ISSUE: MARCH 18, 2010

Jasperite ‘stable’ after ski accident

A well-known Jasperite and helmet advocate is recovering in hospital after suffering a severe head injury at Marmot Basin.

Roy Patterson, 46, is currently out of intensive care and under observation at the University of Alberta Hospital. On March 11, Patterson fell at the end of a run, and was knocked unconscious. No one else was involved in the incident.

Patterson has been a huge advocate for helmets following a 1979 ski crash that left him with a severe brain injury that impaired his ability to walk and talk.

However on Thursday, because of the warm weather, Patterson was wearing his bike helmet instead of his ski helmet in an attempt to stay cool. He fell near the end of a run, knocking himself unconscious.

“He had a bad fall and suffered a head injury,” said Community Outreach Services worker Patrick Mooney.

He was immediately transferred to Edmonton, where he was hooked up to breathing tubes. His condition has improved since then.

“What we’re hearing is good. He’s out of intensive care and breathing on his own” said Leigh Pitoulis, a friend of Patterson’s who went to the hospital Monday to visit him. “He’s not talking, but he’s recognizing people.”

Patterson suffered severe brain damage in 1979 after a ski crash at the Lake Louise Ski Hill. He was basically in a vegetative state for three months following the crash before finally waking up. He progressed to the point that doctors determined his brain was still active, and began rehabilitation, learning how to walk, talk and ski again – the process took seven years.

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Fitzhugh captures CCNA awards Print
FITZHUGH STAFF   
March 18, 2010

The Fitzhugh newspaper was proud to learn Monday, March 15 they have received several awards from the Canadian Community Newspaper Association (CCNA).

The CCNA honours the top community newspapers across the country. Papers are judged within their circulation range.

Photojournalist Matt Timmins led the way for the Fitzhugh, earning three awards in the 3,000-3,999 circulation range. Timmins captured second place in the photo essay competition for his rafting olympics spread, third place in the spot news category for a picture of a fatal accident near Hinton and first place in the feature photo category for a picture from the 24 Hours of Adrenaline.

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New names for Jasper streets Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

In a unanimous vote, Jasper town council members have approved new plans to change the names and addresses of several streets and approximately 70 buildings in Jasper, as the current naming pattern has been deemed irrational.

“It’s just a more rational approach to wayfinding,” said Mayor Richard Ireland.

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Jasper experiencing one of driest winters on record Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

You wouldn’t know it by looking outside, but according to an Environment Canada weather station in Jasper, this winter has been one of the driest in the past ten years and is well below the 40-year historical averages.

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Veteran guilty of impaired driving Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

A Canadian veteran of the war in Afghanistan pleaded guilty to impaired operation of a motor vehicle following an incident last summer in Jasper Provincial Court.

Arguing that he suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, the veteran also had two serious charges dropped against him.

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Heavy snow fall wreaks havoc on roads Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

A jackknifed tractor trailer, a single vehicle rollover that resulted in serious head injuries for one person and a dozen other slippery accidents that involved crashes: just business as usual for the Valemount RCMP detachment when the snow came down on Friday, March 12.

“Nothing different than what we normally get,” said Cpl. Ed Burstrom of the Valemount RCMP detachment about the accidents that occurred on the wet and cold Friday and carried over onto Saturday. “It’s just so commonplace in the winter time. We can get up to four to five rollovers a day when the snow is falling.”

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Weekend to end women’s cancer an all girls event Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

An upcoming dinner and dance in Jasper for the Weekend to End Women’s Cancer is offering women a chance to raise money to fight the disease.

“It’s just a night to have some fun,” said Wanda Freland, a sexual health and harm reduction officer with HIV West Yellowhead, who is helping organize the event. “All for a good cause.”

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Chamber prepares for new role Print
JUSTIN BRISBANE, EDITOR   
March 18, 2010

While talk around town has been centred on Tourism Jasper and the proposed two per cent surcharge at area businesses, massive change is also set to hit Jasper Tourism and Commerce. After years of operating as the town’s destination marketing operator, the organization is poised to act as a lobby group for businesses in town.

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Pills found during highway stop Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

A man and woman are facing numerous charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking after police allege to have found several vials of pills in their vehicle after a stop on Highway 16, two kilometres east of Jasper.

The man, William Westman of Red Deer, and woman, Jennifer Eglinski of Edmonton, were pulled over by Jasper RCMP on March 9 and appeared in Jasper Provincial Court on March 11.

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Jasperite helps others cope with pain Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

photo414.jpg The mountains and waterways may bring joy to many outdoor adventurers, but when disaster strikes, they can also bring trauma, suffering and a life-time of pain. One woman from Jasper is doing her best to diminish that pain.

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Victim services becoming busier Print
CAMERON STRANDBERG, REPORTER   
March 18, 2010

photo415.jpg Jasper Victim Services continues to expand its level of service for people who have suffered crime, say its head organizers.

New statistics released by the service show that the service is becoming busier and is continuing to reach out to more victims of crime in Jasper.

According to the statistics, the number of victim service responses to violent criminal code violations jumped from 15 in 2007 to 40 in 2009 and non-violent criminal code violations jumped from nine in 2007 to 52 in 2009.

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Lack of snow not working to wolves’ typical advantage Print
MATTHEW TIMMINS, PHOTOJOURNALIST   
March 18, 2010

photo416.jpg Jasper’s recent warm weather and lack of snow might be hindering local wolf packs, according to Parks Canada officials.

Wolves typically have an advantage when hunting this time of year. Surface snow often crusts over, especially in the morning, allowing them to run on the top of the snow at higher speeds than their prey, says Jasper National Park wildlife biologist Steve Malcolm.

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