WhitecourtWeb.com

Click Here for Full Version of The ADVISOR Monthly Online


Yesteryears - 2004 Blog Archives


If you have any local news you think worthwhile, click here to e-mail.

December 24 - Happy Holidays to all. K & C Graphics will be closed until January 3, 2005.

December 18, 2004 - It was a wee bit brisk for Skating with Santa. A bit of complaining about the cold, from the adults of course and not the kids who were having fun. You can click here to see some photos of the outing.

December 15, 2004
-
Don't forget the family skate and draw at Rotary Park this Saturday. Start time is 11:30. Don't drink and drive. Have a happy and safe holiday.

December 7, 2004 - Anniversary edition of Whitecourt Advisor mailed out. Look for your UNIQUE contest number in your copy. Hundreds of dollars worth of prizes are available. Winning numbers will be announced in January. Click here to read on the web.

December 3, 2004 - Town of Whitecourt briefs - Town Council recently attended Alberta Urban Municipality Association (AUMA) meeting in Edmonton. Best practices for various issues discussed. Awaiting formal report from Alberta Transportation on Highway 43 issues. Also meeting held by Town Council to identify priorities for short and long term visions for Whitecourt. Council is also investigating the feasibility and possible tax implications for options regarding the multi-use recreational facility. Councillor Schlosser working to get youth more input and involvement with community. Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) was developed and organized. Contact Derek Schlosser at chearn@cablerocket.com for more information.

November 26, 2004 - The Christmas Parade had a great turnout. Click here for photo gallery. Santa is at the Midtown Mall November 27 and December 4.

November 17, 2004 - Don't forget the advance polls are open for the Provincial election on November 18, 19 and 20th, at the Public Library. On November 22, Whitecourt divisions 41 through 48, along with division 56 vote at the Whitecourt Senior's Circle. Divisions 49 to 55 vote at St. Joe's. For details on which division you live in, you can click here.

November 12, 2004 - Walmart's grand opening was a crowded affair. Downtown revitalization should become a priority, now that this store is open.

November 11, 2004 - There was standing room only for Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Community Centre at Whitecourt Central School. Laying of wreath participants honoured soldiers from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and current peacekeeping soldiers in Afghanistan and elsewhere. For more photos of the day, you can click here. For Whitecourt's Honour Roll of soldiers who signed up from the Whitecourt area to serve, please click here.

November 3, 2004 - Despite limited notice, there was a fair turnout at the candidates forum for the provincial election. Represented were David Dow from the Alliance Party, Leah Redmond of the NDP and incumbent George Vanderburg of the Progressive Conservatives. The NDP supported a dramatic hike in oil royalties, with the PC's opposed and the AA advocating studying the issue of royalty payments. Regarding the softwood and BSE trade issues with the U.S., the AA suggested Alberta basicaly start a trade war by threatening to withhold gas and oil exports, while the PC position was to emphasize strenghtening trade ties through commissions and the opening of a trade office. All parties were in general agreement on issues such as finishing the twinning of Highway 43 and supporting long-term health care in Whitecourt. The PC's promised to look at ending Alberta Health Care Premiums, while the NDP and AA proposed getting rid of this regressive tax. For general policy details you can click on the websites of the Alberta Alliance, NDP and Progressive Conservatives here. The Alberta Social Credit Party is also looking for a candidate in this riding. There is more information on this available here for interested parties.

November 2, 2004- There is a candidates forum for the provincial election at 7:00 p.m. tommorrow at the Whitecourt Senior's Circle. The new Advisor is also posted on the web and will be mailed out tomorrow.

October 29, 2004 - On October 25, the third election of the year was called. First Federal, then Municipal and now Provincial. So far there are only two declared candidates for our riding of Whitecourt-Ste Anne. George Vanderburg is running for re-election for the PC's and David Dow, from Onoway, is running for the Alliance party.

Tuesday October 26, 2004

For Whitecourt Pre- Remembrace Day and Remembrance Day Activities, please click here. Past Legion President Don Smith served on the HMCS Haida, pictured left.




 

 

 



Thursday October 21, 2004

The Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce elected its new executive. Janet Kuehn continues as President, with Jim Rennie continuing as Vice President. New volunteers include Gayle Mombourquette as Treasurer, new Mayor Trevor Thain as Policy rep, Ted Tardiff for Membership and Christine Fairfield for Business Promotions. Elmer Harke and Darcy Trigg shared honours for Whitecourt's citizen of the year award.

Friday October 15, 2004

The Woodlands County election Forum was last night. It was not so well attended as the Whitecourt election forum, but there was a lot of



good information on local governance to be had from questions asked by the audience. The pace was kept brisk, with candidates given one minute for their responses to the questions.

Click here for photos of the aftermath of the St. Joes' fire on September 14.

Click here for photos of the 2004 Whitecourt Terry Fox Run. Best turnout ever!

 



Wednesday October 6, 2004

The election forum at the Seniors Circle had a full house; one more demonstration of the high interest in this year's Whitecourt municipal election. Don't forget to get out and vote on October 18.

Wednesday September 29, 2004

There is lots of signs, buttons and election activity around town. Quite a change from the last municipal election, when acclamation was the rule.

You can read up on the candidates in the Whitecourt Advisor coming out on October 5 and hear them speak at a candidates forum at 6:30 on October 6 at the Whitecourt Senior's Circle just behind the town offices downtown.

Wednesday September 22, 2004

There's a race for Town Mayor this year, as well as 13 candidates competing for 6 positions on town council. Incumbent Willard Strebchuk is running against challenger Trevor Thain for mayor, while Deb Edney, Harold Eglinski, Don Guenette, Elmer Harke, Adrian Makowecki, William (Bill) McAree, Neil Mombourquette, Cindy Preston, Michael Roloff, Shannon Rosnau, Derek Schlosser, Scott Woodman and Nieta World are candidates for Town Council. For details of where to vote, click Calendar Tab above and look under October 18.

The official word is in on the fire at St Joe's Catholic Church and arson is held to be the cause. Developing.

Wednesday September 15, 2004

Edmonton news media, including the Edmonton Journal, is reporting that arson is suspected in the fire that destroyed St. Joseph's Church early Tuesday morning. The church was built in 1985 with the Knights of Columbus hall added in 1994. About 350 families belong to the church. Photos of the devastation can be viewed here. Don't forget this weekend is the Terry Fox run. Details can be found by clicking on the calendar tab above. Ditto for the Cats Football weekend.

Wednesday September 8, 2004

With the first snow dusting, its time to think of winter activities in Whitecourt. You can click the Sports and Recreation tab above to see some of the clubs and facilities that are available for fall and winter fun and learning. Remember tomorrow is the Blood Donor Clinic at the Senior's Circle. Details can be found with the Calendar tab above.

Wednesday September 1, 2004

The new issue of the Whitecourt Advisor is posted online. Click on the appropriate Tab above to read or print off. Welcome to Whitecourt for Katimavik participants arriving today. Help is needed for billets and some household furnishings. If you can be of assistance, give Martin a call at 778-4774.

Wednesday August 26, 2004

The Office Lounge and Open Door Cafe has re-opened for business, after renovations. Music and shrimp nite as usual on Thursday. Check the Out on the Town tab above for full details. August 29, there is a motorcycle toy run, starting at the IGA parking lot. Free donuts and coffee, with a draw for a leather jacket and helmets. Starts at noon. Please come by with a toy for charity.

Wednesday August 18, 2004

Cabbies are losing their shady parking spot, with the removal of trees on 52 Ave. For the weekend, The Party Store is having its grand opening on Friday & Saturday. There are discounts, draws and a clown will be at the store from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Office Lounge and Open Door Cafe renovations will be finished for Monday. Also on Monday the 23rd, the RCMP Whitecourt and Community Golf Tournament takes place at Whitecourt Golf and Country Club.

Wednesday August 11, 2004

Lots happening this weekend, with the Riverboat Races and Summer Wind-up Sidewalk Sale. Check out the times and places from the calendar tab above. Renovations Happening: The Office Lounge and Open Door Cafe will be closed starting August 16th for a week for renovations. Come by to check out the new look after the re-opening on Monday, August 23.

Wednesday August 4, 2004

New Whitecourt Advisor now out. You can read the August 2004 edition by clicking on the Whitecourt Advisor tab above.

Wednesday July 27, 2004

New Whitecourt Census puts population at 8,747. Full details to follow on the Town of Whitecourt web site.

Wednesday July 21, 2004

Click on the Calendar Tab above for details of the Cancer Awarness Rock concert coming up this Friday.

Wednesday July 14, 2004

YR Radio now has a location in Whitecourt. They are situated at the north end of Main Street.

Saturday July 10, 2004

Click here for a gallery of Rodeo Parade photos.

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Don't forget this weekend is Rodeo weekend. Downtown parade starts at 10:30 on Saturday.

Wednesday, June 30, 2004

The July Advisor is now online here, with commentary on the national election and the usual bad jokes. Have a happy Canada Day. Fireworks and more will be down at Graham Acres on July 1. Click on the Calendar tab above for more details.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Call 779-6779 for tickets and info on the July 23 Rock Bash at the Community Centre. Three bands and a good cause are involved. Watch for the opening of The Party Store next week on Main Street (in the old Home Hardware building).

Thursday - June 18, 2004

Denis Gallant and Friends play every Thursday at the Office Lounge in the Midtown Mall. The music is a good mix of Bruce Cockburn, Jethro Tull, and other acoustical gems. Bev Foster sometimes comes by to sing. There can be as many as five musicians on stage some nights. Denis is the owner/operator of Melody Music, opposite the Town Office.

Tuesday - June 16, 2004

The latest Downtown Revitalization Meeting resulted in a decision to go ahead with an outdoor garage sale on Saturday, June 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can rent a table for $10.00 if you want to sell items. Call Amy at 778-5363 for further information.

WhitecourtWeb.com is now experimenting with a WeatherCam, which shows outdoor conditions in Whitecourt, updated at 30 second intervals. You can access it by clicking on the WeatherCam tab above or here.

Wednesday - June 9, 2004

Whitecourt resident Keith Peskett is seeking volunteers for a soup kitchen and drop-in centre. You can get involved by calling K & C Office Services at 778-3949 or click here to e-mail.

Wednesday - June 2, 2004

The June edition of the Whitecourt Advisor is now out. You can read the online version by clicking here.

Wednesday - May 26, 2004

The Downtown Revitalization working group has set June 19th as the tentative date for a Flea market and sidewalk sale, pending approval by Town Council.

Regardless of the date, the event promises to be a fun day of music, games, activities and sidewalk shopping. In addition to store specials, there will be tables set up that can be rented by individuals or groups for flea market items, food and more. For more information on this, you can contact Amy at 778-5363.

The project to promote late night Friday shopping in the downtown is continuing.

For downtown beautification, the planters will be filled by early June, with hanging baskets up by the middle of the month. Whitecourt will also be participating in the Communities in Bloom contest. If you have a green thumb, you can check out this concept at http://www.communitiesinbloom.ca/whatiscib/
and get involved.

Wednesday - May 19, 2004

Between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. there will be a bicycle training course held. Call 778-6610 for location and registration. Cost is $34.00. You can see other planned events for this and next month by clicking on the Calendar tab at the top of the page.

Friday - May 14, 2004

Extreme skateboarding tonight at 5:30. Location is the skateboarding park. Cost is $8.00. Womens conference tomorrow at from 12:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Hilltop High School. Cost is $40.00.

Tuesday - May 11, 2004

Did you know the hours for Repeat Boutique are 11:00 a.m to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday? Recycle by dropping off unneeded items. Volunteers also welcome.

Thursday - May 6, 2004

Tonight, and every Thursday, Dennis Gallant plays some great acoustic music at The Office Lounge.

Monday - May 3, 2004

The World of Whitecourt Trade Show was well attended. You can click here for photos of this event. The May issue of the Whitecourt Advisor has been mailed to every home and business in Whitecourt and Blueridge. Call 778-3949 if you did not receive yours.

Wednesday - April 28, 2004

Get ready for the World of Whitecourt on April 30, May 1 & 2 at the hilltop arena. The Advisor, along with the rest of the K & C Media team will be in booth 46, just to the right as you come in the main entrance.

Friday - April 23, 2004

The latest suggestions for downtown revitalization from Whitecourt residents is to create a broad, paved walkway from the north end of Main Street into Rotary Park; see if the Travelodge Hotel owners are interested in making a clock tower out of the cupola on top of the Travelodge Hotel; having a music festival in Rotary Park; and creating a combination soup kitchen, drop-in centre for less fortunate members of society. The connection between Mainstreet and Rotary Park could be lined with old fashioned looking street lamps.

In a larger sense, the Whitecourt river valley could be modeled along the lines of Edmonton’s river valley. Riverboat Park and Rotary Park could even be joined by a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the MacLeod and a walkway along the river. There might have to be some distance between the walkway and the river for safety reasons.

The golf course and baseball diamonds would also fit in well with such a river valley concept.

Tuesday - April 21, 2004

WhitecourtWeb.com is building a fishing guide, complete with links to detailed area lake depth maps. Click here to view or contribute.

Friday - April 16, 2004

A 7 a.m. weekday opening is part of the new hours being introduced at the Open Door Cafe downtown. The lounge will also be opening earlier, at 10:00 am. A no-smoking policy is being introduced on the restaurant side.

Wednesday - April 14, 2004

The wintry weather we are experiencing has been forecast to continue into the weekend. For indoor activities, check out your local library and the Whitecourt sports complex on the hill. Click this link to order any book in Alberta delivered to the local library.

Saturday - April 10, 2004

Whitecourt resident and community stalwart Dorothy Stephenson, 54, died Thursday night when the van she was riding in was struck by a suspected impaired driver in Jasper National Park. Arnie Stephenson, Publisher of the Whitecourt Star, sustained serious injuries in the accident and was flown by air ambulance to Edmonton's University of Alberta Hospital. The staff at K & C Media would like to express their deepest condolences to the Stephenson family and friends.

Thursday - April 8, 2004

In the downtown area, Melody Music has moved to more spacious quarters opposite the Town of Whitecourt Building. If you get a chance to hear Denny & friends from Melody play at a local pub, check it out. Its good stuff.

At the Open Door Cafe and Office Lounge in the Midtown Mall, there is a new owner. Welcome to Brad.

There's also a new shop, called The Picket Fence, selling home furnishings that opened next to Dynamic Amusements.

If you get a chance, have a look at the automated, life size butler at the front of Majestic Frames and Furnishings on 51st Ave.

There was also a meeting last week where views were expressed on the location for the new recreational centre. Possibilities include locating the centre by the swimming pool, which would result in the loss of a tennis court and skateboard park; or situating the building down the hill, either in the flats area, or by Rotary Park.

Monday - April 5, 2004

Suggestions passed on to the Advisor regarding downtown revitalization include: instituting a mini-golf course; setting up an outdoor water park; reopening the old ski hill near Dahl Drive for snowboarders; allowing ATVs the same privileges as snowmobiles regarding use of area roads; and hosting snowmobile races at the rodeo grounds if the track is big enough.

Thursday - April 1, 2004

Welcome to Whitecourt Advisor news briefs online, a supplement to the Whitecourt Advisor print edition, mailed to every home and business in Whitecourt. Click here or on the tab above to access these editions online.

Back to top