Third man charged in explosion
A third man has been charged in connection with an explosion at a Johnstone Park residence earlier this month.
Kevin Scott Sinclair, 29, has been charged with making explosives, causing an explosion and mischief. Sinclair made a brief appearance in Red Deer provincial court on Friday.
He is due back in court next Friday. He remains in custody.
Christopher Sinclair, 27, of Red Deer, faces the same three charges. He is due back in court on Nov. 13.
Michael Toews, 26, of Red Deer faces a charge of possession of explosives for unlawful purposes. He is due back in court on Tuesday.
Police allege that a homemade explosive device was detonated outside a residence on the 100 block of Jordan Parkway where a woman was living. It’s believed the device was detonated sometime overnight prior to 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 20.
College reunion weekend set
Red Deer College is hosting its third annual Welcome Back Weekend Reunion next week.
A lunch with new RDC president Joel Ward will take place on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Red Deer Lodge, with tickets for $15 or $10 for alumni available at the RDC bookstore.
RDC social work program alumni will share experiences during a free presentation on the 40 years of social work at the college, set for Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the RDC Arts Centre, main stage.
RDC Athletics will hold a “Sky Box Social” in the RDC Train Station above the main gym on Friday at 6 p.m. Athletics alumni and athletes’ parents are invited at no cost. A Students’ Association reunion will take place at the RDC Far Side Bar and Grill at 7 p.m. on Friday and will be free for student’s association alumni.
RDC’s sixth annual Wine Tasting Festival will take place on Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Four Centres. Tickets are $45 each and available at the RDC bookstore at 403-342-3245.
RDC’s fall open house will offer a free pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 7, followed by tours and exhibits from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Social Work 40 Year Reunion Evening is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, with cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. at the Red Deer Lodge. Tickets are $45 and available at 403-342-3304.
An alumni social hosted by RDC Athletics will happen at the RDC Far Side Bar and Grill at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Tickets are $10 and available by phone at 403-342-3497 or at the door.
Child restraint mistakes made
Ponoka RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs found 75 per cent of vehicles checked during a special clinic this week had child restraints that weren’t in compliance in a minor or major way.
On Thursday, police examined 35 vehicles and found tether straps that weren’t attached, seatbelts placed behind children’s backs and even two children in a single seatbelt together.
In other instances, child seats weren’t properly secured, infants were turned to face the front at too early an age and children weren’t in booster seats who should have been. Police also found children in seats that no longer fit them properly.
Police say all of these noncompliance issues put children at risk. If a member of the public would like to have a child restraint inspected, they can contact their local police station or the health unit.
Olympic athlete support urged
Mayor Morris Flewwelling is asking the city’s citizens to take part in a competition that could put Red Deer on stage during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The Municipalities Challenge — Own the Podium offers prizes and bragging rights to the towns and cities that can raise the most money in support of athletes, coaches and support services.
Between now and Dec. 31, Flewwelling is asking that Red Deerians to donate $20.10 apiece to help Canada’s Olympic team while highlighting Red Deer on the international stage.
“We want to show the rest of the world that we’re standing behind our Canadian athletes, and this is just one way we can do that,” he said in a prepared statement.
“Red Deer has a passion for sport, culture and community that is second to none, and this challenges gives us the opportunity to united with fellow Canadians and Red Deerians as we celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics.”
Prize packages for the winning municipalities include a Vancouver 2010 flag signed by Canadian athletes, an official medal podium from the games and a spot on the podium billboard.
People interested in taking part can donate online by following the Municipalities Challenge links at www.reddeer.ca or www.olympicfoundation.ca or call the mayor and councillors’ office, 403-342-8154.
No more RVs on driveways
Holiday trailers, motorhomes and campers must now be off front yard parking pads in Red Deer.
The city’s land-use bylaw states trailers, motorhomes, campers and other non-commercial trailers can be placed on a front yard parking pad starting April 1.
They must be transferred to an alternate location before Nov. 1, such as the rear yard of their property or a trailer storage facility.
These vehicles must be moved from the front of homes for the fall and winter period to improve visibility between streets and lanes, and prevent obstructed views between neighbouring residences.
Bylaw enforcement and compliance officers will now start to enforce the bylaw to ensure recreational vehicles are parked legally on the property.
The penalty for a first offence is a fine of $150 and a request to remove the trailer.
Residents who transport snowmobiles are allowed one non-commercial trailer to be parked on a constructed parking pad in the front yard between Nov. 1 and April 30.
For more information, visit www.reddeer.ca/bylaws or contact Inspections and Licensing at 403-342-8190.