By Rob Vogt
A fire that damaged some of the new playground equipment at downtown Amundsen Park is under investigation.
On Tuesday, May 23, the Claresholm Fire Department responded to multiple calls the park was on fire.
The department arrived on scene just after 5:30 p.m. where it appeared a small fire started in the wood chips, after smoldering an estimated 40 minutes.
From there the plastic coating from one platform caught on fire.
Jace McLean, director of infrastructure for the Town of Claresholm, said four components of the play structure were lost and will have to be replaced.
It is estimated a total of $10,000 in damage was done.
There is video surveillance of the incident and it has been turned over to the Claresholm RCMP who are investigating the incident.
If anyone saw anything in Amundsen Park on May 23, they are encouraged to contact the Claresholm RCMP at 403-625-4445.

Incidents under investigation; ticket issued

By Rob Vogt
The Claresholm RCMP is still investigating an incident involving an unknown male approaching youths, two break-ins, and has issued a ticket in connection with a recent collision involving a police cruiser.
On May 11, the RCMP issued a release asking the public’s help with any information regarding several suspicious person reports about an older white male possibly 40 to 50 years old, thin build with short grey hair and multiple arm tattoos who approached youth asking if they could help him in exchange for $20.
The suspect male approached the youths in his vehicle.
Corporal Thomas Nairn reports nobody has been identified yet and no charges have been laid as of yet.
On Monday, May 15 between 1 a.m. and 2:15 a.m., two suspects forcibly entered the Home Hardware and Subway businesses in Claresholm.
The suspect(s) were described as a Caucasian male(s), average height and build. The suspect(s) were wearing a hooded sweater and a facial covering to conceal their identity.
One suspect’s sweater had an emblem with “MC with XX” on the right chest.
The suspect(s) used pry bars and battery powered tools to gain entry to the businesses, and stole cash and other valuable items, including two shotguns with ammunition.
The suspect(s) used bicycles to flee the scene.
Nairn reports the investigation is still continuing with some possible avenues still to look into.
The RCMP encourage anyone who may have information on these incidents to contact them at 403-625-4445 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) for a reward.
The RCMP issued a release May 19 stating at approximately 12:15 p.m. of that same day, an RCMP officer was on Highway 2 northbound, north of Stavely, conducting a traffic stop in a fully marked police car with its emergency lights activated.
A northbound semi tractor trailer failed to move to the left lane and struck the police car.
The officer was standing at the driver’s side door of the vehicle he had pulled over when the collision occurred.
He received minor injuries as a result of flying debris.
The driver of the vehicle in the traffic stop was uninjured, although his vehicle was damaged.
Nairn reports the driver was issued a ticket for driving carelessly under the Traffic Safety Act and faces either a $567 fine or can attend court to plea on June 21.
The RCMP member involved, who received minor injuries, has recovered and has returned to full duties.