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Drumheller man gets probation for break and enter

    A young Drumheller man will be serving a year’s probation after pleading guilty to break and entering Fossil World.
    Cameron Weatherly, appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, July 16. He pleaded guilty to break and enter.
    The court heard how on April 21 Weatherly threw a rock through the window at the entrance of fossil world and stole money.
     A request for restitution from the owner asked for $4,750 for damages, but the prosecutor said he is not sure if the court had documentation for the amount. Weatherly acknowledged he took between $50 and $100 and agreed to pay $100 for the theft and restitution of $400 for damages caused to the business.
    Weatherly also pleaded guilty to a breach of his release where he was not in his home after curfew. He also pleaded guilty to possession of property obtained by crime.
    On May 27, a person walking by the river left their MP3 player near the bank. He noticed Weatherly near the property, and when he returned it was missing. The person asked Weatherly if he took it. Weatherly denied, it and the victim called the police. After the police confronted Weatherly, the electronic equipment was returned.
    Weatherly had been in custody since July 1. The crown agreed the 15 days of pretrial custody was a fitting punishment, and recommended for one year’s probation. Judge Grieve agreed, and ordered Weatherly to serve a one year probation order with conditons that includes a curfew and to abstain from alcohol.

Passion Play sees record attendance this season

    The weather may have hindered a few outdoor events this summer, but there was one show it spared, and this was the 2010 Canadian Badlands Passion Play.
    In fact, the play received a record attendance this year.
    “We had record attendance with 12,200 people attending,” artistic director Randall Wiebe told inSide Drumheller. “We would probably have had even more if it hadn’t been a bit rainy beforehand but in terms of the play itself, the weather was absolutely wonderful.”
    The show, which has run for 18 years now, saw quite a few changes this year, such as some major revisions to some of the scenes, a large change in the costumes, and the addition of the Baptismal pool.
    “I think the play looks more beautiful than ever,” said Wiebe, “and in terms of the play itself, it was clear, the transitions were faster, cleaner and the play, as far as I am concerned, transitioned extremely well from scene to scene and the story itself was clear.”
    Wiebe is so content with this particular production that when asked if there was anything he was particularly pleased with this year, his answer was “Everything! That was my response many times over… There’s always room for improvement, but I was extremely pleased.”
    As well as the set, costumes and production, the play comes alive thanks to hundreds of actors and volunteers. “We had the most excellent team of staff and volunteers - they worked together in harmony, they were just amazing volunteers,” said Wiebe.
    Now that the 2010 production is over, minds are already thinking about the future.
    “Next year, it may in fact be a whole new play, we are contemplating that, but it is too early to speak about it,” said Wiebe.

Atlas receives federal grant boost Thursday

    The Atlas Coal Mine in East Coulee received a federal boost on Thursday when Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson announced $110,000 was awarded for the completion of several projects.
    With this money, the Atlas may go ahead with beginning work on the Blacksmith Shop, Rotary Dump, and opening the #3 mine entry.
    “We are in the planning stages,” explains the Atlas’ Executive Director, Linda Digby. “The job is very hard logistically.”
    With the rugged terrain that makes the site special, it also makes construction work difficult and hard to find contractors.
    “As with everything we do, it has to be done historically. If we add little changes that aren’t accurate, gradually the site would lose authenticity.”
    This money, from the National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program, was awarded to the mine because visitation to one site in the valley increases money earned by all businesses.
    “If we can have people stay for two or three days, that is increased money spent elsewhere in town, not just the Atlas,” said Digby to a crowd of about 50 gathered at the foot of the mine tipple.
    “It helps tourism throughout the valley,” said Member of Parliament Kevin Sorenson.
    “The government understands the potential sites like these have. Our cost-sharing program is an interesting tool.”
    The Atlas was approved the money last year, but due to an unexpected wind storm, the money was used for repairs.
    Thursday’s funding makes up for that, and allows the Atlas to move forward with their goals.
    Their aim is to start work by September, when tourist numbers are lowest and construction is still possible, and if the weather holds out.
    “Our mission here at the Atlas is to not just remember this mine. As the last mine left, it is a vehicle to remember all 139 mines and all miners past who built our town,” says Digby.
    “Parks and historic sites represent the best Canada has to offer. It gives us a sense of community, place, and pride,” said Sorenson.
    Visitation to the mine has increased this year.
    Pieces of the federal grant is being matched by the Alberta government and the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce.
    The cost-sharing program enables a site owner to receive up to 50 per cent of eligible costs incurred in conserving and presenting a national historic site.
    Site owners must apply for financial assistance under the program.

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