Instrumental Band concerts to be held in Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod

Updated: The Matthew Halton show is now scheduled to start at 8:00 pm.

Come out and enjoy music featuring the Junior Matthew Halton and F.P Walshe combined band and award winning Matthew Halton and F.P Walshe senior high band. Good family oriented entertainment for all ages.

• Pincher Creek Show: June 6th at 7:00 8:00 pm in the Matthew Halton High School Gym.
• Fort Macleod Show: June 13th at 7:00 pm in the F.P Walshe High School.

Bow Island pedestrian killed by train

On May 31, 2013 at approximately 09:15 members of the Bow Island/Foremost Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were dispatched to Centre Street in Bow Island, AB where a pedestrian was reported to have been struck by a train.

Upon attendance, investigators were advised that a 16 year female had been transported by Emergency Medical Services personnel to the Bow Island hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Map shows diversity of Alberta's Aboriginal peoples

A new community profiles map promotes greater awareness and understanding of the diversity of Alberta’s many Aboriginal communities.

The map is an easy-to-use guide to all eight Metis Settlements and 48 First Nations in the province.

Alberta has one of the largest and fastest-growing Aboriginal populations in Canada, forming a community that is an integral part of the historic, economic, and cultural life of the province. The interactive map provides users with basic information on community locations, population, contacts, linguistic groups, and tribal affiliation.

For more information visit www.aboriginal.alberta.ca

Athlete of the Day May 31, 2013: Maia Jorgenson

Maia Jorgenson

Matthew Halton School student Maia Jorgenson was an outstanding participant in the South Western Junior High Athletic Association (SWJHAA) Junior District Track and Field Meet held a St. Michael's School field in Pincher Creek on Wednesday, May 29. 

A Midget-level athlete in the event, she took first place in the 100 metre Dash, the 200 metre Dash, the 80 metre Hurdles, Long Jump, and as part of the Halton Midget Girls 4x100 metre Relay team (which also included Mary Dietze, Miranda Van Loon, and Claire Madsen). It's likely she broke a record or two, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.

She was one of the outstanding athletes at last year's SWJHAA Junior track event as well.

She's an outstanding scholar, a good sport, and seemingly determined to excel at everything she does. She's made a name for herself as one of the finest athletes in the region.

A serious athlete

Related link:
2013 SWJHAA Junior Track and Field event held in Pincher Creek

St. Henry's Church to benefit from sales of historical book

Joyce Bonertz with 'In the Shadow of the Cross'
T. Lucas photo

The Historical Society of St. Henry's Church  is selling the book 'In the Shadow of the Cross' for $20 in the Ranchland Mall on Friday, May 31 from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday, June 1 from 10 am to 4 pm (the sale began on Thursday, May 30).

The book relates histories of the church, families and area surrounding St. Henry's Church out by Waterton Dam between 1907, when the church was built, until 1982.

2013 SWJHAA Junior Track and Field event held in Pincher Creek

First Place in Midget Girls 4x100 Relay: Matthew Halton School
Eryka Bruder, Dakoda Bruder, Kaycee Wyatt, Lucay Gerrand
T. Lucas and C. Davis photos

Toni Lucas and Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

It was a perfect day for the South Western Junior High Athletic Association (SWJHAA) Junior District Track and Field Meet held a St. Michael's School field in Pincher Creek on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.  The breeze was slight and cool, the sun came out intermittently, and the fields were dry but green.

Southwest Barrel Racing Series returns

Barrel Racing champ Josey Doenz
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The 2013 season began for the Southwest Barrel Racing Series with two events at the Pincher Creek Rodeo Grounds, the first on Wednesday May 15 and the second a week later on May 29.

Various lots of five prescription drugs recalled

Health Canada press release

In consultation with Health Canada, four companies (Cobalt Pharmaceuticals, Laboratoire Riva, Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Sanis Health) are voluntarily recalling various lots of five prescription drugs (amlodipine, ciprofloxacin, lamotrigine, norfloxacin and telmisartan) from the Canadian market (see chart here). The voluntary recall is a precautionary measure due to quality concerns at the manufacturing facility of the active ingredients used in the products. The issues are primarily around processes that affect quality control and oversight.

Turner Valley/Highway 22 Traffic Advisory issue for June 1

• Temporary closure of Highway 22 between Turner Valley and Black Diamond on June 1, 2013 to accommodate Diamond Valley Parade.

Courtesy of Gazette Grassroots

The Town of Turner Valley is notifying motorists using Highway 22 through Turner Valley to expect traffic delays on Saturday, June 1, 2013.

Southbound traffic on Highway 22, through Turner Valley, will experience significant delays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. as a result of the Diamond Valley Parade occurring in the Town of Black Diamond. Highway 22 access between Turner Valley to Black Diamond will be closed during the parade and traffic will be re-directed. This closure is anticipated to last approximately 2.5 hrs.

Athlete of the day May 30, 2013: Josey Doenz

Josey Doenz

At the Southwest Barrel Racing Series event held on May 29, 2013 at the Pincher Creek Rodeo Grounds Josey Doenz rode Oakie for the 1D win with a time of 15.907. She also rode Cole to third place in 2D with a time of 16.460. 

Some of her other accomplishments: Doenz earned the Junior Barrel Racers championship title at the 2009 CCA Finals Rodeo . In May 2012 she was named the National High School Rodeo Association's Equine Athlete of the Month. At the 2012 CCA Finals Rodeo she was the Junior Girls Barrel Racing champ.

Photos from Foothills and Timber Trails 4-H Beef Clubs 2013 Achievement Day

Chris Davis photos and music

Alberta government provides coverage for insulin pumps

Albertans with Type 1 diabetes who meet clinical criteria can receive coverage for insulin pumps and basic diabetic supplies through the government’s new Insulin Pump Therapy (IPT) program.

Summer Employment Opportunity

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BOX 2434    696 Kettles Street    Pincher Creek, AB     T0K 1W0     

lebelpc@gmail.com    403.627.5272 www.pinchercreekarts.com

Summer Employment Opportunity
Excellent job opportunity for vibrant, creative individual interested in the arts.

“Communities In Bloom” countdown

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What is happening this year?

On July 24th, 2013 judges will arrive in Pincher Creek to evaluate Pincher Creek’s accomplishments with respect to:

• Tidiness  (clean-ups, litter removal)
• Landscaped Areas and Turf (plantings, maintenance)
• Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation (preservation, historical)
• Trees/Urban Forestry (tree planting, tree care and maintenance)
• Floral displays (beds and baskets)
• Environmental Awareness (recycling and other programs)

Judges and local volunteers will tour through at least 80% of the community including the residential, business, industrial, institutional and public areas.

Volunteer Opportunity - Recreation Advisory Committee

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Town of Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek & District Recreation Advisory Committee

The Committee purpose is to advise the Town of Pincher Creek on various recreation issues, make recommendations regarding facility and parks and to provide an avenue for citizens to bring forward their ideas and concerns related to recreation services, programs and facilities. The Committee meets on a monthly basis.

Committee “Member-at-Large” Vacancies are as follows:

Town of Pincher Creek representative – 1 position

To be eligible

1. Must be 18 years of age
2. A Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant and
3. A resident of the Town of Pincher Creek of Pincher Creek

Application Forms may be picked up at the Town Office or Recreation Office during the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.  Questions about the committee may be directed to 627-4322.

Mail applications to Town of Pincher Creek, Box 159, Pincher Creek, AB. T0K 1W0 or deliver to the Recreation Office (895 Main Street). Deadline is June 25, 2013.

Interested in recreation! Come make a difference in our community!

Alberta's minimum wage to increase 2.1 per cent September 1

Government of Alberta press release

Alberta’s general minimum wage will increase by 2.1 per cent on September 1 representing an increase from $9.75 per hour to $9.95 per hour. There will be no change to the liquor server minimum wage, which will remain at $9.05 per hour.

2013 Pincher Creek Rodeo Parade to be held August 17, looking for entrants

The Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce is asking local businesses and organizations to register for the annual Pincher Creek Rodeo Parade, which is planned for Saturday August 17, 2013.

The theme this year is "Beach Party".

Call Lieve at 403-627-5199 to register.

Update: Missing Fort McMurray man located

Update May 31, 2013: A missing Fort McMurray Man who was the subject of a plea to the public for assistance by Wood Buffalo RCMP has been located.

Prairie Grass to Mountain Pass history book unveiled at gala

Author/Curator Farley S. Wuth with 'Prairie Grass to Mountain Pass"
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) in Pincher Creek was the site of a gala book launch on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. After five years of collecting data to update the original local history book, 'Prairie Grass to Mountain Pass'  was presented to the public. There was guest speakers, a reading from the new book, live auction, entertainment and a book signing during the reception.

Sports Shorts May 29, 2013

Pincher Creek Havoc vs CNP

U12 Soccer: Pincher Creek Havoc vs Crowsnest Pass

Wednesday, May 29: Pincher Creek's U12 Havoc soccer team managed a big 6-2 win at home over Crowsnest Pass in a game played at the Ag Ground field.

Michael pitching for the Major Dust Devils
C. Davis photo

Majors Dust Devils vs Prairie Dawgs

Wednesday, May 29: Pincher Creek's Majors Dust Devils hosted Claresholm's Prairie Dawgs at Lions Park Diamond.

The Dust Devils struggled a bit during this game. "It wasn't too good for us, getting started," said Coach Jeff Kaupp.  "The last inning we started getting our confidence back.  The last inning was the best."

In the final inning Pincher made 6 runs, but Claresholm took the game 8 - 20.  This puts the Major Dust Devils at 3 - 3 for the season so far.

• On Thursday evening May 30 the Major Dust Devils host CNP at Lions Park.
• Sunday June 2, 2013 they host Sparwood in a double header at Lions Park.  The first game starts at noon and the second starts at 2:00 pm.

Red Bulls vs Sparwood
C. Davis photo

U12 Soccer: Pincher Creek Red Bulls vs Sparwood

Wednesday, May 29: Pincher Creek's U12 Red Bulls soccer team hosted Sparwood at the pool field this evening.  The game ended with Sparwood up 4-1 for Sparwood despite the  Red Bulls battling hard.

Big win for Junior Dust Devils
Carrah Pinder-Walter

Tuesday, May 28: Junior Dust Devils played an away game against Sparwood and brought home their first win of the season, 14-11 in seven innings, bringing them to 2-1-0.

The play of the game went to Sparwood's #12 Chase Snider who was walked by #43 Michael Svab (PC). Chase trying to steal 2nd on the same play only to get himself in the hot box. Pincher Creek scrambling as Chase then turns around and steals 3rd. Very aggressive base running!

GREAT Game played by Both Teams. They will play each other again Sunday, June 9 in Sparwood.

Stay tuned for coverage of the May 29th Junior Track Meet held at St. Michael's field.

Discus - Stefan Ludwig 

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A time of growth for Heritage Acres

Vogelaar Barn
Photos courtesy of Heritage Acres

Old Man River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club President Bob Mitchell and Executive Director Bill Kells appeared as a delegation before the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 Council on Tuesday, May 14 to update them about Heritage Acres, which the club administers.

Vogelaar Barn project

One of the main topics of their presentation was the planned moving of the historic Vogelaar Barn to the Heritage Acres site. That project is expected to commence in February 2014.

Shell Waterton receives ERCB approval for Beaver Mines area pipelines and gas battery

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Yesterday May 28, 2013 Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) announced they have approved Shell Waterton's applications to construct and operate a 1.2 km pipeline to transport sour natural gas, a 1.2 km pipeline to transport fuel gas, and to construct and operate a single well gas battery in the Waterton Field, which is located about 5.8 km southwest of Beaver Mines.

Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment complaint overview, May 21-26, 2013

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment received May 21-26, 2013.  Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 29
Domestic assault - 1
Break and Enter (residential) - 1
Mischief (vandalism) - 1
Theft under $5000 - 2
Impaired Driving - 1
Drugs - 1
Disturbing the Peace - 2
MV Collisions - 4
Liquor offences - 1
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1
Assistance to General Public (general) - 3
Assistance to other agencies - 2
False Alarms - 3
911 calls (invalid) - 1
Prisoners held - 5

Upcoming Pincher Creek area 4-H events

The following events will be held at Pincher Creek's Horseshoe Pavilion.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

Chinook 4-H Multiclub Achievement Day

Sunday, June 2, starting at 12:00
Shooting Projects, Horse Projects, Mechanics, Creative Options

4-H Multiclub Swine Project and Rocky Mountain Swine Club Joint Achievement Day

Monday, June 3
Show at 2:30, Free Supper at 5:30, Auction at 7:00

Wanted: 2 Heavy Duty Mechanics

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Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9

Employment Opportunity

Heavy Duty Mechanic (2)

The Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 (MD) is accepting applications for two (2) Heavy Duty Mechanic positions.

Town of Pincher Creek dares you to get fit

Town of Pincher Creek Summer Events Coordinator Caitlin Kerr 
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Town of Pincher Creek dares businesses and individuals to take part in the Active Living Challenge that is taking place from June 3 to June 30, 2013.

"It's just a friendly competition between the different businesses in Pincher Creek to promote active living," said Town of Pincher Creek Summer Events Coordinator Caitlin Kerr.

Sparwood blanks Pincher in U-14 soccer

U-14 Soccer: Sparwood vs Pincher Creek
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

It was a wet evening for Pincher Creek to host Sparwood on May 28.  The two U-14 soccer teams chose to brave the weather and went ahead with their game at Pincher Creek's pool field.

Global Training holds an open house

Georgia Donaldson, Carolyn Davis, Audrey Archer, Tanis French,
Connie Russell, Evelyn Gilbert-Gladstone,  Mary Abel, and Tim Clark
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Global Training Incorporated held an open house at their Pincher Creek office on May 27.  Their focus is employment services and training towards a position in the oil and gas industry.  Representatives from Global Training offices from Pincher Creek, Cardston and Lethbridge were on hand to tell people more about what options Global Training offers throughout southwestern Alberta.

Big win for Senior Girls Hawks Rugby team in away game against Lethbridge

Josie Naumczyk tackles a Coyote
Gloria Barbero photos

Coach Randy Whitehead, Contributor

Yesterday evening May 27 Pincher Creek's Sr. Girls Hawks rugby team travelled to Lethbridge to play the Chinook Coyotes in a tier 2 quarter-final game.  The Hawks fought hard and won 10 -5.

Foothills and Timber Trails 4-H Beef Clubs hold 2013 Achievement Day

Timber Trails (left) and Foothills 4-H Beef Clubs at Achievement Day
C. Davis photos except *

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Horseshoe Pavilion in Pincher Creek was buzzing with activity on Monday, May 27 as the Foothills  Beef and Timber Trails Beef 4-H clubs held their combined Pincher Creek and District 4-H Beef Market Steer and Female Project Achievement Day.  The day was divided into four events, and ran from 2:00 pm until about 9:00 pm.  The first event was for Breeding Projects, which was followed by the Market Steer Show, then supper, finally finishing with the Market Steer Sale.

While the boss was away...Mrs. P's gets a makeover

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Makeover instigator Gail Robinson
T. Lucas photos

Staff and friends of Mrs. P's proprietor Loretta Packham took advantage of her being out of town to re-upholster 32 chairs in Mrs. P's, located in the Ranchland Mall, Pincher Creek.  Hoping that no one tipped off Packham, volunteers came in to perform this random act of kindness between Tuesday May 21, and Sunday May 26, 2013.

RCMP Lethbridge investigating possible abduction attempt in Coalhurst

On Monday May 27 2013 at approximately 8:30 am Lethbridge RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious male in the town of Coalhurst who invited a young female to come to his vehicle. A family member intervened which made the male drive away from the scene.

The information received alleged that a male was sitting in an older beige/brown colored Range Rover SUV with black stripes on it. The rear windows of the vehicle were tinted.

No children were harmed or made contact with and Police are continuing to followup with the investigation.

The male was described as follows:

• Caucasian
• between 30 to 40 years old
• wearing a hat
• wearing a green shirt

RCMP are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to contact the Lethbridge detachment at 403-329-5080.

University of Lethbridge to celebrate Spring Convocation May 30 - 31

This week, with 1,438 students eligible to graduate, the University of Lethbridge campus will be a busy place as Spring Convocation preparations ramp up.

Ceremonies take place Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

All ceremonies are free to the public.

POP off the air

DJ Frankenstein

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice
revised

Frank van Zandwijk aka DJ Frankenstein started Pincher Creek's POP Radio in 2011 when he was 13 years old.  He was determined to give area listeners a choice of something other than country music and talk radio, and in the ensuing years has developed a strong local following, despite the fact his transmitter didn't spread the POP signal much beyond the boundaries of the town of Pincher Creek.

Pincher Creek Town Council Notes from May 27, 2013 meeting

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

• Town of Pincher Creek Service Awards presented
• Council to sign Letter of Agreement to host 2014 Summer Games 
• Pincher Creek to be represented at Claresholm Fair Days Parade
• Procedural bylaw passes third reading
  

Soggy U18 soccer game ends in Pincher Creek/Fort Macleod tie

U18 Soccer - Pincher Creek vs Fort Macleod
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

"We beat 'em 3-3" ~ anon

Pincher Creek's U18 Soccer team tied 3-3 in a home game with Fort Macleod held earlier today, Monday evening, May 27 at Sproule Field.  It was reportedly a slow start for the Pincher team, who didn't really hit their groove until the second half.  The game started out in relatively warm but overcast weather, which turned to hail and then rain in the second half.  Despite that the teams played it out to the end, and actually played very good soccer.  Fort Macleod is a solid contender and so is Pincher Creek, making for two evenly matched teams.

Alberta Medical Examiner seeks Canadians' help to identify man

Can you identify this man?

Alberta’s Chief Medical Examiner is asking for the public’s assistance to identify a man whose body was found in Calgary on May 3, 2012.

Fort Macleod RCMP investigating graffitti vandalism

Sometime between the night of May 23 and the early morning hours of May 24, 2013 a local business was vandalized in Fort Macleod. Suspect(s) spray painted several building walls in the South alley of the 300 block of Main Street.

The Fort Macleod RCMP is investigating this mischief and ask that any members of the public with information regarding this incident contact Cst. Bieniewski of the Fort Macleod RCMP detachment at 403-553-7200 or share their information with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Shell Waterton donates $15,000 to Pincher Creek Search and Rescue

(l-r) Brian Balak - PCSAR, Jim Little - Shell Waterton Complex Manager, Russell Lee - PCSAR, Rod Sinclair - Waterton Complex Community Affairs Representative

Joan Kocsis photo

The Shell Waterton Complex has donated $15,000 to Pincher Creek Search and Rescue (PCSAR). The money will be used for repairs and upgrades to a recently acquired motorhome that serves as a mobile command post for the group.

Some of the expenses that will be covered include the replacement of a rear axle spring, interior painting, replacement of interior flooring, a portable genset, a heavy duty battery pack, tools, a laptop computer and office supplies.

Chamber of Commerce Lego Contest returns

Blue pincers and gardens around town by Brittney Barber from
last year's Lego competition

The Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce, Pincher Creek Family Resources Society (Lego League) and the Town of Pincher Creek are holding a Lego contest themed "Dreaming of Summer Holiday".  Entrants are asked to show what summer holidays mean to them through their best Lego creation.

The contest is open between May 23 and June 7 2013 to children ages 6-14 with a maximum 1 individual and 1 family entry per child.

Entries can be dropped off at the Pincher Creek & District Chamber of Commerce in the Ranchland Mall (next to the Co-operators) and will be displayed in the Wind Fun and More gift store until June 7th. Please call 403-627-5199 just before droping your creation off to make sure the office is open.  Each entry will be judged on creativity,durability, and theme. There will be a First and Second prize in each category.

For more information call 403-627-5199 or email info@pincher-creek.com.

Out and About May 2013: Submitted by readers

Rotary Exchange Students at Frank, AB
Chenhop Champaiboon photo

17 Rotary Club exchange students from all over the world visited Pincher Creek and other parts of southern Alberta earlier this month. Chenhop Champaiboon from Mos, Spain contributes these photos from their visit to Frank Slide.  

Related story: 

Pincher Creek Rotary Club hosts 17 exchange students for two days

Rotary Exchange Students at Frank, AB
Chenhop Champaiboon photo

Recreational trailer blown over by the wind near Beaver Mines last month
Jessica McClelland photo

Local award winning dancer Sarah McClelland

Turning Pointe Dance (located in Hillcrest) competed in Lethbridge at The Great Canadian Dance Challenge earlier this month. Pictured is Sarah McClelland from Beaver Mines area.  Her group brought home High Gold.  Congratulations Sarah!  Turning Pointe will be holding their year end show on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26.  Click here for more information.

Haggis Basher Hayden Varley at Sr. Mustangs game
Gayle MacIntyre photo

Photographer/Proud Sports Mom Gayle MacIntyre is about to lose her amateur status, as she's agreed to join the Pincher Creek Voice team as a part-time Community Journalist.  She snapped the above picture of Bagpiper Hayden Varley at the Senior Mustangs exhibition scrimmage against Cranbrook last weekend.  Click here for that story.

Corrected for accuracy.

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