Drumheller RCMP are investigating what may be the discovery of human remains near Drumheller.

RCMP were dispatched after a report of some bones, which appear to be human, were discovered in a coulee off of Highway 837 in Kneehill County Saturday, October 17. Staff Sergeant Grant MacDonald said the RCMP have begun an investigation.

            “There were some bones found, that are strongly believed to be human, but it has not been confirmed at this point,” said MacDonald.

            He says they are consulting with a veterinarian well as a medical examiner in Calgary to confirm the nature of the bones.

“If it deemed to be human in nature, then our Major Crimes Unit will be the lead section that would take over, and we would be a supportive section to it by virtue of their expertise and skill set,” said MacDonald.

The Autumn season is in full swing and with it brings the deadly influenza virus. 

On Tuesday, October 20 Albertans can protect themselves from the influenza virus by receiving their free influenza (flu) shot. 

The vaccination is available to all Albertans six months of age and older and is recommended by Alberta Health Services (AHS). 

Children less than 23 months old, seniors and those who may have compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of getting the virus. 

AHS says that despite residents believing they are healthy, if they aren’t immunized each season, they are at risk for influenza. 

Often the flu is confused with stomach illnesses and common colds, but the severe respiratory illness can impact the nose, throat and lungs says AHS. 

They report that last influenza season more than 3,900 cases of the flu were confirmed in Alberta with more than 100 Albertans passing away with the virus. 

The vaccination is available at many local pharmacies and flu clinics at health centres in the area. 

In order to receive the vaccination free of charge, residents must have an Alberta Health Card with them at the time they wish to receive the vaccination. Those who do not have a health card, may choose to pay for the vaccine.

Starting October 20, residents in the Drumheller area can stop into the Drumheller Shoppers Drug Mart on Railway Avenue and receive a flu vaccination at the pharmacy until the end of March. 

For more information call Drumheller Shoppers Drug Mart at 403-823-5955.

They can also visit Anderson Drug in Freson Bros. starting October 20. They will have the option to get the flu shot as walk-in during regular pharmacy hours until the end of flu season. Call 403-823-2670 for more information. 

Riverside Value Drug Mart will be running a flu clinic on October 20 from 1-5 p.m. Call 403-823-3784 for more information and other clinic dates.

Local flu clinics set up by AHS include the following places, dates and times. 

The Drumheller Health Centre will have drop in clinics that will run on Tuesday, October 20, Wednesday, October 21, Thursday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 24. All of these clinics will be from 1- 7 p.m. On Thursday, December 3 those wishing to get a flu shot will need to book an appointment between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The number to call to book the appointment is 403-820-6004.

Residents near Delia who would like their flu shot can drop in at the Delia Community Centre on Wednesday, November 4 from 10-2. 

Those in Rockyford can head over to the Rockyford Friendship Centre on Thursday, October 22 from 9-3:30 p.m. for drop in flu shots. 

The Seniors Centre in Standard will have a drop-in flu shot clinic on Friday, October 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Three Hills Health Centre will have two days for flu shots. Those wishing to get their shot will need to book an appointment for either Wednesday, November 25 or Thursday, November 26 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 403-443-5355. 

The Hanna Health Centre will have a flu clinic on Thursday, November 26 and Wednesday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Appointments must be booked by calling 403-854-3331. 

Those in Acme can head over to the Community Centre to receive their flu shot at the drop in clinic on Tuesday, October 20 from 3-6:30 p.m. 

Trochu Community Hall will have Thursday, October 29 from 2-7 p.m. for drop in flu shots and Thursday, December 3 for pre-booked appointments from 4 to 7 p.m. The number to call is 403-773-3636.

The Stettler Community Hall will have five drop in clinics available. They will be on, Tuesday, October 27, Wednesday, October 28, Monday, November 9, Tuesday, November 10 and Tuesday, December 1. All dates will have hours from 1 to 7 p.m.