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Vol. 66, No. 11 | WEDNESDAY, MAR. 12, 2014 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM
Broncs boys make zone championship Page 31
Reflections of Ponoka Our pioneers prevailed in the toughest of times Story on page 5
Masters of the ice Skate Ponoka have presented their annual show in weekend performances on both Friday and Saturday with episodes from Canadian history reflected from every province of the country in an excitingly choreographed demonstration of the skills of the young athletes trained by the club.
More pictures of the show are on p. 12 Photo by Mustafa Eric
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2 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Town moves to create advisory body for recreation BY MUSTAFA ERIC
With almost all of the responses to Town of Ponoka’s survey on the recreation needs and wants of the community now collected, the town management is preparing to move ahead with steps to identify some basic policy guidelines and set some goals for the improvement of recreation services. Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services, has recently circulated a message among the participants of last November’s open forum dubbed “Conversation on Recreation”, which was convened to discuss the challenges faced by the town, In his message, Amendt called for interested individuals to come forward to become members of a “Ponoka Recreation Committee”, planned to play an advisory role for the council and town management. “We are hoping it will be an ongoing committee,” said Amendt in response to a question on the mandate of the new formation. “It is an advisory committee, we don’t have any bylaw or anything to set up this committee.” As for the function of the committee, Amendt said they would like to have the new group first review the previous needs assessments and studies done for the purpose and help the council and the town administration as they move ahead in preparing a
strategic plan for the enhancement of the recreation services. As councillors responsible for recreation, councillors Carla Prediger and Tim Falkiner will have a scheduled meeting with Amendt on April 2 and the hope is that volunteers will come forward before then. The composition of the committee will preferably include a county councillor and a representative of the high school age youth group as well as one member to speak on behalf of the senior residents of Ponoka. Ultimately, the committee may be comprising six to eight members, with the meetings likely to accommodate a wider participation depending on the specific subject being discussed. The terms of reference drawn up for the committee says the term “recreation” will be interpreted in a broad sense that encompasses sport, arts and culture, general leisure programs, festivals and community events, as well as recreation infrastructure. Amendt says he is now in the process of drafting an executive summary of the statistical data gathered through the survey on recreation and he expects to submit the document to the council, which, in turn, is likely to share it with the new committee for a review in order to establish a direction for the next step and to prepare strategic plans for the way forward.
Province increases spending despite calls to save $ BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
The provincial government says Albertans will not see new taxes or a tax increase this year. This announcement came last week from Finance Minister Doug Horner during the presentation of the $43 billion Alberta budget. Different groups have weighed in with their opinion and while some are not happy with the government’s spending, others appear pleased with funding that has not been removed. Both the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) appear in favour of the recent budget announcement. Ponoka County, a member of AAMDC, will see little change to their provincial grants, says CAO Charlie Cutforth. The registered road grant and the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding have been amalgamated. “If you combine those two grants, then the amount we’re eligible for under MSI grants remains the same.” MSI funding will stay at $901 million and the Regional Collaboration Grant has increased to $49 million, up $20 million from last year. Increases of funding for seniors’ programs also saw a slight increase, which the AAMDC feels is beneficial to rural communities. A press release by AUMA president Helen Rice, of which the Town of Ponoka is a member, says the group is pleased with Premier Allison Redford’s commitment to striking the Premier’s Council by September 2014. “We were pleased that the Premier recognized the AUMA as a partner with the province, not a stakeholder to serve the citizens of Alberta,” the statement quoted Rice as saying. Mayor Rick Bonnett says MSI funding is similar to last year for municipalities and he did not expect a major increase in funding. He intends to speak with the government at upcoming Municipal Government Act reviews about education property taxes. “We need to have that discussion on the education portion of the education property tax.”
Bonnett feels rather than having a separate education property tax, funds for education should come out of regular property taxes. There have been some questions on the Alberta Government borrowing money for large projects. Bonnett feels this is not unlike a person who borrows money to buy a home or a corporation that borrows money to invest in a new product. He added though that the province is here to provide services, not a product to ratepayers.
Wildrose Party speaks against government spending Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Rod Fox is unhappy with the provincial government “continuing down this path of debt.” Fox is the MLA from the Wildrose Party, the official opposition to the Progressive Conservatives, which responded to the recent budget announcement. According to Fox, the government is forecast to see $21 billion in debt by 2016-17. Despite this spending, Fox says they expect a record year in revenue at $44.4 billion for 2014-15. The Wildrose Party has released information saying the annual interest on the debt alone is going to be $820 million in 2016-17. Part of Fox’s issue is how the budget is presented; there is an operational, capital and savings plan presented to Albertans, which can be confusing. “To get a true sense of what’s going on, you have to look at all three at once.” He calculates this year’s debt at debt at $2.7 billion.
Budget numbers in brief Budget 2014 shows an operational surplus of $2.6 billion and zero dollars in operational borrowing but capital spending is at $6.6 billion. The province forecasts non-renewable royalties at $9.2 billion, more than $500 million higher than last year.
Tax revenues Personal income tax revenue is estimated at $11.2 billion and corporate income tax is estimated at $5.5 billion. Education property tax is estimated to increase to $1.9 billion, up $45 million from last year. The Alberta government says as a result of this increase, education property tax mill rates are being reduced approximately by 4.5 per cent.
Savings The Heritage Savings Trust Fund is forecast to increase to $15.1 billion, up $100 million from last year.
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PONOKA NEWS 3
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Rising Sun open house to intensify community ties BY AMELIA NAISMITH
At a recent open house, the Rising Sun Clubhouse spread its arms to the community to express its pride in the good work the staff and members do, as well as to re-familiarize the town with the clubhouse. What executive director Amanda Henderson is calling a “casual meet and greet event” was kicked off with a lunch for clubhouse members, board members and other organizations in town, including town and county councils, FCSS, Alberta Health Services and Community Mental Health. “It was just kind of a casual re-introduction, showing what the club does for lunches.” This is the clubhouse’s 20th year in town and while Henderson is happy with its position in town, she wants to continue building strength and relationships with the community. “Yes, in
the 20 years we’ve been very successful. Without our community support — 20 years we would not exist.” The open house displayed the history and overall purpose of the clubhouse as well as information on the programs they run, including the Blue Box recycling program and the work program. Staff biographies were also hung on display. “And really, the true purpose of that is to show everybody the key purpose for them being here,” said Henderson. Staff and members also took great pride in the photo wall that was specifically created for the open house. “I think setting up for it was more of a treat than the actual day,” said Henderson referring to the members who helped create the photo project.
RCMP charge Ponoka man with child luring BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
A month long Ponoka RCMP investigation has resulted in a Ponoka man being charged with child luring. Daniel Lowrey, 32, has been charged with luring a child over the Internet. He was also charged with four counts of breaching probation. Police received a call early in February that Lowrey allegedly used Facebook to lure a child. Following an investigation by the RCMP, Lowrey was arrested, questioned, charged and released with 13 strict conditions including: to not having contact with anyone under 16 years, he is not allowed to have a personal computer or device that can access the Internet, he is not allowed to send text messages and he must supply all email accounts and social media usernames or pseudonyms. A court date is set for March 21. Patient refuses treatment Staff at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre called RCMP for help with an 18-yearold patient who refused treatment. The man was brought to the hospital after sustaining injuries in an altercation in Maskwacis. Police say a strong odor of alcohol could be smelled on the man’s breath and he was placed under arrest for public intoxication. He had seven different probation orders and outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Edmonton. He was remanded in custody. Truck damaged Police are looking for culprits who damaged a 2013 Ford F150 overnight of March 9. RCMP received a
call at 3:30 a.m. that suspects damaged the roof of the pickup and the ignition and steering wheel were damaged. Police deal with drunken man After having to deal with a drunken man four times recently, police have arrested and charged him with causing a disturbance. Officers dealt with the 46-year-old Edmonton man on Feb. 27, March 3, 4 and 5, each time for being drunk and causing a disturbance. Most notably, on March 5 the man was found in the men’s washroom stall of the Provincial Building passed out. Police had a total of 38 calls for service in the course of last week. If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Rising Sun Clubhouse executive director Amanda Henderson (right) and former executive director Carla Prediger (left) explore past memories on the photo wall at the clubhouse’s open house, March 4. Photo by Amelia Naismith
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4 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada
CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. • churchoftheopenbible@telus.net
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA
Sr. Pastor Paul Spate Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. 5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org 403-783-5533 Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m. Everyone Welcome! phone: 403-783-6962 • www.baptistreformedponoka.org
PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCH South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org
PONOKA ALLIANCE CHURCH 4215 - 46 St. Pastor Norm Dibben 403-783-3958 Sunday Service 11:00 a.m. The Christian & Missionary Alliance
PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur
403-783-5659
Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)
www.wordoflife.ca
PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner
ponokaunited@shaw.ca
Sunday Service 10:00 am. 5020-52 Ave. Ponoka
Phone: 403-783-4087
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN 6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 Noon dsjjb@xplornet.com ponokaadventist.ca
SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor W. Delleman Worship Service 10:30 a.m. ½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury
403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com
ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam, S.A.C. Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday
5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048 stachurch@shaw.ca
ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Ven. Michael Sung Rev. Jessie Pei, Rev. Doreen Scott 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka
403-783-4329
Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca
ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 (403) 782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 9:30 am
Popular movie exposes obscenity of unearned wealth JAMES STRACHAN
A few weeks back, I took in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street at our local movie theatre. It was a fascinating movie, supported by great acting and a gripping story. It was also a grossly obscene movie. I’m sure that many who share this view will be thinking of the prevalence of foul language, as well as the blatant and frank sexuality. For me, the most overwhelming aspect of this “obscenity” was the prevailing, and overwhelming presence and glorification of vast and unearned wealth. Money was literally stacked everywhere, and with it, one could buy anything, or anyone. This aspect of the movie made our recent Senate scandals look like kindergarten play! I’m sure that “You can’t anyone who shares my view on this worship two will be indignant gods at once.” that this is so preva(Matt. 6:24) lent among “them.” Them, being movie stars, high-flying bankers and over ripe politicians of any party you care to name. What troubled me most was how much of that ‘as-much-as-I-can-get-I-deserve’ attitude rules our modern culture at all levels, including the level occupied by you and me. You may think I exaggerate, but reflect on this for a moment. When someone tells us that they are “doing well,” or “getting ahead,” this usually means that they are getting more money for their work. They deserve it, right? When people move all the way across the country for a job that puts them in isolation for long periods, in the presence of toxic chemicals, and away from their families for weeks at a time, what is always the reason? Money…big bucks, we call it…six figures. In our culture, money alone justifies anything outrageous that we are called to do, any policy that may threaten lives or habitat, is always justified by the wealth that will be produced. My own view is that, beneath all our professions of faith, Christian or otherwise, lays the really basic religion of our culture: the pursuit and capture Coming prophetic events cast their shadows before them
FOCUS ON PROPHECY
Ponoka Alliance Church 4215-46 Street Sunday March 23, 2014 Speaker: Dr. William R. Goetz 11:00 AM - Israel, God’s Amazing Endtime Timepiece 2:00 PM - Ten Indicators of Prophetic Ful¿llment (Matthew 24 - The Signs that Precede Christ’s Return)
Dr. William R. Goetz, a pastor, administrator and conference speaker for over 60 years, is a life-long student of the prophetic Scriptures and an author of four books on biblical prophecy. Dr. Goetz avoids speculation and sensationalism, choosing rather to focus on discerning what the Scriptures reveal about Christ’s Second Coming and comparing the signs of His impending return with current events. He seeks to be intensely practical in his messages.
ble. Going down that of money…and more money. Because “we path, some lose their deserve it,” and because footing in the faith more is always better, completely and live to right? regret it bitterly ever afI’d like to draw your ter.” (1 Timothy 6:10) attention to our Bible Some translations use (which preachers are the word “love” in always fond of quotthis verse, but “lust” is ing): many will approve much closer to our real of the verse from Eccleattachment to the stuff. siastes in the Hebrew It is lust for things, our Bible. “Money makes ‘must have’ attitude, the world go round.” James Strachan buying into the “you (10:19) An acknowldeserve it” message of The United Church edged fact for many of Canada the TV ads that causes folks, but very much in Not a member of us the problem. We conflict with the ChrisThe Ponoka want, we must have, tian scriptures, where Ministerial we get – no matter Association the realism of a Godwhat. And then, we are centered faith confronts in debt. Big debt. Acthe lure and love of cording to national bank statistics, money. “You can’t worship two gods we – corporately – are in debt to the at once.” (Matt. 6:24) And there’s the tune of over $2300 per person! That rub for the believing Christian. We profess to love God…and of course, means that you, your kids, and me many of us do. But then we confront are in hock for that much money, at our desire for more “stuff” – clothes, least on paper. No wonder Timothy trips, trucks – and so we hunger for says “…lust…brings trouble and more money. Our culture says, “Go nothing but trouble.” No wonder if for it!” Our faith goes on, “…gosays, “which ing down that comes first, your Saying “I am a Chris- path, some lose ‘need’ for more tian” is easy. their footing in money, or our the faith comBeing Christian is love for God pletely…” and his ways. much more difficult. Saying “I And, of course, am a Christian” the ways of is easy. BeGod cost moning Christian is ey: caring for the sick, feeding the much more difficult. It’s more than world’s hungry, pursuing justice for the downtrodden. And that could attending worship, reading the Bicertainly interfere with the accu- ble, attending prayer groups. It’s also mulation of “stuff” – that trip to how we bring in and use the money Mexico, that new truck, that fancier that we earn. Decisions are required, house. And there’s the rub; there’s and some of them are very difficult. where the person of faith has to Sometimes “what I need” is more make choices. Us first, or the ways important than what I want. Sometimes other deserve our money more of God’s will first? It isn’t money per se that is the than we deserve it. Being Christian problem. The problem is our attach- has always involved sacrifice, and ment to money. “Lust for money this is one sacrifice that is called for brings trouble and nothing but trou- in our financially inflated age.
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PONOKA NEWS 5
Wednesday, Wednes Wed nesday day, March Marc Marc arch h 12, 12, 12 2, 2014 2014
Reflections of Ponoka
Our pioneers prevailed in the toughest of times The famous six-oxen team of Charlie Kirk travelled through the Bismark district in the early 1900’s delivering mail and goods from his store, as well as pulling neighbours out of the mud and muskeg. BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS
1930’s Ponoka entrepreneurs, left to right: Dr. Addinell, Vern Longman, and Mike Bures poise on Railway (50th) Street.
Remember When...
Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum
No, this is definitely not the Dalton gang. In the early settlement of Ponoka many folks looked forward to coming into town and doing their business as well as tying up their horses at the hitching rail and enjoying a good visit. Shown in this l920’s photo in front of the livery stable on Railway Street (50th Street) were local merchants, left to right: Hans Larsen, Cook Myer, and James Earl with their prize donkey.
In those earliest days of our settlement, the hardy newcomers to the village and surrounding districts of Ponoka worked and played together for many decades to help build what we all now know as the thriving Town and County of Ponoka. Throughout this exciting and colorful history countless families and individuals from all walks of life faced ongoing challenges while establishing their farms and businesses and the early foundation that has now become our proud heritage. Reflections will strive to continue to relate the amazing stories and achievements of these men and women and their families, as well as recalling the colorful entrepreneurs, heroes, and characters of our past. G.B. Kirk and his six-ox team. About 1904, a fellow by the name of C.B. Kirk landed in Ponoka and eventually settled with his family at Bismark, 16 miles west of town. He later opened a general store and kept the Post Office, but this powerful gentleman would become known far and wide for his famous team of six oxen, which he would use to haul supplies and deliver mail throughout the districts. At that time, the road allowances were not opened, and the travel was mainly done on old Indian trails. Culverts had never been heard of, and often the team would pull the big wagon through the mud and muskeg, and on many occasions would pull out others who had become stuck up to the wheel hubs. Legend has it that one could hear this powerful but friendly man coming three miles away, long before he came into sight, but always recognizing the crack of his 30-foot bullwhip and shouting directions wooo-harrrtaaaylah to his charges. Taylor was his lead ox, which he bought off Naz Taylor, and the white face one on the pole was called Skinner, because it had been purchased from Ed Skinner. Charlie Kirk would sell just about most things at his store that he could get his hands on during that time. Barbed wire was $2.50 a spool, nails were $2.50 for a 100 pound keg, and when you asked for something he would
utter, ‘how much and what kind?’ He never carried but one kind, except tobacco, and most times he’d be out, but he would always have some on order in Ponoka. He always had evaporated apples, which came in wooden barrels, and when the barrel got down a little, his pet cat would climb in and go to sleep, which sometimes hurt the sale some, if not the flavor. Bertram Davidson wrote in the Ponoka 50th Anniversary history book that one hot day in 1908 he needed flour, which Charlie had, but it came in 100 pound sacks. Kirk didn’t deliver that day so he had to pack it two miles home through the bush, for which he never forgave Charlie. Prominent local gentleman. During the ‘roaring twenties’ in Ponoka, there were many enthusiastic up and coming businessman, politicians, and sportsmen who played a big role in the early successes of the growing community. Three of these were Dr. Addinell, Vern Longman, and Mike Bures. From a young age, Mike Bures inherited his father John’s great love and talent for the sports of baseball, hockey, and horseshoes. The family was born and raised in the Chain Lakes area, where they farmed and as a carpenter, John helped to construct many of the new homes and businesses in and around Ponoka. Mike married Gertrude Brady, became the first dray operator in town, and stayed in business until his death in 1956. The James Longman family moved to Ponoka in 1902 and purchased a farm in the Sharphead district. One of five children, Vern and his brother George (Shorty) married twin sisters Victoria and Myrtle Mattern from the Dennis district, they continued to farm the home place as well as going into business in Ponoka. Both George and Vern, who opened one of the first men’s stores in Ponoka, were great athletes, playing baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter, helping our community to win their first Alberta Intermediate Hockey Championship with our first 1924-25 team. Dr. W.E. Addinell opened his dental office in the Bird Drug Store on Chipman Avenue in 1927 and practised there until the war years. The good doctor also served as the Mayor of Ponoka for two years in the early thirties, and was always known as a great teller of amusing tales and a practical joker. In the early days dental practices were deeply tied to mysticism, with the universal belief being that teeth conferred power because the mouth was the center of speech and nourishment. Early remedies and practices were intended to maintain the power of the teeth, striving to maintain them for a lifetime, which has carried on into modern dentistry, but with much more refined methods. Early beliefs for the quick relief of toothache included: boiling earthworms in oil and pouring the hot liquid into the ear on the side where there was pain, holding a small frog against your cheek, placing tobacco in your armpit, or keeping your feet in hot water until the pain went away. Remember when our parents used to pull out a real loose tooth by tying a string on the tooth and the other end on the doorknob, then closing it quickly? It might have hurt just a little bit, but there would always be some cash under the pillow from the tooth fairy the next morning.
6 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Opinion
Alberta’s budget woes The provincial government has gamble. With Iran negotiating with the US announced the 2014 budget, and predictably, there has been a wide variety and other western governments on the possibility of lifting sanctions against of reaction from all kinds of quarters. Politicians, trade unions, teach- Tehran, potentially opening the way ers’ organizations, educational for a glut in the oil market this spring and the possibility of associations, healthcare another slowdown workers and healthcare in global economic institutions, municigrowth (just take a look palities and you name at the figures that came it, everybody has had out from China and Jasomething to say and pan on Monday), Ms more people from variRedford might be in ous backgrounds will a situation where she continue to have things could only dream of to say in the days ahead. generating those royalLeaving all the ties in 2014. dances with figures Mustafa Eric Then who pays for and statistics aside, one Editor all that spending and might do a very simple how? analysis out of what has Government spendbeen announced: Is this budget bigger than the last ing is not necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary, properly targeted govyear’s? Yes. Is spending increasing on almost ernment spending helps economic growth, strengthens infrastructure, all fronts? Yes . supports creation of employment and Have the taxes been raised? No. Have new taxes been announced? empowers communities to take bolder initiatives to improve their living stanNo. The simple math is that the gov- dards. Yet, in Alberta, for many years, ernment of Alison Redford will be spending more money in 2014 than in public spending has been poorly planned, poorly targeted, poorly 2013. If there is no new tax revenue, how managed and has produced less than is this increased spending going to be desired results. One example that might merit financed? Through borrowing or is the gov- mention is the home care and some ernment putting all its eggs in one domestic support services being outbasket, the basket of increased royalty sourced to companies that are based revenues from heightened bitumen out of the province at the expense of local community organizations which production? Or is there any other source of can produce tons and tons of better revenue that we don’t know or are not value for the same amount of bucks that come out of taxpayers pockets supposed to know? Given that the government has pre- than those organizations could do. It seems the conservative ideology ferred to conceal the important details behind the popularity of the figures of the provincial and federal governit has decided to promote, one has to ments (the disaster in Ottawa deserves conclude that, in broad strokes, the an entirely separate discussion) simply government is apparently planning to makes the leaders lose their senses just derive most of its funds from the in- to be able to stick to their political phicreased bitumen royalties (which is losophy in the name of opening up all just an estimate) and the continued sectors of the economy to competition price stability of oil in the international etc. etc. Conservatives (progressive or markets (which is another estimate). Ms. Redford has a big team of ad- not) should just aim to do better than visers and ministers and support staff, making corporations richer than they who, supposedly, should have told already are and try instead to render her that placing so much reliance on better services to the people who put oil revenues is a big and dangerous them in their seats.
5019A Chipman Ave., Box 4217, Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R6 Phone: 403.783.3311 Fax: 403.783.6300 Email: editorial@ponokanews.com Published every Wednesday by PNG Prairie Newspaper Group in community with: Regional Publisher, Fred Gorman
It is not yet time to repeal business hours bylaw Dear Editor, Mr. Bonnett may be correct in stating that legislation from the Alberta Government would be better than individual communities restricting liquor sales. Since this doesn’t yet exist, the business hours bylaw should not be repealed without a proven alternate strategy to reduce drunk driving in Ponoka, which the conduct bylaw will not do. The bylaw may not affect those who choose
to drive under the influence if they can simply drive to another town, but reducing drunk driving in Ponoka does improve the safety of those who live there. The council needs to remember that safety of families is more important than late night liquor sales. Sincerely, Graham Boyes
Response to conflict of interest claim Dear Editor, This is just a clarification in response to the letter to the editor by Merrilee Harker. I no longer represent the Town of Ponoka employees; that piece of my servicing assignment has been given to another staff member of AUPE. I do not sit in on any discussions regarding their contract negotiations or have any input into them.
When these issues arise, I excuse myself and the matter is dealt with by the remaining members of council. I do not have any dealings between the AUPE and the Town. I am very clear on what constitutes a conflict of interest and I will not put myself in that position. Tim Falkiner
Judy Dick Manager
Mustafa Eric Editor
Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter
Amelia Naismith Reporter
Karen Douglass Sales
Susan Whitecotton Administration
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PONOKA NEWS 7
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
On the proposed behavior bylaw? Dear Editor, I hope that bylaw regarding the liquor sales didn’t set a precedent. The answer as to yes or no to that one was right there and yet overlooked: if you need to make exceptions to any rule, bylaw, or law, you shouldn’t be making the law in the first place. After all, I thought everyone was to be treated equally under the law. If you exempt some people, organizations, or events, how fair and just is that? So, I was concerned that injustice might prevail again when I saw the list of “offences and fines” in the article “Council proposes new behavior bylaw” in last week’s paper. I totally agree with the “spit in public”. Not only is it a disgusting habit, it is unhealthy for the rest of us to be exposed to whatever bacteria another person’s spit holds. Same with “urinate or defecate”. I take issue with the “panhandling”. It is much safer, and more polite, to have people asking for some change than to have them stealing or desperate enough to break and enter. What’s the problem? If you have some money you want to give away, give it; if you don’t have any money or don’t want to share, don’t. End of problem. The “stand or put feet on a table/ bench/planter” is just plain goofy. For me, personally, propping my feet up on something helps relieve backache. I wouldn’t like to know that is against the law to relieve my backache. “Loitering”? In whose opinion? We all know that this is scarcely veiled targeting of a tiny portion of the population or visitors to town. I can bet that a group of old farmers standing around outside the UFA or someplace won’t be fined for “loitering”. Or what about if people stand for too long outside church on Sunday morning? In other words, who gets to
“Who gets to decide who and whether or not a person or persons are standing in one spot for too long?” Evone Monteith
decide who and whether or not a person or persons are standing in one spot for too long? Does it depend on the clothes I’m wearing, my age, the color of my skin, or if my hair is combed or not when I pause to contemplate the architecture along the street or people watch? And this loitering issue also brings up a recent article regarding teens, their trucks, and meeting places. I can see how littering would be a problem. My issue is with them being chased out of every place they pick as a place to meet. I first noticed them when they gathered at the museum parking lot. They weren’t harming anyone, but got chased from there. So then they moved to the EMPTY parking lot at the other end of the park. I feel that they have just as much right to gather as old men do. These kids in vehicles are being treated suspiciously and targeted just because they are young. I’d think it would be much better to have them gathering in open sight than for them to have to find some hidden out of the way place to meet, as if they were criminals just because they want to gather and socialize. Hopefully the new council will demonstrate some justice and wisdom when adding the stress of yet more bylaws to our lives. Evone Monteith Ponoka
Need a hand with your taxes? VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM Volunteers, trained through the Canada Revenue Agency, are ready to help you complete your income tax and benefit return! A FREE service provided for low income individuals or families, by attending the following clinics:
March 18, 1:30 – 3:30 at Seniors’ Drop-in Centre April 1, 5-7pm at Seniors’ Drop-in Centre April 8, 1:30 – 3:30 at Seniors’ Drop-in Centre Returns may also be dropped off at the FCSS office April 1 and April 8, mornings only. Call Ethel or Kerry at 403-783-4462 for information and eligibility.
Town Times
Come visit us: 5102 -48 Avenue; Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Phone: 403-783-4431 Fax: 403-783-6745 Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca
NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Summer Laborer Positions
Parks, Public Works and Summer Facility Attendants (Visitor Information Centre). Visit www. ponoka.ca for more information on these positions. Submit your resume to: Town of Ponoka; 5102-48 Avenue; Ponoka, AB. T4J 1P7 or email to HR@ponoka.org.
Small Business Opportunity – Mini Golf Operations The Town of Ponoka invites expressions of interest for the operation of the Ponoka Mini-Golf Facility. For more information contact Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services. 403-783-0118. Email: wes.amendt@ponoka.org
Earth Hour 2014 Join Millions of people across the world who switch light off for an hour – to raise awareness for the planet Saturday, March 29, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Waste Transfer Station Hours
Tuesday through Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm There is a minimum tipping fee of $8.00 per visit. There is no charge for compostable materials (grass clippings, garden waste, leaves, branches) or tires. Call 403-783-8328 for more information.
Alberta’s Elm pruning Ban starts April 1st To help keep Alberta Dutch elm disease (DED) free, the Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED) encourages everyone to pay attention to the Provincial elm pruning ban between April 1st and September 30th. To help eliminate beetle habitat, it is important to properly prune all dead wood out of your elms and dispose of all pruned elm wood and elm firewood by burning, burying or chipping by March 31st.
Need a hand to prepare your tax return? Volunteers can help you prepare your income tax and benefit return if you have low income and a simple tax situation. Tax Clinics are as follows: March 18 Drop-In Centre 1:30-3:30 pm; April 1, Drop-In Centre 5:00-7:00 pm; April 8, Drop-In Centre 1:30-3:30 pm; April 1 & 8, FCSS office A.M. only.
EVENTS AND RECREATION BOARD GAMES & PIZZA On Saturday March 22nd, from 1:00-4:00, Ponoka Jubilee Library invites ‘tweens & teens (9-14) to come down to the Library for some fun! Board games will be played, and pizza & pop will be served. All board games will be provided by the Library, pizza & pop will be $2.00/child. Children must be signed up by Friday March 21st. If there are any questions or dietary concerns, please contact the Library at 403-783-3843. FAMILY LEGO CLUB: Ponoka Jubilee Library invites children & adults to take part in our Family Lego Club. Come build whatever your imagination can come up with! All Lego will be provided by the library, and the masterpieces will be put on display for all to see. Regular meetings are every second week, alternating between Thursday & Friday from 3:30-5:00. March Meetings will be on March 13th and March 28th. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on all our events!!
Aquaplex Update: Racquetball Clinic March 25, 2014, 6 – 9 pm. To register check out www.r2sports.com or call Barbara May 780-918-5332 albertaracquetball@shaw.ca Red Cross Baby Sitting Course, March 21, 9 am – 4 pm. Register at the Pool
Public Skating: Proudly sponsored by Ponoka Lions Monday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm **Shinny Hockey on Weekdays only**
Ice Arena Complex Closure The winter operations of the Ice Arena and Curling Rink facilities at the Ponoka Culture & Recreation Complex will shut down for the season on Sunday, March 23rd. The management and staff would like to thank all ice user groups for your patronage, and we look forward to serving you again next season.
COUNCIL UPDATES & BYLAW INFO Next Town Council Meetings
March 25, 2014 @ 7 pm Visit our website www.ponoka.ca for copy of the agenda.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time - a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams ~Adrienne Cook into summer’s magic.
8 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Farmers furious with new ag bill BY AMELIA NAISMITH
A dozen farmers and agricultural workers from Ponoka and Wetaskiwin counties gathered to express their disgust with the proposed Bill C-18, as well as learn more about the bill, during a presentation at the United Church, March 6. Bill C-18 will have huge implications on both the public and private breeding sectors. “On the surface, this looks like a good thing,” said Jan Slomp, president of the National Farmers Union. The bill has three major parts of impact. Firstly it will restrict farmers’ abilities to save, reuse, sell, exchange and condition their seeds. Secondly, if a foreign government or organization, at the present time, wanted to import an additive, fertilizer, chemical or seed, research must be submitted for the consideration of the Canadian Government. Under the bill, these procedures
would allow for a fast-track approach to that system with more control given to the foreign entities. Slomp questioned whether depleting the Canadian Government’s influence in that assessment system would be useful or even safe for Canadian farmers and the general public.
“It’s absurd to rely on foreign entities to determine what’s safe,” Jan Slomp, National Farmers Union
“It’s absurd to rely on foreign entities to determine what’s safe,” said Slomp. The third portion of the bill Slomp spoke on was the push for advanced payments on crops in bin, and the consequences he feels would follow. Slomp feels the danger with allowing
multiple advanced payments is: foreign entities will be enticed to buy and produce ownership of Canadian land simply to also qualify for these payments. “Land grabbing is a huge world wide problem.” “This third part of Bill C-18 opens this door wider,” he added. Slomp told the farmers Canada doesn’t need incoming foreign products to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector; many crops produced in Canada, including barley, are already second to none. “Canadian wheat varieties have been (at) the top of the world,” he added. However, as more money is diverted from the public sector, where it’s been funneled in the past, Slomp says it’s possible Canada’s crops could begin to slip in terms of quality. Part of this stems from foreign breeds that aren’t familiar with Canadian soil, weather and other factors, making it weak-
er than homegrown breeds and less likely to produce a higher quality and higher yield. With lower quality, Canada will begin to lose its place in the world market. Slomp says, for the first time, Japan bought wheat from the United States whereas it’s historically purchased from Canada. Bill C-18 also proposes end-point royalties to be imposed on farmers. Slomp is calling this “double dipping”, as farmers already pay a levee to the public sector. End-point royalties is a charge made on harvested grain and could end up costing the collective grain farming population tens of thousands of dollars per year if the Plant Breeders Rights laws are updated with this. National Farmers Union believes that with Bill C-18, farmers’ rights to reseed are being downgraded to a privilege, which can be taken away by parliament at any time.
Bill C-18 story has missing information Dear Editor: On Wednesday, Feb.19, an article titled “Farmers’ rights under threat” NFU says, appeared in your paper. The content of this article was very concerning to me as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Wetaskiwin; I noticed some vital information was missing. Regrettably, I was not contacted for comment on the proposed changes in Bill C-18 the Agriculture Growth Act, so I must take this opportunity to correct the fear mongering campaign instigated by the National Farmers’ Union. The provisions to amend plant breeders’ rights under the Agricultural Growth Act (C18) have the solid support of a broad range of industry groups representing the majority of producers, growers and greenhouses across Canada. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Grain Growers of Canada, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Barley Council of Canada, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, Cereals Canada and Western Barley Growers Association, Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance and Canadian Potato Council. The NFU seems to be alone in their opposition and misleading characterizations of the proposed legislation. Farmers across Canada are embracing the opportunities that will come with the modernization
of the legislative framework surrounding plant breeders’ rights. The development of innovative, disease-resistant, higher-yielding varieties, while maintaining farmers right to save and clean their own seed is what the agricultural sector wants, and we are delivering on this. To be clear, unlike UPOV78 (which is where Canada is at legislatively right now), entrenched within the provisions of UPOV91 (which is where most of the world is at right now, and where Canada will need to be in order to conform to many free trade agreements) is the farmer’s right to save and clean their own seed. Anyone who says otherwise is displaying a willful ignorance of the contents of this important bill. As an exporting nation, our government is opening up markets for Canadian products around the world. Farmers want us to get in line with our major trading partners on plant breeders’ rights, so they can have the innovative tools they will need to remain competitive, build a stronger farm gate and feed the world. At a time when our farmers, unleashed from the shackles of a single desk monopoly, have seen record yields, the real issue facing farmers is market access and transportation to those markets, but the NFU seems to have totally missed that point. Blaine Calkins Wetaskiwin MP
PONOKA NEWS 9
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Ponoka women treated to Council considers joining air quality group women’s conference BY AMELIA NAISMITH
BY AMELIA NAISMITH
For the first time in several decades, Ponoka will be host to its own Woman’s Conference, similar to the one that annually takes place at the other end of the county in Rimbey. The conference is being organized by the Ponoka’ Agricultural Society. “The reason that we’re doing it, first and foremost, is women in the community asked about having one,” said society president Lauraine Weir. The April 12 event is taking place at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We had a look at what Rimbey does, Camrose, Lloydminster also does a women’s conference,” said Weir. The conference features four sessions for women to choose from, which run concurrently twice throughout the day, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. The sessions revolve around optimal skin care, an education in lingerie and how it’s the ‘perfect start to a great look,’ dressing for your body type and mindfulness, which focuses on spiritual health, balance and yoga. The keynote speaker, Jody Urqhart, is one the
Agricultural Society sought specifically for the event. Weir saw her speak in February at the Association of Alberta Agriculture Societies conference. “We were so impressed with her and her presentation and her message.” Urqhart speaks on the ideas of having fun at work and injecting joy back into everyday life. “I think, in particular, her one theme is say hello to humor and goodbye to burnout. Her message is to roll with the flow and not take life too seriously,” said Weir. Weir feels the number one benefit to women attending the conference is information, next is the relaxation aspect. “It’s a time to take a day for themselves, do something enjoyable in a nice venue.” “It’s an opportunity to laugh, an opportunity to spend time with friends, just disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life women are faced with,” she added. One woman at the conference will also win a $600 makeover, including make up, a trip to a hair salon and clothing from “various local stores.” Registration forms are available at a variety of businesses around town and they must be mailed to the ag society or dropped off at the FCSS office by April 3.
Fish and Game Club has so much to tell SUBMITTED ROBERT GREENE
Publicity Chairman
and probably some moose and elk. To the hunters who put in for draws - ESRD is looking into a new way to improve the system for hunters. Alberta Fish and Game along with all of the Fish and Game clubs and our different corporate sponsors have been buying and leasing habit land for our future generations so that they can enjoy the hunting and fishing and nature as we know it today. At the Conference they always have a parade of donations to help buy the habitat land and this year’s donations were just a few dollars short of $400,000. Sorry we can’t cover everything that went on, but that would take up half of this week’s newspaper. Our summer events start just as soon as the snow melts. We have a new trap machine to start with this spring. Summer camp will be in July. We are having a Firearms Safety Course on March 23. To register call Beth at 783-4608 or Robert at 783-2256. We lost one of our members and a great volunteer this past week. We will miss you, Mr. Charles (Skip) Cook. Condolences go to Phyliss Walcheske and to Skip’s daughters and sister and all relatives.
Our awards and banquet night on, February 1, was a sold out house, which is always great to see. The food was plentiful and very good, thanks to our kitchen staff, great job guys and girls. The silent auction was a very good fundraiser. The proceeds are going to improve our clubhouse with some new sinks and other improvements to help make the facility even more people friendly. As stated in our last newsletter, the annual Alberta Fish and Game Conference was in Ft. McMurray. Our club sent two delegates and their wives to the conference. It was a very interesting place. Dave Abt and myself were in the conference, so did not get to see much of the town but the ladies got to see a lot of the interesting things, thanks to a good ladies’ program. Here is a brief summary of some of the things that were covered at the conference. There was a discussion about how many grizzly bears there are in Alberta. The present count is that there are at least 2100 grizzly bears in Alberta. Second thing is that a buy out is being considered for the commercial fishermen. This has been discussed before, but nothing ever became of it. A big no-no has been the release of some gold Harold Reich fish into the Red Deer river by unknown parties. Kolton Kasur Our angler numbers have been dropping for Ranch Ph: the last few years and 780-372-2175 are continuing to drop. Access and the condiHarold Cell tion of some fish stock, in some of our lakes and 403-783-0207 streams are just some of the causes. Kolton Cell As you know, this has 780-387-8376 been a rather harsh and snowy winter. These conReich Angus Ranch ditions are very hard on our wild life. We will no RR #1 Bashaw Alberta TOB doubt lose a good many reichangusranch.ca of our deer population
REICH ANGUS RANCH 2 year Old Black Angus Bull Sale March 19, 2014, 1 pm
Once again Ponoka County council has been approached by the Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) for membership; a decision delayed to budget discussions. CAO Charlie Cutforth told council’s regular meeting the county had been approached by PAMZ for a membership several years ago but the organization was denied. He said the difficulty with the past decision was that PAMZ only covers a small portion of the county. PAMZ has one station in the county, near Bluffton, and for the few thousand dollars it costs, Reeve Paul McLauchlin feels the benefits are worthy of the cost. “There’s increased activity in the west country, quite a bit of activity actually,” said McLauchlin, referring to drilling operations. When drilling wells, gas can be hit or created by the activity. While the operations will flare the gas to get rid of harmful emissions, some
“There’s increased activity in the west country, quite a bit of activity actually.” Paul McLauchlin – Reeve
can still escape into the air. Residents are also concerned with the effects of other gas operations in the area and have the station to monitor air quality is a safety feature and assurance. “Do we get calls about air quality,” Coun. Mark Matejka asked. McLauchlin says the county does occasionally receive complaints. “It’s (a membership) probably worthwhile. There’s a little bit of pressure for us not being involved,” McLauchlin added. He was also referring to other groups previous councils have denied in the past, including the Battle River Watershed Alliance and Red Deer River Watershed Alliance, all of which will be considered at budget time.
Substitute teachers are an extremely important part of the educational environment in the province of Alberta. Substitute Teachers’ Appreciation Week is just one of the opportunities that Wolf Creek Public Schools has to recognize the powerful role they play for our students and staff.
Thank you... for being part of our schools, the lives of students, and the Wolf Creek team.
Substitute Teachers’ Appreciation Week March 10 - 14, 2014
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10 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Canada Post expands services in Ponoka and parcel delivery and how Canadians changed how they use our services, we needed to add another locaCanada Post announced the opening of a third tion to assist in handling the volume, while offering branch at Shoppers Drug Mart March 5 to support the complementing hours and services (e.g., prescriptions, need for increased parcel delivery for rural Ponoka groceries, etc.) to our corporate post office,” explained residents. The addition brings no changes to the main Phil Legault, media relations manager for Canada Post, Ponoka branch and the Rexall Pharmacy branch. in an email. “With the continued growth in online shopping Peter Lok, pharmacist/owner of Shoppers in Ponoka said he is excited for the change and addition in town. “We’re excited to offer a post office for the community of Ponoka.” The change has been much anticipated, says Lok, whose customers have been asking when the completion will be ready. “It’ll just add to the experience here.” The new branch offers similar services as • Jewellery Rexall’s such as parcel • Angels pickup, shipping, stamps, post office boxes, gov• Wind Chimes ernment forms and debit/ • Framed Prints credit card payments. Services are open seven days • Purses a week — Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. BABIES & BEARS and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. JEFFERY HEYDEN KAYE
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PONOKA NEWS 11
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
200
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YOUR LEGACY TEAM
Pat Boardman Trevor Feragen Sales Manager Sales Consultant
Bob Mass Sales Consultant
Jerry Strand Sales Consultant
12 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
History of
CANADA
told on Ponoka ice
Photos by Jeffrey Hayden Kaye and Mustafa Eric
PONOKA NEWS 13
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Red is the New Black
one. This year the government still takes billions of capital spending off the main set of books, and presents only an ‘operational balance’ of revenues and day-to-day expenditures only. No, this wasn’t last year’s provincial budget all This number is essentially like your family’s inover again, but you can be forgiven for thinking so. come, less money for groceries, gas, cell phones and The government’s convoluted presentation of the entertainment. That is, income less day-to-day (opbooks left opposition parties, journalists and non- erational) spending. governmental organizations once again banging their With an extra billion dollars in health transfers heads against the table trying to figure out one simple from the feds and optimistic revenue projections, thing: ‘Are we spending more money than we are Horner pegs this ‘operating surplus’ at $2.6 billion. (Slow clap for the government. We can finally bringing in?’ That used to be a very easy answer until the last pay for the groceries.) But this doesn’t include the mortgage payments, year’s budget, when Finance Minister Doug Horner presented three sets of books instead of the normal the car loan or the line of credit to pay for home renovations. Families might be getting something important with these loans, but they still cost money and have to be paid for. Importantly, families work to bring their mortgage and other debt loads down year-by-year. By contrast, Alberta’s debt load is scheduled to increase year-afteryear-after-year, from $8.3 billion right now, to $18.4 billion in 2015 and $21.6 billion in 2017. Families who only ever grow their debt load – regardless of the valuable things they may purchase with the borrowed money – eventually see their available day-to-day (operating) spending crowded out by interest payments. Alberta might be a latecomer returning to the debt game, but the interest payments will start to pinch very soon. In 2008-09 the province only spent $208 million in debt interest payments. In 2014, Alberta taxpayers will fork out $781 million. In 2015, this number will reach $1 billion, and in 2016, $1.4 billion. Those bildo not include Banners for the season: New welcoming banners were lions paying a dollar towards put up March 10 by town staff last week. Here John Beach changes actually reducing the winter banners on Chipman Avenue. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-kaye debt. Nor do these billions of extra dollars end DEREK FILDEBRANDT
Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
up building a single school, paving an inch of highway or creating a single family care clinic. Every dollar spent on debt interest payments goes to bankers and bondholders. How, you might ask, can debt interest payments be rocketing up while the government is running a $2.6 billion surplus? The truth is that what the government calls a surplus, most Albertans would call a deficit. Indeed, red is the new black. Alberta’s total cash revenue is projected to be $42.9 billion in fiscal year 2014-15. Cash expenditures, including the $4.9 billion the government is borrowing to ostensibly pay for infra-
structure, push Alberta’s total spending (operational, capital, emergency) to $46.8 billion. That means that the Redford government is on track to run a budget shortfall of $3.9 billion in 2014-15. Politicians might try and fudge the numbers to make themselves appear in a more flattering light. After all, they’re here for a good time, not a long time. But families know better. When we spend more than we earn every single year, pain is to follow. Families have to face the music for their debts, but politicians can pass the buck until the next Ralph Klein to come along.
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Circulation Supervisor, Susan Whitecotton presents Kathy & Jarred Schmidt with a cheque for $400. Ponoka News appreciates the entire Schmidt family for their many years of dedication delivering the paper. They are always willing to help out when needed, with a smile and a kind word.
Congratulations to the Schmidt family on outstanding work ethic. 5019A Chipman Ave. 403.783.3311 www.ponokanews.com
14 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Welcome to the mush and slush of spring I don’t want to jump up and down for joy too much, because after all it’s only the middle of March, but by all signs spring is hopefully just around the corner. As we slowly come out of our winter cocoons and toss off the cabin fever and couch cramps after six months of that frigid and snowy invasion, we really do deserve a long and early spring and a real hot summer. As the month of March can also be a miserable and mushy one, we should not
put our snow shovels and blowers away just yet, or rush out and change our snow tires or service our lawnmowers. As the ‘big melt’ slowly proceeds, the kids will be in their glory building snow forts or floating their boats down the little rivers of runoff. There will of course be lots of puddles, so let’s dig out our high boots, and remember to stay far back from the street corners, which will soon be the community splash zone. Hockey playoffs are just around the
corner, but the rambunctious summer crowd will already be looking forward to the long awaited appearance of the ball diamonds, soccer pitches, tennis courts, walking and bike baths, and of course, their beloved golf courses. As the sun gets hotter and the days get longer we can finally look forward to nature’s spring fling magic of those little buds popping up everywhere as well as the joyful arrival of a host of birds, all in a frenzy and looking around for mates.
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The human race also loves the arrival of spring, because it is so much easier to go courting without getting stuck or freezing up, and this time of the year usually means a whole new sassy wardrobe, while tossing off those heavy and unattractive duds that we have had to wear evMike Rainone ery day to fight off the Hammertime frost and keep warm. Our yards and parks will soon transform back to the boring brown we left behind in the fall, but outside chores are so much better than the indoor ones because they are performed in the fresh air, and who really cares if it rains. Over the next few weeks we will likely wash our vehicles many times, and it is now the time to get your favourite old fishing hut off the lake and please make sure that everyone stays off the ice that will soon be melting. It won’t be long before we can all look forward to meeting and greeting each other out and about in nature’s finest shades of green, the district greenhouses will be preparing their magnificent goodies just for you, and how peaceful and tranquil it will be when the kids and the pets can now be sent outside to frolic in the mud and the puddles.. Some great quotes for every lifestyle. *Do not regret growing older....it is a privilege denied to many. Always try to live your life and forget your age. *Spending time with children is more important than spending money on children. *Let’s try putting our phones or whatever else clicks and flashes away and pay attention to those talking to us. There’s an App for that and it’s called respect. *Who-ever said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend never owned a dog. Nature is cheaper than therapy. *We should learn a lesson from our dogs. No matter what life brings you just kick some grass over it and move on. *I don’t have time to worry about who doesn’t like me....I’m too busy having fun and loving the people who love me back. *Computer mania. I keep hitting escape, but I’m still here. Ever stop to think and forget to start again? A hangover is a wrath of grapes. *I used to have a handle on life, but it broke. You can’t stay young forever but you can be immature for the rest of your life. *My wild oats have now turned into prunes and All-bran. More stories and pictures please. In order to keep our Reflections and Remember When features going each week in the Ponoka News, we need your help with community story ideas and photos from past and present, of families, individuals, businesses, organizations, teams, and events that have helped to make our town and district so successful for countless decades. If you have a unique story idea or photos for this feature please give the Ponoka News a call at 403-783-3311 or Mike Rainone at 403341-5750. Thank you for all your support and co-operation over the past five years, and we look forward to working with you in the future. Swing into spring, and have a great week, all of you.
PONOKA NEWS 15
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Help for tax filing available BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Individuals who make under $30,000 a year are eligible for help with a community tax clinic. Organized by Ethel McLellan, for Family and Community Support Services, private and public tax clinics have been organized to help individuals file their T1 general returns. Couples with a joint income of $40,000 are also eligible. Private clinics have been organized for seniors at Sunrise Village, the Rising
Sun Clubhouse and Reid Manor. Public clinics have also been organized at the Seniors Drop-in Centre and McLellan invites folks who need help filing come to the clinic. They keep busy this time of year. “Historically we do around 200 tax returns,” explained McLellan. Volunteers use a program called UFile, which ensures proper filing and faster returns, she explained. Betty Cook is a volunteer who has
been helping folks for the last 20 years. She enjoys assisting seniors, who would not normally be able to file their own tax returns. Some have even wanted to pay her but as a volunteer she does not accept any money. Public tax clinics are set for March 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., also April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. and April 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
McLellan recommends attending a clinic as there will be more help at that time but if people are unable to make it, she suggests they call FCSS at 403-783-4462 to make an appointment. “We’ll do tax forms till May 15,” said McLellan. FCSS has been helping individuals file their T1s for the last 20 years.
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Ethel McLellan and volunteers with FCSS will be helping individuals file their T1 tax returns in public and private tax clinics. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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16 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Schools employ inclusive tactics to solve persistent issues BY AMELIA NAISMITH
Ponoka Elementary School (PES) and Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) have both experienced major transitions this year as PES changed its configuration to include Grade 6 students and PSC absorbed grades 7 and 8 as well as continuing to undergo extensive renovations. At the Wolf Creek Public Schools board’s March 5 meeting, representatives from both schools gave presentations regarding how the schools are handling the changes, as well as their plans to further support the success of staff and students. Ponoka Elementary School Principal Lois Spate explained to trustees that PES is at a crossroads, stemming from requirements of the provincial and municipal governments; the school has changed grade configurations as it is gearing up to move to a new building in the next school year. Dynamics of the school now include a Play Academy for young children to attend to get them ready for Kindergarten, as well as a 20 per cent First Nations population. A large portion of Spate’s presentation focused on the school’s Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) scores and what’s causing the issues the school is facing. “They’re (scores) not pretty. Our PAT results tend to fluctuate up and down from year to year, they’re very inconsistent.” Spate says the Grade 3 students struggle with achieving a standard of excellence, especially in writing, and the school sits below provincial levels. The students are better with their reading but are still below the provincial level. With math, there was an increase of students rising from the acceptable level to the standard of excellence. Result graphs show fewer students achiev-
ing 80 per cent and a significant increase of those in the 90 per cent range. “That’s where they went. They went up and that’s a really positive thing,” said Gerry Vary, assistant superintendant of Learning Support and System Improvement. Vary says the Grade 6 students also struggle with reading and writing but score above the provincial level in standard of excellence for science. From these results, Spate says it’s clear students need target interventions and support as well as refocusing in literacy and numeracy. “We need to make sure our most skilled staff need to be working with our most at risk students,” she said. Historically, those students were taught by educational assistants. Strategies Spate mentioned to help improve the students’ learning capabilities and, subsequently, their PAT results include literacy support for grades 3 and 6 as well as increased teacher collaboration teaching methods. Next year, an added stress will fall upon both students and staff as the school changes locations. With this physical move, Spate says there must also be a mental shift because she feels, with the move, comes a new beginning for the school where it can redesign its learning environment. “We’re moving to a new land over there (the Diamond Willow Middle School building), but it’s an untamed land.” Spate’s vision is a “collaborative learning community.” To work toward this framework, the school is in the midst of adopting the principles of “The Leader in Me”, which is an adaptation of ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”, reworked for a school environment. Vice principal Nicole Rawlinson added she felt this strategy would anchor the staff and students through the move.
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“We need to make sure our most skilled staff need to be working with our most at risk students,” Lois Spate
Ponoka Secondary Campus Looking past the grade re-configurations and renovations, Ponoka Secondary Campus is a school vastly different from peoples’ traditional vision and expectations of a school in physical layout as well as teaching strategies and curriculum design, all of which are tied together. The school’s layout is based around an open concept, with many non-traditional classroom and learning areas, a flexible schedule and project-based learning methods. Part of the flexible schedule ideology is a program called Best MESST. Students meet with a hand-picked staff member at the beginning of each week to talk about recent academic performances, which tests they didn’t do well on, classes they’re struggling in, as well as out-of-school factors that affect academic performance. From there, it’s determined where a student will go to learn for certain times during the week depending on what areas need the most support. Much of principal Ian Rawlinson’s presentation was focused on concerning issues and trends that are prominent in the school. He mentioned student mental
health, drug and alcohol abuse, racism, the multiple deaths and murders relating to members of the school’s community, broken homes, Bosco Home students, and the 225 students that have been identified as at risk to not graduate. “At the end of the day, all of these things put a massive strain on our staff,” said Rawlinson. For the students involved, Bosco Homes serve a similar function to a group foster care home. Vice principal Kathy McTaggart says the Bosco Home students rotate through the school at whirlwind speeds, each one only remaining in PSC halls for approximately six months. “I would say most of them have come from treatment centres,” she added. The school also serves a number of K and E students, those who will never technically graduate because they lack the capabilities to handle a school curriculum but can achieve a completion certificate from the school. Many students attending PSC are the breadwinners of their families and, through curriculum scheduling, are supported by the school to work during sections of the school day rather than attend class. “Because the alternative is they wouldn’t be in our school at all,” said Rawlinson. This adds an extra strain on teachers because on a continual basis students will be missing class. “They’re told to make it work, and they do,” said Rawlinson. continued on page 17
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HEY ALBERTA, DO YOU KNOW A GREAT VOLUNTEER? The Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) and Direct Energy are now accepting nominations for the Alberta Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award to recognize someone who goes above and beyond to help others in the community. 14032DD0
Nominations are open to all residents served by AWNA newspapers, with the award going to the person who most exemplifies the volunteer spirit. As a reward for giving so much, the winner will get a $1,000 cash prize from Direct Energy and a $5,000 donation to their community organization of choice. Pretty nice, right?
Submitting nominations is easy. Just visit: directenergy.com/vcoy or awna.com today.
Susan Whitecotton, Circulation Supervisor, presents Cyrus with a $50 cheque recognizing excellent service in delivering the newspaper for the month of February.
Remember – nominations close Friday, April 11, 2014. ©2014 Direct Energy. All Rights Reserved. Direct Energy and the Lightning Bolt design are registered trademarks or trademarks of Direct Energy Marketing Limited in the United States and/or Canada used under license, as applicable. DER611-02-0314
5019A Chipman Ave. Ponoka, Alberta
403.783.3311
PONOKA NEWS 17
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tactics to solve persistent issues
School division switches to new calendar system
continued from page 16 Other issues include the approximate 35-40 BY AMELIA NAISMITH calendar. schools, are limited to 975. students — almost 10 per grade — with chronic He was in favour of creating a comWith differentiated calendars, transattendance problems. Rawlinson says, rather than An aligned calendar system has portation becomes an issue, as buses mittee — consisting of trustees Donna treating apathy with apathy, staff focuses on talkbeen adopted by the Wolf Creek Public must drop students off at rural and feeder Peterson and Lorrie Jess, board chair Truing with the students and finding out what the Schools board of trustees and it will take schools earlier in order to get students to dy Bratland and Jacobs — to “review and school can do to make them want to attend classes. effect in September of this year. the high school at an appropriate time. revise Policy 19 to reflect the current opStaffing and staff support is another challenge. The draft C of the aligned calendar Buses also pick up at the high school first, erating requirement. However, Huff was “(Having) the right people in the right seat,” exwas approved on a one-year-pilot basis forcing the other schools to run longer the only trustee to vote against adopting plained Rawlinson. for the 2014/15 school year; providing days. “May as well have them learning the calendar at this point in time. Teachers need enough professional developthere’s also an evaluation period be- instead of standing in the cold,” said Ja“Part of my role is to say hey, we have ment days in order to collaborate teaching methods fore the calendar is re-approved for the cobs. these policies, we’ve got guiding princias well as learn how to handle the variety of stu2015/16 year. pals, we often hear process is very, very It’s not uncommon for feeder schools dent issues and teach through those issues to make The school division currently op- to garner up to 50 extra hours of instruc- important,” said Huff. the students successful in an individual basis. erates under a differentiated calendar, tional time. An aligned calendar would “If we hadn’t had a set of guidelines, Rawlinson said 72 per cent of the Grade 7 stuwhich means, in order for teachers to help manage this. trustees, I can understand,” he added. dents, who newly attend the school this year, have limit themselves to the mandated number Policy 19 A previous calendar had already been literacy skills below grade level; 35 per cent are at of instructional hours, they’re able to take At their March 5 meeting, the board approved for next year and by adopting a Kindergarten to Grade 3 reading level and 37 per days off over the course of the year. of trustees extensively debated whether the new one, and contravening Policy 19, cent are at a Grade 4 to 5 reading level. He menThis also means, historically, schools they should approve the aligned calendar Huff felt by the integrity of the board was tioned 27 per cent of Grade 8 students also read at across the division routinely had different that day because doing so would be in being jeopardized. “Our actions have to a Kindergarten to Grade 3 level. days off from school. conflict with Policy 19. follow our policies. The process has to Also, 100 per cent of the school’s First Nations An aligned calendar will create 16 Policy 19 states the board will have a follow our policies.” students, which is 30 per cent of the total populaFridays where every school across the calendar that extends three to five years “Today we’re changing the policy to tion, are reading at least two levels below grade division has the days off. This will allow into the future, this new calendar inter- suit an item on the agenda . . . And that’s level. teachers the professional development rupts that cycle and comes into effect in what bothers me,” he added. First Nation student competition rates within (PD) days they need to ensure teaching just six months. “It puts them in a bad Every other trustee voted in favour the school are also above provincial level, yet methods within classroom remain collab- position because it interrupts the calen- of revising Policy 19 as well as adopting only one in five of those students attending PSC orative. dar that everybody was planning around,” the calendar on a trial basis. Peterson and will graduate. The province runs at a 10 per cent The Inspiring Education document said Jacobs. Jess vocalized their favour, saying somedropout rate for First Nation students and PSC is is demanding teachers work collectively. Trustee Bob Huff felt the policy need- times guidelines need to change, doing closer to 1 per cent. “I can’t be more proud of that. “Teachers need to plan for (this),” said su- ed to be seriously dealt with before the so is sometimes necessary to remain relIf these students stand a hope in hell, they need a perintendant Larry Jacobs. “This means board could go ahead with the aligned evant in a changing world. high school diploma,” said Rawlinson. teachers need time to Rawlinson is also concerned with the school’s meet together and they PAT results. “Our level of excellence is dismal.” can’t right now because He added the students with high reaching caeverybody’s teaching.” pabilities don’t continue to grow. “And we thought High schools are our AP courses would do that.” required to operate Combative strategies designed to increase reat 1000 instructional sults include focusing cross-curriculum teaching hours while grade 1 to and giving the students more time between classes, 9 schools, which Jacobs more time to take charge of their own educations, also refers to as feeder rather than herding what you could spend your $25 BK Dollars* on: them from class to class like cattle. 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18 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Preparing students for a modern economy requires the basics plus much more SUBMITTED JEFF JOHNSON
Minister of Education
Recently, much has been made of the government’s efforts to ensure that Alberta’s curriculum is more responsive to the many different ways in which students learn. I feel parents deserve to hear directly from me about my ministry’s efforts to ensure the provincial curriculum enables Alberta’s students to successfully compete in a dynamic, highly competitive world.
The modern economy demands creativity and problem solving, the application of critical thinking and an ability to collaborate and communicate. Along with being the minister, I’m also a father of three children in the education system, and I too have experienced some of the frustrations expressed by parents in recent weeks. This is why I believe it is important for me to set the record straight about the anticipated reforms. I understand why some parents would be concerned with the allegation that mastery of the “basics” –skills such as arithmetic and reading – will play a less important role in the new curriculum than it did before. If this were the case, I
would be concerned as well. But fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. I wish to assure parents that these basic skills will serve as the foundation and starting point of every change made to the curriculum. What they won’t be is the end point. Through inquiry-based learning, we’ll build upon these basic, foundational skills while developing additional skills that the business community and parents tell us are so critical. The conventional method of teaching fundamentals, whereby students rely heavily on memorization, versus a more engaged, inquiry-based method are not mutually exclusive approaches to education. In fact, I believe it is crucial that we develop a curriculum that uses the best of both methods. However, surviving on mere memorization alone is a thing of the past. The modern economy demands creativity and problem solving, the application of critical thinking and an ability to collaborate and communicate. These skills lie at the heart of Alberta’s curriculum redesign process. Top performing education jurisdictions, like Alberta, have increased their focus on these 21st century skills. We can’t ignore that without strong abilities in these areas, our kids will be left behind. But we also can’t ignore the concerns of parents. This is why we are responding in a thoughtful and collaborative manner. The redesign process is being led by parents, employers, teachers, students and school authorities, all of whom will be working together over the next two years to develop a curriculum that successfully weaves new competencies in with core skills like numeracy and literacy. Doing so will help reinforce literacy
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and numeracy across all subjects and better focus a curriculum that has ballooned to approximately 1400 outcomes. Despite recent criticism, parents should know and take comfort in the fact that according to the most recent international tests our K-12 students remain at the top of international rankings. Alberta’s overall results are tremendously positive. Out of the 74 jurisdictions from around the world that took part in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey, Alberta ranked 11th in math, 5th in reading, and 4th in science. Notably, Alberta’s 15 year olds are actually outperforming Alberta’s adults in these OECD rankings. Our strength and performance internationally is due in part to Alberta’s willingness to continually adapt. This year is a great example. In response to years of consul-
tation and research, we recently launched some groundbreaking initiatives under Premier Redford. The new Dual Crediting Program, for instance, better integrates K-12, post-secondary and industry credentialing. The High School Flexibility Program empowers teachers to customize learning to better address individual student need. Eliminating Provincial Achievement Tests and implementing a more robust standardized assessment at the start of the school year will provide parents and teachers with better information on how to tailor each child’s education going forward and help them measure improvement throughout the year. Curriculum needs to evolve as well. The days of a small group of educators taking 10 years to review curriculum one subject at a time are long over. We need to be more nimble and create curriculum that is more in tune with the local community and economy. Our curriculum must allow for creativity and excellence in teaching to shine through. We must embrace the individuality of the learner and ensure subject experts are teaching our kids. In short, our curriculum must become more relevant. We’ve been asked to listen and that’s exactly what we’re doing. But the truth is that Alberta is at the top because we have not been afraid to take action. I won’t apologize for putting the success of our children first but I also commit to continue listening in order to get it right. At the end of the day we must ask ourselves, are we preparing our children for their future or for our past?
PONOKA NEWS 19
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Emotion Control 101 for investors BY KIM INGLIS
According to BlackRock, the average investor underperforms virtually all other traditional asset classes and even inflation. When comparing 20-year annualized returns by asset class, the average investor rings in at 2.3% compared to the S&P 500 Index at 8.2%. This underperformance is largely attributed to behavioral finance. Studies show that investor emotions are predictable and in sync with market cycles. During a bull market, investor emotions have an upward trajectory from positive to confident, then thrilled, and peaking at euphoric. When markets fall, the emotions then track downward accompanied by surprise, nervousness, worry, and desperation. The descending emotional path ends in panic and defeat. As markets bottom out and start to regain some steam, investors cautiously re-enter the market as they become hopeful and encouraged. Unfortunately, emotions rule and most investors exit their investments at the bottom. According to Fidelity Investments, when individual investors attempt to buy low and sell high, they tend to do the opposite. An investor who put $10,000 in the S&P/ TSX Composite Index January 1, 1975 would now have $486,200, an annualized return of 10.7%, despite many market dips. If that investor was out of the market during the 10 best months, the annualized return would drop to 7.5%. If the 60 best months were missed, the annualized return would be -1.8%. A first step in keeping emotions at bay is to create an Investment Policy Statement (IPS), setting parameters for making investment decisions and encouraging the discipline required to stick to the rules. Clear rules are important as they facilitate a calm assessment of hard facts and ensure proper reactions to new or changing information. Investors remain emotionally neutral, which ultimately makes them more likely to buy low and sell high. The next step is to build a portfolio with investments that employ a rules-based approach. According to Barometer Capital Management, a disciplined strategy is half the battle. On the buy side, Barometer uses a number of systematized ranking systems and quantitative tests to determine whether a position should be added to a portfolio. A clearly defined selling strategy is equally important as it removes emotion and irrational decisions. Similarly, factor-based strategies can help maintain portfolio discipline. According to MSCI Inc, long-term equity portfolio performance can be explained by certain key factors. Some are generic while others are premium-earning factors, which earn a risk premium relative to a capitalizationweighted market index. Such factors include value, low size, low volatility, high yield, quality, and momentum. According to MSCI, the strategy brings transparency to factor allocations, which ultimately helps alleviate manager ‘style drift’ and has positive implications for risk management. One way to access factor-based strategies is to opt for exchange-traded funds (ETFs). First Asset recently launched four new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) built on the MSCI factor indexes, specifically, their risk weighted indexes. The ETFs are designed to provide liquidity, transparency, and low cost, together with strategies that aim to deliver better risk-adjusted returns. The most successful investors are those who effectively remove emotion from their investment decisions. Such investors create rules, document them in a comprehensive IPS, and select investments based on those criteria. Kim Inglis, CIM, PFP, FCSI, AIFP is an Investment Advisor & Portfolio Manager with Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, a division of Canaccord Genuity Corp., Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund. www.reynoldsinglis.ca. The views in this column are solely those of the author.
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5,750
IN MANUFACTURER REBATES AND $1,765 FREIGHT AND AIR TAX.
Vehicles may not be exactly as shown
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WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). ‡Offer valid from March 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014 (the “Program Period”). Receive CAD$1,000 towards select Ford Custom truck accessories, excluding factory-installed accessories/options (“Accessory/ies”), with the purchase or lease of a new 2013/2014 Ford F-150 (excluding Raptor) or Super Duty (excluding Chassis Cabs) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”) delivered or factory ordered during the Program Period (the “Offer”). Offer is subject to vehicle and Accessory availability. Offer is not redeemable for cash and can only be applied towards eligible Accessories. Any unused portions of the Offer are forfeited. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle. *Purchase a new 2014 F-150 Super Cab XLT 4x4 with 5.0L engine/2014 F-250 Super Cab XLT 4x4 Western Edition with power seats for $30,699/$41,449 after Manufacturer Rebate of $8,250/$5,750 is deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after total Manufacturer Rebate has been deducted. Offers include freight and air tax of $1,765 but exclude optional features, administration and registration fees (administration fees may vary by dealer), fuel fill charge and all applicable taxes. Manufacturer Rebates are not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. **Until April 30, 2014, receive 6.09% annual percentage rate (APR) purchase financing on a 2014 F-250 Super Cab XLT 4x4 Western Edition with power seats for a maximum of 72 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Purchase financing monthly payment is $654 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $302 with a down payment of $2,100 or equivalent trade-in. Cost of borrowing is $7,724.57 or APR of 6.09% and total to be repaid is $47,073.57. Offer includes a Manufacturer Rebate of $5,750 and freight and air tax of $1,765 but excludes optional features, administration and registration fees (administration fees may vary by dealer), fuel fill charge and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate deducted. Bi-Weekly payments are only available using a customer initiated PC (Internet Banking) or Phone Pay system through the customer’s own bank (if offered by that financial institution). The customer is required to sign a monthly payment contract with a first payment date one month from the contract date and to ensure that the total monthly payment occurs by the payment due date. Bi-weekly payments can be made by making payments equivalent to the sum of 12 monthly payments divided by 26 bi-weekly periods every two weeks commencing on the contract date. Dealer may sell for less. Offers vary by model and not all combinations will apply. ††Until April 30, 2014, lease a new 2014 F-150 Super Crew XLT 4x4 with 5.0L engine and get 1.49% lease annual percentage rate (LAPR) financing for up to 24 months on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest LAPR payment. Lease a vehicle with a value of $43,814 at 1.49% LAPR for up to 24 months with $2,100 down or equivalent trade in, monthly payment is $398, total lease obligation is $11,652 and optional buyout is $22,345. Offer includes manufacturer rebate of $8,250 and freight and air tax of $1,765 but excludes optional features, administration and registration fees(administration fees may vary by dealer), fuel fill charge and all applicable taxes. Taxes payable on full amount of lease financing price after manufacturer rebate deducted. Additional payments required for PPSA, registration, security deposit, NSF fees (where applicable), excess wear and tear, and late fees. Some conditions and mileage restrictions apply. Excess kilometrage charges 16¢per km F-Series plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change, see your local dealer for details. ***Estimated fuel consumption ratings for 2013 F-150 4x4 5.0L V8 6-speed automatic transmission: [15.0L/100km (19MPG) City, 10.6L/100km (27MPG) Hwy]. Fuel consumption ratings based on Transport Canada approved test methods. Actual fuel consumption will vary based on road conditions, vehicle loading, vehicle equipment, vehicle condition, and driving habits. ‡‡F-Series is the best-selling pickup truck in Canada for 48 years in a row based on Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association statistical sales reports, up to December 2013. †††Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible with SYNC® – check www.syncmyride.com for a listing of mobile phones, media players, and features supported. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, accident and injury. Certain MyFord Touch™ functions require compatible mobile devices. Some functions are not available while driving. Ford recommends that drivers use caution when using mobile phones, even with voice commands. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, not essential to driving when it is safe to do so and in compliance with applicable laws. SYNC is optional on most new Ford vehicles. ©2014 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence. ©2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved. Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription
20 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Minor Soccer Association trying to shake off winter willies BY MUSTAFA ERIC
The long and harsh winter of 20132014 may have cost more than increased snow clearing spending for the Town of Ponoka. Apparently because of the cold and lots of snow, many parents may have just forgotten about the forthcoming spring and sports activities that will come with it. One of those concerned about the drastically declined registration numbers for spring sports is Rob McArthur, the president of the Ponoka Minor Soccer Association. “The numbers are currently about the half of where we stood at this time
last year,” said McArthur in reference to the number of players who signed up for soccer during the recent annual general meeting of the association. He said he had heard that the minor ball association’s registration figures were also down as compared to this time of last year. Despite that, both McArthur and Greg Bendera, one of the soccer coaches and the board member of the association responsible for indoor soccer, remain optimistic that the figures will climb up fast once the snow begins to go away and the sun begins to shine again. Not only are they optimistic about
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McArthur says this spring’s outdoor soccer program
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will suffer from a “good problem”, which, once resolved, will make Ponoka soccer scene a much brighter place to practice the sport. The problem is the Lucas Heights area, just north of the hospital where two soccer pitches are to be developed after leveling and grading work is done by the County of Ponoka. In the meantime, the association will continue to use Diamond Willow pitches and the Scout field for the games in the spring. McArthur also praised the Ponoka town leadership for supporting the association. “Honestly, for the first time, as long as I have been involved with soccer, this is the first year that the town has stepped up and earmarked $15,000 for the development of those fields,” he said. “This is the first public show of support that the town has really given us.” All in all, despite a slow start, come the end of summer, minor soccer could prove a big hit for Ponoka youth.
catching up with last year’s levels, but they are strongly confident about the future of minor soccer in Ponoka. Greg Bendera says when he took over the indoor soccer program, there were only 17 kids registered a few years ago whereas this year, there were a total of 51. And the U-14 girls team of the indoor soccer program are going to play in Edmonton this weekend in provincial competitions. The indoor soccer has suffered this winter from lack of enough practice space due to the major renovations underway at the Ponoka Secondary Campus gym. Bendera said the indoor soccer program practices were mostly shifted to the Centennial Centre gym and U-8 teams had to practice at the Youth Centre. He hopes to have a more active indoor soccer next year with possibly two U-12 girls’ teams.
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JANE WIERZBA
DEB STEVENS
LISA SMITH
Associate
Assoc. Broker
Associate
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· 160 acres native pasture or rec land · Approx $3500 annual site lease income · Perimeter fenced
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PONOKA NEWS 21
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tweens learn ways to “butt out” of smoking through the arts BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Grade 6 students were shown the “Butt Ugly” truth about smoking during a play at Ponoka Elementary School last week. The play is part of a tobacco prevention program hosted by the Red Deer College (RDC). Young actors from RDC came to the elementary school to show students preventative ways to stay away from smoking or chewing tobacco. Tour manager Kate Adams says first year acting students not only present the play, they also form into smaller groups with students from the audience after the play to talk about the problem of smoking. Adams says the play is “by teens, for teens.” “It’s really strong when it’s a youth-foryouth project,” said Adams. The goal of the play is to educate youths on the types of chemicals in tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, and to show them the addictive nature of nicotine. An ensemble cast, playing one to five characters, walk students through a future where tobacco products are found only in museums. The two main characters, Hack and Chewy, go back in time to try and revive people’s addiction of nicotine. They are guided by a man who represents a greedy tobacco company, whose only goal is to make money. Along the way the two characters are foiled in their attempts by an educated population. Eventually they come to an age where humanity is almost extinct because of its addiction to the products. The play and actors worked on educating the young audience. “We focus more
on refusal and what to do if you’re offered (tobacco),” explained Adams. She says they have found some success with the play, which
has been in production since 1995. Extended research by producers has found kids are getting important information from the play.
Butt Ugly is about giving youths some life-skills, says Adams, when dealing with offers to take tobacco products. “It’s all about impressions.”
Young actors from RDC came to the elementary school to show students preventative ways to stay away from smoking or chewing tobacco Cigarette King, played by Nate Rehman, looks the what’s left of his cigarette family. King was part of a play called Butt Ugly at Ponoka Elementary School to get kids away from tobacco products. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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c 403.704.0646 o 403.783.5007 f 403.704.1002
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e lisasmith@remax.net w MakePonokaHome.com
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WAYNE McGARVEY
BRIAN HATALA
ANNETTE DODDS
SHAWNA LOW Broker
PROFESSIONAL REALTORS OF JOHN W. LOW AGENCIES INC.
22 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Better bang for our healthcare bucks medicines would further increase these benefits. The debate about drug costs in Canada needs to move beyond simple budgetary accounting. Our health system should be
designed to maximize the net benefits of innovation. Getting there starts with a better understanding of the big picture, and by an economic way of thinking about costs.
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Healthcare consumes a lot of society’s economic resources - more than 11 per cent of our national GDP in 2012 - according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The money is spent on buying the services of health professionals and running hospitals and other institutions. It also funds capital costs, administration, research, public health and other activities - as well as prescription drugs. These “inputs” of the system are merely the means to get the best “output,” which is better health for patients. But getting better output is not simply a matter of buying more inputs, especially when economic resources are scarce. A wise use of resources demands that we get the biggest healthcare bang for our buck. We need to know which combination of inputs will most efficiently achieve our desired health outcomes. To which inputs should we allocate more or less of our scarce resources? Answering this question requires an economic way of thinking. Yet public discussions about health spending are obsessively focused on upfront costs alone - especially when it comes to innovative (or patented) medicines and vaccines. There is little consideration for the downstream benefits that innovative medicines deliver. Canadian health policy should reflect a more comprehensive and economic point of view that considers pharmaceutical costs in the context of all other health spending, and accounts for the societal benefits gained from new medicines. Most Canadians would probably be surprised to learn that not only do innovative (patented) medicines account for a very small percentage of total health spending in Canada, but these costs have grown more slowly than all other health spending combined. A 2013 study published by the Canadian Health Policy Institute (CHPI) found that total spending on innovative medicines accounted for only 6.2 per cent ($12.8 billion) of the $205.9 billion spent on all healthcare in 2012. The study also showed that from 2007 to 2012, total spending on innovative medicines grew by only 4.1 per cent, while total spending on all other healthcare grew by 30.5 per cent. After adjusting for population changes, spending on innovative medicines has actually been declining in Canada. In 2012, per capita spending on innovative medicines declined -1.8 per cent since 2007, while per capita spending on all other healthcare grew by 23.2 per cent. Not only are the costs sustainable, but the relatively little spent overall on new medicines also produces a big return on the investment. Research shows that the societal health and economic benefits from the use of innovative medicines far outweigh the upfront costs. We have known about the economic value associated with innovative new medicines for a long time. For example, a 2002 study by Dr. Frank R. Lichtenberg of Columbia University (published by the National Bureau of Economic Research), confirmed the net benefits (benefits minus costs) from pharmaceutical innovation. Using data on the entire U.S. population from 1996 to 1998, Lichtenberg found that using newer medicines (reducing the average age of drugs used to treat a medical condition from 15 years to 5.5 years) increased prescription drug spending by $18, but reduced other medical spending by $129, yielding a $111 net reduction in total health spending. The use of newer, innovative medicines reduced non-drug expenditures by 7.2 times as much as it increased drug spending. More recently, the Conference Board of Canada published a study of the health and economic benefits associated with pharmaceutical spending in Ontario from 2007 to 2012. It found that the benefits offset the costs by a 2:1 ratio. These benefits include reduced demand for other healthcare
resources (e.g. hospitalization, surgeries, and ER visits) and reduced productivity losses as people recover and return to work. This study also found that improving patient adherence to their prescribed
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PONOKA NEWS 23
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Donation - Leonard Icke, Alberta union of Provincial
Forget Gossip...
Employees (AUPE) Chair of the Area Council, (right) and secretary Sandie Bowie present a cheque for $500 Kristie Motley (left) of Ponoka Victim Services. The money was raised through a 50/50 raffle at the “Beach Party” event hosted by AUPE on Feb. 8.
We’ve got the REAL Story
403.783.3311 40 03 783 3311 331
Ottawa takes action to move grain to ports Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced measures to move more grain through the transportation system and maintain Canada’s reputation as a supplier to world markets, a federal government statement said last week. Minister Raitt announced an Order in Council (OIC) to take immediate effect, setting out minimum volumes of grain that Canadian National Railway Company and Canadian Pacific Railway Company are each required to move. The Order, under section 47(1) of the Canada Transportation Act, also requires the railways to report to the Minister of Transport on weekly shipments. The railways will be required to increase the volumes carried each week, over a period of four weeks, to a combined target of 1,000,000 metric tonnes per week – more than doubling the volume currently being moved. The Order creates direct legal obligations on railways and will result in penalties for non-compliance of up to $100,000 per day. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced that the Government will introduce legislation when Parliament returns to establish measures to ensure Canada maintains a world-class logistics system that gets agricultural products to market more efficiently.
The government continues to call on all parties in the grain supply chain to play constructive roles to ensure the timely movement of grain, and to continue working together on medium and long-term solutions. Quick Facts This year’s Western Canadian crop, at 76 million tonnes, is 50% higher than average. This volume is putting significant pressure on Western Canada’s grain handling and transportation system. As the Government continues to work with farmers to invest in research and innovation, higher yields will continue to be the new reality across Canada. Today’s action builds on previous steps the Government has taken to improve the performance of the entire rail supply chain in order to help farmers get their crops to market, which include: • pursuing enhancements to the Grain Monitoring Program to improve the frequency of reporting and to expand the performance data collected; • investing $1.5 million, matched by industry, in a Pulse Canada-led multi-sector collaboration project of the pulse, oilseeds and grains industries to improve supply chain efficiency and reliability; • investing over $73.6 million in innovation through grain research groups; and, • implementing marketing freedom for western Canadian wheat and barley growers.
Legacy. It means being there to hand over the reigns. 14032DA0
The best thing about life on the land is the ‘living’ part. Because looking ahead to the future means ‘looking out’ in the present. We know that the future of your operation is only as secure and safe as you make it today. And we’re right there with you – during Ag Safety Week – and every week.
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24 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tips for good fathers-to-be “You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty” by Dave Barry c.2014, Putnam $26.95 / $31.00 Canada 224 pages You never wanted to grow up to be a zookeeper. And yet, your home is filled with wildlife: monkeys on the furniture. Hyenas watching TV. Elephants tromping through the house. Mules in the morning, wolves in the afternoon, and sloths in the evening. In other words, you have kids and since you’ve spent all this time taming them, you’re a bear about who they hang out with. So you’ll understand the sentiment behind “You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty” by Dave Barry. If you want to know what a good father is, look no further than this book. Yes, Dave Barry is a good dad: he actually took his daughter, Sophie, to a Justin Bieber concert. That was after “the hormone bomb detonated” in his house and he was no longer
an authority figure. He was a Dad who knew very little about his little girl, except that her school is “infested” with boys. He was in his fifties when Sophie was born. If he gets his way, he’ll be ninety-two years old when she has her first date. Which will, by the way, be chaperoned by Barry himself, alive or dead, there on the console. These are things a man does. He also needs to be manly, which isn’t easy these days because of
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Ponoka Drop-In Activities 5015 – 46 Avenue
Coming soon! Kayla Hotte & her rodeo pals Friday April 4th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets - $20.00, call Mel or Judy: 403-783-5405 Jam session every Saturday at 1 p.m. $2 per person. Everyone welcome! Monday Billiards 9:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday 50 cents per game. Honor system. Monday Bridge 1:15 p.m. Monday 1:30 p.m. Whist Tuesday and Thursday Exercise class 9:30 a.m. fun exercise Tuesday Shuffleboard 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Sewing Guild 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday Cribbage 1:00 p.m. Wednesday Duplicate Bridge 7:00 p.m Wednesday Floor Curling 7:00 p.m. Thursday Weaving 1:00 p.m. Phone Betty @ 783-3029 Thursday Partner Bridge 1:15 p.m. Thursday Art Club – Noon to 4:00 p.m. Thursday Pickle Ball 7:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. Friday “500” 1:00 p.m. Memberships still available. $10.00 person. Really inexpensive. To rent our facility contact Dorothy @ 403-783-3027 or George @ 403-783- 3514 or leave a message @ 403-783-5012. Rentals are increasing and we would like to invite our town administration, business groups, and general public (Wedding, funeral, and Birthday groups), to inquire about rentals services and prices early in their planning. We may fit your bill!
and becoming a professional author… Here’s one important bit of advice: do not – DO NOT – drink anything while reading “You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty” unless you have a heavy towel in front of you. Spewing liquid across table or aisle while you’re laughing isn’t a pretty sight. And you will laugh because author Dave Barry is a very funny guy with a knack for knowing what we’re thinking a half-second before we do – but unlike us, he’s unabashed enough to actually say it, with barely a filter. It’s kind of like spending time with a silly group of Eighth-Grade boys, only better and just slightly more grown-up. I loved this book. I laughed, I got a little verklempt, and then I laughed again. I think you will, too, because “You Can Date Boys When You’re Forty” is wildly funny.
Blues band releases album with staying power BY AMELIA NAISMITH
4904 - 50th St. Ph. 403-783-3639
103 min 2:00 PM Sat-Sun 8:00 PM Daily Rated 18A
“the Baby Boomers.” We are not like our parents, says Barry. “They were the Greatest Generation; we are Generation Wuss.” And yet, he’s brave enough to have read Fifty Shades of Gray, in order to find out why women are so enamored of it. He discovered that “Women are interested in sex.” Later, he read a study indicating that women are talkers and men “are more suited to taking action, such as opening a beer, or opening a second beer.” Which is not to say that Barry is open to the kinds of challenges that some commercials tout; in fact, he says, that for older men, “Learning when to back down from challenges is one of the main reasons he got to be an older man, as opposed to dead.” Challenges, such as shopping in a foreign country, keeping the dog from stopping every 20 feet during a walk,
MonkeyJunk’s second album, All Frequencies, is the most electrifying album to hit the music scene in years. The whole album teems with great beats and tempo. It’s gritty, hypnotic and seductive and it will get into your body and mind. Good chance I won’t remember the particulars of each song as much as I’ll remember how exciting the album, as a whole, was to listen to. Powerful bluesy-rock album colored with electra-funk and the smoky, twining music that sounds like it comes straight from the soulful and magical recesses of the bayou. Although well done and without technical fault, the funk flavour of the album wasn’t as
powerful and evoking as the rest and All Frequencies would have been just as good if not better without that aspect. Although the lyrics take second to the overall production and rhythm of the album, All Frequencies is finally an album with something to say rather than words strung together in the sole purpose of creating a catchy hit the mass audience will easily swallow. All Frequencies isn’t going to be an album for everyone, but it has the talent and sound to remain in musical libraries for decades and is worth the second, third and fourth listens it’ll take to fully appreciate every component.
PONOKA NEWS 25
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Indian Election BY GWYNNE DYER
An Indian election is a marathon, not a sprint. The voting will start in a month’s time, on 7 April, but the voting will move around the country on nine phases, ending on 12 May. Then the votes will all be counted – there are 814 million eligible voters – and the result will be known on 16 May. But a lot of people think they know the result now: Narendra Modi of the BJP will be prime minister, and India will swing hard right. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party – Indian People’s Party) is a socially conservative, Hindu nationalist party that has only had one full term in national office, in 1998-2004. That time, it led a broad coalition that restrained its more extreme sectarian impulses. This time, however, many Indian observers claim to detect a “Modi wave” of support that might carry the BJP into power on its own. That would certainly make for interesting times. Narendra Modi is best known for two things: the remarkable economic growth and relative freedom from corruption of his home state of Gujarat, and his alleged complicity in the massacre of more than 1,000 Muslims during religious riots shortly after he became chief minister of Gujarat in 2001. The prosperity of Gujarat is obviously a political asset for him. The problem is that his alleged religious extremism is also an asset in the view of some of his potential supporters. Indeed, that is probably why Modi has never expressed any regret or offered any apologies for the riots, an omission that many see as disqualifying him for high political office. One such is Manmohan Singh, India’s prime minister for the last ten years, who said when announcing his retirement in January: “It would be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as the next prime minister. If by a strong prime minister they mean you preside over the massacre of innocent citizens on the streets...I do not believe that is the sort of strength this country needs.” But the ruling Congress Party is weighed down by corruption scandals and slowing economic growth, and Congress’s candidate for prime minister is none other than Rahul Gandhi, whose father, grandmother and great-grandfather have all held the job in the past. But Rahul’s political ideas seem half-formed, his rhetoric struggles under the burden of words like “empowerment”, and he is seriously lacking in novelty value. Hence the “Modi wave.” The BJP currently leads Congress by a wide margin in the opinion polls: a January poll gave it 34 percent of the vote, almost twice as much as it got in the last national election in 2009. Voters prefer Modi to
Gandhi as prime minister in virtually every state – and among 18 to 25-year-old voters the BJP outpolls Congress almost two-to-one. So the pundits are speculating on how a BJP government would behave if it were led by Narendra Modi and had no need of coalition partners. There is no precedent for that. Last time the BJP was in government, it was a complicated coalition led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a poet and intellectual of moderate views, and none of its more extreme nationalist and Hindu positions got translated into actual policies. If it were different this time, then India would be moving into unknown waters, and the possibilities would be as alarming as they were extreme. But that may just be Indian journalists trying to inject a little more tension and excitement into the story. The reality is probably rather less exciting. 34 percent of the vote is much better than the BJP got last time, but it doesn’t get you a majority in the parliament. In fact, it leaves you about fifty seats short of a majority, which tumbles you back into the real world of coalitions and deals, and having to put aside your cherished sectarian goals in order to make the deals work. Just like last time, even if your name is Narendra Modi. Getting to 50 percent of the vote is almost impossible for any political party in the Indian political system, because a good deal of the vote always goes to regional and local parties that are quite separate from the big national parties. It’s especially hard for the BJP, because it’s hard to imagine that any of the 13 percent of Indians who are Muslim would vote for the BJP. There are 39 parties in the current parliament, and there may be even more in the next one. Most of them would be willing to join a coalition government in return for concessions on whatever local or regional issues they or their voters care about, but they will also have red lines that must not be crossed or they will leave the coalition. Assuming that the outcome of the election does leave the BJP as the biggest party, but without an overall majority, those red lines will probably confine Narendra Modi to relatively moderate policies on religious issues. If not, then India is in for a wild ride, and at the end of it the country may no longer be known for its tolerance. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
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Reflections of Ponoka A life dedicated to sports, family, and community Story on page 5
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durWilla Loveseth gets her face painted ing Family Day festivities at the Ponoka Feb. Culture and Recreation Complex 17. There were many events throughout 8. Ponoka. Photos can be seen on page Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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26 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Some Perseverance LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! VJV MARKET REPORT MARKET REPORT MARCH 5, 2014 On Wednesday, March 5, 2014- 1839 head of cattle went through our rings & 144 head on Canadian Satellite Sale - TOTAL -1983
SLAUGHTER CATTLE D1 - D2 cows D3 - D4 cows Holstein cows Heiferettes Bologna Bulls Feeder bulls
92.00-108.00 80.00-90.00 70.00-90.00 80.00-95.00 90.00-114.00 85.00-115.00
Young Bred Cows 1350.00-1600.00 Older Bred Cows 1250.00-1400.00 Good Bred Heifers: NONE Cow/calf pairs (younger) 1200.00-1750.00 Cow/Calf pairs (older) N/A
STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus:
188.00-152.00 150.00-162.00 160.00-176.00 175.00-187.00 185.00-200.00 195.00-218.00 195.00-220.00 195.00-225.00
Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers
Dairy Steers Baby Calves Dairy Type: Baby Calves Beef Type: Hay: Sq Bales Straw: Sq. Bales Greenfeed: Sq. Bales.
95.00-105.00 NONE 240.00-330.00 4.50-7.25 3.50-4.00 NONE
Rd Bales Rd Bales Rd Bales
125.00-140.00 140.00-154.00 148.00-162.00 158.00-168.00 170.00-180.00 185.00-195.00 185.00-205.00 185.00-200.00
78.00-84.00 NONE NONE
MARCH 29 - HORSE SALE & 7TH ANNUAL TEXAS LONGHORN SALE Vold Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. | Foothills Livestock Auction | Dawson Creek Auction Vold Jones & Vold Co. Ltd. Š 2006 4410-Hwy 2A, Ponoka Alberta, Canada, T4J 1J8
Grains in the first week of March got fairly volatile thanks to the situation in Ukraine standing on a razor’s edge. Profit-taking was seen just hours after the market spiked on worries that Russia was invading Ukraine but then profit-taking took over once an all-out invasion didn’t occur. Nonetheless, oats continue to party like the music’s never going to stop, with the May contract close to touching five dollars a bushel on futures board in Chicago! Despite being able to cut the tension with a knife in Ukraine, grain is still moving through the country’s pipeline. Ukraine has reportedly shipped 24.7 million tonnes of grain in the current marketing year through March 3rd. This included 7.43 million tonnes of wheat (full-year forecast is 10 million tonnes), almost 3 million tonnes of oilseeds (2.06 million tonnes of rapeseed and 930,000 tonnes of soybeans) and 14.9 million tonnes of corn (full year forecast is for 18 million tonnes)! While the situation is still in the early stages, the Ukrainian agricultural industry is persevering quite nicely while the political state remains in jeopardy. Russian President Vladimir Putin
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nian President Yanukovich is still legally the legitimate leader of Ukraine. Clearly, the curtain is far from being closed. Coming back to Canada, former Finance Minister and current Member of Parliament Ralph Goodale tactfully pointed out recently that Prime Minister Harper’s downfalls and blames for the current transportation issues. The Regina-based MP says that reports, information, and data dating back to 2007 pointed out pitfalls in the logistics system that Harper should’ve addressed but failed to do so. Saskatchewan Premier Brad knows a little about using the facts, albeit oats market analyst Randy Strychar says that the Premier’s accusation that “General Mills will run out of oats in 15-20 days� is unfounded (“no more Cheerios,� you ask?). A veteran agindustry commentator, Strychar says that, in reality, U.S. millers likely have 60-75 days of supply left. Potentially adding to the problem though is the fact that C.P. and C.N. recently cut 19 product car loading sites across the Canadian Prairies. Of course, there’s a lot of pointing of fingers going on, but the best thing you can do is not wait for someone else to step up, but rather take things into your own hands. For example, you can still do loaded producer car deals on the FarmLead Marketplace – check out our list of producer 45 Bulls on Offer car loading sites on the FarmLead website 2 Year Olds under Crop Zones. As & Yearlings the motto of my alma mater, Athol Mur40 Hereford/Angus ray College of Notre X Replacement Dame in Wilcox, SK Heifers goes, Luctor et Emergo (or “Struggle and Emerge�). To growth, Brennan Turner President, FarmLead.com Brennan Turner is originally from Foam Lake, SK, where his family started farming the land in the 1920s. After completing his degree in economics from Yale University and then playing some pro hockey, Mr. Turner spent some time working in finance before starting FarmLead. com, a risk-free, transparent online and now mobile grain marketGuest Consignor: place (app available Runaway Ranch for iOS & Android). Kurt Wilkie His weekly column is Arlene Butler a summary of his free, 403-318-3579 Guest Consignor: daily market note, Runaway Ranch the FarmLead BreakKurt Wilkie fast Brief. He can be Arlene Butler reached via email (b.turner@farmlead. 403-318-3579 com) or phone (1-855332-7653).
spoke to the media soon after placing his military on alert, saying he’s not interested in makingCrimea (southern peninsula of Ukraine) part of Russia, Brennan Turner but that it’ll Farm Lead be up to the residents of Crimea to decide whether or not they re-join the Motherland. The G8 Summit, planned for June in Sochi (where the Winter Olympics were held) is still on, according to Putin, but he said that “if they don’t want to come, it’s up to them.� Further, Putin said that if the west puts implements any sanctions on Russia, it wouldn’t be a good move for anyone. The Russian President also said that he agrees with the West that “Ukrainians have the right for a change of the political system� but that ousted Ukrai-
Stan & Ty Skeels Vykki Johns 403-704-0288 lazyslimousin@gmail.com
Stan & Ty Skeels Vykki Johns 403-704-0288 lazyslimousin@gmail.com
PONOKA NEWS 27
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Shrove Tuesday and pancakes go handin-hand
4-H district events since the beginning of the year SUBMITTED SYLVIA TRAUTMAN Ponoka District 4-H Reporter
BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE
Members of St. Mary’s Anglican Church enjoyed a fun pancake supper March 4 in celebration of Shrove Tuesday. New to the church is Reverend Donna Willer, who says the purpose of the Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, is a time to give up something before Lent. “I like to say we let something go and then we take in something else…That feeds us spiritually.” Lent is 40 days, which represents 40 days of Jesus Christ being in the wilderness, she added. Family, friends and members of the congregation came to the church for fellowship and fun and they were able to enjoy pancakes, sausages and the all the fixings for a tasty dinner. New reverend to St. Mary’s Willer is originally from Saskatchewan and has lived in Alberta for the last 8 years. She moved last week as the priest for Westlock, Barrhead and Lac La Nonne. She said she looks forward to the move. “I’m looking forward to live in Ponoka and serve one community.”
Ian Helm and Tiffany Riddle enjoy a pancake supper last week at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
2014 PONOKA
AGRICULTURE SUPPLEMENT
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Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA. Listings are now being accepted for the Spring Machinery Consignment Auction.
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One of the big events to start off the year was the multi-species judging on Dec. 1, which was held at the Rimbey Agriplex. About 37 people judged heifers, hay, and horses. We also, guessed various items- ranging from items you would find in the vet clinic to older objects like berry pickers. Judging winners wereJr’s 1st- Tim Trenson, 2nd Nicole Groeneveld, 3rd Katie Hudson. For the intermediates 1st- Sylvia Trautman, 2nd- Hanna Falt and 3rd- Leah Trenson. For the Sr’s 1stBen Trenson, 2nd-Heidi Trenson and 3rd- Amy Trenson. Also, huge “Thank you” to Luc and Marian Trenson and their family, Parker Farms and the Rimbey Vet Clinic for a total of $300 in sponsorship! On a chilly Jan. 4, we had our district fun day at the Usona hall.
About 36 members participated in calf sled racing, snow painting, stick hockey, curling and cookie decorating. Thank-you Rick Shaw for the Usona Hall usage. Each club has done club Public Speaking. Zones took place on Feb. 23 and everyone did a great job. The speeches were very interesting and clearly thought out. We had District Public Speaking on March 9.The competition was tough and there were even two ties. The end results were as following up to 4th were: Jr.’s- Madison Fleck, Rachel Devet, Nicole Groeneveld and Tim Trenson. In Intermediates Sylvia Trautman, Isabell Stamm, Cole Schwengler and Julianna Harvey. In seniors’ category, Clinton Steeves, Kaitlin Malterer, Tawni Kjenner and Shelbey Devet. Meanwhile everyone is also working on their 4-H projects and having a great 4-H year.
403-843-2747 Office, Rimbey, Alberta License No. 165690
MARCH 19, 2014 This supplement features the latest in: Farming • Livestock Technology • Seed & Feed Crops • Equipment
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28 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Reclaiming California’s Diversity BY DAVID WHITE
If you ask a typical wine consumer to imagine a California red, they’ll almost certainly think of Cabernet Sauvignon. If you ask that same consumer to imagine a white, they’ll almost certainly think of Chardonnay. This is understandable. More than 500,000 acres of California farmland are dedicated to wine grapes, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most widely planted. More than a quarter of the state’s red wine grape plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon. And more than half of all white wine grape plantings are Chardonnay. Once upon a time, however, California’s landscape was much more diverse. And thanks to a group of renegade vintners, California is reclaiming this diversity -- and producing more and more wines that are reminiscent of a bygone era. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay partly traces back to 1976. That year, a British wine merchant named Steven Spurrier organized a wine competition in Paris, where he pitted California’s best Chardonnay
and Cabernet Sauvignon against the best wines that France had to offer. Until then, few critics took California seriously. And at that tasting, everyone assumed that France would win. But with both whites and reds, California came out on top. That competition -- now known as the “Judgment of Paris” -- transformed California’s wine industry. The red, produced by Warren Winiarski at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, helped accelerate Robert Mondavi’s efforts to tout California’s wines as being on par with Europe’s best offerings. The white, produced by Mike Grgich at Chateau Montelena, forced the world to take a serious look at California Chardonnay. When KendallJackson produced a Chardonnay with just a hint of sweetness a few years later, the variety’s popularity would skyrocket with consumers. Over the subsequent two decades, those who marketed wine pushed other varietal wines like Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. But Cabernet and Chardonnay were cemented at the top.
Call for Expression of Interest to be a Candidate for Participation in Regional Plan Review Panels The Government of Alberta is continuing its work on developing seven regional plans under the direction of the Land-use Framework for Alberta. Each plan provides the context and guidance for land and natural resource use in each region to help achieve Alberta’s long-term social and economic goals based on a foundation of good environmental management. Regional plans are developed in consultation with Albertans and become legal instruments once approved by Cabinet. As such, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) includes provisions for requesting a review of a regional plan or regional plan amendment. To support this review process, 14032DA1 the Government of Alberta is creating a standing roster of candidates from which it will select members to participate in review panels for regional plans once the plans have been implemented. The role of the panel will be to consider review requests and provide recommendations to the Government of Alberta. Candidates from the roster will be invited to participate in panels based on the subject matter of the review and the candidate’s area of expertise. Once the roster is established, candidate names will sit on the roster for between two to three years. The roster will consist of a broad range of stakeholders and as such, individuals with a background or interest in property rights, First Nations, business, environment and rural or urban interests are encouraged to apply. For further information on candidate requirements and to submit your interest for participation in Regional Plan Review Panels, please visit the Land-use Framework website at: http://www.landuse.alberta.ca.
For most of California’s winegrowing history, however, vineyards were planted chaotically with inexpensive, workhorse grapes. Americans didn’t care about varieties and drank simple table. While most were consumed locally, products like Gallo’s Hearty Burgundy and Almaden’s Mountain Chablis approximated these wines and had national distribution. Today, several California vintners are rediscovering these ancient vineyards and recognizing their potential. This effort is led by Tegan Passalacqua of Turley Wine Cellars and Morgan Twain-Peterson of Bedrock Wine Co., two young producers who have earned a reputation for crafting delicious wines from old vineyards. Three years ago, the two men helped launched the Historic Vineyard Society, a nonprofit created to catalog, protect, and promote these properties. Turley’s Library Vineyard Petite Sirah is a great example of the wines this group celebrates. The Library Vineyard was planted between 1880 and 1920 directly behind the St. Helena Public Library in Napa Valley. Although planted primarily to Petite Sirah, the small vineyard is comprised of more than a dozen different varieties, including red grapes like Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Zinfandel and white grapes like Muscadelle and Green Hungarian. From this vineyard,
Passalacqua makes a delightful field blend that speaks clearly of its origin. Bedrock’s Compagni Portis white is another great example. Sourced from a Sonoma vineyard planted in 1954, the wine is a blend of Gewurtzraminer, Trousseau Gris, Riesling, and a handful of unusual grapes that are almost extinct. It’s exotic, exceptionally aromatic, and totally unique. Passalacqua and Twain-Peterson are hardly alone. California producers like Carlisle, ArnotRoberts, Forlorn Hope, and Wind Gap are also creating high quality wines from historic properties. While some make field blends, others produce single varietal wines from nearly forgotten grapes in almost-forgotten vineyards. In late February, a group of wine writers from across the country gathered in California for a conference. During a discussion about Napa Valley’s “unexpected” wines, New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov reminded attendees of California’s “history of diversity” with Turley’s Library Vineyard Petite Sirah. Wines like this are still just asterisks, of course. They’re jewels of an earlier time. But they show that there’s more to California than Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. David White is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, which was named “Best Overall Wine Blog” at the 2013 Wine Blog Awards. His columns are housed at Grape Collective.
Motorcycle riding safety tips for when we get the chance Here are some safety tips for motorcycle riders when you get the itch to ride when the weather warms up. I know this seems like it’s been a really long winter but it will come riding time soon enough. Here are some great ways to reduce your risk out there: Wear an approved helmet Choose a helmet that: meets DOT, Snell M2005 or M2010 or ECE helmet safety standards displays the proper label and meets safety-helmet labeling requirements is a bright, visible color (and add reflective tape to the sides and back) is a full-face helmet for the best protection in a crash Note: Replace your helmet if you’ve been in a crash, or if it’s been dropped or is showing signs of wear (there is no such thing as a “lucky helmet”). Also, check the manufacturer’s manual or website to see if an expiry date has been established for use on your helmet. Wear highly visible protective gear Street clothes don’t protect you as much from the elements—or in a crash. Most of us who have been around the internet have seen the videos or at least know someone who has had to spend a lot of time in the hospital for the material burns from improper clothing. Wear a protective jacket and pants, sturdy gloves that cover your wrists and boots that protect your ankles. You have all seen that person out there cruising down the highway wearing shorts a tank top and flip flops. Don’t be “that” person. Wear a high-visibility garment such as a safety vest, day and night. Choose clothing that has fluorescent material
and reflective striping. Riders should wear body armored clothing as an extra level of protection. Make sure you and passengers are properly seated Motorcycle riders and passengers should have their feet on the foot pegs or floorboards, and or be properly seated in a sidecar. Also, you’re responsible to ensure passengers are properly seated. Anyone who can’t reach the foot pegs is not allowed to ride. Stunt riding should only be done on a track not on a roadway or highway. Do a pre-trip check Before riding, always make sure your motorcycle is in good operating condition. Check the tires, wheels, rims, drive system, electrical, fluids, clutch, throttle, mirror and brakes. Communicate with other drivers on the road Read vehicle language—never rely on other road users’ judgment or assume they’ll respect your right of way. They may not see you or chose not to. Even if they do, they may misjudge your distance or speed. When in doubt, yield the right of way. When overtaking vehicles in traffic, watch out for signal lights, front wheel movements or drivers who are shoulderchecking or checking their mirrors. Do your best to stay out of drivers’ blind spots. These are some tips to have a safer riding season. Blake Nobles BTK Motorsports Ponoka, AB 403-790-2000 btkmotorsports@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
PONOKA NEWS 29
Sports
Dustin Bell of Ponoka Wolves sends the puck through to the Flyers net in between the legs of the Flyers goalie in the second game of the best-of-three series on March 9 at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Centre. Photo by Mustafa Eric
Midget A Wolves done for the season BY PONOKA NEWS STAFF
Ponoka’s Midget A Wolves were narrowly defeated in both of their best-of three series playoff games and wrapped up their season with lots of hope for the next one. In their first game of the second round of playoffs on the road with Innisfail Flyers March 8, the Wolves lost 4-3 after a winning goal by the Flyers in the third period. Top Ponoka scorers were Tyson Borg, Jordan Wombold and Dustin Bell, all in the second period. The second home game in the series March 9 was equally as close but pushed the Wolves out of the running. They lost 5-4. Tyson Matejka, Tyson Borg, Dustin Bell and Colton Somerville each scored a goal. In the home game on Sunday, Wolves had a rather dismal start to the game, almost overwhelmed in the first 10 minutes of the first period by the fast skating, hard shooting visitors, who scored twice in quick succession. It was not until the 11th minutes of the period that the Wolves started to pull themselves together. The effort paid off with two Tysons of the local boys scoring back-to-back goals to close the period with a 2-2 tie. The second period saw a passionately playing Wolves team putting their hearts into the game and taking control of the rink from the Flyers. Although their offensive effort could not weaken the visitors’ defense, the Ponoka boys did manage to score and take a 3-2 lead with Dustin Bell in the 16th minute. But it took less than two minutes for the visitors to bring equality to the scoreboard, with second period ending in a 3-3 tie. In the final period, Flyers decided to show they meant business and scored within third minute of the start of the period but Colton Sommerville of the Wolves equalized once
again declaring their intention to eliminate the visitors. The balance on the scoreboard was maintained until two minutes from regulation when the Flyers scored once again ending the Wolves’ hopes of advancing to the next round. For their part, the Midget B team was able to narrowly defeat the Tier 3 Innisfail Fourlane Flyers March 8 at home. Top scorers for Ponoka were Shawn Wilton (2), Lane Jones (2), Shane Epp, Pierre Clemmer and James Lea. Four goals were scored in the first period by Ponoka. Atom hockey The Atom A Tier 3 team are out of the running after losing to the Stettler Atom B team last weekend. The first game in the series was in Stettler and Ponoka lost 5-1. The only goal was made by Joshua David with an assist from Levi Busat. The second home game was March 9 and Ponoka lost 5-2. Scorers were Alex Brackenbury and Joshua David. Ponoka’s Atom B Tier 5 team received a nearly identical result at the hands of Sylvan Lake Atom B1 Lakers. The first game was in Sylvan Lake March 8 and Ponoka lost a close game 3-2. Austin Griffiths scored both goals of the game. Their home game March 9 was a greater challenge with no score for Ponoka. They lost 3-0. Peewee teams Ponoka’s Peewee A team lost their series two games to one against the Bentley Peewee A Bruins. After defeating the Bruins 5-4 March 2, Ponoka headed to Bentley March 8 and 9. In the first away game, Ponoka lost a close 5-4. Scorers for Ponoka were Noah Hackett (2), Aidan Gratton and Jayden Nokohoo. The second away game was not as close. Ponoka lost 4-2 with Noah Hackett and Rylan Lefebvre scoring the only two goals. They next play the Blackfalds Peewee A Bulldogs
Ponoka Office: 403-783-3315 Bashaw Office (Tues): 403-372-3627 Wetaskiwin Office (Thurs): 780-352-6488
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March 14 at home at 6:15 p.m. The Peewee B team tied their away game 4-4 against the Blackfalds Peewee B Bulldogs March 8. Scorers were Travi Hyink (2), Connor Macleod and Brayden Toporowski. Bantam Tier 2 team Ponoka’s Bantam Tier 2 team is tied in the series against the Stettler Bantam B team. Their first home game was March 6 when Stettler defeated Ponoka 4-2. Scorers were Lewis McDowell and Cyrus Thompson. Ponoka returned the favour March 8 in Stettler with a 7-3 win. Top scorers were Jayden Hagemann (2), Cooper Jones (2), Cyrus Thompson, Lewis McDowell and Noah Spelrem. They were to play Stettler in the final game of the series March 10 in Ponoka. Girls Lacoka hockey The Lacoka Bantam girls are in the finals series against Stettler after defeating the Endmoor Bantam female team two games to one. Lacoka lost their first away game 5-2 March 2. Their March 5 game in Ponoka was a different story. Lacoka won 4-0. Top scorers were Rachel Wood (2), Lindsay Jansen and Cassandra Hall. The March 6 away game proved a bigger challenge with a 3-2 win for Lacoka. Rachel Wood, Kelli Rae Sieben and Danielle Blacklock each scored one goal. Lacoka Midget girls The Lacoka Midget Female Rockets defeated Tofield in the series in two games. The first game was last week in Lacombe with a 5-1 win. The second game was away March 8 and Lacoka won 4-1. Scorers were Danica Polson (2), Robyn Arnold and Renee Guimond. They face Leduc in the quarterfinals.
Here to make you happy.
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30 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Close contact:
Randa Nugent on High Score keeps a close eye on her first barrel during the Don Laing Trailer Series barrel racing at the Calnash Ag Event Centre March 9. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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Reah Argent on Ruby makes a tight corner during the Don Laing Trailer Series barrel racing at the Calnash Ag Event Centre March 9. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
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Ponoka Minor Soccer Association Outdoor Registration 2014 House League: Under 6 - Under 10 Competitive: Under 12 - Under 18 Forms available at the Ponoka Aquaplex or at www.ponokasoccer.ca For more information call Michelle at 403-783-4773
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PONOKA NEWS 31
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Broncs boys make it to zone championship BY AMELIA NAISMITH
Ponoka Secondary Campus’ senior boys Broncs basketball team has made it to the zone championships for the first time in nearly a decade. The boys beat the Lacombe Rams 79-60 in
a fast-paced game full of baskets and fouls on March 10. “It’s huge, we’re in the zone championship now,” said head coach Blaine Haines. Zones will run in a best of three format with Ponoka’s first game taking place Wednesday, March 19 in the St. Augustine gym at 6 p.m. “It was sloppy at
Big jumper: A player from the Ermineskin Junior/Senior High School makes a big shot March 4 during an exhibition game against the St. Augustine Queens. The Queens lost 36-33. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye
“It’s huge, we’re in the zone championship now,” Head Coach Blaine Haines.
Brandt Seibel stops short to dodge an opposing Lacombe Rams player during the deciding game on which team would make the zone championship, March 10.
FLYING SOUTH?
times but I thought we played a solid defence throughout to get us throughout those times,” said Haines, referring to the deciding playoff game against the Rams. He plans on going into zones with the same strategy of a strong defence but also want the offence to fire up for the games. The boys have had a good season despite playing with only four Grade 12 players out of the team of 12. However, Haines isn’t nervous going into zones. The Broncs boast 8 veteran senior team players and 4 newcomers. “We’re pretty solid.”
The Ponoka Curling Club would like to extend a special
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Obituaries
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Obituaries
RONALD,Nellie (April 16, 1921 to March 5, 2014) It is with sadness the family of Nellie Ronald announce the passing of their mother. Nellie was born at Maple Creek, SK on April 16th, 1921 to Arno and Margaret Morgenstern. She passed away in the Ponoka Hospital and Care Center on March 5th 2014. Nellie moved with her family to Maidstone, SK where the family rented land and farmed. Nellie went to school till Grade 5 at McClaren, just outside of Maidstone. The family then moved to Loon Lake, Sk where her Dad purchased a homestead. Nellie missed one year of schooling in Loon Lake because the school was just being built. She then attended Loon Lake School until Grade 8, which was the highest grade there. Nellie then took on jobs of doing housework and child care for various neighbours for $5.00 a month. After school Nellie took a job near Meadow Lake doing housework and this is where she met Clare Ronald in 1939. Nellie and Clare were married November 28, 1940. They worked at the Weibe farm from March 1st to September 1st, 1941 before moving to Trail, BC where Clare worked at the Smelter for about six months. On April 1st 1942 they moved to Calgary where Nellie did housework and Clare worked at the Union Milk Company. In January of 1943, Clare joined the airforce and worked in the Medical Core overseas while Nellie worked at the Union Milk Company until Larry, her first son was born in June of 1944. She went home to Loon Lake, SK and stayed with her family until Clare returned home from the war on February 14th, 1946. With a new baby (Neale), born in 1947 and just 6 weeks old, Clare and Nellie came to the Clive area and worked on a farm. In 1949, they purchased their first quarter of land, clearing the land and building a mixed farm. They worked side by side where they gradually changed from a mixed farm to a dairy farm. Nellie enjoyed growing a big garden, picking berries and hosting many relatives, friends and neighbours over the years where playing cards was always enjoyed. In 1982 Nellie and Clare built a retirement home on an adjacent quarter where they enjoyed bowling, playing cards and traveling to various places such as Hawaii, Australia, Europe, and various places in the US as well as a cruise to the Bahamas. They also enjoyed many camping trips with friends. After Clare passed away in 1995, Nellie went on a family vacation with Neale and family to Hawaii and enjoyed a cruise to Alaska with Grace, her mom and two of her sisters as well as Edith Taylor. Due to macular degeneration, Nellie was no longer able to drive and moved to a condominium in Ponoka in December of 2003 where she remained until her hospitalization due to pancreatic cancer, on October 29th, 2013. She loved to bake cookies, cakes, pies and bread up until going into the hospital. Her baking and cooking were enjoyed and shared with many of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends and neighbours. Nellie leaves to mourn her son, Neale (Margaret) Clive, grandsons, Ryan(Susan) Ronald, Clive, Rick (Amanda) Ronald Clive, granddaughters, April (Ken)Perry , Clive, Sarah (Len)Congdon, Bashaw, Nancy (Ryan) Friesen, Drake, SK, Laurena (Sergio) Montes,Tijuana, Mexico and Christine Ronald, Edmonton , daughter-in-law Grace Ronald, Vegreville, and granddaughters, Deanna (Mahmoud) Bangura, Abbotsford, B.C., Valerie (Jean) Sylvain, Girouxville, and Cindy (Blair) Jarvis, Calgary as well as 32 great grandchildren. A sister, Selma Hinke of Meadow Lake, Sk, and two brothers, Allan Morgenstern of Loon Lake, SK and Ed Morgenstern of Loon Lake, Sk. She was predeceased by her husband Clare and a son Larry as well as her parents, Arno and Margaret Morgenstern, brothers, Henry, Alvin and John and two sisters, Clara and Emma. Funeral services will be held at the Clive Baptist Church on Saturday, March 15th at 1:30 p.m. Interment to follow in the Clive Cemetery. If friends desire donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis, 7814 - 83rd St. Edmonton, AB. T6C 2Y8, Canadian Cancer Society, Red Deer Unit, or STARS. Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca WILSON’S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, of Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements. 403-782-3366 403-843-3388 “A Caring Family, Caring For Families”
WRIGHT Reini Lewis Wright of Bluffton, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Red Deer on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the age of 63 years. Reini was born on September 30, 1950 in Grande Prairie, Alberta. At only nine months old, Reini weighed in at a healthy 28 pounds, and he retained his bear-like figure his whole life, which earned him the nickname, “Bear”. He moved with his family to the Bluffton area in 1962, and called it home the remainder of his life. Reini was united in marriage to Donna in 1984, and became a father to three children:Trent, Jen and Scott. Over the next 30 years, he spent his time farming and driving truck from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, and everywhere in between. In Reini’s later years, his priorities shifted to include spending time with his grandchildren. Reini’s friends and family could always count on his regular phone calls and visits over coffee to catch up and hear about his latest adventure. He will be greatly missed. Reini will be lovingly remembered by his son, Scott (Charmen) Wright and their daughter, Trenna all of Sturgeon County, Alberta; and his daughter, Jen (Rick) Dore and their son, Evan all of Red Deer; as well as Trent’s children and their mother, Ty, Kailyn and Terri Mullen all of Sherwood Park. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother, Terry Wright of Ponoka; and his sister, Twyla Hauck of Rimbey; in addition to numerous other relatives and many cherished friends. Reini was predeceased by his parents, Retta and Ralph Wright; his beloved wife, Donna in 2008; and his son, Trent in 2010. A Public Funeral Service in Honour of Reini’s Life was held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, Rimbey on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Mark Schultz officiating. Interment followed in the Forest Home Cemetery, Ponoka at 3:30 p.m. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Reini’s Memory may be made directly to the Lung Association - Alberta and NWT, PO Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2; or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue N.W., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2. Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the Late Reini Lewis Wright entrusted to the care of OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS Rimbey, AB. 1-403-843-4445
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1.877.223.3311
PONOKA NEWS 33
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
52
Coming Events
Obituaries
SHAW Kerry Arlene Kristensen (nee McLaren) Kerry Shaw, passed peacefully at the age of 60 on March 6, 2014 in Calgary Alberta with her loving husband by her side. She is survived by her husband Doug Shaw, Children, Jay (Hope) Kristensen, Jodi Kristensen, Jim (Sarah) Shaw, Kelly Shaw, 4 grandchildren, siblings Wendy (Wayne) Paulsen, Lois (Don) Sachs, Lorna McLaren, Heather (David) Longe, Lyndon McLaren and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of her Life will be held Saturday March 15, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Open Bible in Ponoka Alberta. One of her last requests was that no one wear black. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her name to the MS society of Canada in memory of her mother Margaret (Peggy) McLaren.
JAMES Sept. 4, 1928 - Mar. 9, 2014 (Ella) Pearl James, nee Raycraft, was born September 4,1928 in Detroit, Michigan. She came to Alberta as a young girl and her family settled west of Ponoka. There she met a life long friend Betty Matejka while attending Fertile Forest School. Pearl graduated high school from The Brick school where she again made lifelong friends. Pearl married Rodney James and together they raised 3 children. She is survived by her son Bob (Heather), Lorna Richmond (Cathy), Ann Arkes (Ron), 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Pearl was pre-deceased by her parents Edwin and Amelia Raycraft, brothers Bobby, Reg and Bill, and her grandson Randy. Pearl had an interest and talent in all crafts including but not limited to painting, card making and quilting for the homeless. She spent many years in Airdrie and in the last 2 years had moved back to Ponoka. She will be dearly missed by family and friends alike. To express condolences to Pearl’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
COOK
Charles Howard “Skip” With sadness we announce the passing of Skip Cook on March 6, 2014 at the Ponoka Hospital. Skip was born on July 15, 1935 at Eston, Saskatchewan. He worked in Ponoka at the train station for 22 years and then up at the Centennial Centre (Alberta Hospital) for 26 years. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Sandy (Danny) Bowie of Ponoka and Cheryl Zimmerman of Camrose; sister Judy Cook and sister-in-law Norma Cook; grandsons Adam (Leah) Bowie, Darcy (Tye) Bowie, Richard, Eric and granddaughter Angelina Zimmerman; great-grandson William Bowie; many nieces and nephews; and close friend Phyllis Walcheske. Skip was predeceased by his sister June, parents Ann and Charles Cook, brother Bill and grandson Warren Tyler. Donations can be made in Skip’s memory to any charity of your choice. Skip’s life was celebrated by family and friends at the Royal Canadian Legion on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. To express condolences to Skip’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements Entrusted To PONOKA FUNERAL HOME ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS
What’s Happening #50 - # 70
Arts & Crafts Shows ..................50 Class Registrations....................51 Coming Events ..........................52 Lost ............................................54 Found ........................................56 Companions ..............................58 Personals...................................60 Bingos........................................64 Fitness & Sports ........................66 Happy Ads .................................70
59
Meetings
Annual General Meeting For the
Ponoka
Wheelchair Van Society Monday March, 24 - 7:00 pm Senior Drop-In Centre
Coming Events
52
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
GILCHRIST ESTATE SALE APRIL 4 & 5 ANGUS RIDGE COMMUNITY HALL (watch this paper for more info)
59
Meetings
Everyone Welcome!
Mentors
AL-ANON WEEKLY MEETING FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF ALCOHOLICS. Tuesdays 8 p.m. Neighborhood Place 5115 - 49 Ave., Ponoka For more info 403-783-4557
difference
403-783-3112
PONOKA VICTIM SERVICES
Location: Town Chambers Monday, March 17th, 2014 @ 6:30 pm
Everyone welcome!
760
requires a
PART TIME STYLIST - Experience with clientele preferred - Must be willing to work every other Saturday as well as every other Wednesday until 8 pm
Interested applicants please fax resume to 403-783-8010
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, or New Zealand. Live and work on a dairy, crop, beef, or sheep farm. AgriVenture invites applicants 18 - 30 for 4 - 12 month 2014 programs. Apply now! www.agriventure.com. 1-888-598-4415. F/T FEED TRUCK OPERATOR for large expanding feed lot in Sundre. Fax resume to 403-638-3908 or call 403-556-9588 or email: feedlot@hotmail.ca
PERMANENT F/T POSITION
ALATEEN
Medical
for
Closing date March 17, 2014
755 Oilfield
Available on large grain and cattle operation at Bashaw, AB. Applicant must have knowledge and experience in calving cows, herd health, feeding and pasture rotation. Other duties may include fencing, haying, silaging LEARN THE LATEST and harvesting. Class 1 Weekly meetings about Celiac Disease licence an asset. Tuesdays @ 8 p.m. and a Gluten-Free diet Applicant must be highly at the Canadian Neighborhood motivated and have good Celiac Association communication skills. Place National Conference, Competitive salary and 5115 49 Ave. May 30 - June 1, 2014, accommodation available. Ponoka Calgary. For further info contact For more info. Visit the gluten-free market. Dwight at 403-323-2355. Everyone welcome. 403-783-4557 or Send resume to Register at ddurie@xplornet.com or 403-783-8371 www.calgaryceliac.ca; fax to 780-372-2350. 403-237-0304. We thank you for your ALCOHOLICS interest; however, only ANONYMOUS those applicants Monday night meetings at the Anglican Church considered for the position will be contacted. Ponoka 8:30 p.m. Phone 403-783-0719 for info.
make a
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2014
Hair Stylists
Farm Work
800
CEDA IS HIRING! Currently seeking Operators/ Labourers for our Pigging & Decoking division (permanent positions in the Red Deer area). Apply Online: www.cedagroup. com Lincoln County is currently looking for: Journeyman & Apprentice Welders/Helper Journeyman & Apprentice Pipefitter/Steamfitter/ Helper Equipment Operators Labourers QA/ QCA to work on a pipeline fabrication facility. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Wages are based on experience, safety tickets. Job sites are at Various Locations. Pipeline experience is an asset, but not required. Interested applicants please apply to: Email: HR@lcos.ca Fax: 780-6759622 LOOKING FOR
Oilfield Maintenance Labourer /Swamper Must have safety tickets. No experience necessary. Will train. Fax resume to 403-746-5131 or email smittysoilfield@gmail.com LOOKING FOR
OPERATOR
for Stiff Boom Picker/Crane valid drivers licence w/clean abstract required. possibility of owing percentage of truck. Email resume to pickerservices@gmail.com
790
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Employment #700 - #920 Caregivers/Aides................710 Clerical ..............................720 Computer Personnel ..........730 Dental ................................740 Estheticians........................750 Hair Stylists ........................760 Janitorial ............................770 Legal ..................................780 Medical ..............................790 Oilfield ................................800 Professionals......................810 Restaurant/Hotel ................820 Sales & Distributors ..........830 Teachers/Tutors..................840 Trades ................................850 Truckers/Drivers ................860 Business Opportunities......870 Miscellaneous ....................880 Volunteers Wanted ............890 Positions Wanted ..............895 Employment Training ........900 Career Planning ................920
Caregivers/ Aides
710
RN / RPN
FULL TIME POSITION To work days & evenings. Salary commensurate with training and experience. Excellent benefit package. Must have valid registration for RN/RPN. Position to start immediately. Apply in writing to: Donna Lantz Care Manager Northcott Care Centre 4209 48 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1P4 dlantz@northcottcarecentre.com Ph. 403-783-4764
34 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
AG EQUIPMENT
Oilfield
800
PRODUCTION TESTING EXPERIENCED SUPERVISORS and TESTERS Day & Night Must have tickets. Top paid wages. Based out of Devon, AB. Email resume to: kathy@dragonsbreathpt.ca
Rimbey Implements Ltd.
Al York
Bus: (403) 843-3700 Fax: (403) 843-3430
800
VAC & STEAM TRUCK OPERATOR. Valid Class 1 or 3, Safety Tickets, Top Wage, Benefits, Camp Work, Experience an Asset. Email/Fax Resume: 780-458-8701, bryksent@telus.net. CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS Looking for a place to live? Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS
770
Professionals
810
Restaurant/ Hotel
820
CAMERON BAY IT NETWORK HOLDINGS INC. ADMINISTRATOR O/A MCDONALD’S required FULL TIME. in Ponoka is now hiring Min 3-5 years F/T & P/T HANDS ON EXPERIENCE. MSCE/MSCA, CompTIA A Food Service Supervisors. Wages are & Network Certifications. 11.50 to 13.50 p/h, Own Vehicle, clean drivers depending on experience abstract & criminal and availability. background check. Restaurant is 24 hours so Please submit resume to candidates must be able to stevel@telus.net at work a variety of shifts and Longhurst Consulting have 3 to 5 yrs. previous or fax: 403-309-3920 experience in fast food and supervisor exp. We change daily Part time applications will to serve you better. be accepted from Canadians and Permanent Residents currently living in Canada. Apply in person at 4419 Hwy 2A, Ponoka, T4J 1J8 or email resume to cbay22@telus.net or fax to 403-783-4251.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
General Manager Cell: (403) 783-0593
Rimbey, AB
Janitorial
Oilfield
Trades
850
Applications are invited for: Position: 8 hour Cleaning Person (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) Location: Ponoka Secondary Campus
ANIMAL SERVICES
SKIDSTEER SERVICES
SHERBA SKIDSTEER SERVICES • Snow Removal • Commercial & Residential • General Bobcat Service Reliable | Efficient | Great Service
Bene¿ts: Wolf Creek Public Schools offer all full-time cleaning staff a comprehensive bene¿t package which includes three weeks of paid vacation after the completion of one year of service. Hourly salary range: $16.19 - $19.36/hr. based on experience with opportunities for annual wage advancement. Quali¿cations: • Willingness to perform tasks and to remain Àexible in the performance of duties • Previous history of excellent work habits and attendance record • Previous experience with all aspects of cleaning and maintaining a school would be a de¿nite asset, ìon the jobî training will be provided as well • The ability to cooperate with staff and students • Physically ¿t so as to perform all required duties • Ability to understand and follow instructions Deadline for Applications: March 21, 2014 Interested candidates are invited to submit applications to: Mr. Mel Henderson Custodian/Grounds Foreman
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
6701 - 46 Ave. 6701 46 Ave. Ponoka, AB - T4J 1J8 Ponoka, T4J 1J8 (403)AB783-8755 (403) 783-8755 Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator Al Dickhaut Owner/Operator
Phone: 403-785-0728 Fax: 403-783-3155 Email: mhenderson@wolfcreek.ab.ca Please Note: We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but advise that only candidates selected for an interview for this competition will be contacted. The successful applicant will be required to provide a current criminal records check statement at their own expense as well as a Child and Family Services Intervention Record Check.
Oilfield
This space could be yours for $
30
PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311
MAINTENANCE PERSON Large swine facility requires maintenance person. Someone capable of plumbing, welding, minor electrical & groundskeeping will be given consideration. Exp. in all areas is not necessary, but a general pride of the overall appearance & operation of the facility is mandatory. Excellent wage & benefit plan to the successful candidate. Fax resume with references to 1-855-499-3953 or email rwp@cciwireless.ca
Professionals
850
Misc. Help
880
P/T OR F/T STABLE HELP WANTED for show horse barn
PETROFIELD Industries, Call 403-392-5040 the Leader in manufacturing Hydrovac trucks, is accepting resumes for the following HIGH PRAIRIE SUPER A positions: in Alberta is currently * General Labourers recruiting for: * Industrial Painters MEAT MANAGER. * Sandblasters Reporting directly to the * Material Handler Store Manager, the Meat * Automotive Electrical Manager is responsible for Technician all aspects of managing a * Journeyman Welder / department, including Apprentice cutting meat. You will have * 2nd Yr Welder with a working knowledge of Aluminum experience gross margins, expense control and have the ability Visit our website at: to maintain positive relawww.tornadotrucks.com tions with employees and for more details. Our customers. You must have Company has an a Grade 12 education and enthusiastic fast paced working environment, with be able to provide a “clear” Security Clearance. advancement possibilities Previous Retail Meat for the motivated person, Management experience and offers an excellent will be considered an asset. benefit package. fax It offers a competitive 403-742-5544 compensation and benefit e-mail: hr@petrofield.com package as well as the opportunity for personal and Business professional development. If you are interested in a Opportunities rewarding, challenging career; if you can provide 1ST TIME, Distributorship creative solutions through Opportunity. Calgary, Canmore/Banff, Red Deer, team problem solving while focusing on providing Lethbridge, Medicine Hat; excellent customer service, other Alberta locations we would like to hear from would be considered. you: Human Resources, Eco Dry Carpet Maintenance The Grocery People Ltd., “green, clean & dry carpet 14505 Yellowhead Trail, cleaning system”. Edmonton, AB, T5L 3C4. Home based. Commercial & Residential. Fax 780-447-5781. Email: humanresources@tgp.ca. Turnkey operation. $25,000 investment. R.O.I. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only inside 4 years. Includes: those candidates Equipment, supplies, considered for an interview training & marketing will be contacted. assistance. Inquiries: Email: PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE infoecodry@shaw.ca. to work - The job service GET FREE for people aged 45 and VENDING MACHINES. over across Canada. Can earn $100,000. Free for candidates. + per year. All cash-retire Register now at: in just 3 years. Protected www.thirdquarter.ca territories. Full details call or call toll free now 1-866-668-6629. 1-855-286-0306. Website: www.tcvend.com.
870
810
Wolf Creek Public Schools 6000 Highway 2A Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1P6
587-729-0299
A & J AUTOMOTIVE A & J AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
IN Ponoka, has immediate openings for SWAMPERS Please submit resumes to 6526 - 44 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 or Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com
Trades
800
Ponoka Christian School is now accepting resumes for a part-time or full-time
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT The position will start April 7 and end on June 19, 2014. All applicants must have a current criminal record check.
The closing date for resumes is Monday, March 17, 2014. Please send resumes to:
Ensign is looking for Assistant Drillers, Drillers, Night Tour SO008549 Pushes, and Rig Managers for our Australian Division. Recruiter’s will be in Nisku March 31- April 9th to conduct interviews. If you want to hear more about our International opportunities please contact our Global group and apply online at ensignjobs.com. Call 1-888-367-4460.
office@ponokachristianschool or Ponoka Christian School 6300 50 Street Ponoka,AB T4J 1V3 Attention: Robert Morris, Principal
PONOKA NEWS 35
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
880
Misc. Help
LANDSCAPING SALES & Service opportunities! Up to $400 cash daily! Full-time & part-time outdoors. Spring/summer work. Seeking honest, hardworking staff; www.PropertyStarsJobs.com
Misc. Help
880
Misc. Help
SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for FREE right where the publishers are looking. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.
880
UP TO $400 CASH DAILY FULL-TIME & PART-TIME OUTDOORS. Spring/summer work. Seeking honest, hardworking staff; PropertyStarsJobs.com.
850
Trades
Samson Management Ltd. is a for profit organization that is currently comprised of various divisions and businesses. Our division of Maskepetoon Automotive Service Center is currently looking for a
Journeyman Technician
• Offer competitive wages, benefits and pension plan. • Full time position available. • Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm. • Has a five (5) technician bays, oil change bay, tire bay, and parts inventory section • Great relationship with local businesses, and surrounding communities (vendors) • Position Requirements: • Journeyman Automotive Technician Certification • Valid Driver’s License • Commercial Inspection and Out of Province Inspection certification an asset • Ability to work on all makes and models • We are an independent automotive repair shop meeting the needs of people in our First Nations Community of Maskwacis and surrounding areas. • Consideration will also be given to 3rd or 4th year apprentice with excellent work history and verifiable skills and references.
Interested persons are requested to submit a resume by mail, email, personally, or fax to the attention of Stephen Wagner at: Samson Management Ltd. Box 539, Maskwacis, Alberta T0C 1N0 swagner@smlcorp.com Telephone: (780) 585-2468 Fax: (780) 585-2393
Misc. Help
HIGH PRAIRIE SUPER A in Alberta is currently recruiting for: PRODUCE CLERK. The Produce Clerk is responsible for many aspects of operating a successful produce department including, ordering, receiving, and merchandising. Previous experience is an asset. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to provide a Clean Security Clearance is required. If you are interested in a rewarding, challenging career; if you can provide creative solutions through team problem solving while focusing on providing excellent customer service, we would like to hear from you: Sean Lee - Store Manager, High Prairie Super A, 4920 - 53 Ave., High Prairie, AB, T0G 1E0. Email: sean.lee@tgp.ca. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.
MAINTENANCE Coordinator
Innisfail, Alberta facility is in need of an energetic maintenance person.
860
Preference will be given to candidates with previous institutional maintenance experience.
Position Requirements:
• •
Must comply with Alberta Health Services regulations, policies and procedures. Must comply with Alberta OH&S Act, regulation and code. Must work co-operatively with Management, staff and other Departments. Must be able to work in physically demanding environments. Must be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects. May be required to respond to un-scheduled call back and/or scheduled overtime.
Additional Skills: • • •
Be Your Own BOSS Own Your Own Hardware Store $Q H[LVWLQJ SURÂżWDEOH 758 +DUGZDUH EXVLQHVV LV IRU VDOH LQ 12345
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•
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Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Ability to identify and prioritize facility maintenance needs. Ability to communicate effectively with clients/staff in a Patient care setting. Competent with computer use and Windows Office Suite software. Must have good trouble shooting and analytical skills. Apply with resume to greatjobs@ chantellegroup.com or fax to 604-888-8902.
Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much! TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.
Sur-B Enterprises Ltd.
BOBCAT SERVICE • Snow Removal • Driveways & Parking Lots • Post-Hole Augering - 6, 9, 12, 15 • Corral Cleaning • Grading & Construction
WANTED
Must have own vehicle Up to $15/hr • Cash paid nightly
Call 403-783-2764 403-588-0599 CallJim JimAshbough Ashbough 783-2764ororCell: Cell: 588-0599 Jack Surbey 403-783-5283 Cell: 403-588-0597 Jack Surbey 783-5283orCell: 588-0597
• Drop off resume to #7, 4000 Hwy 2A •
OVERHEAD DOORS
880
Misc. Help
NOW HIRING! Nordstrom Dental is excited to announce that we are nearing completion of our new ofďŹ ce in Rimbey, and are seeking friendly, energetic, and dependable team members for the following positions:
This space could be yours for $
RECEPTIONISTS DENTAL HYGIENISTS
•
870
BOBCAT SERVICES
DENTAL ASSISTANTS (RDA II)
•
Business Opportunities
860
Performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs including troubleshooting on heating, cooling, ventilation systems; minor repairs to plumbing, electrical, appliances, & furniture. Handle minor painting, repairing drywall, and building upkeep. Provide oversight of outside contracted repair companies.
•
12345
Truckers/ Drivers
DUTIES:
•
Truckers/ Drivers
880
30
JANITORS (AFTER HOURS)
PER WEEK
Both full time and part time are available for all positions.
Call 403-783-3311
Please email your resume to Dr. Derek Nordstrom at dereknordstrom@gmail.com
Full Time Positions
available immediately • General Labourers (Willing to work away from home) CANDIDATE MUST:
Reliable/Self motivated Clean drivers abstract preferred Oilfield tickets are required but training could be supplied Must pass drug test before employment Pipe fitting experience a real asset Will train the right individuals
BOTTLE DEPOT
PONOKA BOTTLE DEPOT Open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Closed Sundays & Holidays We Now Recycle Milk Cartons for Deposit
3, 5520 Hwy 2A (Across from Husky)
403-783-6875 Manufacturers of Annugas Production Enhancer Fax resume to main office (780) 361-2355 3601 - 48 St., Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3N9 Ph: 1-866-266-8427 or (780) 361-2350
SALES & SERVICE
Only candidates selected will be contacted for interview.
E S T. 1 9 3 6
Ponoka Community Golf Club
Now accepting applications for the upcoming season for: LINE COOKS WAIT STAFF DISHWASHERS Full & part time available
Drop resume off at the Ponoka Community Golf Club Attn: Loanna Gulka Or Email rob@ponokagolf.com Or fax 403-783-5144
Motorcycles & ATV’s Tues - Fri: 8:30 am-5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am-3 pm
403-783-5185 1-800-662-7135 Fax: 403-783-4635
Reaching 6000 households weekly for just
30
$
PER WEEK
This space could be yours!
403-783-3311
36 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
DENTISTRY
RIMBEYDENTALCARE
Misc. Help
880
880
Misc. Help
/MAVERICK Supply Ltd.
DR. STEVE CALDER BS C DDS
Warehouse Representative
Required for Rimbey OilÂżeld Supply Store
Family Friendly Dentistry Box 1100 4905 50 St. Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0
SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Ph. (403) 843-2173 Fax: (403) 843-2607
DENTAL CARE BIRCHLAND DENTAL CLINIC PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY
4037835225 • 4037835235 5118 - 51 Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5
DR. HUGH PORTER • DR. RICK BARR DR. JEFF BARR • DR. GREG EDWARDS - General Dentistry - Orthodontics - Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Veneers - Bleaching - White or Gold Fillings - Crown and Bridge - Implant Restorations “WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOME NEW PATIENTSâ€?
EYE CARE
Ponoka County Agriculture Services is seeking hardworking and motivated individuals with great people skills to work as County Weed Inspectors (2) or Seasonal Labourer (1). Duties include, but are not limited to: Weed inspections, weed and brush removal, weed control and equipment operation. Knowledge of weed identiďŹ cation and management is an asset. If you have a current and valid Pesticide Applicators CertiďŹ cate (Agriculture/Industrial/Landscape) you may be eligible for a wage bonus. Applicants must have a valid class ďŹ ve driver’s license and be able to provide a drivers abstract upon request. Applicant must be able to work in a physically strenuous environment. The starting wage is $15.00/hour and may be negotiable depending on experience, qualiďŹ cations and certiďŹ cations. The work week is typically Monday to Friday, eight hours per day (40 hour work week) with occasional opportunities for overtime. Seasonal employment is available from May 1 until the end of August with the possibility of extended employment. Please forward your resume` and cover letter to: Shayne Steen Manager of Agriculture Services, Ponoka County 4205-Hwy 2A, Ponoka, Alberta T4J-1V9 Or email to: shaynesteen@ponokacounty.com
•
NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8AM - 12:30PM • 1PM - 5PM
This space could be yours for $
30
PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311 HEATING
“Committed to your comfort�
Robin Esau
Ph: 403-782-7722 Fax: 403-782-7499
robin@KlesAir.com www.KlesMechanical.com
Advertise your business in the Business Directory!
ALLOWANCE NOT CUTTING IT? Join the PONOKA NEWS
RECYCLE
YOUR PAPER!
Carrier Team!
EXERCISE, EARN MONEY, AND WIN PRIZES!
5120-51ST AVE, PONOKA
ADVANCED EYE HEALTH & VISION EXAMS CONSULTATION & REFERRAL SERVICES DESIGNER EYE WEAR & CONTACT LENSES INSURED MEDICAL EYECARE SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES
In Person: 5618 - 44th St., Rimbey (Behind the A&W)
PART
For more information contact Shayne Steen at 403-783-1030. Please note that only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
403-783-5575 1-800-662-7168 -
Please Send Resume to: Email: rick.davies@meridianvalve.ca Fax: 403-843-3775
YOUR
The deadline for the competition is March 14, 2014 at 12:00 noon.
Drs. Heimdahl, ZoBell & Kallal WWW.4YOUREYESONLY.CA
Duties to include: Customer Service Heavy Lifting Involved Inventory Control Deliveries (with trailer) Clerical Duties Shipping & Receiving Forklift Operations
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Win an additional $50 Keep up the good work and your name will be entered to win a
$400 Gift CertiďŹ cate Each week the Ponoka News reaches residents where they live, work and farm. In town our papers are delivered door to door by reliable carriers and we could use more help.
If you are interested in a local route please contact Susan Whitecotton at 403-783-3311
Misc. Help
880
MAINTENANCE WORKER - Casual The Maintenance Worker is responsible to the Maintenance Coordinator for the provision of a wide variety of maintenance services in Ponoka Quali¿cations: High School diploma Related training & experience Valid Driver’s License Competition Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate Found Please direct applications to: Human Resources Rimoka Housing Foundation 5512-57Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1V7 Fax: 403 782-4119 A current Police Information Check is a pre-employment requirement for new employees to the Rimoka Housing Foundation We sincerely thank all candidates for their application; however only those selected for interview will be contacted
We want to hear from you! www.ponokanews.com
PONOKA NEWS 37
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Misc. Help
880
880
Misc. Help
/MAVERICK Supply Ltd. Warehouse Representative
Required for Ponoka OilÀeld Supply Store Duties to include: Customer Service Heavy Lifting Involved Inventory Control Deliveries (with trailer) Clerical Duties Shipping & Receiving Forklift Operations Please Send Resume to: Email: tiona.hurley@wolseley.com Fax: 403-783-2855 In Person: 6705 - 46 Ave, Ponoka AB
Misc. Help
CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY LABOURERS - REQUISITION # 29045 ALBERTA
TIRE REPAIR PERSON
Please submit applications to: Calnash Trucking 6526 44 Avenue, Ponoka, AB T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 Email: hr@calnashtrucking.com (Re: Tire Person) Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please.
CALNASH TRUCKING LTD
IN PONOKA requires an immediate
SHOP/PARTS PERSON
Tired of the same old thing? At Canadian Pacific you can be part of something historic. You have a chance to make a difference, to see Canada, and build a future.
You don’t need: Railroading experience Connections You do need: Great attitude Willingness to learn Safety oriented work ethic To work in and around Alberta Competition closes on 14032MC0 March 14, 2014 For additional information on Canadian Pacific and this career opportunity, visit us online at www.cpr.ca. Only those candidates contacted will be considered. All communication will be directed to the email address you use on your online application form. The journey has begun but is far from over.
1100
1260
CRIMINAL RECORD? Think: Canadian pardon. U.S. travel waiver. (24 hour record check). Divorce? Simple. Fast. Inexpensive. Debt recovery? Alberta collection to $25,000. Calgary 403-228-1300 or 1-800-347-2540; www. accesslegalresearch.com.
Misc. Help
1290
NEW TO YOUR COMMUNITY ?
Misc. Services
1290
NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province wide classifieds. Reach over 1 million readers weekly. Only $269. + GST (based on 25 words or less). Call this newspaper NOW for details or call 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228.
Personal
1315
Our Hostess Services will bring gifts Unplanned pregnancy may be and greetings, difficult to face. along with We care. For confidential help call helpful 403-343-1611 (24 hrs.) community DATING SERVICE. Long-term/short-term information. relationships. Free to try! Be sure to call
Heather Goodwin 403-704-3647 heathermccg@shaw.ca Tired of Standing? Find something to sit on in Classifieds Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY
1-877-297-9883. Live intimate conversation, Call #7878 or 1-888-534-6984. Live adult 1on1 Call 1-866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet local single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+). TOP REAL PSYCHICS Live. Accurate readings 24/7. Call now 1-877-342-3036; Mobile dial: # 4486; www.truepsychics.ca Celebrate your life with a Classified ANNOUNCEMENT Looking for a new pet? Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet. Something for Everyone Everyday in Classifieds
880 MAINTENANCE WORKER
Temporary Full-time (up to 40 hours/week) Anticipated term from May 1/2014 to August 30/2014 The Maintenance Worker is responsible to the Maintenance Coordinator for the provision of a wide variety of maintenance services at sites located in Ponoka and Rimbey providing grounds maintenance which include lawn care (push mower and/or riding mower), trimming, edging, flower care, etc. Must be willing to travel to Ponoka and Rimbey as needed. (Mileage will be paid when required to travel) Qualifications: High School diploma Experience related to the position assignment Valid Driver’s License Competition Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate Found Please direct applications to: Human Resources, Rimoka Housing Foundation 5512-57Ave., Ponoka, AB T4J 1V7 Fax: 403 782-4119 A current Police Information Check is a pre-employment requirement for new employees to the Rimoka Housing Foundation
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No Phone calls please.
Please forward your resume to: Email: jwynnychuk@ponokachrysler.com or by Fax: 403-783-8140 or drop off in person at Ponoka Chrysler 6510 - 39 Avenue (Hwy 2A)
Contractors
Legal Services
Please submit applications to: Calnash Trucking 6526 44 Avenue, Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1J8 Fax: 403-783-3011 E-mail: hr@calnashtrucking.com (Attn: Shop/Parts Person)
- Experience preferred - Willing to train or apprentice the right person - Computer experience necessary - ADP experience an asset - Benefit package included - Wage based on experience
Business Services #1000 - #1430
ATTENTION HOME BUILDERS! No Warranty = No Building Permit. Contact Blanket Home Warranty for details. 1-888-925-2653; www.blanketltd.ca.
The responsibilities will include ordering and organizing parts, data entry, record keeping and general shop duties. Reporting directly to the operations manager, the individual will have excellent communication skills, organized and general computer knowledge. Some training will be provided, but must have some general trucking and parts background. Excellent wages and company benefits
PARTS POSITION AVAILABLE
REQUIRED Production Welder Painter Shop Laborer Polisher Full or Part Time Crestomere area BANDIT INDUSTRIES 403-783-4284 Start your career! See Help Wanted
Canadian Pacific is one of Canada’s most iconic companies. We move the goods that keep the world turning, and we’re on our way to doing it better than anyone else. To get there, CP is looking for some adaptable, hard-working, safety-conscious, and resultsdriven people to join our force of labourers.
Required for maintenance and repair of truck and trailer fleet. Experience is an asset, but will train right candidate. Excellent wages and company benefits.
880
Misc. Services
Employment Training
900 Coming Soon
We sincerely thank all candidates for their application; however only those selected for interview will be contacted
Misc. Services
12345
Careers Online Call for more details 1-800-282-6903 ext 235
1290
Misc. Services
1290
Misc. Services
Squeezthee MOST out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...
www.ponokanews.com
1290
995 plus GST/HST
Value Ad Network
Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper
38 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
HEATING & EAVESTROUGHING
Commercial - Residential Installations - Repair
3912 - 66 St, Ponoka www.wcmltd.ca
403.783.3501 wcmltd@telus.net
Pet Services
1318
CLINKERS KENNELS * Quality Boarding for your dogs & cats *Proof of vaccinations and advance bookings required HOURS: Mon - Thurs 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 6 pm; Fri. 9 am - 12 Noon; 4 pm - 7 pm; Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 noon; Sun. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.
403-783-6272
www.clinkerskennels.ca
This space could be yours for $
30
PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES
Bovine Veterinary Services On-Farm Mobile Veterinary Services Ultrasound-aided ReproducĆ&#x;ve Programs
Rental Misc
1350
Need RV or Self Storage? 8’ X 10’ mini storage units available for rent. Also RV storage. Secure compound. Call Keith at
First Call Towing
783-3636
Central Alberta’s Largest Car Lot in Classifieds
Misc. Services
1290
Misc. Services
1290
Used appliances available Six month warranty
Berni's Refrigeration and Appliance Service
CETA CerĆ&#x;ÄŽed Dairy and Beef Embryo Transfer
We deliver and install your purchases.
Herd Health
Phone 403-391-1684 Dr. Bruce Wine
Í´Íś Š‘—” Â?‡”‰‡Â?…› ƒŽŽ
403-783-4880 Welding
1410
Welding
1410
This space could be yours for $
30
PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311 VETERINARY SERVICES
• B-PRESSURE • PIPELINE • OILFIELD • ASME Section VIII Division I VESSEL FABRICATION & PIPING • SHOP/PORTABLE • CNC PLASMA CUTTING • ALUMINUM • SHEARING & FORMING
Southwest Industrial Park 4102-64 St., Ponoka 403-783-5200 8 a.m. - 5 p.m Mon. to Sat. • Open late Thursday 24-hour Emergency Call Dr. Bill Frischke • Dr. Kelly Loree • Dr. Leighton Coma Dr. Trevor Hook • Dr. Patricia Kelly
Reaching 6000 households weekly
For just
$30 per week this space could be yours!
403-783-3311
Well Drilling
Auctions
Buy & Sell #1500 - #1990 Aircraft ..............................1510 Antiques & Art ..................1520 Auctions ............................1530 Bicycles ............................1540 Building Supplies ..............1550 Business Machines ..........1560 Cameras & Accessories ..1570 Children’s Items ................1580 Clothing ............................1590 Computers ........................1600 Concert & Event Tickets ..1610 Equipment - Misc. ............1620 Equipment - Heavy ..........1630 Tools ................................1640 Farmers’ Market & Food Basket......................1650 Firewood ..........................1660 Lumber ............................1670 Garden Supplies ..............1680 Lawn Tractors ..................1690 Health, Dietary, Beauty ....1700 Household Appliances......1710 Household Furnishings ....1720 TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s ........1730 Hot Tubs & Accessories ..1740 Jewellery ..........................1750 Kid’s Deals........................1755 Misc. For Sale ..................1760 Musical Instruments..........1770 Music Lessons..................1780 Piano & Organs ................1790 Office Supplies ................1800 Pets & Supplies ................1810 Pet Services ....................1820 Cats ..................................1830 Dogs ................................1840 Sports Cards ....................1850 Sporting Goods ................1860 Collectors’ Items ..............1870 Swap, Barter & Trade ......1880 Travel Packages ..............1900 Wedding Supplies ............1910 Recycled Products............1920 Wanted to Buy ..................1930 Items to Give Away ..........1940
Auctions
1530
8TH ANNUAL RED DEER COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION & SPEED SHOW, March 14 - 16/14, Red Deer Westerner Park. Exhibitor space available. Consign your car. 1-888-296-0528 ext. 102; EGauctions.com. ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES CONSIGNMENT AUCTION. Saturday, March 22/14. Starts 10 a.m. sharp! Located west of Edmonton at Sand Hills Hall. To view items: www. spectrumauctioneering.com Phone 780-960-3370 or 780-903-9393 BIG STRAPPER AUCTIONS SALES EVERY WED. @ 6 pm. Moose Hall 2 miles south of Ponoka on 2A
MAIN: (403) 783-7591
NEXT ANTIQUE SALE Sun. MARCH 2, 1 pm
FAX: (403) 783-8178
WE BUY FOR CASH.
Website: www.harbinwelding.com E-mail: bharbin@telus.net
403-304-4791 Check website for full listing
1400
Well Drilling
1400
www.bigstrapperauctions.net
Well Drilling
1400
RURAL WATER TREATMENT (Province Wide) Tell them Danny Hooper sent you
)RON &ILTERS s 3OFTENERS s $ISTILLERS s 2EVERSE /SMOSIS h+ONTINUOUS 3HOKv #HLORINATOR 0ATENTED 7HOLE (OUSE 2EVERSE /SMOSIS 3YSTEM
12345 7ITHIN MILES OF %DMONTON 7ATER 7ELL $RILLING 2ED $EER #ALGARY .EW 'OVERNMENT WATER WELL GRANT STARTS !PRIL 4IME 0AYMENT 0LAN / ! # FOR WATER WELLS AND WATER TREATMENT
")' )2/. View our 29 patented and patent pending inventions online at
www.1800bigiron.com
1530
WARD’S AUCTIONS - Antiques/Estate Auction. Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m. 11802 - 145 St., Edmonton. 780-451-4549. Viewing Friday, March 14, 4 - 7. Online bidding and pictures at www.WardsAuctions.com. Taking consignments now for spring Firearms Auctions.
Livestock
Agricultural #2000 - #2290
Farm Equipment ..............2010 Haying Equipment ............2020 Tractors ............................2030 Combines & Headers ......2040 Fertilizer Equipment..........2050 Misc. Farm Machinery ......2060 Building Equipment Wanted ..........2070 Supplies Farm Custom Work ..........2080 Farm Auctions ..................2090 METAL ROOFING Livestock ..........................2100 & SIDING. Livestock - Exotic..............2110 Very competitive prices! Largest colour selection in Sheep ..............................2120 Poultry ..............................2130 Western Canada. Available at over 25 Alberta Horses ..............................2140 Distribution Locations. Horse Boarding ................2150 40 Year Warranty. Riding Supplies ................2160 Call 1-888-263-8254. Horse/Stock Trailers ........2170 STEEL BUILDING SALE. Pasture Wanted ................2180 Grain, Feed, Hay ..............2190 “Big Year End Seed Grain ......................2200 Clear Out Continued!� 20x20 $3,915. Seeding & Tillage ............2210 25x28 $4, 848. 30x32 $6,339. 32x34 $7,371. 40x50 $12,649. Livestock 47x68 $16,691. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422; www.pioneersteel.ca.
1550
2100
40 Bulls
STEEL BUILDINGS/ METAL BUILDINGS 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100, sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206; www. crownsteelbuildings.ca
Firewood
1660
LOGS
Semi loads of pine, spruce, tamarack, poplar. Price depends on location. Lil Mule Logging 403-318-4346
Garden Supplies
1680
COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $1.49/each for a box of 270 ($402.30). Also full range of trees, shrubs, cherries & berries. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or treetime.ca.
Misc. for Sale
1760
SAWMILLS from only $4,897. Make money & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & dvd: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/ 400OT. 1-800-566-6899 ext. 400OT.
Travel Packages
1900
CHURCHILL BELUGA WHALE TOUR. Experience Canada’s north, it’s wildlife and fur trade history on this Hudson Bay weekend. Departs Calgary on Aug. 2. 1-866-460-1415; www. classiccanadiantours.com.
Wanted To Buy
1930
FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork & transportation. Licensed dealer. 1-866-960-0045; www.dollars4guns.com. CELEBRATIONS HAPPEN EVERY DAY IN CLASSIFIEDS
For Sale
Registered Yearlings
Black Angus &5 2 year olds
2100
PUREBRED red and black Angus bulls. 1 and 2 year olds. Semen tested and delivered. Vicwin farms 403-784-3517, 403-318-7363.
Poultry
2130
ORDER NOW For Pick Up on April 19, 25 or 26. 19 weeks old Isa Brown laying hens. Linden, AB 403-546-3130
Horses
2140
WE BUY HORSES: broke, un-broke, or unwanted. Jerry Dodds 403-783-0303
Grain, Feed Hay
2190
HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup� Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252. LACOMBE COUNTRY FEED STORE, Come see us at: 4836 45A St. Lacombe, Ab Pet Food, Horse, Poultry ALL THE FEED YOUR ANIMALS NEED! 403-782-3333
Plus
125 Cows Reg. Black Angus
Call Jim (780)
387-6050
BAR-DALE LIMOUSIN, ERSKINE, AB. 40, two year old virgin bulls for sale at the farm. Fully guaranteed. Call Carole Barclay at 403-742-4825, Terry 403-740-5037 Ricky 403-740-5711. email bardale@xplornet.com FOR SALE. Simmeron Simmentals, fullblood full Fleckvieh yearling bulls, polled and horned, A.I. bloodlines, very quiet, muscled. Website: simmeronranch.ca. Martin 780-913-7963.
For Rent #3000 - #3200 Houses/ Duplexes
3020
Available April 1st In Ponoka 2 Bdrm duplex w attached garage $1150/month plus DD Plus utilities
403-887-0797
RIMBEY 4 bdrm. house w/ att. garage, 4 appls, no pets, n/s, 403-704-3634
Condos/
3030
LIMOUSIN Bulls Polled Townhouses Red and black two year olds and yearlings. Semen PONOKA 3 bdrm. newer tested. Combest Limousin townhouse, 3 bath, 5 appls. Farm. (403)742-5211 rent $1295. 403-704-1221
Suites
3060
DELUXE 2 BR SUITES FOR RENT 4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB Includes: Fridge, Stove, Fireplace, Air Conditioning, Window Coverings, Oak Cabinetry with Corian Countertops, Balcony, High Security Card Locks, All Utilities except Telephone. Quiet Adult Complex, Age 40+, No Pets, Special Spring Rental Rates!
Call ERNIE at 780-335-6767
PONOKA NEWS 39
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
PLUMBING SHANDALL PLUMBING LTD. JAMES AVERY “Reasonable rates on all your plumbing needs” Gas Fitting - Home Renovations - Drain Cleaning -24 HOUR SERVICE5306 - 60 ST, PONOKA, AB T4J 1K7 PH: (403) 783-6372 • FAX (403) 783-6345
PLUMBING
PONOKA PLUMBING & HEATING We now carry a complete line of Ritchie Stockwater parts Hours of Business: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm
5110 -50 Street Box 4414 Ponoka, Alberta T4J 1R7
JESSE ZINTER Office - 403-783-5489
Condos/ Townhouses
2 bdrm condo in quiet 4-plex Close to schools, recreation & shopping 6 appliances plus water, N/S $950/mnth
30
PER WEEK
Call 403-783-3311 PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS
LittleJONS’ Hand Wash Stations Handicap Units Trailer Units New Solar Powered Units with Running Water
Serving Central Today! Alberta Book On-Line
403.783.8322
www.littlejons.ca
Manufactured Homes
3040
PONOKA MOOSE LODGE IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS For the rental of a modular home site. Please contact Lynn at 403-358-6580 for details.
4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes
3050
AVAIL. Apr.1 in Ponoka 2 bdrm. spacious downstairs suite in 4 plex. 4 appls., N/S, NO PETS, $675 rent & d.d., Call 403-704-1706 Vicki or Mel
3060
1 AND 2 BEDROOM SUITES AVAILABLE APR 1 Close to downtown Ponoka, quiet bldg, N/S Includes patio, stove, fridge, parking stall plus heat & water Washer & dryer available
403-963-0937 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT IN BASHAW, $700/month. Avail. now. Mature, no pets. Avail. March. 780-372-3949 FURNISHED BACHELOR SUITE FOR RENT IN PONOKA. TV & utils. incld. $550/mo. 403-963-0204
30
$
PER WEEK
This space could be yours!
403-783-3311 TREE SERVICE
BEST PRICE TREE SERVICE OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
SPECIALIZING IN DANGEROUS TREES COMPLETE REMOVAL & CLEANUP
• Topping • Dropping • Slashing • Stump Grinding & Tree Disposal • Tree Chipping FREE Estimates | Fully Insured
403.396.7623
Real Estate #4000 - #4190 Farms/ Land
4070
Newly renovated 1 & 2 bedroom units in Ponoka: 3724-45 Street. 403-357-0287
Houses For Sale
4020
DUPLEX large single att. garage, 2200 sq. ft., 1.5 lots, walkout, infloor heat, air cond., 2 large decks, fully dev. up/down & landscaped, high eff. furnace & water heater. Room for shop. $329,900, No GST. 403-396-3203
Garage Space
4430
DROWNING IN DEBT? Cut debts more than 60% & debt free in half the time! Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation; www.mydebtsolution.com or toll free 1-877-556-3500. BBB rated A+. GET BACK on track! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need money? We lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.com.
455 ACRES AGRICULTURAL
land, 12 mi. E. of Ponoka, 1 mi. off pavement, good surface lease revenue. Inquire with your name and address to: Box 1079, c/o Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, Ab T4R 1M9
4090
Manufactured Homes
PREOWNED 1856 SQ FT Modular Office for sale. 5 offices, 1.5 bathrooms, kitchen, reception and ample storage space. $120,000. Must be moved. Phone 1-877-504-5005; www.jandelhomes.com. UNITED HOMES CANADA has a selection of pre-owned homes available now! 1-800-461-7632; www. unitedhomescanada.com. 1991 Triple E 16 X 76, $39,000.; 1997 SRI 16 X 76, $42,000.; 2003 SRI 16 X 76, $75,000.; 2002 SRI 20 X 76, $120,000. Call today to arrange viewing.
Tires, Parts Acces.
5180
WRECKING AUTO-TRUCKS. Parts to fit over 500 trucks. Lots of Dodge, GMC, Ford, imports. We ship anywhere. Lots of Dodge, diesel, 4x4 stuff. Trucks up to 3 tons. North-East Recyclers 780-875-0270 (Lloydminster).
Cars
Buying or Selling your home? Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds
You can sell your guitar for a song... or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you!
Houses For Sale
s• rse Pu
4020
l and
es pic
S
C
Dr. Murray Jacobson Dr. Clayton West Dr. Ashley Shannon
Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm
24 Hr. Emergency 403-783-4348
CALL 4037833311 re
up
ake
ch
Kit
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS FOR
PER WEEK.
403.783.3311
M en •
T4J 1M1
$30
Whatever you SELL... Advertise it HERE!
5030
TURN YOUR PASSION for vehicle restoration into a career with Lakeland College’s 8-month Street Rod Technologies program at the Vermilion campus. Attend the program information session March 21. Phone 1-800-661-6490 or visit www.lakelandcollege.ca/srt.
Ponoka Veterinary Clinic
5502 - Hwy 2A Ponoka, AB
es •
Transportation #5000-5300
VETERINARY SERVICES
rwa ppe u T •
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR JUST
$
30
PER WEEK.
REACHING 6000 HOUSEHOLDS PER WEEK. WATER WELL DRILLING SERVICES
Darcy’s Drilling Services
* RIVERSIDE APTS. *
INNISFAIL: New
Reaching 6000 households weekly for just
Money To Loan
403-963-0783
Suites
This space could be yours for $
3030
Financial #4400 - #4430
Investments ......................4410 Money Wanted ................4420 Money to Loan ................4430
Money To Loan
4430
DO YOU NEED to borrow money - Now? If you own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits will lend you money - It’s that simple. 1-877-486-2161.
3150
COMMERCIAL
BAYS
FOR RENT 4205 - 64 St., Ponoka, AB
34’Lx16’W with 16’ high ceiling. Suitable for Truckers, Farmers, Boaters, Contractors, or Anyone needing Secure, Heated Storage.
SPECIAL SPRING RATES! Call ERNIE at 780-335-6767
• water wells drilled & serviced • new pump & pressure system installations • all types of pump repairs • well shocking Darcy Schmidt Ph: (403) 783-2220 Fax: (403) 783-8828 Email: darcysdrillingservices@hotmail.com
WATER WELL SERVICE
ECKLUND Water Well Service
• Install & Service Pumps • Shock Wells • Pressure Systems Serviced & Installed Home: (403) 783-3712 Cell: (403) 704-3413
Advertise your business in the Business Directory!
40 PONOKA NEWS
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Hammy’s SPIRITS
OPEN
10 AM - 10 PM 7 Days A Week
Miller Genuine Draft $ 355ml 18 pk bottles 2999 EACH
SOL
330 ml 6 pk bottles
49 10 EACH 330 ml 12 pk bottles $ 1999EACH $
BAILEY’S IRISH CREAM
11
99
2/$1500 OR $799
EACH
750 ml
2499 EACH
1899 EACH
$
$
750 ml
$
330 ml 4 pk bottles
CAROLAN’S IRISH CREAM
750 ml
RYAN’S IRISH CREAM
SMIRNOFF ICE ASSORTED FLAVOURS
GREY GOOSE VODKA ASSORTED FLAVOURS
EACH
750 ml
3899 EACH
$
E & J GALLO ASSORTED VARIETIES 1.50 L
1399 EACH
$
CROWN ROYAL WHISKEY
24 EACH $ 99 1.14 L 34 EACH
750 ml
$
99
EVANS & TATE SHIRAZ OR CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2/ 25 $
750 ml
00
OR
14
$
99
GHOST PINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 750 ml
1499 EACH
$ EACH
Bay #5, 4502 - 50th St. • 403-783-2333 Prices in effect Wednesday, March 12 to Tuesday March 18, 2014 Prices do not include GST or deposit. We reserve the right to limit quantities