News

Alberta’s land is facing increased stress as the population of the province continues to increase and the economic activity on the land is rapidly growing. The Alberta government has implemented a draft Land Use Framework to help tackle the growth pressures that are facing the province.

The new provincial system for all health delivery in Alberta has announced its restructuring plan to create one unified operation for Albertans. Alberta Health Services is being structured to enhance the health care system and find an approach to put every patient, rural and urban, first when it comes to health care.

On July 3 Hobbema RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on the Louis Bull Reserve. They seized a quantity of crack-cocaine, marijuana and cash. The RCMP charged Byron Minde, 27 years old and Cheyanne Raine, 25 years old with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. They are both scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court.

Marion Parks, left and Evelyn Warlo feed and pet Diamond, a miniature pony, brought to Rimoka by Bob Leavitt. Leavitt also brought Diamond’s mother Ruby for the residents to watch and play with during the afternoon of July 8.

The Community Initiatives Program through the Alberta Lottery Fund has helped the Ponoka PYC meet their needs. The Alberta Lottery Fund has donated $9,900 to the PYC which was used to bring in a fundraising coordinator to the centre to help find creative ways to raise funds for the youth centre and its programs.

Engines will be revving and chrome sparkling at this year’s second annual Ponoka car show on July 26 and 27. The Ultimate Ponoka Car Show is sure to provide entertainment and heart pounding action with burnout contests, side by side racing, a drive-in movie and more.

Cousins Jill Vanderwal and Mark Barclay, from British Columbia, attended Morsan Farms Ltd. open house on July 4.

Cooper Recsh, six years old, helps Grady Young, two years old tighten his chaps at the Ponoka Stampede on July 1. Both of these young cowboys were watching their fathers as Blade Young was one of the top 12 bull riders during the Ponoka Stampede and Jason Recsh was one of the pick-up men.

Former chief of the Samson Cree Nation, Victor Buffalo has received Canada’s highest civilian honour for lifetime achievement. The Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean announced new appointments to the Order of Canada on July 1. Buffalo will be installed as an officer of the Order of Canada to recognize him for his outstanding achievements and service in Canada. He will be accepting his insignia in Ottawa at a later date.

During the seven days of the Ponoka Stampede members of the RCMP arrested and lodged about 150 people in their cells. The number is 50 up from last year’s number of 100 and police worked diligently to remove trouble from the grounds.