Arena nears completion
The roof on new Sundre arena was nearing completion in the fall of 1971. “Our reporter paid a visit to the covered arena to get an up to date progress report for our readers. Next step will be to make the ice area ready for flooding, and it is expected that this stage will be completed within a week or ten days. The rink will then be flooded so that it can be used for skating after which the side boards to the rink will be built.”
Meanwhile, Sundre student Jim Auger called on residents and businesses to support the new arena project. “Some people say the arena is for the kids, and ask what are they doing about it? I'll tell you. Since this project started, the students, not including any adults, raised $10,000 in two walk-a-thons, $6,000 in the first and $4,000 in the second. As if this weren't enough, they actually donated another $1,000 for a grand total of $11,000. Now, we're not pointing any fingers, but there seems to be a number of people who haven't, as the saying goes, put their money where they mouth is. This money is needed desperately for the completion of our arena. Remember, it's your arena too. What have you done?”
Teachers' strike
There was a teacher strike across Alberta in the fall of 1971, prompting a public meeting at the high school gym. The meeting lead the Round Up reporter to call for calm and negotiations. “There were many statements and counter statements made from various people, and many confusing figures quoted. To us, as a layman, taxpayer and parent, the meeting was meaningless. The mass of figures quoted we certainly could not remember, nor did we attempt to. The charges and counter charges left us cold. Who do we believe? One thing we did learn, as long as charges are being bandied about, the strike will never be settled. And as a parent we see our children out of school, and to us this is wrong. Why are we paying school taxes? We will end this report on this meeting with a strong plea to both sides, please sit down like adults and settle this dispute in a gentlemanly manner. We know all those involved are ladies and gentlemen. We'll take off our hat to anyone who will help in any way to get our children back in the classroom.”
Local award winner
A front-page story reported on an impressive honour for a Sundre resident. “For the first time, a Sundre student is the recipient of the Governor General's Award in the County of Mountain View. Earl Locken, who resides in the Bearberry district, won the award while a Grade 9 student. In an ability test taken at the end of the school year, Earl earned 459 points of a possible 500. Bob Rankin, Sundre representative on the County School Committee, presented the award with superintendent H. Jepson also in attendance.
Trailer burned
There were no injuries when a holiday trailer owned by Kathy and Neil Bysterveld burned to the ground, with all contents lost.
On the tube
Shows advertised on the Horten and Dunwoody TV listing included Drop In, Tommy Hunter Show, Spiderman, Take Thirty, Galloping Gourmet, Lee Drew Show, Chez Helene, Friendly Giant, Glamorgan School Choir, Juliette, Tommy Banks Show, Davy and Goliath, Edge of Night, Klara's Korner, Sesame Street, Life's Electric, Take 30, Partridge Family, Man Alive, The Avengers, Stamped Wrestling, Flip Wilson, Jimmy Stewart, The Rovers, Dick Van Dyke, Reach the Top and Future Shock. Movies advertised included Cat Burglar, Extra Day, All Hands On Deck, Gunfighters of Abilene, Zontar, Lillies of the Field, and Christmas Carol.
