Untitled Document

Year in Review - 2004

JANUARY

The newly formed federal Conservative Party held its first meetings in Rocky area.
Farmers were thankful for Clearwater County's tax initiative.
Died: Mabel Smith; Viola May Luyckfasseel; Robert James Ross; Ethel Mary Erickson; Myrtle Marion Hainsworth, 63; Ellen Matilda Osterlund, 84, of Ft. St. John; Allen Lyng Andersen, 51; Phyllis Park, 84, of Spruce Grove; Jacob J. Loewen, 88; Wade Law, 33; Edna Fullerton, 87.
Johan op den Dries gives his last donation of blood.
A new film celebrates the contributions of Rocky musician Bruce Haack.
The Nazarene Church youth staged "I Witness News: Live From Bethlehem."
The Chamber made a challenge to improve cell phone coverage.
An economic development strategy sought input from local volunteers.
The Justices of Peace system caused concern for Rocky Town Council.
Good Neighbor of the Week: Bernie Ernewein.
Will Sinclair High School students built a chain to fight drunk driving.
Environmental Farm Plan workshops were available at Clearwater County.
A seminar focused on handing down the family farm.
Artist Christine Tricker was immortalized by Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada.
Byron Harpold was ordered to stand trial on a child pornography charge.
Town of Rocky expenditures to rise by five per cent
Clearwater County looked to the province for Sunchild Road relief.
The planning for a proposed limestone mine for Baseline Mountain was proceeding slowly.
An injured woman was found alone after two days.
Japanese visitors learned about Canadian house construction techniques.
Clearwater County councillors discussed expense form discrepancies.
Sunpine's Strachan Plant saw benefits from 2003
Death of 33-year-old man was not considered suspicious, said RCMP.
Senior housing vacancies in Rocky were not considered usual.
Good Neighbor of the Week: Kevin Gagne.
Potential big box stores sparked a Rocky Town Council debate.
Gigantic steer a surprise to local cattle owner.
Former resident Beorn Nijenhuis wins a speed skating medal in China.
Rocky boxer Kandi Wyatt was named prov. champion in her category.
Aeration in Mitchell and Beaver Lakes meant healthier fish.
A contract worker was injured at the new high school construction site.

FEBRUARY

Eugene Pasieka received the Chamber of Commerce Community Builder of Year award
Terri Kalyn received Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.
Scott Campbell of Rocky Credit Union accepted the Corporate Service Award.
A home in the Ferrier area was damaged by fire.
A new television reality series featured Rocky actor Jason Cermak.
Volunteers looked at ways to enhance a great community.
Clearwater County officially adopted its Vision document.
Sustainable Resource manager Pat Guidera was transferred to Edmonton.
Chauntal Armet of Rocky was named to provincial hockey team for Alberta Winter Games.
Nordegg industrial zone development was put on hold.
Died: Ida Marjorie Scott, 81; Elsie Ellen Fenton, 86; Jacob Philip Nist, 94; Wilson Henry Smith, 67; John Wozniczka, 67; Herb Kunkel; Oliver Cossuta, 64; Ina Mehetabel Stanford McLean, 87; Carl Kautz, 82; Amelia Morley, 103; Kathrina Buchta; Bernard Holmes, 79; Alice Periche, 73; Sandy Alexander Stolarchuk, 77; Ronald Stewart, 70; and Ruby Melinda Sorensen, 91.
An affordable housing committee was formed.
Infra-red cameras gained conditional support.
Parks Canada proposed major changes at National Historic Site.
The auction market property was re-zoned to highway commercial.
U of C wind ensemble delighted with a great musical evening.
Pioneer School students aided Lord's Food Bank.
Sustainable Resources Development Department reduced the grizzly bear hunt.
Classroom on Wheels came to Rocky and Caroline.
Town Council pondered relaxing downtown parking rules.
Pedersen/ATB Financial claimed the Farmers' Bonspiel title.
Relief for beef industry uncertain, said experts.
Will Sinclair High School property was re-zoned to highway commercial.
Community members spoke out against Parks Canada's proposal for the historic site.
A police dog needed after suspects fled.
A child was in stable condition after vehicle struck him.
Clearwater County contractors were caught overloading gravel trucks.
The avalanche risk was high in the mountains, said an outdoor expert.
Clearwater County approved its 2004 budget.
Java and Jazz was a success, said organizers.
Kayley Blair and J.D. Hays topped high school rodeo rankings.
Clearwater council wanted a review of insurance for non-profit societies.
RCMP spoke to several schools about recreational vehicle safety.
Jamie Meyers, Brandi Sidoryk, Nathan Sytsma and Richard Doran got Northern Crossing scholarships.
A young man faced prison time after fleeing from police.
Rocky Credit Union celebrated its 60th anniversary.
County road work was criticized by an environmentalist.
Clearwater County council balked at Parks Canada's plans for the historic site.
Rocky's artistic crowd worked toward a local gallery.
A mother and daughter team completed marathon in Hawaii.
A boy, 17, was pronounced dead after a stabbing on the O'Chiese Reserve.
Highway Patrol lost a vehicle to a moose collision.
Rocky's movie theater was used for a live play.
The federal electoral boundaries were changed by the government.
Dale Johnston was nominated by the Conservative Party for the Wetaskwin riding.
Wild Rose School Division board approved a band trip to Seattle, WA.

MARCH

The Festival of Culture 2004 blended community flavors.
An alleged stabber reserved his plea in provincial court.
Clearwater County stated formal opposition to Parks Canada's plan for the historic site.
A workshop helped families deal with dementia.
Rocky Christian School students showed their skills at a school fair.
Died: Karen Lynn Begg, 45, of Red Deer; Violet Grace Smith; Sheila Irene Hogberg, 70; Eion Chisholm, of Okotoks; Donald Vernon Erickson, 69; Gunner Anderson, 81; Leslie Couturier, 54; John Moberg, 84; Dustin Tye Cadrain, 21; Olga MacKay, 76; Ruth Anne Arthur, 63; Mildred Patricia Sande, 70; Bonnie Easton, 43; Barbara S. Titford, 75; Edgar Thomas Edwin Scott; and Marilyn Ann Garland, 57.
A speaker helped find what colors match one's personality.
Rocky Christian School hosted Grandparents Day.
Mark Friesen was appointed Canadian Band Association president.
Water resources was the topic of a West Central Stakeholders night.
Nordegg Tri-ice-a-thon taught mountaineering with fun.
Rocky Town Council looked at a bylaw to fight bullies.
Main Street revitalization concepts were examined.
Rocky Town Council ordered a new RCMP officer for 2005.
The low income housing project in the old Post Office was given the green light.
Rocky Town Council looked at a bylaw to forbid indoor public smoking.
Good Neighbors of the Week: Gerry van Heeren; Victor Beanblossom; and Carmen and Myles Jensen.
Jackrabbit program taught cross-country skiing to kids.
Pioneer student advanced to Alberta finals in Canadian Geography Challenge.
Kari Bayley's inspirational music touched the hearts of locals.
Zengel Legion Branch Ladies' Auxiliary marked its 60th anniversary.
Web designers were wanted for the Economic Development Committee web site.
Two Rocky teachers were challenged by a top diploma test marking job.
An era at Rocky Hospital ended with Extended Care's move.
A Rocky man was alleged to have been caught breaking into a Drayton Valley home.
The EUB described the provincial pipeline situation to Clearwater County.
Three local councils hired a consultant for a cooperation study.
Don Andersen won recognition for conservation.
The new tri-campus facility construction pressed ahead nicely, said the WSHS principal.
The Affordable Housing Board held its inaugural meeting.
Shell calculated a reduced emergency zone for a natural gas well.
Carvers attended their annual retreat at Alford Lake.
Frisco Dinner Theater celebrated its 20th anniversary.
The RCMP regimental ball benefited Rocky Victim Services.
Mayor Lou Soppit was disappointed by the province's new policing formula.
The provincial government targeted big priorities with its budget.
A business owner lost three vehicles in a shop fire.
Clearwater County MPC turned down a Whitegoat Lakes node proposal.
Capt. Alex Watson was recognized for exemplary work in Afghanistan.
A youth film production had its first screening.
Pioneer School students held a Japanese Culture Festival.
Animal rescuers got strays off the streets.
96 teams registered for the 39th Rocky Oilmen's Curling Bonspiel.

APRIL

Don Curr of Everdell won $2.5 million playing LOTTO 6/49.
Clearwater County analyzed the federal and provincial budget impacts on the municipality.
Clearwater County granted $25,000 to Nordegg Historical Society for museum and mine site renovations.
Rick Bonnett of Ponoka defeated Peter Crossley of Rocky to run as candidate for Liberal Party of Canada in Wetaskiwin constituency.
Museum fund-raising auction was carried on radio and the Internet.
39th annual Oilmen's Bonspiel brought 384 curlers to the Rocky curling rink. Nelson Bros. rink took home the top prize.
Curves' annual food drive raised 1975 pounds of food for the food bank.
Jeffery Louis Scott was found deceased near his residence. Death was not treated as suspicious.
Died: Wilbert Henry Wade, 72; Betty Eileen Cinnamon of Rocky; Jeff Louis Scott, 59, of Leslieville; Edwin Gilmore Olson, 96, of Eckville; Gerald Little, 73, of Rocky; Donald Fredrick Buck, 73; Margaret Rebecca Cochrane, 96, of Rocky; Marion Murray, 85, of Rocky; Helen Agnes Bruce, 83; Lawrence William Crawford, 80, of Leslieville; Ellen Margaret Ida Nelson, 92, of Rocky; Rev. Gordon Alexander Cunningham, 82.
Preparations began for municipal elections.
WSHS Rebels Rugby teams began practicing.
Dale Paul played hockey in the U.S. junior nationals.
Rocky Figure Skating Club holds annual general meeting.
Allen Hurst, 23, finished third at the International Kickboxing Tournament in Vancouver.
Clearwater Karate competitors won 14 medals at Provincials.
Rocky Barracudas held the final meet of the short course season.
Water treatment planned for Bighorn Reserve.
RCMP Mounties raised nearly $11,000 for Victim Services with live auction.
Waterwalker film festival returns to Rocky.
Northern Crossing performers rehearsed for Tom Sawyer spring production.
Space for Rocky Trade Fair filled up very fast.
Life Line systems offered emergency help to seniors with push of a button.
New officers elected to Grey Wooded Forage Association.
A trial date for Byron Harpold on child pornography charge was set for Oct. 6 and 7 in Red Deer.
The Town bullying bylaw got a second reading.
School taxes increased for ratepayers in Rocky.
House fire on Bighorn Reserve turns into forest fire burning over 14 hectares..
Rocky Co-op elects 2004-2005 board members.
Everdell Hall celebrated 25 years.
Five WSHS Gr. 12 students awarded University of Alberta's 2004 Academic Excellence Scholarships.
Rocky singers placed well at the Olds Kiwanis Festival.
The Town adopted 2003 financial statement.
O'Chiese First Nation conducted a land use study.
Baseball clinics got underway.
Good Neighbors of the Week: Renee Demarce; Al Zenert.
Resort proposal has second phase to include Nordegg area.
Rocky Flipz gymnasts bring home several medals from a Calgary meet.
Canadian youth author Eric Wilson visited Lochearn School.
Next To New donated $19,500 to community.
Caroline Chamber of Commerce opened its new office.
Mildred Anne Johnson received a conditional sentence and house arrest for false rape allegations against RCMP officer.
Resort developer appealed County ruling.
Provincial immunization was expanded for hepatitis A and whooping cough.
Horticultural society paid tribute to Robert Erskine.
Barracudas swim club hosted a Ladies' Night Out fund-raiser.
Bighorn Reserve hockey teams competed in Native Provincials.
Five WSHS Rebels were named to 2004 Football All-Star "North" Selection Camp.
Art Lewis of Leslieville won $62,860 playing LOTTO 6/49.
Police seized a gun from a Condor man after dispute. No one was injured.
Music festival competitors performed for a home crowd.
Library's film circuit brought independent films to Bard Theatre.
Rocky Riparian Group held the fifth annual Cows and Creeks seminar.
Ag. Service Board presented annual awards.
Town bullying bylaw took effect.
A regional co-operative slaughterhouse was promoted for beef producers.
The Recreation Facility Personnel conference was held in Rocky.
198 Yukon Sea Cadets bid farewell to their chief.
Area students performed at the Red Deer Kiwanis Festival.
WSHS Rebels Rugby team places second in first tournament of the year in Calgary.
Elma Brewer won $20,000 playing Season's Greetings Scratch 'N Win.
County discussed rural Internet options.
West Country Family Services honours volunteers with awards.
Community resource groups held their "Spring Fling" Recognition night.
Caroline minor hockey held its annual awards night.

MAY

Trade Fair attendance was down slightly despite good booth sales.
Museum forest tower was dedicated to forestry service and industry.
Town and COPE received $500,000 in grants for affordable housing.
Second annual TV/Radio auction raises money for museum and visitors information centre.
County approved funding for the new arena parking lot.
Hire A Student office opened for the summer.
WSHS mechanics students worked on a stock car.
Died: David Callan, 70, of Winfield; Donald Tack, 76, of Rocky; Edna Blair, 87, of Rocky; Hazel Anderson, 77, of Rocky; Lois Marjorie Kilian, 85, of Salmon Arm; Ivy Irene Marsden, 79; Genevieve Hammerbek, 93, of Rocky; William John Gettis of Rocky; Douglas James Hall, 73, of Stony Plain; Albert Kult, 84, of Eckville; Robert James Park of Vernon; George Melvin Reekie of White Lake, B.C.; Darcey-Jo Courtright of Rocky; and Blanche Benz, 75, of Caroline.
Alberta Transportation conducted a traffic safety study for the DTHS school zone.
A spike belt was used to stop a high speed police pursuit.
Wall of fame was added to the arena lobby.
Bush fire suppressed in the James River area.
Dr. Don Witten traveled to Nicaragua on church building and medical mission.
Local musicians performed for Children's Hospital fund-raiser.
The Town considered options for smoking bylaw.
Growth eased Town tax hike.
Town disappointed with Centennial grant funds.
Clearwater County prepared to auction additional Nordegg acreages.
Good Neighbours of the Week: Dawn Mason; Matt Rice.
Eric Dillon was recognized as Young Leader at Canadian Conference for Credit Union Executives.
Student artists exhibited their work at the Red Deer and District Museum.
Sunchild Atom B hockey team won gold at the Alberta Native Provincials.
Northern Crossing performed four sold out performances of Tom Sawyer.
Town announced traffic lights for the top of Main Street.
20 marijuana plants and growing equipment were seized from residence in Cow Lake.
The Chamber of Commerce held a meeting to discuss the beef crisis.
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps 198 Yukon held its annual inspection.
Big Horn Rodeo attracted large crowds to Caroline.
The National Historic Site opened for summer season.
Peter Crossley was acclaimed to run as the federal Liberal candidate in Yellowhead Constituency.
Clearwater County discussed the ethical conduct of County of Brazeau councillors.
Caroline teen Shawn Hunter was drafted by the Red Deer Rebels hockey club.
Bo Jangles Dance Studio held their year-end dance.
West Central Stakeholders held a community information night concerning flaring.
Town Council reviewed the infrastructure deficit facing the town.
Over 200 students from Pioneer School performed at the Red Deer Kiwanis festival.
St. Matthew Catholic School celebrated Graduation 2004. Scott Boston was honoured as valedictorian.
Contract negotiations stalled between Wild Rose School Division and the Alberta Teachers Association.
The Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce was selected as Chamber of the Year by the Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
Pioneer School joined the Active Living Challenge.
Local artists displayed their collections in fourth annual show.
Road bans wound down in Clearwater County.
Local municipal councils discussed the increased merger of services.
Kaley Gilham, 16, was named to the Canadian National Women's Baseball team.
Rocky 4-H Beef Clubs held their annual show and sale. Grand Champion steer produced by Jim Songer sold for $5820.60.
David Thompson High School held their annual awards night.
The new West Central High School unveiled its Coat of Arms, which contains the Sinclair tartan as tribute to Will Sinclair.
Searchers found a missing woman and toddler unharmed near Jackfish Lake.
French Immersion class celebrated their 2004 graduation.
Challand Excavating marked their 30th anniversary.

JUNE

Paratroopers marked the D-Day anniversary on the Kootenay Plains
Good Neighbours of the Week: Carol and Ken Busby; Fred Heap; Gay and Bill Glover;
Town Council decided to go ahead with a smoking plebiscite.
The Will Sinclair High School band held their year end concert.
Wild Rose School Division recognized four division teachers for their impact in the classroom.
Died: Arthur Hainsworth, 84; Peter Michael Feschuk, 80, of Vernon, B.C.; Robert Elgin Kilpatrick, 82; Cynthia Mary Becker; David Arthur Jones, 66, of Spruce View; Bertha Irene Dirsten, 91; Russell King; Charles Fred Mofford, 76, of Bentley; Elmer Rudd, 89; and Catherine Estelle McGrath.
Social agencies met in town to discuss community barriers in dealing with domestic violence.
Christian School students tracked paper men sent around the world.
David Thompson Resort hosted the Canadian Rockies Bluegrass Festival.
Husky golf tournament raised $15,000 for local charities.
WRSD teachers voted 99 per cent in favour of holding a strike vote.
A 53-year-old man died after rolling ATV.
The Rocky Rodeo went ahead as an indoor event drawing hundreds of spectators.
Hundreds of people were entertained by the annual Rocky parade as well as the midway amusement park.
The Wetaskiwin constituency federal voting station moved from Dovercourt to Rocky Legion.
An Economic Impact Survey shows area forest industry worth $250 million per year.
The Rocky Chamber of Commerce selected a new executive board.
The Rocky Flipz Gymnastics Club held their year end show.
The Rocky Motorcycle club hosted the CMRC Provincial Motocross series attracting over 700 riders.
Clearwater County opposed a smoking by-law application asking for a ban in premises open to people under the age of 18.
WSHS Principal Jimmy Clark accepted a provincial posting working directly for the Minister of Learning.
Costs for development of the Sunchild Road reached $200,000.
A funnel cloud was spotted near Caroline.
Many businesses appeared at town council to oppose a smoking by-law.
Lighting struck the Photo Magic building.
The Sixth annual Rocky Crohn's & Colitis Heel and Wheel-a-thon saw 65 walkers raised over $11,000.
WSHS band student Chris Beck earned a spot with the Calgary Stampede Band.
Rocky was announced as the destination for 18 youths for Canadian World Youth cultural exchange.
A memorial cairn was unveiled at the National Historic Site to mark the final resting place of 26 Aboriginal and European descendants associated with fur trade in Rocky Mountain House.
Rocky was announced as the host for the 2005 Twinned Town Conference.
Will Sinclair High School celebrated the final graduating class. Katrina Grabner and Diana Zalasky shared valedictory honours.
WSHS held a special federal election debate in the final week before the vote.
Caroline School celebrated their graduation class of 2004. Jessalyn Bolton was recognized as valedictorian.
The West Country Harness Show was held at the arena.
The Conservative Party of Canada swept all three local ridings in the federal election. Dale Johnston was elected for Wetaskiwin, Myron Thompson for Wild Rose, and Rob Merrifield in the Yellowhead riding.
The Rocky Hospital Auxiliary donated $10,000 to the Endoscopy Program for new equipment.
Vandals burned a bathroom at the Legion Park causing about $2000 damage.
Ty Lund was acclaimed as the Progressive Conservative candidate for the Rocky Mountain House riding.
WSHS football player Chance Jensen was selected to play with the B.C. junior team.
Pioneer School wrapped up the year with a year-end awards ceremony.
Ecole Rocky Elementary celebrated student achievements with an awards ceremony.
Condor Elementary rewarded it top students in year-end ceremony.
Eleanor Pengelly was selected to be Village Administrator for Caroline.
Caroline School finished the year of with an awards ceremony recognizing top students.

JULY

Rocky residents had a fun time celebrating Canada Day and were treated to a great show of fireworks. Hundreds of people waited in line for the Co-op breakfast, and had fun taking part in the many festivities that were held throughout the day.
An Edmonton area developer's proposed wellness center west of Nordegg was turned down by the Clearwater County's Subdivision Appeal Board on June 29.
Shaw Communications Inc. completed the transition from Monarch Cablesystems. The deal took more than a year for the CRTC to review and approve.
Clearwater County got passing grades from a financial audit. It was reported that the county had no real debt and that their balance sheets were overall healthy.
David Thompson High School held their graduation ceremonies seeing a total of 39 graduates walk the stage to receive their diplomas. The valedictorian was Shari Lewis.
St. Matthew Catholic School earned a special 2003-2004 Platinum School Recognition Award for Quality Physical Education.
Clearwater County gave approval for a 160-acre multi-phase subdivision north of Highway 11A. The application came from Sunarch Enterprises, which was represented by Kim and Archie Hunke.
Results from the 2004 census showed that Rocky grew by a total of 396 residents since the 2001 census. Rocky's new total population was calculated at 6,584.
The Rocky RCMP completed a change of management seeing Sergeant Brian Halladay transferred to eastern Alberta to become a Staff Sergeant. The Sundre Detachment's Jay Arsenault, promoted to Staff Sergeant, took his place.
Five members of the Edmonton House Brigade visited the National Historic Site bringing people 200 hundred years into the past.
New trail signs were introduced to help inform people to prepare themselves before they embark on a hike. The signs were made through a cooperative program between several local emergency agencies.
Local Rocky youths received support from the United Way of Central Alberta. The Rocky Youth Development Society received the funds and were grateful for the donation.
Severe weather struck Clearwater County seeing reported tornadoes strike north and south of town.
Alberta Learning announced an increase in funding for three years totaling $149 million province wide. Wild Rose School Division received $869,000 for 2004-05, $1,117,000 for 2005-06, and $1,429,000 for the third year.
Local agencies teamed up to battle domestic violence. A $95,000 cheque was presented to the Mountain Rose Women's Shelter by Ty Lund and Children's Services Minister Iris Evans.
Local author Annette Gray launched a new book titled "Journey of the Heart: A True Story.
A committee of citizens recommend that a three-year pay rate freeze be put in effect for Rocky Mountain House Councillors.
Stauffer resident Sierra Piesse placed first in the Junior Pleasure Driving Reinsmanship at Spruce Meadows.
The Clearwater Boys and Girls Club hired Warren Fay as their new youth employment services coordinator.
Sunpine Forest Products Ltd. was back in Canadian hands after a sale was announced of Weldwood Canada to West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Local tri-athlete Skye Smith returned from the CanAm Police and Fire Games with many medals. Skye brought home a gold in the 200 meter freestyle, a gold in the 800 meter freestyle, a silver in the 50 meter freestyle a silver in the 100 meter breast-stroke and a silver in the Under 29 triathlon.
The Rocky Rapids men's outdoor soccer team had a decent month, winning most of their games in July to stay in first place in their division.
Rocky resident Jack Courtright celebrated his 100th birthday on July 24.
Water bombers took to the sky after a fire attack group patrolled the Southern Rockies District Forest Management Area after discovering a runaway fire.
Rocky Barracudas swimmer Karen Graham competed in the A championship swimming finals in Edmonton, receiving a great time.
The Rocky Red Dogs men's baseball team finished their season with two great wins over Clive and Lacombe. They then beat Lacombe in their first best of three post-season series, going onto play in their second round.
Local baseball player Kaley Gilham competed in Japan with the Canadian Women's National Baseball Team in the IV Women's World Series. The team played well, but did not make it to the finals.
The Charity Bullarama was held seeing 30 plus riders from all over the province compete for a $3000 purse. Trevor Jober of Zama City, Alberta, came in first place with a 79.5 point ride.
JD and Rowdy Hays returned from the Silver State International Rodeo held in Sallon, Nevada all smiles. Rowdy had a second place finish, with brother JD feeling he could have done a little better.
Local soccer players Carsten Acker, Jeff Cooke and Jonathan Sandstra played in a soccer tournament in Europe with their team, the Team Canada Polar Bears.
Local soccer players Anndree'Ann BelleRose, Kristina Nielsen, Jillian Skaalid and Kassie Pritchard headed to Europe to play in a youth soccer tournament with their team, the Canada Advantage team.
The Rocky Sun Devils played at Burns Stadium in Calgary losing to the Calgary Cubs by a finals score of 17-10.
Lochearn School celebrated Highland Games Field Day at the end of their school year, playing unique games such as grass shoes and sunny hockey.
Good Neighbors: June Ekelund, Debbie MacDonald.
Died: Charlotte (Lottie) Wiley; Arthur Leslie Herman, 69; Mary Elizabeth Leavitt, 85; Doreen Bello, 72; Wilfred Douglas Anderson, 86; William Gus Zimmer, 83; Frank Fillinger, 49; John Harness Harper, 85; Marie Murphy, 85.

AUGUST

Edmonton Developer Don McCargar, took Clearwater County to court because his proposed West Country Resort was struck down twice.
Clearwater County approved a haul of large timber logs after a regular meeting. The log haul involved 600 loads of logs from Rocky Wood Preservers Ltd.
The Leslieville Antique Days were held celebrating many things of days gone by. The three-day festival saw people have the chance to take part in the many festivities that were held, such as a fiddlers' jamboree and tea time.
Immanuel Lutheran Church minister Rev. Tim Richholt left for Montana to serve at another assignment after 16 years in Rocky.
The Rocky Lions Demolition Derby was held seeing thousands of fans pack a piece of land owned by the Shippelt family. A total of 24 drivers entered the event in various categories with cash prize money awarded to various drivers.
Staff of Parks Canada who were members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada served a strike notice.
The Sunchild First Nation held their annual Powwow seeing many people take part in what was a beautiful display of native culture.
ATB manager Keith Buchholz transferred to Red Deer after nearly five years in Rocky. It was under his watch that the branch was moved to its new site along Highway 11.
The Rocky Red Dogs men's baseball team finished the season as Parkland Baseball League Champions after beating out Innisfail in a best of three series.
The Rocky AA Diamondbacks did well, finishing the season with a string of wins at the baseball championships.
Local lady golfers Jane Henderson and Frankie Nobert won the 2004 Alberta Ladies' Provincial Club Team Championships, after a great few days of golf in Madden, Alberta.
Rocky Bantam Diamondbacks players Scott Hornstra and Chad Northcott brought home the silver medal for their zone four baseball team at the Alberta Summer Games in Okotoks.
The Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site remained open for business during the Parks Canada strike.
A Former Director of Operations for the Town of Rocky Mountain House Jeffrey Francis Walker, was charged with theft over $5000.
The 28th annual David Thompson Days were held from August 20-22, seeing thousands of people come to town to take part in the many festivities that were held.
Cleawater County made changes to a policy which controlled how residential subdivisions could be accessed.
A donation was made to the Leslieville Volunteer Fire Department consisting of 13 self-containing breathing apparatus from TransCanada.
Kaley Gilham won the bronze medal with her team, the Team Canada Women's Baseball team after beating out Australia at the Women's' Baseball World Cup tournament in Edmonton.
Dustin Norhtcott was named to the Alberta 16-17 age group boys' baseball team.
Circus Gatti rolled into town performing to hundreds of spectators at the arena complex.
Rocky sisters Kumi and Mika Chow had a very good showing at an outdoor volleyball tournament in Sylvan Lake, seeing Kumi win her age group in the tournament and Mika coming in second.
Rain poured down on the Lumberjack competition which was held at the Recreation Park ball diamonds.
A $8.8 million bridge contract was awarded to Alberco Construction Ltd. to replace the old Highway 11A bridge.
Rocky Mountain House voters were told they would be allowed to choose between three options for the smoking bylaw in municipal elections.
Local boxer Kandi Wyatt defeated two opponents in Kansas City, Missouri at the Ringside World Championships bringing home a gold title belt.
Rocky soccer trio Carsten Acker, Jeff Cook and Jonathan Sandstra returned home from Europe with their team, the Team Canada Polar Bears, with a gold medal win at the Czech Challenge Cup.
The 2004 Western Wheels Classic Car Show went ahead as scheduled despite bad weather, seeing 78 registrants enter their classic wheels.
A Soap Box Derby was held during David Thompson Days, seeing 16 racers duel it out going along Main Street.
Cole's Auction Mart held its last Twilight Horse Sale marking the end of an era for the local auction house which lasted for 59 years.
The David Thompson Days River Race was held seeing over 40 entrants race despite very cold weather.
The WSHS Rebels football team kicked off their new season with a training camp.
Rocky residents Heidi Northcott and Royal Richardson came home from the Western Canadian Baseball Championships with a bronze medal win with their team, the Peewee Team Alberta Baseball team.
Good Neighbors: Bev and Perry Weaver.
Died: Larry Sims, 72; Madeline Marie (Abello); Margaret Mary Scott, 87; Henry Kraft, 91; Max Walter Zander, 79; John Franklin Taylor, 73; Frank Jepps; Edwin Alberta Williams, 79; Tymen Hofman; Irvin Lewis Harris; George Foster Boles, 87; Kenneth Wayne Grekul, 43; Alexandira Ann McRae; Lyle Jessie Hiney, 86; Robert John Meek, 52; Julia Elizabeth Pennington.

SEPTEMBER

Mayor Lou Soppit was named as one of the 100 Alberta Centennial ambassadors by the Alberta Government.
A collision on Highway 11 claimed the lives of three teenagers from Sherwood Park.
Veteran Town of Rocky Mountain House councillor Jim Bague announced that he would run for mayor in the local elections.
Matt Mason and Scott Hornsta returned home with gold medals after winning the Western Canada Baseball Championships with their respective teams, the Midget Devon Diamondbacks and Bantam Taber Jets.
The Rocky Air Show was held seeing hundreds of spectators watch the many different air performances that took place during the day.
Robyn Taylor stepped down as WRSD trustee for Rocky Mountain House.
Local campaigns got underway for the October 18th municipal election.
The Write Now Program which was initiated by the Further Education Council marked its 20th year of operations.
Former WSHS Rebels football player Justin Sczebel made the University of Alberta Golden Bears football team after successfully trying out for the team.
The WSHS Rebels football team won their season opener after beating the Hunting Hills Lightning 14-8.
Teachers with the Timberline Local of the Alberta Teachers Association reached an agreement of a new contract with the Wild Rose School Division voting 94.7 per cent in favor.
Rocky scored well in a nationwide Communities in Bloom competition, receiving a maximum five blooms at a ceremony which was held in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The annual Terry Fox Run was held raising a total of $1500.
The Good Samaritan Society officially opened the new Clearwater Centre located on 60th Street at 57th Avenue.
Work resumed on the North Saskatchewan River Park after Chief Administrative Officer Larry Holstead along with the Town accepted a tender from Pidherney's.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House approved campground zone changes to Riverview Campground.
Town Council passed a borrowing authority for up to $275,000 of funds which were needed to fix the heating and ventilation retrofit for the Rocky Mountain House Swimming Pool.
Rocky Skeleton race Mellisa Holingsworth received a $10,000 bursary from the Dairy Farmers of Alberta. Mellisa was happy with the donation, which helped her purchase new equipment.
St. Matthew School celebrated its 25 anniversary with Archbishop Thomas Collins of Edmonton presiding over a mass which consecrated a new altar to be used for future school masses.
The race for the local election got underway seeing candidates run for mayor and council, county and village council, and public school trustee.
Good Neighbor: Janice Armstrong.
Died: Howard Hoffman; Virginia Elizabeth Hundt, 63; Jessie E. Best, 86; Thomas Jackson "Jack" Courtright, 100; Lewis Elwyne Wiggett; Lydia Dopf, 94; Nelson Badgley, 49; John Leslie Holuboch; Jean Elaine Kmyta; Cal William Caron, 45; Katherine Lobley; Eric Henson, 81; Reegen Jenna Spongberg; Freda McFadden, 100; Eleane Cecelia Patton; Pieter Jacobus Cruson, 96; Malcolm Willard Atwater, 75; Jack Fisher Gill, 87; Gordon Roy Soderburg, 81.

OCTOBER

Friends of Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site made a bid to take over certain of the Site's operations to try to keep the visitor centre from being removed.
St. Matthew School raised $10,060 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
Jena Christiansen received the Governor General's medal for the highest marks in the Class of 2004 for Will Sinclair High School.
Construction was started on the new intersection on Highway 11 at 53rd Avenue.
The Victim Services Golf Tournament raised $11,000.
Clearwater County was dealing with road construction delays due to wet weather.
The RCMP were investigating cattle shootings north of Crimson Lake.
Barry Pinnell became a commissioned officer for the Sea Cadets.
Caroline Museum's horseback poker rally had 173 riders.
Caroline's Library construction was reported to be over budget.
Jessalyn Bolton won the Governor General's medal for the highest marks in the Class of 2004 for Caroline School.
A search was conducted for Albert Campbell, of Stettler, whose vehicle was found 70 km south of Nordegg. He was not located.
Downtown revitalization committee members were pleased with their progress in 2004.
Rocky's groundbreaking anti-bullying bylaw was amended to allow offenders to take an educational session to avoid paying a fine.
The Town of Rocky and Clearwater County moved to split their shared computer services.
Town Council asked for public input over the fate of the windmill due to its poor condition. It was a gift of the Dutch community in 1967 as a centennial project.
Nine area citizens reported a successful visit to Rocky's twin town, Kamikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, in September.
Rocky Christian School volunteers made 1500 apple pies as a fund-raiser.
Will Sinclair High School's football Rebels finished their regular season in third place in their division.
Rocky Mountain House hosted a familiarization tour for 21 German travel agents.
Local elections in Rocky Mountain House saw Jim Bague win over long-time mayor Lou Soppit. Town councillors elected: Ernie Murias, Connie Ekelund, Ron Wesner, Stewart Stephanson, Joan McDonald and Fred Nash.
Clearwater County Council saw three incumbents defeated. Elected were Ken Qually, Jeff Bradshaw, Chuck Shipley, Dwight Oliver, Wendy Bryant, Earl Graham and Patrick Alexander.
Wild Rose School Division elections resulted in Maureen Fisher being returned in Ward 4 and Mary Jeanne Hofman elected in Ward 5. Gerald Kujala was acclaimed. Elected in the Brazeau County region were Howard Pearson, Donna Oscar, and acclaimed was Vicky Jorgenson.
Caroline's elections saw only two incumbents returned to council. Elected were Gerri Grieve, Melanie Black, Errol St. Germaine, Jody Steinman, and Marjorie Peters.
Mayors Awards in Rocky Mountain House were presented to the Hospital Auxiliary, entertainers Marvin Peterson, Art Bott and Yvonne Hanson, teacher Sharon Blair, COPE volunteer Elly Oosterhuis, Cancer Society volunteer Bill Martynes, fisheries advocate Don Andersen, and Westview Lodge volunteer Frances Renneberg.
A fuel tanker flipped and spilled on the Red Deer River Access Road in the south end of Clearwater County.
Vandals struck the campground at the National Historic Site.
Clearwater County moved to purchase the old CPR right of way east of Rocky.
The Safety Depot was given the Small Business of the Year Award by the Rocky Chamber of Commerce.
Jordan Cameron, in Gr. 4 of Ecole Rocky Elementary, was Fire Chief for a Day.
Shari Lewis won the Governor General's medal for highest marks in the Class of 2004 at David Thompson High School.
A major residential land development was proposed for the northeast corner of the Village of Caroline.
The Raging Grannies were in Rocky to perform at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Persons Case.
Vandals tagged the restrooms at the Arena.
Fifty people attended the Alive and Kicking Wellness workshop.
The Collaborative Community Response Team for the prevention of family violence and bullying, involving more than 20 agencies and groups, held a visioning session.
The Rotary Club held its second annual rummage sale.
Lisa Chovin and her Arabian, Soleya, did well at the American National Arabian horse show in California, garnering several awards.
Quilters held a productive weekend workshop at Wilderness Village.
Maryon Siemens, of the Clearwater Vet Clinic, was named Canada's Animal Health Technologist of the Year.
Clearwater County discussed turning over the Nordegg Ambulance service directly to the Health Region. Health Regions will become responsible for funding ambulance service in 2005.
Joyce and Lawrence Pengelly were named Caroline's community builders of the year.
Diane and LeRoy Willsie were named the Caroline area's farm family of the year.
Died: Gary Donald Callan, 68; Charles "Chuck" McArthur, 78; Vera Viola Hoel, 88; Ruth Elizabeth Gardner, 82; Robert Wayne Patey, 30; Donevon Vernon Doyle, 72; Kathleen "Kay" Edith Shakesby, 93; Heinz Joseph Adler, 71, of Alder Flats; Carole Joanne Lee, 69, of Sangudo; Florence King, 69; and Raymond Richard Lee, 74, of Sangudo.
Good Neighbors of the Week: Reg Beck; and Kim Livingston.

NOVEMBER

Wild Rose School Division decided to sell the Will Sinclair High School property, excluding the football field, by sealed tender in the spring of 2005.
Good Neighbors: Bonnie Glover; Neva Brierley; Duane Iceton; and Don Corbett.
The new Town Council renewed its push for improved police funding from the province.
Maureen Fisher was elected chairman of the Wild Rose School Division board at their first meeting.
Died: Darlene Ruth Morgan, 49; Leonard Albert Rosdal, 68, of Wildwood; Dr. Gordon Hill, 68; Albert Michael "Mike" Rodermond, 42; Walter Edward Hogberg, 72; Albert Wickens, 67; Roy "Bud" Reom Bigelow, 73; Mary Walker Robertson, 79; Irene Alvira Hanson, 85; Lloyd Morrison, 63; Jennifer Ann Gardiner; Iva Alanen, of Calgary; Steven Simon Numan, 83; Gina Roxanne Douillard, of Vernon, B.C.; Kathleen Volk, 91; James "Swanie" Murray, 80; Edward Johnson; Clayton Lyle McMain, 80; and Ole Walter Fodness, 91.
Former Caroline area county councillor Wilf Tricker was the Social Credit candidate in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.
The Half-Pints basketball team performed in Rocky.
A business group reported their private poll of Clearwater County residents showed that 72 per cent of 739 people who cast a ballot wanted no bylaw restrictions imposed on smokers in businesses.
Command of the 198 Yukon Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps passed from Rick Stewart to Barry Pinnell.
Poppy money from collection boxes in some businesses was stolen.
Rocky RCMP assisted in capturing Ronald Alexander Sweezey, wanted in the murder of a Fort Nelson, B.C., man.
Rocky received a provincial Centennial grant of $700,000 to help with the swimming pool renovation.
Chuck Shipley released his second book of anecdotes from his career as a Fish and Wildlife officer.
The Metis Nation of Alberta local president called for members to respect rules now that they've won hunting and fishing rights in Alberta.
Town Council updated the Animal Control bylaw, raising some fines and toughening other provisions.
The football Rebels won the Lions Bowl consolation final in the Central zone playoffs.
Skeleton racer Mellisa Hollingsworth beat an Olympic gold medalist in a race in Park City, Utah, earning her a place on the Canadian national team for the ninth consecutive year.
Canadian Forces conducted a Search and Rescue exercise with the help of local search groups.
The Rocky Figure Skating Club hosted the Alberta BMO Sectional Skating Competition.
Remembrance Day packed Rocky Mountain House Centre for services.
Canada Post route drivers complained about poor conditions under their contracts.
The Alberta Beef Producers had 120 people attend their zone meeting in Leslieville.
The Grey Wooded Forage Association marked its 20th anniversary.
Jack Edgerton, former mayor and businessman, marked his 100th birthday.
MLA Ty Lund collected 56 per cent of the vote to win a fifth term in the Nov. 22 provincial election. Social Credit leader Lavern Ahlstrom and Liberal Susan Scott tied for second place, Alberta Alliance's Ed Wilhite was fourth, Separation Party leader Bruce Hutton was fifth, Green Party's Jennifer Isaac was sixth, and NDP candidate Anthony Jones was seventh in the largest field of candidates ever fielded in the electoral district.
People packed 1017 shoeboxes for the Samaritan's Purse charity's Operation Christmas Child.
Scott Boston won the Governor General's Medal for top marks in the Class of 2004 at St. Matthew School.
Alfred and Cheryl von Hollen turned on their Christmas light display, with more than 80,000 lights.
Sunpine's Strachan Plant laid off between 10 and 15 workers.
The Rocky Organization for Animal Rescue made a deal with the women's shelter group to take in pets from women leaving abusive relationships.
Heel N Wheel-a-thon organizer Lisa Thompson was honoured by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation with their Unsung Hero Award.
Clearwater County came to the aid of the Caroline Ag. Society with a $25,000 grant for the complex.
The women's shelter group signed a co-operation agreement with the RCMP.
The Arts and Crafts Guild hosted their 10th annual Christmas sale at the Centre, and it proved as popular as ever.
Staff at the National Historic Site developed a board game to help students learn about the fur trade.
MLA Ty Lund was appointed Minister of Government Services, his fourth portfolio in the Klein Cabinet.
Dan Bristow earned top graduating student honours with his master's degree from Monash University in Australia.
STARS donated defibrillators to Clearwater County for their patrol vehicles.
David Thompson High School held a careers night, focusing on trades.
Football Rebels player Cass Varcoe was named Top Offensive Player in the Central Alberta League.
Rocky's Rotary Club marked its tenth anniversary.
The Christmas Light Parade received funding from the Town, but was turned down by the County.

DECEMBER

The fifth annual Christmas Light Parade was the largest, and perhaps the most colourful, yet.
The developer of the proposed Abraham Glacier Wellness Resort lost its bid to appeal Clearwater County's Appeal Board ruling turning down the development application. The provincial government was looking to cancel the extensive lease reservation in the Whitegoat Lakes Development Node by Kootenay Plains.
Author Annette Gray was honoured in Arizona for her latest book, a biography of a woman who led a challenging life in the U.S. Southwest in the 19th Century.
Good Neighbors: Connie Stewart, Shirley Chambers.
Clearwater County addressed Prairie Creek Cemetery maintenance.
Rocky's Midget A and B hockey teams won their home tournament.
The Next to New distributed more than $70,000 to the community in 2004.
Twelve WSHS students played in the Alberta Honour Band in November in Edmonton.
Shell Canada Limited announced one of the biggest sour gas finds in Alberta in the last two decades, located at the foot of Baseline Mountain. At 35 per cent H2S, the reserve is equal to two years of Shell's entire natural gas production.
Business people were invited to help the new high school become more involved in the community.
Town Council approved a development agreement with Extra Foods.
Town Council allowed development to proceed in the new Mountain Village residential development.
A collision on Highway 11 claimed the lives of George Ouellette and Denis Brown.
Much of the earth work for the new rodeo grounds was largely completed.
Katie Songer's shorthorn bull won at the Agribition in Saskatchewan.
The rezoning process started for a Best Western hotel to be built near Tim Hortons.
The Canada World Youth project, involving Canadians and Ukrainians, will conduct a fund-raiser for the old post office low income housing project.
Died: Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Duggan, 81; Mae "Dossie" Margaret Mottus, 78; George Ouellette, 50; Iris M. Sundahl, 79; Jean Pierre Charmont, 73; William Counnic, 71; Vivian Bunch, 76.
Skeleton racer Mellisa Hollingsworth won a bronze medal in World Cup racing in Austria.
The Caroline Library was officially opened after renovations and expansion.
Northern Crossing's Christmas Concert sold out two shows.
The Frisco Ladies Club marked its 75th anniversary.
Marc Tougas received a kidney transplant from his nephew. The operation proved successful, despite some complications that delayed his release from hospital.
Wild Rose School Division trustees considered recruiting foreign students.
Clearwater County council turned down a request to upgrade the Cow Lake Campground road.
Caroline Council voted to allow a large residential area development to proceed.