On Sept. 1, 2023, Drumheller RCMP have responded to three separate incidents of suspected fentanyl overdoses, within a few hours of each other. These three incidents happened in the central Drumheller area but at different locations.

Of the three incidents, one resulted in the death of a 46-year-old male resident of Drumheller. In the second incident, naloxone was administered by EMS to one individual and in the third incident, naloxone was administered by RCMP members to the other individual. Both individuals were transported to the hospital where they are now in stable condition.

Drumheller RCMP is issuing a warning to the public, reminding them that street drugs are not always what they appear to be. Had it not been for the fast actions of those around and the immediate response by emergency medical personnel and RCMP, the two surviving individuals may have had very different outcomes.

Drumheller RCMP remind the public that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness. Higher doses of the antidote naloxone are needed to treat an overdose.

If anyone has information about these incidents, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.

Students at Morrin School will have more than just a new school year to look forward to when they return to school in September, with the new Morrin School expected to be completed and staff and students moving into the new facility before the end of 2023.
Along with having a new school, students will also have some new teachers joining the faculty in the 2023-2024 school year.
“We will be opening our brand new school in November, and all the staff and students can’t wait,” Principal Don Yavis tells the Mail.
He expects enrollment at the K-12 school will increase slightly this year, noting enrollment is not limited to just those living in the Morrin community.
Along with slightly higher enrollment numbers, there will also be two new teachers joining the school’s staff.
Shelby Job, who is a recent University of Lethbridge graduate, will be teaching Grade 5 and 6. She will be joined by Nicholas Patras, a recent graduate from Mount Royal University in Calgary, who will be teaching Industrial Arts at the junior and senior high level.
Along with regular academic courses, students in junior and senior high have some fun elective courses to choose from, such as 3D printing and robotics. Students in Grades 7 to 11 also have the opportunity to take part in the school’s hockey program, which has been running for the last five years, and offers ice time for students to develop their hockey skills; this program is open to all students, regardless of their skill level.
“Morrin School and Prairie Land School Division focus on four pillars of education,” explains Mr. Yavis. “Teaching and learning, school culture, health and wellness, and community engagement. All decisions made at the administration level focus on what is best for our students.”
Mr. Yavis shares that the school provides students with a pancake breakfast in September as a way to welcome them back to school, as well as a full Christmas turkey dinner in December, and a special luncheon in June for the graduating class. Students are also offered a daily breakfast program, and a hot lunch program every second week.