Way to Grow Baby 2014

Arron, Lindsey and River Koster, and Ashley and Carter Conley at Way To Grow Baby event
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas

The 7th annual Way to Grow Baby prenatal and infant health fair was held on Tuesday, February 25 in the Ranchland Mall. The fair was well attended by over 90 people. The schedule covered a multitude of topics of interest for soon-to-be families and young families including: postpartum depression, breastfeeding, exercise, motor skills, and social emotional development. The event was organized by Parent Link.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Robbin Gibb, who discussed the fundamentals of brain development and how early experiences can affect young children.

SSRP concerns raised by Town and MD of Pincher Creek councils

Toni Lucas

Members of both the Town of Pincher Creek and the MD of Pincher Creek met on Wednesday, February 19 to discuss the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP).   From this meeting a draft of areas of concern within the SSRP document as it currently stands was established. A modified copy of this document is intended to be sent to the Land Use Secretary.  At the meeting of MD of Pincher Creek's council on February 25 it was decided the actual document was too wordy, and Reeve Hammond was assigned the task of sorting out a more concise  version for Town Council's approval.

That revised document was not available to us at this time, so the following relates to the draft document.

Trojans defeat Hawks in Senior Boys basketball

Hawk T.J Ratzloff gets the rebound
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

*corrected for accuracy

The Matthew Halton Senior Boys Hawks hosted the Coalhurst Trojans in Pincher Creek on Monday, February 24. The Trojans won the game by a wide margin.

Crusaders defeat Hawks Sr. Girls in a fourth quarter turn-around

Hawk Samantha Cyr working past Crusader defense
Photos: C. Davis and T. Lucas

Toni Lucas

Matthew Halton' Senior Girls Hawks hosted the Coalhurst Crusaders in Pincher Creek on Monday, February 24. The Hawks were playing at their best, getting an early lead and keeping it going for the first three quarters of the game, working the rebounds, and putting up a strong offense.

French Immersion field trip to Pincher Creek's Fire Hall

Firefighters often have to stay low to the ground
Kelly Lepine photos

Kelly Lepine, Out and About

St. Michael's School's Kindergarten French Immersion class went on a field trip to Pincher Creek's Fire Hall on Thursday February 27.

Checking out an ambulance

Policing in Alberta to February 28, 2014

• Firearm alert at Fort Saskatchewan school
• Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision on Highway 12 near Coronation
• Samson First Nation aggravated assault incident
• RCMP Airdrie seeks assistance to identify theft suspect
• Thefts from vehicles in Brooks
• Three impaired semi drivers busted near Airdrie
• Charges laid after St. Albert pedestrian struck by vehicle
• High Level man charged with Criminal Harassment
• Theft of trailer, snow Machines and other property in Grande Prairie
• Airdrie Distracted Driver traffic stop leads to drug charges
• Three people charged with abduction and theft in Grande Prairie
• Fort McMurray traffic stop leads to drug charges
• Five individuals arrested for mischief at wild horse capture site
• Armed robbery in High River
• Edson RCMP arrests male in recent homicide
• Second arrest in Mail Box Bandit case
• New YIELD car to be unveiled
• Airborne truck in Thickwood
• Former Fox Creek Town Financial Officer charged with fraud
• Two men charged with arson for fraudulent gain
• Sudden death investigation ongoing, but no evidence to suggest foul play
• Investigation leads to charges against time share company

Alberta government pushes for better rail service

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Verlyn Olson

It has been a challenging few months for Alberta’s agriculture community.

At a time when we should be reaping the rewards of one of the best crops in recent memory, it has been a struggle just to get our products to market.

Elevators and farmyard bins across this province are filled to the rafters. Meanwhile, ships are lined up at West Coast ports, waiting for railcars to bring enough grain to fill empty cargo holds.

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Daxz

Daxz is 6 years old.  He's in his third year of CanSkate and attends Canyon School. He also plays on the Chinook Novice hockey team, likes to ski, ride horses and helps others kids on the ice.

50 Years On Ice: Pincher Creek Skating Club will be holding their annual skating carnival on Saturday March 22, starting at 2:00 pm

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Josephine

Josephine is 4 years old and attends Noah's Ark Preschool. This is her first year of CanSkate. She enjoys twirling on the ice and also likes swimming.

50 Years On Ice: Pincher Creek Skating Club will be holding their annual skating carnival on Saturday March 22, starting at 2:00 pm.

Town of Pincher Creek Public Works Coordinator Jim VanOyen receives 10 year service award

Jim VanOyen receives service award from Mayor Don Anderberg

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council held on Monday, February 24, Mayor Don Anderberg presented Public Works Coordinator Jim VanOyen with an award to commemorate 10 years of service to the Town. "Jim does an excellent job, on just about any project that shows up," said Anderberg as he presented VanOyen with his award. "We appreciate what you do, and what you have done in the last ten years. Thank you for your service and here is a token of appreciation for your ten years with the town."

"Thank you very much," said VanOyen. When asked about his future plans with the Town he said, "Hopefully, another ten years."

Warriors and Talons take top spots at 2014 Hawks Classic Senior Basketball Tournament

First place Senior Boys: 2013/14 Kainai Warriors

First place Senior Girls: 2013/14 Eagle Butte High Lady Talons

Toni Lucas

Matthew Halton High School hosted the 5th Annual Hawks Classic Senior Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament on February 21/22 in Pincher Creek at Matthew Halton and St. Michael's schools. Sixteen teams including eight boys teams and eight girls teams competed for two days.

Policing in Alberta to February 25, 2014

RCMP and LRPS press releases

• Public assistance requested to locate missing Pierceland Sask. man
• Charges laid in fatal Cold Lake area hit and run
• Valleyview teen charged with fatal hit and run
• Lethbridge dial-a-dope/stolen property operation busted
• Suspected Spruce Grove/Stony Plain mail box bandit arrested
• Sudden death near Gregoire Lake deemed unsuspicious
• Valuable antique signs stolen from Spruceview Community Hall
• Traffic operation in Fort Chipewyan

Signature Cafe, Fresh 'n Delicious and Nester's Own brand Caesar Salad products recalled due to Listeria

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Issued February 25, 2014

Safeway and Buy-Low Foods are recalling Caesar salad products from the marketplace due to possibleListeria contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

The following products have been sold in Alberta and British Columbia (Buy-Low Foods and Nesters Market) and in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (Safeway and St. Martin's Family Foods).

Click here for a full listing of recalled products.

Pincher Creek Town and MD councils grant a combined $3000 toward Alberta Citizens on Patrol AGM

Toni Lucas

At the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council held on Monday February 24 council reviewed a request from Pincher Creek Citizens on Patrol (PC COP), a volunteer organization. PC COP has made a successful bid for the Pincher Creek area to be the host site for the annual COP workshop and AGM for 2014. According to a letter from PC COP Director George Dowson this is traditionally a 2 day event held in September and approximately 150 people from all over Alberta are expected attend.

Pincher Creek library to lower fines and late fees

According to a letter sent to councils of the Town of Pincher Creek and MD of Pincher Creek, the Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library Board is taking steps to change their bylaws in regards to lowering fines on late fees. Specifically, the changes are to affect children and young adult books and DVDs. Children's books will be charged $0.10 per day, and children's DVDs will be charged $0.50 per day late fees. Juvenile or young adult books will be charged $0.15 per day, and juvenile or young adult DVDs will be charged $1.00 per day late fees.

Related story:
Library grand opening - vital services in a revitalized space

New building to be constructed east of Pincher Creek Walmart

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council held on Monday February 24, Mayor Don Anderberg reported that he had attended the Municipal Subdivision Authority Meeting on Tuesday the 18. "I am happy to announce that we have approved a new building," said Anderberg who explained that it will be a 3,200 square foot building located east of Walmart. Anderberg said that construction was to begin immediately, and that the people having the structure built are the owners of Superform Products.

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Catriona

Catriona is 4 years old and attending her first year of CanSkate. She enjoys skating fast, skiing, ballet and watching the Olympics.

50 Years On Ice: Pincher Creek Skating Club will be holding their annual skating carnival on Saturday March 22, starting at 2:00 pm

Mobile mammography service to visit Brocket and Fort Macleod in March

Women ages 50 to 74, the group most at risk of developing breast cancer, will have access to mammography services when Alberta Health Services’ Screen Test program arrives in the communities of Fort Macleod and Brocket next month.

Brocket:
A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at Aakom-Kiyii Health Services, 1860 15th Avenue S, on March 3, 4 and 10. Residents can book an appointment or learn more about the program by calling 1-800-667-0604.

Fort Macleod:
A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at the Fort Macleod Health Centre, 744 26 Street S, every day between March 11 and 15. Residents can book an appointment or learn more about the program by calling 1-800-667-0604.

Pesky Hornets chase Southwest Rockies from Bantam AA playoffs

Rockies vs Hornets
Lloyd Lybbert photo/video

Frank McTighe, Macleod Gazette Editor

The Southwest Rockies got stung by the Cranbrook Hornets in the first round of the South Central Alberta Bantam AA Hockey League playoffs.  After defying the odds just to make the playoffs the Rockies dropped two tight games to the Hornets and were eliminated.

The Rockies will hold their wind-up banquet in March to put the finishing touches on the 2013-’14 season.
Hornets 6 Rockies 5

Horsemanship the focus of Piikani Youth winter program

Tyrone Potts

Chris Davis - Pincher Creek's Horseshoe Pavilion was filled with eager youngsters for five evenings this month as organizers of Piikani Youth Rodeo provided free horsemanship classes to anyone interested in attending.

"We're focusing this time on horsemanship, to be able to get these kids to be able to ride on their own, to know what to do if there is an emergency, or the horse does something out of the ordinary," explained organizer Tyrone Potts.  "The bigger kids are able to take a bridle off and put a halter on.  We want to teach horsemanship.  We want to get away from the rodeo program until the summertime."

Fun at LDS scouting winter camp

Lloyd Lybbert

Lloyd Lybbert, Student Voice

Early morning on February 18 I went with the LDS scout troop on a winter camp. This group includes Spencer, Ben, Andrew, Taite, Dylan, Jack and Braydon. Camp leaders were Mark Nelson and Robert Frost.

Rose and Jim Killoran recognized for 17 years of service to Pincher Creek Citizens on Patrol

Jim and Rose Killoran

Rose and Jim Killoran are the longest serving members of the Pincher Creek District Citizens of Patrol group (PCD COP), serving for the last 17 years since the group started in 1997. At PCD COP's post Christmas dinner and meeting on January 18 they were awarded with a gift certificate for a dinner for two to recognize their years of service. "Rose and Jim are still active patrollers and we appreciate them sticking with us for all this time," says PCD COP President Robyn Dowson.

RHL Huskies whomp Lomond

Alexandra Morgan sings 'O Canada' at start of Huskies/Lakers game

Chris Davis story/photos/video

Pincher Creek's RHL Huskies hosted Lomond's Lakers for game two of a best-of-five round one Ranchland Hockey League playoff series, ultimately defeating the Lakers 8-3 in front of a jubilant hometown crowd.

Midget Huskies win first round of Spud League playoffs, compete in Casey Cup

Chris Davis story/video

Pincher Creek's  Midget Huskies hosted and defeated Cardston at the MCC arena on Friday evening, February 21. By Spud League rules, in playoffs if one team wins by more than 10 points there is no second game. In a repeat of the scenario we've seen all season when these two teams have met, the Huskies were ahead 12-1 at the end of the first period, and proceeded to play pass-the-puck for the remaining two periods, with run-time started sometime in the second. The Huskies went on to win it 15-2, thereby winning round one of the playoffs. Not a fun game to watch. It probably wasn't much fun to play either.

By several accounts, the Huskies had much more fun and greater challenges when they played at the 2014 Casey Cup tournament in Great Falls Montana the weekend before. "What happened in Montana?" I asked Huskies Head Coach Kent Goodreau after the game against Cardston.

Peewee Chinooks win first round of Spud League playoffs

Chris Davis story/photos/video

Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks defeated Kainai in round one of Spud League playoffs. For the first of two playoff games they hosted the Kainai Chiefs at the MCC arena on Saturday, February 22. The Chinooks were consistent throughout, scoring twice in both the first and second periods, and once in the third. Kainai scored twice in the first, was scoreless in the second, and scored once in the third.  An overabundance of penalties cost the Chinooks some momentum in the third. 

Final score 5-3 Chinooks. 

Nelz Vance and Ethan Grier each scored twice for the Chinooks, and both of them also earned assists.  Calim Yellow Face scored once and earned an assist.  Sam Jordan also earned an assist.

Spud League season ends for Atom Chinooks

Chris Davis story/photos/video

The Atom Chinooks hosted Picture Butte's Blades for game two of round one playoffs at the MCC Arena on Sunday February 23. Having lost by 3 (9-6) the day before at Picture Butte's rink, the Chinooks needed to win by 4 to continue to round two. They almost did it. The Chinooks were up 5-1 at the end of the first period. A rollicking second period narrowed the gap, with the Chinooks ahead 7-4 at the buzzer. The Blades had a strong third period, tying it up 7-7 near the halfway point, then 8-8. The Chinooks won the game 11-9, two goals shy of winning the two game series.

Spud League season ends for Novice Chinooks

Chris Davis story/photos/video

On Saturday February 22 Pincher Creek's Novice Chinooks travelled to Irvine for the first of two Spud League playoff games.  The Irvine Bulldogs won that game 10-3.  The next day the Chinooks hosted the Bulldogs at the MCC arena. The Bulldogs were on their way to a shut-out until Drew Stuckey of the Chinooks put one on the board for his team early in the third period. Jaydon Draper also scored for the Chinooks late in the period, assisted by Joah Randall.

Initiation Chinooks play first game of season

Kelly Lepine story and photos

Pincher Creek's Initiation Chinooks played their first game of the season on Saturday February 22. It was an away game against Lethbridge. Lethbridge won it 5-3, but Chinooks fans were all impressed by how they played against a team that already has six games under their belt. Way to go Initiation!

Catch these young dynamos in action at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre Arena on Sunday March 2 starting at 9:45 am when they are scheduled to host Kainai.

Pincher Creek Emergency Services report February 23 - 24

On Sunday, February 23 at approximately 5:30 pm Pincher Creek Emergency Services and a Lundbreck Fire engine responded to a single vehicle accident approximately 8 kilometers north of the Highway 3 junction on Highway 22. The driver was assessed and released on scene.

A residence in the Burmis area had a carbon monoxide alarm go off at approximately 6:00 am today, Monday February 24.  Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded with an ambulance, engine #11, and Lundbreck Fire's engine.  It was determined that there were indeed elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the house.  Five residents were assessed, and it was found that they had not been dangerously exposed.

Body of deceased snowboarder Wade Galloway recovered

Ground team returns via helicopter
Photos courtesy Parks Canada

Parks Canada press release

At approximately 1500 hrs Sunday afternoon, February 23, Parks Canada teams were able to safely recover the body of snowboarder Wade Galloway of Lethbridge who was killed in an avalanche last Saturday, February 15.

Policing in Alberta to February 24, 2014

RCMP and other press releases

• Pincher Creek RCMP media summary for the week of Feb. 17 - 23
• 19 year old driver dies after rolling stolen car near Ponoka
• Fatal Sherwood Park MVC
• Fatal collision on Highway 24
• ALERT surpasses $500 million worth of drugs seized
• Thrice the legal limit in Wetaskiwin
• RCMP investigates sudden death near Gregoire Lake
• Red Deer City man arrested for theft of SCUBA gear
• Sudden death in Redcliff deemed unsuspicious
• Highway 93 collision results in multiple injuries
• Vehicle mischief and theft in Fort Macleod
• Drugs seized in Canmore
• Theft of fuel near St. Michael
• Marihuana trafficking arrests in Beaumont
• Fatal Hit and Run at Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation
• Two Lethbridge men charged with numerous weapons offences
• Shots fired in Lancaster
• Three men arrested for Red Deer armed robbery
• RCMP Grande Prairie weekend summary
  

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Sarah

Sarah, 7, attends St. Michael's. This is her first year of CanSkate and she likes the feel of blades under her feet. She also likes basketball.

Missing person at Castle Mountain Resort found safe

Castle Mountain Resort press release

At 11:00 pm on February 22, 2014 Castle Mountain Resort received a report of a missing skier who had not returned at the end of ski day. A search of the village area was conducted with no results. The RCMP were contacted and shortly after Pincher Creek Search and Rescue were put on alert for assistance with a search at first light.

PCES practices ice rescue techniques

PCES members practicing ice rescue techniques
Pat Neumann photo

Chris Davis

Seven members of Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) participated in an ice rescue training exercise on Saturday, February 22 at the Pincher Creek airport tanker base.  "They have water retention ponds out there that we use," explained PCES Deputy Chief Pat Neumann.  "We have a victim, and we simulate a rescue through basic broken ice."

On speaking up

Phil Burpee, Letter to the Editor

     Sometimes it takes a while for stuff to sink in. A comment to a letter by David McIntyre in the Voice a week or two ago concerning certain development trends along the eastern slope came burbling back to mind. The anonymous respondent pointed out, pretty much needlessly I thought, that Mr. McIntyre 'did not speak for us'. Fair enough – and big deal. I've never noticed that he pretended to do so. I've run into David from time to time at various civic functions, and have always found him to be thoughtful, sincere and forthright. And while it may gall certain locals that he speaks up, speaking up is what he feels compelled to do owing to his heartfelt beliefs and perceptions. And what are his perceptions? - primarily it would seem, according to his various public pronouncements, that there is a very clear and pressing distinction to be drawn between systematic and considered development in any region, and a rampant industrialization based upon urban imperatives and maximal exploitation of any available land base. Hardly a radical viewpoint – unless by radical is meant measured consideration on behalf of future users of the land in question.

Karen Sudom hosts autism workshop

Karen Sudom at Ranchland Mall

Toni Lucas

Karen Sudom is an autism specialist from Medicine Hat.  She held a seminar at the Ranchland Mall on Wednesday, February 19. The title of her talk was 'Engaging Life Issues Autistically", and it was an exercise in autism immersion. She speaks from experience, being diagnosed with autism herself as an adult, also raising three children, two of who have been diagnosed with this disorder.

Online Economic Dashboard unveiled by Alberta government

A new  Economic Dashboard for Alberta is now online.  According to a recent Government of Alberta press release,  "Alberta will be the first jurisdiction in Canada and one of only a few in North America to offer comprehensive provincial economic information online."

The Dashboard provides 26 economic metrics specific to the Alberta economy and will be updated on a near-daily basis.  Metrics include indicators such as gross domestic product, natural resources prices and employment. The metrics also include historical time series charts that visually show performance over many years.

The Dashboard’s data is available to Albertans on the Open Data Portal.

Two car collision sends six to Pincher Creek Hospital

Toni Lucas

A two vehicle collision occurred on Highway 785 close to Country Veterinary Clinic (formerly Pickard Veterinary Services) just east of Pincher Creek at approximately 10:00 pm on Friday, February 21.  A late model Ford Mustang lost control, colliding head on with a mini van.

There were two people in one vehicle and four in the other.  All six people were transported to Pincher Creek Hospital with undetermined injuries.  One person was later transported to Lethbridge.  Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to the accident with one engine, a rescue vehicle, and two ambulances.

Updated 

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Morgan

Morgan,11, attends St. Michael's. This is her first year of CanSkate and she likes learning new skills. She also enjoys mini-basketball.

Premier Redford visits Heritage Acres Farm Museum

Premier Redford standing in front of a wind turbine at Heritage Acres with the museum buildings in the background

Chris Schwartz/Government of Alberta photos

press release

As part of a Southern Alberta tour starting in Lethbridge and with several stops in Pincher Creek, Alberta’s Premier Allison Redford spent part of the afternoon Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Heritage Acres Farm Museum. Her visit there started with a tour of the wind turbine on the museum property guided by representatives from Altalink and Alberta Wind Energy Corp.

PCES recent calls February 19-21, 2014

• 3 MVCs on Hwy 3
• Minor train fire on Hwy 3
• Minor tractor-trailer fire on Hwy 3
• Treacherous highways
  

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Gray

Gray, 5 years old, attends St. Michael's. This is her first year of CanSkate and she likes the cool down songs. She also likes riding horses.

Van rollover in Pincher Creek

RCMP press release

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 19th, 2014, Pincher Creek RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover. The driver of a van lost control on Main Street near Agro Sales in Pincher Creek.

The van was discovered overturned in the trees by a passerby . Pincher Creek Fire and EMS attended the scene and an injured adult male was subsequently transported to hospital. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision however charge(s) have not yet been laid at this time. The male remained at the hospital while the investigation continued.

Pincher Creek Skating Club Featured Skater Isabel

Isabel is 6, and attends St. Michael's School. This is her 3rd year in CanSkate and the best part of it is learning new skating skills. She also likes Judo.

Atom Chinooks win Gold at home tourney

Gold: 2013/14 Atom Chinooks

Chris Davis with Lloyd Lybbert

Pincher Creek's Atom Chinooks placed first in their home tournament, held last weekend at the Memorial Community Centre arena.  The tournament ended as it started, with the Chinooks and Calgary's Saints facing off against each other.  In game one they tied 3-3.  In game 12, the final game, the Chinooks won 9-6 for gold.

An interview with Macleod riding hopeful Melissa Mathieson

Melissa Mathieson

On November 6 of this year Macleod electoral district Member of Parliament Ted Menzies announced he was immediately retiring from public office. Since that announcement several people have declared themselves as candidates for the Conservative Party of Canada nomination to replace Menzies prior to the upcoming byelection, which must be held within six months of his resignation.  Melissa Mathieson is one of those nomination candidates.

Toni Lucas

Melissa Mathieson is a 24 year old resident of High River who is currently seeking the Conservative Party of Canada nomination in the Macleod riding, which includes Pincher Creek.  I spoke with her via telephone in advance of the forum planned for Wednesday February 26, 7:00 pm at the Heritage Inn.   "I absolutely will be there," she said.

Magrath Zeniths win Livingstone Junior A Boys Basketball Tournament

Gold: Magrath Zeniths

Silver: Livingstone Sabres

Bronze: St. Michael's Dragons

Consolation: Hill Spring's Panthers

Toni Lucas

Livingstone School's Sabres hosted a Junior A Boys Basketball Tournament on February 14 and 15. Eight teams competed in a total of twelve games, with Magrath's Zeniths defeating the Sabres for gold in the last game. The Sabres were rewarded with a hard-earned silver.  St. Michael's Dragons defeated Claresholm's WCCHS Cobras for third place.