Low river flows prompt advisory for Alberta anglers

Eastern Slopes Stream Advisory

Alberta Environment and Parks - Significantly low flows, coupled with consistent high temperatures, have created an increased risk to fish populations.

Until conditions improve, Albertans are urged to consider that fish are vulnerable in these stressful conditions and they should follow safe handling procedures related to catch-and-release fishing to minimize fish mortality.

Sylvan Lake RCMP release composite sketch of attempted child abduction suspect

RCMP Alberta - On June 27, 2016 Sylvan Lake RCMP initiated an investigation into an attempted abduction of a 13-year-old girl.  Above is a composite sketch of the suspect male, identified preciously as Suspect #1 (the driver of the vehicle).

It is believed that the suspect vehicle may be similar to a Kia Optima or a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Original RCMP report issued June 28, 2016:

Glenn Kettles remembered

(In Memoriam)

Glenn Kettles

November 1, 1953 – June 27, 2016

Glenn Kettles, the great grandson of Pincher Creek pioneer Charles Kettles Sr., passed away unexpectedly in the morning on June 27, 2016 at his residence in Pincher Creek AB at the age of 62. Glenn was born on November 1, 1953 to Duncan and Pearl Kettles. He was the third of six children. Glenn remained a resident of Pincher Creek for his entire life. At the age of 18 Glenn began his career at the Shell Waterton Gas Plant advancing as a pipefitter onto a maintenance coordinator, retiring on January 1, 2009. Glenn continued to serve the oil and gas industry by founding Kettles Maintenance Ltd. and working maintenance projects throughout the province. Glenn caught travel fever early into his retirement and enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, Africa and Mexico.

No major injuries after two vehicle collision east of Pincher Creek

The rear passenger side wheel came off of the dodge and got jammed under the GMC

photos courtesy Pincher Creek RCMP

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) and local RCMP responded to a collision between two pickup trucks at the intersection of highways 507 and 786 on Tuesday, June 28 at 4:27 pm.  One vehicle was headed south from Brocket area and the other was traveling west toward Pincher Creek.

Constable Wallace of the Pincher Creek RCMP said one of the vehicles stopped at the intersection then proceeded in an unsafe manner and was hit on the passenger side near the rear tire.   Both vehicles had fluids leaking and required proper clean up procedures.  Both drivers were the sole occupants of the vehicles. They were assessed for injuries and released on the scene.  PCES were on scene for close to an hour.

Alberta child sexual exploitation suspects caught in Operation ICE Storm 3

Updated

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) - Operation ICE Storm 3 has led to the arrest of 10 child sexual exploitation suspects. ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team made the arrests in Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.

Fox Theatre hosts Show and Shine

The one-and-only custom 2004 Harley Davidson Prostreet Chopper on display

Josh Davis - On Sunday afternoon, June 17 the Fox Theatre hosted a motorcycle show and shine. Classic, unique, and valuable motorcycles and cars were parked on a blocked off section of main street, drawing in a crowd of over 60 people. In addition to bikes and cars on display, the event also featured Harvest Coffee's chili cook off, a mini-donut stand, a game station, face painting, and live music, provided by Adam Scotten.

Friday morning rollover sends one to hospital

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services and local RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover on Highway 3 just east of Summerview Feedlot at 5:15 am Friday, June 24. A large heavy duty mechanical truck which was heading eastbound lost control and rolled over in the north ditch. The lone male occupant was taken to hospital with minor injuries. RCMP are still investigating the incident.

U14 and U18 Hawks host 2016 season end soccer tournaments

2016 Pincher Creek U14 Hawks

Josh Davis - One Saturday, June 25, the Pincher Creek Hawks U14 and U18 soccer teams held their 2016 Junior High and Senior High year-end tournament. The U14 games took place at both Sproule and Halton Field, and the U18 games were played at Halton. Sparwood won first place for the seniors, with Pincher Creek coming in second. Sparwood also won at the U14 level, with Pincher placing third behind Crowsnest Pass. This matches the results from the regular season.

Pincher Creek Relay for Life raises $32,950

Toni Lucas - The Pincher Creek and District Agricultural Society Grounds was the site of the third annual Pincher Creek chapter of the Relay for Life on Saturday, September 25. This is a fundraising event to fight cancer which occurs all across Canada. The relay was marked with camaraderie, sharing, song, stories, memories, entertainment and hope. Eleven teams participated, helping raise funds to be used to advance cancer research and support Canadians living with cancer. Including sponsorships, raffle sales, and donations the volunteers raised $32,950 - surpassing their goal of $31,000.

Pincher Creek Humane Society faces operational crisis

Josh Davis – The Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA (PCHS) appeared as a delegation at the Tuesday June 28 meeting of the Council for the Municipal District #9 of Pincher Creek. Led by the new PCHS President Roxane Baalim, the delegation discussed with council the issues of reducing veterinary costs, and creating a sustainable funding model. According to the delegation, if PCHS continues on the financial path they are on, they will quickly run out of money, and be forced to close their facility. According to Baalim, the best alternative for the PCHS is to look to their partners in the community to address their challenges. Reeve Brian Hammond called this a “situation of crisis,” and stated that the PCHS cannot wait until the joint funding discussion for 2017 to address these issues. “The level of urgency is kind of important here,” said Hammond.

Bylaw amendment could allow live poultry in MD of Pincher Creek hamlets

Josh Davis – The current Animal Control bylaw for the Municipal District No. 9 of Pincher Creek doesn’t address chickens in hamlets. During the June 28 meeting of Pincher Creek’s MD Council, council directed administration to bring forward a bylaw amendment that could change this situation.

CUPW asks Pincher Creek's councils for Canada Post Review input

CUPW logo

Josh Davis - In an email to the Town of Pincher Creek and the Municipal District No. 9 of Pincher Creek by Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) National President Mike Palecek dated June 6, 2016, Palecek informed the council of a federal review of the public postal service. The letter sought public input, and expressed support for the idea of “postal banking”. Postal banking is the provision of financial and banking services through a post office.

MD of Pincher Creek to close Chipman Creek range road to motor vehicles

Josh Davis – During their regular meeting on June 28, 2016. the Municipal Council for the MD of Pincher Creek decided to close the Chipman Creek range road to vehicular traffic  In 2015, the MD was contacted by Trout Unlimited to look at a culvert on the Alberta Ranch Road 1- 2, between Tony Drive (TR 6- 0) and Alberta Ranch Road (TR 5- 4). It is an unimproved road that crosses Chipman Creek, and there is no bridge or culvert for Chipman Creek to pass under it. Historically this road is used by mud boggers. Trout Unlimited stated that this reach of Chipman Creek is an historical Bull Trout habitat.

May long weekend violation tickets up in MD of Pincher Creek due to increased enforcement

Speed reminder at the entrance to Beaver Mines

Christian Davis - According to a report by Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Mark Harrison three May long weekend checkstops near Beaver Mines proved to be quite successful.  47 violation tickets were issued this May long weekend, compared to 10 in 2015.

Pincher Creek Town Council presents 10 and 15 year service awards

Town of Pincher Creek Director of Operations Al Roth and Mayor Don Anderberg

Toni Lucas - At the outset of their meeting on the evening of June 27 council for the Town of Pincher Creek was pleased to make three long term service recognition awards.

• Director of Operations Al Roth received a 15 Years of Service Award
• Recreation department Fitness instructor Pattie Degen received a 10 Years of Service Award
• Operations Coordinator Phil Weigel received a 10 Years of Service Award

Sylvan Lake RCMP investigate attempted child abduction, suspects sought

RCMP Alberta - On June 27, 2016 Sylvan Lake RCMP responded to a complaint of an attempted abduction of a 13-year-old girl.  At approximately 11:00 p.m. a 13-year-old girl was out walking with friends near the library, in Sylvan Lake. She and her friends separated, and shortly after she noticed a vehicle being operated in a suspicious manner, and so she hid in a nearby bush.  The male driver got out and grabbed the girl from the bush and pulled her hair. There was a struggle and then the young girl was able to break free and safely ran away from the driver. The male passenger remained in the car.

Another Recycling Round Up success in Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek's 2016 Recycling Round-up was held on Saturday June 18 at the Ranchland Mall parking lot. A number of organizations participated. Pincher Planters held their annual plant swap, the Splash Park Committee held a fundraising barbecue and pancake breakfast, the Pincher Creek Lions Club collected eyeglasses, DBS Environmental collected hazardous waste like electronics, batteries and paints, and a paper shredder truck from Lethbridge Mobile Shredding was on hand for safe disposal of sensitive documents. A big draw for the day was the recycle swap.

Pincher Creek Legion holds second annual Poker Rally

Fred White with winner Bill Torvi
Photos courtesy of  Lou Burnham

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Royal Canadian Legion #43 held their second Annual Father's Day Poker Rally on Saturday, June 18. The event was meant to be a scenic tour of the countryside with a stop in the communities of Lundbreck, Twin Butte, Beaver Mines, and Cowley where each participant got to draw a card form a destination deck. Once everyone was back at the Legion they received a fifth card giving each of the 12 adventurous participants a five-card poker hand.

Alberta Government announces $400,000+ investment in Beaver Mines water project

• Grant will support design work to extend regional water supply system to Beaver Mines

Alberta Government - The Government of Alberta is investing in water infrastructure that will create jobs and ensure clean water in communities across the province.

Fire Advisory issued for MD of Pincher Creek

Alberta Fire Bans Fire Advisory Notice for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9, issued June 27, 2016 - The current drying trend has been increasing our fire hazard steadily. While the fields and pastures are green, the old grass and maturing grass mean we can have starts and if there is wind the probability is a significant spread rate. Use caution in all operations and call if there is a start.

We are allowing the fire pit permits to remain in effect, but will be adding restrictions to debris burning.

For more information visit http://beta.albertafirebans.ca

Redcliff RCMP charge Medicine Hat man with Child Luring and Sexual Assault

RCMP Alberta - On Friday, June 24, 2016, Redcliff RCMP entered into an investigation with regards to a sexual assault and child luring incident involving a female teenage resident of Cypress County.

Aaron Curtis Diaz, age 37, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, has been charged with 2 counts of Sexual Assault, 1 count of Distributing Sexually Explicit Material to a Child and one count of Luring a Person Under 18 Years by Means of Telecommunication. There was no connection between Diaz and the victim outside of social media.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for June 20-26, 2016

RCMP Pincher Creek - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of June 20-26, 2016. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 81

Sexual assault - 1

Assaults – 2

Domestic assault – 2

Fraud / Forgery - 1

Uttering Threats - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 5

Theft of motor vehicle - 1

Theft under $5000 - 4

Impaired Driving - 2

Disturbing the Peace - 9

Driving complaints (general) - 10

MV Collisions - 9

Liquor offences - 4

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 2

False Alarms - 1

911 calls (invalid) - 6

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held – 11

Pincher politics June 27, 2016

Upcoming meetings

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on Monday evening, June 27, beginning at 6:00 pm.  Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on Tuesday afternoon, June 28, beginning at 1:00 pm.  Both meetings are open to the public.

Go Skateboard Day 2016 held in Pincher Creek

Josh Davis - On Tuesday, June 21 the Pincher Creek Skate Park hosted Go Skateboard Day, a community event which invited skaters of all ages and skill levels to come out and show their stuff and learn from their peers and seasoned veterans of the sport.

Nelz Vance represents Alberta at NJHFR finals

Nelz Vance

Christian Davis - Pincher Creek's Nelz Vance rose to the third place in Alberta for Junior High Rodeo Chute Dogging.  This is his first year competing in the event.  It earned him a 10 day trip to Lebanon Tennessee for the 68th annual National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR), held June 19-25 by the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) .

Scenery Out and About to June 26, 2016

Lounging in the lilac shade of Pincher Creek - C. Davis photo

Community Out and About to June 26, 2016

Pincher Creek's Dolphins Swim Club was fundraising at the Ranchland Mall on Friday.

Pincher Creek Historical Society to coordinate Pincher Creek walking tour

Josh Davis - The Pincher Creek and District Historical Society recently unveiled their plans to co-ordinate a Pincher Creek walking tour. Businesses will have displays placed in their windows, detailing the history of the businesses which predate them at their location. Sifting through old photographs, and working in conjunction with local businesses, the society has identified thirty-four sites on the tour, from the old Pincher Creek Echo office to the Multi-Purpose Facility (Pool). However, this is subject to change, as the society hopes to add more sites as the project continues and they gather information.

Trinity Church hosts annual potluck at Bobby Burns Fish Park

Josh Davis - On Sunday June 26 Pincher Creek's Trinity Lutheran Church held its annual potluck barbeque and church service at the beautiful Bobby Burns Fish Pond. The congregation met at 10:00 am for a sermon from Pastor (and fellow comic book nerd) Andrew Craig. This was followed by good songs and good food. They braved brief morning showers to find a mild sunny morning on the other side. Craig said that this is the first year they've held the barbeque at Bobby Burns.

What is love?

Chris Ney

What is love, how can we define it?

Love is defined differently depending on who you ask, I think we all know that if we asked a teenager what love is they would have a different definition then an adult. The definition commonly used for love is: a strong feeling of affection and concern toward another person. That is a good definition but does it cover all of what love is or isn’t?

Of things spiritual

Joyce Sasse, - A mountain-man friend wrote in his memoirs about finding connection with the church through a minister he admired. One thing led to another. My friend and his family became involved in church activities and he became part of the congregation’s building committee.

High River RCMP report increased amount of counterfeit U.S. currency

RCMP Alberta. - The High River RCMP have responded to an increase in reports of counterfeit U.S. money being passed at local businesses. Since May 7, 2016 the RCMP have received six reports of counterfeit money which were passed at seven locations in town. The police have identified suspect(s) and laid charges in four of these incidents, and are asking businesses to be vigilant when accepting U.S. money. Commonly used denominations are $20, $50 and $100. Police are encouraging businesses to speak with their employees and provide tips for identifying counterfeit money.

2016 Bear Safety Workshop for Ranch Families held near Beaver Mines

Do you see the bear?

Toni Lucas - There were about 50 people of all ages and at least one (stuffed) bear in the woods at Coalfields Community Centre near Beaver Mines on Saturday, June 18 during the Bear Safety Workshop for Ranch Families event.   A large stuffed toy bear was hidden in the caragana bushes as part of the demonstration for the kids who attended to show how difficult it is to see wildlife when the wildlife is trying to stay hidden.   Inside the community centre speakers made presentations to the adults.  All ages were taught how to avoid bear encounters, what to do when you do encounter a bear, how to identify dangerous bear behavior, and how to respond to a variety of bear actions.

Pincher Creek to join "Generation Axia"

"Within the next few weeks we will be breaking ground in Pincher Creek - Axia Residential Sales Manager David Skabar

Christian Davis and Toni Lucas -  Axia has announced they will be expanding their fibre optic internet infrastructure into the town of Pincher Creek. Last November Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg and Councillor Doug Thornton explained the Axia proposal to the rest of council. saying Axia asked that 30% of Pincher Creek's serviceable residential and commercial addresses indicate an interest in Axia's fibre optic network. In return, Axia would install the infrastructure for that network at no installation cost to the community,  Members of council and administration provided significant assistance to Axia's promotional drive for the project.  The fibre optic network is to be installed within 100 metres of all serviceable addresses in the town of Pincher Creek.

Fatal rollover near Coaldale and Raymond

RCMP Alberta - On June 22, 2016 at approximately 5:00 am the Coaldale and Raymond RCMP, along with EMS & Fire responded to a single vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 4 and Highway 845. 

A silver Honda Accord was traveling northbound on highway 845 when the driver of the vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, lost control and rolled the vehicle. The driver, a 58 year old male, sustained serious injuries and subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

Car vs deer on Highway 3

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services and Lundbreck Fire responded to an incident on Highway 3 just west of Highway 22 at 11:33 pm Tuesday, June 21.  A car hit a deer.  No major injuries were reported.  Three people were treated and released on-scene.

Fox Theatre hosts Finding Dory scavenger hunt

A Pincher Creek tradition - lining up at the Fox

Josh Davis - On Friday June 17, the Fox Theatre in Pincher Creek hosted 98 local youth in a scavenger hunt at 1:30pm, prior to the 3pm matinee of the movie Finding Dory. Groups of participants were given a list of Dory related items to search for throughout the town of Pincher Creek. The winning two groups were awarded with prizes, such as free treats and popcorn combos. Door prizes for Finding Dory will be given out throughout the week, including Disney merchandise, such as Finding Dory stuffed plush dolls.

Other Special Places slideshow presentation benefits Boun Lod Fund

Gordon Peterson

Josh Davis - On Friday, June 17th, more than 110 people were given a taste of the world during Gordon Peterson and Cathy Scrimshaw's photo presentation in the Town Hall Gym, titled Other Special Places. The Beaver Mines couple shared tales of their globe trotting exploits, including both poles, Madagascar, Easter Island, Namibia, Mongolia, South America, southeast Asia, and the remotest gift shop in the world. Proceeds from the event were slated for the Boun Lod Fund.

Alberta 2.0 proposes Provincial Innovation Champion

Senator Doug Black and Dean Doucet , Alberta 2.0 press release - Alberta’s energy and resource industries have been the financial backbone of our Province and will continue to be a major economic generator.

Yet, Albertans cannot sit back and rely on these industries for investment, job creation, and economic growth to the degree we have in the past. The oil price plunge of the last two years, notwithstanding some recent upswing, has created hardship for the industry, the province, and many Albertans. This is not the first time depressed commodity prices impacted us and it will not be the last time either. But we must act now so we are not as vulnerable to oil price swings as we have been in the past.

Pincher Creek Rotary to roll up its sleeves under new president Dan Crawford

New Pincher Creek Rotary President Dan Crawford

"We will break bread as friends and neighbors. We will laugh."

Christian Davis - The Rotary Club of Pincher Creek held their Passing of the Gavel celebration on Saturday evening June 18 at the beautiful Eggert Ranch south of Pincher Creek near Twin Butte. Outgoing Club President Philip Francois officiated the event, speaking to a sizable crowd of Rotarians, dignitaries, guests, and other elbow rubbers hailing from near and far before handing the gavel over to Dan Crawford, making Crawford the new Rotary Club of Pincher Creek President.

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek reviews a number of parade attendance requests

^ Town of Pincher Creek represented at the Crowsnest Pass Bellecrest Days parade last weekend.

Councillor Wayne Elliott photo

Toni Lucas - During the regular meeting of Council for the Town of Pincher Creek on Monday, June 13 council discussed a number of events and the level of participation the council was willing to commit to.  The requests were for the towns of Picture Butte, Coaldale, Cardston, Claresholm, and Brocket.

Rollover sends two to hospital

Toni Lucas - At 3:00 am on Saturday, June 18 Pincher Creek Emergency Services and RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover approximately 20 kilometres south of Pincher Creek on Highway 6. Three people were in the vehicle, and two were sent to hospital with undetermined injuries.

Three years ago today - the 2013 Alberta floods

Pincher Voice video

Our 2013 flood event coverage:

• Pincher Creek and area less affected by flooding issues than other parts of southern Alberta

Alberta Government - Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee has issued the following statement to mark the third anniversary of 2013 Alberta floods:

“This Monday, June 20 marks the third anniversary of the southern Alberta floods. While three years have passed, this is a significant day that symbolizes a time that forever changed our province.

Truck vs train collision at Piikani Nation

Photos courtesy of Peigan Fire

Toni Lucas -  On Sunday June 12, 2016 just after 8:00 pm Peigan Fire and Piikani RCMP responded to a collision between an eastbound train and a southbound Ford half-ton pickup truck at the Range Road 272 CPR Crossing. According to Peigan Volunteer Fire Department Chief Floyd Provost, RCMP and EMS were on scene by the time Peigan Fire arrived, and the pickup truck driver was already being handled in the EMS unit, with undetermined injuries. Peigan Fire responded with a Command Unit and Brush Buggy, completed a site reconnaissance with photos and measured the impact site. The eastbound CPR train was parked approximately a quarter of a mile east of the impact site.

Heat safety: simple tips to keep in mind this summer

Alberta Health Services South Zone - It’s the first day of summer and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding Albertans to keep heat safety in mind all season long. Though most individuals can manage moderate summer weather without symptoms, even healthy Albertans need to be vigilant about heat safety when temperatures rise. To help you manage when the mercury rises, AHS offers simple tips for a heat-safe summer.

Cochrane RCMP seeking public assistance regarding motorhome fire

RCMP Alberta - At approximately 2:30 am this morning, Cochrane RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle fire just off Highway 1 near Highway 40. Upon arrival, RCMP located a partially burned motorhome with one occupant who had escaped it. The male occupant advised police that he awoke to unknown person(s) near his motorhome and it had been set on fire. The 32 year old male, from Red Deer, has since been transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

RCMP received assistance from the RCMP Police Dog Service as well as Calgary Police Hawcs Helicopter, to search for possible suspects. The matter is still being investigated.  It has been reported that an explosion was heard in the area.

Crestview May 2016 highlights

Greetings from Crestview Lodge

May was the end of cabin fever as we begin our summer bus trips out and about our wonderful area.

We kicked off our outings with a bus tour with Farley Wuth. We absolutely love going on trips with Farley. Some of us didn’t really know any history of the area and greatly admire how much history he has stored in his head. Farley’s Tours remind us of days gone by and more recently who has what farms now and if their kids had taken the farms over. This tour was around town. Wow Pincher Creek has a lot of history literally in our own back yards. Can't wait to see what will be our next tour!

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for June 13-19, 2016

RCMP Pincher Creek - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of June 13-19, 2016. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 69

Assaults – 2

Break and Enter (residential) - 1

Break and Enter (commercial) - 1

Uttering Threats - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 4

Theft under $5000 - 1

Impaired Driving - 5

Disturbing the Peace - 3

Driving complaints (general) - 4

MV Collisions - 6

Liquor offences - 10

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 2

Assistance to other agencies - 1

False Alarms - 4

911 calls (invalid) - 4

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held – 18

Fire at Piikani Nation quickly contained

Chris Davis - Just after 4:00 pm on Friday June 17, 2016 at 4:14 pm the Peigan Volunteer Fire Department and Piikani RCMP were dispatched to grassfire at the Elder Residence at the Piikani townsite.   Pincher Creek Emergency Services was put on stand-nu for assistance if the fire spread to the Elder Residence structure but were ultimately not called upon.