ARTICLES

During the early morning hours of November 12, 2022, the Medicine Hat Police Service along with the Medicine Hat Fire Department, responded to a residential fire in the 800 block of 9 Street SE. During the investigation the remains of a 54-year-old male were found within the home. Currently the circumstances of the death do not appear to be criminal in nature however the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section is continuing the investigation. The identity of the deceased will not be released pending next of kin notification. Our condolences are extended to the friends and family of the male.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

More than $15,000 in drugs and cash has been seized following an investigation by ALERT Medicine Hat Organized Crime Section.

On October 27 and October 28, 2022, search warrants were executed on three locations in Medicine Hat, Alberta and one location in Redcliff, Alberta. Police seized 104 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of fentanyl, $3,180.00 in cash, ammunition and a small amount of cocaine.

Resulting from this investigation three suspects have been charged as follows:

Nicole Kilthau, 43-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime. Kilthau was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 10, 2022.

Allison Keller, 39-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. Keller was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 17, 2022.

Brian Aske, 44-year-old from Redcliff, is charged with two counts of Breaching a Court Order. Aske was released and is to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on November 15.

ALERT completed the investigation with assistance from the Redcliff RCMP.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity can report to the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481 or submit tips anonymously through the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Acting Staff Sgt. David Gornisiewicz

Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team

Ph: 403-581-8115

The Medicine Hat Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify suspects involved in recent acts of vandalism that occurred at Crescent Heights High School.

On October 29, 2022, between the hours of 10:00 pm and midnight, a group of unidentified suspects accessed the roof of school located at 1201 Division Ave North. Once on the roof the offenders spray painted vulgar graffiti symbols and words on the upper roof portion and windows of the school. They also defaced a sign at the front of the school. Damage is estimated at approximately $5,000.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) through the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

Sgt. Adam Gregory

Community Safety Unit

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8451

Please avoid the Kin Coulee dip on Highway #1 as police are currently on scene with a collision and several others vehicles stuck.  Police are asking people to stay at home tonight if possible as the roads are very slippery and vehicles are not able to make it up most hills within the city.

Thank you

The search for a missing Medicine Hat man continues. On October, 19, 2022 the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) requested public assistance to locate Bradley Kiefer (age 62 years). A photo of Mr. Keifer is attached.

Mr. Keifer has not been seen or in contact with his family since October 16, 2022.

Over the past couple of weeks, the MHPS has conducted a comprehensive search for Mr. Kiefer, including but not limited to, the use of Alberta Search and Rescue as well as HALO air support, but has been unsuccessful locating Mr. Keifer.

Anyone with information on the location of Bradley Kiefer is asked to contact Medicine Hat Police Service at (403)529-8481.

Media contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is investigating a Break and Enter, and Theft that occurred at a local business on Allowance Avenue SE sometime during the evening of Saturday, October 15^th and the morning of Sunday, October 16^th. Stolen from the business were several handguns of various makes and models.

Members of the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section are currently investigating and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips can also be submitted online via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421

The Medicine Hat Police Service is requesting public assistance to locate a missing Medicine Hat man, Bradley Kiefer (age 62 years). A photo of Mr. Keifer is attached. He has not been seen or in contact with his family since October 16, 2022.

Anyone with information on the location of Bradley Kiefer is asked to contact Medicine Hat Police Service at (403)529-8481.

Media contact:

Patrol Staff Sergeant
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461

On International Women’s Day the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) pledged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of individuals in the community (Medicine Hat & surrounding area) who lead, inspire, and motivate women and work to break the bias towards advancing gender equity. Each month the MHPS, in partnership with the Medicine Hat Police Association, selects a local individual(s) to highlight with the “Be The Change” award, and celebrate the achievements of these individuals who are catalysts for change in our community.

This month, Linda Gove was chosen as the recipient of the MHPS “Be the Change Award” in recognition of her over 40 years of dedicated volunteer service with Girl Guides of Canada (GGC). As an organization, GGC has a vision of “a better world, by girls” and a mission “to be a catalyst for girls, empowering girls”, with programming available for girls as young as five all the way up to 17 years of age. At its heart, Girl Guides provide girls and young women with safe and inclusive space to explore their interests and a platform to speak out on the issues that matter to them.

In many ways, the Girl Guide movement’s own story is one that started with a demand for gender equality: in 1909, girls in England demanded to take part in a Boy Scouts rally organized by Lord Baden-Powell at the Crystal Palace in London. Baden-Powell was impressed and asked his sister, Agnes, to create a program just for girls. This was the beginning of the Guiding movement, with its early days being characterized by girls advocating for access to the same opportunities afforded to boys – in essence, gender equality.

Today, GGC recognizes and values the richness of human diversity in its many forms, and therefore strives to ensure environments where girls and women from all walks of life, identities, and lived experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate fully. As such, persons who identify as girls and women are welcome to join GGC, including transgender girls and women.

Through her volunteer service with GGC, Linda has had the opportunity to fill many different roles from unit guider to Commissioner, to public relations advisor. She has organized and led participants from the local units on several exciting adventures including a trip with the Pathfinders to Europe in 2014 and then a bus tour of the maritime provinces in 2016. She is currently involved with her Guiding District planning an area rally for all age groups that will be held at Echo Dale Park this month.

When asked about what motivates and inspires her to continue volunteering, Linda says it is the many lasting relationships she has formed with the girls that have continued into well into their adult years. Whether it is at the weekly meetings, or during the overnight camps, Linda loves watching the girls have fun, while learning new skills and forming friendships. She has taken a particular interest in mentoring young women by providing them with junior leadership opportunities that allow them to give back while gaining increased self confidence as leaders in their community.

Linda’s dedication to the girls was demonstrated during the pandemic, when many clubs were forced to cancel due to the health restrictions, and they were no longer able to meet in the schools, Linda adapted by hosting unit meetings in her backyard, social distanced around a campfire. Over the years, she has recognized how important it is for the girls to have a place where they can keep active, explore the outdoors, and have an opportunity for social connection.

In addition to her service with GGC, Linda has given back to the community in many other ways over the years including as past president of the Medicine Hat Inline Hockey league, billeting Medicine Hat Tiger players, volunteering with figure skating, air cadets and karate all which have been a part of her family’s life in one way or another. In her spare time Linda enjoys dragon boat racing and spending time with her husband Ray, children, and grandchildren. She looks forward to continuing to lead, inspire and motivate others for many years to come!

For more information on how the GGC including how to get involved with a local club visit www.girlguides.ca.

If you know of a role model in our community who would be deserving of the Be The Change award recognition, nominations can be submitted via the MHPS website or mobile app for consideration. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee comprised of women who serve with the MHPS and each month they will select and arrange to meet with the winner to celebrate their accomplishments.

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler

Administrative Services Manager

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8416

On September 23, 2022, a beautiful mural was unveiled in the newly renamed Aahkoinnimaan ni Community Boardroom. The mural is the focal point of a community gathering space located in the MHPS building and reflects the history of Medicine Hat being a traditional meeting place for Indigenous people in this area.

The mural was painted by Ray-Al Hochman. Ray-Al is a proud Métis visual artist currently residing in Medicine Hat, AB. Being blessed with the gift of creativity and the drive to make his mark on the world, Ray-Al nurtured his creative spirit throughout his academic career and carries it in all walks of his life.

Hochman completed the Applied arts and Visual Communications program at Medicine Hat College in 2013. During his time there, he was able to explore many various streams of artistic expression including drawing, painting, sculpture, print making and graphic design. Hochman then entered the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered by the University of Alberta, being taught, and critiqued by some of the best artists in the province. He was encouraged to push himself outside his comfort zone and create larger pieces using new and varying techniques. After completing the BFA program in 2017, Hochman moved back to Medicine Hat where he feels at home amongst the beautiful southern Alberta skies and slower pace that a smaller city affords.

Hochman draws much of his inspiration from nature, whether that be the lush flora and fauna that can be found across this beautiful country or the flash of flames from a campfire burning in the night. Hochman can be found on Facebook, or Instagram as @_rayartistico_ and invites you to peruse some of his selected works all of which are for sale either as original works or prints or to commission a custom piece.

This morning Ray-Al was gifted a Miywasin Saamis Metis sash by JoLynn Parenteau, an Indigenous housing and homeless navigator with the Miywasin Friendship Centre and a member of the Chief’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.

The Aahkoinnimaan ni room is a meeting space, that can accommodate groups of up to 60 people, and is available for community groups to book free of charge upon request. To book the Aahkoinnimaan ni room, visit the MHPS website at https://app.mhps.ca/community-boardroom-request/ .

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416

A Lethbridge male is charged with criminal harassment after several Medicine Hat businesses reporting that they had received harassing and indecent phone calls.

Over the past couple months, the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) received multiple complaints from staff at local businesses who had received harassing / indecent phone calls. The staff reported receiving repeated, unwanted phone calls that were lewd in content. In many of the incidents the repeated calls disrupted the normal operations of the business.

The MHPS Criminal Investigation Section conducted a thorough investigation into the matters and identified Jacob Jacobsen (31 years old) of Lethbridge, Alberta, as being responsible for the calls.

On October 5^th, the MHPS, with the assistance of the Lethbridge Police Service, arrested Jacobsen at his home in Lethbridge, AB and he was charged with the following offences.

• Criminal Harassment x 6
• Indecent Telephone Calls x 6
• Breach of Undertaking

Jacobsen was held for a Judicial Intern Hearing where he was released to appear in Provincial Court on October 13, 2022.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that there is a high probability that there may be other victims in the community who have not previously reported their concerns to police, and if so those individuals/businesses are asked to call 403-529-8420 and speak with an officer.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421