Vandalism to window at Structural Truss in Fort Macleod

Suspect vehicle

RCMP Alberta - On Saturday December 16, 2017 in the early morning, a window was smashed at a business on 12 Street in Fort Macleod. Surveillance video obtained shows a mid size, 4 door, dark coloured sedan drive up to the front of Structural Truss. Several people get out of the vehicle and the front passenger throws an object at a large glass window. Only the outer pane of glass was damaged and the subjects did not gain entry to the building. After throwing the object, the subjects immediately get back into the vehicle and drive West on 12th Street, before turning North on 3rd Avenue.

Extreme Cold warning issued for all of Alberta

Environment Canada has issued Extreme Cold warnings for all of Alberta, including southwestern Alberta: 

Environment Canada, 3:28 pm MST Saturday 30 December 30, 2017: 

A prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected.

Extreme cold conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.

Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

If it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.

Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.storm.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.

New Years Message from the Mayor of Pincher Creek

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New Years Message from the Mayor

At this time of year, we reflect on the past year and look forward to the future year. 2017 has been another busy year for Town Council, administration and staff.

Pincher Creek, along with other municipalities in the province held elections for Council in October. The result of our election was four returning incumbents and three new members of Council. Since the election we have attended numerous training and information sessions and will be conducting a strategic planning session early in the new year with Council and senior administration. I am very pleased with the dynamics of our new Council group and everyone has hit the ground running.

Snowfall warning extended

Hwy 3 at Cowley this morning

Environment Canada, issued at 4:15 am, Saturday December 30, 2017 - 

Snowfall, with total amounts of 15 to 25 cm is expected.

A Pacific low pressure system will continue to bring heavy snow to extreme southwestern Alberta this morning. Snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 cm are expected before conditions improve this afternoon.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Snowfall warnings are issued when significant snowfall is expected.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.storm.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.

Hwy3 from Pincher Creek to west of the AB/BC border, travel not recommended due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility. (11:01pm)

Highway 3 at Cowley, west of Pincher Creek, Friday, Dec. 29, 8:42 am

Hwy3 from Pincher Creek to west of the AB/BC border, travel not recommended due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility. (11:01pm) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) December 29, 2017

RCMP across Alberta continue to warn of poor weather / driving conditions

RCMP Alberta -  The RCMP continue to respond to collisions and warn holiday traffic of poor driving conditions in various locations across the province.

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. today, Fox Creek RCMP were dispatched to a multi vehicle pile up on Highway 43, eastbound lanes, approximately 20 kms east of Fox Creek. This collision was in the valley near the Iosegun River. A secondary 15 vehicle pileup occurred shortly after, approximately 1 km east of the initial collision scene.

The RCMP can confirm that one adult male succumbed to his injuries received in the initial reported collision.

The northbound lane of Highway 43 at Fox Creek is open and traffic is flowing. Traffic is stopped southbound, and is currently backed up for several kilometres. Tow trucks are actively working on trying to remove all vehicles blocking traffic. It is anticipated that this will take approximately one more hour.

RCMP Members remain on scene to continue to safely funnel as much traffic as possible in either direction.

In other areas of this province, snowfall continues.

The Cochrane RCMP are now reporting white out conditions with extremely limited visibility in the follow areas: Highway 1, Highway 1A, Highway 22, and all other roads in the Cochrane area, west of Calgary.

In the interest of trying to help keep travellers safe this holiday season, the RCMP continue to recommend travel only as necessary.

Help over the holidays

Government of Alberta - Several government phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help Albertans who may be facing difficulties or need emergency services over the holidays. From Dec. 23, 2017 through Jan.1, 2018, programs and resources that affect the health, safety and security of Albertans will be available. Non-urgent government operations will be closed during this time. Regular service will resume Jan. 2, 2018.

Important phone numbers:

Throughout the holidays, Albertans can call to get help regarding abuse or other kinds of emergencies.

For family violence or bullying, staff are available by phone to provide services in more than 170 languages, or through an online chat daily, from noon to 8 p.m.
Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818, toll free
Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323

Anyone concerned for the safety or well-being of a child can call the Child Abuse Hotline to speak with a caseworker.

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)

For emergency basic needs assistance or for a Safer Spaces Certificate during the holidays, the Income Support Contact Centre is available by calling:

• 780-644-5135 in Edmonton
• 1-866-644-5135 outside Edmonton

The Mental Health Help Line is also available 24/7 at 1-877-303-2642.

Alberta.ca also features a list of all government services that are available over the holiday season. Individuals can still use Government of Alberta online systems, but submissions or applications will be processed in the new year.

Related information:
Services during holiday closure

RCMP across Alberta responding to collisions

RCMP Alberta - The RCMP can confirm that throughout today, members from detachments across the province have been responding to and assisting with collisions on main highways. Motorists are requested to slow down and avoid travel if at all possible. Icy conditions, poor road conditions and white out conditions are occurring.

On Highway 43 southbound near Fox Creek, traffic is down to one lane due to a major collision involving at least 17 vehicles. Travel is extremely slow going.

In central and southern Alberta there are several collisions being reported. At this time there is no update available from the RCMP about the outcomes of these collisions in terms of injuries. Members are very engaged in actively responding to calls to service and reporting is not available.

The main consideration of the RCMP at this time is to efficiently assist the motorists and clear the vehicles from the roadways.

More suspected cocaine seized at Coutts border

CBSA / RCMP - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today another significant narcotics seizure at the Coutts, Alberta border crossing.

On December 17, 2017, CBSA officers at Coutts intercepted a commercial vehicle hauling produce from California and destined for an Alberta business. While examining the vehicle, officers uncovered 17 bricks of suspected cocaine with a total weight of 21 kg. The bricks were located in a closet area within the cab.

CP Holiday Train visits Pincher Station

CP Holiday Train arrives at Pincher Station (C. Davis photos except where noted)

Chris Davis - The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stopped at Pincher Station on the morning of December 11. A large crowd was assembled in warmer than usual weather to enjoy the music of Alan Doyle and The Beautiful Band on the Holiday Train stage. The Holiday Train is used as an incentive to donate to local food banks in the United States and Canada. "The Holiday Train program is all about local food banks and food shelves and the critical role they play in our communities," according to Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Chasing the Holiday Train - Jason Paul Sailer photos

Enel awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements for Pincher wind farms

EGP-NA's 76.2 MW Castle Rock Ridge wind farm in Pincher Creek, AB. Photo courtesy of Enel Green Power North America, Inc.

Chris Davis - On December 13 the Government of Alberta announced the results of the first round of the Renewable Energy Program, which is part of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan. Three companies were successful in their record low bids to provide renewable energy to Alberta consumers. Enel Green Power North American (EGPNA) has been awarded two 20-year Renewable Energy Support Agreements (RESAs) for 146 MW of new wind capacity at wind farm developments located north and east of Pincher Station, expected to generate around 555 GWh per year. Capital Power will build a 201-megawatt wind project 60 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat. EDP Renewables Canada Ltd. will build a 248-megawatt wind farm east of Hanna. According to an EGPNA press release, overall investment in the two Pincher Creek wind farms will amount to approximately 170 million US dollars, which is approximately 218 million Canadian dollars at today's exchange rate. The Government of Alberta anticipates the creation of approximately 740 jobs related to the four  projects.

Notes from recent Pincher Creek council meetings

Headlines:

Proposed curling rink location a concern for citizen

Ski Academy/Minor Hockey sponsorships approved

New municipal tax assessor chosen for Town

Town passes fee structure bylaw

Town updates customer contact info

MD increases joint funding contribution

MD's 2018 Capital Budget and 2019-21 Capital Plan approved

No free lunch for MD Council spouses

Megan Metheral appointed to MDSA

Mayor to take Assessment Review Board Training

Town agrees to new 5 year lease for Humane Society/SPCA

MD decides against seat at Chamber table

Napi Pow Wow to receive Town funding

MD changes Facility Committee representation

MD to ask for additional Hwy 3 Open House

Town of Pincher Creek agrees to water license temporary transfer to help MD

Chris Davis - After an in camera discussion at their November 14 meeting council for the Town of Pincher Creek accepted a proposed Water License Transfer agreement requested by the MD of Pincher Creek as information, and directed their administration to forward a Memorandum of Understanding to the MD "for consideration with an amendment to the agreement regarding costs and that the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign the agreement once complete."

MD of Pincher Creek's fire suppression costs surged in 2017

Chris Davis - At their November 28 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek approved a recommendation by Director of Finance Janene Felker that a transfer of $40,000 from the Mill Rate Stabilization Reserve be approved to cover a 2017 over-expenditure on fire costs. According to Felker, "Due to the extremely dry and hot summer, there were a number of fires that took place within the MD and the account associated with these fire suppression cost is over budget for 2017."

Pincher Creek Town Council provides letter of support to Canadian Mountain Network

Toni Lucas - On December 11, Council for the Town of Pincher Creek received as information the November 27 presentation from Matthew Berry, Director of Partnership Development for the Canadian Mountain Network  (CMN). He attended the meeting to provide further information to Council regarding the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) and the Canadian Mountain Municipalities Consortium. CMN is seeking 2.5 million per year for five years from the Networks of Centre of Excellence (NCE) Funding Program. University of Alberta is the host institution through which research will be directed. The CMN would in turn provide a grant of $200,000 to support the Consortium selected projects.

Solutions and substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena, I would like to bake a Christmas Fruit Cake for the first time. The recipes I've looked up on-line are big recipes and expensive. Is it possible to make half a recipe? One asks for five eggs (how do I divide)? Shirley

Dear Shirley, The easiest option; is to use 3 small eggs (instead of medium or large). The more technically accurate solution includes measuring. A large egg equals about 3 tbsp. of contents. If the recipe calls for both egg yolk and egg white; beat the egg, and use one and a half tbsp. for the Christmas Fruit Cake recipe.

2017 Winter Lights awards winners announced

Residential winner - 552 Main Street - Tanya Soveran and Cory Bowen (house photos by Kathleen Hancock)

C.Davis/T.Lucas - The Town of Pincher Creek and Pincher Creek Communities In Bloom once again promoted beautifying the community with a Christmas Decorating Challenge this season. Judges toured the community on November 29 to look at businesses and December 6 to look at residences. Some decorators missed the deadline, but were thanked at the presentation for their efforts to brighten up the community. This was the sixth year of the event. A Social event with snacks and refreshments and presentations to the winners was held at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village on the evening of December 13.

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Some of the winners with judges and organizers at Dec. 13 presentation event

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for Dec.11-17, 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 December 11-17, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 30

Assaults - 2

Break and Enter (commercial) - 1

Uttering Threats - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 4

Theft of motor vehicle - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 2

Driving complaints (general) - 3

MV Collisions - 5

Liquor offences - 4

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1

False Alarms - 2

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Municipal Bylaws (barking dogs / noise / OHV) - 1

Prisoners held – 5

Bantam Huskies donate to local charitable organizations

2017/18 Bantam Huskies (submitted photo)

Pincher Creek's Bantam Huskies made some money at their recent home-rink tournament.  They chose to donate $100 to several area not-for-profits, including Better Chances, the food bank,  and the CNP Women’s Resource Centre.  As an added bonus, the Huskies won their tournament (story soon).

New advisory council to focus on seniors, continuing care

Alberta Health Services - A new provincial advisory council (PAC) will launch next month, providing a direct connection between Alberta Health Services (AHS), seniors, the disabled and those receiving continuing care services, as well as their families and informal caregivers. The Seniors and Continuing Care PAC includes 15 people from across the province who have personal interactions with continuing care, or are caregivers for clients in continuing care. They will provide AHS with advice on services and delivery related to seniors care and continuing care, and will report to the Community Engagement Committee of the AHS Board.

Free Parks Canada Places youth admission starting in 2018

Parks Canada - Parks Canada’s places represent the very best that Canada has to offer, and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, along with Parks Canada’s Honourary Guide for Families, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, announced that admission for youth 17 and under is free for all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.

Traveling in southern Alberta today? Know before you go.

Traveling in southern Alberta today? Know before you go and check https://t.co/0yIT7K6jY3 for our new weather radar layer to see what to expect on your commute. #ABRoads #ABParks pic.twitter.com/na9RpChriT

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) December 18, 2017

Town of Pincher Creek Council hears citizens' curling rink concerns

Jonathan Skrimshire - Two citizen delegations addressed Pincher Creek Town Council at their meeting of December 11 to express objections to the proposed siting of a new curling rink on the Multi-Purpose Facility grounds. Judith Green, a member at large of the Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board, presented personal remarks arguing for preservation of the entire green space area north of the existing pool and library. Jennifer Draper, Rose Murfin and Billi Rigaux, speaking on behalf of the Spray Park Committee, expressed their concerns over the impact of the proposed rink structure and parking lot on the spray park. In a lengthy back and forth discussion with the delegation speakers, Council members demonstrated their willingness to hear the views being expressed and evidenced flexibility regarding the final siting decision.

Piikani Nation's Karen A. Crowshoe appointed to Provincial Court

Government of Alberta - Karen A. Crowshoe has been appointed to the Provincial Court of Alberta, Calgary Criminal. Crowshoe received her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of British Columbia and became a member of the Alberta bar in 1994. Her legal career has focused largely on providing counsel for First Nation governments and agencies in matters such as treaty rights, specific claims, on-reserve business and economic development and First Nation elections and governance. She also has extensive experience in the development of on-reserve child welfare services and on-reserve governance legislation. A member of the Piikani Nation, one of three First Nations that comprise the Blackfoot Confederacy, Crowshoe continues to be a dedicated representative of her community and supporter of First Nations in southern Alberta, including as a member of the Iron Shirt Culture and Heritage Society, which is committed to the preservation of Piikani culture and traditions. Her community work includes serving as a youth mentor with the United Way of Calgary and as a board member for the Piikani Youth and Education Foundation. She also taught native studies courses at the University of Lethbridge and Red Crow Community College.

Be fire smart as you deck the halls

Minister Anderson, Fire Chief Dan Lemieux (Strathcona County Emergency Services) and Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank talked about being fire smart with decorations and cooking during the holiday season.

Government of Alberta - Fire-related deaths double in Alberta during the holiday season, so follow these safety tips to keep you and your family safe. 

Wood Buffalo RCMP warn residents of computer virus cleaner scams

RCMP Alberta  - Wood Buffalo RCMP are advising residents of a computer virus cleaner phone scam that have come to their attention targeting local residents. RCMP advise no legitimate government agency or business will demand payment in gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or using high pressure tactics. These methods are used by the criminal element to hide their activities from police.

Xmas notes

"Xmas" used on a Christmas postcard, 1910 (Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - “XMAS” someone challenged when they saw the word written on a church sign board. “You’re taking the Christ out of Christmas!”

“Heavens no!” I replied. “This is not the x of unknown quantity. This ‘X’ is the Greek Letter ‘Chi’ that stands for Christ, and is prominent in so many church symbols. This puts Christ at the very centre of the celebration!”

Funding shortfall threatens Pincher Creek recreation projects

Jonathan Skrimshire - The gap between budgeting assumptions and reality came fully into view December 6th as the Pincher Creek Committee of the Whole discussed the matter of capital funding requests to the Municipal District of Pincher Creek for the construction of new recreational facilities. The Town is currently engaged with the Canada 150 spray park and pool slide project (nearing completion), the creation of two new sports fields (land acquisition under way), and the proposed construction of a new curling rink (land and funding recently committed in writing). All of these projects involve completion dates in the 2018-2020 timeframe. All of these projects were undertaken with the expectation of large capital funding contributions from the MD. But there's a problem. The money isn't there.

Winfield area horses located

 

RCMP Alberta - The Breton RCMP are very pleased to report that the six horses reportedly stolen from a Winfield area farm were located last night and safely returned to their owner. The horses appear to be in good shape and have not suffered physically.

Pertussis outbreak declared over in South Zone

 

Alberta Health Services - Pertussis disease activity in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS) has decreased to such an extent as to no longer represent an outbreak situation. As such, effective immediately, the South Zone Medical Officer of Health (MOH) has declared the South Zone pertussis outbreak (active since June 5, 2017) to be over.  From the onset of this outbreak until Dec 7, 2017, 441 cases of pertussis were confirmed in the South Zone, of which 388 were connected with the outbreak.

Ponoka RCMP seek assistance in identifying vehicle related to highway fatality

RCMP Alberta - On December 10 at 6:50 p.m., Ponoka RCMP responded to a single vehicle collision on the QEII at the Highway 53 overpass.  RCMP along with Emergency Medical Services attended and determined that the 54-year-old male driver of a northbound vehicle was declared deceased on scene. The vehicle appears to have lost control and struck a guard rail where the vehicle then came to rest.  A female passenger in the vehicle sustained minor injuries. She was treated and released.

New rule for MD of Pincher Creek council's interaction with public

 

Chris Davis - MD of Pincher Creek Reeve Quentin Stevick made an announcement at the November 28 public meeting of MD council, just prior to council going in camera (a private session). According to Reeve Stevick, he had been advised by lawyers while in Edmonton attending the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) convention earlier in November that taling with members of the public or the press while council was still in session was a concern. A normal process for MD council meetings is for council to take a short recess before going in camera. After the in camera section of the meeting is concluded the meeting again becomes public. During that recess it has previously been a norm for councillors, including the Reeve, to talk briefly with people in attendance.

Alberta government reduces liquor markups for small manufacturers

 

Government of Alberta - The Alberta government is reducing the liquor markup for small manufacturers of spirits and refreshment beverages in the province, allowing them to grow and diversify their businesses.Starting December 8, small distilleries, cideries, meaderies and cottage wineries will be able to sell their products from farmers’ markets, artisan markets or their manufacturing facilities at a reduced markup rate. This fulfils the government’s commitment to support small distillers and refreshment beverage manufacturers while encouraging economic diversification in Alberta.

All Piikani Nation members to receive $5000 per capita lease claim settlement Dec. 13-15

Chris Davis - The Piikani Nation will be distributing a $50 million settlement from the Government of Canada December 13 to 15. According to a Piikani Nation press release, the settlement resulted from a 2005 Specific Claim that alleged Canada mismanaged grazing leases on Indian Reserve 147 (now called Piikani 147) from 1989 to 1943. Negotiations began in 2015, and on September 7, 2017 the Government of Canada offered Piikani Nation the $50 million settlement. Piikani Nation will not be asked to surrender or release and reserve lands as part of the settlement.

Letter: Requesting Kenow Fire accountability

Duncan Edmonds - First and foremost: Thank you, Pat Whitmyer for your incredibly informative letter to the editor. You certainly did your research!  I apologize in advance, my letter will not be nearly as articulate or witty as Pat’s.

First and foremost I must bring to the attention of all the fact that the MD’s Kenow Fire Report is dated November 6, 2017 – three full weeks prior to it being released to the public. Why? What was being done during that time? Is it outreaching to conceive that said report was undergoing some thorough editing and whitewashing? I’m really not going out on a limb here… Recall the notes on the November 7th meeting of the MD Council, published by our very own Chris Davis, and I quote “MD Director of Finance Janene Felker, who was sitting in for CAO Wendy Kay, said the report had indeed been received the day before but was in draft form, had been sent back for tweaks…”

Recent Pincher Creek policing stats

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of December 4 – December 10, 2017. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 48

Domestic assault - 2

Break and Enter (commercial) - 2

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft under $5000 - 1

Disturbing the Peace - 1

MV Collisions - 7

Liquor offences - 2

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

False Alarms - 1

911 calls (invalid) - 5

Animal calls - 2

Prisoners held – 4

MD of Pincher Creek Enhanced Policing Monthly Report for November 2017

Excerpted, as presented to council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9

Shifts worked: 13

Monthly Traffic Ticket Summary:

Number of Violation Tickets Issued - 21Speeding - 20
Stop Sign Violations - 1
Warnings Given - 26

Violation ticket location:

Beaver Mines - 0

Hwy 3/6/507 - 6

Pincher Creek - 5

Hwy 22 - 10

Fort Macleod United Church vandalized

RCMP Alberta - Sometime between Friday, December 8, 2017 and Sunday, December 10, 2017 three small windows at the back of the Fort Macleod United Church were vandalized. Suspects did not gain entry into the building and the incident appears to be random in nature.

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

The little red wagon

Cover of "Little Red Wagon: Miracle Renewed" by Walter Farquharson

Source unknown (submitted by Joyce Sasse) - In a little Mexican town there was a simple little church where the true spirit of Christmas still lived. It was the custom there, on Christmas Eve, to put many candles on the altar and, close by, little figures of the Nativity Scene.

Entertaining Angels

Shellie Byers - There are times and seasons that profoundly change the course of a person's life, moments that engrave themselves into your core being and are drawn from memory instantly. For a Christian that includes the day you are born again as a believer in Jesus Christ, the day you are water baptized and when you know you have received the Holy Spirit. You learn to have a relationship with God and develop insights into the plans God has created you for. Some of us learn and grow through faith, several may have dreams and visions and a few even walk under open heaven. Those who seek will find the truth and walk into maturity. We learn discernment and the correct time to release what God has shown us. The hour has come to testify for the kingdom of God.

Letter to the Editor: MD's Fire Debrief "Smoke and Mirrors"

Pat Whitmyer - There is a growing number of municipal district (MD) ratepayers who are deeply troubled by the increasingly apparent unprofessional and ineffective leadership at the municipal district building in Pincher Creek.

Highway 3 twinning project update

Highway 3 Twinning Functional Planning Study – Sentinel to Pincher Creek study area (AB Transportation)

Chris Davis - The Highway 3 proposed twinning project has been the subject of recent open houses in June and November of this year. It has also been the subject of discussion in the Alberta Legislature, primarily during Question Period remarks by Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier, most recently on December 6. Stier's electoral division includes a significant portion of the highway. Stier is a regular guest at monthly meetings of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association, which includes representatives of the municipalities along the highway.  He pressed for a more definite timeline.

Peewee Chinooks win home tournament

Home tournament champions the 2017/18 Pincher Creek Peewee Chinooks

C. Davis/T. Lucas - Pincher Creek's Peewee Chinooks hosted a hockey tournament at the Memorial Community Centre Arena December 1-3.  Participating teams included the  Chinooks, Canmore's Eagles, Crowsnest Pass Thunder, and the Chestermere Lakers.  The Chinooks took first place after Aiden Potts scored the winning goal in the championship game against the Lakers with just 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock in overtime.

Delinquent oil and gas operators to face greater scrutiny

Chris Davis - According to a December 6 press release, the Government of Alberta "is building on recent moves to protect Albertans and the environment while ensuring a fairer liability system for oil and gas companies operating in Alberta." Directive 67, developed by the government with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), will close a loophole that allowed companies to "walk away from wells or other oil and gas infrastructure without cleaning up". 

Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board recommends new swimming fees, revisits curling rink concerns

Construction site of spray park behind multi-purpose facility

Jonathan Skrimshire - The Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board reached agreement on a new swimming pool fee structure for 2018 and engaged in further discussion of the proposed siting for a new curling rink at their meeting of Wednesday, December 6. The Board, consisting of Councillor Mark Barber and six members of the community, appeared in accord on the final recommendation regarding swimming pool admission fees. The issue of the proposed curling rink site, and the question of public input into the project, however, proved contentious and revealed frustrations within the group.

Christmas Turkey Shoot at Spring Glen Elementary

Kelly Thomas and Carol Gross presenting Overall Best Shooter Karson Kiemele witha Pincher Creek Coop Compound Bow.

Kelly Thomas - The Spring Glen Elementary School in Glenwood had their First Annual Christmas Turkey Shoot on Friday, December 8, and it was a great success. We had some amazing archers come to participate and they went away with some great prizes.

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Nearly 100 kg of suspected cocaine seized at Coutts border crossing

84 bricks of suspected cocaine seized on December 2

CBSA -  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today a record suspected cocaine seizure and subsequent arrests at the Coutts, Alberta border crossing.  On December 2, CBSA officers at Coutts intercepted a commercial vehicle hauling produce from California that was destined for an Alberta business. While examining the cab of the vehicle, officers found 84 bricks of suspected cocaine with a total weight of 99.5 kilograms. This is the largest suspected cocaine seizure recorded by CBSA officers in Alberta to date.

Business B&E in Fort Macleod

stock photo of Husqvarna chainsaw

RCMP Alberta - Fort Macleod RCMP are investigating a Break and Enter to GMS Mechanical & Equipment Ltd. in Fort Macleod, Alberta which occurred sometime overnight on December 3, 2017. Unknown suspect(s) smashed the side entrance door to the business gaining access to the product display wall.  Several high end Husqvarna chainsaws were stolen, valued at more than 12 thousand dollars.

This matter is still under investigation. Fort Macleod RCMP are urging anyone who has information regarding this criminal offence to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Grieving Children and Youth at Christmas

Joyce Sasse - Christmas should be a celebration time for children, or so we think. But for many the glitter and giggles, the thrills and excitement make them feel worse. It may be because they are grieving.

If a family member or friend has died, if they’ve lost a pet, or if there is illness of someone close, sadness could be expected. What if they are overwhelmed by the bleakness of broadcast-news, or have developed an awareness brought on by something at school? The suffering experienced by a classmate can short-circuit any pending feeling of celebration

Teenagers carry their own burdens of sorrow and depression.