Westlock News

A thunderstorm late Wednesday night left many residents in Westlock and some of its surrounding communities in the dark.

Last Tuesday’s thunderstorm may have produced hail and knocked over trees in different parts of the county, but very little property damage was reported to the RCMP and local fire departments.

A Westlock County family experienced a very scary phenomenon during last Tuesday’s thunderstorm.

Bids for two significant county building projects have come in over budget, prompting county councillors to reconsider their plans. The projects in question are the new Clyde fire hall and the new chalet at the Tawatinaw ski hill.

Peter Beckett’s first-degree murder trial is on the move. At his June 25 court appearance in Salmon Arm Provincial Court in British Columbia, Beckett applied for a change of venue to Kamloops, B.C., said court employee Glen Lucier.

Damage from a broken water pipe in the Pembina Lodge expansion on May 25 could cost the Westlock Foundation up to $1 million.

The Westlock Independence Network has signed a contract to extend funding contracts for people with developmental disabilities until Sept. 30, according to executive director Greg Morris.

Communities throughout the Westlock area had their patriotism on display July 1. Pickardville's morning parade featured a variety of floats, including a bevy of classic cars and tractors. And what would a parade be without someone getting wet? Raegan Moon was manning the hose aboard the fire truck, while Angelina Wildey and Xavier Tailleur dispensed the candy. The hamlet also hosted a car show, horseshoe tournament, lawn mower races and wrapped up with a fireworks display.

Peter Beckett is scheduled to appear in Salmon Arm Provincial Court in British Columbia on June 25.

The race is on — Westlock County has its first candidate for the Oct. 21 municipal election. Ian McConaghy is has thrown his hat in the ring to represent county residents in Division 2, the domain of the late county Coun. Conrad Sehn.