Cougar spotted in Pincher Creek

Iris Reed image

Toni Lucas

A cougar was spotted in the town of Pincher Creek area at approximately 8:30 pm Tuesday, February 9. Iris and Ian Reed were in their vehicle when they first spotted the cougar.  Iris said "At first we just thought it was a big dog cause we were back aways. So we went to go see if we could find him and then we spotted him going in the compound and that's when we noticed it was a big cougar." Fish and Wildlife Officers Matt Voramwald from Pincher Creek and John Clarke from Crowsnest Pass did see the cougar in the Telus compound close to the waterway of Pincher Creek.

Iris Reed video

 The cougar became spooked by a third party and jumped the fence, and headed for the creek bed. "We think it came up through the river hunting a deer," said Clarke, who explained the cougar appeared to be a healthy cat who may have been become confused with the lights and noise once inside the town and then took the first opportunity to leave. Fish and Wildlife worked with RCMP, BearSmart trained volunteers, and Karelian bear dog Koda to search the area for over 5 hours in an attempt to find the cougar.

Warm weather prompts ice condition advisories

Alberta Parks

Due to recent unusually warm weather conditions in Alberta, an ice condition advisory has been issued for various areas across the province – please use caution.

Advisories have been issued for:

• Beauvais Lake Provincial Park
• Beaver Mines Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Chain Lakes Provincial Park
• Chinook Provincial Recreation Area
• Island Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Jenson Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Lake McGregor Provincial Recreation Area
• Little Bow Provincial Park
• Little Bow Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area
• Park Lake Provincial Park
• Payne Lake Provincial Recreation Area
• Police Outpost Provincial Park
• St. Mary's Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Traverse Reservoir
• Waterton Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area
• Wyndham Carseland Provincial Park

For information on ice safety visit this link (click here).

Scotch tasting event at KBPV well attended

Scotch expert Steve Firth

Toni Lucas

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) held a Scotch tasting event on Thursday evening, February 11. This was an evening of adventure in learning more about the drink, and how to truly appreciate its finer qualities. Taking close to 50 people on this journey of the palette was Steve Firth from Andrew Hilton Wines and Spirits in Lethbridge. Firth is also a member of the Lethbridge Scotch Society.

Friendly Zamboni drivers - another reason Pincher Creek should win Kraft Hockeyville

#KHV_MemCommunityCtr

Pincher Creek 4-H clubs hold 2016 Multi-Species Judging Contest

Josh Davis

On Saturday February 6, 2016, Pincher Creek District's Foothills Beef 4-H Club hosted a Multi-Species Judging Contest.  The event included the participation of over 30 members from all the clubs in the district, including Rocky Mountain Swine, Chinook Multi, Timber Trails, and Foothills. 4-H members judged species in four different categories, hay, heifers, horses, and sheep, and were graded on their judgements by volunteer leaders. Seniors, Juniors, and Intermediate level members of 4H were awarded prizes for first, second, and third place judging the species.

2016 Novice Chinooks Tournament

Josh Davis - Pincher Creek's Novice Chinooks hockey team hosted a tournament on the weekend of February 5-7. The tournament featured a fun round robin structure, with 8 teams in attendance, after one team could only make it to two of their three scheduled games. There were two divisions present, Tier 3 teams and Tier 5 teams, The Chinooks fared well in all of their games. The Chinooks #16 Walker Anderson scored seven goals in his first game Friday night, making for over 94 points in 25 games this year.

Foothills MP John Barlow visits Pincher Creek Town Council

Toni Lucas

Foothills MP John Barlow visited Pincher Creek Town Council during their regular meeting of Monday evening, February 8. He spoke to council at length and answered a number of questions from the councillors. He started off by touching on a number of programs available to municipalities and other subjects of interest. This included the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Building Canada Program, the Connecting Canadians Program, an e-petition on Electoral Reform, a discussion about Energy East, agriculture, and community housing.

Crestview Lodge update for January 2016

Greetings from Crestview Lodge

Thank goodness January came as it was time to slow down and get back into a regular routine. Don’t get us wrong, we did have loads of fun but now it’s time to get ready for the next year of adventures at Crestview.

Town of Pincher Creek council updated on Kraft Hockeyville effort, gets support from MP John Barlow

MP John Barlow, Mayor Don Anderberg, Councillor Wayne Elliott

Toni Lucas - Foothills MP John Barlow visited Pincher Creek Town Council during the regular meeting of Monday evening, February 8. He spoke to council at length and answered a number of questions, which will be in a separate article. Afterward he participated in a quick photo op with Mayor Don Anderberg and Councillor Wayne Elliott, with Elliott and Barlow wearing Pincher Creek Huskies jerseys in support of Pincher Creek's bid in the Kraft Hockeyville 2016 contest.

Councillors Wayne Elliott and Jim Litkowski get Krafty/cheesy for a photo op

Barlow said "I am very excited. Anytime you can access some funding for projects, it helps a community. Wayne has done an amazing job." Councillor Wayne Elliott has championed the Pincher Creek bid for Kraft Hockeyville for the last two years. Elliott said nominations were now closed and for the province of Alberta there were 205 nominations, 19 of them for the Pincher Creek Memorial Community Centre Arena.

A tie and a loss vs Red Deer Chiefs for Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies

Josh Davis

On Friday evening February 5 Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies hosted the Red Deer Chiefs at the MCC Arena in Pincher Creek. The Midgets looked strong coming out of the first period, eking a small lead, but the Chiefs tied the game in the second. Both teams scored a single goal in the third period, and the game ended in a 4-4 draw.  The next day the Huskies again hosted the Chiefs, this time at the Coleman rink.  The Chiefs won that encounter 5-2.

Windy weekend in Pincher Creek area

Overturned trailer on Hwy 3 east of Cowley

Toni Lucas

Wind caused havoc in the Pincher Creek area during the weekend of February 5, 6 and 7.  According to TransAlta representative Wayne Oliver, wind speeds of up to 137 kilometres per hour were recorded at the top of local wind turbines.  Shingles were ripped from homes, trees were downed, drivers were challenged.

Fortis repairing downed power line on Main Street

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to two calls for fallen trees which affected power lines.  The first was Friday night February 5 on Charlotte Street, the second was Saturday morning February 6 on Main Street near Rimmington Avenue.  Fortis worked to reconnect power in both cases.  Deputy Fire Chief Pat Neumann said the department was not called out to Highway 22.  On Saturday February 6 at approximately 10:00 am local RCMP attended a  single vehicle incident on Highway 3 just east of Cowley.  A pickup truck pulling a trailer with equipment in it lost control when the trailer hitch became disconnected.  The safety chains stayed attached but the trailer ended up on its side.  RCMP reported no one was injured in the incident.

Mobile mammography service to visit Brocket in March

Women ages 50 to 74 - the group most at risk of developing breast cancer - will have local access to mammography services when Alberta Health Services’ Screen Test program arrives in the community next month.  A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at Aakom-Kiyii Health Services (on the east side, near old health centre) on March 8 and 9. Residents can book an appointment by calling 1-800-667-0604.

Saddles stolen from rural Pincher Creek property

Pincher Creek RCMP
On Wednesday, December 9th, 2015, an unknown vehicle entered a rural property east of Pincher Creek and entered the unlocked barn located on the property. The suspect (or suspects) stole several items, including a custom made John Visser Slik Fork Saddle, three custom Dave Elliot bits, custom reins and headstalls, and other custom leather pieces. The total replacement value of these items is approximately $10, 000. All items can be identified by the owner.

If you have information on this or any other crime, contact the Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment at 403-627-6010 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash reward. Information also available on the web at www.crimestoppers.ca.

Pincher's Creakers host 37th annual Oldtimers Hockey Tournament

Christian Davis

Pincher Creek's Creakers hosted their 37th annual Oldtimers Hockey Tournament January 30 to February 1, 2015 at the Memorial Community Centre Arena.  12 teams competed, divided into three pools.

Windy Hollow Players practice theatrical deception

Gerry Alex. Tracy Glen, Gord Pitt, Lorne Jackson, Pat Neumann, Doris Blackburn, Brenda Campbell, and Ed Linsell

Toni Lucas

The Windy Hollow Players (WHP) took to the stage at the Cowley Community Hall on Friday and Saturday February 5 and 6. The theatrical group usually has one annual presentation. This year they appeared before two full houses of 135 guests each. Two separate productions were presented each night, 'The Twins Mendaccio' and 'The Mad Breakfast'. Each play featured a major character being deceived. Director Susan Vogelaar voiced her appreciation to the actors, support volunteers, caterers, and those who attended the event.

LLG: Concern over AltaLink’s proposed Castle Rock Ridge to Chapel Rock transmission line continues

Eastern slopes of the Livingstone Range (Ginny Grinevitch photo)

Livingstone Landowners Guild

The Livingstone Landowners Guild (LLG) is committed to the stewardship and responsible development of southwestern Alberta’s famous ranching landscape. That is why we have committed significant time, money and effort to reviewing AltaLink’s proposed overhead transmission line from Pincher Creek to the flanks of the Livingstone Range since route selection began in October, 2014.

Strong roots, great shoots

Joyce Sasse

Spiritual Gleanings by Joyce Sasse

“This place doesn’t have work for our young people!” It’s a common complaint in most rural communities. But we need to look at the other side of the coin.

I ask the grumblers what they are doing to encourage their youth to take pride in their rural roots?

2016 Winter Walk and Jersey Day held in Pincher Creek

Winter Walk participants

Josh Davis - On Tuesday February 3, 2016 Alberta held its annual Winter Walk day. Citizens of Pincher Creek were also encouraged to wear jerseys in support of Pincher Creek's Kraft Hockeyville 2016 entry. Garbed in their hockey jerseys, participants went on a guided lunch hour walk, beginning and ending at the Pincher Creek Swimming Pool. Hot chocolate was donated by Tim Hortons for those returning following the walk. Pincher Creek's three schools also participated in the Winter Walk throughout the day.

AWA and Timberwolf: Cutthroats cut out of Castle

Before and 10 minutes after: Gold Creek, a tributary to the Crowsnest River, contains multiple OHV crossings and is heavily loaded with silt and mud following a rain event as runoff enters from surrounding OHV trails. OHV use results in increased soil compaction, proliferation of invasive species, increased habitat fragmentation, and increased runoff of sediment into streams which negatively impacts water quality and fish habitat. Photo: L. Fitch, P. Biol.

Alberta Wilderness Association

The Critical Habitat Order for Threatened westslope cutthroat trout provides the legislation needed to prohibit off highway vehicles (OHVs) within the Castle Provincial and Wildland Provincial Parks. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) and Timberwolf Wilderness Society are calling on the Federal and Provincial Governments to enforce the Order to protect remaining westslope cutthroat trout populations in the Castle. This initial step will work towards restoring populations to self-sustaining levels as per the Recovery Strategy issued in March 2014. This call was issued in a joint communiqué released by a number of scientists, individuals, and conservation organizations demanding proper management of Alberta's Eastern Slopes.

Mobile mammography service to visit Pincher Creek in March

Women ages 50 to 74, the group most at risk of developing breast cancer, will have local access to mammography services when Alberta Health Services’ Screen Test program arrives in the community next month.  A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at the Ranchland Mall parking lot (1300 Heweston Ave.) on March 3, 4, 5, and 7. Residents can book an appointment by calling 1-800-667-0604.

2016 Jersey Day at Vista Village and Crestview Lodge

#KHV_MemCommunityCtr

February 3, 2016 was Jersey Day in Pincher Creek.  Here's how two of our Senior Citizen residences celebrated this year in support of Pincher Creek's nomination in the Kraft Hockeyville contest.  Send your own photos in to pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com for publication.

It's Jersey Day today - Join the Winter Walk

^ Pincher Creek Novice Chinooks Coach Cory Anderson in the attire he won as Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month for October, 2015.

Don't forget to wear your jersey today, February 3, 2016. Show your support for the Town of Pincher Creek's Kraft Hockeyville entry. If you can, join the Winter Walk, a guided noon hour journey, starting at 11:52 am at the pool and returning for hot chocolate donated by Tim Hortons, to finish at 12:30 pm. Pincher Creek's three schools will be participating at various times during the day.

Here's Town of Pincher Creek Councillor Wayne Elliott's Jersey Tree in front of Town Hall to help inspire you.

Use #KHV_MemCommunityCtr and #pinchercreek on Facebook, Instagram. and Twitter.

Cardston Cougars win Jr. B Boys basketball tournament in Pincher Creek

First Place: Cardston 2015/16 Junior B Boys Cougars Basketball team

Second Place: Livingstone Junior B Boys Sabres Basketball team

Toni Lucas

Matthew Halton High School hosted a Junior B Boys Basketball Tournament on Saturday, January 30. Six teams participated, including Pincher Creek's Matthew Halton Hawks and St. Michael's Dragons, Lundbreck's Livingstone Sabres, Fort Macleod's F.P. Walshe Flyers, Claresholm's Cobras, and Cardston's Cougars. The first two games for each team earlier in the day decided who was playing who for the final standings. It worked out to be Hawks vs Dragons for the consolation game, Flyers and Cobras vying for third place, and Sabres facing Cougars for the Championship game.

Wanted man William Joseph Sheppard arrested

RCMP Alberta update

Fort Saskatchewan, AB. - William Joseph Sheppard, age 32, wanted for Criminal Code of Canada Charges such as, Breach of Probation, Uttering Death Threats and Violation of an Emergency Protection Order, has been arrested. After a brief stand-off with Camrose Police Services, Sheppard surrendered to police. Sheppard will remain in custody until he appears in court on these matters.

The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP would like to thank the Camrose Police Service, the media and members of the public for their assistance with the peaceful resolution to this matter.

February is Love the Bus month

(file photo)

Sharon Roberts, Location Manager, First Student Pincher Creek

February is Love the Bus month. The annual campaign by the American School Bus Council aims to recognize school bus drivers across the country for their dedication to provide safe student transportation every day. Here in Pincher Creek we are recognizing Love the Bus month as well.

At First Student, we want to take this opportunity to thank our drivers for their commitment to the students in their care. We recognize the tremendous responsibility placed upon us every school day to provide safe and reliable transportation. We appreciate the community's continued trust in us to deliver.