Class is in session  for Hope College.
    After three years of laying the groundwork, Hope College has successfully started delivering programs as a recognized post-secondary institution in Drumheller.
    This September Hope College has begun offering  business, justice and tourism programs.  Next year, programs in nursing, nutrition, massage therapy, exercise and wellness and herbal health are scheduled to be added to the official list of student options.
    “We are thrilled to have finally opened our doors as a college here in Drumheller.  We are so grateful to all of the individuals who have encouraged us along the way.  We are particularly thankful for the long-standing vision of the members of the Community Futures Big Country Board who have stood by this project since its inception,” said Dr. Jon Ohlhauser.
    All of the courses this year are being taught by local instructors.

Dr. Jon Ohlhauser
Hope College

    “As a person involved in the delivery of post-secondary education for over 20 years now, I know how valuable it is for our students to be mentored by and build network relationships with local instructors,” Dr. Ohlhauser.
    While the college was aiming for 15 students in its inaugural year, They fell short of that mark.
    “The biggest contributor to that reality was the late approval we received for our programs from the Government. Nonetheless, our operating model allows us to be extremely flexible in our cost structures,” said Ohlhauser. “We are able to operate with great student experiences even with the numbers we have enrolled this semester.”

    The Drumheller Fire Fit squad had another great showing when they attended the Fire Fit Nationals in Edmonton  from September 4-8.

Drumheller Firefighters competed at the Fire Fit Nationals in  Edmonton from September 4-8, Members of the team included (l-r) Duane Bolin, Steve Hatt, Trevor Scott, Merv Smith, Mitch Smith and of course Rescue Randy the 175lb dummy that is dragged over the finish line.

    Trevor Scott secured the best time Drumheller has seen since Duane Bolin started entering unsuspecting rookies in 2001. Trevor achieved his personal best (PB) time of 1:32, first year Mitch Smith came in with a PB 1:42, Duane Bolin - despite his injuries- came in with a commanding 1:55, First year Steve Hatt shaved off 9 seconds giving him a PB of 2:02, Merv Smith had a PB of 2:02.
    The Drumheller team didn’t stop there. The relay team consisting of all five members had another Drumheller best time of 1:19. The two-man NxG2 Duane/Merv over 40 beat their old time with a team best of 1:53. Steve and Mitch also set a new record for Drumheller NxG2 Rookie 1:49.
    Another huge accomplishment that needs mentioning is that Duane Bolin has been competing in Fire Fit since 2001. In that time he has run the course 22 times and involved 19 other members to experience the hardest two minutes in sports!
    TSN will be airing the event later in October.... be sure to watch not only the guys compete but the many fans that followed the members up to Edmonton to cheer them on loud and proud.