Tire rims stolen from Monarch area property

RCMP Alberta - On February 22, 2017, the Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of stolen truck tires and rims from a rural property north of Monarch, AB. The theft took place between January 22, 2017 and February 21, 2017. KX rims are aluminum high shine with 7 oblong holes with Federal Couragia AT Tires, size 265 70R 17. If you have information regarding this theft or any other crime please contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Piikani First Nation drug seizure results in charges for two

RCMP Alberta - RCMP from Piikani First Nation have charged two residents with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking after seizing a significant amount of cocaine.

On February 25, Piikani RCMP officers pulled a vehicle over a vehicle leaving a residence after seeing that the passenger was in breach of his curfew conditions. After arresting both the passenger and driver, officers discovered 96 grams of cocaine in the vehicle as well as proceeds of crime.

Pilot program helps Alberta youth find good jobs

Labour Minister Christina Gray speaks to Pradeep Balasubramanian, a Prospect GenA client who is looking for employment through the program.

Government of Alberta - So far, 94 young Albertans have found jobs through the GenA program, a partnership between the Government of Alberta and Prospect Human Services. First launched in Calgary and Edmonton last June, the initiative is helping Albertans aged 18 to 30 secure employment while showing employers the benefits of hiring youth.

Winter driving conditions continue for Pincher Creek area roads

 511.alberta.ca highway cameras:

Highway 3 at Cowley this morning

Highway 3 east of Alberta BC. Border 

Highway 22 north of Highway 520

New Coaldale School Resource Officer and Dedicated Coaldale Municipal Traffic Officer introduced

Coaldale Community Police Officer Jerry Gurr

RCMP Alberta - On February 27, 2017 the Coaldale RCMP are launching a new program in Coaldale. A new school resource officer, Community Peace Officer (CPO) Jerry Gurr will assume this role today. Additionally a dedicated RCMP traffic enforcement officer, Constable Stephen Fyfe, will begin his traffic duties today within the Town of Coaldale.

Minister’s Youth Council helps chart education future

Government of Alberta - Alberta Education is calling on all junior and senior high school students to apply to be on the Minister’s Youth Council.  Approximately 32 students from across Alberta will be selected for the council. As council members, students will meet with the Minister of Education and Alberta Education staff routinely during the 2017/18 school year to discuss education issues. The first council meeting will take place in fall 2017. There will also be opportunities for council members to interact with each other outside of meetings.

Alberta government announces solar rebate program

Government of Alberta - The Alberta government is creating a $36-million rebate program for solar installation on residential and commercial buildings. Homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations will receive rebates for rooftop solar panels that meet the Residential and Commercial Solar Program requirements as early as this summer.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Feb. 20-26, 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
February 20 – February 26, 2017 . Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 41

Uttering Threats - 3

Mischief (vandalism) - 6

Theft of motor vehicle - 1

Theft under $5000 - 1

Impaired Driving - 3

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 3

MV Collisions - 4

Liquor offences - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 3

False Alarms - 4

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Animal calls - 2

Prisoners held - 4

Man found dead after barricading himself in Pincher Creek home (updated)

The Pincher Creek RCMP and RCMP Emergency Response Team responded to a report of an armed and barricaded male in a house on Macleod Street in Pincher Creek on Saturday evening, February 25. According to an RCMP news release, on February 26 at 6:20 am Emergency Response Team members entered the residence and located a deceased male occupant. The man’s identity will not be released and the death is not considered suspicious. No shots were fired by the RCMP during the response.  Portions of Macleod Street were closed to the public and nearby residents during the incident and subsequent investigation.

Video taken February 25/26, 2017

Winter driving conditions on Pincher Creek area highways

Westbound Highway 3 between Pincher Creek and Cowley

Transportation Alberta images taken this evening:

Highway 3 near Cowley

Highway 22 north of Highway 520

Videos from 2017 Hawks Classic Basketball Tournament

^ Yesterday evening the St. Michael's Dragons  defeated Livingstone Sabres to win the 2017 Hawks Classic Basketball Tournament.  Full story asap, in the meantime, here's some video.

Girls Final - Hanna Hawks vs Kainai

More videos below.

Having a bad day?

Everybody has a bad day sometimes.

Pincher Creek Resources

The Pincher Creek Addiction and Mental Health Clinic 403-627-1121

Pincher Creek Parent Link Family Centre - 403-627-5569

Pincher Creek Associate Clinic - 403-627-3321

Napi Friendship Centre - 403-627-4224

Pincher Creek Victim Service Unit - 403-627-6040

24 hour help lines and Alberta Health resources

Mental Health 24 hr Hotline 1-866-332-2322 https://www.mymentalhealth.ca/

Distress Line 24 hr Hotline 1-888-787-2880 

Kids Help Phone 24 hr Hotline 1-800-668-6868 

Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)

HealthLink: 811 (24/7)

www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13094.aspx

Pincher Creek Victim Service Unit – Ranchlands VSU

403-627-6040

Brocket – Peigan Nation Victim Services

403 965 2001

Cardston Victim Service Unit

403 653 4932

Crowsnest Victims Service Unit

403 562 7098

Fort Macleod Victim Service Unit

403 553 4407

Lethbridge Police/Victim Witness Services

403 330 5023

www.lethbridgepolice.ca

Standoff – Blood Tribe Police Victim 

403 737 3800

Comprehensive list of Alberta victim service units

http://victimservicesalberta.com

Time to wake up

Pastor Chris Ney - To often when we sleep for to long we end up more tired and start having lazy days, days turn in to weeks and weeks turn into months and so on. If fact we can fall into a slump, and not know how to get out until something changes, but something has to snap you out of the fog, and light has to begin to just crack the fog to clear it up.

Observing Lent: Obligation or opportunity

Joyce Sasse - Many of my friends observed Lent when I was a kid. There were weighty obligations connected with the fasting and praying and confessions.

However, over the seven weeks of Lent they had “days off” (Sundays and St. Patrick’s Day) when the rules were relaxed and their steps lightened.

Tanner Sinclair's father disappointed at killer's 7 yr sentence

Tanner Sinclair's father disappointed at killer's sentence https://t.co/pIcOLT3CmJ

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 25, 2017

École de la Rose Sauvage students put on half time show at MHHS Sr Basketball Tournament

Students from Calgary's École de la Rose Sauvage put on a half-time show during the Boys Sabres vs Couguars game on Friday evening at the 2017 Halton High School Senior High Boys and Girls Basketball tournament. The tournament is one of the highlights of the basketball season and is ongoing all day Saturday at Matthew Halton and St. Michael's schools.

Reproduction and grazing were designed for each other

Jim Bauer at Pincher Creek Calving Clinic

For optimum energy utilization, the cows’ reproductive cycle should coincide with the grass production cycle

Jim Bauer - A study from the United Kingdom shows that calving or lambing outside of the seasonal cycle of pasture production can increase costs by up to 75% over spring calving or lambing. In other words if we require our cows to calve in the winter months it is going to cost more than if the herd calves in the spring. As ranchers and farmers go we are a group of people who often would rather be doing the production activities that we love than doing the hard work of bookkeeping and analysis of what pays and what doesn’t in our operations. I include myself in this group as I too would rather be checking the grass and cattle, building a fence, riding my horse etc. etc. than working in the office!

PCES responds to truck fire

Pincher Fire is now clearing scene of an earlier truck fire 1km east of highway 22 near 8-4

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 25, 2017

Annora Brown’s wisdom

(Amazon.com image)

Joyce Sasse - Each time I read Annora Brown’s writings, or read what others have written about her, I gain new insight into who she was and what she has to offer today.

Indie review: Danophone's "Rerun"

File under: Boss rock

Reminds me of: Springsteen's "Tunnel of Love" phase, Collective Soul's ballads, Adrian Legg's guitar stylings

My faves: City of Kings, Turn Blue, Rerun,. The Whole Truth, Written in the Sand

Hear it online: Click here

For fans of: Bruce Springsteen, John Hiatt, John Mayer, The Script, The National, Steve Earle

Cast: Carsten Nielsen: vocals, guitars, bass, keys, sax. Bertil Bille: drums, cajon, percussion. Tino Pedersen: background vocals, guitars, bass. Production Carsten Nielsen, Elias Bille
Trivia: Danophone means “Danish speaking by birth or adoption”

Quick take: "Rerun" is one good mixing session away from being categorized as a mainstream album. Introspective honest rock songs and ballads permeated with gorgeous guitar work and solid vocals.  Swedish journalists make good music.   "Melancholic songs from the happiest city in the world’s happiest country."

Lethbridge teacher arrested for child exploitation offences

ALERT - A Lethbridge teacher at École La Vérendrye has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team. The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) team arrested Dwayne Schnell on February 22, 2017 with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service. The 37-year-old man teaches grades 7-12 at the Lethbridge French language school École La Vérendrye.

Pincher Creek area roads slippery this morning

Highway 3 at Cowley this morning (Alberta Transportation photo)

Pincher Fire responding to a single vehicle accident near Pincher Creek Airport use caution roads are slippery with snow covered sections

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 23, 2017

Four arrested in Lethbridge drug bust

ALERT - Four people were arrested in a Lethbridge drug bust with ALERT seizing an estimated $55,000 worth of drugs and a vehicle.  ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team concluded a short-term investigation on February 20, 2017 with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP. A Nissan Rogue loaded with drugs was intercepted en route to Lethbridge, and a local home was searched.

Emergency response to simulate a B.C. earthquake

Government of Alberta - A collaborative effort will test the province’s emergency plans and procedures by simulating a catastrophic B.C. earthquake. Representatives from all levels of government, industry, post-secondary institutions, social organizations and emergency management agencies will work together February 22-24 to review and practise emergency response plans.

Whitehorse Star: Tearful mom speaks of pain of son’s loss

Tearful mom speaks of pain of son’s loss
https://t.co/EFhfF2kEcW

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 22, 2017

Should we allow anonymous comments or require a name?

Chris Davis, Publisher, Pincher Creek Voice - Question for our readers: should we allow anonymous commenting on our website, provided it is lawful and doesn't violate our terms of service, or should all commenters provide a name?

Comment about Alberta's Public Lands Act and the Castle Parks

James Tweedie photo

James Tweedie, Letter to the Editor - The recent coverage of the Off Highway Vehicle Users rallies in the Crowsnest Pass and Lethbridge earlier this month by a local media outlet reads like a libertarian manifesto for the continued hedonistic use of Alberta’s public lands, with complete disregard for the reasons for the protection of a tiny portion of these lands that the Government of Alberta has explicitly provided, in their current Draft Management Plan for the Castle Wildland and Provincial Parks.

Throw a lifeline to the Oldman

David McIntyre, Letter to the Editor - The crushing and erosive pace of unrelenting, ever-accelerating OHV landscape degradation must be stopped today. An honest prescription for headwaters salvation is required in order to address the land’s buckling, constantly cascading state of health. I delivered the preceding message to government ministries and managers of Alberta’s public lands more than thirty years ago. And, yes, I’ve written repeatedly to reiterate the same burning need.

Coaldale RCMP investigate the theft of a fiberglass cistern

Stolen cistern

RCMP Alberta - On February 21, 2017 the Coaldale RCMP received a complaint of a theft of a 1000 lb fiberglass cistern worth $4900 taken from a Coaldale business. The cistern was stolen sometime on the weekend of February 10-13, 2017. Cisterns are defined as waterproof receptacles for holding liquids, usually water. They are primarily used for rural properties. Based on its size, the stolen cistern would have been hauled by a large trailer. Each cistern have unique serial numbers. This stolen cistern has serial #SN1700500.

Local improvement tax bylaw for Veterans Street passes first reading

Chris Davis - At a Pincher Creek Town Council meeting on January 9, 2017 council approved a Local Improvement Plan for Veterans Street Upgrades and directed administration to prepare a Local Improvement Tax Bylaw (Bylaw No. 1619-17) for the Veterans Street surface and deep utilities local improvement project. The bylaw passed first reading at council's regular meeting of January 13. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1,210,152.90. An $844,205.58 tax levy will be collected over the course of 20 years from "property owners of lands that directly benefit from the improvement project." according to the bylaw. Veterans Street is located north of the hospital, connecting with Bev McLachlin Drive and Hewetson Avenue, and is being expanded.

Airdrie Rural RCMP investigates road rage incident

Road rage suspect

RCMP Alberta - On Feb. 4th, 2017, at approximately 10:00 p.m., near Balzac, Alberta, on Highway 566 a road rage incident occurred where a suspect male pointed a firearm at another vehicle. As a family was driving on the highway they encountered a suspect vehicle who began taunting them by tailgating, varying speeds, and flashing their high beam lights. Eventually, both vehicles came to a stop, and a suspect male pointed what appeared to be a firearm. The victims left the scene immediately and contacted police.

Door-to-door energy sales: Know your rights

Government of Alberta - Door-to-door sale of energy products and services is against the law in Alberta. Since the ban came into effect on Jan. 1, there have been a number of reports about salespeople misrepresenting themselves to get invited into a customer’s home. This violates Alberta’s consumer protection laws.

Protest intends to give a voice to Michael MacPherson's victims

https://t.co/yflseFbBfJ

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 21, 2017

Former Piikani Chief Gayle Strikes With A Gun aboard aborted Yellowknife flight

Former #Piikani Chief Gayle Strikes With A Gun aboard aborted Yellowknife flight https://t.co/Oskse0VEXn

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 21, 2017

Town Council approves new fencing for Pincher Creek Golf Club

Chris Davis - At their February 12 meeting council for the Town of Pincher Creek unanimously approved a Community Services Department request for decision "to receive and consider a request from the Pincher Creek Golf Club to install approximately 250 meters of security chain link fencing around the perimeter of the Golf Course"  at an estimated cost of $32,500.  The Town of Pincher Creek will coordinate the capital project, with the monies to originate from the Golf Course reserve account.

Pincher Creek Curling Club discussions continue

• Town Council discusses Golf Club location for new curling rink
• MD Council approves provisional $140,000 contribution to portable ice plant

Distracted driving is a major safety focus

Randy Youngman, Alberta Health Services - Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things happening on our roads today. This means that our law-enforcement partners are going all out to try and stem this seemingly epidemic practice! I am constantly amazed by the number of drivers that I see on our roadways who are still texting and not paying attention to their driving. Texting and driving is not OK! It is not something you ever HAVE to do!

Indie review: April Martin's "In the Blink of a Life"

Chris Davis

File under: Countrified Confessional Folk

Reminds me of: Natalie Marchant's Ophelia, Phil Ochs' Rehearsals For Retirement

My faves: Blink of an Eye, Let Me In, One Part Truth, Party's In Full Swing, Looking Back, One Breath

Hear it online: Click here

For fans of:  Roseanne Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Leonard Cohen, Gillian Welch, Carole King, Loretta Lynn

Musicians: April Martin, vocals, guitar, flute. Peter Calo, guitars, backup vocals Chris Marshak, drums. Susan Didrichsen, backup vocal. Norbert Goldberg, percussion. Produced and mixed by Peter Calo. Mastered by Scott Hull.

Quick take: A confessional album that feels like an album, with tracks sequenced based on creating an experience more than exposing the "hits". In the Blink of a Life is the work of a mature songwriter with a lovely silky voice, a mix of melancholia and celebration.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to Feb. 19, 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 February 13 – February 19, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 37

Assaults – 3

Fraud / Forgery - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft of motor vehicle - 2

Impaired Driving - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 6

MV Collisions - 3

Liquor offences - 1

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2

Assistance to other agencies - 2

False Alarms - 1

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Animal calls - 2
Municipal Bylaws (barking dogs / noise / OHV) – 1

Prisoners held – 3

Having a bad day?

Everybody has a bad day sometimes.

Pincher Creek Resources

The Pincher Creek Addiction and Mental Health Clinic 403-627-1121

Pincher Creek Parent Link Family Centre - 403-627-5569

Pincher Creek Associate Clinic - 403-627-3321

Napi Friendship Centre - 403-627-4224

Pincher Creek Victim Service Unit - 403-627-6040

24 hour help lines and Alberta Health resources

Mental Health 24 hr Hotline 1-866-332-2322 https://www.mymentalhealth.ca/

Distress Line 24 hr Hotline 1-888-787-2880 

Kids Help Phone 24 hr Hotline 1-800-668-6868 

Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)

HealthLink: 811 (24/7)

www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13094.aspx

Village values for a global society

Joyce Sasse

These days putting people down rather than lifting them up seems to be the norm.

My time is divided between two extremes. As a news-junkie, I’ve never heard so much lack of civility. Such extremes of hostility and fear-mongering, along with “false news” reports and shouts of “liar”, are excessive.

Dealing with a problem

Pastor Chris Ney - How do we deal conflict? How do we deal with people that rub us the wrong way or even do something wrong to us? The answer is simple isn’t it, we should just talk about it to everyone else and make it a bigger problem then it needs to be and stay mad at the person for the rest of our lives. Done; that just makes sense right?

The miracle of dialogue

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - Trying to understand Reuel Howe’s book “The Miracle of Dialogue” was a challenge given to seminary students in the early ‘60’s. It had to do with encouraging us, from our various Denominational pedestals, to risk talking honestly about what we believed, yet remain open to listen to what the other person was saying. The clinch line was to remind us that any changes brought about through this exchange would be because of God’s advocacy, not ours.

Thought for the day

Matthew 25:35/36 - "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Redcliff RCMP identify their man (updated)

RCMP Alberta - RCMP in Redcliff are happy to report that the man (they were asking about earlier today) has been identified. The RCMP would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

"We are especially grateful to the folks at South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue for their work over the past couple of days," says RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters,. "They provided a great service and a lot of people to help us reunite this family."

Looking for memorabilia

Joyce Sasse

“I’ll just look her up on Google”, one young woman commented when I told her about our “Annora Brown Life & Legacy Project”.

I hesitated, thinking Google didn’t have that much to offer. But when I checked it and other search engines, I was more than impressed. Our advocacy efforts to tell this woman’s story and show her work are bringing results.

Record drug seizure in Lethbridge

ALERT - Over $1 million worth of drugs and proceeds of crime were seized following an ALERT investigation in Lethbridge. Four homes were searched and three people arrested in what is believed to be the city’s largest drug seizure.  ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team, an integrated unit comprised of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP investigators, made the seizure on February 11, 2017. Significant quantities of a range of drugs were seized, along with four firearms, four vehicles and cash proceeds of crime.

Water hazard on Hwy 22 north of Hwy 3

Pincher Fire on scene, water flowing across Hiway 22 10 km north of hiway 3 slow down and watch for water as the snow continues to melt

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 16, 2017

Todd Starzyk released on $3000 bail

Pincher Creek Man Arrested in Police Standoff Released on Bail - 94.1 CJOC-FM Lethbridge https://t.co/NFC32kBd7Z

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 16, 2017

Two dead after passenger plane crash near Cochrane

Compiled from RCMP Alberta reports - RCMP, military and civilian aircraft responded to a report of a plane crash in the Waiparous area earlier this evening.  At 5:55 pm, Cochrane RCMP received a report of an aircraft that had been seen crashing east of Highway 40 in the Waiparous area. The crash was witnessed by another aircraft and reported to authorities. RCMP responded to the remote area and attempting to locate the crash with the assistance of military and civilian aircraft.

Later in the evening the crashed aircraft was located northwest of Cochrane on Jighway 40. The aircraft involved was a small passenger plane with two individuals on board. Tragically, there were no survivors of the crash.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is the agency responsible for investigation of aircraft crashes. Their investigators will attend the scene in the daylight to begin the examination.

No further information is available and an update is not expected until afternoon of February 14.

The RCMP is thankful to the civilians and other agencies who assisted in the search efforts and wishes to express condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this crash.

Midget Huskies end regular season with a tie and a win, honour retiring players

Retiring Midget Huskies: Nic Jordan, Jesson Luco, Tyson Goodreau, Brandt Sabo, Chase Snider

Chris Davis - Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies finished a remarkable regular season with two home games at the MCC arena last weekend.  They tied Bassano 4-4 on Friday evening,  They defeated long-time rivals Bow Island/Foremost 4-2 on Saturday, a after an intense game that included a raucous third period.  After the game the Huskies held a ceremony to honour their five retiring players.  Nicholas Jordan, Chase Snider, Jesson Luco, Brandt Sabo, and Tyson Goodreau are set to graduate this year and move on into adult life.  Each received a jersey and an ovation, thanking them for their years of contributions to Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass minor hockey.  Long-time Coach Kent Goodreau was also thanked.  His boys have now grown up and it seems likely he will retire from the Pincher Creek bench.

Brocket gas station destroyed by fire (updated)

C. Davis photos

Toni Lucas - The gas station on Highway 3 at Brocket burned down early Saturday morning February 11. According to RCMP Piikani Nation Detachment Commander Ray Starzynski the fire was reported at approximately 2:00 am. Piikani Nation Fire Department and Piikani Nation RCMP responded. There were no injuries, but the structure was almost completely destroyed.

The gas station, a wooden building, was not open for business to the public for a number of years. Although the building was vacant it contained items appropriate to a service station including oil and other flammables.

According to Starzynski, the fire started inside of the building and the investigation into the cause of it is still ongoing. "Because it was a gas station, basically there were accelerants everywhere. There were oil containers, all sorts of stuff throughout the entire building."

If anyone has any information on this incident or any other please contact the Piikani RCMP at 403-965-2001 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.  Crimestoppers does not subscribe to call display and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous.

Coaldale rural residential B&E suspects arrested

RCMP Alberta - On February 11, 2017 at approximately 11:50 am the Coaldale RCMP responded to a break and enter complaint in progress at a rural property south of Coaldale. The two suspects left the scene with the property owners giving chase. After a minor collision on Highway 845 Coaldale RCMP members arrested the two suspects that fled on foot.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Feb. 6-12, 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 February 6 – February 12, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 55

Fraud / Forgery - 1

Uttering Threats - 2

Theft of motor vehicle - 2

Theft under $5000 - 1

Impaired Driving - 2

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 6

MV Collisions - 11

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

Assistance to other agencies - 4

False Alarms - 6

Animal calls - 1

Prisoners held - 6

Pincher's Bantam Boys and Girls bowlers first in zone, advance to Provincials

South Zone champions: Pincher Creek Bantam Boys and Girls

Miranda Elliott - A bowling tournament was held at Chinook Lanes on Sunday, February 12. Pincher Creek's Bantam Boys and Bantams Girls (ages 8-10) each finished first in the South Zone and are advancing to Provincials in Calgary, to be held March 5, competing for the Youth Bowl Canada (YBC) National Championship. Both local Junior Girls and Senior Girls teams bowled in Medicine Hat for the same tournament. but didn't qualify this year for provincials. Local Junior Boy Cole Kalanza is bowling as a single for Provincials for the YVC Nationals. We have a great group of kids this year, ranging from 4 to 18 years old.

Bantam Girls: Brooklyn Glavin, Abigail Rigaux, Coach Anita Doell

Bantam Boys: Justin VanEe, Luca Citrigno, Coach Erin VanEee

Poor driving conditions on Pincher Creek area highways

High winds, blowing snow, and patches of snow and ice are making Pincher Creek area highways treacherous today, Sunday, February 12. 2017, as seen in the video above of Highway 6 and Highway 3.  Drive with caution.

Correction 507 west of Pincher Creek towards Beavermines has ice covered areas

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 12, 2017

Wind speeds of 85 km/h have been detected on Hwy22 at the Lundbreck station. (5:23am) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 12, 2017

Solutions and substitutions

Reena Nerbas

This week: Brighten stainless steel pots, how to clean cast iron grills on a gas cooktop, Removing iron on clothing labels from everyday garments, removing chewing gum from pants, delicious crunchy homemade croutons, toilet bowl iron stains, stinky drains, life hacks, restaurant teriyaki sauce, remove the backing off a carpet, get iron on clothing labels off of everyday garments, burnt stuck tin foil in an oven, good gravy.

Too much of a good thing

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings

Too much of a good thing causes trouble.

Consider Christmas. What once was a special feast, a highlight for our ancestors’ Christmas calendar, is now a full month of over-indulgence. For the next six weeks our focus has to be on getting our belt-line and our bottom-line back in order.

Move over

‎Paula Hopwood‎, Guest Editorial - This message goes out to everyone who do not move over to the right for emergency vehicles.  Today (Feb. 9) I was driving through Blairmore. I saw people skidding trying to go, I saw people going sideways trying to stop, I saw and felt icy conditions.

I also saw something very dangerous that some take for granted.

The Circle

Allen Joe Sera

Wandering aimlessly midst the dunes with not a tree in sight

nor a blade of grass

nor a flower

nor a drop of water

Trump, O’Leary and the Sex Pistols

"There is nothing free about a marketplace in which over 90% of humanity’s wealth is amassed in the hands of 1% of its population. This is the free market in the last stages of terminal decline and ruin."

Phil Burpee

Phil Burpee, Contributor - Those of you sufficiently long in the tooth may well remember a little 1977 hit parade offering from England titled ‘God Save the Queen’ by probably the first, last and only true punk band, the Sex Pistols. Well, I might qualify that – there was D.O.A. out of Vancouver too, with Joey Keithly and the early line-up of Chuck Biscuits, Dimwit and Randy Rampage, but pretty much everything else after that was just an echo of the original thunder, except for the latter-day Pussy Riot who have righteously spewed the original fury. And fury it was. The kids couldn’t play the stuff on the radio anymore – high-end classical rock like Yes and Led Zeppelin and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and many more. Three-chord lyricism about real life with a solid back-beat had been replaced by techno-virtuosity, narcissism and big hair. It had to be smashed. Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious were the appointed agents of destruction. And let’s not forget to toss Maggie Thatcher and her war against the working class into the mix. For this is a political tale as well as a moral and cultural one.

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Significance of Annora Brown Life & Legacy Project

Joyce Sasse -  “ Annora Brown is in important figure in Fort Macleod”, Frank McTighe wrote in support of the Life & Legacy Project. “It is in the best interest of our community, province and country to ensure Annora Brown’s work is readily available to the public … It is our job”, the Macleod Gazette editor noted, “to promote and share (this) work with the community at large.”

Alberta RCMP reminds drivers to avoid distractions

RCMP Alberta - February is Distracted Driving Month in Alberta. Distracted driving is defined as any activity, event or object that diverts the driver’s attention away from the road. In 2016, the Integrated Traffic Units in Alberta issued 6,051 distracted driving tickets.

February is Love the Bus month

Sharon Roberts, Location Manager, First Student Pincher Creek - February is Love the Bus month. The annual campaign by the American School Bus Council aims to recognize school bus drivers across the country for their dedication to provide safe student transportation every day. Here in Pincher Creek we are recognizing Love the Bus month as well.

Stop the texts and you’ll stop the wrecks

Government of Alberta - Distracted driving is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous driving behaviours.  Research indicates that between 20 and 30 per cent of all collisions are due to distracted driving and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive ones.

Having a bad day?

Everybody has a bad day sometimes.

Pincher Creek Resources

The Pincher Creek Addiction and Mental Health Clinic 403-627-1121

Pincher Creek Parent Link Family Centre - 403-627-5569

Pincher Creek Associate Clinic - 403-627-3321

Napi Friendship Centre - 403-627-4224

Pincher Creek Victim Service Unit - 403-627-6040

24 hour help lines and Alberta Health resources

Mental Health 24 hr Hotline 1-866-332-2322 https://www.mymentalhealth.ca/

Distress Line 24 hr Hotline 1-888-787-2880 

Kids Help Phone 24 hr Hotline 1-800-668-6868 

Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)

HealthLink: 811 (24/7)

www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13094.aspx

Pincher Creek Victim Service Unit – Ranchlands VSU

403-627-6040

Brocket – Peigan Nation Victim Services
403 965 2001

Cardston Victim Service Unit
403 653 4932

Crowsnest Victims Service Unit

403 562 7098

Fort Macleod Victim Service Unit

403 553 4407

Lethbridge Police/Victim Witness Services

403 330 5023

www.lethbridgepolice.ca

Standoff – Blood Tribe Police Victim 

403 737 3800

Comprehensive list of Alberta victim service units

http://victimservicesalberta.com

Alberta cancer incidence, mortality rates trend downwards

Alberta Health Services - The rate at which Albertans are dying from cancer continues to decrease, according to recently released data from Alberta Health Services (AHS).  Alberta’s cancer incidence rates have declined by about 0.6 per cent annually between 2001 and 2014. Mortality rates have also decreased over the past 20 years, falling on average by 2.1 per cent annually between 2004 and 2014.

Castle stewardship advocates meet in Lethbridge

Alberta Wilderness Association - On Saturday morning in Lethbridge, a group of scientists, local residents, conservationists, authors and recreationists told the story of 50 years of stewardship for the Castle Wilderness. The people of Alberta support the Castle Parks.

If driving to BC be careful and plan ahead

Government of Alberta - With hazardous winter conditions continuing in the Highway 3 mountain pass, Alberta drivers are asked to use caution if travelling to B.C. this weekend.  They should also be prepared for possible road closures.

Bow River watershed infected with whirling disease

Map of affected areas

Government of Alberta - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has declared the Bow River watershed infected with whirling disease and the province of Alberta a buffer zone.  The CFIA’s announcement covers all streams, creeks, lakes and rivers that feed into the Bow River. This includes water bodies in Banff National Park, the Elbow River and the Bow River itself. The affected zone ends at the confluence of the Bow River and South Saskatchewan River.

Pincher Creek RCMP lay charges related to shooting incident earlier this week

RCMP Alberta - Charges have been laid in relation to the RCMP Emergency Response Team call in Pincher Creek on Wednesday.

Pincher Creek RCMP have charged 53-year-old Dewey "Todd" Starzyk with careless use of a firearm and failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance. Starzyk is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in Pincher Creek Provincial Court on Tuesday, February 14.

Related story:
One man in custody after shots fired and standoff in Pincher Creek

Wildrose: Changes to the Castle reminiscent of Bill 6 disaster

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and Wildrose Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier - In 2015, the NDP government wandered into its first major debacle when it imposed heavy-handed legislation known as Bill 6 on Alberta’s farms and ranches without consulting farmers and ranchers, the people whose lives would be directly affected, first.

Counterfeit Canadian $100 bills passed in High River

RCMP Alberta - High River RCMP recently responded to 3 complaints of counterfeit $100.00 bills being used at 3 different businesses in town. The RCMP is advising the community and businesses in and around High River to be careful when it comes to using or receiving $100.00 bills.

Highway 3 reopened from Coleman to Sparwood

Update: Hwy3 from Coleman to the Alberta/BC border has been reopened. (9:24am) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 10, 2017

#BCHwy3 is now Open from #SparwoodBC to the BC/AB border. Expect delays due to congestion.

— Drive BC (@DriveBC) February 10, 2017

Hwy 3 east of Alberta/BC border this morning (511 Alberta image)

Hwy 3 at Cowley this morning (511 Alberta image)

Related links:

• Current Alberta highways information.
• Alberta Emergency Alert

Dangerous Hwy 22 driving conditions between Chain Lakes and Hwy 3

As of  10:00 pm Thursday February 9, 2017:

RCMP Alberta - The Nanton RCMP wishes to make the motoring public aware of extreme winter driving conditions on Highway 22 between Chain Lakes and Crowsnest Pass / Highway 3. Driving on this road is not recommended at this time. The Highway appears to be frozen over making it extremely icy causing vehicles to leave the highway. Volker Stevin Highway Maintenance trucks are currently enroute to the area to sand but this may take some time.

Shots fired at wind turbine site near Fort Macleod, damage to transformer

RCMP Alberta - On February 9*, 2017 Fort Macleod RCMP responded to a complaint of damage caused by shots fired at one of the TransAlta wind turbine sites south of the Town of Fort Macleod on Highway 810, and Township 74. The incident is believed to have occurred just after 6:00 PM on Wednesday February 8, 2017, as the company's main station was tripped. Upon attending the site TransAlta employee's discovered several bullet holes in one of the transformer's for the wind turbines. It appears the shots were fired from a distance, possibly the nearby roadway. Damage to the transformer is extensive and due to the shutdown of several wind turbines caused by the damage, the financial loss is expected to be significant.

Sabres win MHHS B Boys Basketball Tournament

1st: Livingstone Sabres

2nd: Taber's Dust Devils

3rd: St. Michael's Dragons

Consolation: WCCHS Cobras

Hosts: MHHS Hawks

Chris Davis - Matthew Halton High School (MHHS) hosted the Halton Hawks 2017 Alberta Schools Athletic Association nine game B Boys Basketball Tournament on January 27/28. Six teams participated, including the Pincher Creek's MHHS Hawks, Pincher Creek's St. Michael's Dragons (STM), Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres (LHS), Fort Macleod's F.P. Walshe Flyers (FPW), Taber's D.A. Ferguson Dust Devils (DAF), and Claresholm's WCCHS Cobras.

Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres earned first place, undefeated in all their games. The Dust Devils earned second place, St. Michael's Dragons earned third place, and the Cobras won the consolation final.