Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday March 19

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Good morning !

STARS’ largest annual fundraiser is in its final week of ticket sales in Alberta and there are more than 2,100 prizes valued at over $4.8 million up for grabs. The annual lottery typically raises enough money to fund one of STARS’ three bases in Alberta for a full year. Ticket holders can win one of three stunning grand prize homes, dream vacations, luxury vehicles, and more, including a chance to walk away with half a jackpot that’s now more than $4.2 million cash. Tickets are on sale until 11:59pm on March 21.

👀 In today's edition:

• Family of man killed speaks out

• Yahoo! That’s the tweet

• Big music, big costumes, big hair

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 34,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

WORTH KNOWING

☁️ Today: High 4C, Low -4C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

“He didn’t want to die”: Family of man killed in a 30-hour standoff is sharing details

The family of a man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out as they share more details about the tense situation. Patrick Robert Kimmel, 45, was shot to death by police on Friday after he barricaded himself inside a home. The situation started the day before, as police were executing a search warrant shots were fired in their direction, which resulted in the standoff and shelter-in-place orders for the Penbrook community.

As CTV reports, Kimmel and his wife Jamie McConnell separated years ago, but they were still married. McConnell says investigators ultimately decided not to let family speak with him, and the last time they did, "He just said that he loved all of us and he was sorry and that he wasn't going to make it, and that they would never let them come out. We were able to get through to him on his phone and talk to him while it was happening, and he was in shock. He said he was hit a few times and he didn't know why.”

As the Calgary Herald reports, when the city police sniper with a scoped rifle showed up at Eyakme Negussie’s door to use his home for a perch, the Calgarian said he wasn’t going to refuse. “I didn’t say no,” said Negussie. “He took up a place in my daughter’s room. He said, ‘don’t turn on the lights or open the window’ … he pushed back her bed.”

Police estimate that more than 100 rounds were fired in the tense situation.

Related Story

Need to know

🐎 'I haven't seen it like this ever': Business event bookings are already booming for Calgary Stampede.

🚓 Curious about where Calgary drivers are breaking the rules? New police data reveals hot spots.

👮 Lawsuit alleges that two Calgary teachers were 'working together' to sexually abuse students.

🚓 Five men have been charged in “sophisticated and planned” kidnappings that targeted two separate female victims.

🌨️ Hope you enjoyed spring while it lasted: Heavy snow is on the way for Alberta.

🚧 Uh oh: Construction will reduce the 4th Avenue flyover to a single lane for 18 months.

💸 'Really failed us:' Calgary Gazans resorting to pay-offs to save loved ones from war.

🚰 Calgary water restrictions are on the rise as drought conditions persist.

🔌 Calgary to explore alternatives to local access fees on electricity.

🅰️ Did your child’s school make the cut? Some Calgary schools get top grades in Fraser Institute rankings.

SPONSORED BY RAMSAY HAIR SALON

Meet your new community hair salon

Ramsay Hair Salon is locally owned and operated by the Lenehan family and run by the husband and wife couple, Trevor and Thi. They recently relocated to Calgary from Regina with their three children and decided to make the community of Ramsay their home.

Thi is the lead hair-stylist while her husband Trevor manages the day to day workings of the salon.

Visit them at 1024 Maggie St SE and book your appointment today! Alternatively you can call 403-764-5154 to book.

Broadway favourite Hairspray brings its big hair, big music, and big production to Calgary

It’s finally here; Broadway Across Canada’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy Hairspray kicks off tonight until Sunday at the Jubilee. Packed full of catchy tunes and magical choreography, the beloved musical comedy tells the heartwarming story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad and her dream of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Set in the ’60s, there are colourful costumes, big hair, and infectious music. We chatted with Caroline Portner, who is making her Broadway debut in the role of one of the “villains”, Amber Von Tussle. Tickets are still available.

Tell us about how you were first introduced to Hairspray.

My first experience with Hairspray was the 2007 movie musical. I fell in love with the story, music, and dancing, and knew I wanted to do the show one day. My sisters and I would watch the movie on repeat and learn the dances in our basement growing up. I always dreamed of playing Amber, but I never thought I would get the opportunity. The fact that I can say I’m on the national tour of Hairspray playing Amber 17 years later after falling in love with the show is a dream come true.

What’s your favourite part about playing this role?

My favourite part about playing Amber is that I get to tap into a character who is so different from myself. This is my first time playing the villain in a show and it was a big challenge for me throughout the rehearsal process. It’s been such a unique experience finding ways to connect with a character whose morals and values are so different from mine, but that’s also what makes her so intriguing. I learn new things about her every night on stage.

What can audiences expect from this production?

You can expect to laugh, cry, and dance in the seats with us. Hairspray has so much magic that captivates an audience with its equal amounts of authenticity and goofiness. I hope audiences walk away both entertained and inspired by the message of the show.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Red's on 4th: With the iconic pink sofa outside, this modern all-day breakfast, brunch and lunch diner serves quality, farm-fresh products. We recommend trying the blueberry, basil and goat cheese stuffed french toast. There are also three other locations.

🍴 Blue Flame Kitchen: Made-to-order holiday meals including mains, sides, and desserts prepared by Red Seal Chefs, which can be customized for dietary restrictions and size. Pre-order by March 26 for March 30 pick-up.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Local specials

💸 Crave Cupcakes: If you sign up for Crave Cupcakes’ newsletter, you can receive 15% off your first order, get exclusive offers, and get something sweet on your birthday!

💸 Movie ticket discount: Did you know you can save money on Cineplex and Landmark movie passes for kids, adults and seniors when you pick them up at your local AMA centre? What are you waiting for!

Have a promo suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Field Hockey Canada’s Indoor Pan American Cup 2024: Starting today until March 22, catch the finest indoor hockey talent from across the Pan American region at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre.

🎟️ The Calgary Region One Act Play Festival: Enjoy new shows every night as artists compete for the chance to showcase their art to the whole province from March 20-23 at the Pumphouse Theatre.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!

And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Thursday, same time, same place!