Members of the community opened their wallets big time this past weekend for the annual emergency services charity check-stop on Highway 12, as the volunteers brought in more than $7,000 in donations.
The check-stop, which took place on Highway 12 on Dec. 6, was held by Stettler RCMP, Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue, Heartland Victim Services, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Town of Stettler bylaw enforcement and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD).
“We had a big group from SADD,” Const. Bill Lewadniuk said. “they were a big help with their enthusiasm.”
Other than a warning from Lewadniuk to one driver to buckle up, the check-stop didn’t reveal any problems, and everyone was in good spirits.
“We had one person make a $1,000 donation,” Lewadniuk noted, adding that the generosity of everyone was appreciated.
Though he wasn’t certain, the constable also believes this year’s number beats the record year the checkstop had in 2013, but the numbers are in the hands of Victim Services.
A representative from Victim Services was unavailable by press time.
“We owe a big thanks to commercial vehicle (inspection),” Lewadniuk added. “They brought their big truck for us to stay warm in.”
Fender benders on rise as drivers adjust to winter weather
Though there have been no major accidents in the past week and no other major incidents, the police have been busy responding to minor fender benders.
“They’re stacking up,” Lewadniuk said.
The arrival of winter weather landed hard in late November, dumping a good heap of snow on Stettler roads, but unlike much of the province, which saw a good number of serious collisions and road closures, drivers in Stettler seemed to have the sense to stay off the roads during the snowstorm.
However, since then, the fenders have been bending as drivers adjust to the slippery and mushy roads.
With weather warming and cooling, roads are becoming increasingly icy, something people need to be aware of when driving, Lewadniuk said.
The ice-slicked roads increase the amount of time it takes to come to a stop and increases the chance of sliding on the road surface, spinning out, or going off the road if there are attempts at a sudden stop.
Lewadniuk said it’s important for drivers to slow down and drive according to the weather conditions.
Road snow removal under way
The Town of Stettler has started to remove snow from the community’s streets, and asks homeowners and drivers to be considerate during this time.
Twenty-four hours before snow removal is to happen on town streets, yellow signs warning of coming removal will be placed on the curbside.
The Town asks people to not park on the road when the signs are up, making it easier for the removal of snow.