The Hanna, Coronation and Oyen areas can expect winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour today. Environment Canada has issued a high wind alert for the region. Along with these gusts, Environment Canada says the area can expect a considerable amount of rain. The high winds are expected this morning and will carry on into the afternoon. The Drumheller region can also expect high wind gusts of up to 80 km/h with rain. Strong winds are expected across central and southern Alberta today resulting from a low pressure system.

Wind warning in effect for:

• Co. of Paintearth near Brownfield
• Co. of Paintearth near Castor and Fleet
• Co. of Paintearth near Coronation and Throne
• M.D. of Acadia including Acadia Valley
• M.D. of Provost near Bodo
• S.A. 2 near Cessford Wardlow and Pollockville
• S.A. 2 near Hanna and Richdale
• S.A. 2 near Spondin and Scapa
• S.A. 2 near Sunnynook
• S.A. 3 near Big Stone Cappon and Gold Spur
• S.A. 3 near Oyen and Cereal
• S.A. 3 near Sedalia and New Brigden
• S.A. 3 near Sibbald and Esther
• S.A. 3 near Youngstown
• S.A. 4 near Hemaruka Wiste and Monitor Creek
• S.A. 4 near Kirriemuir and Compeer
• S.A. 4 near Veteran and Consort

Environment Canada issues wind warnings when there is a significant risk of damaging winds. Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Gusty winds can damage soft shelters, tents and awnings at outdoor events. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.

Friends of East Wheatland is a group of individuals with a goal set to help support the communities of Hussar, Standard, Rockyford, and Central Bow Valley in the development of their new school.  
    Friends of East Wheatland first formed their volunteer based committee to fund-raise for addition enhancement costs not supported by Provincial funding. All proceeds raised will go towards improving the new school.
    Kim Larson, President of Friends of East Wheatland,  has high hopes for the project.
    “Our personal goal is to raise between 1.3 to 1.5 million dollars,” Larson says. “We’ve applied for a lot of grants, we’ve started working with a lot of corporate businesses for donations, and we have a bunch of fundraisers planned. We’re hoping for two or three hundred thousand dollars with all of [the fund-raisers] that we have on the go right now.”
    Integrating fundamental aspects of education into their goals, Friends of East Wheatland’s vision statement says: “Our work will enhance the facility and programing that reflects our students and their interests while honouring our rural heritage.”
    The money brought in from fundraisers will help support East Wheatland’s vision for the new school.  They would like to provide prospect students with 21st century learning, enabling them to reach not only short term, but their long term goals as well. Partnerships with Olds and Lakeland college are being pursued to help further the new school’s long term reach.    
    Plans for broader programming will give the students an opportunity to explore their individual interests. From the implementation of Home Ec, Drama, Welding, Cosmetology, to a new media room, a fitness center, an agriculture program, and an outdoor classroom, their goals are not limited. Friends of East Wheatland is confident in achieving optimal programming for their students.
    “I think now that they unveiled the sign and everybody knows it’s happening, everyone will be more than happy to pitch in and support through all the communities. I think once they actually see the work starting, we will have an awesome response from everybody,” says Larson, “it’s just been a long time coming.”
    The new school has a projected opening date for September 2016.