‘Tis the season for safe driving, and it appears so far Drumheller residents are getting the message.
    The Drumheller RCMP has stepped up its enforcement and has been staging a number of check stops leading up to and through the holiday season. Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins said awareness of the check stops is getting out.
    “Last Friday night and Saturday they were really busy,” said Hopkins. “People are talking about it.”
 On top of the weekend check stops, Drumheller RCMP are also implementing random check stops.
    “If you are caught driving under the influence, there are many things that could happen, ranging from driving prohibition to vehicle seizures,” said Hopkins. “That is not including what could happen if someone gets hurt as a result of your actions while under the influence. The financial implications to you and your family are huge should you get caught driving or are involved in a collision where someone gets hurt.”
    Hopkins said so far, during their check stops, no drivers have been charged with impaired driving.
    “There have been some minor drug possession charges and some open liquor charges, but there haven’t been any impaired drivers or 24 suspensions,” said Hopkins. “We have had a couple no insurance and other violations.”
    He said the random check stops will continue through to the new year.
    Bottom line for Hopkins: if you are planning on drinking, plan on a ride home.

    The iKettle phenomenon is catching as an iKettle in the community is now ranked sixth in the country for donations.
    Last week a generous online donation from Rod Dyck of Rosedale Concrete Works of $1,000 put the Drumheller iKettle, sponsored by Q91, up to $1,900.
    Introduced a couple years ago, the iKettle has become a safe and easy way to donate to the local kettle campaign. Online donations are just like regular donations. The funds go to the local Salvation Army to fund local programs. It is less work for the local office at this busy time of year as an e-receipt is automatically generated.
    The iKettle allows the donor to make their contribution using a credit card or through PayPal. iKettle also allows donors or hosts to send emails to help fill iKettle.        Donors can host a kettle, or they can simply give to an existing one. There is no registration fee to participate.
    So far the iKettle is catching on. Last year, the Drumheller Salvation Army was also ranked in the top 10 across Canada for online donations. This year they appear to be on the same track.
    To make a donation to the Kettle, simply go to www.ikettle.ca or www.drumsa.org, and follow the banner link on the bottom of the page.