The Drumheller RCMP is reminding drivers of the seriousness of obeying traffic signals.
  Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins says with the disappearance of snow, it appears drivers are in more of hurry to get places. He notes during these past two weeks, he has seen many drivers failing to come to a stop at stop signs.
    “They are treating the stop sign more like a yield sign. Further, drivers are making right hand turns at stop signs or red lights while barely slowing down. If all that was required was to “yield to oncoming traffic” there would be a yield sign there not a stop sign,” said Hopkins.
    He said the definition of stop is pretty simple.
    “To stop means to cause your vehicle to cease movement completely,” he said. 
    He goes on to say that collisions at intersections often result in injuries to occupants, and these are simply avoided by obeying the traffic signals and stop signs.
    “As a result of my observations and concerns, I have instructed the members of this detachment to pay close attention to stop signs and red lights and to increase enforcement of those offences. A fine of failing to stop is $287 and carries with it three demerit points,” said Hopkins adding he has also asked officers to increase enforcement of distracted driving.
    “Please help by increasing your awareness and stop when required.  Do not drive while being distracted. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Drumheller detachment at (403) 823-7590,” he said.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed new directors at its Annual General Meeting on March 26. They are (l-r) Brock Harrington, Landon Bosch, Darcy Thompson, Nathan Fleming and Sylvia Adams, Missing is Shelley Rymal.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed four new directors to its board.
    The Chamber held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 26 at the Badlands Community Facility.
    The Chamber had six spots on its board to fill after the departure of Linda Digby and Joanne Contenti. Elaine Piwin and Barry Fullerton also saw their terms expire. Shelley Rymal and Landon Bosch’s terms expired, however each let their names stand for another term.
    They join Brock Harrington, Sylvia Adams, Darcy Thompson and Nathan Fleming on the board.
    The Chamber of Commerce has a lot to celebrate looking back on 2013. In her General Manager’s Report, Heather Bitz recounted some of these events including the Chamber successfully hosting the Provincial Chamber of Commerce Conference and Policy Session and being presented the Alberta Chamber of the Year for Memberships between 100 and 300 members.
    Last year saw the valley bombarded with national and international media, including placement in Maclean’s Magazine, the Amazing Race, the Marilyn Denis Show and the Tour of Alberta.
    The Chamber also did a great job of hosting its annual events, including its member appreciation barbecues, mixers, its annual golf tournament and its Business Excellence Awards.
    It remained active with the provincial and national Chambers of Commerce. Last year it co-sponsored five policy resolutions.
    President John Shoff looked forward in his report to the chamber.
    “We have some very big news in terms of events that will bring literally thousands of potential customers into our valley,” he said in his report.  “Existing events like the Dinosaur Marathon are expanding and growing. The momentum from last year’s many major television focuses on Drumheller is also going to create a lift in visitors this year.”
    One of these events is the Tough Mudder event has been confirmed for September 6 and 7.
     Ryan Semchuk of the Drumheller Festival Committee, which is taking a lead in the event, completed a presentation on Tough Mudder and the opportunities it could bring to businesses throughout the valley, and the importance of the town putting its best foot forward and working together.