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Applications open for WLD Legacy Fund

July 23, 2015, 5:39 am
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WLD-1Photo courtesy DDCC.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce is encouraging recipients to apply for The World's Largest Dinosaur Legacy Fund.

For each capital project within the Drumheller region, up to $3,000 will be granted.

"We're looking for community not for profit groups registered under the Societies Act or other formally organized groups to apply," explained Heather Bitz, who is the executive director of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC).

Bitz also mentioned a detailed application form that describes eligibility requirements will be available to anyone dropping by the Chamber office, or online at this link.

It has not yet been determined how many projects the Chamber will have the capacity to fund.

"It just depends on the number of applicants that come forward and what the committee deems as a project worthy of funding," Bitz noted.

The Chamber established the Legacy Fund back in 2005.

"We've reinvested over $550,000 back into the community to a variety of different projects on small scale as well as large scale," Bitz told 99.5 Drum FM.

September 1, 2015 is the official deadline to send in application forms.

The Chamber office can be contacted at (403)823- 8100.
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Hail storm causes damage in the valley

July 23, 2015, 9:03 am
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Dorothy-elevatorDorothy grain elevator. Photo by Naomi Kikoak.

Wednesday's weather made headlines as a fierce thunderstorm roared through the area in the afternoon.

While most of it missed Drumheller, communities on the east end of the valley were not so fortunate.

"Between the wind and the hail, we lost our kitchen window, a window here and a window there out of the churches and the cabin and stuff like that," reports Jim Faubion, who lives in Dorothy, about 35 kilometres east of town. "The wind lifted the top roof right off the elevator (and) took quite a bit of shingles off the Catholic Church also."

"I was trying to look out the window, trying to see what's happening with the storm and I looked down and saw my telephone booth flipped over," he added. "I'm like, wow, because it's got a huge cement pad connected to the bottom of it."

He also reported RV's on their side in the campground just outside Dorothy.

Despite the damage, Faubion thinks Dorothy fared quite well compared to how things might have gone.

"Everything's fixable, even the elevator, I think" he told 99.5 Drum FM. "All a guy needs is some new rafters and some shingles, but it didn't damage the elevator other than it just lifted the top roof off."

He's already called the Special Areas, which owns the elevator, to let them know about the damage. The Rosebud area was also hit with heavy wind and hail.

Hail-DamageHail damage near Rosebud. Photo by Patrricza Rempel.
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Homestead Museum marks 50 years

July 23, 2015, 12:12 pm
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Gilles-DanisGilles Danis. Photo by Kendra Carey.

2015 marks 50 years for one of the Drumheller Valley's oldest museums. The Homestead Antique Museum first opened its doors in 1965 and they're celebrating this weekend.

99.5 Drum FM will be on location Saturday, July 25 to help the museum celebrate its semi-centennial.

"We shall have a great big tent and we will be serving beef on a bun, that kind of stuff," says Homestead manager, Gilles Danis. "There will be some people singing on the stage and there will be demonstrations, rope making (and) a forge; and some representatives from the Atlas Coal Mine and various other people."

"People who have come here ten or fifteen years ago, it's kind of changed since then," he told 99.5 Drum FM.

One of the recent changes saw the Old Country General Store move into the Murray Tea House next door to the museum itself.

The central exhibit in the Homestead this summer revolves around the making of fabric in the pioneer days, with spinning wheels and looms, but Danis is already looking ahead to 2016 and an exhibit on the history of recorded music.

"It's going to be titled 'Music to My Years," joked Danis. "It will show the progress of music from hand cranked recording devices shooting sound out through a voice cone. Then it will go to the first electronic devices, analogue music, and it will end with digital music."

The Homestead Antique Museum is open seven days a week during the summer from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $10.00 for adults with reduced rates for students and seniors, kids under eight get in free.
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Severe thunderstorm watch for Drumheller area

July 23, 2015, 1:28 pm
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THUNTHUNPhoto by Drum FM.

This watch has ended.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts and large hail in the Drumheller area.

Drumheller, Three Hills, Rockyford and Rosebud are under a 'Severe Thunder Storm Watch'. Just a reminder that large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

When thunder roars, go indoors! Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required.

Check out drumhelleronline.com and tune into 99.5 Drum FM for the latest weather alert updates.
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'Holy Mo' hits Rosebud

July 23, 2015, 3:23 pm
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Holy-Mo
Brynn Linsey in 'Holy Mo'. Photo submitted.

Brynn Linsey's final project for Rosebud School of the Arts is hitting the stage.

'Holy Mo' is the story of Moses, as told by three clowns.

"They start with the creation of Earth, and then they move into Moses' life from birth until death," Linsey explained. Linsey is producing and starring in the musical.

Although the topic can be fairly serious, there's humour in the musical.

"Aspects of it are deep, hard things to come to terms with, as well as really funny aspects of the play."

Cassia Schramm will star alongside Linsey, Alix Cowman is the musical director of the play.

In her six years with Rosebud School of the Arts Linsey has been in many plays. Just this year she played Annie Sullivan in the 'Miracle Worker', and is a chorus member in the 'Wizard of Oz'.
 
'Holy Mo' was written by Rosebud alums Lucia Frangione and Marie Russel.

The show runs July 23 - 26 at the Akokiniskway Gallery in Rosebud. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door, and can be purchased by calling 403-820-0238 or by emailing shipsunday@gmail.com. Run time is approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
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Final weekend for Jesus and Passion Play

July 24, 2015, 8:00 am
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Aaron-KrogmanAaron Krogman. Photo courtesy Canadian Badlands Passion Play.

This is the final weekend for the 2015 Canadian badlands Passion Play. It's also the last run for the Gospel of John and the actor who has played Jesus for the last three years.

Aaron Krogman started as an understudy to  Stephen Waldschmidt in 2011, the first year for the John play, and took over the lead in 2013.

"I think we as a cast have been feeling like we've kind of arrived at the final version of John," he told 99.5 Drum FM. "It's maybe the most crystalized it's been; it feels that way and it seems that people who are seeing it feel that way too."

Krogman, who graduated from Rosebud Theatre of the Arts in 2008 and has appeared in many productions at Rosebud Theatre, has mixed emotions when he thinks ahead to the final performance on Sunday afternoon, July 26.

"I think it's going to be sad to say good-bye to everybody and say good-bye to the story," he allowed. "Some of us work on it for three months a summer; that's 15 months total and there's not that many shows you do where you get to be that connected to that many people for that long term."

Krogman says he enjoyed the challenge of taking on the Jesus role, but he feels it's time to move on to other things.

"I do have some plans for the next couple of years in the way of school; I'm doing a masters program in Vancouver," he explained. "I won't be back next summer, but I would love to be back at some point in some capacity."

The final three performances of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play for this year go this evening (July 24) at 6:00, Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3:00.

For ticket information, follow this link.
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Motorcycle accident west of Nacmine

July 24, 2015, 3:05 pm
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accidentPhoto by Dara Kendell.

One man was taken to Drumheller hospital with unknown injuries following a motorcycle accident just west of Nacmine.

The motorcyclist was travelling west when he lost control of his bike and drifted into the oncoming lane. 

A cube truck travelling east towards the valley saw the bike and tried to steer away and slow down. The bike clipped the back left portion of the truck.

More details will be released as they become available.
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Updated: Saturday tornado watch for area

July 25, 2015, 10:17 am
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weatherwatch

Updated at 6:10 p.m. - the tornado watch and thunderstorm warning have ended. 

A tornado watch has been issued for the Drumheller, Rockyford and Three Hills area.

From the Weather Network:

Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing a tornado, very strong wind gusts, golf ball sized hail and heavy rain.

Storms will initiate early this afternoon and move eastward throughout the day. As a result watches may be expanded east later this afternoon.

Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can.

As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required.
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Bixby returns for intimate show

July 26, 2015, 5:30 pm
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JD-2Jaydee Bixby. Photo from Jaydee Bixby's facebook page.

After touring North America and scoring a new record deal in the States, a local artist is making his way to Wayne.

Jaydee Bixby will be play the Last Chance Saloon on Thursday, July 30.

"He has a new agent, and she contacted us about having him play because he is doing a bit of a tour throughout Alberta," manager of the Last Chance Saloon Paula Sutherland explained.

Bixby was runner up on the fifth season of Canadian Idol, and has since released three albums.

"I anticipate this will probably be easily a full house," Sutherland added.

The trolley will also be doing pick-up and drop off services during the night as. The trolley will pick people up at the Brick at 6:00 p.m. for $10 per person.

The show will start at 9:00 p.m. and admission is free.
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Tree troubles in Beiseker

July 27, 2015, 5:40 am
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Tree-PicPhoto by Kendra Carey.

The Village of Beiseker is wondering what killed a number of poplar trees located between Beacon Heights and North Road.

A preliminary soil test confirmed that there was a  high concentration of chemicals in the ground, which was harming the poplars and causing a number of the trees to die.

It is unclear how the chemicals got into the soil, but Mayor Ray Courtman told 99.5 Drum FM that he is hoping that it was nothing more than an accident.

"We're going to do some more testing to see if we can find out just what was the source is of these chemicals," Courtman explained.

The chemicals found in the soil are common household ones used for cleaning.  The mayor thinks it is unlikely that someone intentionally poisoned the trees, however, he admits it's a possibility.

Courtman also mentioned that trees are essential to the community for providing moisture since the village has a rather dry climate.

"A tree will do an incredible job of removing both carbon dioxide and other pollutants, more than 40 tons (pollutants) in its life time, which is a pretty fair amount," he noted.

Courtman explained there are two possible solutions they are considering for removing the contamination.

"We're going to have test site drills done into the soil, basically removing the pollutants as they pool in the bottom of these test holes," Courtman stated. "The other alternative is to actually remove that contaminated soil and we would have to truck it probably up to Swan Hills."

If you have any information about the poplar trees in Beiseker, the Village Office can be contacted at (403)-947-3774.
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Delia gets ready to bloom

July 27, 2015, 7:45 am
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Delia-signPhoto courtesy Village of Delia.

People in Delia are cleaning up the village and putting the final touches in place as they prepare to face the judges in the Alberta Communities in Bloom contest for 2015.

"We've had lots of help from volunteers in the community and our own organization," reports Communities in Bloom chairman, Dave Sisley. "We've got lots of flower pots out, we planted 24 new 14-17 foot trees and unveiled a memorial wall at the Veterans Park, and everything's looking pretty good at the moment."

It's the first Communities in Bloom competition in three years for Delia.

"We took two years off because of our (2014) centennial," explained Sisley. "The last time we were in it was in 2012; we got five (out of five) blooms."

Two judges from the provincial Communities in Bloom organization are due to visit Delia on Thursday, August 6. They will take in the Purple Martin display south of the village, the Delia Cemetery, downtown Delia, the school gardens and other local sites.

"It gets the community working together and people have a lot of fun doing it too, I think," Sisley told 99.5 Drum FM. "We get the kids involved in the school: when we start planting the flowers in the spring we get the kids from the school to help dig in new soil and put the plants in place and fertilize."
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Minor accident west of Drumheller

July 27, 2015, 12:19 pm
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9&21Approximate location of Saturday`s accident. Thanks to Google Maps.

No-one was seriously hurt in a single vehicle accident east of Beiseker on Saturday, July 25.

A 99.5 Drum FM listener texted to let us know an eastbound vehicle had hit the ditch and rolled through into a farmer's field near the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 21.

Sergeant, Glenn Demmon of the Beiseker RCMP detachment says the male driver, who was alone at the time, escaped with minor injuries. However, his pocketbook won't be faring so well.

The unnamed driver is facing a number of charges, including driving without insurance, which carries an automatic penalty of $2,875.
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Passion Play and Gospel of John come to a close

July 27, 2015, 2:47 pm
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pplayPhoto courtesy of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play.

"It's been a roller coaster of a season, but it's been great."

Those words come from executive director of the Canadian Badlands Passion Play Vance Neudorf after the final curtain call for the 2015 season and the Gospel of John.

The final show of the season ran Sunday, July 26, but couldn't be completed due to a thunderstorm, which rolled in around 5:30 p.m.

"It was a bit of a downer to not be able to go quite through to the end," Neudorf added.

There was a tent where some of the patrons waited for the storm to pass, and when it didn't, the cast sang the closing song under the tent.

"That's the thing I'm most proud of on our volunteers, they rise to the occasion." He told 99.5 Drum FM the cast had a great closing party, and it was a great way to wrap the season.

A show on Friday, July 17 was completely rained out.

Neudorf estimates 10,500 people came through the gates. Last year, there was closer to 11,000.

Work for the Gospel of Luke begins this week.

As for the rest of the summer, the Passion Play site will remain busy. The Rosebud Chamber Music Festival will play in the amphitheatre on July 30. Tom Cochrane and Red Rider will play August 22, and a Shakespeare special on August 23.
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Atlas Mine gets federal dollars

July 28, 2015, 4:03 am
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julia-and-kevinJulia Fielding and Kevin Sorenson. Photo by Kendra Carey.

The future of East Coulee's Atlas Coal Mine is looking promising. Kevin Sorenson, Member of Parliament for Crowfoot, announced there will be more renovations to the tipple with the addition of $50,000 under the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

Restoration of the tipple is occurring in separate phases. Phase Two is set to begin this fall and take about a year.

"It takes a lot of pressure off the society and off the staff to know that we already have some money for Phase Three," reported Julia Fielding, who is the executive director at the Atlas Coal Mine. "Phase Two was hard work getting the money and now having this takes a little bit of the pressure off. "

Canada's Government has ensured that they will be providing further support to infrastructure projects across the country as part of their Economic Action Plan for 2015 in honour of 150 years of Confederation in 2017.

"I've been here for the anniversaries for the Atlas Coal Mine and this is what brought people to this area originally (coal) and the stories from the families that are preserved here at the Atlas Coal Mine," explained Sorenson. "It's just a great place to be and we're pleased to be a partner in preserving that history."

Phase Two will include the replacement of rotten wood structures inside the tipple, while Phase Three will provide the tipple with a more secure roof to prevent rain damage.

"We're optimistic about tourism, and there are other things that are incentives for Canadians to travel and see what we have locally," added Sorenson.

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Quick fix for iconic dinosaur

July 28, 2015, 7:17 am
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Dinnie-01Dinnie the Dinosaur. Photos by Bob Brown.

He's due for some cosmetic surgery, but the fate of one of Drumheller's most iconic dinosaurs is still up in the air.

Town council met on Monday, July 27 and one of the topics up for discussion was Dinnie the Dinosaur, which overlooks the fountain at the west end of Rotary Park.

The 50-year-old concrete T-rex has a number of cracks and holes in its 'skin' and there were concerns it may no longer be safe for the public to be around.

Dinnie-03

"I think from going back and forth (across Highway 9), the moving and that of him, it's caused some damage and it's time to fix him up again," said Drumheller mayor, Terry Yemen. "Structurally it's fine, there will be some patches and we'll do a paint job."

Council voted to spend $6,700 to patch up the cracks and holes and protect Dinnie from weather. Steve's Masonry of Drumheller will do the work under the direction of Palm Engineering, which examined the statue.

"It's iconic, it's part of Drumheller, so we're going to have to get some input from the community," explained Yemen. "When you look at the World's Largest Dinosaur, I know the paint job was significantly more than that."

Dinnie-02

The only other bid was for more than $40,000, for a much more extensive fix.

"Is that the way the community wants to go? There's these newer dinosaurs; do they want one of those?," asked the mayor. "After we get this done, maybe in the next year, we'll take it back to the community and see what direction they want to go with that dinosaur."
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Reptile World owner appears in court

July 28, 2015, 9:59 am
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spca1Photo by 99.5 Drum FM.

The former owner of Reptile World in Drumheller has another month to decide if he will fight criminal charges against him.

Dave Bethel was to appear in Drumheller Provincial Court on Friday, July 24 to face two counts of causing an animal to be in distress and seven more of failing to provide adequate food and water, or care. The matter was put off until August 28, 2015.

The Alberta SPCA raided Reptile World on January 24 and again on February 4, seizing more than 140 reptiles and amphibians and 500 mice that were being raised as food for the reptiles.

Bethel, who operated the private herpetarium for 26 years, told 99.5 Drum FM proposed changes would have cost him $400,000, so he decided to close and ship his animals elsewhere.

The SPCA charges each carry a maximum fine of $20,000.
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BCF gaining popularity as conference destination

July 28, 2015, 11:27 am
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BCF-book-2Photo submitted.

The Badlands Community Facility (BCF)  has been getting a lot busier when it comes to conferences.
In June they held two conferences back to back,  

The Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association 40th anniversary conference brought 500 people into the valley.

"They sought us out after looking at our website," explained Marina Flater, booking specialist at the BCF.

The very next day they held another successful conference, the Alberta Media Arts Association, which brought in about 100 delegates.

The Grey Matters conference is coming up in September, and it is a two day event that offers seniors the chance to develop connections and keep them engaged and active around their communities. It will bring around 350 people to the valley to hear from guest speakers, including winner of the first season of the Amazing Race Canada, Tim Hauge.

This coming spring the facility will be hosting their biggest conference yet.

The Recreational Facility Professional conference will come to Drumheller in March, this will bring employees from various recreational facilities across Alberta to the valley.

"It's kind of a big deal, we've never really hosted one this large. It's four days," Flater added.

Flater added that the Facility is really busy, and theyre going after every conference they can get.

"I think people are really starting to see our value," she said, "how beautiful it is, and how amazing that a facility of this calibre is in a town this small."

Drumheller is beginning to become one of the 'conference hotspots', getting up in the ranks with Banff, Jasper and Kananaskis.

Flater told 99.5 Drum FM that theyre getting positive feedback from delegates after every conference.
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Rotary auction this fall

July 28, 2015, 4:10 pm
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jim-fischerJim Fisher with one of the auction items. Photo by Dara Kendell.

The bi-annual Rotary Auction returns to Drumheller this October.

This is the largest club funded function for the Drumheller Rotary Club and it raises money for projects around the community.

Jim Fisher of the Rotary Club told 99.5 Drum FM they will begin approaching business and community members for donations in the coming weeks.

"We are sure we are going to have a wide selection for people to purchase and help Rotary help the community," he reported.

He added that the donations span a wide variety, from sports items to - last year, a totem pole.

Already this year, the Rotary has some good items to auction, including an official Calgary Flames hockey stick autographed by Karri Rämö, current goaltender for the NHL team.

They also have an official goalie helmet, painted by local artist Morgen Schinnour, which is customised to the Drumheller Miners hockey team.

99.5 Drum FM will carry the auction on the evenings of October 7 and 8.

auction-itesmPhoto by Dara Kendell.
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Audiences fall in love with Leader of the Pack

July 28, 2015, 4:58 pm
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leaderofhtepack1 (Left to right) Rachel Graf, Devin Law, Rhian Russell, Justin Hansen, Toni Booth, Eric Neuman, Steve Lewis, and Misha Maseka.

It was a week to remember for audiences and everyone involved with Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical.

The summer's community theatre production at Kaleidoscope Theatre wrapped up on Tuesday, July 21 after seven shows, two of which were sold out.

"It went really well, we were very excited with the reception of the musical with the folks of Drumheller and everyone else that came to see it," said Megan McLauchlin, who played a waitress in the show.

Overall, the show had strong numbers and was 75 per cent sold, which McLauchlin said is very good for Kaleidoscope.

"We had some amazing singers that took part and I think the quality of the performers, the singers, the dancing, the music, it came together like it does in live theatre," she added.

Ellie Greenwich was an American pop music singer, songwriter, and record producer responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 1960s, including, Chapel of Love, Da Do Ron Ron, Be My Baby, Hanky Panky, Do Wah Diddy and, of course, Leader of the Pack.
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Downtown business picking up

July 29, 2015, 8:43 am
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DT-Corner-StopPhoto by Bob Brown.

It's a topic that gets a lot of people fired up, but at least one person close to the action doesn't think downtown Drumheller has too many empty shops.

"There's 60 units in the downtown core that are available for rent or occupancy by retail businesses and you have one to five vacancies, that's two to ten percent," says Bob Sheddy, a local realtor specializing in commercial properties. "When you've got these holes in such a small downtown it seems like there's a bigger impact than there is."

In fact, he told 99.5 Drum FM that some of the storefronts that appear to be vacant have actually been leased and the new owners, along with their landlords, are fixing up the spaces.

"If you look at the old Corner Stop location where Gus' Pizza was, the landlord of that building has already put in $50,000," Sheddy reports. "(They) put in a new subfloor, tore out the ceiling, put in the demising walls, all the fire requirements. We've got carpet going into one and tile going in the other space."

He also notes that rents downtown are cheaper than for similar properties along Highways 9 or 10. In fact, Sheddy sees only one potential downside to the current situation.

"The hope of the public was that the downtown could be a more vibrant tourist draw," he explained. "But it seems like those businesses that are going there seem to be servicing the (local) public more than servicing the tourists."

Sheddy adds if everything was full there wouldn't be room for new downtown businesses and that, he says, would be a problem.
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