January 2008
Rising gas prices heighten concerns
The soaring cost of gas had Ponoka residents on edge. The concern was national as gas prices averaged about 115 cents per litre. Crude oil was about $100 a barrel.
Ponoka residents and gas station owners predicted the price to rise even more for the next couple of months.
Although the price of gas was extremely high, Ponokans did not think that it would deter the way they lived their lives.
Samson Cree nation proud of new RCMP graduate
Wynette Tailfeathers was added to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Born and raised in Hobbema, Tailfeathers made the Samson Cree nation proud with her accomplishments. Chief Victor Buffalo and Councillor Lawrence Saddleback attended the graduation ceremony and gave their blessings to Tailfeathers.
Police arrest youth for erratic driving
Ponoka RCMP charged a 12 year old boy with dangerous driving, flight from police, operating a motor vehicle without a subsisting licence, taking a motor vehicle without consent and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
The 12 year old had taken his parent’s car for a joy ride in the early hours of Jan 7. Ponoka RCMP members pursued the vehicle after it was reported as being driven by an impaired driver.
The 12 year old fled from police and with the help of Wetaskiwin RCMP, the Ponoka RCMP was able to stop the vehicle. They were surprised to see a young boy step out, instead of the impaired driver they were expecting.
Mumps immunizations still on hold
Alberta Health and Wellness temporarily suspended immunization for young adults 17 to 26 years old. The David Thompson Health Region (DTHR) waited for the evaluation from AHW before it continued with its immunizations.
The mumps outbreak happened in October with about 160 cases of it in Alberta. The suspension of the immunization was a result of reactions to it in the region.
Cattle producers hopeful for the new year
The challenges Alberta cattle producers faced in the recent past seemed to be looking up in January. Producers were hopeful the beginning of the year because the American border would remain open. The purebred cattle sales were doing really well, but the feed prices were at an all time high.
Continued from A3
Tax reductions in 2008
The Conservative government lowed the Goods and Services tax to fiver per cent for Canadians. The new change in the GST was put into effect starting Jan. 1. The new change put taxes at the lowest level they have been in almost 50 years and have reduced the tax burden for Canadians to almost $200 billion with an estimated $12 billion total in consumer savings for 2008.
Broncs win Swoosh tournament
The Ponoka Composite High School Broncs senior girls basketball team won the Swoosh basketball tournament they hosted on Jan. 11 and 12.
The team went on to the playoffs and were very excited to win in their hometown.
Local skating coach national finalist
Ponoka figure skating coach Sara Spate was nominated for the CBC Sports contest Skate Home With a Champion. Taylor Horlock nominated her coach for this honour and CBC came to film and do a piece on Spate.
Local cowgirl wins big in Arizona
Ponoka high school student Vanessa Chalifoux was named the all-around cowgirl during the International Indian Finals Rodeo from Dec. 27 to 30 in Arizona.
She placed first in the barrels with four winning times of 18.03, 18.11, 18.12 and 17.86.
Chief not running for Hobbema elections
Samson chief Victor Buffalo believes it is time for a change after holding down that position for 15 years. He was pleased with the past years and its events including the building of the new RCMP building, education trust fund and the changing attitudes in and towards the community.
Robbery on Hwy 2
The Husky gas station on Hwy 2 was robbed on Jan. 27. A white four door pickup Ford F250 reversed into the front door of the gas station and destroyed the windows and door of the storefront. The driver of the truck stole cigarettes, left the store and took off in his truck.
February 2008
San Diego dog found in Ponoka
Jake the dog arrived in central Alberta in August 2007 on vacation from San Diego with his owners. The three year old Chow/Shepherd cross was on the loose after being let out in a Wetaskiwin yard five months before he was found. Jake was found under an abandoned bus near the Baptist church in Ponoka by peace officer for the Town of Ponoka, Kelly Tebb. Jake’s owners were contacted and Jake was returned to his family.
New Chief for Samson Cree Nation
Chief Marvin Yellowbird was selected by members of the Samson Cree Nation as their new chief. Yellowbird had a clear vision for his three year term which included building on the progress in Hobbema, working with his council and making the Samson Cree Nation a place to be proud of.
Taft visits Ponoka
The election campaigning was in full swing end of January, beginning of February. Keven Taft leader of the Alberta liberals made a visit to Ponoka on Feb. 7. Taft spoke at the Vold, Jones and Vold Auction Mart voicing his view for central Alberta and Ponoka itself.
Yellowbird nominated for a Juno
Country music star Shane Yellowbird was nominated for a Juno. Yellowbird, from Hobbema, was nominated for Country Recording of the Year for his album ‘Life is Calling My Name’ Yellowbird was nominated against Paul Brandt, Johnny Reid, Aaron Lines and Gord Bamford. The 2008 Junos were to be held in Calgary on April 8.
March 2008
PCHS reopens after water main break
The Ponoka Composite High School was a mess after a water main break in the computer lab. The school was underwater from Feb. 28 to March 2 causing the school to be closed down. The school was sure to not waste any time with this incident and immediately called the custodians, an electrical company and a company for the mechanical issues. Dozens of parents and members of the community offered to volunteer their time for the cleanup and the school reopened as soon as possible.
Prins Re-elected
After campaigning and tallying up the votes Conservative MLA Ray Prins was re-elected in the Lacombe-Ponoka constituency. Prins won the March 3 provincial election with 58 per cent of the vote. The next closest candidate was Joe Anglin from the Alberta Green Party with 23 per cent of the vote.
Continued on A9
Grand opening gives everyone a piece of the pie
On March 14 Community Savings moved into their brand new location and celebrated it with a grand opening. Pies were handed out, a money grab took place and many people came out to the event to support the business and to have a good time.
Bruce’s True Value finds new home
On May 2, 2007 Bruce’s True Value hardware store went down in flames. The business moved the location to a downtown building for a temporary setup. After Community Savings moved to their new location off of Hwy 2A Bruce’s True Value made the empty building their new and permanent location.
April 2008
Minimum wage in Alberta increases to $8.40
On April 1 Alberta’s minimum wage increased from $8 to $8.40 per hour. In June 2007 the Alberta government announced that the increase to minimum wage would be based on the average weekly wage index. The index is based on Statistics Canada’s annual survey of employment.
Animal cruelty in Ponoka
Ponoka RCMP handled a case of animal cruelty after it was reported that there was a tabby cat hanging from the lamppost in front of the Fields store in Ponoka on May 29.
Yellowbird attends Juno awards
Shane Yellowbird, a country music star from Hobbema, was nominated for a Juno and attended the event in Calgary. Although he did not receive an award he was honoured to be nominated and had a great time experiencing the music awards.
Concerns raised at annexation meeting
The Town of Ponoka hosted a public meeting regarding the proposed annexation from county to town on April 14. Over 100 people came to meet at the Kinsmen Centre to discuss the issues that would come if the annexation were to be executed.
Continued on A9
Grant gives students more opportunities
Students at Ponoke Composite High School will be working with new and upgraded equipment thanks to a substantial grant given by Skills Canada Alberta and the Alberta Government. The one-time funding grant of #312,389.57 will be used to improve the school’s Career and Technology Studies (CTS) to help better students and allow them more opportunities. Most of the equipment will be completely replaced in mechanics, fabrication, construction, cosmetology and foods. The grant will also help carry out new programs such as new design, animation, and communications technology, web and architectural design for the 2008 and 2009 school year.
Ponoka teachers semi-finalists for prestigious award
Lisa Tidd a teacher at St. Augustine School for seven years and Catherine Knudskov, a teacher at Ponoka Alternative Supports School (PASS) were two semi-finalists for the province’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. As two of the 130 finalists in Alberta Knudskov and Tidd were able to access $1,500 to attend an education conference of their choice and will be honoured and celebrated at a dinner that would be held in Edmonton.
Local MP elected chair
MP for Wetaskiwin Blaine Calkins was elected the chairman of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship group at their annual general meeting on April 1. The main purpose of the association is to work for a greater friendship and goodwill between the two countries.
Charges laid in Hobbema shooting
Three men were charged in Hobbema after gang related incidents. Hobbema RCMP arrested and charged a 15 year old male in regards to a drive-by shooting which injured 23-month old Asia Saddleback. The toddler was shot on April 13 on the Samson Cree First Nation. The young offender was charged with aggrevated assault and 14 other charges. Saddleback was in the hospital and recovered well.
Hobbema goalie shines in New York
Patrick (Sonny) Lightning of Hobbema is making a name for himself in hockey. He plays in New York playing high school hockey. Lightning is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Hobbema and for the past two years has attended Salmon River Central High School in Fort Covington, New York. Lightning was named a great role model for youth with his outstanding ability and choice to live a healthy life.
Stampede grounds vandalized
The Ponoka Stampede executive suites were vandalized causing approximately $10,000 worth of damage. It was expected that the suites, which had all been locked, were vandalized sometime between April 25 to 27.
New provincial budget to be put into effect
The 2008 provincial budget promises improvements to highways, infrastructure and hospitals and schools to help manage the growth of Alberta. The budget is an increase of 3.9 billion or 21 per cent from the 2007 provincial budget.
May 2008
RCMP members recognized at awards ceremony in Hobbema
Those who have committed themselves to serving communities in order to make them safe and secure were honoured at the RCMP Long Service Award Ceremony at the Jonas Applegarth theatre in Hobbema on April 30. From all over Alberta 29 members of the RCMp received recognition for their contributions to help make better communities in the province.
Cpl. Robert Pitts and Const. Les Squires of the Ponoka RCMP received an award for 30 years in the RCMP.
Cpl. Darrel Bruno of the Hobbema detachment was honoured with an award for 20 years of dedication. Cpl. Lawrence Whiteman from the Hobbema RCMP was awarded for 20 years as well.
The highest award that can be given to an RCMP officer was given to two young members of the Hobbema detachment, Const. Dru Abernethy and Const. Curtis Huculak. They both received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery award for their bravery after being repeatedly fired upon responding to a complaint.
Hobbema curfew set
On April 30 the Samson Cree Nation Chief and council amended its curfew bylaw to 10 p.m. It applies to youth 12 to 17 years of age. The curfew was set in place to help lower crime on the reserve.
Mumps in the DTHR
The David Thompson Health Region resumed its mumps immunizations to young adults who are believed to be the most at risk for catching the disease.
Provincial Health Region combined under one board
The David Thompson Health Region was eliminated along with nine other health regions on May 15. The plan is to combine all the health regions under one board in order to increase efficiency.
The regions were 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.
Ponoka mill rate for 2008 decreases
The Town of Ponoka approved the 2008 mill rate during their council meeting on May 13. The overall mill rate for non-residential properties has decreased from 12.51 mills from 2007 to 10.84 mills for 2008. The overall mill rate has also decreased from 10.46 in 2007 to 7.43 mills in 2008.
June 2008
Ponoka first Senior Friendly community
Ponoka was officially designated as Alberta’s first senior friendly community on May 27 at the Alberta Council on Aging Annual General meeting in Red Deer. The program was developed by the Alberta Council on Aging and they were very impressed with the commmunity’s participation in the program.
In Ponoka 23 businesses and organizations completed the steps of the program and 128 members of Ponoka took the Senior Friendly seminar.
Requirements involved having a minimum of 60 per cent of front-line staff take part in a Senior Friendly seminar and participating in a Senior Friendly checkup of their facility.
The Senior Friendly seminars were delivered by four community trainers and the checkups were completed by senior members of the community.
PCHS closes due to threats and fight forces lockdown
Ponoka Composite High School had two situations involving the RCMP. On June 6 the school received generic threats against the school. RCMP reported that the threats arose from the fight that occurred at the school on June 4. At this time a joint decision was made between the Wolf Creek Public School Board and the Ponoka detachment of the RCMP to close the school and send the students home. The RCMP continued to investigate the threats and the school was determined safe to reopen.
Ponoka teacher receives provincial award
Hard work and a passion for teaching awarded Catherine Knudskov, a teacher at the Ponoka Alternative Supports School (PASS) with the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. Knudskov accepted this award alongside 23 other teachers in the province at a special dinner and award ceremony in Calgary. She was also able to access $4,000 to attend an education conference of her choice.
Ponoka SAAN store closing
SAAN stores across Canada are having a going out of business sale which was being conducted by the Great American LLC Group and Hudson Capital Partners LLC. This included the SAAN store that was located on 51st Street.
Pair trying to break world record stop in Ponoka
Jonathan and Cathy Weaver stopped at Ponoka Community Golf Course and Wolf Creek Golf Course to try and break a world record. They tried to set a record for the playing at the most golf courses in one year. The couple, took a year off to tour North America to complete their goal. While on their tour they were helping raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The two started in Victoria on April 1 and will tour until March 31, 2009. They played nine courses a week and average three hours per 18. For the record, they need to play 18 hole courses that are 6,000 yards.
Area codes a part of everyday dialing
Alberta introduced the 10 digit dialing system in June and asked for Albertans to reprogram their phones and other telecommunications equipment to make the transition a smooth one.
Stampede kickoff
The Ponoka Stampede kicked off the event with a press conference held at the Wolf Creek Golf Course. The Stampede Association revealed that there would be television coverage of rodeo events and the chuckwagons. These events would be aired on Shaw cable channel 10 and StarChoice starting June 26.
Continued from A8
Grand opening gives everyone a piece of the pie
On March 14 Community Savings moved into their brand new location and celebrated it with a grand opening. Pies were handed out, a money grab took place and many people came out to the event to support the business and to have a good time.
Bruce’s True Value finds new home
On May 2, 2007 Bruce’s True Value hardware store went down in flames. The business moved the location to a downtown building for a temporary setup. After Community Savings moved to their new location off of Hwy 2A Bruce’s True Value made the empty building their new and permanent location.
April 2008
Minimum wage in Alberta increases to $8.40
On April 1 Alberta’s minimum wage increased from $8 to $8.40 per hour. In June 2007 the Alberta government announced that the increase to minimum wage would be based on the average weekly wage index. The index is based on Statistics Canada’s annual survey of employment.
Animal cruelty in Ponoka
Ponoka RCMP handled a case of animal cruelty after it was reported that there was a tabby cat hanging from the lamppost in front of the Fields store in Ponoka on May 29.
Yellowbird attends Juno awards
Shane Yellowbird, a country music star from Hobbema, was nominated for a Juno and attended the event in Calgary. Although he did not receive an award he was honoured to be nominated and had a great time experiencing the music awards.
Concerns raised at annexation meeting
The Town of Ponoka hosted a public meeting regarding the proposed annexation from county to town on April 14. Over 100 people came to meet at the Kinsmen Centre to discuss the issues that would come if the annexation were to be executed.
Grant gives students more opportunities
Students at Ponoka Composite High School will be working with new and upgraded equipment thanks to a substantial grant given by Skills Canada Alberta and the Alberta government. The one-time funding grant of #312,389.57 will be used to improve the school’s Career and Technology Studies (CTS) to help better students and allow them more opportunities. Most of the equipment will be completely replaced in mechanics, fabrication, construction, cosmetology and foods. The grant will also help carry out new programs such as new design, animation, and communications technology, web and architectural design for the 2008 and 2009 school year.
Ponoka teachers semi-finalists for prestigious award
Lisa Tidd a teacher at St. Augustine School for seven years and Catherine Knudskov, a teacher at Ponoka Alternative Supports School (PASS) were two semi-finalists for the province’s 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. As two of the 130 finalists in Alberta Knudskov and Tidd were able to access $1,500 to attend an education conference of their choice and will be honoured and celebrated at a dinner that would be held in Edmonton.
Local MP elected chair
MP for Wetaskiwin Blaine Calkins was elected the chairman of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship group at their annual general meeting on April 1. The main purpose of the association is to work for a greater friendship and goodwill between the two countries.
Charges laid in Hobbema shooting
Three men were charged in Hobbema after gang related incidents. Hobbema RCMP arrested and charged a 15 year old male in regards to a drive-by shooting which injured 23-month old Asia Saddleback. The toddler was shot on April 13 on the Samson Cree First Nation. The young offender was charged with aggrevated assault and 14 other charges. Saddleback was in the hospital and recovered well.
Continued on A10
Hobbema goalie shines in New York
Patrick (Sonny) Lightning of Hobbema is making a name for himself in hockey. He plays in New York playing high school hockey. Lightning is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Hobbema and for the past two years has attended Salmon River Central High School in Fort Covington, New York. Lightning was named a great role model for youth with his outstanding ability and choice to live a healthy life.
Stampede grounds vandalized
The Ponoka Stampede executive suites were vandalized causing approximately $10,000 worth of damage. It was expected that the suites, which had all been locked, were vandalized sometime between April 25 to 27.
New provincial budget to be put into effect
The 2008 provincial budget promises improvements to highways, infrastructure and hospitals and schools to help manage the growth of Alberta. The budget is an increase of 3.9 billion or 21 per cent from the 2007 provincial budget.
May 2008
RCMP members recognized at awards ceremony in Hobbema
Those who have committed themselves to serving communities in order to make them safe and secure were honoured at the RCMP Long Service Award Ceremony at the Jonas Applegarth theatre in Hobbema on April 30. From all over Alberta 29 members of the RCMp received recognition for their contributions to help make better communities in the province.
Cpl. Robert Pitts and Const. Les Squires of the Ponoka RCMP received an award for 30 years in the RCMP.
Cpl. Darrel Bruno of the Hobbema detachment was honoured with an award for 20 years of dedication. Cpl. Lawrence Whiteman from the Hobbema RCMP was awarded for 20 years as well.
The highest award that can be given to an RCMP officer was given to two young members of the Hobbema detachment, Const. Dru Abernethy and Const. Curtis Huculak. They both received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery award for their bravery after being repeatedly fired upon responding to a complaint.
Hobbema curfew set
On April 30 the Samson Cree Nation Chief and council amended its curfew bylaw to 10 p.m. It applies to youth 12 to 17 years of age. The curfew was set in place to help lower crime on the reserve.
Mumps in the DTHR
The David Thompson Health Region resumed its mumps immunizations to young adults who are believed to be the most at risk for catching the disease.
Provincial Health Region combined under one board
The David Thompson Health Region was eliminated along with nine other health regions on May 15. The plan is to combine all the health regions under one board in order to increase efficiency.
The regions were 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.
Ponoka mill rate for 2008 decreases
The Town of Ponoka approved the 2008 mill rate during their council meeting on May 13. The overall mill rate for non-residential properties has decreased from 12.51 mills from 2007 to 10.84 mills for 2008. The overall mill rate has also decreased from 10.46 in 2007 to 7.43 mills in 2008.
June 2008
Ponoka first Senior Friendly community
Ponoka was officially designated as Alberta’s first senior friendly community on May 27 at the Alberta Council on Aging Annual General meeting in Red Deer. The program was developed by the Alberta Council on Aging and they were very impressed with the commmunity’s participation in the program.
In Ponoka 23 businesses and organizations completed the steps of the program and 128 members of Ponoka took the Senior Friendly seminar.
Requirements involved having a minimum of 60 per cent of front-line staff take part in a Senior Friendly seminar and participating in a Senior Friendly checkup of their facility.
The Senior Friendly seminars were delivered by four community trainers and the checkups were completed by senior members of the community.
PCHS closes due to threats and fight forces lockdown
Ponoka Composite High School had two situations involving the RCMP. On June 6 the school received generic threats against the school. RCMP reported that the threats arose from the fight that occurred at the school on June 4. At this time a joint decision was made between the Wolf Creek Public School Board and the Ponoka detachment of the RCMP to close the school and send the students home. The RCMP continued to investigate the threats and the school was determined safe to reopen.
Ponoka teacher receives provincial award
Hard work and a passion for teaching awarded Catherine Knudskov, a teacher at the Ponoka Alternative Supports School (PASS) with the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. Knudskov accepted this award alongside 23 other teachers in the province at a special dinner and award ceremony in Calgary. She was also able to access $4,000 to attend an education conference of her choice.
Ponoka SAAN store closing
SAAN stores across Canada are having a going out of business sale which was being conducted by the Great American LLC Group and Hudson Capital Partners LLC. This included the SAAN store that was located on 51st Street.
Pair trying to break world record stop in Ponoka
Jonathan and Cathy Weaver stopped at Ponoka Community Golf Course and Wolf Creek Golf Course to try and break a world record. They tried to set a record for the playing at the most golf courses in one year. The couple, took a year off to tour North America to complete their goal. While on their tour they were helping raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The two started in Victoria on April 1 and will tour until March 31, 2009. They played nine courses a week and average three hours per 18. For the record, they need to play 18 hole courses that are 6,000 yards.
Area codes a part of everyday dialing
Alberta introduced the 10 digit dialing system in June and asked for Albertans to reprogram their phones and other telecommunications equipment to make the transition a smooth one.
Stampede kickoff
The Ponoka Stampede kicked off the event with a press conference held at the Wolf Creek Golf Course. The Stampede Association revealed that there would be television coverage of rodeo events and the chuckwagons. These events would be aired on Shaw cable channel 10 and StarChoice starting June 26.
Hobbema goalie shines in New York
Patrick (Sonny) Lightning of Hobbema is making a name for himself in hockey. He plays in New York playing high school hockey. Lightning is a member of the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Hobbema and for the past two years has attended Salmon River Central High School in Fort Covington, New York. Lightning was named a great role model for youth with his outstanding ability and choice to live a healthy life.
Stampede grounds vandalized
The Ponoka Stampede executive suites were vandalized causing approximately $10,000 worth of damage. It was expected that the suites, which had all been locked, were vandalized sometime between April 25 to 27.
New provincial budget to be put into effect
The 2008 provincial budget promises improvements to highways, infrastructure and hospitals and schools to help manage the growth of Alberta. The budget is an increase of 3.9 billion or 21 per cent from the 2007 provincial budget.
May 2008
RCMP members recognized at awards ceremony in Hobbema
Those who have committed themselves to serving communities in order to make them safe and secure were honoured at the RCMP Long Service Award Ceremony at the Jonas Applegarth theatre in Hobbema on April 30. From all over Alberta 29 members of the RCMP received recognition for their contributions to help make better communities in the province.
Cpl. Robert Pitts and Const. Les Squires of the Ponoka RCMP received an award for 30 years in the RCMP.
Cpl. Darrel Bruno of the Hobbema detachment was honoured with an award for 20 years of dedication. Cpl. Lawrence Whiteman from the Hobbema RCMP was awarded for 20 years as well.
The highest award that can be given to an RCMP officer was given to two young members of the Hobbema detachment, Const. Dru Abernethy and Const. Curtis Huculak. They both received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery award for their bravery after being repeatedly fired upon responding to a complaint.
Hobbema curfew set
On April 30 the Samson Cree Nation Chief and council amended its curfew bylaw to 10 p.m. It applies to youth 12 to 17 years of age. The curfew was set in place to help lower crime on the reserve.
Mumps in the DTHR
The David Thompson Health Region resumed its mumps immunizations to young adults who are believed to be the most at risk for catching the disease.
Provincial Health Region combined under one board
The David Thompson Health Region was eliminated along with nine other health regions on May 15. The plan is to combine all the health regions under one board in order to increase efficiency.
The regions were 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.
Ponoka mill rate for 2008 decreases
The Town of Ponoka approved the 2008 mill rate during their council meeting on May 13. The overall mill rate for non-residential properties has decreased from 12.51 mills from 2007 to 10.84 mills for 2008. The overall mill rate has also decreased from 10.46 in 2007 to 7.43 mills in 2008.
June 2008
Ponoka first Senior Friendly community
Ponoka was officially designated as Alberta’s first senior friendly community on May 27 at the Alberta Council on Aging Annual General meeting in Red Deer. The program was developed by the Alberta Council on Aging and they were very impressed with the commmunity’s participation in the program.
In Ponoka 23 businesses and organizations completed the steps of the program and 128 members of Ponoka took the Senior Friendly seminar.
Requirements involved having a minimum of 60 per cent of front-line staff take part in a Senior Friendly seminar and participating in a Senior Friendly checkup of their facility.
The Senior Friendly seminars were delivered by four community trainers and the checkups were completed by senior members of the community.
PCHS closes due to threats and fight forces lockdown
Ponoka Composite High School had two situations involving the RCMP. On June 6 the school received generic threats against the school. RCMP reported that the threats arose from the fight that occurred at the school on June 4. At this time a joint decision was made between the Wolf Creek Public School Board and the Ponoka detachment of the RCMP to close the school and send the students home. The RCMP continued to investigate the threats and the school was determined safe to reopen.
Ponoka teacher receives provincial award
Hard work and a passion for teaching awarded Catherine Knudskov, a teacher at the Ponoka Alternative Supports School (PASS) with the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award. Knudskov accepted this award alongside 23 other teachers in the province at a special dinner and award ceremony in Calgary. She was also able to access $4,000 to attend an education conference of her choice.
Ponoka SAAN store closing
SAAN stores across Canada are having a going out of business sale which was being conducted by the Great American LLC Group and Hudson Capital Partners LLC. This included the SAAN store that was located on 51st Street.
Pair trying to break world record stop in Ponoka
Jonathan and Cathy Weaver stopped at Ponoka Community Golf Course and Wolf Creek Golf Course to try and break a world record. They tried to set a record for the playing at the most golf courses in one year. The couple, took a year off to tour North America to complete their goal. While on their tour they were helping raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The two started in Victoria on April 1 and will tour until March 31, 2009. They played nine courses a week and average three hours per 18. For the record, they need to play 18 hole courses that are 6,000 yards.
Area codes a part of everyday dialing
Alberta introduced the 10 digit dialing system in June and asked for Albertans to reprogram their phones and other telecommunications equipment to make the transition a smooth one.
Stampede kickoff
The Ponoka Stampede kicked off the event with a press conference held at the Wolf Creek Golf Course. The Stampede Association revealed that there would be television coverage of rodeo events and the chuckwagons. These events would be aired on Shaw cable channel 10 and StarChoice starting June 26.