By all accounts, 2021 was another brutal year for everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which everyone had hoped would fade into history hung on as wave after wave of variants popped up.
Still, 2021 was not all bad.
The community of Stettler has shown its resilience through the pandemic, and there were even some highlights in the news to report.
Here are some of the top stories highlighted in the Stettler Independent during 2021:
January
-The year started off strong with a former Stettler resident, Judy Birdsell, being selected to the order of Canada.
-Mayor Sean Nolls reflected on 2020 and shared his vision for 2021.
-The community builders initiative continued to take shape.
February
-Plans began forming to bring a major industry to the community.
-The Stettler Hospice Suite opened its doors.
-Heartland Youth Centre Director Winnie Bisset celebrated 32 years with the agency.
March
-Heartland Victims Services continues to broaden its reach across the region.
-An online auction is started to raise funds for a service dog for a Stettler Family.
-A Points West residents celebrated their 101st birthday.
-Local fabrication students donated a creation to Heartland Youth Centre auction.
April
-Alberta BioBord plans continue to move forward.
-Stettler’s Renegade Station released a new single.
-Jaden Norman discovers the many joys of giving back to the community.
-A new subdivision by the agricultural grounds began edging closer to reality.
May
-A Gadsby resident fought the county to keep chickens on their property.
-A Stettler resident reflected on their journey with Multiple Sclerosis.
-County and Town jointly proclaim International Economical Development Week.
-Poem allegedly written by convicted Stettler murderer Robert Raymond Cook surfaces in Athabasca County.
June
-Stettler District Ambulance donates medical equipment to Ghana hospitals.
-Stettler’s Scott Douglas hand-cycled from Stettler to Red Deer, raising money for Spinal Cord Injury Alberta.
-Forestburg’s Area 53 raceway geared up for another racing season.
July
-The new Emergency Room at the Stettler Hospital was officially opened.
-Calgary-based singer Ollee prepared to take the stage in West Stettler Park.
-A pared down Steel Wheels Stampede took place.
-The Stettler Antique Tractor Club hosted their annual tractor “pull” at the agricultural grounds.
August
-Tap 9 performed at West Stettler Park
-St. Peter’s Lutheran Church celebrated 100 years.
September
-Stettler welcomed a new ice hockey team, the Stettler Imperials.
-Work was done to bolster the profile of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the community.
-The Heartland Arts Troupe geared up for its production of Too Manny Cooks in November.
-MP Damien Kurek won the riding in the federal election.
-The long-awaited community builders monuments were unveiled.
October
-Saving Grace Animal Society has a busy season.
-Anonymous benefactor responsible for Rochon Sands attraction steps forward.
-Mayor Nolls is enthusiastic to continue serving the residents of Stettler.
-Stettler Wildcats win their final home game of the season in a tight win under the lights against Lacombe.
November
-Remembrance Day and the “No Stone Left Alone” ceremonies were held in Stettler.
-The Maruk Family Christmas Light display begin gearing up for another festive season.
-Heartland Victim Services ensures no one goes through crime or tragedy alone.
December
-County of Stettler Reeve Clarke reflects on the just completed past term and planning for the future.
-Clearview Public Schools announces that they will not be offering the COVID-19 vaccine to their students in school.
-The Stettler Rotary donates $5,000 to the Performing Arts Centre for lighting upgrades.
-The Stettler RCMP, Stettler District Ambulance Association, and Heartland Victim Services held a charity check stop.
-Stettler’s Town and Country Museum hold a successful “Light the Night” display through December.
