Protective services busy in the county

In June, Camrose County Protective Services answered 15 calls for services in traffic, bylaw, animal, general, litter, court and theft.

The campgrounds have been very busy this year with minimal issues arising. "The peace officer presence in the campgrounds has been consistent," said protective services manager Mike Kuzio.

"We issued 62 traffic tickets with a value of $10,118 once fine money is collected. Oil field activity is average with 40 overweight permits issued."

The DARE program came to an end for the 2011-12 school year with four Grade 6 classes graduating. Hay Lakes and Round Hill graduated in December, while New Norway and Bawlf graduated on June 26. "I feel this program has been extremely successful and the children's attitudes towards the program have been great. There were days the children did not want DARE to end and didn't want me to leave." He spoke with some of the teachers and parents from all schools involved and there were no bad comments from anyone.

Protective Services visited numerous unsightly property complaints and are monitoring them. "They are willing to work with the county and understand they are in violation of the County Nuisance Bylaw. The county officers are granting them more time to rectify the nuisance property," said Mike.

Officers are preparing for the 20th anniversary of the Big Valley Jamboree. "The county held a table top exercise with the Camrose Police Service, Camrose Fire Department, Alberta Health Services and the staff from Panhandle Productions, in preparation for the Big Valley Jamboree, Aug. 2 to 5," added Mike. "The exercise went over very well and all parties involved are working together to better prepare themselves in the chance a disaster were to hit the Camrose County area."

Councillors asked that a meeting of the Camrose  RCMP, protective services, sheriffs and Bashaw RCMP be arranged to talk about local issues.