Innisfail News

Over $2,000 was spent last month to repair the Bowden community bus after the recent cold snap rendered it frozen.

Penhold's mayor said increasing utility rates are to help the town keep breaking even when it comes to service costs. "We want to try and run them at a break-even (rate)," Mayor Dennis Cooper said. Water and sewer rates are set to increase by $0.

The 2011 Academy Award winning best foreign film, In a Better World, is this month's film choice. This movie is impressively directed and superbly written.

The Loyal Orange Lodge hall will be closed for public bookings for a little while longer while members of the organization work on renovating the building.

A toast is made following the recitation of "Address to a Haggis" at the annual Robbie Burns supper held at the Innisfail Legion auditorium on Feb. 3.

The Mad Butcher, meat processing and butcher shop, won't reopen as previously planned, confirmed owner Ron Burndred Friday. The fire, which originated on the kill floor of the plant, will be torn to the ground this summer, said Burndred.

Business break-ins A truck was stolen from a business on 50 Avenue on Jan. 31. Entrance was gained into the business via a broken window. Truck tools and a computer were also stolen. The truck was recovered in Blackfalds. There are no suspects.

The number of bogus alarms going off in town is up 40 per cent, prompting RCMP to call on council to help rectify the problem. Cpl. AJ Mand met with council Jan. 23 to discuss the number of calls the police had in 2011.

A former Penhold resident who worked hard to help preserve the town's history passed away in late January.

The Innisfail Chamber of Commerce is planning some March and April events as well as looking ahead to the fall season. Executive Director Jane Duncalfe noted the annual trade show is coming up on April 20 and 21.