Cochrane Eagle’s top news items by month, based on 2015 Facebook reaches:
By Derek Clouthier
A handful of local governments are taking action and putting an end to what we Canadians know as tobogganing ... and we can only hope other municipalities will follow suit before it’s too late.
For decades, parents have been subjecting their children to what can only be described as blind neglect for the wellbeing of society’s youthful innocence. Tobogganing is a sure-fire way to inflict injury on those who depend on their parents for protection, as are a myriad of other “traditional” activities, like skateboarding, riding a bike and dare we say it, ice-skating.
By Allison Drinnan
Last fall, 19-year-old Elisa Neven-Pugh decided to take some action to make a change in her community. She sent out an email hoping to bring awareness to the issue of accessibility in Cochrane, an issue she has had to deal with herself.
“I want to make this town beautiful for all,” said Neven-Pugh with a smile, as she discussed the topic at Cochrane Family and Community Support Service (FCSS).
Neven-Pugh is currently at Mount Royal University and has cerebral palsy. She graduated from Bow Valley High School, a school that her and her father, Jay Pugh, both agreed was great in terms of accessibility for Neven-Pugh, who is in a wheelchair.
Front cover photo by Ryan McLeod
Female offroad motorcycle racer Jillian Kings of Cochrane competed in the Val de Lorraine Classic in France, and has been hooked on racing since 2006.
By Connor Morrell
Glenbow Elementary School was visited by a representative from the United States Department of Education March 27, as part of the U.S. education board investigating other education systems around the world.
Maureen McLaughlin, senior advisor to the secretary and director of International Affairs from the United States Department of Education, visited Glenbow School in Cochrane as part of her visits to schools around the globe to see how other education systems work, as well as help improve upon their own in the U.S.
Arne Duncan, U.S. secretary of education, also visited Nakoda Elementary School in Morley March 30.
The U.S. consulate contacted Glenbow School as they had seen the variety of events the school participates in due to their exposure in community newspapers like the Cochrane Eagle. The U.S. consulate is also currently trying to forge connections with schools outside of Calgary, according to Brendan Trinca, Glenbow School’s principal.
By Lindsay Seewalt
Two simultaneous motor vehicle incidents that caused major congestion at the intersection at Hwy 1A and 22 last Sunday struck some concerns over the current single access in and out of Sunset Ridge, with respect to emergency services access.
Local social media sites were abuzz with questions about why the RancheHouse Road intersection has been closed; what is the town’s emergency services plan to work around the single exit point into the community (the lights at Sunset Blvd and Hwy 22); and when can residents who face the mounting congestion at the intersection at Hwy 1A and 22 anticipate further exit points out of the community.
According to the town’s senior administration, while it may be some time until additional access points for residents travelling from Sunset southbound along Hwy 22 (slated to open up with future phases of the community) emerge, emergency access plans are in place.
By Brendan Nagle
Sports scribes like to break out the big words to detail notable accomplishments.
Mercurial, herculean, monumental, colossal are a few of the adjectives rolled out to describe extraordinary athletic achievements.
Yet, just one word comes to mind while journaling James Patterson’s return to competitive men’s rugby.
Impossible.
Consider: Unconscious in the cab of his rumpled pickup truck on a snowy Jan. 31 night, bleeding from a fissure in his skull, his neck fractured, his jaw shattered; Patterson was rushed from the scene of an accident with a tractor-trailer unit to hospital for acute medical intervention.
By Delynne Lorentzen
A young Cochranite was enjoying life on top of the music pyramid this past May.
Competing against 12 others from across the province in the category of ‘Boys Vocal Solo 12 and Under,’ 10-year-old Aubrey Baux placed first in the Alberta Provincial Music Festival, which was held in Edmonton.
Baux was joined at the festival by seven other Cochrane youth, who qualified for provincials this year:
Kayla Kulcsar (16 and Under Vocal), Soren Lorentzen (12 and Under Violin), Natasha Marcille (Grade 5-6 Piano), Lara Stewart (12 and Under Vocal Girls), Leisl Stewart (Grade 7-8 Piano), Marilee Usden (12 and Under Musical Theatre), and Rhett Usden (Grade 2-4 Piano).
Cochrane RCMP have issued a plea for public assistance locating two persons of interest with regards to an incident at a Quigley Drive property July 23.
The two men were observed near the property, with one entering the backyard of the resident. The second suspect was seen driving a white pickup truck.
By Jordan Simpson
Cochrane was built by pioneers, and Darcy Scott is keeping that spirit alive. Though he’s not tilling the earth, felling the forests, or herding cattle, he’s striking out in his own way. Scott is gearing up to become the official owner-operator of the very first Cochrane-based food truck.
He’s been working with the Town of Cochrane on a development permit since the spring to realize his dream. Scott’s truck, called Grilled, will specialize in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
Scott assures that it won’t be your typical “Kraft Slices” variety sandwiches, but a mixture of specialty cheddar, mozzarella and Monterrey jack, along with avocado, bacon and prosciutto concoctions with a lineup of jams and jellies.
By David Wiechnik
Despite a valiant effort, St. Timothy School Thunder girls soccer team were defeated 3-1 by Crescent Heights Cowboys in the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association (CSHSAA) Division 3 varsity girl’s City Championship game on Oct. 23.
The 2013 CSHSAA Div. 3 champs went 5-1 in regular-season play, before beating St. Gabriel and St. Martin De Porres (4-2, 5-1) en-route to the final at the Calgary Soccer Centre.
“It’s always tough when you lose your last game, but we can hold our heads high,” said Thunder head coach Kevin MacLellan. “Every time they were on the field, the girls played with heart and never quit.”
By Jenna Dulewich
A local football player found missing Cochranite Dave Carlsson on Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, at Cochrane High.
The 75 year old was reported missing by his family on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
“He hadn’t had any jacket on, just his shirt and pants on – we were worried about where we were going to find him and in what condition,” said the wife Pat Carlsson.
That evening the Cochrane RCMP, Search and Rescue, and the Police Dog Services conducted a search until the 4 a.m. next morning when the search was called off to resume later Nov. 17.
That morning, local Cochrane High football player Cody Pickering found Carlsson in the field house.
By Jenna Dulewich
Santa Parade organizers are polishing up the sleigh to get ready this Saturday.
The second annual Santa Parade takes flight Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. starting on Railway St. and Fifth Ave, across from Shoppers Drug Mart.
“This year we have a different route, starting at the old Cochrane Dodge lot – we liked our old route but had nowhere to form up,” Spencer Seabrook, parade chairman and co-founder, explained.
Organizers also said the old route through downtown Cochrane and crossing the railway tracks brought safety concerns.
“The new route was a safety decision made by the committee,” Seabrook said.
This year the Santa Parade will head East on Railway St. and go through the Quarry section of town.
