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Twenty-five years young
Siblings Megan and Logan Coutts lend their artistic talents to the pavement at the Western Wheel’s 25th Anniversary celebration held on Aug. 4. Numerous people attended the anniversary party. For more photos check out page 20 in this week's printed issue.
- photo by Gillian Beckett
Farm safety awareness heightened following tragic farm accident in Taber
By Cindy BallanceEditor
A tragic farm accident that happened in Taber last week has prompted the Headwaters Health Authority to alert farmers and the general public about the dangers of operating agricultural machinery.
On Aug. 1 at approximately 7:40 pm, a 51-year-old man died while swathing hay on his farm located seven kilometres west of Taber.
According to Taber RCMP, the man stopped to check the equipment on the swather while it was still running and was pulled into the machinery. His four-year-old son, who witnessed the accident, then ran for help.
Taber EMS transported the man to Taber Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Headwaters regional health promotion coordinator Brett Hodson explained that this accident, like numerous farm accidents, are preventable if the right precautions are observed.
'A number of farm injuries occur every year that involve machinery,' said Hodson. 'The main thing people can do is be proactive and realize the exposure to risk around equipment.'
He noted that working while on a tractor or other piece of machinery is often a one-person job.
'Farm machinery is not designed for two people,' said Hodson. 'If a person is alone and gets injured, it could be a long time before help can come.'
According to a Headwaters’ press release, the Taber accident comes on the heels of a recently released report by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance program which lists the major causes of farm fatalities.
The number one leading cause of death is tractor rollovers followed by people getting caught in machinery.
The report also states that men are more likely to be killed in farm-related accidents than women due to their frequency in the field and that more men over the age of 60 years succumb to fatalities than younger men.
'Although the reasons are unclear, it may be that the older farmers are just doing what they have always done and ignoring the risks,' stated the press release.
Farm deaths also generally peak between July and October.
While those living on farms are at risk, Hodson noted that cautionary measures also apply to acreage owners.
'In Okotoks and other urban areas, some points of caution can be made to acreage owners who operate small tractors like lawn tractors,' said Hodson. 'They may not have the knowledge that experienced farmers would have on operating tractors or other farm-type equipment.'
According to Headwaters, there are three things that can be done to reduce the risk of getting hurt or dying on a farm;
- make sure that tractors have roll-over protection;
- ensure power take-off and machinery guards are in place when equipment is running; and
- shut down all equipment when attempting to make adjustments or repairs.
As for children, Hodson said adults need to take extra precaution when taking them on farm equipment.
'The actions of adults can influence a child later in life,' he said. 'It is very important that adults conduct themselves in a safe manner when operating equipment.'
As a way to raise awareness of farm safety in the Headwaters region, a program entitled ‘Rural Family Safety Camp’ is held annually. This year, it is being held in Nanton on Aug. 15.
For more information, call (403) 646-2277.
DeWinton Province grants funds for school
By John BarlowStaff Reporter and Sports Editor
The Foothills School Division has received approval for funding for a new school in the DeWinton area.
Last week Alberta Infrastructure announced $31.6 million in funding for new schools and modernizing existing facilities.
Among the approved projects is the new DeWinton school which is expected to be a K-6 facility.
'We have been pushing for this school for three or four years,' said Rita Janzen, executive assistant to Foothills School Division secretary-treasurer Murray Lloyd.
'We want to get this school up and running as soon as we can.'
The project will cost approximately $5.25 million and the school will be located on the north side of Secondary Highway 552 just east of the Okotoks overpass. The public school will be adjacent to a new Catholic school planned by Christ the Redeemer School Division.
Plans for the DeWinton school are still in the preliminary stages and negotiations between the MD of Foothills and the Foothills School Division are ongoing. Another meeting is scheduled for later this month.
One of the main issues is to set a boundary for the new facility.
Although a boundary has not been set, Janzen said it will likely include students on the east side of Highway 2.
'We need this school to alleviate overcrowding in Okotoks,' said Janzen. '(Another reason) is that there is so much development in that area.'
A specific timeline for the completion of the school has not been established.
Janzen said to have the school ready for the 2002/2003 school year would be optimistic. However, she added, 'If we get all of our ducks in a row you never know, but I would not want to set a date now.'
Residents in the area of the new school will have the opportunity to provide input on the new facility. The means for providing the input has yet to be determined.
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Opinion  Woman participates in cancer fund-raiser See News |
 Teen president of webpage company See Arts & Entertainment  Polo club hosts North American Cup See Sports |
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