ALBERTA NEWS

Having been part of the hockey scene in Whitecourt, Drayton Valley, Jasper and Slave Lake for decades, Lou Poitras has retired as a linesman. Poitras was honoured in late April, as Whitecourt Minor Hockey unveiled a new accolade named for him: The Lou Poitras Award for Linesperson of the Year. “It was an honour to […]

Devon Devon Arts Market: The Arts Association of Devon (AAD) offers a wide variety of original art and unique handmade items by our local artists and artisans. The Arts Market is held each month on a Sunday from Noon to 4 pm. at the centrally located Devon Community Hall – 20 Haven Ave. Market dates are advertised […]

The Devon Lions Campground opened to the public on May 1, 2024.  Power hookups will be available, but the weather and ground frost could affect the water and sewer services. The campground is a popular summer destination for many locals and those from afar as well.  The campground now boasts 4 children’s play areas, a […]

A Grade 4 class at Robina Baker School recently came together to raise funds for a school trip. Angel Quinlan decided to have a lemonade stand to raise money for the Grade 4 trip to Camp Warwa. As many good ideas do, it snowballed. Soon, her friends joined in and they were selling fruit snacks too.  […]

Do you have a photo showing off the town? Whether it be a Devon staple, a slice of nature, or your favourite local spot, send it in for the chance for your photo to be featured in the Dispatch. Submissions can be sent to PWilliams@postmedia.com.

The region has a new tool to guide growth, as Woodlands County council adopted an updated Municipal Development Plan during its April 24 regular meeting. The MDP is a community planning document that provides broad direction for how Woodlands County considers land use, guiding further policies and regulations. “The MDP sets the stage at the […]

$11.3M capital budget includes funds for east and West Mountain Road

Residents and business owners are invited to join us on Wednesday, May 15 for a cup of coffee and conversation. Devon RCMP will be hosting the quarterly Coffee with a Cop event in the Dan Claypool Room at the Devon Community Centre at 10 am. We encourage the community to come out and connect, share […]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, several members of the Devon Lions Club attended the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) for a very interesting tour of their facility. The tour was presented by the two pilots and the nurse of one of the flight crew and covered various aspects of their jobs and responsibilities. They […]

Friday, April 27 saw a full house at the Pioneer 73 Club’s monthly Music Jam. Musicians from Devon and surrounding areas entertained attendees who danced and sang the afternoon away. The day was special as the jam celebrated the 55th Wedding Anniversary of Vic and Marlain Bendera, who brought cake for everyone.  The birthdays of Marie […]

Shoppers in Mayerthorpe and area had a look at a variety of works by talented people from across the region during the April Showers Market. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 hosted the event by Mayerthorpe Markets on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, ahead of Mother’s Day. Children’s author Chance Hansen was one […]

Two Calgary residents died in a motor vehicle collision Tuesday evening in the Municipal District (MD) of Ranchland. Claresholm and Nanton RCMP were dispatched Tuesday at about 6 p.m. to a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 22, approximately five kilometres north of Highway 520. A southbound vehicle might have crossed the centre line, colliding […]

The Millet Lightning Jr. C Hockey Club put the final touches on the 2023/24 season with its first year-end banquet and awards ceremony at the Millet Agriplex Saturday night. Awards were presented to Ethan Sakaluk for Top Scorer and MVP; Koen Hutchinson Rookie of the Year and Unsung Hero went to Connor Dorchester. The family […]

Fifty-four students in Norquest College’s Wetaskiwin Campus Transitions to Employment, Health Care Aide and Practical Nursing programs were celebrated with a completion ceremony at the Manluk Theatre Friday.  “Today we are witnessing the culmination of all your hard work and dedication,” said Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin MLA Rick Wilson. “As you prepare to embark on a new journey, […]

Hello everyone! This is Kamille Espeleta reporting once again from the Town of Ashoro. Today, I would like to tell you about an annual week-long holiday observed in Japan, called Golden Week.  Golden Week, is a series of four national holidays closely spaced together that is observed during the end of April and the beginning […]

It would be reasonable to assume the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau would have learned from its political forebears that registries are costly and wildly unpopular with voters.  The long gun registry, implemented in 1993 by then Prime Minister Jean Chretien, was initially predicted to cost $2 million. By the time of a 2002 audit, […]

It’s one thing to have a vision, then collaborate with a partner to help bring that vision to life, but when you add the opinions and ideas of students, it all goes out the window.  Last week, Sacred Heart School and Maskwacis artist Byron Samson unveiled four mobile panels that make up a new mural […]

Andy and Tina’s Dance FX team just returned from the Glitter and Gold festival in Olds, which happened April 19-21.   Our dancers not only make us proud, but the City of  Wetaskiwin as well.  Andy & Tina’s Dance FX performed over 100 routines over three days and the studio was invited to dance five of […]

Hundreds of young performers from across the Wetaskiwin area took to the stage during the Wetaskiwin Music Festival Association’s 45th annual Wetaskiwin Music Festival April 23-28.  This year saw the return of bands, which haven’t participated since the COVID pandemic in 2019.  This year also saw a return of Speech Arts — a class which […]

In his State of the County address to members of the Leduc, Nisku and Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce Friday, Wetaskiwin County Reeve Josh Bishop said County Council and Administration remain committed to a slow and gradual approach when it comes to providing services to its ratepayers.  Passing a $45.8 million budget this year, Bishop said […]

With cooler temperatures and some precipitation chilling the region in the past few days, the Town of Whitecourt revoked its fire ban on Wednesday, May 1. Lac Ste. Anne County (LSAC) had also replaced its fire ban with an advisory on Tuesday; wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is currently rated as “moderate.” “Although […]

April was an eventful month for the Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Unit, which on two consecutive days seized suspected drugs during roadside stops on Highway 43.  The incidents took place on April 18 and 19, and now seven suspects from Edmonton, Calgary and Yellowknife are facing charges.  “The (traffic unit is) always hard at work not […]

Incidents alleged to have taken place in Whitecourt and Edson

Incidents alleged to have taken place in Whitecourt and Edson

Long-term debt is $10.5 million

Comedy show “Double the Opera” takes the stage in Fairview on May 23 and May 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are selling on Eventbrite for $40 and $20, for adults and students or youth respectively.

Starting Monday, AltaLink is using a helicopter this week to perform an aerial patrol of its electrical transmission facilities in southern Alberta. The patrols are expected to be complete by Thursday, weather permitting. The annual patrol provides AltaLink with a visual inspection of its transmission lines and surrounding vegetation, helping to maintain the reliability of […]

Overnight nursing coverage has been secured for the emergency department at the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre, beginning April 29 at 7 p.m.  The previous public service announcement issued April 15 stated that the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre would be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until May 6. However, this is now being rescinded. The previous closure was due to […]

Wolverines Junior A team has been a part of the community since 2012

A prominent Pincher Creek family, along with physicians from a local clinic, have established a pair of University of Lethbridge awards that invest in the next generation of students and the health and well-being of their community. Drs. Beverly (BSc ’03) and Tracy Burton (BSc ’03), both physicians practising in Pincher Creek, together with their […]

Hazard season here in Alberta typically runs from March through October. During the 2023 season, 48 Alberta communities and more than 38,000 people were evacuated due to forest fires. Wildfires and flooding paired with unpredictable weather and storms could see some Albertans evacuating once again on short notice.  Always being prepared eases some of the […]

Do you have a photo showing off the town? Whether it be a Devon staple, a slice of nature, or your favourite local spot, send it in for the chance for your photo to be featured in the Dispatch. Submissions can be sent to PWilliams@postmedia.com.

Devon Community Garage Sale: Book your table now at Woodbend Hall. $10 per table (plus $20 deposit).  Tables are limited. Call Marilyn at 780-914-2206. Garage sale is Saturday, April 27. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Devon Arts Market: The Arts Association of Devon (AAD) offers a wide variety of original art and unique handmade items […]

Due to continued dry conditions, the fire restriction for the Town of Peace River has been upgraded to a fire ban.

The Mayerthorpe Legion Branch 126 has been ringing with the sounds of people enjoying a variety of events this month.   On April 3, 10 and 17, the crowds were huge for wing night. It’s always appreciated to see so much support for the Legion.    There was a full house on April 13 for the […]

Affordable housing and downtown vitalization are priorities for citizens

Clean-up of the remains of the former Visitor Information Centre is set to start soon.  During Monday’s regular City of Wetaskiwin council meeting, Council approved a development permit for the demolition of the building after it caught fire and was destroyed last November.  Because the property was designated as Direct Control, the application needed to […]

A decision to not hand in the signatures collected during a recall petition against Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam is a deviation from provincial legislation. On Feb. 8, Debby Hunker initiated a process to recall Gandam. She had until April 12 at 4:30 p.m. to submit a petition with 5,062 signatures for him to be recalled. […]

Wetaskiwin City Council supports Alberta Municipalities’ (ABmunis) position in speaking out against proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act which include the introduction of political parties at the municipal level.   Council unanimously approved the support of this position during its regular Monday, April 8, meeting.   “Most issues faced by Council are practical challenges that are […]

The bleachers and viewing area at the Co-op Competition Pool at the Manluk Centre were packed as the Wetaskiwin Water Lilies artistic swim club demonstrated their talent, ability and athleticism recently.  The Water Lilies have been swimming together for the past three years, but this was their first public performance.  “As a kid, I had […]

Having identified low productivity and innovation as Canada’s “Achilles heel” when it comes to economic growth in its 2022 federal budget, the Trudeau government did almost everything possible to undermine both in its 2024 budget released last week.  Two years ago in her budget speech, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland warned that Canada is a laggard […]

The City of Wetaskiwin is teaming up with Community Futures to help young entrepreneurs this summer during Lemonade Day Saturday, June 15.  Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches kids how to start, own and operate their very own business — a lemonade stand.   To date, 16 kids have registered for […]

Since the end of February, MLAs across Alberta have been engaged with the duties of presenting, considering, debating, and voting on proposed legislation for Albertans.  You may have heard about Bill 18, the Provincial Priorities Act.  This bill is about preventing federal overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction. Very basically, this legislation would require provincial […]

Why is it so hard for people to accept someone wanting to do something to improve their community?  Last week was National Volunteer Week and organizations across the region took some time to thank the people who step up to freely give their time and talents in support of organizations and events they feel passionate […]

Authors Lorrie Morales, Linda Rakos and Laurie Carmichael from the Foothills Writers Group are joining Becky Scott at her independent bookstore, Nanton’s Tap Town Books, on May 3 for an evening of author readings and book signings. If you need information on caring for an aging parent, then stop by to discuss Lorrie Morale’s book, We Can […]

An author reading and book signing scheduled for this Friday has now been rescheduled until June. Authors Lorrie Morales, Linda Rakos and Laurie Carmichael from the Foothills Writers Group were to join Becky Scott at her independent bookstore, Nanton’s Tap Town Books, on Friday for an evening of author readings and book signings. However, due to […]

An author reading and book signing scheduled for this Friday has now been cancelled, and the event is now scheduled to take place in June. Authors Lorrie Morales, Linda Rakos and Laurie Carmichael from the Foothills Writers Group were to join Becky Scott at her independent bookstore, Nanton’s Tap Town Books, on Friday for an evening […]

Nanton RCMP want to help secure your residential and seasonal properties from break-and-enter crime this summer. As weather warms and seasonal travel picks up, it is important to be proactive in securing vacant properties against crime when you are away. Below are seven steps to secure your properties: Avoid mentioning your travel plans on social […]

A collision on Tuesday afternoon involving a cyclist, 11, and an SUV on 49th St. Whitecourt is currently under investigation.  The collision took place outside Midtown Mall, and Whitecourt RCMP are reporting the cyclist experienced “minor injuries.”  “This wasn’t an extremely serious collision,” Cpl. Troy Savinkoff told the Whitecourt Star.  Savinkoff said that it’s not […]

Being on your best behaviour could land you a ticket this year — a positive ticket. Thanks to a generous partnership with the Devon Circle K, Devon’s RCMP and Protective Services officers will be on the lookout for young people doing safe, helpful and other socially responsible acts in the community such as wearing a […]