Town of Pincher Creek council voices landfill incinerator concerns

Toni Lucas - The Town of Pincher Creek sent a statement of concern to the Alberta Environment  and  Parks Regulatory Approvals Center dated July 18 regarding an application for the Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill Association to operate an incinerator.

The Core story of Brain Development

Justin Boodhoo

AHS Health Promotion Facilitator Justin Boodhoo - Stress is a normal part of life. For some, having to wake up in the morning can be stressful. For others, it could be the loss of a job. Stress is something that is unavoidable. Being able to address stress is important to increase resilience, and to learn positive coping skills. The Core story of Brain Development is a project developed by The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative. This initiative focuses on education and prevention, spreading the message that in order to help children build a strong foundation for development, they need stable, responsive relationships with adults in a safe environment.

Looking past the divide

"When volleyball or basketball season rolls around, our attitudes change."

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - When asked about racism in her school, a thoughtful teenage friend wrote the following:

“I know from experience that it is hard to get along with people who are so different from me.

“In my class, there are four First Nations girls in particular with whom there has definitely been some friction within the class. I don’t think it’s because of racism, but rather because we have nothing to do with each other and seemingly have so little in common. So, any interaction we do have results in arguments.

Fire ban expanded for southern Alberta, including Pincher Creek area

Effective July 27, the Alberta government has announced an expansion of the ongoing fire ban into more areas of southern Alberta.  According to a press release, the fire ban will be in effect in the regions of the Forest Protection Area south of the Red Deer River along the mountains and foothills to the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park.  All fires are banned and fire pit permits are suspended in the Town of Pincher Creek, the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9, and Piikani First Nation, until further notice.  Off Road Vehicles can also spark fires.

No fires are permitted during the fire ban, including campfires in campgrounds, until further notice. 

 Gas or propane stoves/barbecues and portable propane fire pits are allowed during the ban.  All fire permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued in the fire ban areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets is also prohibited.  Albertans found to be violating the fire ban could be issued a $287 ticket.

Castle parks improvements underway

Syncline East Equestrian Day Use Area

Government of Alberta - New picnic tables, an expanded day-use area and 184 refurbished campsites are now open in Alberta’s new Castle parks.  The first part of a four-year, $20-million plan to improve recreation opportunities in the Castle parks is already complete. New amenities include improved and expanded campsites, an improved day-use area at Butcher’s Lake and new comfort cabins at Beaver Mines Lake.  Other projects currently underway include new day-use shelters and the creation of more than a dozen rustic camping sites capable of supporting RVs. The province is also conducting an assessment of all trails in the parks to develop a backcountry system for improved cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

What kind of person are you?

Chris Davis - Earlier this week, early Tuesday afternoon, Toni and I were driving on Highway 22 when we were dramatically reminded of the fragility of life and the kindnesses and unkindnesses of strangers.  It so disturbed me that I feel compelled to break away from my usual intended style of keeping some distance from the stories I write.

Pincher Creek's Yards of the Month for June and July 2017

July Yard of the Month presentation to Audrey Toews

Rhonda Oczkowski of Parks and Recreation, Director of Community Services  Diane Burt Stuckey, Audrey Toews

June Yard of the Month presentation to Bobbie Wendland 

Director of Community Services  Diane Burt Stuckey, Communities in Bloom member and judge BJ Scott, Bobbie Wendland, nominator Sandie Ursel, Rhonda Oczkowski of Parks and Recreation.  (submitted photo)

Chris Davis - The Town of Pincher Creek and Pincher Creek's Communities in Bloom Committee are sponsoring a yard of the month award this summer to encourage local gardeners who do so much to make the town a pretty place. Citizens are invited to nominate a front or back yard for A Blooming Contest, and Communities in Bloom judges make the final decisions. Bobbie Wendland of 996 Hill Ave was selected as the June winner. Audrey Toews at 997 Lawrence Street was the winner for July. The competition is running for one more month this year. with nominations to be accepted during the first two weeks of August.

New brews part of the fun at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village event

Kyle Baines

Toni Lucas - Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village hosted a 'Beers to You' event on Saturday July 22 in Pincher Creek.  The event was in conjunction with Andrew Hilton Wine and Spirits (AHWS) from Lethbridge.  AHWS Owner Kyle Baines brought a number of different beers for the 100 people attending to sample.  He has experience in hosting tasting events covering the spread from beer, wine, scotch, tequila and gin. "... Whatever people want,"  he explained,  For this event the theme was Alberta based brews.  "We actually have a nice little microcosm of really good brewing, just in Alberta."  Brews came from Lethbridge, Lacombe, Calgary, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat.  People were laughing, sharing, visiting, and enjoying the musical stylings of country musician Jim Peace.

Annora Brown: Trailblazer

Joyce Sasse - Without a doubt, Annora Brown was a trailblazer. Fort Macleod was not much bigger than a settlement community when she was unexpectedly called back home in 1930. But that’s where she replanted herself and, with stubborn tenacity, brought her creative trailblazing calling to bloom.

Her historical and botanical research were a solid foundation on which she built her life as an educator.

RCMP warn of Interac email refund scam

RCMP Alberta - Stettler RCMP has become aware of a 'new' scam involving personal email. A recipient will receive an email that will appear to come directly from Interac advising of a refund owed back to the recipient and provide a deadline to receive the money.

St. Henry's RC Church celebrates 110th anniversary

Chris Davis - Twin Butte's St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church was standing room only during a special mass on Saturday July 15, 2017. The mass was part of a day-long event that marked Canada's 150th birthday, the 110 year anniversary of St. Henry's, and the Feast Day of St. Henry. Father Roque from Lethbridge conducted the mass and a Blessing of the Cemetery, and also help officiate the outdoor Stations of the Cross, a 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man.  A potluck supper followed.  Approximately 200 people attended the event.  St. Henry's was dedicated in 1907 and served the surrounding community until 2001.

A call to pray for rain

Shellie Byers - Every morning I wake up to the sting of smoke in my eyes , the dead brown grass in my yard and the merciless sun keeping me confined indoors as summer slips away. The two week forcast makes me sigh with no relief from the sweltering conditions. My heart sinks thinking about the first verse in the bible I was fixated on as a child.

"Surely the day is coming ,it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire, 'says the Lord Almighty. 'Not a root or a branch will be left to them." - Malachi 4:1

Recollecting our stories

Joyce Sasse

Joyce Sasse - Reunions can be a great time for telling stories. Memories long forgotten come back to life. Sometimes it takes a little prompting. But the story, put together by the memories of others, becomes important to how we look at these events in our lives.

“Story-telling (and story-recalling)” we are told “helps us make sense of our lives.” How true!

Letter to the editor: Beaver Mines water/wastewater project concerns revisited

Cornell Van Ryk - There was a time when the water and wastewater project was of interest only to the residents of Beaver Mines and those individuals that will be impacted by the lagoon proposed for the confluence of Mill Creek and the Castle River. That time is over. ALL M.D. ratepayers are about to be impacted and should pay attention.

Solutions and substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena,
I have a huge invasion of tiny ants in my pantry. Help! Janice

Dear Janice,

Remove all food from the pantry. Throw away any open containers or packages. Spray the pantry with ‘Raid Ant Killer’, and look for a product with a two-week residual. After two weeks, wipe shelves, the floor and walls. Return all food to the pantry making sure that all products are stored in airtight containers.

What is fluoride varnish?

Registered Dental Hygienist Jenna Simmons - Having healthy teeth is important for a child’s overall well-being. For this reason, fluoride varnish is recommended after your child’s first tooth erupts. Fluoride varnish is a concentrated fluoride that is painted on to teeth.

This fluoride treatment can help protect your child’s teeth from decay or cavities. It can help harden enamel to stop, slow down or prevent tooth decay. Children can have a fluoride varnish treatment applied at their routine dental cleaning or exam.

Alberta conservatives decide to unite

Wildrose leader Brian Jean celebrates successful unity vote (Wildrose photo)

Chris Davis - The members of Alberta's two conservative parties agreed to unite into one party today, July 22, 2017.  An overwhelming 95.4% majority of members from the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties voted in favour of the proposition to unite as the United Conservative Party.

Livingstone School 2017 Awards Ceremony

Livingstone School Academic Honors and Awards Studenta

Livingstone School Academic Awards Winners

Toni Lucas - Lundbreck's Livingstone School held their 2017 Awards Ceremony last month. Assistant Principal Mrs. Mary Krizan aced as the MC for the evening as the school celebrated achievements by students in grade 7 through grade 12 in the areas of academics, athletics, and special awards.

Kenney in the Henhouse

Phil Burpee - Politics, which is the science and craft of people governing themselves, only has functional meaning when it is dynamic and subject to change within the general evolution of the society within which it occurs. This is why the political life of a liberal democracy is so compelling, because no politician ever really knows what’s coming around the next corner and players are forever foraging around in a flux of events and circumstance trying as best they can to read the various entrails and hopefully reap the reward of the votes of the masses. When a society is working well and to the benefit of the vast majority of its citizens, ever-watchful also for the displacement of marginalized folk outside the good life, then politics can and should be a joyous thing, drawing in the best and brightest minds whose sole intent is the betterment of all and the constant distancing from our infantile and brutish past – think Peter Lougheed, T.C. Douglas, Flora MacDonald. That’s the glass half full.

Wear the Gear 2017 winners awarded bicycles

Adults:  RCMP Cst. Laurence Harvey, PCES Deputy Fire Chief Pat Neumann, Pincher Creek Family Center Jacqui Bennett Bruns and Linda McKinnon, PCES Kate Feist, Town of Pincher Creek CEO Laurie Wilgosh, Town of Pincher Creek Community Peace Officer John Herasemluk

Front Row:  Bicycle winners Zachary Clinton and Ethan Maier

The 2017 Pincher Creek Wear the Gear Contest winners were 6 year old Zachary Clinton and 5 year old Ethan Maier.  They had the opportunity to come to the Pincher Creek Fire Hall to get their new bicycles they won by 'Wearing the Gear'.  From May through June 15 PCES, RCMP, and Town Bylaw officers handed out tickets to youths wearing helmets while using wheeled vehicles whether they were bikes, trikes, scooters or even roller skates. During the run of this scrutiny 128 tickets were presented to help encourage wearing their safety gear.  This also gave young people the opportunity to meet some of the local First Response personnel and get to know them one on one.

New Go-Ju Ryu Karate Black Belts in Pincher Creek

Left to Right: Peter Dressler, Sensei (Chief Instructor Pincher Creek AB), Vic Hargitt, Sensei (Chief Instructor Blind Bay BC, Head of Shorei-Kan Canada), Adam Schoening, Sensei (Just awarded Shodan Black Belt), Justin Schoening, Sensei (Just awarded Shodan Black Belt), Jack Matches, Sensei (Instructor at Blind Bay BC) - Shannon Schoening photos

Peter Dressler - Shorei-Kan awarded two students Black Belts on July 6th in Pincher Creek, in the Okinawan art of Go-Ju Ryu Karate. Adam and Justin Schoening became the fifth and sixth students to obtain this level since the Pincher Creek dojo was founded in 2006. Vic Hargitt, Sensei and Jack Matches, Sensei travelled from Blind Bay, BC and Kamloops, BC to join Peter Dressler, Sensei in creating a panel for testing. Testing took about two hours.

Seasonal speed limit and wildlife etiquette keeps visitors and wildlife safe in Waterton Lakes National Park

Parks Canada - To strengthen wildlife and visitor safety, Parks Canada has reduced the speed limit on a portion of the Entrance Road (Highway 5) in Waterton Lakes National Park from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. The 1.75 km section extends between the turn-offs for the Golf Course and the Operations Compound and is in place from the May long weekend through to Thanksgiving.

Fire ban issued for southern Alberta

Government of Alberta - Effective noon today, a fire ban will be implemented in portions of southern Alberta. The fire ban will be in effect in the regions of the Forest Protection Area located south of Highway 532 along the mountains and foothills to the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park.  No fires are permitted during the fire ban, including campfires in campgrounds, until further notice.  Gas or propane stoves/barbecues and portable propane fire pits are allowed during the ban.

Fire ban issued for Waterton Lakes National Park

John Stoesser, Parks Canada - A fire ban has been issued for Waterton Lakes National Park due to elevated fire danger. Lighting or maintaining fires in this area is now strictly prohibited. This fire ban covers the entire national park including all front- and back-country campgrounds and day use areas in Waterton Lakes National Park. The ban includes the Waterton townsite.

Apex Clean Energy to manage Ikea's Oldman 2 windfarm

Apex Clean Energy - Apex Clean Energy announced today a multiyear contract to operate an IKEA Canada wind project, Oldman 2, located near Pincher Creek in Alberta. Oldman 2 generates 46 megawatts of clean energy for the AESO market.

Missing Fort Macleod man found

The man reported missing by Fort Macleod RCMP on July 17 has been located safe and sound. Fort Macleod RCMP is grateful to the media and the public for their assistance.

Precautionary Air Quality Advisory issued for southern Alberta

Alberta Health Services - Due to wildfires burning in British Columbia, air quality is expected to be variable across much of the South Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) over the coming days and potentially, weeks.  As such, AHS is issuing a precautionary air quality advisory for the entire South Zone of AHS.

Residents of the South Zone of AHS, and visitors to the South Zone of AHS, are advised to be aware of air conditions and take precautions against potential health concerns that can be associated with smoky air conditions.

Knocking at heaven's door

Shellie Byers - I am a witness for Jesus Christ, a watchman on the wall and a child of the one, true God. My relationship and inheritance permit me to be equipped through the transforming of my mind. I am a soldier in a spiritual army willing to obey the commands of my Lord and sound the alarm. Many of us are preoccupied with our families, our jobs, the world and many of us have fallen asleep to the still, small voice speaking to us. The alarm bells are ringing, it is time to wake up, rise up and dust the armor of God off. March into your prayer closets and wield your double edged sword to intercede for your fallen brothers and sisters. Change the atmosphere with the Holy Spirit and create a new reality. Identify who you are and understand the power and authority we were meant to walk in. 

As the heat continues

Joyce Sasse - There are those who relish the heat. But there are others of us who find ourselves becoming more and more depressed by its excess.

Confinement to curtain-closed homes, stifling apartments, or air-conditioned spaces that irritate while they cool all take their toll. Add the threat this may be more than a few-day phenomena –we look for positive ways to find relief.

Low river flows prompt advisory for Alberta anglers

Government of Alberta - Anglers are requested to voluntarily restrict angling activities to early mornings because of significantly low river flows and higher-than-normal water temperatures so fish experience less stress.  These conditions are threatening the health of Alberta’s fish populations and anglers should follow safe handling procedures related to catch-and-release fishing to minimize fish mortality.

Water restrictions in effect for Cowley and Lundbreck, Writing On Stone

The Village of Cowley and the MD of Pincher Creek hsve announced the level 1 water conservation measures are in effect at this time.  Alberta Environment has advised that water intake from the Castle River is about to be suspended due to low water flow rates, which will result in the MD not transferring water to the Cowley or Lundbreck water storage facilities until alternate plans can be arranged, which is expected to take several days.  All residents and businesses are urged to conserve water where possible, eliminate outdoor watering, and only hand water gardens where necessary.

Due to elevated levels of fecal coliforms currently present in the water of the Milk River at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta Health Services is advising the public not to swim or wade in the Milk River at this location, effective immediately. The public is also advised not to drink this untreated lake water at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal coliforms, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Hit and run collision in Fort Macleod

RCMP Alberta - On July 6, 2017, the Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of a hit and run vehicle collision in the parking lot of A&W in Fort Macleod, AB. An unknown white coloured vehicle struck a black 2006 Honda Civic between 11:00 pm on July 5, 2017 and 9:00 am on July 6, 2017.

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

Landfill's biomass incinerator application concerns some area residents

East of the Crowsnest Pass/Pincher Creek Landfill

Chris Davis - Cowley area landowners Duane and Lynne DeCock are concerned about plans by the Crowsnest Pass/Pincher Creek Landfill (CNPC) to operate a biomass incinerator, composed of two 5-tonne chambers. The landfill is approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the DeCock property, according to a letter they sent to Alberta Environment and Parks Regulatory Approvals Center on July 11, 2017.

According to  CNPCL stats, the landfill currently receives annual biomass averages of 200 - 250 tonnes of wildlife carcasses and 700 tonnes from pig and chicken farms. It currently isn't approved to handle beef carcasses, but (with the addition of a biomass incinerator to its operations) projects an average 200 to 250 tonnes per month for 3 months during calving season, and regular cattle mortality averaging another 600 tonnes per year.  CNCP recently issued a public notice stating they have applied  to Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) "for an amendment to an existing approval to construct operate and reclaim the proposed incinerator".  AEP dictates the public consultation requirements.  Costs associated for the project will come from landfill operations, according to CNCP  A final price tag estimate isn't anticipated before next year sometime.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean visits Pincher Creek

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Livingstone - Macleod MLA Pat Stier and Wildrose Leader Brian Jean

Chris Davis - Wildrose leader Brian Jean spoke to a small crowd of 20 or so people in Pincher Creek on July 5, at the conclusion of a tour through Livingstone-Macleod to promote conservative unity and to boost his brand as potential leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta. He took a few swipes at Alberta's NDP government along the way. Other stops earlier in the day included Nanton, Claresholm, and Fort Macleod.

MLA Pat Stier introduces Brian Jean

Introduced by Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier, Jean got straight to it with an audience mostly composed of die-hard Wildrose believers. Alberta's the best place in the world," he said before discussing briefly his Fort McMurray background, adding "Truly our best days are in front of us."

"I believe we can take this province back," he said.

"It's not just about the next election," said Jean, adding that he thought the Wildrose could win the next election "but it can't just be about the next election." 

Jean said oil, natural gas, tourism, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, geothermal and hydro project opportunities are just a few of Alberta's opportunities.

"Wildrose right now is the beating heart of the conservative movement in Alberta."

"How do we make sure one leader, one executive and one group of members controls the PC brand, the Wildrose brand, and the Conservative brand in Alberta?"

"We need a Premier and a government that will come in here, and manage our resources properly."

"It means making practical, common sense decisions, in the best interest of the people you serve."

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean

Jean explained the different foundations underpinning the Progressive Conservative and Wildrose parties. The Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta is an Unincorporated Association and "Their board of directors controls everything they do." The Wildrose Party was incorporated under the Societies Act. "It means that the members are in charge, and it takes 75% of our membership to change anything. To change any major constitutional decision, such as unity." The Wildrose needs 75% of the membership to vote and to agree on unity to proceed with it as a political party. "The PC party doesn't need to do that." Jean said the PC party will have their first referendum ever, and their goal is 50% plus 1 vote to decide on unity. He explained that if unity goes through, the plan at this time is for the newly formed party is to be ruled under the Societies Act so the individual membership has more control than in the PC's model.

Jean said he was opposed to the debt that has accumulated in the name of the province of Alberta.

"That debt means we can not fund our schools, can not fund our health care, and frankly wont be able to pay for infrastructure like roads and bridges."

"We don't need to change our education system to every new fad that teachers want to implement. We frankly need to do the opposite. We need to get back to basics in math, and writing. Making sure our kids have the education that makes them competitive with the world."

"I watched for four months as my son died in the heath care system here. And I will tell you that what I learned from that, is our system's not working."

He said Alberta ranks 28th out of 30 for health outcomes according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) statistics, "...and we are the second most expensive." He added Saskatchewan and BC have less drastic wait times. "It's not health care spending, it's health care management."

Jean said he was a proponent of fiscal conservatism, personal freedoms, religious liberty, democracy, "...and a belief and confidence that Alberta is the best place in the world, not just to work, but to play, to live, and to raise a family."

He was very critical of the equalization program across Canada. including the unemployment insurance program. "At least we should be treated fairly, and that's what I want to see." Day care subsidies and secondary schooling costs not being dealt with equivocally nation-wide was another concern. "That's why I promise that in one year of being elected as premier, I will have a referendum that forces Ottawa to re-negotiate equalization."

Health care, education, and citizen safety are also cited as concerns for Jean. "That's why I am here today. Because I watched my son die, and I don't want that to happen to any of you. It truly is a situation where it could, and you shouldn't let it happen to you."

"It's not just equalization we have to re-negotiate, there is no question we have to do that. We also have to look for opportunities for Alberta to be treated the same as other provinces."

Speaking of a recent trip to New York and Washington, Jean said many of the potential investors and investment firms with a worldwide impact are very leery of the current NDP government in Alberta. "They looked at me and said, 'Change your government.' They knew our Premier by name, and called them socialists."

Jean is not a fan of Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "Personally, I believe that there's nobody more unqualified for that job than him in Ottawa, right now."

At the end of his speech Jean told the audience that Wildrose memberships had to be purchased by the end of day July 8 to vote in the unity vote on July 22. A leadership vote is expected October 28 if unity is approved by both parties.

A question and answer period followed, much of which is included in the accompanying video.

In an interview after the meet and greet that followed his speech, Jean said "Right now, I am focused on Unity. I am not focused on leadership. I am just trying to get the message out there to people."

"I believe in democracy, so it's going to be up to the local constituency associations to appoint their member to represent them as the candidate in the next election, and hopefully, as the MLA."

"I think it is very important to make sure that we always have democracy at the forefront. So members are always the deciders on policy, and any constitutional changes."  He further explained, "I think the members of both parties, if they truly are conservatives, will come together and will support the single consolidated voice moving forward."

 "These parties moving forward into one united voice obviously it removes some of the competitive element where people will vote, and split their vote, between two different parties."

"I think it's true that most Albertans have clearly indicated that they are unhappy with the Progressive Conservative Party." He said he sees this as a way of moving forward with a stronger united party incorporating Wildrose ideals. "Frankly I think 44 years of any government sort of runs long and I think that people finally had enough reasons not to vote for PC's last time."

Jean said unity was different from what occurred when former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith led a total of 9 Wildrose members across the floor to the PCs in December of 2014, leaving 5 behind still carrying the Wildrose torch. "Whereas last time, it was self serving politicians that crossed the floor and did things on their own, for themselves. This time, it's a little bit different."

He thinks this change in attitude is about listening to the people is a huge change from the floor crossing. "I do think they will accept it this time, and they will be very satisfied, and very happy."

"Buy a membership and get involved in policy. Because policy is decided by our membership."

Drug cornucopia bust in Turner Valley

RCMP Alberta -  On July 10, 2017, Okotoks RCMP General Investigation Section in partnership with Turner Valley RCMP arrested two individuals for possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking. Investigators conducted a traffic stop on Main Street in Turner Valley which led them into entering a drug investigation.

Southern Alberta healthcare worker: Thank you for the opportunity, Canada

Trudy Reimer

Alberta Health Services Community Health Representative Trudy Reimer - As I reflect on the 150th Canada Day celebrations the country took part in recently, I cannot help but be thankful for the great blessing it is to be able to call Canada home. My life would look very different if my passport didn’t reflect my Canadian citizenship status.

I crossed the Coutts border on March 19, 1999 into Canada at the age of six, in an old Suburban with my five siblings, my parents, my uncle and a family friend. My uncle and the family friend had taken a trip down to Mexico to pick us up and pack us in along with the few possessions to fill the spaces that were left over. The reason for the move was economic - it was hard to make a living as dry-land irrigation farmers during a drought.

Body found on Highway 22 near Cochrane, Traffic re-routed for investigation

Update: Cochrane RCMP advise that Highway 22 between the Highway 8 roundabout and Lower Springbank Road is now open to all traffic both north and south bound. Emergency Services have cleared from scene and Calgary Police Service continues to investigate the incident.
RCMP Alberta - A body was found this morning in the ditch of Highway 22, north of the Highway 8 traffic circle. RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigators and Forensics investigators are on the scene along with Cochrane RCMP. The investigation requires that traffic on highway 22 will be re-routed between Highway 1 and Highway 8. Motorists travelling in that area are asked to find an alternate route, such as Sarcee trail or Range Road 33 at Calaway Park.

Busy Monday for first responders

Toni Lucas - Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) attended three separate fires around the Pincher Creek area on Monday, June 10. All three happened in rural ares, two may have started due to lightening strikes, while one fire came about because a bailer caught fire. Deputy Fire Chief Pat Neumann said there were no injuries at any of the fires.

There is a burn restriction in effect. No new burn permits are being issued in the Town or the MD of Pincher Creek. Permits are still being issued for in-town fire pits, and the forestry is only allowed in approved engineered fire pits, usually found in campgrounds.

Fatal Collision on Highway 36

RCMP Alberta - A child has died following a two vehicle collision on Highway 36 North of Taber.

On July 10 at 9:25 pm, Taber RCMP along with Taber Fire and Emergency Services, Alberta EMS Bow Island RCMP and Lethbridge RCMP traffic services responded to a collision between a Volkswagen Jetta and a Ford F-150 on Highway 36 at the intersection with Range Road 110.

Murder charge laid in death of Ronald Worsfold

RCMP Alberta - An autopsy has been completed and murder charges laid in relation to the death of 75-year-old St. Albert resident Ronald Worsfold.

CBSA seizes four handguns at Chief Mountain

Calgary, Alberta Canada Border Services Agency - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding United States (U.S.) travellers to educate themselves on Canadian firearm laws, following an incident at the Chief Mountain border crossing.  On July 3, CBSA officers seized four undeclared handguns from a Minnesota man who had been referred for a routine examination. All of these firearms were found in luggage stored inside a pickup truck box:
· a .45-calibre revolver;
· a .50-calibre revolver;
· a .40-calibre pistol (loaded); and,
· a .45-calibre pistol.

Operation Icebreaker leads to 16 child pornography related arrests in southern Alberta

ALERT - A three-month investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team has led to the arrest of 16 Alberta men for child pornography related offences. The investigation, dubbed Operation Icebreaker, began in April 2017 and targeted suspects accessing child pornography in southern Alberta. In addition to the arrests, the investigation led to the identification of two underage luring victims.

Solutions & Substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena,
I don’t own a pressure washer. What is the best way for me to regularly clean my driveway? Tyrone

Dear Tyrone,
Here are a few methods for effectively cleaning a concrete driveway. Combine water with dish soap. Scrub the driveway and rinse with water. Or 1 cup TSP (trisodium phosphate) to every gallon of water (use proper eyewear and gloves). Let soak for 15 mins. then spray with a hose. Or 50/50 chlorine bleach and water. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

Out and About

Jason Paul Sailer photo

^ Peek a boo! - A mule deer playing hide and seek in the canola near Perfect Posies greenhouse just south of the road in Pincher Creek by photographer Jason Paul Sailer on June 22.

Floyd Provost photo

^ Bear in Brocket townsite last May, Floyd Provost photo