Halkirk native named provincial court judge LES STULBERG Independent reporter Halkirk native Charlene Anderson was appointed a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta last Friday in Calgary. Anderson’s promotion was one of five Alberta appointments made last week by Rob Nicholson, the minister of justice and Attorney General of Canada. “It was a bit of a surprise,” Anderson said Monday from her Calgary home. “I didn’t know that (the
appointment) was coming.” She said she had put her name forward to be considered for the position, as had many others. Judge selection involves a confidential process, she said. Anderson is already on the job in her new role. Her first day of work was Monday. She said the position is a goal she has looked forward to achieving. Before he judicial appointment, Anderson was a lawyer with the Calgary firm of Ross Smith Asset Management Inc. Anderson was raised at
Halkirk. She is the youngest daughter of Stan and Dorothy Anderson. The 1979 graduate of Gus Wetter School in Castor moved to Toronto to pursue her law degree. She received a bachelor of laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. After graduation, she practised law in Toronto until 1994. Anderson and her husband — lawyer David Weyant — then moved to his home city of Calgary. Since 1995, Anderson has been general counsel for the University
of Calgary, senior enforcement counsel with the Alberta Securities Commission and a lawyer with Philips and Company and Ross Smith Asset Management. Anderson said her “roots run deep” in the community of Halkirk, home of veteran NHL forward Shane Doan. She was back home for the Halkirk centennial celebration last July. Anderson and her husband have three children — ages 19, 17 and 15. The family has a second home at Buffalo Lake in Rochon Sands.
CHARLENE ANDERSON
Serving the Heart of Central Alberta for 106 years
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February 13, 2013
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LES STULBERG/Independent reporter
END OF THE LINE — A long line of railcars parked between Stettler and Botha await future use. Many of them are decorated with Graffiti — or what some call art.
Stettler mayor ‘surprised’ as Jubilee medal recipient RICHARD FROESE Independent reporter Stettler’s most-prominent resident has received a Queen’s Jubilee medal. To his surprise, Stettler Mayor Dick Richards found a medal for himself sitting on the table in front of the mayor’s chair when he arrived for the regular council meeting last week. Richards received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his dedicated service in the community, the citation said.
“When I opened the paperwork and saw that it was for me, I was very surprised,” said Richards, the mayor since September 2009 after he became a councillor in 2000. “I thought it was for someone else.” As an elected official, he said he has tried to help the community and didn’t expect to receive major rewards. “We do what we do not for recognition, but to make a difference in the community that has given us all so much,” Richards said. Along with his time on council, Richards has been active as a volunteer in the Stettler Minor Hockey Association, and with the Stettler Kinsmen
and the town’s recreation board. “We are pleased to see the mayor receive such a prestigious recognition,” said Rob Stoutenberg, the chief administrative officer for the town. “He has been a very good leader of council and excellent community booster and committed to seeing Stettler move forward.” Richards was honoured with the words of appreciation for him. “I thank you for your dedicated service to your peers, to your community and to Canada,” read congratulatory wishes from Governor General David Johnston. “The contributions you have made to our nation
are most commendable and deserve our praise and admiration.” Richards joins three other Stettler-area people who received medals last fall among 60,000 Canadians honoured to recognize their significant contributions and achievements to their communities and country. Medals were presented last fall to Heartland Youth Centre longtime executive-director Winnie Bissett, Bob Byers of Stettler and Metis church pastor Rev. David Lilly of Big Valley. This week, Earl Berry of Bashaw received a jubilee medal for his service in that community with the Bashaw Museum.
RICHARD FROESE/Independent reporter
Stettler Mayor Dick Richards holds the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal that he received last week for his dedicated service to the town.
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