Thee Communit Th Communityy
Press ‘Tis the Season!
Volume 115, Issue 22
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
$1 Including GST
Revolving-Door Justice System? Frustrations aired at RCMP Open House in Forestburg Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Over 150 Forestburg and area residents attended an Open House at the Forestburg Community Hall, presented by Village Council, with invited guests the Killam RCMP and Noreen Metz, Program Director for Flagstaff Victim Services. It became clear over the course of the evening that Forestburg residents are feeling very let down by the justice system, and are reaching the breaking point because of repeat offenders who continue to reoffend, victimizing, and taunting residents. Sgt. Colin Thorne NCO of the Killam Detachment, along with Staff Sgt. David Graham, took the brunt of the questions, and the criticism, over the course of the evening. Mayor Blaise Young introduced Metz first, who said she’s been in her present role for the past nine years. “We work with victims of crime and tragedy. We are mandated to provide three things: support, information, and referral. “We’re a very busy Detachment,” Metz said that at one time she was told that the Killam Detachment area ranked number one in all of Alberta for domestic disputes. “We ranked number one. We’re busy. So I think that is scary; it’s sad, and we need to do better.” She added, “I have witnessed our members sit with children whose parents have just passed. I’ve witnessed our members sit on the side of highways with families. I’ve witnessed them sit with someone who has suffered sexual assault, theft, and many other instances, where it gives me a great sense of pride to stand up here and stand beside them.” The first audience member started the conversation with a comment that would be repeated throughout the evening. He said, “It’s a good community. But there’s so much theft. And it’s the same people, over and over. Members come over there and there’s nothing done; no result. The next day they are stealing from someone else.” Thorne tried to describe the process of initiating an arrest. “Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you have your garage broken into and someone steals your chainsaw. So what we need in order to do anything about that is a suspect. And not just a suspect, we need someone who may have seen him or her do that; evidence to support this person doing that. Anything that will give us reasonable and probable grounds so that we can actually arrest them and have them charged. “Without that, we can’t just go arrest someone willynilly.” A new speaker related an instance from a few weeks ago where he said a gentleman on a stolen quad was arrested, then released the same evening. “Nothing was done. He went to Killam, and he got to come right back home.” Thorne said, “If he was dealt with through the RCMP, we arrested and charged him, but we have no
Staff Sgt David Graham and Sgt. Colin Thorne faced a frustrated group of Forestburg residents during an open house held Wednesday, Nov. 23. control over what happens in the Justice system.” Thorne said, “Process is, we have evidence to arrest someone and charge them, we arrest them, and more often than not, we hold them for a bail hearing, or a judicial interim hearing, as it is called. That is where they are put before a judge, or a J. I. R., and that person, a representative of the judicial system of Alberta, makes a decision whether a) they get remanded, or b) they get released on some form of a recognizance or release order.” “Why do they get released so easy?” asked the resident. “I can’t answer that question,” Thorne responded. “It sounds to me like that complaint you have is with the judicial process in the Province of Alberta. The RCMP would have handled that and done everything within our power to bring it to the judicial system. “Once it gets there, we have no say in what happens.” “They get caught, and they are in and they’re out,” the speaker said. “If there were two of you, and one took the criminal to Killam, and the other stayed to take statements, he’d be back here before you even made it to Killam. And he’s back in our yards, back in our equipment.” He brought up a complaint that the constant petty crime was making people think twice before using their insurance coverages, in fear of losing their policies due to too many claims. “we are losing $4,000 to $5,000 worth of fuel, parts, and that stuff; and we don’t go to our insurance, because we don’t want to get dropped.” S/Sgt. Graham added, “It’s not lost on us that we are arresting the same people constantly in the same communities, and that can be frustrating as well for us, but that’s the system we have.” Residents asked the RCMP members if having an addiction problem meant they were treated more leniently than a regular person. Thorne responded, “We would handle everyone exactly the same; whether or not they’re involved in
crime in the past or not. “I just want to reiterate, in those cases, we do our job. We get them to where they need to go, but we have no say in what happens to them after that, unless they reoffend. Then we will arrest them, charge them again, and have a hearing to see if they get remanded or released again.” Some residents had recently attempted a citizen’s arrest, and were told by a responding officer, they said, that it put them in danger of arrest. The speaker continued, “In this particular incident, when the arresting officer arrived, he told the guys there, that made a citizen’s arrest, that they could be charged for unlawful confinement. “We are getting so many mixed messages from you guys, that we don’t know where the hell we’re at or what we should do. That’s the problem. One officer tells us one thing; another officer tells us something else. Thorne said, “What I recommend, and I do recommend is don’t take matters into your own hands, then you’re putting yourself into a situation.” “We had six incidents within a week and absolutely nothing was done,” the speaker responded. “How long do you think the local people are going to let that go? Do your job.” “All I can tell you,” Thorne reiterated, “is that if you take matters into your own hands, you put yourself into a position where a) you get injured or hurt, or b) you could end up committing an offense yourself. And if you commit an offense yourself you may find yourself in hotter water than the person you caught stealing.” The speaker said that due to there being no consequences to the individuals being arrested, he said they were starting to intimidate people. “If they are intimidating you then you come speak to us; you give us a statement and evidence...” “We tried that one time and no one took our See FRUSTRATION P9
Page 2 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 30, 2022
e invites c r e m m o C f Chamber o t c i r Crossroads t s e i h t D t d a n s a a The Killam family to our Christm ur you and yo
s d a o sr
s o r C he
t
December 2 - 4 • Kids Matinee Movie at the Living Room (Main St.) - 3:45pm • Smokies at Vision Credit Union • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - 5-6pm • Festival of Trees & Gingerbread House Display at the Living Room - 5-9pm • Lighting of the Christmas Trees - 6pm • Free Family Crafts, Activities, Refreshments at Killam Library - 6-8pm • Parade of Lights - 6:30pm • Hay Rides and Skating (after parade and weather permitting) • Cookie Decorating at the Adult Learning Centre COME TO • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - until 8:30pm KILLAM FOR
Saturday, December 3
SOME FUN FOR ALL AGES!
• Craft Fair at Community Hall - 10am - 2pm • Scottish Club Open House - 10am - 3pm • Trees & Gingerbread House Display at the Living Room - 10am - 3pm • Pictures with Santa at the Living Room - 1-3pm • Family Matinee Movie at the Living Room - 3:30pm
Sunday, December 4 • Festival of Trees & Gingerbread House Display at the Living Room - 1-4pm • Community Christmas Concert at the Living Room - 6 pm
Design, Promotion, & Printing by The Community Press
The Community Press, Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - Page 3
Grinchy postal worker sits on 500+ packages Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Wainwright RCMP and the Easteran Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, along with postal inspectors from Canada Post, executed a search warrant the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 23, for a residence and a vehicle belonging to a Canada Post employee. During the search, investigators discovered a significant number of stolen undelivered parcels, in excess of 500 items. An employee of Canada Post from Wainwright has been arrested and released with undertaking and conditions to appear in Wainwright Provincial Court Jan. 5. Criminal code charges have not been laid before the provincial court at this time. The deliverable parcels have been returned to Canada Post for continuation in the delivery process to their intended destination. Police and Canada Post offer tips to prevent mail theft. Pick up your mail every day and as soon as possible after it has been delivered. If you're planning a hol-
iday or are unable to retrieve your mail, have someone pick up your mail for you or use Canada Post's Hold Mail service. Deposit your outgoing mail close to the scheduled
#Local Heroes 2022
pickup time posted on the mailbox. Avoid mailing cash, prepaid credit cards, or gift cards RCMP in Eastern Alberta District continue to work closely with our
STROME COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
FRIDAY, DEC. 9
Featuring Travis Dolter Band Strome Community Hall Tickets $40
Call 780-678-5441, 780-376-3550 Doors open 5:30, Supper 6:30, Dance to follow
NOVEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 3
Planters Peanuts 200-600g Selected Types
Blistex 3pk Holiday Collection
$399 Burt’s Bees 4pk Festive Fix or Hand Cream
$499 $12
99
Flyer Prices in effect Friday, Dec. 2 to Thursday, December 8 Listerine Total Care $8 49 Johnson’s Baby Shampoo/Lotions $549 Aveeno Hand or Body Lotion
20%OFF
Dove Men+ Care Complete Care Gift Sets
$1999
Men’s Fleece Lounge Pants
$899 780-385-3598
Helping p g Victims of Crime and Tragedy g y
There's a fabulous grand prize for those who share their explosion of blue!! 18” 1 8 x 24” 24 Yard Yard signs sig gns for sale - $20 $20 each To purchase yours, email: flagstaffvsu@gmail.com Telll us: Who is your local hero hero, and why? Send us your letter or email! One special hero will be honoured and recognized with a plaque, in The ‘Press, and on social media!
. Killam, Alberta
Serving Town & Country since 1962 Open Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri, 9-4 Saturday & Closed Sunday.
l ua nn A 7th The
CHARITY
CHECKST
To honour our local FIRST RESPONDERS decorate your yard or house i an a EXPLOSION EXPL E of BLUE! in Light up starting the week of November 26, and share your photos with us by Dec. 3rd! #LocalHeroes2022 #FlagstaffCounty or by emailing us: flagstaffvsu@gmail.com
NEW THIS YEAR!!
partners in Canada Post and other police agencies for this investigation into the offences of Theft from mail under $5,000 and Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
NG WEEK LOto Come Killam for Christmas at the Crossroads Dec. 2-4
P
Saturday, December 3rd from 10 to 3 Raising Funds For Flagstaff Victim Services Collecting Food/items For The Flagstaff Food Bank Accepting Gift Cards For Helping Victims of Crime and Tragedy
Flagstaff Christmas Sharing
End of main street, Killam This is our main fundraiser for Flagstaff Victim Services. We really appreciate your support. We use these funds to help victims of crime and tragedy and to keep our program running. Partnering Par P artner ar nering eriing Agencies: A Age ge encies: nci n cies e : Flagstaff F Fllagsta a ag ta aff ff Victim Viiict c iim m Services S Services, ervi e erv r ices e RCMP RCM RCMP, RCM MP P EMS EMS, EMS FFCS FFCS, FF FCS Flagstaff Food Bank, Flagstaff Emergency Services, Killam Fire/FRESS, Alberta Health Services, and Wetaskiwin RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit. POSTER BY THE COMMUNITY PRESS
Page 14 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Local businesses are the lifeblood of any community and the Flagstaff Region is no exception. Residents here are fortunate to have a number of personal and professional services provided by a variety of locally owned gems. To help promote and celebrate these businesses, Flagstaff County and The Community Press present a monthly business profile in print and online called "Flagstaff Region Featured Business." Each month, a business from the Flagstaff Region is featured with a Flagstaff Countyproduced video and story. This program began in the fall of 2017 and is set to continue in 2023! If you are interested in being a Flagstaff Region Featured Business in the year ahead, apply online by Friday, December 9 at:
https://bit.ly/FlagstaffFeaturedBiz
F
lagstaff
This Holiday
Season
Purple Scissor Salon 5011 - 50 St., Daysland
780-374-3623
Watch for our Christmas Deals on Facebook!
10%-25% OFF ALL IN STOCK APPLIANCES!
*Gift Baskets & Stocking Stuffers*
Daysland Pharmacy OVER 50 APPLIANCES IN STOCK! WE DELIVER! WE TAKE AWAY YOUR OLD UNIT! Yes, there is still time to special order before Christmas!
COUTTS HOME HARDWARE for Big Savings COME VISIT US AND CHECK OUT OUR GREAT DEALS ON CHRISTMAS GIFTWARE, ACCESSORIES, & TOYS!
5023 - 50 St. Daysland, AB Stop by and see for yourself!
OOpen Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 Open Late Thursday 7-9 pm
Forestbur Forestburg oreesstburg stburg Your HOME Appliance Store!
s Card ! t f i G e ilabl a v A
5009 - 49 Ave. Forestburg Karlee Kuefler
Walk-in s Welcom e
Come in and get your Stocking Stuffers and Christmas Shopping done here! Great selection of hair products, styling tools, ools, makeup, and more!
780-582-3539
Shop Locally this Holiday Season!
All Regular Priced Wines 10% OFF! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!
THEE
Lakeview Liquor Store
JAMESS INSURANCEE GROUP 780-385-3654 780 385 366 ocal bbu oca business usinness ess 780-384-3639 local 780-888-3999 www.tjig.ca
KILLAM TIRE
DECORATIONS & GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST!
Budding Ideas
e g a l l i V t e 4819 -G 48 o Ave., A urm g , AB Sedgewick, just $2.50
Come Join us for Lunch! 780-384-3554
Hours 10 am - 2 pm Monday to Friday
T O H DIY E T A L O C CHO S B BOM
Lots of Appetizer Ideas! New dips, new hot chocolate, new drink mixes, 780-385-3598
New Flavour! Salted Caramel (Refill only) Very easy to make. Each kit makes 4. $13.99 ea. or 4 for $45
Picture Paw Prints Custom Framing
MAIN STREET KILLAM
Peppermint Mochaccino
4915 - 51 Ave, Highway 13 Killam, AB
Lotto Tickets make great stocking stuffers!
780-888-2488
to make your home Merry! 780-385-3014
Clip out or show this ad and get a
& MECHANICAL
780-385-3791
4802 49 St, Hardisty, AB
Come in for some
Killam,, Alberta Serving Town & Country for over 55 years!
Hours: 9-6 Monday thru Friday, 9-4 Saturdays, Closed Sundays
If you see a Gift in any of our Flyers, give us a call! We will wrap it for you for FREE for curbside pickup, local delivery, or come in for a quick and easy pickup!
Wild Rose
F
lagstaff
This Holiday
Season
Hand poured Soy Melts now available!
Main Street Medley
MAIN STREET Alliance, ll AB 780-879-2100 DO: Embroidery - Engraving WE DO:WEEmbroidery - Engraving (rotary & laser) Signs - Vehicle Signs- Decals - Decals - VehicleGraphics Graphics Direct Garment Printing and a wholelotlotmore! more! Direct toto Garment Printing and a whole
GREAT SELECTION OF GIFTS! From Camo-Pink to everything in between. We can personalize almost anything!
Watch for Open Monday to Friday 9-5 our weekly specials online! Open Saturdays 9-5 in December
Construction With Skyrocketing Utility Bills...
Itʼs time to have
Open Tuesday to Friday 9-4 (we close for lunch from 12-1)
TOYS
10% OFF
Clothing – buy 1, get 1 50% OFF! Santa Day is Dec. 13, Toys will be 25% OFF that day only.
in December
We will come out and do a FREE INSPECTION
of your Attic For: •Insulation R Value•Ventilation •Attic Hatch Opening & Cover •Proper Chimney Clearances We Will Then Provide You with a FREE ESTIMATE!
Enter our Colouring Contest for a chance to win gift certificates!
This Inspection Includes: Houses, Barns, Garages & Shops
Colouring page available on our website.
All Insulation Jobs Booked before January 31, 2023 will be entered in for a draw to win $1,000 off your Project!
780-385-3993 7780 80 385 3993 www.briltd.com www briltd com
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE! Murray 780-336-6088, Lee 780-336-6089
Stop in for a FREE Hearing Aid Clean and Check to make sure you Hear for the Holidays!
Easy stocking stuffer ideas: • Newspaper Subscription • New Keyboard • New Mouse • Ukrainian Flags •USB sticks Office Chairs still in stock
The Th h Community C it
Press Main St. Killam 780-385-6693
F
lagstaff
Employee Pricing
Season
ALL CHRISTMAS 20% OFF Lights, Decor, Trees, & more!
on now!
Big town dealership, small town atmosphere
Campbell McLennan Killam
This Holiday
HARDISTY
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM www.campbellmclennan.com
780-385-2121
Ask Jason or Chase in the parts department for your installed tire price today! Our pricing is very straight forward and includes the mounting, balancing, and installation with environmental fee to give you a clear before tax total.
Phone: 780-888-3537
Seasonal Tire Storage: $50 per season
Interested in advertising in these pages? Email ads@thecommunitypress.com
$50 when winter tires are installed in the fall and $50 when the all-season tires go back on in the spring!
lagstaff
Repurposed Plastic - Lougheed
This Stitch is Bananas - Sedgewick
This Holiday
Season
THINK LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL
Willow Hill Designs - Heisler
Kristin Kueber Artist - Killam
Rusty Daisy - Daysland
Page 20 - The Community Press, Wednesday, November 30, 2022
TOWING Rentable bins. Pick up and take away.
Big or Small, Short Haul, Long Haul, We Do It All!
e E L
24 HOUR 24 HO OU UR RED R D HOT RE HO OT OIL OIL FIELD OI F ELD LD S SE V VI VICES ICES
Cancade Hopper Bin Mover
Power Poles to Masterpieces
Competitive Pricing! Competitive Pricing!
When the wind picks up which anchor would make you feel more secure?
e Con ort! p Sup
12” Helix
Trailer Bottom Enclosed to prevent rock chips on Bin
16ft wide & 30ft sidewall Give our Extremely Gorgeous Drivers a Call! Remember to Support Local this Christmas season!