Local News

CARSTAIRS - Residents of Carstairs received an early Christmas present when the town passed the 2017 budget: a drop in the mill rate. The mill rate bylaw and budget were both passed at the regular council meeting on March 27.

Enhancements to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act coming into effect this spring will include, for the first time, the ability of wildfire protection officers to issue tickets for contraventions such as leaving campfires unattended.

DIDSBURY - A local musician is not only a talented singer and strings player but is also an accomplished maker of stringed instruments. Jake Peters has put out multiple CDs and is an award-winning guitar and banjo picker. As his website (jakepeters.

CARSTAIRS - Carstairs saw another year of strong growth and development as it continues to attract new residents, say officials.

Seventy-five enthusiastic young competitors took part in the March 25 Mountain View Cowpoke Junior Rodeo Club event at the Raecer Ranch Arena east of Sundre. The rodeo features competitors age three to 14.

Local 4-H members did very well at a recent provincial competition. The Calgary 4-H Regionals event had three public speaking and three presentation competitions, all held at the Strathmore Civic Centre.

By Dan Singleton MVP Staff Mountain View County's agricultural services board (ASB) has been given an update on the upcoming provincial agricultural service board summer tour.

The steering committee overseeing the updating of the Eagle Hill area structure plan (ASP) has passed a motion approving a vision statement for the plan. The move came during the committee's March 13 meeting in council chambers.

CREMONA - Council approved a request from the Cremona and District Agricultural (Ag) Society for funding to help with the expansion and improvements on the Cremona Arena.

While the provincial and federal governments are often at odds over programs and policies, a new health-care agreement between the sides is welcome news for Albertans of all ages.