On the first full day of the election campaign, Tuesday, March 27, Wildrose Party leader, Danielle Smith stopped by the Badlands Community Facility  , to deliver the Wildrose message that Alberta needs a change.
    Smith arrived in Drumheller late Tuesday afternoon in the second edition of her campaign bus. Over 50 residents attended the event to listen to Smith’s election platform.
    One of the main themes of Smith’s nearly 15 minute speech was that the Progressive Conservative party has been in power too long and, as a consequence, are out of touch.
    “The PC’s have succumbed to a culture of entitlement, in which the only thing that matters is what’s in it for them. That’s why the choice that Albertans face on April 23 is so important,” said Smith.
    Smith explained that the Wildrose represents a fresh conservative government alternative.
    “It’s time for a real conservative government that respects property rights, that won’t raise taxes, that will cut spending and balance the budget, and that represents Albertans and not bureaucrats. It’s time Alberta, it’s time for a new Wildrose government,” said Smith.
    Smith promised that the Wildrose, if in power, would put money in the front lines of health care and education, so doctors and nurses can treat Albertans and teachers can teach.
    Smith presented the first pledge of the Wildrose campaign, the Balanced Budget and Savings Act.
    In the promised act, year-over-year spending would be limited to increases in population plus inflation, mandate a return to balanced budgets without cuts to teachers, nurses, or other front line services, and grow the Heritage Fund to $200 billion in 20 years.
    Smith’s stop in Drumheller happened on the first full day of the election campaign, the writ had dropped the previous day.
    “On the second day of the writ drop I’m pleased and proud. It shows we want to engage with Albertans,” said Rick Strankman, Wildrose candidate for Drumheller-Stettler. “I was quite blessed that we were able to have her this early in the campaign.”
    Smith may come to Drumheller again, depending on how the election develops.
    The Wildrose has been gaining momentum throughout the province explained Strankman.
    “We’re going to make great strides here in the province. People are coming out, grabbing signage and showing support,” said Strankman.
    “The PC’s time is up,” said Smith. “It’s time for a change. It’s time for a Wildrose government. It’s time for a government that puts people first.”

Residents in Drumheller had a bird’s eye view as fire ripped across the dry prairie grass late Thursday afternoon. Fire broke out around at about 4 p.m. on the hill across the Red Deer River from the Badlands Community Facility and spread north to Verdant Valley Road. Roughly 50 firefighters from The Drumheller Fire Department, Rosedale Hall, Rockyford Fire Department, Dalum Fire Department, Munson Fire Department and the Morrin Fire Department all provided aid. RCMP were also on site. The fire was under controlled by 7:30 p.m. and crews continued to monitor the area for hotspots well into Thursday evening.

The cause of the fire is being classified as an accident. With the high winds and exceedingly dry conditions, the fire was able to spread rapidly over the prairie. Drumheller Fire Chief, Bill Bachynski, cautioned residents about fire safety.

"With the extreme dry conditions, if it continues like this, the fire hazard is going to get worse. Anyone using outdoor fires, like fire pits, should use caution," said Bachynski.

The dry conditions, if they persist, may result in a fire ban. There is no ban currenty in effect in the area.

"If these conditions keep up, we may see a fire ban. There is no fire ban right now, I want to make that clear," said Bachynski.