HALKIRK HERALD -- For the first time in over 100 years, the school doors remained closed to local students on the first day of September. Present attendance numbers had slipped below the 40 student mark necessary to make the school a viable operation. School population was probably the highest in the 1950s and 60s, but then steadily decreased. The community was pleased when the East Central Catholic School Division purchased the school from the Clearview School Division in 1995, and so the school continued to operate as the Mother Teresa Catholic school for 20 additional years. The local student population are presently attending Gus Wetter and Theresetta schools in Castor with some students also going in to the Stettler school. Students are picked up as usual by bus driver Darcy Mabbott, who does the north run and Melody Kent, who does the south run. The busses meet in town and then one bus goes into Castor.
We send special birthday greetings out to Jack Fowler, who celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at the Kinplex at the Rotary Park in Brooks on Saturday. All seven children, Donna, Wayne, Wendy, Marvin, Neil, Rhonda and Tammy were present plus spouses and most of the grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Close friends Harold and Velma Chick and Jean Anderson drove down to join in the celebration.
Helen Morel accompanied by her niece, Hazel, recently returned from a lovely 10 days in Ottawa where she visited with her sister, Sophie. While there, they attended the wedding of her great-nephew, watched the fireworks at the weekend over the Rideau Canal and took several drives into the beautiful countryside. The weather was hot and humid. On her return home, she visited with her sister, Ann, in Westlock.
Sympathy of the community is extended to the family of Peggy Oram, who passed away on Aug. 29th in the Castor hospital. Peggy was a busy lady who always found time to go curling. A come-and-go tea was held at the Castor Legion Hall on Saturday.
Irene Schilling had her grandson Jesse Schilling from Wainwright visiting with her for a week.
Bingo at the seniors' centre is starting on Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Coming Events: Sept. 11 –Circle Square ride-a-thon fund raiser - a four hour ride through the scenic Paintearth coulees followed by a BBQ supper - Pledge forms available on line; Sept. 13 – Bingo at the seniors'; Oct. 15 – Elks annual Oyster Fry and White Elephant sale.