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Lodgepole structure plan ( 3/12/2010 )
The community of Lodgepole has a look at what their future will look like.
The structure plan has finally been released after 2 years of drafting and finalizing, and was presented to the town.
So what lies ahead for the future?
Well some plans for possible recycling depots, a sidewalk and trail system, and a look into energy efficient housing.
Drought resistant plants are being looked at for housing, and low maintenance landscaping methods that will have environmental benefits.
The original structure plan was developed in October and then November of 2009.
The last structure plan was released in 1997.
Dave Dawson reporting.
Changes to Oil and Gas royalties ( 3/12/2010 )
The provincial government made changes to oil and gas royalties.
Beginning in January of 2011, the max royalty rate for conventional oil will be reduced at higher price levels from 50 to 40 percent for a better risk-reward balance to investors.
Conventional and unconventional natural gas will be reduced at higher price levels from 50 to 36 percent.
As of January next year, no new wells will be allowed to select transitional royalty rates.
The wells that have already selected the new rates have an option to stick with them or switch to the new rates in 10 months.
Drayton Valley/Calmar's MLA Dianna McQueen will be involved in a cross ministry task force to keep a close eye on the process.
The government hopes the changes will improve the competitiveness and create 8 thousand jobs in 2011-2012, and 2.5 trillion dollars into the economy over the next 25 years.
Dave Dawson reporting.
Barrhead man arrested for alleged trafficking ( 3/12/2010 )
A man from Barrhead has been busted by the RCMP.
Whitecourt police conducted a routine traffic stop and suspected the driver had possession of marijuana.
A search of the vehicle turmed up bags of the drug, and a large amount of cash.
32 year old Micheal Thomas Fewchuk has been charged for trafficking and having proceeds of crime.
Jordan James reporting.
Possible water fee hike in Barrhead ( 3/11/2010 )
The water treatment plant in Barrhead may be getting costly upgrades and that could mean a higher water bill.
Barrhead County and the town of Barrhead have been testing out new filtering technology over the past year and a half. Provincial standards for water quality are expected to become stricter in 2012 and the treatment plant needs new systems to meet them.
A committee consisting of town and county members is looking into the issue. They believe costs could double to over 2 dollars per cubic meter in order to pay for the upgrades.
However no final decisions have been made and the two councils have the next year to hammer things out.
Jordan James reporting
Yellowhead County road improvements ( 3/11/2010 )
Some road improvements are on the way in the Edson region.
Yellowhead County approved a road tender for the resurfacing and grading of a 10 km stretch of Grande Prairie Trail.
Earth and Iron Inc of Drayton Valley submitted the winning tender. The project is expected to cost 2.85 million dollars, which falls within the county budget and should be completed this summer.
Yellowhead Council also decided to go ahead with plans to improve the Pinedale Collector road. That project will go out to tender shortly.
Jordan James reporting
World kidney day ( 3/11/2010 )
World kidney day is today.
What does that mean? Well it's a way to raise awareness for kidney failure, and more specifically, diabetes.
This will be the 5th annual world kidney day, which takes place on the second Thursday in March.
Some ways to avoid kidney damage include basic maintenance..........good exercise, a healthy diet and medication.
Over 50 percent of people with diabetes will experience early signs of kidney damage.
Check out the Kidney foundation of Canada's website for more information.
Dave Dawson reporting
McQueen across the globe ( 3/10/2010 )
Carbon capture and storage will be front and center when a local MLA travels the world next week.
Dianna McQueen of the Drayton Valley-Calmar riding will be meeting energy leaders in Germany, England and Norway to talk about climate change.
Carbon capture and storage projects will be the main focus.
McQueen will also be promoting Alberta as a worthy energy investment for the other countries.
The MLA's 8 day tour will see stops in London, Oslo and Dusseldorf to talk about CCS......which is responsible for achieving 70 percent of the target in Alberta's climate change strategy.
Dave Dawson reporting
Whitecourt RCMP arrest ( 3/10/2010 )
Whitecourt RCMP have brought in a man who has been evading capture by the authorities.
The police recieved a tip yesterday afternoon that 39 year old Robert Ali Duncan from Blue Ridge was at a residence in the Hilltop Trailer Park.
The RCMP nabbed the suspect as he was leaving the building.
Duncan was wanted on several outstanding warrants and failure to appear in court.
He is in custody and will appear in Whitecourt provincial court.
Jordan James reporting.
Habitat for Humanity Edson project ( 3/10/2010 )
The first fundraiser has been planned to kick off the Habitat for Humanity project in Edson.
All residents are invited to the walkathon scheduled for April 24th.
The route will go through the town trails and there will be prizes for individuals who raise who collect the most pledges.
Friends of Habitat Edmonton-Edson project manager Karen Adam says the group hopes to raise 50 thousand dollars for the build which is the largest rural build in Canada.
Work should get underway for the 15 unit building later this summer.
Jordan James reporting.
Artificial turf ( 3/10/2010 )
It looks like the end is near for the grass field at Commonwealth stadium.
A report will be headed to city council today and if approved, will spell an end to the only grass surface in the CFL by the start of the season in June.
The total cost will be 2.6 million dollars, which 2.1 of will be covered from the commonwealth reserve fund.
The Eskimos will contribute 500 thousand dollars, and then repay 800 thousand dollars a year until over 6 years.
The new turf will allow the team to practice at commonwealth, and allow Clarke stadium to be expanded for community use.
This will not affect the ability to host the qualifying games for FIFA this summer.
Dave Dawson reporting
Edson rec complex ( 3/10/2010 )
A new sports complex in Edson has been a popular topic.
So how far along are they?
Well, the hope is still there. A committee has been meeting regularly.
Plans may include a running track and swimming pool, and it likely won't resemble the Allan and Jean Miller center in Whitecourt.
Committee meetings will continue in the future.
Dave Dawson reporting
Wildwood fire dept. new equipment ( 3/10/2010 )
The Wildwood fire department will be getting a new shiny red toy.
A brand new tanker truck will be coming in from Hub Fire engines in BC, for the cost of 320 thousand dollars.
A tender was sent out in November, but went untouched.
A new one saw 6 bids, and the BC company was at the top of the list.
Fire Chief Cory Chegwyn says Wildwood has a great relationship with Hub Fire Engines.
Dave Dawson reporting
Gravel tender ( 3/10/2010 )
A tender has been awarded for gravel supply to the Evansburg/ Wildwood area.
Jones Trucking and Backhoe Services ltd of Winfield was awarded a bid of just over 380 thousand dollars.
Yellowhead County determined the bid was the lowest of 3 received, when you factor in the distance each company would travel from their location.
Jones provided supply to Yellowhead County's Widlwood/Evansburg region in 2009.
Dave Dawson reporting
Whitecourt drug trial today ( 3/9/2010 )
A trio of Whitecourt men busted by the RCMP will appear in court today.
Back on Feb 6th, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Rodeo Way and seized morphine, cocaine, marihuana and other drug-related items.
Devin Craig Pisch, Blake Lee Adams are making another appearance today for posession of a controlled substance.
Cory Reed Clark will be making his first court appearance.
Dave Dawson reporting.
Fox creek man on TV tonight ( 3/9/2010 )
A man who grew up in Fox Creek will be on tube tonight in a reality TV show.
Josh Higgens is a law office manager now in Toronto and will appear as a hairstylist during the show.
Higgens says the show is called Party Mama's and follows energetic mothers who go a little over the top to plan the perfect party for their children.
Higgens' episode is at 8 on the Slice Network.
Jordan James reporting.
Whitecourt council recap ( 3/9/2010 )
Whitecourt town council has decided to give Habitat for Humanity the money it needs to purchase more land.
Habitat for Humanity had requested a 63 thousand dollar grant to buy property for a proposed 2011 build. The money will come from the Affordable housing program.
A public hearing was held last night to discuss the possible annexation of land north of the community from woodlands county.
The reasoning is the town has plans to develop the area and already provides a considerable number of services.
The issue will be discussed further in the future.
The town heard a report from the RCMP indicating the number of collisions last year were down from 2008.
Different enforcement methods are beleived to have been a factor.
Jordan James reporting.
Online campsite reservations ( 3/9/2010 )
Planning for a May long weekend camping trip has never been easier.
As of yesterday, you can book a campsite online at 50 provincial parks across the province including the park at Pembina River.
Just head to reserve.albertaparks.ca.
There are also plenty of locations that will take early bookings by phone.
Carson-Pegasus and Thunder Lake Provincial parks are two in the region.
The number to call is 1-877-537-2757.
Jordan James reporting.
Whitecourt Golf Clubhouse update ( 3/8/2010 )
It won't be long before we can pull the golf clubs out of the garage and hit the course.
Right now crews are at work at the Whitecourt Golf and Country club building the new clubhouse. Next up is the electrical heating and drywall work.
President Ian Martinot says the new facility will have a larger kitchen and banquet hall.
There will be no need to worry about construction this summer while playing a round.
The club is planning for an upcoming fundraiser to advertise in the new building.
Jordan James reporting
Fatality in Edson with train ( 3/5/2010 )
A man near Edson is dead after being hit by a train at the rail line west of the Willmore Park road.
Police were called to the scene last night around 8pm.
The man is said to be around 30 years old with a shaved head and has blue eyes.
He was wearing brown work boots, faded jeans and a dark green hooded winter jacket.
He was also wearing brown framed tinted glasses.
Police are still trying to identify him.
If you can help the police at all on this matter, call the Edson RCMP at 1-780-723-8822.
Dave Dawson reporting.
Driving Angels Program Swan Hills ( 3/5/2010 )
Seniors in Swan Hills can now officially thank their drivers for helping out.
The town and the Alberta Motor Association have partnered up to bring the Driving Angels program to town.
Driving Angels raises awareness about the transportation needs for seniors who can't drive, but still live independent active lives. The program also recognizes people who do take the time to help their elders.
18 people were acknowledged at the program launch on Wednesday.
You can visit the Swan Hills website if you would like to nominate a Driving angel or become one.
Jordan James reporting
Equipment ( 3/5/2010 )
Thanks to local generosity, kids and adults up north have a chance to play hockey or figure skate.
Bob Walker of Onoway started up a program a couple of years ago that collects used skates and equipment to take to kids in remote communities in the territories.
Walker and Hockey Canada are flying up next Sunday to make a delivery.
However, Walker is hoping another wave of donations will pour in.
He got the idea for the program when he was hunting up north and saw how little the folks up north had for recreation.
Jordan James reporting
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