The intrigue and mystery of the community of Wayne has inspired a young songwriter, who might have penned the quintessential Alberta Song.
    Rebecca Lappa, 14 is entered in the ATB All-Albertan Song Contest. Her song is called Welcome to Wayne and she is among six finalists in the competition.  Music fans can vote online at www.wearealberta.ca or on Facebook.
    She said she was turned on to the contest by her mentors, and was inspired by the history of the small community.
    “I was doing research to write a song for this contest. Originally it was going to be about a guy travelling through Alberta, but when I was researching I found Wayne and thought it had a really haunting ode,” said Rebecca. “I like the folklore of Wayne.”
    Her song is a tragic tale of a poor mining family, back dropped by labour strife and violence. Haunting in its sound and detail. Interestingly, Rebecca has been to Drumheller, but has yet to visit Wayne.
    While only 14, Rebecca is no newcomer.    She has been singing in competitions since she was six and is an accomplished pianist. She has received a number of Music Festival awards. She began writing songs at the age of 10. In the spring of 2011 she released a full-length album of original compositions.
    “In November I was nominated for young performer of the year for the Canadian Folk Music Awards,” she said.
    The winner of the All-Albertan Song contest will be selected by judges with input from listeners who can vote online. Voting is now open until April 25. The winner will be announced on April 28.
    The prize includes $10,000 from ATB as well as $2,000 from Alberta Music towards recording the top entry. The winning song will be published on Alberta Music’s 2013 showcase CD.
    For more information go to www.wearealberta.ca

The Village of Morrin is looking for willing residents to put their name into the hat for a by-election to fill a vacant Village Councillor position.
    Councillor Tyler Key resigned his position recently. Key had been a councillor since October 2010.
    Key, who worked as an account manager with Acklands-Grainger in Drumheller, accepted a new position within the company, however the new job is in Red Deer.
    Key’s departure comes roughly a year and a half before the next general election in Morrin is called, thus a by-election is needed to elect his replacement.
    Key is also leaving behind board positions, such as the library board, and fire department. A new councillor could fill those vacancies.
    “This is the first time I’ve had to run a by-election in all the years I’ve been here,” said Annette Plachner, the Chief Administrative Officer of Morrin.
    Plachner is overseeing the by-election process and is collecting nominations. As of press time, there had been one interested resident.
    “I have one [previous] councillor...he’s planning on taking a nomination out and wanting to come back,” said Plachner.
    Depending on the number of nominations received, the decision would be made by acclamation or through an election.
    Nominations will be taken on Monday, April 30, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon at the Morrin Village office.