Dear Editor,
Reading Gwynne Dyer’s article in the Western Wheel has once again induced a state of disbelief that a freelance writer with his qualifications can get away with such shabby journalism.
Dyer’s use of half-truths and his misunderstanding of facts suggest that he is either the dumbest man on the planet or he thinks his readers are.
If you didn’t know any better, you would think that Phil Jones was guilty of commenting about trying to keep “flawed” research from being published in notable science journals. You might also think that only …

Dear Editor,
As you know there are between 2,000 to 2,500 employers that Turner Valley town council is accountable to. I am just one of these. I deem it necessary to remind you of the salary we are providing to you, in return of which your employers expect the Town of Turner Valley to be uppermost in your minds.
We (your employers) put you into your positions with the understanding this town would be your top priority. I also will remind you that in October you will be having your job performance …

Dear Editor,
I watched, with tears, the repatriation of the bodies of the five fallen young Canadians, and have caught glimpses of their funerals over the past few days. It has convinced me that honouring their willingness to serve, and give their lives for others half a world away, means staying in, not leaving, this particular theater of war.
These five died believing that being a soldier, or a journalist, meant putting your life on the line. For them, the higher calling was to take the risks entailed in serving in Afghanistan, …

Dear Editor,
Of the people, by the people, for the people. We have all heard this statement, but how many of us have experienced this from our government as they affect our daily lives?
It seems to me there is an inherent problem with the structure of our government, at all levels, federal, provincial and municipal, especially the first two which then has implications for municipal.
I have come to believe that the fundamental issue is party politics. This was made clear to us a few years ago when a court in Red …

Dear Editor,
Here is what appeared in the Western Wheel, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 1978.
“The future of Turner Valley depends to a great extent on its ability to attract light industrial development. Town council members recognize this fact and are actively pursuing it, says Town Councillor Bill Gordon. “We welcome any industry to the area, light or heavy. Our future stability and growth depend a great deal on it. Industry must come first,” he went on to say, “and residential development will automatically follow. We feel very optimistic about Turner Valley’s ability …

Dear Editor,
An Open Letter to the Premier:
I was George Groeneveld’s campaign manager last election. I made the decision to leave that party and work for the Wildrose Alliance last fall, after losing confidence in you and the PC Party’s direction.
George and I disagreed over the government’s direction, and your leadership. We discussed these topics for hours, but he was unrelenting in his support and loyalty to both you and your party.
He took pride in his ministry and wanted to make substantial changes to Alberta Agriculture, which so far he has …

Dear Editor,
Have you recently walked along Elizabeth Street to North Railway Street? If so, you would have noticed that a number of the businesses who wish you folks to patronize them have welcomed you by not clearing snow from their sidewalk and parking areas.
On Tuesday, Dec. 28, I observed a young couple pushing a stroller through the slush and also an elderly lady with her wheeled walker doing the same. It seems to me to be a lack of respect for the customer, the customer’s safety and the general appearance …

Dear Editor,
Post-secondary education in the areas surrounding Calgary is crucial. These centres include Cochrane, Airdrie, Strathmore, High River and most importantly, Okotoks.
Why Okotoks? While the City of Airdrie has a larger population, and a small learning centre, we (Okotoks) are more centrally located on the south of Calgary, and away from the University of Calgary. We have the facilities to initiate post-secondary education, and besides, we have a growing population which desires more education, and consequently, greater opportunities for same.
We feel that we could rely on the surrounding area(s) for …

Light Up volunteers deserve praise, not abuse
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank all who came to support the Okotoks Light Up on Friday night in downtown Okotoks.
I was there not to partake in the enjoyment and excitement of all the lights, food and numerous other activities, but as a volunteer manning one of the several road closures.
To all the wonderful and friendly people who said hello or asked us how we were doing — thank- you.
To all of those special people who believe that they are better than anyone else and …

Dear Editor,
It appears that Alberta Learning, formerly known as the Department of Education, is proposing the new K-12 Capital Arts Education Curriculum Framework. Part of this proposal may be just fine, maybe, while other parts are very disturbing.
Bluntly put: Elementary music, art and drama programs could be all but lost. Junior High: vague and open minded as “Arts Appreciation” allows students to explore appreciation of the fine arts but does little to develop skills and knowledge. No pre-requisites. Senior High: Fine Arts courses would be organized into 25-hour single credit …