Drumheller Co-op and Westview Co-op are looking to amalgamate.
    This week the two operations announced they are looking at joining forces, and are putting the question to each of its membership.
    Westview Co-op has a food store, gas bar and cardlock in Olds, a food store and gas bar in Carstairs, a cardlock in Sundre and groceries, farm supplies, hardware, bulk fuels and a cardlock in Eagle Hill.
    “We are excited to announce news that will ensure a solid future for the Co-operatives from both communities.  With your approval, effective February 1, 2018, we will amalgamate to form a new, stronger entity known as the Westview Co-operative Association Limited,” states a press release. “Both Drumheller and Westview Co-ops are strong, ethical companies with a positive community focus and a commitment to excellence. The merging of Drumheller and Westview will allow us to build on an already successful base of business and lead us to a stronger future.”
    It points out that individually, both Co-ops have done well, largely as a result of committed team members and the support of its members.  However, with the competition continuing to grow and merge into large entities, it is vital to the communities that it presents the best option to ensure a long-term, sustainable presence of Co-ops in Alberta.
    Members will have the convenience of shopping at 12 locations in 6 different communities while using just one Co-op number.  It is estimated this amalgamation will allow for operational synergies in excess of $200,000 annually, which will allow members to enjoy enhanced Lifetime Membership Benefits.
    Members will not lose any equity they have accumulated and there will be no job losses.
    “We realize that change brings uncertainty and that there may be questions on the proposed amalgamation.  We are committed to communicating openly to ensure members can make an informed decision on the future of our organizations,” it states.
    There will be a meeting in Greentree Mall on Wednesday, October 18  at 7 p.m. where more information will be presented and the members will be asked to vote on a special resolution to amalgamate. Members of  Westview Co-op will also vote in Olds, on October 19.

 The area's first wintery blast wreaked havoc on roads and residents.
    Snow began falling and blowing late Sunday night and before morning’s light, roads were becoming impassible.
    On Monday morning RCMP recommended to drivers to avoid the highways. Rural bus routes throughout the area were cancelled.
    Corporal Steven Lloyd tells The Mail conditions are hazardous and best to be avoided.
    “It is pretty greasy out there. We have had numerous collisions already,” said Lloyd.
    Warnings became road closures including Highway 9 and surrounding secondary highways. Ditches were littered with stranded vehicles and drivers.
    The Hanna RCMP was busy and by 11 a.m. Monday morning, there were about 10 cars in the ditch throughout the area. There were two semi-tractor and trailers stuck on Highway 36, two kilometres north of the Sheerness Power Station, blocking traffic.
    RCMP were out Monday night and into Tuesday morning making sure stranded drivers received aid.
    Power outages were also rampant with customers in the area reporting being without power for 14 hours. Last Monday night power was restored in Michichi and the Morrin area, however, as of Tuesday morning, the ATCO Electric and Fortis outage map still showed thousands of customers without power.
     ATCO Electric district manager Alan Gano said at its peak there were well over 5,000 customers without power in ATCO’s service region. As of Tuesday morning, the number had been cut in half.
    “What complicated things yesterday was the weather and the storm needed to pass. We are able to bring resources in from Grande Prairie, Slave Lake, Bonnyville, and Lloydminster, ” said Gano.
     He said one issue was access, and they worked with local highway contractors to get into areas where repair work was needed.
    Where drivers were stranded, the community pitched in. Wheatland Crossing School housed students and drivers who were not able to continue their travels.
    The Village of Rockyford welcomed about 25 stranded drivers for the evening, lodging them in their Community Hall, and residents pitched in.
    “We put out a call for some volunteers, and bedding and supplies and the community pulled through in a big way,” said Mayor Darcy Burke. "It is not just one individual, it takes an entire community to deal with these events, and the people of Rockyford showed up in a big way.”
    As of Tuesday morning, the roads were still treacherous, although a few motorists whose cars were free were able to continue their travels while others had to wait until later in the day for their cars to be freed.