Details of Windy Slopes Health Foundation plans for Pincher Creek ER

Windy Slopes Health Foundation

We did it!

Windy Slopes Health Foundation is proud and excited to announce funds have been raised to complete the renovation of the Emergency Room at the Pincher Creek Health Care Centre. We want to extend our special thanks to this wonderful community for all the years of donations and support.  Over the past 2 years, Windy Slopes has been rallying support by explaining the benefits of an enhanced and renovated Emergency Room. We are at 75% of the project goal.

A SPECIAL thanks to Reeve, Brian Hammond and the MD representatives for taking the time to meet with the Minister of Health to secure the final 25% needed to proceed with this project.

Alberta prepares for wildfire season

Government of Alberta

Wildfire season in Alberta officially begins on March 1. In preparation, the Alberta government is busy positioning crews, aircraft and other equipment in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area for immediate deployment as required. The province is also training new firefighting personnel and staffing Alberta’s lookout towers in readiness for wildfire season. Albertans living, working or visiting the province’s forested areas are reminded to take extra care while burning this spring, as dry conditions and strong winds can fuel fast-burning grassfires. Industrial or commercial operations in Alberta should ensure their emergency response and wildfire management systems are fully operational to effectively respond to potential wildfire situations.

If found responsible for starting a wildfire, people or companies may be charged with the cost of fighting that fire and may be fined under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act.

Harlem Crowns take on Pincher Creek for a hearty game of Clownball

Harlem Crowns, Dragons, Hawks, and officials
K. Jorgenson photo

Chris Davis

A crowd of close to 200 people were in attendance when the Harlem Crowns held court at Matthew Halton School on the evening of February 24, taking on the combined talents of Matthew Halton and St. Michael's schools' Senior boys and girls basketball players, in various combinations.  The Crowns are a perennial favourite, and once again they brought hijinx, laughter, and a healthy dose of basketball education with them.  Profits from the event went to the Grad Class of 2015.

Hawk Lachlan Terpstra tries to concentrate on his shot

K. Jorgenson photo

Atom Chinooks: big finish to regular season, lose to Blades in Provincial playdowns (updated)

Chinooks vs Blades
J. Jackson/C.Davis/T.Lucas photos and videos

Atom Chinooks vs Raymond and Irvine

Joey Jackson

Atom Chinooks vs Raymond

Producer choices enhanced with 2015 Crop Insurance Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced details of the 2015 Crop Insurance Program, which includes ongoing enhancements giving producers more choice and flexibility to build an insurance package suited to the needs of their operation.

The Crop Insurance budget for 2015 is $154 million. On average coverage levels are increasing to $183 per acre, up from $162 per acre in 2014. Premiums are going down to an average of $7.06 per acre from $7.47 in 2014. The improved coverage is a result of better forecasted crop prices and increased long-term yields. The lower premium is a result of lower rates to provide insurance coverage to producers.

Wildrose Party to announce new leader on March 28

Wildrose Party press release

The new leader of the Wildrose Party will be announced on March 28, 2015. After hearing much feedback from members, constituency associations, and candidates, the Wildrose Party Executive Council met and voted unanimously to accelerate the leadership process.

Peewee Chinooks host Bow Island and Taber

Chinook Nelz Vance with the puck in game against Rebels
J. Jackson photos and videos

Joey Jackson

The Peewee Chinooks had a tough couple games to end off their regular season this weekend on February 21st and 22nd in Pincher Creek at the MCC. The Chinooks hosted Bow Island Rebels and the Taber Oil Kings, and they dropped both games, with the Rebels winning their game 4-3, and the Taber Oil Kings winning theirs 3-1. The last time the Chinooks met these two teams it was a different story, the games were more evenly matched.  The Chinooks managed to win against and tie both of these teams earlier on in the season but couldn't manage to get the same kind of production that they had when they played them before. In both of the most recent games the Chinooks had strong performances coming out of the first and into half of the second periods, but couldn't keep up the pace for the latter half of each game.

Novice Chinooks finish regular season at the top of the Spud League standings

Novice Chinooks vs Taber Oil Kings
J. Jackson photos/videos

• Update:  A Novice playoff game has been added to the schedule - Saturday February 28, 3:45-5:45 vs Kainai

Joey Jackson

The Novice Chinooks had a very busy weekend, playing three games in two days. They defeated Cardston's Thunder 6-5 on Friday February 20th in Cardston, then they played two games on Saturday February 21st in Pincher Creek. They won their first game against the Raymond Ice 6-5, and the last game of the weekend, against the Taber Oil Kings, ended in a 4-4 tie.

Accuracy of AltaLink public consultation minutes questioned

David McIntyre

The attached letter - it might be entitled Assessing AltaLink - presented here in shortened form to remove the name of a third party individual, was sent to AltaLink following the company’s presentation of meeting minutes that, in the opinion of participants, fell far short in presenting a meaningful rendering of actual outcomes. The meetings addressed a proposed $750-million overhead transmission line from Pincher Creek to Crowsnest Pass.

PC Blue Menu brand Bran Flakes Cereal recalled due to pieces of plastic

Canadian Food Inspection Agency



PC Blue Menu brand Bran Flakes Cereal recalled due to pieces of plastic - click here for more information

No injuries in single vehicle rollover near west Lundbreck

Toni Lucas

Lundbreck Fire Department assisted Crowsnest Pass RCMP with traffic control this morning at the site of a single vehicle rollover that occurred on Highway 3 west of Lundbreck at approximately 9:30 am. There were no injuries reported.

Town council discusses possible improvements to bus loading zone at St. Michael's

Toni Lucas

The issue of a dedicated bus loading zone at St. Michael's School was discussed during the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on February 23.   The Holy Spirit Catholic School Board (HSCSB) has made a formal request for assistance funding towards off-street school bus parking at St. Michael's School. Concerned citizens approached Town Council about snow removal and student safety in January 2013.  The process has continued to include identifying issues around traffic, and safety for students and drivers in the area. More recently this issue was brought foreword to council on January  12 and January  26 of this year.  Each time, after discussion, the decision was to obtain more information, which happened again at this meeting.

Brian Jean enters Wildrose leadership race, secures Fildebrandt endorsement

Brian Jean

Wildrose press release

Former Fort McMurray-Athabasca Member of Parliament Brian Jean announced today that his is seeking the leadership of the Wildrose Party.  Jean, a lawyer and Fort McMurray businessman, launched his campaign with a speech highlighting his personal experiences with Alberta's broken health system and the PC government's fiscal irresponsibility. "I think Alberta deserves a well-run efficient government that applies good Albertan common sense and the Alberta work ethic to the important activities of government," said Jean. "I think small government, low taxes, and common-sense efficiencies are how you actually serve people. Those are Wildrose principles, they have always been my principles."

Two vehicle collision on Highway 3 west of Lethbridge

RCMP Alberta Media Relations

On February 24th, 2015, at approximately 10:12 p.m. Lethbridge RCMP were alerted to a two vehicle collision on Highway #3, two kilometres west of Lethbridge. The initial investigation has revealed that a westbound semi collided head on with a van travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the divided highway. The collision occurred at the crest of a hill and according to witnesses the eastbound van had been travelling in the wrong direction since the intersection at Coalhurst. The male driver of the van has been transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and the male driver of the semi was uninjured in the collision. An accident reconstructionist is on scene assisting with the investigation. Lethbridge RCMP are actively investigating driver impairment as a contributing factor in the collision.

Canadian wheat class modernization

Canadian Grain Commission

From February 20 to April 20, 2015, we are consulting with you (grain handlers, processors, marketers, developers, producers and end-use customers) on our proposal to modernize Canada's wheat class system.

This proposal will:

• Review current Canadian wheat classes
• Enhance the consistency of Canadian wheat classes to enhance marketability
• Add a new wheat class to address emerging requests from producers and markets

Pincher Creek RCMP media summary for Feb 16-23, 2015

Pincher Creek RCMP

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of Feburary 16-23, 2015. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 40
Assaults – 2
Domestic assault - 1
Break and Enter (residential) – 2
Mischief (vandalism) - 3
Theft under $5000 - 2
Disturbing the Peace - 1
Driving complaints (general) - 6
MV Collisions - 4
Liquor offences - 3
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2
Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
Assistance to other agencies - 2
False Alarms - 3
911 calls (invalid) - 2
Prisoners held – 3

Kainai Lady Warriors top Sr. Girls team at 2015 Hawks Basketball Classic

First place - Kainai Lady Warriors

Second place - Pincher Creek's Dragons

Third place - Hanna Hawks

Livingstone Sabres top Sr. Boys team at 2015 Hawks Basketball Classic

First place: Livingstone Sabres

Second place: St. Michael's Dragons

Third place: Hanna Hawks

Fireball burns bright in southern Alberta night

Neil Zeller @Neil_Zee photograph of meteorite breaking up over Calgary

http://neilzellerphotography.zenfolio.com

Bruce Mowat, Contributor

(updated)

At 10:55 this evening a huge fireball burnt through the sky of the M.D. of  Pincher Creek, traveling south to north.  It looked like it had a tail of fire fifty miles long. It lit up the country sky. As it was going through the sky I thought it was a jet burning up, initially.

Editor's note: Other confirmations of this sighting from Twitter user @jerman1983:

February 25 update: Contributor Tyson Henderson sent in the following video of the object, which he took while walking out from Monster Fitness in Pincher Creek.

Eugene Wilson reports "I watched the meteor over Lethbridge for about 2 minutes as it was travelling north on the same trajectory I have seen some planes take to get to Calgary and thought it was a high altitude plane burning and breaking up. I tried to get a photo but my camera phone was whited out by street lamps."

If you saw the object, or took photos or video we'd love to hear from you at pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com

Related link: American Meteor Society fireball reports

Windy Slopes achieves ER renovations funding target

Windy Slopes Health Foundation

To the citizens of the M.D and Town of Pincher Creek,

Windy Slopes Health Foundation over the past few years has been pursuing donations in support of the Pincher Creek Emergency Room Renovations.

Windy Slopes Health Foundation board members are happy to announce that funds have been RAISED.

We gratefully decline the financial support of the Town and M.D. Councils of Pincher Creek.

Single vehicle rollover on Highway 3

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a single vehicle rollover near the top of the hill at the Cowley coulees on Highway 3 approximately 7 kilometres west of Pincher Creek at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, February 21.  The lone occupant of the vehicle was assessed and released on scene with no injuries.  Pincher Creek Rescue, Ambulance, and Cowley Fire responded.

Zebra mussels a black and white issue for both Pincher Creek councils

Dreissena polymorpha (Zebra mussels)
Wikimedia Commons image

Toni Lucas

Both the Town of Pincher Creek and Municipal District of Pincher Creek councils recently ​addressed letters from the United Irrigation District looking for support for legislation to prevent the threat of aquatic invasive species from entering Alberta waterways​​. Quagga and Zebra mussels were mentioned as being a particular concern. Town Councillor Thornton said that he has seen the devastation and destruction that these mussels can do. MD Councillor Schoening spoke to how these mussels can destroy irrigation systems.

And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household

Phil Burpee

To the Editor,

As the debate surrounding the proposed anti-terror legislation Bill C51 roils around us, it is perhaps worth revisiting a couple of quotes from yesteryear: -

“I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.” - Thomas Jefferson

“Every war when it comes, or before it comes, is represented not as a war but as an act of self-defense against a homicidal maniac.” – George Orwell

MLA Pat Stier preparing for next election

MLA Pat Stier
C. Davis file photo

Chris Davis

In a recent interview, Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier reiterated his continued dedication to the Wildrose party and his intention to run in the next provincial election, should one be called in the near future as anticipated. "Yes, I am running again, and I am excited to go at it, frankly, because of what's happened now," Stier said, referring to the December floor crossings of former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and 8 other Wildrose MLAs. Stier said that positive comments he has heard from constituents regarding his decision to remain a Wildrose MLA were gratifying. "It has given me renewed belief in what I am doing."

Midget Huskies defeat Picture Butte Blades in last regular season game

Midget Huskies vs Blades
C. Davis photos/video

• Midget provincial game March 3, 6:00-8:30 pm at Pincher Creek Memorial Community Centre Arena.

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies played their 16th and final Spud league regular season game on Friday evening, February 20 on home ice at the MCC arena against Picture Butte's Blades.  The game was never really in doubt, the Huskies played the Blades three times before in the regular season and defeated them by a wide margin each time.   Despite being somewhat fatigued from their successful road trip to Great Falls to win the Casey Cup on the weekend and two successful Provincials games against Fort Macleod's Mustangs, this time the Huskies defeated the Blades 7-1.  This was the last regular season Spud League Midget game.

Canadian Cancer Society: here to help

Canadian Cancer Society

Did you attend or support the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life last June? The committee sincerely thanks all those who contributed to the success of Pincher's first Relay For Life on June 21, 2014. More than $39,000 was raised through the kindness and generosity of our community. To say we were in awe of this success is an understatement!

Crowsnest Pass RCMP complaints summary for Feb. 12-19, 2015

Crowsnest Pass RCMP

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Crowsnest Pass Detachment received for the period of February 12-19, 2015. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 38
Assaults - 1
Break and Enter (Business) - 1
Fraud/Forgery - 1
Mischief (Vandalism) - 2
Driving complaints - 10
Motor Vehicle Collisions - 10
Suspicious Occurrences - 5
Assistance to General Public - 6

Evan Berger acclaimed as PC candidate for Livingstone -Macleod

Evan Berger
C. Davis file photo

Chris Davis

Evan Berger has been acclaimed as the Progressive Conservative candidate for Livingstone-Macleod. Berger was MLA for the riding from 2008 to 2012 before losing it by a narrow margin to current MLA Pat Stier in the April 2012 election. Berger was the minister for Agriculture and has since been employed by the PC government as senior policy adviser to the deputy miister of Agriculture. Berger will be hosting a meet and greet at the Claresholm community hall on March 7 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Candy Smoked Salmon recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Candy Smoked Salmon recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes. Click here for more information

Double wins for Midget Huskies against Fort Macleod Mustangs

Midget Huskies vs Mustangs - Jeremy Kretz stops another
C. Davis photos/J. Jackson video

Joey Jackson

The Midget Huskies hosted the Fort Macleod Mustangs on the evening of Tuesday February 17 for an extremely close game that ended with the Huskies winning 2-0. It was the second of two Provincials qualifiers for the two teams, the Huskies also winning their first encounter 9-1. The Huskies have one more regular season game scheduled, tonight Friday February 20 at the MCC arena, starting at 8 pm, when they will host Picture Butte's Blades.

A tie and a loss for Peewee Chinooks

Brayden Scotton (right) of the Chinooks vies for the puck with Oil Kings
J. Jackson photos and video

Joey Jackson

Chinooks vs Taber Oil Kings

Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks hosted the Taber Oil Kings in another nailbiter last weekend on Sunday February 15th. While the Oil Kings owned the play early on, scoring all of their goals in the first half of the game, the Peewee Chinooks were able to get their team back on track and climb out of a 4 goal deficit to tie the game late. The Chinooks also had to overcome quite a few penalties this game but that didn't stop them from being able to score two shorthanded goals.

Crestview Lodge January 2015 in review

Greetings from Crestview Lodge

January was a strange month. The first week we were in flu outbreak mode, which made all activities come to a halt. Residents didn’t like it much but they survived it and thank God it was a short time. It did give me a chance to catch up on paper work and clean up files including updating computer files for the New Year.

Then we swung into regular programing. On the 15th, the three course lunch the Mathew Halton culinary students put on was really amazing. We had a choice of 3 kinds of appetizers, main meal and deserts. It was hard to choose from each category as they all sounded wonderful. We also partook in some virgin margaritas and sangrias. Wow the students did a great job.

Sr. Basketball - Hawks participate in Vulcan tournament

Hawks vs Vulcan
K. Jorgensen photos/video

Chris Davis/Kim Jorgenson

Hawks vs Piikani (Teigan Lissel of the Hawks shooting)

On February 11 Matthew Halton's Sr. Boys Hawks basketball team traveled to Piikani Nation Secondary School.  Piikani won that game by a wide margin.  Last weekend the Hawks were in Vulcan, participating in the John Wark Memorial Tournament, where they took 4th place after a win and two losses.

Piikani Youth Rodeo holding winter events at Horseshoe Pavilion

Steer riders Dwight Crazy Boy Warrior, Aidan Scout, Chayse Scout, and Lonnie Phillips
C. Davis photos/video

Chris Davis

Participants in the Piikani Youth Rodeo were practicing at Pincher Creek's Horseshoe Pavilion on Tuesday evening, February 19.  Shaylee French once again helped young riders learn the finer points of barrel racing, which was followed by a steer riding demonstration.  Organizer Tyrone Potts and a number of other volunteers kept things on track.  There was no mutton busting, usually a staple of the event, because this is the time of year when the sheep are pregnant.  The Piikani Youth Rodeo is open to anyone between the ages of 4 and 25, regardless of race, sex, or creed.  The next one is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 7-9 pm, again at the Horseshoe Pavilion.

A tie and a loss for the Novice Chinooks

Bowen Hann tending goal for the Chinooks
J. Jackson photos/video

Joey Jackson

The Novice Chinooks had an exciting game against Warner's Sabres on Sunday February 15 at the MCC arena with a come-from-behind tie late in the third period. Not holding a lead for the entire game, Chinook Jaydon Draper's late game hat trick, with his last goal coming in the last 5 minutes of the game, tied the game at 5 apiece.  Walker Anderson was the Chinooks' other goal scorer.  He scored just after coming out of the box a few seconds earlier.  Draper earned a natural hat trick in the game, scoring 4 goals in total.  At last tabulation Draper was 5th in the Spud League Novice B division for scoring.

Prescription drug abuse awareness rally held at Piikani Nation

Lexxia Warrior with her drum at Piikani rally
Velma Little Mustache photos

Chris Davis

A prescription drug abuse awareness rally was held at Piikani Nation on February 12.  Of particular concern is Oxy 80,  the abuse of which has been reported as having a devastating effect on the nearby Blood Reserve. According to sources Oxy 80 is also a major concern for Piikani Nation youth, and may be present in the Pincher Creek community as well. Similar rallies and information meetings were held at Moccasin Flats near Cardston on January 19 by the Blood Tribe, at Stand Off on January 20 and 22, and in Lethbridge at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society on January 21.

MP John Barlow visits Pincher Creek Town Council

Toni Lucas

Macleod  Member of Parliament John Barlow appeared before Council for the Town of Pincher Creek during their regular meeting on Monday, February 9. Barlow said that he wanted to touch base and find out if Council had any questions. He discussed his new office in Fort Macleod, art on display in his Ottawa office, Crestview Lodge issues, grants and infrastructure projects, pipelines, and free trade agreements.

ASBA President’s statement regarding possible 9% cut to provincial budget

Helen Clease, President, Alberta School Boards Association

In the wake of Premier Jim Prentice’s recent reference to a possible 9 per cent reduction to Alberta’s provincial budget, the ASBA is concerned about the impact any cuts will have on classrooms in Alberta.

School boards have been doing more with less for a number of years. Even when oil prices were good, in times of prosperity, we have not always seen increases in per student funding. Cost of living increases, contractual obligations, reduction of grants and lack of infrastructure have forced school boards to continually look for efficiencies and find ways to save in light of fluctuating and unpredictable funding.