MLA Strankman schooled on Clearview concerns LES STULBERG Independent reporter Almost a year after he was elected MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, Rick Strankman attended his first Clearview School Division meeting last Tuesday. Strankman said that he was “very inexperienced” with school issues, but was “anxious to hear concerns.” Trustees outlined details of grants and funding agreements and the challenges the division faces with budgets, declining enrolment, transportation and Alberta Teachers’ Association negotiations. They said one of the primary problems is the downturn in enrolment — a drop of 10 per cent in the past 10 years.
With provincial funding is processed largely on a per-capita basis, the division has been negatively impacted. Strankman said the Prairieland School Division has been hit even harder, with a decline in enrolment of almost 24 per cent in the past 10 years. The Wildrose MLA suggested his party could lobby the government to bring back the fuel subsidy. The subsidy, eliminated April 1, brought in about $220,000 to Clearview last year. Castor trustee Karen Holloway cautioned to “be a little careful” in proposing a return of fuel funding. She said the Clearview division would receive more than $900,000 through the Equity of Opportunity grant and part of that money was to compensate for the loss
of the fuel benefit. Trustee Peter Simons reminded Strankman that the Wildrose platform would implement more cost-cutting measures. “I don’t see how that option will solve our funding challenges,” Simons said. Strankman asked if there were any ongoing issues with Mennonite or Hutterite schools. He said he’s concerned some of those students “might drop through the cracks” and that was “going to be a social issue.” Strankman said there’s a shortage of skilled workers, and it’s important to teach kids to learn so they can earn more money. Clearview trustees said they could use help from Strankman in lobbying the minister of education to enable “easier” transportation busing agreements with the
East Central Catholic school division. Strankman said he heard “good points and they were well taken.” Trustees also discussed the revised board budget at length. At the community consultation meeting in Castor last Wednesday, board chairman Ken Checkel said the “biggest job we do is to figure out how to allocate funding.” He said the “made-in-Clearview funding formula” is flexible locally. The province doesn’t attach strings to the funding it sends to school boards. Depending how dollars are allocated for transportation and instruction, budget reductions could mean reduced staff or cuts to bus routes. The board meets April 16 and plans to pass its 2013-14 budget in May.
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PIT STOP — Canada Geese gather Monday on the frozen Cold Lake, also known as Buttermilk Lake, wondering when the water will arrive after a relentless winter.
Donalda voters off to polls Monday to pick councillor via byelection RICHARD FROESE Independent reporter A new Village of Donalda councillor will be elected Monday as voters head to the polls for a byelection. Dan Knudtson, Paul McKay and Matthew Stepp are seeking to fill a vacancy created when Chad Whiteside moved out of the village to disqualify him from the three-seat council. Polls will be open Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Donalda Drop-In Centre. “We had about six per cent of the voters turn out last Saturday at the advance poll,” returning officer Marlene Conibear said Monday. She advised all eligible voters to go to the polls. “Whatever we can do to get voters out and exercise their right to vote is encouraged,” Conibear said.
The winner of the seat will serve the current term until the coming general municipal election, set for October. Electors are eligible to vote if they have been a current resident of Alberta for six months, with Donalda their primary residence on voting day. Knudtson was born and raised in Donalda and resided there for the past 15 years. He has been active with the Donalda and District Museum Society. McKay previously served on council for 11 years until October 2010, when his did not run. He’s a lifetime resident of Donalda and has been active with Donalda Curling Club for more than 40 years. Stepp didn’t return calls to the Independent during the campaign, so limited information is available on his background. For more information on the voting process, residents are advised to phone the Village of Donalda office at 403-883-2345.
Police pave way for ‘safe Stettler roads’ RICHARD FROESE Independent reporter Safe roads with higher traffic enforcement is one of the top priorities for Stettler RCMP, town council was told last week. Reducing alcohol abuse and property crimes were also listed as RCMP goals for the coming operational year, which begins this month. “These are the things we concentrate on,” Stettler RCMP Sgt. Duncan Babchuk told council at its regular meeting last week. Council endorsed the priorities. “It’s always important that strategies and priorities of council line up with the local police,” Mayor Dick Richards said. To create safer roads, police hope to deter motorists from committing offences that are related to road crashes and injuries. Police say they’re committed to increasing the number of traffic charges from 1,060 in 2012 and impaired charges from 46 from 122 reports. “Alcohol being the No. 1 drug of abuse is a direct cause of 40 per cent of violent crimes in our society,” Babchuk said. “A large majority of our calls for service are alcohol-related.” Police plan to also step up enforcement of noisy vehicles and motorcycles and tinted windows, he said. Tinted windows are especially a concern for police, because it creates a sense of suspicion and risk of the occupants inside, council was told. “I feel they’re hiding something,” Corp. Cam Russell said.
Babchuk recalled one such incident where local police discovered the occupants were drinking alcohol and seized marijuana. “We have zero tolerance,” he said. With two highways through the town, traffic remains a major part of the police service. “Traffic is a daily complaint,” Babchuk said. While planning to increase the number of charges, Babchuk said he also intends to educate citizens with presentations on alcohol awareness. To reduce property crimes as the third priority, police encourage citizens to report property crimes and plan to develop an education strategy to ensure effectiveness in solving property offences. To reduce substance abuse of drugs, police plan to step up to prevent drug abuse among youths by investigating and prosecute offenders involved drug distribution. While local police continue to respond to an average of 3,200 to 3,500 calls year, domestic violence has become a growing concern, with most cases ignited by alcohol or drugs. Babchuk urges citizens to immediately report any criminal or suspicious activity to local police. Community standards To help curb crime and assist police more effectively, the town plans to discuss the creation of a bylaw to regulate community standards with stiffer fines. Babchuck initially presented the plan to council last year. “We need to discuss this with the police and our bylaw officer,” Coun.
Leona Thorogood said. “It’s important that discussion be done and we have a good working relationship with the RCMP,” Richards said. Last year, Babchuk explained that such bylaws are highly effective in other communities to curb such issues as fighting and loitering, graffiti, spitting and urinating. Set by council, fines would directly go into town coffers. “Our Crown counsel suggests that these issues would be better dealt with through a bylaw than with a criminal charge,” Babchuk said. “Some incidents don’t deserve a criminal charge.” That would also speed up the process that’s often sluggish through the court system, he said. “It’s a lot more effective,” said Russell, who suggested that fees could be $500 or higher. “These are common police issues, no matter how hard we work.” Babchuk said he’s committed to work with the town on such issues. He believes a bylaw would also help deter fighting in bars. “If we get a few of these, that would be eliminated,” Babchuck said. Presented last year, he suggested fines for: — Fighting in a public place at $500 for first offence, $750 and $1,000. — Urinating in public at $500, $750 and $1,000. — Spitting in a public place at $75 and $100. Last year, the Stettler sergeant also suggested that drinking establishments be fined for unacceptable noise and activity on the premises.
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