Looks like Federal Signal is looking to sell and/or possibly close down there operations here in Medicine Hat. I have had quite a few friends work at Witke then Leach over the years, and Medicine Hat was pretty proud of our garbage truck making business. Lets hope for the best.
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Alberta Childcare
Alberta Liberal Children’s Services Critic Weslyn Mather was speaking to local area childcare workers last Thursday evening at the College. Mather is taking on a campaign in reaction to a poll released by Public Interest Alberta, which indicates that just 37 per cent of Albertans support the federal government’s plan to cancel support for the expansion of childcare centres and day homes.
“I am most concerned about the level of wages and training that childcare professionals receive,” said Mather. “In light of the poll results, Minister Forsyth (Minister of Children’s Services) has an obligation to ensure that these professionals receive sufficient supports from this government.”
I attended the meeting and was surprised to learn that the average daycare worker makes less than $10.00 an hour. One of the ladies at the meeting has been in this field for more than 15 years, has a supervisory position and only earns $12.50 an hour. This shocked me. I was under the impression that daycare workers were under much the same rate as teachers. Shows what I know.
“It’s hard to find and keep good daycare staff.” Another person at the meeting said. “When you attend college for 2 years and have to maintain your accreditations for less pay than someone working at Starbucks, it’s a real sad situation. And it’s the children who suffer.”
“Soon it will be Clear”…or later?
Many will have seen ads or seen the notices in their City utility bills stating “Soon it will be Clear!”, referring to a new utility billing system being implemented in May 2006 that will make your bill easier to decifer, and have more in the way of “actual” readings and not “estimates”.
I have it from a qualified source with no reason to lie that due to some roll-out problems (which have not been made 100% clear to me) the transition is being delayed to September. I hope to have more information on this Monday evening. Possibly the city will have announced something by then, anyhow.
What do you think Hatter’s? How accurate is your utility bill, and do you find it easy to read? What could be done to improve things if they need improving?
Local Photographer finalist in Calgary Herald contest
Shane Yuhas entered a photo contest by Swerve, a weekly magazine put out through the Calgary Herald. He is in the final 10. From the 10 finalists a winner will be chosen by a judging panel and the winner will shoot an upcoming issue of Swerve with all camera equipment, studio space and styling assistance provided. Three of his photos will be judged, but the magazine really liked one of the photos and also published it in the issue. It is called bright futures. Good luck Shane!
Upcoming Local Events
In the forums, I have started a thread for you to check out upcoming events. If you have or know of an upcoming event, please feel free to post it for others to see. We have recently added two that probably could not be more opposite.
The Drop in Drum Circle. They can be truly spirtual and until you have tried it, dont knock it. Get out and give something new a go.
And second, Rex Stiff and the Kinky Morticians are playing Thursday night at the Scouts Hall. After playing at the Ship and Anchor and the Castle in Calgary this week, they are back home for an encore presentation. Should be an interesting time. Check out the forums for more information.
And get out and support your local community.
Dumping on Charities
I was at City Council last week and the topic of people dumping their ‘trash’ at the charity bins came up again. Alderman Cathy Smith claimed that she personally saw someone dropping off an old fridge at the mall bin area. She went on to say that the sign at the drop off points which claims that ‘dumping’ at these points carries a $10,000 fine isn’t enough of a deterrent because it’s not enforced.
She continued with the fact that items like refrigerators and freezers have to be certified freon free before being taken to the landfill. This is an added cost to the charities whom are now burdened with removing these items (garbage) from the drop off points. She continued with the fact that items like refrigerators and freezers have to be certified freon free before being taken to the landfill. This is an added cost to the charities whom are now burdened with removing these items (garbage) from the drop off points.
Alderman John Hamill brought up a very good point. He stated, “In a perfect world we could rely on all our citizens to do the right thing. That is not going to happen. One of the difficulties people are running into is the fact that when they are cleaning out their garage or basement it is usually on a weekend when they have time off from work. The places that do the freon free certifications aren’t open then. I don’t believe this is the only reason or an excuse but certainly contributes to the problem.”
Spectrum 2006 is Coming!
Spectrum 2006 is right around the corner, starting June 2 and wrapping up on the 4th.
For those not in the know, Spectrum is an annual summer festival held at scenic Kin Coulee park on the way down (or up, depending upon your point of view) College Ave.
It features demostration sporting events, lots of user interaction at various booths (face painting and baloons for the kiddies and all that), and gobs of music from various artists.
It’s a great festival for the whole family, so cross your fingers for good weather, and don’t forget to bring a food donation to the entrance for the food bank.
