Chuck Cranston, played by Anthony Nault, dances with Ariel Moore, played by Krysti MacDonald in Morinville Community High School’s production of Footloose. – Stephen Dafoe PhotoEverybody cut footloose
Dancing was banned in Morinville for four days last week, at least in the context of Morinville Community High School’s performance of Footloose. This year’s theatrical production was a performance of the 1998 stage adaptation of the popular 1984 film, and included a cast of more than 40 MCHS students. The cast put on the musical over four performances Dec. 11 to 14, selling out each night.
Heritage Lodge residents take the 30 blankets they made for charity out to the Quinn’s Plumbing and Heating truck that will take the handmade warmers to those in need. – Stephen Dafoe PhotoHeating company teams with seniors to warm hearts
A local heating company learned there is more than one way to heat a home or a heart this season. Quinn’s Plumbing and Heating has teamed up with the residents of Heritage Lodge to make handmade blankets available to those in need. The 30 blankets were distributed through the Midstream Support Society and Alexander First Nation. Owner Tim Quinn said Mary Benson, Heritage Lodge’s program coordinator, approached him for support to buy the materials. Quinn donated $500 to the cause, an amount that was matched by an Edmonton fabric store, the combined generosity providing the seniors with enough material to make and donate two-and-a-half dozen blankets.
Morinville taxpayers looking at a 2 per cent increase in 2013
Council gave third and final reading to the 2013 operational and capital budgets Dec. 11, paving the way for the Town to go ahead with proposed projects next year. Ratepayers are on track to pay an additional 2 per cent on their spring tax bills to support the budget; however, a combination of property assessments and the setting of the mill rate next spring will ultimately determine just how much taxes will go up.
After shaving $300,000 off the then $14.6 million budget at second reading Nov. 27, Council once again took a look at next year’s operational and capital budget Dec. 11, adding $53,000 in spending and trimming off another $65,000 before giving it third and final reading.
Traffic Safety Bylaw making its way through three readings
A new bylaw making its way through Council Chambers will consolidate existing rules while adding a number more. Council gave unanimous first reading to a new Traffic Safety Bylaw Dec. 11, a document that was the result of a comparison with similar bylaws out of St. Albert, Sturgeon County and Spruce Grove, and has subsequently been reviewed by the RCMP, Community Peace Officers, Public Works, the Traffic Safety Committee and the Town’s executive team.
David Schaefer, Morinville’s Director of Corporate Services, said although considerable work has gone into preparing the bylaw, he wants three separate readings on three separate evenings. Schaefer said time needs to be spent reviewing the document with Council to ensure it is something the layperson, who must ultimately follow the rules, will clearly understand. “That’s one of the reasons why we want that time spread in there, so that if there are things that we’ve missed or are unclear, we can go back, make the necessary changes and bring it forward,” he explained.
The bylaw is set to come back to Council Jan. 8.
He’s no mean one
The Grinch visited with Heritage Lodge resident Zoraida Barton-Cottle Dec. 14. The famous character made several stops around town to bring a little Christmas cheer. – Lucie Roy Photo
Let the faithful sing
The 34th Annual Community Christmas Celebration rang in the Christmas season in true Morinville style Dec. 20. Local churches, school and public choirs sang songs of the season at St. Jean Baptiste Church. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
