Untitled Document

Year in Review - 2003

JANUARY

Town of Rocky said only average year for permits in 2002.
Town council approved $649,000 for firefighting aerial truck.
WRSD looked at corporate sponsorship policy for school.
Capt. Alex Watson of Rocky was to be featured on History Television.
Pioneer School hair shaving raised money in student's memory.
Stop signs continued to confound Rocky drivers along 48th Ave.
WRSD school liaison program increased in use and staff.
Eight cases of Norwalk Virus recorded at local hospital.
Town said disgruntled business owners had chance to comment on transportation study.
Town council was split on utility deposit interest.
Shane Boniface was to star in Northern Crossing's "Man of La Mancha."
No farm family of the year in 2003 said province.
New Rocky high school not affected by Education Ministry freeze.
Limestone mine was proposed by Edmonton company for Baseline Mountain.
Clearwater County was trying to get province to loosen up restrictions on development nodes.
Caroline's Jim Vandermeer scored his first NHL goal with Phillie.
Former resident Bjorn Nijenhuis set a new junior world speed skating record.
County turned down request for additional aerial fire truck money.
Rocky Stampede Board said rodeo will go ahead in 2003.
Town felt County wasn't carrying its weight for aerial fire truck.
Town councillor said parking time limit should be suspended for winter months.
Business owners lobbied Town Council for transportation study meeting.
Town council approved parking relief for senior's center.
Ecole Rocky Elementary celebrated "Medieval Day" with party.
Town Council will borrow money for 51 Ave. improvements.
Visiting hiker told tale of Yellowstone to Yukon journey.
New Village of Caroline library building planned.
Good Neighbors: William Paradis, Carole Johnston.
Died: Gary Wold, 61; Albert Ellertson, 52; Doreen Fisher, 69; Robert Swart, 70; William Hunchak of Edmonton, 85; John Nist of Leslieville, 59; Dean Robert Vollman of Devon, 46; Tilly McInnis, 73; Wayne Coward; Edgar Bauer, 71; Ellen Ruttan, 65; Robert Stanley Forster, 84; Mildred Matilda Skocdopole, 91; Giovonni Gigliotti, 78; Allan Gordon Carlo, 66.

FEBRUARY

RCMP Constable treated for injuries after head-on collision on Highway #11.
Caroline Village council tried to discharge Mayor Marjorie Peters.
Clearwater County tried to get more drought assistance from Ottawa.
New County Internet website was up and running.
Sunchild First Nation was one of 38 communities to get federal crime prevention dollars.
County residents petitioned for pavement on Angle Road.
Clearwater County turned down oil company request to help control stray cats.
Contractors were working to solve newly renovated swimming pool problems.
Former RCMP Constable John Orville Walker was found guilty of impaired driving.
Sundre RCMP reported increase in crime in Caroline region
Scott Boston was invited to all-star basketball trip to Britain.
Zengel Legion Branch hosted Robbie Burns night.
Tymen and Mary Jean Hofman were named Community Builders by Chamber of Commerce.
Business owners appeared at council meeting to protest transportation study.
Local lumber company prepared to battle mountain pine beetle.
Town councillors heard their mail can be opened by municipal staff.
Idea of suspending parking limit for winter was nixed by Town Council majority.
Town Council approved changes to utility deposit profits.
Doug and the Slugs visited Rocky Mountain House.
Town Council considered withholding police funding to get provincial attention.
George and Lillian Boyles together 65 years and still sweethearts.
Marjorie Peters resigned from Caroline Village Council.
Clearwater County offered proposed "Vision" to public.
Landfill manager presents "waste" report to Town Council.
Alberta Outfitters Association honored Chester Sands at banquet.
Local business scammed, looted by team of professional thieves.
Clearwater County commited to two years of Victim Services funding.
Local MP Bob Mills said trip to Africa "interesting."
West Central Stakeholders Group planned information night to educate about energy industry.
"Generation Youth" empowered young people at Friendship Center.
Snow removal a hot topic at Clearwater County meeting after big storm.
Lisa Chovin said lead role of Aldonza in "Man of La Mancha" a challenge.
Riparian project sought help from producers to keep creeks healthy.
Caroline by-election was called for March 29 to replace Marjorie Peters.
RCMP officials told Town Council provincial review will increase efficiency.
DTHR dealt with virus outbreak, warned people to come to hospital only in emergency.
Veterinarian cautioned horse owners about West Nile virus.
Annual Festival of Cultures celebrated cultural diversity at RMH Center.
Lord's Food Bank struggled with infrastructure problems, heavy use.
Local student Jared Opdendries benefitted from Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Rocky Victims Services funding request was tabled by Town Council.
Local boxer Shawn Renneberg won national title in Ontario.
Neighborhood Place named Julia Morrison as new coordinator
Old concrete on old rodeo grounds caused heartburn for Town Council, WRSD.
Zengel Legion Branch hosted provincial cribbage tournament.
Good Neighbors: Mae Roselle, Sherri Soppit.
Died: Ralph Percival Elgin Hayward, 74; Norman Sydney Evans, 59; Jack Eliakum Munro, 84; Patsy Collicut; Leslie Richard Barnwell, 65; Rosa Reed, 97; Esther Boguski, 81.

MARCH

Jean Graham and Russ King were appointed to DTHR board.
Rocky, Caroline were bumped from Red Deer riding, MP Mills to appeal
Alison Madlung to compete at Junior Cross-Country Skiing Championships in Ontario.
Photographer Linda Dubois won ribbons at Edmonton convention.
RCMP say parked, abandoned vehicles were becoming a hazard.
Black belt Terri Miller won a gold medal in Las Vegas.
West Central Stakeholders held oil and gas information night at RMH Center.
Town staff said sale of residential lots is brisk.
Town Council voted down idea to hold information meeting about Transportation Study.
Figure skating club hosted Royal Glenora Club's Chris Ali at carnival event.
Will Sinclair students made quilts to help children's charity.
Staff transfer left Nordegg with one lone wildlife officer.
Alta. Environ. stated snowpack back to "normal" levels west of Rocky.
Metis Nation Local 845 elected new board.
Local resident travelled to Montana to help destitute dogs.
Family home near Rocky was terrorized by cougars.
Stanley Lagrelle was elected as new Chief of Sunchild First Nation.
Town council, province were criticized by business owners at meeting about transportation study
Clearwater County granted $10,000 for Rocky/Nordegg history book.
The Rocky Rams men's hockey team were going to represent Zone 4 at provincials.
David Thompson High School senior girls' basketball team was ranked 10th in province.
Farmers got inventive when calving in the cold.
It was the time to vaccinate for West Nile Virus.
Town revised, approved Land Use By-law at regular meeting.
Town Council stuck with Transportation Study, told business owners to contact province
Town council to front money for new Highway #11 intersection.
David Thompson bicentennial planned for Rocky Mountain House.
Businesses helped Lord's Food Bank with furnace and water tank donations.
Wilderness Village collected awards for trade show displays.
Mark Ceelen was named Rocky Minor Hockey's Coach of the Year.
84 teams participated in 38th annual Oilmen's Bonspiel.
Good Neighbors: Ed Connelly, Ron and Erika Wymenga, Greg Lyon and Chris Surman, George and Mimi Cole.
Died: Janna Kikstra of Rocky, 89; Helene Frieda Huhn; Jim Benz, of Caroline, Rita Murphy, 60.

APRIL

Road ban season was underway in Clearwater County.
Fish and Game officers issued warning about helping wildlife.
Concerns raised about seismic practices on public land.
Mud from energy industry vehicles were a concern for Clearwater County road stewards.
Despite one councillor's opposition, Clearwater council would not change road paving priorities.
Local Sears store wom award for customer service standards.
Construction was underway for new Good Samaritan care facility.
Will Sinclair students attended anti-drinking and driving convention in Regina.
Errol St. Germaine was elected as new Village of Caroline councillor.
New aerial fire truck arrived in Rocky Mountain House.
Rocky Native Friendship Center asked Town Council for building repair money.
RCMP planned tighter grip on illegal drugs in region.
Paws and Claws Foundation saved distressed animals.
Rocky and Caroline were planning to compete in Communities in Bloom competition 2003.
New recreation programmer was impressed with resources available to him.
MP Bob Mills wanted pedophile law with teeth soon.
Truck route exemption sight for emergency vehicles.
New technology helped Forestry department with wildfire season.
Lavern Ahlstrom was chosen as Alberta Social Credit leader.
New high school will be multi-use, including college and Separate School components.
MLA Ty Lund rejected design for Highway 11 changes in Rocky.
Experienced back country guide said avalanche risk is considerable.
Clearwater County helped community halls with insurance concerns.
Lady Beware program warned women to be cautious.
Rocky mountain bikers will participate in Canmore 24-hour race.
Local wrestling club members will compete at Junior Nationals.
Snowmobiler was killed in Ram Mountain avalanche.
Town, County both voiced concern over provincial government's police funding policies.
Warm weather, runoff meant more road bans in Clearwater.
Students Against Drunk Driving held safe driving march through Rocky.
Sea Cadet Corps. dedicated memorial ceremony to Leading Cadet William Elmer Rahko.
Town wanted to extend 54th Street into Creekside development.
Fire department's safehouse was still protecting children after 10 years.
John Kaplan's magic show was held in arena.
Northern Crossing's Man of La Mancha run began at RMH Centre.
West Edmonton Mall penguin visited Lochearn School.
Funding neared for low income housing project.
Bill Coghill was elected president of Alberta College of Paramedics.
Main Street Revitalization considered murals in downtown area
Smack Down bull riding event was a popular competition in Caroline.
Town rescinded private-meeting pay increase, approved public one instead
Water treatment plant in Rocky was shut down as river bloated with dirty water.
Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair featured something for everyone at arena complex.
Town Council approved more funding for North Saskatchewan River Park development.
Anti-bullying program coming to area schools.
Ecole Rocky Elementary students learned danger of burns.
MP Bob Mills discussed Alberta separatism movement with County councillors.
Will Sinclair and other local school bands had a good showing at Kiwanis Festival.
Clearwater County phones were ringing off the hook with West Nile questions.
Rocky Lions Club helped collect beverage can tabs for children's charity.
Kevin Webster and Clay Beck's team won the National Classifieds Bowling Championships.
Province raised taxes through increased school requisition, noted Clearwater County.
Good Neighbors of the Week: Max Hauch, Leda Curr, Jim Veenstra, Gary and Ruth Ogilvie, Tensen Family.
Died: George Lougheed, 87; Fretha Stephanson, 90; Joyce Koples, 79; Fern Rooke; Nora Kirstein, 84; Mary Magdalene Collier, 91; John Emil Sutherland, 83; George William Fredric May, 89; Robert Mackay Erskine; Trudy Stevenson, 46; Timothy Joel Soodsma.

MAY

Clearwater County wanted public input on proposed "Vision"
Rocky Rodeo was cancelled due to bad weather say organizers
Rocky Co-op planned new Home Center complex.
Local couple was offered a taste of guided South Africa.
Health Region chair discussed changes with Rotary Club
Will Sinclair alumni Blake Machan was drafted by CFL Calgary Stampeders.
Former local boxing coach Mike Smith earned provincial Coach of the Year honors.
Local hockey player Kerri Wallace brought home medals from women's tournaments.
Rocky travellers learned of hardships in Honduras.
Logging industry battled Mountain Pine Beetle.
Residents urged to be fire smart through prevention.
Summer parade and midway to go ahead without rodeo say organizers.
Local gymnast Brooke Wyatt earned several medals at provincials.
Urban taxpayers saw a seven per cent tax increase, blamed on Education requisition.
Town of Rocky planned $1.2 million in road work in 2003.
Students used leading edge technology at St. Matthews.
Pioneer School zoo closed after nearly 25 years.
Student dedicated many hours to completing mural for Visions West.
Town, County approved extra funds for new airport navigation system.
Late snowfalls delayed sporting events, cause havoc on local roads.
Library said it needs help to complete upgrades.
Canadian Forces Search and Rescue staged mock disaster near Nordegg.
Clearwater County felt provincial police report has problems.
Bighorn Stampede drew big crowd despite cold weather.
Clearwater will change ambulance service after Eckville opted out
School division said current Will Sinclair school will be auctioned to highest bidder.
New traffic act increased virtually all driving fines.
Caroline taxpayers saw 7.4 per cent tax increase.
Caroline Parade saluted the community.
Public Affairs TV made historical visit to region.
Will Sinclair students toured Parliament Hill.
Red Deer Rebel player Ryley Layden joined local Crohns and Colitis Walk.
Town Council wrestled with Main Street Revitalization funding.
University student Dixie McLeod wanted to develop youth bullying program in Rocky.
RCMP said undercover cop needed in area.
Mad Cow disease shocked local cattle producers, MP concerned about outbreak.
Good Neighbors: Jimmy Haymour, Ernie Shaw, Wally Manchester, Kathy King
Died: Marguerite Christina Currie, 80; Vivian Anna Cragg, 90; Charles Raymond Albert, 69; Marie Louise Knight; Peter Derksen of Caroline, 70; Knut Olav Jakob Sunde; James Simpson, 84; Diana Clay, 19; Evelyn Mae Rankin; Howard Jerome Waunch, 88; Terry Tugwell; Joe Shaurette.

JUNE

Clearwater County said disaster fund is necessary.
Community involvement paid off for Will Sinclair student Meghan Leavitt.
Top Yukon 198 cadet received medal of excellence.
County councillors wanted to sponsor free barbecue to support cattle industry.
Donations led to new delivery bed for hospital obstetrics program.
Over 800 motocross racers competed at Tabletop Raceway.
4-H beef show was a success, bidders said they were not concerned about BSE
Clearwater County turned down revised plan for sporting clays course.
Caroline Council requested provincial inquiry into its municipal affairs.
Local reclamation expert assisted with U.S. military project.
Crossly demonstration forest taught students about industry and environment.
Federal commission stated MP electoral boundary proposal flawed
Rodeo parade, midway went ahead without stampede
Outreach School's first graduate said never give up trying
Bullarama benefitted Rocky Stampede Board.
World Professional Bullriding picked up slack from lack of rodeo.
Business phone bills in Rocky went way up.
Waterwalker Film Festival featured short, powerful environmental films.
Main Street revitalization said some improvement projects to be done in summer, 2003.
Local pharmacy donated to support "Water Can" charity overseas.
Rocky Flying Club kept war history alive with replica.
Clearwater County eased tax penalties for farmers.
Town Council heard about delays with new rodeo grounds.
Awards went to Aurum Lodge and Sunpine Forest Products.
Residents were concerned about physiotherapy changes.
Elementary schools learned about bullying through magic show.
A gift from above. A beautiful angel was born
County was mulling old railway line to Nordegg as recreation trail.
Clearwater Council voted down new fire hall for Leslieville.
New continuing care center to be named "Clearwater Center.
Lion member Hank Bertrand was honored by CNIB
Clearwater council heard "mad cow" case was probably spontaneous infection.
Caroline council sought grant funding for library expansion.
Construction company filed lawsuit against Town of Rocky.
Heavy demand for new Nordegg cottage subdivision.
New family counselling service responded to community's needs.
Leslieville vocalist Cheryl Casey was singing her way to stardom.
Search and Rescue groups attended emergency training course.
Heel and Wheel-a-thon raised $13,000 for Crohn's and Colitis.
Good Neighbors: Bill McPhail, Helen Benoit, Ben and Hazel Friesen, Gerald Boutin
Died: Kim McGrath; Astrid Rassmussen, 92; Sandra Adams, 55; Clarence Arthur Stilling, 57; Baxter Bean of Edmonton; Pete Pitre, 65.

JULY

Wild Rose School Division awarded the contract for the construction of the new high school to Marshall-Lee Construction of Spruce Grove.
Will Sinclair High School held graduation ceremonies on the last of day of school in a departure from the usual early May date. Alison Madlung was the valedictorian.
Lochearn School was awarded the Gold School Recognition Award for Quality Physical Education.
The Celebrity Slow Pitch Challenge at Recreation Park raised funds for the Rocky Scouts.
Presentations at the annual Canada Day celebration at the RMH Historic Site included Pioneer of the Day award to Isabelle Bryant and George and Lillian Boles; Native Elder of the Day to Mae Bouvette; Citizen of the Day to Catherine Peters and Margie McDonell.
Greg Thomas, superintendent of Wild Rose School Division, said that a tight budget situation would result in the reduction of between six and 10 full-time equivalent teaching positions.
Almira Beckwith, daughters Jill and Katie, all of Spruce Grove, and Shawn Beselt of Calgary, who had been helping out with summer camps at Camp Caroline, died in an accident on Hwy. 22 south of Drayton Valley.
Milly Morley celebrated her 103rd birthday.
WRSD Deputy Superintendent Larry Jacobs left to take a new position as superintendent of the Wolf Creek School Division.
The Red Dogs baseball team finished the regular season in fourth place.
An RCMP cruiser driven by Cst. Ronalee Hunter was smashed in a collision in Rocky.
96 riders took part in the Thompson Country Horse Trials near Crimson Lake.
Kim Nielsen, Ag. Fieldman for Clearwater County Ag. Service Board, said that this year's grasshopper outbreak was worse than last year.
Regional Fire Chief Bill Riddle tendered his resignation.
A World Professional Bull Riding event was held at Kootenay Arena, with first place going to Darryl Church from New Zealand
Nordegg-based business Aurum Lodge was honoured at the sixth annual Pollution Prevention Awards in Calgary.
Local businesswoman and town councillor Connie Ekelund-deBoer was named "Mrs. Calgary."
Local skateboarders competed for the chance to represent Rocky at the Regional Skateboard Championships in Edmonton.
Rocky Gas Go-op celebrated 30 years in business.
Caroline Village Council passed a motion to advertise for a new CEO.
Chando Construction Ltd. filed a suit against the Town of Rocky to collect $450,000 in deficiency payments. The Town filed a counterclaim for $450,000 "which represents the estimated cost to repair the geothermal system" installed during the swimming pool expansion.
A Charity Bullarama was held at Kootenay Arena, with proceeds going to the development of the North Saskatchewan River Park. Corey Perry of Crossfield was overall champion.
The Rocky Motorcycle Club welcomed 108 riders to Baseline Mountain for the Harescramble 2003 X-Country race.
Local environmentalist Martha Kostuch was presented with the Pimlott Award, the Canadian Nature Federation's most prestigious award.
Vacuum truck passenger Deveron Hanson of Caroline was killed in an accident on Hwy. 22 north of Caroline.
Meghan Leavitt won the Garfield Weston Merit Scholarship.
More than 3500 people attended a giant beef barbecue in support of local beef producers.
The Village of Caroline council unanimously passed a resolution requesting that a dissolution study be undertaken by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
The Clearwater Wildfire Management Area was classified as a very high risk or extreme fire risk.
A small ammonia leak at the arena complex caused the voluntary evacuation of five area houses.
The Rocky Diamondbacks Bantam AA baseball team became provincial champions.
The Rocky Knights U16 Tier III soccer team earned the right to go to provincials.
Three people were injured in a single vehicle rollover near Crimson Lake.
Lone Pine Forest Products of Rocky proposed to relocate its sawmill operation from Rocky to Caroline.
Edmonton House Brigade, a living history reenactment group, set up camp at the National Historic Site and welcomed visitors to Brigade Days.
Good Neighbours for the month: Anjo and Viljo Kohtala, Lucie Arndt, Steve Woolrich, Harold Galloway and Clayton Cole.
Died: Louisz Juhasz; Adrein Bourgoin; Seth May; Muriel Scott, 81; Edna Loucks, 76; Oskar Johnsen, 93; Charles Skocdopole, 99; Reginald Petersen 45; Jacqueline Wynn, 66; Cameron Kirby, 94; Ruth Huson, 79; Lillian Von Hollen, 82; Casey Carlson, 48.

AUGUST

Progress on a proposed limestone mine under Baseline Mountain was proceeding slowly.
Hundreds attended the annual Leslieville Antique Days.
The Rocky Knights U12 Tier III boys soccer team earned the right to attend provincials.
Winners of the Yard and Garden Awards were Hazel Anderson in the Grand Challenge; Lana and Roy Palmer for total yard; Ken and Susan Kubik for their pocket garden; Doug and Elaine Reay for their water garden; Shirley Raymont for the Grand Property Award; and Vern and Darlene Woitas for their back yard.
The Main Street Revitalization Committee said progress had been made in beautifying the downtown core with the installation of new benches, garbage cans and plantings.
The Village of Caroline was planning to have its operations inspected by an agent of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, as requested by a petition circulated in the village in the spring
Over 500 dancers and 13 drum groups from western Canada and beyond attended the Sunchild Pow Wow.
Wanda Sunde of Alhambra was appointed to the board of Olds College.
Agnes Oliver of Leslieville celebrated her 90th birthday.
The provincial government's Solicitor General's office halted an application by Clearwater County to provide their highway patrol officers with rifles.
Vic Maxwell and Archie Griffith, members of the 1967 Centennial Canoe Pageant Team Alberta, spoke to groups at the National Historic Site as part of the United Nations 2003 Wonder of Water celebrations.
James Gordon walked away with the top spot at Pine Hills Golf Course's 2003 Men's Open. Mike Smith was the overall low net winner.
More than 30 mountain bikers took part in the 12th annual Fat Tire Festival at Frontier Lodge near Nordegg.
Clearwater County Rural Beautification Award winners were Chuck and Patricia Poteet of Rocky, Don and Kim Chevallier of Rocky and Ken and Joanne Kendze of Eckville.
Plans were made to develop the Fleming property on 46 St. into small parcels for residential development.
The Bailey Bros. Big Top Circus, sponsored by FlipZ Gymnastics Club, entertained over 300 people.
Caroline's Black Elk Hockey Camp drew 110 players.
Search and Rescue successfully located three mountain bikers missing in the Fish Lake area.
19-year-old Dale Paul of Rocky signed with the Sacramento Capital Thunder of the Western States Hockey League.
A plaque was unveiled on the North Raven River to recognize conservation work done there by the Alberta Conservation Association, Trout Unlimited and the Alberta Fish and Game Association.
Clearwater County declared the area an "agricultural disaster area."
Jack and Angie Edgerton celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a large crowd at the Pioneer Centre.
Rocky's AA Diamondbacks baseball team returned victorious from a tournament in Alton, Manitoba as Western Canada Baseball Champions.
Aime Gratton of Rocky was found guilty on five counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of failing to remain at the scene of an accident in the death of four women and a baby near Lac La Biche in 2001.
Good Neighbours: Ralph and Donna Cook; Betty and Bill Cumberland; Ken Kirstein; Dorothy Bolton.
Died: Mary Feduik, 91; Mary Hannah, 86; Anne Hertz, 62; Kevin Fontaine, 18; Theo Rump, 94; Georgia Foy, 47; Frances Hamilton, 81; Lola Winter, 86; Emma Nygaard, 90; Betty Simmelink, 66; Allan Bradley, 87; Bill White, 72.

SEPTEMBER

New federal constituency boundaries put Rocky and surrounding areas to Crimson and Cow Lakes in the Wetaskiwin Constituency. The new Wild Rose Constituency now includes Caroline and Nordegg.
Sheila Scrutton was named new administrator of West Country Family Services.
Shaw Communications purchased most of Monarch Cable's western Canadian cable systems.
A local group of farmers harvested a barley crop for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
The R. L. Zengel V.C. Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion donated almost $30,000 to a variety of groups.
Local hockey player Kerri Wallace made the National Women's Under 22 hockey team.
A problem with bears in local residents' yards was reported.
Thompson Country Pony Club hosted the Alberta Central Region's Pony Club Championships
A public forum was held at Caroline School to discuss the future of the school in light of declining enrollment.
Alison Madlung received the Governor General's award for highest academic standing at Will Sinclair High School awards night.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House filed its defence to a $10.2 million lawsuit by Diamond J Industries concerning the development of North Saskatchewan River Park.
The Caroline Chamber of Commerce was informed that Lone Pine Forest Products would not be relocating its operation to Caroline.
Author Sigmund Brouwer spoke about writing to students of Rocky Christian School.
Marian McEwen was presented with a Life-Long Learning Award by the Rocky Community Learning Council.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, headquartered in Rocky, celebrated its 15th anniversary.
ATB Financial officially opened its new building and celebrated its 65th anniversary with special guest Premier Ralph Klein.
ATCO Gas held the grand opening of its new building.
Students at St. Matthew School raised over $12,000 for cancer research in the annual Terry Fox Run.
Rocky Hospital began raising funds for new gastroscopy equipment.
Rocky Co-op's first and only family fashions manager, Leo Strilchuk, retired after 40 years with the Co-op system, 25 of them in Rocky.
Judy Drebut joined the staff of Rocky Hospital as new nursing leader.
Dennis Pommen, appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs to prepare a municipal inspection of the Village of Caroline, presented his report.
Good Neighbours: John and Ruth Marsh; Dean Milford and Ian Tisdale; Mike Cerkowniak; Ed and Leslie Gurnick; Charlie Bolton.
Died: Cameron Helman, 44; Wes Teskey, 77; Gwen Anderson, 57; Thelma Songer, 82; Daisy Roberts, 93; Howard Shantz, 81; Robert Thain, 81; Annelise Ullman; Sarah Cameron 91; Jack Fugl, 93; Marc Johnson, 51.

OCTOBER

Rocky earned four blooms for its Communities in Bloom effort.
Teagan Donald of St. Matthew School was chosen as Fire Chief For a Day during Fire Prevention Week.
Ryan Camps received the Governor General's Award for highest academic average in Caroline's graduating class at the school's awards night.
Mayor's Awards winners: Myrtle Murgatroyd; Jack and Angie Edgerton; Diamondbacks Midget AA baseball team; The Lord's Food Bank; Wendy Davies; Glen and Millie Holmes; Karri Wallace.
Cammie Laird was appointed Regional Fire Chief.
Mike Adolph and Cheri and Rolph Adolph of Nordegg's Centre for Outdoor Education received the Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award at the annual Chamber banquet.
Archbishop Thomas Collins visited St. Matthew School.
The Day House, by Westview Lodge, was sold and moved to a site near Caroline, making way for the construction of a new adult condominium.
Five recreation vehicles were found burned in a storage yard in Rocky.
Eva Spongberg retired from the board of West Country Family Services after more than 20 years of service.
The museum officially opened two additions to its collection: The old Glacier School building from the Prairie Creek area and a replica forestry outlook tower built by the Rocky Flying Club.
The old museum building was demolished.
Retired fish and game officer Chuck Shipley published his memoirs, "Poachers, Cranberries and Snowshoes."
Good Neighbours: Art Pasman and Al Parent; Stacey McLean; Doug Montgomery.
Died: Fritz Feddes, 82; Annie Terpsma, 84; Doreen Moore, 59; Denis Charlton, 73; Lawrence Williams, 91; Kevin, Benz, 22; Leo Thurston, 81; Anna Blaak, 80; John Sininger, 84; Clarence Pengelly, 72; Vicki Cadrain, 17; John Bednarz, 79; Myrtle Stewart, 92; Emily Austen, 87.

NOVEMBER

Kim Hastings of Pioneer School was named Band Director of the Year at the Alberta Music conference in Edmonton.
Rachele Peters was chosen to be mayor of Caroline by the Village Council at their organizational meeting.
The official launch of Rocky's second history book, "The Days After Yesterday" was held at the community centre.
Deborah Delaronde, a Metis writer from Manitoba, visited the library.
Gord Walters, principal of St. Matthew School, was transferred to Red Deer. Darren Brick was appointed acting principal.
Ashley Kennedy of St. Matthew School received the Governor General's Award for highest academic standing in the graduating class at the school's awards night.
A standing room only crowd attended Remembrance Day ceremonies at the community centre.
Infrastructure Minister Ty Lund approved the expenditure of $2.4 million to retrofit the Extended Care wing of the hospital following the move of residents to the new nursing home.
D'arcy Jenish, author of "Epic Wanderer: David Thompson," spoke at the Friends of the National Historic Site's annual meeting.
Sandra Dohei of Edmonton was appointed official administrator of the Village of Caroline by the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The appointment is effective until March 31, 2004.
The Stampede Board was looking at holding an indoor rodeo next year as the new rodeo grounds will probably not be ready for June 2004.
Pine Hills shareholders approved the building of a new clubhouse
Dwight Oliver and Chuck Shipley were appointed as reeve and deputy reeve of Clearwater County at their organizational meeting.
Good Neighbours: Fred Little, Annette Gray.
Died: Melvin Garnett, 94; Helen Lloyd, 85; Olive Ward, 86; Ruth Garrett, 78; Elizabeth Hombek, 89; Jack Heck, 86; John Staben, 57; Mary Guenther, 94; Peter Kerik, 68; Chris DeBruyn, 36; Cecilia McMeekin, 86.

DECEMBER

Mellisa Hollingsworth collected a third place medal in skeleton racing at the World Cup race held in Calgary.
Ray and Joyce Brosinsky, owners of JB Crafts and Hobbies, prepared to retire after 23 years in business.
Mother-daughter team Karen and Rhonda Paquette returned from a Walking Marathon for Diabetes, held in Bermuda.
Caroline Village Council reviewed the plans for an expanded village library.
A delegation of municipal leaders from China visited the Shell Caroline Complex.
Northern Crossing held a successful medieval dinner theatre
Connie Ekelund-deBoer and Annelise deBoer took home six awards from the 11th annual Faces West Model and Talent Competition in Calgary.
A house in the Cow Lake area owned by Ed and Denise Ritchie was destroyed by fire.
The fourth annual Parade of Lights was a big success.
Former Rocky area resident Bjorn Nijenhuis, now skating for the Netherlands, won a silver medal in World Cup Speedskating in Calgary.
The hospital purchased a new gastroscope after only two months of fundraising.
Clearwater County held an open house to show county residents the results of the recent office renovations.
Mildred Johnson pleaded guilty to perjury in Red Deer to charges relating to an incident involving RCMP officer Cst. John Hudak.
Next to New contributed a total of $77,000 to community groups during 2003.
The Chamber of Commerce presented a proposal for a new Chamber of Economic Development to Rocky Town Council and Clearwater County Council.
Millie Boake of Rocky was elected to sit as a delegate for Zone 5 to the annual meeting of the Alberta Beef Producers.
West Country Family Services installed new LIFELINE equipment to replace the old HELP line system.
Rocky shorthorn breeders Mel and Pat Butler exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Bull at Farmfair International in Edmonton.
Jennifer Redbear was given a prison sentence after being convicted of stabbing her common-law husband.
Boxer Kandi Wyatt fought her way to becoming provincial champion in her weight category at the Amateur Boxing Association provincials in Edmonton.
Dr. Dave Coltman of the University of Sheffield in Britain published a study in Nature magazine on the bighorn sheep of Ram Mountain which found that hunting has adversely affected the number of trophy rams in the herd.
Clearwater County Admin. Manager Allan Winarski resigned.
Clearwater County approved a grant to Rocky's Stampede Board to assist with holding an indoor rodeo in 2004.
Northern Crossing's Christmas Festival of Music dazzled audiences with their largest choir ever, along with a professional orchestra from Calgary.
Good Neighbors: Dennis, David, Randy and Ron Bootsma; Angie Edgerton, Kay and Ken Scott.
Died: Gene Haberers, 64; Dinah Wong, 59; Alec Brown, 92; Mildred Williams, 71; Chrisie Thompson, 80; Inez Johnston, 89; Jimmy Doyle, 73; Ethel Radford, 93.