News briefs March 31, 2017

MHHS students preparing for European tour

MHHS students ready for trip to Europe, including Vimy Anne Frank House, and Auschwitz

36 Matthew Halton High School students will be travelling to Europe next Friday for a 14 day educational tour that will begin in Vimy, France with them taking part in the ceremonies for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  They will visit several other European sites related to Canada's contributions to both world wars, including the Anne Frank House (including the famous attic where the Frank family hid from the Nazis, and Krakow, Poland, and the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.  Stay tuned for a more complete story.

Other stories below:

• Cowley Lions donate to KidSport
• Parks Canada seeks input on Waterton visitor centre design
• Red Deer RCMP investigate homicide
• Armed robbery in Grande Prairie (update)
• Cocaine bust near Wainwright
• Airdrie Rural RCMP investigate fraud
• Strathmore RCMP lay charges after firearms call
• Residential break and enter in Sherwood Park
• NEB panel to review Energy East and Eastern Mainline applications
• AUC to report on smaller-scal renewables and alternative power
• University of Lethbridge Destination Project on track

Avalanche danger for Waterton Lakes, Jasper, Banff, Kootenay, Yoho

Avalanche Danger is Considerable for @WatertonLakesNP from 17:00 Mar 30 to 17:00 Mar 31 https://t.co/bGM36Tlgwm

— ParksMountainSafety (@ParksMtnSafety) March 30, 2017

News briefs March 30, 2017

• Local news and community briefs
• Generator stolen from Magrath area construction site
• Wetaskiwin RCMP arrest man after serious domestic assault
• New courthouse as part of justice centre for Red Deer
• Seniors’ contributions recognized with new award
• New Chief Grain Inspector for Canada appointed
• Worried about the safety of your Apple iCloud account?
• Skype users hit by ransomware through in-app malicious ads

Matthew Halton to host fourth annual First Nations, Metis and Inuit Youth Summit

Livingstone Range School Division - Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek is preparing to play host to approximately 100 engaged young people for the fourth annual First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) Youth Summit, taking place on Wednesday, April 5. Students from Kainai High School, Piikani High School, F.P Walshe School (Fort Macleod) and St. Michael’s School (Pincher Creek) will join MHHS students for a day focused on student development and leadership.

Stier - Alberta is well overdue on abolishing squatters’ rights

MLA Pat Stier

Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier - Last session, you may have read about my efforts in the Legislature to amend the draconian Bill 36 – the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) – and other unpopular property laws.  At the time, I introduced Bill 210 – a private members’ Bill to fix these laws. When that session ended, Bills not completely processed had to be re-introduced, and as a result, I’ve prepared a new, enhanced Bill to protect landowners – Bill 204.  In addition to accomplishing many of the same objectives as Bill 210, Bill 204 will bring Alberta into the 21st century by abolishing squatters’ rights – something landowners have been waiting patiently to see happen for years.

Wildfire protection strengthened with new rules

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier discusses the enhancements to wildfire protection legislation and regulations with participants at the Forest Industries Career Day 2017 in Whitecourt 

Government of Alberta - Albertans are reminded to take precautions to prevent forest fires as new wildfire protection regulations take effect March 31.

Red Deer RCMP seize drone

RCMP Alberta (corrected for accuracy) - Red Deer RCMP have seized a drone from a citizen after responding to reports the drone was being flown near the flight path of STARS Air Ambulance as the helicopter made an approach to Red Deer hospital the morning of March 29.  RCMP responded to the report at 9:25 am on March 29 and located the owner of the drone shortly afterward. Police seized the foldable Mavic Pro drone as part of the investigation into whether the drone was in violation of the Federal Aeronautics Act.

Amputees find inspiration from Vimy battle survivors

Rob Larman and Tiffany Ross lay a rose at the grave of Curley Christian to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and pay tribute to the war amputee veterans who started The War Amps.

War Amps Canada - The Battle of Vimy Ridge may have been 100 years ago, but it continues to have modern-day lessons for amputees like Rob Larman and Tiffany Ross of Toronto.  Larman, who lost his leg at the age of 14 when friends dared him to jump a train, now directs The War Amps PLAYSAFE Program, while Tiffany Ross, 10, was born a left arm amputee and is now a member of the The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program. To mark the Vimy anniversary, they laid a rose at the grave of Ethelbert “Curley” Christian at Toronto’s Prospect Cemetery, in honour of the remarkable sacrifice Christian made at Vimy that continues to inspire young amputees today.

AWA: Castle Parks a significant addition to Alberta’s protected areas

Alberta Wilderness Association - With the establishment of the boundaries for the two new Castle Parks, Alberta has achieved an important conservation goal, contributing an additional 1050 km2 to its protected landscapes. The two new parks will protect an area that contains the highest amount of biodiversity in Alberta outside of neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) believes this protection recognizes how much Albertans value the Castle, along with their concerns and expectations for the very best management of our public lands throughout Alberta.

A web of mindfulness

Joyce Sasse - The situation for single, professional women in Annora Brown’s time was vibrant with opportunity – and she was more than capable of living up to the challenge.  Stimulating networks of support were quietly emerging. Members of farm women’s, church and Women’s Institute groups were seriously contributing (often from pennies saved in their sugar bowls) to send female university graduates to jobs across Canada and around the world.

Castle Parks to get nearly $20 million from Budget 2017, including paving and Beaver Mines water project

Government of Alberta - Highway paving and new water pipelines are part of nearly $20 million in infrastructure investment for the Castle Provincial Park and neighbouring communities.  Six million dollars from Budget 2017 will go towards paving an 11-kilometre gravel section of Highway 774 (the roadway to Castle Mountain Resort) within the newly established park. Another $9 million is earmarked to help the Municipal District of Pincher Creek construct a water line that ties Castle Mountain Resort to the Hamlet of Beaver Mines. The water line will also serve the Castle Provincial Park.  It builds on $4.7-million in grants from the province and the federal government to construct a water line between Beaver Mines and the Village of Cowley. All three pieces of infrastructure support local tourism in and around the Castle parks.

Vandalism in bra daylight

Dan Crawford - Sometime in the evening hours of March 28, our property was viciously attacked. We believe the culprits are female by the evidence left at the scene. Be on the look out for suspects who appear to be somewhat "unsupported". We need to stop this sort of activity in our community before someone else has to suffer the trauma of vandalism.

Happy Birthday Shanon

Todd Starzyk case held over until April 25

RCMP Emergency Response Team vehicle responds to Feb. 28 incident

Chris Davis - Dewey "Todd" Starzyk (53) appeared in Pincher Creek Provincial Court this morning before Judge D.G. Redman, on his own recognizance, to answer to several charges,  Starzyk was charged with careless use of a firearm and failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance after an incident on February 28 during which he allegedly barricaded himself in his Pincher Creek home after a report of gunfire, which resulted in a significant police response.  He also faces charges incurred on March 3 for allegedly violating a curfew condition related to that February 28 incident. 

Because Starzyk had no council on record (even though court documents indicated incorrectly that he had) for some of his charges, and at the request of the Crown Prosecutor that enough time be allocated to ensure a "voluminous disclosure" is conducted in an appropriate manner, Starzyk's case has been held over again until April 25.  On that date he will again be expected to appear at Pincher Creek Provincial Court.  Starzyk's case  was also held over on February 14 and March 7.  Two charges unrelated to the February 28 and Match 3 incidents were to be heard this afternoon, but were withdrawn because there was "no likelihood of conviction".

Related stories:

• One man in custody after shots fired and standoff in Pincher Creek
• Dewey (Todd) Starzyk charged with breaching release conditions
Pincher Creek RCMP lay charges related to shooting incident

MD Council receives critical letter regarding recreation funding

Chris Davis - At their February 14 meeting MD council received a letter from Pincher Creek Curling Club representative and MD resident Diana Reed dated February 8, 2017, which was critical of the MD's response to issues she brought forward as a delegation last November, specifically related to what she perceives as the MD's lack of commitment to joint recreation projects with the Town of Pincher Creek.  Her more recent letter was of a similar theme, also addressing her concerns about the MD's response to her earlier letter and delegation.

New signage approved for Lundbreck's Patton Park

Chris Davis - At their March 14 meeting, council for the MD of Pincher Creek approved a request for funding made by the Lundbreck Citizens Council, who asked for the right to install a memorial plaque onto the skateboard park fence in Patton Park, in memory of Derek Snider. According to Robyn Downson "As you know, Derek and his family were very instrumental in getting the skateboard park in Lundbreck built many years ago and the Citizens Council felt it would be a nice tribute to Derek's family, from the community, to remember him by. We have contacted his family and they are fine with this."

MD of Pincher Creek encourages organizations to apply for charity starus

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Chris Davis - At the February 14 meeting of council for the MD of Pincher Creek, Councillor Garry Marchuk moved that Administration "be tasked with investigating the process, including costs, associated with obtaining charitable status, and if charitable organization can issue receipts on their own behalf."

MD of Pincher Creek agrees to contribute to Alberta Farm Safety educational program

Chris Davis - At their February 14 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek discussed a request for funding from the Farm Safety Centre, for their safety education program for rural schools. The request was made in January to the Agricultural Service Board, which first sent a letter to the Farm Safety Center asking a number of questions for clarification.

Keystone XL statement from Premier Notley

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley issued the following statement about the U.S. State Department’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline:

"I would like to congratulate TransCanada for the hard work they have put into this approval. This project is going to support nearly 6,000 jobs during construction and over 400 full-time jobs in Alberta, while also providing access to new and existing U.S. markets. While Keystone XL progresses, we are also going to continue our work to make sure we can get Alberta’s resources to Canadian tidewater - creating jobs, helping our energy industry grow and diversifying our export markets.”

Beaver Mines Water and Wastewater Project suggestions heard by MD Council

Chris Davis - At their February 28 meeting MD council heard from Cornell Van Ryk, a Beaver Mines are resident, who appeared as a delegation to represent "concerned neighbours" and to offer suggestions regarding the Beaver Mines Water and Wastewater Project. Van Ryk sent two different letters to council about these issues, which they received February 22.

Alberta government announces nearly $9 million in southern Alberta land and water conservation grants

Minister Shannon Phillips, Maria Fitzpatrick, MLA for Lethbridge-East, and southern Alberta land trusts on the Rooftop Garden of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Government of Alberta - The province is providing nearly $9 million to three non-profit groups to protect ranchlands, river habitats and watersheds in southern Alberta.  Funding from the Alberta Land Trust Grant Program will go towards six projects throughout southern Alberta, including three large ranches. The grants protect watersheds and wildlife habitats and help keep ranchlands intact.

Peewee Chinooks win 2017 league banner

2016/17 Peewee Chinooks

Chris Davis - Congratulations to Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks, who defeated the Okotoks Oilers 5-4 in overtime to win the 2017 Central Alberta Hockey League Tier 4 Championship. The game was a fast paced barnburner, played on Saturday evening in front of a large and appreciative hometown crowd. One of the most exciting games of the whole 2016/17 season.  Riley Potts scored four goals for the Chinooks during regulation time, and Cory Dyck scored the winning goal near the halfway mark of the sudden-death overtime period. It was the third game of the series, Okotoks won the first game 5-4 and the Chinooks won the second game 7-1. The Chinooks finished the season with 22 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie.

Changes to our sports video coverage

Chris Davis - As we approach six years of serving the Pincher Creek area, we're having to take a close look at what's worked for our business and what hasn't, in order to right-size our efforts to a sustainable level.  Unfortunately, sports video to the level we've been doing it is unsustainable going forward.  Put simply, our policy towards sports video has to change.   We won't be eliminating it, but we will be reducing it considerably.  Even at that reduced level we expect to continue to provide more amateur sports video coverage than any other news outlet that we're aware of in the province.

Economic Developers Alberta announces 2017/18 board, annual awards

Economic Developers Alberta - Economic Developers Alberta (EDA), Alberta's only professional organization for economic developers is pleased to announce its newly elected 2017-18 Board of Directors as follows:

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for March 20-26, 2017

(updated)

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the week of March 20 – March 26, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 45
Fraud / Forgery - 1
Mischief (vandalism) - 5
Theft under $5000 - 2
Drugs - 1
Driving complaints (general) - 14
MV Collisions - 4
Liquor offences - 2
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 3
Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
Assistance to other agencies - 1
False Alarms - 2
911 calls (invalid) - 1
Prisoners held – 2

Resilience readiness

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - If we had to face dust-bowl conditions like the 30’s, crop scientists shake their heads and admit we are woefully unprepared. Technology, the great provider of our Age, has made incredible advances in farming techniques and plant-breeding for maximum yields. But we remain vulnerable to the weather because we’ve ignored plant “variance (difference) and resilience”.

Solutions and Substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena,
How can I keep my garden grown herbs fresh? Van

Dear Van,
Treat herbs just like you would flowers. Trim the stems. Place them in two inches of fresh water. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag and place in the fridge. Change the water every few days. Basil is the exception; this delicious herb should be kept at room temperature.

MLA Pat Stier to be part of Wildrose/PC unity discussions

• Includes recent interview with Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier

Chris Davis - In a press release issued yesterday, March 24, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and PC Party Leader Jason Kenney announced "the composition of the unity discussion group, along with a timeline for the group to report back to the memberships of both parties."  Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier (WR) is to be one of the discussion group members.  According to a similar PC Party press release, "A negotiated agreement for achieving unity is expected to be concluded by the end of Spring 2017."

Town of Pincher Creek holds Transportation open house

Town councillors Lorne Jackson, Doug Thornton, and Jim Litkowski, CAO Laurie Wilgosh, Mayor Don Anderberg

Toni Lucas - Approximately 40 people attended a Town of Pincher Creek transportation open house on Wednesday, March 15. The main speaker was HDR Inc. Associate Vice President John Hubbell a consultant who specializes in public transportation.  Along with a presentation there was a question and answer period with members of Town council, CAO Laurie Wilgosh, and Hubbell.

Drugs and firearms seized in two separate southwestern Alberta investigations

ALERT - More than $55,000 worth of drugs and 11 firearms have been seized following two separate ALERT investigations last week. Homes were searched in Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Fort MacLeod.  ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang teams worked with officers from Lethbridge Police Service, Coaldale RCMP and Fort MacLeod RCMP on the investigations. The two investigations were unrelated but both focused on addressing community concerns related to drug dealing.

Chinook 4-H Multiclub update

Jillanna Hammond, Chinook 4-H Multiclub Reporter - Chinook Multiclub has been busy since December. Each project has been making a ton of progress, learning new skills, and practising old ones. Shooting Sports continues to shoot at the gun range but, changed things up a bit to incorporate archery into their project. Market Hog members received their pigs, Berkshire and Duroc cross. They also spent time learning to identify cuts of meat and judge to find the “perfect pig”. Market Lamb members received their sheep, toured a sheep feedlot operation, and reviewed cuts of meat. When choosing their lambs, they were reminded to look for a good stance, among other qualities. We have one member in the Photography Project and he is making great progress. We are looking forward to seeing his photos. Small Engines members are working hard to rebuild their projects. I’ve heard rumours of carburetor issues. Our single Sewing Project member has completed several projects including some clothes and a purse. She is quite the little seamstress.

Keystone XL: Statement from Premier Notley

Government of Alberta - Premier Rachel Notley issued the following statement about the U.S. State Department’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline:

"I would like to congratulate TransCanada for the hard work they have put into this approval.  This project is going to support nearly 6,000 jobs during construction and over 400 full-time jobs in Alberta, while also providing access to new and existing U.S. markets.  While Keystone XL progresses, we are also going to continue our work to make sure we can get Alberta’s resources to Canadian tidewater - creating jobs, helping our energy industry grow and diversifying our export markets.”

Alberta and Blackfoot Confederacy sign historic agreement

Minister Feehan, Chief Stanley Grier, Premier Notley, Chief Roy Fox, Chief Joe Weasel Child

Government of Alberta - The Alberta government and Blackfoot Confederacy have signed a new relationship agreement that will have both parties working closely on shared priorities. The Blackfoot Confederacy includes three First Nations in southern Alberta – the Blood Tribe, also known as the Kainai First Nation, Piikani Nation and Siksika Nation. These Nations have about 25,000 members.

"Oki Niiksookowa, friends and relatives, fellow Siksikaitsitipii Chiefs and Councils, Right Honourable Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta and Honourable Ministers. Today marks a historic moment in the relationship between the Government of Alberta and the Siksikaitsitipii Tribes in the signing of the protocol agreement. It carves a way forward in working together on matters that impact our tribes and the Government of Alberta. It is also worth noting that this is the first protocol agreement between the Government of Alberta and First Nations outside the Treaty areas in the Province of Alberta." - Chief Stanley Grier, Piikani Nation

Oldman Watershed Council kicks off Southern Alberta Water Charter 2017 commitments

Oldman Watershed Council - Community organizations and individuals from all walks of life will celebrate their pledge to preserving southern Alberta’s watershed at noon on Friday, April 7, 2017 in Lethbridge City Hall’s main foyer.  The event will highlight the Oldman Watershed Council’s (OWC) new Water Charter, a voluntary pact encouraging individuals and organizations in the region to plan and perform their own watershed protection initiatives. Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, Lethbridge MLA Maria Fitzpatrick, University of Lethbridge President Mike Mahon and Taber MD Reeve Brian Brewin will attend the event to celebrate their organizations’ planned activities.

Alberta RCMP launches pilot project to reduce speed related collisions

RCMP Alberta - Speeding continues to be an issue on roadways in rural and urban centres in Alberta. Between 2009 and 2014, speed was determined to be a factor in 16 per cent of the total 6,351 fatal and serious injury collisions reported in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers that speeding creates a danger for everyone on the road.

Alberta invests $12 million to protect water

Oldman Falls

Government of Alberta - The Government of Alberta is safeguarding water resources with nearly $12 million in new multi-year grants for watershed planning and advisory councils and the Alberta Water Council. Each year for the next three years, 11 local watershed councils will receive $3.2 million per year to assess watershed health and plan for water management. The Alberta Water Council will receive $750,000 per year for the next three years to preserve water resources.

Alberta government announces new tools and training for rural businesses

Government of Alberta - Small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in rural Alberta will have new support to start and grow their businesses through the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) program.  To help entrepreneurs turn their ideas for new products or services into a business, Community Futures Network of Alberta will receive $109,887 to support their What If project.

Blood Tribe Council passes trespass bylaw

Blood Tribe Council - The Blood Tribe Council has taken active steps to minimize the impacts of the fentanyl and other drug related activities on the Blood Reserve and to ensure the safety of Blood Tribe members. One of the steps has been to enact the Kainai/Blood Tribe Trespass Bylaw and Regulations to deal with the ongoing concerns with respect to persons entering on the Blood Reserve for purposes related to the unlawful use and distribution of drugs.

Splash of Luck fundraiser a big success

Jen Draper, Billi Rigaux, and Brandi Hutchison

Toni Lucas - Pincher Spray Park Society (PCSPS) held the 'A Splash Of Luck' fundraising gala on Friday, March 17 at the Pincher Creek Community Hall. PCSPS Chair Jennifer Draper was overwhelmed with the support from the community.  "We have 250 people here.  This is just fantastic."  There were many things to make the evening entertaining.  The St. Patrick's Day date brought out a green theme, and there was much fun and frivolity in the air.  There were desserts, and live and silent auctions. Bob Westrop was the auctioneer. The headlining entertainment was Puck ‘n’ Funny comedians Brittany Lyseng, who had a humorous view of her personal experiences, and Harry Doupe, who extolled the Albertan fascination with the weather.

Annora Brown’s pride of place

Annora Brown

Joyce Sasse - Annora Brown never disputed the request made for her to return home to care for her parents, though she felt inadequate as a nurse, home-maker and financial provider. Stoically, she carried on. A few stolen moments with her sketch pad was her only release.

Piikani RCMP investigate suspicious fires

RCMP Alberta - Piikani RCMP are asking for information from the public as they investigate three suspicious fires on the first nation.  On the evening of March 7, a residence on 15th Avenue in the Piikani town site was destroyed by fire. This is the third structure fire that Piikani RCMP and fire crews have responded to recently.  On January 31, an abandoned residence was burned and on February 12, an abandoned gas station was set ablaze.

RCMP and fire investigators believe all of these fires were deliberately set.

Anyone that was a witness to these fires or who has information is asked to contact the Piikani RCMP at 403-965-2000. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by telephone 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 that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Provincial budget/school fees announcements have minimal impact on LRSD funding, programs

Livingstone Range School Division - Following recent announcements by the Alberta government regarding school funding and the reduction of school fees, Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) has determined it will be able to continue operations with minimal impact to student services.

Jean and Kenney pledge to work towards unity

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and PC Alberta Leader Jason Kenney

Wildrose Party press release - Today, Wildrose Leader Brian Jean and PC Alberta Leader Jason Kenney announced their joint commitment to achieve unity.  Both leaders shared their belief that they cannot and will not negotiate a memorandum of understanding for a potential unity agreement among themselves, but will form discussion teams with a mandate to work towards an agreement. Details on the discussion teams will be developed in the coming days and announced by the end of the week.

Back country rescue of teen snowmobiler near Lost Creek (updated)

RCMP Alberta - On March 20, 2017 at 11:53 am the Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment was notified of a snowmobile collision in the area of Lost Creek. The collision resulted in significant, but non-life threatening injuries, to a 14 year old male. Pincher Creek RCMP along with Pincher Creek Fire Services, both Pincher Creek and Kananaskis Search and Rescue Teams along with Conservation Officers, were deployed under the direction of the RCMP. Due to the extent of injuries and remote location of the collision, STARS air ambulance with the assistance of Kananaskis Search and Rescue attended the location to extract the injured male from the back country. Through the coordinated efforts of all emergency personnel, the injured male was safely transported to the Pincher Creek Health Centre for treatment.

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

Total calls for service - 39

Fraud / Forgery - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft under $5000 - 2

Drugs - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 2

Driving complaints (general) - 9

MV Collisions - 6

Liquor offences - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

Assistance to other agencies - 1

False Alarms - 2

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Prisoners held - 4

Sabres defeat Dragons to earn Bronze at 1A Boys Basketball Provincials

Provincial Bronze: Livingstone's 1A Sabres

(official tournament photo)

Justyn Connelly-Engel, Chad Bousquet, Levi Sekella, Bryant Cail, Ty Anctil, Brady Douglas, Cole Schweb, Quinlan Connelly-Engel, Hunter Olsen, Brock Gatzky, Jonathan Erickson, Elisha Lowry, Eric Smyth, Head Coach Duane DeCock, Assistant Coach Paul Erickson

On March 18 Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres faced Pincher Creek's St. Michael's Dragons in the Bronze game at the 1A Boys ASAA Provincial Basketball Tournament.  The tournament was hosted by Calgary's Rundle Academy.  The Sabres defeated the Dragons 75-51.  The Dragons had strong first and final quarters.  The Sabres were consistently strong throughout.

ASBA welcomes funding for new student enrolment growth in Budget 2017

ASBA press release -  The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) welcomes the Alberta government’s commitment to funding new student enrolment growth in Budget 2017, but is concerned per-student funding has not increased and, in fact, has continued losing ground.

Solar energy grant for Lethbridge Farm Stewardship Centre

Minister Phillips, Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman, and MLA Lethbridge-East Maria Fitzpatrick at the Lethbridge Farm Stewardship Centre

Government of Alberta - The Alberta Government is supporting energy efficiency at Lethbridge’s Farm Stewardship Centre.The facility employs engineers, technologists and specialists who research agricultural practices and monitor environmental impacts. Using $54,000 of Climate Leadership Plan funding, the centre will install a 15-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system and upgrade lighting to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Alberta Budget 2017: School fees to be reduced

Government of Alberta - Budget 2017 funding that would reduce school fees under proposed legislation would save Alberta families $54 million in the 2017/18 school year.

TMS wins SWJHAA B Girls Basketball Post Season banner

Champions: TMS B Girls Eagles

Silver: MHS B Girls Hawks

Bronze: STM B Girls Dragons

C. Davis - Kainai's Tatsikiisaapo'p Middle School B Girls Eagles won the South Western Junior High Athletic Association (SWJHAA) 2017 banner after defeating Matthew Halton's Hawks 55-41 in the SWJHAA Post Season Final on March 11. The tournament was held at Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek. The Hawks placed second, and St. Michael's Dragons placed third. Six teams competed in a total of seven games.

Novice Chinooks win league banner

2016/17 Pincher Creek Novice Chinooks

#2 Tuff Yellow Horn, #4 Keegan Grant, #7 Carter McGlynn, #9 Hunter McMullen, #10 Maddox Prout, #12 Sasha Shenton, #15 Tristan Grant,#17 Cashe Kropinak, #18 Ava Jessen (missing from photo), #19 Hunter Little Bear, #22 Kaydence North Peigan (goalie), #24 Kayson Crow Shoe, Head coach Dylan Prout, Assistant coach Eric Blanchard, Assistant coach Brad Kropinak, Assistant coach Tyrone Potts, team manager Jessica Jensen.

The Pincher Creek Novice Chinooks won the Central Alberta Hockey League banner on Sunday, March 19. They played game one in Cochrane on Saturday and won in the third over time period 5- 6. In game two the Chinooks came from behind and ended up winning 6 - 4.

Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation celebrates 25 years

press release - It was March 20, 1992 when Des Allen and Peter Sherrington first noticed Golden Eagles migrating along the portion of what was to become known as the “eagle highway” in the Kananaskis Valley close to Mt. Lorette. When this spring’s count started on March 1, it became the count’s 26th consecutive year, making RMERF’s eagle count one of the longest-running citizen science projects in the world. Long-term studies such as RMERF’s eagle count are invaluable to help wildlife researchers and managers monitor populations and spot trends.