Faith in action

Chris Ney - Faith is more than a nice idea or a great thought, it is more than even just saying we believe something or that we have faith in something. It is actually following through with action. Take for example the idea of having the faith to sit in the chair, you are saying that doesn’t take faith; it is just a chair. Well we don’t examine every chair we sit on so, in a sense we are by faith sitting in the chair hoping that it will all hold us. Some of us have had that kind of faith tested when the chair was actually broken and you fall to the floor in embracement. The laughter goes out all around us and we feel foolish. I wonder sometimes if we feel that way with our faith in Jesus as well.

Toward good relationships

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - In our church service based on the theme ”A Journey Toward Good Relationships”, speakers helpfully shared two perspectives of Canadian history. As we listened, glimpses of the propaganda espoused by Church and Government policies became self-evident.

Semi rollover snarls long weekend Highway 3 traffic near Burmis

Hwy 3 just west of Burmis weigh scales, 3:00 pm today

T. Lucas photo

Update:

Highway 3 has now been re-opened in both directions and the tractor trailer has been removed from the scene. The backlog of traffic took time to clear but is now flowing normally.

On this August long weekend, RCMP would like to remind motorists to take their time on Alberta Highways so everyone reaches their destination safely.

Original report:

Pincher Creek RCMP (15:06 pm)– RCMP are reporting a semi tractor trailer rollover collision on Highway 3, 100 metres west of Highway 507 in the Burmis area.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP find deceased missing man

The RCMP has confirmed that missing Calgary man Steve Danbrook has been located, deceased. His family has been advised and the RCMP are no longer seeking any further public information in this investigation.   

Child safety reminder

RCMP Alberta - On July 29,  2016 at approximately 12:10 p.m. the Athabasca RCMP assisted with freeing a 9 month old infant who had been accidentally locked inside a vehicle at the Athabasca River Front. The Athabasca RCMP and Athabasca County Fire Department were able to gain entry into the vehicle with the assistance of Hunter Motors of Athabasca and free the child, who suffered no injuries.

Parents are reminded to ensure that children are not left unattended in vehicles, especially during hot summer days.

Grill at Pincher Creek McDonalds temporarily closed due to health concern

Big Mac (Evan-Amos photo, Wikimedia Commons)

Chris Davis - The grill at the Pincher Creek McDonalds, which is located in the Walmart building, was ordered temporarily closed yesterday by a public health inspector after it was found to be malfunctioning,  not heating food to an adequate temperature.  Other aspects of the restaurant's operation were not affected. According to Alberta Health Services South Zone Acting Communications Director James Frey the grill was returned to service this morning after an overnight repair and another inspection.  The Pincher Creek Voice heard from one customer who was reportedly adversely affected by a hamburger product prepared on the grill, and Frey confirmed the inspection was the result of a consumer complaint.  The restaurant, like all others in the province, is subject to regular inspections "to ensure that foods are stored, prepared and served in a safe manner and facilities comply with public health legislation and standards in Alberta".

Alberta Health Services recommends hamburgers and chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 74 C (165 F) "or until the inside of the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear".

Pincher Creek area Out and About to July 29, 2016

Ella and Quynlen's Ice Tea Stand in Cowley

Highly recommended for flavour, service, and drive-by convenience.

Ryan Plante caught the above video of lightning in Pincher Creek during the storm of July 25.

Faith and Connie Noble at Sproule mud bogging event (click here for the story)

^ Canadian Girls Rodeo Association's Pincher Creek event on July 9/10.  Click here for current standings.

Juan Teran Regional Park in Pincher Creek is a beautiful summer oasis (T. Lucas photo)

Beauvais Lake campground July 28, 2016 - Bear In Area

Stay tuned for our upcoming story about the long anticipated new Crestview Lodge groundbreaking ceremony held on July 27.

Communities in Bloom judges visit "unique" Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas - Communities in Bloom (CIB) international judges Evelyn Alemanni and Gaétan Deschênes visited Pincher Creek Monday July 25, making stops at many locations of interest in their journey to deciding which is the best Communities in Bloom (CIB) - Small Category in the International Category. We're contending with 5 other communities for the title including a community in Croatia, and one in Italy. They finished their official visit with a dinner for 50 people at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV), attended by a number of local dignitaries and representatives from organizations including members of the Communities in Bloom committee, Pincher Planters, and the Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta. There were speeches from Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond, Organizer Diane Burt Stuckey, and judge Evelyn Alemanni.

Annora’s wild flower garden

Annora Brown

Annora Brown Cameo #9 by Joyce Sasse - From her studio window on the second floor of her home in Fort Macleod Annora Brown looked out on her wild flower garden.

In the Country Guide, she described it with such pleasure you almost imagine her listening to the chickadees and watching the gold finches and humming birds.

Southern Alberta ready for increased Chinese investment

Regional Partnership matches investment opportunities, products and services with investors and buyers during October international trade delegation visit

SouthGrow Regional Initiative press release - A consortium of southern Alberta economic development organizations -- representing more than 40 municipalities and hundreds of businesses -- is inviting a group of Chinese business owners and investors to the region in the fall to develop trade relationships.

Red Deer RCMP warns of utility scammers

RCMP Alberta - Red Deer RCMP have received a number of reports recently of scammers targeting small businesses and claiming to represent their utility company. In this recent spate of scam attempts, scammers claim to represent Enmax and threaten to shut off the business’s power immediately if they aren’t paid through electronic money transfers. In most cases, a quick call to Enmax by skeptical business owners has revealed the call to be a scam, but several local business owners were taken in by these aggressive scammers.

Fortis reports 2016 Q2 earnings of $107 million

Marketwired (Fortis press release) - Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX:FTS), a leader in the North American electric and gas utility industry, released its second quarter results today. The Corporation's net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for the second quarter were $107 million, or $0.38 per common share, compared to $244 million, or $0.88 per common share, for the second quarter of 2015. On a year-to-date basis, earnings were $269 million, or $0.95 per common share, compared to $442 million, or $1.59 per common share, for 2015. The most significant difference in quarterly and year-to-date earnings compared to 2015 related to the gains on sale of assets recognized in the second quarter of 2015.

Young boy killed in collision near Coaldale

RCMP Albera -  Today at 12:18 p.m. members of the Coaldale RCMP Detachments responded to a two vehicle collision on Range Road 211 at the intersection with Township Road 84. A four door green Buick sedan travelling northbound on Range Road 211 failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a westbound red Jeep. The green Buick was struck on the passengers side with impact to both the front and rear passenger doors. A four year old boy seated in the passengers rear seat sustained serious injuries from this collision. Numerous motorists stopped and assisted with CPR for the four year old until Lethbridge Fire/EMS arrived. The young boy was declared deceased at the scene. The female driver and other child in green Buick were taken to the Lethbridge Hospital for treatment and as a precaution for non serious injuries. The female driver and lone occupant of the red Jeep was also taken to the Lethbridge Hospital as a precaution for non serious injuries.

Researching Old Man’s Garden - Annora Brown cameo 8

Scratch art drawings from Old Man's Garden book

Joyce Sasse - She didn’t have Google to help her research. Nor was there a public library in her home town. Yet Annora Brown was able to bring together an “Old Man’s Garden” manuscript that was incredible.

With an artist’s vision and a conservationist’s attention for detail, she recorded the magnificent flora and fauna from across the foothills of Southern Alberta. It is a classic collection of legend, history, botanical details and scratch-art drawings of 259 native plants, including both their common and their scientific names.
She documented for posterity a landscape that was undergoing rapid change.

Annora was touched by the great sacrifices early botanists made to collect specimens and gather whatever details they could as they travelled with the Expeditions led by Palliser, Lewis and Clark, Sanford Fleming and others.

“Sir John Franklin in ‘Polar Seas’ describes how the Indians combined the roots of the northern bedstraw (plant) with the juices of strawberries and cranberries to obtain a beautiful scarlet (dye). The plains Indians used this for colouring their porcupine quills.”

Native sources tell “How the Prairie Anemone (Crocus) Got Its Fur Coat” and how the root of the evening primrose was dried for a winter food-supply.

A dimension of intimacy is shared as she listened to the plants gossip among themselves – gossip-bits she passed on to us.

In the Medicine Bag section, she draws our attention to the silken white hair of the clematis hanging among the bushes in the late summer. “Think of hair-tonic”, she wrote. “The best in the foothills”.

“Horse tails (equisetum) appeals to animals”. She had watched moose knee-deep in a swampy lake with mouths full of dripping greens. Something to remember when you need food for your horse.

Encyclopedic, classic, absolutely unique. Unfortunately it took another decade before she could find a publisher. “Old Man’s Garden” went to press in 1954.

Annora Brown articles republished courtesy of the Fort Macleod Gazette www.fortmacleodgazette.com

Contributions toward photographing, digitizing, and accessing prints from Glenbow’s Annora Brown paintings can be made to Joyce Sasse (Annora Brown Project), Box 92, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0.

Town and MD to fund Bobby Burns Fish Pond washroom upgrades

Toni Lucas - During the regular meeting of Council for the Town of Pincher Creek on Tuesday, July 19 council met with a delegation consisting of Dick Burnham and Fred White from the Pincher Creek Royal Canadian Legion #43.  regarding the funding of Bobby Burns Fish Pond washroom upgrades. The issue of the upgrades was brought to the attention of the Town council by a letter from the Municipal District of Pincher Creek and discussed at Town council's meeting of Monday, June 13.

Town and MD to fund Bobby Burns Fish Pond washroom upgrades

Toni Lucas - During the regular meeting of Council for the Town of Pincher Creek on Tuesday, July 19 council met with a delegation consisting of Dick Burnham and Fred White from the Pincher Creek Royal Canadian Legion #43.  regarding the funding of Bobby Burns Fish Pond washroom upgrades. The issue of the upgrades was brought to the attention of the Town council by a letter from the Municipal District of Pincher Creek and discussed at Town council's meeting of Monday, June 13.

Faith - what is it?

Chris Ney - Faith is a common subject, talked about and explored all over the globe. It is talked about over coffee, it is talked about over food, it is talked about over a beer; all of which I have done from one time to another. It can be a peaceful conversation, and it can be a loud conversation. One thing is for certain that everybody has a view or opinion of faith and what it looks like. Some look to the creation and have faith in that some look to evolution and put their faith in science. A great majority of people put their faith in something bigger though, something or someone like a creator, higher power, unknown God. We all from time to time look above and wonder, we look above and ask for help when in need and we look above and yell when we don’t understand. It is normal to do this.

Rural ramblings

Joyce Sasse

Joyce Sasse - When did you last share a conversation about living in a small community? Have you thought about “rural” being a culture?

With grandchildren, for example, it’s fun taking them into the garden or the field to look for critters and talk about how they help make healthy soil. A small magnifying glass is a real asset.

Finding companionship - Annora Brown cameo 7

Annora Brown

Joyce Sasse - Being a single woman in a couple-oriented small community is never easy. Annora Brown was no exception. She belonged to the Fort Nightly Club, had art classes and knew everyone on the street. Still she needed companionship.

Then she and Gordon Crighton started doing things together. He was a photographer from Pincher Creek who was fifteen years younger than her. The two were as different as day and night, but both were gifted artists.

Pincher Creek lifeguard Ryan Plante joins Team Canada for international competitions

Ryan Plante

Christian Davis - Pincher Creek lifeguard and award winning swimmer Ryan Plante will be joining Team Canada this fall for the Lifesaving World Championships at the German Cup in Warendorf, Germany and at the Orange Cup in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Mud bogging event at Sproules attracts big crowd

Toni Lucas - A mud bogging event dubbed the Western Mud Slingers was held at the Sproule family farm approximately 3 miles east of Pincher Creek on Saturday, July 16. Organizer Greg Chartier was delighted with the turnout, which he estimated at close to 1,000 people including competitors, volunteers, and spectators.

Grizzly population increasing in southwestern Alberta, maintenance to be new focus

Grizzly sow in Kananaskis - Traveller100, Wikimedia Commons

Christian Davis - University of Alberta’s Dr. Andrea Morehouse presented the results of the Southwest Alberta Grizzly Bear Monitoring Project to a sizable crowd at the Twin Butte Community Hall on June 28, during the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association AGM. Morehouse and her team identified 164 individual grizzly bears from 2013 through 2014 in the area designated Bear Management Area (BMA) 6, essentially the eastern slopes of the Livingstone Range to Highway 3 to the north, British Columbia to the west, and Montana to the south. The results of the project are intended to inform the Government of Alberta's ongoing grizzly bear recovery planning with accurate population estimates.

Rotary Club of Pincher Creek hosts American Rotarians

Dan Crawford, President, Rotary Club of Pincher Creek [far right] exchanges club banners with eleven visiting Rotarians from Rotary Clubs in Louisiana and Mississippi - Scot Korbett photos

Bev Thornton - Rotarians from Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast were hosted by the Rotary Club of Pincher Creek as part of a friendship exchange. The group of 11 was in Alberta for a total of two weeks, arriving in Calgary in time to experience the stampede, then spending time in Drumheller, Canmore and Pincher Creek.

MP John Barlow on the passing of Mr. Ken Hurlburt

Ken Hurlburt

The offfice of Foothills MP John Barlow - Foothills MP John Barlow was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ken Hurlburt of Fort Macleod. An innovator in the business community, Mr. Hurlburt was the first person to sell land by auction 50 years ago, introduced video cattle sales with his son and business partner, Brant, and sold in prestigious auctions from Toronto to Vancouver. He also served as Mayor of Fort Macleod, then as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament for Lethbridge-Foothills from 1972-79. During his time as MP, Mr. Hurlburt advocated strongly for agriculture and succeeded in securing more humane treatment for horses destined for slaughter in Europe. Most importantly, he was a dedicated family man who will be terribly missed.

Summer food safety

Pat MacIntosh

Pat MacIntosh, Registered Dietitian, Alberta Health Services - For many of us, summer is a time for picnics, barbecues, and camping. However, keeping food safe during these fun events is a challenge. Warmer temperatures and cooking outdoors both increase the risk of food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever and chills. Symptoms can develop within hours or sometimes not for days or weeks.

Beaver Mines area grass fire quickly extinguished

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services and Beaver Mines Fire Hall combated a grass fire approximately two miles north of the community of Beaver Mines on Wednesday July 20.  The fire originated as a permitted fire which was not extinguished properly and spread.  No buildings were damaged, or people injured by the fire which spread approximately 1/10 of an acre.

Pincher Creek's Diane Burt-Stuckey honoured with surprise party

Surprise! Diane Burt-Stuckey

Toni Lucas - The Town of Pincher Creek Director of Community Services Diane Burt-Stuckey was honoured at an invitation only surprise garden party at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village on Friday, July 15 to celebrate her working for the Town for 37 years and to commemorate her time with the Town by dedicating a part of the walking trail to her. The hail didn't deter the approximately 70 guests in attendance.

TransAlta declares dividends

Marketwired - The Board of Directors of TransAlta Corporation (TSX:TA)(NYSE:TAC) today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on October 1, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2016.

Crestview Highlights for June 2016

Crestview Lodge residents showing their Canadian pride on July 1

submitted photo

Greetings from Crestview Lodge - June finally came and the weather held out for all of our trips. Our first trip this month was with Farley Wuth guiding us, he directed us to the Castle Mountain Ski area, as well as Beaver Mines Lake. It was a wonderful trip, many of us haven’t been in those parts in what seems like forever. Beautiful area and quite a bit of history in those hills! The next trip Farley took us on was to the Fishburn and St Henry’s Church areas. Wow there is a lot of history in all the areas of Pincher Creek, with many great families keeping the history alive for us to enjoy for years to come.

CCWC asks Alberta Government for Castle Parks OHV decision

Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition

OHVs and the Castle Parks: Are they in or out?

That’s the crucial conservation question left begging in a newly-released document on what Alberta Environment and Parks expects in a draft management plan for the Castle Parks. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) and the Castle-Crown Wilderness Coalition (CCWC) would like the Minister to answer the question definitively and commit unequivocally to the management plan’s vision: “Conservation of nature will be the primary, overriding objective of both parks.”

Bear attack in Bighorn Municipal District

RCMP Alberta – On July 19, 2016, at approximately 12:00 pm Cochrane RCMP were called to assist Emergency Medical Services with a possible bear attack near the Trappers Hill Campground. At this time members are arriving on scene. Location and if this was in fact a bear attack have not been confirmed at this time.

Update: The investigation for this event will be taken over by Fish and Wildlife.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for July 11-17, 2016

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of July 11 - 17, 2016 . Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service – 68

Assaults – 2

Break and Enter (residential) – 1

Break and Enter (commercial) - 

Fraud / Forgery - 2

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft over $5000 - 2

Theft under $5000 - 3

Impaired Driving - 1

Drugs - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 6

Driving complaints (general) – 4

MV Collisions - 8

Liquor offences - 7

Assistance to General Public (general) - 2

Assistance to other agencies - 5

911 calls (invalid) - 6

Animal calls - 2

Municipal Bylaws (barking dogs / noise / OHV) - 3 

Prisoners held – 4

2015 Businesses in Bloom winners announced

First Place, Commercial Category: Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic

Brendan Cole, Kari Grandoni, Jocelyn Fukumoto, Colleen Brady and Faith Zachar

Fraudulent STARS lottery calls reported in Turner Valley

RCMP Alberta - RCMP are warning residents to be cautious of telephone fraud scams. More recently the STARS lottery. This scam involves one or several persons who contact individuals by phone claiming to be from STARS Lottery advising their number was randomly selected as a winner of $750,000.00 and a new vehicle. However, in order to collect the prize the victim is required to pay various fees in advance. Victims either never hear back again or receive further requests for money. If you receive a call relating to this phone scam, please contact your local RCMP detachment.

Pincher Creek Out and About to July 18, 2016

^ Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg with a handful of hail on Friday July 15 at the gala held at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village honouring Diane Burt-Stuckey for 37 years of service to the Town of Pincher Creek. T. Lucas photo

Ryan Plante video

Of posters and papers - Annora Brown cameo 6

Joyce Sasse - In 1940 the “Macleod Stampede and Races” lasted for 2 big days, July 1 & 2. Annora Brown’s poster of the event tells us the theme was “Where Old Friends and New Friends Meet”.

Living up to expectations

Carlos Martínez in a mime performance (self-photographed, Wikimedia Commons)

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - “Could you help tell the story next Sunday?” I asked 7-year old James. “It’s about a clown, and I need somebody to mime the part”.

Drugs seized at Nanton motel room

RCMP Alberta - On July 10, 2016 Nanton RCMP with assistance from High River RCMP and the Lethbridge RCMP Police Dog Service Unit executed a search warrant at a room in a motel in Nanton.  Nanton RCMP seized a small amount of cocaine, and marijuana, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia. One male has been charged with three counts under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Counterfeit currency increase in Airdrie

RCMP Alberta - Airdrie RCMP and GIS would like the public to be aware of an increase in the usage of counterfeit currency in the City of Airdrie. Specifically 50 and 100 dollar Canadian bills have been used, often targeting small businesses.

Cyclist fatality near Granum

RCMP Alberta - On July 14, 2016 at approximately 1:00 pm, Fort Macleod RCMP and Fort Macleod Emergency Services attended a cyclist collision with a parked transport truck on Highway 2 southbound near Township Road 95A. A cyclist was travelling southbound on the shoulder of the Highway when he was passed by an unknown white van, causing the cyclist to move further onto the shoulder of the highway. A semi-truck was stopped ahead of the cyclist also on the shoulder of the highway. The cyclist ran into the back of the parked transport truck. The cyclist a 73-year old Fort Macleod resident was pronounced deceased at the scene. The name of the deceased is not being released.

No further releases will be issued.

Injuries to child and adult after Mclean Creek OHV rollover

RCMP Alberta - On July 14, 2016 Cochrane RCMP received a call of a side-by-side off highway vehicle that rolled in McLean Creek Alberta. Preliminary investigation reveals that a 12 year old male from Calgary was operating the vehicle when it rolled. A 9 year old male from Calgary sustained broken bones and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. A 26 year old female from Calgary sustained broken bones as well and was airlifted by STARS to Foothills Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Charges are not pending in this incident.

Launstein wildlife gallery opens in CNP

Christian Davis - For the Launstein family, professional wildlife photography is a passion and also the family business. All of that came together at the early July opening of their art gallery on Blairmore's main street (20th Avenue).

Province announces Oil Sands Advisory Group membership

Government of Alberta press release 

The province is establishing an Oil Sands Advisory Group (OSAG) composed of members from industry, environmental organizations, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to advise government on the oil-sands aspects of its Climate Leadership Plan and ensure that its initiatives are effective and widely supported.

Penalties for violating Alberta's public lands reinstated

Government of Alberta press release

The province will reinstate tickets and specified penalty amounts for violations on Alberta’s public lands effective August 6.

New Alberta Seniors Advocate Sheree Kwong See announced

Government of Alberta press release

Alberta’s new Seniors Advocate, Sheree Kwong See, will help bring the issues and concerns of seniors to government.