Articles by Western Standard News Services

Technology

Chilliwack RCMP officer seriously hurt in crash

A Chilliwack RCMP officer was seriously injured early Sunday morning after a head-on collision on Vedder Rd.At approximately 1:10 a.m., the officer activated her emergency button following the crash, which involved her fully marked 2021 Ford Explorer and a southbound 2006 Lincoln Zephyr that crossed into oncoming lanes. Witnesses reported that speed and erratic driving by the Lincoln contributed to the collision, while alcohol has been ruled out as a factor.The officer remains in hospital in stable condition. The 29-year-old Chilliwack man driving the Lincoln was treated for minor injuries and released. The incident remains under investigation, and no charges have been laid.

Technology

Maskwacis RCMP seize firearms from repeat offender on release for armed robbery

Maskwacis RCMP arrested a repeat offender after seizing multiple firearms and ammunition from a Samson Cree Nation residence on Thursday.James Rain, 21, was taken into custody following a search warrant executed after a tip about illegal firearms. Rain faces multiple charges including failing to comply with release orders, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence or registration, and unsafe storage of a firearm.At the time of his arrest, Rain was under curfew after being charged with armed robbery for a Wetaskiwin liquor store theft on Aug. 14. .He appeared before a Justice of the Peace and has been remanded into custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.Anyone with information is urged to contact Maskwacis RCMP at 780-585-4600, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.

Technology

Alberta natural gas rates set to rise sharply in November

Direct Energy Regulated Services has announced a steep increase in default natural gas rates for November for customers in ATCO Gas North and South service territories who have not chosen a competitive supplier.In both the North and South service areas, rates are jumping from October’s $1.429 per GJ to $2.579 per GJ. The new rates reflect a market price for November supplies of about $2.469 per GJ as reported by NGX, plus an adjustment of $0.109 per GJ for October and previous months.For typical residential customers, this increase translates to an estimated November bill of $139 in the North, covering 14 GJ of consumption, and $122 in the South. Differences in typical bills between the two regions are due to variances in transmission and distribution service provider charges levied by ATCO Gas.The Alberta Utilities Commission has verified the method Direct Energy Regulated Services uses to calculate the rates. Customers seeking alternative options can find information on competitive retailers and regulated gas supply at the Alberta government’s customer choice website: www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca