Four face numerous charges after drug bust at Pincher Creek hotel room

RCMP Pincher Creek 

On April 7, 2016 Pincher Creek RCMP executed a drug search warrant on a local hotel room in the town of Pincher Creek, Alberta.  Four Pincher Creek residents were arrested and face numerous charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  The suspected drugs seized include cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as numerous pills.

Record high temperatures in Pincher Creek and other areas of Alberta yesterday

According to a weather summary issued by Environment Canada, new record high temperatures were reached in 6 Alberta communities yesterday, April 8, 2016, including Pincher Creek and Waterton. Pincher Creek reached 23.5 degrees celsius, beating the old record of 21.7 set in 1976. Near-high record temperatures were reached in four other Alberta communities. The Environment Canada report states a mild westerly flow was the causal factor.

Piikani Nation minor hockey teams performed well at two tournaments

Piikani Nation Peewee Team:  Tristen Blood, Tessa Cahoon, Gavin Crow Shoe, Joaquin Four Horns, Shooter Goodstriker, Elie Healy, Malachai North Peigan, Peyton Smith, Braxton Wells, Jerome Barrameda, Sage Running Rabbit, Bailey Wells, Dylan Auger-Calihoo, Marcello Dion, Christian Ferland Buffalo, Echo Waskahat  Manager: Lee Smith  Coaches: Tommy Four Horns, Chance Crow Shoe, Faron Cahoon

Morgan Little Mustache

Piikani Nation hockey players ended off the season coming together as a nation to participate in two well known First Nation Hockey Championships, the Alberta Treaty Hockey Championships and the Alberta Native Provincial Championships. Each team was well prepared in advance to bring what is takes to these two tournaments. Each player showed strength, endurance, determination, team work and most of all optimism. Each player also gained a sense of belonging and Piikani identity. This year we were blessed with jerseys for each division, seeing our Piikani Nation colors on the ice was a true feeling of Piikani pride.

Walking into Spring

Amanda Niskala

Amanda Niskala

Birds are chirping, the sun is shining- spring is here! As temperatures outside start to increase, so does the number of people outdoors enjoying the weather and walking to where they need to go.

Walking as a means of transportation not only has its health benefits, but it is also good for the environment. It is important to follow the rules of the road when using sidewalks and crosswalks and to be aware of potential hazards when one is outside enjoying the warmer weather. Potential hazards could lead to injury, and injuries to pedestrians are often severe. Although most people survive being hit by a car, they are often left with long-term disabilities such as permanent damage related to head, organ and bone injuries.

In memory of Linda Louise Findlater

(memoriam)

In memory of Linda Louise Findlater

July 27, 1947 to January 22, 2016

Linda Findlater passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Belize due to complications arising from a lung infection. Out of respect for Linda's wishes the family did not hold a public service.

Linda was a woman who had a great love of live, a heart of kindness and an immense dedication to family and community. For her, family was everything.  Linda and her husband Wayne Findlater were married for close to 50 years.  The couple moved to Cowley in 1991. She is survived by her three children Trina (Troy Rurik), Troy, and Terry (Jannet). She will be missed by her grandchildren and great grandchild.

Crestview Salvage Tour

On Wednesday March 30, and Thursday March 31. Crestview Lodge conducted salvage tours. As the Pincher Creek Foundation prepares to build its new building, they are looking for expressions of interest in items that may be salvaged in the future deconstruction of the Lodge. Sinks, toilets, bath tubs, doors, windows, and chairs... virtually everything must go. The facility needs to remain operational in the interim, and you could be waiting up to two years to collect.

Elimination of GILT grants may increase Pincher Creek property taxes

Toni Lucas

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek responded on Monday, March 29 to support a request from Sue Bohaichuk on behalf of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA). This is in response to Minister Sigurdson's statement that the province does not intend to reinstate the $15 million Grant In Lieu of Taxes (GILT) for social housing units. The previous Alberta government decided to eliminate GILT across the province. Livingstone Macleod MLA Pat Stier has been asking the current government to reinstate the program. In Pincher Creek this decision affects 36 social housing units for the 2015 property tax year, resulting in $32,930.47 of tax cancellations for the Town of Pincher Creek. CAO Laurie Wilgosh told council if this funding is not reinstated municipal property taxes will have to be increased by 0.08% to cover the shortfall.

Chinook 4-H Multi Club update

Justin Nelson

Hello my name is Justin Nelson and I am the club reporter for the Chinook 4H Multi Club This is what our club has done up to date.

On November 11th we attended the Remembrance Day Ceremonies and presented a wreath.  On

December 20th some of our club members helped with wrapping presents and filling up the Christmas Food Hampers. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it felt good doing something for our community.

Here are the placings for some of our club members for our Communications Event. From what I have heard Pincher Creek cleaned up at District level:

Reds flashing = no passing: fly-bys a concern for students and drivers

Bus driver Laurel Holt and RCMP Sgt. Mark Harrison with William and Zachary Baker

• Town of Pincher Creek proclaims April to be Bus Safety Month

Josh Davis

April is Bus Safety Month in the Town of Pincher Creek. On Wednesday March 30 Sheryl Baker and her boys Twins in grade 2 - 7 years old. A delegation consisting of Sharon Roberts, Sheryl Baker and Phil McGale appeared before Pincher Creek Town Council Monday, March 29 to discuss bus safety and an upcoming social media blitz. The delegation was asked if signage would improve the situation. Mayor Anderberg said, "This is a high priority." Later the same meeting of the council unanimously voted to proclaim April to be School Bus Awareness and Safety Month in Pincher Creek. There will be a social media blitz to accompany the promotional/educational campaign.

William and Zachary Baker just want to get to school and back safely

Solutions & Substitutions with Reena

Reena Nerbas

Dear Reena,

I have a terrible time cleaning the glass on my cabinets. They smear excessively. I think that they are Plexiglass; I really need help! Thank you! Kitty

Dear Kitty,

Plexiglass is highly susceptible to scratching and permanent etching due to chemicals such as ammonia glass cleaner. Use products specifically designed for Plexiglass. If commercial products are not an option, clean Plexiglass with a soft cloth such as an optical cleaning cloth. Spray the glass with a solution of 4-cups water, half tsp. dish soap and one tsp. rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe. Repeat with plain water being careful not to allow water to air dry thereby causing water spots.

You'll never walk alone

Walk on through the wind

Walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on walk on with hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

~ Richard Rodgers  and Oscar Hammerstein II

Chinook Pipeline awarded Town of Pincher Creek water distribution contract

Toni Lucas

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek reviewed bids for a water distribution contract at their regular meeting Monday evening, March 29. Town Operations Manager Al Roth addressed council and said, "Our water system is aging. We have a number of waterlines that are only four inches in diameter, and we are upgrading to six inch. A lot of the metal pipes are causing us issues." Roth said the plan includes running a water line under the bridge at Hewetson Avenue to attach the north and south zones, increasing the looping of water the town has been working toward. This has been in the plans for a number of years. Roth said he recognized there will be some inconveniences for the public, "There will be an number of disruptions this summer, but we are going to try to orchestrate it so there is very little impact, especially to the businesses downtown." Roth said the majority of the water work will be trenching, and added Bev McLachlin Drive is scheduled for asphalt work this summer.

Livingstone Range School Division announces 2016/17 administrative appointments

Livingstone Range School Division No. 68

• Principal Matthew Halton High School - Ms. Tara Tanner
• Principal Granum School - Ms. Jacqueline Kark 
• Assistant Principal, Canyon School - Ms. Jessica Rumer

Livingstone Range School Division No. 68 is pleased to announce the following administrator positions effective with the 2016-2017 school year.

Child dies in single vehicle collision east of Lundbreck

RCMP Alberta

Lundbreck, Alberta - On April 3rd, 2016 at approximately 8:25 pm, Crowsnest Pass RCMP, along with Lundbreck and Pincher Creek Emergency Services, responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 3A, approximately 3 kilometres east of Lundbreck, Alberta.

The driver and 5 other occupants of the 4 door sedan were travelling west on Highway 3A, when they lost control and drove over a small embankment.

An 8 year old passenger of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and remaining passengers of the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

Alcohol is not a factor.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP and RCMP Collision Analyst Services continue to investigate the occurrence.

Pincher Creek RCMP summary for March 20 to April 4, 2016

RCMP Pincher Creek

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of March 20 to April 4, 2016. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

• Total calls for service – 41
• Fraud / Forgery - 1
• Uttering Threats - 1
• Mischief (vandalism) - 3
• Theft over $5000 - 1
• Theft under $5000 - 1
• Impaired Driving - 4
• Drugs - 1
• Disturbing the Peace - 1
• Driving complaints (general) - 4
• MV Collisions - 4
• Liquor offences - 2
• Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1
• Assistance to General Public (general) - 3 
• Assistance to other agencies - 3
• False Alarms - 2
• 911 calls (invalid) - 4
• Prisoners held – 9

AHS EMS launches new Twitter account

Alberta Health Services

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is joining Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) growing Twitter presence to help Albertans better understand EMS across the province.

@AHS_EMS will share stories and information about EMS operations, programs and events, as well as provide a behind-the-scenes look at the men and women who provide care to hundreds of Albertans every day. The account will promote understanding of AHS EMS through virtual ride-alongs, profiles of the dozens of specialized EMS units and a new video series called Your EMS.

@AHS_EMS is AHS’ newest opportunity to speak directly with Albertans to help meet the growing demand for information about their diverse health care needs.

2016 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess Vanessa Stiffarm visits Piikani Youth Rodeo

2016 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess Vanessa Stiffarm at Pincher Creek's Horseshoe Pavilion

Josh Davis

On Wednesday March 30 Calgary Stampede’s 2016 Indian Princess Vanessa Stiffarm came to Pincher Creek as a special guest at the Piikani Youth Rodeo. Stiffarm is a 25-year-old from the Blood Tribe, and Pincher Creek was just one of many speaking opportunities she’s had around the world. She spent the afternoon riding, and inspiring the youth in attendance. Even the brief rain shower wasn’t enough to dampen spirits. Stiffarms role as Indian Princess is to promote the Calgary Stampede, and Indian Village, as well as to attend pow wows and other events to promote First Nation culture.

Piikani Youth Rodeo continues to inspire

Josh Davis

Piikani Youth Rodeo’s winter season is going into its final week. Over the past two Wednesdays, March 23 and March 30, I witnessed the talent, camaraderie, and horsemanship of local youth, and listened to the words of wisdom offered by mentors in the aboriginal community. The Piikani Youth Rodeo is a local rodeo open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 21. Over 30 youth participated each week, on top of the tireless efforts of organizers, volunteers, and parents. Hosted at the Pincher Creek Agricultural Society's Horseshoe Pavilion and sponsored by the Aakom Kiyii Health Services Riding Program, each week of the rodeo featured talks with mentors. These mentors encouraged the youth to go for their dreams, and offered insight into possible.

Daxz Vance holding on for 8 - submitted video

The empty halter

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings

The empty halter and the pathetic look on Robbie’s face told it all. Yesterday he sold his first 4-H calf, and just as he had lovingly told the story of caring for and training that calf, he wanted to tell our tiny congregation the rest of the story. The dollars raised weren’t nearly so significant as was the surrender of his pet.

New Pincher Creek RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Mark Harrison

RCMP Pincher Creek Detachment Commander Sgt. Mark Harrison

When people ask me how long I have been in the RCMP I say 'All my life'. - Sgt. Mark Harrison, RCMP Pincher Creek Detachment Commander

Toni Lucas

Sergeant Mark Harrison has recently taken the position of RCMP Pincher Creek Detachment Commander. Harrison has been with the RCMP for 19 years.  This is his first position as a Detachment Commander, something he said he he sees as a logical progression in his career. He has held positions in Drayton Valley, Grande Cache, Drumheller, and Strathmore. He has conducted training sessions at the RCMP Depot in Regina.  His most recent positions was with the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT). "That's pretty much our SWAT team," explained Harrison. "We covered all southern Alberta."

Crocuses herald spring 2016 near Pincher Creek

First crocuses of Spring 2016 near Pincher Creek, on the afternoon of April 1, photos by Lewis Anderson.

When we meet face to face

Joyce Sasse, Spiritual Gleanings

Two subjects my elderly friend avoided discussing were “religion” and “politics”. Too many arguments! But on a day when her health was most fragile, she found herself immersed in a conversation that covered both subjects.

While waiting to be transferred from the City (where she’d had open-heart surgery) to her home-town hospital, there was a ninety minutes wait between when the attendants arrived and when they were given permission to get on the road.

Out and about - winter 2015/16

^ Tuesday March 29, 2016 on the red chair atop Castle Mountain - Lewis Anderson photos

A need for speed can have deadly consequences

One in four fatal collisions in Alberta involves a driver travelling at an unsafe speed. 

During the month of April, Alberta Transportation is reminding motorists of the risky consequences of speeding. The faster you are driving, the less time you have to react to anything unexpected. Speeding also reduces the effectiveness of seatbelts and other safety devices such as air bags and side impact beams. By the time you realize you’re going too fast – it may be too late.

“Safety should be everyone’s priority on the road. We will continue to work with law enforcement and our traffic safety partners to prevent speed related collisions.” - Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

Upcoming infrastructure projects in Waterton Lakes National Park (updated)

• Potential impacts on visitor experience for spring and summer 2016
• New visitor centre in the planning stages

Parks Canada - updated April 1, 2016

Parks Canada wishes to inform visitors and residents of the Waterton Park community of the following infrastructure projects in Waterton Lakes National Park taking place this spring and summer.