This week will start on the next chapter of the history of Chinook Credit Union as it officially opens its new branch in Drumheller.
    Chinook Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its new building on Railway Avenue and 1st Street East. Years of planning went into the construction of the new facility, which allows the Credit Union to better serve its members in Drumheller.
    “Our vision was to have a permanent home for our members, staff, the Credit Union and the community,” said branch manager Patsy Stokalko. “A lot of people helped us get here.”
    According to  Stuart Hill, vice-president Corporate Services at Chinook Credit Union, the new facility represent a commitment to the community with  a permanent home for the Credit Union.  Chinook has had a presence in Drumheller since 1968.  A few years ago, it began planning on the new branch, and they broke ground in October 2011.
    “Certainly it was time…one of our commitments was to provide a warm, safe, healthy place for members to do business with us with pleasant surroundings,” said Hill.
    “It is a commitment that looks well in to the future  for Chinook Credit Union in Drumheller.”
    A tour with branch manager Stokalko makes it clear how the new space will serve members. Natural light floods into the space with welcoming high ceilings and a warm atmosphere.  Outside a drive-through automated teller adds one more level of convenience.    
    What is behind the scenes is just as inviting.
    Stokalko shows off the new office area for lending which  is a more personal private setting. Other simple improvements that go a long way to help in providing top-notch service in an orderly and cheerful way include ample storage and copy space, vast information technology improvement, a break room for employees and even meeting space.
    There are also new offices for the Credit Union to continue to grow. And there is potential for growth, Stokalko says they have been busy since they opened at the new location.
    Hill explains that employees were consulted and architect Ron Boruk and contractor Shunda Consulting and Construction Management of Red Deer incorporated many of these suggestions into the facility.
    “A couple board members were also  able to put their wants and needs to the architect, and he put as many as practical into the building, It was a definite team effort for sure,” said Hill.
    The facility cost about $4 million to construct.
    “We love the new building and love the design and are just so happy to being here,” said Stokalko.

    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.