An Olds resident is facing three weapon-related charges in Didsbury court.
On Sept. 27, Olds RCMP executed a search warrant at an Olds residence on 51 Street.
“After serving the search warrant, once inside we seized several pieces to a firearm and some soft-body armour,” said Olds RCMP Cpl. Jay Peden.
“Further investigation with the National Weapon Enforcement Strategy Team determined that a couple of the rifles were operable. As a result of the investigation, we have laid charges on the resident.”
Billy Jack Williams was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of weapon contrary to a prohibition order and possession of a firearm knowing that possession was unlawful or prohibited. He is in custody.
Williams reserved his plea on Dec. 5 and 12. He will be back in court on Dec. 19.
Impaired driving
On Dec. 3, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., Olds RCMP stopped a vehicle because of its driving pattern in the area of 46 Street and 52 Avenue.
“As a result of the investigation, a 27-year-old man from Beaumont was charged with impaired driving over .08,” said Peden.
The man's first court appearance will be on Jan. 9 in Didsbury.
“We do understand that people will be getting together for Christmas parties. People should designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to get home instead of driving,” said Peden.
“We will be out and there will be zero tolerance for alcohol-related offences. The RCMP members will be out looking for people who have been consuming and are behind the wheel.”
Weather warning
The RCMP are reminding people to adjust their driving accordingly to the weather and road conditions.
“In the morning, we want people to be aware that they need to remove the frost from the windshields and the vehicle,” said Peden.
“If they do not, they can be charged with obscured windshield and get a fine of more than $100.”
Charity checkstop
Olds residents gave generously at the annual charity checkstop on Dec. 10.
At the end of the day, volunteers counted $11,382 in cash.
“It is a lot. It went very well. We had tremendous volunteer support and I think that is the highest cash we have ever recorded,” said Roberta Hammer, Chinook Arch Victim's Services program coordinator.
“I think from I heard at the end of the day, the amount of gifts and food was on par or better than other years as well.”
The money was split between Victim Services, the Olds Emergency Shelter Society, Christmas Angels and the Mountain View Food Bank. The food donations all went to the Mountain View Food Bank, while the gifts went to Christmas Angels.
