News

Five people were taken to hospitals following a two vehicle collision on July 27. The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Hwy 2 one mile north of Ponoka when a driver stopped on the side of the road and attempted to cross both lanes. The elderly male driver was struck by an oncoming vehicle and taken to a hospital in Edmonton by STARS Ambulance.

The tree that has been Ponoka’s place for retreat, solice, family photos and imaginative adventures will be recognized for its uniqueness and importance in a new book. The Heritage Trees of Alberta Foundation is releasing a large collection of stunning trees in the province in a book titled Heritage Trees of Alberta.

It has been said, ‘what you don’t know can’t hurt you’and that may be true when it comes to a recently released website launched by the David Thompson Health Region. The website is currently posting the latest local restaurant inspections for eateries in Central Alberta.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.