1929 - WRESTLING ACTION IN OLDS
Under the headline "Hammer Is Boss Wrestler", the Olds Gazette reported on a hugely successful wrestling event in Olds. "How true is the saying, ëYou never know your luck', which Louis Hammer experienced on his arrival into town Friday evening and was immediately made the target for the contender for Casey Bethune of Sundre in a wrestling encounter by a delegation of townsfolk who revel in the manly art of performing on the mat. Though matched against an opponent having a big advantage in weight, Louis' wrestling skill quickly manifested itself and in short order the entertainment was over, Louis placing Casey's shoulders neatly and squarely to the mat twice in succession."
1931- CONCERT WELL RECEIVED
The Gazette reported on a very well received concert in Olds. "Much pleasure was given a crowded audience of parents and friends of pupils of S. Mary's Bourne School of Music on the occasion of the annual concert and prize distribution held at the auditorium. The opening number, "Chanson Joyeuse", presented by the violin orchestra, conducted by Miss Frances Stevens, was played in an energetic and robust spirit of spontaneity and freshness. Later on, two other orchestral numbers were given, showing the vast improvement made in balance of tone, colour and technical dexterity, creating a fine achievement. The work of the junior pupils showed gratifying advancement in musical thought, style and interpretation, technical points given with greater freedom and skillfully handled, brilliant passages taken with greater ease and precision."
1978 - FIRE CAUSES MILLIONS DAMAGE
The Gazette reported on a fire that caused millions of dollars damage in Olds. "A massive fire destroy the Olds arena, Olds curling rink, the Cow Palace, an Alberta Wheat Pool elevator, an annex to the elevator, the main United Grain Growers elevator and four annexes to the complex. The fire turned a night of horror into the holocaust. Firemen, police and volunteers battled blazes on every street corner and at one time about 10:30 p.m. Craig's Thriftway Store was threatened. Explosions rocked the arena as ammonia tanks and other pressure vessels exploded. Fire department units from 11 different communities, as far away as Ponoka, Red Deer and Calgary, responded to the outcry for pumpers. Three of the more than 80 firefighters involved in the battle were taken to hospital and treated for cuts and smoke inhalation. The preliminary tally of the destruction done by the vicious fire stands at $4 million."
1980 - HOSPITAL RE-OPENS
In a front-page story, the Gazette reported that things were getting back to normal after the settlement of a dispute between the province and nurses. "Olds Municipal Hospital is again in full operation following the settlement of the ten-day United Nurses of Alberta strike. Garth Upton, administrator at the hospital, said there were no close calls during the strike. Sally Spencer, president UNA local 43, was pleased with the settlement, which is highlighted by a 37.8 per cent wage hike over two years. The nurses, in her opinion, ëare all happy that it's over and ended with a settlement rather than a court injunction'. She said the public was sympathetic to the nurses' cause, bringing refreshments and snacks to pickets. Very few were unsupportive of the nurses, she said, with many motorists, especially truckers, passing picket lines honking, waving or yelling encouragement."
1991 - BUS FUTURE UNCERTAIN
In a front-page story the Gazette reported that the future of the Olds-based community bus was looking uncertain. "The community bus is presently down, out of service since August but the community bus association is not yet sure if it is out, said councillor Art Rowland. He said the undercarriage of the bus had deteriorated to a point where it looked to be non-repairable, making it necessary for the association to look at purchasing another bus. In the meantime groups that in the past relied on use of the bus have had to turn to private leasing bus service or using the bus from Innisfail, Didsbury and Carstairs."
