As the North American Aerospace Defense Command conducts its primary mission of defending the homeland, it stands ready to continue its tradition of tracking Santa's journey around the globe on Dec. 24.

"In addition to our day-to-day mission of defending North America, we are proud to carry on the tradition of tracking Santa as he travels along his yuletide flight path," said Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. "The same radars, satellites and interceptors employed on December 24 are used year-round to defend Canadian and American airspace from threats."

The defense of Canada and the United States is NORAD's top priority. NORAD is a binational U.S. and Canadian command charged with aerospace and maritime warning and aerospace control of North America as well as monitoring aerospace activity globally. However, every year during the holidays, NORAD assumes the supplementary mission of tracking Santa as he travels around the world.

It all started in 1955 when a local newspaper advertisement informed children they could call Santa directly – only the contact number in the advertisement was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty, U.S. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, the predecessor to NORAD. Col. Shoup was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the child he was Santa. Shoup then assigned a duty officer to continue answering calls. Thus, a tradition was born, and continued when NORAD was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa's location on Dec. 24 to millions of children and families.

On Sunday, December 1, the 64th iteration of NORAD Tracks Santa begins with the launch of the www.noradsanta.org website. NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors and volunteers.

On Dec. 24, users may call 1-877-HiNORAD for Santa's up-to-date location.

The Drumheller RCMP participated in this year’s National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day and it appears the message on drinking and driving is getting out.
 Saturday, December 7 was National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day, and police forces across Canada were out in force performing check stops. Constable Keegan O’Hara tells the Mail that on December 7 the RCMP conducted two check stops.
    The first check stop was 8:30 to 9 a.m. the police stopped 75 vehicles and there were no impaired charges. The second took place at 8:30 to 9: 30 p.m. At this one, they stopped 107 vehicles, and there were no impaired charges.
    He says they will be doing more throughout the Christmas season.
Constable Jason Girard says tis the season to be merry and with everything from casual get-togethers to work functions, people need to plan ahead to make sure they are safe on the road.
    He says it appears people are making the effort, especially since laws have become more stringent.
    “I think it is getting better out there. People are more aware, and ever since any kind of traffic offense, there is mandatory roadside screening, it has made people think differently too,” said Girard.
    Mandatory roadside screening came into effect with the legalization of recreational use of marijuana. While critics of the change felt police would see a rise in impaired charges due to marijuana, anecdotally Girard says that doesn’t seem to be the case.
    “I haven’t seen too much of it personally myself, but that may depend on different areas too,” he said. “I think that is due to awareness and mandatory roadside screening.”
    He says while it appears many people are being responsible behind the wheel, the RCMP will continue check stops throughout the holiday break.
    “We are going to have some more RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) programs,” said Girard.  “We have some joint operations planned with the sheriffs and with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement,” said Girard.
Bottom line is plan ahead.
    “Be smart. Either have a sober driver or call a cab,” said Girard. “That’s the big thing. A lot more businesses even for Christmas functions, offer a bus or ride home service.”