Voting starts Saturday for PC candidate for Olds Didsbury Three Hills
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- Written by Pat Kolafa | © DrumhellerMail.com
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.
Husky Energy lends support to Standard Hall project
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- Written by © DrumhellerMail.com
Husky Energy boosted fundraising efforts for the new Standard Community Hall on November 1 with a donation of $50,000.
In recognition of the donation, a compilation of historical pictures and artifacts from the area are to be displayed in the hall and will be named the Husky Heritage Display.
The Hussar Gas Plant, now owned by Husky Energy, was originally built in 1959 by Tennessee Gas & Oil Co. and was expected to produce for 10-15 years. Now, 52 years later, this field is still producing and has been an integral part of the community of Standard, providing employment to many residents over the years.
“Supporting the communities where our employees live and work is a core value at Husky,” said Rob Symonds, Vice President of Western Canada Production. “The new hall will be a focal point in the community and with its enhanced disaster centre capabilities and meeting spaces, it will become an even more vital asset to the area.”
“Our community certainly appreciates the support of the business corporations within the community”, commented Ron Corbiell, chairman of the Standard Community Hall Building Committee. “Our smaller communities really gain from the support of Husky and other oil industry companies both from donations and employment opportunities.”
This donation brings the total raised to $1,229,482 through fundraising, private and corporate donations and a matching Community Spirit Grant of $21,657. More government grants can be applied for when a firm completion date is determined for the estimated $2.6 million project.
Delia students wired through laptop program
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- Written by Michael James | © DrumhellerMail.com
Students at the Delia School are getting a technological boost with the school’s laptop program.
The program began two years ago. “It’s a different way to distribute technology to our students,” said Steve Nielsen, principal of Delia School. “The traditional method was to buy computers, and then after five years to recycle them.”
“It was hard for the teachers to teach and the students to take home work.”
Starting in Grade 7 students are given the opportunity to purchase a laptop with assistance from the school and the school division, who each contribute 25 per cent of the cost. Students are responsible for the remaining 50 per cent.
The average cost for students and their families is approximately $200. Families are given flexible payment options.
“Our goal when we started was to have around 80 per cent purchasing laptops,” said Nielsen. “We’re close to 100 per cent.”
Not all students have chosen to participate in the program. But, to make sure that no student is left out, the school carries extra laptops that students can sign out.
When students reach Grade 10 they are given the option to trade in their older models for the latest technology.
However, the program does not just aid the students.
“It’s made an awesome difference for teachers,” said Nielsen. “You’re never fighting for the computer lab. If the lesson involves technology the students are ready.”
The school has also been able to save money on textbooks as a result. “Students bring in their laptops like they used to bring textbooks,” said Neilsen. “Once you have a laptop you have unlimited resources.”
Laptop programs may start in other schools wishing to leap in to new methods of delivering the curriculum. Delia School has shown itself to be a successful prototype.
