Hearing set for accused drug dealer
After being picked up on a warrant in British Columbia earlier this month, Theodore Vena appeared in court via CCTV, April 9.
The Jasper resident is charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime, as well as multiple charges for breaching his release conditions and failing to appear in court on Feb. 26.
During Vena’s brief appearance, the court scheduled a summary disposition for April 21 in Edson. For that hearing, the prosecutor asked that Vena be in attendance, rather than appearing by CCTV.
Vena first faced a judge Jan. 22 and was granted more time to hire a lawyer and review the facts of his case. He was supposed to return for election and plea Feb. 26. When he didn’t show up on that day, the judge issued a warrant for his arrest, at the request of the federal prosecutor. He was arrested April 2 in British Columbia, after the RCMP extended its warrant beyond Alberta’s borders.
Vena’s charges stem from a December drug bust executed by the Jasper and Hinton RCMP detachments, along with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams.
Public speaks up about free town-wide wifi
Survey says: respondents want free wifi for the downtown core and public facilities.
The Municipality of Jasper conducted a survey to determine whether Jasperites want free ShawGo wifi in various locations around town. The survey garnered 165 responses and showed 91 per cent support for free wifi in public facilities and 86 per cent support for the downtown core. Support for residential areas and open spaces—municipal parks and playgrounds—was lower with 72 per cent and 66 per cent support, respectively.
Council was presented with the results, including the community's comments, at the April 14 committee-of-the-whole meeting and asked that administration return with answers to all of the questions posed by respondents. Those questions include concerns about what the transmitters will look like and whether the service will slow down the existing Shaw service in town. Mark Fercho, chief administrative officer, said he will present those answers to council before it makes a decision on whether or not to allow Shaw to install the free service.
Shaw Communications approached the municipality last September, proposing to install several micro transmitters on municipal infrastructure across town, allowing the company to provide free wifi access to its customers, as well as the general public.
Council hasn’t yet decided whether to allow the service in town, let alone where it would be offered if approved.
Jasper to Mexico: sharing a trip of a lifetime
After 252 days and 5,507 kilometres, Jasper thru-hikers Liam Harrap and Jake Alleyne made the journey from Jasper to Mexico, conquering the Great Divide, and on April 24, the duo will present a slideshow and share stories from their adventure.
The event will take place at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives, beginning at 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
