YEAR IN REVIEW - 2017

January 2017

Alberta implemented its carbon levy on all fuels that emit greenhouse gasses, at a rate of $20 per tonne.
Rocky Nordic Ski Club celebrated the start of 2017 with great trail conditions.
The Rocky Mountain House Airshow Society decided to postpone the 2017 show.
Preliminary design and site work on the proposed county building tallied $2.6 million. The project was not funded in the 2017 budget.
Rocky Trail Blazers Recreation Hockey hosted a tournament.
Moving Forward to New Beginnings was founded by Chris Ehret to help families fleeing domestic violence.
Darlene Houlton was elected president of the Caroline Legion Branch No. 177.
Caroline Curling Club hosted its 63rd annual open bonspiel.
Rocky Community Learning Council championed a LitBit challenge.
Municipal Affairs decided not to conduct a municipal inspection of Clearwater County.
Rocky Spray Park council received a $100,000 grant.
Rocky Minor Hockey hosted a novice tournament.
CRFRS purchased a new fire truck to replace one damaged in October 2016.
Shell Canada made a $10,000 donation to the Sunchild/O’Chiese Cadet Corps.
David Thompson Country unveiled its new regional tourism logo.
Rocky Mayor Fred Nash and Clearwater County Reeve Pat Alexander spoke about positive growth at the Chamber luncheon.
Layne Bensmiller was sidelined from his third year in the Western Hockey League due to an injury.
A rink skipped by Angie Overgaard stole an eight-ender during regular ladies’ curling league play.
Rocky Curling Club received a $150,000 federal grant.
Fish and Wildlife officers asked residents not to feed deer in town.
The Farmers Bonspiel marked its 30th event. The Farmerettes held its 28th ’spiel.
Sunchild School cheerleaders earned a perfect score at their first competition.
Rocky Fish and Game Association held its antler measuring day.
Town and county councillors began negotiations on a joint servicing agreement for the proposed joint development area.
St. Dominic School hosted a basketball tournament.
The former Horburg CNR station house was demolished.
Pioneer School band program marked 25 years.
A group of teenagers found two puppies abandoned at the Children’s Fish Pond.
The Rocky Hospital cancelled surgeries between Jan. 18 and Feb. 5 due to a leaky roof.
Died: Dorothy Mae Munro; Loretta Lynn Rabby; Joris Wetsteyn; Danielle Kathleen Eddy; Kurt Raymond Bauer; Phyllis Jarvin; Garry Douglas Holmes; Jaiden Mah; Robert David Money; Kevin Douglas MacCalder; John Leslie Handbury; George Stanley Larsgard and Margaret Ruth Bertrand.

February 2017

A herd of bison were released in Banff National Park.
A mobile home was heavily damaged by fire at the Sportsman Trailer Park.
Statistics Canada released its 2016 census; both Clearwater County and Rocky Mountain House saw population decline, while Caroline saw very modest growth.
Speed skaters Max Krabben and Cody McCuaig competed at the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships.
Janelle Weslowski earned the $100,000 Loran scholarship.
Chris Snyder represented Canada at the Mister International modelling competition in Thailand.
University of Alberta Chancellor Douglas Stollery visited Rocky.
Evergreen Hall held its fifth annual pond hockey tournament.
Rocky Search and Rescue launched a $120,000 fundraising campaign to purchase helicopter rescue equipment.
Rocky looked for a developer to take on the next phase of Riverview residential subdivision.
A community fundraiser for Denver Campbell was a success. The seven-year-old’s family needed a special van to accommodate him and his wheelchair.
On Valentine’s Day, Kerry and Trent Liebig reflected on 28 years of marriage – and sharing a kidney.
The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site hosted the Canada 150 Voyageurs Rendezvous Métis Homecoming over the Family Day long weekend.
Clearwater County unveiled its preliminary area structure plan for the joint development area north of town.
Ryan Stambaugh competed in the King of the Hammer off-road race in California.
MLA Jason Nixon held town hall meetings in Rocky and Caroline.
Clearwater County approved $2.25 million for engineering and construction of a mobile home park, to be built in Nordegg in 2018.
Died: Jack Edwin Valentine, Vicki Lee Otto; Arthur C. Reynolds, Castin Riley Anger, Sheila Grace McGill, Allan Ray Pick, Conrad Bello, George Jiri Zach, Christina Susa Godding and Zoey Lorna Marie Foesier.
Good Neighbours: Elysia Otto; Brianna and JC Reagan, and Billy Terry.

March 2017

A 55-year-old male pedestrian died in a hit-and-run on the Sunchild First Nation Reserve.
Midget Royals hosted the Provincial B tournament, finishing third. The town celebrated a spirit of hockey day in advance of the tournament.
STARS Air Ambulance calendar featured Lorinda Bye for the month of March. Bye was airlifted from Cow Lake Campground in 2009.
Mocking Shadows performed a benefit concert for the Rocky Band Parents Association.
Rocky and Alberta Health Services reached an agreement on paying for the water tower demolition.
Staged Right mounted its 11th production, Cash on Delivery.
Rocky Curling Club hosted a ladies bonspiel. Twenty-three teams participated.
West Country Chiefs Atom and Peewee 1 teams played provincial tournaments.
Pioneer School Grade 8 band performed at the Alberta International Band Festival.
Rocky Fish and Game Association handed out awards at its annual banquet.
Steve Debienne was named fire chief of Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services.
Rolf Bergman was named community builder of the year at the Rocky Chamber’s awards banquet.
Clearwater County Crime Watch held a crime prevention trade show.
Rocky Curling Club hosted a men’s bonspiel.
Seven local footballers were named to the Battle River Shock football team.
Doug Griffiths spoke in Rocky on 13 Ways to Kill Your Community.
Rocky Figure Skating Club held a year-end carnival on ice.
Clearwater County residents were invited to paint a tile for the Canada 150 mosaic.
Barracudas Swim Club hosted a swim meet.
Rocky Oilmen’s 51st bonspiel kicked off on March 29.
Died: Willard George Billings; Grant Tyler Hamilton; Jordie Brett Lang; L.E. Smith; Elsie Catherine Wedman; Walter Michael Benz, Cody Russell Anderson, Jaqueline Bott, Mae Prins, Alva Jean Wright Turner, Janet Blood, Donato Di Giovannantonio, Marcella Thelma Pulay, Jean Bowen, Audrey Alice Nichols, Fredrick Allan Dingman and Willard George Billings.

April 2017

St. Matthew Catholic School raised over $2,500 to help support the family of Isabelle Ketchum as she underwent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Clearwater County council met with members of the NDP Rural Caucus to make a case for protecting the environment through proper management of public land use zones.
RCMP members seized guns and drugs from a residence following a complaint of a man brandishing a firearm and pointing it at people.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited reported multiple thefts of batteries and Cata-Dyne heater starter cables.
The Mountaineer donated $500 to the Rocky and District Victim Services, and $150 to Caroline Neighbourhood Place as part of its annual Impaired Driving Prevention campaign.
Town council made some changes to the employee wellness policy following the 2017 budget increase. It also wrote off approximately $3,500 in unpaid utility bills accounts receivable and taxes from 2014 and 2015.
Velma Keller was reappointed to role of returning officer for the town.
A firetack crew conducted a hazard-reduction burn on Sunchild First Nation.
Town councillors approved a 2.75 per cent residential tax rate increase.
RCMP members retrieved seven stolen firearms and other stolen property, including two stolen vehicles, in separate traffic stops.
Métis Local 845 had a full complement of board members for the first time in a decade.
The Easter Bunny helped kids look for eggs at the fourth annual Dovercourt Hall Easter Egg Hunt.
Sales were down about 15 per cent during the annual Battle of the Rockies online tarp sale, amounting to an approximately $16,000 shortage from the previous year.
Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS) responded to a grass fire south of Caroline.
CRFRS Services were dispatched to Spongberg Enterprises after a decommissioned trailer caught fire.
The Rocky Mountain House Agricultural Society began consultations with the community regarding a new agricultural facility.
Town councillors reviewed the 2017 Property Tax Bylaw after it was realized the municipality would be short on collecting senior housing and education requisitions.
The Ladies Hospital Auxiliary once again offered its $2,000 bursaries to students looking at pursuing a career in a medical field.
CRFRS ran a recruitment drive for the area, encouraging people to check out open houses at each fire station.
Sunchild School staff celebrated a health and wellness day, with activities such as Zumba, yoga and claywork.
The town finalized residential tax rates, setting rates more than $73 higher for residences assessed at $250,000 and $426 higher for commercial properties assessed over $800,000.
Can collector Ken Scott was given a Tim Hortons gift certificate by several appreciative youth for his endeavours to keep the town and skatepark clear of garbage.
The Mountaineer received the Canada’s Best All Around Newspaper in its class award, as well as an award for best front page, best editorial, and a second place photography prize.
Bill Eckmire celebrated his 105th birthday with five generations of family.
The Mountaineer hired Shaelyn Poteet as a staff reporter.
Died: Edna Jean Dahlin; Marilyn Carlson; Pierre J.M. Gauthier; Francis Stevenson; Paul Ernest Zander; Helen Marie Benoit; Murray Nelson Clark Thelma Viola Heikkinen; Susan Gail Osborne and Heather Elaine Pengelly.
Good Neighbours: Laura and Gordon Knoples; John Christianson, Emma, Logan and Abby Pratt; Lorraine and Ernie Murlas; Elsie Nelson and Leil Ratcliffe.

May 2017

Emergency crews responded when a minivan collided with a tractor trailer on Hwy. 22 south of Rocky. The driver of the minivan was brought to the Rocky Hospital by ambulance and then transported by STARS.
Clearwater County passed a bylaw allowing residents of certain hamlets to own small flocks of chickens.
Alberta Education made budget cuts that negatively impacted services to high-needs students within the Wild Rose School Division.
Town council granted West Central High School permission to do a project that involved keeping bees on the school premises for one year.
ATB Financial conducted its annual Teddy for a Toonie campaign.
Rocky Kinsmen and Kinettes hosted the District Kin Convention for the first time in Rocky Mountain House.
Clearwater County granted $8,000 towards the demolition of buildings located on the six lots where the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter plans to build a new facility.
The Clearwater Regional Housing Foundation sought to represent the diversity of the community by inviting citizens to become a part of the foundation.
Banff National Park saw the first bison born in the park on Earth Day.
An 84-year-old man died after being struck by a vehicle while navigating a crosswalk in Rocky.
The Rocky Organization for Animal Rescue (ROAR) hosted an open house of its new facility, which boasts outdoor runs for the dogs and a visiting area for cats.
STARS responded to a motorcycle crash on Arbutus Road after the driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a barbed-wire fence.
CRFRS and Alberta Wildfire crews responded to a fire at the blue bridge west of town.
Rocky and Rimbey co-ops announced the decision to merge as one co-operative, in an amalgamation scheduled to take place Dec. 3, 2017.
CRFRS and Alberta Wildfire crews responded to a grass fire on the Crimson Lake Road.
COPA put on its spring edition of COPA for Kids, which gave youth the opportunity to experience flight in seven different aircraft.
The R.L. Zengel Legion Branch No. 8 hosted a veteran appreciation and award night.
Eleven-year-old Abby Pratt participated in the Teddy Bear Walk two months after undergoing brain surgery.
RCMP heightened security and investigated a threat to school safety after graffiti was found in the bathroom of Pioneer School that indicated danger to the school.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began preparations for the seventh annual food drive to support the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter.
Former MLA Joe Anglin took Alberta Chief Electoral Officer Glen Ressler to court over a $250 fine incurred by Anglin’s campaign practices.
Caroline celebrated the 84th annual Bighorn Stampede.
The town hosted an open house to gather public input regarding its Recreation Master Plan.
The Ladies Hospital Auxiliary hosted a bake sale.
St. Matthew Grade 8 student Sydney Nile donated her hair to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Alberta Health Services worked to finalize the documents that would allow the new heliport to become operational.
RCMP and conservation officers worked together to ensure a safe and fun May long weekend.
The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission proposed changes that would see the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre district expand to include Buck Lake and Drayton Valley.
Wildfire personnel from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry conducted a prescribed burn in the Blackstone Recreation Area.
There was a good turnout as Rocky Mountain House celebrated Museum Day.
A proactive joint patrol on the North Saskatchewan River put RMCP members in the right place at the right time to rescue a man and woman whose boat had capsized.
Raylyn Smith and Logan Fontana, West Central High School students, both placed second in their respective classes at the Alberta Skills Canada Competition.
The Rocky Mountain House Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Vintage West antique market in Leslieville.
Died: Claudine McDonald; Charles Walter McDonald; Walter Dennis Nelson; Sharon Gail Ross; Linda Gay Park; Lolita Moor; Robert Christian Toudal; Peter Valstar; George Bruinsma; Marchia Sharron Litle; Alexander Lawrence Tremblay; Joshua Kody Begin; Mary Grace Maxwell; William John Cumberland and Gary Allan Heine.
Good Neighbours: Shane Muyers, Carmen and Myles Jensen and Jordan Riddle.

June 2017

The Rocky Native Friendship Centre celebrated a province-wide Day of Friendship with a walk around Rocky Mountain House.
Art Tweedle complained about the charred remains of the Banff Park gatehouse, which burned down in 2016 and hadn’t yet been cleaned up.
A bus fire left kids from the Aboriginal Head Start program waiting in The Brick parking lot for hours while transportation was rearranged.
The Sustainability Project Rocky Mountain House installed a community garden.
Sarah Greenwood was hired to weave at the Rocky Museum as part of a live display.
French Immersion students from Pioneer Elementary School visited Quebec and Ontario to learn about French-Canadian culture.
St. Dominic Catholic High School students celebrated Canada 150 by dressing in red and white on the 150th day of school.
The Rocky Pro Rodeo came back after a year’s hiatus.
Town peace officers investigated a case after a dog at large attacked another dog being walked by its owner.
Following complaints, Parks Canada made a promise to rebuild the gatehouse to the Banff National Park.
The annual D-Day remembrance ceremony was held at the Siffleur Falls staging area in the shadow of Ex Coelis Mountain.
Fourteen people participated in Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on Main Street, despite rainy weather.
The Rocky Community Learning Council celebrated 40 years in the community.
A storm wreaked havoc on the Meese farm, leaving a trail of destruction across a quarter section of land and through the front yard that snapped trees and ripped the roof off of a barn.
Nine people were rescued from the North Saskatchewan River in three separate incidents, which prompted rescue crews to ask people to stay away from the river while the water was high and fast.
The town sought ways to bring the lagoon into compliance after several acute lethality test failures.
Cleanup began on the Twin Lakes trail system after a storm downed several trees.
Sunchild School received a pile of telephone poles from Fortis Alberta, to be used in the construction of two baseball diamonds.
Three members of CRFRS received lifetime service awards at the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association conference in Red Deer.
Aboriginal dancers from across Alberta travelled to Sunchild First Nation Reserve for a powwow. 107 dancers participated.
The Sunchild/O’Chiese Cadet Corps participated in the Rocky Rodeo Parade to show off the corps’ new van.
RCMP members shot a cougar within town limits near École Rocky Elementary.
Shelley, Nicolas, Anthony and Fred Little raised $3,150 for the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter through Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.
Many parks were impacted by severe storms that took place in June, and required intensive clean up.
CRFRS, Rocky Search and Rescue, Sundre EMS, RCMP and STARS responded to an accident on Rig Street southwest of Caroline.
Rocky Christian School was nominated as a finalist for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge.
A neighbourhood northwest of Rocky got together to celebrate Canada 150, by pounding 150 Canadian flags on fence posts along the roadway.
Rocky Christian School celebrated five years as part of the Wild Rose School Division.
Rocky students Genevieve Mamer and Isabel Chambers were top 10 Young Citizens finalists.
West Central High School, Caroline School, David Thompson High School and St. Dominic School bid adieu to graduates.
Primary Care Network (PCN) voted in favour of a new governance structure that would see PCNs across Alberta divided into zones and headed by committees.
Died: Jacoba Anna Bott-Ouwens, Don Meronowich, Vernon Henry Larson, Gay Smid, George op den Dries, Mary Beatrice Quinn, Lisa Adeline Guenette and Charlotte Sena Makowski, Annie Laura Emily Lea and Amber Lee Finlay.

July 2017

Six voyageurs canoe teams departed from the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site on the first leg of a three-week race to The Pas, Man., in honour of Canada 150.
Thousands of people celebrated Canada Day in Clearwater County.
Mayor Fred Nash announced he would not seek re-election.
O’Chiese First Nation hosted a competition powwow.
Severe thunderstorms produced at least one tornado and large hail in Clearwater County.
Saddle bronc rider Jim Berry and chuckwagon driver Codey McCurrach each competed at the Calgary Stampede.
Prab Lashar took over the role of Chamber executive director.
Progressive Conservative leader Jason Kenney came to town, campaigning to Unite the Right. The PC and Wildrose parties united to form the United Conservative Party later in July.
Buster Creek Horse Trials went off without a hitch.
Ben Borley, Tamara Borley, Jasmine Holimaty and Ray Salmon placed second at a national bowling tournament.
Clearwater County Highway Patrol, RCMP and Alberta sheriffs patrolled the west country during a joint-force operation.
ATV Triple Crown race series made a stop at Table Top Raceway.
Leslieville hosted the U14 fastball provincial champs.
Crimson Lake Provincial Park celebrated Parks Day.
Medicine River Wildlife Centre spokes-owl, Otis, drew a crowd to the Rocky Public Library.
Team Hatchet Lake won the 2017 Voyageurs Rendezvous canoe race.
Two boaters in distress were rescued from Abraham Lake.
Quilter Pat Frayn earned a first place prize for a Canada 150 quilt at the Calgary Stampede.
Marketplace on Main drew a crowd to Main Street each Thursday night.
RCMP targeted drug crimes and made six arrests for drug trafficking and possession.
Abby Pratt travelled to Florida to undergo treatment for a brain tumour.
Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Service firefighters travelled to British Columbia to help tackle wildfires in that province.
Western Wheels Classic Car Show took over Main Street.
The Husky Spring Swing golf tournament raised $35,000 for charity.
The hospital helipad was opened to aircraft on July 31.
Good neighbours: Leigh-Anne Wright, Sharon and Bob Varty,
Died: Helen May Williams, Elizabeth Anne Game, Josephine Violet Feys, Marie Waugh, Vivian Margaret Andres, Michael Hobmaier, Tammy Ann Kolody, Ian Sinclair Maitland-Smith, Dorothy Marie Stanley, Daryl Neal Speight, Cecil Douglas McRae, Marlene Margaret Bauer, Thomas Alexander Graham, Minnie Lena Kirstein, Rita Nadine Maxwell and Carl Patrick Dellaire.

August 2017

Hayden Cole took the saddle bronc title at the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals. Clay Guthrie took first in steer wrestling, while Stran Pollit placed second in chute dogging at the junior high finals.
Jordan Bertagnolli took pare in the Canada C3 ocean voyage through the arctic.
Rocky Curling Club installed larger viewing windows in its lounge.
MP Jim Eglinski held a roundtable discussion on softwood lumber in Rocky.
Nordegg celebrated community spirit at Nordegg Days. Matthew Barakeris defended his pie-eating championship title.
An eight-year-old boy hiked down from Windy Point to get help for his injured mother.
Corinne Newman was appointed as interim CAO of the town.
World Professional Chuckwagon Association drivers converged in Rocky for the final event of the season, the Battle of the Rockies. Kurt Bensmiller won the world crown, while Dustin Gorst won the Battle of the Rockies.
A partial solar eclipse was visible from Rocky.
The Provincial Building got a facelift to its exterior brickwork.
The Children’s Fish Pond was bustling with eager anglers during the kids’ derby.
Cassidy Johnannesson represented Canada at the Junior World Vaulting Championships.
Hunter Smith represented Alberta at the Canada Summer Games for wrestling.
Rural beautification awards were handed out to Brian and Cindy Martinson, Linda and Barry Proudlove and Reg and Sherrie Kyncl.
Chuckwagon driver Kelly Sutherland retired from racing after the Battle of the Rockies.
CN conducted maintenance on its trestle over the North Saskatchewan River.
250 people took part in the Crimson Lake Trail Run.
Rocky Christian School erected new playground equipment.
The Rocky Canoe Club held its women’s paddling weekend.
A 32-year-old Calgary man survived a grizzly bear attack near Panther River, in the far southwest corner of Clearwater County.
Clearwater County councillors considered a pay raise.
The swimming pool was shuttered for a two-month reno.
The Lions Demolition Derby marked 36 years with a record crown and record heat.
The Rocky Hospital held a grand opening for the new helipad.
Cocaine valued at $12,000 was seized in a traffic stop near Rocky.
Good neighbour: Stan Taylor.
Died: Marie Randall, Jerelyn Brenda May Bardwell, Raymond Dennis, Gordon Edward Gale, Esther Bryanton, Albert John Tensen and Daniel Maxwell Thomson.

September 2017

Wildfires near Crescent Falls and Coral Creek restricted public access to the west country.
Fall motocross races ran at Table Top Raceway.
Rocky Junior Rebels geared up for the football season.
Cookie Jar Preschool marked its 35th anniversary.
An 88-hectare wildfire west of Burnstick Lake was brought under control.
Students in Clearwater County headed back to school.
Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter conducted a point-in-time homelessness count.
Terry Fox Runs were held at area schools and on town trails.
County councillors set a new salary for incoming councillors.
Tammy Burke and Sheila Mizera ran for mayor of Rocky Mountain House. Town council candidates were Jason Alderson, Randy Brown, Scott Collinson, Jennifer Courtis, Merrin Fraser, Georgia Howard, James Kult, Kirby Muyres, Michelle Narang and Len Phillips.
John Vandermeer and Jim Duncan were acclaimed to Clearwater County. County council candidates were Kyle Greenwood, Dick Wymenga, Cammie Laird, Curt Maki, Daryl Lougheed, Megan Jeffery, Theresa Laing, Andrea Garnier Spongberg, Diana Spencer, Timothy Hoven, Lorissa Nafzinger, Pat Alexander and Michelle Swanson.
Village of Caroline council candidates were Mary Bugbee, Corby Parsons, Rachele Peters, John Rimmer, Bill Sumyk, Kim Ceasor and Samantha LaFont.
Gary Thompson and Stuart Morris vied for the Wild Rose School Division Ward 3 trustee seat.
Dorraine Lonsdale and Liam McNiff vied for a seat on the Red Deer Catholic Regional School board.
Rocky Native Friendship Centre hosted the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association’s AGM.
Rocky Farmers Market marked 40 years.
The Man Van made a stop in Rocky to perform prostate cancer screening tests.
North Saskatchewan River Park stakeholders discussed the future of the park at a public engagement meeting.
The Nordegg Discovery Park celebrated its official grand opening.
The Lublinkhof farm held its annual charity potato dig. All the potatoes were donated to food banks across Alberta.
Rocky Support Services Society raised $25,000 at its charity gold tournament.
Bernie Lublinkhof hosted his annual potato dig in support of central Alberta food banks.
Died: Matthew Gordon Hainsworth, Herbert George Oja, Bernard Butterwick, Marilyn Evans, Margaret Sutherland, Zella Louise Vig, Willia Ashton Carter, Milliam Merrial Radford and Melody Lynn Scott.

October 2017

Ignite Rocky and Clearwater County began meeting as a way for positive-thinking people to work towards growth and development in the region.
Candidates for town, county and village councils began presenting their platforms at forums throughout the county.
RCMP investigated a two-vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of Hwy. 22 and Hwy. 11.
The Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce approached town and county councils seeking $60,000 in financial assistance after learning that outstanding invoices and payroll taxes might cause the Chamber to shut down.
RCMP investigated after two men robbed the cashier of Pudgee’s Convenience Store at gunpoint.
Police asked for public assistance after a vehicle struck and killed a gas station clerk in Thorsby, Alta.
Sisters on Saturday began meeting on the first Saturday of every month to connect women in the community through shared experiences.
One civilian was stabbed during a crime spree that spanned several police jurisdictions. A school bus, a truck, gas and cigarettes were stolen by the two suspects.
Councils welcomed new faces following the municipal election. Mayor Tammy Burke and councillors Jason Alderson, Michelle Narang, Len Phillips, Merrin Fraser, Scott Collinson and Randy Brown were elected to serve Rocky Mountain House. Reeve John Vandermeer and councillors Jim Duncan, Cammie Laird, Tim Hoven, Michelle Swanson, Theresa Laing and Daryl Lougheed were elected to serve Clearwater County. Mayor John Rimmer and councillors Mary Bugbee, Corby Parsons, Kim Ceasor and Bill Sumyk were elected to serve Caroline. Dorraine Lonsdale was elected trustee for the Hwy. 11 Ward of the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division, while Gary Thompson was elected trustee for the Wild Rose School Division Ward 3.
A crash on Hwy. 11 left one man dead after his vehicle collided with a tractor trailer.
The Nordegg Fire Pond was emptied so the plastic liner could be repaired.
Town councillors voted to implement temporary measures that would see the lagoon fall in line with provincial regulations and set the stage for future improvements.
Three people were arrested after a police chase that spanned three RCMP jurisdictions. Two of the suspects were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries incurred during the incident, while the third was taken into police custody at the scene.
The Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce received a $15,000 loan from the Town of Rocky Mountain House to help keep the lights on while the Chamber scrambled to find the funds to pay for outstanding invoices and payroll taxes, as well as money to support future operations.
Former MLA Joe Anglin’s complaint against the Chief Electoral Officer was dismissed at the Court of Queen’s Bench. Anglin went to court after being fined $250 for not following regulations regarding signage in 2015.
This year’s municipal elections saw a three per cent increase in voter turnout as compared to 2013. Thirty per cent of residents took to the polls as opposed to 27 per cent in the last election.
A 28-year-old woman was killed when her vehicle rolled at the intersection of Hwy. 11 and Hwy. 11A.
The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission proposed another set of changes to the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre electoral district, which would see the boundary extend south to encompass Bergen, Elkton, Water Valley and Westward Ho instead of north to Drayton Valley.
Three transient thieves were arrested in Rocky Mountain House after an officer noticed a stolen vehicle parked at a motel.
The Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter released the results of the first community Rural Homelessness Study. The study investigated homelessness numbers and causes.
The Rocky Organization for Animal Rescue had to temporarily close its doors to animal surrenders and rescues due to an influx of cats and kittens.
The Clearwater Broadband Foundation began work on a pilot project to lay optic fibre from town to Gateway Industrial Park.
Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre district MLA Jason Nixon was appointed as temporary leader of the opposition for the United Conservative Party.
County councillors began looking at the requirements for inter-municipal collaborative frameworks, which outline agreements between municipalities that share borders. Over the next two years, the county will have to forge agreements with 11 other municipalities.
RCMP investigated a break-in to a store in Caroline. Suspects used a vehicle to smash through the front of a store, and stole multiple items, including an unspecified number of long-barrelled firearms.
Six people were arrested during a police raid on O’Chiese and Sunchild First Nations reserves. The suspects were in possession of stolen vehicles, ATVs, credit cards and identification. Some suspects were also wanted on outstanding warrants related to drug possession and firearms offences.
Ignite elected an interim board with Barry McQueen as chair. The board was tasked with setting bylaws and working on getting status as a society.
The Tamarack Liquor Store was robbed at knife-point on Halloween night. Police requested assistance in identifying the two suspects, one of which was male.
Died: Wayne James Demas, Paulette Edith Schultz, Patricia Ann Arychuck, Glen McGillivray, Danny MacDonald, Wilfred Robert Benum, Reginald Fredrick McGlashen, Donald Allen Hunley, Alvin George Brown, Otto Leskosek, Cindy Barbara Taschuk, Arden Grant and Jennifer Marie Law.

November 2017

Students had to walk up the hill to École Rocky Elementary after their bus was unable to overcome the icy road conditions on Main Street.
Alberta’s parliamentary secretary for economy and trade, Jessica Littlewood, addressed a crowd at Rocky’s first Oil and Gas Expo, saying that Alberta’s economy is looking up.
Clearwater County cowboy Jim Berry qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
Clearwater County council committed to pursuing highspeed internet for residents.
Northern Crossing split its directorship over multiple parties for this year’s Christmas choral concert.
Operation Christmas Child packed boxes at the Nazarene Church. Rocky shipped 998 boxes.
Five people from Rocky travelled to Spain for the Kangoo Jumps International Fitness Festival.
Caroline School students donated several boxes of socks, toques and mitts to the Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter after participating in “Socktober.”
The Rocky Mountain House Library launched its Artist of the Month program with work from artist Bonnie Miller.
Habitat for Humanity took on its second renovation in Rocky Mountain House and was looking for a family to fill the house.
Clearwater County CAO Ron Leaf took a leave of absence that turned into a permanent termination of his employment. The role was temporarily filled by director of planning Rick Emmons.
Clearwater County called for a hiring freeze on all positions with the exception of an IT person and a surface roads supervisor.
The Ladies Hospital Auxiliary purchased new mattresses for the beds in active care to the tune of $15,588.
The Next to New reached a new donation milestone. Over the years, the organization has donated a total of $2.5 million to charities and organizations in the community.
Diana Spencer and Sheila Mizera made a joint request for a judicial review into the 2017 elections for both town and county. Both allege that some electors cast a ballot in both town and county.
Two men were arrested after a home invasion near Rge. Rd. 4-1 and Twp. Rd. 390.
The town reached a confidential agreement with Stantec regarding design fees for the Christenson Sports and Wellness Centre.
A lone driver from Vermillion was pronounced dead on-scene after hitting the ditch on Hwy. 752.
The food bank set its donation goal at $50,000 for this year’s turkey drive.
County and town councillors discussed means of broadcasting council meetings to the public. The town considered an economical podcast format to begin with, while the county considered a $75,000 live streamed, interactive agenda format similar to that used in Calgary.
Rocky Mountain House maintained its ties with Japan when Mayor Tammy Burke and councillor Len Phillips attended a celebration in honour of the emperor’s 84th birthday in Calgary.
The Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter began its Red Rose campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence in the community.
Rocky Christian School principal Rob Duiker began seeking the Conservative nomination for the federal Yellowhead riding.
The Clearwater County Policing Advisory Committee held a proactive fentanyl discussion to talk about risks as the drug moves closer to Clearwater County and Rocky Mountain House.
The town replaced a $10,000 water pump at the treatment plant.
Cattlemen’s Day featured a huge turnout at Leslieville where producers learned the latest trends and tricks in the industry.
The annual Festival of Trees was held at the Lou Soppit Community Centre, raising $28,000 for the Kinsmen and Kinettes, and $13,000 for organizations in the community.
Good Neighbours: Mike and Jeane Marchant.
Died: Beatrice Mary Day, Linda Jean McLean, Barry Erwin Thomas, Beverly Jean Ann Krachy, Thelma Black, Marlyn Ann Mabee, Clifford Adolph Schafer, June Bethia Senkyr and George Donald Arthur Phillips.

December 2017

Clearwater County gave the Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce a $30,000 grant.
Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services volunteers honed their skills at a condemned 52 St. house.
A bill that would see the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre electoral district extend south to include Bergen, Water Valley, Elkton and Westward Ho passed first reading in Alberta Legislature.
Rocky Support Services Society donated $300 to the Clearwater Boys and Girls Club.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints hosted its annual Christmas Nativity Display, with nativity scenes from across the globe.
The Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre hosted its third annual dessert fundraiser in the community.
Sheila Mizera and Dianna Spencer appeared before the Court of Queen’s Bench in Red Deer to request a judicial review of the ballots cast in both town and county’s 2017 municipal election. Jeneanne Grundberg, lawyer for town and county requested that the case be dismissed; however, Justice M. Slawinksy ordered that the applicant’s appear before the court again on Jan. 15, 2018.
Santas Anonymous helped 148 families with more than 400 children this year.
TransCanada made a $4,000 donation to the Compassionate Care Hospice Society.
The Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter held its annual Women Standing Together event as a means of bringing awareness of the issue of gender-based violence, and to give victims a voice in the community.
The Rocky Organization for Animal Rescue approached the town with a request to provide kennelling for animals impacted by animal control.
The Medical Equipment Lending Society moved into a newer, bigger space to hold equipment between uses.
Members of the West Central High School Rebels football team attended the Central Alberta High School Football all-star banquet in Ponoka.
Hunter Smith earned two medals at Ontario wrestling tournaments.
Rocky Christian School mounted a Christmas musical: Three Wise Men and a Baby.
Dean Karuse was hired as the new CAO of Rocky Mountain House. He will begin his duties in January.
David Thompson High School was slated for closure by 2021.
Nordegg celebrated the season with a community Christmas party.
Northern Crossing held its 33rd annual Christmas choral concert.
Died: Garry William Courtright, Jannel Courtney Sandstra and Ethel Gwendolin Georgina von Hollen, Pentti Olavi Heinonen, Olga Matilda Needham, Curtis Opden Dries, Bruce Jeremy Dahl, Maurice Claude Sims, Ron Vernon Weidman, Tove Della Costa, Zara Chambers and Bridget Chambers.
Good neighbour: Samantha Elk.

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