Generator theft near Fort Macleod

RCMP Alberta - On January 29, 2018 Fort Macleod RCMP received a report that last night or early this morning a generator was stolen from his pasture land southwest of Fort Macleod in the area of 261 Range Road and 72 Township road. A Red Honda Generator Model EU3000 ISC2 was removed from the property by cutting a chain that was securing the generator. This occurred overnight on the evening of January 28, sometime between 6:00 pm and 10:00 am on January 29, 2018.

If you have information regarding these thefts or noticed suspicious behaviour in the area, please contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

History Week coming to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village

KBPV Education Coordinator Gord Tolton

Toni Lucas - Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village KBPV will host a Southern Alberta Museum Association Symposium the week of February 11-16. "I like the idea of networking, getting like-minded people to sit down and have more than coffee," explained KBPV Education Coordinator Gord Tolton.  The event is a chance to network, promote local museum and interpretive sites, and engage with experts about the challenges faced by museum professionals while showcasing the area to others in the museum and tourism field.

Anderson case put forward to Feb. 27

Chris Davis - Mark Anderson (44) made a brief appearance in Pincher Creek Provincial Court this morning. Anderson was arrested on January 11, 2018 and charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit, including charges of possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography. He is a teacher at Brocket Elementary School and has also been involved in various youth-oriented community programs on the Piikani Nation Reserve. Today Judge Peterson issued a publication ban to prevent the publication of names of potential witnesses and victims in the case, and Anderson's case has been moved forward to February 27, 2018, again at the Pincher Creek courthouse, so that he can retain counsel.

Pincher Creek Town Council briefs for January 22, 2018

• Golf Club delegation airs concerns
• Revised curling rink site plan received
• Three monthly council meetings in future
• Veterans Street land purchase authorized

High River RCMP investigate theft of truck, trailer, sound equipment

RCMP Alberta - High River RCMP request the public's assistance in locating a stolen truck and trailer. On January 28, 2018 between the hours of 2:00 to 900 am a Grey 2006 Ford F250 extended cab truck with a silver 10 ft Ellis utility trailer attached was stolen from a residence in High River. The trailer contained several thousand dollars worth of sound equipment. On the tail gate of the truck is the wording " I'm just sayin' " and on the rear of the trailer are 2 decals that read "Bluegrass Rules" and "Steeldrivers". Attached are photos of the truck and trailer.

Viva la differences

Joyce Sasse - Both of us had served as missionaries in Korea. Sharon, my senior by twenty years, had been overseas that much longer – and approaches to mission work had changed a lot over those years.

When we returned to the same city in Canada, a friend asked if we would both be theme speakers at the Mission Festival his church was planning.

Be careful little eyes what you see

Chris Ney - This is a line from a well-known Sunday School hymn from years ago, it expresses all through-out the song that if we are careful we would be able to stay away from trouble, and mostly we would be able to stay away from sinning. I know when I was growing up it was told to me that if I just didn’t act then it was ok to see.  That worked for a lot of things, and kept me thinking I was doing ok on my own,, and to just keep doing good. Then something changed in some of my friends around me. Soon it wasn’t just enough to look they wanted more, and then the real issue came out.  It wasn’t ever about just looking, it was more about fulfilling their desires, and sadly that can end up at the cost of others. Our culture today makes a lot of things ok including the world of sex, lust, and pornography.

Pincher Creek Chinook 4-H Multi Club update

Chris LeBlanc - In our 4-H year so far, projects are getting fired up and ready to go. This year our projects include: market lamb, breading lamb, pheasants, roping, baking and market hog. Our club leader is Carolyn Robbins and the assistant leaders are Michael Robbins and Kellie Leblanc.

Recreation Advisory Board reviews revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan

Caption: Revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan

Jonathan Skrimshire - The Pincher Creek Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the revised site plan for the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink at their meeting of January 17. The Board, comprised of Councillor Mark Barber and six members of the community, engaged in a lively and candid exchange of views on the project. The discussion focused on issues of green space loss, the impact on the existing soccer field, the validity of certain arguments in favour of retaining the curling rink in the downtown core, and the question of public input into the siting decision.

Morley Armed and Barricaded event ends in arrests

RCMP Alberta - On January 25, 2018, at approximately 09:50 a.m. Cochrane RCMP attended a residence in Morley for the purposes of executing a warrant for arrest. The situation developed into an armed and barricaded event which prompted the assistance of the RCMP's Emergency Response Team. Two nearby schools were notified and steps were undertaken to evacuate students. During the day long standoff, gunshots were heard coming from inside the suspect residence. Two adult males and two adult females, all from Morley, eventually surrendered and were taken into custody without incident. No one was injured in this event and the decision to evacuate students was done out of an abundance of caution. Charges are pending and the investigation continues. No further details are available at this time.

A life well-lived

Joyce Sasse

Joyce Sasse -The picture of a 60-year-old woman expressing exuberant joy, which accompanied Jessie Snow’s obituary, says more than words can about how this 97-year-old celebrated life. She was my oldest and one of my dearest friends – and I feel so grateful she was part of my life all these years.

Revised Pincher Creek curling rink site plan drawing released

Jonathan Skrimshire - The revised site plan drawing for the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink has been released. The plan depicts a four or optionally six sheet rink. The rink structure is to be sited on the field north of the Multi-Purpose Facility, aligned on a north-south axis parallel with Robertson Avenue. Following the demolition of the existing rink, the area between the Arena and the disused Sobey's building is to be developed into an 81 stall parking lot. The existing parking area east of the library is to be reconfigured into a one way 32 stall loop. In addition, 12 angle parking stalls are to be provided adjacent to the proposed rink structure.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to Jan.14, 2018

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the week of  January 8 - 14, 2018 . Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 38

Assaults - 2

Mischief (vandalism) - 3

Theft under $5000 - 2

Driving complaints general) - 3

MV Collisions - 11

Liquor offences - 1

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

False Alarms - 2

911 calls (invalid) - 1

Prisoners held - 5

Charges laid against Raymond man in historical sex crimes investigation

RCMP Alberta - RCMP in Picture Butte have laid charges against a 49-year-old man following an investigation into allegations of sexual assaults that occurred 30 years ago.  On January 16, 2018 investigators arrested Marvin “Ross “ Harker (49) of Raymond, Alberta. He faces charges of Sexual Interference and has been released on a recognizance with conditions including no contact with persons under 18. Harker is scheduled to appear on February 7th, 2018 in Lethbridge Provincial Court.

Albertans urged to check naloxone kits

Alberta Health Services - Albertans in possession of naloxone kits are being asked to check the contents to ensure they contain two or three vials of the life-saving drug.  Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been made aware of naloxone kits distributed to clinics and pharmacies in Alberta with the naloxone vials missing.

$180,330 grant announced for Beaver Mines water reservoir project

Edited from Government of Alberta press release - The governments of Canada and Alberta today announced federal-provincial funding of more than $16.3 million for four water and wastewater projects in Alberta. $180,330 (federal funding*) has been allotted to the Municipal District of Pincher Creek towards a new water reservoir for the Hamlet of Beaver Mines, which is intended to ensure an emergency supply of clean drinking water is available at all times.  Funding has also been allotted for wastewater treatment plant upgrades in the towns of Vermilion, Barrhead and St. Paul to increase capacity and ensure cleaner water is released back into the environment.

Local Councils hear proposal for a community grant writer

Jonathan Skrimshire - Council for the Town of Pincher Creek and Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek each received presentations from the Grant Writer Task Group at their first regular meetings of the new year. The group, comprised of Page Murphy, Claren Copp-Larocque, Sam Schofield and James Van Leeuwen, presented the case for the creation of a salaried position for a community grant writer.

The many faces of God

Joyce Sasse - My first Christmas away from home was 1963, when I was sent as a delegate to a Student Theologs’ Conference in Toronto. Remembering back, I recognize how the presentations at that Conference formed the bedrock on which my understanding of ministry rests.

Solutions and Substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena,

I am wondering how to remove the white adhesive that is stuck on our cherry, wood table without damaging the wood? - Donna

Dear Donna,

The simplest solution for removing adhesive on wood, is to wipe a small amount of either mayonnaise or peanut butter (smooth not crunchy) onto the area. Remove the access with a soft cloth, and clean the table as normal. Rubbing alcohol and WD-40 are also effective, however; these choices may strip the finish of the wood.

Pincher Creek Daycare Committee now an official committee of Town Council

Jonathan Skrimshire - Pincher Creek's Town Council recently adopted formal terms of reference for the Pincher Creek Daycare Committee. The group will henceforth function as an official committee of Council. The committee's mandate is to inquire, study and provide advice to the Town of Pincher Creek Council regarding matters related to child care in the community. The Committee currently consists of Councillors Sussanne O'Rourke, Brian McGillivray and Wayne Elliott. It is anticipated that community members will volunteer to fill three member at large positions.

Design for new Waterton visitor centre announced

Parks Canada concept drawings of  planned new Waerton Lakes National Park visitor centre

Chris Davis - On January 12, 2018 Parks Canada unveiled the design concept for a new visitor centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. According to Parks Canada, three design option were considered before design option three (pictured above), called The Town Plaza, was selected "following public consultations, a community open house, and the careful review and consideration of three design options."  The new centre will be located in the Waterton Townsite, a location which has been the subject of considerable controversy for Waterton residents.

Brocket teacher arrested for Child Pornography offences

Mark Anderson Piitaawotaan (Pincher Creek Voice file photo)

ALERT - An elementary school teacher in Brocket, Alberta, has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit.

Mark Anderson was arrested on January 11, 2018 with the assistance of Pincher Creek RCMP, Piikani Nation RCMP and Lethbridge Police. The 44-year-old man teaches at Brocket Elementary School and is also involved in various youth-oriented community programs on the Piikani Nation Reserve, such as minor sports and Scouts Canada.

Anderson is charged with possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography.

While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

Beaver Mines wastewater treatment project back to square one

Jonathan Skrimshire

"The site suitability for the proposed sanitary sewage lagoon development is considered low and site relocation is highly recommended". So reads the epitaph for the controversial Mill Creek wastewater lagoon. The patient was pronounced dead Tuesday, January 9, 2018. The Beaver Mines wastewater treatment project is now back to square one.

In the weeks to come, Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek will relaunch the effort to identify a suitable wastewater treatment solution for the community. All viable options are to be considered, including piping wastewater to the existing Pincher Creek facility. Council has also directed that terms of reference be drafted with the goal of contracting a project manager to oversee aspects of the project going forward.

New parking options for Emergency Department at Chinook Regional Hospital

Alberta Health Services - A new parking lot located north of the Emergency entrance at Chinook Regional Hospital is now open, after being used for construction equipment during the hospital’s re-development project.  This lot is intended for patients using the Emergency Department and will operate with our Pay by Plate equipment, similar to parking options in the north loop and Auxiliary areas.

Letter: End of Beaver Mines wastewater gong show

Cornell Van Ryk - There were a lot of things lining up to kill it but Mother Earth stepped in and killed the Mill Creek lagoon option for the Beaver Mines wastewater. Test digs revealed that the bedrock was too close to surface to facilitate a lagoon installation at this site. This is more the result of good luck than good management, but we’ll take it.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to Jan. 7, 2018

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the week of  January 2 - 7, 2018. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 40

Assaults - 2

Break and Enter (residential) - 1

Theft under $5000 - 2

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints general) - 5

MV Collisions - 8

Liquor offences - 1

Assistance to General Public (general) - 1

Assistance to other agencies - 1

911 calls (invalid) - 4

Animal calls - 1

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

Prisoners held - 5

Annora Brown: Innovator

Annora Brown and Peter (at Moyie Lake cabin) - Photographed by Gordon Crighton, from the Galt Museum Archives

Joyce Sasse - The Annora Brown Life & Legacy Project from 2017 moves ahead with vigour on many fronts.  She was so creative and used her many artistic skills in such inspired ways, I believe Annora’s story shall find good traction with Young Innovators. Furthermore, her inspired works, reflecting the intimacy she felt for each subject, provides important templates which successors will appreciate.

MD Council abandons proposed Mill Creek sewage lagoon

Jonathan Skrimshire

BREAKING NEWS: Following their January 9 review of the unfavourable geotechnical report prepared by Tetra Tech, Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek pulled the plug on the controversial plan to site a sewage lagoon at the confluence of Mill Creek and the Castle River. The effort to identify suitable Beaver Mines wastewater treatment options will begin anew. Several options are to be considered, including piping wastewater to the Pincher Creek facility. Council also initiated measures to address management issues, with the goal of contracting a project manager to oversee aspects of the project going forward.

Click here for the full story.

When a Brother Dozes

Errand Boy Asleep in a Church - John Sell Cotman, Google Art Project, Wikimedia Commons

Joyce Sasse - An old man came to see one of the desert hermits and asked him this. “Tell us, when we see brothers dozing during the sacred office, should we pinch them so they’ll stay awake?”

The wise one replied: “Actually, if I saw a brother sleeping, I would put his head on my knees and let him rest.”

There is a dilemma. Do we live by the letter of the law, or by grace?

State of the Voice January 2018

Chris Davis, Publisher

It's been a long time since I published a "State of the Voice".  I've written about ten of them that I chose to delete instead, because the Voice has been in an uncertain state of flux for the last two years and I didn't want to mislead our readers or advertisers.  That state of flux, while never completely gone, has stabilized somewhat, so here we are.  Expect the rest of this editorial to be candor-full.

Briefs from Jan. 3, 2018 Town of Pincher Creek Committee of the Whole meeting

• Pincher Creek Committee of the Whole discuss snow clearing and curling rink
• Water damage at Lebel Mansion
• Snow removal progressing
• Public consultation on curling rink deferred

Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission report released

Chris Davis - A public meeting was held December 13 at the Town of Pincher Creek Council Chambers for a public presentation of a Municipal Affairs Inspectors Report regarding the Pincher Creek Emergency Services Commission (PCESC), an emergency response partnership between the Town and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9. An "in-depth review and inspection" of PCESC was ordered by Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Shaye Anderson in November of 2016 "with regards to its management, administration and operations" after concerns were expressed by the MD of Pincher Creek. Minister Anderson also directed the inspectors to "identify any matters that may indicate the Commission is managed in an irregular, improper or improvident manner." 

"From the inspectors perspective, there's an outstanding emergency service being delivered here." -  Bill Walker, Transitional Solutions Inc.

2017 CBSA highlights from southern Alberta

99.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine seized at Coutts on December 2

Canada Border Services Agency - As 2017 draws to a close, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is highlighting top stories from its border operations in southern Alberta.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary to Jan. 1, 2018

Pincher Creek RCMP - The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for period of December 18, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

Total calls for service - 80

Sexual assault - 2

Assaults - 3

Fraud / Forgery - 2

Uttering Threats - 1

Mischief (vandalism) - 2

Theft under $5000 - 2

Impaired Driving - 2

Disturbing the Peace - 1

Driving complaints (general) - 8

MV Collisions - 14

Liquor offences - 2

Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2

Assistance to General Public (general) - 3

Assistance to other agencies - 1

False Alarms - 11

911 calls (invalid) - 5

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

Prisoners held – 4

Stolen horse saddle and tack near Okotoks

RCMP Alberta - On December 28th, 2017, Okotoks RCMP responded to a break and enter at a rural property, in which a unique saddle and a number of bridles were stolen.  The saddle is described as a Don Rich Custom 16.5” saddle, deep red in colour with a ranch cutter maker marked in multiple places and Keith Wilson custom stainless steel covered oak stirrups.  The bridles are described as Don Rich Customs and Jim Townshend models with various Jeremiah Watt hardware, Keith Welling, Greg Darnall, Dutton, Garcia and Matt Wheaton bits.

Okotoks RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating these items. If you have information in regards to this incident, please call the Okotoks RCMP at 403-995-6400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca.