Volunteers cleaning up provincial highways across Alberta on Saturday, May 2

RCMP Integrated Traffic Units

Integrated Traffic Units and all RCMP detachments would like to remind motorists to slow down to ensure the safety of thousands of volunteers participating in this year’s Annual Highway Cleanup.

Each spring, thousands of volunteers help keep Alberta roadways clean while earning funds to support their non-profit organizations. This year’s Annual Highway Cleanup takes place on Saturday, May 2. 

Youths and adults will be wearing orange safety vests when picking up garbage along highways across the province. Signs will be posted indicating where cleanup crews are working. In the event of inclement weather, the cleanup will take place on Saturday May 9.

MD of Pincher Creek appoints Fire Guardians

Chris Davis

At their April 24 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek #9 appointed Fire Guardians, an annual duty as legislated by the Alberta Forest and Prairie Protection Act. The appointments were based on the recommendations of Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox. In addition to the appointments, CAO Wendy Kay advised council that by virtue of their offices each councillor and the CAO were also fire guardians. Fire guardians have the power and authority to issue, suspend, or cancel fire permits issued on behalf of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.

Council for MD of Pincher Creek declines to participate in Community Futures Business Improvement Loan program

Chris Davis

At their April 28 meeting Council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 voted to abstain from participating in the Community Futures Business Improvement Loan project.  Councillor Terry Yagos absented himself for the vote, citing a conflict of interest.  Councillor Garry Marchuk made a motion to participate in the project, with a proposed $3000 annual maximum contribution from the MD of Pincher Creek, and voted in favour of his motion.  Reeve Brian Hammond and councillors Terry Yagos and Grant McNab voted against the motion.

Girls Rugby: LCI squads blank Hawks

Senior Varsity game - Hawks (in blue) vs LCI

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's JV and SV Hawks hosted their Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) counterparts for a windy evening of rugby at Sproule Field on Tuesday April 28.  Both Hawks squads showed improvement over their previous games, their season openers against Winston Churchill's squads last week, but were still blanked by wide margins by the LCI squads.

Sun Rich brand sliced apples and products containing sliced apples recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Sun Rich Fresh Foods Inc. is recalling sliced apples and products containing sliced apples produced in its Brampton, Ontario facility from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Consumers should not consume and distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes should not sell or use the recalled products described at this link (click).

Town and MD to provide letters of support toward saving St. Michael's old gym (updated)

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday, April 27, council unanimously voted to direct administration to provide the Pincher Creek Father Lacombe Council #2674 of the Knights of Columbus a letter in support of their efforts to preserve the old gym and associated classrooms at St. Michael's School. In a letter to town council dated April 1, 2015 the Knights of Columbus explained that historically the 'Filles de Jesus' (Daughters of Jesus) established the first Catholic School in Pincher Creek at the invitation of Father Lacombe in 1904. "Without their commitment and efforts it can be said with certainty, St. Michael's School would not exist."  The #2674 of the Knights of Columbus and the Father Lacombe Council are trying to save the facility since they believe the old gym and classrooms could become a Parish and Community Centre.

Update April 30, 2015:  Council for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 also decided to provide a letter of support for the Pincher Creek Father Lacombe Council #2674 of the Knights of Columbus request as identified above, based upon receiving the same correspondence the Town received on the subject.

2015 Experiential Learning Week Carpentry project

Experiential Learning Week Carpentry students with the shed they built

Joey Jackson

Over the course of the recent experiential learning week held the last week of March, construction teacher Zach Harris and the carpentry group built a play shed.  Students from Matthew Halton and Lundbreck high schools both worked towards making the shed in four and a half days to raffle off and help raise some money for the Carpentry program at Matthew Halton.

Town of Pincher Creek hears presentation from STARS rep Glenda Farnden

STARS AW139 lands at Pincher Creek Municipal Airport
T. Lucas file photo

Toni Lucas - Senior Municipal Relations Liaison for STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Glenda Farnden appeared as a delegation before Pincher Creek Town Council meeting on Monday, April 27.  "We will just start with a bit about who we are," she said. "Now, people think about the STARS and the red helicopter, and then they immediately think someone is very ill, or injured seriously." Although this may be what people think about she explained more to the council about STARS as a not for profit, how the service they offer impact lives, and how they obtain funding. She offered to the council a number of ways that the town of Pincher Creek can support STARS. According to Farnden, from 2010 until now the Town of Pincher Creek has accessed the STARS service 59 times and the MD of Pincher Creek has accessed the service 14 times for a total of 73 calls in this area during that time period.

Fires started illegally on private land by transient

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek Emergency Services and Pincher Creek RCMP responded to a call Sunday April 26, at approximately 7:15 am that led to two separate fires started by one 26 year old transient man on private lands east of Pincher Creek. Responding were two engines out of Pincher Creek, and a tender out of Beaver Mines.  No structures or fences were involved in either fire.  The man was arrested and charged under the Recreational Access Act with lighting a fire on farmland without consent, and was released the same day.

Earth Day at Pincher Creek Meats

Front: Nora Manners, Russ Friesen, Shellie Byers, Tony Bruder

Toni Lucas

On Wednesday, April 22, Earth Day was celebrated internationally and by some in Pincher Creek.  It was was highlighted at Pincher Creek Meats with partial proceeds from their luncheon special going toward the Waterton Biosphere Reserve and local conservation efforts.  To further celebrate the area, the luncheon special featured locally produced Springridge Ranch yak-cross meat.

Out and About - Spring sprang sprung

Pincher Planter Lois Everett prepping post office beds

T. Lucas photo

AltaLink announces more public consultations re Castle Rock Ridge to Chapel Rock transmission line

C. Davis file photo

As posted on the blog of Crownest Pass Councillor Dean Ward, the following correspondence from AltaLink is reprinted here in its entirety. As noted by Ward, it appears that the AltaLink Castle Rock Ridge to Chapel Rock Transmission Project will not be going through the Pass. (Related reading: Crowsnest Pass council opposes transmission line).

Town of Pincher Creek appoints John Herasemluk as Community Peace Officer

Community Peace Officer John Herasemluk
T. Lucas file photo

Toni Lucas

Council for the Town of Pincher Creek  appointed John Herasemluk to the position of Community Peace Officer at the regular council meeting of Monday April 27, 2015.  Administration said that Herasemluk was hired approximately one year ago and has recently finished a peace officer training program.  CAO Laurie Wilgosh said "He was successful, and got great marks there.  People are very pleased, (we) have already received some very positive comments from the community about John's performance."

"He has finally gotten his appointment from the Province, and that allows for the council to appoint him officially."

It is the duty of the community peace officer to enforce municipal bylaws, in addition to applicable provincial and federal statutes within the boundaries of the municipality.

Vacant Main Street house to be demolished to make way for Town's community housing initiative

House on Main Street slated for demolition

Toni Lucas

On Monday, April 27, 2015 the council for the Town of Pincher Creek voted to receive information regarding the demolition of the house at 655 Main Street as presented.  Mayor Don Anderberg said "We made an offer to purchase on a piece of property just to the west of the old RCMP building. It's a house, and that house is now vacant, and because it is not rentable we are going to demolish the house." This demolition is in accordance with the Town of Pincher Creek Housing Committee's ongoing community housing initiative.  The property is next door to the old RCMP building on Main Street, which is also a potential part of the housing initiative.

Fire Advisory Notice still in effect for MD of Pincher Creek

source: albertafirebans.ca

A Fire Advisory Notice continues to be in effect for the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9.

AHS website arms parents with knowledge, kids against disease

press release

It’s Immunization Awareness Week and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is encouraging parents to learn more about arming their children against disease.

Immunizealberta.ca - a website developed for Alberta parents, together with Alberta parents - was launched last September and has already provided more than 118,900 people with information and support, as they consider immunization for their children.

New board named at Pincher Creek Hockey Association AGM

(advertisement) 

Pincher Creek Hockey Association (PCHA) 

2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Pincher Creek Hockey Association Annual General Meeting was held tonight, April 27.  The 2015-2016 PCHA Board is as follows:

President - Kim Kay

Vice President - Manon Dyck
Treasurer - Christy Newcomen-Randall

Secretary - Jodi Ames

Registrar - Linda Vance

Ice Scheduler - Kayne Evans

Referee In Chief - Kent Goodreau

Coach/Communications Director - Robinn Jordan

Fundraising Director - Chris Charette

Concession Buyer - Lisa Kaupp

Concession Coordinator - Vacant

Equipment Director - Lindy Jesson

The Concession Coordinator position is currently vacant.  Please contact a board member if you are interested in filling it.

Loss of polling centres in Lundbreck and Cowley a concern for Wildrose campaign manager

Chris Davis

Dennis Olson is a resident of Lundbreck and the campaign manager for Livingstone-Macleod Wildrose incumbent candidate Pat Stier. In an email to Returning Officer Blanche Schellenberg on April 22 of this year he said he was surprised to learn that polls traditionally located in Lundbreck and Cowley have been moved "to other centers at tremendous inconvenience to our local citizens".

Transportation Committee to receive $27,000 transfer for regional transportation master plan

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday, April 13 council approved a request to transfer the remaining funds from the 2011 Regional Collaboration Grant, which was used for a Regional Services Feasibility Study, to the Transportation Committee for use towards the development of a regional transportation master plan. There is still approximately $27,000 of those funds left. Any unused funds are to be returned to the Alberta Municipal Affairs after December 31, 2015.

Shelterbox campaign to help Nepalese earthquake victims

Rotary International

A devastating earthquake hit the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal on April 25, 2015.  Hundreds were killed and thousands injured. The survivors face cold, rainy weather, but can't risk returning to their damaged homes. They need shelter.

Castleview Storm Water project awarded to Jenex Construction and Wilde Brothers Engineering

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday, April 13, council awarded the 2015 Water Distribution Upgrade capital project to Jenex Contracting Ltd. for the amount of $394,571.10. The 2015 Capital budget allowed for this to be an up to $500,000.00 expenditure. Four proposals were received by Friday, March 19, that were compiled and reviewed by administration.

Town of Pincher Creek Recreation Department can now take credit card payments

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday, April 13, Council approved a policy outlining the responsibilities, procedures and security maintenance for use of payment cards at the Town of Pincher Creek Multi-purpose Facility to collect Recreation Department admissions, rentals, programs, fees, and deposits.

No increase in 2015 mill rate for Town of Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas

The Town of Pincher Creek 2015 Mill rate unanimously passed third and final reading at the regular meeting of Town Council on Monday, April 27. The Town is required to pass a mill rate bylaw each year which determines the revenue necessary to meet the current municipal budget, school requisitions, and Pincher Creek Foundation requisition. This process is regulated under the Municipal Government Act (MGA). During first reading on Monday, April 13, CFO Wendy Catonio said "There was no increase in the municipal tax rate. Actually, the requisitions for both the school and Crestview decreased, and the overall assessments of the town went up, so the mill rate actually has gone down, slightly."

Pincher Creek RCMP complaint summary for April 20-27, 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 April 20-27, 2015. Note that the summary indicates what was reported to the police and may not have been substantiated.

• Total calls for service - 30
• Assaults - 1
• Fraud / Forgery - 1
• Uttering Threats - 1
• Mischief (vandalism) - 1
• Theft over $5000 - 1
• Theft under $5000 - 2
• Disturbing the Peace - 1
• Driving complaints (general) - 3
• MV Collisions - 1
• Liquor offences - 2
• Assistance to General Public (general) - 1
• Assistance to other agencies - 1
• False Alarms - 2
• Animal calls - 2
• Municipal Bylaws (barking dogs / noise / OHV) - 1
• Prisoners held – 8

Winston Churchill blanks Hawks in rugby action

Hawk Jayden Kennedy with the ball
J. Jackson photos

Joey Jackson

The Halton Hawks girls rugby club hosted Winston Churchill High School (Lethbridge) at Sproule Field on Thursday April 23rd for a rather lopsided game. Right from the opening kickoff the Hawks seemed to struggle against Churchill, not getting any significant offensive opportunity until after Churchill had scored 3 trys and converting on their first 3 point after kicks. Winston Churchill was very dominant both offensively and defensively, blanking the Hawks by a wide margin.

Morality and Architecture

Kenny, as 1920's flapper girl

St. Michael's holds 2015 Science Fair

Science Fair participants
D. Plouffe photo

Chris Davis

The Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium was the site of St. Michael's School's 2015 Science Fair on Wednesday, April 22.

The dangers of Fentanyl

Chasing rainbows 1

Photos: T. Lucas/C. Davis

From: Southern Alberta 2005-2015

#makeamoviehere

Tayler tops Canadian results at junior and U23 canoe slalom worlds

photo: www.flickr.com/photos/canoagembrasileira

CanoeKayak Canada

FOZ DO IGUASSU, BRAZIL – Six Canadian athletes made their semi-final runs today at the 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom Junior and U23 World Championships in Foz do Iguassu, Brazil.

Ottawa’s Michael Tayler posted the top result with a fourteenth place ranking in semi-finals of the U23 Men’s K1. A two second penalty for a gate touch put him just out of the top-ten needed to make the finals in a highly competitive field. Ryley Penner of Lundbreck, AB also raced the U23 Men’s K1 and finished 29th.

Castlegar couple loses home in blaze

What is left of the Roller home
Photos supplied by Doug Waterson

Toni Lucas

What happens when everything you have worked together for years has gone up in flames? A senior couple, Marg and Dan Roller in Castlegar,  are facing this question in their twilight years and it is a terrifying situation for them. "I think they are overwhelmed by the reality setting in," explained Marg's son Doug Waterson, who is one of the couples closest living relations and is situated in Pincher Creek, a 5-6 hour drive away.

Doug Waterson currently is on disability and helps out at Pincher Creek McMan Agency in the food bank.  He has also been collecting donations for his parents.

Town of Pincher Creek moves 3% surplus from reserves to capital accounts

Toni Lucas

During the regular meeting of Pincher Creek Town Council on Monday evening, April 13 council unanimously approved surplus funds from 2014 to be transferred from reserves to capital accounts. CFO Wendy Catonio said "Just to reiterate that we had a 3% surplus which equated to about 342 thousand dollars." She further explained "That surplus was largely due to higher than anticipated franchise fees, and lower than anticipated salaries and benefits due to some unfilled positions during the year, lower utility costs due to very mild winter, and so on."

The surplus totaled $342,796.39.

Additional transfers included additional investment income, land sales and the grant to the Pincher Creek Humane Society for the new building.

Man faces charges related to attempted robbery at Subway in Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek RCMP Constable Chris Allnutt reported that there was an attempted armed robbery at the Subway Restaurant in Pincher Creek Alberta approximatly 8:00 pm Saturday, March 7.  Allnutt said that at the time of the incident restaurant staff members were the only people in the building other than the robber.  The Subway manager said that the staff member could not open the till during the robbery, so the man left.

The suspect fled on foot and was picked up within one hour of the incident.  20 year old Dwayne One Owl is currently in custody awaiting a court date that has not yet been determined.  He has been charged with four offences including robbery with a fire arm, uttering threats against a person, committing an offence while wearing a disguise, and disturbing the peace.

Caleb Evans to travel to Montreal for international La Dictée PGL finals

Caleb Evans

Chris Davis

St. Michael's School French Immersion student Caleb Evans will be representing Southern Alberta in the 2015 International La Dictée PGL French dictation/spelling finals in Montreal. Participants will go on a group excursion around Montreal on Saturday May 23 and the competition is to be held on Sunday May 24, according to Caleb's dad Kayne.

"I'm really excited, actually," said Caleb.  "I'm really looking forward to seeing Old Montreal, I have heard that it's really nice there, and really cool."

"Our hotel is 2 kilometers from where the Montreal Canadiens play, so my dad and I were maybe planning to go there, if I had time. You can even take a tour of the arena."  Caleb is also a Pincher Creek Chinooks hockey player.

Seasons

Photos: T. Lucas/C. Davis

From: Southern Alberta 2005-2015

#makeamoviehere

2015 baseball season heats up in Pincher Creek

• Three games in a row decided by one point for Hawks
• Little League season begins

C. Davis/T. Lucas/ J. Jackson

The Hawks lost twice this week, each time by 1 point, and earned a 1 point win over Picture Butte's Kings last week.  A very competitive season so far.

Little Leaguers hit the fields this week, in large numbers.  Pincher Creek Minor Baseball GM Carrah Walter: "In Little League it has been a GREAT start. Parents have slowly been stepping up to help coach. Practices have been going well. The weather has been holding up for us. We are just waiting to finalize teams so we can get a schedule made for the Minors and Majors. We are not taking any more registrations as teams are full. Which is always nice to see. The Crowsnest Pass is looking to merge with Pincher Creek to gain a few more Junior players."

Social media tips

Agri-News

Thanks to the power of smartphones, people have begun to use social media and the internet to research products they want to buy, services they may need or the entertainment they choose to enjoy.

“Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are all social media platforms, designed for communicating with others,” says Elaine Stenbraaten, new venture specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Fairview. “Some of these platforms are good for networking with your friends, colleagues and customers and others are great for communicating in business. Facebook is one of the most commonly used social media platforms. It’s an excellent tool for networking and communicating with your customers and can be a great way to communicate your brand.”

Successful Prescribed Fire in “Y-Camp” Burn Unit

Waterton Lakes National Park

Over the past two days, fire managers safely completed a highly successful prescribed fire in the Y-Camp burn unit in Waterton Lakes National Park. On April 21, ground and aerial ignition teams created a larger fire guard along the Chief Mountain Highway.  Yesterday, the rest of the main prescribed fire unit was burned using the same techniques.  Crews were able to restore fire to the entire 1200 hectare burn unit.

Sundown

oops

Earth Day - does it really matter?

Earth Day ~ April 22

Oldman Watershed Council Planning Manager Connie Simmons

The Oldman Watershed Council marks Earth Day with a spotlight on the Headwaters Action Team!

In preparation for this Blog post, I visited Earth Day’s website, http://earthday2015.ca/ and thought a lot about how the OWC and our key partnerships with stakeholders and volunteers supports Earth Day Canada’s mission to foster and celebrate environmental respect, action and behaviour change that lessens our impact on the earth. I looked at the questions they asked:

“What can I do to help the environment?”

“How can my individual actions make a bigger difference?”

“Can the impact of one person really help the planet?”

To Greece and Italy for Experiential Learning Week

Joey Jackson

During all the different classes of Experiential Learning Week, 28 students and 3 chaperones were on the trip of a lifetime. Leaving on March 19th at 4 o'clock in the morning for a flight at 7 to Toronto the group of Matthew Halton students and their teachers started their drive to Calgary airport.

Architecture and Morality

2015 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon well attended

Town and MD working together; Kristen George, Diane Burt-Stuckey, Tara Cryderman, and Janene Day served volunteers

T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

The combined Town of Pincher Creek and MD of Pincher Creek Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon happened at the Community Hall on Friday, April 17. Anyone who volunteers in any capacity in and around town was welcome to attend this free event.  Organizer Kristen George was very happy with the turnout estimated to be approximately 235 people. "I helped out last year, just setting up and cleaning up, and this year I was the organizer," she said of the annual event. "Everyone always looks forward to seeing each other and visiting with each other. It's always hard to say how many people attended, but the seats were filled, and I saw a lot of happy people. there is such great community involvement here. There are so many groups involved in so many things."

Community gardens a growing phenomenon

Rita Aman, Medicine Hat Community Health Services

 
I grew up on a farm, and I remember the huge garden my mom kept. It seemed less of a hobby and more of a duty, because the garden provided for our family of seven. Vegetables were frozen, canned or kept in cold storage and lasted until the next garden harvest. I don’t recall having store-bought produce very often.

Clean up time, Pincher Creek

Kristen George. Town of Pincher Creek

The Pincher Creek Communities in Bloom Committee is participating in the annual Pitch-In Canada program again this spring. This is a national program to encourage communities to take volunteer action for community clean-up, recycling etc. Participation can help us to gain recognition for Community Involvement and Tidiness under the Communities in Bloom Program.

Jessi Chrapko becomes Canada's youngest Triple Certified Gold Equine Trainer

Cassie Hadford and Jessi Chrapko high five at a show
Photos contributed by Sandy Chrapko

Toni Lucas

Jessi Chrapko was raised one mile west of Pincher Creek on the SSS Morgans Ranch.  22 years old, she's currently at the University of Lethbridge taking courses in Management and Political Science, and she has recently become the youngest Triple Certified Gold Equine Trainer internationally.  "I was put on a horse when I was three years old.  When I was 7, I got my own horse and took off from there," said Chrapko.  "I joined 4-H when I was 9 and got into the showing aspect more that way.  I loved it and tried everything I could possibly try.  My parents were awesome and let me try everything they (horses) are my passion.  I just got all those credentials last fall it is very exciting."

Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom team hits the water in Brazil

Campeonato Mundial de Canoagem Slalom 2007
photo: fozdiguazu2015.worldchampionships.events.slalom.canoeicf.com/en/news

Ian Miller, CanoeKayak Canada

FOZ DO IGUASSU, BRAZIL – A team of 18 athletes and four coaches will represent Canada at the 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom Junior and U23 World Championships kicking off tomorrow in Foz do Iguassu, Brazil.

The Men's K1 U23 Team includes Ryley Penner of Lundbreck, Women’s K1 Junior Team includes Hannah Penner, also of Lundbreck.

Y-Camp prescribed fire in Waterton Lakes National Park

Update April 21, 2015: Today, fire managers will begin to ignite a 1200 hectare “Y-Camp” burn
unit. It is east of the Waterton River, south of Hwy 5/6, between Chief
Mountain Highway and where the Lower Waterton Lake meets the Dardanelles(see map). Ignition operations may take up to two days.

Parks Canada

April 10, 2015

Original release:

Parks Canada staff are in the final stages of preparation for the Y-Camp Prescribed Fire. Small-scale burning along the fire guards began in March and will continue over the next week. When fire management resources are in place and the predetermined conditions are met relating to weather, predicted fire behaviour and smoke management, ignition of the entire area will proceed. These conditions may present themselves as early as the next week.

Make a movie here

Photos: T. Lucas/C. Davis

From: Southern Alberta 2005-2015

Agnes Thibert presented with Lundbreck Senior Citizen of the Year Award

Lundbreck Senior Citizen of the Year Agnes Thibert

Toni Lucas

President of the Lundbreck Windsor Heritage Seniors Group George Dowson presented the Lundbreck Senior Citizen of the Year Award to Agnes Thibert at the Volunteer Apreciation Luncheon at the Pincher Creek Community Hall on Friday, April 17. Thibert said "It has been a privilege to volunteer for the Windsor Heritage Drop In Centre. It has enriched my life, and I have met so many people, I should be saying thanks to you."