The Alberta Integrated Traffic Unit will be out in force over the Thanksgiving holiday with Operation Impact.
    Operation Impact runs from October 7 to October 10, over this long weekend. Integrated RCMP and Sheriff Traffic Units along with their road safety partners will be stationed at key locations to remind people that good decisions surrounding safe driving habits such as proper use of occupant restraints, obeying the new distracted driving law, speed limits, intersection laws and responsible alcohol use can save lives and reduce injuries on provincial roadways.
    The Officer In Charge, RCMP, K Division Traffic Services, Superintendent Gary Brine and Alberta Sheriff’s Superintendent Rick Gardner jointly announced the province’s road safety strategies for the month of October. 
    “I expect our provincial traffic officers will be very busy this October in promoting traffic safety by enforcing such traffic laws as proper use of occupant restraints and the new distracted driving law,” said Brine. “In addition, our officers and road safety partners will participate in Operation Impact, a national traffic safety operation targeting driving behavior that endangers other road users. Once again Albertans will be on the roadways travelling to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with friends and loved ones. It is hoped their efforts during “Operation Impact” will lead to a safe and enjoyable long weekend for motorists.” 
    Before heading out onto the roadways, motorists are being asked to consider the following:
•    In Alberta mandatory occupant restraint compliance is the law. Buckle seatbelts and ensure youngsters are properly restrained in the appropriate child restraint; as per height & weight.
•    Refrain from aggressive driving, speeding, following too closely or running lights or stop signs.
•    September 1, 2011, saw the Distracted Driving law come into force. Obey the law, be attentive to your driving and arrive safe.
•    Safe and sober driving is everyone’s responsibility. Never get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs.    

    Providing reliable and safe power to Alberta residents has become a tradition for one Drumheller family.
     Roger Ouellette put in 42 years of service in Drumheller for the electricity utility before he retired. His son Kevin Ouellette has been a serviceman for ATCO Electric for 29 years and a third generation, headed by Brett Ouellette, is a part of ATCO Electric as a lineman in Stettler with three years of  service.
    The youngest of the bunch, Brett Ouellette, is proving that he has the stuff to make it in the industry.
    Every year SaskPower sponsors a “Lineman Rodeo.” The event was in June in Saskatoon. Competitors from the four Western Provinces compete each year testing their ability on the job skill and proficiency. They come and compete in six categories, with events such as the Obstacle Pole Climb and Cross Arm Change.
     Brett came home from the competition with an armful of trophies. He was first place in the Apprentice category.