Who’s driving the Omni Bus?

Phil Burpee

Phil Burpee, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

What are we to make of the new omnibus crime bill, fuzzily referred to as the ‘Safe Streets and Communities Act’, currently being touted by the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper? And why is it called an ‘omnibus’ bill? Well, that’s easy enough – an omnibus bill typically contains a hodge-podge of half-forgotten, relegated, reviled, discredited, contentious, half-formed or otherwise previously unsuccessful pieces of legislation which are now lumped together in a grand attempt to hustle the reprobates and under-agers into the night-club without the bouncer noticing (“Yeah – don’t mind her – she’s my cousin…looks real young for her age”). In this case, Canadians are being offered a document which contains some nine previous attempts to bring criminal legislation up to what is perceived by the government as being ‘right’ and ‘fair’ for the times in which we live. These nine amendments in question were left on the table at the dissolution of the last Parliament when the late Jack Layton finally determined that the government no longer enjoyed the confidence of the House. The reason given for this was that the Minister of Justice refused to give to Parliament a full accounting of what these bills might ultimately cost the taxpayers of Canada, both in dollars, and in long-term socio-economic costs, notwithstanding a protracted attempt on the part of a parliamentary committee to elicit such data.

National mourning for fallen firefighter

Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs - Volunteer Firefighter Daniel Botkin, 29, of the Enderby and District Fire Department in British Columbia is being mourned by the Fire Services across Canada and internationally. He died yesterday while battling a blaze at a business on the outskirts of Enderby.

“On behalf of the Canadian Fire Services, I extend our deepest condolences to Firefighter Botkin’s wife, Miranda, as well as all other family and friends,” stated Hamilton Fire Chief Robert Simonds, President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC).

“As firefighters and Fire Chiefs, we share the grief being experienced within the Enderby and District Fire Department and by the citizens of the town of Enderby,” Fire Chief Simonds said.

CAFC’S President emphasized that every firefighter in Canada knows he or she is in one of Canada’s truly dangerous professions. “It is that knowledge which joins all of us together in mourning Firefighter Botkin.”

Semi downed on Highway 22

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

According to Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox, emergency crews responded to a semi trailer accident on Highway 22 today, December 29, around 8 am.

The vehicle was flipped onto its side due to heavy winds in an icy area three miles north of the Highway 3 junction.  The driver was checked out at the scene and was released.  Lundbreck Fire responded with a fire engine and Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded with an ambulance and a rescue vehicle.

Health Minister orders examination of diagnostic imaging and pathology testing in Alberta

Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Fred Horne released the following statement regarding diagnostic imaging and pathology testing in Alberta.

“In light of the Alberta Health Services’ review of diagnostic imaging in Drumheller announced earlier today, and with two other reviews on pathology testing already underway by the Health Quality Council of Alberta, I have ordered a thorough examination of medical quality assurance processes as they relate to diagnostic imaging and pathology testing. This is a proactive, system-wide exercise that will provide me and all Albertans with the necessary assurance that system-wide checks and balances to prevent errors are in place and operating as intended.
Government through the Minister of Health and Wellness is accountable to our citizens for patient safety and quality in our health system. While we can and should be reassured that the errors were detected, these three incidents have caused stress for patients, families and staff alike and Albertans deserve answers. I apologize to those who have been affected.

MD holds Public Hearing regarding proposed Tennessee Ridge development

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

A Public Hearing conducted by the Council of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 was held on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in order to receive input on Bylaw 1219-11, which proposes to adopt the Tennessee Ridge Local Area Structure Plan. Reeve Rod Zielinski and Councillors Bjorn Berg, Helen Cyr, Terry Yagos and Rodney Cyr were in attendance, as were several MD staff members and five members of the public.

New Year Resolutions

Toni Lucas

Toni Lucas

New Year Resolutions.  I personally believe that resolutions have more success if they are done in a planned, thoughtful way, rather than a  rash declaration made during the New Year Eve party.   Resolutions work the best when we take the time to examine our lives and find where we want changes to be made.

There are many areas of our lives that people find can be improved during some time of introspection.  Some chose to further their knowledge by taking courses that are of interest, improve relationships with loved ones, or disengage from destructive behaviour such as smoking , or texting after a drinking.  There are those that resolve to further their career,  and those that decide to invest more time in family, or more spiritual pursuits.  Some decide to dedicate a portion of time as volunteers, become more politically aware, eat healthier, or invest in hobbies that bring them satisfaction.  There are those that plan to get their finances under control, do special projects, or just allow for some well deserved "me" time.  One person will try to break old habits, another will aim to start new and better ones.

Looking back - Pincher Creek 1898

Pincher Creek in 1898
Photo courtesy of the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village archives

This is what Pincher Creek looked like in 1898, the year it was incorporated as a village.  The Canadian Pacific Railway's Crowsnest line was being built, and the village was soon to see a lot of development, leading to it being incorporated as a town 8 years later in 1906.

Five months of the Pincher Creek Voice

Chris Davis, Publisher,
Pincher Creek Voice

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

How do you like us so far?

The Pincher Creek Voice was rebooted on July 23, 2011 with this column (click here). Since then this website has experienced more than 60,000 visitors, far beyond my initial imagining of the prospects.

Our average readership a day has climbed from 0 to 200 in the first couple of months to over 700 a day in the last month.  Our publication covers an area with a population of 7000 people, according to the 2006 census. That's a staggering 21,000 pageviews a month, with the number still rising.  Those of you that like the Voice seem to come back to it an awful lot, and for that we thank you.

MD to build a new administration building?

Chris Davis

At their Thursday, December 15, 2011 meeting, MD Council voted unanimously to move forward in 2012 with a proposal for a new MD administration building, to be built adjacent to the MD Public Works yard in Pincher Creek. Approximately two years ago the MD began looking into options for a new or renovated building, paying for preliminary work for architectural and design evaluations.

A document received by the Pincher Creek Voice last week outlined the deficiencies of the present MD offices, located at 753 Kettles Street.   The MD has been in that building since 1964 when it was built.  The document indicates that to renovate the building council would be obligated to bring the it up to the present safety code.

'Crassmas' comes but once a year

Phil Burpee

Phil Burpee, Columnist

Isn't it about time somebody unionized Santa's Elves and got with the times? Does he even pay them? - specially for that heavy shift work leading up to the Great Seasonal Glut? Do they have segregated toilets? (do they use toilets?) What about difficulties arising from repetitive strain injuries? - imagine the carpal tunnel problems that might result after knocking out a couple million Justin Bieber Action Figures. And never mind the psycho-emotional impact of having to wade through endless piles of Tele-Tubby DVDs - the mind recoils. I'm not even going to the X-box 360 Kinect.......

Opinion: Stop sign needed

What's on your mind?
Lloyd Coverdale, Contributor, Pincher Creek Voice

     Every “town, city, village “ has a certain criteria that must be met in an attempt to keep their citizens content. They must provide clean drinking water, places to buy food, entertainment, there are so many necessities people need to sustain life. Every community must take a hard look at the services they provide, and I am sure it is not an easy task. I feel it is not only the town council to decide what those needs are, but its residents must come forward with their concerns and ideas. The task of the council is “to make decisions, and find a feasible way to pay for those decisions”.  Residents of that town should be responsible to bring new and innovative ideas and approaches to the council.

An appeal

This Christmas, while many of us enjoy the warmth of family and celebration, many in the Phillipines are facing despair.   Flash flooding on Friday night, December 23  wiped out entire families while they slept and left many others homeless.  Over 120,000 people are in need.

Many organizations are involved in the aid efforts, including:

www.helpthechildren.org
www.caritas.org.au/
www.globalgiving.org/

Please help if you can.

Splash bash a smash

The Baker brothers visit with Santa at the
Pool's Christmas party
Kirstie Robertson photo

The Pincher Creek Pool's Christmas Party, held on the evening of December 23, was a big hit with the aquatic set.  Santa paid a visit, the Octopus was out, there were games to play, and lots of fun to be had.
Admission was free at this Vestas-sponsored event.

Kirstie Robertson photo

Pin the Hat on the Santa
K. Robertson photo

The staff at the Pincher Creek Pool wishes you a merry Christmas!
Ashley photo

Christmas Market a success

Aleah visits with Santa at the final Pioneer Market of the year
C. Davis photo

The Christmas Market held at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village on the evening of December 23 was a big success, with dozens of people doing some last minute Christmas shopping.  Santa was also in attendance.  We can't show you pictures of the market itself, because a surprise or two might be ruined if we did.

Market organizer Tracy Glen with Santa
C. Davis photo

Keep an eye on www.pioneermarket.org for upcoming markets in the new year.

Young Sage was a bit nervous at meeting Santa for the first timeC. Davis photo

Pincher Creek Emergency Services Christmas message

PINCHER CREEK EMERGENCY SERVICES

F I R E -- A M B U L A N C E -- R E S C U E

Box 1086

Pincher Creek, Alberta

T0K 1W0

EMERGENCY “911” OFFICE 627-5333       FAX 627-3502

     Once again we’ve reached the end of another busy year for Emergency Services.

The dedicated members of the 3 halls in our service, both full time and on call, have done about 1200 ambulance calls and 150 fire/ rescue calls for the year. 

I’d like to thank each and every one of these dedicated people especially the officers for the amount of time they give to this community.

They continue to add skills as the job becomes more complex.

They train to the same standards as responders in the major centers and give up a lot of their time both during the week and on weekends to be available in case an incident occurs.

I’d like to thank the families of these members who also give up time so they can be available.

This integrated fire, rescue, and ambulance service is one of the best in the province.

In this busy time with everyone travelling to visit family and friends I wish everyone who lives or visits here a happy and safe holiday.

May you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Dave Cox

Chief

Pincher Creek Emergency Services 

Pincher Creek Figure Skater to participate in Alberta Winter Games

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Tessa Roy is heading to the 2012
Alberta Winter Games
C. Davis photo

Tessa Roy of Pincher Creek will be one of the skaters representing Zone 1 at the Alberta Winter Games, after taking Second Place during the tryouts held in Indus in early December.  "I've been having knee problems pretty much all season, so it was kind of surprising to do that well," said Roy while taking a break from practice at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre Arena.  She is a member of the local Senior StarSkate team.  
Roy will be competing in the Junior Bronze Free Skating event, to be held from February 9 to 12, 2012.  "I'm going to be skating at the Ice Palace rink inside the West Edmonton Mall," she said.  "It's going to be really fun."

Roy is 14 years old and a student of St. Michael's School in Pincher Creek, where she made the Honour Roll and received a Junior High French Immersion Science award earlier this year.  She has also been named Most Inspirational in Junior High Badminton. She has been skating for 8 or 9 years now. "It started when I was little, with just the two weighted skates, then  I moved up to hockey skates," she said.  "Then when I got figure skates I really liked them, and I wouldn't want to get off the ice.  I went into the club, and kept skating."

Christmas Stress

Toni Lucas

Toni Lucas

Peace and Joy.  We all hear the words, but many of us do not achieve the moments of happiness and sustain them at this time of year.  Then we feel cheated that we missed something important during the holidays.  The expectations are high at this time of year, and this creates more stress.  We will all feel more peace and joy if we cut back on the stress, and are more open to the joy of the season.

New Mr. Phish children's book features Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village

Postcards from Mr. Pish Volume 2 Is Now Available

Press release

Mr. Phish checking out Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
in January, 2011
T. Lucas photo

Cambridge Books has released "Postcards from Mr. Pish:  A Cross-Country Journal Volume 2", the third book in the educational Mr. Pish series by K. S. Brooks.  It’s currently available on Amazon.com and will become available through bookstores and other online venues soon.

Postcards from Mr. Pish Volume 2 follows the adorable Jack Russell Terrier, Mr. Pish, as he embarks on a new adventure, traveling from his home in Washington State, up into Canada, and all the way to the East Coast.  The book features full-color photographs and text about Mr. Pish’s visit to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek.

The first student Welding Project from the newly renovated MHHS Shop

Ben Puch in the MHHS Shop
Kirby Dietze photo

Matthew Halton High School student Ben Puch poses with two car ramps, the first student welding project  of the school's newly renovated  Shop.

Will the Grinch Steal your Park this Christmas?

Logging may begin over holidays in Alberta protected area

CPAWS news release

As the residents of nearby communities of Beaver Mines and Pincher Creek prepare for the holiday season, concern is growing that up in the mountains of the Castle Special Place the Grinch may be preparing to steal their Park this Christmas. The Castle is just north of Waterton Lakes National Park.

“We’re concerned that the Grinch might steal the Castle Wildland Park before we can unwrap it this holiday season,” says Beaver Mines resident Gordon Petersen. “Spray Lake Sawmills has been threatening to log the Castle this fall, and now we’re concerned that logging could start over the holiday season. That would be akin to the Grinch stealing Christmas.”

Canyon School celebrates Christmas with concert

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Members of Canyon School's Grade 1 class singing
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
C. Davis

Canyon Elementary School held their annual "Holiday Wishes" concerts on Wednesday, December 21, with one performance in the morning and one in the afternoon.  The gymnasium was packed with parents, relatives, and friends.  Principal Carole Goodreau and Student Council's Emma Dietze opened the celebration, which was followed by a "Concert Etiquette Rap". The Preschool sang two songs, as did the Canyon Choir.  Then the Grade 6 class performed a rousing version of  "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  After that every grade level performed select pieces from the Christmas repertoire for the audience, with everyone joining in on the grand finale, "Felize Navidad".   A wonderful time was had by all, and the concert was a great way to begin the Christmas break.

Canyon School students performing the grand finale "Feliz Navidad"C. Davis photo

Christmas Market held at Pincher Creek's Community Hall

Christmas  Market at Pincher Creek's Community Hall

On Saturday, December 17 the Pincher Creek Community Hall was abuzz with activity, as the site of a successful trade show and craft market.  This was the first year for this event to be held at this location, and it is likely to return again next year.  There were vendors of all sorts, and face painting for the kids.

Annie enjoying the Christmas Market
C. Davis photos

Grant program helps sheep producers with new technology

• Improvements for flock management and traceability

Alberta’s sheep and lamb producers will be able to better identify and record movement of their animals thanks to a new Government of Alberta program funded through the federal-provincial Growing Forward initiative.

Museum pre-selling local history book

Author and Curator Farley S. Wuth

Chris Davis - The Pincher Creek and District Historical Society and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) have announced the completion of the revamped "Prairie Grass To Mountain Pass" local history book. KBPV Curator Farley S. Wuth has been working on this volume for several years, gathering information from local families and incorporating it into a much expanded text.

KBPV will be holding a book launch party on July 11, 2012, when the book will be officially unveiled.

"Prairie Grass To Mountain Pass" was first published in 1974 and has been long out of print.

KBPV is offering a discount to those who pre-order their copy.
KBPV press release excerpt:

Featured in this close to 600 page, two column publication will be 100 community histories and 700 genealogies, many not included in previous efforts, from the early days of the Pincher Creek district.  Businesses, community groups, and families who had a pioneer connection with this area between its establishment in 1878 and 1910 are chronicled in this volume.  A second volume, still forthcoming, will highlight those agencies and people who arrived here between 1911 and the end of the Second World War in 1945.  Riveting archival research coupled with vivid writings and accompanied by local historical photos make this volume a must read for anyone interested in local history as well as for those families and people who have a frontier connection with this area.  This volume is divided into close to forty chapters representing the communities of Pincher Creek, Cowley, Lundbreck, Twin Butte and the rural localities now encompassed by the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.

Visit www.kootenaibrown.org for more information, or call 403-627-3684.  

Children's World Daycare goes to the movies

 Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Santa pays a visit to the Fox Theatre
T. Lucas photo

The Fox Theatre hosted over one hundred children and parents at the Children's World Daycare Annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 17th.  The children and their families came to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked".  Some of the kids wandered out of the theatre a little early, so they saw Santa in the lobby.  He was much too polite to interrupt the movie.

Water polo in Pincher Creek

New Water Polo instructors Megan Ozwaldtors, Jenna Koshney, 
Rhys Demman, Lauren Higginbothom, Kirstie Robertson, 
Myranda Joy, and Sarai Sonnenberg
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas

Seven lifeguards at the Pincher Creek pool have a new certification after taking a full day training in water polo.

Facilitator Angela Johnson trained the lifeguards in "I love water polo" level one instruction.  "This course is to get the grass roots of the sport introduced to the community," she said.  There are four levels of training that are available.  This level allows these lifeguards to run community programs for water polo.  This course is designed to help the pool staff to create programs for the public in a safe, fun and responsible manner with a firm grasp of the fundamentals of the game.
"Being taught through games is an interactive and fun way to develop swimming and ball handling skills," Johnson continued.   "It also helps teamwork."  The seven students had to demonstrate their coaching skills.  Each were given a different aspect of the game of water polo that they learned throughout the day in class, and had to teach it to each other.

Angela Johnson overseeing Water Polo instruction
T. Lucas photo

To learn more about how to get training for water polo as a facility, contact Dayna Barry at Ilovewaterpolo@waterpolo.ca.  The Pincher Creek Swimming Pool will be hosting water polo lessons early in the new year.

Three cheers for the refs!

Referees Chaz Vance and Thomas Gilmore
C. Davis photo

Having spent the bulk of my weekend at hockey games of all levels, I came away with a renewed appreciation for the unsung heroes of the sport, the referees.  Without these guys, the game would quickly devolve into chaos.  The two young men shown above put in their time and worked tirelessly, along with many others performing the same duties, and did so conscientiously and with skill.

Nobody says "We won because of the ref."  Nobody yells out "Great call, ref!!"  The marquee outside doesn't say "Great reffing this Friday night".  It's a thankless task, made more so by the occasional boor in the crowd who can't keep his or her yapper shut, or even, shamefully, some coaches who should know better.

Yeah, refs make mistakes.  You don't make mistakes?  I no eye dew.

So, to the folks in the stripes that hold the whole thing together I say thanks.  You did a great job this weekend.

Keeping my stick on the ice,
Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Kainai defeats Novice Chinooks

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Novice Chinooks vs Kainai
C. Davis photo

Despite a valiant effort, Pincher Creek's Novice 1 Chinook team was unable to beat Kainai in a game held at the MCC Arena on Sunday, December 18.

C. Davis photo

Playing with a short bench, the Kainai squad put in a huge effort.  Kainai #12 Aaliyah Wolf Child got the only goal in the first period, her first of two in the game.  Pincher Creek briefly evened the score in the second with a beautiful breakaway goal by #20 Rhett Fitzpatrick, one of two in the game for him.  Kainai pulled ahead by as much as 2-6 in the second period before Pincher Creek rebounded.  Kainai's #10 Jacob Black Water scored three times in the second period.

Cowboys double up on Chiefs, collect Teddy bears

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The hockey rink is not a safe place for Tiggers!
Cowboys hold their annual Teddy Bear Toss
C. Davis photo

The Peigan Cowboys scraped themselves off the bottom of the RHL standings with a big win over long-time rivals the Kainai Chiefs in a home game played at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre Arena on Saturday night, December 17.

The Cowboys played the Nanton Palominos to a 6-4 loss on December 9, the weekend before this game.

The Teddy Bear Toss
benefits Piikani Child
and Family Services

Teddy Bear toss 
Kainai #96 Colton Wells Feathers scored first, 30 seconds into the first period, leading Cowboys fans to briefly experience that sinking feeling.  15 seconds later the Cowboys redeemed themselves with a goal scored by Shawn Robertson, ably assisted by Mike Kanyo and Godfrey Weasel Head, triggering the Teddy Bear toss.  This annual Cowboys tradition benefits the Piikani Child and Family Services this year.  After the first Cowboys goal in the game, fans toss a new Teddy Bear on the ice to be redistributed as needed.

Huskies defeat Bulldogs

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies add another to the "Win" column after
their Saturday game against the Irvine Bulldogs
C.Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies hosted the Irvine Bulldogs at the MCC Arena on Saturday afternoon, December 17.  After their easy win over Lethbridge the day before the Huskies were in top form hitting the ice.

Pee Wee Chinooks defeat Picture Butte

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks continue their winning ways
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Pee Wee Chinooks hosted the Picture Butte Hawks on Saturday afternoon, December 17 at the MCC Arena.  Offence was the name of the game, and the Chinooks showed plenty of it.

The Chinooks lent the Picture Butte team their "away" jerseys, due to a wind-related highway mishap that delayed the arrival of the Hawks' gear.  No one was hurt, to be clear, but parts of a roof rack are still out there somewhere.   It made for an odd sight at times.

Taber defeats Novice 1 Chinooks

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

There was a lot of action around the Chinooks Novice 1 net during
Saturday's loss against Taber
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Novice 1 Chinooks faced their Taber counterparts on Saturday afternoon, December 17 at the MCC Arena.  The first period was an evenly-matched contest, with Chinooks #16 Rylan Bruns scoring first, in style.  By the end of the first period Taber had pulled ahead slightly, 4 goals to the Chinooks' 3.

"Helloo - elloo - ellooo........"

Phil Burpee, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

Phil Burpee

If the nucleus of an atom were about the size of a grapefruit, its orbiting electrons would just be a few specks of dust circling around about a kilometre out. Atoms aggregate to form molecules, of which billions constitute each cell of our bodies, which, in turn, comprise trillions in number. We are mostly empty space - as is our planet, our local star (aka the Sun), and pretty much the whole rest of the Universe. While this is quite understandable in, say, the brain of a Tory, it does raise some interesting philosophical questions.

My Kind of Town

Lloyd Coverdale, Letter to the Editor

Oh yes ! This is my kinda of town, no I am not talking about New York or Las Vegas. Oh no I am talking about good old Pincher Creek. That's right Pincher Creek. The town of friendly people, breath taking scenery, and lovable canines. I have only been a resident of this amazing town since April 2011, and proud to say this is now my home. To think a little over a year ago I had never heard of Pincher Creek. Growing up in southern Ontario, which make no mistake is a beautiful place to live, with so much to see and do, you would think I would find a quieter lifestyle a bit boring. Not at all, in fact I am so taken back with the lifestyle here it almost feels like a dream.

Midget Huskies defeat Lethbridge Hounds

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek Huskies vs Lethbridge Hounds
C. Davis photo

It's a rare hockey game where everyone on a team, with the exception of the goalie, gets a goal and/or an assist.  However, last night's mismatch between the Pincher Creek Midget Huskies and the Lethbridge Hounds at the MCC arena saw the Pincher Creek team do just that.

Quilters draw a winner

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Colleen Cyr and
Virginia Delinte
T. Lucas photo

     December 16th was set for the date for the long awaited Prairie n' Peaks Quilt draw. The draw was held at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.  The Pincher Creek Quilt Group donated the queen-sized hand-stitched log cabin quilt before the Prairie n Peaks Quilt Festival began in June of this year.  The festival was held at various locations in Pincher Creek and the Crowsnest Pass.

     Three members of the quilt group as well as president of the Pincher Creek Historical Society, Colleen Cyr were on hand for the draw,  President Virginia Delinte did the honours and drew the names.

Jr. High Girls Dragons Basketball update, Dec. 16, 2011

Coach Tom Holoboff
planning the Dragon attackC. Davis photo

Coach Tom Holoboff, Contributor, Pincher Creek Voice

     Well sports fans, it is another exciting season of Junior High Girls Basketball at St. Michael's School. This year's team is made up of Cora Bruder, Emily Milligan, Dikota Letourneau-Goulding, Ashley Higginbotham, Emma Burnham, Jordan Wadsworth-Smith, Sadie Bannick, Justine Jorgenson, Tanis Bruder, Ashtyn Duncan and Whitney Holoboff.

Kootenai Brown Opens up skating pond, plans outdoor curling event

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Village Pond at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village
Gentlemen, start your marshmallows.
C. Davis photo

Monday, December 19 begins another skating season at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV).  For the second year they will have the Village Pond, just to the east of the back gates.  "It is an outdoor pond, so it is weather dependent,"  says General Manager Tracy Glen.  "Last year we had some people who came almost every day that it was open."  This year KBPV also plans to host a curling turkey shoot at the pond on Sunday, January 15, at 1pm..

Guidelines released for using Social Media for Background Checks

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta has released guidelines on the use of social media for conducting background checks on individuals. The guidelines are designed to ensure that organizations are aware of their responsibilities under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) when collecting personal information via social media.

Is Democracy dead...and how will we know?

Joe Cunningham

Joe Cunningham, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

     Democracy. Pretty important concept. But what does it mean? Where did it come from? Is it inherently good? Is it all good? Where is it going?

     On a simplistic level we all know what it is. It’s the concept of everyone having a say in how we run our collective affairs. It’s each having one vote for the person or group who will “govern” us. Or, it’s been often said: ”It’s not perfect but it’s the best we’ve got.” Of course one could say: But there are, theoretically, many different ways of structuring a democracy. Are some bad, while others are good? I’ll grapple with that later on. For now I’d simply like to deal with the basic concept.

Gord Bamford hits all the right notes

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Justin Schoening, guitarist Matty McKay, Taylor Deley, and Gord Bamford
at the Pincher Creek Community Hall
C. Davis photo

Rising country music sensation Gord Bamford brought his Country Christmas 2011 tour to Pincher Creek's Community Centre last night, December 14 in front of an audience of about 300 people.  Bamford is known for such songs as "My Daughter's Father", "Day Job", “Life Is Good’, “Heroes”, “All About Her”,  “I Would For You”, “Blame it On That Red Dress”, “Went For One, Stayed Till Two”, and a bevy of others.  Some of those hits made it into the set list on this night, but the bulk of this show was to be devoted to his renditions of classic and soon-to-be classic Christmas songs from his "Christmas in Canada" CD.