A Drumheller resident is playing the role of Santa Claus after finding someone’s presents abandoned on the side of the highway.
    One day when heading into town, Sandra Nicklom noticed something unusual on the side the road by her driveway near the Hoodoos.
    “I saw a large gift bag on the side of the highway by my driveway as I was going into town and thought someone left their garbage on the side of the road,” said Nicklom. “My son, Tyler, came home, saw the bag and picked it up. We looked inside and somebody lost their Christmas presents.”
    The presents, which are some clothing and stocking stuffers, were addressed simply to Jen and Ron.
    Nicklom is hoping to find the owners of the presents, but fears they might not be from the area.
    “They could’ve been heading to Saskatchewan or Brooks, and just passing through here. It must have blown out of the back of a truck that was loaded. The bag was torn up a bit, but nothing was broken,” said Nicklom.
    To ensure the presents are returned, there will be a few questions.
    “If they can identify who it's from, then I can give it back. If anyone knows these people, maybe they’ll be lucky and they can reclaim their Christmas gifts,” said Nicklom. “We did an ad as a sort of lost and found to see if anyone claims it. If they don’t, we’ll end up donating it to the Salvation Army.”
    Anyone with any information can contact Nicklom at 403-823-5796.

    The new year is well under way. For a glimpse of what 2013 has in store and what was accomplished in 2012, The Drumheller Mail spoke with a few Mayors and Reeves in the Drumheller area.

John Rogers, Mayor of Delia
    

    “I wish everyone a happy new year and all the best in 2013.
    In 2012, we got a new sidewalk on main street in time for the centennial next year. We’re moving forward this year with a major project on our sewer system and one of our main goals will be planning for the centennial in 2014.”

Alan Larsen, Mayor of Standard
    “Best wishes to all the residents and ratepayers from the Standard Council and staff.
    We just completed the fire hall. We’re just putting the last tweaks on it and will be holding a grand opening in the near future. The new community hall is flying along and we’re hoping for a March opening for it.
    We’ve worked on quite a bit of infrastructure over the last year as well.
    Most of what we’re looking at is infrastructure. We’re sitting on infrastructure that is 60 or even 70 years old, and in need of repair.”

Darcy Burke, Mayor of Rockyford

    “We saw the completion of our new fire hall, which is a tremendous asset to our community. It’s a beautiful building on main street, will last many years, and something the community is quite proud of.
    We had a very successful rodeo in 2012. Our rodeo committee was nominated for and won the Committee of the Year award from the FCA Rodeo Association. Our community is very proud of that achievement. The rodeo has been providing entertainment for over 50 years.
    2013 could turn into a busy year for Rockyford. In March, we’re going to start on a $2 million expansion of our sewer lagoon. We’re excited to get that going, because it will let us move forward with development of our new subdivision.
    We are looking at the possibility of putting pavement on several streets. We are moving forward with the rehabilitation with the sidewalks on main street.
    On behalf of Council and staff, I’d like to wish everyone a very prosperous and healthy 2013.”

Barrie Hoover, Reeve of Starland County

    “2012 was a good year for Starland County and residents.  We had rain for the farmers, good crops and good prices.
    The power line needed through the Handhills has been approved so the windmills are closer to reality.  Date for operation of the wind farm is 2015. Solar is still forefront with the county with two 10 kilowatt solar farm projects being approved and hopefully more in the future.  
    Water service is an ongoing interest of the residents of the county and when granting is once again possible we have projects to go forward. 
    The Municipal District of Starland started operation December 9, 1912 and marked our 100 years of operation.  The celebration was held in conjunction with the Christmas party.  It was great to see the former long term employees and previous councillors to help us celebrate.
    As well for 100 years, Hanna also celebrated this year, Drumheller is just now starting to celebrate, Delia in 2014 and Craigmyle 2015.  Many local farms have hit the 100 year mark also this year.
    The county has a new office, the expansion is done and it looks great.  We had the grand opening earlier this year and if you are around the office and would like a tour, just ask.
    We must give thanks to our staff, they do a great job for the county and we are very proud of them all. But, not all is good, we lost quite a number of friends this year.  Each and every one has given to our community throughout their lives and are greatly missed.
    2013 brings hope throughout the province and country, anything is possible.  The county is looking at a new repair shop and fire halls; the equipment keeps getting bigger and bigger.
    This coming year is an election year and the term for councillor has been changed from three years to four years, so if interested put your name forward.
    Have a healthy and happy New Year and all the best from Starland County.”