Coaldale defeats Huskies for Midget "A" Spud League Championship

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Huskies vs Coaldale 
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies hosted the Coaldale Cobras for game two of a best-of-three in the Spud League playoff finals on the evening of Saturday, March 24.

The Memorial Community Centre Arena was packed with fans from both teams, raising the roof with an uncommon fervour.  In addition to the usual noisemakers, some Huskies fans brought in a drum kit to help highlight their appreciation for the team.

The Cobras had previously defeated the Huskies 7-5 in game one of the series, played at the Coaldale rink on Wednesday, March 21, so it was do-or-die time for the Huskies.

Grizzly killed near Coleman

"As the Grizzly teaches us; a lack of love, understanding and compassion
creates a creature to be feared, but a shift in our emotional response
creates a creature to be enjoyed." - Charlie Russell

Charlie Russell, Letter to the Editor - What good would it be to report a poacher in Alberta concerning a grizzly bear when you have a bear response team who will always go to bat for the shooter and never for the bear? When the definition of aggressive encounter is a bear that even just walks toward you, and the province is continually trying to build a case to reopen hunting of grizzly, I would hazard a guess that this bear was needlessly shot.

     Related link: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322100415.htm

     If by chance it was really being aggressive, it would be because it has experienced nothing but aggression from bear managers and it could accurately assume that any encounter with people is going to be brutal, so why not try to strike first if you have a good reason? In this case the reason was a dead deer he was trying to get a very important meal from, having not eaten for six months.  Isn’t it enough that they are waking up to our clear cutting the Castle River drainage that is so important to our beleaguered bears, without being shot too?

'A Thin Seam of Dark Blue Light'

Phil Burpee

Phil Burpee, Columnist

     A half century or so ago, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human being to orbit our planet, was awestruck at the spectacle laid out before him as he gazed through his tiny window down at the passing Earth. As with many other subsequent cosmonauts and astronauts, he experienced a special sort of epiphany: - "Circling Earth in my orbital spaceship, I marvelled at the beauty of our planet. People of the world, let us safeguard and enhance this beauty, not destroy it!" So many to follow him into Space have expressed similar combinations of rapture and anguish. There hangs the great, blue ball against the implacable blackness of a deep and lifeless void. We are utterly alone. 93,000,000 miles away lies our star, the Sun, a vast thermo-nuclear fireball more than eight hundred times the diameter of our little world, fusing billions of tons of hydrogen into helium every second, bathing us in a mighty river of electromagnetic radiation that we simply know as 'Light'. Ah, Light - and we see that it is good.

German couple volunteers locally

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Anne-Marie Moehring and Flo Andert
T. Lucas photo

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village (KBPV) had a unique boost in volunteerism on March 22.  A young couple, Anne-Marie Moehring and Flo Andert  were disappointed that they could not tour the site because workday-Wednesday was in full swing.

On Wednesdays KBPV staff and volunteers work on projects to improve and upgrade the site, often leaving the entrance and grounds closed to the public.  The solution?  The couple volunteer for the day, with the request that they could also go through as tourists for a part of the day.  "We liked that, we were interested in having you open the door, and it (volunteering) was a way of giving back for that," Andert laughed.

What's going on

Saturday, March 24:

The "Under the Big Top" Figure Skating Carnival  will
be held on Saturday, March 24
C. Davis photo

2:00 pm: "Under the Big Top" Figure Skating Carnival at the MCC Arena.  The dress rehearsal indicates this is going to be a terrific show.

7:30 pm: Midget Huskies vs Coaldale for the Spud League Championship (game 2 of 3) at the MCC Arena.  This will be the Huskies' last home game of the season, and may be the last game championship series.  The Coaldale Cobras defeated the Huskies 7-5 on Wednesday, so the home team can use all the support we can give them.  Go Huskies!

Sunday, March 25:

1:00 pm: Pee Wee Chinooks vs Provincial and  Zone 5 Champions the Crowsnest Pass Thunder, vying for the Spud League Pee Wee 'A' Championship at the MCC Arena.  This will be game two of a best-of-three, with the first game to be played on Saturday, March 24 at the Crowsnest Sports Complex.   It's going to be a good one!

Detachment opening marks new chapter in RCMP history in Fort Mcleod

RCMP news release

Today, the newest of the RCMP’s 111 detachments in Alberta was officially commissioned today in Fort Mcleod, a community served by the mounted police since 1874. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by federal Minister of State (Finance) Ted Menzies, Alberta Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security Jonathan Denis, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Evan Berger and Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer of “K” Division RCMP.

“Since 1874, the detachment building - in one form or another – has served as a symbol of our strong bond with the citizens of Fort Mcleod,” said Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer of “K” Division RCMP. “Throughout the years, this community has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preserving our history here. The commissioning of this new detachment ensures that legacy will live on in Fort Mcleod for years to come.”

Grizzly killed near Coleman

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

On Monday, March 19 a landowner shot and killed a grizzly bear on his property, located about 20 minutes northwest of Coleman, Alberta.

According Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security communications spokesman Brendan Cox, an investigation by a Fish and Wildlife bear response team confirmed the shooting was an act of self defence, and no charges will be laid.

Snow deer

Shannon Culham photo

Eva and Markus took advantage of the 6 inches of snow that fell in the Porcupines area today and made a cool snow deer.

Expanded Health Hazard Alert - E. coli in beef products

Certain ground beef products produced at Establishment 761 may contain E. coli O157:H7 bacteria

Please note this is part of an ongoing investigation into E. coli in certain frozen beef products.

The public warning issued on March 15 and March 19, 2012 has been expanded to include all ground beef products from Establishment 761 that were manufactured between July 1, 2011 and February 15, 2012 and described below, because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain ground beef products, described below, from Establishment 761 because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Taps back on in Cowley

According to a Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 "Emergency Alert" update, and several citizens, the water line break in Cowley has been repaired and the water is turned back on again for residents.  However, the boil water advisory is still in effect

Cowley residents are advised to bring water to a rapid rolling boil for one minute prior to use.

In a curious coincidence, today, March 22, is also "World Water Day".

Elections Alberta moves forward in reviewing allegations of prohibited contributions

Elections Alberta is continuing to review allegations that political parties and constituency associations received contributions from prohibited corporations. A news release issued earlier this month outlined the process that is underway and provided the public with insight into the scope of this review.

“Sufficient information has been received to allow for the detailed review and careful consideration of thirty-two files to date,” said O. Brian Fjeldheim, Chief Electoral Officer.&nbsp “I am very pleased with the cooperation shown by stakeholders throughout this process. In fact, about half of the files we have opened thus far result from voluntary disclosures by prohibited corporations, in response to the communications provided by this Office.” In total, 73 files have been opened since Elections Alberta began its review.

Commissioning of new Fort Macleod RCMP Detachment to be held tomorrow

The new Fort Macleod RCMP Detachment will be commissioned in a ceremony to be held Friday, March 23, 2012 at 12:30 pm.  The event will include a march from Fort Macleod hospital (744- 26 St.) to the new detachment (2018 - 8th Avenue) by the Red Serge Troop, and an Eagle Feather presentation by the First Nations community to Detachment Commander Sgt. Brent Hawker. RCMP members on horseback and in period costume will also participate.

In attendance will be:
Hon. Ted Menzies, Federal Minister of State (Finance)
Hon. Jonathan Denis, Alberta Solicitor General & Minister of Public Security
Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer “K” Division
Other dignitaries including First Nations representatives.

Multiple Collisions west of Calgary

Cochrane RCMP are advising that the road conditions west of Calgary are extremely variable, and change quickly from simply wet to snow covered and icy with limited visibility.  RCMP have responded to approximately 20 collisions on Highway 1, west of Calgary, including one involving an ambulance and a snowplow.

Initial investigation indicates that at approximately 11:20 today,  the ambulance and snow plow were traveling in the same direction when blowing snow, and poor visibility caused the ambulance to rear end the snowplow.  The occupants of the ambulance were taken by other ambulances to hospital in non life threatening condition.

No other information on this collision is available at this time.

RCMP are advising to use extreme caution if traveling today, and to allow extra time to reach your destination.  Further information will be forwarded later today.

"Under the Big Top" - Figure Skating Carnival 2012

A scene from last year's Carnival
C. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Figure Skating Club will be holding their annual Carnival on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 2:00 pm.  Doors open at 1:00 pm for ear;y seating and raffle table tickets.  The theme this year is  "Under the Big Top".

Admission is by silver collection.  Come out and see what our local figure skaters have learned this season, and be dazzled by the extravaganza!

Highway Alert for southeastern Alberta

Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for Southeastern Alberta. Freezing rain occurring this morning in Brooks, Strathmore and Vulcan areas.

AMA reports that Highway 3 is in poor condition from the Burmis area heading west past the BC border, and Highway 22 is in poor condition between Highway 520 to Highway 533.

Highway alerts are reported for Mountain Parks and Southern Alberta.

If you are travelling to British Columbia call DriveBC at 1-800-550-4997 or check their website at www.drivebc.ca for all road condition and road closure information.

Visis www.ama.ab.ca/road-reports/southern for current information.

Please drive with caution.

Emergency Services responds to early morning roll-over

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to motor vehicle roll-over at the junction of Highway 22 and Highway 3 early this morning, March 22.  When they arrived on scene there was nobody present, so they made sure the scene was safe and returned to the station.

RCMP Morinville reports PMMA death

In the past two weeks Morinville RCMP responded to the a sudden death of an adult male.  Toxicology results indicate that the male had PMMA in his system and that his death is attributable to this.  PMMA has been linked to a number of deaths and hospitalizations in the Province of Alberta in the last number of months.

This is not an indication of widespread availability of PMMA in the Morinville area but a reminder that these substances are in our communities.  It is unsure where the deceased came in contact with PMMA.   The name of the deceased is not being released at this time.

The RCMP would like to this opportunity to remind residents that street level drugs can contain a wide range of substances in them, often unknown to the user.  The taking of  street level drugs has risks associated with them and can in some instances result in death.

Pincher Creek Minor Baseball Registration

One more registration will be held for Minor Baseball tonight, Thursday, March 22 at the Pincher Creek Pool Lobby from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Ages as of April 30th:

• T-Ball- Ages 3-6 $35.00
• Coach Pitch- Ages 7-8 $35.00 Mondays and Wednesdays (Juan Teran Park)
• Minors- Ages 9-10 $50.00
• Majors-Ages 11-12 $65.00 Tuesdays and Thursday according Chinook West Schedule
• Juniors- Ages 13-15 $80.00 According to Chinook West Schedule

Bring your child's Alberta Health Care Number.

If you have uniforms from last year bring them with you as well.

A Hoodie fundraiser will be held this year.  Products to order can be viewed at Registration and will be available to order after the Easter Break

Bottle Drive/BBQ with Skills Competition Saturday, May 26th Juan Teran Park

Pincher Creek is hosting a Year end Tournament June 22, 23 and 24th

Fore! Golf season approaches

Pincher Creek Golf Course Early Bird Memberships will be available at the pro-shop (403-627-2126) March 28 to 31.

We're looking forward to a great season ahead!
We would like to welcome your new course superintendent - Alan Dobbs, coming to us with 27 years of experienc, and the Sadeghi - Bhazieh Management team (Manny & Hanna) who will be operating the restaurant and bar - Tara's "Eat and Swing". They are pleased to bring with them a skilled head chef with extensive experience in Europe.

Holy Spirit Catholic School Trustees concerned about potential changes to the the Education Act

Holy Spirit Catholic Schools press release

The Board of Trustees of Holy Spirit Catholic Schools continues to be concerned about the potential impact of Bill 2: The Education Act on publicly funded Catholic Education in Alberta. This concern is further articulated in the recent Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) media release (which appears at the bottom of this page).

“Our board has communicated to the Minister of Education and our local MLAs our concerns with the proposed Act,” says Board Chair Sandra Dufresne. “We are strongly opposed to shared facilities and blended boards, and believe that the Education Act must reflect the primacy of the home and that parents continue to be recognized as the primary educators of their children.”

Bill 2 is expected to receive third and final reading as early as Wednesday. “To ensure that Catholic education is not compromised, we are asking our community to band together and express our concerns to the Minister and local MLAs,” says Dufresne.

Pee Wee Chinooks to face the CNP Thunder for Spud League Gold

Pincher Creek's Pee Wee A Chinooks will face the Crowsnest Pass Thunder in a best-of-three series to determine the Spud League Championship.

The first game in the series will be played at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman on  Saturday, March 24.  The second game will be played on Sunday, March 25 at the MCC Arena in Pincher Creek.  That game starts at 1 pm.  The third game (if needed) will be played in Coleman on Tuesday, March 27.

Baseball season approaches

C. Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Wesley and Mitch are eager for
baseball season to begin
C. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Minor Baseball held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening, March 21 after a registration session. For those that missed it, there will be another registration evening this coming Thursday, Thursday, March 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Pincher Creek Pool lobby.

"I'm looking forward to a great season," said Recreation Manager Mitch Ball. "It will start at the end of April or the beginning of May."  The season runs to the end of June, culminating in a year-end tournament on June 23 and 24.

Cowley water woes

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Residents of the Village of Cowley have been without running water for three days now.  A broken water main has proven to be difficult to diagnose and fix.  A truck with potable water has been supplying the immediate needs of residents.  There is no official word regarding when the problem will be fixed, but the Town is hoping for Wednesday or Thursday.  Once water is running again residents are warned to boil it for one minute before drinking it, brushing their teeth, or washing vegetables.

Huskies disappointed at Provincials, face Coaldale next for Spud League Championship

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies in Millet
Dan Crawford photo

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Huskies attended the Midget D Hockey Provincials held in Millet last weekend, March 15 to 18.  The tournament was held round-robin style.

For their first game in the tournament the Huskies played the host team, the Millet Storm.  "They had a really good game, they came out flying and showed what they can do," said Midget Dad Dan Crawford.  Huskies Captain #16 Brett Tarcon achieved a hat trick and an assist in the game, #15 Tristan Doell scored twice.  #18 Chase Tymchyma scored once and got two assists.

Blackfoot Miners win RHL Championship

The Blackfoot Miners defeated Nanton three straight in playoffs to become the 2011/12 Ranchland Hockey League Champions for the first time Siksika Nation history.

The Miners will now compete in the 2012 AA/A Provincials, to be hosted by the Dewberry Mustangs.  The tournament will be held at the Vermilion Arena from March 30 to April 1.