After 11 years of sitting on Town Council, Councillor Sharel Shoff has decided to run for Drumheller’s Mayor in the next election, taking place October 2017.
    “I joined Council because I really just wanted to do something for my town. I wanted to give back to the people of Drumheller.” Councillor Shoff told The Mail. “I really enjoy being on Town Council but I think it’s time to try my hand at Mayor. I believe that if we stay in one place for too long we become stagnant and I want to be able to do more for the town.”
    Councillor Shoff brings years of experience to the table. She joined Town Council in 2005 and has been involved in many different committees throughout the years.
    “I am involved with Community Futures, Municipal Planning, Economic Development, Palliser Regional Planning and I am a part of the assessment review board. Being involved with these committees I have learned a lot about Drumheller and it’s businesses. I have learned lots through my years serving on council and involved in committees about the town and have become familiar with what and how to improve Drumheller.” Councillor Shoff said, “I have also finished the Elective Officials Program. It is a courses that everyone is encouraged to do and at this point I believe I am the only one to complete it.”
    Councillor Shoff looks forward to making a future plan and involve the citizens of Drumheller in this plan. She hopes to hear the opinions and contributions of the people and bring those concerns forward as the voice of the town. Early next year, Councillor Shoff plans to hold meetings to be able to listen to the residents and hear what they are hoping for the future of Drumheller.
    Councillor Shoff said, “I think I can contribute more as a mayor than as a councillor.”
    Councillor Shoff was born and raised in the Valley. Her grandparents came to Drumheller back in 1912, making her the third generation to call Drumheller home.

    The sale of poppies leading up to Remembrance Day is an important fundraiser for Legions across Canada, including Drumheller, to continue to support veterans and other programs.
    However, it appears that some of the support might be dropping.
    In Drumheller over the last three years, the revenue from the sale of poppies has dropped consistently. In 2013, the sales raised totaled $10,659.20, and in 2014, they raised $9,142.35. In 2015, that number dropped to $8,776.62.
     Ed Laplante of the Drumheller Legion explains that all the funds are used to serve veterans and their families, and the faces of veterans now are a lot different, a lot younger.
    “That’s because, the old ones, we just about have none,” he said. “Right now if you were to ask me how many World War II veterans we have living in the valley, I wouldn’t know. I know we have one Korean War vet in the valley. The other ones I knew are either dead or they have moved.”
    He explains there has been a change in the definition of veteran.
                    “As long as they served in the regular force or a reserve unit outside of Canada like Bosnia, or UN or NATO tours, they are classified as veterans, even though they weren’t involved in combat,” said Laplante.
    He said there are still conflicts around the world where Canada is serving.
    “Right now we have about 100 special forces in Iraq. My nephew is there right now, they are not fighting, but they are behind the lines training,” he said.
    While the donations have been falling, Laplante explains the Legion is careful to maintain an account to make sure they are able to help veterans, and he said the Legion has never turned down a veteran in need.
    Last year from the local Poppy fund, the Legion dedicated $2,193.25 to assistance of veterans, $1,500 to support the local cadet corps, awarded,  $270 to winners of the Poster and Literary contest and  gave out $500 of bursaries in the community.
    The Poppy Campaign kicks off this Friday, October 28, and poppies will be available in stores throughout the community.