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Tim Smith / Brandon Sun archives Smashed walls are visible in one of the homes at the Criddle Vane historic site south of CFB Shilo. (TIM SMITH/BRANDON SUN)

Vandals punished for damage

FIVE Brandon youths who vandalized a historic site last year have been ordered to perform community service or give a donation to help maintain the site.

Carberry RCMP said Wednesday the five youths, whose identities are protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were dealt with by the John Howard Society Community Justice Committee after police received tips from the public.

The committee's sanctions against the youths ranged from 24 hours of community service at the Criddle Vane Provincial Heritage Site, to a $300 donation to the community committee that looks after the site.

The site, which protects the homestead of Norman Criddle, a pioneer in entomology and the first entomological field station in Western Canada, was damaged last winter by vandals who smashed windows, marked and damaged walls and doors within the St. Albans House and other outbuildings.

RCMP are asking the public to help them identify other people responsible for vandalizing the site by calling 204-834-2905.

Goose killer still on the lam

NO one has been held responsible for killing a Canada goose at a Winnipeg golf course more than three months ago.

The Free Press reported in mid-August someone used a golf club to kill a goose at St. Charles Country Club on the August long weekend.

Allegations of abuse of Canada geese fall under federal wildlife regulations.

This week, an Environment Canada spokesman said its enforcement branch investigated an "anonymous report" of the incident, but has since been "unable to gather sufficient evidence to identify a responsible party for the alleged act."

In an email, spokesman Mark Johnson said the investigation might be reopened if more evidence is uncovered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Environment Canada's regional office at 204-983-5263.

Trapper killed in snowmobile crash

MANITOBA'S first snowmobile fatality of the season claimed the life of a trapper based in Peguis First Nation, about 145 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Billy Sinclair, 52, died early Tuesday when he drove his snowmobile into trees. Peguis RCMP said Sinclair was driving his snowmobile at a high rate of speed and was not wearing a helmet. Witnesses told police alcohol was a factor.

The collision happened at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Police were not notified until 13 hours later.

Sinclair was on his snowmobile even though there is barely enough snow to cover the ground in Peguis, a resident said.

Five people were killed in four snowmobile crashes last winter in Manitoba, and four died in the previous winter.

Snoman Inc, which designs and maintains 12,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails in Manitoba, said none of its trails is anywhere near ready to open yet.

Man responsible for sex assaults: police

WINNIPEG police believe the same man is responsible for a series of sexual assaults in stores that have taken place recently.

Police said the link between the sexual assaults was made following a complaint in September. A woman was shopping in the south end of Winnipeg when she was approached by a man. The suspect deliberately dropped an item and while picking it up, groped the woman's lower body.

WPS spokesman Jason Michalyshen said officers realized the same method has been used several times.

Michalyshen said the suspect in the September assault was arrested but released with conditions.

However, Michalyshen said police believe the man is also a suspect in other incidents and are looking for witnesses to come forward.

"This investigation, and others similar, are all now beginning to intertwine and overlap each other," Michalyshen said.

Police released a video of the September attack but the identity of the victim is not known. Michalyshen said the department store contacted police and police want the victim to come forward.

Police will not identify the suspect now because it could undermine other investigations, he said, adding the suspect will be identified once he is formally charged.

Officials seek 15-year prison sentence

JUSTICE officials are seeking a 15-year prison sentence against a Winnipeg man who killed his former friend with a hammer.

Daniel Peterson was convicted of manslaughter earlier this year after jurors rejected his claim of self-defence. He returned to court Wednesday for sentencing.

Queen's Bench Justice Colleen Suche has reserved her decision until Friday. Peterson asked for as little as six years behind bars, less time already served.

Peterson admits beating James Cruickshank, 44, to death in a Hargrave Street apartment in October 2008. Peterson claimed he attacked the victim while defending himself from a sexual assault.

Cruickshank died of massive head trauma after being hit repeatedly with the weapon. Peterson confessed to police when they interviewed him two days later. He claims Cruickshank forced a sexual act on him while the two men drank inside the suite. Defence lawyer Amanda Sansregret told jurors that amounts to provocation.

Don't litter and get free Tim's treat

YOU can get a free Tim Hortons product if you are caught not littering downtown.

The Downtown Biz and Take Pride Winnipeg have teamed up to launch a month-long anti-littering campaign to encourage Winnipeggers to stop littering downtown.

The organizations announced Wednesday that through November, its members will reward people they see throwing garbage into a receptacle.

The reward? A $5 Tim Hortons gift card.

"We've always looked at punitive ways to stop things," said Ed Medgyes, the Biz's maintenance co-ordinator.

"But if we reward people it is positive reinforcement."

Medgyes said his crews collect about 60 large bags of litter from downtown sidewalks during a given week.

"If we just left that we would be walking on that stuff every week."

Tom Ethans, Take Pride's executive director, said he is hoping everybody puts litter in the right place.

"Even cigarette butts -- that's 25 to 30 per cent of the litter downtown," he said.

"They are not biodegradeable, they end up in rivers and lakes, and birds have died when they use them for their nests."

The organizations also unveiled Metro Enviro Man, a cartoon character with anti-litter messages.

As well, until Dec. 5, Metro Enviro Man is collecting pledges not to litter from people who then have the chance to win one of three entertainment prizes valued at $100. Go to www.downtownwinnipeg.biz and click on programs for more information.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 8, 2012 A10