ALBERTA NEWS

Starting Monday, AltaLink is using a helicopter this week to perform an aerial patrol of its electrical transmission facilities in southern Alberta. The patrols are expected to be complete by Thursday, weather permitting. The annual patrol provides AltaLink with a visual inspection of its transmission lines and surrounding vegetation, helping to maintain the reliability of […]

Overnight nursing coverage has been secured for the emergency department at the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre, beginning April 29 at 7 p.m.  The previous public service announcement issued April 15 stated that the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre would be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until May 6. However, this is now being rescinded. The previous closure was due to […]

Wolverines Junior A team has been a part of the community since 2012

A prominent Pincher Creek family, along with physicians from a local clinic, have established a pair of University of Lethbridge awards that invest in the next generation of students and the health and well-being of their community. Drs. Beverly (BSc ’03) and Tracy Burton (BSc ’03), both physicians practising in Pincher Creek, together with their […]

Hazard season here in Alberta typically runs from March through October. During the 2023 season, 48 Alberta communities and more than 38,000 people were evacuated due to forest fires. Wildfires and flooding paired with unpredictable weather and storms could see some Albertans evacuating once again on short notice.  Always being prepared eases some of the […]

Do you have a photo showing off the town? Whether it be a Devon staple, a slice of nature, or your favourite local spot, send it in for the chance for your photo to be featured in the Dispatch. Submissions can be sent to PWilliams@postmedia.com.

Devon Community Garage Sale: Book your table now at Woodbend Hall. $10 per table (plus $20 deposit).  Tables are limited. Call Marilyn at 780-914-2206. Garage sale is Saturday, April 27. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Devon Arts Market: The Arts Association of Devon (AAD) offers a wide variety of original art and unique handmade items […]

Due to continued dry conditions, the fire restriction for the Town of Peace River has been upgraded to a fire ban.

The Mayerthorpe Legion Branch 126 has been ringing with the sounds of people enjoying a variety of events this month.   On April 3, 10 and 17, the crowds were huge for wing night. It’s always appreciated to see so much support for the Legion.    There was a full house on April 13 for the […]

Affordable housing and downtown vitalization are priorities for citizens

Clean-up of the remains of the former Visitor Information Centre is set to start soon.  During Monday’s regular City of Wetaskiwin council meeting, Council approved a development permit for the demolition of the building after it caught fire and was destroyed last November.  Because the property was designated as Direct Control, the application needed to […]

A decision to not hand in the signatures collected during a recall petition against Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam is a deviation from provincial legislation. On Feb. 8, Debby Hunker initiated a process to recall Gandam. She had until April 12 at 4:30 p.m. to submit a petition with 5,062 signatures for him to be recalled. […]

Wetaskiwin City Council supports Alberta Municipalities’ (ABmunis) position in speaking out against proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act which include the introduction of political parties at the municipal level.   Council unanimously approved the support of this position during its regular Monday, April 8, meeting.   “Most issues faced by Council are practical challenges that are […]

The bleachers and viewing area at the Co-op Competition Pool at the Manluk Centre were packed as the Wetaskiwin Water Lilies artistic swim club demonstrated their talent, ability and athleticism recently.  The Water Lilies have been swimming together for the past three years, but this was their first public performance.  “As a kid, I had […]

Having identified low productivity and innovation as Canada’s “Achilles heel” when it comes to economic growth in its 2022 federal budget, the Trudeau government did almost everything possible to undermine both in its 2024 budget released last week.  Two years ago in her budget speech, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland warned that Canada is a laggard […]

The City of Wetaskiwin is teaming up with Community Futures to help young entrepreneurs this summer during Lemonade Day Saturday, June 15.  Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches kids how to start, own and operate their very own business — a lemonade stand.   To date, 16 kids have registered for […]

Since the end of February, MLAs across Alberta have been engaged with the duties of presenting, considering, debating, and voting on proposed legislation for Albertans.  You may have heard about Bill 18, the Provincial Priorities Act.  This bill is about preventing federal overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction. Very basically, this legislation would require provincial […]

Why is it so hard for people to accept someone wanting to do something to improve their community?  Last week was National Volunteer Week and organizations across the region took some time to thank the people who step up to freely give their time and talents in support of organizations and events they feel passionate […]

Authors Lorrie Morales, Linda Rakos and Laurie Carmichael from the Foothills Writers Group are joining Becky Scott at her independent bookstore, Nanton’s Tap Town Books, on May 3 for an evening of author readings and book signings. If you need information on caring for an aging parent, then stop by to discuss Lorrie Morale’s book, We Can […]

Nanton RCMP want to help secure your residential and seasonal properties from break-and-enter crime this summer. As weather warms and seasonal travel picks up, it is important to be proactive in securing vacant properties against crime when you are away. Below are seven steps to secure your properties: Avoid mentioning your travel plans on social […]

A collision on Tuesday afternoon involving a cyclist, 11, and an SUV on 49th St. Whitecourt is currently under investigation.  The collision took place outside Midtown Mall, and Whitecourt RCMP are reporting the cyclist experienced “minor injuries.”  “This wasn’t an extremely serious collision,” Cpl. Troy Savinkoff told the Whitecourt Star.  Savinkoff said that it’s not […]

Being on your best behaviour could land you a ticket this year — a positive ticket. Thanks to a generous partnership with the Devon Circle K, Devon’s RCMP and Protective Services officers will be on the lookout for young people doing safe, helpful and other socially responsible acts in the community such as wearing a […]

Mayor says budget and tax bylaw balance pressures with ‘needs of community’

Serving Whitecourt and area for approximately 30 years, the farmers market club recently received registered non-profit status on April 17. The market is now the Whitecourt Farmers Market Association. The history of the market goes back to 1994, when it was first held at the Whitecourt Legion Hall. We assume this as unfortunately due to […]

As a result of the biggest changes to happen in Alberta high-school football in 25 years, the Willow Creek Cobras of Claresholm are looking to expand the reach of the team by inviting eligible high-school students from schools in the region to play football at Willow Creek Composite High School in 2024. Students from Pincher […]

As a result of the biggest changes to happen in Alberta high-school football in 25 years, the Willow Creek Cobras of Claresholm are looking to expand the reach of the team by inviting eligible high-school students from schools in the region to play football at Willow Creek Composite High School (WCCHS) in 2024. Students from […]

As a result of the biggest changes to happen in Alberta high-school football in 25 years, the Willow Creek Cobras of Claresholm are looking to expand the reach of the team by inviting eligible high-school students from schools in the region to play football at Willow Creek Composite High School (WCCHS) in 2024. Students from […]

Full operations began on Apr. 4, and they can now accept clients into the shelter.

The wildfire season has once again started early for Lac Ste. Anne County (LSAC).  LSAC issued a wildfire alert on Monday afternoon for residents west of Bilby Common, a subdivision on the eastern side of the county. That alert was lifted later in the afternoon. “The wildfire in the area of Bilby Common is now […]

A collision involving two semi-trucks near Wildwood in Yellowhead County on Monday left one driver dead and another with serious injuries.  The accident, which occurred late Monday morning, resulted in the temporary closure of all Highway 16 lanes westbound near Range Road 94, according to 511 Alberta. Evansburg RCMP had responded.  “RCMP remained on scene for […]

A “serious” vehicle accident near Wildwood in Yellowhead County on Monday afternoon has resulted in the closure of all Highway 16 lanes westbound near Range Road 94, according to 511 Alberta.  Evansburg RCMP issued a statement saying they are responding.  “Police anticipate remaining on scene for several hours while emergency workers respond and police investigate,” […]

A wildfire 18 kilometres north of Fort Assiniboine that started on Saturday is being held, according to Alberta Wildfire.  The fire grew to be five hectares in size and Alberta Wildfire reported the cause is under investigation.  “Alberta Wildfire has actioned the fire with air and ground crews as it pushes towards the north,” a […]

A wrap-up singer-songwriter concert for the Mosquito Creek Music season takes place May 4 at the Nanton Community Memorial Centre. The concert, which features Terry Morrison, Emily Triggs, Carter Felker and Greg Herman, starts at 8 p.m. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $25 each in advance or $30 at the door, […]

Wings and camaraderie were shared during this year’s National Volunteer Week in Mayerthorpe.  The town and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosted the annual volunteer appreciation event at the Royal Canadian Legion on Thursday night. Volunteers were treated to the Legion’s signature chicken wings and a new volunteer of the year award was launched.  […]

Nanton RCMP arrested and charged a woman after responding Thursday to a drug use complaint at a local business. Police found two female suspects at the unnamed business, and one woman was found to have outstanding arrests and was arrested. “Upon arrest the female was found to be in possession of 20 grams of fentanyl […]

Fox Creek area under wildfire advisory

Devon Community Garage Sale: Book your table now at Woodbend Hall. $10 per table (plus $20 deposit).  Tables are limited. Call Marilyn at 780-914-2206. Garage sale is Saturday, April 27. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Devon Arts Market: The Arts Association of Devon (AAD) offers a wide variety of original art and unique handmade items […]

Do you have a photo showing off the town? Whether it be a Devon staple, a slice of nature, or your favourite local spot, send it in for the chance for your photo to be featured in the Dispatch. Submissions can be sent to PWilliams@postmedia.com.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is marking the 20th anniversary of Fraud Prevention Month. You may be wondering what has changed in two decades and surprised to see what has stayed the same. Despite the rise of the digital age, most of the solicitation methods used by fraudsters today existed 20 years ago. Scammers and […]

Woodlands County council moved a step forward on its Municipal Development Plan (MDP), which is being updated for the first time in more than a decade. Council gave the second of three necessary readings to the MDP bylaw during its April 15 meeting, though not all councillors were on board. “I still don’t think we’re […]

Fire chief advocated to Alberta Forestry minister

When most people think of Spruce Meadows’ president Linda Southern-Heathcott, it’s show jumping that springs to mind, but it may surprise many to hear that dogs actually play a big part of the CEO’s day-to-day life as well. As the former Olympic showjumper gears up for the historic venue’s inaugural PetFest this weekend, (Apr. 19-21), she gives […]

On Friday, April 26, join the High River Gift of Music volunteers for an unforgettable evening capturing the spirit, stylistic approach and distinctive sound of a glorious musical era and celebrate their 15th season finale. Step back to a flamboyant moment in musical history with cellists Elinor Frey and Rosa Barocca, under the direction of Claude […]

Independent filmmaker Levi Holwell from Calgary directed “Magic Hours”, a documentary which looks at a few movie houses in small communities in Alberta, including the Wales Theatre, and had a showing at the theatre on Saturday, April 6. “There’s something special about old independent movie theatres across the country but, unfortunately, many of them are […]

There is a new exhibit at the Museum of the Highwood called “Be Prepared: Guiding and Scouting in High River” and will be on display until the May long weekend, May 18th. The exhibit was curated by Delainey Niven, the Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage Museum of the Highwood intern. “I was excited to do this […]

Saturday night saw the latest members to be inducted into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame honoured at the Best Western Wayside Inn.  This year, Danny Gusdal, Rob Hartnell, Harold Parfett and the 1968 Wetaskiwin Bantam Fastball were honoured during the 16th Induction Ceremony that now has 450 inductees memorialized on the walls […]

High winds, dry conditions and a number of fires already have area fire departments working to minimize fire conditions.  Last week, Millet’s Fire Dept. Responded to three fires involving grass and structures.  Millet Deputy Fire Chief Trevor Palmer said crews were called out Wednesday to a property north of Lansdowne Park.  “It came in as […]

Tyler Gandam will remain as Wetaskiwin’s mayor after the City of Wetaskiwin did not receive a completed recall petition against him Friday.  Gandam said he wasn’t surprised, calling it a “waste of time” and the Recall Petition process has been weaponized for political purposes.  “I really hope the Provincial Government looks at this and either […]

A Millet resident wants to see the Town of Millet encourage home owners to install solar panels by offering a financial incentive.  Dave Horner, who built a solar heated home in Washington State in the late 1970s, and now works with Kuby Renewable Energy — solar power contractors based out of Edmonton — was at […]

The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation’s 2024 Olympic-themed Ladies Night Out saw 150 women gather at the Wetaskiwin Co-op Place Rec. Hall for an evening of fun and games to support the Foundation’s Give to Life – Emergency Care campaign. Teams representing 15 different nations competed in 10 ‘minute-to-win-it’ style events, all eagerly vying for the gold […]