The Community
Press HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Volume 113, Issue 24
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
#localheroes campaign rapidly gaining traction in Flagstaff
$1 Including GST
MORE COVID RESTRICTIONS Masks mandatory, businesses to close Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Flagstaff Victim Services #localheroes light up campaign is underway, asking Flagstaff residents to show their support for local first responders: RCMP, AHS workers and EMS, fire fighters, and Flagstaff County Emergency services, with an “explosion of blue” decorations. Some of the early entries are outstanding, such as this display in Sedgewick hosted by Kim and Sue Freadrich.
RCMP hand out three Impaired Driving charges Leslie Cholowsky Editor, with files from Cpl. Trent Cleveland Killam RCMP
In the two week period from Sunday, Nov. 22, to Sunday, Dec. 6, the Killam RCMP Detachment was involved with 131 occurrences. Of those, 108 Occurrences were primary occurrence for Killam (which are calls for service in Killam’s jurisdiction). Some of the charges that were laid in this period include the following: On Saturday, Dec. 5, a 45-year-old male from Forestburg was arrested and charged with assault. On Friday, Dec. 4, Killam members patrolling west on Highway 13 from Sedgewick to Killam stopped a vehicle, and the driver was charged under the new Alberta legislation for impaired driving, with an immediate roadside suspension, fine, and vehicle suspension. On Thursday, Dec. 3, RCMP members were patrolling north on Highway 35 when they came across a single-motorvehicle collision. The driver was found
to be in care and control of the vehicle while impaired. A member administered ASD (approved screening device) and the driver blew a fail. Subsequently a roadside suspension was issued, as well as a penalty of $1,000 fine, with the individual’s license seized for 90 days and vehicle seized for 30 days. On Thursday, Nov. 26, members were called to a single motor vehicle collision on Highway 608. A 48-year-old male driver was arrested and provided two breath samples of 110mg and 120mg. (the legal limit is 80mg.) The male driver was charged with impaired operation of a vehicle and impaired operation of a vehicle while over 80mg. The new impaired driving regulation came into effect on Dec. 1. RCMP also dealt with two 911 hangup calls, which are required to be investigated, and five false alarms. One complaint of an abandoned vehicle was received. Members had six animal calls during this period. Two complaints of arson are presently being investigated. See RCMP P30
More, and severe restrictions for Alberta were announced Tuesday by Premier Jason Kenney as around the province, COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise at a high rate, with more record-breaking new case counts over the weekend, and hospitalizations, including those in intensive care, stressing Alberta’s hospitals further. Effective immediately, Alberta now requires that every Albertan wear a mask in all indoor public spaces and workplaces throughout the province. The current ban on indoor social gatherings will remain in place, and outdoor gatherings are now also restricted to households only, also effective immediately, with some limited exclusions for those who live alone. Mandatory work-at-home measures are now in place for all Albertans, starting Sunday, Dec. 13. All staff must work from home unless employers decide that a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness Other measures which come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, are as follows: Fitness centres and personal services, like hair salons and nail salons will be shut down altogether. All libraries, museums, and theatres must also close. Indoor recreation facilities, including skating rinks and pools, will close. Some outdoor rinks and ski hills may remain open, with new guidelines to be provided by the Province. Retail stores will be allowed to remain open, but will face even more customer restrictions, with customers limited to no more than 15 per cent of the maximum allowed under fire occupancy, or no more than five people. Pre-ordering and curbside pickup is recommended wherever possible. Malls are also allowed to stay open, with the same 15 per cent occupancy maximum. Places of worship are also impacted, also limited to 15 per cent of their capacity, and being urged to move to online or drive-in services.
Province wide, restaurants, pubs, lounges, and cafes are closed to in-person service, only takeout and drive through services are allowed. Also closed are casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, legions, night clubs, and private clubs. Recreational facilities, like fitness centres, rec centres, pools, spas, arenas, libraries, and community halls must close. There was no change to the current schooling measures. Hotels may remain open but must close fitness facilities and in-person dining. Health services, including physio and acupuncture will remain open, as will child care. Indoor children’s play centres, concert halls, community theatres, banquet halls, indoor or outdoor festivals, trade shows, sporting events, or competitions will remain closed from the previous announcement. Kenney said, “I know how devastating this news is for employers and business owners, and employees. It’s not their fault, the truth is, we are now at a place where viral transmission is so widespread that it doesn’t matter how careful we are. Reducing social interactions is the only way we can get on top of this.” Hinshaw said Monday, “We are still witnessing very high transmission of the virus, which is putting enormous pressure on our hospitals, intensive care units, and health care workers. “It is also putting tremendous strain on our continuing care facilities and many other sectors. “I am more concerned than ever before about the spread of this virus. “Every one of us needs to be a part of this, and we need to come together to protect each other.” The Province also announced changes to financial supports available to small businesses across Alberta impacted by the new measures. Hinshaw also said Monday that additional restrictions were necessary; “I will be blunt: so far, we are not bending the curve back down.” There were 1,727 new cases announced Tuesday, with 642 in hospital, and 112 of those in intensive care.