Associated Peewee players help Bantam Chinooks through a rough patch

Bantam Chinooks with Peewee associated players

Chris Davis -  Pincher Creek's Bantam Chinooks recently played their first playdown games of the season, hosting the Crowsnest Pass Thunder at the MCC on January 24 and travelling to the Coaldale rink for the second game against the Thunder on January 27.  I caught the home game.  The Chinooks regular bench was much diminished  due to suspensions, injuries at their recent tournament and other factors, and three Peewee Chinooks leaped into the breach, and proved to be very valuable additions to the team.  The Thunder won the game 4-3, but it was a hard-earned win.

Chinook boys basketball - Sabres win tournament, defeat Kainai

Chris Davis - Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres JV Boys Basketball team travelled to High River for a AA tournament on the weekend , where they defeated host team Notre Dame in the final to earn first place.  On Monday evening the Senior Sabres squad hosted Kainai at the Livingstone School gym, winning 65-55 after four very competitive quarters.

Alberta Party: Combination of new flood maps, development rules could spike property taxes outside flood zones

Alberta Party Caucus - Alberta’s approach to flood mapping could vastly increase the number of homes and businesses considered at-risk throughout the province, significantly reducing home and business property values and shifting the tax burden to non-flood areas, says Alberta Party leader Greg Clark.

Family Literacy Day celebrated at Matthew Halton High School

David Poulsen with student Blake Coombs
Mary Coombs photo

Toni Lucas - Matthew Halton High School celebrated Family Literacy Day on Friday, January 27 with a range of events including a story writing workshop and free reading time.  One of the highlights off the day was a session with prolific Alberta author David Poulsen, who read from his latest book, 'And Then The Sky Exploded', followed by an informal question and answer period and book signing session.

Bear Snores On dramatic presentation

Another highlight the finale of the day. when grade 7 drama students performed three dramatic presentations:  'Bear Snores On', 'The Absolute True Story of the Three Little Pigs', and 'Click, Clack, Moo Cows Type', based on popular children's books.

February is Black History Month

Premier Rachel Notley, Minister Ricardo Miranda, MLA David Shepherd and representatives from Alberta's African and Caribbean communities

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley has proclaimed February as Black History Month, recognizing the contributions people of African and Caribbean descent have made to the province.  Premier Notley, Culture and Tourism Minister Ricardo Miranda and Edmonton-Centre MLA David Shepherd made the announcement at the Alberta legislature along with representatives from Alberta’s African and Caribbean communities.

New Veterinary Profession Amendment Act comes into effect Feb. 1

Government of Alberta - Pet and animal owners in Alberta will receive better consumer protection from the Veterinary Profession Amendment Act, which comes into effect February 1.  The act ensures both veterinarians and veterinary technologists adhere to rules pertaining to registration, advertising, illegal practices and continuing education. It also creates a protected title for veterinary technologists who support veterinarians by caring for and assisting in the treatment of animals.

Improving the Indigenous patient journey

Harley Crowshoe, Alberta Health Services - The convergence of western methods with Indigenous ways of healing has taken on new meaning in Lethbridge. The Indigenous Patient Journey now includes the Chinook Regional Hospital Ceremony Room.

Recent Pincher Creek Voice videos

Recent Pincher Creek Voice videos, related stories in progress


Chinooks Sr. Boys Basketball: Livingstone Sabres vs Kainai
Stay tuned for the full story.


Bantam Chinooks vs CNP Thunder


Novice Chinooks vs Strathmore


B Boys Basketball - Dragons vs Hawks


B Boys Basketball - Dragons vs Taber


B Boys Basketball - Sabres vs Taber

Draft Alberta municipal regulations online for feedback

Government of Alberta - Albertans have the next two months to review and provide their feedback on draft regulations that will strengthen the work of municipalities.  As part of the ongoing review of the Municipal Government Act, the province is reviewing and developing regulations that work alongside the MGA to provide the details of how the act works on the ground.

Armed robbery in Fort Macleod

RCMP Alberta - On January 30, 2017, at approximately 8:30 PM, the Fort Macleod RCMP responded to an armed robbery at the Liquor Cabinet on Main Street in Fort Macleod. A unknown suspect with a three-inch folding knife entered the store and demanded the clerk open the cash registrar and turn it towards him. The male then left with an undisclosed amount of cash and walked eastbound toward 6th Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5"7", slim build and in his mid to late 20's. He was wearing a black hoodie with a large scarf wrapped around his head and lighter jeans with black sneakers.

If you have information regarding these incidents or any other crime please contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553-7200or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Stier: NDP must hold open houses, expand feedback timeline for Castle region changes

Wildrose Party - The NDP government must show it supports consultation by holding open houses and expanding the timeline for public feedback on the Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildlands Provincial Park Management Plans from 60 to 120 days, Wildrose Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier said today.

Theft and vehicular assault in Bragg Creek area

RCMP Alberta - Cochrane RCMP are requesting the publics assistance locating the owner of a vehicle involved in a crime in the Bragg Creek area. On January 28th ,2017 at approx 10:00 pm unknown suspect(s) driving a Toyota FJ cruiser were seen stealing 2 guitars outside the Bragg Creek Community Centre. The owner of the guitar attempted to stop the theft and was struck by the Toyota. The Toyota did not remain on scene and threw the guitars out onto the road a short distance away. The victim was taken to a Calgary hospital with a possible head injury.

Wanted Blackfalds man arrested on multiple charges

RCMP Alberta: On January 23, 2017 at approximately 2:00 pm, Blackfalds RCMP responded to a complaint from a citizen of a vehicle stuck in the ditch, making attempts to get out. The citizen obtained the licence plate and it was determined the vehicle was stolen. RCMP arrived on scene and located a male attempting to flee in another vehicle. The male, Matthew MacDonald, was arrested for Possession of Stolen Property. Further checks revealed MacDonald to have 26 outstanding charges on warrants.

CNP Quad Squad upset about Castle parks draft plan

Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad President Gary Clark - It has been implied that the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad was 100% behind the decision to ban OHV’S (off-highway vehicles) from the new Provincial parks. This is 100% incorrect. Yes, we did support the concept of the Park when it was first announced that the continued use of OHV’S on sustainable trails would be allowed. We have a signed letter from the Minister stating OHV use would be allowed and a hand-written note saying “We will work together on this.” Although we were told our input was valued, it’s apparent it was not.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Jan. 23-29, 2017

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of January 23 - January 29, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 37

Sexual assault - 1

Break and Enter (commercial) - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft under $5000 - 1

Impaired Driving - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 4

MV Collisions - 5

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 3

Assistance to other agencies - 2

False Alarms - 3

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held – 6

Top five Alberta border stories of 2016

A CBSA officer places a traveller under arrest (CBSA photos)

Canada Border Services Agency - As 2017 begins, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shares the top stories from its border crossings in southern Alberta last year. Each of these stories highlights the important role that front-line CBSA officers play in protecting Albertans.

MHHS English students create Beauvais Lake multimedia projects

MHHS English students with their Beauvais Lake interpretive sign

Chris Davis - Beginning in March of 2016, Matthew Halton High School English 20-1 students under the direction of English Teacher Clair Hockley began a project in conjunction with Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE) and SouthWest Alberta Parks. Students explored Beauvais Lake Provincial Park west of Pincher Creek and were encouraged to choose areas of interest to explore before completing several multimedia projects based on those interests. Various different subjects were addressed, including Animals, Landforms, People, Trees, and Wonders of Beauvais Lakes. Another project was about Exploring Beauvais Lake in Winter. There was also a video project (see link below) and an interpretive sign project. The sign was unveiled at an event held on Friday, January 20.

2017 Epiphany celebration at St. Michael's

Kings and Queens for a day

Chris Davis - Pincher Creek's St. Michael's School held their annual Epiphany celebrations on Thursday, January 19. Students participated in a special assembly at the Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium. The event celebrated catholic culture with French traditions and was led by French Immersion teacher Dominque Plouffe-Chandler and several older students, and included a play by about the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, a traditional King and Queen dance, and the return of galette des Rois (King cakes). Those who found a marascino cherry in their cakes were named Kings and Queens for the day.

Deepening our perspective

Joyce Sasse, Spritual Gleanings - Once people named to the position of “Elder” held important responsibility in our church’s tradition, for they worked closely with the minister to care for the well-being of the congregation. But the terminology fell out of favour as younger people volunteered to serve on Church Councils and committees. 

Pope Francis: You can’t defend Christianity by being against refugees and other religions

In October of last year, as related by the Catholic Herald, Pope Francis addressed a pilgrimage of Catholics and Lutherans from Germany, saying the sin Jesus condemns most is hypocrisy.

“You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian,” he said. “You cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. You cannot be a Christian without doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25.” This is a reference to Christ’s injunction to help the needy by such works of mercy as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and welcoming the stranger.

Pincher Creek councils notes to Jan. 24, 2016

Headlines:

• Curling Club insurance woes discussed at Town council
• Pincher Creek Emergency Management Agency update
• Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission levies approved
• AHS supports Beaver Mines water project
• Satoris Road update
• Parent Link reaches lease agreement
• Medically At Risk Drivers Pilot Project
• Canadian Urban Transit Association membership for Town?
• Highway 3 Twinning Development Association update
• Wee libraries in Pincher Creek
• MD councillor Marchuk angry about Castle parks plan

Beaver Mines General Store owner shares Castle parks plan concerns

Jeff McLarty

Chris Davis - Jeff McLarty and his wife Stephanie purchased the Beaver Mines General Store in December of 2015. The business offers an eclectic mix of goods and services, including gasoline, sundries, a deli and small dining area, gift items, artisan work, beer and liquor, firewood, propane, lodgings, and camping, hunting and fishing supplies. Located on Highway 774, the store is the last stop before Castle Mountain Resort (which is 20 km down the road southwest of Beaver Mines) and is at the doorway to the Castle parks area. The recently unveiled Castle parks draft management plan concerns McLarty.

Toronto man arrested in Standoff on multiple charges

Charged - Dillon Andre McKenzie

Blood Tribe Police Service - On January 18, 2017 the Blood Tribe Police Service arrested a male at a residence in Standoff, Alberta located on the Blood Indian Reserve.  Investigation revealed the male was unlawfully in a residence that was property of Blood Tribe Housing and the accused was subsequently arrested. Upon searching the accused incidental to the arrest, he was found to be in the possession of crack cocaine, crystal meth, Canadian currency, and two cell phones. The accused was arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5000.

RCMP link armed robberies in central Alberta

Armed robbery suspects

Central Alberta District RCMP - The RCMP believe that five armed robberies which have occurred over the last 30 days in various central Alberta towns may be linked. Criminals cross jurisdictions all the time, so interagency collaboration is crucial to disrupting their operations. The Priority Crimes Task Force along with RCMP members from Red Deer, Ponoka, Sundre, Rimbey and Sylvan Lake Detachments are working together to share intelligence and solve the armed robberies which have occurred in the following areas.

Calgary man arrested for luring Utah girl

ALERT - A 22-year-old man from Calgary is charged with luring a Utah girl. ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit partnered with Layton City Police in Utah on the investigation.

Pincher Creek Curling Club hosts 2017 Combo Bonspiel

C. Davis photos except where noted

• Also: Insurance concerns to be discussed at Feb. 1 emergency meeting

Chris Davis - The Pincher Creek Curling Club hosted a Combo Bonspiel last weekend.  Eight men's teams and 6 ladies teams participated.  Winning the Men's side was Calgary's CCOTR (Canadian Club on the Rocks) team.  Pincher Creek's Lemire team won the Ladies side.

Annora Brown - From a woman's perspective

Annora Brown 1957

Joyce Sasse - As a child in Fort Macleod, Annora Brown was sensitive to the people around who pitied the fact “she had to grow up in a place like this.” But her mother insisted she learn to value what was right before her eyes. That made all the difference.

Making healthy choices easier

Sonya Brown, Alberta Health Services - When it comes to promoting healthy weights, we’ve begun to understand the need to make the healthy choice the easy choice. This means ensuring that the environments where people live, work, learn and play have a positive effect on their health.

Alberta government sets out energy efficiency vision

Government of Alberta - Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel members, Jesse Row, Tanya Doran and Michele Aasgard, presented the panel’s final report to Minister Shannon Phillips and Graham Sucha, MLA, Calgary-Shaw, at Avalon Master Builder in Calgary (as pictured above).

Olds wins 2017 Bantam Chinooks tournament

First place - Olds Grizzlys

Third place - Airdrie Lightning

Pincher Voice honourable mention - RMAA Renegades

Chris Davis -  Pincher Creek's Bantam Chinooks hosted their home invitational tournament last weekend at the Memorial Community Centre Arena.  Six teams participated, including the Chinooks, Okotoks Oilers, Innisfail Flyers, RMAA Renegades (Carstairs area), Airdrie Lightning, and Olds Grizzlys.  After a total of 11 games, the Grizzlys earned first place and the Chinooks earned second place.  The Lightning edged the Renegades for third place with a game-deciding goal at only half a second left on the third period clock.  With the exception of games involving the Grizzlys, the teams were very closely matched throughout the tournament.  The Grizzlys dominated all their games with the exception of game 9 against the Lightning, which the Grizzlys still won 3-1.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Jan. 16-22, 2016

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

Total calls for service - 38

Assaults - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 1

Theft over $5000 - 1

Theft under $5000 - 2

Driving complaints (general) - 2

MV Collisions - 8

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 2

Assistance to other agencies - 4

False Alarms - 4

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held – 1

Strengthening our communities

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - “Come in, come in and sit down – you are part of the family” is sung with gusto in many of our churches. But are we actually that inclusive?

One of our rural values encourages us to try to build healthy communities. We can choose to actively participate in this endeavour. Or we can simply let things float along and hope for the best!

Solutions and substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

This week: Brightening stainless steel cutlery, lowest sudsing laundry detergent, preventing rice from glumping, bird feeder ideas, and more.

Taber man crtitically injured while walking on Hwy 3 near Coaldale

RCMP Alberta - On January 20, 2017 at 7:40 p.m. Coaldale RCMP and Lethbridge Fire/EMS were dispatched to a pedestrian vehicle collision on Highway 3 at the Sunnyside Road just east of the City of Lethbridge. The initial investigation reveals a pickup truck was travelling eastbound on Highway 3 and struck a 47 year old man from Taber, Alberta while he was on Highway 3. The exact point of impact appears to be close to the driving lane. The man was wearing dark clothing. At time of the collision the road was dry, weather mild but dark with no artificial light in the area.

Castle parks draft management plan released at Pincher Creek event

Premier Rachel Notley, Minister Shannon Phillips, and private citizens at today's announcement

Photos/video C. Davis/T.Lucas except where otherwise noted

C. Davis / T. Lucas - Today, Friday January 20, 2017, a press conference was held at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek.   Presenters included Premier Rachel Notley, Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office Shannon Phillips, and Piikani First Nation Chief Stanley Charles Grier.  The occasion was the official release of the Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park Draft Management Plan, which among other things sets the boundaries of the expanded Castle Wildland Provincial Park and the new Castle Provincial Park.

Leduc RCMP saves French Bulldog puppies

RCMP Alberta - On January 19, the Leduc RCMP received information that 5 French Bulldog Puppies were being imported from Budapest, Hungary. A male was to collect the animals, but was recognized from recent media attention to be on conditions to: not participate or be involved in any business involving pets or animals including volunteer work or business organizations whose main purpose is dealing with animals. Those conditions stem from multiple charges before the courts for Cruelty to Animals.

RCMP warns of heroin laced with Carfentanil

RCMP Alberta - The RCMP has been involved in an ongoing drug investigation in Strathcona County since October, 2016, during the course of which some quantities of heroin were seized and found to contain the extremely dangerous and potentially lethal drug, Carfentanil.

AWC: Long overdue protection for Castle wilderness

Alberta Wilderness Assocation - An Order in Council for the Castle Parks was passed on Thursday, January 19th that expands the previously announced Castle Wildland Provincial Park boundaries. Coupled with an announcement today by Premier Notley that all illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails will be closed immediately and all others will be phased out over the next few years, Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) recognizes the significant progress being made to offer true protection to the essential ecosystems within the Castle boundaries that are so desperately in need of restoration.

Okotoks, Turner Valley and Vulcan RCMP looking for man wanted on numerous offences

Wanted: Cole McLean

RCMP Alberta - RCMP in southern Alberta are looking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted on charges from three detachments.

Cole McLean's truck

28 year old Cole Stuart Mclean is wanted on numerous charges including Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Failing to Appear, Possession of stolen property, and failing to comply with recognizance. The charges stem from investigations in Vulcan, Okotoks and Turner Valley. He is known to travel throughout southern Alberta and may be operating a white, Dodge, 1-ton mega cab, flat deck truck with a tool box on the back.

STEP 2017 program launches today

Labour Minister Christina Gray meets with a kindergarten student and employee at the Jasper Place Child and Family Resource Centre. The permanent staff member was a STEP student at the centre in 2016.

Government of Alberta - Starting today, Alberta employers looking to hire students for summer 2017 can now apply for the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP).

Albertans reminded to cook shellfish to reduce risk of illness

Alberta Health Services - Ten cases of gastrointestinal illness potentially linked to consumption of raw oysters are under investigation in the Edmonton Zone, prompting Alberta Health Services (AHS) to remind all Albertans of the risk of illness associated with consumption of raw shellfish.

Southern Alberta communities awarded over $4.8 million in federal funding, including $463,000 for Pincher Creek spray park

Town of Pincher Creek draft conceptual drawings of the water slide and spray park

T. Lucas / C. Davis - Western Economic Diversification Canada yesterday announced a total federal investment of $4,899,327 in grants from three different programs, the 150 Community Infrastructure Program. and Canadian Heritage’s Canada 150 Fund and Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for ten southern Alberta projects "that celebrate our communities and shared heritage" by helping those communities "modernize local recreation facilities, as well as improve social and cultural infrastructure and programs."

“A great legacy for Canada 150 and wonderful addition to the Town of Pincher Creek” - Mayor Don Anderberg, Town of Pincher Creek

Among those projects, the Town of Pincher Creek was awarded a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant of $463,000 to enhance the Pincher Creek Multi-Purpose Facility on Main Street with the addition of a spray park, water re-circulation system, water slide, and landscaping. According to the Town, the facility enhancement will be installed to the north of the facility. "The Town of Pincher Creek has budgeted up to one million dollars for this project including the grant, with an additional contingency for spray park donations. The Town of Pincher Creek is aiming to have the spray park ready for operation in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday on July 1st, 2017 and the remainder to be complete by December 31, 2017."

Coaldale man charged with sexual assault of teen

Registered sex offender Trevor Pritchard charged

update January 25, 2017:

The Coaldale RCMP are continuing with their investigation of Trevor Pritchard, of Coaldale, Alberta. Two additional victims have since been identified. Pritchard will appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Jan. 25, 2017. At that time the following additional charges will be heard:

• Sexual Assault Contrary to Section 271 of the Criminal Code
• Sexual Assault with a weapon Contrary to Section 272(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Sexual Assault with a weapon Contrary to Section 272(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Sexual touching of a person under the age of 16 years Contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Code
• Communicate with a person under 18 years of age to commit a sexual related offence Contrary to Section 172. 1(1)(b) of the Criminal Code

RCMP Alberta - On the morning of January 18, 2017 the Coaldale RCMP were informed of a sexual assault of a 15 year old female at a residence in Coaldale on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

CNP Fire/Rescue Department December monthly report

CNP Fire/Rescue

The Fire/Rescue Department responded to a total of 14 Emergency calls for the month of December:
3 Alarm Bells
4 Motor Vehicle Collisions
1 Vehicle Fire
5 Public Service Calls
1 EMS Assist

Respiratory Syncytial Virus data prompts illness reminder

Alberta Health Services - Due to an increased number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreaks and positive lab specimens across the province, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding all Albertans to practise good respiratory etiquette and refrain from visiting infants, children and vulnerable individuals when sick.

St. Michael's Dragons and Cardston Cougars tops at 2017 Halton Jr Girls basketball tourney

A First Place - St. Michael's Dragons

B First Place - Cardston Cougars

Chris Davis - Last Friday and Saturday the Matthew Halton Gym was the busy site of the 2017 Halton Hawks Junior Girls A and B invitational basketball tournament.  12 teams played in a total of four pools for preliminary games before contesting in A and B final games.

Alberta government moves forward with panel to strengthen child intervention

Government of Alberta - Members have been selected for a panel that will explore ways to improve Alberta’s child intervention system. The Ministerial Panel on Child Intervention will make recommendations to improve Alberta’s child death review process, propose actions to strengthen the child intervention system, and explore the systemic issues that lead to children coming into government care.

Canada 150 grant to facilitate upgrades to Max Bell pool at U of L

University of Lethbridge - The Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre at the University of Lethbridge will get some much-needed improvements thanks to the federal government’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, the Canada 150 Fund and the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

Silver Spray Car Wash theft suspects sought

Suspects and suspect vehicle

RCMP Pincher Creek - Sometime during the evening of Friday January 13, 2017 three individuals driving an older model motor home attended the Silver Spray car wash at 988 Waterton Avenue in Pincher Creek. The three suspects were observed on surveillance cameras located throughout the business parking inside the car wash then gaining access to the automated cash machine. Several hundred dollars worth of coins were stolen from the machine. The suspects also damaged the overhead door to the car wash when the motor home they were operating struck the door when they pulled into the wash bay. There were no employees at the car wash at the time of the theft. Suspect one is a male wearing a yellow jacket and distinctive ball cap, Suspect two is a white male wearing dark clothing, sunglasses and has facial hair. Suspect three is a female.

Pincher Creek RCMP is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the three suspects in this theft.

If you have any information, please call the Pincher Creek RCMP at 403-627-6010. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Pincher Creek Minor Hockey update to Jan. 15, 2017

2016/17 Pincher Creek Novice Chinooks

Headlines:

Novice Chinooks win two at home
Atom Chinooks lose two on road
Peewee Chinooks win two more
A win and a tie for Midget Huskies
Bantam Chinooks to host tournament this weekend

Chinook basketball: Dragons defeat Panthers and Pandas

Dragons vs Panthers

• Dragons Boys win first place at St. Mary's tournament

Chris Davis -  St. Michael's Sr. Boys and Girls Dragons basketball teams hosted their Crowsnest Pass counterparts at the Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium on January 11, and won both games by wide margins.

Caroline man sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for sex offences against a minor

RCMP Alberta - On August 18, 2016 Innisfail RCMP entered into an investigation involving sexual offences of a minor. Nathan Kyle Pixley of Caroline AB was arrested and subsequently charged with a number of sexual offences involving that same minor. On January 16, 2017 Nathan Pixley entered a guilty plea to luring a child plus three additional sexually related offences on a minor. Pixley was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment, less 225 days pre-trial custody and is to have no contact with his victim.

Pincher Creek councils notes for early January 2017

Headlines:

Town passes cemetery bylaw
Town Bylaw Officer appointment
Allied Arts renovations update
MD to donate $500 to Oldman Watershed Council
Highway 3 Committee update
Electric vehicles charging network update
Citizen writes to Town about free swimming concerns
MD approves logging permit
Beaver Mines notes
Southfork Hill drainage project receives $170,242 grant
Bovine tuberculosis update
AlbertaSW re-elects exective
MD tables solar power amendment bylaw

Legacy learnings

Annora Brown

• Announcing the Annora Brown Life & Legacy (2017) Project

Joyce Sasse - Annora Brown was a passionate conservationist, an accomplished historian and educator, and a prolific artist. The work she produced between 1930 and 1960 was of the highest quality. It was about the life and landscape of Southwestern Alberta. Then, because of diminished health, she had to leave her home in Fort Macleod and retire to the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island.

Ready for resolutions?

Courtnay Epp, Alberta Health Services - Have the holidays left you feeling nuttier than a fruitcake?! Are you looking forward to a fresh start in 2017 and hope to kick it off with a New Year’s resolution? Many of us have good intentions about changing something in our lives, but have you ever wondered if you are actually ready to make those changes?

Review of boundaries and names of electoral constituencies underway in Alberta

Chris Davis - At their January 10 meeting Council for the MD of Pincher Creek discussed a December 2016 letter from the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission, which was appointed in October 31, 2016 and will spend much of 2017 "reviewing the boundaries and names of the 87 electoral constituencies in the province".  An interim report by the commission is to be submitted to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly before May 31, 2017. to be followed by a final report by October 31, 2017. The commission's letter encouraged council to participate in the public consultation process.

Solutions and substitutions

Reena Nerbas

In this column: Homemade laundry stain remover, cleaning your iron, cleaning your toilet, freezing perogies, see it and believe it

The last walk home

Shellie Byers - Last week I received news that a friend of mine has a condition which is calling her home. How small and fleeting seem the days of a life. My mind wanders to lament with Hamlet, " for in this sleep of death what dreams may come." My heart forlorns that our time is quickening to an end. Fortunately, my friend is a strong believer in Jesus Christ who said," I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

Fort Macleod RCMP warns drivers of reduced visibility and icy road conditions

RCMP Alberta - Fort Macleod RCMP are advising motorists that Highway 3 from Lethbridge to Fort Macleod, Highway 519 from Granum to Picture Butte and Highway 2 from Stand Off To Claresholm and surrounding areas have icy road conditions and reduced visibility from blowing snow. Motorists are asked to slow down to conditions or avoid all travel in the area if possible.

Waterton Springs Campground closure concerns MD council

Chris Davis - In December council for the MD of Pincher Creek received an email from Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) notifying them that the Waterton Springs Campground will be closed at the end of October 2017, with reclamation efforts to begin in the spring of 2018. Council discussed the issue at their January 10, 2017 meeting.

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responds to several incidents

Facing Hwy 3 from Cowley on January 14 (C. Davis photo)

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a number of calls from January 12 to January 15.  In addition to a number of vehicular incidents, there was one dumpster fire which was quickly contained.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Jan.9-15, 2017

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

Total calls for service - 67

Assaults - 1

Domestic assault - 1

Fraud / Forgery - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 3

Theft of motor vehicle - 1

Theft under $5000 - 6

Impaired Driving - 1

Drugs - 2

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 10

MV Collisions - 18

Liquor offences - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

False Alarms - 7

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held - 6

Intersection safety tips from the Alberta RCMP

RCMP Alberta - January is Intersection Safety Month in Alberta. Intersections are natural points of conflict in our roadway system in both urban and rural settings. The Alberta RCMP wants to remind drivers and pedestrians to use caution when at intersections. From 2009 to 2014, there were approximately 4,000 collisions at intersections in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, resulting in over 6,000 people being injured and almost 700 deaths.

Red Deer RCMP investigate armed robbery of pedestrian

RCMP Alberta – Red Deer RCMP are looking for public assistance to identify three men who robbed a man at gunpoint this morning as he walked to a bus stop.

RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at approximately 5:10 am on January 16 at the intersection of 59 Avenue and 68 Street*; as a 26 year old man was walking toward the bus stop on 59 Avenue, a black car driving northbound on 59 Avenue stopped and two of the three occupants pointed firearms at the victim, demanding his wallet. As the victim walked away after handing over his wallet, the two men holding guns fired several shots into the air. The victim was not injured in the robbery.

MD of Pincher Creek approves bridge projects

Chris Davis - At their January 10 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek approved a recommendation from Director of Operations to approve a tender for two bridge replacement projects, on for Toney Drive over Kettles Creek and the other for North Burmis Road over a tributary of Todd Creek. 15 companies provided tenders for the two projects. The contact was rewarded to the lowest tenderer, Dirt World Inc. "with project funding of $319,175.24, including engineering coming from Public Works Capital Bridge Reserve", unless the MD is successful in receiving a grant from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program, which case the grant funding would be used first.