Local artist faces graffiti charges
A 33-year-old Jasper man—whose graffiti-style art has appeared in numerous Jasper businesses—was charged with 11 counts of mischief, relating to illegal graffiti, March 31.
The charges came after RCMP officers executed two search warrants in relation to an investigation of illegal graffiti on local businesses, municipal property and CN railcars.
Following the search of a home and business suite in town, RCMP officers arrested Ryan McQuaid and seized a large quantity of spray paint and ink markers, as well as marijuana and a portable radio belonging to CN Rail. McQuaid was also charged with possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
The RCMP’s investigation was a collaborative effort with municipal bylaw, which started a graffiti abatement program last year as a way of monitoring and eradicating graffiti in town.
As the investigation continues, it is expected that more charges will be laid.
McQuaid is scheduled to appear in Jasper Provincial Court on May 8 at 10 a.m.
Welcome home, chief
Greg Van Tighem completed his 3,000 km fat bike ride from Masset, B.C. to Winnipeg, Man. to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis April 7.
To celebrate his accomplishment and to help him reach his $93,000 fundraising goal, a welcome home party has been organized for Saturday, April 12.
The community is invited to the Curling Lounge at 7 p.m. to enjoy some finger food and drinks, while listening to tales of Van Tighem’s epic adventure from one end of Highway 16 to the other.
Admission is by donation, with the funds going toward the MS Society of Canada.
Kids are welcome.
Weekend’s freestyle results
Jasper’s freestyle skiers showed off their skills and took home some medals during the 2014 Alberta Championships at Marmot Basin, April 5.
Jonah Jenkins took home the first place finish in the moguls event for the M4 (boys’ 13-and-under) age group and Ezra Jenkins took home the second place finish. Also competing in that category was Hunter Boyer, who finished 15th, and Pierce Decore, who finished in 22nd place.
In the M3 (boys’ 14–15) age group, Julian Kapronczai finished in third, Cameron Brown in sixth and Eric Lillow in 12th.
On the girls’ side, Olivia Krushell finished third in the F3 (girls’ 14–15) age group and Caitlin McInnis finished in fifth.
In the F4 (girls’ 13-and-under) age group, Alison Brown finished fifth.
According to their coach, Nic Bazin, “the whole team is proud of all the athletes who have joined the competition.”
Total lunar eclipse Tuesday
Stargazers are in for a spectacular display Tuesday morning.
Beginning around 1 a.m. April 15, there will be a total lunar eclipse, turning the moon completely red.
This is caused when the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow.
According to a story written by Deborah Netburn for the LA Times, “the red colour occurs because even when the Earth has moved directly between the moon and the sun, the scattered light from all the sunsets and sunrises on the rim of our globe still make it to the moon’s surface.”
The eclipse will begin at 11 p.m. April 14, but the moon won’t be fully red until 1 a.m. the following morning.
