The Drumheller Legion has invited a special guest to their  Veterans Dinner on Saturday, January 14. The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Colonel (ret’d) Donald S. Ethell, will be attending the dinner.
    “I’ve been at meetings with him, so I knew him,” said Bob Hannah, president of the Drumheller Legion. “It’s something for Drumheller and especially the Legion.”
    This will be the most distinguished guest ever to have been invited and attended the annual event.
    “It’s historic because we’ve never had a Lieutenant Governor here before,” said Hannah.
    Ethell was named Lieutenant Governor of Alberta on May 11, 2010. His appointment followed a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, civilian service as a military advisor, and a volunteer with humanitarian causes.
    Colonel Ethell is a veteran of 14 peace support operations, including his last missions to Croatia and Bosnia in the early 90’s. Colonel Ethell retired from the military in 1993 and is one of the most highly decorated officers in Canada.
    It is thought that the presence of Ethell and his storied career will prove to be an inspiration to the cadets who will be serving the meal, veterans, and guests present at the dinner.
    “He’s the one of the most highly decorated peacekeeping officers in Canada,” said Hannah. “The cadets will love it.”
    The veterans dinner is an annual event meant to honour the veterans in the Drumheller area. This year is especially important considering the bulk of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan were withdrawn as of July, 2011.
    “We have four Afghanistan veterans in this area. The whole dinner to honour them, and our other veterans and peacekeepers for all they’ve done,” said Hannah.
    For the event, the Legion will be serving a traditional roast beef dinner. The dress for the dinner is semi-formal. To attend the Veterans Dinner please contact the Legion at 403-823-5611.

    Some good news came with the new year as bus service through Drumheller is coming back.
    Last fall, service through Drumheller was cut although parcel service remained. Narinder Tambar, owner of the Greyhound office in Drumheller confirmed that service would be restored.
    “It is very exciting,” said Tambar. “I am glad that we have the buses back.”
    She explained that Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) applied to operate the routes and learned last Friday they would be able to run a route from Alsask to Drumheller and Drumheller to Calgary for Greyhound.
     The schedule is pending.
    Mayor Terry Yemen was happy to hear the announcement.
    “I have been contacted by a number of seniors who were concerned because it was the only way for them to get to Calgary for medical appointments,” said Yemen. “Anything is better than what we have right now.”
    Tambar also said she heard from seniors over the Christmas holiday who were not able to join loved ones for the holidays without the bus.
    She adds that it was not only seniors who were missing the bus, but all ages. Residents of Grace House also needed the service for appointments.
    Tambar opened the store in July of 2009. They were in business for just over two years when they learned of the changes. She said customers were very upset. She is relieved by the news. 
    “Something great for New Year!” She said.
STC is a crown corporation of the Province of Saskatchewan that has been offering service since 1946.