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2019: Year in review

Bashaw stories and events that made headlines in 2019
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Teachers come together in hilarious “school bus cancellation” challenge that went viral. Photo submitted

January

  • Bashaw council considers three options to deal with a jump in water prices and costs, ending in approval of a rise to $3.16 per cubic metre.
  • Council eliminates indefinite sick day carryover for town employees, while approving slight pay hike.

February

  • Bashaw wins “Read for 15” provincial challenge with over 70 per cent participation of residents.
  • Bashaw School teachers net huge notoriety for Bohemian Rhapsody performance on bus cancellations.
  • Community comes together to help residents that need a bit of help.
  • Peewee hockey team decides to forego playoffs in support of teammate.
  • Unmetered water bill of over $68,000 leaves Bashaw with 2018 deficit of about $70,000.

March

  • Atom Stars fall to Viking in league semifinal.
  • Dignitaries from Hungary join locals for St. Michael’s Church celebration.
  • Bashaw RCMP help nab pair of armed robbery suspects.

April

  • New fire inspection contract to be sought after town loses safety codes officer.
  • Sorenson announces he won’t seek reelection after 19 years as MP.
  • Council approves phase 2 construction of 54 Ave.
  • Bashaw School takes on new sport in Team Handball.

May

  • Bashaw to see tax hike of 3.8 per cent with revenue shortfall, water woes making an impact.
  • New soccer program takes root in town.
  • Junior high drama presents The Lion King: The Musical.
  • Buffalo Lake RV development halted by Stettler County.

June

  • Chamber of Commerce holds another successful Razzle Dazzle Day.
  • Appeal of RV development permit denied.
  • Meeting Creek couple recognized with Legends of the Breed award from Alberta Shorthorn Association.

July

  • Ponoka Stampede title slips through Cody Cassidy’s fingers by one-tenth of a second.
  • Wet fields hampering haying efforts throughout the region.
  • Bashaw Seed Cleaning holds official opening of new facility.
  • Bashaw Fire Department receives used pumper truck bought from City of Camrose.

August

  • Central Alberta sees extensive damage from summer hail storm.
  • Council approves purchase of replacement ice resurfacer, new maintenance deal for community hall.
  • Bashaw welcomes back chuckwagon racing.

September

  • Town’s long term strategic plan lays out 15 priorities to lead community to success.
  • Bsahaw School hosts first-ever cross country event drawing schools from around Alberta.
  • New bylaw passed allowing for sale of fireworks in town.
  • Council unhappy with proposed that would have small municipalities pay for policing costs.

October

  • Company chooses Bashaw as site for new recycling processing facility.
  • Council approves library budget, sees drop in MSI funding.
  • Rebels senior girls squad wins home volleyball tournament.
  • Kurek takes local MP seat, Liberals elect a minority.

November

  • Cody Cassidy wins CFR steer wrestling aggregate title.
  • Rebels senior boys volleyball squad beat rival to win home tournament.
  • Inspection reveals work needed on arena, curling rink to address fire safety issues.

December

  • Council battles and wins as water commission backtracks to approved rate of $3.05 per cubic metre.
  • BRSD looks at how to deal with $1.6 million in lost provincial funding.
  • Another successful Hockey Day in Bashaw, Santa Day activities held Dec. 7.
  • Bashaw Sports smashed by thieves as truck rammed into storefront.
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MP Kevin Sorenson is among the few in the current House of Commons that have served for close to two decades. However, he won’t quite reach that plateau as he will not run in this fall’s election. Photo submitted
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Dazzling Day for a Parade - An Al Shamal Shriners Club member shows off his less serious side to bring joy, and stickers, to the many people lining the route for the annual Razzle Dazzle Day parade. Bashaw Star file
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The Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Association held races in Bashaw at the Agricultural Grounds from Aug, 23 to 25. See page 7 for more photos and results. Bashaw Star file
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Cody Cassidy was the measure of consistency at the CFR, winding up fourth overall, but winning the aggregate championship buckle. Bashaw Star file