The McLeod River Post

COVID-19 update Alberta new cases reported 1,597 for May 9 from testing, 690 people in hospital and 158 people in intensive care; there were seven new deaths, which now total 2,117. Editor’s note: The data reports 233 cases in Jasper (four active) with six deaths, 200 in Hinton (15 active), one death, 416 in Yellowhead County (43 active, eight deaths (349 in Edson, 31 active, four deaths)), 546 in Lac Ste. Anne County (41 active, 12 deaths), 1391 in Parkland County (156 acti...ve, five deaths) Woodlands County has 20 cases (three active) and 381 cases in Whitecourt (140 active), one death. Stony Plain and Spruce Grove has 1,824 cases, 239 of which are active and 15 deaths and 486 cases in Brazeau County (82 active). Outbreaks and/or alerts have been listed for Jasper Junior Senior High School, Westview Health Centre Stony Plain, Mary Bergeron Elementary School Edson, Parkland Composite High School Edson, Ecole Pine Grove School Edson, Harry Collinge High School Hinton, Explore and Discover Child Care Centre Hinton, Worley Cord, Hinton, Pat Hardy Primary School Whitecourt, Ecole, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Spruce View Lodge, Whitecourt, Aurora Elementary School, Breton Elementary School, Frank Maddock High School, H W Pickup Junior High School and Holy Trinity Academy, Brazeau County, TransAlta Keephills Parkland County More detailed information can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx

Parkland RCMP arrest three youths for break and enter to business During the early morning hours of April 28, 2021, Parkland RCMP responded to an alarm at a local business in the area of South Park Drive. The business’s front window had been smashed and product was stolen. RCMP Police Dog Services established a track and located three youths who were arrested without incident. ... A 14 year old female and two males, aged 15 and 16 years old, were charged with break and enter with intent to a business. They are scheduled to appear in Stony Plain Provincial Court on July 16, 2021. If you have information that will assist with the investigation, please contact the Parkland RCMP Detachment at 825-220-7267 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

COVID-19 update Alberta new cases reported 1,633 for May 8 from testing, 668 people in hospital and 155 people in intensive care; there were two new deaths, which now total 2,110. Editor’s note: The data reports 233 cases in Jasper (four active) with six deaths, 200 in Hinton (20 active), one death, 413 in Yellowhead County (45 active, eight deaths (346 in Edson, 33 active, four deaths)), 544 in Lac Ste. Anne County (39 active, 12 deaths), 1385 in Parkland County (155 active..., five deaths) Woodlands County has 20 cases (three active) and 370 cases in Whitecourt (135 active), one death. Stony Plain and Spruce Grove has 1,819 cases, 244 of which are active and 15 deaths and 484 cases in Brazeau County (82 active). Outbreaks and/or alerts have been listed for Jasper Junior Senior High School, Westview Health Centre Stony Plain, Mary Bergeron Elementary School Edson, Parkland Composite High School Edson, Ecole Pine Grove School Edson, Harry Collinge High School Hinton, Explore and Discover Child Care Centre Hinton, Worley Cord, Hinton, Pat Hardy Primary School Whitecourt, Ecole, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Spruce View Lodge, Whitecourt, Aurora Elementary School, Breton Elementary School, Frank Maddock High School, H W Pickup Junior High School and Holy Trinity Academy, Brazeau County, TransAlta Keephills Parkland County More detailed information can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx

COVID-19 update Alberta new cases reported 2,042 for May 7 from testing, 661 people in hospital and 148 people in intensive care; there were two new deaths, which now total 2,108. Editor’s note: The data reports 233 cases in Jasper (five active) with six deaths, 200 in Hinton (21 active), one death, 413 in Yellowhead County (45 active, eight deaths (346 in Edson, 33 active, four deaths)), 544 in Lac Ste. Anne County (40 active, 12 deaths), 1373 in Parkland County (148 active..., five deaths) Woodlands County has 20 cases (three active) and 365 cases in Whitecourt (134 active), one death. Stony Plain and Spruce Grove has 1,799 cases, 238 of which are active and 15 deaths and 481 cases in Brazeau County (89 active). Outbreaks and/or alerts have been listed for Jasper Junior Senior High School, Westview Health Centre Stony Plain, Mary Bergeron Elementary School Edson, Parkland Composite High School Edson, Ecole Pine Grove School Edson, Harry Collinge High School Hinton, Explore and Discover Child Care Centre Hinton, Worley Cord, Hinton, Pat Hardy Primary School Whitecourt, Ecole, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Hilltop High School Whitecourt, Spruce View Lodge, Whitecourt, Aurora Elementary School, Breton Elementary School, Frank Maddock High School, H W Pickup Junior High School and Holy Trinity Academy, Brazeau County, TransAlta Keephills Parkland County More detailed information can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx

Alberta RCMP uphold Queens Bench Order in Mirror On May 8, 2021, the Alberta RCMP were on site for a preplanned public gathering at the Whistle Stop Café near Mirror, Alta. The RCMP’s initial response for this event was to ensure that all participants were aware of the Court of Queen’s Bench Order issued on May 6. The order clearly outlines the definition of an illegal public gathering and gives officers authority to arrest and/or remove those who are organizing, promoting ...and/or attending these illegal public gathering. Officers served, posted copies, and discussed the Queens Bench Order at length with the participants. In conjunction with Alberta Health Services, and discussions with legal council, the Alberta RCMP deemed this event as meeting the definition of an illegal public gathering as set out in the order. In addition to issuing tickets under section 73(1) of the Public Heath Act, an arrest of the organizer of the event was made under the provision of the Court of Queen’s Bench Order. The Alberta RCMP is currently in the process of gathering additional information with respect to other individual’s participation in the organization of this event. Details on this may be provided later, after further investigation. The RCMP’s primary role is, and always will be, keeping Alberta safe, while upholding the law. This includes enforcing public health orders for the health and safety of all Albertans. Officers will remain on scene until the illegal public gathering has dispersed.

Update 173: COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta (Jan. 18, 6:15 p.m.) Active cases and hospitalizations are declining, but the health-care system continues to be strained. Continue to follow public health restrictions. Latest updates...Continue reading

Alberta to run out of COVID-19 vaccine supply Premier Jason Kenney issued the following statement on vaccine supply in Alberta: Alberta Health Services has administered nearly 90,000 doses to eligible health-care workers and staff and residents in continuing care around the province to date. We continue to lead the large provinces in the pace of COVID-19 vaccination. This is positive news.... I am also pleased to report that first dose vaccinations have wrapped up at all 357 long-term care and designated supported living facilities in the province. However, due to the unexpected supply disruption the federal government announced last week, Alberta will have no more vaccine doses available to administer as first doses by the end of today or early tomorrow. Accordingly, no more new first dose appointments will be accepted and some first dose appointments already booked will be rescheduled over the coming days to accommodate limited supply. Doses have been allocated to ensure second doses are available for committed appointments. As I have stated several times since our vaccine rollout started, our ability to get needed vaccine in the arms of Albertans is limited by the number of vaccine doses we have on hand. It is frustrating to see this happen while other countries, like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel have received significantly larger quantities of vaccines. I am deeply disappointed at the situation we are now facing. The news on January 15 that Pfizer shipments would be cut by 20 to 80 per cent over the coming weeks only adds to our frustration and means we have had to significantly slow down our vaccination plan. Alberta currently has the capacity to deliver 50,000 doses per week. In March, we expect to be able to administer about 200,000 doses per week. But we do not have the supply to match. Unfortunately, this means that the planned vaccination of First Nations and Métis individuals and seniors over age 75 has been put on hold. I want to assure Albertans that despite this setback, we remain in position to immediately ramp-up and get back to record vaccination numbers once sufficient doses are delivered. We remain undeterred in our efforts to get vaccines to those who need them most.

Red Deer RCMP warn of email fraud Red Deer RCMP are warning the public of recent incidents where fraudsters impersonated a business colleague in an attempt to defraud multiple individuals. Red Deer RCMP were alerted to incidents of fraudsters using savvy email fraud for financial benefit. Two separate organizations reported to RCMP that multiple individuals had received an email that appeared to be from a colleague. In the email, the recipient was asked to purchase a large qu...antity of gift cards as a favour to the individual sending the email. However, the email was found to be fraudulent as it was not from the individual it appeared to have been sent by. The Red Deer RCMP remind the public of the following tips to protect from fraud: Verify unusual email or phone requests. Ensure the email address is correct and call the individual directly, confirming their identity and the request made in the email. Prepaid credit cards, Google Play, Amazon, iTunes and other types of gift cards are commonly used in fraudulent activity. Be wary of any request to procure or to provide payment in this format. Be wary of providing any personal information by phone, email or text. If something feels off, trust your gut. Do not be intimidated by high-pressure tactics. The Red Deer RCMP ask the public to report all fraud attempts, whether they are successful or not. Information on these types of activities can help prevent others from being targeted, and potentially aid in apprehending the suspect. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. You are also encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

Parkland RCMP request public assistance to locate stolen track hoe excavator A Case CX470B yellow track hoe excavator with a Border Paving logo on it was reported as stolen from the Border Paving yard located at 54106 Range Road 15 near Onoway. The complainant advised the theft occurred on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The suspect(s) would have needed a semi truck with a low bed to tow the track hoe.... If you have seen the track hoe or have any information that can assist with this investigation, please contact the Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

COVID-19 update Alberta new cases reported 750 for Jan. 16 from reduced testing, 738 people in hospital and 123 people in intensive care; there were 19 new deaths, which now total 1,436. Editor’s note: The data reports 183 cases in Jasper (seven active) with five deaths, 109 in Hinton (12 active), one death, 293 in Yellowhead County (26 active, four deaths (238 in Edson, 12 active)), 388 in Lac Ste. Anne County (76 active, 10 deaths), 886 in Parkland County (118 active, thre...e deaths) Woodlands County has six cases (four active) and 118 cases in Whitecourt (26 active), one death. Stony Plain and Spruce Grove has 1,120 cases, 83 of which are active and 10 deaths and 259 cases in Brazeau County (33 active). Outbreaks have been listed for Mayerthorpe Extendicare, Mayerthorpe Healthcare Centre, Good Samaritan Stony Plain Care Centre, Good Samaritan George Henning Place, Stony Plain More detailed information can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx

Edson RCMP arrest male for break and enter at storage yard Edson RCMP arrested a male in relation to a break and enter at a storage yard that occurred in Sept. 2020. On Sept. 13, 2020 at 8:27 a.m., Edson RCMP responded to a break and enter at the Comfortable Country Storage yard in Yellowhead County, Alta. Several trailers within the yard were broken into and thousands of dollars in damage were reported.... As a result of the investigation, police identified a male suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On Dec. 5, 2020, police located the suspect during a traffic stop and was arrested on the outstanding warrant. Police also located what is believed to be methamphetamine during a search incidental to arrest. Grenville James Clarke (32) of Yellowhead County, Alta. has been charged with: Break and Enter Mischief over $5000 Mischief under $5000 Theft under $5000 Possession of a controlled substance. Clarke was released following a judicial hearing and is scheduled to appear in Edson Provincial Court on Jan. 19, 2021.