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Investigators reviewing possible paranormal activity in historic home

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The paranormal investigators who livestreamed from a Drumheller home last weekend are still reviewing evidence from the investigation but may have recorded some potential anomalies.

Calgary and Drumheller ghost hunters broadcasted their investigation of a historic home on 3rd Avenue on September 29, the former residence of Dr. Robert James Johnston Sr., who inadvertently shot himself while preparing for a hunting trip in 1936.

Melissa Wilton, one of the Calgary paranormal investigators, says their team is still reviewing the audio and video collected, but some evidence is suggestive of paranormal activity in the home.

“We have a couple of pictures that are still being reviewed by photographers, with some photographs having a mist. There was nothing burning in the area which could have created that effect,” she says.

Wilton says they have caught a couple of anomalies recorded in audio, but the process of double or triple checking audio and then matching it up side-by-side with the video takes time in order to debunk anything.

The team was at the home as part of the World’s Largest Ghost Hunt, which saw paranormal investigators from around the world simultaneously broadcasting their hunts online. During the stream, at least one viewer pointed out they had seen a woman while the team was in the former carriage house, which is where Dr. Johnston had died.

“We don’t know who that would be. There was stuff (stored) back there and it was dark. When people are looking for a ghost,” she admits, “sometimes they’ll find one.”

The experience of livestreaming an investigation was a new experience for the team and Wilton says the energy in the house is quite distinct.

“When you’re standing in the carriage house and you know that’s where Dr. Johnston passed away, it’s kind of a lot. It’s sad and interesting at the same time. You’re thinking, ‘is something left behind in this space?’”

“If he’s there I think it’s totally a positive connection that he has. He loved his house, he loved Drumheller, he loved being there and being active in the community. I think if he was still there he just wants to check in and see what’s going on.”


Dickson Dam flood mitigation funding announced

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The federal and provincial governments announced Thursday major funding for improvements to the Dickson Dam to reduce flood risks.

The announcement of $30 million funding towards three Albertan infrastructure projects were made at a press conference in Red Deer on October 11. It was not made public how much funding was going towards upgrading the dam to allow it to disperse a greater quantity of water to reduce the risk of floods for communities downstream on the Red Deer River, including Drumheller.

The funding comes in response to the 2013 floods which affected many communities in Alberta and described as the worst in Alberta’s history.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of investing in disaster mitigation projects that reduce the frequency and severity of impacts, and protect our communities and public infrastructure from extreme natural events,” said federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Francois-Philippe Champagne at the event.  

As well as improvements to the Dickson Dam, upgrades to the Jensen Dam in Cardston as well as the flood mitigation projects along Exshaw Creek are hoped to help reduce debris flooding like what occured in 2013.

The federal government is providing up to $13,365,450 for these projects while the province is contributing up to $16,566,560.

Institution employees make donation supporting mental health

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Employees of the Drumheller Institution made a donation of $2,400 today to the recently launched Community Counselling Program in Drumheller, a subsidized program offering counselling services to Drumheller residents. The employees raised funds by selling shirts and running in the Dinosaur Half Marathon last month, in memory of coworker and avid runner Jeff Hirsch, who battled mental illness before passing away earlier this year. As a group they wished to give back to the community in a way which supported mental health services. Pictured from left is institution employee Danny Strasky, Family and Community Support Services coordinator April Harrison, and institution employee Bob Nimmo.


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