Gymnastics returns to Stettler

Sarah Halversen, right and Karen Sernecky of Stettler Gymnastics Club are gearing up for the next preparation phase for October 1 startup of classes. The club will host a couple of volunteer wrk bees in August to get the building ready. Cleaning, painting and outside yard work are requred to spruce up the building. Following that, the club plans to raise enough tmoney for basic equipment and floor coverings and then add more equipment as funds become available.

ECA Review/D.Johnston

The Stettler Gymnastics Club is a step closer to starting classes in October with the lease of a building.

Sarah Halversen joined Coun. Karen Sernecky, who stepped away from her councillor duties briefly at the Aug. 4 Stettler Town council meeting, to give a progress update to council on the club.

A number of coaches and volunteers have stepped forward to assist the club. One of the final hurdles is equipment.

Just over $51,000 is needed to outfit the club with enough equipment to host 30 students per session with three coaches per equipment station.

According to Sernecky, federal grants are available but the club must raise matching grants in order to apply for them.

The club raised $3600 through a Facebook online auction and plans to hold other fundraising events throughout the fall. The club also accepts donation through electronic money transfers to stettlergymnastics@gmail.com , or directly at Vision Credit Union or by contacting Karen Sernecky at ksernecky@stettler.net.

Currently, 150 students are waiting to enroll in the program.

New addition to detachment
Council welcomed the newest addition to the Stettler RCMP detachment, Corp. Ryan Koehli.

Acting Sargent Cam Russell introduced Koehli to council, who was previously stationed in Ponoka. Koehli’s addition brings the number of officers at the detachment to eight.

Coun. Darcy Bachman asked Sgt. Russell if the reason for the increase in staff was due to more crime or something else.

Russell explained that the crime rate has not increased, but the detachment has been short staffed for quite awhile and has finally reached a full compliment.

Russell asked the councillors for particular areas of concern. Council agreed that traffic enforcement through school zones and higher visibility were top priorities.

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