Looking back in the Gazette

1946 - Editorial calls for help for vets

The Olds Gazette editorial called for support of Second World War veterans returning to civilian life in the district and across Canada. “During the war Canada rose to a foremost place among the nations of the world. The rapid advances made in the production of food and manufactured articles, in shipping, in science, medicine and many other lines of endeavour were very great, when considered in relation to the size of the population here. These results were achieved because the entire country was organized for the purpose of giving the fullest support to the winning of the war. In time of war there is almost nothing that is considered impossible to accomplish in the interests of speeding victory. When difficulties arose in production, transportation, or other vital places expert advice was obtained and remedies were quickly provided. Those methods, which proved so effective in war, should be used in dealing with peacetime problems, some of which have already appeared in the form of the housing shortage, unemployment.”

1980 – Shooting incident in Sundre

The Gazette reported on a shooting incident in Sundre where damage was done to several properties. “No injuries were sustained in a shooting incident at Sundre, and a man is to appear in court at Olds charged with five firearms infractions. RCMP Cpl. Don Welke of the Sundre RCMP said the drama started at about 1:30 p.m. Friday when a man shot out a window at Sundre Sales and Services on Highway 27 in Sundre's east end. The man had stopped the vehicle he was driving, stood in the middle of the road and fired a shot at both Sundre Sales and at Sundre Motors. During the first segment of the incident, the gunman also pointed his weapon at passing vehicles. The man then drove west to Sundre's Alberta Liquor Store. There, he shot out both the main window and door in the front of the store. He also fired the rifle in the direction of pedestrians on the street at the time but they fled on foot and nobody was hit by gunfire. The drama ended at about 2:30 a.m. when members of the emergency response unit of the Red Deer RCMP arrested a 33-year-old man from Sundre, who faces one count of carrying a weapon for purposes dangerous to public peace and on two counts of using a firearm in a careless manner. He is also charged on two counts of pointing a firearm at a person.”

1982 - Five charged following robbery

The Gazette reported quick action by police following a robbery. “Five Sundre area residents face charges of armed robbery following a hold-up at the Bank of Montreal in Sundre Friday. According to RCMP, males masked with nylon stockings and brandishing guns, entered the bank and demanded money. They fled the scene with over $2,000. Police from across the region took up the chase. In addition, Sundre RCMP engaged the help of a private aircraft. The suspects were caught on the Forestry Trunk Road and gave up without resistance, he said.”

1982 – School funding questioned

The Gazette reported on local efforts to gauge public opinion on a proposed school funding project. “A petition circulated throughout Mountain View last week could force a plebiscite on whether to spend almost one million dollars on Didsbury's Ross Ford School. Organizers say they are protesting all unnecessary and large expenditures by the public sector. Organizers want the county school board and municipal council to take a look at the present school building. Tax protesters want a public meeting to be held to discuss the entire building program. County councillors and school trustees have to find ways to cut back on spending, say organizers.”

1983 – Nurses heading back to work

The Gazette reported on the end of a health-care labour dispute. “Hospital services in the district should be approaching their normal level tomorrow if back-to-work legislation is passed this afternoon as expected, and the striking United Nurses of Alberta return to duty. MLA Connie Osterman told the Gazette the legislation was being introduced and swift passage was anticipated. The legislation failed to obtain all three required readings yesterday afternoon, though, but is expected to pass today. Throughout the strike, which began Feb. 16, administration staff and five nurses who crossed picket lines maintained reduced services at the Olds hospital.”

1986 – Skaters support library

The annual Kiwanis Skate-A-Thon saw about 225 people out on the ice to raise money for the new municipal library. Kiwanis 1986 Skate-A-Thon chairman Warren L. Smith said he was absolutely delighted with the response. “It was much the same as last year. The folks came out because they care about this community and the facilities,” he said. The Kiwanis Club has not yet determined how much money was raised during the Skate-A-Thon nor have they yet been able to determine their expenses. There was a good response from the high school kids, he said, and “many families were out skating together.” Smith noted the Olds Grizzlys were out on the ice as well, giving assistance to those who needed it and helping to keep the spirits up. “They were a presence,” he said, “part of the fun. They really helped with the kids.” Smith pointed out that those who skated for a club could take up to 20 per cent of the money they raised back.”