Barrhead News

The wildfire in Slave Lake remained out of control and had burned approximately 4,558 hectares as of May 19.

The wildfires that continue to rave Slave Lake are proof of how fast situations change, said the County's director of Disaster Management.

The County of Barrhead is digging into two paving project worth a combined total of more than $3 million. Crews will begin preparing Township Road 615A for paving within the next couple of weeks.

Both the Town and County of Barrhead and Lac Ste. Anne County have issued complete fire bans. All permits for fires other than burn barrels are cancelled.

Mayor Brian Schulz and County Reeve Bill Lee are holding out hope that a meeting next week with Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady will bear good news for the 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games.

Residents of Barrhead will head to the polls on July 6 in a by-election to vote for a new Town councillor. The position was left vacant following the retirement of Linda West, who served on the council for more than six years.

While newly re-elected Member of Parliament Rob Merrifield was surprised at a majority government, he said the best years lie ahead for all Canadians.

A local teenager has had a life-changing experience. Kyrie Bauer returned several weeks ago from a two-month trip to Tanzania, where she spent her days working in a hospital dealing with trials and tribulations of the pediatrics ward.

The Town has approved a one mill (per cent) increase for residential ratepayers, and a 0.5 mill increase for non-residential ratepayers.

Neither rain, nor hail nor frigid winds could dampen the spirits of those who gathered in Barrhead on Saturday for the dedication of the Habitat of Humanity homes.