Fire Ban in Waterton Lakes National Park

Parks Canada

Parks Canada is issuing a partial fire ban in Waterton Lakes National Park due to extreme fire danger. The ban begins at 12:00 p.m on Thursday, August 13. The fire ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The fire ban applies to all areas of the park except the wood-burning stoves in picnic shelters at Cameron Bay and Emerald Bay day use areas and kitchen shelters in the Townsite Campground.

Happy 100th birthday Marie Smyth

Marie Smyth

Toni Lucas - Marie Smyth celebrated her 100th birthday today on Tuesday, August 11 at Pincher Creek's Crestview Lodge.  There was music, song and cake to mark the occasion.  "I never expected to be here, but I'm very happy," said Smyth. Her actual birthday is Friday, August 14, and there are a number of  celebrations planned by friends and family for the soon-to-be centenarian throughout the week.

People in your neighborhood - Charles Ross helping to preserve history

KBPV volunteer Charles Ross

Toni Lucas

Charles Ross has been volunteering at the Pincher Creek and District Historical Society at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek for the last year and a half.  He makes his living as a handyman doing odd jobs and has been using his skills on the museum grounds.  "I do odd jobs, all over the place,"  said Ross.  "They are going to be moving it into the basement of the Turcott building," he said about the wood working area that will be a work area for staff and volunteers.

Ross has been assisting with upkeep of the historic buildings on the museum grounds.  "My sisters started volunteering, so I started," he explained.  His sisters Ruby and Esther started helping out during  the KBPV Workday Wednesday volunteer program, where anyone is welcome to come and help with projects on the grounds during the working hours of the museum on Wednesdays.  "I like it."

Pincher Creek thinks pink for cancer fundraiser

Photos: C. Davis and T. Lucas except where noted

Christian Davis

A parade of Pink rode into Pincher Creek on August 10. Participants in the Wild Pink Yonder 23-day Breast Cancer Awareness horse ride fundraiser gathered at the Butcher Creek Grazing Co-op corrals south of Pincher Creek.  From there they reconvened at the Pincher Creek AG grounds, where the Pink Parade down a well decorated (in pink of course) Main Street began, culminating in a block party held in the Elks Hall building parking lot and the street between the hall and Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, which cordoned off for the event. The Elks served up a BBQ supper, entertainment was provided by the Schoening family band, and a Bash Cancer Car Smash (see the video below) entertained the sizable crowd gathered for the occasion. The Cowley Lions hosted a fundraiser breakfast the next morning at the Ag grounds concession.  Pincher Creek's Dolphin Swim Club helped with fundraising during the parade.  According to organizers, every cent raised goes to breast cancer research.

A smashing event

Grass fire south of Pincher Creek quickly contained, Fire Advisory continues

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) responded to a grass fire in a ditch near Highway 6 and Highway 505 south of Pincher Creek earlier today, Tuesday, August 11, at approximately 1:00 pm.  The fire was quickly contained, and the cause is yet to be determined.  PCES responded with Engines 11 and 43.  PCES Chief Dave Cox said hot dry weather is curing grass, creating conditions that allow fire to spread rapidly.  At this point in time the fire department is being restrictive regarding issuing fire permits.

A Fire Advisory continues for the MD of Pincher Creek.  According to albertafirebans.ca "The hot, dry weather continues. Curing of grass and crops has added to the risk of fire. Use caution in all operations as fires will start easily and spread rapidly upslope and with the wind.  All fire permits are cancelled and no more will be issued until conditions improve.  This does not apply to fire pit permits for approved fire pits.  Remember, all fires require a permit.  If you have a fire or see a fire call quickly. We have a better chance of stopping a fire if we can catch it while it is small."

No injuries from two vehicle collision on Main Street Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 6 and Main Street Pincher Creek on Friday, August 7, at approximately 9:30 am.  The collision occurred between a truck pulling a holiday trailer and a car.  The occupants of both vehicles were checked at the scene and released with no injuries.  RCMP, Pincher Creek Bylaw, Rescue, and ambulance attended the scene.

Pincher Creek RCMP complaints summary for week of August 3-9, 2015

Pincher Creek RCMP

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of August 3 – August 9, 2015. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

• Total calls for service - 62 
• Sexual assault - 1 
• Break and Enter (commercial) - 1 
• Fraud / Forgery - 1 
• Mischief (vandalism) - 3 
• Theft over $5000 - 1 
• Theft under $5000 - 3 
• Impaired Driving - 1 
• Drugs - 1 
• Disturbing the Peace - 2 
• Driving complaints (general) - 5 
• MV Collisions - 8 
• Suspicious occurrences (general) - 1 
• Assistance to General Public (general) - 2 
• Assistance to other agencies - 1 
• False Alarms - 1 
• 911 calls (invalid) - 6 
• Animal calls - 5 
• Prisoners held – 6

Pincher Creek RCMP requests public assistance in solving theft of UTV and trailer

Stolen UTV and trailer

Pincher Creek RCMP

On the morning of August 8th between midnight and 10"00 am persons unknown stole a black utility trailer loaded with a brand new John Deere side by side UTV. The trailer was parked in the parking lot of the Pincher Creek Ramada and was attached to the owner's truck. The trailer was missing it's license plate. The stolen items are as follows:

• 2008 RoadClipper Pacesetter trailer 12', black in colour with small rails around the sides. VIN - 46UFU121981119978.
• 2015 John Deere 825I utility vehicle green and black in colour and was outfitted with a full cab. VIN - 1MO825GEHFM10652
• Inside the UTV were many fishing rods, fishing tackle, fly fishing vests, and coolers.

Anyone with information relating to the above noted matter is asked to contact the Pincher Creek RCMP at 403-627-6010 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS)8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Heritage Acres holds 28th Annual Show

C. Davis and T. Lucas

The Heritage Acres 2015 Annual Show was held July 31 - August 2 under blissfully sunny skies, and featured the inaugural show of the John Deere Two-Cylinder Club.

Farming within Dartmoor National Park with Maurice Retallick

Maurice Retallick at Heritage Acres

Toni Lucas

Dartmoor National Park Deputy Chairman Maurice Retallick was the featured speaker at Heritage Acres on Friday evening July 31.  The event was held in the Doukhoubor barn at Heritage Acres during their annual show, and was attended by an appreciative audience.  Retallick said he was in the area visiting family and friends.  Auctioneer and friend of Heritage Acres Sheldon Smithens met Retallick when his tv show Canadian Pickers visited the United Kingdom in 2013 (where the show was known as "Cash Cowboys"). Smithens correctly thought Retallick's talk about the challenges of upland farming and farming within Dartmoor National Park would resonate with the Heritage Acres crowd.

Waterton Biosphere Reserve offers new bear-resistant garbage bin program

Food habituated bears often lead to problem bears, as they can be dangerous in their attempt to get food in and around humans

Spencer Rettler photo

Waterton Biosphere Reserve

When bears find garbage and other unnatural food sources in a yard, it may lead to a food conditioned bear. Over time, this bear may associate ‘food’ with ‘humans’ and may become very bold and dangerous in an attempt to get food in and around people. Bears drawn into the yard by garbage may then be tempted to stick around for pet food, fruit trees, garden, compost, livestock, grain, or any number of attractants in the yard site.

Assault and theft in Fort Macleod

RCMP Alberta

On August 3, 2013 at 10:30 p.m. a male was assaulted by three males in the west parking lot of Mac's in Fort Macleod. The males assaulted and stole money from the victim. One male was described to be first nations, mid 40's, looking unkept and dirty, with a moustache that was thin and patchy, 6ft- 6ft 2", lanky build wearing a plaid shirt. The second was a first nations male in his mid 20s, facial hair, baggy cloths dark t-shirt, average height and about 170 lbs. There is no description of the third male. The three males were last seen running south on 6 Avenue south of 23 Street.

The RCMP are investigating this as an assault and are asking anyone with any information on this incident to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at (403) 553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

It's Career Month at Youth Employment Services

At Pincher Creek RCMP Pincher Creek detachment

At Pincher Creek Veterinary Clinic

submitted

It has been a great start in the month of August for Youth Employment Services. The coordinator for Youth Employment Services (Kelsi Byam) has planned for the month of August to be a “Career Exploring Month” a month where the youth will have opportunities to learn about certain jobs in the community through the workshops provided.

Pincher Creek Hutterite Colony plans new dairy barn and improved manure storage and treatment

Toni Lucas

At the regular meeting of the council for the Town of Pincher Creek on July 28, 2015 council accepted as information and discussed a package from the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB)  regarding the Pincher Creek Hutterite Colony's plans to construct  a manure digester and a new dairy barn.

Town council approves $15,000 for roundabout landscaping

Toni Lucas

At the regular meeting of the council for the Town of Pincher Creek on July 28, 2015 council approved $15,000 to be applied to landscaping the roundabout at the junction of Highway 6 and Highway 507.  The roundabout has been landscaped with low-growing plants.   $35,000 was originally budgeted for this year for the process of landscaping the area.  Administration was trying to secure grant funding to cover $30,000 of the cost, but  that grant was discontinued.  Part of the grant would have been used to implement the use of recycled tires for the aggregate in the roundabout.  The Town has chosen to use low budget shale for the project instead.  The decision was not dissent-free.  Councillor Doug Thornton said "I will tell you that I have had two phone calls from residents complaining that we are spending any money on it."

Pincher Creek RCMP complaints summary for July 27 - August 2, 2015

Pincher Creek RCMP

The following is an overview of the nature of the complaints that the Pincher Creek Detachment received for the period of July 27 - August 2, 2015 . Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

• Total calls for service - 90
• Assaults - 5
• Domestic assault – 2
• Break and Enter (commercial) - 3
• Fraud / Forgery - 1
• Uttering Threats - 2
• Mischief (vandalism) - 5
• Theft under $5000 - 3
• Disturbing the Peace - 9
• Driving complaints (general) - 7
• MV Collisions - 7
• Liquor offences - 2
• Suspicious occurrences (general) - 2
• Assistance to General Public (general) - 3
• Assistance to other agencies - 9
• False Alarms - 1
• 911 calls (invalid) - 5
• Animal calls - 3
• Municipal Bylaws (barking dogs / noise / OHV) - 2
• Prisoners held – 15

Pincher Creek water treatment plant project to receive $1,800,000

According to a press release from the office of Macleod MP John Barlow dated July 31 on behalf of the governments of Canada and Alberta, Town of Pincher Creek is to receive $1,800,000 in funding from the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund.  The money is to be used to upgrade water distribution and install a UV system at the Town's water treatment plant.  It's one of 56 infrastructure projects in Alberta approved for federal/provincial joint funding.

"I am very excited to announce these projects are receiving funding through the New Building Canada Plan - the largest and longest infrastr‎ucture program in Canadian history. These are critical projects for these communities and it shows our Conservative Government understands the importance of providing funding to ensure the health and vitality of our rural communities across Canada and here in Macleod."  - John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod

Alberta artists gather to paint Pincher Creek landscapes

West of Pincher Creek
C. Davis file photo

press release

Two dozen artists from all over Alberta are gathering this August in Pincher Creek for a week to paint its beautiful landscapes. The artists begin arriving on Thursday, August 6, staying through until the following Thursday. The "base of operations" and gathering point is in Sleepy Hollow Campground, at the campsites of organizers Pete Jacobs of Drayton Valley (site E-10) and Terry Elrod of Edmonton (site F-5).

Pincher Creek Emergency Services responds to single motorcycle collision and grass fire

• There is currently a Fire Advisory in effect for the MD of Pincher Creek.

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Emergency Services (PCES) responded to two calls on Sunday August 2.  The first was a grass fire that occurred near the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 785.  The second incident was a single motorcycle collision at the entrance of Lundbeck.

The grass fire occurred south of Highway 3 close to the junction of Highway 785, northeast of Pincher Creek.  The fire was accidentally started, according to Deputy Fire Chief Pat Neumann.  Crews responded from Beaver Mines, Pincher Creek, and Cowley brought their tender.  Crews kept the fire contained to an area of approximately 500 feet by 250 feet.  "We had crews on scene for quite a while dealing with hot spots," said Neumann, who also warned that hot dry weather conditions are making the area more susceptible for fire hazard.

Later the same Sunday at approximately 3:00 pm PCES responded to a single motorcycle incident at the entrance to Lundbreck, which is northwest of Pincher Creek.  The sole rider was transported by ambulance to Pincher Creek Heath Centre and was then taken by STARS air ambulance to Calgary. PCES responded out of Pincher Creek and Lundbreck Fire Hall also attended the scene.

The fire advisory is posted on the Alberta Fire Ban website.  The advisory reads in part as;

Hot, dry weather plus maturing of grass and crops has resulted in an increase in the fire hazard. Use caution in operations and be prepared for a fire if a start occurs. Call 911 quickly. An early response helps keep fires small.
We are not restricting permits at this time, but will consider restrictions if the hot, dry weather continues.

Related link:  Alberta Fire Bans 

2015 Piikani Youth Rodeo ongoing every Tuesday evening

Christian Davis

Piikani's Crowlodge Arena is full of life again every Tuesday night (4:30 - 9:00 pm), filled with the sights and sounds of the Piikani Youth Rodeo. Since it's revival in 2013, approximately 60 youth of all races, colours, and creeds, between the ages of 5 and 25, gather each year to learn and practice skills in various rodeo events, including barrel racing, bull riding, steer riding, and equestrian.  At the top of the list, life skills.  Kids come from as far away as Lethbridge.  Safety is paramount, so kids are lined up with challenges appropriate to their skill level.

KBPV to host historical re-enactments at Cowley Community Cemetery

C. Davis photos

Farley S. Wuth, Curator, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village

There are many historical tales to be told from the frontier days on the Canadian Prairies. Intriguing stories of the early pioneers from this unique corner of southwestern Alberta abound. Each founding family has coveted chronicles to share with others. They tell us what life was like a century or more ago and how the challenging years on the frontier were dealt with. Here is an exciting chance to re-visit those bygone days highlighting the late 1800s and early 1900s.

It's a Group Group Youth summer

2015 GGY BBQ Crew

Christian Davis with submitted content

Group Group Youth is again offering its young charges an ever-widening choice of opportunities this summer.  Its Youth Employment Services (YES) offshoot is helping guide young people to their summer jobs.  BBQ events in the community are designed to pay for the labour of the participants while supporting the program.  In July courses were offered in First Aid and Resume, Cover Letter & Interview Basics.  GGY participants contributed to the community by cleaning up the creek.  YES has also been vorking on a volunteer project with the Pincher Creek SPCA, making toys for the shelter's kittens.

Creekside Condo residents ask Town of Pincher Creek to assume responsibility for roadways

Toni Lucas

"We ask the town to take over the three roads that make up Creekside Crescent, and those are very identifiable," - Tom Halbert, Creekside Condos delegation

A delegation from Creekside Condos appeared before Town of Pincher Creek council on Tuesday evening, July 28.  The delegation asked the Town of Pincher Creek the Town of Pincher Creek to assume ownership of the road Adelaide Crescent and all roads in front of the different Creekside Condo units.

$440 million federal funding announced to modernize ports of entry in Alberta

“Improvements to port of entry facilities help ensure the free flow of legitimate travel and trade across Canadian borders. Our commitment to invest $440 million in border infrastructure to modernize ports of entry demonstrates our government’s ongoing commitment to the safety and prosperity of our country.” - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness 

Alberta Canada Border Services Agency

MP John Barlow, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced the Harper Government will invest an estimated $113.65 million to improve infrastructure in the Prairie Region including the Chief Mountain port of entry in Alberta. This investment is part of the $440 million in infrastructure funding announced in November 2014 by Prime Minister Harper to replace aging ports of entry across Canada.

Class of Champions - Communities in Bloom judges tour Pincher Creek

Chris Davis and Toni Lucas

Communities in Bloom national judges Lorraine Hunter and Gerry Teahen visited Pincher Creek last week, making stops at many locations of interest in their journey to deciding which is the best Communities in Bloom (CIB) Class of Champions - Small Category community in Canada.  We're contending with 5 other communities for the title.  The finished their official visit with a dinner at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, attended by a number of local dignitaries and green thumbs.