News

Between May 11 and the 18, Ponoka RCMP members experienced the typical rise in complaints that is brought on by the arrival of warmer weather. This increase in workload was further aggravated by the May long weekend and a full moon (one bringing out drunken campers the other bringing out werewolves ... and vise versa). A representative cross-section of each made up a good percentage of the 29 guests we billeted in our cells this week.

Alberta has set a record in Ca anada by having the lowest urban and provincial unemployment rates in the country according to Statistics Canada. The province has set the record with its 3.3 per cent jobless rate as Alberta’s additions to the employed far outweighed growth in both the population and the labour force and brought Alberta’s employment rate to an incredible high at 72.1 per cent.

The Alberta government eliminated the province’s nine health regions on May 15. The David Thompson Health Authority Board members were let go at noon, as well as the members of the eight other regional health boards in Alberta. They are being replaced by the Alberta Health Services Board that will encompass the entire province. The board will be responsible to ensure quality health care for the entire province.

Canada’s largest oil and gas producer will be splitting into two. The Calgary-based giant EnCana Corporation is dividing into two separate companies. The one would be a natural gas company, called GasCo, and the other, called IntegratedOilCo (IOCo) would be a fully integrated oil company.

The school year may just be coming to a close but plans are already being made for next year. New to the plans for the 2008 and 2009 school year will be an increase in the non-mandated urban transportation fees.

Hobbema RCMP and Wetaskiwin GIS and the CRU team executed a warrant on May 6 at 2 p.m. on the Samson First Nation residence.

The David Thompson Health Region has resumed mumps vaccinations to young adults who are believed to be the most at risk for catching the disease.

Bruce’s True Value Hardware held their grand opening May 7 to 9 at their new location at 4804-50 St. Bruce Blackmore, owner, right, was all smiles during the busy event welcoming customers into his new building. Bruce’s True Value burnt down on May 2, 2007 and was operating at a temporary location until he was able to buy the building at his new location