New signs proclaiming World Champion

Visitors to Big Valley may soon be greeted by two new signs celebrating the community’s now famous native son.

On Dec. 2, a delegation approaching Big Valley Council for approval, outlined plans to erect signs at both village entrances, proclaiming the community’s pride in Big Valley’s Zeke Thurston, 2016 World Saddle Bronc Riding Champion. 

Dustin Edwards stated, “Zeke Thurston has just won rodeo’s greatest achievement, a World Champion gold buckle.

He represented our small town of Big Valley on rodeo’s biggest stage, the National Finals Rodeo, and now we get to welcome the new World Champion home.”   

Edwards went on to explain that they were not coming to the village for any money, but were asking for approval to fundraise and erect the signs.

Council had already decided to install a new ‘Zeke Thurston’ banner in the village and was happy to approve the installation of the signs.

“We will work to make it happen.”

Dustin Edwards will head up fundraising efforts and consult with council throughout the process.

There will be a community celebration at the Big Valley Inn on Dec. 27 with special presentations scheduled.   

The whole council will be at the event to announce the installation of the new banner and approval of the signs.

Broadband services

Recognizing the importance of broadband infrastructure for the community, Council voted to send Mayor Asaph ‘Ken’ Johnson and CAO Michelle White to attend the stakeholder’s session of the Central Alberta Economical Partnership Broadband Preparedness Project to take place at the County of Stettler office on Jan. 24, 2017.

CAEP’s study to investigate the options available to expand and enhance broadband services and connectivity in the region is of particular interest to village residents.

Surprise donation

Big Valley’s archery range, planned to share space at the site of the Big Valley Rodeo Association’s new outdoor rodeo arena, received a surprise financial boost.

The archery club, still in the formation process, has been researching information and sponsorship possibilities after the Rodeo Association generously set aside a portion of their leased land to create an archery range.

CAO White announced a $2000 donation from the Safari Club International, Red Deer Chapter.

Dr. Dave Blocksom of Trochu Family Chiropractic helped facilitate introductions which led to the generous donation.

Strategic plan update

The final meeting of Big Valley’s Strategic Planning Committee is planned for Jan.12.

There has been no additional public feedback since the Steering Committee unveiled the draft strategic plan at a public meeting on Nov. 29.

Business Owners Association

A survey of local businesses to determine interest in the formation of a local Chamber of Commerce or some other form of Business Owners Association resulted in sufficient interest to warrant further research.

The village will research the information, though the community itself would be responsible for making it happen.

Bylaw passed

The Big Valley’s Nuisance Abatement Bylaw passed third reading with no significant content changes.

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