Break and Enter to Fort Macleod residence

On March 30th, 2012 at 12:40 pm the Fort Macleod RCMP received a complaint of a residential Break & Enter in progress on 15th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue. The RCMP from Fort Macleod and Claresholm, along with the RCMP Lethbridge Police Dog Service, attended the residence and could not locate the suspects as they had already left the area. A Toshiba laptop computer along with a black "Boot Trucking" leather jacket and with a wedding ring were taken from the residence. The suspects appeared to have targeted the residence knowing the owner was not at home.  RCMP investigators believe that one of the suspects may have posted as a lookout while the other suspect entered the home.  Two males were observed leaving the back yard dressed in dark clothing and wearing hoodies by a witness.

MD Community Values Assessment released

SASCI Manager David Green
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas and Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative (SASCI) and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 hosted a public presentation to explain the results of the recently conducted Community Values Assessment (CVA).  The event was held at the Heritage Inn on the evening of Thursday, March 29.   Approximately 25 people were in attendance, including the entire MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Council.

The MD engaged SASCI to assist them in the CVA, and SASCI in turn engaged Calgary based company The Praxis Group to assist in conducting the Assessment.

Health Hazard Alert: Mumm's Sprouting Seeds - Sunflower

Certain MUMM'S brand SPROUTING SEEDS - SUNFLOWER may contain Salmonella bacteria

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Mumm's Sprouting Seeds Ltd. are warning the public not to consume the Mumm's brand Sprouting Seeds described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Chamber to host Volunteer Fair on April 20

Pincher Creek Chamber of Commerce information release

Are you looking for committed and motivated volunteers? Do you think they are hidden somewhere and hard to find?

The Pincher Creek & District Chamber of Commerce might have a solution for you: we are planning on hosting a Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 20, 2012 from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Ranchland Mall. The intention of this Fair would be for organizations in Pincher Creek to sign up volunteers on the spot.

MD Council Meeting of March 27

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The MD of Pincher Creek Number 9 Council met on Tuesday afternoon, March 27.

Ron Schmidt appeared before the Council regarding two matters.

Let There Be Kids
The first item Schmidt addressed was the upcoming "Let There Be Kids" documentary celebration, to be held on June 10.  Click here for the story we ran about this event on March 15.  Schmidt is a "Let There Be Kids" Pincher Creek committee member.  He invited Council to attend the celebrations, and asked them to consider helping with food costs and supplies for the free-to-the-public event. "We would ask for your consideration in that matter," he said.

Lethbridge Army Cadets receives recognition for 65 years of service

The Army Cadet League of Alberta recently presented a plaque to honour of the 65th Anniversary of 2296 Lethbridge Army Cadets.  Officially this takes effect on July 7, 2012, but as so many cadets are away on summer training, the League decided, while all the cadets were home, to present it early.  Receiving the plaque on behalf of the 2296 Lethridge Army Cadets was Commanding Officer Owen Sinclair.

Commanding Officer Owen Sinclair accepts plaque on behalf of
2296 RCACC, Lethbridge Army Cadets
Photo by Civilian Instructor Matt Viergutz 

Photo: Gord Setter, Army Cadet League of Alberta; Sgt Tony Lapthorn, Cadet Liason Officer, 20th Ind Fld Bty; Lt Owen Sinclair, Commanding Officer, 2296 RCACC, Lethbridge Army Cadets.

Ginger is looking for a "forever" home

Ginger

I am approximately 1 year old. I am spayed and fully vaccinated. I love people and like to be the center of attention. My favorite thing right now is my peanut butter filled kong. I have a huge heart and my wish is to find a forever home.

Please don't overlook me, I know I would make a wonderful addition to your home.


For more information on how to adopt Ginger or one of the other dogs and cats currently under the care of the Humane Society visit www.pinchercreekhumanesociety.org, phone 403-627-5191, or email pchs@toughcountry.net

The Humane Society is located at 1068 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek.

Missing 12 Year Old in Red Deer Found

On March 29, 2012  Red Deer City RCMP received a complaint of a missing 12 year old girl, which we reposted here.  She has been located.  Out of respect for the child in question we have removed her photo and personal details from this story.

Out and about March 30

Upcoming events:


Friday, March 30
Craft show at the Ranchland Mall
Sunday, April 1
Cowboy Church, 6:30 pm at the blue Ag Society building

Out and about:

WildRose candidate for the Livingstone-Macleod riding
Pat Stier spoke to local supporters at a fundraiser held
 at Luigi's on Thursday evening, March 29
C. Davis

Dave Friesen (Porcupine Hills) was one of those in
attendance at the WildRose Pat Stier Fundraiser, held at
Luigi's on Thursday, March 29
C. Davis photo

O'Bie and Anne Molnar, spotted at the WildRose Fundraiser
C. Davis photo

A septic situation on Bev McLachlin Drive was attended
to by workers on Thursday, March 29
C. Davis photo

Lou Bernham
C. Davis photo

Lou Burnham, seen here running the H&R Block booth at Walmart, contributed significantly to our upcoming coverage of the St. Michael's Open House on Wednesday, March 28.  She also contributed the St. Paddy's Day photos below.  Thanks Lou!

The Ugly Stick Family at the Legion's "A Jig's Dinner"
St. Patrick's Day event.
Lou Bernham photo

Highland Dancer Jaiden Panchyshyn
entertains the Legion's St. Patty's Day crowd
Lou Burnham photo

Oowhee that's an ugly baby
Lou Burnham photo

Wild Game Dinner Cancelled

Wild Game dinner will help fund
improvements at
Cowley Lions Playground
C. Davis photo

 Update, March 29:  This event has been cancelled


Update:  Dinner tickets will be for sale until the end of the business day on Wednesday March 28.

The second bi-annual Wild Game Dinner will be held at the Cowley Hall Saturday March 31, 2012, 6 pm.

Candy clean-up on Aisle 3 - Co-op Kids Club Easter Egg Hunt

Co-op Kids Club members line upfor their turn at the Easter Egg HuntT. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas

Members of the Co-op Kids Club had a personal invitation sent to them to join in the third annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 28.   The 88 children  assembled for the event were excited by a surprise visit with Cooper the Co-op mascot in the Ranchland Mall entrance, where registration for the event was set up.

Billie Nickerson meets the newestCo-op customer, Brooke, just 26 hours old
T. Lucas photo

Kids waiting in the hallway behind the closed grates were thrilled to see the booty through that partition.  They recognized that a part of the bountiful treasure would become theirs soon .

Cooper eggs on the crowd before the gates open
T. Lucas

The children gathered in front of the grocery store, and waited till their age range was called up. That age group were let in to hunt, starting with small toddlers.  Like musical chairs, they could run and hunt from the time the music started, till the music ended.  That group would then leave the store and the next older batch of egg-hunters came through, with Co-op staff reloading the aisles with fresh candy between each group.

T. Lucas photo

Meet the Candidates: Matthew Halton - NDP

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Matthew Halton

Matthew Halton is the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the Livingstone-Macleod riding, which includes the Pincher Creek area.

He was in town at the Pincher Creek Tim Horton's on Tuesday afternoon, March 27 to meet informally with interested citizens.

Halton was born and raised in the Crowsnest Pass.  He and his wife Clarissa have three children.

According to his official bio, he "consults for a Calgary-based firm training educators, families and social services agencies in research-based interventions aimed to improve communities and the lives of children and youth. As well, Halton works as a professional speaker, production manager for arts festivals and building contractor. For 10 years before that, Halton worked as a child and youth care worker."  An eclectic individual, seemingly, he performs as a musician, enjoys fly-fishing, and has a history of volunteering, starting with leadership positions at at Crowsnest Pass children's camp in his youth and moving on to various grassroots organizations.

Town holds Public Hearing re bylaw amendment to allow new construction near Highway 6

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Town Council of Pincher Creek conducted a Public Hearing prior to their regular meeting on the evening of Monday, March 26. No members of the public chose to contest the proposed bylaw amendment.

At issue was Bylaw 1547-P, an amendment of Land Use Bylaw number 1547 to allow the redesignation of a parcel of land situated east of Bev McLachlin Drive and south of Highway 6 from TUR Transitional/Urban Reserve to C2 Highway/Drive-in Commercial.  The applicant wants to remove the existing derelict buildings on the property in order to build an office.

Residents will remember this property as being adjacent to the gravel road that was opened up off of Bev McLauchlin Drive to redirect traffic flow connecting it to Highway 6 during the construction of the new traffic circle. The applicant's plan would include the reopening of this stretch of roadway, but without "present access" to Highway 6.

Councillors Lorne Jackson and Don Anderberg discussed possible future access to Highway 6 and to the Whispering Winds Village, and were told that such access might be possible in the future.

Later in the meeting Bylaw 1547-P passed second and third reading unanimously.

Street safety concerns discussed by Town Council

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Related: Main Street traffic concerns aired before Town Council

At their March 26 meeting Town Council discussed the street safety concerns raised by citizen Vic Walker at their previous meeting of March 12.

"I've been looking around other communities," said Councillor Sahra Hancock.  "I've been trying to find similar models of how arterial roads next to recreation facilities adjacent to residential facilities manage for speed and safety and I haven't seen too many playground zones unless there's an actual playground."

Joe's Gym wants to expand

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Gary Marchuk appeared before Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday, March 26 on behalf of Joe's Weight Training and Gym to ask for permission to expand the facility, which is located in the basement of the same building that houses the Golf Course Clubhouse, Chinook Lanes, and the Squash Courts.

"Once again we've grown," said Marchuk. "Our membership is up. 25 years ago at the start we used just a little piece of that basement underneath the Golf Club.  As our membership grew we took over more and more of the basement space, to where we've used it all with the exception of a small office space that's been empty and used for storage for the past 25 years by the Golf Club."

Museum President takes Town Council to task over sewer bill

KBPV Community Garden
(formerly site of trailer park)
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village concerned about sewer bills at site of removed trailer park/new community gardens

At Town Council's Monday evening meeting on March 26, Pincher Creek and District Historical Society (PCDHS) President Colleen Cyr appeared before Council with Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) General Manager Tracy Glen by her side as "moral support".  PCDHS manages KBPV.

"The Historical Society purchased the trailer park right beside us five years ago," said Cyr, "and at that time we eliminated it being a trailer park and turned it into being museum grounds, and at that time we realized when we going through there doing some landscaping that there was no water and sewer lines left on the property.  There was still water lines but the sewer access had completely disintegrated. So we went from the water line at the curb and put in a water line to two hydrants on that six lot piece of property that we bought, and the two hydrants were all that we needed to look after the community gardens and the orchard that were on there for one hydrant, and the second hydrant is what we use for the skating rink.  We put those in at our expense."

Humane Society holds AGM

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

PetSmart's Anne-Marie Fontaine
addresses the Humane Society at
their 2012 AGM
T. Lucas photo

Pincher Creek Humane Society's Annual General Meeting was held on the evening of March 26 at the Pincher Creek Ramada Inn.  The Society arranged for Lethbridge PetSmart Pet Care Manager Anne-Marie Fontaine to be a guest speaker on the  topic of PetSmart Charities.

Fontaine made it clear throughout her speech that she was very pleased with the relationship between the Pincher Creek Humane Society and the Lethbridge PetSmart.  "I hope to educate you a bit on just what PetSmart Charities does, what it involves, and just how big a part it plays," she said early in the talk, which was sprinkled with humorous anecdotes.

St. Michael’s School to hold Open House tonight

St. Michael's School will be holding an open house on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30 pm. to 8:00 pm. in the Dale Wentz Memorial Gym and in the school Mall.

The event includes Science Fair projects, singing by the Elementary Choir, Displays of student work, and a Rock Band performance.

"Let’s celebrate the projects and assignments completed by your children."

Citizen brings snow plowing concerns to Town Council

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek resident Daryl Holte appeared before Town Council on the evening of March 26 to express his concerns about snow plowing in his neighbourhood.  Holte read and paraphrased from a letter he submitted to council on March 7, which reads as follows:

"This winter I have not had my street plowed properly to the south curb.  This street is a short block from Wilderness to Evergreen, approximately 350 feet, with no sidewalks, thus requiring extra attention for 350 feet.  The snow seems to build up on the south side with a snow bank on Evergreen and McDougall.
McDougall is a very busy street, as people from Pineview come from East Ave. so they do not have to slow down for the school zones.    McDougall is also a Shell bus route.  I would like my tax money spent for proper snow removal on my street!!
Regards, Daryl Holte "

After reading from his letter Holte elaborated on the situation.

Editorial - I'm an addict

Truth in advertising I guess.  Who's next?

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

I smoked my first cigarette when I was six or seven years old.  My mom smoked Players Plain, unfiltered monsters that my lungs could certainly never put up with for even a day now, three decades of dedicated practice later.  She always kept a carton of them under her bed, and in those days they weren't the expensive commodities that they are now, so I used to steal a pack from her now and then with little fear of being found out.

Seriously.

Why did I start smoking?  The memories of that age are of course shrouded by the passage of time and the veneer of the fables we all tend to tell ourselves about our pasts.  What I do remember was wanting to be like the cool older kids, those mystical 13 year-olds.  I remember wanting to be like the Marlboro man, a manly man with a big horse, a big hat, a lariat.  He was cool under pressure, almost as cool as Joe the Camel.

"Under the Big Top" a rousing success

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Wednesday CanSkaters rehearsing for the big night
C. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Skating Club's annual carnival was once again a rousing success.  Themed "Under the Big Top", the event featured colourful costuming, dynamic routines, and a persuasively upbeat attitude.

Held at the MCC Arena on Saturday afternoon, March 24, the extravaganza featured over thirty skaters of all levels, including Beginner CanSkate, Canskate, Junior StarSkate, and Senior StarSkate.  A lot of effort went into transforming the arena into a circus setting.

Seniors' Property Tax Deferral program available in 2013

• New Seniors' Property Tax Deferral Act passes into law 

In time for the 2013 property tax season, seniors who own their homes will have the option to defer all or part of their property taxes, through a new provincial program.

More than 170,000 senior households are potentially eligible to take advantage of the new Seniors’ Property Tax Deferral program that will allow them to use their home equity to stay in their homes longer.
“Support for this program has been astounding,” said George VanderBurg, Minister of Seniors. “It reinforces, for me, just how important a Seniors’ Property Tax Deferral program is for senior homeowners in communities around the province. With this new law, seniors have the choice to redirect equity they already have toward current priorities.”

Governments enhance crop insurance with excess moisture coverage for 2012

New options offer reliable protection against wet, unseedable acres

Alberta producers will have more crop insurance options to protect against losses caused by weather-related disasters in 2012.

Enhancements to the federal-provincial AgriInsurance program were announced last week by federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Evan Berger. The enhanced AgriInsurance coverage provides crop producers with more extensive coverage for unseeded acres due to excessive moisture, eliminating the requirement for an AgriRecovery response.

Gypsy is looking for a home

Gypsy
"I wanna be loved by you"

I'm approximately a 12 year old female. I know I am older but I would make an awesome addition to any home. I love people and I also love a good rub and scratch behind the ears. I have been vet checked and fully vaccinated. I cannot wait to live out my remaining years in a forever home. I would definitely be best suited as an indoor cat please.

Pincher Creek Humane Society
1068 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek, AB
pchs@toughcountry.net
403-627-5191

Hours:

• Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, and Friday: 8 am - noon & 1.30 pm - 5 pm
• Saturday: 8 am - noon & 12.30 pm - 3 pm
• Closed on Sunday, Monday and Stat Holidays

Visit www.pinchercreekhumanesociety.org for more information or to check out the listings of dogs and cats looking for a "forever" home.

Monday Matters! “Why Career Development is Like a Belly Dance!”

Herky Cutler

Herky Cutler, Columnist, Pincher Creek Voice

A participant in a training course I was facilitating is looking to develop a career as a Belly Dance Teacher. It got me to thinking about how belly dancing incorporates many of the principles of the career development process. This blog is dedicated to Trish and Stephanie who helped me formulate this framework over an East Indian feast.

Teaching belly dancing is fuelled by a passion for the origin of the dance, for the music, the creativity, the expression. Passion is also what drives career development, with discovering one’s true essence as the final destination.

PDD South Region Community Board Leadership Awards deadline looms

The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) South Region Community Board Leadership Awards recognize adults 18 years of age and older with a developmental disability, families, businesses and organizations who reside within the South Region for their actions to promote community inclusion and improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. The South Region Leadership Awards celebrate the contributions, dedication, commitment and service of individuals, businesses, and other organizations in supporting persons with developmental disabilities.

Nominations for the PDD South Leadership Awards will open February 1, 2012 and close Friday, March 30, 2012, with the award winners being announced and recognized at an event later in the spring. PDD South is seeking nominations in all five award categories:

David Crowell appointed as new Pincher Creek Co-op General Manager

(advertisement)

David Crowell has been appointed to  take up the role of General Manager for the Pincher Creek Co-op on April 2, 2012.

He has a wealth of experience in the Co-operative Retailing System. The board and staff look forward to working with him to meet the exciting challenges on the horizon.

We welcome David and his family to Pincher Creek.

Taber/Vauxhall RCMP report theft of construction equipment

The Taber/Vauxhall RCMP are currently investigating a theft from a construction site located north of the Town of Vauxhall. Between March 16th, 2012 and March 19th, 2012, an unknown number of suspects gained entry onto the Vauxhall Water Treatment Plant construction site, broke into a utility trailer and stole a variety of construction equipment.

Items stolen include an Air Compressor, Gas Saw and two diamond blades, Dewalt combo kit and a Black Chrome combo socket set.  The approximate value of all of the items taken is $3000.

If you have information regarding this or any other crime, please contact the Taber/Vauxhall RCMP Detachment at 403-223-4447 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS(8477) where they want your tip, not your name and you could receive up to $2000 for any tip leading to an arrest.

Cocaine concealed in barrel seized by CBSA at Coutts

Cocaine barrel seized at Coutts
Canada Border Services Agency photo

CBSA news release

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the seizure of approximately six kilograms of cocaine at the port of Coutts, Alberta. This is the largest narcotic seizure in 2012 at the port of Coutts.

On March 22, 2012, an Alberta man arrived at the port of Coutts, importing a commercial load of goods. He was referred for further examination. During the examination, detector dog Trooper indicated the presence of drugs in a wooden barrel. Officers examined the barrel more closely using x-ray equipment and found the cocaine concealed within the wooden panels of the barrel.

The drugs were seized and the investigation is ongoing.

In 2011, there were 64 drug seizures at the port of Coutts which yielded 2.8 kilograms and 30 doses of drugs.

Detector Dog Trooper
Canada Border Services Agency photo

If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident involving suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.

Meet two of the Candidates

Two of the candidates in the upcoming Provincial Election will be holding informal public meetings in Pincher Creek this week.

On Tuesday, March 27 NDP candidate Matthew Halton will be at the Pincher Creek Tim Hortons from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.  This is a free event.  Tim Hortons - 1300 Hewetson Avenue, Pincher Creek.

On Friday, March 29 Wildrose candidate Pat Stier will be hosting a "Pizza with Pat" fundraiser at Luigi's Restaurant in Pincher Creek from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  This event costs $25.  (click here for more details) Luigi's -
1513 Freebairn Ave, Pincher Creek.

A representative for PC Alberta incumbent Evan Berger indicated it was unknown yet when Berger would visit Pincher Creek again,  having been here recently.  We'll let you know when we know.

So far, the Liberal Party of Alberta has not responded to requests for information, or to identify a candidate for Livingstone-Macleod.

Alberta Election 2012: Local Candidates

Here is a list of the declared candidates for the Livingstone-Macleod riding in the upcoming Provincial election, to be held Monday, April 23.

Incumbent:
PC Alberta Evan Berger

Wildrose: Pat Stier

NDP: Matthew Halton

Albertans to head to polls April 23

Vote

Premier Alison Redford has asked Lieutenant-General Donald Ethell to dissolve the legislature.  Albertans will be going to the polls on Monday, April 23.

Crowsnest Pass Thunder defeats Chinooks for Pee Wee Spud League Championship

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pee Wee Chinooks vs CNP Thunder
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Pee Wee "A" Chinooks hosted long-time rivals the Crowsnest Pass Thunder at the MCC Arena on Sunday, March 25 for game two of a best-of-three contest for the Spud League championship.

The Thunder have had a special year, winning both Zone 5 and the Provincial Championship.  The Chinooks have had some struggles, but have also played a remarkable season.

The Thunder hosted the first game of the series the day before, Saturday, March 24, and defeated the Chinooks 8-2.  This the second game in the series turned out to be a much more evenly matched affair

Out and about, March 26, 2012

Sabres fan at Provincials
C. Davis photos

Upcoming stories and things we've seen over the past couple of weeks that haven't  made it into a story but are nevertheless interesting.

Sabres Fans

Pincher Creek's Emergency Services was present for the Sr. Girls Basketball Provincials held at Matthew Halton School a couple of weekends ago.  Lynn Brasnett and Janett Findlater were there just in case someone got injured in the fast-and-furious competition.

Emergency Services: Lynn Brasnett and Janett Findlater

Hockey season is officially over in Pincher Creek.  The rink itself will close on March 31, 2012.  Bring on spring!

Let's not forget to appreciate all the fine folks who help make it happen all season long.

Figure Skating Carnival "Under the Big Top"

The "Under the Big Top" figure skating carnival held last weekend was wonderful.  Watch for a full story soon.