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Alberta pays tribute to Heroes of the Flood

Sandbags are unloaded off Railway Avenue in June 2013. Albertans pitched in to help each other during the  spring flooding of 2013 that occurred in a number of communities across Southern Alberta.  The Alberta Government has hired three engineering firms to study flood mitigation options for the Athabasca and Red Deer rivers.

Albertans have recognized more than 1,300 of their peers who took incredible actions to help others in the wake of the June 2013 floods, as part of Alberta’s Heroes of the Flood recognition program.
    While the floods were a devastating time, every day Albertans became heroes as they reached out to help their friends, family, neighbours and even strangers rebuild and recover.
    “The flood was more than just a catastrophic event. It was an opportunity for all Albertans to come together, to offer support, strength and friendship for those affected by the disaster. It is important for us as a province to recognize those among us who showed such bravery and strength in these times of struggle, who have helped with the rebuilding efforts. Thank you for your courage, strength and sacrifice in our province’s time of need.”
- Alison Redford, Premier
    “I want to thank every Albertan who shared incredible stories of bravery, compassion and resilience. We’ll be working to celebrate these heroes for their extraordinary efforts over the coming weeks. While we still have more rebuilding and recovery ahead of us, we’ll rebuild stronger than ever with Albertans like these.”
- Municipal Affairs Minister Ken Hughes
    The 1,300 nominees represent a variety of organizations including 175 nominations for first responders, and 80 for post-secondary institution faculty, students and staff.        Several animal rescue organizations were touted for their incredible efforts, along with one non-human hero: Diesel, a miniature Husky who was rescued from the flood and is now training to be a service dog.
    All nominees will receive a certificate and letter of appreciation in the coming weeks. A complete list of Hero nominees is available online.
    Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta’s resources to ensure we’re able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.


Sewer odour solutions sought

The Province is working on clearing up the sewer odour  originating with the Royal Tyrrell Museum sewage lines.
    Alberta Infrastructure recently did some work on the sewer lines to help clear up the foul air that has been plaguing Newcastle and Nacmine residents for a number of years.
    “Their initial corrective action is they’re going to be using water jets to scour the lines,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    “And they found some valves that weren’t working, so they replaced the valves.”
    The Mayor explained that was Plan A, and if Plan A doesn’t work, Alberta Infrastructure will get in there and try something different.
    A recent media release from the Town of Drumheller states  the representatives from Alberta Infrastructure are committed to ongoing monitoring and additional corrective action if the need arises.
    The Mayor said the odour has been very problematic for Town residents in the area and  they haven’t been able to enjoy their properties at certain time during the year, and adds:
    “I am pleased that the Province is committed to finding a solution as this matter has gone on far too long and needs to be dealt with.”

Drumheller’s Oldest Realtor in his 20’s

According to the calendar, local realtor John Wiebe is only 22.5 years old.

The trick to getting to 90, says John Wiebe, is to live it day by day the best you can, enjoy, and have fun.
    Wiebe is selling real estate, something he’s been doing since 1997, because he didn’t like retirement.
    “I tried, and no. I have no intention of retiring. I’ll ride this horse until it drops.”
    Hometown Realty Owner/Broker Kelly Boyko says Wiebe makes the office a great place to be.
    “It’s just a pleasure having him around. He’s excellent at it, and he’s professional, hardworking - everything you want in a realtor.”
    Wiebe’s having a good year, according to Boyko.
    “It’s one of his best starts since he’s been there. He’s in the office every day and enthusiastic.”
    Wiebe is a leap year baby, turning 90 years young this February 29.
    “There’s a mistake on my birth certificate,” says Wiebe.
    “We were so far away from the registrars, my mother gave the papers for me and my cousin to my grandfather, and when he took the papers in he registered me on my cousin’s birth date and my cousin on my birth date.”
    John Wiebe grew up in Nuehorst, Saskatchewan, where he learned to drive at the age of 12.
    “When I got my driver’s licence, it was a dollar.”
    “You didn’t take a test or anything - you just paid the dollar.”
    Wiebe says the only thing he would have done is further education.
    “I was upset when I had to miss school, but I was the oldest of nine kids, and it was the ‘30s.”
    “But I learned a lot through it - it’s a great education in itself.”
    Wiebe says his mother was from Northern Saskatchewan and his father’s family came from Russia when his father was three.
    “When I started school, I didn’t speak a word of English. My friend, Bill Ens - who was a year older than me - told me every time the teacher asks me ‘What’s your name?’ to say ‘pardon?.’  So I did, and I got the strap because he (the teacher) thought I was b.s.ing.”
    “My nickname in school was Johnny Pardon,” he laughs.
    Wiebe says he and Bill remained friends until Bill’s passing several years ago.
    Wiebe has reached 50 years membership in the Royal Canadian Legion, having served in the Army Service Corps in the Second World War. He also ran a taxi company in Drumheller from 1950 to 1963.
    As for downtime, Wiebe says he just wants to get back on the golf course, and is an active dart player and pool player.
    “I’m in the pool league and I enjoy that immensely.”
    Asked if there’s anything special he would like to do for his 90th Birthday, Wiebe answers: “Just be there.”


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