TIP-INS Raptors: Lowry had double-doubles in his previous three games. He was trying to become the first Raptors player with four in a row since Chris Bosh in 2010. … Toronto is 1-1 on its fivegame road trip.

Nets: Thaddeus Young was held to 11 points and seven rebounds. He entered averaging 16.4 points against Toronto, his highest against any opponent. … Johnson had scored 20 points in consecutive games for first time this season.

DEMARRE’S DECISION

Carroll had recently played in five straight games after missing nine last month. Casey said with the team in New York, Carroll consulted with Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery and they decided on the surgery.

“Kind of the treatment situation wasn’t going. It kept continuing to swell so they made the decision to do it,” Casey said.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL The all-time series is tied at 39-39.

The teams split four games last season, with a total score of 434-434, and the score had been 1,504-1,504 in the previous 15 meetings, counting regular season and post-season.

Crowley resigns as Canadian rugby coach

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Two weeks after agreeing to a two-year contract extension, Kieran Crowley has resigned as coach of the Canadian men’s rugby team.

Citing ongoing negotiations, Crowley would only say he was quitting to take over an Italian club team. Two sources said the former All Black Kieran Crowley is headed to Benetton Treviso, which currently sits last in the Guinness Pro 12 league with an 0-11-0 record.

“It was a decision that I thought long and hard about,” Crowley said Wednesday. “I just think the timing is right.”

That seems at odds with the recent Canada contract extension. But Rugby Canada’s offer was essentially a limited vote of confidence. And af-

ter almost eight years on the job, the 54-year-old Crowley has done more than his share of heavy lifting with the national team.

Crowley, who played briefly in Italy in the ’80s, will take up his new club duties June 1 at the end of the Pro 12 season. He offered to stay on in the interim but Rugby Canada elected to make the split immediate. Women’s coach Francois Ratier will serve as interim men’s coach at next month’s Americas Rugby Championship.

In the wake of last fall’s Rugby World Cup, Crowley turned down one outside job offer. But he listened to the Italian proposal, eventually accepting a formal offer submitted after the Canadian extension.

Rugby Canada was caught by surprise when he informed them of his decision Tuesday. Still they were appreciative of his efforts.

“I would say Kieran has worked very very hard,” said Gareth Rees, a former Canadian captain who is now manager of Rugby Canada’s men’s program. “He inherited a program that was in turmoil.

“He brought a lot of integrity to the

program. That was very important.

That was very important to me. That’s one of the reasons I’m back working at Rugby Canada, because of the values he espoused. Which are to me very Canadian, although he’s a Kiwi.”

Crowley’s passion was evident during Canada’s games. While cool as a cucumber before and after in his dealings with the media, his blood pressure would spike with each careless turnover or mistake.

Crowley helped provide a solid professional platform for the national team, while doubling as assistant coach for the sevens squad. And because of his international ties, he helped players find jobs overseas.

Still, on the surface, the numbers on Crowley’s tenure aren’t flattering.

Canada was ranked 15th in the world when he took over. He leaves with Canada in 19th spot.

Crowley’s record at Canada’s helm was 27-43-1, including 24-32-1 in test matches. At the Rugby World Cup, the Canadian men were 1-6-1 in two trips under the New Zealander.

Despite that, Canada has made strides. Other countries have simply

progressed further.

“We have to be honest to say that compared to some of the coaches he’s coaching against, there’s a lot of challenges in Canada,” said Rees.

Geography, the lack of a pro league, having to share a thin talent pool between the sevens and fifteens game, and rugby’s relatively low spot on the North American sports totem pole have combined to make boosting Canadian rugby a Herculean task.

Consider that 37-year-old forward Jamie Cudmore, perhaps Canada’s highest-profile pro, has just 39 test caps. To his credit, 14 of those have come at the Rugby World Cup. But injuries, suspensions and club commitments in France have kept Cudmore from playing internationally more often.

Crowley says Canadian rugby is on the same page these days. “I think we’ve made massive strides,” said Crowley. But challenges remain. The U.S. is ahead of Canada in forming a pro league. And Canada is struggling with the sevens versus fifteens divide, which Rugby Canada has now formalized.

Jordan Spieth isn’t the only player with a tough act to follow

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS KAPALUA, Hawaii — Jordan Spieth isn’t the only player with a tough act to follow.

Jason Day is coming off a monster year of his own with five victories, including his first major at the PGA Championship and a pair of FedEx Cup playoff events that gave him a brief spell at No. 1 in the world.

His goal for 2016 is more of the same. A lot more.

“I’m very motivated to get back to No. 1,” Day said Wednesday. “I’m very motivated to win as many tournaments as I can this year, and to be a more dominant player. Whether it happens or not, we’ll see at the end of the year.

But I’m going to give it a good shot. I’m going to work my tail off every single day to try and achieve that.”

The first step is the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, which kicks off the new year in grand style.

This is the strongest field at Kapalua in 10 years, with Spieth and Day at Nos. 1 and 2 in the world, along with Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, British Open champion Zach Johnson and defending champion Patrick Reed among the 32-man field of PGA Tour winners from the previous year.

Day, much like Spieth, wants a continuation from the previous year.

Only it might not be as easy.

While everyone in the field has played tournaments over the last few months because of the wraparound season, Day brings rust to this island paradise.

He hasn’t competed since Oct. 11 at the Presidents Cup. He has played only four holes, that was a month ago in Florida during a corporate day.

He chose to stay home in Ohio as his wife gave birth to their second child, a

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jason Day hits from the second tee during the Tournament of Champions golf pro-am, Wednesday, at Kapalua Plantation Course on Kapalua, Hawaii. daughter they named Lucy.

That doesn’t mean he wasn’t in the news.

Day was spotted in Detroit for a Thursday night NFL game against the Packers. He was on the sidelines holding a camera from some TV connections he had. That was a big thrill.

More famously, he had a courtside seat to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers, where the most watched highlight was LeBron James going hard after a loose ball and crashing into Day’s wife, Ellie, sending her to the hospital.

Social media being what it is, Day caught some grief for not jumping in

front of his wife.

“It happened so quick. I’m going to do that?” he said. “I’m not going to stop a 260-pound guy that’s 6-8 running full speed. Ellie took it like a champ, though. Once I saw her, she was on the ground, she was kind of freaking out a little bit about her neck, and once they started doing the test on her — she’s moving her legs, hands, feet, arms — I knew everything was going to be OK. She had post-concussion symptoms.”

Day said he left his house twice and both times he was on TV. That’s the price of stardom that he earned last year with a performance

that was better than all but one player.

Spieth is under a brighter glare in Hawaii because of his two majors and sweep of all the awards, though he is approaching the new year as if the old one never ended. In some respects, it didn’t. Spieth tied for seventh in Shanghai to regain the No. 1 ranking, he tied for second in the Australian Open and he finished fourth in the Bahamas.

Spieth has specific goals that he only shares with his team. The big picture hasn’t changed.

“Got to close tournaments out, so it goes to victories,” he said. “Certainly, you’ve got to be there in a couple of major championships come Sunday and have a chance to do what we did this past year, which we had a chance each of the four Sundays.

“I’ve been close a lot and closed out a little, and you’ve got to have the breaks go your way,” he said. “But closing it out is something that’s a different mental edge than I really knew the last couple years prior to the 2015 season.”

Day can replace Spieth at No. 1 in the world ranking by winning, or even finishing second depending on what Spieth does. The battle for No. 1 figures to take place for at least the first few months of the season. As for his desire to win more and become a dominant player? He was awfully close to that the final four months of last season, when he won four times and never finished worse than 12th in his last nine events.

“I know that I’ve got it in me because of how the second half went last year,” Day said. “And I’ve got the belief that I can do it. I’ve just taken three months off. I’m excited and a little nervous at the same time just to see how it goes. But it all comes down to — like anything else — to want. And if I want it enough, it will happen.”

SCOREBOARD Hockey GA 122 125 130 144 162 131

Pt 52 50 45 40 33 29

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF 40 28 12 0 0 171 41 28 13 0 0 158 42 25 15 1 1 140 41 17 20 4 0 115 39 14 21 3 1 127 41 7 31 3 0 82

GA 122 118 129 133 152 172

Pt 56 56 52 38 32 17

WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF Kelowna 40 28 10 2 0 145 Victoria 42 24 14 1 3 142 Prince George 39 23 14 1 1 133 Kamloops 37 18 14 4 1 129 Vancouver 41 15 21 3 2 119

GA 113 107 115 114 142

Pt 58 52 48 41 35

U.S. DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF 36 22 12 0 2 100 37 20 14 3 0 118 39 19 15 3 2 129 38 20 17 1 0 134 40 17 21 2 0 126

GA 79 111 132 124 152

Pt 46 43 43 41 36

Everett Seattle Spokane Portland Tri-City

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Local Sports

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION GP W L OTLSOL GF Brandon 40 24 12 2 2 150 Prince Albert 40 23 13 3 1 133 Moose Jaw 40 20 15 4 1 139 Regina 40 17 17 3 3 125 Saskatoon 39 15 21 3 0 121 Swift Current 40 12 23 4 1 93

Lethbridge Red Deer Calgary Edmonton Medicine Hat Kootenay

B4

(unsportsmanlike cnd.) 6:57, Bishop Sas (roughing) 10:29, Johnson RD (roughing) 10:29, Polei RD (tripping) 16:22.

Shots on goal Red Deer 11 18 9 — 38 Saskatoon 6 10 11 — 27 Goal — Red Deer: Toth (W, 22-10-0) Saskatoon: Hamm (L, 11-12-2).

Power plays (goal-chances) — Red Deer: 2-4 Saskatoon: 0-5.

WHL Scoring Leaders

Wednesday’s results Red Deer 5 Saskatoon 0 Edmonton 3 Vancouver 1 Lethbridge 5 Swift Current 2 Prince George at Kamloops, late Victoria 6 Tri-City 2 Tuesday’s results Red Deer 4 Prince Albert 3 Moose Jaw 4 Medicine Hat 2 Tri-City 4 Victoria 3 (SO) Friday’s games Medicine Hat at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Prince Albert at Brandon, 6:30 p.m.

Vancouver at Calgary, 7 p.m.

Regina at Kootenay, 7 p.m.

Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Tri-City at Kamloops, 8 p.m.

Victoria at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Everett at Kelowna, 8:05 p.m.

Portland at Seattle, 8:35 p.m.

Saturday’s games Medicine Hat at Prince Albert, 6 p.m.

Saskatoon at Moose Jaw, 6 p.m.

Swift Current at Brandon, 6:30 p.m.

Vancouver at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Calgary at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Kootenay at Lethbridge, 7 p.m.

Kamloops at Portland, 8 p.m.

Victoria at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Regina at Spokane, 8:05 p.m.

Tri-City at Kelowna, 8:05 p.m.

Everett at Seattle, 8:05 p.m.

Sunday, January 10 Moose Jaw at Swift Current, 1 p.m.

Kamloops at Portland, 6 p.m.

Everett at Spokane, 6:05 p.m.

Wednesday’s summary Rebels 5, Blades 0 First Period 1. Red Deer, Nikolishin 23 (Bleackley, Helewka) 17:01 (pp).

Penalties — Strand RD (checking to the head) 7:42, Kustra Sas (high-sticking) 15:45, Nogier RD (interference) 19:00.

Second Period 2. Red Deer, Fleury 8 (Johnson) 16:36.

3. Red Deer, Nikolishin 24 (Helewka, Debrusk) 19:04.

Penalties — Zajac Sas (roughing) 2:17, Nogier RD (roughing) 2:17, Rattie RD (charging) 8:17, Reid Sas (interference) 13:56, Hebig Sas (inter. on goaltender) 17:00.

Third Period 4. Red Deer, Helewka 19 (Nikolishin, Fleury) 6:30 (pp).

5. Red Deer, Pratt 5 (Doetzel, Johnson) 16:04.

Penalties — Waltz Sas (tripping) 6:10, Bleackley RD

Tyson Baillie, Kel Ivan Nikolishin, RD Adam Brooks, Reg Brayden Burke, Let Dryden Hunt, MJ Parker Bowles, TC Reid Gardiner, P.A. Devante Stephens, Spo Alex Forsberg, Vic Giorgio Estephan, Let Collin Shirley, Kam Egor Babenko, Let Cameron Hebig, Sas Brett Pollock, Edm Nolan Patrick, Bra Tyler Wong, Let Justin Gutierrez, Let Andrew Nielsen, Let Chase Witala, PG Jesse Gabrielle, PG Jonathon Martin, SC Matthew Phillips, Vic Brayden Point, MJ Mathew Barzal, Sea Radel Fazleev, CAL Dominic Turgeon, Por Keegan Kolesar, Sea Lane Bauer, Edm Connor Gay, Sas

G 24 24 21 11 25 24 24 16 17 22 26 19 19 17 14 24 19 9 25 25 24 21 18 9 14 19 17 20 14

A 39 35 38 47 29 30 30 37 34 28 22 28 27 29 32 21 25 35 18 18 19 22 25 34 28 22 24 20 26

Pts 63 59 59 58 54 54 54 53 51 50 48 47 46 46 46 45 44 44 43 43 43 43 43 43 42 41 41 40 40

National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts Florida 40 24 12 4 52 Montreal 42 23 16 3 49 Detroit 40 20 13 7 47 Boston 38 20 14 4 44 Ottawa 40 19 15 6 44 Tampa Bay 40 19 17 4 42 Toronto 38 16 15 7 39 Buffalo 40 15 21 4 34

GF 111 121 101 118 114 101 103 92

GA 86 104 106 105 120 98 103 110

Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts 39 29 7 3 61 40 22 13 5 49 40 22 14 4 48 41 20 16 5 45 40 19 16 5 43 38 16 15 7 39 41 16 18 7 39 41 15 23 3 33

GF 124 113 118 94 94 83 94 105

GA 85 99 105 97 99 105 114 131

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts Dallas 42 28 10 4 60 Chicago 42 25 13 4 54 St. Louis 42 23 14 5 51 Minnesota 39 21 11 7 49 Nashville 40 19 14 7 45 Colorado 40 19 18 3 41 Winnipeg 40 19 19 2 40

GF 146 117 103 105 104 113 108

GA 113 100 103 92 106 111 115

Washington N.Y. Islanders N.Y. Rangers New Jersey Pittsburgh Philadelphia Carolina Columbus

Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 39 25 12 2 52 105 87 Arizona 39 19 16 4 42 110 124 Vancouver 41 16 16 9 41 100 115 Calgary 39 19 18 2 40 104 122 Anaheim 39 16 16 7 39 73 94 San Jose 37 18 17 2 38 101 106 Edmonton 41 17 21 3 37 102 122 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Tuesday’s Games Washington 3, Boston 2 Florida 5, Buffalo 1 N.Y. Rangers 6, Dallas 2 Chicago 3, Pittsburgh 2, OT Minnesota 4, Columbus 2 Philadelphia 4, Montreal 3 Winnipeg 4, Nashville 1 Calgary 3, Tampa Bay 1

Today

Wednesday’s Games Montreal 2, New Jersey 1 Chicago 3, Pittsburgh 1 Vancouver 3, Carolina 2 Toronto 4, Anaheim 0 St. Louis at Colorado, late

• College women’s hockey: NAIT at RDC, 7 p.m., Arena.

• Men’s basketball: Vikings vs. Btown, Bulldog Scrap Metal vs. Silver Spurs, 7:15 and 8:30 p.m., Lindsay Thurber.

Thursday’s Games Washington at N.Y. Islanders, 5 p.m.

Florida at Ottawa, 5:30 p.m.

Philadelphia at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Winnipeg at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

Arizona at Calgary, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Los Angeles, 8:30 p.m.

Detroit at San Jose, 8:30 p.m.

Friday

Friday’s Games Boston at New Jersey, 5 p.m.

Columbus at Carolina, 5 p.m.

Buffalo at Chicago, 6:30 p.m.

Nashville at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

St. Louis at Anaheim, 8 p.m.

NHL Scoring Leaders Patrick Kane, Chi Jamie Benn, Dal Tyler Seguin, Dal Erik Karlsson, Ott Vladimir Tarasenko, StL Taylor Hall, Edm Blake Wheeler, Wpg Johnny Gaudreau, Cgy Joe Pavelski, SJ Daniel Sedin, Vcr John Klingberg, Dal Evgeni Malkin, Pgh Patrice Bergeron, Bos Evgeny Kuznetsov, Wash Alex Steen, StL Bobby Ryan, Ott Artemi Panarin, Chi Mike Hoffman, Ott Patrick Sharp, Dal Michael Cammalleri, NJ Nicklas Backstrom, Wash

G 23 24 23 9 23 16 10 17 20 17 6 18 15 13 13 13 13 19 16 14 11

A 36 28 27 33 18 25 30 22 18 21 32 19 22 24 24 23 23 16 19 21 24

Pts 59 52 50 42 41 41 40 39 38 38 38 37 37 37 37 36 36 35 35 35 35

2016 NHL All-Star Game Rosters NEW YORK — The 44 players named Wednesday to the National Hockey League all-star weekend rosters for the league’s new 3-on-3 tournament, Jan. 29-31 in Nashville, Tenn. (c—captain): ATLANTIC DIVISION Goaltenders Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Roberto Luongo, Florida.

Defencemen Aaron Ekblad, Florida Erik Karlsson, Ottawa P.K. Subban, Montreal.

Forwards Patrice Bergeron, Boston c-Jaromir Jagr, Florida Leo Komarov, Toronto Dylan Larkin, Detroit Ryan O’Reilly, Buffalo Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay. METROPOLITAN DIVISION Goaltenders Braden Holtby, Washington Cory Schneider, New Jersey Defencemen Justin Faulk, Carolina Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Ryan McDonagh, N.Y. Rangers.

Forwards Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh c-Alex Ovechkin, Washington Brandon Saad, Columbus John Tavares, N.Y. Islanders.

CENTRAL DIVISION Goaltenders Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Pekka Rinne, Nashville.

Defencemen Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Roman Josi, Nashville Shea Weber, Nashville.

Forwards Jamie Benn, Dallas Matt Duchene, Avalanche c-Patrick Kane, Chicago Tyler Seguin, Dallas Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Jonathan Toews, Chicago.

PACIFIC DIVISION Goaltenders John Gibson, Anaheim Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles.

Defencemen Brent Burns, San Jose Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Mark Giordano, Calgary.

Forwards Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Taylor Hall, Edmonton Joe Pavelski, San Jose Corey Perry, Anaheim c-John Scott, Arizona Daniel Sedin, Vancouver.

on a one-year contract. Named Chris Holt pitching coach of Quad Cities (MWL).

KANSAS CITY — Agreed to terms with OF Alex Gordon on a four-year contract.

National League L.A. DODGERS — Designated LHP Tyler Olson for assignment. Agreed to terms with RHP Brandon Beachy on a one-year contract.

PITTSBURGH — Designated C Tony Sanchez for assignment. Agreed to terms with RHP Neftali Perez on a one-year contract.

WASHINGTON — Designated RHPs Erik Davis and Taylor Hill for assignment. Agreed to terms with 2B Daniel Murphy on a three-year contract and INF Stephen Drew on a one-year contract.

FOOTBALL National Football League nflpa — Fined agent Ben Dogra $200,000 and revoked his license.

ATLANTA — Signed WRs C.J. Goodwin and Jordan Leslie, RB Gus Johnson, OL Collin Rahrig and QB Matt Simms to reserve/future contracts.

CAROLINA — Placed CB Charles Tillman on injured reserve. Signed DB Lou Young from the practice squad.

CINCINNATI — Placed DT Brandon Thompson on injured reserve. Signed DT DeShawn Williams from the practice squad.

HOUSTON — Signed DE Devon Still to a reserve/ future contract.

MIAMI — Signed RB Jahwan Edwards, WR Robert

Herron, LB Terrell Manning, CB Dax Swanson, Gs Vinston Painter and Anthony Steen and DEs Julius Warmsley and Jordan Williams to reserve/future contracts.

MINNESOTA — Placed TE Rhett Ellison on injured reserve. Signed DE B.J. DuBose from the practice squad and DT Toby Johnson to the practice squad.

ST. LOUIS — Announced the contracts of offensive assistant coach Jeff Garcia, wide receivers coach Ray Sherman, running backs coach Ben Sirmans, assistant strength and conditioning coach Adam Bailey and assistant special teams coach Paul Boudreau will not be renewed.

TAMPA BAY — Fired head coach Lovie Smith.

Canadian Football League WINNIPEG — Released QB Brian Brohm, RB Da’Rel Scott, DLs Jamarkus McFarland and Ethan Farmer.

SOCCER Major League Soccer CHICAGO — Traded W Patrick Nyarko from D.C. United for a 2016 second-round draft pick.

COLUMBUS — Agreed to terms with sporting director and coach Gregg Berhalter on a multi-year contract extension.

LOS ANGELES — Signed M Jeff Larentowicz.

Named Peter Vagenas vice-president of soccer operations.

NEW ENGLAND — Signed M Diego Fagundez to a multi-year contract.

NEW YORK CITY — Named Jon Patricof president.

McLean, Belchos both win third national title of week at Canadian championships CALGARY — Heather McLean of Winnipeg and Toronto’s Jordan Belchos both won their mass start race on Wednesday for their third national titles of the week at the Canadian single distance long track championships.

McLean won the women’s mass start in a tight sprint finish ahead of Kali Christ and Victoria Spence of Kamloops, B.C., who came in second and third respectively.

McLean’s win puts her in place to be nominated for Canada’s second spot at the

world single distance championships. Fellow Canadian Ivanie Blondin has already pre-qualified in the mass start at the worlds.

“I did mass start growing up for probably 15 years, so it’s definitely something that I have experience in”, said McLean, who won the 500 metre and 1,000 events earlier this week.

“If there was an opportunity for me to race it at world championships, it’s on my bucket list, so it’s definitely something that I would con-

sider.”

Belchos finished first in a breakaway finish, with Stefan Waples of Winnipeg taking the second spot. Antoine Gelinas-Beaulieu of Sherbrooke, Que., finished in third.

“This race has been so fast at the World Cups, so I committed myself today, because I was pre-qualified, to try to make the race as tough as I can and just hope that the toughest guy won, whoever it was,” said Belchos. “Stefan was the toughest guy with me and I’m happy for him.”

MMA

cent contract extension with the UFC. Holm was reluctant to wait until Rousey finished filming two movies this year before their presumed rematch, which was expected to be at UFC 200 in Las Vegas in July.

The UFC apparently hears Holm’s concerns, so White says the Albuquerque-based champion will get another fight in the interim, likely pushing back the date of her rematch with Rousey.

White didn’t announce a date or opponent for Holm, but former title contender Miesha Tate is the most logical choice.

an light-heavyweight Misha Cirkunov will welcome American newcomer Alex (The Spartan) Nicholson to the UFC next month at UFC 196 in Las Vegas.

The 28-year-old from Toronto won his UFC debut in Saskatoon in August when he stopped late injury replacement Daniel (Werewolf of Texas) Jolly with 15 seconds remaining in the first round.

It was the fifth straight firstround victory for the six-footthree Cirkunov (10-2-0).

Nine of Cirkunov’s 10 wins have come in the first round.

The six-foot-four Nicholson (6-1-0) is also riding a five-fight win streak. He has been campaigning in Florida promotions most recently.

The main event Feb. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena pits heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum against former title-holder Cain Velasquez.

BRIEFS Holly Holm will take another fight before Rousey rematch says UFC President Dana White LOS ANGELES — UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm will take another fight before her much-anticipated rematch with Ronda Rousey.

UFC President Dana White announced the plan Wednesday night on Fox Sports 1, the UFC’s corporate broadcast partner.

Holm (10-0) beat Rousey in November for one of the biggest upsets in recent sports history.

Holm also agreed to a re-

Saturday • Juvenile curling: Servus Credit Union Bonspiel, Pidherney Centre.

• Minor midget AAA hockey: Calgary Canucks at Red Deer Strata Energy, 11:30 a.m., Arena.

• Midget AA hockey: West Central at Red Deer Indy Graphics, 2 p.m., Arena; Red Deer Elks at Olds, 7:30 p.m.

• Peewee AA hockey: Wheatland at Olds, 2:15 p.m.; Central Alberta at West Central, 5:30 p.m., Rocky Mountain House.

Canadian lightheavyweight Misha Cirkunov to face Alex Nicholson at UFC 196 TORONTO — Canadi-

Sunday • Juvenile curling: Servus Credit Union Bonspiel, Pidherney Centre.

• Minor midget AAA hockey: Southeast at Red Deer North Star, 11:30 a.m., Arena; Rockyview at Red Deer Strata Energy, 2:15 p.m., Arena.

• Major midget girls hockey: Edmonton at Red Deer, 2:30 p.m., Kinsmen A. • Heritage junior B hockey: Coaldale at Ponoka, 2:30 p.m.

• Peewee AA hockey: Bow Valley at West Central, 2:45 p.m., Sylvan Lake.

• Midget AA hockey: Central Alberta at West Central, 3:15 p.m., Rocky Mountain House; Foothills at Red Deer Elks, 5 p.m., Arena; Wheatland at Olds, 5:30 p.m.

• Men’s basketball: Grandview vs.

Carstar, Chillibongs vs. Monstars, Alken Basin vs. Rusty Chuckers, 4:15 p.m.; Washed Up Warriors vs. NWS, Henry’s Eavestroughing vs. Lacombe All Sports Cresting, Triple A Batteries vs. The D Leaguers, 5:30 p.m.; all games at Lindsay Thurber.

• Bantam AA hockey: Okotoks at Central Alberta, 4:30 p.m., Big Valley.

• Chinook senior AAA hockey: Innisfail at Bentley, 4:45 p.m., Rimbey.

Football NFL Playoff s Wild-card Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 9 Kansas City (11-5) at Houston (9-7), 2:35 p.m.

Pittsburgh (10-6) at Cincinnati (12-4), 6:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 10 Seattle (10-6) at Minnesota (11-6), 11 a.m.

Green Bay (10-6) at Washington (9-7), 2 p.m.

Divisional Playoffs Saturday, Jan. 16 & Sunday, Jan. 17 Pittsburgh, Kansas City or Houston at Denver (124), TBA Cincinnati, Houston or Kansas City at New England (12-4), TBA Seattle, Green Bay or Washington at Carolina (151), TBA

Minnesota, Washington or Green Bay at Arizona (13-3), TBA Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 24 NFC, TBA AFC, TBA Pro Bowl Sunday, Jan. 31 At Honolulu Team Rice vs. Team Irvin, 6 p.m.

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7 At Santa Clara, Calif.

TBD, 4:30 p.m.

Basketball National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 22 15 .595 — Boston 19 16 .543 2 New York 18 19 .486 4 Brooklyn 10 25 .286 11 Philadelphia 4 33 .108 18

Miami Atlanta Orlando Charlotte Washington

Transactions Wednesday’s Sports Transactions HOCKEY National Hockey League LEAGUE — Suspended Washington F Zach Sill two games for boarding Boston D Adam McQuaid.

ARIZONA — Assigned F Laurent Dauphin to Springfield (AHL).

NASHVILLE — Traded D Seth Jones to Columbus for C Ryan Johansen.

N.Y. RANGERS — Recalled G Cedrick Desjardins from Manchester (ECHL) to Hartford (AHL).

PHILADELPHIA — Traded D Luke Schenn and C Vincent Lecavalier to the L.A. Kings for F Jordan Weal and a 2016 third-round draft pick.

TAMPA BAY — Assigned F Brian Hart from Syracuse (AHL) to Greenville (ECHL).

WASHINGTON — Agreed to terms with C Mike Richards on a one-year contract.

American Hockey League HARTFORD — Recalled F Alex Krushelnyski from Utah (ECHL).

SAN JOSE — Returned F Jesse Mychan to Colorado (ECHL).

SYRACUSE — Recalled D Charlie Dodero from Greenville (ECHL).

BASEBALL Major League Baseball American League CLEVELAND — Designated RHP Kirby Yates for assignment.

HOUSTON — Agreed to terms with 1B Chris Carter

• Bantam AA hockey: Bow Valley at Central Alberta, 6 p.m., Big Valley; Airdrie at West Central, 8 p.m., Sylvan Lake.

• Juvenile curling: Servus Credit Union Bonspiel, Pidherney Centre.

• WHL: Lethbridge at Red Deer, 7 p.m., Centrium.

• Midget AA hockey: Okotoks Black at Olds, 7:30 p.m.

• Midget AAA hockey: Foothills at Red Deer, 8 p.m., Arena.

• Heritage junior B hockey: Mountainview at Three Hills, 8 p.m.

• Chinook senior AAA hockey: Fort Saskatchewan at Bentley, 8:30 p.m., Rimbey.

• Midget AAA hockey: Calgary Royals at Red Deer, 4:45 p.m., Arena.

• Bantam AA hockey: Lethbridge at Olds, 4:45 p.m.

• WHL: Vancouver at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Centrium.

• Heritage junior B hockey: Coaldale at Red Deer, 8 p.m., Arena; Three Hills at Ponoka, 8 p.m.

Southeast Division W L Pct 21 14 .600 21 15 .583 19 17 .528 17 18 .486 15 18 .455

GB — 1/2 2 1/2 4 5

Central Division W L Pct 24 9 .727 21 12 .636 20 15 .571 20 16 .556 14 23 .378

GB — 3 5 5 1/2 12

Cleveland Chicago Indiana Detroit Milwaukee

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 31 6 .838 — Dallas 21 15 .583 9 1/2 Memphis 19 18 .514 12 Houston 17 19 .472 13 1/2 New Orleans 11 23 .324 18 1/2 Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City 25 11 .694 Utah 15 19 .441 Portland 15 23 .395 Denver 13 23 .361 Minnesota 12 24 .333

GB — 9 11 12 13

Golden State L.A. Clippers Sacramento Phoenix L.A. Lakers

Pacific Division W L Pct 33 2 .943 23 13 .639 14 21 .400 13 25 .342 8 28 .222

GB — 10 1/2 19 21 1/2 25 1/2

Tuesday’s Games Chicago 117, Milwaukee 106 New York 107, Atlanta 101 Dallas 117, Sacramento 116,2OT Golden State 109, L.A. Lakers 88 Wednesday’s Games New York 98, Miami 90 Indiana 95, Orlando 86 Cleveland 121, Washington 115 Toronto 91, Brooklyn 74 Detroit 99, Boston 94 Denver 78, Minnesota 74 Dallas 100, New Orleans 91 San Antonio 123, Utah 98 Phoenix 111, Charlotte 102 Oklahoma City 112, Memphis 94 L.A. Clippers 109, Portland 98 Thursday’s Games Atlanta at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.

Boston at Chicago, 6 p.m.

Utah at Houston, 6 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 8:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games Toronto at Washington, 5 p.m.

Orlando at Brooklyn, 5:30 p.m.

Cleveland at Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Indiana at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

Dallas at Milwaukee, 6 p.m.

Denver at Memphis, 6 p.m.

New York at San Antonio, 6:30 p.m.

Miami at Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

Golden State at Portland, 8 p.m.

Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.

Lacrosse National Lacrosse League East Division GP W L Pct. GF Buffalo 0 0 0 .000 0 New England 0 0 0 .000 0 Rochester 0 0 0 .000 0 Toronto 0 0 0 .000 0 Georgia 1 0 1 .000 15 GP Colorado 1 Saskatchewan 1 Vancouver 0 Calgary 1

West Division W L Pct. 1 0 1.000 1 0 1.000 0 0 .000 0 1 .000

WEEK ONE Saturday’s result Saskatchewan 10 Calgary 8 Friday’s result

GF 16 10 0 8

Colorado 16 Georgia 15 GA GB 0 — 0 — 0 — 0 — 16 .5 GA GB 15 — 8 — 0 .5 10 1

WEEK TWO Saturday, Jan. 9 Toronto at Georgia, 5:05 p.m.

Calgary at Buffalo, 5:30 p.m.

Colorado at Rochester, 5:30 p.m.

New England at Vancouver, 8 p.m.

WEEK THREE Thursday, Jan. 14 Rochester at Toronto, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 15 Calgary at New England, 5 p.m.

Vancouver at Saskatchewan, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16 Toronto at Rochester, 5:30 p.m.

Buffalo at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 17 New England at Georgia, 12:05 p.m.

OLDS GRIZZLYS Three members of the Olds Grizzlys will suit up with Team West in the Canadian Junior Hockey League Prospects Game Jan. 26 at Surrey, B.C. Goaltender Kurtis Chapman, forward Riley Smith and defenceman James Miller are among eight Alberta Junior League players named to the western squad, which will take on Team East.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Rudy Soffo netted 14 points and added eight rebounds to lead the Notre Dame Cougars to an 89-33 win over the host Lacombe Rams in senior high boys basketball action Tuesday.

Every member of the Cougars hit the scoresheet, with four players — Kristopher Leblanc, Edward Ortiz, Cody White and Josh Ballantyne — each draining 10 points. Matthew Miller was the Rams’ top scorer with five.

Elsewhere, the visiting Lindsay Thurber Raiders got 16 points from TK Kunaka and 12 from Vince Barbuco in a 72-34 victory over the Ponoka Broncs. Andrew Ma contributed eight points for the winners.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Dave McComish pumped in 29 points to lead Wells Furniture past Lacombe All Sports Cresting 92-68 in Central Alberta Senior Men’s Basketball Association action Tuesday.

Bryce Laschert scored 12 points for the winners, while All Sports Cresting got 17 points from Jeremy Purviance and 15 from Brandon Witmore.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

B5

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Fax 403-341-6560 editorial@reddeeradvocate.com

CHRISTMAS TREE DROP-OFF

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff

A pile of Christmas trees grows at a drop-off location in the Red Deer Tennis Club parking lot downtown on Tuesday evening. Red Deerians are invited to drop off their natural Christmas trees at locations throughout the city, or leave them on their front lawn for the annual Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity tree pickup, which runs from Jan. 8 to Jan. 22.

CALENDAR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS

FRIDAY, JAN. 8 ● Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School choir — Take Note — presents Sing, Sing, Sing!, 7 p.m. on Jan. 8 at Red Deer College Arts Centre, Mainstage. Enjoy the choir’s work on classical jazz, accompanied by their own rhythm section made up of Thurber students, past and present, as well as special guests, a cappella sensation HOJA, and more. Tickets are $15 with proceeds towards spring tour costs. Contact Lisa Friesen, choral instructor, 403-347-1171, ext.

1709. ● Friends On Ice Ringette Tournament will be held Jan. 8 to 10 at Kinex, Dawe Centre, Collicutt Centre, and Kinsmen Arenas.

Come and cheer for the 800 players. Sponsored by Baymont Inn and Suites (formerly Red Deer Lodge). ● Hard of Hearing Support Group meets the second Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at abc Country Restaurant. Discuss the highs and lows and laughs of living with hearing loss on Jan. 8.

No charge, but please RSVP to speakupcentralalberta@gmail.com, 403-356-1598. ● First Friday’s lineup on Jan. 8 includes: Urban Moves: Photographs by Arto Djerdjerian at Kiwanis Gallery (Red Deer Public Library Downtown Branch) from 6 to 8 p.m. ● Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity Christmas tree pick up will take place Jan. 8 to 22. Donations to the charity can be made directly to the firefighter picking up the tree, or mailed in pre-addressed envelope left in the homeowner’s mailbox. See reddeer.ca.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9

● Kids Knit (and grown-ups too!) at Red Deer Public Library Downtown Branch on Saturdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Children ages nine years and up, or children under nine years accompanied by an adult, are welcome to learn to knit, or work on their own project.

This is an unstaffed program but there may be other knitters who can help you get started. Phone 403-346-4688. ● Lego Builders Saturdays meet at Dawe Branch of Red Deer Public Library from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Jan. 9, and Feb. 6.

Children ages six and up are invited to participate in a free Lego build activity. Children under six may attend with an adult. ● Games Day at Red Deer Royal Canadian Legion is offered every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy board games, cards, and more. Bring extended family and friends or come for time of fun for all ages. Contact Bev at 403-342-0035. ● Royal Canadian Air Force Association members meet at noon on the second Saturday of the month at the ABC Country Restaurant for a luncheon and business meeting. Guests are welcome. Next meeting is Jan. 9. The association preserves and perpetuates the traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force and advocates a proficient and well equipped air force in Canada. The local 703 Wing provides a forum for serving former participants in military and civil aviation and a meeting of like minded people. Contact Al at 403-341-3253, or email to amlow@shaw.ca. ● Senior Citizens Downtown House musical jam session, dance, and sing-along will be featured on Jan. 9 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.. Admission $2.50, includes coffee, tea and goodies. Call 403-346-4043. ● Ponoka Senior Drop-In Centre jam sessions are held Saturdays from 1 to 4

p.m., next on Jan. 9. Lots of dancing. Refreshments and snacks. Please bring snacks.

Phone Linda at 403-783-8461. ● MAGnificent Saturdays offer free art making with a professional artist from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery in downtown Red Deer. The Jan. 9 session is called Recreating Renaissance. All materials supplied. Families welcome. Phone 403-309-8405. Free with admission.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 ● Erskine Seniors Jam Session is held the second Sunday of each month — next Jan. 10 — from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Odd Fellows Hall. Jam for free. Dance or listen for $3 per person. Contact Gordon at 403-742-5207. ● Family Planetarium is offered at Kerry Wood Nature Centre on Jan. 10. Join an interpreter for a tour of the winter sky starting at 1 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, or $10 per family at the door. Phone 403-346-2010.

MONDAY, JAN. 11 ● Monday Mezz Madness: Teens-only Yoga will be offered on Jan. 11 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the mezz at Downtown Branch of Red Deer Public Library. Join Jessica — resident mezz yoga pro – and develop flexibility, strength and co-ordination while making new friends. No experience necessary. Please bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing. ● Any Book Book Club meets on the second Monday of the month (unless it’s a holiday), from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Timberlands Branch of the Red Deer Public Library. On Jan. 11, share your thoughts on any recently read book or get recommendations. Refreshments provided. New members welcome.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12 ● Red Deer Pottery Club meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Contour Studio in the Recreation Centre, downstairs.

New members always welcome. For more information call Karen at 403-347-0600.

● Sunrise Toastmasters Open House will be offered on Jan. 12 starting at 7 a.m.

Experience a meeting and find out more. The group meets Tuesday mornings at 7 to 8:30 a.m. at 40 Holmes Street west of Canadian Tire (67 St.). Toastmasters improves both communication and leadership skills. Everyone welcome. Phone 403-343-0091 or see www.toastmasters.org ● Multiple Sclerosis Society Whisky Festival will be featured Jan. 12, 7 to 10 p.m. at Red Deer Golf and Country Club. General admission is $95, or $120 for VIP admission which includes Master Class with Andrew Ferguson. Purchase tickets at www.reddeerwhiskyfestival.ca. Enjoy an evening of whisky appreciation and exploration, mouth watering cuisine and local musical talent and more, in support of the MS Society.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 ● Art and More at Dawe Branch of Red Deer Public Library goes Jan. 13, and 27 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for children ages seven and up. Drop in fun at a variety of stations such as painting, clay work, paper crafts, LEGO and more. ● Daytime Documentaries will be held on the second Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Snell Auditorium at Red Deer Public Library Downtown Branch.

The documentary film Kivalina V. Exxon will be shown on Jan. 13, followed by a library staff facilitated discussion. Learn about the an epic battle against the Exxon and a tiny village in Alaska’s struggle to survive and save itself from the consequences of global warming. Free. Light refreshments served.

Those planning to bring groups, or for more information, phone Donna Stewart or Priscilla at 403-346-2100. ● Adult Cartoon Jam will be held at Red Deer Public Library Timberlands Branch on Wednesdays, Jan. 13 and 10 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Why should kids have all the fun? Come join other “big kids” and re-live childhood with activities that are just as much fun now as they were then. Supplies provided.

Continued on Page B6

Listings open to cultural/non-profit groups. Fax: 341-6560; phone: 314-4325; e-mail: editorial@reddeeradvocate.com by noon Tuesday for insertion following Thursday.

B6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016

Self-drive cars heading for prime time CES GADGET SHOW FEATURES COMPUTING POWER, SOFTWARE BREAKTHROUGHS

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LAS VEGAS — Powerful computers that can drive better than people, high-definition road maps and low-cost sensors are about to remove some big barriers to self-driving cars.

Some breakthrough features will come to your dashboard quickly, while others will take a few years. But companies from Silicon Valley to Detroit will use the CES gadget show in Las Vegas this week to demonstrate that autonomous car technology is heading for prime time.

“It can happen today. The technology is more or less ready,” said Amnon Shashua, chief technical officer of Mobileye, an Israeli company that makes computers to process information from car-mounted cameras that are increasingly sophisticated.

Legal and government policy issues remain, and computer controls haven’t quite been perfected. Still, Shashua and others say it’s reasonable to expect cars to take over more driving tasks from humans on the way to full automation in about five years.

In addition to the building blocks of autonomous driving, at least three automakers are rolling out new vehicles at CES, which is rapidly becoming a showcase for the auto industry. Volkswagen will show off a battery-powered Microbus that could go on sale in 2017, and General Motors will uncover the final version of its Chevrolet Bolt electric car with a 200-plus-mile range.

Upstart electric car maker Faraday Future unveiled a futuristic concept race car.

Details will come later, but here are five areas to be featured at the Las Vegas show:

THE SEEING CAR Radar, camera sensors and a remote-sensing technology called Lidar will help cars see their surroundings and decide what actions to take. One of the more important announcements will come from Quanergy, which will unveil low-cost solid-state Lidar, or lasers, that can see 360 degrees regardless of weather. Early self-driving cars had bulky globes on the roof with spinning Lidar sensors, costing around $70,000. Quanergy’s Lidar eliminates the globe and cuts the cost to about $1,000 per car. Lidar works with three-dimensional mapping to help steer cars. Announcements about sophisticated mapping also are expected, including one from Detroit-area auto parts supplier Delphi.

SENSOR FUSION

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ABOVE: Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at Kia Motors America, speaks during a Kia news conference on autonomous vehicles at CES Press Day at CES International, Tuesday in Las Vegas.

LEFT: The photo provided by Kia Motors on Wednesday, shows the autonomous driving version of its Soul electric vehicle during a test run.

A self-driving car needs technology that can make sense of the thousands of camera images and data from radar and Lidar. Companies such as Nvidia are working on artificial intelligence to decide how to handle the millions of situations a car will encounter.

On Monday, the company unveiled a lunchbox-sized automotive supercomputer with the processing power of 150 MacBook laptops. The company says Volvo will be the first automaker to work with the computers. Nvidia says the computers will be able to see images, read street signs, spot pedestrians and process information better than humans. “It really shifts the game then to a software-defined vehicle,” said Daniel Shapiro, Nvidia’s director of automotive marketing.

THE BONES Today’s luxury cars have about 50

computers and run more than 100 million lines of software code, more than a large passenger jet. But the wiring in cars is already strained and won’t transfer data fast enough for advanced safety devices. Delphi will show off a new wiring architecture to handle 1,000 times more information, so cars won’t be obsolete as soon as they leave the dealer. The technology will come to Audi vehicles first this year and handle radar and cameras for automatic emergency braking. But it also can integrate Lidar. Jeff Owens, Delphi chief technical officer, says data travels slowly on car networks now — inadequate for safety and other critical functions. “Literally every nanosecond counts,” he said.

CYBER SECURITY When benevolent hackers took over a Jeep Cherokee through its radio last

year, the auto industry got nervous.

At CES, parts maker Visteon is among companies that will show off infotainment systems that are better protected from hacking attacks. Visteon CEO Sachin Lawande says radios today don’t even have a minimum level of security. His company’s radios have codes in chips and use encryption to stop unauthorized applications. Yet the chips boot up in under 10 seconds, a requirement in autos.

LET THE CAR DO THE TALKING It won’t be long until the car can communicate with everything from a home thermostat to other cars and even the McDonald’s drive through.

Delphi is offering a phone cradle that lets the car transmit orders to a restaurant, while BMW and others will show off technology that controls home devices. There’s also vehicle-to-vehicle technology coming. Visteon’s will be able to communicate with cars ahead of you on a freeway to warn you of stopped traffic or hazards such as black ice.

REGISTRATIONS LOCAL EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS ● Canadian Citizenship Test Preparation will be offered on Thursdays Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Dawe Branch of Red Deer Public Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Newcomers are invited to learn everything you need to know to pass the citizenship test using the study book Discover Canada. To find out more and to register, contact Lissette Velasquez at 403-304-3622, lissette.velasquez@ care2centre.ca. Co-sponsored by Central Alberta Refugee Effort and RDPL. ● Preparing for Tax Season will be presented by Central Alberta Refugee Effort on Feb. 4 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Snell Auditorium at Downtown Branch of Red Deer Public Library. Newcomers are invited to find out what they need to know to prepare for tax season. To register, contact Lissette Velasquez at 403-304-3622, lissette.velasquez@ care2centre.ca. ● Alberta Health Services offers QuitCore free stop smoking program at Red Deer College for six consecutive Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. starting Jan. 5, or Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Addiction Services Office located in the Provincial Building. Phone toll-free 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to register. See www.albertaquits.ca. ● Alberta Health Services is offering several free workshops in Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House as part of the Alberta Healthy Living Program. Workshops offered in both communities include Better Choices, Better Health, Diabetes The Basics, Heart Wise, and Supervised Exercise (One session). Also offered in Red Deer is Supervised Exercise (Continuous program admissions).

Also offered in Rocky Mountain House are Weight Wise Moving Matters: Including Phys-

ical Activity in in You Day , Weight Wise Getting Started Planning for Success, Weight Wise Nutrition: The Top Five Tips to Reduce Calories, Weight Wise Managing Hunger and Appetite, Weight Wise: The Truth About What Works in Weight Management. See www. albertahealthservices.ca/assets/programs/pscdm-central-calendar-2016-winter.pdf or call 1-877-314 6997. ● Alberta Sports Hall of Fame needs a new hockey collection volunteer. For more information visit ashfm.ca, or contact debbie@ ashfm.ca, 403-341-8614. ● Annual Freeze the House Charity Bonspiel presented by Fas Gas Plus in support of Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta on Feb. 19 to 21 at Pidherney Curling Centre. To register as a participant contact RMHCentralAlberta.org or call 403-340-2007, or to volunteer contact amy@rmhcentralalberta.org, or call the above phone number.

Early bird registration available until Jan. 31 and final deadline of Feb. 15. Volunteer positions include Freeze the House Charity Bonspiel Ambassadors, Tournament Director and others. Other event highlights include Friday Night Mixer featuring five restaurant stations and a complimentary cocktail in the Pidherney CentreLounge, Saturday Night Dinner and Dance at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel with entertainment from Randi Boulton (tickets $100), Pay the Pro on the ice with curling celebrities John Morris, Curling Olympic Gold Medalist and Carter Rycroft, World Champion and Curling Olympic Silver Medalist, Team photos with the curling celebrities, Learn to curl session, $25,000 Draw to the Button contest, Saturday and Sunday light breakfast, Bonspiel awards, Participant swag bags, So-

FROM PAGE B5

plus are invited to learn to program and code computers with the library’s own Raspberry Pi’s. ● Epilepsy Association of Central Alberta located at 4811 48 Street holds monthly support group meetings at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next meeting is Jan. 14. Phone 403-358-3358 or email normak@epilepsycalgary.com. ● Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre dance, Jan. 14, 7 to 10 p.m. at the seniors’ centre. Dance to the music of R.R.4.

Admission is $7. Phone 403-347-6165, 403342-2875, or 403-341-4672. ● Independent Achievers — Business Women Networking Together — will hold their monthly luncheon meeting on Jan. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Ranch with guest speaker Ranchelle Alexander of Twomey Business Consulting. To confirm attendance, contact independentachievers.com at least 24 hours in advance.

● Powered by Breathing Lung Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. at Peak Pulmonary, next Jan. 13 and 27. Contact Ted at 403-309-3487, or Mac at 403-347-2191. ● Boomtown Trail Cowboy Church meets the second and last Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Elnora Drop In Centre. Cowboy boots and hats welcome.

Next dates are Jan. 13 and 27. For more information, call 403-749-3361.

THURSDAY, JAN. 14 ● Dawe Branch Techie Teen Club will resume on Thursdays, Jan. 14 and every other Thursday afterward from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Red Deer Public Library. Youth Grade 6

cial Media Challenge, Raffle and 50/50. ● Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton is hosting the Annual Autism Conference which will be offered through Telehealth at Red Deer Regional Hospital, Jan. 20 to 22. Temple Grandin will be opening keynote speaker, as well as other speakers including Dr. Barry Prizant, and Michael “Pinball” Clemons and others. See www.childrensautism.ca, or phone 780-495-9235. ● Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour will be presented at Welikoklad Event Centre Cinema on Jan. 29 and 30, at 3 and 7 p.m. A theatrical program of six short films which won awards at Sundance Film Festival.

See www.sundance.org/shortfilmtour. Cost are $10, 83 minutes. Rating TBD. ● Shannon Frizzell, Classical Guitar Recital will be featured at Margaret Parsons Theatre at Red Deer College Main Campus on Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. A variety of works

by RDC guitar instructor Shannon Frizzell.

Tickets available from bkticketcentre.ca, rdc. ab.ca/showtime, 403-755-6626, 1-800-6618793 or at Black Knight Inn Hotel. ● Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations until January 31 for the 2016 induction process. To nominate an individual or team that has attained a high level of excellence and brought recognition or honour to Alberta, visit www.ashfm.ca for a nomination package, or contact debbie@ashfm.ca, 403341-8614. ● United Way of Central Alberta seeking volunteers to join their Prioritiy Impact Team (PIT) Crew. To get the details or sign up, contact lori.jack@caunitedway.ca, 403343-3900. ● Red Deer Hospice Society Funhouse

ROYAL LEGACY CONTINUES THE

Gala will be held on Feb. 27 at Sheraton Red Deer Hotel. Take in the new look including acro troupe and much more. Tickets are $200 each and there may be limited tickets left.

Event usually sells out. Sponsorships, live and silent auction item donations welcome.

Contact Lori at 403-309-4344, ext. 109 or purchase tickets at reddeerhospice.com ● Robbie Burns’ Night Supper is on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Red Deer Royal Canadian Legion. Cocktails from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by the traditional Robbie Burns supper: Turkey, roastit bubbly jock wi’ stuffin intilt, champit tatties, mashed neeps, gravy, haggis, apple pie. Cash bar. Event includes Highland Dancers, piping in the Haggis and the Red Deer Legion Pipe Band. Tickets are available at the Legion. $30 per person and should be purchased in advance. Call the Legion 403-342-0035 or Arnie 403-782-7183. ● David Thompson SnowRiders is hosting a snowmobile rally on Jan. 17 with registration at the staging area south on Range Road 3.2 west of Benalto on Hwy. 11 with registration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for loop approximately 40 km. Rally hands cost $5 each, or five for $20. All hands must be in by 4:30 p.m. An ASA trail pass is required or purchase day pass for $20 per snowmobile.

Rally hands $5 each or five for $20. Contact Clint at 403-392-3424 for more information. ● Red Deer Symphony presents Red Deer’s Got Talent at Red Deer College Arts Centre featuring Stephanie Galipeau — viola, and Rylan Gajekl — cello on Jan. 16.

Tickets available at Black Knight Inn Ticket Centre, or www.rdso.ca, 403-755-6626 or 1-800-661-8793.

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LOCAL

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THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Christmas charities reset benchmark RED DEER MEETS GROWING DEMAND ON NON-PROFITS DURING DOWN TIMES OVER HOLIDAYS

BY MARY ANN BARR ADVOCATE STAFF What a difference a week can make — especially in Red Deer.

With only days to go, and record numbers of people asking for help, both the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and Red Deer Salvation Army had miles to go to reach their cash donation goals. But in the end, not only did they reach those goals during a time of economic slowdown, records were set when, combined, cash donations reached $387,000.

The Christmas Bureau’s cash goal was $150,000 — they actually raised $153,000. But just before Christmas it was looking like they would be off their mark.

The second-last week before Christmas the bureau saw only $16,765 in cash donations over seven days. Then a surge of goodwill saw $43,490 come in during the final week, putting them over their goal, and setting a record.

In another type of record, for the first time ever, the Christmas Bureau surpassed the 1,000-hamper number, handing out 1,146 hampers to families in need. Money raised will also go toward helping families when Christmas comes around a year from now.

In 2014 the bureau gave out 940 hampers.

As for the Salvation Army, their kettles got so hot at the end of their 30day campaign that they also broke a fundraising record, bringing in just over $234,000, Major Larry Bridger said Wednesday. Less than two weeks before Christmas, they were only at $144,000 The Sally Ann’s goal was $210,000, so they beat it by 11 per cent. They helped out 220 families this season compared with 180 the previous year.

Bridger, who has been with the Salvation Army for 37 years, said that over the years he has seen that the last part of the 30-day kettle campaign is usually the best.

He believes that as the public became aware there were more in need, people decided to step up and donate.

“The generosity in the city and area has been phenomenal.”

Most of the kettle donations were cash, and that’s quite something considering “we are in the days of plas-

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff

Major Larry Bridger of the Salvation Army fills a backpack with food for students in need on Wednesday afternoon. Over 150 backpacks are filled with food for lunches once a week. tic,” Bridger said.

Besides subsidizing their Adopt-A-family program, the Red Deer Sally Ann uses all the kettle funds raised for various local programs, including their weekend backpack program, seniors’ supper program, and their food assistance, clothing, furniture and bed programs.

The weekend backpack program has grown from helping 30 students at one school when it first began in April 2014 to now helping 186 students at 15 schools, Bridger said.

Schools identify students who would benefit from the program.

The Salvation Army, which does not know the identity of the students, fills a backpack with nutritional food for each student.

The backpacks are delivered to the schools and students take them home for the weekend. Then they bring them back empty, they are recollected and sanitized, and distributed again each week with food, Bridger said.

The Salvation Army spends about $70,000 on the program, purchasing all the food. “The needs are obviously there,” Bridger said.

They also have a seniors’ meal program, which provides a hot meal to

seniors for $5 each. Pre-registration is required and they average about 90 seniors (60 and older) each Friday. A speaker — such as police talking about scams — or musical entertainment, is provided.

The program runs from February to mid-May and then from September to November.

Bridger said the numbers were up for all the local groups that help those in need during the holiday season.

“We can’t do everything for everybody but we are able to help in a lot of different ways.” barr@reddeeradvocate.com

Farmer wins appeal, still on hook for legal costs

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF A Ponoka-area farm couple who successfully fought a Water Act enforcement order will be on the hook for a $53,000 legal bill.

In a decision posted online last month, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board rejected Henk and Gerrie Krijgers’ application to recoup $53,118.46 in legal costs.

“The Board found no exceptional circumstances existed in this case to warrant costs against the director,” says the decision, referring to the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource official who issued the enforcement order.

Gerrie Krijger said on Wednesday while she doesn’t see why their compensation request was turned down they have no plans to appeal.

PONOKA

“EVEN THOUGH THE CONDITIONS IN THE ORDER WERE ONEROUS, THE DIRECTOR DID NOT VIOLATE THE WATER ACT AND HIS DECISION TO ISSUE THE ORDER WITH SPECIFIC CONDITIONS WAS WITHIN HIS JURISDICTION.” — APPEAL BOARD “For us, it’s over and done. We’re just moving on,” she said.

The Krijgers’ lengthy battle with provincial environment officials began in February 2014 when an enforcement order was issued on their poultry farm about 10 km east of Ponoka.

It was alleged that the Krijgers were illegally draining a lake by deepening an existing 50-year-old trench.

They were also accused of digging a second trench to drain a wetland on their property.

Under the order, the Krijgers were told to restore the lake to the condition it was in before any unauthorized drainage work was done — even though the initial trench was dug decades before the Krijgers bought the property.

Restoration costs were estimated at $175,000.

The couple hired well-known Edmonton landowner rights lawyer Keith Wilson to argue their case at a hearing last January.

The appeal board removed the restoration conditions from the order and told the Krijgers to install a much cheaper flow control structure on the drainage channel to safeguard the

Tripped breaker blamed for alarms FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS TRIGGERED AT ABOUT 10 DOWNTOWN AND NORTH BUILDINGS

BY ADVOCATE STAFF A tripped breaker during upgrades at Red Deer’s Water Treatment Plant set off about 10 fire suppression alarms at buildings in the city’s downtown and north end on Wednesday morning.

The circuit was tripped at 9:45 a.m. and suppression alarms went off at large buildings like the downtown Millennium Centre and Parkland Mall.

Operations staff at the water plant resolved the issue on site in about 10 minutes. But tripping the breaker caused a water pressure spike that resulted in two water system leaks and caused water to gush into city streets.

One leak happened near the Buffalo Hotel in the downtown. The two far left lanes on Gaetz Avenue southbound between 49th and 50th Streets were closed for crews to do repairs. The leak was contained to the west end of downtown on 49th Street between 49th Avenue and 50th Avenue.

The other leak occurred near the corner of 55 Avenue and 43rd Street near the Fas Gas in West Park. Water was shut off at four homes in West Park while repairs were underway.

Affected residents were notified with

lake.

Gerrie Krijger said that work has been done.

In its decision on cost recovery by the Krijgers, the board points out that the director acted in good faith.

The board acknowledges that while the initial requirement that the Krijgers undo the effects of a trench dug by others 50 years earlier was an “important issue, the issuance of the order was within the director’s jurisdiction.

“Even though the conditions in the order were onerous, the director did not violate the Water Act and his decision to issue the order with specific conditions was within his jurisdiction.”

Gerrie said their plight was greeted with sympathy by other farmers in Central Alberta, many of whom are having their own issues with Alberta Environment. pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com

RCMP

Charges laid in O’Chiese stabbing

BY ADVOCATE STAFF

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff

City of Red Deer crews work to repair a water leak on 51 Ave. between 49 St. and Ross St. Wednesday. The leak was one of two in the west end of downtown, which forced the closure of the two left lanes of traffic for much of the afternoon. The leaks were believed to be caused by high pressure from a tripped breaker at the Water Treatment Plant. hand-delivered letters.

“Our pressure surge didn’t cause any issues to our quality of water in the city,” said water superintendent Alex Monkman early Wednesday afternoon.

Monkman said the change in pressure caused older city water pipes to fail and leak.

“Environmental Services is down

Fax 403-341-6560 E-mail editorial@reddeeradvocate.com

there right now assessing the situation and will repair the leaks as soon as we can.”

The spike in water pressure triggered fire suppression alarms in some buildings as a precaution. Red Deer Emergency Services was kept busy being sent to buildings where alarms were activated.

A 23-year-old man and a 16-yearold male youth were charged in connection to stabbings that happened on Monday at O’Chiese First Nation.

At about 2:15 a.m., RCMP were called to a residence at O’Chiese where they found two 21-year-old men and an 18-year-old man had been stabbed.

Two men were taken to hospital for treatment. One was released at the scene.

Keith Beaverbones, of O’Chiese, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of assault.

The male youth, who cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with one count of assault with a weapon and two breaches of a probation order.

Both were remanded into custody and were to appear in Rocky Mountain House provincial court Wednesday.

WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM

C2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016

Aboriginals will be high budget priority: Morneau

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The Liberal government’s vows to help Canada’s indigenous people will be a top priority in the upcoming federal budget, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said Wednesday.

Morneau has launched pre-budget consultations in advance of the Liberal government’s fiscal plan, to be introduced in the coming months.

On Wednesday, he fielded economic questions from students in an online forum with universities across the country.

“Our commitments around helping aboriginal Canadians with their very significant challenges are critically

important to us,” Morneau said in response to one question.

“You can be sure that that’ll be high priority in our coming budget.”

He said Canadians gave the Liberals a mandate to follow through on their campaign promises — although he also acknowledged the country’s economic situation has worsened.

The Liberals made several key vows to indigenous Canadians that were not costed in the party’s platform. They include delivering on all 94 recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s probe of residential schools and ending all boil-water advisories on reserves within five years.

Analysts, however, have warned that Canada is on a shakier fiscal footing than the Liberals had anticipated

and that the country could be on track for much deeper shortfalls than the party projected.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised during the campaign to run annual deficits of no more than $10 billion over the next two years while pumping billions into infrastructure projects to stimulate the stagnant economy. He vowed to respect that upper limit for deficits unless the economic situation got “radically worse” but has since downgraded that commitment to a “goal.”

His plan also called for Canada’s books to return to balance in 2019-20.

Morneau acknowledged Wednesday that Canada faces weaker economic conditions than it did just a couple of months ago, particularly amid

still-falling oil prices and fading global growth.

“So, we find ourselves, unfortunately, with a situation that’s more difficult than expected,” he said in French in response to one question.

Morneau will travel across the country next week to seek input as he draws up his first federal budget.

If the pre-budget questionnaire is any indication of the new government’s priorities, the budget will stress goals the Liberals started highlighting months before the election. Those include enriching the so-called middle class, investing in infrastructure and tackling environmental concerns without hurting the economy.

YORK AND ELI

TERROR TRIAL

Officer defends sting operation

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Newly-named male polar bear cubs York and Eli are shown at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo in a handout photo. The zoo says York refers to York Factory First Nation, which has traditional lands that include important polar bear denning habitats. Eli is in honour of an elder from the First Nation that lived and hunted in the area between the Nelson and Hayes Rivers.

Ex-Quebec doctor to appeal murder conviction

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — A former Quebec doctor is appealing his murder conviction in the stabbing deaths of his two children as he seeks a third trial.

Guy Turcotte was found guilty of second-degree murder by a jury on Dec. 6 in the 2009 slayings of Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3.

In its appeal notice dated Tuesday, the defence argues that Quebec Superior Court Justice Andre Vincent erred in law on more than one occasion in his instructions to the jurors.

Turcotte’s legal team filed the twopage document at the Quebec Court of Appeal on Wednesday, asking the province’s top tribunal for a third trial.

Turcotte’s lawyers were hoping the

jury would find him not criminally responsible by way of mental disorder — the verdict that was handed down in 2011 at his first trial.

The ex-cardiologist is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 15.

The Crown recommended Turcotte, 43, serve at least 20 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole, while the defence suggested he serve less than 15 years, and closer to 10.

Turcotte’s legal team says Vincent: — erred in telling jurors not to consider the impact of Turcotte’s suicidal thoughts on his mental state at the time of the stabbings.

— “created confusion” in jurors’ minds on the impact of intoxication in regards to a mental disorder defence.

— erred in his instructions on the notion that Turcotte knew the acts he

committed were bad.

An appeal isn’t likely to be heard in the near future. The Crown and defence will be given time to file motions with the court and a date will be set to hear the case on its merits. Transcripts must be drawn up from the recently completed trial before all that can happen.

The appeals court only ruled in 2013 to overturn the 2011 not criminally responsible verdict.

The Crown contended during the 12-week trial that Turcotte killed his children as an act of vengeance against his then-estranged wife, Isabelle Gaston, because she was having an affair with one of his friends and because he could not handle the notion of being replaced by another man in their lives.

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VANCOUVER — An undercover terrorism sting involved thousands of dollars changing hands and officers claiming access to guns and explosives, but the lead officer insisted repeatedly in court on Wednesday that the operation was in no way meant to appear criminal.

RCMP Sgt. Bill Kalkat told B.C. Supreme Court that officers never explicitly told John Nuttall he was consorting with a jihadist terrorism group or any other criminal organization.

Nuttall and his wife Amanda Korody were found guilty last June of plotting to blow up the B.C. legislature on Canada Day 2013. No conviction will be entered until a judge decides if police entrapped the pair.

“Mr. Nuttall and Ms. Korody were free to come to whatever inference or decision they wanted. We didn’t persuade them or dissuade them one way or another,” Kalkat told the court.

“Nuttall might infer that it’s a criminal organization. I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

Nuttal and Korody’s lawyers are arguing police manipulated the pair into carrying out the terrorist act.

Early in the undercover operation, Nuttall was paid $200 to take an unmarked package to a transit-station locker in downtown Vancouver.

He was later directed to transport another parcel, this time taking a circuitous transit route and leaving the package in the trunk of a rental car.

“Would any of that behaviour be consistent with the notion that the package is legitimate and legal?”

Korody’s lawyer Mark Jette asked.

Kalkat admitted it’s possible to interpret the operation as illegitimate but emphasized that Nuttall was always informed the contents of the packages were legal.

Another scenario involved officers engaging Nuttall in a “loyalty talk” before showing him $20,000 in cash being exchanged between undercover officers and talk of a commission.

“I’m going to suggest to you that you designed it that way because you wanted Nuttall to believe that (the primary undercover officer) was engaged in nefarious, probably illegal activities,” said Jette.

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ENTERTAINMENT

C3

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Law and order gone awry

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Making a Murderer is the latest series to demand you not just watch, but binge.

But since its Netflix debut on Dec. 18, it’s become even more encompassing: a Thing, a budding cultural phenomenon, whose subject is emerging as a painful cause celebre.

Few series pack a punch like this, and, further stoking your moral outrage, the tale this 10-hour docuseries tells is real.

Making a Murderer chronicles the hardship of Steven Avery, an otherwise obscure member of a salvage-yard family in Wisconsin’s rural Manitowoc County.

It begins in 2003 with video of Avery returning home after 18 years’ imprisonment for sexual assault, a crime of which he was belatedly exonerated thanks to DNA evidence proving him innocent.

A stubby overgrown elf with a bushy beard and a beaming smile, Avery, at 41, claims to have left any anger at this miscarriage of justice at the jailhouse door. Calling himself “the happiest man on Earth,” he now is eager to resume normal life.

If only.

Early buzz for this series has spiked into a roar. Online petitions have sprung to life on Avery’s behalf while passionate comments punctuate soPhoto by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS cial media. A guessing game proposes This image released by Netflix shows Steven Avery, right, in the Netflix original documentary series ‘Making A Murderer.’ who should play him in a feature film (among the candidates: Joshua Jackson An online petition has collected hundreds of thousands of digital signatures seeking a pardon for a pair of convicted and Zach Galifianakis). Even a Mak- killers-turned-social media sensations based on the Netflix documentary series that cast doubt on the legal process. ing a Murderer spoof by Seth Meyers kicked off Monday’s Late Night. up through 2015, as a gripping thriller The less you know about Avery’s ordeal, the more you will be rocked of repeated hope and setbacks. Filmby Making a Murderer. Suffice it to say, makers Laura Ricciardi and Moira the series depicts a systemic vendetta Demos draw on archival video, comwaged against him by police and the mentary by Avery, footage from courtcourts. And it only heated up after his rooms and police interrogations, and rape conviction was overturned. interviews with key figures (including Law enforcement “despised” him, Avery’s supportive, long-suffering parUN one observer declares in the series’ ents).

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• shoe rental In the face of what seems, at miniMore problematic, he and his cousMEMBERS PAY • 1 appetizer platter mum, reasonable doubt surrounding in Sandra Morris habitually quarreled. $ 00 • non-stop pop In early 1985, an altercation (Avery Avery, now 53, as well as his nephew, • 75 game tokens bumped her car with his) led to a crim- the series may offer a broader mesinal complaint lodged against him by sage: “We can all say that we’re nevMorris, who found a sympathetic ear: er gonna commit a crime,” says Jerry Her husband was a Manitowoc County Buting, one of Avery’s defence lawSheriff’s Deputy. yers. “But we can never guarantee that “The Morris case gave them a someone will never ACCUSE us of a #8 6200 67A Street chance to claim a violent felony had crime. been committed by one of the AverRed Deer, Alberta “And if that happens,” he warns, ies,” says his court-appointed lawyer, www.heritagelanes.com “and, of course, the Sheriff’s Depart- “then good luck in this criminal justice 7363481A2-28 system.” ment and the DA took it and ran.”

Just a few months later, a prominent citizen was sexually assaulted while jogging on the beach. Despite witness alibis for Avery’s whereabouts, an absence of physical evidence, and knowledge of a plausible suspect (who 18 years later would be convicted with the DNA evidence that won Avery his freedom), Avery was arrested.

“The sheriff told me, ‘I got you now’ when I got to jail,” he recalls.

After his 2003 exoneration, Avery was a free man, but for just two years. He was then arrested for another crime — this time, a grisly rape and murder. So was his teenage nephew, Brendan Dassey, a few months latGREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN YOU GO NORTH er.

Making a Murderer spans more than 30 years,

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THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Real solutions needed You can’t really blame Albertans for their weird responses to everything the new NDP government does or doesn’t, or says. Most Albertans have no experience with what happens after you turf a tired old geriatric government and elect a new one with a different philosophy and fresh ideas and policies.

Such sudden change has happened only BOB twice in my lifeSCAMMELL time of 78 years.

Social CredOUTDOORS it was elected in 1935, two years before my birth, and Albertans replaced it 36 years later, in 1971, by electing Peter Lougheed and his PC government, and then kept on electing PC governments until May, 2015, for a total of 44 years.

Arguably, Albertans knew exactly what they were getting in the 1971 election: while in opposition the PCs had been tabling actual Private Member’s Bills to let Albertans know exactly what the party intended to do if and when elected. The philosophies of SC and PC were also generally conservative, so the people were “comfortable” when, after being elected, the PCs set out doing what they promised they would and enacted those Private Member’s Bills as government legislation.

But this time around, Albertans did the previously unthinkable, handed a huge mandate to largely inexperienced candidates of a socialist party. Our NDP had a skimpy and shaky platform, but it did make promises on issues it considered important. Why should Albertans be surprised and outraged when the party they elected moves quickly to keep some of its promises?

To suggest, as PC fundamentalists have been doing, that Albertans made a mistake is itself mistaken and an insult: the electorate is never wrong.

The Alberta NDP’s environmental policy has always been a thin soup, so I have been pondering, as the old year ended and the new got going, just where our new government might be taking us regarding the crucial environmental issues facing this province.

I was heartened some time ago, before the election, when our now premier referred to the PC environmental record as “the embarrassing cousin no one wants to talk about.” She backed off that one then, but, in year-end in-

Photo by BOB SCAMMELL/freelance

Forty acres of public land forest wasted for one fracking well. terviews, leaves little doubt she meant every word. Alberta’s environmental footprint has become softer and lighter and its PR improved just with more of the premier’s promises: the end to coal - generated electricity and the imposition of a carbon tax.

Yet I wonder and worry, even study volumes of scientific and sometimes purely speculative material trying to decide what I am: climate changeglobal-warming denier, or doubter?

Mark me down as fascinated and awaiting further facts. What I surely am is worried that the usual nostrum — the carbon tax — diverts our attention and action from the practicalities of correcting the many cumulative environmental errors that have caused ever-larger environmental problems. .

Somehow, to impose a tax on an alleged vice or a harmful substance is to approve the practice or product for anyone prepared to pay the price.

Particularly in a recession caused by low oil prices, people will happily pay to burn cheap oil caused by worldwide over-production of the oil in the first place, and so it goes … round and

round.

In fact, the headlong, care-free, and careless production of oil and gas mindlessly destroys huge tracts of grasslands and forests world - wide, rain forests in South America and boreal forest here in Canada which, abundant and healthy, are capable of absorbing, sequestering, and storing much of the carbon of combustion.

Totally unregulated clear cutting of Alberta forests by a marginal “industry” compounds the carbon problem and causes big H2O problems by damaging our watersheds and our fresh water fisheries. The new weapon of over-production, fracking, poisons, then forces untold millions of acre feet of formerly fresh water underground, never to be seen again on the surface, but which causes earthquakes by lubricating the underground tectonic plates.

These problems will be fixed by tough policies, laws, money and manpower on the ground to enforce them and repair the serious damage and destruction already suffered. A carbon tax alone will not cut it, particularly if

the oil goes way up.

Yet, in a year-end interview, Alberta’s environment and parks minister, Hon. Shannon Phillips, seemed content to blame the worst on the conservatives and claim we were contractually obliged to go along with it, including logging in the new Castle Wilderness and park.

Other problems are being studied, which have already been studied to near extinction, like the West slope cutthroat trout, until the feds intervened recently with a critical habitat protection order.

Still, the minister’s heart might be in the right place, even if her head isn’t.

Recently she noted that even though we can’t control the price of crude, “we can, as a province, control how we treat each other and our relationship to our environment.”

Now, there’s another promise, and here’s hoping.

Bob Scammell is an award-winning columnist who lives in Red Deer. He can be reached at bscam@telusplanet.net.

Starting from vegetables in the house When the weather is cold or the children are looking for another form of entertainment, try starting plants from the fruit and vegetables that are already in the house. It is simple and inexpensive. All one needs is potting soil, a container with holes in the bottom and maybe a plastic bag along with fruit or vegetables.

Pineapples are a favorite to LINDA start vegetativeTOMLINSON ly as they develop roots easily GARDENING and are not usually grown in this country. Instead of cutting the top off the pineapple, grab the foliage and twist it. The foliage will come away with a small piece of the core. Place

the pineapple top in a container of water making sure that the yellow core is submerged but not the pineapple top.

After about a week, white roots should be visible.

At this time the pineapple can be potted.

Fill a container that has drainage holes full of soil and bury the rooted section of plant.

Keep the soil moist and once the plant has put down roots, it will begin to develop new foliage.

A pineapple makes a great foliage plant but it is unlikely to produce a new pineapple. Commercially, it take a pineapple between two and three years from planting to produce fruit and to be harvested in a field.

Root crops such as carrots, parsnips, beets and turnips are biennials.

They are harvested the first season but if left in the ground for the next year, they would sprout, producing foliage and flowers and seeds.

Getting the roots to regrow in the house is as simple as cutting the top

¼ inch (½ cm) of the root off and place this section cut side down in moist potting soil. Given time, the plant will begin to put down roots and then send out new sprouts. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. If the soil is allowed to be too wet for an extended period of time, the roots will rot.

Grapefruit, lemon and orange seeds are kept dormant in the fruit due the fruits high acid content. To start citrus plants from seeds save the seeds and wash well to remove the acidy material.

Allow the seed casings to dry then place them in moist soil. Placing plastic over the container to keep the soil moist and warm can speed up germination.

If water condenses on the plastic, vent the plastic allowing excess moisture to escape. Excess moisture will cause the seeds to rot within the soil.

Have patience as it can take a while for the seeds to sprout and plants to form.

An onion bulb that has been left too

long in the cupboard will send forth a new sprout. Plant the bulb in the soil, root side down and the bulb will send up bright green shoots. Place the bulb in a bright window and enjoy fresh onion green during the winter season.

Next time there is green onions in the house, plant some of the greens with a bit of the bulb in a pot of soil.

Place the pot in a bright spot and water when needed. Once the plant has rooted, it will produce new growth which can be harvested on a regular basis.

It is not practical to start root crops such as potatoes, yams or sweet potatoes from ones bought at the grocery store as they are usually treated with a sprout inhibitor soon after harvest.

These are not the only plants that can be started from the fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Experiment with others and see what happens.

Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House.

She can be reached at your_garden@hotmail.com

Evidence and theories, not proof “Much unproven about climate change” Title from a recent Jim Sutherland column “The proof is in on climate change” Title from a 2009 column of mine I cringe whenever I see the word “proof” associated with climate change (it should be noted that columnists don’t write the titles for their own columns). In fact, I cringe whenever I see the word “proof” associated with anything scienEVAN tific. That’s beBEDFORD cause the only two topics that proof should be ENERGY AND ECOLOGY associated with are alcohol and mathematics.

Don’t believe me? Then do an internet search on “proof” and “science”, and you’ll find that there is really no

such thing as proof in science.

Science instead deals with theories and evidence and statistics (and then society deals with any resulting risk and insurance). So you may as well get used to it. Or barring that, try to recall your science class in junior highschool. Remember the headings for your lab experiments? Those headings included words like “theory”, “hypothesis”, “methodology”, “results”, and “discussion”. “Proof” was never mentioned.

But “theory” certainly was. Ever hear of electromagnetic theory? That’s what underpins the science behind your cell phone and your computer.

Ever hear of the theory of special relativity? That’s what produced the atom bomb. Ever hear of the theory of anthropogenic global warming? That’s what got Jim Sutherland thinking that 191 years of climate science must surely be wrong.

Ever hear of the National Academy of Sciences? That’s the group of nerds that has won nearly 200 Nobel Prizes over the last century and a half. And it is the NAS which defines a scientific theory as “…a comprehensive explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by a vast body of evidence.”

So to disprove this vast body of evidence, Jim Sutherland puts forward the fact that a group of planes from World War II crash landed on Greenland and got buried in 270 feet of ice.

How, he asks, could this be, when the world is warming?

OK, let’s go back to junior high science class again. Those of us who were awake might recall that a glacier (or an ice sheet) is essentially a river of ice.

At the upstream end, snow falls year after year to create a huge depth of ice.

At the downstream end, the glacier breaks off into icebergs, which melt and contribute to sea level rise. And in the middle, the glacier flows like a slow moving river (in the case of those World War II planes, the flow pushed them about 15,000 feet in 46 years).

So, if Sutherland had bothered to investigate the behaviour of the Greenland ice sheet, he would have found out that, on balance, the outflow of icebergs into the ocean is much greater than the accumulation of snow and ice at the upstream end. It’s that simple. And that’s why people are worried about Greenland contributing to sea level rise.

If I had one piece of advice to give to Sutherland, it would be to forget

about armchair theorizing. It might have worked for people like Newton and Einstein, but they already had a lot of science under their hats. Sutherland would have a better chance of changing minds if he followed what that 3% of atmospheric scientists who don’t buy into the consensus on climate change are studying. Wikipedia provides the following convenient entry: “List of scientists opposing the mainstream scientific assessment of global warming”.

And then he might once again consider the challenge that I issued to him (in the Advocate) back on May 24, 2012.

I wrote “I hereby challenge him – yet again – to a debate. It would be via e-mails, and we could each post the points and counterpoints on our respective websites…”

Finally, I also have a challenge for the Advocate. I hereby challenge it to refrain from using words like “proof” (or “lack of proof”) when describing anything scientific.

Evan Bedford is a local environmentalist. Direct comments, questions and suggestions to wyddfa23@telus.net. Visit the Energy and Ecology website at www. evanbedford.com.

BUSINESS

C5

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

TransCanada launches legal battle over Keystone XL

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — TransCanada launched a double-barrelled legal salvo Wednesday against the U.S. government over its rejection of the company’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

The company said it intends to file a claim under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement in response to the decision, which it called arbitrary and unjustified.

The Calgary-based firm said it will be looking to FILE Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS recover US$15 billion in costs and damages as a re- TransCanada’s Keystone pipeline facilities in Hardisty. Hardisty is where oilsands crude was to have begun its sult of what it says is a breach of NAFTA obligations.

TransCanada alleges that, as a signatory to journey along Keystone XL. NAFTA, the U.S. government failed in its commitBarack Obama’s deTransCanada said it had every reason to expect ment to protect Canadian investors and ensure the cision in November to deny construction of Keystone the pipeline would be approved since it met the same company was treated in accordance with internaXL exceeded his power under the U.S. criteria as previous pipelines that were sanctioned. tional law.

Constitution.

Adam Barratt, a spokesman for Foreign Affairs MinIn its notice of intent to initiate the “IN SHORT, THE In its legal filing for that case, Tran- ister Stephane Dion, had little to say on the matter NAFTA claim, TransCanada said that sCanada said the presidential power the U.S. government concluded five DECISION ELEVATED Obama used to deny the pipeline is “un- Wednesday, although he noted the lawsuit is “not times that the pipeline would not have PERCEPTIONS OVER authorized by statute, encroaches upon entirely unexpected” and falls within TransCanada’s purview. a significant impact on greenhouse the power of the Congress to regulate do“We’re aware of recent developments with this file REALITY, WHICH IS mestic gas production, but still rejected the and foreign commerce, has been and TransCanada,” he said. “As this is a matter which pipeline to appear strong on climate THE HALLMARK OF foreclosed by affirmative Congressional is expected to go before arbitration, or before a court, change. action, and unlawfully exceeds the pow- we don’t have a comment at this time.”

“Stated simply, the delay and the A DECISION TAINTED ers granted to the president.”

Environmental groups were quick to criticize Tranultimate decision to deny the permit The White House and the State De- sCanada’s move, saying the legal actions won’t get the

BY POLITICS” were politically-driven, directly conpartment both declined to comment on pipeline built. They also accused the company of extrary to the findings of the administrathe lawsuit or the NAFTA challenge. ploiting provisions in NAFTA. —TRANSCANADA STATEMENT tion’s own studies, and not based on When he announced his decision, “This is about a foreign company trying to underthe merits of Keystone’s application,” Obama said Keystone XL was not in the cut safeguards that protect the American people,” TransCanada says in its notice of intent.

U.S. national interest and took on an over-inflated “The politically-driven denial of Keystone’s ap- role in the political discourse between the U.S. and said Anthony Swift, director of Natural Resources plication was contrary to all precedent inconsistent Canada. Still, the 1,900-kilometre pipeline, which has Defense Council’s Canada project.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, who supports with any reasonable and expected application of the been in limbo for more than seven years, has at times the project, tweeted: “We support TransCanada relevant rules and regulations and arbitrary, discrim- been an irritant in relations between both countries, .KXL NAFTA challenge. Pipelines safest way to move inatory, and expropriatory. with former prime minister Stephen Harper at one energy in N. America, get more $ for SK oil.”

“In short, the decision elevated perceptions over point calling the project’s approval a “no-brainer.”

TransCanada has to wait until six months after reality, which is the hallmark of a decision tainted by The development, which also became a focal point the date of the rejection before filing a request for politics.” of environmental protests, would have shipped bituTransCanada said it has also filed a lawsuit in the men from Alberta’s oilsands through a pipeline hub arbitration under NAFTA. After the request is filed, arbitrators are selected and further timelines are U.S. Federal Court in Texas asserting that President in the Hardisty area to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries. established.

BlackBerry takes on driverless car market AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION SHOWCASES NEW TECHNOLOGIES, SOFTWARE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Dean Dacko, Chief Commercial Officer of NewLeaf Travel speaks at a press conference in the arrivals area of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, on Wednesday. Officially launched today, the new lowcost carrier is scheduled to provide initial departures starting February 12, for non-stop flights to and from Hamilton, Halifax, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna and Abbotsford.

New airline vows rock-bottom fares BUT PREPARE TO PAY FOR LUGGAGE, DRINKS

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — A new airline in Canada is hoping to shake up travel next month by offering rock-bottom fares — but be prepared to pay for everything from carry-on luggage, on-board drinks and printed boarding passes.

NewLeaf Travel, which announced Wednesday it will fly between seven cities in the country starting Feb. 12, is unabashedly courting the budget traveller market. On its website, it says, “Your fare gets you the two essentials: a seat and a seatbelt. The rest is up to you.”

The company will initially fly two 156-seat Boeing 737 aircraft leased from Kelowna’s Flair Airlines.

It aims to have a fleet of 15 planes including larger models of the popular aircraft in three years if its plans to expand across Canada and into the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean are successful.

NewLeaf chief commercial officer Dean Dacko says Canadians have been forced to pay too much for air travel because of a lack of competition.

“There’s a huge hole in the market today of Canadians that are just looking for a more cost-effective travel value for their travel dollar and we believe that we can fill that void,” he said in an interview.

Initial interest in the airline caused its online booking system to crash — an unfortunate but potentially positive omen, said Dacko.

“It’s amazing that we’ve had that much interest that fast.”

The company is promoting one-way fares for as low as $89 including taxes. But passengers will face additional charges ranging from $25 to $150 for a variety of services, including checked-in and carry-on bags, seat selection and printed boarding passes.

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TSX:V 520.37 -3.89

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The carrier will fly into Halifax, Hamilton, Regina, Saskatoon, the B.C. cities of Abbotsford and Kelowna, and Winnipeg, where the carrier is based.

About one-third of capacity will be available at the lowest fares with the cheapest fares available for flights between the B.C. and Saskatchewan cities, NewLeaf said.

Fares will be slightly higher for longer distances.

The longest flights between Hamilton and Kelowna will start at $149. WestJet and Air Canada flights from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport to Kelowna cost at least $340.

Airlines around the world, including large carriers like WestJet and Air Canada, have been moving to a similar so-called unbundled model. Dacko said NewLeaf is going to be disruptive to Canada’s two largest airlines, but has deliberately avoided going head-to-head by using secondary airports where costs are at least half of those at larger facilities. It also won’t offer daily service. WestJet, which said it has been Canada’s low-fare leader since it got off the ground with three planes in 1996, said it will “vigorously defend this position in the market.”

“While a new entrant may selectively offer low fares in certain markets, we have the network, schedule and airline partners to provide our guests with so much more,” said spokeswoman Lauren Stewart. Air Canada said it welcomes competition, adding it offers competitive pricing in all markets.

Robert Kokonis, president of airline consulting firm AirTrav Inc., said NewLeaf’s launch is good news for passengers who avoid flying because of high costs. “(NewLeaf) is pulling people really out of the cars, off the bus and stimulating travel from people who don’t travel that often, so it’s really good news, at least in the short run,” he said.

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DOW JONES 16,906.51 -252.15

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BlackBerry’s automotive division has lifted the hood on a slate of new software for the rapidly evolving driverless car market.

The company’s Ottawa-based QNX operations on Wednesday showcased prototypes of its new technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Among them is a program that allows vehicles to interact with each other in order to prevent collisions and to smooth traffic congestion.

It’s just one of many new developments BlackBerry (TSX:BB) touted as part of an effort to join the self-driving vehicles market alongside technology giants like Google and Apple.

BlackBerry’s QNX has spent years developing various automotive technologies such as dashboard infotainment systems used by Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

In its latest announcement, the company said it has created a new software platform automakers can use as a base for building their own automated driving systems.

Built within the system are sensors that use data from a number of sources like cameras and radar to enhance a vehicle’s operations.

The new software — being called QNX’s advanced driving assistance systems — is set for release in the second quarter of the year.

Another enhancement highlighted by the company has QNX software being used to rebalance the voice of the driver throughout the vehicle. Instead of yelling, the driver’s voice is fed through the vehicle’s speakers so that passengers in the back seats can hear everything clearly.

QNX already has a line of other noise enhancement and reduction options for automakers.

Its Active Noise Control technology reduces the low-frequency rumble of a car’s engine inside the vehicle while its Engine Sound Enhancement software gives automakers the ability to recreate trademark engine sounds even in their more quiet models.

The acoustics management technology is expected to hit the market in the third quarter.

BlackBerry has been putting a greater emphasis on it software developments as it shifts focus from its struggling hardware operations, which create the company’s line of smartphones.

NYMEX CRUDE $33.97US -2.00

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C6 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016

MARKETS COMPANIES

D I L B E R T

OF LOCAL INTEREST Wednesday’s stock prices supplied by RBC Dominion Securities of Red Deer. For information call 341-8883.

Diversified and Industrials Agrium Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 120.77 ATCO Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 35.15 BCE Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.71 BlackBerry . . . . . . . . . . . 12.34 Bombardier . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.29 Brookfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.59 Cdn. National Railway . . 73.45 Cdn. Pacific Railway. . . 164.93 Cdn. Utilities . . . . . . . . . . 31.86 Capital Power Corp . . . . 18.03 Cervus Equipment Corp 13.13 Dow Chemical . . . . . . . . 48.46 Enbridge Inc. . . . . . . . . . 44.58 Finning Intl. Inc. . . . . . . . 18.00 Fortis Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37.44 General Motors Co. . . . . 31.27 Parkland Fuel Corp. . . . . 22.90 Sirius XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.79 SNC Lavalin Group. . . . . 40.98 Stantec Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 32.76 Telus Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . 37.70 Transalta Corp.. . . . . . . . . 4.63 Transcanada. . . . . . . . . . 44.61 Consumer Canadian Tire . . . . . . . . 110.50 Gamehost . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.01 Leon’s Furniture . . . . . . . 13.99 Loblaw Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . 65.72

MARKETS CLOSE TORONTO — The Canadian dollar ended the day at its lowest point in more than 12 years as worries over economic growth in China and geopolitical concerns continued to roil equity markets worldwide.

The oil-sensitive loonie closed down 0.46 of a U.S. cent at 71.02 cents U.S. after having fallen below 71 cents earlier in the day. The session marked the dollar’s lowest close since July 2003 when it was recovering from a historic low of 61.79 cents US set in January 2002.

The February contract for benchmark crude oil dropped $2 to settle at US$33.97 a barrel, the lowest level since 2008, while gold, seen as a safe haven in times of uncertainty, rose $13.50 to end trading at US$1,091.90 a troy ounce.

In other commodities, February natural gas fell 5.8 cents to US$2.267 per mmBtu and March copper shed 0.75 of a cent to US$2.088 a pound.

In Toronto, the S&P/TSX composite index tumbled 193.34 points to end the day at 12,726.80, the sixth consecutive losing session of a post-Christmas slump.

In New York, the Dow

Maple Leaf Foods. . . . . . 23.43 Rona Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.67 Wal-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63.55 WestJet Airlines . . . . . . . 20.29 Mining Barrick Gold . . . . . . . . . . 11.19 Cameco Corp. . . . . . . . . 16.17 First Quantum Minerals . . 4.77 Goldcorp Inc. . . . . . . . . . 16.62 Hudbay Minerals. . . . . . . . 5.34 Kinross Gold Corp. . . . . . . 2.62 Labrador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.67 Potash Corp.. . . . . . . . . . 22.75 Sherritt Intl. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.710 Teck Resources . . . . . . . . 4.93 Energy Arc Resources . . . . . . . . 16.05 Badger Daylighting Ltd. . 23.72 Baker Hughes. . . . . . . . . 43.65 Bonavista . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.66 Bonterra Energy . . . . . . . 15.97 Cdn. Nat. Res. . . . . . . . . 29.35 Cdn. Oil Sands Ltd. . . . . . 7.47 Canyon Services Group. . 3.65 Cenovous Energy Inc. . . 17.33 CWC Well Services . . . 0.1200 Encana Corp. . . . . . . . . . . 6.96 Essential Energy. . . . . . . 0.550

Jones average fell 252.15 points to close at 16,906.51, while the S&P 500 lost 26.45 points to 1,990.26 and the Nasdaq dropped 55.67 points to 4,835.76.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlights at the close Wednesday at world financial market trading.

Stocks: S&P/TSX Composite Index — 12,726.80, down 193.34 points Dow — 16,906.51, down 252.15 points S&P 500 — 1,990.26, down 26.45 points Nasdaq — 4,835.76, down 55.67 points Currencies: Cdn — 71.02 cents US, down 0.46 of a cent Pound — C$2.0599, up 0.77 of a cent Euro — C$1.5191, up 1.51 cents Euro — US$1.0789, up 0.38 of a cent Oil futures: US$33.97 per barrel, down two dollars (February contract) Gold futures: US$1,091.90 per oz., up $13.50 (February contract) Canadian Fine Silver Handy and Harman: $20.43 oz., up 12.7 cents

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

Chinese stock market halted for second time in week as markets plunge soon after open HONG KONG — Chinese stock trading has been temporarily suspended for the second time this week after “circuit breakers” kicked in following a steep plunge.

Exxon Mobil . . . . . . . . . . 77.47 Halliburton Co. . . . . . . . . 33.42 High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.41 Husky Energy . . . . . . . . . 14.24 Imperial Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 43.64 Pengrowth Energy . . . . . . 1.03 Penn West Energy . . . . . 1.120 Precision Drilling Corp . . . 5.09 Suncor Energy . . . . . . . . 34.10 Trican Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.510 Trinidad Energy . . . . . . . . 1.92 Vermilion Energy . . . . . . 35.70 Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1050 Financials Bank of Montreal . . . . . . 74.92 Bank of N.S. . . . . . . . . . . 55.16 CIBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.28 Cdn. Western . . . . . . . . . 22.20 Great West Life. . . . . . . . 33.72 IGM Financial . . . . . . . . . 35.31 Intact Financial Corp. . . . 87.00 Manulife Corp. . . . . . . . . 19.73 National Bank . . . . . . . . . 39.40 Rifco Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.45 Royal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 71.57 Sun Life Fin. Inc.. . . . . . . 41.77 TD Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.18

$656.82 kg., up $4.08 ICE FUTURES CANADA WINNIPEG — ICE Futures Canada closing prices: Canola: Jan. ‘16 $1.80 higher $478.00 March ‘16 $1.80 higher $486.10 May ‘16 $2.60 higher $493.60 July ‘16 $3.70 higher $497.20 Nov. ‘16 $4.10 higher $493.40 Jan. ‘17 $4.70 higher $496.20 March ‘17 $4.70 higher $496.20 May ‘17 $4.70 higher $496.20 July ‘17 $4.70 higher $496.20 Nov. ‘17 $4.70 higher $496.20 Jan. ‘18 $4.70 higher $496.20.

Barley (Western): March ‘16 unchanged $182.00 May ‘16 unchanged $188.00 July ‘16 unchanged $190.00 Oct. ‘16 unchanged $190.00 Dec. ‘16 unchanged $190.00 March ‘17 unchanged $190.00 May ‘17 unchanged $190.00 July ‘17 unchanged $190.00 Oct. ‘17 unchanged $190.00 Dec. ‘17 unchanged $190.00 March ‘18 unchanged $190.00.

Wednesday’s estimated volume of trade: 465,800 tonnes of canola 0 tonnes of barley (Western Barley). Total: 465,800.

The official Xinhua news agency said Thursday that trading on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges was frozen for the day after shares tumbled more than 7 per cent.

It’s the latest spasm of investor panic to hit China’s troubled stock markets in recent months.

Exfo posts 1Q profit, results miss Wall Street estimates QUEBEC CITY (AP) — Exfo Inc. (EXFO) on Wednesday reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $1.8 million. On a per-share basis, the Quebec City-based company said it had profit of 3 cents.

Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains

FILE photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This photo provided by AquaBounty Technologies shows two same-age salmon, a genetically modified salmon, rear, and a non-genetically modified salmon, foreground

Groups consider appeal of ruling that didn’t overturn GM salmon production

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS HALIFAX — Environmental groups say they are considering appealing a court ruling that quashed their bid to overturn federal approval of the production of genetically modified salmon eggs in P.E.I. Mark Butler of the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax said Wednesday they are reviewing the Federal Court ruling and will decide next month whether to challenge it.

The group, along with Living Oceans Society, argued in court that the federal government did not follow its own legislated rules and conduct a full risk assessment before clearing AquaBounty to produce the eggs on the Island.

However, Judge Russel W. Zinn dismissed the claims and found the federal ministers’ decisions “were reasonable” and followed the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Zinn did agree with the environmental groups that AquaBounty was restricted in using the salmon eggs only at the facility in Souris, P.E.I. “We see that as a partial victory,” Butler said in Halifax.

AquaBounty CEO Ron Stotish said in a statement that the court ruling supports the company’s claim that the eggs do not pose any risk to the enviand costs, were 4 cents per share. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations.

The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 5 cents per share.

Deloitte says oil and gas prices to stay down as oversupply continues CALGARY — Business consultancy Deloitte says an unexpected continuation of oversupply in both oil and natural gas will mean lower prices for longer.

ronment or human health.

The decision comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the AquaBounty salmon for human consumption in November, making it the first genetically engineered animal product deemed safe for the dining table.

The U.S. government had stalled in approving the salmon for more than five years amid consumer concerns about GM foods. The company says it has developed a way to make Atlantic salmon grow twice as fast as normal by modifying eggs with genes from chinook salmon and an eel-like fish called the ocean pout.

Stotish said the court ruling will allow the Boston-based company to move ahead with plans to produce the eggs in P.E.I. and grow them out in Panama.

It received approval from Environment Canada for the production of Atlantic salmon fish eggs at the Island hatchery, but has not received approval to market the fish for human consumption in this country.

Health Canada has confirmed it is reviewing a submission by AquaBounty to sell the salmon in Canada.

Environmentalists have long opposed the plan, saying the modified fish could escape their containment and mix with wild salmon populations.

The firm is forecasting oil prices to average below US$50 a barrel for 2016 and 2017 as demand growth for oil slows before prices start a slow rise to US$80 a barrel by 2022.

It also expects natural gas prices to stay low in the near term as natural gas storage levels sit at a five-year high and Canada is facing a potentially warmer winter this year.

Deloitte is forecasting the AECO Alberta natural gas trading price to be $2.45 per thousand cubic feet for 2016, while in 2014 it averaged $4.59 per thousand cubic feet.

Longer term, the firm says Alberta’s commitment to phase out coal-fired electricity generation could help boost natural gas prices once the infrastructure is in place.

Ruling allows CP Rail to limit liability in dangerous goods transport

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — Canadian Pacific Railway has welcomed a court ruling limiting its liability from lawsuits triggered by the transporting of dangerous goods, which could help the company in legal action related to the deadly Lac-Megantic disaster.

The Federal Court of Appeal ruled last month that a tariff demanded by CP (TSX:CP) from shipping companies regarding the movement of toxic or poisonous inhalants such as liquefied and compressed gas is reasonable and legal.

CP’s tariff states the company cannot be held liable for any claims, including death or environmental damage caused during the transportation of hazardous, toxic inhalants, unless it is found to be solely negligent or guilty of wilful misconduct.

The ruling means CP is justified in demanding shippers indemnify the company if a derailment occurs after it hands off trains to another railroad to continue hauling toxic goods to their final destination.

“CP applauds the court of appeal ruling in this case and the finding CP’s tariff was both legal and not unreasonable,” Jeremy Berry, a spokesman for the railroad, said in an email.

“The court unanimously recognized that different commodities present different level of risks and that railways have a legitimate interest in limiting exposure transporting certain kinds of goods under tariff.”

Only dangerous goods classified as toxic or poisonous inhalants are discussed in the ruling, but lawyers in the case said the decision could be interpreted more broadly to allow CP to limit its liability in the transportation of crude oil.

The railway is facing two upcoming lawsuits connected to the Lac-Megantic disaster, which occurred after a train transporting crude oil derailed in the town in 2013, exploded and killed 47 people.

CP maintains it had no responsibility for the disaster because it occurred after it handed off the train — which was owned and operated by Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railroad — for the final leg of the journey to New Brunswick.

Victims and creditors have launched a class-action lawsuit against CP, claiming the railroad was negligent. The Quebec government has also initiated a $400-million claim against the railway company.

None of the claims in the two lawsuits have been tested in court.

CP says it cannot be held responsible for the Lac-Megantic disaster because the crash involved an MMA train operated by MMA employees on MMA’s rail network.

The problem for CP is that MMA filed for bankruptcy because it didn’t have enough insurance to pay damages to victims and creditors. During the bankruptcy proceedings, roughly 25 companies accused of responsibility in the crash agreed to pay money into a settlement fund and in return receive legal immunity from future lawsuits.

CP refused to pay into the fund and is therefore the only solvent company left to be sued.

Ian MacKay, a lawyer for an intervener in the Federal Court of Appeal case, said the December ruling could be used by CP to help bolster its case in the upcoming court proceedings.

“In theory, there may be other CP liability tariffs they may have wanted (the ruling) to rely on, so that’s why they were arguing in my case so strongly, and maybe what they had in mind

… was to transfer liability from themselves to others (for crude oil).”

During the MMA bankruptcy proceedings, one of CP’s lawyers discussed how at least one company that owned the crude oil that caused the Lac-Megantic explosions agreed to a tariff limiting CP’s responsibility in the advent of damages caused by the product.

That company, however, has since received legal immunity.

The December appeal stemmed from a 2012 complaint lodged by shipping companies to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

Shippers of toxic inhalants argued CP was attempting to avoid its legal obligations by limiting its liability through the rail tariff, known as Item 54.

The agency ruled in the shippers’ favour in 2013, a decision the Federal Court of Appeal overturned.

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announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

BOWER Joseph 1978 - 2016 Joseph James ‘Joe’ Bower passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the young age of 37 years.

Joe was born in Red Deer December 28, 1978 to Pat and Jim Bower. He has two siblings Jennifer (Norman, Westin, Wynona) and Jeff.

Born into a fifth generation farm family, Joe spent his childhood on the farm influenced by his parents and grandparents (Don and Barb McKinnon and Art Bower and Betty Glover) to grow his love of the rural and family life. Jim and Pat will forever have a sore pitching arm from endless ball practice. Joe spending countless hours with his brother playing baseball and GI Joe. Together Joe and Jeff formed entire fantasy baseball leagues and armies to rule the world (Jek and Boh), and scheming and fighting with their sister Jen. Two strong minds, Joe and Jen enjoyed challenging each other thinking which lead into a strong bond later on.

Joe was an excellent big brother, in fact, the best! In 2000, he married Tamara McLean and had two beautiful children, Kayley Morgan (8) and Sawyer James (3). Joe was an energetic and loving father who supported Kayley and Sawyer in their many activities - swimming, gymnastics, inventing games, and running the base paths after Joe’s ball games. Together Joe and Tamara encouraged the kids to seek their own passions while maintaining strong ties to the family core. They shared the love of farm life enjoying many farm animals and pets. They delighted in traveling, especially to Santa Barbara, California, to visit Jen and Norm. Joe enjoyed the support and comradery from his mother-in-law Geri, sister-in-law Melissa Lapierre (Phil, Leia), and Brothers-in-law Jason (Janet, Blake, Cam, Noah, Chloe) and Aaron (Krista, Janelle). Joe’s passion for education led to the creation of his popular blog For the Love of Learning; it was through his professional work and use of social media that he was able to connect and inspire so many. He was an International speaker recently presenting in Barcelona Spain, stimulating/exciting others with his progressive philosophy on education. “Joe’s Last Inning” will be held at the Harvest Centre, Westerner Park, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Joe’s honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, c/o Unit 39 (Child/Adolescent Mental Health Unit) or the Cardiac Unit at 3942 - 50A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4E7 or www.rdrhfoundation.com/donate-now. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

BUTTERFLY Gordon Sr. 1952 - 2015 Gordon Butterfly, Sr. of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Monday, December 28, 2015 at the age of 63 years. Gordon Sr. was born on May 13, 1952 at the Samson Reserve, Hobbema, Alberta. He is survived by his wife, Verniece Butterfly; his son, Gordon Lee Butterfly, Jr. and his daughter-in-law, Mary Butterfly; as well as two granddaughters, Brooklynn Lee Butterfly and Alyssa Mae Butterfly. He will also be sadly missed by his brother, Wilfred Butterfly and his wife, Louise Butterfly; his sister, Pauline Jerry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Alto Reste Cemetery, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.

403.340.4040.

HENDRICKSON Milton James Milton Hendrickson was born September 29, 1938 in Lake Alma, SK and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, December 28, 2015 at the age of 77 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Ruth Hendrickson; daughter, Natalie (Ed Shackel) Hendrickson; son, Darcy (Maryanne, Jayden) Hendrickson; grandchildren, Kyle Chenard and Faith Chenard. A Celebration of Milton’s Life will be held at the Elks Club, 6315 Horn Street, Red Deer, AB on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca

Obituaries

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CLASSIFICATIONS 50-70

56

Found

FOUND bike in Sunnybrook. Call 403-347-6883 to identify.

60

Personals

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 403-347-8650 COCAINE ANONYMOUS 403-396-8298

KEEFE Warren Francis (Mar. 3, 1921, to Jan. 4, 2016) Warren Keefe passed away on Jan. 4, leaving behind a loving family and a lasting legacy of devotion, love and generosity. Warren and his beloved wife Deone retired to Red Deer in 1988. Deone sadly passed away in 1990.

In her absence, Warren never faltered in his devotion to their family. He was a father ahead of his time, spending countless hours with his children as they grew up, instilling in each of them a great love of life and books, and teaching them the strength of family - and the healing power of chocolate.

Later, he would be just as devoted and selfless as a grandfather and greatgrandfather. Warren was predeceased by his dear wife Deone, his son Robert, his daughter-in-law Shona, his brothers George and James, and his sister Blanche. He is survived by his sisters Joyce Pryor and Joan Chandler, his sister-in-law Joan Keefe, his children Wayne, Leslie Hanrahan (Bill), Donna Stewart (John), Karen Castellan (Gino) and daughter-in-law Anne O’Keefe, ten grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Hopfner for his years of kind and professional care, and to the staff at Extendicare Michener Hill for their help and compassion over the last six months. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 1:30 p.m. at the Red Deer Legion, Branch 35, 2810 Bremner Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Warren’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.reddeerfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to RED DEER FUNERAL HOME 6150 - 67 Street, Red Deer.

Phone (403) 347-3319.

MCDONALD Charles Roger (Chuck) April 26, 2931 - Jan. 3, 2016 It is with great sadness that the family of Chuck McDonald announces his peaceful passing at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on January 3, 2016 at the age of 84. Chuck will be lovingly remembered by his four children; Colin McDonald of Chetwynd, BC; Valerie Bardick (Jim) of Red Deer, AB., Lisa McDonald of Lacombe, AB, and John McDonald (Carrie) of Kelowna, BC. He is also survived by his six grandchildren; Rylan, Noah, Ashton, Kaelan, Kaeden and Grayden.

Chuck was predeceased by his loving wife Velma; his parents Charles and Lottie; his three sisters, Dorothy, Margaret and Jean; his brother Robert; his infant son Ross, and his infant grandson Taylor.

Chuck married Velma in 1956 and they moved to Alix where Chuck was the District Agent for Northwestern Utilities (Atco) for 36 years until February 2, 1988 when he chose to retire. After his retirement Chuck and Velma spent many summers out at their cabin at Valhalla. Later in his life they decided to move to Red Deer and that is where he lived until the time of his passing. Chuck was an avid woodworker, gardener, and had a true love for old cars. Chuck will always be remembered for his sense of humor, not a day passed when he wasn’t trying to make someone laugh at one of his jokes. A small graveside service will be held for Chuck and Velma in Camrose at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, #1, 5550 45 St. Red Deer, AB, T4N 1L1...or to the charity of one’s choice.

SZYMANEK Emily Elizabeth 1920-2016 Emily Elizabeth Szymanek passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at Villa Marie in Red Deer on New Year’s Day. Emily was born in Fernie, B.C. to Michael and Marya Salamon on Nov. 5, 1920. On July 4, 1940 Emily married Michael Szymanek and they lived in the Evergreen district. Emily devoted her life to her family giving them Christian values and a love for music. She had an extraordinary memory and a positive and grateful attitude. Her beloved husband Mike passed away in 1995.

Emily remained on the farm and in later years lived at Autumn Glen Lodge in Innisfail and Villa Marie in Red Deer where she received exceptional care.

Emily was predeceased by her husband Mike, son Chuck and other family members. Emily is lovingly remembered by daughters Eileen (Roy) Hoven, Carol (Cecil) Hoven, Lois (Rubin) Jobs, Louise (Alfred) Schatschneider; daughter-inlaw Linda Szymanek; son Ed (Carol) Szymanek; 23 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers-in-law: Stan Marcinek and Rudolph Szymanek; sister-in-law Margaret Kaleta and many nieces and nephews. Prayers will be held at Evergreen Catholic Church on Sunday, Jan. 10th, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Evergreen Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 11th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made in Emily’s name to the Evergreen Catholic Church; Evergreen Cemetery; Villa Marie Covenant Care or Autumn Glen Lodge. Condolences can be forwarded to www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca SYLVAN LAKE AND ROCKY FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIUM, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-887-2151

Funeral Directors & Services

OVEREATERS Anonymous Contact Phyl @ 347-4188

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jobs CLASSIFICATIONS 700-920

Clerical

720

P/T BOOKKEEPER req’d to work in office near Bentley 1 - 2 days per wk. flexible hours, exp. with Simply Accounting (Sage 50) is required. Please send resume to kingdom farmsinc@gmail.com or fax; 403-748-4613 phone 403-505-2647

Professionals

810

NOW HIRING - LAB ANALYST 2 (1 yr. contract) Joffre, AB. Duties: Analyze water & organic samples using ICP, GC, HPLC, & NMR; maintain proper calibration & quality control records; prepare samples for analysis using extraction methods; troubleshoot & understand analytical equipment. Required: post secondary education in chemistry or related field; organized, detail-oriented; good communication skills (verbal & written); must be able to work shifts.

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Sales & Distributors

830

SENIOR SALES REP Oil and Gas required immediately, preferably with background in the Service Sector. All sales will be International. Must have recent senior sales experience. Remuneration, very generous fee from all clients you identify, as well as a portion of the fee on an on-going basis that said clients pay us. All expenses paid. For more information, visit our webpage at www.wilsontrade.com.

Submit resume to brucewilson@incentre.net TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

Trades

850

GOODMEN ROOFING LTD. Requires

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Obituaries

309-3300

REITMEIER Wayne (Butch) Passed away December 28, 2015 at Red Deer Regional Hospital at the age of 73.

Butch was predeceased by his parents George and Dorothy Reitmeier; two brothers, Robbie and Phil; two nieces, Carrie and Tracey Vance. He leaves three sons; Lyle (Nui) of Tailand, Guy and Alan (Debbie) of Red Deer; daughter, Angela of B.C.; three sisters, Georgina Rhodes (Doug) of Eckville, Karen Vance of Red Deer, Barb Pasiechnyk (Lorance) of Calgary; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Butch worked in the oilfield in and around Alberta. He was a big part of the All Pro Canadian Chuckwagon Association. He had a lot of good times judging and volunteering to cook at the Western Days. In his last years he spent a lot of time camping at the river in Big Valley with a lot of good friends and family. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. A Celebration of Butch’s Life will be held on January 16, 2016 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #35, 2810 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer, AB at 1:00 pm - 4 pm.

SLOPED ROOFERS LABOURERS & FLAT ROOFERS Valid Driver’s Licence preferred. Fax or email info@goodmenroofing.ca or (403)341-6722 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

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Central Alberta LIFE

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D2 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 Misc.

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Misc. for Sale

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30 pc. wall mounted storage bins $35, new elec. rotisserie and BBQ oven $35 - SOLD, Stringer wet/dry vacuum cleaner $20 - SOLD, Skil 3/8 variable speed drill $12 SOLD, B & D jig saw $12, 6” multi-purpose vice, $25.

403-358-5568 POLAR bar fridge $50, 2 Canadian Club (Texas Mickey) 133 1/3 oz. whiskey bottles w/pumps, $50 ea. 403-358-5568 PROPANE heater for inside travel home, works good $150 obo 403-314-0804 VHS OPRAH tapes, 60 VHS movie tapes and Àgure skating tapes to give away ALL GONE WATER cooler $50.

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Houses/ Duplexes

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2 storey, 4912-53 St. large fenced yard, single car garage, 1 blk. from school, 3 blks. from main street, $1000/mo. + utils. $500 DD avail. Feb. 1. Call Corrinne to see 403-742-1344, call Don 403-742-9615 to rent.

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FOR RENT • 3000-3200 WANTED • 3250-3390

Houses/ Duplexes

3020

SYLVAN Lake, 3 fully furn. rentals, garage, inclds. all utils., $1100-$1600.

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880

The Pre Planning Funeral Director is responsible for promoting and providing funeral planning by contacting and meeting clients to prearrange their funerals and discuss pre arranging cemetery products and services in the community.

ADULT CARRIERS NEEDED

ACROSS from park, 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 1 1/2 bath, 4 appls. Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650. Avail. now or Feb. 1. 403-304-5337

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Suites

ADULT 2 BDRM. spacious suites 3 appls., heat/water incld., ADULT ONLY BLDG, no pets, Oriole Park. 403-986-6889 AVAIL. IMMED. large 2 bdrm. in clean quiet adult building, near downtown Co-Op, no pets, 403-348-7445

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Clean, quiet, newly reno’d adult building. Rent $925 S.D. $800. Avail. immed. and Jan. 1. Near hospital.

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MORRISROE MANOR 1 & 2 bdrm., Adult bldg. only, N/S, No pets. 403-596-2444

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Contractors

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Flooring

1180

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Handyman Services

1200

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Houses For Sale

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Seniors’ Services

1280

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Iraq offers to mediate in Saudi-Iranian crisis

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TEHRAN, Iran — Iraq on Wednesday offered to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Iran after tensions soared following the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric and attacks on two Saudi diplomatic posts in the Islamic Republic.

The standoff has seen Saudi Arabia sever diplomatic ties with its longtime regional rival and could hinder efforts to resolve the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, where Riyadh and Tehran back opposite sides, as well as affect the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari proposed mediation during a news conference in Tehran, but also referred to the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as a “crime.” Saudi Arabia and its allies say al-Nimr was found guilty of terrorism charges, and that condemnations of the execution amount to meddling in Riyadh’s internal affairs.

Iraq has undertaken a delicate balancing act amid the latest regional turmoil. The Shiite-led government in Baghdad relies on Iranian help to battle the extremist Islamic State group, but is also trying to repair ties to oilrich Saudi Arabia, which last week sent an ambassador to Baghdad for the first time in 25 years.

Speaking alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, al-Jaafari said Iraq’s place in the heart of the Middle East allows it to play a role in trying to “alleviate tensions.”

“This responsibility has been given to us and we have been active from the early moments to lessen tensions to prevent a disaster from happening that could affect the entire region,” he said.

Back in Iraq, however, thousands of Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen marched in Baghdad and across the south to protest the execution of alNimr. Qais al-Khazali, the head of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, gave a speech in the southern city of Basra in which he called on Baghdad to cut diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, expel the newly arrived ambassador and boycott Saudi goods.

Russia also has offered itself as a potential mediator, though it’s unclear whether Saudi or Iranian officials have responded to the proposal.

Zarif, meanwhile, blamed Saudi Arabia for exacerbating the situation.

“We have treated these actions with magnanimity and nobleness but unfortunately our neighbour, Saudi Arabia, did not respond to it properly,” he said. “The process of provoking tension must be stopped.”

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani accused the Saudi government of fanning strife between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and creating “an Islamaphobic atmosphere” in world opinion, according to a news release from Iran’s U.N. Mission.

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Realtors & Services

Need to Downsize? Brand DELUXE Innisfail 2 bdrm. New Valley Crossing Conn/pets, balcony, inclds. water dos in Blackfalds. Main $860 + utils. 403-348-6594 Áoor is 1,119 SQ FT 2 Bdrm/2Bath. Imm. Poss.

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Our ideal candidate will be responsible for the following: • Working various lead sources, contacting and visiting client families to assess pre-arrangement needs.

• Communicating the Company’s Pre Need Funeral planning program.

• Generating lead sources by following-up on all referrals, walk-ins and mail drops, working with at-need families to promote the aftercare program.

• Presenting to community organizations, arranging and hosting seminars and mall shows, notifying agencies and special groups about the pre-need funeral program and reviewing all files.

• Establishing and organizing programs and seminars at the funeral home, with guest speakers and arranges co-sponsors of the seminars and programs.

• Ensuring all contracts are accurately completed, required signatures are obtained, copies are forwarded to appropriate parties and that files are maintained.

• Participating in funeral home staff and management meetings, communicates regularly with all funeral home staff to obtain and provide information on the families served or new lead sources.

Accounting

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caused male life expectancy to drop

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MEXICO CITY — A new study suggests that Mexico’s drug violence was so bad at its peak that it apparently caused the nation’s male life expectancy to drop by several months.

Experts say the violence from 20052010 partly reversed decades of steady gains, noting that homicide rates increased from 9.5 homicides per 100,000 people in 2005 to more than 22 in 2010.

That has since declined to about 16 per 100,000 in 2014. The study published Tuesday in the American journal Health Affairs says “the increase in homicides is at the heart” of the phenomenon, though deaths due to diabetes may have also played a role.

“The unprecedented rise in homicides after 2005 led to a reversal in life expectancy increases among males and a slowdown among females in most states,” according to the study, published by Jose Manuel Aburto of the European Doctoral School of Demography, UCLA’s Hiram Beltran-Sanchez and two other authors.

The study’s authors found that life expectancy for males in Mexico dropped by about six-tenths of a year from 2000-2010.

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WORLD

D3

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

NKorea met with condemnation WORLD POWERS VOW TO PUNISH NATION THAT ANNOUNCED IT TESTED HYDROGEN BOMB

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — North Korea’s declaration that it had tested a hydrogen bomb for the first time was greeted with widespread condemnation — but also skepticism — as world powers vowed Wednesday to punish the impoverished and defiant nation with new international sanctions.

The isolated country’s fourth nuclear test since 2006 was a “reckless challenge to international norms of behaviour and the authority of the U.N. Security Council,” said British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.

The council met in an emergency session and called the test “a clear violation” of its resolutions.

It agreed to start work immediately on a resolution for new sanctions.

The international community must respond with “steadily increasing pressure” and rigorous enforcement of existing measures, said U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power.

Four rounds of U.N. sanctions have aimed at reining in the North’s nuclear and missile development, but Pyongyang has ignored them and moved ahead with programs to modernize its ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.

The last sanctions resolution in 2013 was co-sponsored by the U.S. and China, and both countries will be key to an agreement on a new one. Whether any new sanctions can slow North Korea’s nuclear program, however, remains to be seen.

There was a burst of jubilation and pride in North Korea’s capital of Pyongyang, where a TV anchor said Wednesday’s test of a “miniaturized” hydrogen bomb had been a “perfect success” that elevated the country’s “nuclear might to the next level.”

A successful test would mark a major and unanticipated advance for the North’s still-limited nuclear arsenal and push its scientists and engineers closer to their goal of building a warhead small enough to place on a missile that can reach the U.S. mainland.

But an early analysis by the U.S. government was “not consistent with the claims that the regime has made of a successful hydrogen bomb test,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

He added that nothing has happened in the last 24 hours to change Washington’s assessment of Pyongyang’s technical or military capabilities. The U.S. is still doing the work needed to learn more about the North’s test, he added.

“We’re trying to run down their assertion,” U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden told a local TV station in Virginia. “We are determining whether the claim is accurate.”

Hours earlier, South Korea’s spy agency said it thought the estimated explosive yield from the blast was much smaller than what even a failed hydrogen bomb detonation would produce.

South Korean lawmaker Lee Cheol Woo said he was told in a briefing by the National Intelligence Service that Pyongyang may not have conducted a hydrogen bomb test given the relatively small size of the seismic wave reported.

An estimated explosive yield of 6.0 kilotons and a quake with a magnitude of 4.8 (the U.S. reported 5.1) were detected, Lee said he was told. That’s smaller than the estimated yield of 7.9 kilotons and 4.9-magnitude quake reported after a 2013 nuclear test, he said, and only a fraction of the hundreds of kilotons that a successful H-bomb test would usually yield.

Even a failed H-bomb detonation typically yields tens of kilotons, the NIS told Lee, who sits on the parliament’s intelligence committee.

A miniaturized H-bomb can trigger a weak quake, but only the U.S. and Russia have such weapons, Lee cited the NIS as saying.

“I’m pretty skeptical,” said Melissa Hanham, senior researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies in Monterey, California. “The seismic data indicates it would be very small for a hydrogen test.

“It seems just too soon to have this big technical achievement,” she said. “But North Korea has always defied expectations.”

While also noting the quake was likely too small for an H-bomb test, Jaiki Lee, a professor of nuclear engineering at Seoul’s Hanyang University, said the North could have experimented with a “boosted” hybrid bomb that uses some nuclear fusion fuel along with more conventional uranium or plutonium fuel.

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A South Korean university student wearing a mask depicting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un participates in a rally against North Korea’s announcement that it had tested a hydrogen bomb in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday. North Korea’s declaration that it had tested a hydrogen bomb for the first time was greeted with widespread condemnation - but also skepticism - as world powers vowed Wednesday to punish the impoverished and defiant nation with new international sanctions. The banners read ” We denounce North Korea’ nuclear test.”

Joel Wit, founder of the North Korea-focused 38 North website, said a boosted bomb “is the most likely option,” while adding that he isn’t surprised that North Korea has shifted focus to hydrogen weaponry.

“Every nuclear power essentially moves down the same track as they develop nuclear weapons,” he said. “And that track is miniaturization, but also increasing the yield of nuclear weapons. That’s what the Americans did that’s what the Russians did.”

Fusion is the main principle behind the hydrogen bomb, which can be hundreds of times more powerful than atomic bombs that use fission. In a hydrogen bomb, a nuclear fission explosion sets off a fusion reaction responsible for a powerful blast and radioactivity.

Washington and nuclear experts have been skeptical of past North Korean claims about hydrogen bombs, which are much more powerful and much more difficult to make than atomic bombs. A confirmed test would further worsen already abysmal relations between Pyongyang and its neighbours and lead to a strong push for tougher sanctions.

Despite the doubt, there was still high-level concern in Seoul and elsewhere.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye ordered her military to bolster its combined defence posture with U.S. forces. She called the test a “grave provocation” and “an act that threatens our lives and future.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “We absolutely cannot allow this.”

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a former South Korean foreign minister, called North Korea’s action “profoundly destabilizing for regional security,” and he demanded that Pyongyang halt any further nuclear activities.

U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter spoke by phone with his South Korean counterpart Han MinKoo, and they agreed a North Korean nuclear test would be an “unacceptable and irresponsible provocation,” according to Carter’s spokesman, Peter Cook.

Cook said Carter reaffirmed the U.S. treaty commitment to defend South Korea, which he said includes “all aspects of the United States’ extended deterrence” — an allusion to a longstanding U.S. promise to defend South Korea with nuclear weapons if necessary.

The test was unexpected in part because North Korea’s last one was nearly three years ago and its leader, Kim Jong Un, did not mention nuclear weapons in his annual New Year’s speech. Some outside analysts had speculated Kim was worried about deteriorating ties with China, the North’s last major ally, which has shown greater frustration at provocations and a possible willingness to allow stronger U.N. sanctions.

Key to stopping North Korea’s nuclear weapons program may rest with China WASHINGTON — Diplomatic engagement has failed to stop North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Sanctions have been tightened with little result. And military force could be catastrophic.

So what can the world do to bring Kim Jong Un’s renegade government into line? The answer may rest with China.

While Beijing’s influence over North Korea appears to have diminished since Kim came to power in 2012, it remains its key trading partner. Experts says China could do more to restrict North Korean use of Chinese banks and limit supplies of food and fuel that provide an economic lifeline to Pyongyang.

Wednesday’s purported hydrogen bomb test will intensify pressure on China to tighten the screws on Kim. It has been leery of taking such steps because of fears that a collapse of North Korea’s socialist government could cause an influx of refugees and lead to a pro-American, unified Korean nation on China’s doorstep.

China immediately made plain its displeasure with Pyongyang, saying it “firmly opposed” the test. “North Korea should stop taking any actions which would worsen the situation on the Korean Peninsula,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters in Beijing.

China’s U.S. ambassador met at the White House on Wednesday with President Barack Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, and China joined the U.S. in supporting a U.N. Security Council statement that strongly condemned the test and pledged to pursue new sanctions.

But North Korea has proved adept at circumventing existing restrictions and at using its indigenous capabilities to develop its weapons.

Because of its international isolation, the North is less susceptible to financial sanctions than a major economy like Iran.

Incentives haven’t worked either. Three U.S. administrations, going back to President Bill Clinton, have coaxed the North to disarm in exchange for aid, but each effort has eventually failed.

And taking a tougher military stance against Pyongyang means unpalatable risks. An American attack could put U.S. ally South Korea in the firing line of the world’s fifth-largest army, which could launch a massive artillery barrage on the capital, Seoul.

Most powerful El Nino storm this year pushes into California

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Two pedestrians share an umbrella as they walk down La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, California, Thursday, as a series of El Nino generated rain storms sweep through California. Flood watches and concern for debris flows in areas affected by forest fires have residents and emergency personnel on alert.

LOS ANGELES — The hillside above the California home of Wayne Socha had held firm against thunderstorms over the past three decades. But after a wildfire two years ago stripped away vegetation and loosened soil, he feared the strong El Nino storms pounding the state could bring it all down.

So the 61-year-old corporate auditor grabbed a sledgehammer and waded through the muck in his Monrovia backyard to knock a hole in a cement wall and let a mud flow skirt his house and run into a street.

“It looked like Niagara Falls,” Socha said. “It was quickly building up behind the house and I knew it could come right inside.”

Socha is among uncounted Californians trying to protect their property after the first El Nino storms descended this week and brought wet, windy weather to an area stretching all the way to the Gulf Coast.

Those storms dumped nearly 3 inches of rain Tuesday on Southern California, turning Socha’s terraced backyard into a raging torrent of mud and debris. He kept his sledgehammer and shovels close on Wednesday as the winter’s most powerful El Nino storm so far pushed into the state.

Driving rain inundated the San Francisco Bay Area during the morning commute, causing nearly two dozen crashes, toppling trees and flooding streets and streams. Officials shut down the city’s iconic cable cars, and buses were used to serve riders.

The system pushed south toward Los Angeles, stirring high waves in the ocean and causing extensive flooding in the San Fernando Valley that swamped cars in deep water.

It packed colder temperatures, stronger winds and heavier rainfall than the previous storms that have lined up since the weekend and brought

much-needed rain to the drought-stricken state.

In all, the current storm was expected to dump as much as 3 more inches of rain in coastal and valley areas and up to 4 inches at higher elevations, National Weather Service meteorologist Curt Kaplan said.

Another less-powerful El Nino storm was right behind and expected to hit land Thursday. Los Angeles authorities spent days getting homeless people from low-lying areas along the Los Angeles River and other waterways prone to flooding. Shuttles were available to shelters that had room for as many as 6,000 beds, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

“We’re not going to charge them with things,” Garcetti said. “But we will use the force of law — there is law on the books that they can’t be there.”

Motorists in mountain areas were warned that blizzard conditions with wind gusts reaching 60 mph were possible above 4,000 feet.

At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia officials dispatched crews with sandbags to help protect Socha’s neighbourhood from landslides. That eased his mind somewhat, but he said he and his wife were vigilantly watching forecasts of several more inches of rain. The National Weather Service said a record 1.42 inches of rain fell Tuesday at Los Angeles International Airport as a previous storm passed through the region.

San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to 75 calls in three hours Tuesday. Most dealt with cars in flooded intersections, including instances in which a woman and her dog were pulled to safety and a family of four was rescued from their vehicle as waters swiftly rose.

Northern Arizona residents woke up to a winter wonderland on Wednesday and forecasters warned of a lot more snow in the coming days. Several major roadways closed temporarily because of a rock slide, crashes and slippery conditions.

D4 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

HI & LOIS

PEANUTS

BLONDIE

HAGAR

BETTY

PICKLES

GARFIELD

LUANN

Jan. 7 2000 — Beverley McLachlin sworn in as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; first woman to hold that position.

1998 — Canadian government apologizes to WKH QDWLRQ·V LQGLJHQRXV SHRSOHV IRU SDVW DFWV of oppression; pledges $245 million for counseling and treatment programs.

1986 — Chris Clifford of the Kingston Canadians the first goalie in the Ontario Hockey

League to score a goal.

1955 — CBC broadcasts the Speech from the Throne and the opening ceremonies of Parliament live on television for the first time.

1896 — Mackenzie Bowell loses seven members of his Cabinet, as half resign in opposition to his leadership.

1867 ³ 3ULYDWH 7LPRWK\ 2·+HD LV DZDUGHG the Victoria Cross for his bravery in 1866, protecting the lives of 800 emigrants on a Grand Trunk train menaced by a fire in a boxcar carrying explosives. Only VC awarded for a brave deed not done in the face of the enemy.

ARGYLE SWEATER

RUBES

TODAY IN HISTORY

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HEALTH

D5

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Scientists follow the trail of a superbug CANADIAN SCIENTISTS TRACK MCR-1 GENE THAT MAKES SOME BACTERIA DRUG-RESISTANT

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — The discovery that a gene which turns some bacteria into antibiotic-resistant superbugs has been in Canada for at least five years has scientists wondering when it first emerged and how to stop its spread.

The MCR-1 gene makes E. coli and some other species of bacteria resistant to colistin, an antibiotic considered the drug of last resort for some diseases.

The existence of MCR-1 was first reported in November in the medical journal the Lancet after scientists identified the gene in E. coli samples taken from farm animals, meat and hospital patients in China.

What makes MCR-1 so alarming is that rather than being tethered within a chromosome, the gene is found on a circular bit of free-floating DNA called a plasmid — which can easily be swapped between bacteria, thereby allowing more micro-organisms to fend off the killing effects of antibiotics.

“It’s not only that certain strains of bacteria become resistant,” said Gerry Wright, director of the Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University in Hamilton.

“Once the genie is out of the bottle, once they start moving around, then it becomes very, very challenging to contain.”

News that a new antibiotic-resistance gene had been discovered in China — it’s since been found in several other countries — sent scientists at

the Public Health Agency of Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory on a hunt for MCR-1 in about 1,000 bacterial samples collected from hospitals and provincial labs.

The superbug gene did turn up: in E. coli from an Ottawa woman who had been treated for a likely unrelated intestinal disorder in 2011 and two E. coli samples from beef sold in Ontario in 2010, prior to the Chinese samples, which were collected in 2011 and 2014.

Dr. Matthew Gilmour, scientific director general of the Winnipeg lab, said PHAC scientists are now looking at earlier samples to try to determine how far back MCR-1 was first present in Canada.

The lab has also designed a test to detect the gene for use by hospital labs across the country, Gilmour said Tuesday.

Wright, who first heard about MCR1 from the Lancet report, has also begun studying the gene, with the goal of finding a means to stop it from being incorporated by other bacterial strains.

“What we want to be able to do, now that we know this gene is here and it’s a potential threat to human health, we want to be able to see if we can find a molecule that blocks MCR-1’s activity,” he said. “If we can find such a molecule, then we’ll be able to combine it with colistin so you could still use that drug.”

Wright said Canadians should be concerned about the existence of MCR-1 because its emergence adds to the growing phenomenon of bacterial

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Electron micrograph image of E.coli is shown in a handout photo. MCR-1, a gene that makes bacteria resistant to the killing effects of antibiotics, has been detected in stored samples of E. coli collected in 2010 in Canada. Now scientists are wondering if the superbug gene had made its way into Canada even earlier and just what that could mean. resistance to often life-saving antibiotics.

“It wouldn’t be such a big deal if we had a big arsenal of antibiotics, but we

don’t,” he said. “There are no new antibiotics coming to market.

“So that’s the reason to be scared.

This has the potential to affect us all.”

Yeast infection drug linked to pregnancy problems STUDY

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CHICAGO — A prescription drug for yeast infections may increase chances for miscarriages when used early in pregnancy, a large study in Denmark suggests.

The 17-year study involved oral versions of fluconazole, available in pills or liquid. It doesn’t provide any proof of harm, although the drug has been linked with other problems when used in high doses in pregnancy.

The researchers looked at more than 1 million pregnancies in Denmark, comparing outcomes among women who used oral fluconazole and those who didn’t.

Women who used the drug during the first six months of pregnancy were almost 50 per cent more likely than nonusers to have a miscarriage. Women at increased risk included those on a low 150-milligram dose those on higher doses faced greater miscarriage risks.

While fewer than 10 per cent of women in each group had miscarriages — they totalled 710 — the researchers said doctors should use caution in prescribing the drug early in pregnancy.

The study, by researchers at State Serum Institute in Copenhagen, was published Tuesday in the Jour-

CDC focuses attack on electronic cigarette ads

nal of the American Medical Association.

Yeast infections are common among women and occur more often in pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories, and prescription fluconazole, in pills or liquid, are among treatments. Fluconazole is available in generic versions and under the brand name Diflucan, typically prescribed in a single dose. Multiple high doses of fluconazole are sometimes prescribed for stubborn infections.

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety announcement in 2011 said those higher doses in early pregnancy may be linked with certain birth defects but that a single 150 mg-dose appeared safe. Re-

IN ONE

search since then on possible risks from low-dose versions has had mixed results.

Recent U.S. studies show that oral fluconazole isn’t commonly prescribed during pregnancy.

Dr. Scott Sullivan, a member of the ethics committee at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the new study doesn’t prove any miscarriage risk from fluconazole, “it just means we need more data, more studies.”

Sullivan, an associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, said most oral medicines are used cautiously in women during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of concerns about potential risks.

MOMENT

WITH

ONE

Gesture

SAYING TOO MANY KIDS SEE THE ADS

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — The United State’s lead public health agency on Tuesday focused its attack on electronic cigarettes on the issue of advertising, saying too many kids see the ads.

There are bans on TV commercials and some other types of marketing for regular cigarettes but there are no restrictions on advertisements for e-cigarettes.

About seven out of 10 kids said they’ve seen the ads, mostly in stores, according to survey results released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 22,000 high school and middle school students were asked in 2014 if they saw e-cigarette ads — in stores, online or in magazines, movies and television.

The report doesn’t prove advertising is actually causing more kids to pick up e-cigarettes and a trade group said the survey is flawed. But CDC officials worry e-cigarettes may hook a new generation on nicotine, and lead some to take up cigarettes — possibly reversing a long and gradual decline in smoking rates.

“Unfettered marketing of e-cigarettes has the potential to compromise decades of progress,” said Brian King, a CDC expert on smoking issues.

Youth e-cigarette smoking rates have risen at a similar trajectory as spending on advertising, say officials at the Atlanta-based CDC. And researchers say advertising has, in the past, been a big driver of youth smoking of traditional cigarettes. Cigarette sales to minors are banned nationwide most states now ban the sale of e-cigarettes to those under 18.

The federal health agency has been taking an unusually hard stand against e-cigarettes, at a time when scientists still trying to determine if they are harmful. E-cigarettes have only been sold in the United States for about the past nine years.

E-cigarettes heat liquid nicotine into an inhalable vapour. Users get nicotine but not the thousands of chemicals, tar, or odour of regular cigarettes.

Scientists say nicotine is highly addictive and can be harmful for the developing brain. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said e-cigarettes can be a benefit if they help adult smokers quit, but kids should not be using them.

“They are not harmless,” Frieden said Tuesday, in a call with reporters.

The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association — an e-cigarette industry trade group — criticized the survey and CDC’s stance.

EVERYTHING VERYTHI ERYTHI

CHANGES HANGE TELL US YOUR PROPOSAL STORY

for a chance to win a romantic Honeymoon Suite package at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Gasoline Alley All submissions will be published in our 2016 Wedding Guide. If you Have any photos of that special moment, we encourage you to include those with your story.

Please email, send or drop off your submission to:

BRIDAL PROPOSALS Red Deer Advocate 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9 Jaldrich@reddeeradvocate.com Contest closes: Monday, January 18, 2016

LIFESTYLES

D6

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2016

Worker concerned with Boss’ attitude Dear Annie: My pay isn’t great, but it’s better than minimum wage.

I get no benefits, and my boss refuses to train me for anything more skilled than what I’m doing now, because he needs me for the lowest position. I ride a bike to work, and he often has me work at multiple locations in the area, sending KATHY MITCHELL me to pick up AND MARCY SUGAR supplies.

ANNIE’S MAILBOX Recently, he wanted to borrow my bike to get to an appointment and didn’t want to pay for a cab. I said, “Nobody rides my bike but me.” He was very insistent, but I still said no. If he damaged it and refused to pay, what would I do?

Anyway, he said, “I’m going to re-

member this the next time you need a favor.” I wasn’t aware that I had ever asked him for a favor.

When I questioned him, he rattled off the time I left early to see the doctor because of a job-related injury, and the time he gave me the day off because I was sick, and I had to agree to come in the morning anyway. I wasn’t paid for the sick day, either. I once asked to attend a safety seminar, but he wouldn’t allow it. I told him those “favors” don’t count, but he was still angry.

Was I selfish not to let this guy use my bike?

He makes more than three times what I make, and I do my job diligently and honestly. — Feeling Used Dear Feeling: You were not wrong.

Your boss was out of line to demand that you loan him your bike and then vaguely threaten you when you refused.

Sometimes the best approach in these circumstances is to express your deep regret that you are unable to accommodate him (“I’m SO sorry that I

Sound ideas for untangling the earbuds storage problem PRODUCTS, TECHNIQUES AND IDEAS

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Anyone who’s wrestled with tangled earbuds knows how hard it can be to keep the little devils from becoming a scrambled bunch of knots, no matter where or how you store them.

Here’s the latest in cord technology designed to solve this messy problem:

PRODUCT IDEAS

Zipbuds’ Juiced 2.0 and Pro Mike models have an actual zipper between the cords the glow-in-the-dark green version would be easy to dig out of the dark recesses of a bag.

The Slide model employs a tiny zipper attachment like the ones on re-sealable plastic containers. (www. zipbuds.com ) From Beats by Dre, urBeats have a flat, bright-red cable that resists tangling and is easy to see. (www.beatsbydre.com )

STORAGE IDEAS

If you’re not in the market for new earbuds but are just looking for a way to store them smoothly, there are lots of options.

The Sinch is a little rubber band that slips over a phone’s cord port.

Wrap the cords around the phone and secure with the built-in magnet. (www. thesinch.com ) The Spyder Byte is a black, plastic, spider-shaped clip that attaches to the cords to clasp and secure them. (www. fredandfriends.com ) The Nest is a pliable silicone case with an inner spool to hold earbuds.

Pull one of the earbuds to release them from the spool when needed.

(www.digitalinnovations.com ) For kids or those after a bit of whimsy in their tech accessories, Storenvy has a silicone 3-D rabbit that offers storage in its rear and room for a phone up front.

It comes in a slew of hues. (www. storenvy.com )

DIY

Look online for ideas on repurposing tape dispensers, thread spools, badge clips, credit cards, small snack boxes, travel-size swab holders, gum dispensers, bandage holders and contact lens cases into earbud storage.

Crafty types might tackle the bunny, butterfly or bear holder shown on www.easyfreshideas.com it’s made from just felt, Velcro and thread.

Cord tacos — discs that folds in half, with a simple closure — work for any tech cords, including earbuds. You can devise your own out of scraps of material, or find distinctive leather ones online.

Knitters can create a menagerie of cute earbud holders, including turtles, fish, frogs and mice. Tiny pouches secured with small buttons or snaps can be made quickly. Harry Potter fans might like a crocheted Golden Snitch find Lissan Loi’s pattern on her Etsy. com site, Asian Freckles.

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Thursday, Jan. 7 a child, teenager or friend. Avoid making longCELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: term decisions until you can view the situation Nicholas Cage, 51; Katie Couric, 58; David from a more objective and settled perspective.

Caruso, 59 LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A love affair THOUGHT OF THE DAY: or family relationship will be very When it comes to most things intense and unpredictable today today — expect the unexpected!

Libra. The best astrological adHAPPY BIRTHDAY: You are vice is to just sit on the side-lines intuitive and imaginative. Februand wait for things to eventually ary and July are the most romancalm down. tic months to go on a first date, SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): fall in love, propose, get married Avoid getting stuck in a stultifying or renew your wedding vows.

Scorpio rut. The Sun and Uranus ARIES (March 21-April 19): push you to shake up your usual Restless Rams are feeling very routine with some spontaneous contrary! When others ask you detours. It will make you feel unto do things, you’re likely to turn settled — and much more alive! around and do the complete opSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22posite. Hopefully you won’t upset Dec. 21): Money matters look JOANNE MADELINE too many people in the process! complex and unpredictable so MOORE TAURUS (April 20-May avoid making major financial de20): Travel plans and education cisions today Sagittarius. FinancHOROSCOPE matters look very unsettled, as es and friends are a particularly the Sun and Uranus throw unmessy mix, so strive to keep the expected disruptions your way. two separate.

The more stubborn and inflexible you are, the CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The Sun more difficult the day will be. and Pluto are both in your sign, which intenGEMINI (May 21-June 20): Hold onto your sifies your tendency to stress, and puts you seat Twins — work and/or relationships look in a bossy mood, which others may not apvery unsettled today. You will rebel against preciate. So cool down Capricorn, and pace restrictions placed on you, and others may yourself. respond in increasingly unpredictable ways.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re likeCANCER (June 21-July 22): If you are ly to be a bit of a loose-cannon today Aquariat the receiving end of some unintentionally us, as the Sun and Uranus stir up your rebelhurtful words today, resist the urge to retaliate. lious side. If you have to make waves, just Just take it in your steady Crab stride. Plus make sure its over something that is importpay attention to the symbolic messages in ant. your dreams.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The Sun LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Intense, unpre- and Uranus stir up your spontaneous spenddictable and unreasonable – that’s you today ing side. Which is OK — as long as you have Lions! Inner compulsions and outer restless- the finances to fund a shopping splurge. If you ness are affecting you, so avoid making im- don’t, then you’ll have to entertain yourself portant decisions until you’re feeling more some other way. settled.

Joanne Madeline Moore is an internationVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’re likely to ally syndicated astrologer and columnist. Her become obsessed about a situation involving column appears daily in the Advocate.

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Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. You can also find Annie on Facebook at Facebook.com/AskAnnies.

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native-born, and/or their communication doesn’t make a lot of sense. It usually means they are cutting and pasting phrases from other sources.

They provide a phone number, but they won’t call you first. Always verify the location of the area code before calling.

Most telling: They will never directly answer any personal questions.

If you ask about their favorite local restaurant, they’ll hedge.

I’m the voice of experience. I did meet my significant other on a dating site, but I had to sift through a lot of garbage first. — Learned My Lesson Dear Learned: Thanks for the added tips. We hope our readers are cautious.

TECHNIQUE

However you decide to store your earbuds, you might first want to explore whether there are ways to coil them so they won’t get tangled. YouTube’s got a half-dozen or more helpful folk who think they’ve got it figured out, and are willing to share.

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can’t loan you my bike”), adding how awkward it would be if he accidentally damaged it.

He might still have given you a hard time, but repeating a very polite refusal would likely have limited the threatening attitude.

Nonetheless, your boss sounds like a difficult person who is now out to punish you.

We’d suggest seeing what other jobs are out there.

Dear Annie: Your suggestions to “Noreen in Nebraska” about checking the photos and flowery phrases of online suitors were excellent. I have some other hints to spot someone too good to be true: They are overeager.

They jump to respond to your profile within hours of your first posting it, and respond to any communication within minutes.

They claim to live in your town or nearby, but are “working overseas for several months or years.”

Their spelling and grammar are incorrect for someone who claims to be

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