The race is on to replace Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz, and so far, three have stepped up to the plate.
    The process of nominating potential candidates for the PC Party closed last Friday, and Darcy Davis, Al Kemmere and William Stevenson have all decided to put their names into the hat.
    Davis was in Drumheller on the campaign trail last Monday, and the end of the trail is not far off.
    The first votes for the PC candidate are coming up this weekend.
    Those wishing to vote in the contest for the PC Party representative for the Olds –Didsbury-Three Hills constituency can vote November 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beiseker hall, or at the Three Hills Super 8 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    On November 26 voting will take place at the Cremona Hall from 10 a.m.  to 1 p.m.  and at the Didsbury Arena from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
    Davis a third generation Acme area farmer, and with his wife raised their two daughters. He and his wife founded Lost Creek Cattle Enterprises.
 He spent seven years with the Alberta Beef Producers and was elected chair in 2004. He also spent six years on the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association serving as the finance chair and on the foreign trade committee. He has also served as president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, and currently is on the board of the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.
 He feels his experience gives him a solid background. He has a broad understanding of local issues as well as how Alberta fits on the international stage.
 While he has seen the political climate of the area and indeed the province turn, he says his principles and values lay within the PC Party.
 “We need a big picture view,” he said.
 He is focused on renewing the PC Party and says they have a strong leader and communicator in Alison Redford.
 In fact, he says communication was part of the reason the party had struggled. He wants a more open way for issues to be dealt with and emphasizes communication means listening.
 Some of the issues he foresees as being important are healthcare and education. He also sees seniors’ issues coming to the forefront, especially as the numbers are expected to double in the next few years.
 While the nomination process closed, just last weekend, all of the candidates have been busy campaigning since summer.
    Following the Didsbury vote on November 26, the ballot boxes will be opened.

    They came, they saw they ate.
    And along the way raised nearly $3,500 for The Salvation Army as it prepares for the Christmas season.
    The annual spaghetti-eating contest was held last Wednesday, November 9 at Boston Pizza. The restaurant was abuzz as competitors old and new lined up to take on their nearest competition in an all out eating frenzy.
    In the children’s category, Dylan Lowen narrowly beat out Jordan Armstrong at the table, posting a 1:03 time.
    In the ladies category Kadina Pierce was back at the table to defend her title from last year. She did in spades, posting a time of just 1:24.
    After a few years at the table, this time it was finally Ryan Semchuk’s chance to shine. While he has been close in his previous appearances, this year he was the fastest eater in the men’s category.
    Another familiar face was in the winner’s circle this year, not for how fast he ate, but for how much he raised. Dylan Jensen alone raised $2,510. Wal-Mart helped him realize this total and matched $1,200 of the total. This was up almost $1,000 from his total last year. Over the last four years, the eleven year old has raised almost $6,000.
    In all, the event raised $3,398. This was a little bit short of last year’s total of $5,483.  The funds realized by the events goes to The Salvation Army Community Services. This includes the food bank, the Christmas Assistance program, youth and senior programs.
    “Thanks so much Boston Pizza for hosting this event,” said Lt. Matt Sheils of The Salvation Army. “It is just a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
    The event was also a great kick off to the Christmas season for The Salvation Army.
This Friday they kick off their Kettle Campaign at the Drumheller Dragons home game. On November 24, the community wide food drive takes to the streets.