2001 - 10 YEARS AGO
• If you’ve noticed a distinct smell in the air the last week, we have an explanation for you. Alberta Environment gave the green light to Stettler to begin the cleaning of the sewage lagoon cells one and two.
• The Tar Trek Fun Run will kick off in Stettler May 26, with the ultimate goal to help raise money to improve Stettler’s trail system as well as educate youth on the dangers of tobacco. The run is either 3km or 5km in length, depending on which route the participants take. The idea is to showcase Stettler’s trail system and raise some money to help expand and improve that system over the years.
1991 - 20 YEARS AGO
• In the last few months, Stettler’s Keystone Club has won two prestigious awards. In February it was named Youth Group of the Year by the Royal Purple; then in March was honoured again by winning the Boys and Girls Club of Alberta President’s Award for Volunteerism.
• Donalda School wrestler Jeff Schweer tied for first in his pool and wound up fifth overall in Canadian Nationals competition at Prince Albert, SK. The 13-year-old was entered in the fiercely contested schoolboys’ class, winning three out of four of his matches.
1981 - 30 YEARS AGO
• The Knights of Columbus officially opened its Columbus Club Residence for the Handicapped, which presently houses three happy youngsters. Participating in the ceremony were Hon. Graham Harle, Mayor Bob Stewart and Father Mike Blanch.
• The second annual family fun run and 10km road race will take place in Stettler June 6, and convener Andy Birch offers advice for prospective participants. “Competition with yourself rather than against others is a sensible and desirable objective.”
1971 - 40 YEARS AGO
• Through the good services of Russ McKinney, the famed Shriner’s Al Azhar Mounted Patrol, which has entertained audiences across Western Canada and the United States, will be coming to Stettler in August to participate in the County Fair parade and to perform in front of the grandstand.
• Fire caused by an over-turned garbage barrel at Nevis Community Hall burned about half a mile of stubble and bush north of the hall. The fire burned out of control, with flames reaching 15 feet high, accompanied by high winds.
1961 - 50 YEARS AGO
• Town Hall, one of Stettler’s best known landmarks on Main Street, is to be demolished this month. It was built in 1906 and was the scene of most public meetings in Stettler, served as Fire Hall, town office, and council chambers; and at one time school was held on its second storey.
• Camrose Broadcasting Company will apply for permission to build an independent radio station at Stettler. If permission is granted, the station would be in operation by fall.
1951 - 60 YEARS AGO
• Larry Webb, 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Webb of Stettler, placed first and second in two competitions at the Provincial Music Festival in Calgary. Larry’s teacher is Mrs. Phyllis Pinder.
• Stettler’s reputation as a clean and tidy town has depended to some extent on the annual clean-up drives of the Board of Trade. Citizens are urged to join in the cooperative effort.
1941 - 70 YEARS AGO
• A group of Castor teachers interviewed the school board about salary schedules for the year 1941-42. After a long round-table discussion, it was decided that teachers with interim certificates start at the basic salary of $740.
• The Big Valley CGIT went ritzy with a semi-formal dance Friday night. The girls blossomed forth in evening gowns of various hues, and the boys wore vests and shoes.
1931 - 80 YEARS AGO
• The fifth annual golf tournament of Stettler Golf Club will take place May 24 and 25. This is the only tournament in Alberta which is combined with a ladies tournament. The ladies play nine holes and the men 18.
• Norman Fishwick was successful in winning first prize in the open competition for brass instruments at the Music Festival held in Calgary May 12.
1921 - 90 YEARS AGO
• An elopment took place recently when a man named Floyd Mercley decamped in an automobile with a girl of 16. The police and the brothers of the girl are hot on the trail, and it is likely that they will be apprehended before reaching the border.
• The road east of Botha is being graded by the government gang, and work will proceed as far as Castor in this district. Last year the road from Stettler to Erskine was graded and the improvement was marked.
1911 - 100 YEARS AGO
• The Lethbridge Coal Co. which now owns the Bailey Coal Mine, is finding it impossible to obtain enough teams to keep their force busy. They have invested in a powerful steam engine and a number of specially built coal trucks to haul coal from their mine to the Halkirk loading platform.
• A number of citizens are allowing their chickens to run at large in violation of the town ordinance, and complaints are being received that gardens are suffering as a consequence.