Police deal with gunshot, robbery incidents over the weekend

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Police deal with gunshot, robbery incidents over the weekend

Prince Albert Police responded to a normal amount of calls for service over the weekend including one call for a man with a gunshot wound and another who had been robbed.

Just after 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 8, officers were called to a home in the 600 Bock of 13 Street West with a reported gunshot wound.

A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries to his leg. The investigation continues.

Also on Sunday, a man reported being robbed at gunpoint late in the evening in the 2600 Block of Central Avenue.

The victim said that two men assaulted him and stole cigarettes before fleeing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 306-953-4222 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

The police dog was put to work early Monday morning in the 1200 Block of Branion Drive.

Just before 2:00 am, the police service dog was deployed and located a male suspect nearby.

A 20-year-old man from Prince Albert is charged with break and enter and breach of court-ordered release conditions as a result.

A 24-year-old man is also facing charges in connection with an incident at a business in the 200 Block of 15 Street East late Monday night.

Police were called at about 11:30 pm to a break and enter in progress, arresting one man at the scene.

All told, officers responded to 486 calls between 5:00 Friday and Tuesday morning.

21-year-old charged in construction zone collision

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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21-year-old charged in construction zone collision

A 21-year-old man from North Battleford faces multiple charges after a three-vehicle collision in a construction zone near Warman on July 26.

Rory Favel is facing charges of operating a conveyance while impaired, having a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 mg, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, prohibited driving and breach of probation.

He will appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Wednesday, September 1 at 2:00 pm.

Favel was charged in connection with an incident that saw a vehicle driving the wrong way through a construction zone at high speeds, three kilometres east of Maymont on Highway 16.

The vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic, nearly hitting highway workers and struck two other vehicles before it entered the ditch and rolled.

One of the cars it collided with also went into the ditch and rolled.

The driver of first car was taken to hospital but no life threatening injuries were reported in any of the people involved.

Woman’s death treated as suspicious

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Woman’s death treated as suspicious

The death of a 40-year-old woman is being treated as suspicious by Prince Albert Police.

The woman, who was taken to hospital on August 5, died at Royal University Hospital two days later.

Prince Albert Police Service said in a new release on August 9 that they, along with Parkland Ambulance, were called to a business in the 3600 Block of 2 Avenue West at 3:20 am on Thursday.

The victim was taken to Victoria Hospital with serious injuries and assessed before being transported to Saskatoon.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10.

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Forensics Identification Section of PAPS are still investigating.

Anyone with information or who might have witnessed the assault is asked to call police at 306-953-4222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.   

Double digit COVID growth in North Central

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Double digit COVID growth in North Central

COVID-19 is once again on the rise in Saskatchewan and for the second time in a week, the whole North Central region has reported double digit increases.

On August 9, 12 new cases were added to the case count, bringing the overall total since the start of the pandemic to 4,644.

Of those cases, eight people are in the hospital. No new deaths were reported.

The province also reported 106 new doses of vaccine, with 95,111 doses now given and 43,825 people fully vaccinated with both doses.

With a regional population of 88,991, that means that 54.86 per cent of the total North Central population has been vaccinated.

Provincially, vaccine uptake seems to be increasing amongst the younger population, with a 6.4 per cent increase in the 12-17 age group, a 3.7 per cent increase in the 18-29 age group and a 2.6 per cent increase for people in their 30s.

Those in their 40s and 50s are also getting vaccinated with 1.8 per cent and 1.2 per cent increase in the seven days prior to August 9.

So far, 1,433,757 doses of vaccine have been delivered in Saskatchewan.

Nationally, 71.10 per cent of the total population had received at least one dose as of July 31, with that equating to 81.13 per cent of people 12 and older.

Those under 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated is 59.70 per cent of Canadians and 68.24 per cent of people 12 and older.

Globally, 4.46 billion doses of vaccine have been administered, with 38.57 million doses given out daily.

Of the entire global population of 7.674 billion people, 30 per cent are partially vaccinated and 15.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Around the world, 202,608,306 cases of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed with 4.2 million deaths.

As the Delta variant – estimated to be 200 per cent more infectious than the original virus – spreads, growth has been increasing.  

The United States leads the total number of infections with 36.6 million cases and 633,202 deaths.

Closer to home, 90 per cent of all new cases and infections in Saskatchewan in the month of July were in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.

Of those in ICU, 95 per cent are unvaccinated or only having their first dose with 100 per cent of deaths in unvaccinated people.

The province of Saskatchewan has changed how people can access their vaccination records.

A record can be printed from each resident’s digital health account at MySaskHealthRecord.

The document includes the date and location of vaccination and the brand administered. It is also available on mobile and tablet devices.

Please visit www.ehealthsask.ca/MySaskHealthRecord/MySaskHealthRecord/.  Once an account is created, individuals will have access not only to their COVID Vaccination Record but to their complete immunization history, lab test results, including COVID-19 tests, and other health history. 

Saskatchewan is working with the federal government to develop an official proof of vaccination certificate.  This will include a digital QR code to support proof of vaccination at border entry if travelling internationally.  The Saskatchewan vaccine certificate is being released this fall and will adhere to federally established requirements.

Western Days are back and Christopher Lake is excited

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Western Days are back and Christopher Lake is excited

Over of year of no fun and games has made planning this year’s Western Days event in Christopher Lake something to look forward too. 

Tasha McKnight, president of the group that organizes the event, said it feels great to be back in the saddle. 

“This is big for us. I’m like a little kid I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see everything,” said McKnight. 

The fun starts on Friday, August 6 with a Fish Fry and family dance at the Anderson Community Centre with live music by Jam Street Bands and Larry Krause. 

On Saturday, pancake breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 am at the Legion put on by the Lakeland Lions. 

The parade starts at 11:00, at the same time the Trade Show starts. 

Following that, there will be games, a petting zoo, children’s games and lots of food. There will be music playing at four different stages around town. 

At dusk, likely between 9:30 and 10:00, the fireworks will go off. 

“People are so excited to be back and able to do something,” McKnight said. Those that are nervous about mingling should know that the group wants an event that is safe and comfortable for everyone. 

“I hope they come out and everyone respects everyone else’s feelings and they can get out and have a good time again,” she said. 

The Western Days group gets as much sponsorship and donations as possible to make it less expensive for families to participate.

McKnight said she expects a very good turnout on Saturday, with even more people than the usual 400-500 at the parade. 

“I’m thinking we will be bigger than that,” she said. 

She has noticed increased traffic in the community and said the access road is usually full.  

“We’re a resort. We’re the Lakeland. We have a lot of people that live here year round but I can tell you that by looking at the highway going through the village, it is consistent traffic or more traffic than I’ve seen in years past,” McKnight said. 

Public help sought finding Prince Albert youth

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Public help sought finding Prince Albert youth

Prince Albert Police are looking for public assistance locating a missing 15-year-old youth.

On August 6, PAPS released a photo of Braiden, looking for information. Anyone that might have information is asked to call 306-953-4222.

Police target traffic enforcement over long weekend

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Police target traffic enforcement over long weekend

Long weekend traffic enforcement in Prince Albert and Saskatoon areas by the RCMP Combined Traffic Services nabbed more than a few offenders.

Officers laid 268 charges with 46 tickets issued for cell phone use, 36 for speeding past emergency vehicles that had their lights enabled or going through a construction zone, 40 seat belt violations and 111 speeding tickets.

Of the 111 speeding tickets, one biker had their motorcycle impounded after they were caught driving 152 km/hour in a 100 zone. They also got a 72 hour suspension and are facing an impaired operation of a motor vehicle charge.

Two other drivers were charged with impaired operation as well.

Another speeder was going 50 km/hour over the posted speed limit and 11 were more than 35 km/hour over.

Staying off the highway was not necessarily a get-out-of-jail-free card as CTSS officers also conducted boat patrols at Wakaw and Diefenbaker lakes.

Over two days, 19 open alcohol tickets were issued to boaters.

Frozen mangoes recalled over risk of Hepatitis transmission

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Frozen mangoes recalled over risk of Hepatitis transmission

At least one of several brands of frozen mangoes connected with a risk of Hepatitis A contamination has been sold in Saskatchewan.

People are being asked to check their freezers for President’s Choice Mango Chunks.

The specific product in question is 600 grams in size with the UPC code 0 60383 99387 and a best before date of 2022, NO 6 (November 6) and 2022, NO 10 (November 10).

So far, no known cases have been detected in Saskatchewan, but two cases were reported in Quebec and one in Nova Scotia.

While there are currently no known cases of Hepatitis A in the province linked to frozen mangoes, there have been two cases reported in Quebec and one in Nova Scotia.

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.  Remember that food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled.

Anyone who has consumed one of the identified products within the past 14 days should contact their local Public Health Office: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/public-health/public-health-offices.

Anyone showing symptoms of Hepatitis A infection should contact their doctor or call 811.  Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection include:

    Fever

    Dark urine

    Loss of Appetite

    Tiredness

    Nausea and Vomiting

    Stomach Cramps or Abdominal pain

    Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes

The following frozen mango products have been recalled in connection with this outbreak:

BrandProduct NameSizeUPC CodeBest Before Date
President’s ChoiceMango Chunks (frozen)600 g0 60383 993872022 NO 06 and 2022 NO 10
Nature’s TouchMangoes (frozen)2 kg8 73668 00180 72022 NO 09
IrresistiblesMango chunks (frozen)600 g0 59749 87600 12022 NO 10
ComplimentsMango Mania (frozen)600 g0 55742 50430 92022 NO 10 and 2022 DE 18

Wedding, reception source of COVID exposure alert

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Wedding, reception source of COVID exposure alert

Everyone who attended a July 23 wedding and reception in Prince Albert and has not received a double dose of COVID -19 vaccine is being told to be tested and self-isolate, the province said on August 6.

The wedding took place at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 4 pm on July 23 and there was also exposure at a wedding reception at the Art Hauser Centre from 6 pm until 2 am.

As per Disease Control Regulations, all individuals in attendance during this date and time should seek testing for COVID-19 immediately.

Those who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before July 9 do not need to self isolate but should monitor themselves for symptoms of the virus.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and be tested, regardless of their vaccination status.

COVID-19, and its variants, are still present in Saskatchewan. Persons infected with or exposed to COVID-19 should take all precautions as advised by Public Health and take all reasonable measures to significantly reduce the risk of infecting others. Following public health guidance is particularly important for those who are unvaccinated, or have received only one dose of COVID vaccine.

Get a clue: new production coming to town

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Get a clue: new production coming to town

Many people will be familiar with the old board game Clue and some will also be familiar with the 1985 comedy movie based on the game, but arts lovers in Prince Albert will have their chance this summer to get familiar with a live performance.

The Broadway North Theatre Company will be putting on the show starting August 20 and running until August 28. 

“We looked at doing a not-musical but something that is still familiar to people and something they might recognise,” said Cara Stelmaschuk, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator for the EA Rawlinson Centre.  “So that’s where Clue came from.”  

“We can’t really do a big, flashy musical. Not a lot of people realize how expensive they are,” she said. 

Licensing fees can be steep for very popular musicals. 

Clue will run with the normal six evening shows and one matinee schedule that worked previously, and organizers hope to see a good crowd on opening night, which will include a chance to meet some of the people behind the production.

“The auditions were held at the end of May when we found out that we were going to be able to open at full capacity,” said Stelmaschuk. “We thought, let’s do a show then.”

With some anticipated reluctance from the general public to packing into a crowded theatre with the novel coronavirus still making the rounds, the group opted for a show with more controlled costs. 

“I feel like people are still waiting to see,” said Stelmaschuk. “I always want 600 people in the theatres, but we’ll consider it good if we have 400.”

Attendees are invited to wear masks if they feel more comfortable, although at the moment it is not required by law or Public Health Order. 

Stelmaschuk also asked that all people respect each other’s space and comfort level. 

“Everybody is going to be at different comfort levels, but we try to let everyone know that it is a safe space to come to the theatre,” she said. 

Canadian Tire will once again be donating the equivalent amount of the ticket sales to the Rose Garden Hospice project, which expects set to start putting piles in the ground this week.

Malcolm Jenkins, owner of Canadian Tire, has committed to donating $500,000 towards the construction of the facility, a first of its kind for the city. 

With a $10,000 donation earlier this week to the A&W Teen Burger sale effort, Jenkins said he has already given out $335,000 of his promised total.

“We are supporting the hospice with matching ticket sales,” Jenkins said. 

It was a move done before in the 2019 production of Mamma Mia that earned the Rose Garden $75,000. 

There are six 7:30pm performances August 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28th, as well as a 1pm matinee on August 28th. Show details and times are online at www.earc.ca/bntc-clue.

Susan McNeil is the municipal affairs/court reporter at the Prince Albert Daily Herald. You can reach her at 306-764-4276 ext. 230, by email at susan.mcneil@paherald.sk.ca or on Twitter @WriterSue2 Her latest articles can be found at https://paherald.sk.ca/author-susanmcneil/.

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