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Dropping poppy sales in need of boost

Poppy

 

    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.


Arrest made in Acme robbery

rcmp crest

On October 23, 2016, Beiseker RCMP were dispatched to an armed robbery at the Acme Convenience Store and Truck Stop located in the town of Acme.    
    At approximately 7:00 PM, a male wearing a mask and armed with a knife entered the business and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
    Investigators were able to identify suspects with assistance from tips received from members of the public. On October 25, 2016, two suspects were arrested in relation to this crime.
    Adam Benjamin Pye, age 34 of Beiseker, has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to make his first appearance in Airdrie Provincial Court on October 27.
    He has been charged with robbery with a with a weapon contrary to Section 344 of the Criminal Code and disguise with intent contrary to Section 351(s) of the Criminal Code.
    The name of the second individual cannot be released as he/she has not yet been formally charged.
     The RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.
    If you have any information about this crime, please contact the Beiseker RCMP at (403)947-3420. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Strankman opens door to possible third term

rick strankman

    MLA for Drumheller-Stettler Rick Strankman, says it is up to his constituents as to whether he will run again for election.
    Strankman, who is in his second term as MLA for the area, said when running, that he was an alternative to career politicians and is on record saying he only planned to serve for two terms. He has opened the window a bit to the possibility of running again.
    “I stand by that (two terms), but given pressure from the constituents and possibly the invigoration of a solid conservative front… I’ll leave it up to the constituents,” he said. “My goal was one term in opposition and one term under Danielle Smith. I felt that was a fair goal at the time, but now possibly one term under a unified Alberta party in governance might be exciting, if the people feel I am fit for that.”
    He said last week he joined Wildrose leader Brian Jean for a meet and Greet in Hanna, and says it was productive.
    “I think a lot of people are wanting to learn about politics and policy. They understand we are in difficult economic times, if not dire, and they want to come and learn,” he said.
    He said the subject of a unified right in Alberta came up.
    “As you know, the conservative parties are in the forefront of those policy active people’s minds,” he said.
    He acknowledges a recent poll by Lethbridge College put the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party in the lead, and former MP Jason Kenney is out pacing all the parties in fundraising.                  
    “That is an interesting and positive turn of events. I would believe that Mr. Kenney’s principles and values that he brings forward in a conservative vein are more attuned to the Wildrose Party than they are to Progressive Conservative polices,” he said.
    Whether Kenney becomes leader of the PC Party remains to be seen.
    “I don’t have an opinion on that, I think it is up to the electorate. The fundraising that he has feeds into his popularity, but what the internal workings the conservative party will end up with, I hesitate to give an opinion on that,” he said.
    Whether Strankman decides to run or not, he has a vision for the province.
    “I still believe in a positive conservative atmosphere for the province. That was my goal right from the beginning,” he said. “I’ve always said I was never looking for a job but was there to simply edge out those who were there for career reasons, and we saw what happened to those who were there for career reasons with the floor crossing, and Albertans said ‘no thank you.’"  
    “I have come to learn that my role is not necessarily a leadership role, but a representative role. In many situations, we can take a leadership role, but we have to be cognizant that it is only the behest of the representation of the people,” he said.


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