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Big Country News Headlines for  Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A Grande Prairie man charged in the murder of his 73-year-old father is due in court today.  Matthew Crichton was arrested Friday after the body of Alex Crichton was found in a Grovedale-area home.

A Hines Creek-area man will be in Fairview courtroom today facing a second-degree murder charge.  Kenneth Carlson is accused in last month's death of 47-year-old Martin Cook of Grande Prairie.

An unnamed 50-year-old man will be before a judge today charged with sexual interference and child pornography charges.  He was arrested last week.

The suspect in a case of attempted murder, sexual assault, and forcible confinement is scheduled to appear in Fairview court today.  The matter relating to an incident near Bear Canyon on Friday.

The County of Grande Prairie says it will provide its own service starting in 2012.  It had been in negotiations with the City of Grande Prairie for a regional fire service.

The County has turned down an application for a salvage yard in Dimsdale.  Councillors say they're concerned over the potential contamination of the Crystal Creek bed directly behind the property.

A proposed bylaw by the City geared towards drinking establishments and pawn shops is now being sent back to committee.  Several business owners turned out last night at council to show their opposition.

Efforts to keep the Bear Creek Pool open were part of last night's agenda at city council.  Resident Nicole Martens presented council with a petition of 700-plus names of residents wanting the pool to stay open.

Two applications to the the Combatitive Sports Commision have been denied.  Chair Dan Wong says the two were incomplete.  The commission is, however, writing to the promoters to outline its guidelines.

City council has agreed to waive 141-thousand dollars in fees for the new Cairn-on-the-Boulevard project.  It's also agreed to continue its partnership, allowing Rotary to operate the city's campground until 2035.

It's back to school for about four-thousand students in the BC South Peace.  Classes begin two hours later than normal.  Kids will be let out an hour earlier, than usual.

A traffic note:  The lights at 68th Avenue and Resources Road will be out from 8am until 6pm for repairs.  Please use the four-way stop procedure during this time.

SPORTS:

Toronto Blue Jays won their 7th-straight against Texas last night.  Jays beat the Rangers 8-5.

New York Yankees lead the AL East by just one-and-a-half games, after Tampa Bay beat Boston 14-5.

Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters have advanced to the semi-finals at the US Womens Open.

Canada won its first international soccer match in over a year; 2-1 over Honduras.

A 'One Year Out' party is planned for Grande Prairie's new multi-plex Sunday from Noon 'til 4.

Please listen to Big Country 93.1 FM for news and sports updates throughout the day. If you see news happening, contact the Big Country Newsroom.

Call us @ (780) 538-0841

Fax us @ (780) 539-6397

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News & Sports Director -- Curtis Galbraith

Morning News -- Dave Michaels

Afternoon News -- Christina Lawrence

Reporter/Weekend News -- Chelsea Ford