Your news this week: Peter Schnieder independent candidate - Page 3 Athlete of the week - Page 5 County news - Page 11 Read us online at www.lamontleader.com twitter.com/lamontleader
7, No. 24 November Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Vol. 7, No.Vol. 2, Tuesday, 8, 2011
This Rural Crime Watch sign full of bullet holes located off Highway 855, souteast of Mundare, is a visual reminder and perhaps message from vandals. In the background is an entry sign into Lamont County. The county is looking for public assistance with the ongoing problem.
Lamont County seeking public assistance as acts of vandalism to signs continues to be ongoing problem BY MICHELLE PINON Editor While vandalism may be a fact of life; the price that has to be paid does take its toll. That is why Lamont County is wanting to raise public awareness to the problem, and encourage residents to report acts of vandelism to the municipality and the police. Displayed up against the table in council chambers last Tuesday were a car counter, yield sign, stop sign, and address sign; all of which sported multiple bullet holes. Harold Hamilton, director of public works for the county, reported the extent of damage. “On average we replace 10 signs per month, between $80 and $120 per sign, time and equipment on top of the cost. The car counter may be matched up, if not, a new set will be around $3,500.” If Hamilton can locate a replacement part for the car counter, the price would be reduced to $900. “In the future, it will be fenced and locked up so it will not be so easy to take a sledge hammer to it,” he added.
Later in the day, chief administrative officer Al Harvey, told Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Staff Sgt. Dwayne Rawson about the ongoing problem and
directed him to the signs and car counter on display in council chamber. Harvey told Rawson there around 10 signs per month that are damaged, and wanted to know what
the municipality could do about it? Harvey wanted to provide information to the public, and encourage residents to be on the look out. He is gravely concerned from a bullistics perspective, and possible injury from errant ammunition being discharged at will, as well as potential liability issues. Hamilton told Rawson they were starting to pick up a pattern, and most of the damaged signs are southwest of Lamont and north of Elk Island National Park, through the hills and past the Chipman area. “Just lately we’ve had a rash.” “This is costing the county,” added Harvey, who was most concerned about where the ammunition was travelling. He pointed out that a shot fired at just the right angle, could carry between two and five miles depending on the type of gun fired. Staff Sgt. Rawson told council that mischief charges could be laid, and offenders lose their licenses, and he recommended the county put up a game camera to gather evidence. Rawson also said he would tell all of the officers on patrol to be on the look out. Harvey is also appealing to members of the public for their assistance and to report these acts of vandelism.