Food Recall Warning - Ikea brand Marshmallow candy

Click here for details: Ikea brand Marshmallow candy (GODIS PÅSKKYCKLING) may be unsafe due to possible contamination from mice infestation at the manufacturing plant

Pincher Creek area highway and weather reports for Feb. 27, 2018

9:50am, Feb 27, 28
Please continue to use the East access to #PincherCreek. Travel on hwy 6 between Pincher Creek and Pincher Station is not recommended. pic.twitter.com/3TJ6skwH8K

— Pincher Creek (@town_of_pc) February 27, 2018

09:14 EnvCanada ended warning #Wind #PincherCreek #ABStorm https://t.co/mP1VZW2U6K

— PincherCreek (@ECAlertAB46) February 27, 2018

Use caution on highway 22 North of 3 ice and blowing snow still causing issues pic.twitter.com/e1g6kChPJB

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 27, 2018

Pincher fire is responding to a two vehicle accident on highway 22 near 8-4 use caution roads are slippery with blowing snow

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 27, 2018

8:25am, Feb 27, 2018
Travel on Highway 6 from Pincher Creek to Pincher Station is NOT recommended at this time.

The Town of Pincher Creek and Volker Stevin are currently working on this area however at this time if possible please use an alternate route. #PincherCreek

— Pincher Creek (@town_of_pc) February 27, 2018

Wear pink to take a stand against bullying

Government of Alberta - Albertans can show their support and take a stand against bullying on February 28 by participating in Pink Shirt Day.  Ten years ago, two Nova Scotia teens started a movement when they wore pink to support a fellow student who was being bullied. Now people all over the world wear pink to promote inclusion and healthy relationships.  The Alberta government supports anti-bullying initiatives, such as Pink Shirt Day. Tomorrow, Minister Sabir will wear pink to show his support for safe and inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.

Wild winter weather in Pincher Creek, February 2018

Misty Afdahl photos

Here's a collection of photos and videos from last week's extreme winter weather event in the Pincher Creek area.  If you want in on this, it's not too late - send your photos and videos to pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com .

Tammy Jensen Jack photo

It wasn't just people who were snowed in! - Laurie Ann Hofer

Afternoon February 23 on Florence St. Pincher Creek - Joanne Wittkopf

Okotoks RCMP respond to a gun complaint at a rural residence - update

RCMP Alberta - On February 25, 2018, the Okotoks RCMP made an arrest and laid charges on two adult males regarding the incident in Okotoks, Alberta where shots were fired in the vicinity of a residence.

Ryan Watson, the individual who had been taken to hospital was discharged from medical care on February 25, 2018 and was taken into police custody. Watson has been charged with Trespassing by night, Mischief to Property, Theft under $5000 from Motor Vehicle, Possession of methamphetamine and Failure to Comply with Probation (x2). He appeared in court on February 26, 2018 in Calgary.

Edouard Maurice, the homeowner, faces three charges of Aggravated Assault, Pointing a Firearm and Careless Use of a Firearm. Maurice was released from custody following a judicial interim release hearing. He is scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on March 9, 2018.

Mats Kaack enjoying the snow in Lundbreck

Submitted by Bonnie Kaack

Pincher Creek rallies to deal with extreme winter weather event

Snow drifts on Pincher Creek's north hill west of the Ranchland Mall - Alyssa Cameron photo

T. Lucas/C.Davis - On Friday, February 23 blowing snow, whiteouts, and icy conditions made driving hazardous in and around southwestern Alberta. At 5:35 pm 511 Alberta announced Highway 3 was closed from Pincher Station to Fort MacLeod, with Highway 6 open southbound only into Pincher Creek from Highway 3. Highway 3 was also closed 10 miles west of Coleman due to a motor vehicle collision. Travellers were diverted into the town of Pincher Creek, where hotels and motels were quickly filled to capacity. For hours prior to the closures travel on area highways was extremely dangerous due to lengthy stretches of whiteouts and snow drifts. Rapidly drifting snow in the town also stranded many motorists, and area roads were littered with stuck vehicles.

MD Council backs community grant writer initiative

Jonathan Skrimshire - Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek approved $20,000 in startup funding for the community grant writer initiative at their Council meeting of February 13. The sum, which is to be drawn from the MD's mill rate stabilization reserve, will be provided to the Grant Writer Task Group as partial funding toward the first year salary of a proposed three year contract hire. Council also recommended that the group make application through the Joint Council funding process for funding of years two and three of the initiative.

Council's decision follows a concerted lobbying effort on the part of the Grant Writer Task Group. Both local Councils received presentations from the group in January. Council for the Town of Pincher Creek has formally expressed support in principle for the initiative but has yet to make a funding commitment.

Alberta RCMP lay charges followings threats to political members

RCMP Alberta - The Alberta RCMP has made an arrest and laid charges against an adult male accused of uttering threats towards former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and members of the Lethbridge Police Service.

Fatal MVC on Highway 3 at Broxburn intersection

RCMP Alberta - On Friday February 23, 2018 at approximately 4:00 p.m. the Coaldale RCMP along with the Coaldale Fire Department/EMS responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 3 at the Broxburn intersection.

Be neighbourly

As we continue to dig ourselves out from the latest winter weather, Tanja Hodge reminds us to check on our neighbours: "The obvious households are the elderly. But any aged neighbour who has been housebound this whole time would appreciate a friendly face at the door. No expectation to dig them out yet. If you have the ability to offer to pick up bread or milk for those unable to make it to the store I am sure they would be more then appreciative too."

Weather updates

EC Wind warnings and blowing snow advisories have ended for all forecast areas. (3:21pm) #ABRoads #ABStorm

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 25, 2018

Update: Hwy3 from Pincher Creek to the jct of Hwy22 - Travel may be resumed. Expect reduced lane width due to drifting snow. Drive with caution. (3:14pm) #ABRoads #ABStorm https://t.co/1d0iKH9Ux7

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 25, 2018

Update: Hwy785 remains CLOSED from Hwy3 to Hwy510, north of Pincher Creek due to winter road conditions. No ETO available. (8:05am) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 25, 2018

Revitalizing the church: Full partnership required

Joyce Sasse - I have been privileged to have spent a life-time working with the Christian church in Canada and round the world.

While the Church has made missteps, it has also enabled countless individuals and institutions to find justice and healing, comfort and hope in chaotic times.

If it is to remain vital to its essential purpose though, the Church must stay committed to a 3-fold partnership between “leaders” (bringing the traditions and rituals), the “seekers” (bringing the voices of the world) and “the power” (that enables the spirit of Jesus to fuel us).

MCU South assists Blood Tribe police with homicide invesigation

RCMP Major Crimes Unit – South (MCU) - On February 23, 2018 at approximately 11:08 pm, Members of the Blood Tribe Police Service were dispatched to assist a man in Stand Off, Alberta who was reported to be in distress. The Blood Tribe Police Service attended the location with EMS and the male was transported to a local area Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The scene remains secured by police pending autopsy which has been scheduled for February 26, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Calgary Medical Examiner's Office.

RCMP Major Crimes Unit – South (MCU) has taken carriage of the investigation and is being assisted by the RCMP Forensic Investigation Section (FIS) and the Blood Tribe Police Service.

No additional details are available at this time as the investigation is continuing

Standoff bust yields drugs, cash, bear spray, cell phones

Blood Tribe Police Service - In the early morning hours of February 2nd, 2018, Blood Tribe Police Service's Crime Reduction Unit, along with the Community Policing Division, executed a search warrant at a home in Standoff, Alberta.

Reception centre opening at Pincher Creek Town Hall gymnasium

The gymnasium at Pincher Creek's Town Hall is being opened as a reception centre, with bedding, for those stuck because of the storm at 962 St John Avenue.

The reception center at Vertical Church is now closed. Displaced travelers still needing assistance please contact 4036273156 or go to 962 St. John Ave #PincherCreek

— Pincher Creek (@town_of_pc) February 24, 2018

Big shout out to @town_of_pc and @VerticalChurch3 for taking us in during the storm last night. Thank you! We will pay it forward. #abstorm

— Grant Jennings (@1grantjennings1) February 24, 2018

Pincher Creek area highways in poor condition due to blowing snow

Highway 3 at Cowley, from @511Alberta

Information Alert from Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9, issued: Friday February 23, 11:17 am, 2018: Blowing snow, is creating hazardous driving conditions. Visibility may be significantly reduced. Snow and ice buildup may cause hazardous driving conditions. Use caution on area highways blowing snow is creating near zero visibility.

Hwy3 CLOSED from Pincher Station to Fort Macleod due to reduced visibility in blowing snow. No ETO available. (3:29pm) #ABRoads #yql

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 23, 2018

Hwy3, 10km west of Coleman - CLOSED due to MVC - Both EB and WB affected. Expect major delays. (3:15pm) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 23, 2018

Just drove #Hwy3 from #Cowley to #PincherCreek. DO NOT. Extreme whiteout conditions, drifting snow,extremely dangerous. @511Alberta @ABroads

— Pincher Creek Voice (@PincherVoice) February 23, 2018

Earlier incident on highway 6 south of town cleared up all units back at hall

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 23, 2018

Hwy785 CLOSED from Hwy3 to Hwy510, north of Pincher Creek due to winter road conditions. No ETO available. (1:36pm) #ABRoads

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 23, 2018

Pincher fire responding to a single vehicle accident near twp 6-0 on highway highway 6 south of town use caution

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 23, 2018

Pincher fire responding to a two vehicle accident accident on 785 near highway 3 use caution in area

— Emergency Services (@DeputyChiefPCES) February 23, 2018

Brayden Provost joins Fresno City College Golf Team

Photos: Brayden Provost at Sunnyside Country Club competing in his first ever college event

Submitted - Brayden Provost's golfing skills have taken him from the Pincher Creek Golf Club to Fresno California, where the Blackfoot member and recent graduate of Piikani Nation Secondary School is currently attending Fresno City College and playing on the College Golf Team.  Brayden has made the starting line up as a freshmen.  Brayden is studying Business Administration as a major and Native American Indian Studies as a minor. 

Conditions were tough on Monday February 19, 2018 as when he competed in his first ever college event at Sunnyside Country Club, with a strong 30 mile an hour wind, and cold temperatures. He shot 9 over on the front nine and double boogied 17 to come in 1 over on the back nine to finish with an 82.  He has upcoming tournaments in Lemore California, Buena Vista California, and a trip to Stanford University California on February 26, 2018.

Estimated emergency wait times now on Amazon’s Alexa

• Intelligent personal assistant can also provide latest AHS news and information

Alberta Health Services - Estimated emergency department wait times and the latest Alberta Health Services (AHS) news are now available through Alexa; Amazon’s intelligent personal assistant.  AHS is the first public healthcare organization in Canada to offer information to the public with this technology.

New rules increase protections for whistleblowers

Ombudsman and Public Interest Comissioner Marianne Ryan and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal Christina Gray announce the proclamation of better whistleblower protections.

Government of Alberta - Alberta will be the first Canadian jurisdiction to make it crystal clear that MLAs, ministers and the Premier can all be investigated when a disclosure is made to the Public Interest Commissioner.  The act is among the most comprehensive of its kind in Canada and, starting March 1, will better protect whistleblowers in the public sector. Protections will also be extended to employees in political offices.

In Loving Memory of Tracy (Breeze) Jenkins

In Loving Memory

Tracy (Breeze) Jenkins.

One year ago February 23, 2017

God saw you getting tired, so he did what he thought best,

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

Our hearts still ache with sadness and silent tears still flow,
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.

When we are sad and lonely, and everything goes wrong,

We seem to hear you whisper, cheer up and carry on.

Each time we see your pictures, you seem to smile and say,

Don't cry I'm only sleeping, we'll meet again someday.

So Deeply Missed by your family,

Forever Loved

Forever Remembered.

Memories Never Die.

Revitalizing the church: Give love away

Joyce Sasse - “Love is something if you give it away”, we sing. “It’s like a magic penny. Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many they will roll all over the floor.”

The life and work of the Church is likened to that magic-penny-imagery. Revitalizing any of our Christian communities is possible only when we “give love away”.

Pincher Creek Humane Society

(ad)

Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA

Respect & Care for ALL Animals

Until further notice we are currently open to the public by appointment only. Call or email for after hour appointments.

Please check our website.

Webo

Okotoks RCMP respond to fatal MVC

RCMP Alberta - Okotoks RCMP are on scene (9:00 pm) of a single motor vehicle collision on 112 street west, approximately 1 km north of highway 549. The collision resulted in one fatality and four others being transported to hospital in serious condition. A collision analyst will be attending the scene to assist with the investigation into this matter. Traffic has been rerouted to allow police to investigate safely.

Highway 3 at Cowley snow-covered

Hwy3 near Cowley, is covered snow, snow and ice on the shoulder. Snowplows are active in the area. Keep a safe distance and drive with caution. (3:03pm) #ABRoads #ABStorm pic.twitter.com/q7qw95iWWL

— 511 Alberta (@511Alberta) February 17, 2018

MD Council defers funding decision on proposed Pincher Creek curling rink

Jonathan Skrimshire - Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek deferred any decision on funding of the proposed new Pincher Creek curling rink pending clarification of ownership and an assessment of the MD's priorities.

Council is seeking a formal statement from the Town of Pincher Creek clarifying ownership of the proposed facility. Council has also resolved to allocate time to discuss recreational facility needs and priorities within the MD before meeting with Town Council on March 8th to address the Curling Club's request for $1.25-million towards the project.

Discussions during both the morning Committee meeting and afternoon regular Council meeting February 13 revealed the difficulties Council is facing in dealing with the Club's request and other major new requests for funding not included in the 2018 budget.

Alberta Health Services reaches agreement with nurses

Alberta Health Services - Alberta Health Services (AHS) has ratified a three-year collective agreement with United Nurses of Alberta (UNA).  The three-year agreement expires on March 31, 2020 and sets out the terms and conditions for the more than 30,000 Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses who provide care in Alberta’s communities, hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Alberta RCMP launches Call Back Unit for non-emergency calls

RCMP Alberta - The Alberta RCMP is renewing the way it receives, dispatches, investigates and documents calls for service from Albertans. A new specialized "K" Division Call Back Unit has been implemented to more efficiently serve the citizens of Alberta.  In 2017, the Alberta RCMP Operational Communication Centres (OCC) received almost 700,000 complaints and 911 calls. Approximately 395,000 of those calls generated files that were dispatched to detachments around the province. A significant number of those calls are non-emergency and do not require a police officer to attend. These types of calls are still important, but how the police are managing them will be changing.

Vows renewed at Vista Village Valentines Day event

Submitted - On Valentines Day we had fun with wedding vow renewals with couples at Vista Village. Fun was had by all, and it was a great afternoon.

Public comments invited on draft Joint Review Panel Agreement for Grassy Mountain Coal Project

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) invites the public to comment on the draft Joint Review Panel Agreement (draft Agreement) to establish a joint review panel with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) for the environmental assessment of the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project, located in southwest Alberta (north of Blairmore).

University of Lethbridge first in Canada to recycle Styrofoam on its campus

Pictured: The process of recycling Styrofoam is highly efficient in terms of volume, effectively reducing a large box of Styrofoam  into a tiny box of melted product

University of Lethbridge - The University of Lethbridge is lessening its environmental footprint through the introduction of a new recycling initiative, becoming the first Canadian university to recycle Styrofoam on its own campus.  Since June 2017, Styrofoam at the U of L has been recycled through the Calgary-based StyroGo service. A special mobile recycling truck comes to campus on a regular basis, shredding and melting the Styrofoam into highly-condensed blocks of material that are then re-sold to companies that use the recycled products to make a variety of after-products, including toys and architectural molding.

Alberta Land Institute: Albertans concerned about loss of high quality agricultural land

• Analysis of satellite imagery shows that between 1984 and 2013 the amount of land in urban uses in the Edmonton-Calgary corridor increased from 3,127 km2 to 4,763 km2, an increase of 52%
• From 1984 to 2018, the Calgary urban area expanded from 242 km2 to 754 km2
• Around Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, expansion of urban areas was higher in the 1984-1992 period than in either the 1992-2001 or 2001-2013 periods

Alberta Land Institute - A new report from the Alberta Land Institute found that high quality agricultural land in Alberta continues to be fragmented and calls for greater discussion around land use policies to preserve quality agricultural land as Alberta grows.  The report was conducted by Dr. Brent Swallow and Dr. Scott Jeffrey from the University of Alberta. It found that most of the farmland converted for developed uses between 2000 to 2012 was of the highest levels of suitability and prime crop land, with 35 per cent of the highest suitability and 34 per cent of the second highest suitability found in Alberta.

Pincher Creek school bus involved in collision

Gayle MacIntyre photos

On Tuesday February 13 at 3:40 pm a Pincher Creek area school bus was involved in a collision with  an automobile.  According to a report from Matthew Halton High School, all students and the driver were unharmed.  From the report: "The bus, which was travelling southbound from Pincher Creek, was moving at reduced speed through blowing snow and slushy conditions when it collided with the other vehicle, which then rolled into the embankment. The bus driver managed to keep the bus on the road temporarily until a field approach could be used to move the bus into a safer location. Emergency medical services were called and all students on the bus were checked out by EMT personnel and found to be safe and well. Another school bus was dispatched and the students were taken to hospital as per First Student (bus service) protocols. Parents were then contacted and the children were picked up at the hospital."

"It is believed that weather was a factor in the collision."

Alberta government announces pipeline information and petition webpage

The Alberta government has created a webpage called Keep Canada Working (click here) for Canadians to "share their views about actions taken by the B.C. government to block the Trans Mountain Pipeline". The page also includes links to various related social media channels and email contact information for members of Parliament.  According to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, “This fight, it isn’t something any one government can do alone. We need all of us working together to make sure the B.C. government fully understands why this pipeline matters, why good jobs matter and why the rules of our country matter.”

Alberta RCMP and Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association sign official partnership

RCMP Alberta - Today, Deputy Commissioner Todd Shean, Commanding Officer, Alberta RCMP and Mr. Trevor Tychkowsky, President of the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association signed a memorandum of understanding which outlines the roles each organization will play in keeping rural communities safe throughout the province.

Recent stories and advertisements

RSS Feed Widget

Snow day Thursday, February 15, 2018

Pincher Creek area schools will be closed Thursday, February 15 due to inclement weather and poor driving conditions, including Canyon, St. Michael's, Livingstone, and Matthew Halton schools.

Young Pincher Creek skier dies after collision with a pole at Castle Mountain

RCMP Alberta - On February 13th, 2018 at approximately 11:30 am, Pincher Creek RCMP and Emergency Services responded to the Castle Mountain Ski Resort for a report of a 10-year-old girl who had suffered serious head injuries.

The 10-year-old, a student at Canyon Elementary in Pincher Creek, was on a planned school ski trip when she lost control while skiing, striking a pole. She was wearing a helmet at the time.

Staff from the Castle Ski Hill attended and provided aid until Pincher Creek Emergency Services arrived on scene. Due to poor weather conditions, the 10-year-old was transported via ground ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. At 9:45 pm, Pincher Creek RCMP were advised that the 10-year-old had succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased.

Pincher Creek RCMP are assisting the medical examiner is investigating the death and Victim Services is engaged with the family of the deceased as well as the Canyon Elementary school students and staff.

The identity of the deceased is not being released.

Blowing snow forcing highway closures in the south

• Multi-vehicle collisions are slowing traffic and causing frequent highway closures from the Trans-Canada Highway south.

Government of Alberta - Frequent highway closures in southern Alberta to clear multi-vehicle collisions are causing severe congestion in some areas as traffic backs up.

Although the closures typically last only a few hours, Albertans who do not need to drive today in southern Alberta are advised to stay home.

Those people who must drive are advised to prepare for winter conditions, including reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces and adjust their driving habits accordingly.

Pedestrian vs vehicle injury collision in Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek RCMP - On February 13th, 2018 at approximately 4:45 pm, Pincher Creek RCMP and Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle near the Pincher Creek Community Health Centre. A witness reported seeing a female walk onto the road and run towards a car that was travelling south on Beverley McLachlin Drive. The female was struck by the vehicle landing on the roof. The driver stated he watched the female run onto the road and towards his vehicle, reporting there was nothing he could do to avoid the collision on the ice-covered roads.

Emergency Services attended and the female was transported by ambulance into the Health Centre then to Lethbridge for treatment of her injuries.

Pincher Creek RCMP are trying to determine the reason the female would run towards a moving vehicle.

Pincher Creek RCMP: Travel not recommended on Highway 3

Alberta Transportation highway camera at Cowley, west of Pincher Creek

Update:  This travel advisory was rescinded at 8:45 am February 15.

Unique research project involves at-risk youth sentenced to playing chess

University of Lethbridge - Local youth involved in the criminal justice system are being referred to a program where they learn to play chess as part of their sentence. The Chess for Life program is a University of Lethbridge research project that aims to explore how learning to play chess affects youths’ thinking and the choices they make every day. After a local judge sentenced a youth to practice basketball a couple of years ago, Dr. Lance Grigg, an associate professor in education, brought up the possibility of learning to play chess as a possible alternative sentence for youth involved in the criminal justice system. The judge liked the idea and Grigg organized a trial run of the Chess for Life program last year.

High River RCMP warn drivers of reduced visibility and icy road conditions

RCMP Alberta - High River RCMP is advising motorists that highways in the High River area have icy road conditions and reduced visibility from blowing snow. High River RCMP is on-scene at a number of collisions on Highway 2. Motorists traveling on Highway 23 east of High River will be delayed due to a motor vehicle collision that is currently blocking the highway. The collision will be cleared as soon as possible and an update will be provided once the highway is clear.

Motorists are asked to slow down to conditions or avoid all travel in the area if possible.

Update: The collision on Highway 23 east of High River that was causing traffic delays has been cleared from the roadway. Winter driving conditions still exist and motorists are asked to slow down to conditions or avoid travel in the area if possible.

Stier: Southeast rancher hung out to dry by government

Pat Stier, MLA Livingstone-Macleod - In December, Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) sent out letters advising Albertans that water license applications submitted over 15 years ago were being closed and water access related to those applications revoked. Southeast rancher Aaron Brower, whose ranch has been operated by his family for generations, was one of the recipients of the letters. Mr. Brower was told his application filed in 2001 by his father was being closed because the application was deemed incomplete and his traditional access to this public asset was canceled.

Kevin Edward Brown wanted on Canada-wide warrant

Wanted: Kevin Edward Brown

• The RCMP is offering a reward of up to $5,000.00 to anyone who provides information leading to the location and arrest of Kevin Edward Brown. 

RCMP Alberta - The RCMP in Alberta is continuing in its efforts to locate and arrest 35-year-old Kevin Edward Brown who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant of arrest for one count of first degree murder in the killing of Bradley Webber and one count of kidnapping of another unnamed individual. Bradley Webber's body was found in his fifth wheel trailer in Eckville, Alberta on October 24, 2006.

Regarding the MD of Pincher Creek Kenow wildfire debrief

(ad)

MD of Pincher Creek Kenow Wildfire

September 11, 2017

Five months following the Kenow Wildfire, ratepayers of the MD Pincher Creek Division 1 and others are not satisfied with our local government’s handling of the emergency prior to, during and following the event.

A Formal Inquiry is needed to address the ways and reasons the MD Pincher Creek failed its residents. Why was there no advance warning or evacuation, no accurate information or communication, no fire preparedness, no up-to-date MD maps or ratepayer contact information available for the use of RCMP during the evacuation?

@PincherVoice tweets

@PincherVoice

Snow day February 14, 2018

Pincher Creek area schools will be closed Wednesday February 14 due to inclement weather and poor driving conditions, including Canyon, St. Michael's, Livingstone, and Matthew Halton schools.

Highway 3 reopened, travel alert in effect for Pincher Creek area

Highway 3 at Cowley

Update: According to Pincher Creek Emergency Services, "Highway 3 west of Pincher Creek to Lundbreck now open. Use caution blowing and drifting snow and icy sections on area roads is still an issue."

Alberta Emergency Alert from Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9, 9:04 pm Feb. 13, 2018: Blowing snow is creating hazardous driving conditions on area highways. Road surface are ice covered in some areas. Visibility may be significantly reduced. Local authorities recommending non essential travel be postponed till road conditions improve.

Wire thefts from Fort Macleod Fortis site

Fort Macleod RCMP - On February 8th, 2018 Fort Macleod RCMP received a report that last night or early this morning a Fortis wire reel containing primary underground wire was stolen from Fortis job site located at 811 Highway and 93 Township Road, just north of Fort Macleod. A large wooden reel of 750MCM wire weighing in excess of 2000 lbs was dragged across the highway and transported from scene. Wire on the reel is encased in black plastic with red stripes, the reel was over 6 feet tall and approximately 4 feet wide. This occurred overnight on the evening of February 7th, sometime between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am on February 8th.

This is the second occurrence this week of theft of wire from this job site.  The first occurrence occurred between February 1st and February 7th, 2018 where 90 metres of primary underground cable was cut and removed from installation.

Trespassing/suspicious person and vehicle near Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod RCMP - On February 11, 2018 at 0745 hours a white Chevrolet was trespassing on private property located at N 25-09-25, just east of Bouvry Exports. The property is leased by Torc Oil and Gas. A truck described as a 2011 white Chevrolet 1500 LT Crew Cab with chrome on the mirrors and rain guards/window visors was photographed driving on the property.  There are "No Trespassing" notices at this location and there have been several thefts and vandalism on this property.

Pincher Creek Rotary donates dictionaries to local schools

Photos supplied by Rotary of Pincher Creek

Karin Buhrmann - The Rotary Club of Pincher Creek has just finished handing out Canadian dictionaries to all the grade 3 students in the Crowsnest Pass, Lundbreck, Pincher Creek and Brocket, about 160 in total.  The Rotary Club has sponsored this dictionary project for the last eight years.

Precious in my sight

Joyce Sasse

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings - “Don’t be afraid” was the song of the Angels, according to the Biblical Story, sung at the time of Christ’s birth … a time when the Great God Almighty was seen to identify most closely with humankind.

At the beginning of Lent we remind ourselves of this basic understanding, especially in the face of those who preach about mortal sin and hellfire.

A word from our sponsor

Serendipitous.

A-1 Pizza re-opens

Chris Davis - A-1 Pizza in Pincher Creek was approved to reopen on Wednesday February 7 after a closure order issued on February 2 by Alberta Health Services due to a failed health inspection was rescinded.  The closure order was rescinded following a successful effort by the restaurateurs to meet the conditions of the inspection report.

According to the notice rescinding the closure order, Alberta Health Services approved the removal of the order and granted permission to reopen the establishment provided "the facility is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and the written cleaning and sanitation program is fully implemented on a continual basis," and "the temperatures for all coolers are checked and logged 3 times per day". To rectify infractions noted in the closure order A-1 Pizza Floor replaced tiles near utility room, the floor in the utility room, and the handle on the walk-in cooler door. They also cleaned the vent hood and pizza oven, and created "an adequate written cleaning and sanitation plan".

Suspected carfentanil seized in southern Alberta bust

ALERT - ALERT is urging caution after a significant amount of what is believed to be a powerful opioid was seized in a bust in southern Alberta. One person was arrested.

On February 7, 2018, ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team arrested Samantha Hattersley, 27, of Lethbridge outside a business in Claresholm. During the arrest, investigators seized a total of 114.5 grams of powder that they suspect could contain carfentanil, a drug that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

Fatal collision east of Granum

RCMP Alberta - On February 8 at approximately 3:20 pm, Fort Macleod and Claresholm RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 519, just east of Granum.

A Ford Fusion travelling southbound on Range Road 264 entered onto Highway 519 and was struck broadside by a westbound semi-tractor. The 20-year-old male driver in the Ford Fusion was pronounced deceased at the scene. An 18-year-old male passenger had to be extracted from the vehicle by firefighters and was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Both occupants of the Ford Fusion were from Lethbridge. The driver of the semi suffered minor injuries.

An RCMP collision analyst attended and the cause of the collision remains under investigation. At the time of the collision, a winter storm was taking place.

Thinking big in a small town: community grant writer proponents make their case

Jonathan Skrimshire

"One person. Generating one point two million dollars a year. That's what we want." The statement hangs in the air of the busy Harvest Coffeehouse. I'm at the table with James Van Leeuwen, President of the Pincher Creek Allied Arts Council, Page Murphy, Coordinator of the Pincher Creek and Area Early Childhood Coalition, and Sam Schofield, President of the Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce, to discuss their proposal for a community grant writer. What problem are they seeking to address? What solution are they proposing? How did this come about? I've come to listen to them make their case.

Snow day for Pincher Creek area schools

All Pincher Creek area schools are closed Friday Feb. 9 - snow day for Canyon, Livingstone, Matthew Halton, and St. Michael's schools.

Suspicious person complaint leads to recovery of stolen ATV near Granum.

Stock photo similar to still-missing 2017 Mahindra MH 750 ATV

RCMP Alberta - On February 3, 2018 Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of a suspicious person riding through farm fields East of Granum at 7:30 am. Members were able to locate a Mahindra side-by-side ATV, which was determined to be one of two new 2017 Mahindra ATV's stolen from Nieboer Farm Supplies in Nobleford. The theft happened overnight between February 2 and February 3, at Nieboer Farm Supplies near the roundabout intersection of highways 23 and 519. 35 year old Ryan McPherson from Calgary has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 in relation to the recovered ATV.  The second ATV is still missing, and described as a 2017 Mahindra MH 750 side-by-side. It is red and black in colour, and this particular model when stolen included a roof and doors. (stock photo above).

Avalanche warning issued for Kananaskis Country

Government of Alberta - A special avalanche warning for recreational backcountry users is in effect from today to Monday, February 12.  The areas affected include Alberta Parks Kananaskis Country, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, and Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks.  For the past two weeks, these regions have been in a prolonged period of elevated avalanche danger and a major avalanche cycle where numerous large avalanches have run into the valley bottom.

Travel on Highway 3 west of Coleman to BC not recommended

Highway 3: 1.9 km east of Alberta BC. border near Crowsnest Pass

Highway 3 west of Coleman to BC, travel not recommended at this time (Tuesday, February 8, 12:20 pm) according to @511Alberta road conditions map .