Stettler might have had a hand in horse-racing history as native son Larry (Thumper) Jones worked on the Canadian-owned horse “I’ll Have Another” that was in line to become the first winner of the Triple Crown since 1978.
Jones, an experienced equine chiropractor based in Texas, helped the horse win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, and to get ready for the Belmont Stakes in New York last June.
Just hours after Jones worked on the horse for the potentially history-making race, however, “I’ll Have Another” was scratched after getting tendonitis in one of its legs.
Heartland Youth Centre and supporters raised more than $80,000 at the 20th annual Awesome Auction, with a special Night in New York City as the theme for the evening.
A new seniors’ drop-in centre in the Stettler Recreation Centre conference room could be less than two years away, say seniors and municipal leaders eagerly working on the project. That room would replace the old centre, which is in an industrial part of town in a facility that seniors say isn’t feasible and practical.
With the battle against cancer growing, the fourth annual Stettler Relay for Life raised about $130,239.07, below last year’s figure of $163,000. This year’s event attracted 28 teams (255 participants).
The Town of Stettler announced a $20,000 contribution to the campaign for a new skatepark.
“We hope to get the construction started in the spring of 2013,” said Danny Missikewitz, a member of the Stettler Skatepark Association.
True to their pioneering roots, with faithful resilience, Warden Ladies’ Group celebrated its 75th anniversary with an old-fashioned picnic last June. Originally known as the Warden Ladies’ Social Credit Group, it was formed in 1937 when Minnie Billington suggested the organization during the Great Depression.
The group now has 17 members, including longtimers Dora Reinbold since the 1950s and Mary Muhlbach since 1956.
“Not much has changed over the years ...,” said group president Joyce Gordon. “It is friends helping friends (and) supporting neighbours like extended family.”
Campus Alberta Central opened its doors in Stettler to provide another opportunity for post-secondary education. Located beside Stettler Oil and Gas, the centre was established in collaboration with the Town of Stettler, Stettler and District Family and Community Services, Clearview School Division, Stettler Adult Learning, Red Deer College and Olds College.
Construction of the Points West Living complex in Stettler remained on target to open in May 2013.
The seniors’ home for “affordable supportive living” is on 70 Street at the corner of 44 Avenue. The complex is slated to accommodate 88 supportive-living units, along with 16 independent-living suites.