Fort Macleod RCMP investigating hit and run to chain link fence

On the morning of April 29, 2013 between the hours of midnight and three a.m. a hit and run occurred to a chain link fence outside a  agricultural business located  on Hartley Avenue within the Town of Fort Macleod, Alberta.

Witnesses have advised police that the suspect vehicle is a red semi that had been hauling a grain trailer. The semi apparently hit the fence and dragged it for a short while before it detached. The semi then left the scene and its driver has not reported the incident to police.

Largest space telescope ever closes its eyes on the universe

Fomalhaut
Canadian Space Agency image

• University of Lethbridge researchers gain years of data, new insights into galaxy and star formations from Herschel Space Observatory mission

Just a few days shy of its four-year anniversary more than 1.5 km away from earth in deep space, the Herschel Space Observatory has exhausted its supply of liquid helium coolant, and officially 'closed its eyes' on the universe April 29 - leaving researchers around the world and at the University of Lethbridge with a massive data collection, years of future research projects,  and remarkable images that show unique star  births sand star formations, galaxies and a host of other  dramatic developments in the origins of the universe.

Emergency Services responds to 3 fires in Pincher Creek area

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek Emergency Services has been very busy the past few days.

At approximately 3:00 pm Sunday, April 28, Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to two fires adjacent to Highway 6.

One fire was a half a mile south of Pincher Creek, with the other approximately five miles south.  Both fires were contained to the highway area.  Pincher Creek Tender, Pincher Creek Engine 43, Pincher Creek responded with a tender and a fire engine and Beaver Mines  responded with an engine.

Just after midnight on Monday, April 29, Pincher Creek Emergency Services were called to a fire west of Beaver Mines in the Forest Protection Area.   Sustainable Resources and Development (SRD) responded, as did Pincher creek with a tender and an engine. Beaver Mines also responded with an engine and the recently acquired Beaver Mines all terrain vehicle (ATV).

According to Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox that fire was probably caused by high winds blowing a tree over into a power line.  Crews worked from midnight until 7:00 am to contain the fire, which spread for an estimated 1/2 acre distance.  Fortis and a local rancher loaned emergency workers the use of ATV's to assist them getting to the site of the fire.

Pincher Creek Emergency Services and various other agencies were also kept busy on April 26 and 27, dealing with multiple blown over vehicles on Highway 22 (see 'Related stories') below.

Related stories:
High winds results in multiple accidents on Highway 22

Shell donates $7000 towards UTV for Beaver Mines Fire

U of L study finds traditional culture reduces prescription and illicit drug problems for urban Aboriginals

A new study by a University of Lethbridge researcher has found that urban Aboriginal adults who embrace traditional culture are less likely to experience drug problems.

Dr. Cheryl Currie, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge, collected data from almost 400 Edmonton-based Aboriginal Canadians. The study results, recently published in the prestigious journal Social Science & Medicine, suggest Aboriginal cultural practice is associated with reduced prescription and illicit drug problems for urban Aboriginal adults.

A Year in Review from the Pincher Creek Curling Club

Curlers took to the ice November 5, 2012 with Tuesday night Men’s League with 9 teams and short of one game, playing a double round robin. 1st place went to the Francis Cyr team, second place to the Dave Pletz team.

Wednesday and Thursday nights featured 16 Mixed League games.  1st place went to the John Taylor team and a close second went to the Francis Cyr team.

Both leagues had a mix of seasoned and new curlers and great fun was had by all.

Worker Solidarity increases across Alberta

Rob Bernshaw, Letter to the Editor

Well Alberta, with more solidarity being shown everyday in the strike for better and safer working conditions here in Alberta correctional facilities, how do you feel now about a government which at every turn is showing incompetence in decisions being made?

Hawks start baseball season with a loss and a win

Winding up for a strike: Hawks' Gabe Rainford
Stefan Ludwig photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Senior Hawks Baseball team started their 2013 season with a narrow 6-5 away-game loss to Nanton's J.T. Foster Knights on April 24.  The next day the Hawks hosted Kainai at Sproule Field in Pincher Creek, blanking Kainai by a considerable margin.

Girls Rugby: Flyers defeat Hawks

JV Hawks vs Flyers
Stefan Ludwig photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Senior and Junior Girls Hawks Rugby squads host their F.P. Walshe Flyers (Fort Macleod) counterparts at Sproule Field on April 25.  The Senior Flyers blanked the Senior Hawks 43-0.  The Junior Hawks had a better time of it, but the Flyers came out on top 22-15 in that contest.  A more than brisk wind made things difficult at times, for all concerned.

Castle Mountain Basketball: working on skills development

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Local basketball coach John Lowry is one of the organizers for the Castle Mountain Heights Basketball Club Ball team, which practices at Matthew Halton School on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm.

"We've got some of the college girls coming back and doing a bit of the coaching," said Lowry.  He's hoping to get enough interest and participation to enter an upcoming tournament or two.

Bullies in the system (affecting all walks of life)

Rob Bernshaw

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist

What constitutes or defines a bully?

The definition of bully according to the worldwide web definition is the following:

MLA Pat Stier expresses concern about Seniors forced apart by AHS rules

Livingstone Macleod MLA Pat Stier

MLA Column
Pat Stier - MLA, Livingstone Macleod Constituency

Recently, Wildrose MLAs questioned the government on the AHS divorce-by-nursing-home policy in the Alberta Legislature. This is the policy that forcibly separates couples who have been married for decades by placing them in long-term care centres far away from each other for the convenience of administrators. The rules currently allow AHS to transfer long-term care residents up to 100 kilometres from their homes and families. If a married couple is forced to separate because of AHS rules, it could see one partner go one way and another in the complete opposite direction, effectively placing 200 km between partners who have loved and supported each other through decades of marriage.

Cowley Lions host annual Garage Sale and Pancake Breakfast

Members of the Cowley Lions Club: 50 years of community service
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Cowley Lions Club hosted their annual Garage Sale and Pancake Breakfast at the Cowley Community Hall on Saturday, April 27.  As always, the event was a huge success, the hall packed for hours with people socializing, eating, and shopping.

Crestview Lodge salutes their volunteers

"Bobbie Vinton" (far right) and the Crestview Creampuffs
T. Lucas image

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Crestview Lodge held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea on Tuesday, April 23.   Pincher Creek Foundation CAO/Facility Manager Millie Loeffler and Activity Coordinator Cathy Klein were enthusiastic about the large turnout for the event.  "We are very fortunate to have so many to thank," said Loeffler.  They pointed out that it was volunteer appreciation week both provincially and across Canada.

2013 Volunteer Come and Go Luncheon well attended

2013 Come and Go Volunteer Luncheon
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 and the Town of Pincher Creek  worked together to host the eighth annual Come and Go Volunteer Luncheon, open to all those who volunteer in our area and those who are curious about the many volunteer opportunities available.

High winds results in multiple accidents on Highway 22

Blown over semi on Highway 22
C. Davis photos/images/video

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

On Friday evening, April 26, 2013, Highway 22 was closed briefly due to a combination of high winds and multiple accidents, with the first call coming in to Pincher Creek Emergency Services at about 9:00 pm.

Thank you, Pitch-In Volunteers

Robert Wright, Letter to the Editor

My only hesitation in writing this letter is that I know how many people I will not personally be able to thank, however, this week as I was out enjoying the community trail system with some friends, we came across some unusual activity on the opposite bank of the creek.

We looked over and here was this person who at first seemed to be struggling up an embankment with a garbage bag, I'll admit my first thought was to perhaps assess this person sobriety from afar and call in the police, but man was I wrong. The longer we watched the more deliberate and concise the movements were, we realized that this person was going up and down the hill collecting the garbage that had collected over the winter.

I watched as they not only made their way up and down the hill but then started grabbing the more manageable pieces in the water as well. When I realized who it was, I was not overly surprised having known this person for a few years now.

Besides feeling a lot of gratitude, I felt a little guilty as well as the creek is a favourite spot for my kids in the summer and we've got a ton of use out of the area but I can't say I ever took the time to go down and clean up the garbage. What a great example you and the rest of the people are who "Pitched In" this week to make our community look great, So to you Wendy Ryan and everyone else who Pitched In, THANK YOU!

Perennial volunteer Wendy Ryan always helps with
 annual Pincher Creek Pitch-In efforts
C. Davis file photo

Allergy Alert - Undeclared mustard in certain macaroni and potato salad products from Arbutus Ridge Farms Ltd.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Arbutus Ridge Farms Ltd. are warning people with allergies to mustard not to consume the macaroni and potato salads described at this link (click here). The affected products contain mustard which is not declared on the label.

These products have known to have been distributed in Alberta and British Columbia and may have been distributed in other provinces.

SouthWest Connect Wi-Fi Initiative explained at recent presentation

ABSW Communications Coordinator
Bob Dyrda

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Town of Pincher Creek Economic Development Committee (EDC) hosted an Alberta South West Regional Alliance (ABSW) presentation by Communications Coordinator Bob Dyrda as part of their ongoing Speakers Series on the afternoon of Thursday, April 25.  Dyrda touched on many of the projects that ABSW is currently engaged in, including free regional Wi-Fi access points called SouthWest Connect Wi-Fi initiative, the  ABSW website and regional events calendar, the regional business licencing program, GyPSy guide tours (audio GPS tours), and their business directory.

Fire Prevention Notice issued for Pincher Creek area

• Fire Prevention Notice for M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9
• Pincher Creek Emergency Services responds to small grass fire

A Fire Prevention Notice has been issued for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 effective April 26, 2013.

Fuel conditions have changed rapidly since Monday April 22.  The snow has disappeared and the warm, dry, windy conditions make for dangerous burning conditions. Fire permits have not yet been cancelled, but the situation is extreme.  Please be careful and call 911 immediately if you see a fire.

Permits are required 12 months/ year for all types of burning.

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded with a fire engine and a tender truck to a small grass fie in the Summerview area on May 25, 2013.  Less than a quarter acre was burned before the fire was doused.  According to Chief of Emergency Services Dave Cox the fire hazard is high in the area.  Despite recent wet weather the area is quite dry.

New Bomber Command honour unveiled by Veterans Affairs minister

Minister Steven Blaney (right) and Minister Peter MacKay (left) unveil the Bomber Command Honour with Colonel (Retired) Terry Chester, National President of the Air Force Association of Canada (centre right) and Lieutenant-General (Ret.) William Carr, former Commander of the Air Command (centre left)
Photo courtesy of Govt. of Canada

Did you know... by The Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance)

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, unveiled the new Bomber Command honour, in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.

May 1 - 3 is Pincher Creek Dolphin Swim Club Rookie Week

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The Pincher Creek Dolphin Swim Club is holding Rookie Week from May 1 to 3, 2013

• Mini's /Newcomers 8 & under please come from 4-5pm all days
• Juniors /Newcomers 8 & over please come from 5-6pm all days.
• Regular Dolphins will begin on Monday, May 6th at 4pm. 

ANY QUESTIONS Please call Kim Jorgenson at 403-627-8471

Sudden death of Glenwood woman while traveling

On April 24, 2013 at 2:26 pm officers from the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit and the Airdrie Rural RCMP were dispatched to a call of a female in medical distress on Highway 2 near Crossfield.

A 66-year old female from Glenwood Alberta had been traveling in a vehicle on southbound Highway 2 with her husband when she suddenly collapsed.

The husband stopped the vehicle at the nearest overpass, and called 911. Several concerned motorists also stopped to help, including two off-duty emergency room nurses, and they provided CPR until EMS arrived at the scene.

Fire crews from Crossfield and STARS air ambulance also attended the scene, but unfortunately the female was unable to be resuscitated.

The death is not considered suspicious, and police will not be releasing the name of the deceased.

RCMP and Sheriffs are integrating provincial traffic resources around the province.

Volunteer provincial highway cleanup planned for May 4

Young volunteers will be part of cleanup efforts on provincial roadways during the 37th annual Highway Cleanup Event on Saturday, May 4, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Motorists will see safety-vest clad youths and adults picking up debris along roadsides across the province, while they earn funds to support their community and volunteer organizations. In the event of inclement weather, the cleanup will be held the following Saturday, May 11.

Cowley Lions Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale to be held April 27

C. Davis File photo

The Cowley Lions will be holding their annual Pancake Breakfast and Garage Sale this Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 8 am until 1 pm (or possibly 2 pm) at the Cowley Community Hall.

Many wares will be offered for sale.

Crestview Lodge residents plan recreation area makeover

Looking south from the rear of Crestview Lodge at the site of a
planned new Recreation Area
C. Davis photo

Submitted by Residents of Crestview Lodge

Residents of Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek say they are "tired of waiting for a new Lodge "So we're going to do it ourselves, with your help".

The Crestview Hobby Club is planning an outdoor recreation area south of the lodge building which will consist of a paved patio with a picnic area, a fire pit for wiener roasts and singsongs, a BBQ shelter, a pergola, a gazebo, a fountain, horseshoe pits, lawn bowling and bocce ball areas, plus a spray park for those hot days of summer.

Towards this goal the Crestview Hobby Club is asking for volunteers and donations - monetary or material.  They invite you to come and have a look.  They feel that the project will enhance the Lodge and the entire community, and that residents and their families and friends will enjoy using the facility for years to come.

Concordia Concert Choir visits Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Larissa Wildfang and Willem Kubke
T. Lucas photo

The Concordia Concert Choir from Edmonton will be appearing at the Trinity Lutheran Church on 785 Rigaux Drive tonight at 7:30 pm Thursday, April 25.  The presentation of sacred music is free and open to the public, with goodwill offerings appreciated.  As part of the choir Larissa Wildfang and Willem Kubke were enthusiastic about being here as part of the tour that the choir is currently taking.  Some of the members of the choir were relaxing by playing some soccer before the performance this evening.

Wildfang said that they have a busy schedule, and that the choir will be performing in Cranbrook on April 26.

Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library's Seed Swap Library looking for donations

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Seed Swap Library

Pincher Creek & District Municipal Library

• “Borrow” seeds at no charge 
• “Return” seeds that you have collected at harvest-time 

We are currently accepting donations of flower, fruit and vegetable seeds to build up our seed collection at the Seed Swap Library. For more information, ask at the circulation desk. The Library also offers great resources to help you learn more about gardening and seed collection.

Excellence in Pincher Creek childcare: Catherine Oczkowski and Samantha Bonwick

Excellence Awards finalists Catherine Oczkowski and Samantha Bonwick
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek citizens Samantha Bonwick and Catherine Oczkowski are two of the finalists nominated for the 2013 Alberta’s Early Learning and Child Care Professional Awards of Excellence.  Bonwick was nominated in the Licensed Day Care category for her work in before and after-school care at Canyon School and Oczkowski was nominated in the Licensed Daycare category.  They both work with Children's World Daycare in Pincher Creek.

Vista Village to hold invitation-only Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Vista Village will be holding a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, May 1.

Please note that this is by invitation only, as it has been reported inaccurately elsewhere.

Shell Waterton Ombudsman

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Allied Arts Council hosting pottery classes at the Lebel

Time's wheel runs back or stops. 

Pottery and clay endure.

- Robert Browning

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice.

The Allied Arts Council’s pottery studio at the Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek is once again up-and-running after volunteers cleaned it up recently.  

A Clay Sculpture and Hand-building class is being held  Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30, led by Gordon Perret.

Lundbreck Gardeners looking for help with beautification project

The newly established Lundbreck Gardeners are seeking donations of plants, labour, and monetary donations for their community beautification project.

Any contributions would be greatly appreciated. "We marked a plot here, at the entrance of our hamlet" explained organizer Monica Zwikstra. The group would prefer perennial, hardy plants, but annuals are welcome. "We'll take pretty much anything if it will grow here."

SWJHAA 2013 League Badminton Finals held at Matthew Halton School

Kate Paolo of St. Michael's School (Midget Girls Singles Bronze medalist)
C. Davis and T. Lucas photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice, with Coach Randy Whitehead

The South Western Junior High Athletic Association (SWJHAA) League Badminton Finals were held at Matthew Halton School in Pincher Creek on Saturday, April 20, 2013. 

Livingstone School's Ross Cook (Juvenile Boys Singles Bronze) returns a serve

Alberta Works Week connects Albertans with career and employment opportunities

Alberta Works Week, April 29 to May 3, includes more than 80 events around the province to help Albertans reach their career and employment goals.

Pincher Creek Job Search Boot Camp

Friday, May 3, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Pincher Creek Alberta Works Centre
Provincial Building
160-782 Main Street, Pincher Creek

Chinook 4-H Multi Club Projects update

Chinook 4-H Multi Club members at
Regional Communication Competition in Lethbridge, Intermediate Presentations
Suzanne Kirby photo

Bruce Kirby, Club Reporter, Chinook 4-H Multi Club

My name is Bruce Kirby and I am the club reporter for the Chinook 4-H multi club.

The projects that we have this year are Swine, Shooting Sports, Small Motors, Horsemanship Project, and Creative Options.

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 to 11, 2013

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that has taken place annually since 1996.  It is a collaborative event undertaken by provincial and territorial emergency management organizations supporting activities at the local level, in concert with Public Safety Canada and partners.

EP Week encourages Canadians to take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

• Know the risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare.
• Make a plan – It will help you and your family know what to do.
• Get an emergency kit – During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.

Pitch-In Pincher Creek 2013

PINCHER CREEK 

PITCH-IN CANADA 

2013

Get involved with clean-up this year!
Call the Rec Office at 403-627-4322 or email to rec@pinchercreek.ca for more information.
*Free bags & gloves available

The Pincher Creek Communities in Bloom Committee is participating in the annual “Pitch-In Canada” program again this spring. This is a national program to encourage communities to take volunteer action for community clean-up, recycling etc. Participation can help us to gain recognition for Community Involvement and Tidiness under the Communities in Bloom Program.

There are two ways you can get involved this year! Pick one or both!

Audacious Pincher Creek Multi Purpose Recreation Facility concept discussed

Concept illustration of possible Multi Purpose Recreation Facility expansion

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Town of Pincher Creek is in the process of trying to establish a steering committee to investigate the viability of a major expansion to the multi-purpose recreation facilities located on Main Street, projected to cost $27,155,000.

Métis Music and Cultural Fest to be held July 11-14, 2013

The annual Métis Music and Cultural Fest will be held July 11-14, 2013 at The Great Canadian Barn Dance (Hillspring, Alberta). The event is open to everyone, including musicians and the general public.

The headlining act this year is Calvin Vollrath, a Canadian fiddler and composer and one of the best fiddlers in the world, who lives in Saint Paul, Alberta. He is also one of the few European-Canadian fiddle players playing professionally in the Métis style. Calvin is a musical prodigy who was twice crowned the Grand North American Old Tyme Fiddle Champion.

Town Council notes, April 22, 2013

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Town Council met on the evening of April 22, 2013.  In attendance were Councillors Don Anderberg, Sahra Hancock, Lorne Jackson, Murray Lauder, and Wayne Oliver.  CAO Laurie Wilgosh and Finance Officer Wendy Catonio were also present.  Councillor Sahra Hancock chaired the meeting, as Mayor Ernie Olsen was not in attendance.

Curling Club ATV draw winner announced

ATV winner Mike Camilli, sitting on quad while
Curling Club Treasurer Bob Reed congratulates him

Deb Reed, President, Pincher Creek Curling Club

Mike Camilli, a resident of Fernie B.C., won the Pincher Creek Curling Club Polaris ATV draw. The Club is raising money for a new building and also for much needed repairs to the current one until a new one can be built.

The club drew the winning ticket on Wednesday evening and phoned Mike. He made arrangements to pick the quad up at Cervus (Formally Agro). The Club purchased the quad and Cervus gave them a deal on it, made sure a PDI was done and went over the quad with Mike on Friday morning.

Alberta government and doctors formalize legal agreement

The Alberta government and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) have completed a tentative seven-year legal agreement that will now be taken to physicians for ratification.

The legal agreement is based on the Memorandum of Understanding that was reached between government and the AMA on April 15.

Toy rifle results in Canyon School lockdown

Canyon Elementary School in Pincher Creek went into lockdown on Monday, April 22, 2013 at approximately 3:20 pm when three children were seen walking across the playground, one carrying what appeared to be rifle.

RCMP responded with 5 cars within minutes of the call.  Officers saw the boys climbing the hill to the east of the school, and upon investigating  discovered that the weapon in question was a toy rifle the boys were playing with.

Pincher Creek Joint Rescue Team Demonstration to be held May 4

The public is invited to a Pincher Creek Joint Rescue Team Demonstration between 10 am and 2 pm on Search and Rescue Day, Saturday May 4, the lead-in to Emergency Preparedness Week. We will be located beside the Pincher Creek Fire Hall and working off the Hewetson Avenue Bridge. 

A rope rescue team works with other emergency responders to help rescue people from steep or mountainous terrain, from vehicles that have gone off bridges or high banks, and from industrial structures. 

Hassle-free Shopping with Children

Pincher Creek Family Resource Center and Parentlink will be hosting a relaxed 'Hassle-free Shopping with Children' discussion on Tuesday, May 7  from  6:00 to 8:00 pm.

A practitioner will give tips and suggestions for dealing with problem behaviour and participants will also receive a take-home workbook with simple exercises and information to help  implement  new strategies at home.

Call Pincher Creek Adult Learning Centre at 403-627-4478 to register.

Childcare will be provided.

2013 Lion's Foundation Walk for Dog Guides to be held May 5

Chinook at last year's walk
T. Lucas photo

The Lion's Foundation Annual Dog Walk will be held on Sunday, May 5 beginning at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre Arena with registration at 1:30 pm followed by the walk at 2:00 pm.

Locally this event is a project of the Cowley, Pincher Creek, and Pincher Cowley Roaring Lions Clubs.

Every year the Lion's Foundation raises funds to help train Dog Guides to assist those who require special help to function in their daily lives.