Over the past few summers, the Village of Clinton has received several complaints about marmots digging into graves in the Old Cemetery.

In a recent report to council, public works foreman Karl Hansen advised he has discussed the issue with other municipalities with the same problem.

He had spoken with the environment ministry, conservation officers, SPCA and RCMP to find the best solution to deal with them. The consensus was the best way to control the marmot population was to shoot them.

Trapping (live and dead) and poisoning were also discussed and have been used in other areas with little success. It was also noted trapping and poisoning could also harm pets in the vicinity.

Employing these methods could potentially drive these rodents to neighbouring properties where they could continue to wreak havoc.

The Municipality of Oliver, Hansen said, is successfully employing a firearms program to dispense the marmots. This is an ongoing program throughout the season to ensure the population remains minimal.

While the Village of Clinton Park Bylaw prohibits the discharge of firearms within the village boundaries, council, at its Aug. 10 meeting, passed a recommendation to allow Hansen to implement a firearms program to control the marmot population in the Old Cemetery.

Texas 4000

On July 31, the Clinton Lions Club hosted 23 University of Texas students on their 70-day bike ride from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska.

The Lions served them a barbecue supper in Reg Conn Centennial Park.

Texas 4000 is a community of cancer fighters and the riders are the passionate young people at the heart of the organization. They train, fundraise, educate and bring hope to those with cancer.

For more information on the bike ride, check out www.texas4000.org. Folks can find information on the routes, view rider journal entries or donate to the cause.

Family Fun Fest

The Clinton Recreation Commission is making plans for the third annual Family Fun Fest on Aug. 28.

The popular event will be held in Reg Conn Centennial Park from noon to 4 p.m.

In addition to the free hotdog lunch, there will be a number of activities and information booths. Uncle Chris the Clown will be on hand to entertain the young and the young at heart.

There will also be a dunk tank, bouncy castle, water fights, face painting and much more.

Organizers are also inviting people who would like to set up a display on spinning wool, churning butter, shoeing a horse, painting or any other talent. If you do or you know of someone who does, please call Sandi Burrage at 250-459-7013 or Marian Nelson at 250-459-7036.

Folks are also asked to call if you can volunteer some time to help make this a fun-filled afternoon.

The Family Fun Fest is sponsored by Make Children First and the Clinton Recreation Commission.