Serving the Heart of Central Alberta for 105 years
VOLUME ONE HUNDRED SIX
PM40011853 R08546
NUMBER FORTY
STETTLER, ALBERTA
October 3, 2012
PRICE – $1.09 Plus GST
RICHARD FROESE/Independent reporter
A “flash dance” downtown Saturday was among the popular Culture Days events in Stettler last weekend, though the crowds were generally low for most activities.
Small crowds show up for Culture Days RICHARD FROESE Independent reporter Low attendance at most events marked the inaugural Stettler edition of Alberta Culture Days last weekend. Despite small crowds, community spirit and diversity were evident during a variety of activities in Stettler. With more than 25 events, participants enjoyed the mix of culture and heritage that was presented at
various venues, even though community support was lower than organizers had expected. “We want to build on the successes of this year and make some changes where necessary,” said Aubrey Brown, the executive director of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade, which led the organizational effort. “Where there was a cultural interest, participants and residents attended, as socializing, local music, local dancers and good food
proved to be important and directly affected the attendance. “Hopefully, we can build on those areas in 2013.” Activities that drew the biggest crowds were a pancake breakfast at P&H Elevator, with about 170 people, a family concert Friday night at the Stettler Recreation Centre, a cultural café Saturday night and a Gospel concert Sunday afternoon, with about 110 people each. Also drawing respect-
able crowds were a farmers’ market and a downtown “flash dance” Saturday. The Culture Days celebration gave Stettler an opportunity to participate in a developing national and provincial annual cultural event, Brown said. Although patrons were scattered at competing events, there was positive feedback, too. “For being the first year, I thought it was great,” said Stettler Mayor Dick Richards.
“It’s a shame there weren’t more people who attended the activities — the product was excellent.” While the crowds were generally lower than organizers anticipated, the mayor said Culture Days can grow and become “a great event” for those who participate. “You can’t quantify the success of an event just by the number of people who attend,” Richards said. “Stettler is still a vibrant cultural community. We
need to share with the community how fun it was and get ready for next year. “It could become a huge event for Stettler.” The organizing committee plans to meet today to debrief and make notes and plans for 2013. Anyone with suggestions or comments is invited to share ideas by calling the board of trade office at 403-742-3181, or by writing a letter to this newspaper: editor@ stettlerindependent.com.
Break-in, theft costs store more than $20,000 in losses RICHARD FROESE Independent reporter Romar PowerSports in Stettler sustained more than $20,000 in losses after motor machines were stolen and the building was damaged last week in two separate incidents, Stettler RCMP reported Monday. Police continue to seek assistance in the recovery of three motorcycles that were stolen from the motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile dealer, located on 44 Avenue in the east-industrial area of Stettler. “I’m just mad,” said company president Brad Mappin, who declined further comment. Stettler RCMP Sgt. Duncan Babchuk reported that the first theft occurred Friday at about 1 a.m., when the culprits smashed the glass door to the front entrance and stole two dirt bikes — a 2013 Kawasaki KX450 and a 2012 Yamaha PW50. “Both motorcycles were on display on the showroom floor at the time of the theft,” Babchuk said. Then, at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, the front-entrance glass door was again smashed and a 2011 Kawasaki KX85 dirt bike was also stolen from the showroom area. Investigators are also looking for a dark-blue 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 quad-cab pickup truck that was stolen from the Stettler industrial area late on Sept. 29, or early on Sept. 30. “This truck may be related to the second break-in at Romar PowerSports,” Babchuk said.
Contributed photo
Motorbikes such as these were stolen from Romar PowerSports during the weekend, Stettler RCMP reported this week. Other equipment was also stolen.
Items that had been inside the truck were located in the Beiseker area. Anyone with information related to those thefts is asked to phone Stettler RCMP at 403-742-3382 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Stettler County imposes fire ban because of dry, windy conditions LES STULBERG Independent reporter
Photo by Leo de Groot
The “sheriff” was in Big Valley on Saturday. See more on Page A11.
A total fire ban has been imposed for all of the County of Stettler, because of dry and windy conditions. Stettler Regional Fire Chief Mark Dennis said
the ban took effect late last Tuesday and would remain in place until a substantial amount of moisture falls in the entire county. “Conditions are extremely dry,” Dennis said this Monday. “There is so much growth out there that could fuel a fire.”
The fire ban prohibits the County of Stettler from issuing fire permits, and all outstanding fire permits have been suspended. The ban includes all open fires, camp fires, briquette barbecues, burning barrels, chimeneas, fire pits and the discharge of fireworks.
The ban doesn’t apply to barbecues or camp stoves fuelled by propane or natural gas. Stettler joins other central and southern Alberta communities that have imposed fire bans this fall. One of those districts is neighbouring Paintearth County.
Readers can also find the Stettler Independent at stettlerindependent.com