Thieves Strike Area Convenience Stores
Mary Jane Harper
County News
Two convenience store robberies in as many days in two central Alberta
communities has RCMP detachments believing the same two suspects are to
blame.
On December 8, at 6:00 p.m. a male and female obtained gas at the Caroline
Motors gas station. They entered the building and confronted the attendant
demanding all the money from the till, then fled the scene in a half ton
truck. The gas station attendant was unharmed in the incident and no weapons
were produced during the robbery.
Two days later a Trochu convenience store was robbed in the same manner
however in the Trochu robbery the suspects produced a knife when they
demanded money from the attendant.
The suspect vehicle, a 2001 light brown truck, which had been stolen, was
spotted by Didsbury RCMP on Highway #2. A police pursuit was engaged ending
in the Calgary city limits. The vehicle was located abandonded in Northeast
Calgary.
The two suspects are described as male, dark complexion (possibly native or
metis) mid 40’s 6’-6’2” in height and medium build. The female suspect is
Caucasian early 40’s, 5’5”-5’7” in height, medium build, dark blonde hair.
Sundre and Three Hills RCMP are investigating the robberies. Anyone with
information is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at 1800-222-TIPS (8477).
------------------------
New Years Eve Celebration Geared To Families
Liz deGoesbriand
The County News
Prizes, carnival, music, games and party favors will provide families with a
festive New Years Eve celebration geared to families.
The first ever New Year’s Eve Family celebration ‘Ice’ Landic will be held
at the Carstairs Memorial Arena on December 31st.
Dean and Cori Jones moved to Carstairs this spring and after speaking with a
number of other parents realized there wasn’t alot of activities for
families and youth in the town or the County.
“We heard there wasn’t many activities offered to families in Mountain View
County, in general Carstairs,” said Jones. “We wanted to do something for
New Years Eve for families to enjoy together.”
Parents and children can ring in the New Year early as the ‘Ice’ Landic
celebration is set to run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“We titled the event ‘Ice’ Landic because we will be ringing in the New Year
at 8:30 p.m., which is the same time Iceland will be bringing in their new
year,” said Jones.
Businesses in the Carstairs community have been very supportive of the
scheduled festivities.
“Donna Marshall jumped on board,” said Jones. “She has been a wonderful
supporter of this event.”
Proceeds from the concession for the evening will go to the Carstairs Minor
Hockey and Carstairs Skating Club.
As well a portion of the carnival proceeds will go to Compassion Canada, a
non profit organization similar to World Vision, but based in Canada.
The alcohol free family evening will feature a number of local christian
bands.
Families and youth interested in attending the function can contact Dean or
Cori at 337-8677.
Advance tickets are also available at Lumber One, Your Dollar Store With
More, and from Donna Marshall at Remax Mountain Aire.
----------------------
Freeway Patrol Re-Directed To Highway #2
Liz deGoesbriand
County News
Olds RCMP Detachment members can breath a little easier these days knowing
their coverage area will not be stretched beyond their means.
Effective immediately Innisfail and Ponoka Freeway Services will be
re-directed back to Highway #2.
Mayor Norma Duncan, who spearheaded a campaign by municipalities along the
Highway #2 corridor to have the services re-directed back to the highway,
couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
“This is clearly a positive response,” said Duncan. “They need to be
commended for showing the flexibility indicative of the forces commitment to
enhancing our relationships.”
Duncan says she wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support and
encouragement from area RCMP detachments.
“This would not have been possible without the genuine input and
professional support from the detachment commanders and traffic service
supervisors who participated,” said Duncan.
Back in June, Olds RCMP and other detachments along the Highway #2 corridor
received notification from NCO Traffic Services advising that local RCMP
detachments would be responding to Highway #2.
The change in direction came as a need for more patrols on rural highways
became evident. Innisfail and Ponoka Freeway patrol members who have in the
past been responsible for patrolling only Highway #2 were given authority to
cover other rural highways.
The change was made after an indepth Vision 2010 study where stastics
indicated that the majority of traffic fatalities and injuries occurred in
rural areas.
The Vision 2010 goal is to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries that
are a result of motor vehicle accidents.
Duncan still supports this initiative.
“The 2010 initiative remains an excellent one,” said Duncan. “I will
continue my relationship with the RCMP and remain confident that our
continued efforts will produce successful results.”
Sergeant Paul Simard, NCO Traffic Operations for Red Deer South confirmed
the re-direction of Freeway Services to Highway #2.
“We have direction from our district commander to return to the way we did
business before June,” said Simard.
Simard explained that this latest move may only be temporary, pending
reorganization and further manpower, there may be a remodification.
“At this time it is a temporary re-direction,” said Simard. “But there will
always be a presence on Highway #2.”
---------------------------
Head To Head With The Best Of The Best
Liz deGoesbriand
The County News
A locally owned and operated business with small town morals and work
ethics proves it isn’t the location of the company or the size; it is the
quality of your project and the relationship with your clients that earns
you a position as a finalist in the Canadian Home Builder’s Associations
2003 National SAM award.
Gold Seal Homes in Carstairs has been placed among the top five builders in
Canada for the building of a single detached home over 3,500 square feet.
“Pride is not a powerful enough word to describe our feeling regarding this
nomination,” expressed Murray Pound, owner. This selection is a wonderful
reward for work done by our staff and team of trades.”
Competing against builders across Canada and winning is not a new venture
for Pound and his company. In 2001 Gold Seal Homes was awarded a prestigious
SAM award from the Calgary Regional Home Builders Association.They were the
first builder in this area to win such an honour; in 2003 they were also
chosen as a finalist for the Alberta Home Builder’s Association Awards of
Excellence in Housing.
For the past 25 years the Pound family has been doing business in the Town
of Carstairs. A member of the Carstairs Chamber of Commerce and an avid
sponsor of community events, non-profit organizations and the donation of
three grade 12 scholarships at Hugh Sutherland School is only a sample of
the philanthropy Gold Seal Homes shows to the Town of Carstairs.
Gold Seal Homes builds 20 to 25 homes a year in the Carstairs and Didsbury
area. They have also been successful in the building of commercial projects
such as the Olds/Didsbury Airport Hanger, Carstairs Kaytec Siding Plant, and
retail commercial building in Olds.
Pound and his wife Tracy make their home in Carstairs and pride themselves
on employing local trades people to work on their projects.
“Ninety five per cent of our trades people are from within Mountain View
County,” said Pound.
A company who’s mission statement is ‘To help people build their dreams by
providing homes and communities of exceptional value” has once again proven
that small town morals and work ethics will prevail when competing against
the best of the best.
“We would have not been able to be this successful without the enthusiasm
and confidence displayed by our clients,” added Pound.
------------------------
Cremona Gold & Silver Club
Submitted by
Lita Reid
President Gwen Hatton opened the December 4th meeting by thanking the ladies
for the delicious Pot Luck supper. She welcomed Peggy Sather, Ray and Alice
Bloomfield, Jim Myram and Mary Holt.
Secretary Lita Reid asked "I'm Fine - How Are You?" in poem form before
reading the minutes of the November meeting.
Marie Olson thanked Larry Steeves for his prompt action with the furnace and
water pipes in our hot water heating system. Frank Salai will continue to
monitor the heating system when necessary. Marie then gave her financial
report.
Marlene Toner reminds Crib players of the upcoming tournament December 14th
at 1 PM - anyone welcome. Bridge is going well, and there are three more
Fridays to bowl before Christmas.
There is a bus trip scheduled to attend a "George Fox" evening at the
Airdrie Theatre December 17th. Contact Romelda at 946-5227 or Lila at
946-5216 for more information.
Marie informed us that there are more catalogues available at the Centre
listing, the Alberta Long Term Care facilities and their amenities.
Gwen remarked that replacements need to be found for Directors Ruby Baker
and Alan Reid who are retiring from this position, and Betty Ann Horbay who
has moved away from the district.
The new slate of officers are: President - Alan Reid, Vice Pres. - Donna
Dole, Secretary - Lita Reid, Treasurer-Marie Olson. Directors are Dot
Odell, Elma Bird, Charlie Bird, Norma Dolen, and newly elected Peggy
Sather, Bob Baker and Larry Steeves. Any two of the three (Pres, Sec. or
Treas) will have signing authority on our account at the Mountain View
Credit Union.
Linda Clark spoke concerning the fear that the Pioneer Apartments will be
closed. A meeting is scheduled with MLA Richard Marz at the Senior
Apartments December 18th at 1:15 p.m. to deal with this problem. Any
Seniors interested in keeping the Apartments open PLEASE ATTEND !
A "thank-you" card was circulated for everyone to sign heartily thanking Bob
Baker for his excellent effort at keeping the sidewalks cleared of snow.
Lionel Bird adjourned the meeting.
'Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad
example.'
-------------------------
Where Do We Grow From Here?
Liz deGoesbriand
The County News
Forty years ago the town of Carstairs had eight grain elevators, and 450
people called Carstairs home.
Commercial enterprises were farm focused. There was no pavement and
travelling to Calgary was an all day trip.
Since that time, the town has evolved to a community with close to 2500
residents. Town businesses are geared for both residential and rural
community members.
One question is on the minds of business members and community
representatives -Where do we grow from here?
On Saturday, November 29th almost thirty business, community, municipality
and chamber members met at the Carstairs Community Hall for a four hour
brainstorming idea exchange.
“Do we want to keep growing and expanding the size of town,” said Stephen
Stiles, local business owner, and Chamber of Commerce, president. “If so,
how do we sustain growth?”
Stiles presented open ended questions to the group such as; Do we want to
focus on industrial growth?, What kind of industrial or commercial business
do we want to explore? and Where do we put this type of industry so it
blends in with the town?
On the other hand Stiles pointed out that the town has been attracting
people to live in the town because of the lifestyle offered;
“Seniors and families are looking for a safe place to raise their families,”
said Stiles. “So where do we want to go and how do we get there?”
People attending the idea exchange came armed with positive ideas, and a
positive mandate to work with each other to develop a common ground.
Lorraine Laplante from BDC West facilitated the exchange.Laplante and BDC
West work in a number of communities and she was impressed with the number
of people that showed up for a Saturday morning meeting.
“I work with a number of communities,” said Laplante “It is unheard of to
have this kind of a turnout on a Saturday morning so close to Christmas.”
Laplante led the group through a workshop process that allowed an
opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the purpose of being passed on to town
council.
Participants formed four groups and were asked to answer a series of
questions relating to Carstairs; such as , What do you like most about
living an operating a business in Carstairs, and Advantages and
disadvantages of focusing on residential, commercial and industrial growth?
After a lengthy discussion on the conclusions of the idea exchanges, the
group decided to take the following actions;1. Formalize the chamber meeting
results, 2. Distribute the report to community businesses and residential
citizens, 3. Establish economic development task force with business,
residential, government, social, youth and education, frame a process for
economic development, community workshops, economic development plan,
implementation process, along with annual reporting, outcomes, goals and
objectives.
-----------------------
Nature of Things Features Lone Pine
Mary Jane Harper
County News
Last year a CBC film documentary team turned their cameras to the Lone Pine
area of Mountain View County to shoot footage for the CBC show the Nature
of Things.
Next month the Nature of Things, two part series titled Farm Inc. will be
aired across the nation. Farm Inc. will feature the aspects of the food
cycle chain that brings farm products to our dinner tables. The show will
air January 7 and 14 at 7:00 p.m.
“The show features the positive and negative aspects of the food chain
cycle, unfortunately the Lone Pine situation features some of the negative
aspects,” said Katherine McCulloch, a member of the Committee for Lone Pine.
A number of years ago a group of Lone Pine residents formed a committee to
fight the expansion of a feedlot operation in their area.
McCulloch reports that the Committee For Lone Pine has been contacted by
representatives of another CBC documentary show, ‘Disclosure’.
“They’re interested in doing a story,” said McCulloch. The Committee For
Lone Pine has forwarded an entire package of material outlining the
committee’s fight to prevent the expansion of an intensive feedlot operation
in the area. ‘Disclosure’ is a hard hitting investigative documentary
production.
In other news, Committee For Lone Pine members are anxiously awaiting a
court date for the Alberta Court of Appeal to hear the appeal of the
decision by the Natural Resources Conservation Board to allow Triple A
Cattle Company to expand their operation to 18,000 head of cattle. The court
date is expected to be set for early in the new year. McCulloch reports
that the Alberta Environment Appeal board has stayed a hearing date on the
Committee for Lone Pine’s appeal on the issue of use and diversion of water
by Triple A Cattle Company. A hearing date could be set pending the decision
by the Alberta Court of Appeal.
This week, 16 Lone Pine area landowners will be presenting documentation to
support their appeal for reductions to their property assessments before the
Municipal Government Board. Last year some Lone Pine area property owners
received a reduction of up to 15% to their property assessments as a result
of an appeal at the provincial level.
The Lone Pine area is located east of Didsbury in Mountain View County.
---------------------------
Flu Update
Flu update - new cases declining
Flu season arrived earlier this year than in the previous three years. The
number of cases peaked in early November and have been declining in the
province for the past three weeks. Influenza cases are being reported in all
of Alberta's nine health regions.
"The flu virus hit the northern half of Alberta first, and earlier than
usual. Influenza spread south and we saw the worst of it throughout the
province in early November." said Dr. Ameeta Singh, Associate Provincial
Health Officer, specializing in infectious diseases.
Alberta Health and Wellness carries out influenza surveillance throughout
the province, gathering data from the regional health authorities. As of
December 3, 2003, 894 cases of influenza have been reported in the province.
Alberta's Provincial Laboratory sends random influenza samples from across
Alberta to Health Canada's laboratory in Winnipeg to identify specific
strains of the virus. It is the only lab in the country that can perform
this test.
Two strains of influenza have been identified province wide - A/Panama and
A/Fujian. A/Fujian is a close relative of the A/Panama influenza virus,
which is one of the three components of this year's flu vaccine. Minor
changes in influenza viruses happen frequently. Previous exposure to similar
strains and annual vaccines will provide some protection against new
strains.
"Albertans should not be alarmed in any way about A/Fujian," said Singh.
"This is exactly what we expect to see happen when a virus drifts. More
people, especially children, get sick as they have less exposure to the new
form of the virus. We are confident that the current flu vaccine offers some
protection against A/Fujian."
Getting your flu shot and frequent handwashing are the best way to protect
yourself. Albertans can get more information about how to receive an
influenza vaccination by contacting their regional health authority, their
physician or Alberta Health Link, in Edmonton at 408-5465, in Calgary at
943-5465 or toll-free in the rest of Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.
-----------------------