Dr. Lloyd Cavers Scholarship 2018 recipients with MLA Pat Stier (l) and LRSD Board Chair Brad Toone (r)
Livingstone Range School Division - Livingstone Range School Division is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Dr. Lloyd Cavers Scholarship,
awarded to high school students demonstrating exceptional leadership. Finalists from each school receive $200.00, with an overall winner designated to receive $1,000.00.
Representing each high school in the Division, the recipients are:
RCMP Alberta – RCMP from Claresholm have charged a 52 year old female with eight offences after a traffic stop near Nanton, AB.
On May 29, Claresholm RCMP were called about a truck driving erratically northbound on Highway 2. The Nanton RCMP were called to assist and stopped the vehicle near Nanton. The vehicle had a stolen license plate attached. The female driver was arrested and a search of the vehicle revealed drugs believed to be Methamphetamine.
RCMP Alberta – Following a pursuit last night that started in High River and spanned four different detachment areas, the RCMP safely terminated the pursuit in Granum and arrested two adults and one youth.
Livingstone Range School Division - Following the conclusion of municipal elections across the province, Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD) is pleased to announce the results of votes for the LRSD Board of Trustees.
In Ward 1, encompassing Nanton, Stavely, Claresholm and Granum, the positions were sustained by incumbents John McKee and Brad Toone.
Ward 2, representing Cowley, Lundbreck and the Crowsnest Pass, saw incumbent Clara Yagos retain her position and new candidate Greg Long filling the spot formerly held by Kristy Stevens.
In Ward 3, representing Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek, incumbent Lori Hodges retained her position, joined by new candidate Lacey Poytress and Jim Burdett, a former LRSD trustee returning to the office. Former Ward 3 trustees Martha Ratcliffe and Shannon Scherger opted not to vie for their positions in this election.
RCMP Alberta - On September 22, 2017 the RCMP in Nanton conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle heading southbound on Highway 2 just outside the Town of Nanton. As a result of that traffic stop, Tammy Lee Lauinger, age 42, of Nanton, was found to be in possession of a large quantity of Cocaine, Methamphetamine and MDMA as well as evidence of drug trafficking. The drugs have a street value in excess of $5,000.
Tammy Lauinger has been charged with multiple counts of Possession of a controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. She has been released from custody and is scheduled to make her first appearance in Court on November 1st, 2017 in Fort Macleod Provincial Court.
These matters are before the courts, and further information will not be available.
^ Video: On Tuesday evening September 12 a press conference/update was held at the Town of Pincher Creek council chambers about the wildfire situation. Participants included Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas, Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox, M.D. of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond, Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, Cardson County Reeve Jim Bester, Alberta RCMP Information Officer Curtis Peters, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Incident Commander Scott Elliot, and Alberta Emergency Management Agency Managing Director Shane Schreiber, and several others who contributed as well.
Shell Canada shuts some gas operations due to Alberta wildfire (external link)
Offer of help: An offer to assist with livestock and other concerns in the event of further evacuations has been extended by a group located north of Castor Alberta. Call 780-385-1817 for more information.
Alberta Government situation update at 9:30 pm:
The Kenow wildfire currently covers approximately 33,000 hectares in Alberta, with a total size of approximately 42,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from Highway 505 South to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected. A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents leaving their community should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.
A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. A reception centre is located at 1050 Main Street in the Town of Cardston. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
Firefighters working within Waterton were relieved Tuesday, Sept. 12 by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta air tankers and 14 helicopters.
Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.
High winds, high temperatures and low humidity continue and intense fire behaviour is anticipated.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner coordinated additional resources that were brought in Tues. Sept. 12 to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
Other information from this update was the same as reported earlier in this thread.
Excerpts from September 12 evening press conference in Pincher Creek:
Regarding Glenwood and Hillspring - "Currently the two villages are not in the evacuation zone, and we can't tell till tomorrow where the wind's taking it, but we're very hopeful... Tomorrow morning, I can give you a better answer than that. We are not out of the woods yet." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
I want to appeal to the citizens of our county, and our neighbouring counties and MDs here... We ask you to cooperate with us. Stay out of the (way). No more rubbernecking. Stay out of the areas that can cause more harm to other people. - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
We don't know just exactly how it's going to end yet, but it's going to end okay." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
"On September 11, the Kenow wildfire demonstrated extraordinary fire behaviour. The fire advanced significantly throughout the night, which presented limited options for fire management. Unified Command was well prepared for the forecasted fire behaviour throughout the night. Structural fire crews remained in the townsite to protect the facilities. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure located in the community, and the Prince of Wales Hotel."
"Every indication is that in the townsite, the townsite is intact." - Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas
"The fire is out of control. It is still classified as out of control, and it will probably remain out of control for some time, until we see significant change in the fire behaviour." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski
"The fire was more aggressive Monday September 11 due to high winds, low relative humidity, and warmer temperatures. "We didn't experience the aggressive fire behavior that we experienced yesterday. What's going to happen overnight, we don't know. But going into it, it's a little bit calmer than it was last night, and we hope it's going to stay that way, overnight." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski
Update from Parks Canada issued at 7:36 this evening:
Please see the (above) updated map of the Kenow Wildfire. There have been no significant development to report in addition to the information provided today. At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. An update will follow tomorrow.
Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.
^ Video of this afternoon's press conference at the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 administration building with Reeve Brian Hammond, Mayor Don Anderberg, and various other officials and representatives.
Statement from Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, September 12, 2017, 4:22 pm - The Town of Pincher Creek is NOT in a state of local emergency. Our neighbors the Municipality (MD) of Pincher Creek #9 and Waterton have declared a state of local emergency. The Town of Pincher Creek are part of a joint emergency management agency and have provided personnel to both the Emergency Operations Centre and the Reception Centre. The Town of Pincher Creek will actively continue to participate as needed.
Due to the fluid nature of the wildfire event the Town of Pincher Creek and the Emergency Management Agency have actively been working on an evacuation plan. This plan would impact Town of Pincher Creek residents as well as those who have been displaced from the MD of Pincher Creek and Waterton.
We will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, the Town of Pincher Creek is not in immediate danger. If circumstances dictate, we may have to declare a state of local emergency. September 12 evening updates:
Recommendations for horse owners preparing for possibility of evacuation (click here).
While the generosity of Albertans is appreciated, please refrain from making Alberta Fire donations until requested by local municipalities. - Government of Alberta
Update: The Nanton Fire Dept. has had an overwhelming response to their request for donations of water, Gatorade, non-perishable snacks for Firefighters responding to the Kenow fire. They're fully stocked and ready to go and no more donations are requested.
Government of Alberta update (issued at 3:39 pm):
The Blood Tribe, Cardston County and Municipal District of Pincher Creek have declared local states of emergency in response to southern Alberta wildfire conditions.
Overnight the fire grew by 50 per cent to roughly 20,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from South Highway 505 to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected.
A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents evacuating should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.'
A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building, and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
Firefighters working within Waterton will be relieved today by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta airtankers and 14 helicopters.
Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.
High winds, high temperatures and low humidity are forecast for Tuesday, Sept. 12, and intense fire behaviour continues to be anticipated.
Structural protection units and resources are in place in the Waterton townsite and have worked through the night providing protection.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner is coordinating additional resources to be brought in today to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
Payne Lake Provincial Recreation Area, 25 km west of Cardston, has been closed (new). A complete list of park closures is available at www.emergency.alberta.ca.
The following highways are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:
Highway 5 east of Waterton Lakes National Park to west of Cardston
Highway 6 north of Waterton Lakes National Park to Twin Butte
The following highways within Waterton Lakes National Park are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:
Highway 5
Highway 6
Chief Mountain border crossing
The following highways are closed to the public, with the exception of permit holders, due to the current wildfire situation:
Highway 532, west of Highway 22
Highway 520, east of Highway 22 for approximately 12 km
Highway 774, from Highway 507 to Castle Provincial Park
Check 511 Alberta for up-to-date travel information.
Map of estimated extent of wildfire at 3:30 am this morning.
Afternoon updates:
Exhibition Park Lethbridge South Pioneer Park is open and available to help MD of Pincher Creek #9, Blood Indian Reserve No. 148, and Cardston County emergency evacuees looking for free RV parking. Free power and water provided. Grass areas available. Animals welcome, please bring corral. To reserve space please contact Bridget Mearns 403-393-3344. Click here for more information.
All staff and residents have safely been evacuated from Castle Mountain Resort. - Castle Mountain Resort
Parks Canada update issued at 11:30 am:
The Kenow Fire firmly established itself in Waterton Lakes National Park yesterday afternoon. Adjacent municipalities were alerted that the fire was moving. The wildfire demonstrated extreme fire behaviour for many hours due to high winds and critically dry fuels.
Burning intensified and the fire moved northeast down the Cameron Valley along the Akamina Parkway. Later in the evening, fire became visible from the townsite and then on the north side of Crandell Mountain. The fire began to move north at a high rate of spread through the grasslands along the park’s Entrance Road.
At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure and facilities within the community and at the Prince of Wales hotel. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish spot fires, monitor sprinkler protection, and protect facilities. High volume pumps and sprinkler systems, in combination with planning and fuel management done in previous years, ensured the townsite perimetre held. We expect extremely dry conditions will influence fire behaviour throughout the burning period today. Additional resources have been dispatched to assist. We are expecting a downturn in weather over the next 24 hours.
Overnight, the fire moved north out of the park and into adjacent lands. Affected municipalities and local fire departments are managing those fires outside of the national park and forest protection area. Local evacuation orders are in effect. Parks Canada staff assisted RCMP with the evacuation of residents adjacent to the park.
The wildfire is still affecting many back-country and front-country areas in the park, including the Cameron Valley, the Crandell Mountain area, the Blakiston Valley and grasslands in the north of the park. Elsewhere in the park infrastructure has been compromised. The unified team is assessing conditions on the ground today and will provide updated information as soon as possible.
The fire crossed into the Forest Protection Area in the Castle drainage area and is moving upslope and not towards values at risk at this time. Airtankers and helicopters are working on this area of the fire, supported by heavy equipment group that is establishing predetermined containment lines to act as fire breaks.
Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.
Earlier updates:
9:12 am:The TOWN of Pincher Creek is NOT on evacuation notice, evacuation notices at this time are for the MD of Pincher Creek only.
8:14 am: Fortis Alberta reports "We have some customers out in southern Alberta due to the fires. Our crews will re-enter when the fire subsides and it is safe." If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres away and call Fortis at 310-WIRE.
Castle Mountain area: A Mandatory Evacuation Notice is being issued to the residents south of Highway 505 AND Castle Mountain Resort Residents of this area should leave the area.A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in the town of Pincher Creek. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016.
MD of Pincher Creek residents South Highway 505 to Waterton Park and Castle Mountain Resort have been ordered to evacuate. A State of Local Emergency has been issued for the entire MD. A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016. Approximately 150 residences were evacuated. 115 residents have registered at the reception center, and 40 residents registered by phone.
At 4:20 am the MD of Pincher Creek said RCMP has closed Highway 6 south from Highway 505 and were securing the area. At that time the fire was burning within Township 2, Range 29 and was heading NE along the MD boundary. The response includes 11 personnel, 2 engines, 1 tender and a command unit, according to the MD's 4:20 am report. Pincher Creek Emergency Services is continuing to assess the situation and has unified command with Alberta Agricultural and Forestry.
The Pincher Creek Humane Society (PCHS)/SPCA is supplying the evacuation centre with kennels,blankets etc. and is establishing a list of temporary foster homes and also a temporary facility to house animals. Please contact 403-632-9760 for assistance. They are asking for additional kennels that can be donated or loaned to PCHS for the duration of the situation. The MD of Pincher Creek is making arrangements with Country Vets and the Humane Society to take small pets.
Cardston County declared a State of Local Emergency and ordered the evacuation of all residents of all areas between Waterton Park and Range Road 281 (Highway 800) from the U.S border north to Township Road 40. The order was issued at 11:44 pm, September 11. An Evaluation Centre is located at the Town of Cardston Civic Center (67 - 3rd Ave West).
Blood Reserve Zone 1 was ordered evacuated at 4:57 am today, September 12. The evacuation area includes the Fish Creek, St. Paul apartments north to Russell, and Many Fingers homes. Residents in Zone 3 (north of Russell, Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area) should prepare to evacuate on short notice. Evacuees are directed to go to the Standoff multipurpose building and register. Contact the Blood Tribe Police if you have transportation concerns.
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."
C. Davis - Kainai's Tatsikiisaapo'p Middle School B Girls Eagles won the South Western Junior High Athletic Association (SWJHAA) 2017 banner after defeating Matthew Halton's Hawks 55-41 in the SWJHAA Post Season Final on March 11. The tournament was held at Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek. The Hawks placed second, and St. Michael's Dragons placed third. Six teams competed in a total of seven games.
RCMP Alberta - The Nanton RCMP are advising the public of a phone scam where the caller claims to be part of the STARS Lottery. On March 15 2017 the Nanton RCMP received complaints that a male representing himself as a lottery representative from STARS lottery told people that they were winners of a prize. The caller contacts potential victims and tells them that they need to send money in order to claim the prize. STARS lottery has stated that they do not call and ask for any funds to claim prizes for their lottery.
Chris Davis - The 2017 Chinook Basketball League 2017 Post Season Tournament was held March 2-4, co-hosted by Pincher Creek's St. Michael's and Matthew Halton High Schools. Teams from 10 Chinook League member schools participated. Kainai's Lady Warriors earned Gold in the Girls division. St. Michael's Dragons earned Gold in the Boys division. Second place Girls was earned by Matthew Halton's Hawks. Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres Boys earned Silver. Third place Girls went to St. Michael's Dragons and third place Boys went to Kainai's Warriors. The league's year end banquet and awards were held on Friday evening, and is the subject of a separate story (click here).
Jaidii Delaney-Russell (Kainai Lady Warriors) and Johnathan Erickson (Livingstone Sabres)
Toni Lucas - The 2017 Chinook League Basketball Post Season Awards banquet was held on Friday evening March 3, at Matthew Halton School midway through the Chinook post season basketball tournament (that story soon). Dinner was prepared from the Hawks Nest school cafeteria kitchen and served by volunteers. After dinner Hawks coach/Chinook League organizer Randy Whitehead acted as Master of Ceremonies and handed out the awards.
The 2017 Hawks Classic annual basketball tournament was hosted by Pincher Creek's Matthew Halton High School. A total of 16 Boys and Girls SV teams played a total 24 games at the Matthew Halton and St. Michael's gymnasiums over the course of two days, February 24 and 25. The final games were barnburners. Pincher Creek's Dragons Boys upset the Livingstone Sabres 52-47 to earn Gold. Silver for the Sabres. Kainai's Lady Warriors defeated Hanna's Hawks 53-45 to earn Gold. Silver for Hanna. Halton's Hawks Girls defeated St. Michael's Dragons 62-59 for Girls Bronze. Nanton's J.T. Foster Knights defeated the Halton Hawks 89-69 for Boys Bronze.
The 2017 Chinook Basketball League Post Season Tournament and Awards Banquet was held last weekend, with games at St. Michael's and Matthew Halton School. St. Michael's Dragons Boys and Kainai's Lady Warrior earned Gold. Livingstone's Sabres Boys and the Halton Hawks Girls* earned Silver. We'll update with a full story soon, but in the meantime here's our videos from the weekend.
Town of Pincher Creek draft conceptual drawings of the water slide and spray park
T. Lucas / C. Davis - Western Economic Diversification Canada yesterday announced a total federal investment of $4,899,327 in grants from three different programs, the 150 Community Infrastructure Program. and Canadian Heritage’s Canada 150 Fund and Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for ten southern Alberta projects "that celebrate our communities and shared heritage" by helping those communities "modernize local recreation facilities, as well as improve social and cultural infrastructure and programs."
“A great legacy for Canada 150 and wonderful addition to the Town of Pincher Creek” - Mayor Don Anderberg, Town of Pincher Creek
Among those projects, the Town of Pincher Creek was awarded a Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant of $463,000 to enhance the Pincher Creek Multi-Purpose Facility on Main Street with the addition of a spray park, water re-circulation system, water slide, and landscaping. According to the Town, the facility enhancement will be installed to the north of the facility. "The Town of Pincher Creek has budgeted up to one million dollars for this project including the grant, with an additional contingency for spray park donations. The Town of Pincher Creek is aiming to have the spray park ready for operation in celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday on July 1st, 2017 and the remainder to be complete by December 31, 2017."
Chris Davis - For their 2016/17 season opener Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies travelled to Nanton on Friday evening, October 14. The game was apparently a barnburner, with Nanton scoring 3 unanswered goals in the first period, the Huskies scoring 5 unanswered goals in the second period, and Nanton scoring 3 more unanswered goals in the final period to win it 6-5. The next day the Huskies held their home opener at the Memorial Community Centre Arena in Pincher Creek, hosting Warner. The Huskies won that game by a definitive score of 6-1.
Chris Davis - The 2016 Halton Hawks Junior A and B Girls Volleyball Showdown was held at the Matthew Halton High School gymnasium last Friday and Saturday, with a total of 7 "A" and 6 "B" teams participating. The A teams (grade 8/9) were divided into two pools for the initial games of the round robin format invitational tournament. The B teams (grade 7/8) competed in one pool.
RCMP Alberta - The RCMP is seeking the public's help in an investigation into the recent theft of approximately 12 cattle corral panels from a property west of Nanton, near Chain Lakes, Alberta. Police believe the theft occurred sometime during night of Wednesday, August 31 to Thursday, September 1. The stolen "2W" brand panels were grey in colour.
Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to call the Nanton RCMP directly at 403-646-5722 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS (8477).
RCMP Alberta - On July 10, 2016 Nanton RCMP with assistance from High River RCMP and the Lethbridge RCMP Police Dog Service Unit executed a search warrant at a room in a motel in Nanton. Nanton RCMP seized a small amount of cocaine, and marijuana, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia. One male has been charged with three counts under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Josh Davis
The 2016 Chinook Basketball Post Season Championship Tournament took place from Thursday March 3 to Saturday March 5, spread out across four different schools.
On Thursday games 1 and 2 of the tournament were played at 6 pm. In Nanton, JT Foster played County Central, while Matthew Halton played Piikani in Brocket. Matthew Halton and JT Foster won their games, and advanced to the next round.
Video: Girls for third Kainai Lady Warriors vs JT Foster Raiders (0:00 - : 2:27), Boys for third Coalhurst Trojans vs Kainai Warriors (2:28 - : 4:08), Girls Final Pincher Creek Dragons vs Coalhurst Crusaders (4:09 - : 9:13), Boys Final: Livingstone Sabres vs Saint Michael's Dragons (9:14 - 14:55)
