The opening of the Crossings branch Monday marked a new chapter for the Lethbridge Public Library.
Elisabeth Hergerat, Crossings co-ordinator for branch services, said the new operation will give the community full access to the complete library resource, and introduce new services like gaming centres to meet the needs for new, popular and browsing information materials in several formats.
Gone is the VHS service, replaced by an extensive CD and DVD collection that can be extended world-wide with inter-library loans facilities.
Todd Gnissios, director and chief executive officer for the Lethbridge Public Library, told a crowd of about 100 at the opening in one of four public meeting rooms in the new facility that a few hiccups with wiring and air conditioning are being adjusted, and more features will be brought.
The library branch was originally slated to open Aug. 23 but a delay in materials pushed the opening to Aug. 30.
He expects a 20-year lifespan for the new structure before remodelling and major changes may be needed.
Parking is an issue. Gnissios said the library board requested 135 parking stalls at the back of the library. It has 85 stalls.
Because the two schools and the library are built as one structure with mechanical controls running the length of the one-kilometre-long building, library parking in front is discourged, especially when school is starting or ending.

Public roll out their opinions of proposed bike bylaw changes

Lethbridge residents had a chance Monday to tell city council what they thought of a proposed new bylaw which would make helmets mandatory for cyclists of any age.
Although provincial law requires only riders younger than 18 to wear the protective headgear, Lethbridge is looking at following the lead of some other Western Canadian cities and making them compulsory for anyone riding a bicycle in the city, regardless of age. In addition, the proposed new bicycle bylaw would allow cyclists to use sidewalks and would regulate other forms of self-propelled transportation such as skateboards and roller blades.
A public hearing for the bylaw was set for 5 p.m. in council chambers. Results were not available at press time.
The city’s existing bicycle bylaw was last updated in 1986.

Red-light cameras snap more speeders than expected

Lead-footed drivers have proven themselves to be more prolific than police expected when they set up red-light cameras in Lethbridge.
Numbers are in for the first month of Intersection Safety Devices (ISD) after camera mounts were installed at three locations in the city. Whereas the number of drivers running red lights was about what police had expected, the number of speeders blasting through green lights at the intersections was double what they predicted.
 Between July 21 and Aug. 21, 312 speeding tickets and 25 red-light tickets were mailed to motorists — amounting to revenue of more than $43,000. All money generated from the ISD program goes into City of Lethbridge general revenue.

Whoop-Up Days Family Fest posts eight-year attendance record

After starting out at what looked like a record-setting pace, attendance at Whoop-Up Days dipped over the fair’s final few days and finished only two per cent ahead of last year.
Even so, organizers werestill pleased with this year’s edition of the annual fair, particularly with new wrinkles that drove attendance up 30 per cent during the first two days of the five-day event.
Total paid attendance this year was just over 71,800, the highest in the last eight years.
“It was awesome,” said Rudy Friesen, general manager of the Lethbridge Exhibition. “I was just really pleased with the way it rolled out.”
Two of the biggest hit attractions were the Live Shark Encounter and the Monster Truck Mania finale which drew a packed house of about 3,500 to the Exhibition grandstand Saturday night.

Deadline nears for free Family Sport Day lessons

Sept. 1 is the deadline to register for the free family lessons in archery, air rifle and air pistol.
The lessons are part of Family Sport Day taking place Sept. 6.
The free family lessons are one-and-a-half hours in length in shooting sports at the Lethbridge Archery Centre (Bay No. 7, 30 Street North) and the Coaldale Community Centre, Fish and Game Club (1217 20 Ave.). Participants must be at least seven years of age.
For more information, phone 403-320-5412.

Queer film festival seeking film and video entries

Do you have a film and video about or of interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual or queer identifying individuals? If so, consider submitting your work for consideration for The Rhino in the Room Film Festival.
The festival happening Sept. 15-17 in various locations around the city showcases the incredible diversity of queer issues and artists working in Canada and abroad. This marks the festival’s second year in the city.
For showtimes and locations, visit www.rhinointheroom.ca, contact festival director Heather Zarichney at 403-715-9796 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Downtown BRZ rolls out more movies in the park

Downtown Lethbridge BRZ is winding down the summer with another Movie in the Park event.
The free outdoor event happens in Galt Gardens Park Sept. 3 and 4.
The feature film Friday is “The Karate Kid” starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and on Saturday it’s “Prince of Persia.”
Showtime both nights is 8:45 p.m.
Arrive early because the outdoor pre-movie fun kicks off both evenings at 7 p.m. with free activities and entertainment including hula-hoop contests and Air Guitar Hero competitions. For more information, go to www.movieinthepark.ca or phone the BRZ at 403-327-9002.

Galt collecting memories of historic buildings

Your memories could help build a future exhibit at the Galt Museum and Archives.
For the “Greatest Years You Never Knew,” which is scheduled to open next April, curator Belinda Crowson is seeking stories related to buildings constructed in the city between 1906-1913 such as the Castle Hotel, Chinese National League Building, Galt Hospital, Lethbridge post office and others.
“We don’t just want to provide the history of the building. We want to know about the life of the building, your memories of the buildings,” Belinda Crowson, exhibit curator, said in an email. “Which buildings are your favourites and why? We want stories, remembrances, ideas, questions, thoughts about the buildings of Lethbridge that were built between 1906-1913.”
Don’t forget to include the building’s name and your name with the quote.
Crowson said the submitted statements will help create the exhibit.
“In the exhibit, the labels for these buildings will start with a quote or statement. For example, ‘I would stand in front of a wrecking ball to protect that building’ or ‘I remember buying candy there. My favourite candy was . . .’ or ‘My dad used to work there and I remember visiting him…’ ”
 Email comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or drop them off at the front desk of the museum to Crowson’s attention.

Lethbridge regional police are investigating the second incident of spray-painted vandalism on vehicles within two weeks.
On Saturday, another 21 vehicles were damaged with green spray paint, some with vulgarities, others simply streaked with the paint, in two separate locations in north Lethbridge.
The lime-green paint was used on cars and trucks between 12 and 25 Avenue and 19 to 27 Street North.
It was a case of deja vu in the wake of similar incidents Aug. 16, when nearly 20 vehicles, mailboxes, sidewalks and other property on two streets in Uplands were defaced with orange spray paint.

New schools, library set to open

Anyone driving by West Lethbridge Centre will see plenty of activity as hundreds of hands work to get everything ready for opening on the first day of school.
The site is still considered a construction zone as weather has caused some delays, mostly for landscaping work.
But inside the new Chinook High School, Catholic Central High School Campus West and the Crossings branch of the Lethbridge Public Library, staff are getting things ready. Teachers are moving in and organizing their classrooms and library staff are shelving books and tending to a thousand other details.
The Crossings library branch was scheduled to open a week before the schools to allow for system testing. However, delays have conspired to make that impossible. Todd Gnissios, library director and CEO, said some lighting has not arrived and some furniture and systems are not yet ready. But all will be in place for Aug. 30.
Chris Smeaton, superintendent of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic school division, said Campus West will also be ready and open for business on the first day of school.
Chinook High School principal Clark Bosch said staff and students will have access to all parts of the facility except the media centre when the school year starts. Work on the media centre will be completed later in the fall.

Aldermanic candidate pool continues to grow

Surrounded by a bevy of supporters at the Rotary Fountain in Galt Gardens Aug. 20, Bridget Mearns announced she’s running for alderman in this fall's municipal election.
Mearns, the youngest of MLA Bridget Pastoor’s daughters, brings plenty of experience to her campaign. She started her career in the public service working for Dick Johnston, former Lethbridge East MLA. Mearns later worked in Ottawa as executive assistant to former MP Blaine Thacker. When her mother was elected as an MLA, Mearns was executive assistant and constituency manager. She’s also worked in the investment industry and is development co-ordinator at Exhibition Park.
Mearns joins Robert Babki, Bal Boora, Jeffrey Coffman, Lee Cutforth, Faron Ellis, Geri Hecker, Blaine Hyggen and Kevin Layton as those who have announced their intentions, as of Aug. 22, to run for an alderman’s seat.

Third red light camera operating

Leadfoots, beware.
Lethbridge regional police continue to crack down on those running red lights with the installation of a third Intersection Safety Device in the city. The devices that snaps photos of those speeding through green lights is located Mayor Magrath Drive and 5 Avenue South intersect.
Plans called for road sensors to be installed at three problem intersections around the city with the ability to move the camera around to any one of those. The first location set up was Garry Drive and University Drive West in late June, followed by 3 Avenue and 13 Street South.
A ticket for running a red light is $287. Fines for speeding through intersections vary depending on the speed.
Police said earlier that issuing just five speeding tickets and one red light ticket a day would come close to covering the first-year cost of more than $275,000.
Although the device has been operating for almost two months, police spokesman Kristen Harding said they don’t have numbers yet to tell whether Lethbridge drivers are living up — or down — to their expectations when it comes to intersection offences. They’ll likely have those figures later this month.

CNIB open house, technology fair Aug. 31

Are you having difficulty reading? Seeing prices at the store? Recognizing people, even with your glasses?  
If you have questions about your own vision loss, or that of someone close to you, come to the CNIB Open House and Technology Fair. Learn more about what CNIB can do for you, pick up information and get new ideas. 
Join CNIB to discover the latest technology available for people with vision loss through hands-on demonstrations. From hand-held and electronic magnifiers to programs that enlarge the text on your screen, there is a wide range of products to make life simpler.
The fair takes place Aug. 31 from noon to 7 p.m. at the CNIB Lethbridge office, 410 Stafford Dr. S.
For more information, call the CNIB at 403-327-1044.

If you haven’t rounded up your advance midway super tickets for 2010 Whoop-Up Days, Aug. 24-28, you better mosey on over to a sales location because they’re only available until Aug. 23.
All Gas King locations and ATB Financial locations in Lethbridge, Cardston, Pincher Creek and Vulcan have the advance midway super ticket. The super ticket provides gate admission and all the rides for $32 for one day. The regular cost is $52. The advance super tickets will be on sale until Aug. 23.
Also available at the Gas King and ATB Financial locations are the $10 advance discount ticket — which is gate admission for any day of Whoop-Up Days. The regular gate admission will be $12 during the days of Whoop-Up Week. Unlike previous years, the advance gate admission tickets will be on sale throughout Whoop-Up Days week.
Whoop-Up Days offers a one-price gate admission which includes all events, and entertainment on the grounds. The midway is not included in the gate admission.
Gates open daily at 1 p.m. and children under 10 are admitted free.
Detailed information on all events and activities can be found at www.exhibitionpark.ca or by calling Exhibition Park at 403–328–4491.

Cool July for city home builders

Lethbridge home builders took a hit in July, while other Alberta communities reported stronger activity.
Local builders are still ahead of last year, according to a monthly update from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. Over the year’s first seven months, they started 324 single-family homes in the Lethbridge census area, along with 85 multiple-family units.
That compares with 294 singles and 99 multiples over the same period last year. But starts in July took a nosedive, with 40 single-family homes recorded compared with 62 in July 2009. At the same time, multi-family starts fell from 47 to 14.
Elsewhere in Alberta, some cities recorded an upswing in starts during July, while others saw construction levelling off or declining.
In the Lethbridge area, single-family home starts are still more than 10 per cent ahead of last year, the president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association local points out. Builders are still expecting to start about 825 homes this year in Lethbridge and area.
After the summer slowdown, Jean Greer McCarthy says she’s anticipating a busy fall.

Lend an ear, the corn is here

Southern Alberta’s first fresh, sweet corn has arrived in parking lots in Lethbridge, and for those who associate it with many fond summer memories, it can’t come soon enough.
Ivor and Kim Magill put the finishing touches last week on the red mini-barns which will sell the first hand-picked harvest in the couple’s six-acre corn patch three kilometres west of Coaldale. They will be located at Green’s Pop Shop and the Royal Canadian Legion-National Auto Sales outlet.
The major southern Alberta corn growers who have made Taber corn famous aren’t expecting harvest to begin until late this month or early next month due to the cool, wet weather this spring and early summer.
But Ivor, who brought an Irish-made corn planter to southern Alberta that incorporates ground-warming plastic sheets and herbicide applicators for a one-pass planting operation, was able to get a jump on the market this year.
The assessment of the growing, harvesting and marketing process is already underway, and if things go as expected, the Magills will expand the corn to most of their 15 acres and try to rent additional land for several varieties of sweet corn that will extend their marketing season.
They chose to build the mini-barns for exposure and to present a crisp picture for the businesses which allow them to sell corn. The barns feature a drive-up window for curb-side service, and all corn will be sold in recycled paper bags to be environmentally friendly.
Kim said anybody who wants to reserve corn should call her at 403-634-9950, especially those who are planning events such as family reunions.

Library cards available on the west

The opening of the Crossings branch of the Lethbridge Public Library has been postponed but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your library card early.
The new Servus Credit Union branch on the city’s westside will be home to a Lethbridge Public Library membership booth until Aug. 21. At the booth, visitors can renew their existing library card or activate a new one. The cards are good for the new Crossings branch, the main library branch downtown, or if visitors obtain an Alberta Library (TAL) Card, they’ll have borrowing privileges at all TAL Card participating public, post-secondary and special libraries throughout Alberta.

Kinsmen contest closes Sept. 1

The Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge is hoping to end its unique Key to the Community fundraiser strong.
The fundraiser for the Lethbridge Public Library consists of 10 winning keys mixed into a batch of 6,000 “duds.” Anyone who purchases a contest key that opens the prize safe, located at the main library branch, instantly receives $500 and becomes one of 10 finalists for the $10,000 grand prize. Those whose keys don’t work can enter a draw and still have a chance to be one of the 10 finalists, assuming all the winning keys aren’t found by Sept.1. Keys sell one for $15 or two for $20 at the main library or from any Lethbridge Kinsmen member.

Cyclist struck going wrong way on Whoop-Up Drive

Lethbridge regional police continue their investigation into a collision between a cyclist and a car along Whoop-Up Drive in the early hours of Aug. 15. The cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries. Police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them.
Initial investigation by Lethbridge regional police indicates the unnamed cyclist was heading west in an eastbound lane when the collision occurred with an oncoming taxi. The cyclist was airlifted to hospital in Calgary.
No update on the cyclist’s condition was available at press time.
Impaired charge laid after
man hits light pole
A Lethbridge man was charged with impaired driving after a car struck a light standard Aug. 15 on the northside.
The incident occurred just after 1:30 a.m. when a Hyundai Accent went out of control and ran into the pole at the intersection of 13 Street and 3 Avenue North. The driver suffered minor injuries.

Weger wins big

Dean Weger was the top gun at the Frank Leffingwell Memorial Shoot.
Weger took home the custom Gaillard barrel for winning the aggregate scoring at the shoot as well as a nice total of prize money for finishing in the top three at 100, 200 and 300 yards in the 10th annual edition of the shoot.
Weger is also one of the event’s organizers and a valuable volunteer.
The event appeals to sportsmen because it levels the playing field thanks to limitations on scopes, which makes it a real showdown to determine the best shot.
Frank Leffingwell, an avid supporter of marksmanship sports who was also a crack shot, died in 1991.

Backpack distribution underway, more items needed

Distribution began Aug. 16 for the Interfaith Food Bank’s 11th annual First Day at School program, which provides backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need.
There’s no need for current card holders with either Interfaith Food Bank or the Lethbridge Food Bank to pre-register, but non-members must bring information in order to register for the backpacks. Applicants must provide photo ID for adults on file; Alberta Health Care card for each family member; proof of address (current rent receipt or utility bill); and proof of income (pay stub, AISH, EI or Social Assistance stub, etc.).
There’s still time for donations of supplies to the program. Supplies needed include pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases, ballpoint pens, binders, rulers, scissors, calculators and geometry sets.
Interfaith will also accept cash donations to help in purchasing extra backpacks and supplies as required.
Charitable tax receipts will be issued for any donation accompanied by a cash register receipt.
New school supplies can be dropped off at Interfaith Food Bank, 1116 3 Ave. N., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For more information, visit www.interfaithfoodbank.ca or call Interfaith executive director Danielle McIntyre at 403-320-8779.

Enmax Centre’s Ticket Centre reopens

The Enmax Centre’s Ticket Centre is back in business.
The centre reopened its doors Aug. 17. Its hours of operation are Tuesdays to Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. It’s closed Sundays and Mondays.
For all ticket inquiries, visit the centre in the northwest corner of the west parking lot, phone 403-329-SEAT or visit www.lethbridge.ca/tickets or www.enmaxcentre.ca.
The Enmax Centre’s original lobby area and ticket office were demolished earlier this year as part of the building’s overhaul.

Southern Alberta Vocal Experience to perform

They’ve saved the the best for last.
Fifty young musicians from across Canada and faculty instructors from Victoria, Calgary and Lethbridge have been involved in the U of L Conservatory of Music’s Southern Alberta Vocal Experience (S.A.V.E.). The first week, from Aug. 8-14, focused on singers aged 13-17, and Aug. 14-21 is for the more advanced singers aged 17-23. Participants develop skills in the primary areas of vocal study, including solo repertoire, choral literature and staged works from musical theatre, operetta and opera. The focus of these programs is intensive, one-on-one training with faculty in private voice lessons, coachings and master classes. Additionally, classes areoffered in movement, lyric diction, acting techniques, and stage makeup.
Each week culminates in a public performance at the conclusion of each session.
The senior final concert is Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the U of L Recital Hall (W570). Tickets can be purhcased at the door for $10.
This marks the second year the conservatory has put on the program.
For more details, phone Breeanne Fuller at 403-329-2304.

Dunk a celebrity while raising charitable funds

A little light-hearted revenge will be on tap at Volunteer Lethbridge’s first-ever dunk tank.
For a small fee, the public will have chances to dunk down local celebrities, politicians and community personalities in the fundraiser supporting the organization’s programs and services.
The dunk tank will be operational Aug. 24-28, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Exhibition Park as part of the Whoop-Up Days festivities.
For more information, contact Aaron Fitchett, 403-320-2044, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Classroom success begins with having the essential tools for learning.
Even simple materials such as pens and notebooks can have a huge effect on a student's educational experience. Although some school supplies may be inexpensive, the cost incurred to purchase the supplies can be beyond the budget of families with limited resources. For example, supplies for high school students such as large backpacks and scientific calculators are relatively more expensive than elementary school supplies.
With sponsorship support from Beaners Fun Cuts for Kids, the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta is establishing a "Tools for School" program this year to fill the gap in our community and provide resources to local students. The goal of the program is to collect school supplies donated from the community and distribute them with the help of the Interfaith Food Bank to students from kindergarten to Grade 12 with limited resources.
The list of requested school supplies includes: new backpacks, HB pencils, erasers, scribblers, glue sticks, wax crayons, binders of all sizes, Scotch tape, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases, ballpoint pens, geometry sets, pocket-sized dictionaries, lined loose leaf (100s), washable felt markers, loose leaf dividers, calculators, 30-cm metric rulers, small tissue packs, highlighters, Duo-Tang folders, pencil crayons, scissors, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hygiene items.
The public can help by dropping off supplies until Aug. 28 at Beaners Fun Cuts, 30 - 3709 Mayor Magrath Drive South (beside Future Shop) or at the United Way, 1277 3 Ave. S.
As well, Beaners Fun Cuts will be donating $1 from every haircut between Aug. 21 and 28 to the Tools for School Program.
For more information, contact the United Way office at 403-327-1700.

City council backs Memorial Cup bid

The Lethbridge Hurricanes scored the blessing of city council Aug. 3 for their bid for the 2013 Memorial Cup.
Council’s backing comes without a financial commitment, but come next spring, the next city council will likely be asked to commit between $500,000-$600,000 in cash or in-kind support toward the 'Canes' bid to bring the annual national junior hockey championship tournament to Lethbridge.
The formal bid process is to take place in October 2011.
Based on the experience in Brandon, Man., which hosted this year’s Memorial Cup, Hurricanes president Brian McNaughton estimated the overall cost of hosting the Memorial Cup in the neighbourhood of $4 million.
But he noted hosting the tournament, which features nine nationally-televised games, would provide both immediate and long-term economic payoffs. McNaughton estimated the tournament itself would immediately inject $5 million into the local economy.

City rolls out new bicycle bylaw

Helmets will become mandatory for cyclists of all ages under a new bicycle bylaw which received preliminary approval Aug. 3 from city council.
Although provincial law only requires riders under 18 to wear the headgear, Lethbridge is adopting the best practice of other cities such as Vancouver and Kelowna, B.C. by making them required equipment for all cyclists, Ahmed Ali, transportation and planning manager for the City of Lethbridge, told council members.
The bylaw, which passed first reading, would also allow cyclists to ride on city sidewalks — a no-no under the existing bylaw — when no other options such as pathways or bicycle lanes are available. Cycling would be prohibited on downtown sidewalks, however, and other areas specifically marked with signage.
Ali said the new bylaw reflects present-day practices and makes them legal.
In addition, cyclists would now be allowed to ride along busy Mayor Magrath Drive but Whoop-Up Drive between 5 Street South and Jerry Potts Boulevard West would still be off limits.
The existing bylaw, adopted in 1986, requires all bicycles to display an official city licence plate. That requirement hasn’t been enforced for years, however, and has been done away with in the new bylaw.
If it receives final approval, the new bylaw will extend beyond two-wheeled transportation and will also regulate so-called personal conveyance devices such as skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and roller skis.
A public hearing on the new bylaw will be held Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. in City Hall.  Residents are welcome to attend and provide input into the proposed bylaw.

Grandparent scam common

Grandma and grandpa, beware.
Since February, members of the Economic Crimes Unit of the Lethbridge regional police have received nine complaints where senior citizens in our communities have been targeted.
The “grandparent scam” or “emergency scam” typically involves fraudsters contacting potential victims claiming to be a grandchild. Victims are usually contacted by phone, but there have also been instances where contact is initiated with a letter. Scenarios tend to involve an accident or arrest while travelling or some other emergency situation where the “grandchild” asks for money to be sent via a money transfer company. Sometimes a fake lawyer is also involved in an effort to make the request seem more credible.
Police remind all residents, but especially senior citizens, to be aware of this scam. Anyone who receives this type of request for money is reminded to verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of their story such as calling the grandchild on their home or cellphone number, and checking with their parents or siblings.

Yellow Fish Road celebrates success

Seeing yellow fish all over the city? On sidewalks and roads, in mailboxes and hanging on doorknobs? They arrived courtesy of Yellow Fish Road volunteers to remind everyone that water running off our city goes directly into the river untreated.
Water picks up pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, soap, pet waste and oil as it runs into storm drains and those drains empty directly into the Oldman River. Lethbridge depends on the Oldman River for its drinking water, as do many other downstream communities. Yellow Fish Road aims to reduce storm water pollution in order to keep the Oldman River clean for our own use as well as for fish and other aquatic animals. 2010 was a very successful year; volunteers painted more than double the number painted in 2009. Well over 550 storm drains were marked with yellow fish and the message “rainwater only” by 450 volunteers and 3,000 door hangers were distributed.
Yellow Fish Road is a partnership between Trout Unlimited Canada, The City of Lethbridge and the Oldman Watershed Council’s Urban Team.

School kit drive underway

For children whose lives have been interrupted by war, disaster and poverty, school kits mean the possibility of a better future and the knowledge that people far away care about them. Ten Thousand Villages is once again collecting supplies for school kits, which will be sent by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to children around the world.
Each kit contains four notebooks, four unsharpened pencils, a ruler, a large eraser and 12 coloured pencils. These supplies are packed in hand-sewn fabric bags and distributed by MCC partner agencies in schools and orphanages in Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Sudan and many other countries. More than 100,000 school kits are distributed every year. School Kits are the most requested item from MCC.
Supporting education and empowering families is in keeping with the goals and objectives of Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade organization which purchases products from more than 130 artisan groups in over 35 countries, giving them fair value for their work.
This is the 15th year Ten Thousand Villages has collected school kits for MCC. The fabric bags and list of supplies are available at Ten Thousand Villages at 329 5 St. S., or visit www.TenThousandVillages.ca or www.mcc.org/kits/school/ for more information.
Beer Tasting a toast to hospital’s centennial
Beer Tasting tickets are now available for purchased by the public. This annual event sells out every year and with new breweries such as AlleyKat Beer and Wild Rose Brewery, you won’t want to miss this. Ticket prices remain the same: $8 each and $1/sample, thanks to the fundraiser’s generous sponsors — Davidson and Williams LLP, Days Inn, www.pubandclub.ca, www.lethbridge
events.com, Panago Pizza and LA Liquor.
This year, to celebrate the Galt hospital wing’s 100th year, guests are asked to attend in their best doctor or nurse costume.
Try beers, wines and spirits and enjoy pizza, all while supporting the Galt.

City police members complete Death Race

Over the August long weekend, six members of the Lethbridge regional police service ran the Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, Alta.
 The Death Race covered 125 kilometres of extreme mountain trail, three summits, 17,000 feet of elevation change and a major river crossing.
 Cst. Trevor Sheppard, Cst. Rob Semenuik, Cst. Rod Pastoor, Cst. Nathan Shenton and Cst. Amy Toews participated in the team event and finished with a time of 16:19:03. Overall, they placed 45th out of 234 teams.
 Cst. Naomi Humenny, who ran the entire race on her own, finished with a time of 23:29:56 and placed 34th out of 114 women in the solo female category. The solo race began with a total 418 male and female runners, however, only 150 of them — including Humenny — actually completed the race within the 24-hour time limit.
 The officers ran the Canadian Death Race in support of Special Olympics. Police thank all members of the community for their donations and support.

Police ‘step up’ fight against impaired drivers

In conjunction with the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan, Lethbridge regional police will be targeting impaired drivers throughout the month of August.
Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, imposes enormous costs on society. Families, the health-care system, legal system, insurance companies and the general public all pay the price for impaired drivers.
In Alberta from 2004 to 2008, on average each year more than 110 people were killed and almost 1,900 injured in collisions involving at least one driver who had consumed alcohol prior to the crash. Most casualty collisions involving alcohol occur between June and September and are often associated with long weekends.
On average over the past five years, about 7,600 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year.
First-time offenders convicted of impaired driving will receive a $1,000 fine. For those convicted a second time, imprisonment for at least 30 days and for each subsequent conviction, imprisonment for at least 120 days.
In addition, if you are charged with an impaired driving offence you will lose your licence automatically for at least three months. If you are convicted, Alberta driver licence suspension periods are as follows:
• First-time offenders automatically receive a one-year licence suspension
• Second-time offenders receive a three-year licence suspension
• Third-time offenders receive a five-year licence suspension
• Drivers convicted of impaired driving causing injury or death, receive a mandatory five-year licence suspension.
Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is asked to call 911 immediately.
Police remind motorists never to drink or use drugs and drive.

Let’s play ball!

Lethbridge is playing host to the 2010 Junior Little League Canadian Championship, which is bringing together a group of young athletes who all have one thing in common, a love for baseball.
The national tournament, which runs until Thursday, consists of five teams representing the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and B.C., and the sixth team being the host Lethbridge team. The champion will move on to the Junior Little League World Series and have a chance to compete for the title of being world champions.
The action continues Aug. 11 with the semi-fnals at noon and 2:30 p.m. at Spitz Stadium.
The day wraps up with the Southern Alberta Baseball Celebrity Awards Dinner and Fundraiser at the Lethbridge Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the awards program is at 7:30 p.m. Steve Rogers, a Montreal Expos great, is the special guest. Tickets are available for $30 at Spitz Stadium.
The tournament concludes Thursday with a consolation final at 10:30 a.m., the bronze-medal game at 1 p.m. and championship final at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Metis culture

The jig is up . . . next at the Galt Museum & Archives.
The Red River Jig, which is often performed at parties and community gatherings has become a true symbol of Metis identity. On Aug. 11, watch a jig performed and then receive dance instruction from Roy Pogorzelski, and learn about Metis history and culture from Metis elder Rod McLeod
The program runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, phone Leslie Hall at 403-320-4700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .