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2022 Year In Review - Munson remains on even keel heading into new year

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The Village of Muson’s office is getting some much-needed upgrades, as the community propels itself into the new year.
The Mail caught up with Munson CAO Lyle Cawiezel midway through renovations. The village was successful in obtaining a Municipal Stimulus Program grant to replace the much need flooring in the office. A new look to start a new year.
He says 2022 was relatively uneventful for the village, while there were no major municipal projects, he says the village was active.
Its vacancy remains low with properties being snapped up as it comes onto the market. He has also noticed many new residents are coming from out of province such as B.C.
Cawiezel also notes there is still commercial property available in the community.
The village has been diligent in managing its finances and is aiming to keep any tax increases to a minimum. Munson like many villages is still feeling the pressures of their finances from inflation.
Another pressure is policing.
In 2019 the province asked small municipalities which previously did not pay for policing to begin contributing. Municipalities were asked for 10 per cent in 2020, with a moving scale that will see them pay 30 per cent in 2023.
“An expense like that really affects a small community,” he said.
While they did not take on any major projects last year, the village is exploring paving the main road from the village out to Highway 9/56. Cawiezel says a project like this will be dependent on funding and they will continue to pursue grants.


Crews respond to water break on Cedar Crescent

AE6064FA 9E10 49BF 85FB F4AFCB6D930BTown of Drumheller crews are currently on scene at Cedar Crescent due to a water main break.
Some properties in this area may experience loss of water while crews continue to investigate the situation.
Utilities manager Bill Adams tells the Mail, “It’s a fairly big break, and a few people are out of water.”
He adds crews are currently cleaning the area to find the location and cause of the break. Those residents who do not have water will be alerted.
At this time there is no time line on when this will be resolved and Mr Adams notes if extended disruptions are expected residents will be notified.

Woman sentenced for sex-related offences

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A Redland, Rosebud area woman has been sentenced to two years in custody after pleading guilty to three sexual-related charges with a person under the age of 16.
Jillian Haagensen appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, January 20 when she pleaded guilty to making sexually explicit materials available to a person under 16, and invitation to sexual touching of a person under the age of 16.
These counts name two victims.
She also pleaded guilty to publishing explicit images without consent.
The court heard how Haagensen was a family friend to a female under the age of 16 and permission was granted for the girl to stay with her at a property in the Redland area part time. She was often joined by another friend under the age of 16.
At that time Haagensen, 44, who was recently divorced, began to share intimate photos of men she had been in contact with. They were included in a group chat where explicit content was regularly shared.
Copies of the chat between September and November of 2019 were obtained.
One of the young victims eventually contacted her mother and it was reported to the police.
The judge accepted a joint submission from the Crown and defense for a two-year penitentiary sentence. Defense noted the defendant has no prior criminal record, was previously of good character, and is very remorseful.
The judge said deterrence and protection of the public are paramount in considering a sentence. He noted aggravating factors are the real and lasting harm to the victims and that it was an abuse of a person in trust.
Haagensen was sentenced to two years in custody followed by two years of probation. She was also given an order of prohibition not to attend public areas where a person under 16 could reasonably be expected to be present, not to work or volunteer in a position of trust towards a person under 16, or have any contact with a young person unless under the supervision of a person the court considers appropriate.
She was also placed on the national sex offender registry.


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