Fraud suspect reserves her plea
A woman alleged to have defrauded a veterinary clinic of more than $25,000 reserved her plea in Red Deer court on Tuesday.
Jade Rogers, 33, of Red Deer returns to provincial court on March 15.
She is charged with fraud of more than $5,000, fraud of less than $5,000 and falsifying documents.
In October 2008, RCMP investigated an alleged internal fraud, where a person appeared to be altering documents and taking money from the company. The worker, police said, seemed to be creating false invoices to reflect refunds for services rendered and product purchased, as well as altering medical records.
Environmental videos sought
Ninety-second videos about everyday environmental heroes are wanted for the Earth Day Canada Film Competition.
Amateur or experienced filmmakers are invited to make short, silent videos about individuals or groups across Canada who are doing amazing things to reduce their impact on the Earth.
The storytelling videos will be judged and finalists will have their films screened at certain shopping malls across Canada as well as on the 270 subway platform monitors of the Toronto Transit Commission. Films will also be seen online by two million viewers a day at earthday.ca during Earth Week, April 16 to 25.
Prizes, such as laptops, a digital music system or a North American getaway, will be awarded in four categories, including Best of Under 18, Best of Over 18, Best of Competition and the People’s Choice Award.
Members of the public who vote online to determine the last award can potentially win a $250 gift card.
Videos should be submitted by March 15. They can be sent by mail to: Earth Day Film Competition, 111 Peter St., Suite 503, Toronto, Ont., M5V 2H1, or they can be sent through the earthday.ca website (under film competition, click on submissions).
Beware of skateboard park pitches
The Lacombe Police Service is warning the public to be wary of individuals soliciting funds relating to the proposed skateboard park. Police say that at present the skateboard park committee isn’t soliciting funds from residents or going door-to-door.
The skateboard park committee will advise residents if and when they intend to solicit door-to-door and people involved will have identification linking them to the organization or a letter of identification outlining who they represent and what they are asking for money for. They should also be able to supply a receipt.
Police are asking anyone who has been approached by those asking for money for the skateboard park or who has information that could lead to the identification of those responsible to contact the Lacombe Police Service at 403-782-3279 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to www.tipsubmit.com
Blackfalds chasing hockey glory
Blackfalds aims to shoot and score its way to national glory — and it needs boisterous fans to do it.
The town is vying to become Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville and CBC Sports will be there to see how deserving the town is.
Enough people are needed to fill the ice at Blackfalds Multi-Plex on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring anything that shows community spirit, including Hockeyville posters, noisemakers, horns, drums and hand-made signs.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to call Teri Chambers at 403-885-5737.
The annual Cody Dennis Memorial Game will follow at 7 p.m. Dennis was killed in June 2004 when his motorcycle was struck by a left-turning truck at the intersection of Hwy 2A and 597, south of Blackfalds.
Blackfalds will learn on March 15 whether its a top-12 finalist on CBC, starting at 7 p.m.
Bentley, Bowden and Springbrook are also in the competition.
For more information, go online at www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville
Vehicle thefts down in Red Deer
Motor vehicle theft reports hit the skids in the week ending Sunday with just two incidents, city RCMP report.
The thefts marked the fewest number in several months following high marks of 15 to 17 vehicles reported stolen in September and October 2009.
Most other crimes against the person also fell last week.
Assault reports dropped two to 26 while break-ins to businesses and residences fell five to 19.
However, serious criminal domestic violence reports increased seven to 27.
Drug investigations dropped six to 15.
Robbery reports also fell three to one last week.
Other weekly statistics included:
• 665 total calls for service;
• 125 bylaw infractions;
• 12 frauds;
• 31 mischief complaints;
• two sexual assaults;
• 20 suspicious persons, vehicles or activities;
• 44 thefts;
• 75 victim services assistance calls.
Break-in suspect remains in custody
A 38-year-old man charged with trying to break into three Woodlea area businesses late Monday and early Tuesday has been detained in custody.
RCMP allege the Red Deer man first attempted to break into a business in the 4900 block of 55th Avenue around 11:43 p.m. Monday.
The suspect was unsuccessful and fled on foot, said Const. Sabrina Grunow of Red Deer RCMP.
About 30 minutes later, another business break-in was a failure in the 4800 block of 53rd Street.
Twenty minutes after that, at 12:36 a.m. Tuesday, a downtown break-in was reported when a man attempted to gain entry into a business in the 5200 block on 52nd Avenue.
All three break-ins resulted property damage, Grunow said.
Shortly after the downtown break-in, a police patrol arrested a suspect without incident.
Nicholas Daniels is charged with three counts of mischief to property of less than $5,000 each.
He will appear in Red Deer provincial court on Friday.
