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Improvements at CPR station benefit travelers and employees - A Look Back

2001 - 10 YEARS AGO

• New MP on the job and adjusting to life in Ottawa: The new MP for Crowfoot, Kevin Sorenson, spent all of December dealing with the many new responsibilities that come with the job. Sorenson plans to spend weekdays in Ottawa and come to Crowfoot on weekends. He said he will have an office located in Killam, his home town, where citizens can reach him.

• Les and Marguerite McBride won a brand new car through the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cash and Cars Lottery. Having both fought cancer, Les said they decided to support the society and bought two $100 tickets for this year’s lottery. They aren’t sure what they will do with the car since they already have two vehicles, but mentioned they might give it to their son.

1991 - 20 YEARS AGO

• Stettler Baptist Church is sending three couples to Bolivia this month to take part in a church camp building project. The volunteers include David and Judy Payne, Wilbur and Melva Stewart, Terry and Donna Diprose.

• Shell Canada announced last week it would be a the major sponsor of opening and closing ceremonies at the 1991 Alberta Summer Games in Stettler. The $40,000 contribution to the Games is part of Shell’s corporate donations program for 1990.

1981 - 30 YEARS AGO

• Derek James Abel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Abel, was the first baby born at Stettler General Hospital in 1981, arriving Jan. 3. Derek will collect a shower of gifts provided by merchants participating in The Stettler Independent’s annual New Year’s Baby contest.

• Wm. E. Hay curlers cleaned up at the NACA School Boys Christmas Bonspiel in Edmonton. The Gary Bonham rink, with James Wayne, Wayne Ollive and Doug Stewart, won six straight games in the 52-team spiel.

1971 - 40 YEARS AGO

• Due to the number of confirmed cases of rabies in the province, Stettler Town Council intends to rigidly enforce their dog bylaw. Council recommends that for safety sake animals should be kept off the streets.

• The citizens of Big Valley, particularly the children, recently experienced the true spirit of Christmas. Students from Grade 5 sent four large boxes of gifts to the Blood Indian children at Cardston, followed by over a ton of toys and clothing, donated by the community.

1961 - 50 YEARS AGO

• Alberta Wheat Pool will officially open its new grain elevator at Big Valley Jan. 7. The ceremony will commence with cutting of the ribbon by the mayor, followed by an inspection of the building.

• A local philosopher says that prosperity is a period when people make money that they earn and spend more than they make.

1951 - 60 YEARS AGO

• Another fire of unknown origin struck Stettler’s foremost business block New Year’s Night, causing damage estimated at $300,000. Left in charred ruins were Jenkins Grocerteria, Marshall-Wells Store, and Fit-Rite Shoe Store.

• Buttons were first put on men’s coat sleeves by Frederick the Great to keep his soldiers from wiping their noses on their sleeves.

1941 - 70 YEARS AGO

• Saturday is the last day that tickets will be offered on the Red Cross raffle of a Jersey calf being donated by Vivian Shuckburgh.

• As in former years, the Independent consists of four pages this week, due to the holiday season and curtailing of advertising. We wish to thank all advertisers for their support in 1940, and correspondents for their regular gathering of news.

1931 - 80 YEARS AGO

• Spruce Creek School, with Miss Pinchbeck as teacher claimed the honour of having the first Christmas tree and concert of the season Dec. 18. The school was well filled, and the program an excellent one.

• Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Steele of Consort have taken up residence in Erskine in Mrs. Hanna’s house. Mr. Steele will take up the duties of principal in Erskine School.

1921 - 90 YEARS AGO

• The improvements made at the CPR station have been of great benefit to the employees and traveling public. There is now a large waiting room, and a good deal more accommodation for freight and express, while the telegraph department has an office of its own.

• Cora Lynn School opened this week with flood tide attendance. A van has been put on the north route, for students who otherwise would have to remain home for the winter months.

1911 - 100 YEARS AGO

• Mr. Bell of the Grand Hotel, at a meeting of ratepayers, said that if the ratepayers would sign a petition that would see the transfer of license, he would put up a new hotel at a cost of $15,000.