MLA Rick Strankman is hoping to get some action on urban coyotes in Drumheller and is talking to the Alberta Environment to learn what can be done.  
     Urban coyotes have been an issue in the town limits of Drumheller and other area towns. Strankman says run-ins with residents appear to be growing.
    “The Town of Drumheller is once again experiencing a higher than average number of coyote encounters within the town limits,” states a release from Rick Strankman.
    Bylaw enforcement officer Greg Peters says the number of complaints appear to be stable. Last year he was able to trap six animals, and scared a few away. He continues to set live traps in problem areas.
    Strankman’s release states he is in contact with Alberta Environment on the issue.
    “My office is working with Environment and Sustainable Resource Development about this issue and will be updating what options will be available to deal with this issue,” it states.
    There are a number of measures residents can take to help minimize their contact with wildlife. One of the most important is to discourage coyotes from having a reason to come to your neighbourhood. This includes eliminating sources of easy food. This could mean covering garbage, not leaving fruit and vegetables or pet food accessible. It is also important to eliminate areas where animals can seek cover or make dens.
    Supervising and keeping pets indoors is importance.  For the safety of children, make sure play areas do not have easy areas for animals to hide. To keep wild animals out of your yard make sure your gates are closed and fences are in good repair.

    Morrin is gearing up for its municipal election and has six in the running for three seats.
    Incumbents Suzanne Lacher, Lloyd Hodge and Maynard MacArthur have all put their named back in the hat.  
    “I think there needs to be some continuation on what is going on as far as council is concerned,” said MacArthur. “We have lots of things planned and if we are back in council we can see some of it go through.”
    Some of the things he is looking at is having more residential lots ready for sale and they are continuing on their recycling programs. Beatification is also something he says is important.
    Janis Siemens has put her name in for the 2013 election. She has family roots in the community and in community politics. She said she has some aspirations for the village she has been thinking about for years.
    “I decided maybe it was time I stepped in too,” she said.
    She said she would like more public involvement in decisions before they are set.
    “We are a small village and I am sure this could be achieved,” she said.  “Taxpayers should be better informed on changes that affect them.”
    Compared to Siemens, David Macleod is a relative newcomer, but he is also concerned with the direction of the village.
    He has been in the community for about seven years. In that time, he has seen a time of relative prosperity, but also a slowdown. He would like to see the community revitalized.
    “I think I have something I can give back to the community of Morrin,” said Macleod. I really fell in love with the place.”
    He said the community was very welcoming, and he would like to see the community grow.
    Howard Helton has been in the community since 1988.   He has some issues he would like to see addressed.
    “All of the incumbents are running for office, and the fact that I have chosen to run for council obviously shows I feel some issues I have are not being addressed to my satisfaction by the current council.”
    Some of his concerns include aging infrastructure, particularly in the northeast sector of the village where he would like to see some upgrades. He would also like to see some vacant properties ready to develop, and a plan for beautification.
    Suzanne Lacher and Lloyd Hodge were not available to comment as of press time.
Election day is October 21.