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Re: Reliable and affordable electricity

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

Dear Editor,In regards the November 7 Sunny South News letter from the Honourable Mr. Joseph Schow, MLA regarding reliable and affordable electricity, Alberta already has the highest electricity prices of all the provinces in Canada – only NU & NT are higher. Alberta’s 2023 average rate of 25.8 cents/kWh is more than three times PQ’s 7.8 cents/kWh average! (https://www.energyhub.org/electricity-prices/)Alberta’s high electricity costs can be attributed to deregulation and current higher prices for natural gas. Ontario is the only other province with some deregulation (about 10 per cent) with an average 2023 cost of 14.1 cents/kWh. Putting a pause on major renewable energy projects continues to ensure Albertan’s electricity is kept unaffordable. Though we in Coaldale experience few blackouts, many rural parts of Alberta have more and longer power outages to the point where people are buying generators and considering gas stoves for cooking.Alberta’s newspaper advertising ca...

Smith’s plans to disband AHS is engineering chaos

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

The recent news of the UCP’s plans to disband Alberta Health Services (AHS), effectively shattering the organization into four factions, has re-ignited the discourse surrounding Smith’s pro-privatization agenda for the healthcare system.Despite a well-documented history of Smith’s pro-privatization rhetoric, critics of Smith’s healthcare agenda have been dismissed and accused of “fear-mongering”; a term which Smith seems to broadly apply to people who simply observe her track record, analyze her own words, actions, and policies, and dare ask, “where might you be going with this?”The UCP’s latest announcement to completely restructure Alberta Health Services (AHS) in an effort to solve capacity issues within the health care system ignited debate surrounding how this decision will further destabilize the healthcare system, inviting more opportunities to implement privately delivered care.In a Nov. 8 press release, Smith said, “while all Albertans can and should be proud of our front-l...

Food banks prepare for distribution of Holiday Hampers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

By Erika MathieuSunny South NewsIt’s been a tough few years, and local food banks have confirmed the continued rising cost of living has led to a growing number of people struggling with food insecurity, and are leaning on food banks for support.For many, the holidays symbolize a cherished time of rest and connection with family and friends, celebrations, gifts, and special meals, but for a growing number of Canadians, the holidays are a painful time, particularly for people struggling with food insecurity.Nancy Niebor, manager of the North County Interfaith Food Bank in Picture Butte said the number of people utilizing the food bank is growing: “we have absolutely seen an increase in people coming in to use the food bank.”According to Renee Bowden, a coordinator at the Coaldale Food Bank, the number of people accessing food at Coaldale Food Bank has also gone up significantly since 2020.Local food banks in the area are gearing up for their annual Christmas hampers to distribute to ...

Copperheads on seven-game winning streak as solid play continues

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

By Garrett SimmonsSunny South NewsThe Coaldale Copperheads are on a roll.Another 2-0 weekend has given the Copperheads a seven-game winning streak, as Coaldale defeated the Red Deer Vipers 4-2 on Saturday and then dominated the Three Hills Thrashers on Sunday to the tune of 7-2.Against Red Deer, the Copperheads fell behind 1-0 before Brandon Creighton tied it up late in the first, on a goal assisted by Griffin McCulloch and Brogan Booth.Coaldale scored twice in the second, as Adam Kennedy put his team up 2-1. Peyton Twigg and Nathan Verloop drew assists. Caden Heins made it 3-1 on a marker assisted by Kenney and Bill Houenagon.Nolan Price put the game out of reach with a third-period goal to make it 4-1, assisted by Booth and Creighton.Kaiden Fulton picked up the win between the pipes, as he only had to make 19 saves. Coaldale directed 31 shots on Red Deer’s net, as the Copperheads went 0-2 on the powerplay. Coaldale’s penalty kill was a perfect six for six.The team’s 7-2 win over T...

Coalhurst updates solar panel permitting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

By Nikki JamiesonSunny South NewsIncreased interest in renewables has led the Town of Coalhurst into updating their regulations around solar energy.A public hearing for Bylaw 445-23 was held during Coalhurst Town Council’s regular Nov. 7 meeting.Bylaw 445-23 would amend the Town’s Land Use Bylaw by updating the Town’s processes on the review and permitting of renewable energy systems. The amendment was prompted by the increased uptake in solar energy, specifically for roof or wall mounted arrays within the town.Solar arrays for individual households typically supplement the household’s on-site power use while allowing them to sell excess power into the power grid. The Town’s LUB, which was adopted in 2012, first introduced ‘Alternative energy, individual’ as a discretionary use, and requires notification to adjacent landowners with the Municipal Subdivision and Development Authority (MSDA) deciding on the applications. Recently, the majority of the applications have been for the ins...

Governor Hochul signs Clean Slate into Law

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---In Brooklyn, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Clean Slate, which will seal criminal records for those convicted of a misdemeanor or some felonies, years after they’ve served their sentence.For someone who committed a misdemeanor, their record won’t be sealed until three years after their conviction or release from jail. They must no longer be on probation or parole, and during that time, must have stayed out of legal trouble. For a person who commits a felony, same rules apply, however their waiting period is eight years after being released from prison."We’re not sealing records for sex crimes or most Class A felonies," explained Hochul. "Employers and the public have a right to know about the sex offenders and the worst violent criminals before they give them a job."Criminal records have prevented people from getting jobs and housing. Under the law, these records will be sealed from employers and landlords, but not for those who need to access them."Law enforce...

Hudson Police investigate alleged attempted kidnapping

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Police are investigating an alleged attempted kidnapping that happened at around noon on Thursday. A white van reportedly approached a 10-year-old child on Harry Howard Avenue near the Crosswinds Apartments. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! The driver is described to be in his 30s and speaks Spanish. Police say the van stopped near the child, and the driver told the 10-year-old to get in. The child ran to his 13-year-old sister, who was nearby. The sister told police she saw the van stop but could not hear what the driver said as she was too far away.Police obtained surveillance footage of the van. The child and family are safe.Surveillance capture of the suspected vehicle.This is an ongoing active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson Police Department at (518) 828-3388.

Things to do in the North Country this weekend: Nov. 17-19

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The weekend before Thanksgiving - also known as the calm before the great gobble. Even if you don't know it by that name, this weekend features a polar plunge, a craft fair, and plenty more. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Argyle37th annual PTSA Holiday Craft FairSaturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Over 60 vendors, hot and cold beverages, and hot lunch items at an annual vendor fairArgyle Central School, 5023 Route 40Fort AnnOpen Mic ThursdaysThursday, Nov. 16, 7-9 p.m.Open mic night at The Trap In Fort AnnThe Trap, 5 Buttermilk Falls Road, Fort Ann2-drink minimum Elementary overhaul in $39M Queensbury school proposal Glens FallsCommunity Thanksgiving HymnSunday, Nov. 19, 4-6 p.m.Community singing, including “Come Ye Thankful People, Come,” “We Gather Together,” For the Beauty of the Earth,” “The Ash Grove,” Now Thank We All Our God,” and more, led by Bryan KirkFirst Presbyterian Church of Glens Fa...

Buc-ee's looking at potential Kansas City, St. Louis locations

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Buc-ee's, which is set to open its first Missouri location next month, might not stop at one travel center in the Show-Me State. The company said it's looking at real estate in the Kansas City and St. Louis regions, as well as areas in between, the St. Louis Business Journal reports. Top 20 KC-area fine-dining restaurants, according to Tripadvisor ratings A spokesperson for Buc-ee's said there are probably one or two more Buc-ee's locations in store for Missouri. The company is especially interested in a location off Interstate 55 in the St. Louis area.Buc-ee’s, originally founded in 1982 in Texas, has become a beloved convenience store chain and now has dozens of locations across the southern U.S.The popular chain is set to open a Springfield, Missouri, location -- the first in Missouri -- on Dec. 11. “Buc-ee’s Springfield will occupy 53,000 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions just outside its store with thousands o...

New KDHX lawsuit reveals power struggle and volunteer discontent

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:52:12 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Months of controversies between upper management and volunteer DJs at local community radio station KDHX 88.1 FM have now led to a lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that a group consisting of current KDHX volunteer DJs (also known as associates) voted to remove two members of the station’s board of directors and nominate three members to replace them in September. Current KDHX board directors have not approved those decisions, claims the lawsuit.FOX 2 learned weeks ago that, at full capacity, the KDHX board of directors would consist of 15 members, with at least three appointed by associates. Right now, KDHX's website lists six members on its board of directors.The lawsuit asserts that the associate members "exercised their rights to remove [Franc] Florton and [Ray] Finney as directors of KDHX." As of Thursday, the radio station's board of directors website still lists both Florton and Finny as serving with the board. St. Louis police warn of surge in carjackings and b...