At the Monday, July 7 Regular Council Meeting, Council approved the FCSS Committee Amending Bylaw 23.25, marking a significant step toward a more community-connected approach to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the Town of Drumheller.
“The bylaw amendment transitions the FCSS Committee from a Council-only administrative body to an advisory committee that includes members-at-large,” said Esther Quiambao, Assistant CAO. “This shift ensures balanced representation between elected officials and social services agency members, fostering a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process.”
The newly structured committee will focus on several key priorities, including but not limited to:
Supporting programs and initiatives that promote community well-being.
Strengthening partnerships with local non-profits and service organizations.
Encouraging volunteerism and civic engagement.
Identifying and addressing emerging social needs in the community.
The Town encourages residents representing local social service agencies who are passionate about family and community support services to consider applying. Those interested can visit drumheller.ca to learn more and submit a completed Boards and Committees Application Form before September 21, 2025.

Big Valley’s Zeke Thurston did it again!
Dominant would be the operative word in the career of Zeke Thurston, and on Sunday afternoon, the saddle bronc rider took home his fourth Calgary Stampede Championship and a $50,000 purse.
When presented with this prize, he revealed his simple plan: to show up and do the best he can.
“That’s pretty much the game plan every time. It’s kind of a good mixture when you get these bucking horses in Calgary and the best bronc riders,” he said.
His Stampede journey started on July 7, where he placed second in Poll B, but shot to the top in his second-day performance and held on to it through his third performance. Going into the Sunday night performance, he was in the top spot after his ride on Steely Dan.
In the final ride, he selected Virgil, and it paid off with a score of 92.50, besting fellow Albertan Dawson Hay of Wildwood.
“I had the opportunity one other time and picked Virgil another time last year, and it worked out pretty good there,” he said.
Last year, it looked like he was on his way to winning his fourth Calgary Stampede championship; however, a calculation error at the last minute bumped him into second. This year, there was no denying his win.
He is now a four-time winner at the Calgary Stampede, and going into the Canadian Finals this fall, he will be on the hunt for his sixth Canadian Championship.
He was one of three Stampede Champions this year who were Albertan. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged of Langdon won the breakaway roping title in the first year it was featured in the Stampede, and Scott Guenthner of Provost won steer wrestling. He was also presented with the Guy Weadick Award, which is presented to “one Chuckwagon or Rodeo competitor who best embodies what the cowboy stands for, and who best typifies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede.”
Another Big Valley cowboy got a taste of Calgary Stampede action as Riley Baird competed in the Junior Steer Riding.

photos courtesy of The Calgary Stampede